One of my students has caused me a big ache stomach from laughter.
The question is "What is the difference between a mainframe and a server?"
Her first sentence describes the position of the switch in my lab (the physical position, eg. its on the left in the box attached to the wall). The second sentence describes some sort of super-computer that doesn't yet exist (to my knowledge at least) and mentions that it is under what she refers to as the mainframe.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Exam Bloopers part 2
Q: Dorothy is environmentally conscious. What type of monitor would she prefer to purchase? Motivate your answer.
A: LSD ... (the rest of the answer was fine so I gave them the mark).
A: LCD or CRT because has less carbon mechanisms.
Q: What is open source software?
A: It is software that can be opened with another software.
A: Open source software is a software that gives you sources when opened.
A:The form of software with lower branding name compared to high classified brand names, but offers the user a great deal of important information.
A: It's a type of software.
A: LSD ... (the rest of the answer was fine so I gave them the mark).
A: LCD or CRT because has less carbon mechanisms.
Q: What is open source software?
A: It is software that can be opened with another software.
A: Open source software is a software that gives you sources when opened.
A:The form of software with lower branding name compared to high classified brand names, but offers the user a great deal of important information.
A: It's a type of software.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Exam bloopers part 1
Disclaimer: I don't teach these kids English. The answers come from different kids, which despite their obvious lack of computer knowledge are still loved and appreciated.
Q: Both computers have Super Multi DVD writers. Would it be possible to write CDs?
A: No, it would not be able to write CD's because there is a major difference between the two. DVD writers write videos and CD writers write music.
A: Yes, you just have to go to the settings and select write an audio CD.
Q: Which device in computer A will be used to connect to the office network?
A: The Windows Vista Business.
A: Integrated WLAN which is also called "Bluetooth".
A: Computer B
Q: What would the webcam be used for?
A: To capture live images in the business and there are to see if any happens.
A: To communicate as a social network or to protect the environment to protect / prevent crime.
Q: Both computers have Super Multi DVD writers. Would it be possible to write CDs?
A: No, it would not be able to write CD's because there is a major difference between the two. DVD writers write videos and CD writers write music.
A: Yes, you just have to go to the settings and select write an audio CD.
Q: Which device in computer A will be used to connect to the office network?
A: The Windows Vista Business.
A: Integrated WLAN which is also called "Bluetooth".
A: Computer B
Q: What would the webcam be used for?
A: To capture live images in the business and there are to see if any happens.
A: To communicate as a social network or to protect the environment to protect / prevent crime.
Friday, March 6, 2009
4 days and who knows...
It's been 4 day (according to my husband) since my last entry. I thought no one read these as I never get feed back. But now my husband is asking me to write again - probably so he can laugh at my bad spelling and grammar. He always rips me off about it, saying "I can't believe that someone with a degree in English has such bad grammar". In my defence, my degree is in English literature and not linguistics! Thus I can read a book and analyse it in terms of its social, ideological, philosophical etc... implications. Correct grammar was something that MS Word always did for me. Sad as that might be, I had other things to think about, like why Moby Dick was a white whale and how Jane Eyre has a colonialist discourse.
So far this week:
Monday - I went to Jeffery's Bay with my Belly Dance instructor, Janka, to help her teach a lesson and then give a demonstration. It was a lot of fun. We got home really late and then my husband made me do the dishes before could eat. I didn't enjoy that as I was tired and hungry.
Tuesday - I had a Troupe rehearsal and then afterwards I went to the shops and bought some fish for supper. When I got home I found my husband had slept the entire evening. I was tired and so I sat for 30 mins before starting supper. I watched a bit of the Amazing Race. Rob and Amber are in the lead of course. They are a really good team. Amber sometimes reminds me of my sister Deborah - perfectionist and does a little victory dance when she's happy.
Wednesday - I usually go to this Access course waste of time thing after school. It usually is about 3 hours long, but this Wednesday the lecture (hopefully) caught onto our hints and condensed it into 45 mins. It was so much better. I really hope she continues in this manor. When I got home I found that my dear darling dog had eaten and thrown up his friend's, Magenta's, collar. He didn't eat the buckle and name tag, just the strapping. He then ate it again and looked miserable for the rest of the night.
Our neighbours were also attacked in their home that night. Now they have a security guard outside their place. My parents want us to get personal panic buttons.
Thursday - We went to our lecture on training nervous, aggressive and environmentally aware dogs. We learnt that we're not doing everything wrong, but there are a few things we need to change. We put some of it into practice last night and Charlie seemed to comply and actually enjoy it. This did mean I had to miss a belly dance practice, but I'll survive.
Today - I have a rehearsal for a dance gig after work. We are dancing at a 50th birthday party on Saturday night at the Malabar community hall. I don't know what I'm dancing yet but I'll find out tonight.
I'm not sure if my teacher likes my solo I did as she hasn't commented on it yet and hasn't asked me to dance it anywhere. I guess I'll have to see tonight if she wants me to do it at the party. Otherwise I'm gonna have to work harder at my choreography skills.
I also found out that I actually don't have to do detention duty as I'm only part-time staff. I've already done this year so I told the teacher in charge she owes me big time.
We had a bomb drill earlier today. The girls were told it was only drill and so they strolled out slowly and laughed at the whole process. Last year when we had a real bomb scare it was a different story. Anyway, the gardeners and maids "blew up" as they didn't leave the premises - apparently a drill is too much effort for the person in charge of them.
I've had a craving for something all day and I can't identify it. That's bad when you can't identify something you are craving. Maybe it's sleep disguising itself as a food.
I weeded the back of the garden yesterday. The weeds were becoming a bit too tree like for my liking. It was quite a workout and Charlie enjoyed digging in the holes created by the missing plants. Now I have a pile of weeds with no place to go and stiff muscles from pulling.
Lunch is coming up soon and I'm hoping the tuck shop lady doesn't try out one of her new recipes on us today. Sometimes it's just too weird to think about eating - or it's curried. Many a stomach ache has been caused by a curried soup!
So far this week:
Monday - I went to Jeffery's Bay with my Belly Dance instructor, Janka, to help her teach a lesson and then give a demonstration. It was a lot of fun. We got home really late and then my husband made me do the dishes before could eat. I didn't enjoy that as I was tired and hungry.
Tuesday - I had a Troupe rehearsal and then afterwards I went to the shops and bought some fish for supper. When I got home I found my husband had slept the entire evening. I was tired and so I sat for 30 mins before starting supper. I watched a bit of the Amazing Race. Rob and Amber are in the lead of course. They are a really good team. Amber sometimes reminds me of my sister Deborah - perfectionist and does a little victory dance when she's happy.
Wednesday - I usually go to this Access course waste of time thing after school. It usually is about 3 hours long, but this Wednesday the lecture (hopefully) caught onto our hints and condensed it into 45 mins. It was so much better. I really hope she continues in this manor. When I got home I found that my dear darling dog had eaten and thrown up his friend's, Magenta's, collar. He didn't eat the buckle and name tag, just the strapping. He then ate it again and looked miserable for the rest of the night.
Our neighbours were also attacked in their home that night. Now they have a security guard outside their place. My parents want us to get personal panic buttons.
Thursday - We went to our lecture on training nervous, aggressive and environmentally aware dogs. We learnt that we're not doing everything wrong, but there are a few things we need to change. We put some of it into practice last night and Charlie seemed to comply and actually enjoy it. This did mean I had to miss a belly dance practice, but I'll survive.
Today - I have a rehearsal for a dance gig after work. We are dancing at a 50th birthday party on Saturday night at the Malabar community hall. I don't know what I'm dancing yet but I'll find out tonight.
I'm not sure if my teacher likes my solo I did as she hasn't commented on it yet and hasn't asked me to dance it anywhere. I guess I'll have to see tonight if she wants me to do it at the party. Otherwise I'm gonna have to work harder at my choreography skills.
I also found out that I actually don't have to do detention duty as I'm only part-time staff. I've already done this year so I told the teacher in charge she owes me big time.
We had a bomb drill earlier today. The girls were told it was only drill and so they strolled out slowly and laughed at the whole process. Last year when we had a real bomb scare it was a different story. Anyway, the gardeners and maids "blew up" as they didn't leave the premises - apparently a drill is too much effort for the person in charge of them.
I've had a craving for something all day and I can't identify it. That's bad when you can't identify something you are craving. Maybe it's sleep disguising itself as a food.
I weeded the back of the garden yesterday. The weeds were becoming a bit too tree like for my liking. It was quite a workout and Charlie enjoyed digging in the holes created by the missing plants. Now I have a pile of weeds with no place to go and stiff muscles from pulling.
Lunch is coming up soon and I'm hoping the tuck shop lady doesn't try out one of her new recipes on us today. Sometimes it's just too weird to think about eating - or it's curried. Many a stomach ache has been caused by a curried soup!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Chillies and Chocolate Cake
On Saturday I did my first professional belly dance gig. It was for the Chilli Festival. There were 7 of us dancing in varous combinations and styles. I did a traditional Egyptian duet with Melanie and then I was in the final group dance which was a drum and veil dance.
It was a bit weird standing there with my belly exposed to a whole lot of strangers, but I managed and danced my heart out despite the cold and cough I've had all week.
Saturday night my husband and I went to my father-in-law's for a poker game and chinese. There were 7 of us all together. My husband won the game, however, it was a friendly and so he won nothing. I get bored and so lose so that I can go do someting else - in this case - play with my sister-in-law's kitten. She is so cute and cuddly and reminds me of my cat that lives at my parents house and so I don't get to see her very often.
Sunday started. My sister-in-law brought her dog round for a play date with my dog and then we did some work on a piece we want to perform later this year. We then back to her father's place for left over Chinese food and attempted to watch the first episode of the Simpsons. I was terrible. Not funny etc...
That afternoon we had my husband's brother and his fmaily come round for tea and chocolate cake. The nieces played Wii while the adults talked but inevitably that structure falls apart and I end up having my hair ripped from my scalp by 2 well meaning and happy girls.
Now the left over chocolate cake in a bone of contention between my husband and I. I see it going into my belly and he doesn't. Oh well
It was a bit weird standing there with my belly exposed to a whole lot of strangers, but I managed and danced my heart out despite the cold and cough I've had all week.
Saturday night my husband and I went to my father-in-law's for a poker game and chinese. There were 7 of us all together. My husband won the game, however, it was a friendly and so he won nothing. I get bored and so lose so that I can go do someting else - in this case - play with my sister-in-law's kitten. She is so cute and cuddly and reminds me of my cat that lives at my parents house and so I don't get to see her very often.
Sunday started. My sister-in-law brought her dog round for a play date with my dog and then we did some work on a piece we want to perform later this year. We then back to her father's place for left over Chinese food and attempted to watch the first episode of the Simpsons. I was terrible. Not funny etc...
That afternoon we had my husband's brother and his fmaily come round for tea and chocolate cake. The nieces played Wii while the adults talked but inevitably that structure falls apart and I end up having my hair ripped from my scalp by 2 well meaning and happy girls.
Now the left over chocolate cake in a bone of contention between my husband and I. I see it going into my belly and he doesn't. Oh well
Friday, February 27, 2009
Another snotty hot day
Although I'm beginning to get better, I can't help complaining about the combination of a cold and the Frikkin' hot weather we are having. The temperature is not particularly bad, its the humidity and comfort level that is causing us to wilt into - well, something in my garden that were once flowers and are now something else. Even the weeds aren't surviving.
Yesterday I went to belly dance class after skipping troupe practice because I was dying. I managed fine and only had a problem with my snotterfall when bending over and stretching. This bodes well for the Chilli Festival tomorrow afternoon. We have a rehersal tonight. Hopefully Mel and I will be able to get Haduni right. It's not the dance really - it's the changes that makes it into a duet that will trip me up if anything does.
I marked my Gr 10s test and unfortunately there weren't any really funny answers. It wasn't really that kind of test. There is nothing funny about them sayign that
Yesterday I went to belly dance class after skipping troupe practice because I was dying. I managed fine and only had a problem with my snotterfall when bending over and stretching. This bodes well for the Chilli Festival tomorrow afternoon. We have a rehersal tonight. Hopefully Mel and I will be able to get Haduni right. It's not the dance really - it's the changes that makes it into a duet that will trip me up if anything does.
I marked my Gr 10s test and unfortunately there weren't any really funny answers. It wasn't really that kind of test. There is nothing funny about them sayign that
is a short cut for paste. (For those of you who aren't familiar with short cuts it's the wrong answer)
I starting teaching my matrics the VLOOKUP function in excel today. The one class ahd lots of questions and couldn't understand certain things and the other class was, "Whatever, look I can do it after your first explanation". And yet there is no significant difference in their average marks for each class respectively. Just goes to show how each group of people have a different dynamic and way of functioning.
I'm bored now.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Cypatriots
My new word is "Cypatriots". I have a collegue who is Cyprian and quite proud of it. There's nothing worng with being proud of your heritage but you can merge the words "Cypriot" or "Cyprian" with "patriot" very nicely. I'm not sure if there are others that you could do it with (I'm sure there are), but I don't feel like trying. I'm lazy that way. New words should come naturally.
Anyway, I'm slowly getting better. I can breathe through one nostral at a time, although my throat still hurts and I'm cough up great balls of muscous.
I hate Med-lemon, but it does seem to work. The reason I hate it is that the acidity, bitterness and temperature all remind me of vomit. It's always my last resort when I don't seem to be getting better.
Yesterday I had to go to the all delightful Access 2007 course at NMMU. Again it turned out to be thrillingly boring. What tipped me over the edge was when the lecturer said, "And now which datatype would we use for a field called Date?" - I actually gasped "Oh My God". I can't believe the level of this course. We are all supposed to be teaching this stuff and yet these people can't even do the simplest of things.
Anyway, I'm slowly getting better. I can breathe through one nostral at a time, although my throat still hurts and I'm cough up great balls of muscous.
I hate Med-lemon, but it does seem to work. The reason I hate it is that the acidity, bitterness and temperature all remind me of vomit. It's always my last resort when I don't seem to be getting better.
Yesterday I had to go to the all delightful Access 2007 course at NMMU. Again it turned out to be thrillingly boring. What tipped me over the edge was when the lecturer said, "And now which datatype would we use for a field called Date?" - I actually gasped "Oh My God". I can't believe the level of this course. We are all supposed to be teaching this stuff and yet these people can't even do the simplest of things.
The Dawn of the Dead Sick
I'm still sick and I hate being sick. It means not being able to go to belly dancing. It means not being able to teach to my full. It means having a sore throat and trying not to talk. etc...
Yesterday, I got home, had something to eat and then went to bed. I was too tired. Luckily I have a thoughtful husband who knows that I don't like cooking in general but especailly when I'm sick. So he agreed we could get pizza.
The best thing to happen all day was when I dog noticed my husband's jacket hanging on a door handle and - well shame he's just an overly aware doggie - he must of thought it was an intruder and he barked madly. After we had a short chuckle at his silliness, my husband decided to "investigate" the intruder. The intruder (Mr Jacket) attacked my husband, making the dog all scared. However, my husband was brave and much stronger than the jacket and won the fight. Charlie was much happier then and didn't mind the jacket hanging on the door handle anymore.
Yesterday, I got home, had something to eat and then went to bed. I was too tired. Luckily I have a thoughtful husband who knows that I don't like cooking in general but especailly when I'm sick. So he agreed we could get pizza.
The best thing to happen all day was when I dog noticed my husband's jacket hanging on a door handle and - well shame he's just an overly aware doggie - he must of thought it was an intruder and he barked madly. After we had a short chuckle at his silliness, my husband decided to "investigate" the intruder. The intruder (Mr Jacket) attacked my husband, making the dog all scared. However, my husband was brave and much stronger than the jacket and won the fight. Charlie was much happier then and didn't mind the jacket hanging on the door handle anymore.
Monday, February 23, 2009
I'm sick
I'm sick. It all started on Friday night where inconsiderate people decided to smoke indoors instead of in the braai room like Tom, Andrew and Tarryn do. So I couldn't escape the smoke until I went into Odessa's bedroom to play with her baby kitten. My sinuses hurt that night, but then Saturday I was fine. Sunday I felt awful and Monday (yesterday) I didn't go to work and spent the day in bed.
I've had to come to work today as I can't let my matrics fall behind and my Gr10s are writing a test on Thursday and I need to finish the work for it.
It would be great if something happened that I could go home and to bed. Like a false epidemic - that'd give me at least 48hours of sleepy time. I know that's a horrible thought, but that's where I am right now.
I've had to come to work today as I can't let my matrics fall behind and my Gr10s are writing a test on Thursday and I need to finish the work for it.
It would be great if something happened that I could go home and to bed. Like a false epidemic - that'd give me at least 48hours of sleepy time. I know that's a horrible thought, but that's where I am right now.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The beginning of the end?
My husband told me that as I didn't make a post yesterday that it signals the beginning of the end. However, I believe I was just too busy with 90 odd girls calling me (ma'am ma'am ma'am ma'am) to show them how to do simple calcualtions in queries, after I'd done a few with the whole class. Also I noticed they might get the calculations correct but they forget the query part.
Today I have to show them how to do calculated fields in a report. I think they are going to get confused and try to do the calculations in a label rather than a textbox. I wish they could just remember simple things like the difference between a label and a textbox.
I'm auditioning to be a teaching assistant at the belly dance studio. The interview/audition is on Saturday morning and I have to write an essay on why I want the position and then I have to perform a choreography of my own. There are only 2 of us auditioning and the other girl has been dancing a lot longer than me and has been the assistant teacher up till now. I plan of just having fun. It doesn't matter if I don't get it, at least I've been able to perform my own choreography in front of Janka and I'll be able to get her opinion and feedback on it before I have to perform it on the 7th of March.
I'm feeling really tired after troupe practise last night. Eventually I'll get fitter and not be so dead the next day. I really wish I could go back to bed right now. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through today. I teach till 2:10 then I dash off to the university for my introduction to Access 2007 lecture (which lasts 2 -3 hours) and then I have to dash back to school for a parent teacher evening. Parent teacher evenings are every teachers' worst obligation. My first one ever I was constantly busy and as the last to leave. I didn't cry though. I was very friendly and diplomatic. My second one I had hardly anyone seeing me and I got bored and cold. Tonight shoudl hopefully proove boring, but seen as how the parents invited are matric parents only, they might suddenly have a renewed interest in their daughter's education.
The bell has gone so I'm about to get my first class of the day.
Today I have to show them how to do calculated fields in a report. I think they are going to get confused and try to do the calculations in a label rather than a textbox. I wish they could just remember simple things like the difference between a label and a textbox.
I'm auditioning to be a teaching assistant at the belly dance studio. The interview/audition is on Saturday morning and I have to write an essay on why I want the position and then I have to perform a choreography of my own. There are only 2 of us auditioning and the other girl has been dancing a lot longer than me and has been the assistant teacher up till now. I plan of just having fun. It doesn't matter if I don't get it, at least I've been able to perform my own choreography in front of Janka and I'll be able to get her opinion and feedback on it before I have to perform it on the 7th of March.
I'm feeling really tired after troupe practise last night. Eventually I'll get fitter and not be so dead the next day. I really wish I could go back to bed right now. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through today. I teach till 2:10 then I dash off to the university for my introduction to Access 2007 lecture (which lasts 2 -3 hours) and then I have to dash back to school for a parent teacher evening. Parent teacher evenings are every teachers' worst obligation. My first one ever I was constantly busy and as the last to leave. I didn't cry though. I was very friendly and diplomatic. My second one I had hardly anyone seeing me and I got bored and cold. Tonight shoudl hopefully proove boring, but seen as how the parents invited are matric parents only, they might suddenly have a renewed interest in their daughter's education.
The bell has gone so I'm about to get my first class of the day.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Test Bloopers
So, as a teacher I get to mark tests and exams. Sometimes the only thing that keeps you going are the silly answers the student wrote down. I like to document these so that others can have a good laugh as well. (Please note that the spelling mistakes are their's not mine)
The first question:
What does the following stand for?
DIMM - Desktop internet method metobolic
- Digital intergate memory module
- Dual intercides memory
- Duel interlinen memory moduel
LCD - Limited central devise
- Litrise central device
- Lean computer desktop
- Laser computer desktop
- Low cost desktop
- Lower censed diameter
- Low carhage design
- Liquid computer device
CPU - Continous power usage
ADSL - Accessible digital secondary line
- Analysing digital software liability
- African digital service line
- Asymetric Digital service network
- Assymetric dual symetric line
3G - 3 dimensional
Question 2: Give a term for the following:
A printer that can print carbon copies. - not matrix
Software that can turn a pdf into editable software. - MWeb
The practice of healthy, safe and comfortable computing. - Computer Periperals - E-scrap - Eticket
The total amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time period. - Broadwidth - Flash cards - Brandwith - copy - 3000 bytes
Question 3: What would you upgrade in this computer? (they have specs) - LCD so you don't get RSI
Why would your parents want a DVD writer weh nthey already have a CD writer? - They can use firewire and watch visuals.
Keep in touch for more...
The first question:
What does the following stand for?
DIMM - Desktop internet method metobolic
- Digital intergate memory module
- Dual intercides memory
- Duel interlinen memory moduel
LCD - Limited central devise
- Litrise central device
- Lean computer desktop
- Laser computer desktop
- Low cost desktop
- Lower censed diameter
- Low carhage design
- Liquid computer device
CPU - Continous power usage
ADSL - Accessible digital secondary line
- Analysing digital software liability
- African digital service line
- Asymetric Digital service network
- Assymetric dual symetric line
3G - 3 dimensional
Question 2: Give a term for the following:
A printer that can print carbon copies. - not matrix
Software that can turn a pdf into editable software. - MWeb
The practice of healthy, safe and comfortable computing. - Computer Periperals - E-scrap - Eticket
The total amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time period. - Broadwidth - Flash cards - Brandwith - copy - 3000 bytes
Question 3: What would you upgrade in this computer? (they have specs) - LCD so you don't get RSI
Why would your parents want a DVD writer weh nthey already have a CD writer? - They can use firewire and watch visuals.
Keep in touch for more...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Finally Friday
It's hot today. Not as hot as Australia but hot none the less. Every time I leave the comfort of my air conditioned lab, a wave a nausea comes over me as the heat slaps me in the face.
Last night my friend Leanne came over and cooked us dinner. I have a belly dance class on Thursday nights so I don't get to cook. Janka was sick and so Mel took the lesson. My arms got sore from all that veil flinging, but it was good fun. Learnt some very pretty veil "flips", changing sides while turning etc.
Next week Saturday I'm auditioning to be a teacher's assistant. I have to do one studio choreography, one of my own choreography, write a lesson plan on a movement, and write an essay on why want to be an assistant. So far, I know 2 studio dances, I've just finished my choreography - I just need to practice it. The lesson plan and essay I can do next week.
Tonight we have a braai at the Ophoffs'. I have to make and bring a salad. Yay.
Charlie was up to nonsense this morning. He stole pegs, another razor, the nail brush, a tissue, a serviette, and he managed to put his foot into - yes I said into - the soap on the basin. We had a good laugh at the claw marks in the soap and the soap in his claws. His paw was all greasy with soap and looked a bit upset. I guess his paw tasted funny.
Tomorrow we want to take him to the vet to get a microchip insert between his shoulders so that if he gets loose and we can't get him back and he goes missing, and his collar comes off, he can still be identified. We're planning on taking him to a new vet. Reasons: firstly we've moved to Westering and the Walmer vet is a bit far away; secondly he associates the Walmer vet with being neutered and as a result gets very nervous there and bits the vets when they try to touch him. I guess he had a bad experience being neutered. He's been less aggressive lately but with Charlie that doesn't mean a thing. We'll see how it goes.
Last night my friend Leanne came over and cooked us dinner. I have a belly dance class on Thursday nights so I don't get to cook. Janka was sick and so Mel took the lesson. My arms got sore from all that veil flinging, but it was good fun. Learnt some very pretty veil "flips", changing sides while turning etc.
Next week Saturday I'm auditioning to be a teacher's assistant. I have to do one studio choreography, one of my own choreography, write a lesson plan on a movement, and write an essay on why want to be an assistant. So far, I know 2 studio dances, I've just finished my choreography - I just need to practice it. The lesson plan and essay I can do next week.
Tonight we have a braai at the Ophoffs'. I have to make and bring a salad. Yay.
Charlie was up to nonsense this morning. He stole pegs, another razor, the nail brush, a tissue, a serviette, and he managed to put his foot into - yes I said into - the soap on the basin. We had a good laugh at the claw marks in the soap and the soap in his claws. His paw was all greasy with soap and looked a bit upset. I guess his paw tasted funny.
Tomorrow we want to take him to the vet to get a microchip insert between his shoulders so that if he gets loose and we can't get him back and he goes missing, and his collar comes off, he can still be identified. We're planning on taking him to a new vet. Reasons: firstly we've moved to Westering and the Walmer vet is a bit far away; secondly he associates the Walmer vet with being neutered and as a result gets very nervous there and bits the vets when they try to touch him. I guess he had a bad experience being neutered. He's been less aggressive lately but with Charlie that doesn't mean a thing. We'll see how it goes.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Traffic is a b...
I went for lunch with my friend who is here on holiday from Canada. After bragging about how my leg didn't hurt even after such a hectic practice, I stood up and felt the stiffness descend deep down into my muscles. Guess I shouldn't have sat down for lunch.
Yesterday I had my second lecture for Introduction to Access. I find it a bit irritating that I have to do this course. I teach Access to my students. But the department has decided that all CAT teahcer must do this course and so I'm sitting through an honours students lectures. After yesterday's class I can understand that some of the teachers need it. I couldn't believe how slow they were at it. I was following the steps and then at one point got frustrated and so sat and did the tutorial exercises so that I could leave early. Some of the teachers got lost and didn't know where they were supposed to be clicking etc. Then there was the discussion of converting from 2007 to 2003. I do it all the time when my students bring me 2007 documents that need to be loaded with 2003. Most of my students do it themselves to save me the time. Also, all the exercises were done simultaneously with the lecturer. I don't even do that with my Gr10s. I do with my Gr9s as they are still new to the idea of folder management and are still learning how to navigate a program. How can a teacher not find a save button?
I was very tired when I got home and so we got take out. I went to bed early.
This morning it took me 50 mins to get to work. It is supposed to take 20 but with the Taxi strikes there seems to be a lot more cars on the road. Luckily I left with plenty of time to spare and so I wasn't late.
Trevor Manuel gave his annual budget speech yesterday. I didn't watch it and I haven't read through it yet, but I believe there are tax cuts do to the reccession. I guess he trying to help us poor people out who don't earn much. I believe I'm just over the first bracket though.
I got some pictures of koalas in the parts of Australia that are in the heat wave and covered with fires. One is of a fireman helping a koala drink out of his own water bottle. It's so sad to think that koala is suffering and so great that people are helping them. I got another set of pictures of a young koala that sort shade on someones porch. The family brought it a bowl of water to drink. They have pictures of this baby drinking the water and then sitting in the bowl. If I'm not mistakened koalas don't do the swimming thing. It's so awful the heat they are enduring and I'm sure many people and animals have died. And strangely enough we are having the coolest February I can remember.
Yesterday I had my second lecture for Introduction to Access. I find it a bit irritating that I have to do this course. I teach Access to my students. But the department has decided that all CAT teahcer must do this course and so I'm sitting through an honours students lectures. After yesterday's class I can understand that some of the teachers need it. I couldn't believe how slow they were at it. I was following the steps and then at one point got frustrated and so sat and did the tutorial exercises so that I could leave early. Some of the teachers got lost and didn't know where they were supposed to be clicking etc. Then there was the discussion of converting from 2007 to 2003. I do it all the time when my students bring me 2007 documents that need to be loaded with 2003. Most of my students do it themselves to save me the time. Also, all the exercises were done simultaneously with the lecturer. I don't even do that with my Gr10s. I do with my Gr9s as they are still new to the idea of folder management and are still learning how to navigate a program. How can a teacher not find a save button?
I was very tired when I got home and so we got take out. I went to bed early.
This morning it took me 50 mins to get to work. It is supposed to take 20 but with the Taxi strikes there seems to be a lot more cars on the road. Luckily I left with plenty of time to spare and so I wasn't late.
Trevor Manuel gave his annual budget speech yesterday. I didn't watch it and I haven't read through it yet, but I believe there are tax cuts do to the reccession. I guess he trying to help us poor people out who don't earn much. I believe I'm just over the first bracket though.
I got some pictures of koalas in the parts of Australia that are in the heat wave and covered with fires. One is of a fireman helping a koala drink out of his own water bottle. It's so sad to think that koala is suffering and so great that people are helping them. I got another set of pictures of a young koala that sort shade on someones porch. The family brought it a bowl of water to drink. They have pictures of this baby drinking the water and then sitting in the bowl. If I'm not mistakened koalas don't do the swimming thing. It's so awful the heat they are enduring and I'm sure many people and animals have died. And strangely enough we are having the coolest February I can remember.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Where did sleepy time go?
I am very tired this morning after last evenings belly dance practice. I lost count of how many times we did the drum and veil dance. It is very fast and full of shimmies and veils flying all over the place. Plus with there being about 15 of us and I was standing with the less experience group we kept hitting each other and getting tangled in our veils. Of course the 'veterans' were flying round the floor gracefully. I was so hot - especially seen as how it was a rather hot and humid day yesterday. Just as we would finish the dance, the instructor would say again. As I said before, I lost count how many times we did it. However, by the end I had definitely improved and was getting less tangled. We did have the odd time when we stopped to go over a move that we were doing wrong, but soon she'd say, "Again!"
Janka has booked me for 2 performances already: the Chilli Festival on the 28th of Feb and for a 50th birthday party on the 7th of March. I'm also going to be auditioning/interviewing for a teacher's assistant position next week. I don't expect to get it as there are lots of people going for it that are more experienced and better than me, but I thought I go get the experience and learn from it.
Today the school is having photos. Photo day is awful. The kids are constantly being called out of class for various photos and so doing any worthwhile work is impossible. I made my grade 10s test each other on all the work we've done so far this year. My matrics are doing whatever they want as I started the lesson with 4 girls out of 29, so I waited and now that they are all here - the lesson is almost over. Um ... now the lesson is over and I have to teach some Gr9s about evaluating websites.
Janka has booked me for 2 performances already: the Chilli Festival on the 28th of Feb and for a 50th birthday party on the 7th of March. I'm also going to be auditioning/interviewing for a teacher's assistant position next week. I don't expect to get it as there are lots of people going for it that are more experienced and better than me, but I thought I go get the experience and learn from it.
Today the school is having photos. Photo day is awful. The kids are constantly being called out of class for various photos and so doing any worthwhile work is impossible. I made my grade 10s test each other on all the work we've done so far this year. My matrics are doing whatever they want as I started the lesson with 4 girls out of 29, so I waited and now that they are all here - the lesson is almost over. Um ... now the lesson is over and I have to teach some Gr9s about evaluating websites.
Monday and fears of Tuesday cont...
After tutoring Gr 9 maths to my one and only external student I returned home. Waiting for me in the fridge was a large dish of custard slices which i had made on Saturday night. I couldn't resist. Here is some wisdom: do not eat a custard slice and practice a drum dance with lots of shimmies and a veil. I managed to not lose my slice although it seriously felt like it would emerge (don't go into the light) and instead analysed the DVD of the dance and typed up the choreography. My husband had arrive home from work and passed out on the bed (heat exhaustion), so I went to the shops by myself to purchase groceries in order to make dinner. I think he was quite disappointed when I returned with chicken salad for supper. His revenge was terrible though. My only white shirt (which I might point out I looked for for about 2 months as I have a rather large chest so struggle with button ups) decided to become pink. There was absolutely no red items washed with it, yet it still became ... pink. I have to admit, ashamedly, I did cry. My husband felt bad or at least feigned it very well - but I do believe he was genuinely sorry for putting my white shirt in the machine.
I slept. I don't usually sleep well, but I do believe last night I slept with very little disruptions.
This morning I managed to get up only 10 mins after my alarm went off. It's the inter house school gala today and if anyone knows me they'll know I don't do sports. Never have and only will if my future children have a passion for them. Otherwise I'm all about dancing. In general I abhor sports day and galas etc. and today has been no exception. I see no point in me sitting in the small spot of shade allocated for staff and parents watching thin and fit girls perform feats of breath control and muscle power of which I could only dream. I remember sports day was always about dressing up in a colour that never suits you, finding a prime spot in the shade and never leaving it, and screaming yourself hoarse so that I'd get an unwanted lecture from my mom about protecting your vocal chords and a visit to the doctor for heat-stroke, sun-stroke and laryngitis. And of course there was the body paint that would come off, then you realise your friend wrote on you with permanent marker, and the phrase wasn't exactly something you would ever want tattooed onto your body.
Of course the "inter house" part has always been fun as well. My team always used to be the top team in the school until I got to the school. This is not my fault as I don't take part in any of the races or whatever you call them, if I did it'd be even worse.
So now as a teacher I wear my only green piece of clothing I own (a dress that is majority black anyway), sit there and smile when someone I know walks past.
I've snuck away now under the guise of "I'm doing important things in the lab".
But I don't think I'll be missed, especially seen as how one of the teachers asked me if I was here to watch my child swim. Firstly, I'm not old enough to have a child at high school and secondly, I've been teaching here for longer than she has!
I'm waiting for the news that I can go home. I'll write again tomorrow.
I slept. I don't usually sleep well, but I do believe last night I slept with very little disruptions.
This morning I managed to get up only 10 mins after my alarm went off. It's the inter house school gala today and if anyone knows me they'll know I don't do sports. Never have and only will if my future children have a passion for them. Otherwise I'm all about dancing. In general I abhor sports day and galas etc. and today has been no exception. I see no point in me sitting in the small spot of shade allocated for staff and parents watching thin and fit girls perform feats of breath control and muscle power of which I could only dream. I remember sports day was always about dressing up in a colour that never suits you, finding a prime spot in the shade and never leaving it, and screaming yourself hoarse so that I'd get an unwanted lecture from my mom about protecting your vocal chords and a visit to the doctor for heat-stroke, sun-stroke and laryngitis. And of course there was the body paint that would come off, then you realise your friend wrote on you with permanent marker, and the phrase wasn't exactly something you would ever want tattooed onto your body.
Of course the "inter house" part has always been fun as well. My team always used to be the top team in the school until I got to the school. This is not my fault as I don't take part in any of the races or whatever you call them, if I did it'd be even worse.
So now as a teacher I wear my only green piece of clothing I own (a dress that is majority black anyway), sit there and smile when someone I know walks past.
I've snuck away now under the guise of "I'm doing important things in the lab".
But I don't think I'll be missed, especially seen as how one of the teachers asked me if I was here to watch my child swim. Firstly, I'm not old enough to have a child at high school and secondly, I've been teaching here for longer than she has!
I'm waiting for the news that I can go home. I'll write again tomorrow.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday and fears of Tuesday
Yesterday started off badly. My husband got a phone call from a friend to say that her step daughter had committed suicide. She stole her father service pistol, walked down into the valley and shot herself. I cried. I can't help it. Such a young person with so much to look forward to and yet she didn't think so.
The rest of the day became a bit mundane, with girls complaining about anything and everything. I left during my 3 hour break to have tea with my mom. Of course tea with your mother is never the same as tea with a friend. You really have to watch which news you tell, how you phrase things and what subjects you bring up. Well, as least you have to with my mom. I remember how when I would get home from school and tell my mom about my day it usually ended up in a lecture about how you shouldn't have sex before marriage and then a description about how special intercourse between spouses is, a complaint about how my friends aren't very good friends or something about how she disagrees with almost anything said or done by me and my friends or teachers. As a result I started using the famous old "Fine" when asked how was school, and "Nothing" when asked did anything happen today. I always have understood why teenagers use these words. It doesn't mean anything bad has happened, just that they don't want to hear how you disapprove of everything.
Anyway, I managed to escape my mother's speeches as my sister has not written thank you notes for all the birth gifts her 5 week old daughter received ... well ... 5 weeks ago. So there was much complaining from my mother's side about how she's not trying to put pressure on her, just wanted to remind her that she must still do that. My sisters both live overseas so I bear the brunt of their mistakes or forgetfulness. If they haven't e-mailed my mom by the end of the week, then something "must be wrong" and I must hear about how my mother worries about them. I just think they're too busy to be bothered about writing to my mom about the mundane day, or too tired after the long haul, or don't want to tell her is case they get a "no sex before marriage" speech.
I went back to school to get my 54.3% free lunch and then taught my last lesson.
I'll continue later ... I must make an appearance at the school gala, which I will tell you about when I return.
The rest of the day became a bit mundane, with girls complaining about anything and everything. I left during my 3 hour break to have tea with my mom. Of course tea with your mother is never the same as tea with a friend. You really have to watch which news you tell, how you phrase things and what subjects you bring up. Well, as least you have to with my mom. I remember how when I would get home from school and tell my mom about my day it usually ended up in a lecture about how you shouldn't have sex before marriage and then a description about how special intercourse between spouses is, a complaint about how my friends aren't very good friends or something about how she disagrees with almost anything said or done by me and my friends or teachers. As a result I started using the famous old "Fine" when asked how was school, and "Nothing" when asked did anything happen today. I always have understood why teenagers use these words. It doesn't mean anything bad has happened, just that they don't want to hear how you disapprove of everything.
Anyway, I managed to escape my mother's speeches as my sister has not written thank you notes for all the birth gifts her 5 week old daughter received ... well ... 5 weeks ago. So there was much complaining from my mother's side about how she's not trying to put pressure on her, just wanted to remind her that she must still do that. My sisters both live overseas so I bear the brunt of their mistakes or forgetfulness. If they haven't e-mailed my mom by the end of the week, then something "must be wrong" and I must hear about how my mother worries about them. I just think they're too busy to be bothered about writing to my mom about the mundane day, or too tired after the long haul, or don't want to tell her is case they get a "no sex before marriage" speech.
I went back to school to get my 54.3% free lunch and then taught my last lesson.
I'll continue later ... I must make an appearance at the school gala, which I will tell you about when I return.
The Beginning
In the beginning, I created a blog. I didn't keep it going because I got lazy and busy. Hopefully this one will last longer than its predecessor.
I am a computer applications technology teacher in the mornings and a belly dancer in the evenings. I have just joined my studio's professional dance troupe and am hoping to be quite successful. I've already been booked for my first gig at the end of March and have to do my own choreography.
As for my morning job, well, that has its ups and downs. Firstly, I earn 54.3% of a starter salary. This does mean I don't have many lessons during the day and therefore have a lot of spare time during the day to work on my dancing. However, I have to rely on my husband to pay the mortgage, electricity, water and for the majority of the food. I also have long breaks between classes that quite frankly are a waste of time. I can't practice dancing in my laboratory and home is too far away to make it there and back and actually have a worthwhile amount of time at home. Plus it's a waste of petrol. I sometimes visit my mom in these frees, or go tot he mall to not spend money (as remember, I don't earn much). Otherwise I sit in my 1 of the 4 air conditioned rooms in the school (the others being 2 other computer labs and the headmistresses office) and chat to my friends and family on GTalk while marking or setting test and tasks.
The bell has rung for the end of the day and now I must go to teach a maths lesson in another part of town.
I am a computer applications technology teacher in the mornings and a belly dancer in the evenings. I have just joined my studio's professional dance troupe and am hoping to be quite successful. I've already been booked for my first gig at the end of March and have to do my own choreography.
As for my morning job, well, that has its ups and downs. Firstly, I earn 54.3% of a starter salary. This does mean I don't have many lessons during the day and therefore have a lot of spare time during the day to work on my dancing. However, I have to rely on my husband to pay the mortgage, electricity, water and for the majority of the food. I also have long breaks between classes that quite frankly are a waste of time. I can't practice dancing in my laboratory and home is too far away to make it there and back and actually have a worthwhile amount of time at home. Plus it's a waste of petrol. I sometimes visit my mom in these frees, or go tot he mall to not spend money (as remember, I don't earn much). Otherwise I sit in my 1 of the 4 air conditioned rooms in the school (the others being 2 other computer labs and the headmistresses office) and chat to my friends and family on GTalk while marking or setting test and tasks.
The bell has rung for the end of the day and now I must go to teach a maths lesson in another part of town.
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