Sunday, 31 January 2016
We got through January!
well we got through January.
It's been quite an uphill climb, but I'm pleased to say that I now have a teacher training place sorted out for September and it looks as though I'll be able to get a student loan to pay for the tuition fees.Other things a little more up in the air but the good things so far are:
- I've kept to the slimming world group (most weeks)
- Been running longer runs, 10k today and 11k last Saturday.
- Sold old clothes & stuff on ebay this month to the tune of about £75 (every little helps)
- looked for photography courses and found a short one locally which I'm considering
- I've done 1 more oil painting which I'm kind of pleased with, aim to do more at half term
and the best thing?
I got a FIRST for my Uni essay (literature review and dissertation plan) 70% I was absolutely stunned, and the tutor also said I really deserve it. Felt on top of the world and it has really given me the confidence I much needed.
This college year is important and I really hope to get a First or a 2:1 now, I have a nice school to go to in September, and although it may be hard money-wise next year, I'll have a job to go to at the end with decent pay again. They don't make it easy for teachers and it's so ludicrous that they keep advertising on TV to 'train to teach' such a pity I won't get a salaried place next year, but at least I got on the course.
Got some more funding on my GoFundMe page too - £10 from my dad :) Thanks Dad! x
Saturday, 2 January 2016
New Year. Hello 2016!
Thank god for that. 2015 is over and a fresh new year begins here.
So besides the obvious ones (happy family, healthy, etc). My goals for the year:
Run a half marathon
Lose 2 stone (in doing so)
Stick to slimming world
Finish my degree
Spend less - sell more on eBay
De-clutter our home
Do a photography course
Invest time in doing things I enjoy such as painting
Walk up scafell pike for charity
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Mallorca Hike around Alaro
Today I set off early and met up with Jackie and Juliette, two lovely ladies I got to know a few years ago on the hiking trips I've done in Mallorca. They're both British but have lived here for years.
We went on a walk around the mountain behind Alaro, a small town which has its own Castle. It's about 30 minutes' drive from where I'm staying in Platja de Palma. Everywhere is about a half hour drive I find! We had a fantastic hike up the hillside, and even came across a wild donkey, on his travels in the other direction. Juliette had seen him in a bad way a few months ago so was happy to see he's had some medical attention. His coat was a lovely glossy brown. We then had a trip into Binisallem and drank coffee in the square, outside, with the sun on our backs and the trees still orange with autumn leaves. Winter hasn't arrived yet. After saying our goodbyes I headed East in the car and went to visit one of the 'Santuaries' Mallorca had, high up near the village of Randa, just outside Llucmajor. From here wonderful views 
across and towards Palma harbour with the sunset. The monastery of Cura is here and I lit a little candle in their small chapel before heading back down the hairpin bends to ground level. A truly relaxing day.
Missing my boys though and had a lovely chat with Dylan when I got back to the hotel, I have had some needed 'me' time but look forward to seeing them for Christmas Eve tomorrow.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Running!
Phew! Running in December in Spain can be quite warm. Just did a 5km run along the sea front and back again.
That will work off the coca that I have bought from a little bakery, for lunch tomorrow. Here is a recipe in case I want to make one when I get back home.
Tomorrow I'm meeting up with two friends I met while on the Mallorca Hiking trips I did in 2012 and 2013, Jackie and Juliette. I have been invited to go and do a walk with them tomorrow near Alaro which is at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains. At least I've been active the last day or so. Walked a lot round Palma then up and down the sea front (which is great, since cars aren't allowed). Tried to hire a bike but the place was closed today.
Palma in winter
Today I braved the traffic (what traffic?) and drove right into the centre of Palma, found the underground car park and walked through the streets to buy a new phone cable from El Corte Ingles. At least now I have power so the sat nav works. Had a lovely quiet wander through narrow streets taking in the atmosphere. A group of school children caught my attention and they were advertising with placards attached round their necks advertising 'free hugs'. Well I had about 6 of them! I also found a tiny secluded garden full of lemon and orange trees. So fresh I picked one and ate it. Palma is one of my favourite cities. It's a mini Barcelona and so easy to walk around. The Catedral de Palma dominates the scenery and it still amazes me that there are tiny intricate details such as little gargoyles of dogs, monkeys and so on. Anyway here are a few photos of today. I also found a huge 14th Century church. Catholic I would assume judging by the amount of ornate gold. Had a little cry to myself and some thinking time. I'm not religious but if any of that works I surely need it right now 
Monday, 21 December 2015
Sunset
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