tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post4392959031716905412..comments2023-05-09T19:40:58.265+10:00Comments on Stomper Girl: Apprenticeship BluesStomper Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04038937073264645029noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-31390704437392778392009-04-25T21:42:00.000+10:002009-04-25T21:42:00.000+10:00We've been through a very similar thing wtih Mr Du...We've been through a very similar thing wtih Mr Duyvken and it's not fun. Exercise definitely helps but it's not easy getting through the first weeks of exercising where it's just a chore to the point where the body and mind crave it and it's just a joy. Wishing you all the best. ADuyvkenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660918523479855890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-51852063179725746982009-04-17T07:55:00.000+10:002009-04-17T07:55:00.000+10:00The TAFE approach is ridiculous - I can write a m...The TAFE approach is ridiculous - I can write a million words about why it's so ineffective(being a part-time teacher myself) but that's not going to help you or Fixit. <br /><br />It sounds like you are on the right track by getting some help from the doctor. As for the course, does he have anyone he can talk to? Sometimes that helps. And having the TLC from you and the boys is essential for him. What he is going through sucks.<br /><br />I am so sorry about your loss. No matter how much time you spend with people, it's never enough, is it? I am sure he knows that. xxxMy floathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17002186548335132157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-68424107960717135062009-04-14T06:35:00.000+10:002009-04-14T06:35:00.000+10:00Really thinking of you all at the moment and wishi...Really thinking of you all at the moment and wishing you all the very best.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00152241012333999172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-20156670538147806092009-04-12T01:41:00.000+10:002009-04-12T01:41:00.000+10:00Well, this truly stinks.I wish you all the best as...Well, this truly stinks.<BR/>I wish you all the best as you work through this.MsCellaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05399187248681818440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-48719008034860620192009-04-11T22:48:00.000+10:002009-04-11T22:48:00.000+10:00You're so good to your man, he's a lucky fellow.Ap...You're so good to your man, he's a lucky fellow.<BR/><BR/>Apprenticeships however, are no fun, and the support really seems to have had the arse bitten out of it here. <BR/><BR/>I liked the idea of a study-buddy. Anyone from the course local? Has he made any new work-friends ? Someone to bitch with as they swot?<BR/><BR/>xx<BR/>He'll make it. <BR/>I just wish it was easier for you all<BR/><BR/>xxLBAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433555112198668513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-34395522235567807562009-04-11T07:08:00.000+10:002009-04-11T07:08:00.000+10:00Hi Stomper,I hope by the time you are reading this...Hi Stomper,<BR/><BR/>I hope by the time you are reading this, things are getting better for all of you.<BR/><BR/>Hugs,<BR/>JellyJellyheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344630172173199819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-64379167378471935612009-04-10T05:28:00.000+10:002009-04-10T05:28:00.000+10:00xox for you alland extra for you, stomper. I know ...xox <BR/>for you all<BR/><BR/>and extra for you, stomper. I know just how important a loving, understanding, solution-seeking partner is right now, and good on you for being one. Really. I mean that a lot.ThirdCathttp://adelaidefromadelaide.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-36345322019699113272009-04-08T13:07:00.000+10:002009-04-08T13:07:00.000+10:00Gorgeous pic of Pop. Please accept my condolences....Gorgeous pic of Pop. Please accept my condolences. <BR/><BR/>I always found having a study buddy more help then any tutor or lecturer, are there any other mature age students with families?<BR/><BR/>It's a tough gig that's for sure. Thinking of you.craftyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14396831672463509735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-15865991329713971322009-04-07T20:46:00.000+10:002009-04-07T20:46:00.000+10:00I can see in the last paragraph that you wrote tha...I can see in the last paragraph that you wrote that you know the way forward already. It just takes a little patience to get you there. patience can be in short supply beyond a certain age, with a family to support, but I have confidence that you'll find the balance you need.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-81993788749330905472009-04-07T17:40:00.000+10:002009-04-07T17:40:00.000+10:00My thoughts are with you. Been in a simialr place ...My thoughts are with you. Been in a simialr place with my DH, did get out the otherside intact. Walking definitely the best medicine for me and mineNichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00150476755274772730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-57175852374591779232009-04-07T10:46:00.000+10:002009-04-07T10:46:00.000+10:00It sounds like they're setting him up to fail in a...It sounds like they're setting him up to fail in a way. That's too much and stress is not a good bed fellow. Get him well. IT sounds like you're all sorting it out though. Good to see everyone working together.Woman in a Windowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14747858840088922077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-44851135787296112202009-04-07T02:20:00.000+10:002009-04-07T02:20:00.000+10:00The lack of organization would drive Rob (and I as...The lack of organization would drive Rob (and I assume Fixit, from what you've said) as nuts as the study load. Rob had an opportunity to add some degrees for additional pay (not much) but was under such stress trying to balance a full-time school load, full-time work schedule and a family life, that we agreed it wasn't worth the money. <BR/><BR/>I think men worry about providing for the family financially more than women do, even though both partners are likely to work outside the home now.<BR/><BR/>You'll find the balance, I'm confident. Those two grinning boys will be as good a medicine as anything.Melindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11673930610844503371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-20086314446152467682009-04-06T22:51:00.000+10:002009-04-06T22:51:00.000+10:00Poor Fixit. Thank goodness you are such a good te...Poor Fixit. Thank goodness you are such a good team and are able to look at this together and address it. Such a hard situation, especially if you expect to be much happier/better off after he finishes but I think you should always go with a 'life is too short' mentality!<BR/><BR/>Sorry about Pop.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03792601062599912557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-86796778013577265432009-04-06T16:37:00.000+10:002009-04-06T16:37:00.000+10:00Now that doesn't sound like fun. The study sounds...Now that doesn't sound like fun. The study sounds hard enough, but to back it up with crazy rostering and poor organisation is enough to send the best family into hyperdrive stress mode.<BR/><BR/>Good idea to visit the GP.Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00831936165024410678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-53766868286897055162009-04-06T14:30:00.000+10:002009-04-06T14:30:00.000+10:00Hey Stomper, I'm really sorry you're all going thr...Hey Stomper, I'm really sorry you're all going through a shit time right now. I understand completely the guilt about not seeing enough of the people you love until it's too late as well. My hubby is really prone to work-related stress, and he has the same symptoms as Fixit when shit hits the fan. It must be hard on you as well, supporting him through this, as well as being the prop for the whole family, and making sure they all get the care they need. Keep up the amazing work.albyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00771830405134059871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-84136752740783698342009-04-06T10:35:00.000+10:002009-04-06T10:35:00.000+10:00Sorry about Pop, but good he went peacefully....It...Sorry about Pop, but good he went peacefully....<BR/>It never rains but it pours---hope some of the suggestions from others can help you both sort your way through it. How much longer does he have to be an apprentice? Too bad there isn't an accelerated course for the adult/serious students. It does seem a shame to quit now. Getting some regular exercise would help enormously, I think. Good luck.mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03797484583400519909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-85487889232047979472009-04-06T09:17:00.000+10:002009-04-06T09:17:00.000+10:00A rather daunting list, but so typical of this day...A rather daunting list, but so typical of this day & age, I fear. <BR/>So glad you went to GP- so many men wont.<BR/>Condolences re Pop. He went peacefully, so don't feel guilty.meggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00061112627819270427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-23000718296982402002009-04-06T05:22:00.000+10:002009-04-06T05:22:00.000+10:00I'm sorry. My condolences on the loss of Fixit...I'm sorry. My condolences on the loss of Fixit's grandfather.<BR/><BR/>I wish I had something useful or helpful to contribute. I do think you've taken the smart first step, which people often don't: identifying and itemizing the problems.<BR/><BR/>Regarding the TAFE classes, is there a way to get related information from another source so as to get a little familiar with it ahead of time? For example, textbooks on the subject (if any!) or notes from someone who has taken the class before? Do the classes have a syllabus which outlines which topics are going to be covered?<BR/><BR/>(And here I begin to drone) I had a big gap in the middle of getting my degree. I started, then dropped out to work, then ended up doing both full time after a number of years. All told, it took ten years to get that @#$% degree counting the gap. The other students were younger and, I felt, much smarter. And they didn't have to work full time. I floundered. I felt like my butt was being kicked.<BR/><BR/>However, I found that the library had tons of textbooks on the topics we were covering. For example, if the class was in Electricity & Magnetism, I could find four or five different texts at the library. Each of them would have examples which were coincidentally much like the ones my instructors were handing out for homework. That meant I began to get familiar with the topics a little sooner, ace my homework, then in turn ace the tests.<BR/><BR/>The information has to be out there somewhere. It's just a question of where, and whether it's somewhere that Fixit can get his hands on it.Warty Mammalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07942793134631438689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-70051320648848064992009-04-06T01:22:00.000+10:002009-04-06T01:22:00.000+10:00You and the boys are stellar for throwing TLC his ...You and the boys are stellar for throwing TLC his way and recognizing the stress rather than reacting to it and inadvertently adding to it (which is so easy to do). I'd encourage him to stick with it, even though it's beyond tough right now. He's smart as a whip, as evidenced by his physics prowess. If he can get through that, he can get through anything. When I went through engineering school, I think physics was the hardest part, and it's sort of the underlying key to the higher level courses. So I know he will do WELL! <BR/><BR/>Best of luck to all of you. Hang in there!<BR/><BR/>Sorry about Pop....sueeeushttp://www.sueeeus.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-81863361343040677192009-04-06T00:53:00.000+10:002009-04-06T00:53:00.000+10:00Aw, poor Fixit! We have been through the job stres...Aw, poor Fixit! We have been through the job stress stuff here too and it is NO FUN. I hope things get better soon. That is no way to live, yo.Badgerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08612452005428621885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-48731475343276883072009-04-06T00:10:00.000+10:002009-04-06T00:10:00.000+10:00Oh, damnit, he was so excited to begin with.What d...Oh, damnit, he was so excited to begin with.<BR/>What does Fixit like to do other than study? He should start scheduling time to do whatever that is, too.<BR/><BR/>Whatever advice I can think of to give is going to be a band-aid on a big gaping wound. I hope y'all can figure it out.Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17308665452575511461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-89913094409265547982009-04-05T23:49:00.000+10:002009-04-05T23:49:00.000+10:00My sympathies on a really crappy last few months, ...My sympathies on a really crappy last few months, and especially on the loss of Pop.<BR/><BR/>You are quite right about addressing this through the GP, and I also think Janet's suggestion is very helpful, even if it will take some balls and persistence to see it through.<BR/><BR/>In the meantime, wireless internet is great if you can afford it, and is not too difficult to set up. I don't know much about being an adult apprentice, but it would be very difficult to walk away from it at this stage, even with the hit and miss nature of the supervision. Retraining is so important, and good on him (and you both) for biting this bullet.<BR/><BR/>Its a toughie. Best of luck, hang in there.<BR/><BR/>Lovely photos...Laura Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13299523378009842115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-86090659823020286012009-04-05T23:30:00.000+10:002009-04-05T23:30:00.000+10:00Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about Fixit's grandfath...Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about Fixit's grandfather.<BR/><BR/>Um, now about the apprenticeship, that really sucks. Can you make a formal complaint to the governing department? DEWR or DEST or whoever manages the apprenticeships. Because I know the govt is totally pushing the whole adult apprenticeship thing and I also know that if you get through to the right customer relations unit (called a CRU in my workplace) sometimes things can be fixed. This is because they are very accountable, unlike where the the guts of the work takes place. The CRU certainly gets people dancing and "issues" fixed in my workplace! <BR/><BR/>Hope Fixit feels better soon.<BR/><BR/>Sorry if that didn't make much sense. I should go to bed. nigh night.janethttp://muppinstuff.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-52202249659584135382009-04-05T22:29:00.000+10:002009-04-05T22:29:00.000+10:00Oh shit stomper....You could try rattling a few ca...Oh shit stomper....You could try rattling a few cages at TAFe. I have been through the system and it totally sucked...but what they are doing is not conducive to learning at all...AND they are in the business of getting people through, so make them help you !Jodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924653077212971448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31191208.post-11420449541452572292009-04-05T22:09:00.000+10:002009-04-05T22:09:00.000+10:00That sucks. If they WANT adult apprentices, they s...That sucks. If they WANT adult apprentices, they should realise what comes along with the adults... their family life. Hope his letter works and the day shifts come your way!jachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06177657177757543373noreply@blogger.com