I'm going to resist starting this with 'wow, it's been a while' or 'I'm such a rubbish blogger...' Nope, those don't count - I'm just quoting myself.
Started my new job at the uni, it's great :) I lasted a week before coming down with the flu and being off a full week. Tried going in on Thursday but was sent home by the nice ladies in my office within the hour. But like my cousin says, should always listen to the ladies cos they tend to be right...
As I've had the flu, I've spent all the time I've not been asleep or wallowing (which was most of last week - well, mostly asleep. I barely wallowed) watching rubbish TV shows. For example - Accidentally on Purpose. Has anyone seen this gem? Yep, it stars Jenna Elfman from Dharma & Greg and it's amusing enough to watch when you're in bed with flu. Not really at any other time.
My sister and I were always big fans of Dharma & Greg. I'm sure she'd deny it if asked, though. Isn't it amusing though that Elfman went on to do Accidentally on Purpose (genius as it may be...) whereas the male lead, Thomas Gibson went on to do Criminal Minds? Well, I find it amusing. I love Criminal Minds. But I won't make the mistake of watching it when home alone for a weekend again - and Mike won't watch it with me... boo! I should probably stick to reading scary things rather than watching them.
I've pretty much run out of books to read. I don't like re-reading things too soon after having read them, it seems like a waste to me... but don't think I'll get rid of books! I do need another book case or two though. A bigger house maybe - with a library... ooh. I need to marry someone rich.
xx
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Monday, February 08, 2010
It's nearly been a month, how did that happen?
Quite a lot has been happening - I'm sure I'll not post about it all so I won't promise I will.
Graduated a few weekends ago, it was nice. Parents & Joanna came over which was lovely - this flat may be big but it sure isn't big enough for 5 people... Bittersweet feeling as always when they left, I miss them. But should get to see Dad in March and all of them for Dad's 60th at Easter. Which reminds me, I've not booked my flight yet, oops!
The actual graduation was great, with good speeches from both the chancellor and the honorary doctorate. I'd never heard about him but I enjoyed his speech. May tell you more about it another day. Oh look, I'm doing it again - promising you things I'll probably never do...
After the ceremony we took loads of photos, Dad tried on my robe & hat (and they really suited him!) and then we went for lunch at Ask. Nice place, so busy on a Sat lunch though... And we were all pretty tired from getting up early + late night the night before. Then we went to the pub with some people off my course + their families which was really nice. Crazy warm though.
Was also elected as secretary for the charity I work with - not that anyone else stood for the role at the AGM, but still... Am quite excited but am still trying to get my head around it.
I shall tell you more about work another time - too tired right now!
Cleveland Show is on TV and it's so ridiculously bad. I expected it to be bad but not quite like this. I wouldn't recommend it.
Quite a lot has been happening - I'm sure I'll not post about it all so I won't promise I will.
Graduated a few weekends ago, it was nice. Parents & Joanna came over which was lovely - this flat may be big but it sure isn't big enough for 5 people... Bittersweet feeling as always when they left, I miss them. But should get to see Dad in March and all of them for Dad's 60th at Easter. Which reminds me, I've not booked my flight yet, oops!
The actual graduation was great, with good speeches from both the chancellor and the honorary doctorate. I'd never heard about him but I enjoyed his speech. May tell you more about it another day. Oh look, I'm doing it again - promising you things I'll probably never do...
After the ceremony we took loads of photos, Dad tried on my robe & hat (and they really suited him!) and then we went for lunch at Ask. Nice place, so busy on a Sat lunch though... And we were all pretty tired from getting up early + late night the night before. Then we went to the pub with some people off my course + their families which was really nice. Crazy warm though.
Was also elected as secretary for the charity I work with - not that anyone else stood for the role at the AGM, but still... Am quite excited but am still trying to get my head around it.
I shall tell you more about work another time - too tired right now!
Cleveland Show is on TV and it's so ridiculously bad. I expected it to be bad but not quite like this. I wouldn't recommend it.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Wellies.
Well. I needed to write about wellies - I've been thinking about it for a long time, and I can't not do it.
First of all - I'm sorry if this upsets anyone who has/likes wellies ;) My views may be provocative, unkind and judgemental but I need to get this off my chest.*
I don't understand it. Wellies are selling out in York. I was in ASDA and they had one pair left. One pair. A lass at work said they'd driven round all the shops and couldn't find any.
Ok, it's been snowing. There has, in fact, been a lot of snow lately. So wellies sell out?? To my mind this is so incredibly illogical. Sure, wellies are pretty good at keeping the wet away from your feet. I'll admit that. Fine, wear them in the rain, in the mud at festivals, but in the snow? They're useless for keeping your feet warm.
Fine, I know, some people will be wearing woolly socks underneath. But that's not the point - let me hate in peace.
I mean... how ugly can something get?
I do wonder if my childhood hatred of wellies has just carried on into adult(well, ahem)hood. There's nothing worse than being in wellies, feet nice and dry, dragging them through the sludge to get to the boat (or wherever) and suddenly stepping into a deep bit with one foot, thus draining it. Whilst the other stays nice and dry. It's like washing my hands - I can't have just one hand wet; it's both or none. But I digress. Oh, and of course there are worse things. But I love all things hyperbole.
But then there's a part of me that just wonders if my current hatred of them is due to jealousy. Maybe I too want something pretty & eccentric to put on my feet and not have people laugh and stare! Something pretty & eccentric, but not wellies...
Maybe one of these days I'll establish myself as a great fashion blogger. Great start, don't ya think?
xx
*I am, of course, joking. I very much hope a post about wellies wouldn't upset anyone.
First of all - I'm sorry if this upsets anyone who has/likes wellies ;) My views may be provocative, unkind and judgemental but I need to get this off my chest.*
I don't understand it. Wellies are selling out in York. I was in ASDA and they had one pair left. One pair. A lass at work said they'd driven round all the shops and couldn't find any.
Ok, it's been snowing. There has, in fact, been a lot of snow lately. So wellies sell out?? To my mind this is so incredibly illogical. Sure, wellies are pretty good at keeping the wet away from your feet. I'll admit that. Fine, wear them in the rain, in the mud at festivals, but in the snow? They're useless for keeping your feet warm.
Fine, I know, some people will be wearing woolly socks underneath. But that's not the point - let me hate in peace.
I mean... how ugly can something get?
These are... passable. Probably just cos they're red and I have a weakness for anything red...
...but I also have a weakness for polkadots - and these just aren't working...
These are kind of cute actually, I like the little wedge heel and the fact that they're slightly more shapely than normal wellies.
I had to add these in. It's not so much the colour - it's the heel. Chunky, clunky, thick AND pink. Never a good combination.
...if you had a kid, would you get these for them? I definitely would. Together with a head scarfy thing and an eye patch. I'll pass on the hook for a hand though; I'd want that to be his/her choice when old enough...
These would be cool! I'd pretend my feet were eating the sludge you brits call snow...
But if you can find me the ones below, I will be eternally grateful...
I do wonder if my childhood hatred of wellies has just carried on into adult(well, ahem)hood. There's nothing worse than being in wellies, feet nice and dry, dragging them through the sludge to get to the boat (or wherever) and suddenly stepping into a deep bit with one foot, thus draining it. Whilst the other stays nice and dry. It's like washing my hands - I can't have just one hand wet; it's both or none. But I digress. Oh, and of course there are worse things. But I love all things hyperbole.
But then there's a part of me that just wonders if my current hatred of them is due to jealousy. Maybe I too want something pretty & eccentric to put on my feet and not have people laugh and stare! Something pretty & eccentric, but not wellies...
Maybe one of these days I'll establish myself as a great fashion blogger. Great start, don't ya think?
xx
*I am, of course, joking. I very much hope a post about wellies wouldn't upset anyone.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Christmas.
We went to Sweden for Christmas - was wonderful. Loads of snow (but I'm told there's been nearly as much in the UK anyway so not much to brag about!) but not all that cold. No less than minus 10 I don't think.
The flight back was terrible. We cheaped out and got a connection in Amsterdam. The one inch of snow in Newcastle as we were leaving did however close the airport for three hours. So of course we missed our connection... Got to Schiphol, and queued for two hours or so to get booked on a transfer flight - and then the transfer desk closed. Fun fun. So, we had to go down to baggage claim and queue for another two hours to get a pass to a hotel room. It was now well past 2am. We then waited half an hour to get a coach to said hotel - before boredom, frustration and cigarette cravings got the better of us and we left. The next flight to Stockholm was at 7am and not knowing whether we'd be able to get on it we thought it better to wait by the ticket desk which would open again at 5.30am than to go to a hotel, sleep two hours (or, oversleep...) and then come back.
Mike dozed on the floor for a bit while we waited for the desk to open. We were second in line when they did - and they told us we'd already been transferred onto the first flight! It was a relief obviously, but still frustrating to not be told anything and having to worry all night.
That plane, too, was late setting off. About an hour. But we finally made it to Stockholm (12 hours late?)!
Just one more problem... you guessed it! Our bag was lost. So, another queue to report that. And then home - baking & socialising, 20+ people over in the evening and then - SLEEP! And the bag arrived the next day. Lucky, all the Christmas presents were in there!
That's all for now, folks.
The flight back was terrible. We cheaped out and got a connection in Amsterdam. The one inch of snow in Newcastle as we were leaving did however close the airport for three hours. So of course we missed our connection... Got to Schiphol, and queued for two hours or so to get booked on a transfer flight - and then the transfer desk closed. Fun fun. So, we had to go down to baggage claim and queue for another two hours to get a pass to a hotel room. It was now well past 2am. We then waited half an hour to get a coach to said hotel - before boredom, frustration and cigarette cravings got the better of us and we left. The next flight to Stockholm was at 7am and not knowing whether we'd be able to get on it we thought it better to wait by the ticket desk which would open again at 5.30am than to go to a hotel, sleep two hours (or, oversleep...) and then come back.
Mike dozed on the floor for a bit while we waited for the desk to open. We were second in line when they did - and they told us we'd already been transferred onto the first flight! It was a relief obviously, but still frustrating to not be told anything and having to worry all night.
That plane, too, was late setting off. About an hour. But we finally made it to Stockholm (12 hours late?)!
Just one more problem... you guessed it! Our bag was lost. So, another queue to report that. And then home - baking & socialising, 20+ people over in the evening and then - SLEEP! And the bag arrived the next day. Lucky, all the Christmas presents were in there!
That's all for now, folks.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
on Snobbery.
It's so amusing. I find myself reading blog/forum posts around the net filled with British snobbery. Well. Let me explain.
They moan about posh people, about people with money - how awful anyone with a good upbringing or who was lucky enough to be born into an upper/middle class household is. They moan about those at the other end of the spectra - those without anything, those on benefits, those on the verge of desperation or on the periphery of society. Nothing and no one is good enough for these moaners, the worst snobs of them all.
If you're not brought up in a family who are/were struggling financially; if you didn't go to a crap school; if you can afford to go to uni without working at least 20 hours a week to earn your keep; if your family is actually supportive and help you out (financially or otherwise) to help you achieve your goals and - worst of all - if you actually accept their help: well then you're posh. You don't deserve good things, no matter how hard you work, because you've 'always had it easy'.
This little moan would make a lot more sense if I had some quotes to illustrate - but I'm not interested in starting Blog Wars 2009 (or, 2010 nearly...), and I'm not interested in hurting anyone's feelings, in case they happen to come across this post.
I'm just... I'm part amused, part annoyed by these people. Why shouldn't I embrace being born into a reasonably well off family; why should I have to be ashamed of that? I've got massive student debts - from the very generous Swedish government - and paired with my parents'/great uncle's generous gifts at Christmas and birthdays etc I've never *had* to have a job whilst studying. But for most of it I did - not a lot of hours, and not throughout, but the implication that everyone with a similar background to myself are strangers to working is insulting.
Don't get me wrong - I admire those that have come from a more difficult background who have worked so hard to be able to go to uni (or, who's parents have worked so hard to enable their kids to get a better future). But I resent the snobbery from some of these people.
It reminds me - somehow, I'm not 100% sure how - of 'old' vs. 'new' money. But the other way around. In that situation, the fact that 'new' money has obviously worked hard to get where they are is ignored - and the focus is on the lack of history/heritage...
I've rambled on enough now - and as always, completely forgotten where I wanted to go with this post. You're used to it by now, I'd have thought...
xx
They moan about posh people, about people with money - how awful anyone with a good upbringing or who was lucky enough to be born into an upper/middle class household is. They moan about those at the other end of the spectra - those without anything, those on benefits, those on the verge of desperation or on the periphery of society. Nothing and no one is good enough for these moaners, the worst snobs of them all.
If you're not brought up in a family who are/were struggling financially; if you didn't go to a crap school; if you can afford to go to uni without working at least 20 hours a week to earn your keep; if your family is actually supportive and help you out (financially or otherwise) to help you achieve your goals and - worst of all - if you actually accept their help: well then you're posh. You don't deserve good things, no matter how hard you work, because you've 'always had it easy'.
This little moan would make a lot more sense if I had some quotes to illustrate - but I'm not interested in starting Blog Wars 2009 (or, 2010 nearly...), and I'm not interested in hurting anyone's feelings, in case they happen to come across this post.
I'm just... I'm part amused, part annoyed by these people. Why shouldn't I embrace being born into a reasonably well off family; why should I have to be ashamed of that? I've got massive student debts - from the very generous Swedish government - and paired with my parents'/great uncle's generous gifts at Christmas and birthdays etc I've never *had* to have a job whilst studying. But for most of it I did - not a lot of hours, and not throughout, but the implication that everyone with a similar background to myself are strangers to working is insulting.
Don't get me wrong - I admire those that have come from a more difficult background who have worked so hard to be able to go to uni (or, who's parents have worked so hard to enable their kids to get a better future). But I resent the snobbery from some of these people.
It reminds me - somehow, I'm not 100% sure how - of 'old' vs. 'new' money. But the other way around. In that situation, the fact that 'new' money has obviously worked hard to get where they are is ignored - and the focus is on the lack of history/heritage...
I've rambled on enough now - and as always, completely forgotten where I wanted to go with this post. You're used to it by now, I'd have thought...
xx
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Charity.
I'm torn.
As I was walking home, headphones on, walking quickly as it was so cold, a man approached me asking something. I took my headphones off and stopped to ask him to repeat himself. He asked for some change.
I told him I was sorry, but I had no cash on me. He asked again, 'it's for the phone'. 'I am sorry, I've got no change' I repeated.
He then proceeded to get a bit aggressive with me, he came up close and raised his voice. Like he's entitled to my money, and I was being unreasonable not giving him any. I repeated, again, that I really didn't have any cash, and I walked on, putting my headphones on and walking away. He did shout something after me but thanks to Silverchair I didn't hear him.
Now. I actually didn't have any cash, but that's completely besides the point. I don't like feeling forced or guilt tripped into giving money. Blablabla. I give a lot of my time to a charity of my choice, and I'll always donate pennies etc to the charity boxes in shops. I don't want to be approached and asked for money. If I'm approached in the street by people asking for donations (I don't mean beggars - by charity representatives) I always say I'd love to - but I only have a Swedish bank account so unfortunately I can't. A white lie - I don't want to give out my bank details on the bloomin' street. It is, incidentally, a nice way of getting people to tell me they love me. It's often the only sentence charity fundraisers (especially in Nottingham?!) can say in Swedish.
I digress.
So, one part of me is annoyed and frustrated at being approached by someone asking for change. Not at being approached per se - but at being hassled.
The other part... well, I don't think people would do it if they weren't desperate. It doesn't really matter if this guy was actually wanting change for the phone or if he wanted it for drugs - it was obvious he was desperate for 50p. Or however much he was asking for.
I don't know.
Charities struggle. People struggle. I don't know and don't care if it's because of a recession, because of people letting themselves get into debt or hooked on drugs. The point is, they're struggling. And I'm all for helping people but I believe it needs to be done through the appropriate channels. If nothing else to stop people being taken advantage of.
You see it everywhere. People are so vulnerable and blind, especially where love is involved. I worked with someone who was a complete pushover at the mercy of her son - she was cajoled into babysitting several times a week so that the son & girlfriend could go out. And of course, she loves her grandkids so she does it. And she doesn't moan. But she was being treated so badly - taken for granted. I'm not sure how that relates to the previous paragraphs exactly but nevermind.
I had an idea - partly thanks to Nathan - as I do flexi time, I could technically work 8-6 four days a week and have one day off to focus on house work + my charity work. I may run this past my boss. Not sure it would be allowed though!
As I was walking home, headphones on, walking quickly as it was so cold, a man approached me asking something. I took my headphones off and stopped to ask him to repeat himself. He asked for some change.
I told him I was sorry, but I had no cash on me. He asked again, 'it's for the phone'. 'I am sorry, I've got no change' I repeated.
He then proceeded to get a bit aggressive with me, he came up close and raised his voice. Like he's entitled to my money, and I was being unreasonable not giving him any. I repeated, again, that I really didn't have any cash, and I walked on, putting my headphones on and walking away. He did shout something after me but thanks to Silverchair I didn't hear him.
Now. I actually didn't have any cash, but that's completely besides the point. I don't like feeling forced or guilt tripped into giving money. Blablabla. I give a lot of my time to a charity of my choice, and I'll always donate pennies etc to the charity boxes in shops. I don't want to be approached and asked for money. If I'm approached in the street by people asking for donations (I don't mean beggars - by charity representatives) I always say I'd love to - but I only have a Swedish bank account so unfortunately I can't. A white lie - I don't want to give out my bank details on the bloomin' street. It is, incidentally, a nice way of getting people to tell me they love me. It's often the only sentence charity fundraisers (especially in Nottingham?!) can say in Swedish.
I digress.
So, one part of me is annoyed and frustrated at being approached by someone asking for change. Not at being approached per se - but at being hassled.
The other part... well, I don't think people would do it if they weren't desperate. It doesn't really matter if this guy was actually wanting change for the phone or if he wanted it for drugs - it was obvious he was desperate for 50p. Or however much he was asking for.
I don't know.
Charities struggle. People struggle. I don't know and don't care if it's because of a recession, because of people letting themselves get into debt or hooked on drugs. The point is, they're struggling. And I'm all for helping people but I believe it needs to be done through the appropriate channels. If nothing else to stop people being taken advantage of.
You see it everywhere. People are so vulnerable and blind, especially where love is involved. I worked with someone who was a complete pushover at the mercy of her son - she was cajoled into babysitting several times a week so that the son & girlfriend could go out. And of course, she loves her grandkids so she does it. And she doesn't moan. But she was being treated so badly - taken for granted. I'm not sure how that relates to the previous paragraphs exactly but nevermind.
I had an idea - partly thanks to Nathan - as I do flexi time, I could technically work 8-6 four days a week and have one day off to focus on house work + my charity work. I may run this past my boss. Not sure it would be allowed though!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Sleepy.
Toe seems to be healing nicely. Still hurts but it's no longer blue. In fact, it's nearly back to it's proper size and colour!
Watched some interview with Russell Brand earlier. I'm not a fan. But he's very articulate and I have to admire his intellect. Will I write more about this another day? Stay tuned kids.
xx
Watched some interview with Russell Brand earlier. I'm not a fan. But he's very articulate and I have to admire his intellect. Will I write more about this another day? Stay tuned kids.
xx
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Because you're interested.
..I should probably let you know that my contract working in IT with the council has been extended until 8th Jan for now. All thumbs up!
I also met Paul's baby today. She's lovely :)
I also met Paul's baby today. She's lovely :)
I wanted to stop and listen.
When I was walking home the other day, I overheard two blokes talking:
A - 'well it keeps her fucking sweet, stops her fucking whinging anyway...'
B - 'but we just had a Dominoes'
..that's all I heard. I was intrigued. Sadly there was no way to stop and listen without being really obvious about it.
A - 'well it keeps her fucking sweet, stops her fucking whinging anyway...'
B - 'but we just had a Dominoes'
..that's all I heard. I was intrigued. Sadly there was no way to stop and listen without being really obvious about it.
Friday, December 04, 2009
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