So there I was... casually walking into my room, seeing my bright red, every-day handbag on the bedroom floor, reaching in side to get out my purse. I opened up my purse and held it in front of me to look for my card, still bending down to place it back in my bag afterwards, when something caught my eye... something out of the ordinary was sitting in my bag. And then my brain kicked in... my eyes focused in on a spider, sitting in my bag.
Obviously, I threw my freakin purse and fell backwards.
A few moments of shock passed, and I returned to look in my bag for confirmation... the bastard had moved.
Fuck.
I picked up the handles, and threw it out my bedroom, where it landed on it's side, but with most of the contents still in the bag. I was hoping to see the little, evil cretin run out but it didn't. Panic now ensued, because not only had I no idea where this nasty little creature was in my bag, but I'd thrown it in the path of the only exit to my bedroom. So I was trapped, with a spider holding my handbag hostage.
The horror of the situation dawned on me when I realised my hand had been in that bag. MY HAND. The very thought of my skin coming into contact with a spider completely unexpectedly, quite honestly, horrifies me.
I had no other choice but to call my Dad, who rather stupidly advised me to "Just tip it out". Er, What now? And have it freakin' crawl towards my bare feet?? This wasn't an option. He had to come and get it out. Which he did, by tipping out my bag, and watching the little bastard escape into a dodgy floorboard in the bathroom. Can I get over the fact that it was IN my handbag? No. Can I stop thinking about the prospect of it laying EGGS in my bag. No. No I can't. Do I think about it everytime I reach into my bag? Yes. Yes I freakin do. Oh god.
The same spider, and yes I KNOW it was the same one (same size, same shape, same horrifically AWFUL legs)... this SAME spider proceeded to try and get back into my room the following day; I found it on the ceiling making it's way towards my door. It's final attempt however, appears to have become its last. I walked into the bathroom this evening to find it sitting in the middle of the floor. I immediately stopped and adopted my usual Spider-terror stance, and then noticed it looked a bit weird. A slightly closer inspection revealed it's body appeared squashed... and I highly suspect my cat might have given the evil beast a friendly, playful pat on the head and accidently killed it. Good cat.
The reign of terror was over. Though winning the battle is not winning the war. Downstairs, I entered the living room to find one of those horrendous Orb spiders in the middle of the carpet- you know the ones with the tiny bodies and ridiculously, long, very fine legs which bend over. I flattened it with the Radio Times. Those ones seem weaker than the others; finer, slower.
It's corpse is still on the floor. I'm leaving it there as a message to the others that death WILL ensue if they persist with their assault on my house.
Spiders: Do one.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Round Up!
Another busy weekend has flown by!
Last Friday was my boss' leaving do (due to having to take forced retirement thanks to the Government bringing in A19). We started at a nearby pub straight after work, followed by a trip to the dogs. I was mislead into purchasing my whole evening's worth of bets in one go and I put £2.00 per race on a Reverse Forecast. This cost me £20, but since I'd chosen my two lucky numbers I thought I couldn't go wrong. Shortly after the first race however, I discovered that Forecast meant the two I had chosen HAD to finish First AND Second. I thought I only had to get one to win, so I pretty much thought my chances were screwed.
I was wrong. I had TWO races where my lucky numbers finished first and second, winning £13 the first time and £14 the second; leaving with a profit of £7! Wooohoo! My lucky numbers never let me down. :-)
Following this, and with many a drunk Officer in tow, we headed to another pub. I was driving so I finally got home at 1.30am having dropped off two people including my boss.
Saturday evening I hit the town with H, going to our local first of all and then heading into the city for cocktails at Marco Pierre Whites where we caught a cool breeze out on the terrace of The Cube. It was a lovely view, watching the sunset over concrete-y Brum. Unfortunately, as with many of these places, the only downside to the nice environment was the snotty, pathetic, bitchy crowd. We later met up with N, his brother, his girlfriend and an old mate a bit later in the evening. It was far too hot to stay in the Yardbird so we ended up outside.
Sunday I spent some time with the family, in particular my Grandparents who I haven't seen for a few months. My Grandad's stories make me laugh, and I love how him and my Grandma still hold hands and have play fights. I ended Sunday at the Gym where I'm trying to rebuild all the strength I lost when I had to take three weeks off from the Gym due to my Labyrinthitis/ Vertigo. To my amazement I was able to lift one of the higher freeweights which made my evening, however, I still have a long way to go to re-tone and re-build. I'm cutting down so much on cardio, sticking to a bit of rowing or cycle just as a warm up exercise.
I've just been given the go ahead for a new wedding cake topper commission so I need to get round to some preliminary sketches this weekend.
I've lost my prescription sunglasses so I also need to take on the onerous, horrendous task of getting my eyes tested and new glasses.
I also had a really good write up from my supervisor as to my performance over the last year and have been given a bit more training in order to take the reigns on the departments website, so I'm chuffed with that too.
I'm also sleeping much better thanks to some handy ear plugs. This is massively helping my appetite and general mood
Things feel good. Busy... but good.
Last Friday was my boss' leaving do (due to having to take forced retirement thanks to the Government bringing in A19). We started at a nearby pub straight after work, followed by a trip to the dogs. I was mislead into purchasing my whole evening's worth of bets in one go and I put £2.00 per race on a Reverse Forecast. This cost me £20, but since I'd chosen my two lucky numbers I thought I couldn't go wrong. Shortly after the first race however, I discovered that Forecast meant the two I had chosen HAD to finish First AND Second. I thought I only had to get one to win, so I pretty much thought my chances were screwed.
I was wrong. I had TWO races where my lucky numbers finished first and second, winning £13 the first time and £14 the second; leaving with a profit of £7! Wooohoo! My lucky numbers never let me down. :-)
Following this, and with many a drunk Officer in tow, we headed to another pub. I was driving so I finally got home at 1.30am having dropped off two people including my boss.
Saturday evening I hit the town with H, going to our local first of all and then heading into the city for cocktails at Marco Pierre Whites where we caught a cool breeze out on the terrace of The Cube. It was a lovely view, watching the sunset over concrete-y Brum. Unfortunately, as with many of these places, the only downside to the nice environment was the snotty, pathetic, bitchy crowd. We later met up with N, his brother, his girlfriend and an old mate a bit later in the evening. It was far too hot to stay in the Yardbird so we ended up outside.
Sunday I spent some time with the family, in particular my Grandparents who I haven't seen for a few months. My Grandad's stories make me laugh, and I love how him and my Grandma still hold hands and have play fights. I ended Sunday at the Gym where I'm trying to rebuild all the strength I lost when I had to take three weeks off from the Gym due to my Labyrinthitis/ Vertigo. To my amazement I was able to lift one of the higher freeweights which made my evening, however, I still have a long way to go to re-tone and re-build. I'm cutting down so much on cardio, sticking to a bit of rowing or cycle just as a warm up exercise.
I've just been given the go ahead for a new wedding cake topper commission so I need to get round to some preliminary sketches this weekend.
I've lost my prescription sunglasses so I also need to take on the onerous, horrendous task of getting my eyes tested and new glasses.
I also had a really good write up from my supervisor as to my performance over the last year and have been given a bit more training in order to take the reigns on the departments website, so I'm chuffed with that too.
I'm also sleeping much better thanks to some handy ear plugs. This is massively helping my appetite and general mood
Things feel good. Busy... but good.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
The Big News.
I have been dropping clues in my titles the last few blog posts as to what my big news is...
This is going to massively underwhelm (is that possible- to MASSIVELY underwhelm?) a lot of people... however, those who know me well will appreciate why this news is big. To me.
Something life changing occured. And all I have to show for it both before and after will be a bit of paper.
There are a few bands that I love... those that leap out as all time favourites are the likes of Radiohead (seen them twice), The Deftones (seen once), System of a Down (seen once). There's a few others I HAVE to see before I die- A Perfect Circle or Puscifer to complete my TOOLkit (gettit??? lol) and of course... the amazing ... Nine Inch Nails.
I missed them many years ago, I think it was my first year of Uni when they last toured and I missed them perform in Birmingham. I idiotically only realised they were playing on the day they performed and couldn't go. This year, they're performing at Reading and Leeds, and I was toying with the idea of paying a stupid amount of money on a day ticket, a hotel and a very long car journey to see them. This would have cost me well over £200 all in. HOWEVER, they are ALSO playing in a tiny little town called Belfast in August... and I've ONLY BLOODY WELL GONE AND GOT TICKETS!!!!
Fuck. I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about this. It's meant a hotel and flights, but even with the tickets it's cost about £130. This is a lot, however, this gig is going to be epic for me.
There's been a few gigs where I've just experienced absolute awe. I was immersed in it standing in front of Martin Grech, and the times I saw Radiohead and System of a Down, even Tool, ... I've just been completely, utterly in awe, almost on a complete other plain as I just breathe in and absorb the gig experience. Trent Reznor is like the Pope is to Catholics, without the paeodophilia, corruption, obscene hyppocrisy and religion. He is more than that, a genius, everything he touches turning to liquidy, ear-nectar. I can well imagine this gig is going to be one of those momentous gigs that I will never forget.
The gig is on the 21st of August. I'm counting down the days via the below worm...
This is going to massively underwhelm (is that possible- to MASSIVELY underwhelm?) a lot of people... however, those who know me well will appreciate why this news is big. To me.
Something life changing occured. And all I have to show for it both before and after will be a bit of paper.
There are a few bands that I love... those that leap out as all time favourites are the likes of Radiohead (seen them twice), The Deftones (seen once), System of a Down (seen once). There's a few others I HAVE to see before I die- A Perfect Circle or Puscifer to complete my TOOLkit (gettit??? lol) and of course... the amazing ... Nine Inch Nails.
I missed them many years ago, I think it was my first year of Uni when they last toured and I missed them perform in Birmingham. I idiotically only realised they were playing on the day they performed and couldn't go. This year, they're performing at Reading and Leeds, and I was toying with the idea of paying a stupid amount of money on a day ticket, a hotel and a very long car journey to see them. This would have cost me well over £200 all in. HOWEVER, they are ALSO playing in a tiny little town called Belfast in August... and I've ONLY BLOODY WELL GONE AND GOT TICKETS!!!!
Fuck. I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about this. It's meant a hotel and flights, but even with the tickets it's cost about £130. This is a lot, however, this gig is going to be epic for me.
There's been a few gigs where I've just experienced absolute awe. I was immersed in it standing in front of Martin Grech, and the times I saw Radiohead and System of a Down, even Tool, ... I've just been completely, utterly in awe, almost on a complete other plain as I just breathe in and absorb the gig experience. Trent Reznor is like the Pope is to Catholics, without the paeodophilia, corruption, obscene hyppocrisy and religion. He is more than that, a genius, everything he touches turning to liquidy, ear-nectar. I can well imagine this gig is going to be one of those momentous gigs that I will never forget.
The gig is on the 21st of August. I'm counting down the days via the below worm...
A Film in the Sunshine.
Last night my friend H and I went to Brum to catch an outdoor film showing of Breakfast At Tiffany's. It was a free event in the lovely Brindley Place and the organisers handed out bean bags, free popcorn and blankets to the crowd. It was a different way to spend the evening, sitting on the steps in the shade watching a film, especially one I haven't seen in years!
I have another fairly busy weekend coming up with my Boss's leaving do on Friday and some drinks in Brum with H on Saturday, starting off at Marco Pierre Whites for some cocktails.
I've also finally been back to the gym this week after a few weeks off due to my inner ear problems which thankfully seem to have cleared up. Good times! :-)
I have another fairly busy weekend coming up with my Boss's leaving do on Friday and some drinks in Brum with H on Saturday, starting off at Marco Pierre Whites for some cocktails.
I've also finally been back to the gym this week after a few weeks off due to my inner ear problems which thankfully seem to have cleared up. Good times! :-)
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Burn.
I was going to pose the question: Why does sunburned skin stay hot for days as opposed to when you overcook a sausage and it gets burnt but cools down?...
The answer, I have just discovered, is basically because sausages aren't alive.
The sunburnt skin doesn't stay hot because of the burn per se, it stays hot because of the body responding to the type of injury, increasing blood flow to the area causing slight inflammation and warmth until the skin is fully healed.
If I'd have given that question considerable thought for longer than the twenty seconds I gave it, I might have reached that conclusion myself. My god, I can be such a dumbass.
Tonight I am having to survive without my phone. It already feels a bit odd... not sure yet how I'm going to get up in the morning without my alarm but I'll worry about that later.
The answer, I have just discovered, is basically because sausages aren't alive.
The sunburnt skin doesn't stay hot because of the burn per se, it stays hot because of the body responding to the type of injury, increasing blood flow to the area causing slight inflammation and warmth until the skin is fully healed.
If I'd have given that question considerable thought for longer than the twenty seconds I gave it, I might have reached that conclusion myself. My god, I can be such a dumbass.
Tonight I am having to survive without my phone. It already feels a bit odd... not sure yet how I'm going to get up in the morning without my alarm but I'll worry about that later.
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Sunspots.
What an awesome weekend!
It kicked off with some sunny post-work drinks on Friday evening with H from work. I survived my first round of drinking post inner-ear troubles. Having felt drunk for three weeks I was a bit wary of getting back on the good ol' Jack n Coke, but yep, it was just what I needed.
Following that I spent Saturday on a mini road trip with N up to Chester. It was beautifully sunny and we strolled around the quaint little shops and had a waffle cone ice cream by the river. We took a walk all round the ancient city walls and looked around the Roman gardens and amphitheatre although I was put off by the creepy stilt walker who seemed to be tottering around. I still hate them. Always will.
I failed miserably at remembering my digital SLR to take any decent photographs which pissed me off no end, but to redeem myself I am proud to say I refrained from spending any money in the shops despite being very tempted by a nice new handbag. Be proud.
Saturday evening was spent being set up in the back garden with some Honey Jack, Peanuts, a nice warm chicken salad and the Sono's blaring out some awesome tunes while a little lantern flickered in the gentle breeze. It was perfect.
Today I spent the morning strolling around Cars In the Park in Lichfield wishing I was rich enough to have a car for every day of the week. A quick lunch was had at Ego nearby, a Mediterranean bar where I had a Fusion Mezze platter and a Strawberry, Mango and Stem Ginger Eton Mess for dessert. Then, back to the park for a last drool over some amazing cars... before heading back in time for the Wimbledon final where grumpy-ass Murray took the cup.
I've picked the following as my faves from today although the F type Jag and a BEAUTIFUL blue TVR Sagaris also looked incredible. I think you will agree the matt black Hudson complete with skull on the dashboard is very me. :-)
The weekend was finished off with a family barbeque in place of the traditional Sunday dinner, complete with steaks, burger, sausage, rice, salad, new potatoes and kebab roasted vegetables.
I have some sunburn from today. I plastered myself in factor 30 this morning, and seem to have staved off getting burnt in the normal places like my neck. However, I do have an interesting red, stripe down my nose, and some weird patterns on my arms which look equally strange! It must have been where I was holding my bag or something and have got burnt in between the straps. No matter how hard you try, when you have ghostly white pale skin like me, the sun will get to you somehow!!!
Despite the sunburn, this weekend has been - simply PERFECT. :-)
Coming up this week... I am planning on returning to the gym now I'm fully fit, shopping for Boss' leaving present on Tuesday, Boss' leaving do on Friday and then potentially a night out in Brum on Saturday! I want to squeeze in a trip to the cinema, headphone shopping, potential holiday shopping and wedding guest dress shopping also this week.
Ooh... and I must blog about the imminent awesomeness that I have managed to source for myself.
It kicked off with some sunny post-work drinks on Friday evening with H from work. I survived my first round of drinking post inner-ear troubles. Having felt drunk for three weeks I was a bit wary of getting back on the good ol' Jack n Coke, but yep, it was just what I needed.
Following that I spent Saturday on a mini road trip with N up to Chester. It was beautifully sunny and we strolled around the quaint little shops and had a waffle cone ice cream by the river. We took a walk all round the ancient city walls and looked around the Roman gardens and amphitheatre although I was put off by the creepy stilt walker who seemed to be tottering around. I still hate them. Always will.
I failed miserably at remembering my digital SLR to take any decent photographs which pissed me off no end, but to redeem myself I am proud to say I refrained from spending any money in the shops despite being very tempted by a nice new handbag. Be proud.
Saturday evening was spent being set up in the back garden with some Honey Jack, Peanuts, a nice warm chicken salad and the Sono's blaring out some awesome tunes while a little lantern flickered in the gentle breeze. It was perfect.
Today I spent the morning strolling around Cars In the Park in Lichfield wishing I was rich enough to have a car for every day of the week. A quick lunch was had at Ego nearby, a Mediterranean bar where I had a Fusion Mezze platter and a Strawberry, Mango and Stem Ginger Eton Mess for dessert. Then, back to the park for a last drool over some amazing cars... before heading back in time for the Wimbledon final where grumpy-ass Murray took the cup.
I've picked the following as my faves from today although the F type Jag and a BEAUTIFUL blue TVR Sagaris also looked incredible. I think you will agree the matt black Hudson complete with skull on the dashboard is very me. :-)
The weekend was finished off with a family barbeque in place of the traditional Sunday dinner, complete with steaks, burger, sausage, rice, salad, new potatoes and kebab roasted vegetables.
I have some sunburn from today. I plastered myself in factor 30 this morning, and seem to have staved off getting burnt in the normal places like my neck. However, I do have an interesting red, stripe down my nose, and some weird patterns on my arms which look equally strange! It must have been where I was holding my bag or something and have got burnt in between the straps. No matter how hard you try, when you have ghostly white pale skin like me, the sun will get to you somehow!!!
Despite the sunburn, this weekend has been - simply PERFECT. :-)
Coming up this week... I am planning on returning to the gym now I'm fully fit, shopping for Boss' leaving present on Tuesday, Boss' leaving do on Friday and then potentially a night out in Brum on Saturday! I want to squeeze in a trip to the cinema, headphone shopping, potential holiday shopping and wedding guest dress shopping also this week.
Ooh... and I must blog about the imminent awesomeness that I have managed to source for myself.
Thursday, July 04, 2013
With Teeth.
I'm back.
Normal Slink service is resumed.
The last few weeks haven't been the best I suppose, but I'm back... with bite.
I've just completed my first full week back at work and I'm glad to say that my few weeks off have ensured some colleagues actually appreciate what I do there! I've been given a small project to complete also, which means I get some training and another computer system under my belt also.
Before I got poorly I was feeling worn out, worn down and not at all myself. I know why, and I've dealt with it. My sleeping patterns aren't right still, but are getting better which signals to me that I'm in a better place than I was.
A message to anyone considering trying to mess me about: I will always always suss you out and watch you make a total fucking idiot of yourself long before I let on that I know you're a complete, total, utter asshole before removing your pathetic existence out my life.
The sun is shining and giving me energy, making me feel stronger and "lighter".
Next week I'm going to get back to the gym after being under doctors orders not to go, so I'll be back to doing some free weights. I might even buy myself a set for home to keep it up.
I have some new summery maxi dresses and am planning on wearing one this weekend on mini road trip with the bestie this weekend. My aim for the weekend is to take some photographs.
I am looking into some potential breaks away, looking for a lovely dress for a wedding later in the year, ready to book up my tattoo appointment when I have time... AND I still have three tubs of Ice Cream. I dunno, things just feel good right now. :-) I even FINALLY updated my blog profile picture as the one on there was from 2006, just after graduating from Uni! I thought it was high time for a new photo.
Oh... AND I have BIG news ... so big it's off the awesome scale.
Normal Slink service is resumed.
The last few weeks haven't been the best I suppose, but I'm back... with bite.
I've just completed my first full week back at work and I'm glad to say that my few weeks off have ensured some colleagues actually appreciate what I do there! I've been given a small project to complete also, which means I get some training and another computer system under my belt also.
Before I got poorly I was feeling worn out, worn down and not at all myself. I know why, and I've dealt with it. My sleeping patterns aren't right still, but are getting better which signals to me that I'm in a better place than I was.
A message to anyone considering trying to mess me about: I will always always suss you out and watch you make a total fucking idiot of yourself long before I let on that I know you're a complete, total, utter asshole before removing your pathetic existence out my life.
The sun is shining and giving me energy, making me feel stronger and "lighter".
Next week I'm going to get back to the gym after being under doctors orders not to go, so I'll be back to doing some free weights. I might even buy myself a set for home to keep it up.
I have some new summery maxi dresses and am planning on wearing one this weekend on mini road trip with the bestie this weekend. My aim for the weekend is to take some photographs.
I am looking into some potential breaks away, looking for a lovely dress for a wedding later in the year, ready to book up my tattoo appointment when I have time... AND I still have three tubs of Ice Cream. I dunno, things just feel good right now. :-) I even FINALLY updated my blog profile picture as the one on there was from 2006, just after graduating from Uni! I thought it was high time for a new photo.
Oh... AND I have BIG news ... so big it's off the awesome scale.
Dear Asshole,
Thanks for finally revealing your true nature.
In particular, I love how you've consistently tried to hide the fact that you're:
- weak
- superficial
- dishonest
- completely incapable of any empathy
- self centred
- narrow minded
- uncaring
- shallow
- callous
- cowardly
- disloyal
- pathetically vain
- slutty
- egotistical
- illogical
- unbelievably selfish
- incapable of understanding/coping with/conveying emotions
- defensive
- attention seeking
- spineless
- arrogant
- fearful
- a carbon copy of the other meaningless twat you were so desperate to be different to, yet surpass his crap-ness by not even having the self awareness he did to admit you're a total dick and apologise for it. Hilarious.
You fail on every level at meeting my expectations of what makes a man.
Your weakness makes me stronger and I celebrate you reminding me just how much better I deserve.
Fuck you, and enjoy your half life of avoidance and ineptitude.
S
x
In particular, I love how you've consistently tried to hide the fact that you're:
- weak
- superficial
- dishonest
- completely incapable of any empathy
- self centred
- narrow minded
- uncaring
- shallow
- callous
- cowardly
- disloyal
- pathetically vain
- slutty
- egotistical
- illogical
- unbelievably selfish
- incapable of understanding/coping with/conveying emotions
- defensive
- attention seeking
- spineless
- arrogant
- fearful
- a carbon copy of the other meaningless twat you were so desperate to be different to, yet surpass his crap-ness by not even having the self awareness he did to admit you're a total dick and apologise for it. Hilarious.
You fail on every level at meeting my expectations of what makes a man.
Your weakness makes me stronger and I celebrate you reminding me just how much better I deserve.
Fuck you, and enjoy your half life of avoidance and ineptitude.
S
x
Monday, July 01, 2013
Goodbyes.
I got back from Kirsten's funeral a few hours ago.
It was what she would have wanted- short but sweet, with an elegant simplicity. Everyone wore something pink - a tribute to her fight with breast cancer.
Walking into the crematorium behind her family and friends, her tiny coffin covered with beautiful flowers and the Goo Goo Dolls' song Iris playing was heartbreaking; so many people shedding tears at their individual losses. Yet the messages throughout the service were clear- smile. Always keep smiling. As Kirsten did throughout her illness. Her final song, as we exited the room, was Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I could just picture her dancing away to it.
Her wake was decorated so beautifully with fairy lights, tables covered with objects associated with Kirsten (Some My Little Ponys and Barbies amongst them!), photographs and little reminders of this lovely lady. It was nice to see her remembered so fondly, everyone sharing their stories and memories over drinks. It must have been both heartbreaking and comforting for her family to know just how many will miss her smile.
RIP Kirsten.
:-)
It was what she would have wanted- short but sweet, with an elegant simplicity. Everyone wore something pink - a tribute to her fight with breast cancer.
Walking into the crematorium behind her family and friends, her tiny coffin covered with beautiful flowers and the Goo Goo Dolls' song Iris playing was heartbreaking; so many people shedding tears at their individual losses. Yet the messages throughout the service were clear- smile. Always keep smiling. As Kirsten did throughout her illness. Her final song, as we exited the room, was Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I could just picture her dancing away to it.
Her wake was decorated so beautifully with fairy lights, tables covered with objects associated with Kirsten (Some My Little Ponys and Barbies amongst them!), photographs and little reminders of this lovely lady. It was nice to see her remembered so fondly, everyone sharing their stories and memories over drinks. It must have been both heartbreaking and comforting for her family to know just how many will miss her smile.
RIP Kirsten.
:-)
Friday, June 28, 2013
About a Girl.
When N and I moved in to our house years ago, our new neighbours (Kirsten, Nathan and their beagle Holly!) left us a bottle of wine and a card welcoming us to the street. It made us feel instantly at home and when we went round to thank you, we could tell this was a couple we were going to get along with. We met them for drinks a few times and got to know them via a few parties and pub trips in the local area, sharing stories, interests and most importantly laughs.
Kirsten was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer a few years ago. Her intensive chemotherapy treatments never dulled her zest for life and I really admired her courage through a hardship that I'd been spared seeing my own Mother go through when she underwent a successful attempt at removing her own breast cancer. I attended Kirsten's 35th birthday party two years ago, despite no longer living in the area. It was a celebration of her getting through another bout of chemo and she was happy, beautiful and her usual wise, energetic and happy self.
On Wednesday night, I got a phonecall from N who informed me that Kirsten had passed away last Friday. It was a shock. Although I hadn't seen her for a while, I'd read her posts on facebook of her undergoing more chemo in a last ditch attempt to rid her body of the returned cancer. It dawned on me that although her prognosis had never been good due to its aggressive nature and the fact it had returned, her strength had amazed me so much that it never occurred, naively, that she would lose this fight so suddenly. She died in her home, peacefully, with NT by her side.
I've been very lucky in my life, not to have had to deal with much death. I still have all four grandparents, and although various elderly relatives have passed away they've been distanced enough for me to not feel a vast amount of grief.
Last night I sat reading the memorial web page Kirsten's friends and family have made for her. It was so upsetting to read all the memories, each one filled with heartache from people who were missing Kirsten in one way or another, suddenly finding a Kirsten shaped gap in their lives.
It's all so surreal and desperately sad. Her facebook page is still there; Her car is on her driveway, where she stood laughing, telling us about the latest little bump she'd managed to get in her company car. Yet, she's not here anymore. This lovely, caring, incredibly strong and genuine human being no longer laughs, smiles, breathes. So young, yet bringing such happiness to the lives of the people she encountered. It's hard to get my head around. My grief is miniscule compared to her closer friends and of course her family, and I dread to think how consuming grief will be for me when it is a member of my own family whose death I have to accept, but still- I've cried and I feel better for it.
I will be attending her funeral on Monday. I'll admit, this will be my first funeral for someone I considered a friend, despite us not being close, and also for someone so young. Every other funeral I've been to has been for an elderly person, where there is something inevitable and quietly natural about it. This time, the unfairness of it will make it all the more sad. She fought this absolutely awful disease so hard, at such a young age and yet it claimed her. The only relief is that she won't have to endure that any longer.
I'm not at all looking forward to Monday, however, I feel I owe it to her memory to be there. I wasn't as there for her as I could have been. It's a chance to say goodbye to her.
I do remember her saying to me, giving me some direct, honest advice before I left N- "life is short, far too short to waste being unhappy". All the more poignant now she's gone.
Kirsten was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer a few years ago. Her intensive chemotherapy treatments never dulled her zest for life and I really admired her courage through a hardship that I'd been spared seeing my own Mother go through when she underwent a successful attempt at removing her own breast cancer. I attended Kirsten's 35th birthday party two years ago, despite no longer living in the area. It was a celebration of her getting through another bout of chemo and she was happy, beautiful and her usual wise, energetic and happy self.
On Wednesday night, I got a phonecall from N who informed me that Kirsten had passed away last Friday. It was a shock. Although I hadn't seen her for a while, I'd read her posts on facebook of her undergoing more chemo in a last ditch attempt to rid her body of the returned cancer. It dawned on me that although her prognosis had never been good due to its aggressive nature and the fact it had returned, her strength had amazed me so much that it never occurred, naively, that she would lose this fight so suddenly. She died in her home, peacefully, with NT by her side.
I've been very lucky in my life, not to have had to deal with much death. I still have all four grandparents, and although various elderly relatives have passed away they've been distanced enough for me to not feel a vast amount of grief.
Last night I sat reading the memorial web page Kirsten's friends and family have made for her. It was so upsetting to read all the memories, each one filled with heartache from people who were missing Kirsten in one way or another, suddenly finding a Kirsten shaped gap in their lives.
It's all so surreal and desperately sad. Her facebook page is still there; Her car is on her driveway, where she stood laughing, telling us about the latest little bump she'd managed to get in her company car. Yet, she's not here anymore. This lovely, caring, incredibly strong and genuine human being no longer laughs, smiles, breathes. So young, yet bringing such happiness to the lives of the people she encountered. It's hard to get my head around. My grief is miniscule compared to her closer friends and of course her family, and I dread to think how consuming grief will be for me when it is a member of my own family whose death I have to accept, but still- I've cried and I feel better for it.
I will be attending her funeral on Monday. I'll admit, this will be my first funeral for someone I considered a friend, despite us not being close, and also for someone so young. Every other funeral I've been to has been for an elderly person, where there is something inevitable and quietly natural about it. This time, the unfairness of it will make it all the more sad. She fought this absolutely awful disease so hard, at such a young age and yet it claimed her. The only relief is that she won't have to endure that any longer.
I'm not at all looking forward to Monday, however, I feel I owe it to her memory to be there. I wasn't as there for her as I could have been. It's a chance to say goodbye to her.
I do remember her saying to me, giving me some direct, honest advice before I left N- "life is short, far too short to waste being unhappy". All the more poignant now she's gone.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Exclusive: Slink Captured on Film in Natural Habitat.
The awesome KTP has put together a fab little video of my birthday celebrations at my favourite rock club, Eddies, back in March. It just makes me smile and I wanted to share it here too:
I can't stop grinning after watching it. I love that there is a cluster of songs that will ALWAYS always be etched on my soul and bind me with some absolutely amazing friends and some equally amazing times at Uni. Despite these moments getting further and further into the past, the effect these songs has on each one of us will always spark memories of happy times. I love it. It's priceless. :-)
I'm still waiting to be given the all clear so I can return to work. I have an appointment tomorrow where I'm hoping to be booked back fit. If not, I'll have to wait until my sick note runs out on Friday. I just want to get back to the normal drudgery of work now, I miss it!
I can't stop grinning after watching it. I love that there is a cluster of songs that will ALWAYS always be etched on my soul and bind me with some absolutely amazing friends and some equally amazing times at Uni. Despite these moments getting further and further into the past, the effect these songs has on each one of us will always spark memories of happy times. I love it. It's priceless. :-)
I'm still waiting to be given the all clear so I can return to work. I have an appointment tomorrow where I'm hoping to be booked back fit. If not, I'll have to wait until my sick note runs out on Friday. I just want to get back to the normal drudgery of work now, I miss it!
Friday, June 21, 2013
LADS: Lets be Less.
There's a guy I come into contact with regularly who is possibly the biggest Tri-Hard I know.
He's married and a father, perhaps not the brightest tool in the box but works hard to make a living for his family. He appears to model himself on a mixture of Homer Simpson and your typical "LAD". Here's a few examples:
- His facebook is littered with Laddish, semi-sexist meme's that he's found online.
- He shares images from groups with intellectual titles like "I just keep clicking until I see some boobs" and "Rack/Bum of the Day".
- His idol is James Bond.
- He prides himself on getting his wife stereotypically "thoughtful" gifts like a grill and a micro pedi for her birthday.
- Anything appealing to the humour of a 12 year old boy would also appeal to him.
- He frequently makes Jim Davidson style innuendo jokes.
- He makes self depreciating comments about himself like "I did one push up last night and my arms are killing me!"
This is a guy in his thirties. I would expect all the above to apply to a 12 year old, maybe a simple student, but he's in his thirties. And he's actually bred children which is a concern.
Now, this guy is harmless. Dull, but harmless. But nevertheless he is actively, desperately almost, trying to live up to a set and quite frankly awful stereotype. This is a concept completely alien to me. Don't get me wrong, this man doesn't offend me, neither do I think he's a bad person- I just find his complete lack of originality and lack of identity, sadly pathetic. He has a complete lack of self- nearly everything he says or does comes from somewhere else. I hear him saying things which I know he's already shared on facebook a few days earlier... I hear him making jokes or telling stories with exactly the same "bloke" undertones as the day before and it's just rather tiresome.
And it's not uncommon. We all grew up with a sense of wanting to belong. We're tribal creatures; social creatures with common interests and hobbies which bring us together or divide us. I get this. I wasn't the most popular kid at school, never part of a huge crowd, but I had a small group of like minded friends and I failed to see how others wanted to be part of the "in" crowd just for the sake of it, rather than actually liking the people in the crowd. Lets be honest, the "in" crowd is always full of absolute losers who are mainly shallow and not particularly nice people who I had ZERO in common with. Why, why WHY would I EVER want to be accepted by them??! I had this mentality at the age of 12 and it caused me some isolation, some bullying but my god I wouldn't change it, it's made me the free-thinking person I am.
I know other men, or should I say boys, who become ensconced in this pathetic "LAD" culture of getting pissed, being sexist and fucking around, reducing women to their body parts etc. I've seen fairly intelligent guys who disappointingly buy into this boy-dom, who lose the ability to think for themselves and then in turn become accustomed to being sexist, unattractive and frankly pathetic puppet consumers of archaic, sexist attitudes and cultures.
And quite often, it takes a woman to challenge them and break the cycle, rather than it being a well informed, conscious decision to just strap on a pair and grow the hell up. Alternatively, when these men become parents, more so to daughters, they then also see a step change, however some do not, and continue to pass down their stereotype to their sons and daughters. And whilst touching on this area: I cannot stand the hypocrisy of some fathers who take on this over bearing, over-protective father role. The worst offenders being those who are effectively protecting their daughters from men LIKE THEMSELVES and therefore openly admitting that most men are pathetic shitbags. Yet don't get called sexist. Odd.
Why there aren't many men who come to their own conclusion that both men AND women deserve more than this, is beyond me. I know many men. I don't dislike men; I have a great many male friends, some very close male friends and indeed, my best friend is male. But I will remain cynical until more come forward, step up and reclaim being a MAN as being a decent, good, honest person who despite having a weakness for boobs, don't feel the need to denigrate women, reduce them to their body parts, and don't see the point in being part of a damaging and frankly pathetic culture of being LESS than they are capable of. This is expressed far more eloquently in the below quote which is one of my all time favourites:
Males these days have suffered something of an identity crisis and I can't quite work out if this is a result of the advances women have made in asking for more, in expecting more, and demanding they are treated better because we ARE better than what we were being portrayed to be. However, men seem to have retreated in the opposite direction and instead of wanting to be MORE than their stereotype (Homer Simspon- useless- fumbling- follow-his-friends- and-cheer-at-boobs) they've positively encouraged it. They don't even want to be called MEN anymore, preferring lesser terms like Bloke and Lad. Possibly because there is confusion as to what a Man is these days. Here's a thought- how about just trying to be a good HUMAN: accepting, honest, caring and respectful.
And it's not just guys. Some women are just as capable of this ridiculous act. I know plenty of women who WANT to be less than they are and actually play up to a stereotype- dumbing down, not venturing any opinion, or possibly not having any for fear of it not being the "right" one; acting stupid, having to copy a certain look. It's just ridiculous. And I don't get it. Can't get it. If you're yourself, you'll attract the right people to you. I'm a right stroppy, opinionated cow and I have some AWESOME friends.
I fail to see how anyone would want to strive to be less than they are. Perhaps it's reached a stage where I expect men to be sheep, and maybe I (wrongly) expect more from women since women have fought for us to be accepted as more than our stereotypes. In the last Century women have pushed to be MORE. There have been no such movements for Men. Because men appear less bothered at being seen as less than they are, positively embracing their shoddy stereotypes in places. They seek acceptance from their friends, defining themselves as the same rather than trying to be different, even when they hold a different opinion. Sheep. Boring as hell, Sheep. Sorry Sheep.
I lose respect for any person (Man or Woman for that matter but for the purposes of this paragraph I will say "he") who claims he has the capacity to think intelligently and debate intelligently but who fails to see the problems he contributes to by being part of a pathetic, archaic, sheep style culture of sexist stereotyping and embraces being a Lad. A Boy.
I'm proud to be different. Opinionated, hot headed, controversial at times, and to my detriment occasionally- but only because I believe in things and I'm not afraid to voice them. I am true to my being and my beliefs. I may not be pretty and cute and wife material. But I'm me. And that's one thing I love about myself.
He's married and a father, perhaps not the brightest tool in the box but works hard to make a living for his family. He appears to model himself on a mixture of Homer Simpson and your typical "LAD". Here's a few examples:
- His facebook is littered with Laddish, semi-sexist meme's that he's found online.
- He shares images from groups with intellectual titles like "I just keep clicking until I see some boobs" and "Rack/Bum of the Day".
- His idol is James Bond.
- He prides himself on getting his wife stereotypically "thoughtful" gifts like a grill and a micro pedi for her birthday.
- Anything appealing to the humour of a 12 year old boy would also appeal to him.
- He frequently makes Jim Davidson style innuendo jokes.
- He makes self depreciating comments about himself like "I did one push up last night and my arms are killing me!"
This is a guy in his thirties. I would expect all the above to apply to a 12 year old, maybe a simple student, but he's in his thirties. And he's actually bred children which is a concern.
Now, this guy is harmless. Dull, but harmless. But nevertheless he is actively, desperately almost, trying to live up to a set and quite frankly awful stereotype. This is a concept completely alien to me. Don't get me wrong, this man doesn't offend me, neither do I think he's a bad person- I just find his complete lack of originality and lack of identity, sadly pathetic. He has a complete lack of self- nearly everything he says or does comes from somewhere else. I hear him saying things which I know he's already shared on facebook a few days earlier... I hear him making jokes or telling stories with exactly the same "bloke" undertones as the day before and it's just rather tiresome.
And it's not uncommon. We all grew up with a sense of wanting to belong. We're tribal creatures; social creatures with common interests and hobbies which bring us together or divide us. I get this. I wasn't the most popular kid at school, never part of a huge crowd, but I had a small group of like minded friends and I failed to see how others wanted to be part of the "in" crowd just for the sake of it, rather than actually liking the people in the crowd. Lets be honest, the "in" crowd is always full of absolute losers who are mainly shallow and not particularly nice people who I had ZERO in common with. Why, why WHY would I EVER want to be accepted by them??! I had this mentality at the age of 12 and it caused me some isolation, some bullying but my god I wouldn't change it, it's made me the free-thinking person I am.
I know other men, or should I say boys, who become ensconced in this pathetic "LAD" culture of getting pissed, being sexist and fucking around, reducing women to their body parts etc. I've seen fairly intelligent guys who disappointingly buy into this boy-dom, who lose the ability to think for themselves and then in turn become accustomed to being sexist, unattractive and frankly pathetic puppet consumers of archaic, sexist attitudes and cultures.
And quite often, it takes a woman to challenge them and break the cycle, rather than it being a well informed, conscious decision to just strap on a pair and grow the hell up. Alternatively, when these men become parents, more so to daughters, they then also see a step change, however some do not, and continue to pass down their stereotype to their sons and daughters. And whilst touching on this area: I cannot stand the hypocrisy of some fathers who take on this over bearing, over-protective father role. The worst offenders being those who are effectively protecting their daughters from men LIKE THEMSELVES and therefore openly admitting that most men are pathetic shitbags. Yet don't get called sexist. Odd.
Why there aren't many men who come to their own conclusion that both men AND women deserve more than this, is beyond me. I know many men. I don't dislike men; I have a great many male friends, some very close male friends and indeed, my best friend is male. But I will remain cynical until more come forward, step up and reclaim being a MAN as being a decent, good, honest person who despite having a weakness for boobs, don't feel the need to denigrate women, reduce them to their body parts, and don't see the point in being part of a damaging and frankly pathetic culture of being LESS than they are capable of. This is expressed far more eloquently in the below quote which is one of my all time favourites:
Males these days have suffered something of an identity crisis and I can't quite work out if this is a result of the advances women have made in asking for more, in expecting more, and demanding they are treated better because we ARE better than what we were being portrayed to be. However, men seem to have retreated in the opposite direction and instead of wanting to be MORE than their stereotype (Homer Simspon- useless- fumbling- follow-his-friends- and-cheer-at-boobs) they've positively encouraged it. They don't even want to be called MEN anymore, preferring lesser terms like Bloke and Lad. Possibly because there is confusion as to what a Man is these days. Here's a thought- how about just trying to be a good HUMAN: accepting, honest, caring and respectful.
And it's not just guys. Some women are just as capable of this ridiculous act. I know plenty of women who WANT to be less than they are and actually play up to a stereotype- dumbing down, not venturing any opinion, or possibly not having any for fear of it not being the "right" one; acting stupid, having to copy a certain look. It's just ridiculous. And I don't get it. Can't get it. If you're yourself, you'll attract the right people to you. I'm a right stroppy, opinionated cow and I have some AWESOME friends.
I fail to see how anyone would want to strive to be less than they are. Perhaps it's reached a stage where I expect men to be sheep, and maybe I (wrongly) expect more from women since women have fought for us to be accepted as more than our stereotypes. In the last Century women have pushed to be MORE. There have been no such movements for Men. Because men appear less bothered at being seen as less than they are, positively embracing their shoddy stereotypes in places. They seek acceptance from their friends, defining themselves as the same rather than trying to be different, even when they hold a different opinion. Sheep. Boring as hell, Sheep. Sorry Sheep.
I lose respect for any person (Man or Woman for that matter but for the purposes of this paragraph I will say "he") who claims he has the capacity to think intelligently and debate intelligently but who fails to see the problems he contributes to by being part of a pathetic, archaic, sheep style culture of sexist stereotyping and embraces being a Lad. A Boy.
I'm proud to be different. Opinionated, hot headed, controversial at times, and to my detriment occasionally- but only because I believe in things and I'm not afraid to voice them. I am true to my being and my beliefs. I may not be pretty and cute and wife material. But I'm me. And that's one thing I love about myself.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Watches.
A few months ago I lost my beloved, trusty, old fossil watch. I'd had it a couple of years and it was still going strong. With there being a lot of building work going on at the house I figured it could have been thrown away by accident. After about a month or two I decided I was never going to see it again and set about buying a new one.
I've never been crazy about watches. It's a watch. It tells the time, and generally I just like a nice simple design which serves a functional and efficient purpose. Amazed at the sheer number of watches on the market, and the massive range in prices from about £15 to £3000 I just found the whole thing a bit ridiculous.
I finally found one I liked as a simple every day watch, and in true slink style-y I found another slightly more fancy one. In similar slink style- I bought both. And before you judge me as a materialistic, more-money-than-sense, loon I might point out that BOTH these watches together cost less than the last watch I bought for N. So there.
I think you will agree they are both awesome. I love the simplicity of the everyday one (Cross). It's very uni-sex, but with a petrol effect facia which gives it a bit of mystery. The second is a bit wacky and different (Vivienne Westwood) with a blood red facia set within a gold fancy frame, on an antique effect mustard strap. I love the contrast and quirkiness of it. It's perfect for slightly dressier occasions. As long as the watch matches the outfit of course. Hmm.
I've been enjoying my new watches for the last two weeks or so and I'm very pleased with them. They're the right size, style, design and comfort for me. I finally Instagram-ed a picture of my new fancy watch yesterday afternoon.
This morning, following a very unpleasantly dizzy shower, I was putting away my various toiletry bottles and potions into my toiletry bag and low and behold- I pulled out this...
... this, my dear readers, is my OLD watch.
His familiar, steely, little face peering at me as if to say "Hi mom, I've been in here ages! Who's that fancy gold thing on your wrist??". I mean, the timing is just pure genius. It's like he waited for me to show the social-media world my new watch before humiliatingly showing up in my toiletry bag.
I'm pleased he's back. And now I have three watches to choose from, which considering I've only ever had one watch (usually lasting me about four-five years at a time)... seems like overkill.
Like a true fossil, he was lost, buried and juuust about forgotten before reappearing. :-)
I've never been crazy about watches. It's a watch. It tells the time, and generally I just like a nice simple design which serves a functional and efficient purpose. Amazed at the sheer number of watches on the market, and the massive range in prices from about £15 to £3000 I just found the whole thing a bit ridiculous.
I finally found one I liked as a simple every day watch, and in true slink style-y I found another slightly more fancy one. In similar slink style- I bought both. And before you judge me as a materialistic, more-money-than-sense, loon I might point out that BOTH these watches together cost less than the last watch I bought for N. So there.
I think you will agree they are both awesome. I love the simplicity of the everyday one (Cross). It's very uni-sex, but with a petrol effect facia which gives it a bit of mystery. The second is a bit wacky and different (Vivienne Westwood) with a blood red facia set within a gold fancy frame, on an antique effect mustard strap. I love the contrast and quirkiness of it. It's perfect for slightly dressier occasions. As long as the watch matches the outfit of course. Hmm.
I've been enjoying my new watches for the last two weeks or so and I'm very pleased with them. They're the right size, style, design and comfort for me. I finally Instagram-ed a picture of my new fancy watch yesterday afternoon.
This morning, following a very unpleasantly dizzy shower, I was putting away my various toiletry bottles and potions into my toiletry bag and low and behold- I pulled out this...
... this, my dear readers, is my OLD watch.
His familiar, steely, little face peering at me as if to say "Hi mom, I've been in here ages! Who's that fancy gold thing on your wrist??". I mean, the timing is just pure genius. It's like he waited for me to show the social-media world my new watch before humiliatingly showing up in my toiletry bag.
I'm pleased he's back. And now I have three watches to choose from, which considering I've only ever had one watch (usually lasting me about four-five years at a time)... seems like overkill.
Like a true fossil, he was lost, buried and juuust about forgotten before reappearing. :-)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sick Note.
I went to the doctors again yesterday and have been signed off work for two more weeks. He was pretty thorough doing lots of balance tests and moving my head about etc. Sadly he did say some people recover within days, others within about 6 weeks. I'll be happy, on this occasion, of being joyously average and falling in the midst of that recovery range.
I feel a bit like a fraud because if I sit still for most of the day I feel okay, and would probably be perfectly able to do my job. Being in a car still feels like being on a roller coaster and generally my mornings are spent waiting for my head to stop spinning but my ear feels less blocked and it wasn't as painful when the doctor put his little ear-telescope-thing into it. Loud noises tend to make me feel queasy too at the moment, so I guess the office could be a bit of an issue. I've been prescribed some anti-sickness tablets which will help with the nausea and dizziness but the doctor said they're not all that successful with inner ear troubles, and also they will make me feel drowsy. Having read the side effects, they state- may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Er.... right. :-/
I just want to be well now though. Hopefully things will get better and I'll be able to go back to the docs and ask him to mark me back as fit to work.
N has returned from his travels and came straight away to look after me which was lovely of him. I've had other chums calling me, and checking up on me via daily texts too so it's good to know out of sight isn't out of mind. Good buddies really can make the world of difference.
If I'm going to be off work for at least another week I need a To Do List because I simply can NOT sit around doing nothing. Soo here are my ideas for...
Things To Do While Off Sick Which Don't Involve Moving My Head:
- Drawing up my new tattoo
- Reading all the books I have piled up
- Re-Acquaint myself with some Japanese phrases and alphabet
- Blog
- Sketch
- Think up some new self promo sculpture projects
- Re-watch "Seven Psychopaths"
Any further suggestions are welcome!
I feel a bit like a fraud because if I sit still for most of the day I feel okay, and would probably be perfectly able to do my job. Being in a car still feels like being on a roller coaster and generally my mornings are spent waiting for my head to stop spinning but my ear feels less blocked and it wasn't as painful when the doctor put his little ear-telescope-thing into it. Loud noises tend to make me feel queasy too at the moment, so I guess the office could be a bit of an issue. I've been prescribed some anti-sickness tablets which will help with the nausea and dizziness but the doctor said they're not all that successful with inner ear troubles, and also they will make me feel drowsy. Having read the side effects, they state- may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Er.... right. :-/
I just want to be well now though. Hopefully things will get better and I'll be able to go back to the docs and ask him to mark me back as fit to work.
N has returned from his travels and came straight away to look after me which was lovely of him. I've had other chums calling me, and checking up on me via daily texts too so it's good to know out of sight isn't out of mind. Good buddies really can make the world of difference.
If I'm going to be off work for at least another week I need a To Do List because I simply can NOT sit around doing nothing. Soo here are my ideas for...
Things To Do While Off Sick Which Don't Involve Moving My Head:
- Drawing up my new tattoo
- Reading all the books I have piled up
- Re-Acquaint myself with some Japanese phrases and alphabet
- Blog
- Sketch
- Think up some new self promo sculpture projects
- Re-watch "Seven Psychopaths"
Any further suggestions are welcome!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Four Long Days.
Four days I have been off work. Four.
That's a lot of hours.
I've watched a LOT of crap TV in that time. I've also watched two DVD's as stated in my last post, Re-watched The Hobbit yesterday and I watched the entire first series of Dinnerladies today.
This is my second viewing of The Hobbit. I fell asleep. It's just too long. I WANT to like it. And mostly, it's got a warm familiar air about it which I would expect from re-creating the same world that we were exposed to many years ago with The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. However, as much as I want to, I can't get enthusiastic about it. I'm still not happy with some of the Dwarves looking like Men, with others looking like Dwarves, as if they didn't want to make them ALL ugly so they thought they'd have two or three fairly good looking ones- which begs the question, Why? And then, of course, it's just sooo padded out. Overly long scenes and too many near scrapes. I find some of the landscapes too heavy on effects which doesn't make it feel as "real" as LOTR did. I'm gutted, because I half thought I might appreciate it more the second time round, and despite being ill- I didn't expect to fall asleep near the end.
I was hoping to go and see Man of Steel at the cinema this weekend, but with me being unwell I might have to wait.
Bums. :-(
That's a lot of hours.
I've watched a LOT of crap TV in that time. I've also watched two DVD's as stated in my last post, Re-watched The Hobbit yesterday and I watched the entire first series of Dinnerladies today.
This is my second viewing of The Hobbit. I fell asleep. It's just too long. I WANT to like it. And mostly, it's got a warm familiar air about it which I would expect from re-creating the same world that we were exposed to many years ago with The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. However, as much as I want to, I can't get enthusiastic about it. I'm still not happy with some of the Dwarves looking like Men, with others looking like Dwarves, as if they didn't want to make them ALL ugly so they thought they'd have two or three fairly good looking ones- which begs the question, Why? And then, of course, it's just sooo padded out. Overly long scenes and too many near scrapes. I find some of the landscapes too heavy on effects which doesn't make it feel as "real" as LOTR did. I'm gutted, because I half thought I might appreciate it more the second time round, and despite being ill- I didn't expect to fall asleep near the end.
I was hoping to go and see Man of Steel at the cinema this weekend, but with me being unwell I might have to wait.
Bums. :-(
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
I've gone viral.
I have managed to pick up a virus.
I nearly collapsed at work the other day and had to be driven home, leaving my poor little Franko alone in the dark depths of Walsall for a day. He was safely retrieved later on yesterday evening.
My doctor has told me I have a virus which is affecting my inner ear, sending my balance off, giving me nausea, a high temperature and dizziness. I have a feeling a little bit like my head is being twisted in two directions, and a little bit drunk when I close my eyes- the room spins. It's not very nice.
Soo I've been off work today. And may well be tomorrow depending how I feel in the morning. I've spent the day on the sofa watching Mary & Max followed by Little Miss Sunshine. Both awesome, though I forgot just how sad the first one was. Probably not the best choice when you're feeling under the weather.
I also managed to get prescribed some sleeping tablets. The last time I was given sleeping tablets was when I had my longest period of sustained insomnia and I was prescribed Temazepam. Highly addictive, I wasn't prescribed many at a time, and was instructed not to take them on consecutive nights. They were awesome. And many a night I have wished I had some to help knock me out. This time I've been given Zopiclone, and last night was the best nights sleep I've had in months. I don't think I ever EVER naturally sleep a whole night through without waking up. But I drifted off to sleep so quickly last night, and woke just before my alarm went off (as usual) with a FULL, uninterrupted nights sleep. Honestly, the value of this is completely alien to some people. I guess that is why they are so addictive.
I nearly collapsed at work the other day and had to be driven home, leaving my poor little Franko alone in the dark depths of Walsall for a day. He was safely retrieved later on yesterday evening.
My doctor has told me I have a virus which is affecting my inner ear, sending my balance off, giving me nausea, a high temperature and dizziness. I have a feeling a little bit like my head is being twisted in two directions, and a little bit drunk when I close my eyes- the room spins. It's not very nice.
Soo I've been off work today. And may well be tomorrow depending how I feel in the morning. I've spent the day on the sofa watching Mary & Max followed by Little Miss Sunshine. Both awesome, though I forgot just how sad the first one was. Probably not the best choice when you're feeling under the weather.
I also managed to get prescribed some sleeping tablets. The last time I was given sleeping tablets was when I had my longest period of sustained insomnia and I was prescribed Temazepam. Highly addictive, I wasn't prescribed many at a time, and was instructed not to take them on consecutive nights. They were awesome. And many a night I have wished I had some to help knock me out. This time I've been given Zopiclone, and last night was the best nights sleep I've had in months. I don't think I ever EVER naturally sleep a whole night through without waking up. But I drifted off to sleep so quickly last night, and woke just before my alarm went off (as usual) with a FULL, uninterrupted nights sleep. Honestly, the value of this is completely alien to some people. I guess that is why they are so addictive.
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Yin and Yang.
What a day.
Definitely bittersweet:
- Intentions to get up early and go to the gym failed - BAD.
- Slept in- GOOD!
- Seemed to have an allergic reaction to my shower gel- BAD.
- Trod on and broke my awesome Shure earphones- UBER BAD.
- Popped to the city of Brum in the Sunshine and caught up with two chums over a coffee - GOOD!
- Had a big fight with a someone who used to be a friend and who is being a selfish prick- BAD.
- Got to see the the spangly new New Street station taking shape in Brum- GOOD!
- Cleaned Franko- GOOD!
- Forgot to eat lunch- BAD.
- Discovered my Shure earphones are unfixable and have had to fork out £75 for a new pair- BAAD.
- New watches arrived- GOOD!
- New SHOOOES arrived- GOOOOOOD!
- Hopefully going to get to the gym tonight to forget about earlier argument - GOOD.
What a thoroughly messed up day- I don't know whether to smile or cry!!!
Definitely bittersweet:
- Intentions to get up early and go to the gym failed - BAD.
- Slept in- GOOD!
- Seemed to have an allergic reaction to my shower gel- BAD.
- Trod on and broke my awesome Shure earphones- UBER BAD.
- Popped to the city of Brum in the Sunshine and caught up with two chums over a coffee - GOOD!
- Had a big fight with a someone who used to be a friend and who is being a selfish prick- BAD.
- Got to see the the spangly new New Street station taking shape in Brum- GOOD!
- Cleaned Franko- GOOD!
- Forgot to eat lunch- BAD.
- Discovered my Shure earphones are unfixable and have had to fork out £75 for a new pair- BAAD.
- New watches arrived- GOOD!
- New SHOOOES arrived- GOOOOOOD!
- Hopefully going to get to the gym tonight to forget about earlier argument - GOOD.
What a thoroughly messed up day- I don't know whether to smile or cry!!!
Monday, June 03, 2013
Behold ... Franko.
So a few blogs ago I confessed to spending an extortionate amount of money on a special opaque wax for my beautiful matt black Fiat 500, Franko. I used the wax about a week or so ago and have to say it worked a treat, but for £54 you'd bloody expect it to! The picture on the left is him post-wax and I think you will agree he looks awesome. I need to get some tyre blackener on his tyres though because they've gone a bit grey.
Very occasionally, and I mean VERY occasionally, I regret getting a matt black car purely for the paint vulnerability and also for the inconvenience of not being able to run him through a car wash or even pay for a handwash (as their cloths will be full of nasty polish and unsafe wax). However, 99.9% of the time I love that he's different. I love the looks and comments he gets on a regular basis. His matt finish makes him rare, his blue stripes make him unique - he's provocative. Just like me. :-) I love him.
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Crafty!
I recently completed a small cake topper commission for a birthday cake- Hope you can guess who the 80's Popstar is...!?
For more nuggets of miniature awesome visit my website.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Movements.
Nothing like a bit of Feminism to distract me from the three day bank holiday bender I've been recovering from- and I don't even mean a hangover as so much as the general fatigue! Yep- Old.
So I've been encouraged of late by the following gems of awesomeness. There's a buzz at the moment... things are happening, action is being taken, there's stirrings.
Some weeks ago now I noticed The Every Day Sexism project which is a twitter account set up for people to record experiences of every day sexism- male and female. It's a brilliant way to draw attention and its really gathered momentum. It's a brilliant tool for ill-informed but open minded people to get an idea of what actually counts as sexism as I've been staggered to discover that not everyone actually understands what it is, what should or shouldn't be acceptable and this is exactly what it is needed to stop younger generations becoming MORE sexist than their parents. Sexism these days is far more vulgar and packaged differently to its former, 1950's-didn't-know-any-better self.
Check it out- @EveryDaySexism on twitter.
Following this the below two campaigns are starting to take shape:
Feminists taking action against Facebook and "lads mags" (or as I like to call them "Pervert Wank Rags" in shops.
If you haven't already done so I urge you to sign *** this petition *** at http://www.losetheladsmags.org.uk/ spearheaded by OBJECT and UKFEMINSTA to remove wank rags from supermarkets where families are free to roam.
Brilliant. Reassuring. Encouraging. :-)
So I've been encouraged of late by the following gems of awesomeness. There's a buzz at the moment... things are happening, action is being taken, there's stirrings.
Some weeks ago now I noticed The Every Day Sexism project which is a twitter account set up for people to record experiences of every day sexism- male and female. It's a brilliant way to draw attention and its really gathered momentum. It's a brilliant tool for ill-informed but open minded people to get an idea of what actually counts as sexism as I've been staggered to discover that not everyone actually understands what it is, what should or shouldn't be acceptable and this is exactly what it is needed to stop younger generations becoming MORE sexist than their parents. Sexism these days is far more vulgar and packaged differently to its former, 1950's-didn't-know-any-better self.
Check it out- @EveryDaySexism on twitter.
Following this the below two campaigns are starting to take shape:
Feminists taking action against Facebook and "lads mags" (or as I like to call them "Pervert Wank Rags" in shops.
If you haven't already done so I urge you to sign *** this petition *** at http://www.losetheladsmags.org.uk/ spearheaded by OBJECT and UKFEMINSTA to remove wank rags from supermarkets where families are free to roam.
Brilliant. Reassuring. Encouraging. :-)
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Sound of not-so-silence.
At the risk of revealing that I've achieved NONE of my tasks today- I'm going to share one of my many quirks with you.
For years, more so the last ten years, I've had this issue with certain sounds. It all started with my Grandad. My Grandad, probably no different to most older folk, is a loud eater. I've been seeing my Grandparents and family in the city of Nottingham since I was a kid, and our traditional day would be spent visiting the rellies for Sunday dinner and then the other set of Granparents for tea. (Yes that's DINNER and TEA. As it should be). My Grandma would prepare us a small buffet tea of sandwiches, salad and rolls for tea and for reasons unknown, my Grandad would always wait until the rest of us had finished eating before selecting his food and starting his own. I began to dread this moment. Then it would start- the slow, inevitable chomp chomp munch squelch of chewing. On and on it went... having to endure every morsal of food sometimes with the addition of a slop and a churn... until it was all gone. Each sound enraged me. I would get so uncomfortable I would have to move or eat something myself just to drown out the sound. Even weirder, no one else seemed to notice. Although fleeting, the rage was there, I'd physically grit my teeth or clench my jaw with annoyance.
This has got predominantly worse over the years to the stage where if I can hear pretty much anyone chewing or chomping I feel uncomfortable. I don't usually act on it, other than the odd comment now and then.
Regular readers will already know that I hate snoring but my dislike of hearing these kind of sounds doesn't stop there - I dislike hearing people breathing- the whistle nose or worse still- a combination of whistle nose, chomping and heavy nose breathing at the same time. Hell. Pure, utter hell. Oh god.
Well, I'd never really linked all these together, putting it down to my hyper sensitive body- but it turns out this whole thing is a recognised condition!!!!
*This New York Times article* describes my "condition" precisely and calls it Misophonia! Who knew that this was a recognised disorder of the brain!? Woohoo! Another one to add to my collection. Hehe, I jest, Obviously.
For years, more so the last ten years, I've had this issue with certain sounds. It all started with my Grandad. My Grandad, probably no different to most older folk, is a loud eater. I've been seeing my Grandparents and family in the city of Nottingham since I was a kid, and our traditional day would be spent visiting the rellies for Sunday dinner and then the other set of Granparents for tea. (Yes that's DINNER and TEA. As it should be). My Grandma would prepare us a small buffet tea of sandwiches, salad and rolls for tea and for reasons unknown, my Grandad would always wait until the rest of us had finished eating before selecting his food and starting his own. I began to dread this moment. Then it would start- the slow, inevitable chomp chomp munch squelch of chewing. On and on it went... having to endure every morsal of food sometimes with the addition of a slop and a churn... until it was all gone. Each sound enraged me. I would get so uncomfortable I would have to move or eat something myself just to drown out the sound. Even weirder, no one else seemed to notice. Although fleeting, the rage was there, I'd physically grit my teeth or clench my jaw with annoyance.
This has got predominantly worse over the years to the stage where if I can hear pretty much anyone chewing or chomping I feel uncomfortable. I don't usually act on it, other than the odd comment now and then.
Regular readers will already know that I hate snoring but my dislike of hearing these kind of sounds doesn't stop there - I dislike hearing people breathing- the whistle nose or worse still- a combination of whistle nose, chomping and heavy nose breathing at the same time. Hell. Pure, utter hell. Oh god.
Well, I'd never really linked all these together, putting it down to my hyper sensitive body- but it turns out this whole thing is a recognised condition!!!!
*This New York Times article* describes my "condition" precisely and calls it Misophonia! Who knew that this was a recognised disorder of the brain!? Woohoo! Another one to add to my collection. Hehe, I jest, Obviously.
Sporadical.
My blog posts have been a bit sporadic of late- mainly due to the fact that my little HP Envy was off being repaired. I've just collected it and am testing it out with a big of blogging. I'm not convinced the speakers are fixed mind you as it would appear they've merely re-installed the drivers which is what I was doing every couple of weeks anyway myself!
Hey Ho. We'll see.
I've had a good week at work this week- my team catching a serial fraudster who is well known to the internet, media and even crimewatch. He's a fascinating character and a welcome change in offending type to the usual dross we have to deal with.
Next up today- I *might* get round to cleaning Franko and using his new wax. He is in desperate need of a wash due to the UK seemingly not raining water anymore but raining sand. Trouble is there's more rain forecast so not sure whether to hold out for another day!
I bought a load of DVD's the other day too- Submarine, Seven Psychopaths (which is incidentally one of the best films I've seen in a while), Hobbit, Little Miss Sunshine and Les Mis. :-)
Hey Ho. We'll see.
I've had a good week at work this week- my team catching a serial fraudster who is well known to the internet, media and even crimewatch. He's a fascinating character and a welcome change in offending type to the usual dross we have to deal with.
Next up today- I *might* get round to cleaning Franko and using his new wax. He is in desperate need of a wash due to the UK seemingly not raining water anymore but raining sand. Trouble is there's more rain forecast so not sure whether to hold out for another day!
I bought a load of DVD's the other day too- Submarine, Seven Psychopaths (which is incidentally one of the best films I've seen in a while), Hobbit, Little Miss Sunshine and Les Mis. :-)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 06, 2013
General Waste.
HAHA!
I just realised- my dear friend Miss P included me in a top 5 blog list a few days ago so anyone directed to my blog from her wonderful link would have been confronted by my Fuck You- From a Blonde post. Probably not the best first impression! :-D
What news what news I hear you ask...
Well, I have been working hard both at work and in the gym. My little muscle is coming along nicely- I even went up a free weight size last night so even though it's still tiny weights, it's all progress in the right direction. I am still enjoying it and want to see a bit more of an improvement in my general cardio strength and fitness before I start running. My legs are already feeling much stronger, though I've not managed to find a combat class at a suitable time to join yet but this is hopefully going to be my next thing. :-)
My car naming skills have reached new heights- I am now getting requests for my naming abilities by the fabulous Miss P herself!!! I'm starting to feel like one of those spiritual guides who can read cars...!
Speaking of cars- I have a confession. The long and short of it is that I spent £200 on car products. :-S ... I know what you're thinking... Nutbag. Yeah that's what I thought too.
So as you know my little Franko is matt black, this makes him both awesome and a great big freaking pain in the arse to clean, but mostly awesome. I have to buy a special shampoo for matt black paint which costs £30 a bottle from a rather lovely little company called Swissvax. Well, I decided to buy some new shampoo and some wax from them as they're the only company who care enough for my little Franko's sensitive skin.. I mean.. paint. SOOO, I ended up buying shampoo, wax, some new cloths which looked rather nice... and then some pre-cleaner for the wax, and the cloths that went with it, and some wax pads. And before I knew it... it was £203 right there in the cyber basket! A lot I know... but I won't have to buy much more for him for a looong time, and he WILL look fabulous for it. And it's an investment, looking after his paintwork which will hopefully sell him in the future if it's looked after properly... sounds a good enough excuse anyway! I'll let you know how I get on with the wax when I pluck up the courage to use it. I might just add that this wax smells freakin AMAZING. I want to eat it. Not only will Franko look amazing, he will smell amazing too. Yeah baby.
I've spent the last two weekends working on a small cake topper commission. It's been a welcome return to doing something creative. I've also managed to pick up a new wedding cake commission from work which I've got booked in to start at the end of June. Can't wait!
I have mostly been listening to Skrillex this week and eating Jaffa Cakes.
Good news also - I have sourced THREE more tubs of my mint ice cream. WOOT! Spring can now commence.
I just realised- my dear friend Miss P included me in a top 5 blog list a few days ago so anyone directed to my blog from her wonderful link would have been confronted by my Fuck You- From a Blonde post. Probably not the best first impression! :-D
What news what news I hear you ask...
Well, I have been working hard both at work and in the gym. My little muscle is coming along nicely- I even went up a free weight size last night so even though it's still tiny weights, it's all progress in the right direction. I am still enjoying it and want to see a bit more of an improvement in my general cardio strength and fitness before I start running. My legs are already feeling much stronger, though I've not managed to find a combat class at a suitable time to join yet but this is hopefully going to be my next thing. :-)
My car naming skills have reached new heights- I am now getting requests for my naming abilities by the fabulous Miss P herself!!! I'm starting to feel like one of those spiritual guides who can read cars...!
Speaking of cars- I have a confession. The long and short of it is that I spent £200 on car products. :-S ... I know what you're thinking... Nutbag. Yeah that's what I thought too.
So as you know my little Franko is matt black, this makes him both awesome and a great big freaking pain in the arse to clean, but mostly awesome. I have to buy a special shampoo for matt black paint which costs £30 a bottle from a rather lovely little company called Swissvax. Well, I decided to buy some new shampoo and some wax from them as they're the only company who care enough for my little Franko's sensitive skin.. I mean.. paint. SOOO, I ended up buying shampoo, wax, some new cloths which looked rather nice... and then some pre-cleaner for the wax, and the cloths that went with it, and some wax pads. And before I knew it... it was £203 right there in the cyber basket! A lot I know... but I won't have to buy much more for him for a looong time, and he WILL look fabulous for it. And it's an investment, looking after his paintwork which will hopefully sell him in the future if it's looked after properly... sounds a good enough excuse anyway! I'll let you know how I get on with the wax when I pluck up the courage to use it. I might just add that this wax smells freakin AMAZING. I want to eat it. Not only will Franko look amazing, he will smell amazing too. Yeah baby.
I've spent the last two weekends working on a small cake topper commission. It's been a welcome return to doing something creative. I've also managed to pick up a new wedding cake commission from work which I've got booked in to start at the end of June. Can't wait!
I have mostly been listening to Skrillex this week and eating Jaffa Cakes.
Good news also - I have sourced THREE more tubs of my mint ice cream. WOOT! Spring can now commence.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Fuck You- from a Blonde.
Forgive me a rant. It won't take long.
The next man OR woman who assumes I am...
a). stupid
b). horny
c). slutty
... because of my fucking hair colour may well get stabbed in the face.
My hair is blonde. Get the fuck over it. Judging by the complete fuck-wits I've had the displeasure of meeting who have made any of the above assumptions, should I perhaps be reforming my opinions of brunette haired people as:
a). fucking thick as pig shit
b). lame
c). sexist
and d). have clearly been raised watching far too much pornography.????
Er... yeah maybe not.
Yet again I guess the media doesn't help with this particular issue- fuelling it with ridiculous polls suggesting that most men and women prefer brunettes... hmm could that be because of a general, wide sweeping idea that blonde women are associated with pornography and sex by.... hmm, the media?!?!?. No shit sherlocks. I would wager I am 3000% more intelligent than any twat who is lame enough to even answer such a fucking stupid, pointless poll.
Get real you absolute fucking morons.
That is all.
:-)
The next man OR woman who assumes I am...
a). stupid
b). horny
c). slutty
... because of my fucking hair colour may well get stabbed in the face.
My hair is blonde. Get the fuck over it. Judging by the complete fuck-wits I've had the displeasure of meeting who have made any of the above assumptions, should I perhaps be reforming my opinions of brunette haired people as:
a). fucking thick as pig shit
b). lame
c). sexist
and d). have clearly been raised watching far too much pornography.????
Er... yeah maybe not.
Yet again I guess the media doesn't help with this particular issue- fuelling it with ridiculous polls suggesting that most men and women prefer brunettes... hmm could that be because of a general, wide sweeping idea that blonde women are associated with pornography and sex by.... hmm, the media?!?!?. No shit sherlocks. I would wager I am 3000% more intelligent than any twat who is lame enough to even answer such a fucking stupid, pointless poll.
Get real you absolute fucking morons.
That is all.
:-)
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