Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Fashion Forward
Did you hear that Rosie Huntington-Whitely and, (more importantly...) Ryan Reynolds, are the new faces of M&S A/W? Can you believe? Sales of the Autograph range are bound to sky rocket with women everywhere wanting to recreate the look of Mr Reynolds. Genius M&S... bravo.
As you edge your toes into summer, we are of course... crashing into Autumn, but, the good news is that the shops are filled with clothes and boots the shades of autumn folliage. I don't have much, (read... next to no...) spare cash to indulge in anything as frivilous as clothing for body or feet, if it's not less than a third of it's original price, I feel guilty purchasing. But, faced with so much gorgeous stuff screaming at me, plus, I don't want to look like a bag lady. I'm wrestling with the conundrum of choosing maybe two items... at the most... out of at least 22 that I'd love.
Okay, so, you can window shop with me...
These are very Nina-esque are they not? http://www.next.co.uk/x483314s1#390749x48
Okay, I'm torn between looking good and comfort, so... http://www.next.co.uk/x483322s1#356818x48
I realise that there is a boot theme going on but I'm more comfortable in boots...
http://www.next.co.uk/x482328s5#382796x48
Not sure about these... what do we think? I mean, it's not like I'm going anywhere but if I do... do we like them or they like... stripper shoes? Think, especially plain, black dress, paired with... http://www.next.co.uk/x48306s2#801762x48
The End is Definitely Nigh
I set my alarm clock to wake me earlier this morning. Not tomorrow early, just half an hour earlier than I have been getting up, in order to ease me in gently back into work mode. My brain however, was way ahead of me and I woke much earlier than scheduled, it's obviously starting to get back into routine, all on it's own.
Got up today, (31st August, just to check you're with me...) and my "use by 6 Sept" milk was off. What the heck is going on with my milk? And... why does it keep expiring prematurely? Is my fridge nothing more than a cupboard with a light that doesn't work? I have found a silver lining to the impending cold weather... I can keep my milk outside.
It was so great catching up this morning, not that I don't always enjoy our chats but when I put down the phone, I felt like we'd had a proper girlie catch up, all that was missing was me being there in person... and wine. You did make me laugh though and I love that we can be honest with each other. I don't have anyone else that will tell me, with love, that I'm delusional. Thank heaven for you ;)
So, I'm here, in my window, for one last morning until I return to work. My friend is behind the bar, and she's done my coffee just how I like it, (the last couple of day's haven't been so great,) so it feels like an extra treat today.
There is a man pacing up and down, in front of my window. He's smoking, gesticulating like a conductor with the cigarette hand, whilst talking on his phone. His coffee and laptop are in here, with me. What ever is up... he's not happy.
As I was saying earlier, it's chilly. I'm wearing a sleeveless, wrap around top as a last nod to summer, and my cream jacket... probably also it's last outing before it's washed and packed away until Spring. Jacket hasn't come off as it's too... well, chilly.
As usual, you and R have given me much to think about, thank you, I love that you remind me that there are options out there. To some extent, I feel like I've had the rug pulled out from under me recently with the realisation that work is sucking the life out of me, family, family health problems, general life stuff. I may be sitting on my backside, on the rug, but I'm fine, just have a lot of stuff flying around my brain at the moment with no safe landing place in sight. I will however, be upright and fixing the rug shortly. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Whatever health issues come up for family, as you know, you have no control over what happens, all you can do is offer offer support. What will be, will be.
Pacing man is back outside... pacing, for a third time. He really needs to chill.
I think walking is an excellent idea. It's brilliant exercise and who knows... you may even break into a jog before the month is out ;) I also think keeping a record, even if it's only to me, is a good idea too, it may help motivate!
I had a list of things in my head that I might do today but, the reality is, I don't think I can be bothered. I know that sounds terrible. I'll leave here to buy a birthday present for L and it's payday so I need to stock up on essentials like Evening Primrose Oil, (trust me... it's essential.) I'll also hit the supermarket which will save me a trip towards the end of the week, then it'll be home to tidy and get everything ready for tomorrow.
I now have two men, on phones, pacing before my window, it's getting busy out there.
Only toning for me today, hip is still bothersome, if it doesn't improve soon, may have to go and annoy the doc.
It's now almost 2pm, I got confirmation that my phone package has been changed, and as a thank you... they've given me 100 free texts to use before the end of the month. Do you think they know the end of the month is midnight? Still, it's the thought that counts... I suppose. If only I knew 100 people. I will try out the texting to you later on, don't want to do it now, just in case it worked and woke you.
They didn't have the miso soup that I was going to buy, well... they did but I'm not paying £3.59 for four sachets, that's ridiculous. Healthy eating switch over isn't happening either, I was craving cheese for some reason so tomorrow... I'll defninitely be back on track.
Got up today, (31st August, just to check you're with me...) and my "use by 6 Sept" milk was off. What the heck is going on with my milk? And... why does it keep expiring prematurely? Is my fridge nothing more than a cupboard with a light that doesn't work? I have found a silver lining to the impending cold weather... I can keep my milk outside.
It was so great catching up this morning, not that I don't always enjoy our chats but when I put down the phone, I felt like we'd had a proper girlie catch up, all that was missing was me being there in person... and wine. You did make me laugh though and I love that we can be honest with each other. I don't have anyone else that will tell me, with love, that I'm delusional. Thank heaven for you ;)
So, I'm here, in my window, for one last morning until I return to work. My friend is behind the bar, and she's done my coffee just how I like it, (the last couple of day's haven't been so great,) so it feels like an extra treat today.
There is a man pacing up and down, in front of my window. He's smoking, gesticulating like a conductor with the cigarette hand, whilst talking on his phone. His coffee and laptop are in here, with me. What ever is up... he's not happy.
As I was saying earlier, it's chilly. I'm wearing a sleeveless, wrap around top as a last nod to summer, and my cream jacket... probably also it's last outing before it's washed and packed away until Spring. Jacket hasn't come off as it's too... well, chilly.
As usual, you and R have given me much to think about, thank you, I love that you remind me that there are options out there. To some extent, I feel like I've had the rug pulled out from under me recently with the realisation that work is sucking the life out of me, family, family health problems, general life stuff. I may be sitting on my backside, on the rug, but I'm fine, just have a lot of stuff flying around my brain at the moment with no safe landing place in sight. I will however, be upright and fixing the rug shortly. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Whatever health issues come up for family, as you know, you have no control over what happens, all you can do is offer offer support. What will be, will be.
Pacing man is back outside... pacing, for a third time. He really needs to chill.
I think walking is an excellent idea. It's brilliant exercise and who knows... you may even break into a jog before the month is out ;) I also think keeping a record, even if it's only to me, is a good idea too, it may help motivate!
I had a list of things in my head that I might do today but, the reality is, I don't think I can be bothered. I know that sounds terrible. I'll leave here to buy a birthday present for L and it's payday so I need to stock up on essentials like Evening Primrose Oil, (trust me... it's essential.) I'll also hit the supermarket which will save me a trip towards the end of the week, then it'll be home to tidy and get everything ready for tomorrow.
I now have two men, on phones, pacing before my window, it's getting busy out there.
Only toning for me today, hip is still bothersome, if it doesn't improve soon, may have to go and annoy the doc.
It's now almost 2pm, I got confirmation that my phone package has been changed, and as a thank you... they've given me 100 free texts to use before the end of the month. Do you think they know the end of the month is midnight? Still, it's the thought that counts... I suppose. If only I knew 100 people. I will try out the texting to you later on, don't want to do it now, just in case it worked and woke you.
They didn't have the miso soup that I was going to buy, well... they did but I'm not paying £3.59 for four sachets, that's ridiculous. Healthy eating switch over isn't happening either, I was craving cheese for some reason so tomorrow... I'll defninitely be back on track.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
30th August
Today has been rehashed at the last minute, due to unforeseen circumstances, but that's fine. I'm here in Starbucks, but was meant to be somewhere else, and I'm just going to take my time as I have no where else to be. It's suddenly very dark outside and it looks like it's winter, although I'm still in short sleeves... and the boots, but I've worn those all summer.
I got a message from a friend in Singapore on route back from Oz this morning, and I have another friend mid air on the way back from NYC in the wake of Hurricane Irene, doesn't the world seem smaller these days?
I almost got up and phoned you this morning as I temporarily forgot what day it was, fingers crossed I remember in the morning eh?
After a very leisurely morning, I set off to visit S for around 1.30, and didn't leave until almost 5pm. This is what it's like when we haven't seen each other for months. It was lovely, and we covered every topic from family to world events. S agrees that I need a new job, I really need to prioritise this.
I've had a last day of eating poor food choices, I've been relatively good but I am on holiday after all so I felt like I should cheat a little. My stomach isn't totally happy and to be honest, I'll be glad to get back to my usual, tried and tested fare as I know that it won't upset me.
Today is my last late night! I have had a ball staying up late but it's almost time to get back to the reality of rising before 4am everyday. Speaking of which... I'm off to job hunt x
Monday, 29 August 2011
And so...
So, my time off is almost over. You know what I love about being off and out of the work routine? It gives me a taste of real life. The whole world is living this life that I am not a part of. They all know what it's like to stay up until midnight. What it's like to sleep in until 7am... or, wait for it ... 7.45am.
Life is about having conversations, about laughing, about not feeling guilty about staying up past 8pm and not balking at not waking before 4am. Who in their right mind thinks they've overslept at 3.45am for heavens sake? As my nephew so succinctly put it... "but it has a 3 in it!" He does have a point.
Do I want to carry on as I am, isolated from the world and the world's time line? Isolated from the rest of the world's routine? Do I want to sleep while the rest of the world has conversations and laughs out loud? How has the laughter not woken me so far?
Maybe it's time to change. I have a theory. You can change your life or life can change you. If you procrastinate, as I do... a lot, the universe may lose patience and start to change things without your approval. If that happens, you'd better catch on quick and hold on tight for the ride.
My cousin, that keeps me sane, and God Mother, (who knew they would come in so handy?) has just read me my horoscope, she also told me that she doesn't read her own anymore, she just reads mine, so here goes; "You need to be firm with people who can’t hear what you’re saying. You want to get a better grip on a situation and if that means a tougher approach, so be it. Current aspects are a signal of positive change. And what’s on offer will take you to a new place. Eventually, everything will unfold just as you hoped it would. It's a case of finding that delicate balance." Astrologer Barbara Dunn is, frankly, spooky. I will be checking on her page from now on.
Life is about having conversations, about laughing, about not feeling guilty about staying up past 8pm and not balking at not waking before 4am. Who in their right mind thinks they've overslept at 3.45am for heavens sake? As my nephew so succinctly put it... "but it has a 3 in it!" He does have a point.
Do I want to carry on as I am, isolated from the world and the world's time line? Isolated from the rest of the world's routine? Do I want to sleep while the rest of the world has conversations and laughs out loud? How has the laughter not woken me so far?
Maybe it's time to change. I have a theory. You can change your life or life can change you. If you procrastinate, as I do... a lot, the universe may lose patience and start to change things without your approval. If that happens, you'd better catch on quick and hold on tight for the ride.
My cousin, that keeps me sane, and God Mother, (who knew they would come in so handy?) has just read me my horoscope, she also told me that she doesn't read her own anymore, she just reads mine, so here goes; "You need to be firm with people who can’t hear what you’re saying. You want to get a better grip on a situation and if that means a tougher approach, so be it. Current aspects are a signal of positive change. And what’s on offer will take you to a new place. Eventually, everything will unfold just as you hoped it would. It's a case of finding that delicate balance." Astrologer Barbara Dunn is, frankly, spooky. I will be checking on her page from now on.
August Bank Holiday 2011
It's Bank Holiday Monday and, as is tradition, it's raining. This place is busy already. I'll be leaving long before it gets truly busy, and too busy for comfort.
I worked out this morning, first time in four days. I only did 25 minutes, then some stretches as I keep being told to stretch. My hips and lower back are so tight, no wonder everything hurts and the nagging is getting louder. I must try harder. Note to self... stretch woman.
No plans for the rest of the day, I may have a one woman film fest or talk myself into clearing out more of my wardrobe.
I still have two friends to catch up with. Hopefully, we will do that prior to returning to work but time is rapidly running out and I may have to factor in, after-return-to-work meetings, but soon. This year is evaporating.
I worked out this morning, first time in four days. I only did 25 minutes, then some stretches as I keep being told to stretch. My hips and lower back are so tight, no wonder everything hurts and the nagging is getting louder. I must try harder. Note to self... stretch woman.
No plans for the rest of the day, I may have a one woman film fest or talk myself into clearing out more of my wardrobe.
I still have two friends to catch up with. Hopefully, we will do that prior to returning to work but time is rapidly running out and I may have to factor in, after-return-to-work meetings, but soon. This year is evaporating.
It's Sunday
Something I don't think I've mentioned before. You know that I love to write, I love the journalistic stylings of Carrie Bradshaw... (I do know that she's fictitious, don't worry,) but did you know that my ancestors happened to be Bradshaw's? You know me and my signs? I'm taking it as a sign, so you're stuck with me... and my writing.
So, Sunday... it was so great to catch up with you. You sound great and you sound well, you sound like you! And now that my inherited phone is compatible with NZ providers... and you can text me, (pause for drama and excitement...) I feel a few thousand miles closer to you... isn't technology grand?
In the space of my 12 minute journey here this morning, I had brilliant, shade inducing sunshine, a watery rainbow and torrential rain. Tell me the truth... you miss this don't you?
It's lunch at B's today. She has a family friend staying, I haven't seen FF for at least 3 years, so it will be good to catch up. I'm in mustard and teal today. Sounds disgusting but I think it goes. However, family friend has launched own fashion line, so I probably should have re-thought outfit still... too late now.
No workout again for me. Left hip is still nagging and I do feel lazy but I'm thinking it should be rested.
Trying to decided whether to kill time before heading for lunch or to go home for an hour or so and come back out?
Sunday lunch and afternoon was lovely. I stayed out and wandered around like a lost sole in case you were wondering. Finally got to B's and she'd done a lovely roast lamb dinner and it was really good to catch up with family friend. FF did something very sweet, on one of the most important day's of my life, almost 8 years ago. She probably doesn't even know what she did, but I will never forget it and I should have told her long before now. I've just decided that I'll write to tell her, and then it's something she can keep if she'd like to. I think it's important to tell people that they are special. Someone asked me if I knew I was special recently... I didn't. Someone may not realise that they are, and being told that they are, may mean the world to someone. You ought to know but just in case... you are special.
So, Sunday... it was so great to catch up with you. You sound great and you sound well, you sound like you! And now that my inherited phone is compatible with NZ providers... and you can text me, (pause for drama and excitement...) I feel a few thousand miles closer to you... isn't technology grand?
In the space of my 12 minute journey here this morning, I had brilliant, shade inducing sunshine, a watery rainbow and torrential rain. Tell me the truth... you miss this don't you?
It's lunch at B's today. She has a family friend staying, I haven't seen FF for at least 3 years, so it will be good to catch up. I'm in mustard and teal today. Sounds disgusting but I think it goes. However, family friend has launched own fashion line, so I probably should have re-thought outfit still... too late now.
No workout again for me. Left hip is still nagging and I do feel lazy but I'm thinking it should be rested.
Trying to decided whether to kill time before heading for lunch or to go home for an hour or so and come back out?
Sunday lunch and afternoon was lovely. I stayed out and wandered around like a lost sole in case you were wondering. Finally got to B's and she'd done a lovely roast lamb dinner and it was really good to catch up with family friend. FF did something very sweet, on one of the most important day's of my life, almost 8 years ago. She probably doesn't even know what she did, but I will never forget it and I should have told her long before now. I've just decided that I'll write to tell her, and then it's something she can keep if she'd like to. I think it's important to tell people that they are special. Someone asked me if I knew I was special recently... I didn't. Someone may not realise that they are, and being told that they are, may mean the world to someone. You ought to know but just in case... you are special.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
August 27th
Just as I am finally embracing, and comfortable with parading my kinky, wavy, frizz of a hair do around in public without a care in the world, Ive just read in In Style magazine, that it's time to dust off the Ghd's because the whisper is that poker straight hair is on the horizon again. Typical.
Also on the agenda, as a direct result of the Middleton effect, is dressing demurely. Demure dressing is apparently, "fresh, modern and youthful." It's just in the nick of time in my opinion, I was wondering how much less people were going to wear, when you see the likes of Rihanna, Britney and Christina Aguilera on TV, the only place they had left to go was naked.
It's still August, the rain is hammering down and people are walking past my window in knee high boots.
Met up with God Daughter and my sister. It was good to catch up, we spent 90 minutes discussing birthday's, what we've been up to, our current 5 year plans. The last pair of 5 year plans we compiled together, over a bottle of wine, well, point one was; we need a new plan. We couldn't even remember anything else on the plan. Anyway, it was good to catch up and I suggested that we didn't leave it so long until the next time.
I got home for 2, and decided on a lazy afternoon. A friend recently and passionately articulated the virtues of the film; "When Harry Met Sally." So, I had a lazy afternoon to kill and thought it was about time I got reacquainted, it's years since I last saw it. Friend was right, funny, endearing and poignant, among other things.
Just going back to SATC by the way... I have to broadcast this important fact. I thought Kim Cattrall looked Amazonian in this but I've seen this woman in real life, close up, on stage. She is tall but positively tiny, SJP must be absolutely pocket sized.
Also on the agenda, as a direct result of the Middleton effect, is dressing demurely. Demure dressing is apparently, "fresh, modern and youthful." It's just in the nick of time in my opinion, I was wondering how much less people were going to wear, when you see the likes of Rihanna, Britney and Christina Aguilera on TV, the only place they had left to go was naked.
It's still August, the rain is hammering down and people are walking past my window in knee high boots.
Met up with God Daughter and my sister. It was good to catch up, we spent 90 minutes discussing birthday's, what we've been up to, our current 5 year plans. The last pair of 5 year plans we compiled together, over a bottle of wine, well, point one was; we need a new plan. We couldn't even remember anything else on the plan. Anyway, it was good to catch up and I suggested that we didn't leave it so long until the next time.
I got home for 2, and decided on a lazy afternoon. A friend recently and passionately articulated the virtues of the film; "When Harry Met Sally." So, I had a lazy afternoon to kill and thought it was about time I got reacquainted, it's years since I last saw it. Friend was right, funny, endearing and poignant, among other things.
Just going back to SATC by the way... I have to broadcast this important fact. I thought Kim Cattrall looked Amazonian in this but I've seen this woman in real life, close up, on stage. She is tall but positively tiny, SJP must be absolutely pocket sized.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Baby Me
My cousin L has just scanned and emailed a photograph of me, with my second eldest sister and Jack, my Dad. It's a photograph I've never seen before and I'm thrilled to see it. I'm straining to see Jack. He's slightly in the background and slightly out of focus, but I'm excited because I think I can make out that he's smiling and I've never seen him smile a proper smile before. My cousin assures me that the actual photograph is clearer and she'll keep it out for me and see what else she can find in the archives. It's a wonder. Is Jack really smiling? In my company? I, on the other hand, look like I'm chewing a wasp. My cousin, (and God Mother, therefore... she is biased,) assures me that I was the most beautiful baby and that the photo really doesn't do me justice as I'm squinting in the sunlight. Spoken like a true God Mother, and all I can say is, I must have been squinting in sunlight in all of my baby photos.
It's a lovely photograph even if I do look like a grumpy, sumo wrestler in training, baby. I can't wait to see the original.
It's a lovely photograph even if I do look like a grumpy, sumo wrestler in training, baby. I can't wait to see the original.
Thursday - Friday
Thursday was lovely. Had a leisurely morning, chose a baby present and an anniversary present for J&G, then picked up J and took her to one of our cousin's to meet new baby Amelie Sophia for the first time. She is gorgeous. I know that I'm supposed to say that but she really is. She slept for the whole 3 hours that we were there and she opened her eyes for literally 10 seconds but I don't think that counts, she didn't even open her eyes for her feed. I had a cuddle and she didn't stir for the whole of my turn, which I was glad of. I always think babies will sense my inexperience but no, baby A comfortably laid in my right arm, her head in the crook of my arm and my right hand cradling her tiny legs while my left hand patted her tum. She didn't even blink. She was cool in her tiny outfit despite the warm afternoon, and slept peacefully while Mummy, Nanna, Grandpa, J and I chatted. So lovely. Days like this a rare.
I had an early shower and a quiet afternoon, it was just what I needed.
Friday is here and no Starbucks for me. I slept late again, my body is so out of sync, I'm going to have trouble when I go back to work. Anyway, I didn't get up until 7.45, no workout again due to nagging hip. Picked up J just after 9 and we headed off to Manchester for a browse around the shops and had a gorgeous lunch at Wagamama's. We had drizzly rain the whole time but it didn't matter, we didn't even put an umbrella up.
There are some visible scars of the recent riots on the city's skin. Many of the shop workers within the city are wearing "I heart, (I can't do a heart symbol... I did try,) Manchester" t-shirts, and shop fronts remain boarded up with some of the destruction still visible through the gaps. The Arndale Centre has a post-it wall for anyone to leave a message of healing and love for the city. The city will be just fine.
People in general are good and have a love for and a pride in their cities The unrest provided a brief window of opportunity for a small band of couldn't-care -less, lost individuals. The city will be just fine.
I was home by 4.30pm and I had a relaxing few hours before catching up with friends. I have been off work for 8 days already, it doesn't feel like 8 days but at the same time, my mind has already wandered to returning to work and I wonder how I'll adapt to going back. I've had a taste of a normal life, staying up late, chatting to friends, sleeping until a reasonable hour. I'm doomed.
I have been thinking of you since yesterday evening... more than usual I mean. This morning, while I was drying my hair, I imagined you in your seat, waiting for the show to begin. Hope all went to plan, hope that you're feeling better and that you had a wonderful 36 hours!
Saturday... tomorrow, is brunch with God Daughter, my youngest niece. I've confirmed time and venue and my sister can make it too. I haven't seen either of them in over a year so I'm looking forward to that.
I'm here waiting on a text from a friend to tell me that the kids are in bed and it's okay to phone, such is life but friendship is worth it's wait in gold. I can wait.
I had an early shower and a quiet afternoon, it was just what I needed.
Friday is here and no Starbucks for me. I slept late again, my body is so out of sync, I'm going to have trouble when I go back to work. Anyway, I didn't get up until 7.45, no workout again due to nagging hip. Picked up J just after 9 and we headed off to Manchester for a browse around the shops and had a gorgeous lunch at Wagamama's. We had drizzly rain the whole time but it didn't matter, we didn't even put an umbrella up.
There are some visible scars of the recent riots on the city's skin. Many of the shop workers within the city are wearing "I heart, (I can't do a heart symbol... I did try,) Manchester" t-shirts, and shop fronts remain boarded up with some of the destruction still visible through the gaps. The Arndale Centre has a post-it wall for anyone to leave a message of healing and love for the city. The city will be just fine.
People in general are good and have a love for and a pride in their cities The unrest provided a brief window of opportunity for a small band of couldn't-care -less, lost individuals. The city will be just fine.
I was home by 4.30pm and I had a relaxing few hours before catching up with friends. I have been off work for 8 days already, it doesn't feel like 8 days but at the same time, my mind has already wandered to returning to work and I wonder how I'll adapt to going back. I've had a taste of a normal life, staying up late, chatting to friends, sleeping until a reasonable hour. I'm doomed.
I have been thinking of you since yesterday evening... more than usual I mean. This morning, while I was drying my hair, I imagined you in your seat, waiting for the show to begin. Hope all went to plan, hope that you're feeling better and that you had a wonderful 36 hours!
Saturday... tomorrow, is brunch with God Daughter, my youngest niece. I've confirmed time and venue and my sister can make it too. I haven't seen either of them in over a year so I'm looking forward to that.
I'm here waiting on a text from a friend to tell me that the kids are in bed and it's okay to phone, such is life but friendship is worth it's wait in gold. I can wait.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Wednesday - Thursday
So, B and I did indeed walk up Blackpool pier yesterday, well, we were blown up it to be more accurate, but this is not unusual, even for summer, as you know. We had a drink in the bar, a very quiet bar and pretty much as soon as we arrived, the heavens opened. We gave up waiting for the heavens to close again and so braved the horizontal rain. I pretty much acted as the wind break for B, but I didn't mind. My hair is wild enough to be able to take getting wind swept and frizzy and really not look that much different to when it was styled and dry.
We dodged into the highstreet and out of the rain and headed into M&S to see if they had my favourite, utilitarian, everyday, work-a-day pack of two, bras. Did you know that the whole country is apparently my size as they never have my size in stock? Which is why we ducked in, out of the rain, just on the off chance, that some miricle had occurred and they did have them in stock. Never one to miss an opportunity, (they didn't have them in Wales... we checked,) we set about hunting them out. You could have knocked me out with a teensy push because there, in all it's glory, on their own little hanger, was my set of two, one white, one black, everyday bras.
Anyway, bras in hand... well, in a bottle green bag, we headed for Frankie & Benny's for lunch. I had warm chicken salad and B had calamarie followed by toffee crunch waffle with vanilla ice cream. After lunch, we headed for our cousins.
We had an afternoon and evening filled with talk, laughter, and a hurried IT master class. One of my cousins gave me his old mobile phone. I loved my old phone. I admit I'm sentimentally attached to it but it's 10 years old and I can no longer make or recieve calls on it without killing the battery stone dead, I can only text. Which of course is fine for texting your friends but if you're in an emergency situation, you really need to be able to phone. Anyway, my young cousin and his girlfriend very patiently gave this total technophobe a lesson on the basics and by the time I got home, I could read and send texts on my inherited phone.
It's Thursday today and I have a more leisurely morning to look forward to. No workout for me this morning, my hip has been niggly for days but whatever I did yesterday has totally aggravated it so today is now my rest day.
While I've packed a lot in so far, and it's been thoroughly enjoyable, I'd love to have a day off! Still, today, Thursday, is special. Today I get to meet my new baby cousin for the first time. Is there anything more magical than meeting a new tiny human? Imagine the possibilities for this little one who can't even hold their head up yet. Truly amazing.
We dodged into the highstreet and out of the rain and headed into M&S to see if they had my favourite, utilitarian, everyday, work-a-day pack of two, bras. Did you know that the whole country is apparently my size as they never have my size in stock? Which is why we ducked in, out of the rain, just on the off chance, that some miricle had occurred and they did have them in stock. Never one to miss an opportunity, (they didn't have them in Wales... we checked,) we set about hunting them out. You could have knocked me out with a teensy push because there, in all it's glory, on their own little hanger, was my set of two, one white, one black, everyday bras.
Anyway, bras in hand... well, in a bottle green bag, we headed for Frankie & Benny's for lunch. I had warm chicken salad and B had calamarie followed by toffee crunch waffle with vanilla ice cream. After lunch, we headed for our cousins.
We had an afternoon and evening filled with talk, laughter, and a hurried IT master class. One of my cousins gave me his old mobile phone. I loved my old phone. I admit I'm sentimentally attached to it but it's 10 years old and I can no longer make or recieve calls on it without killing the battery stone dead, I can only text. Which of course is fine for texting your friends but if you're in an emergency situation, you really need to be able to phone. Anyway, my young cousin and his girlfriend very patiently gave this total technophobe a lesson on the basics and by the time I got home, I could read and send texts on my inherited phone.
It's Thursday today and I have a more leisurely morning to look forward to. No workout for me this morning, my hip has been niggly for days but whatever I did yesterday has totally aggravated it so today is now my rest day.
While I've packed a lot in so far, and it's been thoroughly enjoyable, I'd love to have a day off! Still, today, Thursday, is special. Today I get to meet my new baby cousin for the first time. Is there anything more magical than meeting a new tiny human? Imagine the possibilities for this little one who can't even hold their head up yet. Truly amazing.
Tuesday - Wednesday
I slept pretty well, until I woke at some ridiculously early hour. No idea of the time, but it was still dark and while I didn't get up, I didn't fall back to sleep either so I'm pretty bleary eyed this morn.
I'm here for a mere 30 minutes, some might think I'm ever so slightly insane for travelling close to 15 minutes in each direction for a brief 30 minutes at my chosen destination. I'm sat here, writing to you with a coffee in one hand, pen in the other and Corrine Bailey Rae in my ears, but it's my precious 30 minutes and this is what I choose to do with them.
B will pick me up around 10.30 or there abouts and then we'll be off to Wales for the day. I've jogged for 35 minutes already so at least that's out of the way.
I watched SATC yesterday evening. I realise I'm one of the last two remaining people on the planet not to have seen it so far, but better late than never. (Don't ask me about E.T. I still haven't seen that.) It was a good film filled with life, love, heartache and a bucket full of friendship. It was really good and I predict, now that I've actually seen it, it'll be one I revisit time and again. It's one of those films which gives you a timely reminder, (whatever time it may be,) of the important stuff, the stuff of life.
The air con is off in here and the heat is on, another sure sign that, for Starbucks at least, Autumn is well and truly on it's way. My coffee isn't finished yet but its time for me to make a move.
It's now Wednesday, I'm pretty tired. Yesterday was lovely. B and I headed for Wales, and as usual, the scenery was spectacular and the weather, while not exactly sunny, was at least kind. Thank you Wales. After stopping off in various locations, walking, eating far too much than was good for me, despite aiming for the healthy options, I finally arrived home around 8pm. After waking at a ridiculous hour though, I was completely shattered and unconscious by 10pm, much to the annoyance of the friend I was having a conversation via text with until this point.
I'm sitting here, thinking of you and sending cold fighting vibes. Do not be a martyr and use some kind of cold remedy, why feel terrible when you don't need to?
I slept well but I'm still tired. Jogged for 35 minutes and did some toning moves this a.m. I've just purchased "Aussie Dual Personality." It's a texturising and conditioning spray, I'm hoping that it can hold in my kinks :)
B and I are off to Lancashire today. We'll have a walk up the pier at Blackpool, then some lunch then we'll head off to our cousins for the rest of the day. I love to visit them and don't get there often enough.
It's my God-Daughter's 30th birthday today. I was clearly only knee high to the font when I pledged my God-Motherly vows. She is a bright, confident and humorous woman who I'm very proud of. She'll be just fine, not that I'm taking any credit for how she turned out, (she may have a little of her God Mother's sense of humour though,) but my work here is done. We spoke at the weekend, I've sent a text this morning and we'll meet for brunch on Saturday.
It's time to move.
I'm here for a mere 30 minutes, some might think I'm ever so slightly insane for travelling close to 15 minutes in each direction for a brief 30 minutes at my chosen destination. I'm sat here, writing to you with a coffee in one hand, pen in the other and Corrine Bailey Rae in my ears, but it's my precious 30 minutes and this is what I choose to do with them.
B will pick me up around 10.30 or there abouts and then we'll be off to Wales for the day. I've jogged for 35 minutes already so at least that's out of the way.
I watched SATC yesterday evening. I realise I'm one of the last two remaining people on the planet not to have seen it so far, but better late than never. (Don't ask me about E.T. I still haven't seen that.) It was a good film filled with life, love, heartache and a bucket full of friendship. It was really good and I predict, now that I've actually seen it, it'll be one I revisit time and again. It's one of those films which gives you a timely reminder, (whatever time it may be,) of the important stuff, the stuff of life.
The air con is off in here and the heat is on, another sure sign that, for Starbucks at least, Autumn is well and truly on it's way. My coffee isn't finished yet but its time for me to make a move.
It's now Wednesday, I'm pretty tired. Yesterday was lovely. B and I headed for Wales, and as usual, the scenery was spectacular and the weather, while not exactly sunny, was at least kind. Thank you Wales. After stopping off in various locations, walking, eating far too much than was good for me, despite aiming for the healthy options, I finally arrived home around 8pm. After waking at a ridiculous hour though, I was completely shattered and unconscious by 10pm, much to the annoyance of the friend I was having a conversation via text with until this point.
I'm sitting here, thinking of you and sending cold fighting vibes. Do not be a martyr and use some kind of cold remedy, why feel terrible when you don't need to?
I slept well but I'm still tired. Jogged for 35 minutes and did some toning moves this a.m. I've just purchased "Aussie Dual Personality." It's a texturising and conditioning spray, I'm hoping that it can hold in my kinks :)
B and I are off to Lancashire today. We'll have a walk up the pier at Blackpool, then some lunch then we'll head off to our cousins for the rest of the day. I love to visit them and don't get there often enough.
It's my God-Daughter's 30th birthday today. I was clearly only knee high to the font when I pledged my God-Motherly vows. She is a bright, confident and humorous woman who I'm very proud of. She'll be just fine, not that I'm taking any credit for how she turned out, (she may have a little of her God Mother's sense of humour though,) but my work here is done. We spoke at the weekend, I've sent a text this morning and we'll meet for brunch on Saturday.
It's time to move.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Birthday +1
I had a really lovely day yesterday, mostly because I was inundated with love, good wishes and messages from friends, I'm incredibly lucky.
I was only home for an hour before being picked up and taken out for lunch by two of my sisters and a brother in law and that hour was spent answering phone calls and replying to texts. Lunch, a Chinese buffet, was lovely. I sensibly paced myself having been before and learned the hard way, and I just had miniature samples of anything that took my eye. I continued to get messages throughout lunch and on the drive home and then all afternoon until the phone calls started again. In the midst of this, I decided that despite jogging for 30 minutes in the morning, I should make myself do another 30 minutes rather than lazing in front of the TV, and I did feel better for it.
By 7.30pm, I decided I could relax with a glass of wine, it was my birthday after all ;) I watched "10 Years Younger NZ," it was really good. This version also enlists the aid of a fitness instructor which I haven't seen in the other versions and it seems like a much more down to earth approach to updating a woman's look, I was impressed.
I slept like a log last night, (I still haven't looked to see where that comes from.) I slept late today too, 7.45am, when was the last time I did that? I didn't get to bed until midnight but still... I was shattered when I finally got to bed but only after having a very full and lovely day.
No workout for me this morning but I'll try to talk myself into one later. After coffee this morning, I'm off to meet up with a friend. We've been trying to meet up for months but between our two schedules, this is the first chance we've had. As luck would have it, we both have the same week off, we couldn't have planned it better.
Thank heavens for Sat Nav and Sexy Sean who directed me without fault to my destination, he's so good, not to mention... calm. We spent 4 hours talking and listening to each other, (my friend and I... not Sean, didn't want you to think that I'd lost the plot.) It was a really enjoyable, fun and relaxing start to the week and this was the first time we'd really talked rather than having snatched catch ups. Turns out we have lots in common from a family point of view, never fails to amaze me who you meet in life. You seem to meet people who fit... know what I mean?
I arrived home around 4pm and decided I really should workout, which I did, for 45 minutes. Working out has really become habit now and that's something I'm thankful for because I see how most of my family struggle to stay in shape. Surely it's better to get into the habit now, rather than later in life?
It was a sunny and warm day today but this is one of the last of the week, heavy rain and flash floods are predicted for the end of the week. The nights are definitely drawing in and I know that by the time I return to work, we'll be in autumn. I really hate to say goodbye to summer, it always seems like such a long time to wait until it returns.
I was only home for an hour before being picked up and taken out for lunch by two of my sisters and a brother in law and that hour was spent answering phone calls and replying to texts. Lunch, a Chinese buffet, was lovely. I sensibly paced myself having been before and learned the hard way, and I just had miniature samples of anything that took my eye. I continued to get messages throughout lunch and on the drive home and then all afternoon until the phone calls started again. In the midst of this, I decided that despite jogging for 30 minutes in the morning, I should make myself do another 30 minutes rather than lazing in front of the TV, and I did feel better for it.
By 7.30pm, I decided I could relax with a glass of wine, it was my birthday after all ;) I watched "10 Years Younger NZ," it was really good. This version also enlists the aid of a fitness instructor which I haven't seen in the other versions and it seems like a much more down to earth approach to updating a woman's look, I was impressed.
I slept like a log last night, (I still haven't looked to see where that comes from.) I slept late today too, 7.45am, when was the last time I did that? I didn't get to bed until midnight but still... I was shattered when I finally got to bed but only after having a very full and lovely day.
No workout for me this morning but I'll try to talk myself into one later. After coffee this morning, I'm off to meet up with a friend. We've been trying to meet up for months but between our two schedules, this is the first chance we've had. As luck would have it, we both have the same week off, we couldn't have planned it better.
Thank heavens for Sat Nav and Sexy Sean who directed me without fault to my destination, he's so good, not to mention... calm. We spent 4 hours talking and listening to each other, (my friend and I... not Sean, didn't want you to think that I'd lost the plot.) It was a really enjoyable, fun and relaxing start to the week and this was the first time we'd really talked rather than having snatched catch ups. Turns out we have lots in common from a family point of view, never fails to amaze me who you meet in life. You seem to meet people who fit... know what I mean?
I arrived home around 4pm and decided I really should workout, which I did, for 45 minutes. Working out has really become habit now and that's something I'm thankful for because I see how most of my family struggle to stay in shape. Surely it's better to get into the habit now, rather than later in life?
It was a sunny and warm day today but this is one of the last of the week, heavy rain and flash floods are predicted for the end of the week. The nights are definitely drawing in and I know that by the time I return to work, we'll be in autumn. I really hate to say goodbye to summer, it always seems like such a long time to wait until it returns.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
August 21st
I'm a little late getting here today but for good reason. I woke up to a surprise email from a friend half way around the world, I had a lovely conversation with you, I got a call from S and a barrage of text messages so I'm actually feeling quite special just now. I'm a year older today as you know, or I will be at 5.55pm but I don't feel any different than yesterday, and I wonder just when do you feel older? Do you get to eighty and still feel twenty-four?
I'm wondering what the coming year will bring and I'm quite looking forward to it. I had a conversation with a friend in work not so long ago. She's two years younger than me and her birthday is two days after Christmas. We were discussing how we both loath New Year and we discovered we had the same reasons, you thought you'd be in a different place by X, ( for X, insert year or age as desired.) You ponder on all the things you haven't done, all the things you should have done or would have done differently. For my friend, she unfortunately has her birthday right on top of New Year and so gets a double whammy of "what ifs" and "what nows."
I can totally see how this is hard for her and I don't know that I'd handle it any better if I was faced with a December birthday, but while New Year remains an event at which I like to practice Olympic standard wine tasting, I'm feeling in quite a happy place now that my birthday is here. Things could be better but whatever the coming year brings, I'll deal with it.
A little boy in his pushchair is being pushed out of Starbucks by Dad while Mum holds the door. He's shouting "bye" to everyone and anyone, that's me and the staff, so I give him a smile and a wave and he continues to wave and hold my gaze as he's pushed past the window where I'm sitting until he's almost out of sight, and then he blows me a kiss. It's a good day.
I'm wondering what the coming year will bring and I'm quite looking forward to it. I had a conversation with a friend in work not so long ago. She's two years younger than me and her birthday is two days after Christmas. We were discussing how we both loath New Year and we discovered we had the same reasons, you thought you'd be in a different place by X, ( for X, insert year or age as desired.) You ponder on all the things you haven't done, all the things you should have done or would have done differently. For my friend, she unfortunately has her birthday right on top of New Year and so gets a double whammy of "what ifs" and "what nows."
I can totally see how this is hard for her and I don't know that I'd handle it any better if I was faced with a December birthday, but while New Year remains an event at which I like to practice Olympic standard wine tasting, I'm feeling in quite a happy place now that my birthday is here. Things could be better but whatever the coming year brings, I'll deal with it.
A little boy in his pushchair is being pushed out of Starbucks by Dad while Mum holds the door. He's shouting "bye" to everyone and anyone, that's me and the staff, so I give him a smile and a wave and he continues to wave and hold my gaze as he's pushed past the window where I'm sitting until he's almost out of sight, and then he blows me a kiss. It's a good day.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Do Something Amazing... Give Blood
I didn't tell you about my trip to donate blood on Wednesday did I? Do not carry on reading if you are faint of heart or queasy of tum. I won't go into graphic detail but still... I was due to donate any time around now and thought I'd get it out of the way before I finished work, then I'd have plenty of time to recover. They attempted the usual pin prick test which I warned the nurse, my blood droplet usually has a bit of trouble sinking within the allotted time limit in order to pass the test, (you would probably have to tie a brick to it.) As predicted, the droplet floated like a ping pong on the surface. "Do you mind if we have another go?" I was already there and braced for the torture so I told the nurse to be my guest. She punctured my finger again, (the same one,) and then proceeded to squeeze my finger like, well, like she was trying to get blood out of a stone. The second, much bigger and fatter droplet... also floated in the solution.
This is were they now attempt to take a sample from my arm to place in the machine that reads the iron content. I have to donate from my left so the sample must be taken from my right, which doesn't have very good veins. At this point, the nurse calls for reinforcements and in walks a very pleasant looking, very mature nurse whom I have every confidence in. This is going to hurt and I can't look, but, it wasn't too bad. The nurse did very well and she got what she needed. A few minutes later and the reading is back. I've just scraped through and I can donate. So chuffed, I'm always disappointed if I can't give.
I'm whisked through to a bed and a third nurse. My arm is prepped and we have the usual chit chat, it's a bit like going to the hairdressers. The nurse has the option of two veins, neither are spectacular examples but they usually do the job. I look away and suddenly, my arm is really hurting then begins to go numb. I'd asked could I keep my thin jacket on as I was cold but a wave of heat rushes to my head and I wonder if I'm going to pass out or vomit.
The nurse keeps asking am I okay which of course I tell her "yes," and she quickly calls over another nurse, she's missed the vein. Have to say, I'm not thrilled by the sense of urgency in her voice but I'm concentrating on not throwing up. New nurse tries to find the vein by fiddling with the needle, which makes me even more queasy but they can't find it and so have to abandon the donation as they can't try twice in the same arm, on the same day. I go back to work with a bandage around the left arm and plasters on the right and my punctured finger. The good news is that I'm told once the bruising has gone, I can go back!
And boy, have they bruised. Both are sore but I forget and am only reminded when I throw a shopping basket over the left one and get a prompt reminder. I will go back... when the bruising is gone.
I feel better today. Amazing what sleep and drugs can do.
I jogged for 30 minutes this morning as I slept late again. I'm here now with my coffee, writing to you, I did contemplate doing something today but I think I'll just go home, have a lazy day and just potter.
Mr Regular has just been over to enquire why I'm still here as I've usually gone by now. I am such a creature of habit.
This is were they now attempt to take a sample from my arm to place in the machine that reads the iron content. I have to donate from my left so the sample must be taken from my right, which doesn't have very good veins. At this point, the nurse calls for reinforcements and in walks a very pleasant looking, very mature nurse whom I have every confidence in. This is going to hurt and I can't look, but, it wasn't too bad. The nurse did very well and she got what she needed. A few minutes later and the reading is back. I've just scraped through and I can donate. So chuffed, I'm always disappointed if I can't give.
I'm whisked through to a bed and a third nurse. My arm is prepped and we have the usual chit chat, it's a bit like going to the hairdressers. The nurse has the option of two veins, neither are spectacular examples but they usually do the job. I look away and suddenly, my arm is really hurting then begins to go numb. I'd asked could I keep my thin jacket on as I was cold but a wave of heat rushes to my head and I wonder if I'm going to pass out or vomit.
The nurse keeps asking am I okay which of course I tell her "yes," and she quickly calls over another nurse, she's missed the vein. Have to say, I'm not thrilled by the sense of urgency in her voice but I'm concentrating on not throwing up. New nurse tries to find the vein by fiddling with the needle, which makes me even more queasy but they can't find it and so have to abandon the donation as they can't try twice in the same arm, on the same day. I go back to work with a bandage around the left arm and plasters on the right and my punctured finger. The good news is that I'm told once the bruising has gone, I can go back!
And boy, have they bruised. Both are sore but I forget and am only reminded when I throw a shopping basket over the left one and get a prompt reminder. I will go back... when the bruising is gone.
I feel better today. Amazing what sleep and drugs can do.
I jogged for 30 minutes this morning as I slept late again. I'm here now with my coffee, writing to you, I did contemplate doing something today but I think I'll just go home, have a lazy day and just potter.
Mr Regular has just been over to enquire why I'm still here as I've usually gone by now. I am such a creature of habit.
End of the Week is Nigh
So how was your week? I heard that snow hit NZ for the first time since the 30's. My cousin in Auckland would have loved it, his wife told me the story of how he saw snow for the first time in England when they were first together and how he couldn't stop looking at it. It must have been a new experience for thousands.
This week has been a struggle. Body felt wiped out all week and every horoscope I pick up tells me I've been over doing it. This week's Grazia scope tells me; "You've earned a good bout of rest and relaxation and perhaps some romance too. Make sure you get it one way or another." Hmmm.
We started work at the new building on Monday. A few teething problems, passes that didn't let you pass, lifts not working, hot water smelling terrible and tasting worse, freezing cold and IT problems, but, one by one, the problems got ironed out. I decided I'd start to take the stairs. Two flights of escalators which I walk up then five flights of stairs, which wasn't so bad except, the stairwell exits don't accept the passes yet so you then have to walk back down to catch the lift. On the plus side, think how toned my legs will be by Christmas.
Tuesday's drive to work was illustrated with the most beautiful deep pink sky framed by dark grey storm clouds, Wednesday's had the glow of hot orange, Thursday evening's was simply on fire just before the night sky engulfed it.
I was up late chatting on Thursday night and so didn't get up until 7am on Friday, very late for me. Aiming to start as I mean to go on, I jogged for 50 minutes then immediately started sneezing like I had an allergy. I feel like I'm getting a cold so I've taken some cold remedy to see if that stops it in it's tracks.
So, you know that I'm off work for thirteen days? I think I may have mentioned it ;) I have a lot to pack in, really nice things, mainly just catching up with friends and family which I'm ashamed to say I neglect a lot of the time so I intend to do some serious catching up.
The fashion backlash against the Duchess of Cambridge has begun, (that didn't take long did it?) Vivienne Westwood has criticised everything from the eyeliner to Kate's "ordinariness." If Kate is ordinary, Lord help the rest of us. How is she supposed to dress? She looks stylish and immaculate, she supports the struggling UK high street, when did all of this become so terrible and ordinary? It's a good job Ms Westwood can't see me just now.
This week has been a struggle. Body felt wiped out all week and every horoscope I pick up tells me I've been over doing it. This week's Grazia scope tells me; "You've earned a good bout of rest and relaxation and perhaps some romance too. Make sure you get it one way or another." Hmmm.
We started work at the new building on Monday. A few teething problems, passes that didn't let you pass, lifts not working, hot water smelling terrible and tasting worse, freezing cold and IT problems, but, one by one, the problems got ironed out. I decided I'd start to take the stairs. Two flights of escalators which I walk up then five flights of stairs, which wasn't so bad except, the stairwell exits don't accept the passes yet so you then have to walk back down to catch the lift. On the plus side, think how toned my legs will be by Christmas.
Tuesday's drive to work was illustrated with the most beautiful deep pink sky framed by dark grey storm clouds, Wednesday's had the glow of hot orange, Thursday evening's was simply on fire just before the night sky engulfed it.
I was up late chatting on Thursday night and so didn't get up until 7am on Friday, very late for me. Aiming to start as I mean to go on, I jogged for 50 minutes then immediately started sneezing like I had an allergy. I feel like I'm getting a cold so I've taken some cold remedy to see if that stops it in it's tracks.
So, you know that I'm off work for thirteen days? I think I may have mentioned it ;) I have a lot to pack in, really nice things, mainly just catching up with friends and family which I'm ashamed to say I neglect a lot of the time so I intend to do some serious catching up.
The fashion backlash against the Duchess of Cambridge has begun, (that didn't take long did it?) Vivienne Westwood has criticised everything from the eyeliner to Kate's "ordinariness." If Kate is ordinary, Lord help the rest of us. How is she supposed to dress? She looks stylish and immaculate, she supports the struggling UK high street, when did all of this become so terrible and ordinary? It's a good job Ms Westwood can't see me just now.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Singleton's Sunday
Well, I didn't find that pause button on Saturday night but I did somehow manage to rack up 10 hours of sleep overnight. The rehabilitative effect of sleep never fails to amaze me. I opened the patio door to let in some morning air to witness three bees busily flying from flower to flower. One got caught in a web for a moment and I was just about to set out on a rescue mission when it freed itself.
It's very quiet here today. My Starbucks friend has just been over to say "hi" before she starts her shift and we discussed our respective weekends away and her new health and fitness regime. She's doing really well, she reiterated some things I told her in our last chat which was lovely as it means she listened and I must have talked some kind of sense, and she's convinced her sister to join her too, so the healthy vibe is happily spreading. She spoke about losing weight and how your features pop when you're slimmer then she complimented my eyes and lips which was lovely but she was probably talking about my eye liner and lip gloss ;)
After a quiet start, Sunday developed into a fun and thought provoking day. I had a deep and meaningful conversation with B about, well, basically being a singleton and how, at the end of the day when you close the door, you are alone. This lead again to, and reinforced my recent inclination that I need, we need, to get out there more and make lives for ourselves. Be brave and widen our circle of friends. And then... I got asked would I accompany a friend to a singles bar.
You already know that this would fill me with dread, Miss Anti-Social 1984 having to make small talk with the masses... you've got to be kidding me. I cannot think of a worse scenario. But, do I go because of the affection I feel for fellow female in same boat? Should I treat it as a joke so that I am not wracked with nervous anxiety? How could I go without you there as my wing woman to yank me away by the hand from obvious unsuitables which I can't escape from? You know how weirdos and axe murderers are inexplicably drawn to me like a magnet.
I need to get my thinking cap on because I desperately need to match make said female so that I don't have to go to said singles club!!! Feel free to make suggestions... I'm all ears.
I go to work at a new place tomorrow. Kind of like starting a new, big, and scary school. I'll be there early as usual so I probably have a good hour of my own time to get lost and found again... hopefully. Wish me luck x
It's very quiet here today. My Starbucks friend has just been over to say "hi" before she starts her shift and we discussed our respective weekends away and her new health and fitness regime. She's doing really well, she reiterated some things I told her in our last chat which was lovely as it means she listened and I must have talked some kind of sense, and she's convinced her sister to join her too, so the healthy vibe is happily spreading. She spoke about losing weight and how your features pop when you're slimmer then she complimented my eyes and lips which was lovely but she was probably talking about my eye liner and lip gloss ;)
After a quiet start, Sunday developed into a fun and thought provoking day. I had a deep and meaningful conversation with B about, well, basically being a singleton and how, at the end of the day when you close the door, you are alone. This lead again to, and reinforced my recent inclination that I need, we need, to get out there more and make lives for ourselves. Be brave and widen our circle of friends. And then... I got asked would I accompany a friend to a singles bar.
You already know that this would fill me with dread, Miss Anti-Social 1984 having to make small talk with the masses... you've got to be kidding me. I cannot think of a worse scenario. But, do I go because of the affection I feel for fellow female in same boat? Should I treat it as a joke so that I am not wracked with nervous anxiety? How could I go without you there as my wing woman to yank me away by the hand from obvious unsuitables which I can't escape from? You know how weirdos and axe murderers are inexplicably drawn to me like a magnet.
I need to get my thinking cap on because I desperately need to match make said female so that I don't have to go to said singles club!!! Feel free to make suggestions... I'm all ears.
I go to work at a new place tomorrow. Kind of like starting a new, big, and scary school. I'll be there early as usual so I probably have a good hour of my own time to get lost and found again... hopefully. Wish me luck x
Saturday, 13 August 2011
13th August
The pressure was on in work this week. After me stressing abut my own deadline last week, I was asked to help out other's who hadn't made the deadline but that was fine and I didn't feel under as much pressure.
Wednesday I got soaked to the skin walking back to the car after work. It takes me almost an hour to get home so a most uncomfortable and soggy drive home followed. Friday was work as usual until 1.30pm, then the next couple of hours were spent frantically packing, securing and labeling crates as we're moving buildings on Monday.
I've been eating extremely healthily this week, I've even amazed myself and I fitted in a 20 minute jog during the week too which I really wasn't in the mood for. Had to drag self out of bed this morning though, jogged for an hour but can't say I felt better for it, feel totally out of energy today.
I left the first glimmer for sunshine for a week behind at home this morning and it's gloomy here, looks like the rain will pour at any moment.
Nothing except the usual housework planned for the weekend, wondering if I can find the universal pause button and sleep for a week?
Wednesday I got soaked to the skin walking back to the car after work. It takes me almost an hour to get home so a most uncomfortable and soggy drive home followed. Friday was work as usual until 1.30pm, then the next couple of hours were spent frantically packing, securing and labeling crates as we're moving buildings on Monday.
I've been eating extremely healthily this week, I've even amazed myself and I fitted in a 20 minute jog during the week too which I really wasn't in the mood for. Had to drag self out of bed this morning though, jogged for an hour but can't say I felt better for it, feel totally out of energy today.
I left the first glimmer for sunshine for a week behind at home this morning and it's gloomy here, looks like the rain will pour at any moment.
Nothing except the usual housework planned for the weekend, wondering if I can find the universal pause button and sleep for a week?
Riots
Surreal week, the riots in London began last weekend, by Monday morning, the news on the radio was that riots had broken out all over the country overnight. My route to work was undisturbed on Tuesday but a colleague stopped by to say it was like driving through a war zone with burned out cars lining the roads and debris and glass and concrete everywhere. The news tonight seems to be implicating mostly kids, some as young as 10. What a sad state we're in that our kids think that causing mass destruction is fun or cool.
The rioting subsided after a few days later, but not until 4 lives had been lost as a direct result and tens of millions of pounds worth of damage was done to the country.
The rioting subsided after a few days later, but not until 4 lives had been lost as a direct result and tens of millions of pounds worth of damage was done to the country.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Sitting and Watching and Waiting
So here I am, at the airport. I'm in the bar now with a chilled Chardonnay to round off my hols. I have cleared security and did of course have my bag swabbed for explosives and, or drugs and now here I am. I'm feeling quite pretty by the way. I have on my bargain cotton top with frilly capped sleeves and my new scarf that JR brought me back from Italy, it's gorgeous, sliver grey linen with silver grey lace around the edges so I'm a cloud of femininity.
There has just been an announcement to advise that one of the departures is delayed for 25 minutes but I didn't catch the destination as James is singing to me on my iPod. I turn to ask the woman sitting directly behind me, I speak, then realise this was possibly a bad idea. The conversation goes on for some time, she looks a little worse for wear and it's probably due to tiredness and possibly something to do with the G&T on her table.
The weekend can probably be best summed up like this; sleep, friends, conversation, laughter, sea air and a little wine. I feel like my batteries are recharged, I feel a little tired, but rested, you'll know what I mean.
Suddenly feel a little down after being cocooned in friendship and company for the weekend, I'm heading home to the norm.
The man sitting opposite me has a prosthetic hand and I can't help but wonder about his story. It's a very good prosthetic and I would never have noticed had it not been for the extreme paleness of the hand.
My flight is called and we board a little late. I say "hello" to my co-traveller and he just looks at me. My bearded traveller has already made himself at home, spreading himself out and hogging the communal arm rest while he reads the broadsheets. Rather than taking the polite route of boycotting the communal arm rest, said man shows no intention of confining himself to his side of the arm rest and so I'm perched, as if trying not to be contaminated on the farthest left of my seat. Turns out that his wife is sitting across the aisle, she's not soft.
Before we depart, I ask the cabin crew if I can relocate to the seat behind me which is free so that bearded man could fully open out his broadsheets without me encumbering him. Arse.
I've happily relocated and I'm sitting here with my decaff coffee, marvelling at the patchwork of fields below me, never fails to impress me.
We land 15 minutes late and B collects me 17 minutes late so pretty good timing all around. I arrive home to be greeted by my mail from you, thank you, one from my cousin L and a barrage of text messages. Maybe it's not bad being home after all.
There has just been an announcement to advise that one of the departures is delayed for 25 minutes but I didn't catch the destination as James is singing to me on my iPod. I turn to ask the woman sitting directly behind me, I speak, then realise this was possibly a bad idea. The conversation goes on for some time, she looks a little worse for wear and it's probably due to tiredness and possibly something to do with the G&T on her table.
The weekend can probably be best summed up like this; sleep, friends, conversation, laughter, sea air and a little wine. I feel like my batteries are recharged, I feel a little tired, but rested, you'll know what I mean.
Suddenly feel a little down after being cocooned in friendship and company for the weekend, I'm heading home to the norm.
The man sitting opposite me has a prosthetic hand and I can't help but wonder about his story. It's a very good prosthetic and I would never have noticed had it not been for the extreme paleness of the hand.
My flight is called and we board a little late. I say "hello" to my co-traveller and he just looks at me. My bearded traveller has already made himself at home, spreading himself out and hogging the communal arm rest while he reads the broadsheets. Rather than taking the polite route of boycotting the communal arm rest, said man shows no intention of confining himself to his side of the arm rest and so I'm perched, as if trying not to be contaminated on the farthest left of my seat. Turns out that his wife is sitting across the aisle, she's not soft.
Before we depart, I ask the cabin crew if I can relocate to the seat behind me which is free so that bearded man could fully open out his broadsheets without me encumbering him. Arse.
I've happily relocated and I'm sitting here with my decaff coffee, marvelling at the patchwork of fields below me, never fails to impress me.
We land 15 minutes late and B collects me 17 minutes late so pretty good timing all around. I arrive home to be greeted by my mail from you, thank you, one from my cousin L and a barrage of text messages. Maybe it's not bad being home after all.
Lazy Friday, Saturday, Sunday
I slept like a log and had a huge sleep in until 8am, I've normally left work 3 hours earlier so this is huge. JR and I pick up H and head to Hedge End, a massive M&S. Spend three hours wandering around and having coffee then head to The Jolly Sailor which is a pub on the marina to sit outside in the sunshine. We're underneath an umbrella, gazing out and enjoying a very leisurely lunch. Lunch was delicious but it wasn't busy either the staff pretty much left us alone so there was absolutely no hurry. It was lovely. We eventually retired back at JR's for more relaxing chat and a little wine for H and moi.
I didn't wake again until 8am, can't believe how my body and brain have disengaged so quickly. I do disturb early but easily and quickly doze off again.
Around 10am on Saturday, JR and I head off for Portsmouth Gun Wharf which is kind of an outlet village and I make JR buy some MBT's... I don't have to try too hard. Around noon, we head for H&M's charity brunch and I'm force fed a bacon barm, (I did say no thank you as it's on white bread which doesn't agree with me but I get one anyway.) Quickly followed by a sausage barm and a raffle. (I only usually have sausage if it's cremated.)
After that, we head back to H&M's then at 2pm, we leave for Poole, a drive around the millionaires liar, Sandbanks then onto Bournemouth. We stopped off at Compton Acres which is very much like Ness Gardens only with more steps and a sea view.
It was blowing a gale in Bournemouth and the walk along the beach was positively wind swept. I lost all feeling in my fingers and witnessed a woman in her thong getting changed by a rubbish skip... classy.
The journey home took almost twice as long as we kept diverting to try to find somewhere to eat, we even ventured into the New Forest which was beautiful but the pub was also booked up. We eventually landed at a Chinese Restaurant not far from home and we indulged in a banquet were M gave me his fleece as I was still shaking with cold.
I actually had an early night and was in bed by 11.30pm, I really know how to live on the wild side ;)
Sunday morning was lazy and lovely. JR and I headed for Emsworth, we headed into the midst of a charity dragon boat race and one of the teams was called, "Raglan." Funny huh? After we'd navigated around the throngs, we headed out on the coastal walk were it was once again, blowing a gale but we walked for a while then sat on a bench for a while looking out over the water.
After being blown to pieces, we headed to "Heidi's" for scrambled egg on toast and a filter coffee then back to JR's with the papers for a very lazy afternoon.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave for the airport. We stopped off at H&M's for coffee en route and then JR deposited me at the airport. Doesn't time fly?
I didn't wake again until 8am, can't believe how my body and brain have disengaged so quickly. I do disturb early but easily and quickly doze off again.
Around 10am on Saturday, JR and I head off for Portsmouth Gun Wharf which is kind of an outlet village and I make JR buy some MBT's... I don't have to try too hard. Around noon, we head for H&M's charity brunch and I'm force fed a bacon barm, (I did say no thank you as it's on white bread which doesn't agree with me but I get one anyway.) Quickly followed by a sausage barm and a raffle. (I only usually have sausage if it's cremated.)
After that, we head back to H&M's then at 2pm, we leave for Poole, a drive around the millionaires liar, Sandbanks then onto Bournemouth. We stopped off at Compton Acres which is very much like Ness Gardens only with more steps and a sea view.
It was blowing a gale in Bournemouth and the walk along the beach was positively wind swept. I lost all feeling in my fingers and witnessed a woman in her thong getting changed by a rubbish skip... classy.
The journey home took almost twice as long as we kept diverting to try to find somewhere to eat, we even ventured into the New Forest which was beautiful but the pub was also booked up. We eventually landed at a Chinese Restaurant not far from home and we indulged in a banquet were M gave me his fleece as I was still shaking with cold.
I actually had an early night and was in bed by 11.30pm, I really know how to live on the wild side ;)
Sunday morning was lazy and lovely. JR and I headed for Emsworth, we headed into the midst of a charity dragon boat race and one of the teams was called, "Raglan." Funny huh? After we'd navigated around the throngs, we headed out on the coastal walk were it was once again, blowing a gale but we walked for a while then sat on a bench for a while looking out over the water.
After being blown to pieces, we headed to "Heidi's" for scrambled egg on toast and a filter coffee then back to JR's with the papers for a very lazy afternoon.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave for the airport. We stopped off at H&M's for coffee en route and then JR deposited me at the airport. Doesn't time fly?
Cleared for Take Off
So, we head out to unknown territory. I've never departed from gate 150 before but the journey doesn't end there. We board a bus which takes us to the far end of the airfield where our propellered plane is waiting. It's a particularly tiny aircraft and while I thought I'd done well with my packing, my weekend case still won't fit in to the overhead locker and so it's rammed under the seat in front. I don't have anyone sitting next to me which means more elbow room for me to write.
Emergency floor guidance system is once again... fluorescent sticky tape but as long is it does the job, who am I to scorn?
Take off, (I don't like take off,) seems laboured but within seconds, we were in dense, white, apparently bumpy cloud. Seconds after that and I can see actual blue sky and sunshine. Amazing.
The sandwiches on the trolley actually look fresh and appetising but I'm going to opt for a decaff coffee to go with the chocolate drops I've brought with me.
Sun is now streaming in through the window, chocolate drops may actually melt and Swarovski is crating a disco-glitter-ball effect in the cabin. You are with me too by the way, in the form of Pandora.
I finally feel a bit calmer and suddenly a lot more tired. I think I've worn myself out.
I land on time, make my way to the drop off/pick up point which is now drop off only and keep getting shoo-ed by the man in the fluorescent vest. I keep getting told to make my way to the pick up point within the car park, (which JR has never been to,) in he end, fluorescent vest man comes up to me to tell me I'm in the right place. "But how does she get in?" I ask. "Don't you worry about that." I'm told. Could he be more patronising? He should have added, "little lady" to the end. I couldn't work out how JR would get into the car park to find me but I'm now stuck, my card is marked.
About 20 minutes later, JR phones me to says she's had to park as she can't find me and we meet in the middle, (where I wanted to be,) and head home.
Thursday evening is spent relaxing. JR makes a sticky chicken salad while we catch up then H arrives and she and I enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, (JR is tee-total,) then M arrives around 10pm. It's midnight before we head for bed but I actually sleep like a log. Not sure if it's the wine or the one third of a sleeping tablet I've taken as I don't usually sleep on my first night away, or a combination of both. Either way... it's bliss.
Oh, and I got a lovely text from a friend to say; "don't reply but hope you're having a lovely time." I really was.
Emergency floor guidance system is once again... fluorescent sticky tape but as long is it does the job, who am I to scorn?
Take off, (I don't like take off,) seems laboured but within seconds, we were in dense, white, apparently bumpy cloud. Seconds after that and I can see actual blue sky and sunshine. Amazing.
The sandwiches on the trolley actually look fresh and appetising but I'm going to opt for a decaff coffee to go with the chocolate drops I've brought with me.
Sun is now streaming in through the window, chocolate drops may actually melt and Swarovski is crating a disco-glitter-ball effect in the cabin. You are with me too by the way, in the form of Pandora.
I finally feel a bit calmer and suddenly a lot more tired. I think I've worn myself out.
I land on time, make my way to the drop off/pick up point which is now drop off only and keep getting shoo-ed by the man in the fluorescent vest. I keep getting told to make my way to the pick up point within the car park, (which JR has never been to,) in he end, fluorescent vest man comes up to me to tell me I'm in the right place. "But how does she get in?" I ask. "Don't you worry about that." I'm told. Could he be more patronising? He should have added, "little lady" to the end. I couldn't work out how JR would get into the car park to find me but I'm now stuck, my card is marked.
About 20 minutes later, JR phones me to says she's had to park as she can't find me and we meet in the middle, (where I wanted to be,) and head home.
Thursday evening is spent relaxing. JR makes a sticky chicken salad while we catch up then H arrives and she and I enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, (JR is tee-total,) then M arrives around 10pm. It's midnight before we head for bed but I actually sleep like a log. Not sure if it's the wine or the one third of a sleeping tablet I've taken as I don't usually sleep on my first night away, or a combination of both. Either way... it's bliss.
Oh, and I got a lovely text from a friend to say; "don't reply but hope you're having a lovely time." I really was.
August 4th
It's Thursday, just after 9.30am and I've been dashing around like a crazy person since I got home from work yesterday afternoon. Washing, ironing, trying to decide what to pack, trying to remember things I've no doubt forgotten. I've probably, (definitely,) tried to cram in a bit too much but once I take my seat on that plane, I think I'll be able to relax. Until then, I feel like a bit of a jittering wreck.
I've already had a text from H&M to say "safe journey" and how much they're looking forward to the weekend. It will be so nice to have a change of scenery, a good catch up and the company of good friends, not to mention, a break from the routines I seem to live by.
I left home with curly, bouncy hair however, a few short minutes in this rain that's falling, (fine almost like mist but heavy,) and I have a wavy, slightly soggy situation going on. No matter.
We had a deadline in work this week, and of course I had two less days in which to reach it as I'll be away. I made it anyway but not without a fair bit of pressure but I can forget all about work now, at least until Tuesday when I'll be met with another deadline to aim for.
I was late leaving my waxing appointment and I still had to pack. Own fault I know. B arrived on time and we left as planned, reached the airport and I was deposited in plenty of time at the drop off point.
Security was a breeze, I usually either bleep and have to have a pat down, get a lecture from one of the security officials about my liquids, (as far as I'm concerned, they are all essential and if they fit in the baggie, what's the problem?) Or occasionally get my bag swabbed for drugs and, or explosives. You have one seriously suspicious looking best friend madam. None of that palaver today, I sail through but I'm still a jittering wreck for some reason. I don't know why as I'm not a nervous flyer. I've just had a packet of Tyrell's Hand Cooked English crisps to see if that helps, maybe I just need food.
Still thick cloud and misty rain but it's warm, or is that just me?
I was late leaving waxing as the lovely M was taking her time with me today as she needed to tell me her news. Sadly, her Dad passed away a few weeks ago. She's thinking of buying the premises she works from, the same premises her Mum owned before she passed away and of course she's nervous, excited, wondering if she's doing the right thing. We got into a conversation about life's chapters, about things coming to an end, new beginnings, how scary change is, how the only things you regret are the things you don't do or at least try. How the fear of failure can stop you from even trying. I almost had an out of body experience. Well, a bit dramatic but there I was, lying there practically naked when I suddenly heard myself imparting all of this, "go for it" advice. I'm going to try analysing less and taking more chances. I'm not talking about being reckless, just... living I suppose.
I'm listening to the soothing, soulful voice of James Morrison on my iPod. Hopefully, he'll have a calming effect.
Gosh, I do love people watching and I love catching people watching me.
By the way, M did a lovely job as usual. I always feel, "clean" when I've had my eyebrows done, even if the legs do look a little like a plucked chicken.
One of my favourites has just come on; "Save Yourself." I'll listen to Mr Morrison until the end of this track, then I'll make my way to the boards to see if my gate has been announced.
I've already had a text from H&M to say "safe journey" and how much they're looking forward to the weekend. It will be so nice to have a change of scenery, a good catch up and the company of good friends, not to mention, a break from the routines I seem to live by.
I left home with curly, bouncy hair however, a few short minutes in this rain that's falling, (fine almost like mist but heavy,) and I have a wavy, slightly soggy situation going on. No matter.
We had a deadline in work this week, and of course I had two less days in which to reach it as I'll be away. I made it anyway but not without a fair bit of pressure but I can forget all about work now, at least until Tuesday when I'll be met with another deadline to aim for.
I was late leaving my waxing appointment and I still had to pack. Own fault I know. B arrived on time and we left as planned, reached the airport and I was deposited in plenty of time at the drop off point.
Security was a breeze, I usually either bleep and have to have a pat down, get a lecture from one of the security officials about my liquids, (as far as I'm concerned, they are all essential and if they fit in the baggie, what's the problem?) Or occasionally get my bag swabbed for drugs and, or explosives. You have one seriously suspicious looking best friend madam. None of that palaver today, I sail through but I'm still a jittering wreck for some reason. I don't know why as I'm not a nervous flyer. I've just had a packet of Tyrell's Hand Cooked English crisps to see if that helps, maybe I just need food.
Still thick cloud and misty rain but it's warm, or is that just me?
I was late leaving waxing as the lovely M was taking her time with me today as she needed to tell me her news. Sadly, her Dad passed away a few weeks ago. She's thinking of buying the premises she works from, the same premises her Mum owned before she passed away and of course she's nervous, excited, wondering if she's doing the right thing. We got into a conversation about life's chapters, about things coming to an end, new beginnings, how scary change is, how the only things you regret are the things you don't do or at least try. How the fear of failure can stop you from even trying. I almost had an out of body experience. Well, a bit dramatic but there I was, lying there practically naked when I suddenly heard myself imparting all of this, "go for it" advice. I'm going to try analysing less and taking more chances. I'm not talking about being reckless, just... living I suppose.
I'm listening to the soothing, soulful voice of James Morrison on my iPod. Hopefully, he'll have a calming effect.
Gosh, I do love people watching and I love catching people watching me.
By the way, M did a lovely job as usual. I always feel, "clean" when I've had my eyebrows done, even if the legs do look a little like a plucked chicken.
One of my favourites has just come on; "Save Yourself." I'll listen to Mr Morrison until the end of this track, then I'll make my way to the boards to see if my gate has been announced.
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