I get up before 9. Usual morning routines, but today unusually intensive and the attention span is longer than the average.
But then after breakfast I work on Maths and find myself very unfocused.
During break I listen to some Danny Elfman film themes. I was very into it when at the University and haven't heard them for a long time. It was exciting period for me, as hearing these movie scores lead me to discover composers like Strawinski or Szostakowicz etc.
I have lunch before 2, after which go out to post the parcel and buy a new set of strings. One of them breaks while putting on, so have to go out again. But no worries, in Harrogate everything is reasonably close, for example a music shop is just one minute walk away. Marek also requests me to get one NST custom set for him. There are individual D'addario available at the store, so no problem in completing the appropriate set. I tune the guitar and play, chords emerge and it sounds like a basis for a new piece. Before the end of the AAD course (13th February) I am going to write and record 2 pieces and set up the MySpace site.
After a little break for a warm drink i practice guitar.
Alexander Technique lie-down. Strange day, i feel overwhelmed with energy, first do nothing and come back to the grounding, and listen, then practice some chi kung which seems like the right use of what is available. Today something clicked, and clearly one process entered 'the end' phase.
Ania pops by with some print-outs and some magazines to read (Zwierciadlo). She gives me a lift to the shop. I just get cheese and baguette for dinner. JOTD, meal, more guitar afterwards.
Chill out. Play the Pirates of the Caribbean. Very entartaining, a sort of movie for tonight.
Late night. Fine. I'll be switching to night shifts soon again.
AAD Theme 2 completes tonight.
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Dark night
29th January 09
Get up at 6.30, after long sleep. Today I begin with chi kung, have a warm drink, sitting.
Then I go out to the shop to get some stuff for breakfast. The weather is cold and miserable again, well, in this time of the year we appreciate even a little, whatever sun we can get is fab. After breakfast I spend hours on studying Maths and updating my cv and online job search accounts. In between I take the break for coffee and also write the AAD participant list on the computer for printing out. It will replace a hand written one, useful to do it.
Lunch before 2 o'clock. I go out for a walk, but it's so cold, so before long i settle down home again. Practice chi kung (Flowing Breeze, Swaying Willows) and drink a warm cup of tea.
Guitar.
I do more Maths. I enjoy doing some stuff for the first time in 5 years (differentiation!). It's getting late and it's time to chill out. I play some Ali G videos. In my view Sacha Baron Cohen is just a brilliant comedian.
Then I visit Grzegorz & Karolina. We have a movie evening tonight: I am legend. Time flies by quickly with totally evil and hungry for human flesh Dark-seekers. Nobody offers to assist me back home on this dark evening, but fortunately no beasts are after me, it was only a movie.
Back home. Chi kung. Journals. I will be in bed soon ...
0.13 now
Get up at 6.30, after long sleep. Today I begin with chi kung, have a warm drink, sitting.
Then I go out to the shop to get some stuff for breakfast. The weather is cold and miserable again, well, in this time of the year we appreciate even a little, whatever sun we can get is fab. After breakfast I spend hours on studying Maths and updating my cv and online job search accounts. In between I take the break for coffee and also write the AAD participant list on the computer for printing out. It will replace a hand written one, useful to do it.
Lunch before 2 o'clock. I go out for a walk, but it's so cold, so before long i settle down home again. Practice chi kung (Flowing Breeze, Swaying Willows) and drink a warm cup of tea.
Guitar.
I do more Maths. I enjoy doing some stuff for the first time in 5 years (differentiation!). It's getting late and it's time to chill out. I play some Ali G videos. In my view Sacha Baron Cohen is just a brilliant comedian.
Then I visit Grzegorz & Karolina. We have a movie evening tonight: I am legend. Time flies by quickly with totally evil and hungry for human flesh Dark-seekers. Nobody offers to assist me back home on this dark evening, but fortunately no beasts are after me, it was only a movie.
Back home. Chi kung. Journals. I will be in bed soon ...
0.13 now
Women
A peculiar night, I wake up many times, first time after only 2 hours of sleep, full of energy. I thought it was time to wake up! And there is a recurring theme in several dreams from tonight: Women. It makes sense, an accurate commentary on what is going on in my life.
So I get up before the alarm clock, 7.5-ish hours seems enough. Sit down to the morning exercise. I notice my breathing is lighter and 60 Points Exercise stronger than usual. My sense is that it was reinforced by recently intensive Chi-Kung.
I have a cup of tea, then CK. Breakfast. I hang around, do some maths, until there's time to leave to meet Rachel for the AT meeting. Exactly what I needed. A reconnection with the technique and a reminder why I am here in the UK. I reaffirm my long term aim.
Pop in to asda, then home. Eat lunch...
K. gets in touch and asks for some help with dealing with bank. She is not confident with English... not yet. We have to go out to another place, then go back, then to another bank, and back again. Basically, paying for their mistake by wasting our time on this. I get a bit fed up with this and remind the person at the bank whose fault it was - finally he is more keen on taking the responsibility for dealing with it. Well, we'll see...
Then walk with B&M to visit K&G. G made some home made Żurek and I must admit I haven't had anything like this before, a different recipe from what we eat at home. First of all the basis of the soup (zakwas) was homemade (garlic and rye-flour mixed in the water were allowed to ferment over few days). This we had with hard boiled-egg, beef and skwarki and of course plenty of condiments (mainly marjoram). There's also white wine and although I only have a little bit of it, it gives me a headache, and when I come back home I suddenly feel very tired. Lie down shattered and just doze off...
zzz...
So I get up before the alarm clock, 7.5-ish hours seems enough. Sit down to the morning exercise. I notice my breathing is lighter and 60 Points Exercise stronger than usual. My sense is that it was reinforced by recently intensive Chi-Kung.
I have a cup of tea, then CK. Breakfast. I hang around, do some maths, until there's time to leave to meet Rachel for the AT meeting. Exactly what I needed. A reconnection with the technique and a reminder why I am here in the UK. I reaffirm my long term aim.
Pop in to asda, then home. Eat lunch...
K. gets in touch and asks for some help with dealing with bank. She is not confident with English... not yet. We have to go out to another place, then go back, then to another bank, and back again. Basically, paying for their mistake by wasting our time on this. I get a bit fed up with this and remind the person at the bank whose fault it was - finally he is more keen on taking the responsibility for dealing with it. Well, we'll see...
Then walk with B&M to visit K&G. G made some home made Żurek and I must admit I haven't had anything like this before, a different recipe from what we eat at home. First of all the basis of the soup (zakwas) was homemade (garlic and rye-flour mixed in the water were allowed to ferment over few days). This we had with hard boiled-egg, beef and skwarki and of course plenty of condiments (mainly marjoram). There's also white wine and although I only have a little bit of it, it gives me a headache, and when I come back home I suddenly feel very tired. Lie down shattered and just doze off...
zzz...
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
short day
Short kind of transition day today. I get up with the alarm clock at 15.30, after about 4,5 hours of sleep. Sitting exercise.
After having a cup of coffee I leave to the cash machine to withdraw some money for the rent, then have a haddock with chips for lunch. It takes some time before I'm ready to proceed with some Chi Kung exercises.
Guitar.
Leave to visit G&K. I like such a spontaneous invitations more and more. G. made some gingerbread, we also have some very nice wine. After this I walk to the care home to visit A. who is working the night shift tonight. She gives me some home made lentil pate. Look forward to taste it tomorrow.
Getting very tired now, the lack of sleep is catching up. Go back home, but before bed practice CK, JotD, guitar, journals.
1.10 am
Look forward to the next 5 days...
After having a cup of coffee I leave to the cash machine to withdraw some money for the rent, then have a haddock with chips for lunch. It takes some time before I'm ready to proceed with some Chi Kung exercises.
Guitar.
Leave to visit G&K. I like such a spontaneous invitations more and more. G. made some gingerbread, we also have some very nice wine. After this I walk to the care home to visit A. who is working the night shift tonight. She gives me some home made lentil pate. Look forward to taste it tomorrow.
Getting very tired now, the lack of sleep is catching up. Go back home, but before bed practice CK, JotD, guitar, journals.
1.10 am
Look forward to the next 5 days...
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
25th
Break, well, kind off, but can't have it at any better time with 3 night shifts in the row. Adjust to the AAD group work rhythm...
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Weather changed...
Up before noon. Sitting. Acknowledge the Winter Project beginning today in Vienna. The day is warm, and it seems like a nice weather outside.
After breakfast sit down to Maths for one hour. I feel calm and in good spirits during this.
The weather is so lovely, I'm sure we were all missing it. It's getting warm! I go out to enjoy the fresh air and also practice Chi Kung in the forest. Today focus on more patterns, skip the induced chi flow and proceed straight to Abdominal Breathing/Meditation. I definitely got stuck in the habitual exercise. The name of some of these patterns: Lifting the Sky, Pushing the Mountains, Butterfly Dancing in Front of Flowers, Lohan embraces Buddha, Carrying the Moon etc.
Back home, sort out some lunch, in the meantime read more reports. While eating I remember the 'Food' Theme and one particular exercise.
Tea, chill out, call home...
After some time with guitar and listen to one of the KL's lectures.
After having some soup it's time to leave to work. Again a very quiet night. Still, I leave some things until the last moment which make me rush in the last hour, my fault really.
Back home earlier today as Ania gave me the lift. After shower I chill out and let go of the day, recap.
Today marks the transition in my relationship with Chi Kung. A deepening of appreciation and commitment to this wonderful discipline.
So... it's 10.15 now and time to wind down. I have a little glass of warm wine here with me... I left the mobile at work so no alarm clock at hand. Hopefully i will get up on time!
After breakfast sit down to Maths for one hour. I feel calm and in good spirits during this.
The weather is so lovely, I'm sure we were all missing it. It's getting warm! I go out to enjoy the fresh air and also practice Chi Kung in the forest. Today focus on more patterns, skip the induced chi flow and proceed straight to Abdominal Breathing/Meditation. I definitely got stuck in the habitual exercise. The name of some of these patterns: Lifting the Sky, Pushing the Mountains, Butterfly Dancing in Front of Flowers, Lohan embraces Buddha, Carrying the Moon etc.
Back home, sort out some lunch, in the meantime read more reports. While eating I remember the 'Food' Theme and one particular exercise.
Tea, chill out, call home...
After some time with guitar and listen to one of the KL's lectures.
After having some soup it's time to leave to work. Again a very quiet night. Still, I leave some things until the last moment which make me rush in the last hour, my fault really.
Back home earlier today as Ania gave me the lift. After shower I chill out and let go of the day, recap.
Today marks the transition in my relationship with Chi Kung. A deepening of appreciation and commitment to this wonderful discipline.
So... it's 10.15 now and time to wind down. I have a little glass of warm wine here with me... I left the mobile at work so no alarm clock at hand. Hopefully i will get up on time!
Saturday, 24 January 2009
more maths
Not most comfortable sleep in the afternoon, really. I get up after 5 hours in a grumpy mood. After sitting go out to get some fresh air.
Sit down at the computer, write few emails, then study Maths (reading & video lesson)
JOTD.
After dinner which is a delicious food from Kofi, African style, we have some mulled wine with Marek and watch three episodes from Ali G series. Brilliant stuff.
After this I chill out and lie down on the floor in the AT semi-supine and fall asleep, then move to bed and get up after about 2 hours. 2am-ish. Up, get some food and study more Maths...
It's 4.23 am and 3 night shifts are ahead.
Sit down at the computer, write few emails, then study Maths (reading & video lesson)
JOTD.
After dinner which is a delicious food from Kofi, African style, we have some mulled wine with Marek and watch three episodes from Ali G series. Brilliant stuff.
After this I chill out and lie down on the floor in the AT semi-supine and fall asleep, then move to bed and get up after about 2 hours. 2am-ish. Up, get some food and study more Maths...
It's 4.23 am and 3 night shifts are ahead.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Hey ho
That's what I call a deep sleep. Up at 17.15. After sitting, attention sharp, I get some chips and fish going and take it easy until it's time to leave for the night shift.
I'm working on my own which is really fine, the night is quiet, and when not needed I have time for some studies - 90 minutes of Maths. Gradually reconnecting, and the feel for it is coming back. At 4 o'clock take the break outside and practice Chi Kung (I've never taken entitled breaks during the nights here!) Good time of the day for it, and what a great recharger of the batteries. Usually the end of the shift is most busy, just when you get sleepy. A lively morning today.
Come back in the rain, yeah, it's Yorkshire in January. I feel gratitude and can't really say what for, doesn't matter and huray for this.
I arrive home tired though. After shower, I eat, hang around.. JOTD. I don't feel like touching guitar, but I do and it was worth it. A new piece is slowly developing.
And in the meantime some email exchange with my mum in Tychy.
It's 10.58 am
I'm working on my own which is really fine, the night is quiet, and when not needed I have time for some studies - 90 minutes of Maths. Gradually reconnecting, and the feel for it is coming back. At 4 o'clock take the break outside and practice Chi Kung (I've never taken entitled breaks during the nights here!) Good time of the day for it, and what a great recharger of the batteries. Usually the end of the shift is most busy, just when you get sleepy. A lively morning today.
Come back in the rain, yeah, it's Yorkshire in January. I feel gratitude and can't really say what for, doesn't matter and huray for this.
I arrive home tired though. After shower, I eat, hang around.. JOTD. I don't feel like touching guitar, but I do and it was worth it. A new piece is slowly developing.
And in the meantime some email exchange with my mum in Tychy.
It's 10.58 am
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Ikos
Why these bitter words of the dying, O brethren,
which they utter as they go hence?
I am parted from my brethren.
All my friends do I abandon, and go hence.
But whither I go, that understand I not,
neither what shall become of me yonder;
only God who hath summoned me knoweth.
But make commemoration of me with the song:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
But whither now go the souls?
How dwell they now together there?
This mystery have I desired to learn,
but none can impart aright.
Do they call to mind their own people, as we do them?
Or have they forgotten all those who mourn them
and make the song:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
We go forth on the path eternal,
and as condemned, with downcast faces,
present ourselves before the only God eternal.
Where then is comeliness? Where then is wealth?
Where then is the glory of this world?
There shall none of these things aid us,
but only to say oft the psalm:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
If thou hast shown mercy unto man, O man,
that same mercy shall be shown thee there;
and if on an orphan thou hast shown compassion,
the same shall there deliver thee from want,
If in this life the naked thou hast clothed,
the same shall give thee shelter there,
and sing the psalm:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Youth and the beauty of the body
fade at the hour of death,
and the tongue then burneth fiercely,
and the parched throat is inflamed.
The beauty of the eyes is quenched then,
the comeliness of the face all altered,
the shapeliness of the neck destroyed;
and the other parts have become numb,
nor often say:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
With ecstacy are we inflamed if we but hear
that there is light eternal yonder;
that there is Paradise,
wherein every soul of Righteous Ones rejoiceth.
Let us all, also, Enter into Christ,
that all we may cry aloud thus unto God:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtCtmKsSv5g
which they utter as they go hence?
I am parted from my brethren.
All my friends do I abandon, and go hence.
But whither I go, that understand I not,
neither what shall become of me yonder;
only God who hath summoned me knoweth.
But make commemoration of me with the song:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
But whither now go the souls?
How dwell they now together there?
This mystery have I desired to learn,
but none can impart aright.
Do they call to mind their own people, as we do them?
Or have they forgotten all those who mourn them
and make the song:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
We go forth on the path eternal,
and as condemned, with downcast faces,
present ourselves before the only God eternal.
Where then is comeliness? Where then is wealth?
Where then is the glory of this world?
There shall none of these things aid us,
but only to say oft the psalm:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
If thou hast shown mercy unto man, O man,
that same mercy shall be shown thee there;
and if on an orphan thou hast shown compassion,
the same shall there deliver thee from want,
If in this life the naked thou hast clothed,
the same shall give thee shelter there,
and sing the psalm:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Youth and the beauty of the body
fade at the hour of death,
and the tongue then burneth fiercely,
and the parched throat is inflamed.
The beauty of the eyes is quenched then,
the comeliness of the face all altered,
the shapeliness of the neck destroyed;
and the other parts have become numb,
nor often say:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
With ecstacy are we inflamed if we but hear
that there is light eternal yonder;
that there is Paradise,
wherein every soul of Righteous Ones rejoiceth.
Let us all, also, Enter into Christ,
that all we may cry aloud thus unto God:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtCtmKsSv5g
Defeated mushroom
Get up at 8.45, the day outside looks sunny and nice. Hopefully the upcoming days are going to be warmer and warmer, and I need sun! Morning exercise.
After breakfast sit for 2 hours straight and study Maths, that is, get familiar with the vocabulary. Some of it could be translated literally, like 'find the common denominator', or 'quadratic expression', but then there are some I have to learn: 'simultaneous equations' (uklad rownan) or 'rationalize the denominator' (usunac niewymiernosc z mianownika). It should be alright if I carry on like this for a month, 2 hours daily, at least.
Then a break for coffee, and Polverone - Spanish sweets brought sime time ago from Spain by Belen. Quite special, very fine and delicate, kind of dusty.
Tai Chi/Chi Kung. Very grounding and invigorating.
For lunch I eat a spicy soup from Ania, African style.
I go out for a walk in the gardens. It's cold, but also sunny, huuray!
Back, read some of the Themes reports.
Then a cleaning action. Mr. mushroom on the wall is treated with a special mould & mildew weapon and learns he is not welcomed in this flat.
I set up the speakers set in my room, brought by Ania from Leeds. It was definitely worth it to bring it over from Poland. I play few pieces i like.
Guitar. I record a little excerpt with the overdriven Ovation, by mistake!. Actually, i like the sound of it. Makes me miss playing electric. But hey, once I get awfully rich man i'm going to get myself one!
Out to the shop. Get haddock. While waiting for it to get ready we have a very nice chat with Belen.
More guitar, then JOTD.
I feel tired and lie down for a minute. Doze off and wake up after midnight, when M knocks on the door. Can't fall asleep...
Sitting, then Listen to That Which Passes.
4.18 am now
After breakfast sit for 2 hours straight and study Maths, that is, get familiar with the vocabulary. Some of it could be translated literally, like 'find the common denominator', or 'quadratic expression', but then there are some I have to learn: 'simultaneous equations' (uklad rownan) or 'rationalize the denominator' (usunac niewymiernosc z mianownika). It should be alright if I carry on like this for a month, 2 hours daily, at least.
Then a break for coffee, and Polverone - Spanish sweets brought sime time ago from Spain by Belen. Quite special, very fine and delicate, kind of dusty.
Tai Chi/Chi Kung. Very grounding and invigorating.
For lunch I eat a spicy soup from Ania, African style.
I go out for a walk in the gardens. It's cold, but also sunny, huuray!
Back, read some of the Themes reports.
Then a cleaning action. Mr. mushroom on the wall is treated with a special mould & mildew weapon and learns he is not welcomed in this flat.
I set up the speakers set in my room, brought by Ania from Leeds. It was definitely worth it to bring it over from Poland. I play few pieces i like.
Guitar. I record a little excerpt with the overdriven Ovation, by mistake!. Actually, i like the sound of it. Makes me miss playing electric. But hey, once I get awfully rich man i'm going to get myself one!
Out to the shop. Get haddock. While waiting for it to get ready we have a very nice chat with Belen.
More guitar, then JOTD.
I feel tired and lie down for a minute. Doze off and wake up after midnight, when M knocks on the door. Can't fall asleep...
Sitting, then Listen to That Which Passes.
4.18 am now
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
More sleep, please...
20th January 2009
It's 7-ish. Wake up after about 2 hours of sleep, it actually seems enough, i feel sharp. The day is slowly unfolding and I'm glad to be up to rise with it. Morning Sitting while it's getting lighter and lighter outside.
After breakfast I sit down with mac and sort out the teaching related documents. Go out to print them out, and and get some very useful Maths books (3 for £5.5!)
Then I go out to enjoy the sun and check out where some of the local schools are located. I post the letters to three of them on the way. While walking, i reflect on the current moves and changes, from this point the past seems as if i was living in the shell, but no judgement.
I also recall my main aim of stay here in England: to train as the AT teacher. It's good to recall this, as it helps to see the purpose in what i'm doing now. It won't take less than 4 years, and hopefully no longer than 5.
I go back home, eat lunch, then do some general cleaning. Not enough sleep is catching up with me... Some emails, guitar...
Then I sit down to practice the Rememberance, a welcomed change of direction.
JOTD.
Hang around in the living room, there's a friend visiting M. I get something to eat, browse some guitar magazines. One article about Mathew Bellany from Muse out there. I like this kind of stuff.
And some time on the web. For example watch the first presidential speech of Barack Obama. I'm not particularly interested in listening to politicians, but this is an electrifying performance. Almost 20 minutes long and no notes has been used! Well, I wish good luck to this man.
Also listen to an interview with the director Darren Aronofsky. Then B, M and J watch his Requiem for a Dream. One of the movies I could watch over and over, and it's more for how it's done, than for the story itself. Intensive movie!
There's one email in the mailbox I have to reflect on before responding. Can't say i have to decide, as in a strange way the decision seems to be already there - i'm just not there to see it yet. So now, the mind is generously giving some useless ideas i kindly let go of, and wait for the answer that comes via other channels.
Getting sleepy. Bed time. 23.06
It's 7-ish. Wake up after about 2 hours of sleep, it actually seems enough, i feel sharp. The day is slowly unfolding and I'm glad to be up to rise with it. Morning Sitting while it's getting lighter and lighter outside.
After breakfast I sit down with mac and sort out the teaching related documents. Go out to print them out, and and get some very useful Maths books (3 for £5.5!)
Then I go out to enjoy the sun and check out where some of the local schools are located. I post the letters to three of them on the way. While walking, i reflect on the current moves and changes, from this point the past seems as if i was living in the shell, but no judgement.
I also recall my main aim of stay here in England: to train as the AT teacher. It's good to recall this, as it helps to see the purpose in what i'm doing now. It won't take less than 4 years, and hopefully no longer than 5.
I go back home, eat lunch, then do some general cleaning. Not enough sleep is catching up with me... Some emails, guitar...
Then I sit down to practice the Rememberance, a welcomed change of direction.
JOTD.
Hang around in the living room, there's a friend visiting M. I get something to eat, browse some guitar magazines. One article about Mathew Bellany from Muse out there. I like this kind of stuff.
And some time on the web. For example watch the first presidential speech of Barack Obama. I'm not particularly interested in listening to politicians, but this is an electrifying performance. Almost 20 minutes long and no notes has been used! Well, I wish good luck to this man.
Also listen to an interview with the director Darren Aronofsky. Then B, M and J watch his Requiem for a Dream. One of the movies I could watch over and over, and it's more for how it's done, than for the story itself. Intensive movie!
There's one email in the mailbox I have to reflect on before responding. Can't say i have to decide, as in a strange way the decision seems to be already there - i'm just not there to see it yet. So now, the mind is generously giving some useless ideas i kindly let go of, and wait for the answer that comes via other channels.
Getting sleepy. Bed time. 23.06
19/01/09
The secret of life is living it to the full.
Much cherished saying of Ken.
Reflective, but also busy night.
Much cherished saying of Ken.
Reflective, but also busy night.
Monday, 19 January 2009
Night work
18/01/09
I wake up at 16.oo and get up 20 minutes later. Sitting.
I take it easy, reheat the soup. The computer is off, for a change.
Soon to work, but first Tai Chi, grounding.
Work between 20 and 8 o'clock. Loud night in many loud ways. I.e. one member of staff keeps talking all the time, on and on. We find it tiring and irritating, but she doesn't notice. Doesn't even notice some really obvious hints...
It's rainy morning. Get some cleaning stuff from asda on the way back home. Shower.
Practice (guitar & jotd)
11.02 am. Post this.
I wake up at 16.oo and get up 20 minutes later. Sitting.
I take it easy, reheat the soup. The computer is off, for a change.
Soon to work, but first Tai Chi, grounding.
Work between 20 and 8 o'clock. Loud night in many loud ways. I.e. one member of staff keeps talking all the time, on and on. We find it tiring and irritating, but she doesn't notice. Doesn't even notice some really obvious hints...
It's rainy morning. Get some cleaning stuff from asda on the way back home. Shower.
Practice (guitar & jotd)
11.02 am. Post this.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Friday, 16 January 2009
11.00 - up, exercise.
Another low on energy day. But I do send my writing to the school and do few useful things. But mostly I just take it easy. Hmm, this week is too long for me.
In the evening watch Return to the Future. Enjoy it a lot, kind of a light movie i needed. When was the last time I saw it, 14-15 years ago? Perhaps.
Check out few transition dates coming up. Two of them in February, one in April.
Another low on energy day. But I do send my writing to the school and do few useful things. But mostly I just take it easy. Hmm, this week is too long for me.
In the evening watch Return to the Future. Enjoy it a lot, kind of a light movie i needed. When was the last time I saw it, 14-15 years ago? Perhaps.
Check out few transition dates coming up. Two of them in February, one in April.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
12.00 - Rise.
12.30 - AAD Sitting.
After breakfast I leave to seek for advise in the Education Office, then make a related phone call. Both answers are the same - approach the schools directly. Alright then, pop in to the High School that is just next to the office. The idea is to get the chance to spend some time in the classroom and assist the teacher, observe, get familiar with the syllabus and the way of work here etc. I'm requested to formalize this in writing.
Back home. Cook the veg soup: leeks, carrots and potatoes. Add some soured cream/flour and hard boiled eggs at the end. Eat with Marek, then we talk. There are perspectives for some Guitar Practice together.
I then write the letter and it's time to go to the care home for the night staff meeting with the Manager.
Back home: cleaning, laundry & JOTD. Then guitar time.
Hang around, then sitting to file all the information in my head in the appropriate folders. Notice that i sit exactly 12 hours after the morning exercises, not intended.
Post this. I completely don't feel like writing this entry tonight, and the last few days were also like this. A struggle, i respond - keep going and post at the end of the day as usual. An opportunity to exercise the commitment then.
1.09 a.m.
And here's another picture from the meeting in Tychy:
12.30 - AAD Sitting.
After breakfast I leave to seek for advise in the Education Office, then make a related phone call. Both answers are the same - approach the schools directly. Alright then, pop in to the High School that is just next to the office. The idea is to get the chance to spend some time in the classroom and assist the teacher, observe, get familiar with the syllabus and the way of work here etc. I'm requested to formalize this in writing.
Back home. Cook the veg soup: leeks, carrots and potatoes. Add some soured cream/flour and hard boiled eggs at the end. Eat with Marek, then we talk. There are perspectives for some Guitar Practice together.
I then write the letter and it's time to go to the care home for the night staff meeting with the Manager.
Back home: cleaning, laundry & JOTD. Then guitar time.
Hang around, then sitting to file all the information in my head in the appropriate folders. Notice that i sit exactly 12 hours after the morning exercises, not intended.
Post this. I completely don't feel like writing this entry tonight, and the last few days were also like this. A struggle, i respond - keep going and post at the end of the day as usual. An opportunity to exercise the commitment then.
1.09 a.m.
And here's another picture from the meeting in Tychy:
Protection
I was hoping to have just few hours of sleep after the night shift, so i don't miss on the day, but perhaps i was bit unrealistic here. Rest was needed. Get up tired after 7 hours, and have the feeling of being behind.
Sitting.
After cooking and eating stir fry that M left for me, I go to visit G & K to help out with some NVQ training materials. Then straight to visit my sister at work and collect my suit she brought from Leeds and has in her car. We talk for some time, it's good...
Back in the flat after 1 am. I dislike being active at night, the energy is low, but then it seems to rise around 5-6 o'clock. That's when the boost comes, for sure, as it's in the body. In my experience this is much more reliable feedback then 'thinking about something'. But how and where does it come from ? For sure there must be many variables in these equation.
Lot of practice tonight: guitar, chi kung/tai chi, AT lie-down, JOTD and also join M for his morning exercise.
In between eat and also listen to remarkable piece of music. John Tavener's Protecting Veil.
From Wikipedia:
The Protecting Veil is a musical composition for cello and strings by British composer John Tavener. Completed in 1988, the work was at first a suggestion from cellist Steven Isserlis and subsequently commissioned by the BBC for the 1989 Proms season. The inspiration of the piece comes from the Orthodox feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God, which commemorates the the apparition of Mary the Theotokos in the early 10th century at the Blachernae Palace church at Vlacherni, Constantinople.
The work, which has a performance time of about 43 minutes, includes eight sections:
1. The Protecting Veil
2. The Nativity of the Mother of God
3. The Annunciation
4. The Incarnation
5. The Lament of the Mother of God at the Cross
6. The Resurrection
7. The Dormition
8. The Protecting Veil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du03jvHfYYw
It's 7.02 am, will be settling down for some sleep now.
Protection. Best Wishes are flying to the south of Poland.
Sitting.
After cooking and eating stir fry that M left for me, I go to visit G & K to help out with some NVQ training materials. Then straight to visit my sister at work and collect my suit she brought from Leeds and has in her car. We talk for some time, it's good...
Back in the flat after 1 am. I dislike being active at night, the energy is low, but then it seems to rise around 5-6 o'clock. That's when the boost comes, for sure, as it's in the body. In my experience this is much more reliable feedback then 'thinking about something'. But how and where does it come from ? For sure there must be many variables in these equation.
Lot of practice tonight: guitar, chi kung/tai chi, AT lie-down, JOTD and also join M for his morning exercise.
In between eat and also listen to remarkable piece of music. John Tavener's Protecting Veil.
From Wikipedia:
The Protecting Veil is a musical composition for cello and strings by British composer John Tavener. Completed in 1988, the work was at first a suggestion from cellist Steven Isserlis and subsequently commissioned by the BBC for the 1989 Proms season. The inspiration of the piece comes from the Orthodox feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God, which commemorates the the apparition of Mary the Theotokos in the early 10th century at the Blachernae Palace church at Vlacherni, Constantinople.
The work, which has a performance time of about 43 minutes, includes eight sections:
1. The Protecting Veil
2. The Nativity of the Mother of God
3. The Annunciation
4. The Incarnation
5. The Lament of the Mother of God at the Cross
6. The Resurrection
7. The Dormition
8. The Protecting Veil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du03jvHfYYw
It's 7.02 am, will be settling down for some sleep now.
Protection. Best Wishes are flying to the south of Poland.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
photo
Get up later then planned, but had 7 hours of sleep, fine. Sitting, centering.
If yesterday was a quiet night at work, this one was quite the opposite of it. A hectic shift until 2.45-ish (but that was on a different floor then yesterday, 'nursing dementia') And i was in a deep 'sleep' which didn't make things easier.
After the shift I reflect on the job hygiene: leaving the work at work, and not taking its concerns home. I'm glad to say it's one of those things that comes pretty easy in my case. 12 hours per day of this is enough!
Get some food for breakfast in asda and head home for a relaxing bath. Then eat ...
What next? Guitar, JOTD, journal. To bed soon. Some music...
Hmmm, it seems that even the smallest acts are meaningful.
Ah, and here's the photo from one meeting back in Tychy, about 2 weeks ago. Photo was taken by Agnieszka:
L->R: Kasia, Magda, Ania, Anita, two ugly men and Gosia.
If yesterday was a quiet night at work, this one was quite the opposite of it. A hectic shift until 2.45-ish (but that was on a different floor then yesterday, 'nursing dementia') And i was in a deep 'sleep' which didn't make things easier.
After the shift I reflect on the job hygiene: leaving the work at work, and not taking its concerns home. I'm glad to say it's one of those things that comes pretty easy in my case. 12 hours per day of this is enough!
Get some food for breakfast in asda and head home for a relaxing bath. Then eat ...
What next? Guitar, JOTD, journal. To bed soon. Some music...
Hmmm, it seems that even the smallest acts are meaningful.
Ah, and here's the photo from one meeting back in Tychy, about 2 weeks ago. Photo was taken by Agnieszka:
L->R: Kasia, Magda, Ania, Anita, two ugly men and Gosia.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Wake up earlier than planned with the sounds of electric guitar coming from the other room. Sitting Exercise.
Go online and make the new 'practice notes' website available and linked. Then work with guitar.
After breakfast and talk with Marek it's time to move on.
The sky is very dark, as usual at this time of the day. I can hear the geese at one point, and indeed few seconds later they fly right over, about 40 of them, barely visible.
It's one of those quiet nights tonight. It's very windy and cold outside, it's time of the year when residents sleep more deeply and for longer. After six there's still not much going on. I notice the silence, and attempt to settle down in stillness and accept it. While observing myself realize the obstructions in doing this: associative thinking, bodily tensions and negative emotions. Malfunctioning centers?
I catch up with a lot of stuff that I did put away for some time. Out of worry, or anxiety ? Perhaps. Words of KL came back to me: "Worry is a substitute for action". Indeed.
Come back home, shower, send a message, JOTD, breakfast, out to the bank & journals.
The sky is spectacular when writing this, Mostly blue and grey outside.
10.16 am
Go online and make the new 'practice notes' website available and linked. Then work with guitar.
After breakfast and talk with Marek it's time to move on.
The sky is very dark, as usual at this time of the day. I can hear the geese at one point, and indeed few seconds later they fly right over, about 40 of them, barely visible.
It's one of those quiet nights tonight. It's very windy and cold outside, it's time of the year when residents sleep more deeply and for longer. After six there's still not much going on. I notice the silence, and attempt to settle down in stillness and accept it. While observing myself realize the obstructions in doing this: associative thinking, bodily tensions and negative emotions. Malfunctioning centers?
I catch up with a lot of stuff that I did put away for some time. Out of worry, or anxiety ? Perhaps. Words of KL came back to me: "Worry is a substitute for action". Indeed.
Come back home, shower, send a message, JOTD, breakfast, out to the bank & journals.
The sky is spectacular when writing this, Mostly blue and grey outside.
10.16 am
Sunday, 11 January 2009
low
1oth January in Harrogate, UK
A day starts at 15.20 after a long sleep and some weird dreams.
15.40 - Exercise.
After breakfast I move on straight to some guitar practice, then hang around, cook pasta for work and clean the toilet.
Getting ready for work, part of it is some Chi Kung.
20.00-8.00 - Night shift, time passes by quickly tonight.
Uff, back home. I send an email to a friend. The day has a definitely Sunday feel about it. I grab the guitar and learn first two bars of a new piece (AAD material) and call my parents.
Post this and soon to hit the bed. Another two night shifts are ahead.
10.26 a.m.
Play some John Tavener's Music. Feels very appropriate.
A day starts at 15.20 after a long sleep and some weird dreams.
15.40 - Exercise.
After breakfast I move on straight to some guitar practice, then hang around, cook pasta for work and clean the toilet.
Getting ready for work, part of it is some Chi Kung.
20.00-8.00 - Night shift, time passes by quickly tonight.
Uff, back home. I send an email to a friend. The day has a definitely Sunday feel about it. I grab the guitar and learn first two bars of a new piece (AAD material) and call my parents.
Post this and soon to hit the bed. Another two night shifts are ahead.
10.26 a.m.
Play some John Tavener's Music. Feels very appropriate.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Boring
14.54 - woke by a phone call from the old job in Manchester. At last they are doing something about the missing p45.
Lie in for a while, then the plumber comes to fix the leakage.
I think i found a good way of dealing with two night shifts separated by a night off. I sleep for 4-5 hours after the first one, then go to bed bit late at night, but not too late and wake up at noon ready for the next night. More clever than Kojak, for sure.
Eventually, the sitting exercise is at 15.40
My sister comes back to get some rest before the night shift.
Study maths (Curriculum, vocabulary etc.)
AT lie-down.
M makes pizza, we have it and then watch some Ali G videos on YouTube. Later on i hoover and tidy up the kitchen.
Call my mum.
Guitar.
Need a walk, go out to the shop. Eat, then talk with M.
More guitar, JOTD, stuff.
2.51 - post this.
Imagine this entry must be boring to read (but useful to write).
Lie in for a while, then the plumber comes to fix the leakage.
I think i found a good way of dealing with two night shifts separated by a night off. I sleep for 4-5 hours after the first one, then go to bed bit late at night, but not too late and wake up at noon ready for the next night. More clever than Kojak, for sure.
Eventually, the sitting exercise is at 15.40
My sister comes back to get some rest before the night shift.
Study maths (Curriculum, vocabulary etc.)
AT lie-down.
M makes pizza, we have it and then watch some Ali G videos on YouTube. Later on i hoover and tidy up the kitchen.
Call my mum.
Guitar.
Need a walk, go out to the shop. Eat, then talk with M.
More guitar, JOTD, stuff.
2.51 - post this.
Imagine this entry must be boring to read (but useful to write).
Friday, 9 January 2009
And 'on' again
16.55 - practice with guitar.
Then reheat late lunch and get ready for work. Pop in to ASDA on my way there.
20.00 - 8.00 - night shift at the care home.
Back in the flat with my sister. While she's having a nap I catch up with various stuff, including JOTD and some emails.
9.45 - post this.
Then reheat late lunch and get ready for work. Pop in to ASDA on my way there.
20.00 - 8.00 - night shift at the care home.
Back in the flat with my sister. While she's having a nap I catch up with various stuff, including JOTD and some emails.
9.45 - post this.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Little note
Just found out there's also comment on 'necessity' on the aad website. Coincidence? It reminds me of J's course aim.
An amplified electric was in action today - I did miss playing it! Mine was sold ca.7 years ago.
An amplified electric was in action today - I did miss playing it! Mine was sold ca.7 years ago.
zzzz...
I get up with the alarm clock at 10.30, but feel tired and the night shift is ahead, so go back to bed and sleep until 12.15-ish. Very intensive dreams last night: one of them was about communication, in this dream i could actually hear a clear voice of the person i know. Several '-ion' words were used, i.e. : attention, application and repercussion.
Morning exercise, AAD. Then breakfast, mmm.
We soon leave with M to help out G to move the drawer from the shop to his place, a heavy thing this. We stay there for lunch, socialize... Back home, there's an email from the friend in the inbox.
Guitar! So what is my state here and now, before playing the first note? Got headache, the associative thinking is on... 45 minutes of R&L hand Primaries (including counting exercises) do wake me up though and i feel much better for it, and the headache is gone!
Job searching. More applications, new options... Before heading off to work join Marek for a warming-up spicy soup - who cares if it's freezing outside after eating this?
Then there's a night shift. Time passes by quickly tonight. I wait with having coffee until i see it's needed, one mug is sufficient for tonight then. These days it seems that there's not much thinking really involved in recognizing what is necessary, it's more matter of seeing it, at least that's how it seems. It also seems that 'seeing' is much rarer state than I would thought/wished it to be. One thing is sure though: I often find myself unable to do what is needed because of my likes/dislikes & wants, and seeing this impartially in myself helps to see it in others too - no judgement. It makes sense why so often we can't make a move and 'change'. Hmmm, anyway, i haven't had much sleep today, am prepared to be wrong.
Tonight in this care home: one English nurse and four Polish care assistants. One of them, my sister that is, brought me some pizza and soup for tonight - hurray! It rains in the morning and she gives me a lift home. Get some boxes with books and other stuff from her, more still in Leeds. Our working schedules coincide for the next 3 weeks so we'll be working together quite often!
Back home, bath, emails, job search, JOTD, eat. Have a lie-down to get a little break before continuing and doze off instead.
Off into 'off' zone.
Morning exercise, AAD. Then breakfast, mmm.
We soon leave with M to help out G to move the drawer from the shop to his place, a heavy thing this. We stay there for lunch, socialize... Back home, there's an email from the friend in the inbox.
Guitar! So what is my state here and now, before playing the first note? Got headache, the associative thinking is on... 45 minutes of R&L hand Primaries (including counting exercises) do wake me up though and i feel much better for it, and the headache is gone!
Job searching. More applications, new options... Before heading off to work join Marek for a warming-up spicy soup - who cares if it's freezing outside after eating this?
Then there's a night shift. Time passes by quickly tonight. I wait with having coffee until i see it's needed, one mug is sufficient for tonight then. These days it seems that there's not much thinking really involved in recognizing what is necessary, it's more matter of seeing it, at least that's how it seems. It also seems that 'seeing' is much rarer state than I would thought/wished it to be. One thing is sure though: I often find myself unable to do what is needed because of my likes/dislikes & wants, and seeing this impartially in myself helps to see it in others too - no judgement. It makes sense why so often we can't make a move and 'change'. Hmmm, anyway, i haven't had much sleep today, am prepared to be wrong.
Tonight in this care home: one English nurse and four Polish care assistants. One of them, my sister that is, brought me some pizza and soup for tonight - hurray! It rains in the morning and she gives me a lift home. Get some boxes with books and other stuff from her, more still in Leeds. Our working schedules coincide for the next 3 weeks so we'll be working together quite often!
Back home, bath, emails, job search, JOTD, eat. Have a lie-down to get a little break before continuing and doze off instead.
Off into 'off' zone.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
transition time
A very restful sleep last night, despite it being a short one. Time seems to slow down and the sunbeams are lightening the room up. I get up, drink a glass of water and get ready for the morning sitting: relaxation and other exercise.
After this I'm more ready to engage with what is ahead. I check emails, and find one message I have an emotional reaction to. It's a surprise to see it arising, a voice from a place that has been quiet for some time. Indeed, everything we do carries consequences.
Go out to the Inland Revenue and charity shops. I need to get a book on maths, and I get it. It's called 'Teaching Mathematics in Primary Schools' and costs only 2 quids. What ?! Good old charity shops. Also get a clock (only £1.25) a new ticking away feature of the room. Back home and spend some time online, get in touch with one teacher agency, send over my CV. Also some study-related stuff, it all takes time...
I experiment with ways of dealing with the overload of more intensive jobs, looking for balance. In the meantime - JOTD.
Also speak with my mother at home. We catch up with news - for sure a lot is going on there! In the meantime of course sister Ania keeps calling.
I find some time to reconnect with the Alexander Technique. Work with two procedures: lie-down & monkey stance (the position of mechanical advantage). It would be great to have teachers hand-on now, but while this is not available I just have to practice on my own. In the meantime M is working in the kitchen.
Talk with Dr.Mike on the phone. I consult ways of moving on, very useful.
Some time after this go with Marek to visit Grzegorz and Karolina. There's wine, a cheerful evening! Back home after this. We grab the electric and we see what we can remember from the old times. Some facial self expressions are revisited too. There's also quiz with some pieces not recognized: Breaking the Law, Kashmir, Black Night & Paranoid - total shock!
I check out some google blog options, post this journal, now settling down to sleep.
3.07 am. Tomorrow is a night shift.
After this I'm more ready to engage with what is ahead. I check emails, and find one message I have an emotional reaction to. It's a surprise to see it arising, a voice from a place that has been quiet for some time. Indeed, everything we do carries consequences.
Go out to the Inland Revenue and charity shops. I need to get a book on maths, and I get it. It's called 'Teaching Mathematics in Primary Schools' and costs only 2 quids. What ?! Good old charity shops. Also get a clock (only £1.25) a new ticking away feature of the room. Back home and spend some time online, get in touch with one teacher agency, send over my CV. Also some study-related stuff, it all takes time...
I experiment with ways of dealing with the overload of more intensive jobs, looking for balance. In the meantime - JOTD.
Also speak with my mother at home. We catch up with news - for sure a lot is going on there! In the meantime of course sister Ania keeps calling.
I find some time to reconnect with the Alexander Technique. Work with two procedures: lie-down & monkey stance (the position of mechanical advantage). It would be great to have teachers hand-on now, but while this is not available I just have to practice on my own. In the meantime M is working in the kitchen.
Talk with Dr.Mike on the phone. I consult ways of moving on, very useful.
Some time after this go with Marek to visit Grzegorz and Karolina. There's wine, a cheerful evening! Back home after this. We grab the electric and we see what we can remember from the old times. Some facial self expressions are revisited too. There's also quiz with some pieces not recognized: Breaking the Law, Kashmir, Black Night & Paranoid - total shock!
I check out some google blog options, post this journal, now settling down to sleep.
3.07 am. Tomorrow is a night shift.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Free to party...
Continue to be in a half-day, half-night mode. But get up at 14.54 so earlier than yesterday. I'm glad that these night shifts will be soon over. I keep doing them while I have to, but it's definitely something not for me in a long term. Last night I had a long and intensive dreams, one of them a secondary school reminiscence, playing electric guitar.
Morning exercise. Relaxation. After this I have a light breakfast, while eating I have the sense of inviting food that is nutritious and good for me, it's not always like this. It's already getting darker and darker, these days we don't get much sun, especially when leading a night shift life style.
And Belen has left this morning. I didn't manage to say good-bye to her as I was still snoring away when she left. There are only going to be two of us here for the next 10 days, so we better make a good use of it and make some party with M, ha!
After few emails I sit down to practice guitar. After some calisthenics my finger somehow land on the blues scale, what was that blues progression anyway?
Sit with laptop in the living room and write message while Marek is making barszcz (or bortsch if you speak English) A little link for bortsch hard-core fans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bortsch M makes it with uszka, little stuffed dumplings that is. The barszcz is clear and aromatic. There are different ways of making it. At home for example we eat it with sliced beetroot pieces, diced potatoes and add sour cream to it at the end.
M has a visitor, a nice guy, likes to chat. I have to finish my email though so retreat back to my room. It's a long and important one. Then JOTD.
M & A are watching Borat in the living room and i join in them twice to have a look. When watching this movie for the first time I did miss the ending - a grand finale where Borat unsuccessful tries to abduct Pamela Anderson in the sack, to marry her later.
After this I use AAD guitar work to re-center myself, very needed in the days overloaded with information. Practice & digest.
Then I eat some pesto pasta, a little portion. Chat with Marek and check out some new music releases online.
More guitar - W&R exercise. Then my sister calls and we have a nice little chat. Journal, some bran flakes and will be winding down now. Reading in bed - what a luxury! I have Historia Śląska as a main dish for tonight.
It's 3.23 am.
Morning exercise. Relaxation. After this I have a light breakfast, while eating I have the sense of inviting food that is nutritious and good for me, it's not always like this. It's already getting darker and darker, these days we don't get much sun, especially when leading a night shift life style.
And Belen has left this morning. I didn't manage to say good-bye to her as I was still snoring away when she left. There are only going to be two of us here for the next 10 days, so we better make a good use of it and make some party with M, ha!
After few emails I sit down to practice guitar. After some calisthenics my finger somehow land on the blues scale, what was that blues progression anyway?
Sit with laptop in the living room and write message while Marek is making barszcz (or bortsch if you speak English) A little link for bortsch hard-core fans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bortsch M makes it with uszka, little stuffed dumplings that is. The barszcz is clear and aromatic. There are different ways of making it. At home for example we eat it with sliced beetroot pieces, diced potatoes and add sour cream to it at the end.
M has a visitor, a nice guy, likes to chat. I have to finish my email though so retreat back to my room. It's a long and important one. Then JOTD.
M & A are watching Borat in the living room and i join in them twice to have a look. When watching this movie for the first time I did miss the ending - a grand finale where Borat unsuccessful tries to abduct Pamela Anderson in the sack, to marry her later.
After this I use AAD guitar work to re-center myself, very needed in the days overloaded with information. Practice & digest.
Then I eat some pesto pasta, a little portion. Chat with Marek and check out some new music releases online.
More guitar - W&R exercise. Then my sister calls and we have a nice little chat. Journal, some bran flakes and will be winding down now. Reading in bed - what a luxury! I have Historia Śląska as a main dish for tonight.
It's 3.23 am.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
night
Up late at 18.30. Sitting. Day of trying to get some rest, mostly unsuccessfully. As for the useful things I did make a 'things to do' list and spent some time with guitar - the information there: relax, relax, ah ... and get some proper rest man.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
9.47 a.m.
Rise - sitting - night shift - shower - sitting - JOTD & internet - pretty much it. Last three night shifts were exhausting, now few days to rest, catch up etc. A lot of good stuff is ahead, but first some sleep.
Friday, 2 January 2009
Kind of break
Sleep, eat, write emails, talk, work, rest, post office, journals and other stuff.
Back 'on' tomorrow.
It's 11.23 am now, it's very sunny.
To bed to get some sleep before work tonight.
Back 'on' tomorrow.
It's 11.23 am now, it's very sunny.
To bed to get some sleep before work tonight.
Praha -> Harrogate
31th December 2008
Arrive in Prague (Praha) on time. It's very cold outside. I find a nice cafe, settle down there and relax. The wi-fi is available there so catch up with some stuff the requires internet connection. Keep doing this until there's time to go to the airport.
On the way there I meet a guy who turns out to be traveling on the same flight. He actually turns out to be a Czech from Cesky Tesin, so we switch to Polish. He is from Manchester and actually lives very close to a place I used to live in (Rusholme) We hang around together, times flies by faster. We talk about this part of Europe. He tells me that his grandmother who never relocated used to live in 6 different countries over the period, the boarder would change often here, in the 20th century! Śląsk (Silesia) the region we both come from used to belong to many countries over the centuries: now it's mainly within boundaries of Poland. I can't really say that i have a regional identity, or history awareness of this region, but in the bag I'm carrying a big book called Historia Śląska, to catch up!
The check in goes smoothly. This time the guitar is not even mentioned, no extra fee has to be paid, despite flying with the same company. Wacek comments it's because of the Czech's love for the musical instruments! There's something else about this airport that impressed me. I didn't find it today, but noticed it 11 days ago. There's an assigned small room for meditation/prayer here. The plane is 3 hours late, but it doesn't bother me.
Flight goes ok and Ania picks me up from the Leeds Bradford airport. Great, and there are sandwiches and warm tea in thermos!
Back to Cheltenham Mt. flat then, good to be back. There's a little New Year party going on. Marek made some very good food, for example potato and veg salad (Russian style) or home-made chutney to accompany the cheese (blue Yorkshire Wednesleydale is a new one for me). It would be nice to stay here and celebrate together, but actually during travel I spontaneously decide to do the night shift tonight. Seems like a bit crazy move, especially after such a long travel.
Work, work, work...
In bed by 10am. Switched into 'time off mode', well, kind of - will be going to work at 8 pm again...
Arrive in Prague (Praha) on time. It's very cold outside. I find a nice cafe, settle down there and relax. The wi-fi is available there so catch up with some stuff the requires internet connection. Keep doing this until there's time to go to the airport.
On the way there I meet a guy who turns out to be traveling on the same flight. He actually turns out to be a Czech from Cesky Tesin, so we switch to Polish. He is from Manchester and actually lives very close to a place I used to live in (Rusholme) We hang around together, times flies by faster. We talk about this part of Europe. He tells me that his grandmother who never relocated used to live in 6 different countries over the period, the boarder would change often here, in the 20th century! Śląsk (Silesia) the region we both come from used to belong to many countries over the centuries: now it's mainly within boundaries of Poland. I can't really say that i have a regional identity, or history awareness of this region, but in the bag I'm carrying a big book called Historia Śląska, to catch up!
The check in goes smoothly. This time the guitar is not even mentioned, no extra fee has to be paid, despite flying with the same company. Wacek comments it's because of the Czech's love for the musical instruments! There's something else about this airport that impressed me. I didn't find it today, but noticed it 11 days ago. There's an assigned small room for meditation/prayer here. The plane is 3 hours late, but it doesn't bother me.
Flight goes ok and Ania picks me up from the Leeds Bradford airport. Great, and there are sandwiches and warm tea in thermos!
Back to Cheltenham Mt. flat then, good to be back. There's a little New Year party going on. Marek made some very good food, for example potato and veg salad (Russian style) or home-made chutney to accompany the cheese (blue Yorkshire Wednesleydale is a new one for me). It would be nice to stay here and celebrate together, but actually during travel I spontaneously decide to do the night shift tonight. Seems like a bit crazy move, especially after such a long travel.
Work, work, work...
In bed by 10am. Switched into 'time off mode', well, kind of - will be going to work at 8 pm again...
Tychy -> Cesky Tesin
30th DECEMBER 2008
The penultimate day of this 2008 is a busy one for me. A lot get done, and there is more, but it can wait until I leave tomorrow.
I hug my parents and leave home at quarter past 11 p.m. A friend of mine took some photos of us yesterday, so once they reach me I'll post one or two here.
Marcin comes to pick me up and we go to his place for some guitar work while we have time for it. It's our last meeting during this visit, and indeed it has this 'the end' flavour.
And here are some notes/comments from our work:
We begin at 23.52
First we review TR preparatory exercise. 8 bars of 4. Patterns that begin from the higher strings.
Right hand only to begin with, quarter notes. Yesterday's practice is still present in our hands, it's notice-able. We practice slowly and with care.
After repeating 8 patterns several times, we loop numbers 8 & 6 (and call them respectively 'chords 1 & 2' for now, number 7 becomes 'chord 3')
Back to 8 bars of 4, add the left hand in the Position of Readiness. Again move to looping chords 1 & 2 at the end. We also give shot to playing this with mirror on the off-beat. This turns out to be beyond our capacity and we fail miserably several times. It seems that Attention is a key word here.
Double up the speed to 8th notes. Alternate between playing together and then one guitar switching to the mirror. We gradually move the phrase one fret up, until reaching the original position (1st finger on the 14th fret)
We repeat these chords and establish the framework. 4 repeats of chords 1& 2 = 8 bars. 16th notes. At the end we replace the 8th bar by 'chord 3' and arrive at the Intro part of the GC Theme IV.
... pause ...
Show Marcin the first 'lead' phrase that follows.
It's 1.19 am - time to go. Complete.
-------
I recall when this piece was passed on to a L3 2005 team by MS. It was in the ballroom of the GC House in Kiel, in the Summer ...
We are ready to head off, direction - a little town at the Polish-Czech boarder called Cieszyn Czeski (if you speak Polish) or Cesky Tesin (if you speak Czech) The travel gives us opportunity to talk, good.
The train to Prague leaves at 5.14 a.m.
The penultimate day of this 2008 is a busy one for me. A lot get done, and there is more, but it can wait until I leave tomorrow.
I hug my parents and leave home at quarter past 11 p.m. A friend of mine took some photos of us yesterday, so once they reach me I'll post one or two here.
Marcin comes to pick me up and we go to his place for some guitar work while we have time for it. It's our last meeting during this visit, and indeed it has this 'the end' flavour.
And here are some notes/comments from our work:
We begin at 23.52
First we review TR preparatory exercise. 8 bars of 4. Patterns that begin from the higher strings.
Right hand only to begin with, quarter notes. Yesterday's practice is still present in our hands, it's notice-able. We practice slowly and with care.
After repeating 8 patterns several times, we loop numbers 8 & 6 (and call them respectively 'chords 1 & 2' for now, number 7 becomes 'chord 3')
Back to 8 bars of 4, add the left hand in the Position of Readiness. Again move to looping chords 1 & 2 at the end. We also give shot to playing this with mirror on the off-beat. This turns out to be beyond our capacity and we fail miserably several times. It seems that Attention is a key word here.
Double up the speed to 8th notes. Alternate between playing together and then one guitar switching to the mirror. We gradually move the phrase one fret up, until reaching the original position (1st finger on the 14th fret)
We repeat these chords and establish the framework. 4 repeats of chords 1& 2 = 8 bars. 16th notes. At the end we replace the 8th bar by 'chord 3' and arrive at the Intro part of the GC Theme IV.
... pause ...
Show Marcin the first 'lead' phrase that follows.
It's 1.19 am - time to go. Complete.
-------
I recall when this piece was passed on to a L3 2005 team by MS. It was in the ballroom of the GC House in Kiel, in the Summer ...
We are ready to head off, direction - a little town at the Polish-Czech boarder called Cieszyn Czeski (if you speak Polish) or Cesky Tesin (if you speak Czech) The travel gives us opportunity to talk, good.
The train to Prague leaves at 5.14 a.m.
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