Going Places

It's work, work, and more work for you, karen, but happily you seem to be enjoying it. This is because you are applying yourself to goals that mean a lot to you and that are helping you climb the ladder to career success. Your ability to impress those in important positions is getting you places. This week, you have the help of the New Moon to give you an extra boost. From Monday, you have a two-week window of opportunity that you can utilize to help your dreams and plans come to fruition much sooner. Whether you are starting a new job, going for an interview, or aiming for a promotion, make use of this special influence. It is also useful if you are taking the first steps to promoting a product or service and need the publicity. In fact, it should be especially beneficial in this instance. Mars moves into your social zone after Friday, which will coincide with a renewed interest in networking and getting out with friends and family. If there is someone you particularly want to meet, you will be very forward in introducing yourself. Sunday is fun: it is going to be a wonderfully relaxing day when you will be at your best.

Watch out Baggy!!

Strictly vs X-Factor

I am boycotting Strictly Come Dancing until Karen and Gary are out of the comp.

As for the X-Factor whenever I sit and watch it I end up wanting to bawl my eyes out - now what's that about?! (And I don't mean cos the singing makes me wince...) It's all that 'on view' human emotion...joy n pain. Luckily Saturday night saw me out in Medway missing it all but home in time for MOTD!!! Pain for Arsenal, joy for Hull!

Speaking of joy n pain Tess is on shortly...

Rock n Roll

Been a busy week - lots to get stuck into - places and people. Where to start really?

Monday I went to the Bank. To talk money and futures. It was heartening in these less than perfect economic days. I go through the day at work, went swimming and did 30 lengths in 25mins. Neck ache temporarily forgotten.

Tuesday. I detoured from team drinks to celebrate impending wedding. For some reason the social side of my work life feels less significant than it once did. Maybe a year on my reflection sees a different face. I did tho go to the gym and on the way to the tube pop my head round the door and wish said colleague all the best. Marriage in Hong Kong - long weekend! So weird being one of the senior members of staff and watching as all around me mature, buy houses, get married and have children. I feel like the static character whilst the world whizzes passed. And yet I am growing to like that sensation..

Wednesday. Day off to acknowledge the life and times of Gucci the dog. Mazza and Rosie were treated to the FB tour of London complete with umbrella. Yes it rained as we stood under a tree in St James Park. I suspect it was a case of two's company and three's a crowd but they got to see a fair bit of London (I walked them a good 8 miles) and fed and watered them. It was good to see Mum so animated. She and Rose go back to when my mum was working, before me and during the era of meeting my dad and escaping her mum. It is so obvious how much my Mum idolises Rose. Rosie and I have a connection - her influence helped stir me to take action and return to studies - the Bar - well why not aim high. What a fateful retirement do my Dad had. Rosie and I are quite alike. She lives by herself - through choice and has a stubborn streak much like me. Yet we are not related but my Mum fears us both for our opinions and views. So as you can imagine the day was filled with memories and the grouses of less London-lite people. I'm sure they had fun - but the way they ran to catch the 7.04 train suggests they were ready to return to green and pleasant Kent.

Thursday. Ah Thursday. Spent all day in pain. Neck and eyes causing misery - but it was a day on non-stop meetings. My ideal to go to the gym paled when I realised I was better off wandering home and relaxing. Long day.

Friday. A morning trip to the doctors. And today an unusual event - one of the team celebrated their last day. Team lunch and beers. The day was busy. And come 5.30 I was off and out to see a piece of my past in a play. I was clearly not popular for this decision, but even as a static character I cannot be in two places at once. So to Tonbridge I went.

Saturday. FOOTIE! Sunshine and hugs.

Sunday. Washing and pre-Monday prep.

But ah - the week ahead is but short as I indulge is several days off!!

And now this overview is complete I can focus in on some of the more interesting parts of the week...

Footie

General observation as I watched MOTD Saturday evening through bleary eyes (too many white wines and erm vodka cokes...) was the marvellous input of ex-Gills players

Marlon King - now @ Hull City
Jason Brown - now @ Blackburn - he was in goal for whole game
Jlloyd Samuel - now @ Bolton - defender whose decent tackle gave Ronaldo a penalty (say NO more)
Oh and Tony Pulis of course - the Stoke City manager - some of his tactics would be useful now!!

Gillingham 1 - Port Vale 0

Hehem. An own goal. Gives us 3 points. Sees us 8th - which the Vale manager isn't so happy about... Mind you it was a bloody awful game!!

But Pops was on top form and the crowd around us were ok - plus the sun made it very pleasant! Well worth the trip down.. well sort of!

'The Truth and Other Lies'

Was a play written and performed by the Little Bridge Theatre Group. It was running Wed-Fri at the EM Forster Theatre which is part of Tonbridge School - and if you ever get the chance go and look at that for a school! It's an amazing building and the grounds out the back as the sun was setting were, for a Kentish Maid like me, a treat to see. Shame that to get to it from the station you pass through a High Street were you get chatted up 'Alright love, fancy a drink with me?' Never happens in London I fear.

I was as so often is the case by myself - which was for the best. Thankfully the theatre had a bar so I could neck a can of John Smith's in a safe environment as opposed to the offered Wetherspoons distraction.

At 7.30 we were ushered into the studio. The company ranged across the ages - from I would guess late 60's through to a young lad of perhaps 5 or 6. Between them they had interwoven aspects of their lives to create a montage of story lines to which Verity viewed with cynicism and hardness.

The stories dealt with aging, loss, betrayal (almost), miracles, childhood ill treatment and death. SO life then.

It was a promenade piece so I was part of the performance just by standing in the audience. I have to say the 2 hour piece (with an interval and another can of John Smiths) went really swiftly despite the strain on the knees - suggesting it was indeed a powerful and entrancing piece. There were a few forgotten lines - but the scenes of children dealing with their aging parents struck a cord. There was a moving scene with a lung cancer patient which this week has significant resonance for me. And there was a moment when the young boy got separated from his parents. Unlike my brother he did not catch the train home. The best line 'sometimes its not so much finding the right words as the right ears'.

So why was I there?

Well there is a strange thing in my life that somehow keeps me connected to certain people whom I have met in odd or extreme circumstances. This was the 3rd time I had been in the same room as The Actor. The 2nd longest time we've been in the same room together in fact. It was incredibly odd. When we spoke to each other it was like the real Karen was elsewhere - and instead this uber luvvie version appeared. I was so full of joy to see him so well and so where he should be I wanted to burst with smiles. The performance had made me think. The scenes he was in - were they based on his experiences? We shall talk soon about all this I know. He will demand my opinion, listen to it and reflect on it and challenge me again. I always seem to give more than I get. Yet seeing him was a positive not a negative experience. All the mixed messages and highs & lows of our former selves less important. It's been several years and much has happened to each of us. After the performance I bolted for the loo but inevitably came face to face with him as I left. We talked - he walked me out of the theatre understanding I had to catch a train, and we agreed, footie soon. It was a floaty feeling. One of confirmation for me at least that my instincts about the guy were right. I was very very taken by him way back when. But now as a static character he has rushed past so often he was once more stood before me. Recognition. Can't change the past. But sure as hell can learn from it.

As for me, I had chalked up another solo diversion that went well and made me smile and made me feel like a cat stalking the rooftops as she returned to London swaying her flares and squeaking her leathers.

Who'd be a girl?

The fortnight has been a doctor and nurse farce.

Well not so much farce as much as being told that at 'my age' I should reconsider my child birth options. Any of the recommended changes pretty much enforcing a menopause like state onto my body. Yes. Just what I needed to hear. Suddenly not smoking and being healthy than ever were not cutting the ice anymore. Here was a fresh faced doctor giving me the low down on my body and age. I suppose I should be flattered that I am still considered old enough to bear children...however as I left the surgery I did ask who'd be a woman? He had no answer - what a great start to the week. So going for my smear test this Friday was almost the reprise. Thankfully the nurse, although fresh faced, at least conceded that she too had lost her sense of time. I could not believe it had been 3 years since the last one. For the squeamish turn away now. Now a days they use a plastic monkey wrench and a brush... no really they do. It feels so odd and for the rest of the day your womb response with cramp like pains. The nurse gave me some leaflets. More feminine things to worry about. So at my age it was most comforting to read in The Observer today the contrast of 25yo mothers vs 35+ yo mothers. As I walked round the circuit this morning I realised that whilst I suspect I would be a good mum - it would probably now be a role I would never play. Not so much daunting as one of those but why do I have make a choice? It was fitting that Miriam Margolyes was on Desert Island Discs talking of how she had not married or had children (OK so she is a homosexual) and how that had disappointed her parents. Her life had been filled with other roles. I suspect mine is too - just not so obvious ones to the outside world - but certainly to those who need that static character in their life.

2012 fever

Reaches Rochester

Thanks

Sparky for a tops evening. More decisions huh...

Fog on the Don

Where have I been?

erm here or here abouts!

Two poor footie results have kept me silenced.

A week of runny nose and sore throat and achy chest mean I have been 'getting by'.

Friday night saw me drinking way too much, it had started so civilised as well, and thus the lovely weather that was Saturday 20th Sept I missed by spending most of the day in bed - good company of the Ryder Cup on Radio 5 though. My body probably needed to recuperate. Plus I find it helps put a week of tension and grief into perspective.

Today - determined to make the most of the weather I went for my walk at 7.30am. There were few people about and enough of a chill in the air to make my fingers react unbidden. Ah the thrill of knowing you are alive. Home. Another pants Skype session. Followed by shower. Breakfast. Realisation still have headache - eye strain? Toothache?

Ironing. Walk. Crossword.

Lamb chops and steamed veg.

Come Dine with Me. In Kent.

Ryder Cup as I await Part 2 of Tess. Sadly I haven't read far enough in advance... so I could miss it and catch up in week - but my week looks a bit full!

Hidden Away

The gentle light of the Full Moon on Monday, karen, is going to bring many hidden things to light. Thoughts that have been partially buried beneath layers of activity and stress will suddenly stand out in stark relief. If you have been repressing anything or have been in denial on any issue, this, too, is likely to come to the surface. It is better to square up to anything that needs sorting out, even if you have to get professional help to enable you to resolve things. Your career and your professional image are uppermost in your mind. You seem determined to make headway and are also savvy enough to realize that you can't do this alone. You need the help of people in key positions to achieve your aims. There is no better time to forge ahead and make those vital connections. You may have to join clubs or groups in order to get closer and infiltrate that inner circle, but for you, it is well worth it. Jupiter is once more direct in your sign, which means that all the hard work you have put in recently is about to pay off. Don't commit to any financial deals on Sunday as it may not work out as planned.

View

From Poultry

Crystal tips

Where's Alistar?

today...

Capricorn (Dec22-Jan20) You could get the green light as far as your career ambitions are concerned. Not only are you the most capable person for a particular job, but you're also the most desirable candidate. The powers that be admire your leadership ability. They also sense you possess the necessary diplomacy to handle the job. Assuming a very public role will prove stimulating. You may need to update your wardrobe as a means to look the part.

Mm. My hair is slightly large today. Sometimes late nights mean you are less alert in the morning so experimenting (or time saving as I justified it to myself) seem like great ideas... now I can barely fit hair through doors. So far everyone is being very polite!!! Ha ha!

I have also realised I am no longer used to late nights and little sleep! Mind you I am still buzzing. I want to dance and sing! Tra la la!

Dance 2night

Piccies of the gig cf Beeb web

Not football!

Get into the groove!

Quality!

Mad dreams follow..

should I

go and see Madonna on Thursday?

Am totally hooked on Hard Candy now and keep bopping when certain songs come on!! (mainly Dance 2night) Oh yeah boogie on the tube, on Rochester station, on the escalator and anywhere I happen to be!!

Anyway more tickets released, its Wembley Stadium - and after Bowie she is still a hero I want to see live.. so there you go just answered my own daft question! best go buy... ta ta...

Splash

This evening I was late out of the office - so legged it to the pool - splashed in at 6.30 and by 6.53 had swum 31 lengths. The best bit? There were only 2 of us in the pool and the lack of people meant I could really push myself.. brilliant. Not even many people in the changing room.. definitely a tops way to end the day...

Knackered now tho.

But aiming to listen to as much of the Murray v Federer game as possible!!

Life-Altering Experience

Your pace quickens considerably this week, karen, and in addition, you are sure to feel a lot happier than you have recently. On Monday, Jupiter in Capricorn turns direct and trines your ruler, Saturn, and you are in store for quite a few lively experiences. This a great time for you to get your life in order since you will find that you can accomplish your agenda very rapidly. Be on the lookout for a very positive life-altering event to occur very soon, and take note that it will bring you to the destination you are seeking. Make sure that you don't waste your opportunities for development and inner growth that are taking place. On Wednesday, your emotions are on the capricious side as the Moon in Capricorn sextiles erratic and unpredictable Uranus. Don't be afraid to be bold and daring; it's your time to explore your options and try new experiences. Over the weekend, a letter or e-mail will arrive that will give you a deeper understanding of a recent event that occurred between you and a friend. Your associate is ready to reach out to you and wants your feedback, so try to be as understanding as possible.

Lost

One cheque book...

Not Blankety Blank...

----
Update 8th Sept - cheque book found!!

Sport...

...about to hit the hay and listen to Murray vs Nadal... hoping the Scot carries on his winning ways and gets that 3rd set...(Pat Cash and co - it will be like Wimbledon weeks all over again!)

...gutted Lewis Hamilton was deducted 25secs to not win Belgian Grand Prix...

... Soccer Aid - after Wednesday - it's not as easy as it looks - so I am not surprised by the level of injured being stretchered off...

Ducking Stool

Are you a witch?

Wif of Bathe

Canterbury Cathedral

Saturday pm

Did not pan out as expected but surprisingly I was perfectly content watching King Kong and eating Bourbon biscuits... sometimes less is more...

Gillingham 3 - Grimsby Town 0

That's more like it!!

Day starts well... walk; home; wash; and the marvellous return of Radio Five's 'Fighting Talk'... then I managed to miss being spotted by the Tithead (with son) on the train (which was late) and in leather jacket and fav jeans felt pretty good about life....

And the game.. rocking!

Second clean sheet at home and 3 goals.. sorry Codheads we had the slither of luck required..

Jackson, McCammon (By pure freak of luck) and corking free kick by Daniels...

the only downer - getting soaked on the way back to the train station... soddens!

Stiff* as a

(* courtesy of www.hercules-online.com)

Implosion?

Obviously the biggest football story this week is my attempt to capture the eye of any passing scout... however it's been pushed off the back and the front pages by manager resignations.. the season is not even a month old and Keegan and Curbs have walked. Why? Ah money again. Not that they have not been getting enough more a case of the ones with the purse strings want to manage teams as well... so the actual manager has no power or say (sounds like a lower division's clubs fate) and so the cream of English managers are walking.. how long for Mark Hughes? (OK so he is Welsh).. How long? Is the beginning of the fans starting to take some responsibility and walking? Mmm. I wonder. Never thought I would see Keegan walk not after all the adulation he got when he re-joined all those months ago...

Rock of Love...2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to write this - having just watched what was possibly the least plausible piece of TV I have seen in a while...

In the tumbleweed half hour between Mock the Week and heading to Radio 7's Comedy Zone I was flicking through the Freeview channels, The Sweeney, Friends, Ramsay's Kitchen's Nightmares, Dragons Den Big Brother, My Name is Earl, Flex & Soft....Rock of Love 2... (TMF) where a short arsed aging American 'rock' star lives with a bevvy of semi clad women who are trying to win his heart... I flicked to another channel and back again to see if there was a gremlin in the TV. Oh no. And think 'Rock of Love 2' - this is the second series... The love of his life (for this episode at least) was leaving cos she had to sort her business out at home.. (she was a brunette) the 'babes' left behind were shocked that rock star had let the brunette babe make the decision. The trailer for the next episode includes ex boyfriends and the rock star favourite party girl - who gets all the wannabe Mrs Rockstar's drunk and heaving... I think on this basis my quest for love remains as it is... the thought of living with 19 other women and vying for a blokes attention does absolutely nothing for me... it would be like being a battery hen - no day light, strange feeding rituals, odd grooming rights and plenty of clucking and squawking for attention.

However for those of you who missed 'Mock the Week' - it was good but what was Lauren Laverne on there for?!

Six-a-side Football... (ish)

We lost all three games thanks a David Calamity James incident in the first game - our goalie not realising were we 2 all came out for a throw in in the final 15secs of the game - doink straight to an oppo's head and in out undefended goal... he will not be allowed to forget!!

Just a few action and non action shots to prove that yes I really did run around like a banishee and try to kick a ball... Oli and Jackson your places are safe! Some one later accused me of merely 'roaming' round the pitch!!

Apres football beverages... not until 10 to 10 did anyone bother to tell us there was a free bar - so we fearlessly made up for it in the 90 minutes that remained!! And yes that did include pints of Guinness!!!

The team - a team that drinks together at least makes an effort to play togehter once a year! Well done all!!

My new friend

These legs

Are going to ACHE on Thurs. Oh today. They do

Lady Chat'ley

Is completed. Aside from the few sexual scenes, physical expressions of the same coin, it was the most intimate story I have read and also an insightful commentary on society at that time. It also made me laugh in places. Connie and Mellors. I actually believed in their love and their expression thereof. It wasn't gratuitous in the way the tabloids are today. It was quite touching. Rekindled my beliefs in a way.. (apart from when two blokes were pointing it out to me on the tube last Friday... thankfully my earphones meant I heard nowt! Sure it gave them a thrill....)

Think 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' next...

In training!

1000m in 4.52! Come on!!
Mind you I was quite wound up as I entered the arena...also suspect I will ache tomorrow..
5.5kms on bike (13mins)
.33 km on cross trainer (my least favourite exercise) (5 mins)

Gasp!

It's raining.
It's grey.
It's dark.
I have kicked a cup of tea all over the bedroom carpet.
How can the day pan out after such a positive start?

--------------

10.20pm. Honestly. Well if you discount the soaking from Johnny Cardriver outside the church on the way to the tube this morning - it sort of nose dived. I feel totally unproductive. Spinning out of control. Angry and frustrated in equal parts. And yet resigned to it all. Thank goodness for other interests right now..

R.I.P

The English game of football.

The new dawn reveals Man Utd and Man City spending squillions and the fans getting het up about the fact that maybe City can outwit Utd and test their class.

I find myself ranting at the radio (not for the first time) about how narrow minded and short sighted this move is. The Premiership has no care or concern for the wider football league. It's sucked the life out it and somehow the lower divisions are expected to survive on far far far less than a single transfer paid by the money men of the higher division.

Surely at some point there has to come a football equivalent to a recession? I sure hope so - let them suffer in the same way that the Luton's, Rotherham's and Bournemouth's have suffered. And don't tell me the fans of these clubs love their club any less - in truth they probably love it more. But then where did love and loyalty ever get anyone in this society of me me me and money money money?

Roll on Saturday and another pitiful defeat for the England side - demotivated to play for their country cos the income from that is paltry in comparison. Bah.

Wednesday

I am playing football - annual six-a-side! Any tips!?

Feel free to come and support our side - The Rebooters - 6pm onwards. I think the team strategy is get knocked out as soon as poss in order to head off down the pub for grub n beers!!

Ah!

So I have an exercise to weight ratio to deal with!
Only up a few pounds mind you - and muscle does weigh more :-)

This evening at swimming I managed 37 lengths in 30mins - 37 x 20m = 740m

I can already feel my thighs twanging!!

Playing The Part

You will be in the limelight in one way or another, karen. A focus on your career zone means that you are going to be busy getting things organized. It is very important to you that you give the right image, which means that you may be very active doing just that. If this means a change of wardrobe or a new hairstyle to give you the edge, you will go for it. You are good at calculating the odds, and you know how important it is to make every detail count. You are also keen to impress the right people by getting in touch and perhaps inviting them out for lunch. By keeping in contact and developing sound, working relationships, you will be more likely to attract success. If you happen to be traveling on Wednesday, you may be delayed when you need to reach your destination in time. Try to account for every eventuality, and don't leave your packing until the last moment as you are bound to leave something out. On Thursday, you have an opportunity to make headway with a project that concerns a new line of experience. A stroke of luck will give you more options and more benefits.

Sunday Night TV

What is GOING ON!!?!? Where's the feel good factor designed to get you out of the house fresh as a daisy Monday morning?! At least Strictly Come Dancing is soon back - and I'm looking forward to seeing Mark Foster master the foxtrot - growl!

Given up and checking out the Japing Ape's Blog.. best not done at work at fear! But some amusing ideas nevertheless!

Music

This weekend I bought some c-d's - the first time in ages!! Mainly because all my other stuff has the digital protection on it so I can't upload to my portal DAB n MP3 (my mainstay at the gym now!)

So it was upbeat tunes I was in search of... my choices...

Ministry of Sound - Anthems 1991-2008

Ministry of Sound - Chilled 1991-2008

Madonna 'Hard Candy'

UNKLE 'Psyence Fiction'

Oasis 'Stop the Clocks'

Does anyone remember the Bucketheads and The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall into My Mind)? Or Grace 'It's not over yet' - total flashback to club nights in Leicester - to Sarah Thomas and dancing like a mad thing! Brilliant!

Not sure yet about 'Hard Candy' - it doesn't feel on first listen as if it has the groove of Confessions on the Dancefloor... again I may change my mind after a few more listens.

As for UNKLE I first laid my paws on that in 2000 when I was living with Baggy, unemployed and relying on Wimbledon Music Library to provide me with cheap entertainment (well apart form that which I derived from the Guardian soul mates!) and this album wore thin on the cassette from so many plays.. so good to have in proper format! As for Oasis - what can I say - I never bought the albums and Wonderwall is a great song - plus 'Acquiesce' is on it and apparently that song reminded Zig of me so I think some years later I should at least listen to it!

I should

be doing my ironing - but frankly I can't be arsed...