Top 10 Sun rays...

And I am not talking about fit men...which reminds me*...

I am though going to share with you my list of reasons to start wondering if warmer climates are the answer. When I say warm I guess I mean 32+ day after day and so humid.. well I think most of us know how we feel... so here in no particular order are my observations as to why I am getting a little fed up with the weather:

• Everyone moaning about it - me included (generally at 9.30am when I hit the office)
• Walking at my usual speed means I end up dripping - it's slowing me down and isn't attractive.
• Pavements sticky
• Rubbish/litter seems more prevalent
• Street odours (what are those smells?)
• British definition of air con - erm so what's that then?!
• Fans. The noise. The blowing of papers everywhere. People not switching them off when they LEAVE the office
• Dried out contact lenses
• Puffy eyes
• Lack of sleep
• Non-environmentally friendly Air Con units (which don't actually achieve anything)
• Head feels like wrapped in a blanket
• Packed tubes.
• Tubes/trains not running - too hot; lines buckled, track side fires, faulty comms/signals
• Journey home seems to take HOURS!
• Body odours
• Sudden hunger pains at 11am
• Drinking more water than my toilet uses most days (ok except this morning)
• Feeling bloated by so much water drinking
• Needing to pee more than usual. Phyiscal effort to keep walking to loo.
• Long hair. It goes frizzy. Dries out. It's too hot to wear it down.
• Sandals. Designed to rub and hurt.
• Break sandals in - wear frequently - get crushed toes every morning on tube
• Toe nails - need varnishing once a week or more often if crushed that morning on tube.
• Sandals. People standing on the backs of them whilst you walk. GET OFF MY SANDALS YOU NIMROD!
• Skirts. No air con. Sticky legs.
• Legs. Armpits. Everyday is a lady shave day. Or an epilate or a weekly wax. Joy.
• Facial hair. Seems to grow twice as fast in the sun. And over night.
• Sun cream. Everyday. Facial skin looks oily and frankly c***
• Drought.
• People watering gardens when sun still out and with a watering can spray head on. Or hose out of kitchen window...
• Threatened power cuts
• Missing the storms. Storms by-passing where I am. I wanna hear the rain and feel the air being cleared.
• Office. No air con. AND now electric circuit breakers on over load. If they go for good, 3 weeks to repair. So please turn off all non-essential equipment. I am now confused. Air con? Essential?
• Water chillers not designed for frequent use to dispense chilled water beyond a glass at a time.
• Bar-b-q's. The smell of cheap throw away ones being lit in small gardens. Rank smoke billowing in through windows.
• Open windows. Paranoia that not shut when I leave the house.
• People's dress sense. The sun re-defines bad taste decisions.
• Fake tan. Yes it looks ok - but it goes weird at the ankles and my hands look like I smoke with the ciggy poised between every set of fingers at least once. I have nicotine (fake tan) stained palms?!
• Fake tan. Red face. Mmm. That's my body rebelling against the oppressive heat in the office. I vasodialate til I'm red in the face.
• Grumpiness. Listlessness
• *Men in shorts. (Not all I confess, but the majority) Oh and not being able to say to blokes in shorts 'woooh so you do have legs...'
• Or women for that matter in those tailored ones. With tights underneath and high heels. How? Why?
• Growing fear we will all be frazzled alive. The end is nigh etc etc.
• And this. Me still being awake at 11.30pm cos it's still warm. I NEED MY SLEEP!!!!

Ah.

Glad I got that off my chest.

Fruit Loops

This is a warning to all (and a post especially for those who wanted to be able to see what I would write)

I was a tad late this morning - by about 5 minutes.

Last night when I got home after a very sedate 2 pints of bitter shandy and a good old catch up with Lisa I was a tad peckish. So I cruised the fridge. Ah a tub of muller rice and some stewed strawbs/rasps/blackcurrants. Lovely. I scoffed the lot whilst watching BB and the 5 in the prison.

It must have been a larger quantity of stewed fruit than I realised. It certainly razzled up the bowel movements this morning. As I took my keys and prepared to leave the threshold I realised that my journey maybe a too longer a stint without access to a toilet. So seconds away round 2 and then off to work. Hence my 5 min lateness.

I have to say that this evening's BB has just revealed the materialists and the thinkers.. all ties in with me re-reading Lord of the Flies too...

GFC....and football.

Okay okay. I am not panicing - yet. After all better to have mid season slump now..

However we lost on Saturday 1-nil to QPR.
And last night Bromley beat us 1-nil. Am I concerned?!

erm yes.

But they have been wearing their new home kit! Which isn't too hideous! I think I may invest in one this season.. my current one is TOO large and I need to have one to wear around Melbourne again!

As for other footballing issues - I am appalled by the current Chelsea scam. Blatant. Selling players for far less than they bought them - and to clubs they perceive as less of a long term threat. The rot has truly set in.
Aston Villa are up for a take over. So Man U mark II then?
The Italian clubs have all had their punishment decreased.

I find it hard to stomach the way in which the Premiership is just completely changing the landscape - and what for? Predictable winners and over inflated ticket prices.
Has anyone else noticed or is it just me - all those England flags have disappeared pronto... no matter the cricket team are in action, no matter then the supposed England 'football' team fans have slunk back into the shadows. Why not fly the flag until the season re starts?! Which by the way - Aug 5th Huddersfield at home!! true fans will be there making the most of a warm seat for a change!!

I am contemplating creating a separate blog for KF GFC related news and getting involved in the GFC blog community....

Mozzquito...

has been back at the flat - I have a bite on my left cheek... seems the horsey tail did not do the trick...

right enough prattle -time for bed... after I have watched myself on the news of course!!!

Comments

I have a comment from a paul morley awaiting my consent to be published however i am not sure of the legalities of allowing such comments online... ok ok so he probably said what a few people were thinking but even so - being ginger is no crime..Should I publish? Freedom of speech and all....

Look a like?

Some one told me today that whenever they see Condoleezza Rice on the TV they think of me...

I am not sure whether this is a good lookie likie or not... especially as that was qualified with 'its nothing to do with her job or power'... Mind you she does have a great smile!!

We're doomed..

I have been having dreams, nay, nightmares about the heat. Fearing that if it continues like this for future years I will be boiled alive. Face it Britain especially the South just can't cope. We're on a thin line at the moment... water still coming from taps and electricity still in the home. But imagine longer droughts.. black outs and this endless oppressive heat.

It seems as if I may have many valid reasons for thinking this.. the answers are coming from space

Good to know my donation to my old Uni is going towards interesting and light hearted things then. Sure helped cheer me up I can tell you...

Meanwhile in the US, places like LA and Sacramento are experiencing temperatures akin to Death Valley. Having been to DV and spent soem time in Sacramento I can assure you the one pleasure in the valley is feeling the sea breezes finally coming in via the river and over the coastal range. Been thinking about my trip to Ca. quite a lot this week... it relates me back to my unfinished novel and places I have seen and feelings I have had... but more of that soon...

London

If you live here or work here or know it well you may want to answer the following questions...cf BBC London Website..


Listed Londoner questions
Over the years Robert Elms has asked the same key questions to hundreds of Londoners and got a fascinating array of responses. Now we want your answers...
1) What's your favourite neighbourhood?
2) What's your favourite building?
3) What's your most hated building?
4) What’s the best view in London?
5) What's your favourite open space?
6) What's the most interesting shop?
7) What's your favourite bar, pub or restaurant?
8) What's been your most memorable night out in London?
9) How would you like to spend your ideal day off in London?
10) Where would you take someone visiting from out of town?
11) What's the worst journey you've had to make in London?
12) What's your personal London landmark?
13) Who's your favourite fictional Londoner?
14) What's your favourite London film, book or documentary?
15) If you could travel to any time period in London, past or future, where would you go?
Send your answers by email: robert.elms@bbc.co.uk

I'll be answering these in the near future!

Green Eye

Hanging Gardens of Balham ...

has now been added to Enjoy the View.

Had two thunderstorms today - but all in all its still humid - last Saturday was much nicer...

Fri-Sat

Wooh what a day. Work was good today - I achieved things - despite the raving 31 degree heat all day.

I could rant about the increase in electricity being used to run mobile air con units but I sense I would be bashing my head against a brick wall and it's too humid to do that. The regulatory after work pint to deconstruct and assess the week's progress - then a walk and tube home for BB. I had a feeling Jayne would go (to make sure I texted - hound me now!) and she did..and now its 12.15am Saturday - so I can officially now go to bed (the flat is its usual oasis of coolness) and let the next 47 hours and 15 minutes pass me by without having to catch any form of public transport!! Aah the bliss!! I do so enjoy this relaxing evening.... tomorrow I will update the Walking Blog!!

Sweet dreams all! Use those 20p's wisely!

This one's for Mazza

I guess there are certain relationships you take a bit for granted. But the one I have with my mum is special. She is my best friend in so many things. A confidente and a trusted source of inspiration, and when necessary gives me the much needed kick up the butt. It works both ways. And to be honest I have an equally strong if somewhat different bond with my Pops. I am lucky and I appreciate that often.

Today, I know my mum had an emotional ride - far more so than shopping or staying with me! A situation she had been running in her head did not go in the quite the way she would have wanted it, through no fault of her own.

I guess this post is really to let her, and the world, know that I think she is tops - caring, tactile and most generous of her affections to others. Always wanting to make people feel welcome and at home. And for those of you lucky enough she is fairly generous with her cheese scones!!

Mazza - you are a Mazzy Star - and don't ever forget it!! We maybe a compact family but we are strong and that is in no small part down to you.

So keep on shining and inspiring - or else!!!

Mott Watch!

As discussed in a previous post I have a moth issue in my flat.. Their numbers have dwindled but they are still about and in this weather seem to be fairly lively. However I can only be grateful that they are not the size of the moths in Exeter!!

Mottzilla!

Thanks to Baggy for bringing the country life to London!

If you saw one of them you'd cross the road to avoid it here! Worse - can you imagine a troop of them on the tube!!! No please have my seat Mr Moth!

Whose weeding oufit is whose?!

Okay the girls (me n Mazza) are ready - but who do you think will be wearing what?!

(the style)

(a section to give an idea of the colour-not very helpful tho-on the label it said indigo-darkish blue with purplesque/lilac beading)

Option A

Option B

This week Option A and Option B have won the nominations, but who will be wearing what - YOU DECIDE!!

UAE 2 - Gills 1

For those concerned by our friendly results. Mmm. And our TnT goalie has yet to turn up... suspicious!? QPR at home tomorrow...

On another footballing note Fantasy Leagues are back on the agenda...the office are signing up with this one this year - will see how we go! Lesson learned from last year - do not maintain your foolish romance with the game or you will end up with a naff defence (I mean fancy me thinking Nayron and other ex-Gills players would be of use!?)

For once

I don't have much to talk about. I think the heat is taking it's toll. I was though very fortunate today to end up in an all afternoon seminar in an air conditioned room with drinkies straight after... so I had a cool WW and then went back to the office at 7pm.

Checking the LUL website was a thrill - every single line had severe delay warnings. Great.

Swansea John was still in the office so we went for a beer - I had a bitter shandy and we talked for a bit. I did not mention his new flat mate or any of this week's weird postings/comments. I realised that perhaps my whole thing with 40p was richly tangled with Swans John. And I have no desire to get in a mess with either of them or create discord. It was good for a change for it to be just us two talking nonsense in part and in other moments just dumping stuff.

We said our cheerios at 8.45 and I wandered to Waterloo - and was home by 10. The temptation to swing by the Nelson to see if Bruce (the Scottish one, not the Aussie one - he is in Ireland with his mum) was about was rather strong. But with more snubs this week than a boxer dog breeding farm I decided it was safer to come home.

Pastures new anyone? Maybe some fresh faces would do us good....

Roll on Saturday am ... a LIE IN!!!

(I did forget one detail of the day - the Bill being filmed right outside the tube this morning - you never know I may be on the box!?)

Pressure points...

according to sign the things we constantly beat ourselves up about are....

Capricorn (ie me) Not being far enough up the career ladder
Aquarius - Feeling ordinary
Pisces - Not being glam enough
Aries - Not doing enough
Taurus - Not earning enough
Gemini - Saying the wrong thing
Cancer - Feeling misunderstood
Leo - Lacking creativity
Virgo - Not being helpful enough
Libra - Being unpopular
Scorpio - Feeling powerless
Sagi - Lacking excitement in their life...

well next time the thought enters your head and makes you fret - you can tell me its all bunkum...

...must find out Mr Bale's sign... prep for date!!

I am MAD...

... case solved?!

If these comments are from THE 40p man - its ok - you are quite safe.

Christian rang last night and we're on a date tomorrow!!

Ah this heat is great - makes you delusional!!

HeatWave

I woke up this morning after the best nights sleep I've had for a while. Turned on the radio to listen to Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel and then following that The Very World of Milton Jones which I find rather amusing. I heard the music and not much more...

... I awoke to Nicky Campbell saying he was in the car park outside the Lido. I thought I was dreaming. Still asleep. My mind playing tricks cos I had been to the Lido on Saturday. As I came to full consciousness it became apparent that Nicky C was indeed at Tooting Bec Lido - which was spooky cos as I said I had only discovered it for myself on the Hanging Gardens of Balham walk we took Saturday (full story to appear on Wander this Way!)

Anyway the flat was pretty cool still this morning. And the tube - well I got a seat and had my bottled water. However getting through the office door I knew we were in for a very long hot and tiresome day...

It was.

The temperature reached 36.3 degrees c outside Gatwick.. so I have now lived through the hottest day. As I walked home, the only one of millions wearing a sensible hat, I wondered if this was the beginning of what will become the change in our planet. In a few years time will today seem like a breeze - at least today the water is still flowing and the power still churning the air cons (not in our office - justy a fan per desk - madness). Is the city and the resource we take for granted about to kick us royally up the ass? This heat is so intense it makes you think maybe maybe something more sinister is afoot.

Had a weird dream last night - passed my driving test and was going to move out of London so I could own a car?!?! WHERE did that come from?!

Been wondering if a certain person being on holiday explains the distinct lack of comments today...? Except for Zig...Friends really ARE electric!

Where's Mozz?!

Looks like my raid insect killer has permeated the net...which is good for me as any more bites and I might well look as if I have a problem!! (Another one!!)

I need some lyrics!! and have just noted that Mozzquito has not being biting the blog recently.

its cold* outside / and i wonder what i'm doing in a room like this....


*hot!!!

Mmm!!!

In part due to 'Batman Begins' and then convinced by 'Equilibrium'...

Today's stars....

Keep waiting for the right moment to let your feelings be known and you might be waiting a long, long time. Find a way to keep it light -- a friendly compliment, a casual invite -- and get on with it!

Be the author of your life. Decide what you want to happen -- and, more importantly, what you don't want to happen -- and then make it so. The universe will provide you all the help you need to make this happen -- truly.

any advice?!

Glowing..

...I take it back - fans are great! Well they are until about 12 noon by which time the office has been gently heated and the fans just circulate the hot air... Wilting.

I did though start the morning in a literary place reading a poetry anthology from Shakespeare to Hardy (wrong order alphabetically and erm not very descriptive really huh?!) This was the start of my poetry research for weeding reading material. Now Mum and I both have weeding outfits my concerns turn to sorting my remaining bits out - so yes still need to do internal flights/hotel and reading... I have though pencilled a couple of poems for inclusion... On trip home I checked - the first poet is AE and the last is Anonymous... go figure kids?! I do though now have a plan - a poem for bro, a poem for his wife-to-be and one to cover off the whole love n union event...aah

Gosh it is hot in here... can I be bothered to walk to Waterloo?! Sun beating off the pavement... I can't even muster anything exciting to say - maybe later this evening... Okay so I did walk to Waterloo - I left the office at 5.45pm in order to stand some chance of getting home just after 7pm. As it was, the Northern Line was suspended so the streams of people coming out of Embankment tube station and then traversing the Jubilee Bridge irked me. I went the Westminster side of the bridge for some space. As I approached Waterloo I could feel the doubled numbers of people and I'll be honest I couldn't face the push n shove to a seat.

So I sat on a bollard at the end of Sutton Walk in the shade and took full advantage of the cooling breeze. I sat like this for 30 minutes as the hoardes passed me. I wondered what the rush was? I wondered if this was going to be the sotry over the next 10 years... rising temperatures and a city bulging at the seams. I wondered if I could afford to move to the beach? As I sat pondering, isolated from the throng I could see the pedestrian crossing was becoming a war zone.. people not checking before crossing the road.. buses beeping and motorcyclists practising their dramatic in and out turns, but this time around people. At 6.45 I decided to make a move. Train very very hot. I got home at 8.10pm. That after a bus to CW and a short trip to SavaCentre for milk. Ugh.

SavaCentre a venue for couples loved up. I have realised that to ensnare a man I need to wear a micro denim skirt..(not attractive when behind said garment on the escalator), wear a light flimsy top and mismatched visible bra. Oh yes and giggle a lot and hang on over inflated ego'd man.. maybe I need to fall in love to understand all this..speaking of which some ok convos on match. mate has moved in with 40p. oh I don't know not sure iam cut out for it full stop..

....that said I have developed an amazing crush on Christian Bale.... mmm mmmm!!!

Anyway my stars for Monday -

Some recent shake-ups in your life have made you much more aware of your risk-to-reward ratio. Are you giving up what you need in order to play it safe? If so, why? The stars encourage you to ask big questions.

or

Sticking to your regular tasks and working hard gives you a needed sense of security and accomplishment. Others may say 'all work and no play,' but you know 'all things in good time' -- including romance.

ha ha ha ha ha !!!

Who stole the scones?! OR Scone Missing!!!!

Okay kids - own up? Who purloined my dad's cool bag? The one with the cheese scones and rolls in? Come on - own up? My now crestfallen and devastated father is now living on tinned beans...

and apricots... cold of course.

Anyway the sound of fast jets cheered me further today! Yes today was a good day... new commenter on blog always welcome and had a call from an old BT chum. Very pleasant! All this after a tops evening. Who needs match when life can be just as hectic as a singleton?!

Wish I was here though - in the sun and drowning in loud jet noise!

Oh and Nikki was evicted. Which despite my loathing of her for most of the time she was there I felt a bit sorry for her - and wonder who will provide the entertainment now?

Til tomorrow - its gonna be a scorcher Tiger!!

Pupillage

I spent a few days at Bow Street Mag's court many many years ago. Of all the courts I went to as a bar school student it was the one I recall most vividly as it was swarming with cops and robbers... for me, a sheltered country girl, it was all very scary! And also a bit exciting. Well today it closed to become a hotel. Another piece of history passes us by.

The Bow Street Runners.

On another note legally related - the gardens parties at the Middle and Inner Temples continue into their 3rd week. Each evening a different set of chmabers walk the beautiful gardens and sup champers from beyond their huge marquees... ah to think it could have been me!? Instead I have been getting frisky with a tablet PC! But that's another story!!

All day staring at the ceiling

Making friends with shadows on my wall

All night hearing voices telling me

That I should get some sleep

Because tomorrow might be good for something

Hold on

Feeling like Im headed for a breakdown

And I dont know why

[chorus]

But Im not crazy,

Im just a little unwell

I know right now you cant tell

But stay awhile and maybe then youll see

A different side of me

Im not crazy,

Im just a little impaired

I know right now you dont care

But soon enough youre gonna think of me

And how I used to be...me

Im talking to myself in public

Dodging glances on the train

And I know,

I know theyve all been talking about me

I can hear them whisper

And it makes me think there must be something wrong with me

Out of all the hours thinking

Somehow Ive lost my mind

[chorus]

But Im not crazy,

Im just a little unwell

I know right now you cant tell

But stay a while and maybe then youll see

A different side of me

Im not crazy,

Im just a little impaired

I know right now you dont care

But soon enough youre gonna think of me

And how I used to be

Ive been talking in my sleep

Pretty soon theyll come to get me

Yeah, theyre taking me away

[chorus]

But Im not crazy,

Im just a little unwell

I know right now you cant tell

But stay awhile and maybe then youll see

A different side of me

Im not crazy,

Im just a little impaired

I know right now you dont care

But soon enough youre gonna think of me

And how I used to be

Yeah, how I used to be

How I used to be

Well, Im just a little unwell

How I used to be

How I used to be

Im just a little unwell

mm. this song saw me through my darkest phase. today i listened to it on the walk to Waterloo and realised I was me again. at last.

Feel better today...

.. a good 3 course feed at Pizza Express seems to have upped my sugar levels. That and catching up with Baggy for the first time in a few months. She always speaks so much sense! We were comparing the size of city moths as against country ones. Country ones sound gigantic! Eek.

I also feel a million dollars in my 50 quid suit from Next - it rocks!

The sun is out, Friday, pay day tomorrow..! Hooray...

Hey ho - interviewing people now - best foot forward!

Folkestone 0 - Gills 2

Some good news - 2 new signings scored last night in our first friendly... !!
Other exciting fixtures:

18th July
United Arab Emirates (In France) Away

20th July
Ramsgate Away

22nd July
Queens Park Rangers Home

25th July
Bromley Away

29th July
West Ham United Home

Fans...

Typical. Now the hottest spell is over, the office has been invaded by fans. One each, by the looks of it. Could be the good underlying theme for a Doctor Who episode. And today - I've had to put me cardigan back on. SO no need of new fan. Yet. Mind you I think that's cos I am coming down with something. Had a very unpleasant dizzy spell last night before I went to bed. Racing heart. Inability to focus or stand up straight. It dawned on me that if something happened to me over night the only way people would realise was when I failed to phone into work - or indeed turn up. Thus my sleep was erratic as even horizontal I felt dizzy so I wanted to cling onto to awakeness to ensure I was ok. Well I did survive and am in work but have been told by several that I look deflated/under the weather. Not helped by 2 independent voices telling me I smoke too much and should quit. Deep down this I do know. Not sure if funny turn caused by slightly out of date yoghurt I ate, or lack of fatty foods all day or indeed breathing in fly, wasp and moth killer last night after fumigating flat. (I have a moth problem. They were driving me mad. This morning I had several (20+) dead moths to sweep up. So now I think I had a moth problem!)

Have eaten a substantial lunch - but feel dog tired and in need of a proper 8 hours kip.. and maybe not an 8 mile hike this evening.

Otherwise the test series has started and England are really on top form !?!?! 118-3 at lunch. It could be a short test match!

Wonder when the sun will come back out and warm my tired limbs?

Mozzquito...

.. since you appeared on my blog I have been BITTEN twice by a blessed mossie - one on either shoulder - they both itch and it took me a day to work out I had one either side?!!

... and worse it reminded me that I met my first very unsuccessful dalliance at a club called Mosquito Coast....

Please can you leave me a lyric to cheer me up before I reel around the fountain nowhere fast!!!

PS I know its not ur fault I have been bitten - its just the timing which tickles me!!

Hoorah for IKB

Exhibitions celebrating 200 years of the great man.
Discovered on the Network Rail website... which is slightly worrying!

Conversely one place I have yet to understand is Topolski's - a free exhibition, open under the railway bridge at Waterloo. From the outside its just a door... leading into a dark dingy arches gallery... not helped by the stink of fried food from the bar next door. It holds no appeal for me. So imagine when I read on the web it has got a grant..... I wait with baited breath.

It's a Full Moon

today - which may explain the overt nuttiness around several members of the team... (I include myself - I was sort of dancing to Pulp's Common People as I walked in this morning - what a class tune).

loopy - from lupin - hairy hands!

talking to oneself - do that most days.

right best get on so much to do so little time.. if only it were so many men (ha ha!)

(Oh dear now I am humming 'He who would Valiant be 'gainst all disaster....')

I feel I must just update todays post...
I went for some white wine's last night with my friend who is currently going through a very stressful & scary time. A friend who for so long I think was jealous of. I was pretty self absorbed at the time. Suffering my own stress. Not that I knew how deep that was until it stopped. Last night for the first time she confessed that it was good to have me back, in the sense that currently I am the most chirpy I have been for ages (yes despite my need for desirous interludes - I am still smiling!! ;-)) and the only one in the office making any noise or causing waves of life to flood the office. .. I was touched. Made me realise how far I have come in the last 14 months... survived and stronger...

So 3 WW's probably meant I was still slightly tipsy this morning.. or just naturally on a high.. ?! Lunch was a laugh too - Prince songs in the pub, discussing readings, outfits and which word to slip into the next meeting...Oh and earlier today we had been re-enacting Simon Bates' Our Tune - have to say Furry is rather TOO good at that!

My match profile has been viewed 355 since I set it up...!? Strike rate of decent people?! Hard to say at the moment... not helped that I have got my brain immersed in 40p man. (I don't even know why this has happened) .. So do I make a move or leave the status quo and keep hold of a tops mate? There is a pattern between us but he thinks we're too alike, I don't think I am good enough for him and he says I'm out of his league... so how does that work each time we indulge in a kiss? I know I'll hang fire.. play it safe as ever...grrr.

Weeding Outfit...

this delibrate spelling mistake has been propagated over the course of my quest to find an outfit for my brother's wedding. As you can see the e & d are close on the keyboard and my first attempt to spell it got it wrong - and I have stuck with it since as it makes me larf!!

My garden is indeed non-existant. But my indoor plants rival Kew!!! So you see after the wedding if pushed I could be weeding in luxury items!!!

I bid you a good day.

Success!

I managed to find a weeding outfit yesterday - well 2 in fact! Amazing!! The dress is a size 12 and was in the sale! And the second just in case weather a bit off was half in the sale and half not but still 12's and erm rather gorgeous!! All I need to do now is book flights to Tas and hotel in Melbourne for 8 days! Getting there. Mind you quite stressed now about finding a reading.... HELP!!

And in other success news Italy won WC... much due to Zidane's outburst. Federer won the tennis.

And with the summer sports coming to a close I can get back to worrying about the Gills and how successful they are being - or not as the case may be!

Farewell...

Okay I know I have moaned about Ms Tyler at intervals over this series of Doctor Who, but tonight as they were parted by time voids forever I was in tears.

The second episode of Doomsday/Army of Ghosts was brillant. All emotions. Clash of the Titans for our era. Cyberman vs Daleks vs The Doctor... who would you chose? It was ace seeing the Daleks flood out of the Ark of Genesis... the time lord theory aptly used. Canary Wharf never looked so busy (Alan Sugar's firings aside!). And the humour that the Daleks displayed. Hilarious! But the final scenes were really raw. Saying good bye is never easy, but at least on this planet I can go see and say hello too again. Rose has her family all back together and Mickey too. So whilst its tricky the Doctor is ultimately doomed to be forever a loner with occasional close side kicks. Farewell Rose.







Footnote: It has taken some time but I have warmed to Mr Tennant. He has very brown eyes. Warming. Oh well only 170 days until the Christmas episode with 'Am I bothered' Catherine Tate. I am intrigued already! Joy!

match.com

do you know how many choices of dating option (newspaper/website/events) there are?

Well let me tell you not all are what they seem. Some are how shall we say this, erm, leave VERY little to the imagination. So not willing to take and upload pictures of my appendages I sought ideas elsehwere. There are the free sites (ok I have had ltd success via lycos). And there are the payment sites. I tried Yahoo! Personals and had NO joy there. Not one git answered any of my emails and frankly I wondered what I was paying for. Not even a hangover. So tonight I have properly activated my Match.com a/c. My previous one was started a year ago and 666 people have viewed my profile as of today. Foolishly I have set up a new profile. More in keeping with the new me. Whoever that is?!

No doubt updates as appropriate. Strange cos last night when I toyed with it I decided it was a wasted pathway - easy to deceive on line. So I was supposed to be booking a speed dating spot. Think I will do that too - I somehow feel that a 2 min face to face will give me a more instinctual idea about someone. Then again Thesp felt right after the 2nd email. How wrong you can be! Will seek one out for sure and see how it goes.

It

did come out. The sun. I did walk to Waterloo. Spent an hour or so in the pub after work deconstructing the week ready to rebuild again next week. Then I walked. There were few sirens and fewer people than last year. I stopped on the bridge and I thought of those who had died and the city as a whole. God bless. I got the tube home tonight. My way of showing solidarity.

A day to reflect...

My friend has already pretty much summed up the sorts of things I would have said about today. But here goes.

This time last year we were all stalking round the office, advised to stay put pending any further explosions.

My guardian angel was well and truly with me on July 7th 2005. I had had to come into work early to test the new corporate website. The Hip Hop line had been suspended so I had bused to Wimbledon and got the over land train to work. It was a grey morning, some drizzle and not much to report at that time in the morning. I was at my desk by 8.30am. Today the weather is fairly similar. But today I got the Northern line & was on the platform at 8.45am and wondering how it would have felt to be on the network this time last year. I recall getting to work and receiving the first 'I am going to be late calls' as they came through. Then on the BBC website the news started to trickle through. The PM was on the TV from Gleneagles. The streets were flooded with people walking to their place of work. Not sure any one really understood what had happened until it was time to get back home.

The morning passed off with the slow realisation it wasn't a power surge. Friends and family from around the globe were texting or phoning to check I was ok. I felt odd because my key friends were safely at work or had either left London or were away on holiday. The only person I needed to check was ok was my then, not very long, ex boyfriend. Hearing he was ok was a relief. It was one of those days - deep joy at knowing that people you cared about were safe. Deep grief for those who weren't.

People who don't live or whom have never lived here don't really understand what being a Londoner means. Londoners rely on their public transport and are used to service delays, over crowding, no air conditioning and the general bind that getting to work can be some mornings. 7/7 was a curt reminder that for the most part all these things are trifling.

After the phone calls and the shock, there came anger. Why here? Why London? The day before we had all been marvelling at the success of obtaining the Olympics. The Red Arrow even overflew the city. It was everything that London is - exciting, lively and every day is different. Certainly the following day's events brought it all sharply into focus.

I was lucky. My friends were safe and nobody I knew was affected. I count those blessings.

The day after was somehow harder. Should I go to work or not. The office edict was wishy washy, come in if you want, stay put if you don't have to be in. At 10am I decided that though I could stay at home I wasn't going too. I defiantly got the tube and came into work. I lived in my city the way I had before all this nonsense. Don't get me wrong I was uneasy and Bank station was eeriely quiet.

Today on the morning news I wept as I listened to the bus driver recounting his own horror experiences. The reality of everyday conversations. At noon I observed the 2 minutes silence while looking out the window and recalling the way the streets were for a few weeks following. Many more scares. Police tape securing streets. One afternoon my mum texted to check I was ok. The stock exchnage but a few metres away was suspected. Then the following Thursday the incident at Stockwell. It was a terrifying month afterwards. Everyone walking on egg shells - but walking on nevertheless.

How swiftly the city fell back into its usual routine. How bullish we all were. What a difference it made. Travelling on the tube has never been quite the same since, but over the last few weeks the same gripes have returned. The change - if I see an unattended bag I ask around. The curious and accusatory looks have long since stopped. What's the point? It could be anyone and no amount of scouring the carriage will define who or when. In fact for a few months people actually spoke to each other on the tube again.

I walked to Waterloo that evening. By then the sun had broken through. I remember the queues along the Embankment waiting for the river boat services and gradually the main line stations had re-opened. Streams of people trailing along pathways they tended to avoid. I went home and watched the news solidly, feeling more and more frustrated. I was angry that our city had been violated and yet somehow in awe and proud of the way we all coped. The heroes outweigh the villains.

During the following week a remembrance garden was opened in the gardens along the Embankment. I spent soem time there one evening reading the cards, looking at the flowers and feeling very humble.

I am not sure if the sun will be shining when I walk to Waterloo this evening. But when I do I will do what I do most evenings - take a moment to look across the Thames to the landmarks and take great pleasure from thinking this is my home and I am proud to be here. Only takes a few seconds to realise how fortunate I am to be here. My blog entries teem with my London. My pride.

Tonight though I will spend a moment to remember again the innocent lives which were cruelly ended. May they rest in peace and know we never forget nor do we give up.

Ode to me, ode to you, ode to you all

"Every You Every Me"

Sucker love is heaven sent.

You pucker up, our passion's spent.

My hearts a tart, your body's rent.

My body's broken, yours is bent.

Carve your name into my arm.

Instead of stressed, I lie here charmed.

Cuz there's nothing else to do,

Every me and every you.

Sucker love, a box I choose.

No other box I choose to use.

Another love I would abuse,

No circumstances could excuse.

In the shape of things to come.

Too much poison come undone.

Cuz there's nothing else to do,

Every me and every you.

Every me and every you,

Every Me...he

Sucker love is known to swing.

Prone to cling and waste these things.

Pucker up for heavens sake.

There's never been so much at stake.

I serve my head up on a plate.

It's only comfort, calling late.

Cuz there's nothing else to do,

Every me and every you.

Every me and every you,

Every Me...he

Every me and every you,

Every Me...he

Like the naked leads the blind.

I know I'm selfish, I'm unkind.

Sucker love I always find,

Someone to bruise and leave behind.

All alone in space and time.

There's nothing here but what here's mine.

Something borrowed, something blue.

Every me and every you.

Every me and every you,

Every Me...he

Every me and every you,

Every Me...he [x4]

Placebo

I am never sure if this is the song I should sing to people from my past or the song they'd sing to me. Sure there is a line in there for every one... sort of sums up how I feel at times. Looking back is hard. Looking forward is somehow harder...

BB

poor Aisleyne - what the devil have they put her through?

Germany 2006

Well ok so it wasn't great for us.. and yes there are still quite a few men and women, old and young, still trying to come to terms with it.. but at fro one evening at least these guys were happy to be high on the tournament....

The thing that worries me is that they seemd to think that because the game had gone to extra time they had won. Boys if that was the case WE would be top of the heap on every occasion!! Oh well I wasn't the only to challenge their thoughts. I mean it was not quite 10pm and we already knew that extra time was in progress... oh well.

So with Italy and France as the finalists - who do you fancy to win it?

Bad Hair Day?

Maybe its the heat - maybe its the lack of vim in the morning - but I have been just drying the old lock in the morning sans hairbrush. A bit of a scrunch and away you go.. fright night on Holborn Viaduct?!?!

The frown lines are getting worse... not good... NO WONDER I HAD NO KISSING TODAY!!!

This Thursday..

last year was wet and grey. And London felt raw. We'd been violated. The day to day slave to the wage disrupted. The faster heart beats. The mobile network frozen. The thoughts of what if...

Pucker Up!

today is National Kissing Day! Yummy! So I am taking a bag of 20 pence pieces with me today...just in case!

Here's a big smacker from me to everyone!!

xxxXXxxx

Yawn!

Wed July 5th
tiring weather... (my eyes ache)
new pc @ work ... (at last faster emailling!)
pasta for lunch....(relaxed and awakened by company and pasta)
communications with people with whom I have not spoken to for some time....(bliss - felt top banana)
mental BB night...(my GAWD! how cruel)
seeing ex on the way to tube....(in rather sexy three quarter length trouser... cease this temptation)
emailing some Aussie bloke who left a message @ Yahoo Personals.....(why do I attract 40+ people?!)
talking to a guy met through Soul Mates many years ago whom at the time I really adored...(ok I still really care about him)

I confess I came home and wrote in my sizeable purple book. No tv, no pc, just me on the floor, my MP3 blaring out some tunes into my ear - bit of Fuel; Lloyd Cole. I couldn't write here the thoughts going on in my head. It was all too random and all too personal and all too in many ways desirous.. so these are just a taster really. But good to have a day of feeling touched by other people's thoughts...

Independence Day

July 4th is also my Mum's b-d. This year to celebrate she came up to London on the Monday evening and stayed over night so that we could go shopping for weeding suits. When we made these arrangements it all seemed pretty simple and easy. However with the English 'summer' in full swing it became apparent that perhaps this was not going to be as carefree as we had hoped.

Monday evening concerned at hot temperatures and tube lines likely to fail I persuaded Mum to come up later in the evening so as to miss the rush of rush hour and have half a chance of getting a seat. It worked well. I took my usual route home - a walk to Waterloo, train to Wimbledon and a quick cheat - bus to SavaCentre. I was home in time to chill out and open windows. Thankfully the tube was ok and we spent the evening drink chilled white wine and eating prawns and salad. I have to say its not often I have visitors to the flat so it was rather pleasant preparing food for two and chatting about my day at work etc etc. Quite relaxing. After food we planned our Tuesday - factoring in the 34 degree and general reluctance to spend to much time on the tube. I sat and watched BB much to my Mum's bemusement.

The shopping trip...

Tuesday was warm but the tubes were kind. Sadly the Bond Street stores were not. We tried on clothes and put them back. I baulked at cardigans in Selfridges retailing at £250 but which were essentially bits of wool erm 'knitted' together. I could have produced much the same when I was a teenager. Hey ho. I tried two dresses. But it was hot and I felt trussed. So I have decided to seek out a pukka tailored trouser suit. I did see some very elegant jackets.

And so to party!

At 2.30 we looked at eachother and returned home for a quick feed and a change of clothes. We met my Dad at Embankment and went to the Porterhouse on Maiden Lane. Tops stout. But perhaps 2 and half pints was stretching it after a day int he sun/heat! Our friends Mike and Shirley turned up and we had a beer. The original plan was to go to Brick Lane - but loathing of the tube meant I was keen to steer us somewhere different. We ended up in Wagamamas. I have to say I think it was a success! We all had a main, a side, glass of wine (or 2) and a dessert. 20 quid a head for a tops nosh. I was rather apprehensive about the long tables and benches. Sharing the table with other eaters has the potential to be explosive. But it was fine. Couples came and went and we chugged on and made convo were appropriate. I did find myself thinking if only I had a n other half so there were 6 of us not five - it would have made our table enclave safer! However - all in all a success.

My Dad enjoying his nosh!
Too busy chomping to even look up for a photo!

My city - my wandering wonderings!

I left them at Embankment - as they rushed for a train from Victoria. I decided to wander across the Golden Jubliee Bridge to Waterloo and soak up the warmth and the river in the dusk. There was a saxophonist on the bridge playing Happy Birthday. I smiled inwardly - Happy Birthday Mazza! It was a shame they couldn't have come for a walk too to soak up the evening as well. Mind you by the time I got home I had walked 10 miles over the course of the day and not spent the fortune I thought I might! That will come!!!

London like a candy box...

I got on the tube and got home to discover that Italy had won their semi. Sorry Germany. Which makes me wonder what the guys on the bridge with their flag were singing about so loudly.....

Hot Hot Hot

aside from being a tune crooned by Robert Smith, is also the current state of the office. It is so humid and stuffy. I shall be asleep by noon I am sure..far rather be slumbering gently and ooh if I was really lucky having a cuddle. Damn these female needs.

Its over now

the dreams of a nation ended with a smug Portugese chap called Ronaldo.

Up until then the excitement and drama had gripped a country. I was hiding behind a cushion - punching the cushion' throwing it around the lounge and generally feeling every moment.

I still can't quite write how I feel. Just supremely numbed. It's happened again. We lost. Penalty shoot out. After 90 + 30 minutes of courageous and spirited play.

My flag remains in situ. My England forever. Destined to be a gracious player in defeat. Just feel sorry for all those kids who had heard the hype and assumed we would win the World Cup. Life is seldom so neat and tidy.