Links for my holiday

Here are two links for my holiday. The first is the travel agency I used to book the trip. The second is the tour operator's website. The second one also has a map of the route I will take. I am well super excited by all this. They gave me the option of having a single room and paying more or share with someone of the same gender. I, of course, chose the latter to mostly save money, but also have someone to talk to about the trip. Should be good.

http://www.coachholidays.com/coachdetails.phtml?priceid=118535&session=E5A06546-17CA-11DB-89FB-843CC7F04533


http://www.cosmostourama.com/search_detail.php?product_code=4420T&product_type=touring&region=1&cid=15&year=11

I will for surely post pictures when I get back to make you all jealous. :)

Going on holiday.

I am truely excited. I have booked myself an awesome holiday. I have some time to take off work as a seasonal and am going on a coach tour of europe. I will visit 6 countries (Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France.) It goes for 8 days. It was a really good package deal. I have been wanting since moving here to travel around europe. I didn't even know something like this existed until my housemate Linda told me about it. She has already done one and is going to do another. She is from Austrailia and most Aussies and Kiwis come here and do this kind of thing. I definately will have to thank her. I leave on the 21st of Aug and return on the 28th. I think it will be a great expreince and the best part is travelling with other people and not being alone. Plus, lots of good food, beer and wine. It has taken way too long for me to do something like this.

I will definately take pictures and add anymore details as I know them. The tour operator is Cosmos Tourama, so you can go to their website and look up the 6 countries tour for more info.

HOORAY FOR ME!!!!!!

Dvd burner and Superman

I wrote two blogs today, so be sure to scroll down after reading this one. Firstly, I got myself a new dvd burner for my laptop this past week. I already copied some dvds and cds for friends. It really is cool. It slid right into my laptop and started without any problems. I have been wanting one for awhile, but it took me quite a lot of research to find the right one.

This is important. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE needs to go see Superman Returns. It was a major kick ass movie. It pays really good respects to the old Reeve films. It is somewhat of a continuation, but at the same time is seperate. See it and you will know what I mean. Casting and effects are top notch. I was literally blown away. I am a major superman fan and was not let down. I will definately buy this on dvd, along with the special editions of the old superman films they are due to release at the same time. The next one I will probably see is the new Pirates of the Caribbean film. It is getting nothing but great reviews and I am told if I don't see it at the cinema I will be missing out. So, I may say that everyone should do the same. I also saw a trailer for the new bond film coming out in november and will definately see that. I saw all the other bond films on tv, so need to see it to be complete as well as I really love them. Great action.

I do love summer, good weather, good movies, and good times.

Slug and Dog Love

So two things happened to me while working that were amusing. I got to work on tuesday and started my normal patrol through the area called the orchard. Once I was done with that I went up to the bothy to say hello to people who were just going on lunch. I was on a late shift. As I walked in the door I start to ask one of the team leaders a question when he bursts out laughing. I look down and there was a slug on my shirt. Not only that, but it had started on my back and worked it's way over my shoulder and down the front a little ways. And I didn't even see it. Needless to say I got it off quick and washed my shirt. Looking back it was quite funny.

The next day as I am patrolling, a dog comes bounding up. They usually come up to me because of the litter stick I am carrying. They think I will throw it or something. So, naturally I don't think much but to say hello to the dog, and then it's owner. All of a sudden the owner starts calling the dogs name. I look down and s/he is proceeding to take a leak on my rubbish bag I am carrying around. I couldn't help but laugh at that one.

I think that I am really good at attracting the wild and not so wildlife. Another reason to love this job.

Himalayan balsam and toads

One of the many invasive species we have on the heath is himalayan balsam. It has spread, most likely, from a back garden. There are patches all over the heath. Every year it has to be takled, most importantly before it flowers. Luckily, it is easy to pull by the root from the ground. They can get quite tall too. I have been doing quite a bit of the pulling. I also helped with a couple heath hand sessions on a quite big patch.

The other cool thing is that I just recently saw a number of very small toads. We had a thunderstorm and it seemed to bring them out. They were hopping all over the paths. I also had a few people come up to me to tell me they had seem them. I have never seen one so small. I wanted to take a picture, but my mobile phone camera doesn't have zoom, so it would have been too small in the picture to make out. I love being able to see all this wildlife everyday. That is what keeps one feeling fresh about the job.

New book

I got a new book in today. It was a birthday gift from me mum. It is a book about the geology and natural history of Hampstead Heath. By now I am sure you all know how much I love the Heath. This is one of the first, if not the first, books written about the heath. It doesn't so much have a history of the Heath, it is written about what is on the Heath. It was published in 1913, so nearly a hundred years old. It is a handsome copy with all the maps and plates intact. And it was fairly cheap considering. It was gotten of abebooks.co.uk. A worthwile place to go if you are looking for a rare or out of print book. They have a US site as well. I believe it is abebooks.com.

Long live the Heath!

My new icon.

This is my new icon. It will be added to my site as well. It was designed by my brilliant auntie Janine. She is an amazing graphic designer. She had made me one when I was trying to be in the media with a film strip coming out of the hat. But since I am in conservation now, it was necessary to change. It is one of the best gifts I could get. The leaf coming out of it is a willow leaf, and I liked it since it looked like a feather. I also hope to add a page soon to my website about my job on the heath. Enjoy.

Shoreditch

My second event last friday was to visit Shoreditch station. This station, on the east london line, was closing. The reason for this is because the new extension is on a slightly different alignment than this station. The line won't be fully completed until 2010, but they have to close this to build the ramp up to the flyover.

I should add that one of my hobbies since being in London is on disused and abandoned underground stations. I have collected several books on this subject and have even visited a disused station that closed in 1994 called Aldwych. I have also been on two walks along old railway lines that were either in use by London Underground or was going to be.

As this was an historic event for me, as I don't know if there will ever be another station closure, I wasen't going to miss it. I hopped on the bus from the heath and made it to the station in about an hour. When I got there, they were making speeches inside and I thought I had miss my opportunity to take pictures inside and on the platform. They finished their speeches and all came out the door. Then they did the ceremonial closing of the door for the last time. After that I noticed people filing in a side door. I slowly followed and found myself in the booking hall. I promptly took some pictures and went to the machine to buy a ticket to show I was there on the last day. I ended up getting the second to last tickets as they were closing the machine. After that I went down to the platform to take snaps of the last train. I then boarded and took snaps inside. After a little while, the whistle blew, the doors closed and the train departed. We arrived at the next station, Whitechapel, in a few moments. Everyone disembarked. I then went over to the adjancent platform where I met up with people I recognised. I might add that I knew about all this from a website I frequent and one of the people was the author of this site.

They then asked me how I ended up on that train. Confused, I said I walked on. They then told me that the "final" train was infact a special train intended for staff and the media and bigwigs. I was floored!!! I guess at the end they weren't too fussed who got on as there were a few other "normal" people on. So, I went from thinking I had missed it all, to experiencing the best of it all. I was well pleased. One sucky thing was that my camera switched to short focus at some point and some of my pictures are a bit blurry. But, you can check them all out on my pictures site under a new album called Shoreditch. Also, the website I frequent is: http://underground-history.co.uk.

All in all, it was a terrific friday that made me well happy. :)

Education Centre Launch

Last friday I attended 2 events. The first was for the launch of the education centre on the heath, which I have had a part in. Basically, it used to be an info centre, but has been transformed into the centre which you see on the right. Each wall of the room represents a different habitat area on the heath, whether it be grassland, heathland, ponds or woodland. I helped with making some of the decoration for the wall before I started work on the heath. It was a great event just to get to see so many people I knew. As you can see on the table there was light refreshments. Sam, the education officer, has put in a tremendous amount of work and energy to get this up and running and was well deserved of the celebration. It was a fun event that makes me pround to have been a part of and to continue to help as much as I can while working. Please be sure to view more pics of the centre in the new education centre album I created in my pictures site which is linked on the right.

I shall write about my second event, going to an underground station closure, in my next post.

Me in uniform...finally.

I have taken a few photos of myself in uniform. The building behind me is the bothy that I am based at. For those of you not familiar with the word, it is where are canteen and office is. It is basically the place where we chill and chat. As you can see, hopefully, I wear a green top (two of the pics is with a waterproof on, the other with my jumper) and either grey or brown trousers. Here they are grey. I wear black steel capped boots. It was a great day to take the picture, and it was my birthday. I hope you enjoy them. I have also added a new album on my pictures site, which I have linked on the right. It is called Heath. You can find these pics, plus some others of the heath. I have also added a couple pics of me in the suit I wore to my interview for this job. It is well worth looking at.

I am also getting quite excited for the end of the week. I have the opening of the education centre to attend on fri night. After that, on the same night, I am hopefully going to go to Shoreditch station closure. It is on the east london line. They are closing it to extend it northwards via a different route. Friday is the last train, and I visit a website that is organising being there and a pint afterwars. So, I hope I can have pics of both. I will for sure write about it.

X-men and work

I saw the new X-men film yesterday and I must say it kicked ass. I love comic book/superhero films and this was no exception. (Actually the only exception out there is Hulk.) I also am a huge fan of Patrick Stewart and enjoy almost everything he is in. As with the previous ones, the effects were top notch. I don't know what the rating for it is in the states, but over here it is a 12A, which I found appalling. There was quite a bit of violence and swearing. Should have been a 15. They also had a big sequence in the bay area, specifically Alcatraz, so that made me smile and feel a teeny bit homesick. All I can say is Golden Gate Bridge, see it and you will know what I mean.

As for work. It is going quite well. I have been given a list of conservation jobs that I need to do or help with. So there has been a bit less patrolling, partially because of the rain lately, and more of these jobs. I like having the variety. I have also gotten to drive the electric van a couple times. That thing is so quiet. You can't even tell you have turned it on. I am hoping to remember to take my camera with me to take some pictures of myself and the heath. There is also a funfair on this weekend, as it is a bank holiday monday, but it is on a different beat than mine. I may stop by it for some donuts though. :)

Lastly, tomorrow is the big 30 for me, so everyone have a drink for me!!

Barbeque and Stuck In Mud

We had a barbeque at the house last night. It was most of the housmates and a few friends. There was quite a lot of food and drink, as ususal. It was great to just all get together and chat. We don't actually do it very often. I helped man the bbq. We had burgers and sausages. I also baked chocolate chip cookies and brownies for dessert. I also had to celebrate for my cousin Lauren who was having a graduation party yesterday. I obviously couldn't be there as it is all the way in Texas, but got to have a drink for her as I am quite pround of what she has achieved.

Today was mostly normal at work. At one point I got to drive the electric van. It is so quiet and smooth to drive. Unfortunately I went a way that I thought would be okay and ended up stuck in mud. Luckily we were close to one of the canteens and got help. I felt a bit of an ass for it on my first time driving. Hopefully it will be quickly forgotten. ;)

Lastly, I wanted to tell you guys my call name on the heath. I am HT8 (pronounced Hotel Tango Eight.) There are quite a lot of people, so you can imagine quite a lot of call signs. The radios have quite good distance though, I was still able to pick up transmissions way off the heath when we were delivering Heath Hands newsletters to libraries.

Freeview and movie recommendations

I just got myself a freeview recorder. Basically, freeview gives you access to over 40 digital channels. This is an alternative to getting cable as all you pay for is the box and you get the channels. I paid a bit more to have one with a 40gig hard drive so I can record programmes. I am highly addicted to Dr. Who and didn't want to miss one because I am working. So, I am super exicted about this.

First movie to recommend is an ealing comedy from the1940s called Kind Hearts and Coronets. It stars the late Sir. Alec Guinness. He plays 8 memebers of a royal family. It is black and white, but one that stands the test of time. Not to mention he is a brilliant actor.

The other film, which I saw today with a friend, is Mission Impossible 3. This was made this year. ;) It was really well done, much better than the first 2. It was directed by J.J. Abrams, who also co-created Lost and Alias. It really shows too, with all the twists and turns. But, it is a good mindless action flick, along the same viens as James Bond. It also uses the effects well and has good performances by the actors, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman as the baddie. He was amazing. So, go see this and prepare to be enertained.

Find out more on these films at: www.imdb.com.

Searching for a dead body

Okay, when I started this job I knew I would be in for seeing and doing all kinds of things and tasks. But, I didn't expect this one. I show up for work yesterday and was promptly told that all staff are searching for a possible dead body on the heath. A guy of 71 disappeared on sunday leaving his car next to the extension on the heath. He was an outpatient at the hospital and "at risk" for suicide. I spent the first few hours of working joining in the search. I, or anyone else, didn't find anything. I hope and pray that he is still alive somewhere, but time will tell.

Other than that, I did my normal litter picking and patrolling. I had to lock up the base, as I worked a late shift and was the last one there. There has been some good weather and has been a joy to be out and about outside.

Job duties

Well, I have finished my third day. All is going great. We have had really hot weather the past few days, I started at just the right time. You can imagine how great it is to be outside all day, seeing all the happy people and dogs, and being happy myself. One of the big things we do is litter picking. I know it doesn't sound exciting, but it is one of the fundamental requirements in the open space to keep it as clean as possible at all times. Really, who wouldn't want to keep the heath beautiful.

I have also, so far, helped in woodstaining some benches. All the benches in my beat are getting redone. With the hot weather they are drying real quick though. I have also helped deliver the Heath Hands newsletters to some local libraries. We have this great electric van which we drive around. Mind it is for small trips only. But the great thing about it is if you coast in it, it actually recharges it. And it is the most quiet vehicle you can drive. I haven't driven in myself yet, but having a license means I can if required to.

The base is pretty cool. It is quite big with a lot of recycling bins around. Inside is a near fully fitted kitchen. So for the first time at a job in my life, I will actually fix myself lunch there rather than at home and bringing it. I was given a cabinet, and already bought some food to make sandwiches and stuff. The break system is quite good too. For the early shift we start at 7:30am and go until 10am which is the first half hour break for breakfast. Then from 10:30 we work until 1:00pm when we have an hour lunch. Then we work from 2:00pm until 4:30pm when we go home. And everyone breaks at the same time. Which is great for conversation. One day a week we go home an hour early at 3:30pm because they go by bank hours. It is something I haden't heard of before. The days off are a bit like that too. You have the same two days off every week for three weeks, in my case thursday and friday, and the fourth week you get the weekend off. So, it is one 7 day stretch and the rest 5. So there is absolutely no chance of a long stretch of days. Also, the week goes from wednesday to tuesday. Apparently this goes back to when the corporation started, which happened to be on a wednesday. They have never changed it.

I will report more soon. And I will hopefully get some pictures of me in uniform and stuff soon too. I am so loving it!!!!!

First day of work

Today was the first day of my new job on the heath. I was so excited. I had to first go to the head office to fill in some paperwork. We then had the task of finding uniforms, and believe me they don't seem to be the most organised in this area. I got bits and pieces throughout the day. It was me and one other seasonal ranger who then got taken, by one of the supervisors over to the heath to begin inductions to the site. We stopped firstly by Kenwood Nursery, which is to be my base. We then went down to Parliament Hill staff yard to pick up more of the uniform. We then went over to east heath staff yard, which is to be the base for Luke, the other seasonal ranger. We left him with the team leader there, and went back up to Kenwood Nursery.

I then met the team leader up there, who I would be with the rest of the day. I got a locker sorted out, and changed into my uniform. Then we went over to the extension where I sat in on my first meeting. It was one the people on my beat planned, and since I had started it was a good way to get introduced to everyone. It was mostly an observational meeting for me. After that it was over to Golder's Hill Park for the last bit of uniform collecting. Then it was back to Kenwood Nursery, and then home. Mind you, there was a lot of explaining that went on all day. I felt fortunate enough to already know quite a bit from my volunteer work, but still very much enjoyed hearing it all. Oh, and it was a gorgeous, warm day as well. We are do for a hot weekend, so I started at just the right time. I know that I will be hoping for some way to stay on after this is over, so people keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

I will of course keep people updated as I go on. I will be learning my beat more tomorrow, and I will fill you in on how my schedule will be. But from what I have learned so far, it is very reasonable. Man, I am SOOOOO pround to wear the green shirt that says Hampstead Heath on it, you have no idea. I will send pictures of me in uniform soon. Promise.

Bird walk.

Yesterday I joined a bird watching walk on the heath. I had heard about it through a fellow volunteer. I wanted to have that information for when I work on the heath too. Basically, it was a slow walk looking at birds through binoculars. I didn't have my own, but was able to use someone else's. I have learned a number of new birds, which I still need to look up. I just always find any excuse to walk on the heath a good one, so you can imagine how I will be working there. :) The walk was organised by the Marlyebone bird watching society. They do it every tuesday.

I have also been helping out all week at the education centre with painting and papaer mache. Again, any excuse to be on the heath... I do find myself learning stuff everyday too being there. The edcuation officer is very knowledgable, so great to have a conversation with. I hope to be able to chat time to time once I do start working. She is also planning to have a grand opening of the education centre on June 10th, so I hope to be able to attend.

Another job offer.

So get this. Today I recieved a call from Hackney, the second job I interviewed for. Well, they said I was successful and offered me the job. Of course I had to decline it because of already taking the one on the heath, but it really shows me that I am in my element and on the right path that I had 2 job offers. I never thought I would be in this position. I have to say, it feels GREAT!!!

I also got my forms and contract for the heath, which I will turn in tomorrow. It states I officially start on May 3rd and that there will be an induction day, presumably for all the seasonal staff. I am so excited. I am also helping out at the education centre this week with re-painting. It is a long process to re-desgin it, but it is looking real good. I will try to take some pictures and post them. I am also riding my bike a lot more since my course ended and I don't have a bus pass. My legs are feeling it, but give it time they will strengthen.

Hope everyone had a great Easter.

My Space update

So, I finally updated my My Space page. I gave it a pretty new background as well as filling in all sorts of info. Basically, between that, my webpage, and this blog, you should know me very well. I have to give a big thank you for the people who helped me with the layout editing and all and gave me the links. It definatley helped. The link to the page is on the right hand side of my blog under Links. As always, feedback is welcome.

As for other things, I am still waiting for my papers to fill out. Being that it is easter weekend and we have 2 bank holidays, it is taking longer than usual. But, I am so excitied about it all. I can't believe I will get to work on the heath. It really is like a dream come true. Now, all I need is a girlfriend to share it with, and life will be complete.

Hope everyone is well, and a big HAPPY EASTER to y'all!!!!!!!

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had 2 interviews today. What are the chances? Both were for seasonal ranger postions. The first was for Hampstead Heath (my preferred one of course,) and the second was for the borough of Hackney, the same borough my course was in. Both went quite well, although to be honest I felt the Heath one went a bit better because of my passion for it. But, I did give it my all. Both interviews basically sat me down and asked me questions off a sheet. The first one had on scenario question, whereas the second had 6. The main difference is that the Heath is an open space whereas the Hackney one are in parks. And it does make a difference to the kind of job you do and people you interact with.

I wore a suit that my sister (thank you) gave me. I made one gaff and that was that I didn't realise that the legs of the trousers needed hemming and were a bit long. Also, underestimated the English weather and got caught out in the rain. Well, I do have to get used to all weather conditions for this kind of job.

So, the best part. I get home and sit down to have a chat with a good friend online. As we are chatting I get a phone call from one of the guys who interviewed me on the Heath and got offered the job!!!!! How freakin' sweet is that. They will send me the paperwork within a couple days and hopefully start real soon. I found out my patch is on the east side of the heath near kenwood house down. I know at least a couple people on that patch already, so that is amazing. I will also promise to keep people updated on how everything goes during the summer on my blog and website. But, for now, I am so going to celebrate. This is what I have worked for. Now all I have to do is get a permenant one later on. CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!