My friend and I saw a notice in the canteen about Platform2; which essentially is scheme for volunteers to travel and make a difference in less developed countries.  On a whim we opted to take part and even got the forms ready.  Months later my friend is going ahead with plans, however I’m thinking otherwise.

Late a night I’d be thinking about the humbling experience and how great it would be to physically help out…until the what-ifs started popping into my head.  Would I appreciate the opportunity if I did get accepted, or would I sit and moan?  What are the people like?  Where do you find the line in reality between adverts and TV programmes such as Comic relief?  The former unveiling a more melancholic situation and the latter displaying high spirits.

It does come down to selflessness and how much you’re willing to sacrifice.

I decided not to enter because:

1. It was an impulse decision and impulse should not be the deciding factor for these kind of experiences.
2. The help requires 10 weeks of your time.  I wouldn’t be able to fully commit myself as I am wanting to do the top-up degree and my summer holiday isn’t that long.
3. I need to use that time to work and earn money to pay for the tuition fees and materials…etc…etc.

So, yes, it’s a little bit selfish but at a different time I will heavily consider.

My question is would you consider taking part is something like Platform2, or have participated in something similar?  If so, please share your experience.

1. See bullet point 8.

If you would be so lovely as to help me¹ with my presentation, please answer the following questions:

1. Do you think using recycled articles to make new ones will be a new fad (for lack of better word) in the future?   Possibly eliminating the use of more precious materials.  Maybe Valentino will make a dress out of old curtain nets? (Apologies to all fashionistas for the horrendous imagery).
2. Do you think class plays a part in what kind of products people choose to buy?  E.g. Choosing between a Chanel bag or an eco-bag.
3. Could more be done to reduce land fill?  If so, how?
4. How does your country promote recycling?
5. In terms of jewellery would you choose a piece made from recycled items (buttons, watch straps) over a precious metal piece?
6. For us geeks, would you consider jewellery made from electronic components?²

1. Here comes some sucking up
2. This one won’t be part of my presentation.  I’m just intrigued.

I think Valentine’s Day has lost it’s true “purpose”.  Wasn’t the intent of this day dedicated to those – who aren’t taken – who wish to share their admiration for someone?  Valentine’s Day can be used as an incentive to show through words, action or gift that someone is liked.

Now you get people in relationships wondering why they didn’t receive any gifts or words of affection.  If you’re in a relationship wouldn’t it be better to relish what you have already?  Rather than work up a fuss on this one day, when any other day would be just as suitable.  As long you’re with someone who deeply cares about you that’s all that matters, right?

This post wasn’t written to make anyone feel guilty about vexating their partner.  I just think Valentine’s Day is pointless if you’re in a relationship, as those kinds of things should be done without the excuse/reason of 14th February.

Needless to say I didn’t open the e-mail because despite how mean I am to myself I’m not that much of an idiot.  Although I’d like to know why I would send myself a letter, that’s just a little bit desperate? 

Boy, oh boy.  I did not see this coming from a mile.  The ND course seems like a breeze compared to the HND I’m doing now.  I managed to get my projects completed before the due date the last to years.  However, this year it’s like I’m fighting to get things done.  The first semester…where did it go?  I break up this Friday and seriously can’t wait.  Not to blow my own trumpet but I have worked very hard – my dad seems to think I’ve even changed courses because I’m always working, which might also explain why my mum called me a “mule”.  Nice, isn’t it? 

I did have a photo of what I have done, thus far, with my bowl but being the numpty that I am I have left the image on my camera and lent my camera to my sister.  *palmface* I am putting a lot of effort into the bowl project as I wasn’t pleased with my results for the puppet, and so much effort that I’ve not been giving my design development project much work – I’m seriously lagging.  Oh and I’ve also been sitting through an hour and a half worth of THS (Theoretical, Historical Studies) lecturers each week.  I think it’s quite fortunate that it’s only an hour and a half per week. 

What have I learnt this semester?

• Well, for one, my memory has gone downhill.
• My attention span has also joined my memory.  I almost fell asleep during one lecture.  If it weren’t for my thinking about coding or storyline I’m pretty much sure my lights would have gone out. 
• That I am in fact accident prone.  I have cut myself numerous times without realising and tripped up the stairs, resulting in my “communicating” finger getting cut front and back: not that I realised because I was checking where my goggle’s left side of the frame had gone. *palmface*
• The there not only idiots on the road but also on footpaths (read: pedestrians).

Anyway, come Thursday my bowl project will be due in, then I’ll be able to sod off to the German Market with Nadia (classmate).  Whoop.  It’ll be the first time I’ve been so I’m excited.  Has anyone else been before?

How has education been treating you? 

Off topic but I’ve upgraded WordPress and it looks nice.  Although there seems to be a lot going on window.  I’ll have a better poke around once I’m done with uni. work.

Have any of you entered competitions?  If so, do you usually get a confirmation letter of application and then a letter/e-mail saying your application has been accepted?

Last week I made the most of my opportunities as the lecturer advised.  I asked work if I’d be able to have two days off (that’s the length of this competition), applied…blahblahblah but still haven’t heard anything from…well…anyone.  First I was given three days to decide on entering – I swear I was having a dumb moment.  Now I’m wondering what’s happening, am I an entrant?  Or was I deemed not good enough?  I need to know so I don’t waste petrol travelling to Birmingham.  The competition is next Thursday.  O.o

The site doesn’t say anything about when applicants will be notified of their acceptance, only “*Please note that the process of selecting and preparing competitors for a WorldSkills Competition is long and rigorous. Subject to eligibility, outstanding winners of relevant UK/National Finals will be long listed, after which they will be assessed alongside other contenders in accordance with our selection procedures.” – worldskillsuk.org.

• ND2 Design Crafts
• The Jewellery Quarter Assoc. Prize for Craftsmanship
• Weston Beamor prize for casting

Read on to know the nitty gritty detail.

As my previous post mentioned (referring to I Won, I Won) I had to call the office lady to say that I was going.  I was told I won an award the awards ceremony would start at 8pm (mAward y mum was told the same time on Wednesday).

After work I got ready and actually made the effort (less than 24 hours notice didn’t give me much to work with, I lack formal clothing…), I wore a dress *shockhorror shockhorror*.  Yes, that’show rare it is to see me in one.    My whole family came which was great, and the first!  We arrived a few of minutes earlier only to find that the doors were closed.  That could only mean on thing…the ceremony had started.  I didn’t want to go in because it’s hugely disrepectful to turn up late and interrupt.  We went into anyway and caught the very end of the show; the end speech.  My tutor came up to me at the end and told me it started at 7pm.  I could only stand at the back of the church embarassed and apologetically.  I couldn’t believe I had turned up nearly an hour late.  I don’t know how many times I apologised that night but I was thoroughly annoyed with myself.  I was introduced to…I’d know if I was actually there…I think, the people who gave out the awards.  Did the firm handshake.  My tutor then passed me my envelopes.  I stood there completely amazed.  My mum had told me I won two but I specifically heard “an” in the phone call so to win three was just surreal.

Later on I was introduced to…Weston Beamor representitive?  I’m failing to remember.  The pictures were taken and I saw Bobby (classmate).  Congratulations to him for winning the Sutton’s Award!  His work is very unique.  Congratulations to Chloe (classmate) for her award also, I would have gone to speak to her but I have to work today so I couldn’t stay long – not that I did anyway. 

That’s all for now.  I’ll probably post a picture of my dress after work, I’ve got to shoot off now.  Have a nice day! 

For months I’ve been debating whether or not I should continue to the higher level of my current course. My path is not clear yet; I have no decisive answer as to what I want to do.

Reality has hit me today that I must make a decision and I don’t have a lot of time. Earlier this morning I received a letter from my university, making me a conditional offer. I know I’m not guaranteed a place yet because my final project will be the defining one. You’d think, since I’ve been thinking about it for over a year that I’d already have an answer but I don’t. I’m stuck in two mindsets. I could only wish that my answer was an easy one.

I want to apply but there are problems. Money being the main obstacle. Although I have a job (very fortunate because it’s hard getting into the jewellery business) I’m still not gaining any income and with petrol prices increasing right before my eyes (at the moment it’s 104.9p), it’s going to cost me a horrendous amount of money for travel alone. Going by train won’t make much of a difference. Putting travel aside, I still have to pay for the course, precious materials, tools and potentially more.

Although I’ve managed to get through the two years and still holding the passion from my second week of starting this course (let’s face it, the first week always seem slow) I still don’t feel as if I have the backing of my parents. My dad doesn’t say much to me in terms of university but he’s one of these dads where you have to read his facial expressions to know what he’s thinking. My mom wasn’t too keen on me taking this course anyway, as she was worried that it wouldn’t guarantee me a job for the future. She’s right but that counts for any course, right? Although they seem alright with it all now I still don’t think I have their happy with my decision.

If it weren’t for my colleague (from my first job) and my cousin I’d probably have listened to my mom. Also, if it weren’t for my job then, I wouldn’t have been able to pay for this year or last.

I was going to see how the situation with work went – whether I’d be offered a full-time job because I’ve been getting subtle hints . However, I have under a month to respond to the letter.

What to do? What to do?

[edit on 22/04] I’ve sent the application form. [/edit]