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Fiveways Play Centre

fiveways play centre

Brighton

We will be celebrating the Queen's jubilee with some 'garden tea parties', with sandwiches and cake, during our last week of term (23rd to 26th of May). We will keep you posted with the days and will make sure every child can a attend a party if they want to. After the half term break, we will be talking about 'Moving on' generally and very subtly! With the Bluebell children, we will focus on the similarities with preschool and school (similar toys and activities, role play areas, outside play areas, carpet time, own peg for bag etc.) The Bluebell children will be practicing some of the skills that will help them in their transition to school. We will be posting some activity ideas you can practice at home too. As well as all this we will be having lots of Summer fun! talking about places we have visited in Brighton, and other places around the UK and around the world!, We will be playing different activities and games on the field, football, tennis, racing, obstacle courses, parachute games and more! Tapestry: This year we started a new system for monitoring each child's development, as some of you may know. We will be reviewing this system and would appreciate your comments and feedback, how is it from a parent's perspective? Don't forget you can access ideas for things to try at home with your child on the Activity Tab on your child's Tapestry account. Lunch time and end of day return: As you may now be aware, we changed our collection routine after lunch and at the end of the day. Tulip children arriving or going home at 12.15 will be collected from the main front door. Bluebell children arriving or going home at 12.15 will be collected from the Bluebell door as before. At 3.30/3.45 all children will be collected from the first door (to Tulip room) past the tall wooden gate. Important dates: Parent's evening: We will be having telephone Parent's 'evenings' appointments for the Tulip parents, during the days of the 16th, 17th and 18th of May. Time slots can be booked from next week. The Bluebell children's parent's evening will be on the 30th of June. This will be 'face to face' as we will be asking parents to read and sign their child school transfer document. The transfer document will give your child's new teacher a brief summary of their strengths and interests in the different areas of learning and will include any information that will help your child settle in school. This is just part of our process for ensuring a smooth transition to the reception school year. Inset day: Preschool will be closed for an inset day on Friday 27th of May Half term: Monday 30th of May to Friday 3rd of June. Summer fayre Saturday 25th of June: We are excited to announce we will be hosting our popular summer fayre again this year! after a 2 year absence. The fayre is a really popular day and we will rely on lots of volunteers to help it run smoothly. Please let us know if you would be able to help in any way. As you know, Fiveways is a charity and we rely on our fundraising activities to provide the equipment and resources we need for our wonderful setting. End of term photographer: Please note the change in date. Our end of year photograph will be on Thursday 7th of July. If you child does not usually attend on Wednesday but you would like them to be in the photograph, please arrive at 9.50am on the day.

Moody Monday

moody monday

It all started with the little sketches and poems on the wall, where my bed was up against in Jakarta, Indonesia, which I regularly visited with a biro. I would draw around the cracks and any peeling paint on that wall, refusing for it to be repainted. It all started with the exciting and inquisitive union of a misplaced pair of scissors and the innocent green t-shirt I was wearing at the time, as a child. Years later, my mum then decided to get me a set of rapidograph pens as my choice of ‘creative weapon’, possibly to keep me away from misplaced scissors. So, I carried on in my teens where I would draw on pretty much anything, even on my friends at school. I would then daydream during geography while I gleefully sketch away on my textbooks, table, and bags, with this wonderful gift. Eliza in studio Photo credit: Cro & Kow, 2021 I’m Eliza, a printed textiles designer and maker, specializing in meticulously crafted hand-printed wallpaper and fabrics and the founder of Moody Monday. I started the design studio and business in early 2011, after receiving my first wallpaper commission from a design-boutique in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Following the widespread acclaim the work garnered through various exhibitions since, I then established Moody Monday in 2014. After graduating with a degree in Design for Textiles from Heriot-Watt University in 2006, I undertook numerous freelance projects and work experience opportunities with notable design companies. I joined a major interiors company, as part of their communication and design team in 2008, and then decided to follow my dream and set-up on my own in 2011. Eliza in studio looking through a wallpaper sample book. Photo credit: Cro & Kow, 2021 I have always seen the things around me from a different lens. Little did I know that I would embark on a career as a printed textiles designer as an adult. To me, a wall is never just ‘a wall’, a piece of fabric, furniture, right to an unassuming piece of trash is never just that, they are a world of visual possibilities, a treasure trove of delights! I love making the connections between objects and subjects that are unconventionally meant for each other and see what new wonders would exist in the world from that exploration, like an alchemist. Challenging what ‘beauty’ really means in relation to the chosen subject matter and how it resonates with the eye of the beholder. Being a visual alchemist through my designs and craft gives me a sense of excitement, fulfillment and connection to the wider world beyond my own imagination. Old habits die hard it seems. Here I am many years later, still drawing with ink, about anything that catches my imagination, thankfully, not on anything anymore. page icon-01 Below is a short film by Cro + Kow that delves into Eliza’s work in the studio. Conversations with Creators: designer Eliza Kesuma from Cro + Kow on Vimeo. page icon-01 Testimonials Keith Wilson – Private Commission “Very skilled and professional work. Eliza was quick to understand my requirements and produced a high quality bespoke product exactly as I had envisioned it. Highly recommended.” Dale Gibson of EDINBURGH PALETTE – Wallpaper Commission “Moody Monday’s originality and attention to detail always ensures an exceptionally high quality product.” Beth L – Textiles Printing Level 1 & 2 (TP1 & TP2) “This course was a real blessing when I was feeling a bit lost in my own practice by giving me the chance to learn a new skill and see the possibilities this opens up. Eliza is a very energetic warm course leader, she encourages everyone to experiment and provides a thorough foundation of the practical skills on which you build throughout the weeks. I’ve left this feeling more confident and keen to pursue screen printing. Definitely recommend!!” Megan L – Textile Printing Level 1 (TP1) “The textile printing course with Eliza at Moody Monday was fantastic. I’ve learnt so much & to end with being able to print our own designs was a real highlight. I’d highly recommend this course for anyone interested in printing. Eliza is knowledgable, fun & a supportive & engaging teacher. She also has a steady supply of tea & biscuits!” Gaya KH – Print Your Own Silk Scarf “I took a one day class with Eliza on silk screen printing, and enjoyed it a lot! It was extremely well organised both ahead of time and at the duration of the course. Eliza is very knowledgeable and provided with plenty of examples of prints supported with reference materials for own research. I was very pleased with the outcome, and it actually exceeded my expectations, and now I am a happy owner of self painted a very unique silk scarf. In addition, it was a relaxed and cozy environment with lots of hot tea and biscuits to keep us warm on a rainy day. I will ideally be looking for a longer course sessions to learn more about the techniques, colour mixing, as there is plenty to learn. Many thanks for a great class, Moody Monday! Highly recommend for anyone interested in silk screen printing.” Charlotte – Textile Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Last year, Eliza’s level 1 textiles printmaking course and thoroughly enjoyed. Beforehand, the idea of screen printing seemed scary and beyond my ability but Eliza made it so much fun and easy to understand by demonstrating and having us follow all the steps to producing prints. It is a brilliant course and I would recommend it to anyone. Recently, I bought 3 of Eliza’s handmade masks – they fit amazingly, are very breathable and MOST IMPORTANTLY have stopped my glasses steaming up when outside!! Thanks so much Eliza!! 🥳” Ally – Customer “I bought designer coasters from Moody Monday. The quality and design were top notch. I visited Moody Monday at Out Of The Blue Abbeymount Studios and she seemed very down to earth but also very professional and I would definitely recommend purchasing from Moody Monday.” Tania – Customer “These are fab quality face masks! I particularly love the overhead loop ones as they are easy to wear with glasses and even a winter hat. I feel they don’t restrain my breathing too. With the special 3FOR2 offer, I got myself enough masks to fit my various outfits, moods and even got one for special occasions! Do get your local and stylish mask from Moody Monday. You won’t regret it.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Great course, I’ve been looking for one for so long and I’m so glad I found Moody Monday and Eliza.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Eliza is a great tutor and I have discovered a love for the medium. Great course!” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Thanks for the experience and I’m considering level 2!” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “I enjoyed the hands-on style of learning and a very in depth explanation of printing processes. I cannot think of anything I would change.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “I enjoy the freedom of the course. The sense that you gain confidence from the equipment and process from an early stage then can adapt it to your own ideas. Eliza is loads of fun and really supportive.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “I really enjoyed discovering painting on the screen and having the chance to experiment with this technique. Also I loved making something completely by hand, right from original drawings to finished printed textile. I found it really rewarding gaining knowledge of the printing process and creating a design I wouldn’t have otherwise thought of if it weren’t for the course.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “Its a practical course so there was a balance between learning through making and listening to Eliza. It was energetic and I didn’t feel like I was being inundated with a ton of information.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “All subjects were explained thoroughly and it was great to get an overview of all aspects of the process from the drawing stages to mixing dyes to finishing the printed fabrics. ” Anonymous – Print Your Own Silk Scarf “Was a good balance between doing your own design and making something manageable within the time/persons abilities. Could do with being a bit longer (maybe an extra hour).” Anonymous – Print Your Own Silk Scarf “Eliza is very supportive and knowledgeable. Really good at helping to come up with something that is your own and manageable.” It all started with the little sketches and poems on the wall, where my bed was up against in Jakarta, Indonesia, which I regularly visited with a biro. I would draw around the cracks and any peeling paint on that wall, refusing for it to be repainted. It all started with the exciting and inquisitive union of a misplaced pair of scissors and the innocent green t-shirt I was wearing at the time, as a child. Years later, my mum then decided to get me a set of rapidograph pens as my choice of ‘creative weapon’, possibly to keep me away from misplaced scissors. So, I carried on in my teens where I would draw on pretty much anything, even on my friends at school. I would then daydream during geography while I gleefully sketch away on my textbooks, table, and bags, with this wonderful gift. Eliza in studio Photo credit: Cro & Kow, 2021 I’m Eliza, a printed textiles designer and maker, specializing in meticulously crafted hand-printed wallpaper and fabrics and the founder of Moody Monday. I started the design studio and business in early 2011, after receiving my first wallpaper commission from a design-boutique in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Following the widespread acclaim the work garnered through various exhibitions since, I then established Moody Monday in 2014. After graduating with a degree in Design for Textiles from Heriot-Watt University in 2006, I undertook numerous freelance projects and work experience opportunities with notable design companies. I joined a major interiors company, as part of their communication and design team in 2008, and then decided to follow my dream and set-up on my own in 2011. Eliza in studio looking through a wallpaper sample book. Photo credit: Cro & Kow, 2021 I have always seen the things around me from a different lens. Little did I know that I would embark on a career as a printed textiles designer as an adult. To me, a wall is never just ‘a wall’, a piece of fabric, furniture, right to an unassuming piece of trash is never just that, they are a world of visual possibilities, a treasure trove of delights! I love making the connections between objects and subjects that are unconventionally meant for each other and see what new wonders would exist in the world from that exploration, like an alchemist. Challenging what ‘beauty’ really means in relation to the chosen subject matter and how it resonates with the eye of the beholder. Being a visual alchemist through my designs and craft gives me a sense of excitement, fulfillment and connection to the wider world beyond my own imagination. Old habits die hard it seems. Here I am many years later, still drawing with ink, about anything that catches my imagination, thankfully, not on anything anymore. page icon-01 Below is a short film by Cro + Kow that delves into Eliza’s work in the studio. Conversations with Creators: designer Eliza Kesuma from Cro + Kow on Vimeo. page icon-01 Testimonials Keith Wilson – Private Commission “Very skilled and professional work. Eliza was quick to understand my requirements and produced a high quality bespoke product exactly as I had envisioned it. Highly recommended.” Dale Gibson of EDINBURGH PALETTE – Wallpaper Commission “Moody Monday’s originality and attention to detail always ensures an exceptionally high quality product.” Beth L – Textiles Printing Level 1 & 2 (TP1 & TP2) “This course was a real blessing when I was feeling a bit lost in my own practice by giving me the chance to learn a new skill and see the possibilities this opens up. Eliza is a very energetic warm course leader, she encourages everyone to experiment and provides a thorough foundation of the practical skills on which you build throughout the weeks. I’ve left this feeling more confident and keen to pursue screen printing. Definitely recommend!!” Megan L – Textile Printing Level 1 (TP1) “The textile printing course with Eliza at Moody Monday was fantastic. I’ve learnt so much & to end with being able to print our own designs was a real highlight. I’d highly recommend this course for anyone interested in printing. Eliza is knowledgable, fun & a supportive & engaging teacher. She also has a steady supply of tea & biscuits!” Gaya KH – Print Your Own Silk Scarf “I took a one day class with Eliza on silk screen printing, and enjoyed it a lot! It was extremely well organised both ahead of time and at the duration of the course. Eliza is very knowledgeable and provided with plenty of examples of prints supported with reference materials for own research. I was very pleased with the outcome, and it actually exceeded my expectations, and now I am a happy owner of self painted a very unique silk scarf. In addition, it was a relaxed and cozy environment with lots of hot tea and biscuits to keep us warm on a rainy day. I will ideally be looking for a longer course sessions to learn more about the techniques, colour mixing, as there is plenty to learn. Many thanks for a great class, Moody Monday! Highly recommend for anyone interested in silk screen printing.” Charlotte – Textile Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Last year, Eliza’s level 1 textiles printmaking course and thoroughly enjoyed. Beforehand, the idea of screen printing seemed scary and beyond my ability but Eliza made it so much fun and easy to understand by demonstrating and having us follow all the steps to producing prints. It is a brilliant course and I would recommend it to anyone. Recently, I bought 3 of Eliza’s handmade masks – they fit amazingly, are very breathable and MOST IMPORTANTLY have stopped my glasses steaming up when outside!! Thanks so much Eliza!! 🥳” Ally – Customer “I bought designer coasters from Moody Monday. The quality and design were top notch. I visited Moody Monday at Out Of The Blue Abbeymount Studios and she seemed very down to earth but also very professional and I would definitely recommend purchasing from Moody Monday.” Tania – Customer “These are fab quality face masks! I particularly love the overhead loop ones as they are easy to wear with glasses and even a winter hat. I feel they don’t restrain my breathing too. With the special 3FOR2 offer, I got myself enough masks to fit my various outfits, moods and even got one for special occasions! Do get your local and stylish mask from Moody Monday. You won’t regret it.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Great course, I’ve been looking for one for so long and I’m so glad I found Moody Monday and Eliza.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Eliza is a great tutor and I have discovered a love for the medium. Great course!” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “Thanks for the experience and I’m considering level 2!” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 1 (TP1) “I enjoyed the hands-on style of learning and a very in depth explanation of printing processes. I cannot think of anything I would change.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “I enjoy the freedom of the course. The sense that you gain confidence from the equipment and process from an early stage then can adapt it to your own ideas. Eliza is loads of fun and really supportive.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “I really enjoyed discovering painting on the screen and having the chance to experiment with this technique. Also I loved making something completely by hand, right from original drawings to finished printed textile. I found it really rewarding gaining knowledge of the printing process and creating a design I wouldn’t have otherwise thought of if it weren’t for the course.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “Its a practical course so there was a balance between learning through making and listening to Eliza. It was energetic and I didn’t feel like I was being inundated with a ton of information.” Anonymous – Textiles Printing Level 2 (TP2) “All subjects were explained thoroughly and it was great to get an overview of all aspects of the process from the drawing stages to mixing dyes to finishing the printed fabrics. ” Anonymous – Print Your Own Silk Scarf “Was a good balance between doing your own design and making something manageable within the time/persons abilities. Could do with being a bit longer (maybe an extra hour).” Anonymous – Print Your Own Silk Scarf “Eliza is very supportive and knowledgeable. Really good at helping to come up with something that is your own and manageable.”

Technical Gas Training

technical gas training

Hinckley

We, the directors of Technical Gas Training and GATC Ltd, John & Phil, have over 80 years of combined experience within the gas industry, not just as Managers, Supervisors and the like, but also hands on experience. We both of us began our careers as apprentices back in the 1970's with British Gas. Both of us have experienced the significant changes in the gas industry over the last 35 years and have broad knowledge of the requirements this places upon modern gas operatives. Technical Gas Training Ltd only utilises highly experienced instructors and assessors, all of whom also have significant experience of the gas industry in their own right. In addition to our expert trainers we work closely with our consultant Deric Whitney who is the founder of Technical Gas Training Ltd and still retains an active role in the running of the company. In recent years we have operated abroad and around the UK delivering training and consultancy in a broad rage of area of the gas industry. When you visit Technical Gas Training Ltd, either for the first time or to renew qualifications with us; you can rest assured that you'll receive instruction from the most experienced team available in a centre which boasts a pass rate well into the high 90's percentile. Make Technical Gas Training Ltd your number one choice for all your gas related training needs. We have 4 training centres available based not only at Ferndowne but also in South Wales that will provide you not only gas but solar thermal, oil, solar PV, Ground source heatpumps, air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, legionella, Biomass, solid fuel and many more certificates. We are located on the Ferndown Industrial Estate in Dorset address; 31 Telford Road. BH21 &RX. We also provide for a number of other businesses spread a little wider across the UK. Technical Gas Training is already a well established training provider to the gas industry. Our vision is to build upon that success and become the foremost provider of training, not only in Southern England and the South West, but also across Wales and across the UK.We have an objective to deliver quality training and assessmsent for not only gas, but oil, solid fuel, solar thermal, solar PV, Bio mass rainwater harvesting and many many more. A one-stop shop for quality training provision. Our vision is to become - 'your number one training provider' Customers come to Technical Gas Training because they trust us to deliver what they need. We help you to understand exactly what training and qualifications you’ll need to carry out the gas related work you deliver to your customers. We make sure you receive exactly what you need, without any expensive add-ons. Quality training provided as a reasonable cost to you. Having established what training you need, we scope out a training program that achieves the training objectives and also fits in with your other commitments. We are here for you. When you contact Technical Gas Training or visit our training centre, you can be sure of a warm welcome, helpful advice and expert training. Our facility contains classrooms, training workshops and separate assessment areas. We also have a comfortable break out area, where the kettle is always on with tea, coffee and biscuits are always available. You can bring your own lunch with you, or have our light lunch provided for you. When you’ve finished you training with Technical Gas Training, the support doesn’t end there; we are always available to you, either on the phone or by email. We support our candidates long after they’ve completed their initial training. Your training records will be held at the centre but available to you 100% of the time, either on-line or from the office. We will assist to remind you when your qualifications need renewing and advise you any changes or new requirements that come into force. You can rely upon our post training support and in helping keep you up to date.

Warrington Russian Language School Solnyshko

warrington russian language school solnyshko

Warrington

It all began in June 2012, when a team of parents-enthusiasts set up a Russian speaking parent and toddler group, called “Solnyshko" (loosely translated as “Sunshine”). The aim of this group was to create a Russian speaking environment for their young children and help them in learning the Russian language. The parent and toddler group is aimed at children from 1 to 3 years and operates all year around, excluding school holidays. The sessions include the staples of singing, dancing, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, crafts and sensory activities for the younger ones, as well as themed sessions aimed at expanding vocabulary of a particular topic of the week, basic numeracy and knowledge of the alphabet. Following growing demand and in response to a number of requests, the Committee decided to open a Saturday school for teaching Russian language to older children in more depth. Thus, in September 2013 Warrington Russian Language School “Solnyshko” opened its doors to older children. The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Warrington and accompanying dignitaries. "Solnyshko" has been expanding ever since and currently offers classes to children aged from 3 and 16 years. Classes are organised according to age and knowledge of the Russian language. The curriculum includes lessons of Russian language and literature, expanding vocabulary and music, preparing for Russian language GCSE exam. Our goal - creation of friendly Russian-speaking environment for children, helping them to learn the language, make friends and have fun. We are truly an international school, we unite people from different backgrounds and ethnic groups. The school holds regular “open lessons” and special children performances involving the school’s pupils, where parents have the opportunity to observe the development and success of their children. The Committee and school staff are tirelessly working on creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere in the school, which is important not only for children, but also helps adults to develop and maintain social ties and support each other. The school has a system of seeking parents feedback - in addition to regular parent surveys through written questionnaires, parents are invited to write their comments and suggestions and drop them in the “suggestion box”, located next to the entrance. They are also encouraged to ask questions or make suggestions at any time. The Committee is always glad to welcome new volunteers, who wish to join the management of the school. All school staff are DBS is checked. School teachers have appropriate pedagogical education and experience of working with children. Classes are held each Saturday from 9.30 to 11:50. From 12:00 a selection of clubs start. "Solnyshko" is a not-for-profit organisation, registered with Warrington Borough Council. Families, who have two or more children attending "Solnyshko" are eligible to discounts. Anyone, who is struggling to pay school fees, is encouraged to talk to the school’s Committee, where arrangements could be considered. *** Given the momentum and public support Warrington Russian Language School has received during its temporary closure on 12th of March 2022, we work closely with Warrington Borough Council on two matters: 1. On preventing bullying of kids with links to Russia or Russian language at this difficult time. 2. Working together helping Ukrainian refugees to quickly and successfully integrate into the community by providing translation/interpreting, advice and free lessons in our language school (English, Russian and Ukrainian), as well as access to art/painting, craft, music band, football and other activities in Russian language (as you know, most people in Ukraine can speak Russian language). We have a small database of local people (as well as our own teachers) willing to give their free time to teach various subjects and translate as necessary for the Ukrainian refugees. We also work closely with the community and can propose and host "tea and advice" meet up events in various locations. The temporary closure of our classes on 12th of March was very tough for everyone at Russian Language School "Solnyshko" (parents, pupils, teachers). We were so glad, however, to receive such overwhelming support from local community and happy it's behind us now. We look forward to even closer links to the wider community, St Wilfrids Primary School and Warrington Borough Council.

Her Next Chapter

her next chapter

Leamington Spa

Tenacious. Terrific. Trustworthy. Truthful. And sometimes Trouble. When you ask my family, friends and coworkers about me, they will probably list these attributes. Or qualities. For good and for bad. I am the only child to my mother Grace and my father Ken who met in Blackpool, England during the Second World War, which means much of my family resides in England. Including my daughter who met my son-in-law during her junior year abroad at Oxford University. I grew up not knowing that my mother had an accent, never understanding the difference between English and American terminology so that even today I will say a word and people will look perplexed, and I realize I am using the English word and not the American one. I’m an only child because my parents decided traveling back to England would be very difficult with more children. My father made a point to keep me from being spoiled which was a double-edged sword because his lack of praise left me with a feeling that I had to try twice as hard as anyone else just to keep up. The end result is one very motivated woman, and I constantly seek continued learning and new challenges. My first words were undoubtedly “When are you going to give me a horse?” and thus Patience Prize and I became a team when I was 14. My father once again made sure I knew the horse was not to be taken for granted when he said, “Now you’ve got a horse, you’d better get a job. And you won’t be paid for mowing the lawn anymore.” My love of animals produced my first job at the local veterinarians cleaning up cages and feeding animals. One small dog had broken her two front legs, was terribly vicious, and no one could touch her. After her surgery she was crammed up in a corner while still asleep, and I moved her into a more comfortable position and, of course, petted her and spoke to her. After that I was the only one who could open her cage and touch her without getting bitten. She must have known my smell. Years passed and I became both a photojournalist and regular journalist with local Berkshire County Massachusetts newspapers. When I returned to college to complete my bachelor’s degree, my journalism provided me with life experience credits and thus I completed my BA in English. What to do next? I had student loans, so I needed either grad school or a second job. My daughter waitressed at a local restaurant open only on weekends and they said they needed a dishwasher, so she said, “My brother needs a job.” Then they asked, “So who else do you have at home?” and she said, “My mom.” Thus, I tried the second job routine as a waitress. We served wine in long-stemmed glasses and carried them on a tray. During one shift I was at a table of two women and the tray started to tilt, and I couldn’t stop it! So, I stood there and watched the wine glasses crash down on the table and splash everywhere. It was not a happy time for all involved. So, I said, “That’s it, I’m going to grad school.” I took my daughter and son to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, we ate at the Russian Tea Room, and I told them they couldn’t bug me for two years. The non-traditional program at Vermont College of Norwich University was a full-time program so I had a full-time job, a full-time grad school program, a son in high school and a daughter in college. During my internship I worked 7:00 a.m. to noon, drove to Albany, New York (a one-hour drive one way), worked at a public relations firm from 1:00 to 6:00 and stopped at the restaurant where my two offspring worked about 7:00 for a glass of wine and a light dinner. Then I realized I didn’t have time to clean the bathroom, so I hired a cleaning lady (very inexpensive in a small town back then) and decided that was an expense associated with grad school. That was a valuable decision. The downside of a small town is that a master’s degree doesn’t allow for many jobs at a living wage. I decided I would move. After networking for several years and finding a church in Washington, DC I moved to northern Virginia on October 2, 1999, never having lived more than 6 miles from where I was born. I got a job the second day. I bought a house that January and a horse, Sonny Madison, in January 2001 and have never regretted my choice or looked back. At some point in 2018 I found Her Nexx Chapter and started writing for them. It provides me with a chance to get in touch with my creative style since my most prevalent job has been a technical writer. Now I’m also the Editorial Project Director and a member of the Advisory Board. It’s a tremendous value to women everywhere, and I always enjoying learning something new and sharing my blogs with the community. So here I am. I’m still horseback riding and trying to keep fit. I try to look for the positive side of life even in times of turmoil – notice I said “try” because sometimes life gets to be a tad difficult. But that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!