Up The Farway Tree

It is Venice 1947 and there is a gathering at the house of Romeo Bechini and his widowed sister Alessandra Macaroni....




Confused? We hosted a murder mystery at the weekend and although it took me a while to work out how to actually play the game, we soon got into the swing of things and had a great night! I insisted on trying to speak with an Italian accent all night and be as dramatic as possible at all times...I did not sound Italian but it was foreign enough. Andrew spent most of the evening saying 'I know nothing' (said with accent). I would post some photos but my friends may actually kill me (check facebook though haha). Seb wore his bowtie since we were having guests and embarrassingly was later found lying in the dark on the bathroom mat (this is his attention seeking behaviour) - it was rather disconcerting for the person trying to use the bathroom at the time.

I am still recovering from the late night - I was in bed around midnight but then had a hypo (low blood sugars) at 2am so was up bumbling about in a confused manner trying to find a packet of dextrose. I have bought 3 packets today - to leave in every room! Today is not a working day but I was up early because I was doing some PBL facilitating at the university. Some of you will remember me doing the course before Christmas, so this was the first time I had done it for real. I am signed up as a 'casual facilitator' so they can ask me at short notice to fill in for people, so I only agreed to this on Friday. I don't have to accept but I wanted to get some experience in this so was glad to take the opportunity. It was really strange being on the other side - I have done so much PBL as a student but never from this side. For those who have know idea what I am talking about...PBL (problem based learning) is the way most medical schools run now. Students meet in small groups, discuss scenarios presented to them and decide what learning objectives they need to meet to understand the scenario. It's all about self directed learning. My job is to make sure they don't go off track and that they assimilate the correct information. I really enjoyed it so would be happy to take on more sessions in the future.

I also have some feedback regarding staff grade jobs. There may be some flexibility in the experience needed part, if I am able to show I have the same competencies as someone who has worked full time. The job I was looking at has not been advertised yet but I have also heard of some other posts available, so things are hopefully looking up. I must admit it is rather stressful just being back and already thinking about my next move....I would rather have had time to just settle in and enjoy being back without feeling this pressure of uncertainty. However, at least I am back, I am coping well and I am enjoying it - I think these are the most important things at the moment.

Team Jac is coming along well and I am organising everyone into smaller teams - we cannot walk en masse so smaller groups will need to leave 10 mins apart to spread out the walkers!! I am also about to order my team jac caps but am having problems deciding on colour. I am avoiding all football colours haha and I'm trying to suit men and woman. I ordered samples of purple and charcoal but I get mixed opinions on them both. Purple is brighter and more fun....but would anyone use the cap again(they are good quality so don't want to waste money) and would men wear the purple (it is quite bright)? The grey was more mid grey than charcoal - better for men and more wearable but is it too dull or just more classy? The caps will say Team Jac on the front (white on the purple, or black on the grey). Another option is to get half of each colour and let people choose but maybe it is better to have all one colour. Anyway I have added a poll on the side bar - please choose and answer and help me decide!!

I have been a busy bee again over the past week or so and am really in need of a wee rest. Last week there was a lot of preparation for the murder mystery, meetings about jobs and I also went out for dinner with friends from my old place of work. That was lovely and great to catch up! I managed to buy another pair of shoes when I was in Tesco doing food shopping. I don't know how it happened. I don't think supermarkets should be allowed to sell clothing and shoes. It's just reckless really...

Anyway, it is now dinner time and I am attempting some roast ham so better go check on it. I have been managing some solid food now - things like chicken if I chew well. Sometimes things are still sticking but it is getting better so hopefully I will be back to normal (or near normal) soon. I do see large juicy steaks when I close my eyes....is this normal?!