iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Today there have been c. 40 messages on the EE list from University of Suffolk's IT ticketing system. You can't email them to stop it - you can only log in (if you work there) to complain (and probably raise a ****ing ticket). Jeeeeeez. Just BLOODY WELL FIX IT!!

A full screen of email notifications from Suffolk with the same ticket ID.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

In the spirit of the External Examiners' JISCMAIL list, which has today reached new levels of social etiquette, I think we should all adopt this kind of robust communication style when dealing with the irritation of unnecessary reply-alls.

Snip from an email.
"Why the fuck tell everyone on the list, we all fucking know"

From: External examiners discussion forum <EXTERNAL-EXAMINERS@JISCMAIL.AC.UK>

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Look @learncardiff.bsky.social - our prospectus out in the wild (well, Penarth station haha).

Leaflet rack with an assortment of local info. Includes the Cardiff University lifelong learning prospectus.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Signing certificates ahead of our annual Awards Ceremony at @learncardiff.bsky.social this coming Friday - it's so wonderful to celebrate adult learning and all our students' fabulous achievements. ❤️

Pile of certificates to be signed. Text on them says "Dr Michelle Deininger, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning" plus the Welsh translation. Star Wars pen lying on top of the pile.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Reading this in A History of Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University, 1883-2008, by Marian Williams, I am reminded of the people who have fought for adult education in south Wales. I'm proud to be one of that number.

Those at the helm - 1949-2008

Οver the past sixty years the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning, as it is now called, has been extremely fortunate, not only in its recruitment of enthusiastic and committed teaching and support staff, but also in having a succession of directors dedicated to the cause of open access adult education and who have worked hard to establish, expand and promote Cardiff University's community engagement undertaking both regionally and indeed nationally.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Adult education programmes open doors to the most marginalised, the most disenfranchised, the people who missed out first time or couldn't see their own potential. I know it transformed me and I found a confidence I never thought I had. I'm holding onto that in the dark days ahead in HE.

A photo of my Western Mail article called "Opening Doors and Breaking Down Barriers", which is a shorter version of a piece I wrote for Woman's Wales (Parthian Press). The picture is too small to see the detail of the text.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

Me: FFS why is my f-ing monitor off and my laptop battery not charging GRAGHHHHH {Minutes pass, swearing continues} Also me: ahhhhh...

A plug that is switched off at the wall.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

I did not do this graffiti in a friend's toilet but I may have aided and abetted the culprit. It's impossible not to with this brand.

An Anker speaker with an added "W" at the beginning to spell wanker. Next to a book called "I never knew that about Wales".

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

My work wellbeing app says this today. I'm currently suffering from insomnia (again) exacerbated by... the stress of work. There's another wellbeing app that's available but only the first 1000 to sign up can have it.

Text says: Learn to say no to requests that are unreasonable, rather than suffer regret and stress.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

I've been itching to get the stair carpet cleaned in my new place. I've had a first go with my glorious new toy (a humungous Vax with multiple attachments) and it's definitely looking a lot less filthy. I'm so boring. 😂😂😂

Filthy staircase carpet in white and grey stripes. Mostly brown due to dirt.

A lot cleaner stairs with more white showing than dirt. Not perfect but better.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

This is Daisy. She is very old, can't see or hear very well, but will respond to the sound of a packet of crackers being opened three rooms away with spectacular levels of speed and agility. Sometimes she comes to Teams meetings with me, improving aforementioned meetings immensely.

Bichon dog wearing a coat, looking baleful.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

Ooh delicious and just what I needed - a hot cup of nothing. (I forgot to put in the coffee.)

Coffee machine brewing a cup of hot water.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 27/10/2024

I told my mother that she should stop reading this newspaper years ago. Every so often she finds things to order via the Weekend Magazine. Can't wait to tell her about the added extra she's going to get with her skirt...

Skirt order, 31", from Damart for fifteen quid. Has the discount code "October: Daily Mail Weekend STD".

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 19/10/2024

It was my 45th birthday on Sunday. My youngest (12) decided to present me with this. It's a good job we have a similarly mischievous sense of humour 😂

Me in purple glasses clutching a 50th birthday mug.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 19/09/2024

Up at the crack of dawn (this was about 6.30am ish) to catch a train to my new house for broadband to finally be installed. Sleep levels very poor due to Daisy (the dog) crapping all over the bedroom floor, twice. I then stood in remnants this morning. Joyous day.

Sunrise over a wide road with a footpath in the foreground. Streetlights still on. Sky is pinky-orange.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 21/02/2024

The joys of at-seat catering on long train journeys. I never did figure out how to open the lid on the cross country coffee and went wild with it, removing the lid.

Take away coffee cup on train with very flat weird lid.

GWR branded takeaway cup. On train seat flap.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 11/02/2024

Travelling in style on Great Western Railway all the way from Reading to Port Talbot. Can't get to our booked seats. Thankful for hip flask.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 30/01/2024

Ticket inspector can't get through here. I've got an excellent view of the bin now I'm out of the tracksuited gentleman's armpit that was my previous position.

Inside a train, showing closely packed feet and a bin.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 23/12/2023

Espresso martini made by my ex-girlfriend's girlfriend. 2023 has been really bloody weird.

Espresso martini on Xmas tablecloth. Pic in black and white. Martini glass, two thirds full.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 18/11/2023

Won an award this week for enhancing the student experience. Well chuffed with this photo, pre-ceremony - an amazing photographer who put me at complete ease. ❤️

Me, in a red and black chevron pattern sequin dress stood in an old University corridor.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 30/10/2023

I didn't get to go in here but it looked fab.

The edge of the world bookshop in Penzance.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 29/10/2023

Someone's having fun riding their suitcase at some speed on the platform (blurred in photo, whizzing past purple truck). Waiting for the Night Riviera. Doesn't leave till 11.50pm. I'll be asleep in the lounge before it gets here at this rate.

View of platform at London Paddington. Purple network rail truck on platform and train in background. Guy riding his suitcase out of focus in background.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 25/10/2023

The roses in the kitchen (that weren't bought by me or for me) are dead. While this may well become a gothic poem at some point, I'm not sure on the protocol for next steps...

Black and white pic of dead roses in a vase.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 23/10/2023

Quote with a picture of water that you took.

Shot of penarth pier taken from the beach. Water calm, sun shining through clouds.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 23/10/2023

Single life means you can eat out of the pan (obviously carefully and not scratching it), and nothing awful happens.

Frying pan stacked on a bowl. Red wine in background. Looks chaotic.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 18/10/2023

Newport feels like Skynet took over already.

Newport rail station from the train window. It's still raining. The over-track metal girders from electrification look quite disturbing, hence the skynet comment.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 17/10/2023

Despite rolling them up, my jeans are soaked to the knee. I have no regrets. I'm so glad I escaped for a few days and put myself first for once. It's about bloody time.

Rolling waves. Sunshine. Pic taken while paddling in the sea.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 17/10/2023

Yes, I have graffitied this mercilessly, but I'm really not sure about today's motivational quote? When Smalls was about 2 or 3, during his Tiny Philosopher phase, he came out with the gem "When we are cracked, we are broken" (which I immortalised on a coaster). I think I prefer that to Groucho.

Screenshot of My Possivle Self app. Has "crisis" button shown. I've drawn an arrow and a face with hearts on it. Then there's a quote from groucho marx that says, "blessed are the cracked for they shall let in the light." I have drawn screaming face emojis next to it.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

Most days, I'm here (with thanks to my lovely friend @webstermedieval.bsky.social for the awesome and highly apt coaster).

Drinks mat. Winnie the Pooh style.
"What day is it? asked Pooh.
"It's Monday!" replied Piglet.
"Fuck!" said Pooh.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

This afternoon's self care does indeed include chamomile tea and red wine at the same time.

Cup of chamomile tea, a small glass of red wine and a tray of olives and cheeses (from tesco).

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 15/10/2023

While out and about, I saw these two signs in quick succession. If the cat fits, then I am indeed. 🐈‍⬛️

An actual cat cafe (this is the place's name, too) - there are all sorts of cat paraphernalia (scratching posts) and high stools.

Graffiti on a black sign that says "old woman".

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 09/10/2023

This image came up to accompany an advert for paid programmes to help you sleep. I just feel it's the perfect metaphor for life right now. (I've been awake since about 3am).

A large crack in the pavement with a single plaster on it.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 08/10/2023

Anyone who knows me well knows I f***ing hate Sundays. This is quite a nice one, to be fair. Smalls and Talls playing football in the park.

Cardiff Castle shot from within the grounds.

Small child and older son play football on a big field with trees in background.

Selfie of me looking not too miserable in an abstract pattern blue and white top

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 03/10/2023

Portal to the underworld has just opened up near the university if anyone needs a quick trip home. (When I first came past, there was an engineer standing guard - I hope no students fell in overnight on their way to Prism or whatever that awful place is called.)

Man hole cover with hole in it. Goes down deep.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 28/09/2023

No, this was not a helpful end to the day at all. Ffs.

Pair of glasses with a broken frame and a lens fallen out, on a grey fluffy blanket.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 26/09/2023

This pink fizzy stuff was like 4 quid for a bottle (I should have cleared the shelf - coop were getting rid of it).

Glass of pink fizzy wine on a grey bistro table with plants in the background. In the garden.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 26/09/2023

I'm a complete and utter geek - really looking forward to getting started on my second module with the Open University on their Environmental Studies programme. (I may stop at a CertHE, or I might keep going - why stop at 3 degrees when you could have 4?)

Textbook for Open University module "global challenges: social sciences in action 1"

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 23/09/2023

Bad pastries and a good walk while waiting to see if the house viewings this morning will turn into offers -- and, hopefully, finally begin the process of Life Begins (Yet A-Bloody-gain) at 43.

Raspberry jam pastry in a paper bag on a bistro table - Marco's Barry Island.

View of Barry Island Harbour. Moody sky. Grasses in the foreground.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 22/09/2023

On the fancy train this morning. A four seat to myself and air conditioning. Wednesday, a woman had to lean across a full four seater of uncooperative people on the sardine Bridgend train to open a window so we didn't all suffocate and then pulled a spider out of a fellow passenger's hair.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 11/09/2023

I'm mildly obsessed with brutalist designs partly because I used to stand opposite this car park every day, waiting for the bus, travelling to a joyless job. Nice to see this old beauty today as I went on a good walk to meet a friend for coffee - a reminder that things could be far worse.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 09/09/2023

I've woken up from an unsettled short nap, after dreams where I was furious with loved ones, and I've gone into the garden to try and write it all out. The details were wrong, but the underlying feelings were authentic. I feel so stuck - holding on to stuff that is increasing my own pain.

View of garden, with grass in forground and then fence with large trees behind, morning sunlight dappling through the branches.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 06/09/2023

Dutch courage to go to something by myself (a book launch) for *fun* not work. Here's to new beginnings.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 04/09/2023

Managed a whole day in the office (homeworking is not an option at the moment). Got my coffee machine up and running after months of no use and tidied up a bit. I'm so lucky to have an office to escape to. ❤️ (the decaf I bought is absolutely foul, though. Yak.)

Table with cushioned chairs. Coffee machine on table. Crap piled behind chairs. Various snacks on show.

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Dr Michelle Deininger 🌈 @drdeininger.bsky.social · 03/09/2023

Here's to what I can only describe as a challenging few weeks here at Chez Deininger. Hoping for better times to come, while acknowledging that everything looks, feels, and fundamentally is different (aside from the vodka - that's ok as it is.)

Vodka shot on grey patio table with garden lawn in background. Plus a big football goal.

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