Island's shoutbox - Help.com

Hi,

I’m really glad the exchange is completed. No need to be sorry, though. I think with a job as stressful as that, it’s OK to be self involved. I know if I was moving into a new house, I would be. You’ve got control of what you can do and how to decorate it. Personally, aside from having it as a place to live, that’s probably the best thing about having a house.

Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to fix my computer. It’s a hardware fault; one which needs fixing by an expert (I usually stay away from the hardware side of computers).

Uni is going really well at the moment, but it is taking up a lot of my time. As such, I haven’t really had time to even open my sketch book. I’ve been jotting down ideas, but that’s it. I’m hoping to do some over the Christmas break.

When’s your exhibition?

Fine. Nice to see you! I am always glad to see you! :)

Hi,

I’m so glad you’ve managed to get everything resolved! :) I bet you’re going to feel so happy and relaxed once the exchange is complete. I know if I had gone through the stress you have described, I would be.

It’s such a pain when you get invited to a party and have to leave because of other things. Mind you, if you’ve had a stressful week and just want to relax there’s nothing wrong with it.

Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed the party while you were there and enjoyed your relaxing night in your own space :)

Hi,

No need to be sorry. Buying a house is a really stressful thing to do, which I think you know. I didn’t know that vendors could be such aggressive people, though.

Don’t worry about not being online. Just concentrate on the house issue that you’ve got on your hands. I hope it all gets sorted out for you.

I OK at the moment. Apart from the fact that every mechanical thing that I use seems to be obtaining some sort of fault. My computer is what is irritating me the most - the space, enter and backspace key are all being temperamental.

Nice to hear from you and I’m sorry about the stress you’re going through. I really do hope it all works out for you :)

Glad to hear that you’re confident about everything getting sorted :)

Aside from uni, things are going really well at the moment; my Martial Arts lessons especially. We’ve completed several grading over the past few weeks, and everyone seems to be progressing really well.

I just don’t get much free time lately, so I’ve had to put aside a lot of things I like to do in my spare time - I can’t remember the last time I got out my sketch book :( I’m pretty sure I’ll find time soon, though.

I totally forgot that it was half term. It’s ashame that they have coincided; I bet it’s a real pain in the ass. However, buying a house is really stressful task that requires a lot of work. I think with most big events, the act of waiting is annoying.

I had to laugh at the pacing thing. I find it funny how almost everybody paces when they’re stressed. I do too; especially when I’m on the phone.

Happy to hear that you are all well, though :) I hope this house situation gets sorted out for you. When do you think they will have sorted out everything?

Uni is still going well. Even though I’m really enjoying what I’m doing, there are these little tedious tasks that need to be completed. They’re simple to complete; just really boring. Therefore, while I trying to finish them, I end up stopping and doing something different like getting something eat or reading a few chapters of my book. Most of them are complete now, though…thankfully.

Cool! Good to see ya! :)

Fine. u?

:)

Hi :)

I’m feeling well, thanks. It’s been a v. busy but enjoyable week. A bit of procrastination has occurred :S but not too much…fortunately.

How are you and how has your week been?

That was really nice. Thank you :)

I totally forgot about telling you about my project. The next I’m online, I’ll tell you about it.

Take care of yourself and sleep well :)x

I think the situation you’ve been in is one of those that does make you feel so much better once it’s done. I think that is the most important requirement from any school: the education. Like you said, as long as that is provided, you’ll be able to fill in the gaps; which I’m sure you will :)

I’m feeling well, thanks. Uni is becoming really busy but I’m still enjoying it. Finally got my project officially approved by the scheme leader. She’s told me that it is a really good project, but I’ve just got to make sure that I hit the engineering criteria, otherwise I could lose an awful lot of marks. I’m feeling confident, though.

*hope it all

You’re welcome. I hope you it all works out for you.

Are you able to put his name down for more than one? If so, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to put his name down for the boys’ school as well, as long as it as good as the preferred mixed school. But if the chances of getting into the good mixed school are high, then I would go for that one. However, you don’t want to take a risk that results in him going to one of the mixed schools that are not as good. If worse comes to worse, I personally would recommend the boys’ school before one of the poorer mixed schools. B. may not like it as much, but at least he’ll be being taught well.

I’m sorry for the jumbled shout… and the grammatical mistakes :S But I hope it helps, if only a little.

I went to a mixed state school. I was happy in a mixed school and it was good that I had the chance to be friends with people of both genders. I heard somewhere that single-sex schools are supposed to be good in terms of grades. However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s likely to have the opposite effect if the child doesn’t like the school.

A friend of mine went to a boys’ school, but it was private. Apparently, he enjoyed it but it was a lot different from a state boys’ school, which one of his friends went to. Unfortunately, I never managed to talk to his friend, so I’ve got no information on the school that he went to.

My overall opinion is this: I was perfectly happy in a mixed school. I was able to mix with different people, the atmosphere was nice and I was still able to leave with good grades. If I were to have kids in the future, I would send them to a mixed school. Like you said, the outside world is mixed, therefore, a single-sex school may have a negative effect.

To answer the question, would I have liked to have gone to a boys’ school - It would have been interesting, but I really don’t think it would have been as good. Personally, I always prefer diversity in places such as schools, colleges, the work place etc.

Are the other two schools good in terms of results? If they are, then I personally would go for the one which B. feels most comfortable with.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. I’ll let you know if I think of any other advice.

I’m glad you’ve managed to narrow the choice of school down to three. Is B. happy with the choices? I hope it works out well for you both.

How is sorting the house progressing?

Ok heres one, when i was 14 I was skipping school with a pal and we decided because it was such a nice day we would walk up to the top of arthurs seat (extinct volcanoe in the middle of my city) And as we were going back down nearer the bottom we started to slide down.

I missed the path and kept sliding right into the pond and got soaked :P and had to stay like that all day.

I am absolutley fine, I’m skint but but doing well enough lol.

Hi,

My week has gone really well. It’s been really busy but everything is going in the right direction. Several of my friends and I were actually discussing how quick these first few weeks have gone - it’s remarkable!

How are you and how has your week been?

I really do feel optimistic this year. My proposal for my project got accepted today, which is great news.

I’m really glad that both of the houses were good :) It’s even better that you’ve found one that is better than the other, and the offer you’ve made has been accepted. I’m not surprised that it your head’s reeling; I think mine would be as well.

Well, I’m glad that you’ve still got a few months to get things sorted - it’s better than nothing.

I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow. From what you’ve told me in the past, I can tell it hasn’t been plain sailing for you. You’re a strong, capable person and I really think you will pull through.

I am really glad to be back at uni. This time last year I was dreading going back. I was kinda disorganised and left everything to the last minute :S I managed to do really well, but I just felt really nervous about returning. But now I feel really confident and it has been REALLY nice to see all my friends again, considering it was 12 months since I last saw them :)

It is really slow. Mind you, it has been for a while.

I’m so very sorry about the house issue :( How long has your landlord given you to find a place? It does seem to have occurred at an awkward time for you. I’ve always lived in the same house, so I can’t imagine how your kids are feeling.

You don’t have to be sorry about something like that. Just because your shouts are not cheerful, it doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy reading them (I mean that in a nice way) and talking to you :)

Once again, I’m really sorry about how things have turned out for you and I hope you manage to get it sorted :)X

That’s not that strange. If there are ever arguments in our house they are very likely to happen at weekends. I hope do hope the week goes well for you :)

My weekend was fairly ordinary, but still good. Aside from doing uni work I visited a few family members.

Thanks, I’m glad you liked them :) I found them in this calendar that my dad brought home and I thought they were really good.

I’m really sorry about your weekend, but I’m glad there were some times that were alright. Do you think the new week will make up for it?

Hi,

I did sleep well and finally got my proposal completed. I just need to wait for it to be checked.

How are you and how was your weekend?

You don’t have to be sorry :) Yes, it was stressful, but it was a good stress, if that makes any sense. I am actually doing what you’ve said. I was planning on doing more work on my project, but I’ve changed my mind.

You sleep well too and you have a good day tomorrow Oh, and I sorry about the stress you’ve been going through lately and I REALLY do hope things get better, if only a little bit :)x

I will tell you about my project. I just really don’t want to talk about it at the moment. I’ve spent the majority of the day working on my project proposal, and I just want to get away from it for a moment. I will tell you next time.

I think I can understand how Ben feels. My brother and my cousins are all younger than me, and when we used to hang out, I felt I had a high level of responsibility because I was older then them all. From what you’ve said, I really do think that you are doing the correct thing. I would have thought that as long as they know that you are concerned about their independence and safety, they will act maturely and do the right thing. Particularly Ben, as he is the eldest.

I can understand why you would hate it when you kids see the rows. I used to be in similar situations with my parents. I don’t really know what to say about the situation. I think one of the things that I found difficult was that both of my parents made me choose which person to side with; that made it difficult. However, I wouldn’t have thought that you would have been the sort of person to do that. Based on MY experience, not matter how many arguments you have, I think your kids would still love the two of you both the same and would probably make them stronger people.

I apologise if my shout is a bit rambled (or senseless :D); I’ve had a really stressful day.

Have you started your blog where you can post your paintings? I would love to see them. :)

That’s was just a joke I thought I could do and people took it as me liking to abuse animals. No big deal. I’m fine.

It’s natural for kids to want to be independent. I really don’t know how you manage to deal with it. However, I think you’re doing the good thing by trying to find that right balance. Even if you’re only giving them a bit of independence, at least you know they are safe.

I’m sorry about the rowing that’s been occurring. It’s always unsettling when arguing with relatives/friends. Are the arguments an on-off thing or are they more continuous? You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.

Uni is going really well and I’m feeling confident about my final year. I’ve got a really good idea for my project, and the great thing about it is that I have been told by several people, both friends and lecturers, that it is great idea. I’ll tell you about it next time.

I’m still looking for a replacement job at the moment.
:)x

No worries, I just wanted to see if you were OK :)

Take care of yourself and I hope everything gets sorted out for you :)

Is everything ok with you? I hope you’re well and enjoying your weekend :)

How are you, btw, and how has your week been?

Accept that mistakes CAN be made? I think I may be able to do that :S Actually, I think one of the reasons why I should starting using paint is that it allows me to use colour. My drawings have none of it as I can’t seem to bring myself to use materials such as pastels.

My week has gone really well, except that I found out that I can no longer keep the job that I’ve got as it will clash with uni. I’m gutted, but uni’s got to come first.

I start back Uni next Thursday. I find it annoying that I’ve had to wait for so long before I can start back. It’s not that I haven’t got anything to do; it’s the waiting. I just want to get started. However, it gives me plenty of time to plan what I’m doing for final year project.

I’m sorry, but from what I’ve seen of your work I would not call you a novice.

I’ll will try to get them uploaded. I’ve had a new scanner but I haven’t got a clue on how it works. I’m sure it shouldn’t take long to learn, though.

I think I do need to start experimenting a bit more. I’ve always been afraid of using paint for some reason. Maybe it’s because it’s a new material. Thanks for what you said, though. I will actually try and experiment with different things. I didn’t have much experience with charcoal a while ago, but I am enjoying using it.

I’ve tried the stick and ink technique and I think it produces a nice effect. However, I’ve never tried putting washes over the top, though.

I used to always try and be as precise as possible when I was drawing. However, I’ve noticed that it’s not a good thing to do. I find that I enjoy doing the drawing more when I’m relaxed.

I’ll see if I can pluck up the courage to upload some of my pictures. :)

Oh definitely! I can actually imagine what would happen if I did choose on complex image.

I think chapels and crypts are great subjects. I’ve seen many pieces, mainly paintings that look really good. I don’t know if it’s because I like the subject, but you made that picture sound really good.

I will consider trying it. As the majority of my work involves ordinary pencil drawings, the amount of experimenting I can do is fairly limited. I think that’s why I started using charcoal occasionally - it adds another dimension to drawing. I’ve also found your recommendation of white spirit useful as well. I’ve started to experiment with it more.

That sounds really good! I could imagine the surface finish being really nice. You know what, I might actually try that out just to see how it turns out. I actually quite like pieces of art that involve blending combinations of strong colours.

Hon, what about your painting exhibit? What happened?

Thank you for replying anyway. I know a little bit about programming but not that much. Thank you for asking how I am. I’m fine. I hope you’re ok too.

I’ve never actually had to worry about framing and being concerned about the final product (except for a few times) as most of my drawings end up in a folder or somewhere else.

A friend of one of my grandparents gave us a painting - oil or acrylic, I can’t remember - many years ago and he didn’t bother to use glass because of the texture that was created. I think that’s why if I was going to take up painting, I wouldn’t choose watercolours - you lose that special texture you get with other materials.

I remember in my art lessons in school when my teacher used to explain the effects the choice of frame/board can have. I didn’t really take him seriously at the time, however, I’ve realised that it does make a big difference. There’s a restaurant near to where I live who have several pieces of artwork displayed for decoration. I spoke to a member of staff there about it and I was astonished at the amount of thought that is put into the choice of art and framing.

It sounds interesting what you’re doing, though. I hope it turns out like you hope for.

Nice to hear that you’ve done a study that you’re pleased with :)

I think the following site can be used to upload images. I’m not sure if it’s what you’re looking for, though.

http://photobucket.com/

Unfortunately, I didn’t get chance to visit the Bath House - I only found out about the place on the last day I was there and I didn’t get chance. I’m really gutted because based on what I’ve been told and what I’ve read about it, it sounds really good. My friend and I have planned to visit the place the next time I’m in the city.

I’ve been to York several times and I never get bored of visiting the place. I’ve to the Jorvik Viking Museum numerous times and I think it’s brilliant! York Castle Museum is also really good.

Please just make sure you take care of yourself. I don’t really know of any advice that I can offer, but I can always offer an opinion if you need/want it. And you know I’ll listen to you if you wish to vent. But you probably know that already :)

Bath is a lovely city - I spent some time studying there a number of years ago and have visited several times since. Glad you really enjoyed your trip. The Roman Bath house is a good place to visit - did you go?

York is nice too, went many times as a child when we lived in North Yorkshire for a number of years. Remember a particularly noisy school trip running amok in the Viking Museum!

Hope uni gets off to a good start, will be good to see your friend again after a year I imagine, you must have missed him.

I’ll be ok I’m sure, just a bit low at the mo - maybe I’m having a mid life crisis S! At what age can that start?! Just trying to figure out what I need to do to be where I want to be I think and trying to muster up the motivation and confidence to get on with it. If that makes sense…

Hi,

We went to the city of Bath to vist a friend who is studying at the university there. It was a first time for me and I really enjoyed it - a nice city to visit. That was our biggest trip. We also visited a few friends who are studying in Reading and York. Tbh, I think it would have probably been easier if they just visited us. Mind you, it was really good to get out and visit new places.

No need to be sorry. I’m sorry you’re having a bit of a low patch. Do you have any idea why you’re feeling this way?

We go back to university in two weeks’ time. Tbh, I had no idea it was that far away. I really am looking forward to getting back. One of my best friends from uni, I haven’t seen since we left for our placement year, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again. Everything is prepared; I just need to order the necessary literature.

Hi there,

Glad to hear all is well with you and that you had a good time away with friends. Go anywhere nice?

Sorry for not speaking much lately, had a few busy days after getting back from hols and have hit a bit of a low patch too. Just feel a bit unsettled and tend to go to ground when that happens.

Hope you’re having a good day. Do you go back to Uni soon? Hope you’re preparations for that are going well and that you’re looking forward to getting back into it.

Take care and speak soon :)x

I’m feeling very well, thanks. It was a fairly hectic but enjoyable last week. A few friends and I went away for a few day trips to different places. It was really enjoyable and we had a great time. As for this week, my dad has been off work so had “fun” doing a load of DIY jobs. Mind you, some of them were long overdue.