10 Things You Might Not Know About Me
1. I have a mole on the sole of my right foot (very useful when learning right from left).
2. The small scar by my left eye is from when I had German Measles.
3. I get addicted to things really easily (like eBay, Neopets and WoW).
4. I adore white fairy lights.
5. I like cooking.
6. I hate letting go of friendships and will do almost anything to make them work.
7. I have music in my head all the time.
8. I love going for early morning walks (even though I hate getting up early).
9. I invent bits of back-story for people in adverts and on tv shows.
10. The only hot drink I like is hot chocolate made with brown sugar.
Nine Places I've Visited
1. Various places in France (favourite holiday destination).
2. Avebury, Stonehenge, Nine Ladies and Stanton Drew.
3. Bahrain (well I was born there, does it count as a visit?).
4. London.
5. Southwold.
6. Portugal.
7. Spain.
8. Germany.
9. Penang.
Eight Ways to Win My Heart
1. Bring the title and author of the obsure book you're looking for.
2. Buy me some chocolate.
3. Make me laugh.
4. Be polite.
5. Enjoy my over-explanation of things.
6. Bring me a book I haven't read.
7. Do the washing up for me.
8. Be true to yourself.
Seven Things I want to do Before I Die
1. Travel round Ireland.
2. Drink Champagne in a Champagne vineyard.
3. Collect all the Chalet School books.
4. Live in the countryside.
5. Live by the sea.
6. Have a book published.
7. Have grandchidren.
Six Things I'm Afraid of
1. Burning.
2. Big spiders.
3. Jumping into water (can't jump into pools even).
4. Wandering round strange places in the dark (I have crap night vision).
5. People I love getting hurt.
6. Doorways.
Five Things I don't Like
1. Tomatoes.
2. Cat litter underfoot.
3. Light bulbs blowing as I flick the switch.
4. Living in a town where I can't get to green spaces.
5. Getting up early for work.
Four Ways to Turn Me Off
1. Lie - to my face or behind my back.
2. Be two-faced.
3. Be rude for no reason.
4. Act like you're better than everyone else.
Three Things I Do Everyday
1. Read a book.
2. Hug my husband.
3. Spin round in circles til I'm dizzy.
Two Things that Make Me Happy
1. My husband.
2. My kitties.
One thing On My Mind Right Now
1. Making peppermint creams for work.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Easy like Sunday morning
I've had a nice restful day so far today.
My To-Do list includes washing the kitchen floor (done), writing some cards (done) and watching Finding Neverland and The Magic Roundabout that I got from ScreenSelect ages ago but haven't had time to watch yet.
I've managed half of The Magic Roundabout but then the PS2 won't read the disc any more so I'm finding some freeware to attempt to watch the second half on the PC instead.
I've just finished watching Finding Neverland though and I really enjoyed it. I'd been asking Phoenix to watch it with me for ages and he's kept saying no. I'm glad I watched it by myself in the end as he really wouldn't have enjoyed it, not enough wrestling or fight scenes.
I've then been onto Wikipedia to find out some background bits about the real story and came across a lovely page telling me all abput things that have happened on my birthday.
December 27th.
It's kinda cool to know I'm the same age as Spain's Democratic leadership and that I could be the reincarnation of Houari Boumedienne.
Right, let's boot up that Magic Roundabout and get on with my cross-stitch (not very seasonal I know, but I'm planning on starting a wintery picture of St. Basil's Basilica once I've got the threads)
My To-Do list includes washing the kitchen floor (done), writing some cards (done) and watching Finding Neverland and The Magic Roundabout that I got from ScreenSelect ages ago but haven't had time to watch yet.
I've managed half of The Magic Roundabout but then the PS2 won't read the disc any more so I'm finding some freeware to attempt to watch the second half on the PC instead.
I've just finished watching Finding Neverland though and I really enjoyed it. I'd been asking Phoenix to watch it with me for ages and he's kept saying no. I'm glad I watched it by myself in the end as he really wouldn't have enjoyed it, not enough wrestling or fight scenes.
I've then been onto Wikipedia to find out some background bits about the real story and came across a lovely page telling me all abput things that have happened on my birthday.
December 27th.
It's kinda cool to know I'm the same age as Spain's Democratic leadership and that I could be the reincarnation of Houari Boumedienne.
Right, let's boot up that Magic Roundabout and get on with my cross-stitch (not very seasonal I know, but I'm planning on starting a wintery picture of St. Basil's Basilica once I've got the threads)
Friday, December 09, 2005
Very Random
I've been singing all sorts of things all day and thinking I should post the lyrics in here.
This is the one I'm singing at the moment.
Train whistle blowing makes a sleepy noise
Underneath the blankets, go all the girls and boys
Heading from the station, out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles way
Sarah’s at the engine, Tony rings the bell
Mary swings the lantern to show that all is well
Rocking, rolling, riding, out along the bay
All bound for morning town, many miles away
Maybe it is raining, where our train will ride
But all the little travelers are snug and warm inside
Somewhere there is sunshine, somewhere there is rain
Somewhere there is Morningtown, many miles away.
Don't know why it's in my head, it just is.
This is the one I'm singing at the moment.
Train whistle blowing makes a sleepy noise
Underneath the blankets, go all the girls and boys
Heading from the station, out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles way
Sarah’s at the engine, Tony rings the bell
Mary swings the lantern to show that all is well
Rocking, rolling, riding, out along the bay
All bound for morning town, many miles away
Maybe it is raining, where our train will ride
But all the little travelers are snug and warm inside
Somewhere there is sunshine, somewhere there is rain
Somewhere there is Morningtown, many miles away.
Don't know why it's in my head, it just is.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Feeling Festive
Well I got him to get me down the tree and the lights and then he laughed at me detangling lights and getting hyper. I found myself "Miracle on 34th Street" to watch while I decorated the tree and stuck strings of fairy lights up all over the living room.
Then we watched football and the FA Cup draw (Fulham away, could be interesting) and now he's gone off into the front room to play with some secret christmas project and I've been WoWing and watching soppy movies.
It's been a pretty good weekend really, even though he was at work yesterday. It was good really as I got to play house and get it all shiny for today and then today we got to snuggle in a glittery (it fell off the baubles) cat-filled room.
Extra: Digging through boxes yesterday made me reminisce and so I gave into temptation and looked a few folks up on Friends Reunited. It's good to see folks doing well and in places I'd always hoped they'd be. Good luck with the wedding plans guys and well done on the Euro win last season.
Then we watched football and the FA Cup draw (Fulham away, could be interesting) and now he's gone off into the front room to play with some secret christmas project and I've been WoWing and watching soppy movies.
It's been a pretty good weekend really, even though he was at work yesterday. It was good really as I got to play house and get it all shiny for today and then today we got to snuggle in a glittery (it fell off the baubles) cat-filled room.
Extra: Digging through boxes yesterday made me reminisce and so I gave into temptation and looked a few folks up on Friends Reunited. It's good to see folks doing well and in places I'd always hoped they'd be. Good luck with the wedding plans guys and well done on the Euro win last season.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Cleaning Demon
Ok, well I'm not a complete cleaning demon, but I did just *blitz* the living room (which took a whole 5 minutes thanks to FlyLady) as I decided I wanted to put the tree up.
But after nearly falling off the ladder attempting to get into the loft I went in search of fairy lights instead, thinking that we'd left some in the front room. (I'll get Phoenix to get me the tree later).
I din't find any fairy lights, but I decided to clear through one of my boxes of old stuff. I have... NO! I HAD 5 boxes of stuff and now I have 4 and a box that is practically empty.
I threw away a load of OU stuff from when I tried to start it when living with Jon, a load of notes from uni, shopping lists and all sorts of other junky bits that related to time at uni. I threw away three photos in frames (one of which was a LoveHearts frame that had gone mouldy) as the frames weren't my choices originally and I hated them, plus a couple of letters and notes from Jon. It's quite scary to realise that I hadn't been through that stuff before and yet there were so few notes and cards in there.
I didn't throw away a load of books, mostly pop science stuff but also all my James Herriot that I thought I'd lost. I also kept a toy ginger cat named Bijou (we were going to have cats called Bijou and Delilah (Jon kept Delilah), can't remember why we chose those names) as I still like the toy and a photo in a cuddly pink frame. I figure when I can look at that and not remember why I was with the guy in the first place, then I can throw it. It doesn't make me sad to look at it, I just remember the good times so for now it can stay. I also found a picture of the two of us that was taken in Covent Garden in 1997. I look so different now, and I can hardly remember being that girl. But she looks happy so I shall keep that too.
I also found shed loads of letters from people like EMF, Pami, Benji, Tim Herrick, a letter from Claudia and all sorts of letters from old pen pals and people I met on holiday. I've kept those, some because I loved rereading them and others because they'll be useful for explaining myself to my kids in the future.
So a productive afternoon. I have an almost empty storage box (which will be combined with the next box I do so I have one empty and one with some bits in), a lovely neat living room, a real life cat meowing at me to move the keyboard so she can sit on my lap and I found all my James Herriot books.
Now I'm off to kick some Scourge butt in WoW until Phoenix gets home to get me my fairy lights.
But after nearly falling off the ladder attempting to get into the loft I went in search of fairy lights instead, thinking that we'd left some in the front room. (I'll get Phoenix to get me the tree later).
I din't find any fairy lights, but I decided to clear through one of my boxes of old stuff. I have... NO! I HAD 5 boxes of stuff and now I have 4 and a box that is practically empty.
I threw away a load of OU stuff from when I tried to start it when living with Jon, a load of notes from uni, shopping lists and all sorts of other junky bits that related to time at uni. I threw away three photos in frames (one of which was a LoveHearts frame that had gone mouldy) as the frames weren't my choices originally and I hated them, plus a couple of letters and notes from Jon. It's quite scary to realise that I hadn't been through that stuff before and yet there were so few notes and cards in there.
I didn't throw away a load of books, mostly pop science stuff but also all my James Herriot that I thought I'd lost. I also kept a toy ginger cat named Bijou (we were going to have cats called Bijou and Delilah (Jon kept Delilah), can't remember why we chose those names) as I still like the toy and a photo in a cuddly pink frame. I figure when I can look at that and not remember why I was with the guy in the first place, then I can throw it. It doesn't make me sad to look at it, I just remember the good times so for now it can stay. I also found a picture of the two of us that was taken in Covent Garden in 1997. I look so different now, and I can hardly remember being that girl. But she looks happy so I shall keep that too.
I also found shed loads of letters from people like EMF, Pami, Benji, Tim Herrick, a letter from Claudia and all sorts of letters from old pen pals and people I met on holiday. I've kept those, some because I loved rereading them and others because they'll be useful for explaining myself to my kids in the future.
So a productive afternoon. I have an almost empty storage box (which will be combined with the next box I do so I have one empty and one with some bits in), a lovely neat living room, a real life cat meowing at me to move the keyboard so she can sit on my lap and I found all my James Herriot books.
Now I'm off to kick some Scourge butt in WoW until Phoenix gets home to get me my fairy lights.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Love letters, hate junk mail.
The post in the last few days has been worse than normal. Usually we have a couple of bits of post a day, usually both junk. But we've had nothing for the past few days and then *thump* it all arrived at once.
What did we get?
- An application form for Purple Loans (homeowners only).
- Credit card application (41.9% typical APR) (I feel horrible that there are people out there who actually have to take this as an option).
- Another credit card application (this one only has 21.9% APR).
- A SKY statement (must phone and pay that in a sec).
- An advert letter for botaxyouth serum (with lots of pictures inside using very clever lighting).
- An advert letter for Slimtox (including pictures of the many celebrities that have successfully used detox as a method of losing weight, but neglecting to mention that none of them have actually used this product).
So from my post/mail you can see that the whole point of life is to be thin, wrinkle free and to pay for those things by taking out loans and using credit cards. Oh, and that I have to pay SKY.
Funny how something that you would think would give you an insight into someone is possibly as far from the truth as possible.
I don't have wrinkles yet, due to the fact that I have oily skin so I still get spots for heavens sake! Detox? Ok, but pass that bar of Dairy Milk first (it's 2 400g bars for £3 in Woolies at the moment). Money wise we're doing ok, not rich, but not awake at night worrying about which bills to pay first. Oh, but I do have to pay SKY (as soon as I'm not on hold for 20 minutes....)
So contrary to my post (mail post as opposed to Blog post), life is good.
Now I'm off to kick some Undead butt in WoW until the towels are done in the washing machine.
Edit: My emails are usually worse than my post but today I didn't have a single Viagra or Porn email in my Junk Mail. Instead I had one from Bob Geldolf about emailing Peter Mandelson. Definately an email worth receiving.
What did we get?
- An application form for Purple Loans (homeowners only).
- Credit card application (41.9% typical APR) (I feel horrible that there are people out there who actually have to take this as an option).
- Another credit card application (this one only has 21.9% APR).
- A SKY statement (must phone and pay that in a sec).
- An advert letter for botaxyouth serum (with lots of pictures inside using very clever lighting).
- An advert letter for Slimtox (including pictures of the many celebrities that have successfully used detox as a method of losing weight, but neglecting to mention that none of them have actually used this product).
So from my post/mail you can see that the whole point of life is to be thin, wrinkle free and to pay for those things by taking out loans and using credit cards. Oh, and that I have to pay SKY.
Funny how something that you would think would give you an insight into someone is possibly as far from the truth as possible.
I don't have wrinkles yet, due to the fact that I have oily skin so I still get spots for heavens sake! Detox? Ok, but pass that bar of Dairy Milk first (it's 2 400g bars for £3 in Woolies at the moment). Money wise we're doing ok, not rich, but not awake at night worrying about which bills to pay first. Oh, but I do have to pay SKY (as soon as I'm not on hold for 20 minutes....)
So contrary to my post (mail post as opposed to Blog post), life is good.
Now I'm off to kick some Undead butt in WoW until the towels are done in the washing machine.
Edit: My emails are usually worse than my post but today I didn't have a single Viagra or Porn email in my Junk Mail. Instead I had one from Bob Geldolf about emailing Peter Mandelson. Definately an email worth receiving.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
Ceefax @ 19.00
I always flip through the news on Ceefax when I get up in the morning and when I get home from work
I go straight to page 104 and then progress through to 124. These are the first 10 stories I read tonight, in the order they appeared on screen.
104 - England considers World Cup bid.
105 - Blair defends education reforms.
106 - Iraq suicide attacks kill dozens.
107 - Supply fears amid gas price surge.
108 - Prince to sue over China diaries.
109 - UN rejects Guantanamo visit offer.
110 - Met boss may face Menezes inquiry.
111 - Bird flu vaccine "fast-tracked".
112 - Keane in shock exit from Man Utd.
113 - Policewoman shot dead in robbery.
Woah! Back up there! A policewoman being murdered ranks below Roy Keane quitting Man United?
My outrage was slightly cooled by the fact that it is now the lead story on the BBC News website, but even so!
Ok, I have vented my rage, I'm now off to eat chocolate, watch Children In Need and light a candle for a woman who was doing her job, and for her colleague in hospital.
I go straight to page 104 and then progress through to 124. These are the first 10 stories I read tonight, in the order they appeared on screen.
104 - England considers World Cup bid.
105 - Blair defends education reforms.
106 - Iraq suicide attacks kill dozens.
107 - Supply fears amid gas price surge.
108 - Prince to sue over China diaries.
109 - UN rejects Guantanamo visit offer.
110 - Met boss may face Menezes inquiry.
111 - Bird flu vaccine "fast-tracked".
112 - Keane in shock exit from Man Utd.
113 - Policewoman shot dead in robbery.
Woah! Back up there! A policewoman being murdered ranks below Roy Keane quitting Man United?
My outrage was slightly cooled by the fact that it is now the lead story on the BBC News website, but even so!
Ok, I have vented my rage, I'm now off to eat chocolate, watch Children In Need and light a candle for a woman who was doing her job, and for her colleague in hospital.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Forgot to mention...
...that this guy came back into work last week!
RichieDaws says that he's been in a few times, but I haven't been about. This time I was (obviously)...
So there's a big queue and ths guy just joins it. I tried to make Chris aware of who he was, but with a big queue it wasn't possible to go "Hey Chris, you remember hearing about the guy who came in and got pornographic? Well that's him." So instead I served my way through the queue til he arrived in front of me.
Once again he wanted to see "spell books" so once again we went down to the back of the shop. Once again he started telling kme about how he gets possessed sexually, and I told him that anything that would help would be on the shelf and I had to get back to the counter but would come back when I could.
So I went back and served, and served and served (we get v.busy at lunchtimes) and attempted to tell Chris who he was. Then he came back and lurked near the counter so I phoned RichieDaws. I pretended he was a customer since the sleazy guy was by the counter, Rich got a little confused by this "Hello Kate, I'm not a customer!" but eventually he got the point.
I made another phone call (a real customer this time) and Mr Sleaze went off down the back again because Bod appeared (and got very grrry at him, but went to watch him on camera when I said Rich was on his way).
Rich appeared and I described the guy, then as I saw him coming back to the counter I hid in the back room while Rich politely explained that I wasn't going to help him and that he should leave. Mr Sleaze protested so Rich pointed out to him that he knew what Sleazy man had been saying and would call the police. Mr Sleaze left and I went upstairs and ate more chocolate (I was on a 3 x 30 min break pattern that day).
I dislike the fact he came back, but I love the way that he left! (if only ALL sleazy men were so easy to get rid of)
RichieDaws says that he's been in a few times, but I haven't been about. This time I was (obviously)...
So there's a big queue and ths guy just joins it. I tried to make Chris aware of who he was, but with a big queue it wasn't possible to go "Hey Chris, you remember hearing about the guy who came in and got pornographic? Well that's him." So instead I served my way through the queue til he arrived in front of me.
Once again he wanted to see "spell books" so once again we went down to the back of the shop. Once again he started telling kme about how he gets possessed sexually, and I told him that anything that would help would be on the shelf and I had to get back to the counter but would come back when I could.
So I went back and served, and served and served (we get v.busy at lunchtimes) and attempted to tell Chris who he was. Then he came back and lurked near the counter so I phoned RichieDaws. I pretended he was a customer since the sleazy guy was by the counter, Rich got a little confused by this "Hello Kate, I'm not a customer!" but eventually he got the point.
I made another phone call (a real customer this time) and Mr Sleaze went off down the back again because Bod appeared (and got very grrry at him, but went to watch him on camera when I said Rich was on his way).
Rich appeared and I described the guy, then as I saw him coming back to the counter I hid in the back room while Rich politely explained that I wasn't going to help him and that he should leave. Mr Sleaze protested so Rich pointed out to him that he knew what Sleazy man had been saying and would call the police. Mr Sleaze left and I went upstairs and ate more chocolate (I was on a 3 x 30 min break pattern that day).
I dislike the fact he came back, but I love the way that he left! (if only ALL sleazy men were so easy to get rid of)
Some may call you bookish, and mean it in a bad
way.....but we know better! Delighting in
books, and very likely with more tomes than
clothes, you amaze others with your knowledge
of the obscure and the common.
Books alone cannot a life make, but you know this
as well....you love having chats with others
who love words and ideas as much as yourself!
Can I play in your library? Please??
You are The Favourite Poet by Alma~Tadema.
Which Pre~Raphaelite Painting Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
| Your Birthdate: December 27 |
 You are a spiritual soul - a person who tries to find meaning in everything. You spend a good amount of time meditating, trying to figure out life. Helping others is also important to you. You enjoy social activities with that goal. You are very generous and giving. Yet you expect very little in return. Your strength: Getting along with anyone and everyone Your weakness: Needing a good amount of downtime to recharge Your power color: Cobalt blue Your power symbol: Dove Your power month: September |
-----------------------------------
I also looked at a few of these for people I know and was amazed how right they were!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Got shouted at...
...by my sister for not posting on here. I would like to point out that she's not posting much either!
I haven't been doing much to post about, at least not anything that is interesting to anyone other than Phoenix or me.
I've been:
a) working,
b) sleeping,
c) doing housework (well trying to)
d) playing WoW.
and that's about it.
Last week was a busy one. Phoenix had his first wrestling show on Tuesday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday we had visitors and Thursday was the moot (which I didn't go to as I was very very very sleepy from Tuesday still).
I scared a few people at work by going into a seemingly sugar induced craze for a couple of days, but in fact it was just the usual new year realignment.
I say the usual - I spend the first few days after Samhain feeling gradually more and more disoriented and then things move back into place again. I attempted to describe it to Campbell and she gave me a funny look.
Ok, draw a vertical line (on paper, visualise it whatever) to represent the universe. Then draw another one running parallel to it and about 5mm away. Then draw three more lines each 5mm away from the last. At the most extreme point I felt as though I was on the line furthest from the universe and moving along that line sideways. But thanks to lots of Cherry Coke, Dairy Milk and some intervention from Deep Secret - I'm now back in line with the universe again.
This led to a few nice moments of epiphany and realisation, so I'm now inclined to start giggling for no apparent reason and be walking round with a huge grin for the next few weeks.
Other than that, I'm planning for Yule. Trying to get the house sorted and presents organised. We still don't know if we'll be going down South for a few days (depends on the cats) but I hope we get to. One of the other things that's been getting to me is the accent up here - I'm homesick for people saying "daann" rather that "dow-an" (down). Really have to sort things so I can move back home. It's nice up here and all but half the time I can't understand what people are saying and then they look at me like I'm crazy.
Right, I should have wittered enough to keep Emily happy. See you in a bit!
I haven't been doing much to post about, at least not anything that is interesting to anyone other than Phoenix or me.
I've been:
a) working,
b) sleeping,
c) doing housework (well trying to)
d) playing WoW.
and that's about it.
Last week was a busy one. Phoenix had his first wrestling show on Tuesday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday we had visitors and Thursday was the moot (which I didn't go to as I was very very very sleepy from Tuesday still).
I scared a few people at work by going into a seemingly sugar induced craze for a couple of days, but in fact it was just the usual new year realignment.
I say the usual - I spend the first few days after Samhain feeling gradually more and more disoriented and then things move back into place again. I attempted to describe it to Campbell and she gave me a funny look.
Ok, draw a vertical line (on paper, visualise it whatever) to represent the universe. Then draw another one running parallel to it and about 5mm away. Then draw three more lines each 5mm away from the last. At the most extreme point I felt as though I was on the line furthest from the universe and moving along that line sideways. But thanks to lots of Cherry Coke, Dairy Milk and some intervention from Deep Secret - I'm now back in line with the universe again.
This led to a few nice moments of epiphany and realisation, so I'm now inclined to start giggling for no apparent reason and be walking round with a huge grin for the next few weeks.
Other than that, I'm planning for Yule. Trying to get the house sorted and presents organised. We still don't know if we'll be going down South for a few days (depends on the cats) but I hope we get to. One of the other things that's been getting to me is the accent up here - I'm homesick for people saying "daann" rather that "dow-an" (down). Really have to sort things so I can move back home. It's nice up here and all but half the time I can't understand what people are saying and then they look at me like I'm crazy.
Right, I should have wittered enough to keep Emily happy. See you in a bit!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
John Peel Day
It's John Peel day today. It marks a year since his last broadcast before his death.
I used to listen to him back during my teenage radio phase. I'd start the day with Chris Evans (and later Zoe Ball) on the Breakfast show (which we also got to listen to on the school bus sometimes), then when I got back after school I'd stick the radio back on and listen right through until I went to sleep. Even then I'd still be listening as I'd fall asleep with the radio on until some random bit of music (usually played by Andy Kershaw) would wake me up and I'd turn it off.
I can't say that my musical tastes wrere decided by listening to John Peel, my parents are responsible for my love of 60's/70's music and my Neil Young tolerance, but I certainly heard bands I wouldn't have heard otherwise.
So here's to John Peel. A man who gave us music and laughter. A man who I used to hear talking about his home studio and I could almost see him there. Thanks for everything John.
I used to listen to him back during my teenage radio phase. I'd start the day with Chris Evans (and later Zoe Ball) on the Breakfast show (which we also got to listen to on the school bus sometimes), then when I got back after school I'd stick the radio back on and listen right through until I went to sleep. Even then I'd still be listening as I'd fall asleep with the radio on until some random bit of music (usually played by Andy Kershaw) would wake me up and I'd turn it off.
I can't say that my musical tastes wrere decided by listening to John Peel, my parents are responsible for my love of 60's/70's music and my Neil Young tolerance, but I certainly heard bands I wouldn't have heard otherwise.
So here's to John Peel. A man who gave us music and laughter. A man who I used to hear talking about his home studio and I could almost see him there. Thanks for everything John.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Pinched from Emily
Go to Google and type in (your name) needs. Then pick 5.
1. (Cocaine) Kate needs to be genuine.
2. Kate needs to trust Angel.
3. Kate needs better keyboard usability.
4. Kate needs to explore her innermost nature.
5. Kate needs to meet the mayor of Israeli Arab town Umm al-Fahm.
Most of the Kate results I found were about Kate Moss and repeats of the first one, the innermost nature one was about Kate Winslet though. Not sure who the Kate is that needs to meet the mayor - wasn't intrigued enough to click it.
I also found KateSpot. Another domain name I can't have ;-)
1. (Cocaine) Kate needs to be genuine.
2. Kate needs to trust Angel.
3. Kate needs better keyboard usability.
4. Kate needs to explore her innermost nature.
5. Kate needs to meet the mayor of Israeli Arab town Umm al-Fahm.
Most of the Kate results I found were about Kate Moss and repeats of the first one, the innermost nature one was about Kate Winslet though. Not sure who the Kate is that needs to meet the mayor - wasn't intrigued enough to click it.
I also found KateSpot. Another domain name I can't have ;-)
Pinched from a LJ friend (who got Carrot)
 | You scored as Esmerelda (Granny) Weatherwax. You are Granny Weatherwax! The most powerful witch on the Disc! You often use headology rather than actual spells, and are a very good witch, despite the fact that you sometimes wish you were a bad one. You play a mean game of Cripple Mr. Onion, and have a very powerful stare. By the way, you should really get that broom fixed...
Which Discworld Character are you like (with pics) created with QuizFarm.com |
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Finally not buying into it!
Phoenix refers to me as the "ad-man's dream".
I buy into adverts. I see things and think I need them. I watch shows and cry over the characters. I create back stories for people in adverts and characters in my favourite shows.
But this time I beat him!
If I bought into all of it, I would use some fancy brand name washing powder rather than Sainsbury's own-brand.
Then I would have been able to wash the bloodstains out of a new white towel (shaving legs fast with cheap razors, not good) with Daz or Bold or Fairy. Instead I used the own brand stuff with a little Ecover stain remover, and the towel is gleaming!
Of course if I bought into all of it I would have a Venus Divine razor rather than the 30 for £1 from the £ shop. (I do have a Venus razor, in an attempt to be kinder to the environment (as in throwing away blades rather than a whole razor each time), but the others are cheaper).
But then again I did (partly) cut my legs up due to drinking the limited edition pink fizzy lovely wine from Marks and Spencers....as seen on TV.
Ok, I'm off to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (still not my friend Beth though) and drink more pink fizzy (saving some for during the GP tomorrow - at 6am...)
I buy into adverts. I see things and think I need them. I watch shows and cry over the characters. I create back stories for people in adverts and characters in my favourite shows.
But this time I beat him!
If I bought into all of it, I would use some fancy brand name washing powder rather than Sainsbury's own-brand.
Then I would have been able to wash the bloodstains out of a new white towel (shaving legs fast with cheap razors, not good) with Daz or Bold or Fairy. Instead I used the own brand stuff with a little Ecover stain remover, and the towel is gleaming!
Of course if I bought into all of it I would have a Venus Divine razor rather than the 30 for £1 from the £ shop. (I do have a Venus razor, in an attempt to be kinder to the environment (as in throwing away blades rather than a whole razor each time), but the others are cheaper).
But then again I did (partly) cut my legs up due to drinking the limited edition pink fizzy lovely wine from Marks and Spencers....as seen on TV.
Ok, I'm off to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (still not my friend Beth though) and drink more pink fizzy (saving some for during the GP tomorrow - at 6am...)
Friends O' Mine - Bowling for Soup
Well it was ugly but we made it this far,
Some have gone but I forget who they are,
Now the hangovers are worse but we get through 'em fine.
Sleeping late but we're not lazy,
Getting older but we're still crazy,
I?m so glad that I have these friends o' mine.
It started out at a coffee shop in a most unlikely town,
And there were casualties but we made it out anyhow.
We stuck together through the good and bad times,
Pulp Fiction, Blazing Saddles, and Fast Times,
I'm so glad that I have these friends o' mine.
And jobs, girls and obstacles did all but break us down,
Night clubs and broken bands in every major town.
And I've got your back, you've got mine,
Like Johnny Cash said "I walk the line",
And you can always count on me for one last beer!
We saw the world and the world seemed smaller,
We're getting wider but not getting no taller,
I know we've grown up just a little at a time.
We're sleeping late but we're not lazy,
We're getting older but we're still crazy,
I'm so glad that I have these friends o' mine.
So glad that I have these friends o' mine.
So glad that I have these friends o' mine.
------------------------------------------
You guys know who you are. Whether I've known you since before you were born as our mothers used to flat-share, met you in C-Block during the first year at Anglo, met you via an online group or I'm lucky enough to have you as a sister (by marriage or blood) - thanks for all the good times guys.
Some have gone but I forget who they are,
Now the hangovers are worse but we get through 'em fine.
Sleeping late but we're not lazy,
Getting older but we're still crazy,
I?m so glad that I have these friends o' mine.
It started out at a coffee shop in a most unlikely town,
And there were casualties but we made it out anyhow.
We stuck together through the good and bad times,
Pulp Fiction, Blazing Saddles, and Fast Times,
I'm so glad that I have these friends o' mine.
And jobs, girls and obstacles did all but break us down,
Night clubs and broken bands in every major town.
And I've got your back, you've got mine,
Like Johnny Cash said "I walk the line",
And you can always count on me for one last beer!
We saw the world and the world seemed smaller,
We're getting wider but not getting no taller,
I know we've grown up just a little at a time.
We're sleeping late but we're not lazy,
We're getting older but we're still crazy,
I'm so glad that I have these friends o' mine.
So glad that I have these friends o' mine.
So glad that I have these friends o' mine.
------------------------------------------
You guys know who you are. Whether I've known you since before you were born as our mothers used to flat-share, met you in C-Block during the first year at Anglo, met you via an online group or I'm lucky enough to have you as a sister (by marriage or blood) - thanks for all the good times guys.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Hmmm dusty...
I know, I know. But I'm hardly ever online long enough to remember to come on and update.
We still haven't got broadband back yet and I just end up checking my emails and then logging off as the connection just seems so slow. I have found that AOL do a Daily SuDoku puzzle which is quite nice, but I want my BT Yahoo back!
Found this about Warcraft on the BBC and it made me both glad that I'm not on there to catch it and sad that I'm not on there to see if it has affected the server I play on.
We have just signed up to ScreenSelect who are one of those DVD rental postal sites. We've "Bill Bailey: Part Troll" and "Stage Beauty" so far. Watched BB last night and I'll watch SB today. It means we can watch all sorts of new stuff and lots of good old stuff for not a lot of dosh and means that we can road test new films before deciding if we like them enough to buy them.
That's pretty much all we've been up to. I've been doing lots of cross-stitch and picking out little projects to attempt for christmas, and I'm still just about FLYing - I'm procrastinating about the Control Journal (I bought her version, but 3-ring binders are not standard in the UK and I have no hole punch, and can't decide whether to try to buy a USA style folder.....etc etc)
So the plans for today are, do some washing up, change the bed, snuggle with the kittens, watch Stage Beauty, and watch the GP later. There's probably a few other things to do as well, I could do with doing more washing, but have nowhere to dry it so probably won't. I shall make a list of household things we need to buy instead (like airers).
Emily moves into uni today so I am feeling rather old. I shall put on the Bluetones and Bowling for Soup and dance like there's no one watching (which there isn't, apart from the cats).
We still haven't got broadband back yet and I just end up checking my emails and then logging off as the connection just seems so slow. I have found that AOL do a Daily SuDoku puzzle which is quite nice, but I want my BT Yahoo back!
Found this about Warcraft on the BBC and it made me both glad that I'm not on there to catch it and sad that I'm not on there to see if it has affected the server I play on.
We have just signed up to ScreenSelect who are one of those DVD rental postal sites. We've "Bill Bailey: Part Troll" and "Stage Beauty" so far. Watched BB last night and I'll watch SB today. It means we can watch all sorts of new stuff and lots of good old stuff for not a lot of dosh and means that we can road test new films before deciding if we like them enough to buy them.
That's pretty much all we've been up to. I've been doing lots of cross-stitch and picking out little projects to attempt for christmas, and I'm still just about FLYing - I'm procrastinating about the Control Journal (I bought her version, but 3-ring binders are not standard in the UK and I have no hole punch, and can't decide whether to try to buy a USA style folder.....etc etc)
So the plans for today are, do some washing up, change the bed, snuggle with the kittens, watch Stage Beauty, and watch the GP later. There's probably a few other things to do as well, I could do with doing more washing, but have nowhere to dry it so probably won't. I shall make a list of household things we need to buy instead (like airers).
Emily moves into uni today so I am feeling rather old. I shall put on the Bluetones and Bowling for Soup and dance like there's no one watching (which there isn't, apart from the cats).
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Sunday, Sunday
(sung like Monday, Monday but with different words....)
I am so chilled right now. We had a nice long snuggle in bed this morning before he had to head off to the wrestling and then I got up and did some cleaning.
Now my living room is all tidy, the washings hanging upstairs and the cats are curled up on the (hoovered) sofa.
But I am cold, it's getting to be the time of year again where he's too hot and I'm freezy icy woman. So I have made a decision and put the heating on. Not so high that I could wander about nekkid, but high enough so I don't need to be wearing gloves to type this. In a few weeks it'll settle down and this temp will be ok but for the moment I am cold. Besides, having the heating on will make the washing dry faster - it's all very well for FLYlady to talk about laundry rooms and dryers but all I have is the washing machine in my kitchen!
Ok, I'm off to try and play some games (despite the computer being so slow now broadband is off for a bit) and to snuggle with my kitties.
I am so chilled right now. We had a nice long snuggle in bed this morning before he had to head off to the wrestling and then I got up and did some cleaning.
Now my living room is all tidy, the washings hanging upstairs and the cats are curled up on the (hoovered) sofa.
But I am cold, it's getting to be the time of year again where he's too hot and I'm freezy icy woman. So I have made a decision and put the heating on. Not so high that I could wander about nekkid, but high enough so I don't need to be wearing gloves to type this. In a few weeks it'll settle down and this temp will be ok but for the moment I am cold. Besides, having the heating on will make the washing dry faster - it's all very well for FLYlady to talk about laundry rooms and dryers but all I have is the washing machine in my kitchen!
Ok, I'm off to try and play some games (despite the computer being so slow now broadband is off for a bit) and to snuggle with my kitties.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
*sigh* cats...
Foley's latest act of chewing has meant that we have no broadband access for the moment as he bit through the modem power cable (computer was off).
So online time will be limited for a while. I'll attempt to go round reading blogs every few days, but can't manage every day as usual. Hopefully we can get a new power cable soon and then things will be back to normal.
In the meantime I am watching lots of documentaries and films and doing lots of cross-stitch.
Love you!
So online time will be limited for a while. I'll attempt to go round reading blogs every few days, but can't manage every day as usual. Hopefully we can get a new power cable soon and then things will be back to normal.
In the meantime I am watching lots of documentaries and films and doing lots of cross-stitch.
Love you!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Bad Day - Daniel Powter
I'd like to point out first that I love this song and that it cheers me up and makes me sing out loud, despite the title of it!
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on
You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
(Oh.. Holiday..)
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong
So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on
You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
(Oh.. Holiday..)
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong
So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Friday, September 09, 2005
Today's Horoscope
Your logical mind might try to make rational sense of the strange metaphysical ideas, KATE, that are popping in and out of your head today. Some of them might be conclusions drawn from books you've been reading, but others might actually be messages from the other side. Write down whatever insights come your way. They might not seem logical, but they'll make a difference to your life. In the evening: Discuss these ideas with a love partner.
Well I will when he gets home from work...at about 10.30!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Nicest breakfast in the world?
Now bear in mind two things. 1) I'm only 26, and 2) I'm not a big fan of breakfast. Eating early in the morning makes me queasy, I can manage something when I'm done rushing about and walking to work, but before that I just feel sick.
Yesterday I decided to try eating breakfast again, but with no cereal or milk, it didn't happen. So when I went to buy lunch I thought I'd get some cereal and try again.
Now I have found the nicest cereal in the world (if you're not allergic to any of the ingredients anyway). I bought it in Marks & Spencers, mainly because I had no actual cash and so was spending a voucher on food. I think it was £1.99 for the box, not cheap but then again it's the only cereal I've ever had where the serving size is right. I've always gone way over the serving size after trying it, but today it was perfect.
Anyway, let's give you the details.
The closest comparison I can make is chocolate HobNobs smashed up - except nicer.
Plus, it's not as high in calories as it sounds.
When I brought it home last night Phoenix looked at it and laughed.
"Why are you laughing?"
"You know when Campbell does her whole "If you were me, and I was a book, which shelf would I be on" when she's looking for returns?"
"Yup"
"Well if you were a breakfast cereal and I was looking for you..."
"Yup"
"You'd be that one"
(I think it was a compliment)
Yesterday I decided to try eating breakfast again, but with no cereal or milk, it didn't happen. So when I went to buy lunch I thought I'd get some cereal and try again.
Now I have found the nicest cereal in the world (if you're not allergic to any of the ingredients anyway). I bought it in Marks & Spencers, mainly because I had no actual cash and so was spending a voucher on food. I think it was £1.99 for the box, not cheap but then again it's the only cereal I've ever had where the serving size is right. I've always gone way over the serving size after trying it, but today it was perfect.
Anyway, let's give you the details.
Triple Chocolate Crunch
For chocolate enthusiasts everywhere, a myriad of chocolate sensations in one cereal bowl! Deliciously moreish crunchy oat cocoa clusters are a unique receipe to us. We have added melt-in-the-mouth white & dark chocolate curls with over 40% cocoa and fudge-like truffles to ensure you experience chocolate heaven in every mouthful.
The closest comparison I can make is chocolate HobNobs smashed up - except nicer.
Plus, it's not as high in calories as it sounds.
When I brought it home last night Phoenix looked at it and laughed.
"Why are you laughing?"
"You know when Campbell does her whole "If you were me, and I was a book, which shelf would I be on" when she's looking for returns?"
"Yup"
"Well if you were a breakfast cereal and I was looking for you..."
"Yup"
"You'd be that one"
(I think it was a compliment)
Teatowels and cricket
I actually watched some cricket at the weekend. I blame Rob, because he put it on and got me vaguely interested. So with a break in the middle to watch the Moto GP (running out of petrol!!!) I watched cricket. And I quite enjoyed it too.
I've never been a cricket fan, and I wouldn't call myself one now, I'm just someone who will occasionally watch The Ashes matches. I'm unlikely to ever turn into a cricket fan though. I do partly blame this on Jon (my boyfriend while at uni) who used to watch it on Ceefax....yup, on Ceefax. Watching the page update ever now and then to say 1 or 2 more runs than before. Paint drying or Ceefax cricket....you decide!
Anyhoo, this post was brought about by the fact that I attempted to explain what I knew of cricket to Phoenix (who is DEFINATELY not a cricket person) by remembering a teatowel that my parents had (and probably still have in a drawer somewhere). Along with the fabulous "Dick Turpin" teatowel (a replica of the poster announcing his hanging) they had one that explained cricket in a kind of w.t.f. way. But I couldn't remember it all and got very confused.
The good old BBC however, have kindly included it in an article about blogging about cricket. So here, for your confusion, are the rules of cricket.
I've never been a cricket fan, and I wouldn't call myself one now, I'm just someone who will occasionally watch The Ashes matches. I'm unlikely to ever turn into a cricket fan though. I do partly blame this on Jon (my boyfriend while at uni) who used to watch it on Ceefax....yup, on Ceefax. Watching the page update ever now and then to say 1 or 2 more runs than before. Paint drying or Ceefax cricket....you decide!
Anyhoo, this post was brought about by the fact that I attempted to explain what I knew of cricket to Phoenix (who is DEFINATELY not a cricket person) by remembering a teatowel that my parents had (and probably still have in a drawer somewhere). Along with the fabulous "Dick Turpin" teatowel (a replica of the poster announcing his hanging) they had one that explained cricket in a kind of w.t.f. way. But I couldn't remember it all and got very confused.
The good old BBC however, have kindly included it in an article about blogging about cricket. So here, for your confusion, are the rules of cricket.
You have two sides, one out in the field and one in. Each man that's in the side that's in goes out, and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out. When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in, out.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Books
Recently I've been reading through my collection of Janet Evanovich books. I started reading her books a long long time ago - I bought book 6 in hardback when I was living in Canterbury and she's just done number 11. The only other authors I can remember reading consistently like that (current authors that is) are Terry Pratchett and Katie Fforde.
Anyways, I read book 1 and didn't remember the storyline! It's been so long since I read it, mainly because I was missing odd ones in the sequence so tended to only read the three that I had in a row. Then at Christmas I filled in all the gaps, but since I'd also done that with Pratchett and was reading those, Stephanie Plum drew the short straw.
But I digress. The real point of this post follows below.
-----------------------------------------
Where's My Cow? 1st October 2005. £10.99
At six o'clock every day, without fail, with no excuses, Sam Vimes must go home to read "Where's My Cow?", with all the right farmyard noises, to his little boy. There are some things you have to do. It is the most loved and chewed book in the world. But his father wonders why it is full of moo-cows and baa-lambs when Young Sam will only ever see them cooked on a plate. He can think of a more useful book for a boy who lives in a city. So Sam Vimes starts adapting the story. A story with streets, not fields. A book with rogues and villains. A book about the place where he'll grow up.
-----------------------------------------
Thud! 1st October 2005 £17.99
Koom Valley? That was where the trolls ambushed the dwarfs, or the dwarfs ambushed the trolls. It was far away. It was a long time ago. But if he doesn't solve the murder of just one dwarf, Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is going to see it fought again, right outside his office. With his beloved Watch crumbling around him and war-drums sounding, he must unravel every clue, outwit every assassin and brave any darkness to find the solution. And darkness is following him. Oh...and at six o'clock every day, without fail, with no excuses, he must home to read "Where's My Cow?", with all the right farmyard noises, to his little boy. There are some things you have to do.
-----------------------------------------
And those lovely people at Author Tracker just sent me this in an email.
-----------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
What you have here is an excerpt from my new novel, Thud! It's about a murder in the dark that resurrects an ancient mystery (that statement is true and, since this is a mystery, carefully misleading), and about the man -- Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch -- who must figure it all out. And avert a war at the same time. And make sure he's home by six
o'clock every night to read a bedtime story to his little boy. Some things are important, after all.
If you haven't read one of my books before, don't worry. Although I've written a lot of them, and most are set in the same place and occasionally share characters, knowing what's gone before might enhance the fun, but it's not necessary to the overall experience. This is pretty much a standalone book and anyone who's ever read a crime novel or a thriller or a fantasy book, for that matter, should be able to hum along happily until they pick up the refrain.
Yep, I used the word "fantasy" But the Discworld, on which a lot of my books are set, isn't your classic fantasy world. All the big wars were a long time ago. Now people just want to get on in the world and make a buck or two. The people might be dwarfs or trolls or wizards, but at the same time they can be bureaucrats or thugs or shoe salesmen. (I guess that's why the ubiquitous "they" have said that I'm a master of satire. Right. I didn't know it was that easy.) It's life in a big city where a young female vampire points out that the real problem with turning yourself into a flock of bats is keeping track of the one that's carrying your underwear; where a werewolf can only take a B.A.T.H. if she spells it out in her head; and where being the commander of the police department is just as much of a headache as it
is here.
And, just like here, the dragons to watch out for are no longer the big fiery things in the sky, but the same old evil one ones that live in our minds . . .
--Terry Pratchett
-----------------------------------------
Thud . . .
. . . that was the sound the heavy club made as it connected with the head. The body jerked, and slumped back.
And it was done, unheard, unseen: the perfect end, a perfect solution, a perfect story.
But, as the dwarfs say, where there is trouble you will always find a troll.
The troll saw.
It started out as a perfect day. It would soon enough be an imperfect one, he knew, but just for these few minutes, it was possible to pretend that it wouldn't.
Sam Vimes shaved himself. It was his daily act of defiance, a confirmation that he was. . . well, plain Sam Vimes.
Admittedly, he shaved himself in a mansion, and while he did so, his butler read out bits from the Times, but they were just. . .circumstances. It was still Sam Vimes looking back at him from the mirror. The day he saw the duke of Ankh-Morpork in there would be a bad day. "Duke" was just a job description, that's all.
"Most of the news is about the current. . .dwarfish situation, sir," said Willikins, as Vimes negotiated the tricky area under the nose. He still used his granddad's cutthroat razor. It was another anchor to reality. Besides, the steel was a lot better than the steel
you got today. Sybil, who had a strange enthusiasm for modern gadgetry, kept on suggesting he get one of those new shavers, with a little magic imp inside that had its own scissors and did all the cutting very quickly, but Vimes had held out. If anyone was going to be using a blade near his face, it was going to be him.
"Koom Valley, Koom Valley," he muttered to his reflection. "Anything new?"
"Not as such, sir," said Willikins, turning back to the front page. "There is a report of that speech by Grag Hamcrusher. There was a disturbance afterwards, it says. Several dwarfs and trolls were wounded. Community leaders have appealed for calm."
Vimes shook some lather off the blade. "Hah! I bet they have. Tell me, Willikins, did you fight much when you were a kid? Were you in a gang or anything?"
"I was privileged to belong to the Shamlegger Street Rude Boys, sir," said the butler.
"Really?" said Vimes, genuinely impressed. "They were pretty tough nuts, as I recall."
"Thank you, sir," said Willikins smoothly. "I pride myself I used to give somewhat more than I got if we needed to discuss the vexed area of turf issues with the young men from Rope Street. Stevedore's hooks were their weapon of choice, as I recall."
"And yours. . .?" said Vimes, agog.
"A cap-brim sewn with sharpened pennies, sir. An ever-present help in times of trouble."
"Ye gods, man! You could put someone's eye out with something like that."
"With care, sir, yes," said Willikins, meticulously folding a towel.
And here you stand now, in your pinstripe trousers and butlering coat, shiny as schmaltz and fat as butter, Vimes thought, while he tidied up under the ears. And I'm a duke. How the world turns.
"And have you ever heard someone say "let's have a disturbance"?" he said.
"Never, sir."
"Me neither. It only happens in newspapers." Vimes glanced at the bandage on his arm. It had been quite disturbing, even so.
"Did it mention I took personal charge?" he said.
"No, sir. But it does say here that rival factions in the street outside were kept apart by the valiant efforts of the Watch, sir."
"They actually used the word "valiant"?" said Vimes, still tidying up under the ears.
"Indeed they did, sir."
"Well, good," Vimes conceded grumpily. "Do they record that two officers had to be taken to the Free Hospital, one of them quite badly hurt?"
"Unaccountably, not, sir," said the butler.
"Huh. Typical. Oh, well. . .carry on."
Willikins coughed a butlery cough. "You might wish to lower the razor for the next one, sir. I got into trouble with her ladyship about last week's little nick."
Vimes watched his image sigh, and lowered the razor. "All right, Willikins. Tell me the worst."
Behind him, the paper was professionally rustled. "The headline on page three is: "Vampire Officer For The Watch?" sir," said the butler, and took a careful step backwards.
"Damn! Who told them?"
"I really couldn't say, sir. It says you are not in favor of vampires in the Watch but will be interviewing a recruit today. It says there is a lively controversy over the issue."
"Turn to page eight, will you?" said Vimes grimly. Behind him, the paper rustled again.
"Well?" he said, "That's where they usually put their silly political cartoon, isn't it?"
"You did put the razor down, did you, sir?" said Willikins.
"Yes!"
"Perhaps it would also be just as well if you stepped away from the washbasin, too, sir."
"There's one of me, isn't there?" said Vimes grimly.
"Indeed there is, sir. It portrays a small nervous vampire and, if I may say so, a rather larger-than-life drawing of yourself leaning over your desk, holding a wooden stake in your right hand. The caption is "Any good on a stake-out, eh?" sir, this being a humorous wordplay referring, on the one hand, to the standard police procedure."
"Yes, I think I can just about spot it," said Vimes wearily. "Any chance you could nip down and buy the original before Sybil does? Every time they run a cartoon of me, she gets hold of it and hangs it up in the library!"
"Mr., er, Fizz does capture a very good likeness, sir," the butler conceded. "And I regret to say that her ladyship has already instructed me to go down to the Times office on her behalf."
Vimes groaned.
"Moreover, sir," Willikins went on, "her ladyship desired me to remind you that she and Young Sam will meet at the studio of Sir Joshua at eleven sharp, sir. The painting is at an important stage, I gather."
"But I..."
"She was very specific, sir. She said if a commander of police cannot take time off, who can?"
On this day in 1802, the painter Methodia Rascal woke up in the night because the sounds of warfare were coming from a drawer in his bedside table.
Again.
One little light illuminated the cellar, which was to say that it lent different textures to the darkness and divided shadow from darker shadow.
The figures barely showed up at all. It was quite impossible, with normal eyes, to tell who was talking.
"This is not to be talked about, do you understand?"
"Not talked about? He's dead!"
"This is dwarf business! It's not to come to the ears of the city watch! They have no place here! Do any of us want them down here?"
"They do have dwarf officers --"
"Hah. D'rkza. Too much time in the sun. They're just short humans now. Do they think dwarf? And Vimes will dig and dig and wave the silly rags and tatters they call laws. Why should we allow such a violation? Besides, this is hardly a mystery. Only a troll could have done it, agreed? I said, are we agreed?"
"That is what happened," said a figure; the voice was thin and old and, in truth, uncertain.
"Indeed, it was a troll," said another voice, almost the twin of that one, but with a little more assurance.
The subsequent pause was underlined by the ever-present sound of the pumps.
"It could only have been a troll," said the first voice. "Is it not said that behind every crime you will find the troll?"
Excerpted from Thud! Copyright © 2005 by Terry Pratchett. HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Anyways, I read book 1 and didn't remember the storyline! It's been so long since I read it, mainly because I was missing odd ones in the sequence so tended to only read the three that I had in a row. Then at Christmas I filled in all the gaps, but since I'd also done that with Pratchett and was reading those, Stephanie Plum drew the short straw.
But I digress. The real point of this post follows below.
-----------------------------------------
Where's My Cow? 1st October 2005. £10.99
At six o'clock every day, without fail, with no excuses, Sam Vimes must go home to read "Where's My Cow?", with all the right farmyard noises, to his little boy. There are some things you have to do. It is the most loved and chewed book in the world. But his father wonders why it is full of moo-cows and baa-lambs when Young Sam will only ever see them cooked on a plate. He can think of a more useful book for a boy who lives in a city. So Sam Vimes starts adapting the story. A story with streets, not fields. A book with rogues and villains. A book about the place where he'll grow up.
-----------------------------------------
Thud! 1st October 2005 £17.99
Koom Valley? That was where the trolls ambushed the dwarfs, or the dwarfs ambushed the trolls. It was far away. It was a long time ago. But if he doesn't solve the murder of just one dwarf, Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is going to see it fought again, right outside his office. With his beloved Watch crumbling around him and war-drums sounding, he must unravel every clue, outwit every assassin and brave any darkness to find the solution. And darkness is following him. Oh...and at six o'clock every day, without fail, with no excuses, he must home to read "Where's My Cow?", with all the right farmyard noises, to his little boy. There are some things you have to do.
-----------------------------------------
And those lovely people at Author Tracker just sent me this in an email.
-----------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
What you have here is an excerpt from my new novel, Thud! It's about a murder in the dark that resurrects an ancient mystery (that statement is true and, since this is a mystery, carefully misleading), and about the man -- Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch -- who must figure it all out. And avert a war at the same time. And make sure he's home by six
o'clock every night to read a bedtime story to his little boy. Some things are important, after all.
If you haven't read one of my books before, don't worry. Although I've written a lot of them, and most are set in the same place and occasionally share characters, knowing what's gone before might enhance the fun, but it's not necessary to the overall experience. This is pretty much a standalone book and anyone who's ever read a crime novel or a thriller or a fantasy book, for that matter, should be able to hum along happily until they pick up the refrain.
Yep, I used the word "fantasy" But the Discworld, on which a lot of my books are set, isn't your classic fantasy world. All the big wars were a long time ago. Now people just want to get on in the world and make a buck or two. The people might be dwarfs or trolls or wizards, but at the same time they can be bureaucrats or thugs or shoe salesmen. (I guess that's why the ubiquitous "they" have said that I'm a master of satire. Right. I didn't know it was that easy.) It's life in a big city where a young female vampire points out that the real problem with turning yourself into a flock of bats is keeping track of the one that's carrying your underwear; where a werewolf can only take a B.A.T.H. if she spells it out in her head; and where being the commander of the police department is just as much of a headache as it
is here.
And, just like here, the dragons to watch out for are no longer the big fiery things in the sky, but the same old evil one ones that live in our minds . . .
--Terry Pratchett
-----------------------------------------
Thud . . .
. . . that was the sound the heavy club made as it connected with the head. The body jerked, and slumped back.
And it was done, unheard, unseen: the perfect end, a perfect solution, a perfect story.
But, as the dwarfs say, where there is trouble you will always find a troll.
The troll saw.
It started out as a perfect day. It would soon enough be an imperfect one, he knew, but just for these few minutes, it was possible to pretend that it wouldn't.
Sam Vimes shaved himself. It was his daily act of defiance, a confirmation that he was. . . well, plain Sam Vimes.
Admittedly, he shaved himself in a mansion, and while he did so, his butler read out bits from the Times, but they were just. . .circumstances. It was still Sam Vimes looking back at him from the mirror. The day he saw the duke of Ankh-Morpork in there would be a bad day. "Duke" was just a job description, that's all.
"Most of the news is about the current. . .dwarfish situation, sir," said Willikins, as Vimes negotiated the tricky area under the nose. He still used his granddad's cutthroat razor. It was another anchor to reality. Besides, the steel was a lot better than the steel
you got today. Sybil, who had a strange enthusiasm for modern gadgetry, kept on suggesting he get one of those new shavers, with a little magic imp inside that had its own scissors and did all the cutting very quickly, but Vimes had held out. If anyone was going to be using a blade near his face, it was going to be him.
"Koom Valley, Koom Valley," he muttered to his reflection. "Anything new?"
"Not as such, sir," said Willikins, turning back to the front page. "There is a report of that speech by Grag Hamcrusher. There was a disturbance afterwards, it says. Several dwarfs and trolls were wounded. Community leaders have appealed for calm."
Vimes shook some lather off the blade. "Hah! I bet they have. Tell me, Willikins, did you fight much when you were a kid? Were you in a gang or anything?"
"I was privileged to belong to the Shamlegger Street Rude Boys, sir," said the butler.
"Really?" said Vimes, genuinely impressed. "They were pretty tough nuts, as I recall."
"Thank you, sir," said Willikins smoothly. "I pride myself I used to give somewhat more than I got if we needed to discuss the vexed area of turf issues with the young men from Rope Street. Stevedore's hooks were their weapon of choice, as I recall."
"And yours. . .?" said Vimes, agog.
"A cap-brim sewn with sharpened pennies, sir. An ever-present help in times of trouble."
"Ye gods, man! You could put someone's eye out with something like that."
"With care, sir, yes," said Willikins, meticulously folding a towel.
And here you stand now, in your pinstripe trousers and butlering coat, shiny as schmaltz and fat as butter, Vimes thought, while he tidied up under the ears. And I'm a duke. How the world turns.
"And have you ever heard someone say "let's have a disturbance"?" he said.
"Never, sir."
"Me neither. It only happens in newspapers." Vimes glanced at the bandage on his arm. It had been quite disturbing, even so.
"Did it mention I took personal charge?" he said.
"No, sir. But it does say here that rival factions in the street outside were kept apart by the valiant efforts of the Watch, sir."
"They actually used the word "valiant"?" said Vimes, still tidying up under the ears.
"Indeed they did, sir."
"Well, good," Vimes conceded grumpily. "Do they record that two officers had to be taken to the Free Hospital, one of them quite badly hurt?"
"Unaccountably, not, sir," said the butler.
"Huh. Typical. Oh, well. . .carry on."
Willikins coughed a butlery cough. "You might wish to lower the razor for the next one, sir. I got into trouble with her ladyship about last week's little nick."
Vimes watched his image sigh, and lowered the razor. "All right, Willikins. Tell me the worst."
Behind him, the paper was professionally rustled. "The headline on page three is: "Vampire Officer For The Watch?" sir," said the butler, and took a careful step backwards.
"Damn! Who told them?"
"I really couldn't say, sir. It says you are not in favor of vampires in the Watch but will be interviewing a recruit today. It says there is a lively controversy over the issue."
"Turn to page eight, will you?" said Vimes grimly. Behind him, the paper rustled again.
"Well?" he said, "That's where they usually put their silly political cartoon, isn't it?"
"You did put the razor down, did you, sir?" said Willikins.
"Yes!"
"Perhaps it would also be just as well if you stepped away from the washbasin, too, sir."
"There's one of me, isn't there?" said Vimes grimly.
"Indeed there is, sir. It portrays a small nervous vampire and, if I may say so, a rather larger-than-life drawing of yourself leaning over your desk, holding a wooden stake in your right hand. The caption is "Any good on a stake-out, eh?" sir, this being a humorous wordplay referring, on the one hand, to the standard police procedure."
"Yes, I think I can just about spot it," said Vimes wearily. "Any chance you could nip down and buy the original before Sybil does? Every time they run a cartoon of me, she gets hold of it and hangs it up in the library!"
"Mr., er, Fizz does capture a very good likeness, sir," the butler conceded. "And I regret to say that her ladyship has already instructed me to go down to the Times office on her behalf."
Vimes groaned.
"Moreover, sir," Willikins went on, "her ladyship desired me to remind you that she and Young Sam will meet at the studio of Sir Joshua at eleven sharp, sir. The painting is at an important stage, I gather."
"But I..."
"She was very specific, sir. She said if a commander of police cannot take time off, who can?"
On this day in 1802, the painter Methodia Rascal woke up in the night because the sounds of warfare were coming from a drawer in his bedside table.
Again.
One little light illuminated the cellar, which was to say that it lent different textures to the darkness and divided shadow from darker shadow.
The figures barely showed up at all. It was quite impossible, with normal eyes, to tell who was talking.
"This is not to be talked about, do you understand?"
"Not talked about? He's dead!"
"This is dwarf business! It's not to come to the ears of the city watch! They have no place here! Do any of us want them down here?"
"They do have dwarf officers --"
"Hah. D'rkza. Too much time in the sun. They're just short humans now. Do they think dwarf? And Vimes will dig and dig and wave the silly rags and tatters they call laws. Why should we allow such a violation? Besides, this is hardly a mystery. Only a troll could have done it, agreed? I said, are we agreed?"
"That is what happened," said a figure; the voice was thin and old and, in truth, uncertain.
"Indeed, it was a troll," said another voice, almost the twin of that one, but with a little more assurance.
The subsequent pause was underlined by the ever-present sound of the pumps.
"It could only have been a troll," said the first voice. "Is it not said that behind every crime you will find the troll?"
Excerpted from Thud! Copyright © 2005 by Terry Pratchett. HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Ugh...
Had a totally sleazy guy in at work today. Wanted to talk to me about the women that visit him while he's asleep to have sex with him. Wanted me to find him a "coven" that would help him. When he started making gestures to describe it all, I excused myself and went off to have a pretend phonecall with a colleague.
Phoenix reckons it was my annual dose of sleaze ;-)
So tonight is chilling night. I was planning to do some bits and pieces but now I get to play WoW, eat chocolate and drink red wine.
Now then, where's that chocolate.....
Phoenix reckons it was my annual dose of sleaze ;-)
So tonight is chilling night. I was planning to do some bits and pieces but now I get to play WoW, eat chocolate and drink red wine.
Now then, where's that chocolate.....
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Quizzes, blame Morganna!
Take the quiz: "What dragon species are you? (Stunning pics)"
Fire Dragon
Rage, passion, you burn with the essence of a powerful flame. You are powerful and majestic and dont let anyone stand in your way without a fight.
Take the quiz: "What is your Inner Dragon (neat pictures)"
Green Dragon
Your Inner Dragon is the embodiment of Nature and the Earth.Greens spend almost all of their time below the canopy or just above the treetops in tropical rain forests.You speak the language of every animal and plant in your domain and know most of them by first name.Because of your protector/caretaker role, you are the Earth Elemental dragon. You also like to like to impose your steadfast will on others, commune with Nature, and lobby governments for alternative fuels and conservation. Your favorable attributes are Midnight, Winter, gemstones, mountains, caves, soil, respect, endurance, responsibility, prosperity, and purpose in life.
Take the quiz: "What Kind of Pirate are Ye? (*Pix*)"
The Wench Aboard
Sex? Yes Please! You tend to stay locked up in your cabin awaiting your lover! You also forget your head in the clouds, of Romance Novels. You take what life has to offer and deal with it. Whether it involves being kidnapped by Pirates...or shoveling the water out of your room aboard the ship. You flirt with anything that moves and hate to be lonely. As long as you keep your wits about you, you actually can be quite charming. (snigger)
Take the quiz: " Which Egyptian God or Goddess do you represent? (Pictures!)"
Thoth, God of Wisdom and Learning
Thoth was said to be self-created, along with his wife Ma'at. He was said to be represented by a baboon, these grave facial features displaying extreme thoughtfulness. He supposedly carried a pen and scrolls with him, with which he records all things.
Fire Dragon
Rage, passion, you burn with the essence of a powerful flame. You are powerful and majestic and dont let anyone stand in your way without a fight.
Take the quiz: "What is your Inner Dragon (neat pictures)"
Green Dragon
Your Inner Dragon is the embodiment of Nature and the Earth.Greens spend almost all of their time below the canopy or just above the treetops in tropical rain forests.You speak the language of every animal and plant in your domain and know most of them by first name.Because of your protector/caretaker role, you are the Earth Elemental dragon. You also like to like to impose your steadfast will on others, commune with Nature, and lobby governments for alternative fuels and conservation. Your favorable attributes are Midnight, Winter, gemstones, mountains, caves, soil, respect, endurance, responsibility, prosperity, and purpose in life.
Take the quiz: "What Kind of Pirate are Ye? (*Pix*)"
The Wench Aboard
Sex? Yes Please! You tend to stay locked up in your cabin awaiting your lover! You also forget your head in the clouds, of Romance Novels. You take what life has to offer and deal with it. Whether it involves being kidnapped by Pirates...or shoveling the water out of your room aboard the ship. You flirt with anything that moves and hate to be lonely. As long as you keep your wits about you, you actually can be quite charming. (snigger)
Take the quiz: " Which Egyptian God or Goddess do you represent? (Pictures!)"
Thoth, God of Wisdom and Learning
Thoth was said to be self-created, along with his wife Ma'at. He was said to be represented by a baboon, these grave facial features displaying extreme thoughtfulness. He supposedly carried a pen and scrolls with him, with which he records all things.
You are a very intelligent individual. You know what is important in life, and that you have to be smart to live in this world. Perhaps you get a bit too caught up in books, to the point where you are oblivious to other things, but for the most part, you are wise and thoughtful. People can depend on you for advice and you can always give those crucial words of wisdom when they are most needed.
Take the quiz: "LOTR Personality Match W/Excellent Pics"
Arwen
She is said to be the most beautiful of all living beings. Her heart being just as beautiful. You also have a good heart and you walk with a light about your face.
Take the quiz: "Your Greek Goddess Soulmate (With Pictures) Girls Only"
Goddess Artemis
You are most like Artemis. She was known as the Mistress of Animals and the protectress of children, but she was also a huntress and the goddess who could bring death with her arrows. She is a strong willed and powerful goddess, a female who could punish injustices against the gods with ferocious and deadly accuracy. And as an Olympian goddess, Artemis was free to pursue her interests, and was often found frolicking in the forests, accompanied by a band of nymphs.Myths and legends show that the goddess Artemis was aloof and free-spirited, and not constrained by husband or hearth.
Take the quiz: "Which Greek god/goddess are you?"
Artemis
You are Artemis! Artemis was the virgin Goddess of the Hunt.She helped women in childbirth but also brought sudden death with her arrows.Artemis and her brother Apollo were the children of Zeus and Leto. In some versions of their myth, Artemis was born first and helped her mother to deliver Apollo. (Hmmmm....)
Take the quiz: "What Celtic Diety are you?"
Epona
(Pan-Celtic) [ey-PONE-ah, AY-paw-nah or Ay-PAWN-nuh] Divine Horse; The Great Mare; Goddess of horses; Mother Goddess. Fertility, maternity, protectress of horses, horse-breeding, prosperity, dogs, healing springs, crops. Epona is typically with mares and foals, usually riding sidesaddle or merely in association with horses. She also holds cornucopiae sheaves of grain and other fruits suggesting an ancillary role as a vegetation goddess. Epona is also, on occasion, linked with dogs and birds. (and there's my lady.)
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Sunday musings
As is usually the case on a Sunday when I've worked I have "big" thoughts on the walk home. Today wasn't an exception and since today they made more sense than usual (as in someone who isn't me could understand what I was wiffling on about) I thought I'd try and capture them.
I was thinking about the fact that in her blog my sister has pictures of a guy called Louis. Now Louis is the baby brother of a girl that I was at primary school with, Natasha. I can remember Louis as a little kid always wanting to tag along with our games, and now he's in the pub with my baby sister.
It made me think about the fact that I've never really had any cohesive friendships that go right theway through. I mean, Pami's been around for a long while as a very very good friend, but even that only really started happening in the fourth year of senior school (the school year you turn 15 for USA readers).
It made me think about the people I've known at different times and the reasons I no longer know them now. For some it's easy, I wasn't at school with Natasha and Louise and Christine any more. For others it's slightly more difficult, like Jessica it was because she'd gone from out all night drinker chick to homebody but seemed to resent the fact I was still doing the drinking thing. Then I know that after we stopped being friends and she split with Robin, she started working really hard at uni and got the grades she wanted while still going out and having fun sometimes.
With Paul and Jacqui I know it was mainly because I'd split up with Jon and moved out, but also I'd changed from being the girl in the bar every night and drinking as soon as I got up into someone who has work the next morning and who would quite like to stay in.
It made me realise just how much I've changed and that the life I'm living now isn't who I could have imagined myself a few years ago. At the time of Georges death I expected to hit rock bottom again, but thought I hadn't. With all the crap from the last year I expected it, but again though I hadn't. Then when I lost the baby the day before the wedding I did hit, but it wasn't what I expected.
Rock bottom had changed completely from the place where I lived during my last year of school. It wasn't the same place that I escaped from by drinking about a bottle of vodka a day. I looked around rock bottom that night and saw flowers growing in what had previously been a desert.
I had the knowledge that Phoenix loves me, that I was about to gain a whole new family that I love, that I had found people who truly care about me, not the things I'm doing or who I'm hanging out with, but me. This meant I went to sleep smiling, rather than going back to being the girl with the razor cuts on her arms and vodka in her bottle of Fanta.
Now I have my house with the two cats in the yard (well, Foleys in the hall yodelling at the door and Esmes under the bookcase, but you know what I mean), I have a man who adores me (most of the time, except when I pinch all the duvet) two families of people who are there to support me and friends that I won't give up without a fight. I have a job I love, and although I'll still be at work for Christmas I know that when I do get pregnant again I'll have all the love and support from my co-workers that I could possibly hope for.
Life is good, and even when it's bad I know that it can't beat me down.
I know I am strong.
I was thinking about the fact that in her blog my sister has pictures of a guy called Louis. Now Louis is the baby brother of a girl that I was at primary school with, Natasha. I can remember Louis as a little kid always wanting to tag along with our games, and now he's in the pub with my baby sister.
It made me think about the fact that I've never really had any cohesive friendships that go right theway through. I mean, Pami's been around for a long while as a very very good friend, but even that only really started happening in the fourth year of senior school (the school year you turn 15 for USA readers).
It made me think about the people I've known at different times and the reasons I no longer know them now. For some it's easy, I wasn't at school with Natasha and Louise and Christine any more. For others it's slightly more difficult, like Jessica it was because she'd gone from out all night drinker chick to homebody but seemed to resent the fact I was still doing the drinking thing. Then I know that after we stopped being friends and she split with Robin, she started working really hard at uni and got the grades she wanted while still going out and having fun sometimes.
With Paul and Jacqui I know it was mainly because I'd split up with Jon and moved out, but also I'd changed from being the girl in the bar every night and drinking as soon as I got up into someone who has work the next morning and who would quite like to stay in.
It made me realise just how much I've changed and that the life I'm living now isn't who I could have imagined myself a few years ago. At the time of Georges death I expected to hit rock bottom again, but thought I hadn't. With all the crap from the last year I expected it, but again though I hadn't. Then when I lost the baby the day before the wedding I did hit, but it wasn't what I expected.
Rock bottom had changed completely from the place where I lived during my last year of school. It wasn't the same place that I escaped from by drinking about a bottle of vodka a day. I looked around rock bottom that night and saw flowers growing in what had previously been a desert.
I had the knowledge that Phoenix loves me, that I was about to gain a whole new family that I love, that I had found people who truly care about me, not the things I'm doing or who I'm hanging out with, but me. This meant I went to sleep smiling, rather than going back to being the girl with the razor cuts on her arms and vodka in her bottle of Fanta.
Now I have my house with the two cats in the yard (well, Foleys in the hall yodelling at the door and Esmes under the bookcase, but you know what I mean), I have a man who adores me (most of the time, except when I pinch all the duvet) two families of people who are there to support me and friends that I won't give up without a fight. I have a job I love, and although I'll still be at work for Christmas I know that when I do get pregnant again I'll have all the love and support from my co-workers that I could possibly hope for.
Life is good, and even when it's bad I know that it can't beat me down.
I know I am strong.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Musically minded
RichieFingers recently got some new CD's for work which are all quite nice but a couple of songs have been lodging themselves in my brain so I can't escape.
They're by Jem and very much worth a listen. She did the song Closer that went with the film, very spooky and tempting.
The main two that stick with me are:
-----------------------------------
24
Been given 24 hours
To tie up loose ends
To make amends
His eyes said it all
I started to fall
And the silence deafened
Head spinning round
No time to sit down
Just wanted to
Run and run and run
Be careful they say
Don't wish life away,
Now I've one day
And I can't believe
How I've been wasting my time
In 24 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
Is there a heaven a hell
And will I come back
Who can tell
Now I can see
What matters to me
It's as clear as crystal
The places I've been
The people I've seen
Plans that I made
Start to fade
The sun's setting gold
Thought I would grow old,
It wasn't to be
And I can't believe
How I've been wasting my time
In 18 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
In 13 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
I'm not alone, I sense it, I sense it
All that I said, I meant it, I meant it
And I can't believe
How much I've wasted my time
In just 8 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
In just 1 hour they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
-----------------------------------
Just a ride
Life
It’s ever so strange
It’s so full of change
Think that you’ve worked it out
Then bang
Right out of the blue
Something happens to you
To throw you off course
And then you
Breakdown
Yeah you breakdown
Well don’t you breakdown
Listen to me
Because
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
No need to run, no need to hide
It’ll take you round and round
Sometimes you’re up
Sometimes you’re down
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
Don’t be scared
Don’t hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
But don’t forget it’s just a ride
Truth, we don’t wanna hear
It’s too much to take
Don’t like to feel out of control
So we make our plans
Ten times a day
And when they don’t go
Our way we
Breakdown
Yeah we breakdown
Well don’t you breakdown
Listen to me
Because
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
No need to run, no need to hide
It’ll take you round and round
Sometimes you’re up
Sometimes you’re down
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
Don’t be scared
Don’t hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
But don’t forget it’s just a ride
Slowly, oh so very slowly
Except that
There’s no getting off
So live it, just gotta go with it
'Cause this ride’s, never gonna stop
Breakdown
Don’t you breakdown
No need to breakdown
No need at all
Because
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
No need to run, no need to hide
It’ll take you all around
Sometimes you’re up
Sometimes you’re down
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
Don’t be scared now
Dry your eyes
It may feel so real inside
But don’t forget enjoy the ride
They're by Jem and very much worth a listen. She did the song Closer that went with the film, very spooky and tempting.
The main two that stick with me are:
-----------------------------------
24
Been given 24 hours
To tie up loose ends
To make amends
His eyes said it all
I started to fall
And the silence deafened
Head spinning round
No time to sit down
Just wanted to
Run and run and run
Be careful they say
Don't wish life away,
Now I've one day
And I can't believe
How I've been wasting my time
In 24 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
Is there a heaven a hell
And will I come back
Who can tell
Now I can see
What matters to me
It's as clear as crystal
The places I've been
The people I've seen
Plans that I made
Start to fade
The sun's setting gold
Thought I would grow old,
It wasn't to be
And I can't believe
How I've been wasting my time
In 18 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
In 13 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
I'm not alone, I sense it, I sense it
All that I said, I meant it, I meant it
And I can't believe
How much I've wasted my time
In just 8 hours they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
In just 1 hour they'll be
Laying flowers
On my life, it's over tonight
I'm not messing no I
Need your blessing
And your promise to live free
Please do it for me
-----------------------------------
Just a ride
Life
It’s ever so strange
It’s so full of change
Think that you’ve worked it out
Then bang
Right out of the blue
Something happens to you
To throw you off course
And then you
Breakdown
Yeah you breakdown
Well don’t you breakdown
Listen to me
Because
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
No need to run, no need to hide
It’ll take you round and round
Sometimes you’re up
Sometimes you’re down
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
Don’t be scared
Don’t hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
But don’t forget it’s just a ride
Truth, we don’t wanna hear
It’s too much to take
Don’t like to feel out of control
So we make our plans
Ten times a day
And when they don’t go
Our way we
Breakdown
Yeah we breakdown
Well don’t you breakdown
Listen to me
Because
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
No need to run, no need to hide
It’ll take you round and round
Sometimes you’re up
Sometimes you’re down
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
Don’t be scared
Don’t hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
But don’t forget it’s just a ride
Slowly, oh so very slowly
Except that
There’s no getting off
So live it, just gotta go with it
'Cause this ride’s, never gonna stop
Breakdown
Don’t you breakdown
No need to breakdown
No need at all
Because
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
No need to run, no need to hide
It’ll take you all around
Sometimes you’re up
Sometimes you’re down
It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride
Don’t be scared now
Dry your eyes
It may feel so real inside
But don’t forget enjoy the ride
Friday, August 05, 2005
Emily says....
WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME WRITE ON ME
Well that's writing isn't it?
I am at work all weekend so won't be daytime posting, although I might post Sat night I'll probably be too tired. You know if life was more exciting I would post more often but it just all feels like work/sleep/work/sleep!
Now I'm going to relax and watch Dukes of Hazzard while I do some cross-stitch (see, told you it was exciting)
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Day off!
Even though I had all of last week off, it's still really nice to have today off.
Days off are very different when Phoenix is here, they involve checking when he wants the PC and eating sensible(ish) food at sensible(ish) times. Today he is working which means I can basically do what I like!
This means that I'm going to go write some letters upstairs (much easier to concentrate sitting at my desk that in front of the TV) and then do some tidying (15 minutes is all it'll take) and then I'll almost certainly be playing WoW again. It's very different to any game I've played before, I haven't got bored with it once yet. I think it's the fact that there are other people playing that you can interact with and that takes you off on all sorts of tangents. I almost always end up doing a different quest to the one I intended because someone has asked for help. It's groovy.
Days off are very different when Phoenix is here, they involve checking when he wants the PC and eating sensible(ish) food at sensible(ish) times. Today he is working which means I can basically do what I like!
This means that I'm going to go write some letters upstairs (much easier to concentrate sitting at my desk that in front of the TV) and then do some tidying (15 minutes is all it'll take) and then I'll almost certainly be playing WoW again. It's very different to any game I've played before, I haven't got bored with it once yet. I think it's the fact that there are other people playing that you can interact with and that takes you off on all sorts of tangents. I almost always end up doing a different quest to the one I intended because someone has asked for help. It's groovy.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Peaceful Sunday....
...well actually it's not THAT peaceful as I have the MotoGP on the telly so the living room is filled with the sound of revving engines.
Yesterday Juell took us off to Dovedale which was very very very nice. She knew I'd been having problems not getting out into the country enough so decided last week that she'd take us out to frolick in the country.
We started the day with muffins (and orange choc-chip icecream for me) and then walked up to the Dove Holes caves. Then we wandered back again. We paddled and looked in caves and took pictures and got drizzled on and laughed lots and lots. Then when we got back we all had icecreams and then drove to Ashbourne for a quick look round the market (I bought an old-fashioned dish mop) and then lunch.
Then we headed home through a small thunderstorm as Biz had to go to work at 10 (night-shifts).
A very very nice day, the nicest day I've spent in the country since we went camping in May really! I have taken pictures, but haven't got the time to faff with uploading them at the moment so will do it another day. I have Wednesday off so will try to do it then.
Ok, time to do more washing-up, laundry and then snuggle with the kittens and sew while I watch the Grand Prix.
Yesterday Juell took us off to Dovedale which was very very very nice. She knew I'd been having problems not getting out into the country enough so decided last week that she'd take us out to frolick in the country.
We started the day with muffins (and orange choc-chip icecream for me) and then walked up to the Dove Holes caves. Then we wandered back again. We paddled and looked in caves and took pictures and got drizzled on and laughed lots and lots. Then when we got back we all had icecreams and then drove to Ashbourne for a quick look round the market (I bought an old-fashioned dish mop) and then lunch.
Then we headed home through a small thunderstorm as Biz had to go to work at 10 (night-shifts).
A very very nice day, the nicest day I've spent in the country since we went camping in May really! I have taken pictures, but haven't got the time to faff with uploading them at the moment so will do it another day. I have Wednesday off so will try to do it then.
Ok, time to do more washing-up, laundry and then snuggle with the kittens and sew while I watch the Grand Prix.
Friday, July 29, 2005
I think I'm being hinted at...
Emily sent me this link - Bloggen.
I think she's hinting that I'm not posting enough.
So, just for her...
Happy now Emily? You made Miguel cry!
Anyhoo, I have actually been doing things this week.
I ordered some stuff from FLYLady last Wednesday and it arrived Tuesday morning (very, very good shipping from the USA!) and so I've been playing with all that. I got my Control Journal, but haven't done anything with it yet - plus it's got three holes in, not useful in the UK where everything is 2 or 4, so I have to find a hole punch. The Saving Dinner book seems ok, but trying to work out what everything is in English could take a while. Phoenix is just going through it looking for things that look do-able, then I need to find a website that will tell me what the UK equivalents will be.
The calendar and stickers are very, very groovy. The calendar is up (it runs from Aug '05 til Dec '06) and family birthdays, green box (recycling) days and miscellaneous things like work and wrestling are on there already. I'm still going to be buying my DiscWorld calendar for next year though. I don't know what I'd do without it.
Speaking of DiscWorld, roll on October! TWO new DiscWorld books! WOO-HOO! Ahem. Yes, I'm excited, and no, I'm not embarrassed about that fact.
Ok, now I've hopefully written enough to stop emails from sisters whose lives are much more exciting that mine, I shall go off and work on reaching level 26 on WoW.
I think she's hinting that I'm not posting enough.
So, just for her...
Today my teacher was listening to a radio program about art on the African subcontinent. She was a little shocked by the whole thing, so she started telling my friend Miguel about it, and he was all:
"No way!.. Oh man! I love the African subcontinent so much!"
But then when my teacher got to the part about the art, Miguel subsided and began sobbing. But then the next day, Miguel's uncle told me that the reason Miguel was so freaked out was because he was watching about art on TV. At times Miguel can be quite weird like that, but all he cares about is my own good...
Link of the day: Blackout Pics | Randomly generated by Flooble Instant Blog Post Generator
Happy now Emily? You made Miguel cry!
Anyhoo, I have actually been doing things this week.
I ordered some stuff from FLYLady last Wednesday and it arrived Tuesday morning (very, very good shipping from the USA!) and so I've been playing with all that. I got my Control Journal, but haven't done anything with it yet - plus it's got three holes in, not useful in the UK where everything is 2 or 4, so I have to find a hole punch. The Saving Dinner book seems ok, but trying to work out what everything is in English could take a while. Phoenix is just going through it looking for things that look do-able, then I need to find a website that will tell me what the UK equivalents will be.
The calendar and stickers are very, very groovy. The calendar is up (it runs from Aug '05 til Dec '06) and family birthdays, green box (recycling) days and miscellaneous things like work and wrestling are on there already. I'm still going to be buying my DiscWorld calendar for next year though. I don't know what I'd do without it.
Speaking of DiscWorld, roll on October! TWO new DiscWorld books! WOO-HOO! Ahem. Yes, I'm excited, and no, I'm not embarrassed about that fact.
Ok, now I've hopefully written enough to stop emails from sisters whose lives are much more exciting that mine, I shall go off and work on reaching level 26 on WoW.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Yes, I know...
...but I have been rather busy this week!
I have been reevaluating a lot of things and realised I was holding on to a whole load of "stuff" that I really should say goodbye to. So I have been sorting stuff out and working my way through things.
I finally bought a book that first came to my attention last year (!) when it fell on my head at work. Since then it's kept cropping up but I've looked at it and just thought "next month" but this time I trusted my vibes (lol) and bought the thing. Unusually for a non-fiction book I read it straight through and I'm now working my way back through it doing the exercises etc.
I have next week off so shall try to update on here everyday, if only to tell you what cleaning I've been doing as I'm going to start working with FLYlady again. Not bad for a suggestion which started as a joke email, it's actually working for me!
Right, I'm off for yet another relaxing evening - they're happening a lot this week and it's a fabulous change!
I have been reevaluating a lot of things and realised I was holding on to a whole load of "stuff" that I really should say goodbye to. So I have been sorting stuff out and working my way through things.
I finally bought a book that first came to my attention last year (!) when it fell on my head at work. Since then it's kept cropping up but I've looked at it and just thought "next month" but this time I trusted my vibes (lol) and bought the thing. Unusually for a non-fiction book I read it straight through and I'm now working my way back through it doing the exercises etc.
I have next week off so shall try to update on here everyday, if only to tell you what cleaning I've been doing as I'm going to start working with FLYlady again. Not bad for a suggestion which started as a joke email, it's actually working for me!
Right, I'm off for yet another relaxing evening - they're happening a lot this week and it's a fabulous change!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
2 hours and 25 minutes
That's how long it took me to read the new Potter (1.53am - 4.18am).
Very, very, very good.
The death is a shock and also has the same "nah they're not really dead" feel about it as Sirius's in Order of the Phoenix.
The Half-Blood Prince is a real shock, I couldn't believe that it was that character.
Hermione and Ron row a lot, Ron gets a girlfriend (not Hermione), Harry gets a new girlfriend (also not Hermione, she does get to snog someone though), There's both a new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher AND a new POTIONS teacher, and it's a lot more grown-up than the last one and not quite so angry.
I would write more but I'm aware that a) no one else has read it yet and I don't want to spoil it for them, and b) I have had two and a half hours sleep and need to work on waking myself up before work!
Plus, I want to finish reading my new Mike Ripley book!
Very, very, very good.
The death is a shock and also has the same "nah they're not really dead" feel about it as Sirius's in Order of the Phoenix.
The Half-Blood Prince is a real shock, I couldn't believe that it was that character.
Hermione and Ron row a lot, Ron gets a girlfriend (not Hermione), Harry gets a new girlfriend (also not Hermione, she does get to snog someone though), There's both a new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher AND a new POTIONS teacher, and it's a lot more grown-up than the last one and not quite so angry.
I would write more but I'm aware that a) no one else has read it yet and I don't want to spoil it for them, and b) I have had two and a half hours sleep and need to work on waking myself up before work!
Plus, I want to finish reading my new Mike Ripley book!
Friday, July 15, 2005
Harry, Harry, Harry, Harry, Harry, Harry, Harry, Harry POTTER!
(as in nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-BATMAN!)
Quotes from today:
"No it's published tomorrow"
"It's published tomorrow and we are open at midnight for 1 hour"
"It's published tomorrow and it's £11.99"
"It's published tomorrow"
"No we haven't been allowed to read it yet"
"No we can't give out any early copies"
"Books about Wolverhampton? Just over there in local interest."
Yes, he's due tomorrow. Yes, I have touched one of the books (I touched the corner of a cover). Yes, I do plan to stay up all night reading it.
In other news, my sister is here, I bought the new Mike Ripley book and Emily has confirmed that the kitties are cute.
See you tomorrow!
Quotes from today:
"No it's published tomorrow"
"It's published tomorrow and we are open at midnight for 1 hour"
"It's published tomorrow and it's £11.99"
"It's published tomorrow"
"No we haven't been allowed to read it yet"
"No we can't give out any early copies"
"Books about Wolverhampton? Just over there in local interest."
Yes, he's due tomorrow. Yes, I have touched one of the books (I touched the corner of a cover). Yes, I do plan to stay up all night reading it.
In other news, my sister is here, I bought the new Mike Ripley book and Emily has confirmed that the kitties are cute.
See you tomorrow!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Tears
They're announcing names of the bomb victims on the BBC and have just confirmed that two of the missing are dead. It's silly cos it's been five days and you know that if they could get in touch they would have done. But these two were the two I heard about first, the two that I first focused on when I started sending energy, so it hurts.
The BBC's Missing page gives so many more names today than it has before. I knew there would be Essex folks on it, but it really brings it home how close Matt was when I read that one of the missing is from Billericay. It means I can visualise her exact journey, right the way through from walking over the station bridge that smells of the paint from playgroup, standing on the station waiting for the train to come round the corner, and the whole journey into London.
May you move on in peace and dignity to a world that is free of pain, and may you know that those who never met you, love you.
Added 4/8/05.
Carrie Taylor. Yup, I was at primary school with her, in fact I think she was a friend of a friend back then. Brings it closer again dammit.
The BBC's Missing page gives so many more names today than it has before. I knew there would be Essex folks on it, but it really brings it home how close Matt was when I read that one of the missing is from Billericay. It means I can visualise her exact journey, right the way through from walking over the station bridge that smells of the paint from playgroup, standing on the station waiting for the train to come round the corner, and the whole journey into London.
May you move on in peace and dignity to a world that is free of pain, and may you know that those who never met you, love you.
Added 4/8/05.
Carrie Taylor. Yup, I was at primary school with her, in fact I think she was a friend of a friend back then. Brings it closer again dammit.
Ok, what!!!
Harry Potter sold early in Canada
I want to know just how they could put it on sale, have they been paying NO attention! It doesn't even sound like a small store, plus how come they've got copies that early we're not getting ours til late on Friday!
Now I wish Emily was still in Canada, cos she'd probably have been in the right place to buy one!
I want to know just how they could put it on sale, have they been paying NO attention! It doesn't even sound like a small store, plus how come they've got copies that early we're not getting ours til late on Friday!
Now I wish Emily was still in Canada, cos she'd probably have been in the right place to buy one!
Bliggity, Bloggity, Boo!
I don't quite know where that title came from.
Had a long phone call with my sister on Sunday night where we discussed the state of the world and her forthcoming visit to Wolverhampton (don't even know how to begin trying to spell that in an Essex accent).
She complained that I don't write in my blog enough, so I pointed out that I don't have a very exciting life. In fact, it usually just consists of: get up, walk to work, work, break, work, lunch, work, walk home, go on computer, do some writing, watch some TV, go to bed. Apparently this is more exciting than her life at the moment (get up, watch TV, go to pub, go clubbing) so I must write in my blog more.
So.....
I didn't have work yesterday cos I worked Sunday, and I don't have work today because I'm working Saturday due to the little-known publication of a book apparently called Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Apparently it's quite good. Oh, I know I'm not kidding anyone. I will be working at midnight, buy my book at the end, take it home and read it, get a few hours kip and then go to work again. Last time I started reading at about 1.40am and finished just before 6. (I can't remember the exact times, but I know it was just before 6 cos I had an hours kip before I had to get up for work). I want this one to be a longer book, but at the same time I don't. The number of complaints we've had because Order of the Phoenix was so thick, like we could do anything about it! Also if it's longer I won't get any sleep!
There's not a whole lot I can say about the events in London on Thursday. I'd had Wednesday off and watched all the Olympics stuff and though great. Then spent Thursday at work with RitchieFingers trying to tune in a very old radio so we had some news and looking at A-Z's to work it all out. I worried about a few people I know who work down there, especially Emily Jones who works right in the middle of it all, but I've heard that they're all ok which is more great than I can express. The BBC have been keeping me updated on everything and have highlighted some of the other fabulous bloggers out there so go read this and be as proud of London, Londoners and the British Spirit in general as I am. (Although the phrase British Spirit always sounds a bit pants and never manages to describe the way that people react.)
I'm playing lots of World of Warcraft still, but have got past the dreaming it at night stage now (which happens with everything new that I do, not just computer games BTW), I'm just in the "doing it for real" stage instead. I did have one particularly annoying customer on Sunday that I wanted to use several finishing moves on (I'm tidying the tables and he's walking round behind me DELIBERATELY messing them up again "to keep you girls earning your money". Bastard) but Campbell distracted me before I could BackStab him and then finish him off with a Gouge/Eviscerate combo.
I'm also attempting to complete listing my library (and keep not finding books I know I own but have had people borrow and then not return grrrr) and to finish off the wedding pictures.
Hopefully that's a long enough entry to keep Emily quiet (and boring enough that she won't hassle me for a couple of days) and now I shall get back to having great ideas on what to write about, and then promptly forgetting it as soon as I get near the PC.
Had a long phone call with my sister on Sunday night where we discussed the state of the world and her forthcoming visit to Wolverhampton (don't even know how to begin trying to spell that in an Essex accent).
She complained that I don't write in my blog enough, so I pointed out that I don't have a very exciting life. In fact, it usually just consists of: get up, walk to work, work, break, work, lunch, work, walk home, go on computer, do some writing, watch some TV, go to bed. Apparently this is more exciting than her life at the moment (get up, watch TV, go to pub, go clubbing) so I must write in my blog more.
So.....
I didn't have work yesterday cos I worked Sunday, and I don't have work today because I'm working Saturday due to the little-known publication of a book apparently called Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Apparently it's quite good. Oh, I know I'm not kidding anyone. I will be working at midnight, buy my book at the end, take it home and read it, get a few hours kip and then go to work again. Last time I started reading at about 1.40am and finished just before 6. (I can't remember the exact times, but I know it was just before 6 cos I had an hours kip before I had to get up for work). I want this one to be a longer book, but at the same time I don't. The number of complaints we've had because Order of the Phoenix was so thick, like we could do anything about it! Also if it's longer I won't get any sleep!
There's not a whole lot I can say about the events in London on Thursday. I'd had Wednesday off and watched all the Olympics stuff and though great. Then spent Thursday at work with RitchieFingers trying to tune in a very old radio so we had some news and looking at A-Z's to work it all out. I worried about a few people I know who work down there, especially Emily Jones who works right in the middle of it all, but I've heard that they're all ok which is more great than I can express. The BBC have been keeping me updated on everything and have highlighted some of the other fabulous bloggers out there so go read this and be as proud of London, Londoners and the British Spirit in general as I am. (Although the phrase British Spirit always sounds a bit pants and never manages to describe the way that people react.)
I'm playing lots of World of Warcraft still, but have got past the dreaming it at night stage now (which happens with everything new that I do, not just computer games BTW), I'm just in the "doing it for real" stage instead. I did have one particularly annoying customer on Sunday that I wanted to use several finishing moves on (I'm tidying the tables and he's walking round behind me DELIBERATELY messing them up again "to keep you girls earning your money". Bastard) but Campbell distracted me before I could BackStab him and then finish him off with a Gouge/Eviscerate combo.
I'm also attempting to complete listing my library (and keep not finding books I know I own but have had people borrow and then not return grrrr) and to finish off the wedding pictures.
Hopefully that's a long enough entry to keep Emily quiet (and boring enough that she won't hassle me for a couple of days) and now I shall get back to having great ideas on what to write about, and then promptly forgetting it as soon as I get near the PC.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Well I'm working on it...
Saturdays Horoscope:
Well I don't know if it's my sentimental life or not, but the level of bullshit has fallen rapidly since I thought "Why the fuck am I bothering with that/them?"
Harry Potter comes out in a week, my sister is coming to visit too!
If you have had some problems in your sentimental life during past months, KATE, they are probably now behind you. It's a sure bet that you have learned something. Here it's been years that you have been served the same dish, and now it seems you've finally had enough! Know that from now on you will be better about not falling into the same old traps.
Well I don't know if it's my sentimental life or not, but the level of bullshit has fallen rapidly since I thought "Why the fuck am I bothering with that/them?"
Harry Potter comes out in a week, my sister is coming to visit too!
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Yep, I'm at it again.
I'm so bad at posting when I say I will (plus I have emails I need to answer) but life is sooo busy!
I'm reorganising the house in stages, doing Su Doku between laundry loads, cataloguing my books (and tearing my hair out trying to remember who's borrowed what), writing thankyou letters to my wedding guests and then Phoenix went and bought World of Warcraft and either he's been playing or I have (I'm Petronella, currently a Level 11 Rogue). It's great fun but rather addictive. I say things like "Just let me finish this quest and then I'll do whatever" and then the quest takes ages or it leads onto doing more things.
I do recommend the game, but only if you have spare time and a sympathetic partner who will understand you talking about Gnolls ears and bandit armbands!
Oh, bedtime (very early compared to last three nights at 1.30am - but we have work tomorrow) and I shall stay off the PC in the morning or I'd definately be late for work.
Now then, where's that Su Doku book, I'll just do a couple before I go to bed......
I'm reorganising the house in stages, doing Su Doku between laundry loads, cataloguing my books (and tearing my hair out trying to remember who's borrowed what), writing thankyou letters to my wedding guests and then Phoenix went and bought World of Warcraft and either he's been playing or I have (I'm Petronella, currently a Level 11 Rogue). It's great fun but rather addictive. I say things like "Just let me finish this quest and then I'll do whatever" and then the quest takes ages or it leads onto doing more things.
I do recommend the game, but only if you have spare time and a sympathetic partner who will understand you talking about Gnolls ears and bandit armbands!
Oh, bedtime (very early compared to last three nights at 1.30am - but we have work tomorrow) and I shall stay off the PC in the morning or I'd definately be late for work.
Now then, where's that Su Doku book, I'll just do a couple before I go to bed......
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Young people today...
The problem with young people today is that they just can't stop posing!
I mean you take a picture of them without them knowing and they just look bored...
But as soon as they notice the camera it's all staring off into the distance and hair flicking...
I, on the other hand, am no good at posing even when I know people are taking photos!
I mean you take a picture of them without them knowing and they just look bored...
But as soon as they notice the camera it's all staring off into the distance and hair flicking...
I, on the other hand, am no good at posing even when I know people are taking photos!
More Horoscopes
This is my Yahoo Horoscope for today (yesterdays came from AstroCenter).
Capricorn Quickie: You're ready for more responsibility. With things in your hands, life is worry-free.
Capricorn Daily Overview: It's the old family and career tug-of-war, and you're stuck in the middle, being yanked wildly back and forth. How about letting go of the rope for just a moment or two so you can set your own priorities?
Capricorn Daily extended (by Astrology.com)
Home isn't just a physical place or location. It's a state of mind -- and one that you can take with you. Remember that when worries about your place in the world or your family spring into your mind. Certain things about them -- that is, the most important things -- remain with you no matter what may change outwardly. So don't panic even if it seems like everything is changing. The most important stuff stays the same.
Aquarius Daily extended (by Astrology.com) (Your Rising Sign)
Ever watched those cartoons where one character gets a brilliant idea and a huge light bulb goes off over her head? Well, get ready to be asked, 'What's up doc?' because cartoon light bulbs aplenty are going to be glowing over your ever ready noggin. All this inspiration might even lead to a long-lasting and profound discovery -- for both you and the people you care about.
---------------------------------
Well I let go of the rope and phoned in sick again. I know it's not really making a decision, and there isn't one to make really as I am going back to work. But my whole world has changed again and I guess I just need some down-time to deal with it.
As for the home thing, I was so so horribly homesick on Sunday. I would love to be able to move back to Essex, to be able to sit in pubs and understand what people are talking about, to know the places and the people again. Just sitting in a pub on Brentwood High Street and hearing the girl at the next table talk about what she'd bought in "Chelmpsford" (there's not supposed to be a p in it, bit like Bishops Cassell/Carsill) and to know the places she was talking about was so nice.
We went over to Baggeridge late last night with Biz and Juell and wandered about in the rain annoying all the rabbits who wanted to eat their dinner. It was really lovely and I was amazed once again at the fact that it was so close to where we live, just a 10 minute drive and you're there. It's not being able to do the 10 minute drive that gets to me I think. Didn't notice it so much last year because we were always going places with Mab or making plans for going places and the year before I was working every weekend and Phoenix was working all the time. But this year I missed green. There was a surreal moment in the car when Juell was listing all the lovely places that were nearby and I realised I didn't know where any of them were. So this summer we're going to try going on local adventures to places. That should help a bit and then the rest, we'll see.
Everything is changing, and some bits are so horrible they can't be thought about. But I will get through it. I have my family, my friends and my faith, and I will get through it.
Capricorn Quickie: You're ready for more responsibility. With things in your hands, life is worry-free.
Capricorn Daily Overview: It's the old family and career tug-of-war, and you're stuck in the middle, being yanked wildly back and forth. How about letting go of the rope for just a moment or two so you can set your own priorities?
Capricorn Daily extended (by Astrology.com)
Home isn't just a physical place or location. It's a state of mind -- and one that you can take with you. Remember that when worries about your place in the world or your family spring into your mind. Certain things about them -- that is, the most important things -- remain with you no matter what may change outwardly. So don't panic even if it seems like everything is changing. The most important stuff stays the same.
Aquarius Daily extended (by Astrology.com) (Your Rising Sign)
Ever watched those cartoons where one character gets a brilliant idea and a huge light bulb goes off over her head? Well, get ready to be asked, 'What's up doc?' because cartoon light bulbs aplenty are going to be glowing over your ever ready noggin. All this inspiration might even lead to a long-lasting and profound discovery -- for both you and the people you care about.
---------------------------------
Well I let go of the rope and phoned in sick again. I know it's not really making a decision, and there isn't one to make really as I am going back to work. But my whole world has changed again and I guess I just need some down-time to deal with it.
As for the home thing, I was so so horribly homesick on Sunday. I would love to be able to move back to Essex, to be able to sit in pubs and understand what people are talking about, to know the places and the people again. Just sitting in a pub on Brentwood High Street and hearing the girl at the next table talk about what she'd bought in "Chelmpsford" (there's not supposed to be a p in it, bit like Bishops Cassell/Carsill) and to know the places she was talking about was so nice.
We went over to Baggeridge late last night with Biz and Juell and wandered about in the rain annoying all the rabbits who wanted to eat their dinner. It was really lovely and I was amazed once again at the fact that it was so close to where we live, just a 10 minute drive and you're there. It's not being able to do the 10 minute drive that gets to me I think. Didn't notice it so much last year because we were always going places with Mab or making plans for going places and the year before I was working every weekend and Phoenix was working all the time. But this year I missed green. There was a surreal moment in the car when Juell was listing all the lovely places that were nearby and I realised I didn't know where any of them were. So this summer we're going to try going on local adventures to places. That should help a bit and then the rest, we'll see.
Everything is changing, and some bits are so horrible they can't be thought about. But I will get through it. I have my family, my friends and my faith, and I will get through it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Todays Horoscope
Rest and recuperation should be at the top of your agenda today, KATE. You are definitely in need of some "downtime" after the absorbing activity of the past few days. Perhaps someone will phone with an offer to go on a leisurely boat ride, or a friendly match of tennis or handball. Better yet, why not take the phone off the hook and simply put your feet up. All work and no play equals dull!
Well I have been trying to rest after the events of the last few days.
I've been watching Wimbledon if that counts, and will be going for a drive with Juell and Bizkitt tonight.
The living room is all rearranged, I've done loads of washing and the library room is feeling all peaceful again after I rearranged that too. All that while I've been off work for two days under doctors orders to take things easy and rest.
I have been trying to rest, but doing things keeps my mind busy and I'm not tiring myself out.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Off to get hitched!
Right then, I'm off down South for a weks holiday. I get to see my sister again, hang out with my folks and apparently I'm getting married on Friday too!
Probably won't have internet access much while we're away, but I'll update when I can.
Byeeeeeee!
Probably won't have internet access much while we're away, but I'll update when I can.
Byeeeeeee!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Cortez the Killer - Neil Young (again)
He came dancing across the water
With his galleons and guns
Looking for the new world
In that palace in the sun.
On the shore lay Montezuma
With his coca leaves and pearls
In his halls he often wondered
With the secrets of the worlds.
And his subjects gathered 'round him
Like the leaves around a tree
In their clothes of many colors
For the angry gods to see.
And the women all were beautiful
And the men stood straight and strong
They offered life in sacrifice
So that others could go on.
Hate was just a legend
And war was never known
The people worked together
And they lifted many stones.
They carried them to the flatlands
And they died along the way
But they built up with their bare hands
What we still can't do today.
And I know she's living there
And she loves me to this day
I still can't remember when
Or how I lost my way.
He came dancing across the water
Cortez, Cortez
What a killer.
--------------------------
I'm listening to music again you see, had a while where I didn't want to but I've got that vibe back.
Found this while trawling through some albums and remembered my ex from uni, Jon. He was a big music and movie guy, it's thanks to him I like the Stones and Springsteen as much as I do. He wasn't really keen on my music, but I can remember him learning to play the chords at the beginning. I can hear the guitar in my head right now.
Just remembered I actually dreamt about Jon last night, first time I've thought of him in a long while so it was strange. I'd bumped into him in Canterbury and just said hi, then we had a drink and a chat and parted ways again. Nice, but strange.
Good that my dreams are making more sense now, plus I'm sleeping too!
With his galleons and guns
Looking for the new world
In that palace in the sun.
On the shore lay Montezuma
With his coca leaves and pearls
In his halls he often wondered
With the secrets of the worlds.
And his subjects gathered 'round him
Like the leaves around a tree
In their clothes of many colors
For the angry gods to see.
And the women all were beautiful
And the men stood straight and strong
They offered life in sacrifice
So that others could go on.
Hate was just a legend
And war was never known
The people worked together
And they lifted many stones.
They carried them to the flatlands
And they died along the way
But they built up with their bare hands
What we still can't do today.
And I know she's living there
And she loves me to this day
I still can't remember when
Or how I lost my way.
He came dancing across the water
Cortez, Cortez
What a killer.
--------------------------
I'm listening to music again you see, had a while where I didn't want to but I've got that vibe back.
Found this while trawling through some albums and remembered my ex from uni, Jon. He was a big music and movie guy, it's thanks to him I like the Stones and Springsteen as much as I do. He wasn't really keen on my music, but I can remember him learning to play the chords at the beginning. I can hear the guitar in my head right now.
Just remembered I actually dreamt about Jon last night, first time I've thought of him in a long while so it was strange. I'd bumped into him in Canterbury and just said hi, then we had a drink and a chat and parted ways again. Nice, but strange.
Good that my dreams are making more sense now, plus I'm sleeping too!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Falling From Above - Neil Young - Greendale
Grandpa said to cousin Jed
sittin' on the porch,
"I won't retire
but I might retread
Seems like that guy singin' this song
been doin' it for a long time
Is there anything he knows
that he ain't said?
Sing a song for freedom
sing a song for love
sing a song for depressed angels
falling from above"
Grandpa held the paper
pretendin' he could see
but he couldn't read without his glasses on
"How can all these people
afford so many things?
When i was young
people wore what they had on...and Mama said
'a little love and affection
in everything you do
will make the world a better place
with or without you'"
A little love and affection
in everything you do
Slammin' down a late night shot
the hero and the artist compared
goals and visions and afterthoughts
for the 21st century
But mostly came up with nothin'
so the truth was never learned
and the human race just kept rollin' on
Rollin' through the fighting
rollin' through the religious wars
rollin' down the temple walls
and the church's exposed sores
Rollin' through the fighting
the religious wars
mostly came up with nothin'
"Grandpa here's your glasses
you'll see much better now,"
said that young girl of Edith and Earl's
but Grandpa just kept starin'
he was lost in some distant thought
then he turned and said
to that young girl
"A little love and affection
in everything you do
will make the world a better place
with or without you"
With or without you
a better place
with or without you
with or without you
Hear that rooster crowin'
down on the double e
It's a new morning
dawning on the green
Bouncing off the towers
and the sun's heading down for the streets
the business meeting
window shades are drawn
Another morning edition
headed for the porch
because Grandma puts down the paper
before Grandpa raises his fork
A little love and affection
in everything you do
with or without you
Hear the rooster crowing
down on the double e
Greendale - Neil Young
sittin' on the porch,
"I won't retire
but I might retread
Seems like that guy singin' this song
been doin' it for a long time
Is there anything he knows
that he ain't said?
Sing a song for freedom
sing a song for love
sing a song for depressed angels
falling from above"
Grandpa held the paper
pretendin' he could see
but he couldn't read without his glasses on
"How can all these people
afford so many things?
When i was young
people wore what they had on...and Mama said
'a little love and affection
in everything you do
will make the world a better place
with or without you'"
A little love and affection
in everything you do
Slammin' down a late night shot
the hero and the artist compared
goals and visions and afterthoughts
for the 21st century
But mostly came up with nothin'
so the truth was never learned
and the human race just kept rollin' on
Rollin' through the fighting
rollin' through the religious wars
rollin' down the temple walls
and the church's exposed sores
Rollin' through the fighting
the religious wars
mostly came up with nothin'
"Grandpa here's your glasses
you'll see much better now,"
said that young girl of Edith and Earl's
but Grandpa just kept starin'
he was lost in some distant thought
then he turned and said
to that young girl
"A little love and affection
in everything you do
will make the world a better place
with or without you"
With or without you
a better place
with or without you
with or without you
Hear that rooster crowin'
down on the double e
It's a new morning
dawning on the green
Bouncing off the towers
and the sun's heading down for the streets
the business meeting
window shades are drawn
Another morning edition
headed for the porch
because Grandma puts down the paper
before Grandpa raises his fork
A little love and affection
in everything you do
with or without you
Hear the rooster crowing
down on the double e
Greendale - Neil Young
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Emily's at it again
I got another middle-of-the-night text with her latest picture.
She's had this done at the base of her spine.
If you happen to watch the Canadian Grand Prix this afternoon, look out for an excited figure wearing pink! Yup, she's back in Montreal at the moment, then I think it's back west to Calgary and she'll be home on the 20th!
She's had this done at the base of her spine.
If you happen to watch the Canadian Grand Prix this afternoon, look out for an excited figure wearing pink! Yup, she's back in Montreal at the moment, then I think it's back west to Calgary and she'll be home on the 20th!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Productive day so far...
I've managed to do quite a lot today, despite promising Phoenix I would take it easy so that my sciatica wouldn't flare up (couldn't walk on Monday so had to phone in sick).
I actually got a lie in until 8, then came down to play on the computer and listen to the news. The phone went at about ten and it was Brentwood Registry Office checking that we'd sent our marriage registration documents to them (which I had just yesterday) and saved me phoning them to check that was the right thing to do.
This meant I remembered I had a doctors appointment (just an asthma check-up) so I checked when that was and then went to hang out the washing.
Since it's lovely lovely weather here today (blue blue blue sky that hurts your eyes to look at) I hung it in the garden then decided to let the cats out to play while I sat in the sun. But then I noticed the hedge needed trimmin (it's the only green thing in our back garden barring my herb pot) so I fetched the secateurs and trimmed that back.
Then it was off to the doctors (a 5 minute walk) and when I came back I went and sat in the garden in a very skimpy top (and when I checked no-one could see, no top at all) and read Thornyhold and videoed the kittens pouncing on leaves, woodlice, bees and stray bits of air that caught their attention.
Then I thought I'd come in as I was going a little pink (despite the suncream) and that made me think I'd better wash-up.
Washing-up means finding sparky music to listen too and I turned on Magic in time to hear Drops of Jupiter, one of my favourite songs in the world. I washed-up until Celine Dion came on, then ran in here to turn off the TV and put Damh the Bard and CSN&Y on instead.
I also decided that since it's still so sunny I'd wash a load of bedding (can't dry it in the house, no room!) to add to the big load I did this morning.
So I have been productive on my quiet day off and I'm proud of myself.
Now for a little bit of Neopets and then some cross-stitch I think.
(spell check wanted to replace Neopets with neophytes and Celine with clone!)
I actually got a lie in until 8, then came down to play on the computer and listen to the news. The phone went at about ten and it was Brentwood Registry Office checking that we'd sent our marriage registration documents to them (which I had just yesterday) and saved me phoning them to check that was the right thing to do.
This meant I remembered I had a doctors appointment (just an asthma check-up) so I checked when that was and then went to hang out the washing.
Since it's lovely lovely weather here today (blue blue blue sky that hurts your eyes to look at) I hung it in the garden then decided to let the cats out to play while I sat in the sun. But then I noticed the hedge needed trimmin (it's the only green thing in our back garden barring my herb pot) so I fetched the secateurs and trimmed that back.
Then it was off to the doctors (a 5 minute walk) and when I came back I went and sat in the garden in a very skimpy top (and when I checked no-one could see, no top at all) and read Thornyhold and videoed the kittens pouncing on leaves, woodlice, bees and stray bits of air that caught their attention.
Then I thought I'd come in as I was going a little pink (despite the suncream) and that made me think I'd better wash-up.
Washing-up means finding sparky music to listen too and I turned on Magic in time to hear Drops of Jupiter, one of my favourite songs in the world. I washed-up until Celine Dion came on, then ran in here to turn off the TV and put Damh the Bard and CSN&Y on instead.
I also decided that since it's still so sunny I'd wash a load of bedding (can't dry it in the house, no room!) to add to the big load I did this morning.
So I have been productive on my quiet day off and I'm proud of myself.
Now for a little bit of Neopets and then some cross-stitch I think.
(spell check wanted to replace Neopets with neophytes and Celine with clone!)
Books I have been reading
Mr Mark Farley, blogger and fellow bookseller asked me what I have been reading.
So here is what I have been reading in the last few weeks...
The Moon-Spinners , Airs Above The Ground and Wildfire At Midnight by Mary Stewart. The Moon-Spinners was the "new" book I was reading in the bath. It's not really new, but I'd just found a copy on a second-hand stall in Bridgnorth and I hadn't read it for years. This then started me reading through all my other Mary Stewart books, I plan to start Thornyhold, (my favourite Mary Stewart book), sometime this afternoon.
-----------------------------------------------
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares. I love these books and bought the third one when I got paid. I just had to go back and read the other two and sink myself right into the world of Tibby, Lena, Carmen and Bee.
-----------------------------------------------
Mister Monday, Grim Tuesday and Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix. Again, I bought the new book when I got paid, and went back to re-read the other two first. I've mentioned his Old Kingdom books in previous posts on this blog, and he added the brilliant Creature In The Case as a World Book Day book this year.
-----------------------------------------------
I've also been on a Swallows and Amazons kick.
I bought Peter Duck and We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea when I got paid (notice a theme that occurs when payday comes round) as I'd gone through my bookshelves and realised I didn't own the complete set. I remembered afterwards that I'd had these two as library sale paperbacks and they just fell apart! I ended up with the first half of Peter Duck and the last half of WDMTGTS! I love those hardbacks so I bought them rather than the cheaper paperbacks.
I then re-read Swallows and Amazons, Swallowdale and Winter Holiday (which are old old paperbacks, but in good nick!)
I'm working on reviews of all the Arthur Ransome books for my website. They'll be here eventually.
-----------------------------------------------
I've also re-read all the Casson books by Hilary McKay.
Saffy's Angel,
Indigo's Star,
Permanent Rose and
Rose's Flying Feeling.
I have no idea why Amazon has catagorised them all as audio books, I've checked the ISBNs and they all tie in to my paperback/hardback editions, they're obviously having a glitch.
-----------------------------------------------
Other than that I've been reading all sorts of bits and pieces, most of which are books I've read so many times that they just wrap round me like an old comfy blanket.
So here is what I have been reading in the last few weeks...
The Moon-Spinners , Airs Above The Ground and Wildfire At Midnight by Mary Stewart. The Moon-Spinners was the "new" book I was reading in the bath. It's not really new, but I'd just found a copy on a second-hand stall in Bridgnorth and I hadn't read it for years. This then started me reading through all my other Mary Stewart books, I plan to start Thornyhold, (my favourite Mary Stewart book), sometime this afternoon.
-----------------------------------------------
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares. I love these books and bought the third one when I got paid. I just had to go back and read the other two and sink myself right into the world of Tibby, Lena, Carmen and Bee.
-----------------------------------------------
Mister Monday, Grim Tuesday and Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix. Again, I bought the new book when I got paid, and went back to re-read the other two first. I've mentioned his Old Kingdom books in previous posts on this blog, and he added the brilliant Creature In The Case as a World Book Day book this year.
-----------------------------------------------
I've also been on a Swallows and Amazons kick.
I bought Peter Duck and We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea when I got paid (notice a theme that occurs when payday comes round) as I'd gone through my bookshelves and realised I didn't own the complete set. I remembered afterwards that I'd had these two as library sale paperbacks and they just fell apart! I ended up with the first half of Peter Duck and the last half of WDMTGTS! I love those hardbacks so I bought them rather than the cheaper paperbacks.
I then re-read Swallows and Amazons, Swallowdale and Winter Holiday (which are old old paperbacks, but in good nick!)
I'm working on reviews of all the Arthur Ransome books for my website. They'll be here eventually.
-----------------------------------------------
I've also re-read all the Casson books by Hilary McKay.
Saffy's Angel,
Indigo's Star,
Permanent Rose and
Rose's Flying Feeling.
I have no idea why Amazon has catagorised them all as audio books, I've checked the ISBNs and they all tie in to my paperback/hardback editions, they're obviously having a glitch.
-----------------------------------------------
Other than that I've been reading all sorts of bits and pieces, most of which are books I've read so many times that they just wrap round me like an old comfy blanket.
Books?
Mr Mark Farley, Bookseller to the Stars, asked in one of the comments below what I'd been reading.
So I've written all about it in my book blog.
It's still a bit dusty in there but I did hoover!
So I've written all about it in my book blog.
It's still a bit dusty in there but I did hoover!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Ok, maybe not that many!
I've always wanted a big family, at least 4 kids hopefully. Recently I've also decided that I might homeschool them, depending on what they want and local schools etc.
I saw a programme about these folks today, and got a little scared.
Ok first, I respect their right to bring their kids up how they choose, I'm just not sure that having that many kids (and giving them all J names), homeschooling them all and not really letting them mix with kids from other backgrounds is good. I just felt so sad when the 10 year old was saying that she looks forward to their new house cos it'll be easier for her to do the laundry.
I hope that no matter how many children I have, I can teach them to be open minded. I can teach them about all religions and let them make up their own minds. Most of all...I'm going to teach them to be children.
I saw a programme about these folks today, and got a little scared.
Ok first, I respect their right to bring their kids up how they choose, I'm just not sure that having that many kids (and giving them all J names), homeschooling them all and not really letting them mix with kids from other backgrounds is good. I just felt so sad when the 10 year old was saying that she looks forward to their new house cos it'll be easier for her to do the laundry.
I hope that no matter how many children I have, I can teach them to be open minded. I can teach them about all religions and let them make up their own minds. Most of all...I'm going to teach them to be children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
