I'm BACK!!!!

Well, I’m glad you have all been asking why this blog has not been updated recently… well, you asked for it, so here goes!!!

19 June 2008

I woke up normal time (07h30) and hurried to get dressed and eat breakfast before the children. I managed it, but still found myself having to help Dora get the boys ready. By the time the boys were ready, we were late for school. I packed the kids and the au pair into the car, and sped away to the school. I rushed the boys into their classes and Corley into his preschool. I then hurried home. I got the tomtom and punched in the postcode, packed all my stuff into a bag and rushed to the car (which Bethany had graciously lent me). On my way out the door, Bethany told me that her gran had had a stroke. I did not have time to console her, but I tried. Two hours later I arrived for my National Insurance interview in Maidstone (11h20). I was seen immediately and forty minutes later I was done there. I then rushed across to the train station to use the public toilet and get a tube map. I then hurried back to the car. I punched in the postcode to Sevenoaks and hurried along there (before the bank closed). I got to Sevenoaks at 13h30 and had to park the car far from the bank. I parked and had to rush up one of the steepest hills in Sevenoaks… I was exhausted!!! I got into the bank, flustered.

I was seen by a consultant 15 minutes later. I sat, facing her. She asked me the usual questions: why I was there, what I wanted… and she gave me the usual speech (what you need to do is open the passport bank account [which means that you pay the bank to set you up in Britain – visas, SIM cards, bank account… and then pay them £6 monthly for their effort] when I refused this, she said I did not have an option). I smiled and said that headoffice had already opened the account and verified that it was alright and that all I needed to do was bring in proof of identity and address… The consultant was fuming. She said that was incorrect and that she was going to have to talk to her manager. I nodded her off. She left and fifteen minutes later, walked back in, sheepishly. I smiled. She said that she had had a word with her manager and that they were unhappy with the letter my employer had written (which was proof of address and employment). I asked why? She said that it was addressed as follows:

The Manager

To whom it may concern

Blah blah blah blah blah……

Where it says ‘the manager’, it should say HSBC (the banks name)… I frowned (the consultant saw this and said that they were going to do me a favour and open the account, even though they should not…) How pedantic

I left the bank (with an account opened) and strolled across the road to Waitrose to buy some food. I bought some cheese, a large pork pie and some twiglets. I left the shop and walked back to the car (downhill, luckily). I reached the car, got in and started eating lunch. I came to the sudden realisation as to why mommy left the twiglets in her cupboard for so long (because they are REALLY gross!) Next I smsed mommy to tell her of the yummy lunch I was eating and then decided I had better be on my way. I looked down at the petrol gauge and saw that the car was running on fumes. I HAD to find a petrol station. I drove and drove and drove, and in my usual fashion, I got myself and the tomtom really really lost… (luckily the petrol station was downhill because I don’t think I would have made it otherwise!)

I located the petrol station and had to put petrol in the car myself, for the very first time (I was worried I was going about it in the wrong way… but I figured if David can do it, then so can I!!!!!)

After all that fun, I typed in Wendy’s postcode and left to see her. I got there around 3pm. We sat and chatted for a while, around 5pm I left her place (with all my baggage) for home. I got home nearly two hours later and was greeted by Bethany at the door.

Having left her in a state earlier that morning (because her gran had had a stroke) I sat and spoke to her until the early hours.

20 June2008

Woke up 07h00 this morning. I spent most of the night talking to Bethany, so was exhausted. I rushed downstairs to do Jai’s report for a special needs educator. Whilst I was doing that, there was a mad rush to get everyone out of the house on time. Bethany came to hug me goodbye and then the house fell silent.

I packed all my belongings into the suitcase that Bethany lent me. I scoffed down breakfast and called a taxi. The taxi was there within 2 minutes. I rushed out with the suitcase and my backpack. The taxi driver opened the door for me and asked if he could assist me with my luggage. I accepted with a smile. I warned him that the big suitcase weighed a ton (he smiled as if to say: ‘I’m a man, I can manage’). Having given him several tries, I offered to assist him in lifting my bag. We managed to get it into the taxi… eventually. He asked where I wanted to go, I said Chalkwell Station please!

I arrived at Chalkwell station (£3.70 poorer). The taxi man assisted me getting my stuff out and left. I walked into the unknown (again).

I was let through the gate at the station and headed towards the platform (asking one man on the way if that was the way to Fenchurch station). I boarded the train at 10h27. I arrived at Fenchurch at 11h27 (that’s when the train runs according to schedule). I got off at Fenchurch and had to ask directions to the Circle line. I had to leave the station, walk down the road and go down to the tube (you can imagine the walk – heavy suitcase, backpack, the unknown…) I entered the tube station and headed for the circle line (which goes east and west – luckily it travels in a circle, so you will get there eventually!) The only problem was that the tube is an underground thing (which meant that I would have to take my luggage downstairs… everyone could hear me coming… bang, bang, bump, bump, bang, bump, all the way down the stairs!!!!) I boarded the train. I waited about 30 minutes, and was at my final destination (Bayswater). I got off the train and headed above ground. I had to use the stairs (unfortunately for me, my bag weighs over 27kg’s and there are no lifts to get back above ground). I used all my energy and strength to get my case up each step. On my way up, two young boys asked if they could assist me (boy was I glad). I accepted, this time warning them that the bag was VERY heavy. They chuckled (all manly). I smiled. They got my bag to the top of the stairs and hurried on their way!!! Upon exiting the station, I was asked for my ticket. I showed it to the lady, who said that the ticket issued to me was incorrect and that usually she would have had to make my pay £4 extra. Apparently the ticket I was issued was to a London terminal. Bayswater was supposed to be a zone 1 ticket (luckily she let me through with a warning!!!!)

I then began my journey to the client. On the map it seems a lot further away from the tube than it is. I walked to his street and tried to locate number 29 (the street is LONG and not numbered in any particular order… so I played tourist and asked everyone I saw!!!). I got to the client’s home and buzzed the door. I was let in by the day PA and told to make myself comfortable. I did.

She then did handover and discussed the client with me. And then 1 hour later, she left.

I was lucky because the client stayed in bed all day (requesting I leave him alone so he could have an afternoon nap). Before I knew it, the night PA had woken up and it was the beginning of her shift. I took all my stuff into the room (we share a room/bathroom/bed so when my shift is over I use the room and when her shift is over she uses the room). I stayed up a little while to talk to her, eat dinner and then I went to bed.

21 June 2008

The client stayed in bed my entire shift (apparently in protest… but then, what do I care?)
I sat around the apartment watching television, playing suduko, reading, drinking… (did I mention that there is no food in the house? We have to order take-out for dinner, or run to the shop if we want anything). It was a terribly dull day all-in-all.
In the evening, the client turned the television on, where I was to discover that his television and the one in the lounge are linked (and he NEVER watches an entire program). Due to him not allowing me to turn the volume up and his constant changing of channels, I turned the tv off and read instead.

Eventually the night PA woke up (so I had someone to talk to). Spoke for a while, where I discovered that there is an internet café nearby (the client will not let us use his free internet connection – control?) Anyway, I was going to go down there after my shift (which I decided against). After my shift, I retired to bed (rather late (as I had to go and buy dinner and cook it before I could go to bed)).

22 June 2008

The client stayed in bed my entire shift, again. This time he added on the ‘hunger strike’ (he he he)

So, I sat around the apartment all day again (I had to get permission to go to the shop to buy something for me to eat for lunch – the client did not want me to go, even though he did not need me. In a moment of weakness he agreed, and I took full opportunity and left). The shop is 2 minutes walk from the apartment…

Whilst I was out (all 7 minutes of it) I bought things for dinner. Later in the afternoon I made roast chicken, roast potatoes, roast vegetables, broccoli and cheese sauce (anything make you think I was a little peckish???)

The night PA woke up and we ate dinner/she ate breakfast. The client managed 2 mouthfuls of potato (guess the hunger strike was not working too well for him???)

23/24/25/26 June 2008

These three days are a blur of the client refusing to eat and drink and refusing to take his medication. It all came to an end on the 25th. We had to admit the client to hospital involuntarily (under the mental health ace) because he had refused liquid and his medication, which had led to his mental capacity being questioned. I was quite relieved when it was over.

I spent the evening of the 25th packing my belongings and I left on the 26th for Bethany’s place (again).

It took me over two hours to get back to westcliff-on-sea, but I was quite relieved when I did. I spent the rest of the afternoon talking to Bethany and Dora and the boys.

27 June 2008

I went to tesco’s to look at getting another bag for my clothes (one the same size as bethany’s, as all my stuff fitted into her bag). Dora came with me (so she could get some food for the house). I was unsuccessful, and we ended up being late to collect Corley from school (as I happened to get us lost… AGAIN). So we collected Corley from Rachael’s place and then went home. Corley fell asleep when we got home (I suggested to Dora that she wake him because Bethany would be uspet if he slept – Dora said I should leave him because it was Friday and he could get up late on Saturday). Needless to say, when Bethany got home, she was somewhat fuming (and I got the blame…)

Anyway, later that day, I got Nick to take me to Argos to get another bag. I left there with a 6-piece luggage set for £29.99 (awesome stuff!) We got home and waited until Bethany got back with Paige and Kain. We stayed up, I got reprimanded, packed my new bags and then I went to bed.

28 June 2008

I got up early, got dressed and ready to go (again). Nick took me down to the station, where I left for my next assignment. I left Chalkwell for Fenchurch/Tower Hill where I took the District line to Embankment (from there, walked to the train leaving from Charing cross). From Charing cross, I caught the train to staplehurst. This journey took me little over three hours.

I got picked up from the station by the new client’s father. We went back to their place and I received handover from the previous PA (which lasted 15 minutes). The PA then left and I was expected to know how everything works…

It was pretty easy. I waited until 23h00 (because the client went out with some friends to the carnival). Got the client into bed. Then I went to bed.

29 June 2008

The client stayed in bed the whole day, as he was feeling sick (hangover). So I was only needed for the following routine:

• Get up at 8, give client tablets. Get client out of bed. Go and eat breakfast.
• Wait around until 12, give client tablets. Go and eat lunch.
• Wait until 5pm and give the client tablets. Go and eat dinner.
• Wait until 10pm and give client tablets. Get client into bed. Go to bed.
  

Because it was Sunday, we had a Sunday roast. The clients father cooked the meal (as the clients mother and sister are on holiday together in Mexico). I must admit, I was VERY impressed with the meal he cooked (roast beef, roast potatoes, baked cauliflower and cheese, peas, carrots, brussel sprouts, roast sweet potato and gravy). Yummy, yummy!!!

I really like this client… but time will tell if we work out…

I ask you...

Hi all!


Lets begin with the good news, shall we?


Nah.


Friday, as you know, Bethany, Nick and the kids set off for their holiday (meaning they were not going to have peace and quiet, and I was!!!!)

They left the house rather late, which left me with relatively little time to go and shop!


I eventually got into the car and drove to the shopping centre (or so I thought). I drove and drove and drove, but could not find high street (I'm ashamed to say that I even googled it, had directions and still managed to go wrong - must be a woman thing??) Eventually, I found a sign that pointed me to the seafront (thank goodness, I might have landed myself in Scotland for all I know). Once I found the seafront I had to drive for about 10 minutes until I found the stretch of coast near my place (Trust me, I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when I found it!)


I then foolishly tried to find high street again... what was supposed to take 5 minutes to find took me 20 minutes (remind you of a little trip to the park in France mum?) Boy was I glad once I had found it.


I rushed out of the parking lot, parked the car and rushed into the shopping centre (where I ran into Primark to get a pair of tracksuit pants and a costume [stop laughing, I really did buy a costume]). I squeezed in a little browsing as well. On my travel around the store, I heard an aisle calling my name (c, c@, c, c@, c...). I searched curiously, and saw something in the distance, glowing. The sounds became more intense. As I rounded the corner I saw it. The most glorious aisle I had ever seen... (Even better than the stationery aisle)... I had found the SOCK AISLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I was gleaming. 'My precious...'


I resisted the temptation with all my strength. I felt the socks, looked at their prices, looked for my size then I sadly turned away (knowing I do not need another pair of socks). I must say though, I found some really nice ones (7 pairs for £2)... I was so sad.


Next, I ran out of Primark [yes, literally]. I went to the shopping centre on the other end of high street to look for baggage, but by the time I got there they had closed (I was upset... my motto is: 'don't run unless something is chasing you...')


On my walk back to the car Jo smsed to ask if she could have word with me online about her coming over to the UK. That gave me some hope (after a day like mine) and something to do for the rest of the evening (it was a good excuse not to hit the gym).


I reached the car, paid for parking and left. Once again, I got myself hopelessly lost and drove until I found another sign pointing toward the coast!!!!! I found home as the sun was falling from the sky, so I was rather glad.


I rushed inside, turned on the kettle and the pc. I heated up dinner and sat and spoke to Jo and Shaun for the rest of the night. I was going to go down to the gym for a little while, but decided against that as my sense of direction had managed to fail me several times previously that day.........


Saturday came. I slept in for the first time, in utter silence. It was delicious. I decided I best do some cleaning before everyone arrived home on Sunday. So, I stripped the beds, washed the clothes, linen and tea towels. I ironed them all and put them back on the beds and in the cupboards. I vacuumed the house and mopped the floors. I tidied the bookcase upstairs. I fed the cats, dogs and guinea pigs. I fed myself. I built a piano. I cleaned the toy cupboard. I watched mystic pizza whilst making the party bags for Corley's party. I went for a bath. At 3am I fell into bed.


Sunday arrived. I slept in again (not as much as the day before though!) I went downstairs and cleaned all that remained. I put the last load of washing in the machine and closed the door. I then changed the kitty litter and cleaned up all the dog mess. I followed all that with a movie and a cup of coffee. I then baked chocolate chip cookies and banana bread (the cookies were for the party bags and the banana bread was for the kids snack when they got home).


Later that afternoon the masses descended... all i had done was gone, demolished. I was taken aback when Bethany thanked me for all my hard work (she does not usually notice - so I scored some brownie points!) I smiled.

We bathed the kids and put them in bed. Bethany made me dinner.
We started the baking for Corley's birthday party on Monday afternoon. By midnight we had baked and iced two shape cakes (one penguin one and one dinosaur one), 50 cupcakes and 100 biscuits. We had also managed to finish a bottle of gin, tonic water and half a bottle of martini (need I say any more about what fun the cakes were to bake?) Whilst we were busy, Nick sat in the lounge and polished off 2 bottles of wine (oooooops!)

We fell in to bed, knowing what Monday was going to bring.

Monday morning came. Bethany did the school run and told me to stay in bed (whooooo hoooooo!) She came back, I got up, showered and we began icing all the biscuits and cupcakes.

Bethany had the bright idea of making the cupcakes into animals... needless to say, we iced one tray like animals and the others normally!!!! i sat and iced the biscuits (I got the soetkoekie recipe from the net). By the time we finished it was time to fetch Corley from school. Bethany went to collect him whilst I cleaned (oh, did I forget to mention that when she dropped Corley off she invited Rachael and her mum for lunch???)
I rushed to get the house looking like it was habitable...

Bethany arrived home and cooked spaghetti bolognaise. The kids ate whilst Carol (Rachaels mum), Rachael, Bethany and I made the 50 lunch boxes for the party (half a sandwich, yogurt, grapes, sausages). Once they were done it was time to get everything in the car, collect the boys from school and get to the party venue.

We got to the venue before anyone had arrived, so we had plenty time to set up. Before we knew it, the party man (AJ - who appeared to have had way too much coffee and energy drinks!!!!) was there and so were the millions of children...

The party was a success (we had just the right amount of food for everyone). AJ kept picking on me and Nick to come up and do things in the party. At one point he had me, Nick, Nicks brother Simon and one of the mothers up singing and dancing to Y.M.C.A (so so so so so SAD)

At the end of the party, we cleaned up and AJ asked me to help him carry his stuff downstairs. I did.
He then rushed back inside to get his money (£170 for 2 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!) and came back out as I was going back up the stairs. I made a b-line for me. I tried to avoid him, but was unsuccessful. Before I knew it he was hugging me goodbye (and being the sort of person who has way too much energy and not enough testosterone) pulled me down to the ground.

Bethany and Kailum saw him in action and for the rest of the day Kailum kept on saying 'Crissa has a boyfriend, crissa has a boyfriend.... do you know crissa has a boyfriend...' This led to Corley and Jai continuously asking me if I liked him and if we were now going to get married... Oh boy...

Once the place was cleared up we went home. Nick had invited Rachael and Mark and their two children (Poppy and Khai) round for dinner. They stayed until 22h30. We only then managed to get the boys into bed (what fun that was!)

As the boys were put into bed, we each in turn fell into bed.

Today has been rather uneventful. Woke up this morning, had coffee and a chat with Bethany. Went down to the bank (to try open an account - no success there... don't get me started!) whilst Bethany and the boys went to woolworths to buy Corley a DS. We then came home.
Bethany has since gone to the beach with the boys and I have been left home in the tranquil front room!!!

As for the good news I mentioned in the beginning...

I have officially got a placement starting Friday (I'm not sure where the money is going to go if the bank keeps messing me around...) I am VERY excited.

Bethany has offered me a place to stay when I am between assignments, so I am very chuffed and VERY grateful to her and her family.

The new Au Pair arrives here tonight from Hungary.

As for me?

My job here is done.

Another day, another week

Hello

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th!!!!

I realise that my blogging is getting further and further apart. I think the reason for it is that I am trying to wean you off me (or because I am getting lazier, or because I'm doing less during the day...). Well, that is my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!!!

I can't believe it is the end of the week again.

I have had a lot of ups and downs this week. As you know I continued where I left off in Westcliff-on-sea (i'm not sure if that is an up or a down...)

Saturday was like every other day here. Dancing in the morning, karate in the afternoon. I went with to karate to supervise Corley and Jai in the swimming pool (even though Paige was there and Rachael and Mark, and later, Bethany). Once Bethany had arrived, I even managed to get away and perv at the karate instructor (who has his 2nd dan!!! - naughty I know =( ). Got home fed the children and put them in bed. We then ordered Indian (it was quite good, if I say so myself).

Sunday was much the same, get woken up early, drink coffee. Followed by getting the house ready for the BBQ (braai). It turned out that Bethany had invited some of her clients around for dinner because they were visiting the area from London (SOOOOO far away!!!!). Her client sent a text (an sms, to you and me) saying that they were still at their hotel eating breakfast at around 12h00, so they would be late... They arrived around 14h00, and went straight down to the beach.

I stayed home, and chatted to Shaun online, whilst doing the usual boring household chores.

When they arrived home, chaos reigned. The braai was started. In the meantime, I had spoken to Carl. We organised that we go out later in the evening. This limited what I ate at the braai.
The guests were on their way out the door when I was collected by Carl. We went for a drive to the seafront (2 minutes or so away). We parked, got out and walked along the coast. Eventually, we stopped at an Indian restuarant and ate MORE curry (I am getting bored of eating curry all the time now!!!!! - and picky too!). By the time I got home Bethany was in bed and Nick and Paige were just about ready to go to bed. So I made a cup of hot chocolate and snuggled up into bed.

Monday came and went without incedence. Took the boys to school, came home to clean, (Paige stayed over, so had to spend some time with her too) fetched Corley and took him home for dinner (our lunch). He was rather tired, so I let him just sit around and play with Paige whilst I cleaned some more. Bethany got home at the same time as Nick, she took Paige home and Nick went to the gym, so I took Corley in the pushchair (fondly called the buggy here) to fetch his brothers (he tends to fall asleep in it... so there is method to my madness!) By the time we got to the top of the road he was asleep. I really felt the short nap would do him some good (he is a nightmare to live with when he is tired, as he tends to throw A LOT more tantrums!!!!!)

We fetched the boys and came home. Nick got back in time to take the kids swimming (Jai has a swimming lesson), so I got stuck in ironing and making dinner. I ironed and ironed and ironed and ironed... the washing never decreased. They got home, we ate and did the bath/dinner run. I was exhausted, so waited a few minutes, and went to bed.

Tuesday came, same routine. Took the boys to school, cleaned, ironed, ironed, ironed, ironed. Fetched Corley from school. Once we got home Corley helped me make lunch (he wanted tuna, tomato soup, cheese, cucumber and yogurt, so I let him have it). Whilst we were sitting down to lunch the cat stole the last quarter of tuna out of the tin on the unit (I was annoyed). Corley and I sat and played games (well, he played whilst I ironed, cleaned, vacuumed....) Needless to say, the lounge was in a bit of a state! By the time I looked at the clock (sorry, my cell phone - the clock in the lounge does not work, which is a little misleading!), we were late to fetch Jai and Kailum, so I shoved Corley in the buggy and raced down to the school. We got to the school and Corley was asleep (so there is a drawback to the buggy too!)

We walked home via the park, so by the time we got home Bethany was home. As we walked closer to the house, I spotted Bethany's car, so I said to the boys that there is a surprise inside for them (they LOVE when Bethany comes home when it is light). They guessed and guessed and guessed. We walked into the house and I said to Kailum to shout 'mummy'. He did and they lit up like christmas trees. They ran upstairs so excited, only to be blasted from here to high heaven because their rooms were a little messy... I was VERY UPSET with her.

Next, she unleashed her wrath on me. As I mentioned earlier, the lounge was in a state (ironing piled high, toys, blankets.....) I attempted to explain that Corley was playing... but to no avail. I was made more upset by this, as I had been doing all her work all morning... but as usual, I smiled and nodded vigorously and left the room.

Turned out there were people coming over, for yet another play date (which I had not been told about). Her friends stayed for dinner, then they took Jai and Kailum to Scouts and came back.

Next thing I knew everyone left. Apparently they went to watch Kailum and Jai get sworn in at scouts. Bethany came home in between to get some money and invite me to the beach for some ice cream to celebrate (as you can imagine, I was not in the mood). So I stayed home and did some cleaning. They got home and the bath/bed run began.

Around 20h30 I heard Corleys voice in the front room. Curious, I went through to find out why he was up. Bethany looked at me and said it was because he slept on the way to fetch Jai and Kailum, and because he is 'just so cute'. I turned and left the room. Once I had gathered my strength, I went back in and told him it was bed time. Nick went off to bed at the same time, and Bethany and I stayed up chatting until 23h00.

Wednesday arrived. I was disappointed as I had had the best nights sleep in a long long time and had to get up... The school run was handled by Bethany, so I had time to get dressed (so I could have slept later had there not been so much noise and light!). Before Bethany left, she gave me a list of things she required me to go and buy from Tesco's. I was excited because I was going to shop alone for the first time (granted, with her money... but it's easier to part with her money than mine!!!!) After Bethany left, I went online to get directions to the 24 hour Tesco here. Once I had located it, I went shopping!!!!!

It took me one and a half hours to do the shopping (there were 15 items to buy). I know, I know... But I have an excuse!!!! The tesco was HUGE and to find 15 obscure items is really really really hard and time consuming! I also spent some of that time looking around (through their clothing section, their shoe section, their computer section, their phone section, their 30 odd aisles of stuff...) I got home having spent around £30. All-in-all, it was very productive.

Bethany got home shortly after me (I had already begun to bake a banana and carrot cake). She told me that Corley was playing at Rachaels house, so I should collect him from her at the school when I collect the other two boys. Bethany then took her car and went to work. I finished baking and then began dinner. I made roast beef, roast potatoes, carrots and broccoli. So by the time I had to get the boys from school, everything was prepared. I took a leisurely walk to the school, collected the boys from their various classes, and waited for Rachael. I waited about 20 minutes and phoned Bethany to find out where she was. An hour later I got told that Rachael and Nick had organised that Nick pick Corley up. I was left out of the loop. I was fuming. I then to the other two boys to the park.

We spent a little while in the park and then came home. I warmed dinner up and as I was dishing up Nick got home with Corley. I fed them all, gave them pudding and left. Nick later apologised, to which I smiled and nodded. The bath/bed run then began.

Thursday morning was much like the other mornings. Got up, drank coffee, got my orders, followed them through.....

I walked Kailum and Jai to school early because Kailum was going on a school trip to Colchester zoo. I was in half a mind not to let him go (he kept on about how boring it was going to be...) On the way back from dropping them off I stopped to buy some envelopes for Bethany. Got home, ate quickly and then followed Bethany to Corley's school.

We then went to Southgate Mall (yes, you read correctly, Southgate Mall). We did some toy shopping for Corley's 4th Birthday (Bethany spent and spent and spent...) we stopped at Starbucks for coffee and a muffin and then I did some shopping. I bought three pairs of shoes for £10 (yes, mommy, three pairs!!!!!). Then we stopped at the Early Learning Centre (an 'educational' toy store) where Bethany spent and spent and spent. We then left there to fetch Corley.

Bethany left me with the car so I could pop (no laughing shaun) home then to the bank then to the post office and finally back to the school. I tried to open a bank accout, but I need a NI number, and I need a bank account for the NI number (so catch 22 once again!). I did however manage to post off my drivers license...

Went back to Corley's school, where they were having the summer fair. Bethany was face painting (she tried to rope me in, but I told her I can't do it....) I opted instead to take Carol (Nick's mum) home. Having done this, I went back to Corley's school to wait for Bethany. Once the fair had ended, we went shopping for sweets for Corley's party bags (he has his birthday party on Monday). Later, we went home.

As we got in Nick arrived home. Bethany and Nick then walked up to fetch Jai and his friends Jonathan and Matthew. They got back and I served them all spaghetti bolognaise. An hour later Nick went to fetch Kailum from his school trip. They got back, and I fed them too.
Later, Bethany went out to Tescos to get some more stuff for the party bags, whilst I did the bath/bed run. She got home and we began making the party bags. Kailum came downstairs to help (he was supposed to be sleeping, but Bethany let him stay and help anyway).

Today everyone woke up early, excited (including me). They were all going on holiday!
They left for their holiday at 10h00 this morning, and only return on Sunday evening... which means I have peace and quiet for the next few days... (see why I was also excited?)

To end on a lighter note: before they left, Kailum asked me if they were going to have slaves where they were going. Bethany, looking rather sheepish, said to him that there will not be any slaves there, followed with an explanation of what a slave is. He nodded, understanding.

He then turned to me and asked me if that makes me their slave???

WHAT A WEEK!!!

Hello again from Westcliff-on-sea???!!!

Before I begin, I would like to thank Terry for the Reference!!!!

Let me reveal to you what has happened this last week and why I am back where I started...
As you know I went for an interview with Active Assistance last week Wednesday, where I was informed I was able to attend the induction week from the 2nd to the 6th of June. If I passed the week, and they found me suitable, they would employ me. I was very worried it was going to be another waste of time. But, I held my head high and filled myself with the last little bit of hope, and began the journey.

On Sunday last week, I went with Bethany and Nick to Nicks mum's home for a BBQ. It was really lovely, and I enjoyed it immensely. After the BBQ Nick took Paige home and me to Carl and Wendy's place. Carl and Wendy were ever so nice to me (once again becoming my hosts). Lindsay and her boyfriend were there, and bought us all dinner. We had an authentic curry (I can hear you now... 'Carissa eating curry?????? they should have taken pictures...') but, as you may have guessed, the curry here is not exactly 'hot'. I had a Chicken Korma, potatoes (which were spicy) some naan bread and popadums with mango chutney. It was REALLY good!!!

Following my overnight at Carl and Wendy's, Carl was nice enough to drop me off in Sevenoaks, bright and early on Monday morning.

I rang the bell of the offices in Sevenoaks and was greeted by a VERY friendly ('hello! how are you? giggle! nice trip? heavy bags? giggle! nice weather?' you get the idea of what I mean by 'friendly') lady named Heather. She buzzed me in and led me to the training room, where a few others greeted me. I was suddenly accosted by another friendly lady named Anne, who in the space of about 15 minutes had explained to me, her circumstances, her life history and her financial status (I ask you, with tears in my eyes...) She managed to cling to me from monday through to friday...

Anyway.

The trainers introduced themselves to us (Amanda [head trainer] and Jodi [assistant trainer]), followed by us introducing ourselves to them (you know the usual - please write your name on the name tag...) They went around the room getting people to talk about themselves (name, country of origin, where they are staying, why this work... blah blah blah). Whilst they did this, I counted all the faces. There were 11 people sitting around the room, two trainers, and me. I listened with half and ear about why, what, where, when and noticed that there were two other South African girls on the course with me (distinguishable, not because of them stating 'hi, i'm from South Africa', but from the: 'hai, eye am vrom suot africa') I had to chuckle to myself. In the room were all sorts of nationalities, such as Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Czech Republic, Slovakian, British, and of course, South African.

Eventually they got around the room and reached me. I felt a little akward, stating who I am, what I studied, what work I have done (I could almost feel their eyes widen). Needless to say, I censored the information to suit what I had heard everyone else discuss (psychology is handy for something!)

Following that strange silence the guy next to me had to say who he was etc. Eventually that came to an end and the course began.
Intially, it was a little bit boring because they had to discuss what the company was about, who runs it etc.

But, we eventually got going.

We were told that we were being broken into groups for private driving lessons throughout the week. We were told about the accommodation in Sevenoaks and who would be staying where. We were told a lot. Then we were issued with a blue folder, notes and pens. We went through what Active Assitance does and the UK Healthcare Industry, then took a break for tea (which was half an hour).

In this time, I grabbed a couple people who looked lost and asked them to join myself and Anne (the look of relief on their faces was priceless). We went to the flats (the one flat was across the hallway, the other upstairs). You can guess which flat I got (bearing in mind i had a very heavy suitcase that did not have wheels...)

In each flat were four people (now, I can hear your mental maths... there are twelve people, two flats, with four in each... what happens to the other four people???) Well, if this is your question, the answer is that they were put into a hotel (even though each flat is equipped with a double and single pull-out sofa in the lounge) and given breakfast. Off to a good start I thought!!!
In the half hour break, I basically chose a bunk, made a cup of coffee (what else???) and went back to the training room.

Back in the training room we covered the role and responsibilities of the PA (Personal Care Assistant) and then had a break for lunch. The group of people I had around me was astounding. I made the suggestion that we pop into Tesco express across the road to buy lunch (they were relieved to find out that someone had an idea of where stuff was!) For lunch I got some pita bread, coleslaw and cheese (yummy).

We then descended on the flat (the four girls downstairs kept to themselves until Thursday - invitations were extended, but they just never seemed interested). Everyone was cooking, it felt a bit like big brother...

After lunch we went back to the training room and covered Spinal cord injuries and activities of living. During this time, we had another break (half an hour). We were finished by four. AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT... My driving assessment was first (along with three others - Csaba, Anne and Pavan). We were told to go stand outside Laura Ashley (a clothes shop), look for the car with the big L on it, and then ask the gentleman inside if he was Steve.

So, we all went down to the car park and waited for the driving school E.C.P.C (funny) to collect us. We all piled in, and then popped the question: 'You are Steve hey?' (It would have been awfully funny if he had said no)

So on with the driving. Steve informed us that we were the first group because we had all driven in the UK before and were used to driving. He stopped in a safer area and let the first person drive.

First was Csaba (a Hungarian guy with an American accent). He had the task of driving in peak hour traffic with roadworks (we got stuck in a queue on a hill). He stalled the car repeatedly on the uphill... But I felt okay whilst he was driving.

Next came Anne. Now, Csaba had driven around for 30 minutes and stopped in a quiet country road in Sevenoaks to change places with her. Anne had previously admitted, in her cockney accent, that she had not driven for 12 years (so she may be a little rusty) as she had had no need to whilst in Spain. So, they went ahead and swapped places.

Anne buckled her seatbelt confidently and then turned to the driving instructor. He asked her to ready herself by adjusting her mirrors, her seat and all that. Then, he said to her to start the engine. She did so. He then instructed her to continue on. It was at this point that we noticed something was slightly unusual.

Anne looked at the instructor and casually asked 'which one is the clutch?', followed very quickly by 'this is the brake hey?' - pointing to the accelerator... Needless to say, we were all in fear for our lives. We played kangaroo for a while (I was sitting in the middle in the back, desperately trying not to laugh, the other two were looking out of the windows, white knuckles, clenched jaw, and all). We found ourselves being propelled forward when the driving instructor said she must step on the gas and having to grip any available surface when she braked (apparently she is not used to assisted braking). I would like to say that driving is like riding a bicycle... but clearly, this is not the case.

We would approach a T-junction hopping. Then once she was far enough out (enough to cause an accident if there was an oncoming car) she would push the accelerator, let the clutch out, and we would fly around the corner at Mach 3 (oh, did I forget to mention that she did not look for traffic??? must have missed that bit...) Next the instructor took her for a hillstart. She got started all right... Only problem was that he said to her to look over her right shoulder before she pulled out. She dually turned round to face me and pulled out (incase you are not too observant... she repeatedly looked over her left shoulder - I'm not sure what she thought she might see???)

FINALLY the instructor let her stop.

There was a huge sigh of relief. She got out, quite chuffed with her driving abilities and climbed into the back. It was my turn to drive.

The instructor lead me around Sevenoaks and then said: 'you are quite confident, lets go onto the motorway'. He made me pull over. I did so, he got out and removed the Learner driver signs from his car. He sat and chatted to the others, whilst I drove to the motorway and on it. He realised how far we had gone and quickly stated, 'oh dear, lets get off here' (by this stage we were at the orpington exit). So I then drove us back through the town roads to sevenoaks, whilst he continued to chat. I stopped nearer to sevenoaks, so that the last girl could drive us back home (which she did well).

All I can say is that I was really glad to get back on solid ground.

Once we got back I ate, showered and went to bed.

Tuesday came and we covered Management of Spasms, Pressure Area Care and Safer People Handling. It was a lot of fun. We got to use hoists and all sorts of equipment. We were allowed to take some wheelchairs out and use them for 30 minutes per person (it was strange to see things from that angle, the looks people gave me, the fact that I could not reach anything on the shelves... awful!). They handed out continuous assessments throughout the course (after each section), which saved us from having to write one big test. After the long day, we all went upstairs and watched a dvd called the diving bell and the butterfly (which was in french, but subtitled in English). The movie was EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! Following this, I ate dinner and went to bed.

You may be wondering why I was going to bed so early??? Well, I was still feeling poorly and tired... with LOADS of coughing...

Wednesday came along. We were all excited because we were going to have the client lunch. We went to the training room and did Bowel Management (I will not tell you exactly what we did, but I will tell you it was very practical [there were manaquins involved] and I can now identify stool according to its consistency) and infection control. Following this we went to the lunch at a place called 'The Slug and Lettuce' (really nice to follow bowel management with food!!!). We met two disabled people and their PA's [I thoroughly enjoyed watching the PA's interaction with the clients]. It was a nice and insightful experience. Following this, we covered the topics of consent, bladder management and food hygiene. By the end of the day, people were either excited about the job, or scared sh%$less (no, really... no pun intended!!!!).

After the long day's training, we decided we needed a stiff drink. So, we went and bought some beer, wine and food and trotted off to the park. As we entered the park, there were multitudes of deer and green green land. It was lovely. We walked around and eventually found a place where all our needs were met (semi-shade, nice grass, hardly any deer faeces...). We set up camp (figuratively speaking of course!). It was so nice, we sat around until around 21h00, when we decided to pack up and head home. As we left the park, we found ourselves discussing what type of stool the deer had left on the grass (that is the consistency). We reached the exit and instead of turning right, we turned left and ended up at the hotel having a few drinks. We left there rather late and eventually 8 of us ended up at the apartments. We all fell into bed, ready for Thursday.

Thursday came around, we greeted each other politely and each of us grabbed a cup of coffee...
We all went to the training room where the trainers asked us how our outing had gone. We were glad to tell her. She then asked if we had found the stately home in Knole park. We said yes (she said in all the walks she had done there, she had not found it, so we gave her directions...) We covered First Aid, Medication and Documentation and Record Keeping (with all the breaks and lunch in between).

After the session, we were tested with a fake scene, where we were required to use First Aid. This was really interesting, scary and fun. We got to do CPR, place people in the recovery position, deal with shock and bandage wounds... it was great!!!!!

After the session, I went back to the park with another girl and took some photos (which I can't download because bright-spark here left her card reader in her other bags...) Then, we went back to the apartment and got ready for our night out. Around 8, everyone met at the apartment and we went out for a curry evening at the local pub called Wetherspoons (which is a lot like the KEG). Again I hear you say: 'Carissa eating curry...' We wondered around the town looking for a better place to go and grab drinks, but were unsuccessful. We were forced to turn in for the night/morning.

Friday, the last day of the course arrived.

We covered various topics, such as lone working, assignment handovers, forms, bereavement. Next, we were all assigned someone to see for our evaluation.I was assigned Jodi. I was last to be evaluated, which sucked a little, because everyone around me had heard if they had a job, or not.

When my turn came, I went downstairs to see her. We discussed my concerns and then she told me what everyone had though of my performance throughout the course. Apparently they all thought I was very intelligent and caring (which is supposed to be a good combination for this job??!!) and was told that I will be allowed to go out on assignments alone (unlike the others...). I was rather chuffed with this. I will also be offered a place to do an NVQ with them once my probation period has passed... So, it turns out that I have been accepted to start work with them within the next two weeks (once all the paperwork is settled). Later in the afternoon, we were all told to come to the training room to sign our contracts. It is really weird, I am now employed, so I can start paying tax.

SO, IT'S TRUE... Life sucks, you pay taxes and then you die... (if I've done the first two???? ;0D )

Once all the paperwork was done, I went to pack and wait for Bethany to collect me.

I am now back in Westcliff-on-sea in my old position, more excited and raring to go...

NOW FOR SOME PICTURES...

From left to right:

Back: Csaba, Steven

Middle: Silvia, Nadine, Larisa, Anne, Me, Dominika

Front: Maria, Eslia, Vendula, Pavan

This is a picture of everyone playing possum (otherwise known as the recovery position!!!)