Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Ikeatastic

Well yesterday, We spent the whole day in or in close proximity to Ikea. Now I only discovered Ikea about 2 years ago and immediately fell in love with the whole experience. It is generally quite cheap but tends to be relatively well made. Had not been for a while and was looking for a TV stand so I could try and control the spaghetti of wires and boxes that live in and around my TV. Am hoping that I will have it tamed by tomorrow. The thing about Ikea is that I suddenly get upset when I see a kitchen utensil priced over £5. This is unusual and anywhere else I would probably pay this, but because everything else is so cheap it seems overpriced :) Where else can you get 4 plug extensions for a couple of quid?
The same goes now for clothes shopping. Having been somewhat spoilt by my visits to the states, It seems crazy to buy something that is not reduced. Had to settle for a shop closing down and got a reduction from £60 to £18. Not bad. Even if I say so myself.
The other thing I love about Ikea is the free pencils. Now here is a question, How many "free" pencils can you take per visit before it is classed as stealing? We decided 10 was reasonable and were fine until JP had the Ikea bag with all the pencils in at the checkout and suddenly realised. Not wishing to draw attention to herself she tried to walk through with the bag and was promptly sent back. It was quite amusing. We then spotted a dispenser after the tills. Unfortunately, the security guy was stood right there. How annoying. I didn't feel like I could boldly walk up and start filling my pockets. So had to wait. It felt like I was doing some major covert police operation but the sad fact is that Ikea probably do not audit there pencils that closely. You may be wandering why I would want the pencils in the first place. Well I can hand them out to all those kids who manage to forget theirs on a daily basis at school. Easy to spot and very cost effective should they end up being smuggled out of the class. Everyone is a winner.
One question we have about Ikea, is why are people so keen on their meatballs? No matter when we go large number of people are eating them? What's all the fuss about? Do let me know.


Now, on to my awating computer. This is sadly already deviating from being straightforward. Was sent an Email last week whether I would accept an alternative component. I agreed as it made little difference. I heard no news so thought I would email this week to be told they were still waiting for me to respond. How bizzare. This could be the start of an epic.

Right, I am off to unpack my Ikea purchases (all those things I did not know I needed till yesterday and now feel I could not live without).

Argy

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Oo lah lah - Learning French

Well I was casting my mind back today, to my time last week in France. Dan and I were trying to do our bit for international relations by learning French. This is partly due to both our inabilities to speak anything vaguely resembling the language. My technique was to say a few French words and then mix it with a little Spanish. I was vaguely understandable but had to prepare mentally first. This was ok provided that the innocent person I was speaking to kept to "my script". Therefore one encouter where I needed to know where the toilets were went like this.

Me: Bonjour - Fine so far

Her: Bon Soir - Now this was unexpected as I was hoping for a Bonjour. I Panicked

Me: Au revor - What can I say? it rhymed!

Je m'appelle les toilettes? - Reverted to a Year 7 phrase that was pure instinct and unfortunately totally wrong.

Por Favor - I wanted to be polite! Ok so it was Spanish

Fortunately she spoke English and promptly directed us to the toilets. This was lucky as Dan, who was stood behind me was wetting himself with laughter.

So it came to be that we spent several evenings following a CD tutor. It was kind of weird but did sort of work. It gave us at least a chance to be a bit more confident to ask questions even if we did not have a clue what they were saying back.

However, we are now able to say "We Like France" and "We have no money". Very useful!

Till tomorrow

Argy

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Coasters

Well I am now going to try and do a few daily blogs. After all, as a teacher I get the summer off so might as well eat up my time one way or another (It's a hard life I know :) ).
I want to talk today a little about coasters. My complaint is that having not broken a coaster for many years, in one week I managed to break two. More annoyingly, they weren't mine. Whilst on my hols I suffered from innocently picking up my coffee and having the glass coaster weld itself to the bottom of the mug. Then it waited till it was over the hard tiled floor before commiting coaster suicide.
Only a week later, (funnily enough at exactly the same location - think conspiracy) I was feeling compelled to participate (fearing force would be used shortly) in the holiday house clearup. This is commonly known as "Oh my god - How did we make such a mess in such a short space of time?" . So I jumped up and eagerly started to wipe off the crumbs from the cola bottles (sweets), chocolate biscuits and Malteasers (our diet was at least consistent) and in doing so, possibly due to a sugar rush or panic, wiped the coaster clean off the table and once again down to the tiled floor. Oops. Now if that's not enough the house owner (Dan's mum) is likely to conduct a coaster survey at some stage during her stay next week. Cunningly, I thought I would mix and match coasters from several rooms in the hope that this causes adequate coaster confusion. You might wonder why I would be bothered, but Dan's mum in too many ways is "Judge Judy". A lovely woman but someone who you do not want to have a coaster conflict with. I feel I might be sentenced to at least 2 years! Dans told me he won't cover if goes to inquest! Where are your friends when you need them?
Finally, I have bitten the bullet and decided to order my new computer. I was in a catch 22 situation as every online store had some bad press from some website or another. So I just went with the cheapest who seemed to have been long established. I suspect that it will either all go to plan or it will be a disaster. My last two have been disasters. I'll keep you updated.
My plans for the rest of the day (sorry if you are still at work) will revolove largely around going to see "The Wedding Crashers". It is not high on my list of things to see but at least I will get to feed my current Malteaser addiction.
Until tomorrow...
Argy

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Return to Reality

Well, I know it's been a while so this is a longer version than normal. Two things since my last blog. First I have now left my old school so it was time to say goodbye. It seemed really weird that I was saying goodbye after 8 years. That's a long time. What I found ironic was the number of nice comments that I got from colleagues, kids and even parents. It makes you wonder why people wait till you leave before you are told these things. It has not quite sunk in yet but I am sure it will soon.
Only got back from France at the weekend which was cool. Went with five friends. We went to the same place as last year and had a really good time. I am surprised how well the five of us get on seeing as we have only known each other on and off for a year. We all go to a big house in the middle of the countryside and chill out by the pool and occasionally muster up the strength to cycle to the local bar. The weather was pretty hot and we ate stupid amount of food. I would have happily stayed there for the rest of the summer break!
Anyhow back to reality now and managing to waste stupid amounts of time doing nothing. Have to buy a new computer in the next week but the big question is where to buy from. Everywhere I turn I hear horror stories about this firm or that. How on earth do you choose? I'll let you know how I get on. Also toying with the idea of doing a podcast for teachers. Not sure how that will go. Will have to wait and see I guess.
Well till next time...
Argy
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