I visited a friend of mine in Warragul today. It was great catching up - we haven't actually touched base for 6 months so we had heaps to talk about.
What I found interesting is the changes that have occurred in the areas around where I used to live and work. About 8 years ago I worked in a small town called Kooweerup and socialised and lived around Pakenham and Berwick. When I lived in Berwick the area had lots of market gardens and very little infrastructure. Today as I drove through I was astounded by the development. At least two shopping centres, lots of housing, a pub or two and lots of take away places.
Where are the market gardens now?
I appreciate the better roads but where do we get our food from now?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie (oi, oi, oi)
I dedicate this post to the great Australian Yob!
Last night I went to dinner with the social group that I have told you about many a time. This time I took myself off to a group that were a slightly older age group - try something different and see what happens.
Where I sat on the table was interesting - the other end of the table EVERYONE was involved in conversation. At my end it took some time until the conversation actually got started and that wasn't until another lady joined me along with a much older, very nice, but technologically challenged, man.
I had arrived late and so had limited spaces to choose from, all at the one end. Here was what I had to choose from in terms of seating. Between 3 men who were rather loud and seemed a bit icky (one man had a really bad fitting and obviously cheap toupee on - I did my best not to laugh!), a man sitting opposite them who was well dressed and very quiet, or further up from him another man who looked as though his clothes were given to him by a giant.
I chose the well dressed man. I sat down and went through the pleasantries and then found out that that was pretty much it for conversation! This man could answer any question put to him but struggled when it came to continuing the conversation in any other direction.
I was very pleased when the lady sat next to me and the technologically-challenged man joined us. (She sat next to me with the 3 loud men on her other side, he sat on the other side of the well-dressed man next to the giant-dressed man). Once these two joined me we had conversation flowing like nothing else. We talked movies, music, current affairs, cameras and photography, cats and dogs, and pretty much anything in between. I enjoyed their company greatly.
I was also well entertained by the three men sitting opposite. (I am speaking with my tongue firmly placed in my cheek.)
We were at a Thai restaurant and we had a choice of banquet (4 Thai banquets or 3 Chinese banquets) or a la carte. I went a la carte and had beautiful Tom Yum Soup, basil and chili stir-fry, and a banana dumpling - all very yum. Those sitting near me also went a la carte. The three men went with a Thai banquet and chose one of the four based on the quantity of food that would be placed in front of them. In the words of one of the men "I am so hungry so I need lots of food to make me feel better!"
They asked me if I would join them in the banquet and when they told me why they chose what they did, I declined politely.
I need to say that the restaurant was packed and there were only two waiting staff. Meals came in interesting timings. I got my tom yum very quickly, as did the others who had ordered it, but the 3 men had to wait and wait and wait. They complained and talked about leaving as they were so hungry and were not being looked after adequately. Ok - they had to wait about 45 minutes from ordering to when the food arrived....... When their entrees finally arrived there was a huge cheer from them including a "you beauty" in a thick Aussie accent from Toupee man. The other two chimed in with "about bloody time" etc. All other diners had a quick sideways look at us - I was rather embarrassed.
Main meals came in reverse order to that - the banquet people got theirs first and again another cheer from the men. I was rather pleased that they had their meals as this meant that they were very quiet as they hoovered down their food. The type of conversation that they thought was appropriate contained many a sexual innuendo, a racist comment or even talk about stupidity of those of the female gender. Watching them eat, although a little disconcerting, was a relief in comparison to listening to their conversation.
When we, the a la carte diners, finally got our food, the men were a little foul and the woman next to me said quietly "bloody yobs!". I had a quick laugh and we continued with our dinner conversation. I then noticed that her body language was quite direct - she had turned her back to the 3 men and was facing us in the conversation.
Desserts came and the 3 men got their banana fritters with A scoop of ice-cream. The lady next to me also had a banana fritter but she had TWO scoops of ice-cream. Did the men rant and rave about that! Then they caught sight of my dumpling (steamed in a banana leaf) and off they went about weird looking food.........
Then they left, after paying.
It became very quiet as soon as they walked out the door. The volume on our table was quite subdued.
I know that all cultures have loud, obnoxious people who are rather embarrassing but the great Australian Yob is a doozy!
[Just an aside, I hope you like the change in my layout. I have also spent some time narrowing down the number of tags that I am using as I was getting a little confused. A little more narrowing is coming and I will be quite happy.]
Last night I went to dinner with the social group that I have told you about many a time. This time I took myself off to a group that were a slightly older age group - try something different and see what happens.
Where I sat on the table was interesting - the other end of the table EVERYONE was involved in conversation. At my end it took some time until the conversation actually got started and that wasn't until another lady joined me along with a much older, very nice, but technologically challenged, man.
I had arrived late and so had limited spaces to choose from, all at the one end. Here was what I had to choose from in terms of seating. Between 3 men who were rather loud and seemed a bit icky (one man had a really bad fitting and obviously cheap toupee on - I did my best not to laugh!), a man sitting opposite them who was well dressed and very quiet, or further up from him another man who looked as though his clothes were given to him by a giant.
I chose the well dressed man. I sat down and went through the pleasantries and then found out that that was pretty much it for conversation! This man could answer any question put to him but struggled when it came to continuing the conversation in any other direction.
I was very pleased when the lady sat next to me and the technologically-challenged man joined us. (She sat next to me with the 3 loud men on her other side, he sat on the other side of the well-dressed man next to the giant-dressed man). Once these two joined me we had conversation flowing like nothing else. We talked movies, music, current affairs, cameras and photography, cats and dogs, and pretty much anything in between. I enjoyed their company greatly.
I was also well entertained by the three men sitting opposite. (I am speaking with my tongue firmly placed in my cheek.)
We were at a Thai restaurant and we had a choice of banquet (4 Thai banquets or 3 Chinese banquets) or a la carte. I went a la carte and had beautiful Tom Yum Soup, basil and chili stir-fry, and a banana dumpling - all very yum. Those sitting near me also went a la carte. The three men went with a Thai banquet and chose one of the four based on the quantity of food that would be placed in front of them. In the words of one of the men "I am so hungry so I need lots of food to make me feel better!"
They asked me if I would join them in the banquet and when they told me why they chose what they did, I declined politely.
I need to say that the restaurant was packed and there were only two waiting staff. Meals came in interesting timings. I got my tom yum very quickly, as did the others who had ordered it, but the 3 men had to wait and wait and wait. They complained and talked about leaving as they were so hungry and were not being looked after adequately. Ok - they had to wait about 45 minutes from ordering to when the food arrived....... When their entrees finally arrived there was a huge cheer from them including a "you beauty" in a thick Aussie accent from Toupee man. The other two chimed in with "about bloody time" etc. All other diners had a quick sideways look at us - I was rather embarrassed.
Main meals came in reverse order to that - the banquet people got theirs first and again another cheer from the men. I was rather pleased that they had their meals as this meant that they were very quiet as they hoovered down their food. The type of conversation that they thought was appropriate contained many a sexual innuendo, a racist comment or even talk about stupidity of those of the female gender. Watching them eat, although a little disconcerting, was a relief in comparison to listening to their conversation.
When we, the a la carte diners, finally got our food, the men were a little foul and the woman next to me said quietly "bloody yobs!". I had a quick laugh and we continued with our dinner conversation. I then noticed that her body language was quite direct - she had turned her back to the 3 men and was facing us in the conversation.
Desserts came and the 3 men got their banana fritters with A scoop of ice-cream. The lady next to me also had a banana fritter but she had TWO scoops of ice-cream. Did the men rant and rave about that! Then they caught sight of my dumpling (steamed in a banana leaf) and off they went about weird looking food.........
Then they left, after paying.
It became very quiet as soon as they walked out the door. The volume on our table was quite subdued.
I know that all cultures have loud, obnoxious people who are rather embarrassing but the great Australian Yob is a doozy!
[Just an aside, I hope you like the change in my layout. I have also spent some time narrowing down the number of tags that I am using as I was getting a little confused. A little more narrowing is coming and I will be quite happy.]
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Navel gazing
It's Saturday morning and the first day of my holidays. I have had a good sleep in - woken just after 8am (for me that is two hours past normal time) by the neighbours, in the group of units I live in, having a great conversation in the driveway.
I have done a small amount of something and a whole lot of nothing so far. It's fantastic!
I have not really planned anything for the two weeks off but I have suddenly found myself with a few days spare here and there. It is amazing! I love the idea of having time to read, catch up on the sewing and finish a few other projects here and there whilst catching up with friends and family.
My main focus for the two weeks (on a completely personal level) is to get myself sorted out - diet, exercise, fiscal and fashion. I am now sitting and looking at the pantry shelves wondering where all the "whole foods" I had planned on consuming are.
I have done some serious thinking in the past few days as well. A few questions that have raised their ugly heads are 1) Where do I want to be in 5 - 10 years time? (To answer this I am thinking career, relationship-wise, further study, housing etc); and 2) What am I prepared to do to get to these areas?
Why have I been thinking like this? Well I have had a few people throw interesting curve balls my direction. None of them were sort, but they have given me the opportunity to sort through issues. I have a long way to go with them and as a result I have had a few emotions that I wasn't expecting, to rise up and get in my way.
I always find it interesting that these things come to challenge your thinking when you are under the belief that everything is going along smoothly. But then again it wouldn't be as interesting if you didn't have a thought provoking challenge or two to jump up and stand in your way.
Will I discuss these issues with others? I don't really think I will, I probably won't give much more than what I am giving now, which is basically nothing but an outline that I am thinking about things. Everyone has these moments where they sit and contemplate their navel - I am just telling people that I am doing it. Nothing serious at all but I have noticed that my observations of the world are a little narrower as I am focusing on me and as a result my blog is becoming a little introspective. You will probably notice when I bounce back......there will be more blogs that are just silly and about the world around me.......so just hang in there.
I have done a small amount of something and a whole lot of nothing so far. It's fantastic!
I have not really planned anything for the two weeks off but I have suddenly found myself with a few days spare here and there. It is amazing! I love the idea of having time to read, catch up on the sewing and finish a few other projects here and there whilst catching up with friends and family.
My main focus for the two weeks (on a completely personal level) is to get myself sorted out - diet, exercise, fiscal and fashion. I am now sitting and looking at the pantry shelves wondering where all the "whole foods" I had planned on consuming are.
I have done some serious thinking in the past few days as well. A few questions that have raised their ugly heads are 1) Where do I want to be in 5 - 10 years time? (To answer this I am thinking career, relationship-wise, further study, housing etc); and 2) What am I prepared to do to get to these areas?
Why have I been thinking like this? Well I have had a few people throw interesting curve balls my direction. None of them were sort, but they have given me the opportunity to sort through issues. I have a long way to go with them and as a result I have had a few emotions that I wasn't expecting, to rise up and get in my way.
I always find it interesting that these things come to challenge your thinking when you are under the belief that everything is going along smoothly. But then again it wouldn't be as interesting if you didn't have a thought provoking challenge or two to jump up and stand in your way.
Will I discuss these issues with others? I don't really think I will, I probably won't give much more than what I am giving now, which is basically nothing but an outline that I am thinking about things. Everyone has these moments where they sit and contemplate their navel - I am just telling people that I am doing it. Nothing serious at all but I have noticed that my observations of the world are a little narrower as I am focusing on me and as a result my blog is becoming a little introspective. You will probably notice when I bounce back......there will be more blogs that are just silly and about the world around me.......so just hang in there.
Friday, June 27, 2008
the wieght of the world #2
Last night I had a new and exciting sleeping experience!
We all remember my thoughts over 2 or 1 doona and the weight of it all. Well I purchased, as it was on special, a new zip up doona. What an experience. I am sleeping under a light weight but I am soooooooooooo toasty warm. I have a woolen doona combined with a cotton doona and they zip up the side, don't slide and I am so happy. thanks for the suggestions that came in regarding this experience.
Now what to do with my old doonas. I am thinking of getting them professionally cleaned and given away to charity - for those who don't have warm blankets this winter.
We all remember my thoughts over 2 or 1 doona and the weight of it all. Well I purchased, as it was on special, a new zip up doona. What an experience. I am sleeping under a light weight but I am soooooooooooo toasty warm. I have a woolen doona combined with a cotton doona and they zip up the side, don't slide and I am so happy. thanks for the suggestions that came in regarding this experience.
Now what to do with my old doonas. I am thinking of getting them professionally cleaned and given away to charity - for those who don't have warm blankets this winter.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
computer hitch
My laptop was not printing to the network printers at school and the technicians tried many a trick to fix the issue but to no avail.
I then discovered that I had to have my laptop re imaged to fix the issue. What this meant was that I would have to take all my files and store them somewhere as I would lose everything - when you are teaching music this is a big amount of memory so the school network would not really cope (we are talking over 30mb here!) so I purchased an external hard drive and downloaded the lot.
Next issue - reports! I had to complete them and it was easier to wait until I had all the reports done before I handed over my baby.......
Once all of those things were done I presented my laptop to one of the technicians (a VERY interesting character) and then went about my business.
Trouble is I have now realised how reliant on a computer I have become. I write work sheets, arrange music, download and listen to music to create lessons and then I also look at advertising and films with music to plan other types of lessons. All of my files are on computer - marking etc. I felt lost without the laptop sitting in front of me. I was able to work but it was away from my space - my desk.
The laptop has become an extension of myself.
I got the laptop back and there was NOTHING that represented me on the computer. I had a few applications that I had to re install and that took time.
Two things about music software. It takes a lot of space (which means it takes time to install - tomorrow is install Logic day) and you often need special registration numbers (Sibelius a case in point).
I reopened my iTunes and had to import my library. I found out that I have over 4days worth of music, although on reflection I realise that I might have a few doubles there.
So I have had two days worth of angst, no internet (my credit dived yesterday!) and unable to communicate with people via email or my blog......but I solved the issues today at home and I am back!
To bring you up to speed - the year 8 tribal extravaganza went off without a hitch. Well done kiddies - two of my groups came in the top 3! The junior concert was fantastic and I had a funny comment from a parent. As the woman was leaving she grabbed my arm and said "I liked your group the best, they were very strong and powerful!"
Two sleeps and I am on holidays! Bring it on!
I then discovered that I had to have my laptop re imaged to fix the issue. What this meant was that I would have to take all my files and store them somewhere as I would lose everything - when you are teaching music this is a big amount of memory so the school network would not really cope (we are talking over 30mb here!) so I purchased an external hard drive and downloaded the lot.
Next issue - reports! I had to complete them and it was easier to wait until I had all the reports done before I handed over my baby.......
Once all of those things were done I presented my laptop to one of the technicians (a VERY interesting character) and then went about my business.
Trouble is I have now realised how reliant on a computer I have become. I write work sheets, arrange music, download and listen to music to create lessons and then I also look at advertising and films with music to plan other types of lessons. All of my files are on computer - marking etc. I felt lost without the laptop sitting in front of me. I was able to work but it was away from my space - my desk.
The laptop has become an extension of myself.
I got the laptop back and there was NOTHING that represented me on the computer. I had a few applications that I had to re install and that took time.
Two things about music software. It takes a lot of space (which means it takes time to install - tomorrow is install Logic day) and you often need special registration numbers (Sibelius a case in point).
I reopened my iTunes and had to import my library. I found out that I have over 4days worth of music, although on reflection I realise that I might have a few doubles there.
So I have had two days worth of angst, no internet (my credit dived yesterday!) and unable to communicate with people via email or my blog......but I solved the issues today at home and I am back!
To bring you up to speed - the year 8 tribal extravaganza went off without a hitch. Well done kiddies - two of my groups came in the top 3! The junior concert was fantastic and I had a funny comment from a parent. As the woman was leaving she grabbed my arm and said "I liked your group the best, they were very strong and powerful!"
Two sleeps and I am on holidays! Bring it on!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
planning for the holidays.......
I have one more week left in the term. It has been a long term.
This week I have the big extravaganza that the year 8s have been working on (think tribal stuff!) and I have a major junior concert on Tuesday night. After the last week or three with recitals, reports etc this week is child's play.
So what am I planning for my holidays? Sleeping. Reading. Knitting. Sewing. Investigation of financial stuff (including tax preparation) and further study for next year. I will also catch up with friends, family and the cat.
Last night I had a night home with the cat - the first night home all week in fact. She was thrilled to see me and sit on my knee all night. In the process of sitting at home I discovered something else that I might get into - checking out my diet with a dietitian. I have had a few nights of crazy rumblings of digestion which doesn't sound too good and much nastier to hear. I have this faint idea I might have a dietary thing I need to sort out - like an allergy to flour or something........I will spend some time over the holidays sorting that out too.
I think I will be busy.
This week I have the big extravaganza that the year 8s have been working on (think tribal stuff!) and I have a major junior concert on Tuesday night. After the last week or three with recitals, reports etc this week is child's play.
So what am I planning for my holidays? Sleeping. Reading. Knitting. Sewing. Investigation of financial stuff (including tax preparation) and further study for next year. I will also catch up with friends, family and the cat.
Last night I had a night home with the cat - the first night home all week in fact. She was thrilled to see me and sit on my knee all night. In the process of sitting at home I discovered something else that I might get into - checking out my diet with a dietitian. I have had a few nights of crazy rumblings of digestion which doesn't sound too good and much nastier to hear. I have this faint idea I might have a dietary thing I need to sort out - like an allergy to flour or something........I will spend some time over the holidays sorting that out too.
I think I will be busy.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
and the birthday continues......
Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a great day - although very busy work wise.
I am still celebrating my birthday - sometimes I am celebrating and no-one else knows that I am.
Things people will know about:
* dinner last sat night with friends round the corner (yum yum roast pork),
* dinner last Tuesday night with k and foo (I was SOOOOOOO tired that I made it an early one but it was great!),
* morning tea with people in my staff room (surreal as there are a fair few I would like to knock on the head as they are wankers!)
* dinner with the young boss department chief on my actual birthday before we assessed lots of kiddies (yummy lean cuisines re heated in the microwave and a glass and a half of red wine. mmmmmm)
* all the people present at the recital singing happy birthday to me (Loved every minute of that)
* my singing student doing such a great job. I am very proud of him at the progress he has made,
* dinner with my mum at her place on Thursday night (she and I have planned on an outing when I go on holidays),
* fish and chips last night with the friends around the corner (they didn't know I was counting that as a birthday night but I'm counting everything!),
* lunch today with some friends I haven't seen in ages,
* lunch tomorrow with other Sparky - her birthday is the day after mine - and a few other friends,
* dinner tomorrow night with a few work colleagues and my old boss which I am looking forward to heaps.
Now I haven't finished there - I will celebrate at every opportunity. It was a great suggestion of K's and I will see it through to the end of the financial year! (maybe until next year - although that might be pushing the friendship a little)
The neighbours have been out in the back yard 3 nights this week helping me celebrate - although I don't think that they know it is my birthday. Maybe I should stand outside and yell the fact at them........ I KNOW it is cold but they are still there - they have put a laser-light plastic -roofing wall up around the edges of the patio and veranda. It has quietened them down a little but not a huge amount. The door slams are still quite LOUD! They also have flood lights up and they spend a lot of the time out there chopping wood. They are threatening to have a party (I know. I heard them when I was in the "listening room" - known as the toilet) so I am waiting in anticipation.
I am so excited that I have finished and submitted my 181 reports! Still a few things to sort out here and there work-wise. The young boss is off to be married in Finland and I will step in as the acting head of department while he is away next term. This is our huge term with two big concerts and at least one tour taking place during that time. I am looking forward to the challenge.......(cough cough!)........... We will have another teacher come in and take his classes - someone I went to uni with but that was so long ago that I don't quite remember what she was like.
This week we have our Junior concert where all the kids who have been learning for the past few months/years get together and perform for their parents. This is one of those concerts that Frogdancer mentioned in her blog about how good her son, singing student, did at the recitals the other night. I find the nights a little tedious at this time of the year as I am so tired from the reporting etc BUT it is amazing to see the standard change in the kids each time they get up to play. One of the reasons the standard is high in the senior levels is the fact that we demand a professional level at the junior levels. They rise to the challenge.
I will be out again for a celebration dinner on Wednesday night with some great people from work.........woo hoo!
Just an aside - we have a teacher at school who manages the property, makes sure the graffiti doesn't get out of hand etc. Now I know that as a teacher if you piss off a kid you will get your name mentioned on the walls/desk etc. Yesterday afternoon this particular teacher decided to let me know that he removed graffiti about me from the toilet walls at the back end of the school. According to the delightful child I am a "fat slut" which is great to know. When he told me I replied "but I've lost lots of weight." I am not so much annoyed about having my name mentioned on the wall etc but I am peeved that he told me. Why would you do that? Just thought I would share that moment with you.......
I am still celebrating my birthday - sometimes I am celebrating and no-one else knows that I am.
Things people will know about:
* dinner last sat night with friends round the corner (yum yum roast pork),
* dinner last Tuesday night with k and foo (I was SOOOOOOO tired that I made it an early one but it was great!),
* morning tea with people in my staff room (surreal as there are a fair few I would like to knock on the head as they are wankers!)
* dinner with the young boss department chief on my actual birthday before we assessed lots of kiddies (yummy lean cuisines re heated in the microwave and a glass and a half of red wine. mmmmmm)
* all the people present at the recital singing happy birthday to me (Loved every minute of that)
* my singing student doing such a great job. I am very proud of him at the progress he has made,
* dinner with my mum at her place on Thursday night (she and I have planned on an outing when I go on holidays),
* fish and chips last night with the friends around the corner (they didn't know I was counting that as a birthday night but I'm counting everything!),
* lunch today with some friends I haven't seen in ages,
* lunch tomorrow with other Sparky - her birthday is the day after mine - and a few other friends,
* dinner tomorrow night with a few work colleagues and my old boss which I am looking forward to heaps.
Now I haven't finished there - I will celebrate at every opportunity. It was a great suggestion of K's and I will see it through to the end of the financial year! (maybe until next year - although that might be pushing the friendship a little)
The neighbours have been out in the back yard 3 nights this week helping me celebrate - although I don't think that they know it is my birthday. Maybe I should stand outside and yell the fact at them........ I KNOW it is cold but they are still there - they have put a laser-light plastic -roofing wall up around the edges of the patio and veranda. It has quietened them down a little but not a huge amount. The door slams are still quite LOUD! They also have flood lights up and they spend a lot of the time out there chopping wood. They are threatening to have a party (I know. I heard them when I was in the "listening room" - known as the toilet) so I am waiting in anticipation.
I am so excited that I have finished and submitted my 181 reports! Still a few things to sort out here and there work-wise. The young boss is off to be married in Finland and I will step in as the acting head of department while he is away next term. This is our huge term with two big concerts and at least one tour taking place during that time. I am looking forward to the challenge.......(cough cough!)........... We will have another teacher come in and take his classes - someone I went to uni with but that was so long ago that I don't quite remember what she was like.
This week we have our Junior concert where all the kids who have been learning for the past few months/years get together and perform for their parents. This is one of those concerts that Frogdancer mentioned in her blog about how good her son, singing student, did at the recitals the other night. I find the nights a little tedious at this time of the year as I am so tired from the reporting etc BUT it is amazing to see the standard change in the kids each time they get up to play. One of the reasons the standard is high in the senior levels is the fact that we demand a professional level at the junior levels. They rise to the challenge.
I will be out again for a celebration dinner on Wednesday night with some great people from work.........woo hoo!
Just an aside - we have a teacher at school who manages the property, makes sure the graffiti doesn't get out of hand etc. Now I know that as a teacher if you piss off a kid you will get your name mentioned on the walls/desk etc. Yesterday afternoon this particular teacher decided to let me know that he removed graffiti about me from the toilet walls at the back end of the school. According to the delightful child I am a "fat slut" which is great to know. When he told me I replied "but I've lost lots of weight." I am not so much annoyed about having my name mentioned on the wall etc but I am peeved that he told me. Why would you do that? Just thought I would share that moment with you.......
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Birthday wishes
Everyone sing!(Da na na na na na na) You say it's your birthday
(Da na na na na na na) It's my birthday too, yeah
(Da na na na na na na) They say it's your birthday
(Da na na na na na na) We're gonna have a good time
(Da na na na na na na) I'm glad it's your birthday
(Da na na na na na na) Happy birthday to you
I just thought I would get that out of the way.
Have a slice of cake for me - and thanks to lovely person at flckr for the picture.......
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
a major ramble!
Today I handed in 158 reports of my 181! I am so proud of myself! I will hand the other 23 in after the final kiddies perform tomorrow night. I should reiterate the birthday thing but that would be just rubbing it in.
So now I am officially exhausted.
I am going to dinner tonight with K and Foo! I am looking forward to it. I love this idea of continual celebration of a birthday. Saturday night was great when my beautiful friends around the corner cooked a roast dinner for me! I was soooooo tired and loved the fact that they did something very special for me.
I am thinking of drinky-poos on Friday night but not sure of time or place - so tired, brain not engaged but must go out. Tonight will be an almost early one!!!!!
In case you are wondering, I am all over the place as I am excited about my birthday and overjoyed at the report writing momentum is coming to a halt.
So now I am officially exhausted.
I am going to dinner tonight with K and Foo! I am looking forward to it. I love this idea of continual celebration of a birthday. Saturday night was great when my beautiful friends around the corner cooked a roast dinner for me! I was soooooo tired and loved the fact that they did something very special for me.
I am thinking of drinky-poos on Friday night but not sure of time or place - so tired, brain not engaged but must go out. Tonight will be an almost early one!!!!!
In case you are wondering, I am all over the place as I am excited about my birthday and overjoyed at the report writing momentum is coming to a halt.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Recital night one.
I finished my reports yesterday - right after I had had a massage.......Nothing like being totally relaxed when you have to think about what a kid needs to improve. Good thing they were mainly good kids....I was quite liberal in my marking of them.
When I say I have finished my reports I should add this one clause. . . . I have year 11 recitals to sit through and mark. Then I have to add in those marks and a comment or two about their performance technique.
I have just come in from the first night of our Year 11 and 12 recital nights. We have SOOOOO many students in Year 11 doing Music performance that we need two nights. Each kid was required to present 3 songs for their performance - solo! So tonight we had 19 perform! At 10 minutes a pop that's 3 hours and 10 minutes worth of music right there. A few technical hitches and a slightly longer recital than others and you could have a blow out. We did quite well really - we started at 6.30pm, a 10 - 15 minute interval (I needed to stop and have a cuppa as my hand was getting sore and the melodic phrases were all rolling into one.....) and we finished at 10.12pm. One delightful looked at the time and said "We're only 45 minutes over! That's not too bad."
I have one more night to go - Wednesday night. Again there will be 19 kiddies strutting their stuff, well only 18 as one child has a medical (had an operation). My birthday happens to fall on Wednesday (bad timing or what - didn't push hard enough to change the day) and I told my students that if they did not wish me a happy birthday when they got up to perform I would fail them. Drastic I know but I have a point to make. My birthday - my rules. If you don't agree I don't care.
Judging by the kids reaction I am a little concerned about what they might really do - although they might do nothing really and I am just overreacting.
So now the slumber herbal tea has kicked in. Been on a little bit of non- sleeping pattern lately and after watching 60 minutes last night I want to sleep straight through the night.
When I say I have finished my reports I should add this one clause. . . . I have year 11 recitals to sit through and mark. Then I have to add in those marks and a comment or two about their performance technique.
I have just come in from the first night of our Year 11 and 12 recital nights. We have SOOOOO many students in Year 11 doing Music performance that we need two nights. Each kid was required to present 3 songs for their performance - solo! So tonight we had 19 perform! At 10 minutes a pop that's 3 hours and 10 minutes worth of music right there. A few technical hitches and a slightly longer recital than others and you could have a blow out. We did quite well really - we started at 6.30pm, a 10 - 15 minute interval (I needed to stop and have a cuppa as my hand was getting sore and the melodic phrases were all rolling into one.....) and we finished at 10.12pm. One delightful looked at the time and said "We're only 45 minutes over! That's not too bad."
I have one more night to go - Wednesday night. Again there will be 19 kiddies strutting their stuff, well only 18 as one child has a medical (had an operation). My birthday happens to fall on Wednesday (bad timing or what - didn't push hard enough to change the day) and I told my students that if they did not wish me a happy birthday when they got up to perform I would fail them. Drastic I know but I have a point to make. My birthday - my rules. If you don't agree I don't care.
Judging by the kids reaction I am a little concerned about what they might really do - although they might do nothing really and I am just overreacting.
So now the slumber herbal tea has kicked in. Been on a little bit of non- sleeping pattern lately and after watching 60 minutes last night I want to sleep straight through the night.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
an aside
Well I have finished - maybe...... I'm not telling you anymore. I'm over communicating my thoughts.
Why? Well I ran across this
on a search engine which shall remain nameless........
I fed in my address for this page and discovered that you only need elementary level to read my page........I suppose I should feel glad that I keep it simple! but I teach high school kiddies not primary school kiddies.......
Why? Well I ran across this
on a search engine which shall remain nameless........
I fed in my address for this page and discovered that you only need elementary level to read my page........I suppose I should feel glad that I keep it simple! but I teach high school kiddies not primary school kiddies.......
Saturday, June 14, 2008
reporting update
I am sitting at work on a Saturday finishing my reports! (Yes schools open on a Saturday at this time of year I have discovered.) Blech!
I have 26 to go! yesterday I did 110 yesterday! That means I am almost there having completed 56 earlier this week........................This along with making sure the instrumental teachers get theirs in!
why am I writing and not completing them?
I was having a brain rest and just read all these teacher blogs that say they have finished..........
I am having a sook!
Thank you for listening and I might let you know when I have finished completely.
Back to it.
I have 26 to go! yesterday I did 110 yesterday! That means I am almost there having completed 56 earlier this week........................This along with making sure the instrumental teachers get theirs in!
why am I writing and not completing them?
I was having a brain rest and just read all these teacher blogs that say they have finished..........
I am having a sook!
Thank you for listening and I might let you know when I have finished completely.
Back to it.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Something different
Got this from Scott. I had my own picture there for a few minutes but I am trying to be anonymous. You almost saw my face.....
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
reports
I have decided that report writing is one of THE MOST BORING things you can do as a teacher. I would rather just teach concepts and play with the kids. Writing about what they have done, what they could do to improve and how to do it is something that I know I have to do but gees I really hate it.
There are times when you want to write what you really think but the litigation rules are such that you really don't want to go down that path. So you think of inventive ways of writing "your child behaves like a twat in my class". Generally this might read as "need to concentrate" or "focused attention".
But I try to keep myself excited with my report writing - give myself targets to work to and then I have a quick party to celebrate. It's small but that's all I've got left.....
There are times when you want to write what you really think but the litigation rules are such that you really don't want to go down that path. So you think of inventive ways of writing "your child behaves like a twat in my class". Generally this might read as "need to concentrate" or "focused attention".
But I try to keep myself excited with my report writing - give myself targets to work to and then I have a quick party to celebrate. It's small but that's all I've got left.....
Monday, June 9, 2008
Festival?
Yesterday I went to the Mind, Body, Spirit exhibition and there were thousands of people there. I felt myself walking around with arms crossed as there were so many people pushing and shoving and I was not calm......
A number of interesting things happened ....... As soon as we walked in (I went with K) we met an ex student of mine. I haven't seen this young man in over 8 years - that was well over 1500 students ago - and I could not remember his name. I remembered his face and when I last taught him. What was interesting to me is that he made the effort (purposely pushing into me) to catch my attention. He shook my hand and still called me "Miss". I was impressed with what a genuinely lovely man he has become. He now works in the army and his hair is so short compared to the mid-back length I saw at high school.
K and I had been discussing another person that we were a little concerned about and then there she was standing beside me about half an hour later. It was good to see her and actually have time just to touch base with her.
Meeting up with this lady has made me think about belief systems. This woman teaches science, has an amazing belief in astrology but struggles with people's belief in paranormal. Her reliance on the astrological is, to my way of thinking, a little obsessive. She truly believes that a persons personality can be put down to the time and place they were born. Every time wondering why a scientist has such an obsession with astrology. I understand that every person has their own belief - or lack of belief - but an obsession with something that actually is (to my mind) diametrically opposed to the choice of career is fascinating. But it was interesting to have just been talking about her and there she was.......something in the room?
At the festival itself there were many types of people - as you would expect. What I am trying to get at is the fact that this festival seems to have become quite 'trendy'. There were the usual "alternative" groups with their dreadlocks, rainbow-coloured hemp material fisherman pants and somewhat 'unpleasant' body odour (they wash but sometimes they don't use enough soap and the smell of the drugs - alcohol or other - working through their system and out through their skin......). But in amongst this group were the very trendy looking people who were trying to find what the next big thing will be. These would be the two extremes. The largest crowd were the very suburban looking people who were seeking answers to all the questions that they have but quite discerning in their choices.
The festival itself was an interesting mix of people with a belief that they truly want to share and then those who are just there - for whatever reason.
I was wandering from stand to stand. I got sidetracked by a store where there was a demonstration of what love type you are.....this stand was run by either the Church of Christ or the Mormons. (the love type that I am rings very true - might have a read of the book....) But the thing that got to me was the fact that Amnesty International, WSPCA and another animal protection group, were there.
It was a very different approach found at these stands. I only really experienced the AI group but K did notice that these three groups were focusing on the guilt driven impact. I stood and exchanged pleasantries with the woman at the AI stand then she got into her full mode. She was pleased that I was part of the email community but felt that I should be doing more......I think she meant $$$$ as she was talking about monthly contributions........ I asked for a flier and she almost ripped my head off - but in a pleasant tone. She told me that they collected information and then asked me for my details. I refused to give it to her. This threw her. "Why?" Privacy was my answer. I also stated that in an environment like the one we were in I did not want to make a decision on the fly without having time to consider everything. She then tried the guilt approach - 'think about what changes YOU could make by becoming part of our program.' I followed this with the fact that I would check out the internet site and go from there. I then thanked her for her time and walked away - straight into the Church of Scientology.
Overall the whole festival was interesting. I don't think it was a true festival. I would've called it a trade show. There was a separate room for the 50+ psychics and a large number of them were booked out. The woman we met earlier did wonder, and I do agree, what sort of reading would you get in a crowded, noisy space?
I will probably go again next year - I am meant to be getting some free tickets from the tea company I purchased tea from.
A number of interesting things happened ....... As soon as we walked in (I went with K) we met an ex student of mine. I haven't seen this young man in over 8 years - that was well over 1500 students ago - and I could not remember his name. I remembered his face and when I last taught him. What was interesting to me is that he made the effort (purposely pushing into me) to catch my attention. He shook my hand and still called me "Miss". I was impressed with what a genuinely lovely man he has become. He now works in the army and his hair is so short compared to the mid-back length I saw at high school.
K and I had been discussing another person that we were a little concerned about and then there she was standing beside me about half an hour later. It was good to see her and actually have time just to touch base with her.
Meeting up with this lady has made me think about belief systems. This woman teaches science, has an amazing belief in astrology but struggles with people's belief in paranormal. Her reliance on the astrological is, to my way of thinking, a little obsessive. She truly believes that a persons personality can be put down to the time and place they were born. Every time wondering why a scientist has such an obsession with astrology. I understand that every person has their own belief - or lack of belief - but an obsession with something that actually is (to my mind) diametrically opposed to the choice of career is fascinating. But it was interesting to have just been talking about her and there she was.......something in the room?
At the festival itself there were many types of people - as you would expect. What I am trying to get at is the fact that this festival seems to have become quite 'trendy'. There were the usual "alternative" groups with their dreadlocks, rainbow-coloured hemp material fisherman pants and somewhat 'unpleasant' body odour (they wash but sometimes they don't use enough soap and the smell of the drugs - alcohol or other - working through their system and out through their skin......). But in amongst this group were the very trendy looking people who were trying to find what the next big thing will be. These would be the two extremes. The largest crowd were the very suburban looking people who were seeking answers to all the questions that they have but quite discerning in their choices.
The festival itself was an interesting mix of people with a belief that they truly want to share and then those who are just there - for whatever reason.
I was wandering from stand to stand. I got sidetracked by a store where there was a demonstration of what love type you are.....this stand was run by either the Church of Christ or the Mormons. (the love type that I am rings very true - might have a read of the book....) But the thing that got to me was the fact that Amnesty International, WSPCA and another animal protection group, were there.
It was a very different approach found at these stands. I only really experienced the AI group but K did notice that these three groups were focusing on the guilt driven impact. I stood and exchanged pleasantries with the woman at the AI stand then she got into her full mode. She was pleased that I was part of the email community but felt that I should be doing more......I think she meant $$$$ as she was talking about monthly contributions........ I asked for a flier and she almost ripped my head off - but in a pleasant tone. She told me that they collected information and then asked me for my details. I refused to give it to her. This threw her. "Why?" Privacy was my answer. I also stated that in an environment like the one we were in I did not want to make a decision on the fly without having time to consider everything. She then tried the guilt approach - 'think about what changes YOU could make by becoming part of our program.' I followed this with the fact that I would check out the internet site and go from there. I then thanked her for her time and walked away - straight into the Church of Scientology.
Overall the whole festival was interesting. I don't think it was a true festival. I would've called it a trade show. There was a separate room for the 50+ psychics and a large number of them were booked out. The woman we met earlier did wonder, and I do agree, what sort of reading would you get in a crowded, noisy space?
I will probably go again next year - I am meant to be getting some free tickets from the tea company I purchased tea from.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
my accounts take two
Having told you about my accounts let me tell you the saga continued last night.........
5.25pm I was rung by the same gentleman from revenue who told me I owed money. I told him what I had done the day before and what I found out. I then had to confirm my details and this is where it all came unstuck........(Vanessa it gets worse. Frogdancer there were no dancers to entertain me.)
He had the address I lived at over 4 years ago! I told him that I haven't lived there in that time and that I have been paying my bills in those four years that have come to the correct address (mobile and home). [now I understand how this got out of hand!]
He said that he had just changed the address, adding to the confusion that would come later. This man was sympathetic when I said that I had not received a bill but he told me he had just reprinted the bill which should arive in the next few days. I said that on principal, having found all the documentation for the set up of my internet which had my current address, I was going to refuse to pay (under $140) as it was NOT a fault of mine that the bill had been sent to the wrong address.
I was then transferred 1,2,3 times. Each person totally sympathetic and noticing that I had two account numbers. I realised that I had combined my mobile and home phone about five years ago and they were using the old account number.......No one really could help although they understood my position.
I finally - after being 'transferred' - had to make numerical selections to speak to a consultant. This did not bode well!
I probably should explain right now that I had been awake since 4am (not sure why, although I did try to go back to sleep) and it was now 6pm and I had been on the phone 35 minutes. I was not happy and I was emotional due to tiredness....
A young man answered with "this is (missed the name) how can I help?"
I told him I had a tale to tell and I hoped he would be able to help me. I then went through the story and explained how I had two accounts.....IMMEDIATELY he said "I'll combine those bills now for you" "No, that has been done" was my quick reply. I explained further about owing money...
"I am looking at your account madam and you don't owe any money."
I asked him which account number he was looking at.
This is when he started to realise the frustration I had as I went on to explain how I lived in the other address 4 years ago ("but it shows your current address" - "yes the first man I spoke to changed that"-) and that in that time I combined my mobile and home accounts.
I further explained how I set up my internet account in January and requested it be on the single bill. When I noticed that it didn't occur I made further requests in January, February, and March. Finally the long requested combining of bills occurred in April and I was looking at my first combined bill dated May 24th.
I tried to explain that I was rung.
I tried to explain that there was an issue with the company not setting my accounts correctly. I also tried to explain that my bills were being sent, on the wrong account number, to the wrong address. I told him that I believed I was not at fault and would not be paying the account as I had done everything in my power to have the problem rectified.
He replied that he didn't have the authority to assist me and that I had requested the wrong department when I called.
I CALLED!
I then burst into tears of frustration (50 minutes into their call) and then said "YOU RANG ME, I didn't make this call. I rang yesterday."
He put me on hold. Again, like yesterday, I stated that I was hoping by putting me on hold he was not going to send me out into the loop again.........
He told me he appreciated my frustration and that he was trying to help me.....I also think he wanted to take a breather from my emotional outburst.
He came back and said that the team leader was unavailable (the team leader had gone home at 5.25pm - oh the irony) but he was writing a note on my file and escalating its (my file) importance so that it would be dealt with on Tuesday (Monday is a public holiday). He read what he wrote to me - which included the points that I was not going to pay as I felt I was not at fault.
We then hung up 1 hour and 7 minutes after they rang me!
I will see what happens on Tuesday. I believe I still have the bills pre-combining with account numbers, I will dig those up to use on Tuesday.
If I have no satisfaction then I will go to the Telecommunications Ombudsman. I am cross.
5.25pm I was rung by the same gentleman from revenue who told me I owed money. I told him what I had done the day before and what I found out. I then had to confirm my details and this is where it all came unstuck........(Vanessa it gets worse. Frogdancer there were no dancers to entertain me.)
He had the address I lived at over 4 years ago! I told him that I haven't lived there in that time and that I have been paying my bills in those four years that have come to the correct address (mobile and home). [now I understand how this got out of hand!]
He said that he had just changed the address, adding to the confusion that would come later. This man was sympathetic when I said that I had not received a bill but he told me he had just reprinted the bill which should arive in the next few days. I said that on principal, having found all the documentation for the set up of my internet which had my current address, I was going to refuse to pay (under $140) as it was NOT a fault of mine that the bill had been sent to the wrong address.
I was then transferred 1,2,3 times. Each person totally sympathetic and noticing that I had two account numbers. I realised that I had combined my mobile and home phone about five years ago and they were using the old account number.......No one really could help although they understood my position.
I finally - after being 'transferred' - had to make numerical selections to speak to a consultant. This did not bode well!
I probably should explain right now that I had been awake since 4am (not sure why, although I did try to go back to sleep) and it was now 6pm and I had been on the phone 35 minutes. I was not happy and I was emotional due to tiredness....
A young man answered with "this is (missed the name) how can I help?"
I told him I had a tale to tell and I hoped he would be able to help me. I then went through the story and explained how I had two accounts.....IMMEDIATELY he said "I'll combine those bills now for you" "No, that has been done" was my quick reply. I explained further about owing money...
"I am looking at your account madam and you don't owe any money."
I asked him which account number he was looking at.
This is when he started to realise the frustration I had as I went on to explain how I lived in the other address 4 years ago ("but it shows your current address" - "yes the first man I spoke to changed that"-) and that in that time I combined my mobile and home accounts.
I further explained how I set up my internet account in January and requested it be on the single bill. When I noticed that it didn't occur I made further requests in January, February, and March. Finally the long requested combining of bills occurred in April and I was looking at my first combined bill dated May 24th.
I tried to explain that I was rung.
I tried to explain that there was an issue with the company not setting my accounts correctly. I also tried to explain that my bills were being sent, on the wrong account number, to the wrong address. I told him that I believed I was not at fault and would not be paying the account as I had done everything in my power to have the problem rectified.
He replied that he didn't have the authority to assist me and that I had requested the wrong department when I called.
I CALLED!
I then burst into tears of frustration (50 minutes into their call) and then said "YOU RANG ME, I didn't make this call. I rang yesterday."
He put me on hold. Again, like yesterday, I stated that I was hoping by putting me on hold he was not going to send me out into the loop again.........
He told me he appreciated my frustration and that he was trying to help me.....I also think he wanted to take a breather from my emotional outburst.
He came back and said that the team leader was unavailable (the team leader had gone home at 5.25pm - oh the irony) but he was writing a note on my file and escalating its (my file) importance so that it would be dealt with on Tuesday (Monday is a public holiday). He read what he wrote to me - which included the points that I was not going to pay as I felt I was not at fault.
We then hung up 1 hour and 7 minutes after they rang me!
I will see what happens on Tuesday. I believe I still have the bills pre-combining with account numbers, I will dig those up to use on Tuesday.
If I have no satisfaction then I will go to the Telecommunications Ombudsman. I am cross.
Friday, June 6, 2008
my accounts
I have to relate this delightful tale - although once I am through I am not sure you won't think it is delightful.
Two nights ago I got my legs waxed - that is NOT the delightful bit - and I received a phone call from a man saying he was from the 'revenue collection service' attached to my telephone/internet. This male wanted me to confirm my details before the conversation went any further but I cut him short as I asked if it was related to the internet (I will explain how I immediately thought that.....) and that now was not a convenient time to chat.
He confirmed that it was about the internet and that I should call them back. I replied that I couldn't take a phone number and that they should call be back in an hour when I was available to chat. They didn't call so I made the decision yesterday (the next morning) to ring them and sort it all out.
I started with the "intelligent" answering machine - you tell it what you want and it directs you. I always end up at a live consultant. I started with 'Wayne from Queensland' and I explained the situation.......
"I got a phone call the night before from revenue collection which I assumed would be about internet. I have a slight problem with this as I have been on the phone to the company since I had the internet installed in January wanting to have a single bill each month for phone, mobile and internet. It didn't happen until the end of April and I have now received my first bill with from them for the month of May and into June. Why then did I get a phone call from revenue? I want to pay what I might owe but I haven't received a bill yet for the time of January to May."
Lovely Wayne listened and said that he couldn't help me and that he would put me through to the credit people at the internet section. I got put through to another gentleman and went through the whole thing again........
This gentleman said that he would need to put me on hold while he looked at my accounts (by this stage I had confirmed my details 3 times).
While on hold (10 minutes) I suddenly found myself back with the 'intelligent" answering service who put me through to a consultant........
I got some guy from New South Wales and went through my story again and added that this time I was cross as I had been put on hold and was now on a loop (I was aware that the conversation was being recorded for training purposes.....I had been told twice). The guy said that he couldn't really help me (same story as Wayne) and put me through to the credit people.
I ended up with the credit people (23 minutes!) and this idiot said to me, after I went through my story for a FOURTH TIME, I'll check your details. He did and then said:
"You owe us nothing madam and we'll call you if we need to."
WHAT!
I was a little cross by now as I really wanted to know why I had received a phone call from revenue in the first place.........
Before the idiot had a chance to hang up on me (25 minutes) I said "I'm sorry but that is not really a good enough explanation. I was rung last night and I want to know why."
Again he said "you owe us nothing madam and we'll call you if we need to."
I said again "I'm sorry but that is not really a good enough explanation. I was rung last night and I want to know why."
He replied that there was no record of the phone call. I stated that it was at 5.40pm and I was unable to take the call. He asked if I had taken a number to which I stated that I was unable to take the number as I was busy in another situation. Again he said that there was nothing owing to which I took a deep breath and that I was unhappy and I wanted to speak to someone else who could help me as I found his answers unacceptable.
I should state that I had two of my colleagues in the office with me who were dancing around in the background trying to distract me. I didn't have the chance to get a really angry tone but I was very firm in my approach.
5 minutes on hold (28 minutes.)
Finally through to someone else in credit and revenue. (in my flustered state I did ask for what department I was in) I went through my story AGAIN!!!!!!! I also confirmed my details. He asked me a few questions - to confirm what was on my file in front of him.......
Then he said he would put me on hold to investigate.
"hold on!" said I "Last time I was put on hold to have an investigation to take place I ended up at the beginning and I would like to prepare myself this time....Am I going to really be on hold or am I going to spend more time on a loop and have to go back to the beginning of the story......" (I realise that I was being rude but after 30 minutes I was getting mighty frazzled).
"you will be on hold madam. I will come back to you every few moments to confirm what I am doing."
He did do this. After 42 minutes this is the story that emerged as discovered by my last helper at the telecommunications provider.....
You had the internet installed in January (check) and requested a single bill (check). There are records of me requesting several times for a single bill to be put into place (check) and that those attempts were made but were unsuccessful (didn't know that bit.) Finally my request on the 24th April was successful as the issue was fixed on the first of May.....
How?
To move to a single bill you needed to have $0 owing and this occurred on the 1st May.
How?
That's what I was trying to find out madam. You had a blow out in your internet usage
Yes in March - a huge blow out and I changed my plan and in April when it was slightly smaller....
Yes and it appears you owed some money then but it disappeared on the first of May. That is what I can't figure out. According to our records you owed nothing on May 1st. The only suggestion I have is that as the process to have a single bill took so long, you were credited but I have no record of this.
What do I do now? Why did I receive this call last night?
I am not sure why and we don't have a record of that call. What I will do is write a detailed note on your file that will come up straight away saying that you rang and that you tried to get to the bottom of the issue to the best of your ability. I am writing that now. Is there anything else I can help you with madam?
No, I don't think so.
Have a nice day.
hang up (43 minutes)
I'm still none the wiser why I got the phone call - could've been a prank but it did lead me to discover a few facts about my account.......
Two nights ago I got my legs waxed - that is NOT the delightful bit - and I received a phone call from a man saying he was from the 'revenue collection service' attached to my telephone/internet. This male wanted me to confirm my details before the conversation went any further but I cut him short as I asked if it was related to the internet (I will explain how I immediately thought that.....) and that now was not a convenient time to chat.
He confirmed that it was about the internet and that I should call them back. I replied that I couldn't take a phone number and that they should call be back in an hour when I was available to chat. They didn't call so I made the decision yesterday (the next morning) to ring them and sort it all out.
I started with the "intelligent" answering machine - you tell it what you want and it directs you. I always end up at a live consultant. I started with 'Wayne from Queensland' and I explained the situation.......
"I got a phone call the night before from revenue collection which I assumed would be about internet. I have a slight problem with this as I have been on the phone to the company since I had the internet installed in January wanting to have a single bill each month for phone, mobile and internet. It didn't happen until the end of April and I have now received my first bill with from them for the month of May and into June. Why then did I get a phone call from revenue? I want to pay what I might owe but I haven't received a bill yet for the time of January to May."
Lovely Wayne listened and said that he couldn't help me and that he would put me through to the credit people at the internet section. I got put through to another gentleman and went through the whole thing again........
This gentleman said that he would need to put me on hold while he looked at my accounts (by this stage I had confirmed my details 3 times).
While on hold (10 minutes) I suddenly found myself back with the 'intelligent" answering service who put me through to a consultant........
I got some guy from New South Wales and went through my story again and added that this time I was cross as I had been put on hold and was now on a loop (I was aware that the conversation was being recorded for training purposes.....I had been told twice). The guy said that he couldn't really help me (same story as Wayne) and put me through to the credit people.
I ended up with the credit people (23 minutes!) and this idiot said to me, after I went through my story for a FOURTH TIME, I'll check your details. He did and then said:
"You owe us nothing madam and we'll call you if we need to."
WHAT!
I was a little cross by now as I really wanted to know why I had received a phone call from revenue in the first place.........
Before the idiot had a chance to hang up on me (25 minutes) I said "I'm sorry but that is not really a good enough explanation. I was rung last night and I want to know why."
Again he said "you owe us nothing madam and we'll call you if we need to."
I said again "I'm sorry but that is not really a good enough explanation. I was rung last night and I want to know why."
He replied that there was no record of the phone call. I stated that it was at 5.40pm and I was unable to take the call. He asked if I had taken a number to which I stated that I was unable to take the number as I was busy in another situation. Again he said that there was nothing owing to which I took a deep breath and that I was unhappy and I wanted to speak to someone else who could help me as I found his answers unacceptable.
I should state that I had two of my colleagues in the office with me who were dancing around in the background trying to distract me. I didn't have the chance to get a really angry tone but I was very firm in my approach.
5 minutes on hold (28 minutes.)
Finally through to someone else in credit and revenue. (in my flustered state I did ask for what department I was in) I went through my story AGAIN!!!!!!! I also confirmed my details. He asked me a few questions - to confirm what was on my file in front of him.......
Then he said he would put me on hold to investigate.
"hold on!" said I "Last time I was put on hold to have an investigation to take place I ended up at the beginning and I would like to prepare myself this time....Am I going to really be on hold or am I going to spend more time on a loop and have to go back to the beginning of the story......" (I realise that I was being rude but after 30 minutes I was getting mighty frazzled).
"you will be on hold madam. I will come back to you every few moments to confirm what I am doing."
He did do this. After 42 minutes this is the story that emerged as discovered by my last helper at the telecommunications provider.....
You had the internet installed in January (check) and requested a single bill (check). There are records of me requesting several times for a single bill to be put into place (check) and that those attempts were made but were unsuccessful (didn't know that bit.) Finally my request on the 24th April was successful as the issue was fixed on the first of May.....
How?
To move to a single bill you needed to have $0 owing and this occurred on the 1st May.
How?
That's what I was trying to find out madam. You had a blow out in your internet usage
Yes in March - a huge blow out and I changed my plan and in April when it was slightly smaller....
Yes and it appears you owed some money then but it disappeared on the first of May. That is what I can't figure out. According to our records you owed nothing on May 1st. The only suggestion I have is that as the process to have a single bill took so long, you were credited but I have no record of this.
What do I do now? Why did I receive this call last night?
I am not sure why and we don't have a record of that call. What I will do is write a detailed note on your file that will come up straight away saying that you rang and that you tried to get to the bottom of the issue to the best of your ability. I am writing that now. Is there anything else I can help you with madam?
No, I don't think so.
Have a nice day.
hang up (43 minutes)
I'm still none the wiser why I got the phone call - could've been a prank but it did lead me to discover a few facts about my account.......
Thursday, June 5, 2008
emotional meltdown
My work place is a crazy mixed up hive of emotions.
(I am a contributor to this......)
At the present moment, like most schools in the lovely state of Victoria, we are finalising marking (which might mean writing exams and then correcting them or it could mean assignments......blech!) then actually writing reports.
In the position that I am in at the moment (instrumental music coordination) I am having to help other teachers write their reports so this means that I am quite far behind in my own marking etc. Today I sat and corrected all the listening things - well they are kids compositions and I had to sit and listen to them. Quite entertaining.
What I should tell you is that I only have my year 12 work left to correct and tidy up the year 9's and the year 7's. Yay me.
Tonight I do all the boring bits on the reports - what the kids personal management profile is like etc.
BUT I have changed tack from where I started. My work place is a crazy mixed up hive of emotions.
Today I have witnessed people on a high and being very silly......they are laughing hysterically at each other. I have also seen some of the best hissy fits - from mainly men!
The highlight of the day was a woman (who I personally think is a pain in the arse) telling another member of staff that he was being a pedant. This from a woman who complains if your class is noisy and she is teaching next door. What does she expect from a performance based subject?
Last night the administration cancelled a performance we had on tonight - I don't care one way or another but it did cause all sorts of emotional outbursts last night and today. Students complaining, some cheering.....then the staff were a little narky about it too - well only those who knew about it.
One bloke, who Mr Scott has referred to a few times in his blog, had THE best sooky la la moment in front of me and I was amused.
I also love people who get upset at this time of the year as the "reporting season has snuck up on" them. "How am I supposed to get everything done?" is the general cry of anguish that can be heard from the troops...... At this point in time I generally mutter to myself "it's at the same time every year!" while I am snarling away at the computer and everyone else around me does not seem to think that they MUST be quiet......... I often wonder how teachers who have been teaching 10+ years are always surprised by reports happening 6 months from the beginning of the year.......but then these same people find the end of year reports just as surprising.......
Well, I'm off now to have a singing lesson and loosen the tension that has been generated. Enjoy your evening!
(I am a contributor to this......)
At the present moment, like most schools in the lovely state of Victoria, we are finalising marking (which might mean writing exams and then correcting them or it could mean assignments......blech!) then actually writing reports.
In the position that I am in at the moment (instrumental music coordination) I am having to help other teachers write their reports so this means that I am quite far behind in my own marking etc. Today I sat and corrected all the listening things - well they are kids compositions and I had to sit and listen to them. Quite entertaining.
What I should tell you is that I only have my year 12 work left to correct and tidy up the year 9's and the year 7's. Yay me.
Tonight I do all the boring bits on the reports - what the kids personal management profile is like etc.
BUT I have changed tack from where I started. My work place is a crazy mixed up hive of emotions.
Today I have witnessed people on a high and being very silly......they are laughing hysterically at each other. I have also seen some of the best hissy fits - from mainly men!
The highlight of the day was a woman (who I personally think is a pain in the arse) telling another member of staff that he was being a pedant. This from a woman who complains if your class is noisy and she is teaching next door. What does she expect from a performance based subject?
Last night the administration cancelled a performance we had on tonight - I don't care one way or another but it did cause all sorts of emotional outbursts last night and today. Students complaining, some cheering.....then the staff were a little narky about it too - well only those who knew about it.
One bloke, who Mr Scott has referred to a few times in his blog, had THE best sooky la la moment in front of me and I was amused.
I also love people who get upset at this time of the year as the "reporting season has snuck up on" them. "How am I supposed to get everything done?" is the general cry of anguish that can be heard from the troops...... At this point in time I generally mutter to myself "it's at the same time every year!" while I am snarling away at the computer and everyone else around me does not seem to think that they MUST be quiet......... I often wonder how teachers who have been teaching 10+ years are always surprised by reports happening 6 months from the beginning of the year.......but then these same people find the end of year reports just as surprising.......
Well, I'm off now to have a singing lesson and loosen the tension that has been generated. Enjoy your evening!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
still exam writing
Well I finished the music styles exam. I am now in the process of finishing the Performance exam. The exams themselves are not that difficult to write - the layout is the key to both.
Styles exam - write about 1 -3 music elements for each sound recording that is played. Then lots of lines for the kids to write on and we're done with the writing section. Creating the audio cd is the hardest thing to do. You have to select sections of the music, line them up in the right space, create 'silence' and then put it all together and then burn it to a cd. This one I created had 45 minutes of stuff - only about 12 minutes of music altogether and then the rest is silence. I forgot to put the voice on their to interrupt the kids reverie. They will be writing furiously and suddenly the music will start. I have a bit of early metal, 20th Century music and African rhythmic music. I think the kids will be entertained.
The Performance exam is probably worse. There are 12 questions in total. Lots of silence and 6 Aural questions. Each one of these has to be repeated....I'm going to be at it for ever!
Gym great again last night. To anonymous - please sign your name or give yourself a nickname as I love to comment back but feel a bit strange without a name - no bench pressing where I work out. Circuit program. I lift various weights depending on the action but the minimum is 15 kgs up to 41 kgs for squats.
Styles exam - write about 1 -3 music elements for each sound recording that is played. Then lots of lines for the kids to write on and we're done with the writing section. Creating the audio cd is the hardest thing to do. You have to select sections of the music, line them up in the right space, create 'silence' and then put it all together and then burn it to a cd. This one I created had 45 minutes of stuff - only about 12 minutes of music altogether and then the rest is silence. I forgot to put the voice on their to interrupt the kids reverie. They will be writing furiously and suddenly the music will start. I have a bit of early metal, 20th Century music and African rhythmic music. I think the kids will be entertained.
The Performance exam is probably worse. There are 12 questions in total. Lots of silence and 6 Aural questions. Each one of these has to be repeated....I'm going to be at it for ever!
Gym great again last night. To anonymous - please sign your name or give yourself a nickname as I love to comment back but feel a bit strange without a name - no bench pressing where I work out. Circuit program. I lift various weights depending on the action but the minimum is 15 kgs up to 41 kgs for squats.
Monday, June 2, 2008
very slack . . . hah!
I haven't finished my list. I didn't get to the netball - the girl I was going with didn't manage to get tickets but that meant that I spent more time with my mum and I even went shopping for her.
Actually that makes me think a great deal about the strange happenings I have seen while out and shopping. On Friday night I saw two girls get picked up for shoplifting by an undercover in-store detective. It was fascinating.
Yesterday while I was there I saw an old woman in a wheelcahir being pushed around by a bloke who was explaining why he hadn't done something. Without missing a beat the woman said, in a thick bogan Australian accent "Well you should have got it sorted out before you went in you Fucker." I did a double take as it wasn't something I was expecting.
Did you know that rubber backed bath mats are almost impossible to find! I spent almost 1 1/2 hours looking for those for my mum. I got most of the other things easily - a little bit of looking but those mats were a bugger to find!
So back to that list - I got half an exam written. I did finish the pair of socks for my friend and gave them to her - she loves the. I started another pair while I was sitting at mums house totally different and very entertaining to knit.
I should finish the exams today at work. I should also be able to get the year 11 correction done. It's all good.
When I get home tonight I might actually get the vacuuming done which means that I might have finished the weekends list. What an achievement it would be.
Actually that makes me think a great deal about the strange happenings I have seen while out and shopping. On Friday night I saw two girls get picked up for shoplifting by an undercover in-store detective. It was fascinating.
Yesterday while I was there I saw an old woman in a wheelcahir being pushed around by a bloke who was explaining why he hadn't done something. Without missing a beat the woman said, in a thick bogan Australian accent "Well you should have got it sorted out before you went in you Fucker." I did a double take as it wasn't something I was expecting.
Did you know that rubber backed bath mats are almost impossible to find! I spent almost 1 1/2 hours looking for those for my mum. I got most of the other things easily - a little bit of looking but those mats were a bugger to find!
So back to that list - I got half an exam written. I did finish the pair of socks for my friend and gave them to her - she loves the. I started another pair while I was sitting at mums house totally different and very entertaining to knit.
I should finish the exams today at work. I should also be able to get the year 11 correction done. It's all good.
When I get home tonight I might actually get the vacuuming done which means that I might have finished the weekends list. What an achievement it would be.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
focused now
I knew that I had planned way too much. I didn't finish the sock - came pretty damn close though.
What did I get done? Washing. Bathroom clean, bed changed, shopping done, take out roast chicken dinner had. That's it.
What have I got left to do? Lots of correction, exams to write, house to vacuum and a sock to finish. Somewhere in today I will go to a netball match too. I might get the pumpkin on to make some soup as well. I am zipping over to mum's to drop that off and have a quick visit - probably before I go to the netball......
I woke up naturally (ie no alarm clock) and looked out the window and saw the thickest fog of the week. Couldn't see to the end of the driveway. Means it's a good day to get on with the work.....Here I go then.
What did I get done? Washing. Bathroom clean, bed changed, shopping done, take out roast chicken dinner had. That's it.
What have I got left to do? Lots of correction, exams to write, house to vacuum and a sock to finish. Somewhere in today I will go to a netball match too. I might get the pumpkin on to make some soup as well. I am zipping over to mum's to drop that off and have a quick visit - probably before I go to the netball......
I woke up naturally (ie no alarm clock) and looked out the window and saw the thickest fog of the week. Couldn't see to the end of the driveway. Means it's a good day to get on with the work.....Here I go then.
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