Japanorama!

I've recently discovered a new show on BBC3 about modern Japan and their culture. The show is presented by Jonathan Ross and it's a bit tongue in cheek. I never realised how different our cultures are. The funniest thing I saw on the show was Toast Girl which is a performance artist. This is a person who expresses herself through this hat. She also sometimes wears hoovers on her feet and slides about on them to show how women's roles have changed or something. A bit confusing but quite a good show. It's possible to watch clips on the BBC website.

Wedding before Easter

Last week we took a trip to Scotland to go to a friend's wedding. As money is tight we decided to drive there; it was a long trip - about 8 hours each way. We set off early on Wednesday morning and stopped off at Lancaster (after about 4 hours) at 10am for a trip down memory land. Sadly I stupidly did not take my camera so there are no photos but it was great to see so many familiar places. Marco's restaurant is still going strong (the menu does not seem to have changed even though I left 3 years ago!), and we also went to Brophy's Cafe, Half Price or Less and Single Step Co-Op. It was superb. Plus the weather was kind and it was sunny. We also took a quick drive around the uni buildings. Lancaster University has changed a great deal - the number of buildings must have almost doubled!

The first night we went to a pre-dinner meal and tried our first authentic taste of haggis. It was quite nice and reminded me a lot of black pudding. The next day we got up a bit later and went into Crieff town centre to look around. It's a quaint place with lots of pretty shops. Before we knew it, it was time to go to the church for the wedding ceremony itself. The church was not in Crieff but in a tiny hamlet about 25 minutes drive away. We were really glad that we'd driven at that point as we were comfortable in our own car. Anyway the ceremony was very sweet, especially since the bride's Dad is a vicar so he actually married the couple!

We went on to the reception which was very grand and lastly there was a traditional Scottish dancing band with caller and everything. It was so much fun and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.

Sadly the next day we had to leave and come back home but it was such a great trip. We met some interesting people. The groom is from Malawi and is quite a famous popstar. You can hear some of his music from his page.

I guess that's about all for now... However, I have made a lot of changes to the blog including more photos and pictures so feel free to take a look back at the past posts to see more.

My ceramics!

Here is a couple of pictures of my masterpieces! I am so pleased with them as they have come out even better than I'd expected. I'm taking orders if anyone is interested!!!!

I could paint an entire dinner service but I think it might take quite a long time. Perhaps in the future! I haven't managed to go there again but I will get there in the end.

Has it been that long?

Already it's the end of March. It's been a good month so far. At last the days are getting longer, and the daffs are out in force. It's the end of the second term this week and I'm still reeling in shock that we're so far through already. Last weekend I put my NQT folder together so pass this year and become FULLY qualified. Hurrah.
It's also been my birthday and it was a great time. Lots of cake and food! It's a bit weird to think that I'm now in my mid-20s but I have been told that it stays that way. Before long it'll be my 80th and I 'll still feel like a teenager! (in spirit if my body doesn't keep up!) There's been a lot of time spent with family which is good. I've come to realise that being around them is what makes me happy.
I've also taken up a new hobby: ceramic painting! It's true that I have only been once but I intend to go more. Hopefully one day I will have a whole array of hand-painted crockery that I can keep for a long while. Very addictive. I'll post a picture when I pick it up from the glazing place in Fleet (see photo for a rough location of the place!)
That's about all for this month. Looking back I am sure there's more or it's quite sad to think that about 30 days can be summed up in just a few paragraphs!

Cheddar Gorge

Yesterday we had a school trip to Cheddar Gorge. It was absolutely beautiful and the kids really enjoyed the experience. It’s the place where Cheddar cheese originated and in May they are going to start producing ‘cave-matured’ cheese, which is something they used to do in the 1940s but back then there were fewer ways to keep rodents and bats out of the cheese. They are going to use lasers to ensure the cheese is kept hygienic. The kids went wild and climbed all over the place.
It was a rather long day… we didn’t get home until 5.30pm and it was more than 2 hours each way. Harder than a regular day at work! Still, it made a nice change from being in the classroom.
The kids had a right laugh and they spent the most time in the gift shop buying horrendously tacky gifts using their parents’ hard-earned cash! The most popular thing was sweets and plastic skulls. Nice.

Middle of Feb already

So here is a photo (as requested) of Disneyland Paris. As you can see, it was not the best weather but it was a laugh. No other photos are really suitable as they have students etc. sadly but all I can say is don't believe the brochure!

It's been half term this week and there was a short visit to see lil sis in Cambridge which was fun. We went to a formal dinner and had to dress up and be served by lovely looking waiters and waitresses. We also saw some relatives etc. in nearby Newmarket. Already it's Friday and half way through February when it feels only a short time since Christmas.

Today I went to see the film Hot Fuzz. It sounds rather like the name for a porn film but it's not. It's a BRILLIANT comedy. This site has photos, synopsis and trailer. If you get the opportunity go and see it! It exceeded my expectations - it's not often that I laugh so loud in the cinema that everyone looks at me. This film has everything: guns, comedy (British humour), action. it's just hilarious. Anyway, enough babbling about this fantastic film.... until next time.

The wanderer has returned…

Disneyland Paris was a great trip although blimmin’ cold. I also gained a new nickname: McMullen! It’s become a favourite now amongst staff and students alike. Although the park is aimed at 3-9 year olds there were a few fast rides and we saw a great stunt show as well as the Lion King (3 times, one of which was in French!). Since returning school has been good – particularly with the addition of some snow yesterday! The whole country went mad with only 3 inches of snow – schools closed, roads were ice rinks and everyone was very put out when our school remained open!! Hopefully I’ve got enough stuff to scrapbook so that I can add a few pages to my collection.