In the Weekend section of The Guardian there is a section called starters where various people answer the same questions every week. So here they are... do you want answers as well?! Oh okay then...!
When were you happiest ?
- 1994/5/6 - Leicester - when I finally realised who I was/could be.
What is your earliest memory ?
- Having asthma and being left with my Grandad while my parents did the Saturday shop. He made me feel like a little princess...
What is the trait your deplore most in yourself ?
- MOOD swings. Mis-use of my 'power' to intimidate less strong characters.
What is the trait your deplore most in others ?
- Selfishness. Humourlessness. Loudness on mobile phones. Pavement hogging. People generally I fear!
What was your most embarrassing moment ?
- Quite loudly declaring one of my former managers was a w***** - not realising he was behind me. Oops.
What is your most treasured possession ?
- Ooh tough one. Too many to say - all family related. Photos I guess.
What would your super power be ?
- To fly - FAST!
What do you dislike about your appearance ?
- My plastic front tooth - self inflicted reminder.
What is your favourite smell ?
- Mum's roast dinner... jam making... scones... smells of home. AND roses just after it has rained.
What makes you depressed ?
- Not being able to afford to buy a home in my own capital city...
Would you rather be clever and ugly or thick and attractive ?
- It's certainly folly to be wise so a slice of something else may be fun. Then again - beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
Who would play you in the film of your life ?
- ? Someone who likes cameo's? Talking to themselves!?
What is your most unappealing habit ?
- To others who are less so - tidiness!
What is your fancy dress costume of choice ?
- A furry catsuit ;-)
What is your favourite book ?
- Too many to pin down to one. As a teen - 'Silas Marner' by George Eliot
What do you owe your parents ?
- My independent thought - manners - thoughtfulness - appreciation beyond material things - my brother - knowing what unconditional love really is - all the keystones that make me - me.
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why ?
- To several friends who thought they understood me and got too close - I was pretty vile in order to maintain my defensive independence wall..
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party ?
- Bowie, Molko, Bale, Pitt, Vedder, Rafter, Cash for dreamy men/chat. OR a real dream dinner - my bro, his wife and my country/world wide mates - who I don't see nearly enough of now...
What is the worst job you have done ?
- Newspaper round - Sundays... HEAVY!
If you could go back in time, where would you go ?
- April 1st 1995 - to not do what I did do.
What do you consider your greatest achievement ?
- Surviving London life - just! And having no debts. I am unique I'm sure.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you ?
- Treat others as you'd like to be treated... oh and that a smile costs nothing.
Where would you most like to be right now ?
- It would be quite nice to be in California .. or anywhere where the school kids aren't on holiday!
Tell us a secret ?
- I have walked away from love more than once, in the name of doing the right thing in the circumstances. Always the wrong time. Oh and I used to support Palace!!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
At least
when I got home it was not hot and damp!! Phew.
AND the neighbours appear to have shipped out for their annual holiday - deep deep joy!!!
On a different tact... the Beano...
I was instructed to buy the August Beano Max for my 32 yr old bro as there was supposedly a Kaiser Chief story in it... well I found & bought the edition - lots of freebie toys and sweets but alas no KC... does anyone have any ideas what this may be about? I did a Google search and discovered the 7" single cover on a record sellers site - but actual teen mag content - dead end.
AND the neighbours appear to have shipped out for their annual holiday - deep deep joy!!!
On a different tact... the Beano...
I was instructed to buy the August Beano Max for my 32 yr old bro as there was supposedly a Kaiser Chief story in it... well I found & bought the edition - lots of freebie toys and sweets but alas no KC... does anyone have any ideas what this may be about? I did a Google search and discovered the 7" single cover on a record sellers site - but actual teen mag content - dead end. Good to see Plug and Roger the Dodger though!! :-)
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Spooked
Last night - well early this morning to be honest I was woken by the feeling of sodden warmness and also a rather strange noise. No I hadn't wet myself or been sleeping with a snoring walrus...
I got up in a daze to investigate and discovered that my shower was on (hence the noise). I then saw the true horror of what it was doing.. the mirror was soaked - the windows were soaked - condensation was running down most walls and the moist heat - well I had created a sauna in my bathroom that was filling the whole flat. Luckily the shower doors were closed so no major flood...
Now I am fretting - how did it happen? Its an electric shower which you need to turn on at the wall before it works. Had I not turned it off after cleaning it before I went to bed (don't ask! -You do odd things occasionally to avoid the thought of I want a ciggy). And even so if was on at the wall - HOW did it switch itself on? Moths rebel? Flies rebel? Mice conquer levitation to turn on shower?
So what with this and weird time travel experiences I am in a spooked and flustered mood. Any one with any ideas please do say.
Anyway this morning all the flat windows were still condensated despite my opening windows at 4.30am.... aah just what I needed interrupted sleep.. to compliment neck ache and toothache. Again. Nice.
I got up in a daze to investigate and discovered that my shower was on (hence the noise). I then saw the true horror of what it was doing.. the mirror was soaked - the windows were soaked - condensation was running down most walls and the moist heat - well I had created a sauna in my bathroom that was filling the whole flat. Luckily the shower doors were closed so no major flood...
Now I am fretting - how did it happen? Its an electric shower which you need to turn on at the wall before it works. Had I not turned it off after cleaning it before I went to bed (don't ask! -You do odd things occasionally to avoid the thought of I want a ciggy). And even so if was on at the wall - HOW did it switch itself on? Moths rebel? Flies rebel? Mice conquer levitation to turn on shower?
So what with this and weird time travel experiences I am in a spooked and flustered mood. Any one with any ideas please do say.
Anyway this morning all the flat windows were still condensated despite my opening windows at 4.30am.... aah just what I needed interrupted sleep.. to compliment neck ache and toothache. Again. Nice.
Monday, August 06, 2007
I do
recommend listening to The Very World of Milton Jones... on Radio 7. Friday night entertainment!
His laughs come from flippant puns and day to day musical observations. Which I like. I mean, I laugh at my own!
His laughs come from flippant puns and day to day musical observations. Which I like. I mean, I laugh at my own!
So where have I been?
Hiding?
On tour?
In detox?
Recuperating?
No sadly not one of the above.
Been snowed under with work. Counting to 10 in the fight against noisy neighbours (who decided 3 bicycles in the hallway was acceptable - sadly at 11.15pm on a Thurs pm I did not. Sorry bike.) Trawling shamelessly around the Next sales... made some tops purchases! Some odd evenings out. Beers. Food. And a never ending case of 'what if...?'
Clean bill of health at doctors and dentist. And yet I spent the whole of last week suffering with neck ache and head aches. I checked it out on NHS direct. Blimey it went straight to red and 999. It was sore and it put me on back foot - but I had 3 apparently chipper days at work... Jekyll? Hyde?! I was cross and spoiling for a fight one day and then sweetness and light on another...my brain keeps waking me up in the middle of the night - fretting about life. Housing. Money. Job. Love. Argh.
Finally returned my month old, broken MP3 player to the manufacturer - a new one is on its way. Finally. A month without music is driving me nuts on my day to day commute! Have had a semi-replacement - sort of - Blackberry Curve with 2GB card in it. Not as brill but does the job! Shame re-syncing the thing ended up with only one working album! So I have over dosed on 'The Editors'! Which is a good album! Ta again Baggy!) It will become synonymous with my current read 'The Secret History', Donna Tartt.
Been avoiding the staff canteen and working the local Japanese restaurant - top rocking sushi, miso soup and tempura! Lovely! Tiffin opposite is as good though - they do a mean lentil curry.
Dyed my hair. Lighter!
Not as much walking as I would like - too long in the office. Oh yeah and mid August client meeting in Bonn. Which would be great if wasn't going to be a day-trip. Joy!
My brother has been on the blower. Excited about trip! Not long now.
And I guess the bottom line is - too much work makes Karen a dull girl... so fewer reasons to blog. Heyho.
On tour?
In detox?
Recuperating?
No sadly not one of the above.
Been snowed under with work. Counting to 10 in the fight against noisy neighbours (who decided 3 bicycles in the hallway was acceptable - sadly at 11.15pm on a Thurs pm I did not. Sorry bike.) Trawling shamelessly around the Next sales... made some tops purchases! Some odd evenings out. Beers. Food. And a never ending case of 'what if...?'
Clean bill of health at doctors and dentist. And yet I spent the whole of last week suffering with neck ache and head aches. I checked it out on NHS direct. Blimey it went straight to red and 999. It was sore and it put me on back foot - but I had 3 apparently chipper days at work... Jekyll? Hyde?! I was cross and spoiling for a fight one day and then sweetness and light on another...my brain keeps waking me up in the middle of the night - fretting about life. Housing. Money. Job. Love. Argh.
Finally returned my month old, broken MP3 player to the manufacturer - a new one is on its way. Finally. A month without music is driving me nuts on my day to day commute! Have had a semi-replacement - sort of - Blackberry Curve with 2GB card in it. Not as brill but does the job! Shame re-syncing the thing ended up with only one working album! So I have over dosed on 'The Editors'! Which is a good album! Ta again Baggy!) It will become synonymous with my current read 'The Secret History', Donna Tartt.
Been avoiding the staff canteen and working the local Japanese restaurant - top rocking sushi, miso soup and tempura! Lovely! Tiffin opposite is as good though - they do a mean lentil curry.
Dyed my hair. Lighter!
Not as much walking as I would like - too long in the office. Oh yeah and mid August client meeting in Bonn. Which would be great if wasn't going to be a day-trip. Joy!
My brother has been on the blower. Excited about trip! Not long now.
And I guess the bottom line is - too much work makes Karen a dull girl... so fewer reasons to blog. Heyho.
23 days
and no smokes.
Ok the 2 drags of someone else's - YUK! But mainly none purchased. Not one smoked since 13th July...
Ok the 2 drags of someone else's - YUK! But mainly none purchased. Not one smoked since 13th July...
Sunday, August 05, 2007
So summer arrives...
and the shops have their winter ranges in, the first game of the football season kicks off, and somehow it all feels too late.
It is very close and warm outside - that smell of heated concrete and housing filling the nostrils. The local shopping parade was heaving with people who have forgotten what else to do in the sunshine this morning. Sorry Mum I was too late and by the time I got to Argos it was MANIC. So I gave up the fight and returned home. I'll go after work tomorrow. Fewer people. I hope.
My answer for the sunshine? Well I just sat and watched the Grand Prix... and now against my better judgment listening to two dull teams have a leisurely game of footie at the 'New' Wembley Stadium. Nope sod it - I am going use this opportunity to listen to the Archers - here live through my computer while I type. I am determined to not acknowledge the start of the season until I have had a few weeks of summer. So all those signings the Gills have made and all the gossip can wait. Mid September maybe a better time to re-engage.
There are some benefits to it being August - school holidays - makes for fewer people on the tube in the mornings. The evenings differ cos by then the tourists have woken up. But all in all the British summer has gone from nowhere to scorching in the space of a week. I am guessing it won't last. It does also mean that there are fewer people at work. School holidays mean people going off for their 2 week family holiday. In theory means fewer work demands - bit of time to plan and get strategic. Do you realise Friday was the first time this year I have worn sandals to work? Crazy. This time last year I was greeting the end of the 2 month heatwave!
Summer. Foot and mouth returns. Flood damage still a problem. No drought. Yet.
It is very close and warm outside - that smell of heated concrete and housing filling the nostrils. The local shopping parade was heaving with people who have forgotten what else to do in the sunshine this morning. Sorry Mum I was too late and by the time I got to Argos it was MANIC. So I gave up the fight and returned home. I'll go after work tomorrow. Fewer people. I hope.
My answer for the sunshine? Well I just sat and watched the Grand Prix... and now against my better judgment listening to two dull teams have a leisurely game of footie at the 'New' Wembley Stadium. Nope sod it - I am going use this opportunity to listen to the Archers - here live through my computer while I type. I am determined to not acknowledge the start of the season until I have had a few weeks of summer. So all those signings the Gills have made and all the gossip can wait. Mid September maybe a better time to re-engage.
There are some benefits to it being August - school holidays - makes for fewer people on the tube in the mornings. The evenings differ cos by then the tourists have woken up. But all in all the British summer has gone from nowhere to scorching in the space of a week. I am guessing it won't last. It does also mean that there are fewer people at work. School holidays mean people going off for their 2 week family holiday. In theory means fewer work demands - bit of time to plan and get strategic. Do you realise Friday was the first time this year I have worn sandals to work? Crazy. This time last year I was greeting the end of the 2 month heatwave!
Summer. Foot and mouth returns. Flood damage still a problem. No drought. Yet.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Radiant Skin?
Well after being a non smoker for 11 days I do think the wrinkles round my eyes have lessened... and my walking pace has yet again increased...aah the benefits - I have seen them before - this time I must not go back...kinda rules me out of 'smirting' tho...
It's ok..
Merton has not yet gone completely under water... but it certainly makes me think a top floor flat would be so much better for so many reasons!!
The floods in other parts of the country are horrific - I don't think I can imagine anything worse... Consequently been a tad subdued by the weather and by the selfishness of fellow man... hence not much posting -
Lucky for me there have been several wonderful moments recently - simple things etc. Ta Mr Squeezy.
There are some famous people I have spotted recently - Douglas Hodge at Waterloo Station; the dishy detective from The Bill cycling outside the tube station and Nasty Nick Cotton at Embankment!
Not long now and my brother and his wife land in the UK so I get some time off to spend some time away from work!! Hooray!! And have been enjoying lots of other sports - the Grand Prix, the cricket, the cycling, and event the golf... summer months are much better than I gave credit for - shame the weather has been so crappy. But even so - Why am I so grumpy?! I have no real reason to be - I just keep waking up in the middle of the night my head full of doubts, questions and regrets... it's not good...
The floods in other parts of the country are horrific - I don't think I can imagine anything worse... Consequently been a tad subdued by the weather and by the selfishness of fellow man... hence not much posting -
Lucky for me there have been several wonderful moments recently - simple things etc. Ta Mr Squeezy.
There are some famous people I have spotted recently - Douglas Hodge at Waterloo Station; the dishy detective from The Bill cycling outside the tube station and Nasty Nick Cotton at Embankment!
Not long now and my brother and his wife land in the UK so I get some time off to spend some time away from work!! Hooray!! And have been enjoying lots of other sports - the Grand Prix, the cricket, the cycling, and event the golf... summer months are much better than I gave credit for - shame the weather has been so crappy. But even so - Why am I so grumpy?! I have no real reason to be - I just keep waking up in the middle of the night my head full of doubts, questions and regrets... it's not good...
Stars..
'Your heart is definitely yearning for the far blue horizons and paradise beaches. Try to add a touch of the colourful to your social activities, since you want will want a bit of space to your off duty hours. Time spent on your own will be helpful, as you are learning to like yourself more. A significant person may be around who will act discreetly as a spiritual guide. Then in turn you can be doing the same for someone else.'
Friday, July 20, 2007
And then
The heavens opened ..
Station closures on the northern line
Tooting Broadway
TOOTING BROADWAY STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Tooting Bec
TOOTING BEC STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Clapham Common
CLAPHAM COMMON STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Colliers Wood
COLLIERS WOOD STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Tooting Broadway
TOOTING BROADWAY STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Tooting Bec
TOOTING BEC STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Clapham Common
CLAPHAM COMMON STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Colliers Wood
COLLIERS WOOD STATION: Closed due to flooding.
Bags
under me eyes!
Been here since 9am - and its now about 6.34pm and I am now about to go home and die - quietly!
(except I didn't quite do that - I went for a sherbert and then went home and slept like a log!)
Been here since 9am - and its now about 6.34pm and I am now about to go home and die - quietly!
(except I didn't quite do that - I went for a sherbert and then went home and slept like a log!)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Dawned
on me as I stomped home this evening - the guy we offered the PM job too reminds me of my old English teacher Mr Belcher... ha ha. There's a thought!
By Jiminey
So not only is David now not likely to be fit for the first game he should have played in (against Chelsea remember) his wife has a whole hour on TV this evening showing us sunshine and palatial places to live in LA... It is torture of a similar kind to listening too much country & western...
In other news - well my landlord did a 'great' job in boarding up the mouse hole behind the fridge - but tonight as I type this I can hear the little bleeders trying to get through via the sink cupboard near the window. Oh joy so where on earth they are getting to/from I know not - but I can hear them... yuk.
Erm and the upstairs neighbours resumed noises until 2am. Somehow I was still up at 6.15 and in work by 8.35... married to the job i feel... though my green tank top and pig tails did go down well! :-)
In other news - well my landlord did a 'great' job in boarding up the mouse hole behind the fridge - but tonight as I type this I can hear the little bleeders trying to get through via the sink cupboard near the window. Oh joy so where on earth they are getting to/from I know not - but I can hear them... yuk.
Erm and the upstairs neighbours resumed noises until 2am. Somehow I was still up at 6.15 and in work by 8.35... married to the job i feel... though my green tank top and pig tails did go down well! :-)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Aargh
My MP3 player has carked it. My shower is having a tizzy fit. My boss is probably not going to be in the best of moods today following Friday's annoyance.
The trains and tubes seem to be up the spout. Not that I noticed as I managed to get to work for 8.35am. Ta da.
And it is so muggy - a few quick steps = very hot and sticky. Welcome to Monday.
The trains and tubes seem to be up the spout. Not that I noticed as I managed to get to work for 8.35am. Ta da.
And it is so muggy - a few quick steps = very hot and sticky. Welcome to Monday.
I am sick
of hearing about the Beckhams. LA Galaxy. Victoria's pout.
And now Chelsea doing deals with Disney to be a global brand.
And LA Galaxy with D Beckham playing Chelsea in a friendly.
You know what - I don't CARE!!
And now Chelsea doing deals with Disney to be a global brand.
And LA Galaxy with D Beckham playing Chelsea in a friendly.
You know what - I don't CARE!!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Just about
to finish my latest read. And I am putting it off because I don't want to finish the book and not have it left to read...It has kept me engrossed because of the threads of the story going on at the same time but in in different places. There have been some interesting twists and I know it will have a good ending - but once I have got to it I won;t be able to stretch my imagination and try and work out what that ending is...worse I will then have to pick another book to read and after a stonking good one its very tricky picking the next one...
I still have 'Cloud Atlas' to tackle and the last of the Rabbit series to read...and some Phillip Roth stockpiled... hey ho.... will let you know how I go...
Stage 7
Thank god for ITV4!! Stage 7 of the Tour de France on live from 2pm! The mountains - great to watch. The views - the determination - the sheer fitness and endurance of the men taking part. In total awe. See the 8th stage tomorrow on ITV4 @ 2.30pm! More mountains and a finish line at the top of one... phew.
None today
Following pact last night - no ciggies today. All lighters disposed off and ash trays removed...
Friday 13th
Actually was going better than expected. Good interviews, good meetings, pay day and before you could blink time to go home. Being Friday it meant via pub. Which was it's usual good self.
Until at 11ish I noticed my friend Furry's ruck sack had been taken from underneath our noses. We had been standing outside in our usual place - bags against the wall.. talking, drinking and sharing a pact to smoke our last ciggy when I looked down and only saw my bag.
We looked up and down the wall but nothing. It had been lifted under our noses. My heart was racing and my friend turned pale and disappeared to the toilets. The rucksack had several high value items inside, laptop mainly and someone must have clocked that and seen we were too engrossed in our conversation to even notice.
After the shock. The anger and then the sensible stuff. Called the police and got a number for the local station - went to said station. Sitting in the police station at 11.30 at night is not something I have done before but the other stories coming through via the radio of mini cab drivers harassing people and other fights made me see my local working area in a different light.
I had my handbag stolen several years ago in a pub just off Bond Street. It violates you. You mentally panic and grapple around to make sure there are no identifying items in your belongings. Whoever took mine - pinched the mobile phone and the old Sony tape Walkman (with Depeche Mode's 'Ultra' in it - I was more upset I had lost that than the player) but left keys, tube pass and hung bag over a railing to be found. Luckily my purse had been in my coat pocket. I retrieved my bag the next morning from the police station on Saville Row. But I can't forget the fear I had that someone had had the opportunity to learn more about me than I was comfortable with. Goes to show you can never be too careful. I still just can't believe that with two of us stood there either side of the bags someone was still able to get that close - and we didn't notice.
Until at 11ish I noticed my friend Furry's ruck sack had been taken from underneath our noses. We had been standing outside in our usual place - bags against the wall.. talking, drinking and sharing a pact to smoke our last ciggy when I looked down and only saw my bag.
We looked up and down the wall but nothing. It had been lifted under our noses. My heart was racing and my friend turned pale and disappeared to the toilets. The rucksack had several high value items inside, laptop mainly and someone must have clocked that and seen we were too engrossed in our conversation to even notice.
After the shock. The anger and then the sensible stuff. Called the police and got a number for the local station - went to said station. Sitting in the police station at 11.30 at night is not something I have done before but the other stories coming through via the radio of mini cab drivers harassing people and other fights made me see my local working area in a different light.
I had my handbag stolen several years ago in a pub just off Bond Street. It violates you. You mentally panic and grapple around to make sure there are no identifying items in your belongings. Whoever took mine - pinched the mobile phone and the old Sony tape Walkman (with Depeche Mode's 'Ultra' in it - I was more upset I had lost that than the player) but left keys, tube pass and hung bag over a railing to be found. Luckily my purse had been in my coat pocket. I retrieved my bag the next morning from the police station on Saville Row. But I can't forget the fear I had that someone had had the opportunity to learn more about me than I was comfortable with. Goes to show you can never be too careful. I still just can't believe that with two of us stood there either side of the bags someone was still able to get that close - and we didn't notice.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
3000
viewings! Thanks all!
I will try to get back to writing a bit more often - sure there are better things to talk about than my grey mood swings! Like the weather really!! :-)
I will try to get back to writing a bit more often - sure there are better things to talk about than my grey mood swings! Like the weather really!! :-)
Monday, July 09, 2007
Gosh!
A day of watching Stage 1 of Le Tour de France (ITV4), interspersed with the British Grand Prix (ITV1), back to the Tour and then a 3 hour 45 minute mens tennis final at Wimbledon (BBC 1 & 2). Needless to say the only exercise I got today was in my remote control button channel changing finger!
Marvellous! Proved there is life beyond football. Wow!
I did cook a mean chickpea curry and bombay potatoes when I did rise from the sofa!
Marvellous! Proved there is life beyond football. Wow!
I did cook a mean chickpea curry and bombay potatoes when I did rise from the sofa!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Live Earth..
... Good Old Madonna - still got the ability to entertain! Go girl! And I learnt this evening that the Foo Fighters sing one of my all time favourite songs!
As for the concept - you know I care for the planet - just rue the fact its 20 years too late. We were talking global warming in my geography classes...yup over 20 years ago.
Go Green Kids.
Go Green Adults.
Go Green World.
We only have one and we're in the now quickened process of killing it. Save the Whale. The Polar Bear. The Elephant. The Tigers. The Turtles. Save them ALL.
As for the concept - you know I care for the planet - just rue the fact its 20 years too late. We were talking global warming in my geography classes...yup over 20 years ago.
Go Green Kids.
Go Green Adults.
Go Green World.
We only have one and we're in the now quickened process of killing it. Save the Whale. The Polar Bear. The Elephant. The Tigers. The Turtles. Save them ALL.
Le Tour De France
On yer bike! Today The Prologue came to town! And on a course beginning at Whitehall the riders in the Tour completed a 7.9km circuit with the finish line in the Mall. I alighted at Victoria and as you can see had my hat on! London was smiling today.
London Loves! The sun shine and the people - Ken Livingstone seemed to have this weekend licked. 
The start point in Whitehall - check out the rider in white helmet getting ready to go down the ramp to start his circuit. I wandered round to Trafalgar Square and watched on the screens until I realised you got to see the riders warming up at the top end of Whitehall! Bonus - so after failing to get any action shots I finally did! 
The dark moody form of ?! - who knows - but let's face it with all those very fit athletes on their bicycles and wearing their shorts it was indeed an opportunity not to be wasted by one so young! And this dark and moody chap is quite yummy! The various sponsors for the race include my home county and the infamous Medway Towns!
Trying to take photos of moving cyclists is tricky - they go VERY fast - so as you can see - you either get their back up car or hands of others obscuring them! I did eventually find some top spots on the way back up Victoria Street and managed to get some sense of the Tour in London.
It was a really excited feeling - the crowds were from all over the world and the city had managed to adopt a French air about it. Well the pushing in at least! The voices were many - and no-one seemed to be worried about the events of last weekend or indeed 2 years previous. This was a rare opportunity to see the most gruelling cycle race in our neck of the woods.
I was generally excited cos even as a kid one of my abiding memories of summer holidays (apart from test cricket on the BBC and 4 yearly World Cups) is sitting with my brother after a hard day of picking fruit and watching the Tour de France highlights. Now the Tour is on ITV4 - the whole stage live on TV - not just puny highlights! Gary Imlach and Phil Leggett are still commentating and the race still inspires the closet cyclist in me! Tomorrow it heads to Stage 1 - through the lanes and y ways of Kent - which makes me immensely proud and draws together so many emotions - cycling to and fro between fruit fields during the summer - Stu & I doing of King of the Mountains up Stockers Hill. He always won the yellow the green and the polka dot jersey's... typical. But today was about London - and revitalising the Tour.
I think both benefited.
And then
before I went to bed on Thursday pm - I made the mistake of checking emails - only a mere 100+ to check through! Ah well work beckoned Friday. The wind blew but no RAIN!! CV reviewing - calming words and a few swift beers after work...bed at 10.30pm post some E4 'Smack the Pony' (great even now!!).
5th July - Walk!
Oh yes - back on the trail - this time to the south side of London and the Eastern burbs... Tower Hill to Greenwich... Just over 10 miles and sad to say not much sunshine but I did get a red nose?! Go figure! Words actions and pictures to follow the Walkies blog!
Some pix already on here sent via camera phone as we sat where we were!
4th July - the Little Sparrow
2007 - Happy Birthday to my mum!
I went to the dentist while she potted round SavaCentre (and yes I did cook her breakfast!) we met purchased produce for lunch/tea and meals tomorrow. Then my errant brother rang and I finally managed to shift 4 bags of charity stuff to the charity shop as we walked to Wimbledon!
The reason. Well the rain determined that our walk was out and a trip to watch the tennis didn't look a very sensible use of time. The rain see. So we went to the pictures/flicks/cinema and watched 'La Vie En Rose' - the Edith Piaf story. Utterly brilliant it was too. The actress, Marion Cotillard, playing Edith in her most formative years was sensational.
The back drop to the afternoon was the cinema hall being occupied by the grey haired brigade - no wonder my mum get frustrated - she is not yet a 60er and yet because she has the distinctive grey hair everyone assumes she is. I guess I have this to look forward too... Anyway we trotted home at speed and I cooked Sicilian Bean stew with baked Salmon and also prepared Spag Bol ready for tomorrow's fodder session. Lovely! I think my mum has been disappointed by the lack of out of date yoghurt's in the fridge! Oops!
I went to the dentist while she potted round SavaCentre (and yes I did cook her breakfast!) we met purchased produce for lunch/tea and meals tomorrow. Then my errant brother rang and I finally managed to shift 4 bags of charity stuff to the charity shop as we walked to Wimbledon!
The reason. Well the rain determined that our walk was out and a trip to watch the tennis didn't look a very sensible use of time. The rain see. So we went to the pictures/flicks/cinema and watched 'La Vie En Rose' - the Edith Piaf story. Utterly brilliant it was too. The actress, Marion Cotillard, playing Edith in her most formative years was sensational.
The back drop to the afternoon was the cinema hall being occupied by the grey haired brigade - no wonder my mum get frustrated - she is not yet a 60er and yet because she has the distinctive grey hair everyone assumes she is. I guess I have this to look forward too... Anyway we trotted home at speed and I cooked Sicilian Bean stew with baked Salmon and also prepared Spag Bol ready for tomorrow's fodder session. Lovely! I think my mum has been disappointed by the lack of out of date yoghurt's in the fridge! Oops!
1st July 2007
From 6am - smoking officially became the biggest crime in the world...
So all smokers are now outside (it's raining - you get wet; it's cold - you get cold) and in fear of dropping their finished butts cos it is an immediate 80 quid fine... joy. So yes. Ostracised and somehow more determined to be a 'rebel'. That said a week into it and I have smoked less. Well can't even stand outside work anymore have to go for a 6 mile hike to find nearest receptacle for butts. And with mental days in the office come fewer opportunities to go smoke...and with Mum staying ever fewer than usual. There is just nowhere to sit comfortably and have a fag anymore... God forbid the Government actually get this right..!!
So all smokers are now outside (it's raining - you get wet; it's cold - you get cold) and in fear of dropping their finished butts cos it is an immediate 80 quid fine... joy. So yes. Ostracised and somehow more determined to be a 'rebel'. That said a week into it and I have smoked less. Well can't even stand outside work anymore have to go for a 6 mile hike to find nearest receptacle for butts. And with mental days in the office come fewer opportunities to go smoke...and with Mum staying ever fewer than usual. There is just nowhere to sit comfortably and have a fag anymore... God forbid the Government actually get this right..!!
Mon 2nd/Tues 3rd.
Both mental days at work. Monday I didn't leave office until 8pm (it was raining so I got wet) and Tuesday in at 8.30am and out at 6.30pm (as I got off tube - guess what it was raining and I got wet). I then wonder why my head aches and my shoulders are tense... Tuesday evening I picked Mum up for her annual birthday away days. Iternary had yet been agreed - but a walk and some shops, food and wine were on the cards at some point. If Only I could forget about work...
W/B 25th June
I met my friend Lisa on the Wednesday. We talked of life, loneliness and loves.
It was a week when my boss was on hols so I was at the helm. Eek. Survived and felt okay by end of week - tired. But on top.
It was a week when my boss was on hols so I was at the helm. Eek. Survived and felt okay by end of week - tired. But on top.
We got a new Prime Minister. Please enter the house known as No 10 Mr Gordon Brown. Good bye Blair, Tony - there was so much promise. And that day in May 1997 lives on in my memory. A day off work - on Vikki Park @ Leicester enjoying the sunshine and down the pub with the crew from work to celebrate! Ah Labour united.
I went to the opticians and got very cross with the lack of customer care... or concern for anything except my direct debit scheme. I strongly do not recommend Optical Express.
Saturday my folks descended - Mum was off to see Andy Williams at the Royal Albert Hall. I have to keep reminding myself that it is June/Summer/nearly July. The rain hasn't stopped. Glasters and Wimbledon really have put the end of the month on a damp footing. So anyway we were wet before we even got to the tube station. So we got tube to S Wimbledon and walked swiftly to Slurp for some tasty Japanese/Chinese lunch. Walk back to CW and I picked up my dry cleaned duvet! Oh yes - only took me 16 years to get it sorted!! In that time it was apparent that my Squeezy friend was in the pub opposite so we went in for a beer and a catch up. Went rather well I thought.
Home for the folks to change. Except they fell asleep. I checked the web - tube up the spout so I accompanied them to Wimbledon on the bus and in doing so missed the last episode of Doctor Who..... eeek.
They got back at 11.30 pm. Mum had visibly been moved by seeing our Andy. Childhood memories etc.
Sunday the sun was intermittent so I cooked lunch while Dad got his fingers round the mouse of my PC and the Internet. Gasp!!
Which reminds me on the Friday night I got home to a not quite dead mouse in the trap. I tried to finish it off but couldn't - so let it run into the garden.... however the pellets have since come out and I Hope they do the job... all too soon Monday again. Thankfully a short week ahead...
Been away
for a while.
Not really been myself - so this evening as I defrost my fridge, I'll try and fill in a few events of the last few days....
Not really been myself - so this evening as I defrost my fridge, I'll try and fill in a few events of the last few days....
07/07/07
Today is the 2 year anniversary.
Today has been the most heart warming day in London for a long time.
Today the sun shone and the city went European.
Today - we don't forget. We get up and remember, the only way we know how.
Today has been the most heart warming day in London for a long time.
Today the sun shone and the city went European.
Today - we don't forget. We get up and remember, the only way we know how.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Moods...
I have a few... and the last week or so I have been very very dark. In fact tomorrow heralds a fortnight of self doubt/fears/loathing/ irritability etc etc. What is going on?
The weather ... well this time last year I was bemoaning the heat. This month has been mad - floods and city centre's deluged. Frightening in fact. In a ground floor flat I would have little chance to save much...
Me at work - severe self doubt. Finally getting back into my stride - in charge this week. Deep ends. This morning started well - I poured orange juice over my cornflakes. I got an early tube which took forever so I was in at 9.27am which annoyed me - when at the helm need to set the standard. And and and. All in all little things which I need to deal with better.
Me at the weekends - confining myself to barracks. Not even a walk.
I need a kick up the backside. I today decided I perhaps needed a spa weekend - to treat myself and revive my brain cells and pamper my bod.
Well tomorrow is midweek and I'm meeting a chum after work - which I am looking forward too...and I did make a few differences today ... somewhere.
The weather ... well this time last year I was bemoaning the heat. This month has been mad - floods and city centre's deluged. Frightening in fact. In a ground floor flat I would have little chance to save much...
Me at work - severe self doubt. Finally getting back into my stride - in charge this week. Deep ends. This morning started well - I poured orange juice over my cornflakes. I got an early tube which took forever so I was in at 9.27am which annoyed me - when at the helm need to set the standard. And and and. All in all little things which I need to deal with better.
Me at the weekends - confining myself to barracks. Not even a walk.
I need a kick up the backside. I today decided I perhaps needed a spa weekend - to treat myself and revive my brain cells and pamper my bod.
Well tomorrow is midweek and I'm meeting a chum after work - which I am looking forward too...and I did make a few differences today ... somewhere.
Have I
shared yet the joy of a) a new MP3 player? b) the discovery of audible books which I can download to said new MP3? No ... well let me fill ya all in...
got a new MP3 player - Creative Vision M and compared to my last one its a dream! When I installed software etc I was entitled to a free trial of Audio Books - I already consumed Gordon Ramsay's 'Humble Pie' and next up is Alex James' 'A Bit of Blur'... great to listen to, learn and drown out the neighbours!!!
Nice!
got a new MP3 player - Creative Vision M and compared to my last one its a dream! When I installed software etc I was entitled to a free trial of Audio Books - I already consumed Gordon Ramsay's 'Humble Pie' and next up is Alex James' 'A Bit of Blur'... great to listen to, learn and drown out the neighbours!!!
Nice!
Work
everyone here/there is contending with house purchasing and for the not yet marrieds - engagement.
So I have been contemplating marriage. And home ownership. But first tying the knot...
In my contemplation I realised I am actually a bit of a huge commitmentphobe!! HUGELY protective of my space and identity. Can you marry and retain that? Do people still marry for love? Part of me hopes so - but another part of me, cynical and 'wise', suspect not. Quality company and loyalty would be nice. A trusted soul mate to share news and views with. Someone who tells you everything and is honest about their thoughts and what they have been up too.
Have I experienced enough to make a decision yet? Do I need to do more things sans Mr before becoming half of a couple?
Conversely life is short so why not take a chance and see what happens. What is the worst that can happen?
As ever there are more questions than answers and the more I ask the less I know the answer...and as with so many things there are no guarantees...
Buying a pad on the other hand. Got home tonight to find a dead mouse in the kitchen. Joy. That and the damp smell and a fast lack of space to be me it sounds more appealing by the minute.
So I have been contemplating marriage. And home ownership. But first tying the knot...
In my contemplation I realised I am actually a bit of a huge commitmentphobe!! HUGELY protective of my space and identity. Can you marry and retain that? Do people still marry for love? Part of me hopes so - but another part of me, cynical and 'wise', suspect not. Quality company and loyalty would be nice. A trusted soul mate to share news and views with. Someone who tells you everything and is honest about their thoughts and what they have been up too.
Have I experienced enough to make a decision yet? Do I need to do more things sans Mr before becoming half of a couple?
Conversely life is short so why not take a chance and see what happens. What is the worst that can happen?
As ever there are more questions than answers and the more I ask the less I know the answer...and as with so many things there are no guarantees...
Buying a pad on the other hand. Got home tonight to find a dead mouse in the kitchen. Joy. That and the damp smell and a fast lack of space to be me it sounds more appealing by the minute.
Things come in 3's
Well accidents do.
Friday am a car collided with barriers outside work and ended up on its roof. Saturday while sat in the curry house there was a loud crunching noise and a car had collided with a wall and then yesterday morning Colliers Wood high street closed cos of another car smash - and Radio 5 Live travel even cited it!!
Nice.
Now I know another reason why I don't want a car. Or indeed a cart.
Friday am a car collided with barriers outside work and ended up on its roof. Saturday while sat in the curry house there was a loud crunching noise and a car had collided with a wall and then yesterday morning Colliers Wood high street closed cos of another car smash - and Radio 5 Live travel even cited it!!
Nice.
Now I know another reason why I don't want a car. Or indeed a cart.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Come on Tim!!
I have just watched the most exciting game of tennis for a long while .. and it's not over yet!!
Come On Tim!
So they have gone off 2 sets a piece - 5 games a piece in the final set.... oooh ah!! Shame I will miss the outcome by being at work tomorrow - BOO! Here's hoping he can progress to Round 2 AND you never know - even further!!
Come On Tim!
Though I was torn as Moya was quite a hunky chap...but not quite a Rafter or a Cash!! :-)
So they have gone off 2 sets a piece - 5 games a piece in the final set.... oooh ah!! Shame I will miss the outcome by being at work tomorrow - BOO! Here's hoping he can progress to Round 2 AND you never know - even further!!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
10 years ago
today I was en route to Glastonbury! Aah the exuberance of youth! I will share my memories over the course of the weekend while I camp out in my mice & moth infested front room!
Please though do enjoy the longest day - try to forget the days do start to get shorter from here on in, and, that so far, the best summer we have had was in April!?
Please though do enjoy the longest day - try to forget the days do start to get shorter from here on in, and, that so far, the best summer we have had was in April!?
UTG!
So Matty has finally departed - not this mortal coil - just the mecca Priestfield. Off to Wolves he goes. Well he went yesterday...
Good luck mate - you served us well I will never forget your cheeky smile at Fleet Service Station.
And as one goes - so yet more join?!?! Eeek! Striker Delroy Facey (Rotherham) and midfielders Barry Cogan (Barnet) and Aaron Brown (Swindon) all arrived on free transfers. Free. I wonder if the three frees can help thaw the talent freezr we have suffered for too long...?
Well with fixtures out and season ticket applications in the post - the countdown begins. It sounds feeble but I really am feeling the lack of football at the moment. The weekends have become a waste land of TV and sleep. Not good for my mood or my soul.
So ...51 days and counting....
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
In an attempt
to restore myself to sunny persona and not my current gloomy persona, I have dressed today the exact way I did last Wednesday. I am hoping if I can rerun today to a better conclusion than last Wednesday I will have banished my demons.
Then again I suspect there are several underlying issues I need to address...
You have got a great urge to get away from ruts and routines, from tedious chores, boring people and fly a little bit higher. You will want to broaden your horizons, however you can. Travel would suit you best but there are other ways to keep you interest engaged. In demand at the moment for your bright ideas, witty way with words, and diplomatic knack of putting others at ease, you will be guaranteed a positive response almost everywhere you go.
On a positive note ... mmm. Can't think of any at the moment...!!
Then again I suspect there are several underlying issues I need to address...
You have got a great urge to get away from ruts and routines, from tedious chores, boring people and fly a little bit higher. You will want to broaden your horizons, however you can. Travel would suit you best but there are other ways to keep you interest engaged. In demand at the moment for your bright ideas, witty way with words, and diplomatic knack of putting others at ease, you will be guaranteed a positive response almost everywhere you go.
On a positive note ... mmm. Can't think of any at the moment...!!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
News
Season ticket prices announced! Season fixtures announced! Carling Cup first round announced - Watford! Hooray! Which is good as for the last few days I have had my head in a fog (not helped by a full on collision with bath taps - luckily the bruise I expected round my eye did not appear) and feeling decidedly unworthy. For every up there is a down - my current down is while I stumble around finding my feet in my new job role... I will get there. I will survive this league.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
TheLondonBuzz
Finished 'Digging for America' this evening - so resorted to The London Paper - where I read with slight bemusement that Martine McCutcheon had given Mark Shaw false mobile numbers - the poor bloke is said to be heart broken! That's news in London folks!!?
Fruit
Just woken from Tues pm haze by an ad for Waitrose - local producers from the village I grew up in, and YES spelt correctly!! Apple cider delivered to Ramsgate! Go Teynham and local farmers... which leads me to my other point of the day. In Sainsos - watched little Billy pick up pears and then drop them from a great height back into the display. Equals bruised pears and a lack of respect for fruit. Coupled with a puny punnet of raspberries retailed for 2 quid - we were never paid that per punnet when we picked them in the summer months and the condition of the little berries was not good. You just can't beat picking your berries fresh and straight off the fruiting bush - in the sun, home grown tasting of pure sunshine.
Goes to prove you can take the girl out of Kent but you can't take the Kent out of the girl...
Goes to prove you can take the girl out of Kent but you can't take the Kent out of the girl...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Coor!
Just watched Peter and Dan Snow: 20th Century...Battlefields. And Dan Snow is a bit of a sort!! Subject matter - well aside from aeroplanes - war sucks no matter how many times man fails to prevent it...
Otherwise ... good evening. Until tomorrow!
Otherwise ... good evening. Until tomorrow!
Farewell...
My parents have broken the news that they are saying goodbye to the trusty countryman Montego... a family friend which saw my brother and I to various University addresses packed to the rafters with our worldly goods...
My fondest memories are of Dad & I sat at Mildenhall (on the roof) watching harriers doing bomb runs - nice and low and loud! And the end of Fairford days - sat in the boot drinking coffee and demolishing whatever food was left - talking about the days aircraft and savouring the late July evening sun. A familiar sight - the sight of Mum and Dad arriving - a little warm glow. And the dogs who have travelled in style in the back. And the Chrstmas Eve lunchtimes when Mum has zoomed off in it cos Dad & I had over drunk ourselves..oops
Goodbye dear car - I hope you go to a friendly home and share as much with them as you have with us - all 13 years worth of our lives...
My fondest memories are of Dad & I sat at Mildenhall (on the roof) watching harriers doing bomb runs - nice and low and loud! And the end of Fairford days - sat in the boot drinking coffee and demolishing whatever food was left - talking about the days aircraft and savouring the late July evening sun. A familiar sight - the sight of Mum and Dad arriving - a little warm glow. And the dogs who have travelled in style in the back. And the Chrstmas Eve lunchtimes when Mum has zoomed off in it cos Dad & I had over drunk ourselves..oops Goodbye dear car - I hope you go to a friendly home and share as much with them as you have with us - all 13 years worth of our lives...
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday..
means WW! Not been for a while so imagine my delight when I weighed in at 10st 7lbs!!! My lowest yet! And 3 lbs under my target loss. Me happy! Esp after some fairly boozy evenings.
That and the Gills have bought some players... eek! still no news on the season ticket prices yet mind you... So Simon King (a defender) joins from Barnet (I thought he was a wildlife photographer!?) as does Craig Armstrong (a defender) from Cheltenham. Shore up the defence - I hope it works!!
Otherwise sat and put photos of my USA trip into albums at the weekend - bought back some really vivid memories which may indeed help continuation of my great unfinished novel. Though I think it really more of elongated blog!!
That and the Gills have bought some players... eek! still no news on the season ticket prices yet mind you... So Simon King (a defender) joins from Barnet (I thought he was a wildlife photographer!?) as does Craig Armstrong (a defender) from Cheltenham. Shore up the defence - I hope it works!!
Otherwise sat and put photos of my USA trip into albums at the weekend - bought back some really vivid memories which may indeed help continuation of my great unfinished novel. Though I think it really more of elongated blog!!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Wherefore art thou?
I miss your comments a Known Admirer. I miss our lunch hours. I miss my friend. Please can we talk about this and get back on form. Bring Robert Morley and Mozzquito if it helps...
If it relates to the May Ball - then at least let me listen so I can understand.. explain/apologise even.
If it relates to the May Ball - then at least let me listen so I can understand.. explain/apologise even.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Stuff.
Must stop spending cash.. today a pair of wedgie sandals which no doubt in the real world not the shop floor will hurt like hell...
The weather has not lived up to expectation the last few days - no sunshine and bit chilly if not in the right clobber. I have put my vest back on. Nice!
Tomorrow is my appraisal. When I first read the form I was really proud of myself. By the this morning I had worked out all the negative bits are was pondering those all day. Oh well. Tomorrow - discuss.
Facebook has been moderately entertaining. There is a certain addictiveness to it.. but I have changed my profile picture as I was inwardly comparing myself to everyone else's mates. Must learn to not do that.
And I am now going to create a 'creative writing blog' - so look out for a link shortly. Ta taa.
The weather has not lived up to expectation the last few days - no sunshine and bit chilly if not in the right clobber. I have put my vest back on. Nice!
Tomorrow is my appraisal. When I first read the form I was really proud of myself. By the this morning I had worked out all the negative bits are was pondering those all day. Oh well. Tomorrow - discuss.
Facebook has been moderately entertaining. There is a certain addictiveness to it.. but I have changed my profile picture as I was inwardly comparing myself to everyone else's mates. Must learn to not do that.
And I am now going to create a 'creative writing blog' - so look out for a link shortly. Ta taa.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
I did
go to Next last night and bought a RED SUIT!! Oops! Does that count as news?!
Skirt and jacket - no trousers to be seen either?! Nice!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Ordinary Days
Mean no real news apart from having to barricade the skirting board behind the fridge and freezer with 4 lemonade and water bottles. I could hear the little blighters trying to get through, but since Sunday I think they have been prevented in their mission. Bought more bait just in case.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Anne Tyler book - 'Digging for America'. Her observational prose is superb. Highly recommend reading it.
Today sees me in a dress - with my legs exposed - radical huh! I have finally booked some days off (to go walking with my Mum - so look out for the reports in July) and also to spend time with bro and sis-in-law in August.
No news from the Gillingham FC camp about players or indeed season ticket prices. Typical.
Otherwise the flurry that was my weekend has quietened - which is as well as I am being handed over the next big project and can see June/July being pretty hectic in the world of work. That and plenty of after work walking keeps me busy. Did manage to completely re-build my MP3 player and reload all my tracks and it seems a lot happier. Am avoiding BB. Am wondering if England can do remarkable things this evening. Am wondering when the next big flurry will be.
Am content.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Anne Tyler book - 'Digging for America'. Her observational prose is superb. Highly recommend reading it.
Today sees me in a dress - with my legs exposed - radical huh! I have finally booked some days off (to go walking with my Mum - so look out for the reports in July) and also to spend time with bro and sis-in-law in August.
No news from the Gillingham FC camp about players or indeed season ticket prices. Typical.
Otherwise the flurry that was my weekend has quietened - which is as well as I am being handed over the next big project and can see June/July being pretty hectic in the world of work. That and plenty of after work walking keeps me busy. Did manage to completely re-build my MP3 player and reload all my tracks and it seems a lot happier. Am avoiding BB. Am wondering if England can do remarkable things this evening. Am wondering when the next big flurry will be.
Am content.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Olympics Logo
has everyone going apoplectic... here are some alternatives and I have to say there a few decent ones amongst this little lot.. the official one reminds me of the Apprentice STREET brand.. oh dear.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Sleep
Got up at 11.15am after listening to the tragic events in Ambridge. After a wash, some breakfast, some pottering - I settled down to read a book. That was 3pm. By 3.05pm I was fast asleep. I woke up again at 6.30pm. I clearly needed some proper deep sleep. Some weird old dreams.
At 9.35pm this evening my neighbours returned.... EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. And now still having not completed the work I was supposed to do I am going to hit the hay... Yawn, yawn, yawn.
At 9.35pm this evening my neighbours returned.... EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. And now still having not completed the work I was supposed to do I am going to hit the hay... Yawn, yawn, yawn.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Too much
blogging means the thing I was supposed to be doing has not been done... yes I was supposed to be writing Section 1 of my apprasial, part of my career development within the firm (have I qualified as a solicitor yet? no!), for my appraisal is this coming Friday.
Oh well tomorrow is a new fresh and clear headed day - probably a better day to start trying to work out what pearls of wisdom I need to reflect upon. Guessing that my tube time chats from last night won't be relevant either! Though it shows people skills - obtaining information from reluctant sources...
I suspect I would have made a good detective.
I so hate writing about myself too.
Oh well tomorrow is a new fresh and clear headed day - probably a better day to start trying to work out what pearls of wisdom I need to reflect upon. Guessing that my tube time chats from last night won't be relevant either! Though it shows people skills - obtaining information from reluctant sources...
I suspect I would have made a good detective.
I so hate writing about myself too.
Draw
Last night I got quite drunk and talked a lot and listened even more. But last night I reconfirmed (or had reconfirmed to me) my basic character. Then I took that and threw it on its head! Well sort of. Farringdon to Moorgate had quite few England fans on the tube homeward bound from Wembley and for some inexplicable reason I just wanted to talk footie (having stood outside a pub all night before realising in the 82nd min - my first loo stop, see - that it was on inside!) so I asked a chap standing in the doorway what the score had been,
"I take it we won?",
Startled look - no-one talks on a tube, and certainly not a female to a group of relatively plain looking chaps about footie,
"Grunt".
"How was the Wembley experience?",
"OK but still got this stupid bloody journey home after waiting for a tube for ages at Wembley",
"How was Beckham? Worth his place?",
"Not really, well you know",
"So was it actually a good game",
"Not really".
At which point I reached for the Premiership dosh soap box and stood on it.
"Bit like your average Premiership game then? Overpaid Man U and Chelsea players not bothering?"
"You wot?"... suddenly the lights were on and the thought processes behind the eyes were along the lines of she may well be a girl and this may well be a tube and I may be talking to a stranger on it, but I have to defend my beloved Chelsea. "Wot's wrong with Chelsea? Who do you support then?"
I should know better but there are certain arguments that no-one can win but I do like to see them squirm. "Gillingham. Season ticket holder as it goes so I understand the stress of travel. I just resent all the money in your division."
"It could happen to you - we were shite once and then we got a rich man in and now look..."
I resisted saying 'yeah and you are still shite judging from the FA Cup performance' and instead played a safety shot,"Mmm. Your rich man probably only wants your expensive Chelsea plot of land. Who in their right mind invests in teams which are not in big cities? And certainly ones in the out posts of Kent? We need your greedy gits to share a little of the wealth..."
At which point it was Moorgate, I wished them a good evening and alighted.
Alive and feeling on top of the world.
There are certain days when you travel the tube and you really do believe anything is possible. Last night I felt like that. I thought everyone could just shake their neighbours hand and smile. Spread some happiness for a change. Let the commuter scowl drop and see each other as human beings. Individuals.
As it was an older bloke got on at Bank and sat next to me - his son opposite and a bit worried about his dad being on a tube. The chap had a programme from the England game. And there were ticks next to which Brazil players had played. I had my earphones on at this point and ordinarily I would have left it that way... but my dad does that ticks them off. And I wanted to share my vibe for football a bit more. No fights this time I just pointed to the programme and said 'My dad does that, not quite sure what he thinks he is going to do with all those stats but its a weekly habit pre each match' - to which the chap looked a bit taken aback and when he worked out I wasn't a total loony he pointed at his grinning son and said, 'oh yes so does he'. And so I spent the next 30 minutes talking about football... he a Fulham fan. He was not as defensive as my earlier subject and seemed to rue also the shape the sport has taken.
I felt quite elated as I wandered home. The texts I had been trying to send finally went and I felt as if London was my playground once more - not my prison. I realised that without my Gills shirt and hat I was more confident to talk about - I suppose because I looked less likely to care about such matters. Oh yeah and I was drunk and I hadn't spend loads of money and time to go to the game! That perhaps explains my less conversational stance when I go to Gills games... who knows. Maybe team conversations have to focus on stats and predictions - which I fear is definitely a more male past-time. Was good to feel part of something though - football and England.
All that and England drew. Needless to say a Beckham cross was punted in by the Chelsea captain.
Where would we be without these high quality ex Man U players and Chelsea ones?!
"I take it we won?",
Startled look - no-one talks on a tube, and certainly not a female to a group of relatively plain looking chaps about footie,
"Grunt".
"How was the Wembley experience?",
"OK but still got this stupid bloody journey home after waiting for a tube for ages at Wembley",
"How was Beckham? Worth his place?",
"Not really, well you know",
"So was it actually a good game",
"Not really".
At which point I reached for the Premiership dosh soap box and stood on it.
"Bit like your average Premiership game then? Overpaid Man U and Chelsea players not bothering?"
"You wot?"... suddenly the lights were on and the thought processes behind the eyes were along the lines of she may well be a girl and this may well be a tube and I may be talking to a stranger on it, but I have to defend my beloved Chelsea. "Wot's wrong with Chelsea? Who do you support then?"
I should know better but there are certain arguments that no-one can win but I do like to see them squirm. "Gillingham. Season ticket holder as it goes so I understand the stress of travel. I just resent all the money in your division."
"It could happen to you - we were shite once and then we got a rich man in and now look..."
I resisted saying 'yeah and you are still shite judging from the FA Cup performance' and instead played a safety shot,"Mmm. Your rich man probably only wants your expensive Chelsea plot of land. Who in their right mind invests in teams which are not in big cities? And certainly ones in the out posts of Kent? We need your greedy gits to share a little of the wealth..."
At which point it was Moorgate, I wished them a good evening and alighted.
Alive and feeling on top of the world.
There are certain days when you travel the tube and you really do believe anything is possible. Last night I felt like that. I thought everyone could just shake their neighbours hand and smile. Spread some happiness for a change. Let the commuter scowl drop and see each other as human beings. Individuals.
As it was an older bloke got on at Bank and sat next to me - his son opposite and a bit worried about his dad being on a tube. The chap had a programme from the England game. And there were ticks next to which Brazil players had played. I had my earphones on at this point and ordinarily I would have left it that way... but my dad does that ticks them off. And I wanted to share my vibe for football a bit more. No fights this time I just pointed to the programme and said 'My dad does that, not quite sure what he thinks he is going to do with all those stats but its a weekly habit pre each match' - to which the chap looked a bit taken aback and when he worked out I wasn't a total loony he pointed at his grinning son and said, 'oh yes so does he'. And so I spent the next 30 minutes talking about football... he a Fulham fan. He was not as defensive as my earlier subject and seemed to rue also the shape the sport has taken.
I felt quite elated as I wandered home. The texts I had been trying to send finally went and I felt as if London was my playground once more - not my prison. I realised that without my Gills shirt and hat I was more confident to talk about - I suppose because I looked less likely to care about such matters. Oh yeah and I was drunk and I hadn't spend loads of money and time to go to the game! That perhaps explains my less conversational stance when I go to Gills games... who knows. Maybe team conversations have to focus on stats and predictions - which I fear is definitely a more male past-time. Was good to feel part of something though - football and England.
All that and England drew. Needless to say a Beckham cross was punted in by the Chelsea captain.
Where would we be without these high quality ex Man U players and Chelsea ones?!
June 2nd 2001
So now the tally is 6 years. And today felt the same in so many ways - the weather, the general well being in my own mind.. and thankfully it was not an aggressive day or indeed a day of blame. Today was about 6 years of knowing each other and recognising our strength as friends.
Thank you Mr Squeezy x
Thank you Mr Squeezy x
Spills, Thrills and Bellyaches
Kind of sums up the current Karoona mood.
SPILLS: Thanks to the Beeb website for this story - Danny Spiller to go to Charlton. Well its a small step up from Millwall... and it paves the way for Pardew to take what were our golden pair - Spills 'n' Jarvis.
THRILLS: It must be the time of year, the weather or something in the water but I just seems to be having thrilling conversations with people (OK, men) with whom I have not spoken too in a long while or to whom I have not really tried to speak to like this for a long time. It feels as if earlier chapters were not quite finished properly and need a small re-write or maybe a total revisit, whilst the current chapters reveal the sorts of plots they could take even though it is improbable that they will. But to suddenly be having open and frank conversations with these particular people is really putting a glint into my eye. I feel really alive and happier than ever to be me...
BELLYACHES: Friday night, Bishops Finger pub. Too many Masterbrews - need I say more?
SPILLS: Thanks to the Beeb website for this story - Danny Spiller to go to Charlton. Well its a small step up from Millwall... and it paves the way for Pardew to take what were our golden pair - Spills 'n' Jarvis.
THRILLS: It must be the time of year, the weather or something in the water but I just seems to be having thrilling conversations with people (OK, men) with whom I have not spoken too in a long while or to whom I have not really tried to speak to like this for a long time. It feels as if earlier chapters were not quite finished properly and need a small re-write or maybe a total revisit, whilst the current chapters reveal the sorts of plots they could take even though it is improbable that they will. But to suddenly be having open and frank conversations with these particular people is really putting a glint into my eye. I feel really alive and happier than ever to be me...
BELLYACHES: Friday night, Bishops Finger pub. Too many Masterbrews - need I say more?
Friday, June 01, 2007
Two nights
out with friends - a social life is unfolding... !!! And of course by publishing it, it will promptly end!
Wednesday night I was 'dragged' into the local pub, following my weekly shop, and gripe at fellow shoppers in the local SavaCentre, and discussed music and revolution - well mainly revolution actually. It was really good to catch up with a few of the locals and hear all about the projects they are doing in the local area - live music being the primary focus and bringing back a sense of community to the local pubs plus the campaign against building more hideous buildings by the Wandle at Merton Abbey Mills... Either way my 'quick' white wine turned into several and missing The Apprentice and getting to bed just afore midnight. Consequently today has been slightly harder than usual.. oh well.
Then this evening I got a text message from someone I haven't seen in years! Can you see the truth Baggy?! One of my more avid commenter's was in the Waterloo area so we caught up for a pint (cured hangover instantly) and general rant against football, music and why the devil life is the way it is and a short sweep stake and when we are likely to meet for a nother beer!! 2012 on current form!! Good to see ya mate and I still think England will lose against Estonia!! :-)
So the sun is out and the birds are singing.. spring has sprung and life is kinda sweet... so many choices so little time (and that's just pubs to smoke in before 1st July!!)
AND AND my neighbours are still away and the peace is BLISS!!!!! Just typical I have hardly been there to appreciate it fully!
Wednesday night I was 'dragged' into the local pub, following my weekly shop, and gripe at fellow shoppers in the local SavaCentre, and discussed music and revolution - well mainly revolution actually. It was really good to catch up with a few of the locals and hear all about the projects they are doing in the local area - live music being the primary focus and bringing back a sense of community to the local pubs plus the campaign against building more hideous buildings by the Wandle at Merton Abbey Mills... Either way my 'quick' white wine turned into several and missing The Apprentice and getting to bed just afore midnight. Consequently today has been slightly harder than usual.. oh well.
Then this evening I got a text message from someone I haven't seen in years! Can you see the truth Baggy?! One of my more avid commenter's was in the Waterloo area so we caught up for a pint (cured hangover instantly) and general rant against football, music and why the devil life is the way it is and a short sweep stake and when we are likely to meet for a nother beer!! 2012 on current form!! Good to see ya mate and I still think England will lose against Estonia!! :-)
So the sun is out and the birds are singing.. spring has sprung and life is kinda sweet... so many choices so little time (and that's just pubs to smoke in before 1st July!!)
AND AND my neighbours are still away and the peace is BLISS!!!!! Just typical I have hardly been there to appreciate it fully!
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