Today I feel alive, it is one of those days that I feel my blood surging and have that feeling of optimism again.
It doesn't happen often so I am savouring it!
I usually feel pessimistic in the approach to winter ( I often suffer from SAD) but for now I am looking on the bright side of life!
There is no particular reason that I can think of
for this feeling, except perhaps it is because my TMA02 is almost finished and I will soon be sending it off to be marked!
❄ 🌫 🧊🙂
I read my TMA 02 draft for L185 over again, and I soon realised that I have put some information in there, that was not in the OU materials. It was something I had just found by chance, but it was not related in any way to the Social Sciences subject that we are studying at the moment, so I have decided that I am going to remove that paricular paragraph.
Now it's back to the drawing board again and re-draft everything.
Sticking to the question, the whole question and nothing but the question!
Today I am sat working in the kitchen and I made a coffee with a few biscuits, then started studying some e-books that I downloaded earlier, which will relevant for the TMA 02 that I am currently undertaking. I also read some texts from the resource book, which are particularly constructive towards my TMA. I managed to watch a video on how to successfully carry out a TMA which was very useful! All this took up most of the afternoon, I then went to look on the student forum to see how other students are getting on. A few recent posts to read, everyone seems to be doing well.
As I wheeled the dustbin out into the street for collection tomorrow,
I noticed that the weather was now becoming much colder with a slight glittering of ground frost. The village is surrounded by fields so it gets very cold late afternoons.
Indoors I put the oven on to do some baking, so this will soon warm up the kitchen.
I am now going to prepare vegetables for our main meal which is going to be a hot vegetable curry!
Country lane with late autumn sunshine.
I had a good weekend this weekend. By way of thanking me (for looking after him after his operation), my husband took me out on Sunday for a lovely meal, in a fine establishment, that serves a good roast dinner. 🍲🍷🍷
Mushroom soup to start with, which was the best I had ever tasted. The roast dinner was excellent especially the vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy. Dessert was a sticky toffee pudding and I had just one glass of wine!
We then got chatting to some very charming people, so the food and company were all most enjoyable.
I wish we could do it more often- if only!
This week it was back to work again on my TMA 2 for L185 I feel quite confident.( I think!) Hopefully I can get this essay in order before the cut off date !
The process of Translating
Before starting the translating process. It is important to have accurate knowledge of both languages, and a few good text Books which are gathered to aid the understanding of the translation process
Le petit Robert french Dictionary
The Oxford Concise English dictionary
Thesaurus ( English)
Book of idioms French, book idioms English,
Advanced French Grammar book. 📚
I will also be using my Digital notebook and laptop computer.
As well as using the online tools.Google Translate
Lingee. For checking spellings and meanings of unfamiliar words. 👩💻🖥🖨
First, I place the books on the desk beside the computer desk top. These are the books I will be using to get a correct translation.
I already have a rough copy of the translation on the digital notebook. I then have to cut and paste the copy using the software application onto word processor.
Next, I have to proof read what I have written, first I check spellings. For this I use the French Dictionary(and the Oxford English Dictionary) and if using idioms I check these in the idioms book to see if it is appropriate for the text I am writing. I also have to check tenses, whether if it is past, present or future.
Many words could be used for the 'same' word so it is important to have to Iook at the list of synonyms for that particular word, and then find the most precise word in respect of the context and syntax.
I then check punctuation and grammar.
Finally, When I am fully satisfied with what I have translated. I Check once again for any errors, I can then print out the final copy.🖨
Are you a sheep or a goat? 🐑🐐 ?
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats is found in Matthews gospel 25:31-46. In the Bible.
In this parable, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd who separates his sheep from his goats in order to help his followers understand what judgement will be like.
🐐
Goats are those nasty creatures who are. self willed and disobedient they like to kick and head butt people who get in their way. They spread lies and deceit and can't wait to kick people who are down already!
Worse than that they reject Jesus' salvation and his teachings.
🐑
Sheep on the other hand are gentle creatures who want to help others and are actively involved in doing small acts of kindness and mercy.
Jesus explains that people will be separated into two groups:
Sheep 🐑
• Are those who have lived good lives and believed in God will be put on one side and have a place in Heaven
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Goats🐐
• Are those who have rejected the belief in God and have sinned in their lives will be placed on the other side and will go to Hell.
🧔 Jesus explains that helping a person, whoever they are, whatever their need is just the same as if they were helping Jesus himself and is therefore a commandment for all Christians to obey.
Ref:
New Testament of The Bible.
I think that modern methods of communication have actually improved my English language. This is because 'I text a lot', and this has enabled me to get a lot of information written down into one short text. This along with my course L185 is enabling me to write in a concise way and to become more of an academic writer.
Hopefully I have made a break through in my writing technique.
I saw this photograph on a book cover. I just thought that it captures a deer in nature very well at this time of year.
Red Stag in Winter UK Giedrius@ Shutterstock.com
Today I managed to reduce my word count for TMA 2.ModuleL185. Thankfully I had some inspiration after talking to another student about it who offered me some good advice.
It is great that we can learn from one other and pick up tips from each other!
Welcome to Winter!
Like many areas in the Uk, there is deep snow where I live. Instead it feels like winter has arrived too early, in autumn rather than winter!
The row of trees in my garden are looking just like christmas trees all sparkling and covered in snow glinting in the pale sunlight.
I am working with my little lamp on as it is difficult to see as the light is fast fading outside.
I am getting to grips with TMA 2. Unfortunately my word count is coming up as 650 instead of 400!
I really like what I have written, it completely covers the question, to both part 1 and part 2, it sounds appropriate but I have used too many words!
What am I doing wrong? am I waffling too much?
Yes, I probably am aren't I?
I was very pleased to find that my score for the ICMA was 95% so quite happy about that.
I probably could have done better, but not bad considering what is happening at home at the moment.
Now, I have to concentrate on TMA 02 which is all about "Identity" so gathering notes and doing some reading.
Today I managed to extend my walk, to get more exercise, up to the supermarket
by walking first by the side of the park. It was good to see all the trees bordering the park in all their autumnal glory. The reds, golds and browns contrasting with the bright vibrant green grass of the park playing field.
🍁🍂🍃
I had time to walk along the leafy lane leading back towards the Supermarket. The leaves were all crunchy underfoot and I walked quickly as possible, as I did not want to leave my patients (husband and son) alone for too long. Both of them are slowly healing thankfully.
🍀🌳🌲
It was lovely to be walking outdoors in the sunshine again, after being indoors caring for the family. There was a slight chill in the air and the pungent smell of autumn bonfires, coming from the gardens. I deposited some recycling at the large Car Park Skips, before going on to the supermarket.
When I had finished shopping, I went home and made a start on the note taking for TMA 2. writing about 'Identity' But first I read the question very carefully and thoroughly! What is the question asking for? there seems to be two questions with different parts to it.
I think about my prior knowledge on the subject. There must be some bits and pieces from my other courses, that I studied previpusly in "language and culture" that I can use, if I can even find my old notebooks out!
I have already submitted my ICMA multi choice questions, on comprehension of a text, I did this on Sunday. Now I just have to wait to get my results for that. I wonder how long it will take for the results to appear from the ICMA? 🤷♀️
Pink and red flowers.in the garden.
I have been working through the exercises online and going through the questions of the icma. I have photocopied the icma text also the questions. It seems fairly easy, although I had to focus very carefully and pay attention to what the question is asking.
It has been a very busy time lately at home. I am sad that I do not have neither the time or the energy to take a long walk in nature at the moment and yet I long to do so but my duties have me bound up at home for a lot of the time.
One day I will be able to walk to my hearts content in the future, and it is this thought keeps me going! 🙂
Anthropathology – study of sickness of human beings,
also known the 'Human condition.'
Humanity's Achievements
Human beings have adapted from being hunter gatherers, living in a natural environment to farming the land.
They have built villages, towns and cities. Constructed homes, industries, traded with each other, communicated and cooperated together to improve their communities.
Humanity's Destructiveness
However, despite being capable of great achievements, humans have also become very destructive. Examples include greed, lies, rape, theft, murder, poverty, illnesses, wars, racism. They have stolen land and caused wars using the most sophisticated weapons against each other.
Studying subjects like Anthropathology, Religions, History Sociology,psychiatry, Psychology, Philosophy. This can help us to understand a lot about the problems facing humanity.
Strategies For Reducing Destructive Actions
Human beings are capable of addressing their 'bad' conditions by joining collectively and making campaigns to bring about public awareness of the problems that we face today and find ways to change things for the 'good'.
Change is best tackled as a collaboration of people working together on challenging issues, such as environmental disasters, poverty, inequality, diseases, and racism. Working together to bring about a better future for mankind.
Settling down into a new routine of carer, for my husband after his operation. He is still waking up during the night with some pain, I think that is mostly coming from the site of the wound itself. The pain killers are helping a lot and he was able to get a few hours sleep afterwards.
In the afternoons if there is a lull I can get my son onto the computer for an hour or so, then I can do a bit of studying myself.
I have downloaded some e books that I can read, these have questions and exercises in that I can do. Studying is all about time management, arranging everything to fit around study and care. Hopefully, I am getting there now !
I am finding it difficult to concentrate at the moment and my head is all over the place!
My husband has just had his operation and I am looking after him throughout his recovery. Making sure he stays in bed to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
I am very grateful for the Induction course at the beginning of this term because I was able to get off to a flying start. Hopefully if I lag behind a bit now I can soon catch up again. Thank you OU for giving us this very useful induction course!
👩💻
Last night I went to the Tutorial at 6.30pm. I was quite nervous at first, then when I got connected and entered into the room, I was relieved to see the Tutor Mary on the screen. She looked so nice and friendly, smiling and very welcoming. I soon began to relax especially as other students started to arrive.
I had to attend this Tutorial rather than the first one because I was unable to make it to the other tutorial due to the fact that I had just had my flu jab, (my arm was still sore and Ihad a headache, which always happens after my flu jab!)
The Tutor explained all about the Module and what was expected of us in terms of scores that we needed to get to pass each unit. We had a little quiz which was great fun! about what the all different abbreviations in the OU stood for, I managed to get most of them right!
I didn't really know anybody there at all, although some names sounded familiar. I mostly stayed quiet until the end and listened carefully to what was being said.
I usually like to stay quiet and listen while taking notes, unless I am called upon to answer a question. By the end of the session I was feeling quite like I belonged there!
At the end of the Tutorial I typed "Goodnight" and "Thank you" . In the text box. I then signed out. It had been a very beneficial Tutorial and I had gleaned a lot of useful information by attending. I am glad I managed to take part.👍
I was delighted this week by the return of Maigret the🇨🇵 french detective series on Television (on talking pictures) On Wednesdays 9pm. 🕵️♂️🔎
I am learning much more french by watching Maigret and it feels so natural.
I don't know why but the sound quality 📶seemed so much better this time around!
This is so important for me as I am a bit hard of hearing.👂 I found I could understand the french language much better. Maigret speaks quite slowish anyway and so I am easily able to understand him.
As well as this I enjoy a good detective story! I don't even mind if I have seen it before, because I get the oportunity to remember the spoken language all over again!
🔎 à bientôt ! 👋
Why are there Wars ?
I was pondering this question and in my Bible readings the answer came
Epistle of St. James: chapter 4, v 1-4
What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war.
However there is a better way in verse 7 it says;
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
NIV Bible
Let us always seek peace. 🕊
At the moment I am finding my feet with this module and thinking about my study time table.
Last year I could usually Study in the mornings and care for my son at the same time. There have been a lot of appointments lately also for my husband who needs another operation and all these appointments usually happen in the morning, so it looks like I am going to have to move my OU study study time table to the afternoons.
This arrangement will not be permanent (I think) but just for the time being.
Hopefully I can get back to the morning study, but while everything is so hectic for the time being then I must just go with the flow.
On the positive side I managed to read some of the texts in the resources texts book. Still working through Block 1 there is a lot of information to study. I am so glad there was an induction ! it really gives me that extra time to get ahead and study everything I need to know. 👍
Translation of a prayer by Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Apprends-nous, Bon Dieu, à te servir comme tu le mérites ; donner et ne pas compter le prix, se battre et ne pas prêter attention aux blessures, travailler dur et ne pas chercher le repos, travailler et ne pas demander de récompense, sinon celle de savoir que nous faisons ta volonté.
Dieu, donne-moi ton amour et ta grâce. Cela me suffit. Amen.
Translation in English
Teach us , good Lord , to serve you as you deserve ; to give , and not to count the cost , to fight , and not to heed the wounds ,
to toil , and not to seek for rest , to labour , and not to ask for reward , except that of knowing that we are doing your will."
God give me your love and grace. That is enough for me. Amen.
🙏
On TV begining last night, Fridays (More 4 at 9pm) there is a good series starting. "The Chateau Murders" 🏰 it is a very good who - done -it! For those who like to play detectives🔎
Quite a modern film, Set in Quebec Canada in a creepy but luxurious Hotel, someone is found murdered and set in concrete in the bath tub!
It is in the French language but has English subtitles, so great for those of us who are trying to brush up on our French, or for lovers of crime fiction.📖
The suspect could be any one of the guests staying in the hotel many of whom had the motive to murder, or was it an outsider?
Why not find out!!
🌞The weather was bright and sunny today where I live, but I was not in the mood to go walking anywhere too far away. It was a rest day and I was feeling tired after a busy new week of studying!
After a quick shopping trip to the village supermarket. ( 5 minutes away) which was very busy! I opted for an afternoon relaxing in the garden under the shade of the trees in my secret hideaway.
I filled the large. 🤽♀️ paddling pool and placed my feet inside the luke warm water. There is just enough sunlight coming through the top part of the high wooden fence, to sit and read my latest book .📖
My hideaway is behind the house in a fenced off area where there are trees, a shed and a bench. A lot of tall shrubbery grows all around so secluded on all sides. Very peaceful.
It was lovely to hear the birds in the trees and the distant sounds in the neighbourhood.
A lot of people were out of the area, some were shopping, or at the nearby beach with the kids.
However, for me there's is nothing better after a busy week, than to be out relaxing in the garden with a tall cool drink and reading my book beneath the beautiful trees. Being one with nature, this is my Happy!
🌲🌲🌲🌳🌴🌳
A quiet sunny morning so I am able to have a good couple of hours studying. My son (who I am a carer for) is on the computer doing his own thing. Thankfully all is calm in the house and in the neighbourhood. The noisy lawnmower nearby has by now stopped.
🌞☕ 👩💻 🖥 📖⏰
Online I am still concentrating on Block1. Now I find if I click on "All weeks" I can have full access to all Block 1, so this is good news!
I have been able to look over a few sessions and try to grasp what needs to be done. I have already made some notes in my digital note book.
Drinking Coffee at the moment to keep myself alert. Learning lots of important things about sentences, paraphrasing, summarising and so on. This was all missing from my former education at school due to my being disrupted by my mothers illness.
These are all vitally important lessons for writing essays, especially so that I can avoid plagiarism ( which can so easily happen! ) Being able to change sentences around, and use synonymns to change words, this can help when using other peoples pieces of writing, so that I don't copy it word for word. This is something I really need to learn so taking lots of notes!
I hope to finish reading Block 1 before the start of the term in October.
All this knowledge of sentence structures will be a good grounding, a solid foundation, to then build upon as the course progresses.
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