Email sent to UK friends: I know its been touched on at various conversations but I would really like your opinion on how much the UK has changed over the last couple of years in terms of jobs, cost of things, resources, space, house prices, racial tensions, education, places to live?
Jim and I do like it here and there are some great elements but equally we are coming back to the UK for good, but its just a case of when and where so it would be good to get an idea of where things stand as the media can give biased views. When we come back for a visit next year March/April ish we will be assessing things ourselves but you are there, you are feeling, seeing any effects so........
some responses....
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Well, the recession is supposed to be over and really, unless you have been made redundant, it's actually been easier here because interest rates have been so low. So we've found that, coupled with the urge to pull our belts in, which we really really have until last month, we've been much much better off. However, there are still businesses making cuts to workforces. Unemployment is still high. But from what I can ascertain, the people who are shit at their jobs tend to be culled and there is still ALWAYS work for people who are good at their jobs.
In real terms, houses are MUCH MUCH cheaper now. Prices North of London have fallen by as much as 20%, possibly more. It's a good time to buy and if you rent, there are loads of rental properties on the market from people who have not been able to sell, making rent cheaper. Del & Joanne were saying that their buyer dropped out 3 times with a broken chain but they stuck with her because it really is a buyer's market - especially up north. I think securing a mortgage is much harder than before though but if you sold in Auz, you'd have a deposit so that would make things much easier.
Racial tensions are no different and vary from area to area. I work with all black and minority ethnic people and detect no acrimony from muslims at all. I think the 9/11 frenzy has died a death. I do know the government are starting to get tough with turfing out refugees because we also have a refugee support organisation in our building at work and they are being deported constantly now, especially with Judge Pickles ruling that immigrants should go home and take the idea of Big Society with them!
So...I have to say, that our lives have improved over the last couple of years because of the fall in interest rates. It could climb back up again but people say the Bank of England won't do that for a while. If you got a job in advance of coming back, you'd be sorted. The BBC is moving pretty much lock, stock to Manchester, so Jim might be able to get graphics/digital/animation work there. Dunno. As for the weather....well, you KNOW that's shit, so no surprises, although we did get some fantastic snow last year! A proper white Xmas! Plus, obviously, comedy, music etc... is fabsky over here.
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The Carr Seven Word Summary:
stay where you are for a bit.
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Crikey, takes a lot of thinking about i guess. The easy things first
-let me think about the rest. Shopping is ok for now but back to home
cooking and careful planning will be the way forward and no frivilous
eating out for the sake of it. The VAT rise for January will effect
everyone a great deal especially with household goods and electrical
items and the price of cotton is going up worldwide so no more cheap
primark bargains to be really had. Again a more frugal approach to life
would be encouraged.
Its a buyers market at the moment in some areas. Skipton has not
suffered really in the housing market.
I will think about the other stuff. Keep on line with British newspapers
would be a good idea.
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More to come......
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
“When my teacher was at school…” A story by Jack R-Ellis
“When my teacher was at school…”
Once upon a time there lived a boy called Mike Hansell.
He was a very naughty boy.
One day his mother said, “Lets send Mike to School!”
“Yes Lets send him to school!”, said his Dad.
The next day Mike set off to school and then he stopped to spray paint on the walls.
After he got to school he got bored and then he saw a cricket bat.
“Perfect!”, He said, “For hitting the walls with.”
After an hour of hitting he got found out by one of the teachers and got sent to detention for the whole year.
Then he got suspended for 1 week.
The next day he got sent out of school forever because he threw a water bomb at the P-E teacher.
The End
Jack Rooney-Ellis
Once upon a time there lived a boy called Mike Hansell.
He was a very naughty boy.
One day his mother said, “Lets send Mike to School!”
“Yes Lets send him to school!”, said his Dad.
The next day Mike set off to school and then he stopped to spray paint on the walls.
After he got to school he got bored and then he saw a cricket bat.
“Perfect!”, He said, “For hitting the walls with.”
After an hour of hitting he got found out by one of the teachers and got sent to detention for the whole year.
Then he got suspended for 1 week.
The next day he got sent out of school forever because he threw a water bomb at the P-E teacher.
The End
Jack Rooney-Ellis
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jack finally says thanks
Thank you for all my presents and cards.
On my birthday me and 9 other friends we went to lazerforce and I zapped my dad a lot of times and I came 4th in the 2nd round we all had lots of FUN.
Lazerforce is like paintballing but with lazers you get suits with lazerguns and you get to make your own code name my code name is PJ, my Dads code name is Agent smack bum.
After my birthday it was my dads birthday we had little sandwiches and cakes we saw horses, cows, birds and we all saw an enormous stadium. I have had cross-county and I came 3rd in the race it was very cool.
My team won cross-county I am very proud of my team.
My mum is pregnant the baby is only 7 weeks old we named the baby Button she/ he is very tiny half the size of my thumb.
Jack
On my birthday me and 9 other friends we went to lazerforce and I zapped my dad a lot of times and I came 4th in the 2nd round we all had lots of FUN.
Lazerforce is like paintballing but with lazers you get suits with lazerguns and you get to make your own code name my code name is PJ, my Dads code name is Agent smack bum.
After my birthday it was my dads birthday we had little sandwiches and cakes we saw horses, cows, birds and we all saw an enormous stadium. I have had cross-county and I came 3rd in the race it was very cool.
My team won cross-county I am very proud of my team.
My mum is pregnant the baby is only 7 weeks old we named the baby Button she/ he is very tiny half the size of my thumb.
Jack
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A big week, a scary week, a momentous week
24 April - Jacks laserforce - a great success by all accounts - didnt leave any children behind and there were no tears by either kids or adults. Also Happy Birthday Sharon. Jack had his sleep over with cubs and scouts and actaully had some sleep by all accounts. Jim and I tried to buy a bag of chips and walk along the pier but ended up stuffing ourselves with pizza as everywhere was shut - but nice all the same.
25 April - Anzac Day - Jack took part in the parade, I did Sunday school and when I collected Jack we just had a chilled out day.
26 April - Jim turns 40. Made breakfast, opened presents inc some star trek cuff links from my mum (we do hope they were meant to be a joke), Jack has written a little story about Jims favourite Australian animal - the sugar glider except it was about a possum who could glide- anyway JIm liked it and that made everyone happy - from me he got Homework for Grown ups - all those things you learnt at school and promptly forgot. We went out for lunch at the equestion centre but we werent going for a horse ride - not in our good clobber but for a traditional English Tea- the lady who runs it forgot it was a bank holiday when I booked it so in fact opened it up especially for us - there were butterflies and horses and hundreds of lorakeets that get fed at 2pm - just as we finished out sandwiches and pies and cakes - it was lovely - not rip roaring and it would have been lovely to share - but a good family day.
27 April - Jack turns 8 - he is allowed to open a few presents before school - he has cakes for his class and biscuits for afterschool club - and pizza for tea (his choice - prawn) and more presents.
28 April - getting back to normal week - still things stuck in post because of volcanic ash but that night a few more things arrive.
29 April - Jim gets 100% in his Australian citizenship test - Jack comes first in the boys 600m cross country race, looses two teeth at afterschool club and I just thinking I might - do a pregnancy test - and it comes up positive - after over a year and at the point where we really didnt think it would happen.
Do we wait to tell people? No we tell Jack first - initial reaction is fine as long as it isnt a sister - and then we try and tell immediate family- we reach my Mum first on her lunch in Stephens green (apparently she was in a daze for the rest of lunch) and we have to wait till next morning to tell Jims Dad, then my Dad, then Sal and then my bruv, whose mobile was working cos he wasnt in the Argills for the weekend - and so an email to friends and then onto facebook - open and there for all friends to see - but such early days.....
I did a blood test on Sat - and can book an early dating scan next week and then we can get confirmation of a date and that all is well - really want that all is well bit - kind of like feeling the changes in body and mood and tastes - makes it feel real - that it is all going as it should.
But all being well - our trip to UK in Nov, our trip to final A-Ha gig in Oslo is now prety much scuppered -and we are gutted about that - I feel particuarly gutted about the A-Ha gig that was something special but what can you do....
So for now - taking it a day at a time, taking it easy as much as I can, while Jims has jumped into action getting things done round the house (currently stripping ceilings that are starting to peel and getting them painted) and the plan -stay here till the baby is born - poss early Dec and then next year consider when to go back to the UK - in 12 months, 2 years etc from there - unless anything happens in the meantime to change those plans.
So a while waiting for it but happy and scared that Jack will not be an only child - that was never really the plan but circumstances and life sort of seemed like it was going to be like that - so expect some more blogging on pregnancy and life and Oz and cheeky 8 year olds (Jim and Jack were brushing their teeth - Jim was giving some advice on good bushing - how Jack really wouldnt want a toothache - how sore it is when teeth go back so Jack pipes up - well you are giving me a toothache now with all your talk -cheeky monkey).
So two bank holidays in a row - lots ot think about and do and lots of adventure still to come :-)
25 April - Anzac Day - Jack took part in the parade, I did Sunday school and when I collected Jack we just had a chilled out day.
26 April - Jim turns 40. Made breakfast, opened presents inc some star trek cuff links from my mum (we do hope they were meant to be a joke), Jack has written a little story about Jims favourite Australian animal - the sugar glider except it was about a possum who could glide- anyway JIm liked it and that made everyone happy - from me he got Homework for Grown ups - all those things you learnt at school and promptly forgot. We went out for lunch at the equestion centre but we werent going for a horse ride - not in our good clobber but for a traditional English Tea- the lady who runs it forgot it was a bank holiday when I booked it so in fact opened it up especially for us - there were butterflies and horses and hundreds of lorakeets that get fed at 2pm - just as we finished out sandwiches and pies and cakes - it was lovely - not rip roaring and it would have been lovely to share - but a good family day.
27 April - Jack turns 8 - he is allowed to open a few presents before school - he has cakes for his class and biscuits for afterschool club - and pizza for tea (his choice - prawn) and more presents.
28 April - getting back to normal week - still things stuck in post because of volcanic ash but that night a few more things arrive.
29 April - Jim gets 100% in his Australian citizenship test - Jack comes first in the boys 600m cross country race, looses two teeth at afterschool club and I just thinking I might - do a pregnancy test - and it comes up positive - after over a year and at the point where we really didnt think it would happen.
Do we wait to tell people? No we tell Jack first - initial reaction is fine as long as it isnt a sister - and then we try and tell immediate family- we reach my Mum first on her lunch in Stephens green (apparently she was in a daze for the rest of lunch) and we have to wait till next morning to tell Jims Dad, then my Dad, then Sal and then my bruv, whose mobile was working cos he wasnt in the Argills for the weekend - and so an email to friends and then onto facebook - open and there for all friends to see - but such early days.....
I did a blood test on Sat - and can book an early dating scan next week and then we can get confirmation of a date and that all is well - really want that all is well bit - kind of like feeling the changes in body and mood and tastes - makes it feel real - that it is all going as it should.
But all being well - our trip to UK in Nov, our trip to final A-Ha gig in Oslo is now prety much scuppered -and we are gutted about that - I feel particuarly gutted about the A-Ha gig that was something special but what can you do....
So for now - taking it a day at a time, taking it easy as much as I can, while Jims has jumped into action getting things done round the house (currently stripping ceilings that are starting to peel and getting them painted) and the plan -stay here till the baby is born - poss early Dec and then next year consider when to go back to the UK - in 12 months, 2 years etc from there - unless anything happens in the meantime to change those plans.
So a while waiting for it but happy and scared that Jack will not be an only child - that was never really the plan but circumstances and life sort of seemed like it was going to be like that - so expect some more blogging on pregnancy and life and Oz and cheeky 8 year olds (Jim and Jack were brushing their teeth - Jim was giving some advice on good bushing - how Jack really wouldnt want a toothache - how sore it is when teeth go back so Jack pipes up - well you are giving me a toothache now with all your talk -cheeky monkey).
So two bank holidays in a row - lots ot think about and do and lots of adventure still to come :-)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A weekend worth waiting for.....
In a few hours Jack has his 8th birthday party - Laserforce - with 9 others kids, all boys of course and Jim and I will take turns to zap a few too :-)
We are trying to keep it simple - Jim has made a fab cake with blue icing and hundreds and thousands and mini marshmallows and we have a load of sausage rolls and mini hot dog sausages and pineapple and crisps and sweets and drinks and thats it - we always find there is too much left over and we have to bring it all to the venue anyway - feel a bit nervous there isnt enough - silly me!!!!
Jack is finishing off Jims birthday present - he's left too much still to do and it needs to be ready for Monday - it is a story he has made up but I am sure Jim will love it - it is sort of about Jims fav Aussie animal - the sugar glider - I was trying to arrange a visit to handle a sugar glider for his present but they only do the whole show and with the flights we have booked, the just isnt the money in the kitty. But I will do it definately - just later on in the year......and I have a lunch planned for Jim on Monday - a place that does traditional English High Teas - uses china and little sandwiches and everything - a but nervous about that one too - when I called to book they said they will definately be open but its a bank holiday and its a little place....and they aren't open today so I guess I just have to call on Monday to confirm - and if not a plan B...oh bugger - something special for Jims 40th that doesnt cost a fortune???
Its my own fault when it comes to birthdays I always like to do something special but esp with it being Jims 40th it would be lovely to do something really really fab - he deserves it and with half of his cards still stuck in the postal backlog, it already feels a bit marred.
But do you know what - it will be great. Positive thinking. Jack will be a kid and have fun today - Jim and I will get to be adults and not have to worry about Jack as he is at scouts sleep over tonight and tomorrow we will see and Monday will be great, Jim will have hugs and kisses and some presents have arrived.
So this is not really a blog but a rant... not a rant a vent of sorts. Vent now over :-)
We are trying to keep it simple - Jim has made a fab cake with blue icing and hundreds and thousands and mini marshmallows and we have a load of sausage rolls and mini hot dog sausages and pineapple and crisps and sweets and drinks and thats it - we always find there is too much left over and we have to bring it all to the venue anyway - feel a bit nervous there isnt enough - silly me!!!!
Jack is finishing off Jims birthday present - he's left too much still to do and it needs to be ready for Monday - it is a story he has made up but I am sure Jim will love it - it is sort of about Jims fav Aussie animal - the sugar glider - I was trying to arrange a visit to handle a sugar glider for his present but they only do the whole show and with the flights we have booked, the just isnt the money in the kitty. But I will do it definately - just later on in the year......and I have a lunch planned for Jim on Monday - a place that does traditional English High Teas - uses china and little sandwiches and everything - a but nervous about that one too - when I called to book they said they will definately be open but its a bank holiday and its a little place....and they aren't open today so I guess I just have to call on Monday to confirm - and if not a plan B...oh bugger - something special for Jims 40th that doesnt cost a fortune???
Its my own fault when it comes to birthdays I always like to do something special but esp with it being Jims 40th it would be lovely to do something really really fab - he deserves it and with half of his cards still stuck in the postal backlog, it already feels a bit marred.
But do you know what - it will be great. Positive thinking. Jack will be a kid and have fun today - Jim and I will get to be adults and not have to worry about Jack as he is at scouts sleep over tonight and tomorrow we will see and Monday will be great, Jim will have hugs and kisses and some presents have arrived.
So this is not really a blog but a rant... not a rant a vent of sorts. Vent now over :-)
Friday, April 16, 2010
A weekend approaches
Well we finally gave in and joined facebook and Jim hasnt been off it since - but I must admit I can see its benefits.
And it is lovely to see everyone getting on with their lives - running races, having parties, visting places, watching Rugby - makes me feel like I really need to do more with my time.
I have started to do some exercise again - not enough - trying really hard not to eat crap - want to look as good as I can - would be silly not to.
Bought a sewing machine - starting to just fix stuff and then will venture into making clothes eventually - like the idea of it.
And I have started writing again - doing research as I write down ideas - around WW2 so need some facts straight.
But mostly we are wondering - is it time to go home? Jack loves it here - we dont mind it here but not sure what benefits we are really getting sometimes..... but fickle as we are - we cant make a decision.....our trip home in dec will help with that decision - unless fate intervenes in the meantime.
But the weather is getting cooler - 26-28 degrees makes it easier to think and contemplate doing stuff - sometimes its just too hot - yes I did say that...... but right now I should go to bed- have work in the morning - made my first sale this week - getting commission at last - slowly but surely so more perhaps tomorrow.
Happy weekends to all and to Imi - happy birthday
And it is lovely to see everyone getting on with their lives - running races, having parties, visting places, watching Rugby - makes me feel like I really need to do more with my time.
I have started to do some exercise again - not enough - trying really hard not to eat crap - want to look as good as I can - would be silly not to.
Bought a sewing machine - starting to just fix stuff and then will venture into making clothes eventually - like the idea of it.
And I have started writing again - doing research as I write down ideas - around WW2 so need some facts straight.
But mostly we are wondering - is it time to go home? Jack loves it here - we dont mind it here but not sure what benefits we are really getting sometimes..... but fickle as we are - we cant make a decision.....our trip home in dec will help with that decision - unless fate intervenes in the meantime.
But the weather is getting cooler - 26-28 degrees makes it easier to think and contemplate doing stuff - sometimes its just too hot - yes I did say that...... but right now I should go to bed- have work in the morning - made my first sale this week - getting commission at last - slowly but surely so more perhaps tomorrow.
Happy weekends to all and to Imi - happy birthday
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Last Airbender Video Game Film Tie In.
Hey the game I've been working on for the last year for the M Night Shymalan film and a bit has been announced:
The Last Airbender Film Tie In Video Game
The Last Airbender Film Tie In Video Game
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
NAPLAN tests
Jack is gearing up for his Year 3 Sats Equivalent. In the UK he would have already done them, but Queensland Education delays everything including the year kids start school. Jack was lucky to get into school and thus is about 6 - 7 months behind the UK but what the heck...
As I say his NAPLAN tests in Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetric... (honestly the 3 R's ) is looming. I've just sat him down and treated him to 3 papers - 45 mins each and he unofficially scored: 82% Maths, 86% Reading and 67% on Grammar. He was kicking himself on the 67% - since he spelt all the words he got wrong outside of the test without fail. Bless him.... lets see how he does on the day.
Oh - and he got into the boys school down the road... Iona College.
As I say his NAPLAN tests in Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetric... (honestly the 3 R's ) is looming. I've just sat him down and treated him to 3 papers - 45 mins each and he unofficially scored: 82% Maths, 86% Reading and 67% on Grammar. He was kicking himself on the 67% - since he spelt all the words he got wrong outside of the test without fail. Bless him.... lets see how he does on the day.
Oh - and he got into the boys school down the road... Iona College.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
6 March 2010
Jack and I (Aud) are in Australia for 3 years today.
Jim is now at 3 years 5 months.
And its raining, it has been raining none stop for over a week - not silly little rain - constant barrage of torrential rain - floods everywhere - humid rain...... and they call Queensland - the sunshine state????
Jim is now at 3 years 5 months.
And its raining, it has been raining none stop for over a week - not silly little rain - constant barrage of torrential rain - floods everywhere - humid rain...... and they call Queensland - the sunshine state????
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Web addict
We have been having a bit of weather here in QLD over the last couple of days and amongst it all, while all my colleagues were in other states, the internet decided to disappear - got scared off by lightening, or the torrential rain causing a leaky hallway - so I have been without email or internet since Tuesday.
I have really missed it - not just cos of work emails I am expecting and artwork to sign off on etc but because I cant listen to the radio or catch the news (except on my phone) and I can't check my personal emails. But the thing is there have been no personal emails, there hardly ever is - so why the compulsion to check it every couple of hours. Its probably the same reason I eat too much crap sometimes - boredom - and yet I am really busy - physiological boredom - or just dithering - procrastinating really...... people are amazing.
And are also amazing rubbish - honestly - what did we do before email and blogs ...well for one I would have writers cramp handwriting all the letters :-)
Weekends nearly upon us but for now its time for bed..... yawn!!!
I have really missed it - not just cos of work emails I am expecting and artwork to sign off on etc but because I cant listen to the radio or catch the news (except on my phone) and I can't check my personal emails. But the thing is there have been no personal emails, there hardly ever is - so why the compulsion to check it every couple of hours. Its probably the same reason I eat too much crap sometimes - boredom - and yet I am really busy - physiological boredom - or just dithering - procrastinating really...... people are amazing.
And are also amazing rubbish - honestly - what did we do before email and blogs ...well for one I would have writers cramp handwriting all the letters :-)
Weekends nearly upon us but for now its time for bed..... yawn!!!
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