The new term is getting underway, and I`ve enrolled on three courses. These are NLP, which I`ve already mentioned, reflexology and counselling skills. Unfortunately, the reflexology might not run due to low numbers but the other courses are brilliant. Looking forward to getting stuck in and learning some new stuff.
I`m so tired tonight though, it isn't true. I`ve been running on a treadmill for days and could do with a rest. I cant believe it was just over a month ago we were on holiday. Took Evie for a cardiac appointment at hospital today and it was good news - everything is looking good and we don`t have to go back for a year.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
NLP
Today I enrolled on an NLP course, something I`ve been curious about for a while.
As you probably know, NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. And it looks like its going to be an interesting experience or adventure, as the charismatic tutor described it as. We just had a bit of a discussion today about what we`re going to be doing - and even got into pairs to have a go at one of the techniques.
The tutor says that when we`ve finished the ten weeks - no-one will ever be able to lie to us again. Well - we`ll soon see.
A bit about NLP below
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to psychotherapy and a "model of interpersonal communications"[1] based on the subjective study of language, communication and change. It was co-founded by Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder in the 1970s as a method of personal development. They developed a set of practices and techniques based on modeling successful psychotherapists of the time. However, its application was not limited to psychotherapy, rather they attended to the patterns of interpersonal communications that could be applied generally. Its theoretical foundations borrowed from a range of disciplines, including various psychological fields, linguistics, cognitive science and occupational therapy. NLP and its many variants are taught through seminars, workshops, books and audio programs. The field is loosely spread and resistant to a single comprehensive definition. There is also a great deal of difference between the depth and breadth of training and standards.
An important assumption of NLP is that emotion, thought and behavior consists of, and is influenced by, how the sensory-specific modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory) are organized and give rise to consciousness.[2] Further, the mode and limits to the underlying mental representations is revealed by unconscious choice of words, sensory-specific predicates (eg. visual language) and non-verbal cues (such as intonation; gesture; posture; facial expression and eye movements). A basic method in NLP involves asking specifying questions to help clarify the intended message in communication. It seeks to recover what has been left out and to reframe faulty thinking when the communication is distorted or over-generalised. These meta-model questions are often combined with suggestions for personal growth and potential.[3] Another technique seeks to alter sensory-specific submodalities (eg. brightness, size or location of visual imagery or sensory representations) to affect the intensity of mental states and affect changes in behavior. A classic format has people anchor resourceful mind-body states (eg. creativity, confidence, etc.) to make them available in situations where a person wants to act differently. Generally, the intent of NLP is to increase choice in the underlying representations so that the individual has more choice and flexibility in the world.
In the early 1980s, NLP was heralded as an important advance in psychotherapy and counseling.[4] Reviews of research in counseling psychology at this time found little empirical support for NLP assumptions or effectiveness in the literature, in particular the claim that matching sensory predicates improves rapport and influence.[5][6] The lack of support in the literature reviews marked a significant decrease in research interest.[7] Some psychologists and trauma researchers have criticised the hype surrounding NLP, particularly given its lack of empirical validation, exaggerated claims and continued marketing as a science which are regarded as features of pseudoscience.[8][9][4] There has been some ongoing research efforts and pleas for further empirical research.[citation needed] In contrast, the developers of NLP tend to use analogies to understand and describe their models and tend to rely on intuition, anecdotes and personal experience as evidence as opposed to experimental research. NLP and its related techniques continue to be popular in books and workshops, especially in some areas of psychotherapy, management training, self-help, education and motivational training.
As you probably know, NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. And it looks like its going to be an interesting experience or adventure, as the charismatic tutor described it as. We just had a bit of a discussion today about what we`re going to be doing - and even got into pairs to have a go at one of the techniques.
The tutor says that when we`ve finished the ten weeks - no-one will ever be able to lie to us again. Well - we`ll soon see.
A bit about NLP below
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to psychotherapy and a "model of interpersonal communications"[1] based on the subjective study of language, communication and change. It was co-founded by Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder in the 1970s as a method of personal development. They developed a set of practices and techniques based on modeling successful psychotherapists of the time. However, its application was not limited to psychotherapy, rather they attended to the patterns of interpersonal communications that could be applied generally. Its theoretical foundations borrowed from a range of disciplines, including various psychological fields, linguistics, cognitive science and occupational therapy. NLP and its many variants are taught through seminars, workshops, books and audio programs. The field is loosely spread and resistant to a single comprehensive definition. There is also a great deal of difference between the depth and breadth of training and standards.
An important assumption of NLP is that emotion, thought and behavior consists of, and is influenced by, how the sensory-specific modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory) are organized and give rise to consciousness.[2] Further, the mode and limits to the underlying mental representations is revealed by unconscious choice of words, sensory-specific predicates (eg. visual language) and non-verbal cues (such as intonation; gesture; posture; facial expression and eye movements). A basic method in NLP involves asking specifying questions to help clarify the intended message in communication. It seeks to recover what has been left out and to reframe faulty thinking when the communication is distorted or over-generalised. These meta-model questions are often combined with suggestions for personal growth and potential.[3] Another technique seeks to alter sensory-specific submodalities (eg. brightness, size or location of visual imagery or sensory representations) to affect the intensity of mental states and affect changes in behavior. A classic format has people anchor resourceful mind-body states (eg. creativity, confidence, etc.) to make them available in situations where a person wants to act differently. Generally, the intent of NLP is to increase choice in the underlying representations so that the individual has more choice and flexibility in the world.
In the early 1980s, NLP was heralded as an important advance in psychotherapy and counseling.[4] Reviews of research in counseling psychology at this time found little empirical support for NLP assumptions or effectiveness in the literature, in particular the claim that matching sensory predicates improves rapport and influence.[5][6] The lack of support in the literature reviews marked a significant decrease in research interest.[7] Some psychologists and trauma researchers have criticised the hype surrounding NLP, particularly given its lack of empirical validation, exaggerated claims and continued marketing as a science which are regarded as features of pseudoscience.[8][9][4] There has been some ongoing research efforts and pleas for further empirical research.[citation needed] In contrast, the developers of NLP tend to use analogies to understand and describe their models and tend to rely on intuition, anecdotes and personal experience as evidence as opposed to experimental research. NLP and its related techniques continue to be popular in books and workshops, especially in some areas of psychotherapy, management training, self-help, education and motivational training.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Liverpool Ode
Liverpool Ode
Once a thriving shipping port
Now more famous for its sport
Men grew rich through human trade
Slaves transported fortunes made
Trading links brought untold wealth
Splendour bought with pain and stealth
As years roll by and time moves on
Those trading links long since gone
The docks fall into disarray
We learn the phrase urban decay
As jobs are lost along with pride
Life seems bleak on Merseyside
But as sail through eighties gate
We hear the term regenerate
The Albert Dock restored inside
Houses built or gentrified
No longer desolate and forlorn
The City Centre is reborn
Now this city has new fame
The Capital of Culture name
A chance for growth and to create
Will culminate in year 08
Art and culture celebrated,
Musicians, writers, artists feted
But urban troubles still remain
The yobs that treat us with disdain
Graffiti, litter, theft with knives
Guns and violence blight our lives
Still Liverpool's spirit can't be broke
No longer always England's joke
The people full of fun and humour
Rise above the scorn and rumour
Always changing, vibrant, cool
The dynamic city Liverpool
A poem about love going wrong!
Losing You
Today I looked at you
And wondered who you were?
You looked the same
Smelt the same
Had the same air about you
But you were gone
Your smile curls with contempt
When once alight with pleasure
And eyes that crinkled with love
Now flat, Artic orbs that do not see
Although they look at me
In dispassionate scrutiny
Today I looked at you
And wondered where you were?
A lover's bed
A winding road
A player's turf
Anywhere but here
Today I laughed without mirth
And bought you wine and beer
I laid on the floor and cried
Wore a new dress
Started a diet
Pretence is my only defence
Against losing you
Although I know you've gone
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monster Stink.....................
I just cant seem to get to grips with getting our holiday cases unpacked and tackling all that horrible washing. Oh yawn! I just wasn`t cut out to be a housewife.
But the day has been busy. Had to get my 16 year old son up and out to enrol for his A level courses at a city centre college. Then I had to take the twins to some arts and crafts type thing called Monster Stink, which they`re attending all week. Trouble is, I`ve got no transport this week and its quite a distance away - so I was shattered from walking the journey four times. But it was worth the effort as Monster Stink seems to be a success.
So I started the washing and housework at last, but then my Laptop called to me!
I just cant keep away.
There`s a giant firework display in Liverpool town centre tonight to celebrate Liverpool`s 800th Birthday. Unfortunately, we cant get there tonight so didn`t get to see it. shame really!
But the day has been busy. Had to get my 16 year old son up and out to enrol for his A level courses at a city centre college. Then I had to take the twins to some arts and crafts type thing called Monster Stink, which they`re attending all week. Trouble is, I`ve got no transport this week and its quite a distance away - so I was shattered from walking the journey four times. But it was worth the effort as Monster Stink seems to be a success.
So I started the washing and housework at last, but then my Laptop called to me!
I just cant keep away.
There`s a giant firework display in Liverpool town centre tonight to celebrate Liverpool`s 800th Birthday. Unfortunately, we cant get there tonight so didn`t get to see it. shame really!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Liverpool`s 800th Birthday
Liverpool is 800 years old this weekend.
A mammoth party featuring one of the world's biggest fireworks displays will be held to celebrate Liverpool's 800th anniversary tomorrow. The centrepiece of the 800th anniversary is a four-day party extravaganza over August Bank Holiday, to mark the granting of Liverpool's first charter, by King John on August 28, in 1207. This proves to be an incredible day in Liverpool`s history. Already flags are flying in many streets, lined with bunting as individual communities have their own street parties. Then of course
we are the European city of Culture in 2008..........
A mammoth party featuring one of the world's biggest fireworks displays will be held to celebrate Liverpool's 800th anniversary tomorrow. The centrepiece of the 800th anniversary is a four-day party extravaganza over August Bank Holiday, to mark the granting of Liverpool's first charter, by King John on August 28, in 1207. This proves to be an incredible day in Liverpool`s history. Already flags are flying in many streets, lined with bunting as individual communities have their own street parties. Then of course
we are the European city of Culture in 2008..........
Back from Devon
Son
Ellie and Evie donkey riding
Ellie in our caravan
Ellie and Evie in the Talent Show
Goodrington SandsHello then. I`ve not been around for a while cos I`ve been on my hols to Devon with the family. It was a good two weeks - we spent one week in South Devon (Paignton) and one week in North Devon (Woolacombe) Such beautiful parts of the country.
One problem though - THE WEATHER! The first week was very mixed and the start of the second week - well it poured down. But then we had some glorious days which we spent on the beach and by the pool. GORGEOUS!
I`ve posted the above photos, but the bulk of my pictures cannot be loaded onto the computer for some reason. I think there`s a fault with the memory stick - but heres a few I`d taken using the camera on my phone.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
And back in the allotment...................
Its still pretty muddy down the plot. Squelchy underfoot - but I still tried to put a few more things in. Carrots and spring onions. I`m not too optimistic about them taking, but its worth a try anyway. Its not quite so wet as last week but still quite grim. A chap was telling us that the plots on our side were prone to getting waterlogged since some houses had been built nearby. Why would this be?
He gave us some cabbages to plant - good since we lost our other cabbages in the rain - and some rhubarb to take home.
My strawberry plants and gogi berry plants arrived today. We need to clear the top bit of the allotment to put them in - its drier up the top end and these plants dont like to be waterlogged. They look quite good. Must get them potted tomorrow till I get a chance to plant them properly.
He gave us some cabbages to plant - good since we lost our other cabbages in the rain - and some rhubarb to take home.
My strawberry plants and gogi berry plants arrived today. We need to clear the top bit of the allotment to put them in - its drier up the top end and these plants dont like to be waterlogged. They look quite good. Must get them potted tomorrow till I get a chance to plant them properly.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Writing morning pages for therapy
Writing morning pages for therapy
Writing morning pages is a truly cathartic experience. It is supposedly a good way to release our inner artist, and is described as the key to a meaningful life. It is a way of unlocking our unconscious minds and releasing the creative side to our nature.
So what are morning pages? Firstly, we get up a half hour earlier than usual (not easy I know, but worthwhile). We then write three pages of long-hand in an A4 note pad - and it should be stream-of-consciousness writing - that is, do not thinking about what you are writing - just scribble away. Even if if seems like nonsense that you are writing, don't worry. If you don't know what to write about, just look at something in front of you and write about that. Write anything! Then - very importantly - do not read these pages or allow anyone else to do so. Put them away and leave them. Now -repeat this every morning!
This process will ignite your creative spark. We are vulnerable and exposed first thing in the morning and are in a prolonged spell of relaxation. Our inner-critic is not yet awake so ideas are able to germinate in our uncluttered mind. Morning pages allow us to get to know ourselves better and we can express hidden feelings. It is well worth a try and a good way to spring-clean our overloaded minds.
For more information visit www.psychologies.co.uk
__________________________
Writing morning pages is a truly cathartic experience. It is supposedly a good way to release our inner artist, and is described as the key to a meaningful life. It is a way of unlocking our unconscious minds and releasing the creative side to our nature.
So what are morning pages? Firstly, we get up a half hour earlier than usual (not easy I know, but worthwhile). We then write three pages of long-hand in an A4 note pad - and it should be stream-of-consciousness writing - that is, do not thinking about what you are writing - just scribble away. Even if if seems like nonsense that you are writing, don't worry. If you don't know what to write about, just look at something in front of you and write about that. Write anything! Then - very importantly - do not read these pages or allow anyone else to do so. Put them away and leave them. Now -repeat this every morning!
This process will ignite your creative spark. We are vulnerable and exposed first thing in the morning and are in a prolonged spell of relaxation. Our inner-critic is not yet awake so ideas are able to germinate in our uncluttered mind. Morning pages allow us to get to know ourselves better and we can express hidden feelings. It is well worth a try and a good way to spring-clean our overloaded minds.
For more information visit www.psychologies.co.uk
__________________________
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Still havent heard about School
Although we`ve spoken to people from the education department and the speech and language department, we still haven`t heard in black and white that Dolly has firmly been offered a place in the school that she`s apparently been pencilled in for.
I`m sure it`ll be fine, but I`ll be happier when I finally get that letter. Times running out. Its end of term in about 18 days.
COME ON EDCUATION DEPATMENT LADY!
I`m sure it`ll be fine, but I`ll be happier when I finally get that letter. Times running out. Its end of term in about 18 days.
COME ON EDCUATION DEPATMENT LADY!
Money saving website
Martin Lewis`s Money saving tips
Take a look at this brilliant money saving site, by TV expert Martin Lewis. This is an ad free site and offers brilliant, practical advice for getting your finances in better shape. There`s a great feature on reclaiming bank charges that I`ll be using myself.Very useful and informative!
www.moneysavingexpert.com
Monday, July 02, 2007
Allotment Flooded!
Help! We went down to the allotment yesterday to see how things are getting on - we`ve not been able to get there for a while because of the heavy rain. And to cut a long story short - the whole plot was a lake. The cabbages we planted the other week had just been completely swept away. The water was up to the top of Elli`s little pink wellies - she nearly lost a leg in the mud. LOL! I just dont know what to do.
Is our plot prone to flooding of is it the way we`ve laid it out. We noticed that most other people seem to have raised beds - although I do recall the secretary, Rod, telling us that the plots our end sometimes got waterlogged. Perhaps we should try and move - although I`m reluctant to do this as we`ve done a lot of digging and got a nice shed set up now. Maybe I`ll wait and see for a bit................
Is our plot prone to flooding of is it the way we`ve laid it out. We noticed that most other people seem to have raised beds - although I do recall the secretary, Rod, telling us that the plots our end sometimes got waterlogged. Perhaps we should try and move - although I`m reluctant to do this as we`ve done a lot of digging and got a nice shed set up now. Maybe I`ll wait and see for a bit................
Monday, June 25, 2007
Evie gets a school at last (I think)
We had some good news today regarding Evie`s schooling. The woman from the education department said there is a place pencilled in for Evie at a specialist speech and language unit, housed in a mainstream school. Until I see it in black and white - I wont hold my breath - but it seems like progress at last. It feels like a weight off my chest. I`ve been walking round in a fog of worry and confusion for weeks now. in fact my heads been swimming with it all.
Poor little Evie deserves it so much, progress at last!
Poor little Evie deserves it so much, progress at last!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Astonished by religious fantatics
I`ve just been watching a television programme which was astonishing. It concerned a religious cult in the USA - called God Hates Fags - or some such name. You may have heard of them, and I`ve also seen a documentary about them before. But these religious nutcases, who are mainly made up from one extended family, take each word from the bible literally. They have an extreme hatred of anyone gay and even picket the funerals of recently deceased servicemen in protest of the admittance of gay personnel to the USA services.
It seems both frightening and sad at the same time that people can be so fanatical over such a pointless cause.
It seems both frightening and sad at the same time that people can be so fanatical over such a pointless cause.
Aqua Fit
Its been a quiet day today. I went to a Health Day in the local community centre, which was ok - the best bit being the free buffet. Very tasty. Anyway - I put my name down for a few treatments - reiki - Indian head massage - eyebrow shaping - but they were so slow I had to leave before my turn came. Oh well!
Tonight it was Aqua Fit again. I think I`m getting less fit rather than more - ooooo - I`m going to be stiff tomorrow. Still - I find aqua fit a good way to exercise cos theres no strain on the joints. Apparently, many aerobics fanatics from the 80`s are now suffering from arthritis - brought on by the repeated strain on the joints.
Another good thing. You dont get too hot!
Tonight it was Aqua Fit again. I think I`m getting less fit rather than more - ooooo - I`m going to be stiff tomorrow. Still - I find aqua fit a good way to exercise cos theres no strain on the joints. Apparently, many aerobics fanatics from the 80`s are now suffering from arthritis - brought on by the repeated strain on the joints.
Another good thing. You dont get too hot!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Simon Cowell or Piers Morgan?
Who is more attractive - Simon Cowell or Piers Morgan?
Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan Who is more attractive?If you've been watching Britain's got talent or America's got talent, you may, like me have been exposed nightly to the faces of Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. And it set me wondering who would people consider more attractive? Simon or Piers?
Simon Cowell is extremely confident, and dare I say a touch smarmy, but he is an attractive man, always flashing those brilliant white knashers. He knows what he wants and how to get it and he is funny and has a concise, pithy intelligence.
Piers Morgan isn't good looking in such an obvious way as Simon, but he does have a certain appeal. A few years younger than Simon, he is well groomed and well educated and intelligent. Definitely more the quintessential English Gentleman than Cowell. Although Piers can be bit smug and is a ruthless self-promoter, he also has a self-depreciating sense of humour at times and can be strangely sweet.
So who would I choose out of these two very different English men as the most attractive? It has to be Piers for me.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Chicken Pox
Evie is getting over an exceptionally nasty case of chicken pox. Ellie had it first, and of course, it was unpleasant, but ran its usual course without any major problems. We thought Evie had escaped or perhaps had an extra inoculation for it with her having immunity problems - but no such luck. Two weeks to the day that Ellie developed it,Evie started feeling a bit unwell after coming back from her weekly swimming lesson so I put her to bed with some calpol.
The next day, the spots began to develop - still not too bad. But the day after - the spots began to blister and turn into horrible open sores, which were very painful and started to quickly look infected. As it was a bank holiday the next day we couldn't see our local GP but we opted instead for the walk-in centre, which I must say was excellent. We saw a nurse and a doctor promptly, and the doctor gave us antibiotics, dressings, piriton for the itching, antibiotic cream (fucidin) and paracetamol. The doctor and nurses said it was the worst case of chicken pox they had ever seen.
That`s the trouble with Di George Syndrome, the immune system can be affected, and has been in Evie`s case, and ordinary illnesses can be much more severe. She has also had meningitis, pneumonia and every other illness under the sun.
Gradually the sores are starting to dry up - but Evie is still sore and a
little disgruntled (understandably). At least I`m glad she`s got chicken pox over and done with. Thank God!
The next day, the spots began to develop - still not too bad. But the day after - the spots began to blister and turn into horrible open sores, which were very painful and started to quickly look infected. As it was a bank holiday the next day we couldn't see our local GP but we opted instead for the walk-in centre, which I must say was excellent. We saw a nurse and a doctor promptly, and the doctor gave us antibiotics, dressings, piriton for the itching, antibiotic cream (fucidin) and paracetamol. The doctor and nurses said it was the worst case of chicken pox they had ever seen.
That`s the trouble with Di George Syndrome, the immune system can be affected, and has been in Evie`s case, and ordinary illnesses can be much more severe. She has also had meningitis, pneumonia and every other illness under the sun.
Gradually the sores are starting to dry up - but Evie is still sore and a
little disgruntled (understandably). At least I`m glad she`s got chicken pox over and done with. Thank God!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Steady progress at the slimming club
Yey! I lost 4 lbs this week. That brings the total up to 8 lbs altogether. I`ve still got loads to go, but am getting there slowly.
I went to Aqua-aerobics tonight for the first time, but it proved a bit of a disaster.
We paid, got changed and got in the pool along with about 50 other women - and guess what? The instructor never turned up!! We all bobbed around in the pool in a confused fashion for about 15 minutes, until a Lifestyle Employee bravely came over to inform us that the Instructor hadn't arrived and no-one knew where she was.
Oh well, they said we could have a free swim and a voucher for next weeks lesson, so there you go! A quick shower and hair wash and then home in time for the Big Brother Debut show. And it turned out to be all women. What a turn up for the books.
I went to Aqua-aerobics tonight for the first time, but it proved a bit of a disaster.
We paid, got changed and got in the pool along with about 50 other women - and guess what? The instructor never turned up!! We all bobbed around in the pool in a confused fashion for about 15 minutes, until a Lifestyle Employee bravely came over to inform us that the Instructor hadn't arrived and no-one knew where she was.
Oh well, they said we could have a free swim and a voucher for next weeks lesson, so there you go! A quick shower and hair wash and then home in time for the Big Brother Debut show. And it turned out to be all women. What a turn up for the books.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Goji Berries
So what do you know about Goji berries? I know that they`re supposed to be the new super food of the moment, packed with anti-oxidants and what have you.
I`ve decided to have a go at growing some of them, cos apparently they are very easy to grow and don't need a lot of special care. I`ve ordered some seeds on Ebay tonight and am going to give it a bash.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
We`ve got an allotment!
Not been feeling too well this week. Coughing and aching arms and legs etc.
Felt better today and while flicking through a magazine, I chanced upon an article about allotments. I `ve been pondering about getting an allotment for ages now, so I had a quick look on the net about allotments in Liverpool. With the feature about allotments there was a phone number, so I gave them a quick call expecting them to say I could go on the waiting list for a plot. But when I spoke to the guy in charge of the allotments, he told me there were some available plots and would I like to go and see one. Taking the bull by the horns, I went right out to meet him - and I picked a plot there and then. its a bit rough, but in a nice position.
I cant wait to get going on it now and start growing some nice fruit and veggies.
Felt better today and while flicking through a magazine, I chanced upon an article about allotments. I `ve been pondering about getting an allotment for ages now, so I had a quick look on the net about allotments in Liverpool. With the feature about allotments there was a phone number, so I gave them a quick call expecting them to say I could go on the waiting list for a plot. But when I spoke to the guy in charge of the allotments, he told me there were some available plots and would I like to go and see one. Taking the bull by the horns, I went right out to meet him - and I picked a plot there and then. its a bit rough, but in a nice position.
I cant wait to get going on it now and start growing some nice fruit and veggies.
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