Reach for the stars...

Butti

niccatw wrote: »

Supply and demnd curves? Sounds a little bit racy!

Oh, right, I see. You're talking economics!

(On a more serious note, why were you even sitting the exam in those circumstances? But it certainly puts it into perspective in the grand scheme of things, doesn't it?)

I really don't know. Really really horrible time in my life. I was in a bit of a state!

We've done an exercise today on what proportion of your income you are spending on housing costs. My current income is £0! Have to get Barclays my last 3 months statements which will indicate I have not been sticking to the budget I gave them and I have not paid anything on my mortgage (contrary to the budget). But I only want £890 - Barstards.

Lodger in by Feb 20th. Wondering if I can get another one in in the meantime!

B (feeling a little skint!)

MatyMoo

Nicca

You talk so much sense (stop laughing!!!!) and give such great advice. Could you look at an issue as though it was a friend with the problem and give the advice.... And then follow it for yourself IYSWIM. Or is that too sensible?

Banana Cake is one of my favourites

Jestar - You can make some cakes in a microwave, even in a mug! Try http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/easy-microwave-chocolate-cake/Detail.aspx

niccatw

cherisong wrote: »

What a beautiful and lyrical description. I was walking last night through the village and the rain had heightend the smell of the pine trees so I just stood, like a wally, with my big dog in the middle of the park smelling the air.

Leisure

W. H. Davies

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—

No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:


No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.


I would have done the same Cherisong

niccatw

Maty I can lecture sense to myself until I'm blue in the face! It's the "following it" bit I have a bit of trouble with!

The essay passed (only just!) so that module is done and dusted. It still doesn't take away the very real issue I have with time in completing the others.

So I will have to be brave again and phone the professor back to discuss further! Still haven't mentioned it to my boss but to be fair, that's because when I saw her today she was with the head of the grant body that funded 75% of my course (whom I had never met before today) so I decided that throwing it into the conversation wouldn't really be in my interests!

Jesthar Carrot cake in the microwave is workable too Mmmmm!

Procarastination: In the words of Martin Luther King, "How soon “not now” become “never”." Also being well practised in the art of procrastination, I can vouch for his words! But he did also say you don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. And if you need a hand getting to the second, just google ProcrasDonate (that last sentence was me, not Martin Luther, btw ) if you use firefox rather than IE as your web browser.

Butti I've been there with the banks. Right when I qualified, had a job offer and start date but no income for 3 weeks. They were completely unable/unwilling/not caring to help at all.

What ever happened to common sense?

I hope you can work something out. x

Pickle Switch of the computer and go to bed now!

I'll do the same... in a minute. :rotfl:

MrsMoo2U

Just a thought, if your employer is funding you by 75% are they allowing you study leave? If not, why not? Can you ask for so many days per year in study leave that will allow you to do the assignments. Sorry was just about to turn the computer off and spotted the post, couldnt resist a peek. Love that poem and have it pinned up on my inspirations board. Since moving to Wales I stop and stare all of the time

niccatw

Ooh, I like ythe idea of an inspirations board.... *wanders off to see where it could best be placed*

My boss and I have locked horns over the study issue a few times! The get out claus in all the policies is always "at your manager's discretion".

It is something I need to approach again. Especially as the course will cover my CPD (continued professional development) for the year and is in my PDP (personal development plan) (Don't you just love the use of "plain English" in the workplace!). She just doesn't seem willing to budge on the issue and I've no idea why. I can only assume she thinks I'd do burger all.

However, telling her I phoned the professor to discuss my options and I had not ruled out quitting; in fact that had been my intention! might change her view.

I shall keep you posted!

MrsMoo2U

Morning. Inspiration boards are fab. I have pictures of my dreamed for landrover, alpine chalet and quotes/poems to inspire me to work through my action plan of getting there. Hmmm I look more than I do though!

With regards to the study time. Make sure that you make all requests in writing and get it answered in writing. For the period that has gone, if you havent got it in writing already try to document as best you can the discussions that you have had and the amount of times she has refused you study leave. That way, if you do decide to drop out because you cant find the time to do it. Or if you are finding that you are getting stressed by it all (which you obviously are) you have evidence to show that it is, in no way, because you didnt try your best to fit in the time. If they then ask you to pay back any of the funding you have good reasons to refuse on the grounds that they havent fully supported you to complete the work expected. If your employer is funding you then they also have a duty to help you to complete the course without any undue stress. If you continue on trying to complete the course without any support because you are worried about having to repay the funding then they are, in fact, creating you undue stress and you would have a claim against them should you become ill due to the fact. Was there any kind of agreement in writing at the start of the course for the funding and if so what were the terms. I bet it said something about study leave. As a guide where I used to work I did an NVQ (nothing like a degree) and I got 10 days per year study leave. For people doing degrees this went up to something like 20 I think.

Butti

niccatw wrote: »

Ooh, I like ythe idea of an inspirations board.... *wanders off to see where it could best be placed*

My boss and I have locked horns over the study issue a few times! The get out claus in all the policies is always "at your manager's discretion".

She just doesn't seem willing to budge on the issue and I've no idea why. I can only assume she thinks I'd do burger all.

However, telling her I phoned the professor to discuss my options and I had not ruled out quitting; in fact that had been my intention! might change her view.

I shall keep you posted!

Treat it like you would an insurance renewal - offer to quit first and then they will be reasonable and will try to talk you back from the edge. I also wouldn't rule out doing burger all ......if the worst comes to the worst mcdonalds always need staff!!!

B

Jesthar

Ooooh, I'd forgotten you can do chocolate cake in the micro! Will have to clean the micro (to get rid of the savoury smells!) and have a go sometime

ProcrasDonate wouldn't help me, though - I don't usually tend to spend my procrastination time online...

Nicca, have you talked about the study leave issue with Occ Health? I mean, sure they say 'discretional', but as cheri says if you point out that they are paying a lot of money towards this course but are running the risk of you failing it due to your manager (THEIR employee!) denying you adequate study time (which is also adding to your stress), it might get something sorted. You've tried everything you can with your manager, time to go over her head - and if you word it correctly you can do it without it sounding like a whinge at your manager.

Or maybe you could suggest 'in work' study days - where you go into the office, but on the understanding that you only do coursework and study on that day, and are effectively incommunicado? I can see why that might not appeal, though...

niccatw

Thanks cherisong and jesthar, both very good, sensible points which I think I will print off and put in my work diary to remind me what I need to do.

Today was a bit of a mad rush and boss is on a long weekend now. But the office is usually quiet on Fridays so I should be able to phone the prof again in peace.

I was back at doctors today - she keeps a tight reign on me at times . However today she only said she'd like me to check in periodically . For the last 13 months she's be very specific in her time-scales! :j

I am so tired today! Too many late nights and busy days! I aim to be in bed before 11. So my light should be out soon!


My inspiration board (once I make it) will have the poem Leisure, lots of bright colours, some yoga poses, beautiful photos... of India specifically, but of interesting people and places in general. It'll probably have blocks of space and colour and texture and have a certain simplicity rather than be all jumbled.

And no doubt ideas for my ideal kitchen and/or bathroom will work their way into it to!

In fact I bought a few canvases before christmas with the intention of making mum a noticeboard for her yoga classes that would fit in with her yoga room (which sounds grand but is essentially my old room!). I never got around to it, so I can use those.

Jesthar - get a sealed pot and make a homemade version of ProcrasDonate specific to your predetermined rules. I bet there's a million causes you can think of that you can give the pot too.

Why am I dreaming of McFlurrys!!!! Butti? Why? :rotfl: