I’m the mother of 2 boys (18 yrs (GP1) and 16 yrs (GP2)). The younger one is still at Ross High School in East Lothian, Scotland; the older one has left school, has had one very unsatisfactory year at University and is now looking for work while he decides what he really wants to do with his life. I work full time from home, trying to be a marine biologist – very flexible but it can be very busy when deadlines are looming/passed and I’m often away for a week or two at a time, particularly in the summer. Husband (GPD, or OH in earlier posts) also works away quite a bit so, like lots of families I guess, we have to juggle family/work/school/a million evening & weekend activities and try not to be away at the same time. Did I mention social life? What’s that?
“Why Guineapigmum?” I’ve been asked more than once as my blog content and readership has diversified. My sons’ school is the first/only one in our area to move Standard Grade exams (more or less the equivalent of GCSEs) from 4th year (= Year 11 in England, 15 yr olds or thereabouts) to 3rd year (Year 10, 13/14 yr olds). They then do a 2 year Higher course instead of the traditional 1 year. Confused? I generally am. GP1’s year group is the guineapig year. And I was the first parent to start blogging on East Lothian Council’s EduBuzz site.
Some time after I started this blog, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Four years on it has come back and I am going through a second round of treatment.
Hello there,
My name is Ellie and I am currently working with The Sunday Times on a project: The Sunday Times Parent Power
Parent Power is a guide which lists the top 2000 state and independent schools in the UK and allows you to search them by postcode, town or local authority. It will be included with tomorrow’s The Sunday Times. You can also have a look at it here: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/parentpower
I know your boys are already in their teens but I thought schools and education may be something many of your readers thought about a lot and so I’ve taken the liberty of pasting in the press release below because it has all the information you might need. If I’ve come to the wrong place, though, just let me know and I am more than happy to be redirected.
Beyond this I really wanted to get in touch; there are often things that come up that I would love to be in touch with you about; and perhaps connect to give you and your audience information first, or interviews.
I’m very much looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Ellie
I’m writing a blog on Mothers Day gifts and wonder if you could help by telling me what your dream gift would be?
We are based in Scotland and got a rather unique gift website http://www.giftedpeople.co.uk/ and my first pass at Mothers Day gift inspirations are here http://www.giftedpeople.co.uk/mothers-day-gift-inspirations. But I would really like to make that inspiration meatier and put some more suggestions in my blog http://www.giftwiki.co.uk/. I wonder if you would be able to email me a wee sentence or two. Just something simple like:
“As a busy working Mum, I would love someone to do the garden spring clean for me as a Mothers Day gift.” (from a friend)
“Mothers Day for me? It’ll never happen but I would just love someone to get the kids out of my hair for the day.”( From a Scottish Women in Business contact)
” Am I allowed to ask for Daniel Craig covered in chocolate?” (That was from a weight watcher!)
Hi
My name is Will and I came across your website whilst doing some research.
I hope you don’t mind me contacting you but I wondered if you were open to any relevant advertising on your site?
Any opportunities you do have would be great.
Kind Regards,
Will
Hi GPmum
I saw a comment you left on another blog, about a violinmaker in Pencaitland Main Street. I’ve been looking for more information about him ever since my partner mentioned him, but I’ve not been able to find anything online (except your comment).
Do you know his name, or if he has a website or a phone number? I know it’s a long shot, but if you could email me, it would save me a looong cycle-ride out from central Edinburgh.
Thanks in advance
Mark
Edinburgh