I'm tired as I write this, so please forgive any unusually stupid writings you see on this post. The usual idiocy is to be expected, i'm afraid.
Well, it hasn't been a good week for deliveries for me. I was supposed to get dog food yesterday, which arrived at 2 O'clock today. I'd also ordered a laptop. Why? I'll tell you why. List of problems with my old laptop.
1. Battery doesn't work. It won't even hold a second of charge. as soon as you pull the plug, the thing shuts down as though there were no battery in it.
2. Charger. It doesn't connect so well any more since some idiot stood on it, pulling it out of the back of the laptop.
3. Wire. It's broken a little where it attaches to the charger itself. I've selotaped it to within an inch of its life, but it's only a patch up job, really. That comes with making your charger travel to and from work every day. Who ever said laptops were designed to be portable!
4. Screen. The plastic housing's readily peeling away from the edges of it now.
5. Heat. Yes, that's right, even my laptop's hot! So hot, in fact, that it can blister your thighs through jeans, and the plastic tray it's sitting on, because it was too hot to sit on your knee and you thought it would run cooler if the air vents were free. Can you tell i've had that experience?
So, yes, all things considered, it was time i got a new one. i used some of my precious savings for it... At least, i will have, once I put them in the bank. I can just hear my bank manager screaming as my overdraught grows right before his beady little eyes.
They told me, when i bought it, that it would be delivered today. So I sat in all day... again. And it didn't come! At 3, I phoned them, only to be told that, "No, we wouldn't have told you it would be delivered so quickly, because it's having a memory refit. It won't be with you till Monday." I blew up when they called me a liar, and demanded the refund of my delivery costs. They, of course, refused. "Oh, I can't do that. It would have to be my manager, and she's not available." So, being the nice, calm, mild tempered person that I am, I demanded a call back and told her that, if I didn't get it within 24 hours, i was cancelling the order and telling my bank it was fraud. Let's see if they call back, shall we? I'm thinking they probably will!
And that's the only thing of any interest that happened me today. Oh, except for the fact that i'm now going to have to cancel some consultancy work I had booked for Monday, all because I have to sit in all day... Again, to wait for the laptop... again. What fun!
I'm teaching hot Stone massage tomorrow and Sunday, and that usually makes me quite tired, so you won't hear from me until Monday in all likelihood.
Don't scare the children too much tonight. All right, do it, but i want to hear the stories!
Friday, 31 October 2008
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Loose interpretation
Well, I was right to warn you to interpret 'tomorrow' loosely, wasn't I? Just pretend you don't see the date on the top of this post, and it'll all run smoothely from there.
Now, for the next exciting installment. Prepare yourself, for it's a thrilling ride this time. There's implements of torture and everything.
The day was the usual hum-drum feed the dog, walk the dog, brush the dog, pick up dog poo, clean the house, look for jobs, kind of affair that it always is... With one exception. Cue scary Jaws music, for, it was time to go to the doctor! Yes, that's right folks, Carly was voluntarily walking to a slow painful death by flu jab. I hate them, I really do, and they make me cringe even more, now that I know the damage they do.
It actually wasn't a doctor, but a nurse doing the pricking. Stop sniggering; she was female! So, i sat there, perfectly still, even managing to contain the screams of deepest agony which wanted to burst from my obediently compressed lips, and imagined what that injection was doing to me. They inject the fluid directly into the deltoid muscle; the chief instigator in you lifting your arm away from your side. When something's pushed into a muscle, you get micro tears. As fluid is definitely a something, and a quite large something at that, I grimaced as I thought of the thousands of tiny little scars i'd get as a result, and how they would impair the muscle's ability to function. I was therefore unsurprised when she warned that my arm was likely to feel a bit tender for a week or so. Yes, i'm a physio; I know the damage you've just willingly and knowingly done to my muscle! And i don't like it!
Didn't do much in the evening, apart from eat gorgeous pasta in a mushroom and wine sauce. Well, it was supposed to be gorgeous, but i forgot about the sauce, so it was far too thick and gloopy. I then roleplayed until the crack of dawn, but I blame Andy's radio show for that. It was good last night.
I woke up this morning with a throbbing left arm, a sore back, and a myriad of other tiny aches. I dragged myself out of bed long enough to feed the dog, fully intending to get straight back in, when I remembered I was having dog food delivered. I was afraid of missing the courier, so sat up instead. I did make one concession to my poorly state though; I stayed in jammies. Well, might as well give the man a show when he comes to the door! I've felt really sick all day, but again, i'm not surprised. For about three days after the jab, I feel really pants, and not myself at all. I felt so ill this morning that I had to force myself to eat breakfast. I had some good company on MSN to distract me though, and managed to get through the rest of the day. Did the courier come? But of course he did! Not. So now I have one hungry dog, and only enough food for one more day. He'd better come soon or else my life might be in danger... Or my bones will be, at least.
Time for a newsflash. You know the potato peeler I was going on about the other day? That nice, snazzy electric one that makes peeling spuds as easy as shelling peas? Well, I decided to try it out with that shepherd's pie i've been threatening to make. Oh, it worked so well! It vibrated so much that I couldn't feel where skin ended and tender tatie flesh began. My hands aren't the largest in the world, so I already find it difficult to hold potatoes and use the fingers on that hand to find the skin. With this vibrating monster in my hand *the potato peeler, you dirty minded reader!* I could hardly even keep my grip on the potato! So I reluctantly threw it across the room and reverted to terribly old fashioned physical effort to peel them instead. And you know what? It worked! So i'm writing this with a bellly full of a very good pie.
I think i'm gonna go up and broadcast with my mate on his show at some point next week. We have this ongoing joke of husband and wife, so we're planning to do a Richard and Judy style broadcast. Or is that Punch and Judy? Andy, don't get any ideas into your head, for in this show, Judy beats Punch! I'll let you know dates so that my rabid fan base may choon in and listen. Yes, I did write 'choon'. The kids tell me it's the new, hip, way of spelling it, and I do so wish to keep up with these new fads. Don't you? Until next time, let me leave you with this little pearl of wisdom.
A woman who thinks she is equal to a man...
Is lacking ambition!
Thank you, Mae West.
Now, for the next exciting installment. Prepare yourself, for it's a thrilling ride this time. There's implements of torture and everything.
The day was the usual hum-drum feed the dog, walk the dog, brush the dog, pick up dog poo, clean the house, look for jobs, kind of affair that it always is... With one exception. Cue scary Jaws music, for, it was time to go to the doctor! Yes, that's right folks, Carly was voluntarily walking to a slow painful death by flu jab. I hate them, I really do, and they make me cringe even more, now that I know the damage they do.
It actually wasn't a doctor, but a nurse doing the pricking. Stop sniggering; she was female! So, i sat there, perfectly still, even managing to contain the screams of deepest agony which wanted to burst from my obediently compressed lips, and imagined what that injection was doing to me. They inject the fluid directly into the deltoid muscle; the chief instigator in you lifting your arm away from your side. When something's pushed into a muscle, you get micro tears. As fluid is definitely a something, and a quite large something at that, I grimaced as I thought of the thousands of tiny little scars i'd get as a result, and how they would impair the muscle's ability to function. I was therefore unsurprised when she warned that my arm was likely to feel a bit tender for a week or so. Yes, i'm a physio; I know the damage you've just willingly and knowingly done to my muscle! And i don't like it!
Didn't do much in the evening, apart from eat gorgeous pasta in a mushroom and wine sauce. Well, it was supposed to be gorgeous, but i forgot about the sauce, so it was far too thick and gloopy. I then roleplayed until the crack of dawn, but I blame Andy's radio show for that. It was good last night.
I woke up this morning with a throbbing left arm, a sore back, and a myriad of other tiny aches. I dragged myself out of bed long enough to feed the dog, fully intending to get straight back in, when I remembered I was having dog food delivered. I was afraid of missing the courier, so sat up instead. I did make one concession to my poorly state though; I stayed in jammies. Well, might as well give the man a show when he comes to the door! I've felt really sick all day, but again, i'm not surprised. For about three days after the jab, I feel really pants, and not myself at all. I felt so ill this morning that I had to force myself to eat breakfast. I had some good company on MSN to distract me though, and managed to get through the rest of the day. Did the courier come? But of course he did! Not. So now I have one hungry dog, and only enough food for one more day. He'd better come soon or else my life might be in danger... Or my bones will be, at least.
Time for a newsflash. You know the potato peeler I was going on about the other day? That nice, snazzy electric one that makes peeling spuds as easy as shelling peas? Well, I decided to try it out with that shepherd's pie i've been threatening to make. Oh, it worked so well! It vibrated so much that I couldn't feel where skin ended and tender tatie flesh began. My hands aren't the largest in the world, so I already find it difficult to hold potatoes and use the fingers on that hand to find the skin. With this vibrating monster in my hand *the potato peeler, you dirty minded reader!* I could hardly even keep my grip on the potato! So I reluctantly threw it across the room and reverted to terribly old fashioned physical effort to peel them instead. And you know what? It worked! So i'm writing this with a bellly full of a very good pie.
I think i'm gonna go up and broadcast with my mate on his show at some point next week. We have this ongoing joke of husband and wife, so we're planning to do a Richard and Judy style broadcast. Or is that Punch and Judy? Andy, don't get any ideas into your head, for in this show, Judy beats Punch! I'll let you know dates so that my rabid fan base may choon in and listen. Yes, I did write 'choon'. The kids tell me it's the new, hip, way of spelling it, and I do so wish to keep up with these new fads. Don't you? Until next time, let me leave you with this little pearl of wisdom.
A woman who thinks she is equal to a man...
Is lacking ambition!
Thank you, Mae West.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Sleeping
Why this for a title? Because that's all i've seemed to do for the last couple of days.
I blame it on the travelling! Well, I actually suspect it's the winter hybernation bug biting me again. This happens every year. In the summer, I turn into an insomniac, surviving quite happily on about 3 hours of sleep. In the winter, I could sleep the clock round and still feel tired. It's odd.
I spent most of Sunday in bed, and this I blame on a really good book. You remember the one that kept me awake a couple of nights ago? It took me nearly a whole day, but I finished it. If you haven't done so already, you really need to read Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series. It's very long and involved, but so well written, and the character development's excellent.
I eventually dragged my bones out of bed long enough to throw some chips in the oven for dinner. No fancy Sunday roasts this week!
Ah, in fact, my bad memory's playing tricks again! That was Saturday that I was lazy because, on Sunday, I went shopping. How could I forget such a momentus event!
Yep, it was time to buy interview clothes, so off I traipsed to Next. I love shopping here, even if it means visits are infrequent because of the price of everything. It is amazing how much people will pay for clothes. But I did need something new for interview. The suit I had was years old and I had to kind of keep my elbows bent a little bit to make sure the arms of the jacket looked long enough. I've gone for a slightly less power dressing look this time. I'm wearing nice smart trousers, and a smart shirt, but no suit, no matching jacket. I think it's a better image to portray, bearing in mind the job market i'm trying to appeal to. It looks a lot more approachable; a little softer.
Because the clothes were on offer, I was able to get 2 of these outfits, plus new shoes. I even got a new dressing gown! And all courtesy of a friend who decided that they wanted to spoil me on their credit card. I felt a bit guilty, as there's no way i'd have chosen two outfits if i'd known someone else was going to be paying. But I paid them back by making dinner for us when I got home. Don't ask me what I had, because I can't remember. Old age again... Oh, is that a pee stain on my sofa?
Yesterday was pretty uneventful. Because i'd set aside that money for clothes, I was able to go down town and get a couple of bits and pieces I needed for my kitchen. No more using tongs where, every minute you're holding the meat in them, you're praying that the handle doesn't fall off... again! I also got a silicon version of a wooden spoon, and they're brilliant. I had one before, and they're excellent, because they don't take the teflon off the pan, they don't scrape it, and they don't go all splintery and horrible after the first wash.
I got one of those new nifty electric potato peelers. The blade vibrates a little on them, so that it slides through the spud easier. For any Irish who subsides solely on a diet of taties, it's a must, and is sitting proudly resplendent on my kitchen worktop, just begging to be used. I think i'll make a Shepherd's Pie today, so that i can test it out. I absolutely hate peeling potatoes because it takes so long, so hopefully this'll make it a little less arduous.
So that's it. nothing more to tell. oh, except that a Turkish friend of mine's going into the army apparently. I didn't hear it from the horse's mouth though, so all I know is that he's going in the winter. I don't know how long for, or where he'll be posted, but, let the worry begin. Army's tough on the boys and the country law states that every single one of them has to be conscripted. If they've gone through uni, it can be for as little as 6 months, but this is at the government's discression. If they haven't had the benefit of a good education, which most of them haven't, it's an 18 month stint, complete with mind numbing drugs and hard work. Luckily, Abuzer's done uni, so i'm hoping the government will give him a short shift.
Today, I plan to be lazy, and not to look at the state of my bank account! It's frightening! Until tomorrow. Please interpret that term loosely!
I blame it on the travelling! Well, I actually suspect it's the winter hybernation bug biting me again. This happens every year. In the summer, I turn into an insomniac, surviving quite happily on about 3 hours of sleep. In the winter, I could sleep the clock round and still feel tired. It's odd.
I spent most of Sunday in bed, and this I blame on a really good book. You remember the one that kept me awake a couple of nights ago? It took me nearly a whole day, but I finished it. If you haven't done so already, you really need to read Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series. It's very long and involved, but so well written, and the character development's excellent.
I eventually dragged my bones out of bed long enough to throw some chips in the oven for dinner. No fancy Sunday roasts this week!
Ah, in fact, my bad memory's playing tricks again! That was Saturday that I was lazy because, on Sunday, I went shopping. How could I forget such a momentus event!
Yep, it was time to buy interview clothes, so off I traipsed to Next. I love shopping here, even if it means visits are infrequent because of the price of everything. It is amazing how much people will pay for clothes. But I did need something new for interview. The suit I had was years old and I had to kind of keep my elbows bent a little bit to make sure the arms of the jacket looked long enough. I've gone for a slightly less power dressing look this time. I'm wearing nice smart trousers, and a smart shirt, but no suit, no matching jacket. I think it's a better image to portray, bearing in mind the job market i'm trying to appeal to. It looks a lot more approachable; a little softer.
Because the clothes were on offer, I was able to get 2 of these outfits, plus new shoes. I even got a new dressing gown! And all courtesy of a friend who decided that they wanted to spoil me on their credit card. I felt a bit guilty, as there's no way i'd have chosen two outfits if i'd known someone else was going to be paying. But I paid them back by making dinner for us when I got home. Don't ask me what I had, because I can't remember. Old age again... Oh, is that a pee stain on my sofa?
Yesterday was pretty uneventful. Because i'd set aside that money for clothes, I was able to go down town and get a couple of bits and pieces I needed for my kitchen. No more using tongs where, every minute you're holding the meat in them, you're praying that the handle doesn't fall off... again! I also got a silicon version of a wooden spoon, and they're brilliant. I had one before, and they're excellent, because they don't take the teflon off the pan, they don't scrape it, and they don't go all splintery and horrible after the first wash.
I got one of those new nifty electric potato peelers. The blade vibrates a little on them, so that it slides through the spud easier. For any Irish who subsides solely on a diet of taties, it's a must, and is sitting proudly resplendent on my kitchen worktop, just begging to be used. I think i'll make a Shepherd's Pie today, so that i can test it out. I absolutely hate peeling potatoes because it takes so long, so hopefully this'll make it a little less arduous.
So that's it. nothing more to tell. oh, except that a Turkish friend of mine's going into the army apparently. I didn't hear it from the horse's mouth though, so all I know is that he's going in the winter. I don't know how long for, or where he'll be posted, but, let the worry begin. Army's tough on the boys and the country law states that every single one of them has to be conscripted. If they've gone through uni, it can be for as little as 6 months, but this is at the government's discression. If they haven't had the benefit of a good education, which most of them haven't, it's an 18 month stint, complete with mind numbing drugs and hard work. Luckily, Abuzer's done uni, so i'm hoping the government will give him a short shift.
Today, I plan to be lazy, and not to look at the state of my bank account! It's frightening! Until tomorrow. Please interpret that term loosely!
Friday, 24 October 2008
Normality reigns once more
And, I am even glad of it! I haven't updated in a couple of days, firstly because I was shattered after the journey back, and secondly because, when I got home, there was a nice little surprise waiting for me. The batteries in the wireless keyboard had gone done. I *coughs* borrowed, my friend's really terribly awful keyboard, and was forced to subsist on substandard stolen goods for a whole day. It was terrible to type on, and I couldn't face posting my usual long-winded ramblings via the thing. I've already told you of my previous technical problems with the pen, so I wasn't going there again!
So, what to tell this time? Prepare yourself for the usual brand of sarcasm, general pesimism *is that how you spell it?* and edge of your seat, pants wetting type of excitement.
I got up at stupid o'clock on Wednesday morning to get back on my chosen flight, chosen, I might add, for the possibility that I might make that memorial service on time. So I sacrificed most of a good night's sleep for nothing! 6 was the time of my rather rude awakening (yes, my mobile is considered rude when it warbles the 'get up, get up now!' noise at me at that time of the morning). It was harder to get my granny up than it was to drag my bleary-eyed, wobbly-legged carcus out of the all too comfortable bed. I'm reading a good book, so had spent most of the night with my nose buried in it. I'd got maybe 5 hours of sleep at a push, and now it was time to trek halfway across the universe, all in the name of returning to oxford.
I pulled myself together in time to feed the dog before we left, and then worried the whole way up the road to the airport that she'd chuck up all over my aunty's car. You're supposed to leave them for at least 20 minutes after feeding before you do anything with them, but extra time was a luxury I didn't have, thanks to my need to get as much sleep as possible, and leave the getting up as close to departure time as I could.
Once Molly realised that her new love interest, the lodger, was howling his misery at her departure in his bedroom instead of coming with us, she huffed mightily! Ok, he was snoring his displeasure... And she knew it! If a dog could flounce, old Molly would have done it as she threw her food engorged body into the car, and turned her back on us all. Clearly, she thought we were terribly unjust in parting her from her newfound love. Even my aunty, who she usually goes mad for, couldn't bring her out of this latest strop.
So, we travelled to the airport in sulky silence, if the loud groans, snorts, and general vocalising of her displeasure are discounted. We actually arrived early in the end, despite my mad scramble to locate my iPod which my Granny was convinced was a phone. She'd taken it downstairs and tried to plug it into my phone charger for me. I'm just thankful the connections didn't match, or else my Pod would be no more, given the difference in voltages.
And what better way to make up the time we had until the flight left than having an Ulster Fry? For those of you who have never had one, it consists of bacon, fried eggs, sausage, vegetable roll which is meat, not vegetable (Nope, I never claimed the Irish were logical!), soda bread, potato bread, mushrooms, beans, and tomato. I didn't have all that, but the prices were extortionate! £7.99 for the fry.
The flight was pretty good, apart from the landing. It was done so badly that we bounced off the runway before touching down properly. Molly didn't like it. It's the first time i've seen her really bothered on a flight, but she wouldn't settle at all after that, and nearly strangled herself pulling to get off. Then I had to convince the guy helping me that the suitcase i'd said was mine, truly was mine. he kept glancing at the bag tag on my passport, then the tag on the bag. "Oh, they don't match!" "Yes, mister, I know they don't. That's because they didn't give me a new tag at check in. Honestly, the case is mine." "Oh, but i have to put it back. We can't be sure it's yours, and the numbers don't match." Well, it went round in circles, until I lost the rag, ripped open the top of the suitcase, and flashed the contents at him. "Yep, sir, it's mine all right! Those are my pants!" He didn't really see them, but wouldn't it have been funny if he did! The clothes were all zipped away, so all he got was an eyeful of boots, handbags, and girlie purfume.
I'd had a phone conversation with my mum earlier in the day, who suggested the bright idea of getting the bus home instead of the train. The only reason I hadn't done it on the way up was because it took over an hour longer. But, when she told me it had electric, and wireless internet, I just couldn't resist. All excited i was as I made my way to the terminal, and even Molly was happy, for a wonder. I climbed on the bus, completely content in the fact that i'd be totally amused on the way home, and blissfully unaware that, by the usual cruel twist of fate, I had one of the very few buses which didn't possess the technological knowhow to have electricity, let alone internet access!
So there I was, stuck for about 4 hours on a bus, with nothing to do except resort to phone, ahem, i mean iPod, for amusement. I get real bad cabin fever if i'm forced to sit still for more than 3 hours. It's almost a panic i get into. So I really didn't enjoy knowing that i'd be stuck there for that length of time.
When I eventually did get off, I can tell you, I was glad! I arrived home after having travelled for 10 hours, but my day wasn't over. A friend was doing a radio show, which you should listen to, by the way. www.smogradio.net. he broadcasts between 10 and 1, and is a nice background distraction to whatever you're doing.
So I didn't get to bed for ages! Then iwas up with the dog at the usual time, and I think she must have been shattered herself. After i'd fed her, she crawled back into bed. So it was only natural that i followed suit! It was freezing yesterday. From getting up at 8, I didn't get my feet warmed back up again until after 11. then it was up, breakfast, and job hunting. I didn't do much else yesterday, but I did find a job to apply for, which is good. I didn't make it right through to the end of the radio show last night, and i slept late this morning. But I made up for my sins in a sinfully, deliciously long bath when I woke up. I further compounded my hanus crimes by having a whole bar of chocolate for breakfast!
I've been invited to interview in Selly Oak hospital on the 11th of next month, so things are looking up. Today, I have no plans really, but i think i'll teach myself the way to Tesco I don't know if this is a good thing though; me having access to a readily available chocolate supply... Well, that's it for today. I have things to do you know! Until next time, whenever that may be.
So, what to tell this time? Prepare yourself for the usual brand of sarcasm, general pesimism *is that how you spell it?* and edge of your seat, pants wetting type of excitement.
I got up at stupid o'clock on Wednesday morning to get back on my chosen flight, chosen, I might add, for the possibility that I might make that memorial service on time. So I sacrificed most of a good night's sleep for nothing! 6 was the time of my rather rude awakening (yes, my mobile is considered rude when it warbles the 'get up, get up now!' noise at me at that time of the morning). It was harder to get my granny up than it was to drag my bleary-eyed, wobbly-legged carcus out of the all too comfortable bed. I'm reading a good book, so had spent most of the night with my nose buried in it. I'd got maybe 5 hours of sleep at a push, and now it was time to trek halfway across the universe, all in the name of returning to oxford.
I pulled myself together in time to feed the dog before we left, and then worried the whole way up the road to the airport that she'd chuck up all over my aunty's car. You're supposed to leave them for at least 20 minutes after feeding before you do anything with them, but extra time was a luxury I didn't have, thanks to my need to get as much sleep as possible, and leave the getting up as close to departure time as I could.
Once Molly realised that her new love interest, the lodger, was howling his misery at her departure in his bedroom instead of coming with us, she huffed mightily! Ok, he was snoring his displeasure... And she knew it! If a dog could flounce, old Molly would have done it as she threw her food engorged body into the car, and turned her back on us all. Clearly, she thought we were terribly unjust in parting her from her newfound love. Even my aunty, who she usually goes mad for, couldn't bring her out of this latest strop.
So, we travelled to the airport in sulky silence, if the loud groans, snorts, and general vocalising of her displeasure are discounted. We actually arrived early in the end, despite my mad scramble to locate my iPod which my Granny was convinced was a phone. She'd taken it downstairs and tried to plug it into my phone charger for me. I'm just thankful the connections didn't match, or else my Pod would be no more, given the difference in voltages.
And what better way to make up the time we had until the flight left than having an Ulster Fry? For those of you who have never had one, it consists of bacon, fried eggs, sausage, vegetable roll which is meat, not vegetable (Nope, I never claimed the Irish were logical!), soda bread, potato bread, mushrooms, beans, and tomato. I didn't have all that, but the prices were extortionate! £7.99 for the fry.
The flight was pretty good, apart from the landing. It was done so badly that we bounced off the runway before touching down properly. Molly didn't like it. It's the first time i've seen her really bothered on a flight, but she wouldn't settle at all after that, and nearly strangled herself pulling to get off. Then I had to convince the guy helping me that the suitcase i'd said was mine, truly was mine. he kept glancing at the bag tag on my passport, then the tag on the bag. "Oh, they don't match!" "Yes, mister, I know they don't. That's because they didn't give me a new tag at check in. Honestly, the case is mine." "Oh, but i have to put it back. We can't be sure it's yours, and the numbers don't match." Well, it went round in circles, until I lost the rag, ripped open the top of the suitcase, and flashed the contents at him. "Yep, sir, it's mine all right! Those are my pants!" He didn't really see them, but wouldn't it have been funny if he did! The clothes were all zipped away, so all he got was an eyeful of boots, handbags, and girlie purfume.
I'd had a phone conversation with my mum earlier in the day, who suggested the bright idea of getting the bus home instead of the train. The only reason I hadn't done it on the way up was because it took over an hour longer. But, when she told me it had electric, and wireless internet, I just couldn't resist. All excited i was as I made my way to the terminal, and even Molly was happy, for a wonder. I climbed on the bus, completely content in the fact that i'd be totally amused on the way home, and blissfully unaware that, by the usual cruel twist of fate, I had one of the very few buses which didn't possess the technological knowhow to have electricity, let alone internet access!
So there I was, stuck for about 4 hours on a bus, with nothing to do except resort to phone, ahem, i mean iPod, for amusement. I get real bad cabin fever if i'm forced to sit still for more than 3 hours. It's almost a panic i get into. So I really didn't enjoy knowing that i'd be stuck there for that length of time.
When I eventually did get off, I can tell you, I was glad! I arrived home after having travelled for 10 hours, but my day wasn't over. A friend was doing a radio show, which you should listen to, by the way. www.smogradio.net. he broadcasts between 10 and 1, and is a nice background distraction to whatever you're doing.
So I didn't get to bed for ages! Then iwas up with the dog at the usual time, and I think she must have been shattered herself. After i'd fed her, she crawled back into bed. So it was only natural that i followed suit! It was freezing yesterday. From getting up at 8, I didn't get my feet warmed back up again until after 11. then it was up, breakfast, and job hunting. I didn't do much else yesterday, but I did find a job to apply for, which is good. I didn't make it right through to the end of the radio show last night, and i slept late this morning. But I made up for my sins in a sinfully, deliciously long bath when I woke up. I further compounded my hanus crimes by having a whole bar of chocolate for breakfast!
I've been invited to interview in Selly Oak hospital on the 11th of next month, so things are looking up. Today, I have no plans really, but i think i'll teach myself the way to Tesco I don't know if this is a good thing though; me having access to a readily available chocolate supply... Well, that's it for today. I have things to do you know! Until next time, whenever that may be.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Country roads, take me home
Doesn't quite sound the same when you sing, "country skies, fly me home," does it? So we'll stick with tradition and pretend that planes can get down those tiny little country lanes a lot easier than even the smallest of cars can. And if planes can do it, then i'll have no more wining from you drivers about how difficult it is to edge your large 4-wheel-drive through the thicket of country shrubbery.
Again, nothing much went on today. I've job hunted, did a little bit of cleaning, played with the dog, went shopping, and, yet again, managed to avoid cooking by the speedy and timely arrival of a little mobile van serving chips and other horribly fattening goodies. I had chicken nuggets, chips and gravy, and only managed to get through about half of it before the sheer amount of oil and grease saw me defeated, and, if I admit it, rather sick. I grew up on this stuff, and absolutely loved it, but since i've lived in England, i've tended to oven cook my food wherever I can. Initially, this was only because I was afraid of the deep fat fryers and the scalding, dripping oil. But now, it's because I like the taste of the food better when it's done in the oven. I can't eat too much grease now without feeling ill. Pity really, as it tastes so good!
And that's it. Exciting, right? Now I need to pack my suitcase for going home rediculously early in the morning. I also need to order shopping to be delivered when I arrive home, or else i'll not be having dinner tomorrow night. More importantly, I need to finish a mountain of chocolate before I can leave here! So, stop distracting me. The removal of this hazardous food product is of great importance. I am only consuming it to prevent harm to others.
Again, nothing much went on today. I've job hunted, did a little bit of cleaning, played with the dog, went shopping, and, yet again, managed to avoid cooking by the speedy and timely arrival of a little mobile van serving chips and other horribly fattening goodies. I had chicken nuggets, chips and gravy, and only managed to get through about half of it before the sheer amount of oil and grease saw me defeated, and, if I admit it, rather sick. I grew up on this stuff, and absolutely loved it, but since i've lived in England, i've tended to oven cook my food wherever I can. Initially, this was only because I was afraid of the deep fat fryers and the scalding, dripping oil. But now, it's because I like the taste of the food better when it's done in the oven. I can't eat too much grease now without feeling ill. Pity really, as it tastes so good!
And that's it. Exciting, right? Now I need to pack my suitcase for going home rediculously early in the morning. I also need to order shopping to be delivered when I arrive home, or else i'll not be having dinner tomorrow night. More importantly, I need to finish a mountain of chocolate before I can leave here! So, stop distracting me. The removal of this hazardous food product is of great importance. I am only consuming it to prevent harm to others.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Happy Monday
A bit of an Oxymoron, don't you think? But mine has been happy so far. I've been lazy, yes, lazy. Didn't sleep in late though, thanks to the Mollster, but i've done nothing except lie around on my granny's rather posh reclining sofa, play solitaire on my computer, and eat lots of chocolate.
I went back to church last night, and didn't get home till about half 10. As i'm so old, I was tired right about then, but my granny, being the young spring chicken she is, sat up till 1! Eventually, I fell asleep in front of the computer waiting for her, and she took pity on me and went to bed.
So, here I am, stuffed with chocolate, cheese and corned beef toasties, and potato bread, with absolutely no idea of what to tell you today. The only thing of import I can think of is that i've been short listed for a job, a really good one. It's working in a special school with children who have CP (cerebral palsy). It's ideal actually. Means I can specialise quickly, and be paid at the level of my knowledge, not the time spent in the NHS. They don't work on a banded/graded system, as the hospitals do, so they pay you according to how well you perform. The interview has a practical element too, which is wonderful. Up until now, it's been all theory based which really makes me mad. I mean, how can you judge how well a therapist will perform in clinic by sitting down over a cup of tea (or water in my case), and asking them what they know and how they know it?
The interview's on the 10th of November, and i'll be working directly with the kids from 9:30 until 1:30. I'm looking forward to it. I'll need to dig out my smiley face and 'I was brave' stickers, and then find something for the kids to have as a reward! I even have a sticker that says, "I'm a big girl now". I'm considering putting it on my badge. It would be such a statement!
That's it, that's all I can think of to tell you. Oh, apart from the fact that the lodger has stolen my dog's affections! She even sneaked off to his bedroom with him while I was at church... It must be love!
I've also managed to miss the memorial service of a very dear friend, and one time tutor of mine. Also missed her funeral sadly, both times due to the fact that I was in Ireland. I thought it was on Wednesday, so booked an early flight. But as it turns out, it's tomorrow instead. I'm quite sad that i've missed it. Another friend down that direction's going through some difficult times too, so I really must get down that way soon, so that we can commiserate with each other, and perhaps even support one another! He's not allowed to get down in the dumps... He's one of my job referees! See? there was no alterior motive in that offer of support at all!
Anyway, i'm scraping the bottom of the barrel here for things to tell you, so like you probably have, i've decided i've had enough for the day. I might write more tomorrow, but then again, I might not! If you comment enough, i'll give you a fresh instalment. Do it... Do it now!
I went back to church last night, and didn't get home till about half 10. As i'm so old, I was tired right about then, but my granny, being the young spring chicken she is, sat up till 1! Eventually, I fell asleep in front of the computer waiting for her, and she took pity on me and went to bed.
So, here I am, stuffed with chocolate, cheese and corned beef toasties, and potato bread, with absolutely no idea of what to tell you today. The only thing of import I can think of is that i've been short listed for a job, a really good one. It's working in a special school with children who have CP (cerebral palsy). It's ideal actually. Means I can specialise quickly, and be paid at the level of my knowledge, not the time spent in the NHS. They don't work on a banded/graded system, as the hospitals do, so they pay you according to how well you perform. The interview has a practical element too, which is wonderful. Up until now, it's been all theory based which really makes me mad. I mean, how can you judge how well a therapist will perform in clinic by sitting down over a cup of tea (or water in my case), and asking them what they know and how they know it?
The interview's on the 10th of November, and i'll be working directly with the kids from 9:30 until 1:30. I'm looking forward to it. I'll need to dig out my smiley face and 'I was brave' stickers, and then find something for the kids to have as a reward! I even have a sticker that says, "I'm a big girl now". I'm considering putting it on my badge. It would be such a statement!
That's it, that's all I can think of to tell you. Oh, apart from the fact that the lodger has stolen my dog's affections! She even sneaked off to his bedroom with him while I was at church... It must be love!
I've also managed to miss the memorial service of a very dear friend, and one time tutor of mine. Also missed her funeral sadly, both times due to the fact that I was in Ireland. I thought it was on Wednesday, so booked an early flight. But as it turns out, it's tomorrow instead. I'm quite sad that i've missed it. Another friend down that direction's going through some difficult times too, so I really must get down that way soon, so that we can commiserate with each other, and perhaps even support one another! He's not allowed to get down in the dumps... He's one of my job referees! See? there was no alterior motive in that offer of support at all!
Anyway, i'm scraping the bottom of the barrel here for things to tell you, so like you probably have, i've decided i've had enough for the day. I might write more tomorrow, but then again, I might not! If you comment enough, i'll give you a fresh instalment. Do it... Do it now!
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Dinner
I couldn't think of a better title, and i'm just about to have my dinner, so it seemed appropriate, all right?
There's really not much to tell about yesterday. Slept in till 9, then ate a yummy fried breakfast, played with the dog, and then it was off to church. They're having a harvest convention at the moment, so there was 2 services yesterday, both of which were good. I even got roped into singing last night!
It was an all day thing, with tea in between the two services. I even got Birthday cake, as it was one of the minister's birthdays... I had 2 pieces! Aren't I naughty?
Other than that, there really isn't much to tell. I came home, did a quick job check, then went to bed, only to get up early for the Sunday morning service this morning. I'm home only briefly now, as we have to be back there for 7. Molly hates me. She's huffing because I leave her behind when I go to church. She just gives me these looks of disdain, before trotting off to cuddle up with my Granny's lodger, who she took an instant liking to. I wish he'd walk her as well as play fighting with her!
Dinner today will be baby potatoes, good, fresh bacon, peas and gravy. Be jealous! And, if any of you are eating Yorkshire Puddings today, I too will be jealous. The Irish have never heard of them, so we don't get them here.
I managed to speak to a friend of mine last night who's just had a baby. I am also jealous of him! He's got a little one who's just 1, and another tinier one. Think of all the baby loving he can do! The baby was healthy though, which is great, and, in his native tongue, the boy's second name means Storm. Talk about making a statement with a name! He did cause quite a storm with his arrival, I can tell ya.
And Kudos to my followers... All 1 of you! Thank you for commenting, faithful, lone reader. You other thousands, nay, milions, who read this should follow his example, or feel my wrath! Go on, tell me how much you hate me... I love it!
There's really not much to tell about yesterday. Slept in till 9, then ate a yummy fried breakfast, played with the dog, and then it was off to church. They're having a harvest convention at the moment, so there was 2 services yesterday, both of which were good. I even got roped into singing last night!
It was an all day thing, with tea in between the two services. I even got Birthday cake, as it was one of the minister's birthdays... I had 2 pieces! Aren't I naughty?
Other than that, there really isn't much to tell. I came home, did a quick job check, then went to bed, only to get up early for the Sunday morning service this morning. I'm home only briefly now, as we have to be back there for 7. Molly hates me. She's huffing because I leave her behind when I go to church. She just gives me these looks of disdain, before trotting off to cuddle up with my Granny's lodger, who she took an instant liking to. I wish he'd walk her as well as play fighting with her!
Dinner today will be baby potatoes, good, fresh bacon, peas and gravy. Be jealous! And, if any of you are eating Yorkshire Puddings today, I too will be jealous. The Irish have never heard of them, so we don't get them here.
I managed to speak to a friend of mine last night who's just had a baby. I am also jealous of him! He's got a little one who's just 1, and another tinier one. Think of all the baby loving he can do! The baby was healthy though, which is great, and, in his native tongue, the boy's second name means Storm. Talk about making a statement with a name! He did cause quite a storm with his arrival, I can tell ya.
And Kudos to my followers... All 1 of you! Thank you for commenting, faithful, lone reader. You other thousands, nay, milions, who read this should follow his example, or feel my wrath! Go on, tell me how much you hate me... I love it!
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