Changes are afoot

I could have blogged about my daughter trying to break her toe/foot by kicking my college bag but there's no point as this is not an unusual occurrence - she is dyspraxic and her propioception is a little off.

I could have blogged about starting back at college but, although it's all new stuff for me this year, it's just as easy as last year - so far.

I could have blogged about father-in-law's (FIL) move down to be near us and the extra workload on us but I won't because most of the issues are to do with his health rather than the bureaucracy and, therefore, personal.

This extra workload means I have even less time to keep 3 blogs running, as you will no doubt have noticed by the shortage of posts on any of them this month.  Therefore I intend to amalgamate them all into one blog.  This is very much a work-in-progress as I have yet to decide which of the 3 titles to keep, and which of the blog-hosting sites to use.  Each has their pluses and minuses.  So, it will be a week or so before I get to it.

I do have a new hobby that is eating into my spare time.  I've switched off the AUTO functions on my camera and am learning to do-it-myself.  This is a lot of fun, especially when friend J comes with me and we spend time over tea/coffee and cake going through the day's efforts.  So, I'm going to end this post with some of the shots I took on Wednesday at Swanwick Nature Reserve.

More crazy days

The last couple of weeks have seen us running about the country - to Nottingham, place of us grownups birth - on family business.  Father in Law has been offered a sheltered flat in Park Gate, after being on the local council waiting list since March.  So, two weeks ago, we had to go up to Nottingham to fetch him to have a look at it.

Fortunately he approved, so the council and the Housing Association whose property it is have also been busy getting the paperwork filled in.  Last weekend (a bank holiday) I took him back to Nottingham to start packing and generally closing his life down up there.  K came with me to help, and came back with some new bruises due to failing to use the door way as an entrance to a building.  Dyspraxia rules!

We then spent all week packing up what he wants to bring with him, and taking piles of rubbish and old magazines/newspapers up to the tip.  There's still plenty of tip work for us and a few more things to bring down but that will happen over the next few weeks.  On Thursday I realised that K was due on scout camp at Thorpe Park this weekend (as in the following day).  Needless to say, it didn't happen.  I sent many apologies to the leader and explained what had happened.  K wasn't overly distressed, especially after I promised her a day out at half-term to make up for being a sieve-head.

Father in Law seems to live 'in the now', with very little sense of urgency to plan ahead or remember chronology, so it has been very interesting.  I left him a pile of paperwork to sort through and file - even bought a file and plastic baggies for him - but I ended up chucking it all in a box yesterday.  Then, yesterday, he starts deciding what he'd like packing from upstairs.  He's had all flippin' week to tell me that but waits till the van's outside (driven up from here by A, accompanied by D) and nearly all full.  Minor grrrrr.

Once the van was loaded, and an early lunch was had, we all set off back down here.  I tell you, my car could do the journey without any input from me; it's certainly done it an awful lot this year as we tried to sort him out.  Father in Law slept most of the way down, and most of the time since he's been here.

Today we are moving into his new place.  K & I have a hot date at Curves first thing - they're starting their weight management classes today so we can't put it off - then we'll head back; by which time most of the heavy lifting will be done and A will be done in.

We have to go and order/buy a new fridge/freezer for Father in Law.  He assures me he bought it in the 60's, except that a) I know that style didn't exist then, and b) A can remember it being bought when he was about ready for secondary school (late 70's).  Either way it was in no fit state to be taken anywhere but the tip.  There was rancid milk accumulating on the bottom and going a lovely shade of blue, the drain pipe at the back was black with gunk, and it really needed a good scrub.  It also stank.  And don't get me started about the bag of cabbage that had turned to a vile, green liquid.  Father in Law says he has no sense of smell and I believe him.

Before anyone berates us for letting things get that bad for him, it wasn't through lack of effort on our part.  Up until the past 6 months or so we have been told politely but firmly to 'butt out'.  There's not a lot you can do about that without alienating him completely.  Six months ago he decided that he couldn't cope any more and that he thought he was becoming a bit forgetful (we'd been noticing it for a few years).  Since then we have been making enquiries, plans, and generally scheming to sort him out.  The local council here were happy to put him on their waiting list for somewhere suitable.  I am organising an Occupational Therapist assessment to see what else 'adaptive' he'll need to make life easier - I'm hoping to get a Dementia Screening person in at the same time so he doesn't twig on.  There will be plenty of home-made food in his freezer, and he WILL eat it - another issue caused by poor memory and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (too tired and breathless to eat) - as he hasn't got to walk far or use stairs to get to the kitchen any more.  I will also be taking care of the laundry, making sure the pots are washed properly and the place is clean

Life is about to get a whole lot more busy for us.  I'm hoping we'll see an improvement in his general health or, at least, a slowing in the decline of it.

When I got home yesterday there was a letter from the local college, where I'm going to do the Level 3 AAT qualification.  Basically it was a 'you can get your course books from us on these dates, oh and by the way there was a mistake in the brochure.  Your course day is a Thursday, not a Tuesday'.  The brochure came out in June and it takes them till the beginning of September to tell us that we're coming on a different day.  It's a good job I don't have other, unavoidable, plans for Thursdays, or have childcare to sort out.  I've had issues before with this college's admin 'skills' but this is just pathetic.

Don't be fobbed off - teachers DON'T always know best.

About 10 or so years ago I was told by my two's primary school teachers that a) D needed to write more, that he was bright enough but letting himself down by not writing enough, possibly lazy, and b) K was a daydreamer who could write more if she didn't spend so much time staring into space.  Both kids were working at above 75% of the rest of the class so there was NO possibility of any special needs - ok, so you can see where this is going, eh.

Fast forward to 5 years or so ago, and after a year or two of home educating one or both of them the penny dropped that all wasn't well.  I had many rows with D about his 'laziness'.  In the end I took my concerns to my GP who referred us on to the community paediatrician - who complained that he was 'too old'.  Maybe if school had said that things needed investigating then we would have been there years earlier, but hey I'm only a parent who expected the school to KNOW if things were a bit off.

D ended up with a diagnosis of dyspraxia (general motor clumsiness) and dysgraphia (issues with the mechanics of writing).  We've since added some dyslexia to the mix as his spelling and pronunciation can be interesting/unique.  He's happy as he has an Educational Psychologist (EP) report giving him permission to use a laptop in class and exams plus 25% extra time in exams.

K can be quite jealous of D getting my attention so at the time all his diagnostic work was going on I got a book out the library and read out some of the possible SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties - not to be confused with learning disabilities) that were going on with him to help her understand why he needed my attention at that time.  At one point I read out about Irlen Syndrome - where the written word flies around the page, rather than keeping still - and she said "You mean, writing doesn't fly around the page for you?"  The poor girl thought it was normal for this to happen so, of course, she'd never mentioned it.  Cue a visit to the optician for some colorimetry testing (using different colour lenses till you find out which colour makes the writing stay still) and £100+ for the right pair of glasses.  Not long after, I took her out of school as she wasn't coping with changing classrooms and the work load.

K has always been 'different'.  Even now I'm not sure which planet she's on but it's not always this one.  Her take on reality is not typical either but she tries hard to stay in this one - when it becomes too much, look out!  Anyway, K found cursive writing too hard.  All those flicks and ticks to get in the right place, especially when you have to work out how to join it to the next letter in the word.  So, once she was out of school, I 'made' her print instead.  She was much happier, and even more so when I passed her my laptop and told her to do it that way.  She thought we were cheating till I told her I'd rather she'd be able to edit it till it looked right without any 'messy' comments that her teachers were happily doling out.  Besides, who'd know.  Plus her confidence needed a boost, and the ability to produce good, neat work was important to us all.

K also qualified for 25% extra time and the use of a PC/laptop in exams.  This enabled her to get a C at Cambridge IGCSE English (similar to the old English Language O-Level in content) a year early.  I only entered her to give her a taste of what was required.  We were all gobsmacked with her result.  By 16 she had added Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (C), Edexcel GCSE Maths (A) and OCR GCSE Biology (C) to her tally and off she went to college, full of nerves (lots of people) and high expectations (AS's in Double Science, Philosophy and ICT).  She soon made friends and her confidence and self-esteem grew.

I'd pre-warned the college's Learning Support Unit (LSU) as to what to expect.  They were willing to help her with support in and out the classroom, essay writing workshops, etc.  Unfortunately K decided that she was fine and didn't need the help.  In January K had a full EP assessment done which she told me suggested dyslexia and dyspraxia - no mention of the Asperger Syndrome which I suspected might be in there somewhere.  At parents evening her teachers gave me the impression that whilst she wasn't A grade material, she wasn't totally useless either.  Unfortunately her AS results brought her crashing down to Earth big time (an E and 2 U's).

So I have spent the last week holding her and drying her tears.  She was ready to quit college because she was stupid (something I hadn't heard in a while).  To be honest I was very worried about her, hence another reason it has been quiet on here.  On Tuesday of this week she had her course choice morning at college.  Whilst she was in the hall having some lecture or other (Welcome back, here's how to fill in your UCAS stuff, etc) I collared the head of LSU and asked if I could see K's EP report as I hadn't had a copy.  She said that Kshould have had a copy to give me but for whatever reason I never saw it.  Anyway, we sat and went through it (I have my copy now) and it was a real eye opener.  K's verbal and non-verbal skills are up above 90% (as in 90% of people her age are equal or worse than her).  Her processing skills (as in what her brain does with the information she reads/hears) is 2% (as in 98% of people her age are better than her at processing the information).  That is one hell of a discrepancy - in fact, less than 1% of the population would have this size defecit.  Bl**dy H*ll!!!

It's no wonder she made such a bad job of her exams.  To be fair to the college the LSU are not allowed to frogmarch needy students into extra support, unlike at school where they can (but getting them to admit there's a problem in the first place is damn near impossible if you're smart with it).  As it was explained to me recently, if you are predicted C's then schools won't bother as you're hitting the league table requirement.  It's only if you are predicted D's/high E's will they make an effort to boost you to the magic C and that all important tick in the 5 A* - C box in the charts.

We are currently researching assistive software/hardware that will enable K to get the most from her next 2 years at college.  She needs something(s) to help her organise her written work (intro, middle, end), take notes in class (dictaphone, pre-made notes from the teacher, notetaker in class), make sure she has correctly interpreted what she is supposed to be doing (class assistant, follow-up in LSU), and honest feedback from her class teachers instead of "oh, she's lovely".  K has totally changed her courses.  Now she is doing a Level 3 BTEC in IT (continuous assessments that she can re-write to improve) and AS Photography (she's decent with a camera but time will tell whether she's arty-farty enough).  Both teachers are aware of her individual needs - one of the teachers is dyslexic too so says she understands (we'll see) - so I'm hoping that things will be better.

The college has a policy that for each subject you drop you have to replace it.  The double award Applied Science counts as 2 courses so she was expected to replace it with 2 new AS's.  The head of LSU and I both agreed that, for K, this was NOT an option.  The head of LSU said that if the curriculum management team wouldn't budge then she would play the disability discrimination card and to send them to her if they were awkward.  Needless to say, all is now well for K and she has replaced 4 AS's with the equivalent of 3 AS's plus plenty of time in the LSU for dyslexia assistance/confidence building/essay skills/show us what you're doing and we'll make sure you're on the right path help/etc.

The EP report suggests possible assistive stuff and we are looking to try before we buy.  I'm also hoping the LSU might have some to play with.  Now I've had time to digest the report I'll be contacting the head of LSU to see if I can get an appointment for a week on Tuesday (K has to go in to get her bus pass/timetable/etc) so that we can start the ball rolling on some of this stuff.  I've looked it up on the internet and some of it seems a very good idea - shame it's so darned pricey, which is why I want to get K to try it first.  If it really is going to benefit her she can have it, I'll make the necessary sacrifices, but I'm not forking out hundreds of pounds to find it doesn't help her.

So ladies and gentlemen, should you find yourself in the position I found myself in all those years ago - kids aren't producing the work at an appropriate level/volume but are very clever and therefore can't possibly have special needs (according to the teachers) - make sure you get them assessed.  Fight the school, LA, go to your GP.  Whatever you do, don't think that the teachers know what they're talking about.

I feel that, in a way, I wasted the 4 years K was home educated as I didn't push a lot of dyslexia therapy at her.  With D, all he needed was an alternative recording method (typing) and he was able to play on a level field.  With K, she needed more and I missed it!  Don't let guilt get you.

Hi there

I've been very busy living life - again.  Sorry, but it keeps getting in the way of the blogging.

Anyway, I have news on the job front.  I have lowered my hours to 3 days per week.  Now the balance feels right; I can get my housework done, see friends, not feel guilty for vegging on the sofa for a few hours if the mood takes me, etc.  This has made me much happier in myself, though I still get stroppy at the others if they don't pull their weight.  (It took me a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get them this far.  I'm not letting it slide now).

I also have news on the studying front.  After much discussion with my nearest and dearest (and his dad) I have decided to go back to college in September to do AAT Level 3.  I'm even going back to Fareham College!  Some of my friends from this year's course are going back so I decided to join them.

Oh and my dad turned 70 on the 18th.  I'll put up some photos when I get a chance.

Doing too much, and other interesting insights

Maybe I was trying to do exactly that.  Needless to say, thanks to a good chat with hubby, things are a-changing.  I am reducing my hours at work down to 3 days and, once the exam is done (this coming Tuesday), 2 weekdays at home.  This gives me a 4 day 'weekend' to get caught up on all the chores.  It also means a return to some lovely home-cooked-from-scratch dinners.  And I'll have more time to catch up with friends.  And I might be able to find the time to keep this blog up, instead of letting it drift like I have for the past few months. 

You see, there was a rumour at work that my services would be required up to September and there's no way I can let my outstanding 'big' chores list (total spring clean, decorating, etc) go on till then.  So tomorrow, for the first time in many months, I will NOT be going shopping tomorrow (Saturday).  I've never liked doing that - too many people.  So I'll start going on Mondays (or Tuesdays).  I might even stop feeling guilty for having a lie in at the weekends.

I've also decided to stop job-hunting.  It's soul-destroying to get no joy.  I've had 2 interviews this year out of nearly 50 job applications.  Once the economy picks up, and there's not so much competition, I'll try again.

I have enjoyed my time at college and I'd like to do the Level 3 course at some point in the future.  However, I think I'd like a job in that field so that I can have some experience of what I'll be learning.  Plus the distance learning version will set me back about £800, once you've allowed for things like books, exam fees, AAT annual fees, etc, etc, etc.  Makes you wonder what you're paying the course fee of £670 for, doesn't it?! (Yes, the £800 includes this £670).  For a mere £650 I can go back to the Open University and do the next course on my list - M208 Pure Maths.  No extra fees (apart from posting some tutor-marked-assignments back).  Plus I LOVE pure maths. 

Right now I want to spend the next 6 years or so finishing my Maths degree.  The only issue is, what do I do with it?  Most people assume I'll go into teaching.  Not a hope!  I'd rather go into a research role - being left alone to discover new and wonderful things in the world of numbers.  Not much money in that, though, but a heck of a lot of job satisfaction, not to mention the absolute delight at going to work each day.

Anyone want a middle-aged, enthusiastic, willing to learn, number cruncher?

This working woman's lot is not a happy one

I feel worn out.  It's not tiredness - as in could fall asleep anywhere.  It's a total loss of energy/go/drive (call it what you will).  Let me give you a bit of history to help put it all in context.

 I last worked outside the home full-time in June 1991, which is when I quit to be A's company secretary - aka money for nothing much.  Since then I have done the full-time housewife/mother routine, and let no one tell you that it is the easy option.  You work just as hard but don't get paid.  Then in April 2004 I started home educating D and we were joined, in October 2005, by K.  Our life had a certain routine - certain activities happened on certain days, etc.  Then in September 2009 I had no kids 'at home'.  They were both at college.  I was left to find a new role.  I dabbled at finding a job but my heart wasn't really in it.  A couple of friends suggested I take up a local job agency's advert for exam invigilators.  After all, I was doing it for free for the local home education group.  This led to odd days of basic admin work.  Then, the NHS job came along.

I was originally sent in for 3 hours a day for 3 days.  No problem.  The money wasn't as much as I'd earned previously but it would be a new experience.  That was in early February this year and I'm STILL there, doing 4 full days per week (the 5th day being at college doing AAT).  Suddenly I had to find time to do the housewife/mother stuff.  The kids are helpful but pretty much only when told what needs to be done.  And, for the most part, the same can be said about A.  Admittedly he's finally worked out how to use the washing machine - assuming he remembers to do any - but he's never voluntarily dusted or hoovered (dust allergy so unfair to expect it), cleaned the bathroom, ironed, taken on the weekly shop (unless I am not in a fit state, when I usually go for a delivery service), made sure the kids are doing their chores properly (ok, maybe occasionally but usually when I have nagged him to make an effort); and hardly ever worried about things like making sure we are ready for Christmas, birthdays, etc.

Some people were quick to point out that he works SO hard and I (until February) was at home all day, so therefore it was my job to do all that.  And I did it all with barely a moan.  But now I WORK TOO.  And to be honest it just feels like if I don't ask someone to do something then no-one else but me can see it needs to be done.

In recent times (the past few years) I have been having a few issues with my memory and processing - things  slipping my mind, and using the wrong word or getting them the wrong way round - and things have been getting worse in the past year or so.  Stress seems to make it worse.  I've had a few stressors at work lately.  A suggests that if work is getting me like that I should quit.  Now, I know he means that exactly as he says it, but there is a part of me that wonders if his subconscious would then feel less guilty about relying on me to remember everything/notice everything that needs doing.  He'd deny it, and I'd feel bad about accusing him of this; honest, it's just me feeling a misery guts.  A has never been any good at remembering things.  I know that but my issues are getting to the stage where I can't be trusted either, and I can feel myself getting more worked up trying to make sure that I don't forget things (because A is bloody useless at it).

Hands up who can see who's going to deal with the lion's share (or even all of it) of when FIL moves down here.  And keep those hands up if you think that, whilst I'm up in Nottingham sorting that end out, bugger all housework-type stuff gets done down here.

Can someone tell me why?

On Friday D was coming home from college on the bus when he got into a discussion with another college student (A - nothing to do with his name) over whether yet another student should sit down.

A: Sit down, will you
D: Maybe she doesn't want to sit down
A: Whoever said that can suck my d*ck
D (standing up to his 6' 2 height): Wanna say that again?
A grabs D up near the throat
D grabs A similarly ready to push him away, having the longer reach
A thumps D in the face, once
Queue stunned silence on the bus
A immediately realises the OTT of his actions and apologises

D makes it home with a badly bruised eye and cheek, a cracked lower middle tooth and a broken off leaving a third of the original length tooth.

(photos taken today, 2 days after.  On the top one yes that is more bruising between the eye and the ear.  The lower one shows the tooth after the temporary patch/rebuild - 2nd from right - now at two-thirds its original size)


The dental bill is likely to be £500 - £1000.  I think, as D is a full-time student, there'll be nothing to pay.  However, I'm wondering whether to send a copy of the paperwork to A and try to make him pay.

Some out there may think we're being soft by not involving the police but, and you KNOW how warped some of the police actions have become, we wonder whether D's "Wanna say that again?" comment may be construed as incitement.  Besides D is not interested in pursuing it.

Busy, busy, busy

On Wednesday I had a Pampered Chef party - I love that stuff.  We all had a good time, with Chicken Tikka Masala cooked in the Deep Covered Baker .

On Thursday and Friday I worked all day, stuffing envelopes with 'heads-up' leaflets for the business's training seminars, and making various folders to be given out to the attendees.  None of it was particularly hard.  I spent most of both days in a world of my own, putting finishing touches to Plan J from the last post.  The distance learning aspect for AAT Levels 3 & 4 is looking very good.  I can work as fast or as slow as I like, the only fixed dates are the exams (June & December).  I'm also going to apply for a job advertised at Portsmouth University, helping to admin/organise business conferences/events there.  The pay is excellent (to me) but the only sticking point is they want you to have experience in a busy office environment.  I'll apply and see how it goes. 

If that goes pear-shaped, which I fully expect, then I shall be setting up a database of local (10 mile radius for a start) accounting firms.  Once I've revamped my CV and designed the killer covering letter I'll be sending them out to all these unsuspecting businesses, asking for a training position in return for a low wage, and if nothing's available please remember me when there is.  Ten out of ten for a proactive approach; unfortunately I expect hundreds of others have thought of it.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh?

Next week is looking busy.  College on Monday, nothing on Tuesday (yet), working the following 3 mornings till 1pm at a different place to this week.  However this week's place may want some more help next week so I've told them when I'm available, so I could be charging between 2 different jobs each day.  I'm not turning it down because it's all more pennies in the bank. 

Plans

OK so I must be at about Plan J for the future by now.  My 'butterfly' brain looks for new solutions if the current plan doesn't instantly yield the intended result.  This is something I need to work on.

All the previous plans 'failed' because none of the jobs I've applied for in the past 12 months, quite a few, haven't even offered me an interview.  Yes, the economy is in the sewer, but for someone who's previously got the first job she applied for this is a whole new game.  I need to learn patience and understand that it's not the fault of the plan; the plan just needs time to come to fruition.

I still want to be an accountant, I still want to continue studying for the AAT qualifications.  But I'm BORED!!!!  College is creeping along at a very slow pace and we're not allowed to go on ahead as then we'd be too far ahead of the others, so we have to twiddle our thumbs waiting for them to finish that chapter.  I've tried patience, really I have, but I am just fed up.  Part of me would like to quit but then I couldn't get on to the next level so I've got to tough it out.  My frustration isn't helped by more NVQ portfolio work which, although it isn't related to accounts, is required to pass this level.  This time I have to provide evidence of what I do at work - I'm allowed to use what I do for the Home Ed group - and how I manage my time, how I cope with deadlines, etc, etc, etc.  Oh and the best one is The Advantages/Disadvantages of Teamwork.  Me, I prefer to be left alone to get on with it, only occassionally conferring with anyone else.  Hardly the stuff of positive teamwork, eh?!  So you have been warned.  The next few weeks will probably see the most amazing outbursts of temper this side of your average 2 year old.

I'm already pretty much decided (hence Plan J) to change to a distance learning provider for the next year's Level 3 course.  This is subject to being allowed to race ahead when the going is easy AND that the NVQ stuff in that is covered by all that I have done/will do for this year.

Making friends, or my reputation precedes me

Last Monday saw the first exam of my AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) course.  It was a 4 hour paper.  I finished it in about 2, and that was including a quick tea break to give the brain a rest.  Gemma (afternoon tutor) wondered why I was loitering outside the classroom at lunchtime - I was talking to a fellow student - and then asked if I'd finished.  I gave her my best 'Roger Moore' eyebrow and said "You really have to ask that?"

Today was the second paper (Unit 4), a 3 or 4 hour paper.  I cracked it (I think, I hope) in an hour flat.  Jim (morning tutor) asked me what took me so long.  The rest of the class raised eyebrows/smiled/said enjoy the rest of the day.

Before leaving Jim wanted to go through last week's paper.  He said he got sick of writing the same comment next to each question (good job, sort of thing) so left them blank.  I managed to get 2 answers wrong on the legal/technical questions in the back but that was about it.  We haven't officially been taught that stuff yet so I'm not concerned.  Hopefully I'll find out in the next few days if I've made any howlers today.

I've always been quick with exams, with one or two notable exceptions (like when I make a huge horlicks of it).  

Bognor's nice

Today I took K to look round the Bognor Campus of Chichester University.  It's a couple of years early (she's planning to do 3 years at college) but she wanted a look to see if it really was for her.  Bognor is a small campus, focusing mainly on Business and Education courses.  There are only 3 halls of residence and it really is a very small site.

Anyway she thinks it's lovely.  The rooms in the halls are bigger than hers.  There are no big lecture halls; lessons are given in classrooms similar to those used in schools and colleges.  She also likes the idea that it is less than a mile's walk to the beach.  And the strangest thing of all, according to her, is how far it is to the horizon at sea when there's no Isle of Wight in the way.  She couldn't get over it.  It was very warm so we sat on the sea wall, eating ice cream, as the sun came out.

K reckons she gets the same  positive vibes about Bognor Campus as she did when she looked round St Vincent (where she is now at college) - warm, inviting, friendly, welcoming, etc.

So look out all the other universities, you've got your work cut out to convince her to come to you.

The future's bright.......

...... the future's mine for the taking.

I blame Ros - yes Ros, if you're reading this, I know I'm not allowed to really.  Ros is someone I've known on and off for a few years.  She is a life coach, amongst other things, and she offered me some sessions as I was at a crossroads in life (no more HE) and not sure which way to go.  Thanks to Ros and her probing questions I now know exactly what I want and, thanks to research and Gemma (one of my AAT tutors) I know how to get there.  Blood, sweat and probably tears appear large in the next 5 years or so but, oh my, it will be worth it.

You see, many years ago I started an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 course.  Unfortunately life, and moving house/counties, got in the way and I didn't finish it.  Years passed and I was quite happy as a stay-at-home-mum, then home education (HE) became our way of life so working outside the home became awkward.  So this August I took the plunge and re-signed on to the Level 2 course, now run as an NVQ award (sheesh!!!) with the intent that I would earn a few pennies playing with numbers - and I adore maths so numbers don't scare me. 

So, the AAT run three levels of courses (2, 3 & 4), after which you can either a) go on to university and do whatever else needs to be done to get an accounting degree (the AAT courses mean you don't have to do all the years), or b) get a job at some point during your AAT studies and hopefully your employer will encourage you - and fund - the rest of your AAT studies as well as your Chartered Accountant/Management Accountant studies.  All in all option b), the one I shall be following, should take 5 years or so.  After that, and a few years experience, I have been told by Gemma that Financial Accountants can earn £120 per hour, and Management Accountants can earn £160 per hour!!!!!  Not being the totally greedy type (yeah, right) I've kind of decided to go for the £120 per hour job.

Financial Accountants deal with what has happened - they have a paper trail to build a picture of how the business has been doing in previous years.  Management Accountants deal with the future - crystal ball accounting if you will - projected profit and loss over the next few years, likely investment required, income/expenditure forecasts.  Hence the higher pay packet.

Ros's life coaching has helped me realise that I am money-oriented.  Reward me enough and I will work like a slave.  Also I value financial freedom (don't we all, I suppose).  I like the idea of being able to afford the nicer things in life - not necessarily being able to afford everything (that's no fun), but certainly a decent standard of living - including a nice home in a very rural setting with a pool and several acres between me and the neighbours, oh and a Ferrari 430 of my very own.  Yes, a lot of it is probably pie in the sky but if you don't dream you can't set yourself a goal.  I'm also concerned that A's health may be a factor in how long he works before retiring - he already has achy joints (arthritis runs in his family) and a back problem - so I want to be in an earning position so that if he has to cut his hours or stop working completely I can take up the slack.

And besides, the way this government has cocked things up and put the country in a mountain of debt that will take years to clear (don't get me started on borrowing to make up a shortfall) I don't want to rely on the state pension provision.  I want to be able to retire when I'm ready, not when some faceless bureaucrat in Whitehall decides I can.

So, watch this space, this girl is going somewhere!

Where does the time go?

Another month has gone sailing by!  A & I have had rotten colds, and they're still loitering in the background.  D has had a sniffle but seems to be coping fine.  K has just started with the first bout of sore throat/loss of voice and general cold symptoms of the winter.  All in all we're a grotty lot!!!!

I've also been busy making decisions and getting the next phase of my life planned - more in the next post.  It's been very strange, this transition from a HE parent to a not HE parent; it's almost like when they first went to school at 4 years old.  I have found it quite strange and a bit disconcerting to suddenly have the house to myself all day.  In fact it's so strange that I am usually out at least once a day, and I can count on one hand the number of weekday lunches I have had at home since 18th September.  Yes, that's right, I crave social interaction.  Best scrape yourselves off the floor now.  Fortunately I can usually find an accommodating friend or two or, failing that, I'm not afraid to eat alone - in between various errands.  Changes are afoot!

Clever child - part 3

Now it's K's turn.

We spent a chaotic day last Thursday running around Hampshire, rounding up results from 2 different exam centres. Normally this wouldn't have been a problem but, as you'll read in the next post, I had other things that I really needed to be doing.

First to Portsmouth to meet a friend outside a private school that allowed our Home Education group to enter Maths GCSE private candidates. Friend went in to collect the envelopes whilst those of us who'd made the trek waited nervously outside. Not sure who was worse, us mums or the kids. Good news!!! K got an A!!

Then off to Hilsea to another friend to get a haircut - am now sporting a quite short 'do'. No more hair in food - other than what falls out naturally while I am cooking.

Then we called in at Cosham Tesco to grab sandwiches and drinks from the chiller - not the best form of nourishment but it's not something we make a habit of. Then into their Krispy Kreme outlet for some donuts to take home.

Then calling near home to drop D off so he could go to Iceland and get some frozen chicken for tea, and he walked home from there.

Then it was off to Southampton, right in the centre, to fetch K's ICGSE Chemistry results - IGCSE is international GCSE, a little harder than GCSE and a 'no coursework' option. This was the make-or-break result. Her college courses depended on her getting a C or better. So our nerves were stretched near to breaking point.

AND SHE DID IT, SHE GOT HER C!!!!!!! K was leaping around, squeaking, and nearly in tears of relief. I was numb, also with relief. Remember, I was marking her mocks and I could see how she struggled to remember the facts. I was not convinced she would get the grade. Once again she proved me wrong (she got a C in English last year when I predicted an E). She has been gracious enough NOT to rub my nose in it.


So tomorrow we are off to her chosen college to present her grades and confirm her courses for the coming year.

Am a student again

I've enrolled on a college course, one full day a week. I'll be doing AAT Level 2 - the first level of an Accountancy qualification. I started it 15 years ago but, due to moving to a different part of the country, never got round to completing it. Of course, it's now too late and I have to start from scratch. It won't be an issue though as I need to refresh, especially as everyone seems to be computerised these days and some of the rules/laws have changed.

So I'll be off to college on Monday 14th September for a whole day - bet I'll be a bit tired that evening - with my briefcase loaded with paper and pencilcase, and my laptop just incase I need to do some serious writing. I just can't write fast enough to keep up with my brain, and besides if handwriting was a guide to future career prospects I'd be a senior consultant doctor person. Seriously, no one can read my writing unless I make a conscious effort. Should be fun.

I'm hoping this will increase my employability, and also hoping that some business somewhere will set me on and pay for the next 2 years.

Clever child - part 2

Yesterday was AS results day. D drove to college, me being on strict ankle rest (ha ha ha). He got the grades we expected, B in Chemistry and Geology, and C in Computing. Now he has to decide whether he wants to continue with Computing or start a new course. You see, he has a bit of an attitude problem with his teachers (a little knowledge is a dangerous thing type of attitude) and he doesn't really enjoy the theory side - programming is fine - so he'd like to find a different course. Unfortunately there isn't much choice - can you see him doing AS English (ROFLOL) - so he may have to swallow it and behave.

BTW, he has his driving test on 10th September. Clear the roads in the afternoon - you have been warned!

So far, so good

I've now done two Pampered Chef parties and earned myself £65. It doesn't sound much for 3 weeks work but when you realise that it was less than 8 hours work in total, the hourly rate is much more interesting - somewhere around £8 - £10 per hour. Certainly worth my while! June is already busy with 5 parties (but I can certainly squeeze in one or two more), and I've already started booking for July.

Today is a beautiful day. The kids are in town with friends, and A is at work, so the house is all mine - a rarity till September when both D & K are at college. So I'm sat at the computer listening to Bon Jovi and catching up on reading some blogs. I may even drag up Civ IV shortly. Oh, the decadence! I probably should point out that there are already 2 loads of washing on the line and all the paperwork from last night's party is dealt with, so I'm not being a lazy toad all day - though it does have its appeal.

Last Sunday friend E had a house-warming party. Her back garden has very little shade but some kind soul had brought along some umbrellas to act as parasols, so I borrowed one - not a perfect solution but better than nothing. I survived in short sleeves for a few hours until the rash started. I'm not downhearted about it this year, as spending 4 - 5 hours in direct sunshine is probably asking for trouble. However I am feeling quite smug about it as the rash didn't develop into full-blown red spots - it was more bumps in the skin. Now all I have to do is wait for them to clear off (up to two weeks from flare up).

The kids have finally spotted themselves a nice little earner - unfortunately it is me that is coughing up. They've twigged that voluntarily doing chores round the house and helping me with my PC stuff will probably trigger financial remuneration. D, in particular, has been most helpful in the last few days as he has too much month at the end of his allowance (as usual).

A is working hard but seems to have his hayfever under control (so far!). I've probably jinxed him now. We're making a slow but steady effort in sorting out the garage so that - GASP! - we can get to anything in it from the internal door instead of having to open the main door to get to the fuse box. Wonder if the local tip will start charging us business rates for all the clutter we're getting rid of.

My bad!

Apparently, my daughter hates me. This is not your typical teenage angst. My crime? Getting her interested in possibly studying AS Maths at college as well as her other choices. (You know how she is with decision-making).

K is on course to get an A at least at Maths GCSE, and this will be her best grade at this level. To me it seems a little strange to not go on and study something that you have an ability at. Admittedly, she is not as naturally intuitive as her brother.

Yesterday we were sat in a cafe having a toasted cheese and ham ciabatta sandwich each when I told her about such things as number theory, remainder theory, and group theory - and the attendant things like Cayley tables. These things are part of the Open University course MS221 and are a lot of fun. They can also elicit some swearing. Last night I was looking at Bletchley Park, a possible trip during half-term in May. They have some maths resources, looking at how maths is used in making, and breaking, codes - from genetic fingerprinting through encryption to how ISBN numbers are created for books. I showed it K and she is now working through the units (her choice). These units are aimed from KS2 (7 - 11 yrs) all the way to A-Level (18 yrs).

Am unloved!

At least in the working world. That's right, I didn't get the Trainee Accountant job. However I now have another half-dozen or so irons in the job-hunting fire.

Apparently these Modern Apprenticeships have no upper age limit so I'm applying for 3 of them. Why not! It's getting paid (seriously low money) to get bits of paper that say I'm competent at certain administrative procedures. These are instantly marketable and should stop me being ignored for people with more current experience.

Then there's a Science Technician required at a school in Southsea, 15 hours per week. Again the pays not fantastic but no experience necessary so what the heck. It's right next to Fratton station so I don't even have to drive in.

There's a Dispensary Assistant required in Wickham's doctors surgery, again no experience necessary but must be prepared to study for Dispensary qualifications. Must make sure I don't confuse eye drops with ear drops, as happened to poor D once.

Also there's an opening to work for my local MP as a full-time caseworker, sorting out constituents issues by liaising with the necessary government branches and hopefully finding a mutually satisfactory solution. All I'd need to do then is work out how to secure a £200K handshake when I make a complete horlicks of it. LOL!!!!!!

I am also considering taking up something I've always thought about but never had the nerve to try for - midwifery! I have experience on my side. Apparently the NHS pays your course fees, assuming you can bag one of the few well-sort-after positions. Southampton University has 25 places and 25 applicants per place. Probably no worse odds than I usually battle when job-hunting. I have to make enquiries as I am a mature student and the entry requirements are sometimes different to the straight from A-levels brigade. Plus I think it might be a bit late for this year.

This leads back to the beginning of this post in a way. If I have to take courses to get bits of paper to get a job, do I go for courses that bolster what I can already do or do I go for something new and very different (but no less interesting)? Because the way it's looking I am going to be very lucky to get a job as most require recent experience or relevant qualifications. Hence the reason I feel unloved and unwanted by the wider business world. To be fair to them it's a hirer's market at the moment and why should they take a punt on someone whose skills are rusty at best when there are so many people around who are up to speed.

A selfish post

This one's all about me and none of the others are going to get a mention.

Yesterday I started broadband UVB desensitisation for my P(M)LE. It was only a small patch test to find out what dose would give me a burn. I ended up going pink in two of them, and applying copious amounts of aqueous cream to soothe the stinging.

Today I had my first proper session. They started me off at 50% of the dose that caused the pinkness yesterday. This evening my whole back is slightly pink and quite warm, as is one elbow. A (the only mention, honest) has had a pleasurable few minutes slapping E45 all over.

Also yesterday I got a reply from a job I applied for last week, the Junior Accounting Clerk one in Eastleigh. I have an interview tomorrow at 2pm. Fingers crossed I do alright. They are proposing to send the lucky person to college in September to start their accountancy qualifications.

Oh, and I got a haircut today at the local college.