Monday 15 October 2007

B********ocks!

Ballcocks, that is. Apparently we need a new one. For the past week my overflow pipe has been regularly running water out - something to do with the cold water tank in the loft (or 'attic' for those with haunted mansions etc). So every so often I have to turn on a tap to stop the water running out and it should get fixed sometime this week (I hope). Not too disastrous then, just really annoying!

On Saturday I had my first Day School for my Creative Writing course with the Open University (I'm sure I've mentioned it once or twice - lol). It was held at Stirling University which has a beautiful campus - trees, little lakes, wildlife - you can imagine how gorgeous it was at this time of year with the leaves all changing colour. This picture gives some idea (I didn't take it, it was from the internet).



Anyway, I was so nervous I can't tell you. I almost didn't go, but then I thought I had better do the Grown Up thing, so I went. I needn't have worried - everyone was really nice, the tutor was lovely and I think we all had a good day. The worst thing was having to write something quickly and then (worst of all) to read it out and hear people's comments!!!! Can you imagine? Thankfully no one said mine was total pants. I was amazed at what people could come up with in 20 minutes or so - they must have great imaginations. The hardest thing was to think of something constructive to say about peoples work other than 'I liked it' - I just don't feel qualified to comment in any intelligent fashion! I expect that is the sort of thing that, like the writing itself, will take some practice. Apart from the day school, the course is going quite well although I need to get the finger out and increase the amount of writing I am doing on a daily basis (well, to actually write on a daily basis would be a start!). The best thing is that I am enjoying it!

Hmmm, what else have I been up to? I have been working on a sewing project but it's a gift and I can't show it on here - it's coming on reasonably well though. Oh, I know - this is going to make some of you groan but I have to confess - I've almost finished my Christmas Shopping! Yes, I know, sickening isn't it - something is bound to go wrong now - like the year we ate chipolata sausages for Christmas dinner because the pork we were having 'for a change' was off! Oh dear..... fingers crossed then.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

have only just started thinking about christmas presents and that is only for the family in UK and Australia. Better get my thinking hat on though as I need it all done,wrapped and posted before the last week in November.

Janet said...

You'd never know it but I did a creative writing class years ago! Loved it! I'm sure you will too. As for making intelligent comments, I have that problem when I read blogs. After awhile it seems I'm just saying the same thing over and over again!

Mary said...

Glad you are enjoying OU. please stop mentioning the C word its frightening me now!!!!

Everything Stops for Tea said...

See - that's not too bad sausages for christmas dinner... ask My mother about the time she fed us cat mince (that is mince for cats, not mince made out of cats)

Anonymous said...

My small spare room is full of pressies laid out in piles to see who I still need to get for. I did start a spreadsheet to help control it but I still like to see all the small piles of gifts for everyone.

Never had a disaster with the Christmas food although I did feed the neighbours one year as the Mum forgot to defrost the turkey. Good job we had more than enough to go round.

A good job too that you don't live south of the border with all that wasted water.

Anonymous said...

You've almost finished your Christmas shopping! Wow you are a wonder, creative writing courses and shopping what more could a girl ask for?

Viki Lane said...

Glad you're enjoyung the course. It's tremendous fun, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

So glad you're almost finished Christmas shopping! My goal is Dec 1st! Have a good one!

Barbara said...

Wow ,you are so early in the year with your christmas shopping! But....I think there is no stress when christmas days are coming and you can be more relaxed.

Alis Clair said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed your first class. I'm sure you will feel fit to comment by the end of it all.
Looking forward to hearing more about it.

Christmas!!???
Not that time again is it?
When is the last posting date to the USA - better get my skates on.