...Is what I need to do when I get nervous!!! I lose all ability to speak and think! Just to let you know that I had my interview on 9th December after a lovely, lovely week at the school I went to in July, where I had some valuable learning experiences, and got covered in glitter etc etc (Primary schools + Christmas + glitter coverage are synonymous). However, after my presentation, I had my interview and I was so nervous, that I just kept wittering on in a generally unappealing (i.e. to a PGCE Tutor) manner. The English and Maths tests weren't too bad, though I did make some rather obvious and careless mistakes!
I await the outcome, though I feel with certainty that it will be a negative. However, this isn't a pessimistic feeling- it may be that the IoE wasn't right for me?! Please pray that God will open and shut doors as he sees necessary- may his will be done!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Yay but ahrgh!
How exciting! I got a letter from the Institute of Education on Saturday inviting me for an interview on the 9th December! It's so soon! Little bit concerned as I was meant to be spending that week doing Work experience at a school, but I suppose at least I'll get 4 days in! It's very exciting, but now I'm frantically reading up all my old TES's to keep up on the debates and National Curriculum issues. I think I defo need to refer to Sarah's wonderful blog PGCE tips and make sure I'm up on all of those, though I have been trying to discuss some of these with teachers I know over the past couple of months. I've got to do a presentation on a recent lesson observation that I thought was successful. I think I'm going to talk about a particular very short numeracy time on basic fractions with Year 2, as that's the one that stuck in my mind most! Thanks so much for your help and please pray!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Personal Statement
That's it! I've finished my Personal Statement! I've been stressing for a while about my PGCE application form, because once I've sent it off, there's nothing I can do, it's entirely out of my hands. Now, I'm just waiting for my University tutor to send my reference in! Please could you pray that if it is God's will, that despite my form being in later than I would have wanted, that it wont make a difference and I can still get a place! I have lots of lovely friends including Rach, Sarah B (both great bloggers!), Kathy Longlegs, my friend Nikki and my Daddy who have read things through for me and really provided wonderful support and advice! Big Hug to you all! Now, I've just got my flute recital on 19th November to worry about!
By the way, I've just removed a worm from my sister's patio, as she doesn't like them and I didnt want it to get trodden on. I picked it up with my fingers and not thinking, dropped it from thigh height onto the long grass. Will I have brain damaged it? I'm worried I've done it permanent damage now...
By the way, I've just removed a worm from my sister's patio, as she doesn't like them and I didnt want it to get trodden on. I picked it up with my fingers and not thinking, dropped it from thigh height onto the long grass. Will I have brain damaged it? I'm worried I've done it permanent damage now...
Friday, September 16, 2005
The bubbly stuff
I came across a highly amusing sight on my way to a meeting today. One of our lovely maintenance staff sitting on the museum floor wrapping up articles, flanked by a man-sized roll of PINK bubble-wrap! I restrained from the overwhelming urge to grab a large piece and stamp on it the way they press grapes in the Mediterranean. It then made me think about how if you make the effort to clean and put a strawberry/raspberry/blueberry punnet into the recycling box instead of disposing of it in the bin, then you are rewarded by a small square of bubble wrap.
However, if you are having a rather bad day and alas there is none available for you to take your stress out on, then check this website out dedicated to the ultimate in virtual angst-relievers. Happy popping!
However, if you are having a rather bad day and alas there is none available for you to take your stress out on, then check this website out dedicated to the ultimate in virtual angst-relievers. Happy popping!
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Annual leave
I'm going to be doing work experience at a school near me for the next week to see how I enjoy Primary teaching as have been thinking about it for a while. Please could you pray for me that I learn a lot and really understand whether I am meant to do this as my career path. Please ask God to guide me!
Yay (I think!?)
Yay (I think!?)
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Jerusalamb
Do you think this could be a Rural Contender to try and steal the Crazy frog's crown?
On the subject of sheep, I spent an absolutely beautiful weekend in Craswall in Herefordshire. My main reason for going there was to play flute for a concert at Dore Abbey with the Craswell Players The concert was wonderful, with a wonderful rendition of the Hadyn Cello Concerto by Martiijn Vink.
Anyway, back to the point. It was a beautiful weekend, Craswall is really stunning (very 'famous five' holiday-type country!) and the company was wonderful. I spent a lovely couple of hours just walking up the lanes (I didn't join the party going up the steep hill walks, due to unsuitable footwear AKA flipflops. I was filled with awe and thanks God for the sheer beauty of his creation and allowing me to experience it. In the country there are just a multiplicity of small, exciting treasures to encounter: A beautiful patch of wild ox-eye daisies, a Peacock butterfly dancing by, the magenta magnificence of frequent Foxgloves, a russle of an unidentified mammal lurking behind a hedgerow, the trickling of a surprising stream,even every little leaf on the most insignificant weed to name but a few: its so fascinating and refreshing for an Urban dweller such as me. He really knows how vital just spending time with the His creation is for me!
The ultimate treat (aside from the wonderful repasts provided by the lovely organiser Sue and her team of friends) was feeding some little black lambs on Sunday morning! I met a lovely lady called Linda, who lived just up the road, and I asked her if I could help her feed them, to which she kindly agreed. They were absolutely delightful as they eagerly tried received their bottle full! It was a little like tug of war, as in their enthusiasm they would keep backing away, whilst guzzling for dear life! Once I'd fed them, they let me stroke their wool and pat their heads, and one ardent fellow eagerly tried to nibble my fingers off! I like hand-reared sheep- they always come to you and let you stroke them where as most sheep run away!
We also saw a pair of shorn fugitives who had obviously escaped from their flock, several times. The first time, they stood guiltily munching at a bush as Jo and I drove by, the second, they were gamboling rather like dogs, as they were pursued by two black dogs running in a similar manner, the third time, they were sitting looking rather weary and frightened at the side of the road. I hope their farmer managed to catch them eventually!
Even the journey home provided visual treats, as we drove through the Cotswolds, and stopped for quick leg-stretch and ice-cream at a picturesque place called Burford which we accidently found whilst searching for a service station which was mentioned on a map!
Thanks for a lovely God-given weekend...
On the subject of sheep, I spent an absolutely beautiful weekend in Craswall in Herefordshire. My main reason for going there was to play flute for a concert at Dore Abbey with the Craswell Players The concert was wonderful, with a wonderful rendition of the Hadyn Cello Concerto by Martiijn Vink.
Anyway, back to the point. It was a beautiful weekend, Craswall is really stunning (very 'famous five' holiday-type country!) and the company was wonderful. I spent a lovely couple of hours just walking up the lanes (I didn't join the party going up the steep hill walks, due to unsuitable footwear AKA flipflops. I was filled with awe and thanks God for the sheer beauty of his creation and allowing me to experience it. In the country there are just a multiplicity of small, exciting treasures to encounter: A beautiful patch of wild ox-eye daisies, a Peacock butterfly dancing by, the magenta magnificence of frequent Foxgloves, a russle of an unidentified mammal lurking behind a hedgerow, the trickling of a surprising stream,even every little leaf on the most insignificant weed to name but a few: its so fascinating and refreshing for an Urban dweller such as me. He really knows how vital just spending time with the His creation is for me!
The ultimate treat (aside from the wonderful repasts provided by the lovely organiser Sue and her team of friends) was feeding some little black lambs on Sunday morning! I met a lovely lady called Linda, who lived just up the road, and I asked her if I could help her feed them, to which she kindly agreed. They were absolutely delightful as they eagerly tried received their bottle full! It was a little like tug of war, as in their enthusiasm they would keep backing away, whilst guzzling for dear life! Once I'd fed them, they let me stroke their wool and pat their heads, and one ardent fellow eagerly tried to nibble my fingers off! I like hand-reared sheep- they always come to you and let you stroke them where as most sheep run away!
We also saw a pair of shorn fugitives who had obviously escaped from their flock, several times. The first time, they stood guiltily munching at a bush as Jo and I drove by, the second, they were gamboling rather like dogs, as they were pursued by two black dogs running in a similar manner, the third time, they were sitting looking rather weary and frightened at the side of the road. I hope their farmer managed to catch them eventually!
Even the journey home provided visual treats, as we drove through the Cotswolds, and stopped for quick leg-stretch and ice-cream at a picturesque place called Burford which we accidently found whilst searching for a service station which was mentioned on a map!
Thanks for a lovely God-given weekend...
Friday, June 17, 2005
Smoothie incentive
Lured by the prospect of a free-smoothie from M&S, courtesy of Metro, I walked to Marylebone Station M&S (to sadly find they had all gone) having decided to combne it with a trip to the http://www.archivebookstore.co.uk/
Archive Bookstore . This shop is amazing, as it is a reasonable second hand bookstore which has a really impressive collection of secondhand music, as well as numerous other types of book. I'd recommend it if you are ever looking for anything? I ended up with 4 Doctor Who novels, a book on early Christians and two really nice ancient looking copies of the book of common prayer, and 'Christian cheer'. Oh and I bought some nice new ballet shoes from a ballet shop, served by a very kind old man.
Well, I'm off to try the Angel M&S...
Archive Bookstore . This shop is amazing, as it is a reasonable second hand bookstore which has a really impressive collection of secondhand music, as well as numerous other types of book. I'd recommend it if you are ever looking for anything? I ended up with 4 Doctor Who novels, a book on early Christians and two really nice ancient looking copies of the book of common prayer, and 'Christian cheer'. Oh and I bought some nice new ballet shoes from a ballet shop, served by a very kind old man.
Well, I'm off to try the Angel M&S...
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Piggies
There are so many quizzes on the internet- that say they define your personality by your responses to things (i.e. like the film thing below- thanks for that Rach!). I remember as a teenager, being distraught or wildly pleased by the quizzes in magazines, which told me what I was like. However, I discovered a great one yesterday, which despite, telling me things I'd never known about myself- however, happens to have a very fun way to discover things about yourself!Check out this great quiz!
I cant seem to find mine, otherwise I'd direct you to look at it!
I cant seem to find mine, otherwise I'd direct you to look at it!
Friday, June 03, 2005
May the farm be with you!
Storewars is probably the funniest thing I have seen in ages! Do have a look- it's hilarious!
I like the Egg-troopers!
I like the Egg-troopers!
Always take a lunchbreak!
Due to manic deadline thingie with coursework today, I somehow managed to avoid having a lunchbreak, due to lack of time. I think somehow that I would have worked more productively had I given in and taken one. It's 19:25 and I'm still here, I consumed 3/4 box of Green and Blacks chocolates during the day that were meant to be a Birthday present for someone and now I really just want to go home :-) Think I might skip Gamelan!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Screwball Scramble!
I didn't want to bore people and take up space on Chris's blog waffling on about this, but a wonderful load of nostalgic comments followed Chris' great posting about playground games. And this reminded me of the most wonderful game!
Were you allowed to bring your own games into school to play on the last day of term? We were and in my school, the must-have game of the late-eighties was Screwball Scramble the mad maze that was meant to be completed in a minute! I got one for my eleventh birthday, and even now, when I see it, it reminds me of how excited I was when I got it for my birthday, after longing for one for about 3 years! I would play it for hours, though my older sister Clo was so much better at it than me! What a great game!
Were you allowed to bring your own games into school to play on the last day of term? We were and in my school, the must-have game of the late-eighties was Screwball Scramble the mad maze that was meant to be completed in a minute! I got one for my eleventh birthday, and even now, when I see it, it reminds me of how excited I was when I got it for my birthday, after longing for one for about 3 years! I would play it for hours, though my older sister Clo was so much better at it than me! What a great game!
I love parks!
My lovely friend Nikki and I have decided to send each other a list of positive things that have happened during the day, at the end of the said day. This is to encourage positive thoughts and appreciation of what has gone well in our day! The list I gave her on Monday were as follows (meant to post it then):
"1. Beautiful walk in the park, making a daisy chain, having
conversations with ducks (and making the people sitting on the bench
near by think I'm crazy!), collecting discarded birds feathers,
picking up bits of a Catkin tree/bush which had been blown off- just
like kitten fur!!!! Having a lovely time thanking God for his
beautiful creation!
2. Having decided not to eat anything at lunchtime so I could focus
on the beautiful rest and loveliness of the park and feeling quite
peckish after, went to a meeting, to discover loads and
loads of sandwiches and fruit left from previous meeting in there.
Consumed large amount of fruit during the course of the meeting whilst making very accurate notes!
3. Evening off tonight, apart from Whizzbang meeting, to discuss
things needed to be done now!
4. Exciting holiday to look forward to.
5. Having lovely friends at work to cheer me up, like Nikki and Sharon
etc...
6. Ooooh, suddenly realising I have not craved chocolate at all so
far today!
7. Determined to leave at 5 for once, particularly since I got her at 9am this morning!"
(Ok, so I didn't quite manage that one, but the thought was there...)
"1. Beautiful walk in the park, making a daisy chain, having
conversations with ducks (and making the people sitting on the bench
near by think I'm crazy!), collecting discarded birds feathers,
picking up bits of a Catkin tree/bush which had been blown off- just
like kitten fur!!!! Having a lovely time thanking God for his
beautiful creation!
2. Having decided not to eat anything at lunchtime so I could focus
on the beautiful rest and loveliness of the park and feeling quite
peckish after, went to a meeting, to discover loads and
loads of sandwiches and fruit left from previous meeting in there.
Consumed large amount of fruit during the course of the meeting whilst making very accurate notes!
3. Evening off tonight, apart from Whizzbang meeting, to discuss
things needed to be done now!
4. Exciting holiday to look forward to.
5. Having lovely friends at work to cheer me up, like Nikki and Sharon
etc...
6. Ooooh, suddenly realising I have not craved chocolate at all so
far today!
7. Determined to leave at 5 for once, particularly since I got her at 9am this morning!"
(Ok, so I didn't quite manage that one, but the thought was there...)
Friday, May 20, 2005
Random thoughts on silly memories
I sometimes wonder how my mind makes links to things that I suddenly begin to think of! Often people puzzle at how on earth I have managed to change the subject from skiing in France, to Chocolate Spread, and why I am confused at why they have no idea what I am on about! I quite like the way it works, as sometimes, I'll end up remembering or thinking about something or someone I haven't thought about for years, sometimes, even since childhood, if I am just sitting in my own thoughts!
Yesterday, two funny (well I found them funny!) memories occured to me which delighted me on a train around 11pm (disconcerting for those around, when for no reason, the slightly scatty looking girl with hundreds of bags, inc. an R2D2 one suddenly starts laughing for no apparent reason).
The first was of when I was in Infants school- I think I must have been around 6-7 years old,(must have been 1987-8) and it was the time of the General Election, and my school were holding a fundraising mock election for us kids, where we could vote for who we wanted to get in. I remember finding it hilarious at the time, that this lovely girl called Victoria came up to me with her voting ballot, and I asked her who she was going to vote for? Indicating the Conservative box (obviously for Thatcher), she answered "The Queen"
The Second, was a bit later on in Primary school when we were around 8ish, and we had recently finished learning up to our 12 times tables. (which was where education on the subject of times tables, ended at that time) I had been a bit cheeky at the weekend, and had gone home and decided to learn my thirteen times table, (and also learnt 99 x 99 = 9801- why, I don't know!). I went up to a friend called Lisa, and said to her, "Guess what 13 x 13 is" and she replied, that there was no such thing. To which I replied that there was indeed such a thing, and my calculator told me so. She calmly replied "Your calculator is up the creek". And would not hear another thing about it. Amazing the misconceptions that can occur!
(Actually, just typing this has just moved my mind onto other memories and associations! I love this game!)
Does anyone else have this sort of mind?
Yesterday, two funny (well I found them funny!) memories occured to me which delighted me on a train around 11pm (disconcerting for those around, when for no reason, the slightly scatty looking girl with hundreds of bags, inc. an R2D2 one suddenly starts laughing for no apparent reason).
The first was of when I was in Infants school- I think I must have been around 6-7 years old,(must have been 1987-8) and it was the time of the General Election, and my school were holding a fundraising mock election for us kids, where we could vote for who we wanted to get in. I remember finding it hilarious at the time, that this lovely girl called Victoria came up to me with her voting ballot, and I asked her who she was going to vote for? Indicating the Conservative box (obviously for Thatcher), she answered "The Queen"
The Second, was a bit later on in Primary school when we were around 8ish, and we had recently finished learning up to our 12 times tables. (which was where education on the subject of times tables, ended at that time) I had been a bit cheeky at the weekend, and had gone home and decided to learn my thirteen times table, (and also learnt 99 x 99 = 9801- why, I don't know!). I went up to a friend called Lisa, and said to her, "Guess what 13 x 13 is" and she replied, that there was no such thing. To which I replied that there was indeed such a thing, and my calculator told me so. She calmly replied "Your calculator is up the creek". And would not hear another thing about it. Amazing the misconceptions that can occur!
(Actually, just typing this has just moved my mind onto other memories and associations! I love this game!)
Does anyone else have this sort of mind?
Gifts of the Spirit
Not many people read my blog, but I am intrigued at what those precious few of you might think?! We were studying 1 Corithians 12 3-15 yesterday at my home-group, and one of the questions we were asking ourselves if we personally desire any particular gifts of the Holy Spirit, and why?
Whilst part of me wants to leave it up to God, praying for all and receiving what he thinks(which was the opinion of some of the group) part of me also eagerly desires to have the gifts of wisdom and healing. Wisdom, because I say, do and think so many stupid things that I am sure make God very angry, and healing, because I would like to help those in pain and fear (esp. those who dont know God, since it might bring them to belief somehow?) and also because it part of me thinks that if someone who is very important in my life could really believe in the gifts of the holy spirit, then she wouldn't seek those sorts of alternative means which have pagan influences, which I feel are the cause of her problems...
I always feel self-conscious writing about these things, because I really don't know anything, but here's my humble opinion...
Whilst part of me wants to leave it up to God, praying for all and receiving what he thinks(which was the opinion of some of the group) part of me also eagerly desires to have the gifts of wisdom and healing. Wisdom, because I say, do and think so many stupid things that I am sure make God very angry, and healing, because I would like to help those in pain and fear (esp. those who dont know God, since it might bring them to belief somehow?) and also because it part of me thinks that if someone who is very important in my life could really believe in the gifts of the holy spirit, then she wouldn't seek those sorts of alternative means which have pagan influences, which I feel are the cause of her problems...
I always feel self-conscious writing about these things, because I really don't know anything, but here's my humble opinion...
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Anyone for a Frozen tent?
I decided at around 12.45am on Saturday night, that it really was time to go back to my tent, I could not avoid the inevitable anymore. And when I unzipped my tent, it felt strangely hard- it was that cold that it had frozen solid! Which didnt bode well considering, the night before, I had gone to my tent (not frozen) and despite having a quilt and woolen blanket under me, being inside a sleeping bag, with cotton sleeping bag liner, duvet on top, wearing thick pajamas, sweatshirt, fleece socks, sheepskin furry bootees, wool gloves, woolen hat pulled down over nose, hot water bottle for feet, and a microawavable wheat bag round neck, and could not sleep whatsoever, due to being rather cold!
So, after viewing the ice, I decided also to wear a vest-top underneath, got a sort of patio chair cushion at the bottom of the blanket pile and wore a scarf. I managed to get to sleep fairly soon, but woke up all of a sudden, feeling absolutely nauseous, tasting and smelling (Imagination I think?) the (what had been delicious) curry I had had for dinner. Feeling all hot and bothered and praying that I wasnt going to be sick, I slept like a baby the rest of the evening and woke up feeling absolutely fine!
Aside from that,the weekend was absolutely wonderful! The Planets is a marvellous suite, with movements that really capture the 'character' of the mythological Roman gods. My alto flute behaved itself (I also had to play flute and picc!Amusing moment swapping from picc to Alto flute!) we ate loads of delicious food, which was cunningly themed around the names of the Planets, some conceived with extremely groan-inducing wit (Neptune's pie- a fishy concoction, with peas brought by Venus!). I also had an absolutely beautiful time on Saturday afternoon, walking in the woods, spending sometime chatting to God and thanking him for our beautiful earth! It was just wonderful! I am so awed by his creation!
Camp is one of my happy places! Does anyone else have any particular happy places?
So, after viewing the ice, I decided also to wear a vest-top underneath, got a sort of patio chair cushion at the bottom of the blanket pile and wore a scarf. I managed to get to sleep fairly soon, but woke up all of a sudden, feeling absolutely nauseous, tasting and smelling (Imagination I think?) the (what had been delicious) curry I had had for dinner. Feeling all hot and bothered and praying that I wasnt going to be sick, I slept like a baby the rest of the evening and woke up feeling absolutely fine!
Aside from that,the weekend was absolutely wonderful! The Planets is a marvellous suite, with movements that really capture the 'character' of the mythological Roman gods. My alto flute behaved itself (I also had to play flute and picc!Amusing moment swapping from picc to Alto flute!) we ate loads of delicious food, which was cunningly themed around the names of the Planets, some conceived with extremely groan-inducing wit (Neptune's pie- a fishy concoction, with peas brought by Venus!). I also had an absolutely beautiful time on Saturday afternoon, walking in the woods, spending sometime chatting to God and thanking him for our beautiful earth! It was just wonderful! I am so awed by his creation!
Camp is one of my happy places! Does anyone else have any particular happy places?
Friday, May 13, 2005
A riddle for Friday
I think that 0.7734 is a very nice polite and friendly number. Why is this then?
Answers on a postcard, and I'm off to lunch.
Answers on a postcard, and I'm off to lunch.
Wonderful weekend!
It's almost the next weekend, but I had a wonderful time last weekend, going to Music camp, and playing flute for Utopia Ltd. It was a absolutely beautiful weekend, despite freezing cold evenings where I didnt sleep that well. Things I am thankful for:
-Glorious sunshine and soft green grass
-The beautiful bluebells and enthusiastic greenery- who needs man-made art!
-Hot showers after a freezing cold night!
-Wonderful food, made by Nick, sharing the mound of washing up amongst friends
-The Ceilidh- three hours of hilarious exercise!
-The beauty of the Hughenden valley on the way to church
-Silly costumes- sarong, vest top and flipflops in early May, with Dandelion hair accessories!
-Managing to put my tent up nearly all on my own (thanks to those who aided!)- it's taken 10 years of camping, but am almost capable of doing it alone!
-Playing lovely flute trios with lovely Oliver and new friend Alex who is such a kind and friendly lady!
-Seeing Naomi! She's training to be a Doctor in Cardiff, but made it down for the weekend!
-Escaping London- fresh air!!!
I'm off to Music Camp again this weekend, to play The Planets . I'm playing Alto Flute, which is really great, because I rarely get to play it! I can't wait for that, and for more lovely countryside!
Am off to a the Manning Camerata's last concert of the season tonight. It'll be the first concert I'll have made of this new professional orchestra, and I confess, am really looking forward to it! Have heard good things about it so far!
-Glorious sunshine and soft green grass
-The beautiful bluebells and enthusiastic greenery- who needs man-made art!
-Hot showers after a freezing cold night!
-Wonderful food, made by Nick, sharing the mound of washing up amongst friends
-The Ceilidh- three hours of hilarious exercise!
-The beauty of the Hughenden valley on the way to church
-Silly costumes- sarong, vest top and flipflops in early May, with Dandelion hair accessories!
-Managing to put my tent up nearly all on my own (thanks to those who aided!)- it's taken 10 years of camping, but am almost capable of doing it alone!
-Playing lovely flute trios with lovely Oliver and new friend Alex who is such a kind and friendly lady!
-Seeing Naomi! She's training to be a Doctor in Cardiff, but made it down for the weekend!
-Escaping London- fresh air!!!
I'm off to Music Camp again this weekend, to play The Planets . I'm playing Alto Flute, which is really great, because I rarely get to play it! I can't wait for that, and for more lovely countryside!
Am off to a the Manning Camerata's last concert of the season tonight. It'll be the first concert I'll have made of this new professional orchestra, and I confess, am really looking forward to it! Have heard good things about it so far!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Poor piteous creature
No, I'm not talking about the losers in the Election. I am talking about the poor Dalek in Doctor Who last Saturday. I never thought I'd see the day when a Dalek would make me cry! But it did indeed seem to be a sad and great loss when the Dalek couldn't cope with being a being with feelings, emotions and compassion, and regarded it as a sickness. I imagined a whole new beautiful thing, where the Dalek would turn out to be the Doctor's friend, and both would put aside their differences and work together for the greater good. The Dalek would be a lively companion for the Doctor and Rose as they travelled round the Universe. Like a small child it would learn new experiences. It would learn to show compassion, to help others, it would learn friendship and love. It could be the start of the Doctor's life-long mission to convert all the universe to good! (a bit like in The Witches when Grandmother and the little boy decide to go round the world turning all the witches into mice, except slightly different!). Mind you, I am the person who wanted Christine Daae to choose the Phantom and generally feels sorry for the baddie!
It was a great episode though! Though people are of course forgetting that Daleks already could go up the stairs, as in a Sylvester McCoy adventure Remembrance of the Daleks they did!
Am really liking the new series- it's the first programme in frankly ages, that I've really really been enjoying, and videoing if not in! Hurrah for the BBC!
It was a great episode though! Though people are of course forgetting that Daleks already could go up the stairs, as in a Sylvester McCoy adventure Remembrance of the Daleks they did!
Am really liking the new series- it's the first programme in frankly ages, that I've really really been enjoying, and videoing if not in! Hurrah for the BBC!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Is this a good idea or has the world gone maaaad?
We just had really nice cakes and tea to celebrate a work-friend's birthday, which was really lovely! She had received a birthday present through the post, which was bananaguard . Now, in regard to a previous blog where some discussion ensued on the subject of fruit getting squashed and mouldy in a bag, this does seem a quite good idea. But then I think, as humans, we've become a little crazy and expect something for everything, and what's wrong with a normal tupperware lunchbox?! It reminds me of a Ben Elton sketch where he was talking about where M&S were making everything easier for people, to reduce time being used for preparing it, and taking it to the extreme he talked about them in future selling something like packaged poo, which you could chuck down the toilet to cut out the middle man!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Yeoach!
I realise that I spent 15 hours and twenty-five minutes rehearsing at the weekend for one orchestra, followed by 1.5 hours rehearsing on Monday night, and then a 2 hour concert! It usually doesnt seem so bad, but for the fact I have a really really really sore throat now! I'm not moaning, honestly, just coming to the realisation!
Still, I know Mahler 4th Symphony very well now!
Still, I know Mahler 4th Symphony very well now!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
More secret passages!
The Academy is quite an old building, and grand building. I've often wondered if it has secret-places and passageways that no-one knows about, and did discover the existence an exciting store for old files which is not noticeable, as it looks like part of the wall sometime last summer. However, I was returning from lunch, and as I entered the stairwell, there was a huge gaping hole which had previously been floor (and indeed frequently has guitarists practising in that spot!). I had a quick peak into the brightly-lit, stark white hole, but upon hearing a knocking noise, fled up the stairs. On the way to photocopy earlier, the floor had returned to its usual inconspicuous state, but there was a KNOCKING coming from below!
Now either, a trap-door has been installed, to dispose of those playing squeaky gate contemporary music, or I have discovered another entrance to Narnia! Hmmmmmmmm...
Now either, a trap-door has been installed, to dispose of those playing squeaky gate contemporary music, or I have discovered another entrance to Narnia! Hmmmmmmmm...
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Guess what I've been doing this afternoon...?
I've been cutting up large sticky labels into minute 5mm square stickers and drawing numbers on them and sticking them to 50 violin bridges!
Bet you've never done that before!
Bet you've never done that before!
Friday, April 22, 2005
bringing the flute
Why is it that, every Thursday, I always bring my flute with me, with the aim of practising for an hour before Gamelan, yet instead of faithfully stopping work at 5pm, and going to City, and then practising, I always end up working till about 17.50, and end up rushing to Gamelan, bolting my salad down on the train, and not practising at all...
On a positive note, we had a really good Gamelan rehearsal with Pak Dibia playing through Kebyar Duduk, Sekar Jagat, Topeng Monyer, Margapati. And I remembered to 'mind the gap' on the way home!
On a positive note, we had a really good Gamelan rehearsal with Pak Dibia playing through Kebyar Duduk, Sekar Jagat, Topeng Monyer, Margapati. And I remembered to 'mind the gap' on the way home!
Environment!
Hi!
Chris, the vicar at my church handed me an envelope last night and said it was for me. When I got home, I discovered it was an environmental policy leaflet from the Diocese, asking us to consider environmental issues as an integral part of our parish life, and then asked for someone to be nominated as Environmental Officer for the church. Do you think that Chris (knowing how I feel about recycling etc, and the fact I was thinking of doing a series of articles for our magazine on environmental tips and living etc!) was suggesting that I be that? I don't want to presume, but I would like to try and do SOMETHING to make our congregation to really live in a green style, respectful of the wonderful world that God has given us. It's certainly reminded me that I wanted to go and ask the Principal at the RAM about environmental policies here if nothing else! Can you pray for me, that if indeed God does want me to encourage others (and of course myself since I still certainly am guilty of not living economically) try and respect his creation and resources more, that he shows me how, and guides me? Thanks!
Chris, the vicar at my church handed me an envelope last night and said it was for me. When I got home, I discovered it was an environmental policy leaflet from the Diocese, asking us to consider environmental issues as an integral part of our parish life, and then asked for someone to be nominated as Environmental Officer for the church. Do you think that Chris (knowing how I feel about recycling etc, and the fact I was thinking of doing a series of articles for our magazine on environmental tips and living etc!) was suggesting that I be that? I don't want to presume, but I would like to try and do SOMETHING to make our congregation to really live in a green style, respectful of the wonderful world that God has given us. It's certainly reminded me that I wanted to go and ask the Principal at the RAM about environmental policies here if nothing else! Can you pray for me, that if indeed God does want me to encourage others (and of course myself since I still certainly am guilty of not living economically) try and respect his creation and resources more, that he shows me how, and guides me? Thanks!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Secret panels and passage-ways!
I'm reading 'Five go adventuring again'- number two of Enid Blyton's Famous Five series of books, despite the funny looks I may get in the staff room or on the tube. I havent read this particular book for several years, since I gave (well gave as long as she doesnt try to get rid of them, as I would like them for my kids once she's too old!) my whole collection of Enid Blyton books to my younger sister Alex (but couldn't resist the second-hand book-shop on Youghal strand!). It was always one of my favourites, since it was concerned with the finding of a secret passageway, leading from Kirrin cottage, to Kirrin farm! I still live in hope that I will stay in a place on day, which has some sort of hidey-hole, passageway, Blytonesque secret! Has anyone ever found one? Answers on a postcards please!
Last October, I stayed at the IMS house in Prussia Cove (have a look at http://www.kco.org.uk and follow the links for photos) with my orchestra to play Chamber music, and I thought this would the most amazing place for finding some secret passageway! It was definitely Blyton country. Built into a cliff, it has a large number of quaint rooms with large window seats (I did tap it to see if it was hollow and leads into catacombes, but sadly not), a lovely wall with a series of wooden panels, that begged to be tapped to see if they revealed a secret way (they didn't), a mysterious door shape in a wall which didnt have a handle (turned out to have hoovers and brooms in it), very large wardrobes (didnt reveal a lamp-post in the middle of a wood, no matter how hard I tried not to expect it, though we're getting onto the wrong author now). Mind you, I didnt have much time to explore all the rooms, as I was only there for 2 days, so if I go again this year, Who knows? Watch this space...
Last October, I stayed at the IMS house in Prussia Cove (have a look at http://www.kco.org.uk and follow the links for photos) with my orchestra to play Chamber music, and I thought this would the most amazing place for finding some secret passageway! It was definitely Blyton country. Built into a cliff, it has a large number of quaint rooms with large window seats (I did tap it to see if it was hollow and leads into catacombes, but sadly not), a lovely wall with a series of wooden panels, that begged to be tapped to see if they revealed a secret way (they didn't), a mysterious door shape in a wall which didnt have a handle (turned out to have hoovers and brooms in it), very large wardrobes (didnt reveal a lamp-post in the middle of a wood, no matter how hard I tried not to expect it, though we're getting onto the wrong author now). Mind you, I didnt have much time to explore all the rooms, as I was only there for 2 days, so if I go again this year, Who knows? Watch this space...
lunch!
Oooooh, how exciting!!! (well, I'm a bit geeky!)-I was eating my lunch rather late and Peter Maxwell Davies (v famous classical composer, who is the subject of the current festival at the SBC and RAM) was sitting in there eating his lunch with the Maggini quartet! WOW! I was too shy to talk to him at all, but was quite awed by it!
After having spent so long learning and doing my final year lecture recital on his solo flute piece 'The Kestrel paced round the sun' (a great incredibly atmospheric piece!) I developed this awe for him! And lucky man to live on his own Orkney island!
He looks very normal in real life!
After having spent so long learning and doing my final year lecture recital on his solo flute piece 'The Kestrel paced round the sun' (a great incredibly atmospheric piece!) I developed this awe for him! And lucky man to live on his own Orkney island!
He looks very normal in real life!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Jengarchitecture
You know the clichè, you buy a small child an expensive present and they will discard the highly sort-after contents in favour of playing 'House' with the box.
After a delicious dinner at Amy and Simon's house on Friday night, a rather tense game of 'Jenga' ensued. Why is it that you feel like you've been held up at gun-point once your turn has gone? And woe-betide knocking the tower over- that's equivalent to high treason! After achieving a rather impressive 29 levels, sadly the tower fell. And true to form above, Gareth and Simon proceeded to spend the next twenty-five minutes fashioning rather eccentric designed buildings out of Jenga blocks! I took a photo with my phone, which I'll post if I can work out how! (ok, ok, how many of us will admit that we have done that?)
Had a rather lovely weekend after that, spending a great amount of time making greeting cards for various people! Ooooooh, it's sooo nice to spend time creating things!
After a delicious dinner at Amy and Simon's house on Friday night, a rather tense game of 'Jenga' ensued. Why is it that you feel like you've been held up at gun-point once your turn has gone? And woe-betide knocking the tower over- that's equivalent to high treason! After achieving a rather impressive 29 levels, sadly the tower fell. And true to form above, Gareth and Simon proceeded to spend the next twenty-five minutes fashioning rather eccentric designed buildings out of Jenga blocks! I took a photo with my phone, which I'll post if I can work out how! (ok, ok, how many of us will admit that we have done that?)
Had a rather lovely weekend after that, spending a great amount of time making greeting cards for various people! Ooooooh, it's sooo nice to spend time creating things!
Monday, April 18, 2005
Jengarchitecture
You know the clichè, you buy a small child an expensive present and they will discard the highly sort-after contents in favour of playing 'House' with the box.
After a delicious dinner at Amy and Simon's house on Friday night, a rather tense game of 'Jenga' ensued. Why is it that you feel like you've been held up at gun-point once your turn has gone? And woe-betide knocking the tower over- that's equivalent to high treason! After achieving a rather impressive 29 levels, sadly the tower fell. And true to form above, Gareth and Simon proceeded to spend the next twenty-five minutes fashioning rather eccentric designed buildings out of Jenga blocks! I took a photo with my phone, which I'll post if I can work out how! (ok, ok, how many of us will admit that we have done that?)
Had a rather lovely weekend after that, spending a great amount of time making greeting cards for various people! Ooooooh, it's sooo nice to spend time creating things!
After a delicious dinner at Amy and Simon's house on Friday night, a rather tense game of 'Jenga' ensued. Why is it that you feel like you've been held up at gun-point once your turn has gone? And woe-betide knocking the tower over- that's equivalent to high treason! After achieving a rather impressive 29 levels, sadly the tower fell. And true to form above, Gareth and Simon proceeded to spend the next twenty-five minutes fashioning rather eccentric designed buildings out of Jenga blocks! I took a photo with my phone, which I'll post if I can work out how! (ok, ok, how many of us will admit that we have done that?)
Had a rather lovely weekend after that, spending a great amount of time making greeting cards for various people! Ooooooh, it's sooo nice to spend time creating things!
Friday, April 15, 2005
eurgh!
Eurgh! Don't ever just throw a piece of fruit into a bag full of stuff! I put a rather ripe pear into my bag this morning, and have just got it out to eat for my lunch, and discovered the pear skewered onto my hairbrush in my bag. Result, a mangled pear and a slimy hairbrush. Yuck yuck yuck...
"Mind the Pigeon!"
I had two embarassing mishaps yesterday!
1.) I was entering City University for my Gamelan rehearsal and think I held the door open too long, as a pigeon seemed to fly through the door with me. I attempted to sneak up on it as it stood in the corridor looking at me, and then it decided to fly down the corridor with myself in hot pursuit. We reached the stairwell before the music office where it perched on the banister, where I knew all was lost if it went downstairs! I approached it from the other side, and it flew into the computer room, followed closely by myself.... And was greeted by a class of students, I looked at them, and looked at the pigeon who had flown up to the pipe at the top of the room (and who was blatantly thinking "ner ner ner ner ner"), and just collapsed into laughter. I just slowly backed out of the room and made my way to my rehearsal. Wonder where it is now...
2.) Wending my weary way from the rehearsal later on, after a lovely chat with Gamelan friends in the pub, I made the dash up the spiral stairway at Bank, to run to catch the Central line eastbound. We London-dwellers, must all have grown used to the Dalek-like voice which orders one to "Mind the Gap". Well, I must have been away with the fairies, and most certainly DIDN'T mind the gap, and found myself falling straight into the gap beside the train. I looked at the ankles of other late-night commuters in silence, and as someone hauled me out of the gap, burst into racuous laughter. I ask you,How is one supposed to regain one's self-respect whilst reading a Famous Five book, clutching an R2D2 handbag surrounded by witnesses to such an embarassing mistake?!
Hmmmm....
1.) I was entering City University for my Gamelan rehearsal and think I held the door open too long, as a pigeon seemed to fly through the door with me. I attempted to sneak up on it as it stood in the corridor looking at me, and then it decided to fly down the corridor with myself in hot pursuit. We reached the stairwell before the music office where it perched on the banister, where I knew all was lost if it went downstairs! I approached it from the other side, and it flew into the computer room, followed closely by myself.... And was greeted by a class of students, I looked at them, and looked at the pigeon who had flown up to the pipe at the top of the room (and who was blatantly thinking "ner ner ner ner ner"), and just collapsed into laughter. I just slowly backed out of the room and made my way to my rehearsal. Wonder where it is now...
2.) Wending my weary way from the rehearsal later on, after a lovely chat with Gamelan friends in the pub, I made the dash up the spiral stairway at Bank, to run to catch the Central line eastbound. We London-dwellers, must all have grown used to the Dalek-like voice which orders one to "Mind the Gap". Well, I must have been away with the fairies, and most certainly DIDN'T mind the gap, and found myself falling straight into the gap beside the train. I looked at the ankles of other late-night commuters in silence, and as someone hauled me out of the gap, burst into racuous laughter. I ask you,How is one supposed to regain one's self-respect whilst reading a Famous Five book, clutching an R2D2 handbag surrounded by witnesses to such an embarassing mistake?!
Hmmmm....
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Gamelan mishaps!
Lila Cita played for a SOAS seminar on Indonesian dance and art yesterday, and it wasnt until we'd started the second piece, that I realised, I had in fact, never attempted to play this version on this particular kind of Gamelan. And it brought back scary memories of all those times in Bali where my friend/teacher Gede invited myself and Yoshie (lovely Japanese girl) to play with his group. The worst being, a high profile dance competition at the Bali Arts Centre where the group were accompanying these dancers with very important people present. And I knew about 2% of the music. And the one piece I thought I knew, was in fact the full 30min version of the piece- played at Balinese speed (for the layman, this is faster than the speed of light!)- Oooooooh, the SHAME of it! Still, I think these experiences are character-building (I would hope!), since I continually put myself into a scary-situation which would challenge me, would increase my humility (since without a doubt, it would prove that I was useless), and er-well, we always got given nice food.
Last night, was good for me, because it reminded me that I have soooooo much to learn, I got to play Gamelan accompanying Pak Dibya dancing Topeng Monya (Pak Dibya is a very very famous Balinese Musician/Dancer), and for comedy value, wore full Balinese male costume! Hmmmm, wonder if anyone noticed my mistakes....
Last night, was good for me, because it reminded me that I have soooooo much to learn, I got to play Gamelan accompanying Pak Dibya dancing Topeng Monya (Pak Dibya is a very very famous Balinese Musician/Dancer), and for comedy value, wore full Balinese male costume! Hmmmm, wonder if anyone noticed my mistakes....
Friday, April 08, 2005
Yay! 5pm!
I just discovered this really cool website whilst looking on the TES website, trying to get any ideas for how Open Academy can develop and promote itself further, and got side-tracked and found this cool website!
http://www.iwrotethissongforyou.com/kidssongs.html
what a fantastic idea! I always thought how cool it would be to create songs for people on specific subjects, and someone's done it!
I also went to this really good meeting last night for Redbridge 'Faith Forum'. It's basically, a place, where those of faith can express their opinion on the development of Ilford, and come together and discuss things. At least, I think so. I really hope that it can continue, and that type of thing will really have an impact in a borough, which despite many good points, does have a large amount of crime and depravation.
Aaaaahrgh, it's just started to rain and thunder, and I dont have the remotest item of clothing which is waterproof! Help!
http://www.iwrotethissongforyou.com/kidssongs.html
what a fantastic idea! I always thought how cool it would be to create songs for people on specific subjects, and someone's done it!
I also went to this really good meeting last night for Redbridge 'Faith Forum'. It's basically, a place, where those of faith can express their opinion on the development of Ilford, and come together and discuss things. At least, I think so. I really hope that it can continue, and that type of thing will really have an impact in a borough, which despite many good points, does have a large amount of crime and depravation.
Aaaaahrgh, it's just started to rain and thunder, and I dont have the remotest item of clothing which is waterproof! Help!
Yay! 5pm!
I just discovered this really cool website whilst looking on the TES website, trying to get any ideas for how Open Academy can develop and promote itself further, and got side-tracked and found this cool website!
http://www.iwrotethissongforyou.com/kidssongs.html
what a fantastic idea! I always thought how cool it would be to create songs for people on specific subjects, and someone's done it!
I also went to this really good meeting last night for Redbridge 'Faith Forum'. It's basically, a place, where those of faith can express their opinion on the development of Ilford, and come together and discuss things. At least, I think so. I really hope that it can continue, and that type of thing will really have an impact in a borough, which despite many good points, does have a large amount of crime and depravation.
Aaaaahrgh, it's just started to rain and thunder, and I dont have the remotest item of clothing which is waterproof! Help!
http://www.iwrotethissongforyou.com/kidssongs.html
what a fantastic idea! I always thought how cool it would be to create songs for people on specific subjects, and someone's done it!
I also went to this really good meeting last night for Redbridge 'Faith Forum'. It's basically, a place, where those of faith can express their opinion on the development of Ilford, and come together and discuss things. At least, I think so. I really hope that it can continue, and that type of thing will really have an impact in a borough, which despite many good points, does have a large amount of crime and depravation.
Aaaaahrgh, it's just started to rain and thunder, and I dont have the remotest item of clothing which is waterproof! Help!
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Art, inspiration and time
I've been looking at Rachel's blog for ages, and it made me realise, it's a really good way to order your thoughts and think about things, and to get other people's opinions on them (well, hoping to). So I thought I'd try, and see if it helps me to!
My friend Rachel (the same one!) was talking to me about Artwork she had done which
was inspired by reading of psalms, which I thought was amazing! I had
been drawn to an amazing picture on her wall, which she had done
inspired by the first lines of psalm 8, and the natural picture
showing God's name in undercurrents. I realised, that it is really
true, that unless inspiration is with you, then it is really hard to
produce art (whether music, drawing, painting, writing of poems etc),
which has made me realise why I've been finding it hard to compose
music at the moment. I think I need to pray for inspiration and
really work out what I want to do,set aside a peaceful time for it.
I've been trying to compose recently, in a rushed, stressful
environment, and not really devoting time to it, and not planning,
and then been annoyed at why I dont seem to be able to do anything.
How can I do anything of value if I dont take the time? Thanks God
for reminding me through Rachel, that I need to be still, take time,
plan and trust in your inspiration!
My friend Rachel (the same one!) was talking to me about Artwork she had done which
was inspired by reading of psalms, which I thought was amazing! I had
been drawn to an amazing picture on her wall, which she had done
inspired by the first lines of psalm 8, and the natural picture
showing God's name in undercurrents. I realised, that it is really
true, that unless inspiration is with you, then it is really hard to
produce art (whether music, drawing, painting, writing of poems etc),
which has made me realise why I've been finding it hard to compose
music at the moment. I think I need to pray for inspiration and
really work out what I want to do,set aside a peaceful time for it.
I've been trying to compose recently, in a rushed, stressful
environment, and not really devoting time to it, and not planning,
and then been annoyed at why I dont seem to be able to do anything.
How can I do anything of value if I dont take the time? Thanks God
for reminding me through Rachel, that I need to be still, take time,
plan and trust in your inspiration!
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