By Month

Languid.

This post is late and I’m a little bit lethargic so apologies if it doesn’t make sense. 

I don’t personally think I’ve done well.  All the contestants will be judged on the piece they made to the design, it’s all very meticulous: from the size of the piece; wire; metal sheet.  To put it simple, every detail matters.  My piece, for one, is bigger than the technical drawing.  Secondly I only realised this morning that I had, in fact, misinterpreted the drawing and have made it wrong.  A few things didn’t look perfect but starting the piece all over again wasn’t going to be an option.

Even though it’s not my best work I can say I’ve given it my all.  I wish the other guys all the best. 

Blimey, 7 hours of working.  Got back from Birmingham at quarter to seven.  Surprisingly I’m not tired but I seem to have lost my voice somehow and I’ve not even spoken 20 words today.

Anyway, I’ve not mentioned this…or have I?  Yes I have.  Anyway, the 14 hour competition started today.  Me and a few guys from a different university were involved.  The objective is to produce the piece of jewellery which has been designed already.  I’m not sure if I’m allowed to show you the design so I’ll leave it, just in case.  Things are going well so far.  Although, I found out today that I can’t make a neat looking pearl claw setting.  It looks more like I’ve used a miniature “lumberjack saw” (sorry, can’t remember the name for some reason).  I think by the end of it all entrants will have their individual interpretation of the piece.

It’s been a good experience so far.  The free food and drink doesn’t hurt either.  :P  I also found out that I’m going to get money back for my travelling costs.  Woo.

So, it’s been and still is a beautiful day in England.  I’m sweating like a beaver so thank goodness for the fan.

With myself.

• I’m constantly washing my hands and have to use perfumed soap, even though I can’t take the smell.  No, it’s not good for the skin to unnecessarily wash your hands.
• I can’t bring myself to use public toilets, and if I reluctantly do it feels as if I’m contracting germs.
• Everything in my room has to be aligned, and I’ll sit/stand there for a few minutes getting it to.  I can’t go to do anything else unless it’s sorted.
• Our bathroom looks dirty even though I cleaned it not long ago.  I’d clean it now but I have to work in a bit.
• I feel as if I need to wash again because I smell.
• My bedroom is a mess.

I won’t list any more but I need to stop being so uptight about things.  I need to take control of my habits.

Do you have any habits which annoy you?

On a completely different note I am thinking about getting a geek hoodie (not sure which colour though). :)  I think I’m finally going to start spending a bit of my birthday money.

If there’s one trait I dislike it’s confusion.  It’s not good for me nor anyone else.

Have any of you entered competitions?  If so, do you usually get a confirmation letter of application and then a letter/e-mail saying your application has been accepted?

Last week I made the most of my opportunities as the lecturer advised.  I asked work if I’d be able to have two days off (that’s the length of this competition), applied…blahblahblah but still haven’t heard anything from…well…anyone.  First I was given three days to decide on entering - I swear I was having a dumb moment.  Now I’m wondering what’s happening, am I an entrant?  Or was I deemed not good enough?  I need to know so I don’t waste petrol travelling to Birmingham.  The competition is next Thursday.  O.o

The site doesn’t say anything about when applicants will be notified of their acceptance, only “*Please note that the process of selecting and preparing competitors for a WorldSkills Competition is long and rigorous. Subject to eligibility, outstanding winners of relevant UK/National Finals will be long listed, after which they will be assessed alongside other contenders in accordance with our selection procedures.” - worldskillsuk.org.