I hope the previous post wasn't too dense. I'm sorry if it was. But I just want you to understand the theoretical part of windows before you move on to the practical part and look out of a window yourselves. Because, you see, if you're not prepared for it, then you probably shouldn't even bother. There is nothing worse than people occupying space by the window, gazing outside, but actually thinking about being inside. Or being somewhere else. Or simply about something completely unrelated to the things outside. Yes, of course, we all do this sometimes, but we shouldn't. It makes people stupid. It's like TV. When you're watching TV because you're interested in the program, it's probably still a waste of time, but at least you care. But if you're just staring at the screen, thinking about Tuesday's dinner with Tom and not paying any attention to the program, then you should be banished from the tellyland. And it's the same with windows. Looking out of a window is like watching a movie - and if you don't care, then at least give up your seat by the window for someone who cares.

Today's example (more advanced than before):

This is a window at school. The only thing you can see from it, if you're sitting at the desk by the window, is just this - the wall and roof across the courtyard. Usually, nothing happens behind the windows (and even if something happened there, you'd still be able to hear it from the hallway, so it wouldn't be fun to watch), but the roof is interesting. Can you see the attic door? It's a meeting place for pigeons, and they are exciting to watch. Sometimes they come, sit there or skip around, other times they fight, and other times still they just fly around and never stop there. Another interesting thing about this window is that it lets you observe the weather. And it looks quite impressive when, during a storm, the sky is black and there's rain and lightning... while you're safe inside, neglecting homework and looking out instead of studying.

 Yes, I have a left hand and a right hand (one piece each), and I have been using them quite frequently lately. My usual hand activities include turning off the alarm, looking for tissues under the pillow, opening water bottles, messing up my hair or looking for my phone, iPod or wallet in the bag. Nothing special. But this week has been different. This week, my hands have been creative.

First, they had to help me with my poster for Composition. Whose stupid idea was it to have poster presentation and act like we're in an art gallery, when only four people showed up? Anyway. My poster was great. I don't have a picture of it, so I'll have to describe it to you. It was called The Forgotten President in orange letters. There was a thick black strip going all the way down, with red marks for each date. On the left, under the green title Czechoslovakia and the Reich, was a summary of the main events of 1938-1945. On the right, under the green title Emil Hacha, was a summary of his life between 1938-1945. Also, on the left, next to the title, was a simple map with red Germany and blue Czechoslovakia. It was supposed to show the Czech fist in the German stomach, but it looked more like a red cloud colliding with a blue cloud. On the right was a photograph of Emil Hacha. It was in a thick orange frame, because my grandmother only had brown liquid glue, and, naturally, it didn't just stay on the back of the photo. No, no, no, it came up on the sides and dried into brownish stains, so I had to use my orange pencil to fix it. Everyone loved the poster, even though I explained to Katka and Bara that it only looks fine thanks to the orange pencil and the fact that the coffee stain somehow disappeared before I got to school. I have no idea where my poster is now... but I'm sure it's relaxing after yesterday.

Today, my hands helped me make an envelope wall. It is four envelopes put together, with pictures of Amsterdam, New York, Prague, Paris and Nice on the front, and postcards sticking out of them. I made it following Katie G.'s tutorial here: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/envelope_wallhanging_display Now, look at the picture:

So, you see, I'm really good at using my hands in less common ways (I'm also good at getting glue all over my desk and face). Recipes are coming next time, hopefully also with some pictures.

Yesterday was Monday and it was an exciting day. No class, but a consultation in the morning... anyway, this post won't be about school. It won't even be about cooking and baking, even though I have some new kitchen achievements. This post is about shopping. More specifically, shopping in M&S.

First, some context. The language school I work in just merged with another school, so I had to go there and meet my new boss on Monday. I was supposed to be there at 2, but I arrived to Andel before 1.30. I had some time left, and I was wearing a T-shirt I didn't like anymore. So I decided to go to the shopping mall and look for a new shirt. I went to M&S, because they have those nice cotton shirts that aren't even expensive... but a disaster happened! They didn't even have any nice colors - violet, bright green, grey, pale pink... no, nothing nice. And nothing in size 8, which is my size. Lots of 18's and 22's, which apparently no one buys. The only thing they had in my size was an orange dress. Yes, I know... a dress is expensive, but this one was really nice. And it went really well with the new underwear that I bought. But, since I wanted to buy a dress, I also had to take a pair of stockings. Oh, how great the M&S stockings are! So smooth! They really feel like second skin, not celofane! So, I bought this completely new outfit, went to the bathroom and changed - and then set out to the new school. I know this doesn't look like speed shopping, but it was. I managed to pick, try on and buy all the new things in about 15 minutes. I'm so good! I'm so proud of myself! But I must admit that it's not exactly an activity I could do every day. It was quite expensive...