My appeal did not work

Dear Bloggers,

Last Monday I got a parking ticket. Well, very annoyingly as it was just 13 minutes after my ticket expired. However, I should know better when seeing these traffic wardens as they have no mercy, plus they need to A get their commissions and B raise money for council.

Of course as I already admitted it was entirely my own fault. Chatting away not looking at time, but mainly forgetting about when parked and when expired. Or was that my stinginess?

When I got to my car  found the yellow slip – wasn’t very impressive. Straight away I made  a phone call to the council and tried to explain my situation. However, the guy said I need to appeal in writing. So I got home, opened my laptop straight away,and typed my letter:

Dear Sir, Madam

I am writing to appeal against the penalty charge issued on 14 May 2012 at 11:17.   

I am ever so sorry for not paying enough whilst parking this morning in …..

I visited my friend for a morning coffee and thought it would be a flying visit. I am 37 weeks pregnant and visited a friend who also just had a baby. 

I stayed at Crown Court where I used to be a resident, a “S Zone” user with my previous vehicle. 

 

I did not realise how the time went by; plus these days I am also a bit forgetful. Not realising I really forgot to extend my ticket by accident.  

 

When I got to the street I bought a ticket at 10:04 - used £1. It was exactly for one hour, although forgotten the expiry time at 11:04. 

I somehow thought whilst still visiting and chatting to my friend about tips for birth and baby stuff that expiry was 11:24am.

 

Unfortunately, when I got the the car at 11:20 and realised I got my penalty ticket. I immediately phoned for advice hence writing this email. It was issued 11.17am

Please take my appeal into consideration as it was not malicious. And again I’m ever so sorry. 

According to my Records you might have you can see that I never experienced the charge in last three years or more.

Many thanks for dealing with this matter and being kind with your decision. 

 

I am a Council Tax payer.

In case you would like to contact me please do not hesitate to phone.

Best regards,

I waited a week and a bit for a reply, but they still didn’t take it seriously enough, nothing was taken into consideration, my state, my excuse, my evidence. Well, my waste of time to even bother to make an appeal.

Very said that the council has this kind of attitude, especially when previously I spoke with another department about reusable nappy scheme and they were ever so helpful. I actually feel quite discussed about their lack of sympathy and mistreatment. OK, they got their discounted £30, but in my books I don’t have good impression over them.

Yesterday as I was walking home I noticed that there was a penalty notice yellow slip on a car. Obviously parked on street. However, as I approached this car closer I noticed that there was a note written by the owner of the car explaining why he does not have a ticket, plus leaving his phone number there. I felt furious. How can the council do this to people. They have no mercy, honestly, such a terrible way to treat the citizens.

I must admit though I have learned my lesson and therefore I’ll be more cautious and hopefully there won’t be yellow slips next time. …

 

 

My first baking attempt ala France

Dear bloggers,

 

My first attempt of making a Quiche Lorraine yesterday was a real success. Might have not been exactly the same as Rachel Khoo’s one but good enough for me and my husband. I got inspired whilst watching the programme The Little Paris Kitchen http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dy4st for a while. What better way to celebrate May – a good day finally weather wise.

Not just that but I also made my own puff pastry for the first time – not having any weighing scales, just used common sense, well that means if I have any right now. It went all smoothly. I started with the base, the pastry used flour, butter, egg yolk, pinch of salt and a bit of water. Mixed it all together and off to the fridge for good couple of hours.

Then I prepared / fried bacon and put eggs with cream together, bit of nutmeg plus of course seasoning. Yummy! it started to look tempting. After rolling up the pastry (well made it a bit thicker this first time) I used our only cooking the cake oven proof dish and off to the oven with the base for good 10 minutes. After that I putt the bacon at the bottom and poured it over with the egg mixture. Cooking time 30 minutes, so really in about 45 minutes cooking plus some time preparing the dough – you have the most simple and delicious summer dish. To my surprise my husband thought it was delighted so it gave me encouragement not to give up but continue with my cooking ventures.

FitFlop vs ordinary trainers

Dear readers

Last Saturday I finally had enough and decided to get some proper shoes which would be suitable for rain and confortable for walking and mainly pushing the pram.

We went for a shoe hunt, first stop – Clarks, for my liking there was a sale on and me being such a cheap skate I somehow thought I can get something there. Nothing even though I tried, the shoes were lovely but the left just wouldn’t fit on and was somehow tighter than the right. I liked the colour and the style but got really put off.

Next Stop House of Fraser – very disappointed as they only had All Stars and I thought to myself “oh god I’m not twenty I don’t like the design”. What was even worse the lack of service which made me really upset and a bit agitated too. So we got to the bottom flour and felt bit sorry for myself.

Just when I wanted to give up we saw the shop on the corner and y hubby said to pop in there! WE grabbed the opportunity of looking at FitFlops. There were few different colours, but I went for grey/silver look. When putting them on I felt like omg they are mine! fitted so perfectly. Nothing was left just get them. So they costed us £80 as my hubby got a 5% discount as there was something on the top of the left shoe.

I didn’t even take the box with me as immediately started wearing them. Later that day I started to feel that the shoes were funny fit! started to feel loose and not quite right. I tightened the shoelaces and still felt as falling off.

Now I had them for a week just getting to used to them. But last night finally I realised what it was. They are called fitflops – more like FLIPFLOPS – so they are flexible and not as granted to my heal. So the cushioning is not there but the flexibility and perhaps the impact on my spine is ever so healthy and useful.

Today I walked in them for a long time and actually felt ever so comfortable.

Do I recommend them? Possibly yes, but it does take time to get used to them. Don’t expect miracles straight away, but work on it and use them often  …

if you go by car what to take (part 2 to travelling light)

Dear all bloggers and readers,

seems like ages but missed two days of writing. Not good for somebody who is only geting into all this.

My last post was about big travels in 2012 but mainly the summer one . Yes, I do over pack, especially for any trip into Slovakia. But I even noticed, the bigger the room and no weight requirements the more I pack.So for example whilst travelling to Slovakia our little Suzuki was chock -o- block. Why?, well because we thought we are moving to another country for work and maybe good. So we took all the books, paper work with us to leave them in my parents’s garage which is not quite to their liking. And on top of everything – the presents and our personal belongings including clothes, lots of it. So conclusion – I can not travel light what so ever.

The worst example of my inability to pack was whilst driving to Biaritz through Bordeaux and Cognac country the summer before last. Though we had accommodation arranged I even took our poor tent and sleeping bag – just in case. and how much clothes and shoes, incredible. Luckily my Bunny Rabbit is quite tolerant of its all, just whinge a bit every now and then.

But anyway, now let me follow the journey from last summer. After one night stop – where we tasted local cuisine we headed of to Paris area, well mainly country side of it. We stayed near Versailles. This time even though in the same accommodating resort we had much bigger room with our proper kitchen. We manage to do some private al fresco dining, and met even some other holiday makers, three French couples with kiddies, very generous, who gave us even a bottle of Rose! Wow, I loved it.

The following morning’s plan was to explore finally the Castle of Versailles – lovely, stunning, huge and god knows what other adjectives I could use. Perhaps just breathtaking.

Living close to Hampton Court made me already accustomed to similar architecture and gardens but to be honest it’s just a miniature of HC – not even a fifth in the size. Also being a bit tiring place to walk around. The Hall of Mirrors was possibly the most impressive one, however, the gardens with statues and beautiful flora! Unforgettable experience. We also had a boat ride, which we did ourselves, was quite fun as the continental weather proved to be once agin great. Getting around a lot by  foot made us happy.

We visited the gardens twice, and for absolute free! that was bonus. I like free stuff – that what possible makes me different. However, the nice lunch round the corner of the PALACE wasn’t. Though super delicious and again once a memorable experience.

Everywhere we ended we shared a bottle or at least a half of bottle  - I was in Heaven. Now since I was never a fun of  French wines, I love a good glass. On the way back home we stopped in Wine Society shop since we are members. Got more supplies than perhaps needed. Only till I found out in September that for long 40 weeks I’m not going to enjoy them, however, not regretting.  It’s part of a process of life bearing.

Well to sum up somehow, I even would say that not just going on holidays I overpack; but coming back too. My bad habits of not travelling light have  to stop since we will have someone else starting to join our travels soon.

Travelling light?

Dear diary,

starting quite unusual, feel that it’s Bank holiday weekend so I owe to write about my travels.

Somehow when it long weekend we would normally go somewhere, but there are too reasons  which are stopping us from doing so.

Main one is my late pregnancy – actually there’s no way now I would even consider flying to a different country, possibly somewhere nicer and warmer and secondly; the weather is so awful that even going for a walk or drive would be not desirable .

However, 2012 has reasonably been a year of travels so far (January in Slovakia, then Sweden, and sunny-windy Grand Canaria). Actually it all started in summer in August 2011 whilst we toured  France by car – from Calais through Burgundy to South of France – Provence. Completely loved these two weeks of eating the French high cuisine and luxurious wine tasting; breathing in a bit of culture ; soaking in the sun and being refreshed by waters of a lake, gorge and sea of St Tropez coast.

Set off by dawn on Saturday we started a long drive, which luckily went smoothly and by evening arrived near Nui St George – the vine region . Refreshed asked for the nearest best restaurant and celebrated our French mission. Yes, very nice. The next day we went to explore a bit of culture and days just rolled on and on.

We decided to cut one day off our Burgundy experience as the weather was a bit more like the English rainy one. So mid week we set off again. This time going South. Wow temperature raised high and we bot loved it. When finally we found our accommodation , we had to spend a night in a different house as our was terribly busy.

Settled well in South of france lifestyle, we kept on drinking, eating ad exploring. A trip to L’Occitane factory, or the first beach and lake and Gorge but the highlight of it’s all – a day trip on our second anniversary down to St Tropez, Nikki Beach. Absolutely loveld it! Wanted to go again and the food, the sea and the sun – well real holiday.

Sad thing was when we had to leave south of France but the holiday was still ahead of us. We broke the journey for one day – stop somewhere half way between Paris and Marseile. Just for one nigh but manage to taste a very good local cuisine where we could even take our own bottle home. And I forgot to mention that after some awesome burgundy reds – which on our last night had far too many glasses even bottles  - the people in South got us used to Rose! Brilliant and refreshing in summer. We had lots of it. I’m not a great admirer of high cuisine but anything for a good bottle.

Let me pause here my part 1 and will continue tomorrow.

How did I ended being a President of Toastmasters

Dear Blogging World

Recently I’ve been too preoccupied with too much baby stuff. Being pregnant can overshadow your focus and you concentrate on just one thing – the big day and if you are ready.

However today I’d love to share my experience as a president of Riverside Communicators; the Toastmasters’ International Club.

How did it all began? I’ll share with you : the learning curve, the fun and a bit of a background info about the organisation.

Jut before we got married my husband and I decided that we needed to meet more people in our local area, so we got recommendation from friend of ours to attend Toastmasters; not just to build up public speaking skills and your confidence but to mingle with the locals, network and fit in. So our local one was Riverside Communicators in a beautiful York House, the council house in Twickenham. It’s part of Area 29 of international voluntary organisation introduced from America in 1920s.

We got there with my husband but soon after other everyday duties and after wedding honey moon period got in a way so rally we only joined the year after – late May 2010 for £108 a year each, not bad value for making friends and mainly improving your public speaking and leadership skills.

The same night as we joined; the club had their election for a new committee and of course, my husband being a joker, he volunteered us to become a VPE (vice president of education). Nothing to do with my profession; but to prepare the agenda for the night, communicate with the members about their educational progress and so. So we became a joined VPE team but soon after that I took over as my husband’s work got in a way. Half way through the year, I realised that I can become a president, which might be a much easier role so I thought! I would only have to tell people what to do and would delegate and nominate. So in 2011, July 1st I have taken over the position as a president of Riverside Communicators  for a year.

Easy, I said to myself as I already knew bits and bobs , how is the club run and mainly I had known the people and not just in our area, but across whole London. Under me I had a group of committed people like, secretary, VR membership, mentoring coordinator, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, VPE (the same role what I did last year), VP Leadership and VPPR (public relationship – which my husband took over.

People got thrilled after my nomination ad election was done! The fun started. Everybody got very enthusiastic since our club is the best in the world. I set up some targets, went on a Club officer training with others and the year of my presidency rolled away.

September started being busy and some committee members dropping off. And we had Humorous Speech contest which I organised, almost ran and then repaid the favour of being a judge in other clubs. This all happened the the busiest time; considering wee were moving house and I conceived my first baby. What a start of my journey.

All went well in September, a big success for the club and external bodies also appreciated. First learning curve behind me-very exhausting and rewarding at the same time. Renewal of fees time was due and some members dropped their interest as it is a nature of any clubs.  Afterwards just ordinary meetings, opening and closing the nights, meeting members and new guests, who actually showed the interest in joining us.

Before Xmas the attendance dropped rapidly so first meeting in January we had to cancel, but soon after we had an amazing workshop preparing us for annual Storytelling contest – Cooper cup. I even took part in the one and did a great speech in my opinion – however, last – that was it for me. Times started to become more and more hectic so I lost “the plot” to write and rehears my speeches.

Another big night was due in March. In preparation we had a brilliant workshop on evaluating the speeches by a very good expert. Lots of great feedback from  everybody and boost of confidence to our contesters. The night of International Speech and Evaluation contest finally arrived, after all the organising and gaining judges from other clubs, I had another mission to reciprocate the favour of judges and go to their contests. The standards were high, meeting great people was on programme but exhaustion kicked in again as four night in a row is bit too much.

Final relief when area 29 organised their finals so it was over to London division. I miss the grand finale this year as had to celebrate five years of meeting my husband.

More guests interested in our speaking Club as it is in a great venue and with such a pleasant atmosphere. But as everything in life sometimes you need to give up and listen to your body, especially there is someone special growing inside. So it was time for me to hand over. Last night of my appearance believe or not was very nostalgic and emotional. People were grateful and giving lovely speeches to celebrate all the work I’ve done over the course of two years.

Missing it? Yes, definitely – that thrill, people, friends, but of course once you are a Toastmaster you can never be an ex! the whole world is connected.

I made some great friends even though they might be on my Facebook -so are only “virtual” but never the less.  This organisation is supportive, nurturing and very friendly, doesn’t criticise - only Comments, Recommends and Comments so you can never go wrong.

I’ve learned so much, not just following the two manuals people are given upon joining but I believe I’ve become a better leader, communicator, listener and organiser.

Certainly my gained skills will be applied later in life and perhaps I’ll go back to it at some point …

What a night ? How real was it meeting George ?

Dear bloggers,

I can’t believe what just happened to us. What a night ! Highlights of my week?

No it wasn’t meeting my husband for the first time or our wedding nigh; that experience will be blogged about later. This was rather surreal; party we got invited in Mayfair quite a long ago. My friend celebrated the 25th silver anniversary of his shop Snappy Snap’s in Mayfair and I got the privilege to be invited, quite a long ago. The menu: Champaign, canapes and more Champagne, sabrage, pucker hot tucker from our good friends at the London Kitchen, sophisticated chat and the chance to meet some of the worst informed people in London. Special guest appearance by Mr George Michael.  But of course my pregnant brain completely forgot.

So after a long day of me having my second NCT class women only (discussing scary stuff) and my husband’s busy schedule working day; we get ready. Party starts at 6pm, but of course we don’t want to be early! Of course we left in rush hour, so I get get a bit panicky about my bump as I’m not used to this. We got to Green park tube station and got a Taxi. Told him the address, so nice smooth rid and particularly cheap got us there pretty quick. Well, of course we did not even have change since it was only £4. My Bunny Rabbit  therefore run quickly to the pub and the taxi driver got a bit stressed, but then he asked me -”What is going on? Is that George Michael?” he opened the window bit more and I could hear him. Finally my pregnant brain switched on and remembered. Wow I was excited but still did not take it as nothing special. Luckily Bunny Rabbit arrived with the money so we could get off.

On the corner of Hertford street, in possibly heart of Mayfair, there was this tiny but luxurious Snappy Snap’s and the owner’s picture on the window and lots of people like you see  either in films or street parties. We got closer and started to breathe in the atmosphere; very special. Can’t remember what particular song I’ve heard but it was definitely him, Mr George Michael. My husband got immediately into a happy spirit; went inside whilst I got us drinks! Well, though Champaign was flowing due to obvious reasons I had none-or just a sip. Soo after George stopped and we move outside where we admired the host doing Sabrage (opening the Bottles with Sword) entertaining his guests. Hubby was on a flow of Canapes and happiness and champaign. Then we started to talk to first few people, swiftly moved across the road but I a bit bored as can’t drink and talk at the same time went on a mission trying to look for Mr George and sneak in some pictures …

Got inside of the shop and yes, much warmer he was chatting to group of men – well i just stood there till he noticed me – wasn’t long and said: “are you alright sweet heart?” Just wanted and did introduce myself and asked for a picture. And he said: “you were busy!” pointing at my bump. Well for obvious reasons I said back showing him my wedding ring. And then we asked this gentleman – his manager and minder to take a picture. Of course before I had to make myself more glamorous, so at least I took my coat off but how do you do it when you 35 weeks pregnant! He? He helped to get on the stage – what a gentleman and I believe really genuine and normal guy considering he is an ikon and legend of pop industry for soooooo many years with so many hits!

So we tapped each others backs and said nice words, and he asked me whether it’s ok to take picture for good luck or not but I said it’s going to be fine! Unfortunately sad thing my camera was on the video mode there is one  second video instead! Somebody else took picture from Snappy Snap’s so I’ll ask Scott. Lovely guy this George is, very cool even with his glasses and despite the age he is still in good form and hasn’t aged, smelled nice too. Really nice. Next time I hope to see his eyes though but I know he was genuine.

Then I go out, everybody is mindful of my bump, luckily not that huge as the shop was really quite packed. My bunny rabbit  is even on more canapes, and champaign and talking to lovely brother of our host. I was a bit overwhelmed, but soon got back my excitement to down levels.

Finally desert! and more of George’s performance!!! Got in – happy to be warm; and then the greatest hit came! Even Last Christmas with hands up in the air. My baby was happy and luckily I am not to huge so managed to protect myself and covered my belly. My Bunny Rabbit  next to me having a right old great time, so good to see him happy and thrilled! And then he requested Fast love! My favourite was Don’t let the sun go down and of course, no Elton John as George made even a joke that he couldn’t get a baby sitter. Instead my friend / manager singing. BTW Mr George Michael is also great vocally and managed to make up lyrics on the go for this particular occasion-very cool. Great improvisation. Oh well, all was so fantastic, but I had to go out as a bit squashed. I loved the song Tropicana love ?

Soon after my second or third desert we went to say bye to our host – and we left, back in the cab to Green Park. Both of us were giggling and in great spirit! Came home – uploaded pictures already on train. Facebook friends loved it straight away! We simply had one of the most unforgettable party/night.

Even this morning we kept the great spirit, and when I found out not only he is Greek Cypriat but real surname similar to our one.

“Am I dreaming? Was is it Real?”, meeting somebody so famous so close; we have kept asking each other since this morning. …

My introduction – Who am I?

Hello blogging world

Finally, I got round to this! The whole world is blogging about something somewhere so why shouldn’t I? Even my 59 year old mum does it.

But lets start properly and give you a small background about myself.

My name is Petra and I’m from Slovakia; mum-to-be; in fact not having long only 5 and half weeks to go. I am a teacher – contractor as I really hate to be called supply. Until recently I was a president of our local Toastmaster International club but had to resign for obvious reasons. I live in a beautiful Richmond with my wonderfully caring husband. I have been married almost for three years and had been living here for  8 years permanently. My husband is a British citizen so we have a very international outlook on the world. And despite I haven’t travelled round the world I’ve been to many different places and met various people who inspired me and left a trade on me.

Now it’s official. I’ve stopped working so I have all this free time on my hands and instead of looking at baby products or doing just house chores I’ve decided to write. What about? Anything and everything: my interests, current matters, travels, languages, baby stuff and well you name it; it might appear at some point.

Whilst looking through Facebook statuses, people have diverse ideas how to kill the time and write quite silly things at times. Not saying this will be sensible and it will ome from my own experience.

Before I moved to England “for good”; I lived in Holland spending 8 months on a post graduate programme for teachers sponsored by EU Socrates and Commenius. I’m ever so thankful for that experience as it allowed me a smooth transition to UK mainly as wanting to achieve my dreams since my university times.

My family and friends always wondered why I was attracted to England where constant miserable weather affects everybody’s mood so badly. I just was and never knew the real reason; perhaps it was my destiny. Hence meeting my husband and expecting a child. I am very happy though wasn’t always easy to live in another country than your own.

First “sniff” to the life and culture in UK  I experienced only as a 17 year old. I became an au-pair taking over from friend of mine. This girl is also a mother; now to two beautiful girls and really did me a favour when she couldn’t stay in June with her au- pair family and arranged me as a replacement. It was scary and exciting at the same time – me travelling by coach for 24 hours and then being picked up in rush hour in Victoria. The whole arrival into London was quite intimidating. I have never seen so many African – Carribean people and as being only 17 it was bit of a cultural shock.

Another one straight afterwards was when trying to get to Romford, Essex by public transport and as I said, tired, over packed, with lack of English and hot. Believe or not it was sunny for once – in fact that summer 1996 was quite a warm one.

Since then there have been many summers in Uk and they were all different and good. That’s what made me kept coming to this country which I now consider my home.  So I’ll presume there will be many more as there will be many more blogs.

But summer 2012 will be the most special one …

Ben Agathangelou being hired by Ferrari

I’m sure Ben Agathangelou has an impeccable CV in order to warrant his hire. In any case, Ferrari fan or not, I think it’s a crying shame to see a team try so hard and get very little in return. Hence I was pleased to see Mercedes get back in the winners circle again after making all those hires. I must say Stefano needs to change his rhetoric because hearing about his calm approach and the need to win is like a broken record – does he ever say anything else?

Is F1 complicit in the Bahrain violence?

“Let’s say Bernie Ecclestone and a Bahraini official are conducting a business deal. As they shake hands on their transaction, the official uses his other arm to punch a passerby in the face. Mr Ecclestone continues to shake and the deal is done. Is he complicit in the violence? – The Independent”

Well no, Bernie isn’t as he is taking money away from the Bahraini people and thus removing their ability to punch more people in the face. You could say he’s helping the Bahraini people by publicising the punches in the face if they managed to get televised.

Oh but isn’t F1 generating wealth in the region? Perhaps it is although not to the same extent or ROI expected in more democratic circumstances.

With all the media buzz, the human rights groups, the FIA approval and fact finding investigation outcome info we’re not privy to know, I watch the events unfold with great interest.