Ramblings of Nibby

Paperwork

2012-01-09T10:32:00.000Z

Thought I had better do a quick blog, the reason for my haste? My paperwork is almost up todate and I'm scared.

I have heard so many stories like this;

'Yeah, he just dropped down dead this morning, but you know what, he'd got all his paperwork up-to-date yesterday, he never does that!! It was almost like he knew he was going to die subconsciously!'

and that is why, I never get my paperwork totally up todate, it tempts fate.....although today I have a burning desire just to finish it off and stare the up-to-date-paper-work-fate-thing right in the face.

There are no stats that I could find on the chances of this anomaly taking place, but if I don't blog again then you'll know what's happened.

Best get on with that paperwork then.

December News

2011-12-26T17:01:00.000Z

Wow, December is zooming by, I've only just noticed that I've not blogged for an entire month.
It's been pretty busy in my neck of the woods, what with planning for Christmas, a few trips away and working hard. I was also subjected to the most boring of duties ever, Jury Service! A task I didn't really enjoy so I was very pleased when that was over. I would tell you about the case but that would be very naughty indeed and I think the judge would call me in and smack me.......hard!
We had a big turn out for Chestnut drinks this year. This is an annual event where I invite a few friends along in a 'works do' stylee and generally have fun together, having only 2 members of staff we can't really have a works party of our own.
I have a man in my life, finally, he's turning out to be a really lovely chap, he even came into work with me and fixed my spreadsheets......the formulas had been broken for years, so that was brilliant and earned him some brownie points...I'm feeling very happy about him right now, and I honestly thought I would never meet anyone decent, funny how life can change so quickly.
It's a brand new year next week, 2012, I'm looking forward to getting 2011 out of the way and hoping that the new year brings fun, joy, love and peace for all my friends, family and readers....oh and me :-)
So on that note ...... Merry Christmas and a very happy 2012 to you ALL xx

Happiness and success

2011-11-25T10:45:00.000Z

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.
3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.
6. Be generous.
7. Have a grateful heart.
8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
12. Commit yourself to quality.
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
14. Be loyal.
15. Be honest.
16. Be a self-starter.
17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.
20. Take good care of those you love.
21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mum proud.

Beaver Moon

2011-11-10T15:04:00.002Z

When the full moon is on, like a lot of people I have trouble sleeping.
I often find myself sitting outside at 3am looking at it. Even though lately I've had trouble sleeping anyway, the full moon is certainly an insomnia time for me. It has been since I was a child. Its almost like a beautiful sunny day, but at night. To me sleeping is a waste when you can see the beauty of the full moon.

I thought I would tell you a little about the Moon for this month and its name, according to the farmers and native americans.
This months full moon is known as The Beaver Moon!
This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze and to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.

Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.
Every month has a different name and meaning collerating to the cycles of nature.

The inquisitive mind of a child

2011-11-08T12:29:00.000Z

"The inquisitive mind of a child"

Why are they selling poppies, Mummy?
Selling poppies in town today.
The poppies, child, are flowers of love.
... For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy, Mummy?
Why not a beautiful rose?
Because my child, men fought and died
In the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mummy?
Why are the poppies so red?
Red is the colour of blood, my child.
The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mummy.
Why does it have to be black?
Black, my child, is the symbol of grief.
For the men who never came back.

But why, Mummy are you crying so?
Your tears are giving you pain.
My tears are my fears for you my child.
For the world is forgetting again.

Author Unknown

A little bit of nothing

2011-10-24T18:29:00.002+01:00

It was a hot and sticky night, you know, one of those barmy summer nights where you spend all night tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable or drop off to sleep, it was just too darn hot. Looking at the clock, a dread filling 3.10am Molly had enough and decided to get out of bed and seek the relative coolness of the kitchen. She thought a cold drink and a walk around would soon cool her off enough to go back to sleep, after all tomorrow was an important day, no scrap that, a vital day in her life and Molly had to be on top form, at this rate she would end up looking like something the cat dragged in with a tired brain to match. Not good, not good at all, so with a sigh she got up and stomped downstairs.
Her bare feet touched the cool tiles of the kitchen floor as she stood looking in the fridge, wondering what best to drink. Molly was tempted for a second to open some wine, but soon thought better of it and reached for a cold can of coke. As she did this a loud bang came from the garage, she jumped, as you would hearing such a crash in the middle of the night. Molly shut the fridge door and went to investigate.

The garage was attached to the house with a connecting door, as Molly lived alone she loved the safety of her cosy little home and always felt secure, but she was questioning it now. How could something or someone be in her garage. It’s been locked up for 4 days! Maybe it was a mouse, or even worse, a rat. Perhaps a cat had run in last week and was now at deaths door in need of a drink and a meal. Mollys’ imagination was working over time! With a sharp intake of breath she opened the connecting door, peering into the darkness she spotted something, what was it? Her eyes strained to see, then he spoke, “hello Molly”. As anyone would do she bolted and legged it back into the kitchen and around the other side of the table, she heard the man walk into the house. Understandably she started shaking with fear, Molly thought she was about to get murdered.
He walked into the soft light of the kitchen and Molly couldn’t actually believe her eyes, she was no longer afraid, but deeply confused.
The man stood in front of her was her husband. He had died two years ago after he fell off a bridge he was painting at work, she knew he had died, Molly had identified the body and buried him. She’d been devastated and not a day has gone by where she hasn’t thought of him. How the hell could he be stood in the kitchen?

Horses Milk

2011-10-17T14:29:00.000+01:00

A friend of mine as recently been on a business trip to Kazakhstan. Whilst he was there he was taken into a big tent and given fermented horses milk, he said it tasted like fizzy sick mixed with oven cleaner. It's the country's national drink and has a slight alcohol content of around 2%.

He tried to drink it all but felt that he could have been sick at the table so decided not too have too much of it.

Horses milk is not often drank raw, because it tends to have a strong laxative effect, so more often than not its presented in its fermented form.

I'll stick to cows milk.........no fermented horses milk for me anytime soon.

New Project

2011-09-28T16:22:00.001+01:00

My new project is about half done. To be honest I'm a little afraid to show it to anyone, but my best friend has kindly offered to check my grammar etc, so that should soften the blow before I look for publishers or indeed decide to self publish. I'm not sure at this stage which is the best option, or if you can try both avenues.
Perhaps its more suited to an American audience, I'm just not sure at this stage.
I've written this little book for myself really, but I also want to give it a go on the open market. Perhaps my dream of swanning around, drinking gin and writing could come true.
In case you were wondering what this project is, its a little book called 'Men'.
I thought I would put together a selection of men from my past, I’ve only included the significant ones, or the ones that were funny, plus some of the lessons I’ve learnt...they are not all lovers!! I’ve changed some identities to protect the innocent, and stop any law suits; but on the whole it's a true account of most of the men in my life up until my late thirties.

How can the USA lead talks

2011-09-22T10:57:00.000+01:00

This latest story from America makes me sick to my stomach. How can the USA lead talks on global humanitarian issues, how can they lecture about Human Rights to the world. What was Barack Obamas Nobel Peace Prize for!!!
Shame on the person who killed this man, the company that made money from his murder, the witnesses who since Troys conviction retracted their stories, the judges who refused to look again at his case and the rule makers...shame on you all. How can you be a free country when you do this to people. Rest in Peace Troy Davis.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/22/justice/georgia-execution/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+Most+Recent%29

It's an Outrage

2011-09-20T10:01:00.000+01:00

It's an outrage, I don't know what the hell Mother Nature is playing at, but to give us the news that we are in for a cold, long and tough winter, possibly colder than last winter is not what we want to hear right now.

Where is the barbecue summer you promised us? Or the elusive Indian summer? We seem to have gone from dank & drizzly to flipping freezing. A friend of mine has seen geese flying over head for several weeks now, and autumn has indeed come a little early according to experts. My mum mentioned the large amount of berries on the hedges more than 3 weeks ago, and I think that's my sign to stock up the food cupboards.

This is the news report in yesterdays Express http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/272457

New Name for a chocolate bar

2011-09-14T09:18:00.000+01:00

There's a chocolate company called Conscious Chocolate. They create; in their own words "delicious, dark, organic chocolate" "Our range is as healthy as it is luxurious. Our mandate is that everyone, regardless of dietary requirements, can enjoy the variety of chocolate we make".

A few weeks ago this company held a competition to rename one of their bars:
'Healthy Heart' is made with organic maca, vanilla pods and wild blue-green algae and has become a best seller in 2011.
Thing is, trading standards thought the name 'Healthy Heart' could mislead people so the company asked for suggestions for a new name.

I emailed in suggesting 'Wild at Heart' and they loved it. As my reward they're sending me the full range of chocolate and also repackaging the bar with my new name on it.
I never enter competitions but I love the look of their company, so am very pleased I won and even more pleased to have not only renamed a best selling chocolate bar, but can't wait to try their entire range.
I might have to have a chocolate party.
http://www.consciouschocolate.co.uk/wholesale-conscious-shop.php

Moving

2011-09-07T11:14:00.000+01:00

I'm right in the middle of moving and I never realised how much I've collected over the last three years.
I've already given away 2 boxes of Cd's plus had a trip to the dump and I'm still over-whelmed. Another charity shop visit is looming for a clothes/shoes trip! I keep thinking that I might give away more things, but to be honest most of my, what I call 'bits & bobs', have special meaning to me; so it's hard to find a reason to just discard them.

Every-night I manage to pack a box ready for my departure from the Foxhole, and as I do I've been thinking I'll miss my little place of solitude, although I'm very excited for pastures new. I see it as a whole new chapter in my life, and I wonder what life has in store for me over the coming months. I plan to get my book finished and published, perhaps go on another holiday & set some new goals for 2012.
It's a time for focus not pocus but combined with an air of excitement.

You are fat

2011-08-04T10:08:00.001+01:00

What gives someone the right to say you're fat, to insult you in front of people just to try and disempower you. This happened to me at the weekend. I had forgotten about it until reminded.

A few years ago I was seeing someone who mentioned I should lose a few pounds, I was so hurt by this I felt guilty every time I had something to eat.....its silly now when I look back, but those type of hurtful comments can deeply affect someone’s psyche. It can affect how the person sees him or herself for long period of time, and can indeed be quite dangerous.
Personally I don't think I'm fat, I'm just what I would call an average size shape. I'm not thin, I'm not fat, I'm not slender....just typical. When I was going through my divorce I could wear size UK 8 to 10 clothes, but to be frank I looked like a body with a lollypop head on top of it, not a good look. So although I know I need to watch what I eat, try and eat salads and not drink as much booze, I'm quite happy with my womanly curves and not afraid of my body nor scared of how I look when naked.
So if you feel the need to say that someone is fat at a party, or mention that a person has put on weight, ask yourself why you are saying that, and what will your comments mean to that person.
It's not a positive thing to do, and in fact highlights your own insecurities.

Nephews & Nieces

2011-07-24T18:03:00.000+01:00

I consider myself to be so lucky, even though I have no children of my own I've such wonderful nephews and nieces. They range in age from 23 right down to 10 months old and I love them all very much and in equal measure......I must add I have a great nephew who I also add into this bundle. :-)
This week I had a text from my twenty year old nephew that said, "Just a quick text to say I love u fav auntie x :)"
Being cynical I decided he was tipsy in the pub......well!! I'm probably right, but I'm right when I know the truth is spoken after a few jars, so that really made my day.

Today I received a letter in a pink envelope covered in stickers, it was from my six year old niece, here it is, and once again its really made my day.

I feel so blessed to have all these special children in life. xxx

Bastille Day

2011-07-14T10:29:00.000+01:00

I was just talking to my colleague about my desire to write a romantic drama set during the French Revolution. I said I don't know a lot about this period in history but I am drawn to the romantic imagery of the time and the passion shown by so many, in particular I would like to know more about the Storming of the Bastille. I told my colleague, I don't know what it is, but I am full of passion when I think of this period in time. It's like I can feel it in my blood. After making a coffee I logged on to my computer and almost freaked out....its Bastille Day today...!!!
I found this quite spooky.
The storming of the Bastille occurred in Paris on the morning of 14 July 1789. The medieval fortress and prison in Paris known as the Bastille represented royal authority in the centre of Paris. While the prison only contained seven inmates at the time of its storming, its fall was the flashpoint of the French Revolution. In France, Le quatorze juillet (14 July) is a public holiday, it's called Bastille day in English.

If that's not a sign I don't know what it.

Eight Years

2011-07-11T11:11:00.001+01:00

Eight years ago this week the assistant Editor from BBC Radio Devon called me up and asked for my help with a new charity that they had adopted. I said I would set up a few systems and help out for a few weeks. My husband at the time said it would be ok until I found a 'proper' job (no wonder I divorced him). Little did I know at the time that 8 years later I would still here, running the only local prostate cancer charity in the South West, with a desire to address the imbalance between mens health & womens, and educating literally hundreds of men from across the region about their prostate & prostate cancer. According to the latest statics less than 20% of men know where their prostate gland is let alone what it does, I like to think these stats are a bit better in Devon & Cornwall.

I thought it would be fun to include my first ever cheque presentation and my latest one. As you can probably tell, being married does not suit me......look how old & fat I look......& I don't look very happy....oh and I still have that top.......and the same best friend :-) who still helps me with The Chestnut Appeal when time allows x

Anyway - Happy 8 year anniversary to me. :-)

Bridget Jones

2011-06-29T13:01:00.001+01:00

Its over half way through the year already, flipping hell. Where does time go? Crazy state of affairs. Well anyway........At the beginning of the year I uttered that famous saying from Bridget Jones, which is:
will find nice, sensible boyfriend to go out with and not continue to form romantic attachments to any of the following: alcoholics, workaholics, commitment phobics, peeping toms, megalomaniacs, emotional fuckwits or perverts!!!

What I didn't take into account is that I can't tell if a man has one of these traits, let alone several of them until I've spent a little bit of time with the chap. By that time, (as I'm a wear your heart on your sleeve type of girl), I get hurt and the whole cycle starts again. Just wasted about 10 weeks for nothing much. So I'm sorry to say, the ending to my entire life will probably be, as Bridget puts it............I'd finally die, fat and alone, and be found three weeks later half-eaten by Alsatians.......!!!
Brilliant.

A lovely update to this post....... :-)

Smoking in my Car

2011-06-22T19:07:00.000+01:00

The latest debate on LBC Parliament is; Should Smoking be Banned in Cars? Do you know what my answer to this is?......Piss the hell off!! I enjoy cigarettes, and yes like almost all smokers know its bad for me and that I'll more than likely die from a smoking related disease if I continue to smoke, it's my choice, ok, it's my flipping choice, and I pay enough tax to enable this to be my choice; at almost £6 a packet.

I can no longer smoke in work.
I remember my first job at Hill House Hammond, where I was an office clerk....giving people insurance quotes at the counter and the like, having a cigarette at the same time as a customer was considered polite. You smoke in the office and in the pub, upstairs on the bus and even in the hospital, all be it in a smoking room. Now I'm not saying that banning all of this was wrong, it's great and we all live in a much cleaner smoke free environment for it. Wonderful.
What I'm annoyed at is this: as an adult who chooses to smoke (for now), my areas of pleasure in which to forth take are extremely limited. Namely, outside & in my car....alone of course, I wouldn't smoke if someone in the car didn't smoke, or if I had children, but that's just a common sense thing.
So, car & outside.....these are the only two places I can smoke, oh and at friends houses if they smoke indoors....that's it. Banning smoking in my car will just make me do it even more, my car is called Billy for a reason you know ;-)
What type of country are we living in.....Christ!!!

Joan as Policewoman

2011-06-22T12:01:00.000+01:00

Most weeks I have a good old look at YouTube to find some new music.
This week however a 'new' friend on Facebook posted a YouTube video of Joan as Policewoman. I've never heard of her before so had a little listen to a few of her songs. I thought I would share this with you, I think the video is awesome as well. It's about looking for an alpha male, a rare quality for us strong independent ladies. Hope you like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPqVig-ggMw

I love the crunchy nut.

2011-06-11T10:32:00.000+01:00

I thought I would blog about how let down I feel.
I love the crunchy nut. Breakfast isn't breakfast without having some lovely crunchy nut cornflakes with ice cold milk, last night I went to Tesco and a large trolley was in front of the crunchy nuts, so I decided to be adventurous and try something else.
I fancied a change and after looking at the huge range I bought something called Oat Crisp, spurred on by the fact that on the box its says there is 40% less sugar than the leading diet cereal.....oh healthy too!! Got to be good.
I've just had some and I now feel sad and let down, why didn't I buy those crunchy nuts, these Oat Crisp are not very exciting, and they're so crispy they've hurt my tongue.....it really is like eating the colour grey and now I've got them I have to endure them most mornings for about a week. I hate them already.

Magnets

2011-05-23T12:49:00.000+01:00

Having been at The Devon County Show for a few days I started to feel quite tired, and developed a big headache. All that fresh air and chit chat is quite draining you know, then I spotted it, the miracle cure!! A few stalls to the left of our charity stand was a Bioflow Magnetic stand, selling magnetic things that 'could possibly' help with tiredness, rebalancing my PH in my blood as well as possibly realigning my chi energy.

I've thought about purchasing a magnetic bracelet for a little while now, not sure why, I just feel drawn to them, no pun intended. I know some people use them for pain relief very successfully, not that I suffer from pain, but I seriously think that as a sensitive person it might help be of some help to me too.

So, I went and bought a bracelet from the guy and within a short space of time not only did my headache go, but I also started feeling quite nauseous, the man said that I felt sick as the magnets were having a particularly strong affect on me. I now have had my bracelet on for 3 days and I really like it. I'm not sure if its doing me any good, but I really don't want to take it off. It's feels like the bracelet is part of me. It might all be psychosomatic, but you know, that really doesn't matter. Placebos have there place and if its on my left arm then its on my left arm.

Tales from my Nephew

2011-05-14T12:13:00.000+01:00

My nephew is now twenty, I love spending time with him when I can as his stories are so funny. Hearing what he gets up too often has me in stitches, so much so that I thought I would share a couple of his stories with you.

The first one was outside Revolution in Plymouth, a local club/bar. He was outside talking on his phone when a massive fight kicked off inside. My nephew was oblivious to this as he was chatting away. When he has finished his phone call he looked over and saw a chap covered in blood! He went and asked if he was ok just as a police man turned up. In a loud voice the policeman asked him if he had just been ejected. My nephew replied, showing his arms....."err does it look like I've been injected"
"No", the policeman said, "Have you been EJECTED"
My nephew feeling annoyed said....."sorry officer but does it look like I'm a drug user?"
"Listen son" he said, "have you been ejected this evening".
Showing his arms once more he repeated...."I don't do drugs"
The policeman then replied in a tone that was suited to a headmaster talking to a pupil......"Get out of my sight"!!!
Its not my nephews fault he's a little hard of hearing.

The next story he told me was:
He was off to a fancy dress party the other week and decided to dress as a solider. Being a little late, as boys often are he drove at about 50mph in a 30 zone...tut tut. Looking behind him he saw blue lights and thought oh god, I'm in trouble. He stopped and got out of the car at the same time as the policeman.
The policeman then started shouting at him, saying, "listen son, your job is dangerous enough as it is, and I don't want to be the one telling your family bad news when you go off to war," of course my nephew was thinking WTF, then it clicked, I'm dressed as a solider....so he kept quiet but thought don't looks at my shoes, (he had timberlands on, not regulation army boots), then the policeman said, "go on, get home to your family and be safe ok". He then went on to his fancy dress party.

I hope these two tales have translated ok and made you laugh as much as I did.

An additional blog

2011-05-08T10:34:00.000+01:00

I will continue to blog here, but I have started a new blog for all things spiritual. I didn't think the topic would fit into my ramblings, so if you want to follow that blog as well the address is http://rememberspirit.blogspot.com I hope you will enjoy it. I'll try and write something new each week.

Thanks xx

The Case of the Glass Rabbit

2011-05-05T19:37:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago I was at my mums house, she was washing her glass collection. My mum seems to have lots of collections around the house; collections of Coal Port this and Royal Dalton that, never really pay much attention. You see I'm not a collector of things, although I do keep items that are personal to me and have some meaning or a memory attached to it, hence to say I have enough 'tat' in my house and I really don't need anymore. So when my mum said, "Lesley-Ann do you want this glass rabbit?" I replied with certainty a quite loud "No!". "Go on, it was your Grandmas' Lesley-Ann"............."No mother", I repeated, I don't want that bloody glass rabbit!!". She laughed and that I thought was the end of that.

Several days later I'm at my friends house and I noticed and said out loud that my handbag was really heavy. I had a good look inside and what do I find.....the glass rabbit. I could do nothing but laugh about it, so in my kitchen, added to all my bits and bobs now lives a blimming glass rabbit that used to be my Grandmas.

Thanks Mum!!

The Great Mewstone

2011-04-18T11:48:00.002+01:00

The Great Mew Stone juts out of the sea like a giant limpet, clinging onto the seabed, and sparkling emerald-green in the late, autumn sun.

Wembury Point is a truly stunning place to sit and dream about the adventures men and their families had on The Great Mew Stone, and the rich history it holds, that dates back as far as the 1700’s.

Located just past the breakwater, it’s easily examined with a visit to Wembury, which is just on the outskirts of Plymouth, in the South Hams.

In fact the stone is so craggy it’s hard to believe that around three-hundred years ago it served as a prison for a local man, he was sent to the island as punishment following a theft and was made to stay there, in isolation, for a total of seven years! He lived there, with his family, undisturbed for the entire time, and when he eventually came back to the mainland, his daughter, called ‘Black Joan’, decided to stay on. She progressed to having a family of her own on the Mew Stone. Tragically, her husband died by falling off a seaweed-covered rock and drowned in just a small pool of water.

Over the years, several other families set up residence on the outcrop, including Mr Samuel Wakeham, who created a very unusual turreted home which can still be seen today (with binoculars!).

Samuel kept a few pigs and was also allowed to catch and eat as many rabbits as he wanted. You see, the island had become a massive rabbit warren, which was owned by The Langdon Estate. He protected the rabbits from poachers and also earned a living by giving day-trippers a tour of his solitary homestead.

A magazine article about the island published in 1834 reported that: ‘The Mewstone is about five miles from Plymouth. Any one of the old gentlemen who ply for hire at the Barbican with shore boats will convey you thither for a crown’ and also advised the reader ‘as you value your character for benevolence, export a few ounces of snuff to Sam, [as] he is a most inveterate snuff taker.’

I am afraid the downfall of Mr Wakeham was that he was a bit of a smuggler. No record can be found of what it was he was actually smuggling, although I like to think it was rum & tea. He was caught and returned to the mainland in disgrace. Samuel Wakeham was the final person to live on the Mew stone. Since his departure it has enjoyed peace and quiet from humans, but did gain some television notoriety when The Comic Strip filmed ‘Five go Mad in Dorset’ as it can clearly be seen in the background.

Today it is owned by the National Trust, who bought the island and the surrounding Wembury Point in 2006 for £1.4million. It’s only inhabitants now are the local wildlife as the policy is to exclude the public. This is in order to safeguard the bird populations attracted by the rare isolation.

Film

2011-04-11T17:30:00.000+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thR440yz7Ls

This is the link to the latest film that highlights the whole day & evenings activities for PlymTwest. I don't think you can tell I was quite drunk, but I should also point out I had been working since 7am that day!! Hope you like the film, I think its brilliant.

Thank you to everyone who took part and to the wonderful production team. We managed to raise just over £5000.00. xx

RIP the Black Knight

2011-04-07T15:16:00.000+01:00

The Black Knight had been over-heating for quite a while & a few weeks ago I had no choice but to call out the AA. The AA man just so happened to be a chap I used to go to school with, because of this he kindly offered to fix my car, and I was so very surprised and happy that he fitted a new water pump, changed the cam belt and bled the whole system for nothing.....zero pounds, totally amazed that he did that for me. For a man to do that and out of the goodness of his own heart made me really happy and totally shocked me to be honest, he had no agenda, just being kind.

A couple of weeks later though it started over heating again, this time I was stuck in traffic and it seemed as if the car was about to blow up. I had to do something. I really wanted to keep the Black Knight for many reasons, but I just couldn't keep it any longer, it was giving me hassle on a weekly basis...so after having its new water pump and cam belt I took it to be traded in. I didn't get much for it, well that's to be expected, but I'm really happy with my new ride.

He's called Billy and so far, touch wood, is behaving himself and is making me smile with his sporty feel and retro yellow mesh recaro's ...maybe I should get myself some neon's and a sub-whoofer!! ha ha

So its bye bye my lovely Black Knight, Rest in Peace and hello Billy.

The Film

2011-03-09T14:24:00.001Z

Here is The Chestnut Appeals promo film. I'm so pleased that after 8 years we finally have a promotional video we can use. It was kindly filmed and produced for free by SilverStream Media. This was part of the prize of being chosen as this years charity partner with http://www.plymtwest.org.uk/ << the Plymouth Twestival that is happening on the 24th March. I thought you might like to see it :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drTFgJsGRFo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

A massive thank you to everyone who took part and to SilverStream Media who made the whole thing possible. xxx

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T19:09:00.000Z

So it's Valentines Day and I'm sat at home eating a meal for one accompanied with a glass of fine red wine. Please don't feel sorry for me though, I'm happy. I might be alone, no one to cuddle up to or have a 'love meal' with, but at least I'm not putting up with just anyone, nor am I faking anything. I'm an incurable romantic and love all things that are flowers, hearts, poems etc etc....but being true to yourself and loving yourself is far more important.

I know if I wanted too I could of got myself a date for tonight, enjoying some passion and company but I'm a bit of an all or nothing type of girl, so I would rather hold out for someone who wants me for me, won't try to change my independent nature nor try and quash my sense of fun. So all that's left to say is Happy Valentines Day to all my readers, and if you, like me, find yourself alone enjoy the peace and love yourself, because when all's said and done, you are the only person who knows your own heart....go follow it.
xxxx

Twitter

2011-02-02T14:18:00.000Z

I thought I would blog about my twitter timeline. At this moment in time I'm following 1207 people and 1693 follow me. This makes for a constant stream of tweets from people and businesses all over the world.

I've chosen mostly 'real' people to follow along with a few news agencies. I don't tend to follow celebrities, or if I do I'm more of a dip in, dip out type of person, rather than a oooh...a celebrity type.

Because I follow people across the globe I'm currently witnessing live tweets from people in Egypt amongst the uprising, reading their tweets are very worrying to be honest, with some thinking a massacre is about to happen. I'm also seeing photos and tweets from Australians who are waiting for most dangerous storm ever predicted to hit Queensland. With TCYasi eye wall making landfall around Bingil Bay in around 10 minutes!!
A few other things, It's peeing it down in Cheshire. Lunch time for someone is a Ham and Cheese bagel. Massive snow storms in USA, some people are snowed in and tweeting photographs.....and Brooklyn is a sheet of ice this morning. If that wasn't enough....there are many 'Save our Forest' tweets with live tweets from Parliament & I'm also waiting for the nominations to be announced for #PlymTwest local charity partner.

So much happens on Twitter, and is different depending on who you decide to have in your timeline. Mine fascinates me on a daily basis, I've also met some lovely people who have become my friends. Brilliant x

Fringe

2011-01-27T15:53:00.000Z

The other day whilst watching one of my favourite films 'Pulp Fiction', I decided that I would have a fringe. The reason for my sudden inspiration was that not only did I like the look of character Mia Wallace, her hair was cool, and although it was filmed in early nineties, I felt sure that I hadn't lost 'it' & that fringes are about to be revived in a big way.

I'm so pleased to have been right, many fashion magazines are publishing articles with advice on the best ways to sport fringe, and one of the best ways is to make it with ragged edge to look uber voguish in 2011. Well, then sleek and straight fringe is ‘in’ as well, you will get elegant yet natural look....hooray for fringes I say.
Not only that, it's hidden a spot this week too. :-)

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T12:04:00.000Z

On New Years eve we tend to reflect on the year that has been & look forward to the forth-coming year, often with renewed energy & excitement for what might be. This New Years eve is no different.

2010 has been a completely bonkers year when I examine it. I really didn't realise I did so much or had as much fun as I have had. At times it felt bleak and very lonely, but then with my family or friends I'd do some really good fun stuff or I'd spend an evening having a laugh on Twitter, or out & about talking about my charity and meeting some amazing people who helped put life back into perspective again.

Personally this year I got snowed in twice, diverted on a plane to Paris and had to find my way home....thank you Egyptian Airlines. Went camping and chased escaped dogs around a field at 3 in the morning in just my pants and socks. I glam'ed it up a little in Marbella, had a few family parties & reunions. I learnt that Newquay is an awesome place to party, and found a brilliant restaurant that served such fabulous fish.
I broke the Devon County Show record for most funds raised by a charity at the event. I've fixed my own car a few times, battled with the garden shed and spiders that lurk & looked after my dad a bit when his wife was in hospital. My great nephew Joseph was born & I've mopped up tears from others broken hearts, something that I had to deal with the year before. I passed a psychic test and continued reading my tarot cards for those that asked. I stopped writing and found a bit of time for a few dates, I also continued to look for new places to live....I still want a dog.

In 2011 I want to expand my charity and find myself a proper boyfriend, as in the words of Bridget Jones:

Will find nice sensible boyfriend and not continue to form romantic attachments to alcoholics, workaholics, peeping-toms, megalomaniacs, emotional fuckwits or perverts.

Happy New Year :-) xx

7 Parking Tickets

2010-12-13T15:01:00.000Z

Sometimes I do wonder about people I really do. I've just spent the last 90 minutes helping someone who got themselves into a bit of a state. I'm blogging about it as I can't bloody believe that no friend or family member he told about his plight offered to help him in the proper way.

A chap that I see in the hospital quite often mentioned to me in passing that the gear box in his car had gone and he had to leave it by the side of the road, in a permit only zone about a week ago! So far the car has attracted seven parking tickets, he might have eight, not quite sure!!! Added up these are worth far more than his car. I was a little shocked, considering when I asked what he had done about it, he said nothing as he has no money & he's saving up to get the gearbox fixed.

No one has helped him, or suggested anything!!! Not one person. Even his friends, who have been out to see the car thought that taking the tickets off would somehow fix the problem for him. He told six friends, his mother and his brother. I felt so sorry for him as he told me he had tears in his eyes, as he really didn't know what to do, but knew it was a serious situation.

I rang the parking ticket office so hopefully now he'll get no more tickets, although the existing tickets may be upheld as he failed to let the authorities know in time. I said I would help him appeal, especially considering he's almost illiterate. He also said that he might have breakdown cover on his car insurance, we checked and yes he does....hooray.

So fingers crossed he does what I've told him and his car will be recovered this evening, and I'll help him appeal tomorrow.
I just can't believe that his family or friends didn't help, some people are so wrapped up in their own lives & in themselves they can't seem to spare time to help anyone, & its obvious to anyone reading this that he's the type of chap that needs a little extra help in life.

It also made me feel very lucky that I have such kind and caring friends & family.

A message from Santa

2010-12-08T15:25:00.000Z

My friend Lisa sent me this from Santa, I thought I would share it with you as you might want to send a Santa message to one of your friends. It really made my day.

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/z94AMxdHisyPJCjBBSc4xA

Cooking

2010-12-08T11:18:00.000Z

I seriously can't cook very well at all and for some crazy reason I've volunteered to 'do' Christmas dinner this year. My Mum is getting older and can be doing without the pressure to be honest. My brothers cooking isn't an option, so that leaves me. Christmas Dinner in my little home with my Mum, my brother and my niece....!!!

I've ordered some nice dinner plates with horses on, so that's a start and I'm thinking about what Marks & Spencers can help with, but christ knows how I'm going to make the gravy or the roast potatoes, and I'm really not sure if I have a suitable baking tray!!!

I thought I would ask what to do, so I asked a few secretaries in the hospital, the ones with children, thinking they might be able to offer a few tips, all they seem to say is...time it around the meat?? What the hell does that mean...seriously I can't fripping cook. I do however have some nice port & will get lots of cheese in, so if all else fails we'll just get drunk & eat cheese.

I must say though one thing positive has happened, and that is for the first time in a decade I'm actually excited about Christmas.

Surf & Turf

2010-11-25T10:01:00.000Z

Well last night was an experience; my friend and I went along to the Funky Fish Spa in Plymouth. It's a new concept for our city and to be honest I had never heard of such a thing before. What happens is, after cleaning your feet in a foot bath you immerse your tootsies into a tank of 100 Garra Rufa fish. These fish are toothless and a few inches in length, they gently suck off dead skin from your feet and produce an enzyme that has a vitalising affect. At first it honestly like putting your feet into moving seaweed, I couldn't look down into the tank, but then you have to and all I saw were fish covering my feet like a 'fish blanket'. It's a little disconcerting to be frank. I didn't find it ticklish at all, although was told that some do. I found it just....'ewww this feels weird!!!', my friend and I were shrieking !! Although after a few minutes we settled down and it was in fact quite an enjoyable experience. Half an hour of being sucked soon passed, my feet were dried and now they are so very soft. I would certainly do it again.

After our garra rufa foot spa we popped next door to Bistro One and had a lovely lovely meal. I had local beef in a wild mushroom sauce with some organic salad, my friend has some sustainable fish and scallops. Not only is Bistro One all about local produce and flavours, the owner Stephen Barret is very knowledgeable in the wine department, and soon was able to recommend a lovely glass of wine to accompany the meal. He made us feel very welcome indeed.

A very enjoyable evening.

Windscreen wipers

2010-11-15T10:37:00.001Z

Driving along the A38 yesterday in the pouring rain my car windscreen wipers stopped working. At first only the driver one stopped, so thinking it was jammed I put my arm out of the window and tried to push it, it wasn't jammed it was broken, and no amount of pushing could un-jam it. Lucky for me the other wiper was working so I drove along for a little looking out of the passenger side of the window, this is of course dangerous and foolish, but I had no where to stop at this point and I am a bit dangerous and foolish at times. Then the rain started really hammering down and the passenger windscreen wiper stopped working as well, I couldn't see a thing and knew things were getting quite hairy.....lucky for me a layby was up ahead so I pulled over and decided to wait for the rain to stop.

I was pretty annoyed with the Black Knight, it was freezing and raining, I had no coat, was hungover and to be frank didn't want to wait an hour for the AA to arrive, so I got out, opened the bonnet and took a look. The metal linkage had came undone, so using all my strength I hooked them back together, got covered in manky rust water, got back in the car and to my utter amazement they worked. Hooray. I was so proud of myself, practically a mechanic, I didn't cry either.

I do need to point out that I wasn't that strong and my brother-in-law had to do the final 'click' to the links when I got to my sisters house.

Taxi

2010-10-11T09:34:00.000+01:00

On Saturday I booked a taxi to take me from my house to my friends, nothing unusual about that, but the driver surprised me, and believe me it takes a hell of a lot to surprise me these days, being slightly jaded by life.

Taxi-Fast was the company and he picked me up on time, as typical with that company. Well anyway, we were having the typical passenger/driver conversation; when he asked me what I did for a living. I told him I looked after mens prostates across Devon & Cornwall by running the charity The Chestnut Appeal. That's all I said, nothing much else and didn't think anything of it.

At the end of the journey the bill on the meter was £8.50, I gave him £10.00 and said keep the change as I often do, generous I know :-) ...... he reacted by giving me the £10.00 back and saying give that to your charity. I couldn't believe it, not that someone gave me a donation, but a taxi driver opted to forgo his payment on a busy Saturday night, drive half way across the city and then give that payment to charity, what a kind and nice man. I asked for his name, or address to thank him properly but he didn't want too.

So thank you Mr Taxi-Fast Driver xx

The Black Knight is getting a new tyre today

2010-10-05T10:55:00.000+01:00

The Black Knight is getting a new tyre today, it something I've been meaning to do for ages, but getting a new tyre freaks me out. I am actually scared of getting a tyre, but now I'm almost on slicks....sorry officer....I thought I had better get it sorted out.

This might seem silly and a bit crazy but what I'm scared of is the big noisy air gun that makes me jump every time its used, I also really hate the machine they put the wheel on to get the tyre off.....I think it could explode at any point, and then when the new tyre is finally on and the garage is ready for me to drive off I worry that the whole wheel is going to fall off on the way home...although this fear goes after a couple of days.

See what I'm up against, oh the drama !!!

Last few weeks

2010-09-08T10:07:00.001+01:00

Dear Readers,

I've had a few lovely things happen in my life since I last blogged; I'm now a great auntie to Joseph, he is so adorable, and has made me slightly broody. I doubt I will ever get the chance to have a family of my own now, but cute baby Joseph has been the only baby to ever make me hear that ticking biological clock. I hope the clock shuts up soon as I'm finding it hard to sleep!! Also last month my dad came down and stayed with me for a few days, that was excellent to actually spend some quality time with him. I don't think I've ever had more than a hour alone with him before in my life, so it felt pretty special. We even went to the beach and had chippy chip chips and ice-cream :-).

I also spent August bank holiday away from Plymouth with my friend Nat, staying at her parents house it felt like another little holiday and really was brilliant fun. My friend told some man that I had a DB9 and we couldn't get rid of him for ages, I tried to tell him that I only had a little clapped out Fiat Punto and could never afford such a luxury car, but he didn't believe me...in the end I had to say, "I'm more than just a car you know". That sort of got rid of him. Another chap also showed us his willy, not sure why....but we had a much needed break and lots of fun was had, which is the main thing.

So that's about it for now. xx

What's in a Name

2010-08-13T13:50:00.000+01:00

One thing that flipping annoys me is when I introduce myself as Lesley-Ann and then am called Lesley in return, whether it's face to face or via email it happens all the time and seems to be getting more common. How bloody rude.
If someone introduced themselves as Ann-Marie, I wouldn't reply, Oh lovely to meet you Ann would I. The reason for this is not only basic manners but also the small fact that my name has a hypen in it... a -. This is not a dash, but a hypen. Hyphens are used to link words and parts of words.

My name is linked together with this magical hypen and has been since I was named, the main reason being I was named after my Auntie Ann and my Uncle Les....hence Lesley-Ann.
So for the very last time.........my name is Lesley-Ann and not Lesley, it's never been Lesley, and it never will be.
Kindest regards
Lesley-Ann :-) x

Narrow minded tosh!!!

2010-07-06T17:25:00.000+01:00

I have to blog, I've seen a few tweets today that have made my blood boil. The subject matter being, Victoria Beckham and her new role as creative design executive at Range Rover. A few people who make a living from design think this is not on, and that having celebrities in design roles be-littles' their careers.

Well, let's take a little look at VB, post Spice Girls.....her fashion house, she didn't go to 'fashion school' has been very very successful, not to mention her perfume range being recently valued at £109M...no sign of perfume school either!!!!
I'm afraid dear moaners of all that is celebrity, Victoria's name is worth mega bucks, like it or not. She has an eye for what fashion types want, and she is not scared of a bit of hard work. I doubt she would be designing interiors of cars herself, without specialist help.....but I will say this;
If I was the chief exec wanting to target the rich youth then who better to have on side than a current fashion icon (like her or loath her its true). As well as this, she has had so many uber cool cars I'm pretty sure she will know what the uber cool customers range rover want to target will want as well.

So stop moaning and open your mind a bit.

That is all.

PS - I would like one in white please, with lots of shiny things inside to marvel at. xx

Why I find pregnant women scary

2010-06-08T12:58:00.000+01:00

In the hospital today I seem to have walked past a lot of heavily pregnant women. I happened to mention on Twitter that pregnant women scare me, I then got asked, and quite rightly so, why? Here is my answer as to why I find pregnant women scary.

I'm not scared of pregnant women in general, if you're 4 or 5 months pregnant you're more than welcome to come & chat to me and I won't feel a thing, but think again if you're about to give birth!!! This is when I feel the total fear of what being pregnant is. I've never had children and I don't intend too either. I love children, but my life doesn't seem to be taking me in that direction and I'm ok with that, in fact I quite value my freedom and additional cash flow (babies are expensive).

Almost eight years ago I started running a charity that is based in a hospital, I come from a media background, so the transition to working inside a hospital was huge and as a creative I still find it hard to work in this environment. Back in the day to get to my office I had to walk through the maternity department. Almost daily I would come across heavily pregnant women, panting in the corridors having their backs rubbed, laden with bags and generally looking ill as hell.......I used to peg it along that corridor..... It gave me the willys and the thought of the whole process still gives me the willys, in-fact writing about heavily pregnant women has given me the willys right now.

So you see, I blame over exposure to panting heavily pregnant women at a tender time in my career the reason why I'm so scared of them.
Rather like spiders.....you keep away from me and I'll keep away from you, although I think a spider is easier to hoover up!!!

The War Hero

2010-06-06T13:02:00.000+01:00

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to a surprise 30th birthday party held upstairs in The Lounge part of The Treasury, a local wine bar. My friend and I, although we knew the birthday girl and her fantastic husband, had no idea who the hell anyone else was. We stuck out like two party gatecrashers, even though we weren't....so as a consequence I decided, subconsciously, to get very pissed on rose' and huge glasses of Pimms....as one does at these types of events.

During the evening we kept going down stairs to the main bar, and also outside for some fresh air as it was a very warm evening. At one point my friend and I were outside chatting, when a man walked into the bar and she exclaimed, "Oh there's blah blah, I must say hello". I had no idea who it was she was talking about, but I'm used to that, you see my friend is on the telly, and she knows lots of people, in particular in the area of sport. Often I stand there whilst she chats to some well-known basketball player or some rugby player, I always have no idea who it is, and often leave equally as unimpressed.

Well, imagine the shame when we go in to see this man who walked past, and she says Hi and they have a chat. As normal I'm stood there, a bit bored....but this time I'm quite mischievous due to the large volume of Pimms I drank upstairs at the free reception. I thought I would ask the man what his profession was? I'm sure he said he was a retired footballer, so I had to then go on and on about playing football and how I used to play left back and how bad I was. During this time I could see my friend looking a little shocked, but quite amused. I of course had no idea.

After a brief chat my friend and I went back outside where she explained that the man was War Hero, Marine Ben McBean. The chap who Prince Harry said I'm not a hero, this man is a hero. OMG, the flipping shame I felt....I thought he was some retired Plymouth Argyle dude, I had no idea who he was, and that he had no limbs. You simply could not tell. I was lucky that he seemed to take my guess at his profession in a light hearted way, but how ridiculous am I? Oh god if the ground could have swallowed me up.

I went back in and saw him again, I didn't know whether I should apologise or not, but he saw me, smiled and started laughing, so I think it was all ok in the end. Phew!!!

I blame the Pimms.

Men 2010

2010-06-01T13:37:00.003+01:00

After my four year disastrous relationship with Mr Big, ending with him getting lung cancer, you'll probably know that I had to endure a very painful break-up, however I know it was totally for the best. I hear he has moved to France, or is going to in the near future.....they do have the best health care, so that's very good news, at least he's not dead!!

Well anyway, we broke up on the day Michael Jackson died and I'll never forget it. I've now spent about a year on my own, being very bored, deeply unhappy and lonely, trying to heal my broken heart..(I won't lie, it was tough, but I got through it)... its part of the ups and downs of life, but not nice, not nice at all.

In January this year, feeling brave, I decided to get back with the living and find myself a loving and kind man to have fun, go on dates and perhaps get serious with........Oh my god....all I can say is...What the hell has happened to all the single men????

Most single chaps around my age, 37, have unaddressed issues, no respect for women and a total disregard for the truth. I wish I could fancy women, honestly I do.

I'm not desperate, so please don't read me wrong, although I do think it's about time I met someone good. A woman shouldn't spend too much time on her own you know.

I'll keep you posted, but don't hold your breath......I'll probably still be single in ten years time.

xxx

Devon County Show

2010-05-25T15:39:00.002+01:00

I'm so very pleased, not only because our stand at The Devon County Show looked flipping fantastic...(thank you to Pyramid who kitted it out for free); but we made over £8,000 for prostate cancer care in Devon & Cornwall.

I'd been so worried and was having such sleepless nights, with things like tea urns waking me up, or have we got enough cheese!!

You see the charity is only made up of two full time staff, a board of trustees and a few volunteers dotted around the region. I wasn't sure if we could pull off such a high-profile gig like the Devon County Show, and look professional at the same time, but we did....and we did it in style. Not only did we have our very own Michelin star chef, but we had a classic car, face painting, an army of volunteers....30 a day in fact, card making and attendance at several suppers. We handed out over three thousand prostate cancer information leaflets....made 170 free cream teas for our supporters and sold over two and a half thousand raffle tickets. We pulled out all the stops to make this a success, and I'm so very proud of my awesome team who helped me pull all of this together.

I thought I would share a few pictures of the event, I hope you like them. I also feel that if by being at the show we managed to save one mans life, then it would all have been worth it.

William Hague

2010-05-12T12:42:00.001+01:00

So, we have a new cabinet for the new generation. Much needs to be sorted out in the country, but I will keep away from politics on my blog. Not for any other reason other than so many people blog about politics I can't really be bothered......but I do want to blog about William Hague.

Mr Hague is our new foreign secretary. He is described as a witty and engaging Commons performer, popular with grassroots Tory members. However, what you don't know about William is that some seven or eight years ago.....I can't remember exactly......I was in the big smoke...London Town having my eyes lasered. I was myopic, and now have perfect vision, no need for contact lenses or glasses since this life changing event.....so can you guess who the first famous person I saw with my new eyes....yes.....it was William Hague. So every time I see his little face I think of my eyes being lasered.

Doing a Russian....

2010-04-23T10:13:00.002+01:00

You may be slightly curious regarding the title of my latest blog. It's a phrase developed during my recent trip to Egypt. I'm told that the Egyptian government have done a deal with Russia, similar to the UK and Spain in the 70's and 80's, to encourage tourism and the country now enables Russian workers to holiday in Egypt at a relatively cheap cost. Because of this I encountered rather a lot of Russians on my recent trip. The resort of Sharm el Sheik is very popular with Russians and a lot of places have duel Russian and Egyptian signs and a lot of the food is Russian as well.

The people I met didn't know the term queue, and would literally push you out of the way if you were somewhere they wanted to be, at the buffets they would pile food on to their plates only to waste half of it, have no manners and I'm told that one would only have to say the word 'bed' to a Russian lady to guarantee results!!
I hasten to add this is based on my experience, I am not talking about the whole of the Russian population.

During my trip my mother and I took an excursion to Cairo to see the famous pyramids. We had a wonderful day, although to be frank once experienced there really is no point in going to visit them again, unless you are studying Egyptian history. We flew down from Sharm el Sheik and were dropped back off at Cairo airport in good time for our return flight after a very long day.

I was totally amazed to find that the flight had been, a) oversubscribed, b) no seat numbers given, c) no passenger list, d) nameless tickets. So if the plane crashed on the way home the airline would have no clue as to who was on that flight…..pretty worrying really.

We got to the gate ready for boarding when we were greeted with a sea of people from all over the world, huddled into this small stuffy departure lounge waiting for the flight to be called. I assessed the situation and decided that if my mum and I were to get on that plane we would need to be near the front of the queue, my mum was at risk of being trampled on and I did not want to spend the night in crazy Cairo…….so I decided to 'Do a Russian'. This involved me standing behind my mum and pushing her through the crowd, using a loud voice saying, " coming through", "excuse me", "just coming through" and to my delight and ultimate relief people moved out of the way, we got near the front and managed to get on that plane back to our resort.

I would suggest using this method only as a last resort, although if you are planning to visit Sharm el Sheik be prepared to use it a few times, particularly at airports and at the bar.

Diverted 20 minutes from landing.....

2010-04-21T20:10:00.000+01:00

Incase you missed my television interview - just copy and paste the link below into your browser.......

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/devon/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8629000/8629751.stm

What goes around, comes around.

2010-04-05T13:15:00.000+01:00

There is a Pagan saying that goes like this, 'harm none do what ye will’. Being a person of spiritual beliefs I tend to live my life via this saying, as well as being a big advocate in the well know phrase 'What goes around, comes around'.

An example of how this works in everyday situations came to me last week. A very good friend of mine has quite an old car and it’s forever breaking down, but it’s her car and she loves it, basically it’s her pride and joy. A few months ago, when we had the most terrible icy period and roads were absolutely covered in black ice she was saddened to see that someone had skidded into her car during the night, worse still, the wheel was broken and a big scratch was left on the side of her beloved motor vehicle. The person had not left their details, but had simply seen the damage and driven off.

Later that evening a neighbour paid a visit and told her he had seen the offending driver, and that his car, a blue convertible BMW, is now parked down the street and she should go and have it out with him, give him what for and maybe call the police if he gets funny.

So not only was this a hit and run, but it was a close neighbour that had did this shady deed. My friend Sarah decided to have a think about the situation, after some thought she decided to let the universe deal with it and what will be will be. She knew that every day that person will drive past her car, and each time it would prick his conscience. It would be up to him to own up and not up to her to hunt him down, well, not in this case anyway.

She also knew that it wouldn’t be long before the well know phrase 'What goes around, comes around' took its affect.

Sarah didn‘t have to wait too long at all. A few days ago she was arriving home from work late when the blue BMW was parked opposite her house. The driver had his boot open and a wheel was resting on the pavement. He was talking on his mobile phone, and said, “yeah it’s worse than that mate, as I took the wheel off, the jack broke and the car is now on the ground”. She walked in her house with a rye smile upon her face, as she knew the universe had delivered, as it always had done and it always will.

Buns in the Oven

2010-03-23T13:48:00.000Z

I decided last weekend to give baking a try. It seems every man and his dog are either baking buns and cakes or talking about herbs and spices. Anyone who knows me well, will know I can make a pretty good chilli, and I thought, baking, it can't be that hard, can it?

I started by ordering the ingredients from Sainsbury, as well as the decorating little chocolate strands and shiny balls, icing sugar and lovely little bun cases. Cost a flipping fortune, but I was ready for Saturday, ready for baking day.

I felt an excitement in the air as Saturday came, until I realised I didn't have any kitchen scales or bun tins, so after a short delay I was ready to bake.

I had my iPod on and happily mixed up flour, butter, eggs, jam....all sorts of things...until after a few hours, a mountain of dishes and a few near burns from the oven I ended up with this lot!! Look at them, terrible. I'm ashamed at how bad I was at baking. I will not be having a baking day again in a hurry.

I guess what I should share with you is that..... my buns looked really bad, but they tasted hell of a good. ;-)

Granddad

2010-03-01T14:59:00.000Z

My granddad, Arthur George Morris died yesterday aged 87. He had been expected to die two years ago, so it's amazing that he lasted as long as he did. His carer went to wake him and he didn't look too well, she called the doctor, and as she was putting his clothes out he passed away.

(me, granddad & my sister)

I'm comforted in the facts that he didn't die alone, that he slipped away in his sleep and he wasn't suffering or in any pain. A dignified way to die for a man who fort for his country out in the deserts. He was in the 8th Army, & was one of the brave desert rats, fighting in extreme temperatures. Grandma at one point was told he was missing, assumed dead.....she got a big shock when after several months he turned up, having been suffering from malaria and was found convalescing in Austria!! He also at one point got buried at the coal face in the local coal-mine and had several heart attackes aged 47. He was one tough old cookie, but didn't mind if we, as kids put make-up on him when he was taking a nap in the chair.

I'll miss my Granddad, but I know he's with Grandma now, and she is probably nagging him already....making up for lost time.

Rest in Peace xxx

Battle of The Bands

2010-02-23T17:37:00.000Z

They say every picture tells a story....this one tells several.

At a recent charity Battle of the Bands event, we not only raised almost £1000.00 for The Chestnut Appeal, but we had such fun as judges. The panel consisted of little old me, the ledgendary Natalie Cornah from BBC Spotlight and Troy Tate from Teardrop Explodes.

It was a sell out gig and after much dancing, drinking and judging, the band Shooting Fish were named the winners.

This man got extra points for his Batman T-shirt, and we just wanted to get up and dance.

We hope to repeat this process next year, perhaps at a bigger venue.

Well done to Shooting Fish The Winners!!

The Card

2010-02-16T14:26:00.001Z

2010 has been a rubbish Valentines year for me, not that I buy into all that Hallmark crap, but I do love a bit of intrigue and romance, show me a hot blooded woman that doesn't ?!
Typically over the past 15 or 20 years I have had at least one card, and quite often several land on my door mat in time for me to play detective during Valentines day…..this year, well, what a flipping let down. No card, no flowers, no romantic notes…nothing, nada, zitt, zilch.

Please don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to paint an image of some needy insecure person. I didn't mind the no card thing at all, it felt a little strange, but I also felt good, knowing I stand completely alone in the world, that I truly don't have a man, nor do I need one to enhance my life. It was liberating.
Then today, Tuesday 16th of February a Valentines card arrives in work….I have no idea who its from. My colleagues and I have written a list of possibilities but that is as far as I've got. The card has a Plymouth postmark and is signed :-

x ? It was also posted on Monday, and on the envelope was written Devonshire instead of Devon....ummm, a clue maybe??
And so the detective work starts, I may never know who the card is from, but I guess it will give me something to think about tonight.

If Mr Secret card sender reads this, then Thank you for my Card, it shows you have great taste and are romantic in your thinking. XX

Mystery Flowers

2010-01-13T13:19:00.003Z

It was lunch time in my office and there was a knock on the door, my colleagues silent, as a man walked in with a bouquet of flowers. They were for me!!!

I felt sick in my stomach as I had/have no idea who they're from. You see a girl can normally tell if flowers are coming, but I genuinely was not expecting any. Mr Big used to always send me flowers, but I know they are not from him, it wouldn't be his style, and it would include certain key words.

I have a few clues to enable me to find out the mystery sender of the lovely flowers.

Clue 1. I have only ever called myself Lesley-Ann Hopkins on social networking sites, although recently changed that back to Simpson…..don't really like Hopkins, sorry Dad.

Clue 2. The card was nameless, but did say, Thank you for making me laugh and for being so lovely. I know on Twitter a few people have thanked me for making them laugh.

That's it, that's all I have to go on. To be honest I don't need to find out who they are from, I am just happy that I can make a few people laugh and maybe put a shine of life now and again.

To the person who sent me the flowers :- Thank you very much, there was no need at all, but thank you. They are lovely.

Short Story for Snow Day

2010-01-06T08:54:00.008Z

As its a snow day I thought I would try and write a short story. I haven't written a short story for about eight years, but I wanted to see if I could write one. I hope you like it. xx

A bright and sunny morning by the river-side in April. Sara was waiting for her friend and it wasn't long before something caught her eye, or should I say someone!!

Sara was waiting for her cousin Rebbecca to arrive, she had some very large mussels that needed to be sold in the market, and being a genteel type of girl, her father had instructed her not to go to market without Rebbecca.

As Sara waited patiently for her cousin, she couldn't help noticing the man, the new arrival at the river side. He was tall, slim framed with an elegance about him, and his eyes, his eyes were like blue sapphires and she was hypnotised.

He looked directly at her and smiled, feeling the chemistry from across the path, but not understanding what it meant, Sara looked at the floor and prayed Rebbecca wouldn't be too long. Within a second of this thought she turned up and off they went on their journey to market.

Later that evening Sara was asked to help out behind the bar at the family inn, her father thinks this is the best way to bring out his beautiful daughters personality. Shining the pumps furiously she turned towards the door and in 'he' walked. Straight up to the bar and asked Sara for a drink. With trembling hands she felt his penetrating stare as she poured him his beer. As he touched her palm with the money to pay for the refreshment she could swear she felt a small electric shock, then Sara just stood there, not knowing what to do, still as a statue, with money in hand, frozen. Luckily her father shouted across the bar, asking her to put another log on the fire, Sara dutifully answered this request and went and got a log from the basket and tossed it on to the burning embers.

The man came over to the fire and introduced himself as James, explaining he was in town to measure some blocks for a bridge he was building, and would be leaving for Bath tomorrow. Sara didn't hear a word, only the sound from her own beating heart. Having never kissed a man before she has an odd feeling swell up from inside her, she had to use all her strength to hold back this almighty urge to kiss him right on the lips.

Making it back to the relative safety of the bar Sara began cleaning the glasses, this kept her occupied until closing time. As the last customer left and Sara gave a cheery goodbye, she couldn't help noticing that the man, James, was still in the bar. He stood up and walked towards the door that she was holding open, as he walked past, Sara wondered if she would ever see those eyes again? If she would ever get an opportunity to spend time with him? When he turned around. James had turned around, walked up to her and planted a hard and warm kiss right on her lips. Then he walked away into the night without a word.

James the mystery kisser with the sapphire blue eyes left unanswered questions on her lips and now Sara wanted more. She stood there, for what seemed like an hour, just looking down the path, looking for him, but he was gone and her lips felt good, different, but good.

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-19T12:01:00.008Z

Thank god the year is almost over. I was going to review the year month by month, but to be honest the same word could have been used for every single month.....and that word is shit.

I guess I am angry at myself for letting my life develop into what it has become right now, which is boring, empty and sad. This is not how I see myself, so to face facts and acknowledge that that is the real truth, that my life really is all those things, isn't good news, not good news at all. I didn't want to write about a year full of upset, illness, lies and loneliness, people gossiping about things they don't know about, or include stories of over-drinking, over-smoking and emptiness.....what would be the point in that. Negativity attracts more negativity.

I'll be using the start of 2010 as a massive kick up the butt, beginning again in all areas. Thing is, what do I concentrate on first? Its all shit.

I have been advised that I need to write a plan, so that's what I'll do today. Plan some obtainable goals for 2010, and pray my car is back from the garage..again.

I hope you're 2009 wasn't as shit as mine, but if it was, don't worry....its not long till 2010 and who knows what will happen. :-)

Happy New Year xxx

The Christmas Fairy

2009-12-17T12:21:00.003Z

I don't normally blog about twitter but I have just been sent (via direct message) a little Christmas Fairy story from one of my followers. I've expanded the language a little, as at 140 characters a tweet its quite tricky to get it all in.

These four direct tweets brought a festive tear to my eye. Thank you festive follower.

There was a pretty fairy called Nibby01 who travels around in an old battered black car called The Black Knight,she tries to make everyone’s life better by being cheerful & giving but forgets her own heart needs some care as well. She obviously loves animals & we shall have to find some smaller bug type things she can put little hats on in the new year, in the end the fairy gets her fairy tale ending and finds love. Oh and Black Knight gets himself fixed as well.

Merry Christmas Everyone xxx

Fairy Glitter Graphics

Miss Poindexter

2009-12-06T19:26:00.005Z

Today was one of my typical comedy filled day. A day that to most would be quite straight forward, but to me it was quite different. Comedy was to be had, and laughter I felt.

It started when my friend asked me if I wanted to go and get something to eat. We decided to go to The Turtley Mill in Avonwick. As we arrived we knew we might have to wait for a table as the car park was very full. However once inside, it didn't really matter that we would have to wait 20 minutes to be seated as the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

The barman asked for my name, this was to open a tab and add on any drinks we needed. I replied by saying my name was Miss Poindexter. Really trying not to laugh I kept looking at the floor, I thought there would be no way he would believe this was my name...but to my surprise his response was, 'Top Name', I actually now agree and wish I did have this name for real...in fact if I meet a Mr Poindexter, I might have to marry him and have a child called Dexter, Dexter Poindexter..fabulous.

The waitress was from either New Zealand or Australia, I can never tell, but my friend gave me a handy tip. When she came to serve us, we asked her to say 'fish', she replied with 'Fesh' this meant she was from New Zealand and not Australia, a small conversation followed and I saw her go behind the bar, trying not to laugh at my name...Miss Poindexter.

Our meals arrived and even though it was really really tasty...I couldn't help wondering if the chef was ok.....or if he was in need of medical help, considering what was presented on my plate. It tasted ok though.

That was my little afternoon out...quite typical, but also quite funny.

Molly and Malcolm

2009-11-25T15:02:00.007Z

When I can manage to sort my career out and work from home I will get myself a dog. What's puzzling me is what breed to get. Malcolm was a Collie and Molly a Springer Spaniel, both these dogs I loved with all my heart, so maybe I should look for a Springer/Collie.

I often think of my dogs and wonder how they are...Molly is twelve years old and Malcolm is nine.

You might wonder if I loved them so much why do I not have them now? Well the answer to this is easy, they live with their dad, my ex husband, on a farm in Shropshire. After a long, drawn out, heartfelt chat, we decided that I would leave the dogs with him when we divorced. When you compare a farmhouse in Shropshire to a little home in Plymouth, with me working full time, there was no other answer, but now, its quite possibly one of the biggest regrets of my life.

Don't be practical if you get a similar choice, do what's in your heart. If I followed my heart I would have my dogs with me, and I would employ a dog walker and work at home a few days a week. Try and be fearless in life, following what you truly desire....I try to do this now, sometimes. :-)

I gave up Molly & Malcolm 6 years ago today.

My Calling to Holby City

2009-11-23T11:45:00.004Z

You might know that I want to be a full time writer, I want to swan around stroking puppies and drinking gin, but what you may not know is that one of my biggest ambitions is to be on Holby City.

I really don't think its a big ask, all I want to do is be in bed and perhaps have my blood pressure taken, or be filmed moaning in a small amount of pain...I am told I can do 'pain' rather well. I don't want to be a walker or be outside Holby smoking in a coat, only in bed would work for me, only being under the covers would satisfy my ambition. I have some rather fetching pajamas for the occasion, and can do messy bed hair really well.

During this year I've taken the time to look at some of the extras used on Holby City and I feel sure I could slip in, unnoticed by the producers and just get in a bed. Working in a hospital, I do have an idea of how a patient should behave, and I can make this seem very real indeed if needed.
In fact...read Sickie Sick Sick....I had genuine work experience for this role only four weeks ago.

Back in January 2009 I said to my friends that I wanted to be on Holby City before the year was out, this isn't going to happen now, but you mark my words.... In 2010 I will be known as Holby City (random in bed).

xx

Sickie Sick Sick

2009-11-10T11:19:00.008Z

I haven't blogged for ages, the reason being I've been a bit ill. Don't worry, I'm not about to launch into a whole sickness saga, not only is that boring, but I also call that hanging dirty laundry in public!!

I did however, through the haze of my illness, find out how lovely people can really be. My family & friends were fantastic, offers to shop for me and nipping around to keep me company and invitations to decamp to other 'warmer' houses were all well received. Texts and phone calls, as well as a visit from my Dad. He lives in Warwickshire, all helped with my recovery. So thank you friends & family, thank you. Thank you also Twitter...without my twitter friends breaking up the days I might have turned to day time tv, and there would be no telling where that would end.....in a crisis no doubt.

The bedside manner of my consultant, who is also chairman of the charity was superb, and the staff at the hospital were ok.......only joking, the whole team couldn't do enough for me, apart from one naughty HCA who I had a stand up row with, this was when I knew I was on the mend. :-) The NHS did good.

The downside to being ill was I had to postpone my meeting with 'Pen Man'(see pen blog), I couldn't really go out, plus I also took over two weeks off work, which is the longest I have ever had off in the six and a half years I have ran The Chestnut Appeal. I had cabin fever and was climbing the walls with boredom, but since then I have returned to work like a new woman, a very busy one.....catching up on work, but recharged.

I have learnt that not having your health is the worst thing not to have, and will try not to worry about things too much, because in the grand scheme of things nothing matters if you haven't got your health. I'm now starting to get a bit more healthy, I'm losing weight & perhaps after Christmas I might tackle that smoking thing I do?

The Black Knight gets a right seeing too.

2009-10-16T13:43:00.006+01:00

Some of you will know and appreciate the fact that I have a car that I call The Black Knight. In reality it's a black fiat punto with a pirate sticker on.

It's not very flash, fast or modern, but it gets me around town, and that's all I need really...although I get bullied 'a lot' when I go on the motorway as he ain't too quick.

I have had him for about 18 months now, and he's not given me too much trouble, apart from the odd starting fail and being burgled once, all has been calm with my ever-dependable black knight..until now.

I took him to the garage as I thought he could do with a service, especially as winter is coming. I wanted to be a responsible owner and make sure the Black Knight was in tip top condition before the frosts set in. Well the garage has just called and the naughty boy is going to get a right seeing too for a grand total of around £500!!

He needs a new sump, new rocker cover, a tyre, hoses, pads and discs, cam belt, wiper blades, you name it, he's getting it, and if he EVER lets me down again there will be trouble.

The case of the Mont Blanc pen

2009-09-18T12:48:00.006+01:00

I had been desperate for a holiday, my best friend couldn't get time off work, so I booked a two day mini break for my mother and I to Dublin. The reason I booked Dublin was I can fly from Plymouth and that's the only reason really....oh and if I'm honest, because I like drinking, and so it seems do a lot of people in Dublin.

We stayed in a twin room at La Stampa in the very centre of the city, its a boutique hotel and labelled as one of the small luxury hotels of the world....this accolade I would doubt, but not the location, it was brilliant.

In La Stampa I put my passport and ipod into the safe, and noticed that the surface of the safe felt a bit unstable.....imagine my surprise when feeling under the felt base, a rather large pen popped out. Not just any pen, but a beautiful Mont Blanc pen....these pens are to die for and this particular one is worth around £500, they are collectors items.

I, being a lover of the written word would love to have kept this pen, but I would have felt so guilty. It could have been a special gift, or a heirloom for instance?? I decided I would track down the owner, his name was engraved on the barrel of the pen so it wouldn't be too difficult. I first emailed Mont Blanc who suggested I hand it in at my local police station!!!? As if !!

I then googled the name of the man, it came up twice, once in Texas and again on Facebook in the UK. I emailed them both, and within a few hours received a reply.
I have now just returned it by recorded delivery to its rightful home in London.
Without its owner, the pen came with me to several bars in Dublin, it has been to Plymouth in my handbag, its sat on my glass table at home and has also been to Derriford Hospital. It even went into the Mont Blanc pen shop in Dublin, I asked about tracking a person via the serial number, but this unfortunately isn't possible.

The kind owner has called me to offer his thanks and also to ask if the charity I manage wanted some free web hosting, of course I have to turn this down as one of our trustees looks after our website.
I am just pleased to be able to reunite pen & owner.

UPDATE: I've just got into work and these lovely flowers and chocolates have been delivered. The card said thank you for being such a wonderful & amazing person, and that I was truly and unique and special person. Thank you sooo much!!
Wow, they really made my day and probably made my entire week :-)

Cider v Champagne

2009-08-30T18:47:00.010+01:00

My best friend and I have been guilty of spending to much money on a night out and getting far too drunk, sometimes we can barely hold a conversation with anyone, and have been known to fall over into gutters or similar......not good, not good at all, particularly as she is a local celebrity and I have a broken heart. So we are changing our ways, slowly, but we are changing. Growing up perhaps??

Normally we buy a bottle of champagne each, drink that and then go out and drink yet more champagne. Terrible behaviour for a 36 year old and her friend, we also smoke far too many cigarettes and chat to random strangers, normally about a load of old crap, and I tend to feel sorry for some poor homeless person, and give them money, we eat a burger and go home.

So last night we decided to swap champagne for cider in an experiment....we wondered if it would change anything. I brought 4 cans of Strongbow and went to her house, where we drank my cans plus more that she had, whilst watching, 'Meet the Fockers' and then went out, a bit tipsy....but ok. We don't go out until late, she has dogs and is not fair to leave them for too long. (I'm god mother to the dogs, but that's another tale).

Our first stop was The Blues Bar & Grill...I was amazed that the rounds only cost £3 each. Needless to say we brought a lot of rounds!!! Oh dear. We sang and danced and smoked and chatted to random strangers. Then off to Annabels, where much of the same continued. Annabel kindly bought us a glass of champagne and a man tried to chat me up by spraying aftershave all over my hair......eeergh, weird...it took me ages to get rid of him, and I had to have two showers to get rid of the smell.
I gave £10.00 to a homeless man as I was so amazed at how little I had spent, I didn't eat a burger and I didn't fall over.

I did however learn a valuable lesson. I have learnt that cider is evil and have only just managed to feel human again and its 7pm on Sunday evening!!!

Champagne never does that to me...so I think maybe I could try Plymouth Gin next week???

Atherstone

2009-08-26T17:30:00.008+01:00

Last weekend I visited a small market town in Warwickshire called Atherstone. It was for a family reunion. It was decided by the older members of the family that we were only meeting for funerals, and that we all needed to make an effort to meet up once a year for a little get-together. Well, last weekend was that weekend.

My Nephew and I, last weekend in The Old Swan, Atherstone.

My poor little car doesn't like motorway driving, so my brother and I made the 250 mile journey in his car. It was so lovely to see all the family again, some of which I had not seen for years. I was able to spend some quality time with my dad and also my best Uncle, Uncle Les :-)

I spoke to him about my sadness and how lonely I get, and he didn't tell me what I should or should not be doing.....he said that life will show me the way, and just relax about it all. He is so special, my uncle Les. I also like the fact that he still calls me Boney-Ann (stems from being a skinny child)!!!

Whilst there I did notice that Atherstone has the smallest gene pool in the world, and am so pleased I don't live there....not that I'm ready to start seeing anyone, but there was no one to eye up even. What a perving disaster.

Anyway, I just wanted to write a bit about the family reunion, but please take into account that I do have a bit of writers block at the moment. You see I have just written my first article for a magazine (more on that later), and since then am finding it hard to write anything else of any worth. I seem to have gone all nervous. My brother said, just get drunk and then the words will come....might try that now.....chin chin. x

My Gait is not that wide

2009-08-14T12:35:00.007+01:00

I have noticed that recently my gait, or stride, has got a little smaller. Researching on the Internet about this phenomenon and finding that its age related, I had to do something about it.

Last week I decided I would consciously widen my gait in a bid to keep my body as young as possible. Wherever I walk I always stride that little bit wider now, not only do I reach my destination much quicker, but I feel that from afar I also look considerably younger. :-)

For example, only the other evening I was chatting to my 16 year old niece as she waited for her bus. Unknown to us, two of her friends walked past into the Chinese Takeaway. Later they asked my niece who she was talking too by the bus stop, when she replied, "that was my auntie", their response was, "no way, she looks about 15"!! Woooo thanks boys, you really made my day, but seriously, are you blind?? x

Therefore my tip for staying as young as possible is get your gait wide, but only when walking or running.....it works, my gait is now one of a 17 year old. :-)

Update - please see link.Seeeee, I was right :-)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5itA7mG5fKR82S8-EQ07SkbwDPeyQ

The Stray Cat

2009-08-05T12:01:00.005+01:00

There is a little cute cat that I call the stray, she isn't a stray cat at all, but lives next door in the vicarage with a man of the cloth. He has gone away in his caravan with his wife, what gets my goat is they have never attempted to speak to me, I did smile at them twice, but got ignored, so I stopped bothering. In the year I have lived here, not once have they introduced themselves. I call them the hypocrites, some times I call them god squad.

Well, 3 days ago, off they went in their stupid, scabby caravan, to god knows where....well god would know, I don't. Its so sad, but they left behind their adorable little cat who is pestering me day and night.
I don't mind being pestered by her, she is very cute, and I have given her some nice prawns. I have also named her 'Cat', and she comes to have a sleep on my bed, and also for a bit of company.

Personally, I would never just leave my pet alone, even if I had arranged for someone to come and feed them. Cats need company too, they need love and cuddles like the rest of us....so lucky for Mr Vicar and Snooty Vicars wife that I am next door......oh and I've just had to call the police because they left their window open.

Maybe they need some lessons in community values and neighbours.

Jock

2009-07-17T17:20:00.004+01:00

Jock, a west highland terrier was my mums dog for 14 and a half years. He arrived as a little bundle of fluff all those years ago, and has been her constant companion ever since.

A few years ago Jock had to have an operation on his ears and has been deaf ever since, he has been ill for a while now, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer 18 months ago....He's been getting steadily more and more poorly each month.

Last night I popped over to see my mum and Jock was in a right state, shivering and struggling to breathe. He really looked like he had had enough, and I know my mum would finally have to face the fact that she was dreading, but she also knew in her heart it was coming. This morning she sent me a text, saying he was no better. I was on my way to work, but turned around and went to her house instead.

Well, the long and the short of it is......This morning we took Jock to the vets and the vet said it would be best to put him to sleep. Jock died at 9.45am, he was 101 in human years. Its so very sad, but I take comfort in the fact that he is no longer suffering and is with Jeff in the spirit world, he's my mums husband, who bought Jock for her, he'll look after him now.

My mum is understandably heartbroken........Rest in Peace Jock, a special and kind little doggie xxx

No its not 'The Queen'.

2009-07-13T11:15:00.005+01:00

Something really brilliant & funny happened today. A lovely kind man who works at the hospital, called Don asked if he could paint a picture of me. I jumped at the chance, not because I am vain, nor because I am a massive art fan.....but because, how often is it that a normal person, like me, gets to have their portrait painted? Not very.

Well, today the picture arrived. I liked it, even though he has made me look bigger and older than I am. I think it could be a good likeness of me when I am 56....I really think its me in 20 years time??? !!!

I have no idea what I am going to do with the painting, but it really has made my day, not only for its comedy value, making my friends cry with laughter.....but for the unusual take on me...I look very proper, like The Queen....just wish he could have made me look a bit thinner and painted bigger eyes... they are naturally much bigger than that...as is my smile.

I have displayed a picture of me last week and the painting below so you can compare and contrast. :-)

Happy Monday xx

The Car Crash

2009-07-04T14:25:00.004+01:00

When I review my life there are many defining points, one of them being when I was involved in quite a serious car accident.

I guess I was 19 or 20, I had just caught my boyfriend in bed with another girl on valentines day and to be honest I was a bit sad..well a lot sad....we had been together for 2 years, and at that time I thought he was the love of my life!! He owed me some money so I agreed to meet him in a pub, I had half of larger (i drank larger..yuck) and he had a coke...he was a black cab driver, aged 23 and was going off to work. After our meeting I asked if he could give me a lift home, he agreed...and that's when it happened, the big car crash.

The next bit of the story is part my memory and part of what I have pieced together from other people.

I was sat in the back of the black cab and he was driving up towards the traffic lights, they were on green. I heard him shout 'Oh Shit', then the next thing I know I am on the floor of the black cab with a very heavy feeling to my head. He turns around and stares at me lying on the floor, panics but does nothing. I lie there waiting, falling in and out of consciousness.

A drunk driver had driven through a red light and hit the black taxi I was in, the drunks car had over-turned and was wrapped around a lamp post. The emergency services were called and the men where cut out of their car and put into the ambulance, complaining of no feeling to their legs....(this was drink induced - they in fact came away with nothing but a bit of whiplash).

The ambulance goes to the hospital and my ex boyfriend who, by now, decides he had better open the taxi door to see how I am, opens the door.....just as a woman, who by chance, was on her way home from a first aid class walks by...she screams 'get an ambulance' and saves my life. I had hit the metal strip on the pull down seat of the back of the taxi and this had scalped me....she held my scalp on and tried to stem the bleeding. I had gone into shock and was fighting for my life.

The second ambulance came and took me to hospital, they kept trying to keep me awake by shouting my name, it wasn't long before I was in the crash department of the hospital. My family were called in and told they could only spend 5 minutes with me and try not to look too shocked at the blood. My sister walked in thought...'what blood', then she noticed I wasn't lying on a red sheet!!

To cut a long story short, I spent all night being scanned and x-rayed, and I was given in all over 9 pints of blood and my brain swelled. I remember the choice in the night, the choice whether to live or die. I know what that feels like, and I also know how strong the human mind can be. I chose to live and had to endure many months of short term memory loss, acceptance of what had happened, that I had a scar and one eyebrow is now higher than the other...I had terrible headaches, mood swings and depression...but most interesting was that my personality changed, I became, through it all, a much kinder person, but also brave, some might argue reckless. Even now my scars can really hurt, but a painful scar is ok, I can live with that, I have no choice anyway!!

My message to you is, please don't drink and drive - life is so precious and I think its all to easy to take life for granted. Also I am starting to believe the saying....time is not your friend, time is not on your side. So get living, take that chance....what are you waiting for. :-)

Law of Attraction

2009-06-30T14:28:00.011+01:00

When dealing with The Law of Attraction one has to be careful what one wishes for, as this might actually come true.

I have decided to put together a list of requirement's for a man in my life, and I believe that if I write the list with intent, being as specific as possible, this will work. So with some trepidation, here is my Law of Attraction List for the qualities I want in a man....then I will leave well alone to enable to universe and the energies within to send him my way.

Dark eyes & Dark Hair.
Intelligent.
Sexy & Passionate.
Smartly dressed.
Honest & Kind.
Maybe Italian type looks.
Able to express himself.
Spontaneous.
Likes to travel.
Not lazy.
Ambitious.
Animal Lover.
Business minded.
No baggage.
Secure in himself.
Air of authority about him.
Nice family / friends.
Good at communicating.
Romantic.
Has similar hopes and dreams to me.
Likes curry.
Good Manners.
Clean.
Likes being out and about in nature.
Tall.
Good teeth.
Not skinny and Not fat.
Will respect me and not try and change me.

Quite a long list, and I am sure I've missed a few things out...but there it is, written and out on the Internet. Now I will get back to my normal life of working, going out with my friends and working.
You never know, he might just turn up somewhere. :-)
I'll keep you posted.

The Mystery of The Flowers...

2009-06-08T10:13:00.008+01:00

I returned home from work to find some really nice flowers by my door. As there was no card I automatically presumed they were from my ex boyfriend, but I when I rang to thank him he was as mystified as me.

Brought from this shop......they couldn't help me??

My detective brain then set to work and so the story of the flowers by the door begins......

THE NITTY GRITTY OF THE SITUATION

I went to work at 9.23am that day, had a typical day....stopped for a bit of lunch and then back to work. I returned home at 4.17pm to find the flowers.

Not many people know where I live. I do this on purpose, as I am very private and like my privacy.

My garden isn't over looked, but the entrance is past Margaret's window, she might know who it is? I knock on her door, she tells me she saw someone walk past the window at about 3pm, but she didn't get a good look at him. Well she is 73, but I told her if she does think of a description then to let me know. (I was pretending to be a policewoman at this point). Dam the old lady, she holds the freeking key and could solve this whole mystery!!!!

I then turned my thinking to, 'who would like me enough to send me flowers?' The only people I could think of would have attached a card. I know a few odd bods who like me, but they don't know my address, thank god. Out of desperation I asked my mum who she thought it could be...she just said it could have been for the lady that lived there before. Cheers Mother, always helpful!!!

By now I had almost given up, I had asked lots of people and also mentioned this mystery on Face book, with the best answer from friends being Kenny Rogers! So I have resigned myself to the fact that I will never know who the mystery flower giver is/was.

To him/her.......thank you very much, they made my day and are beautiful.

xx

The Black Knight has his soul stolen

2009-05-14T10:55:00.005+01:00

It was a morning like any other. I had been awake for most of the night due to the windy conditions outside, so when it came to get up I quite frankly couldn't. I am not good at getting up at the best of times, turning nocturnal could be an easier option. I was shattered.

There I was at 8.30am, sat in my bed, having a cup of coffee wondering what jobs I needed to do today in work. I decided on an admin day, these are the most dullest of days, but organised administration is a must. :-( boo.

After an hour sitting there I got ready for work, you know, the usual shower, breakfast, tidy up, clothes, makeup.....and was walking out the door at about 10.15am. Imagine my horror when I looked out of my gate to see that my car, which I fondly call The Black Knight, had his passenger side window smashed and the stereo was gone.
I had been robbed!!!

(NB - picture taken outside mothers house - the dust is fingerprint dust)

The rest of the morning was spent calling the police, cleaning up the glass and trying to tape plastic around the window frame, which is tricky if you're me.

Having talked to my friend I decided against claiming, not only would I lose my no claims bonus and be penalised for years, but its only a crappy stereo and a window.

A trip to auto glass fixed the window (-£50), but as for the Black Knights Soul, well that's gone to some crack head drug addict who probably got £10 for it, if he was lucky. I will the Black Knight another soul at some point, but for now am using my Ipod. The worst bit was the stereo had a fantastic CD in it, it was an old house CD from Ibiza 1997, and something I can't replace....oh well, could be worse I guess.

The hand of evil

2009-05-05T17:51:00.011+01:00

I have had a bad hand since November....it got a bit chapped after doing some washing up and stepping outside into the cold wind without drying them properly. Well since then my hand has got worse, the chapping has developed into eczema and keeps me awake at night. Without going into too much detail, its very itchy, hot, water blisters form and it bloody hurts....not to mention how ugly it looks. Well today I thought, enough is enough and called my local GP surgery, I wanted to see my GP so he could have a look and give me some magic cream to heal it....I've tried so many over the counter things, and need some stronger stuff.

At 8.45am this morning I called the surgery, the receptionist called Mrs Cow would not let me see my GP, she said its only eczema and I will be called back by the nurse. I told her in plain terms and very strongly, that it was my right to see a doctor, but she told me that the nurse will call me back soon and I am 7th in the queue. Thanks for nothing, total crap I thought, as I felt my blood begin to boil. I decided to go along with what Mrs Cow said, after all, she must be a psychic receptionist and can tell what's wrong with me over the phone, who am I to question her????

About 20 minutes later the nurse rang, and I very nicely explained my symptoms...she said, "oh you need to see the doctor for that, as it could be infected dermatitis". I told her I had mentioned this to Mrs Cow, but hey-ho. Anyway, the nurse managed to fit me in with a locum doctor at 3.40pm, it would have to do....my hand is sore and I need it fixed, pronto.

So I waited until 3.40pm for my appointment. The surgery was full of people coughing, crammed in together and not at all nice, it felt dangerous to be there, but I waited....bored, bored, bored. Finally, almost an hour later I thought I heard my name but couldn't be sure. Checking with reception, yes i was correct and was directed to the locum GPs room.

The long and short of it is......the woman locum doctor could not understand me.....nor did she look at my hand, she tried to give me some anti-itching lotion, the type you can buy from the chemist when you get hives, or chicken pox....I told her that would not work and shouted with frustration, "look at it, look at my hand!!", she then looked, but by this time (having repeated myself several times) I had lost all faith in her......I reached over and got the BNF Journal, its a book that lists drugs and creams, I turned to the eczema page and pointed to a product I recognised and said that I would have that one, she asked if i wanted cream or ointment?
I said, "you choose", I thought maybe it would be nice for her to have some input?? She said it was up to me, so I opted for some ointment as its a bit heaver than cream....then I got my prescription and left.

I am totally angry at this, its very dangerous, its not morally or ethically correct and I am changing my GP surgery pronto.

If you are interested I chose, Eumovate Ointment.....hope it works.

UPDATE
Well 10 days on and the ointment is working, hooray...the hand of evil is almost back to its normal angelic self. Good choice by me and what a relief.

High Pitched & Annoying

2009-04-30T12:43:00.008+01:00

I am not that well today, its like I have sleeping sickness, with a bit of a cold thrown in for good measure. I haven't had a week off since Christmas and I am shattered, I was going to work from home today, but needed to pop into work for pick up a few things. I really wished I hadn't.

My office is in a very big hospital, it has 6000 members of staff and is the size of a small town, so it gets busy. About an hour ago I was sat at my desk, minding my own business with my office door slightly ajar.....(mainly to let air circulate). I was concentrating on the finer details of an event we have coming up, so I wanted to make sure all is as it should be....when suddenly my quiet thinking space in my own head, that is MINE....was filled up by the noise of some high pitched and very annoying woman, and as hard as I tried I couldn't tune out. She had the mouth of an elephant.

For at least ten minutes she was outside my door, with two other women, one had a new born baby, she was pregnant and one other had been trying for months. They were screeching with excitement, so high pitched and loud that I had to draw my breath slowly to stop me shouting an obscenity at the door. They were all crowding around the pram to coo at the baby, this I don't mind one bit, but its the over acting, the over cooing that gets my goat.

I am sure they thought that baby was the Second Coming. The pregnant woman was so excited, I thought, 'your waters are going to break in a minute lady if you don't calm down'. Again I tried to shut her noise out, but the high pitching over-rode my ear closing strength.........god up in heaven, give me strength, I thought, as I slumped deep in to my chair.

You see, I do not care that one womans' womb had stretched into melon size proportions, I have a walnut sized womb and that's how I intend to keep it. I do not want to hear about the ins and outs of childbirth, time you can take of work or how hard it is to make a baby.....it can't be that hard can it!!! If people would just stop breeding for one flaming second we might be able to save the planet and why can't I get a year off for 'non breeding'?

I slammed my door shut in protest. Don't misunderstand me, I love children, babies and all that is family, including teenagers :-), but I do not see any rhyme or reason to act like an idiot, to speak so high pitched and so loud and to over egg everything about children and childbirth. Surly they must know - Its what our bodies are made for, its what is natural.

Keep Calm and Carry On.

Being a human guinea pig

2009-04-24T10:44:00.008+01:00

I would consider myself to be of average height and build. I have a positive body attitude and am not ashamed of being naked or wearing a bikini on the beach.

I am a typical british woman, size 12-14, (thats a UK dress size)... but lately I have been feeling that my bottom is either pregnant, or its been swapped in the night, because it isn't looking like mine.....where the hell did it go?? Also, if I am honest, I would like my thighs and hips to be a bit slimmer and the tops of my arms to be smaller. I seem to have acquired some bingo wings, that flap in the breeze when waving, due to this I tend to hold my arm still and wave like my whole arm is a stick.

So, yes losing a few pounds is what I want to do, just so I keep on top of things and not get fat. I have discovered that weight can creep up over the years, hardly noticing the odd pound here and there......then before you know it you're too large to even move. No way am I joining that camp.

You might be thinking.....exercise? I hate gyms, in my opinion they are not only over priced, but I really don't need to be tied into a contract.
I do walk, that's it, I walk....brilliant, but its not working anymore.

You might be thinking.....diet? No way, I detest diets, I live my life to the full and do not want to be thinking...ooh I would love that sandwich, but oh no....mayonaise......better opt for the carrot and lettuce wrap again.....diets will not work for me. I love food.

So, my test this month is diet pills.

I have 2 tubs of pills......one is "Carbo Slim" - designed to stop carbs being absorbed by the body, the other tub is "Fat Sponge" - no prizes for guessing what that one is meant to do :-)

Today I am starting on this for one month. I have to have a tablet 30 minutes before my meals, I think the only hard thing about this will be remembering to take the tablets as I am not a tablet taker......I will report back in one month to let you know if I have lost any weight.

Free with the pills was a subliminal coded CD that changes your eating habits....apparently.

Woo, how exciting is this month going to be........???

Charity of The Year.

2009-04-20T12:12:00.006+01:00

I am so pleased, today I received a letter from The Chief Executive of The Devon County Agricultural Association. The charity that I run, and have done for the past 6 years has been chosen as the official charity for the 2010 Devon County Show.

The Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer will be ten years old next year, so this fits in perfectly. I hasten to add this decision was not managed for this, but a lucky coincidence. All next year I hope to hold various celebrations around the region to mark our birthday, and this is just one of the large scale events I will be involved with, (that's if I'm not travelling the world).....a girl can dream?!

For those of you who don't know too much about The Devon County Show, I can assure you its a massive affair. A 3 day event, attended by people in there hundreds of thousands. We will get a free frontage, be able to collect once a day around the show ground, display collecting boxes and run an old fashioned charity stall, I am thinking vintage for 2010.............maybe a Tombola? Or a Coconut Shy? Who knows, I'll have to think, but these events are massive money earners and is a fantastic way to spread awareness to the community about the charity.

I am very pleased. :-)
If you fancy finding out more about the charity http://www.chestnutappeal.org.uk/

Once in a Blue Moon

2009-04-15T20:27:00.004+01:00

I rarely go to supermarkets, and mainly buy my supplies daily. Being a lady of a certain age, 36, alone, bereft of a full time companion so therefore no one to cook for / with, no kids or pets....I find myself thinking, 'what is the bloody point'. I find supermarkets degrading to the singleton, vile uninviting places. Full of bored looking couples, noisy families, who look upon singletons with suspicion.

Don't get me wrong, I used to go all the time, fridge always full.....wine a plenty in the house, always always had supplies in.......but I was forever chucking out mouldy old food that I never got around to eating. I ate far too much and the cost was silly. I felt I had to change.
As we all know, supermarkets are designed to make us spend more, to buy those additional treats we don't really need and then to get us through the check out as quickly as possible before we actually register that all that stuff in our trolley we don't actually need.

So I probably go supermarket shopping once in a blue moon, and right now there is a blue moon.....I need to go. I need everything, from loo rolls to bacon, wine, shower gel plus MUCH more. My local haunts are no good for this type of top up, and I've been putting this off for too long.

My main question I ask is:
Which one & when?
Asda....too many kids, Tesco...too many families, Waitrose....ours has not enough choice, Morrisons...no way, Sainsburys...ok, but late and not when its the smug mum run, or after school shouting or purvey men looking in your trolley on a Saturday. Wednesday night......9pm...that should be about right.

Then, I will mentally think about what I need, how much I want to spend.

I bet I come back with half the stuff I needed, loads of things I didn't want and paid double the amount for the pleasure.

I'm going......wish me luck!! :-)

I went, it wasn't too bad. I went to Sainsburys, it was quite quiet, I parked in one of the mother and child spaces....I thought, well its after 9pm, kids should be in bed. They don't make spaces for us non-breeders, oh no, we get no perks at all. No non kids vouchers for schools etc etc......but that's another blog.

So I parked and got a good trolley, no wonky wheels and off I went, determined not to fall into a shopping coma and pick things up willy-nilly.

20 minutes later I wake up from my shopping coma, I am at the till and a young lady is asking if I've brought my own bags.......I have all manner of items in my trolley and no I didn't bring my own bags, please will people stop asking me if I have my own bags, if I did I would bring them with me, but I use them as little kitchen bags for rubbish, so no, no I do not have my own bags and you will not make me feel bad for not having them.....ok!!

Back at home I look at my purchases, the verdict:

For some reason brought a lot of comfort food inc. hot cross buns, (its no longer Easter & I didn't know I was in need of comfort) !!!
Forgot the shower gel & fruit
Spent about £20 more than I thought, but well......it's only once in a blue moon.

The Medium.....

2009-04-13T21:21:00.006+01:00

This afternoon something happened, and I think it has changed my life. I am feeling more positive than I have felt in years. This afternoon I went to see a medium, a spiritual medium....the real mccoy, not some generic cold reader, but a lady that could look into my soul and beyond. If you don't believe in that kind of stuff, then fair enough, but I do believe and she has helped me this afternoon.

I won't go into the full session, as that would bore you to tears, but I will mention things that there is NO WAY she could have known. Like how did she know I was worried about the world as a whole....before I saw her I had just joined a group to raise awareness of our ever growing population.
Anyway.............She said to me who is Molly? Molly is my grandma, but her real name is Mary, friends knew her as Molly, that was the first wow. She went on to speak of other dead relatives that had come to say hello to me and offer me guidance. One thing she said was I had a difficult birth, and that in its self has brought difficulties in my life.....how did she know that I came out the wrong way and my mum was in labour for 48 hours? That I had not been really happy since I was 8 years old....this also is true, but not mentioned....until now.
She talked about a new career opportunity, and how successful I will be with writing......well, I have just started to write, so will have to wait and see. She mentioned that the next ten months would see a massive transformation in my life and that I won't even recognise the person I am to become. I will be very happy indeed, and its about time too she said.
She said my dreams will come true and there is a grandfather in spirit who is making sure they do. I need not worry, but just keep moving forward. She said she sees me writing so fast she can hardly keep up, there is a radio involved and I am in the middle of journalists, communicating with lots of people.........lots of communication she said.

She mentioned a few people, BY NAME, one of whom is very fond of me......I didn't know he cared, let alone had feelings for me. Also, the man I am sort of on/off seeing at the moment...well, she said he would always give me doubts, that he is very up and down and said he isn't 'the one' for me, due to these doubts, but its up to me what I do with that. I will meet a new man through a twist of fate, and that the new guy loves Chinese and Indian food, that he's very smartly dressed and loves the arts. She said he would never let me down as he too has been through a lot of pain in his life. But to be honest, I'm not looking for anyone, I just want to be happy, loved and feel secure...like everyone does.

I should enjoy travel, as I will be working around the world, and I will be very successful in my own right, self employed. Do not be scared and keep going forward I was told. Hattie Jacques also stopped by to say my life would not end like hers.....although I, like her, am often misunderstood, my life would be full and spirit are taking care of it.....even the medium was taken aback, and said it was very rare for someone famous to come into a personal reading.

Several of my Aunties came through with messages, all by name and description, as well as an old dog and a horse who nudged me. She also mentioned the date of my birthday and said my nephew Tom must slow down a bit, he drives too fast...this is true also.

I guess I have blogged about some of the reading, so I can look back and see if any of this comes true.....even if it doesn't its made me feel so much better. I don't feel so alone now and maybe just maybe I haven't ruined my life at all, maybe its just about to begin!!!? How exciting.

I'll keep you posted :-)

A little up-date - Its now November and nothing has happened yet!!!

It's been a year now and still nothing...........!!!

the problem with the garden

2009-04-12T14:27:00.006+01:00

Don't get me wrong, I love nature. I love being outside with the little creatures and adore looking at plants, but I am not a weeder, trimmer or mower.

Basically, I can't garden. I have just found this out after 36 years of being alive on this planet. I have tried, I really have. I have been digging & weeding, but then a spider will land on me and then that's it, that's me done for the day. Its a nightmare. A constant nightmare.

I have a smallish garden and it has loads of weeds in it, the grass needs a cut and the hedge needs a good old trim....its getting a bit out of hand to be honest......but I can't be arsed, not even in the slightest. Not even a little tiny bit....stupid garden, stupid weeds.
So I have decided to pay a man or woman...would prefer a man to do this work.

I have grown things before, and I love looking after flowers in pots, but mud, digging, labour etc etc, well its not for me. I think if I had someone to do it with it might be better, but as I don't then the way forward is to get myself a hot sexy good looking gardener :-)

I think £50.00 a month should cover it....I will update you when I manage to find a man to look after my garden.

14/05/09 - Still no gardener....must try harder to recruit one, been a bit lame of late.

Suprise meeting with the Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall

2009-04-03T14:32:00.006+01:00

This morning I was having what I call a gentle morning, working at home and messing around on Face book and Twitter. I thought I would fake-tan my legs, summer is coming and I think blue legs are not very attractive.

So, there I was in my bedroom, covered in fake-tan, in nothing but pants, and a t-shirt with dripping wet hair, when my phone goes. Its a withheld number. I normally ignore such numbers, as I do not like answering the phone to sales people or odd bods, who does? But this morning was different, I chose to answer it.......

It was a lady from main reception from Derriford Hospital saying that the police in Exeter are trying to get hold of me, and could they give them my mobile number, "of course" I answered in a flash. So many things went through my mind, but my first instinct was that the police has found someone ripping of the charity, or someone collecting when they shouldn't be.....oh the scandal !!

Well then the phone rang, before I could think of other possibilities, thank goodness.. I was begining to really worry.....On the other end of the phone was a very nice man from The Police HQ in Middlemoor Exeter. He explained that in an hours time Mr Stephen Otter would like to meet me to present a cheque on behalf of The Police Choir......I couldn't say no. Not only is Mr Otter the ultimate silver fox for the area, (I think Philip Schofield is the top silver fox for the UK), but he is the top police man.

So, there I was stinking of fake tan, trying to dry my hair, get dressed and put makeup on all at the same time. You see, if you don't know, it takes about an hour to drive to Exeter from my pad, so time was of the essence.

God knows how I made it, but I did. I went into a room with 20 choir members, Lions clubs representatives and The Chief Constable.......I tried not to think that my t-shirt under my suit jacket said 'Love Magnet'!! I also tried not to notice the smell of my fake tan, made more obvious with the warm room we happened to me in. I spoke to Mr Otter for a while about the charity and he was a very funny man, seemed very approachable and he liked my jokes...he even made a few himself.

He's meeting Cabinet Minister Ben Bradshaw next week, and he offered to tell him all about the charity and said he was not only really pleased I made the effort to meet him, but very happy that the money was staying local, to help local men with prostate cancer. We then held up some large cheques, had our picture taken together x 4 times, and then I drove home.

So, here I am, back in Plymouth, £2500.00 collected for the charity and very impressed with Mr Stephen (silver fox) Otter - Chief Constable.

Job well done.....but god knows what my fake tan is like under my tights!!

The Wild West in Dartmouth!!

2009-03-30T10:12:00.005+01:00

This is one of those stories that you might think has been over dramatised, but I swear its all true.

It was a lovely evening, so we decided to nip over to Dartmouth. If you've never been to Dartmouth, its the type of place that is full of sailing types, lovely restaurants, fashionable wine bars and quirky shops in which to buy the cheeky little treats not normally seen on the high street. There is also a Naval Officers college located there, so plenty of eye candy too.

So off we went in Bernard, that is the cars name, not sure why, but I've always given cars names.......my first car was called Nobby, my current car is called The Black Knight, and my boyfriends car is called Bernard!!

Anyway, normally its tricky to park, but we managed to get a nice space on the front and we walked over to the first pub. It was a bit old, and I asked if I should have brought my knitting along.....it really was that bad. We quickly drank our drinks and left. I never want to be that dull when I'm old.

The next pub we came across looked a bit 'younger', so in we went. I had a glass of white wine, and he had a coke, all seemed perfectly normal. As we sat chatting we noticed that one guy at the bar was very very drunk, he dropped his pint on the floor, and judging by the amount of glass around his feet it wasn't the first time!! I wondered why the bar staff would keep serving him?
Then without notice, the very drunk man threw his pint at the bar. The pint smashed and glass showered the lady behind the bar with glass and beer.......I stared in amazement. Then he got up and started smashing loads of glasses, he went totally ape....he smashed one glass and tried to lunge it at one of the men who was trying to get him out of the pub, glass and drink covered the pub floor and tables, it was everywhere.
We were still sat in our seats, unable to move as the door was blocked by one very large drunk man with a broken glass in his hand, and 3 other chaps who were trying to remove him without getting stabbed by the said item.

The next bit totally amazes me, I felt my boyfriend grab my head and he forced it down in between his legs, not sure why at this point, but it seemed the right thing to do, so I stayed there without questioning him. Was he over dramatising the situation I thought, as I stayed under the table with my head in his lap? Suddenly the table banged into us, drink and glass covered us, wine all over my cashmere coat, dry cleaners for that today!! A man came and showed us to the back door where we made our escape with my coat over our heads. The drunk big man had apparently thrown a stool across the pub as his parting gesture, my boyfriend had to stop it hitting us with his hands, but also shutting his eyes at the same time, as glass and wine rained down. If my head wasn't on his lap I would have been hit or cut, so good foresight on his part.

Back out in the street we reflected on the man in the pub, and the mess he caused. I personally think the pub shouldn't have served him so much drink, that he was certainly suffering sadness in his life and that we were really happy/lucky we didn't get hurt, all be it soaked with wine and beer.

We then went home, talking about our wild west adventure in Dartmouth, normally its such a civilised place. I think I will go again next week :-)

You're going the wrong way

2009-03-26T09:59:00.001Z

I was driving to work this morning, just minding my own business. Lit a cigarette. I can normally get 2 fags in on the way to work, and then I have 2 more on the way home. I'm such a creature of habit.

Well, I was driving over the flyover - across the A38 that leads to the Tamar Bridge, its rush hour, so the roads are quite busy, and in front of me is an old man in a blue ford fiesta. I thought my eyes were deceiving me when he proceeded to turn left.....down the slip road....towards the A38, but the wrong slip road.
He was heading the wrong way towards the oncoming traffic!!!

Then, as often these things do, began to happen in slow motion. People turned and stared in disbelief, but did nothing. I am so proud to report that I actually did something.

I beeped my horn, beeped it again as he began driving down the slip road, then I lent on my horn in a continuous fashion, the old man by the stage heard my commotion and stopped. Thank God.
I abandoned my car....mid flyover, ran down the slip road in the rain, I had just straighted my hair!! I opened his car door. He was very scared and very confused.
I gently got him out of his car and made him stand at the side of the road so I could turn his car around for him, I then sent him on his way and told him to take it easy. The poor poor man. I do hope he will be ok. :-)

Thing is, I know its easy for us to say....old confused folks shouldn't drive, but I am often confused now, and when I am old I hope I can still drive and keep my independence for as long as possible. I am sure this experienced scared him enough to know accept his limitations.

So, this experience has left me feeling worried for the old guy, proud that I actually did something as others looked on and did nothing, but also a bit empty, not sure why....