Scout and Proud

I'm not dead...

2006-10-20T11:22:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in such a long time. I've been so busy.

We're totally settled in the house now - it's such a tip though. Next week I am planning on sorting it out - honestly!! :S

I've been to Egypt for a fortnight too. It was amazing. I travelled round with a tour group and had so many amazing experiences. I will update on Egypt when I get a minute! Aside from having my luggage thrown in the Nile, smoking lots of shisha pipes, scuba diving in Red Sea and making some brilliant friends, there's so much more to tell! It was fantastic!!

Upon my return, I'm no longer single. I've got a boyfriend!!! Mark (not the Mark I went to Egypt with) is 25 and gorgeous. His only fault is he doesn't drive! He has a 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, who I've also fallen in love with, so all is good. I'm so happy. He used to be in Ventures too, so he doesn't mind my Scouting obsession!

Work is great. I love my work place, and the people. The job itself isn't very challenging, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless.

Scouts is still going strong. Going camping with Leaders and parents tonight to Gearstones. Should be a laugh. I can't wait.

Everything is good at the mo, I'm extremely happy!! Life couldn't get much better...

3 DAYS!!!

2006-08-09T08:54:00.000+01:00

Just three days until we move house and neither of us are completely packed. Guess it's alright for Chris, who's not at work, but I've got a full time job! How can I fit it in?

Admittedly, last night, I got a lot packed, but not enough!

Tonight is Scout programme planning. Any ideas, throw them my way! Thanks in advance!!

5 days to go...

2006-08-07T13:12:00.000+01:00

til we move out! I'm so excited!

I know where I'm having my bed, and furniture, what we'll be doing, and so on. I'm just so excited.

I have had such a busy weekend though, I've not packed yet :S

Friday me, Chris, Warwick and Vicky went to Oceana, a new-ish club in Leeds and stayed at theirs. Had a right laugh, was really good fun.

Saturday, me and my cousin went over to Manchester to see Mott (his mate who had the motorbike accident). He's out of hospital now and doing really well. He is a bit of a mess, but he's alive, so we're all grateful for that.

Pat and David brought us the microwave round yesterday. It's stainless steel and just really nice. Well chuffed! All we need now is a freezer... any offers??? Just kidding!!

Not a lot else to tell really. Programme planning meeting on Wednesday (we've shut Scouts for two weeks) so we can sort stuff out.

We move in on Saturday!! WOO HOO!! I'M SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!

Gifts

2006-07-24T21:48:00.000+01:00

Not only are Pat and David donating their old 3 piece suite to the "Katie and Chris fund", but they are also buying us a microwave! I was saying in general that we need a freezer and a microwave and David offered to buy us one! How crazy!! I'm never telling them what we need again... I feel so cheeky, but absolutely thrilled at the same time.

The pub was great fun yesterday. Mick brought Liam and Reece down. Liam thinks I'm "sexy and sweet" and have "big boobs". He's only 10, and joining Scouts soon, so everyone was telling me that I have to watch out for him... lol! Had loads of fun with all the kids, even Josh came out of his shell (think because Bethany, his sister wasn't there).

David and I sang "you're the one that I want"; Chris, Jo, me and David sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" and then I sang "My Guy". Had so much fun!!

Missed 2007 meeting tonight because I was sorting stuff out and really wanted an evening to myself. I'm just knackered!! Mum was going out too so had to babysit.

Still so excited about the house! Can't wait!!

Non-scout post!

2006-07-23T12:59:00.000+01:00

Well, other than Wednesday, I've done nothing Scout related this week!! I'm having withdrawal symptoms!

So anyways, went out with a couple of mates from uni on Friday night. We went for a meal, then drinks in Halifax. Had a right laugh actually, despite me leaving early (well about 1) it was ace fun.

Last night Mum hosted a bbq party. I made cocktails for everyone, so by the time I went to bed (about 12), everyone was suitably pissed. Danni, my sort of cousin came, and I've not seen her in ages, so that was nice to catch up.

Today I'm going to the pub, as usual for a Sunday, but we can tell them all how we're moving in on 12th August. I'm so excited!!!!

Great News!!

2006-07-20T19:47:00.000+01:00

We have a house!!! I've paid the bond, and first month's rent and we move in on 12th August! I'm so excited!!! It's on Union Road, Liversedge (for those of you in the know!) and it's ace.

It's only a small house, but it's fine for me and Chris, and it's dead cheap, so we're suited. The lease is in my name, but that's better for both of us. I'm just so happy!

BTW - Cub camp was amazing - we landed on Planet Leptune (!) and had a brilliant Space camp, the kids and adults all really enjoyed it, especially the decontamination unit (made by Andrew).

I can't really be bothered writing about it actually now, I want to pack!!!

The Scout Section

2006-07-13T13:55:00.000+01:00

Well last night’s Scout meeting went great.

I’d given them a quiz that included making a stretcher to carry a patrol leader, the name of the DC, making an arm sling, and many others. The kids had great fun doing this, and actually started working together as a team. Followed by a game of football, run by Warwick and Vicky, I got chance to sort stuff out with CRB forms, and with Pecker, who didn’t seem to want to be involved.

Pecker said he would be joining the Cub section. Was I ok with that? This is obviously not a problem for me, as Warwick and Vicky make great assistants. Vicky is even getting a warrant! J But still, this leaves us a leader down in the Scouts, so we’ve stolen Chris!!! We have to discuss it properly on Friday night, with everyone there, but I can’t see it being a problem, neither can David (GSL), so it’s all getting sorted. How ace is Scout section going to be!? I’m well chuffed!!

Just keeping you all updated J

Got a little bit drunk last night at the pub though - sorry to Richard, who I think I probably scared off!! Far too giddy, but had lots of laughs and lots of fun. I think the rest of the pub is jealous that we have so much fun!

Still no update on Mott, who’s still in hospital.

Sailing tonight with Explorers (minus my brother, who’s on crutches from an infection in his leg). John’s funeral tomorrow. Then Space camp!!

WWW3

2006-07-10T21:15:00.000+01:00

Sorry I didn't blog the full thing yesterday. I was pretty upset. Given the situation, I guess that's not so unusual. John's funeral is on Friday. Granma's gonna call me if anything changes with Mott.

So Woolley Wacky Weekend III... It went really well, despite only 4 groups being represented out of a District of 14. Arrived on Friday night to set up camp - well I was staying indoors but that didn't matter!

Friday night, everyone got pretty drunk. Ron got wasted but was hilarious, despite spilling whiskey over my book and then licking it off, and then shoving my head in his crotch! Yeah, it was a little mental. Most people went to bed around 3am. I think the last of us stayed up til about 4!

Saturday morning, we were rudely awoken by Ron and Steve banging chairs about in the main room. But then it was time for the activities - a waterslide, assault course, volley ball, football, rounders, crafts and face painting. It was really good. There were loads of kids there, which was great, despite the lack of support.

However, at around 12, Bas (my brother) came walking up to us, asking for Ron (camp leader). I told him to look for a guy with an England flag face paint. A few minutes later, Dave came by saying Bas had split his knee open and needed stiches. I told him he'd be OK and a plaster would do. Then a bit later, someone else said Bas would be going to hospital... At this point I ran inside to find Bas, his jeans covered in blood and a wound about 2 inches wide, and fairly deep on his knee. Paul drove me and Bas to Pinderfields.

Upon arrival, I gave the receptionist all our details... V.A.N. D.E.R. H.O.E.V.E.N. Is it so hard to understand??? We sat and waited and were seen imediately by the triage nurse, who asked Bas if he wanted painkillers "Do I?" was his response. I asked if it hurt, which it did so he was given a couple of paracetamol. Sat back in the waiting room and a minute later seen by the doctor, who gave him four stiches. We were out in 15 minutes. It was amazing! I couldn't believe the speed of Pinderfields A&E. I will never go back to Dewsbury!

We went back to the campsite and Bas went to bed, as he was pretty tired, and I think in a bit of shock. Later on, we played games such as egg and spoon races, catching and throwing eggs, the Death/Earth ball and getting sweets from trays which had custard, gravy, rice pudding and flour. I said I would only join in with the last game if it had crisps (I don't like sweets). So someone ran in for a pack of hula hoops and I was forced to play... Don't think our team won though, although we should have!!

After that, Ron stood me and two of the older scouts in a line and said we were playing cat and mouse. We were the mice. The Cubs and Scouts were the cats, but could only catch us if they were carrying one of the trays... I ran down the field, chased by every single Cub and Scout but got a metal tray thrown at my elbow which soon stopped me in my tracks. Then they proceeded to cover me in custard, gravy, rice pudding and flour. It was gross. I even had custard in my ear!!

A nice warm shower later (I know I was on camp, but I couldn't have gone without that!) and we sat and played a game of Master, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, 123, etc. Except if you landed on 31 (the last chair) and got it wrong, you got a forfeit, which included eating a potato, a teabag, Bas having to kiss me, one Scout kissing a girl Explorer, standing on a chair and singing the National Anthem, or humming Happy Birthday. It was pretty mental!

Another late night, and lots of girly Explorer gossip meant that everyone was shattered on Sunday, which was spent lighting fires and cooking dampers on them. I have no idea what they are - some dough-y flour concoction! I know I'm a Scout Leader, but I still have no clue!!

We packed away and were done by 2:40, which is pretty good for camp. The kids had a great time, and I had loads of fun too. It was a really successful weekend. I love staying at Woolley.

It's Cub Space camp this weekend, so more fun and games there!!

WWW3

2006-07-09T22:02:00.000+01:00

Woolley Wacky Weekend 3 was this weekend. I will write more later. It was a great weekend though.

John Toole, our group chairman, former Scout Leader and member of our campsite committee passed away on Friday. He had been in hospital for some time, but news of his death has come as a great shock.

On top of being upset about John, my Granma rang this evening to say my eldest cousin, Richard's best friend, Mott, was in a motorbike accident last week. His brain is not damaged, he is unconscious at the moment, has damaged almost every bone in his body, except his arms. Damaged his liver and kidneys too. He's only 32. We all went out together a lot in a big group. And he used to babysit me when I was little, with my cousins. I've known him pretty much since I was born. It's really upset me. I hope he's ok.

I will write more when I've calmed down a bit.

Three Peaks

2006-07-04T11:38:00.000+01:00

This weekend was the Three Yorkshire Peaks with Explorers.

Had a right laugh actually. On Friday night, we went to Horton, got all set up and went to the pub.

Everyone thought I was drunk (from 3 pints). However, I was just really giddy. I’d been to see a house I really liked and was just really excited about everything.

Saturday meant an early start to do the walk. Only me, Alison and Charli actually signed in. (13 hours to do the walk) I managed Pen-Y-Ghent dead easily. Uphill was a struggle with my knees, but coming down and onto Whernside, I could have ran the distance. I was suited. Had a bit of lunch at the Fourth Peak (sarnie van) and then onto Whernside. Charli dropped out after Pen-Y-Ghent as she felt sick. Just as we got to the viaduct, my hip clicked. I was gutted (and in a lot of pain). I struggled to get up Whernside, but enjoyed the walk along the top. Coming down was even worse. With a dodgy hip, my knees did not want to go down all those steps. I was in agony. And it was already 4pm. So I quit when we reached the bottom. I was gutted I didn’t complete it, but I wanted to be able to walk!

Chris also dropped out so Dave took us back to the site, where Charli and I had an outdoor shower J and onto the pub!

We watched the football. A bitter disappointment but a good match to watch nonetheless. Wouldn’t want to be Ronaldo when he returns to Man U!

Charli and I went on to sign out (and cheat a little for Alison, who wouldn’t finish in the 12 hours). I made a right mess of it all, signing the wrong names everywhere… what an idiot!!
When the “fast” group returned, we went for fish and chips in Settle - gorgeous fish!!

Back to the site, we sat singing Disney songs at full volume, then on to the pub. Most of us were either knackered, or ill, which is never good, so it was a fairly early night. (for those of us who didn’t sit up talking rubbish and feeding Explorers with beer!!!)

Sunday was caving for most people, but me and Chris took Alison and Aidan home early, instead as we were aching and had a house to view. Unfortunately the house was too small, which is rubbish as it was gorgeous, but we’re still looking. Or at least I am. Not sure if Chris really wants to move…

AGM last night, pretty unproductive. Not a lot was said, bar me being Scout Leader now. Brian resigning. That’s about it.

No other news. WWWIII (Woolley Wacky Weekend 3) this weekend, so more as it comes in...

Lots to say

2006-06-22T21:54:00.000+01:00

I'm not dead - honestly - I've just been so busy with my new job and Scouts, I've found it difficult to blog. I've been doing something every night during the week, and every weekend, which means I get to spend about 30 minutes a day with my parents, who are not happy, as they would like me to do more in the house. I have upped my board to £30 a week to cover the cost of not doing anything, but I guess it's not a substitute for a full-time slave! :)

Right back to 13th June.... luckily everything I do is saved in my phone or I couldn't update.

So we had the District AGM - my biggest congratulations has to go to Ron! (Who I love to bits anyway) for his work with the campsite... more on that later though...

Wednesday 14th, me, Pecker and David F had our "meeting". I've been appointed as Scout Leader, whilst Pecker was given the option of ASL or another section. Still don't know that outcome, but hope it's the latter.

On the Saturday, I went up to Woolley to help tile the new shower block. I did loads, and I'm well impressed as I'd never tiled before. Even grouted some other bits. Had a right laugh all day. 9th Mirfield were camping there that weekend, and totally ambushed me with a couple of buckets of water (revenge from the County camp). It was a really productive day.

That night our Cubs and a few Scouts had a sleepover at Church. We had a massive game of rounders on the field, then went for a lovely walk down the canal and ended up getting the kids a drink in the Wharf. The only problem here was my hayfever - it hit really bad. I couldn't see, kept sneezing and could hardly breathe. It was horrible. Mum hypnotised me on Sunday though, and I feel tons better after that. It's really improved my overall health (including hayfever and arthritis!!) I'm well chuffed!

On Tuesday I went round Ryan's house to watch the football with him and his mates. Was supposed to be a bbq, but due to the rain, Kirsty (his house mate's girlfriend) cooked loads of nibbles for us. It was lovely.

Wednesday was the set-up for It's a Knockout. I had to take our Scouts up to Woolley (so I could help the Explorers) and they played with the Earth ball (insane!!) and tried out the "Russian Twig Race" and loved it. Pecker had another meeting with David F and DC, but I don't know the outcome of that.

Thursday was the actual It's a Knockout competition for ours, Hanging Heaton and Dewsbury West Cubs. They had to do the twig race, Earth ball, tug-of-war, water races and the clothes race. They had a "joker" for each team - supposedly the Cub Leader, but as ours wasn't there, I was the joker for team two. Basically, if the team lost a game, the joker got a bucket of water over their head. It ended up a total water fight! But great fun!!

Friday night, I was "babysitting" Bas. Put a couple of movies on, ate pizza and I got very drunk. I passed out just after Bas went to bed (around 9) and woke at midnight to take the dog for a walk in my pyjamas!!

Bas and me went to Woolley to help finish off again today. Did loads of grouting. Bas really enjoyed it and is joining Ron's service team.

Tonight will probably be another drunken movie night. (Mum and Dad have gone to London and left me in charge!)

Tomorrow is the Lord Leiutenant's Garden Party for the Queen's birthday, so more about that after it happens.

Indiana Jones... and the last Scout

2006-06-12T22:22:00.000+01:00

I thought my title was funny- even if you didn't!! :)

Well, after a week at work - yes, work!! I have a job now - we got back from a brilliant County Indiana Jones themed camp yesterday, with a lot of happy Scouts.

It was supposed to be a District-ly catered camp, but as only ours and Tom's group came from the District, because 9th Mirfield technically weren't there (due to their lack of NAN form and Nights Away Permit) we had a great camp. Bernard's training on Wednesday night was fantastic. I learnt so much from him, so I'm well chuffed about that. Plus, he's an amazing chef, so I was quite happy to learn he was joining us on the camp!

As most of you know, Friday night was sweltering. Arriving in uniform, we managed to quickly fling up the tents (the infamous 2-second ones) and rush the kids down to the training ground, where they got into their teams and learnt a bit about camp. I left the rest of the leaders putting up the dining shelter (that we only just used on an evening and some other tents)

I was left to volunteer us for the "Earth" or death-ball event on Saturday morning, whilst 9th Mirfield lot opted for inflateable darts. Had a few drinks, including a taste of red wine, and a mouthful of port, but I like neither. I do love having cheese and biscuits though!

Saturday morning, death-ball was great fun, although I did get flattened by it on the bouncy castle thing!

All day Saturday, the kids had to complete a list of activities to gain jigsaw pieces. Activities included basketball practise, crafts, cave crawling, finding a numbered ball in the pool, climbing, shooting, archery, etc... A lot of stuff!!

The afternoon saw me having a waterfight with some leaders and Explorers from 64th Bradford. Kieran got a bit wet too - don't know how that happened?! I know nothing about a hammock being "lost" either!!

Anyways, after being completely drenched (soaking a fair few Scouts along the way!) and having lots of fun, I got changed and had a wander about the campsite with Chris. Some of the kids came running up to tell us that the pool was only open to leaders and staff, we dived straight in! Only to find my light blue Apex t-shirt goes see-through when wet. Luckily my bestest friend in the whole wide World (!!) lent me his to walk back to the tents.

Saturday evening was the campfire. Although a standard set of songs, it was a great laugh.... especially "a woodpecker..." I shall say no more! Racoons were handed out to the chosen few - including Plug Man Bob!

A relatively early night on Saturday was had by all, largely due to the excess of activities and running around all day.

Sunday was crafts put on by each of the Scout groups... we, well, I did facepainting. I'm quite chuffed with some of them actually. See flickr for more pics (best off looking at Chris' site!)

Despite the total mess-up of County in organising the closing ceremony, we invested Luke, and were able to get most of the kit packed and the kids sent home by 2:30pm, only half an hour later than planned.

The weekend was great. Fantastic weather just completely made the weekend. A big thank you to Tom, Bernard, Bob and Chris for their help this weekend!

And just to show for the weekend, I have a rather fetching triangle white patch at the bottom of my neck... sunburnt back with a necker in white - great!!

999

2006-06-08T22:30:00.000+01:00

Inspired by some of the police, ambulance and fire dispatchers, over at 999, I thought I would discuss my run-ins with 999 calls.

First one - I was about 10. Had rung my Mum first to tell her Granma wasn't well. She rushed over, passed me the phone to call 999. I was used to it by then - I had Brownie Guide training! As it turned out, Granma was fine, and looking back now, I can see it for the pretend illnesses Granma has a tendancy to fake now and again!

Then came the motorbike accident. Anyone on that Gearstones trip will remember that one. Craig Brook was piggybacking me (knee knackered as per) and we saw the motorcyclist fly into the air along with his bike, some 8 meters away. Noone in the Ribblehead area can ever get signal, so despite many attempts, I didn't get through. Someone else did though. Luckily Doc (a paramedic) was with us, so we could sort things out, but it was bloody scary!

After that was the trip home from Ventures with Brian. Turning down Green Lane we spot a guy quite clearly drunk driving, so Brian hands me his mobile to ring 999. It was all easy, until Brian got out of the car and confronted the 6' burly drunk! For those of you who don't know Brian (he's about 5'6" and has a number of back problems just to paint a picture) The police turned up and took our details so we could leave the scene. Brian was lucky the drunk didn't hit him!

I called the ambulance a number of times at university, being a warden in the halls. The worst was a guy putting both his arms through a closed window. You could see the bone - it was horrible. And that was my off-duty night, so I'd had a bit to drink - didn't go down well!

Other times included having a mate climb through my window, as his flatmates had locked him out because he'd poured boiling water over his friend's face. That was really scary.

The fire service regularly visited us for broken toasters, smoking under the fire sensors, etc... all involving me ringing 999 to inform them of the problem.

I rang an ambulance after a fight kicked off in Birstall and we saw a lad have his face "smashed" by a carrier bag full of bottles. He was a right mess. Credit due though - the ambulance arrived in 3 minutes!

My worst problem came when ringing for the police. Living on a dead-end street in Hull meant that me and Mike (my ex) didn't have much problems with neighbours or traffic. However, 3am one morning, we heard banging outside - so being nosey, we sat and watched a guy hammering on the door opposite. The woman was upstairs, and kept poking her head out the nets, but not answering the door. The hammering continued for a good 20 minutes, when he picked up stones and started throwing at the window. It got much worse with the hammering, so I dialled 999 as it was clear this woman did not want this man to be there. I was told by the operator it wasn't an emergency and would have to ring the non-emergency line. By this point the guy had broken down the door and Mike had rushed outside (no fear and all that) to stop him. I was put on hold for another 20 minutes with the non-emergency line and never got through in the end. The police arrived just after Mike had confronted the guy (because the woman across had phoned 999 and it was clearly an emergency). Luckily Mike went away unharmed, with the threat of having our house torched. The policewoman was brilliant though - really apologetic, and offered us the crime number to complain. At the time, I was working two jobs and studying, so I didn't have time, and Mike didn't want to. I was so mad at the response from the dispatch though. I was so worried - what if he'd had a weapon? What if that woman had been hurt? It really chills me to think.

Update

2006-06-04T00:04:00.000+01:00

I have not fallen off the face of the earth... Just so you know.

I've been camping, then theatre and dad's birthday, then caving, then job interview (plus job!!!) then beer festival (cooking burgers)

Scarborough tomorrow.

DOn't worry bout me - I've had a lot to drink, but just letting you all know I'm stiolll alive!! :)

Lake District Camp

2006-06-01T17:08:00.000+01:00

The five days over Springbank, I went camping with Hanging Heaton Scouts and a few of the Explorers, in Ambleside. The weather was mostly brilliant - with the exception of Saturday's storm.

Travelling to Ambleside on the minibus (or should I say luxurious coach) was a little bit hit and miss... but perhaps that was just the gear box! The minibus door regularly falls off so sitting on the left hand side was a little risky - but great air con!

Pitching tents on Friday night was great, as the rain held off and we could get used to the site. As we arrived at 7:30, it was almost bedtime by the time we were all sorted on the site. A few drinks later (tea and coffee obviously!!) and we were all in bed for about 2am.

Saturday was Team 1 (my team)'s turn to cook. A few loaves of eggy bread later and we set for the day. The Scouts' task for the morning was to collect enough wood to light fires and make lunch on them. Pitta breads with a combination of cheese, ham, jam and chocolate spread! Yum! (Except mine was more like charcoal than anything else!!)

Saturday afternoon we set off on a nice long walk, the long way into Ambleside. It started to rain almost immediately, and the group was walking at different paces, so we split up. I was left with Harper and Christine and a couple of Scouts. Spirits were still high though as we were puddle jumping and having lots of laughs. The camp definitely wasn't short of laughs!

Upon return to the camp, the rain held off, so we had a couple of games of Rounders and Softball, which is so much more fun with more people... 16th Dewsbury definitely needs a recruitment drive! Having said this, we're now up to 9!

Sunday was Chris' (one of the Scouts) 13th birthday. He was really paranoid he was going to get "birthday beats" so stayed with me most of the morning, as he thought I'd protect him! (I'm such a nice person!)

We went canoeing on Coniston. Then down a river later on. Despite being absolutely terrible, I really enjoyed it, as I always do.

Sunday night saw me, Ryan and Harper getting really drunk! We sat up most of the night, till Ryan finished a bottle of Archers. The sky on Sunday was amazing. I've never seen such a clear, starry sky, with no light traffic. It was fantastic.

Monday was "Go Ape" www.goape.co.uk It was brilliant! I have obviously been before, so knew what to expect, but wasn't scared at all this time. I had to "supervise" Vicky and Lucy - two explorers who knew what they were doing. I also kept my eye on little Chris, because Christine was too scared herself to supervise him.

Monday night, no-one drank a lot. I had Madeline (2.5 years) asleep on my knee, singing to her and feeding her a "bok bok" (bottle of milk). Such a lovely child, but eats constantly!! Having her on my knee brought talks of me being a Mum, me and Ryan - etc... a constant pisstake over the weekend!

Tuesday was Hellvelyn. I chose to do the walk because my knees weren't so bad. I also chose to go with the faster group because I'm insane. My hip knackered on the way up, so I held everyone back - which I felt awful about, but Ryan loved as he was knackered. I did manage to complete it though, and had the experience of the fantastic views at the top. Amazing.

That night was the waterbomb fight which got totally out of hand. It included Miggy grabbing my boob, twice, another Chris headbutting Harper, lots of punching, and most of the lads getting wound up enough, to threaten Chris - and ended up in a ripped tent and some rather unhappy Scout leaders!

Coming back, rather pissed off from the game, I had a phone call from Pecker. Those of you "in the know" will have to remain that way because I don't want to publicise that.

Calming down, I sat in the tent with the Scouts with their pretend "ougii board". (a magnet under a table, with a bottle top).... Yes, No, Maybe and Hell Yeah! I asked the "ougii board" a number of questions (the Scouts were clearly running it), one included "Do HH Scouts like me?" - the bottle top was thrown off the table in the direction of Hell Yeah. I was well suited - I almost cried!! Then they were begging me to join their troop. :)

Wednesday was packing up time. All went pretty smoothly and most people slept the way home. Harper and Ryan did enjoy a good shout out of the minibus window though!!

All in all - an absolutely fantastic camp!!

Back 2 basix camp

2006-05-22T15:05:00.000+01:00

Got back from camp yesterday and was suitably drenched! A great weekend was had by everyone, but the rain did spoil it a little.

On Friday night, set up took longer than planned (as it always does) but the Scouts seemed pretty sorted, and excited about making their bivvys to sleep in for the weekend. So off they went building their shelters, whilst the leaders set up the rest of the camp and cooked supper. About a thousand hot dogs later (or so it seemed) the Scouts collected wood for fires and went to bed fairly early for Scouts!

The leaders sat up til around 2:00 drinking and eating cheese and biscuits. Having quite some deep conversations actually. As usually happens when Bernard is on camp with us! Bas (my brother) couldn't have a drink because of the "advice" from HQ about Explorers drinking. I don't think he was that bothered though.

During Friday night, it absolutely siled it down. My tent leaked, really badly, there was about an inch of water in it, and a lot of my stuff got soaked. As for the kids, who had slept in bivvys, they were almost drowned! Some of them, (idiots) had even taken all their kit into the bivvys so didn't have any dry clothes. It did spoil it a bit, getting so wet.

Saturday was the Open Day for the campsite. I was face painting (all of 6 faces) but I think the other stalls didn't do too bad for fundraising. It was good fun, but not as many people turned up as were expected, probably due to the rain!

The rest of the Scouts were doing bases, but I don't know a great deal about that. However, the Woolley Fried Chicken and chips Chris, Lee and Warwick made was lovely!!

Saturday night we played a wide game with the kids "Giants, wizards, dwarves" - which is a little bit mental, but lots of fun!

The kids were all in bed by about 10pm, which I think there is something wrong with these Scouts(!!) A few dry sleeping bags later, Steve donated, the leaders could go inside for a drink, with some of Hanging Heaton leaders and Scouts. I'm going camping with them next week so it was nice to have a few drinks with them.

I got far too drunk for my own good and got a bit nasty, and mouthy. I hate it when I get like that, but think it's just a build up of all the crap I've got with not having a job. I have apologised to everyone I wasn't nice to, and certainly suffered for it on Sunday morning.... ergh! I hate being sick!

Sunday packing up was quite difficult in the rain. The tents were soaked, kit was soaked, kids were soaked, leaders were soaked, it was very wet!! However, after quite a bit of shouting from some of the leaders to get the kids to get on with things, we were just about ready to leave. Certain children (namely our Scouts) needed more "encouragement" to do things than others!

Pecker arrived around 2:45 and we got the gear packed in my car and his trailer, and then he told the kids to get in the car... I went back to the camp to tell Lee that we couldn't help finish packing up because we had kids, etc... so that didn't feel good as I hate leaving people with work to do, when I could help.

We managed to get home for bang on 3:30, which is unusual for our group. Me, Chris, Warwick and Bas put our tents up in HQ to dry, only to be told later that we'd have to take them down this afternoon. Gutted.

Chris, Warwick and I joined Pat, David and others in the Wharfe later on for a few more drinks... we needed them. Did a bit of karaoke - as usual for a Sunday night. We didn't get drunk though as we were all too knackered.

Had a bit of a heart-to-heart in the pub and I feel like crap. (Chris knows what I mean) I just have to be a bit more careful what I say, and to whom.

So all in all, a great weekend was had, with the exception of the rain.

Apologies

2006-05-19T12:07:00.000+01:00

Firstly sorry for completely going off on one in the last post. I'm not actually that crazy, I was just p*ssed off!

I've calmed down a bit now. Been on a bit of a shopping spree. I didn't think I liked shopping. I don't. But, between George (at Asda) and Mat Alan :) I just managed to spend £50. Which isn't a great deal, but it is when you're on the dole! I got loads for it though, so I feel much better! I also got loads of snacks and drinks. I can't decide what to do bout my brother drinking. Bought him some non-alcoholic stuff, but may let him have a couple of cans.

Camping at Woolley this weekend. Quite looking forward to it. The only things I'm bothered about are
a) How do I fit five people plus gear in my tiny Suzuki Swift??
b) Will my car make it to Woolley?
c) The supposed "wig" up my exhaust on Monday, actually turned out to be my catalytic converter falling out! Nice.
d) Will I survive another weekend with Lee and my brother?

I think I will survive this weekend, largely because both Chris and Warwick will be there keeping me sane, but really not sure about the car.

Will let you know how it goes when I return. But I'm DEFINITELY hitting the pub on Sunday afternoon, so may be a bit drunk!

Warning - Keep Clear!

2006-05-18T00:11:00.000+01:00

There was a rather lengthy post here, with me ranting about just about everything, but the thoughts of going "public" with this diary meant I should delete it!!

Explorers

2006-05-16T20:15:00.000+01:00

Not only am I a Scout Leader, sorry ASSISTANT Scout Leader, I also help at Beavers, Cubs and Explorers too. And I'm a Network member... could I do any more???

Anyways, last night was an Explorers programme planning night. Went well, they had way more ideas than we ever did at Ventures, but that doesn't take much really. There is only so much you can do in a pub!!

So over the next few months, they're going canoeing, caving, trip to London, 3 Yorkshire Peaks, It's a Knockout, bowling, etc... I'm so excited!!

An update of the next few weekends:

Back2Basix camp (with Lee's and Tom's groups)
Lake District camp (with Explorers and Hanging Heaton Scouts)
Making burgers at West Riding music festival and Church parade
Scout County Camp
Big Sleepover and Father's Day
3 Peaks Walk
Sun Run/Woolley Wacky Weekend (still trying to get out of it!!)
Cub Space Camp
Canoeing Camp
Westborough Garden Party / Trip to Bolton Abbey!!!
Xtreme
Gilwell Reunion
Trip to London/staying at Gilwell
Intense

I have two free weekends in August... so I might just nip off somewhere! I want to go to Blackpool!! :)

Apex Challenge

2006-05-15T11:48:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd get my report of the Apex Challenge in before Chris does... I can do this because I'm not working today (except deliveries) and he lost all his writing yesterday by pressing the wrong button, so I can get there first! Tee hee!!

So the Challenge. I think it was a challenge in itself getting to Nottingham without killing Lee. I think he had made it his mission to try and annoy me - it worked.

Upon arrival we pitched our tents fairly quickly and had quite a wait til we got our packs and could set off. Did have a quick look round when we got the map - just so we had an idea where to go ;)

We set off walking fairly fast, 6 hours to complete as much of the course as possible, which included bases, worth 50 points each, and checkpoints, which varied from 5 to 30 points. We were soon overtaken by Bradley Woods team in full army combats, and running. We managed to wander around trying to find the first checkpoint.

The first base we hit was a rope course maze "On the ropes". We did this in about 5 minutes, but to be honest, the people running the base didn't even watch to see if we did this one.

The next base we arrived at had a warning - are you allergic to bee/wasp/hornet stings, nettles, spiders, snakes, slime?? You had to put your hand in a closed box and find a plastic card. It was gross. The organiser made me swap places with John, and I had to put my hand in a box of lug worms and crickets!!!! Lee's box had maggots in. John's had some gritty soap thing and Chris had a box of leaves! I definitely drew the short straw.

Third base was mountain biking round a track in the forest (in the dark!!) and back up to the site, collecting morse code along the way. At this point, I should have said I was unable to participate, but I didn't want to lose 50 points for the team, so I had a go and completely knackered my hip, because of my arthritis. This caused problems later on as I was holding the team back a bit. I was really gutted about it, aside from being in a hell of a lot of pain.

Trying to avoid the chasers was a hard part of the night. These were teams of leaders (in reflective jackets) who would knock off 25 points if they caught you. We got caught once, because John's bag had a reflective strip, which none of us noticed. We were pretty gutted at this point, so spent a lot of the night crawling around in the dark, torches out, silent, because we thought there may be a chaser near by... crazy!

After a number of tablets and some Ibuprofen gel on my hip, I decided to have a go on the "Big Bounce". A hula hoop held 5foot in the air in the middle of a bouncy castle. Each team member had to jump through the hoop without touching the hoop. Our team did this really quickly too, because we helped push each other through - ace team work!!

Base N "Piece by Piece" was two of my mates from the Gathering's base. A lego tower which I had to describe to the other three who had to put it together exactly without seeing it. We did ace on this too... Just too good!!

"Wet Wangers" was a catapult which Chris loaded to fire over a wall to Lee... managed to do this without breaking the catapult, like one team!!

The final base "Good grasp" was a rope course over to a tree where the whole team were supposed to go across. This was changed to two members. Chris had a go but managed to fall off three times. Lee did it twice instead. Which left us pretty short for time, with about eight minutes to run to the checkpoint we knew was situated by the toilets, and back to camp, with three minutes to spare!

We got in at 2:26 and stayed up with a can of coke and whiskey, only til about 4am as we were knackered!

Lovely bacon sarnie for breakfast, tents down and in the car before the presentations. We came 11th out of 14. So at least not last!! It was great fun though and we all want to do the next one. All four of us are aching today. Especially me and Chris who got rather drunk last night doing karaoke in the Wharfe! Whoops!

Frustrated

2006-05-12T18:06:00.000+01:00

As being District Scout Leader doesn't pay a great deal... ha ha! I have to find another job so I can move out. I had my interview for trainee social worker this morning. Got through the assessment stage out of 195 people. Narrowed down to 54 for 6 places. I don't think I'll get the job, but the interview went fine. If they turn round and say I have no experience, I'll scream... what's the point in filling out a REALLY lengthy application form if they aren't going to read it. We shall see...

Been to see Granma today. Arsey as usual. But she's old so I'll forgive her. Got my £40 birthday and Easter present because I've not seen her in so long. To be honest, I just didn't want to because she can be so horrible when I see her, it's not worth the hassle.

Mum and I went shopping at Asda. Had a bit of a laugh. Got home and she's turned again. She's so up and down. Can't wait to move out. She wants me to do everyone's ironing. I don't see why I should, particularly as I'm paying £20 a week board now too. It's unreasonable when she used to PAY an aupair to do less work than I do, now I have to pay her for the priviledge. As if!

Scout Factor again on Wednesday, went really well. The lads are putting in so much effort, it really makes me proud. This week we had "Kung fu fighting", another "Chav" dance, jokes, poems and a sketch. Was great!

Going on the Apex Challenge tomorrow with Chris, Lee and John. Our first Network event together. Lee reckons we need to set off at 4:30 to get to Nottingham for 6, including a stop off for tea. I reckon we'll be late, but it's down to him as he's driving. But I have to pay for everything originally, sort out forms, etc. then John emails Lee for details. It really gets my back up. I'm really annoyed about it all, and may just say bugger off to them all as it's just got to me today.

So everything has wound me up today. I need a drink.... CHRIS??!???

Gang show

2006-05-07T13:29:00.000+01:00

It's going great. I've had loads of responses to my emails last night. I've almost got a whole Gang Show written for me! I can't wait. I've got to discuss it and get proper approval for it at tomorrow's 2007 meeting, but can't see any problems!!! I'm so excited!!

Riding along on the crest of a wave...

2006-05-06T22:27:00.000+01:00

Just been to see 8th Mirfield's gang show. It was hilarious. I cried with laughter most of the way through it. Almost wetting myself at one stage!

However, as with most Scouting events, I tend to find that I enjoy it so much, I want to get involved. So that's what I'm going to do - My plan is to put on a Heavy Woollen District Gang Show. Why not??

I've got home about an hour ago, sent out various emails to people asking for help, and I'm away... writing a "script" as we speak! :-) My brother says I'm doing too much - should I be worried???

I can't wait! I'm so excited about it. It makes sense. Have a District Gang Show to kick off 2007, and a County Gang Show to finish it. That is my plan.

Anyone got any advice, tips, help, ideas.... throw them at me! :-)

Drunken mishaps

2006-05-06T16:37:00.000+01:00

Last night, Chris and I got rather drunk... apologies to anyone I texted, or called!

We went to the opening of 1st Heckmondwike's new Scout Community Centre. It's a really nice building actually - they've done really well with it.

Then we went to our "local" the Ravenswharfe. I think we got pretty drunk in there, and then when Nick found out Chris was gay, things spiralled!! We went down to the Railway with Nick, Karen and Andrew. Had a right laugh.

Tonight is 8th Mirfield's gang show - which should be fun. Will update later.

Scout-Factor

2006-05-04T09:46:00.000+01:00

Among my programme planning a month or so ago, I planned for the Creative Challenge badge to be done over the next few weeks starting with Scout-Factor last night. I told the Scouts they could perform a talent of their choice... we had a short sketch about a desert island, a comedian, two kids performing the New Zealand "Hacker", one "Chav" performing a dance/singing routine and a euphonium player. It was a really good night, enjoyed by all actually. They have to do something different next week, so we shall see...

I sorted out some information for them all regarding different activity badges they could do and two of them brought their collections in last night and attained their hobbies badge.

We finished off with a game of rounders (as it was nice weather), ended 13-13... and not fixed at all by the leaders, which makes a change! I was knackered by the end of the night though.

It really felt that I made a difference last night. I was well chuffed with it. Not only with Scout-Factor, but with the Scouts actually trying with their activity badges, and wanting to go on camps, etc... all I have to work on now is the numbers - 7 Scouts is not enough to work with, so I'm going on a recruitment drive! :) More about this when I've actually planned it!

Windsor 2006 Queen's Scout Parade

2006-05-02T11:32:00.000+01:00

It's over. The event I've been planning since last November. We did it :) Which is great because I'm so bored of hearing the same crap over and over again... "You are old Father William, the young man said..." Bla bla bla!!

It went really well actually, I'm just sick of hearing some of it.

I wasn't nervous, at all, until Mum phoned me on Saturday night to tell me that Pat and David were bringing Bas down to the parade. I then started to panic - Bas really looks up to me, so I was just scared! What if I messed up?!

I calmed down a little bit after a rather embarassing display of one of the girls commenting on my behaviour at the Gathering! Whoops!

Sunday morning, I was fine. Really looking forward to it, and very excited. Me and Trina were let loose in the barracks - men in uniform - phwoar!!! I met up with everyone who came down to see me - David F, David T, Pat, Anne, Sue (Warwick's Mum), Patsy, Alan, Pecker, Chris, Warwick and Bas and gave them their tickets. Even got a couple extra for the Quadrangle.

Bas, DT, Firthy and Chris (and video) came into the chapel to watch the service. As we were sat waiting for everyone to come in, Jo, Paul and John (section leaders) all waved at me loads, being very daft. Then Simon and Des (leaders) waved too. I was all smiles at this point (after a quick wee before the service, I was pretty calm again!)

Peter Duncan (Chief Scout) was in the front row and was really listening to the service. He laughted at all the right moments, and really put me at ease.

When Trina was reading the thought that I had written, about friends in Scouting, and being there for you, etc... I saw Chris grinning like mad. (Obviously about the falling and being dragged part - nothing to do with a thorn bush and a small cliff at Robin Hood's Bay at all!??!?!) I thought I was going to laugh. Then I saw the rest, all realising that I had written it about them, they all looked really happy. I thought I was going to cry. Luckily I didn't!

After the service, I had to march down to the Muse, but the less said about that, the better!

I had tea and sandwiches with a load of VIPs and Peter Duncan :) and unfortunately had to rush off leaving everyone from our District because I had to have a load of photos too. That was the only thing I wasn't happy about.

After the obligatory photographs, I met up with Chris and Warwick for a few drinks and on to B&B. We went back into Windsor after dropping off my car and all our gear, for tea and a couple more drinks. Unfortunately, we were all knackered so went back to B&B - gorgeous place actually.

Bank holiday Monday saw us going into London (we missed the M25 turn off). We had a bit of a tourist afternoon and quite a lot of laughs later, I drove us home. We stopped off in the Wharf - alcoholics! (although I was just on Redbull! so I'm not!)

............................

In other news, I got back in last night, checked my emails (not as many as I would have liked after 4 days without the Internet) but there was an email from Kirklees. Please bare in mind I've applied for about 8 jobs with them (no response as yet).

So it said I had to go to Huddersfield Uni, this morning, for an "unseen test" regarding the position of Trainee Social Worker. If I pass the test, I get through to the interview stage. So in I went, worrying that I was missing signing on (Job Centre on strike - needn't have worried), and did 45 minutes "comprehension exercise". Asking about social workers, strengths, people skills, etc. Fairly easy. Hopefully through to next stage. Fingers crossed! :S

Disappointment

2006-04-27T19:46:00.000+01:00

Mum's just informed me that her, Dad and Bas are not coming to Windsor on Sunday. So I'm pretty gutted. I'm also gutted because Lee isn't going either. Him being one of my best mates, it's not nice.

But for my Mum not to be coming either, it's really hard on me.

Then she made me promise that I wasn't disappointed (she was nearly crying at this point). So I did. Which is the first EVER promise I've broken, and I feel like shit about it.

St George's Day

2006-04-27T11:40:00.000+01:00

I know this post is a little late, but better late than never. St George's Day went great. Everything went fine and all in all, it was a good service. My arm was killing at the end of it though, holding the flag up all that time.

Scouts were map reading last night. Seemed to go OK. I was a bit out of it, but don't really know why. They played a few games too, and they had a good time. Bas was annoying though, and a complete waste of space. His mate, Scott had come up as well (he used to be in Scouts), but only Explorers can be leaders. Bas completely arses about when Scott's around, so Pecker asked Scott not to come next week. Just hope Bas is a bit more settled.

Bas is also annoyed at me because I read his text messages, well I read one, but they were all from "Gracie Sexi" - urgh! Apparently though, he doesn't want her as a girlfriend because he'll forget to text her, or forget her birthday, like he did with Joanne (his ex). It really upset me - stupid Asperger's.

Still not heard anything on the Jamboree front though. Hope he's got in.

This weekend, I'm going down to Windsor, well, tomorrow. I'm so excited. I love staying in the hotel, and I'm so looking forward to the service. Fingers crossed it goes well. Got DT a ticket for the service, which he couldn't get, so he was very happy about that. My parents and Bas are going too, which is lovely, but can't see how they'll enjoy it as they don't like getting involved in "scouty" stuff. So I'm a bit bleugh about it all.

Anyway, just keep your fingers crossed it goes ok :)

Rehearsal

2006-04-22T20:32:00.000+01:00

The St George's service rehearsal went ok-ish. It was a bit taken over by the colours, so the readers were pretty pissed off, which I would have been too, to be honest.

It was difficult for me to organise anything really though because I was carrying a flag. Which I quite liked, but it makes my organisational skills go to pot.

Fingers crossed the service goes ok.

Back to basics

2006-04-21T16:20:00.000+01:00

Wednesday night at Scouts was ok, to say there wasn't really any big plans. We talked about St George for a bit, did some flying saucers game Brian had made and played some other games. It wasn't exciting, but they enjoyed it.

Lee has asked our Scouts if they want to go on the back to basics camp with his and Tom's group. Most of my Scouts were interested, so we will be going, which should be fun.

Mum's kicking off about skinning rabbits and thinks it's totally unnecessary and that other parents wouldn't be happy with their kids doing it. I just couldn't be bothered arguing with her, so I changed the subject. I think it didn't help that Bas was nearly sick at the "farm" seeing all the pigs heads. I was quite amused!

Tonight is the St George's service rehearsal. This should be fun. David left me with strict instructions that I was in charge and that the table should not be moved! It's going to be interesting anyway.

Sunday is the actual parade, which I hope goes ok, because I don't want the crap.

Bas has his jamboree selection tomorrow. I think I'm more bothered about it than him. But fingers crossed anyway. It does mean driving to Bradley Woods at about 7:45am though... which I'm not happy about! Especially as I'm picking Mum, Dad and a couple of their mates up from the casino in Leeds at god knows what time. Urgh. Lack of sleep!

Lots to do...

2006-04-19T11:32:00.000+01:00

I know Chris has written about what he has to do over the next few weeks, but mine is just as crazy....

This weekend is St George's parade, which I'm organising and carrying a flag.
Next weekend is Windsor - Queen's Scout Parade - I've organised that service and I'm doing a reading
Heckmondwike's new opening and church parade
APEX challenge (more in a bit...) www.apexchallenge.co.uk
Woolley Edge open day (I'm face painting) and Lee and Tom's survival weekend... not sure if I'm going on that yet, but probably will
Ambleside camp with Explorers and Hanging Heaton Scouts
My Dad's birthday and church parade
Brother's birthday - we're supposed to be going to Scarborough...
Scout County Camp
Cubs sleepover
MAD UK www.essexscouts.org.uk/maduk
Cubantics
Sun Run http://www.sr-mc.org/srmain.htm
Cub camp

It will then be July 21st!! This is mental!!

As for the Apex challenge, I've managed to get a team together - me, Chris, Lee and John. It looks like it will be a good laugh and quite hard work, so I'm all excited. This is if they don't drop out before hand!!!

We just need a team name... any ideas, greatly appreciated

Pictures of Gathering

2006-04-17T22:36:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately, I forgot to use my camera at the Gathering. Fortunately, others did, so I got a CD... there are a few pictures of choice here.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/39641575@N00/

Great Tower

2006-04-17T16:57:00.000+01:00

Just got home from the Gathering. Had a FANTASTIC time. After all that worrying that I was going to be on my own, I had a brilliant time.

Upon arrival, one of the reception staff was a guy I knew from Windsor selection weekend, so that made it a bit easier and all the staff were really friendly. It was a great welcome. I found two girls wandering towards a big group and asked if I could join them as I was a bit of a loner. Explained how Chris wasn't able to make it so I needed friends for the weekend, so they made me an honorary NOMAD... can't remember what it stands for, but it's something to do with Nottingham Network!

Spent most of my weekend with the ten of the NOMADS, and Heather (another honorary member) and had a great time. Got on really well with them all, especially Lisa and Ali, who made it really easy for me to fit in. Thanks guys.

After a few drinks in the bar on Friday night (with karaoke - I didn't sing) I found John and Paul, two of the section leaders at Windsor, from Durham there. Big hugs and lots of laughs later, I saw Dave, one of the colour party. Had a quick snog, largely messing about to "You're the One That I Want"!! Was a little crazy, and we were ever so slightly drunk, but hey!

Had a lot more to drink Saturday night when we danced crazily all night to songs like Agadoo, Macarena and the Conga... it was mental. What an amazing atmosphere though. Where else in the World can you stick your finger on someone else's head, in a bar, and them spin round and do the same to another random stranger, without getting a mouthful?? Scouts is so strange, but amazing. How can every single person in a bar all link arms and sing and dance together to Bohemian Rhapsody, or Angels, just because it felt right? It was so nice, and such a powerful feeling.

After the bar closed on Saturday, our group, being quite rowdy (not me of course, as I'm very quiet!) went to our pathetic attempt at a camp fire singing, rather loudly. We got invited to another campfire, but got asked to leave because we were being too loud... however, we actually went to the wrong fire, so when we found the fire we were originally invited to, it was Dave and his mates. We sang camp fire songs til about 3am... it was mental.

Sunday morning was it's a knockout. Camelot Network had invited me to join their team, however I didn't really feel like it at 9am... so shouts of KATIE VAN DER BEAVER!!! were heard all around our group's camp! We did watch the fun, and cheer Camelot on, who ended up winning the karaoke competition with "I've got a brand new combine harvester". I'm disappointed I didn't compete, but I will next year!

We went into Bowness for lunch, had fish and chips and an ice cream by the lake. Was really chilled. Sunday afternoon I drank with Durham Network. Quite fun, particularly as there are some rather good looking members! ;) I might have to marry Robbie - phwoar!! But Paul was cute too...

Sunday night involved lots more dancing, but joined on with Durham Network, who were going mad because they were incredibly drunk. Followed by our own campfire, which although wasn't impressive, it was warm and good fun... How on Earth does "Ali" rhyme with "wave"???? Rich was rather pissed when we were singing Quartermaster's Stores... a definite "Ding a ling" moment!

I didn't really want to leave today, but packing up was relatively painless. I have such a pathetic tent, it only takes five minutes to put down. Travelling home was fine too. I managed 110mph on the motorway!!!! Got back in two hours.

Had a look at the CDs I bought... great photos. Great memories. Well good weekend!

Network Gathering

2006-04-13T22:11:00.000+01:00

Chris and I were supposed to be going to the Network Gathering at Great Tower campsite tomorrow for the Easter weekend. I've booked it and paid ages ago.

Chris sent me a text a couple of hours ago to say he didn't want to go. He said he'd pay me the money back. I was well gutted because I'd been looking forward to it for ages.

So I'm going on my own. Scared sh*tless about going on my own, but don't see why I should be. I can make friends... I hope. If not, I can always come home.

Will keep you posted.

Pitching Tents

2006-04-12T23:33:00.000+01:00

Tonight went really well actually, which is really suprising for a Wednesday night just lately!

Thanks to Tom who came along and helped lots (and showed off with his fancy "2 second" tent, which I am hoping to convince the group to buy lots of!)

The kids although seemed a little incapable of putting tents up to begin with, soon got the hang of it. Only Jonathan, Aaron and Luke J seemed to pay any attention really, but this will become obvious at the next camp. I may just be really mean!

Pecker wasn't annoyed that I'd done the programme, I just said I was bored today and felt like doing it, which is true. So he's OK about it.

I'm also sorting out the menu for the County camp... I reckon I can cater for the District, for the weekend, on £3 per head... Fingers crossed! It will be easy, but my outdoor cooking skills may leave a lot to be desired, might leave that to others!!

All in all though, it was a good night. And I feel like I'm getting somewhere with Pecker, who I think has realised he has to take a step back because I have more time for the Scouts... Don't think he'll give up position as Scout Leader but if I'm basically doing what's best for the Scouts, that's fine too.

Didn't win at the pub quiz. Got 19/25 - winners got 21, so not far off. I cheated all by myself!

Programme Planning

2006-04-12T16:33:00.000+01:00

I was going to have a really boring day today, but instead, I thought I'd devote it to Scouts. Nothing really new there, but spending the whole day doing little bits is a little extreme. I wasn't bored though!

I've written a programme for the next few months, and done a calendar, like training says you are supposed to, and I've sorted just about everything out.

Thing is, I think by doing this alone, and not consulting Pecker, he's not going to be happy. He already thinks I'm "interfering" so this probably won't go down well at all.

I've done it now though, and if he has a problem with it, or wants to change anything, he is more than welcome to. It's just that I was bored, had nothing else to do and it seemed like a good idea... Is that wrong??

We shall see what happens...

Bad sister??

2006-04-10T22:09:00.000+01:00

Just had the 2007 planning meeting.

The plan of the evening was 7:20, drop Bas (brother) off at Explorers. 7:30 attend meeting. 9:30, excuse myself from meeting, pick Bas up.

However, this all worked out except, I dropped Bas up, got a phone call at 9:30 asking to be picked up, so collected him, but instead of Explorers, he'd been waiting outside Dewsbury West because Explorers wasn't there. Apparently, looking at an old email I received, Explorers should have been at Batley tonight. Miggy had told him Dewsbury West, and I was there when he said that, but actually, I presume it was at Batley. So he's been waiting outside for 2 hours, because he didn't want to disturb our meeting.

Bas has Asperger's Syndrome which basically means he can't handle this sort of thing.
First problem... Miggy told him Dewsbury West. Email told him Batley. He thought he'd just "pick one", which unfortunately was the wrong one.
Second problem... He didn't want to phone me to get me out of the meeting. He didn't want to phone Mum to stop her going to pub.
Third problem... He's left alone for 2 hours in Ravensthorpe.
Fourth problem... He has about 5p credit on his phone so can only make one call, whcih he decides will be at 9:30 because that's when he said he'd call for me to collect him.
Fifth problem... He has no money to make a call from a payphone, to get a bus, to get a taxi, etc.

This one night. Just two hours. This is the whole reason why he can't be left alone. Mum's going to go mental. It's like all his problems just thrown completely into one night. That I manage to mess up. Why can't he just be "normal"? And not give a shit about interupting my meeting, or whether Mum can go to the pub. Who cares?!!! I just want him safe!!

I've just given him a massive lecture on a) he should have double checked where the meeting was. b) he should always take money with him c) he should always leave more than 5p credit on his phone d) he should have rung me e) he can always be bored to death at a scout meeting. Who cares if there's an extra body there?! f) i just want him to be safe!!!!

Better

2006-04-10T18:26:00.000+01:00

I'm all better now! Even been down town today with my Mum, who was just getting fed up of me being ill, so I've kicked myself into shape. I'm sick of being sick!

I'm going to a 2007 planning meeting tonight. I have to find it first though, which may be a slight problem as I have no clue where Jonathan lives (where the meeting is). I'll find it though, coz I'm not so bad with directions and map reading...

Going to Network Gathering at the weekend. I'm quite looking forward to it actually. Can't wait. Plus Mum's all depressed about Easter. Easter has always been a big deal in our house, but now Bas (my brother) is growing up and Mark (my foster brother) died last summer, she doesn't really feel the need to do anything special. Think she might do an Easter egg hunt though because she has some friends coming round. I don't think I'll be missing much not being there. I might miss a lot of work though! Phew!

No other news as yet. Still missing Chris and Warwick like mad. Mum reckons that's why I'm sick! lol... She said if they were here, I'd be down at the pub in no time - like I'm some sort of alcoholic when they're around!?!?

Ill

2006-04-07T22:15:00.000+01:00

I'm ill at the moment and I really hate it. I've been ill since before my birthday (25th February) and it's now 7th April. It's getting ridiculous. I went to see the doctor weeks ago about my sore throat, and he prescribed me soluble paracetamol which made me sick, so I didn't take them. So I can't go back about my flu symptoms because he will ask if I took the paracetamol and I can't lie. So I have to put up with being ill. Not that there is anything a doctor can do except paracetamol (I can take the normal stuff) and rest (which I'm sort of doing).

Nothing much on the Scout front at the minute. It's been a really quiet week, which I hate, but that will change after Easter - camps, working weekends, St George's Day, Queen's Scout parade, etc... it will be all go! I can't wait! So for now I have to concentrate on getting better.

I filled out a ton of application forms today. So fingers crossed because I hate being unemployed!

Tomorrow my plan is to finish my modules that need validating so I can get my wood badge. And prove everyone wrong!

Heavy Woollen District Activity Badge Camp

2006-04-04T22:35:00.000+01:00

Went on camp this weekend with District Scouts... 78 kids doing activities of shooting, archery, camp cook and camper badge, survival skills and cycling. I was with the survival skills group, although I did have a go at shooting too.

The kids had to make and sleep in a bivvy, make fires, cook on them, skin and gut rabbits, eat them... and they worked so hard. They were extremely tired by the end of the weekend. I was too, but that was largely due to lack of sleep. For some reason, us leaders thought it was a good idea to stay up for most of the night.

The kids had such a good time this weekend, I really feel like I've gained something, because so many kids had fun. I got way more out of this one camp than I do every week at Scout meetings on a Wednesday... I need to change that, I think.

Lee wants to do a "back to basics" camp with his and Tom's group. I've asked if ours can join the camp, because it would do them good to be with other kids... he's trying to sort it with Steve and Tom.

This weekend has been really odd for me actually. Me and Lee have been getting on like old times, and I mean before we ever were a couple, and Steve treats me like a daughter. It's nice. Gerard will always be my Dad, but because he doesn't get involved in Scouting, Steve is his replacement... I really like it. I don't see Lee as a brother though, because that would just be really weird!

Ryan and I got on rather well too, but I'm not going to discuss that on here!!!

Just had a great weekend. It made a really nice change to get such a kick out of it all again, they just had fun. Want to do it again!!

Busy

2006-03-28T22:14:00.000+01:00

If you know me, you'll know that I thrive on being busy. Take today for example... I couldn't just cope with the five hundred jobs I've got to do, two warrant interviews and a St George's Day service planning meeting, nope... I had to go for lunch and to cinema too (with Chris - bad influence!!)

Went to see Hostel - don't go, unless you like excessive amounts of blood and guts... Yuk!

The warrant interviews went fine. Only took 10 minutes or so, I knew Ian and Brian too, which made it a little easier. Len, one of the older guys also told me I had to curb my enthusiasm. Why is everyone bothered about me burning out? It's not going to happen!!

Brian asked where I saw myself in two years time. I said that I'm really happy with my ASL and DSL positions, and think I just want to continue like this for a while, because elsewhere in the District we have a great structure. It all went well.

Len kept saying I'd only done a little of my training... I don't think he grasped that I had two modules left to complete EVERYTHING. I'm just amazing apparently! LOL!

St George's meeting was particularly boring. I kinda want to either carry a flag (because I'm a Queen's Scout) or do a reading, but it's really awkward putting myself forward. May just speak to David secretly about those issues!

In other news... Ryan continues to text, but no invitation to the house because he had canoe polo training, and I had my meetings. Will be seeing him at the weekend though. :D

Jamboree Selection

2006-03-26T22:31:00.000+01:00

Today was Jamboree selection for the Scouts and Explorers who want to go to Essex in 2007. There were 10 kids but only two District places, so lots of disappointed kids, including my brother, but they can apply at the County in a couple of weeks. The two who got places, Aidan and Tim deserved it though. Aidan was amazing - he really shone above all the others and there was no doubt he would be going. I'm really pleased for him.

We did all sorts of tasks for them including pitching tents, making a thimble of tea, taking blind, deaf and dumb people (me and Lee) over a bridge, which included me and Lee falling off a number of times!

It was a great day, finished with the pub, which was nice. Chris came out to the pub and shocked Pat, who knew but hadn't actually heard it from him. Was a little mad.

In other news, Ryan has been texting again today. Apparently his phone has been knackered, hence the lack of texts this week, but who knows? And Ron continued the Van der Snee jokes again today... what will he be like at the camp this weekend?!?

Cub Badge Day

2006-03-25T17:00:00.000Z

Today was the Cub badge day. I'm not supposed to be a Cub Leader now, but I do help out occasionally. As tomorrow is Mother's Day, but me and my brother (who's in Explorer's) are going to the Jamboree selection, we've had Mother's Day today instead.

As for the badge day, well it was really good fun and the kids seemed to really enjoy it.

I spent the afternoon with Karen doing campfire songs. Given that Karen isn't everyone's cup of tea, shall we say, it was quite a suprise for her to be nice to me all day! However, if I have to see her screaming "oggy oggy oggy" once more, I might have to kill her :) Not that I'm into murdering other leaders or anything... don't get me started about .....!!

It has been a suprisingly fun day though. I'm a taxi service tonight. I have declined taking my brother and his girly friend (who's like my little sister) to the cinema, I've had enough of kids for one day. 105 at the badge day!! Far too many!

So for my couple of hours in between taxi-ing my parents and their friends around tonight, I might chill with a pizza and a movie... any ideas greatly appreciated!

First Entry

2006-03-23T20:08:00.000Z

I thought I'd start my blog with a little bit about me.

I'm a 22 years old Assistant Scout Leader and now District Scout Leader for the Heavy Woollen District in West Yorkshire.

I help out at Beavers, Cubs and Explorers too. It's crazy.

I'm on the reading party at Windsor, for the St George's Day Queen's Scouts Parade, which means I've organised the service and am reading in it too. This also means I was volunteered to help organise our district St George's service too.

I'm also on the committee for 2007 events (scouting centenary), so I've got loads to do at the moment. It's all go! :)

I'm not one of these people who say's "for my sins, I'm a Scout Leader" or "I was volunteered to do it", because it's all my own choice. I love it. My Mum does not like me being out most nights of the week, and most weekends, but it's like an addiction for me, I can't help volunteering for everything!

I currently don't have a job, but am hoping to become a Trainee Social Worker in the next few months (fingers crossed), and then I can move out... (me and Chris are moving in together - www.neff.org.uk) I am single, despite people thinking me and Chris are a couple - we aren't - see his blog... really aren't!! There's the comments about me and Ryan, who I do like, but doubt that anything will happen there!

So there you go... my first post!