Sunday, 31 August 2008
Saturday, 30 August 2008
30th August - Back to Lancashire
Saturday begins quite late at 10:40. This is actually intentional, as another nightshift on Sunday is ahead. Still in Leeds, still staying at my sister place.
Still practice the sitting in the morning.
I hang around with Ania most of the afternoon. She cooked some nice barszcz ukrainski. Apparently on Ukraine they don't use beans at all, but that's how we call it and imagine it in Poland. It's very tasty and there's more to take to Manchester with me ! I also play some Bach for her, she can't stop me and there's no way to escape from this.
The bus back to Manchester leaves at 15:45 and we walk to the bus station. The travel on the bus goes smoothly, some reading and Jotd. The bus fare seems very cheap, only £6. It's one of those buses that feels safe and is spacious. Still, I can't help but notice the slump-inducing chairs designed for collapsing, but hey, they look nice ! No complaints really.
Back in the flat and catch up with various things to do. Practice guitar, evening sitting, some emails. It's early evening but the evening doesn't stop with this post. I'll go out to say good-bye to some flatmates now, as tomorrow will be moving to Rusholme. Something to look forward to and Ania will be here to help with the move.
It's 21.30 o'clock
Still practice the sitting in the morning.
I hang around with Ania most of the afternoon. She cooked some nice barszcz ukrainski. Apparently on Ukraine they don't use beans at all, but that's how we call it and imagine it in Poland. It's very tasty and there's more to take to Manchester with me ! I also play some Bach for her, she can't stop me and there's no way to escape from this.
The bus back to Manchester leaves at 15:45 and we walk to the bus station. The travel on the bus goes smoothly, some reading and Jotd. The bus fare seems very cheap, only £6. It's one of those buses that feels safe and is spacious. Still, I can't help but notice the slump-inducing chairs designed for collapsing, but hey, they look nice ! No complaints really.
Back in the flat and catch up with various things to do. Practice guitar, evening sitting, some emails. It's early evening but the evening doesn't stop with this post. I'll go out to say good-bye to some flatmates now, as tomorrow will be moving to Rusholme. Something to look forward to and Ania will be here to help with the move.
It's 21.30 o'clock
29th August - a short day for some
I get up before 5 pm after about 7 hours of sleep. Actually Ania woke me up, and it's good she did. Ania and Kofi just came back from a visit in Scarborough.
It was a good nightshift, but my body is aching a lot. Ouch, ouch... I proceed with the sitting first, then have some fish & chips with A&K. We call parents afterwards.
It's evening of rest and recollection. Some reading, guitar also hang around downstairs. Some gentle exercises late at night. Not much to say really.
It's 2:06 a.m. feels like a time to sleep.
It was a good nightshift, but my body is aching a lot. Ouch, ouch... I proceed with the sitting first, then have some fish & chips with A&K. We call parents afterwards.
It's evening of rest and recollection. Some reading, guitar also hang around downstairs. Some gentle exercises late at night. Not much to say really.
It's 2:06 a.m. feels like a time to sleep.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
28th August is a long day
Thursday begins with the alarm clock at 9 am - the night shift is ahead. Gentle stretches, the morning exercise is in a semi-supine position today. Relax.
Then I join Ania and Kofi downstairs, we watch 'Friends' on the telly and have some golabki for breakfast. They are very delicious, as everything Ania cooks, quite unusual breakfast though !
They leave shopping, and I write and send application for the October Course, good to have it done and move on to other things.
I noticed something related to yesterday's converation: once I apologized to another person the sense of good-will towards her became more readily available.
Have shower, then relax into work with the guitar.
After this upload the picture and info to the study group site. Lunch. A&K are back from the shop and Ania got some great trousers for me, she is looking well after her scruffy little brother. We also have some ice-cream, mmm !
We'll be leaving soon - Ania and Kofi to visit Knaresborough and me to visit Marek and Belen and then for a night shift at the care home. I have some sandwiches to eat and one Russian Orthodox classic to read, in case it's a quiet night.
It's 15.35 now and the day doesn't stop.
Then I join Ania and Kofi downstairs, we watch 'Friends' on the telly and have some golabki for breakfast. They are very delicious, as everything Ania cooks, quite unusual breakfast though !
They leave shopping, and I write and send application for the October Course, good to have it done and move on to other things.
I noticed something related to yesterday's converation: once I apologized to another person the sense of good-will towards her became more readily available.
Have shower, then relax into work with the guitar.
After this upload the picture and info to the study group site. Lunch. A&K are back from the shop and Ania got some great trousers for me, she is looking well after her scruffy little brother. We also have some ice-cream, mmm !
We'll be leaving soon - Ania and Kofi to visit Knaresborough and me to visit Marek and Belen and then for a night shift at the care home. I have some sandwiches to eat and one Russian Orthodox classic to read, in case it's a quiet night.
It's 15.35 now and the day doesn't stop.
27th August - and back to Yorkshire again...
In a vivid dream last night, one fellow GC student gave me a short written message. This message, essentially was: 'be yourself'. I stay in bed longer this morning, as part of the plan of preparing for the nightshift, but it doesn't really work like this ! I will need to look for a different strategy of dealing with this - actually, my sister is very good at it.
It's another day with 'I'm stucked' kind of feeling, so there we go. Some useful things done, documents required for job application process sent and the landlord of the new flat waiting to be moved to on Sunday visited. The internet in the flat was installed today - what we would do without it in our Rusholme flat ? Probably just die.
I also call my father and catch up with things, then in another conversation I apologize to one person, good talks these.
And in the late afternoon it's a travel to Leeds - always good to come back to Yorkshire ! The evening with Ania and Kofi goes great. Nice chat, we listen to some music and the food is wonderful...
Guitar upstairs later on, work towards a small practice aim.
Evening emails, I also booked a return ticket from Barcelona in October - good to have these things out of the way.
It's 1 am
It's another day with 'I'm stucked' kind of feeling, so there we go. Some useful things done, documents required for job application process sent and the landlord of the new flat waiting to be moved to on Sunday visited. The internet in the flat was installed today - what we would do without it in our Rusholme flat ? Probably just die.
I also call my father and catch up with things, then in another conversation I apologize to one person, good talks these.
And in the late afternoon it's a travel to Leeds - always good to come back to Yorkshire ! The evening with Ania and Kofi goes great. Nice chat, we listen to some music and the food is wonderful...
Guitar upstairs later on, work towards a small practice aim.
Evening emails, I also booked a return ticket from Barcelona in October - good to have these things out of the way.
It's 1 am
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
26th August - The doziness saga continues ...
Morning doziness saga continues today, however there are some little improvements... The alarm wasn't set on and I get up at 7.22 am, it would be good to get up later tomorrow anyway as the Thursday nightshift is ahead.
I leave for the job interview in the morning and arrive 15 minutes before time, so that's fine. I took the wrong bus by mistake, which actually brought me closer to the place where the interview is being held. It goes well and I think I will pursue it further ...
A cup of not-too-strong-coffee to invigorate when I come back, then spend one hour working with the instrument. Relax into basics. And speaking about the basics, the Alexander work is very nourishing today.
More time with guitar after lunch, the shoulders are tensed, so relax them. Then off to the local shop, and back to guitar again. I miss electric ...
In the evening I talk with Piotrek on skype. He and Anita married last weekend and are in very good spirits, happy friends ! Wonderful to talk ...
It's an evening of organizing. Emails, some welcomed messages from friends.
It's 23.24 now and the guitar is waiting for some quiet play...
I leave for the job interview in the morning and arrive 15 minutes before time, so that's fine. I took the wrong bus by mistake, which actually brought me closer to the place where the interview is being held. It goes well and I think I will pursue it further ...
A cup of not-too-strong-coffee to invigorate when I come back, then spend one hour working with the instrument. Relax into basics. And speaking about the basics, the Alexander work is very nourishing today.
More time with guitar after lunch, the shoulders are tensed, so relax them. Then off to the local shop, and back to guitar again. I miss electric ...
In the evening I talk with Piotrek on skype. He and Anita married last weekend and are in very good spirits, happy friends ! Wonderful to talk ...
It's an evening of organizing. Emails, some welcomed messages from friends.
It's 23.24 now and the guitar is waiting for some quiet play...
Monday, 25 August 2008
25th August - what a start
A strong nightmare last night, what a start of the week. Where did it come from ? So a difficult morning for getting up, it's late and I'm very tired...
... but things could be much worse ! I assume the virtue and proceed with some practice which puts me back in a pretty good shape: Sitting, Jotd, guitar. Also see to some emails.
In the meantime 'listen' to what is 'in the air', while having feet firmly on the floor... I get lunch, and it's already 1:30 am, seems late ... It's very sunny outside, lovely weather.
More guitar - play through some repertoire (mostly J.S.Bach), some revisions. After this cool down and read for a while.
Also see to booking some tickets for October and it's a real pain, what a nuisiance. Finally the outward flight is booked, return one later... Ryan air expects to pay £25 for musical instrument. Last time on the way back from Spain I didn't have to choice and paid, and I remember seeing through the window my guitar traveling with other baggage, basically being treated like normal bag - so 25 quid for nothing. I'll be flying with Jet2 this time.
I also make a phonecall and book a night shift in Harrogate on Thursday, so that's good, and more to come. I feel like getting some fresh air so go out to the park, only 5 minutes walk from here. After this more work with guitar - quality exercise.
I have dinner and chill out. One flatmate would like to talk, but actually I don't say much, just pay attention and listen. Then I talk on skype with Jan and after a while Marcin also joins in from another account, so we are having a conference ! Good to be in touch with friends ...
Slowly winding down, I go out to get some fresh air and Stockport road is busy, as usual. Usual evening activities.
It's 23.16 now, look forward to some reading in bed, a luxury !
... but things could be much worse ! I assume the virtue and proceed with some practice which puts me back in a pretty good shape: Sitting, Jotd, guitar. Also see to some emails.
In the meantime 'listen' to what is 'in the air', while having feet firmly on the floor... I get lunch, and it's already 1:30 am, seems late ... It's very sunny outside, lovely weather.
More guitar - play through some repertoire (mostly J.S.Bach), some revisions. After this cool down and read for a while.
Also see to booking some tickets for October and it's a real pain, what a nuisiance. Finally the outward flight is booked, return one later... Ryan air expects to pay £25 for musical instrument. Last time on the way back from Spain I didn't have to choice and paid, and I remember seeing through the window my guitar traveling with other baggage, basically being treated like normal bag - so 25 quid for nothing. I'll be flying with Jet2 this time.
I also make a phonecall and book a night shift in Harrogate on Thursday, so that's good, and more to come. I feel like getting some fresh air so go out to the park, only 5 minutes walk from here. After this more work with guitar - quality exercise.
I have dinner and chill out. One flatmate would like to talk, but actually I don't say much, just pay attention and listen. Then I talk on skype with Jan and after a while Marcin also joins in from another account, so we are having a conference ! Good to be in touch with friends ...
Slowly winding down, I go out to get some fresh air and Stockport road is busy, as usual. Usual evening activities.
It's 23.16 now, look forward to some reading in bed, a luxury !
Saturday, 23 August 2008
23rd August - Day in Sheffield
Today I visit Tywi in Sheffield. Good to meet, catch up with things and work on guitars together:
Here's a little snap:
I complete the week of work in the evening, done. Looking forward to some Guinness with one housemate tonight, in the meantime listen to new Coldplay ...
Here's a little snap:
I complete the week of work in the evening, done. Looking forward to some Guinness with one housemate tonight, in the meantime listen to new Coldplay ...
Friday, 22 August 2008
22nd August - Fry-day
Rise at 7 o'clock, stretches, sitting.
I check email and carry on with the work on the worksheet. At 10 o'clock leave to the centre, where I assist one student and continue looking at the worksheet and decide to simplify it and produce a smaller piece but with quality. This goes well, and I get good feedback from a competent person. So a fine conclusion of the week of work.
A day goes well, with usual practice/exercise discharged when the 'time felt right'.
One tenant is very pissed off and she is spitting the venom around the house. It's informative to see different reactions and strategies of dealing with this ...
But it's a great evening anyway. Many reconnections on the phone, talk with the family, friend, teacher and Ania. And now I'm fried and a busy day is ahead.
Something to look forward to.
It's 00:17 a.m.
I check email and carry on with the work on the worksheet. At 10 o'clock leave to the centre, where I assist one student and continue looking at the worksheet and decide to simplify it and produce a smaller piece but with quality. This goes well, and I get good feedback from a competent person. So a fine conclusion of the week of work.
A day goes well, with usual practice/exercise discharged when the 'time felt right'.
One tenant is very pissed off and she is spitting the venom around the house. It's informative to see different reactions and strategies of dealing with this ...
But it's a great evening anyway. Many reconnections on the phone, talk with the family, friend, teacher and Ania. And now I'm fried and a busy day is ahead.
Something to look forward to.
It's 00:17 a.m.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
21th August
Ring-ring ! it's 7 o'clock the alarm is saying - I rise. Some stretching exercises, this involves body and helps to wake up quicker.
Morning sitting. This leads straight into guitar practice, what a ride. And outside it's raining gently. Breakfast.
Today is also very quiet at the learning centre, as some people didn't turn up. Actually one person mentions it's the most quiet day this year. So time is invested in writing worksheets, something I dislike a great deal and avoid if possible ! On the other hand this is weak point to improve on, so see to it.
Back home at 14:30. Make some pending phonecalls, both about jobs - one about helping out in the place I used to work at in Harrogate. Then there's this job interview on Tuesday. Who knows how much longer this teacher registration process is going to take ?
Anyway, I go for AT lie-down, then go shopping to stock up the fridge. JotD, and evening exercise.
Peculiar evening, there's a completely different 'feeling' in the home from what we had few days ago, but surely we are different group of people again. And there were some things said in the past few days, from: 'somebody used up my mayonaisse' to 'she took my £10', quite heavy.
I talk with my parents, first my mum, who is still in Wegrzynow, then with dad who is already back in Tychy. He keeps himself busy making some pickles and other goodies. He sounds good and I couldn't ask for a better feedback and support about some plans I have.
More guitar ! Repertoire.
Then winding down ... listen to the music ... then Malcolm pops in, he has the new Coldplay album with him and it sounds really cool.
Journal at 23:21
Morning sitting. This leads straight into guitar practice, what a ride. And outside it's raining gently. Breakfast.
Today is also very quiet at the learning centre, as some people didn't turn up. Actually one person mentions it's the most quiet day this year. So time is invested in writing worksheets, something I dislike a great deal and avoid if possible ! On the other hand this is weak point to improve on, so see to it.
Back home at 14:30. Make some pending phonecalls, both about jobs - one about helping out in the place I used to work at in Harrogate. Then there's this job interview on Tuesday. Who knows how much longer this teacher registration process is going to take ?
Anyway, I go for AT lie-down, then go shopping to stock up the fridge. JotD, and evening exercise.
Peculiar evening, there's a completely different 'feeling' in the home from what we had few days ago, but surely we are different group of people again. And there were some things said in the past few days, from: 'somebody used up my mayonaisse' to 'she took my £10', quite heavy.
I talk with my parents, first my mum, who is still in Wegrzynow, then with dad who is already back in Tychy. He keeps himself busy making some pickles and other goodies. He sounds good and I couldn't ask for a better feedback and support about some plans I have.
More guitar ! Repertoire.
Then winding down ... listen to the music ... then Malcolm pops in, he has the new Coldplay album with him and it sounds really cool.
Journal at 23:21
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
20th August
It's 7:20am, that's when I hear the alarm clock for the first time and rise. Morning exercise followed by breakfast, and some emailing. That's how the day begins.
I stay in the Learning Centre between 10 & 15 o'clock, not much is going on, so I spend time studying the national curriculum and checking out some online teaching resources. Tomorrow will be more busy.
Back home and AT lie-down procedure, gradually falling asleep... I allow it to happen - a gently quality nap, something I don't get that much, really.
I wake up, make a cup of tea and chat with one house mate. Then it's JotD. Some people are around to view the rooms, and since the landlord hasn't arrived yet, I keep them company and also show my room, one of them might decide to take it. Ah yes, I'll be moving in 11 days !
Go out to the local hairdresser, it's high time ! They have the best hairdraisser chair in the world, really.
Guitar Practice. One hour of this, done - I feel more alive.
It's dinner time. I continue using up food from Ania, kotlety mielony today, mmm. But housemate Mal got it wrong and thinks these are meat balls. What an insult !
It's still early - I write. It's useful to keep the track of the various processes going on. I send some emails. Then late evening exercise, for a change.
I've been very fortunate to receive a lot of information recently. I apply it.
Post this and soon to bed. It's 00:17
The morning sitting tomorrow - something to look forward to ...
I stay in the Learning Centre between 10 & 15 o'clock, not much is going on, so I spend time studying the national curriculum and checking out some online teaching resources. Tomorrow will be more busy.
Back home and AT lie-down procedure, gradually falling asleep... I allow it to happen - a gently quality nap, something I don't get that much, really.
I wake up, make a cup of tea and chat with one house mate. Then it's JotD. Some people are around to view the rooms, and since the landlord hasn't arrived yet, I keep them company and also show my room, one of them might decide to take it. Ah yes, I'll be moving in 11 days !
Go out to the local hairdresser, it's high time ! They have the best hairdraisser chair in the world, really.
Guitar Practice. One hour of this, done - I feel more alive.
It's dinner time. I continue using up food from Ania, kotlety mielony today, mmm. But housemate Mal got it wrong and thinks these are meat balls. What an insult !
It's still early - I write. It's useful to keep the track of the various processes going on. I send some emails. Then late evening exercise, for a change.
I've been very fortunate to receive a lot of information recently. I apply it.
Post this and soon to bed. It's 00:17
The morning sitting tomorrow - something to look forward to ...
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
19th August - good balance
It's 7 a.m. and the alarm clock is ringing. I woke up many times during the night and remember the sound of rain on the window, it is still raining ...
Morning sitting - foundation.
Before breakfast I send one email, then eat something light. A reply to one job application came to today. I leave to the post office, then to the Leaning centre - stay there until 15:30-ish. I assist two students, and this is going well. I am slowly getting back into the rhythm of teaching and have a good feel for it, it was a long break.
I come back home and have lunch. Then chill out, let go and tune into the second half of the day...
Which begins with the AT lie-down leading into evening exercise. There's a lot of struggle involved in this which seems unnecesary.
Go out shopping. A security guy rudely asks me to take my hood off. This upsetes me and I react to it, but this is really touched 'pride & vanity' speaking. There we go ...
Practice guitar: pay attention to the first intentional note.
It's getting late. I can't see to JotD yet... Hang around with flatmates, one of them offers to read my palm, my lines are barely visible.
JotD, doing it late presents a different kind of challenge. It's nearly 23 o'clock. I browse through Blue Planet album, a gift from sister. Of course I don't read it, just look at the pictures...
It's nearly midnight. I post this, it's 23:54
A good balance of activities today.
Morning sitting - foundation.
Before breakfast I send one email, then eat something light. A reply to one job application came to today. I leave to the post office, then to the Leaning centre - stay there until 15:30-ish. I assist two students, and this is going well. I am slowly getting back into the rhythm of teaching and have a good feel for it, it was a long break.
I come back home and have lunch. Then chill out, let go and tune into the second half of the day...
Which begins with the AT lie-down leading into evening exercise. There's a lot of struggle involved in this which seems unnecesary.
Go out shopping. A security guy rudely asks me to take my hood off. This upsetes me and I react to it, but this is really touched 'pride & vanity' speaking. There we go ...
Practice guitar: pay attention to the first intentional note.
It's getting late. I can't see to JotD yet... Hang around with flatmates, one of them offers to read my palm, my lines are barely visible.
JotD, doing it late presents a different kind of challenge. It's nearly 23 o'clock. I browse through Blue Planet album, a gift from sister. Of course I don't read it, just look at the pictures...
It's nearly midnight. I post this, it's 23:54
A good balance of activities today.
Monday, 18 August 2008
18th August is quite busy
It's 7:15 a.m, so I'm little behind, get up.
I take time to wake up, sitting. There's no milk left, so go out to the shop and also buy some cornflakes (with dried banana and raisins). It's raining outside.
I go out to the Learn Direct centre, just one minute walk from the flat. It's an opportunity to get into having some experience in teaching maths. Today is mostly about going through the courses and tests they offer, familiarizing with the system, syllabus, computer programs etc. It's basically self-study centre, but tutors are available if needed. I stay there for 5 hours, then go to tesco again to get something for lunch.
And the weather ? It looks as if the Summer was about to leave, rainy time is coming... So it's lunch, a cup of tea and Alexander Technique lie-down, a non-action before commiting to action. Jotd, a pillar.
I'm reminded of something I forgot to do in the morning, and see to it as soon as possible.
It's almost 7 o'clock, good time for the evening exercise. Then I reheat dinner (beans, chips, mince) and eat it in front of the house. The food taste differently in the fresh air. Some flatmates are around and I chat with them.
I hang around the flat and manage to get some cream treatment for the right hand. Olga and other flat-mates from Israel sell Dead Sea cosmetic products in the shop centre nearby, and they are having a little training session. So good opportunity for both of us, and the hand is happy too. I also sort out the speakers cables, they are too long and mix together, so I tape them.
Work with guitar.
I have a short but good chat with Ania, we speak often, then see to few emails, it's raining again.
I'm very tired, positively tired. Post the journals and make few changes, mainly cosmetic. The photo was also added (taken in the Manchester city 6 days ago) Hopefully not too disturbing, I tried to make it smaller...
It's 00:04 am.
I take time to wake up, sitting. There's no milk left, so go out to the shop and also buy some cornflakes (with dried banana and raisins). It's raining outside.
I go out to the Learn Direct centre, just one minute walk from the flat. It's an opportunity to get into having some experience in teaching maths. Today is mostly about going through the courses and tests they offer, familiarizing with the system, syllabus, computer programs etc. It's basically self-study centre, but tutors are available if needed. I stay there for 5 hours, then go to tesco again to get something for lunch.
And the weather ? It looks as if the Summer was about to leave, rainy time is coming... So it's lunch, a cup of tea and Alexander Technique lie-down, a non-action before commiting to action. Jotd, a pillar.
I'm reminded of something I forgot to do in the morning, and see to it as soon as possible.
It's almost 7 o'clock, good time for the evening exercise. Then I reheat dinner (beans, chips, mince) and eat it in front of the house. The food taste differently in the fresh air. Some flatmates are around and I chat with them.
I hang around the flat and manage to get some cream treatment for the right hand. Olga and other flat-mates from Israel sell Dead Sea cosmetic products in the shop centre nearby, and they are having a little training session. So good opportunity for both of us, and the hand is happy too. I also sort out the speakers cables, they are too long and mix together, so I tape them.
Work with guitar.
I have a short but good chat with Ania, we speak often, then see to few emails, it's raining again.
I'm very tired, positively tired. Post the journals and make few changes, mainly cosmetic. The photo was also added (taken in the Manchester city 6 days ago) Hopefully not too disturbing, I tried to make it smaller...
It's 00:04 am.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
11th August marks the completion
A lovely sky with some fluffy white clouds today. There's some occasional light rain in the afternoon...
A good day of steady practice/study, practicalities and reconnection with friends and family. This includes three very good talks on the phone. So many opportunities to exercise intentional listening. What is really communicated between us ? It seems that a lot is going on: words, emotions, and underlying messages that escape so easily. How to respond to what can be heard I'm wondering ? There seems to be a difference between intentional listening that allows response and habitual listening that only allows reaction. (FM Alexander spoke a great deal about this r-r) Good and practical stuff.
So the process is coming to the end. I think of it as a part of the larger process which is where it is because of some actions undertaken in the past. Small, big - life changing. And sometimes refraining from doing something was a good course of action... but what do I really know about it?
The wheel keeps turning ...
It's 2:46 a.m. now. Best wishes fly to my parents, sister, mentors and friends !
More soon ...
A good day of steady practice/study, practicalities and reconnection with friends and family. This includes three very good talks on the phone. So many opportunities to exercise intentional listening. What is really communicated between us ? It seems that a lot is going on: words, emotions, and underlying messages that escape so easily. How to respond to what can be heard I'm wondering ? There seems to be a difference between intentional listening that allows response and habitual listening that only allows reaction. (FM Alexander spoke a great deal about this r-r) Good and practical stuff.
So the process is coming to the end. I think of it as a part of the larger process which is where it is because of some actions undertaken in the past. Small, big - life changing. And sometimes refraining from doing something was a good course of action... but what do I really know about it?
The wheel keeps turning ...
It's 2:46 a.m. now. Best wishes fly to my parents, sister, mentors and friends !
More soon ...
Sunday, 10 August 2008
10th August - Careful about the end
I get up just after 9 this morning. Have a warm cup of herbal tea, then sitting exercise.
It's raining outside. I have breakfast with mr. Ajiz downstairs, then write down a dream in the journal while I still remember it: prejudice, choice, being oneself.... After this see to some pending study work, JotD, done.
It's already afternoon. I spend some time online, then put Bach's Sonatas for flute and harpsichord on - this provides a gentle and quiet background for organizing my personal space.
I sense the transition into the last stage of the process I committed to and am careful about it.
Housemate Sandy makes some nice lunch and invites me to join in. While it's being cooked I see to some light housework in the kitchen. The food is very tasty and we finish it off with some ice cream and watch a bit of 'friends' on the tv.
Then I go upstairs, have shower and wait for the call while writing. I call friends to update them on news... Then some more writing, the speakers are plugged in and at one point the loud 'incoming message' bleep makes me jump. What a good reminder of my personal state at the moment, good wake up call...
I soon leave to Mosside to visit the Polish church. I walk there today and allow a lot of time for this. I just have the basic sense of my destination's whereabouts, but allow feet to carry me there, more fun this way ! A good socializing with excellent cake and biscuits, mmm... always a good reason to come. I'm given a lift back so back home just after 22 o'clock. A long lie-down puts my back back in shape. What next ? Not much as it's getting late, recap of the day and write the journal with a quiet and soothing Arvo Part soundtrack ...
It's 00.28 a.m.
It's raining outside. I have breakfast with mr. Ajiz downstairs, then write down a dream in the journal while I still remember it: prejudice, choice, being oneself.... After this see to some pending study work, JotD, done.
It's already afternoon. I spend some time online, then put Bach's Sonatas for flute and harpsichord on - this provides a gentle and quiet background for organizing my personal space.
I sense the transition into the last stage of the process I committed to and am careful about it.
Housemate Sandy makes some nice lunch and invites me to join in. While it's being cooked I see to some light housework in the kitchen. The food is very tasty and we finish it off with some ice cream and watch a bit of 'friends' on the tv.
Then I go upstairs, have shower and wait for the call while writing. I call friends to update them on news... Then some more writing, the speakers are plugged in and at one point the loud 'incoming message' bleep makes me jump. What a good reminder of my personal state at the moment, good wake up call...
I soon leave to Mosside to visit the Polish church. I walk there today and allow a lot of time for this. I just have the basic sense of my destination's whereabouts, but allow feet to carry me there, more fun this way ! A good socializing with excellent cake and biscuits, mmm... always a good reason to come. I'm given a lift back so back home just after 22 o'clock. A long lie-down puts my back back in shape. What next ? Not much as it's getting late, recap of the day and write the journal with a quiet and soothing Arvo Part soundtrack ...
It's 00.28 a.m.
9th August - Back from Yorkshire
So yesterday I went to Yorkshire and that was something to look forward to, as as the plan was also to visit Harrogate. In the evening we went with Ania to visit the care home I used to work in. She is still there and for me this is quite an achievement ! Tonight the meeting is held in the memory of one carer who is no longer with us. Hence many people around, good to meet again and visit some residents.
After this a visit to Marek and Belen, still living in the same place and doing very well - wonderful to see them ! Marek prepared some delicious food: Thai soup and spring rolls. We have a lot to talk about. Ania goes back to Leeds bit earlier and we go out for a walk... It's cool outside, the space very welcoming and the stars are visible tonight. We update each other on what is going on, some windows of opportunity open... Excellent visit and we make plans to meet again soon.
And today ? This morning I got up later then planned, ah well... Morning Sitting. I spend morning and afternoon with my sister and Kofi. We rest and watch some Olympics on the telly. Kofi made some delicious spicy food, mmm.
I'm back home after 18 o'clock. A lot to be done, but first shower and evening exercise, essential part of the evening and 18-19 before dinner is an ideal time for this. After this feel ready/poised to move on...
JotD and emails. The house alarm outside keeps going off and one of the flatmates pops in to ask for the code to turn it off. He notices me sitting on the cushions on the floor and kindly offers a spare chair. No desk here, but it will be definitely useful for other things!
I make dinner and in the meantime chat with a new flatmate from Israel. After this some writing, speak with the cousin on the phone, emails. Actually It's an evening of reconnections. I call friends (two couples) in Ireland we were fortunate to meet with my Magda and Agnieszka during our travels in Ireland 5 years ago. They are very friendly and cheerful people, a joy speaking to them. This refreshes some good memories from our travels, we expierenced a lot of good-will from Irish people...
A picture with (l->R)Mary, John, Magda, Deirdre and Pat standing (picture by Agnieszka)
And here's one with Agnieszka ! (picture by Magda)
So that was almost 5 years ago !
What else ? Some reading from JGB and some fun on facebook. Now AT lie-down and winding down ... recap ... journal ... soon to bed.
Today's noticing: the quality of how I begin the day determines the quality of how I experience the day. Now, once I see it, what's next ?
It's 1:26 a.m. Goodnight !
After this a visit to Marek and Belen, still living in the same place and doing very well - wonderful to see them ! Marek prepared some delicious food: Thai soup and spring rolls. We have a lot to talk about. Ania goes back to Leeds bit earlier and we go out for a walk... It's cool outside, the space very welcoming and the stars are visible tonight. We update each other on what is going on, some windows of opportunity open... Excellent visit and we make plans to meet again soon.
And today ? This morning I got up later then planned, ah well... Morning Sitting. I spend morning and afternoon with my sister and Kofi. We rest and watch some Olympics on the telly. Kofi made some delicious spicy food, mmm.
I'm back home after 18 o'clock. A lot to be done, but first shower and evening exercise, essential part of the evening and 18-19 before dinner is an ideal time for this. After this feel ready/poised to move on...
JotD and emails. The house alarm outside keeps going off and one of the flatmates pops in to ask for the code to turn it off. He notices me sitting on the cushions on the floor and kindly offers a spare chair. No desk here, but it will be definitely useful for other things!
I make dinner and in the meantime chat with a new flatmate from Israel. After this some writing, speak with the cousin on the phone, emails. Actually It's an evening of reconnections. I call friends (two couples) in Ireland we were fortunate to meet with my Magda and Agnieszka during our travels in Ireland 5 years ago. They are very friendly and cheerful people, a joy speaking to them. This refreshes some good memories from our travels, we expierenced a lot of good-will from Irish people...
A picture with (l->R)Mary, John, Magda, Deirdre and Pat standing (picture by Agnieszka)
And here's one with Agnieszka ! (picture by Magda)
So that was almost 5 years ago !
What else ? Some reading from JGB and some fun on facebook. Now AT lie-down and winding down ... recap ... journal ... soon to bed.
Today's noticing: the quality of how I begin the day determines the quality of how I experience the day. Now, once I see it, what's next ?
It's 1:26 a.m. Goodnight !
Friday, 8 August 2008
7th August - one of those days
Early rise and late bed today, sometimes it's like this.
A busy day, but with time for study and practice. I get a headache in the afternoon which gets quite strong later on. Fall asleep while lie-down, a nap helps. In the evening we go out to the Irish pub with flatmates but I don't feel like drinking beer tonight so have an apple juice.
Good day, more is clear now and tomorrow is a visit to Leeds and Harrogate !
A busy day, but with time for study and practice. I get a headache in the afternoon which gets quite strong later on. Fall asleep while lie-down, a nap helps. In the evening we go out to the Irish pub with flatmates but I don't feel like drinking beer tonight so have an apple juice.
Good day, more is clear now and tomorrow is a visit to Leeds and Harrogate !
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
6th August - Change is in the air ..
... I like this expression.
Last night 'the thinking bit' didn't really switch off before falling asleep, so in the morning it was something like 'founding out you left the tap running overnight' ! Where is the energy gone into ? So get up drained. Sit at 8 o'clock.
I share breakfast with Ajiz and he has some special ways of eating cereals. Instead of milk he uses ... milky tea ! I like this guy a lot, we get on very well.
Not very productive day in the morning, but I manage to send the application for job after struggling with it for quite some time and getting really annoyed with it. I can say without a shadow of doubt - I really dislike filling in any kinds of forms. That's my 'dislike bit' for today.
A walk to the post office, the weather outside is nice and cool. A pleasant walk with a moment of AAD connection.
For lunch I finish off yesterday's rice and add some tuna to it. It mixes nicely for my taste, but leaves aftertaste that's asking for some sweets - how good that I have some Cornish clotted cream fudge that Lizzie brought from her visit there. Really delicious.
I'm still very tired, lie in bed for a while, then have AT lie-down. Some improvement, but still not really in shape, but there we go, we begin where we are. I 'assume the virtue' and carry on...
A call to friends in the South England follows. I continue with some computer work for a while then go out for a walk. I visit Crowcroft Park where I receive a phone call from a close person. This brings a clarity into what is going on at the moment and is very uplifting...
Back home. Quiet time for an exercise.
For dinner I use the the same ingredients as yesterday, but make scrambled egg this time. Maybe the same ingredients but the food has a different identity.
A lot is going on and change is in the air. Time for digestion and while digesting I clean the kitchen, then JotD.
It's not even 23 o'clock and I'm tired. Good, the body clock is readjusting. Tomorrow is an early rise.
I'll be visiting Ania in Leeds this Friday.
It's 23.36 now.
Usual evening routine...
Last night 'the thinking bit' didn't really switch off before falling asleep, so in the morning it was something like 'founding out you left the tap running overnight' ! Where is the energy gone into ? So get up drained. Sit at 8 o'clock.
I share breakfast with Ajiz and he has some special ways of eating cereals. Instead of milk he uses ... milky tea ! I like this guy a lot, we get on very well.
Not very productive day in the morning, but I manage to send the application for job after struggling with it for quite some time and getting really annoyed with it. I can say without a shadow of doubt - I really dislike filling in any kinds of forms. That's my 'dislike bit' for today.
A walk to the post office, the weather outside is nice and cool. A pleasant walk with a moment of AAD connection.
For lunch I finish off yesterday's rice and add some tuna to it. It mixes nicely for my taste, but leaves aftertaste that's asking for some sweets - how good that I have some Cornish clotted cream fudge that Lizzie brought from her visit there. Really delicious.
I'm still very tired, lie in bed for a while, then have AT lie-down. Some improvement, but still not really in shape, but there we go, we begin where we are. I 'assume the virtue' and carry on...
A call to friends in the South England follows. I continue with some computer work for a while then go out for a walk. I visit Crowcroft Park where I receive a phone call from a close person. This brings a clarity into what is going on at the moment and is very uplifting...
Back home. Quiet time for an exercise.
For dinner I use the the same ingredients as yesterday, but make scrambled egg this time. Maybe the same ingredients but the food has a different identity.
A lot is going on and change is in the air. Time for digestion and while digesting I clean the kitchen, then JotD.
It's not even 23 o'clock and I'm tired. Good, the body clock is readjusting. Tomorrow is an early rise.
I'll be visiting Ania in Leeds this Friday.
It's 23.36 now.
Usual evening routine...
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
5th August - Tuned into the day
I wake up and wonder whether the alarm has already rang - and then 10 seconds later there it goes ! Sometimes it happens like this. I rise to the day 'in tune', 'in time' and with intention. So a full week ahead - I take some time to visualize the 'landing' on Monday evening.
A GC aphorism sprang to my mind yesterday, and remained until this morning: May the quality with which we live our life honour the lives of our parents and mentors. This has a relevance to what is going on at the moment.
Morning practice, extensions.
Breakfast. A tasty weetabix-sort-of-cereal with bran flakes and nuts that come from the walnut tree planted in my uncle's garden. My mum is currently visiting there, and dad will join her soon. What can I say ? A very tasty way to begin the day.
Emails. I continue to learn to deal with these. How to make the best use of time is one question, and what about the energy ? Some clues are actually available around... I receive welcomed news today, the documents required for registering as a teacher in the UK arrived to my place in Poland and will be translated shortly. Some catching up, studies stuff...
Time for a coffee break & listening to some old favourite: Stravinsky. I select fragments I like (sensation) - first movement from Violin Concerto, Russian Dance from Petrushka and fugue part from Symphony of Psalms.
JotD. More emails, tax issues, jobs. I need to take the break to take the step back, a walk then. It has just stopped raining and the air is nice and fresh. I go shopping to local tesco
Food: I have most delicious lunch at home. It's chicken and rice, made by Ania and Kofi, so there's also a special relationship with this food. I actually have emotional reaction to it. It is simply delicious.
Emails, some of them related to the Special Study Group III being formed. Things are moving on... Then some catching up with BBC comedy podcast. A lot of fun.
Two phone calls: one regarding job, one with Ania.
Quiet time for meditation. 18 o'clock seems like a good time for it. Just before dinner. I cook baked beans, mushrooms, bacon, eggs, toasts - in other words - fry-up !
Then the day is slowly reaching it's conclusion. Walk, chill out, hang out with house mates and usual evening practice. I put some 'evening' music on: Arvo Part's Fur Alina & Spiegel im Spiegel.
It's 11:35 p.m. Early evening, so hurray for that. Thanks fly to my parents and mentors.
A GC aphorism sprang to my mind yesterday, and remained until this morning: May the quality with which we live our life honour the lives of our parents and mentors. This has a relevance to what is going on at the moment.
Morning practice, extensions.
Breakfast. A tasty weetabix-sort-of-cereal with bran flakes and nuts that come from the walnut tree planted in my uncle's garden. My mum is currently visiting there, and dad will join her soon. What can I say ? A very tasty way to begin the day.
Emails. I continue to learn to deal with these. How to make the best use of time is one question, and what about the energy ? Some clues are actually available around... I receive welcomed news today, the documents required for registering as a teacher in the UK arrived to my place in Poland and will be translated shortly. Some catching up, studies stuff...
Time for a coffee break & listening to some old favourite: Stravinsky. I select fragments I like (sensation) - first movement from Violin Concerto, Russian Dance from Petrushka and fugue part from Symphony of Psalms.
JotD. More emails, tax issues, jobs. I need to take the break to take the step back, a walk then. It has just stopped raining and the air is nice and fresh. I go shopping to local tesco
Food: I have most delicious lunch at home. It's chicken and rice, made by Ania and Kofi, so there's also a special relationship with this food. I actually have emotional reaction to it. It is simply delicious.
Emails, some of them related to the Special Study Group III being formed. Things are moving on... Then some catching up with BBC comedy podcast. A lot of fun.
Two phone calls: one regarding job, one with Ania.
Quiet time for meditation. 18 o'clock seems like a good time for it. Just before dinner. I cook baked beans, mushrooms, bacon, eggs, toasts - in other words - fry-up !
Then the day is slowly reaching it's conclusion. Walk, chill out, hang out with house mates and usual evening practice. I put some 'evening' music on: Arvo Part's Fur Alina & Spiegel im Spiegel.
It's 11:35 p.m. Early evening, so hurray for that. Thanks fly to my parents and mentors.
Monday, 4 August 2008
3rd August - Sunday
Up late. Morning exercise, sit on the floor this time. It's good to have few copies of yellow pages around.
I have breakfast then head off to work. It's Sunday, so a slow pace of work. I have two coffees to keep me going. August is a quiet month for the restaurant and a look on the rota for the next week tells me - move on man... There's even less hours than last week, ok then.
Go straight home. Have early dinner and chat with housemates. Then have to leave to catch the bus as there are not many of them on Sunday. Tonight I visit the Polish church again and stay there for a while to attend the meeting. I've lived abroad for four years, but for the first time something draws to me to the Polish community these days. What is it ? I meet a group of exceptionally cheerful people there. Good evening but late night home...
Two good phonecalls first. I catch up with brave sister Ania, things are hot ! And Lizzie came back to Manchester from Cornwall today and things are good ! We'll meet up tomorrow.
I have shower, then some quiet time for evening exercise. A blessing.
JotD, recap & journal and soon to bed.
So what time is it then ? 1.02 There we go again...
I have breakfast then head off to work. It's Sunday, so a slow pace of work. I have two coffees to keep me going. August is a quiet month for the restaurant and a look on the rota for the next week tells me - move on man... There's even less hours than last week, ok then.
Go straight home. Have early dinner and chat with housemates. Then have to leave to catch the bus as there are not many of them on Sunday. Tonight I visit the Polish church again and stay there for a while to attend the meeting. I've lived abroad for four years, but for the first time something draws to me to the Polish community these days. What is it ? I meet a group of exceptionally cheerful people there. Good evening but late night home...
Two good phonecalls first. I catch up with brave sister Ania, things are hot ! And Lizzie came back to Manchester from Cornwall today and things are good ! We'll meet up tomorrow.
I have shower, then some quiet time for evening exercise. A blessing.
JotD, recap & journal and soon to bed.
So what time is it then ? 1.02 There we go again...
Sunday, 3 August 2008
2nd August - A day of good weather
A full day. A considerable amount of time was spent for studies and practice today but it was nicely balanced by the time spent with housemates.
Saturday, 2 August 2008
1st August - Chop, chop, chop
Last night just when I was dozing off it started to rain so I closed the window. No fresh air then, but I actually had better rest then on the night before. I haven't noticed anything about the weather this morning ...
Morning exercise, breakfast, then off to work.
It's a shorter shift today, first time when I don't have to work on Friday evening. I have a lot of prep work to do, a lot of chopping. Chop, chop, chop. At one point when cutting chorizo I start wondering who is going to eat it, how many people will share this food and who are these people ? What experience they are going to have with this food ? Something changes, I handle the food with more care...
Before I leave the head chef gives me some tips in cash, very welcomed surprise.
Back home. I put two slices of bread with cheese in the oven and have them with salad, a light meal. Then I go out to grab some milk from the shop nearby. I refresh myself with the shower afterwards and it's time for some studies:
AT lie-down, keeping the legs on the bed today, it helps to release in the hip joints.
I read the discussion from the chapter on like & dislike.
Some quiet time for meditation.
Job of the Day.
Cheesecake ! Oh no, it was the last piece. Superb food by Ania.
Then I chat with some house mates. One of them is furious with the message landlord left to everybody living here. Basically he reminds us to respect other's space and other 'house rules'. She believes she can do whatever she likes here as she paid the rent for this place.
Then I speak with my cousin and his wife on skype. How wonderful to hear them. They settled down in the little town at Loch Fyne in Scotland, many good news are passed on. We are going to visit them with Ania in September or October...
It's getting late, few emails are sent. Then recap the day, short talk on the phone with the busy sister and journal.
The nearby Stockport Rd sounds busy, it sounds like Friday night.
It's earlier night then usual. I'm going to play some music before bed tonight - a recording of Benedictine Chants, a gift from my mother from her visit to the Monastery in Tyniec (near Krakow) some time ago.
It's 00:22 am.
Morning exercise, breakfast, then off to work.
It's a shorter shift today, first time when I don't have to work on Friday evening. I have a lot of prep work to do, a lot of chopping. Chop, chop, chop. At one point when cutting chorizo I start wondering who is going to eat it, how many people will share this food and who are these people ? What experience they are going to have with this food ? Something changes, I handle the food with more care...
Before I leave the head chef gives me some tips in cash, very welcomed surprise.
Back home. I put two slices of bread with cheese in the oven and have them with salad, a light meal. Then I go out to grab some milk from the shop nearby. I refresh myself with the shower afterwards and it's time for some studies:
AT lie-down, keeping the legs on the bed today, it helps to release in the hip joints.
I read the discussion from the chapter on like & dislike.
Some quiet time for meditation.
Job of the Day.
Cheesecake ! Oh no, it was the last piece. Superb food by Ania.
Then I chat with some house mates. One of them is furious with the message landlord left to everybody living here. Basically he reminds us to respect other's space and other 'house rules'. She believes she can do whatever she likes here as she paid the rent for this place.
Then I speak with my cousin and his wife on skype. How wonderful to hear them. They settled down in the little town at Loch Fyne in Scotland, many good news are passed on. We are going to visit them with Ania in September or October...
It's getting late, few emails are sent. Then recap the day, short talk on the phone with the busy sister and journal.
The nearby Stockport Rd sounds busy, it sounds like Friday night.
It's earlier night then usual. I'm going to play some music before bed tonight - a recording of Benedictine Chants, a gift from my mother from her visit to the Monastery in Tyniec (near Krakow) some time ago.
It's 00:22 am.
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