The Hotspurs

Am I dreaming? It was weird enough being awake at 5am Sunday and hearing that Ramos had been sacked along with the rest of the Spurs management - but then to hear Harry Rednapp had taken over I was in some secondary universe. Spurs went out and won Sunday afternoon. Tonight in a what on paper was a North London drubbing waiting to happen they went 1 up cf Bentley it returned to form when the Arse equalised but then the game just went mental -- Arsenal going to 4-2 but in the last few minutes the Spurs managed to claw a draw! Mental. Mental. Funny old game - but how marvellous for Happy Harry and his Hotspurs...(oh and my dad and brother!!)

Where did the extra hour go?!

Yoh! readers - amid news reports that Blogging is no longer the thing to do I come to you with a quick whizz around the passed few days. Fair to say been rather non stop and so posting has ground to a halt...

When did I last write anything... oh dear - a week ago.

So Monday - went swimming perhaps the only reason I dragged my sorry ass into work. It also prompted me to consider my week and book Wednesday off.

Nose clamp and goggles ahoy I swam my 32 lengths and then ventured once more out into the rainy Monday night. There were only 3 of us in the pool on Monday and I got promoted to the middle lane. Which was fine until I realised I was veering off towards the lane markers! Oops. But this was a minor problem compared to the horror of getting showered and down to skin only to pull out my lovely pink towel and discover it was not my bath towel but my lovely pink hand towel... thankfully the changing rooms were empty so I could rub dry without too many snigger's! Lesson learnt #2 when swimming. Pack correct towel. Lesson learnt #1 - don't get into pool chewing gum!! Learnt that way back in August!

Tuesday - ah Tuesday night football night. I love evening games. The atmosphere is always different - more vocal. And this trip I took Sparky with me with the added result being guests of Season Ticket holders get in for a tenner. Should really provide a separate match report - erm okay will do that shortly.

Wednesday - found myself on the 6.26am train from Rochester to deeper Kent. A day with the folks. Long overdue and very needed. Got home at 6.55am and after a quick cuppa and a change into walking gear Mum and I went for our country lane yomp. Very bracing and beautiful at this time of year and at that time of the morning. The leaves all on the turn. Charmed. Returned home for breakfast, banter with Pater as I roused him and encouraged him to get out of bed! We then all piled into the car to go to Broadstairs. Not somewhere I have been before - but brilliant for both me and Pa to experiment with our various digital cameras - the results of which I will post up somewhere soon. Suffice to say I love my new camera and I love Broadstairs. If I could work from home 2 days a week I would up sticks and move to the coast, as it was so peaceful and picturesque. We stopped at Manston on the way down to see what if any aircraft where in the vicinity. It was quiet - but bought back good memories of air shows past. In the evening we ventured to Marino's for pukka Fish n Chips. And I once more got a SE train and headed back to London.

Thursday. Work. Work. Walk after work and I think Sainsos. Then again can't remember.

Friday. Work. Lunch and purchase of a Network Railcard (20 quid well spent I fear!). After work drink with friend - bottle of Malbec - which was very lush, followed by a yomp to Covent Garden to the Transport Museum - got a bee in my bonnet about a proper Oyster card holder. So made my purchase and then wandered to Waterloo. I had my camera so made the most of the evening lights. Back to CW - pub to rescue Sparky.

Saturday. Up with a lark to walk and sort. Train to Gills cost me a mere 6 quid when before a Network Card it cost £10.10. Another game of footie. Home straight after. Delayed trains. Another pub rescue mission. Followed by curry and TV. At last a cosy night in.

Sunday. Early waking to get people off to work. The clocks back so felt odd and the crazy news that Harry Rednapp was new manager at Spurs.. Mental!! When rain had eased sufficiently walk whilst listening to The Archers via Homebase to buy some energy efficient light bulbs for those lights which are not part of a dimmer switch situation (tip off Homebase selling a vast majority of their bulbs for 99p!) Then home. The rain now really set in and despite energy efficient bulbs the flat felt dark and dingy...after lunch I gave up and went for a snooze whilst listening to footie. Aah.

Strictly results show followed by 'Little Dorrit' and the then BBC2 programme about 7WTC. Then bed.

And as if by magic its Monday again and my ass is seated here having been dragged for work - been to WW (10st 12) and later - swimming! Hooray.

Don't you just love time.

Know Your Friends

Your network of friends and acquaintances is going to have a powerful influence on your life this week, karen. The Sun and Mars in Scorpio indicate that they will be either firmly behind you or trying to manipulate you to take another course of action. There seem to be no half measures. Trying to work out whether your friend has a hidden agenda may be a necessity. A New Moon in the same zone heralds a time of new beginnings. This is a good moment to join clubs or groups that attract you or to move in new circles. It is also a good time to think about your long-term dreams and goals and whether you truly aiming for what you want. If not, think about making changes. You may be doing a lot of organizing behind the scenes in order to get events up and running. Your input will be invaluable at this time. Your love life is fairly quiet right now, but your social life makes up for this in big measure. If you are single, you have plenty of opportunity to get out and meet the right person. Friday is one such time when a meeting out of the blue will have tremendous chemistry. You may find yourself very attracted to the way this person thinks. It will be quite a unique experience.

Film

In traf sq

Paul Merton

Comes out of the curtains!

DIY

Still standing!

Portnoy's Complaint.

Philip Roth (only one 'l'). Have started reading it now.

I guess the biggest clue was the by-line on the cover... 'The most outrageously funny book about sex yet written'...

He is on the couch sharing his life experiences with his psychiatrist. A monologue. A monologue that has shades of other American novels I have read in it...think I may enjoy this one!!

Swimming

32 lengths later - the shoulders and neck still ache and I think my arms are going to drop off!! Oops. The moral of the story - DIY should be left on the shelf - go out and take piccies instead - far less strain!! Hey ho - footie tomorrow night!! UTG!

Hopes And Wishes

Listen up this week, karen, because if you don't, you will miss out on learning some relevant information regarding your life situation. Yes, you are shrewd, clever, and astute, but that doesn't mean you don't need a little cosmic help and guidance along the way. On Monday, the Moon in perceptive and intuitive Cancer trines Uranus in your sector of your mind and imagination, and you come across a piece of information that will set your brain buzzing. Once that happens, you will flash onto the right solution to your current dilemma. Remember that guidance comes in all shapes and sizes, and you can read a passage in a book or overhear a conversation and presto - you have the information you are seeking. On Wednesday, the illuminating Sun enters your sector of hopes and wishes, and you realize that you have changed quite a bit since you first wished on a star long ago and your personal circumstances have altered. You need to refine your goal list so that it fits the person you are today, not the person you were last year or several years ago. Make a new wish list for yourself, one that suits your desires more than your outdated list does.

Who are..

still like a cocktail stick?

yup, Spurs still only have 2 points.

oh dear.

DIY

I would like to add that today has been made quite poor by the self inflicted DIY mission I went on yesterday and the subsequent damage I have heaped on myself as a result.

All plans to go walking and snapping went out the window when I realised my books were piling up in front of my full bookcase. There was only one answer - by a new additional bookshelf. So I checked the Argos offering and decided on a mid size cabinet purporting to be walnut in colour so it would match my tall book shelf. For once Argos as an experience was bearable - in and out in under 10 mins - on a Sunday!! However I had underestimated the weight of said parcel. Funny how a female carrying a large box which is obviously heavy elicits only one reaction - do nothing. No-one steps aside or offers to help but just stares instead. Very irritating. So I get box home. Arms both now 2ins longer. I can see my hands wobbling as the muscles in my arms twang back into place. The shakes. I then proceed to clear floor and get building. Walnut. Mm. Its browner than my other shelves. Not a match in any way. Oh well.

The actual construction was relatively easy and all in all a very satisfying experience. Banging in 20 nails loudly was enjoyable on so many levels - mainly knowing all my neighbours were in.

Cabinet complete my next task was to sort books and move furniture etc to fit it all in. I began this whole jaunt at noon. I finally put the last of the rubbish under the stairs at 6pm. My camera walk right out the window. Stuff to go to charity sky high. A rare occasion I wish I had a car.

At 6.20pm I went out for my 4 mile stomp but I could feel all those muscles I hadn't used in years starting to yell at me. Across my shoulders, my knees are sore from clambering round floor with piles of books and my forearms are fighting back the bruises I know are going to come from carrying the box home in odd way.

At least it achieved one thing - there are no books in front of my shelves just a wine rack with several tempting bottles of red and if anyone wants a Stephen King book I have 10 spare you can have...free. I also discovered several other books I no longer want and a whole speaker system that again if anyone is interested in - its yours.

As for my camera it was snug in its carrier longing for me to finish up. Hey ho. Soon Lumix, soon.

Good drive

Next stop Brazil ...

Distracted

This week has been really odd. It has felt like only half of me has really been taking part and the weirdest part is not really knowing where the other half has been. Work wise there has been a sort of stasis pending an important meeting Friday am.

Socially I have been doing the things I enjoy - walking, snapping pix and drinking with chums.

Personally. I have been struggling once again with relationships. The who. The why. The when. Perhaps only half me has been present because I am not really talking about these other influences. But then I tend to not talk too much about me stuff. Bottle it up and throw it in the sea. Maybe someone will get the bottle and manage to read the message inside.

Every once in a while there is a plateau whereby decisions don't need to be actively made - they just are. Then are occasions when you fight to avoid making a decision as you fear the result or you suspect the choice you make will be the one that sets off a whole new chain of events. Then there are the decisions which you actively seek out. Purchases. Hair colours. The less likely to harm your life choices. Then there are the resolves you make but which depend on another to become more than just a resolve.

Currently I am dimly aware that on the horizon I am going to have to decide whether to stay here or depart to other shores. I have to decide how much a value the my current plateau. This is not easy when the mountain peaks around me offer a similar plateau if I am prepared for the upheaval of turning down from this one and ascending a fresh one. I could remain as is. Yet external situations make this unlikely.

To the unknowing these are riddles. The colour lies within the story.

If I had a family member dying a painful death on the other side of the world I would be torn. The stakes are high. A job and its pay, which are already a strain with 12 hour shifts and that have incurred a destination move to a place and a room that are not really my home. A job which I have no control over or any idea when it will cease. The illness on the other side. The pain you know is being suffered. The conversations which mask it. The chats to fellow siblings. The not really knowing - either here or there.

The person who you are closest too here not really at hand and therefore you see in passing so easy to take for granted. The situation you leave behind. The mutual understanding you think you leave behind.
The situation you enter at the other side.

What choice do you make?
This is not my story but that of someone close. It's breaking their heart and driving them deeper into their comforting scene... making them less able to make rational decisions. Making them less easy to reach.

There's another story going on around me which until recently had not been updated. It was a needed venture to hear the next chapter. To understand the behaviour that couldn't be detailed until the moment of explanation.

I am distracted and I am torn.

They are distracted and torn.

Saturday

Today is the first Saturday I have been at home (and up right) all day for AGES!! Well over a month in fact, which is perhaps why I have had a feeling of contentment all day.

I slept soundly - despite several interruptions and turning in very late and the nagging wish to listen to the Grand Prix qualifications when I first woke up at 5.30am. When it was dark. The heating had only just come on. The comforting nose of the warming water flowing through the pipes - the sound of warmth. I snoozed again. Until my alarm went off at 6.10am. The heating drawing to a crescendo before it goes off. The light still trying to sneak in through the cracks between the curtains and the walls. I fall deeply this time - all hopes of China qualification listening out of the window until the doorbell goes. I was expecting it. The postman. It is now 8.10am.

Yes - with curled hair and no sight aids I lurch to the door. Oops a dressing gown might be a better bet. The postie is armed with my parcel and wearing shorts. The sun is out, but the morning spell is starting to lose its hold. I am glad the parcel has come so early - but not early enough for me to go for my walk pre 8am, as I prefer at the weekends so as to avoid too many people/cars but also because the light is different is magical and the smells as the air starts to warm in the sunlight. Mm my favourite time of day. Then again I was dead to the world. Dreaming of my neighbours and landlord (not so much a dream as a glimpse as to how much worse it could be).

It's my new camera and I am very excited. But in a typical fashion I place all thoughts of getting up and going out with it until I have sorted all the other stuff that 6 weeks of no real time in the flat has left me to deal with. So I dig out the battery and the charger. Charge battery - do stuff n nonsense - camera play later.

Dress rapidly - put washing machine on and the leave the house.

The other thing I have failed to do for ages is actually cook myself a proper meal - soup and rolls with cream cheese and pate do not count. So I grab my shopping bag and plan a meal for one for my preparation and later consumption.

I eventually leave the house at 9ish. The traffic is already building. It's a bright Saturday so people are up and about. The roads to Wimbledon are hazardous with pedestrians and push chairs. Its not really helped by my mind being so totally distracted. But that's for another entry.

The short route along Queens Road - a road I haven't walked up or down for months. Sainsburys. Where I get what I need quickly but then seem invisible in all till queues and end up somehow being overtaken by a pensioner. Hey ho.

Home. Hang out washing. Listen to fighting talk. Prepare for clean busting. I sort out my Everest mountain of Observer papers, the recycling items and generally put stuff away - where it belongs. Th ehhover even makes along awaited appearance in all rooms! The sun streams through the windows and the flowers I have bought brighten my mood. As of now I don't have to leave the house, be social with anyone or doing anything except please myself - and it feels lush.

I cook up my delicious vegetarian lasagna and prep the cooking apple I bought back from Exeter for some cous-cous and fruit stuffing before it is baked. These chores done I turn to myself and dye my hair, and go through all the 'beauty' regimes us girls must do. Pluck, remove toe nail polish, epilate. Etc. Etc. It makes me feel more lively. Now I can settle down for five live football and look forward to an evening of eating nice proper food, having a glass of red wine and dipping in and out of Saturday pm TV.

Bliss.

Days like today just don't happen often enough.

Tomorrow - me up to watch Grand Prix then out to explore the city with new camera!

Bradford 2 v Gillingham 2

Which though just a draw is actually something of a result.
We were 2-0 down and looking like another 3 goal defeat by half time. But no the plucky lads fought back to even the result, maintain our goal difference and prove we can pull ourselves together after a bad start.

I wasn't there but I was whooping in the lounge at each goal flash on Radio Five.

Go the Gills!

The team lined up as follows:
Royce, Fuller, King, Mills, Nutter, Southall, Bentley, Weston, Barcham, Mulligan (McCammon 74), Jackson (Richards 86).
Subs Not Used: Lewis, Julian, Jarrett.

Sent Off: Bentley (58). (Oops)
Booked: Fuller.
Goals: Jackson 51, 84

Got a double dose this week - home Tues and next Saturday - so 6 points please lads!!

----

Additionally - good to see the Bradford manager complaining!! (To think I used to think he was a sort!!)

Capricorn - Day Ahead

Maybe your energy level is not very high, so basically you can't be bothered doing very much. You just want to put your feet up in a chair and daydream your way through the day. If you can manage it without upsetting your schedule, well, why not? The Full Moon falling at the lowest point of your chart is not gloomy, but it is a warning that you need to draw back slightly from too much work and ambition to consider your feelings more.

Week Ahead
With Venus in the secret area of your chart this week you are feeling more sensitive in your romantic life, yearning for a beautiful, spiritual connection. Just watch you aren't being too sentimental. You'll be inclined to retreat into your own dream world at the slightest hint of rejection. Your busy schedule won't allow you to play truant for long, but you must take a break along the way otherwise you will get stressed.

Dip

I have started the day full of loathing. Not even sure its self loathing.

Disappointed and hurt by several events this weekend. Actually 3 events this weekend - so that's Fri/Sat and Sun pm. Makes me feel meaningless.

And now feeling underwhelmed at my desk.

Hey ho.

Must cash in my audible credit too today before I lose it.

Oh and nose clamps make swimming more fun!! Well struggling for breath and forgetting that to use your mouth the aim is not to swallow a whole pool do test your mettle! Oh well got me 30 lengths in and am making a friend. Life under water feels so much different!

In Demand

Mars and Venus in your social zone mean that you will be far more in demand than usual. You may be busy organizing events or getting people together for meetings or for fun and enjoyment. Meanwhile, a Full Moon in your home zone on Tuesday may bring issues to a head, creating a very emotional atmosphere. Try not to get involved, but instead stay detached, and this will allow you to see the whole thing in perspective. Don't make any rash decisions, but bide your time until you are certain of what to do next. Tuesday is not the best day for closing deals that involve a lot of money or asking for that pay raise. You have better luck if you wait until the end of the week. Meanwhile, Mercury turns direct on Wednesday in your career zone, which will make life a lot easier. If you've experienced delays and frustration, this should come to an end fairly soon. From this point on, doing business will be a lot more rewarding than it has been. From Saturday, you may find that you don't have as much control of your business affairs as usual. Events triggered by those in key positions may cause you to change direction or rethink your decisions.

Today

... not the day for Lewis to stamp his sterring wheel on the WDC. Pity, some of us were up to see it (well most of it - and not the beginning - I over slept. So its my fault!).

October

... the new summer?

US

We are all aware of the upcoming American elections. You know pit bulls with lipstick. A Palin that isn't Michael. An Obama that has no relationship to Osama. A McCain that isn't an oven cooked chip. And Obama's right hand man who barely seems to be getting a mention....here at least. My feelings for the US vary. Ask me about the landscape of the states I have visited and I will talk enthusiastically. Ask me about invasions and I will berate. So the current flurry of US themed programmes poses treats and tricks in equal measure.

I end my weekend with Stephen Fry in America. Why o why does the BBC keep doing this? They tried it with Victoria Wood in India and it was cringe worthy. These programmes only graze a surface and leave me feeling short changed. I want more detail - I want a unique view. Not a contrived celebrity view. 'It's typically American'. Fine Stephen but when are you going to explain WHAT that actually means? He went to several states and got to see some views and sights that not everyone will. But it was brief. His trip through New York - ah let's pick up Sting so we can play his song. I was disappointed. The old dear in the gambling hall who claimed he had a great personality did make me chuckle. Yes indeed he has. In Blackadder maybe. This was an hour in poor contrast to the more challenging and consequently BBC 2 programme I started my weekend with. The American Future: A History, by Simon Schama was by far, a more considered hour. It had personal significance as it dealt with issues I had first been made aware of way back in 2000 when I spent 3 months in the American West.

Water. Marc Reisner's Cadillac Desert. The taming of the Colorado which has had some benefits and also caused some major problems. It did not dumb down the content. And yes the camera work did the scenery justice. You go to America you see that everything is on a huge scale. Both programmes captured that. But I didn't really learn much from Stephen. (It was too much about him) Expect how to put a lobster to sleep. But Simon helped put my earlier knowledge into a more current perspective. I am not so sure about Mr Schama (too many Deadringers memories) but he did at least get under the skin of the issues.

I am about to return to Phillip Roth's novel and get his view on the place.

Oddly a year ago I was finishing Updike's Rabbit Series.

An autumnal cycle is in flow.

Sunday Sunshine

It's all too good! SO my catch up will continue later - now though - time for a walk!!

Gillingham 5 - Morecambe 0

I only sing when we win? Maybe.

Okay so its 5 goals at home and it brings our goal difference back to -1 which is a better place to be. Not sure why the difference in performance. Southall's return, home crowd, sunshine and maybe the fact that the Morecambe side showed shades of being a pub team. Or maybe it was because Arfur had bought his grand daughter - a new lucky charm. Or my new haircut or boots. Who knows. But I couldn't get excited until number 3 went in! Then it was a total reversal of the game I watched last Saturday.

And so it was there in the sun we won 5 and set the bar for the later England game. 5-1 huh.

Anyway Stimson went from monster to hero in 90 minutes. Funny old game. Funny old league.

Gillingham lined up as follows:

Royce, Fuller, Mills, King, Nutter, Southall, Weston (Lewis 88), Bentley, Jarrett (Barcham 22), Jackson, Mulligan (McCammon 66). (Yup more squad numbers!!)

Subs Not Used: Richards, Julian.

Goals: Bentley 21, Jackson 24, 36, Artell 73 og, McCammon 80.

Exeter City 3 - Gillingham 0

(October 4th 2008) A trip to the South West served 2 purposes - firstly to catch up with Baggy and Chuffy and secondly to go to my first away fixture of the season. It was the perfect combination to get me out of London and away from work for 4.5 days. It felt good for that reason alone.
So Saturday traffic in Exeter suggests that football and shopping are quite popular. And the ground was heaving with Exeter fans - standing at both ends. The Gills had bought 407 trusty fans - I think I was probably #400. And we were all stood in a fairly small terrace behind the goal. It was football I as I remember it. Exposed to the elements and at the edge of the action. (I do though wonder at the philosophy of putting the family section (seated) next to the away fans small seated section)

Come the 43rd minute and the third Exeter goal I had convinced myself a pasty was in order...the second half was more even and no more goals were scored. I enjoyed it just for the thrill of standing on the touch line practically and leaning on the rails whilst corners were taken right in front of me.




The fans were less enthused. Mr Stimson not a popular chap by 4.45pm.

Mornin mist

Good choppy bob

At back too

Fab sunset this pm

Choppy bob

Need I say more?!

Spot the beebs

Over used finance graphic!

Going Places

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

Watch out Baggy!!

Strictly vs X-Factor

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

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

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

Rock n Roll

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday. FOOTIE! Sunshine and hugs.

Sunday. Washing and pre-Monday prep.

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

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

Footie

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

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

Gillingham 1 - Port Vale 0

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

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

'The Truth and Other Lies'

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

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

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

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

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

So why was I there?

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

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

Who'd be a girl?

The fortnight has been a doctor and nurse farce.

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

2012 fever

Reaches Rochester

Thanks

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

Fog on the Don

Where have I been?

erm here or here abouts!

Two poor footie results have kept me silenced.

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

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

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

Ironing. Walk. Crossword.

Lamb chops and steamed veg.

Come Dine with Me. In Kent.

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

Hidden Away

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

View

From Poultry

Crystal tips

Where's Alistar?

today...

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

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

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

Dance 2night

Piccies of the gig cf Beeb web

Not football!

Get into the groove!

Quality!

Mad dreams follow..

should I

go and see Madonna on Thursday?

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

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

Splash

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

Knackered now tho.

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

Life-Altering Experience

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

Lost

One cheque book...

Not Blankety Blank...

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

Sport...

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

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

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

Ducking Stool

Are you a witch?

Wif of Bathe

Canterbury Cathedral

Saturday pm

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

Gillingham 3 - Grimsby Town 0

That's more like it!!

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

And the game.. rocking!

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

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

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

Stiff* as a

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

Implosion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My new friend

These legs

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

Lady Chat'ley

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

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

In training!

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

Gasp!

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

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

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

R.I.P

The English game of football.

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

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

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

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

Wednesday

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

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

Ah!

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

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

I can already feel my thighs twanging!!

Playing The Part

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

Sunday Night TV

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

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

Music

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

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

Ministry of Sound - Anthems 1991-2008

Ministry of Sound - Chilled 1991-2008

Madonna 'Hard Candy'

UNKLE 'Psyence Fiction'

Oasis 'Stop the Clocks'

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

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

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

I should

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