Update

Hi all,

Sorry it’s been a while.  The ironic thing is when your life fills up with great things to talk about, you don’t manage to blog about it all.

The two most important peices of news are:

I finished my ECDL with BCS IT level 2, and

CELTA is absolutely fantastic.  Hard work and tiring, but very much worthwhile.  I’ve completed three weeks of the part time course and it’s going great.  I’m learning a huge amount of information which wll serve me well in the future.

So, other than that, I’ve been fasting during Ramadan.  I did 19 days and the other days I was exempt for having a cold and other reasons that I won’t go into.  Now that I am not fasting, I genuinely miss it.  I miss experiencing a true sensation of hunger in my belly that makes me appreciate food one hundred percent.

Many people wondered why I should choose to do such a hard task.  At times, it was very hard and I struggled with the hunger, some days more than others.  I missed having a coffee to wake up and drinking water to moisten my throat.  I didn’t lose much weight, maybe about three pounds but then it goes up and down everyday.  I felt more patient during the fast and eating was wonderful come sunset.  Now, the eating doesn’t seem as special because I can do it whenever, so my body is fighting back and not getting very hungry when it should do.  I’m glad I could empathise somewhat with those who go hungry regularly with no choice.

In other news, thoroughly enjoying some great TV at the moment.  Alone in the Wild is a big hit for everyone.  Wonderfully eery in a way that reminds you of the Blair Witch Project.  I’m also watching Design for Life with the charmingly eccentric Philippe Starck who has opened my eyes to the world of bizarre interpretation of just about any product that I’m not sure I’d buy in either sense of the word…neither the product nor the conceptualisation.  Still, listening to his thick French accent always teaches me more and more about language…which many people know is a passion of mine.  I’m also tuning in from time to time to a show called “Tough Guy or Chicken” which, despite its stupid name, is actually intensely interesting.  I love learning about other cultures and how others live their lives and it’s great to se 5 of our own British lads getting stuck in to the traditional rituals of their hosts.  I think these men are being very tough  and  I think this is a great advert.  We ladies do not need men who run screaming from spiders!  Rather, we need to know we can rely on them to catch us a wild goat for supper if Tesco’s runs out.

I’m still designing my jewellery although not so much during the CELTA course.  It will be back and there will be a website soon to show them off.

Earrings and Arty Things

Over at sonrisasden.blogspot.com

I am interested in selling my things, but not all things are for sale.  I would make special copies of ones that are not for sale on request.  Paintings are not for sale and most earrings are.

I’m being very vague, I’m sorry.  Mostly, I just want your feedback.

K xx

September 1st already?

Woowwww.  Where does the time go?  Still, September is a good month.  Here’s what I’m going to do:

• Start CELTA ( TEFL ) course;
• Finish ECDL;
• Try to sell some earrings;
• Hopefully start new job;
• Start saving some money;
• Be nice and helpful to everyone.

This and That – apogies 4 typos…will reread this in the morning

I drink so much coffee but it really doesn’t affect me because I feel like nodding off right now.

I can’t beleive how slow my laptop is being.  It’s really rather frustrating.

I’m trying to make jewellery.  I really don’t know if I’m any good, but I try and I hope my time and effort is worth something to someone.  Ebay is not the place to try and sell my earrings as no-one seems to bid.  Neclaces, on the other hand, seem to attract more bidder activity.  Maybe I shall try and target the necklace buying public.  I’m going to upload some pictures very soon.  I’ve been ordering beads and pretty pouches from Ebay.  Some people seem to offer a fair deal.  At the moment they are sellers or a seller from Hong Kong who is selling many units for a very low price.  It’s fair enough if people want to purchase items imported from places like China, only I feel uncomfortable when China is obviously able to set a lower proice for these items than in the UK.  I would rather buy from UK sellers thus reducing Air miles and supporting UK traders.  So, out of principle, I’d rather pay that little bit more and know that I’m supporting small business and independent sellers here where it’s difficult to make a profit.

I’m really missing my sweet, lovely man today.  I can’t speak to him every day as he’s in Spain and he’s without internet access in his current house, so I’m in a situation where I can only speak to him three or four times a week until my free minutes arrive .  I’ve spent way too much on top ups lately so I just have to put up with limited contact.  I totally trust him and love him so I don’t get too sad, but I do miss him.  I have become so patient about the situation.  I’m going to go to Spain and join him only I’m trying to establish myself a little bit financially.  Even if I could get a job in Spain I’d do it.  The TEFL course is the key and this new part-time job is going to help me save some money.

I’m tired and waffling now, but I’m going to try and blog more regularly.

A demain, mes amis!

PS Just a thought totally off the subject of my post…I’m watching a re-run of Channel 4’s The Family, and the poor father, he’s so stressy just like my dad can be sometimes, and for all the right reasons.  A good father may seem like he’s uptight but really he’s worrying about the problems of all the members of his family.  He’s stressing and uptight because he wants to protect the family financially and ensure that each child has a future and when each memeber of the famly has his/her own problem.  He’s the keystone of the family and all the burdens fall to him on occasion because things don’t always work out as planned for everyone all at the same time.  I don’t know if everyone knows what I’m talking about, but basically dads have to earn money and worry so much about the future of their offspring.  They don’t just have their own worries.  My dad has 4 people’s worries on his shoulders and it’s been worse while my mum and I have not been working and he’s had to bail me out financially several times this year with my bills thanks to drastically high rent and pitiful student loan.  I really have to pay him back so much!  So let’s be nice to dads and try not to burden them unnecessarily where we can avoid it.

News

I’m sorry about the lack of blogging.  I do have the time.  I do have things to say.  I just…forget to blog.

I think when you are unsure about how things are in your own life you tend to refrain from announcing things.

I had an interview today for a part time post at a college as an administrator.  I have been offered the job this afternoon and the hours are to be negotiated.  This means I’ll hopefully be able to wangle my Fridays off so I can do CELTA.  Now, the term “To be negoticated” suggests that they ask me what I’d be willing to do, yes?  Or am I just being naive?

So that’s two successful interviews under my belt and the last post recieved 150 applicants.  I feel very pleased that I should be chosen from 150 people and is just the sort of confidence boost I’ve been needing for a long time.  And since I’m fresh out of college with not much experience in the work place, I find myself questionning why me?  What have I done to deserve this out of 150 applicants?  Typical me.

So they need to get back to me with details and I will have to have a CRB check which is standard practice.

And I start my CELTA course on Friday!

Hellos and goodbyes…

Hi, quick update.  Have loads of photos to upload but haven’t managed to do it.  Computers are too slow for me.  I have done an interview for DWP which went well and now I’m waiting for them to contact me about a position.  I have done 4/7 parts of the ECDL, I start my CELTA course in a couple of weeks and I am breaking into the world of e-bay to sell my beaded earrings.  Although there are so much beautiful competition which make my earrings look so plain and simple, I’m hoping for at least one bid.  Any ebay tips are welcome.

Miss Mr. A and hope to find a teaching job in Spain as from November, but you’ll have to watch this space.

Very sad to hear that Fabulous is leaving the world of blogging, but I wish her the best of luck with her future in the less virtual world with the upcoming arrival of her second baby.  Fabulous has really inspired me during the past few years and I’ve looked up to her as almost a blog big sis as she has done so much and is so very talented.  You’ll be missed, Fab! xx

A Perfect Day.

Moving forward slowly

I’ve decided to do something with my free time while I’m looking for a job.  I’ve registered to do my European Computer Driving Licence.  I’m hoping to do it intensively, completing it in two or three weeks.  I’ve started revising my first module, which I’m finding quite interesting.  I don’t know much about computers, but I’m going to learn very quickly.  The reason I opted to do this was because so many office obs require ECDL, so I feel this is something I should possess.  this will help the job situation.

Last week, feeling strangely motivated to actually do something, I applied for five jobs, and decided to fill in a CELTA application form.  CELTA is the most recognised certificate for teaching English as a foreign language.  It’s very expensive, at £1050 for the course.  I don’t possess this money.  So why apply?  I think it’s faith that somehow I’ll find the money before September.  I’m not usually so spontaneous.

Still I feel the week has been positive.  I lost my motivation about three years ago, and everything has seemed an effort.  Even the best times in France and Spain have been dogged by my unwillingness to get moving.  So for me, filling in forms off my own steam is something that makes me feel empowered.

Updates

It’s lovely receiving comments.  I feel very excited when my google mail account tells me I have a new comment.  I need to update my links as I’ve noticed that although most of you still blog from time to time, a couple have been very quiet for a while.  I never no if this is because people feel enough is enough with the blog for the time eing, which happens to me sometimes.  Sometimes, life gets in the way, and although some very bloggable things happen, talking about life’s difficulties can be hard.

Facebook certainly affects the blogger waves, because it’s much easier to publish a little status than write a post.  There most certainly is a place for both.  Well, here are my status updates.  I’m not in the habit of “like”-ing my own status, as it’s obvious that you like what you write or write what you like, but I think my status ranges from funny to deep to downright confusing, so I like them.

Crazykites ever looked at a photo of yourself and felt jealous?

07 June at 17:21 ·

Crazykites Enjoying Charlie Brooker’s unique insight into today’s television….I have to agree with what he is saying about the crazy rubbish on our screens…that so-called “empowerment” is a euphemism for getting your kit off…

17 June at 03:15 ·

Crazykites Halfwit’s not trying to make a music career for himself, is he?

17 June at 23:54 ·

Crazykites packing all my Newcastle things…can’t believe how many clothes I have and how much paper I have accumulated. Thank goodness for the new recycling bin outside.

18 June at 16:16 ·

Crazykites Seriously contemplating making a chocolate cake.

20 June at 16:03 ·

Crazykites eating cake (that i made!!!)

20 June at 21:47 ·

Crazykites Found my talent at last!!! Wahooo! All is not lost!

21 June at 23:18 ·

Crazykites not having money is a seriously debilitating condition!

22 June at 15:39 ·

Crazykites So I may not get the degree I want, but at least I have the best boyfriend who loves me far more than I love myself.

24 June at 20:13 ·

Crazykites No-one’s got a fella as good as mine!!!

25 June at 15:47 ·

Crazykites These are the days so wake up, coz this is the time…and you know I’m right!

26 June at 12:00 ·

Crazykites Tomorrow Kirsten will be ready to FIGHT BACK!

28 June at 17:24 ·

Crazykites Actually feeling rather nostalgic today…

29 June at 12:48 ·

Crazykites Very pleased – have had some delightful conversations this evening that give me a spring in my step. A cloud is lifting! Missing my favourite guy.

29 June at 23:33 ·

Crazykites off out for some self-improvement missing my sweetheart xxx

Thurs at 15:01 ·

Crazykites I think this week has gone well. Miss my friends.

Fri at 00:34 ·

Crazykites Disappointed that Murray is out Otherwise a successful day

Fri at 18:45 · 

Crazykites Michael Owen, I don’t know you!

Fri at 19:22 ·

Crazykites Gone are my days of coasting….Thanks for the inspiration, Roger Federer. Hard work reaps rewards. I’m so sorry, Andy Roddick, I was rooting for you. Incredible Wimbledon, have witnessed three historic moments. It’s onl sport but it’s a metaphor for life.

about an hour ago ·

That was a random selection, which highlights my ups and downs of the last month.

Personal Statement

This will be a somewhat  egocentric post.  When you are looking for a job, no matter how you are to mums, dads and close friends, in an interview you have to sell yourself 100% and no what you want.  Not knowing what I wanted 100% and not being confident is where I went wrong yesterday.  Since you are the general public and I haven’t met you (except for when my sweetie, beloved Mr A comments from time to time!) you are the perfect people for me to practise selling myself to.

So, what do I want out of life?

• I want a family with Mr. A and bring them up well and be a fun mummy.  And do art and start a little internet business and learn languages and pass on my knowledge to whoever REALLY would appreciate it (aka not school kids!).

• In the short term I would like a job in a business…I don’t know which business.  I could be good at whatever I put my mind to.  I would like to earn money to do a CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) and maybe find a position in a language school.  I also think about getting a job in the EU.  As you can see, my ambitions are diverse.

When I was younger I wanted to be everything under the sun.  I wanted to be a pop star, ballerina, surveyor, graphic designer, architect, journalist, teacher, TV presenter, Radio presenter, something in TV production, film-maker…the list goes on.

So realistically, the business/CELTA route is a little more achievable.  Although yesterday when I said I wanted to be placed in a business environment, I couldn’t define this.  I’m more than a little vague.  I’d be happy wherever and do a great job wherever, delivered with passion and enthusiasm.

Who am I and what am I good at?

I spent my life trying to be good at something.  Although, as with my career ambitions, my skills are diverse and not very well pinned down.  You see, I get excited about many things but never focus enough on one thing to become an expert.

• I love languages.  I did French and Spanish at university.  I did two years of Portuguese, which I loved.  Now, I feel I’ve done all I want to do with French and Spanish in terms of studying and now I want to enjoy them as a leisure.  Studying makes you hate the thing you study.  I want to learn Arabic and Romanian.

• I love art.  I’ve dabbled at painting, card-making and making earrings.  I would really love to get into silver-smithing one day.  I really feel I could be good at this and start a little business one day if and when I am a mummy and need something to keep me entertained whilst looking after the kiddy.  For now, I think I will try and sell at my car boot sale which I plan to do this summer as a way of getting rid of my clothes and books that I no longer like/need.

• I discovered recently that I love to bake cakes…and actually my biggest critics (family!) are very positive.

How does any of this apply to a job?  Well, I obviously have a nurturing instinct which could be harnassed in a customer services role.  I have experience in customer service and I do love to look after people and try and answer their queries as best I can.  In my job, I became aware of this and how, when something doesn’t go right for the customer, this directly impacts the morale of the staff and the reputation of the company.  Simple things can be done to aid a smoother operation…but these things are not put in place.  Why?  Because the management are either blind / stupid or puppets of their bosses.  So, given my passion and enthusiasm to make life easier for everyone, I believe I would be well-placed in a customer service role or a management role…I am a people person and a creative…I also need to be challenged.

I also love the idea of wearing a suit.  Since being a child and seeing my then young mother dressed up for her office job in a smart suit placed a firm image in my mind of what a job should be like…very superficial, I know.  But to me, that represented being a woman, confident, adult, capable.  That was the difference between being a child and being all grown up.  As I grew up, the line got blurred.  University provided 4 extra years of school and even though we gained experience, got our education and saw the world, we didn’t become any more responsible.  The result?  Coming out of it older, more qualified and yet no more wiser.  And now we can’t get jobs.  I’m no closer to wearing the suit and still desperately trying to find myself in a world full of demands.  It comes down to presentation.  Creating a succint, condensed illusion of all the complicated tangle we really are.  They demand that we should be this and that and have this and that, but that shows they want, want, want without the willingness and the wherewithall to train us.  No.  They want the finished product NOW.

Sorry for the confused structure of this post.  I feel I’ve raised some valid points.

In conclusion, I am a rounded person with lots to offer someone who is willing to take a chance on me.