To pour money into. After many hundreds of pounds I now have a car that is not a risk to my health, and only two repayments left on the insurance so I should soon have some money with which to do things, cool things, foreign things. Well, that is if the taxman doesn't decide to take it all away from me. But enough of a moan for now. On to plot...
Since September my life has been relatively routine, plodding along at work alternating between pulling my hair out and a feeling of 'huh, well that worked'. Nothing terribly interesting to report. Although I have finally gotten myself into gear in regards to extra-curricular stuff (other than DOE). Started two clubs. One, the role playing group, currently has four year 12 students, two of which are capable of running games so that will be good if/when numbers increase. The other group has been referred to y my fellow staff members as a cult but really it is just me trying to improve this country by upskilling some young citizens in the values and skills they should have learnt anyway. Still creating the history for this but the Order of Orion will have links to all the cool guys from history, the knights of the round table, knights errant, order of assassins, the musketeers, and whatever else I can come up with to make it seem mysterious and cool.
Speaking of DOE, spent several weekends in the Wales farmhouse with groups of students. Interesting seeing them in a different light. Got in some decent hiking trips as well. Also had a staff training weekend in Wales. Managed to get fastest orienteering time which is good.
TKD is going pretty well, in fact have my next grading coming up in a week to go from yellow tag to yellow belt. Shouldn't be too difficult though. Also attended a competition the other weekend. Managed to come home with two gold trophies, one for white belt patterns and the other for yellow belt heavyweight sparring so not too bad an effort.
Role playing continues to be interesting. My Star Wars character is a hard-hitting Kel-Dor with two Sithy looking sabers who hasn't had much fighting recently. Wraith finished with our ghosts rising from the dead and banishing the bad dudes to somewhere horrid. The new steampunk game sees me playing a Maori airship privateer who can fly like no ones business near the speed of sound while scorching the Earth in his kick-ass ship.
Went for a drive with Sam on Friday as I had the day off. We went to Shuttleworth falconry centre to find it closed so we looked at some old churches. Then I decided I was hungry so we drove all the way to Felixstowe so I could have fish and chips on the beach. It was good, but damn was it cold.
The snow has started for the season. About an inch on the ground, just not enough to close the school which means not only do I still have to work, I have to go through a harrowing journey twice a day. Here's hoping for a decent fall over the weekend so I don't have to go in on Monday.
Coming up on two years now since I left the homeland. While I do miss the country occasionally and the people more often, I have pretty much decided to stay here in England another few years, Probably until I can get citizenship. This should mean I return with more money in the bank and allows me more time to see this part of the world, but it does mean I miss out on events back home but that can not be avoided. In summer I may make an effort to come home for a month or so, depending on what the bank balance looks like of course.
Until next time (in several months most like),
Arriverderci miei amici
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
'We're not out of the woods yet.' "Yes we are, it's the bugs that are in the woods!"
Back at work now. You would think I would have learnt to actually prepare stuff before this happened but oh no. In my defense, this is my first real start of year beginning here in the UK (it made sense in my head, what's wrong with you?). A varied lot this year, several junior classes, A level bio and chem. Mostly good students, a few ad apples spoiling it for everyone, as usual.
I have a car! Vauxhall vectra for 300 pounds. Runs well, carries lots of stuff, only downside was getting the insurance. First quote? 2000. Second quote; 6000! Finally went to a broker and got proof from back home which brought it down to 1200. Still extortion but at least I am covered and fully comp at that too.
The car came in very handy for the run up to the Maelstrom LRP this month. As usual Sam C and me had plans with Sam H to sort it out and as usual Sam H was late and rubbish with organisation so ended up driving himself up. Still, was a great event with interesting people, situations, drinking, trade, big battles with bugs, tea, and a cake emergency. Once again the Rat tribe and the Squeaky bugs were a highlight. As was being Sam C's escort as two wemics competed for her attention. Now there is six months to go before the extended Easter event and methinks a plan is afoot involving clocks, mechanics and a catapult.
My bike got stolen! Some nerfherder snuck into the garden shed in the back yard and nicked it between the time I rode home around midnight and woke up to ride into town around 9am. Still, the police were very helpful and even though it is unlikely it will come back it made me feel a bit better about the state of this country.
Upcoming events for me are several journey's into Wales for Duke of Edinburgh. Pretty much the next four weekends give or take I am out West in the wilds. Could be fun, could be hell. Only time will tell my friend.
I have a car! Vauxhall vectra for 300 pounds. Runs well, carries lots of stuff, only downside was getting the insurance. First quote? 2000. Second quote; 6000! Finally went to a broker and got proof from back home which brought it down to 1200. Still extortion but at least I am covered and fully comp at that too.
The car came in very handy for the run up to the Maelstrom LRP this month. As usual Sam C and me had plans with Sam H to sort it out and as usual Sam H was late and rubbish with organisation so ended up driving himself up. Still, was a great event with interesting people, situations, drinking, trade, big battles with bugs, tea, and a cake emergency. Once again the Rat tribe and the Squeaky bugs were a highlight. As was being Sam C's escort as two wemics competed for her attention. Now there is six months to go before the extended Easter event and methinks a plan is afoot involving clocks, mechanics and a catapult.
My bike got stolen! Some nerfherder snuck into the garden shed in the back yard and nicked it between the time I rode home around midnight and woke up to ride into town around 9am. Still, the police were very helpful and even though it is unlikely it will come back it made me feel a bit better about the state of this country.
Upcoming events for me are several journey's into Wales for Duke of Edinburgh. Pretty much the next four weekends give or take I am out West in the wilds. Could be fun, could be hell. Only time will tell my friend.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Not dead, just lazy
Been a long long time since I updated last and as such much has happened. It is just a question of whether I can remember it all. So last post in April huh, well school has continued apace with the students continually testing my patience. Character building my mother would call it. Nothing of real significance to report on from that term. I did watch the movie Moon which is really amazing. I definitely recommend it.
Half term break in early June saw my parents arrive in country so we caught the train up to Edinburgh and did a car tour of about half of Scotland including Aberdeen, Cawdor, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort William, Stirling and back to Edinburgh. A very pretty country but apart from the castles it just reminded me of home. It was good to see my parents again though, despite the many arguments we had during the trip.
Role-playing group has continued to be a highlight of my week with interesting gaming and entertaining conversation. The Mage game finished on a cliffhanger and we are still waiting for a time everyone can make to finish it off. Ben's Wraith game is definitely interesting. We are all dead and we investigate the mysteries of the shadowlands. Can get confusing at times. Beardy Sam managed to get me into the Maelstrom Live Role Play recently. A fascinating concept, several different races in a colonial style era exploring and exploiting the new world but there is also magic and interfering gods. I am playing an avian siege engineer in a foreign legion. First event I stood guard, explored the festival, had a nice meal, got drunk and went to the bawdyhouse (in character of course). Was a lot of fun, and next event will be even better as more people are recruited.
I moved flat back at the start of July. The new place has more people but is nowhere near as flash as my old place. Conversely, it is a lot cheaper. I have been out drinking with my flatmates a couple of times and had a good laugh so it should work out well.
The school year ended with a feeling of 'huh', but I have a contract for next year and am being paid of the summer break which is pretty sweet. I went into Covent Garden for the end of year function with was a lot of fun. So far on my summer break I have been watching movies, playing video and board games, and not spending a lot of time at home. Also went camping on the spur of the moment with Beardy Sam, Lady Sam and Corinne to Wiltshire. We had a good laugh trying to put up the coffin shaped tent, snuck into a tomb in west Kennet at midnight, watched the military helicopters doing maneuvers and puzzled over the magical tractor on the far hill. We also got rained on at Avebury and visited Stonehenge in the blazing sun a mere hour later. A lot of fun packed into 24 hours really.
I am slowing moving up in the TKD world, I got my Yellow tag back in July. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, one of the benefits of having a tough instructor. Although my legs are still complaining after Wednesdays session. Two hours of high kicks and only two students. Still, now I can kick things above my head so the effort paid off I guess.
So hopefully my next post isn't two months later, but the case seems to be the busier I am the less I post.
Half term break in early June saw my parents arrive in country so we caught the train up to Edinburgh and did a car tour of about half of Scotland including Aberdeen, Cawdor, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort William, Stirling and back to Edinburgh. A very pretty country but apart from the castles it just reminded me of home. It was good to see my parents again though, despite the many arguments we had during the trip.
Role-playing group has continued to be a highlight of my week with interesting gaming and entertaining conversation. The Mage game finished on a cliffhanger and we are still waiting for a time everyone can make to finish it off. Ben's Wraith game is definitely interesting. We are all dead and we investigate the mysteries of the shadowlands. Can get confusing at times. Beardy Sam managed to get me into the Maelstrom Live Role Play recently. A fascinating concept, several different races in a colonial style era exploring and exploiting the new world but there is also magic and interfering gods. I am playing an avian siege engineer in a foreign legion. First event I stood guard, explored the festival, had a nice meal, got drunk and went to the bawdyhouse (in character of course). Was a lot of fun, and next event will be even better as more people are recruited.
I moved flat back at the start of July. The new place has more people but is nowhere near as flash as my old place. Conversely, it is a lot cheaper. I have been out drinking with my flatmates a couple of times and had a good laugh so it should work out well.
The school year ended with a feeling of 'huh', but I have a contract for next year and am being paid of the summer break which is pretty sweet. I went into Covent Garden for the end of year function with was a lot of fun. So far on my summer break I have been watching movies, playing video and board games, and not spending a lot of time at home. Also went camping on the spur of the moment with Beardy Sam, Lady Sam and Corinne to Wiltshire. We had a good laugh trying to put up the coffin shaped tent, snuck into a tomb in west Kennet at midnight, watched the military helicopters doing maneuvers and puzzled over the magical tractor on the far hill. We also got rained on at Avebury and visited Stonehenge in the blazing sun a mere hour later. A lot of fun packed into 24 hours really.
I am slowing moving up in the TKD world, I got my Yellow tag back in July. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, one of the benefits of having a tough instructor. Although my legs are still complaining after Wednesdays session. Two hours of high kicks and only two students. Still, now I can kick things above my head so the effort paid off I guess.
So hopefully my next post isn't two months later, but the case seems to be the busier I am the less I post.
Monday, 19 April 2010
I'm too old for this shit
At the end of my spring break seems like the right time for an update. I have seen a lot and got another hit on my bucket list so overall a success. So starting at Easter. A few days at home recovering from the term were definitely in need. Followed by a day trip to London. In typical English fashion, it rained. But this didn't stop me trekking about and walking from London Bridge to Canary wharf and Greenwich park. I walked under the Thames and caught a boat back to the train station. In all, a good spot of exercise.
On the 8th I headed off on my road trip in my rental car, a Renault Clio with stupid European controls. Seriously, if you change the side of the steering wheel, swap around the damn indicators too. Soon got used to driving again, however dealing with other motorists and the motorways took longer. I headed West, stopping for a photo at Windsor before carrying on to Stonehenge near Amesbury (NOT Salisbury). The monument itself was smaller than I expected. However it was eerily quiet considering how close to the motorway it was and how many people were there. Also it is impressive by the mere fact that as far as you could see was chalk hills and burial mounds yet here are huge rocks that have come all the way from Wales.
From here I went on to try and find the Bulford Kiwi. I think I succeeded but could not find a good place to get a picture. I carried on South until I got to West Bay on the Jurassic coast. I had originally planned to crash here but it was pretty rubbish so I carried on West eventually stopping in Exeter which to be honest wasn't brilliant. Still, I saw the cathedral and quayside which was quaint. The good thing about down here was the decent hills, but the coast still disappointed me. So Friday morning I carried on to Widemouth bay on the Atlantic coast and stood in the ocean for a bit watching some tiny waves roll in a people trying to surf them. I soon tired of this and headed North through Exmoor forest with its winding roads and steep hills then crossed the bridge into Wales.
Friday and Saturday night I spent in Cardiff and it was a lot of fun. Reminded me a lot of home Wales did, in that its green, lots of sheep and very friendly. I saw the castle, the bay, the barrage and the Dr Who exhibition by day and by night, drank too much and visited the pubs. Also saw many people in costumes, most of whom seemed to be there for stag or hen parties. A great city which I feel is very underrated. I stayed at a great hostel called Nos Da directly across the river from the rugby stadium. Sunday I carried on North through the Brecon beacons and Hereford to Birmingham. Birmingham was pretty neat, large shopping centres and lots of canals with some great live music and nightlife, even on a Sunday. I had a Roo burger at Walkabout overlooking the canal which was neat.
Monday I headed back Southeast home, but not before stopping off at Warwick castle. Very impressive this, with a working trebuchet, falconry, dungeons and towers. A bit expensive but well worth it. I even had a proper carvery meal in the castle overlooking the mill. Tuesday I drove through East of England, camping overnight on a hillside in Cromer which wasn't the most comfortable but had to be done. Finally on Wednesday I stopped off at Duxford air force museum. A huge place with interesting exhibits. I walked through a Concorde, stood beneath a Blackbird, and marveled at a B-52. Definitely have to return here as I saw less than half of the place.
All in all a very good break, saw some country, had some fun, drank too much, and took many a photo. Looking forward to my next break away to Scotland in June. Oh also, I have myself a new hat, a brown straw trilby. Let's see what the kids think of that.
On the 8th I headed off on my road trip in my rental car, a Renault Clio with stupid European controls. Seriously, if you change the side of the steering wheel, swap around the damn indicators too. Soon got used to driving again, however dealing with other motorists and the motorways took longer. I headed West, stopping for a photo at Windsor before carrying on to Stonehenge near Amesbury (NOT Salisbury). The monument itself was smaller than I expected. However it was eerily quiet considering how close to the motorway it was and how many people were there. Also it is impressive by the mere fact that as far as you could see was chalk hills and burial mounds yet here are huge rocks that have come all the way from Wales.
From here I went on to try and find the Bulford Kiwi. I think I succeeded but could not find a good place to get a picture. I carried on South until I got to West Bay on the Jurassic coast. I had originally planned to crash here but it was pretty rubbish so I carried on West eventually stopping in Exeter which to be honest wasn't brilliant. Still, I saw the cathedral and quayside which was quaint. The good thing about down here was the decent hills, but the coast still disappointed me. So Friday morning I carried on to Widemouth bay on the Atlantic coast and stood in the ocean for a bit watching some tiny waves roll in a people trying to surf them. I soon tired of this and headed North through Exmoor forest with its winding roads and steep hills then crossed the bridge into Wales.
Friday and Saturday night I spent in Cardiff and it was a lot of fun. Reminded me a lot of home Wales did, in that its green, lots of sheep and very friendly. I saw the castle, the bay, the barrage and the Dr Who exhibition by day and by night, drank too much and visited the pubs. Also saw many people in costumes, most of whom seemed to be there for stag or hen parties. A great city which I feel is very underrated. I stayed at a great hostel called Nos Da directly across the river from the rugby stadium. Sunday I carried on North through the Brecon beacons and Hereford to Birmingham. Birmingham was pretty neat, large shopping centres and lots of canals with some great live music and nightlife, even on a Sunday. I had a Roo burger at Walkabout overlooking the canal which was neat.
Monday I headed back Southeast home, but not before stopping off at Warwick castle. Very impressive this, with a working trebuchet, falconry, dungeons and towers. A bit expensive but well worth it. I even had a proper carvery meal in the castle overlooking the mill. Tuesday I drove through East of England, camping overnight on a hillside in Cromer which wasn't the most comfortable but had to be done. Finally on Wednesday I stopped off at Duxford air force museum. A huge place with interesting exhibits. I walked through a Concorde, stood beneath a Blackbird, and marveled at a B-52. Definitely have to return here as I saw less than half of the place.
All in all a very good break, saw some country, had some fun, drank too much, and took many a photo. Looking forward to my next break away to Scotland in June. Oh also, I have myself a new hat, a brown straw trilby. Let's see what the kids think of that.
Monday, 29 March 2010
I had something for this...
Been a while since my last update, but I figured better to do a decent post then just say the usual. Three and a half days until Spring break, looking forward to it. Hopefully I will get a bit further afield this time. Thinking of hitting up Stonehenge, Cardiff, maybe somewhere on the coast or up North. Nothing explicitly planned yet but there's still time. Also have to start getting sorted for June break when Mum and Dad visit and we go to Scotland. Should be fun.
Another two sessions of TKD has left me battered and bruised. Sparring based sessions, the second of which involved one in the circle with the others attacking them. Very tough but good exercise. Really need to look into getting some pads though. My legs and arms are black and blue.
So glad daylight savings has finally arrived. I might get back into running now that there is some light. Also the days are getting warmer, nearly to warm for a suit in my classroom, stupid South facing walls.
Had a interview on Tuesday for my current job. I didn't get the job despite covering everything OFSTED would look for in a lesson and nailing the interview part. Still, no matter. Plenty of job openings still and I don't need a new job until September. I am just a bit miffed I did not get any decent feedback from which I could improve off.
Hit O'Neills on Friday as usual, turns out I don't even need to order anymore. Just go to the right end of the bar an my man brings me the usual. Freaking sweet.
I saw a stretch limo Range Rover on Saturday, it looked ridiculous. I myself would prefer the A-team van kitted out with sofas, projector, bar, etc. Much classier.
Another two sessions of TKD has left me battered and bruised. Sparring based sessions, the second of which involved one in the circle with the others attacking them. Very tough but good exercise. Really need to look into getting some pads though. My legs and arms are black and blue.
So glad daylight savings has finally arrived. I might get back into running now that there is some light. Also the days are getting warmer, nearly to warm for a suit in my classroom, stupid South facing walls.
Had a interview on Tuesday for my current job. I didn't get the job despite covering everything OFSTED would look for in a lesson and nailing the interview part. Still, no matter. Plenty of job openings still and I don't need a new job until September. I am just a bit miffed I did not get any decent feedback from which I could improve off.
Hit O'Neills on Friday as usual, turns out I don't even need to order anymore. Just go to the right end of the bar an my man brings me the usual. Freaking sweet.
I saw a stretch limo Range Rover on Saturday, it looked ridiculous. I myself would prefer the A-team van kitted out with sofas, projector, bar, etc. Much classier.
Monday, 15 March 2010
uh, phrasing?
Pretty standard week this, continued to alternate from eating healthy and not, running and TV. Two highlights for me. First, Tae kwon do on Wednesday, very intense kicking based session that left me off balance and with sore legs. Finished the week with a game of football, staff v students. Was going well at the half, staff one up. But the youngins got in two more to win. Think I did pretty well considering it has been eight years since I last played. However Saturday morning my legs were killing me, probably shouldn't of gone to the gym as well.
I have discovered an interesting new show, Archer on Fiver. Cartoon about a 1960s super spy who is a bit of a tool. Pretty funny stuff.
I have discovered an interesting new show, Archer on Fiver. Cartoon about a 1960s super spy who is a bit of a tool. Pretty funny stuff.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Don't forget to breathe, very important.
I have taken up Tae Kwon Do this week which is fun, although I do not understand the commands just yet. I decided my goal has shifted from learning a martial art to obtaining a black belt in TKD. This will not be easy and may take several years, but if it were easy it would not be worth doing. Although flexibility may be an issue.
Thursday night I went to the driving range with some guys from work. After realising it is less about power and more about technique I got some pretty good drives in, even scoring a hole in one. Although I was not actually aiming for that hole.
This weekend was sunny so I spent it out wandering around. Did a short six km loop on Saturday and on Sunday decided to head out to the countryside. Thanks to my policy on turning back I ended up doing a 15km trek which included some cross country. Still, good exercise.
Work has been going well, the students are loving my policy of wearing a hat when outdoors. My fedora gets greeted with the Indiana Jones theme or mentions of cowboy or gangster while my flat cap. Well they haven't come up with a good one for that yet. I think I will get a white panama for summer. I have also taken to wearing pocket squares, just to raise the bar that much more.
Thursday night I went to the driving range with some guys from work. After realising it is less about power and more about technique I got some pretty good drives in, even scoring a hole in one. Although I was not actually aiming for that hole.
This weekend was sunny so I spent it out wandering around. Did a short six km loop on Saturday and on Sunday decided to head out to the countryside. Thanks to my policy on turning back I ended up doing a 15km trek which included some cross country. Still, good exercise.
Work has been going well, the students are loving my policy of wearing a hat when outdoors. My fedora gets greeted with the Indiana Jones theme or mentions of cowboy or gangster while my flat cap. Well they haven't come up with a good one for that yet. I think I will get a white panama for summer. I have also taken to wearing pocket squares, just to raise the bar that much more.
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