Dizzy Beth

Many changes

2005-07-11T12:46:45Z

So, despite the crappy job stuff, have had quite a good year (one day, I'm sure I'll get out of the habit of thinking of years as beginning in September). Lovely flatmates who encourage me to drink far too much wine were main factors in goodness of year, and imagine my shock when I realised I actually had a social life ^_^

Well, now have new flat, new flatmates (one of whom shares in my sing-a-long joy- be afraid ^_^) annnnnd, at last, a new job ^_______^ Imagine my joy, if you will, when I handed in my notice at Bhs *the morning after* the job interview. Cue mild smugness, mixed with the sneaking suspicion that it must have been a 'two-head' interview (if you haven't got two heads, you get the job). Am not going to miss the job *at all*, but will probably miss the people. And they gave me book vouchers on my last day! Lovely, lovely people.

Just a little freaked out by the fact that my employers initials only change by one letter- Bhs to NHS. Does anyone else think that's creepy? Just me then.

Am at home with the family at the mo, hoping to meet up with school-type people soon, and back to Edinburgh on Sunday. Got to see the nieces last Saturday (that's right, there are now two of them) and omg, so adorable! Two years and two months respectively. Baby Niamh remarkably placid, especially given how much her big sis yanks her about (or tries to. In a very loving fashion.) Sinead just the sweetest little girl in the world, of course ^_^

Okay, must get over the baby-rapture.

Am very much enjoying the fact that last week and this are given up completely to lie-ins, reading, watching films, and being generally as lazy as possible.

Final note to say how glad I am that all London-y friends were okay on Thursday.

Oh what a lovely day

2005-04-06T18:36:36Z

It started before I even got to work- mean bus driver. Work was a pain- stabbed myself with a probe, and did just about everything wrong in the kitchen that I could. Totally messed up the meals.

Then I got home and found out I didn't get into the JET programme. Not even as a reserve.

Hate today.

Guess now I have to think of a plan C for this year.

Eheh. I'm back. Sorta...

2005-02-16T18:20:59Z

Okay, so it's now been... err, rather a long time since I last posted. Most of you know me in RL, and have been treated to various rants about the computer problems I've been having. For those of you that don't/haven't, I'll sum it up by saying that I now have a new graphics card, a new monitor (not strictly necessary, but very nice ^_^) and a new hard drive. And that I truly love my computer friends. Unfortunatly, our flat is currently without a working router (or rather, it would work, if we knew everything we needed too. Which we don't. Yet.) So at the moment, I'm sitting in easyInternetcafe, on a wooden chair, and for the last three hours, I've been going through a ridiculous amount of email backlog.

What this means, of course, is that I don't know when I'll get to go on the internet next. We're hoping to entice ex-flatmate into the flat to fix the problem, so fingers crossed.

Catch-up-ness:
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year
Had a fab birthday, especially as I managed to get the week after it off work (we've all got hols to use up before April).
I missed my one year lj anniversary!
I sent off my Jet application (with many minor dramas, natch ^_^), got an interview, bought a suit, went to the interview, and am now waiting with various appendages crossed till April, which is when I find out if I got a place or not. And yes, that is a horribly long time to wait.
And for my next trick- I'm coming home! Remeber the having to take our holidays now-or-never thing? Well, I get another whole week- the second week in March. Can't wait to see family and whatever friends are around again- miss you guys.
Japanese classes are much fun, and I've met some very nice people (including the guys who fixed my computer). This week we have to hand in our very first handwriting homework! I should probably be less excited about that, but so what? I like doing h/w for that class ^_^
I've been trained to work in the kitchen at BHS. They let me cook the food. Be afraid, be very afraid...

Oh, and Lucy, I know I probably won't be able to read any responses to this before I see you next week, but that cd *rocketh*. I was skimming the contents last night and squealing with joy ^____^

Here's hoping we get the flat internet up and running soon.

I know, I know...

2004-09-27T20:17:04Z

I did it again :-)

But I am alive, really. Just rather tired. For those of you that don't know already, I managed to get a job (started about two weeks ago, actually) at the BHS restaurant. They make me wear a hat. That's all I really want to say about it really, except that I seem to have forgotten just how abysmally stupid and ridiculously petty and rude the general public can be. You'll probably be hearing more about that over the next few weeks, especially if I continue to spend so much time on the till.

I think this'll all be a bit disjointed, but bear with me.

Um, so yeah. Termtime has started, which means I get to see anime people (yay!)

I've handed over an ever-so-slightly painful cheque, and Japanese classes start on Thursday.

Had ex-flatmate staying for the past few days. And I won't get to see her again for a Very Very Long Time, cos she's going to Canada, and by the time she gets back, I'm planning to be in Japan. Saddies.

I'm settling into the new flat okay- I knew one of the girls already, and a couple of us went out on Saturday night. Nothing like alcohol to help with bonding >.<

I've finally named the new fish- Serpentine. And no, not after the river. It might be a good thing I got around to it, cos the fish spent a worrying proportion of yesterday floating around the top of the tank belly-up. Seems to be alright now though.

L's, I promise I really am free this weekend- I have both days off. Wanna convene?

Hoo boy, has it really been that long?

2004-09-01T19:16:01Z

I'm slacking. Best part of four weeks? Oh well.

Poland first.

So, left the camp at 2am Saturday morning (some of the kids stayed up to see us go! Pretty much everyone in tears) and after travelling for however many hours, our first stop was Auschwitz. At least it wasn't our last. Still don't know how to write about it- I'm glad I've been, but I really don't think I could do it again.

Arrived in Krakow at about 3.30, and we went out into town for a bit. Love love love the European town square thing! Went to the Wieliczka salt mines the next morning (wonderful guide, amazing statues, and yes, we all licked the 'licking wall'). Spent the afternoon seeing slightly more cultural bits of Krakow than the night before- church, castle, cathedral, synagogue, before heading back to the Rynek (square) for dinner and a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. And we did sing the song from 'The Sound of Music' at that point ^_^

Monday, coach ride even further south- slept through most of it, but gorgeous scenery. Ended up in the Pieniny mountains to go on a raft trip down the Dunajec river (left bank Poland, right bank Slovakia. Or at least it was at the start of the trip). Got just a little bit wet >.< From there, went on 'booze cruise' to Slovakia, where everything is so cheap you can't quite believe it. I changed about £2 into Slovakian Korunas, and bought a small bottle of vodka, a carton of wine (you know, like you buy juice in? Oh the shame, but it was cheap. And not too bad, as long as you drank it quickly.) two icecreams and a postcard. Went back into Poland (got passport stamped! Yay!) and headed to town in the Tatra mountains called Zakopane. We drank, went out, drank more, danced, drank... can you see a pattern here? A good time was had by all, but not by me when I was woken up at gone two in the morning by the girls in the inner room coming home and waking me up to swap rooms so I wouldn't wake them when I got up at the hideously early hour of half seven. Hmm, thought I was over that, but I guess I'm still a little peeved.

Tuesday, got the funnicular (sp?) up a very little mountain, walked down (saw lots of nuns and sheep), wandered through the market, got a henna tattoo. Some very silly people walked up *and down* a very tall mountain, and were out for ten hours! Consequently, most people too tired to go out, so borrowed a book and had a little me time.

Wednesday. V long coach trip to Warszawa (Warsaw). Went out after dinner with Sean to see if we could get tickets to see anything at the Philharmonia. No dice, everything locked up. Didn't have any time for it on Thursday either. Oh well. Wandered around a bit and saw lots of statues before meeting the others for a drink.

Thursday. Went in the morning to some famous market which is apparently the biggest in Eastern Europe. Finally managed to get a Polska tshirt. Supposedly you can buy literally anything there, and it certainly looked like it. In the afternoon we went monument-spotting, then I had a little time to wander round the Old Town by myself while the others bought train tickets (a lot of them decided to go for a trip round Europe rather than going straight home). Went out for last-drinks-together kind of thing after dinner.

Friday. Coach. If I never get on a coach again, it'll be too bloody soon. Usual hassles of travelling. Did actually get full English breakfast on the ferry, after fantasising about it for about a week. Also managed to walk in a straight line while listening to others in group saying how much choppier it was than the previous crossing (lurching from side to side as they did so). Wonder if sea-legs can be hereditary.

Getting train home was actually the hardest bit of the trip, what with being sold the wrong ticket, lugging my suitcase all over the place getting it sorted, and having been travelling for over 24 hours at that point. Just made the various porters sort it all out for me, and very helpful they were too.
There endeth the journey.

After Poland.

Saw various family members, had nice little reunion with a few school friends, bought new watch (having dropped old one face down on the tiled floor of a Polish bathroom. Still worked, but a little hard to read). Returned to Edinburgh Monday evening, and spent the time between then and now alternately unpacking, jobhunting, and sleeping. And had Beata (Polish translator) staying with me for a few days too. Result- I have two boxes still to unpack, I've got a brand-new bookcase Beata and I managed to put together all on our own, I've been offered one job that I'll take if nothing better comes along, and I have another two interviews this Friday (hopefully the something better). Also went to see two shows in the Festival. Both part of The Japanese experience. First one, 'Death of a Samurai' absolutely wonderful. Loved the costumes, the choreography, the actors, the script, everything. Second one 'J Boys, Gay Revue' was equally entertaining, but in a very different way.Can't remember the last time I blushed so much. The ballet bit was bloody brilliant though. (Sho!!!)

Oh, and nearly forgot! Came back to find only one fish where I'd left two (even the corpse was gone. Apparently they'll happily eat each other. Ick). So, bought new fish (as remaining fish was geting all mopey and spending all it's time at the bottom of the tank inside the rock). I've had it about two weeks now, and it still has no name. Suggestions please? It's a fantail, silver and bright orange, with a big arse.

And that's all folks!

Preparing to leave the computers behind...

2004-08-06T11:35:20Z

This may be the last time I get on the internet until I get back home. We're not staying more than 2/3 days in each city, so awake time will be spent in sightseeing. And drinking ^_^

The tv thing was not as gruesome as expected. Watching it in Team Leader's room, and thankfully they cut the interview bits *really* short. I do *not* sound like that >.<

Last classes this morning were videos, which we supervised in shifts, to give us some of that luvverly free time. And we all had half an hour with the kids to give them pressies, take pictures, and other goodbye stuff. Way very touched when three of the kids came to the staffroom during the break to take us to see what they'd written on the blackboard. I'm really going to miss them- when they want to be, they can be incredibly adorable. Was rather mushy :-)

Visited Torun on Wednesday, which is a beautiful little town, and seems to revolve entirely around the tourist trade. It's the perfect size for a day out, which would be why we only spent half the day there >.< Everything on this trip is loads of fun, but it's not terribly well organised. So, Torun. Coppernicus lived there (infact, his house is now a museum) and he was baptised at the cathedral. Yet another tower to climb, but again, worth it for the view. Also, only about half as many steps as the last one.

Tip for travellers- if, when in a foreign country, you decide you can't be bothered to decifer the *entire* menu and rely instead on the 'point at a random meal and hope it's edible' method, try and make sure you're not ordering from the dessert section. Not only will you end up with a meal that isn't particularly filling, but the waiter may give you a very funny look.

I had the chicken *is smug*.

Mike ended up with pancakes stuffed with raspberries and, inevitably, cherries. They really love their cherries here. Almost as much as they love their potatoes. Although I've yet to see a music cd all about cherries, whereas one about potatoes has been seen and bought by a member of the group ^_^ All I've got is folk music about how much they love cheese pierogi (basically, dumplings).

There's a show this afternoon with all the classes doing an act- ours are putting on 'St. George and the Dragon'. Hope they don't muff their lines. Or destroy their costumes ^_^

We're off on our tour at 2am tonight, and we'll be visiting Warsaw, Krakow and some other Polish city I can't remember the name of (apparently it's somewhere in the mountains). Our first stop though will be Auschwitz.

Time's almost up, and I've just about finished clearing out my inbox in preparation for over a week of no email checking.

Hey-ho for the travelling life!

omg

2004-08-04T11:43:52Z

I'm going to be on tv. I was just checking my emails and Richard (camp director) walked past and yoinked me for the class demo and interview. It's going to be on tonight. And they didn't even let me run and fix my makeup!!

Need sleeeeeep

2004-08-03T12:39:52Z

The rain kept waking me up last night, and as a result, I had lots of rather unsettling dreams. And I forgot to set my alarm. So skipped breakfast. Thankfully, the Poles have a wonderful institution known as 'second breakfast' ^_^

We went to Gdansk last weekend- the original plan was to just spend a day there, but as the trip takes four hours by coach (plus breaks), we decided we'd get much more out of it if we stayed the night. And we did ^_^

With our spectacular timing, we arrived the same day the market festival started. Hundreds of little stalls, all over the Old Town! So much better than it would have been otherwise. We visited St. Mary's, which is apparently the biggest brick church in the world. Climbed the tower, which was completely knackering, but well worth it. Wandered around a bit more, then met up to eat as a big group. Went to a vegetarian restaurant, which is the first we've seen here. No pork! Changed at the hotel (it only cost about 10 quid for a room and breakfast. You could tell >.< ) then went for a night out. The original plan was to find a club, but instead we split in two groups- our group went down the river in search of a good view for the fireworks, and found a concert and a funfair, both celebrating the start of the festival. So, to the people who couldn't be bothered to stick with us? Sucks to you! :-) I love the really fast spinning rides ^_^

On Sunday we went on a boat ride to Westerplatte, where WWII began. Absolutely *huge* monument there. Then had just enough time for a bite to eat before we caught our train. Oh, and we had to pay extra once we got on, because we'd bought student tickets (under the direction of our Polish translator), and only Polish students can do that. Bah humbug. Was ever so much quicker than the bus though. Also, you know the thing about the trains in Europe running on time? It's so true! Ours was less than a minute late, if that, and they announced it as delayed! Also, Hogwarts Express much? I've never been in a train with actual compartments before ^_^ Even if we did have to spend the entire journey in the dining car due to lack of seats in second class.

Yesterday we ran a treasure hunt for the kids. Oh, my god. Lets just say that it wasn't the most organised activity in the world (they could have asked for more people to help, if they'd wanted!) and tempers were getting a little frayed. It's amazing though how similar this experience is to BB. Without the bit where the whole nation is watching though ^_^

Oh, and there's been a complaint from the Polish staff, so our Team Leader is now absolutely raging. Not sure how this is going to affect our part of the show on Friday, as she's now saying she can't be bothered. Some of us still want to try and do it properly, as all we're doing is singing, so not really that hard to organise, but we'll have to wait and see.

Okay, going to go and see if a) our washing's been put in yet and b) if it's not, whether there's any more powder to do it ourselves. Le sigh.

And we had chicken for dinner. Am astounded. And full ^_^

Never try to outdrink a Pole

2004-07-28T10:56:23Z

Especially a Polish war veteran. They're lethal! Apparently they did this last year too, but not with such spectacular results. I've come to the conclusion that their veins flow with vodka, rather than blood, so drinking doesn't affect them at all. Unlike us poor Brits >.<

So, yeah, yesterday the school was visited by Polish war vets, who talked to the kids, then mingled with us over a BBQ. Much vodka was produced, and large amounts were drunk neat (the sizes those old men poured! Huge!). I was good, and drank less than a shot (mainly because it tasted like nail-varnish remover smells. Although after the first bit, it's not so bad), but even those of us who stayed sober didn't get a whole lot of sleep, what with looking after all the puking people. There wer three people who had it badly, and the other drunkards just needed guiding to bed.

There was one rather scary moment though when one of the girls huddled around a toilet bowl decided she wanted to lie down and sleep, so she slid down the bathroom wall onto her back (amidst our cries of 'No Hannah, No!'), and promptly started vomiting again. We managed to get her onto her front (so heavy!), but just a *little* scary. All worked out okay though. Some people didn't get to bed till 5.30, and lessons today turned into a mass Jurassic Park viewing.

So yeah, met the war vets (who're randy old buggers!). Saw photos, heard songs and stories (in English and German. Had no idea how much I'd forgotten in the last 6 years!) and even danced with them ('I tell his wife' gringrin). And of course, people jumped in the pool. Got some good piccies, I hope ^_^

And they understood my Polish *gloatgloat*.

And hopefully, I've got the afternoon off! There's only one person left to get up, and as she was apparently throwing up again this morning, not really sure that's going to happen. Inexperienced 18-year-olds and Polish vodka should not be mixed.

Looking forward to a siesta later today ^_^

whimper

2004-07-26T12:31:26Z

There internet here is so slow. And the school's internet wasn't working at all today. Cue grumpy Lizzie. But thank's to the wonder that is internet cafes, for the cost of a mere 5zl (less than a pound) I get a whole 90mins! Of course, if I try to open more than two windows, the whole thing freezes up, but I can live with that. For another three weeks, anyway.

Been on various outings ove the last three days- we went into Bydgoszcz Friday afternoon, which is very small (and rather boring) but I did pick up a cute top for about 36zl. Saturday we went to Poznan (breakfast was at 7! Wtf? It's going to be worse next weekend...) Poznan very pretty, took many photos. Infact, my film ran out, and I was horribly ripped off by the Kodak people because I forgot to bring a spare with me that day. Not making *that* mistake again. We went wandering through both the Old Town and the New Town (although seeing as how the whole thing was apparently rebuilt after the war, I don't know how old the Old Town can be. The buildings were very pretty though) and did some shopping. Felt like a total cultural void, but got a very nice skirt in H&M (do I get points for it being a Polish H&M?) and I even managed to get a discount for a missing button. I pointed and she spoke German. Random ^_^

We got a bit lost on the way back to the meeting place, and I got to try out my Polish ^_^ It worked, too- we got unlost quite quickly. Quietly gloating (even if I did read it out of the phrase book).

On the way back home, we stopped off for a few hours at Lake Malta. There were some sort of boat races going on, but we went there to go on the rides ^_^ There's a sort of toboggan, you get hauled to the top of a hill by a wire, then you go back down a shute. There's even brakes for the faint of heart. Which work less well when the person behind you gets bored by your faint-of-heartness ^_^

Saturday evening we went out drinking in Bydgoszcz. I wish I'd had my camera with me- the first place we went (Pub Medyk) had a gynocology table hanging upside-down from the ceiling! There were other medical-type decorations too, but that was by far the most random. Also, very glad we have Fergus (languages student) with us on this trip- he's picked things up so quickly! He negociated us a group discount for the entry fee to Pub Medyk, and at the end of the night, he discussed a flat fee witht the taxi drivers so none of us got ripped off. All hail Mr. Fergus! (as the kids call him)

Yesterday we went to a lake. I have no idea what it's called. We had lumps of meat for lunch (or cheese in batter for the veggies), and went on a boat trip. Those lucky buggers who went on the second trip (ie. the one without out any kids) got the captain's rum- coffee with rum and whipped cream. Was looking forward to trying that too... ah well, did have nice time sunbathing, and only got a little bit burnt when I forgot to reapply.

Lessons today were a bit of a shambles, mainly because we were so tired last night that we just couldn't be arsed to plan them properly (despite sleeping all day ^_^).

Wow, have a whole 40 mins left! Might even be able to catch up on email!

Egads but teaching is tiring...

2004-07-23T11:31:05Z

And we only do three hours a day! If anyone ever tells you teachers have it easy, correct them. They finish at three, but they have to spend *ages* doing lesson plans. They get longer hols, but they have to spend every weekday with children. Even the nice ones can get annoying. Oh dear. It's only been three days, and I'm disillusioned already ^_^ it's not really that back. If we can find out how to say 'shut-the-fuck-up!' in Polish, I think we'll be on to a winner ^_^

Okay, so Sunday. After dinner, we went for a brief stroll in the woods, and found out that as the woods are *veryvery* small, it would be even briefer than we planned. Can anyone tell me why an area so very far from the coast has sand everywhere? Even in the wood with fir trees! Ended up in some random village, where we bought beer and icecream.
Monday. Visited Auchan, the shopping centre blessedly nearby (seriously need it- the staple foods here are bread, meat and potatoes. Lots of potatoes.) You would not *believe* how incredibly cheap everthing is out here. Got some funky purple sandals for about a tenner. Really need them, what with the sweltering heat and all.
In the evening we all went out to Bydgosczc with Beata (Polish 4th year med student who translates for us, basically. Oh, and she looks after the keys. The Polish have got a serious thing about keys. Very odd.) We went to a couple of bars and got absolutely ratted, cos not only is everything stronger here, but the spirits at least are served in larger measures. And they cost about a pound each ^_^
The kids arrived on Tuesday, but we had the day off, as classes didn't start till Wednesday. Our class started out fairly quiet, but they livened up a bit now. We've got an intermediate class, so one or two bright sparks, and a couple of dunces. Two of the girls are starting to drive me crazy. We may try separating them on Monday. Oooh, Evil Teacher Mode! Our lessons plans are getting better as we go along, but we're still perfecting the whole 'how long does everything last' stuff.
All sorts of random activities happen in the afternoon- there's been horseriding (three horses for 15 teachers and 100 kids >.<), various sports, and yesterday we had arts and crafts. I helped out with the singing workshop, which went well enough, even if a couple of the kids did ask about 10 minutes in if they had to do it. (Yes you do, whether you like it or not. Evil Teacher Mode again ^_^). Volume competitions helped.
And we've learnt a Polish song! The Sto Lat song (any Discworld readers out there?) I've been taugh it by two different classes and I *still* can't rememeber it all. I'll get it by the time we leave though.

Time's up again! Might not get on over the weekend, as we're going on various trips, but will try. One hour is *so* not enough time. Or rather, it would be, if we hadn't been without it for so long. Gonna totally binge when I get home ^_^

Finally!!!

2004-07-22T11:28:05Z

Can't believe it's taken them this long to get us internet access!!

This trip is amazing though. However, as I have five rather full days to catch up on, I shall
Saturday. Got to the coach station around 2.30, and started to get to know the other members of the Bydgosczc group. Mainly met the girls then (oh, and I'm the oldest of the group by about five months. I've never been the oldest before ^_^).The coach left at about 3.30, and thus began the hideously long journey to the Polish school. A couple of hours to Dover, a couple of hours on the ferry (nice hot chocolate though), maybe an hour in France, far too long in Belgium (I didn't know it was that *big*). Oh, and whose bright idea was it to show 'Speed' at the beginning of a coach trip that lasts 24 hours?! The dubbing was very entertaining though. There was one man doing *everyone*, and you could hear the English underneath.

Sunday. Another hour and a bit in Holland, and our first stop was in Germany, at about 1am. Bought Milka chocolate. Back on the coach, and our next stop was *also* in Germany, at about 5.30. Bought a bottle of milk (trying out a bit of German in the process. Well, 'danke' anyway. It counts), drank it all (stupidstupidstupid!) and was very nearly ill on the coach. Did sleep through most of the nausea, fortunately. Breakfast at about nine in a little restaurant somewhere in Poland, which we hurried to finish in time. We were then told that one of the coaches was late (this was where we all swapped over) and we had another hour to wait. D'oh! The hour turned into two, and I got just a little bit sunburnt >.< Two coaches eventually turned up, and one rather slow change later, we were under way again. STopped to let some Poles off at Poznan, and finally got to Bydgosczc at 5.30-ish. Had to change one more time into a dinky little bus to take us across town to the school, where we all promptly collapsed with exhaustion.

Running out of time now, so will do the rest whenever it is we get to use the computer room next. Hopefully, that's soon, if not, I may try the internet cafe in town.

Last note: may be getting a bit of a tan. Yay me!

Ooops I did it again...

2004-07-16T21:12:06Z

Although, I have the excuse that I had my sister staying with me last week, and I've been packing and stuff since.

So, graduation. Was quite fun, only minor panics, and was very amused by the Barnaby-bashing that went on before the ceremony started. Also, one of the speakers was a NASA astronaut! After a rather emotional day, went out for dinner that night with the huge amounts of family that came to visit, then came home and got drunk with flatmate (she just got drunk*er* ^_^). Over the next few days did various touristy things with little sis- took her to the art gallery on Princes Street (she was practically drooling ^_^), the castle, St. Giles', up Arthur's Seat (and realised how *incredibly* unfit I've gotten), that kinda thing.

Had a job interview for Zara's on Tuesday this week (found out today I didn't get it. Bah.), and saw Shrek 2. Lovelovelove! Am hoping Spiderman 2 and Thunderbirds will still be in the cinemas when I get back from Poland.

Spent Wednesday packing ready for yesterday's move. I think the least said about yesterday the better. The lock of the new flat broke on the second trip, so we wasted about an hour running around looking for an emergency locksmith. Got it all sorted in the end, and finished the move by the skin of our teeth, and Lu (who'd been helping me all day with her car)drove me to Princes street for the Airport Shuttle. And the flight was only delayed by 20 minutes, so all was good. Quite tiring though. Would like to take the opportunity to thank lucyjin profusely. I owe you sweetie ^_^

Spent today buying various going-away-for-a-month supplies, sorting stuff at the bank (surprisingly easily), buying a new camera (it's silver and shiny!!), and packing. Ohh, and seeing people. Old school friend and grandparents. Much fun, but I probably would have appreciated it more if I hadn't been so tired. And sore. Oh well, I'm going to spend 24 hrs on a coach, so I can catch up on sleep then.

So yes, leaving for Poland tomorrow. I am taking my mobile with me, but as it costs a small fortune to make *and* receive calls (why? why?), I'll probably just use it for texting.

dizziebeth @ 2004-07-04T17:43:00

2004-07-04T16:43:29Z

Wow. Two weeks. Don't quite know how that happened. Haven't really done much- got first filling, saw the Utena movie for the first time (*so* strange. Alas, poor Akio, I knew him well (but not as well as I'd have liked ^_~) What did they *do* to him?! Love kalorlo's icon though). Sorted out flights home (if anyone's interested, I'll be home for just one whole day before I leave for Poland, and that's Friday 16th). It's rained an awful lot.

Did have the interview at Jenners, which went quite well- it turned out to a preliminary-type thing by HR, and they've said it all went well, and if I phone them when I get back from Poland, they'll forward my details to the relevant department(s). Always assuming there *are* any vacancies when I get back, but with a shop that big, it should be okay.

Have also had various wrangles with Telewest, who I am most definitely *not happy* with at the moment. At one point (due to their many and varied cock-ups) we were actually disconnected. Cue stroppy complaint ^_^ Things seem to be sorted now.

It's also been pointed out to me that I do have quite a few things to take care of for the Poland trip, like travel insurance, E111 form, etc. Oh, and random check with the doctor as to when my last tetanus shot was turned up the rather startling information that it was in 1986. I don't know how I managed to miss the booster in senior school, but that's another thing I should probably do ^_^

So, after two weeks of slothful indolence, I think I'll be going to the other extreme for the next week or so. Starting tomorrow ^_~ I should probably also find out why my debit card keeps getting randomly declined. Don't really wan't that to happen while I'm away ^_^

Mildly cheered

2004-06-20T11:42:24Z

Did the Sorting hat quiz from lucyjin and deralte's journals.

Results:
Gryffindor - 51
Ravenclaw - 59
Hufflepuff - 76
Slytherin - 32

Go badgers!

Realised yesterday that my old school crest was a badger. It's obviously fate.

Sleepover fun

2004-06-20T10:56:24Z

First off, thank you to the poeple who replied to the last post. I really appreciate it. *hugs back*

Feeling a bit better now. Had a wonderful time with lucyjin and deralte, we did all sorts of random and often silly things ^_^ We walked the dogs along the beach, watched what felt like huge amounts of Gundam Wing (although we only got through three DVDs!) and went to the graveyard of an abandoned (and supposedly haunted) kirk in the middle of the night (with lucyjin wrapped in a blanket. Kawaii!) and even went inside the kirk. Are we brave or what? ^_^

At about two in the morning deralte started to teach us some funky moves, like ninja walking. And the next day we went for a walk in the park and hit the playground. Roundabout and monkeybars and swings, oh my! Was quite amused by the family there hustling their kids away fairly soon after we arrived. We were just playing on the roundabout a la Big Brother, with roses in our hair.

Side note: I love the way so many people up here grow roses.

I wasn't the most active (read: awake) of participants in all the various jollity, but that was just because I'd had a fairly long and tiring couple of days. I had a lovely time guys, which totally took my mind off things. Thank you. Can't wait for next term when we can reunite and start freaking out the guys all over again ^_^

Well fuck

2004-06-18T15:17:39Z

And I am indeed well fucked. I got a 3rd. Can't quite believe this has happened.

I love my parents to bits though. I called them as soon as they arrived in Holland and were back in range, and they were incredibly supportive. Same goes for little sis. Love you sweetheart.

On the slightly plus side, the application form I dropped off at Jenners this morning has already gotten me an interview.

Off to Gundam Wing marathon with lucyjin and deralte tonight. Am hoping the anime overdose will completely fry my brain.

Job hunting

2004-06-17T22:54:34Z

Why do you always come back feeling like you've been trying to sell yourself, and everyone has said 'no thanks'. Ick. Have got some hopefuls, however, so will be dropping those forms off tomorrow morning (in an effort to distract myself from the fact that exam results come out tomorrow afternoon).

Jenners want to know my shoe size 0.o

And I've finally heard about the Poland trip! I leave from London on July 17th, and get back August 14th. The only slight drawback is that as we're travelling by coach(!), it takes two days to get all the way there >.< So I've got a month to learn how to pronounce the places we're going to. They need more vowels ^_^

dizziebeth @ 2004-06-15T21:30:00

2004-06-15T20:48:16Z

Have had a most lovely weekend :-)

Went to see 'Twilight Samurai' with deralte and lucyjin on Saturday, and enjoyed it muchly, even though I was rather a twit about getting there (couldn't find the bus-stop for the 24 and ended up walking all the way to the Filmhouse, and then not being able to find the dratted place. But it wasn't all my fault.) The film was very sweet, even though the main character was a bit dopey at times. Then we went back to deralte's, watched Big Brother (I'm surprised by just how much I'm enjoying that this year) and Sharpe's Company, and talked till about 3.30am, when we noticed the sun was coming up and decided we really should call it a night ^_^

Yesterday I went to the dentist (boo! hiss!) which was less than fun. But the aasoc end-of-year meal made up for that. We ate at a little Japanese restaurant called Bonsai ^_^ and I can't remember the name of *anything* I ate, but it was nice. And considering I've never used chopsticks before, I don't think I did *too* badly. And if we're following Osaka's rules (Azumanga Daioh) with the splitting of the chopsticks, then the omen is good ^_^ We went on to a bar were there was lots of talk, some snooker, and random card games. Deralte pulled off a truly kewl trick shot.

Procrastination continues- I was going to update my CV today, ready for a long morning of jobhunting tomorrow, and ended up clearing my room of a binliner full of rubbish instead. Sorting of paperwork is so calming. As is having a tidy room. It's been so long I'd forgetten that 0.o

And quiz, taken from Lucyjin and deralte

How to make a dizziebeth

Ingredients:

1 part success

3 parts crazyiness

1 part ego

Method:
Layer ingredientes in a shot glass. Top it off with a sprinkle of curiosity and enjoy!

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

I don't know what to say

2004-06-10T10:17:22Z

Just finished my last exam. That's it. Four years of work, all over, nothing to do but wait. It feels weird. I can feel the hyperness just waiting to come out ^_^

The paper was... not too bad. The first question was a piece of cake, so not *too* bothered about the fact that I was blatantly making stuff up for just about everything else.

I really need to calm down.

Okay, haven't done much over the last week- revising, avoiding revising, trying to shop for flatmate's birthday (unsuccessfully >.<). As her birthday is *today* I really need to try shopping again this afternoon ^_^

Can't think. Right. This can wait till I've chilled out a bit and I'm not too excited to type straight.

Gonna go see if everyone else has come out yet.

So, Maths Biology.

2004-06-03T11:12:38Z

That wasn't so bad. Or at least, it could have been a lot worse. Only one left :-)

Think I'll sleep a lot today.

From where I left off

2004-06-02T11:17:45Z

So, Thursday sucked. Revision was bad, the exam was bad, my emotional state was laughable. Went to see my DOS after the exam, and he agreed that yes, six exams in one week was a bit much, and he'd mention it to the board-type people who talk about our marks. He also suggested I see a doctor 0.o Of course, as I had another exam the next day (which went quite well, surprisingly. Tenuous exam calm was back in place by then) I couldn't go till Monday, so the resulting letter was a bit useless. Especially as she only seems to have been listening with half a ear, and gets most of the things I told her wrong >.<

But after horrendous week, finally got to see Troy on Friday!! So many cute guys... which was possibly the only good thing about the film. (And Sean Bean was so playing Sharpe ^_^)

Skived all weekend. Lovely :-)

Picked up my P45 on Monday, and was reminded of how much I *loath* clothes shopping. Forgot it was a Bank Holiday >.< Did, however, get a pleasant surprise in the shape of an extra paycheck! All my holiday pay ^_^ I didn't know we even *got* holiday pay. I know I should save it for the summer, but I'm tempted to spend just a little...

Went to see HP:POA last night. It's probably the best out of the three films, but they still had to cut an awful lot out. Must reread the books after exams. Adore the Whomping Willow. Want a Hippogriff ^_^

Am a little disappointed that the Thunderbirds film is going to focus on the kids. (And that the trailer didn't seem to have the original theme tune in.) Think I'll go and see it anyway, but still...

Also saw Spiderman 2 trailer. Want!

And the entire audience was left going 'wtf?' after they showed a trailer for a christmas film. Looks like an awful pile of...

Have received a ludicrously huge pile of leaflets to hand out form the Poland trip people, so at least I know my parcel got there. Am still waiting for dates and stuff though.

Oh, and I have toothache. Wonderful.

more of the same

2004-05-26T11:36:53Z

Another two exams done- halfway through! These weren't as bad as the first two- today's especially. Got a big shock when I opened up the paper and found out that the past and specimen papers *were* actually good indications of this year's questions. Can't remember the last time that happened :) I knew that lecturer was a nice guy :)

But still, why did I choose maths?!

Need a nap.

>.

2004-05-24T16:03:50Z

Exams have started. Oh the joy. Was rather pissed off today when the paper lifted a tutorial question *that I did this morning* and I still couldn't remember how to do it. On the other hand, I could do the question with the pricing of the option, which is good. Was too amused by the fact that the currency changed mid-question.

Also, randomly linked to last post- the cap we get hit on the head with when we graduate is rumoured to be made from John Knox's breeches.

^__________^

2004-05-20T14:46:02Z

So yeah, the rest of the stuff I ordered from Amazon arrived yesterday. I'd read it all my the end of the afternoon. So much for saving it till after the exams ^_^

So, today I'm revising Simulation, and I realise that I *still* have no idea what the purpose of the course is. I mean, the maths all makes sense (mostly) but what's the point of it?!

Sent off the entry forms/fees for the Poland trip today, so barring obstacles (in which case, they'd better send my money back), I'm going to Poland for a month to help teach English in a summer camp. Can you imagine me teaching? 0.o

Prize to the person/s who can tell me who first coined the phrase 'Monstrous Regiment (of women)'. I think it was first applied to the women's suffrage movement, but I found a speech by some guy called John Knox dated 1558 or thereabouts? (What with it being two days till the start of exams, all I have to give is gratitude, but still...)