Saturday, 10 November 2007

Neglect

My poor neglected blog, life has got in the way of blogging, in fat I'm only writing this now as a distraction form trying to work out how I'm going to teach the topics I've been given for my Year 7 and 8s. I'm really really snowed under, I have two lots of planning to do, and I'm trying to work out how I have only 2 weeks left to do a major bit of coursework.
Speaking of coursework, I need to start it, I meant to start this weekend but the university is shut due to a major power failure, so I can't get out the books I need....
I also have an In4mers (peer education) session to plan, that I'm really wishing I'd said I couldn't do!

Right, back to work.

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

First post of November

How has that happened?
Honest it feels like only yesterday since I wrote the last post. Since then I've started my school experience, I teach my first lesson today (gulp), and do my first science practical demo tomorrow! For all my other classes we're working on dates when I can take over.
Guiding stuff has gone nuts, I left the house at 7.45am yesterday and I didn't get home untill 10pm, and yes guiding is to blame. Today I have a staff meeting after school, and then have to dash across town and do one of the stupid numeracy tests the government says all new teachers have to take!
And oh bugger is that the time... must go and throw on some clothes!

Tuesday, 30 October 2007

Leopard

Normally I'm not one for getting mega enthusiastic about products, I like things that work, and usually only make a fuss when they don't!
However there are a couple of things that I can talk, and talk about...
Both have recently arrived through the post!.

The new Mac Operating system is out, has sold 2million copies since Friday, and is just wonderful. there are a few little niggles, a couple of things I'll be looking out for a hack to change, but apart from that there is so much stuff I've already used. Of particular note is time machine, it automatically backs up your computer, and you can go back to any point in time, so if you delete a file and realise you need it 2 weeks later you can go and find it, and get it back!
I'm also liking Spaces, I've already used it, and I've not even been working on my computer that much, imagine having 4 screens you can move things between, so I actually stand a chance of being organised!

On an organisational note does anyone know if it's possible to convert a microsoft access database in to a format I can actually use.... they don't make access for macs, and I've tried using open office/neo office but they don't open it, and I can convert the files in to excel but then I have to completely recreate the database....
Just throwing it out there, seriously, please help me!

On a pretty girly note my parcel from Lush has arrived, and I love love love Lush, partly as it appeals to my environmental side, of course a solid shampoo not in a bottle, they reckon that your carbon footprint is 1000 times smaller by using solid stuff. The other reason I love it is that it works, and smells delightful, I can still small the parcel that arrived, I'm not going to go in to the contents as they're a present, but they're just gorgeous.

Wednesday, 24 October 2007

Five reasons why I'm a good writer

This meme comes courtesy of Eliza at Doolittle , and as I can think of nothing to write, I though I may as well. Can I just say I have a little quibble with the title of the meme, I'm really not sure I am a good writer.... however-

1) I type pretty damn quickly, as I have the memory of a goldfish this can be useful, on the rare occasions I have something interesting in my head I can get it down before I forget!

2) I have a browser with a built in spell checker, as I type (quickly), lots of red squiggles are appearing under all the mistakes, if you read the earlier post they're filled with mistakes that are mostly due to my inability to proof read.... God Bless Safari 3!

3) I have interesting friends that do interesting things, every now and again (like this weekend), they do stupid thigs, resulting in us needing the emergency services, or spending the whole night driving. They also teach me new songs, and find me being a bit dense funny (thanks guys!)

4)I've had good teachers, go and read blogs like Niobe , or Cecily, and some of their great writing skills can't help but rub off on you!

5) Errrr, lets just say I know when to stop! Quite often I have nothing to say, so I don't bore you by talking rubbish about nothing!

I don't really have anyone to tag, but if you read this and fancy doing it then consider yourself tagged, and please leave a comment so I can come check it out!

PS, another meme courtesy of Niobe also coming soon, this one involves give aways...check back in a few days.

Monday, 22 October 2007

another weekend away

Firstly, thank you to Niobe for her kind comments on my last 2 posts, it was so nice to get home last night and read them. Niobe, I've sent you an email, but just in case anyone else was wondering, I am ok, I've just got back from a weekend away with my friends, and am feeling much better. I won't deny that sometimes I missed having Lex to keep me company, and just to share the things that went on, but it really was ok!
Of course al this was helped by one of the most epic weekends away in recent history!
The rugby on Saturday night was missed because of a long night spent driving up and down the valley worrying about a group of our climbers who were missing. In the end all was well, but by that point it was nearly 10pm, and we'd well and truly missed the rugby!I even had my own mini accident and if it wasn't for some sharp catching by my brother I might have been in need of mountain rescue myself! We then nearly had a mini panic, as by that point the fuel warning light was on on the minibus. On the Sunday someone else managed to sprain their ankle, and was lucky it wasn't worse!
as for today, I'm so grateful I don't have to be in all day, as i really need to do a bit of catching up!

Thursday, 18 October 2007

Things are getting worse

well they are, my mood has gone from sky high to just about as low as I ever get. I have got through school ok, but now I'm at home with my own thoughts i just feel so upset and frustrated. I probably shouldn't even be saying this, as some small minded individuals can't seem to take criticism, even when they can't do the job they're meant to do, oopsy I shouldn't point that out.I should simply let them stumble around in ignorance.
Part of this black mood is annoyance at myself, I never particularly liked the person who has upset me anyway, but now I they have shown themselves to be a small minded power freak I like them even less. Why should I let the opinion of someone who I dislike so much affect me, I have friends who now feel the same thing about this person, so why am I so upset??
anyway that probably makes no sense, I'm going to go and try to pull my head together, sort myself out for this weekend, because this person no longer deserves any of the help I usually give, and who says I shouldn't go and make him look as stupid as possible!
I also have yet another guide meeting to go to, after the success of last nights district meeting (completely spoiled by that idiot), so I had better get my head around everything I need to get done for Monday.

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Things are getting better

There is so much stuff I'm enjoying or looking forward to right now. Apple has finally announced the release date of Leopard, I've been looking forward to this for a while and basically it look awesome.
Also Strictly Come Dancing is back, and this year some of the celebrities are seriously good! It goes under the title of Dancing with the Stars in the US, but started originally in the UK, and I have watched and loved every series.
The rugby, now that I'm seriously looking forward to, I'm away with the climbing club this weekend, but that means I get to watch it with friends, and maybe have a drink or 2 (I've not got drunk in a very long time, this weekend could get messy!), and who knows England might just win!
I'm even kind of looking forward to my new role as district commissioner, a new challenge is going to be fun, and I have no idea how good I'm going to be at it!

Felling positive at the moment and I'm loving it. I've even started climbing regularly again, which I'm loving even if I'm not as good as I was, the idea of the challenge of getting better is making me feel good!