How is everyone?

Gosh, I’ve neglected this site.  The past weeks have been up and down, I’ve never experienced such a roller coaster of emotions.  This last week has been back to the norm so I’m back to being my perkylittleself.

Apart from going to work, I’ve been a hermit (blame tiredness).  Resorting by means of Internet to buy clothes.  Of which I only brought two  - a three-quarter sleeve geek top and a band/fan-girl top.

The geek top was brought from Primitive State, whilst the tee was brought from MAM Store Merchandise.  Web developers beware of the latter site.  You have been warned.  :P  Oh and for any IE users you won’t be able to view the actual contents of the latter site *shrugs*.  Surprisingly the packages came quick so I’m one happy customer.  Psst, click on the thumbnails to view the full, larger photos. 

On a different note, I had my month of fame.  The Hockley Flyer (issue July 2008) published a small section on me.  Above the page is a photo - unfortunately - taken after the award ceremony of me and the Deputy Chairman.  Next to that photo is an image of my brooch (the house one).  Then underneath the photo is the small written section.

JQA Students Award for Craftsmanship

On 18th June, choosing the winner of this year’s Award was a joint partnership between Marie Haddleton and Rev. Mary Gilbert. The work of Annie Li was chosen and she received a cheque from JQA for £150.

The Awards Ceremony was carried out in St Paul’s Church the following day and the JQA was represented by JQA Deputy Chairman Ross Bellamy.

I didn’t even know, my manager told me.  Nice surprise.

Earlier this morning I got my results from uni.  The nice postman Tony signed it for me (recorded delivery), leaving a note: “I signed this for u OK.  Tony (it’s early 8:15)”.  Thanks Tony.  :)  I got three destinctions.  Woohoo!  I am absolutely over the moon.

Finally, I have made a less than mediocre layout.  :P  Bear in mind I’m still tweaking it here and there so it’s not completely how I pictured it in mind but any suggestions are welcome. 

Now, I think it’s time to relax and enjoy the extra day of the weekend we have in England.  Have a great bank holiday!  Anyone up to anything?

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. 

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.

• 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.

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.

1. None of the cameras supply rechargeable batteries.  Your staff should know they’re not rechargeable because you sell batteries and stock them on the shelves.  So, by “charge problem” I’m assuming the you mean the batteries have actually ran out of power?  Well…
2. Make sure that all the accessories are there.  I thought that was mandatory when taking returns/exchanges, no?
3. This one is sort of related to point 2.  Please check that the returned/exchanged item actually, oh, has the correct camera model, which is stated on the box.  Saying that, make sure the returned/exchanged camera is actually a digital camera and not some disposable one, or a mobile for that matter.
4. Fortunately this has only happened to me once but it still left me scarred but could you please ask customers to delete all their pictures?  I’d rather not come across another image which shows a woman starting to put on some clothes.
5. Cameras do not come with remotes.  End of.

Yours Sincerely,

Annie

How do you calm yourself from irritation?

Oh and new layout…tell me what you think. 

[edit on 28.06]Keeping the layout to this until I find place suited for the navigation.[/edit]

• ND2 Design Crafts
• The Jewellery Quarter Assoc. Prize for Craftsmanship
• Weston Beamor prize for casting

Read on to know the nitty gritty detail.

As my previous post mentioned (referring to I Won, I Won) I had to call the office lady to say that I was going.  I was told I won an award the awards ceremony would start at 8pm (mAward y mum was told the same time on Wednesday).

After work I got ready and actually made the effort (less than 24 hours notice didn’t give me much to work with, I lack formal clothing…), I wore a dress *shockhorror shockhorror*.  Yes, that’show rare it is to see me in one.  :D  My whole family came which was great, and the first!  We arrived a few of minutes earlier only to find that the doors were closed.  That could only mean on thing…the ceremony had started.  I didn’t want to go in because it’s hugely disrepectful to turn up late and interrupt.  We went into anyway and caught the very end of the show; the end speech.  My tutor came up to me at the end and told me it started at 7pm.  I could only stand at the back of the church embarassed and apologetically.  I couldn’t believe I had turned up nearly an hour late.  I don’t know how many times I apologised that night but I was thoroughly annoyed with myself.  I was introduced to…I’d know if I was actually there…I think, the people who gave out the awards.  Did the firm handshake.  My tutor then passed me my envelopes.  I stood there completely amazed.  My mum had told me I won two but I specifically heard “an” in the phone call so to win three was just surreal.

Later on I was introduced to…Weston Beamor representitive?  I’m failing to remember.  The pictures were taken and I saw Bobby (classmate).  Congratulations to him for winning the Sutton’s Award!  His work is very unique.  Congratulations to Chloe (classmate) for her award also, I would have gone to speak to her but I have to work today so I couldn’t stay long - not that I did anyway. 

That’s all for now.  I’ll probably post a picture of my dress after work, I’ve got to shoot off now.  Have a nice day!