Jones

Seems like since Merlin came on board with Jeff Jones his bikes have become far more prolific (which was the point obviously) and you're much more likely to bump into someone riding one. Although maybe that's the illusion of the interweb, even if there are a thousand Jones bikes out there then it's still a longshot you'd see one. I do know there's a Jones owner who lives near Barcelona (and NZ the rest of the time!) I was in touch with and I've seen a few in the flesh now and they don't seem nearly as weird as when I first saw one but why the hell do they, almost, all have those WTB saddles! They look terrible, though maybe that's to distract from the frame. Good to see truss forks can double as bottle holders...

a rain's a comin'

Weather finally broke today with a proper storm that's been brewing for a couple of days. Such a relief to have cool air circulating in the flat again although annoyingly the same day we bought a fan, ah well. Just finished watching the second series of The Sopranos, awesome stuff really love it. Running with the fictional theme I found out that Mr. Carr will be out from Thursday to take part in the 24 hour race at the weekend. Staying at the same hotel as Mr. Bontrager (This at least I know is true I've seen the trek emails) it'll be entertaining to hear his accounts of the last year, 'yeah then I was in space for a week but I got bored so I came back and then I swam to the ocean floor but it was cold so then...'

Mind you the best trip I ever had was driving from Lisbon through Portugal and into Spain with him and Carlien, he was convinced he was fluent in Spanish *sigh*

time wasting

If in doubt then fettle. Re-bled the rear brake in an effort to stop it losing power while out on the trails and just feeling a bit crap in general, hopefully I'll be well enough to take it out tomorrow and see if it's worked. If not then I'm tempted to buy new brakes, wait it's not just bike whoredom! Local bike shop want 50 euros to bleed a brake plus any parts they need! And when you can get new uber sexy xts for £110 to £160 (and less sexy ones for less) then it kind of makes a mockery of getting them repaired. Of course if I could get the damned things working myself I'd be quids in.

(I did manage to get the new hose in/on and bleed them initially. Which is good for me.)

endlessness

So school's out for the Summer and I've got a week until my next job, time to soak up the sun and spin the legs out on the ferrous. Except I'm holding onto yet another mucus and scratchy throat condition. Baws. Spent yesterday at the pool which was good although Carla managed to burn her shins. I guess I could go back today and worship the golden globe but it's not the same when you're billy nae mates plus it's a bit cloudy today. I should sort out the rear brake as it is still feeling weird and spongy but can't really be arsed. Maybe sleep and hot drinks are the order of the day, try and nail my flubber-esque infection and get at least a few days riding in before start the 9-5 job, god I hope they have air conditioning.

Our adopted homeland did the unthinkable and dumped Italy out of Euro 2008 (to be fair Italy have been shit since the first game but Holland managed to self destruct a couple days ago so anything's possible) The car horns were blaring for hours afterwards. Must get to one of the big screens for the semi finals.

summertime

Well it would appear scorchio is finally upon us. After a May that would be better suited to Scotland the skies have remained clear for the last few days and the temperature has been climbing. It posted 33 here today and looks set to rise :S

Last day of school is tomorrow and then a week off before start the first of the Summer camps, I've got 11 and 12 year olds for 2 weeks. I'm still not sure if that's better or worse than the 6 year olds I've been teaching. Also finally secured my job at the school for next year but only because I found out through Lizzie that we were meant to register on a website and get the school to recommend us months ago! Spoke to the headteacher who was oblivious to the process but assured me not to worry as everything would be ok. Not really seeing how this was compatible with the information I had I pressed her to call the people who hire us. Sure enough the deadline had indeed passed, the school had been entirely ignorant of what was required to keep me on and I felt doomed. However, despite the total lack of co-ordination or knowledge of what anyone else is doing at any time here the flipside is that when someone says the deadline has passed it has a totally different meaning than back home. You can imagine the scene when someone in the UK says the deadline has passed:
"Well could I possibly get on the list anyway?"
"Oh no sir, the deadline has passed I'm afraid it's out of my hands there's simply nothing I can do." [Smugness and glee evident in voice]

Yet here a deadline passing is less of a problem:
"The deadline's passed you say? Hmmm, well can I get on the list anyway?"
"Yup why not. Ok all done, you're on the list." [Really couldn't give a shit either way evident in voice]

So it was that despite missing the deadline, the agency not having my details despite me registering on the website and not knowing me from Adam that I was rehired! The agency lady called back to speak to me about my details (or lack thereof) and I asked if I should call her to confirm my place or if they would email me:
"Oh no I'll call if there's any problem."
"Well should I call to check it went ok or maybe you could email me?"
"No, no it'll be fine I'll just call if there's any problem. Byeee!"

So I'm pretty sure I have a job. Just not certain.

As the main teacher left last week we have been playing games and watching cartoons with the kids this week. Wednesday afternoon saw us outside playing basketball amongst other things. Being a sunny day I rolled up my jeans exposing my girly calves (sp?) As a couple of the boys ran around whilst playing tug of war with two skipping ropes tied together they almost swept the legs from under me. Exclaiming to them to stop the rope rode up onto to my bare flesh and as Roberto gave a generous heave I gave a cry of pain. Starting to heal now...

washington

follow through

Been ill again. Not two weeks after losing my voice I've had to take more time off work. They'll be thrilled. At least this time I managed to sort out some healthcare seeing as they still haven't registered me with the private one I pay for through my wages. A virus, sleep and take these painkillers was the unspectacular verdict from a somewhat bored doctor who couldn't believe I had private healthcare I couldn't use; 'but you're paying for it?' Yes, I am. 'but you can't use it?' Yes that's right it is devilishly frustrating madam, please keep repeating these sentences as this will help alleviate my headache and throat pain. 'but you're paying for it?'

Still I should be back to work tomorrow, probably should have gone back today but still so tired, I've slept for about 30 hours in the last 2 days even for me that's impressive. Still, back in the infection zone tomorrow and then only a couple weeks until the first summer camp.

Watched the entire fifth season of Peep Show today, it is awesome although makes me a bit homesick. Mark always gets the best lines:

I feel guilty about everything, from the pollution caused by Chinese industrialisation to not wearing some pairs of boxers as much as others. I'm sorry, stripey blue - you're just too tight