Evening all. Hope you're sitting comfortably. If you're not, may I suggest you find somewhere comfortable to sit as we've got two hours of DOI to get through tonight. Two hours? You could fly to Paris and back in that time. Well actually you couldn't because you'd have to meet Mickey before you flew back and that would take AT LEAST half an hour. Anyway ... back to the task in hand ...
If I'm not mistaken, tonight we will see another 8 celebrities skating. Yup, the show's on for 2 hours and there are only 8 performances ... that's one pair every 15 minutes ... that's a hell of a lot of faffing.
The professional skaters are starting the show again! I hope this continues throughout the course of the series because they're ace. You know who's not ace? Pixie Lott. No, that's not fair, she's normally okay but something's not right tonight and she sounds like she's losing her voice and having to force it. Oh phew, Phillip and Not-Holly have turned up to introduce the celebrities and we don't have to listen to Pixie any longer. Well done, you two.
Not-Holly goes to have a little chat with the judges and oh dear lord I've only just taken notice of her hair tonight. She's tried to copy Katerina's from last week but it's not worked, it's not worked! Take it away!
Jennifer and Dan
Right, immediately I foresee issues with these two. Not because of anything they've said or done, but because she reminds me of Kerry Katona and that is just NOT GOOD.
Wow, that girl can do the splits! I like this routine, it's very cute. Bit safe but it's nice. Yep, I think the word for it is nice. Considering people who have been partnered with Dan in the past have tended towards being carried around the rink, Jennifer's doing a good job of skating.
Tony informs me the routine ended with a 'scorpion kiss'. If you say so, Gubba.
Judges' score: 15.5. Only Chemmy and Jorgie scored higher last week (16.0 and 18.5 respectively if you were wondering).
Sam and Alexandra
(The other one off of Sam and Mark)
Straight away we're in Dad Dancing territory, so I therefore love him. Speed over the ice isn't great but he's doing quite a lot on his own and there are some pretty tricky elements ... if this doesn't earn him a better score than Mark last week, I'll eat my shoe.
Judges' score: 15.5 (Mark scored 8.0). Louie feels Sam could really progress in the competition, Robin is impressed with Sam's confidence.
Rosemary and Mark
Two quick facts for you.
1. This is apparently the fulfilment of a dream for Rosemary.
2. Her skating partner thinks she seems like the perfect grandmother.
She's going to be the one who gets a slow routine every week, isn't she? Although, having said that, there's quite a stumble at the start of the routine and she may not actually make it through to future weeks of the competition ...
For the rest of the routine she seems to relax and, all in all, apart from the stumble at the beginning, it is alright.
Judges' score: 12.5
Rosemary informs us it's a huge privilege for her to be on the show because (and I quote), "It's the greatest show on Earth" Word, Rosemary, word.
Louie is thankful for the early stumble because it made Rosemary relax, Katerina thinks Rosemary is an inspiration. Basically everyone is ever so impressed that Rosemary is 65 and still looks as good as she does.
Laila and Lukasz
The VT puts a lot of emphasis on an early shoulder injury which puts Laila back a number of weeks, so I'm not expecting much from this performance.
She's singing along to the song! I love her for it. It's not the same standard as others in the competition but, you know what, it's more than I could do, so good on you, Laila. I hope you get through to next week.
Judges' score: 9.5
Sebastien and Brianne
Apparently this guy was the founder of free-running so I am expecting experimentally fantastic things from him.
It's good ... in a kind of 'he's added lots of his own ideas regardless of what Torvill and Dean have said' kind of a way. And that irks me. Also, the worries in the VT of him not realising it's a team sport show through in the routine because, at times, it looks like he doesn't realise Brianne is on the ice with him.
Judges' score: 17.5
Louie likes the separation in the routine because it's contemporary, so clearly I'm wrong.
Chico and Jodeyne
Chico is one of those people whom you either love or hate. Haven't made my mind up yet. I'll get back to you.
He's good. I don't feel nervous watching him, which is always a bonus for the first week. He's also fairly speedy and judging by the footage on the VT, he's a fast learner.
Tony: "If his talent matched his confidence he'd be an Olympic champion."
Judges' score: 18.5 That's the same as Jorgie last week. I thought it was good but not THAT good. Goodness.
Katerina picks up on an earlier comment about Chico being a horse in a race and not wanting to fall at the final hurdle, by saying that he has the potential to be a thoroughbred. Good one, Kat.
Louie nearly explodes with campness.
Only two more to go and, because we've still got half an hour of the show, the producers decide to fill some time with a video of reactions of those who skated last week. No, I'm not very interested either.
Corey and Brooke
Corey was apparently in The Goonies. Anything since then? And WHAT ON EARTH is that RIDICULOUS piece of hair for? He looks like Creepy Thin Man from the Charlie's Angels films. Apparently it has its own twitter account (@Coreysbitofhair)
During training Christopher Dean actually utters the words, "Basically he can't do anything." I am looking forward to this immensely.
Much to my disappointment he's not that bad. I mean, he's bad and very unstable but I was expecting a Todd Carty level of skill.
Tony accidentally calls him 'Corrie', like the soap, which fills me with no end of joy.
Judges' score: 11.0
Katerina thinks it looks like Corey is walking on raw eggs when he skates.
Matthew and Nina
Matthew is arrogance/confidence personified. I dislike him. He will probably be amazing. He may well be this year's Ray bloody Quinn.
Gayest outfit ever, and that's saying a lot for Dancing on Ice. Very leathery. Yep, he's good. Nope, I don't like him.
Judges' score: 20.5 ... oh squidgey arse farts he's got the highest score out of the first two weeks.
Louie is practically lost for words and that is saying A LOT for him, Katerina wants him to get rid of the leather, Robin is excited for the rest of the series.
Right, that's your lot, I'm off to get started on the Baileys during Wild at Heart. See you next time!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Friday, 13 January 2012
The Etymologicon
Last year I posted a bloglet in which I copied a passage I liked from the book I was reading at the time. Because it made for such an easy bloglet, and because I find this new book genuinely fascinating, I have decided to do it again.
So, the book in question this time is entitled The Etymologicon: A circular stroll through the hidden connections of the English language. I realise the name alone will probably be enough to send some of you to sleep but I implore (yep, implore) you to read on. I guarantee you won't be bored and, who knows, maybe you'll want to buy the book yourself.
Title: The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language
Author: Mark Forsyth
Only £5.84 from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Etymologicon-Circular-through-Connections-Language/dp/1848313071
Gambling in medieval France was a simple business. All you needed were some friends, a pot, and a chicken. In fact, you didn't need friends - you could do this with your enemies - but the pot and the chicken were essential.
First, each person puts an equal amount of money in the pot. Nobody should on any account make a joke about a poultry sum. Shoo the chicken away to a reasonable distance. What's a reasonable distance? About a stone's throw.
Next, pick up a stone.
Now, you all take turns hurling stones at that poor bird, which will squawk and flap and run about. The first person to hit the chicken wins all the money in the pot. You then agree never to mention any of this to an animal rights campaigner.
That's how the French played a game of chicken. The French, though, being French, called it a game of poule, which is French for chicken. And the chap who had won all the money had therefore won the jeu de poule.
The term got transferred to other things. At card games, the pot of money in the middle of the table came to be known as the poule. English gamblers picked the term up and brought it back with them in the seventeenth century. They changed the spelling to pool, but they still had a pool of money in the middle of the table.
It should be noted that this pool of money has absolutely nothing to do with a body of water. Swimming pools, rock pools and Liverpools are utterly different things.
Back to gambling. When billiards became a popular sport, people started to gamble on it, and this variation was known as pool, hence shooting pool. Then, finally, that poor French chicken broke free from the world of gambling and soared majestically out into the clear air beyond.
On the basis that gamblers pooled their money, people started to pool their resources and even pool their cars in a car pool. Then they pooled their typists in a typing pool. Le chicken was free! And then he grew bigger than any of us, because, since the phrase was invented in 1941, we have all become part of the gene pool, which, etymologically, means that we are all little bits of chicken.
So, the book in question this time is entitled The Etymologicon: A circular stroll through the hidden connections of the English language. I realise the name alone will probably be enough to send some of you to sleep but I implore (yep, implore) you to read on. I guarantee you won't be bored and, who knows, maybe you'll want to buy the book yourself.
Title: The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language
Author: Mark Forsyth
Only £5.84 from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Etymologicon-Circular-through-Connections-Language/dp/1848313071
Gambling in medieval France was a simple business. All you needed were some friends, a pot, and a chicken. In fact, you didn't need friends - you could do this with your enemies - but the pot and the chicken were essential.
First, each person puts an equal amount of money in the pot. Nobody should on any account make a joke about a poultry sum. Shoo the chicken away to a reasonable distance. What's a reasonable distance? About a stone's throw.
Next, pick up a stone.
Now, you all take turns hurling stones at that poor bird, which will squawk and flap and run about. The first person to hit the chicken wins all the money in the pot. You then agree never to mention any of this to an animal rights campaigner.
That's how the French played a game of chicken. The French, though, being French, called it a game of poule, which is French for chicken. And the chap who had won all the money had therefore won the jeu de poule.
The term got transferred to other things. At card games, the pot of money in the middle of the table came to be known as the poule. English gamblers picked the term up and brought it back with them in the seventeenth century. They changed the spelling to pool, but they still had a pool of money in the middle of the table.
It should be noted that this pool of money has absolutely nothing to do with a body of water. Swimming pools, rock pools and Liverpools are utterly different things.
Back to gambling. When billiards became a popular sport, people started to gamble on it, and this variation was known as pool, hence shooting pool. Then, finally, that poor French chicken broke free from the world of gambling and soared majestically out into the clear air beyond.
On the basis that gamblers pooled their money, people started to pool their resources and even pool their cars in a car pool. Then they pooled their typists in a typing pool. Le chicken was free! And then he grew bigger than any of us, because, since the phrase was invented in 1941, we have all become part of the gene pool, which, etymologically, means that we are all little bits of chicken.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Video Games
One of my favourite Christmas presents of 2011 is a PlayStation 3 game called Deus Ex.
Deus Ex, which gains immediate cool points for having a Latin name, takes place in a not-too-distant future version of our world. Technology has advanced to a point where humans can be augmented with cybernetic implants, meaning that everything from robotic limbs to the ability to see through walls is available to those with enough money.
Want to be able to jump/fall from any height without that annoying side effect of the landing killing you? Then pop on down to the Limb Clinic and get yourself augmented. Concerned that you wouldn't currently be able to survive a gas bomb? Then why not save up your credits and get an augment at the local Limb Clinic? You get the idea.
In the game you take on the role of protagonist Adam Jensen, who involuntarily receives a number of augments after an attack which leaves him fighting for his life on the operating table. By completing missions, you earn Experience Points and credits, which allow you to augment him further. Gameplay involves a lot of shooting people, hacking into computers and generally being a bit of a vigilante. All excellent ways to unwind after a tough day at work, I think you'll agree.
Before this bloglet turns into a full blown review of the game I should point out that that's not what I intended it to be. No, what I actually wanted to write about here is something which arises in Deus Ex, but which also seems prevalent in numerous other video games across different platforms. Namely ... the inventory.
In order to carry out the main objectives of the game (shooting, hacking, being a vigilante), our friend Adam needs to hold on to quite a few bits of gear (weapons, energy bars, ammunition etc.). That's not a problem, think the game designers, we'll stick all of that gubbins in his inventory. Now, seeing as Adam doesn't have to keep returning to a large room where he keeps all his bits and bobs every time he decides to change weapons, I assume that his 'inventory' is basically 'what he can carry and stuff in his pockets'. It is with that theory in mind that I shall tell you what my Adam Jensen currently has in his inventory (imagine the list is said in the style of the Generation Game conveyer belt bit, if you will);
- A stun gun
- A machine pistol
- A revolver
- A combat rifle
- A tranquiliser rifle
- A crossbow
- A sniper rifle
- Various ammunition for above weapons
- A gas grenade
- A bottle of wine (doesn't deal any damage to enemies, but it's always amusing when you accidentally select it to see the screen suddenly go blurry as you realise that, instead of dealing a deadly head-shot to an enemy guard, you've just got yourself pissed).
So that's seven guns, folks. Even if we get rid of one that's still two on your back, one on each leg and one in each hand. With all that gear it's a wonder the police haven't stopped us and taken us down to the local station to discuss why we are in possession of such an impressive arsenal. But what about the rounds of spare ammunition? I hear you cry. In the pockets with the grenade and bottle of wine, I suppose? Doesn't make for the stealthiest of outfits really, does it? I can't imagine even the most useless of guards not hearing us as we waddle ever so quietly along a corridor with our six guns knocking against each other, and various bullets clanking against a half empty bottle of Merlot in our pocket.
As I mentioned, the idea of an odd, Tardis-like inventory is to be found in many other video/computer games. Take, for example, the PC version of The Sims 3. For anyone unfamiliar with the game, you basically take on the role of a god and control everything in your Sims' lives from their appearance and personalities to when you want them to use the toilet. Each Sim has their own, seemingly bottomless pit of an inventory in which they 'hold' all manner of things. Because one of my Sims has planted a number of fruit trees and vegetable plants in the garden, and the fact that these seem to bear fruit/veg every day, she currently holds well over 200 apples/potatoes/tomatoes/carrots etc. with no difficulty whatsoever. Don't even get me started on the fact that they can also keep a number of vehicles in there too. Keys to cars/motorbikes I could understand, but the actual vehicles themselves?
I suppose the alternative to these unrealistically massive inventories would irk me just as much: having constantly to choose which items to let go of and which few to keep in your pocket would be impractical and would detract from the game. I just wish that game designers would occasionally acknowledge the ridiculousness of the inventory. A simple "Where the Dickens have you been hiding that gun, Adam?" from one of the characters would do it for me.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Dancing on Ice 2012 (1)
So, for the next couple of months I will be exchanging my X Factor recapping hat for my Dancing on Ice one (rest assured, I do always wear a hat while writing these things).
[Just watching the end of the itv news and have decided that Nina Nannar is THE best name ever]
Oh I'd forgotten that macleans sponsors DOI. I do enjoy their odd sponsorship adverts.
The first VT reveals quite a few changes this year, my favourite of which being that Louie Spence is on the judging panel instead of Jason 'the hat' Gardiner.
The professional skaters kick things off with plenty of madness and dry ice - wacky costumes, people hanging upside down off a chandelier. You know, the usual.
One of the less exciting changes this year is that the role of Holly Willoughby will be played by Christine Bleakley. I don't like this change.
Just a quick reminder that, although there are 15 pairs, only 7 of them will be skating tonight. Fear not, it WILL finish before midnight.
While the 'celebrities' are introduced and try their hardest not to fall over, I would like to take a moment to consider why Jason isn't on the show this year. Maybe he's busy growing his hair ... or buying hats ... if anyone actually knows do get in touch. Much appreciated.
Ok, 20 minutes into the show and I think ... yes ... I think we're nearly ready to see one of the celebrities actually skate! Oh, no, we need another introduction to the judging panel. You've probably got time to make a cup of tea before we get started. Go on, I'll give you a shout when someone is ready to skate ...
...
...
...
Heidi and Andrei
Heidi is apparently scared of flying and when her skating partner lifts her up for the first time in training she thinks it feels like take off. I don't know what planes you've been in, Heidi, but I don't think the pilots are doing it right if take off is similar to being lifted 6ft off the floor.
It's a good first performance. She seems very nervous and there's a lot of Andrei carrying/dragging her around the rink but that's probably forgivable at this stage.
Judges' score: 12.5 (out of a possible 30)
Mark and FrankieYou know, Mark ... off of Sam and Mark. Ask your kids.
Unfortunately Mark immediately loses points because he has been partnered with Frankie, whom I dislike intensely. No real reason for my feelings towards her, I just find her irritating and shrew-like.
Skating to I'm Still Standing. Surely that's just asking for a tumble on the ice?
It's very, very slow but, judging by the excited faces he's pulling, Mark's enjoying himself.
After the performance, Tony Gubba, who is my absolute favourite commentator, pipes up with "Despite the go faster stripes on the costumes, most of that routine was in the slow lane." Word, Tony, word.
Judges' score: 8.0
Louie thinks that choreographically it was like dad-dancing and Robin wants Mark's feet to work as well as his face does.
Charlene and Matthew
Apparently she was in Dallas. Bit before my time I'm afraid.
Well, from first impressions Charlene seems very enthusiastic. I am hoping for good things.
I'm actually pretty impressed; Charlene seems fairly happy to skate without always holding onto Matthew.
Judges' score: 13.0
Robin thinks Charlene will be people's guilty pleasure over the next few weeks. I think that's a compliment?
Dinner time! This means I'm not really paying attention to Jorgie but everyone is very positive and she seems to be an early favourite. The judges give her a score of 18.5
Chemmy and Sean
Love this song (Raise Your Glass). I am not a fan of the orange costume with grass skirt. Clearly I'm not really paying much attention to the routine. It's ok. It's not the worst and not the best of this week. I'm more intrigued by the horrendous skiing accident she had a couple of years ago. Kudos for even agreeing to do this show because that fall looked NASTY.
Judges' score: 16.0
Andy and Maria
Andy is apparently a Blue Peter presenter.
Another good song! (Moves Like Jagger). I like this guy - he looks like he's having fun and is pretty smooth on the ice.
Tony describes it as, "foot-tappingly good." Well said, Gubba, I'd agree. Everyone is very happy he managed not to drop Maria.
Judges' score: 14.0 - not as good as I would have expected
Louie says there are moves but that they're a bit floppy, Katerina wants the moves to stay floppy. She has very nice hair ... how have I only just noticed this? It's amazing!
How many more to we have to go now? Just one more pair? Oh good.
Andy and Vicky
Andy seemingly can't do anything in training. I'm hoping for a Todd Carty 'disappearing' act during their performance. You know, it's not all that bad actually. Doesn't seem to be much skating for a while but it's alright. Bit dad-dancy but who doesn't love a bit of dad dancing? I think he'll be in for a few weeks.
Tony thinks he's a natural comic because, "You look at him and you want to laugh." Bit harsh, Gubba but that's why I love you.
Judges' score: 12.0
So the first Dancing on Ice of 2012 is over without anyone falling over! Not one person. I want my money back. Lines are now open if you want to vote.
[Just watching the end of the itv news and have decided that Nina Nannar is THE best name ever]
Oh I'd forgotten that macleans sponsors DOI. I do enjoy their odd sponsorship adverts.
The first VT reveals quite a few changes this year, my favourite of which being that Louie Spence is on the judging panel instead of Jason 'the hat' Gardiner.
The professional skaters kick things off with plenty of madness and dry ice - wacky costumes, people hanging upside down off a chandelier. You know, the usual.
One of the less exciting changes this year is that the role of Holly Willoughby will be played by Christine Bleakley. I don't like this change.
Just a quick reminder that, although there are 15 pairs, only 7 of them will be skating tonight. Fear not, it WILL finish before midnight.
While the 'celebrities' are introduced and try their hardest not to fall over, I would like to take a moment to consider why Jason isn't on the show this year. Maybe he's busy growing his hair ... or buying hats ... if anyone actually knows do get in touch. Much appreciated.
Ok, 20 minutes into the show and I think ... yes ... I think we're nearly ready to see one of the celebrities actually skate! Oh, no, we need another introduction to the judging panel. You've probably got time to make a cup of tea before we get started. Go on, I'll give you a shout when someone is ready to skate ...
...
...
...
Heidi and Andrei
Heidi is apparently scared of flying and when her skating partner lifts her up for the first time in training she thinks it feels like take off. I don't know what planes you've been in, Heidi, but I don't think the pilots are doing it right if take off is similar to being lifted 6ft off the floor.
It's a good first performance. She seems very nervous and there's a lot of Andrei carrying/dragging her around the rink but that's probably forgivable at this stage.
Judges' score: 12.5 (out of a possible 30)
Mark and FrankieYou know, Mark ... off of Sam and Mark. Ask your kids.
Unfortunately Mark immediately loses points because he has been partnered with Frankie, whom I dislike intensely. No real reason for my feelings towards her, I just find her irritating and shrew-like.
Skating to I'm Still Standing. Surely that's just asking for a tumble on the ice?
It's very, very slow but, judging by the excited faces he's pulling, Mark's enjoying himself.
After the performance, Tony Gubba, who is my absolute favourite commentator, pipes up with "Despite the go faster stripes on the costumes, most of that routine was in the slow lane." Word, Tony, word.
Judges' score: 8.0
Louie thinks that choreographically it was like dad-dancing and Robin wants Mark's feet to work as well as his face does.
Charlene and Matthew
Apparently she was in Dallas. Bit before my time I'm afraid.
Well, from first impressions Charlene seems very enthusiastic. I am hoping for good things.
I'm actually pretty impressed; Charlene seems fairly happy to skate without always holding onto Matthew.
Judges' score: 13.0
Robin thinks Charlene will be people's guilty pleasure over the next few weeks. I think that's a compliment?
Dinner time! This means I'm not really paying attention to Jorgie but everyone is very positive and she seems to be an early favourite. The judges give her a score of 18.5
Chemmy and Sean
Love this song (Raise Your Glass). I am not a fan of the orange costume with grass skirt. Clearly I'm not really paying much attention to the routine. It's ok. It's not the worst and not the best of this week. I'm more intrigued by the horrendous skiing accident she had a couple of years ago. Kudos for even agreeing to do this show because that fall looked NASTY.
Judges' score: 16.0
Andy and Maria
Andy is apparently a Blue Peter presenter.
Another good song! (Moves Like Jagger). I like this guy - he looks like he's having fun and is pretty smooth on the ice.
Tony describes it as, "foot-tappingly good." Well said, Gubba, I'd agree. Everyone is very happy he managed not to drop Maria.
Judges' score: 14.0 - not as good as I would have expected
Louie says there are moves but that they're a bit floppy, Katerina wants the moves to stay floppy. She has very nice hair ... how have I only just noticed this? It's amazing!
How many more to we have to go now? Just one more pair? Oh good.
Andy and Vicky
Andy seemingly can't do anything in training. I'm hoping for a Todd Carty 'disappearing' act during their performance. You know, it's not all that bad actually. Doesn't seem to be much skating for a while but it's alright. Bit dad-dancy but who doesn't love a bit of dad dancing? I think he'll be in for a few weeks.
Tony thinks he's a natural comic because, "You look at him and you want to laugh." Bit harsh, Gubba but that's why I love you.
Judges' score: 12.0
So the first Dancing on Ice of 2012 is over without anyone falling over! Not one person. I want my money back. Lines are now open if you want to vote.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
New Year's Resolutions 2012
Happy new year!
Those of you paying attention will notice that, here at Inane Ramblings, things are kicking off in a similar fashion to last year: with new year's resolutions.
First, I think we should take a look back at my resolutions for 2011 to see how I fared. I should probably mention that, prior to starting this bloglet, I had completely forgotten my resolutions for last year. Not a great start.
1. "Attain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)"
Managed that one. Just. (By the skin of my teeth judging by my final placement.) Anyway, the important thing is that I got it and am qualified to teach the National Curriculum to children up to the age of 11. Woot.
2. "Know more stuff"
Bit of a vague one there, Becky of 2011. Not really sure how to gauge whether I achieved that one. I don't feel particularly more knowledgable than I did twelve months ago, but I find it doubtful that I've managed to exist for an entire year without absorbing at least some new knowledge.
As I'm feeling generous I shall award myself half a point. I don't think I often actively learnt something new, but I must know more than I did last year ... surely?
3. "Be able to cook"
I learnt how to fillet mackrel. Does that count?
Nil points.
4. "Read more"
Feeling fairly confident about this one, actually. I kept a list of all the books I read last year (before you say it, list-making is an entirely normal thing to do and not at all a sign of mild OCD) and managed to get through a total of 15. Clearly this is nowhere near the number my mother or sister will have read, but the pace at which they speed through books is actually ridiculous. On 3rd January, for example, Sarah happily announced, "I've read two books this year". Have you, Sarah? Have you? Well that's just marvellous. I'm on page 4.
I'm actually rather proud of how much I was able to read last year, and if 15 books doesn't sound like that many, try doing a PGCE at the same time. Then we'll talk.
5. "Win the lottery"
Would probably have been more achievable if I had bought a lottery ticket.
Nil points.
2.5 out of 5 - not a particularly good success rate, which is why this year I have chosen new year's resolutions which I think I will actually be able to acheive.
1. Keep a weekly blog.
Exactly what it says on the tin - I want to be able to look back at 2012 and see that I have added a new blog entry at least 52 times.
2. Learn 12 new songs on the ukulele.
One new song, every month. Entirely do-able methinks. If I work out how to post a video on here I may even treat you to clips of my musical endeavours.
3. Learn how to knit.
My grandma, aunt, mum and sister can all knit and whenever I hear them talking about it, it literally sounds like a different language to me. This year will be the year that I learn that language. I might even progress further than being able to knit a scarf this time.
So those are my new year's resolutions for 2012. What are yours? How did you do last year?
Those of you paying attention will notice that, here at Inane Ramblings, things are kicking off in a similar fashion to last year: with new year's resolutions.
First, I think we should take a look back at my resolutions for 2011 to see how I fared. I should probably mention that, prior to starting this bloglet, I had completely forgotten my resolutions for last year. Not a great start.
1. "Attain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)"
Managed that one. Just. (By the skin of my teeth judging by my final placement.) Anyway, the important thing is that I got it and am qualified to teach the National Curriculum to children up to the age of 11. Woot.
2. "Know more stuff"
Bit of a vague one there, Becky of 2011. Not really sure how to gauge whether I achieved that one. I don't feel particularly more knowledgable than I did twelve months ago, but I find it doubtful that I've managed to exist for an entire year without absorbing at least some new knowledge.
As I'm feeling generous I shall award myself half a point. I don't think I often actively learnt something new, but I must know more than I did last year ... surely?
3. "Be able to cook"
I learnt how to fillet mackrel. Does that count?
Nil points.
4. "Read more"
Feeling fairly confident about this one, actually. I kept a list of all the books I read last year (before you say it, list-making is an entirely normal thing to do and not at all a sign of mild OCD) and managed to get through a total of 15. Clearly this is nowhere near the number my mother or sister will have read, but the pace at which they speed through books is actually ridiculous. On 3rd January, for example, Sarah happily announced, "I've read two books this year". Have you, Sarah? Have you? Well that's just marvellous. I'm on page 4.
I'm actually rather proud of how much I was able to read last year, and if 15 books doesn't sound like that many, try doing a PGCE at the same time. Then we'll talk.
5. "Win the lottery"
Would probably have been more achievable if I had bought a lottery ticket.
Nil points.
2.5 out of 5 - not a particularly good success rate, which is why this year I have chosen new year's resolutions which I think I will actually be able to acheive.
1. Keep a weekly blog.
Exactly what it says on the tin - I want to be able to look back at 2012 and see that I have added a new blog entry at least 52 times.
2. Learn 12 new songs on the ukulele.
One new song, every month. Entirely do-able methinks. If I work out how to post a video on here I may even treat you to clips of my musical endeavours.
3. Learn how to knit.
My grandma, aunt, mum and sister can all knit and whenever I hear them talking about it, it literally sounds like a different language to me. This year will be the year that I learn that language. I might even progress further than being able to knit a scarf this time.
So those are my new year's resolutions for 2012. What are yours? How did you do last year?
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