Another fantastic day of planning!
Janet and I have spent a few hours brainstorming our grant proposal again. It changes eveytime we talk about it. With a bit of constructive critizism (Rosie, thank you!) we have decided that our original proposal was a bit OTT. Totally unrealistic in terms of time. So we have slimmed it down a little. Our project is now going to be themed 'Our World thorough Story Telling', this makes more sense. Seven continents, books and associated artefacts. Obviously its not that simple. The resources list alone is going to be vast, we need to raise the money, source the products, order the products and then ship the products to India. We really are going to be on a tight schedual. But if anyone can do it, we can do it.
We headed off to Watford at 2.30pm today, looking for a little bit of Bollywood. Well, what a drama! We turned up to find a sparkly 'Bollywood' dancer stressing in the carpark of the Centrepoint Community centre, this turned out to be Gopi, the lady who runs the Love Bollywood Dance Troupe and dance school. Watford council had booked her to take part in a community fun day and Janet and I were going to see if we could sweet talk her into performing at our fundraiser. Gopi and her dancers had turned up to find the community centre locked up. I was a bit gutted to say the least. So while she was stressing and frantically trying to contact the events co-ordinator, Janet popped into the shop and bought nan bread and a pint of milk??? and I strolled over to the community centre to read the flyers in the window. There staring at me was a poster, inviting the local community to a family fun day. I called Gopi over. Gopi I said,' Your at the wrong venue'. Panic over but with only minutes to spare we all got back into our cars and rushed to Meriden Community Centre. Ten minuted later we were sitting in a hall watching Gopi perform. It was lovely. So to cut a long story short... We have asked Gopi to perform at our fundraiser. I just have to email her the details. Fingers crossed she is free on the 2nd April.
We also decided today to organise a sponsored silence. Yes SILENCE....... Janet and I silent. Silent meaning no talking. Well this could be a challenge. More details to follow on this unrealistic idea. lol.
I have also today, finalised the invitations for our Indian Themed Dinner Dance and these have now gone to print. We have 150 tickets to sell at £15 each.
Karen x
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Inspirational People
Excited is not the word!
In life its not always what you know, but who you know. These people can help you discover things about yourself and the world we life in, in a flash. People come and go in everyones lifes, but some people we meet on the way leave a lasting impression. They have a thirst for life and living. These people to me, are creative, inspirational, warm hearted and caring and passionate. They don't sit back and wait for things to happy, they grab life, give it a shake and take a leap into the unknown.
Janet Holdsworth and Anna Mullock are two of these amazing people. Without them I would not be sitting here writing this blog.
Janet is bonkers. Bonkers in a good way. I've know Janet since I was 21, at first she was just my boyfriends, sister in law. Now she is mine. I always wanted a sister and I have one in her. Our Indian journey so far is bonding us in a way I could not have imagined. Laughter is the best word to describe our relationship. Nothing is impossible in our eyes. We might be diving into the deep end, but we wouldn't want it any other way. India is looming and we are becoming more excited by the day. It's not an excitment like when you go on holiday in the summer, its an excitement like when you remember how it felt as a child on Christmas Eve, the anticipation of Santa Clause and all those presents. Thats what this experience feels like. We are not going to India on holiday, we are going to India to change the lifes of over 500 children. And if anyone can do it we can.
Anna is in India as I write. If you want to be inspired read her blog. wwwbackpack-3kids-mountaintoclimb.blogspot.com
Anna is truly inspirational, as a mother and teacher. If you read her blog you will understand why I say this. Not only is she travelling with her wonderful husband Hamish (mindthegaptravel.co.uk) she is travelling with her three children. There is not a mountain to high that she will not climb. She will not sit by and see others suffer, especially not children. She wants to make this world a better place for her children......... and single handed she will do everything in her power to make this happen.
In life its not always what you know, but who you know. These people can help you discover things about yourself and the world we life in, in a flash. People come and go in everyones lifes, but some people we meet on the way leave a lasting impression. They have a thirst for life and living. These people to me, are creative, inspirational, warm hearted and caring and passionate. They don't sit back and wait for things to happy, they grab life, give it a shake and take a leap into the unknown.
Janet Holdsworth and Anna Mullock are two of these amazing people. Without them I would not be sitting here writing this blog.
Janet is bonkers. Bonkers in a good way. I've know Janet since I was 21, at first she was just my boyfriends, sister in law. Now she is mine. I always wanted a sister and I have one in her. Our Indian journey so far is bonding us in a way I could not have imagined. Laughter is the best word to describe our relationship. Nothing is impossible in our eyes. We might be diving into the deep end, but we wouldn't want it any other way. India is looming and we are becoming more excited by the day. It's not an excitment like when you go on holiday in the summer, its an excitement like when you remember how it felt as a child on Christmas Eve, the anticipation of Santa Clause and all those presents. Thats what this experience feels like. We are not going to India on holiday, we are going to India to change the lifes of over 500 children. And if anyone can do it we can.
Anna is in India as I write. If you want to be inspired read her blog. wwwbackpack-3kids-mountaintoclimb.blogspot.com
Anna is truly inspirational, as a mother and teacher. If you read her blog you will understand why I say this. Not only is she travelling with her wonderful husband Hamish (mindthegaptravel.co.uk) she is travelling with her three children. There is not a mountain to high that she will not climb. She will not sit by and see others suffer, especially not children. She wants to make this world a better place for her children......... and single handed she will do everything in her power to make this happen.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
The heat is on!!!!
Busy morning, Janets trying to thrash out our 'Grant Application' this week, so much red tape etc. I've emailed the President! Not Barrack! But our very own UH Student Union President (fancy putting that on your CV as work experience). I need her signnature to move forward with application as well as a staff sponsor. So busy busy morning.
I'm getting good feedback from friends regarding our Fundraiser, I think the census is £15 per ticket not £20. this is mainly due to credit crunch. However it was discussed that guests would probably pay more for raffle tickets and resource sponsors.Which was actually what Janet and I first said. Also I have an additional ideas for raising funds, I think placing a 'Resources Shopping List' on guest tables with the amount for each product. e.g. x30 pairs of scissors £15, 6 pots of red paint £3 etc etc. Then guests can sponsor an item. I think this is a good way of guests getting to see exactly what their money is going on. AND I can approach people who can not make the event and ask them to sponsor an item.
Another good bit of feed back from Sue and Alison is that we should provide both a vegi and a chicken main course. I'm vegi and so is much of India, but if Chicken Tikka Masarla is what is needed. Its what our guests will get. Julia is getting onto Hemel School with regard to Bollywood dancers, thanks to Carolyn for the tip off. The other thing is getting the invites out asap. they are designed and waiting Janet's approval before we go to print.
I am off to Neasden on tuesday to visit Sri Swaminarayan Mandir. I am very excited. This will be my second taste of India this month. It has a gift shop and I am hoping I might get ideas for fundraiser. this is a total coincidence as it is a university trip.
I also must mention that I have started to get fit for India, I've lost about five pound since xmas and I have joined two Zumba classes. Fingers crossed I will continue to keep on track. I am hoping to step off that plane on the 30th June like a Indian Godess, slim, suntanned, bejewelled with colourful fabrics and accessories and wearing a bindi and flipflops. lol
Karen x
I'm getting good feedback from friends regarding our Fundraiser, I think the census is £15 per ticket not £20. this is mainly due to credit crunch. However it was discussed that guests would probably pay more for raffle tickets and resource sponsors.Which was actually what Janet and I first said. Also I have an additional ideas for raising funds, I think placing a 'Resources Shopping List' on guest tables with the amount for each product. e.g. x30 pairs of scissors £15, 6 pots of red paint £3 etc etc. Then guests can sponsor an item. I think this is a good way of guests getting to see exactly what their money is going on. AND I can approach people who can not make the event and ask them to sponsor an item.
Another good bit of feed back from Sue and Alison is that we should provide both a vegi and a chicken main course. I'm vegi and so is much of India, but if Chicken Tikka Masarla is what is needed. Its what our guests will get. Julia is getting onto Hemel School with regard to Bollywood dancers, thanks to Carolyn for the tip off. The other thing is getting the invites out asap. they are designed and waiting Janet's approval before we go to print.
I am off to Neasden on tuesday to visit Sri Swaminarayan Mandir. I am very excited. This will be my second taste of India this month. It has a gift shop and I am hoping I might get ideas for fundraiser. this is a total coincidence as it is a university trip.
I also must mention that I have started to get fit for India, I've lost about five pound since xmas and I have joined two Zumba classes. Fingers crossed I will continue to keep on track. I am hoping to step off that plane on the 30th June like a Indian Godess, slim, suntanned, bejewelled with colourful fabrics and accessories and wearing a bindi and flipflops. lol
Karen x
Monday, 24 January 2011
Fundraising Fun
India is on my mind every day. I can't stop thinking about it. My friend Anna, her husband Hamish and their three kids headed off to Delhi last week. They are the reason I am also heading to India and I will for much of my trip be following in their footsteps. I have been reading Anna's blog and my excitement grows. I can not wait to get to Delhi, I can not believe I will be seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Dalai Lama residence in Mcleodganj.
I think people are starting to get a bit sick of me mentioning India all the time. My eldest daughter Ellen, practically screams at me when I mention the word. But I can't help it. INDIA INDIA INDIA INDIA........... She views my trip as being one long holiday. In part it is, but hey! 40 degree heat, dust, dirt, poor sanitation, Delhi belly and a full time job in a school for 21 of the 32 days isn't exactly my idea of a holiday. I am going to discover myself (I hope). I see my trip as something of a pilgrimage. The chance to experience a different culture, education system and religions. I truly believe this trip will enhance my future career and change my life completely.
This week myself and Janet have been busy thinking about fundraising. 'I' being a BEd student at the University of Hertfordshire and Janet, who has a 1st class honours degree in Educational Studies are applying for a grant via the uni. Up to £5000. I can only imagine what this amount of money will be able to provide the children at St Mary's School. I really hope we get it.
With fundraising on our minds we have decided to follow in Anna's footsteps and organise a Indian Themed Dinner Dance. The venue is booked and the invites are nearly done. All we have to do now is pull it together. I have a picture in my mind of exactly how I envisage the evening to unfold.
BOURNE END VILLAGE HALL
SATURDAY 2ND APRIL 2011
Bollywood/traditional dancing, fabulous meal of curry and rice. Alcohol to be flowing, music, colours, fabric, sarees and sounds of India. Raffle, guest speakers (Anna & Hamish). I also want to project a Bollywood movie onto one of the walls in the hall for all to see (my wonderful friends Steven & Warren did this at their wedding it was great). I want about 120-150 guests and I want them all to want to pay £20 per head for the honour and privilege of being part of my Indian Adventure. My dear friend Julie of HSBC bank is getting involved and her company will be match funding up to £500. I really would love to find other people who work in Nat West etc to help me too. At the end of the day all the money is going towards the children of St Mary's School for classroom resources. Our actual goal is to erect an outside classroom along with the purchasing of those everyday resources, which each and every parent in the UK takes for granted take their own children will have in school (paint, glue, scissors etc). These basic resources can change the lifes of each and every child at St Mary's.
Until next time
Namaste
Karen x
I think people are starting to get a bit sick of me mentioning India all the time. My eldest daughter Ellen, practically screams at me when I mention the word. But I can't help it. INDIA INDIA INDIA INDIA........... She views my trip as being one long holiday. In part it is, but hey! 40 degree heat, dust, dirt, poor sanitation, Delhi belly and a full time job in a school for 21 of the 32 days isn't exactly my idea of a holiday. I am going to discover myself (I hope). I see my trip as something of a pilgrimage. The chance to experience a different culture, education system and religions. I truly believe this trip will enhance my future career and change my life completely.
This week myself and Janet have been busy thinking about fundraising. 'I' being a BEd student at the University of Hertfordshire and Janet, who has a 1st class honours degree in Educational Studies are applying for a grant via the uni. Up to £5000. I can only imagine what this amount of money will be able to provide the children at St Mary's School. I really hope we get it.
With fundraising on our minds we have decided to follow in Anna's footsteps and organise a Indian Themed Dinner Dance. The venue is booked and the invites are nearly done. All we have to do now is pull it together. I have a picture in my mind of exactly how I envisage the evening to unfold.
BOURNE END VILLAGE HALL
SATURDAY 2ND APRIL 2011
Bollywood/traditional dancing, fabulous meal of curry and rice. Alcohol to be flowing, music, colours, fabric, sarees and sounds of India. Raffle, guest speakers (Anna & Hamish). I also want to project a Bollywood movie onto one of the walls in the hall for all to see (my wonderful friends Steven & Warren did this at their wedding it was great). I want about 120-150 guests and I want them all to want to pay £20 per head for the honour and privilege of being part of my Indian Adventure. My dear friend Julie of HSBC bank is getting involved and her company will be match funding up to £500. I really would love to find other people who work in Nat West etc to help me too. At the end of the day all the money is going towards the children of St Mary's School for classroom resources. Our actual goal is to erect an outside classroom along with the purchasing of those everyday resources, which each and every parent in the UK takes for granted take their own children will have in school (paint, glue, scissors etc). These basic resources can change the lifes of each and every child at St Mary's.
Until next time
Namaste
Karen x
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Southall aka 'Little India'
Sat 15th Jan
What a wonderful day Janet and I have had. We were a bit worried about going after reading www.visitsouthall.co.uk . Some of the information claimed it was the 5th most deprived place in the Uk, streets are littered with rubbish etc. The other thing it mentioned was that very few westerners visit and the ones that do are normally tourists. I was also told, to watch my bag in case I got robbed or pick pocketed. So before we set off, I can honestly say we were really nervous.
We shouldn't have been, we parked in Herbert street just behind the high street. It was cleaner that some parts of Hemel Hempstead. We had to ask a few people for directions etc and both were nice. Onto the high street we went. First shop we came across was a fabulous gold jewellers, next door to that was an Indian CD/DVD shop followed by a Poundland. These shops were followed by dozens of fruit and veg, saree, fabric, homeware, music shops and cafe's. The smell was aromatic, the sounds in the distance were authentic. It was very much like stepping into a tiny area of India, hence the name 'Little India'. We were both curious as to wearing traditional Indian clothing., however after visiting and asking questions in several ladies clothing shops our minds were put to rest.
Janet decided to seek the wisdom of a Pandit (know to us as an astrologer/palm reader) WELL! that was an experience she won't forget. Very strange experience indeed! I would like to say she came out of the room full of excitiment with regard to all the things he told her about her past and her future. This was not to be the case. After spending 15 minutes holding hands and starring into the eyes of a stranger in a tiny little room or should I say a cupboard, she emerged white as a sheet and £10 the poorer. It actually was only £5 but Janet had no chance and neither did the man, so he was happy to take the £10 from her. I on the other hand had overheard some of the reading and was in fits of giggles when she emerged. We left the shop (OH I forget to mention this reading took place in the corner of a 50p for everything shop). Janet was shell-shocked by her experience and I was in hysterics...... Only Janet would wonder off the street into the most tackiest shop and start chatting to someone who turned out to be some sort of Black Magic Man... lol Well! lets just say for the record she will not be repeating this experience again and certainly not in India.
A Palm reading Janet will not forget in a hurry!
After Janet got over her ordeal we got lost several times and stumbled across the market. Which I would not recommend. We headed back to the glitz and glamour of the saree shops and got lots of advice about purchasing such attire (the advice being that we were both far too big to fit in a off the shelve saree). We did however puchase from a LOVELY shop assistant a three piece tunic set, this came with a pair of ali baba pants and a scarf. £10 each. Janet's second drama of the day was asking this manager if he could point us in the direction of the nearest public toilet. He insisted Janet use the shop toilet, so off she went as I browsed the amazing saree's and fabric on sale. She came out looking like she had just had to squat in portaloo which had not been emptied for a month. Only Janet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had lunch in a cafe named Punjabee. Delicious................... and very cheap. £15 got us more vegi food than you could eat in a day, two bottles of water, a cup of tea (not so nice) and a slice of the most sugary sweet milk cake. The lovely staff even put our leftovers in a doggy bag, after this we found a shop selling bags of fabric for £5 so we purchased a bag each and then headed home.
We stripped our clothes of as soon as we got back to my house and tried on our new outfits. I thought we looked the part. Ellen my daughter thought we looked ridiculous. ha ha ha
I think we look great.
Karen x
What a wonderful day Janet and I have had. We were a bit worried about going after reading www.visitsouthall.co.uk . Some of the information claimed it was the 5th most deprived place in the Uk, streets are littered with rubbish etc. The other thing it mentioned was that very few westerners visit and the ones that do are normally tourists. I was also told, to watch my bag in case I got robbed or pick pocketed. So before we set off, I can honestly say we were really nervous.
We shouldn't have been, we parked in Herbert street just behind the high street. It was cleaner that some parts of Hemel Hempstead. We had to ask a few people for directions etc and both were nice. Onto the high street we went. First shop we came across was a fabulous gold jewellers, next door to that was an Indian CD/DVD shop followed by a Poundland. These shops were followed by dozens of fruit and veg, saree, fabric, homeware, music shops and cafe's. The smell was aromatic, the sounds in the distance were authentic. It was very much like stepping into a tiny area of India, hence the name 'Little India'. We were both curious as to wearing traditional Indian clothing., however after visiting and asking questions in several ladies clothing shops our minds were put to rest.
Janet decided to seek the wisdom of a Pandit (know to us as an astrologer/palm reader) WELL! that was an experience she won't forget. Very strange experience indeed! I would like to say she came out of the room full of excitiment with regard to all the things he told her about her past and her future. This was not to be the case. After spending 15 minutes holding hands and starring into the eyes of a stranger in a tiny little room or should I say a cupboard, she emerged white as a sheet and £10 the poorer. It actually was only £5 but Janet had no chance and neither did the man, so he was happy to take the £10 from her. I on the other hand had overheard some of the reading and was in fits of giggles when she emerged. We left the shop (OH I forget to mention this reading took place in the corner of a 50p for everything shop). Janet was shell-shocked by her experience and I was in hysterics...... Only Janet would wonder off the street into the most tackiest shop and start chatting to someone who turned out to be some sort of Black Magic Man... lol Well! lets just say for the record she will not be repeating this experience again and certainly not in India.
After Janet got over her ordeal we got lost several times and stumbled across the market. Which I would not recommend. We headed back to the glitz and glamour of the saree shops and got lots of advice about purchasing such attire (the advice being that we were both far too big to fit in a off the shelve saree). We did however puchase from a LOVELY shop assistant a three piece tunic set, this came with a pair of ali baba pants and a scarf. £10 each. Janet's second drama of the day was asking this manager if he could point us in the direction of the nearest public toilet. He insisted Janet use the shop toilet, so off she went as I browsed the amazing saree's and fabric on sale. She came out looking like she had just had to squat in portaloo which had not been emptied for a month. Only Janet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had lunch in a cafe named Punjabee. Delicious................... and very cheap. £15 got us more vegi food than you could eat in a day, two bottles of water, a cup of tea (not so nice) and a slice of the most sugary sweet milk cake. The lovely staff even put our leftovers in a doggy bag, after this we found a shop selling bags of fabric for £5 so we purchased a bag each and then headed home.
We stripped our clothes of as soon as we got back to my house and tried on our new outfits. I thought we looked the part. Ellen my daughter thought we looked ridiculous. ha ha ha
I think we look great.
Karen x
Thursday, 13 January 2011
I'm not dying anytime soon!!!!! AND off to Little India on Saturday
Poor Abbey. She is such a darling, very sensitive. We had a big chat, showed her pictures of St Mary's School and the children. Also showed her a map of India, this put her mind at rest about the neighbouring conflicts. She is happy now.
She is such the opposite to Ellen, who doesn't seem to care less and keeps telling me to shut up when I mention the word India. I've told her it will only get worse. lol
Janet and I have decided to go to Southall on Saturday. Can not wait. We are going to look for things to decorate our fundraising dinner dance venue with and I really want to get a saree for the evening as well. God only knows what we will come back with.
My friend at uni today, said watch your purse and don't take the porsche as we will probably be the only white women and we could get robbed! I don't believe it, surely not. We are multi cultural beings.... Knowing us we will probably end up learning Hindi and get offered a job in saree shop. ha ha
I was thinking to myself, If I don't like Southall, god help me in India, especially Delhi or worse on the overnight sleeper train to Pathankot. It's too late now, non refundable flights are booked. It's onwards and upwards (literally) as we are staying 2000m above sea level in the foot hills of the Himalaya's.
She is such the opposite to Ellen, who doesn't seem to care less and keeps telling me to shut up when I mention the word India. I've told her it will only get worse. lol
Janet and I have decided to go to Southall on Saturday. Can not wait. We are going to look for things to decorate our fundraising dinner dance venue with and I really want to get a saree for the evening as well. God only knows what we will come back with.
My friend at uni today, said watch your purse and don't take the porsche as we will probably be the only white women and we could get robbed! I don't believe it, surely not. We are multi cultural beings.... Knowing us we will probably end up learning Hindi and get offered a job in saree shop. ha ha
Karen & Janet, Xmas Eve 2010 at the Mogul Indian Resturant
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Am I going to Die?
On the way back from the shops this evening. Abbey asked me if I could die on my trip. Die!! Where has she got that from. She has obviously overheard me talking about innoculations etc and she has probably heard Doug going on and on about Pakistan and Kashmir, and the conflict there..... So I am having to explain the in's and out's of everything. I feel ill, thinking about her thinking about the possibility of me dying.
Innoculations and Brain Storming
Tuesday 11th Jan 2011
Popped into doctors surgery to ask about innoculations today. Lovely lady on reception, however she starred at me as if I were a alien when I said, "I going to work in India for a month, can I have a leaflet or speak to someone". "Leaflet, Oooo we don't have leaflets and you'll need to speak to the doctor or nurse and they are booked for like WEEKS" Is it me or is everyone who works in a doctors surgery, had lessons on how to be akward to a patient. I mean, I couldn't get an appointment for love nor money. Do they really only operate inbetween 9 and 5. Anyhow.... I was told to phone on the 11th Feb, thats when the nurse gets back off holiday and she will be able to sort out a 'after work/uni' appointment. Bloody hell, give me the needle and I'll do it myself lol.
OH I forgot to mention the cost........ £251
Tetanus £32
Typhoid £27
Hepatitis A £49
Hepatitis B £40
Cholera £ 55
Rabies £48
Wednesday 12th Jan 2011
Great brainstorming session with Janet today. Three hours trying to thrash out the exact purpose of our travel and teaching opportunitys in India . In a nut shell, 'Global Citizenship', using a multi sensory,, cross curricular, creative approach to learning and teaching the children of St Mary's about our world. And promote learning partnerships globally.
We have come up with so many idea's..... Providing an outside classroom, mosaic, paper mache, arts, crafts, music, song, dance etc and linking these subjects in a cross curricular was to the theme of 'Our World'. It's very exciting......
We have to be quite precise about this as we are applying to the University of Hertfordshire for a grant of up to £5000 for school resources and travel costs. This I am leaving to Janet to sort out, as she is the one with a 1st class honours degree in Education.
Another topic on discussion today was our pending Indian Theme Dinner Dance Fundraiser. More to come about that in future blogs... But it's going to be amazing so full of colour.
Karen x
Popped into doctors surgery to ask about innoculations today. Lovely lady on reception, however she starred at me as if I were a alien when I said, "I going to work in India for a month, can I have a leaflet or speak to someone". "Leaflet, Oooo we don't have leaflets and you'll need to speak to the doctor or nurse and they are booked for like WEEKS" Is it me or is everyone who works in a doctors surgery, had lessons on how to be akward to a patient. I mean, I couldn't get an appointment for love nor money. Do they really only operate inbetween 9 and 5. Anyhow.... I was told to phone on the 11th Feb, thats when the nurse gets back off holiday and she will be able to sort out a 'after work/uni' appointment. Bloody hell, give me the needle and I'll do it myself lol.
OH I forgot to mention the cost........ £251
Tetanus £32
Typhoid £27
Hepatitis A £49
Hepatitis B £40
Cholera £ 55
Rabies £48
Wednesday 12th Jan 2011
Great brainstorming session with Janet today. Three hours trying to thrash out the exact purpose of our travel and teaching opportunitys in India . In a nut shell, 'Global Citizenship', using a multi sensory,, cross curricular, creative approach to learning and teaching the children of St Mary's about our world. And promote learning partnerships globally.
We have come up with so many idea's..... Providing an outside classroom, mosaic, paper mache, arts, crafts, music, song, dance etc and linking these subjects in a cross curricular was to the theme of 'Our World'. It's very exciting......
We have to be quite precise about this as we are applying to the University of Hertfordshire for a grant of up to £5000 for school resources and travel costs. This I am leaving to Janet to sort out, as she is the one with a 1st class honours degree in Education.
Another topic on discussion today was our pending Indian Theme Dinner Dance Fundraiser. More to come about that in future blogs... But it's going to be amazing so full of colour.
Karen x
Monday, 10 January 2011
A Mountain to Climb!
You know when you say your going to do something, you get all excited and you daydream endlessly about it. Well the daydream is over. In just over 4 months, Janet and I board a BA flight to Delhi. A trip of a lifetime, a step into the unknown and a mountain to climb!
(Some children I hope to meet at St Mary's)
Ok, so Doug has no problems with me running away for a month. He is actually really cool about it. He is wonderful really, not many husbands would be too pleased. He is a realy hands on, and looks after the house better than me at times. However the kids aren't overly delighted with me going to India for a month. They are not upset about my pending absence, it's more of a 'OMG can't believe your going to leave us for a month with Dad, so you can go on holiday with Aunty Janet'. Ha holiday, if they only knew. I've tried to explain, but it falls on death ears. One month in another country equals a holiday in teenage eyes and no matter what I say will change that. I'm very very lucky both my daughters are independent and capable of looking after themselves. School is only a few minutes walk away, Doug will be here with them and my MAM will be coming to stay while I'm away. So the chance is they won't even realise I've gone and hey the time will fly by.
My mam! Mmmmmmm. Ok. so when I was 18 I went on holiday with my friend Nichola and her mum, two weeks of sea, sun and fun. A month to the day of returning I was admitted into hospital and barrier nursed in isolation for what seems like months. It turned out I had Hepatitis. I was pretty ill for a long long time. Obviously this has stuck in my mam's mind as a time in her life she would like to forget. That is, until I told her I was going to India. "INDIA", she screamed down the phone, "ARE YOU MAD CAN'T YOU REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU WHEN YOU WENT TO TURKEY WHAT IF YOU GET ILL DOUG SHOULDNT LET YOU GO WHY CANT YOU GO TO SPAIN INDIAS A FILTHY PLACE". She said all of this without stopping for breath, speaking a hundred miles an hour and in the strongest Geordie accent. Well as you can imagine she wasn't too please, but agreed she would come to look after the girls if needed. That was a few months ago. I spoke to her yesterday and confirmed my flights were booked. OMG what a talking too did I get again. "Mam, I'm nearly 40 for christ sake, I'm a big girl, nothing is going to happen to me". Shit, I will be phoning the doctor's in the morning to discuss innoculations, because if I return from India with even a spot she will hit the roof. God help me!!!!!!
(Some children I hope to meet at St Mary's)
Ok, so Doug has no problems with me running away for a month. He is actually really cool about it. He is wonderful really, not many husbands would be too pleased. He is a realy hands on, and looks after the house better than me at times. However the kids aren't overly delighted with me going to India for a month. They are not upset about my pending absence, it's more of a 'OMG can't believe your going to leave us for a month with Dad, so you can go on holiday with Aunty Janet'. Ha holiday, if they only knew. I've tried to explain, but it falls on death ears. One month in another country equals a holiday in teenage eyes and no matter what I say will change that. I'm very very lucky both my daughters are independent and capable of looking after themselves. School is only a few minutes walk away, Doug will be here with them and my MAM will be coming to stay while I'm away. So the chance is they won't even realise I've gone and hey the time will fly by.
My mam! Mmmmmmm. Ok. so when I was 18 I went on holiday with my friend Nichola and her mum, two weeks of sea, sun and fun. A month to the day of returning I was admitted into hospital and barrier nursed in isolation for what seems like months. It turned out I had Hepatitis. I was pretty ill for a long long time. Obviously this has stuck in my mam's mind as a time in her life she would like to forget. That is, until I told her I was going to India. "INDIA", she screamed down the phone, "ARE YOU MAD CAN'T YOU REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU WHEN YOU WENT TO TURKEY WHAT IF YOU GET ILL DOUG SHOULDNT LET YOU GO WHY CANT YOU GO TO SPAIN INDIAS A FILTHY PLACE". She said all of this without stopping for breath, speaking a hundred miles an hour and in the strongest Geordie accent. Well as you can imagine she wasn't too please, but agreed she would come to look after the girls if needed. That was a few months ago. I spoke to her yesterday and confirmed my flights were booked. OMG what a talking too did I get again. "Mam, I'm nearly 40 for christ sake, I'm a big girl, nothing is going to happen to me". Shit, I will be phoning the doctor's in the morning to discuss innoculations, because if I return from India with even a spot she will hit the roof. God help me!!!!!!
Sunday, 9 January 2011
It's offical India here we come!!!!!!
Firstly a bit about me! Karen soon to be 40 (no I'm not having a mid life crisis OR am I). I'm studying Education at the University of Hertfordshire and I am absolutley loving it.
Last year I decided to go to India. When I first mentioned it to friends I think they thought I was mad, maybe I am! Except that is for Janet my wonderful Sister-in-Law. 'If your going I'm coming with you' was her response, and here we are. I've never done anything like it before. Holidays to Dubai, South Africa, Florida, New York Maldives and many visits to Venice, Barcelona, Paris, Spain, Ireland and Cornwall, but no backpacking experiences. So when I was thinking about this backpacking experience I was dreading having to ask someone the question. Can I take my hairdryer and GHD straightners? Well I did just the other day, they looked at me as if I was bonkers but hey they said YES. Yipee!!!!!!!!!
So why India! Well in a nutshell this is how I come about parting with a load of money and booking myself onto a British Airways Flight to Delhi on Monday 30th May 2010.
I have worked with Anna for quite a few years, she is my inspiration for becoming a teacher. She makes the job look easy. She is a true earth mother, humanitarian, eco warrior teacher and a wonderful friend. Hamish her husband owns mindthegaptravel.co.uk. I could not recommend him or his company more. (he did not pay me to say this) Our Indian experience took shape around his kitchen table on Friday 7th January.
Last year I decided to go to India. When I first mentioned it to friends I think they thought I was mad, maybe I am! Except that is for Janet my wonderful Sister-in-Law. 'If your going I'm coming with you' was her response, and here we are. I've never done anything like it before. Holidays to Dubai, South Africa, Florida, New York Maldives and many visits to Venice, Barcelona, Paris, Spain, Ireland and Cornwall, but no backpacking experiences. So when I was thinking about this backpacking experience I was dreading having to ask someone the question. Can I take my hairdryer and GHD straightners? Well I did just the other day, they looked at me as if I was bonkers but hey they said YES. Yipee!!!!!!!!!
So why India! Well in a nutshell this is how I come about parting with a load of money and booking myself onto a British Airways Flight to Delhi on Monday 30th May 2010.
I have worked with Anna for quite a few years, she is my inspiration for becoming a teacher. She makes the job look easy. She is a true earth mother, humanitarian, eco warrior teacher and a wonderful friend. Hamish her husband owns mindthegaptravel.co.uk. I could not recommend him or his company more. (he did not pay me to say this) Our Indian experience took shape around his kitchen table on Friday 7th January.
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