This weekend
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
I went round to the post office
as usual this morning with a handful of postcards to send off to customers. I always try to be there just before it opens as I hate being stuck behind customers who don’t really know or understand what they want. Unfortunately I was pipped to the post by a really old couple who didn’t look to happy.
Yesterday they had been sold a special armchair that was supposed to cure arthritis. They were very upset because they had been confused by the price in euros ( they were still thinking in francs). The cost of the chair had cleaned out their savings. Fortunately when the smooth talking salesman had left with their cheque they had time to think and made an appointment with their doctor to ask his opinion. The doctor explained to them that the chair was useless and to write a letter to be sent recorded delivery straight away. Our lady at the post office arranged the cancellation of the cheque and sent the recorded delivery off, but thinks that the address is a false one. The post office is busy in the morning so they had lots of help filling in forms and the lady who works at the town hall went back to register a complaint. I felt really sorry for them, they both looked really sick with worry. I don't know if there is a cooling off period in France if you sign a door to door contract.
I’ve been waiting for someone to knock at the door selling chairs all day, I’d love to give them a piece of my mind; I believe in karma so I hope something nasty happens to the salesman, if he doesn’t end up in prison.
as usual this morning with a handful of postcards to send off to customers. I always try to be there just before it opens as I hate being stuck behind customers who don’t really know or understand what they want. Unfortunately I was pipped to the post by a really old couple who didn’t look to happy.
Yesterday they had been sold a special armchair that was supposed to cure arthritis. They were very upset because they had been confused by the price in euros ( they were still thinking in francs). The cost of the chair had cleaned out their savings. Fortunately when the smooth talking salesman had left with their cheque they had time to think and made an appointment with their doctor to ask his opinion. The doctor explained to them that the chair was useless and to write a letter to be sent recorded delivery straight away. Our lady at the post office arranged the cancellation of the cheque and sent the recorded delivery off, but thinks that the address is a false one. The post office is busy in the morning so they had lots of help filling in forms and the lady who works at the town hall went back to register a complaint. I felt really sorry for them, they both looked really sick with worry. I don't know if there is a cooling off period in France if you sign a door to door contract.
I’ve been waiting for someone to knock at the door selling chairs all day, I’d love to give them a piece of my mind; I believe in karma so I hope something nasty happens to the salesman, if he doesn’t end up in prison.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I've been paid!
I know I’ve written about this twice before but I’m really pleased to say that I’ve now been paid for the first few articles I wrote for PayPerPost The articles have to be up for a month once they’ve been approved before you get paid and they really do pay on the 30th day! So far I’ve been paid $37.20 and I’ve got another $29 to come. It’s been great to make some money from blogging. I’m really inspired now to continue writing and I think I shall aim to make enough money buy myself a really nice pair of boots for the winter (see post below!). I’m pleased that I came across the site via Creating A Better Life (see blogroll), she really does come up with some great and interesting ideas.
I know I’ve written about this twice before but I’m really pleased to say that I’ve now been paid for the first few articles I wrote for PayPerPost The articles have to be up for a month once they’ve been approved before you get paid and they really do pay on the 30th day! So far I’ve been paid $37.20 and I’ve got another $29 to come. It’s been great to make some money from blogging. I’m really inspired now to continue writing and I think I shall aim to make enough money buy myself a really nice pair of boots for the winter (see post below!). I’m pleased that I came across the site via Creating A Better Life (see blogroll), she really does come up with some great and interesting ideas.
Happy Thanksgiving
to any who pass by that celebrate today.
I was interested to see that I had a visitor via Google who’d Googled a date and I’d appeared because I’d written a post on that day from my handwritten diaries. I had a look to see what else had come up on that day; odds and ends, nothing historical. I suppose there must still be days left in history where nothing much at all happened.
A couple of nights ago I dreamt that Dominique had started to smoke cigars, not discreet slim ones, but fat Cuban types. I couldn’t smell the cigars in my dream which was a pity. Last night I dreamt I could play the mouth organ. I’m sure that Freud would have plenty to say about these ‘oral’ dreams.
Back in the real world, it’s blowing a gale today. I got soaked when I went to collect the post. We still haven’t used the heating yet except for the bathroom very early in the mornings. As I write, we're having sideways rain (as Phyllis would say) and it's very misty, low cloud I think, sea-level cloud? What’s the weather like today where you are?
to any who pass by that celebrate today.
I was interested to see that I had a visitor via Google who’d Googled a date and I’d appeared because I’d written a post on that day from my handwritten diaries. I had a look to see what else had come up on that day; odds and ends, nothing historical. I suppose there must still be days left in history where nothing much at all happened.
A couple of nights ago I dreamt that Dominique had started to smoke cigars, not discreet slim ones, but fat Cuban types. I couldn’t smell the cigars in my dream which was a pity. Last night I dreamt I could play the mouth organ. I’m sure that Freud would have plenty to say about these ‘oral’ dreams.
Back in the real world, it’s blowing a gale today. I got soaked when I went to collect the post. We still haven’t used the heating yet except for the bathroom very early in the mornings. As I write, we're having sideways rain (as Phyllis would say) and it's very misty, low cloud I think, sea-level cloud? What’s the weather like today where you are?
Voices
I was really interested to find an article about voiceovers as a few years ago I was paid to be the voiceover on promotional CDroms for the Xter train here in France and the storage silos at la Pallice. Not very glam I admit, but I got paid well. With the voiceover for the train I was told afterwards that I had carried my work out more professionally that the French actress they used for the French voiceover.
A lot of singers can use their talents successfully in a voiceover They have the benefits of special training in voice control and can really use their speaking voice better than they might think. If they have experience of recording techniques they are at an advantage.
I was really interested to find an article about voiceovers as a few years ago I was paid to be the voiceover on promotional CDroms for the Xter train here in France and the storage silos at la Pallice. Not very glam I admit, but I got paid well. With the voiceover for the train I was told afterwards that I had carried my work out more professionally that the French actress they used for the French voiceover.
A lot of singers can use their talents successfully in a voiceover They have the benefits of special training in voice control and can really use their speaking voice better than they might think. If they have experience of recording techniques they are at an advantage.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Unconscious Mutterings
- Teacher :: school
- Fifty :: age
- Crossword :: squares
- Stuffed :: turkey
- Family :: home
- Purr :: cats
- Toad :: in the hole
- Cocktail :: prawns
- Insecurity ::fear
- Magical :: mist
I feel like I'm getting old
Rob sometimes talks to me about what I’ll be like when I’m eighty. We usually have this conversation as I’m getting out of bed in the morning. I don’t mind getting up early, but it would be nice if everything ran smoothly straight away. The first twitches come from my back, it’s always stiff in the morning and worse if I’m foolish enough to think that I can have a lie in. Thank goodness I enjoy walking, a walk usually sorts things out. I’ve recently had problems with my jaw, arthritis, my doctor informed me. Do I talk or eat too much! The other end of the day can be a problem if I eat the wrong foods too late in the evening. I lie awake with indigestion trying to ‘do something’ with my twitchy legs.
Dom teases me about my friend Al. Al is the one who makes me forget things as soon as I’ve been told them. I use the alarm clock a lot to remind me to do things. That’s if I remember to set the alarm, if I can find the alarm clock and then when it rings, remember why I set it to ring in the first place. Life is much less complicated when you’re twenty.
There is a product to help people like me, it’s called Proleva, (click here to see what it’s all about) , and it’s made from natural ingredients. It contains fruit and berry extracts, as well as green tea, which provide the equivalent of the antioxidants found in one and a half pounds of fresh fruit. Important in combating ageing. It helps to improve memory and brain function, increase energy and help the immune system. I can’t help thinking it would be great to be able to watch a film on TV in the evening without falling asleep and not feel exhausted just thinking about all the jobs I’ve got to do. With improved memory I’d be able to remember all the things I need to do as well!
Rob sometimes talks to me about what I’ll be like when I’m eighty. We usually have this conversation as I’m getting out of bed in the morning. I don’t mind getting up early, but it would be nice if everything ran smoothly straight away. The first twitches come from my back, it’s always stiff in the morning and worse if I’m foolish enough to think that I can have a lie in. Thank goodness I enjoy walking, a walk usually sorts things out. I’ve recently had problems with my jaw, arthritis, my doctor informed me. Do I talk or eat too much! The other end of the day can be a problem if I eat the wrong foods too late in the evening. I lie awake with indigestion trying to ‘do something’ with my twitchy legs.
Dom teases me about my friend Al. Al is the one who makes me forget things as soon as I’ve been told them. I use the alarm clock a lot to remind me to do things. That’s if I remember to set the alarm, if I can find the alarm clock and then when it rings, remember why I set it to ring in the first place. Life is much less complicated when you’re twenty.
There is a product to help people like me, it’s called Proleva, (click here to see what it’s all about) , and it’s made from natural ingredients. It contains fruit and berry extracts, as well as green tea, which provide the equivalent of the antioxidants found in one and a half pounds of fresh fruit. Important in combating ageing. It helps to improve memory and brain function, increase energy and help the immune system. I can’t help thinking it would be great to be able to watch a film on TV in the evening without falling asleep and not feel exhausted just thinking about all the jobs I’ve got to do. With improved memory I’d be able to remember all the things I need to do as well!
Talk of the devil
In French we say ‘Talk of the wolf and you’ll see it’s tail”, which is the same thing. This week on the French news there was the report of the death of a fashion model from anorexia.
Just before she left home last weekend Dom was telling me about the Pro anorexia blogs that existed. I haven’t seen one myself and I hope I don’t. I wrote about it here, and had reply in my comments from someone called Kristin, which I thought was very interesting.
In French we say ‘Talk of the wolf and you’ll see it’s tail”, which is the same thing. This week on the French news there was the report of the death of a fashion model from anorexia.
Just before she left home last weekend Dom was telling me about the Pro anorexia blogs that existed. I haven’t seen one myself and I hope I don’t. I wrote about it here, and had reply in my comments from someone called Kristin, which I thought was very interesting.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Ugg!
I rather fancy some Ugg boots for the winter, they certainly look cosy. They’re made in Australia from Australian sheepskin. It’s funny how many good things seem to be coming out of Australia in recent times. Not only do they make footwear, they do a lot of work for charity. Every year they ask a selection of high profile actors, musicians and celebrities to hand design a pair of boots which are then made up and auctioned on eBay to raise money for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. It’s not only money that is raised, but awareness of the work of the hospital.
One of the best places to acquire a pair of Uggs online is at toecovers.com. This winter they are highly recommending Uggs.
I rather fancy some Ugg boots for the winter, they certainly look cosy. They’re made in Australia from Australian sheepskin. It’s funny how many good things seem to be coming out of Australia in recent times. Not only do they make footwear, they do a lot of work for charity. Every year they ask a selection of high profile actors, musicians and celebrities to hand design a pair of boots which are then made up and auctioned on eBay to raise money for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. It’s not only money that is raised, but awareness of the work of the hospital.
One of the best places to acquire a pair of Uggs online is at toecovers.com. This winter they are highly recommending Uggs.
Highly recommended
You must go and visit A work Of Art: Raising Our Exceptional Son. Not only for the art work.
You must go and visit A work Of Art: Raising Our Exceptional Son. Not only for the art work.
Last Weekend
As last weekend was a holiday Rob worked , but not in his usual role. He was following the guided tours and translating into English, if required. His colleague, Rodolph, dressed up for the occasion. I thought you’d like to see some of the photos Rob took and Rodolph said it was okay for me to put the photos on here. By the way, he isn’t wearing a wig, those are his own curls, his mother must be so proud…
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Close shave
Like a lot of people at the moment I went to the doctor’s with my flu vaccine this week. I also had my usual check up. I’ve put on 2 kilos in four months which is not good. I don’t think I’m eating more than ever, but I spend more time working on the computer, so don’t get as much exercise. I came away with a ton of tests to have done, as usual.
The doctor and I were talking about the children, He’s very good at digging the needle in mid-conversation. I was so busy talking that I didn’t notice him put Betadine onto the cotton wool to clean my skin. I only noticed when he took the cotton wool to throw away. I’m allergic to Betadine and it is most unpleasant. He cleaned it off quickly with ether which seems to have worked, as I haven’t had a reaction.
When I got home I checked in my diary for 1988, because it was at the birth (or a few hours after) of Dominique I discovered the allergy. I wanted to see how quickly I’d reacted and spent an agreeable moment reading about the first month and a half of Dominique’s life. If you’re reading this Dom, you will be pleased to know that you were a model baby and only cried when you were hungry! I suddenly realised it was strange not to be reading about Olivier too, but we had a couple more years to go before he arrived on the scene.
Like a lot of people at the moment I went to the doctor’s with my flu vaccine this week. I also had my usual check up. I’ve put on 2 kilos in four months which is not good. I don’t think I’m eating more than ever, but I spend more time working on the computer, so don’t get as much exercise. I came away with a ton of tests to have done, as usual.
The doctor and I were talking about the children, He’s very good at digging the needle in mid-conversation. I was so busy talking that I didn’t notice him put Betadine onto the cotton wool to clean my skin. I only noticed when he took the cotton wool to throw away. I’m allergic to Betadine and it is most unpleasant. He cleaned it off quickly with ether which seems to have worked, as I haven’t had a reaction.
When I got home I checked in my diary for 1988, because it was at the birth (or a few hours after) of Dominique I discovered the allergy. I wanted to see how quickly I’d reacted and spent an agreeable moment reading about the first month and a half of Dominique’s life. If you’re reading this Dom, you will be pleased to know that you were a model baby and only cried when you were hungry! I suddenly realised it was strange not to be reading about Olivier too, but we had a couple more years to go before he arrived on the scene.
What to cook tonight?
I quite like cooking, but often find that I’m in the ‘It must be Friday it’s spaghetti’ cycle. My bookmarks are full of recipes that I’ve saved for a rainy day but never bothered to look at again. I’ve just come across a recipe software; BigOven Recipe Software - 160,000 Recipes which could change all this. There are recipes on the site and a ‘Leftover Wizard’ which looks as if it is going to be right up my street.
You choose up to three ingredients and let the program find you recipe suggestions. The recipes you like can be dragged and dropped into the organiser. You can post new recipes to share too.
I quite like cooking, but often find that I’m in the ‘It must be Friday it’s spaghetti’ cycle. My bookmarks are full of recipes that I’ve saved for a rainy day but never bothered to look at again. I’ve just come across a recipe software; BigOven Recipe Software - 160,000 Recipes which could change all this. There are recipes on the site and a ‘Leftover Wizard’ which looks as if it is going to be right up my street.
You choose up to three ingredients and let the program find you recipe suggestions. The recipes you like can be dragged and dropped into the organiser. You can post new recipes to share too.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Armistice
Today is a holiday in France. At 11 o’clock a little procession will go to the war memorial and the mayor will read out the names of the soldiers from our village who died in the First, Second and Algerian wars. There are more images at Time And Oft.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Littlist Hobo
I don’t know why the theme tune of The Littlest Hobo (sorry there is a pop up) came into my head at breakfast time this morning, but it did. Fortunately I had a pen and paper handy and wrote it down to look up later. I was amazed to see that the original series dates back to 1963 – 1965 . This is the series I watched and I’d remembered the song correctly too. It was made in Canada which reminded me of The Forest Rangers. They can be another post. I love the internet!
Talking of dogs (and cats) have you seen these, dedicated to keeping your screen clean?
I don’t know why the theme tune of The Littlest Hobo (sorry there is a pop up) came into my head at breakfast time this morning, but it did. Fortunately I had a pen and paper handy and wrote it down to look up later. I was amazed to see that the original series dates back to 1963 – 1965 . This is the series I watched and I’d remembered the song correctly too. It was made in Canada which reminded me of The Forest Rangers. They can be another post. I love the internet!
Talking of dogs (and cats) have you seen these, dedicated to keeping your screen clean?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I admit
that I was close to tears when I took Dom back to the station on Sunday afternoon. When we found her carriage we bumped into a family I hadn’t seen in years. Christian used to be best friends with their son. They were putting their daughter into the train too, as the seats were numbered I don’t know if they got together during the journey back to Poitiers. Dom will be back next weekend to celebrate her birthday with her friends.
I don’t know what to make of Olivier, for the past three nights he’s been asleep by 9.30. His appetite has diminished a little too. He didn’t want to go to school this morning, even though he’s only got 1 hour of physics and 2 hours of sport (Wednesday is half day in French schools), apparently they are playing basketball at the moment and he hates it, pity they can’t put ice hockey on to the timetable!
I had a phone call yesterday from one of the many companies that I sent my CV to. They might need me to teach 34 hours at the ‘Hotel Lycée’ (A school where they train chefs, waiters, catering and hotel management). It will be 2 hours early on Wednesday mornings. They are phoning me back: I wonder…….
that I was close to tears when I took Dom back to the station on Sunday afternoon. When we found her carriage we bumped into a family I hadn’t seen in years. Christian used to be best friends with their son. They were putting their daughter into the train too, as the seats were numbered I don’t know if they got together during the journey back to Poitiers. Dom will be back next weekend to celebrate her birthday with her friends.
I don’t know what to make of Olivier, for the past three nights he’s been asleep by 9.30. His appetite has diminished a little too. He didn’t want to go to school this morning, even though he’s only got 1 hour of physics and 2 hours of sport (Wednesday is half day in French schools), apparently they are playing basketball at the moment and he hates it, pity they can’t put ice hockey on to the timetable!
I had a phone call yesterday from one of the many companies that I sent my CV to. They might need me to teach 34 hours at the ‘Hotel Lycée’ (A school where they train chefs, waiters, catering and hotel management). It will be 2 hours early on Wednesday mornings. They are phoning me back: I wonder…….
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Unconscious Mutterings
- Theft :: steal
- Storage :: boxes
- Pick :: chew
- Los Angeles :: Golden Gate Bridge
- The one :: him
- Accent :: French
- Rivalry :: sisters
- Process :: method
- Streets :: street lights
- Museum :: old
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Do you remember?
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how you can make money with Pay Per Post. Well I’m writing about them again because I’ve discovered that if anyone signs up and enters my email address (anjiknut(at)aol(dot)com) as referrer I can earn $5. There’s a huge choice of all sorts of articles to choose from and you can be paid from couple of dollars upwards, when your post is accepted. You’re allowed to write up to three posts a day as long as there are unpaid posts in between. One of the advantages I’ve found with this is that it’s given me some fresh ideas for blog posts as much as anything else.
There is an option where you can denote your fee to charity , if you’d rather do that.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how you can make money with Pay Per Post. Well I’m writing about them again because I’ve discovered that if anyone signs up and enters my email address (anjiknut(at)aol(dot)com) as referrer I can earn $5. There’s a huge choice of all sorts of articles to choose from and you can be paid from couple of dollars upwards, when your post is accepted. You’re allowed to write up to three posts a day as long as there are unpaid posts in between. One of the advantages I’ve found with this is that it’s given me some fresh ideas for blog posts as much as anything else.
There is an option where you can denote your fee to charity , if you’d rather do that.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
November
‘If there’s ice in November that will bear a duck,
There’ll be nothing after, but sludge and muck’
Hope everyone remembered to put their clocks back an hour. It’s strange to have the evenings so dark so early. This week the schools are on holiday so they won’t really feel the full benefit of that extra hour in bed. they’ll be used to it by the time they go back to school next week. The weather here is still very mild, much too mild for the end of October, the news reports are full of people on the beach, some are even braving the sea!
Dom is home for her ‘pause pedagogique’ (not holiday); She’s got loads of work to do so I haven’t seen too much of her. She looks well so she isn’t starving to death or something dreadful in Poitiers. She’s dropping psychology next term and just doing philosophy. I don’t know what to make of that decision. As the new washer/dryer has been delayed a week I’m struggling to do her washing and get it dry.
Today is a holiday. The idea is that you visit the graves of your loved ones. Rob is working as quite a few people will be out visiting monuments instead.
‘If there’s ice in November that will bear a duck,
There’ll be nothing after, but sludge and muck’
Hope everyone remembered to put their clocks back an hour. It’s strange to have the evenings so dark so early. This week the schools are on holiday so they won’t really feel the full benefit of that extra hour in bed. they’ll be used to it by the time they go back to school next week. The weather here is still very mild, much too mild for the end of October, the news reports are full of people on the beach, some are even braving the sea!
Dom is home for her ‘pause pedagogique’ (not holiday); She’s got loads of work to do so I haven’t seen too much of her. She looks well so she isn’t starving to death or something dreadful in Poitiers. She’s dropping psychology next term and just doing philosophy. I don’t know what to make of that decision. As the new washer/dryer has been delayed a week I’m struggling to do her washing and get it dry.
Today is a holiday. The idea is that you visit the graves of your loved ones. Rob is working as quite a few people will be out visiting monuments instead.
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