Last day of the holidays August 31, 2004
Posted by Andy Roberts in : learning , trackbackI like the autumn best. For me it has always been a time to take stock and get things under control. Back to the serious stuff.
The summer’s indulgences are only slightly spoilt by a nagging sense of procrastination, and it can be a relief when this is finally attended to.
In 2003 the Summer was dominated by the installation of a central heating system, and the huge disruption this caused in the house. It was the hottest summer for decades and the fridge broke down as well. So this year, I really didn’t want to spend too much time in London but ended up doing so and the weather was much more suited. I didn’t get wet at all, and enjoyed many fine days out although the number of barbecue evenings and meteorite spotting nights were restricted.
So what have I done, and what is left undone?
The first week was entirely taken up by Ultraversity work, writing reports 5 and 6. The results for these have not been published but I feel reassured that I passed the first year and have re-registered for year 2, which begins around the 20th September.
I’ve done a lot of filming, and learned quite a bit through sharing the experience with others. I’m not quite sure why I feel I have to make these short films but the compulsion to do so takes up most of the available time at the expense of other things. I now welcome the opportunity to relinquish the cameras although I will still be spending a lot of time in post-production, again making use of equipment which I don’t own while it is there.
I attended a course of five workshops spread over three weeks with the Satsuma Consultancy, which were well received on the whole. So I now have an embryonic business plan and an understanding of business concepts and marketing which should help to bring things into focus. Progress which needs to be consolidated.
I spent far fewer hours at the computer, apart from all the video capture and editing, and a lot less time on the phone as well.
I’ve consumed far too much good food and wine so this needs to be attended to….
Music has trickled along in the background still, with no progress on the backlog of tunes apart from gathering the writing together into a folder here on my desk.
Family has needed attention, and this has to be the priority sometimes. One funeral, a visit home and a late University application. Yet I still have my own forms to be filled in - tut.
One thing resolved is to have a complete break away for the autumn half term, looking forward to that.
So back to work, back to more work, back to studies and all the rest of it. Onwards and upwards.
is an online professional who initiated DARnet 
Autumn’s my favourite time of the year too, the last of summer, the wonderful colours, textures, just the cosiness of it all really!
Seems like you’ve had a good holiday Andy, making time to do what you wanted to do! I’d like to know how you intend to attend to the excesses of food and wine though :-)!
I like Autumn too especially those last warm, sunny days that seem such a treat. It’s always a grind to get back to school though. I’m going to treat myself to a new pencil case, felt pens, sharpener etc. tomorrow. Well it always cheered me up when I was a kid going back to school!
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness-it’s one of the things I love about England the most.
I’d completely forgotten about the August meteorites until I read your blog - the weather has been so dire that I’ve not been out in the garden to see them. talking of which ….. I must do some weeding etc - they seem to have loved the weather!
Where are you planning to go for the Autumen half term?
I haven’t booked yet, but it could be Spain, Venice, a canal boat or else anywhere that sounds warm and cheap with no computers.