Feeling quite optimistic, if a little vulnerable and scared lately. I think it's fair to say that for a while now I have been unhappy in my situation job-wise. I love the separate parts that make up my working life; receptionist, babysitter and student- but I just can't handle doing them all at once! A few weeks ago, I was offered a full time live-in nanny job in a seaside village about 15 minutes from my house. I turned it down because it was simply too much, with studying and mine and Warren's plans to move in together next year. They were offering an incredible amount of money (£380 p. week) and the six-bedroom bungalow next to this incredible house they are building on the seafront that they themselves are currently living in, rent-free. They have two children, one girl- Pheobe who is 13 years old and a boy- Rory who is 16 but has a very much younger mental age and has Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome.
Since I turned down the job, they had asked me to babysit one night, so I went along and had a great time meeting the kids and getting to know them. Annie (the mother) then sent me a text asking again whether I would consider nannying for them, but maybe just on a part time basis in order to fit in with my studying. I'll be honest; at the moment I received that message, my heart sank. I had just earlier that week applied for some what I though were promising jobs in part time Reception work and had got myself into the mind set that I would stop babysitting altogether and begin working in that type of field. However, after much thought and a few sleepless nights, I decided that it may be a really good opportunity, so I asked to meet with her this weekend just gone. Annie then asked me whether I would perhaps like to take Rory out for the afternoon, to get to know him better and then we could have a chat afterwards. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance and took Rory to Woodbridge for the afternoon, a small local market town where we enjoyed a bit of christmas shopping, a nice biscuit in a cafe and a walk along the riverside. Soon, I could see just how sweet of a boy Rory is, and although he has his challenging ways (constantly asking questions, not having any concept of his own safety when out in the streets, needing my assistance in the toilet, etc) I had a very enjoyable afternoon!
When we returned to his house, after two hours of shopping and singing christmas carols over and over again in the car on the way home, I had that familiar glow of warmth that comes with taking care of a child and seeing their genuine excitement when they return home to their family, bursting to tell them what they had been up to. Pheobe took Rory for a bath, so I could chat with Annie and her husband Jim. They had a very interesting and reasonable proposal of 3 evenings a week (4-8), including for one stay-over and one day/evening on the weekend during term time. This seems absolutely perfect for me, as they were offering more than 3 times what I earn now, and it would allow me so much more time for studying and to generally do the things that I like to do. However, then they said that they would need much more support during the school holidays (13 weeks a year), and would like 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, but the whole weekend off. I nodded and agreed, but didn't realise until I got home and showed my parents that I would not be able to commit to that much work in the holidays, as I would still be studying for most of them. It's so irritating when you think of a really key question or query AFTER you have left the situation!
So, I will have to bring up that notion when I am next with them, which I expect will be over the christmas holidays. I am basically decided on the fact that I want to do it, but there are a few cons;
- Will I be able to fully meet Rory's needs?
- Will I get fed up of working with children eventually?
- Will my life just get solitary? Being at home on my own all day, then going to Annie's, maybe staying overnight, perhaps not getting to see my boyfriend all the time?
- Will I let them down?
These are all things that I have been churning around inside my head for two weeks now to the point where I can hardly bear to think of them anymore. I've hardly slept for thinking about it, and my head has not been in my studying at all. I feel as though I'm just going through the motions until I go and work there, but is it just because I've got it into my head that I will work for them? Am I being tempted because of the exceedingly good pay cheque? I think it will be MUCH easier when Warren and I live together, and I can be with him. But that could be 9-10 months away. Will I be able to cope that long? Do I sound like a complete and utter fool/damsel in distress/stupid woman?
ahhhhhhhh!
xox
Monday, 10 December 2012
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
A bit serious...
Wow, I haven't blogged for a while!
Quick update;
-I had one weigh-in after the amazing 3lb loss, and I was the same, which is OK, I guess. I haven't had one for a couple of weeks because I got caught out at the gym with an expired membership pass (!). Very embarrassing, but I'm hoping my Dad will renew it soon!
- My first TMA for Uni came back and I got 82%, YAY! I was so happy with it, and I have just this moment submitted my second assignment. I don't expect to get the marks for it for at least a week, as it's not due in until the 29th. So, I shall wait like a nervous person!
- Babysitting has been fairly steady, with a few extra weekend bits with Gabriel for Emma. She very kindly let me take Warren (my boyfriend) last Saturday, which was nice for a bit of company. Gabe had his friend Arthur around, so they pretty much amused themselves whilst we watched television. It had actually been a very hectic day; I had a day school before in Norwich, so I had to get the 8am train from Saxmundham, change at Ipswich to arrive in Norwich at 9:30. Then I spent all day in what I thought was a very boring lecture type setting. I doubt I will go to another one, to be honest. It's all very much geared up for those who haven't studied at a higher level at all, or at least not for a very long time. This is all very well and good, but I think it was just a waste of a day for me, really. But anyway, I came home at about 5pm and we had to be at Emma's (which is a good half an hour drive away) for 7:30. It was hectic, but nice for them to all meet Warren after all this time. I've had a few days off here and there from William and Oliver because Alison has gone to India for a work trip (to FREE TIBET and such). I wont lie, it's been nice to relax in the evenings after work. It can be difficult looking after them, as they are so young and energetic and now that the nights are drawing in they can't go and burn off some of that exuberant energy on the trampoline, which means they can sometime send up being quite over-excitable.
- My work schedule has finally changed as of this week- I have a day off today and Thursday! Which means lots of studying and generally having a slightly easier life! I'm planning on taking my Nan swimming after lunch, as I have no babysitting this evening. She has been very stressed out lately, bless her. She will be 87 on Sunday! She lives only about 10 minutes away with my Grandad. Up until recently they did have my Uncle Kelvin (right, and bottom picture with Warren) living with them, but he has been living in a home for the past couple of months. He has Downs Syndrome and has developed Dementia, too over the past 5-6 years. The Home is quite far away- a good hours drive, but it is an excellent place where he is very happy. He doesn't really have any concept of time, or where he is as such, but he is nonetheless still very jolly and content where he is. It got to the point where my Nan and Grandad just couldn't cope any more; they have done so well to have him for as long as they have, and I am so very proud of them. My family and I usually see him once/twice a week. Sometimes we visit him in the Home, and sometimes he comes home over the weekend and they will all come around for dinner. It's just much more noticeable now that he is not living at home how old my grandparents are. I think Kelvin was the only thing that kept them going, really. And now that he is not around as much as he was, it has most definitely taken its toll on them. I go around as much as possible and share their cleaning with my cousin every other week. They come over most weekends, sometimes with Kelvin, sometimes not. And I am hoping that now I have a bit more spare time I can take my Nan swimming and out for other things. She's still incredibly independent- she still drives and doesn't have any major health problems- just arthritis (which is why she enjoys a swim) and the odd ache and pain. She fought cancer a few years ago, and had to have part of her lymph nodes removed from the throat area, but she came through it well. Grandad is the same, with no major ailments. He is diabetic, but manages it well through his diet, an apart from being a smoker is in relatively good health.
Anyway, off from this sombre mood, I have plenty of things to be doing!
xox
Quick update;
-I had one weigh-in after the amazing 3lb loss, and I was the same, which is OK, I guess. I haven't had one for a couple of weeks because I got caught out at the gym with an expired membership pass (!). Very embarrassing, but I'm hoping my Dad will renew it soon!
- My first TMA for Uni came back and I got 82%, YAY! I was so happy with it, and I have just this moment submitted my second assignment. I don't expect to get the marks for it for at least a week, as it's not due in until the 29th. So, I shall wait like a nervous person!
- Babysitting has been fairly steady, with a few extra weekend bits with Gabriel for Emma. She very kindly let me take Warren (my boyfriend) last Saturday, which was nice for a bit of company. Gabe had his friend Arthur around, so they pretty much amused themselves whilst we watched television. It had actually been a very hectic day; I had a day school before in Norwich, so I had to get the 8am train from Saxmundham, change at Ipswich to arrive in Norwich at 9:30. Then I spent all day in what I thought was a very boring lecture type setting. I doubt I will go to another one, to be honest. It's all very much geared up for those who haven't studied at a higher level at all, or at least not for a very long time. This is all very well and good, but I think it was just a waste of a day for me, really. But anyway, I came home at about 5pm and we had to be at Emma's (which is a good half an hour drive away) for 7:30. It was hectic, but nice for them to all meet Warren after all this time. I've had a few days off here and there from William and Oliver because Alison has gone to India for a work trip (to FREE TIBET and such). I wont lie, it's been nice to relax in the evenings after work. It can be difficult looking after them, as they are so young and energetic and now that the nights are drawing in they can't go and burn off some of that exuberant energy on the trampoline, which means they can sometime send up being quite over-excitable.
- My work schedule has finally changed as of this week- I have a day off today and Thursday! Which means lots of studying and generally having a slightly easier life! I'm planning on taking my Nan swimming after lunch, as I have no babysitting this evening. She has been very stressed out lately, bless her. She will be 87 on Sunday! She lives only about 10 minutes away with my Grandad. Up until recently they did have my Uncle Kelvin (right, and bottom picture with Warren) living with them, but he has been living in a home for the past couple of months. He has Downs Syndrome and has developed Dementia, too over the past 5-6 years. The Home is quite far away- a good hours drive, but it is an excellent place where he is very happy. He doesn't really have any concept of time, or where he is as such, but he is nonetheless still very jolly and content where he is. It got to the point where my Nan and Grandad just couldn't cope any more; they have done so well to have him for as long as they have, and I am so very proud of them. My family and I usually see him once/twice a week. Sometimes we visit him in the Home, and sometimes he comes home over the weekend and they will all come around for dinner. It's just much more noticeable now that he is not living at home how old my grandparents are. I think Kelvin was the only thing that kept them going, really. And now that he is not around as much as he was, it has most definitely taken its toll on them. I go around as much as possible and share their cleaning with my cousin every other week. They come over most weekends, sometimes with Kelvin, sometimes not. And I am hoping that now I have a bit more spare time I can take my Nan swimming and out for other things. She's still incredibly independent- she still drives and doesn't have any major health problems- just arthritis (which is why she enjoys a swim) and the odd ache and pain. She fought cancer a few years ago, and had to have part of her lymph nodes removed from the throat area, but she came through it well. Grandad is the same, with no major ailments. He is diabetic, but manages it well through his diet, an apart from being a smoker is in relatively good health. Anyway, off from this sombre mood, I have plenty of things to be doing!
xox
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
:)
Week 2 weigh in went ALOT better than week 1...
I've lost 3lbs!!
So happy with that! Still got a long way to go, though. I must keep focused!
Babysitting has dried up a little bit lately, what with it being half-term now and all. To be honest, I'm glad of it! It's given me a chance to get into studying properly, now the course has got more in-depth. My TMA was submitted a while ago, so I'm still awaiting my feedback from it. I'm hopeful that it's gone well, but there were probably a few mistakes. I forgot to add the self reflection document with it, which would mean that I lose 5 marks, but I emailed it to my tutor and he said it's fine. Phew!
I've had a chat with my dad and we think that it may be sensible for me to cut down m hours at work a little, so that I can have 1 1/2 or 2 days off to study, and so that I can keep up with the babysitting, as I feel that it is incredibly relevant to what I would like to do as a career, and it is all VERY valuable experience that I'm sure any prospective employers would value highly. We have yet to decide what my hours will be cut down to, and I have been monitoring phone call rates to try and work out when the busiest days/times are, but it's so hard to predict- no two days/weeks are the same! I think it may be a better idea to perhaps have a rota system that gets updated week by week, so it's adaptable.
To be quite honest, I'm looking forward to having a bit of time to myself, so that I can go to the gym if I fancy it, or take on a bit more babysitting if I dont have to work that day, and of course being able to study at my own pace. The only downside is that I will be earning a lot less money and, being on a £5 per hour wage, isn't going to be fun!
I'm sure I'll cope, though. Technically, I'm a student, so I'm supposed to be poor, right?
xox
I've lost 3lbs!!
So happy with that! Still got a long way to go, though. I must keep focused!
Babysitting has dried up a little bit lately, what with it being half-term now and all. To be honest, I'm glad of it! It's given me a chance to get into studying properly, now the course has got more in-depth. My TMA was submitted a while ago, so I'm still awaiting my feedback from it. I'm hopeful that it's gone well, but there were probably a few mistakes. I forgot to add the self reflection document with it, which would mean that I lose 5 marks, but I emailed it to my tutor and he said it's fine. Phew!
I've had a chat with my dad and we think that it may be sensible for me to cut down m hours at work a little, so that I can have 1 1/2 or 2 days off to study, and so that I can keep up with the babysitting, as I feel that it is incredibly relevant to what I would like to do as a career, and it is all VERY valuable experience that I'm sure any prospective employers would value highly. We have yet to decide what my hours will be cut down to, and I have been monitoring phone call rates to try and work out when the busiest days/times are, but it's so hard to predict- no two days/weeks are the same! I think it may be a better idea to perhaps have a rota system that gets updated week by week, so it's adaptable.
To be quite honest, I'm looking forward to having a bit of time to myself, so that I can go to the gym if I fancy it, or take on a bit more babysitting if I dont have to work that day, and of course being able to study at my own pace. The only downside is that I will be earning a lot less money and, being on a £5 per hour wage, isn't going to be fun!
I'm sure I'll cope, though. Technically, I'm a student, so I'm supposed to be poor, right?
xox
Monday, 22 October 2012
:(
Put on 1lb this week. Probably due to the massive blow out weekend with too much alcohol and crap food!
Determined to hit the gym hard this week! I've just been today, going tomorrow morning, Thursday morning and Friday afternoon! Week 2 weigh-in WILL be better and I WILL lose 8lbs in 2 months!
Determined to hit the gym hard this week! I've just been today, going tomorrow morning, Thursday morning and Friday afternoon! Week 2 weigh-in WILL be better and I WILL lose 8lbs in 2 months!
Weekend Comedown...
Feeling a little fragile this morning! I went to the Kiss Weekender last weekend with a few friends- we stayed in a caravan and had far too much to eat and drink and far too little sleep, although it was a VERY good weekend!
Today will be my Week 1 weigh in, after work when I go to the gym. I'm hoping that I've lost 1lb, or stayed the same. Last week was an excellent week diet-wise, but I had a total blow-out on the weekend, although there was alot of walking/dancing. Fingers crossed I wont have put anything on, otherwise I will be very dissapointed...
As you can probably guess, there hasn't been an awful lot of studying this weekend- in fact, none at all. I did manager to type up my TMA01 on Friday after work and I printed it out on Sunday and let my Dad read it, just to point out any silly mistakes (of which there were a couple!). I wont be able to do anything today study-wise, but I have the day off work tomorrow for a trip to the doctors, so I am aiming to correct the mistakes and send it off (a week early!) then.
Today will be my Week 1 weigh in, after work when I go to the gym. I'm hoping that I've lost 1lb, or stayed the same. Last week was an excellent week diet-wise, but I had a total blow-out on the weekend, although there was alot of walking/dancing. Fingers crossed I wont have put anything on, otherwise I will be very dissapointed...
As you can probably guess, there hasn't been an awful lot of studying this weekend- in fact, none at all. I did manager to type up my TMA01 on Friday after work and I printed it out on Sunday and let my Dad read it, just to point out any silly mistakes (of which there were a couple!). I wont be able to do anything today study-wise, but I have the day off work tomorrow for a trip to the doctors, so I am aiming to correct the mistakes and send it off (a week early!) then.
Today I am going to look after Gabe (5.45-8pm), and I finish work at 3pm, so I'm going to the gym straight after work, having dinner at the gym; they do an awesome chicken caesar salad! Then I will be off to Emma's for the evening. I do love going there- it's so nice to have a night of babysitting that is kind of relaxing. As Gabe's so grown up now, we tend to do things like homework and just generally chill out, rather than when I go to William and Oliver, where it can be pretty full on at times!
I'll only be going to William and Oliver on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, as they have a Halloween Disco on Thursday night. William announced last week that he wanted to dress up as a chameleon, and Oliver decided he would like to be a mouse! I think Alison has wisely decided to just buy a couple of costumes from Tesco and make them wear those- I dread to think how much preparation would have to go into making a chameleon costume... and a mouse, come to think of it!
My Halloween costume has arrived, and this year I am going all out!
This is my costume! I also have some fake blood, grey face paint and fangs- I'm so excited! I've never really done a serious costume for Halloween before, so I'm looking forward to getting bloodied up. Is that a bit disturbing...? So, that party is coming up next weekend on Saturday night, and on Friday me and my friend Dan are thinking of going out in Ipswich, because Gemma Collins (The Only Way Is Essex) is at a club there for meet and greet. Overall, it will be a busy weekend again, which means that I haven't and probably wont have alot of time for the other half. We usually spend most of our weekends together, but we have both just been so busy, that we haven't in quite a while :( It's our 2nd anniversary on Thursday, so I should get to see him breifly then, but I doubt we'll be able to really celebrate it on the weekend, as christmas is coming and we're both a little short on the cash side of things. I'm trying to get christmas presents now, but I just had to shell out £150 for hotel rooms for my birthday weekend away (1st December), so that hasn't really gone very well so far!
Will update soon on first week weigh-in, studying and babysitting!
xo
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Progress Made!
So, in terms of my OU course, I am feeling pretty good! I have been using my half an hour lunch breaks and have been able to write a full draft of TMA01 (due 29th October) with a word count, and to my surprise- I'm pretty dead on with it! About 700 words so far, which I'm sure will grow slightly to fulfil the 750 word limit.
My plans for the rest of the week are to type it up in a better format on Friday afternoon (I finish work at 1pm) and send it off ASAP! I might get my Dad or someone to read through it first, just to make sure I've not overlooked something completely stupid! Then I'm off for the weekend to the Kiss Weekender (as in the Radio station) in a caravan park in Great Yarmouth with some girlfriends (and one incredibly camp boy friend!).
I've also re-started my diet, which I have been on mostly since he beginning of the year (bar about 3 months, up until now). I originally lost about 1 stone, but it took a HELL of a lot of effort, which I think was down to the cotraception I was on at the time (The Injection), but since changing this to a non-hormonal method, I am ready to try again! So far this week, I have managed to stick to 1600 calories a day, and have visited the gym for a good hour each time, on Monday afternoon (between Work and babysitting Gabe), Tuesday and Thursday morning (for which I got up at 6.30!!). It's going well so far, although I am definitely feeling the gym work today! I normally do 30/40 minutes interval training/cardio on the cross trainer or bike, then toning exercises on the leg press, leg curl, chest press, another arm thing that I can't remember the name of (!), sit ups and leg raises.
I'm not trying to be a skinny person, or lose drastic amounts of weight, I would just like to get rid of a few lumps and bumps! My ultimate body-crush at the moment would be Nigella Lawson- I would KILL for that body!
Week one weigh in will be coming up on Monday- fingers crossed for a pound or two! I'm quite eager to lose the 7lbs I gained in the 3 months that I stopped dieting fairly quickly, so we'll see how it goes. Although, I highly doubt that I will be having an angelic few days this weekend!
xox
My plans for the rest of the week are to type it up in a better format on Friday afternoon (I finish work at 1pm) and send it off ASAP! I might get my Dad or someone to read through it first, just to make sure I've not overlooked something completely stupid! Then I'm off for the weekend to the Kiss Weekender (as in the Radio station) in a caravan park in Great Yarmouth with some girlfriends (and one incredibly camp boy friend!).
I've also re-started my diet, which I have been on mostly since he beginning of the year (bar about 3 months, up until now). I originally lost about 1 stone, but it took a HELL of a lot of effort, which I think was down to the cotraception I was on at the time (The Injection), but since changing this to a non-hormonal method, I am ready to try again! So far this week, I have managed to stick to 1600 calories a day, and have visited the gym for a good hour each time, on Monday afternoon (between Work and babysitting Gabe), Tuesday and Thursday morning (for which I got up at 6.30!!). It's going well so far, although I am definitely feeling the gym work today! I normally do 30/40 minutes interval training/cardio on the cross trainer or bike, then toning exercises on the leg press, leg curl, chest press, another arm thing that I can't remember the name of (!), sit ups and leg raises.
I'm not trying to be a skinny person, or lose drastic amounts of weight, I would just like to get rid of a few lumps and bumps! My ultimate body-crush at the moment would be Nigella Lawson- I would KILL for that body!
Week one weigh in will be coming up on Monday- fingers crossed for a pound or two! I'm quite eager to lose the 7lbs I gained in the 3 months that I stopped dieting fairly quickly, so we'll see how it goes. Although, I highly doubt that I will be having an angelic few days this weekend!
xox
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Waiting, Waiting...
After my busy, busy week, I've had a MASSIVE Sunday lie-in (until 10.30), which was amazing and just what I needed! I really started to feel it yesterday, when I went shopping with my mum, and then to my Nan's for some lunch, and then out for tea with my parents. I had SUCH a headache all day! :(
But I feel much better today! I think I was definitely sleep deprived! So, this morning I printed off the transcripts of my OU DVD for the scenes "The Street" and "Material Lives", so that I can find references for TMA01.
Friday was an excellent day for studying! I got the afternoon off from work, which will be continuing for every Friday, so that I can come home at 1pm, have a spot of lunch and study until I die/fall asleep! I made suitable progress on Friday- finished off Week 2 (Ordered Lives), by first watching the DVD and making my own notes or "Observations" and then working through the Learning Companion and making any notes that I have missed, with an overall summary. I then like to type this all up and organise it into a Word Document. I'll then store this in a folder for future reference.
Once that was done, I made a start on attempting an essay plan for TMA01, which I did in note form, taking notes from the Assignment Handbook, and my previous notes from "Material Lives".
I'm thinking that on Monday I can go through the transcripts at lunchtime at work, and highlight certain areas to use in my essay. I then plan on visiting the Gym, for the first time in MONTHS before I go straight off to babysit Gabe.
I haven't talked too much about my love life in this blog, but it is coming up to mine and my boyfriend's (Warren) 2 year Anniversary (25th October), and we're trying to decide what to do... I doubt we'll be able to do anything or maybe even see each other on the actual day, as I have to babysit William and Oliver until 6pm, and then Warren has a meeting to go to from 7.30pm. Perhaps we can go out for a nice meal or something on the Friday night? Not too sure yet- I'm expecting him over in a little while, as we are going to my brother's girlfriend's house with all of her family (who we really get along with) to celebrate her 19th Birthday! It's a bit strange, but her mum and my mum used to be best friends at High School, and our dad's were pretty close too, but all lost contact as they were growing up, etc. And now they have been reunited again through my brother and Jess!
Well, I guess I'd better get this stuff off my head, and see what's happened!
xox
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Busiest week of my life...
I have been meaning to blog all week, but have been SO busy, that I haven't had the chance until today (Thursday, at work)! To save the rambling, here is the schedule of my week as it appears so far...
Monday
Work 9am- 3pm
Leave the house at 5pm to arrive for babysitting Gabriel @ 5.45-8pm
Arrive home at 8.30pm and have some tea.
BED!
Tuesday
Work 9am-3pm
Leave work, straight to William and Oliver's for babysitting until 6pm
Straight to Ipswich for my first OU Tutorial 7pm-9pm
Arrive home at 9.30pm, eat
BED
Wednesday
Work 9am-3pm
Leave work, straight to William and Oliver's for babysitting until 6pm
Home for half an hour
Meet friends for dinner at 7pm
To my friend's house to organise various weekends we have planned away
Home @ 11.30
BED
Thursday
Work 9am-3pm
Leave work, straight to William and Oliver's for babysitting until 6pm
Straight to Gabriel's again to be there for 6.30pm (Yeah, right!) for stint number 2 of babysitting until 8pm
Home @ 8.30
BED
Friday
Work 9am-3pm
HOME! (Hurrah!)
Study for at least an hour
Out with friends for a much needed drink!
Also, I'm hoping to do some studying on the weekend, as I have done exceptionally badly at it this week!
I have some moer babysitting lined up for Saturday night for a lady called Kerry, who has two daughters (around 8 and 12-ish), who normally go to bed quite early and their parents aren't home until 11.30.
Fingers crossed this means that I can start my essay plan for my first TMA, due in 29th October!
So, as you can see, I had my first ever tutorial for the OU this week, which was exciting! I met some really nice people on my course and it was good to be able to put some faces to names I had been chatting to on Facebook. My tutor is really nice and very reassuring, so I already feel that I can talk to him if I get stuck or have a problem, which may come in handy!
The point that I'm at with the module at this point in time is that I am 2 weeks ahead, as we got our study materials way before the course officially started (Saturday just gone), which I am SO SO SO grateful for, given the distinct lack of studying this week! This means that if I start actually writing my assignment next week (which I don't think will take me a weeks worth of study, as it's only 750 words!) I will be on track, and I may even be able to get slightly ahead for week 4!
I am enjoying the course, and am really getting into the mindset of the Social Scientist again, but I am desperate for week 4 to come along, so that I can move from the Learning Companion and get my teeth stuck into the chunk of textbook that the second part of the course uses. I think this is when the bug will really get me, and I won't be able to keep myself away!
Moving away from the OU, I have been doing a HECK of a lot of babysitting this week, and there have been some changes! Gabriel has changed school! Emma told me before I went on holiday, but didn't go into detail about the reasons why, so when I went over there on Monday, she explained further, and it appears she had something of an epiphany with Gabe's education.
She said that she suddenly realised that the primary school he was previously at was far too small for him (only 4 others in his year group!) and that the method of teaching just wasn't suited to Gabe. I must admit, I did have my reservations about the school, as I had noticed that when he had to learn a list of spellings, for example, all the students would have different lists, so they would not only have to learn the spelling of the word, but also the entire list of words. So, in effect, the teacher would say "Right, now we're having our spelling test!" and just leave them to it! This stressed Gabe out no end! He seems such an easy-going child, but things can really stress him out, and this really did!
I have seen his new folder of work that he has compelted since being at the new school (about 1 week) and the difference is incredible! Everything about his writing has changed- the handwriting, the style, the spelling, EVERYTHING! It was like looking at a different child's work! He also seems happier now to take part in his homework (currently a WW2 project) and actually gets quite excited about it. It is definitely plain to see that Emma has made the right decision moving him again, although I don't think it came lightly, as there was no doubt some upheaval and disruption to his life. In his folder, he wrote a paragraph just about his own thoughts, as Emma often gets him to do just as writing practice and he wrote;
"I've moved school again. I wouldn't recommend it. It's hell!"
As humourous as it is, it obviously reflects some kind of inner upset, but when he talks about his new school his face lights up and he beams proudly, showing me his new uniform and A TIE HE CAN TIE HIMSELF!
I'm off to see Gabe again tonight, so I will check in again on him and see how he's been getting on. I expect he'll have some kind of funny anecdote to make me laugh. :)
Monday
Work 9am- 3pm
Leave the house at 5pm to arrive for babysitting Gabriel @ 5.45-8pm
Arrive home at 8.30pm and have some tea.
BED!
Tuesday
Work 9am-3pm
Leave work, straight to William and Oliver's for babysitting until 6pm
Straight to Ipswich for my first OU Tutorial 7pm-9pm
Arrive home at 9.30pm, eat
BED
Wednesday
Work 9am-3pm
Leave work, straight to William and Oliver's for babysitting until 6pm
Home for half an hour
Meet friends for dinner at 7pm
To my friend's house to organise various weekends we have planned away
Home @ 11.30
BED
Thursday
Work 9am-3pm
Leave work, straight to William and Oliver's for babysitting until 6pm
Straight to Gabriel's again to be there for 6.30pm (Yeah, right!) for stint number 2 of babysitting until 8pm
Home @ 8.30
BED
Friday
Work 9am-3pm
HOME! (Hurrah!)
Study for at least an hour
Out with friends for a much needed drink!
Also, I'm hoping to do some studying on the weekend, as I have done exceptionally badly at it this week!
I have some moer babysitting lined up for Saturday night for a lady called Kerry, who has two daughters (around 8 and 12-ish), who normally go to bed quite early and their parents aren't home until 11.30.
Fingers crossed this means that I can start my essay plan for my first TMA, due in 29th October!
So, as you can see, I had my first ever tutorial for the OU this week, which was exciting! I met some really nice people on my course and it was good to be able to put some faces to names I had been chatting to on Facebook. My tutor is really nice and very reassuring, so I already feel that I can talk to him if I get stuck or have a problem, which may come in handy!
The point that I'm at with the module at this point in time is that I am 2 weeks ahead, as we got our study materials way before the course officially started (Saturday just gone), which I am SO SO SO grateful for, given the distinct lack of studying this week! This means that if I start actually writing my assignment next week (which I don't think will take me a weeks worth of study, as it's only 750 words!) I will be on track, and I may even be able to get slightly ahead for week 4!
I am enjoying the course, and am really getting into the mindset of the Social Scientist again, but I am desperate for week 4 to come along, so that I can move from the Learning Companion and get my teeth stuck into the chunk of textbook that the second part of the course uses. I think this is when the bug will really get me, and I won't be able to keep myself away!
Moving away from the OU, I have been doing a HECK of a lot of babysitting this week, and there have been some changes! Gabriel has changed school! Emma told me before I went on holiday, but didn't go into detail about the reasons why, so when I went over there on Monday, she explained further, and it appears she had something of an epiphany with Gabe's education.
She said that she suddenly realised that the primary school he was previously at was far too small for him (only 4 others in his year group!) and that the method of teaching just wasn't suited to Gabe. I must admit, I did have my reservations about the school, as I had noticed that when he had to learn a list of spellings, for example, all the students would have different lists, so they would not only have to learn the spelling of the word, but also the entire list of words. So, in effect, the teacher would say "Right, now we're having our spelling test!" and just leave them to it! This stressed Gabe out no end! He seems such an easy-going child, but things can really stress him out, and this really did!
I have seen his new folder of work that he has compelted since being at the new school (about 1 week) and the difference is incredible! Everything about his writing has changed- the handwriting, the style, the spelling, EVERYTHING! It was like looking at a different child's work! He also seems happier now to take part in his homework (currently a WW2 project) and actually gets quite excited about it. It is definitely plain to see that Emma has made the right decision moving him again, although I don't think it came lightly, as there was no doubt some upheaval and disruption to his life. In his folder, he wrote a paragraph just about his own thoughts, as Emma often gets him to do just as writing practice and he wrote;
"I've moved school again. I wouldn't recommend it. It's hell!"
As humourous as it is, it obviously reflects some kind of inner upset, but when he talks about his new school his face lights up and he beams proudly, showing me his new uniform and A TIE HE CAN TIE HIMSELF!
I'm off to see Gabe again tonight, so I will check in again on him and see how he's been getting on. I expect he'll have some kind of funny anecdote to make me laugh. :)
Friday, 5 October 2012
Post-Holiday Blues
I arrived home from my holiday last night, at around 9pm, after a full day of travelling (1 hour drive, 4 hour flight, 3 1/2 drive, and all the waiting in between). Had a nice lay-in today, as thankfully my Auntie had offered to cover me at work for one extra day, so today I could recuperate a bit. I had to take my mum to the garage to pick up her car this morning, but after returning and a spot of lunch, I have been completing my Online Activities for the DD101 Introducing the Social Sciences. I am up-to-date on those now, which is a good weight off my mind, as the module site opened when I was on holiday, so this is the first chance I've had to take a look at it.
Whilst away, I also received my first tutorial date, which is this coming Tuesday (9th October) from 7-9pm in my local town of Ipswich. It means that I'll have to go from work to babysitting until 6pm, then straight to the tutorial, but I think it will be worth it. So far I know that there will be me and two other ladies attending, which sounds like a good amount of people, as we will all be able to have some one-to-one time with the tutor, but it's still enough for a group situation. I am rather looking forward to it, and have decided not to start TMA1 (Tutor-marked assessment) until after the tutorial. It's not due until the 29th October anyway. PLENTY OF TIME :)
My holiday was a rousing success in terms of fun, tan and laziness. We went to the Canary Island of Lanzarote, where I have been a few times before in my childhood, but not recently. The weather was GORGEOUS, and I have got some pretty impressive tan lines/white bits! The landscape is absolutely stunning- the island is purely volcanic, so no grass ANYWHERE. As you can see below, it looks pretty bleak, but I thought that it was amazing!
We visited the National Park of Timanfaya Volcano, which is one the of the biggest on the island and has been converted into a tourist attraction, with a cafe, bus tour, gift shop and the like. They actually had some pretty interesting things going on, like a room where they have dug a hole into the volcano, and to demonstrate the heat, there are various food stuffs cooking over the hole.
There was also another hole, into which a man came and rested a pitch-fork into with hay on the end. The searing heat from inside the hole promptly caused it to dramatically burst into flames.
I had a quick peek in the gift shop on the way out, to find some goodies for William and Oliver, who had asked me to bring back some photos for them to look at. I found a really cool panoramic photo of Timanfaya, as well as a large postcard and a teeny-weeny cactus that you can grow yourself (pictured) Hopefully they will be pleased with them!
I have just this minute received an email from my Tutor (I will all him Mr. M for privacy's sake) introducing himself to me, and clarifying the details of Tuesday's tutorial. Definitely excited now!
Whilst away, I also received my first tutorial date, which is this coming Tuesday (9th October) from 7-9pm in my local town of Ipswich. It means that I'll have to go from work to babysitting until 6pm, then straight to the tutorial, but I think it will be worth it. So far I know that there will be me and two other ladies attending, which sounds like a good amount of people, as we will all be able to have some one-to-one time with the tutor, but it's still enough for a group situation. I am rather looking forward to it, and have decided not to start TMA1 (Tutor-marked assessment) until after the tutorial. It's not due until the 29th October anyway. PLENTY OF TIME :)
My holiday was a rousing success in terms of fun, tan and laziness. We went to the Canary Island of Lanzarote, where I have been a few times before in my childhood, but not recently. The weather was GORGEOUS, and I have got some pretty impressive tan lines/white bits! The landscape is absolutely stunning- the island is purely volcanic, so no grass ANYWHERE. As you can see below, it looks pretty bleak, but I thought that it was amazing!
We visited the National Park of Timanfaya Volcano, which is one the of the biggest on the island and has been converted into a tourist attraction, with a cafe, bus tour, gift shop and the like. They actually had some pretty interesting things going on, like a room where they have dug a hole into the volcano, and to demonstrate the heat, there are various food stuffs cooking over the hole.
There was also another hole, into which a man came and rested a pitch-fork into with hay on the end. The searing heat from inside the hole promptly caused it to dramatically burst into flames.
I had a quick peek in the gift shop on the way out, to find some goodies for William and Oliver, who had asked me to bring back some photos for them to look at. I found a really cool panoramic photo of Timanfaya, as well as a large postcard and a teeny-weeny cactus that you can grow yourself (pictured) Hopefully they will be pleased with them!
I have just this minute received an email from my Tutor (I will all him Mr. M for privacy's sake) introducing himself to me, and clarifying the details of Tuesday's tutorial. Definitely excited now!
Monday, 24 September 2012
3 days to go...
3 days to go until my OU Module website is open. Although it is also only 2 days until I go on holiday.
Slightly more excited about the latter!
Although, still looking forward to going on the Module Website, getting my tutor's details, etc. I have heard that a few people's first tutorials are on the 6th October, which is the Saturday I come back from holiday. And also the night of my boyfriend's best mate's wedding (who is marrying my half-cousin, coincidentally!), but I wont be attending until the night time anyway.
Studying last week was fairly good, if tiring. I managed 6 1/2 hours in total. I could've squeezed in more on the weekend, but I ended up going out on Saturday night and having quite a big hangover on Sunday! Also, Warren was out on a stag do in Edinburgh all weekend, and came home on Sunday, so I was quite excited about seeing him for the first time in about 5 days.
I had a chat with Mum on Thursday night and she said that she thinks I have taken on too much, with all this babysitting, working and studying. I can see her point, and to be honest, I don't think I could keep it all up for much longer. We had a lengthy discussion and came to the conclusion that something will have to give sooner or later. I really don't want it to be babysitting, because I really enjoy it, and I get money for it. On the other hand, it does take up a large chunk of my time and does involve a lot of travelling. My main point was that I didn't want to give up babysitting Gabe, because I just simply couldn't. I'm far too attached, and I'd feel like I was letting Emma down. However, I also don't want to give up with William and Oliver because I've only just started, so it would feel like quite a cop out, and I love being around them. Plus it puts an extra £36 a week in my pocket.
In the end, mum said she'd have a chat with Dad to see if I could get my hours cut on a Friday afternoon, which is normally never very busy, from 9am-1pm. This would be SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL, because it's the only night I don't babysit, so I can come home and just concentrate solely on studying for as many hours as I need to catch up.
I don't think she's had a chat to Dad about it yet, so I'll wait to hear.
Am currently sitting with a face-mask on. Feeling my face get tighter and tighter and more cement-like by the minute.
Best go scrub it off...
Slightly more excited about the latter!
Although, still looking forward to going on the Module Website, getting my tutor's details, etc. I have heard that a few people's first tutorials are on the 6th October, which is the Saturday I come back from holiday. And also the night of my boyfriend's best mate's wedding (who is marrying my half-cousin, coincidentally!), but I wont be attending until the night time anyway.
Studying last week was fairly good, if tiring. I managed 6 1/2 hours in total. I could've squeezed in more on the weekend, but I ended up going out on Saturday night and having quite a big hangover on Sunday! Also, Warren was out on a stag do in Edinburgh all weekend, and came home on Sunday, so I was quite excited about seeing him for the first time in about 5 days.
I had a chat with Mum on Thursday night and she said that she thinks I have taken on too much, with all this babysitting, working and studying. I can see her point, and to be honest, I don't think I could keep it all up for much longer. We had a lengthy discussion and came to the conclusion that something will have to give sooner or later. I really don't want it to be babysitting, because I really enjoy it, and I get money for it. On the other hand, it does take up a large chunk of my time and does involve a lot of travelling. My main point was that I didn't want to give up babysitting Gabe, because I just simply couldn't. I'm far too attached, and I'd feel like I was letting Emma down. However, I also don't want to give up with William and Oliver because I've only just started, so it would feel like quite a cop out, and I love being around them. Plus it puts an extra £36 a week in my pocket.
In the end, mum said she'd have a chat with Dad to see if I could get my hours cut on a Friday afternoon, which is normally never very busy, from 9am-1pm. This would be SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL, because it's the only night I don't babysit, so I can come home and just concentrate solely on studying for as many hours as I need to catch up.
I don't think she's had a chat to Dad about it yet, so I'll wait to hear.
Am currently sitting with a face-mask on. Feeling my face get tighter and tighter and more cement-like by the minute.
Best go scrub it off...
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Brilliant start to the week!
Really proud of myself so far today- I sacrificed my usual catch-up of Jeremy Kyle before work this morning for a very valuable half an hour study of the Making Social Lives DVD to begin Week 2 of my studies. Although I am technically one day behind, I think I can defiinitely make up for this, as I've also crammed in another half an hour slot during my lunch break.
I also recieved a text from Alison earlier asking if I could be at hers for 4pm today to babysit William and Oliver, instead of 3.30pm. This means I can finish work as usual at 3.00pm and go and hibernate for another half an hour slot of studying before scampering off at 3.30pm. Overall, this takes my daily total of study hours today up to 1 1/2, which I am thrilled at! It doesn't sound like much, but it's three times the time I had predicted I would be able to spend today, which is a massive bonus.
I am finding it already much easier to get my teeth into Week 2 of study. I found Week 1 quite wishy-washy and fairly simple, to be frank. I understand that the OU has to cater for many levels of academic competence, confidence and commitment, but I found that Week 1 was a slight overlap of things that I had already picked up in my A-Level studies of Psychology and Sociology in particular.
Having said this, just reading through and highlighting the first few pages of Week 2 and taking some notes from the DVD, I am already finding this second part much more stimulating!
I would be able to do some more study after babysitting, but I am off to Tesco with my boyfriend to get some last minute holiday supplies for next week, when we are jetting off to Lanzarote with my parents, brother and his girlfriend. SO looking forward to it- we haven't had a family holiday in 6 years, and I have a feeling this will be one of the last, as at the ripe old age of 19, and with my brother closely following at 18, and with our respecitve other halves, we will probably be exploring the world on our own holidays from now on. Plus, it's very expensive for my parents to pay for us all to go on holiday together!
So, the checklist for Tesco will consist of suncream, lots of cute mini toiletries that are ridiculously overprices, but everyone still insists on buying, and a few clothes if I can find anything appropraite and cheap!
Update soon!
xox
I also recieved a text from Alison earlier asking if I could be at hers for 4pm today to babysit William and Oliver, instead of 3.30pm. This means I can finish work as usual at 3.00pm and go and hibernate for another half an hour slot of studying before scampering off at 3.30pm. Overall, this takes my daily total of study hours today up to 1 1/2, which I am thrilled at! It doesn't sound like much, but it's three times the time I had predicted I would be able to spend today, which is a massive bonus.
I am finding it already much easier to get my teeth into Week 2 of study. I found Week 1 quite wishy-washy and fairly simple, to be frank. I understand that the OU has to cater for many levels of academic competence, confidence and commitment, but I found that Week 1 was a slight overlap of things that I had already picked up in my A-Level studies of Psychology and Sociology in particular.
Having said this, just reading through and highlighting the first few pages of Week 2 and taking some notes from the DVD, I am already finding this second part much more stimulating!
I would be able to do some more study after babysitting, but I am off to Tesco with my boyfriend to get some last minute holiday supplies for next week, when we are jetting off to Lanzarote with my parents, brother and his girlfriend. SO looking forward to it- we haven't had a family holiday in 6 years, and I have a feeling this will be one of the last, as at the ripe old age of 19, and with my brother closely following at 18, and with our respecitve other halves, we will probably be exploring the world on our own holidays from now on. Plus, it's very expensive for my parents to pay for us all to go on holiday together!
So, the checklist for Tesco will consist of suncream, lots of cute mini toiletries that are ridiculously overprices, but everyone still insists on buying, and a few clothes if I can find anything appropraite and cheap!
Update soon!
xox
Monday, 17 September 2012
Week One- Complete!
So, I finished Week One of my OU studies today- albeit a day late, but hey- it's done! I'm also very proud to say that I managed to fit in 2 hours of studying today, which is quite a feat when you consider that I've only had 1 hour of spare time so far! I managed to squish an hour or so in at work, as it was a pretty slow day and no one was really around, then I had another hour after work before coming to babysitting, where I am now. I'm sitting Gabriel tonight, who is currently watching The Simpsons in the living room, as I type.
I'm beginning to get a little concerned about this whole fitting-OU-into-my-life thing. This is a rough schedule for my average week, as it stands;
Monday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Study at home 3.30-5
Leave for babysitting at 5.20 to arrive at 5.50
Leave Gabe's at 8.00 to arrive home at 8.30
CHILLLLLLL for a while before bed! Potentially cram in a bit more studying, if possible!
TOTAL 1 1/2 hours of study
Tuesday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Leave work and head straight to babysitting for William and Oliver to arrive at 3.30
Leave William and Oliver's at 6.00 to arrive home at 6.30
EAT.
See boyfriend for the evening (I've got to fit him in somewhere!), although if needs be, I could do a quick bit of studying...
TOTAL 1/2 hour of study :(
Wednesday
I'm beginning to get a little concerned about this whole fitting-OU-into-my-life thing. This is a rough schedule for my average week, as it stands;
Monday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Study at home 3.30-5
Leave for babysitting at 5.20 to arrive at 5.50
Leave Gabe's at 8.00 to arrive home at 8.30
CHILLLLLLL for a while before bed! Potentially cram in a bit more studying, if possible!
TOTAL 1 1/2 hours of study
Tuesday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Leave work and head straight to babysitting for William and Oliver to arrive at 3.30
Leave William and Oliver's at 6.00 to arrive home at 6.30
EAT.
See boyfriend for the evening (I've got to fit him in somewhere!), although if needs be, I could do a quick bit of studying...
TOTAL 1/2 hour of study :(
Wednesday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Leave work and head straight to babysitting for William and Oliver to arrive at 3.30
Leave William and Oliver's at 6.00 to arrive home at 6.30
EAT.
Unlimited studying for the evening, but I would guestimate about 1 1/2 hours
TOTAL 2 hours of study
Thursday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Leave work and head straight to babysitting for William and Oliver to arrive at 3.30
Leave William and Oliver's at 6.00 to arrive home at 6.30
EAT.
Unlimited studying for the evening, but I would guestimate about 1 1/2 hours
TOTAL 2 hours of study
Friday
Work 9-3
Lunchtime Study 1.30-2.00
Leave work and head straight to babysitting for William and Oliver to arrive at 3.30
Leave William and Oliver's at 6.00 to arrive home at 6.30
EAT.
Unlimited studying for the evening, but I would guestimate about 1 1/2 hours (although this may be subject to change if I am going out or actually having a social life GOD FORBID!)
TOTAL 2 hours of study
WEEKLY TOTAL 8 HOURS OF STUDY A WEEK.
That sounds absolutely pitiful, but I can always catch up on weekends, and like today, I managed to catch an extra hour at work, which was really helpful.
Also, with the purchase of ma iMac on the weekend (EEEE!) I got a cloud programme, which means that I can access my documents from any computer in the world, which makes things alot easier.
I guessI just need to stop stressing about this and just see how it goes, but studying is my top priority, and if I can't make it work, then something will have to give. That will most probably have to be babysitting with Gabriel, as much as it pains me to say it. I have looked after him for 5 years now, and have become so attached to him, and his mother has also become a good friend, and I would feel absolutely abhorrent letting them down, but I suppose there just comes a time. I would much rather not sit for William and Oliver and carry on with Gabriel, but the thing is that I will have much more work with them, and therefore more money. Alison already pays me more than Emma (Gabe's mum), and it takes me half an hour to travel to Emma's, whereas Alison's is just on the way home from work.
I dont know, it's a dilemma!
But, we will see what happens, and I will keep you updated!
xox
Saturday, 15 September 2012
iMAC!
SO excited! Went laptop shopping with my Dad today, and came home with a new iMac! I have never used anything like it- So easy to use, brilliant quality, fun and even the keyboard is brilliant! It's such a sexy computer! My Boyfriend is so jealous, hahaaaa!
I have no doubt that it will help me no end with my OU studies. I really feel like I have a proper studying base now that I have a desk, folders, drawer space, a computer, pinboard, and a lamp (all the essentials in life!)
Ahhhh, my life is COMPLETE!
I have no doubt that it will help me no end with my OU studies. I really feel like I have a proper studying base now that I have a desk, folders, drawer space, a computer, pinboard, and a lamp (all the essentials in life!)
Ahhhh, my life is COMPLETE!
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Birthday Cake, Trampoline Tantrums and City Road
KEY; Red = Open University Section Blue = Everyday life
As I signed off Blogger yesterday, I was about to go to see William and Oliver for a couple of hours. I arrived at their house at 3.30pm and immediately I was ordered by them to close my eyes, and they led me by hand, stubbing toes and bumping into walls, into the Playroom. As I was allowed to open my eyes, I could see that Alison and Steve (their parents) had filled their fishtank with some new arrivals! I was introduced formally by William to Bop, Bonnie, Twinkle, Venga, Ceebie and the like, whilst Oliver was in the kitchen with Alison helping to make Steve's Birthday Cake.
During my introduction and a lengthy finger-chasing session with the fish and William, I could hear Oliver crying and whinging in the kitchen with Alison, and he eventually emerged at the door frame, eyes red, with a bowl of cake (Cherry Bakewell- his favourite). I thought that perhaps Oliver had felt left out because I had immediately given all of my attention to William (which is a rare occurance, since due to his Autism he usually enjoys his own space), so I asked them whether they would like to go on the trampoline outside. They both jumped at the chance (no punn intended), and we were in the garden in no time.
As I unzipped the netting of the trampoline both boys were clambering at my legs, rushing to get up the ladder for a bounce. They were both playing nicely whilst I was chatting to Steve, who was catching up on a bit of gardening, about my Open University studies and the new High School where he has been working as part of his degree in a placement. He is a very nice man, and I admire him for doing what he is with his studying to get back into teaching again. Alison has told me that he usually stays at home and takes care of the boys whilst she works from home, but now the children are both not at home as much (William is in school, and Oliver in nursery), he is taking a top up course at the University of East Anglia (Norwich) so he can be a teacher again. He is very understanding of my studies as a result of this, and said that if the boys were just watching TV, then I could take a book along and read up on a few things for a while, which will no doubt be very helpful.
So, Steve was gardening, Alison was working and the boys were bouncing on the trampoline playing The Red Dinosaur game (No idea!). Oliver got fed up of this and wanted to play The Green Dinosaur Game (?!), but William was in NO way willing to play this game. So, Oliver, who I think was generally already in a grouchy mood and may have been tired from starting Nursery full time recently, began what started with a pout, and then developed into a full- blown Trampoline Tantrum Meltdown. Usually, if William and Oliver have a dispute I hardly have to intervene, as they are very loving boys that come to a truce very quickly, but today Oliver was having NONE of it. So, I suggested that we go inside and play with the fish or do a puzzle, or reading, or TV, or something... ANYTHING!
Oliver refused outright, but William got off the trampoline and for some reason, this enraged Oliver. He began to scream and shout even more, claiming through sobs and garbled cries that he wanted to get off the trampoline first! William was completely oblivious to this and was completely focused on the new task at hand (a trait of autism) and promptly began to march down the garden towards the house, completely ignoring his brother. This further angered Oliver, who was bawling after him "WILLYUM- GET BACK ON!! I WANT TO GET OFF FIRST!"
His demand was so absurd that I wanted to laugh, but managed to coax him off the trampoline in the end. He then began to stomp down the garden, towards the house in classic tantrum style; feet stamping as hard as possible, sobbing and whinging, with arms flailing in desparation, tiny chubby fists clenched in anger. Obviously as soon as he reached the house, he flew straight into Alisons' arms and blurted out William's OUTRAGEOUS act of leaving the trampoline first. Alison was on Skype to her boss, and so quickly consoled him and told him to go and play. After a little while and a quick read of The Cat in the Hat, the tensions between the brothers were resolved, and they were back to normal. PHEW!
We were then promptly called to the kitchen, where Steve's birthday cake awaited us, in its iced, jammy glory. We lit the candles and the boys blew them out after a verse of Happy Birthday, and we all tucked in. William has a very restriced diet and only eats rusks, porridge and certain yoghurts, so he didn't have a slice of cake, but Oliver did- without any icing or jam, of course (the boy doesn't know what he's missing out on!). Then he insisted on showing me how he eats a "nana". Alison handed him a banana and, with his chubby toddler fingers still covered in cake crumbs and dribble, he grappled with the fruit, trying to break the skin in order to peel it. After a breif struggle, he managed to break the skin, and proceeded to stuff the banana into his mouth like nothing had ever seen before. "He's still not worked out that he has to swallow before another mouthful goes in!" explained Steve, as he has to physically remove the "nana" from Oliver whilst he desperately tried to chew an incredible amount of it, some spilling out of his mouth, with his cheeks full to burst!
After the small celebration I left and returned home to study for the evening. I'm currently starting course DD101; Exploring the Social Sciences of my eventual Psychology BSc Degree (Hons)- all with the Open University. I recieved my study materials on Monday, and began studying on Tuesday. I've managed and hour and a half on Tuesday, as well as last night. The first two weeks of the course are designed to ease us in gently, I think, as we don't have to use a textbook, as such- we just have a documentary style DVD to watch and a "Learning Companion" to take notes from. Then, we have our first assessment due at the end of October (the course doesn't officially start until 6th October, but I'm getting ahead). The question is something along the lines of "Using what you have learned from the "Making Social Lives on City Road" DVD and "Learning Companion 1", Outline how material objects on City Road favour the lives of some people over others" (750 words). Now, this is only a short assessment at just 750 words, but it's still important, as it's the first one and I really want to make a good impression on my Tutor (who will mark it), and get back into the essay style of writing.
So far, I've watched the first couple of films on the DVD, one of which is an introduction to City Road, Cardiff. It is an urban road that is typical to many in the UK. The second film uses a local poet, Lloyd Robson, to narrate and engage in conversation with many of the locals about City Road- it's past and present. He talks to various shop owners, employees, policemen, an electric board employee, cafe owners and residents, new and old. A few themes are uncovered as we are introuced to the way in which Social Scientists observe and look at everyday life in a different way to ourselves. There are 4 main ways in which they observe;
Directly; by watching people's activites and talking to them
Differences over time; City Road is a different place in the day than it is at night e.g. Women in a cafe at lunch time have different experiences of City Road than those partygoers at night time.
Connections with other times and places; Immigration is obvious in City Road, as many of the shops are run by non-locals. The Car showrooms that dominated the street in the 1960s have been replaced by many takeaway restaurants and ethnic shops such as Sanna Silk Sari Shop and Xquisite Africa.
Relationships between people and the material objects; ie. signage, traffic, etc as well as other unseen things such as the electricity, water and other utility services.
These different observations were then tied in with 3 module wide questions;
How do we as Social Scientists know?; This is linked to the methods of observation above, and explains how Social Scientists go about their research.
How is Society being Made and Repaired?; This has many connections to City Road, as we saw it in the DVD. According to one of the Psychologists in the footage, society is being made and repaired constantly by immigration- something that many residents recognised as being a relatively new factor of City Road. However, in order for City Road to even come into existence, there must have been immigration in the first place, and then even more for it to have turned into the thriving place that it is today. In thise respect, Immigration is a factor that is constantly reparing and remaking society.
I haven't quite finished looking at this second Module- Wide question, and I have yet to start studying the last; How are inequalities and Differences produced?
I aim to complete this last section in the next couple of days, and there will be an update very soon! I hope other OU students on the course DD101 will be able to look at this and find it helpful or reassuring, as I know that independent study can be quite daunting! Any questions you can find me on Facebook!
As I signed off Blogger yesterday, I was about to go to see William and Oliver for a couple of hours. I arrived at their house at 3.30pm and immediately I was ordered by them to close my eyes, and they led me by hand, stubbing toes and bumping into walls, into the Playroom. As I was allowed to open my eyes, I could see that Alison and Steve (their parents) had filled their fishtank with some new arrivals! I was introduced formally by William to Bop, Bonnie, Twinkle, Venga, Ceebie and the like, whilst Oliver was in the kitchen with Alison helping to make Steve's Birthday Cake.
During my introduction and a lengthy finger-chasing session with the fish and William, I could hear Oliver crying and whinging in the kitchen with Alison, and he eventually emerged at the door frame, eyes red, with a bowl of cake (Cherry Bakewell- his favourite). I thought that perhaps Oliver had felt left out because I had immediately given all of my attention to William (which is a rare occurance, since due to his Autism he usually enjoys his own space), so I asked them whether they would like to go on the trampoline outside. They both jumped at the chance (no punn intended), and we were in the garden in no time.
As I unzipped the netting of the trampoline both boys were clambering at my legs, rushing to get up the ladder for a bounce. They were both playing nicely whilst I was chatting to Steve, who was catching up on a bit of gardening, about my Open University studies and the new High School where he has been working as part of his degree in a placement. He is a very nice man, and I admire him for doing what he is with his studying to get back into teaching again. Alison has told me that he usually stays at home and takes care of the boys whilst she works from home, but now the children are both not at home as much (William is in school, and Oliver in nursery), he is taking a top up course at the University of East Anglia (Norwich) so he can be a teacher again. He is very understanding of my studies as a result of this, and said that if the boys were just watching TV, then I could take a book along and read up on a few things for a while, which will no doubt be very helpful.
So, Steve was gardening, Alison was working and the boys were bouncing on the trampoline playing The Red Dinosaur game (No idea!). Oliver got fed up of this and wanted to play The Green Dinosaur Game (?!), but William was in NO way willing to play this game. So, Oliver, who I think was generally already in a grouchy mood and may have been tired from starting Nursery full time recently, began what started with a pout, and then developed into a full- blown Trampoline Tantrum Meltdown. Usually, if William and Oliver have a dispute I hardly have to intervene, as they are very loving boys that come to a truce very quickly, but today Oliver was having NONE of it. So, I suggested that we go inside and play with the fish or do a puzzle, or reading, or TV, or something... ANYTHING!
Oliver refused outright, but William got off the trampoline and for some reason, this enraged Oliver. He began to scream and shout even more, claiming through sobs and garbled cries that he wanted to get off the trampoline first! William was completely oblivious to this and was completely focused on the new task at hand (a trait of autism) and promptly began to march down the garden towards the house, completely ignoring his brother. This further angered Oliver, who was bawling after him "WILLYUM- GET BACK ON!! I WANT TO GET OFF FIRST!"
His demand was so absurd that I wanted to laugh, but managed to coax him off the trampoline in the end. He then began to stomp down the garden, towards the house in classic tantrum style; feet stamping as hard as possible, sobbing and whinging, with arms flailing in desparation, tiny chubby fists clenched in anger. Obviously as soon as he reached the house, he flew straight into Alisons' arms and blurted out William's OUTRAGEOUS act of leaving the trampoline first. Alison was on Skype to her boss, and so quickly consoled him and told him to go and play. After a little while and a quick read of The Cat in the Hat, the tensions between the brothers were resolved, and they were back to normal. PHEW!
We were then promptly called to the kitchen, where Steve's birthday cake awaited us, in its iced, jammy glory. We lit the candles and the boys blew them out after a verse of Happy Birthday, and we all tucked in. William has a very restriced diet and only eats rusks, porridge and certain yoghurts, so he didn't have a slice of cake, but Oliver did- without any icing or jam, of course (the boy doesn't know what he's missing out on!). Then he insisted on showing me how he eats a "nana". Alison handed him a banana and, with his chubby toddler fingers still covered in cake crumbs and dribble, he grappled with the fruit, trying to break the skin in order to peel it. After a breif struggle, he managed to break the skin, and proceeded to stuff the banana into his mouth like nothing had ever seen before. "He's still not worked out that he has to swallow before another mouthful goes in!" explained Steve, as he has to physically remove the "nana" from Oliver whilst he desperately tried to chew an incredible amount of it, some spilling out of his mouth, with his cheeks full to burst!
After the small celebration I left and returned home to study for the evening. I'm currently starting course DD101; Exploring the Social Sciences of my eventual Psychology BSc Degree (Hons)- all with the Open University. I recieved my study materials on Monday, and began studying on Tuesday. I've managed and hour and a half on Tuesday, as well as last night. The first two weeks of the course are designed to ease us in gently, I think, as we don't have to use a textbook, as such- we just have a documentary style DVD to watch and a "Learning Companion" to take notes from. Then, we have our first assessment due at the end of October (the course doesn't officially start until 6th October, but I'm getting ahead). The question is something along the lines of "Using what you have learned from the "Making Social Lives on City Road" DVD and "Learning Companion 1", Outline how material objects on City Road favour the lives of some people over others" (750 words). Now, this is only a short assessment at just 750 words, but it's still important, as it's the first one and I really want to make a good impression on my Tutor (who will mark it), and get back into the essay style of writing.
So far, I've watched the first couple of films on the DVD, one of which is an introduction to City Road, Cardiff. It is an urban road that is typical to many in the UK. The second film uses a local poet, Lloyd Robson, to narrate and engage in conversation with many of the locals about City Road- it's past and present. He talks to various shop owners, employees, policemen, an electric board employee, cafe owners and residents, new and old. A few themes are uncovered as we are introuced to the way in which Social Scientists observe and look at everyday life in a different way to ourselves. There are 4 main ways in which they observe;
Directly; by watching people's activites and talking to them
Differences over time; City Road is a different place in the day than it is at night e.g. Women in a cafe at lunch time have different experiences of City Road than those partygoers at night time.
Connections with other times and places; Immigration is obvious in City Road, as many of the shops are run by non-locals. The Car showrooms that dominated the street in the 1960s have been replaced by many takeaway restaurants and ethnic shops such as Sanna Silk Sari Shop and Xquisite Africa.
Relationships between people and the material objects; ie. signage, traffic, etc as well as other unseen things such as the electricity, water and other utility services.
These different observations were then tied in with 3 module wide questions;
How do we as Social Scientists know?; This is linked to the methods of observation above, and explains how Social Scientists go about their research.
How is Society being Made and Repaired?; This has many connections to City Road, as we saw it in the DVD. According to one of the Psychologists in the footage, society is being made and repaired constantly by immigration- something that many residents recognised as being a relatively new factor of City Road. However, in order for City Road to even come into existence, there must have been immigration in the first place, and then even more for it to have turned into the thriving place that it is today. In thise respect, Immigration is a factor that is constantly reparing and remaking society.
I haven't quite finished looking at this second Module- Wide question, and I have yet to start studying the last; How are inequalities and Differences produced?
I aim to complete this last section in the next couple of days, and there will be an update very soon! I hope other OU students on the course DD101 will be able to look at this and find it helpful or reassuring, as I know that independent study can be quite daunting! Any questions you can find me on Facebook!
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
POST #1
So, first ever post!
I am currently sat at work, just finished my lunch break, but the office is pretty quiet, so I thought; Why wait until I get home?
I think the best way to do this would be to give youa quick run-down of my life as it stands- all of the important bits anyway...
My name is Ellen Friend (duh)
I am 19 years old
I live in Suffolk, England
I work full-time as a Receptionist for my Dad's glazing company (9am-3pm Mon-Fri)
I also do a fair bit of babysitting when I'm not at work (about 4 evenings a week with 2 regular families
I am about to begin a part-time Psychology degree with the Open University
I have just finished my A-Levels after 3 years of Sixth Form at my local High School
I have a lovely boyfriend called Warren, who I have been with for almost 2 years (in one month)
I live at home with my mum and dad and younger brother (Ben, 18)
I have a passion for all things Psychology, and also Art
OK, that's all I can think of at the moment! As I mentioned before, today has been a rather slow day in the office, so I have spent quite a bit of time scanning the Daily Mail webiste (a favourite boredom-busting activity of mine) and commenting like crazy, because I am one of those who likes to voice my own opinion...
This blog is going to be a running commentary on my life, with little snippets from here and there.
I am off babysitting in about an hour, after work, with one of the aforementioned regular families. I have actually only just started with them about a month ago, but the boys are so sweet! Their name's are William (6) and Oliver (4). William is autistic, and has a major obsession with all things dinosaur! He knows all of their names, their weights, heights, which family of dinosaur they belong to, what they eat- The list is ENDLESS! Consequently, this obsession has rubbed off on his younger brother Oliver, who is also a wealth of knowledge on anything that occured in the Jurassic period- despite barely being able to pronounce the names, he certainly knows what he is talking about!
Last week he tried Wotsits for the first time and was totally delighted with his discovery of the new "crips". He was running around the play room with his bowl of the orange puffs shouting "They look like sausages! They are so colourful and BEAUTIFULLL!", all the while William remained captivated by his Walking with Dinosaurs book, that he knows from cover to cover, but still pours over everytime I visit.
This Monday night I also went to babysit Gabriel (10), who was the first child I ever babysat at the age of 15, when he was just 6 years old. He is absolutely gorgeous; bright blonde curly hair and sparkling blue eyes- he really is the image of an angel! Gabriel is a very lively young boy, and typically hates everything to do with school that isn't playtime. We have to do reading before his bedtime every week (on my Monday night visits), which he usually objects to very stongly, but eventually gives in when I tell him that his mum will be home soon! He finds reading a writing quite difficult and was actually wrongly diagnosed as dyslexic a while ago, but I think he's just suffering from low self esteem and distraction, to be quite honest! He's a perfectly able child, I just think the whole set up of school doesn't work for him. He seems such a resilient boy, but sometimes he'll come out with questions that half make me want to laugh and hal make me want to give hima cuddle. he's in his second to last year in Primary school, and will be going to the High School after (two-tier system) and he asks me "In High School, do they make you do detention AFTER SCHOOL?!" and when I confirm this, he looks at me in utter disbelief, and you can see the panic spread over his face as he blurts out "But how do they get home?! It must be ILLEGAL!"
I absolutely love babysitting, and I know many people think I'm mad, taking on my 30 hour a week job, as well as 8 hours a week babysitting and 10-12 hours studying, but I just love being busy. Since I left school, I have found it so strange coming home at 3pm and not having anything to do- it's been really dreadful!
But anyway, I'm off to William and Oliver's, so there will be an update shortly!
xox
I am currently sat at work, just finished my lunch break, but the office is pretty quiet, so I thought; Why wait until I get home?
I think the best way to do this would be to give youa quick run-down of my life as it stands- all of the important bits anyway...
My name is Ellen Friend (duh)
I am 19 years old
I live in Suffolk, England
I work full-time as a Receptionist for my Dad's glazing company (9am-3pm Mon-Fri)
I also do a fair bit of babysitting when I'm not at work (about 4 evenings a week with 2 regular families
I am about to begin a part-time Psychology degree with the Open University
I have just finished my A-Levels after 3 years of Sixth Form at my local High School
I have a lovely boyfriend called Warren, who I have been with for almost 2 years (in one month)
I live at home with my mum and dad and younger brother (Ben, 18)
I have a passion for all things Psychology, and also Art
OK, that's all I can think of at the moment! As I mentioned before, today has been a rather slow day in the office, so I have spent quite a bit of time scanning the Daily Mail webiste (a favourite boredom-busting activity of mine) and commenting like crazy, because I am one of those who likes to voice my own opinion...
This blog is going to be a running commentary on my life, with little snippets from here and there.
I am off babysitting in about an hour, after work, with one of the aforementioned regular families. I have actually only just started with them about a month ago, but the boys are so sweet! Their name's are William (6) and Oliver (4). William is autistic, and has a major obsession with all things dinosaur! He knows all of their names, their weights, heights, which family of dinosaur they belong to, what they eat- The list is ENDLESS! Consequently, this obsession has rubbed off on his younger brother Oliver, who is also a wealth of knowledge on anything that occured in the Jurassic period- despite barely being able to pronounce the names, he certainly knows what he is talking about!
Last week he tried Wotsits for the first time and was totally delighted with his discovery of the new "crips". He was running around the play room with his bowl of the orange puffs shouting "They look like sausages! They are so colourful and BEAUTIFULLL!", all the while William remained captivated by his Walking with Dinosaurs book, that he knows from cover to cover, but still pours over everytime I visit.
This Monday night I also went to babysit Gabriel (10), who was the first child I ever babysat at the age of 15, when he was just 6 years old. He is absolutely gorgeous; bright blonde curly hair and sparkling blue eyes- he really is the image of an angel! Gabriel is a very lively young boy, and typically hates everything to do with school that isn't playtime. We have to do reading before his bedtime every week (on my Monday night visits), which he usually objects to very stongly, but eventually gives in when I tell him that his mum will be home soon! He finds reading a writing quite difficult and was actually wrongly diagnosed as dyslexic a while ago, but I think he's just suffering from low self esteem and distraction, to be quite honest! He's a perfectly able child, I just think the whole set up of school doesn't work for him. He seems such a resilient boy, but sometimes he'll come out with questions that half make me want to laugh and hal make me want to give hima cuddle. he's in his second to last year in Primary school, and will be going to the High School after (two-tier system) and he asks me "In High School, do they make you do detention AFTER SCHOOL?!" and when I confirm this, he looks at me in utter disbelief, and you can see the panic spread over his face as he blurts out "But how do they get home?! It must be ILLEGAL!"
I absolutely love babysitting, and I know many people think I'm mad, taking on my 30 hour a week job, as well as 8 hours a week babysitting and 10-12 hours studying, but I just love being busy. Since I left school, I have found it so strange coming home at 3pm and not having anything to do- it's been really dreadful!
But anyway, I'm off to William and Oliver's, so there will be an update shortly!
xox
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