Santa is probably not going to be bringing me too many pressies because I’ve been so naughty and not updated my blog since MAY!?!?! – have you missed me?
It might be a little bit too early to be talking about Christmas but since the shops are playing their favourite festive tunes I’m jumping on the Coca Cola wagon and putting in my two pennith – haha I’m not entirely sure how to spell that word, anyway I digress.
Christmas is a time when we are thankful, we show the people we love that we are grateful to have them in our lives and buy them “well thought out” gifts. HOWEVER, this rarely happens when you have a list as long as my right leg (its longer than my left by like ¼ inch – in fairness my left is a good length too) of people you have to buy for, so I’ve put together some handy little tips to help you get through the FFS (nooo not that FFS. Financial Festive Stress!!)
· Calculate your budget – haha not really how boring is that?? – To be fair if you are anything like me you know what’s a reasonable amount to spend on each individual. Obviously you take into account how much you like the person too – duh! And if they bought you something shit last year, give it back to them ha not really.
· Consider not having Christmas – WHATTT??? Are you crazy? – What else will you do on Christmas day? Nothings bloody open so don’t ban Christmas, that’s just bonkers!
· The Children only rule – this is mainly for friends with families, although I am getting to that point now where friends are having kids and erm I’m not so I DO NOT AGREE with this rule! However if it works for you, get yourselves to the Disney store at once!
· If, like me, your friends are not “a group” as in they don’t all know each other - Secret Santa isn’t really an option. Do the £10 challenge. Buy what you can for £10 this can turn out to be quite amusing but also it’s a great way to give someone a gift without breaking the ACTUAL bank.
· Get crafty! – are you creative? Can you knit or sew? This year I’m making one of my friends a handmade present, obviously I can’t divulge details but think about useful things that are easy to make like, purses, phone covers, ipad covers, make up bags etc. It’s fairly simple to sew a pouch and you can make it personal! Aww lovely!
· If you are buying for kids, don’t bother buying them clothes unless its an Elsa outfit or something THEY will be excited about, how many people remember getting a t-shirt with a bow on when they were 4? NONE! – don’t bother! It’s a waste of money and it doesn’t last because they grow so fast!
· AVOID THE BHS TATT – I know it’s the easy option but I don’t know anyone who actually WANTS a giant bucket with marmite written on it filled with marmite. If your friend likes Marmite, just buy them some marmite from the supermarket and put a bow on it and write them a nice card, it saves you money and your friend will thank you for not giving them a stupid bucket that will end up in the garage filled with some other shit they got for Christmas for the next year.
· Groupon – really good for things like “Swarovski elements” earrings or sets of bracelets necklaces and earrings. These are great for friends, if you buy a set you can split it up, give one friend the necklace, one the bracelet and keep the earrings for yourself (Spoil yourself too haha!!) No one with any taste will want to wear all three at once anyway!
· Vouchers – Use the vouchers you get, Boots always have vouchers for No7! Around about November, so now, you will find that there are sales and vouchers available all over the place so get savvy, look online on free voucher websites and keep an eye out on your email for online sales!
· Worst case scenario – start a phase out around August, then you don’t have to buy much at all! – Jokes! Don’t really!
So there you go 10 tips for getting through the FFS!!
As the Italians would say Buon Natale – too soon? ;)
Wednesday 19 November 2014
Saturday 17 May 2014
Vegane - Al Grande Cerchio a Milano
Anyway after some more strolling I ended up in Brera, a beautiful part of the city, lots of boutiques and restaurants, lovely streets with yellow buildings etc. I decided that I wasn't in any rush so I just carried on walking, ending up at Lima and Loretto, there was another Market so I had a look but of course there wasn't anything different for sale! I started to get hungry so I decided to get back on the tube and come home but stop off at Wagner on the way back because I remembered one of my students telling me about a vegan restaurant that she goes to and I'm always intrigued by different food and how people substitute types of food if they follow a certain diet etc.
I found Al Grande Cerchio pretty easily, they did look at me a bit strange when I asked for a table for one, but I'm pretty used to that now!! There was such a wide variety on the menu I was amazed, Breads, salads, pizzas and pasta and a good range of sweets too! (I didn't have a sweet, next time I will!)
I ordered a Margherita Pizza (because I'm in Italy of course) and they gave me a cup of jasmine tea, complimentary, Yum! It was absolutely delicious. Of course you can tell the different between vegan cheese and dairy cheese and the pizza base was a bit more stodgy but thin so it was really lovely. I ate the whole thing!!
When I went inside to pay I noticed that there was a lot of information about the vegan lifestyle and a book full of recipes! i'll definitely be going back and next time i'll have something sweet too. I was really surprised about the cost, it was the same price as you would pay for non vegan food in a restaurant and this to me is brilliant!!
To book a table call: 02 4800 4737
www.algrandecerchio.it
#Milano #Vegan
Friday 18 April 2014
La Pasquetta
I am writing this whilst listening to the rain bounce off my shutters because i'm in Italy and it's Easter and notorious for it's bad weather over this weekend.
In the last couple of weeks I have been given a plethora of information about what Italians do at Easter (Pasqua) and the general gist is THEY EAT! of course they do, munch munch munch!
Every small town / region / city has their own particular food that is traditionally made and eaten at Easter. In Milano its the "Colomba" a dove shaped cake that symbolises peace.
The Colomba de Pasqua is made from flour, butter, milk, eggs, candied fruit, almonds and sugar. It tastes like Panattone!
Shadone - the Italian Easter Pie.
Easter Pie is made from Eggs, Salami, Ricotta, Queso Fresco, Pecorino Romano and salt and pepper.
Traditionally eaten on Easter Monday, La Pasquetta (Little Easter) After they stuff their faces on Easter Sunday they have "Little Easter" of course!! Usually this involves a picnic al fuori, Friends and family meet and eat!
Easter is the second most important holiday after Christmas so it's a big deal here! It's quite nice to have such a lovely atmosphere and to be able to experience things the way that Italians celebrate.
The Easter eggs here are HUGE! the cheapest i've seen is 10euros and it would feed a family of 4!
The Easter eggs here are HUGE! the cheapest i've seen is 10euros and it would feed a family of 4!
Easter Bread is also quite spectacular, I think it's just the lovely coloured eggs which are nested into the bread that make it look so appealing!
I haven't tried it yet but I would hazard a guess that its like a hot cross bun!
I haven't tried it yet but I would hazard a guess that its like a hot cross bun!
Something else I have noticed, is a lot of people carrying Olive Branches. Especially last weekend. I don't know where the term "handing someone an olive branch" came from but it is a tradition at Easter in Italy to give people olive branches. Maybe because Easter symbolises new beginnings.
I'm sure that there is a lot more to Easter than just food but food is always interesting!! Buona Pasqua
Tuesday 8 April 2014
UK-TEFL - My TEFL experience
Ciao!
I'm Hannah, I'm 29 and from the UK, I completed my TEFL in April 2013 after being made redundant for the second time from jobs in Marketing and as a Career Adviser and realising that my job in Insurance was making me extremely unhappy.
I knew I needed experience immediately to put all of my new skills to good use but I wasn't in the position financially to just up sticks! Instead I did some research around my local city, York, and found a volunteer group and a number of Language schools. After getting in touch with these schools and the volunteer group I managed to secure a position over the summer of 2013 teaching in the English Language Centre in York and I also volunteered as an English conversation teacher for Refugee Action York. The experience I gained doing this was invaluable and really cemented the idea of becoming an EFL teacher and moving abroad.
I have dreamed of living in Italy for a long time. Who doesn't want to live La Dolce Vita? So, I decided to just go for it. During my training I was given some good tips on how to find a job in Europe. It's not as common to have a Skype interview or to be hired without meeting your employer face to face if you want to work in Europe. I didn't want the expense of having to keep flying to Italy and back so I decided to just move to Milan and "wing it." About 2 weeks before I went I put a free advert in an English publication here in Milan called "Easy Milano" I advertised myself as a tutor and I also advertised myself as looking for a job as a Teacher. This was a really useful thing to do because by the time I got there I had a couple of people interested already.
I gave myself a month to find a job. As soon as I got here I was straight on the case. I located as many language schools as I could, wrote a *functional style CV and started ringing and emailing and even visiting some of the schools to make connections and to find a job.
*I chose the functional style CV because it has a more "skills based" approach, I don't have alot of experience and a chronological CV would just be full of useless and irrelevant information so a Functional CV works better in this case, the employer can see all of the relevant information straight away if you highlight your skills and back them up with evidence using short and concise bullet points.
By the end of the first week I had a job working 3 hours a week tutoring children. By the end of the second week I landed another job at Wall Street English. I found the school by chance when I was walking to work, it was raining and I was feeling a bit miserable, I walked passed it and decided to go in and ask if they needed any teachers. The next day I received an email from the Service Manager who invited me for an interview the following day. By the end of the week I had a job offer!
I have been working for just over a month now and I have received some excellent support from my school. The only trouble is, if you are on an Italian contract the pay isn't as good, however, I just love to teach and I have the option to work for another school if I want to/need to.
My life has completely changed and the thrill and excitement of being somewhere new is motivating me to continue to do what I love and to learn more about the culture and learn the language.
I live with a family, they found me from an advert I posted on a website. You can live with students or other professionals but I wanted to live in a family home and really get the feel for the way Italians live and to emerse myself as much as possible, in and around the times I'm teaching, my rent is discounted because I offered to each the child English!!
So if you are thinking of taking the plunge, DO IT!!
Hannah
#tefl #travel #teach #EFL #ESL #CELTA #TESOL #TEFL #blogs #italy
I'm Hannah, I'm 29 and from the UK, I completed my TEFL in April 2013 after being made redundant for the second time from jobs in Marketing and as a Career Adviser and realising that my job in Insurance was making me extremely unhappy.
I knew I needed experience immediately to put all of my new skills to good use but I wasn't in the position financially to just up sticks! Instead I did some research around my local city, York, and found a volunteer group and a number of Language schools. After getting in touch with these schools and the volunteer group I managed to secure a position over the summer of 2013 teaching in the English Language Centre in York and I also volunteered as an English conversation teacher for Refugee Action York. The experience I gained doing this was invaluable and really cemented the idea of becoming an EFL teacher and moving abroad.
I have dreamed of living in Italy for a long time. Who doesn't want to live La Dolce Vita? So, I decided to just go for it. During my training I was given some good tips on how to find a job in Europe. It's not as common to have a Skype interview or to be hired without meeting your employer face to face if you want to work in Europe. I didn't want the expense of having to keep flying to Italy and back so I decided to just move to Milan and "wing it." About 2 weeks before I went I put a free advert in an English publication here in Milan called "Easy Milano" I advertised myself as a tutor and I also advertised myself as looking for a job as a Teacher. This was a really useful thing to do because by the time I got there I had a couple of people interested already.
I gave myself a month to find a job. As soon as I got here I was straight on the case. I located as many language schools as I could, wrote a *functional style CV and started ringing and emailing and even visiting some of the schools to make connections and to find a job.
*I chose the functional style CV because it has a more "skills based" approach, I don't have alot of experience and a chronological CV would just be full of useless and irrelevant information so a Functional CV works better in this case, the employer can see all of the relevant information straight away if you highlight your skills and back them up with evidence using short and concise bullet points.
By the end of the first week I had a job working 3 hours a week tutoring children. By the end of the second week I landed another job at Wall Street English. I found the school by chance when I was walking to work, it was raining and I was feeling a bit miserable, I walked passed it and decided to go in and ask if they needed any teachers. The next day I received an email from the Service Manager who invited me for an interview the following day. By the end of the week I had a job offer!
I have been working for just over a month now and I have received some excellent support from my school. The only trouble is, if you are on an Italian contract the pay isn't as good, however, I just love to teach and I have the option to work for another school if I want to/need to.
My life has completely changed and the thrill and excitement of being somewhere new is motivating me to continue to do what I love and to learn more about the culture and learn the language.
I live with a family, they found me from an advert I posted on a website. You can live with students or other professionals but I wanted to live in a family home and really get the feel for the way Italians live and to emerse myself as much as possible, in and around the times I'm teaching, my rent is discounted because I offered to each the child English!!
So if you are thinking of taking the plunge, DO IT!!
Hannah
#tefl #travel #teach #EFL #ESL #CELTA #TESOL #TEFL #blogs #italy
Sunday 6 April 2014
Milan in March
Woahhhh March delivered some challenges! I have had some ups and some downs so here's a little round up of my life this last month.
If I'm honest I didn't think I'd make it past February and thought my sorry a$$ would be on a cheap flight home with my tail between my legs by 25th! I'm still here though! remarkable! I have run out of money but I get paid next week so don't worry about me!
I've had a few moments where I've wondered "WHAT AM I BLOODY DOING IN THIS CITY", but for the most part I know I'd rather be here doing this than be in the UK doing a job I don't like.
I've made some more friends and spent a couple of weekends hanging out in the sun at the park with everyone else in Milan!! The park is like an American high school movie, you have your gym jocks, your music geeks, the expressive arty types who just stand on their heads all afternoon or move about dancing with a lot of emotion but everyone gets to enjoy the space whatever their interests and hobbies. I played my first gig a few weeks ago, one of my friends bought his guitar to the park, it was nice to have a little jam and a sing along!
I feel more relaxed here now but I don't want to feel comfortable, I don't want to lose the excitement of being somewhere new and exploring something different so when I get hold of some money I'll be exploring the countryside around the city!
March has been tough because I'm already losing touch with friends back at home and it's making me a little glum, BUT, I am returning home for a week in May so maybe i'll be able to catch up with some people then. You can't carry all of your friendships through life but some that I really thought were deep rooted seem to have just fizzled out. In any normal situation people just make new friends, have new experiences and just move on but being in this situation gives you a lot to reflect upon, if you lose one good friend its hard but losing a few is like going through a break up!!! Maybe a few doors need to close and a few more might open, patience is something which I'm learning a lot about! I should count my blessings and not my problems!
My first month at work has really confirmed that I love to teach! If I don't stay here for more than 6 months I'm already thinking about going back to University and doing a PGCE in the UK, best get saving haha! If I don't do that I want to become a florist! I'm 30 next year but SO WHAT! it's never too late to learn something new! I have a real thirst for knowledge and all I want to do is learn learn learn! I learn something different from my students everyday, for example, in each town/city there is a different type of cake or sweet that is made at Easter! I have advised them all that I would like to try ALL OF THEM!
Italians have a way of being able to describe things in such a beautiful poetic way. The language that they use is like velvety chocolate melting in you mouth and I really love how passionate they are about life, I feel lucky to be able to meet so many people doing my job and hopefully i'll be able to stick at it for a little while. :)
New words I've learned
Spagliato -Incorrect
Andiamo - Lets go
Aspeto - Wait
Salute - Cheers
Salve - Hi
Spazzatura - Rubbish
Storico - Historic
Pasqua - Easter
Perche - Why?
Che cosa questo? - What's this?
Non Capito - I don't understand
Ti senti meglio? Do you feel any better?
Heres some pics :)
If I'm honest I didn't think I'd make it past February and thought my sorry a$$ would be on a cheap flight home with my tail between my legs by 25th! I'm still here though! remarkable! I have run out of money but I get paid next week so don't worry about me!
I've had a few moments where I've wondered "WHAT AM I BLOODY DOING IN THIS CITY", but for the most part I know I'd rather be here doing this than be in the UK doing a job I don't like.
I've made some more friends and spent a couple of weekends hanging out in the sun at the park with everyone else in Milan!! The park is like an American high school movie, you have your gym jocks, your music geeks, the expressive arty types who just stand on their heads all afternoon or move about dancing with a lot of emotion but everyone gets to enjoy the space whatever their interests and hobbies. I played my first gig a few weeks ago, one of my friends bought his guitar to the park, it was nice to have a little jam and a sing along!
I feel more relaxed here now but I don't want to feel comfortable, I don't want to lose the excitement of being somewhere new and exploring something different so when I get hold of some money I'll be exploring the countryside around the city!
March has been tough because I'm already losing touch with friends back at home and it's making me a little glum, BUT, I am returning home for a week in May so maybe i'll be able to catch up with some people then. You can't carry all of your friendships through life but some that I really thought were deep rooted seem to have just fizzled out. In any normal situation people just make new friends, have new experiences and just move on but being in this situation gives you a lot to reflect upon, if you lose one good friend its hard but losing a few is like going through a break up!!! Maybe a few doors need to close and a few more might open, patience is something which I'm learning a lot about! I should count my blessings and not my problems!
My first month at work has really confirmed that I love to teach! If I don't stay here for more than 6 months I'm already thinking about going back to University and doing a PGCE in the UK, best get saving haha! If I don't do that I want to become a florist! I'm 30 next year but SO WHAT! it's never too late to learn something new! I have a real thirst for knowledge and all I want to do is learn learn learn! I learn something different from my students everyday, for example, in each town/city there is a different type of cake or sweet that is made at Easter! I have advised them all that I would like to try ALL OF THEM!
Italians have a way of being able to describe things in such a beautiful poetic way. The language that they use is like velvety chocolate melting in you mouth and I really love how passionate they are about life, I feel lucky to be able to meet so many people doing my job and hopefully i'll be able to stick at it for a little while. :)
New words I've learned
Spagliato -Incorrect
Andiamo - Lets go
Aspeto - Wait
Salute - Cheers
Salve - Hi
Spazzatura - Rubbish
Storico - Historic
Pasqua - Easter
Perche - Why?
Che cosa questo? - What's this?
Non Capito - I don't understand
Ti senti meglio? Do you feel any better?
Heres some pics :)
Sunday 23 February 2014
PA Anonymous
Hi
i'm Hannah and I’m PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE.
I always thought that it was quite amusing that I am passive aggressive, I kind of made jokes about it to hide the fact that it’s really not that funny and I should not be a proud passive aggressive!
Recently though since recognising this, I’ve decided to find out where it stems from and get to the root cause of what makes people passive aggressive.
I think it’s the inability to communicate what you want to actually say. If you don’t have the strength or confidence to say how you feel in an effective rational way then it can come out as passive aggression. For example, if you are not alright about something but you don’t want to say “erm im not happy about that” you may decide that you are going to act In a way that shows you aren’t ok with it rather than actually use your words and express your truth. Having a strop etc! (Childlike behaviour)
Once I was unhappy about a situation so instead of thinking about how to approach it I went full force and told the person that I thought what they were doing was wrong and I got told to “F*ck off and mind your own business, who the fuck do you think you are” This turned my aggression into a deep state of regret and I cried A LOT! – I still, to this day, think that the person I was talking to was in the wrong but had I approached it better maybe I wouldn’t have been scolded quite so hard! But we have to let go and move on (which, by the way, I have I just bought it up for the sake of this blog!)
Whilst I have been evaluating my approach, to communicating my real thoughts in an effective way, i’ve noticed that other people are much the same. I’m not the only passive aggressive person here, there’s loads of us, like a big gang. Let’s not meet up though because I don’t think it would turn out very well, OR we could just have a wine fuelled frolic and see who survives! LOL!
Frollic! Ha I love that word
So my new thought process goes something like this.
Am I annoyed?
Who am I annoyed with?
If I confront it, will it make a difference?
If the answer is no, its generally a lot easier and healthier for me to just let it go!
If the answer is yes, how do I approach this person.
In the kindest, calmest and most thought out way possible. DO NOT BITE! – I am well known for being easy to wind up, so trying not to bite is quite difficult.
You may think this is a long process to have to “think about what to do” but it’s much better to do this than to go full pelt and explode like a fire of fury.
So passive aggressive anonymous, try my thought process, it may work for you too J
I always thought that it was quite amusing that I am passive aggressive, I kind of made jokes about it to hide the fact that it’s really not that funny and I should not be a proud passive aggressive!
Recently though since recognising this, I’ve decided to find out where it stems from and get to the root cause of what makes people passive aggressive.
I think it’s the inability to communicate what you want to actually say. If you don’t have the strength or confidence to say how you feel in an effective rational way then it can come out as passive aggression. For example, if you are not alright about something but you don’t want to say “erm im not happy about that” you may decide that you are going to act In a way that shows you aren’t ok with it rather than actually use your words and express your truth. Having a strop etc! (Childlike behaviour)
Once I was unhappy about a situation so instead of thinking about how to approach it I went full force and told the person that I thought what they were doing was wrong and I got told to “F*ck off and mind your own business, who the fuck do you think you are” This turned my aggression into a deep state of regret and I cried A LOT! – I still, to this day, think that the person I was talking to was in the wrong but had I approached it better maybe I wouldn’t have been scolded quite so hard! But we have to let go and move on (which, by the way, I have I just bought it up for the sake of this blog!)
Whilst I have been evaluating my approach, to communicating my real thoughts in an effective way, i’ve noticed that other people are much the same. I’m not the only passive aggressive person here, there’s loads of us, like a big gang. Let’s not meet up though because I don’t think it would turn out very well, OR we could just have a wine fuelled frolic and see who survives! LOL!
Frollic! Ha I love that word
So my new thought process goes something like this.
Am I annoyed?
Who am I annoyed with?
If I confront it, will it make a difference?
If the answer is no, its generally a lot easier and healthier for me to just let it go!
If the answer is yes, how do I approach this person.
In the kindest, calmest and most thought out way possible. DO NOT BITE! – I am well known for being easy to wind up, so trying not to bite is quite difficult.
You may think this is a long process to have to “think about what to do” but it’s much better to do this than to go full pelt and explode like a fire of fury.
So passive aggressive anonymous, try my thought process, it may work for you too J
Friday 14 February 2014
A chi vuole, non mancano modi - Where there's a will, there's a way
Wow the last 2 weeks have been CRAY CRAY. I wanted to share a little story with you about it all because I feel that "fate" really has played a part in the paths I chose to walk recently.
On Weds 5th Feb, I had an interview for a Teaching position and lets just say, it could've gone better. I felt that I didn't agree with the methodology of the school and that the man interviewing me was, simply, a money maker and did not have the compassion to be a teacher.
He simply played bad cop throughout and I left feeling deflated and wondering what the hell I am doing here. As soon as I walked out of the door I knew straight away that I would not hear from him and I told myself "Hannah, just write it off, you will get another interview with someone else but learn from what you feel you did wrong and apply it next time"
Despite me knowing that I should've taken my own advice, I still spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish and kept beating myself up. I had a tutoring lesson in the afternoon with some children and as I was walking to their house I came across the Wall Street Institute. I've heard of them before but wasn't sure where they were located and a little voice inside my head told me to go in and ask for an email address to send my CV to. I did just that because I believed that after something bad there will be something good and I believed that maybe I saw this place for a reason (that's just how I am!!)
The day after I received an invite to and interview from The Wall Street Institute. I went the following day (Friday 7th) and tried to remember what I'd learned from the previous interview and what I didn't want to do this time. I met a very helpful chap who told me all about the company and was really interested in my experience and me as a person, what I like to do in my spare time, why I love Italy etc. I walked away feeling better and thought that I'd done as much as I possibly could.
On Monday 10th Feb I received a call from someone else at the Wall Street Institute who invited me for a second interview. I went along on Weds 12th Feb and had my second interview where I was tasked with writing and teaching a mock lesson. (I was terrified!!!) I got some very constructive but positive feedback and I was told that they would call me with a decision the next day.
Later that afternoon I got a call and was offered the job.
I feel as though this is one of those stories which proves that, if something doesn't go your way to begin with, if you learn your lessons and apply what you've learned and keep trying, you will get there.
If you don't make that first step you will never make the 2nd 3rd and 4th steps either, you can try and skip but you'll just trip and end up right back where you were like a game of snakes and ladders.
My advice to anyone who feels they are in the wrong job or who feels passionate about doing something, JUST DO IT! - (rip off NIKE, soz)
If I can, you can!
Also today is Valentines day so spread your love and tell someone how amazing they make you feel xxx
On Weds 5th Feb, I had an interview for a Teaching position and lets just say, it could've gone better. I felt that I didn't agree with the methodology of the school and that the man interviewing me was, simply, a money maker and did not have the compassion to be a teacher.
He simply played bad cop throughout and I left feeling deflated and wondering what the hell I am doing here. As soon as I walked out of the door I knew straight away that I would not hear from him and I told myself "Hannah, just write it off, you will get another interview with someone else but learn from what you feel you did wrong and apply it next time"
Despite me knowing that I should've taken my own advice, I still spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish and kept beating myself up. I had a tutoring lesson in the afternoon with some children and as I was walking to their house I came across the Wall Street Institute. I've heard of them before but wasn't sure where they were located and a little voice inside my head told me to go in and ask for an email address to send my CV to. I did just that because I believed that after something bad there will be something good and I believed that maybe I saw this place for a reason (that's just how I am!!)
The day after I received an invite to and interview from The Wall Street Institute. I went the following day (Friday 7th) and tried to remember what I'd learned from the previous interview and what I didn't want to do this time. I met a very helpful chap who told me all about the company and was really interested in my experience and me as a person, what I like to do in my spare time, why I love Italy etc. I walked away feeling better and thought that I'd done as much as I possibly could.
On Monday 10th Feb I received a call from someone else at the Wall Street Institute who invited me for a second interview. I went along on Weds 12th Feb and had my second interview where I was tasked with writing and teaching a mock lesson. (I was terrified!!!) I got some very constructive but positive feedback and I was told that they would call me with a decision the next day.
Later that afternoon I got a call and was offered the job.
I feel as though this is one of those stories which proves that, if something doesn't go your way to begin with, if you learn your lessons and apply what you've learned and keep trying, you will get there.
If you don't make that first step you will never make the 2nd 3rd and 4th steps either, you can try and skip but you'll just trip and end up right back where you were like a game of snakes and ladders.
My advice to anyone who feels they are in the wrong job or who feels passionate about doing something, JUST DO IT! - (rip off NIKE, soz)
If I can, you can!
Also today is Valentines day so spread your love and tell someone how amazing they make you feel xxx
Monday 10 February 2014
Friendship Sabotage
Why is it that, as we begin new relationships/friendships, we often do more or go out of our way more for people we barely know than we often do for people who are supposed to be a significant part of our lives? I challenge you to reflect on that thought and apply it to all the relationships in your life, and be honest with your contribution in complacency and commit to getting back to the “bringing flowers” mindset (metaphorically speaking, of course). Because relationships are a two-way street.
Also, reflect on how you respond when people go out of their way for you and do thoughtful things, big and small. Are you grateful? Do you openly express gratitude, show appreciation, and inspire that person to want to do more? Expressing appreciation and gratitude through actions and words is the primary way to keep from falling into the complacency trap.
It's Monday, it's cold, make your friend or significant other smile and send them some sweet words or buy them some pretty flowers or do something small that you know they will love and be thankful for. These little gestures build long lasting friendships and long lasting relationships. If you become complacent your friend or partner will feel less valued and wonder where the person went who tried so hard to prove their worth in the first place! Its like false advertising but friendship doesn't come with a receipt and a 2 year guarantee!
Just something to think about xx
Thursday 6 February 2014
Mi Piace
Ciao
OMG we are on day 11 - feels like LOADS longer! I've been having a bit of an up and down week so far. I had an interview yesterday which was rubbish and made me feel rubbish all day but then after speaking to my lovely friend I felt loads better. Sometimes you just need a friend to remind you that you are ok and that its not a bad life It was just a bad day and to tell you to meditate because they know that it will help you focus!
I woke up this morning FULL of energy, before bed last night I meditated and woke up really focussed. I had a tutoring session for an hour this afternoon in which we just played UNO (surprisingly very educational! Colours, numbers etc) I pretended that I didn't know how to play so the boys had to try and explain in English, they spoke lots of Italian but I understood what they were trying to say and responded to them in English. It was a fun way of making some money anyway!
This morning I sent speculative CVs to lots of schools around the country, the list is huge so theres plenty more to go at! I got a call straight away from a school in Turin which is about a hour away by train, I have an interview next Thursday with them, my CV seems to be doing its job! I haven't been to Turin before but I am happy to go and check it out, going to make a day of it and get as much out of it as possible.
Each day I feel something different, yesterday I wanted to leave and didn't want to be in Milan, I wanted to go to another city in Italy and try and live there instead. Today I feel less irrational but still interested in travelling to another place to see whats on offer. I don't want to waste this opportunity and leave having only been to Milan, so we shall see, I have another 2 weeks here so by the end of next week I need to have really decided where i'm going to spend March! - Florence is looking like a good option.
Well that's all really, in conclusion I feel like i'm achieving my goals. I've been here 11 days and I have 3 different families to tutor and some interviews coming up!
Mustn't grumble!
x
OMG we are on day 11 - feels like LOADS longer! I've been having a bit of an up and down week so far. I had an interview yesterday which was rubbish and made me feel rubbish all day but then after speaking to my lovely friend I felt loads better. Sometimes you just need a friend to remind you that you are ok and that its not a bad life It was just a bad day and to tell you to meditate because they know that it will help you focus!
I woke up this morning FULL of energy, before bed last night I meditated and woke up really focussed. I had a tutoring session for an hour this afternoon in which we just played UNO (surprisingly very educational! Colours, numbers etc) I pretended that I didn't know how to play so the boys had to try and explain in English, they spoke lots of Italian but I understood what they were trying to say and responded to them in English. It was a fun way of making some money anyway!
This morning I sent speculative CVs to lots of schools around the country, the list is huge so theres plenty more to go at! I got a call straight away from a school in Turin which is about a hour away by train, I have an interview next Thursday with them, my CV seems to be doing its job! I haven't been to Turin before but I am happy to go and check it out, going to make a day of it and get as much out of it as possible.
Each day I feel something different, yesterday I wanted to leave and didn't want to be in Milan, I wanted to go to another city in Italy and try and live there instead. Today I feel less irrational but still interested in travelling to another place to see whats on offer. I don't want to waste this opportunity and leave having only been to Milan, so we shall see, I have another 2 weeks here so by the end of next week I need to have really decided where i'm going to spend March! - Florence is looking like a good option.
Well that's all really, in conclusion I feel like i'm achieving my goals. I've been here 11 days and I have 3 different families to tutor and some interviews coming up!
Mustn't grumble!
x
Thursday 30 January 2014
Buona giornata
Day 5 in the Big Brother House, not really, I'm in MILANO.
What a crazy 5 days it's been, it's still not sunk in that I am not heading back to England any time soon - weird!
Day 1 I woke up full of alacrity, couldn't wait to get going and get started but it was a Sunday and in Italy Sunday really is a day of rest unless you are a shop located on the gold rectangle! I headed to the Duomo and walked for a few hours up and down main streets and back streets and found a little supermarket and a public park to sit and munch on my cherry tomato's and bread! yum. The sun was out and it was actually quite warm for winter!! - I spoke too soon and now Giorni della Merla is upon us and i'm hoping it really doesn't last any longer!!
Giorni della merla
What a crazy 5 days it's been, it's still not sunk in that I am not heading back to England any time soon - weird!
Day 1 I woke up full of alacrity, couldn't wait to get going and get started but it was a Sunday and in Italy Sunday really is a day of rest unless you are a shop located on the gold rectangle! I headed to the Duomo and walked for a few hours up and down main streets and back streets and found a little supermarket and a public park to sit and munch on my cherry tomato's and bread! yum. The sun was out and it was actually quite warm for winter!! - I spoke too soon and now Giorni della Merla is upon us and i'm hoping it really doesn't last any longer!!
Giorni della merla
An Italian legend says that the last three days of January are the coldest of the year and are called the “giorni della merla” (literally: days of the she-blackbird). Different versions of the story say that the “merla” was a bird, a cannon or even a noblewoman. Sometimes the days are stretched until the first of February, but if this period is very cold, spring will come soon and it will be warm.
Erika (my new temporary housemate) told me all about Giorni della merla whilst we were drinking tea sat next to the radiator! brrrr - I was telling her about my absolutely horrendous day. It started with some very sad news which made me distracted and I forgot to take my map out with me or charge my phone. I was going to an interview and it was pouring with rain. I knew I had to get on the metro and head to Porta Romana and walk from there but I only realised id forgotten my map when I got there. I got my phone out and it had died - oh how unorganised of me. I headed off in what I thought was the right direction, I was soaked already had rain in my shoes, my gloves were sodden and I just wanted to get to where I needed to be or at least find a news stand so I could buy a map. After walking around for 20 mins in the wrong direction I found a news stand and got a map - phew, I had 15 mins left until I had to be there and I looked on the map and realised I was so far away I didn't think I would make it, by now it was snowing my hair was wet and I had snowflakes on my nose and eyelashes. (Do Rae Mee) I wanted to cry because I was scared but remembered that book Kelly Cutrone wrote called "if you have to cry go outside" and realised crying wasn't going to get me to my interview so I took a deep breath and just walked as fast as I could. Went the wrong way again - HOW CAN I NOT READ A MAP????
I finally made it 15 mins late but put a smile on my soggy face and had the interview.
So I guess I now have a part time freelance tutoring job - its a start and its only day 5 (PROUD)
I have another interview on Tuesday for another job which may co-inside well with this one if I get it. Despite my mild panic and the horrendous weather of giorni della merla things are looking up.
Spring had better be warm and I hope i'm still here!!
xx
I finally made it 15 mins late but put a smile on my soggy face and had the interview.
So I guess I now have a part time freelance tutoring job - its a start and its only day 5 (PROUD)
I have another interview on Tuesday for another job which may co-inside well with this one if I get it. Despite my mild panic and the horrendous weather of giorni della merla things are looking up.
Spring had better be warm and I hope i'm still here!!
xx
Monday 13 January 2014
SAGs
Oh its Monday, worst day of the week, poor little fella gets so much stick! I don't get the Monday blues anymore because I'm self employed (but mainly just unemployed!) I have a tutee who gives me my food money every week for doing something that I LOVE!
Even though i'm not teaching today and I have no strict plans or places to be, its midday and i've been in the library for 2 hours writing a lesson plan and researching careers sites for information on interviews for a workshop i'm doing on Sunday. I'm not really earning any money right now so why oh why am I so happy?
I spent last week in a "deep rest", not depressed, DEEP REST. Some people think its the same thing, I disagree. I felt very heavy and wanted to sleep most of the time and when I did go out of the house I felt tired and not myself. Its so easy to just hibernate when you have no plans, no job and nothing to do in general so I can see how people get into a very dark state and begin to feel like they are just existing. A very wise friend of mine once introduced me to SAGs - Small Achievable Goals. These are very useful things to concentrate on. So to pull me out of my Deep Rest I set myself some SAGs for today.
1. Write a lesson plan for my lesson tomorrow
2. Research and begin the write up for my workshop on Sunday
3. Blog
4. Make a pea puree some humus and some flatbread
5. Smile at strangers!
So I may not be at "work" or "employed" and earning money today but I'm so busy doing things that I love and enjoy and making sure I do not spend the next 2 weeks in a deep rest.
Don't get me wrong we all need to do a job and make money to survive but when you get the opportunity to take some time out and really concentrate on you, take up a new hobby, read the paper, research a new career path, set SAGs for your future, it is a blessing.
ENJOY YOUR DAY! set some SAGs :) xx
Even though i'm not teaching today and I have no strict plans or places to be, its midday and i've been in the library for 2 hours writing a lesson plan and researching careers sites for information on interviews for a workshop i'm doing on Sunday. I'm not really earning any money right now so why oh why am I so happy?
I spent last week in a "deep rest", not depressed, DEEP REST. Some people think its the same thing, I disagree. I felt very heavy and wanted to sleep most of the time and when I did go out of the house I felt tired and not myself. Its so easy to just hibernate when you have no plans, no job and nothing to do in general so I can see how people get into a very dark state and begin to feel like they are just existing. A very wise friend of mine once introduced me to SAGs - Small Achievable Goals. These are very useful things to concentrate on. So to pull me out of my Deep Rest I set myself some SAGs for today.
1. Write a lesson plan for my lesson tomorrow
2. Research and begin the write up for my workshop on Sunday
3. Blog
4. Make a pea puree some humus and some flatbread
5. Smile at strangers!
So I may not be at "work" or "employed" and earning money today but I'm so busy doing things that I love and enjoy and making sure I do not spend the next 2 weeks in a deep rest.
Don't get me wrong we all need to do a job and make money to survive but when you get the opportunity to take some time out and really concentrate on you, take up a new hobby, read the paper, research a new career path, set SAGs for your future, it is a blessing.
ENJOY YOUR DAY! set some SAGs :) xx
Thursday 2 January 2014
2014 "Heart Thoughts"
Hello Beauts! Super sorry I neglected the blog but been so busy trying to sort my life out I just haven't had time.
Since I last blogged I moved out of my house, lovely Carlos moved to Manchester, I had a temp job at a Jewellery shop and Christmas and New Year came and went very very fast! (Birthday next week though so celebrations still to be had!)
Anyway, I'm back and ready to share some wisdom / inspiration with you in the form of Louise L Hay. If you haven't heard of her, be sure to find out more about her and what she is all about!
www.louisehay.com
The story goes like this. Once upon a time I met a girl with glasses and blonde hair, she wore flip flops t-shirts and jeans on nights out and we became besties pretty quickly. 9 years on we talk every day (even though she lives in another country) and we share our thoughts about life, love, people, places and trivial things on a regular basis. This Christmas she bought me the most wonderful gift. A book called "Heart Thoughts" by Louise L Hay. I can't even begin to describe how positive, alive and inspired this book makes me feel.
"When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Not a moment before and not a moment later. You need to trust in the perfection of life, and know that everything is in Divine Right Order at all times." Louise L Hay
If you are lucky enough to have it all figured out, you are happy all the time and you haven't a care in the world YOU ARE LIEING! we are all friends here, its ok to put your hand up and say "I'm unhappy and I don't know how to change it" Been there, and will probably be there again at some point, it is called being human!
The book is a collection of affirmations and snippets of wisdom and inspiration for lots of different aspects of your life, whether you have difficulty finding love, opening up to love, forgiving people who have hurt you, building strong relationships with your parents or changing your path. The words have meaning and they are truly effective.
A friend of mine told me that they aren't happy in their job, they are bored of what they are doing and they need a change. I have given her this book to borrow! The main lesson I have learned from it is that I am in charge of me, my choices, my decisions and only I can make myself truly happy by doing what I need to do. (The support and encouragement of loved ones helps of course!)
Here are a few snippets from Louise L Hays book. "Heart Thoughts"
"If you are going to listen to people, listen to the winners. Listen to those who know what they are doing and who prove what they are doing"
"If you do not love yourself, totally, wholly and fully, somewhere along the way you learned not to. You can unlearn it. Start being kind to yourself now."
Change requires you to start from within. you cannot change your outer world without clearing your inner mind, working it all out in your head and then setting goals and putting these into action. Its the beginning of a new year, where do you want to be this time next year? and what do you need to do to get there? If you don't have all of the answers yet, be open to possibilities and if your mind starts trying to trick you with restrictions, know that there is ALWAYS a way around them.
I have a few goals for the year ahead, some may be a bit too ambitious, others probably more reachable and realistic but i'll share them with you anyway!
- Move to Italy to live and work as an English Teacher (already actioned this, i'm flying on 25th January)
- Learn to speak Italian
- Fall in love, or at least be more open to it.
- Sign up to and start a culinary course.
- Do an Open Mic night in Milan
What are yours?
Since I last blogged I moved out of my house, lovely Carlos moved to Manchester, I had a temp job at a Jewellery shop and Christmas and New Year came and went very very fast! (Birthday next week though so celebrations still to be had!)
Anyway, I'm back and ready to share some wisdom / inspiration with you in the form of Louise L Hay. If you haven't heard of her, be sure to find out more about her and what she is all about!
www.louisehay.com
The story goes like this. Once upon a time I met a girl with glasses and blonde hair, she wore flip flops t-shirts and jeans on nights out and we became besties pretty quickly. 9 years on we talk every day (even though she lives in another country) and we share our thoughts about life, love, people, places and trivial things on a regular basis. This Christmas she bought me the most wonderful gift. A book called "Heart Thoughts" by Louise L Hay. I can't even begin to describe how positive, alive and inspired this book makes me feel.
"When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Not a moment before and not a moment later. You need to trust in the perfection of life, and know that everything is in Divine Right Order at all times." Louise L Hay
If you are lucky enough to have it all figured out, you are happy all the time and you haven't a care in the world YOU ARE LIEING! we are all friends here, its ok to put your hand up and say "I'm unhappy and I don't know how to change it" Been there, and will probably be there again at some point, it is called being human!
The book is a collection of affirmations and snippets of wisdom and inspiration for lots of different aspects of your life, whether you have difficulty finding love, opening up to love, forgiving people who have hurt you, building strong relationships with your parents or changing your path. The words have meaning and they are truly effective.
A friend of mine told me that they aren't happy in their job, they are bored of what they are doing and they need a change. I have given her this book to borrow! The main lesson I have learned from it is that I am in charge of me, my choices, my decisions and only I can make myself truly happy by doing what I need to do. (The support and encouragement of loved ones helps of course!)
Here are a few snippets from Louise L Hays book. "Heart Thoughts"
"If you are going to listen to people, listen to the winners. Listen to those who know what they are doing and who prove what they are doing"
"If you do not love yourself, totally, wholly and fully, somewhere along the way you learned not to. You can unlearn it. Start being kind to yourself now."
Change requires you to start from within. you cannot change your outer world without clearing your inner mind, working it all out in your head and then setting goals and putting these into action. Its the beginning of a new year, where do you want to be this time next year? and what do you need to do to get there? If you don't have all of the answers yet, be open to possibilities and if your mind starts trying to trick you with restrictions, know that there is ALWAYS a way around them.
I have a few goals for the year ahead, some may be a bit too ambitious, others probably more reachable and realistic but i'll share them with you anyway!
- Move to Italy to live and work as an English Teacher (already actioned this, i'm flying on 25th January)
- Learn to speak Italian
- Fall in love, or at least be more open to it.
- Sign up to and start a culinary course.
- Do an Open Mic night in Milan
What are yours?
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