Protesting peacefully is one thing. Lobbing flares, ripping up barricades, vandalising phone boxes, causing as much damage as possible and graffiti-ing monuments is something else. They have alienated normal civilised citizens who respect our historical city. Working adults will foot the bill for this "peaceful protest". I think the police should have kept them on Westminster Bridge! Maybe the freezing cold might have knocked sense into their pathetic little brains!!
Friday 10 December 2010
Thursday 9 December 2010
Student riots
Watching the news coverage this evening is making my blood boil, but not for the reasons you might think, and I may be in the minority with my thoughts on this, but hey, it wont be the first time!
An education to the age of 16 is a right. Higher education is not. It's a choice, always has been, that hasn't changed regardless of the government in power. The arrogance of the teenagers who expect everything to be given to them is infuriating. "it should be free" Just who the hell do they think pays for it, Father Christmas? The parents (as well as other working adults who have chosen not to have children) are paying for it, either up front or by means of taxes, but someone has to pay the piper at some point.
How much money do the rioters (oh, I'm sorry, "protesters") think their needless episodes of violence, graffiti and destruction of property is going to cost? Where do they think the money to pay for it is going to come from? Guess what, probably from the money set aside for education.
Everyone in this country has the right to freedom of speech. Nowhere does it say that includes vandalism, violence and graffiti, and nor should it. Swearing and gesticulating in the background of a televised interview whilst wearing a hood and a scarf to conceal facial features is neither clever or grown up and it certainly doesn't improve the already blackened image of young adults.
I wonder how many police have been drafted in to provide cover and assistance? How many areas in London are now short on cover for their own areas to handle the normal emergency calls? Many areas outside of London are very thinly spread for emergency cover already because of cutbacks, will the price for this rioting outrage be paid by some innocent individual who genuinely needed the help of the police?
I believe It was Aaron Porter who is the head of the National Students Union who said in an interview earlier that the government should increase taxes rather than penalising students who want to attend university. Our wage packets and purses are already black and blue from the beatings of the increase in vat, fuel duty, and other taxes which have been induced, how much more tax does he think we can bear?
I do not agree with the minimum fee being set as I feel that this enables universities to profit. If they don't need to charge that much, then don't. I also don't agree with the fact that a number of Lib Dem politicians abstained from the vote. They are not elected to sit on the fence. If they didn't agree entirely with the proposal, they should have voted against it and brought forward a new proposal. Abstaining is a cop out.
On the other hand, the one thing that was made perfectly clear when Ed Milliband and Nick Clegg got into office was that there were going to be some unpleasant decisions to be made as the government is in a financial mess. They are making the unpleasant decisions, and will upset someone no matter which way they do it.
Maybe one good thing will come out of this increase in fees. Maybe the students that do go to university will appreciate it for what it is, a hard sacrifice made by their parents, or the result of hard work to save money on their own part. Having to work so hard to get the money to attend may perhaps a) deter the would layabouts who partake in fluff courses in order to delay their entrance into the real working world and b) encourage those that do attend to work a damn sight harder and make them worthwhile young adults who are actually deserving of some respect because they are prepared to work and contribute to society.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
An education to the age of 16 is a right. Higher education is not. It's a choice, always has been, that hasn't changed regardless of the government in power. The arrogance of the teenagers who expect everything to be given to them is infuriating. "it should be free" Just who the hell do they think pays for it, Father Christmas? The parents (as well as other working adults who have chosen not to have children) are paying for it, either up front or by means of taxes, but someone has to pay the piper at some point.
How much money do the rioters (oh, I'm sorry, "protesters") think their needless episodes of violence, graffiti and destruction of property is going to cost? Where do they think the money to pay for it is going to come from? Guess what, probably from the money set aside for education.
Everyone in this country has the right to freedom of speech. Nowhere does it say that includes vandalism, violence and graffiti, and nor should it. Swearing and gesticulating in the background of a televised interview whilst wearing a hood and a scarf to conceal facial features is neither clever or grown up and it certainly doesn't improve the already blackened image of young adults.
I wonder how many police have been drafted in to provide cover and assistance? How many areas in London are now short on cover for their own areas to handle the normal emergency calls? Many areas outside of London are very thinly spread for emergency cover already because of cutbacks, will the price for this rioting outrage be paid by some innocent individual who genuinely needed the help of the police?
I believe It was Aaron Porter who is the head of the National Students Union who said in an interview earlier that the government should increase taxes rather than penalising students who want to attend university. Our wage packets and purses are already black and blue from the beatings of the increase in vat, fuel duty, and other taxes which have been induced, how much more tax does he think we can bear?
I do not agree with the minimum fee being set as I feel that this enables universities to profit. If they don't need to charge that much, then don't. I also don't agree with the fact that a number of Lib Dem politicians abstained from the vote. They are not elected to sit on the fence. If they didn't agree entirely with the proposal, they should have voted against it and brought forward a new proposal. Abstaining is a cop out.
On the other hand, the one thing that was made perfectly clear when Ed Milliband and Nick Clegg got into office was that there were going to be some unpleasant decisions to be made as the government is in a financial mess. They are making the unpleasant decisions, and will upset someone no matter which way they do it.
Maybe one good thing will come out of this increase in fees. Maybe the students that do go to university will appreciate it for what it is, a hard sacrifice made by their parents, or the result of hard work to save money on their own part. Having to work so hard to get the money to attend may perhaps a) deter the would layabouts who partake in fluff courses in order to delay their entrance into the real working world and b) encourage those that do attend to work a damn sight harder and make them worthwhile young adults who are actually deserving of some respect because they are prepared to work and contribute to society.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Update
Yesterday was six weeks to the day since I had my knee done. Six weeks!
It was also the day of my post op visit to the consultant to check up on my knee.
At the beginning of this week I had abandoned the last crutch completely and was walking around without it. Albeit slower and with a limp (I have to re-teach myself how to walk properly) but still about without crutches.
After pulling my knee about and twisting it (which was like "ok that's enough now"!) and asking me some questions he confirmed that all was in order and I am to return in three months time for a follow up.
I mentioned about the scar which is still a bit uncomfortable in places. Apparently there are internal stitches as well as external and the internal ones need to dissolve. Because there isn't much tissue on top of the knee cap, everything is very close to the surface, as you can see from the photo below.
The good thing is that he has cleared me to drive. I'm really pleased about this because poor Mark has been stuck with driving me here there and everywhere, which must have been a hassle for him.
I went in the gym last night to use the exercise bike. Noticing a big difference in the freedom of movement, still got some restriction in it at the moment, but it will come with time and hard work!
Will keep taking photos of my scar, need to see how it improves as there is still a way to go yet, but come a long way when you look back at the early photos.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It was also the day of my post op visit to the consultant to check up on my knee.
At the beginning of this week I had abandoned the last crutch completely and was walking around without it. Albeit slower and with a limp (I have to re-teach myself how to walk properly) but still about without crutches.
After pulling my knee about and twisting it (which was like "ok that's enough now"!) and asking me some questions he confirmed that all was in order and I am to return in three months time for a follow up.
I mentioned about the scar which is still a bit uncomfortable in places. Apparently there are internal stitches as well as external and the internal ones need to dissolve. Because there isn't much tissue on top of the knee cap, everything is very close to the surface, as you can see from the photo below.
The good thing is that he has cleared me to drive. I'm really pleased about this because poor Mark has been stuck with driving me here there and everywhere, which must have been a hassle for him.
I went in the gym last night to use the exercise bike. Noticing a big difference in the freedom of movement, still got some restriction in it at the moment, but it will come with time and hard work!
Will keep taking photos of my scar, need to see how it improves as there is still a way to go yet, but come a long way when you look back at the early photos.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Progression
Had first real session of physio today. After pulling my knee about and then dragging me into the gym to install me on the bike to get my knee moving, the physio then confiscated one of my crutches and got me walking using just one as light support.
Using one crutch is a lot easier. My knee did ache after the going over it got today, but then the physio said that was to be expected as we need to build the muscles up. I have been give a couple of exercises which I need to carry out three times a day.
It's got to be said, I could not get over how scary it was when the physio took one of the crutches away. I have been trying to put more weight on that leg recently, but making a conscious decision to do so did slow me down as I had to work at it. To then walk with just one after four weeks was really unnerving. It just goes to show how reliant on them you can become.
I have weekly sessions of physio scheduled for the next four weeks, plus my instructions to work on the knee in between. Though my knee is sore, I feel a lot better in myself. The crutches were dragging me down mentally, I felt limited by them, almost claustrophobic.
Next step, to be off crutches completely, and then to be able to drive!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Using one crutch is a lot easier. My knee did ache after the going over it got today, but then the physio said that was to be expected as we need to build the muscles up. I have been give a couple of exercises which I need to carry out three times a day.
It's got to be said, I could not get over how scary it was when the physio took one of the crutches away. I have been trying to put more weight on that leg recently, but making a conscious decision to do so did slow me down as I had to work at it. To then walk with just one after four weeks was really unnerving. It just goes to show how reliant on them you can become.
I have weekly sessions of physio scheduled for the next four weeks, plus my instructions to work on the knee in between. Though my knee is sore, I feel a lot better in myself. The crutches were dragging me down mentally, I felt limited by them, almost claustrophobic.
Next step, to be off crutches completely, and then to be able to drive!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Quick note
I have been taking photos of my knee ever since the nurse came round and changed the dressing the morning after my surgery. People think I'm weird and a bit gruesome, and I can deny neither quirk of character, to a degree.
However, on evenings like this, it is helpful. I took the last dressing off of my knee earlier and was examining the scar. At a passing glance it doesn't look like it has healed much since I first had it done.
However, when I pull up the photo of it from last week (taken after the sadistic nurse removed stitches!) I can really see the changes. They are not obvious at a passing glance, but by comparing the scar and the photo side by side (the wonders of an iPhone!) the improvements are obvious.
When you can see the changes that have taken place already, it helps you to focus on going forward by showing how much has happened already. Photos make it something tangible.
Someone I know who had surgery two weeks before me (though hers was a lot more extensive) said that we will get there "day by day" My taking photos, however gruesome, is so that I can see whether or not I am getting there.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
However, on evenings like this, it is helpful. I took the last dressing off of my knee earlier and was examining the scar. At a passing glance it doesn't look like it has healed much since I first had it done.
However, when I pull up the photo of it from last week (taken after the sadistic nurse removed stitches!) I can really see the changes. They are not obvious at a passing glance, but by comparing the scar and the photo side by side (the wonders of an iPhone!) the improvements are obvious.
When you can see the changes that have taken place already, it helps you to focus on going forward by showing how much has happened already. Photos make it something tangible.
Someone I know who had surgery two weeks before me (though hers was a lot more extensive) said that we will get there "day by day" My taking photos, however gruesome, is so that I can see whether or not I am getting there.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday 12 November 2010
Challenges
Today was another first, back to work for the first time since my op. Mark was on earlies, so he came out of work to pick me up.
I thought it would be relatively easy returning to work, I have a desk job "pushing paper" after all, so I didn't think it would be too difficult. In fact I have felt like a fraud for the last week and half. Because I felt quite well in myself, I thought I ought to be back in the office.
This morning was semi ok, though I did struggle because I couldn't get my knee comfortable, and consequently it started to ache, badly. I don't think I was overdoing it, one of my staff went to great lengths to ensure I was well supplied with tea, bless her. Not elevating my leg did start to take it's toll and by the time Mark was ready to finish work, I had had enough, so I came home with him.
Apart from feeling like a wimp because i couldn't manage a full day at work, the issue I have had this week is that my calf muscle feels sore, like I have strained it. It's quite scary because it is making it difficult to rest my foot flat on the ground, and it has felt really sore this afternoon to a point it had me in tears. I want to be off crutches in six weeks, and I'm scared this is going to set me back. How can I get off crutches when I can't put my foot flat on the ground in order to start weight bearing?
I have had my leg up on the settee all afternoon and this evening I have had a hot water bottle on my calf. I know that warmth doesn't ease the problem and that if it's a strain then I need to ice it to alleviate it, but it felt so painful earlier, I just wanted it to stop.
I guess this weekend is going to be a case of resting it as much as possible.
When I changed the dressing yesterday I took another photo.
It seems to be healing ok. Something I was a bit surprised at when I got home from hospital was the patches of bruising that I had on my leg, and more specifically round my inner ankle.
This photo of the bruising was taken yesterday, two weeks after the surgery, and the discolouration looks like it is in the final stages. I couldn't work out why on earth I would have bruising round my ankle when my knee was the source of the surgery. Then when I thought about it, I realised it's like the ripple effect, where you throw a stone in a pond and the ripples travel outwards. The surgeon drilled the femur and the tibia in order to insert the graft and I guess the impact from the drilling into my tibia must have dispersed along my tibia to my ankle, showing as bruising.
I had this mental image of the surgeon with the heel of my foot resting against his shoulder, drilling into my knee with a Black & Decker drill!
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I thought it would be relatively easy returning to work, I have a desk job "pushing paper" after all, so I didn't think it would be too difficult. In fact I have felt like a fraud for the last week and half. Because I felt quite well in myself, I thought I ought to be back in the office.
This morning was semi ok, though I did struggle because I couldn't get my knee comfortable, and consequently it started to ache, badly. I don't think I was overdoing it, one of my staff went to great lengths to ensure I was well supplied with tea, bless her. Not elevating my leg did start to take it's toll and by the time Mark was ready to finish work, I had had enough, so I came home with him.
Apart from feeling like a wimp because i couldn't manage a full day at work, the issue I have had this week is that my calf muscle feels sore, like I have strained it. It's quite scary because it is making it difficult to rest my foot flat on the ground, and it has felt really sore this afternoon to a point it had me in tears. I want to be off crutches in six weeks, and I'm scared this is going to set me back. How can I get off crutches when I can't put my foot flat on the ground in order to start weight bearing?
I have had my leg up on the settee all afternoon and this evening I have had a hot water bottle on my calf. I know that warmth doesn't ease the problem and that if it's a strain then I need to ice it to alleviate it, but it felt so painful earlier, I just wanted it to stop.
I guess this weekend is going to be a case of resting it as much as possible.
When I changed the dressing yesterday I took another photo.
It seems to be healing ok. Something I was a bit surprised at when I got home from hospital was the patches of bruising that I had on my leg, and more specifically round my inner ankle.
This photo of the bruising was taken yesterday, two weeks after the surgery, and the discolouration looks like it is in the final stages. I couldn't work out why on earth I would have bruising round my ankle when my knee was the source of the surgery. Then when I thought about it, I realised it's like the ripple effect, where you throw a stone in a pond and the ripples travel outwards. The surgeon drilled the femur and the tibia in order to insert the graft and I guess the impact from the drilling into my tibia must have dispersed along my tibia to my ankle, showing as bruising.
I had this mental image of the surgeon with the heel of my foot resting against his shoulder, drilling into my knee with a Black & Decker drill!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Sadism
Two weeks today since I had my knee reconstructed. It was scary how the time leading up to the op flew by, and the last two weeks has moved at a fairly reasonable pace as well.
I am signed on back for work on Friday (tad nervous about it, to be honest) and my next physio appointment isn't until the 23rd.
To mark the two week anniversary of the surgeon threading a new tendon into my knee joint, I celebrated in rather a unique way - by having the stitches out.
I think the word "celebrate" and the term "removal of stitches" are not compatible in any shape or form! Unless you are into sadomasochism, which, by the way, I'm not. No way, no how.
Everyone has different experiences of stitches. Some say they just tickled when they were removed, others purse their lips in that, mechanic under the bonnet of your old banger of a car "this is going to cost you", kind of way. Others offer to do it for you!
The NHS has a lot to answer for. They could, kindly providing delicate tools for the job of removing stitches of which Sweeney Todd would be proud, which wouldn't break the budget. Instead, blunt, heavy, clumsy tweezers and the stainless steel equivalent of Grandma's old crochet hook are standard issue and self evident that the NHS is scrimping in whichever way is possible.
If I could have taken the stitches out myself, I would have done, as the tolerance level for self-inflicted pain is higher than that inflicted by someone else. Indeed, I did quickly make the request (which was denied) after the nurse began to prod my knee with the crochet hook like you would poke a piece of half cooked beef, in an effort to locate the end of the first stitch.
She advised that the skin had started to heal over and around the stitches, which did lead me to wonder why on earth they had decided to wait the full two weeks in order to remove them.
My charitable side thought it might be because everyone's healing process is different. The not so charitable side of me being subjected to the exquisite sensation of having the stitches taken out, was inclined to believe that it's because they want to keep the number of outpatient appointments to an absolute minimum to cut on costs, even if it means torturing patients in any number of ways to achieve this.
Despite being of a sadistic nature, and obviously unaccustomed to using the garden shed tools, the nurse thankfully didn't prolong the wondrous process, so after a number of deep breaths and holding on to the couch with hands so tight my knuckles turned white (by me!) she succeeded in removing the stitches.
Having those removed hurt more than the anaesthetist installing the canula in my hand prior to surgery. And for someone who hates those gadgets with a passion, that is definitely saying something.
Continuing with my tradition of adding gross pictures, below is the last picture of my undressed knee before the stitches were removed. I will add another photo tomorrow when I change the dressing!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I am signed on back for work on Friday (tad nervous about it, to be honest) and my next physio appointment isn't until the 23rd.
To mark the two week anniversary of the surgeon threading a new tendon into my knee joint, I celebrated in rather a unique way - by having the stitches out.
I think the word "celebrate" and the term "removal of stitches" are not compatible in any shape or form! Unless you are into sadomasochism, which, by the way, I'm not. No way, no how.
Everyone has different experiences of stitches. Some say they just tickled when they were removed, others purse their lips in that, mechanic under the bonnet of your old banger of a car "this is going to cost you", kind of way. Others offer to do it for you!
The NHS has a lot to answer for. They could, kindly providing delicate tools for the job of removing stitches of which Sweeney Todd would be proud, which wouldn't break the budget. Instead, blunt, heavy, clumsy tweezers and the stainless steel equivalent of Grandma's old crochet hook are standard issue and self evident that the NHS is scrimping in whichever way is possible.
If I could have taken the stitches out myself, I would have done, as the tolerance level for self-inflicted pain is higher than that inflicted by someone else. Indeed, I did quickly make the request (which was denied) after the nurse began to prod my knee with the crochet hook like you would poke a piece of half cooked beef, in an effort to locate the end of the first stitch.
She advised that the skin had started to heal over and around the stitches, which did lead me to wonder why on earth they had decided to wait the full two weeks in order to remove them.
My charitable side thought it might be because everyone's healing process is different. The not so charitable side of me being subjected to the exquisite sensation of having the stitches taken out, was inclined to believe that it's because they want to keep the number of outpatient appointments to an absolute minimum to cut on costs, even if it means torturing patients in any number of ways to achieve this.
Despite being of a sadistic nature, and obviously unaccustomed to using the garden shed tools, the nurse thankfully didn't prolong the wondrous process, so after a number of deep breaths and holding on to the couch with hands so tight my knuckles turned white (by me!) she succeeded in removing the stitches.
Having those removed hurt more than the anaesthetist installing the canula in my hand prior to surgery. And for someone who hates those gadgets with a passion, that is definitely saying something.
Continuing with my tradition of adding gross pictures, below is the last picture of my undressed knee before the stitches were removed. I will add another photo tomorrow when I change the dressing!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday 8 November 2010
Healing
Day Thirteen. I've not made as much noticeable progress over the last five or six days, but then I'm not sure I am supposed to. We went down to Somerset on Thursday afternoon as Mark had business to attend to in Salisbury on Friday.
Before we went I had my first physio appointment. The physio was reluctant to pull my knee about too much because I have got stitches and they are not due to be taken out until this Wednesday. He asked how long I was signed off for, and didn't query my returning to work this Friday.
On the Friday before last I visited the clinic as the hospital had specified the dressing should be changed either then or on the next (last) Monday. The clinic couldn't understand the need for the change, but they did it anyway. They also said I wasn't to change the dressing again myself as it should be ok until the stitches were to be taken out.
Well, I have put tape on the top bit of the dressing as the adhesive had started to go home, and I have replaced the dressing myself this evening. I couldn't wait until Wednesday and I thought leaving it exposed (dressing not sealed properly) was just as dangerous if not more so than changing it myself.
I made sure my hands were clean and I didn't touch the skin when I replaced the dressing. I couldn't resist it, I did take a photo of the scar, and I was pleased to see it appears to be healing relatively well.
It's not going to be the prettiest knee, but then it never was, so no loss there! Not looking forward to having the stitches out though :-(
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Before we went I had my first physio appointment. The physio was reluctant to pull my knee about too much because I have got stitches and they are not due to be taken out until this Wednesday. He asked how long I was signed off for, and didn't query my returning to work this Friday.
On the Friday before last I visited the clinic as the hospital had specified the dressing should be changed either then or on the next (last) Monday. The clinic couldn't understand the need for the change, but they did it anyway. They also said I wasn't to change the dressing again myself as it should be ok until the stitches were to be taken out.
Well, I have put tape on the top bit of the dressing as the adhesive had started to go home, and I have replaced the dressing myself this evening. I couldn't wait until Wednesday and I thought leaving it exposed (dressing not sealed properly) was just as dangerous if not more so than changing it myself.
I made sure my hands were clean and I didn't touch the skin when I replaced the dressing. I couldn't resist it, I did take a photo of the scar, and I was pleased to see it appears to be healing relatively well.
It's not going to be the prettiest knee, but then it never was, so no loss there! Not looking forward to having the stitches out though :-(
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday 31 October 2010
Day 5
It is Sunday, Day 5. I am getting more movement in the knee, but I still need to sit with it elevated in order for it to feel comfortable.
I expected (and dreaded) the prospect of feeling incredibly frustrated (stems from being a stubborn independent cow) along with feeling extremely helpless/stupid/clumsy (pick one, all are appropriate) so those emotions have not come as a surprise to me.
What I had not anticipated was being able to appreciate how we/I take the everyday things for granted, and how much effort must be involved to carry out the simple tasks for disabled people.
Give you a really basic example. Being on crutches means I can't move a cup of liquid from one room to the next. I can make myself a drink, but then I can't transfer it to the living room. I could probably make myself a sandwich, but taking it on a plate and sitting down with it is a different matter.
This morning, I had a shower without Mark actually helping me into the shower and helping me wash. He was in the bathroom on standby, just in case in I did need help, and I could see that there were some things it would have just been easier to let him do, but I had to try for myself.
The sheer effort involved to do it was unbelievable. Things have to be done in a certain way, like hanging the towels somewhere I can reach them from the shower cubicle. Getting my crutches balanced against the shower cubicle so I could reach them when I got out. Having to sit on a chair in the shower as that was safer. The achievement of a shower and then drying my hair was satisfying, if a little tiring!
I'm not saying that there aren't facilities available to help disabled people cope with everyday tasks. But even with those, aside from the energy and effort that require expending, it's the struggle for independence, not having to rely on others.
I have only been on crutches four days (got a little while yet!) and luckily for me, it shouldn't be a long term prospect. What about those who are faced with disability long term or permanently?
When they discharged me on Thursday, and I walked over to x-ray to get my knee checked, all the people milling about, it's like you are invisible. I found myself walking as close to the wall as possible so as not to hold people up or get in the way because I couldn't keep up with the rush.
I know that is a psychological issue, but it's also about how other people treat you as well. If people talk about you as though you aren't there, or don't acknowledge your presence in certain situations, how long does it take before you start to feel in yourself that you don't exist?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I expected (and dreaded) the prospect of feeling incredibly frustrated (stems from being a stubborn independent cow) along with feeling extremely helpless/stupid/clumsy (pick one, all are appropriate) so those emotions have not come as a surprise to me.
What I had not anticipated was being able to appreciate how we/I take the everyday things for granted, and how much effort must be involved to carry out the simple tasks for disabled people.
Give you a really basic example. Being on crutches means I can't move a cup of liquid from one room to the next. I can make myself a drink, but then I can't transfer it to the living room. I could probably make myself a sandwich, but taking it on a plate and sitting down with it is a different matter.
This morning, I had a shower without Mark actually helping me into the shower and helping me wash. He was in the bathroom on standby, just in case in I did need help, and I could see that there were some things it would have just been easier to let him do, but I had to try for myself.
The sheer effort involved to do it was unbelievable. Things have to be done in a certain way, like hanging the towels somewhere I can reach them from the shower cubicle. Getting my crutches balanced against the shower cubicle so I could reach them when I got out. Having to sit on a chair in the shower as that was safer. The achievement of a shower and then drying my hair was satisfying, if a little tiring!
I'm not saying that there aren't facilities available to help disabled people cope with everyday tasks. But even with those, aside from the energy and effort that require expending, it's the struggle for independence, not having to rely on others.
I have only been on crutches four days (got a little while yet!) and luckily for me, it shouldn't be a long term prospect. What about those who are faced with disability long term or permanently?
When they discharged me on Thursday, and I walked over to x-ray to get my knee checked, all the people milling about, it's like you are invisible. I found myself walking as close to the wall as possible so as not to hold people up or get in the way because I couldn't keep up with the rush.
I know that is a psychological issue, but it's also about how other people treat you as well. If people talk about you as though you aren't there, or don't acknowledge your presence in certain situations, how long does it take before you start to feel in yourself that you don't exist?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday 30 October 2010
Day 4 - Not for the squeamish as graphic pics attached
I have been working on getting flexibility back, I'm limited at the moment, which I think is to be expected. Had the dressings changed yesterday, the nurse couldn't understand why the hospital had insisted on it being done so soon. Better that than leave it for a week, to be honest.
The biggest thing is needing others to help me. I can dress myself and put shoes and socks on, but showering on my own is not something I have attempted yet, so Mark has been helping me. Though I can get round on them, I do feel awkward on the crutches. I'm not the most graceful of people to begin with, and adding crutches to the mix multiplies the "Nelly the Elephant" look by 1000!
When they were redoing the dressings on Thursday morning I took some photos, which are below, look away now if you are the slightest bit squeamish. The redness of my skin was down to a antiseptic they used while I was under anaesthetic. I can't get the dressing wet so I have been using a special waterproof plaster cast cover, as there was no way in hell I was going without a shower.
I must admit, before the nurse took off the bandages, I didn't know what to expect. Bear in mind when they took me back up to the ward I was bandaged from mid thigh to my toes. It was aching round my knee, so I knew that was where they had done all the work. I wasn't expecting to see the second dressing on the right hand side of my thigh, as there was no pain from that at all.
Hopefully this will only leave a thin scar, but as I don't exactly have model legs it's no deal breaker! I have to have the stitches out in the tenth of November, so I will take some more photos then.
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The biggest thing is needing others to help me. I can dress myself and put shoes and socks on, but showering on my own is not something I have attempted yet, so Mark has been helping me. Though I can get round on them, I do feel awkward on the crutches. I'm not the most graceful of people to begin with, and adding crutches to the mix multiplies the "Nelly the Elephant" look by 1000!
When they were redoing the dressings on Thursday morning I took some photos, which are below, look away now if you are the slightest bit squeamish. The redness of my skin was down to a antiseptic they used while I was under anaesthetic. I can't get the dressing wet so I have been using a special waterproof plaster cast cover, as there was no way in hell I was going without a shower.
I must admit, before the nurse took off the bandages, I didn't know what to expect. Bear in mind when they took me back up to the ward I was bandaged from mid thigh to my toes. It was aching round my knee, so I knew that was where they had done all the work. I wasn't expecting to see the second dressing on the right hand side of my thigh, as there was no pain from that at all.
Hopefully this will only leave a thin scar, but as I don't exactly have model legs it's no deal breaker! I have to have the stitches out in the tenth of November, so I will take some more photos then.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday 28 October 2010
Home Sweet Home
The physio got me up and going on crutches (I was SO slow!) and then the nurse came and changed my dressing. I got dressed (which was a challenge) and once Mark came in to collect me, we went to X-Ray and then to my mum's.
Because I have got very limited flexion in my knee at the moment, getting in and out of the car was very painful, and I felt every bump and pothole on the way home! It was a relief to get indoors, lay down on the bed and put my leg on a pillow.
Mark rustled up some soup and toast (which was very nice) and having had the multitude of tablets (two paracetamol, one other painkiller and an anti-inflammatory) I'm resting on the bed at the moment. I will get up in a while and walk around, but it's trying to get the balance between not overdoing it and over resting.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Because I have got very limited flexion in my knee at the moment, getting in and out of the car was very painful, and I felt every bump and pothole on the way home! It was a relief to get indoors, lay down on the bed and put my leg on a pillow.
Mark rustled up some soup and toast (which was very nice) and having had the multitude of tablets (two paracetamol, one other painkiller and an anti-inflammatory) I'm resting on the bed at the moment. I will get up in a while and walk around, but it's trying to get the balance between not overdoing it and over resting.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Feeling Helpless
Needed the bathroom just now, so the nurse helped me into a chair and wheeled me into the bathroom. To say it was hard work would be an understatement. My knee is really throbbing after that little excursion and it gives me an inkling of how uncomfortable it's going to be for a while.
It's amazing how helpless I feel, and how dependent on others I'm going to be for a while. That is going to be the worst bit, relying on other people!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It's amazing how helpless I feel, and how dependent on others I'm going to be for a while. That is going to be the worst bit, relying on other people!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
At the Hospital
This wont be posted until I get home as the hospital doesn't have wifi and I can't be bothered to type it on my iPhone!
I came in yesterday morning (Wednesday) for an acl reconstruction. They originally wanted me to come in Tuesday evening, but I asked if I could come in first thing in the morning instead. It was my Mum's birthday on Tuesday and I didn't really want to be in hospital on her birthday.
As it happens it was a very good call. There is another lady on the ward with me, she came in Tuesday evening at 6pm, and went down for surgery at 8.45am yesterday morning. If I had come in Tuesday evening, it would have been a waste of an evening and I would have still not been operated on until 11am.
Once I came round from the surgery, the afternoon and evening was spent sleeping and trying to keep food and drink down. I was successful with the sleep part, the food and drink was another matter entirely. I think I was sick about three times yesterday, and I'm not good with being sick. Pale and clammy was the look of the day for me unfortunately!
I slept relatively ok, thanks to Mark's headphones and iPod, which I had playing all night. The only problem was that they had put the bed in a semi sitting position yesterday evening and I couldn't reach the controls to put it down flat, so I spent most of the night not laying right down. It probably wasn't a bad thing, meant I didn't subject the other ward occupant to my snoring!
At the moment my knee is achy, but it's "tolerable". I'm feeling quite pleased with myself, I have had a cup of tea this morning and a biscuit, and managed to keep it down. So far so good.
As you can seen, my leg is bandaged from mid thigh to my toes, so as yet I haven't seen the op site. Nurse has just asked me if I want any pain killers, which I declined, don't want to take anything if I can avoid it.
The situation at the moment is that I'm waiting for an x-Ray and to see the physio. Once that has been done, hopefully I will be able to escape.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I came in yesterday morning (Wednesday) for an acl reconstruction. They originally wanted me to come in Tuesday evening, but I asked if I could come in first thing in the morning instead. It was my Mum's birthday on Tuesday and I didn't really want to be in hospital on her birthday.
As it happens it was a very good call. There is another lady on the ward with me, she came in Tuesday evening at 6pm, and went down for surgery at 8.45am yesterday morning. If I had come in Tuesday evening, it would have been a waste of an evening and I would have still not been operated on until 11am.
Once I came round from the surgery, the afternoon and evening was spent sleeping and trying to keep food and drink down. I was successful with the sleep part, the food and drink was another matter entirely. I think I was sick about three times yesterday, and I'm not good with being sick. Pale and clammy was the look of the day for me unfortunately!
I slept relatively ok, thanks to Mark's headphones and iPod, which I had playing all night. The only problem was that they had put the bed in a semi sitting position yesterday evening and I couldn't reach the controls to put it down flat, so I spent most of the night not laying right down. It probably wasn't a bad thing, meant I didn't subject the other ward occupant to my snoring!
At the moment my knee is achy, but it's "tolerable". I'm feeling quite pleased with myself, I have had a cup of tea this morning and a biscuit, and managed to keep it down. So far so good.
As you can seen, my leg is bandaged from mid thigh to my toes, so as yet I haven't seen the op site. Nurse has just asked me if I want any pain killers, which I declined, don't want to take anything if I can avoid it.
The situation at the moment is that I'm waiting for an x-Ray and to see the physio. Once that has been done, hopefully I will be able to escape.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Our Family Chain
We little knew that morning
That God would call your name.
In life we loved you dearly;
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Author Unknown
It just isn't right, you should be here Dad. I miss you. I never dreamed in a million years that when I spoke to you on the phone that Tuesday night, it would be for the last time. If God wanted to give me a lesson in not taking things for granted, did it have to be as cruel and as awful as this?
There are days when I think I'm ok, that I'm getting through the "grieving stages" and that I'm moving forward.
Then I have days, like today, when I realise how much it still really hurts, and that I'm not doing as well as I thought. Days when, no matter who else is with me, no matter how hard they try, it's you I want to be here. I love you Dad.
That God would call your name.
In life we loved you dearly;
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Author Unknown
It just isn't right, you should be here Dad. I miss you. I never dreamed in a million years that when I spoke to you on the phone that Tuesday night, it would be for the last time. If God wanted to give me a lesson in not taking things for granted, did it have to be as cruel and as awful as this?
There are days when I think I'm ok, that I'm getting through the "grieving stages" and that I'm moving forward.
Then I have days, like today, when I realise how much it still really hurts, and that I'm not doing as well as I thought. Days when, no matter who else is with me, no matter how hard they try, it's you I want to be here. I love you Dad.
Saturday 23 October 2010
Ground Force
Today we have spent at the house of my late Nan, clearing the garden shed and surrounding area ready for it to be demolished.
In order to clear the area, we had to dispose of the creeping ivy covering the shed, along with the shrubbery around it. Another small issue was the squatters residing in the shed (which my sister is not too keen on)
This one wasn't too shy, the one below was less inclined to withstand a photo shoot.
After a day of clearance, the area is now relatively clear ready for my sister and her husband to dig up the roots before the shed is removed.
We will be returning home this evening, complete with sore muscles and aches in parts I didn't know were possible!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
In order to clear the area, we had to dispose of the creeping ivy covering the shed, along with the shrubbery around it. Another small issue was the squatters residing in the shed (which my sister is not too keen on)
This one wasn't too shy, the one below was less inclined to withstand a photo shoot.
After a day of clearance, the area is now relatively clear ready for my sister and her husband to dig up the roots before the shed is removed.
We will be returning home this evening, complete with sore muscles and aches in parts I didn't know were possible!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday 21 October 2010
Combination...
..of not enough sleep, lots of driving, long working days and quality headphones can result in someone going from this...
Through this...
To this...
Sweet dreams!
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Through this...
To this...
Sweet dreams!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Back To Reality
Just the sort of weather you want to see when you return to the UK!
I wasn't the only one who was unimpressed with the atmospherics!
Having landed safely in the UK, collected our luggage without incident (albeit a slight delay) found the car in the same condition we left it and dropped my Mum home, we have then semi-unpacked and sorted out what bits we need for work.
No parties appear to have been thrown in our absence this time, unlike when we went to Barcelona. Admittedly a number of things have changed since then, but it was a relief to find the house and contents still in one piece.
And tomorrow the deep joys of the working environment awaits us, for which we can not wait...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I wasn't the only one who was unimpressed with the atmospherics!
Having landed safely in the UK, collected our luggage without incident (albeit a slight delay) found the car in the same condition we left it and dropped my Mum home, we have then semi-unpacked and sorted out what bits we need for work.
No parties appear to have been thrown in our absence this time, unlike when we went to Barcelona. Admittedly a number of things have changed since then, but it was a relief to find the house and contents still in one piece.
And tomorrow the deep joys of the working environment awaits us, for which we can not wait...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Daylight Robbery!
I must be getting cranky in my old age. I could have sworn it was against the law to charge the equivalent of the national debt (or so it feels) for a cheeseburger in an airport. I'm sure there is some moral issue about cranking up the prices for supply and demand.
At the time of writing (will be posting this later due to Faro airport not supplying free wifi, so inconsiderate of them) due to being hungry (and not being sure what food Easyjet will have available for purchase on the flight) I have just bought a cheeseburger. See below. That wasn't the condition in which it arrived, I have already started eating, it's purely to give an idea of size (which was small)
For the equivalent for a McDonald cheeseburger, "burger & grill" charged €6.15 which, given that the current exchange rate (Do NOT get me started on THAT) is almost €1 to £1, that's at least £5.00. At least.
If it was a meal, as in fries and drink included, I could perhaps understand it. But €6.15 for a lowly cheeseburger is just capitalising!
It's not just Britain that is a ripoff, every other sodding enterprise seems to be getting in on the act.
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At the time of writing (will be posting this later due to Faro airport not supplying free wifi, so inconsiderate of them) due to being hungry (and not being sure what food Easyjet will have available for purchase on the flight) I have just bought a cheeseburger. See below. That wasn't the condition in which it arrived, I have already started eating, it's purely to give an idea of size (which was small)
For the equivalent for a McDonald cheeseburger, "burger & grill" charged €6.15 which, given that the current exchange rate (Do NOT get me started on THAT) is almost €1 to £1, that's at least £5.00. At least.
If it was a meal, as in fries and drink included, I could perhaps understand it. But €6.15 for a lowly cheeseburger is just capitalising!
It's not just Britain that is a ripoff, every other sodding enterprise seems to be getting in on the act.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday 18 October 2010
Fiesa 2010
Just a quick upload of a video clip showing the sand sculptures!
The only way to enjoy it properly is to go there!
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The only way to enjoy it properly is to go there!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
A Postcard From Praia De Luz!
Just sitting chilling out by the pool after our attempts at 'Geocaching' this morning!
Yesterday morning we went to see the 'Festival Internacional de Escultura em Areia' In English that roughly translates as 'Sand Sculpture Festival' The web page is http://www.prosandart.com/fiesa2010/en/index.htm, though it doesn't tell you much and a description can be better given in pictures.
The Fiesa has been organised annually since 2003, with a different theme each year. This year's theme was "Living World", with an environmental and ecological message to it. A lot of the species created in sand have been threatened with extinction.
Being able to blog at all has been made possible by the generous free wifi provided at our hotel, The Bellavista' on the outskirts of the town of Luz, since we decided not to embark on the volume of roaming charges we incurred in Barcelona. Unfortunately I haven't sought to purchase a device to upload photos to my iPad, and therefore I have had to depend on a bluetooth app on my iPhone and iPad to transfer photos, which, while being quite handy, is a tad laborious. So the photos available at the moment are limited!
Last night we went out with my Mum, Uncle, and his girlfriend, Jennie for dinner at the Fortaleza down on the sea front. It was a lovely evening, food and company were wonderful alike.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a thing called 'Geocaching'. I think it's more popular in the US, however, it does seem to be taking hold across the globe. Long and short, it's treasure hunting with GPS rather than maps.
I looked on the site for it, and established that there were a number of treasures or "caches" as they are called, near where we are staying in Luz.
So, off we set this morning, complete with coordinates and Tom Tom!
I think a better word for it would have been "Goose chase"! We found the first site and answered the clues, however, my calculations of the next set of coordinates must have been slightly off. We ended up going for a very long hike, heading towards the outskirts of Luz, towards Bergau!
At which point we gave up and headed towards the beach, or rocks. It's got to be said, we may not have found the treasures we were looking for, but the resulting views were equally as rewarding.
You can't put a price on it. A lovely morning spent exploring the area, which is beautiful and the weather has been gorgeous. We have both had a very stressful and difficult year, and the opportunity to relax out here has been greatly appreciated.
We are out for diner this evening, and then headed back to the UK tomorrow, unfortunately. Still, a few days break has been worthwhile, here's hoping it has recharged our batteries ready for the next set of challenges!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Yesterday morning we went to see the 'Festival Internacional de Escultura em Areia' In English that roughly translates as 'Sand Sculpture Festival' The web page is http://www.prosandart.com/fiesa2010/en/index.htm, though it doesn't tell you much and a description can be better given in pictures.
The Fiesa has been organised annually since 2003, with a different theme each year. This year's theme was "Living World", with an environmental and ecological message to it. A lot of the species created in sand have been threatened with extinction.
Being able to blog at all has been made possible by the generous free wifi provided at our hotel, The Bellavista' on the outskirts of the town of Luz, since we decided not to embark on the volume of roaming charges we incurred in Barcelona. Unfortunately I haven't sought to purchase a device to upload photos to my iPad, and therefore I have had to depend on a bluetooth app on my iPhone and iPad to transfer photos, which, while being quite handy, is a tad laborious. So the photos available at the moment are limited!
Last night we went out with my Mum, Uncle, and his girlfriend, Jennie for dinner at the Fortaleza down on the sea front. It was a lovely evening, food and company were wonderful alike.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a thing called 'Geocaching'. I think it's more popular in the US, however, it does seem to be taking hold across the globe. Long and short, it's treasure hunting with GPS rather than maps.
I looked on the site for it, and established that there were a number of treasures or "caches" as they are called, near where we are staying in Luz.
So, off we set this morning, complete with coordinates and Tom Tom!
I think a better word for it would have been "Goose chase"! We found the first site and answered the clues, however, my calculations of the next set of coordinates must have been slightly off. We ended up going for a very long hike, heading towards the outskirts of Luz, towards Bergau!
At which point we gave up and headed towards the beach, or rocks. It's got to be said, we may not have found the treasures we were looking for, but the resulting views were equally as rewarding.
You can't put a price on it. A lovely morning spent exploring the area, which is beautiful and the weather has been gorgeous. We have both had a very stressful and difficult year, and the opportunity to relax out here has been greatly appreciated.
We are out for diner this evening, and then headed back to the UK tomorrow, unfortunately. Still, a few days break has been worthwhile, here's hoping it has recharged our batteries ready for the next set of challenges!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday 15 October 2010
We've Arrived!
We are sitting in the bar chilling out with a drink at the hotel. And it has wifi, so I will be able to update without getting hit for data charges! It's a nice hotel, horseshoe shaped round two swimming pools and it's facing the sea, nice views.
In the meantime - cheers!
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In the meantime - cheers!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We Are Off To Sunnier Climates...
...albeit only for a short break!
We are through security at the airport and just sitting down to enjoy a spot of lunch in Cafe Rouge.
Given the horrendous phone bills that we incurred when we went to Barcelona earlier this year, there won't be many updates between now and our return to the UK!
Adios!
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We are through security at the airport and just sitting down to enjoy a spot of lunch in Cafe Rouge.
Given the horrendous phone bills that we incurred when we went to Barcelona earlier this year, there won't be many updates between now and our return to the UK!
Adios!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Gatwick
Sunday 10 October 2010
Awareness
This is definitely NOT prompted by nor related to the relationship I am in now (unless tickling my feet and kissing my very sensitive neck counts as abuse!) and indeed I have been lucky not to be subjected to physical violence within a relationship, and I have a loving and close relationship with a very well balanced laid back guy who absolutely rocks my world.
However, there have been some articles I have seen recently on the net about emotional abuse, which make me realise that I was lucky to recognise the early symptoms of emotional abuse in a previous relationship and to escape it before I were to become a victim.
It wasn't anything dramatic. It was insidious, and the most dangerous thing is, you don't even realise that it is happening. To give you examples: checking my text messages, answering my phone, showing off like a child if we went out with friends, borrowing my car without asking, putting me down in front of friends and family, being jealous of my talking about work, dismissing my job.
Bizarrely and stupidly, it wasn't those things which actually tipped me off, though they did serve to piss me off. It was the innocuous comment made one evening as I was getting ready to go out with a female friend for dinner. It was a ritual of longstanding, we went out for dinner regularly to catch up and chat.
As all women know, no matter who you are going out with, you freshen up, especially after a long day at work! It's not about "going out on the pull" it's about personal appearance.
He said "What are you putting make up on for? You are only going out with your friend"
The scary thing is, for a split second, I thought "he's right, I don't need to put make up on"
Because of who I am (Im fairly strong minded) that split second was followed by a flash of anger as "who the fuck does he think he is" went through me. Then I realised, oh my god, that is how it starts.
When we were first together we got on ok. I was tolerant of the looking at my texts, because I thought "I don't have anything to hide, so Im being open by letting him check them" it didn't occur to me then that this was when it had really started, the monitoring and control.
After a series of really unpleasant incidents (one of which did border on violent) over a period of six months, and having been subjected to possessive moods and constant monitoring, I finally had enough and called time on it. The decision to end the relationship was met with threats of suicide (which only made me more angry and put my back up!) and then when I collected my stuff that day, public verbal abuse from him and his mother (who he had phoned that morning and she had driven down from the Midlands especially!)
I was so lucky. There had been suggestions of having a baby together (which I had firmly discouraged) and looking back, this would have been another means of exercising control.
My reason for writing about this isn't for any catharsis or to lay anything to rest. I left my ex on my birthday, and to this day I consider it my birthday gift to me! My reason for writing about it, is purely to illustrate how easy it is to fall prey to a type of "domestic abuse" There is no specific class of women who are more susceptible to it, I am fairly strong, confident of my abilities (when it comes to business anyway!) was/am self sufficient, independent and I drive/own a car.
Too many people judge those who are victims of domestic abuse, or think that certain women go for violent/abusive men, and it is stupid to put up with abuse. My point is this; if someone smacks you with a brick straight away, you are going to watch them like a hawk, never mind let them get within ten feet. But when someone strokes your arm and croons soothing sounds to you, you are less likely to see the handcuffs until it's too late.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
However, there have been some articles I have seen recently on the net about emotional abuse, which make me realise that I was lucky to recognise the early symptoms of emotional abuse in a previous relationship and to escape it before I were to become a victim.
It wasn't anything dramatic. It was insidious, and the most dangerous thing is, you don't even realise that it is happening. To give you examples: checking my text messages, answering my phone, showing off like a child if we went out with friends, borrowing my car without asking, putting me down in front of friends and family, being jealous of my talking about work, dismissing my job.
Bizarrely and stupidly, it wasn't those things which actually tipped me off, though they did serve to piss me off. It was the innocuous comment made one evening as I was getting ready to go out with a female friend for dinner. It was a ritual of longstanding, we went out for dinner regularly to catch up and chat.
As all women know, no matter who you are going out with, you freshen up, especially after a long day at work! It's not about "going out on the pull" it's about personal appearance.
He said "What are you putting make up on for? You are only going out with your friend"
The scary thing is, for a split second, I thought "he's right, I don't need to put make up on"
Because of who I am (Im fairly strong minded) that split second was followed by a flash of anger as "who the fuck does he think he is" went through me. Then I realised, oh my god, that is how it starts.
When we were first together we got on ok. I was tolerant of the looking at my texts, because I thought "I don't have anything to hide, so Im being open by letting him check them" it didn't occur to me then that this was when it had really started, the monitoring and control.
After a series of really unpleasant incidents (one of which did border on violent) over a period of six months, and having been subjected to possessive moods and constant monitoring, I finally had enough and called time on it. The decision to end the relationship was met with threats of suicide (which only made me more angry and put my back up!) and then when I collected my stuff that day, public verbal abuse from him and his mother (who he had phoned that morning and she had driven down from the Midlands especially!)
I was so lucky. There had been suggestions of having a baby together (which I had firmly discouraged) and looking back, this would have been another means of exercising control.
My reason for writing about this isn't for any catharsis or to lay anything to rest. I left my ex on my birthday, and to this day I consider it my birthday gift to me! My reason for writing about it, is purely to illustrate how easy it is to fall prey to a type of "domestic abuse" There is no specific class of women who are more susceptible to it, I am fairly strong, confident of my abilities (when it comes to business anyway!) was/am self sufficient, independent and I drive/own a car.
Too many people judge those who are victims of domestic abuse, or think that certain women go for violent/abusive men, and it is stupid to put up with abuse. My point is this; if someone smacks you with a brick straight away, you are going to watch them like a hawk, never mind let them get within ten feet. But when someone strokes your arm and croons soothing sounds to you, you are less likely to see the handcuffs until it's too late.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday 9 October 2010
How To Elevate Your Heartbeat
You get an email from National Lottery "We have some exciting news about your account" and no matter how hard you try, there's that little voice which whispers "you have just as much chance as anyone else"
Trying to be casual about it, you log in to your account, and it seems to take ages to update, all of which adds to the anticipation of course.
And then you see it. That all important figure jumps out at you. And you have to look twice to be absolutely sure.
£6.80!
Never mind, panic over!
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Trying to be casual about it, you log in to your account, and it seems to take ages to update, all of which adds to the anticipation of course.
And then you see it. That all important figure jumps out at you. And you have to look twice to be absolutely sure.
£6.80!
Never mind, panic over!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday 4 October 2010
Nine Lives
No, Im not referring to our feline friends. I'm talking about cyclists who seem to think they possess multiple lives like in computer games. You know, as in "Oops, made a mistake in this one which led to my demise, but that's ok because I have more"
Well I hate to break it to you, because even though the jury is still out on the reincarnation theory, there are no do-overs. You don't get to redo today all over again (although so many of us would love that option) so try and get it right the first time.
My reason for the griping is this. I came so close to knocking down a cyclist this morning, and it would have been deemed my fault. I was at a filter lane to cross the opposite carriageway and because of delays for oncoming traffic, two considerate motorists, one in each lane opted to let me across. The motorist further from me (but nearest to my exit) was a large box van, and I couldn't see past him to the filter lane. As a result, though I pulled across the carriageway, I was a lot slower than I could have been.
Luckily for the cyclist that this was the case. He went flying down the filter lane and down the side road, without stopping and definitely without even checking to see if it was safe. I couldn't seen him until I pulled past the box van, which if I had been doing a normal speed for that junction, could have proved too late.
Now, I'm not saying that he didn't have every right to do this, as technically, being his filter and right of way, he had every right to do so. What I'm cross at is this: he didn't look, he had no awareness of his surroundings, and being a vulnerable road user, I would have thought that his safety would be his paramount concern. To top it all off, he had no hi-vis or helmet either.
It's one thing to expect motorists to be aware of cyclists and motorbikes, but it does work both ways. Cyclists and motorbikes Please Take Note; you can not expect car drivers to do it all, you must exercise caution.
There is a sign on the back of some lorries and it is so true "If you can't see my mirrors, then I can't see you". I may be a car driver, but I do not have x-ray vision, and I sure as hell can't see through a large box van.
Here endeth the lesson :-)
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Well I hate to break it to you, because even though the jury is still out on the reincarnation theory, there are no do-overs. You don't get to redo today all over again (although so many of us would love that option) so try and get it right the first time.
My reason for the griping is this. I came so close to knocking down a cyclist this morning, and it would have been deemed my fault. I was at a filter lane to cross the opposite carriageway and because of delays for oncoming traffic, two considerate motorists, one in each lane opted to let me across. The motorist further from me (but nearest to my exit) was a large box van, and I couldn't see past him to the filter lane. As a result, though I pulled across the carriageway, I was a lot slower than I could have been.
Luckily for the cyclist that this was the case. He went flying down the filter lane and down the side road, without stopping and definitely without even checking to see if it was safe. I couldn't seen him until I pulled past the box van, which if I had been doing a normal speed for that junction, could have proved too late.
Now, I'm not saying that he didn't have every right to do this, as technically, being his filter and right of way, he had every right to do so. What I'm cross at is this: he didn't look, he had no awareness of his surroundings, and being a vulnerable road user, I would have thought that his safety would be his paramount concern. To top it all off, he had no hi-vis or helmet either.
It's one thing to expect motorists to be aware of cyclists and motorbikes, but it does work both ways. Cyclists and motorbikes Please Take Note; you can not expect car drivers to do it all, you must exercise caution.
There is a sign on the back of some lorries and it is so true "If you can't see my mirrors, then I can't see you". I may be a car driver, but I do not have x-ray vision, and I sure as hell can't see through a large box van.
Here endeth the lesson :-)
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Saturday 2 October 2010
Beautiful Flowers
If you are looking for quality flowers and beautiful arrangements, check out this website.
http://www.elmparkflorists.com
One of the partners, Tina, has been providing beautiful flower arrangements for my family for years. After redundancy, Tina and her friend Jo went into business together and March this year see the grand opening of Elm Park Florists.
Tina and Jo have seen a well deserved increase in business resulting from personal recommendations. Anyone who has had the pleasure of their floral arrangements and gifts is more than happy to recommend them to others. Even the quality examples shown on their website do not do the floral arrangements that Tina and Jo put together justice.
Elm Park Florists deliver personally to the Havering area, but Interflora is also available for further afield.
For quality flowers, you definitely can't go wrong with Elm Park Florists!
http://www.elmparkflorists.com
One of the partners, Tina, has been providing beautiful flower arrangements for my family for years. After redundancy, Tina and her friend Jo went into business together and March this year see the grand opening of Elm Park Florists.
Tina and Jo have seen a well deserved increase in business resulting from personal recommendations. Anyone who has had the pleasure of their floral arrangements and gifts is more than happy to recommend them to others. Even the quality examples shown on their website do not do the floral arrangements that Tina and Jo put together justice.
Elm Park Florists deliver personally to the Havering area, but Interflora is also available for further afield.
For quality flowers, you definitely can't go wrong with Elm Park Florists!
Definition Of Stress.
There are many definitions of stress. The classic is the confusion created when one's mind over-rides the body's basic desire to throttle someone and it causes a short-circuit in the brain functions.
Another such definition would be when driving on a Saturday morning and every man and his wife (who do not venture out on to the roads during the normal commuting hours and therefore do not have the first idea about sensible traffic driving, otherwise known as "Weekend Warriors" or Sunday Drivers") are determined to pull out on you at short notice and then toodle along the road at 25mph. Yes, you read correctly. 25 Miles Per Hour.
These Weekend Warriors should be required to retest every year, since their driving experience appears to be extremely limited and devoted to causing aggravation and irritation for other drivers.
I seem to be a magnet for this class of casual road user. Every Dolly Daydream within a twenty mile radius appears to congregate on the roads with the sole purpose of dawdling along in front of me.
There is a thing called the Highway Code. There is also an unwritten code of etiquette.
It's not difficult. Weekend Warriors, please take note. Don't wait until the last minute before pulling out. Your eyes didn't deceive you, you definitely saw me the first time you looked, and again the next five times. If you had to check a further fifty times, then your first port of call should be your local opticians - By Bus.
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Another such definition would be when driving on a Saturday morning and every man and his wife (who do not venture out on to the roads during the normal commuting hours and therefore do not have the first idea about sensible traffic driving, otherwise known as "Weekend Warriors" or Sunday Drivers") are determined to pull out on you at short notice and then toodle along the road at 25mph. Yes, you read correctly. 25 Miles Per Hour.
These Weekend Warriors should be required to retest every year, since their driving experience appears to be extremely limited and devoted to causing aggravation and irritation for other drivers.
I seem to be a magnet for this class of casual road user. Every Dolly Daydream within a twenty mile radius appears to congregate on the roads with the sole purpose of dawdling along in front of me.
There is a thing called the Highway Code. There is also an unwritten code of etiquette.
It's not difficult. Weekend Warriors, please take note. Don't wait until the last minute before pulling out. Your eyes didn't deceive you, you definitely saw me the first time you looked, and again the next five times. If you had to check a further fifty times, then your first port of call should be your local opticians - By Bus.
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Friday 1 October 2010
Retail Trauma!
Ever been to Bluewater? For those who haven't, it's a designer triangular version of Lakeside. For those who haven't been to Lakeside, imagine a rectangle filled on two floors with shops, surrounded by car parks.
Anyway, Mum and I decided to go to Bluewater. Nice enough place, except that it is shaped as a triangle. Which is fine but it is extremely disorientating when you come out of the shops. Though that is probably the whole idea, confuse the victims/shoppers and there is more chance of them buying products they wouldn't normally buy in shops they normally wouldn't frequent.
That wasn't the traumatic part. I went in Jones to look at some boots. Could not fault the assistants, they were extremely helpful (and sympathetic) The range of boots available (and this seems to be consistent in all poxy shoe shops!) is limited to stick thin women with wafer thin calves.
Shoe shops (are you reading this, Mr Shoe manufacturer?!) don't grasp the concept that normal women (who are, god forbid, flesh and blood, a healthy size, and make up a huge proportion of the female population) do not have calves as small as a child's clenched fist.
Which means that boot shopping ranks up amongst divorce, moving house and getting married in terms of trauma for women. We hate boot shopping. Normal women pay the price because boot designers surround themselves with anorexic models and therefore don't have the first clue about what real women want.
Here's a thought. Why not have a range of calf sizes for each boot size? The designers and manufacturers must have sales figures on the most popular shoes sizes, so they could work accordingly.
I should have quit there. Instead I went into Superdrug to buy some moisturiser. I have always used Oil of Ulay, but wanted something that would last a bit longer. The range to choose from is overwhelming and highly stressful. Every product promises you "skin that appears firmer and younger" and they are geared towards skin which is "mature".
Can anyone tell me, how old do you have to be to have "mature" skin?? I don't want bells and whistles. I don't want moisturiser that is the cosmetic version of Polyfilla, I just want a moisturiser that protects my skin from the daily stresses of makeup, travelling, pollution and air conditioning. I don't think that is too much to ask.
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Anyway, Mum and I decided to go to Bluewater. Nice enough place, except that it is shaped as a triangle. Which is fine but it is extremely disorientating when you come out of the shops. Though that is probably the whole idea, confuse the victims/shoppers and there is more chance of them buying products they wouldn't normally buy in shops they normally wouldn't frequent.
That wasn't the traumatic part. I went in Jones to look at some boots. Could not fault the assistants, they were extremely helpful (and sympathetic) The range of boots available (and this seems to be consistent in all poxy shoe shops!) is limited to stick thin women with wafer thin calves.
Shoe shops (are you reading this, Mr Shoe manufacturer?!) don't grasp the concept that normal women (who are, god forbid, flesh and blood, a healthy size, and make up a huge proportion of the female population) do not have calves as small as a child's clenched fist.
Which means that boot shopping ranks up amongst divorce, moving house and getting married in terms of trauma for women. We hate boot shopping. Normal women pay the price because boot designers surround themselves with anorexic models and therefore don't have the first clue about what real women want.
Here's a thought. Why not have a range of calf sizes for each boot size? The designers and manufacturers must have sales figures on the most popular shoes sizes, so they could work accordingly.
I should have quit there. Instead I went into Superdrug to buy some moisturiser. I have always used Oil of Ulay, but wanted something that would last a bit longer. The range to choose from is overwhelming and highly stressful. Every product promises you "skin that appears firmer and younger" and they are geared towards skin which is "mature".
Can anyone tell me, how old do you have to be to have "mature" skin?? I don't want bells and whistles. I don't want moisturiser that is the cosmetic version of Polyfilla, I just want a moisturiser that protects my skin from the daily stresses of makeup, travelling, pollution and air conditioning. I don't think that is too much to ask.
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Sunday 26 September 2010
Sunday lunch
We stopped for lunch at The Swan Inn on our way home from Holt. Never been here before and you do wonder what the food will be like.
Oh my word! You should have seen the size of the Yorkshire puddings! They were huge. The only downside about having Sunday lunch here is the long journey home before we can curl up on the settee in the warm away from the dismal weather!
Definitely worth a stop if you are ever up near Kings Lynn.
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Oh my word! You should have seen the size of the Yorkshire puddings! They were huge. The only downside about having Sunday lunch here is the long journey home before we can curl up on the settee in the warm away from the dismal weather!
Definitely worth a stop if you are ever up near Kings Lynn.
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Saturday 25 September 2010
Lazy Evening
After a few laps in the hotel pool and a relaxing spell in the jacuzzi, we have just enjoyed a nice meal in the restaurant.
Even though there is a wedding reception being held in the hotel, it was not disruptive to our meal and after coffee we have retired to our rooms.
Hoping for an relatively early night, absolutely shattered after driving today and then spending time in the pool and jacuzzi!
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Even though there is a wedding reception being held in the hotel, it was not disruptive to our meal and after coffee we have retired to our rooms.
Hoping for an relatively early night, absolutely shattered after driving today and then spending time in the pool and jacuzzi!
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Journey's End
We have arrived at Booton in one piece, and have successfully relocated the caravan to its new home and owner. It will be keeping another van company!
I hope they will look after it, as mum and dad enjoyed many a holiday with it and it is immaculate and has been well cared for.
The weather has deteriorated somewhat and I can not see the attraction of living in a field without any serious amenities, but then each to their own I guess!
Now off to our hotel to enjoy it's pool and jacuzzi!
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I hope they will look after it, as mum and dad enjoyed many a holiday with it and it is immaculate and has been well cared for.
The weather has deteriorated somewhat and I can not see the attraction of living in a field without any serious amenities, but then each to their own I guess!
Now off to our hotel to enjoy it's pool and jacuzzi!
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The Final Stretch
Swapped over from driving to passenger (no, not blogging while driving!) as my back was starting to seize up.
As you can see, the replacement driver is none other than my beloved other half :-)
Irritating thing is, it's going to look like he has done all the driving, and the women are just along for the ride!
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As you can see, the replacement driver is none other than my beloved other half :-)
Irritating thing is, it's going to look like he has done all the driving, and the women are just along for the ride!
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Fag/Food/Coffee Break
Just stopped for a little rest on our journey down to Booton!
Towing the van hasn't been too bad, better than I expected in fairness. The only snag is, we have stopped at a Little Chef and the parking is not too good, so I have abandoned the car and van across a few spaces and it's in a dead end. There are two options: reverse the car and van back or unhitch it and turn it by hand.
Either is going to be entertaining for onlookers!
In the meantime, pictures of my fellow travellers!
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Towing the van hasn't been too bad, better than I expected in fairness. The only snag is, we have stopped at a Little Chef and the parking is not too good, so I have abandoned the car and van across a few spaces and it's in a dead end. There are two options: reverse the car and van back or unhitch it and turn it by hand.
Either is going to be entertaining for onlookers!
In the meantime, pictures of my fellow travellers!
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Location:The St,,United Kingdom
A little adventure!
This is my inaugural post from my gorgeous iPad that my beloved boyfriend and mum bought for my birthday!
We are off to Norfolk to deliver a caravan today. Little bit nervous as I haven't towed a caravan for a while, hope the weather is reasonable while towing! The car I'm driving is a 4x4 so hoping not to experience any difficulties, fingers crossed!
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We are off to Norfolk to deliver a caravan today. Little bit nervous as I haven't towed a caravan for a while, hope the weather is reasonable while towing! The car I'm driving is a 4x4 so hoping not to experience any difficulties, fingers crossed!
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Thursday 23 September 2010
If Tears Could Build A Stairway Dad
If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, we would walk right up to heaven and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more, to remember all the happy times life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten we pledge to you today, a cherished place within our heart Is where you'll always stay.
I miss you Dad, everyday. No poem will change that. People say that it gets easier. I wish the "gets easier" part would hurry up, because it hurts so much.
I know you will rest easier Dad, because I have a good man looking after me, and after Mum. He has been everything that you would want for me, and I couldn't have survived losing you without him.
But I miss you.
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more, to remember all the happy times life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten we pledge to you today, a cherished place within our heart Is where you'll always stay.
I miss you Dad, everyday. No poem will change that. People say that it gets easier. I wish the "gets easier" part would hurry up, because it hurts so much.
I know you will rest easier Dad, because I have a good man looking after me, and after Mum. He has been everything that you would want for me, and I couldn't have survived losing you without him.
But I miss you.
Friday 10 September 2010
Just A Thought
I don't agree with the burning of books, regardless of what they are about, but in all honesty, was this Koran saga only just about burning some paper? It's highlighted the issue about the intended location of the mosque near to Ground Zero. How can anyone who has lost a loved one in the catastrophic events of 9/11 not see the building of a mosque at the site as anything other than insulting to the memories of all those who were lost?
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Sunday 13 June 2010
Home Again - A Ruined Evening
Any good humour from a weekend away quickly deserted us when we arrived home.
We pulled up on the drive and established that not only was my driver's side car door open, some scummy thieving miscreant (words fail me, and there is one in the English language that I will NOT use) had stolen my Parrot bluetooth, my cd's, some sunglasses and an old mobile phone out of the glove compartment.
I was stupid enough to leave the car unlocked, but it was not deliberate complacency, the central locking is very temperamental and without checking the door handle you can never be sure it has locked by the remote. Unfortunately with all the hassle on Thursday evening (I didn't leave work until 4.50 - despite having been adamant that I absolutely had to leave on time that day) so we were rushing around as we wanted to get on the road pretty promptly.
The fact that some horrible little cretinous scum has decided that not only does he have the god given right (and I have a pretty good idea who it was) to trespass on our property (car was on OUR drive) , but he can help himself to anything he likes in MY car is absolutely infuriating. I hope that his extremities rot and fall off and that he comes out in a permanent case of acne which will torment him for the rest of his days.
To add insult to injury, the gangrenous little cockroach left the car door ajar which meant my battery is completely flat!!!
Just give me five minutes with the scummy, skanky little fuckwit. In the mean time, until I have the pleasure of meeting the moronic sophomoric entity, I will be cursing him with an affliction of Montezuma's revenge and projectile vomiting.
Where's my voodoo dolls.....
We pulled up on the drive and established that not only was my driver's side car door open, some scummy thieving miscreant (words fail me, and there is one in the English language that I will NOT use) had stolen my Parrot bluetooth, my cd's, some sunglasses and an old mobile phone out of the glove compartment.
I was stupid enough to leave the car unlocked, but it was not deliberate complacency, the central locking is very temperamental and without checking the door handle you can never be sure it has locked by the remote. Unfortunately with all the hassle on Thursday evening (I didn't leave work until 4.50 - despite having been adamant that I absolutely had to leave on time that day) so we were rushing around as we wanted to get on the road pretty promptly.
The fact that some horrible little cretinous scum has decided that not only does he have the god given right (and I have a pretty good idea who it was) to trespass on our property (car was on OUR drive) , but he can help himself to anything he likes in MY car is absolutely infuriating. I hope that his extremities rot and fall off and that he comes out in a permanent case of acne which will torment him for the rest of his days.
To add insult to injury, the gangrenous little cockroach left the car door ajar which meant my battery is completely flat!!!
Just give me five minutes with the scummy, skanky little fuckwit. In the mean time, until I have the pleasure of meeting the moronic sophomoric entity, I will be cursing him with an affliction of Montezuma's revenge and projectile vomiting.
Where's my voodoo dolls.....
We Survived!
After feeding the ducks, we departed from the site and now we have stopped at Mark's dads for a cuppa before facing the Sunday traffic.
All present and correct, no limbs lost or injuries inflicted, pretty good going!
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All present and correct, no limbs lost or injuries inflicted, pretty good going!
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Location:Horningsham,United Kingdom
Peace and Calm....
...is restored :-)
Thankfully the rain stopped after a very short outburst and by the time we were ready to pack up, the sun was out and blazing down, drying everything that needed to be dried!
We have returned the tent to it's storage bag in a relatively prompt fashion, all that remains is to return it to it's rightfully owner!
Many thanks to Tom who entrusted us with his property in good faith that it would be returned in the same condition, your faith has not been unfounded.
Time for a cup of coffee!
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Thankfully the rain stopped after a very short outburst and by the time we were ready to pack up, the sun was out and blazing down, drying everything that needed to be dried!
We have returned the tent to it's storage bag in a relatively prompt fashion, all that remains is to return it to it's rightfully owner!
Many thanks to Tom who entrusted us with his property in good faith that it would be returned in the same condition, your faith has not been unfounded.
Time for a cup of coffee!
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Location:North Bradley,United Kingdom
Mute button please
And said child from four pitches down is whingeing again...
What is it about camping that makes some parents think it's ok for their little darlings to be disturbing other people's rest?
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What is it about camping that makes some parents think it's ok for their little darlings to be disturbing other people's rest?
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Seattle?
Take one sleeping area in a tent without an airbed.
Add one screaming child about four pitches away who would not be consoled.
Add a duck down pillow which evades your head and then turns into an object with the thickness of an A3 bit of paper.
Add two duvets spread out under you which are as flat as pancakes.
Add a section of ground upon which the tent is set up which is as soft as concrete.
Add an occupant in the tent next door (number 47) who is snoring.
Add a slight spattering of rain at silly o clock this morning.
Add a group of birds (feathered) who had not been told that dawn chorus is cancelled at the weekends.
Take all of the above items, add them together and you have got an alternative location for the film "Sleepless in Seattle"
I have come to the conclusion that I like the bathroom and bedroom to be in the same establishment, especially when my body dictates it needs the bathroom at six am and it is wet outside.
And somehow we have to get this tent down in a way which will minimise it being damp packed and be off the campsite by 11am.
Not quite sure the logistics of that are going to tie up somehow. And after having a lousy night's sleep, I'm not sure I care.
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Add one screaming child about four pitches away who would not be consoled.
Add a duck down pillow which evades your head and then turns into an object with the thickness of an A3 bit of paper.
Add two duvets spread out under you which are as flat as pancakes.
Add a section of ground upon which the tent is set up which is as soft as concrete.
Add an occupant in the tent next door (number 47) who is snoring.
Add a slight spattering of rain at silly o clock this morning.
Add a group of birds (feathered) who had not been told that dawn chorus is cancelled at the weekends.
Take all of the above items, add them together and you have got an alternative location for the film "Sleepless in Seattle"
I have come to the conclusion that I like the bathroom and bedroom to be in the same establishment, especially when my body dictates it needs the bathroom at six am and it is wet outside.
And somehow we have to get this tent down in a way which will minimise it being damp packed and be off the campsite by 11am.
Not quite sure the logistics of that are going to tie up somehow. And after having a lousy night's sleep, I'm not sure I care.
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Steep
Fifteen pounds for two jacket potatoes and a bottle of water is a bit much, in fact it's bordering on daylight robbery when they charge you extra for salad to go with it!
Longleat itself was lovely, but regardless of where you are and how much it is the norm, no one appreciates being ripped off for food!
Should you got to Longleat, take a picnic with you.
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Longleat itself was lovely, but regardless of where you are and how much it is the norm, no one appreciates being ripped off for food!
Should you got to Longleat, take a picnic with you.
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Saturday 12 June 2010
Survival
Andy and Ann duly arrived and erected their tent without any issues. After chilling out for a while we all headed for The Full Moon, which is a nice country inn/pub/restaurant about a mile for Brokers Wood.
As you can see, dinner was duly
consumed and enjoyed!
Can't say that the bed was the most comfortable, but then I lay on my side and I have bony hips, so now doubt going to be covered in bruises this week.
We have had breakfast and are finishing off the round of showers. Facilities here are pretty good, not quite home from home but pretty good. If they could just provide mute buttons for the screaming children in nearby tents, it would be five star.
Heading over to Longleat shortly. Weather is a bit mixed at the
moment, it's supposed to be nice today, fingers crossed the weathermen have got it right for once.
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As you can see, dinner was duly
consumed and enjoyed!
Can't say that the bed was the most comfortable, but then I lay on my side and I have bony hips, so now doubt going to be covered in bruises this week.
We have had breakfast and are finishing off the round of showers. Facilities here are pretty good, not quite home from home but pretty good. If they could just provide mute buttons for the screaming children in nearby tents, it would be five star.
Heading over to Longleat shortly. Weather is a bit mixed at the
moment, it's supposed to be nice today, fingers crossed the weathermen have got it right for once.
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Location:North Bradley,United Kingdom
Friday 11 June 2010
Hi de hi campers!
We started setting up the tent about twelve pm
and by quarter past we had the canvas relatively in place as you can see!
It did take another hour to get everything settled, guide ropes etc, but by 1.30pm we were all sorted.
As you can see, its the size of a small house!
When I said I was bringing a first aid kit (old habits die hard!) Mark rolled his eyes in that long suffering exaggerated patience style that men have perfected over the years since caveman was around. He was thankful of my precaution when a plaster was readily available after he cut his finger on a knife a short while ago mind!
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and by quarter past we had the canvas relatively in place as you can see!
It did take another hour to get everything settled, guide ropes etc, but by 1.30pm we were all sorted.
As you can see, its the size of a small house!
When I said I was bringing a first aid kit (old habits die hard!) Mark rolled his eyes in that long suffering exaggerated patience style that men have perfected over the years since caveman was around. He was thankful of my precaution when a plaster was readily available after he cut his finger on a knife a short while ago mind!
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Location:North Bradley,United Kingdom
Moment of truth
Having stayed at Marks' brothers, we are now heading over to Mark's Dad's for a quick brew before getting some groceries to take to the campsite :-s
The weather isn't looking too promising at the moment, hope we won't be putting the tent up in the rain...
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The weather isn't looking too promising at the moment, hope we won't be putting the tent up in the rain...
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Thursday 10 June 2010
Day of Reckoning...
...is virtually upon us!
We are in the car, driving down to lovely Somerset. Or to be exact, Mark is driving and I'm sitting as a passenger, blogging.
We are in possession of a tent which has been kindly loaned to us. I'm not sure that "tent" is an accurate description as I have been advised that it resembles a small house in stature! It has an area in the middle which could be used as a cooking area and it has bedrooms, which gives you an idea of it's size.
I suppose the bigger it is, the less likely we will get washed away...I have been too scared to check the weather reports, choosing instead to carry on ignorant bliss, though I have packed for wet n cold as well as warm weather, preferring to have plan B in place. Plan C will be sleeping in the car!
Watch this space...
We are in the car, driving down to lovely Somerset. Or to be exact, Mark is driving and I'm sitting as a passenger, blogging.
We are in possession of a tent which has been kindly loaned to us. I'm not sure that "tent" is an accurate description as I have been advised that it resembles a small house in stature! It has an area in the middle which could be used as a cooking area and it has bedrooms, which gives you an idea of it's size.
I suppose the bigger it is, the less likely we will get washed away...I have been too scared to check the weather reports, choosing instead to carry on ignorant bliss, though I have packed for wet n cold as well as warm weather, preferring to have plan B in place. Plan C will be sleeping in the car!
Watch this space...
Monday 7 June 2010
Camping Countdown
There have been a couple of changes to the well laid plans (!) for our outdoor adventure.
To start with, the tent that we were intending to borrow (as opposed to purchasing and therefore using regularly) has been found to be in a less than healthy condition by it's owner, to the extent that it's canvas was not in one piece and neither were three of it's poles.
The next line of thought (guess where/who that came from!) resulting from the tent's demise was that we should purchase one. My objections to this bright idea were swift and outright. Not wanting to need to use a tent on a regular basis in order to justify the initial outlay was my foremost objection, finding somewhere to store the damn thing afterwards was another reason.
However, not seeing another alternative (not one that would be acceptable for all parties anyway!) I was resigned to the inevitable, we were buying a tent.
As luck would have it (depending on how you view it) another tent was volunteered for us to borrow. So now we just have to hope that said tent will be remembered tomorrow.
The other variation is that we are going down on Thursday evening and staying at Mark's brothers, then going to the campsite Friday morning.
To start with, the tent that we were intending to borrow (as opposed to purchasing and therefore using regularly) has been found to be in a less than healthy condition by it's owner, to the extent that it's canvas was not in one piece and neither were three of it's poles.
The next line of thought (guess where/who that came from!) resulting from the tent's demise was that we should purchase one. My objections to this bright idea were swift and outright. Not wanting to need to use a tent on a regular basis in order to justify the initial outlay was my foremost objection, finding somewhere to store the damn thing afterwards was another reason.
However, not seeing another alternative (not one that would be acceptable for all parties anyway!) I was resigned to the inevitable, we were buying a tent.
As luck would have it (depending on how you view it) another tent was volunteered for us to borrow. So now we just have to hope that said tent will be remembered tomorrow.
The other variation is that we are going down on Thursday evening and staying at Mark's brothers, then going to the campsite Friday morning.
Daytime TV
One of the things I am absolutely, positively dreading when I have my knee done is the wonderful selection of tv programmes that are available during the day.
A good example is Jeremy Kyle - where all the scroats who are signing on and don't want to work for a living, air their personal lives and all the horrific promiscuity and pettiness that goes with it.
I have suffered it for half an hour in my lunch break in our canteen as the other occupant was watching it. In that time it has raised my hackles and irritated me more than a hedgehog scrubbing brush. I could not tolerate it for an hour, let alone three or four weeks!
It is my intention to stock up on DVDs and episodes of the series that I choose to watch normally, so that I do not have to suffer the horrendous intricacies and soap drama like details of the lives of those who bare their souls for reality tv.
A good example is Jeremy Kyle - where all the scroats who are signing on and don't want to work for a living, air their personal lives and all the horrific promiscuity and pettiness that goes with it.
I have suffered it for half an hour in my lunch break in our canteen as the other occupant was watching it. In that time it has raised my hackles and irritated me more than a hedgehog scrubbing brush. I could not tolerate it for an hour, let alone three or four weeks!
It is my intention to stock up on DVDs and episodes of the series that I choose to watch normally, so that I do not have to suffer the horrendous intricacies and soap drama like details of the lives of those who bare their souls for reality tv.
Sunday 6 June 2010
Braving The Great Outdoors
In recent months I seem to be prone to either coming up with some rather silly ideas, or giving into someone’s else’s rather silly ideas. The incident with the hairbrush was one such silly idea. Another one was when Mark said about going camping next weekend down in Somerset. As in, pitch a tent and stay in it for a weekend. For two whole nights.
The last time I stayed in a tent was about five years ago. That was also for a weekend, but we had access to my mum and dad’s caravan, so it wasn’t too bad. Prior to that it was when I was a lot younger and used to go on holiday with my mum and dad.
However, nothing about these previous experiences has made me inclined to rush down to Halfords, Millets or somewhere like World of Camping to invest in a tent and some camping equipment. The logic behind the reluctance is that if we purchase the camping equipment ourselves rather than borrow on this occasion, we would then have to use it regularly to ensure it wasn’t a waste of money.
Anyway, in a moment of madness I agreed to us going camping for a weekend, with Mark’s cousin, his cousin’s wife and their little girl. The little girl happens to be really sweet and easy to get on with, so despite my general aversion to/phobia of children, I can cope with that. It’s the sleeping in a tent and coping with the back to basics rather than having all the amenities of home from home like you would have in a caravan, or a hotel that is going to cause the stress.
Somerset here we come!
Tuesday 1 June 2010
House Elves
After waking up at seven on Saturday and spring cleaning the entire house from top to bottom, I decided that the carpet in our room and the landing could do with cleaning. In the shadowy depths of my brain I recalled that my mum owned a vax carpet cleaner. I procured this on Sunday, with a view to returning the carpets to a nice pristine condition with less effort than would be required with a scrubbing brush and bowl of cleaning fluid.
Because THAT was a bright idea! I don’t know what on earth led me to think that using a vax would be easier, but I won’t be making that mistake again! It doesn’t spray the water and foam out evenly, and in order to entice the machine to suck up the dirty water from the carpet, you have to press down on the front of the vax, while trying to push it. After fifteen minutes of battling with our carpet I was sweating profusely and had begun to resemble a human pretzel.
Recognising that my limited patience was being tested to its very limits and that it would soon be found wanting, I packed the offending carpet cleaner away, before I gave in to the temptation to throw it down the stairs. I will be purchasing a can of Vanish for carpets and hopefully using considerably less elbow grease with the landing carpet by using a scrubbing brush!
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Because THAT was a bright idea! I don’t know what on earth led me to think that using a vax would be easier, but I won’t be making that mistake again! It doesn’t spray the water and foam out evenly, and in order to entice the machine to suck up the dirty water from the carpet, you have to press down on the front of the vax, while trying to push it. After fifteen minutes of battling with our carpet I was sweating profusely and had begun to resemble a human pretzel.
Recognising that my limited patience was being tested to its very limits and that it would soon be found wanting, I packed the offending carpet cleaner away, before I gave in to the temptation to throw it down the stairs. I will be purchasing a can of Vanish for carpets and hopefully using considerably less elbow grease with the landing carpet by using a scrubbing brush!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Stupid Things
There has to be a Top Ten of Stupid Things Not To Do. The list would stem from the fact that the Stupid Things are either life threatening, or at the least, very painful. In that list, you could expect to see the following: not crossing motorways on foot and stripping wallpaper with a steamer next to a live plug socket. Today, I’ve found a new one. Not wrapping your hair round a styling brush!
It wasn’t deliberate, it wasn’t one of those “What happens if I do this” ideas, it was a “Trying to add body to my hair and not having the first clue as to how to go about it" idea.
If you have seen Harry Potter then the description "Devils Snare" would be very apt! The end result was a very sore scalp derived from needing my beloved partner to help me extricate the brush from it's entanglement. Mark was as gentle as possible (bless him!) but trying to remove a hair brush from a web of hair is not a gentle exercise, no matter how hard you try.
So rather than heading to work with a neat well styled head of hair, I went to work with the front of my hair tied back as I could not face the hassle and torture of styling for any longer, nor did I have the time for it.
This week seems to be hell bent on challenging me for sure, and its only Tuesday! Referring to a previous post on the subject of having my knee reconstructed and the waiting time for the surgery, I was very shocked to get a phone call from the hospital yesterday.
The reason for the shock, was that they have informed me that my paperwork is being passed over to the treatment centre (which didn't mean a thing to me) I should be hearing about a pre assessment in the next couple of weeks and they intend to have me treated in the next eight weeks or so.
Just to clarify in case there is any confusion, "Treated" as in "operated on"!
So, there was me thinking that I had at least four months to get my staff trained up, and instead I will be lucky to have three months at the most.
On the upside it will get it over with, but it's scary because it's a damn sight closer than I thought. And I am scared. I know it's a routine operation, but touch wood I have been quite healthy, only stayed in hospital once overnight and that was when I had my arthroscopy done in 2003.
Still, I should be thankful for small mercies, I just need ideas of the silver lining to counteract the "Omfg, eight weeks!" sensation I'm still feeling!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It wasn’t deliberate, it wasn’t one of those “What happens if I do this” ideas, it was a “Trying to add body to my hair and not having the first clue as to how to go about it" idea.
If you have seen Harry Potter then the description "Devils Snare" would be very apt! The end result was a very sore scalp derived from needing my beloved partner to help me extricate the brush from it's entanglement. Mark was as gentle as possible (bless him!) but trying to remove a hair brush from a web of hair is not a gentle exercise, no matter how hard you try.
So rather than heading to work with a neat well styled head of hair, I went to work with the front of my hair tied back as I could not face the hassle and torture of styling for any longer, nor did I have the time for it.
This week seems to be hell bent on challenging me for sure, and its only Tuesday! Referring to a previous post on the subject of having my knee reconstructed and the waiting time for the surgery, I was very shocked to get a phone call from the hospital yesterday.
The reason for the shock, was that they have informed me that my paperwork is being passed over to the treatment centre (which didn't mean a thing to me) I should be hearing about a pre assessment in the next couple of weeks and they intend to have me treated in the next eight weeks or so.
Just to clarify in case there is any confusion, "Treated" as in "operated on"!
So, there was me thinking that I had at least four months to get my staff trained up, and instead I will be lucky to have three months at the most.
On the upside it will get it over with, but it's scary because it's a damn sight closer than I thought. And I am scared. I know it's a routine operation, but touch wood I have been quite healthy, only stayed in hospital once overnight and that was when I had my arthroscopy done in 2003.
Still, I should be thankful for small mercies, I just need ideas of the silver lining to counteract the "Omfg, eight weeks!" sensation I'm still feeling!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday 22 May 2010
Ouch
Ouch! It hurts!
Did 30 minutes of Davina yesterday morning, which as I said previously, didn’t expect to find too difficult, as it looked relatively easy. Did the bums and legs section as that is where I need to focus my attention, though I will be working through the whole lot, 30 minutes a morning.
Got to be said, my legs are sore today! I haven’t done any as yet today, but I will do at some point, going to add some pilates to the mix as well, as my pilates dvd has arrived this morning, yay!
I used to hate the idea of working out at home, but needs must. It stems from not being able to play netball (which I love) and not enjoying going to the gym unless it is class based, which is a little difficult because I have to be careful of my knee. My mentality is that if I’m not giving it 100%, then I’m cheating, and holding back because of my knee (to me) still constitutes cheating.
Perverse as this may sound, I’m pleased that my legs are sore today. To me that means I have exercised properly, and I’m used to the “burn” from when I used to do dancing, and our teachers really used to put us through it (which I loved) I never felt fitter than when we were working towards a dance show, because the training we used to do was fantastic.
Anway, going to crack on with the rest of my day. The sun is out, and it’s absolutely glorious, so will blog ya’ later!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Did 30 minutes of Davina yesterday morning, which as I said previously, didn’t expect to find too difficult, as it looked relatively easy. Did the bums and legs section as that is where I need to focus my attention, though I will be working through the whole lot, 30 minutes a morning.
Got to be said, my legs are sore today! I haven’t done any as yet today, but I will do at some point, going to add some pilates to the mix as well, as my pilates dvd has arrived this morning, yay!
I used to hate the idea of working out at home, but needs must. It stems from not being able to play netball (which I love) and not enjoying going to the gym unless it is class based, which is a little difficult because I have to be careful of my knee. My mentality is that if I’m not giving it 100%, then I’m cheating, and holding back because of my knee (to me) still constitutes cheating.
Perverse as this may sound, I’m pleased that my legs are sore today. To me that means I have exercised properly, and I’m used to the “burn” from when I used to do dancing, and our teachers really used to put us through it (which I loved) I never felt fitter than when we were working towards a dance show, because the training we used to do was fantastic.
Anway, going to crack on with the rest of my day. The sun is out, and it’s absolutely glorious, so will blog ya’ later!
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Q I With a Twist!
Ever woken up one morning and thought "What the hell was THAT about?!"?
Well that was my exact state of mind a short while ago after I woke up and realised that I was not only able to recall my dream, but the content was a tad peculiar.
Quite how we got there, only the Sandman would know, but we were on a plane in France shortly before it was due to depart, and Stephen Fry was sitting on there in handcuffs. There were a number of strange characters on the plane and we were told that he would only be released once the plane landed in the UK.
For some reason we then got off the plane and left poor Stephen to it (sorry Stephen!) and we watched as the plane made it's rather unsteady ascent.
As if that wasn't odd enough, the plane then experienced difficulties and started to circle, like you would expect a piece of paper to float if thrown up into the air.
At this point we had concerns for our safety as we were standing on the runway (told you it was peculiar!) and hid beneath a piece of scaffolding that just happened to be there.
The plane landed without incident (!) and when we went to check on the occupants, poor Stephen was still sitting there very patiently in handcuffs, and the others were bemoaning the fact they would have to wait for another departure slot!
I do not in any way claim to be a psychic, see-er of events, or anything along those lines. My only reason for blogging this was because it felt so god damned strange!
My weekend has only just started, so heaven knows what the rest will bring!
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Well that was my exact state of mind a short while ago after I woke up and realised that I was not only able to recall my dream, but the content was a tad peculiar.
Quite how we got there, only the Sandman would know, but we were on a plane in France shortly before it was due to depart, and Stephen Fry was sitting on there in handcuffs. There were a number of strange characters on the plane and we were told that he would only be released once the plane landed in the UK.
For some reason we then got off the plane and left poor Stephen to it (sorry Stephen!) and we watched as the plane made it's rather unsteady ascent.
As if that wasn't odd enough, the plane then experienced difficulties and started to circle, like you would expect a piece of paper to float if thrown up into the air.
At this point we had concerns for our safety as we were standing on the runway (told you it was peculiar!) and hid beneath a piece of scaffolding that just happened to be there.
The plane landed without incident (!) and when we went to check on the occupants, poor Stephen was still sitting there very patiently in handcuffs, and the others were bemoaning the fact they would have to wait for another departure slot!
I do not in any way claim to be a psychic, see-er of events, or anything along those lines. My only reason for blogging this was because it felt so god damned strange!
My weekend has only just started, so heaven knows what the rest will bring!
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TFIF!!
Hallelujah and praise all things fun and enjoyable, it’s Friday at last! What is it about Fridays that makes even waking up and getting ready for work easier to handle?
It’s day five of healthy eating and I’m still managing to consume at least three of my five a day. The complete change in my eating habits has not sent my body into total shutdown, which is a good sign. The unbelievable thing is that I’m actually enjoying the fruit consumption. I NEVER thought I would hear myself say THAT!
In a bid to get myself fit, I ordered Davina Fit on dvd and a Pilates dvd. The Davina Fit arrived yesterday and I cracked on with one of the sections this morning, which is about 30 minutes long. It’s funny, when you watch these dvd’s it’s easy to think “That doesn’t look too energetic” Heck was I wrong! I was sweating by the bucket load!
It could be an indication of my general lack of fitness as the amount of exercise I have undertaken in recent months has reduced drastically due to my knee deteriorating. Netball has been ruled out indefinitely, I don’t enjoy swimming (plus it makes me hungry) and there aren’t many forms of exercise (bar one!) which keep knee impact to a minute level, and minimal impact on knees is what I need as mine is wrecked. You should have seen the mri scan!
I collected my hot brush from the Royal Mail office this morning (yay!), so I will be testing that out and doing some practicing with it in order to get the most out of my shorter hair style. Due to serious lack of time this morning (twenty minutes to get dressed, dry hair and style it!) I reverted back to hair dryer and hair brush. It was largely due to lack of time, and also due to lack of patience, but “practice makes perfect” as they say, so I will keep trying.
This weekend is a fairly quiet one (I hope), just the odds and sods of general housework etc to deal with. I seriously need to get my ironing under control, at the moment it glares menacingly at me like a grotesquely overgrown evil toad, but if the weather is going to be as lovely as they predict, the toad may have to wait a bit longer.
Next weekend we will be attending my friend’s engagement party. Her fiancé proposed on May Bank Holiday weekend in front of her family and friends. Got to hand it to him, he did it properly, and she was thrilled to bits. She has been married previously (which didn’t work out, obviously) and was hurt emotionally. The idiot didn’t appreciate what he had until he had thrown it away (which he did in a most spectacular fashion, and that’s putting it VERY nicely) consequently he lost her.
Luckily this guy seems to be intent on making my friend happy for the rest of their days on this earth together, and I hope he continues that, as she is a lovely girl. I think it is great that, despite her bad experiences, she still has faith in marriage as an institution and loves him enough to take that chance; a large number of divorcees are more inclined to be a little cynical about taking the vows again. Good on them, I hope they will be very happy together.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It’s day five of healthy eating and I’m still managing to consume at least three of my five a day. The complete change in my eating habits has not sent my body into total shutdown, which is a good sign. The unbelievable thing is that I’m actually enjoying the fruit consumption. I NEVER thought I would hear myself say THAT!
In a bid to get myself fit, I ordered Davina Fit on dvd and a Pilates dvd. The Davina Fit arrived yesterday and I cracked on with one of the sections this morning, which is about 30 minutes long. It’s funny, when you watch these dvd’s it’s easy to think “That doesn’t look too energetic” Heck was I wrong! I was sweating by the bucket load!
It could be an indication of my general lack of fitness as the amount of exercise I have undertaken in recent months has reduced drastically due to my knee deteriorating. Netball has been ruled out indefinitely, I don’t enjoy swimming (plus it makes me hungry) and there aren’t many forms of exercise (bar one!) which keep knee impact to a minute level, and minimal impact on knees is what I need as mine is wrecked. You should have seen the mri scan!
I collected my hot brush from the Royal Mail office this morning (yay!), so I will be testing that out and doing some practicing with it in order to get the most out of my shorter hair style. Due to serious lack of time this morning (twenty minutes to get dressed, dry hair and style it!) I reverted back to hair dryer and hair brush. It was largely due to lack of time, and also due to lack of patience, but “practice makes perfect” as they say, so I will keep trying.
This weekend is a fairly quiet one (I hope), just the odds and sods of general housework etc to deal with. I seriously need to get my ironing under control, at the moment it glares menacingly at me like a grotesquely overgrown evil toad, but if the weather is going to be as lovely as they predict, the toad may have to wait a bit longer.
Next weekend we will be attending my friend’s engagement party. Her fiancé proposed on May Bank Holiday weekend in front of her family and friends. Got to hand it to him, he did it properly, and she was thrilled to bits. She has been married previously (which didn’t work out, obviously) and was hurt emotionally. The idiot didn’t appreciate what he had until he had thrown it away (which he did in a most spectacular fashion, and that’s putting it VERY nicely) consequently he lost her.
Luckily this guy seems to be intent on making my friend happy for the rest of their days on this earth together, and I hope he continues that, as she is a lovely girl. I think it is great that, despite her bad experiences, she still has faith in marriage as an institution and loves him enough to take that chance; a large number of divorcees are more inclined to be a little cynical about taking the vows again. Good on them, I hope they will be very happy together.
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Thursday 20 May 2010
Eldapoint
In addition to moaning about weekend warriors, spanners at petrol stations and enjoying my man’s cooking, working full time and Twittering, I also run a netball team called Eldapoint B. We are in Division 5 (newly promoted from Division 6 as Winners for Winter Season) of the league run by South Essex Thurrock Netball Association, and there are 72 teams in total.
Eldapoint B was formerly Island Wedding. We changed our name at the end of last season to join up with another team as their ‘B’ team. The idea was to provide them with a pool of players to play up if needed (they always struggle to get a team out) and to give my players additional game and higher division experience, which I felt would benefit the team.
At the halfway mark we were in second place, which was very good, considering we have only just gone up! However, we have lost a number of games since then due to negativity on court and struggling to put a team out. Even with eleven players signed up, we have struggled! Still, while I would love for the team to be placed in the top two, if we finish mid division I would be equally happy as well.
In future any blogs for the team and the games they play will be on http://eldapointb.blogspot.com/ You can also follow Eldapoint B on Twitter @eldapointb
Anyone who runs a team of any kind will tell you, it is incredibly frustrating, stressful and hard work. They will also tell you, there are random moments which, however minor to others, also make it rewarding and worth it. One of these moments, however small, can wipe out months of stress and frustration.
Eldapoint B played K O Engineering A last night. They had a rough game, the team they played was very aggressive and there was a lot of contact and late interceptions, which bordered on dangerous, but we did expect that. It wasn’t a nasty or bitchy game, just really rough.
This picture was taken last night. It’s funny because in the photos I have taken of the team before the games they look like they are being lined up to be shot, but in the interval team photos they look a lot happier, despite being hot, sweaty and out of breath!
Unfortunately they lost last night, but I was really pleased with the game and the team. Two reasons. One, the team played as a team and there was no negativity or criticism of each other, of which there has been a lot in recent times, and it is so destructive! Secondly, the umpires awarded player of the match to a player who hasn’t had a lot of game time over the last two seasons and is very inexperienced. This is one of those random moments I mentioned earlier.
This player is always there, but unfortunately because of the number of players available and the types of teams we have played (lot of rough teams!), I have hesitated about putting her on court a lot, which I freely admit (and do regret), has not been fair to her.
Running a team is an absolute headache at times, no matter what you do, it always puts someone’s nose out of joint. In order to ensure we have had enough players, I have signed up more, and then you end up with players spare, and I have lost a player over it, who wanted to play 24/7. The problem with that was, she wanted guaranteed full on game time, but wasn’t prepared to commit herself. Commitment works both ways unfortunately, in everything. You get what you give.
Anyway, returning to the Player of The Match last night. Despite all that she has put up with over the last two seasons and the criticism I don’t doubt she has been subjected to by other players on court (even on a netball court, girls/ladies/women still find time to be bitchy!), she doesn’t complain and she is a lovely natured lady, who, when she plays, gives it everything she can and does not give up. She has had two full games in a row, there is so much improvement, it’s fantastic, and it is lovely to watch.
I’ll give you some examples. Last week, she went in for a loose ball against her opponent, and got a toss-up out of it, because she followed through and didn’t give up. This week, she was calling for passes and the rest of the team were making use of her. Getting that confidence from other players is a difficult thing, as I know from my own experience.
In those few moments before she got that toss-up, she finally tapped into the competitive spirit she needed to move forward, and because of it, she is getting immersed in the game and the basics are falling into place more easily for her. Footwork doesn’t come easy to her when it comes to passing and some of the passes the rest of the team use are a bit brutal for her at the moment, but it will come with time.
There was a photo I took last night of this player, which regrettably wasn’t very good quality, really blurred, and I won’t post it on here. However, it clearly identifies her, and you could see her determination in it, it is written in her expression, her posture, everything. They say a picture paints a thousand words, and clichéd though that is, my word it is true.
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Eldapoint B was formerly Island Wedding. We changed our name at the end of last season to join up with another team as their ‘B’ team. The idea was to provide them with a pool of players to play up if needed (they always struggle to get a team out) and to give my players additional game and higher division experience, which I felt would benefit the team.
At the halfway mark we were in second place, which was very good, considering we have only just gone up! However, we have lost a number of games since then due to negativity on court and struggling to put a team out. Even with eleven players signed up, we have struggled! Still, while I would love for the team to be placed in the top two, if we finish mid division I would be equally happy as well.
In future any blogs for the team and the games they play will be on http://eldapointb.blogspot.com/ You can also follow Eldapoint B on Twitter @eldapointb
Anyone who runs a team of any kind will tell you, it is incredibly frustrating, stressful and hard work. They will also tell you, there are random moments which, however minor to others, also make it rewarding and worth it. One of these moments, however small, can wipe out months of stress and frustration.
Eldapoint B played K O Engineering A last night. They had a rough game, the team they played was very aggressive and there was a lot of contact and late interceptions, which bordered on dangerous, but we did expect that. It wasn’t a nasty or bitchy game, just really rough.
This picture was taken last night. It’s funny because in the photos I have taken of the team before the games they look like they are being lined up to be shot, but in the interval team photos they look a lot happier, despite being hot, sweaty and out of breath!
Unfortunately they lost last night, but I was really pleased with the game and the team. Two reasons. One, the team played as a team and there was no negativity or criticism of each other, of which there has been a lot in recent times, and it is so destructive! Secondly, the umpires awarded player of the match to a player who hasn’t had a lot of game time over the last two seasons and is very inexperienced. This is one of those random moments I mentioned earlier.
This player is always there, but unfortunately because of the number of players available and the types of teams we have played (lot of rough teams!), I have hesitated about putting her on court a lot, which I freely admit (and do regret), has not been fair to her.
Running a team is an absolute headache at times, no matter what you do, it always puts someone’s nose out of joint. In order to ensure we have had enough players, I have signed up more, and then you end up with players spare, and I have lost a player over it, who wanted to play 24/7. The problem with that was, she wanted guaranteed full on game time, but wasn’t prepared to commit herself. Commitment works both ways unfortunately, in everything. You get what you give.
Anyway, returning to the Player of The Match last night. Despite all that she has put up with over the last two seasons and the criticism I don’t doubt she has been subjected to by other players on court (even on a netball court, girls/ladies/women still find time to be bitchy!), she doesn’t complain and she is a lovely natured lady, who, when she plays, gives it everything she can and does not give up. She has had two full games in a row, there is so much improvement, it’s fantastic, and it is lovely to watch.
I’ll give you some examples. Last week, she went in for a loose ball against her opponent, and got a toss-up out of it, because she followed through and didn’t give up. This week, she was calling for passes and the rest of the team were making use of her. Getting that confidence from other players is a difficult thing, as I know from my own experience.
In those few moments before she got that toss-up, she finally tapped into the competitive spirit she needed to move forward, and because of it, she is getting immersed in the game and the basics are falling into place more easily for her. Footwork doesn’t come easy to her when it comes to passing and some of the passes the rest of the team use are a bit brutal for her at the moment, but it will come with time.
There was a photo I took last night of this player, which regrettably wasn’t very good quality, really blurred, and I won’t post it on here. However, it clearly identifies her, and you could see her determination in it, it is written in her expression, her posture, everything. They say a picture paints a thousand words, and clichéd though that is, my word it is true.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Hot n Bothered!
It’s only been five days since I got my hair cut, and I cannot wait for my hot brush to arrive!
Already I am beginning to comprehend the logistics of shorter hair. The fact that I can’t just go “f*ck it, can’t be bothered to wash it, will put it up today” has already added to my morning routine, which wasn’t exactly short and speedy to begin with.
The other problem is, I have purchased a hairdryer/brush/thingy but I am finding it a challenge getting to grips with it. I expect to be able to do things first time (regardless of difficulty) and not being able to master this product is driving me nuts, even though I have only had it two days.
Realistically, I should expect it to take a while as I have not had shorter hair since I was 18/19 years of age (not going to tell you how long ago THAT was!) but patience is not exactly my strong point.
Under no circumstances will I be buying a set of straighteners! Luckily enough, my hair is straight anyway, and very little persuasion from a hair brush and hairdryer keeps it that way.
When you look at some articles, they cite shorter hair as being easy to manage and requiring less time to style etc. I don’t think these articles take into account women (like me!) who haven’t had shorter hair for a long, long time, and therefore need a fair bit of practice to figure out what to do with it, other than wash it and style it.
Changing the subject! Little tip for anyone who, when they fancy something sweet, heads for the chocolate or biscuit tin. Get a whole pineapple, cut it up into chunks and store them in batches in containers in the fridge. Then when you fancy something sweet, work your way through a small container of pineapple.
I come home from watching my netball team play last night and really fancied something sweet to eat. Normally I would have located the nearest bit of chocolate, or nutella, but I’m determined not to give in (at the moment!) so I had some pineapple instead. It wasn’t quite the same, but it stopped me eating chocolate!
Already I am beginning to comprehend the logistics of shorter hair. The fact that I can’t just go “f*ck it, can’t be bothered to wash it, will put it up today” has already added to my morning routine, which wasn’t exactly short and speedy to begin with.
The other problem is, I have purchased a hairdryer/brush/thingy but I am finding it a challenge getting to grips with it. I expect to be able to do things first time (regardless of difficulty) and not being able to master this product is driving me nuts, even though I have only had it two days.
Realistically, I should expect it to take a while as I have not had shorter hair since I was 18/19 years of age (not going to tell you how long ago THAT was!) but patience is not exactly my strong point.
Under no circumstances will I be buying a set of straighteners! Luckily enough, my hair is straight anyway, and very little persuasion from a hair brush and hairdryer keeps it that way.
When you look at some articles, they cite shorter hair as being easy to manage and requiring less time to style etc. I don’t think these articles take into account women (like me!) who haven’t had shorter hair for a long, long time, and therefore need a fair bit of practice to figure out what to do with it, other than wash it and style it.
Changing the subject! Little tip for anyone who, when they fancy something sweet, heads for the chocolate or biscuit tin. Get a whole pineapple, cut it up into chunks and store them in batches in containers in the fridge. Then when you fancy something sweet, work your way through a small container of pineapple.
I come home from watching my netball team play last night and really fancied something sweet to eat. Normally I would have located the nearest bit of chocolate, or nutella, but I’m determined not to give in (at the moment!) so I had some pineapple instead. It wasn’t quite the same, but it stopped me eating chocolate!
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Food Glorious Food
Day three of healthy(ier) eating over with. Shock and amazement, I have managed to consume at least three of the five a day. Question is, can I keep it going?
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday 16 May 2010
Getting my head round it.
Went to see the consultant this morning about my knee. The acl is completely wrecked (which I knew) and I'm facing a reconstruction. Not sure quite when this is going to happen, but it will involve crutches for about six weeks and no weight bearing on that leg for about the same length of time.
The annoying thing is that I have got to wait for the appointment and I don't know how long it will be, it's estimated at four to six months, but there is no telling when.
It's mucked up our holiday plans, we can't book anything too far in advance in case I get an op date and we have to cancel. So our five days in Barcelona is about the extent of our getaways this year. So much for two weeks in the sun.
It wouldn't be so bad if they could give me a date now for in six months time. At least I could make preparations and book things around it. Instead the next six months are a "no plans zone" any idea what that's like for someone with a mild case of ocd?
All in all, pretty irritated!
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The annoying thing is that I have got to wait for the appointment and I don't know how long it will be, it's estimated at four to six months, but there is no telling when.
It's mucked up our holiday plans, we can't book anything too far in advance in case I get an op date and we have to cancel. So our five days in Barcelona is about the extent of our getaways this year. So much for two weeks in the sun.
It wouldn't be so bad if they could give me a date now for in six months time. At least I could make preparations and book things around it. Instead the next six months are a "no plans zone" any idea what that's like for someone with a mild case of ocd?
All in all, pretty irritated!
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Saturday 15 May 2010
Trauma!
Omg, it's been a stressful day! Had my hair cut this morning. After years (try seventeen of them!) of having long hair, I have had it cut. Short. My hairdresser, after asking me at least four times "was I sure" took about five or six inches off. That's a hell of a lot when I normally only instruct her to cut "what it needs" off in order to keep it healthy!
Look at all the hair!!
However, despite the initial trauma, I'm pleased with it.
I wasn't so pleased with Mark having to dismantle the fireplace in order to free the stupid bird that had got stuck behind it this afternoon while we had lunch! And then I had to move the feathered idiot from the living room to the front door(which I had opened in preparation) where it flew off without even an acknowledgement of the hassle it had caused!
Still, the fireplace went back to its rightful spot without too much incident (just a fair bit of soot!) and we are going to have a lazy afternoon and then go and see Iron Man 2 this evening, so that should go someway to relieving the stress incurred so far today.
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Look at all the hair!!
However, despite the initial trauma, I'm pleased with it.
I wasn't so pleased with Mark having to dismantle the fireplace in order to free the stupid bird that had got stuck behind it this afternoon while we had lunch! And then I had to move the feathered idiot from the living room to the front door(which I had opened in preparation) where it flew off without even an acknowledgement of the hassle it had caused!
Still, the fireplace went back to its rightful spot without too much incident (just a fair bit of soot!) and we are going to have a lazy afternoon and then go and see Iron Man 2 this evening, so that should go someway to relieving the stress incurred so far today.
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Friday 14 May 2010
That Friday feeling!
Omg, this time last week we were in Barcelona! This week has gone so fast. Looking forward to the weekend, ideally would like to chill out, but with a haircut, hospital appointment and loads of ironing to contend with, I don't think relaxing is going to be possible!
Just had a meatball marinara sub from Subway, which was quite scrumptious. Got a bag of crisps to munch on when I head back to my desk shortly, and may add a bar of chocolate to the mix at some point. Hope to finish on time this evening, it would be a first this week. In four days I have clocked almost the expected hours for a five day week.
Started my weekend yesterday evening at a Chinese restaurant with my friend. It was nice to be able to catch up and chat freely, not always an easy thing. Can't beat having a giggle with the girls
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Anyway, back off to finish my working day!
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Just had a meatball marinara sub from Subway, which was quite scrumptious. Got a bag of crisps to munch on when I head back to my desk shortly, and may add a bar of chocolate to the mix at some point. Hope to finish on time this evening, it would be a first this week. In four days I have clocked almost the expected hours for a five day week.
Started my weekend yesterday evening at a Chinese restaurant with my friend. It was nice to be able to catch up and chat freely, not always an easy thing. Can't beat having a giggle with the girls
Anyway, back off to finish my working day!
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Tuesday 11 May 2010
Spanners of the world unite...
...and congregate at the petrol pump at Tescos!
My word, just when you think Darwin is succeeding in removing the muppets from the gene pool, one eludes all efforts and shows himself to the world!
Having returned from Barcelona and back to work today, the everyday tasks needed attending to. Consequently I went to Tescos at lunchtime to get petrol and decided to use the pay at pump facility. Of the two pumps on that side, one was out of order.
You would think that the cone strategically placed in front of the pump and the "out of order" sign on the pump itself would be sufficient to deterr someone from trying to obtain fuel from it.
Unless you are a Darwin escapee, in which case even a tank parked in front of it would not be enough.
This plank made several efforts to obtain fuel and then went into the station to discuss it with the staff.
I would love to see the footage from the security camera in the shop as the staff tried to keep a straight face. Seriously, it does make you wonder how these people get dressed in the mornings!
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My word, just when you think Darwin is succeeding in removing the muppets from the gene pool, one eludes all efforts and shows himself to the world!
Having returned from Barcelona and back to work today, the everyday tasks needed attending to. Consequently I went to Tescos at lunchtime to get petrol and decided to use the pay at pump facility. Of the two pumps on that side, one was out of order.
You would think that the cone strategically placed in front of the pump and the "out of order" sign on the pump itself would be sufficient to deterr someone from trying to obtain fuel from it.
Unless you are a Darwin escapee, in which case even a tank parked in front of it would not be enough.
This plank made several efforts to obtain fuel and then went into the station to discuss it with the staff.
I would love to see the footage from the security camera in the shop as the staff tried to keep a straight face. Seriously, it does make you wonder how these people get dressed in the mornings!
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Monday 10 May 2010
Depression
We are home, finally, having left the hotel in Barcelona over ten hours ago.
Nothing like putting the washing machine on to hammer home reality and bring your holiday to a deafening end!
On the upside, we will start planning our next "jaunt" away, where should we go next??
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Nothing like putting the washing machine on to hammer home reality and bring your holiday to a deafening end!
On the upside, we will start planning our next "jaunt" away, where should we go next??
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Doing what Brits do best...
...queuing! Waiting to go through passport control along with many others!
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Somewhere over the rainbow
Yes, you guessed it, I'm fidgeting again. The food gremlin has been satisfied (for the time being anyway!) and I'm bored.
Listening to music is not helping (note to self, update iPod nano and 5th gen with some better music)
Got an application on my iPhone which enables you to add certain clipart to photos, that was entertaining for about five minutes.
Soo bored!!
Update: and the steward whizzed through the cabin saying about the boutique, not giving anyone a chance to make a purchase, so I couldn't even indulge in some retail therapy to relieve the boredom!
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Listening to music is not helping (note to self, update iPod nano and 5th gen with some better music)
Got an application on my iPhone which enables you to add certain clipart to photos, that was entertaining for about five minutes.
Soo bored!!
Update: and the steward whizzed through the cabin saying about the boutique, not giving anyone a chance to make a purchase, so I couldn't even indulge in some retail therapy to relieve the boredom!
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Location:38000 miles in the air
The purpose of this flight..
...is to get through it without throttling one of the little toerags sitting behind me who keeps pulling himself up by grabbing the back of my seat....
I love kids, really I do, but a whole one would give me indigestion!
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I love kids, really I do, but a whole one would give me indigestion!
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Still waiting
Last blog before we board, hopefully. I'm armed with a set of earphones so worse case scenario if the screaming toddler is sat nearby, at least the decibels will be muffled. Though in fairness the mother did threaten her with not being allowed on the plane if she doesn't desist!
I don't know whose idea it was but either Easyjet or Barcelona airport authority thought it would be amusing to make us queue to board at one gate and then change the boarding gate to one which was downstairs.
Yeah, we really split our sides laughing at that one!
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I don't know whose idea it was but either Easyjet or Barcelona airport authority thought it would be amusing to make us queue to board at one gate and then change the boarding gate to one which was downstairs.
Yeah, we really split our sides laughing at that one!
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Sort it out O2!
Work this one out. I have just had a text from O2. My usage of data has been quite heavy while away and they have advised the amount I have used and said if it keeps on they may stop my data use. O2 - your point is - what exactly??
Yet, despite requests previously, they can not (or more to the point, WILL not) cap phone bills to stop them being abused.
I have heard of profiteering, but £3 per mb and not capping phone bills is a joke!
And, in case you hadn't worked it out, we are on our second coffee, our flight is delayed to at least 16.10 and there is a screaming toddler whose cries are extremely pain wreaking to my hearing!
Grrr!!
However, we are now queueing to board as the plane has arrived earlier. Take a deep breath and....
That's better!!
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Yet, despite requests previously, they can not (or more to the point, WILL not) cap phone bills to stop them being abused.
I have heard of profiteering, but £3 per mb and not capping phone bills is a joke!
And, in case you hadn't worked it out, we are on our second coffee, our flight is delayed to at least 16.10 and there is a screaming toddler whose cries are extremely pain wreaking to my hearing!
Grrr!!
However, we are now queueing to board as the plane has arrived earlier. Take a deep breath and....
That's better!!
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Location:Carretera del Prat de Llobregat,El Prat de Llobregat,Spain
On second thoughts..
...at least they didn't put us on a plane in those nice "comfy" seats and THEN tell us there would be a two and half hour delay.
Guess we have to be thankful for small mercies eh?!
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Guess we have to be thankful for small mercies eh?!
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Location:Carretera del Prat de Llobregat,El Prat de Llobregat,Spain
Everything works better in theory
Just when we thought it was all going relatively smoothly and we were expecting to board any time, the screens changed and the flight now isn't due for two and a half hours! Sod it :-s
We had a dopey check in desk agent whose computer was malfunctioning and he was too stupid to get the extremely long suffering queue moved to another check in desk. An ounce of common sense and customer service awareness goes a long way sometimes, clearly he had neither of those attributes.
After tolerating that (barely!) we went through security without any problems, then dived in duty free quickly, grabbed a sandwich (had to rush because of the length of time spent in the check in queue!) sat down to wait for our flight to be called and now we are facing another exercise in patience!
Keep your fingers crossed that the flight actually takes place!!
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We had a dopey check in desk agent whose computer was malfunctioning and he was too stupid to get the extremely long suffering queue moved to another check in desk. An ounce of common sense and customer service awareness goes a long way sometimes, clearly he had neither of those attributes.
After tolerating that (barely!) we went through security without any problems, then dived in duty free quickly, grabbed a sandwich (had to rush because of the length of time spent in the check in queue!) sat down to wait for our flight to be called and now we are facing another exercise in patience!
Keep your fingers crossed that the flight actually takes place!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Carretera del Prat de Llobregat,El Prat de Llobregat,Spain
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