Kochanski

Hi Folks,

I'm the wife of an Aspie, mum of a non-binary teen, teacher of special needs children and a Brownie guider. I'm into environmental issues and enjoy walking despite a dodgy knee, especially in the countryside, and travelling (but we can't afford to do it as often as I'd like).

I'm a steady person, just trying to keep life on an even keel despite the pressures of modern times and family.

For many years, I have been a member of Women Welcome Women World Wide and more recently joined Broads Abroad.

We got a cat then found out our kid was allergic. We should've got a dog but I was out voted.

I'm an atheist. My views on religion: "I can't do that because of my religion" = OK "YOU can't do that because of my religion" = not OK

I am uncoordinated and have poor balance. I was never any good at PE and can't dance.

We are fortunate to live between a city where we can get anything we need and wild open countryside where we can get lots of fresh air and peace. The house is old, cold and damp and currently a project rather than a home!

I grew up in the 80s when we had the best music, especially rock (Springsteen, MeatLoaf, GNR, Bryan Adams, Quireboys, The Alarm etc).

But I like loads of other stuff so it's mixed in what my parents were listening to as I grew up e.g. Mamas and Papas, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Everley Brothers.

I have no idea what's currently in the charts.

I'm something of a bookworm, especially for thrillers / mystery / adventure. My favourite authors are Douglas Adams, Eoin Colfer, Ben Elton, Harlan Coben and Chris Brookmyre but I also like the classics e.g. Wuthering Heights & Jane Austen. All these years later, I still remain fascinated by the Little House books to see how people used to live and wonder whether I would cope. That's probably why I like part 1 of A Town Like Alice too.

I like being creative too much to sit still through a whole film but my favourites are Dr Zhivago and The Killing Fields. In general, I much prefer books over films but, with these 2, the books are so complex that it helps to see it.

I'm not much fussed by keeping up with latest releases but if we do go to the cinema I prefer action and definitely not fluffy stuff - no romcoms.

I don't watch much TV, except to follow current affairs, and absolutely no reality programmes, but do like Dr Who, Sherlock, NCIS and got into sci fi through Red Dwarf.

I always have been seriously into anything arty crafty (except encaustic wax, couldn't get going with that), mostly sewing or paper based activities, constantly creating with the excuse that it's for Brownies or school. This is the biggest eater of my time. Pinterest is the next and it's where I get a lot of inspiration from.

LIKES chocolate, relaxing, but also keeping busy if you can figure that out, colours light blue and gold, swimming but don't do it often enough Being a Brown Owl in the Brownies, owls are a big like and I have a healthy collection of badges too. So any pin badges that represent your area would be gratefully received.

DISLIKES racism, sexism and basically anything else ending in ism, crude humour, pink, being cold (I have Raynaud's phenomenon)

I can't stand tea and rarely drink coffee.

SWAPS I would most like to send and receive pretty, hand made cards but if you aren't into crafting that's fine. Either match something on my profile or send something typical of your area. I'm both open minded and always looking to learn something.

And finally ... I am already finding that I like when partners leave a rating and that unfortunately some either don't keep up their end of the deal swap wise or don't rate when I do. I will always send a fair swap and will always rate you.

I have a sweet tooth (unfortunately) and a weakness for chocolate.

I have been vegetarian for 30 years but don't bang on about it. It's just a personal choice. I think sometimes I would like to be vegan but then I realise I like cheese waaay too much.

I rarely drink but do like cider, white wine and sweet spirits e.g. Bailey's / cherry or apricot brandy.

I'm a supply teacher and work is slow at this time of year. I'm stuck in the house because of the weather and getting bored. I need something to brighten my day!

We've recently returned from the trip of a lifetime: 3 weeks in New York. I'm making a scrapbook about it and it is already for too fat to fit in the new, bigger rings I bought. But I'm determined to get everything in there!

After pressure from my Brownies, I have agreed to take my camp license next year so that's working away at the back of my mind just now.

I've just joined and had a negative start when I was rejected from 2 swaps because I was new and didn't have much on my profile. It was disheartening to say the least. I thought of giving up but instead can I just say to organisers that, instead of a bald NO, it's much more friendly and helpful to say, you can't join yet because of this but do you know what to do or would you like some help with it?

You people don't know me yet but I am friendly and genuine. If I say I will send something, I will. I may get it wrong to start with but if so, please message me and give me the chance to put it right.

Looking forward to swapping with you!