Sunday, June 25, 2006

What a week

I cannot believe where the time has gone. Tomorrow we all fly out to NZ. The house is in a state of hyper-excitement, with bags being packed, people trying to remember things that are often forgotten (like taking library books back!) and me saying nothing much more than "we're going swimming with dolphins"!

So this week I have been quite busy. I went on my first solo site meeting on Thursday about some overhead line being laid underground through a part of the Forest. It was good to be out on my own, and to have something to say, but I feel my boss made a big deal about it, saying I must get out on my own at some stage. I don't know what all the fuss is about, it's nothing amazing!

Then that evening I met up with Caroline for the last time before she goes back on her ship. We had a nice long chat over good food, and have made plans for 8 months in advance when she gets back.

Then last night I went out with Hayley, James and Catherine to a few bars which was really nice. We chatted for ages as we hadn't seen each other for a while. The sad thing is I get back the day before Hayley goes to Finland, so we won't be able to see each other until mid-August.

So that's what's happened in the last week and you probably won't hear from me for ages (I don't think we'll have time for internet access) so bye for now!

Monday, June 12, 2006

2 WEEKS TO GO!

Yes, the time is drawing ever nearer, and my excitement can hardly be contained!

Anyway, work continues apace. The Springwatch event on the Common was great fun, with a really nice atmosphere. Apart from the odd question (how can I get a toad for our garden?) it just consisted of handing out leaflets.

This weekend has just flown by - Saturday was a scorcher, and I went to Portsmouth to meet Hannah and Bonnie from PGL, which was really nice, though by the time we got to the beach I had to head back to the station!

Yesterday Mum and I went to Avon Heath Country Park, where we sweatily-trudged our way around the park, seeing buzzards, dragonflies (including the gold-ringed dragonfly, spectacular!) and a slowworm getting eaten alive by ants - nice. After a slight wrong turn (adding an hour to our journey, and along a route contrary to my suggestions - parents, honestly!) we finally made it back to the carpark, completely knackered.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Another week gone by

We at English Nature were quite lucky in that we had an additional day off on Tuesday for the Queen's birthday, or something like that. So my week was very short, and consisted of very little time doing casework in the office. I had a meeting looking at a landslip that had closed a road (because half of the road had fallen down the slope) and another the following morning about a footbridge, so it was quite a varied week.

Last night after work we all went to Rachel's house for food and a good chat. It was really nice to meet loads of new people and get to know some of the ones in the office a bit more.

And tomorrow I am going to be on the EN stall at the Springwatch event on Southampton Common, so come along and get your free leaflets!



Sunday, May 21, 2006

Eurovision

Another classical comic highlight of the year! Absolutely hilarious, as was old Terry's commentary. Highlights for me were:

1. The Terry's chocolate orange
2. Lithuania and Harry Hill going mad!
3. Lordi of course, with the Mummy keyboardist my personal favourite - completely and utterly mad, so glad it won. the video is even funnier - featuring zombie cheerleaders with pom-poms!
4. It was amazing!
5. Germans singing a Country song??????!!!!! Bizarre, so Eurovision!

Anyway, back to work tomorrow, after an expensive weekend. My brother and sister were home for the comic event, and he persuaded me to buy a digital SLR (NIkion D50) which I am so looking forward to playing around with later on! well, we need good pictures for New Zealand don't we?......

Monday, May 15, 2006

Tick tock

I feel like my life is ticking away too quickly - where has the time gone? Already it has been almost 4 weeks since I started the job, and I'm really enjoying it. I've been out doing a condition assessment on a SSSI on hanger woodland (on a very steep slope), which was an adventure, seeing as though you felt the soil move every time you did. A single slip would have sent me sliding down an almost- vertical drop through nettles! But the bluebells and wild garlic were glorious.

Speaking of which, Iwent to Garston Woods a couple of weeks ago which was just solid blue and white from the above flowers, just magical.

Besides the job, the social life has taken a bit of a nose dive. Nothing can compare to the heady days of PGL! Though, my friend Caz is back from her cruise ship job, so hopefully a few meals in Prezzo before she goes back. The group of friends I usually go out with are having a few domestics, whilst one has managed to fall off his sister's horse and is now on crutches: all events postponed indefinitely! And of course there's eurovision this weekend to look forward to, nil points?

I think I have just about managed to stay in touch with uni, school and PGL mates, which is a major achievement. Long may it continue!

Friday, April 28, 2006

The end of my first week

Well I made it through my first week, and I have to say that is just keeps getting better and better. Together, Leigh and I have managed to get through most of the casework, so that we can get to go out and do site visits more.

It's so nice to be working in a place where everyone has pretty much the same views on the environment, and you can have some really informed discussions about things. Today I was discussing fishing lakes and the impacts on SSSI rivers, which was really interesting, and there is the possibility that Leigh and I can go out and learn a bit more about fisheries with experts.

I'm also learning lots more in depth stuff about legislation and what landowners can and can't do, so it's all very useful!

Monday, April 24, 2006

First day at work

Well today marked a new beginning of my life, with my first proper job (PGL doesn't really count!).

It went ok, the people are really nice and the work sounds interesting, though I do have concerns about the routine nature of it, but we'll see. I would like to be outdoors more, but I can't have it all, and the experience will be brilliant on my CV. It is most definitely going to be better than PGL though!

However, I was very bad and looked up stuff about my Dad's cancer, and of course that made it all worse, with talk about survival rates and symptoms, so I shall just try to forget about it all. It was going to be such a good year as well.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Last PGL photos










Nikki, Abi and Stacey; The star photo: Hannah comatose!; leaving PGL; Diana and Vicky; DaveDawnBonnieVicky; This doesn't really need an explanation!; DaveMattScottAndy.

Leaving

My first post as an ex-member of PGL!

We went out the night before, firstly for a meal at the Sloop and then for a night out in Sandown at Bogey's, where a good time was had by all. Indeed, somebody made it even better for me - how time flies when you are having fun!

We got back to the centre at about 2am, where we then proceeded to finish off my alcohol, before Hannah and I set off on a drunken stagger around the centre. She then collapsed on my bed, and had very little response at all, so we were quite worried. I do have some brilliant photos of the occasion, which will be displayed for all to see very shortly!

So the next day, after only 3 hours sleep (got to bed at 5am!) I got packed and then got a call from my Dad saying that he had bone cancer, though very early stage and not needing treatment, though he is under observation every two months. It came as a bit of a shock, I guess you don't think these things will happen to you. My roommate Niki was very understanding, especially as her Mum has had cancer for a while.

So anyway, a few people turned up to say goodbye, most of the ones that mattered anyway! I will miss them all loads, especially karaoke on Thursdays.

Did you know, Andromeda is actually a galaxy AND a constellation? Just thought you should know.....

Friday, April 21, 2006

Photos and last 24 hours!








It is so strange to be saying that this time tomorrow I will be leaving Little Canada for good! Everyone was really nice about it last night, when there was Karaoke in the bar (as per usual), with lots of songs dedicated to me. I also sang loads with people and Matt and I sung Satisfaction (though he made me laugh so much with his dancing that I didn't really sing that much!).

Anyway, here are some photos of my easter hols and more PGL friends (The Needles; Mottistone Down; Emma and I; Emma, Nicole, Nick, Kathryn, Paula, Me; Matt despondent at Whitecliff Bay; Helen; Helen and I drunk at the Balcony).

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Easter hols

I've just got back from my regular family hols at Easter, this time to the........IoW!!!!!!

As PGL couldn't give me any more notice than a week about whether I could have the time off, we had to book somewhere, so ended up going there. It was actually a really nice trip, with lots of short walks and looking at the coastal scenery, but all-in-all I would rather have gone somewhere else! The experience was also slightly marred by the fact that Heinrich (our motorhome) had no heating or hot water, so no showers, meaning we had to wash our hair in buckets of water heated up on the hob!!!!! We went to the following places: Sandown beach and Bembridge Down, Mottistone Down, Parkhurst Forest, Firestone Copse, The Needles, Yarmouth, St Boniface Down. Photos to follow!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to my last night (meal at The Sloop, followed by a night out at Bogeys in Sandown). Before all this merriment I have to get through a couple of days of pointless field studies (the teachers do everything, even the intro talks and evening IT followups, so we are only there during field work to ensure all is safe) and then a whole day of site work, which is equally pointless!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Final leaving date

Right, now I've basically said to PGL that I am leaving whether they like it or not. All they can do is ask me to pay any training costs, which I would have to do anyway, so I am now leaving on the 22nd. This means that I can have a big night out the previous night (payday, Hannah's birthday, me leaving) and really go out with a bang.

I really can't wait to leave though!

Friday, April 07, 2006

Some more photos










Clockwise from top left: Bonnie; Nikki and me with new hair (I had mine straightened); Vicky's birthday party crew; Esta, me and Niki.

Update on leaving

Right, I've had a chat to try and cut my notice period down, but unfortunately, due to a very busy week then, they probably won't be able to. The next training course (TC3) come down on the 16th of April, so if they get enough they might be able to let me go. So I may end up staying until the beginning of May. This has an up side because then I will get to do more field studies sessions.

Anyway, boring day today, just had a lifeguard session with an older youth group, where I narrowly missed going into the pool!

I had karaoke again last night, where as usual I sang loads of songs, though they were mostly ballads this time (not on my own obviously!).

Thursday, April 06, 2006

So much has happened!

Sorry for the lack of contact, but the internet has not been working for about a month!

So, developments:

Did some field studies sessions on my own offsite, which went really well, even though one of my students lost one of the digital cameras! Was very pleased at how much they learnt, especially as they were 14 year olds. So I have now done 3 sessions on my own the entire time I have been here (obviously lots of normal activity sessions too).

AJ left to go to another centre in France, and so far I can't say I miss him! Robbie left though, and I have to say I cried when he left (for a sailing PGL centre in France) so I will miss him loads: we sung Love Shack together during Karaoke (where I am a regular)!

Bonnie and Hannah have been sent to a Pontins centre (Camber sands in Sussex) for two weeks, which is annoying.

I am going on holiday with my family for a week over Easter to the fun location of..... the Isle of Wight!

Oh, and I now have a new job, starting in hopefully a couple of weeks (if I can sort out my notice period which should be 4 weeks). I received a call during a session which I called back - it was from English nature in Lyndhurst. Some of you may remember that I went for a couple of interviews for Assistant Conservation officer jobs, neither of which I got. However, someone has gone on maternity leave and so I have been offered the post, fulltime ending at the end of September, which I am really excited about. Obviously, it will be sad to leave here, as I have made some really briliant friends, and was starting to mwiden my group of friends even further by setting up a swimming club with my new buddy Diana (who also might be leaving for another centre). But it pays more, I can live at home and have nice food, I can get more experience in the field I want to have a career in, so the benefits outweigh the costs. It's not that far away from the centre, so I can still pop down to say hello, seeing as though I would be working normal hours once again!

So, yes, not many more sessions and I am gone!

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

I passed!

If any of you want to be boisterous in a pool when I am around, I now have the authority to tell you off, for today I passed my lifeguard and first aid at work assessments! We all did, thankfully, and I am so proud of myself, especially the pool work, where I did struggle on a couple of bits.

Anyway, day off tomorrow to recover and then back to normal sessions, having missed the field studies schools that have just been in. Never mind.

BTW the top photo is of Gareth (now gone to another centre near london) and Matt (fellow field studies instructor, hilarious). The bottom one is (left to right): Nikki (blonde, shared a room with her during training), Stacey (lying down, shared training room with her), Niki (lesbian, living with her now), Bonnie (also lesbian, going out with Hannah), Hannah (lesbian, going out with Bonnie - absolutely hilarious, probably my best friend here so far, though Nikki and Stacey come close!).

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Some photos...



Of my experience so far!

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Yes, I know...

Sorry I haven't updated for a while- very busy as usual.

So I've been doing lots of quads and aeroball lately, waiting for the next field studies school to come in. But I signed up for a lifeguard course, which is actually running at the same time.

We started it yesterday, and it's very interesting and useful, though very hard work and as I can't wear my lenses in the pool (no goggles allowed) it is an interesting experience!

We get assessed on Tuesday, then we are qualified for 3 years, which is quite cool.

Anyway, not much else to report!

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Chavs and night duty

Sorry I haven't updated you for a while, but I had typed out my update and then the internet crashed, so I am having to write it out all over again!

Anyway.

Yes, I have been very busy seeing to lots of older kids recently. there have been two major incidents that are worth mentioning:

1. Bishop Luffa chav kids: This school group of 200 consisted almost entirely of chavs, which made it almost impossible to instruct certain sessions. I had several sessions with them, almost all of which were fine apart from my two problem solving sessions, which is a shame, as this is one of my favourite sessions. They were having none of it, and would not stop messing around, even though I tried to be calm, funny and shouty. In the end I pulled the session from the naughty kids, who went to sit by the teacher for half an hour looking bored, watching the good kids having fun solving the problems.

2. The Night Duty incident: Everyone, once in a while, needs to complete night duty, which involves patrolling set areas of the chalets to keep the noise down. One night recently, Hannah and I were patrolling the 16 yr olds, who were having a little rave in their room, which we didn't think was that loud at all. However, up comes my favourite person AJ with another guy called Jonesy, who were patroling over the other side of the site. They muscled in, shouted at the kids like teachers, got laughed at, then threatened to take their stereo away. It was so overboard, and it was a shame as the kids were actually really nice. Anyway, we thought that was all until the teachers came up, having been dragged up from the bar by, you've guessed it, AJ. They were very disappointed in us saying "I thought you'd come and get us if there were any problems" which made us look really stupid and unprofessional. We complained to management, and he did apologise, saying that he was wrong to do what he did, without telling us or asking anyone else. He's still an idiot though!

I had to have the day off sick yesterday, as I have a really really bad cold and chesty cough, and was very dizzy, which would have been very dangerous if I was instructing quads! I am now feeling much better, and no longer keeping people awake coughing in my sleep!

Training course two are now here (well, they've been here for about a week now) and it was weird today because Vicky and I had to partially train them on quads (really just their taster session). Alysia's boyfriend is with them and seems really nice.

Oh, two people were sacked yesterday for their attitudes towards the instructors and the company, which came as a big surprise. It will be sad without Phil, though I haven't the foggiest who Luke is so I obviously won't miss him!

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Exams

On Friday the field studies trainees like myself had a 2.5 hr exam, and an instructor exam, which we all passed with flying colours. So now we can teach this to kids, and be responsible for them offsite. Hmmmm......

Yesterday I had normal activities, which is mostly quads and very muddy. The kids were nice though (yes, you read it correctly!).

Today is my day off, which I needed really badly. The Friday night was Vicky's 23rd birthday, which was in the style of a children's party with jelly (albeit vodka!), cake, party bags, pass the parcel and musical bumps. We all consumed copious amounts of alcohol, so most of us had an early night last night!

Anyway, I might walk into Cowes today, if it stops raining long enough!