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| Thursday, February 8th, 2007 | | 11:40 am |
Snow!  | | Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 | | 9:25 pm |
This pgce business is tiring... Only two days to go. Current Mood:  exhausted | | Tuesday, November 21st, 2006 | | 3:30 pm |
Arr
Well, things are not going too badly here, despite the fact that number of tasks that we have to do are increasing! I can't belive the number of things I have to do by the end of term, and the end of term is only three weeks away! This pgce business is going quickly...
I've had a few good lessons. I do however have a huge list of things that I need to improve on, so it's not all clover. Can't complain though, it's all part of the process.
I managed to get two level 2's for my first batch of PS essays, which is good news. Only have that pesky numeracy skills test to worry about. Grrr!
Went to see Casino Royale over the weekend. I'm not usually a Bond fan, but this was the best one so far. The women get their own back with the scene of him emerging from the sea. Phwwaaaaarrrr! Current Mood:  pleased | | Thursday, October 26th, 2006 | | 4:20 pm |
It's half term again this week, which means that there's no school, but we're stuck in all week for lecutres. Well, apart from today that is, because we have the day off for personal study. So half of us will being toiling away, and the other half will be going shopping or getting pissed. I've been toiling away, mostly because I want tomorrow and the weekend off! I have finished both of my essays, which are due next week. I have to edit them, but I'll do that another time. We are however, planning to order in takeaway and a flat get-together tonight. So that's my plan for the evening. I have a beer or two chilling in the fridge, I feel like I've earnt it. :) Might put my new greenwing dvd's on later. Then again, I might end up at the JCR. Won't be too late though, I have a meeting with my tutor at 8:50am tomorrow! In other news, well not much really. Caught up with Ben and Trish and a bunch of other people who were at the wedding at their housewarming last weekend. I also managed to get to Mani's party at the other side of London, despite all the tube station in that area being closed. I had to take the bus for the first time on my own in London that night. I tend to keep to tube stations whenever I go to London, mainly because I don't know any of the bus routes. Made it back to Slough at 7am! We got the bus from Trafalgar Square to Heathrow, which was well, interesting shall we say? I have to admit I fell asleep for most of the way. I was awake for the best bit howeve, when the bus driver turned off the engine and refused to move because some muppets wouldn't pay for their tickets. Was a good evening, even though Indy got us lost, and made us go "south of the river!" I've been invited on a school trip to Belgium next week. Year 9 are going to see the WWI trenches. I have to hand in a form to the uni office, so that I can get the time off. It's only one day of school and a saturday, you'd have thought that wouldn't matter. And it's not as if it isn't educational. I'll have to remeber to bring my wellies, I seem to be a bad omen, the last trip I went on it pissed down the whole bloody day. I was soaked! Current Mood:  accomplished | | Thursday, October 12th, 2006 | | 8:47 pm |
It's back to uni tomorrow, after a week and a half at my first placement school. I've pretty much enjoyed it so far, although I there have been a few up and down moments. Probably the worst of those was witnessing a bullying incident on a poor lil year 7 who happens to look a lot like my little sister. The best was probably the trip to the London Dungeons, even though we spent most of the day walking around Whitechapel in the rain.
My subject mentor is a nutter, and a bit of a wind up merchant. I think I'm lucky - some of the others are, well, unpleasant.
My other mentors seem to be really friendly and aproachable, which is pretty handy, cos that's what they're there for. All in all, I'm pretty happy with how things are going.
I've now got a reputation for being a bit of a rebel - and having a good sense of direction. How did that happen? Current Mood:  contemplative | | Wednesday, September 27th, 2006 | | 9:11 pm |
We have a hall cat. He just found his way into our flat's kitchen, through the open french windows and railings. I was in the kitchen making some hot chocolate and talking to my flatmate Nathan when the black and white puss decided he was going to join us. Obviously he's not meant to be there, so I had to pick him up and put him back outside. He meowed at me and then tried to get back in. We had to shut the french windows again to stop him from coming back in. Silly moggy! Current Mood:  amused | | Tuesday, September 26th, 2006 | | 5:58 pm |
Woohoo! My student loan has finally come through, despite all the last minute panic when my LEA lost my application details. Cue one very stressed Magaggie. So I have spent all of it by paying for my accomodation. How bad is that? Anyways, at least it's done now, and I won't need to worry about it till next term. I've just booked my QTS skills tests, for Numeracy, Literacy and ICT. I hear Numeracy is quite difficult, and I suck at maths. First placement observation starts on Thursday! The folder says smart clothes are needed. Hmmm.... That's all folks Current Mood: optimistic | | Tuesday, September 19th, 2006 | | 9:36 pm |
Well, here I am two days into the pgce course. Things are going ok so far; despite the amount of paperwork we’ve been given. It’s dead confusing, I have to say. There is just so much to read, and I’m not quite sure I understand everything. It helps to know that everyone is in the same boat though.
Halls aren’t too bad either. I have my own ensuite shower etc. It’s much better than what I had for my first year at uni. We also have a kitchen that you can actually swing a cat or two in. There happens to be a cat on the campus too, so that might come in handy…
There are only 12 of us on my course, which is quite nice as we’re getting to know each other quite quickly. I’ve already found out my two placement schools, and met one of my mentor teachers from that school. Apparently I’ll be going to Belgium for a 2 day trip some time in November. Woo! My first placement school is in Bracknell, and the second is somewhere in Baisingstoke. Finding the schools should be interesting! The first placement starts next Thursday, where we’re going to be doing observations.
Current Mood: okay | | Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 | | 12:22 pm |
I spent most of this morning going through and shredding some old paperwork. In between that, I finally printed off the emails I sent out to everyone while I was in Spain. It's been quite funny reading over what I had to say about my year abroad. I decided to stick them into my Spain Scrapbook. Took qute a while to sort them all out to begin with. But at least I know I've got a hard copy if I really need it. There are a few things that you really shouldn't throw away. Othwise I'm with Kim and Aggie and Anne Maurice - throw it away!
Speaking of which, I think it was Katty who mentioned she'd made herself a Erasmus soundtrack, of all the "choons" we used to listen to that year. I know she's got some David Bisbal, and the Rasmus on there. I need to make one myself, but I'm not sure where to start cos I'm not very good at these things.
Help please!
We're off to Dublin on Thursday for a long weeknd. Hope the weather will be ok, we want some sun at least. Current Mood: nostalgic | | Monday, August 28th, 2006 | | 12:14 pm |
Happy Bank Holiday Monday people!
I'm working my penultimate shift today, the last one will be tomorrow. After that I'll have stopped working, probably until I find myself a teaching job! Having heard how stressful and how much work is involved on the course, I didn't think I'd want to keep working next year. On the other hand, I've found out how much the hall fees are , and I'm starting to wonder if I've made the right decision. :s
Hopefully I will have my India pictures online by the end of the day. Apparently the last attempt to update them nearly broke Howie's server. Hmm, hope it doesn't happen this time around. There are quite a few of the stunning Taj Mahal. I'd say most of the pictures need a bit of an explanation. There are quite a few stories involved, like the one with the snake charmer who chased outside the temple!
Current Mood:  chipper | | Wednesday, July 26th, 2006 | | 2:05 pm |
So it’s time for the update on India. I decided to write it all down in one go, so it’s probably going to be pretty long, and a bit garbled at some points. Apologies in advance!
So we flew out on the 15th of July at about 11pm on Virgin Atlantic, which was pretty cool cos they give you a free travel pack, and lots of in flight entertainment. I spent most of the flight trying not to be sick, and sleeping. I don’t know what happened to me on the way out, cos I threw up a couple of times. I’m putting it down to the turbulence, as there was quite a bit. Perhaps the pint I had in the pub before departure didn’t really help, who knows? Many thanks to Charlotte, (Ben’s cousin, and my roommate) who looked after me on the flight. We started the whole holiday in true Scandinavian style, by going to the pub as soon as we’d all checked in. Most of the group were various Norwegian cousins, aunts and uncles of Ben’s (the groom). Sadly one of the Norwegian uncles and aunts arrived in Heathrow, and then realized they didn’t have an Indian visa! I hear they had to stay in London and get theirs the next Monday.
We arrived in Delhi at about lunchtime, and found busses waiting to take us to our hotel. Most of us students and recently ex-students stayed in the guesthouse in Sarfdurjung, about 10 minutes from Trish’s (the bride) house. The aunts and uncles and older folks were staying in the very plush India Habitat Centre Hotel, which was a great deal fancier than our 11 quid a night guesthouse. Fair enough though, you get what you pay for.
It’s incredible how the heat hits you as soon as you step out of the airport. The heat in general isn’t so bad, because you mainly go from one air-conditioned place to another. When you’re outside, it’s hot, and quite humid. Although I hear that it wasn’t actually that hot whilst we were there. We didn’t really see much of the monsoon either. It was quite dry for most of the time we were there.
The first night in Delhi, we had a get together round at Trish’s place. We had a few drinks, and caught up with people we hadn’t seen in ages. The next day, we set out at about 2pm for our trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal. The bus was so big it couldn’t turn around in the road in front of our guesthouse. Instead it reversed out onto the main road, and caused a lot of fuss, and more beeping horns than usual. Saying that, the Indian’s love to honk their horns while driving. You can be walking down the street, and there’s clearly plenty of room in the road, but the driver has to honk at you like you’re taking up the whole flipping street, which we weren’t. And the roads are something else completely! It took a long time to get used to their style of driving. It’s incredible how we never saw a car crash, despite the number of near misses we had on the way to Agra. Big vehicles have priority on the roads, until you meet a tractor pulling a trailer full of people on the *fast* lane of the dual carriageway. Interestingly, the bus had two different horn sounds. One was quite normal, in a “get out of the way please” kind of noise. The other was a deafeningly loud honk, almost comparable to that of an oil tanker. The second was mostly used for a “get out of the way NOW you’re about to be killed!” situation, of which we had several. I don’t think the aunts and uncles, who sat in the back of the bus quite realized what was going on. Us youngsters who were sitting near the front could see exactly what was going on! Not always a good thing! I have to say I read most of “The Godfather” on the trip to Agra, mostly to keep my eyes off the road…
One of the most interesting points was the road-works. You have to cross over the middle of the road on to the opposite side of the road, facing the oncoming traffic. And of course there are no cones etc. It’s even worse when the bus driver does it at about 60mph. I swear we were on two wheels at one point! Then when we had the puncture, we became the village entertainment. Everybody came to watch the tire being changed.
Our hotel in Agra was amazing. We had a fabulous reception upon arrival, and were all given flowers to wear around our necks. Later that night we were treated to a lovely dinner and live entertainment from a troop of singers and dancers. The next morning we were up at 5am, in order to be at the Taj Mahal for 6am. That day also happened to be the second day of monsoon, so as soon as we arrived through the gates it started pouring with rain. And it rains hard! I still managed to get some pictures, but not one of Barney the Bear (sorry Ranjit!) They wouldn’t even let me take him into the Taj Mahal, so he had to stay behind in the locker. For those of you who are confused, Barney is going to be year 2’s mascot. Barney the Bear goes on holiday… but not to the Taj Mahal! Meh!
After our visit to the stunning Taj Mahal, we went back to the hotel for brunch, and a quick splash in the swimming pool, before it started raining again. Before we knew it, it was time to check out and head back to Delhi. Later that night, we found the Turquoise Cottage (near impossible, nearly died again) and had a few drinks.
A few of us spent Wednesday trying to find outfits for the wedding, namely saris for the girls. We were advised to go to a department store called Fabindia, and so we did. Later that night was the bridal shower, for the women only. This was about 30 minutes away from the hostel, so we needed to take another bus. The bridal shower was held at Trish’s godmother’s house, which was very big and very posh! There was a brief ceremony where the bride to be is covered in rose petals, grass etc by the married women of the party. The unmarried women have to do the equivalent of catching the bouquet, where they all compete to catch the most rose petals. The one who does (not me!) is the next to be married, bless. Afterwards, the bride opened her presents, and we all enjoyed a fantastic meal.
On Thursday, Dee, Maelyn, Elena, Robert, Leonardo and myself had organized a taxi to take us around the city, and to see some touristy places. We got to visit a Hindu temple, and the huge Sikh Gurdwara. We drove by the government buildings, and India gate. We also got to see Gandhi’s house, where he was imprisoned, and later assassinated. If you get a chance to go, I recommend it. Inside the house, there are a number of tech displays, which show Gandhi’s favorite things, and speeches etc. Unfortunately, by that time my camera’s batteries had died. We made our way to the Dilli Haat market, which is a government cooperative, meaning that all the stands are from around India. They charge you 15 rupees to get in, which also means that you’re not constantly hassled by touts and beggars.
That evening was the Indian music night, which was basically a pre-wedding party. By then though, I got the worst of the Delhi belly, and was suffering stomach cramps, not nice! However I did manage to drag myself up to the dancefloor and have a bit of a boogie before I went home.
Friday was the busiest day, with the Scandinavian lunch at the very swanky Q’Ba. We were treated to lots of smoked salmon, and other Scandinavian delights. Not to mention the Scandinavian snaps, and speeches, as it’s not common to make speeches or drink alcohol at Hindu ceremonies. That evening was the Mendhi ceremony, where most of us ladies had our hands decorated in henna. It took them about an hour to decorate Trish. The rest of us took about 10 minutes to have our hands or feet done. Sadly mine are wearing off a bit now, but not around the knuckles – why is that?
Saturday, the day of the wedding was quite quiet, since we were very tired by that point. Before the wedding, Pryia, (Trish’s Mum) had organized some ladies to come help us put on our saris. (Yes I do have a picture of myself in a sari.) We got on the bus, and made our way to the Mayfair hotel for the wedding. Most of it took place outside, on the patio. We discovered that it was HOT, even in a sari. And yes, there was an elephant, who looked a bit tired and fed up to be honest. The poor elephant didn’t actually take part in the ceremony; I have no idea why not. I bet he was pleased though.
First of all was the Jewish ceremony. Apparently they couldn’t do the whole thing, as Trish is not Jewish. They both looked fantastic, especially Trishima in her first wedding dress. There is one part of the ceremony where the groom has to walk around the bride seven times, and confirm that this is the one he’s about to marry. Wonder why they stared that tradition up? Anyway, it was lovely, even though we couldn’t follow any of it. After the Jewish ceremony we went back inside for more drinks, and some wedding cake! The bride got to toss the bouquet this time, where the chief bridesmaid was the lucky lady this time around, despite Jonathon’s (Ben’s younger brother) best efforts!
The Hindu ceremony took place next, so we made our way back out to the patio. The bride and groom had made a quick change of clothes, so we got to admire Trish’s second wedding dress. The bride gets carried into the wedding by her brothers, or in this case best friends. The Hindu ceremony was quite long, and hard to follow even though they tried to explain parts of it to us in English. It also involved walking around, but this time around the sacred fire. The final part of the wedding is when the married women (again!) are asked to come up and bless the bride with the red paint (?) on the bride’s forehead.
On Sunday, we had the wedding reception, again at the India Habitat Centre. There was another short ceremony where the newlyweds read a Jewish prayer. Then it was time to have another boogie, and eat some more delicious food.
Monday was the last day for a few people. We spent our time chilling and wandering around the nearby Green Park. Monday was also a pretty quiet day, because we had to check out pretty early on the Tuesday. We did however have to wait for about an hour before our flight could take off out of Delhi. Something to do with a confusion over which runway we were supposed to use I think.
All in all, our week went by very fast. We managed to get by without any major problems, although Alex and Jonathan’s room caught fire. They left the air-conditioning on while they went out for the day, and came back to find that they’d lost half their luggage!
I have to say I really enjoyed it, although I found some aspects pretty tough. Sometimes I noticed that we were stared at an awful lot by the locals. It was quite hard getting used to the chaos, and the roads were something else completely. I thought I was going to die more than once! Glad to say I survived, and managed to come to the end of this huge update.
Laters
x Current Mood:  hot | | Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 | | 10:42 pm |
Hey folks, its me! (still in Delhi)
Just catching up with what's been going on in the world. It's actually my last full day here, but I thought I'd better check in. I'll give a full update later, when I get back to my own computer, and a screen that isn't flickering every 2 seconds!
Delhi is HOT! I's 11:30am, and I'm just waiting for some of the boys to get ready before we can go out. Not sure where yet, although it'll probably be to to the town centre. I think Bob needs to do some shopping, which is cool by me. I just want to take a few more photos, and maybe get a few bits and pieces to take home with me. I've actually bought a sari or three whilst I've been over here. I'm serious! Time to get some pressies for everyone.
The only bad thing so far is that I havn't managed to get any photos of Barney the bear in front of any well known landmarks. Barney is a long story, which I'll tell you all later. But they wouldn't even let me take him into the Taj Mahal! Apparenly a stuffed teddy bear is too much of a security risk!
Not really looking forward to the flight back, as it's about 9 and a half hours!
Err, i thought I just saw a mouse! Feck!
Not staying around to find out! Laters!!!! Current Mood:  scared | | Saturday, July 15th, 2006 | | 4:09 pm |
Tell everybody I'm leaving...
Leaving for the airport in 5 minutes!
I shall try and update from Delhi, assuming we get there in once piece! Really excited now, but just a bit anxious that everything goes alright.
¡Hasta luego chicos! Current Mood: excited | | Wednesday, July 12th, 2006 | | 9:20 pm |
You can come and sing to me...
Two and a bit days to go!
Just need to start the packing, and get a few more last minute bits and pieces.
Today was my last day with one of my teachers, as she only does Monday to Wednesday. I got her a huge bouquet of flowers, as a thank you pressie. Friday will be my last day at school, so I'm going to bring in some sweets for the kids, bless. I got a card from one girl today, saying:
"To Miss H
You are the Best in the wold. I don´t won´t you to go. i really will miss you.
(student)
Bless! :D
Oh yeah, and I booked a wax for Saturday morning - so ner! You can't call me a wimp now young ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1) murison Current Mood:  bouncy | | Thursday, July 6th, 2006 | | 8:20 pm |
My new camera arrived today. Its silver and shiny, and takes some very nice pictures. Gonna have to look after it carefully now, I'm not very good with these things. Just over a week left of school, and then it's off to India! Still deciding on the waxing business. hmmmm..... Current Mood: excited | | Friday, June 30th, 2006 | | 6:51 pm |
I'm considering getting my legs waxed before going to India, but I'm a big chicken. hmmm..... Current Mood: contemplative | | Thursday, June 29th, 2006 | | 8:56 pm |
Well, I didn't have the nerve to wear the halterneck top that night. I'll save it for another time, when I'm not three different shades of red white and brown! Was a good night though, apart from getting lost on the way to the bar. Oh, and crippling myself yet again in my heels. I should have learnt by now! Saw lots of people, and entertained some of them with a few rounds of "shag or die." Drank a lot of vodka too... This week, I have mostly being a drama teacher, and training my lil darlings for their assembly tomorrow. I hope what they say about the crap rehersal before the actual gig is true, cos they were dreadful all day today! Martin Luther King will be turning in his grave by now. Just over two weeks to go till we fly out to India! Current Mood: anxious | | Wednesday, June 14th, 2006 | | 6:22 pm |
Ok girls, how bad is it to wear a halterneck top if you have strapmarks on your back? My back is now quite nice and brown, apart from the white lines... :s Current Mood:  confused | | Saturday, June 10th, 2006 | | 5:25 pm |
sleeping is giving in, no matter what the time is...
Woah, last week went too fast for me to keep up. Back at school now, and there's only 5 or so weeks left for me since I'm going to be skiving off a week or so early to go to India. :) Went shopping in Reading today, and as per usual had to spend at least 20 quid on stuff from Lush. It's becomming a serious addiction! Admittedly it wasn't all for me this time, sigh. I have a new slouchy bag from Accessiorize, and a spangly orange purse to go with it. Home was good, even though there were a few dramas going on all to do with tractors and fires, and such like. I managed to sunburn my back in a spectacular manner whilst helping my mum in the garden. It's still peeling now, eugh! Can't decide if I'm loving the hot weather or not right now. I hear its supposed to reach 32 degrees by the middle of next week! Indy's birthday party on Friday! Can't wait! Current Mood: hot | | Wednesday, May 31st, 2006 | | 8:19 pm |
Halfway through half term already, and time is flying by. I have mostly been entertaining myself by working, reading Mortal Engines, and watchig the first series of Six Feet Under. My new years resolution to read more books is not going to well at the moment. I finally managed to finish the Tales of the City series, then kinda lost my flow. Mortal Engines has got me back on track though. Not quite sure what to read next, so does anyone have any recommendations? I'll be going home for a couple of days tomorrow, to catch up with the folks and grandfolks. In other news, I got my visa for India yesterday! Current Mood: working |
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