50. Groupalia and James

Friday! I need a break. It has been a weird and surprising week with lots of good news and emotions at the same time. I need to have dinner with one of my best friends. Perhaps I relax in the sauna tomorrow and then I spend the afternoon and sunday with my girlfriend. I have to say that I feel really stressed, lots of new situations and I have fear toward what will happen in the next weeks. 

By the way, Spain has beel eliminated from the Worldcup.

Keep calm and enjoy :)

DaniR

49. Everybody knows.

Yesterday I told everyone my decision of changing my job position. Their answers were very helpful for me and I apreciate the words they gave me to support me and wishing me the best. So now definitely I have realized that my days in this company are arriving to its end. 

I feel a little bit sad in one hand and kind of afraid in the other. It will be the first time in 4 years that I break my routine and I feel also lazy about that. I haven't done anything important related with this project in some days because I have focused all my attention and energy into my new job. But I don't want to surrender! I must say that the main goal of this project was finding a new and better job, and I have reached that goal... But it is a project of life, to prove that I can do everything I purpose!

Lazy days will bring energy and strength.

DaniR

48. Resign is not easy

Today I have resigned at work. It has been a hard moment because I apreciate my boss however I had to look for the best for me and my family. I have told him the reasons why I have taken that decision and he has absolutely understood everything.

This morning I had stomach ache because of the nerves so I have done some bycicle training for 30 minutes. Afterwards I tried to relax and rest a little bit at home.

Tomorrow I will talk with my two bosses and my colleague because we will have to organize everything for the moment I quit. It wont be an easy task...

Once everything turns back into normality I will put all my energy in this project... I definetly have advanced :)

DaniR

47. Challenge accepted

What a day! What...a...day! I will say that in few words: I have been accepted to work at Michael Page!!! I have a mixture of feelings right now: happiness, joy, sadness, fear, nervousness, excitement and headache. The consultant called me this morning and told me this news when I was on board the train. I am starting the 14th of July and I will go to Paris next day to do training. Everything is so exciting, I still don't believe that. What worries me the most is that tomorrow I will have to resign, but I have to do it. 

No more words for today.

It's been a really strange and wonderful days. 

DaniR

44, 45 and 46. No light, no call

Today I have been waiting the whole day for a Michael Page phone call however in the end they phoned me at 20:00 because they were not able to find the contacts I gave them to recommend me. Perhaps tomorrow I know something else... I am a little bit nervous and everyday I have clearer that I want to work there.

This weekend I have run for 30 minutes and doing some working out as well. I have also started reading about market research statistics and central distribution data.

Today at work my partner has had to go to the dentist because of some teeth ache and what a coincidence that light turned off.

A strange day and way to start a week, tomorrow I will return to the Gym...

DaniR

43. International interview.

Today was the D-day. It was friday 13th and I had two important interviews in the morning with two directors in Michael Page Group. These two interviews have been great in my opinion, I have given lots of details about what I do in my current job, what I expect from a future job position and I have even give some recommendations to improve their performance. I have done it the best way I could and now I expect news from my recruitment consultant. He has asked me for references from other employees but I have had a problem, most of them don't work in the same company anymore so I do not know how to contact them! Hopefully in the end they will find them and that will not be an obstacle in that hiring process. 

The project seems really interesting, so I would help the Research Manager in Europe processing data from surveys done all around the world, as well as we will start new projects focusing in South Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy and Turkey). At the same time I would execute internal projects to evaluate Michael Page's performance, improve quality of life in the company and assessing in order to make a better environment in the company. 

Let's see what the result is.

Anyway, it doesn't matter if I am selected or not because I continue my life project. This afternoon I will start reading chapter 15, about frequencies distribution, crossed tabulation and hypothesis test. I want also go running tomorrow so this week I haven't done any exercise in the end... It has been a weird week actually. 

English:

Stand in: To take someone's place when they are absent.
I'm standing in for Kim at the office while she's away on holiday. 

Express:
I expressly told you not to open that letter until I got home. Why don't you listen?
He stood there completely expressionless. He didn't show his feelings at all.
I never really know what it is you want. You need to be more expressive. 

To catch your breath: It's so busy in my office. I don't get the chance to catch my breath after my long journey into the office. I have to get down to work as soon as I get in.

DaniR

42. Preparing the definitive interview.

Tomorrow I have one of the most important interviews in my whole life. Important because I will talk with two really important directors in Michael Page, everything will be driven in english and I will need to prove what I have been learning during these years working at MDK and studying at the University.

Firstly I hope that my laptop doesn't turn off because sometimes it appears an strange message and it restores again. Anyway I have an As under my sleeve and I will have my cellphone closed so I can connect to Skype if something happens. 

Then I think I will have to explain the same thing twice because I have one interview at 9:00 and the other one at 10:00. I don't know how many candidates for that position are still in the process, but I don't think that too many because it is not efective disturbing these directors too much. 

Tomorrow afternoon I will explain my feeling about these interviews. I hope that I will do it great and then I can not feel guilty if I'm not selected because it will mean that I wasn't the best candidate for that position. 

Something I have clear is: I must give them examples of everything I have done!

Let's get this party started!

English:

Burn someone out: To exhaust oneself through too much work. 
If she doesn't slow down a bit at work she's going to burn herself out.

Illustrate:
I have been asked to do some illustrations for a children's story book.
He has a job as an illustrator for a graphic design company.
Here's a piece of his work that is very illustrative. It is a perfect example of his style of painting.

To set an example: His outstanding performance in the Olympics sets an example to all those who hope to achieve greatness themselves. 

DaniR

41. The Interview

Finally I have done the interview at Michael Page office. It has been better than I expected, they told me that my profile filled into the position and on friday I have another Skype interview with the Marketing Director. I have lots of hopes in that project (however I can not tell which is the recruiting company). I would work into an international environment with people from other countries who barely speak spanish or catalan. I would participate in an international project, using the skills and experience I have gained during all these years and I could even have the chance to learn languages. Let's see how the process continues but I am really optimist about it. 

I haven't done so much this week because of this interview and the long weekend but I guess that tomorrow I will run a little bit before going to work.

I let some pictures from my superweekend:

DaniR

37, 38, 39 and 40. Long weekend and Interview training.

When I have time I promise I will explain what have I done this weekend as well as how the interview has been done. I feel a bit nervous but with lot of curiosity about this job position and the kind of role we will talk about. Wish me good luck! 

Marketing: I have read chapter 13 about processing Data in Market Research.

Exercice: Spinning class on the weekend with David and afterwards: Sauna and Jacuzzi. 

English: 

Make up: To compensate somebody for something.
I'm taking Steve out for a meal tonight to make up for forgetting his birthday last week.

Decorate:
Her jewellery isn't valuable. It's purely decorative.
We haven't put any Christmas decorations up at home yet. We just haven't had the time.
He's at night school at the moment. He's studying to be a painter and decorator.

To speak your mind: She's certainly not afraid of giving her opinion. She always speaks her mind. 

DaniR

36. 47/50

This title corresponds with my mark in today's German exam. Actually I have had the best mark among all the students, so I am really proud. It has been our last day as well and I am kind of sad because I do not know whether I will see some of my colleagues next year or not. However we will organize a meeting to have a drink together and share our course opinions and feelings about next year. My teacher (Pedro) has told us that next level (B1) is completely harder than what we have done so far and that scares me a little. 

Yesterday night I sent my english resume to a Michael Page consultant in order to prepare our interview next wednesday. He has asked me several times what my english level was and, of course, I have said that I speak fluently and without problems. Perhaps I need more vocabulary and a better knowledge of phrasal verbs and some specific grammar rules. Actually one of the goals of this "Year I Advanced" project is improve this aspect. 

In the end I have seen my parents new car and it's amazing. It has a bright black color with huge lights and a sophisticated on board computer. The wheel was smaller than I expected but I hope I will get used quickly. I am really looking forward trying it and check the differences between this and our older car. 

English:

To make out: To give the impression that something is true when in fact it isn't. 
You never wanted to take that job. Don't make out you're disappointed you failed the interview.

Practice:
You can't do three jobs at one. That's totally impractical.
You're practically old enough to drive. Why don't you think about saving up for lessons?
You need to practise regularly if you want to improve.

To draw the curtains: Could you draw the courtains? The sun is shining in my eyes.

And tomorrow: Duatlon... 

DaniR

35. Dani is rising.

Today has been a great day for several reasons. Firstly I have been convoked to do the interview I talked about in my last post, in Michael Page office in Barcelona. It will be a great opportunity to train my skills in job interviews, as well as practice some english because they ask for a very high level of this language. I will also ask them to tell me what my weaknesses are in order to know how to improve my professional profile to face future interviews. Secondly I have beaten the first final boss in Metal Gear Rising. I'm playing at the hardest mode so I feel very proud of myself, however once you know how the character works everything become easier and simple. 

And finally my parent's new car is placed in their garage and I will probably try it today or tomorrow night. 

My last Saxo's picture

As I told you it has been a wonderful day. 

I spent the whole morning playing Metal Gear, I had some pain in my arms and chest after yesterday's training. But this Saturday morning I will do a Duathlon with a friend, doing a spinning class and running afterwards 8 or 9 kilometers. I think that training with someone and sharing activities with others motivate yourself and help you to achieve your goals. 

On the train I have read the whole chapter 13 about Fieldwork coordination. 

English: 

Break down: When a car stops working.
We really do need to get another car. This one keeps breaking down.

Operate:
Despite the initial problems, the machine is now fully operational.
Having looked at your X-ray I'm afraid to say your condition is inoperable. You will just have to live with the pain.
The patient is in a stable condition and is now on the operating table. 

To plant a bomb: The rebel soldiers planted the bomb in the town centre. 

DaniR

34. Michael Page calls you.

This morning I received a phone call from Michael Page headquarters. They asked me to arrange a meeting in order to interview me. In the end we didn't find any gap in our agendas so, so far, everything remains in stand by. I have been a long time without being in a job interview and I would like to participate in some because I want to check what recruiters expect about me.

Yesterday afternoon I finished the second part of the Market Research Book. So, this evening I would like to start the third one. These chapters explain everything related with collecting and analyzing data (more or less what I do at work). I hope having everything underlined before June ends and write a summary about the whole Market Research process, so I can include that in my Marketing Blog. 

Run: 15 minutes running and general workout. 

English: 

Snap something up: To buy something quickly.
This is a real bargain. You should snap it up while you have the chance.

Impress:
She made a very good impression during her visit and hopes to create closer links with the company.
He's a very impressionable young man who is easily influenced by others.
The team played really well and the captain was particularly impressive. 

To do something on impulse: He's not very careful with money and often buy things on impulse. 

DaniR

33. New car.

Perhaps today my parents receive their new car, after driving an old and tiny Citroen Saxo for more than 16 years. Actually I think that tomorrow they will have it, anyway I am really excited today about it. They have decided to buy a Peugeot 208 that seems a modern and easy to drive car. 

My lovely Citroen Saxo

This morning I have run for 30 minutes and I have done some push ups, leg training and abdominals. After one month of official training, I have not problem by running more than 30 minutes at a normal speed. Now comes summer, which I consider is the worst season to train because of the extreme temperature outdoors. I will add some swimming training and I will try to go running earlier in the morning, in order to avoid the hot. 

On the train I have started reading a deutsch book about making wishes lists. It seems to be a different and hilarious book and so far I have been able to understand the most part of words and sentences.

English:

Tear somebody apart: To make someone feel upset of unhappy.
It's tearing me apart to see my two best friends arguing so much. I wish they'd sort their differences out and start being friendly with each other again.

Technical:
The judge was forced to call the trial to an end and let the accused go free because of a legal technicality.
Well, technically speaking, I shouldn't allow you to leave the room during and examination.
Can you call the technician and ask him to come up and have a look at my computer?

In principle: I agree with you in principle but I'm not sure your idea would work in practice. 

DaniR

32. 10 months

Today I dedicate this post to my darling because we have been dating for 10 months. I do not know whether she will ever read this blog or not, anyway I want to thank her for being at my side, supporting me and giving me energy and motivation in order to accomplish my purposes. I think she is the origin and the reason why I do all that after all. When you find a person you love this way your life starts to have another meaning, another reason to fight day by day. Nowadays I have to take care not only of me, but of her as well. 

I want to be the best person and professional I can be because she deserves that and I want to know which my limitations are. If you know you can fly, don't stay tied to the floor. 

On the train I have started reading chapter 12 about quantifying the sample size. 

English: 

To live up: To be as good as people expect something to be. The film was OK but it didn't really live up to all the hype.

Measure:
I can't thank you enough. The support you've given us both has been immeasurable.
Politicians must always ensure they give a measured response to any sensitive questions.
The designer came and took lots of measurements around the office.

To pluck up the courage. I finally plucked up the courage to go and see the Manager about a pay rise.

I love you Damaris,

DaniR

31.Rest, Rice and Rayden.

Sunday equals resting. After a nice Sunday I stayed at home with my couple and my family. We just rested during the morning, eat a tasty paella and played Metal Gear Rising (starred by Rayden).

Nothing else to say, tomorrow let's go back to work.

DaniR

30. spinning again...

This morning I have participated again, after some months, in a spinning class. I didn't enjoyed so much because I was not able to hear the instructor so she was not using a microphone and the music was too loud. Also, the room where we did the class is not prepared for this kind of activities and it becomes really hot.

After the class I thought I would be exhausted but I wasn't and we spent some time at the swimming pool area, into a Jacuzzi and sweating in the sauna.

Marathon preparation: 

- 45 minutes spinning class.

That's a good way to start a weekend.

DaniR

29. Oh rainy Friday

I barely remember last time it has rained and there have been storms in my region. I pretty love this kind of days and weather especially when I am at home. Enjoying hearing raindrops while you are watching a movie or spending a good time with your friends, couple or family is, in my opinion, one of the best little big pleasures in life. 

I actually feel comfortable with rain; therefore I lived in Bergen for more than 5 months. As you may know, Bergen is also called the city of rain. I think it rained the 80% of the days I was there, anyway it was a soft rain with tiny drops and sometimes you barely got wet. I believe that exists magic, a special atmosphere, behind a raining day. 

Today I am starting chapter 12 about how to determine the size of the sample in terms of research. That will be the only thing about the project I will do today, since I have had a stressing day (I have done part of the Deutsch exam, the writing section) and I deserve some rest after all. By the way today's class has been hilarious because the teacher has asked me to explain something in front of the class, pretending I was the lecturer, and asking for examples and answers. However I hate Goethe's institute electronic board!

English:

Pull up: To slow down and stop (in a vehicle)
I was waiting for a bus this morning when Steve pulled up in his new car and offered me a lift.

Define:
Now, who can give me a definition for this word?
He'll be in hospital for an indefinite period of time. It could be a few days, it might be several weeks.
I'm definitely not coming here again.

To make a(n) offer: 
I've decided I'm going to make a(n) offer on that house before someone else comes along and buys it. 

DaniR

28. Not falling in temptation.

This morning I have run over 45 minutes at 10 kilometers per hour. I was tempted to stay at home playing videogames instead of going to the gym but I have beaten this feeling. It happened to me in the past that I had several problems to start doing things, but once I was doing the task I put all the effort I could. Nowadays I am more mature and maybe it helps in order to be more rational and overpass this primitive thoughts. 

On the train I have continued reading chapter 11 that I should say is kind of boring. Fortunately I only have 3 or 4 pages left and I'll be done. Next chapter, anyway, continues with the same topic (sampling) however it is the last one of this section and it motivates me a lot.

By the way, my parents are looking for a new car. So far they have shown me one that I think is perfect for they needs. It is the first time they buy a car since lots of years. I have told them to compare it with other options in order to check which the prices are and what offers are available at the moment. Let's se what happens, but I expect a new car in a few days. 

Every day I have more clearly that I want to study the Master in Statistics and Operational research. It's perfect for me because I need a deeper analytical background, it opens loots of professional doors into the research world and in two years I will speak German quite well so perhaps I can consider working there for some weeks in order to do the final project. 

English:

To have somebody on: To tease somebody by pretending something is true.

She told me all the sweets were gone but I knew she was having me on. 

Fan:

He's fanatical about football. He talks about nothing else.

The religious cult were accused of fanaticism.

She buys all his records and she has his photos all over her bedroom wall. She follows all the stories about him fanatically. 

The middle of nowhere: They've decided to take a relaxing holiday half way up a mountain in the middle of nowhere.

DaniR

27. Looking for UFOs.

Yes I know, this title sounds a little bit crazy and weird, anyway I have a reason to use it. This morning I have woken up tired and with no-force in my legs so I have stayed at home playing videogames. Some weeks ago I ended GTA V but I still play the secondary missions and one of them consists in finding 50 pieces of an UFO. I have already found 40, so I need ten more in order to built the spaceship. 

On the train I have continued reading chapter 11 of the Market Research book. This one explains how to design a sample for an specific research and which advantages and inconvenients do we find depending on the kind of sample we use. So far I have read until the probabilistic model section. 

About my goals, I feel like my mind is a bit uncontrolled and driving me in directions with a non specific destination or point. I should hesitate and calm myself down. Maybe because of the stressing weeks at work I can barely concentrate and put order in my mind. I feel also a little bit unmotivated because June is almost here and I still don't notice any real step forward. I know it is my fault, perhaps I should be more exigent with myself or dedicate more hours. However I think that after playing one song with my guitar, cooking one other bread or cake, doing another lesson of HTML, running more than 15 kilometers and finishing the second section of the Market Research book I will cheer up. From that moment I know that everything will start working better. 

DaniR

26. Design a survey.

Today I have started again fighting for this project. I have run 40 minutes at 10 km/h and I have done some abdominal training. I would like to participate in a race before spring is over. During summer time I do not file like running outdoors because, firstly, it's dangerous and secondly, I feel more tired while running because of the heat. 

Then, on the train, I have finished chapter 10. It talked about designing surveys. I have also downloaded a book called: Statistics for Business and economics. It looks interesting and useful and I will read it to complement what I am doing about the Market Research book. 

English:

Catch on: To become popular.
Do you think this type of music will ever catch on or will it only ever be a small group of people who like it?

Habit: 
The parents were called in to speak to the teacher as their daughter was habitually lat for class.
He was an habitual criminal who was always in and out of prison.
It was quite an old building and was barely habitable.

Double standards: His workers accused him of having double standards. He had rules for the workers which didn't apply to the managers. 

DaniR

23. 24 and 25

Well, I have been 2 days without writing a post but I have a good excuse: I was celebrating one of my best friend's wedding and I have been almost the whole weekend in a rural house, nearby Vilanova. Yesterday we were exhausted so we spent the entire afternoon resting and watching movies. 

I promise I will come back to my routine! 

Anyway let's see something about English:

To blow over: when trouble or an argument ends without any serious consequences.
I'm going to give them some time to sort their problems out. When their present disagreement blow over I'll get in touch with them. 

Refresh:
I'm going to college next year to do a refresher-course in computing.
They're supposed to be serving refreshments during the interval.
It makes a refreshing change to see her working so hard at school after all her problems recently. 

Room for manoeuvre:
In a negotiating situation you should always leave yourself some room for manoeuvre.

DaniR

22. Deutsche Musik.

Friday is normally a hard an tiring day because I start the Deutsch class at 9:00 and I keep working until the evening. Anyway it's also the day I enjoy the most so I really have fun during the class and learning a language makes me feel good. Today I realized that what I really like the most is noticing that I improve while learning and that at the same time I can apply that in real life. For example today I have learned how to use the "konjuktiv II" and afterwards I have heard people on the radio who used that while they spoke. In my opinion things like that are great and motivate you in order to keep learning and practicing. 

Marketing:
On the train I have been reading chapter 10 of the Market Research book. It is about designing surveys, which criteria should we consider in order to assure quality and consistence and what kind of formats we can use. So far it's been interesting, let's see... I am looking forward to start chapter 13 and forward so they emphasize into analytics and data management. 

English:
Hold something against somebody: To dislike someone because of something they have done. (I think that this phrasal verb equals "echar en cara algo" in spanish).
You won't hold it against me if I don't come to your party will you? I've made other arrangements.

Prepare:
All the preparations are in the place and everyone is now looking forward to the party.
She was given very little time to write the speech and was clearly unprepared for the occasion.
It's a preparatory certificate which can be taken as an introduction to the main course.

To be on record:
The Prime Minister is on record as saying he believes unemployment will fall this year.

DaniR

21. The end of chapter 9.

Happy Thursday. This morning I decided not going to the Gym because I was exhausted. I stayed at home doing some homework and updating my resume in English. My homework consisted in writing an essay about a music band from Germany. I have chosen Rammstein because they are one of the few bands from that country I know. 

Afterwards I have almost completed my resume but I still need to write something about my hobbies and interests. I don't really know whether it is useful to explain too many things about you or not, anyway I want to write it. 

On the train I have finished chapter 9 about non comparative scales and tonight I will start next chapter about survey design. It's been interesting reading theory and watching its application at work. Sometimes when I read some specific paragraph I recall a situation in my job, and in the other hand, when I am working comes to my mind some concept o theory I read some hours before. 

English:

Hit on something: To think of a problem or a solution.
I couldn't decide what to get her for her birthday. Then I hit on a great idea.

Extreme:
There were a small group of political extremists at the university who were heavily involved in student politics.
I was extremely pleased with my exam result, which turned out to be much higher than I'd expected.
There was a steady decline in political extremism in many countries around the world.

To cost a fortune:
That dress looks expensive. It must have cost a fortune.

DaniR

20. One less girl.

In my opinion firing people is one of the hardest aspects in any job. Today I have had to fire one of my employees so she was not performing well and it was necessary an adjustment in the team. 

Good things about today are that I have gone again to the Gym, so I am accomplishing my goals in that sense. I have run for 20 minutes to warm up and then I have done some working out, focusing into arms and chest. 

Then, on the train I have read a part of a book in Deutsch to refresh vocabulary and sentences structure. 

English: 

To head off: To take action to avoid something unpleasant happening.
The company is attempting to head off criticism on their recent poor performance by pointing out the difficult economic conditions worlwide.

Wash:
Is that shirt washable or does it need to be taken to the dry cleaners?
If you are going to the shop could you buy some washing up liquid?
I think the car must have gone unwashed for weeks. It looks filthy.

To put someone's mind at rest: I tried to put her mind at rest that everything would be OK.

DaniR

19. Too fast.

Tuesday and almost no energy left. We are working so much these days and I don't feel like studying or doing something else at home. 

This morning I have run for 35 minutes at an average speed of 10,5 km/h. It wasn't bad but I wanted to do it a bit faster, perhaps 11 km/h. I ended exhausted and with some ache in my legs. Then, on the train I have finished chapter 8 of the Market Research book about Metrics. This topic is quite interesting and useful, so I can start taking notes for the Marketing Blog and I would like to create an online course in Statistics. 

English: 

An interior designer. She's studying to become an interior designer.

Face up "something": To accept and deal with a difficult situation.
He really needs to start facing up to the fact that he's a father with responsibilities.

Pass:
Because of the heavy snow last night many roads are impassable this morning.
The meal was passable but I have tasted better.
We got lost on holiday and had to stop a passer-by to ask for directions. 

By the way this following link is quite interesting:

I am looking forward to...

DaniR

18. Part with.

Today has been one of the most stressing days at work. We have started a new project for an alarm and security company and we have had two new different teams starting as well. In the end everything has worked properly and tomorrow I expect having more time to finish some reports.

On the train I have finished chapter 7 of the Market Research book. I am about to start chapter 8 and 7 about metrics. And about English I have learned this phrasal verb: Part with.

Part with: To give away or sell something that you value.
The watch that my father left me is an object that I could never part with.

My idea for tomorrow is running in the morning at 11 km/h more or less, finishing chapter 8 of the Market Research book and listen to some English on BBC radio.

I also think that it is time to continue baking; I have been lot of time without doing that. I still want to prepare the Nann Bread...

DaniR

17. Race in Vilanova.

Yes, I have run 10 kilometers on the race in my hometown. I have done it in less minutes so I feel quite proud. Moreover I have slept less than 6 hours and I had had a burguer for dinner. I also have my watch forgotten so I couldn't estimate which my speed during the race was and what distance was left. Anyway the result, as I said, has been in my opinion very succesfull. 

I have also finished the third video lesson of Html about responsive design. Firstly it was a little boring but 20 minutes later I have done some interesting features. I show you how my website looks right now: 

About my guitarr skills I consider that I have really improved into being really comfortable with the main chords, changing and moving fingers. Yesterday morning I improved playing "the house of the raising sun", "don't look back at anger" and "el far del sud". It's exciting and inspiring when you play songs and they are really similar to the original ones. Here you can listen to "el far del sud": 

Have a nice week starting,

DaniR

16. Let's walk into the museums.

At last it's Saturday. Today I have a lot of plans and I think I will be quite busy until Monday. It sounds great, doesn't it? 

In the morning we are going to hike at a mountain placed one hour from my hometown. We will stay there until the afternoon and afterwards we are going to watch the last match of the Spanish league. Barça plays against Atlético de Madrid and they need a victory in order to get the title. Then we are going to visit some of my hometown museums due they are costless today in what they call "la nit dels museus". Moreover if you get a stamp from 5 of these museums, you can participate in a contest that has some interesting prices. 

About the project, some activities may help me, mostly, in preparing the race I have tomorrow morning. I will have to wake up quite early so I am starting running at 10:00 however I shall be there one hour before in order to pick my T-shirt up. 

I haven't think about any objective related with the race, so I will try to do it in the lowest time. Perhaps any time below 50 minutes may be acceptable but I do not want to get obsessed about that. 

Finally on Sunday afternoon we have planned visiting a neighbour city called Vilafranca, where there is an amusing cultural event during the weekend.

DaniR

15. Japanese style.

Tonight I am having dinner with a friend in a Japanese Restaurant placed nearby my office. I am looking forward that moment. I really enjoy eating in this kind of restaurant and it is usually cheaper than some other Japanese ones. 

Actually we go there because I bought a discount ticket few months ago and it expires in 3 weeks. Therefore we need to use it as soon as possible. I wanted to go to another one where I also have a discount but it was already full and booking was not possible until next Friday. 

Let's start: 

English: 

Starters: 
Chip in: To contribute a sum of money.
If everyone in the office chips in we could buy Diana a nice going-away present.

Main course:
Essence:
We have different views on the subject but essentially we both agree that something needs to be done.
When you're packing to go away, always make sure you've got the essentials like your passport and money.
It's essential that you arrive on time as some very important people are attending the meeting.

Dessert: 
To cast doubts:
I don't want to cast doubts on his ability but are we sure he's the best person for the job?

Marketing Blog: 

I have started learning about Macros. I will include something about that in my Marketing Blog, so it can be helpful in order to save time doing repetitive stuff. 

I need to look for an online lesson to know how to get started in that field. I consider that my knowledge about excel is quite enough to work anywhere, anyway I want to get deeper and find out how can I improve processes and optimize time. 

DaniR

14. Behobia comes back.

Today I have not done so much things about the project. I have digitalized my Bachelor and Masters certificates and converted into PDF format. 

I have also signed up for a race that takes place this Sunday morning in my hometown. I wanted to participated, firstly, because the T-shirt they give you is marvelous and secondly, because I needed an excuse to do some exercise this weekend otherwise I will be pretty busy and I won't be able to do anything. I have participated in this race twice and I must admit that the track is not really amazing; anyway I have been almost 1 month without running in an official competition. 

I have also signed up for the Behobia half Marathon in November. It will be my second time in this race. Last year was exciting, challenging and we had nice results in the end. Hopefully we will be able to reduce our final time. Maybe something lower than  one hour and 35 minutes... 

English: 

Let somebody in on something: To tell someone about something that is a secret. 
Example: I wish you would let me in on the big joke. I haven't got a clue what you are all laughing about. 

Confine:
The prisoner was kept in solitary confinement for most of his time in jail. 
You must stay within the confines of the camp and not leave without permission. 
The weather was terrible and we spent the whole weekend confined to our room.

To compare notes:
Before we go into the meeting let's get together first and compare notes. 

I will spend the evening of the day studying Deutsch due tomorrow I have class and I may prepare myself for 3 hours of lesson. 

DaniR

13. Speed up.

The ache is gone. After a comfortable night and healthy sleeping I woke up this morning with less pain than the day before. Anyway it hurt a little. So I have decided going to the gym and try if I was able to run (and actually I was). I have run for 30 minutes at an average speed of 10,3 kilometers per hour. I have been raising the speed after every song I listened to with my Ipod. 

Gym: Running 30 minutes at 10,3 km/h at the Gym and some working out (arms and legs). 

On the train I have been reading Unit 2 of the Advanced English book. It looks quite harder than the first one therefore I am more motivated. I have revised topics about when to use "the" and when not, vocabulary related with crimes (steal something, rob someone, burglar rape, assault, denied or admitted, confes, etc. ) some phrasal verbs and composed words.  

I will start taking notes of every aspect I consider important about this book, as well as the vocabulary and phrasal verbs. As long as I keep reading something everyday and listening to the radio too, I won't have problems to assimilate these new concepts, rules and information. 

Also I have learned: 

Crash out: to fall sleep

I was absolutely exhausted and crashed out almost as soon as I sat down.

Discipline:

He's a real disciplinarian and believes in being strict with his children. 

The company have been criticized for not having a good disciplinary procedure. 

The soldiers were very disciplined and were praised for their attitude. 

To fast forward:

Could you fast forward the cassette to the next song please?

DaniR

12. Almost injured.

Since yesterday night I have been noticing aches and a kind of soreness in the back part of the left quadriceps. I thought that after sleeping for some hours and resting it would be healed. However, today it is more painful than yesterday. I hope that tomorrow I will be fine so I can go again to the Gym. Today I wanted to, but I have preferred to stay at home. I have taken advantage of this time and I have updated my resume and playing some guitar songs as well. 

On the train I have started reading chapter 7, about causal research. This topic is quite interesting and it explains different kinds of experiments you may do depending on the number of groups you have, how many tests for each group you make and what errors you should consider in order to keep the intern and extern validity. 

English: 

Pack something in: To stop doing something

You've been teasing me all day. Just pack it in! 

Pass:

There was one passage in the book that really stood out. 

If you go down those stairs and take the underpass you can avoid the busy road. 

It was only a passing interest and she soon forgot about it and moved on to something else. 

We obviously have totally different views so shall we drop the subject?

Similar: Topic, issue and point. 

Finally I am studying some of these adjectives in order to avoid saying "very" too much. 

DaniR

11. As she's walking away.

Monday again, and I have started with lot of dedication to my project again. I let you below what I have done today. 

I am improving quite fast playing guitar and feeling more comfortable with chord changing and bars. 

I still notice I have some trouble with some English structures and phrasal verbs. Anyway detecting which weaknesses I have is an important point in terms of learning and focusing on what I really need to stress. I feel that learning two languages at the same time is confusing and makes harder memorizing structures and words.  

Guitar: 

Intro and verse As she's walking away (Zac Brown Band).

Marketing Blog: 

Reading the whole chapter 6 (Market Research). 

Running: 

40 minutes at the gym at 10,2 kilometers per hour. 

English:

Bunking off something: 

Miss school or work without permission. For example: He's been bunking off school lately. I've seen him walking around the shopping centre. 

Clear:

As long as there is clarity in the agreement we should be OK.

Security will need to give you clearing before you can enter the building.

It was unclear who was in charge as they all seemed to be ordering each other around. 

To rise the Challenge:

It's a difficult task but I'm sure she will rise to the challenge.

DaniR

10. Responsive Design.

Good afternoon. Today I have learned what Responsive design is and how to implement it into a website. I have watched a half of the third HTML 5 video lesson. It looks a little bit complicated so you have to work with different kinds of files and there was a problem: some of the files were not available to downloaded, so I had to look for another way to practice. Therefore I have download another package of files from a website called "fontsquirrel" and in the end everything worked. 

Today I am a bit tired because of the Bachelor party so I won't finish this lesson. I will as soon as I have a little bit more energy to do that. 

DaniR

9. Almost time to say Good bye.

Today is Saturday and we will celebrate a Bachelor and Farewell party at the same time. I still remember the first time I heard that concept: Farewell party. I was travelling with some friends to a small town in Norway with the intention of sailing the whole morning. It was one of my last trips during my exchange in that country. I feel kind of homesick when I think about it. Actually I do not like saying good bye, I prefer saying: See you soon, otherwise you are admitting that something is coming to its end. 

So, as I was saying, we celebrate my friend Oscar's Bachelor and farewell party being that he is getting married in the middle of May and he starts working in China in few weeks too. 

I think that in one hand It will be weird because it is our first bachelor party (none of our closest friends has got married yet) but in the other hand, I am sure we are going to enjoy it as much as possible. I believe that today I won't be able to study, running or baking neither. Today we are just going to have a great time together.

Friendship is such one of the greatest things in this world, 

DaniR

8. Stressing Friday.

Today has been a normal and typical Friday without any interesting aspects to comment. I have lot of work and I barely have had time to even listening to the radio. I have needed concentration and calm in order to do all the work. I feel like my brain is boiling inside my skull because this morning I have also had Deutsch course. 

Despite of being tired I still have energy to write this post and show what I have learned:

Yesterday I recorded another video playing the song: "Soldadito Marinero". I don't like the result, so I will try more times until I am satisfied with the performance. 

Marketing Blog: I have almost finished chapter 6. I have also get some information about conjoint and correlations, in order to keep practicing at home using SPSS or another statistical software. 

English:

Ground down: to make smooth. For example: After the machine has ........ the surface of the object down it is polished. 
Changing: I'm just popping into the ........ room to try these trousers on
Changeable: The weather will be ........ over the next few days with lots of showers and sunny spells. 
Unchanged: Prices have remained ........ for some time but experts are predicting a sharp rise this year. 
Trial: We're selling these at a reduced rate for a ........ period.
Similar: Test/pilot/practice

I let you listening to the song "Soldadito Marinero" and have a nice weekend. Whoever who may read this... :)

DaniR