1/31/10
Swansea Slideshow
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
I got my flickr account working! Yay!I know the proportions are a bit out of whack… I'll work on it… (click here if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow)
Having a Wales of a Time
I just arrived back in Birmingham from my weekend away in Swansea! I was able to have a lovely visit with Shona and meet all of her new friends at university.
On Saturday, we took a walk around the city centre and did a bit of shopping. Later, we joined two of Shona's friends to visit a couple of the local museums. Swansea is really a beautiful city. The university looks right out onto a wide beach and the harbour is full of brightly-painted boats. But the best part was the sun! I couldn't believe how bright it was! It's so grey in Brum sometimes that I was shocked by the sunshine-- blinded by the light, haha. After a bit of dinner, we experienced a real residence-living treat-- a fire-drill in the cold! It reminded me of campus living at York! We spent a few hours (haha) of doing our hair and make-up and we headed out to the local student bar. Although it was pretty dirty and reminded me of Nipissing University's 'The Wall', it was free to get in and the drinks were all under £2, which fit my budget perfectly. It was a bit lame at first, but the music got better and better and I eventually felt comfortable enough to pull out some of my classic dance moves-- including the air guitar during 'Don't Stop Believin'' and 'Dude Looks Like a Lady'. We met some interesting characters (aka drunken Welsh boys) who were very interested in sharing their dance moves and their backsides with our dancing circle. All in all, it was a pretty fun night!
Unfortunately, Shona and I both found it incredibly difficult to wake up this morning, so we had to postpone our plans with her friends. Eventually, we got ourselves showered and dressed and met 2 more friends for a trip to the nearby seaside town of Mumbles. (bahaha, I always snicker when I say that). We took a long walk along the pier and enjoyed some lunch at the café on the waterfront. The tide was out, so after lunch, we walked across the ocean floor and climbed over to 'Lighthouse Island'. It was incredibly beautiful. The sun was reflecting on the water and the waves sounded so peaceful and relaxing. We discovered a couple of caves and got our shoes covered in sand while navigating mollusk-covered rocks. When it began to rain, we headed back to campus and I picked up my luggage and headed to the train station.
I love taking these weekend trips, but I can't believe how much time I spend on and waiting for trains and buses. It took me 5 hours to get home today! Next time, I think I will bite the bullet and drive my little car down to Swansea… we'll see!
On Saturday, we took a walk around the city centre and did a bit of shopping. Later, we joined two of Shona's friends to visit a couple of the local museums. Swansea is really a beautiful city. The university looks right out onto a wide beach and the harbour is full of brightly-painted boats. But the best part was the sun! I couldn't believe how bright it was! It's so grey in Brum sometimes that I was shocked by the sunshine-- blinded by the light, haha. After a bit of dinner, we experienced a real residence-living treat-- a fire-drill in the cold! It reminded me of campus living at York! We spent a few hours (haha) of doing our hair and make-up and we headed out to the local student bar. Although it was pretty dirty and reminded me of Nipissing University's 'The Wall', it was free to get in and the drinks were all under £2, which fit my budget perfectly. It was a bit lame at first, but the music got better and better and I eventually felt comfortable enough to pull out some of my classic dance moves-- including the air guitar during 'Don't Stop Believin'' and 'Dude Looks Like a Lady'. We met some interesting characters (aka drunken Welsh boys) who were very interested in sharing their dance moves and their backsides with our dancing circle. All in all, it was a pretty fun night!
Unfortunately, Shona and I both found it incredibly difficult to wake up this morning, so we had to postpone our plans with her friends. Eventually, we got ourselves showered and dressed and met 2 more friends for a trip to the nearby seaside town of Mumbles. (bahaha, I always snicker when I say that). We took a long walk along the pier and enjoyed some lunch at the café on the waterfront. The tide was out, so after lunch, we walked across the ocean floor and climbed over to 'Lighthouse Island'. It was incredibly beautiful. The sun was reflecting on the water and the waves sounded so peaceful and relaxing. We discovered a couple of caves and got our shoes covered in sand while navigating mollusk-covered rocks. When it began to rain, we headed back to campus and I picked up my luggage and headed to the train station.
I love taking these weekend trips, but I can't believe how much time I spend on and waiting for trains and buses. It took me 5 hours to get home today! Next time, I think I will bite the bullet and drive my little car down to Swansea… we'll see!
1/29/10
Forgetful Friday
amoxicillin
Today, I went down the road to get some real drugs.
I went to the local clinic to finally get my cough/cold sorted out and the lovely doctor gave me some antibiotics (which means I CANNOT forget to take them right up til the end— I do not need to screw up my immune system any more than I already have!).
While I was waiting for my prescription to be filled, I spoke to a lovely old Polish lady. I rummaged in my purse and discovered that I had left my keys at the house. Oops. I hoped that The Dad and Youngest were still home! But, alas! They had gone out to purchase some phones. I texted The Dad and asked him to text me when he was home again and to tell him that I would just be in the village having a cup of coffee. About an hour and a half later, after I had enjoyed a lovely coffee without cream (the English don't have cream in their coffee) and today's 'The Times' I received a message telling me it was safe to come back home. I'll have to have an extra key made and incorporated into some kind of jewelery that I can wear all the time.
I haven't read a whole newspaper in a while, so that was nice. I got the British perspective on President Obama's latest speech and I read a LOT about Iran and Afghanistan. Right now, there's this huge inquiry into Britain's participation in the invasion of Iraq; Tony Blair and his lawyers are being questioned in order to determine whether the invasion was legal or not. But sadly, there was no news of home. I never realized how little is known about Canada by those who live outside of Canada. *sigh* But maybe it is better to be mildy-liked and unheard of, than to be world-famous and disliked by many, as is often the sentiment towards our neighbor to the South.
I'm off to Swansea tomorrow for a weekend with Shona! Goodnight and Good luck.
1/28/10
A Film Preview and Something I Said I'd Never Do
Tonight, The Mum gave me her free tickets to a sneak preview of 'The Lovely Bones'. As you may recall, I had read the book that the movie is based on back in the fall. I had 2 tickets, but I couldn't find anyone to go with me last minute, so I went by myself. I think that may be a first for me.
The film was great! The score was phenomenal; it captured the emotion and tension in every scene perfectly. The special effects were incredible. There are a series of dream-like scenes depicting the 'in-between', the place where Suzie, the main character, is stuck before she goes to heaven and those scenes are just magical. I especially liked the effect of one scene when Suzie is first walking through a cornfield and it gradually turns into water around her. The acting is pretty good, too. Stanley Tucci was so creepy and believable as the murderer and if I didn't know it was him before going into the movie, I might not have guessed. His mannerisms and voice are completely different from anything I've seen him in. Also, the art direction is amazing! All of the sets and costumes really made me feel like I was looking at a suburban neighborhood in the 1970's.
However, as I have read the book, the plot just wasn't up to snuff with the rest of the film. I found the events in the film disjointed and disconnected. Although the scenes blended together visually, it was hard for me to link the different scenes together plot-wise. I also did NOT like the narration, which jsut seemed like some 13-year-old girl's contrived poetry in her diary. It was worse than the stuff I wrote as an adolescent… but maybe that's what they were going for. The should have used more direct quotes from Alison Sebold's novel. There was one plot-point that I liked better in the film than in the book. I wont ruin it for those of you who are planning on seeing the film, but I'll just say that it happens near the end at the sink-hole
But, when 'The Lovely Bones' is released in your area, I strongly suggest going to see it! It's beautiful!
…also, I have an AWFUL confession to make. I now have a Twitter account. Eugh. It's just like Ugg boots and Facebook. I swore against it at first, but I have given in. But just like giving in to Ugg boots and Facebook, my reasons for finally getting Twitter are practical and useful. (Ugg boots keep my feet warm and dry in the winter and facebook keeps me connected to people). Twitter will help me to increase my social media prowess and to learn more about marketing and networking tools. So, when I finally get a real job in the design world, I will have a better idea about how these tools work and how any future clients can use them… atleast that's my excuse!
…you can now find me at www.twitter.com/saintpatterson
…i am actually embarrassed…
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm714771968/tt0380510
The film was great! The score was phenomenal; it captured the emotion and tension in every scene perfectly. The special effects were incredible. There are a series of dream-like scenes depicting the 'in-between', the place where Suzie, the main character, is stuck before she goes to heaven and those scenes are just magical. I especially liked the effect of one scene when Suzie is first walking through a cornfield and it gradually turns into water around her. The acting is pretty good, too. Stanley Tucci was so creepy and believable as the murderer and if I didn't know it was him before going into the movie, I might not have guessed. His mannerisms and voice are completely different from anything I've seen him in. Also, the art direction is amazing! All of the sets and costumes really made me feel like I was looking at a suburban neighborhood in the 1970's.
However, as I have read the book, the plot just wasn't up to snuff with the rest of the film. I found the events in the film disjointed and disconnected. Although the scenes blended together visually, it was hard for me to link the different scenes together plot-wise. I also did NOT like the narration, which jsut seemed like some 13-year-old girl's contrived poetry in her diary. It was worse than the stuff I wrote as an adolescent… but maybe that's what they were going for. The should have used more direct quotes from Alison Sebold's novel. There was one plot-point that I liked better in the film than in the book. I wont ruin it for those of you who are planning on seeing the film, but I'll just say that it happens near the end at the sink-hole
But, when 'The Lovely Bones' is released in your area, I strongly suggest going to see it! It's beautiful!
…also, I have an AWFUL confession to make. I now have a Twitter account. Eugh. It's just like Ugg boots and Facebook. I swore against it at first, but I have given in. But just like giving in to Ugg boots and Facebook, my reasons for finally getting Twitter are practical and useful. (Ugg boots keep my feet warm and dry in the winter and facebook keeps me connected to people). Twitter will help me to increase my social media prowess and to learn more about marketing and networking tools. So, when I finally get a real job in the design world, I will have a better idea about how these tools work and how any future clients can use them… atleast that's my excuse!
…you can now find me at www.twitter.com/saintpatterson
…i am actually embarrassed…
1/27/10
…on the other hand…
I am going to Swansea, Wales at the weekend to visit my lovely friend, Shona. She is studying 'International Development' and 'Communications' at the university there. I am so excited to have another friend over here in the UK, especially Shones. When we first met, I knew, instantly, that we'd be friends. It was like love at first sight *sigh*, hehe. I am excited to get a tour of Swansea, too! It's right on the beach, so later in the year, maybe I'll take a couple surfing lessons!
Where is the sunshine? I am turning grey…
Or maybe I need some comfort foods. Too bad they don't sell 'Reese's Peanut Butter Cups' over here *nudge nudge, wink wink*. *clears throat* Man— I could really go for some dill pickle chips right now or maybe some good old Canadian ketchup chips (unique to the great white north). Anyways, it's cloudy and grey and rainy and I'm just surly and ill-humoured these days. Blah.
1/26/10
Try this Link!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chrismoyles/
Click on the show for 26/01/2010 and fast-forward to 2.38.53!
Click on the show for 26/01/2010 and fast-forward to 2.38.53!
ME on Radio 1
Yesterday, on the Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1, Chris mentioned that today, they'd have Max Beesley in to do some voice-overs. They asked their listeners to text in details about themselves in order to create some voice-overs. So, I texted in some stuff about how I'm an au pair… and they made a cheesy ad out of it! If I can find the audio for it, I'll post it later today!
1/25/10
Paris in May?
So, my Mom and Dad are planning a trip to the 'City of Love' this coming spring and they have invited me to join them for a few days!!! I am so excited! I've never been to France! I am going to have to start researching all the best places to visit. Any suggestions?
http://www.paristheguide.com/mappa_parigi.gif
FINALLY-- Something to blog about.
I have had a bit of a boring weekend. I can't even remember what I did on Friday… maybe some banking or something… most of it has left my memory quite quickly… I may have watched 'Hitch'… and I also may have chatted to my friend Stefania on Skype…
I had a nice Saturday, I slept in quite late and met Aussie at the Moseley Farmer's Market in the afternoon. It was much smaller than it has been in the past, probably because January is a bit of a slow month for many farmers. I bought some tart apple cider and both Aussie and I enjoyed a cup of fair trade hot chocolate. We spent the rest of the evening at mine (the England family had gone visiting friends/family for the weekend) eating delicious non-spicy curry take-away and watching trashy television including American Idol, Celebrity Big Brother, What Not to Wear and It's Me or the Dog. (P.S. I LOVE peshwari nan.) One reason for our stay-in weekend is that we are both a bit poorly. And my poorly-ness only got worse as the weekend continued. (in fact, I still suffer from nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever… maybe I should get some Nyquil, haha)
I stayed home from church on Sunday, electing to, instead, lay in bed until late into the morning (not because I'm lazy, but because I am feeling UNwell). Later, I watched Happy Feet. I then wrote on my friend Mike's wall on facebook telling him I had just watched Happy Feet, as it is his favourite movie. After my cinematic adventure, I read a few chapters from the second book in the Discworld series: The Light Fantastic. << a highly recommended read.I also caught my parents on Skype and had a nice chat with them.
Anyways… let's get to the real news!
Today, I recieved a package in the mail from my dearest friend Mallory. Not only did it contain a Dawson's Creek postcard covered in messages of love and well-wishing, but it also contained an item I have been waiting eagerly for since my return to Birmingham: my 'Men of Golden Lake' calendar.
I'll explain: Mallory and I worked as Co-Executive Directors at Golden Lake Camp during the summer of 2009. We had a blast working together and always had fun coming up with random things to entertain us and our staff. During the last week of the summer, we had an impromptu photo-shoot with the male members of our staff, joking that we would turn it into a calendar. The photo-shoot saw almost all of our male staff posing foolishly on the beach, sometimes using props and other times pulling baywatch-y stances. And Mal actually made it happen!
So, today, my calendar arrived in the mail. It is so much more amazing than I had anticipated! I relive different moments of the summer as I recall working with each of these fine young fellows. I cannot believe that I wont be returning to Golden Lake for summer '10 and will truly miss working with all of the calendar's models, especially Mr.'s February, March, May and June. Have a great summer, boys!
I had a nice Saturday, I slept in quite late and met Aussie at the Moseley Farmer's Market in the afternoon. It was much smaller than it has been in the past, probably because January is a bit of a slow month for many farmers. I bought some tart apple cider and both Aussie and I enjoyed a cup of fair trade hot chocolate. We spent the rest of the evening at mine (the England family had gone visiting friends/family for the weekend) eating delicious non-spicy curry take-away and watching trashy television including American Idol, Celebrity Big Brother, What Not to Wear and It's Me or the Dog. (P.S. I LOVE peshwari nan.) One reason for our stay-in weekend is that we are both a bit poorly. And my poorly-ness only got worse as the weekend continued. (in fact, I still suffer from nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever… maybe I should get some Nyquil, haha)
Anyways… let's get to the real news!
Today, I recieved a package in the mail from my dearest friend Mallory. Not only did it contain a Dawson's Creek postcard covered in messages of love and well-wishing, but it also contained an item I have been waiting eagerly for since my return to Birmingham: my 'Men of Golden Lake' calendar.
I'll explain: Mallory and I worked as Co-Executive Directors at Golden Lake Camp during the summer of 2009. We had a blast working together and always had fun coming up with random things to entertain us and our staff. During the last week of the summer, we had an impromptu photo-shoot with the male members of our staff, joking that we would turn it into a calendar. The photo-shoot saw almost all of our male staff posing foolishly on the beach, sometimes using props and other times pulling baywatch-y stances. And Mal actually made it happen!
So, today, my calendar arrived in the mail. It is so much more amazing than I had anticipated! I relive different moments of the summer as I recall working with each of these fine young fellows. I cannot believe that I wont be returning to Golden Lake for summer '10 and will truly miss working with all of the calendar's models, especially Mr.'s February, March, May and June. Have a great summer, boys!
1/20/10
Valentine's Day
Although I am not generally a fan of Valentine's Day, I do have mad love for some of my family and friends at home. Here are some hand-made cards that will travel to Canada in the mail this week (I used the kids' craft supplies, haha):
My Own Big Juicy 5
Hello, readership! I have no less than 5 items of interest for you today! Enjoy!
1. Take a gander at my toe!!! Remember when I drop a chair on it in October? Well, it's still bruised, believe it or not. Look at how crazy black it has become!!!
5. Inspired by Supernanny Jo Frost, I have made a chart for the children. We will see how it works.
1. Take a gander at my toe!!! Remember when I drop a chair on it in October? Well, it's still bruised, believe it or not. Look at how crazy black it has become!!!
Yeah, I know my toes look gross. It's winter, gimme a break :P
2. BBC Radio 1. Although it is very unlike my usual listening at home in Canada (CBC Radio 2), I have been listening to and quite enjoying the UK's #1 radio station. I listen to it in the car when I am making the school runs and during the day while working at Oxfam or cleaning house. They play all the current pop, hip hop and rock stuff and throw in a few oldies, too. Although the music they play isn't my favourite, the dj's are grrreat! My favourite part about Radio 1 is that I have been introduced to so much music that I probably wouldn't even hear about back home. I especially like Biffy Clyro, Florence and the Machine, and my guilty pop pleasures Cheryl Cole and JLS. (Also, Fearne Cotton has a hollywood gossip segment called 'The Big Juicy 5'… that's where I got the title for my post)
3. The weather in this country makes no sense. This time last week, the country (minus London) was covered in a thick, wet blanket of snow. Many schools were closed due to bad roads and I couldn't even use the footpath (sidewalk) due to the incredible sheet of ice that prevented the tread-less soles of my boots from safely reaching the ground. On Sunday, I could have sworn I had woken up in April in Canada. The temperature had risen to a muggy 9° and all was green. Since the weekend, the temperature has been dropping daily and I have had to get out my toque again. There are even reports of snowstorms South West of here in Herefordshire.
4. CHOIR! Last night, I went to a rehearsal for the choir of the University of Birmingham with Moira, a lady from Oxfam. Initially, I went to the rehearsal to feel it out and see if I liked it or not, but I decided to stay after being there for about 5 minutes! It was great! They are singing a beautiful piece by Elgar called 'The Music Makers' which I love! I can definitely keep up with this choir and the atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxed. It reminds me of my days in YRCC! Oh, how I have missed singing in a choir! For Shona and Stef: can you come to my concert on March 14th?
5. Inspired by Supernanny Jo Frost, I have made a chart for the children. We will see how it works.
1/17/10
MK-- A week later!
Yay! Aussie posted the pictures from our train journey to Milton Keynes!
So, last Saturday, Aussie, Bill and I hopped on a train to Milton Keynes to visit our friends, Gail and Little. Gail and Little used to live in Brum and were a part of our small group this autumn. It was sad to see them move away, but we had a joyous reunion!
Milton Keynes is a big town about 1.5 hrs South East of Birmingham by train. It is unique to the UK because it was completely planned and built in the 1960's. At first, Milton Keynes feels quite American, as it is built using a grid system and much of the architecture is streamlined and modern. However, the presence of a lot of public art really gave the city centre an atmosphere of community sometimes lacking in American cities. Also, the traffic is eased at each intersection by replacing traffic-lights with round-abouts!
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Gail and Little. It was nice to spend some time with them after my holiday at home in Canada. We went for a stroll in MK's massive shopping mall and then, we visited 'Xscape'. 'Xscape' is incredible. This immense indoor complex not only includes lots of shops, a cinema, a bowling alley, a fitness centre and restaurants, but also a sky-diving simulator, rock-climbing walls and an indoor ski slope. (Although, the ski slope is not for experienced skiiers, in my opinion). For lack of a better adjective to truly express this unique attraction, it was just really cool.
Our next stop was to this great tobogganing hill. Unfortunately, I had shown up in a skirt and none of us had brought sleds or anything, so we couldn't go down. We did see lots of kids having fun, though. Next, we went for lunch at one of Gail's friends' houses. It was really nice to sit around and catch up and chat with everyone. Gail and Little are getting married in May, so we got to hear about some of their plans! And we even got invited!
It was a tearful farewell as we said goodbye to our dear friends :(
… I've just read that paragraph about 'Xscape' and realized how much it sounds like something out of a travel brochure, haha.
I have spent the last couple of days relaxing, sleeping and trying to get over my cold. I'm getting there.
Anyways, peace-out, homies!
So, last Saturday, Aussie, Bill and I hopped on a train to Milton Keynes to visit our friends, Gail and Little. Gail and Little used to live in Brum and were a part of our small group this autumn. It was sad to see them move away, but we had a joyous reunion!
Milton Keynes is a big town about 1.5 hrs South East of Birmingham by train. It is unique to the UK because it was completely planned and built in the 1960's. At first, Milton Keynes feels quite American, as it is built using a grid system and much of the architecture is streamlined and modern. However, the presence of a lot of public art really gave the city centre an atmosphere of community sometimes lacking in American cities. Also, the traffic is eased at each intersection by replacing traffic-lights with round-abouts!
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Gail and Little. It was nice to spend some time with them after my holiday at home in Canada. We went for a stroll in MK's massive shopping mall and then, we visited 'Xscape'. 'Xscape' is incredible. This immense indoor complex not only includes lots of shops, a cinema, a bowling alley, a fitness centre and restaurants, but also a sky-diving simulator, rock-climbing walls and an indoor ski slope. (Although, the ski slope is not for experienced skiiers, in my opinion). For lack of a better adjective to truly express this unique attraction, it was just really cool.
Our next stop was to this great tobogganing hill. Unfortunately, I had shown up in a skirt and none of us had brought sleds or anything, so we couldn't go down. We did see lots of kids having fun, though. Next, we went for lunch at one of Gail's friends' houses. It was really nice to sit around and catch up and chat with everyone. Gail and Little are getting married in May, so we got to hear about some of their plans! And we even got invited!
It was a tearful farewell as we said goodbye to our dear friends :(
… I've just read that paragraph about 'Xscape' and realized how much it sounds like something out of a travel brochure, haha.
I have spent the last couple of days relaxing, sleeping and trying to get over my cold. I'm getting there.
Anyways, peace-out, homies!
1/16/10
The snow has disappeared, but I'm still feeling under the weather
Hello. It's been a few days since my last post. This is partly because I haven't really done much worth posting about and partly because I am sick. Again. It was just a month ago that I wrote about my sore throat, congestion and headache and now, these lovely symptoms have returned! Oh happy day. I have been doing a lot of sleeping and nothing much else.
On Thursday, The Dad's parents came to visit. They are lovely! They kind of remind me of a cross between My Mom's father and my Uncle Pat. They are very down-to-earth, friendly and comfortable to be around. I hope they visit again, soon.
On Friday, I made a poster to chart the kids' behaviour. It lists the tasks they must complete before school and after school and has spaces for me to chart their good behaviour as well as their naughty behaviour. I am hoping that this visual aid will help them to behave better. We'll see!
Also, the piece-work has been going…slow. There is lots of it to do, but I just can't do it quickly enough to be worth my while. Even when I sit down at the table, with no distractions, my fingers just can't move quick enough. Well, I'll have to go out with my resumés again this week. I'll try some coffee shops and pubs, as has been my plan. But I'll also get in touch with some balloon modellers to see if I can get some balloon gigs.
Anyways, I'm off to do some knitting before I turn in. I'm doing socks!
On Thursday, The Dad's parents came to visit. They are lovely! They kind of remind me of a cross between My Mom's father and my Uncle Pat. They are very down-to-earth, friendly and comfortable to be around. I hope they visit again, soon.
On Friday, I made a poster to chart the kids' behaviour. It lists the tasks they must complete before school and after school and has spaces for me to chart their good behaviour as well as their naughty behaviour. I am hoping that this visual aid will help them to behave better. We'll see!
Also, the piece-work has been going…slow. There is lots of it to do, but I just can't do it quickly enough to be worth my while. Even when I sit down at the table, with no distractions, my fingers just can't move quick enough. Well, I'll have to go out with my resumés again this week. I'll try some coffee shops and pubs, as has been my plan. But I'll also get in touch with some balloon modellers to see if I can get some balloon gigs.
Anyways, I'm off to do some knitting before I turn in. I'm doing socks!
It's a sock, I swear!
1/13/10
Future Photographer
The time between collecting Youngest and collecting the girls is sometimes challenging to fill. Today, I had my camera on me because I was taking pictures of the snow (yes, it's still snowy in Brum!) Youngest asked if he could take a few pictures. These are his best ones (my favourite is the one of his finger… it was a concious choice):
He's like my own little Marla Olmstead, bahaha!
1/11/10
Employment!
I got a new job! I know I have mentioned before that The Dad owns and operates a factory that makes some ind of appliance-part-thingy. So, when I mentioned that I wanted a second job, he offered to bring some of his factory work home for me to do. I think it's a good idea, but I'll have to build up my speed in order to make it worth while because I'll be paid by the piece, not by the hour.
Today was my first Mop-Day of 2010. One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop watching day-time television. Consequently, I refrained from watching tv while I vacuumed/swept/mopped/dusted and lo and behold, I was finished cleaning over and hour earlier than usual!!! That darn idiot-box. What a time-waster. I had so much more time today. I had a nice hour-long nap, I had a quiet time and I even played my guitar (for the first time in about 2 months… my fingertips are killing me!) TV is just unnecessary.
1/9/10
Long week!
Hello, friends!
I've had a bit of a tough week: adjusting to Greenwich Mean time, re-adjusting to my role as an au pair to 3 rambunctious youngsters and re-adjusting to my relationships with a particular England child. It's been difficult, but tonight Middle, Oldest and I decided to let loose and have a 'Girly Night' after Youngest was in bed. We watched 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging', a film about a young girl trying to get a boyfriend (what an original plot-line). We also did eachothers' hair and makeup and ate popcorn, biscuits and sweets. It was a nice way to bond with the girls!
I also made a trip to visit friends in Milton Keynes, but more on that later when I have some more pics from Aussie, our official trip photographer :P…but here's a preview (It's the classic train pic!):
Here we are! 3 beauties. Yes, I pulled out the model face for this shot, haha!
I've had a bit of a tough week: adjusting to Greenwich Mean time, re-adjusting to my role as an au pair to 3 rambunctious youngsters and re-adjusting to my relationships with a particular England child. It's been difficult, but tonight Middle, Oldest and I decided to let loose and have a 'Girly Night' after Youngest was in bed. We watched 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging', a film about a young girl trying to get a boyfriend (what an original plot-line). We also did eachothers' hair and makeup and ate popcorn, biscuits and sweets. It was a nice way to bond with the girls!
I also made a trip to visit friends in Milton Keynes, but more on that later when I have some more pics from Aussie, our official trip photographer :P…but here's a preview (It's the classic train pic!):
1/7/10
Sleep Eludes Me
In case you happen to be wondering at this very moment, when typed into google, the phrase 'sleep eludes me' brings up hundreds of results.
Jet-lag continues to turn my night-times into sleepless hours of tossing and turning. yay.
To pass the time, I watched the interview of Joaquin Phoenix on David Letterman and the interview of Billy Bob Thornton on CBC's 'Q'. Both of these events happened last year, but I had never actually seen them for myself. I guess that's just another thing I can cross of my to-do list?
I have prepared my resumés in order to truly begin my job-hunt tomorrow. Yes, I realize that I am currently employed, but I have a few spare hours per week and I can definitely use some more wonga. I am going to inquire about employment at some pubs, a coffee shop and that sweet indoor playground down the street… that is if I happen to be awake tomorrow afternoon.
Jet-lag continues to turn my night-times into sleepless hours of tossing and turning. yay.
In order to illustrate the current state of my internal clock, I have chosen to include this incredibly helpful info-graphic I found by googling 'jet lag'.
To pass the time, I watched the interview of Joaquin Phoenix on David Letterman and the interview of Billy Bob Thornton on CBC's 'Q'. Both of these events happened last year, but I had never actually seen them for myself. I guess that's just another thing I can cross of my to-do list?
I have prepared my resumés in order to truly begin my job-hunt tomorrow. Yes, I realize that I am currently employed, but I have a few spare hours per week and I can definitely use some more wonga. I am going to inquire about employment at some pubs, a coffee shop and that sweet indoor playground down the street… that is if I happen to be awake tomorrow afternoon.
1/6/10
Jet-Lag sucks
I am super jet-lagged. As we speak, it is 12:40am and I am wide awake. —oh, yes!! I just yawned. Okay, I'll make this quick, maybe I can actually get some real sleep tonight.
Monday (my first night back), I took 2 Gravols and an Ibuprofein for my headache… so I slept like a baby. But last night was a different story. I laid down at around 11:00pm only to wake up an hour later. So I watched an episode of 'Misfits'. I tried sleeping again, but my body wasn't having it. After a 3:00am Skype conversation with some beloved friends at home, I tried reading a boring history book, but that didn't seem to work either. I think I fell asleep around 5:00… my alarm went off at 6:30. I woke with a start, wiping drool from my mouth and wondering where I was. It was horrible.
After I treacherous drive through snowy, slushy Birmingham to take the kids to school, I came home and pretty much passed out for a good 3 hours. I was still exhausted after my coma-nap (bahaha, Dane), but I had to get on with my day. And here I am again… after midnight and not asleep.
I had a…memorable time in the car today. After I picked up the children, we took a trip to the grocery store to pick up some veggies and milk. There was no milk… weird. So we tried another store… also no milk. I gave up the search for the time being in order to take Middle to her tutoring session. As we skidded into the tutor's private road, we almost smacked into a lamppost. But due to my ample winter-driving experience, I pumped the break and we slowed enough to be deflected by the curb in front. After we dropped her off, Youngest, Oldest and I headed to the local Texaco station to purchase some moo juice. The selection was quite narrow, but I got a small jug of partly-skimmed for breakfast. As we approached our house, my mobile (cell phone, but you knew that) rang. The Mum asked me to pick up Middle from the tutor, as she was on the train and the Dad was unavailable due to weather-related challenges. So, instead of hanging a right into our driveway, we headed out again across the city. We collected Middle and made our way home. By the time we reached our nice, warm house, we had been in the car almost constantly for 2.5 hrs. Now, I enjoy driving. But being shut in a car with an argumentative pre-teen and a 3-year-old who needed a 'wee' is not exactly my idea of a wicked road-trip.
I gotta get my car radio fixed.
Monday (my first night back), I took 2 Gravols and an Ibuprofein for my headache… so I slept like a baby. But last night was a different story. I laid down at around 11:00pm only to wake up an hour later. So I watched an episode of 'Misfits'. I tried sleeping again, but my body wasn't having it. After a 3:00am Skype conversation with some beloved friends at home, I tried reading a boring history book, but that didn't seem to work either. I think I fell asleep around 5:00… my alarm went off at 6:30. I woke with a start, wiping drool from my mouth and wondering where I was. It was horrible.
After I treacherous drive through snowy, slushy Birmingham to take the kids to school, I came home and pretty much passed out for a good 3 hours. I was still exhausted after my coma-nap (bahaha, Dane), but I had to get on with my day. And here I am again… after midnight and not asleep.
I had a…memorable time in the car today. After I picked up the children, we took a trip to the grocery store to pick up some veggies and milk. There was no milk… weird. So we tried another store… also no milk. I gave up the search for the time being in order to take Middle to her tutoring session. As we skidded into the tutor's private road, we almost smacked into a lamppost. But due to my ample winter-driving experience, I pumped the break and we slowed enough to be deflected by the curb in front. After we dropped her off, Youngest, Oldest and I headed to the local Texaco station to purchase some moo juice. The selection was quite narrow, but I got a small jug of partly-skimmed for breakfast. As we approached our house, my mobile (cell phone, but you knew that) rang. The Mum asked me to pick up Middle from the tutor, as she was on the train and the Dad was unavailable due to weather-related challenges. So, instead of hanging a right into our driveway, we headed out again across the city. We collected Middle and made our way home. By the time we reached our nice, warm house, we had been in the car almost constantly for 2.5 hrs. Now, I enjoy driving. But being shut in a car with an argumentative pre-teen and a 3-year-old who needed a 'wee' is not exactly my idea of a wicked road-trip.
I gotta get my car radio fixed.
1/5/10
First Day Back in Brum… and there's snow? I thought that was a 'Canada Thing'?
Do-do-do-do doot-doot x do-do-do-doot x doo-doo-doot doot doot doot— Hello, hello! (I don't know how to effectively type the sound of me singing 'The Cat Empire's' song…)
Before I begin properly, I just want to say that I already miss all my friends and family at home in Canada a lot, and I've only been back in the UK for about 38 hours. PTL for Skype, Facebook and Email!
Today is my first full day back in Birmingham and man, I did not get the chance to have an easy start at all! I woke up at 6:30 am, which to my body felt like 1:30 am as I am jet-lagged from my journey. I took Youngest to the nursery, but both Middle and Oldest stayed home from school because they don't start until tomorrow. After a mid-morning argument about the tv use for the day, we played 'Pictionary Man' and a couple of other games. That's when we noticed the snow! It was falling heavily, thick and fluffy! So, we got on our snow gear and went out to enjoy it. The girls made a snowman while I took some photos. They kept saying over and over that 'there will be no school tomorrow' and that 'it never snows in England!' It was nice to go out and play because, while we did have snow in Canada, it was very cold and much too powdery for making snowballs.
We took a bit of the break in the afternoon to watch a movie, but then it was off to pick up Youngest. I was pooped by 6:00!
Although I cried and cried at the airport and it was really sad to get on a plane and fly away from my home, I am glad to be back for a bit. I am excited to see my friends, especially Aussie, and it will be nice to get back to Oxfam, too.
Ta ta for now!
Before I begin properly, I just want to say that I already miss all my friends and family at home in Canada a lot, and I've only been back in the UK for about 38 hours. PTL for Skype, Facebook and Email!
Today is my first full day back in Birmingham and man, I did not get the chance to have an easy start at all! I woke up at 6:30 am, which to my body felt like 1:30 am as I am jet-lagged from my journey. I took Youngest to the nursery, but both Middle and Oldest stayed home from school because they don't start until tomorrow. After a mid-morning argument about the tv use for the day, we played 'Pictionary Man' and a couple of other games. That's when we noticed the snow! It was falling heavily, thick and fluffy! So, we got on our snow gear and went out to enjoy it. The girls made a snowman while I took some photos. They kept saying over and over that 'there will be no school tomorrow' and that 'it never snows in England!' It was nice to go out and play because, while we did have snow in Canada, it was very cold and much too powdery for making snowballs.
We took a bit of the break in the afternoon to watch a movie, but then it was off to pick up Youngest. I was pooped by 6:00!
Although I cried and cried at the airport and it was really sad to get on a plane and fly away from my home, I am glad to be back for a bit. I am excited to see my friends, especially Aussie, and it will be nice to get back to Oxfam, too.
Ta ta for now!
My New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve.
Some say it is an odd thing to celebrate. To quote a fellow social media contributor: "Universe is 14 billion years old. Seems silly to celebrate one year. Be like having a (fiddlesticking) parade every time i take a piss."
Others relish the opportunity to look the future full in the face and put the past in the past. It seems like the majority of my facebook friends wished everyone a 'Happy New Year' on Dec.31-Jan 1. Except for my little brother. His status read: "sick on new year's… dang."
I happen to like New Year's. Even though midnight doesn't seem as late as it did when I was 10, it's still exciting to watch the clock strike 12 and to shout "Happy New Year!" while wearing silly hats and drinking champagne. My New Year's celebration combined so many of my favourite things!
First, it involved my good friend, Laura! She is definitely one of my favourites! We met up at the Music Hall on the Danforth to see 'The Toxic Avenger', a musical about a nerdy environmentalist who becomes a super-strong mutant after being dunked in a vat of toxic waste. It was hilarious— a bit gruesome— but so, so funny!
After the show, we headed down the street to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant. I don't think I need to describe my love of sushi. After dinner, we headed back to Laura's house where we watched one of my favourite British films: 'Bridget Jones' Diary'.
Soon after the movie was finished, Laura's guests arrived. Her wonderful boyfriend, Lee, and two of his friends. That's when the party really started! We were ready to go by then! We got all loosened up and then we broke out the boardgames! We played Bananagrams and Clue and Cranium, oh my! We were having such a great time that we missed the countdown. So, we had our own… with some Bambino, haha. P.S. Check out the Bambino link, it's actually hilarious.
Thank you, Laura, for such a great night! (and for the photos! I hope it's okay that I stole them :P)
Some say it is an odd thing to celebrate. To quote a fellow social media contributor: "Universe is 14 billion years old. Seems silly to celebrate one year. Be like having a (fiddlesticking) parade every time i take a piss."
Others relish the opportunity to look the future full in the face and put the past in the past. It seems like the majority of my facebook friends wished everyone a 'Happy New Year' on Dec.31-Jan 1. Except for my little brother. His status read: "sick on new year's… dang."
I happen to like New Year's. Even though midnight doesn't seem as late as it did when I was 10, it's still exciting to watch the clock strike 12 and to shout "Happy New Year!" while wearing silly hats and drinking champagne. My New Year's celebration combined so many of my favourite things!
First, it involved my good friend, Laura! She is definitely one of my favourites! We met up at the Music Hall on the Danforth to see 'The Toxic Avenger', a musical about a nerdy environmentalist who becomes a super-strong mutant after being dunked in a vat of toxic waste. It was hilarious— a bit gruesome— but so, so funny!
After the show, we headed down the street to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant. I don't think I need to describe my love of sushi. After dinner, we headed back to Laura's house where we watched one of my favourite British films: 'Bridget Jones' Diary'.
Soon after the movie was finished, Laura's guests arrived. Her wonderful boyfriend, Lee, and two of his friends. That's when the party really started! We were ready to go by then! We got all loosened up and then we broke out the boardgames! We played Bananagrams and Clue and Cranium, oh my! We were having such a great time that we missed the countdown. So, we had our own… with some Bambino, haha. P.S. Check out the Bambino link, it's actually hilarious.
See, I put 'i's' in my eyes! bahaha
Thank you, Laura, for such a great night! (and for the photos! I hope it's okay that I stole them :P)
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