I passed my degree!

Haven't written on here for a month but am absolutely thrilled to say I have achieved a 2:1 (upper second class honours) in my BA in Education. 

It's been so hard to juggle everything and I've worked long nights and early mornings and nearly gave up at one point last December when I reached my lowest point.  Luckily I decided to extract myself and go to Mallorca alone for a few days' rest and thinking time.  Then I carried on with the course determined to finish it. 

Graduation is 28th October and I will invite my mum and dad to come and see me in my cap and gown. 

Sam the dog

We have collected this lovely little boy, Sam. And he's made such a big impact on us already. He's lovely and "a cute guy" (Dylan)  and we have got both animals under the same roof tonight with no hissing or growling.

  Early days and we are learning to be dog owners but it's all been good fun so far and great for the boys too.  

Look forward to first Parkrun with dog tomorrow - that is, me park run and the boys take Sam to the play area for a run around. 

Marathon Woman!

I have done it!  I've run a marathon. Never thought I'd actually be able to say that but I managed it - on Saturday 4th June from Brighton to Eastbourne in just over 8 hours. 

The route took us through farmers' fields, past sheep, lambs, cows and calves. We dodged cow pats and rabbit poo.  We jogged the slopes and flats and walked up the steep hills - of which there were many.  Seven sisters and Beachy head being very dramatic.  But it's over and I raised over £300 and it's still coming in. 

We got medals and champagne and a tshirt when we arrived back at the red tent where our families were waiting. 

I feel very proud of myself now and although the legs and arms ache like mad, I would do it again! 

New addition to the family

We are all very excited about Thursday this week ... We are adopting a new pet .. Golden Labrador retriever puppy called Sam!   He's adorable and very bouncy but also soft and he's going to be huge company for us all. 

This little chap 'Sam'

Going to see this lovely little boy tomorrow afternoon ...  

Dissertation finito!!!!

Yay! The final piece of work for my 3 year degree is finally done and submitted to college. I can't believe it. I have my life back now :)   

The topic was summer born children in education. I wrote over 10,000 words on 50 pages of A4 and four pages of references.  Whilst having a family, working pretty much full time and managing a split up.  But it is done now and the relief is enormous. 

Well done me. 

I will post the grade I got in July - I'm hoping for a 2:1 or above but I need at least a 2:2 to get into the teacher training course in September.  

I've worked bl**dy hard for this for the last 2 and a half years! 

April craziness!

April has been something of a blur with many changes going on. 

I feel more positive and I don't think it's just the change in season (although it does help that the sun is up before I am and sets later at night and there are leaves appearing on the trees). 

I started April disastrously by missing our flight to Corfu - but we had a good time when we finally got there and it was lovely to get a few days' sun and peace. 

When we got back I started the James Duncan diet having read about it on a blog - it worked. I lost 4lb in 3 days but I developed an aversion to grilled chicken and tinned tomatoes on toast.  May try it again sometime but not for now. 

Jo & I have been training for the marathon in June for JDRF and I have arranged a cake sale at school next month.  People have sponsored me through the justgiving news page too and I have about £150 now. Still a way off target though. 

I approached several local supermarkets as well as local media to spread the word about our fundraising. Not a word so far ! 

I have also been spring cleaning or should I say Spring decorating.  Funked up the living room with some white paint and modern furniture it all looks super calming and spacious now.  There's a bit of a to do list and the stairs carpet desperately needs replacing but we will have to prioritise I think. 

 

Been therapeutic to stand with a paintbrush and make all the walls clean and white anyway.  Put a few more things on eBay and sorting out college work. 

I must knuckle down but it's been hard to do so recently with everything else going on.    I'm off to Mallorca with my sister in August and my god I will have earned it by then! So much to do between now and August and here are the main things; 

1. Finish dissertation

2. Finalise all the entry requirements for Reading uni in September (teacher training year)

3. Stick to a healthy eating plan and lose the extra stone by August!  

4. Run a marathon on 4th June !!! 

5. Draft (and workthrough) a jobs list that needs doing in house and garden.