This Halloween has been rather bizarre. Despite explaining for weeks before hand that Halloween isn't a big deal for either me orWelshy we've still been told off for not being fully into it. We were told that the day would be easy and fun for the kids but then we got bitched at for making crosswords and word searches for the kids.
Accused of not caring (again), of not planning.
Hardly any kids came anyway. They were too busy being hyped up on sugar and racing about collecting sweets.
Alejandra, one of the kids bounded up to us after class when we were going to Eroski.
"MMRRRRRRRRRR EEEEEEEEEEEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!! MMMMMISSSSSSSSSSS KAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRANN! 

she gabbled to us about the sweets that she had and then fled off to collect more sweets.

So most of the shops and schools were closed yesterday because of Halloween.
Today was another public holiday. All Saint's day. Like in Mexico, the Day of the Dead, everyone goes to cemetries and visit dead relatives.
So another quiet day in the school. We are looking forward to payday, we have been existing on about 15 euros since last Thursday. Am bored of just eating pasta.

Its got cold. Still a reasonable 14 degrees though, although only having tshirts and no jacket make it noticable.
I rescued Welshy from a sparrow that somehow flew into our flat. Next Morning we were woken by a sparrow hopping on the roof window and cheekily looking in.
Lessons have been a bit hit and miss, had a few disagreements on the best way to handle my toddler classes.
The kids are very excited about Halloween on Monday so am just gonna plan some easy lessons around that.
Tuesday is another fiesta day so that'll be a piece of piss as well.
Oh. And as from today, I'm going back to England in two weeks or 8 workdays, which means its nearly time to go to VEGAS!! Whooop whooop!
Another joyful note is that two different ladies from our classes are out scouting places for me to ride. One offered me a ride on one of her husbands horses.
Feel a bit rude to phone her up and discuss but maybe when I see her Tuesday we can make a real plan.
Poor Welshy has a cold and is all manky.

****End of story****End of story****

In my 7.30 lesson I set up a skype "mystery guest" Which excited the kids no end. They established that the person was in the UK, which then led to questions about time difference. 
Student 1 "What time is it in England?"
Me. "Well England is an hour behind us, it is 8 here. So it is 7 in the UK."
Student 2 "What in the morning?"

Welshy also had a child jump out of a window today rather than stay in his lesson (I feel I should point out, that it was because they wanted to rescue a pen that Ed chucked out the window).

I had a bad lesson yesterday, one that resulted in my weeping like a girl at the end of it, with sheer frustration that the adults hadnt understood what I was saying.

But at least I wasnt Welshy, who played a youtube video of the three little pigs to a class of 6 year olds whhich ended with Santa Claus being boiled alive

Today has been a Fiesta, a bank holiday. In Zaragoza it has been a week long thing but today is the birthday of the Virgin's pet goat or something so its a national holiday in Spain.
People were out partying late last night. The Accordian people, who I have learnt are old fashioned alarm clocks, standing on the street corner and singing and playing, were out at 6am.
And us? Well we had lessons as usual. Despite hardly any of the kids showing up and one of the Bosses taking it as holiday. We had one child for the first hour instead of 12 and then we combined the next two classes into one and played Karaoke with youtube.
I took the next class (The Harpies) And Welshy's class didnt come.
I planned to show The Harpies some fairytales, Jack and the Beanstalk etc, and then get them to write and draw me a story each. Not too taxing, fun as its fiesta day.
Right?
Wrong.
They watched the video. Then I explained what we were doing. They then proceeded to shout "NO" at me, and then Harpy No.1 told me she needed to go to the toilet. So I let her. She returned with one of The Bosses who proceeded to talk to them in Spanish for 20 minutes explaining what I wanted to do.
I was really annoyed, controlled it until after the lesson and then pointed out that I didnt think that the way he acted was very helpful to me. Now they know that they dont have to bother listening in English, they can run to him and complain that what I am saying is too hard, before I even have a chance to rephrase what I am saying.
Whether he takes that on board or not is another matter...

Anyway I had a class after that, Welshy's didnt show, these kids are very sweet and 5-6 so we played Disney Karaoke and then I had another class of 10 year olds of which 2 showed up and we did the same.

All in all a fairly easy day, although it seemed kinda pointless to be opened. It gave me hope that when we are forced to open on Saturday after we return from Vegas, that will be the same and no one will want to attend.

Today Welshy has been subjected to our bosses explaining exactly why we're bad teachers.
Apparently its our fault that The Harpies complain that our lesson is too easy and too hard to understand at the same time. Its wrong of us to comment that we dislike a child, despite this being said in the privacy of their own home, rather than in the school like M does.
Our planning is not thorough enough. Despite the fact that often we are told to make up lessons on the spot, because they pander to the needs of the children. I clearly show a lack of interest in what I am doing.

This is all very well and good, and if it was constructive in anyway fair enough. BUT. Like I said, they often tell us to abandon what we have planned on the spot and to do something else. If they have a test in something with school, why not tell us a few days before so we can plan?
If this is ENGLISH class why are you coming in and talking to them in Spanish for 20 minutes? Making it clear that we have no authority in the class and they can go running to the bosses every time things get a little hard?

I'm starting to think that I do not want to stay here any longer than my contract. Which is a shame, I like Spain, I like the kids, my timetable works in my favour to do time studying for my MSc. I like being in the country, I like not being in England and not at the NMM. But I think maybe Welshy is right and we should look for work elsewhere once our contract ends.

(The funny thing in all this is that M does not have the balls to talk to me about the problems in my teaching. He is scared of me, ever since I confronted him on the phone and called him weak and pathetic. It is funny because he clearly does not have a clue about teaching the Nursery kids. I even had to point out to him that teaching an 18month to write is a bit beyond anybody.)

~We went to a dinner part y run by our bosses last night. I tried some spicy tortilla stuff and some spanish spicy meats. During the conversation it was mentioned that one of my runts is now asking for coffee with yellow, as it sounds very similar to the spanish for coffee with ice.

I like that.

Today, like most Sundays here. I have baked a cake, done some clothes washing, washed up from last night and am thinking without much joy about the prospect of having to mop the floor and dust.
Fuck this, hand me a pinny, I'm gonna whack out the gramaphone and put on some of the best wartime hits! Where's me "Best of '45"?

We've been to Calahorra again, walking along the Road Of Fear. (Would you walk 3km along the hard shoulder of an "a" road? No. Sensible people don't do such antics. So why am I doing this?
Because the bus to the city stops at 12.30 and starts again at 3.45.)
We walked this time to the big supermarket, which does some exciting things that you cannot buy in San Adrian. Like teabags. Actual Twinnings Earl Grey tea, which I am assured is better than the Eroski Basic teabag that Welshyis currently working through.
And. In my humble opinion. It is well worth paying 4 quid for a tiny pot of peanut butter. God how I've missed peanut butter. And how glad I am every day that I smuggled out my Marmite.
We also shopped in the "World cuisine" section and purchased some more pickled onions. Whooop!

There is a pet shop also in the Big Supermarket. I lusted after a Senegal parrot who came to the bars and nibbled my fingers and threw some shredded newspaper at me.
I had a conversation with a Mynah bird with twisted feet and wanted to rescue him and take him home.
And Welshy fell in love with a black and white cocker spaniel puppy. Bizarre from someone who hates dogs. I did not like my role reversal of pointing out why we couldn't get the puppy. The costs involved. The commitment. The fact that we do not know if we can have pets here or how we'd get it to England if we have to go home. Especially as we'd be going back to Mothers and she has put her foot down over puppies in the past. Plus buying puppies from a pet shop is wrong.
But my resolve is weak....
No. A bird is better, a bird is less commitment. A bird is easy to care for, a bird can move into my aviary once we go home.
Except said birdies here are rather expensive. I could pick up a cockatiel at home for about 15-20 quid. There? 80 Euro. Just a slight mark up.
Senegal parrot friend? nearly 800 quid. Didn't dare ask about the Mynah bird.
No. As much as I miss animal company, its best for all if we are strong and do not purchase.

Last night me and Welshy comsumed two bottles of "summer wine" = Red wine and lemon fanta.
Come 1am we needed more alcohol so we hit the streets and headed for adventure.
We made friends! Some random drunk cousins. Some random camp guy, who showed us off to the barlady in the Agora, who previously laughed at my attempts to order hot chocolate and I had two men (both obviously very gay) take me to a toilet, where we discussed Madonna.
"You speak English! Like Madonna!" etc.

at 4 the bar stopped serving until a policeman came and took someone away - lack of Spanish meant I had no idea why.
We left at 5.45 and it was still jumping.

Went to bed, woke up at 7am to watch the Wales Rugby game. Then slept till 2pm, then got up and listened to the CAFC radio coverage. Then slept again.

Ready for adventure now although Welshy who didnt sleep is starting to flag. Also I think we made a vague drunken promise to return to the bar between 1-2am to meet one of those guys sisters who spoke English.

Not sure we're gonna go though. Feeling a bit poor.

Last Night welshy was closing the window when he cried with panic...

"What is that? Its a monster! Its a gecko or something!" And then retreated to the safety of the kitchen.
It was indeed a gecko hanging out on our windowsill. A tiny half-an-inch long baby gecko. 
"Kil it!" He demanded. "Before it gets in th house!"
I was so busy laughing I failed to get a decent picture of the baby and then ushered it away with a piece of paper.

Apparently it takes 4 trees and 3 hours to open up a bank account here in Spain. The amount of paperwork we had to sign!
It was ridiculous!
I'm sure the last time I opened an account in England I was in and out of the bank in 30 minutes after having filled one form out! Now I only have 10 minutes before I need to scamper to "Lazer" Hopefully we will get paid soon. Am starting to feel a little bit like Old Mother Hubbard!

How on Earth am I expected to run a proper lesson when my boss sticks his oar in, panders to little children and tells me to abandon my lesson plan and make shit up on the spot so they get to do what they want?

As well as our range of children and teenagers on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays we have an evening class or "conversation club" with adult learners. I took my first class last Thursday and I found it quite traumatic, I had to bluff my way through some grammar. They are all far more demanding on your time than the kids obviously and I found it hard to strike the right balance. 
I have just come back from an early morning lesson with the boss of "Lazer" a metal cutting company which has branches all over Spain. I am not sure if he manages it all or whether just the San Adrian branch.
So I was a bit nervous, especially after last weeks adults. It went ok however. He seems a really nice guy but he likes the sound of his own voice and it is hard to get him to be quiet and listen to you. He told me of a place nearby that has dinosaur fossil footprints so hopefully when we get paid (which should be sometime this week) we can go and visit.
Tomorrow I am to go to Lazer, after we have set up our bank accounts and meet some more top guys there and do some English with them.

Many people will be suffering today. Last night was the anniversary of one of the Bars opening.
So it was partytime until 1am when we went to bed. Woke up at 3 to realise someone had an accordian and there was bad spanish singing going on.
At 8am I woke again and they were still singing along.
I fear some people will have terrible headaches this morning.

Can never again be called clumsy after welshy manaqed to break two glasses in 20 minutes while we were arranging a late night covert mission to empty our bins.
Worst thing was that one of the glasses contained all my Lemon Fanta/Red Wine combo and now the floor is disgustingly sticky.

Todays main adventures in the rock and roll town that is San Adrian, has been an Art contest. Amateur artists have had easels up all over town and now they have gathered them all outside to await the judges verdict.

There is a tattoo parlour that only seems to open when children need to be enticed with Sweeties....

Today we learnt that it is bad to take your rubbish out before 10pm at night. In case it attracts flies and starts to smell. Explains all the filthy looks we get walking down the road carrying our refuse.

Yay! CAFC Win! I discover baking powder making a successful Victoria Sponge Mk2. (looks like a brick, sponge still doesnt taste like English Sponge) and I'm watching Strictly Come Dancing.

More children shout "Hello" at Welshy than me. This makes me very, very sad.
Why does nobody love me?

When will mosquitos stop sucking my blood?!!! I will have none left soon! Or malaria. One or the other.

The Sun doesn't bother to get up here until nearly 8am! And its only September! - Ok well the end of! 
At least thats something in UK's favour, although Spain is also balanced out by it not getting dark till 8.30-ish

There is a class of two 6 year old girls that I take once a week and Ed the other day. They originally started off as sweet and innocent but have now turned into shedevils. The last time I took them they refused to do any of the reading that I had designed for them, then they refused to play any of the games I had. So I asked them what they wanted to do and they said draw, so I said no as this is English and not Art class and I refuse to be dictated to by 6 year olds.
Anyway it ended in me making them sit in silence and not do anything as they went on strike and wouldnt answer me in anything but Spanish.

This week I decided that I would try to win their favour by making the lesson more fun, so I brought a cheap fishing game, (you know the kind where they have magnets and you try and attach the magnet to the fish) and some cheap letters and I plan to get them to fish for the animals once we have learnt their names and then they are to use the letters to spell out the names. EG "SHARK" "TURTLE" "DOLPHIN" If that doesnt win them over I don't know what will!

WEWENTONAWALKTODAYANDISAWAGREYHORSEY!!!

Today we headed to Pamplona early to register me and Welshy at the tax office to become official residents of Spain. Reassuringly I was told that this was a huge Basque area and we had to leave the car open so it can be checked for bombs.
We registered easily enough and then were set free to explore. We were told that the only bus back was at 8.30. It was now 10.30. We were very glad to discover this wasnt true and we could get back at 4.30.
So armed with a map, our first task was to find some brunch.
Of course with Welshy's special diet this was harder than planned and we went in and out of two or three places before finally getting somewhere to cook for us.
We wandered about the large department store as it said it contained Osasuna goodies but that was a bit disappointing, we found the book floor sold naff English books and we saw Geronimo Stilton, beloved by Spanish kids everywhere and the first page looked easy enough so we got it, and then sat in another bar nursing a drink each for an hour trying to descipher it. It quickly became apparent it was harder than that first page.
We did a bit of sight-seeing, found a statue commerating the bull run, and an exciting sweetshop that sold pickled onions!
After a small problem we managed to get the bus and return home!
Pamplona sum up? Ok if you have a car and dont have to rely on a long wait for a bus! Lots of shops if you're into that kinda thing. There seems to be a lot of old things to go see but it was a bit hot to get out from the shade of the city so thats a good reason to revisit.

San Adrian's 13th annual Ludo tournament starts soon. Just 20 euro to enter. Rock and Roll.

worry that you are ready for bed at midnight when ..... Kids are running about with abandon" Tweets Welshy.

The other night when we went out, we came home at 2am, feeling that was a good time to be getting in and congratulating ourselves.

All of my lessons had gone well so far this week. However Today went a bit tits up. Well two were good and the other two were a writeoff.
First bad class had just rowdy disruptive teenagers in. I battled and lost for their attention.
The second bad class had just two 6 year old girls in it. Previously they had been lovely, sweet, almost cute.
Today they turned into monsters! They refused to go and do any work set, so I gave them the option of other stuff which they refused.
They only wanted to draw. When I said they couldnt. They then went on strike. Refusing do do anything and only speaking Spanish.
With 10 minutes left I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall. So I made them sit in silence. Childish I know but I was completely at a loss of what to do with them!

Today I had my first attempts at teaching! I think they went ok!
MY first class was with a 16/17 year old and a test of his reading comprehension. To be honest I forgot to test the understanding. But he clearly followed the football review and he seemed to be into the Robin Hood story. Am sure he followed it though. 

Second Class and I prepared a getting to know you quiz that I would play with the other class afterwards.
These were I guess early secondary school aged. It was fun, although I realised that I hadnt bargained on the fact that the quiz wouldnt fill an hour. So we played again, which left us with 10 minutes to kill. Luckily they had been messing about a bit, so I made them get their books and sit in silence writing down the rules.
Then as they failed to complete the task I made them wait in silence for the last few minutes.
One girl had been good so I let her go at half past, but the other two who had been cheeky, I told them that they were going to have to wait for my other lesson to finish. This upset them.
"But we have football! We have dance!"
Tough.
I dragged it out for another minute and then let them go. 
I like the idea that I may get a reputation for strictness. The other calss went pretty similarly, but the game lasted 50 minutes. This was a primary aged class and they too are a bit loud. So I went through the same pattern with them at the end.

Hopefully it will make them think twice about behaviour. I'm sure it was just a test the new teacher out kinda thing as they're all pretty good kids really from what I've seen.

Today was the 3rd day off in a row and I was really fidgety. So I convinced Welshy that we should walk to Calahorra, its only 3 or 4 miles away. The weather wasnt brilliant but at least it wasnt hot so win win.
We thought there was a path amongst the undergrowth at first but that then led us into a farm where some angry dogs shouted at us and we had to scramble up a bank and onto a rather busy looking road of fear that took us the rest of the way into town.
Once there we found the train station and then set off on a fruitless hunt for either a pet shop or a bar that might be showing the premier league games.
Calahorra was dead however. Didnt help that we arrived during siesta-time. So we had a traditional spanish meal of Burger King, failed in an attempt to get the bus back and ended up walking along the road of fear home.
It was village sports day or something so we watched some of the local kids and our students race 50m down the lane, I had a vague attempt at a chat with one of the parents. Mostly conducted in mime.

I'm slowly getting accustomed to the Spanish lifestyle and the bells. Especially the bells and the sleeping. Its good getting up late, having a bit of a potter and then a siesta, dinner and then work.

We've been busy learning our way around buying domestic products (Don Limpio = mr muscle) And we had an attempt at making a cake that wasnt too successful as they dont seem to have self raising flour here. Also I think the heat kept the buttercream runny so it all just oozed out when I tried to place it together.

I feel like I'nm kinda coming to grips with the language though. It is far too quick for me to follow but I can recognise the odd word now and apart from the problems with my cake I can buy food ok.
Welshy at the moment is at the bakery, "Una Barra Por Favor" A Barra is what they call a loaf and us a baguette/french stick.
A euro for a lovely fresh, crusty loaf :) Bargain!

I start my teaching on Monday, but did a little practise on Thursday, they asked me about what football team I liked only they'd never heard of Charlton. :(

I also went to Calahorra to register as a Spanish resident and now have a NI number for here. We discovered how to get the bus which is fairly cheap so we can explore further afield.

Yesterday we were off so a lazy day, Will introduced me to Red wine and lemon fanta which was tasty and then we went to a bar where I tried a mojito (didnt like it) and met a giant penis walking down the road. MAybe it was a spanish stag do. Who knows?

Anyway. Welshy is back from the bakery and its roll time!

I had a nice uneventful evening flight to Zaragoza, apart from the slightly smelly child that was sat next to me and I got picked up by Welshy and my new bosses and we drove to our new place via a small tour of San Adrian. Slightly disturbed by all the bull fighting posters I saw....

The town apparently used to be quite industrial but now a lot of the factories have moved out of town and its being slowly regenerated from what I could see.

Welshy proudly showed me around the flat so I could be impressed with his domesticity and the exciting shutters that work at the windows.
Its a nice size for the two of us and plenty of sofas for visitors! (hint)

And then to sleep... Or attempt to.

There are bells you see.. Three bells. To chime the hour and half hours. Upsettingly they work at 6 minute intervals.
All through the night...
I think I named them at one point last night. The first bell is Clara and she is the big bell. Then there is a masculine sounded dong and he clearly is Bill the Bell.. 
Welshy assures me that I'll quickly get used to them. But this morning I feel like Quasimodo. "The Bells! The Bells!"

Anyway when he drags himself out of bed I'm off to explore the sights of San Adrian!

So this is it.
Last night I left the museum for the very last time. It seems so odd that something that has been such a huge part of my life for the last four years (3 months and 11 days - as I kept on saying!) has come to an end.
I always felt that when I went, it would be amazing. I'd go mental and tell everyone how much I hated them, I 'd feel such relief but instead I was so sad. 
All of this week I've been saying goodbye to people. I had my last ride on Tuesday and Ian kindly fell off in a very dramatic fashion and Bess was the lovely funny little pony she is.
We had drinks after and I hope I can come back at Christmas and ride there at least once!
Goodbyes and leaving cards and presents from everyone. Swapping addresses with Maggie, Ernie and Mark. 
Finally cleaning out my locker after years of holding the mess back. I left my stickers and ribbons as a surprise for who ever gets it next.
I'd love to know where the ribbons come from. They just seemed to arrive.
My final PHP show (Sky tonight) with Colin. Then that final dash to the Yacht.

I got stupidly drunk... Stupidly quickly. What do you expect when I hadn't eaten all day and Ben's giving dirty vimtos and Darren poisoning my system with flatliners? Honestly I still feel slightly sick when I think about that grim combination.

I cried lots and I have been SO touched by everyones best wishes.

Started packing today. My hand luggage limit is 10kg. My laptop weighs 2.5kg. So I've packed into the remaining space, my riding hat, 6 pairs of pants (why are they pairs?) a camera, a kg block of slightly melted Red Leicester cheese for welshy, hair straighteners, a biological statistics book and a photo of me and my Dad.

I have a 20kg limit for cabin luggage. I have to fit my riding boots and body protector into that as well. I think I'm better off wearing all my clothes to the airport.

Just before I shut up rambling. I went today to buy some new shirts for new work. I got my arms stuck in the sleeves when trying to take it off. I fell over trying to wiggle free and nearly dislocated my arm in the process. At least I wiggled free before having to submit to the indignity of asking the dressing room attendant to help cut me out

Just watched a man tether a bull and then try to ram a javelin through its head... YUCK.

If anyone out there cares/is interested. Whilst in Spain I have set up another blog, this one is so friends and family can keep in touch with my adventures. I plan on adding to this as and when time permits and if stuff happens that they are not to know about.

Anyway. check out www.kazinspain.livejournal.com.

What a crazy 24 hours!

Welshy's nearly been sacked... Then reinstated.... Over nothing!

I guess the main thing is that it was some kinda culture clash. Its a small conservative town of 6,000 people. I remember Wendy telling me once that in Wanganui she found it hard to go out and have drinks as the people in the town judged her as a teacher.
Anyway, Welshy went for a pint last night to watch the Barca game and being poor, it was literally the one pint. Which got him judged as an alkie.
He then went to town the next day and returned to find that his long hair and lack of shaving had got the neighbours worried that he was a thief and the landlady wanted him gone.
So they were prepared to buy him a flight ticket home that night! Ridiculous!
I spoke to M on the phone, I called him weak for allowing himself to be overruled by someone who wasn't even a teacher at the school. Especially when we had had all those interviews and they seemed very happy with us.
He agreed to reconsider. Welshy shaved, got a haircut and has brought some real trousers.
Now i'm worried that they'll expect me to wear a skirt or something. I don't own anything but jeans! 
Welshy had dinner with them all and the landlady tonight and it seems to have gone well. He even tried TUNA PIE!!! I think the landlady regretted her impulsiveness.

So yeah... Crisis adverted. It was all just some culture clash and them being a bit spanish and dramatic (I hope!!)

Passport sorted. Flight booked (11th Sept) Welshy is out there now. Flew out early this morning. Last day at work next Thursday. Got a letter that I need to post to the Police to prove that I havent murdered anyone.

Madnessssss!

Also blogger has stopped letting me publish post. Not sure what thats all about.

So passport gained after a hellish Friday in Victoria.
Flights booked (11th) am getting to go to the Charlton/Exeter game after all! Yay!
Welshy left early this morning and arrived safely, He describes the town as slightly tatty but our flat is nicer than in the pictures.
He says its impossible to get lost and had a stroll along the river. 
I got my first leaving card from Christine today! So sad! I dunno, it still feels kinda like I'm going on holiday rather than leaving for good.
What still to do? I need a letter of recommendation from HR and a mini Criminal Records check sorted from the police, letter is ready to go but I really need a stamp!

why has blogger deserted me?

So handed my notice in yesterday. Final day is the 8th of September. Hopefully gonna fly out on the 10th.
Today we went out on a fair few little errands but there still seems to be masses to do!

Handed my Notice in at work today.

Fuck Yeah!

Been making a list of all that I'll need to get sorted by the 10th... Am already wondering if I can postpone it to the 11th of September so I can get to the Charlton/Exeter game.

What made me decide to go? A cold, wet, rainy day on the ROG 3 Arches. I dont wanna spend another winter that lasts 7 million months with cold feet and bulky uncomfortable coats and arguing with foreign language groups

Hopefully on Monday work will get in touch and let me know my final date so I can plan amazing leaving drinks and book my flight.

Spain here I come!!!

Handed my notice in today!
Hurrah!
Set up a livejournal to follow my tales for the people that I dont want to follow me on this because I dont what them to know about this.
Made a list of things that need to get done asap!

EEEEEKKKK.

Been offered a job in Spain... Gonna go... Mother VERY pissed. Am scared about going... scared about not being able to afford my msc... scared about how she's gonna cope... scared about if I can go back to the museum after...

Fuck I can't even speak spanish....

Its looking more and more likely that Welshy is going to be offered a job in Spain... There would be work for me too should I go.
Do I go though?
I need to be able to pay for this course for three years, I could potentially take up to 6 months unpaid leave from the museum and then go back at the end of it. So if thats agreeable with this language school I can work there for 6 months, then come home if it works out too expensive for my course.
Welshy thinks it'll be ok. He'll earn 1200 euro... and rent is 400 pcm. I need to then just cover enough to pay for my course and what?.... sponge off of him? I dont know. He owes me enough to make it worthwhile.
I'd miss riding, I dont want to lose my spot at new stables. I'm learning so much and dont wanna go back on a years waiting list there. I'd miss football.

And there's Mother... She doesn't want me to go. She says I/we'd struggle too much for money out there.
She says she cant cope without my rent money. That she'd need to take out a second job... That she'd need to rent out my room. She says its unfair of me to go and leave her with my brother, with my nan and granddad.
I havent even had my interview for this place and I already feel guilty for even considering the idea. For wanting to leave her in the lurch. I'd be such a bad person to do that. However Welshy points out that he left his mother in the exact same position to come here for me and that I am now 28(gulp) not 18. That I can't spend the rest of my life in a job I hate and living at home to help support her until she dies.
I want to go. It'd be a huge adventure. As long as I could be sure I can afford my course and have my job to fall back on after 6 months if it doesnt work out. But how can I turn my back on someone who would struggle to live without my wages? That would make me a shitty awful person.

Looks like the riot adventure is all over now. Been very quiet the last couple of nights apart from all the helicopters flying overhead.... Back to normality!

A friend of Welshy's slightly dramatic account of his adventures last night.

So last night, most of Woolwich got torched. Brat went and drove round Granddad's street last night about 11pm and that was ok then.
And it spread outside of London. Crazy shit is going down people.
work has been evacuated... People are jumping everytime they hear sirens... Rubber bullets are rumoured to be deployed..
Tonight its supposed to be kicking off in Welling, Bexley and Plumstead.
Its all just a matter of waiting for nightfall and seeing what happens next....

Honestly what the hells going out outside? Luckily I'm South East London so avoided the previous two days of madness but now its all spread to Lewisham and there's crazy stories going on on facebook from things going on in Woolwich, Eltham and Grove Park.
Welshy was trapped in a put on Roman Road after there was rumours of shits firing shots and is now being offered clearly looted trainers from some cunt out there.
My cousin is out there working in the police and hopefully he'll be ok, as will everyone else.
Luckily Blackheath and Greenwich is ok, although being trapped in the middle of Lewisham and Woolwich all I can hear is helicopters and sirens rushing up and down the roads behind me.
People are cunts. I dont know if my poor Granddad in Woolwich is ok, and if my stables are fine.

I'm going to Vegas in November.. I'm looking up the usual things for fun, horse-riding, the possibility of a Helecopter tour of the Grand Canyon.
When I saw this. Las Vegas Stripper University. All those times (well twice) that I've been to see strippers and longed to learn how to pole dance. And now I can! And will! And possibly most exciting of all, I'm gonna get me a "diploma" in exotic dancing. FUCK YEAH. Blatantly one for the CV there!!!