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Students -TV License Charges

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My followers know I don’t normally use my blog to have a rant but today I will!

Can anybody explain to me how the TV Licensing Board can really justify hitting the students at university so heavily with their imposed license fees?

So…if you live in a shared flat, with each student having their own tenancy agreement, each person has to buy a license especially it seems if you also have the luxury of your own exclusive washing facilities. So as an example a flat of five students who share kitchen and lounge/diner all have to buy their own license i.e. £147 x 5.

As a parent trying to finance a child away from home I am certain I am not alone in thinking this is outrageous. But as I explained to my own daughter a threat of a £1,000 fine is far worse.

It also appears students are not even allowed to pay monthly to spread the cost, they have to pay in six monthly installments making it around £25 a month. Let’s hope when they go home for the summer they get a refund paid as eagerly as it seems the TV Licensing Board are in collecting monies.

By the way I was asked to post this today by several parents equally as mortified.

Chocolate week

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We are frequently being told that a certain day or week is for celebrating or increasing awareness for one charity or cause…this week I am informed it is Chocolate Week.

I am personally aware how good chocolate is good in terms of feeling good but as a wise woman once told me ‘all things in moderation’.

However, I know when i was very ill many years ago a hospital ‘expert’ told me chocolate was good for me…I knew that! Joking aside we know that it is a mood enhancer and a quick energy boost but ensure the cocoa content is high and the fat low!

Enjoy the indulgence but balance it out with a bit of exercise…maybe a walk to the sweet shop.

 

Family love

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Nothing stronger than the bonds of a parent and a child and in our family that extends to aunties too. We are a spiritual lot in our family and when one of my nieces was  in labour a few years back I spent a rather unsettled morning and felt very in tune with said expectant mother…we joked about this today with her reminding me she had it far worse.

Seriously though we had another arrival this week, on Thursday evening around eleven I was tired and took myself off to bed but just couldn’t get settled and ended up coming down stairs, making tea and mooching around watching bad TV until nearly five.  What I didn’t know is my sister was also doing exactly the same at the same time.

What you may ask curiously was causing this sleepless agitated night in the family…My Nephew and Godson’s wife went into labour at eleven and our latest arrival put in an appearance Friday morning.

We are all thrilled to welcome another dolly into the family…the next generation and I wish my great niece a long, healthy and exciting life which I will enjoy observing.

Thanks to those angels who watched over our lovely new mum giving a safe delivery and a beautiful daughter.

Birthdays

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Lordy another birthday and I have posted on a facebook birthday wish that I am getting older and wider. It’s the truth.

I am so fortunate to have such lovely friends and family who have been spoiling me all week. My house looks like a florist, more chocolate yum… but my best gift is my lovely daughter home for a girly day.

We may have more than one reason to celebrate family baby due and it would be grand if she (I think it’s a she) or he makes an appearance today.

Those that know me also know its a bittersweet day for our family and I am mindful that whilst it’s got easier.. we all still think of my wonderful mum, not just this day but everyday.

Love, support and cherish those you hold dear.

 

World Teachers Day

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Being a teacher is a very stressful yet rewarding career and I think far too often teachers are not supported by parents and/or the various personnel who should be valuing their role.

There are so many teachers that really go the extra mile with our children and inspire them to follow their dreams. It is very sad that burn out seems to be happening far sooner in new teachers too.

So to all those teachers throughout my own child’s schooling I say sincere thanks and to the lecturers at University who are now continuing to inspire her in her educational journey.

I have many colleagues who work in pastoral within schools too who are helping teens in trouble with various intervention projects and pastoral care..remember these staff too who are tackling the real issues on a daily basis.

Walking and talking

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I am very fortunate in that I have a good circle of lovely female friends some with dogs and some without who like to walk and talk. It is good to get away from our environments, get some fresh air and share.

Everybody leads such busy lives and far too often we resort to;’how are you?’ text message but meeting and actually connecting with friends is far better for us emotionally and physically.

On mornings like today it would have been a crime not to take my screen break early and get some exercise..and for those living locally to me…yes that was me sneaking into the Hub for hot chocolate and cake..well it is my birthday week come on guys.

Seriously, if you know a family member or friend is struggling get them out of the house for a little break away and give them the opportunity to talk freely.

Stay positive, be healthy and of course be mindful enjoy the day.

 

 

Useless facts

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We are in an age of information which is brought to us 24/7 from all forms of media but isn’t funny how we can read a newspaper from cover to cover taking in all sorts of facts and figures and political scandals then one strange comment seems to register…

I have found myself remembering the last few weeks that supposedly there are three chickens to everyone of us living on the planet. OK, yes I did keep chickens once but why should I retain that snippet when like so many of you I have various lists around the house of important things I must do today, tomorrow…next week that I will forget unless I remind myself.

I think a lot of it is brain overload and how we have great expectations of just how much we will get done..only if the day goes according to plan eh? Now where’s that list?

Three chickens…interesting. I only had two though!!

 

hen night! 15-06-08_1722 - Copy

 

Dementia Friends

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When visiting my doctor’s surgery I always take a look at their information table, being a magpie I like to have leaflets available to help friends and colleagues.

Today I picked up a card promoting Dementia Friends and their trained volunteer champions who help in the community. If you know somebody who would benefit from their help please visit their website:-

http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk 

We have a growing population of people who suffer from Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia and being aware of what help is available is crucial for families in particular those partners who become main carers.

Breast Cancer awareness

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October is Breast Cancer awareness month and I am certain my followers examine themselves on a regular basis and those of us with daughters must encourage them to do so too from an early age.

Having lost two family members to breast cancer we are very aware in our family but I always remind female friends and relatives that if they find something it doesn’t always mean it’s cancerous but the sooner it is checked out the better. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

As usual there are lots of fundraising events and merchandising to purchase in support of the cancer support and research charities.

So get examining yourself and donating.

Finding time to relax

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Life is one continual rush for most people  I meet and finding time for one’s self is so often put to the end of the list. It is not a crime to want mind space for yourself or to take time out to do something you enjoy.

I have been recovering from rather painful tooth abscess and extraction and was pleased to receive a great gift in the post. An adult colouring book!! I know I have teased many female friends and family members for indulging in this trend the past year or so…but I am now hooked.

For my screen break yesterday I coloured in a few very fine cats using my lovely coloured pencils bought for me by my daughter and it was a very calming and enjoyable session.My book also had little cat poems and thought provoking quotes.

I am currently working with and researching ways to help various clients in stroke recovery and/or dementia sufferers and I will be using this creative relaxer alongside my other sensory and reminiscence writing work.

So whether it be colouring in, listening to music of reading that book…just do it. Don’t feel guilty and be like me go the whole hog and eat a crunchie bar too.

Happy weekend fellow bloggers and followers.