Alsion's Mini Adventures

Fast forward

2008-11-13T01:04:00.002Z

Pause went to fast forward. Don't have blog at new work, never mind a minute to write anything. I love it though.

I did right this the other day though:

"Being 11/11/08 I've been thinking about history. I don't know much about it. I do know what I feel though – I feel proud of the people who fought and died for our country. I have no idea of the politics involved, I have no idea if I agree with whoever made the decision to go to war, but I do agree with every single person who willingly or grudgingly fought for our country, our freedom and our lives. Thank you – whoever and wherever you are now.

"There's no *need* to be anything anymore. No need to be brave. No need to be strong. No need to be resilient. No need to work for supper. No need to care for yourself and your family. No need to behave appropriately. No need to commit. No need to be loyal. No need to keep your opinion to yourself. No need to consider the point of view of other people.

"Life goes on. Move on. Get over it. Restart. Get a new job. Get a new house. Get new friends. I'm as bad as anyone for that, I know. Doesn't mean I like it or I'm proud of it. I wish I was stronger, but I'm not. But I've also never *needed* to be."

Anyway, this last couple of weeks went a little mad. After I don't know how many weekends of being in Edinburgh, and no projects to speak of, I now have too many. It's great. I feel almost human. Not quite, but almost. Right now I blame the migraine.

Anyway, some things in the last few weeks:

-- my parents moved house
-- I started a new job
-- I bought a new duvet (mmmm....)
-- my dog died
-- my gran is poorly
-- I am on the board for PGP
-- I did the orchestra accounts
-- am in the process of shoe boxes for charity
-- still can't play the stupid Berlioz
-- went to Manchester and saw lovely people
-- went to Bradford and saw different lovely people
-- going to see the new parental house this weekend*
-- my window now closes
-- got rid of my bus pass
-- joined the gym and got good at going, but haven't had time in 2 weeks
-- went for drinks with old work
-- went for drinks with new work
-- have sewing projects on the go
-- I don't really sleep

Generally it's been quite mad. Am rather happy though. I just wish there was a bus home from orchestra. Or I could get straps for my 'cello case that means I can carry him on both shoulders.

There's still quite a lot to brain digest though.

*Gran health depending. Must remember a map. And painting clothes. And need to find out which neighbour I might need to introduce myself to get a key.

Pause

2008-10-08T09:10:00.002+01:00

I'm still on pause.

Went home last weekend for the last time. I haven't decided how I feel about that yet. There's so much stuff there. And so many memories. But I'm sure the memories will stay with me. It's only a house. I guess I'll see when I go to the new house, whenever that is. I hope I can get home for Christmas. I won't find out if I can until starting New Job. Pause.

I think I want to be an interior designer.

Friday night in Manchester was lovely. It was great to be back and feel at home. I do think about moving back sometimes. I can't, but I do think about it. Part of that is to do with here, not just there. I don't feel like I fit at the moment. Except at home - I love the new flat, mostly. There are some rubbish bits, like that it's freezing, but good housemates make it all fine. But outside of home I appear to have lost a social life.

I hope my new job does fix everything that I think it will.

Oh, this all appears to be sad.

I bought new shoes! Patchwork Skechers. Beautiful. And comfortable. For walking to New Work. Ha ha - that looks a little like I'm going to walk to New York. Maybe I will. Go live with Melissa.

I've got so many craft projects that I'm in the middle of (ERIN! I'm sorry), so yesterday I started a new one. I'm not very good at any of them though.

I'm off to provide proof that I exist, haven't broken the law, and have been employed for 3 years. Wish me luck!

2008-09-26T08:16:00.000+01:00

1 minute, 3 seconds

Must remember that this gets uploaded to Facebook

2008-09-22T12:08:00.002+01:00

I'm confused this week by people knowing things that are in my blog. Yes, you are allowed to read them. No, I don't expect you to. Especially not if I see you at least once a week and you already know everything in my life. I'm happy that you do though. :-)

I like the word "turmoil".

This weekend was quiet, and one might almost say dull. Not that I didn't have a nice time. Saturday afternoon/evening was lovely - seeing Katrina and Ali for the first time in ages. But throughout I had a headache which worsened until I had to go home. But it did kind of dull the experience of the day, if that makes sense? Good. Spent Sunday afternoon crafting at Nikki's. Was fun. The rest of the time I just frittered away with things like washing and joining the gym and putting stuff all around my room in an attempt to tidy.

I also did some tidying and sorting, but by no means all of it. And I signed up to the gym/pool, so now I have to go. I've discovered the pool is open early on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I might go before work. We'll see... I wonder what the gym opening times are... Maybe I'll find out at my induction tomorrow evening.

I'm getting a new mattress tomorrow. Whoppeee!!!!!!

My tooth just fell out.

International Wear A Dress Day...

2008-09-18T08:26:00.002+01:00

... was on Monday. I did not know.

Sad.

And I think I wasn't even wearing a skirt. I was unpacking and stuff, so was in jeans. I don't know why - jeans don't fit me. I should have been wearing a dress.

Sad.

But today I am wearing my hideous dress. Whoop whoop!

I've been crafting. It's nice. I won't tell you what, because it is a surprise. Which is a little silly, as many people here know. So it's not a surprise for anyone in Edinburgh. :-)

Oh, and it's probably not for you, if you think it is. OK?

We've been watching Lost in Austen at Craft Night. This causes much shouting at the TV* (Nikki) and then shouting at Nikki (Me). It's not real! It's not supposed to be Pride and Prejudice! It's fictional. It doesn't even contain Elizabeth Bennett. And Mary - it's a TV programme. That's how her hair is so perfect.

It's ace - it's the first programme in ages that I actually want to watch (other than The Bill). And we all get entirely different enjoyment out of it. And Wickham is hot. HOT!

I would like to note that it took 4 Google searches to find the name of the actor that plays Wickham. It is not on the ITV site, or IMDb, which is weird as when I found it out (Tom Riley) it is on his IMDb page.

Arrggh, argggh, arrrrgh! There's only one more episode!

Calm down.

I had a wonderful conversation with Uncle Bert last night. Note: when trying to help an octogenarian with computers, find out if they have a PC or Mac first.

I think that's all for now. It's been a long week.

*Or computer, as yesterday we watched it on the internet. Fancy. It did freeze on the lake scene though.

New House!

2008-09-16T12:46:00.003+01:00

So, I've moved. It's done. The old house looks much better without all my stuff in it. And it's all cleaned and ready for inspection. If we don't get our full deposit back, I might have to kick some ass...

The new house is lovely! Gesine's room is entirely ready and tidy, and Eoin's is not far off. He's still debating where to put furniture, as the room is quite narrow, but he's almost there.

My room is still a tip. What a surprise. I do have places for everything though! Just need to put up the new shelves, and arrange my craft stuff. And then I need to take put my shoes in to the hangy shoe things I bought at Ikea. Currently they are in 1 large box and 2 big Ikea bags. And probably some other places too. Then I'm done.

Bad things:
We don't have a key for the main door.
The kettle doesn't work.
The microwave is gross.
The mattresses on mine and Gesine's bed are rubbish.
Eoin's room possibly has rising damp.
Shower is a bit rubbish.

Good things:
I love the kitchen/living room.
I love the period features in my room.
There's a space for everything.
Everything in the kitchen is clean*.
We have internet and phone.
The fridge is massive.
I like Eoin and Gesine.

Generally, it's made of win. Even with the bad list. So there.

Had dentist this morning. He's not as hot as I remember. Apparently this is because Nikki ate the other dentist after he drew a sexy dental picture.

Not sure if I have any other news. That will do for now. There will be more to come about the job soon, I hope.

*Thanks to my wonderful Mummy.

I am the music man

2008-09-09T09:22:00.002+01:00

Bizarrely, I have The Music Man stuck in my head. Combined with a lovely song called Little Twig. This morning in the shower I was singing the song from Blood Brothers cause it had just been on Showtime. I quite want to be in a show. This isn't going to happen really, as I'm busy Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this term. Silver jewellery making class, Craft Night, orchestra. And I'm going to join the gym near my new house. I'm going to be busy, but in a happy way.

So, I've been a bit busy. The festival happened. I can't remember what I blogged about it. I was determined not to get ill, then I forgot and went and got ill. Then a million people stayed at my house at once, and it was fun, if not a little lacking in sleep. Then me and Jennifer and Melissa went to find Nessie. Then Melissa had to leave and me and Jennifer went visiting relatives. We went to the one man castle and to see fish jumping and to see dolphins (we failed, but found moon rock and a fly) and swimming with the cousins and to the beach and park in the dark. Got back, watched the fireworks, Jen left.

Then I got a new job.

On Friday/Saturday I move house.

Maybe after both of those things are sorted I will get a whole night's sleep and maybe I will not have a headache and feel sick.

But maybe not. Maybe it's something else that's stressing me. We will find out.

I am not particularly looking forward to moving, because I have lots of stuff. However, I am looking forward to seeing Mummy and Daddy. I can tell them all about my job. And they will look after me. And I will see Jodie (dog). And they will make me be sensible.

I don't know why I'm writing like a child today. Probably due to the lack of sleep and feeling rubbish and wanting everything to go away. Except my friends. I want lots of friends right now.

Longest List Ever

2008-09-04T10:22:00.003+01:00

01. Bought everyone in the pub a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone

08. Said "I love you" and meant it

09. Hugged a tree
10. Done a striptease
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Touched an iceberg
20. Slept under the stars
21. Changed a baby's diaper
22. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
23. Watched a meteor shower
24. Gotten drunk on champagne
25. Given more than you can afford to charity
26. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
27. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
28. Had a food fight
29. Bet on a winning horse
30. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
31. Asked out a stranger
32. Had a snowball fight
33. Photocopied your bottom on the office photocopier
34. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
35. Held a lamb
36. Enacted a favourite fantasy
37. Taken a midnight skinny dip
38. Taken an ice cold bath
39. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
40. Seen a total eclipse
41. Ridden a roller coaster
42. Hit a home run
43. Fit three weeks miraculously into three days
44. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
45. Adopted an accent for an entire day
46. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
47. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
48. Had two hard drives for your computer
49. Visited all 50 states
50. Loved your job
51. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
52. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
53. Had amazing friends
54. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
55. Watched wild whales
56. Stolen a sign
57. Backpacked in Europe
58. Taken a road-trip
59. Rock climbing
60. Lied to foreign government's official in that country to avoid notice
61. Midnight walk on the beach
62. Sky diving
63. Visited Ireland
64. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
65. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
66. Visited Japan
67. Bench pressed your own weight
68. Milked a cow
69. Alphabetized your records
70. Pretended to be a superhero
71. Sung karaoke
72. Lounged around in bed all day
73. Posed nude in front of strangers
74. Scuba diving
75. Got it on to "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
76. Kissed in the rain
77. Played in the mud
78. Played in the rain
79. Gone to a drive-in theatre
80. Done something you should regret, but don't regret it
81. Visited the Great Wall of China
82. Discovered that someone who's not supposed to have known about your blog has discovered your blog
83. Dropped Windows in favour of something better
84. Started a business
85. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
86. Toured ancient sites
87. Taken a martial arts class
88. Sword fought for the honour of a woman
89. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
90. Gotten married
91. Been in a movie
92. Crashed a party
93. Loved someone you shouldn't have
94. Kissed someone so passionately it made them dizzy
95. Gotten divorced
96. Had sex at the office
97. Gone without food for 5 days
98. Made cookies from scratch
99. Won first prize in a costume contest
100. Ridden a gondola in Venice
101. Gotten a tattoo
102. Found that the texture of some materials can turn you on
103. Rafted the Snake River
104. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
105. Got flowers for no reason
106. Masturbated/ Had sex in a public place
107. Got so drunk you don't remember anything
108. Been addicted to some form of illegal drug
109. Performed on stage
110. Been to Las Vegas
111. Recorded music
112. Eaten shark
113. Had a one-night stand
114. Gone to Thailand
115. Seen Siouxsie live
116. Bought a house
117. Been in a combat zone
118. Buried one/both of your parents
119. Shaved or waxed your pubic hair off
120. Been on a cruise ship
121. Spoken more than one language fluently
122. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
123. Bounced a cheque
124. Performed in Rocky Horror
125. Read - and understood - your credit report
126. Raised children
127. Recently bought and played with a favourite childhood toy
128. Followed your favourite band/singer on tour
129. Created and named your own constellation of stars
130. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
131. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
132. Called or written your Member of Parliament
133. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
134. ...more than once?
135. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
136. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
137. Had an abortion or your female partner did
138. Had plastic surgery
139. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
140. Wrote articles for a large publication
141. Lost over 100 pounds
142. Held someone while they were having a flashback
143. Piloted an airplane
144. Petted a stingray
145. Broken someone's heart
146. Helped an animal give birth
147. Been fired or laid off from a job
148. Won money on a TV game show
149. Broken a bone
150. Killed a human being
151. Gone on an African photo safari
152. Ridden a motorcycle
153. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
154. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
155. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
156. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
157. Ridden a horse
158. Had major surgery
159. Had sex on a moving train
160. Had a snake as a pet
161. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
162. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
163. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
164. Visited more foreign countries than US states
165. Visited all 7 continents
166. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
167. Eaten kangaroo meat
168. Fallen in love at an ancient Mayan burial ground
169. Been a sperm or egg donor
170. Eaten sushi
171. Had your picture in the newspaper
172. Had 2 (or more) healthy romantic relationships for over a year in your lifetime
173. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
174. Gotten someone fired for their actions
175. Gone back to school
176. Parasailed
177. Changed your name
178. Petted a cockroach
179. Eaten fried green tomatoes
180. Read The Iliad
181. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
182. Dined in a restaurant and stolen silverware, plates, cups because your apartment needed them
183. ...and gotten 86'ed from the restaurant because you did it so many times, they figured out it was you
184. Taught yourself art from scratch
185. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
186. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
187. Skipped all your school reunions
188. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
189. Been elected to public office
190. Written your own computer language
191. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
192. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
193. Built your own PC from parts
194. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
195. Had a booth at a street fair
196. Dyed your hair
197. Been a DJ
198. Found out someone was going to dump you via LiveJournal
199. Written your own role-playing game
200. Been arrested

73/200

Note To Self:

2008-08-22T10:22:00.001+01:00

Don't make "Your Mum" jokes to your sister...

Excitement

2008-08-21T09:56:00.003+01:00

I feel like I'm on holiday. I'm not. Quite the opposite. I'm at work. I'm still a bit sick, but at least paracetamol is covering the pain. So I'm watching the clock until my next dose. It doesn't really cover the whole day/night, cause you can't take that many, but never mind. Just my sisters wait until they have to share my bed! Mwah ha ha ha.

So, Jen arrives later, and Kat tomorrow. Jen's friend Andy is also coming. I met him last year and we are ace Facebook friends. It's going to be fun. Then next week I've hired a car and we're going on an adventure. It's going to involve Nessie, cousins, mountains, lochs, hostels and maybe tents.

Right, I best go. I am actually doing work at the same time, but I feel like I shouldn't be enjoying it this much...

Throat

2008-08-18T23:24:00.004+01:00

I'm sick. It's rubbish. It's also weird - it's just my throat. I don't think I've ever been in so much physical pain before. It's _that_ bad. It stops me sleeping. It's really frustrating. I'm really hot*. But nothing helps. Gargling, paracetamol, cough sweets, nothing. Sometimes it hurts to talk. It is quite soothing to sing.

Anyway, I'm trying to ignore it, but it's tricky.

So much has happened in the last few weeks I just don't know where to start writing, so I'm not going to write about most of it. Also, I still need to digest much of it.

Some things that were ace:

Cass and Joe came to visit this weekend. We saw lots of shows and were generally acely organised. There was a pocket of destiny. What more do you want?
Sunday also involved Mahinda and Adam and Erica. Lovely.
Lots of amazing people are here for the festival, some of whom I have spent enough time with, some not. There is more time, I hope.

The film Eoin is rubbish.

I'm going to attempt sleep.

*Yes, I know we already know this.

Disconnected.

2008-08-06T09:45:00.005+01:00

I don't really believe in horoscopes, but yesterday's seemed quite approriate to my whole life:

"So long as everyone's looking, you don't really care. You want to be the centre of attention, even if you have to get that attention by behaving like an idiot. What happened to your elegance and class, Gemini? "

The thing is, when I realise people are looking at me, I hate it. But I accidentally always end up with that happening. And I lose the small amount of elegance I did have. And then I get pissed off with myself. And the last person who you want to be pissed off is yourself. You can't even avoid them.

Ach, one day I'll sleep and then everything will be great! That might not be until I have found a new flat and a new job though...

Other news: I discovered yesterday that the festival I played at the weekend raised £7500. So, not only was I in a band, I had a great day and it was for a great cause. Well, 2 causes to be precise. A children's hospice and an orphanage. I also swam in the sea. IN THE SEA!

I've been having nice festival fun, too much beer and not enough sleep. Tonight a few lovely people are coming round for dinner. Tomorrow I plan to see 4 shows. I haven't seen any yet.

This morning I realised the difference between Edinburgh Summer and Edinburgh Winter. In the summer you can hold your umbrella up.

"At first I was angry that you had fallen in love with some else, but you seem so happy now. I didn't even know you were sad. Or I didn't want to see."

Lots of people have said I'm co-ordinated today. I'm now worried that I'm not usually. I know I'm not sometimes. I do it on purpose. But most of the time I think I co-ordinate. Maybe I just co-ordinate in secret, like shoes and bra or knickers and earrings. Anyway, today I do co-ordinate, but entirely by accident as I wore my wellies into work and changed into the only shoes in my drawer.

Oh, the internet broke. Probably a good job. I wrote about work and I'm not supposed to. Not that I wrote much. I just said that I like all my colleagues at the moment. And the work we're doing is ad hoc and therefore tiring.

That'll do.

A Dress A Day

2008-08-05T10:49:00.002+01:00

Oh my goodness. The LAST thing I needed was to log into my blog and find pictures of babies staring back. At least it wasn't hot men with babies.

So, A Dress A Day is a wonderful blog that I read by a lady called Erin. She makes dresses, you may be surprised to know. Anyway, she has inspired the title to this post, and to an extent has inspired the Festival Challenge. For the length of the festival I have challenged Nikki and Iona (and any other girl!) to wear as many dresses and skirts as possible. Points are awarded. 2 for a dress, 1 for a skirt. Half day = half points.

I was going to write about loads more, then I realised I probably shouldn't. I've got to stop this linking to Facebook first, but I never remember that when I have access to it. Oh well. I'll control myself and try not to write anything too dumb.

I'm going to the pub with Gwenmarie!!!!!

Questions

2008-07-29T15:55:00.002+01:00

How big are your dads feet?
Don't know... 9?

Have you ever ridden a box down a staircase?
Nope.

Do you wave when you see people you know?
Depends who and how far away they are. Sometimes I salute.

Can you braid hair?
I can plait. Is that the same?

Are you good with painting nails with your left hand?
I'm ok.

Do you own plaid pants/skirt?
What's plaid?

Do you keep your relationship status to your self?
There is no status.

How long has it been since you last ate a popsicle?
An ice lolly? Years!

Whats worse: ice cream on a hot day that drips on your hand or ice cream on a cold day with no drips?
I have no opinion on either.

Is your best friend black?
No.

Are you in someones will?
Dunno.

Do you read gossip magazines?
Not really. Chat sometimes.

If all your hair fell out tomorrow, would you cry?
Depends how it fell out and if it hurt.

Did you ever dress your animals in doll clothes?
We used to put ties on the dog and her ears in bunches.

Do you frequently use the term ‘whoa nelly!?
Not frequently, no.

Is kissing people with braces better than people without?
I have no idea.

Have your parents ever busted on your clothes?
???

Do you put extra salt on things?
Yes. I try not to, but it's just so tasty!

Is yellow a color that you look good in?
Nae, nae and thrice, nae

Is your best friend drop dead sexy?
I don't know anyone "drop dead" sexy. It's a weird concept to me. Hot, for sure.

What do you call music?
Things that have tunes.

Do you give your lovers pet names?
Not so far.

Gold or silver?
Silver.

How clean is your room?
Not very.

Have you ever gone a whole day without eating?
I doubt it. I'm fat.

Do you know someone that keeps money in weird places?
I don't know where other people keep their money.

Is there someone that is just like you?
Not that I've met so far.

Do you love the last person you kissed?
Almost certainly not.

Are you good with talking to people you dont know?
Sometimes. It used to be most of the time, but I'm getting old.

How old were you when you found out that movies and tv shows were scripted?
I have no idea.

Are you a good singer?
Some days! Just depends.

Are you a pet person?
I would love pets, but not possible at the moment.

Christmas list?
I don't generally do lists of things for me. Have a festival ticket wish list.

Are all redhead fire croches?
I have no idea what that means.

How do you feel about the person that you’ve become?
I've not got to them yet.

Disney Channel just called, you can be on a disney channel show of your choice, which do you choose?
The one with all the brothers and the mechanics place! Brotherly Love?

Do you write your name on your clothes?
Not very often.

Are you about following the rules?
Always.

Do you own a swimsuit?
Yes, as of last week. A Bravissimo just opened up here.

Madness

2008-07-24T09:17:00.002+01:00

My brain is a little broken today. Last night was madness in many forms all in the same evening. It was fantastic, just a bit mind boggling. I'm not going to go into too many details (some of you can read between the lines for some bits) but here's a vague summary. Remember, this is one evening:

Left work to go to flat viewing.
Had conversation with Jackie from orchestra.
Cute guy arrived to view flat, we thought each other were the letting agent, hilarious.
Saw (rubbish) flat.
Went swimming.
Bought pasta & pear cider.
Went to old flat.
Alex wasn't in.
Talked to new flatmate.
Left.
Alex came back.
Had a catch up, which was lovely.
Alex has been through some shocking stuff.
Think he's going to be ok.
In fact, he's going to be ace.
He doesn't smoke or drink anymore.
Was late to meet Adam, but rang Caroline and little sister on way.
Erica didn't come to the pub in the end, but had a nice catch up with Adam.
Have informed him that Erica does not have approval still!
Home.
Check in with Eoin (haven't really seen each other for days).
Phoned sister to plan August.
Chatted to a few people online.
Phoned Erin.
Left hilarious voicemail.
Bed.

I'm now exhausted from one evening. All brain hurty. But happy. Checked in with lots of people I love, and that's always nice. Still more people on the list though - don't think you've been forgotten.

What else to note? Urm... This weekend was nice! I met up with Simon and we had a wander and chat. Found a small beer festival. And half an upside down purple cow. As you do.

I've also discovered swimming. Bought a swimsuit on Sunday, and have swum every day since. On my first visit, I rescued a girl from drowning. The lifeguards asked me to see if she was ok (head out of water, breathing, so not in immediate danger) and then asked me to bring her to the edge! A bit cheeky really. But one of them was hot, so that's ok. It was a weird experience. She was ok, just so you know.

So, it appears I didn't publish this yesterday. Now I have another evening of adventures to report...

I'm playing a festival! It's next weekend (2nd August) in a field somewhere. We had a rehearsal last night. The folk stuff sounded great. The Bach didn't... Oh well! I looked at the music on the bus, so I might be better tonight. But I'm pretty excited about the festival. We're on about 5ish, then have the whole evening to drink and party! Then sleep in tents. I love my tent. Did I mention that?!

We just had a coffee morning at work. It was nice - I talked to 3 people I wouldn't normally have.

I went to Caroline's gig yesterday. It was mini-Starlets, because 'the boys' couldn't come. So just Caroline, Biff and Mikey Horn. They are good. I'm not so keen when they are acoustic though, because it has to be all the ballads. Still lovely. And I saw Dave's band for the first time. And there was performance poetry. Interesting!

We've just tidied the cupboard at work. I feel organised.

Pirates and ...?

2008-07-14T13:20:00.002+01:00

What's the pair of pirates? Cowboys & Indians, cops & robbers, snakes & ladders, jam & bread. It might be smugglers...

This weekend I was at a loss for things to do. I left the weekend free as A Boy was supposed to be coming to visit. He didn't, and has therefore gained Wanker Status. I'd had a back up plan of visiting some galleries and there were some parties that I would actually quite liked to have gone too, but all would have had undercurrent of being stood up. So, CassMan to the rescue! We were chatting on the internet, as you do on a slow work Friday afternoon, and realised we both wanted to go camping. Steve and Miranda were already in the Lakes and had invited others, so a plan was born. We've discovered it takes me about the same time to get to Oxenholme as it does for them. Genius. So a weekend of camping ensued. Some things that happened* were:

Bikes levitated along the road
Burying treasure on a pirate island
Beer drunk and food consumed in a lovely pub
Moss
Paddling in the lake
Adventuring through forests
Getting lost and almost being stranded for the night
Sheep
Sliding down when asleep

Oh, maybe it's policemen!

*Some of these are exaggerated.

Sunrise, Sunset

2008-07-11T12:27:00.002+01:00

So, now I have the song from Fiddler on the Roof stuck in my head, whereas the title was supposed to be nothing about that at all!

Last Sunday Caroline came round for several reasons including loveliness, yummy food, making me tidy, doing some work on my computer, and watching Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. They were on at the Cameo, but I didn't want to spend money and I needed to do stuff too. So Caroline brought them round. Lovely films - lots of conversation and semi-deep thoughts. Here are some that I have kept:

People often don't like themselves because they are always with themselves. There's no way of getting any time off. You've not been anywhere that you haven't been. You've never told a story that you didn't already know. It's obvious when you think about it - anyone would bug you if you knew what they were about to say/do at all times. If you knew every story they told. If they couldn't tell you about somewhere you haven't been. Of course, there's some good things on the same tact - you always know who you're talking about and you don't have to explain what you really meant. But no wonder people are fed up with themselves!

So, I'm going to try not to be bored of myself. Go somewhere I've not be (yet) and tell stories I've not told (yet). Ignore myself sometimes. Stuff like that. I'm not really sure how it's going to work, if at all, but it might be interesting...

Don't you just love it when you check for spelling errors and it says "No misspellings found"? I do. Lovely.

I'm in the same strange situation this weekend as last weekend. Where I might have plans that last the whole weekend, or I might have none. I just don't know what to plan! I don't *need* to plan, I just like to. I feel a bit strange not knowing whether I'll spend the whole weekend on my own or none of it. I don't know who I can try to see at last minute. I don't know what's going on at all! I feel a little lost.

This has been open all day on my computer. I keep forgetting. I don't know if I've finished any sentences.

Oh well...

The Book Thing

2008-06-30T16:44:00.002+01:00

As nicked from Liz.

The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they’ve printed. Well let’s see.

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.2) Italicise those you intend to read.3) Underline the books you LOVE, or strikeout the books you read but didn’t like.4) Reprint this list with your take so we can try and track down these people who’ve read only 6 or less and make them read.

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
19. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
26. Tess Of The D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones’s Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith.
83. Holes, Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie

23 read. But I'm not convinced about that, because most of them I read when I was a child (and it might not even be true, I have trouble telling real memories and not real ones apart). And Harry Potter's in there 4 times. Rubbish. I could have read more. I'm not sure.

Maybe I'll try to work my way through it. Not a bad idea. But there are some I don't want to read, and there wasn't an instruction for that. Grrr!

Magical weekends

2008-06-30T08:25:00.002+01:00

Today my horoscope said:

"A dreamy end to June, full of fluffy bunnies, sparkling rainbows and other dreamy stuff. Very nice. Entirely impractical and quite infuriating for those trying to get any sense out of you – but very nice for you. Bless."

I like it. I have been living in a bit of a dreamy world. It's been lovely. I wonder if it's been pissing anyone off.

This weekend Carl came to visit. He stayed with Nikki, but I saw a lot of them both. Friday was impromptu drinking with Caroline, incorporating Simon's leaving do. Saturday was Crammond and pink lemonade and Dave Gorman. Sunday was a duck race and A Film with Me in It at the Film Festival. Overall there was lots of laughing and nettles and randomness and loveliness.

The weekend before was my birthday so included family and the beer festival and Katherine and hangovers. The theme* was rainbows. We also didn't have orchestra that week, but had skittles instead. I was full of cold, but until the actual snotty bit it was quite fun being delirious.

The one before that was Band Camp, which was pretty surreal for a newbie. G&S fans in a field. Mismatch of buildings and furniture, that aren't purpose built/found, but work perfectly well. Spiders. Eccentric but lovely people. Out of my depth and perfectly at home.

Before that was Kate and Ant's wedding - just lovely. Couple looked amazing and loved up. Lots of nice friends at reception. Lots of nice other families around. Plus I met a boy on a train, which was pretty fun.

In between I've been to Inverness and Wick and John O'Groats and the Falls of Shin and Bonar Bridge and Grantown-on-Spey and Kingussie for work. Lots of good sights and long drives.

*A theme has to come up at least 3 times separately, but it cannot be preempted. The only themes I've had are rainbows (for my birthday, as seen in my horoscope, out the window, on a card, cake, and specially crafted jumper) and the conga line (last festival - 2 shows and some drunk people in the street).

Weekends

2008-06-09T11:13:00.003+01:00

I just found this 'draft' blog, and felt the need to publish it to remind everyone.

----------
I love weekends.

This weekend I went to Manchester for Kate & Ant's Wedding. Lovely. Just lovely.
----------

Transitory

2008-06-02T13:45:00.002+01:00

I feel nowhere at the moment. And I'm quite fine with that. Just haven't felt like writing much... So here's a summary:

Work - is going ok. Am enjoying travel. Am feeling good in the team. Have had nice interactions with everybody, some of which were surprising. For example, I'm surprised at how interested some people were in my hippo dress! Random. But I'm still not sure if this job is pointful enough for me personally to stay much longer term.
Home - is fine. It's strange getting used to living in a new place with a new person. And because I've never shared with just one person before, it's new to me. If something's been left out, we know who did it. If I lose my keys and Eoin is in a different country, I can't get in*. If we need to be home for the gas man, someone has to take time off as we both work. But Eoin is a great housemate - doesn't mind mess or washing up or anything. I just need to be more disiplined with myself to be tidy and find corners for things to live in!
Orchestra/'cello - is getting there. Need to sort out the insurance, etc. and see if I can afford the 'cello I'm currently borrowing to be mine. Then he will need a name. I'm not sure the whole broken 'cello story is on here (very likely not!) but I'm not going into it now. I'm also going to music camp soon, and playing in a folk festival. That's new.
Costumes/crafting - are good. I am officially not involved in any shows, but will help out with 2 in the festival, should they need it. I'm doing things for me - making dresses - which is both improving my skills and giving me cool dresses. I think I want to do some courses and learn more. But I don't know what to do and how it could fit into my life.
Holidays - are ACE! I've just got back from a short break in Barcelona. I'm quite in love with Gaudi. I want a house to decorate. I'm trying to go round Scotland for a week at the end of the festival, but not sure if I can do it, because I need to save all my holiday days and money for AUSTRALIA in January!!! Wheee!
Boys - are useless. I have no interest in pretty much any of them at the moment. (This does exclude anyone who lives over 100 miles away, but are also useless.)
Friends - are all too far away. I certainly do have some exceedingly close and speical ones here. I just miss others too.

I think that's all.

Overall, everything's fine. I still LOVE Edinburgh, but just don't know what I'm doing here or what to do next.

*This has not happened yet, touch wood, but is making me surprisingly more anxious!

Quiz

2008-04-17T09:37:00.003+01:00

What better way to get back into the blog that I have been ignoring that a ridiculous quiz? Stolen from Chris, because I've never seen him do anything on Facebook before.

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
I don’t have one. My university one got lost during a show. I am very sad.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
I don’t know who I kissed last…

4. Do you plan outfits?
Depends what for. Usually some form of planning has gone in. For example, today I am wearing a skirt that means at orchestra I won’t be flashing at Caroline and Donald.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
A bit gross in the throat and head.

6. Whats the closest thing to you thats red?
My shoes!

7. Do you say aim or a-i-m?
No.

8. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I don’t remember much.

9. Did you meet anybody new today?
Not yet. But it’s only 8.25. [Now it's 9.53 - I got distracted - but still didn't meet anyone new.]

10. What are you craving right now?
Home.

11. Do you floss?
Nope. Sorry if I’m gross.

12. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
The joke from solider solider years ago about invisible cabbage.

13. When was the last time you talked on aim?
I’ve never used AIM, but used MSN when in America, so not long ago.

14. Are you emotional?
Probably not as much as I should be, but more than I was.

15. Would you dance to the taco song?
I doubt it.

16. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
I’d like to say no, but probably yes.

17. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I use a spoon.

18. Do you like your hair?
Not much. I don’t like my new cut. And I don’t like that I grew the dye out for ages, and then dyed it as soon as it was natural. And I didn’t even pick a good colour.

19. Do you like yourself?
Pass.

20. Have you ever met a celebrity?
I’ve met Grotbags and John Higgins. I think that’s enough.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Only with peaches! Cheesey Peach Starter! Long live The Hamlyn!

22. What are you watching or listening to?
I’m watching my computer, dumbo. And listening to generic open office noises of other people typing and clicking.

23. How many countries have you visited?
14, I think.

24. Are your parents strict?
They were. Not so much now, seeing as I’m a grown up.

25. Would you go sky diving?
Possibly…

26. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
If he was paying.

27. Would you throw potatoes at him?
I doubt it. I’ve never thrown potatoes at anyone else.

28. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?
My shoes! And a pen. And my cardigan and coat. But not as much as at home, because people at work think I’m weird enough.

29. Have you ever been in a castle?
All Scottish people live in castles, duh!

30. Do you rent movies often?
Nope. Not sure I have since being at home home.

31. Who sits in behind you in your math class?
I think I sat at the back for school maths, then in a circle for sixth form maths. Degree maths I have no idea.

32. Have you made a prank phone call?
We tried to once at school, but had no money, so rang free phone numbers, starting at the lowest. This stopped quickly when we rang Childline and didn’t want to waste their time or money.

33. Do you own a gun?
I now own a tiny fake one in a garter.

34. Can you count backwards from 74?
If I really wanted.

35. Who are you going to be with tonight?
SNOTCO and my new ‘cello.

36. Brown or white eggs?
Yes.

37. Do you own something from Hot Topic?
Yup!

38. Ever been on a train?
Yes. Quite a few.

39. Ever been in love?
Yes.

40. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes.

41. Are you too forgiving?
I think I would be if I had friends who were mean enough to need forgiving.

42. Do you use chap stick?
I use a different brand of lip balm, yes.

43. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Don’t know.

44. Can you use chop sticks?
Yes.

45. Ever have cream puffs?
I hope not.

46. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No.

47. What was the last question you asked?
“Didn’t I write ‘no previous’ on it?”

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Take A Break.

49. Boys or girls?
What for? Mostly boys. They’re pretty useful.

50. What is your bus number for school?
I used to get the 575 to school. Now get the 22 to work.

51. Is your hair curly?
Going to steal Chris’ answer for this: No the hair on my head.

52. Last time you cried?
Pass.

53. Ever walked into a wall?
All the time. I’m not good at looking where I’m going.

54. Do looks matter?
To a certain extent, yes.

55. Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun?
No.

56. Have you ever slapped someone?
Not sure…

57. Favorite time of the year?
What ever time of year it is.

58. Favorite color?
For what? Every colour has it’s place. I’d like to pick paisley.

59. Are you sarcastic?
To some people.

60. Do you have any tattoos?
Yes, one. Although that’s sort of ten.

61. The last person you held hands with?
Not sure.

62. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No.

63. Where was your default picture taken at?
I don’t think I have a default picture.

64. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Yes.

65. Do you like your life right now?
Not so much. But it’s fine.

66. How often do you talk on the phone?
Not a lot.

67. What is your favourite animal?
That’s pretty tricky… Pygmy Hippo.

68. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A ‘cello.

69. Do you have good vision?
Pretty good.

70. Can you hula hoop?
I always thought I still could, but then I tried in the office once and couldn’t. But there were people watching so I didn’t try so hard.

71. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Depends. Probably.

72. Do you have a job?
Yes.

73. Can you handle the truth?
Usually.

74. What are you wearing?
Red sparkly shoes, black tights & underwear, black net skirt, pink top, black sparkly cardigan, glasses, work pass.

75. Have you ever?
Hardly ever.

Scratches

2008-03-04T07:49:00.003Z

My usual bruises from unknown sources seem to have been taken over by scratches. These sting.

Today's Question:

Did the introduction of oyster cards affect oyster sales?

osldfkjwoepijasdlkpoiqweugnsdlkniauwklj,clweopiasdkjg

That's what happens if I type the way that Christina used to in Neighbours.

I'm going to start now.

This week I have been everywhere. Well, quite a lot of places. I was in Aberdeen Monday-Wednesday, which was pretty dull. The homes I went to were very different from each other, and the trip was interesting, but I didn't like my hotel, and just generally felt numb for the whole of it. Strange.

I did enjoy the journey up and back, as I saw family. On the way up I stopped at Sue's and fed her kids, helped Shona with homework, read Gary's school report, listened to Carla's poem and tried to make Aillie put her game machine down. The girls got to Girl's Brigade on time, and I made a brief trip to Gran's. She was pretty tired, so I left and went back on the way back down. Sat with her for a cup of tea. Apparently that's the only time she's ever drunk her coffee, so I did good. I can't tell if she's getting better or not. She just doesn't seem bothered, but why would you? There's a lovely view of the sea from the ward window, but she didn't know - she can't see. At least in this ward they get her dressed every day, and make her wear shoes. The last ward was more of a surgery recovery ward, so they were all in pyjamas and slippers - not very good for people who are unstable on their feet. Anyway, we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully I'll be going past next week, but I don't know yet.

When away I watched Be Kind Rewind. Was a bit dubious, as Jack Black can be pretty annoying, but it was good! The first 30 minutes or so I was tempted to walk out, but it most definitely got better and by the end I may even have cried. Watch it.

I really need to do some 'cello practise.

On Friday I went on a plane to Heathrow to see Charlotte and Dan. Kathryn also arrived Friday night, with near perfect timing, and we had curry and watched Quiz Call until 3.30am. We didn't have a drink. You'd have though that those things could not happen on the same evening. If anyone happens to know that answers to Quiz Call that evening, then PLEASE tell me!!

Saturday was an adventure to Borough Market. On the way we saw the local Kingfisher. There wasn't a duck on the armchair. Then back to the flat to make monster chili for the masses (Liz & Andrew, Cass & Joe, Miranda & Steve) and drinking ensued. We went to a pub down the river - it was going to be a crawl, but we stayed in one place too long. It was extremely lovely to see and catch up with everyone. I couldn't help feeling quite single, but at no point did I feel awkward about it. It's just going to be tricky not to with 4 couples. The evening ended with Joe sleeping the "porch" then being amusing when trying to get into his sleeping bag, Dan being rather ill and Andrew sleeping on the world's shortest sofa. The girls were all sensible.

Sunday involved hangovers and a trip to Richmond. Del came to see me, which was lovely. We had lunch and then wandered around back streets and down the river. We saw parrots, 4 herons, swans, 2 types of geese, many types of duck, pigeons and coots. Many bird varieties. It was nice. Then everyone had to split up to get to various places. Cass and I went to Hounslow and played with sheep in cheap M&S, then had a sneaky pint before parting ways. I slept most of the flight back, due to being quite tipsy. Lovely. Landed to find snow, albeit only a tiny bit. Quite different from strolling along the river in the sun!

The end.

Crazy Eyes Tex

2008-02-25T11:25:00.002Z

That's my new Red Indian name, apparently. It's not as good at Dances With Wellies (Linden), Buffalo McFacePalm (Matt Lees) or Dog Which Runs Into Trees (Rosy). But still, any new name is nice.

These are the names we made up on Saturday morning whilst doing archery in a field in Derbyshire. I think we (Linden and I) were still quite drunk, as we'd drunk and played poker 'til 4.30 and I got up at 7.30. We didn't appear to be taking it as seriously as some of the others. As Linden said, "We shot things dead with the big darts and pingy things." We didn't do *too* badly - we always hit the board and had no injuries.

I just wrote a summary of the weekend to Caroline in an e-mail. It covers the bit already said, but whatever. It's just one sentence for the whole weekend. Genius:

Got there about 10 on Friday night (left work at 3.30 - that's a long time), won the pub quiz (due to clerical error), almost won poker, drank lots of beer, slept for about 3 hours, did archery (big darts with pingy things), gained a Red Indian name (Crazy Eyes Tex), did pub crawl (lovely pubs and cider and views and company), made and ate chilli, played games, drank more beer, slept for about 3 hours, lots of washing up, 3 hours in Sheffield (typically Tim managed to be in London!), learnt about spoons and neon lights, 4 hours of train back, drink with Adam, bed.

Basically, this weekend was ace and lovely. All credit goes to Mahinda for (a) getting old, (b) having a good idea, (c) organising it all, and last but not least (d) having lovely friends. Happy Birthday Mahinda!

Oh, I forgot the best/worst thing might be that I only managed to take 3 photos - two of Adam wearing a silly hat (one blurry, one washed out) and one of me when I'd poked myself in the eye with my glasses and was in pain. Other people better have some and get them on that there Facebook quick smart!

I forgot - I've been a bit lame at blogging, despite deciding that I want to do it again. I have just been busy! Had work to do, had orchestra accounts to do, had old and new house stuff to do. But it should be better now - accounts submitted, moved house, flexi balance ok. That said - all weekends are busy. But that's how I like it. They're all nice things. I just want to do more nice things! I don't want not to do anything I have booked - I am looking forward to them LOTS, I just want a little more time to do other things as well. Like be in my flat. And see a boy. Not that that's really an option, it would just be nice if it was. And only having every third Tuesday free isn't much use.

So, yes, I MOVED HOUSE! It's lovely. On a quieter street, smaller flat, no complications, just two people paying a letting agent. Easy peasy. We have a TV and DVD and Freeview box. This is a little too much for TV shy me, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it! I am tempted to shun some other form of technology to make up for it, but I'm not sure. My mobile is very tempting at the moment. I don't actually need it. I do most organising through Facebook and e-mail, and I have a phone at home which phones other houses free and America cheap. It's just costing me money. I might see if it can cost me less money, and try to use it less, but we'll see. It might be gone. The other option for shunning is the microwave, but I don't use it enough to feel it would notice being shunned!

I've had quite a few visitors to my new house, considering how often I am home! Nikki and Iona helped build a wardrobe, and then Nikki did 6,000,000 stairs to help me move, as did Mummy and Daddy, the Caroline came to do the accounts and Ali came to nosey. I'd missed Caroline's birthday due to wardrobe building, so made a cake and we watched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. It was lovely to catch up with Ali, and it was ace to watch the film with the boys, as they had perfect reactions! Caroline and I had seen it so often that it was very refreshing to see someone new watch it. Emma came over for dinner one night too, and Adam yesterday. What a lovely week.

Just for the record: my parents are ace! I would not have managed to move without them last weekend. Oh, and my sisters are ace too. I can talk to them about anything, and it's lovely. I just would like to see them all more.

I'm currently eating bread made by Eoin. Lovely. I like living with someone who can cook! Shame he eats meat, or else I might never have to cook for myself again. Not that I really want that - I love cooking - but how good would it be to be cooked for when you're too busy?? But for now, I will just steal bread (with permission).

Soon I am leaving the office to go to Aberdeen for 2 nights. Today's meeting was cancelled, which has worked out quite well as I will get to see the cousins and Gran on the way up.

Ooh, best go NOW!

Star Fish

2008-02-15T08:10:00.001Z

Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf's edge and and the beach. Back and forth this person went. As the man approached he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide.

The man was stuck by the the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to perish. As he approached the person continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the surf.

As he came up to the person he said, "You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The person looked at the man. He then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, "It sure made a difference to that one!"

Starwars mighty mugss

2008-02-14T10:57:00.002Z

Apparently someone found my blog by Googling for "starwars mighty mugss". I'm quite excited about that.

It's all be go this week... Juno on Monday night, late back from work on Tuesday (because of the BUSES!) then manic tidying for Wednesday - flat viewings! We had about 20 people come round, one clear winner, but many people who would have been ace for the flat and many who would have done. Anyway, a Kiwi called Sarah will be living in my room as of Sunday morning, so I HAVE to move all my stuff on Saturday. PANIC! Mummy and Daddy are coming to help though, so all should be fine.

Last weekend was impromptu drinking on Friday night and the Savoy Ball on Saturday night.

That's all I have time for.

xkcd

2008-02-13T09:18:00.003Z

http://xkcd.com/383/

"Oh, look, the 'make everything better' button was here behind the bookshelf all along."

I very much appreciated today's xkcd.

Cheek to Cheek*

2008-02-11T15:00:00.000Z

Stolen from Rosy via Liz:

What level are you on guitar hero? I am a hero. Maybe not guitar wise though.

Are you in a relationship? Nope.

Are you wearing jeans right now? Yes. Even though I'm at work.

Where is your dad? Probably at home in the study, or at a meeting somewhere in Lancaster/Kendal.

Do you live with both of your parents? Nope.

Do you think too much or too little? Depends what about. Both.

Do you smile a lot? I think so.

What is the price of gas where you live? Some pennies. Have no idea.

What was the last compliment you received, and when? Strangers sent me compliments yesterday.

Have you ever rode in a plane? I am too amused by Liz's answer to think of my own! How can you ride a horse in a plane?

Are you for or against abortion? Depends on each individual situation. Generally against, but not completely.

Do you prefer call or text? Depends what for. I don't call much.

Do you have any siblings? 2 sisters - one in England and one in Wales. I want them to be nearer.

Are you close with them? Yes, I think so anyway. Maybe we're not and they have secrets and are different people. But I think probably not.

How many people do you trust 100%? Hmmm... 100% is a lot. I'm a statistician. I trust quite a lot of people 98%. I don't think I trust anyone 100%. That's sad, isn't it?

Where did you get the shirt you're wearing? PRIMARK! It's organic, don't you know?

Do you go to church? Only for orchestra.

What's the last movie you saw in the theater? The Savages. Going to see Juno tonight. EXCITED!

Can you live without the computer? I could live. But I would struggle to find the answers to all my questions if I didn't have Google to hand.

When was the last time you got flowers? The last night of my show. I was not amused at getting flowers, and I was not amused at being made to go on stage!

Do you wish at 11:11? Should I? Is that a rule? I might in future.

Do you have any piercings? Just ears.

Who was the last person you laid in bed with? I don't know. Actually don't. Maybe someone when we were in Prague.

Whats your middle name? Elizabeth.

How big is your bed? Double. I get a new one on Friday in my new flat!

Ever get so drunk you couldn't remember the entire night? All too often. But I don't remember some evenings when sober too.

Can you play any instruments? 'Cello. And vaguely piano and recorder and percussion.

Favourite flower? Bird of paradise.

Have you ever loved someone? Yes. In all sorts of ways.

Do you have a tattoo? Yes. It's ace

Are you hiding something from someone? Generally, yes.

3 Things you can't live without? Friends, music, wine.

Are you a giver or a taker? Giver.

What was your first thought when you looked in the mirror this morning? I'm not sure I looked in a mirror this morning... Oh yes, I was checking if my hair looked clean enough. I didn't think anything.

Do you like to have long hair or short hair? Long.

Have you memorized your social security number? National Insurance number, yes.

Who is your favourite family member? Daddy.

Have you ever had your heart broken? Yes.

How many texts did you receive today? Just one, I think. But there's still time...

Name someone whose name starts with the letter "R." Rhian.

Do you trust people easily? Too easily.

Do you think you'll be married in 10 years? Probably not, unfortunately.

Do you plan on moving out within the next year? Yes - on Friday.

Where were you at 9pm last Friday night? In my room on my computer (not packing...).

What happened at 10:00 am today? I was sat sitting right here at my desk.

Is your family just a bundle of fun? Yup!

Do you laugh at all the wrong times? Lots, yes.

When did you last cry your eyes out? I still have my eyes, so I haven't cried them out. Not sure when I last cried. A few weeks ago, I think.

*Cheek to Cheek is just what I'm listening to, not at all relevant.

A watched e-mail account...

2008-02-08T10:45:00.001Z

I don't know what I'm waiting for. Well, I do, but I'm not admitting it to myself, so I'm certainly not going to write it here!! But I keep checking my account every 2 minutes. That must partly be because I'm in the office for the first time since Monday. But still. I'm bugging myself.

I've been to Ayrshire and back the past 3 days. Was only supposed to be 2, but team illness meant 3, which was not a problem at all. I managed to be in the office before 7:30 Monday - Thursday. Today I only managed 8:47, or something, but still not bad. Should hopefully have made 7 1/2 hours flexi this week. Woot!

Things of note about my trips:

I want to work in a hospital
I might want to be a nurse
I want to change my surname to Rocks
I hate the M8

Orchestra last night was fine. I had a migraine, which was annoying. Had to pull off the motorway for a while, then felt out of it all evening. Still have headache. Oh well... It'll go soon. Or if not, I'll go back to the doctor. Maybe. I'm still dubious about all these doctors that so far have been little or no help... Not through any fault of theirs.

It is Friday, right? I'm not really ready for it to be Friday. I've not known what days it's been all week. But yesterday must have been Thursday, as I went to orchestra and Caroline says that's on Thursdays! It was ok. I'm not too confident about my playing at the moment. But I feel that I might be able to get all this music before the concert. A few practises would be a good plan! We might be have some sectionals.

It's going to be an interesting weekend.

Trains

2008-02-04T10:52:00.001Z

A couple of the trains I got back from home had delays so I was over 2 hours later than planned. These things happen - I wasn't particularly bothered. I was grumpy that I missed a concert and didn't have time to do washing, but I know that it wasn't any particular person's fault.

Anyway, I thought it worth my time to fill in the forms for compensation. Well, my dad persuaded me. It turned out that I sent them off on the same day, even though the trains were a few weeks apart. A few weeks ago, almost by return post, I received an apology letter from Northern Rail and a £10 voucher. Ace. At least 2 weeks later I received a letter from Virgin Trains saying that they have received my form and will get back to me in due course.

I've just realised this story is dull.

My point: Why did it take Virgin so much longer to reply, and why did they bother with a letter just to say they had received it?!

My voucher will most probably be spent on alcohol on the way to Mahinda's birthday bash. :-D

Strangeness

2008-02-04T07:54:00.000Z

Craftiness at Nikki's - I fixed and decorated a hat for Dan. It's cool. I like that we manage to have craft evenings. It's weird - I can't remember when I last had my own project to work on. I've had so much show stuff for so long, I just can't work out what project to do! I'm going to get organised soon, and have better projects to do at these evenings.

Orchestra - I like the music we're doing this term! Even if I couldn't remember how to play this week. It was weird - I sat down with my 'cello and just couldn't remember how to sit with him and where my hands went. Scary. But I did ok in the end. We have one piece that I have a different part from the other 'cellos. I'm quite looking forward to it!

Creative SpAce night - We had a gathering of cast and crew from the show, as we'd failed to have an aftershow party at the time. It was a fun evening, until I got too drunk, rediscovering that Guinness ≠ a meal. I was expecting certain emotions through the night, but then didn't see someone I expected and did get a phonecall from my sister. It was too much confusion for me to cope with, so I went home! Managed to fall asleep with my hot water bottle on my leg, resulting in burns. Oops.

Flat hunt - I managed to get 4 flats lined up to see on Saturday. The result is that we have found somewhere to live! I'm not sure how long the advert will be up, but you might be able to nosey at it... http://www.s1rental.com/renting/search/200710011023337517.shtml

SNOTCO evening - Saturday evening was spent in the Traverse bar, with lovely SNOTCO friends. Was a good mix of people, and we all intend to do it again. I'm going to be pretty skint for a while after moving, but maybe we'll have dinner parties/wine gatherings instead. Ace.

Have not done nearly enough tidying at home, but it's starting to get so I have to, which means I might do it soon! The next couple of days I'm out to Ayr, so I have no idea how knackered I'm going to be. Should be good for the flexi time, if nothing else...

Prague

2008-01-29T15:40:00.000Z

I went to Prague! It was ace. Incredibly ace.

I am quite willing to admit here that I was worried that it might not be - and I even told the guys that when we were away. There was always potential for fall outs spending that much time with anyone, and we're all quite different and can be dramatic, and little sleep can make anyone grumpy. But we weren't! At least, as far as I know...

We met at Waverley at 7am Friday morning. Everyone was on time and awake and smiling! Dave was still drunk and hadn't been to bed. Wally. We arrived and checked into the hotel, then headed out for a wander and food. Found a little Cuban pub, which I quite liked. Had far less trouble with vege food than I thought. Hurrah! We wandered to the river, found Tesco, a building made from bubble wrap and C&A. Then we all went for naps (I had a bath whilst listening to Czech classic FM) before getting ready for the evening. I can't remember what we did for the evening. Oops.

Saturday we went out for breakfast and then over the bridge to the Castle. Was a beautiful day, if a little confusingly cold considering the sunshine. I like Prague. It's big enough to be interesting but not overwhelming. You can walk anywhere in about half an hour. There's lots of concerts and museums and theatre, but not so much that you have to do 16 million things in a day. We went to the castle and wandered around some more. More naps/rests* before going out for a lovely, lovely meal. We couldn't find the bar Emma had been recommended, so we wandered back to the hotel for a few drinks and poker for smarties. Oh, and I managed to fall over. Ouch.

Sunday started slower with brunch about noon. We then went for a walk and found Prague museum which seemed to have an exhibition on evolution, freaks, surgery and the moon. Hmmm... But it was fun and we could draw on the walls and run on foam and race and stuff. Mary did manage to chip her tooth trying to see the moon in 3-D... Oops. We did some shopping. Will is the girliest shopper I've ever seen! Emma wouldn't let me buy lime green boots that made me look like a Martian. We managed to lose the boys in a shopping centre, so us girls went to buy furry hoods and dragons. In the evening we failed to go to a concert or show as we were knackered and I doubt we'd all have agreed on anything! Instead we found the bar we couldn't find the day before (it had changed name - I asked strangers) and we had cocktails and absinthe. Then back to the hotel (via a bar called Bugsy's, which did not have a man playing piano, but possibly real life gangsters) for more poker for smarties, followed by eating all the smarties in a game of Hungry Hippos!

Got back about 4 on Monday, so I went to Monday Night Film Club (run by Caroline, not a real film club) to see Sweeney Todd. I liked it! I didn't know the story already. It's an odd one - tragic but you didn't particularly feel sorry for any of the characters. And it's quite gory, but in a ketchup/that's-not-real way. Quite make believe style. Beautiful costumes! I want to wear that sort of thing all the time. But it would be tricky.

Today I was in work at 7 and intend to stay until 6. Madness. Then to Nikki's for spinach and a night of craftiness! Ace.

*I had a bath whilst listening to Czech Country Radio. You haven't lived until you've heard "There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza" in Czech.

What a crazy week.

2008-01-21T23:14:00.000Z

It's been mental. The show happened. I'm quite pleased with it. It most certainly didn't make a profit, and we didn't have nearly enough audience, but I'm happy that I brought a good share of the audience, I'm happy with the work my friends did to help out, and I think most of the cast enjoyed it, which was always the entire point. Any suggestions of how to show my appreciation to my helpers? It needs to be cheap and probably not time consuming. Not because I want either of those constraints, but because they do exist.

I've had a pretty happy week. It's been lovely. I'm mostly over my random illness, and have been enjoying myself even if I've not had a moment to chose what I want to do. That is until the last couple of days when I got some bad news. A friend, albeit one who hasn't been in my everyday life for many years, but someone I would hope to consider a friend, died last weekend. I don't want to go into the details, and I don't think anyone who reads this will know him, but it shocked me and my family.

I've also seen some friends who I don't see often, and some I'm not likely to see for a while. And seen Gran, who is really rather poorly, but hopefully on the mend now.

So basically an emotional roller coaster!

Especially rubbish as I wanted to have my wits about me to get on with finding a new flat and job. I know there's only so much I can do, but most of you also know how much I want to do both of those things!

I'm hoping the next few days will be constructive and useful. Then it's Prague! Then I definitely HAVE to be back in the game.

I shouldn't be watching this film. I know it's only the Sixth Sense, but I'm on my own in a strange place and I'm a big wus.

I must remember...

2008-01-18T16:01:00.000Z

... that it is show week and therefore I'm tired and excited and hyper and a zombie. These hormone levels are not normal. Stop thinking of every possibility and stop being upset or happy baout things that don't exist!!

I make no sense. So much so that I e-mailed Caroline earlier with what I thought was a fairly structured and sensible e-mail and she asked if I was on speed. Hmmm...

Anyway, it's going to be an interesting weekend, of this I am sure. Hurrah!

Kitchens and show week

2008-01-16T10:05:00.000Z

What is it with kitchens and show week??? Last show week (November) we had a new kitchen fitted. This appears only to be a new sink, work tops and cupboard doors (same old rotting wood inside the cupboards, and same rubbish floor) but does actually look lots better. This show week it appears the kitchen is being painted. This seems to be a 4/5 day job, which I was not expecting! I'm quite sure I could do it quicker than this man, but I don't have time this week and most definitely would not be getting paid for it. And he's probably better.

Anyway, I don't need it in show week! I've got people coming to stay at the weekend (Shaun & Ed - be prepared for madness!) and I'm quite sure my family will want to have a nosey when they are in the area. My room is the biggest tip it's been for a while. I know where everything is, but that isn't much comfort!

That might be all my news.

THE SHOW IS GOING TO BE ACE! I'M QUITE EXCITED NOW.

Meh.

2008-01-14T11:17:00.000Z

Today the headache and feeling sick are back. I know why. I just can't fix it today. And that's annoying. Hopefully soon.

I can't get myself organised. My finances are a mess! I need to sort out the last few phone and council bills and send off train tickets from majorly delayed trains. Actually, that's it. I should be able to handle that. You'd think.

Things at home are pretty unbearable at the moment. I just keep thinking about how it's not going to be much longer and slowly packing things. It's hard though as as the moment my room is full of costumes and props are I don't want to leave them in the living room. It's a state. Hence not being able to do easy jobs like find my train tickets.

Anyway, on the plus side viewing flats to move into is in progress and I don't see it being a long until we find somewhere. It's looking like it could be an expensive time over the next month or so, but it's only money, right? Better to have mental health.

The show is on this week. I'm quite looking forward to it! We've been making props and costumes from cardboard and paint and crayons. Fun! I just hope we get enough audience to make it fun for the cast.

I'm sure there were other things I was going to blog about... Ooh, I did something I've never done before - played the cello for a recording. This has just confirmed my fear that I am unable to play in tune! Crap. What else have I done? I phoned Melissa about 5am on Saturday. She jumped on Gwen and then later in the conversation Mike jumped on her. It was all very confusing, but fun.

I'm stuck. I'm dull. Oops.

Brain broken.

Christmas 2007 and New Year 2008

2008-01-03T16:44:00.000Z

Christmas this year was different. We went to Carnoustie and stayed in 2 rented cottages for the week to be near Gran (in hospital so is nice to visit) and small cousins (as we are not exciting enough for my parents at Christmas anymore). The week consisted of hospital visits*, trips to the beach (including on Christmas day for a photo to e-mail to my dad's brother who always has Christmas day on the beach**), cooking, eating, drinking and entertaining children. It was jolly nice and fun.

The holiday may become "The Train Holiday" as the Dundee-Aberdeen train line runs about 2' from the kitchen window. Whenever a train came past someone (or everyone) shouted "TRAIN!" as someone came up with the stupid superstition that you have to take your feet off the floor. My favourite might have been when we were on the beach and "TRAIN!" so Carla (6) threw herself onto belly on the sand to make her feet airborne. Stupid rule. Another memorable train moment (train, no "TRAIN!") happened when Carla was looking for a job in the kitchen. I didn't have any, so tried to get her out of the way by telling her to look out of the window and wait for a train to come past. It took about 3 seconds. I was hoping to entertain her for at least 20 minutes! Oh well...

Mummy's birthday also happened, and for that another of her sisters and their children arrived. We had a Scottish evening of haggis neeps and tatties, and the girls surprised her with cards they made out of things we could find on the beach. Lovely. It also involved pass the parcel which I had to rig so the right people opened it in the right order. That was almost complicated with kids saying "You've got to close your eyes!" "You're cheating!" Be quiet or else you'll get something you don't want!

We drove back down on the 30th, and on spent the 321st sorting out some present things - Jennifer bought walking boots and we swapped her hand blender for a model that you can put in pan hot liquids, and I got a different digital radio with iPod docking station. Brilliant. But all the driving and shopping got the better of us, and we couldn't be bothered doing anything on new years's eve! Me and Jen did a jigsaw and we all watched Monty Python before half-heartedly going outside to watch fireworks. New year's day itself was lovely though - a walk up to Rivington Pike then back to Steph's for food and a quiz. I came second in pretty much every round. Oh well. There's always next year...

* My favourite hospital story is Gran explaining how you had to be patient in that ward. She'd been left outside the toilet as someone was in with the promise the nurse would be back in a minute. "I counted to 539 before they came back!" Why did she count to 539? I don't know, but it's ace.
** He does live in Sydney though.

New Year

2008-01-03T09:57:00.000Z

I've been TERRIBLE at this blog malarkey for a while now. New year, new me, new plan. I'm going to get back into it.

IT'S SNOWING! Wheeee!!! Big fluffy white snow. Almost makes this office look real.

So, the reasons I stopped blogging... Mainly it was because I didn't get round to it for so long that I didn't know where to start. I like having the daily account, because my memory is so terrible. But it's quite dull to read and pretty pointless really, so I'm going to try a new plan. Another reason for the lull is that I got into minor bother at work. I'm sad about this because the person who came off looking the worst in my blog is really someone I respect. The people who I don't respect got nothing. Anyway, I was scared for a while, but now I'm not.

I've been a little ill for a lot of the end of the year. Some of this physical, some of this mental. Either way, it's not been fun or nice and I need to sort myself out. I need to get fit and I need to sort my head out. A lot of the symptoms I've been having point to stress. I've always been a stressy person, but in a way that I liked and (I think) in a healthy way until recently. Headache constantly for at least 6 weeks, not sleeping, feeling sick most of the time, etc. So things are going to change.

Firstly I'm moving house. I love Alex and I quite like the flat we are in, but it's just contributing too much bother to my life. Having to hide Alex from the landlord, never getting rent (from anyone) on time, sorting out all the bills (I ended up taking over everything as people moved out), always finding someone or something different in my room. I'm not home often and need it to be less work when I am there.

I am stopping doing shows. I know I'll never quite quit completely, nor would I want to, but I don't have the time I would like to commit to a show and as such the last few I have done I haven't been happy with my work, making it Not Much Fun. I'll still hang around as I love many of the friends I have who are doing shows, and I can't sit and do nothing, but definitely less pressure.

There are plenty things I want to do, but I think I might take some time out and not start anything new just yet. I've still got orchestra and should really dedicate more (some!) time to practise and committee stuff. And I've got a weekend in Prague at the end of Jan, and 3 weeks in America/Canada in March/April booked, so it's not as if there's much time left anyway. And I've got LOADS of projects that I have or haven't started and want to finish. Lots of friends to catch up with and visit. Lots of dieting and exercise to do (yeah right - but the thought is there). Lots of money to save, therefore time needed to forward plan meals/make things instead of buying them. See, I'm still too busy! Good.

So that's the plan. I feel much better just for writing it down!

Is there anything else I wanted to write? I'm not sure. My head hurts.

Learn anything?

2007-11-14T10:04:00.000Z

Stolen from Liz! I'm not sure if it'll be news...

Three jobs I have had in my life:
Legal Clerk
Analyst
Recorder teacher

Three places that I have lived:
Halifax
Manchester
Edinburgh

Three TV shows I like to watch:
The Bill
ER
The Crystal Maze

Three places I have vacationed:
Gambia
New Haven, CT
Achmelvich

Three of my favourite foods:
Pasta
Cheese
Peas

Three places where I would rather be right now:
In the bath
Hardy's Well
On top of a hill

My Personal DNA Map

2007-11-09T12:19:00.000Z

Darkness

2007-11-08T09:00:00.000Z

Ha ha ha ha. That looks like another emo everything sucks post. It isn't. I was just amused that I was at work this morning in the dark.

I have started a catch up post for the time since my last one, but it became a bit of a daunting task. Then I took another 2/3 weeks, and now it's just silly. One day, one day...

Today I was at work at 7.30am in the dark.

That is all.

Plans

2007-10-17T16:18:00.000+01:00

My decision to be less miserable and grumpy failed, so I have a new plan. Well, the new plan is to make a new plan. So far I've stopped drinking. This will hopefully help with a few things*. Next in the plan is to sort out what's rubbish and fix it. At the moment that appears to be house and job. Not sure what I'm going to do yet...

Apart form that I'm just too busy to do a proper update. Maybe at the weekend. We shall see.

*Losing weight, feeling less ill, doing less dumb things, saving money...

Fed up

2007-10-05T11:36:00.000+01:00

I'm fed up. Of everything.

Tomorrow I'm going to see my parents and my gran and my cousins. I hope that helps. Not that hoping is a good plan.

We shall see.

Maybe I should write down all that's rubbish. But I'm not sure I could handle it.

I could write down all that's good, but it hasn't been working at cheering me up so far.

Maybe I should just shut up.

Slacker

2007-09-25T09:25:00.000+01:00

20/9/7 - Under Caroline's orders I skived orchestra and went home to watch girly movies. I think You've Got Mail was the cheese of choice. I was responsible though, and sent my music and the keys and the chequebook along. I hope they appreciate that.

21/9/7 - Friday. Still felt pretty under the weather and grumpy. Had little to do at work. I went to wash the car instead. After work I went to the Virgin Active gym near the bus stop to work, the theory being that I can go on the way to/from work and might actually do it. It has a sauna and steam room after all. But it's £52 a month! And that's with corporte membership discount. That may be cheap if I go 3 times a week, like the lady calculated (wrongly, and far slower than me, even though she had a calculater (I trusted her until then)), but I've got more rehearsals and weekends away than will that let me go that often. But I should get fit, so I'll think about it. Firstly, I might try cutting down alcohol... That said, after looking at the gym I went to the cinema and pub with Adam! Saw Hallam Foe. I loved it! Being set in Edinburgh/Scotland helped, but I think I'd have liked it anyway. Everyone should go see it. A couple of pints and a catch up were just what I needed, but feel I wasn't that sparkling company due to absolute knackerdness.

22/9/7 - Got up and pottered around. Didn't do as much cleaning and tidying as intended, but did do some, so that's ok. Then Adam came over and we went bathroom shopping*! He's been trying to get a new bathroom since at least January, and I've been round all the shops with him before. This time our adventure took us to B&Q where we pondered for ages before booking a consultant to go round to Adam's. This is when we found out that B&Q don't fit bathrooms above the second floor. IN EDINBURGH! That's crazy. A huge percentage of the population live on 3rd and 4th floors! Strange. Have booked an appointment anyway, and Adam is going to see what they say when they arrive. Mission closed for the day, we had a drink on a boat and then dinner at a lovely little restaurant called International Starters. It's basically a tapas resaurant, but with dishes from different continents. Yum. The day ended with a trip to Simon and Joanne's flat (Adam's friends from uni, who are staying in Simon's brother's wife's lovely flat whilst they are in Australia) where we drank wine and played yahtzee. The girls won.

The evening was somewhat ruined by a mamoth headache that was VERY annoying. I tried to ignore it, but am quite sure that some of the time I stared into space and didn't know what was going on.

23/9/7 - Full. On. Migraine. Spent most of the day in bed dozing on and off. GRUMP! Not that long since the last one. Hmmm...

24/9/7 - Work was pretty dull and I still had a hangover headache. But I got through it. I even was allowed to play with some syntax. Woo! The evening was spent at the cinema with Caroline, Sharon and Caroline. Apparently not as confusing as when 3 Caroline's went to the pub together. We watched A Mighty Heart. I thought it was going to be a chick flick. It was not. It was about a journalist who was kidnapped and then beheaded in Pakistan. True story. Excellent film. Bit more serious than I was expecting and usually enjoy, but I'm glad it was thrust upon me in that fashion.

Got home fairly early (9 ish) and pottered around. Rhian came back from her weekend in Cambridge. Was weird to have someone else home! I've been on my own with Spellbound since Thursday. Cats are weird. She ignores me unless she needs food or am in bed. She's been scratching and meowing at my door when I've gone to bed, so I let her in and she curls up and goes to sleep, which is fine. But then when I'm asleep she gets up and starts playing with things and climbing on things, so I have to chuck her out. I don't get cats!!

*Another reason I'd be the best girlfriend ever. I'm quite happy to wander around DIY stores and be logical and reasonable about things. Sometimes I think I should go into interior design. I'm not sure if it'd work though, never having my own place to play with. It might look awful. My parents have a theory that if I like something, then go for the other one...

This afternoon I shall mostly be...

2007-09-21T14:42:00.000+01:00

Cleaning! I'm going to take the work car and wash and vaccuum it. That's the "work" I get to do this afternoon. Then I am going to go home and clean the bathroom and kitchen. FUN!

Shattered

2007-09-18T16:38:00.000+01:00

Is what I am.

13/9/7 - I had a pretty productive and lovely evening. Pub before orchestra had a new face (Andy Bassoon) although lacking in old faces (Katrina Violin in attendance, Tim Viola now in Sheffield, Ali Cello always too busy for us, Caroline Violin and Eoin Clarinet late). Rehearsal was fine. We seem not to be up to full flow yet. But I'm glad to have Neil back. Yay! After rehearsal we had a quick meeting (Note to self: you have the church keys. Don't forget them on Thursday...) which was ace! Felt like everyone cares and I think there was one thing that I'd not thought of. That could be a lie though. Savoy pub crawl was rubbish. Well, it wasn't rubbish, but Frankensteins is, for trying to chat at least. Plus I was worried about Rodney. But was lovely to see a few people. Hope to see them better soon!

14/9/7 - Up early, early, early to pack and get to work. Did well. Work exceedingly dull (see previous 2 posts) but short. Had a quick drink with Erin & workmates before train. Bought wine for the train, but had to get a big bottle as M&S didn't have little ones. Then had to drink out of the bottle. Classy. The lady next to me saved me when she went to the buffet car and got glasses, so I shared with her and had a lovely chat! I also read the script for Three Little Maids in Sherwood Forest - the show I'm producing & doing costumes for at work. It looks good! Let's see what the auditions bring on Thursday...

I eventually arrived (after a looooong last hour) and got the bus to Rusholme. Fantastic surprise of ex-Housemate Dan getting on the bus! He was drunk and amusing. Yay! Then to Hardy's to find a plethora of lovely people (Charlotte, Dan, Liz, Andrew, Cass, Joe, Rosy, Andy, Emily, Rich, Miranda & Steve). Was disappointed that Wolf wasn't going to be there, as he was on a sofa dressed as a cowboy. Strange. But true to form he appeared a la pub anyway. I stole his hat for a bit. Then it was back to Charlotte & Dan's* with Cass & Joe for tea and bed.

15/9/7 - The boys had to get up early to go to work (ha ha!) and Cass left to go pack for her camping trip (i.e. get back into bed). Lazed around with Charlotte, then we went to meet Justin and Ian in Solomon's for breakfast. I forgot how much I like that place. Was good to see Justin before he goes off on his Madagascar adventure - I look forward to hearing about what he's been doing. After a good catch up we all went our separate ways and I headed into town. Met up with Adam and Tim from maths and we played around in Urbis. I liked it muchly! I've always had a pretty negative impression of Urbis without ever going there, but now strongly encourage people to go, if only to feel like you're in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and go in a diagonal lift. The exhibit that meant you can throw balls at strangers and play with children and a fake picnic is now gone, but go see the Hacienda exhibit. I learnt things. There's a new one opening in October about some design awards or something. So there.

After playing Shaun and Dean found me, and we found Del and lunch and beer. Great plan! But by then I was tired, as getting to sleep on Charlotte's sofa when drunk was fine, but getting back to sleep at 4 was not. So went back to the hotel with Del for naps, but then I failed to have a nap and did my nails instead. The it was off to the party. I managed to get us a little lost on the way, which resulted in wandering around rather dodgy looking areas. It was fun. We found a new bit of canal and thought about arriving at the party by boat. Party was lovely! Sarah and Cattac looked lovely, and there were many, many splendid people there. I snuck off for a while (I think only Mahinda noticed and I was suitably mysterious, just because I could be!) to say hi to Mark who was drinking along the road. Got back to the party at kicking out time and managed to steal** some decorations.

16/9/7 - Woke up about 4.30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Grump. Eventually got up about 9 and showered. Got out of the shower to discover a text from Mark asking if I was up and saying they (Mark, Andy, Sabeena & Kieran) were drinking in Hulme Park. I didn't really believe they'd got up that early, but it turns out they hadn't gone to bed. Far more believable. So I met them for breakfast. It was amusing being so fresh in comparison! I was even wearing the day before's t-shirt and jeans, but 3 hours sleep and a shower made me superior. That and the fact that I ordered a vanilla latte when they all ordered black coffee... Then off to Kro Piccadilly to find Anne, who was up from Norfolk for the weekend. Lovely! Andy & Emily were first to arrive, and that surprised me a lot! Anne and Charlotte and Dan were late, and Liz, Andrew & Ian were later, but they weren't supposed to be on time. Catching up and Guinness followed. I was really quite rubbish by then though - not much sleep many nights in a row.

Left Kro and headed under Adam's escort to Piccadilly train station to find Maths Liz. We couldn't decide what to do, and as all we wanted to do was hang out, we did it right there in the station. Well, upstairs in a bar bit. Oh, forgot to say - all this time I was carrying around 2 balloons (1 popped on a scallies cigarette). Anyway, we played on a quiz machine and caught random bits of each others lives. Lovely. Liz had to go pick Carl up from Scouts and she casually mentioned that he'd had a 3 hours heart operation including having to be fibrillated in the middle! Scary. I was going to go to my parents' then, but it turns out they were in Bangor trying to fix the internet, so I wandered off to find Mark, etc. at The Cavendish for pool. Was funny - they were all amusing and occasionally falling asleep at the table. They needed curry, so I then did head home where Daddy and Jodie (dog) met me from the train. I think I was a little tipsy and I think my dad knew... Oh well! Tea was had, stories were swapped, plans were made, bed was found. Lovely.

17/9/7 - Random Bank Holiday, just for Edinburgh, not even the whole of Scotland. I'm not complaining though.

/me does the paid holiday dance.

Wasn't sure where I was when I woke up! Turned out I was in Jennifer's room, due to complication of the house being a show house for selling and not wanting to iron sheets. Yet again I'd woken up many times in the night. I then failed to get up when my alarm went off and had to be woken up by my mum to get out of the room for the window replacer man. Enjoyed the luxury of the bathroom and eventually did what I was supposed to and went into the loft. I was right - I have two boxes of kitchen stuff, one of which I wouldn't care if it vanished. The other one contains my Beerfest glasses and some mugs that I don't want smashing, hence why they are not in my flat up here. Then went on an adventure with my mum and sent her to the hairdressers. I wandered through Bolton town centre, and discovered it's actually quite nice! The town hall is beautiful, and there are new flower beds and the fountains are looking better now they've blended in. Shame it's still full of strange looking people, and I've no idea if it would be nice in the evening, but it's gone up slightly in my estimation.

Train back was uneventful and dull. I was pretty glad to get back into my own flat. It'd been a long weekend. But a fantastic one! Was great to see everyone that I saw. As usual, I missed some people out. It just wouldn't have been possible to see any more people. I got over 3 crushes but gained 2 more. Decided not to unpack, but to get in bed and watch Walk The Line. Ace.

18/9/7 - Got incredibly lost on the way to the care home. Oops. They didn't care though, as they didn't know I was coming anyway! The afternoon one also said I wasn't due until the next day, so I went to the one that I had for the next day, and they thought that too. But did the interview anyway. The evening was Emma time as she's away for about a week. We watched Grease II and Cry Baby and drank wine.

19/9/7 - International Talk Like A Pirate Day! But I forgot and did not play. Possibly would have if I had been in the office. Was at the same place as yesterday. The morning's interview was very smooth and quick. The afternoon's wasn't so smooth, as there were many interruptions. I didn't mind though (I'm never in a rush!) and enjoyed a bit more insight into what else they have to do. I quite want to be a specialist palliative care nurse now.

In the evening I managed to do some washing up and feed the cat. Not nearly as productive as I would like, but a start! Then went out for a drink with Nikki. She's ace. We had a good catch up whilst drinking raspberry beer through giant pink straws. I managed to get myself locked out, but luckily New Housemate Rhian came back later on and I could get in. Hurrah!

20/9/7 - Today I am mostly miserable. I'm hoping this is just through being tired, so I might skive orchestra tonight to fix it. Although I think it might be more to do with being fat, and the more miserable I get about it the more I eat. It doesn't help. I need to fight my way out of it, but I really can't be arsed.

*Lots of people kept calling it Dan & Charlotte's, which, although technically wrong (I knew her first!) is easier to say...

**By steal, I mean take with permission. You've got to be careful about what the internet says! It is all true fact, you know.

Spring Clean

2007-09-14T15:02:00.000+01:00

Panic happened in the office. Apparently we're going to have a "deep clean" on Monday when no-one is here. They have given us very little warning (about an hour before the earliest we can leave, but everyone else gets here about 4am and leaves as soon as possible) and it appears most of the office is on holiday anyway. Like usual for this place. Anyway, they all had a panic as we can't possibly be ready for a clean with that short notice. Maybe a valid point, but I think your desk should always be tidy except for what you are working on.

Anyway, I'm really just waffling. I did manage to be useful for a while, both personally and professionally, but am still counting down the hours until HOME TIME! Might to early and do a little shopping... My jeans are far too small. I haven't got bigger... No. Well, maybe. A LOT.

If only I could get Facebook at work... I could happily spend my days stalking people again...

That Friday Feeling

2007-09-14T13:05:00.000+01:00

I am sick of being at this desk. Sometimes this job is amazing. Sometimes it is not. Today I have nothing to do. I know I say this quite a bit, but there's usually something not very urgent or some menial task to do. Today, nothing. Next week should be ace - Monday is a bank holiday and I'm going out on Tuesday and Wednesday, albeit to Glasgow and to the same hospital each day, but 4 different wards and it should be interesting. Then when I get back I'll have stuff to do.

It doesn't help that I'm very much looking forward to leaving the office. I've got my weekend bag with me and it's straight to the pub then train then pub. Even the train will be good as I've got a script to read and I'm going to get some wine - it will be ace.

I've spent the morning making things for Erin. I hope she doesn't read this! She only just discovered I had a blog, so I'm hoping not. Anyway, I wasn't going to get her anything before she goes off travelling, but then I was bored all morning and it was all I can think of, so I have used office supplies. I'm really going to miss her. I'm glad she's got to come back in between and at the end of her backpacking before leaving us forever. It's going to be weird in the house without her, but I guess it was weird when anyone else moved too. It's not as if it's been a surprise - I've known since the day she moved in!

Anyway, I'm going to go and see if I can create myself some work. Whatever I do will be pretty pointless, but so is this...

Pick up her pants

2007-09-13T11:16:00.000+01:00

I just misread 2 spam e-mails - "Pick her up", and "What's in your pants?" became "Pick up her pants". Much better, imho.

10/9/7 - After work I met Dan and Gesine in the Elephant House for a catch chat. Turned out to be a little silly, as Gesine now lives here and I'll see her all the time, and I'll see Dan on Saturday in Manchester. But was lovely to see them together and talk rubbish. I then nipped home to gather housemates plus couchsurfer (lovely lady called Cynthia from Florida) before heading to The Stand for a night of comedy. Red Raw is the Monday slot, and for £2 you get 8 novice acts plus a professional compere and headliner. Not all as funny as each other, obviously, but overall a funny evening, especially for £2!

11/9/7 - Jo (who we went to Roskilde with) came round to see Erin in her last week (*sniff sniff*), so I cooked her a random dinner and we all watched Bill Bailey's Part Troll with appletinis. Yum. I hope that I manage to stay in touch with Jo, but so far I've only managed to communicate through Erin. I'll try!

12/9/7 - Stayed at work late (ha ha, only till 6, but I've not managed that for a while - there's just no need to) and then got a lift with Dan. It took us both far longer than normal to get home, due to getting lost advenutres, but had a good gossip, which made me feel better. Accidentally on purpose got into bed when I got home, and had a little nap. Managed to get up briefly to do my nails and watch Addicted to Love with Emma. Nails a disaster though, so will try to find time to fix them later.

13/9/7 - Today. Got orchestra tonight followed by a committee meeting. Wanted to go to a Creative Space meeting and a Savoy meeting to discuss costumes for their next productions. Creative Space is a group from work that put on shows. I'm producing the next show, so they organised a production meeting for tonight, that I can't go to. Interesting. We'll see how this one pans out... If they keep doing annoying things like that, then I'm just not going to help. Not sure what kind of cosutmes Savoy want for Salad Days, so want to have a discussion with the directors and Nikki and Gesine and anyone else who's interested to see who should do costumes. But I can't go to the open meeting, so I shall just join them on the pub crawl after my orchestra committee meeting and see if anyone makes any sense!

Tomorrow I go to Manchester. I'm quite excited! Friday night is going to be a cosy night in Hardy's Well with Charlotte, Liz, Cass, etc. Saturday brunch with Justin, hopefully meeting maths/teaching people in the afternoon, then Cattac's 30th in the evening. Lots of older generation MUGSS should be there, including Mike and Pam! Aces. Not sure what Sunday holds yet, except I know it will end at my parents house. This might be my last visit to that house. CRY! I look forward to writing about this all after it happens.

Now, I go hunt for work.

September

2007-09-10T11:22:00.000+01:00

I'm not going to bother filling in the gaps, but I'm going to turn over a new leaf and start at the beginning of September. Plan.

1/9/7 - I woke up on a floor. This isn't as random as it would appear, except that the day before isn't included a la blog, due to it being August. I was at Lolly's house in Whitley Bay near Newcastle for the weekend, with Helen and Archie too. We started the day with breakfast on the beach with Lolly's parents, and had a paddle too. Lovely. Then we went to Newcastle (it has a castle! Who knew?!?) and explored and had tea and cakes and a little accidental shopping on route. Then back to Lolly's house for tea and getting ready. Helen was quite obsessed with SingStar or whatever it's called on whatever gadget Lolly has. Watching someone doing karaoke whilst sober and drinking tea is quite surreal. We then went out round Whitley Bay and a good time was had! Whitley Bay does seem to be full of old sleezy men though...

2/9/7 - Another night on the floor was really not good for me! I haven't mentioned that I'd been quite ill and off for most of the previous week. So I really needed a nice restful weekend with good quality sleep. Never mind! Sunday morning was spent mostly tidying up and stuff, followed by a trip to St. Mary's Lighthouse, which handily happens to be on a tidal island! I'm doing fairly well at collecting them. Woo! We walked all 167 steps to the top and enjoyed watching the CCTV camera. We also enjoyed talking to a man about birds. Helen appreciated his beard. I did not. I just about made it back to my train on time. Phew. Got home and attempted a little nap, but think I failed and did something useful, before going to see the Fireworks! Caroline had managed to acquire some last minute tickets to the gardens, so along with Eoin we packed a picnic and had a lovely view. Nice.

3/9/7 - All the activity hadn't helped anything, so I was off sick. Fun.

4/9/7 - Ditto.

5/9/7 - Had the first of two sessions of viewing the flat. Met lots of people, some of whom I would live with and some I would not! Think that might have been all that happened.

6/9/7 - The first orchestra of the term. Am still quite annoyed about the organisation of the orchestra (says the treasurer who has no clue how to do the accounts...). We started the term without knowing when the concert is going to be and what music we are playing. And we didn't have enough parts for everyone. And only half the committee was there, without telling the rest of the committee. But on the positive side Eoin is getting there with the website, so fingers crossed. And Neil was back! Hurrah! I like sitting next to Neil. He gets everything right, but refuses to lead the section. So I lead the section with everyone knowing he's better. That's just fine. I'm usually in the right place at the right speed (Neil's so fast!) which will do.

7/9/7 - Hand hurt a lot. Glad I told the doctor and am going to see a specialist. Although feel I may not have told him exactly what hurts, as I'm not sure. Hopefully all ok. I hope I don't have to give anything up. Left work pretty early to go back and show people around the flat. So many people! Was a bit crazy. But enough nice people that we knew we could cope with. Lovely. Then off to the pub to see Tim before he moved to Sheffield. It was fun, although I wasn't there for long before heading to watch The Graeme Mearns Band starring Ali from orchestra. Such a good band. I love them. Then we stayed for a few drinks, which turned into a bit of a session, for which I entirely blame John. He's such a bad influence! But lovely.

8/9/7 - ZOO! For Erin's birthday I gave her a voucher for a trip to Edinburgh Zoo, as I knew she wanted to go before she left. So we went with Emma as well. It was ace! Fun, fun, fun. We saw the penguin parade and had a picnic and took silly pictures of us with our heads/hands in strange places. Pictures on Facebook. Then we went to see Run, Fat Boy, Run, the new Simon Pegg film. He's lovely. Then we watched Rocky Horror Picture Show as neither Erin nor Emma had seen it. I think we were all too tired though! Great day.

9/9/7 - I spent most of the day in bed with a migraine. Nice. Managed to go to Tesco about 7.30 and then cook tea and watch Shooting Fish, then back to bed. Oh, at some point we did manage to sort out a new housemate and tell all the others that it's gone. Phew.

10/9/7 - Today. Head still hurts and am knackered despite millions of sleep. Today is the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. I doing know what I'm going to do to support it yet. Maybe I should have thought of this before. But something... Something...

The house

2007-09-05T11:31:00.000+01:00

http://www.findaproperty.com/displayprop.aspx?edid=00&salerent=0&pid=883984&agentid=09468

That's it. It's on the market. My parents are actually going to move! Strange. People have already looked round even though there are no pictures and it only went in the paper on Thursday. My mum's been having a fight about the caravan being in the picture, hence it stopping where it does (caravan is to the right of the garage).

Madness

2007-08-22T16:08:00.000+01:00

So... August in Edinburgh, hey? It's been crazy! I want to write down everything that I've done. But I realise that this is probably going to take a long time. I haven't even written about Roskilde bands yet, and I really wanted to have that on record too. One day, one day...

I should be moving house soon, and then I might be very poor. I will spend all my evenings in my flat on the internet drinking cheap wine. It might be quite nice.

But now is not the time for any such updating. Now I just wanted to ask a question:

Where are all the ethnic minority elderly people in Scotland? Cause they sure aren't in any of the homes/hospitals I've visited.

Floods and houses

2007-07-30T11:27:00.000+01:00

26/7/7 - Work. Felt like a really short day, as I only got to the office about 2.30 after my drive back. Which is nice. Then it was the last orchestra of the term. I thought for this we might get a bigger turn out - I was wrong! 18 people - just like the last 3 rehearsals, if not more. Spooky! But about the rehearsal itself - It was fine. I know I can't play all of the pieces, but I also know that I'm not the worst. I like to think I don't make things worse, at least! But I'm generally not that confident at the moment. August off might help, then I should probably try to practise. I should get my hands looked at first, as they hurt still. After rehearsal I went to the pub, which I haven't done for weeks! It was nice. Then I went to Doctor's and found lots of other nice people, which was also nice. But I was quite sensible and home by 12.
27/7/7 - Work. Very, very, very slow day. I was so tired. I'm getting bored of this waking up every day at 4 and not being able to get back to sleep! Grrr! Then had a nap, which is probably never a good idea, then went to a party. It was fun. I got drunk.
28/7/7 - Hangover was pretty strong. Managed to get to Nikki's by 1.30, then left to go see Caroline. We helped each other with dilemmas. Ace. Back to Nikki's and some productive stuff got done. Woo! Saturday was also the first outing I've been on with my new bike. I learnt some things - Saddles hurt the second time. Always. I think this bike's brakes are always on. Not useful. I like having a gold bike. 3 gears are not enough.
29/7/7 - Spent the day sewing with Nikki. We were quite productive! As well as managing to wear random things, giggle and do lots wrong. Rehearsal seemed to go well - it's the first I've seen of it at all. The show and performances seem excellent! Well done! The costumes also worked quite well, seeing as Nikki found out that they wanted to see them about 4 days before. Go us! Just a couple of evenings this week, and I think we'll be done. Hurrah!
30/7/7 - Today. I sent my dad an e-mail about money stuff, and realised I haven't phoned for a while, and will not have time for a while, so waffled a bit. I want to talk to them about buying houses, as my dad mentioned helping out. Not as a giving me money, but as an investment in buying somewhere big enough to get a lodger, and therefore profit for him. I think they're coming up for a weekend soonish, so I can talk to them then... If I'm here and not busy. Anyway, the panic is that they are thinking of moving. I've known this for ages - they looked at houses in Chorley and other places near them that have pretty bits a few years ago, and this year they have looked at a couple of places on Arran and the Isle of Bute that would be small businesses to keep them busy. But this whole time I didn't think about them actually leaving the house they are in! I love that house. And there is SO MUCH STUFF in it that will have to dealt with... Bum. They said that wherever they get will be big enough for us all to stay at the same time (and I guess live there if we want/need), but the stuff will still need sorting! My mum won't get a house that we couldn't live in. When she went away to uni, Gran got foreign exchange students in as lodgers, so my mum always felt that she was in the way when she went back in the hoildays, etc. So she won't have that for us. Whatever we say about it. I keep suggesting that I would only need a guest bedroom, i.e. bed & maybe a drawer/wardrobe if I was to stay more than a weekend, but she's not having it... Which is nice.

Now, I doubt anyone noticed, but it was called floods and houses, but so far I have only talked about houses. So... Floods. I happened to mention to Nikki that I thought the people moaning about the floods were silly. She quickly pointed out that this could be because I still have running water out of my taps, not on my floor. But I didn't mean it like that - I do feel for people who's stuff has been ruined and who can't just turn on their tap and who have to worry about looters and diseases from the water. What bugs me is all the people who've been quoted saying things like "I've not seen one member of the council on my street," and "Who's going to stop this happening again?" IT'S A FLOOD!!! No-one did it on purpose. Everyone is working as hard as they can to get you back into your houses safety and quickly. What good is a council worked being on your street going to do? Sympathise? They probably are, as they probably live in the same town! And if they are at your house talking to you, they are probably not helping fix the problem! But I do hope that you all get your houses with power and safe water back soon. Honest.

The Holiday

2007-07-27T09:46:00.000+01:00

So, it appears I never blogged about America. This is what I started writing on 29.1.7:

In brief, I spent much of the time:

Feeling really stupid whilst everyone else thought I was exceedingly clever
Being admired
Looking at things

About sums it up...

Decisions

2007-07-26T00:23:00.000+01:00

Decisions, decisions, decisions. As you will notice, they will mostly be based on other people. This is how I work.

Where to live

Edinburgh – Do I want to stay? I feel like I’ve not made that many good friends. I know I now know a lot more people. Probably more people than many people know in their whole lives. But I don’t feel like they’d miss me or I’d miss them. Except Caroline, Erin, Alex, Adam and Dave. But Erin is about to move back to Canada, Alex only sees me at home and I don’t reckon we could manage to meet otherwise, Adam is very busy and we only see each other once a month and we could do that living in different cities, same with Dave. That only leaves Caroline who I would miss and I think would be upset. I do love the place. Every day I still remember that. And every time I see the castle it cheers me up. And every time I see my street I love how pretty it is. I really, really, really want to belong here. But I’m not sure I do or can. Maybe I need to make a different life and then bring it here…
Manchester – I’m not sure I can go back. There are people that I miss so much. Charlotte, Liz, Cass, Andy, and their associated friends. I’d have people I love around me far often. I’d be nearer my folks, who I have missed a lot. I don’t know why – I didn’t used to see them often. I probably see them as often now. I just know that I can’t see them as easily.
Bolton – I could move home. It’d be cheap. I could probably get a good job at Bolton Hospital, or Wigan or one of the Manchester ones that’d be easily commutable. I’d eat properly and get enough sleep and have everything I could possibly want. I’m sure it wouldn’t be that hard to visit friends from there either. Right now, I can see no disadvantages.
London – I was going to go here when I moved to Edinburgh. The reason I didn’t was that when I was thinking about it I was going to be teaching, which had a minimum salary. As a nobody I didn’t have that, and therefore couldn’t afford it. I’d say that now I have a minimum salary through the NHS that might be able to support me there… Would it be fun?
America – I wonder if I could go live in America for a year. Is that complicated? I’ll ask Melissa.

I suppose it’ll all get sorted when Melissa is here. Is that weird?? Probably. Cause I don’t know what her plans are. I think she is going to move to Edinburgh in a year, for a year or two. If so, I will buy somewhere that she can live too. Then I will plan for what I want when she’s left. But if that’s not the case, then I shall decide whether to stay or go.

Where to work

I want to be more useful. I want to work in the NHS still. I need more skills. I don’t know what these could be. I don’t know how to be more useful, and that bugs me A LOT. I just don’t know what I’d be most use at. How can I find that out?? I might go back into HR. At least I felt useful. People told me every day how useful I was and how better than the others I was.

Every decision is right and wrong. There is nothing in it. Who knows where I will find what I want from life – to fill my void? I want a life partner. That is what I want. There is no real way I can make that happen. So I don’t know what to do until then. Every decision seems pointless.

Everything seems pointless.

After Roskilde

2007-07-25T23:48:00.000+01:00

10th July – Work. I had loads of hours to make up at work, so I did lots and then did nothing in the evening.
11th July – Work. Was going to meet Adam for a drink, but he cancelled due to headache, which was quite relieving as I was knackered. But I miss Adam.
12th July – Felt awful and had a nose bleed, so didn’t go to work. Went to orchestra, but not pub as felt sick.
13th July – No work again. Ventured all the way to Morningside to the library as I needed entertaining. I also bought a new washing up bowl as ours appeared to have fallen out the window and broken. As if Alex didn’t notice… But it showed how ill I was when I looked for about 5 minutes for a price, then asked, and it was right there. Ill. In the evening I was going to meet James, but he cancelled, which was good for my body.
Also in those past few days I had something for August and something else for September cancelled. I was feeling a bit lonely.
14th July – Put up my tent to wash it. Shaun was in town with his family, so I went to see them for a bit in the afternoon. Was going to go out for the evening, but I got arranged kidnapped by my parents and went to Carnoustie as they were going there for the golf the following week. I helped put up the awning and tent. I like building things. Carla was great at hitting in pegs with the mallet. She’s 5. . Had a lovely evening with Mummy and Daddy and Katherine. Slept in Katherine’s tent on an airbed. Bliss. I later discovered Dave had also been in Carnoustie and failed to find chips. We got some. Ha ha
15th July – In the morning Katherine took me and Gary to the golf Open. Nothing much was happening, as it was the practise before the practise round. But Katherine was very excited about it, as she’s been every year for ages and wanted me to see why they enjoy it. True, there were rather a lot of cute men. I can see her point. But the Scottish Masters was still being played at Loch Lomond, so no-one was in Carnoustie yet. We had to go through airport security to get in, which was quite exciting. And Gary got in free as he’s a juvenile and had a sign on his wrist to prove it. Then we went to see Gran, who seemed fine. She was just off to the pub for a coffee! She’s muddling along. I should go and see her more. Well, should is the wrong word. I want to go and see her more, so I should make more effort to make that happen. We then picked up the other Townsends and went to the beach! Except the tide was in… Oops. So we went to the paddling pool and I got soaked for sitting on the train. Went to watch Harry Potter with Andy when I got back. It was AMAZING! I got so into it. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.
16th July – Work. Then watched Die Hard.
17th July – Work. Then watched Die Hard II.
18th July – Work. Then watched Die Hard III.
19th July – Work was a very varied event. Some parts of the day I hated so much and though were ridiculous, and some points I thought were ace and exactly what I wanted to do. I can’t decide at the moment if I want to stay for ages and try really hard, or if I want to look for something else... Orchestra -we had a guest conductor, Fiona. It was hilarious! I’m not sure that should be what a rehearsal is, but it was ace. Fiona is funny, and the people who were there enjoyed every minute. It was fun. But I still didn’t feel up to the pub after, so I didn’t go.
20th July – Work. Then ceilidh! For Andy’s birthday. Teannaich were playing at Pollock Halls. I hate ceilidhs there. There is not enough room. The people who go are morons (generally speaking, not the people I know). So it’s really impossible to learn anything and dance. But the band are ace and the caller is hilarious and VERy attractive. Housemate Erin had friends up to visit. Heather and Steve have been before, and I really like them! They are fun. Suzanne and Shawn were visiting Heather and Steve, so there were 4 visiting Canadians. Somehow Suzanne and Shawn didn’t understand what a ceilidh was, so didn’t get into it. I was pretty mad that they didn’t even try one dance. I tried… I walked home with Erin and avoided the after ceilidh gathering for various reasons including tiredness and not liking certain people and not feeling confident enough to be liked by the others.
21st July – Walked to town in the morning and visited Mary in the shop she works in. It’s the perfect job! She gets to decorate balloons and plays with glitter and sparkly things and all sorts of party related things. FUN! I then bought a bra specifically for that evening’s dress and then went to Nikki’s new flat to help. It’s a lovely flat! I helped put up pictures and hang clothes and remove annoying blue tack. Then went home and got ready for Josie and Dave’s engagement party. They are so lovely. I hardly talked to them all night though. Oops. Talked to Jay mostly, and also Mary and Will and others. Went back to Simon’s flat after where there was a mini party. I love Simon’s flat, but I think I’m going to decline the option to move in there. It’s a tricky decision. Will have to talk to him again.
22nd July – Pretty much nothing! Was quite hung-over. Then got a monthly visitor, so I stayed in bed ALL day pretty much!
23rd July – Work.
24th July – Work. Dave’s birthday. Nick’s birthday. Went to the pub to see them. It was nice. But I didn’t take any presents or anything cause I hadn’t got that sorted yet. I will, I will…
25th July – Today. Melissa's Birthday. Work – Left home at 7 and got to Campbeltown about 12.30. It’s far away! Did work, then decided to go on a walk. I’d found an island (well, I suspect I’m not the first one to find it – you know what I mean) and decided I wanted to walk to the top of it. It’s one of those islands that you can walk to in low tide (they probably have fancy name* – I’d look it up if I had wikipedia!) and seemed to be a hill. I thought exercise and fresh air is a good plan, and I might not get the chance again. So I went to Woolworths and bought sandals (wasn’t doing it in heels!) and a t-shirt and set off – was only 2 hours until the walkway would be gone. I got there to find a sign for cave drawings, so instead of going to the top, I turned right. This was a ridiculous idea. To get to the caves was very rocky, and I was wearing sandals. I found a cave and remembered that I’m really quite scared of caves after watching that stupid film about the girl climbers who go into caves and find people who are so far adapted into cave living that they aren’t really people anymore. So I wouldn’t go into the cave, even thought it I could see the back and I knew it wasn’t very deep and there was nothing in there. I’m such a wus. But I kept walking as I couldn’t see any drawings and naively thought they might just be a little farther. I managed to scare myself into a tizzy – there were vultures (buzzards!) circling overhead, and a mountain goat carcass which they had obviously devoured on the rocks. I wouldn’t go into the other caves either, and since getting back realise how stupid it was that I didn’t even see the drawing. Oops. Anyway, I refused to walk past the dead goat again, so I kept walking. I was sure that the other side of the island would have sand and I’d get back to the walkway in no time. No such luck. Rocks, rocks, rocks. I twisted my ankle a couple of times. I had so many visions of me falling, banging my head, the tide coming in, etc. I got stung by nettles and many scratches from ferns. But I made it back alive! And had a paddle in the sea on the way. It was warm on one side of the walkway and cold on the other side. Interesting.

Shona from The High Life is in The Bill. That is amusing me a lot. Especially as how serious she is. I just want her to call someone a big nancy numpty or something. And Darren Day is in this episode. I love The Bill. I think I’m only going to do overnight work trips on Wednesdays from now on so I can watch it without getting a TV.

*I looked it up. It’s a tidal island. Not that fancy… But there doesn’t appear to be many of them in the world. I have been to 3 or 4, I can’t remember. So I better not count it. And I better not count the one we have a jigsaw of. I might try to go to more…

Void

2007-07-25T22:54:00.000+01:00

I’ve been doing some mega thinking recently – after watching Garden State and reading a book called The Shape of My Heart. I thought it was a girly booked from the title and the pink cover and the theme of love. But it wasn’t. I liked it a lot though.

Anyway, to my point: voids. [BTW this is going to be emo, you have been warned]

There’s a theory that we all go through live trying to fill a void inside us. We all do different things for this – relationships, hobbies, jobs, holidays, etc. to try to fill this void. Everyone’s is a different size to start with, or at least we notice them to a different extent. I think I like this theory. And now I am trying to work out what my void is wanting. To be fair, this means very little to how I live my life. I just now don’t mind that there is a void. I feel more normal about it now it has a name, and it appears to be experienced by other people. It’s all just fine and dandy.

I do worry that what I think will help fill my void won’t. I think I know what I want and need. I don’t know how to get it – it’s not something that I can have any control over. But what if I’m wrong?

But that’s not worth worrying about really. I just do occasionally, usually just for about 5 minutes. I like having an occasional wallow.

The phrase “help fill my void” is ridiculous.

Blogs

2007-07-25T22:47:00.000+01:00

I’m writing lots of blogs. I’m very behind. I need to catch up. I’ve been very lazy blog-wise. It didn’t start off as laze. It started off as not feeling exciting enough, then I went on holiday and there was a load to blog about. Then I got back and didn’t have anything to say again. I couldn’t even really decide what to say about the festival. I couldn’t decide about anything and nothing that I had been doing. Then it all just got too much to write. But today I am inspired and I’m giving it a go. But it is 10pm already, and I’ve not done much. I’m in a hotel with Chinese takeaway and pear cider and work’s laptop. This could be a long night… But that would be a bad idea, as tomorrow I have to drive all the way back to the ‘Burgh and then I’ve got orchestra after work. It’s the last one of the term. I hope it’s fun. I want to go to the pub afterwards. I haven’t done that for weeks. I’ve been too tired.
Anyway, this isn’t me writing blogs. I need to write what happened before I forget.

Well, really, I need to get over being worried about forgetting what I did ona particular day. Why do I care? Why do I need to know what I did every day for years?

I don’t know. But I do. So I will.

BTW, I had to open the pear cider bottles with a teaspoon. I’m quite proud of that.

(I did cut two fingers on first attempt. Second was far easier. By the third I’ll have it cracked!)

I really can't be bothered thinking of a title...

2007-06-15T09:23:00.001+01:00

5/6/7 - Went over to Adam's for the evening. Was a good catch up. I love Adam. We are such geeks though. Listened to cover songs and ordered takeaway online. It was ace knowing that they couldn't get it wrong cause it was typed, rather than misheard over the phone. And it was yummy.

6/6/7 - Don't remember. Think I just hung out with Erin for the evening. And by "just", I don't mean that it wasn't fun. I mean that it's not for writing about.

7/6/7 - I cheered up after a dream about a friend who I have a crush on. But I'd forgotten all about it/him. But my dream reminded me, and I lost the grump that I'd had for a while. Then I had orchestra. It was weird, cause it's the summer and less people turn up. And our conductor was late, so we had someone else. So all odd. And by the end of the rehearsal I was feeling awful. So I went home and not to the pub.

8/6/7 - Feeling awful turned into a cold. Grump. After work I went to find Auntie* Linda at the train station. It took me ages to get there, so I wasn't there when her train arrived, so I had to ring mummy to get numbers, and then spoke to her husband to get the right number, and eventually found her. She was in Jenner's, shopping. I'm not sure if she had a plan other than "arrive in Edinburgh". Strange. Anyway, we went back to my flat and Auntie* Helen arrived for a nosey and then we bought BBQ stuff and went to the campsite. I helped Daddy with the awning and Helen with the tent. I'm useful. Then I drank wine. Helen gave me a lift back, which was ace.

9/6/7 - Daddy came over in the morning and we went to a bike charity shop to give them 2 old bikes, and then we went to buy me a tent. I got neither of the ones I was thinking of. We then went back to the campsite and had lunch and went for a walk. I was feeling pretty rubbish by then, so had a nap. I snored in time with the dog, apparently. She is the loudest snorer EVER. I put my tent up to test it. Look:

It is cute AND sensible. Mummy and Helen and Linda then arrive back, with Auntie* Sue. They had been at a school reunion, so had lots of stories that I didn't understand at all. They had a DVD of a tour of the school, and I discovered why my mum is so posh sometimes. Was going to go meet Mark for a drink, but was completely knocked out with cold still, so went to bed.

10/6/7 - Woke Mark up by ringing him at 12 and forced him to get up. Went for lovely lunch with Mark and Erin and Dan and Olivia. Yum! I really should meet Dan and Olivia when Mark isn't here. Well, when he is here too, but it shouldn't be just when he's here. I should steal his friends. Mwah ha ha ha. Think I did nothing more after Mark left except watch DVDs and grump about being ill still.

11/6/7 - Recorder rehearsal. First half was awful, but it got better. It makes more sense with both violin parts there.

12/6/7 - Went to Kingussie with work, before travelling to Aviemore to my hotel for the night. The hotel I was supposed to be in was overbooked, so they upgraded me for free. Woo! Ace room. I went shopping a little - it's an outdoorsy kind of town, so I went looking for useful things for my trip. I bought a holdall. Not sure if I'll get something more suitable, but it might do... I then got food and went back to hibernate in my room, and discovered I'd lost the stupid card key. It'd fallen out of the ill fitting card. Grrr! I was rescued, and then I stayed in my room all night with TV and bath and nail varnish and magazines and books. Ace.

13/6/7 - Left my beautiful hotel (after discovering a conference of men in suits - where were they the night before?! I should have gone to the bar) and ventured to Grantown-on-Spey and then Inverness, before the long drive home. I did manage to stop in Pitlochry to take a picture of a sign that Erin's Mom wanted:

'Nuff said. Got back and watched some Arrested Development before bed. I love that show.

14/6/7 - I was mostly tired. So tired. I need to start getting enough sleep! Oh well. So I went straight home... After an evening of samba drumming. I keep getting the words samba and salsa mixed up. That's confusing. But it was a fun evening of hitting drums and cow bells that weren't called cow bells.

15/6/7 - I spent most mostly want a VW camper van. I went for a very long lunch with the team from my old job. It's funny - I've been in this new one as long as I was there, but still feel like I know more about that old job. And I feel like that job was harder, even though I get paid far more here. Most of them haven't seen me with my glasses. Or the coat that I wear all the time! So they haven't seen me since America. Or, in fact, Christmas. Was ace though. But with long lunch and then leaving early, my flexi time got a battering. Oops. I left at 3.30 to get the train to Lancaster! Met up with Helen and Lolly and had a lovely evening of pizza and wine and then shots in Revolution. We discovered that all the men in Lancaster are students or dumb.

16/6/7 - A slow get up followed by a cooked breakfast started the say well. Helen was being a fantastic hostess and made us breakfast and then ate fruit instead. Weirdo. We then ventured into town to find Charlotte and lunch. Basically, we just kept eating. And talking. Charlotte bought me and ace necklace/earrings for my birthday. I bought a cow print tripod stool thing, an airbed with built in pump and a pan set for camping. Then we found Archie and afternoon tea. Oh, Danny appeared occasionally too. He's got a funny beard. We went back to Helen's flat and played Jenga and then got ready to go out. Charlotte had to head back to Manchester, which was poo, but I'm glad I saw her. We (me, Helen, Archie, Lolly) then headed out to various bars ending up in Hustle, which is a cheesy club. They were playing roulette and black jack upstairs. The lady doing roulette was lovely and fun. We "gambled" for about 3 hours. I say "gambled" because she kept giving us our money back if we lost. Eventually we won a pitched of alcohol, and by this time we'd gained a couple of blokes. They helped us pick a bright blue pitcher of some description. Nice. I'd been ready to go to bed at about 11. I was so tired. But somehow managed to stay away until we got kicked out of the club (about 4.30) and didn't get into The Lounge, so the four of us and 4 random blokes came back to Helen's. There was more drinking and Jenga and other activities resulting in me sleeping in a corridor for about an hour.

17/6/7 - Got up about 10 (see above to work out I was up till 9am - hardcore!) and cleaned and showered and stuff, before making the boys get up and drink tea. We eventually got our stuff together and headed to Weatherspoons. I forgot that I'd bought so much stuff, and that I'd now have to carry it. Grump. Train was uneventful and I got back into my house just after 7. Lovely

18/6/7 - Just checked my little sister on facebook. She has been on for 8 days and has 109 friends. I've got 311. She better not catch up.

I'm a bit anxious. I'm not really sure why. It could be my birthday. I generally have one good year and then two rubbish ones. I'm pretty sure this doesn't have to be the case. But still, what if the next two years suck? I don't fancy that much. But I could just be worried about the concert I'm doing tonight, as I can't play it and the composer's daughter is coming to watch. Or I could be worried about camping for 8 days. What if I'm not good at it? Or it could be something else. Like seeing Housemate Alex after he's been away for ages. What if he's not happy about me asking him for money whilst he's been away? What if he's grumpy that we're having a party? Or something I've not even considered yet. Hmmm... I have been grumpy for far too long now. I hope I work out why soon and make it stop. Camping will probably fix it, if I don't manage before then. Must take writing paper and pens.

*I don't generally call them Auntie. It was for explanation purposes.

Tents

2007-06-06T16:00:00.000+01:00

So... I need a tent to go to Denmark with. I want to get this one (in pink), but people at work have been picking on me. Evelyn says I should get this one, which would be an ace idea if it was big enough. Maybe I should get a sensible one. But I want to be able to recognise it. And I've been advised against painting anything incase that makes it not waterproof...

Any suggestions?! I'm going to take Daddy advice this weekend. I'm sure we'll sort it.

I also need a sleeping bag (mine is not very transportable and about 15 years old) and stove, etc...

Smokin'

2007-06-05T16:58:00.000+01:00

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/06/05104113

That excites me. I wonder if they will eventually do my suggestion of raising it slowly year by year? It'd be funny to be able to start smoking ages 40.

So, an update?

17/5/7 - I went to Lostock and had tea at my parents. The house changes every time. But it's still home. It's just odd when stuff changes, isn't it?
18/5/7 - I adventured to Todmorden to visit Rebecca (from old work) and Madeline (her tiny baby daughter). It was lovely to see them! And Todmorden is very pretty. Then I went with Mummy and Daddy to Wales. Katherine met us there, and we stayed at Jennifer's house. She appears to live in adventure holiday residence. There is even a kayak. But it is also fun. I slept on a high up bed that creaked, and K & J thought they were going to be squished.
19/5/7 - We went to Bangor pier and then to Anglesey to a beach, that wasn't beach, it was sea bed and then to a town and looked in windows. Lunch was then eaten (you ALL should try the scones from the end of Bangor pier) before driving back to Lostock. I then deserted the family and went to Manchester for fun and frolics. I love Hardy's Well. I love everybody who came to say hi. I love Wolf, and the fact that he was supposed to be in Austria, but he got thrown out on arrival. It was ace. I love Fab Cafe. I don't love casinos, but Mark and Dan will be forgiven, as no gambling happened, just drink.
20/5/7 - The day started very slowly and delicately... I went to town with Emma and bought a hideous dress and ridiculous shoes. Yay! Then I went to see the Holker's, who are ace! I miss seeing Fran & Matt more often. But I was a bit delicate and dull. I made it back to my parents and crashed.
21/5/7 - I had 2 lunch dates. Woo! I saw Charlotte, who I love and miss so much. I wish I was better at phoning her. And then I found Andy and we had pudding. I then went on another shopping trip with Emma where we failed to find anything we wanted at Afleck's Palace. I really hope they don't knock it down... The train back to Edinburgh was "interesting" due to two old drunk men, but I handled it so well another passenger told me I should be a nurse or social worker as we got off. Maybe I should... You'd think this is where the adventure ends, yes? No! I met Caroline, Sharon & Anna for a drink near the station. Then I went home. I really liked getting back to my flat.
22/5/7 - I think I went to the cinema with Erin & Erin's Mom. I can't remember what we watched. Oops.
23/5/7 - I must have done nothing. I hope I did. I needed it.
24/5/7 - Jake arrived. Met an ex-colleague at the airport, which was odd. Didn't have orchestra. Went to the pub instead. Met a different ex-colleague on the bus, which was also odd. Then went to a Savoy party. I remember balloons...
25/5/7 - Went to the museum and then to pick up the car for the ROAD TRIP!!! Drove up to Pitlochry with Jake, Erin and Erin's Mom, who is called Wendy, but shall be known as Erin's Mom. I discovered that water is higher on one side of a dam than it is on the other. Odd that.
26/5/7 - We did a tour of the surrounding area, which included Blair Castle, Queen's View, Loch Tay, and Ben Lawer. Or more precisely, Pooh sticks, being a troll, a very old tree, and lots of people being in a phone box. We got back exceedingly late, so had takeaway and didn't go to a gig.
27/5/7 - I was knackered and determined not to get ill, so didn't do much.
28/5/7 - Jake was ill, so didn't do much. I went to a recorder rehearsal. I'm playing in a concert for the 50th anniversary of the Edinburgh Recorder Society. I will be interesting, if not ace.
29/5/7 - Jake left for more adventures, and I went to work. I only went to East Lothian, but it is surprisingly far away. Don't remember the evening...
30/5/7 - East Lothian again. Some strange , strange places. Don't remember the evening again...
31/5/7 - Work. Then I got rained on. And by rained on, I mean RAINED ON! Thunderstorm style. My coat was wet for at least 3 days. So after tea in the nice warm pub with Caroline and Katrina, I went home and had a bath. Mmmm...
1/6/7 - AS IF it's June. Was not intending to do anything, so (of course) I ended up at a party with Erin. A Phat Hat Flat party, to be precise. I wore a Santa hat, which isn't as good as the hat I made 2 days AFTER. Oh well. Erin wore the Busby I made for Iolanthe, and stole the show. We drank far too many Appletinis and slept over.
2/6/7 - Ouch, ouch, ouch. OUCH. Then met Kat and had a curry and good catch up, before going to celebrate Elgar's birthday and mark Sibelius' and Grieg's death in concert form. It was an EXCELLENT concert. I had a pint there, which after Friday's drink consumption meant I was drunk. So I headed to Ken (from work)'s 30th birthday party. Some kind of structured dancing was going on when I arrived, followed by an impromptu improvised show, and pass the parcel. All rather silly, but fun. Then bed. Oh, bed is wonderful.
3/6/7 - I eventually got my ass over to Nikki's flat. I've been meaning to go help her with costumes for the next show for ages, but failed. I have helped now! I made a jester hat, and I am quite proud of it! Woo! And it was ace to catch up with her and gossip and stuff. In fact, stitch and bitch. We are stitch bitches, after all.
4/6/7 - Recorder rehearsal 2. I was awful. I've never had my 'cello change tune that badly through change of heat. It was a very odd experience. And I'm not good enough to play this piece, so I'm going to have to practise. Then I met Caroline and Sharon in Doctor's, where Sam and Gavin and Chris C appeared one by one. I drank too much for a Monday night, and then talked online for too long, probably inappropriately. Not in a rude way - in a dumping my emotions on people way. I thank them both, and apologise.
5/6/7 - At some point today it was 12:34 5/6/7. FACT. Apart from that, I've mostly been angry/grumpy/hilarious/laughing/smug. It's been rather confusing.

There you go.

I have also been buying many buttons from ebay. I'm not sure why just yet...

So, I think the adventure is on now, so I can write it down. And it will be true. I'm going to a rock festival in Copenhagen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. I've never done a festival before. I'm scared of someone falling on my tent and breaking it. But for some reason I'm less scared of this in Denmark... So I'm going to buy a pink pop up tent, and going to have fun. I'm going with Housemate Erin and her friend Jo. We have to fly to Sweden and then get a train to Denmark. Well, we don't *have* to, but this will make it about £200 altogether, rather than £500. That's good.

I'm going to go now. I'm going to Adam's house for tea. I've not seen him for ages. In fact, all the time this blog covers! Rubbish.

Almost...

2007-06-04T08:27:00.000+01:00

I keep almost writing a blog 2 days after my last one, and then thinking that it's too soon not doing it for 2 weeks. Oops.

Basically, nothing in my life has changed. But I am pretty happy about that, so there. And I have been on lots of mini adventures. I feel like I'm living up to my blog's name. And I've got other mini adventures planned. This makes me happy.

I'm in the process of planning a larger-than-mini adventure, but don't want to tell you about that until I know for sure, as I've been getting over excited and don't want to be disappointed if it all falls through. I do need to make sure I build up flexi time though, which could be tricky this week, as today is my only day out the office. Speaking of which, I really should go!!! So still haven't updated much. Oh well.

Roadkill

2007-05-17T15:43:00.000+01:00

On my many journeys around Scotland, I've seen some amazing things. I saw possibly the best view I've ever seen yesterday. I was on top of the world! I had to stop, I was that amazed. Luckily, there was a handy car park for such things. I took a photo, but it doesn't look as good as it should.

I've seen lots of road kill. There's generally rabbits, pheasants, etc. But on Tuesday I saw a baby deer. It was like Bambi. Except dead with broken legs. It was sad. I'm not surprised there are so many pheasants though. They're dumb and not at all scared of cars. Apparently in some parts of the country, natural selection is breeding rabbits that run in straight lines (rather than zig-zag, as is usual for them). Interesting.

I've also come across some rather interesting things at work. Obviously I can't say too much, nor would I want to. The people I learn about are elderly and it's very strange what can happen to people. But what I am going to say is what surprised me was the length of time some people are in hospital. I've discovered a few people who've been in hospital over 50 years. 50 YEARS! That's mad. One was in their 80s and had never lived anywhere else. I don't know why, but I didn't really comprehend anyone being in hospital over a year. Even that seems too long.

Today has been interesting. I had a meeting this morning, which is rather unusual for me. At least a meeting in the office, not a care home/hospital. And then I have mostly been laughing about a phone call. I was charged for breackfast at my hotel the other day, but apparently this had already been paid for by work, so I had to ring for a refund. We've been laughing at "Hi, I'm just ringing up about my breakfast". And then we went to an alternative therapies event in a boardroom, so I now have a worry crystal and some funny herbs and potions. Evelyn just accidentlly sprayed lavender bath crystals around her desk.

As you can tell, I'm not in the mood to work.

Soon I leave the office and board a train to Manchester. Woo! Home! Although it feels less and less like home, but never mind. I did manage to pick a weekend when Liz is busy and Charlotte is away. There are still many people to see though, and I'm looking forward to it muchly. :-)

Oh, I need to write down what I've done, or else I will forget forever and that will make me sad.

Since last blog I was rehearsing and then in a concert, went to Beltane with Housemate Erin to watch Housemate Alex, Mazz and Tom perform (I didn't realise that Tom was The Main Man - we were like moms at a school play!), stayed at my cousins in Carnoustie, went to St. Andrews, had Part II of Alison's Educational Pub Crawl, Helen and Jo came to visit and we went to the beach and in some vaults, I went to Richard & Katharine's wedding reception and danced, I was off sick for a week, I went for posh dinner with Uncle Bert & Paul, I stayed overnight in Aberdeen & I watched some work colleagues in a play.

Phew! So much I should like to write more about. But not now. Now is the time to get a train!!!

Why does it upset me?

2007-05-11T23:13:00.000+01:00

Why does it upset me when I talk to complete strangers online and they turn out to be tossers? I don't like them, they can't type complete sentences, they have no interests, they don't like their jobs, they can't talk about anything other than boobs, yet I get upset when they don't find me interesting.

WHY????

Aaaaaaages.

2007-04-25T13:41:00.001+01:00

I've not been in the mood to blog.

I'm not really in the mood today either.

But I don't want to do work.

Thursday
This is where I left you. I was leaving work to go to the bank and then on adventures. I did this. Adventures were 2 hours of trying to find Shaun and Mark, then giraffes, then beach, ice cream, paddling and sand castles, followed by finding Charlotte and Dan in a pub. I then went to orchestra and Shaun and Mark went on other adventures, and Charlotte and Dan went home. Boo. Orchestra was fine, as far as I remember. Possibly even good. Then found the boys again, and we did some pub crawling with and then without Rodney.

Friday
Had to get up ridiculously early to get to the boys to the train station, so I was at work very early. How useful. Don't remember what I did after work. Possibly slept. /goes to check diary. Oh yeah! I went to the pub to see Kelly. She'd handed in her dissertation, and as such was MENTAL. She'd not slept for days and was hyper/asleep.

Saturday
I had a plesant morning of drinking tea and listening to classical music at Declan's house, followed by going in lots of charity shops to find exciting things to post to people. I failed. Then I had a nap, before going to Caroline's for tea. We had pie. Mmmm... Pie. After this came "Alison's Pub Education Tour" to some nice places, so I stop inviting Caroline to Doctor's. I now know some nice pubs. We're going to have another leg or two of this tour, and maybe a break away tour of places to have Sunday lunch and places for afternoon tea.

Sunday
Don't remember. I think it involved staying in bed.

Monday
Fife with work, followed by playing with my iMusic.

Tuesday
Fife with work, followed by playing with my iMusic.

Wednesday
Fife with work, followed by playing with my iMusic. It needed a lot of sorting. Now my comptuer needs more memory, followed my some more sorting. Probably.

Thursday
Work, pub, orchestra, pub. First time in ages that Katrina's been at rehearsal, so that was good.

Friday
Pub! Met Adam in the pub we've been intending to go to for months near our houses. It's a nice pub, with a grand selection of beer. Then Adam's friend Andy joined us, and we went off to Doctor's for a different Adam's leaving drinks. It all got a bit messy and drunk. Ouch. But it was fun.

Saturday
Recovering. Was eventually human about bed time.

Sunday
Went to the castle. It was free, therefore packed. I was very confused that there wasn't just "a castle". I might have missed it all together. But I did see a hospital and prison and cannons and things. The afternoon was then spent hanging out in my room with Housemate Erin. We talked about boys and listened to music. It was ace. Then we went to the pub quiz (we had to go, we needed a wee and Housemate Alex was in the bathroom). I only drank water, which I think was a bad idea.

Monday
Off sick. Watched many films.

Tuesday
Went to Glenrothes, saw a (minor) car crash and some swans, did some work.

Wednesday - Today
At work. Feeling pretty terrible, but not any specific symptoms, except sore ears... Going to sit still for the day anyway.

New Update Just In: It turns out that my £3,000 pay rise might actually be a £5,000 pay rise! Not that I've seen 1p of it yet. But I *should* tomorrow, as it's pay day.

Back pay will be fun. Maybe I will be out of my overdraft for the first time since 2001!!

In other news: I got many fun postcards recently. A man blowing a raspberry for Pete and Sarah, a one sided postcard game from Linden, 2 from Liz and the gang in the pub, a grumpy looking dog from Adam in France*, one with red shoes from Cass in Germany** and one with kittens in different beer mugs from Caroline. I think that might be all, but it might not. It's MANY! I'm so excited. I also recieved a DVD which turns my screen into a real fake log fire. Shaun is so strange! Oh, and me and the other girls in my flat recieved a card with an hunky man on the front, with the phrase "Happy Man Bits". Creepy.

I love my friends.

But I am cross with myself, that however many friends I have, or however great any are, there's still a big lonliness that just friends aren't going to fill. And that pisses me off. I can usually rationalise it out, and make it go away. But recently, as I've been feeling ill, it's just eating at me and is annoying. So there.

*Apparently they had a different Creme Egg Challenge every day. That day's was to eat the chocolate first, keeping the insides intact...
**I am a genius and worked out what it meant. Woo!

Eggy fun

2007-04-12T10:36:00.000+01:00

Tuesday
I went to Ali's gig. It was good! But the people who were going to come with me didn't. I wasn't in the mood to talk to people I knew a tiny bit. So stood mostly on my own. And then went home. Music was ace though. Check 'em out. www.myspace.com/thegraememearnsband I think.

Wednesday
Work. Bed. Intended to phone Charlotte & my parents, but failed.

Thursday
Work. Home. Tea. Katherine and Jennifer arrived. Pub. In the pub there was a guy from work (that I know by sight only) and some others playing small pipes and other instruments. It was cool and folky. I didn't expect it of him. I thought he was a ned and drank lager and smoked. Jennifer pointed out that he did these things too. But he's far more attractive now I know he plays pretty well.

Friday
ZOO! I like bank holidays. Free day off. So me and Katherine and Jennifer went to the zoo. I promised them a trip to the zoo for Christmas, if they both came to Edinburgh at the same time. So they did. I bought tickets through work, as we are corporate members and get a discount. Turns out that this is an excellent idea as it involves not having to queue. They queue was approximately 4.7 miles long* and full of children. Ew. We did not stand in it. We went inside and saw lots of animals. I took the best pictures of very random things. They will be on facebook soon. We had an amazing picnic. I was mostly mum. We had ice cream. And saw the baby tapir. I can't decide what animal I most want to be. We bought ready meals and pink sparkly wine for tea, and watched DVDs.

Saturday
Train to Arbroath. Found parents. Went to cottage. Had lunch. Went to Gran's. Went to the beach. Read book. Linda, George & Kenneth arrived. Had tea. Read book whilst they watched the golf. Bed.
N.B. This was far more fun than it sounds.

Sunday
Aillie's birthday. Kenneth made cake and Shona decorated it. I supervised. We made it into the shape of an 8. Because Aillie turned 8. We had 2 round cakes and cut holes, and in the end we had two 8 cakes. One large and one small. Cause we're so funny we gave her the little one and told her she had to share it between 16. She wasn't amused. We had 2 egg hunts - one for che children and one for the grown ups. Katherine lost an egg by throwing it into the conifer. It was funny. My dad nearly won the grown up egg hunt, until we discovered he didn't have 11 eggs, he had an assortment of 11 items, nicluding a shuttlecock, a stone and a hose attachment.

Monday
We decorated eggs and egg cups. Mine was ace. I drew a chicken on my egg, and grass and sky on my cup. Katherine's was pretty hearts in a striped cup. Jennifer made her egg look like her, but then accidentally crushed her own head, and then was disqualificated for not stopping when told. My dad did a cubist egg. Gary won the 8-21 competition with his knight egg in a castle cup. I gave him the idea. I'm so proud. Then we threw the eggs down a hill and the seagulls wanted to eat them. And we rolled down the hill and I flashed my knickers. Then me and Katherine got a train and I painted my nails whilst watching Crush, which wasn't the chick flick it claimed to be. I didn't feel warm and fuzzy after it.

Tuesday
Work. Then Charlotte and Dan! We ate Monster Mash and did a ghost tour. It was much niceness and fun.

Wednesday
Work then Shaun and Mark arrived. We cooked haggis, neeps & tatties then went to the pub. My friends rock. As do my housemates.

Thursday
Is now. I have just been appraised. I'm ace, officially. They think I'm doing an amazing job, which is funny. This afternoon I am off work. I am going to go to the bank and then play out and then go to orchestra and then play out some more.

Fun game (from the makers of xkcd) - find the combination of two items that most scares the supermaket cashier. They think a pregnancy kit and a single coathanger.

*May not be true

Hurrah!

2007-04-05T08:49:00.001+01:00

I got my flexi balance up to zero.

Mini waves and celebrations to me.

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

2007-04-05T08:20:00.000+01:00

***You Are Ernie***
Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times.
You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained
You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun.
How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Raising the legal smoking age

2007-04-04T12:45:00.000+01:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6172750.stm

I had the genius idea (I can't remember who I was with...) a while ago that to stop people smoking we should raise the legal age for buying cigarettes gradually. Whether this be by a year every year (so that one person will be the youngest person allowed to buy cigarettes ever), or at a different rate, I hadn't decided. But there would be a point where the youngest person would be, say, 34 and have to show ID at the counter. By then, you're not likely to start. And not likely to buy cigarettes for the kids hanging around outside. And kids woulnd't want to start, cause their siblings/peers wouldn't be smoking. And it would just be too much hassle.

So there, problem solved.

Halcyon Days

2007-04-03T15:38:00.000+01:00

I very much liked seeing what Pete had been doing, so I've joined in... I'm checking my diary though, not my blog. I'd probably need to check 3 places for the actual answer!

What was I doing…
2 years ago:
Was doing my PGCE in Manchester. Liz, Paula, Matt & Kate were 100. Was on the CAOS committee.

A year ago:
Was living in Manchester & working at the MRI. Had just been on a leaving do for someone at work, and played badminton and went to the Red Lion quiz.

6 months ago:
Pete and Sarah had just been to visit! Was working for AEGON & in 3 orchestras but not Savoy.

3 months ago:
Had started this job, and was recovering from playing with hippies over new year.

1 month ago:
Was making wings!!! Actually, exactly one month ago was the first time I'd seen grass in months. I went to Bedlam to borrow some costumes, and saw grass. Then went for lunch with Nikki, James, Dave & Lou.]

That was fun. But a bit odd thinking that far back. There were things in my diary that I hadn't thought about for a rather long time...

What advanced degree should you get?

2007-04-03T10:14:00.000+01:00

***You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine)***

You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination.
You were born to be a doctor.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

HA HA HA HA
Nutters.

I know this world is killing you...

2007-04-03T08:44:00.000+01:00

I've got bored of blogging.

Friday
Had the debrief meeting for the Savoy show. I've never had a debrief before. It was... interesting. I found out a lot (mostly in the street/pub afterwards, in true gossip style) that I didn't know about the show & Savoy. Then went for some drinks and it was fun. I didn't get as drunk as intended, as was tired, so went home fairly early.

Weekend
Was spent mostly in bed. And then the quiz on Sunday evening. I think that was all.

Mon/Tues/Weds
Mainly nothing. Work (in office, no trips). The evenings were filled with tidying/sorting. I needed it. Although I didn't actually get much done, as I didn't get home till late mostly, and then didn't do much.

Thursday
Work. Not orchestra! Turned up to the church to discover that there was a concert on instead. So we visited the pub early. Wasn't feeling on top form, so didn't stay very long.

Friday
Work. Work leaving do (Gillian's, not mine). I didn't really know anyone, but was good to go and be more social. I'll get there. I then meandered accross town to deliver some robes* to a wedding and then to the coach station.

Saturday
Arrived in London at 7am, having managed about an hour of sleep. Linden was possibly regretting not thinking through what time I'd arrive! I went for the longest shower I could manage, to let her nap. Then we went on adventures which included Primrose Hill, Camden (where we picked up Archie), postcards & very heavy salad. Linden had to go off for wedding adventures, so me and Archie went for more cider adventures. We had a good girly gossip & then I had to go to Epsom to see Del. Archie didn't want to stop playing out, so we talked to strangers and I left Archie with them, after I'd decided that they were okay.

Got a train to Epsom where I found Del with Rodney & Tash and we went to a pub. Gareth & Amily arrived later. Much cider was consumed. Too much. I didn't intend to, and I know that if asked I would have refused another drink. I made the mistake of buying a round fairly early on, and then got drinks put in front of me all night... I do remember everything, including making pasta and cheese when we got in. But I don't remember falling asleep on the sofa, so when I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep, I didn't know if there was anywhere comfier I could sleep. So not much was had.

Sunday
Ouch. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Ouch. Getting up was tricky, so happened very slowly over Hollyoaks. Eventually me and Del went for a walk and found a pub for lunch and fed some ducks. I explained my evil duck theory and how it was bad to feed the ducks. But it turns out he wasn't really trying to feed them, he was trying to lure them from the pond back to his garden, so that's ok. I then went to London to find the Josie, Adam, Tim & The Penny Dreadfuls. I got distracted and decided to walk instead of getting the tube, so got lost. I didn't have a map. I just decided which way was north, and I think I was wrong. but I got a bus and still got there well before the others, who were in a car, also with no map. The show was fun. If you ever get the chance, see them. I then (rather sucessfully) got back to the coach station . I managed a little more sleep on the way home, probably due to lack of sleep the other times. But not enough.

Monday
Work. I was almost asleep. Left at 4 to go to bed. Got up for a couple of hours in the evening, but mostly slept. :-)

Tuesday
Is now. I got up fairly early & was in work early. Hurrah! Going to a friend's gig tonight. Ace.

*Costumes from the show. The wedding was a G&S themed wedding. I think they met through Savoy. I may have made that up...

What song is in your head right now?

2007-04-03T08:15:00.001+01:00

Decide before reading comments & don't lie!

Quotalicious

2007-03-27T12:35:00.000+01:00

Mary (but she doesn't take genius responsibility):
"Life is a terminal sexually transmitted disease."

Dan, when pondering how to stop this STD spreading:
"Don't let people get drunk."

What you don't need to hear your boss say:
"I don't think I'm pregnant, unless I've been sitting on dodgy toilet seats."

Twice as long...

2007-03-23T16:51:00.000Z

Every day this week, outside of work has been as long as inside of work. Actually, isn't is always? It just feels like I've had full days in the evening a lot. I'm getting too old for this...

Monday
Emma was in town! So after work I drove to the bank and met her. I got her to watch the car whilst I put money in the bank, but didn't tell her which car* it was! Oops. Then we went to my house, but realised it was too early to be able to park, so we went shopping and bought the most amount of food ever for tea! This was consumed, and then we went to a couple of pubs with New Housemate Erin. It was nice! But no-one was that energetic, so the evening ended fairly early. I was driving (so to be sober enough for driving in the morning!) and Emma had to get back to her hotel/audition** in Glasgow.

Tuesday
Drove to Kirkpatrick Flemming and spoke to a nice lady in a care home. Stole some ideas for future use. Mwah ha ha ha. Then went to my hotel in Dumfries. It had a four poster bed and spa bath, which sounds ace. But it wasn't. The light was above the bed, so made the room have a weird light to it. And there was a dodgy light above the mirror in the bathroom which was very noisy. I was planning on a trashy film & browsing the internet, but the TV had 2 sky channels, which were rubbish, and the internet was broked. So I bought wine and had a bath. Was a bit boring. I should have taken more entertainment. But if the hotel had what it advertised I wouldn't have been bored. I did get to watch Diagnosis Murder! Yay!

Wednesday
Drove to Newton Stewart and spoke to a nice man there, then had lunch and drive back to Edinburgh. I got to the office at 5.30, so felt like I should stay for a while. I didn't. I had to get to the theatre to watch Singalong Sound of Music. It was fun! Not quite what I expected - as it was in a theatre, I thought it would be performed. But it was the film. Which is LONG! So after all the hype, dressing up judging*** and an interval, it didn't finish until nearly midnight. So I had to walk home.

Thursday
Work. Then pub before orchestra. I feel like I've not been to the pub before or after orchestra for weeks (probably not true) so it was nice to catch up with Caroline, Katrina & Tim. We were thin on the ground, but good quality. Then the rehearsal. I feel like I've not been at rehearsals for ages either, but this one was excellent. I didn't play well, or anything like that! But my brain was at rehearsal more than it has been for a while, the guy who's better than me wasn't there. So I felt more needed than usual. Which is just what I needed.

After orchestra I headed over to Mary & Woody's 21st celebrations - a ceilidh. I didn't really feel like dancing, so just joined in with the Orkadian Strip the Willow at the end. I have bruised arms. One guy in particular hurt! Then I went for a drink with Dave. I really appreciate his friendship at the moment. I've discovered that I can't trust some people. But I can really trust him. I think! And that's ace.

Friday
Is now. I'm trying to stay at work as long as possible. But this might be enough. Everyone around me left over an hour ago. I don't have much to do. I've discovered that I'm not going on a visit in a while. This annoyed me a little. But I'll just have to deal with it! Have been volunteering for things, so should be ok. And if I'm not going on visits, then maybe I can dye my hair! Woo!

I am very much looking forward to not getting up tomorrow. I'm going to spend the weekend tidying, sorting, cleaning, organising, etc. My room and my head. Although mot my head much. It's pretty ok.

But first, I am going to get drunk. And hopefully NOT switch the computer on when I get home. I might change my password to something tricky.

*It was the red one. There are 2 work pool cars - red and silver. I do know what they are, but prefer these descriptions. I like the silver one better. It doesn't have keys. The key is a bit of plastic. But you can put it in your handbag in the boot and still drive the car. This scared me at first, but now I like it. It's a bit like magic. It also decides how fast to do the wipers, and when to put the lights on, and fades in and out of radio channels when you change them, and tells you all sorts, if you want. It's fancy. And has power. Vroooooom!

**The audition wasn't in the hotel, as far as I know. It wasn't *that* kind of audition.

***One of the winners was A Jew, from the goodnight song - #Adieu, adieu, to you and you and you...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LIZ!

2007-03-23T10:50:00.001Z

A wedding!

2007-03-19T13:22:00.000Z

Friday
Work then show! Surprisingly. Caroline & Eoin from orchestra, Dave from work & Erin, and Gavin from old work & Lyndsey came to watch. Look at my ticket selling abilities! Ken from work had been on Thursday, and Ali from orchestra on Wednesday, too. Si arrived from Manchester half way through the show, but between him and Emma they managed to get his bags into my flat, so after the show we could go straight out to the cast meal*. It was an Italian on Lothian Road. Pretty nice! Chaotic though, as you'd expect for a meal for 60 ish people...

Saturday
Up early to get to the fabric shop before the matinee. Spent most of the matinee sewing when I wasn't playing, to make wings for the crew. Demanding creatures! I wanted to do it though. I just didn't have time or space or resources in the orchestra pit, so half way through I gave up and passed it over to Nikki, to save my ass, once again... Between the performances I took Nikki, Andy & Iona for curry, at a place I took Linden & Liz to when they helped me move up. It wasn't as good as I remember, so next time I shall either try somewhere else or go back to the other dish!

Quick dash home to change, as I'd accidentally ended up wearing my huge purple trousers for the matinee, and I wanted to look better in the evening. Then to the final performance! I couldn't be bothered. When the show started, I was just tired and grumpy. But got very much into it, as the audience and general mood was ace. Quickest get out ever, and we were all at the party about 12/12.30. Awards & general merriment ensued. Home about 5.

Sunday
Emma's alarm was set for 8, but she didn't move for a while! Then she went off to Glasgow, and me and Si joined Kelly & Dave for a drink in Bedlam. Si went off to get his train, and I went with Kelly to Dave's to watch something... I can't remember what, I fell asleep! Ooh, High Fidelity. I then stumbled back to mine and slept some more.

Monday
Work. Then Mission Flatmate! Basically spent the night tidying/writing adverts for a flatmate.

Tuesday
Flat viewings all evening. It's tiring.

Wednesday
Ditto Tuesday. Jo only got back late, so we told her about all the people we met and picked one.

Thursday
Tried to arrange new girl moving in, whilst not being in at all! Straight to pub after work, then orchestra, then Leith, then my flat, then Doctor's, then Leith, then home. Mission wings! but I got rid of some. Still loads in my living room... But that Doctor's trip was the best in a while, and it was spontaneous. Hurrah!

Friday
Went to Ayr for work. Was nice. Then had a lovely evening drinking wine in the bath whilst listening to Bill Bailey on Radio 3, before going to meet Mahinda at the train station (with a gold shoe mission in between too). A drink at Est Est Est with the groom & various guests, before heading back for an early night.

Saturday
Liam appeared at my house about 10.30, so we kicked Mahinda up too, and pottered around for a while. Liam then headed off to New Lanark and Mahinda & I went to the wedding of Richard Townhill and Susan Harris. Or Shiny & Suzy. It was a lovely ceremony, with a speech from Suzy's grandfather. His surname is the same as my Gran's maiden name, so for a while I thought we might be related. But I rang my parents and spoke to my dad whilst my mum spread pages of family tree round the house, to discover we're not related. At least not that much. Still possible if you go back a long way, I guess.

Anyway, the meal was gorgeous. I was sat between Mahinda and Gordon, who'd been playing trumpet in the ceremony. He knows Suzy from EYO many years ago, and is now a real musician! How exciting. We were also on a table with a couple from California and a girl who used to live with Richard at university. They've got such a fantastic set of friends. Dancing followed, but I stayed well away from that! Good spectator sport, imho. We left when we got kicked out (!) about 12.30, and Kate wanted another drink, so off we went to Doctor's. Kate changed her mind en-route, and the others walked too slowly and missed last orders. Was a bit pointless really! Then froze a lot trying to find a cab. Got home and Mahinda opened more drinks. Ouch.

Sunday
Lazy movement happened, and we went out to meet Matt, Sarah, Cattac, Ross & Bex for lovely food and then a wander around town (up and down the Royal Mile) where we found other wedding guests & rabbits. Back to my flat to get Liam's stuff, then sent him on his merry way. Mothers were phoned, and then me and Mahinda watched Mallrats and ate pizza before going to watch the Penny Dreadfuls perform Aeneas Faversham at Bedlam. The pub quiz happened to be on after that, so we joined in, and me, Mahinda & Nick beat the other million playered Savoy team, but sadly didn't do that well overall... A fun day of adventures.

Monday
Is now. I am very sleepy. Emma is going to be here this evening. Tomorrow I go to Lockerbie then stay in a hotel in Dumfries. It's going to be odd, staying on my own in a hotel for work. But it says it has satellite & broadband, so I'm sure I'll be entertained! A TV will be a novelty, and maybe I'll even relax and recover a bit...

*It upsets me that it's called the "cast" meal, as they want the crew and orchestra to come along, but it can feel like they're being left out due to the name. GRUMP!

2007-03-13T14:57:00.001Z

I have drunk far too much coffee.

Wheeeeeeee... Zzzzzzzz.

Anyone need a room?

2007-03-12T18:42:00.001Z

We are in desperate need of a flatmate! Anyone know anyone who needs a room?

http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/show_posting.pl?posting_id=8541420

2007-03-11T04:55:00.001Z

This is a ridiculous time of night to be on my computer.

Just realised...

2007-03-09T13:07:00.000Z

That is might not make sense. I talked and talked about costumes, and then swapped to drums... At the costume run, the percussion part appeared in my handbag. When I remembered to ask Ed (the MD), it turns out that he would like to take me up on my offer to play in the show. But I didn't have chance to look at the music! So played half of it at the dress rehearsal, and sight read the rest on the opening night. I've gradually been telling people that I'm not a percussionist, I'm a cellist. And I haven't seen the part lots. And then they're impressed with me. Before that, they think I'm rubbish, which is probably fair...

Not very long

2007-03-09T10:59:00.000Z

It feels like a week since that last post. Turns out it's only 2 days. Oops.

Wednesday
Justin, Gesine and Jonathan arrived from Manchester to see the show, so we went for a bite to eat before hand. This turned out to be silly, cause I had to go back to the theatre pretty soon, so I grabbed some chips. Show was quite good, by other people's feedback. I didn't play as well as Tuesday, cause Ali (cellist from my orchestra who is really a drummer and had leant me his kit) was listening. After the show headed to Doctor's for a couple of cheeky pints, then back to mine for bed finding for the masses.

Thursday
Didn't sleep well. Felt awful at 7 when I eventually crawled out of bed. Found a very chirpy Justin in the kitchen. Had shower. Felt human. Got the others up. It's funny how people are different in the mornings. Don't talk to Gesine*. She doesn't like it. They packed up very swiftly, after cranberry sauce on toast. It makes a good alternative to jam.

Work was fairly dull - not out of the office until next Friday. Fat Club was uneventful.

So, to the theatre. Arrived just before 5. I asked Nikki, Iona and Andy to get there ASAP, in an attempt to buy them dinner for helping me so much with stuff. But Andy and Iona were at the ballet, so when they arrived they weren't in time for that. So rescheduled. Everything seemed pretty calm, so tuned my timps and went to find chocolate for Ed who hadn't eaten. Then the fire alarm went off... So the cast, crew, orchestra and audience all had to evacuate and wait for the fire engine. Joy. Half the cast were in costume, some were in very little. It was windy and rainy. I ran round and tried to get anyone in costume away from the audience, but they didn't seem to think it important. Grump. But at least I the chocolate that I'd got for Ed to share out!

Show started 20 or so minutes late, once everyone had warmed up. I played better. Show looked ace from where I was. I know the techies weren't happy though. It's funny that everyone has different perspectives on it. Well, not funny, but you know what I mean... Wasn't going to go to the pub, but then fell down the stairs and decided I needed a drink. So went to Doctor's with the techies. It was fun.

Got home about 1, slightly worse for wear. I'm such a light weight at the moment! Which is good, but I forget. Oops. Alex had just got in too, so got up to talk to me. Turns out his mate who was going to move in tomorrow is not going to move in tomorrow. This leaves me stuck as the rent goes out of my account and everyone pays me. But now one person is not going to pay me. I'm so cross. I'm sick of the people in the flat being so unreliable. I'm the one who's always left to deal with it, as the one with a real job and the one who's organised. GRUMP! I don't even think Mo (who's moving out) has told the landlady. Which will leave it to me, again. But he's never signed a lease for the flat, so he can just leave with no record of being there. As can Alex.

I really need to move out.

Friday
Now. I eventually dragged myself out of bed about 7.30 to find a dead mouse outside my door. Thank you, Spellbound. Just what I always wanted.

*In the morning. Not ever. That would be rubbish.

Gosh!

2007-03-07T11:52:00.000Z

Another week. Who'd have thunk it?

Monday - Costume Run
So, the costume run wasn't as ready as I'd hoped. But a lot readier that some people expected, I think... Busy busy evening, and quite disheartening.

Tuesday
Went to Irvine with work. Tried to do as much as I could on the costumes in the evening.

Wednesday - Rehearsal?
Can't remember

Thursday - Band Call & Orchestra & Committee Meeting
Went to Troon with work. Was pretty. Band call was in the evening, but so was orchestra. So went to band call/did some cosutmes, then went to orchestra. Almost fell asleep. Then had my first committee meeting. No comment. Then pub. It was nice.

Friday - Rehearsal
Maybe. Not sure. Don't remember anything specific.

Saturday - "Day off"
Got up late (9.30) and went to Bedlam to raid their costume store. Carried lots of costumes accross the meadows. Arms nearly fell off. Then went to the pub for lunch with Nikki (she's been an angel!), Dave, James and Lou. Talked techie. Made a plan for Sunday. Went home. Sewed. Iona & Andy & Josie came to help. We went a little crazy. Were giggling for hours about nothing.

Sunday - Tech
Got to the theatre at 12pm. Left at 11pm. In between is a blur of not stopping. Some people cannot follow instructions or listen at all.

Monday - Dress rehearsal
Went to Galston with work. So had to be in the office at 8. Dress rehersal wasn't as good as it could have been. Some costumes were missing, but I knew I'd made them. Some were rubbish. So I shouted at all the cast. Told them not to let each other go on stage looking rubbish. They didn't listen. Got home about 11.30. Had lots of nightmares about people not listening/following instructions, and therefore being naked on stage. Or looking weird.

Tuesday - First night
Went to Kilmarnock with work. Got lost. Oops. Opening night went far better than I expected! Maybe just from where I was sitting though... No-one died, which I think is a miracle. Wings are lethal. A staff did fall on the french horn player though. Oops. It's props though, not costumes. NMFP!

Wednesday - Today!
Tonight some people from Manchester are coming. And Ali who leant me the drums. So I best not mess up.

Bleugh, Yellow!

2007-03-02T15:56:00.000Z

Your Aura is Yellow

You're a deeply happy and content person, and you enjoy sharing your cheer with others.While you may seem like a simple optimist, there is a lot of thinking going on inside you.
The purpose of your life: bringing joy and a better life to others
Famous yellows include: Conan O'Brien, Jenny Mccarthy, Jim Carrey
Careers for you to try: Athlete, Actor, Yoga Instructor

What Color Is Your Aura?

What does it mean?

2007-03-02T09:51:00.000Z

I had a scary dream. Well, it was scary until the last moment...

Me and my mum and Jennifer were in some woods, which seems like a fairly normal thing. And then Jennifer goes missing. We search for her for ages and ages, and it's creepy and scary and nasty. And then I find Jennifer's hat and a bit further along her hoody. And then a bit further along I find Jennifer, and I think she's dead. Then Mummy catches up, and Jennifer wakes up. She'd just gone for a nap. And it turns out Daddy was in the car very nearby, and knew this.

I think it means that I drank too much last night, and am too stressed to sleep deeper than dream level. Nothing more. Oh, and I'm sure it helps that I spoke to Jennifer late last night.

I hate the M8 in rush hour!

2007-02-28T00:15:00.000Z

Who built a motorway THROUGH the middle of Glasgow?!? But I did see a great rainbow, and am quite convinced that for a while I was actually in the bottom of it.

I currently have a rifle in my living room. And some humongous fairy wings. It's fun.

This is my early night. It is after midnight and I *should* get up at 6. I think I will not. I need sleep. As most of you know, I'm not a nice person when I don't sleep. Or eat. I ate tea today. It had spinach in, cause I thought that was a good idea. Yesterday my tea was Guinness. No wonder I was rude to people. Well, not actually rude, just pathetic and usless.

I am very much looking forward to my bed.

Coffee! On cereal!

2007-02-26T08:43:00.000Z

So, I've written some of this. I'm just going to organise it...

Monday
Work. Ran around a little. Flopped.

Tuesday
Work. Fixed the internet. Sewed.

Wednesday
Work. Drink with Dave. Production meeting.

Thursday
Work. Seaside. Work. Glasgow rush hour traffic. Rehearsal. Rehearsal. Pub. Melissa, Gwen, Dan & John Boy. Home. Wine. Spaced. Bed.

Friday
Work. 104 pairs of shoes*. Bongo club. Home. Sew. Melissa & Gwen. The High Life. Bed.

Saturday
Melissa & Gwen left. Tesco. Sew. Sew. Sew. Liz, Cass, Andy & Andrew. Sew. Met new housemate. Adam's 30th birthday. Sofa**.

Sunday
Sew. Others got up. Sew. Toast. Sew. Others go out. Sew. Pizza. Sew. Others came home. They helped me sew. Hurrah! I love my friends.

Monday
Now. I put my coffee on my breakfast. It was ace.

So, tonight is the costume call. I'm not ready. I'm very cross at myself for not being ready. But I'm a lot nearer than I thought I might be yesterday, due to the amazing help of Liz, Andrew, Cass and Andy. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

When I said I'd do these costumes, I didn't realise they'd want them for today. I've been busy up until today. So I thought I had a week to do everything. But they want it for tonight, so therefore it's not ready and I'm so cross with myself. It's ruined this weekend with some of my favourite friends, and I've made myself ill through not having enough time to look after myself. But it's my own fault! Everyone will have some sort of costume tonight though, and my list of things to do is going to be pretty short, I think. So it should be amazing by the dress rehearsal next Monday...

*The 104 pairs of shoes were not mine. Nor did I really want any of them. It was an exhibition about domestic violence, represented by shoes. 104 women are killed each year by a significant other or ex, so famous (actual famous, and important in women charity stuff famous) women gave shoes and said why. It was fairly interesting, although a lot of them weren't very original, so when 100 people say "here are some shoes..." it could get a little dull. And it was a little upsetting. But I'm glad I went.

**I gave up my bed and slept on the sofa, so that I could get up before the others and do stuff. This meant sleeping pretty much in the costumes. There's dedication for you!!

Bruises

2007-02-23T13:31:00.000Z

I got lots of bruises yesterday, in such random fashions. I have a bruised hand because I accidentally hit my cello case in a rush to pack up and get to Melissa. I have a bruised thigh due to Gwen's suitcase. And I have bruises on my calf from Dan Paterson hitting me with wings.

Who'd have my house guests?!?

Winnings

2007-02-23T13:30:00.001Z

I just ate pineapple and melon that I won at work.

I win such random things at work. A mountain bike and a platter of fruit. Whatever next?!?

Seaside!

2007-02-22T09:25:00.000Z

I'm going to the seaside today!! I'm going with work, but still. I'm going to go early and have lunch by the sea. It might be lunch in the car, as I've got Rodney and I might not want to leave him anywhere. And it's raining here. But I am going to the other side of the country, so it might not be raining there.

After work I'm going to Savoy rehearsal to (hopefully*) find my material and see some people about some things, then to orchestra rehearsal, and the I am going to find MELISSA! And Gwen and JohnBoy and Dan Paterson and who knows what other randoms they have picked up along the way...

So I am rather happy today. I've been grumpy and stressed for a few days, but I'm getting over it now. So there.

*Does it count as a split infinitive if it's in brackets? I hope not. If it does, I'm sorry.

My last words...

2007-02-21T12:57:00.000Z

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"Nice doggy."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

I'M ON THE INTERNET AT HOME!!

2007-02-20T22:49:00.000Z

Hurrah!

I can't believe I wrote that last post though. Oops. Hope I didn't scare someone. He knows who, if in fact he reads these things. I have a habit of saying things I shouldn't (as you all probably know!), but then trying to fix them by talking more (again, as you all know), which is quite tricky over e-mail. I don't know if I'm looking like a freaky stalker lunatic, or other type of crazy, or actually coming across how I meant it. Oh well.

No-one came to help me with costumes tonight. PAH! So now I'm going to go to bed. My back hurts lots. I think I'm going to be a rebel and set my alarm for 7 not 6. Wow.

Babies

2007-02-20T15:43:00.000Z

There is a baby at work. I want one.

I hate hormones*. I wish that wasn't what I wanted out of life, because it's not something that I can work towards/plan for by myself. So for me to be truly** happy with life is completely out of my control. And I hate that! I've tried and tried and tried to want something else, or even just not want babies. But I can't.

I will be happy whatever - I've decided that now, and I can achieve that myself. But yeah. Pah.

I should stop writing exactly what I think. Soon it will scare people.

Whatever.

*No, this is not a time of the month post!
**I've now got "Truly Scruptious, you're truly truly scrumptious!" stuck in my head...

Assimilation

2007-02-20T11:04:00.000Z

So, today at work lots of us are being assimilated. This sounds like it should hurt. It didn't, but mainly because I am now worth £3000 a year more.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Of course, I'm quite glad I get more money. Who wouldn't be?!? It means that I might get out of my overdraft one day. Ooh, but it also means I have to start paying student loan, I think. And it means I might be able to buy a house soon. But on the other hand, do I like earning this much and doing this little work?!? To be fair, an unlikley number of my visits have been cancelled, which has resulted in me doing nothing.

I think the decision has to be stick it out a while and see if I get more excited about it. I think I might. We're on a sort of side project at the moment, so when this has finished it might be different. But after this morning, I shall stay a while and see. I know that seems like I'm being bought, but I hope I'm not. I just think that if the job is worth that much then it must get more interesting. At least more tricky, anyway. I WANT TO USE MY BRAIN!!!

Well, get these costumes out of the way, buy a house, then think about a different job. I imagine that will be quite a few months, so then I will be able to make a decision (yeah, right) and I will have another chunk of experience.

Who knows, maybe one day I'll find a job and stick to it for more than 6 months?!?

At last!

2007-02-19T14:58:00.000Z

So this might be a long one... And I'm having difficulty remembering what I've done. Which is annoying. That's why I don't like to leave it this long. I don't like having gaps in my life!

Friday 2nd Feb - Savoy fundraiser concert
Concert was quite good actually - I've not heard most of them perform before. It was a very poor audience though... Afterwards I accidentally got drunk and stayed up late.

[Get outta my dreams, Billy Ocean, just came onto my iPod. You all need to know that I used to think this was Get outta my fridge.]

Saturday 3rd Feb
Met up with ex-Housemate Kat for a curry, combined with a trip to Leith to find a material shop and some other various costume/shopping stuff. Went home about 5 and went to bed. Was tired and felt awful.

Sunday 4th Feb
Nowt, maybe.

Monday 5th Feb - Notes on a Scandal
Went to the cinema with Caroline and a friend. Very much enjoyed the film.

Tuesday 6th Feb
Pass.

Wednesday 7th Feb
Went to Glasgow with work. Pass.

Thursday 8th Feb
Adam came to the pub after orchestra!

Friday 9th Feb
Pass.

Saturday 10th Feb - The Ball
I went to Savoy's 45th Anniversary Ball and had an excellent time. I did my usual trick though - had a lovely and sensible evening until getting exceedingly drunk and forgetting. Oops.

Sunday 11th Feb
Gondoliers sing through followed by watching Dave get his hair cut off. That was weird.

Monday 12th Feb
James tried to make my internet work, but the router is broken. Pah. Kelly came and helped me do some cutting out of material for costumes.

Tuesday 13th Feb
Went to Irvine with work. It's far away. Well, ish. I didn't finish there until 5.30, which meant I didn't get back to Edinburgh until 8, so I missed my production meeting at 6. Oops. Went to bed.

Wednesday 14th Feb - Valentine's Day
Spent the day in bed, alternatively sweating and shivering. It was ace. But I suppose better than realising the rest of the world is being romantic!

Thursday 15th Feb
Spent in bed again, followed by a short trip to the pub to see Caroline for her birthday, and Shaun and Nat who were visiting. I was pretty lame and not out long.

Friday 16th Feb - home
Still wasn't feeling great, so didn't go to work. Which meant I could get a lift from James (THANK YOU!) earlier in the day and got to my parents' house for about 5. Saw my parents pictures and mum's bruises (she fell off a horse whilst they were in Cuba). Then had dinner and showed them my photos from America. My dad said there are some very good photos, but he doesn't know how as they are all random. They saw my glasses for the first time, and the general consensus is that they are ridiculous, just like me. Everyone was a little giddy, but maybe I just noticed cause I didn't drink.

Saturday 17th Feb - MUGSS Show
Up early and to Bolton to swap my router. Then into Manchester to Abakhan/The Attic/Primark to do costume stuff. I miss those shops. Then met Dean for lunch before dropping Carl's car and stuff at Liz's and joining the soaks at the Mark Addy - traditional show week ritual. Had a great day catching up with people. Then The Show. I've realised over the years that I don't often enjoy watching shows. Oops. That's probably why I get involved - so I don't have to watch. But as shows go it was good! I enjoyed seeing all the effort of the set and costumes, and how co-ordinated the cast were. And Rosy! Rosy was blue!!! The aftershow party was fun too. Me and Carl left about 6. Oops.

Sunday 18th Feb
Up at 10 to get into town to meet Charlotte, etc. It was lovely to see everyone! It made me want to move back. Now I am all muddled again.

Monday 19th Feb
Now. I'm at work. I have a headache. Owie. I think caffeine is just about helping.

So there you go! Not as bad as I feared. Just a few days gap in the memory. And gmail wasn't working at the time, so I can't even check there. Grrr...

I've got 35 costumes to make in 1 week. Panic! Ish. It'll all be fine. I just might not be able to enjoy Melissa and Gwen and Liz and Andrew and Cass and Andy as much as I would like to when they visit.

I want to waffle about lots of other stuff in my head, but first I need to let it swim around a little longer, until it is coherent. So for now, I shall go to the bank and material shops and rehearsal and home. I look forward to home.

2007-02-12T13:53:00.001Z

As Mahinda says, I lie like a mushroom.

Sorry.

Excitement!

2007-02-09T14:41:00.000Z

I should have the net at home tonight! Won't that be fun, kids?!

So I'm going to blog this evening. Maybe...

A week of "normality"

2007-02-06T09:27:00.001Z

This post I wrote on Friday, but my internet would not let it be posted…

So, I've had a working week back at home, so I felt the urge to blog. I am putting off blogging about the holiday for a while, and may never do so! It's my choice. You can't make me.

Monday
Up at 6. Unpacked. Almost got run over on the way to the bus stop, as I looked the wrong way. Oops. Work. Went straight to the cinema on the way home. Couldn't really face going home, and so when Caroline texted to say she'd missed me and did I want to go to the cinema I was very excited! Watched Venus, which was interesting... I think I liked it, but keep changing my mind about how much, if at all. I think it didn't help that I almost fell asleep... So I went straight home, like a good girl. This would have been great, if I hadn't emptied my suitcase across my bed before going to work... So it took me about an hour to find my bed, by which time I wasn't tired anymore! It was 11, but my body thought it was 6, so I read and must have fallen asleep eventually.

Tuesday
Up at 6. Work. Went to Glasgow with my boss, where I did an interview and she watched. I'm now deemed competent enough to go out on my own (she just needed to check, as she'd never been out with me before, and I've just been on holiday). I didn't get lost, and managed to drive on the right (left) side of the road. After work I watched Mirrormask and it was excellent!

Wednesday
Up at 6. Work. Went out on a visit all by myself. Didn't get lost or anything. And all went smoothly. Did manage to leave my phone at work, which wouldn't usually be a problem, but Alex had borrowed my keys (because a French girl broke his in the lock) and I needed to get him to let me in, and I needed to arrange getting to a production meeting in the evening. Saw Katharine on the bus, and got confused of how to remove my headphones, so ended up taking off my glasses. Oops. All worked out OK in the end. Phew! Production meeting was good - I like knowing what else is going on, and how much enthusiasm there is/isn't. The show will be great!

Thursday
Up at 6. Work. Didn't go on any visits. Did accidentally get weighed though... Spent the day looking forward to leaving! Pub before orchestra was good - me and Caroline met earlier, which was nice. She's very busy at the moment, so any chance to drag her away from work is good! The rehearsal itself was fine - our conductor was away, so we had different members conducting. I was exceedingly tired, and almost fell asleep. Oops. We have a new cellist who is good, so I shall try to persuade him that he wants to lead the section next week. I also got all the trearsurer stuff, so I shall sort it all out this weekend, hopefully. Had a pint after rehearsal, and was considerably more drunk than I should be from a pint. Strange. So I went to Doctor's to see the people after the Savoy rehearsal, then went home. Sleep!

Friday
Alarm at 6. Changed it to 8. :-) I'm at work now, and not doing much. Shhh... Tonight I am going to a fundraiser concert for Savoy, then spending the rest of the weekend doing costumes and treasuring and maybe washing. Fun. So busy! Just want to sleep!

So, that's the activities. Anything else? Hmmm...

I feel odd being back. I know I've lived here for qutie a while now, but it still doesn't feel like home. On the way back from America, all I wanted to do was go to my parents! But would have been pointless as they are in Cuba anyway. I do have "issues" about friends though - I have very few people I would class as "a friend". But I know lots of people. It'll all work eventually, I'm sure. It'll be better when I'm not cross at my flat*. And when I've seen Adam**. And after I go to Manchester for the weekend.

*Bills unpaid, even though I left money and specific instructions. People going in my room and leaving mess. Shower being rubbish. No-one else seems capable of buying/changing a light bulb. My bike got stolen (this wasn't from the flat - this was when Housemate Alex borrowed it). I'm fed up of having to keep every single item of mine in my room, in order that it doesn't get ruined. Grrr!!!

**Just discovered Adam is going away for the weekend! Grrr!!!!!

I'm back!

2007-01-29T11:44:00.000Z

So, I'm back. Home doesn't not feel much like home. I don't know why.

I'm not going to write about my holiday just now, as I'm grumpy! My flat annoyed me. I've had very random sleep* and food, so I need to get back to "normal" before I write about it. And I've not yet decided how much I am going to write, as it could get very long!

So for now, just know that I'm back in Edinburgh and at work. And had an excellent time.

*Thursday night = 3 hours
Friday night = 3 hours
Saturday night = 10 minutes (on plane)
Sunday night = 12 hours

One more sleep...

2007-01-12T14:12:00.000Z

I wonder if I'll be able to sleep much? I'm like a kid going to Disneyland!! Actually, I'm probably more like an adult going to Disneyland... Nah, I'm a kid.

Have been to the dentist. She didn't find anything to fix. I get antibiotics, as it's probably an infection under the filling. I just looked up if I can drink with them, and Google seems to think so, but in moderation. As if I can do that?!? Anyway, it did tell me that it can interfere with the pill, which is of no problem to me - I don't like hormonal interference - but I would have expected either the dentist or pharmacist to tell me, surely?!? Anyway, it doesn't matter. But it could have. Maybe it will get rid of my cold too.

Anyway, after work it's to the bank, Lush, bus shop and then home to pack. I will be far more excited when I have some stuff in a suitcase...

Anyway, farewell for 2 weeks! I may be online at Melissa's, but I don't want to be much if at all. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and make sure you all have blog for me to read when I'm back.

:-)

Alsion's Mini Adventures

Fast forward

Pause

*Must remember that this gets uploaded to Facebook*

International Wear A Dress Day...

New House!

I am the music man

Longest List Ever

Note To Self:

Excitement

Throat

Disconnected.

A Dress A Day

Questions

Madness

Pirates and ...?

Sunrise, Sunset

The Book Thing

Magical weekends

Weekends

Transitory

Quiz

Scratches

Crazy Eyes Tex

Star Fish

Starwars mighty mugss

xkcd

Cheek to Cheek*

A watched e-mail account...

Trains

Strangeness

Prague

What a crazy week.

I must remember...

Kitchens and show week

Meh.

Christmas 2007 and New Year 2008

New Year

Learn anything?

My Personal DNA Map

Darkness

Plans

Fed up

Slacker

This afternoon I shall mostly be...

Shattered

Spring Clean

That Friday Feeling

Pick up her pants

September

The house

Madness

Floods and houses

The Holiday

Decisions

After Roskilde

Void

Blogs

I really can't be bothered thinking of a title...

Tents

Smokin'

Almost...

Roadkill

Why does it upset me?

Aaaaaaages.

Eggy fun

Hurrah!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Raising the legal smoking age

Halcyon Days

What advanced degree should you get?

I know this world is killing you...

What song is in your head right now?

Quotalicious

Twice as long...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LIZ!

A wedding!

Anyone need a room?

Just realised...

Not very long

Must remember that this gets uploaded to Facebook