Back to work today. Idiot driver day on the roads. Stupid person almost parked in the boot of the Polo!
Busy day in the office but got loads done.
Got a call from Nick to say Gemima's ill and not at school... again! I insisted he take her to the GP as she's had a lot of time off sick when she's been with him.
First session at Osteopath today. He was good; cracked my spine but not in the same painful way that the physioterrorist did. Felt bruisy but good afterwards. Back again next Monday. It will be nice to have a pain-free back. Fingers crossed.
Picked Gemima up afterwards. Yep, temperature, bogies, cough, the works. Doctor said no antibiotics but lots of fluid, cough meds and paracetamol. So that's what she got.
Monday, 7 December 2009
Sunday, 6 December 2009
The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell....
OK, that's just a little overdramatic! It wasn't too bad a journey at all - shorter than the way there anyhow.
We woke up at about 10am, packed up, loaded up the car and went off to forage for food. While Keith checked us out of the chalet, the rest of us wandered in the general direction of the Diner, which we hadn't tried at all over the weekend. We had a reasonably OK fry up, although some of it was questionable but it was enough to keep us going for the journey.
We were just about done when the entire contingent of SPiT LiKE THiS wandered in. Spent a few minutes chatting to Vikki and Z before heading off back to London via the scenic route through some ridiculously steep hills!
Five and a half hours later we stopped in Southend at Dan and Laura's and had much needed coffee before heading home to Keith's for kebab, a shower and an early night!
What a fantastic weekend!
We woke up at about 10am, packed up, loaded up the car and went off to forage for food. While Keith checked us out of the chalet, the rest of us wandered in the general direction of the Diner, which we hadn't tried at all over the weekend. We had a reasonably OK fry up, although some of it was questionable but it was enough to keep us going for the journey.
We were just about done when the entire contingent of SPiT LiKE THiS wandered in. Spent a few minutes chatting to Vikki and Z before heading off back to London via the scenic route through some ridiculously steep hills!
Five and a half hours later we stopped in Southend at Dan and Laura's and had much needed coffee before heading home to Keith's for kebab, a shower and an early night!
What a fantastic weekend!
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Hard Rock Hell III (day two)
We woke up to alarms at about 11am. Thankfully Keith had the foresight to set them or we might have slept for most of the day!
Breakfast consisted of coffee, tea, flapjacks and crisps. Nice healthy energy-boosting stuff! We made the executive decision that we would go out in relatively "normal" attire during the day and come back later on when there was a gap in the schedule to do the Get Changed and Have Dinner things. Good plan!
Dan & Laura
Me & Keith
Full of sugar and caffeine, we wandered over to the stages. We had planned on popping our heads in to the small stage in the pub to catch some of Dumpy's Rusty Nuts (I wanted to see them because oh god, what a fabulous name!) before heading off to watch The Glitterati, who we have yet to see play. We had to wander through The Glitterati's stage area to get the Dumpy and I am glad we did. The Glitterati were all very emo sounding and 30 seconds of them was enough for me! So we all stayed to watch Dumpy's entire set. Well listen to actually, as the place was so packed we couldn't see the stage! More people watching them than watching The Glitterati and with good reason. They were awesome. Thoroughly enjoyed them - one of my favourites of the weekend. No pics though because we couldn't actually see them!
On the way back to the main stages we passed a photography place and had a group pic done and made into a print and some keyrings:
Next band we saw was Girlschool. Now THIS is how a girl band should sound - Hysterica, watch and learn!
See all the Girlschool pics here!
Tigertailz. Wow. I've seen them four times but this was definitely their best performance yet! Berzerk album back to back followed by their rendition of Motorhead's Ace of Spades joined by Girlschool. Fantastic!
See all the Tigertailz pics here!
Following on the tail of that very energetic set came The Quireboys. They were good but sadly for them, they had to follow Tigertailz who were a VERY hard act to follow!
See all The Quireboys pics here!
And here we reached our gap so after mooching about the shop and selecting pizza, chips and eggs from the limited stock on the shelves, we headed back to the chalet to do the Get Changed and Have Dinner thing. Egg and chips for me and Laura and pizza and chips for the "boys" - yeah, I use that description lightly!
One quick change later and we headed back for more fun. While Dan was outside having a smoke, KT and I were stopped by a photographer who took this pic of us:
Yes, I know. Very, very short skirt and I was very, very self-conscious wearing it but KT wanted me to and he seems to like my legs, so what the hell, why not!!
Bumped into Bitty Grim and did the photo thing:
Me and KT
Back to the music! Next up were W.A.S.P. Packed, packed area - practically everyone must have been there. We didn't bother trying to make our way through, and watched the show from the sidelines. They were excellent and I am glad I finally got to see them play. Its only taken 26 years!
See all the W.A.S.P. pics here!
We stood to one side chatting to Dan and Laura and listening to Queensryche. They weren't that great to be honest and so Keith didn't bother with the picture thing.
Next up New York Dolls. Keith had wanted to see these guys but they were another disappointment and should perhaps have called it a day a while ago. Two good songs to start with and downhill from there. Keith and I had gone to watch the show from the seated area at the back. I hadn;t realised that it was staffed by a security man and had just marched up the stairs and sat down. KT followed me and we saved a couple of seats for Dan and Laura who had gone for a wander. When they came back in they were stopped and told they couldn't come up. Apprently we were sitting in the VIP area. I had noticed the old fart on the stairs watching me as I came up but hadn't twigged that he was supposed to be screaning people - he was just staring at my very short skirt followed by KT's short skirt. After some observation we realised that he was only stopping men or women who were with men. Women on their own were allowed through without being checked. Obviously he had not got past staring at KT's legs long enough to realise that he's male!
Dan and Laura went off to the other main stage to catch the thrashy metal bands that aren't really my cup of tea and KT and I left part way through New York Dolls to go back to the chalet and make coffee. We were a little tired and didn't want to be too sleepy to see our friends, SPiT LiKE THiS close the festival.
a coffe and a tidy up (did we REALLY clear the chalet up?!) we headed back just in time to catch Lauren Harris who was running a little late. She was a bit too High School Musical for me and didn't seem comfortabe on stage but me rest of the band were good.
Then it was almost all over. Just SPiT LiKE THiS to go. They didn't disappoint. My only complaint; their set was over far too quickly. It always seems to be that way.
See all the SPiT LiKE THiS pics here!
And then it was 3am and time to head off to the chalet and from there to the land of nod....
Breakfast consisted of coffee, tea, flapjacks and crisps. Nice healthy energy-boosting stuff! We made the executive decision that we would go out in relatively "normal" attire during the day and come back later on when there was a gap in the schedule to do the Get Changed and Have Dinner things. Good plan!
Dan & Laura
Me & Keith
Full of sugar and caffeine, we wandered over to the stages. We had planned on popping our heads in to the small stage in the pub to catch some of Dumpy's Rusty Nuts (I wanted to see them because oh god, what a fabulous name!) before heading off to watch The Glitterati, who we have yet to see play. We had to wander through The Glitterati's stage area to get the Dumpy and I am glad we did. The Glitterati were all very emo sounding and 30 seconds of them was enough for me! So we all stayed to watch Dumpy's entire set. Well listen to actually, as the place was so packed we couldn't see the stage! More people watching them than watching The Glitterati and with good reason. They were awesome. Thoroughly enjoyed them - one of my favourites of the weekend. No pics though because we couldn't actually see them!
On the way back to the main stages we passed a photography place and had a group pic done and made into a print and some keyrings:
Next band we saw was Girlschool. Now THIS is how a girl band should sound - Hysterica, watch and learn!
See all the Girlschool pics here!
Tigertailz. Wow. I've seen them four times but this was definitely their best performance yet! Berzerk album back to back followed by their rendition of Motorhead's Ace of Spades joined by Girlschool. Fantastic!
See all the Tigertailz pics here!
Following on the tail of that very energetic set came The Quireboys. They were good but sadly for them, they had to follow Tigertailz who were a VERY hard act to follow!
See all The Quireboys pics here!
And here we reached our gap so after mooching about the shop and selecting pizza, chips and eggs from the limited stock on the shelves, we headed back to the chalet to do the Get Changed and Have Dinner thing. Egg and chips for me and Laura and pizza and chips for the "boys" - yeah, I use that description lightly!
One quick change later and we headed back for more fun. While Dan was outside having a smoke, KT and I were stopped by a photographer who took this pic of us:
Yes, I know. Very, very short skirt and I was very, very self-conscious wearing it but KT wanted me to and he seems to like my legs, so what the hell, why not!!
Bumped into Bitty Grim and did the photo thing:
Me and KT
Back to the music! Next up were W.A.S.P. Packed, packed area - practically everyone must have been there. We didn't bother trying to make our way through, and watched the show from the sidelines. They were excellent and I am glad I finally got to see them play. Its only taken 26 years!
See all the W.A.S.P. pics here!
We stood to one side chatting to Dan and Laura and listening to Queensryche. They weren't that great to be honest and so Keith didn't bother with the picture thing.
Next up New York Dolls. Keith had wanted to see these guys but they were another disappointment and should perhaps have called it a day a while ago. Two good songs to start with and downhill from there. Keith and I had gone to watch the show from the seated area at the back. I hadn;t realised that it was staffed by a security man and had just marched up the stairs and sat down. KT followed me and we saved a couple of seats for Dan and Laura who had gone for a wander. When they came back in they were stopped and told they couldn't come up. Apprently we were sitting in the VIP area. I had noticed the old fart on the stairs watching me as I came up but hadn't twigged that he was supposed to be screaning people - he was just staring at my very short skirt followed by KT's short skirt. After some observation we realised that he was only stopping men or women who were with men. Women on their own were allowed through without being checked. Obviously he had not got past staring at KT's legs long enough to realise that he's male!
Dan and Laura went off to the other main stage to catch the thrashy metal bands that aren't really my cup of tea and KT and I left part way through New York Dolls to go back to the chalet and make coffee. We were a little tired and didn't want to be too sleepy to see our friends, SPiT LiKE THiS close the festival.
a coffe and a tidy up (did we REALLY clear the chalet up?!) we headed back just in time to catch Lauren Harris who was running a little late. She was a bit too High School Musical for me and didn't seem comfortabe on stage but me rest of the band were good.
Then it was almost all over. Just SPiT LiKE THiS to go. They didn't disappoint. My only complaint; their set was over far too quickly. It always seems to be that way.
See all the SPiT LiKE THiS pics here!
And then it was 3am and time to head off to the chalet and from there to the land of nod....
Friday, 4 December 2009
Hard Rock Hell III
Oh My God! What an AWESOME weekend!
Goth, Rock, Metal and Chips with Curry Sauce! OK, the curry sauce wasn't great but the rest was amazing!
After seeing the Fabulous Eddie Izzard at the O2 in Greenwich on Thursday night, Keith and I got back to South Woodham at about 1am to do last minute packing and hair-dying and stuff. We finally crashed out at 3am, only to be rudely awoken by many, many alarms at 7am!
One large mug of proper coffee later, we headed off to sunny Southend to pick up Dan and Laura, who were equally excited about the prospect of a weekend of rock and metal mayhem.
We decided to avoid getting fleeced by service stations en route and opted for a huge breakfast in a builder's cafe, which judging by the looks on people's faces, had never served a bunch of goths... ever! Then we were on our way, ably assisted by Dan's SatNav which bleeped at me every time I went over the speed limit. There was probably too much bleeping really, truth be told.
The journey was long and rainy. I was already knackered from sod-all sleep. Thankfully Dan took over driving just after we passed Birmingham and I nodded off in the back seat for a bit until we reached Wales.
After some driving about in darkness, hilly roads and LOTS of rain, we finally found Pontins in Prestatyn, home to Hard Rock Hell! After a mad dash to the chalet to dump luggage and change into something suitably outrageous, we headed straight for the stages for the night.
Joy of joys - everything in walking distance - I don't have to drive - Rum here I come!!! Wahay!
Dan and Laura
Me and Keith
First up, Korpiklaani. Finnish folk metal band. They were amazing, energetic and a great boost considering most of us were running on energy drinks at that point!
See all the Korpiklaani pics here!
Next up Dutch band Delain. Singer had a great voice and Laura and I really liked her jacket... and that fact that she wasn't too girly to do a bit of headbanging!
See all the Delain pics here!
Then on to Swedish metal band Hysterica. Definitely the biggest disappointment of the event! Despite the carefully contrived "metal" appearance they were definitely the Metal Spice Girls manufactured band. They weren't up to much really so we only stayed for two tracks.
See all the Hysterica pics here!
After that disappointment we headed off to a different stage to see Ratt, an original 80's hair metal band (yeah - I cribbed that off Keith - I had no idea!). I didn't know any of their stuff at all but loud energetic and rocky was good and I really enjoyed their set.
See all the Ratt pics here!
Stomachs growling, we headed off in search of food to find the only option was Captain Cod and he was definitely wanting to shut shop! Sadly we were in the door before he did and three out of four of us had chips with curry sauce. Three out of four of us also regretted the curry sauce almost instantly! Not only was it vile, it also had sweetcorn in it, much to Keith's very vocal disgust! Laura was the only sensible one who refrained!
After that we headed back to the other stage which had thankfully been vacated by the awful girl band and was now host to Eden's Curse, a band we hadn't particularly planned into our hectic schedule but as it happens we were glad we got to see. The guitarist was brilliant and fascinating to watch play!
See all the Eden's Curse pics here!
At this point we were all flagging (and suffering the effects of curry sauce) but most of us wanted to see the last band of the evening, Sonata Arctica, and there was still almost an hour to go before they came on! Dan caved first and headed off to the shop to get milk for the morning before going back to the chalet. Keith, Laura and I decided to stick it out. Well, in a manner of speaking. Keith went off to watch Winterborn while Laura and I grabbed a table on the sidelines and I actually did fall asleep in my chair for their entire set!
Keith came back and woke us up before leading us to the neighbouring stage the long way round, which took us outside into the cold and rain. OK, yes, we definitely woke up!
Sonata Arctica were worth staying up for! I'd only heard some of their stuff for the first time in the car on the way up and I have to say they sounded much better live. Despite my extreme sleepiness, I thoroughly enjoyed their set.
See all the Sonata Arctica pics here!
Shuffled back to the chalet, did battle with the sofa bed and collapsed in a heap. Ahhhh sleep!
Goth, Rock, Metal and Chips with Curry Sauce! OK, the curry sauce wasn't great but the rest was amazing!
After seeing the Fabulous Eddie Izzard at the O2 in Greenwich on Thursday night, Keith and I got back to South Woodham at about 1am to do last minute packing and hair-dying and stuff. We finally crashed out at 3am, only to be rudely awoken by many, many alarms at 7am!
One large mug of proper coffee later, we headed off to sunny Southend to pick up Dan and Laura, who were equally excited about the prospect of a weekend of rock and metal mayhem.
We decided to avoid getting fleeced by service stations en route and opted for a huge breakfast in a builder's cafe, which judging by the looks on people's faces, had never served a bunch of goths... ever! Then we were on our way, ably assisted by Dan's SatNav which bleeped at me every time I went over the speed limit. There was probably too much bleeping really, truth be told.
The journey was long and rainy. I was already knackered from sod-all sleep. Thankfully Dan took over driving just after we passed Birmingham and I nodded off in the back seat for a bit until we reached Wales.
After some driving about in darkness, hilly roads and LOTS of rain, we finally found Pontins in Prestatyn, home to Hard Rock Hell! After a mad dash to the chalet to dump luggage and change into something suitably outrageous, we headed straight for the stages for the night.
Joy of joys - everything in walking distance - I don't have to drive - Rum here I come!!! Wahay!
Dan and Laura
Me and Keith
First up, Korpiklaani. Finnish folk metal band. They were amazing, energetic and a great boost considering most of us were running on energy drinks at that point!
See all the Korpiklaani pics here!
Next up Dutch band Delain. Singer had a great voice and Laura and I really liked her jacket... and that fact that she wasn't too girly to do a bit of headbanging!
See all the Delain pics here!
Then on to Swedish metal band Hysterica. Definitely the biggest disappointment of the event! Despite the carefully contrived "metal" appearance they were definitely the Metal Spice Girls manufactured band. They weren't up to much really so we only stayed for two tracks.
See all the Hysterica pics here!
After that disappointment we headed off to a different stage to see Ratt, an original 80's hair metal band (yeah - I cribbed that off Keith - I had no idea!). I didn't know any of their stuff at all but loud energetic and rocky was good and I really enjoyed their set.
See all the Ratt pics here!
Stomachs growling, we headed off in search of food to find the only option was Captain Cod and he was definitely wanting to shut shop! Sadly we were in the door before he did and three out of four of us had chips with curry sauce. Three out of four of us also regretted the curry sauce almost instantly! Not only was it vile, it also had sweetcorn in it, much to Keith's very vocal disgust! Laura was the only sensible one who refrained!
After that we headed back to the other stage which had thankfully been vacated by the awful girl band and was now host to Eden's Curse, a band we hadn't particularly planned into our hectic schedule but as it happens we were glad we got to see. The guitarist was brilliant and fascinating to watch play!
See all the Eden's Curse pics here!
At this point we were all flagging (and suffering the effects of curry sauce) but most of us wanted to see the last band of the evening, Sonata Arctica, and there was still almost an hour to go before they came on! Dan caved first and headed off to the shop to get milk for the morning before going back to the chalet. Keith, Laura and I decided to stick it out. Well, in a manner of speaking. Keith went off to watch Winterborn while Laura and I grabbed a table on the sidelines and I actually did fall asleep in my chair for their entire set!
Keith came back and woke us up before leading us to the neighbouring stage the long way round, which took us outside into the cold and rain. OK, yes, we definitely woke up!
Sonata Arctica were worth staying up for! I'd only heard some of their stuff for the first time in the car on the way up and I have to say they sounded much better live. Despite my extreme sleepiness, I thoroughly enjoyed their set.
See all the Sonata Arctica pics here!
Shuffled back to the chalet, did battle with the sofa bed and collapsed in a heap. Ahhhh sleep!
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Lunch at The O2
Slight change of routine today. Not that we have a routine but today was very differnt from usual. I got to Keith's last night (battled through bloody awful traffic too but that's a whole other story!) to be told that his Dad had called and arranged for us all to meet up at the O2 in Greenwich for lunch this afternoon.
So it was an early start, left the house by 10:30 to get back to Greenwich for midday.
Got there a bit early so had a mooch in the O2 shop and bought a SIM for my old phone which Aaron no longer needs since we bought him an upgrade for his birthday. Gemima is now the proud owner of her first mobile phone and she is delighted!
Met up with Keith's Dad and his wife Stephanie. After a mini debate we settled on Frankie & Benny's and parked ourselves there for a couple of hours! It was lovely to see them both again, its been a very long time! Stephanie was looking well, positively glowing actually! Gemima was quite taken with her - actually, particularly with her charm bracelet. I sense a request for a christmas present coming my way!
After a lot of food and a good long natter, we said our goodbyes and headed back to my house to get everyone's Warhammer stuff in preparation for battle tomorrow, then it was back to SWF for ice hockey webcast and chilling on the sofa!
So it was an early start, left the house by 10:30 to get back to Greenwich for midday.
Got there a bit early so had a mooch in the O2 shop and bought a SIM for my old phone which Aaron no longer needs since we bought him an upgrade for his birthday. Gemima is now the proud owner of her first mobile phone and she is delighted!
Met up with Keith's Dad and his wife Stephanie. After a mini debate we settled on Frankie & Benny's and parked ourselves there for a couple of hours! It was lovely to see them both again, its been a very long time! Stephanie was looking well, positively glowing actually! Gemima was quite taken with her - actually, particularly with her charm bracelet. I sense a request for a christmas present coming my way!
After a lot of food and a good long natter, we said our goodbyes and headed back to my house to get everyone's Warhammer stuff in preparation for battle tomorrow, then it was back to SWF for ice hockey webcast and chilling on the sofa!
Saturday, 21 November 2009
DragonForce!
Took Aaron to his first proper gig this evening. Me, Keith, Aaron, Sam and Sam's friend Connor piled into the car and headed off to the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend to see Dragonforce; one of his most favourite bands!
Aaron had brilliant time. We were 2nd from front for the whole gig - which included three support bands - one of which (Sabaton) I will definitely go and see again!
Pics on Keith's blog as I didn't have my camera!
Aaron had brilliant time. We were 2nd from front for the whole gig - which included three support bands - one of which (Sabaton) I will definitely go and see again!
Pics on Keith's blog as I didn't have my camera!
Friday, 20 November 2009
Rock of Ages Festival
Well... it wasn't really a festival as you'd normally imagine a festival to be. To me, a festival is something brightly coloured, sunny, outdoors, daytime and crowded. This was quite possibly the exact opposite.
After picking Aaron up on my way home from work and meeting Keith in Nandos for dinner at the O2 (again!) the three of us trekked off to Canning Town in search of this Rock festival.
We've been to the nicer parts of Canning Town. Its got a nice modern tube station on the Jubilee Line. It's one stop from Greenwich. It boasts a massive exhibition centre, The Excel.
But head off in the wrong direction and you find yourself in dimly lit industrial areas on the Thames, with junk yards, a variety of stenches and roads full of pot holes, which don't deter the buses from speeding through at a rate of knots anxious to be far from there. It was this side of Canning Town that the three of us found ourselves wandering through looking for the elusive Bridgehouse 2 venue.
It was so well hidden we took a couple of trips around the block and were on the verge of giving up and going home before we noticed a tiny sign tucked away announcing that the upstairs of a small building was to play host to this event. We were cold, somewhat uncomfortable being out on the streets and tired of wandering about, so we headed off up to the top floor.
What we found was free tickets for the rest of the weekend because the band we had come to see (SPiT LiKE THiS) had pulled out, a crowd of abut 30-odd people, mostly band members and small bar.
The festival had more of a local pub feel to it, which actually was quite nice. We perched ourselves on some bar stools and settled in to be entertained. We had time to see three bands before having to succumb to "last train" mania and rush back to the Station. There are reviews and pics on Keith's blog.
First up were Trashtown Thrillers, who were a fun, earthy, energetic band to get things going with.
I liked all the bands we saw but my favourite of the evening had to be Cato Street Conspiracy, who were up second. They took forever to set up (which Keith and I got a little grumpy about) but were definitely worth the wait.
Couldn't help but think their lead guitarist was a relative of Rimmer (Red Dwarf).
Last but not least were Kitty Hudson, musically good, visually odd! You could be forgiven for seeing on Bass guitar, The Kurgan (Highlander), lead vocals a short, young Paul Weller, drums, The Big Show and Guitar, Neville Longbottom of Harry Potter fame.
It was a fun night even if the venue was in a dodgy area. Not convinced we'll use the free tickets for the rest of the weekend, especially as we are heading off to see Dragonforce in Southend tomorrow night.
After picking Aaron up on my way home from work and meeting Keith in Nandos for dinner at the O2 (again!) the three of us trekked off to Canning Town in search of this Rock festival.
We've been to the nicer parts of Canning Town. Its got a nice modern tube station on the Jubilee Line. It's one stop from Greenwich. It boasts a massive exhibition centre, The Excel.
But head off in the wrong direction and you find yourself in dimly lit industrial areas on the Thames, with junk yards, a variety of stenches and roads full of pot holes, which don't deter the buses from speeding through at a rate of knots anxious to be far from there. It was this side of Canning Town that the three of us found ourselves wandering through looking for the elusive Bridgehouse 2 venue.
It was so well hidden we took a couple of trips around the block and were on the verge of giving up and going home before we noticed a tiny sign tucked away announcing that the upstairs of a small building was to play host to this event. We were cold, somewhat uncomfortable being out on the streets and tired of wandering about, so we headed off up to the top floor.
What we found was free tickets for the rest of the weekend because the band we had come to see (SPiT LiKE THiS) had pulled out, a crowd of abut 30-odd people, mostly band members and small bar.
The festival had more of a local pub feel to it, which actually was quite nice. We perched ourselves on some bar stools and settled in to be entertained. We had time to see three bands before having to succumb to "last train" mania and rush back to the Station. There are reviews and pics on Keith's blog.
First up were Trashtown Thrillers, who were a fun, earthy, energetic band to get things going with.
I liked all the bands we saw but my favourite of the evening had to be Cato Street Conspiracy, who were up second. They took forever to set up (which Keith and I got a little grumpy about) but were definitely worth the wait.
Couldn't help but think their lead guitarist was a relative of Rimmer (Red Dwarf).
Last but not least were Kitty Hudson, musically good, visually odd! You could be forgiven for seeing on Bass guitar, The Kurgan (Highlander), lead vocals a short, young Paul Weller, drums, The Big Show and Guitar, Neville Longbottom of Harry Potter fame.
It was a fun night even if the venue was in a dodgy area. Not convinced we'll use the free tickets for the rest of the weekend, especially as we are heading off to see Dragonforce in Southend tomorrow night.
Tooth Fairy!
Gemima started the morning off grumbling about her wobbly tooth. She continued to grumble about it throughout breakfast, then halfway through her bowl of soggy Oatibix, she raced up to the bathroom to look in the mirror.
She came back down, pleased as punch, tooth in hand and gap in mouth, announcing that last time a tooth had come out at her Dad's, the tooth fairy left her £5!
Sadly the tooth fairy who visits here has less resources so she's only getting £1!
She came back down, pleased as punch, tooth in hand and gap in mouth, announcing that last time a tooth had come out at her Dad's, the tooth fairy left her £5!
Sadly the tooth fairy who visits here has less resources so she's only getting £1!
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Busy, busy, busy... and nice dinner surprise!
Feeling a bit more human today. Talked with Keith and Aaron and went to bed feeling less crappy and upset last night.
Today was insanely busy. My supervisor and her line manager were both out on a course in the morning, so I was pretty much left to my own devices. It was a good learning experience - lots happening on my cases and I think I dealt with them pretty well.
Got a message from Keith during the day saying he had changed his mind and was now going to the Cryogenica gig in Islington, so we arranged to have a very quick dinner at the O2 in Greenwich.
Rushed off after work to pick Gemima up from after-school club before heading off to meet Keith in Nandos, where dinner was on the table waiting for us! We got to chat and eat for about 40 minutes before Keith had to race back to get the tube.
It was a nice surprise. Didn't have to cook AND got to see Keith! Result!
Today was insanely busy. My supervisor and her line manager were both out on a course in the morning, so I was pretty much left to my own devices. It was a good learning experience - lots happening on my cases and I think I dealt with them pretty well.
Got a message from Keith during the day saying he had changed his mind and was now going to the Cryogenica gig in Islington, so we arranged to have a very quick dinner at the O2 in Greenwich.
Rushed off after work to pick Gemima up from after-school club before heading off to meet Keith in Nandos, where dinner was on the table waiting for us! We got to chat and eat for about 40 minutes before Keith had to race back to get the tube.
It was a nice surprise. Didn't have to cook AND got to see Keith! Result!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Spot the Common Denominator...
I am feeling a little flat today. Could be tiredness. Could be the early arrival of the decorators, come to give me belly ache and backache.
Most likely its because my son has chosen, yet again, not to come home but to stay at his Nan's.
So, lets work this out...
My eldest daughter doesn't want to live with me.
My son doesnt want to live with me.
My youngest daughter only lives with me part-time.
My boyfriend doesn't want to live with me.
In fact, no-one wants to fucking live with me!!!!
Am I really so bad?
Most likely its because my son has chosen, yet again, not to come home but to stay at his Nan's.
So, lets work this out...
My eldest daughter doesn't want to live with me.
My son doesnt want to live with me.
My youngest daughter only lives with me part-time.
My boyfriend doesn't want to live with me.
In fact, no-one wants to fucking live with me!!!!
Am I really so bad?
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Monday, 16 November 2009
...and The Other Thing ...
I didn't feel I could just add this into the previous post. I thought about posting it retrospectively, as though I had written it on the day but didn't feel that would be right either.
Probably the biggest and most traumatic event to happen this year was finding Douggie, my step-father, dead in his flat.
I can't really think of a nice, gentle way to write about this, so blunt will have to do.
I was away for the weekend at Keith's. My Mum had gone to my Nan's. No-one could get in touch with Douggie and Mum called me worried about him on the Friday evening. She didn't call back over the rest of the weekend so I made the assumption that all was OK.
It was a weird weekend anyway. Friday was the 18th September and Saturday was a day I didn't want to acknowledge (nothing to do with it being Talk Like a Pirate Day). I don't recall much about Sunday but I do remember waking up Monday morning with a terrible feeling of anxiety. So much so that I even remarked to Keith while I was driving him to work that I had a really bad feeling about something but I didn't know what it was.
I got to work and got a call from my Mum who was at dialysis. She was still worried about Douggie and she and my sister were going to pop around to check on him when she got home at 1:30 that afternoon. My feeling of dread resurfaced (it had been simmering in the background all morning) so I offered to go with them as Mum has a dodgy heart and I really didn't want her to walk in on what I imagined she could be walking in on.
I left work early - explained my concerns to my manager and my colleagues and assured them that I'd keep them posted. I got home before Mum only to find that my sister now couldn't come so I would have to take Mum myself.
Great.
I couldn't let my Mum go in first. I'd rather she'd not gone in at all. I wanted to call the police to get them to check before we got there but she wasn't having any of it. She didn't want them disturbing Douggie if the worst had happened.
We got to his flat and persuaded the warden to let us in - we didn't have his spare key because Mum hadn't been able to find it in the cupboard. I managed to persuade Mum to stay in the hallway while I went in and checked.
I'm not going to go into detail. He'd died on either the Friday evening or the Saturday morning. It wasn't cold weather. It wasn't a cold flat. It was Monday afternoon when I found him. That's one memory I wish I didn't have in my head.
Anyhow, his daughter lives in Barking and doesn't drive so as the eldest step-daughter (and the only one present) I had the task of pulling myself together, phoning everyone who needed to be phoned and arranging the funeral.
I agreed the date with the funeral directors. I organised his cremation for 6th October, which was, unbeknown to me, his and my Mum's 25th anniversary.
Keith was good. He was there for me (after a minor hiccup). He came to the funeral with me and held me when I cried.
I arranged to have the Last Post played and the traditional Military Funeral music, the name of which escapes me now. It was a good way to say goodbye. My sister hosted the wake. I didn't feel up to socialising so I didn't stay for long. Keith and I left and went to grab something to eat at TGI Friday's on the way back to his house.
Douggie was part of my life for 28 years and now he's gone. I don't want to remember him laying curled up on the floor where he'd collapsed next to his bed. I don't want to remember seeing his false teeth which had rolled under the bed. Sadly I think that for a very long time those will be the first images I see whenever I think of him. For weeks afterwards they were the only images I saw every time I closed my eyes.
I don't really know what else to say...
Probably the biggest and most traumatic event to happen this year was finding Douggie, my step-father, dead in his flat.
I can't really think of a nice, gentle way to write about this, so blunt will have to do.
I was away for the weekend at Keith's. My Mum had gone to my Nan's. No-one could get in touch with Douggie and Mum called me worried about him on the Friday evening. She didn't call back over the rest of the weekend so I made the assumption that all was OK.
It was a weird weekend anyway. Friday was the 18th September and Saturday was a day I didn't want to acknowledge (nothing to do with it being Talk Like a Pirate Day). I don't recall much about Sunday but I do remember waking up Monday morning with a terrible feeling of anxiety. So much so that I even remarked to Keith while I was driving him to work that I had a really bad feeling about something but I didn't know what it was.
I got to work and got a call from my Mum who was at dialysis. She was still worried about Douggie and she and my sister were going to pop around to check on him when she got home at 1:30 that afternoon. My feeling of dread resurfaced (it had been simmering in the background all morning) so I offered to go with them as Mum has a dodgy heart and I really didn't want her to walk in on what I imagined she could be walking in on.
I left work early - explained my concerns to my manager and my colleagues and assured them that I'd keep them posted. I got home before Mum only to find that my sister now couldn't come so I would have to take Mum myself.
Great.
I couldn't let my Mum go in first. I'd rather she'd not gone in at all. I wanted to call the police to get them to check before we got there but she wasn't having any of it. She didn't want them disturbing Douggie if the worst had happened.
We got to his flat and persuaded the warden to let us in - we didn't have his spare key because Mum hadn't been able to find it in the cupboard. I managed to persuade Mum to stay in the hallway while I went in and checked.
I'm not going to go into detail. He'd died on either the Friday evening or the Saturday morning. It wasn't cold weather. It wasn't a cold flat. It was Monday afternoon when I found him. That's one memory I wish I didn't have in my head.
Anyhow, his daughter lives in Barking and doesn't drive so as the eldest step-daughter (and the only one present) I had the task of pulling myself together, phoning everyone who needed to be phoned and arranging the funeral.
I agreed the date with the funeral directors. I organised his cremation for 6th October, which was, unbeknown to me, his and my Mum's 25th anniversary.
Keith was good. He was there for me (after a minor hiccup). He came to the funeral with me and held me when I cried.
I arranged to have the Last Post played and the traditional Military Funeral music, the name of which escapes me now. It was a good way to say goodbye. My sister hosted the wake. I didn't feel up to socialising so I didn't stay for long. Keith and I left and went to grab something to eat at TGI Friday's on the way back to his house.
Douggie was part of my life for 28 years and now he's gone. I don't want to remember him laying curled up on the floor where he'd collapsed next to his bed. I don't want to remember seeing his false teeth which had rolled under the bed. Sadly I think that for a very long time those will be the first images I see whenever I think of him. For weeks afterwards they were the only images I saw every time I closed my eyes.
I don't really know what else to say...
New House, New Job, Same wonderful man...
Wow... its been long. So much has happened since I last blogged.
I have somewhere to live! Not a palace and not mine but a rented three bed place in Eltham, SE London. It's down the road from Mum's, its nice, quiet and calming and no little chavvy gits running about outside! It's not far from Nick so he is relieved I am not taking Gemima a million miles away and the kids get to stay in the same schools. I moved in on 12 October - had no credit history so had to pay six months rent up front - also had to buy most of the furnishings as I basically had bugger all. Bye bye savings!
I have a new job! My contract with LDT in Bexley was due to end early this month so a job hunt was necessary. I'm now working for social services in Bromley with older people. Been there since 26 October so the past few weeks have been mainly about settling into the new home and settling into the new job!
I went on holiday! Keith and I took Aaron, Gemima and Keith's Mum, Linda to the Isle of Wight for a week. It was lovely. Many, many photos were taken and blogged on Keith's page. We had a lovely time.
Keith and I are still going strong. Tomorrow is our official 2nd anniversary and we are actually celebrating it this year! We're off out to see SPiT LiKE THiS tonight - we seem to see a lot of them!
I've been out and about seeing more bands and events this year than I have in the last 15 years! I have been utterly lazy about blogging this year but now that I am settled (ish) that will change. I've bought myself a camera too!
Watch this space!
I have somewhere to live! Not a palace and not mine but a rented three bed place in Eltham, SE London. It's down the road from Mum's, its nice, quiet and calming and no little chavvy gits running about outside! It's not far from Nick so he is relieved I am not taking Gemima a million miles away and the kids get to stay in the same schools. I moved in on 12 October - had no credit history so had to pay six months rent up front - also had to buy most of the furnishings as I basically had bugger all. Bye bye savings!
I have a new job! My contract with LDT in Bexley was due to end early this month so a job hunt was necessary. I'm now working for social services in Bromley with older people. Been there since 26 October so the past few weeks have been mainly about settling into the new home and settling into the new job!
I went on holiday! Keith and I took Aaron, Gemima and Keith's Mum, Linda to the Isle of Wight for a week. It was lovely. Many, many photos were taken and blogged on Keith's page. We had a lovely time.
Keith and I are still going strong. Tomorrow is our official 2nd anniversary and we are actually celebrating it this year! We're off out to see SPiT LiKE THiS tonight - we seem to see a lot of them!
I've been out and about seeing more bands and events this year than I have in the last 15 years! I have been utterly lazy about blogging this year but now that I am settled (ish) that will change. I've bought myself a camera too!
Watch this space!
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Animals With Lightsabers
Haaaaaa.... OK so this is very silly but it made me laugh
More silliness to be found at Animals With Lightsabers
More silliness to be found at Animals With Lightsabers
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
BoHeMan Rhapsody
This has to be the gayest video ever made to this song...
... yes, even gayer than the Queen video!
... yes, even gayer than the Queen video!
Friday, 10 July 2009
What A Difference A Day (or two) Makes
I began last week with a feeling of utter dread.
I hate July... with a passion! As much as I hate January. After the last year and a half its got to the point where I start to feel sick and then emotionally withdrawn about a week or two before those months arrive (which kind of puts a downer on Christmas and my birthday!).
The reasons, as some of you may know, are because there are a couple of fairly significant anniversaries for Keith which have understandably been difficult for him, therefore consequently, difficult for me too (albeit for completely different reasons).
By last Monday I was an absolute loony (as is probably evident from my blog and a variety of Facebook status updates).
After much talking on Monday and Tuesday night, Keith asked me to come home to him on the Wednesday night. A surprise (a very welcome one) and a significant step forward for me (and him too possibly). Wednesday morning I got a text first thing telling me to go and read a blog he wrote called "Toni Scott - Wonder Woman". If you read his blog (which you should because its really good) you will understand that I reacted first with tears and a sense of disbelief and then with lunacy (I made Karen come down and read it too!).
Needless to say the message DID get through and I DID feel a whole lot better about things after I read it. I'd also like to thank Stephanie for her offer of support should I need it.
I came home to Keith and spent the night with him (it was stressful but that was down to family stuff and kids and fortunately nothing to do with where my head had been going in Monday). It was good to snuggle... which is exactly what we did... all night.
We did the same Thursday night too; Gemima was at her dad's so I headed back to SWF after work.
And for the record... Keith, I LOVE YOU TOO!!
I hate July... with a passion! As much as I hate January. After the last year and a half its got to the point where I start to feel sick and then emotionally withdrawn about a week or two before those months arrive (which kind of puts a downer on Christmas and my birthday!).
The reasons, as some of you may know, are because there are a couple of fairly significant anniversaries for Keith which have understandably been difficult for him, therefore consequently, difficult for me too (albeit for completely different reasons).
By last Monday I was an absolute loony (as is probably evident from my blog and a variety of Facebook status updates).
After much talking on Monday and Tuesday night, Keith asked me to come home to him on the Wednesday night. A surprise (a very welcome one) and a significant step forward for me (and him too possibly). Wednesday morning I got a text first thing telling me to go and read a blog he wrote called "Toni Scott - Wonder Woman". If you read his blog (which you should because its really good) you will understand that I reacted first with tears and a sense of disbelief and then with lunacy (I made Karen come down and read it too!).
Needless to say the message DID get through and I DID feel a whole lot better about things after I read it. I'd also like to thank Stephanie for her offer of support should I need it.
I came home to Keith and spent the night with him (it was stressful but that was down to family stuff and kids and fortunately nothing to do with where my head had been going in Monday). It was good to snuggle... which is exactly what we did... all night.
We did the same Thursday night too; Gemima was at her dad's so I headed back to SWF after work.
And for the record... Keith, I LOVE YOU TOO!!
Monday, 6 July 2009
Here we go again
I am a yo-yo... apparently... at least that's what I feel like.
Every six months I go through this.
up... down... up... down... and so on and so forth...
And now we're on to cycle number 4.
I know - its probably easy for people to read this and think they know what I am talking about and think I am being selfish or thoughtless... but I am so rarely selfish or thoughtless.
Sometimes I need to put ME first and its easy to judge someone when you haven't walked in their shoes.
I don't really have much in the way of emotional capacity at the moment.
So for now I am going to go and hide in my head for about a week.
Someone wake me when its over....
Every six months I go through this.
up... down... up... down... and so on and so forth...
And now we're on to cycle number 4.
I know - its probably easy for people to read this and think they know what I am talking about and think I am being selfish or thoughtless... but I am so rarely selfish or thoughtless.
Sometimes I need to put ME first and its easy to judge someone when you haven't walked in their shoes.
I don't really have much in the way of emotional capacity at the moment.
So for now I am going to go and hide in my head for about a week.
Someone wake me when its over....
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Happy Birthday to me!
Bloody Hell... 38 already!!
Had a really lovely birthday. Gemima and Aaron came with me for the weekend. Nick was nice enough to agree to a swap for Gemima so she could be with me today.
Due to recent event's in Sophie's life (see Keith's blog), she's been staying at Keith's for a few nights so it was a full house for the day, which was really nice.
We started with a very lazy morning and cuddles in bed, followed by a trip to ASDA (no change there) for food and drink. A very late breakfast (just after 3pm) was stuff with dips, which was very nice but more filling than intended.
Prezzies followed. I'd already had my prezzies yesterday from Mum (a really lovely gothic necklace), Jade (the little book of Goths, a small china bell and a small novelty teapot) and Aaron (two big lavendar scented candles and a box of multicoloures tea lights).
Today's prezzies consisted of an epilator from Keith - something I have wanted for ages (*grin*), a pretty gothic bracelet and necklace (sense a theme here?) and a fridge magnet from Gemima, an ornament and fridge magnet from Sophie and Sam... and last but by no means least, an absolutely beautiful silver dragonfly bracelet, which was a joint present from Karen and Keith.
Made enough food to feed a small army and Jade and Pete came over to the house to spend the evening with us. It was lovely to see them and much beer, Black Vodka and JD (and other strange blue stuff) was drunk to celebrate.
Thank you Keith... and all the rest of my wonderful family. I had a lovely day with you all and as a bonus, lovely presents too! I love you all loads.
Had a really lovely birthday. Gemima and Aaron came with me for the weekend. Nick was nice enough to agree to a swap for Gemima so she could be with me today.
Due to recent event's in Sophie's life (see Keith's blog), she's been staying at Keith's for a few nights so it was a full house for the day, which was really nice.
We started with a very lazy morning and cuddles in bed, followed by a trip to ASDA (no change there) for food and drink. A very late breakfast (just after 3pm) was stuff with dips, which was very nice but more filling than intended.
Prezzies followed. I'd already had my prezzies yesterday from Mum (a really lovely gothic necklace), Jade (the little book of Goths, a small china bell and a small novelty teapot) and Aaron (two big lavendar scented candles and a box of multicoloures tea lights).
Today's prezzies consisted of an epilator from Keith - something I have wanted for ages (*grin*), a pretty gothic bracelet and necklace (sense a theme here?) and a fridge magnet from Gemima, an ornament and fridge magnet from Sophie and Sam... and last but by no means least, an absolutely beautiful silver dragonfly bracelet, which was a joint present from Karen and Keith.
Made enough food to feed a small army and Jade and Pete came over to the house to spend the evening with us. It was lovely to see them and much beer, Black Vodka and JD (and other strange blue stuff) was drunk to celebrate.
Thank you Keith... and all the rest of my wonderful family. I had a lovely day with you all and as a bonus, lovely presents too! I love you all loads.
Friday, 19 June 2009
Freedom!!
It's here!
It's finally here!!
Today my Decree Absolute arrived in the post.
It's done.
I'm officially divorced.
Double Celebration this weekend methinks!
It's finally here!!
Today my Decree Absolute arrived in the post.
It's done.
I'm officially divorced.
Double Celebration this weekend methinks!
Friday, 22 May 2009
Monday, 18 May 2009
Stuff!
Ooh lots of updates....
Divorce is one step closer - closed the joint account off. Just need to transfer funds from him to me and house from me to him and its all done - can't do that til the Absolute is through and we are waiting on the courts for that.
Registered at a recruitment agency. Had an interview at LDT in Bexley a week later and was offered the job the same day! I hasten to point out that the interview was with the new team manager who started after I left. All I'm waiting for now are references from Loring Hall and then I can get a start date! CRB shouldn't be too long I hope so I could be back to work by June!
Keith has lurgeys and had the day off work today. He started feeling ill last night and was still huddled under the duvet this morning when I left at stupid o'clock to do the school run. Aaron was also feeling ill and developed a temperature on the way to London so has spent the day in bed at my Mum's.
Had my wisdom tooth removed today. Oh. My. God! It bloody hurt! The three injections into my gum and cheek were the worst part - getting the tooth out was interesting and as it popped out it made the same noise as a drink can opening! I will never be able to listen to that sound again without remembering my tooth being yanked out! Sadly, the dentist had to hold my jaw wide open during the process and because I couldn't feel it, I didn't realise it had popped out of its socket again til I tried to close my mouth. So now I feel all bruisy. Cheesy mash for dinner as I can't eat anything else!
Back off to SWF tomorrow. Keith is planning to go back to work tomorrow so will pick him up from there en route and then Sophie and Scarlett. Apparently we will be watching Underworld 3. Not seen that, so will be nice to curl up, have a cuddle and watch a movie.
Divorce is one step closer - closed the joint account off. Just need to transfer funds from him to me and house from me to him and its all done - can't do that til the Absolute is through and we are waiting on the courts for that.
Registered at a recruitment agency. Had an interview at LDT in Bexley a week later and was offered the job the same day! I hasten to point out that the interview was with the new team manager who started after I left. All I'm waiting for now are references from Loring Hall and then I can get a start date! CRB shouldn't be too long I hope so I could be back to work by June!
Keith has lurgeys and had the day off work today. He started feeling ill last night and was still huddled under the duvet this morning when I left at stupid o'clock to do the school run. Aaron was also feeling ill and developed a temperature on the way to London so has spent the day in bed at my Mum's.
Had my wisdom tooth removed today. Oh. My. God! It bloody hurt! The three injections into my gum and cheek were the worst part - getting the tooth out was interesting and as it popped out it made the same noise as a drink can opening! I will never be able to listen to that sound again without remembering my tooth being yanked out! Sadly, the dentist had to hold my jaw wide open during the process and because I couldn't feel it, I didn't realise it had popped out of its socket again til I tried to close my mouth. So now I feel all bruisy. Cheesy mash for dinner as I can't eat anything else!
Back off to SWF tomorrow. Keith is planning to go back to work tomorrow so will pick him up from there en route and then Sophie and Scarlett. Apparently we will be watching Underworld 3. Not seen that, so will be nice to curl up, have a cuddle and watch a movie.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Day in Eltham....
I made it safely to Gatwick and back. Picked Keith and Sam up (after sleeping in the car in the car park for 40 mins waiting) and we all came back and crashed at my Mum's for the night.
It was decided that as Keith and Sam were off to London to see NOFX that we should spend the day in Eltham as it was pointless going back to SWF only to come back again later. Went to do some shopping for Mum with Keith, Jade and Sam, only to bump into Nick twice (I didn't see him myself but everyone else did!).
Hunger prevailed and we all headed off to the cafe for a full English, joined by Aaron, my Mum, brother, sister, and neice. It was really nice for us all to go out together and even nicer that Keith and Sam got to spend a bit of time with my family.
Dropped Keith and Sam at the station before heading off to SWF with Gemima and Aaron.
Once I got back I got a call from Sophie. Apparently Shane had been looking after Scarlett at his Mum's forthe weekend but was refusing to return her. Sophie asked if I would drive her to Shane's tomorrow to pick Scarlett up. So early start is planned and Sophie is coming to stay the night tomorrow. It will be nice to get to spend some proper time with her and Scarlett.
It was decided that as Keith and Sam were off to London to see NOFX that we should spend the day in Eltham as it was pointless going back to SWF only to come back again later. Went to do some shopping for Mum with Keith, Jade and Sam, only to bump into Nick twice (I didn't see him myself but everyone else did!).
Hunger prevailed and we all headed off to the cafe for a full English, joined by Aaron, my Mum, brother, sister, and neice. It was really nice for us all to go out together and even nicer that Keith and Sam got to spend a bit of time with my family.
Dropped Keith and Sam at the station before heading off to SWF with Gemima and Aaron.
Once I got back I got a call from Sophie. Apparently Shane had been looking after Scarlett at his Mum's forthe weekend but was refusing to return her. Sophie asked if I would drive her to Shane's tomorrow to pick Scarlett up. So early start is planned and Sophie is coming to stay the night tomorrow. It will be nice to get to spend some proper time with her and Scarlett.
Nutter
Yeah... OK.... I am possibly certifiable but I was sitting here in the living room thinking that its cold outside and imagining having to trek from Gatwick to SE London by public transport... probably a good 2 hours plus on the train and then night bus and I figured I really wouldn't want to be doing that myself.
Keith and Sam are in the van with the band heading for Gatwick as I type. They'll probably be racing past Milton Keynes about now. As for me, I'm throwing coffee down my throat and getting myself ready to head off over to Gatwick in a mo as I expect they'll be there about 3am... I reckon I can leave in about 15 mins and get there by then.
I think I need Red Bull!!
Keith and Sam are in the van with the band heading for Gatwick as I type. They'll probably be racing past Milton Keynes about now. As for me, I'm throwing coffee down my throat and getting myself ready to head off over to Gatwick in a mo as I expect they'll be there about 3am... I reckon I can leave in about 15 mins and get there by then.
I think I need Red Bull!!
Friday, 1 May 2009
...Aaaaand back again.... again!
Struggle getting up this morning. Temptation to stay snuggled under the duvet was hard to resist... but resist we did and I dropped Keith at work this morning before heading on over to Mum's.
I'll be staying at Mum's again tonight as Keith and Sam have trekked off to Leicester to see Spit Like This again. They are getting a lift back with the band and being dropped off at Gatwick so they won't be back into London until stupid o'clock in the morning. As it will be nigh on impossible to get back to Essex at that time, Mum has agreed that they can jump on a night bus and come stay at her house in Eltham.
*GRIN* eight people in a three bedroom house! Talk about sleeping in a sardine can!
So for now I am sitting in the living room being bombarded by the variety of soaps my Mum is addicted to. Can't say its an addiction which is growing on me!!! Facebook and puzzles will ensue no doubt and I am sure I will get texts as Keith and Sam get into London... just to make sure I'm awake enough to come and get them if they miss the Eltham stop!
Watch this space......
I'll be staying at Mum's again tonight as Keith and Sam have trekked off to Leicester to see Spit Like This again. They are getting a lift back with the band and being dropped off at Gatwick so they won't be back into London until stupid o'clock in the morning. As it will be nigh on impossible to get back to Essex at that time, Mum has agreed that they can jump on a night bus and come stay at her house in Eltham.
*GRIN* eight people in a three bedroom house! Talk about sleeping in a sardine can!
So for now I am sitting in the living room being bombarded by the variety of soaps my Mum is addicted to. Can't say its an addiction which is growing on me!!! Facebook and puzzles will ensue no doubt and I am sure I will get texts as Keith and Sam get into London... just to make sure I'm awake enough to come and get them if they miss the Eltham stop!
Watch this space......
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Job Hunting
Well, enough of all this relaxing stuff! There's no money coming into my account and it needs to change!
Was up early with Keith this morning. Drove him into work as the trains were apparently messed up. Got back to the house and dragged out the laptop in an effort to start looking for work.
Have now updated and refined my CV and posted it online. Found two jobs listed on the Reed website so registered there and applied for those.
Feel a bit positive. It might be a long uphill battle to find a job but its the first step en route and that's good!
Now to clean up the kitchen and get dinner ready. Keith has a band rehearsal this evening after work; Sam is being Roadie and I, as usual, am being Chauffeur!
Was up early with Keith this morning. Drove him into work as the trains were apparently messed up. Got back to the house and dragged out the laptop in an effort to start looking for work.
Have now updated and refined my CV and posted it online. Found two jobs listed on the Reed website so registered there and applied for those.
Feel a bit positive. It might be a long uphill battle to find a job but its the first step en route and that's good!
Now to clean up the kitchen and get dinner ready. Keith has a band rehearsal this evening after work; Sam is being Roadie and I, as usual, am being Chauffeur!
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
....Aaand off to SWF again!
Aaron pulled a sicky from school today and spent the day with me, which was lovely. We don't seem to do enough of that lately. He is growing up fast; 13 already and taller than me (OK - most people are taller than me - I know!) We spent most of the time chatting and for a short while even fell asleep snuggled on the sofa!
Took Jade to ASDA in the afternoon. Could have gone somewhere local but it was nice to drive and chat and listen to music. She made another random car CD for me which usually contains around 50-60 tracks, some of which are good, some of which are not and some of which are utterly random (Velvet Revolver and Tchaikovsky on the same CD!?!) ! Its always fun to go through them and see what she's included because they so rarely flow!
All too soon 4pm rolled around and as Keith and I had been chatting online last night and agreed one night was more than long enough to be apart, I headed back through the Dartford tunnel to Shenfield to pick him up from work.
I nagged (with permission - nay - INSTRUCTION) him to go to the gym, which he and Sam dutifully did while I popped back to ASDA to get bits I'd forgotten, put dinner in the oven to cook, then plonked myself in a hot bath (the decorators are in and are playing havoc with my back/tummy - there's only so much hurtyness a person can take before getting grumbly about it!).
Hot bath did the trick then it was curl up on the sofa with dinner watching wrestling til bedtime! Then snuggles... lots of snuggles... which was REALLY GOOD!
Took Jade to ASDA in the afternoon. Could have gone somewhere local but it was nice to drive and chat and listen to music. She made another random car CD for me which usually contains around 50-60 tracks, some of which are good, some of which are not and some of which are utterly random (Velvet Revolver and Tchaikovsky on the same CD!?!) ! Its always fun to go through them and see what she's included because they so rarely flow!
All too soon 4pm rolled around and as Keith and I had been chatting online last night and agreed one night was more than long enough to be apart, I headed back through the Dartford tunnel to Shenfield to pick him up from work.
I nagged (with permission - nay - INSTRUCTION) him to go to the gym, which he and Sam dutifully did while I popped back to ASDA to get bits I'd forgotten, put dinner in the oven to cook, then plonked myself in a hot bath (the decorators are in and are playing havoc with my back/tummy - there's only so much hurtyness a person can take before getting grumbly about it!).
Hot bath did the trick then it was curl up on the sofa with dinner watching wrestling til bedtime! Then snuggles... lots of snuggles... which was REALLY GOOD!
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
...Aaaaand back again....
After a massively long drive back from Whitby on Monday, Tuesday morning I headed back to London to keep some appointments and spend a bit of time with Aaron and Jade.
After going to see the GP about my jaw problems, I trundled off to Northumberland Heath and met up with John and Bob from Loring Hall. John gave me a letter confirming that I was being released from my contract and not sacked and saying how fab I am. I gave him a personal letter saying I would not sue him! It was nice to have a coffee and a catch-up and we have agreed to stay in touch.
Spending the night at Mum's tonight on her sofa. It will be weird being without Keith. He's been snuggled up next to me every night for the past week. I don't like this sleeping alone lark!
After going to see the GP about my jaw problems, I trundled off to Northumberland Heath and met up with John and Bob from Loring Hall. John gave me a letter confirming that I was being released from my contract and not sacked and saying how fab I am. I gave him a personal letter saying I would not sue him! It was nice to have a coffee and a catch-up and we have agreed to stay in touch.
Spending the night at Mum's tonight on her sofa. It will be weird being without Keith. He's been snuggled up next to me every night for the past week. I don't like this sleeping alone lark!
Catch Up!!
Good lord I am getting very bad at keeping up with this blogging stuff. Can't believe its been more than TWO MONTHS since I last posted anything on here!! What a slacker!!
Anyhooooo... here's a quick catch up... in no particular order other than what pops into my head...
Keith:
Keith and I are still going strong and for a complete picture of what I have been up to its probably just easier to read his blog! (Yes, lazy I know but why reinvent the wheel?!).
We've just come back from a long weekend away together at the Whitby Goth Weekend. It was SUCH a good weekend. The first kid-free holiday I have had in about 13 years and the ONLY holiday I've ever had with just me and my partner.
I know it was a long weekend break but thats the closest I've come to an actual holiday in a long time! B&B, no cooking, dressing up, out every night, pub! Definitely a holiday!!!!
Thank you Keith for paying for tickets and Sam and Sophie for clubbing together to pay for the B&B.
Divorce:
Been to court. Nick didn't get what he wanted (which was the house and 60% of the money!). I came away agreeing to a 47/53 split in his favour but on the proviso that he clears the overdraft out of his money and pays any outstanding charges on the house etc which basically boils down to a 50/50 split overall.... which is all I have asked for all along.
Still - the court have decreed that all should be done and dusted by 1 June, including pronouncing decree absolute. Finally - light at the end of the tunnel!!
Job:
As of 1 April 2009 I am officially unemployed! Injury from the car crash means that risk is too high for me to return to Loring Hall.
On the plus side, Mary, a social worker I worked with at LDT, has now become senior social worker at LDT and has expressed that she would like me to return to the team. She is in the process of discussing possibilities with the powers that be, so watch this space!
In the meantime I will be applying for JSA until I get money from divorce settlement as I am utterly skint!
Home:
Am still homeless and until my name is off the deeds of the house, the council won't rehouse me!
I am still being a nomad!
Health:
Oooh... back is still being a pain. Physio resumed but therapist insisted I go for X-Ray as the injury is not responding as expected to treatment.
X-Ray has come back as "normal" so waiting to see what physio says.
Have also been having probs with my jaw. It was suggested I may have TMJ (temperomandibular joint disorder) or thermo-nuclear jaw as Keith calls it. The GP felt my jaw, heard the crack it made as I opened my mouth, said "oooh... yes!" and referred me to a specialist at the hospital. I am now waiting for my appointment!
Other stuff:
Car insurance - claim ongoing.
Bastardcard - strangely quiet.
Anyhooooo... here's a quick catch up... in no particular order other than what pops into my head...
Keith:
Keith and I are still going strong and for a complete picture of what I have been up to its probably just easier to read his blog! (Yes, lazy I know but why reinvent the wheel?!).
We've just come back from a long weekend away together at the Whitby Goth Weekend. It was SUCH a good weekend. The first kid-free holiday I have had in about 13 years and the ONLY holiday I've ever had with just me and my partner.
I know it was a long weekend break but thats the closest I've come to an actual holiday in a long time! B&B, no cooking, dressing up, out every night, pub! Definitely a holiday!!!!
Thank you Keith for paying for tickets and Sam and Sophie for clubbing together to pay for the B&B.
Divorce:
Been to court. Nick didn't get what he wanted (which was the house and 60% of the money!). I came away agreeing to a 47/53 split in his favour but on the proviso that he clears the overdraft out of his money and pays any outstanding charges on the house etc which basically boils down to a 50/50 split overall.... which is all I have asked for all along.
Still - the court have decreed that all should be done and dusted by 1 June, including pronouncing decree absolute. Finally - light at the end of the tunnel!!
Job:
As of 1 April 2009 I am officially unemployed! Injury from the car crash means that risk is too high for me to return to Loring Hall.
On the plus side, Mary, a social worker I worked with at LDT, has now become senior social worker at LDT and has expressed that she would like me to return to the team. She is in the process of discussing possibilities with the powers that be, so watch this space!
In the meantime I will be applying for JSA until I get money from divorce settlement as I am utterly skint!
Home:
Am still homeless and until my name is off the deeds of the house, the council won't rehouse me!
I am still being a nomad!
Health:
Oooh... back is still being a pain. Physio resumed but therapist insisted I go for X-Ray as the injury is not responding as expected to treatment.
X-Ray has come back as "normal" so waiting to see what physio says.
Have also been having probs with my jaw. It was suggested I may have TMJ (temperomandibular joint disorder) or thermo-nuclear jaw as Keith calls it. The GP felt my jaw, heard the crack it made as I opened my mouth, said "oooh... yes!" and referred me to a specialist at the hospital. I am now waiting for my appointment!
Other stuff:
Car insurance - claim ongoing.
Bastardcard - strangely quiet.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Becoming KT... TK.... eh??????????
Keith and I have had a number of comments around us looking alike and being twins... it would appear that we are becoming the same person! In view of this I have decided to (possibly temporarily) change my name...
So I have removed Geminii for the time being and am currently posting as T.K. Glitz (those really are my initials) not to be confused with K.T. Glitz who is Keith!
So I have removed Geminii for the time being and am currently posting as T.K. Glitz (those really are my initials) not to be confused with K.T. Glitz who is Keith!
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Scrabbulous!!!!!!!!
Nice quiet day today. Started the morning with a lie in until about 10:30, followed by me scooting off to ASDA with Sam to buy socks (for him) and breakfast (for everyone).
Breakfast, which happened at lunch time, was followed by two rounds of Scrabble played by me, Keith, Sam and Linda. Not that I am one to gloat (much) but I did manage to win both games (woohoo). Sam said I am a human dictionary and am banned from playing in future unless he can be on my team.
The afternoon has consisted of farting about on the laptop (mostly facebook and blogging), Watching the Edinburgh Capitals webcast, listening to Keith ranting and swearing at his laptop for being old and flakey... and eating a lovely dinner (Paella) made by Linda.
Breakfast, which happened at lunch time, was followed by two rounds of Scrabble played by me, Keith, Sam and Linda. Not that I am one to gloat (much) but I did manage to win both games (woohoo). Sam said I am a human dictionary and am banned from playing in future unless he can be on my team.
The afternoon has consisted of farting about on the laptop (mostly facebook and blogging), Watching the Edinburgh Capitals webcast, listening to Keith ranting and swearing at his laptop for being old and flakey... and eating a lovely dinner (Paella) made by Linda.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Valentine's Day... Part 2
We planned on going to meet Sophie, Shane and Baby Scarlett this afternoon so a 9am start was agreed.
Keith and I woke up somewhat earlier than that and gave each other Valentine's cards and prezzies. As well as buying us matching corsets, skirts and shoes, Keith had bought matching lockets for us to wear out tonight.
I gave Keith a bag of prezzies - some silly (a coffee cup, a chocolate love heart lolly and a Purple Ronnie book of Love)... I also gave him a silver ring to fit on his little finger.
We were going to get up but after a snuggle we nodded off and were woken by Linda telling us it was 10am and asking if we would like tea.
We did eventually all clamber into the car and drive to Chelmsford to meet Sophie, Shane and Scarlett for lunch at Frankie and Benny's. It was very nice and we all got to have cuddles with Scarlett.
Getting back home was followed by frantic hair colouring, drying and straightening, doing of nails and makeup and dressing in fab new clothes to head off to Vendetta.
Given that it was also Vendetta and Evolution's first anniversary, the club was extremely quiet. This didn't stop us from having a good night however and we did get a lot of very positive and "awww how sweet" type comments on our identical outfits.
Me... looking all coy for some reason!
Keith looking like me!!!
Sam's "paparazzi" pic of us!
Awwwwwwwwwww... well it is Valentines Day...
Keith and I woke up somewhat earlier than that and gave each other Valentine's cards and prezzies. As well as buying us matching corsets, skirts and shoes, Keith had bought matching lockets for us to wear out tonight.
I gave Keith a bag of prezzies - some silly (a coffee cup, a chocolate love heart lolly and a Purple Ronnie book of Love)... I also gave him a silver ring to fit on his little finger.
We were going to get up but after a snuggle we nodded off and were woken by Linda telling us it was 10am and asking if we would like tea.
We did eventually all clamber into the car and drive to Chelmsford to meet Sophie, Shane and Scarlett for lunch at Frankie and Benny's. It was very nice and we all got to have cuddles with Scarlett.
Getting back home was followed by frantic hair colouring, drying and straightening, doing of nails and makeup and dressing in fab new clothes to head off to Vendetta.
Given that it was also Vendetta and Evolution's first anniversary, the club was extremely quiet. This didn't stop us from having a good night however and we did get a lot of very positive and "awww how sweet" type comments on our identical outfits.
Me... looking all coy for some reason!
Keith looking like me!!!
Sam's "paparazzi" pic of us!
Awwwwwwwwwww... well it is Valentines Day...
Friday, 13 February 2009
Valentines Day... Part 1
Drove to Shenfield to pick Keith up from work and headed off through horrendous traffic to start our Valentines weekend early with a meal at TGI's.
It was a lovely dinner and really nice to be able to meet Keith from work and have some "us" time.
When we got back Keith and I tried on the new outfits he bought for us to wear to tomorrow's Vendetta.
It was late and we were full up and sleepy but it had to be done.
Here's a sneak preview...
It was a lovely dinner and really nice to be able to meet Keith from work and have some "us" time.
When we got back Keith and I tried on the new outfits he bought for us to wear to tomorrow's Vendetta.
It was late and we were full up and sleepy but it had to be done.
Here's a sneak preview...
Thursday, 5 February 2009
He Surpassed Himself
Wow - this evening was one of the worst in a long time. And that's saying something!!
I went to pick Gemima up from school this evening. My back was killing me as the physioterrorist had destroyed my spine again this afternoon, so Jade ran into the school to get her while I waited in the car.
Jade came back by herself and said that Gemima was not in the class and her teacher had not known where she was. Another person in the class had told Jade that Gemima had probably gone to an after-school class. So I called the office to find out when the class finished and was told 4pm. I had signed a letter for Gemima to attend the class about a week ago, so I thought I must have got the day wrong.
As it turned out I hadn't got the day wrong. The school office called me straight back to say the class was next Tuesday. Bit of a problem in that Gemima had gone from school and no-one knew where she was.
So, there followed a frantic half hour of searching, staff racing about the school looking for her and down to the after school clubs to see if she'd gone there.
No joy.
So while the headteacher had the bright idea of checking the CCTV to see if it was possible to tell who she went with, I went outside (I actually wanted to throw up at this point) to call Nick to tell him Gemima was missing.
I had expected him to give me grief for not calling him sooner. Instead what I got was him apologising profusely because he had arranged for her to go to her friend's house and had not told anyone. Not me. Not the school.
All the fear, worry and panic that had been building up just exploded and for the first time in a very long time, I utterly ripped him a new one! Turns out that this arrangement had been made last Saturday but he had decided not to tell me in case it was cancelled. Unfortunately Mr No-Memory forgot to call and tell me this morning!
Fucker.
I don't think I have ever been so scared and worried in my life before.
So now he is being incredibly nice and apologetic. Throughout the course of the evening I have had a couple of phone calls and several texts apologising and asking if I am OK and calm now.
Call me cynical but this case is still to go to court... I am sure he is hoping I don't raise this one to the judge (along with the occasions when he had forgotten to collect her from school himself).
I went to pick Gemima up from school this evening. My back was killing me as the physioterrorist had destroyed my spine again this afternoon, so Jade ran into the school to get her while I waited in the car.
Jade came back by herself and said that Gemima was not in the class and her teacher had not known where she was. Another person in the class had told Jade that Gemima had probably gone to an after-school class. So I called the office to find out when the class finished and was told 4pm. I had signed a letter for Gemima to attend the class about a week ago, so I thought I must have got the day wrong.
As it turned out I hadn't got the day wrong. The school office called me straight back to say the class was next Tuesday. Bit of a problem in that Gemima had gone from school and no-one knew where she was.
So, there followed a frantic half hour of searching, staff racing about the school looking for her and down to the after school clubs to see if she'd gone there.
No joy.
So while the headteacher had the bright idea of checking the CCTV to see if it was possible to tell who she went with, I went outside (I actually wanted to throw up at this point) to call Nick to tell him Gemima was missing.
I had expected him to give me grief for not calling him sooner. Instead what I got was him apologising profusely because he had arranged for her to go to her friend's house and had not told anyone. Not me. Not the school.
All the fear, worry and panic that had been building up just exploded and for the first time in a very long time, I utterly ripped him a new one! Turns out that this arrangement had been made last Saturday but he had decided not to tell me in case it was cancelled. Unfortunately Mr No-Memory forgot to call and tell me this morning!
Fucker.
I don't think I have ever been so scared and worried in my life before.
So now he is being incredibly nice and apologetic. Throughout the course of the evening I have had a couple of phone calls and several texts apologising and asking if I am OK and calm now.
Call me cynical but this case is still to go to court... I am sure he is hoping I don't raise this one to the judge (along with the occasions when he had forgotten to collect her from school himself).
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Shithead Strikes Again
Went to collect Gemima from him this evening. She had been meant to stay with me on Monday but the snow and ice meant it was too dangerous for me to go and collect her.
He spoke to me briefly in the morning and seemed reasonably OK and agreed that I would come and get her in the evening. By late afternoon I thought it would be safe enough to venture out and tried to call him. Several times. He refused to answer my calls and eventually got Gemima to call me back.
So off I went to get Gemima and was confronted by angry Nick.
I had to go in to collect birth certificates for me and for the kids to take to the housing office tomorrow. He got very shirty in front of Gemima (no surprise there) and I got the distinct impression that if he thought he could have got away with it he would have physically tried to take Gemima's birth certificate off of me. He was very pissed off at me taking it and demanded that he have it back (as if!).
In the end, Gemima told him off and told him to stop causing fights especially in front of her because it would upset her. His response to her: "Too late, the damage is already done".
He also made references to getting the locks changed. I did of course advise him that he cannot do that while my name is still on the deeds to the house and the mortgage.
Think once this snow has thawed I will be borrowing a few of my bigger, stronger friends and trundling round with a large van to collect all of my things... and Jade and Aaron's things too.
It was not a pleasant encounter. What an arse!!!
He spoke to me briefly in the morning and seemed reasonably OK and agreed that I would come and get her in the evening. By late afternoon I thought it would be safe enough to venture out and tried to call him. Several times. He refused to answer my calls and eventually got Gemima to call me back.
So off I went to get Gemima and was confronted by angry Nick.
I had to go in to collect birth certificates for me and for the kids to take to the housing office tomorrow. He got very shirty in front of Gemima (no surprise there) and I got the distinct impression that if he thought he could have got away with it he would have physically tried to take Gemima's birth certificate off of me. He was very pissed off at me taking it and demanded that he have it back (as if!).
In the end, Gemima told him off and told him to stop causing fights especially in front of her because it would upset her. His response to her: "Too late, the damage is already done".
He also made references to getting the locks changed. I did of course advise him that he cannot do that while my name is still on the deeds to the house and the mortgage.
Think once this snow has thawed I will be borrowing a few of my bigger, stronger friends and trundling round with a large van to collect all of my things... and Jade and Aaron's things too.
It was not a pleasant encounter. What an arse!!!
The Book Is Back
I started writing a book a while back - not long before I filed for divorce actually. Nothing spectacular - just a slightly racy Mills & Boon type book. Thought as I had read so many of them during my years of bored marriage, I could probably write a few of my own.
I haven't really had a chance to do much with it since the end of 2007 but I decided this week that I would carry on with it while I have a little time on my hands.
For the past three days I have been racking my brain trying to remember what the password was that I put on every document related to this project. Its been driving me batty!!
This morning I finally remembered!
So today I have been editing and reworking bits and trying to remember what my original plot was!
Hooray!
I haven't really had a chance to do much with it since the end of 2007 but I decided this week that I would carry on with it while I have a little time on my hands.
For the past three days I have been racking my brain trying to remember what the password was that I put on every document related to this project. Its been driving me batty!!
This morning I finally remembered!
So today I have been editing and reworking bits and trying to remember what my original plot was!
Hooray!
I Am She-Ra
Well, not really...
But I am the bane of my children's existences, which is almost as good.
We had an interesting start to the morning. After an abortive attempt to take my Mother to dialysis yesterday, only to find the unit staffed by a single nurse who was not allowed to dialyse patients alone, it was decided that all the patients would return again this morning.
Not so bad you might think. Except the taxi which collects her arrives at 6am. This means that she is up and pottering about from about 4am. My Mother does not have the capacity to potter about quietly, therefore her pottering does wake up those who are in the living room... namely me... and Aaron.
At 6am sharp, there was a knock on the door and we breathed a sigh of relief as off Mum went to dialysis and off we went to sleep again.
Our relief was very short-lived. By 6.15 there was another knock on the door. The taxi driver came to ask for help to get his car out of the ice.
I should explain here that my Mum lives in a cul-de-sac which has probably never been gritted and many of the neighbours who had managed to get their cars out of their drives yesterday afternoon had not been able to get them back on after everything iced over yesterday evening. Turning space in the cul-de-sac is now at a premium and the taxi driver had got his front wheels stuck in the slippiest, iciest patch.
Now for the fun part. I can't push the car because I have a back injury.
To my joy this meant that I had the pleasure of dragging Jade and Aaron out of their beds (accompanied by small grumbles from Aaron and utter bitching from Jade) and into the snow and ice where I supervised The Pushing Of The Taxi.
To make matters worse, this was a 7-seater vehicle.
After several unsuccessful attempts, including one where the taxi driver placed his car mats behind the wheels then proceeded to fire them at high speed from the front of the car as he tried to reverse (very entertaining - just missed Aaron), I remembered some packing boxes I had in Mum's shed. These were dismantled and laid behind each wheel and the kids started pushing.
Hey presto - it worked!
After a 59-point turn, during which the kids and I waited with bated breath to see if it would become trapped in ice-hell again, the taxi finally trundled down the road at a glorious speed of about 1 mile per hour.
Jade was in the house and tucked up in bed again before Aaron and I had waved goodbye. Her absence noted by the lack of complaining! I am now wide awake after bugger all sleep and Aaron has similarly given up on the idea of getting back to bed again.
Still, its these little things which make life interesting!
But I am the bane of my children's existences, which is almost as good.
We had an interesting start to the morning. After an abortive attempt to take my Mother to dialysis yesterday, only to find the unit staffed by a single nurse who was not allowed to dialyse patients alone, it was decided that all the patients would return again this morning.
Not so bad you might think. Except the taxi which collects her arrives at 6am. This means that she is up and pottering about from about 4am. My Mother does not have the capacity to potter about quietly, therefore her pottering does wake up those who are in the living room... namely me... and Aaron.
At 6am sharp, there was a knock on the door and we breathed a sigh of relief as off Mum went to dialysis and off we went to sleep again.
Our relief was very short-lived. By 6.15 there was another knock on the door. The taxi driver came to ask for help to get his car out of the ice.
I should explain here that my Mum lives in a cul-de-sac which has probably never been gritted and many of the neighbours who had managed to get their cars out of their drives yesterday afternoon had not been able to get them back on after everything iced over yesterday evening. Turning space in the cul-de-sac is now at a premium and the taxi driver had got his front wheels stuck in the slippiest, iciest patch.
Now for the fun part. I can't push the car because I have a back injury.
To my joy this meant that I had the pleasure of dragging Jade and Aaron out of their beds (accompanied by small grumbles from Aaron and utter bitching from Jade) and into the snow and ice where I supervised The Pushing Of The Taxi.
To make matters worse, this was a 7-seater vehicle.
After several unsuccessful attempts, including one where the taxi driver placed his car mats behind the wheels then proceeded to fire them at high speed from the front of the car as he tried to reverse (very entertaining - just missed Aaron), I remembered some packing boxes I had in Mum's shed. These were dismantled and laid behind each wheel and the kids started pushing.
Hey presto - it worked!
After a 59-point turn, during which the kids and I waited with bated breath to see if it would become trapped in ice-hell again, the taxi finally trundled down the road at a glorious speed of about 1 mile per hour.
Jade was in the house and tucked up in bed again before Aaron and I had waved goodbye. Her absence noted by the lack of complaining! I am now wide awake after bugger all sleep and Aaron has similarly given up on the idea of getting back to bed again.
Still, its these little things which make life interesting!
Monday, 2 February 2009
And yet more cancellation...
Just had a call from the medical people dealing with my post-accident health assessment.
I was supposed to go to see their medical expert for my assessment tomorrow but he has cancelled due to severe weather and rescheduled for 17 Feb.
You'd think they'd have assessed me before starting my physio really, wouldn't you!
The mind boggles!
I was supposed to go to see their medical expert for my assessment tomorrow but he has cancelled due to severe weather and rescheduled for 17 Feb.
You'd think they'd have assessed me before starting my physio really, wouldn't you!
The mind boggles!
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...!
Ha! I was supposed to be in court this morning for round two of the financial wrangling for this divorce.
Well it seems that the Snow Day has affected everything. Not even sure that Bromley County Court is open.
Spoke to Nick this morning - he can't make it through the snow to get to court, so no point in me going either.
Amusingly, according to my solicitor, my barrister got the train early this morning from God knows where and got stuck outside London because they didn't realise that there were no trains running in London at all. Not sure if they are still stuck at the station but I am not paying for it!
Gemima is going to spend another night with Nick as I won't be able to go and pick her up. Apparently she is out playing in the snow with all the other kids on the street anyway, so I am sure she is not too upset!
It seems I am stuck at Mum's for the day. I think I will spend my time knitting, cooking and writing....
Yay!
Well it seems that the Snow Day has affected everything. Not even sure that Bromley County Court is open.
Spoke to Nick this morning - he can't make it through the snow to get to court, so no point in me going either.
Amusingly, according to my solicitor, my barrister got the train early this morning from God knows where and got stuck outside London because they didn't realise that there were no trains running in London at all. Not sure if they are still stuck at the station but I am not paying for it!
Gemima is going to spend another night with Nick as I won't be able to go and pick her up. Apparently she is out playing in the snow with all the other kids on the street anyway, so I am sure she is not too upset!
It seems I am stuck at Mum's for the day. I think I will spend my time knitting, cooking and writing....
Yay!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Biblical Contradictions
Having spent a good chunk of my childhood in a convent boarding school where we were made to go to church every day and several times on Sunday, I experienced an incredibly childish feeling of smugness when I came across a website dedicated to contradictions in the bible.
Thought I would go ahead and share a few...
Thought I would go ahead and share a few...
"For I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever." (Jeremiah 3:12)
"Ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn forever." (Jeremiah 17:4)
"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid." (John 5:31)
"Jesus answered: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid." (John 8:14)
"And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18)
"the whole world is under control of the evil one." (1 John 5:19)
And Jesus said, "For judgement I am come into this world." (John 9:39)
"I came not to judge the world" (John 12:47)
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 6:1)
"Jacob said, 'I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.'" (Genesis 32:30)
"No man hath seen God at any time." (John 1:18)
We should fear God (Matthew 10:28)
We should love God (Matthew 22:37)
There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18)
If you like that sort of thing you can find more HERE.
Silly Stuff We found While Shopping
In Makro we found:
...a bottle of JD bigger than Jade's head...
...the most interestingly named Whiskey..
...the most phallic mushrooms I have ever seen (HUGE stalks - bleugh!)...
...butterfly wellies - for men!
...a bottle of JD bigger than Jade's head...
...the most interestingly named Whiskey..
...the most phallic mushrooms I have ever seen (HUGE stalks - bleugh!)...
...butterfly wellies - for men!
What A Difference A Day Makes
Wow. Today I am more knackered than I have been for a long time.
Yesterday was an emotional day. Very stressful. Lots of things happening in lots of different areas of my life and it was just a bit much to cope with really. Not really anyone for me to talk to about it either for the most part.
On the plus side, I did go to the pub in the evening and meet up with a friend and former social work colleague, Mary and her partner, Tom. It was lovely to see them both. We had dinner (steak - yum!) and a couple of diet cokes and a good chin-wag. It was a welcome relief to have a break from all the stress in my head for a brief while.
I didn't sleep much last night. Didn't even feel able to start relaxing until gone 3:30 this morning. Hence my utter knackeredness today!
However... Today is another day. Emotionally I have settled to a state of mild stress about some aspects and mild reassurance about others.
Its early yet but I'm hoping that today will be a much better day than yesterday.
Yesterday was an emotional day. Very stressful. Lots of things happening in lots of different areas of my life and it was just a bit much to cope with really. Not really anyone for me to talk to about it either for the most part.
On the plus side, I did go to the pub in the evening and meet up with a friend and former social work colleague, Mary and her partner, Tom. It was lovely to see them both. We had dinner (steak - yum!) and a couple of diet cokes and a good chin-wag. It was a welcome relief to have a break from all the stress in my head for a brief while.
I didn't sleep much last night. Didn't even feel able to start relaxing until gone 3:30 this morning. Hence my utter knackeredness today!
However... Today is another day. Emotionally I have settled to a state of mild stress about some aspects and mild reassurance about others.
Its early yet but I'm hoping that today will be a much better day than yesterday.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Torture Device!!
Now, not that this is anything to shout about but I thought it interesting enough to write so you'll just have to like it or lump it!
My mother, bless her, is part Troll. I am utterly convinced. If it weren't for the invention of razor blades and depilatory creams she could be mistaken for a very short Wookie!
Sadly, I seem to have inherited this gene from her. Poor Keith - its coming to something when your girlfriend is hairier than you!
So anyhow, last night Karen and I were talking about the pros and cons of a variety of hair removal methods (it turns out that the troll / wookie gene is actually quite prevalent).
Karen announced that she uses an epilator.
What??
One of those torture devices designed to rip your hairs out from the roots in the absence of wax?
Yep - one of those!
So anyhow, this morning, given that its been a few days since Mr Razor spoke to my legs, she decided to let me give it a try...
Oh Dear God! OUCH!!
Well - it was "ouch" for the first few passes then it turned into "hmmm actually this isn't so bad" then bizarrely it turned into "actually I quite like this really". So i did both my legs up to mid-thigh.
I am now worried. Is it normal or slightly kinky to like the feeling of having your leg hair ripped out?
I've not yet braved the bikini line - figured I should wait til I have my own torture device before doing that. And as for armpits (Karen says she does hers with it!!!) bugger that!!! Not quite there on the bravery front yet!
Anyhow - this is a not particularly subtle hint that I would quite like an epilator... what with valentines / birthday / Xmas coming up over the next year!
*grin*
My mother, bless her, is part Troll. I am utterly convinced. If it weren't for the invention of razor blades and depilatory creams she could be mistaken for a very short Wookie!
Sadly, I seem to have inherited this gene from her. Poor Keith - its coming to something when your girlfriend is hairier than you!
So anyhow, last night Karen and I were talking about the pros and cons of a variety of hair removal methods (it turns out that the troll / wookie gene is actually quite prevalent).
Karen announced that she uses an epilator.
What??
One of those torture devices designed to rip your hairs out from the roots in the absence of wax?
Yep - one of those!
So anyhow, this morning, given that its been a few days since Mr Razor spoke to my legs, she decided to let me give it a try...
Oh Dear God! OUCH!!
Well - it was "ouch" for the first few passes then it turned into "hmmm actually this isn't so bad" then bizarrely it turned into "actually I quite like this really". So i did both my legs up to mid-thigh.
I am now worried. Is it normal or slightly kinky to like the feeling of having your leg hair ripped out?
I've not yet braved the bikini line - figured I should wait til I have my own torture device before doing that. And as for armpits (Karen says she does hers with it!!!) bugger that!!! Not quite there on the bravery front yet!
Anyhow - this is a not particularly subtle hint that I would quite like an epilator... what with valentines / birthday / Xmas coming up over the next year!
*grin*
Hurty Night and Foggy Morning
Didn't sleep too well last night at all.
Partly my own fault. I am due to see the Physiotherapist (or Physioterrorist as my friend Kathryn calls them) for my first session on Thursday. In advance of this they had sent me a few booklets - one an exerise leaflet with gentle stretching exercises to do before I go.
So in the absence of any noticeable warnings on the leaflet, I did a few of the more gentle exercises on Monday night.
The result was that yesterday, all the muscles in my back, neck and shoulders felt like someone had overtightened them. By last night I had more than an average headache. By 2am, afer still having no sleep, I relented and took two Co-Dydramol to knock myself out (as I tend to massively over-react to anything sedative).
It worked a treat!
I slept through all three of my alarms and a message fom Keith and only woke up at 8.40 when Katherine and Emily came into the room to announce that we were late leaving!
Responded, bleary eyed, to Keith's text and after a while managed to drag myself out of bed and go wake Karen up to tell her we were all late.
I got an equally enthusiastic response from her so we decided, sod it, lazy morning then. The girls got a day off school, which means that the house is noisy and I am still sleepy! Deep Joy!!
My head is made of cotton wool where the Co-Dydramol is still whizzing about my system, so focusing on anything is a feat in itself!
It may or may not be an interesting day!!
Partly my own fault. I am due to see the Physiotherapist (or Physioterrorist as my friend Kathryn calls them) for my first session on Thursday. In advance of this they had sent me a few booklets - one an exerise leaflet with gentle stretching exercises to do before I go.
So in the absence of any noticeable warnings on the leaflet, I did a few of the more gentle exercises on Monday night.
The result was that yesterday, all the muscles in my back, neck and shoulders felt like someone had overtightened them. By last night I had more than an average headache. By 2am, afer still having no sleep, I relented and took two Co-Dydramol to knock myself out (as I tend to massively over-react to anything sedative).
It worked a treat!
I slept through all three of my alarms and a message fom Keith and only woke up at 8.40 when Katherine and Emily came into the room to announce that we were late leaving!
Responded, bleary eyed, to Keith's text and after a while managed to drag myself out of bed and go wake Karen up to tell her we were all late.
I got an equally enthusiastic response from her so we decided, sod it, lazy morning then. The girls got a day off school, which means that the house is noisy and I am still sleepy! Deep Joy!!
My head is made of cotton wool where the Co-Dydramol is still whizzing about my system, so focusing on anything is a feat in itself!
It may or may not be an interesting day!!
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Technicolour Yodel!!
That's what my sister and I used to call vomit when we were kids.
This evening, Emily, Karens 3-year-old, decided it might be fun to throw up more than her own body weight in what appeared to be carrots, which required showering, bed stripping, laundry and much finding of buckets to prevent further disaster.
Poor thing - she only had her first day at school today and already she has to have time off sick!
Oh joy of joys - a tummy bug!
This evening, Emily, Karens 3-year-old, decided it might be fun to throw up more than her own body weight in what appeared to be carrots, which required showering, bed stripping, laundry and much finding of buckets to prevent further disaster.
Poor thing - she only had her first day at school today and already she has to have time off sick!
Oh joy of joys - a tummy bug!
Quite a productive day today
I had a really productive meeting with Nick today.
Yes, I know! Shock, horror, gasp! Can it be true???
Yes, it is true. I met Nick in a pub in Bexley to talk about how to move things forward and what to do about care for Gemima.
We were talking for TWO HOURS!!
Two whole hours with no arguments, no swearing, no name calling, no digs or sniping remarks, no accusations. It was good. Just talking like adults.
We talked about court and costs and agreed that it would be better if we could agree things between ourselves and keep the matter out of court. Given that the bill for the barrister who 'represented' me on 4th December was £1000 (which I have to pay!!!), it seems obvious that by the time this is over there will be no money left to fight about because he solicitors will have it all!
Anyhow, he has also agreed that my last proposal was a good one and he is seriously considering it. He has approached the mortgage lender to see if he can get a mortgage for the house and if they agree, he will give me the lump sum I asked for in the proposal.
He also said if they won't give him a mortgage then he is happy to meet me to discuss logistcs of selling the place and how the money should be split.
We also talked about Nick's health in relation to looking after Gemima. His relapse over New Year seems to have been a real wake-up call for him - its the most ill he has been. There were a few tears from him - he got a taste of his own mortality over the last couple of weeks.
The MS is now targeting his respiratory system and that's not good - he was all full of bravado when he was telling me then he just stopped and said very quietly, "people die from that one, don't they." and he cried. That was difficult.
As for gemima - we have agreed that while he's not well, I will have her weekdays and she can go to him for dinner a couple of nights a week but come back to me after - that way he doesn't have full responsibility overnight. She will stay over alternate weekends - his brother will be there to help out if needed.
So, lets see how we go with that. It will be good if he can stick to this without getting all paranoid.
Fingers crossed............
Yes, I know! Shock, horror, gasp! Can it be true???
Yes, it is true. I met Nick in a pub in Bexley to talk about how to move things forward and what to do about care for Gemima.
We were talking for TWO HOURS!!
Two whole hours with no arguments, no swearing, no name calling, no digs or sniping remarks, no accusations. It was good. Just talking like adults.
We talked about court and costs and agreed that it would be better if we could agree things between ourselves and keep the matter out of court. Given that the bill for the barrister who 'represented' me on 4th December was £1000 (which I have to pay!!!), it seems obvious that by the time this is over there will be no money left to fight about because he solicitors will have it all!
Anyhow, he has also agreed that my last proposal was a good one and he is seriously considering it. He has approached the mortgage lender to see if he can get a mortgage for the house and if they agree, he will give me the lump sum I asked for in the proposal.
He also said if they won't give him a mortgage then he is happy to meet me to discuss logistcs of selling the place and how the money should be split.
We also talked about Nick's health in relation to looking after Gemima. His relapse over New Year seems to have been a real wake-up call for him - its the most ill he has been. There were a few tears from him - he got a taste of his own mortality over the last couple of weeks.
The MS is now targeting his respiratory system and that's not good - he was all full of bravado when he was telling me then he just stopped and said very quietly, "people die from that one, don't they." and he cried. That was difficult.
As for gemima - we have agreed that while he's not well, I will have her weekdays and she can go to him for dinner a couple of nights a week but come back to me after - that way he doesn't have full responsibility overnight. She will stay over alternate weekends - his brother will be there to help out if needed.
So, lets see how we go with that. It will be good if he can stick to this without getting all paranoid.
Fingers crossed............
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Family Visit
Keith's Dad, Alan and his wife Stephanie, came over for a visit today. It was lovely to see them both as its been a while.
Keith and I gave them their Christmas presents and they gave Keith, Sam and I some gifts they'd bought for us in Turkey last year.
We all headed out to The Lodge for lunch and were pleasantly surprised to see that its been renovated and actually has a posh dining area at the back!!
Lunch was followed by a trip to Sophie's where baby gifts were given. Just time for a cuppa before we all had to go in our various directions.
The day went by very quickly and it didn't feel as though we got to spend very long with Alan and Stephanie. Keith and I will have to make plans to go and visit them at some point.
Aaron and Gemima headed off to bed early as we have to be up early in the morning for the school run. Sam and I went off to Spar for a mosey round and bought nibbles, which we ate with Keith while watching some old re-runs of Friends.
It was a lovely day, followed by an early night and cuddles.
Perfect end to a great weekend.
Keith and I gave them their Christmas presents and they gave Keith, Sam and I some gifts they'd bought for us in Turkey last year.
We all headed out to The Lodge for lunch and were pleasantly surprised to see that its been renovated and actually has a posh dining area at the back!!
Lunch was followed by a trip to Sophie's where baby gifts were given. Just time for a cuppa before we all had to go in our various directions.
The day went by very quickly and it didn't feel as though we got to spend very long with Alan and Stephanie. Keith and I will have to make plans to go and visit them at some point.
Aaron and Gemima headed off to bed early as we have to be up early in the morning for the school run. Sam and I went off to Spar for a mosey round and bought nibbles, which we ate with Keith while watching some old re-runs of Friends.
It was a lovely day, followed by an early night and cuddles.
Perfect end to a great weekend.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Vendetta
As is our monthly thing, Keith and I got tarted up and headed off to Vendetta for a night of fun, dancing (well Keith danced - I tapped my feet and wiggled my butt a bit as my back and shoulders are still not right) and socialising with friends.
Hazel came along with us this time so for a change I didn't have to drive and I was able to have a drink (not lots tho)! Yay!
Thank you Hazel!!!
Will post pics of us all dressed up later....
Hazel came along with us this time so for a change I didn't have to drive and I was able to have a drink (not lots tho)! Yay!
Thank you Hazel!!!
Will post pics of us all dressed up later....
Aladdin Insane!
Lazy day! Fun lazy day.
Lie in til around 11am then off to the post office to collect a parcel for Keith and then to ASDA for food!
Lunch was accompanied by Disney's Aladdin which was watched on "singalong" and sung loudly to by Keith, Sam and Gemima. I did refrain from perforating anyone's eardrums you'll all be glad to know!
The boys were playing racing games on the PS3 while I was cooking dinner. I was challenged to have a go and after several attempts to decline on the basis of being utterly crap, I gave in and had a go - and proved that I am utterly crap - much to the delight and amusement of everyone else!
Lie in til around 11am then off to the post office to collect a parcel for Keith and then to ASDA for food!
Lunch was accompanied by Disney's Aladdin which was watched on "singalong" and sung loudly to by Keith, Sam and Gemima. I did refrain from perforating anyone's eardrums you'll all be glad to know!
The boys were playing racing games on the PS3 while I was cooking dinner. I was challenged to have a go and after several attempts to decline on the basis of being utterly crap, I gave in and had a go - and proved that I am utterly crap - much to the delight and amusement of everyone else!
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