Meanwhile the tourist brother was here - watching a 3-3 draw!
(My mobile camera phone has been set to incandescent - hence the blue hue to my pix recently. Have set it back to normal.)
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Look!
I am not alone! Urban Walkers in London...discovered by chance as I tried to workout the history of the Harrods Furniture Depository building we passed yesterday on our way to Hammersmith bridge..
Meanwhile the tourist brother was here - watching a 3-3 draw!
(My mobile camera phone has been set to incandescent - hence the blue hue to my pix recently. Have set it back to normal.)
Meanwhile the tourist brother was here - watching a 3-3 draw! (My mobile camera phone has been set to incandescent - hence the blue hue to my pix recently. Have set it back to normal.)
Gillingham 2 - Walsall 1
Case solved - I stay at home and the Gills win. Well done Twiglet!
I did though have a very good afternoon walking the Thames (again!) from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge and back again. Cooked tea tonight and all in all it's been a relaxed day. For all of us - which is good! Even bumped inot an old work colleague at Putney 's Duke's Head - John Dicko! And still reeling from the change to the O'Neills pub - its now called 'The Temperance' and felt totally different - nice pot of Pigswill tho!
Tonight is the last night on the sofa bed - the neighbours above are using their washing machine and to the side - still outside apres their bar-b-q... hence a late night posting. Will after all that be odd not having other people about in the flat with me - they are off to Kent tomorrow, me undecided when to go down as by doing so I am consigned to the inflatable single mattress. joy!
But I am now tired and in need of kip - so until whensoever... ttfn.
I did though have a very good afternoon walking the Thames (again!) from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge and back again. Cooked tea tonight and all in all it's been a relaxed day. For all of us - which is good! Even bumped inot an old work colleague at Putney 's Duke's Head - John Dicko! And still reeling from the change to the O'Neills pub - its now called 'The Temperance' and felt totally different - nice pot of Pigswill tho!
Tonight is the last night on the sofa bed - the neighbours above are using their washing machine and to the side - still outside apres their bar-b-q... hence a late night posting. Will after all that be odd not having other people about in the flat with me - they are off to Kent tomorrow, me undecided when to go down as by doing so I am consigned to the inflatable single mattress. joy!
But I am now tired and in need of kip - so until whensoever... ttfn.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
UTG
Won't be at Priestfield today - but my heart will be. Instead I will be exploring Fulham/Putney with my sil while my bro goes to see Fulham v Spurs. Could be a bad day for all of us!! Esp. if too many losses!
Come on You Blue Boys!!
Come on You Blue Boys!!
10 years on
Meant also to say a word or two about the anniversary. I won't forget hearing the Radio 4 news that she had died. Or indeed the following weekend watching transfixed as her funeral procession took place through the streets of London then up and out to the family estate. We were in shock. But now can we let her rest in peace please?
RIP Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.
RIP Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.
I'm with you
So what have I learnt this week? I mean, being separated from the routine? From the place that supposedly makes me tick? What have I learnt about myself having to share my small space and trusty independence with 2 other people? What have I been up to instead?
I guess rather a lot.
I have not overtly missed work. I have checked my Blackberry every day which I suspect that's down to a mortal fear of being forgotten. Swept under a carpet. It has been nice sleeping in til 8/9 (yup even on the sofa bed) and then not having to run the gauntlet of the tube. But I have pretty much switched off - just wondering what I didn't do that is making those left in the office's lives hell. I do worry I won't find it too easy to go back - to project all the different faces to the different audiences both near and far.
Whilst back here at base I have tried really hard to be considerate and less set in my ways around the house - which at times has been quite hard. But I have tried to be upfront and honest about my feelings. Sadly those who know me well know my face doesn't hide things too well. So I have probably not seemed as sincere? convincing? as I needed to be. So in short -
Not being part of a couple I find it hard to adapt my perceptions of how I should see my brother, indeed how I should be around him. I cannot decide if I have become 'eccentric' to compensate or just dulled my true self down so much I am now perceived as uptight. I have a horrible feeling they are both scared of me - and I wonder if the humorous relationship I used to have with my bro has long since fled the nest.
I suspect that all sisters notice the subtle changes that their brother having a wife enforce upon their sibling. To be fair I haven't actually had 5 minutes with him alone and that is to be expected as this is the first time they have been back to England since Emma left and it's the first outing as Mr & Mrs. I, therefore, have fully accepted my reduced role in my brother's life. Doesn't make it any easier! And I just worry at the lack of individual spark. I have been blunt at times in my expression of this (Be a man - choose what YOU like.) I am just used to being sparky with the key people in my life.. bit of banter sees me through. I can be deadly serious when needed. In this dynamic when things are tense I find I cannot be either.
Please don't get me wrong - on the whole I think things have gone well - no real rows - just me dealing (stoically & silently) with the ever present Gooseberry feeling. In fact we have had as many laughs as awkward silences. In drink only? Maybe.
In tandem with people watching inside my four walls, I have been taking some serious time to consider other issues in my life. The ones I chose to keep within. I suspect here too I already know the answers and would be better off seeking alternative routes fairly soon.
So as I have also watched the key people in my life all meet and collide in intense bubbles of time, I have witnessed how preconceptions of others are tested. All the past words suddenly forgotten as the realisation dawns that maybe the past persona isn't as bad as they immediately assumed. I have always found it hard to accept some of the things said by people about a person they had never met. To see the balance re-dressed has been fun. But hey you're here so you know my blog - Assume Nothing. Throwing a few new faces in has been enlightening too - good to get different reactions to people you tend to spend most time with. To again have your own preconceptions challenged in a neutral environment. I was ok with all I saw. Strengthening.
So, don't assume that all is as it seems. Which leads me to note that another of my friend's blogs has painted a content and happy blog persona whilst in Facebook land I see another, more confused, soul. I think the rollercoaster he rides ceased this week. I also have a feeling a few well chosen words made him take a deeper look at the assumptions he was making. I have to say some of you men are incredibly lucky that I have no desire to be a bunny boiler! Either way I hope he has found the compremise to insure his future commitments. In the process I will now despite my wise words be sidelined once again. When will the planets align for me?!?!
I therefore confess - my blog has ALWAYS been self censored. I care too much for the well being of my family, friends and colleagues to be totally & brutally honest here (okay maybe this post is a slight exception to prove the rule). But I choose not to share stuff, as opposed to glossing over things which cause me upset/tension/worry - or even such utter happiness that I dare not speak of it. These ideas/events get mentioned cryptically - those who need to know - tend to do so. Most things though I am fully happy to share. As long as I know I would say things out loud to peoples faces then all is well. Sometimes being so used to ones own solitude makes it hard to share too much of anything. All self contained. And yet I have different people in my life to tell different things too. So in Facebook land I can be a bit more honest with a select few than I would be here...
When asked the question 'So if you let your imagination run free and think of the things you might want to do ... but shouldn't - what would they be ?' I can quickly answer with 4 things.. of which I would only be prepared to admit two here! (run away to another country. pose naked for an artist.(oh did that by myself!!!!))
I have accepted that long ago I choose to tread a different path. I have met Mr Right. Many times. Unfortunately he has also been Mr Right but not right now. I am not lonely - just single - independent. I have been fortunate - most of the Mr Rights have stayed in touch as friends. I shake it off - dust down and move on - so much so I have come to expect it in all relationships... stony heart.
So what am I saying, exactly? I'm with YOU - when you need me.
In your head. In text land. In Internet land. In reality. In so much as I can ever be allowed to be.
Who is with me? Who can say?
Who wants to be that conventional?
I guess rather a lot.
I have not overtly missed work. I have checked my Blackberry every day which I suspect that's down to a mortal fear of being forgotten. Swept under a carpet. It has been nice sleeping in til 8/9 (yup even on the sofa bed) and then not having to run the gauntlet of the tube. But I have pretty much switched off - just wondering what I didn't do that is making those left in the office's lives hell. I do worry I won't find it too easy to go back - to project all the different faces to the different audiences both near and far.
Whilst back here at base I have tried really hard to be considerate and less set in my ways around the house - which at times has been quite hard. But I have tried to be upfront and honest about my feelings. Sadly those who know me well know my face doesn't hide things too well. So I have probably not seemed as sincere? convincing? as I needed to be. So in short -
Not being part of a couple I find it hard to adapt my perceptions of how I should see my brother, indeed how I should be around him. I cannot decide if I have become 'eccentric' to compensate or just dulled my true self down so much I am now perceived as uptight. I have a horrible feeling they are both scared of me - and I wonder if the humorous relationship I used to have with my bro has long since fled the nest.
I suspect that all sisters notice the subtle changes that their brother having a wife enforce upon their sibling. To be fair I haven't actually had 5 minutes with him alone and that is to be expected as this is the first time they have been back to England since Emma left and it's the first outing as Mr & Mrs. I, therefore, have fully accepted my reduced role in my brother's life. Doesn't make it any easier! And I just worry at the lack of individual spark. I have been blunt at times in my expression of this (Be a man - choose what YOU like.) I am just used to being sparky with the key people in my life.. bit of banter sees me through. I can be deadly serious when needed. In this dynamic when things are tense I find I cannot be either.
Please don't get me wrong - on the whole I think things have gone well - no real rows - just me dealing (stoically & silently) with the ever present Gooseberry feeling. In fact we have had as many laughs as awkward silences. In drink only? Maybe.
In tandem with people watching inside my four walls, I have been taking some serious time to consider other issues in my life. The ones I chose to keep within. I suspect here too I already know the answers and would be better off seeking alternative routes fairly soon.
So as I have also watched the key people in my life all meet and collide in intense bubbles of time, I have witnessed how preconceptions of others are tested. All the past words suddenly forgotten as the realisation dawns that maybe the past persona isn't as bad as they immediately assumed. I have always found it hard to accept some of the things said by people about a person they had never met. To see the balance re-dressed has been fun. But hey you're here so you know my blog - Assume Nothing. Throwing a few new faces in has been enlightening too - good to get different reactions to people you tend to spend most time with. To again have your own preconceptions challenged in a neutral environment. I was ok with all I saw. Strengthening.
So, don't assume that all is as it seems. Which leads me to note that another of my friend's blogs has painted a content and happy blog persona whilst in Facebook land I see another, more confused, soul. I think the rollercoaster he rides ceased this week. I also have a feeling a few well chosen words made him take a deeper look at the assumptions he was making. I have to say some of you men are incredibly lucky that I have no desire to be a bunny boiler! Either way I hope he has found the compremise to insure his future commitments. In the process I will now despite my wise words be sidelined once again. When will the planets align for me?!?!
I therefore confess - my blog has ALWAYS been self censored. I care too much for the well being of my family, friends and colleagues to be totally & brutally honest here (okay maybe this post is a slight exception to prove the rule). But I choose not to share stuff, as opposed to glossing over things which cause me upset/tension/worry - or even such utter happiness that I dare not speak of it. These ideas/events get mentioned cryptically - those who need to know - tend to do so. Most things though I am fully happy to share. As long as I know I would say things out loud to peoples faces then all is well. Sometimes being so used to ones own solitude makes it hard to share too much of anything. All self contained. And yet I have different people in my life to tell different things too. So in Facebook land I can be a bit more honest with a select few than I would be here...
When asked the question 'So if you let your imagination run free and think of the things you might want to do ... but shouldn't - what would they be ?' I can quickly answer with 4 things.. of which I would only be prepared to admit two here! (run away to another country. pose naked for an artist.(oh did that by myself!!!!))
I have accepted that long ago I choose to tread a different path. I have met Mr Right. Many times. Unfortunately he has also been Mr Right but not right now. I am not lonely - just single - independent. I have been fortunate - most of the Mr Rights have stayed in touch as friends. I shake it off - dust down and move on - so much so I have come to expect it in all relationships... stony heart.
So what am I saying, exactly? I'm with YOU - when you need me.
In your head. In text land. In Internet land. In reality. In so much as I can ever be allowed to be.
Who is with me? Who can say?
Who wants to be that conventional?
Staying with the City
First the arty view...
And then 'The' Views..
These are the pictures I have been meaning to post up for ages!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wed - pm
Embankment to Victoria by night - spot the landmarks!!
Total Mileage for day - 9.11
Total Steps - 18324
Bonus Points - 7
Wednesday
Camden to Little Venice...
(these are for you Furry! Some nice canal boats!)
Lovely weather - lovely walk (9 miles all told) - then we headed back via Lords to Regents Park - on through to Great Portland Street for a tube to Liverpool Street and a Brick Lane curry..aah! Then a post food walk - Embankment to Victoria...
Tuesday
Erm shopping. So I stayed at home and went in to meet bro & sil for late lunch! I got off at Victoria Station and walked to Covent Garden - St James Park was heaving - I had found the tourists that Clapham and London on Bank Holiday Sunday seemed to lack..
3ish - Covent Garden cafe for pasta and cheesecake - then the Dr Martin shop - forgotten how cool DM's are.... watch this space!
Then towards St Pauls for after work beers...
It turned messy fairly early on! The Bishops Finger kicked us out at 10pm so we headed to Wetherspoons for a final beer and some chips!!
Would we make it up on Wednesday to meet Mater?!
Bank Holiday Monday
We headed out to Clapham for a good stomp up through Tooting and Balham... sadly all the key landmarks the travellers were seeking had been closed/taken over by other ventures. Proves that life moves pretty fast - you don't stop and look around once in a while - pretty soon it'll be over..
As it was we ended up in the The George at Clapham South scene of one my less successful blind dates... hohum!
Weather still gorgeous - but surprisingly few people about - London really has cast itself adrift...
As it was we ended up in the The George at Clapham South scene of one my less successful blind dates... hohum!
Weather still gorgeous - but surprisingly few people about - London really has cast itself adrift...
Bank Holiday Sunday
Started sharpish at 11 at Embankment - from where we headed to the Strand for coffee and chat.. first time MA and Pa had seen Stu since he got into the country. Blessed with good weather we toddled round Covent Garden - bound for the Porterhouse for a beer...
Then all along the Embankment to Blackfriars... quick pint in Ye Old London; wander round St Paul's... over Wobbly Bridge; The Globe, check potential dinner stops back over Southwark Bridge and then over London Bridge for potential pint stops (noticed a theme yet?). Bunch of Grapes - quick sit down in Borough Tas - no Pides on menu so back to Globe and Tas there. Pide and service charges... we then wandered along the South Bank as the sun set - to the Jubilee Bridge and back to our start point... thin all were suitably tired and could not argue they had not seen much of London!!
Then all along the Embankment to Blackfriars... quick pint in Ye Old London; wander round St Paul's... over Wobbly Bridge; The Globe, check potential dinner stops back over Southwark Bridge and then over London Bridge for potential pint stops (noticed a theme yet?). Bunch of Grapes - quick sit down in Borough Tas - no Pides on menu so back to Globe and Tas there. Pide and service charges... we then wandered along the South Bank as the sun set - to the Jubilee Bridge and back to our start point... thin all were suitably tired and could not argue they had not seen much of London!!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Phew!
Been up since 9am and finally am ready to receive visitors - which is as well cos both bro and sister in law are due at 4ish!!
Gills have finally scored but I still suspect a defeat...
The weather IS finally glorious! And so all my washing is washed, dried, ironed and back in the wardrobe - let the holidays and drinking begin! Although actually I quite fancy a kip now!!
Gills have finally scored but I still suspect a defeat...
The weather IS finally glorious! And so all my washing is washed, dried, ironed and back in the wardrobe - let the holidays and drinking begin! Although actually I quite fancy a kip now!!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Hooray
Friday at last - what a truly grey and uninspiring week it has been.. I have got caught in the rain at least once each day... soaked and cold in August. Nice.
I really wanted to say Audiobooks rock! Currently enjoying The Call of the Weird: Travels in American Subcultures read and written by Louis Theroux... Definitely a warning for those wishing to live stateside!
And by chance the featured article on Wikipedia today --- Sheerness!!!
Ah - soon be time for lunch - fish n chips in the canteen!! Yum.. then holidays!!
I really wanted to say Audiobooks rock! Currently enjoying The Call of the Weird: Travels in American Subcultures read and written by Louis Theroux... Definitely a warning for those wishing to live stateside!
And by chance the featured article on Wikipedia today --- Sheerness!!!
Ah - soon be time for lunch - fish n chips in the canteen!! Yum.. then holidays!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Fed up
With this blessed weather.
It's grey. It's wet. It's cold?!
It's August still?!
Yesterday I was extremely glum. Not sure why really. Okay maybe I am - several reasons.
Radio Five's lead story about how once you reach the age of 35 you recognise all your regrets. Giving me approximately 4 months to make sure I minimise mine....
Then I got wet on the way to work.
It was Monday.
Half the office were on leave.
Half my family are in the country on leave and I am in work.
I went to WW and was not happy with the total. 10st 12.5lbs. Cross with myself. Can trapped wind equate to 5 lbs?
I had lunch at my desk. On my own. Boxed sushi.
Went for an after work walk - too many people.
Did catch the Ood on Dr Who mind you!
Felt less glum today. Buried myself in work. Eased the pain. Even tho I have strong reservations about the main project I am on.
Have been distant from key people in the office and I am not sure what the answer to that is - but I do know that often after a vented spleen things feel less isolating. Even a joint lunch with various team members in the canteen can help.
I guess I am battling with one of the 4 personas I carry. And I am battling with the new personas in the office. I have days when my desk in the corner suffocates me. I feel trapped by my position. I feel fenced in. I feel like hiding under the desk and hoping no-one notices I am falling apart.
No regrets?
More words. More actions. More art.
Maybe.
It's grey. It's wet. It's cold?!
It's August still?!
Yesterday I was extremely glum. Not sure why really. Okay maybe I am - several reasons.
Radio Five's lead story about how once you reach the age of 35 you recognise all your regrets. Giving me approximately 4 months to make sure I minimise mine....
Then I got wet on the way to work.
It was Monday.
Half the office were on leave.
Half my family are in the country on leave and I am in work.
I went to WW and was not happy with the total. 10st 12.5lbs. Cross with myself. Can trapped wind equate to 5 lbs?
I had lunch at my desk. On my own. Boxed sushi.
Went for an after work walk - too many people.
Did catch the Ood on Dr Who mind you!
Felt less glum today. Buried myself in work. Eased the pain. Even tho I have strong reservations about the main project I am on.
Have been distant from key people in the office and I am not sure what the answer to that is - but I do know that often after a vented spleen things feel less isolating. Even a joint lunch with various team members in the canteen can help.
I guess I am battling with one of the 4 personas I carry. And I am battling with the new personas in the office. I have days when my desk in the corner suffocates me. I feel trapped by my position. I feel fenced in. I feel like hiding under the desk and hoping no-one notices I am falling apart.
No regrets?
More words. More actions. More art.
Maybe.
Some light...
Just watched this:
The Secret Life of the Motorway 1/3. Falling in Love.
New series. Showing as part of the Motorways season, this programmes looks at the building of the first Motorway in Britain, the M6 Preston By Pass, and the complex Spaghetti Junction using archive and public information films as well as interviews with the engineers who designed them, those who built them and the people who drove on them. [S] On BBC Four.
Dumbfounded to think we have screwed the landscape so much in such a short space of time (well relatively speaking). Amused to see police man with ray guns to switch on fog lights. And how the nation learnt about road safety and the design prowess which lives on today in the form of our road signs.. Interesting indeed. A total contrast to the Britain I know - even the interviewed families all seemed fairly decent. Or maybe that's what happens when you are filmed in black and white. Hard to believe that the M62 is the English version of Hooverdam...
The Secret Life of the Motorway 1/3. Falling in Love.
New series. Showing as part of the Motorways season, this programmes looks at the building of the first Motorway in Britain, the M6 Preston By Pass, and the complex Spaghetti Junction using archive and public information films as well as interviews with the engineers who designed them, those who built them and the people who drove on them. [S] On BBC Four.
Dumbfounded to think we have screwed the landscape so much in such a short space of time (well relatively speaking). Amused to see police man with ray guns to switch on fog lights. And how the nation learnt about road safety and the design prowess which lives on today in the form of our road signs.. Interesting indeed. A total contrast to the Britain I know - even the interviewed families all seemed fairly decent. Or maybe that's what happens when you are filmed in black and white. Hard to believe that the M62 is the English version of Hooverdam...
21st Aug
Capricorn (Dec22-Jan20) Before you undertake a project, do some detailed research. You may discover this job is more trouble than it's worth. Alternatively, you could find very exciting hidden dimensions to this project. Either way, you need to be prepared for what is ahead. Resist the urge to blackmail somebody who is engaging in underhanded activity. It's better to let this person know you don't approve of their actions, and are prepared to expose them if nothing changes. You're so busy earning money or running around after other people you aren't giving loved ones hardly any time at all.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
On the bright side
my bro and Em are in the air and due to land in 6 hours - so I'm off to bed for an early start to say a surprise hello when they wander through arrivals! He'll be happy - Spurs won 4 nil. Night.
Gillingham 0 - Tranmere 2
I should have guessed really. I sauntered into the ticket office to pick up my season ticket. And I was the only one in there. No screaming hordes. No queue out into the road. It was 1.45pm. I went and met Pa and we wandered to the first home game of season 07/08. Outside the ground was a van with the brand 'The Worlds Greatest'. We um'ed and ah'ed. Worlds greatest what???
Dad bought his traditional 1 of 2 programmes for the season the first and at some point the last game souvenir... there was a queue - they'd run out. More came. They had increased to 3 quid and looked more like a glossy brochure for kit wear...
We took our seats and noticed odd items on the pitch. The twins were back and in fact all the regulars from last season were there. The odd items.....
Dad bought his traditional 1 of 2 programmes for the season the first and at some point the last game souvenir... there was a queue - they'd run out. More came. They had increased to 3 quid and looked more like a glossy brochure for kit wear...
We took our seats and noticed odd items on the pitch. The twins were back and in fact all the regulars from last season were there. The odd items.....
... Fire works to see in the optimistic chairman's new season. The world's greatest anti-climatic hopeful start.
As I sit here now I still can't get myself motivated to say too much. The team is essentially all new - but it felt like more of the same and with no Jarvis to lighten the mood it was hard to feel any real emotion for the blue shirts on the pitch. By the time I got back to London it was grey, raining and cooler. I felt like I had been watching a game in November with deepen despair for my team. It's only August.
Yes they may need time to settle and learn to play together. But a quick scout around the other results and the ex-Gills players have been scoring and more importantly starting the season as they no doubt intend to continue it. The MB is full of woe and the club's marketing, whilst valiant, is somehow missing the point - we never looked like scoring and we didn't seem to want too. It took a good hour before a remotely exciting run took place.
I suspect I am going to find this season hard to keep motivated about. I hope I am wrong but the promises of going up and Championship football next season seem incredibly hollow at the moment. Oh well - its a marathon not a sprint and maybe somewhere down the track I'll feel differently - but right now I am pretty disillusioned with the beautiful game.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Aviator
was the film I watched on Sunday afternoon... which I actually enjoyed. It was the first time I really understood who Howard Hughes was - and bearing in mind my freaky aeroplane interest I probably should have been aware much sooner...hey ho! 'Spruce Goose'. Just thought I would share that. Though there was something else about watching that film I wanted to share - but it escapes me now!! Sure it will come to me at some point...
So on my phone
I have discovered a gizmo called effects... and solarize is one of them... and I think its brillant!!!
See English Summer Rain - I took those on the way home... and the ones above... and the ones further below - well contraversially I took those at home... I have a real yen to become a photographer at the mo... as well as a writer. A fighter pilot. Etc. Etc.
Solarized & Exposed
But is it art?
Is it shameless?
Or vanity?
Or shameful?
Or just what nature intended?
News
erm the weather is rubbish. I think I am prematurely demob happy. My football team have had as many red cards as goals conceded (well almost 3 red cards/4 goals)... and well I have photos I want to share... my cybershot camera phone is the business. Oh and the neighbours are back. Louder than before, Grr.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
And another thing
the other reason I was cleaning my shower at 10pm Monday night (and then sorting out an excited and over active shower at 4am) was because I was trialling some new 'green' cleaning products which appeared in our Sainso's recently... for more infomation check out the link... METHOD - detox your home! They do smell lovely and seemingly do as good a job as Mr Muscles!
Today
well so far this week really - I have not been sat at my desk. I have been in a never ending stream of meetings...so our new joiner must wonder when I actually manage to do any work (generally from 5.30pm to 7pm)
Today though was an afternoon of strategic planning - with post it notes and a white board. So satisfying to have a proper output for a 3 hour session. Yes - a hard copy version of the thought and effort applied. So next time I am moaning about my work - remind me that there are days when I adore it, mixing process with reality. Business need with technical potential... To think I wanted to stand up and defend criminals....
On a separate note - congrats to my manager for making it to his 2nd year anniversary. Not sure anyone else noticed - and it scares me how fast time has flown....but well done boss!
And now with weary eyelids to bedfordshire I must away...!
Today though was an afternoon of strategic planning - with post it notes and a white board. So satisfying to have a proper output for a 3 hour session. Yes - a hard copy version of the thought and effort applied. So next time I am moaning about my work - remind me that there are days when I adore it, mixing process with reality. Business need with technical potential... To think I wanted to stand up and defend criminals....
On a separate note - congrats to my manager for making it to his 2nd year anniversary. Not sure anyone else noticed - and it scares me how fast time has flown....but well done boss!
And now with weary eyelids to bedfordshire I must away...!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
I stole this from a mate's blog...
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!!
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!!
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.
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