http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/Life is spontaneous, always have a plan!!! ;)en-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/dd/04378fcc7362aea43b8adfa413aa62_160x200.jpg <p>Of all the things that i should be doing writing on the old blog is proberly not one of them! However it has been near enough four months since i guess i have written on here so i guess i should not feel too guilty about having a cup of tea and sitting in the kitchen writing this. </p> <p>In fact i return to work today after having ten days off, to go home and see people. Needless to say there was a fair bit of catching up to do, a fair bit of alcohol and a fair bit of dancing, there was also a rather early Christmas lunch for ten people. I think almost everyone i met asked the same questions... "How is Ireland?", "which part are you in again?" and "Is it strange to be back?" The last question is the only one worth answering to be honest as most people have asked the first two over and over again. The fact is I still, sitting in the kitchen and waiting to go back to work, don't know if it was weird to be back or not. Not much had changed really which i loved. In that sence you can simily slot back into normal life. But the one thing that i did find a bit strange was that the time you spend catching up is gone so fast and in the back of your mind you know that you will not be able to just catch up with them any old time. It is also rather odd how i did miss some people not being around, for so many reasons.</p> <p>For everyone who i have not managed to give a more detailed description of the hotel and the house here goes. I live in a three story house, owned by the hotel. I live on the top floor and on a clear day ( and if you hang out the window) you can see Crough Patrick. Small history lesson here, Crough Patrick is a large moutain that looks very much like a pyramid as it has a pointed top! People come from all over Ireland to climb this 'Holy" mountain sometimes with bear feet and to carry out different tasks along the way, such as ' five hail mary's'. At the moment there is only six of us living in the house, after we had a few who left and went back home. For all you interested in the more local area Westport is a busy little town, with Crough Patrick so close and the buetiful Clew Bay , Westport has become rather a touristy town. There are a lot of pubs and hotels, one club, a cinema, two supermarkets and quite a few shops of different natures. Galway is a hours drive away, which is very do able and really we have everything that we need within the town.<br> Work is fine, at the moment i work in the kitchen, which could be set to change soon-ish with the restaurant being a bit understaffed but apart from that i quite enjoy it really. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/a-long-over-due-post-5062567/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/11/19/a-long-over-due-post-5062567/Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:03:30 +0100 <p>The weekend amused me somewhat looking back. I don't know if it was the 2am bowling tournament that my friend Nick and my Dad set about doing... both quite drunk, or my cousins friend announcing that a man my Dad works with use to be her science teacher! Anyway what ever it was it gave us a lovely random night of chatting, drinking and playing giant garden games.<br> Sunday was just as random in a way, with a day playing on the wii with Nick and then taking my cousin out to watch the football in town. We however got a little carried away with the pool tournament and continued to play throughout the game... ensuring a nice spot for the tv. However as I keep being told, perhaps next time warn them that my cousin is good at pool! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/07/01/a-random-kind-of-weekend-4391479/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/07/01/a-random-kind-of-weekend-4391479/Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:18:17 +0200 <p>It seems some time since I last wrote on here, and who knows who reads this really. However I feel like I should keep it up, even if I do ramble on a bit. </p> <p>I am freshly back from the cottages in Wales, for another year of holidays in Wales with friends and it gets me thinking about it. It must be the 4th or 5th year this year and the only one who has been constant is me, people have come close but have fallen at the last hurdle so to speak. It made me laugh as well, thinking of last year when I came from a BBQ to wales, and this year going from Wales to a BBQ. To most people this would seem quite odd that I mention this but last year was very different and I know it is almost a year ago and stuff but it does not mean that you don't secretly wish that some people were still around a little more, people that made you laugh etc, I am not saying by any means that I did not this year, far from it, but you have to admit things changed a lot. From people moving away to people starting to see others in different light and you not in that way. Last year was different and yes I miss it and them a fair bit, but it is their decisions at the end of the day. </p> <p>Anyway it seems that I am rambling again, something I do well with some people or if I am aloud to type my own opinions. Perhaps leaving the county it seems alright to say things that normally would not be said, perhaps it is listening to the one album that makes me think of somebody loving me, but perhaps it is just being back at a place where I believed I was really happy. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/06/28/the-cottage-4374062/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/06/28/the-cottage-4374062/Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:09:50 +0200 <p>I while ago there were about three of us sitting in the pub thinking it would be nice to make a bsb race this year. Now with the three of us all going on placement in the coming months it seemed wise to act quickly and take the next opportunity to go. Lucky for us that Brands Hatch Bsb was canceled a few weeks ago due to snow, and who would have thought we would see it on such a hot day!</p> <p>It was not really decided that we would go until Wednesday that we would 'look into' going. By Saturday we were down to just me and Nick (although bear in mind there were only three to begin with. So at about 3ish we decided that we would stay over the night at the track, problem was I was still in Birmingham so I would not be back till 6.30. One delayed train, a quick basics shop, pick up things stop and we were on the motor-way and heading towards the tracks campsite. The only thing that should have worried us was the fact we did not know what time the campsite closed! Oh well, we kept going, and after a little detour due to AA's instructions not being written well we pulled up at a campsite. To our surprise there was still about three men sitting in the little hut, who seemed a little confused that we looked a little shocked they were still open at 11.30pm. So up went the tent, and we sat around for a bit, I will say nothing about the gas situation! </p> <p>Up early and in through the gates in time for the pit walk, and to find a good spot. By the first race the track side was crowded with people watching the races. Superteens, although only 6 laps, were brilliant to watch, with a girl winning it. Soon time for bsb and we found a good spot to get a good view so we could tell who was who. By the second bsb race we had found a very good point on a hill that gave us a lovely view of most of the main track. </p> <p>As you can imagine though the queue to get out was a little hectic, especially after you have wasted a bit of time taking down a tent. But to out delight we could jump the queue via the campsite! About 4 hours and a cup of tea and hot chocolate latter we found our selves back in Codsall, where we had left little over 24 hours previous. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/05/13/bsb-brands-hatch-4169107/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/05/13/bsb-brands-hatch-4169107/Tue, 13 May 2008 18:12:05 +0200 <p>Ireland international airport west - Knock, is where I flew into on Monday morning for an interview. Flying from BIrmingham I arrived in Knock on a cold Irish day that was perfectly gray. Walking through the arrivals gate I was met by the local taxi driver, who the Hotel had sent. </p> <p>On the 30 minuet drive I found out the history of the airport which I have to say is very Irish! Basically the people of that area wanted an airport as they had to fly to either Dublin or Belfast so they applied for one and it was declined! So not satisfied with this the local priest decided to take things into his own hands. So off he trot to America to fundraise for a airport, he got enough and returned to Knock. He built the airport with the money on top of a hill, next to the shrine where people had once sean the Virgin Mary. Cunningly the airport brings people to the shrine and also to holiday in that airport. But it is one of the smallest airports I have been to (not been to many) but it amused me how basic it was, two ladies open cheek in and the same two opened the gate. I also had to smile at the knock shrine kiosk that was situated near the bar that was surprisingly full for 10 at night in an airport <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/04/02/knock-airport-3988464/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/04/02/knock-airport-3988464/Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:53:39 +0200 <p>Personally one of the best toasters ever to toast on our screens. I mean can you think of any other famous toasters that have appeared on any TV series or films? Personally I can't. I mean yes it is one of the most annoying toasters that loves to annoy Lister (Red Dwarf) but who can say that it does not make them smile when ever it appears on the screen and says its most famous words "I toast, therefore I am". </p> <p>Perhaps this is just me, perhaps I am trying a little bit to get out of doing college work by watching Red Dwarf but I will leave you with this... (utterly pointless but who cares) </p> <p>Lister, red dwarf series four, episode four (see I am practicing some sort of referencing here <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> )</p> <p>"...no muffins, no toast, no teacakes, buns, babs, baguettes or bagels, no croissants, no crumpets, no pancakes, no potato cakes, no hot cross buns and defiantly no flat jacks<br> Toaster ...<br> So you are a waffle man.<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/03/20/i-toast-therefore-i-am-3912353/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/03/20/i-toast-therefore-i-am-3912353/Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:43:09 +0100 <p>So after really enjoying last years outdoor show with the Bushcraft boys<br> (video <a href="http://www.bushcraftmagazine.co.uk/events.php)">http://www.bushcraftmagazine.co.uk/events.php)</a><br> I went back to help out with this years' show. Yes I had about two hours of sleep on Thursday night but I actually got to the show with half hour to spare, and yes it was spent drinking a cup of tea.<br> Girlguiding this year had four stands of their own, each doing a different activity as well as about 9 other of the shows biggest stalls, each doing an activity. Kids, and adults alike all got a chance to do some of the activities on offer, while collecting a stamp from girlguiding, five stamps got them a free foldable Frisbee (yes I got very excited about this!) And to be fair Girlguiding did a pretty good job this year, especially as we won best in show for our stalls.<br> The stalls were spread over all of the show and included, building a shelter, a massive graffiti wall, a spiders web to climb through, a water activity (that saw me in Asda at 9pm buying a paddling pool), climbing, ice climbing, high-ropes, fire lighting, mountain bike riding, caving, canoeing, navigation, orienteering, slack-ropes (one of the best things ever) etc etc etc. I think that it is safe to say that there was plenty to do. </p> <p>Apart from that what more could you want from a few days at a show. I mean great people who give up their time to keep kids and adults amused for hours on end, and I am not just talking about Guiding but also Scouts. We are a bit of a crazy lot I guess, ask someone who has been involved and they will tell you their best bits and forget all the crying kids, the rain, the soaking shoes that you spread out to dry for 50 odd kids at 11pm, the almost setting fire to the hut and the traditional one of losing a kid. But then thats just the leaders and their groups. But then its not all about looking after kids, it's also about being able to go and meet people who are like you, that you can talk to for hours and mess around with, it is about sprinting round a show after they close the doors, trying out the kids activities, drinking, singing, giving you almost unlimited confidence, allowing you to randomly talk to any one, being welcome anywhere, feeling at home at any centre and generally messing around and probably making a fool of myself but who would not want to be involved in this?? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/03/15/outdoor-show-3884699/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/03/15/outdoor-show-3884699/Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:56:23 +0100 <p>As you may have gathered, if you read the Express and Star or have been looking on e bay for High School Musical tickets, there is a lot of money for anyone who wants to sell their tickets.</p> <p>I happen to have 23 tickets sitting in my room(for the Guides), which at the most are worth about £100 each... you can do the maths. However this prompted a discussion, which came out with the only sensible answer (well kind of)</p> <p>Basically Ann and me are going to sell the tickets on e bay, run off to Holland and participate in some clog, cycling cheese eating weed taking fun. I am not sure how this came about but it then lead onto another discussion with Beach. This lead to the story of our cheeses eating, clog, cycling, weed taking trip to be made into a film by Disney (same people who did High School) which the lead would be played by Dumbo, the great flying elephant... because he has big ears and should probably be associated with any drug taking trips. </p> <p>* note .... we did decide to keep the tickets, so please don't think that the Guides are being outdone for cheese. Or Cheese, with a weed topping served in a clog!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/03/01/the-great-clog-and-cheese-trip-3802388/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/03/01/the-great-clog-and-cheese-trip-3802388/Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:41:21 +0100 <p>So I I found myself on Sunday evening searching for my railcard, knowing full well that I had picked it up and put it upstairs that week. </p> <p>After giving up, and complaining bitterly to Shaun that I would now have to print a new photo, I started to then look for my i pod, no luck either. Pitty but I was tired and wanted sleep. </p> <p>Now I came home today and throught i better look for these two things again! So after a very good look, get everything out of boxes etc I give up again and decide to put the washing in the machiene to do in the morning. I don't know who was more supprised me or my Mum when I told her what I found at the bottom of the basket under all the clothes. Sitting there nusseled by a pair of socks was one railcard, one i pod, one external harddrive and a cable! </p> <p>I think this proves I should worry about myself!!<img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/02/12/the_great_railcard_and_i_pod_hunt~3714367/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/02/12/the_great_railcard_and_i_pod_hunt~3714367/Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:12:54 +0100 <p>It is Tuesday night... going onto Wednesday morning and I do wonder what I am going to put in this blog. I know some people feel that blogs are pointless and only certain people write them but I really don't care, this gives me some kind of satisfaction. </p> <p>Perhaps I will start by telling you about the two great nights that I went on in the last week. Firstly out for Beachy's birthday, which was a very good night out. The next was in Dudley which was a greenday and Blink 182 tribute band... who were very good and kept us entertained dancing at the front all night. </p> <p>Perhaps thats all I have to say really, I have a week off college and I find myself sitting at home bored today wishing slightly that I could go back to college or even to go to work... anything for some conversation. So it was a relief that I ended up going for a quick pint before Guides with Nick and then drive home with Tori to do Guides. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/01/30/a_general_week~3652540/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/01/30/a_general_week~3652540/Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:21:46 +0100 <p>It can be safe to say that coming to Wales, and to the cottages in Winter is always a bit of a challenge. Usually the challenge is to get the place warmed up, being a slate building this can be quite a challenge and we do not have the luxury of central heating or double glazing! However this time the heating was less of a problem. </p> <p>I had decided to go up to the cottages on my own, to do some revision and to also tile the back ‘wellie’ shelf. Driving up on Sunday I did not bat an eye lid at the river Seven having burst its banks. I had been told that snow may be forecast for the area but this I douted as I got closer to the cottage. There were no serious floods on the way, in fact coming back in the summer it had been worse! On getting to the cottage I decided to pop to the nearest town, Mac, this I found was totally cut off by the river again bursting it’s banks, great! I have to add that this is the nearest shops of any kind. The only way round was the hill top route (now being used by everyone) that took half hour plus compared to the two minuet route across the bridge!</p> <p>Ok so Mac was cut off, I turned round and headed to the cottage. Only to discover that because people have not being sending the keys back for the cottages I now did not have a key to number 2, only number 3. This is normally no problem. I slipped inside away from the howling wind and rain of the valley outside and headed to the connecting door in the back passage. This is a old door put in many years ago to allow the cottages to be rented as one or two, the lock is on number 2 side, as this was originally our (homely) cottage, it is never locked and just takes a hard push. Not this time, to my delight the last people here had locked it!!! So back out in the rain with my coat tightly done up I start to climb the hill at the back so that I can drop back down to get to the tiny courtyard of number 2. I get there soaking wet. I should note that I was clutching at straws at this point, but it worked. I managed to get through the back door (and no I am not telling anyone how). I take one step and hear the lovely squelching noise as I tread on the mat. I am standing in one very wet passageway, I look the left and into the bathroom, the tile floor is covered in water! It takes some perswachion to get the connecting door open, without the key but I manage it, this side is wet too. </p> <p>It was not until the next day when I am sitting in the passgeway tiling the wall with the bottle tops, while the rain pours down that I discover why. The drain in the courtyard of number 3 was blocked, or rather not even visable! The water at this point has just started to seep through the door again threatening to distoy my drying out. So I unlock the door and pull, nothing! It does not even budge, I stand back and realise I do not have a chance, it is a wooden door and therefore has expanded and swelled in the damp. The only other hope is the window in the bathroom that opens just above the drain. So queue me standing in the bath, hanging out of a window with a broom handle getting very wet and trying to unblock this thing from above. I would like to say that I did actually manage it and the water went down surprisingly quickly. </p> <p>There really was only one casualty in this whole thing, the mat! However I decided to throw it, as it was muddy etc… and I never did like it, I also know it cost a sum total of £1 so I will happily pay for it!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/01/28/title~3645854/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/01/28/title~3645854/Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:05:57 +0100 <p>It seems a very long time ago that I passed my bike test and rode a bike for the last time. I did not think that I would miss it but I find that I kinda do. </p> <p>Strange really I did learn to ride in a short time, like some, mainly due to finances. But over that space of time I think that I enjoyed it more than I released. When I first started it was a good distraction, and now I kinda wish I still was learning <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/01/18/it_seems_a_long_time_ago~3596863/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2008/01/18/it_seems_a_long_time_ago~3596863/Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:43:16 +0100 <p>It has been a good weekend, a slightly odd one but a good one all the same. </p> <p>Perhaps it all started on Thursday, which for our course was the last day! Things were looking a bit amiss when I woke up late and discovered I could not get out of the drive due to a very frosted car, which belonged to my Dad. I was to discover due to a pair of elusive shoes I was not going to get my early train, for the newly timetabled lecture at 9am in Birmingham. So after a lift through the rush hour traffic I get on the train at Wolverhampton and get into Brum dead on 9am. I was therefore pretty impressed to have reached the 9th floor and my lecture at 10 past the hour. I was greeted by the back row, informing me I was late and then informing me I was the only one from my group (who had been newly shoved into this lecture) who had turned up! Success! Onto the next lecture then, which to cut a long story short we ended up ditching when the lector never turned up... and we six of us went for breakfast in Weatherspoons. </p> <p>The day went on, a different Chef for practical nothing too amiss until I ended up taking my partner to the nurse after fainting after a liquid diet affair. After Nick believing that she had finally taken desperate measures to get out of coming to the pub with us, we headed to the pub for a quick drink.... then got tempted by tea. </p> <p>I was taxi for the night, rescuing Beachy from the elusive buses then back to pick up Tori and the girls <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Onto Varcity for a lemonade and to wish natalie happy birthday. A lot of messing around with some red hats and then walk down to my car leaving the others to go onto Oceana. I was half way home when I realized I needed some blank CD's and decided to turn back round and drive to Asda. On getting there I got a very bazar text from Nick, who had decided to come home to go out then go back in the morning. He however decided to walk down to Asda to see me :s Not something I expected but a nice surprise anyway. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Anyway Saturday saw three of us head to Warwick for a meal at a pub. This was for a assignment for college, however it was not even my assignment. Not that I minded, it gave me the perfect excuse to escape the house and get out. Warwick seems a very nice place, yes it does seem to be the home of the knitting shop, but lets face it everywhere needs a place where the knitting enthusiasts can meet for a spot of needle bashing.</p> <p>Today seemed a bit more Christmassy, a nice family lunch at the local pub then home, to find that the washing machine had chosen to flood the kitchen. Que me rolling my trousers up and mopping up the water. To be honest it's not that bad, yeah it flooded the whole kitchen but we can get the part to fix it within days <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Anyway after everyone had gone, I settled down to decorate the tree, me and Dad had gone to get that morning. It looked all Christmassy, until I came back in to discover that the poor fairy had, had enough and decided to jump.... getting caught half way down and hanging there. Perhaps after years spent in a box or onto of a tree she finally thought she needed to end it all. Sadly she came to rest half way down, slightly indecently. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/12/17/warwick_a_flood_and_a_suicidal_fairy~3453647/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/12/17/warwick_a_flood_and_a_suicidal_fairy~3453647/Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:28:41 +0100 <p>I have come to the conclusion that I have never quite understood the village of Brewood. It seems to be viewed in many different ways, often very different to what I know it to be. Over the years I have got use to the normal reaction of people when I say I live in Brewood. Mainly it is implied that it is a nice village, posh and stuck up! </p> <p>Quite different really to the place I grew up in, really. Brewood is one of those places where a certain class system is still in place. It is very obvious at village events and when we run Brownies and Guides. </p> <p>The lower classes, are often some of the more normal, nicer people who many do not believe ever live here. This is very untrue, but very often they live on the outskirts of the village, Not in the centre! Yes, Brewood has council houses, they are very nice (as I can vouch for, as I was in and out of friends ones over the years) in fact you don't realize how many we have. Most people stay in them for generations and it is these people, mixed with what people call the middle classes that stay in the village for generations. </p> <p>The middle classes, live in normal houses, not grade listed ones. We live here but many of us will be forced to leave in the coming years. We are not rich enough to buy and not eligible for a house from the council. It seems a shame really. Very occasionally this 'class' will be able to mix with the higher and more established families, of the village, but do not expect dinner invites, as they are often saved, you will more likely be able to have a conversation at the most. </p> <p>The higher classes of the village are what we get the villages reputation from, as being 'posh'. They live mainly in the older or bigger properties in Brewood, mainly around the village centre. They may hold good jobs within the village, such as Doctor, Vicar or parish council member. These mix with in the class. Often you will find that the children will socialize, holiday etc with only certain families. These are often families that have been in the village for years, and by tradition perhaps, their surname leads them to have a certain standing. </p> <p>However over the years we have also, and I have to include them in the higher classes (simply for their money status) the townies. They came when I was growing up, changing the village, re arranging it slightly. They were rich enough to buy new and old houses, they do not look after the village, they do not help groups and shops out, simply using the place as a place to sleep. They are often, in too much of a hurry and can often look down on the people who have put so much into the village, not knowing that they have... simply judging them on the fact that they do not have so much money as them. </p> <p>I am not saying that everyone is like this, the village is full of lovely people, but it is often the few that give a place it's name. Do I resent that the village is called stuck up? Possibly, I rarely tell people at work where I live, they judge you too often and who blames them? They do not know the place I grew up in, where I was allowed to wonder free through fields and into the sandpit. Where the school I went to was not brilliant and made do, where buses only come every blue moon and are liable to cancel on you, without warning. The place I remember is not stuck up it is normal as every where else, it just has a pretty church, that draws the few tourists the area gets too. But then I don't perhaps tell people as much as I know I never totally grew up there, I was between many places as a child, always mainly in Brewood. But then other places came into it too, like Wales and Codsall, I spent a lot of time in Codsall and know it pretty dam well actually and it's little cut through's. </p> <p>So if anyone says that class systems do not exist any more, are quite wrong. But please do not judge Brewood on a few people who live here, we are not all stuck up and posh. I live in a bungalow that was converted by my Dad, I do not know which class I belong to, but I know it is not the higher class, we speck to them only through Brownies and Guides <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Some say it is very much like the village in Hot Fuzz, and I agree... I just hope that there are no bodies being stored anywhere :s </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/12/09/class_of_brewood~3419776/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/12/09/class_of_brewood~3419776/Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:02:05 +0100 <p>Well after taking a few months worth of bike lessons, when I could manage it and had the money, I finally took my test on Wednesday. </p> <p>I was surprised how calm I was, in fact I did not start to worry until I found my self sitting in the test centre and the guy told me to 'try and relax'. Slightly impossible! Anyway it seemed that I was not too nervous, in the end, and I managed to pass it. I was convinced part way round that I might have failed. Perhaps this is the reason I managed to do a emergency stop and the U turn without messing it up. Anyway I could not believe it, somehow and with only 3 minors, I am quite pleased with myself really. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/12/01/the_day_of_truth~3377375/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/12/01/the_day_of_truth~3377375/Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:28:35 +0100 <p>This blog is a little different to the other blogs, epechally the blogs of late. It is not a blog aimed at anyone nor nothing really that has been going on. But it is simple me wondering alowed, I think really. </p> <p>I remember, and I think this is where I started thinking about this , being told that I was an honnest and open person. That you could tell what I was thinking more or less all the time. This naturally made me feel a little shit, in fact it had the effect and making me rather mad, he soon got told exactly what had been going on and if I had not been in the position that I was, he would have been told exactly what I was thinking. However I was not mad at him, rather hurt that he throught that he knew me, after such short time. </p> <p>I do not find saying how I really feel easy at all. I do try and it normally comes off very badly or is just ignored totally, the topic brushed over all together until it comes about again. I know I am bad for this, in fact people who know me, know I am very bad and will take months if not years over something I really want to say. </p> <p>However I perhaps pick the topic of relationships to talk about today, in rather a oundabout and a way that might not make totaly sence to read. You see couples perfectly happy, perhaps I am a little jelous of them, but I know I am happy most of the time so I should not be right? Not so, jelousy is always going to be there, if I am honnest it always has been with me. Not over material things but over one main thing, that is often described as love. People have families and yeah so do I, I love them to bits but you know something I always wanted to feel the love that you get from a relationship, and I did feel it, sadly. I got to the peak and then it suddenly had to go down. I perhaps look at longer relationships and hope that they realize that they shared something that seems to lack in me at the moment, for longer than I did. I remember it as being something that felt so good that I could run off the feeling for days. But it does not last sometimes, and then you have to get on with things. </p> <p>This is not to say I am not happy, God I am, I think. But you soon get to know that being single has it's advantages, and yes it has it's disadvantages. But the thing is what do you get at the end of the day? You go home and it's just you, there is no one there who will always give you a hug or a small kiss, there is no one around who will listen to you go on about the Guides for hours on end, with exceptions on this one. But what I am saying is that, if you come out of something and fall straight into something else, you are dam lucky. You get a closeness that is often envied by others. You do not get to feel. </p> <p>There should be a lot more here, but I will spare the person in question any embarrassment, in fact. What I am trying to say is don't take something for nothing. Don;t use someone because you are lonely, they might end up feeling more lonely after it all. So do not regret but make sure that you give what you get in return, I guess that is what I want to say. </p> <p>I do leave you with this comment though. If you turn someone down and they go very quiet and not say anything then they are proberly not just being quiet but hurting in some way.<br> Another thing is that if you ket someone down then it may just be harder for them. If they have any heart then they will not want to let you down. </p> <p>Me when it comes to liking someone I seem to be stupid, I never know how the other person feels, unless they spell it out. I hate letting people down, I hate not feeling anything for them. I know that with some if I felt something I would be well looked after and safe. It would be a good relationship. But then thats not me, I would rather stick it out for someone who makes me feel more alive and happy than someone which is a friend and cannot make me happy in a certain way. I know that they will come around but now it may just be upto them, when ever they turn up. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/11/27/title~3357531/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/11/27/title~3357531/Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:28:04 +0100 <p>The week just gone, saw Reading week. It is debatable how much students 'read' during this week, but still we get it. I have to admit have worked two full days and a training at work, out of the 5 weekdays we get. The other one was spent in college completing the 'fish' assignment. However, in between college work, and other jobs I seemed to stumble into Birmingham and finally give blood.</p> <p>I say finally, as I found the date in my diary that I planned to go. It was 7th August, and it was only this date, due to the fact that they were coming to Brewood. Sadly that night I was stuck in Birmingham and missed it all. So after walking past the permanent site in New Street every day I am in college, I thought I should really finally go and do it.</p> <p>Slightly nervous, I went in, wondering the last time I had an injection and if I really was alright with it all. I had not picked the best time, lunch time so I was told I would have to wait. I did not mind, I have to admit they are lovely in there and they really do have a very good set up. I admit it took two hours to actually give blood, but this was mainly down to the fact that they were not sure which arm to use. The vain in my right arm seemed considerably better than my left (as they found out). However excema had come up, and it was noticed and they really did not want to break the skin, which I do respect but I don't think it would have mattered. Anyway I was just glad I did it finally, for the most obvious reason, I don't actually need it but someone does.</p> <p>So with the rule applying that you cannot give blood if you have had a piecing/tatto within the last six months, I set out on the task of finding Tori a place to be rebellious one last time before she leaves her teens. The task was for her, a friend of hers and now me to get a piecing. I was pretty glad that I did not get mine done a while back now, as the guy who did it was great, if only for hearing a wolverhampton, german and irish accent rolled into one! </p> <p>Now I might get this wrong but I believe that Tori and her friend got the tracea pieces, which is the little flap nearest your face. I however opted for a simple bar mid way round my ear. I was a strange group that wondered around Wolverhampton looking for tattoo and piecing places that were actually open in the middle of the day on a Wednesday. Starting in Chapel ash and finally ending up at 'spikes' down between the station and Planet. So four of us wondered into the place and three left, feeling a little more relaxed after knowing that Tori was not about to kill us for giving her a gentle nudge to do it <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>All in all I have found out I am not scared of needles, else it could have been a very interesting week. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/11/17/two_days_two_needles~3308633/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/11/17/two_days_two_needles~3308633/Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:09:02 +0100 <p>After totting up 13 hours at work in less than 24 hours i have found that the customers notice board at work is a interesting source of entertainment, if you get board of talking about how it's gone a little nippy out! </p> <p>I mean after glancing over the normal things, i.e hiring a bouncy castle, sewing for all your needs, tuition etc my eyes feel on a few other notices that were slightly hidden behind all the norm. For instance, the slimming poster that tempts its clients with a lovely photo of a full english (and me, who has to sit through her lunch as it's busy on tills!). </p> <p>But it was not that one that caught my eye as much as the second poster. So ill make the announcement now, there is a magic mushrooms talk on in Codsall in November. For those who know Codsall and the sound-rounding villages, it is not the place where magic mushroom are common place. In fact 'the villages' are home to the traditional cake sale and coffee morning, jumble sale for the adventurous. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, I love tea and cake, tea and crumpets etc, but there is only so much you can talk about to customers when you are stuck on a till, secretly wishing anyone would come in to save you. </p> <p>But magic mushrooms, I sat there wondering if this was some kind of recruitment drive for a undercover drugs gang in Codsall. I mean the aging population of the villages must be hitting them hard, after new blood etc. I mean they need fresh legs to wonder the Perton woods in search of the mushroomly delights <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/27/the_things_you_can_find_on_a_noticeboard~3205271/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/27/the_things_you_can_find_on_a_noticeboard~3205271/Sat, 27 Oct 2007 22:40:49 +0200 <p>About 3pm on Friday I found myself topping up the petrol and heading towards Wolverhampton Station for the family trip to Wales. After meeting Kate at the station we started the journey to the cottages, stopping at the 'Goat', which is a lovely, unknown pub about 45 min from the cottages, but nicely on the way <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> We arrived there at 5.30 but sadly were informed that meals did not start until 7pm, so we just had to wait in the cosy little bar and well drink apple tango and one half of 'Qualf' beer. So full we left and wound our way over the mountain to the cottages.</p> <p>Getting there in the dark and cold, was just like normal and finally opening up the cottage made it so much better, as we could make a cup of tea ... and find that there were wine gums left in the cupboard <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> Waking up in my bed, however was even better, the next morning. </p> <p>Finally the rest of the family turned up, to make us a nice 10. Sadly we were missing Matt and Nellie, but it can't be helped. After the normal family 'discussions' about what we were all going to do, and what cars we were going to use and of course who was going to watch the Rugby that night, we headed to the beach for a nice walk. The walk was naturally followed by a ice cream from undoutably the best ice cream shop in the area.I mean where else can you get coconut, tropical, ginger and many others. I persuaded myself that I could try something different to rum and raisin and went for the coconut... which I can say, I am very glad I did as it was amazingly good. So after 10 of us ate 10 ice creams and my Granddad had stopped chatting up the ladies of the beach (even though he is married 5 years this summer) we went home for tea and to decide who wanted to watch the Rugby. </p> <p>Watching the Rugby in a Welsh pub was a interesting experience and here are a few tips. Never celebrate any English successes until you are sure where peoples loyalties lie, always hold the locals dog if he asks you to, agree when anybody says that rugby is the welsh national sport, agree that Wales were robbed and always turn a death ear to the S. A supporters <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> ow and hide the carrots from the locals dog!</p> <p>After all that, and a night where me and Kate found ourselves sleeping on the floor, we went for a round walk around the valley then back for a run through of Christmas lunch <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> The rest of the afternoon was spent waving people off and looking through the guest book of who has actually stayed at the cottage and when and what they said about it! It turns out we have had about three honeymoons taken there, one couple that got secretly married, one millennium celebration, two people who ended up in hospital (admittedly one was me, but I end up being a statistic sometimes), many children growing up there, to many calf and lambs being born to remember, farm cats being brought up etc. But perhaps the one thing that is said on almost every page is how people fall in love with the cottages, almost overnight. I admittedly am bias and love them to pieces. You can't describe the cottages, the valley, the people and all the places and buildings in the Valley. I grew up there as well as here in Brewood, I love the hills, I love how I could walk down a stream and not be told to be careful, I love how I use to play around the farm buildings and it was deemed as normal. I love how I always come back covered in mud :s I love how you walk round and find the Cadbury cottage nestled in the trees, and how there use to be a rope swing that hung on the second biggest tree on the hill side. And I love how every time I take someone new there face shows utter amazement at what is lying all around the Valley and how close you can still get to them and how in a way, time forgot it self up there. And after all this exploring I always found myself in the front room, with a coal fire burning. </p> <p>Anyway enough of that, Finally I had to drag myself away to get Kate back and to get back to lecture in the morning. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> leaving half my family there... but I do get the house to myself for a few days \o/ After a bit of a slow sunday drive back, via, Stoke (to pick some stuff up and miss Shaun by minutes) we got back to Wolverhampton and to drop Kate off to get the train to Cardiff. </p> <p>All in all not a bad weekend really <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/21/in_wales_with_the_family_well_most_of_th~3173870/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/21/in_wales_with_the_family_well_most_of_th~3173870/Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:18:10 +0200 <p>Sitting here watching 'Allo 'Allo again, makes me think of the old-er classics that I have watched over the years! Ones I have loved and watched over and over again. This naturally gets me thinking what are all the old classics that are not around any more (sadly) and what I can add to the DVD collection for Sunday night viewing <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Now because I am lazy and do not want to write all the list out again ( and I only put a few on there, as my mind went blank) you can look on BCF, for the topic </p> <p><a href="http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=1589281#1589281">http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=1589281#1589281</a></p> <p>and if you are really passionate about something then add it to there <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/14/listen_very_carefully_i_will_say_this_on~3136817/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/14/listen_very_carefully_i_will_say_this_on~3136817/Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:10:03 +0200 <p>What with the mad September rush, and starting Uni, then having a panic about Uni and jobs etc. Anyway I now finally feel more and more relaxed each day. Normally when I start a new school, college or, now, University I feel panicked, out of place. This in turn leads to me looking scared, confused and being somewhat quiet. Strange really, I don't always feel quite and I'm not but still, it's a bit like a vicious circle! </p> <p>Anyway for records ... I'm not, out side College I always feel different, like the pub on Monday night, like Thursday nights going out, like Tuesday nights, anyway you get my point. </p> <p>Anyway what was I going on about, yes, things seem to be getting back to normal now, after everything seemed a little odd and confusing. But then, I have had some pretty good nights where I have felt so excitable, it's untrue, just hope they continue <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Now where was I? Nothing really to say any more, apart from the fact that I survived the first night in the kitchens at College, sadly there was no customers but that was properly a good thing <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> Just wait till next week when the stress is on!</p> <p>Oww that was the other thing.... I found this;<br> <a href="http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=128176">http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=128176</a><br> They are back, and I found them in the brilliant little corner shop opposite Birmingham New St. back entrance over a week ago now <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> They don't just live in Stoke <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/09/an_odd_kind_of_normal~3111055/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/10/09/an_odd_kind_of_normal~3111055/Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:27:14 +0200 <p>I don't believe that I have ever written on here so much as I have the last couple of weeks. But as the first week of lectures comes a little too close, I write one last time. </p> <p>After the mild panic of Tuesday and part of wednesday, a long shift at work and sorting everything out for college i believe that i have got everything in order. The main problem was my job. Stuck doing three nights a week, with Guides on top of that did mean that I was not as flexible as i would have liked to be. So after some thought, mainly about the money loss, I dragged myself into work. My boss was expecting this I guess, by the way he seemed to know I had come not for a social call. I was offered a Saturday night/day shift of 1-10, and declined it. As there are not many shifts left to be filled, and I could not take any of them, it was settled that when I want to I give two weeks notice and transfer to a zero contract. Now this works very well for me, they call me with shifts and I can accept or decline them! Almost perfect, depending on how much work needs covering. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"> What was said was that each term/semester (which ever you call it) I can adapt this arrangement if it suits both parties, i.e. I might be able to go back to some contracted hours. </p> <p>It's going to be very odd not working a Friday night now.<img src="/img/smilies/icon_neutral.gif" alt=":|" class="middle" border="0"> I might even miss it for, say, 2 minuets! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/28/zero~3053883/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/28/zero~3053883/Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:35:06 +0200 <p>Last night a BMW nearly forced me into the hedge, about ten meters away from our drive. Too far over into the road and switching his full beams on when he got near me, putting me into complete dazzling light. </p> <p>On the plus side i just pulled over and was fine, but this was not the panic of the night. Having a minor panic that i wanted to be on the BA instead of the foundation was just the first of two minor panics. The foundation is a year shorter and originally i was pretty sure i wanted to do it. Now I'm more unsure, so Que. the meeting tomorrow with my tutor. I suppose last year not working out much all round, made me think that staying at home and taking the slightly shorter course would make it easier if it did not work out. Now I am a little more positive that the course will work out. </p> <p>But on that note I now panic slightly that i should have moved into halls. I know I'm quite anti halls sometimes but i would quite like to be around people and well move out of home. The problem with moving out really is Dad going into one of his massive 'sulks'. They seem to have started last night, so the fun here starts tonight when i get back. I don't think that moving out any other way would be acceptable to him. This way at least he knows it's for 'my education'!!<br> My job on another note, has gone back down to 10 hours per week and it's looking like I'm going to have to cut more and more over the year. I do feel tired of working there most nights now. But then I could easily stay at home, like i planned. Keep working, not piss anyone off and keep doing, traveling, college and work nights then repeat for a few more nights... Then am I really wanting to go out all the time?<br> aggghhhhh...<br> Right work, bad music and lifting, this is going to be fun *keeps telling herself the money will come in use* </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/26/as_the_panic_sets_in~3041227/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/26/as_the_panic_sets_in~3041227/Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:17:13 +0200 <p>I have to apologize to begin with over the properly bad spelling and i have been told terrible grammar! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> But i have had several glasses of wine and i am very tired after the weekend!</p> <p>So after managing to get someone to cover my shift at the lovely Co-op, i packed a bag and put it in the car ready to go to guiding activity centre - ICANDO. This was the Thursday night when i packed up the car with my bag. </p> <p>Then after a short drive i got the bus into town to meet Alex, who i met through the lovely wet 'Wave' camp and her two friends from uni, the four of us headed to Planet for a night of dancing and promised drinking! Which i believe that we got... dancing up stairs and downstairs we had a good time. It was a bit of a million miles away from me and Alex dancing in a court yard with Ann and Tori, embarising guides while we danced to 'umbrella- Rianna' with a umbrella while it rained! Didnt we look cool <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif" alt="B)" class="middle" border="0"> Anyway the night was great and i do believe there are photo's drifting around on the good old internet. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> So after a interesting walk home, that involved a lot of frisbee action, a camera in the park and someone running into my arm <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> we arrived home and i can now say did not sleep until, something near 7.30am. This would have been fine but i had to get a train from Birmingham at 11.55 and well i left Codsall early. </p> <p>Anyway I will spare you the details of the traveling but i got into London and managed to navigate my way round London to several places. Finally i got to ICANDO and started giving them a hand looking after 29 odd guides. Anyway safe to say i slept well that night, even though i was sleeping on the floor in a office. </p> <p>The morning saw the Guides going off to navigate their way round London and me and the other Guiders to take some time out and relax a bit until the next lot of kids cane to visit the centre. I escaped into the shop to pay for my new rugby shirt i had brought to sleep in, after forgetting my PJ's and then disapearing off to Camden again with another of the guiders.</p> <p>Anyway Saturday was finished off with a rather large delivery of pizza's from pizza hut. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> This was a bit of a treat for me, mainly as i did not have to pay for it <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>All in all it was a relaxing weekend that i got to look round London and meet new people. But im shattered now and have to sleep or take out my contacts s either will do. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/24/the_weekend~3029439/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/24/the_weekend~3029439/Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:13:38 +0200 <p>Ok so my hours at work are being cut down and i need something that is flexible and something that i enjoy doing to get a little bit more cash every now and then. So decorating and making cakes it is then... </p> <p>So what do you all reckon of this then.. please be truthful i need some feedback really <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1989929" title="DSC00293"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/929/1989929_7f65c98dcb_s.jpeg" alt="DSC00293" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>^ I know its not the best photo but you get the idea... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/20/cakes_cakes_cakes~3011498/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/20/cakes_cakes_cakes~3011498/Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:46:43 +0200 <p>Ok, about 5 weeks ago i decided that it was time i got someone new in my life or rather a few. So after a dig about in the loft i found my old red fish tank! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>At the moment the only 'pet' that is allowed in the house are fish... and there was some discussion about that! This has something to do with said 'pet' outliving me moving out etc etc. So fish it was then. So i dragged myself off to the garden centre and found 3 lovely (all different coloured) fish. To be honnest i was shocked that they made it home in one piece. As you can imagine, fish in a bag and one person, who is driving and who decides to take the way with a lot of roundabouts is not a good combination! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> But they all got home safe and were settled into their new home. </p> <p>Sadly one seemed to die of shock, or else someone put something into the water!,but the other two are still going well. And today they have been cleaned out and their tank up graded <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1962202" title="DSC00279"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/202/1962202_820c40db99_s.jpeg" alt="DSC00279" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1962203" title="DSC00280"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/203/1962203_fc78f404c0_s.jpeg" alt="DSC00280" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Never again can they be bored or look depressed <img src="/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif" alt="8|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>On another note , i have got a tropical tank on loan from a friend, perhaps i could fit two tanks on the shelf???? Im not sure what Shaun thinks about being replaced by fish but oww well....<img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/11/fish~2961714/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/11/fish~2961714/Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:45:18 +0200 <p>This was on the last day of the pastry <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Enjoy the photo <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949348" title="DSC00273"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/348/1949348_ddace6b6ed_m.jpeg" alt="DSC00273" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/just_to_make_people_s_mouths_water~2940797/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/just_to_make_people_s_mouths_water~2940797/Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:08:30 +0200 <p>On the third day of my pastry part of my bridging course i have made profiteroles <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> and to be honest they are pretty dam good, and im pretty proud of them. This is mainly as i made the pastry and they all worked <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>So just to prove it... here is a nice photo <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1929922" title="DSC00272"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/922/1929922_630425011b_m.jpeg" alt="DSC00272" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/08/31/profiteroles~2903921/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/08/31/profiteroles~2903921/Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:44:06 +0200 <p>A few days ago i was in work one evening and found a few boxes of new stoke that were not currently on the shelfs of the co-op. </p> <p>As i had several of these boxes (and could just not ignore them) i decided to do a bit of investigating, and after a quick chat with the duty manager i found out that the boxes were christmas stock! Christmas stock.... its August, seriously how early do people have to start getting ready for this season that seems be getting earlier and earlier <img src="/img/smilies/icon_surprised.gif" alt=":o" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/08/28/just_a_quick_note_about_work~2885126/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/08/28/just_a_quick_note_about_work~2885126/Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:03:45 +0200 <p>So its been a while since i last wrote a blog but things, to be honest have been hectic, unplanned and very odd. so ill start somewhere where i left, </p> <p>Bishops Castle<br> It was a brillient weekend, as you may have read, but realizing it now it was the last decent weekend i got to spend with someone when they had not decided something. </p> <p>My cousen's 21st<br> so after some confusion and a bit of a rush all over, i drove up and picked Shaun up from home. We took Mingles to his mums and then set off home to undertake the long drive to southend with mum and dad. It was a lovely night, everyone sat in the garden and drank while haveing a lovely BBQ and chatting to lots of people. Not forgetting that we were all dressed in hywanii gear <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> After sleeping in the lounge we got up and set off home. </p> <p>Wales<br> On return home me and Shaun set off towards Wales, i do have fond memories of Wales and i had a great time, but i really should have written about it after it happened as now the week has been analyzed over and over in my head about a thousand times.<br> We had some great days out though, crab fishing, jason's massive hole, king arthurs laberanth, craft centre, mac, and a trip to abba. All in all i had a great time with my friends. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Camp<br> Ok so it rained but it had sunny moments too <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> After many girls being home sick and crying all over people, we reckoned the rain could not get much worse. However it had other ideas and half way through the week we evacuated out of the tents and 72 girls took up residence in a quite small hall!After a rather horriable series of events camp came to an end.<br> But with everything that happened at camp, i think the girls enjoyed themselves they seem to want to go back anyway, we will wait and see what september brings anyway <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>The following weekend<br> The almost forgotten weekend. After everything at camp i just wanted to get home have a shower, jump in the car and got to wales with Shaun like we had arranged, pick up the bikes and come back after having a nice weekend. This however was not the case. I had got barely any sleep since the monday of camp when i drove to Shaun's. He was quiet, we drove there and had something to eat when we got there. We watched a film, and i fell asleep on him for about 30mins, still shattered we went to bed. I dont know why i asked it but i did, and i got the answer that i feared. Talking through the hours i was unsure, but throught it could be a hitch. 3 Days latter he ended it, Been thinking about it for 3 weeks, and in 3 days it was over. It seems a long time kinda now since then, it does not mean that my head has stopped thinking, its on constant over drive. The monday i started college, and drifted in on the train each morning, having too much time to think, listening to the girls telling me about their boyfriends partners. Its weird the pang in your chest when you realsie something so familiar has gone, but is there but a long way away. It feels a bit like when my family go home and i dont see them for months a bit like i am just kind of drifting. But then there is the other side that is positive and wanting to get out there and live life and do things i want to do. </p> <p>College<br> College has been pretty good really, this week has gone so quickly and im feeling a lot more positive and happy. The mornings are a bit of a pain with getting up at 6.55, getting the train in and being in the kitchen ready to start at 8.45am. But im enjoying it and learning so much. The afternoons are filled with theory, that consists mainly of NVQ level 1. </p> <p>Now<br> After going out for kate's birthday last night i feel a little shattered, even though i did not stay long as i was feeling as if i might fall asleep at some point :s It was good, but now i have to go to work <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> so you never know i might write again after i come back from work. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/08/17/been_a_while~2825090/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://thewillowtree.blog.co.uk/2007/08/17/been_a_while~2825090/Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:41:55 +0200