Dan Rooke’s Blog

I’ve now completed all of my Computing Science degree at the University of Huddersfield! That is assuming that I have passed everything this year which is a little questionable as it’s been a difficult year. I only have to wait until 14th June to find out my results so I will know either way soon enough.

As Chris has said, it’s like one phase of life is over with a new one ahead. This new phase will start next Tuesday morning when I arrive bright-eyed and bushy tailed at newmediaboutique in Leeds. Yesterday, Becca secured a job teaching Special Educational Needs (SEN) children at a specialist school in Barnsley. This is the perfect job for her and so we are both moving away from education together which is both exciting and scary at the same time. I think that we’re both ready though and we’re looking forward to it.

Of course there is the somewhat bigger occassion of mine and Becca’s marriage in late July for us to focus on. This is now just under two months away, so it’s creeping up fast. Prepartions are going well with about eighty people confirmed to attend. I now have all of my outfit sorted, I just need to start thinking about a speech (and the stag do )!

Anyway, I’d better be off to make the most of my week before starting work.

It’s been a very busy few weeks since I last posted. I have now completed my coursework and my final year project investigating the use of agile software development methodologies for web development. I had my first exam yesterday leaving me with three more in the space of just over a week. I shall have finished my degree on 16th May ‘06.

Depending on how the rest of my exams go, I think that I should be on track for a 2:2 or with any luck a 2:1. My courseworks which have been marked have been at 87 and 84 percent. These are well into first territory but after yesterday’s exam I feel that the exams will be my weakpoint. I still don’t think I’ll be doing bad to come through this year in tact, let alone with a degree.

On a lighter note, it was my birthday on Monday. I’ve reached the grand old age of 22 - now I genuinely can be called a grumpy old man! I had a good weekend recouperating after my project was in on Friday. I got a few things done which had been left due to coursework deadlines and actually managed to venture outside to tidy the garden up and get some fresh air.

On Sunday, Becca and I went for a meal at Sole Mio. The set menu which was our favourite has now been increased to £10 for just the starter and main. This isn’t great considering we used to get this as well as a desert for £8.95. The food is good though and the prices are more inline with other restaurants.

On the Monday, we visited the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford. We saw a showing of Sharks 3D at the IMAX cinema there which was rather impressive on the whole. The actual museum was also impressive with booths showing TV programme classics of your choice as well as many interactive displays and actual sets used in animation films such as Wallace and Gromit in The Wrong Trousers. After our visit, we met up with Becca’s parents in Harrogate for some lunch. Good weather + bank holiday = busy! In the evening, Becca invited several friends round for drinks and pizza and I think a good time was had by all. All in all a good birthday

On Monday, Becca and I visited the lovely village of Nawton between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside in North Yorkshire. We stayed at Plumpton Court which we thought was an excellent B&B and would definately recommend.

On the Tuesday, I had to busy myself while Becca went for an interview at Ryedale School. I decided to go for a nice drive which I don’t get much chance to do these days. I headed out towards Scarborough stopping at Thornton-le-Dale on the way for some photos.

As you can see, it was a lovely clear and sunny day. The sun was warm but the air temperature was rather cold! Nearing Scarborough I hit some hail and then quite a heavy snow shower (in April!). I got through it fine and ended up sitting just below the castle on the northern tip of the south bay.

After my stop in Scarborough, I headed down the A64 to Malton. On the way getting fuel at a semi-reasonable (relatively) 92.5 pence per litre. In Malton I had a little walk around and got myself some lunch from a family run bakery - very tasty lemon cheesecake! Next stop was Helmsley, a short trip along the B1257.

All in all it was a very pleasant day and a half. It certainly beats being stuck in front of my monitor plugging away at assignments/project! I’d like to head back up and explore some more of the area, perhaps with a better camera next time.

Got a few minutes to spare? Why not take a look at the latest innovations coming to a car showroom near you? The Suburban Auto Group has the perfect gadget for you!

I have a bit of a reputation for shopping around for the best deal and not just going with what I find first. This comes from advice given to me by my Dad, which I didn’t take much notice of as a kid but it has certainly stuck with me and saved a fair bit!

The time of year has come for the Micra to have it’s MOT done and to be taxed and insured. As it’s been home serviced for a couple of years now and it’s coming up to it’s fifth birthday, I decided it needed to go for a full blown service. All I had to do was get some quotes.
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