Interviews and Memories

Oh deary dear.....I've got out of the blogging habit, haven't I? Must try to fit blogs in more often.. Things have been slightly chaotic around here, just for a change. I don't know where the days go.

I had some good news today as I logged into the gttr website to check on the progress of my application for the PGCE course. I've been invited to interview! Eeeeek! I did a double take, heart stopped, did a happy dance, panicked and mourned that I couldn't phone you know who with the news. She'd be proud. Hell, she IS proud. Somewhere. And not that far away.

So, anyway, interview, apparently, is on 13th March. Yup, Friday the 13th. Typical but since Mum was born on that day I see it as a lucky omen. I'll no

doubt be getting more details through the post very soon, until then I'll be equally excited and petrified! It's also the day after the Bean's birthday so that should keep me occupied in the build up!

On Tuesday of this week I spent the day up at my old secondary school. I had a fabulous day. It took me a little over an hour to get there but it was SO worth it. I observed the RE teachers all day, they were both lovely. One was Mrs Wood who taught me when I was there so it was a really lovely experience - felt just like going home. I could possibly do some of my training there too but I'll have to consider all the options if it becomes a real possibility - it is such a long journey to do every day.

The Bean is fine - still proclaiming on a daily basis that he 'hates school' but I'm fast learning not to take it to heart. I'm hoping it's just a phase and that, at some point, he'll learn to love the place......fingers crossed! He does seem to still be doing very well though, I think he may be a little bored at times. Next week sees the next round of the Eisteddfod - here's hoping he wows them! :)

Spanish picnics and submitted forms.

I know, it's been a while! Sorry about that. Life got in the way of blogging there for a while...it's been non stop with one thing and another.

So, half term is over and done with....as is our trip to Spain to visit my Dad. Everything went pretty well, all things considered. My poor hubby came down with a tummy bug the day before we flew and so spent most of the day in the bathroom. He was as white a sheet, poor thing, and how he managed to get it together enough to even get to the airport is beyond me! Still, we arrived at my Dad's on time and it was lovely to see him. We spent some lovely time on the beach and I had an indulgent paddle along the waves with the Bean. We had some lovely meals -nothing Spanish though, you understand. That's the thing you see, with the area Dad has moved to. It may be in Spain but you wouldn't know it! There's the Phoenix pub, the Pasty Shack for lunch, the local corner shop where Dad stocks up on his HP sauce....there's Scampi's chippy, the Rose and Crown pub, Murphy's Bar.....and so it goes on.....and on! We had some lovely picnics for lunches too - Dad does a great picnic. And it's a bit of a spectacle for those around too.......you see, when they emmigrated, they took the picnic table with them too. It was from Woolworths I think, a long time ago. Folds up into a carry case with handle but unfolds to reveal a table and four attached bench seats - you have to see it to believe it! lol

Anyway, twas a lovely break, even with the 4 hour delay to the flight coming home.....without it I may not have succumbed to the Haagen Dazs ice cream kiosk in the departure lounge....and I'm so glad I did!

Bean was back in school today (seems happy enough) as was SLA. He's still there at a meeting. Tomorrow promises to be a big day as I am heading back to my old school in Lancashire to shadow one of my teachers for the day! The PGCE form is in and I'm waiting to hear back from the university now. It's all scary stuff - I think I'm half terrified and half excited! Typically, the day after I submitted the form I landed a commission for 15 articles and another project that could bring in a regular monthly income too. Just typical! lol

Here's a frog with the latest travel news........

Blogging at 8:42am, it can only mean one thing. Yup, it's Sunday again and I'm in work.

This is the third week that I have been struggling with this virus and I am still really not able to broadcast. I sound more like a frog. I don't speak, I croak. It hurts to project my voice, not much voice comes out anyway and I find myself gasping for air. I am trying to decide my plan for the rest of the day. Until 2pm I only have two bulletins an hour, which I am just about getting through. After 2pm this rises to about 9 an hour and I really don't think my throat will stand for it. As much as I really don't want to I think I may have to phone my line manager later this morning and see if there's a plan B we can put into action.

Yesterday we had a lovely Valentine's Day - hope you did too :o) We took the Bean riding in the morning (he's still loving it) and then in the afternoon we went for a browse around the shops, a scoot (the Bean) by the sea and then for an Indian meal. I'm still stuffed - don't think I'll need to eat until at least tomorrow!

Only a day or so now til we head off to Spain for a short visit to my Dad. I'm really looking forward to seeing him and also looking forward to a bit of sun. As I look out of the window here in work I can only see smog and fog - not pretty. I'm also looking forward to having both my boys with me for the week. I love school holidays! No packed lunches to make, no worrying about uniform.......lovely!

I've not been doing a whole lot, work wise recently. Now I am set on applying to do my PGCE it's been taken a little out of my hands, really. I'm currently waiting for my reference to come through from my old university tutor. However, this week I do need to do 4 articles for VisitBritain and my WeightWatchers blog. I'll try to get them done early on in the week I think.

So that's life chez moi at the moment..........I think I'll pop down to the kitchen for another brew. Number three of the day :0) Well, I have got a sore throat. Then I'll try to work out what to croak to my manager when I phone him. Hmmmmmmm

Piles and recitations

Friday? It can't be Friday tomorrow? Not yet! Am I the only one who doesn't know where the days go? It seems mere moments since it was Monday and I had the week stretched out in front of me.

This morning I had a lovely cup of tea and a slice of toast with a friend. It was divine to sit back and enjoy....mmmmm. Then I came home and realised just how much house work I need to do today to get home looking something like accpetable! We have piles of stuff on top of piles of stuff, and all I do is move one pile to somewhere else........must actually sort through them one of these days!

We had some good news earlier in the week, I don't think I've blogged it yet, but the Bean has made it through to the next round of the Urdd Eisteddfod! YAY! His solo recitation, in the under 8's category, is coming on leaps and bounds and we're so proud. His teacher said she'd loved watching him, because he was so dramatic and acted it out so well. Bless. So, school eisteddfod next stop and if he gets through that round then he'll go forward again! How exciting. It's great to hear him doing so well, I must try to video him performing.

Tonight should be my monthly writing group meeting but I very much doubt I will be there, sadly. This darn virus is really annoying. My voice still hasn't come back properly (which is no bad thing for some, I'm sure!) and I still have THE most frustrating cough. So, I couldn't read out my work and I'd cough through everyone else's. Not ideal so I think I'm probably best staying home tonight. I'm also starting to wonder what to pack for our little jaunt to Spain next week. Must email my Dad and see what the weather's like - and what they've got planned! How exciting.

Right, must go and move piles around so it looks like I've done something.....

Learning to Trust

One day I will learn not to stress about things. There really is no point at all because, something out there in the great big universe has a handle on it all. Que sera sera, what will be will be.

For the last week or so I've been so hassled about everything workwise. I'm trying to get everything sorted ready for my PGCE application and to arrange everything I need to. Then, when I found out one of my writing contracts was coming to an end in March, I applied for a couple of part time jobs locally to help financially. After applying for them, I decided to apply for my PGCE.

The first part time job - I got a letter that the job had been withdrawn.

The second part time job - I got a phone call inviting me for interview. It was for this afternoon.

So there was my dilemma. If I got this job it would help financially, without the contract I was losing. But, it would make it very difficult to arrange the observations and experience needed for the PGCE post. I've been spending so much time worrying about it all, stressing, looking at it from every possible angle.

Then, last night, I decided enough was enough. I left it to whatever powers there may be to sort. I don't know best. Only a couple of hours later I got an email. My contract has been extended, I'm now paid until July. What a huge relief. So that's the finances sorted, now the time issue. This morning, 9:30am, I get a phone call. My interview has been cancelled, due to school budget issues. So there we go. All taken out of my hands. It's such a relief. I really should put more trust in the invisible powers around me.

Manicures and References

I am still absolutely full of this rotten virus. It's awful and going on WAY too long. My throat feels like a swollen razor blade and every time I swallow OUCH! I'm also sick of sniffing and blowing and hacking and coughing.......you get the general picture, I'll stop wallowing in self pity now!

This morning I have been for my first ever manicure! What an experience, I loved it! I am now sporting perfectly pink nails with little diamond flowers on both ring fingers - I'm not sure they look like my hands anymore to be honest. I need to wash up, sort the animals out and clean the bathrooms and toilets but I'm not sure my hands are dressed for sure menial jobs! lol Still, not like anyone else is going to do them for me eh?

I have taken the next step along the road the post graduate education. The UCAS form is filled in, complete with the nerve wrecking personal statement. I have spoken to Manchester University this morning and worked out the details for my academic reference and so I have entered all that on there and clicked the button to request said reference! Eeeeek! Thankfully, my old tutor, Harry, is still in the department so he will be able to write it for me. He was fantastic, Harry. Looked like a real philosopher.....and paused and stroked his beard as he thought. Very authentic! I thoroughly enjoyed his lectures and tutorials and I'm delighted he is still there and will be able to be my referee.

After school today we are off to the playbarn with some friends. The children will all be able to play and we'll probably eat there too. My hard working hubby has a meeting and an options evening after school so he won't be home til around 9:30pm probably. I'll be collapsed on the sofa by then, no doubt still coughing my guts up!

Tomorrow I have an interview for a part time job, which I applied for before I'd decided to train to be a teacher. I'm in mixed mind about it now. Nothing is ever straightforward is it? I would enjoy the job, I'm sure but it makes it more complicated to get the school experience in that I need for my course. But then, say I don't get onto the course, I will really need the job! I'm trying not to stress. What will be, will be eh?

The Cat's out of the Bag

Monday again. How did that happen then?

This is the last week before the half term break here in the UK. Which means I need it nice and quiet, not much on. Wrong. I think there's something in the diary for every day of the week. I'll hit Friday wondering where the hell the days went, no doubt.

This morning I have spent on one task. A very important one. Now it is completed it means my mind is made up, the decision made. I have applied to return to university. I'm hoping to do my PGCE and become a teacher. A religious studies teacher.

I am terrified and excited in equal amount at the moment I think. I've been busy arranging observation days in local schools and doing as much research as I can. I'll let you know how I get on.

The pesky virus has turned into a hacking cough now. I picked up some more medicine from Sainsbury's this morning so I hope that will start to help. It's worse first thing in the morning but is making for a generall run down and crabby Mummy at the moment.

Right, it's 13:45 - I've just finished the form, I've got washing done in the machine, pots soaking in the sink and I've not had anything to eat since porridge at 8am this morning. I'd best go and sort myself out!

Snowy Twittering Birdies :)

This week has been taken over by the snow that has been falling thick and fast in many parts of the UK. To be honest, it hasn't been that heavy in North Wales but the Bean managed Monday and Tuesday off school anyway! Sadly I was struggling with a very sore throat and so didn't really feel like going out and playing. I feel like I've missed out now! We've had some more of the white stuff this morning but not enough to warrant another day off school. It does look beautiful though.

I've rediscovered Twitter the last few days as well - I've added lots of new people to follow, please do feel free to follow me if you are a fellow tweeter! Many UK tweeters are giggling about 'hedges' at the moment, it's a long old story but includes some of our most famous TV personalities - and twitter! I'm sure the whole story can be googled one way or another! lol

Yesterday I went round to my friend's house, she's a hairdresser and does a wonderful job of my locks in her kitchen! I love going to see her - I had colour put in yesterday with a cat on my knee for half the time and her 1 year old the other half! Just fantastic :)

The Wii Fit is going well, I'm loving the yoga especially and am starting to notice a real difference....not that the scales are shifting much so far! Tomorrow is weigh in day so fingers crossed.

Right, I need to make a move. I'm headed off to the salon in 15 mins or so and I don't want to be rushing in this weather. Oh, one more note, I'm SO happy I bought my bird table in October. This week we have had so many feathered visitors it's just been fantastic. I've got my rocking chair set up by the patio doors and I've spent ages just watching them fly in and out of the garden. It feels lovely to be helping them through this cold spell too. I'll try and get some photos if I can!

Keyboard confusion.

Allow me to share with you the delights of a telephone conversation I had yesterday in work. I had just completed a travel bulletin on one of the BBC local radio stations, giving out the number that people can call if they spot any traffic problems. As is frequently the case, as soon as I'd finish the phone rang. I answered it.

Oooh, I hope you can help. Can you put me through to someone who could tell me how to get a copy of a show that was broadcast last thursday?'

'No, I can't put you through, we're in a different building, but do you have access to the internet?' I was expecting a straight 'No' here, but was surprised,
'Yes'
'OK, good. So all you need to do is to go onto the radio station website and there is a listen again function on there.'
'Oh. OK. So.....'
'All you need to do is go to www dot b b c dot co dot uk forward slash.....'
'Erm.....b b c dot....co...dot....uk......forward....just type forward?'
'No. Forward slash.'
'How do I spell it? f....o...'
'No. Forward slash. On the keyboard....the small diagonal line on the keyboard. The one leaning to the right at the top?'
By this point my colleague was doubled over in the corner of the room.
'oh.....ok, forwards slash ....'
'Yes, forward slash Liverpool. Then follow the link from there. OK?'
I'd like to say she sounded confident when she said thank you and good bye, but I'm guessing she's still trying to find a key on her computer with 'forward slash' written on it, in very small letters. I couldn't think of any other way to explain it though! Could you?

It's an upside down, topsy turvy kind of day today.......not least because there is snow on the ground outside, we don't get much here at all but this week we have been forecast a fair bit. In all honesty I probably could have and maybe should have, taken the Bean to school but I didn't and so he is home with me today. His school is up a very steep hill and I didn't fancy driving up that in icy conditions and, since more snow is forecast this afternoon, I was worried he'd get stuck up the hill and be stuck at the bottom. So here he is.

On top of that, I started with a sore throat in work yesterday. ouch. My MIL had it last week and was off work all week with it and not it looks as if I've picked it up too. I was hoping that the broadcasting yesterday was making it worse and that when I stopped talking so much, it may ease. It hasn't. It's still impossible to talk and agony to swallow. Drinking and eating seems to help, sadly, but I'm trying to keep it healthy!

I'm about to write my WW blog for the week and I have to do some research today as well. In all honesty, all I feel like doing is relaxing with a warm drink in front of the TV. Oh well, I'll plod on.

Microphones and Takeaways

Another Sunday sitting in front of the microphone wondering how long it will take for the 12 hours to pass........sometimes it goes quickly, others each minute can seem like an eternity. Today, well it's 11am and I'm hankering for lunch so you can make your own judgement.

I am still feeling very uncertain about my future and which road I will take. I find that most of the time this is on my mind, I'm thinking about it all the time...turning it every way, looking at it from all angles, trying to work out if it the idea fits me, or if I fit it. This is what I do. I am, at heart, a philosopher. Always have been and can't see me changing any time soon.

My hubby is now back from his school trip and it's lovely to have him home. Yesterday we drove out to Bala and had a lovely walk on Llangower beach at Llyn Tegid and also had a lovely Chinese from the takeaway there as well. Yumm. Most of it is still in the fridge.

In fact, there is a lot of very unhealthy food in the fridge as we also went for an Indian meal on Friday night and brought half that home too! I know, I know, it's no wonder I'm not losing weight but, in my defense, only the Indian was planned. We hadn't planned to go to Bala, setting off quite late on as a last minute idea, and so we wouldn't have been home in time to have something healthy chez nous! And surely a nice veggie chow mein is better than a bag of chips isn't it?

I can't believe it's only 2 weeks now til we go to visit my Dad and I am nowhere near the weight goal I set myself. I'm gutted. Up until Friday I had been really good, I've been on my Wii fit every day and stayed away from the fattening brigade - and I still hadn't lost on Friday morning. The whole thing is just very depressing at times like that. Still, I'll stick at it. Maybe a two week miracle isn't impossible!