...and no, it's not cats!
See HERE.
Well worth a few minutes of your time. :o)
Tuesday, 31 October 2006
Monday, 30 October 2006
How very remiss of me.....
.....I haven't managed to get online for four whole days, I think that's probably unprecedented in gemmak's-ville! I certainly can't recall not making a connection at all for more than a day or two prior to this moment in time, it's a wonder I didn't wither away in the interim...four whole days is outrageous! ;o)
I have unanswered emails coming out of my ears, I haven't blogged for days and I'm not about to regale you with anything of interest today either, again I seem to be horribly short of time.
So there you have it, another 'non-post'...I really must do better this week!
I have unanswered emails coming out of my ears, I haven't blogged for days and I'm not about to regale you with anything of interest today either, again I seem to be horribly short of time.
So there you have it, another 'non-post'...I really must do better this week!
Thursday, 26 October 2006
I would blog....
....this evening but I'm busy 'revisiting' an old hobby!...and no, I'm not going to say what it is, there are those among you who will find it a great source of amusement...... ;o)
Wednesday, 25 October 2006
One whole Tilly year!
Today is Tilly's first birthday...well really it's a year since I got her, I always do cat birthdays on the date I bring them home, because I never know the actual birth date!
I really didn't think she would still be here with me by today but she is so we're gonna have some cat birthday celebrations...that said I'm not sure quite what because she's had a new bed, toys and a collar in the last week and she doesn't like all the usual 'human food' treats (chicken, tuna etc. she's not interested!!!) most cats would kill for!
Perhaps it will just be a day of her favoured game,'worm catching', extra cuddles and bigger rations of her favourite cat food, one day ignoring her diet can't do any harm, it is her first ever birthday after all and I'm just grateful she's here with me at all. :o)
"Happy birthday Tilly puss".
25 October 2006
25 October 2005
Oh...and she never did grow into her ears! :o)
I really didn't think she would still be here with me by today but she is so we're gonna have some cat birthday celebrations...that said I'm not sure quite what because she's had a new bed, toys and a collar in the last week and she doesn't like all the usual 'human food' treats (chicken, tuna etc. she's not interested!!!) most cats would kill for!
Perhaps it will just be a day of her favoured game,'worm catching', extra cuddles and bigger rations of her favourite cat food, one day ignoring her diet can't do any harm, it is her first ever birthday after all and I'm just grateful she's here with me at all. :o)
Oh...and she never did grow into her ears! :o)
Tuesday, 24 October 2006
Thank you......
....to all of you for the kind comments you left on my post, Maybe there is a God after all, last Friday, they were very much appreciated, as has been your unending support over the last five months, when most of the time from time to time my miserable postings must have almost been enough to send you all running for the hills!
Really though, knowing you lot were out there rooting for me made a big difference in some of my darkest moments so again....THANK YOU.....hey, and don't run off just yet please, I imagine there may be a few more ups and downs before I get this chapter in my life completely sorted out! ;o)
So, where am I at now. Well, as you know I have my car, (more yayyyyyyyy's) it may not be worth much in monetary terms but to me it is worth a great deal, not only does it allow me the usual degree of freedom afforded anyone with a vehicle but it is also kinda symbolic for me too. It's about the only material thing I have left to show for thirty years working and to lose even that would have been very difficult. I know my father or some kind soul would have helped me out and I would have acquired new wheels, but this car is mine and for all I am grateful to those that have supported me financially over the last few months, I hated the thought of having to rely on others yet again.
As for Tilly, she may have by default, won a 'stay of execution' but the situation remains unchanged in essence and she will still have to be found a new home before too long, though at the moment I have no idea where and I can't begin to really get my head around it again for a little while. The run up to her previous departure date was one of the most difficult times I have ever gone through and I'm not looking forward to the repeat performance, but on the up side we remain the 'gang of two' for a little while longer now and I will make the most of every minute we have left together.
Next on the agenda is a job, for various reasons it has not been possible to make getting work a top priority until now but the necessity for employment (and money!!!) has shifted up a gear or two in the last week, so the job hunt begins in earnest any day now.
And that's about it, gradually I feel like my life is becoming slightly less of a pigs ear as things that have been hanging over my head since May get sorted out, the Tilly issue is of course the big one for me but somehow I'll get through that too no doubt and who knows.......a year from now I could be anywhere doing anything!
Really though, knowing you lot were out there rooting for me made a big difference in some of my darkest moments so again....THANK YOU.....hey, and don't run off just yet please, I imagine there may be a few more ups and downs before I get this chapter in my life completely sorted out! ;o)
So, where am I at now. Well, as you know I have my car, (more yayyyyyyyy's) it may not be worth much in monetary terms but to me it is worth a great deal, not only does it allow me the usual degree of freedom afforded anyone with a vehicle but it is also kinda symbolic for me too. It's about the only material thing I have left to show for thirty years working and to lose even that would have been very difficult. I know my father or some kind soul would have helped me out and I would have acquired new wheels, but this car is mine and for all I am grateful to those that have supported me financially over the last few months, I hated the thought of having to rely on others yet again.
As for Tilly, she may have by default, won a 'stay of execution' but the situation remains unchanged in essence and she will still have to be found a new home before too long, though at the moment I have no idea where and I can't begin to really get my head around it again for a little while. The run up to her previous departure date was one of the most difficult times I have ever gone through and I'm not looking forward to the repeat performance, but on the up side we remain the 'gang of two' for a little while longer now and I will make the most of every minute we have left together.
Next on the agenda is a job, for various reasons it has not been possible to make getting work a top priority until now but the necessity for employment (and money!!!) has shifted up a gear or two in the last week, so the job hunt begins in earnest any day now.
And that's about it, gradually I feel like my life is becoming slightly less of a pigs ear as things that have been hanging over my head since May get sorted out, the Tilly issue is of course the big one for me but somehow I'll get through that too no doubt and who knows.......a year from now I could be anywhere doing anything!
Sunday, 22 October 2006
Back in the 'Saddle'
After a good few years of 'temperance' this weekend has involved quite a treat for me. On top of all the recent divine happenings in my life, today has seen my return to the adrenalin fuelled exhilaration that is motorcycling....
Gemmak is back in the Saddle !!!!
This morning, after hooking up with Fletch I went for a 'Spin' on his Africa Twin (Eloisa), riding pillion of course (my feet were eight inches off the ground!).
The weather may have been wet and windy and I may not have been on two wheels for many years, but it was fab and as the saying goes 'It's just like riding a bike'... you never forget how or the buzz riding gives you, once a biker, always a biker... :o)
Gemmak is back in the Saddle !!!!
This morning, after hooking up with Fletch I went for a 'Spin' on his Africa Twin (Eloisa), riding pillion of course (my feet were eight inches off the ground!).
The weather may have been wet and windy and I may not have been on two wheels for many years, but it was fab and as the saying goes 'It's just like riding a bike'... you never forget how or the buzz riding gives you, once a biker, always a biker... :o)
Friday, 20 October 2006
Maybe there is a God after all!
I can't belive it, this moring in the space of ten minutes I feel as though my life has turned around completely and it's a long long time since I felt so happy.
The reasons?
When the official receiver decided to sieze my car I appealed against the decision, filled in the paperwork, provided letters from professionals in support of my case and crossed my fingers....I just heard that the decision has been reversed, I get to keep my car!!!
Five minutes later the phone rang, it was the lady who was to become Tilly's step mum.......she has changed her mind on the grounds that her current cat is very nervous and would be likely too fazed by an 'interloper'....so whilst I still have to find her a new home, for now we get to stay happily together at least for a little while longer!!!!
Yaaaayyyyyyyy :o))))
It's been a long time since I danced around the room like a fool, full of glee or shed a happy tear, I feel like I've just had the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders, I had no idea until now just how miserable I had been feeling and for however long it lasts it's fab!
Yipeeeeeeeeee, yayyyyyyyyyy, hurahhhhhhhh!!!!! :o))))
The reasons?
When the official receiver decided to sieze my car I appealed against the decision, filled in the paperwork, provided letters from professionals in support of my case and crossed my fingers....I just heard that the decision has been reversed, I get to keep my car!!!
Five minutes later the phone rang, it was the lady who was to become Tilly's step mum.......she has changed her mind on the grounds that her current cat is very nervous and would be likely too fazed by an 'interloper'....so whilst I still have to find her a new home, for now we get to stay happily together at least for a little while longer!!!!
Yaaaayyyyyyyy :o))))
It's been a long time since I danced around the room like a fool, full of glee or shed a happy tear, I feel like I've just had the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders, I had no idea until now just how miserable I had been feeling and for however long it lasts it's fab!
Yipeeeeeeeeee, yayyyyyyyyyy, hurahhhhhhhh!!!!! :o))))
Something for the weekend
I have a feeling that in my 'dotage' I may have blogged this before, my memory fails me....but it's worthy of a second showing in any case! heh.
Oh how we cat parents know just how much this sums up 'cattitude'. :o)
Loser!
So guys, that little amusement behind us and it's onto the weekend, we made it to another friday at last and the weekend bekons, this one holds promise, hey weekends are always good..... I'm gone, have yourselves a fab one. :o)
Oh how we cat parents know just how much this sums up 'cattitude'. :o)
So guys, that little amusement behind us and it's onto the weekend, we made it to another friday at last and the weekend bekons, this one holds promise, hey weekends are always good..... I'm gone, have yourselves a fab one. :o)
Thursday, 19 October 2006
A happy day
It's been kind of an odd day today, all bits and pieces, a little stressful but a happy day and happy days are something one can never have too many of. Maybe, just maybe this is the start of a change of fortune in gemmak's-ville.... but I won't start counting my chickens just yet!
So what made my day a happy one?
Firstly, massive 'CONGRATULATIONS' to a friend who today 'made the grade' in style, and with determination achieved an important goal. Hey...very well done you, you know who you are.
Secondly, Poppy cat would have been 18 years old today ....happy memories of a happy cat.
Thirdly, there has been a small hiccup in the business of Tilly's rehoming (more another day perhaps but don't get too excited, she still has to go) which means I get to keep her for another 10 days. :o) I'm not sure that having geared myself up and stressed myself out so severely for her departure tomorrow, that I want to go all through it again but in the immediacy, if 10 days is all I can get then for now it's a bonus and I'll take it thankyouverymuch!
...and finally, my day began at approx. 5am (thankyounot Tilly), by reading this post which raised my spirits immediately and which if you can spare a few moments to read is well worth the time :o)
So what made my day a happy one?
Firstly, massive 'CONGRATULATIONS' to a friend who today 'made the grade' in style, and with determination achieved an important goal. Hey...very well done you, you know who you are.
Secondly, Poppy cat would have been 18 years old today ....happy memories of a happy cat.
Thirdly, there has been a small hiccup in the business of Tilly's rehoming (more another day perhaps but don't get too excited, she still has to go) which means I get to keep her for another 10 days. :o) I'm not sure that having geared myself up and stressed myself out so severely for her departure tomorrow, that I want to go all through it again but in the immediacy, if 10 days is all I can get then for now it's a bonus and I'll take it thankyouverymuch!
...and finally, my day began at approx. 5am (thankyou
Wednesday, 18 October 2006
Fat cat!
Tilly has become something of a handful of late now and again, it's inherent in her colouring, tortoiseshell and white cats are renowned for being feisty and 'madam' is no exception.
This has manifested itself in her apparent enjoyment at taking more than the odd 'swipe' in the direction of any passing individual, usually my mother, the result being a too frequent drawing of blood! Now whilst my mother is a patient woman this 'amusing Tilly activity' has worn a little thin and so under advice from the vet we decided to clip the very end off her claws. I have done this many times before to Gemma and Poppy, both of whom were furniture destroyers, I foresaw no problem, indeed Tilly had it done a few times in her early days when she became a little over zealous with Ditto.
Things were not to work out as I had planned, Tilly was having none of it and despite the best attempts at everything from kind, gentle words of encouragement to the more necessary arm and hand protection for both myself in the 'trimming' position and my father in 'holding' position, the only result was one angry cat and more blood drawn!
And so...this evening I ventured to the vets to have the job done professionally, having warned the attending physician in advance of Tilly's somewhat lively temperament....you know what happened of course, not a sound did she utter, not one attempt at an escape from the clutches of the vet, no howling, no spitting, the picture of perfect cat sat there on the table as good as gold and had all twenty toes attended too without so much as a murmur in no more than an instant!!
Never work with children or animals eh?
However, things were not to go without a very minor hitch for her. Whilst she was there the vet decided to give her a 'once over' and declared, having completed the poking and prodding procedures (to a still remarkably well behaved Tilly)....that she is too fat and needs to begin some pussy weight watching activities!!
Thus it was that home we went, having been issued with a special bag of diet feline food and with our tails ever so slightly between our legs.......there is going to be onefat small cat more than a little disgruntled at tea time, when her favourite menu, in it's usual portion size, fails to appear!
This has manifested itself in her apparent enjoyment at taking more than the odd 'swipe' in the direction of any passing individual, usually my mother, the result being a too frequent drawing of blood! Now whilst my mother is a patient woman this 'amusing Tilly activity' has worn a little thin and so under advice from the vet we decided to clip the very end off her claws. I have done this many times before to Gemma and Poppy, both of whom were furniture destroyers, I foresaw no problem, indeed Tilly had it done a few times in her early days when she became a little over zealous with Ditto.
Things were not to work out as I had planned, Tilly was having none of it and despite the best attempts at everything from kind, gentle words of encouragement to the more necessary arm and hand protection for both myself in the 'trimming' position and my father in 'holding' position, the only result was one angry cat and more blood drawn!
And so...this evening I ventured to the vets to have the job done professionally, having warned the attending physician in advance of Tilly's somewhat lively temperament....you know what happened of course, not a sound did she utter, not one attempt at an escape from the clutches of the vet, no howling, no spitting, the picture of perfect cat sat there on the table as good as gold and had all twenty toes attended too without so much as a murmur in no more than an instant!!
Never work with children or animals eh?
However, things were not to go without a very minor hitch for her. Whilst she was there the vet decided to give her a 'once over' and declared, having completed the poking and prodding procedures (to a still remarkably well behaved Tilly)....that she is too fat and needs to begin some pussy weight watching activities!!
Thus it was that home we went, having been issued with a special bag of diet feline food and with our tails ever so slightly between our legs.......there is going to be one
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
Brighton ~ A day of escape
So Friday the 13th promised to run to form when my previously mentioned two hour journey became extended to almost four, this time not courtesy, as usual, of the M25 but of my brakes choosing to present with a problem I thought had been rectified many months back. Brake calipers just aren't intended to remain in the 'on' position permanently, mine have a habit of doing so on occasion though, requiring frequent 'cooling down' stops and hence the extended journey time!
Oh, and on the subject of the 13th, I had a ratherscary peculiar 'run in' with a very odd guy in a cafe en route but I won't go into that, suffice to say I think 'care in the community' is probably an appropriate phrase here...why do they always pick me to hit on??
But I digress, it is Saturday that is of note. Saturday it was decided on impulse would be a day out to Brighton,
a place that I have long had an affection for. A town of eclectic and diverse experiences, a place always it seems of relaxation, of escaping, of feeling at one with life.
This town on the south coast has everything, the vibrance of London, beautiful regency architecture, a very cosmopolitan ambiance, a place where one is allowed to be oneself, whatever
that may be and enjoy anything from the grand sight of the Royal Pavillion, to a stroll on the traditional and twinkling light festooned pier with it's constant ringing of fruit machines and music, to a relaxing meander around 'The lanes' with their heady mix of alternative retail, equally alternative inhabitants and on an unusually warm October Saturday, a pavement cafe culture one could happily lose a whole day immersed in.
Lunch was Yaki Soba (That's Japanese fried noodles to you and me)at E-Kagen, dinner at a 60's American diner and the interim time spent just wandering and drinking good coffee, enjoying the atmosphere and reveling in a day of utter escapism.
Oh and for added interest I found the perfect job, 'fudge maker'
(I'm sure there must be a technical term but I'm damned if I know it)
at Roly's fudge, yes, this guy really spends all day making this stuff....and I ran (not literally) into Zoe Ball for those who like to spot thenot so famous!
A fabulous day, one I will remember for a long, long time to come, the trials and tribulations of my day to day life seemed a million miles away..... and should I win the lottery, Brighton would have to be about number one on my list of places I would like to live in the UK.
Oh, and on the subject of the 13th, I had a rather
But I digress, it is Saturday that is of note. Saturday it was decided on impulse would be a day out to Brighton,
a place that I have long had an affection for. A town of eclectic and diverse experiences, a place always it seems of relaxation, of escaping, of feeling at one with life.This town on the south coast has everything, the vibrance of London, beautiful regency architecture, a very cosmopolitan ambiance, a place where one is allowed to be oneself, whatever
that may be and enjoy anything from the grand sight of the Royal Pavillion, to a stroll on the traditional and twinkling light festooned pier with it's constant ringing of fruit machines and music, to a relaxing meander around 'The lanes' with their heady mix of alternative retail, equally alternative inhabitants and on an unusually warm October Saturday, a pavement cafe culture one could happily lose a whole day immersed in.Lunch was Yaki Soba (That's Japanese fried noodles to you and me)at E-Kagen, dinner at a 60's American diner and the interim time spent just wandering and drinking good coffee, enjoying the atmosphere and reveling in a day of utter escapism.
Oh and for added interest I found the perfect job, 'fudge maker'
(I'm sure there must be a technical term but I'm damned if I know it)
at Roly's fudge, yes, this guy really spends all day making this stuff....and I ran (not literally) into Zoe Ball for those who like to spot the
A fabulous day, one I will remember for a long, long time to come, the trials and tribulations of my day to day life seemed a million miles away..... and should I win the lottery, Brighton would have to be about number one on my list of places I would like to live in the UK.
Monday, 16 October 2006
Sunday, 15 October 2006
Doing the rounds.....
'Borrowed' from Justitia....I won't tag anyone, just steal it if you wanna.
ARE YOU:
1. A Cuddler? Yes
2. A morning person? NO!
3. Are you a perfectionist? YES :(
4. An only child? No, I have two younger siblings.
5. Catholic: No
6. In your pajamas? I don't own any pyjamas.
7. Currently suffering from a broken heart? Nope.
8. Okay styling other people's hair? Not something I indulge in often enough to know.
9. Left handed? Yes.
10. Addicted to MySpace? WTF is Myspace?
11. Shy around the opposite gender? No.
12. Loud? Yes.
DO YOU:
12. Bite your nails? Nooooo!
13. Get paranoid at times? Ummm I wouldn't call it paranoid, more insecure!
14. Currently regret something that you have said/done? No regrets.
15. Curse frequently when you get mad? Yes, a bad habit.
16. Enjoy country music? Nooooo.
17. Enjoy jazz music? Kinda, wouldn't be my first choice though.
18. Enjoy smoothies? No...don't they involve fruit or some other healthy ingredient?? :o/
19. Enjoy talking on the phone? Yes :o)
20. Have a lot to learn? An enormous amount.
21. Have a pet? Don't go there :o(
22. Have a tendency to fall for the "wrong" person? No comment!
23. Have all your grandparents died? Yes.
24. Have at least one sibling? Yes.
25. Have been told that you are smart? Yes. I think they were clinically delusional though.
26. Have had a broken bone? No....famous last words!
27. Have Caller I.D. on your phone? Yes.
HAVE YOU:
28. Changed a diaper? Um....once or twice.
29. Changed a lot over the past year? Yup!
30. Had friends who have never seen your natural hair color? Yes...but my hair is it's natural colour...it just has the grey bits covered up! ;o)
31. Had surgery? Yes.
32. Killed anyone? No.
33. Had your haircut within the last week? Yes.
LAST PERSON WHO:
1. Slept in the bed beside you? My pussy :o)
2. Saw you cry? Ummmm.....
3. Went to the movies with you? My mum.
4. You went to the mall with? I go on my own.
5. You went to dinner with? Ummmm.....
6. You talked to on the phone? My ex-bank!
7. Said 'I love you' to you and meant it? I only say it when I mean it.
8. Broke your heart? Ok....best I don't answer this one.
9. Made you laugh? Tilly
WOULD YOU RATHER?
1. Pierce your nose or tongue? Neither but if I had too then my nose....like I'de have to!?
2. Be serious or be funny? Funny.
3. Drink whole or skim milk? Skim.
4. Die in a fire or drown? FFS...nice question (not)....Fire I suppose though un-surprisingly neither would be my preference!!!
5. Spend time with your parents or enemies? Parents.
ABOUT YOU!
1. What time is it? 23.46
2 Name? Lol...'gemmak'
3. Nickname(s)? Don't have any.
4. Where were you born? Near London.
5. What is your birthdate? April 61 (shurrup Fletch) ;o)
6 What do you want? Love, contentment and chocolate.
7. Where do you want to live? Anywhere..... with the right person.
8. How many kids do you want? Pass...bit late for all that malarky now!
ARE YOU:
1. A Cuddler? Yes
2. A morning person? NO!
3. Are you a perfectionist? YES :(
4. An only child? No, I have two younger siblings.
5. Catholic: No
6. In your pajamas? I don't own any pyjamas.
7. Currently suffering from a broken heart? Nope.
8. Okay styling other people's hair? Not something I indulge in often enough to know.
9. Left handed? Yes.
10. Addicted to MySpace? WTF is Myspace?
11. Shy around the opposite gender? No.
12. Loud? Yes.
DO YOU:
12. Bite your nails? Nooooo!
13. Get paranoid at times? Ummm I wouldn't call it paranoid, more insecure!
14. Currently regret something that you have said/done? No regrets.
15. Curse frequently when you get mad? Yes, a bad habit.
16. Enjoy country music? Nooooo.
17. Enjoy jazz music? Kinda, wouldn't be my first choice though.
18. Enjoy smoothies? No...don't they involve fruit or some other healthy ingredient?? :o/
19. Enjoy talking on the phone? Yes :o)
20. Have a lot to learn? An enormous amount.
21. Have a pet? Don't go there :o(
22. Have a tendency to fall for the "wrong" person? No comment!
23. Have all your grandparents died? Yes.
24. Have at least one sibling? Yes.
25. Have been told that you are smart? Yes. I think they were clinically delusional though.
26. Have had a broken bone? No....famous last words!
27. Have Caller I.D. on your phone? Yes.
HAVE YOU:
28. Changed a diaper? Um....once or twice.
29. Changed a lot over the past year? Yup!
30. Had friends who have never seen your natural hair color? Yes...but my hair is it's natural colour...it just has the grey bits covered up! ;o)
31. Had surgery? Yes.
32. Killed anyone? No.
33. Had your haircut within the last week? Yes.
LAST PERSON WHO:
1. Slept in the bed beside you? My pussy :o)
2. Saw you cry? Ummmm.....
3. Went to the movies with you? My mum.
4. You went to the mall with? I go on my own.
5. You went to dinner with? Ummmm.....
6. You talked to on the phone? My ex-bank!
7. Said 'I love you' to you and meant it? I only say it when I mean it.
8. Broke your heart? Ok....best I don't answer this one.
9. Made you laugh? Tilly
WOULD YOU RATHER?
1. Pierce your nose or tongue? Neither but if I had too then my nose....like I'de have to!?
2. Be serious or be funny? Funny.
3. Drink whole or skim milk? Skim.
4. Die in a fire or drown? FFS...nice question (not)....Fire I suppose though un-surprisingly neither would be my preference!!!
5. Spend time with your parents or enemies? Parents.
ABOUT YOU!
1. What time is it? 23.46
2 Name? Lol...'gemmak'
3. Nickname(s)? Don't have any.
4. Where were you born? Near London.
5. What is your birthdate? April 61 (shurrup Fletch) ;o)
6 What do you want? Love, contentment and chocolate.
7. Where do you want to live? Anywhere..... with the right person.
8. How many kids do you want? Pass...bit late for all that malarky now!
Friday, 13 October 2006
I'm not superstitious but.....
..... it is Friday the 13th
and lets face it good luck hasn't been high on my list of events lately, a degree of paranoia is threatening somewhere in the back of my small mind and I am fighting a strong urge to hide away in my bed until midnight! That said I was woken way too early by one small cat shredding the bedroom carpet and to find that something appears to have twisted my neck overnight into an unacceptable position rendering it painfully inactive...... so perhaps the bedroom is best avoided.
On my agenda this 13th is the submission of my appeal to the courts in an effort to save my car and a relatively long drive (while I still have a car to drive at all) involving the much and rightly maligned M25, where on a good day my projected two hour journey more frequently expands to over four hours....hey,what could possibly go wrong? ;o)
But on the positive side, any Friday has to be good, it has to be better than the Monday to Thursday stuff, it's Friday, Friday's are sacrosanct, Fridays hold the promise of the weekend and weekends are good.
Really, I'm not superstitious!
and lets face it good luck hasn't been high on my list of events lately, a degree of paranoia is threatening somewhere in the back of my small mind and I am fighting a strong urge to hide away in my bed until midnight! That said I was woken way too early by one small cat shredding the bedroom carpet and to find that something appears to have twisted my neck overnight into an unacceptable position rendering it painfully inactive...... so perhaps the bedroom is best avoided.
On my agenda this 13th is the submission of my appeal to the courts in an effort to save my car and a relatively long drive (while I still have a car to drive at all) involving the much and rightly maligned M25, where on a good day my projected two hour journey more frequently expands to over four hours....hey,what could possibly go wrong? ;o)
But on the positive side, any Friday has to be good, it has to be better than the Monday to Thursday stuff, it's Friday, Friday's are sacrosanct, Fridays hold the promise of the weekend and weekends are good.
Really, I'm not superstitious!
Thursday, 12 October 2006
Coronation Street still exists!
My parents are away in the Midlands this week taking care of my sister who underwent surgery on Monday and as a consequence Tilly and I have this whole house to ourselves.
Three floors of freedom to do as we wish, no one else to consider, no creeping up and down stairs in the wee small hours trying to miss the floor board that always creaks outside my slumbering parents bedroom door, eat when we like and what we like, sit on the computer unendingly and generally 'revert to type'.
Don't get me wrong living with my parents has it's benefits and it's kinda lonely and quiet by ourselves but a few days of 'living my way' is also a nice change.
The strangest thing is this: When everyone is here in situ I never watch television, I mean never and yet each evening since I have been here alone, when the hands of the clock hit 7.30 I seem to automatically gravitate to the television to watch Coronation Street....and then stay glued to the infernal machine for the rest of the evening, books and computer abandoned in favour of staring transfixed by the moving wallpaper in a state of apparently minimal consciousness!
I can't say I haven't enjoyed this lazy pursuit, it is kind of relaxing and how I lived (ok, apparently very easily) without knowing the most recent traumas in Corrie for so many months is a mystery but what on earth is it about television that
turns one back into that strange state of lobotomised idiocy in an instant?!
Oh, and apparently Nigella was doing her stuff on a different
channel last night, I do hope you guys didn't miss that treat! ;o)
.........ok, I must employ a little self discipline this evening and discover where I left my book!
Three floors of freedom to do as we wish, no one else to consider, no creeping up and down stairs in the wee small hours trying to miss the floor board that always creaks outside my slumbering parents bedroom door, eat when we like and what we like, sit on the computer unendingly and generally 'revert to type'.
Don't get me wrong living with my parents has it's benefits and it's kinda lonely and quiet by ourselves but a few days of 'living my way' is also a nice change.
The strangest thing is this: When everyone is here in situ I never watch television, I mean never and yet each evening since I have been here alone, when the hands of the clock hit 7.30 I seem to automatically gravitate to the television to watch Coronation Street....and then stay glued to the infernal machine for the rest of the evening, books and computer abandoned in favour of staring transfixed by the moving wallpaper in a state of apparently minimal consciousness!
I can't say I haven't enjoyed this lazy pursuit, it is kind of relaxing and how I lived (ok, apparently very easily) without knowing the most recent traumas in Corrie for so many months is a mystery but what on earth is it about television that
turns one back into that strange state of lobotomised idiocy in an instant?!Oh, and apparently Nigella was doing her stuff on a different
channel last night, I do hope you guys didn't miss that treat! ;o)
.........ok, I must employ a little self discipline this evening and discover where I left my book!
Wednesday, 11 October 2006
Happy oblivion
'Someone' is happily oblivious of her impending change of circumstance and the furore and trauma surrounding it.
Oh to be a cat!
(Clickable)
Oh to be a cat!
(Clickable)
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
Friday the 13th came early....
......the official receiver just took my car off me! :o(
Well in actual fact it hasn't been removed yet but it will be.
I was grilled by ahard faced bitch civil servant for well over an hour and having satisfird herself that I own nothing else she decreed the car will be siezed......unless of course, and if there is anything remotely sadistic amusing about this it is this....I buy it back off them at a price decided by their valuers!!
Yup, I can buy my own car back with money I don't have.
If I could afford a car would I have rendered myself bankrupt I wonder?
F*ck!
Well in actual fact it hasn't been removed yet but it will be.
I was grilled by a
Yup, I can buy my own car back with money I don't have.
If I could afford a car would I have rendered myself bankrupt I wonder?
F*ck!
Oh bugger and damn!
It has just been pointed out to me that this Friday is a Friday the 13th!!!
On past form I DO NOT need a Friday the 13th right now!
Anyone got any effective avoidance techniques? ;o)
On past form I DO NOT need a Friday the 13th right now!
Anyone got any effective avoidance techniques? ;o)
Monday, 9 October 2006
A 'Monday' kinda Monday
Monday's are never good but I'm having 'one of those days', a very 'Monday' kinda Monday, call it pathetic, call it feeling sorry for myself call it what you will but it's not one of my better days, in fact it's pretty crap. It's one of those days when you just want to hide away somewhere quietly until the black cloud lifts a little, when you wish wishes really came true and when a cuddle would be good.
The reality is that tomorrow I have my interview with the official receiver, the 'day of judgment' when I will learn if I am to lose my car and it's getting way too close now to the day of Tilly's departure to her new home. If ever there was a wish I wanted to come true it was the 'save Tilly' wish but it seems it's not going to happen, we have less than a fortnight left together now and it just seems to be getting harder.
On the up side there has been one small light on today's grim horizon....I managed to open a new bank account despite my recent bankruptcy. Yup, Barclays Bank were prepared to take the risk. It's not much of a risk I grant you, the only account I am allowed as an undischarged bankrupt is very limited but it does mean I can at least get paid a salary (when I earn one) and pay my bills via direct debit, the lack of a direct debit facility in my life was beginning to cause me real problems so at least it's one less thing to worry about.
So, yayyy for Barclays ( I never thought I would say that about a bank) for giving me something of a second chance, it may be a very small step but in my recent financial life it's about the most positive thing that's happened in a long long time. For a few minutes this morning when the application was granted I almost felt 'normal', it made such a nice change to have something work out right among the melee that is my current situation.
Oh....and I had another small 'hairdressers incident' today, I might go into that another time but for now I'de rather ignore it, today probably wasn't a good day to choose to have my hair cut!
The reality is that tomorrow I have my interview with the official receiver, the 'day of judgment' when I will learn if I am to lose my car and it's getting way too close now to the day of Tilly's departure to her new home. If ever there was a wish I wanted to come true it was the 'save Tilly' wish but it seems it's not going to happen, we have less than a fortnight left together now and it just seems to be getting harder.
On the up side there has been one small light on today's grim horizon....I managed to open a new bank account despite my recent bankruptcy. Yup, Barclays Bank were prepared to take the risk. It's not much of a risk I grant you, the only account I am allowed as an undischarged bankrupt is very limited but it does mean I can at least get paid a salary (when I earn one) and pay my bills via direct debit, the lack of a direct debit facility in my life was beginning to cause me real problems so at least it's one less thing to worry about.
So, yayyy for Barclays ( I never thought I would say that about a bank) for giving me something of a second chance, it may be a very small step but in my recent financial life it's about the most positive thing that's happened in a long long time. For a few minutes this morning when the application was granted I almost felt 'normal', it made such a nice change to have something work out right among the melee that is my current situation.
Oh....and I had another small 'hairdressers incident' today, I might go into that another time but for now I'de rather ignore it, today probably wasn't a good day to choose to have my hair cut!
Sunday, 8 October 2006
Carpe Diem
...... two words, just two words from a poem by Quintus Horatius Flaccus but two words that were to change my life forever, that would ultimately lead me down a path I could never have imagined.
Those words were to give me a dream, lead me on a journey of discovery and self discovery that has only just begun, that is in it's infancy, that may never be over. It is a dream and a path that is neither easy nor simple but it is, in it's many facets, sometimes profound, sometimes unbelievable, sometimes terrifying, sometimes beautiful but always amazing.
It is a dream of understanding, of living, of communication, of freeing one's mind, a dream that crept up on me, grew in me, took me by surprise. It is a dream that at times fills me with hope and wonder, at times fills me with trepidation and fear but it is a dream held precious, nurtured, a goal that outweighs a thousand fold the strength or sacrifices needed to attain it.
For it is a dream of letting go the shackles that bind the mind, the body and the soul, of believing what once I thought the impossible, of seeing with new eyes. It is a dream spawned of courage and of fear, of happiness and pain, of purpose and of loss...... it is a dream of belief, of what is truly important and of ultimate trust......
"Carpe Diem"
Friday, 6 October 2006
It's Friday again.....
.......and my cold is almost gone so I'm gonna try and make up for last weekend's debacle....I'm outta here.
Have a good one you lot :o)
Have a good one you lot :o)
Thursday, 5 October 2006
The morning routine
One of the many things I'll miss when Tilly is no longer part of my day to day life is our 'first thing in the morning' routine. Every day begins the same and despite my not being one of life's morning people I have grown to enjoy, nay almost look forward to, our days beginning.
We wake long before the rest of the household at somewhere between 5.30 and 6 am, or rather Tilly does which in essence means that I do too, if I should fail to be compis mentis at the required hour a few minutes sitting on my head and chewing my hair resolves that to madams satisfaction!
We creep downstairs together, I trying to find my way without waking anyone and she investigating if she can access my parents bedroom on the sly en-route. On reaching the kitchen/living room Tilly takes up residence by the back door 'asking' insistntly to be allowed out whilst I try, in my sleepy state, to turn the kettle on for the all important strong cup of fresh coffee and to negotiate the key into the door lock.
Having carried out the key maneuver Tilly leaps over the threshold and into her territory, excited by the days possibilities and waking birds while I deal with the business of coffee making and finding a cigarette....and then our morning really begins.
I park myself on a step overlooking the lawn and somewhat wild bordering hedges while inquisitive cat begins her early checks for interlopers and any interesting looking slugs, worms or other slow moving possible prey. She paddles happily through the dew laden grass chirruping to herself and intermittently running back up the steps to me to say hello and insist on a quick stroke....Before she goes off again.
For my part I love sitting there in the quiet, I can hear the birds coming too, Tilly shuffling about in the bushes chattering away merrily in her excitement to herself and the sound of the locality gradually coming to life. It's a special me and Tilly time, a time when I can reflect on life quietly and try to haul my mind into some semblance of order for the day ahead, a time when there is just me and madam quietly together going about our waking up procedures and enjoying one another's company.
I can't imagine sitting there alone in the mornings without her carrying-ons to amuse me and her little furry feline-ness to keep me company.
We wake long before the rest of the household at somewhere between 5.30 and 6 am, or rather Tilly does which in essence means that I do too, if I should fail to be compis mentis at the required hour a few minutes sitting on my head and chewing my hair resolves that to madams satisfaction!
We creep downstairs together, I trying to find my way without waking anyone and she investigating if she can access my parents bedroom on the sly en-route. On reaching the kitchen/living room Tilly takes up residence by the back door 'asking' insistntly to be allowed out whilst I try, in my sleepy state, to turn the kettle on for the all important strong cup of fresh coffee and to negotiate the key into the door lock.
Having carried out the key maneuver Tilly leaps over the threshold and into her territory, excited by the days possibilities and waking birds while I deal with the business of coffee making and finding a cigarette....and then our morning really begins.
I park myself on a step overlooking the lawn and somewhat wild bordering hedges while inquisitive cat begins her early checks for interlopers and any interesting looking slugs, worms or other slow moving possible prey. She paddles happily through the dew laden grass chirruping to herself and intermittently running back up the steps to me to say hello and insist on a quick stroke....Before she goes off again.
For my part I love sitting there in the quiet, I can hear the birds coming too, Tilly shuffling about in the bushes chattering away merrily in her excitement to herself and the sound of the locality gradually coming to life. It's a special me and Tilly time, a time when I can reflect on life quietly and try to haul my mind into some semblance of order for the day ahead, a time when there is just me and madam quietly together going about our waking up procedures and enjoying one another's company.
I can't imagine sitting there alone in the mornings without her carrying-ons to amuse me and her little furry feline-ness to keep me company.
Comment moderation
Unfortunately it has become necessary for me to activate 'comment moderation' temporarily. I know it's an aggravation but bear with me if you would for a short while until I can return things to normal.
I thank you. :o)
I thank you. :o)
Wednesday, 4 October 2006
More bass?
So, whilst I still have madams daily shenanigans to share..... here's herself enjoying the latest favoured perch!
(Clickable)
(Clickable)
Tuesday, 3 October 2006
The hardest decision
I have made reference on one or two occasions recently that I have been trying to deal with a particularly difficult situation, until now I haven't felt able to blog it, even now I'm not sure if I can but here goes, I'll try, though you might have to forgive me for what perhaps seems a slightly hard attitude, right now it's the only way I can handle the situation at all.
The situation is this:
I have to give Tilly away to a new home. :o(((
The reasons are many and various and to be fair to others involved it's not appropriate that I regale you with all the finite detail, suffice to say she can't stay here long term with me and as I have no money, and no prospect of an income on which I could afford a suitable home for Tilly and myself here near to London, where it is particularly expensive, I have had to finally consider the unthinkable.
By coincidence someone offered Tilly a home a few weeks ago and belive me it will be a perfect home for her, I have absolutley no qualms about the lady who will likely become her 'step mother' or the life she can offer her...I just wish more than almost anything I have ever wished that I didn't have to be considering this at all.
In reality though I do. I'm not in a position to offer her a suitable home and it's likely I won't be for maybe as long as a year or two so I have no choice. I have thought and thought about it until I've driven myself almost demented, I have hoped and prayed that I would find an answer, a way for her to stay with me, I have investigated every option I can dream up but in the end I think I have lost the fight..... and too keep her now would be more about me and how I'll miss her, than about what will make Tilly happy and give her a stable and happy life.
So, through the tears, the doubts, the fighting and the trying now to find a way to come to terms with losing her I have to keep telling myself that if I really love her as I say I do, then I will do what's best for her, not me.
I probably have her for about another two to three weeks before she goes to her new home, her 'step mum' is a lovely lady, a true cat lover who has already fallen in love with her. She has a lovely garden, won't ever subject her to a cattery, preferring instead not to take holidays longer than a few days and already has one other cat, who once they are accustomed to one another will hopefully become company for them both. If I have to do this now is the time while Tilly is still so young, while she is still adaptable. My biggest concern is that she is very much a one person cat and right now I am that person but I hope that given a little time she can become as attached to 'A' as she is currently to me.
There will still be some Tilly stories and pictures once she has settled down and once I can face seeing her and keep leaving her behind because I will retain lifelong'visiting rights' and she will only be half an hours drive away, but for now it seems scant compensation for not having her with me all the time and there has been little in my life before that has made me so sad.
In the back of my mind there is still a tiny glimmer of hope that somehow I will be able to keep her but it's fading fast, my deadline for a decision is Thursday and I've about run out of options and ideas that don't involve shuffling her from one place to another (which isn't in her best interests) just so that I can have her back once I'm in a position to, whenever that might be.......
:o((
The situation is this:
I have to give Tilly away to a new home. :o(((
The reasons are many and various and to be fair to others involved it's not appropriate that I regale you with all the finite detail, suffice to say she can't stay here long term with me and as I have no money, and no prospect of an income on which I could afford a suitable home for Tilly and myself here near to London, where it is particularly expensive, I have had to finally consider the unthinkable.
By coincidence someone offered Tilly a home a few weeks ago and belive me it will be a perfect home for her, I have absolutley no qualms about the lady who will likely become her 'step mother' or the life she can offer her...I just wish more than almost anything I have ever wished that I didn't have to be considering this at all.
In reality though I do. I'm not in a position to offer her a suitable home and it's likely I won't be for maybe as long as a year or two so I have no choice. I have thought and thought about it until I've driven myself almost demented, I have hoped and prayed that I would find an answer, a way for her to stay with me, I have investigated every option I can dream up but in the end I think I have lost the fight..... and too keep her now would be more about me and how I'll miss her, than about what will make Tilly happy and give her a stable and happy life.
So, through the tears, the doubts, the fighting and the trying now to find a way to come to terms with losing her I have to keep telling myself that if I really love her as I say I do, then I will do what's best for her, not me.
I probably have her for about another two to three weeks before she goes to her new home, her 'step mum' is a lovely lady, a true cat lover who has already fallen in love with her. She has a lovely garden, won't ever subject her to a cattery, preferring instead not to take holidays longer than a few days and already has one other cat, who once they are accustomed to one another will hopefully become company for them both. If I have to do this now is the time while Tilly is still so young, while she is still adaptable. My biggest concern is that she is very much a one person cat and right now I am that person but I hope that given a little time she can become as attached to 'A' as she is currently to me.
There will still be some Tilly stories and pictures once she has settled down and once I can face seeing her and keep leaving her behind because I will retain lifelong'visiting rights' and she will only be half an hours drive away, but for now it seems scant compensation for not having her with me all the time and there has been little in my life before that has made me so sad.
In the back of my mind there is still a tiny glimmer of hope that somehow I will be able to keep her but it's fading fast, my deadline for a decision is Thursday and I've about run out of options and ideas that don't involve shuffling her from one place to another (which isn't in her best interests) just so that I can have her back once I'm in a position to, whenever that might be.......
:o((
Monday, 2 October 2006
The best laid plans...
...and all that!
Well so much for the wild weekend of sex,drugs and rock and roll, for in actuality what transpired was that on Friday night, what had been a mild sneezing session turned into the full blown cold from hell!
By Saturday morning I was a snivelling, snotty, pathetic heap, fit for nothing and that's about what I did all weekend ......nothing!
By last night things had improved marginally and as I type the improvement is considerably marked, but those heinous little bugs certainly made sure the weekend didn't go as I had planned! Pfftt!
Ah well....there's always next weekend.....
Well so much for the wild weekend of sex,drugs and rock and roll, for in actuality what transpired was that on Friday night, what had been a mild sneezing session turned into the full blown cold from hell!
By Saturday morning I was a snivelling, snotty, pathetic heap, fit for nothing and that's about what I did all weekend ......nothing!
By last night things had improved marginally and as I type the improvement is considerably marked, but those heinous little bugs certainly made sure the weekend didn't go as I had planned! Pfftt!
Ah well....there's always next weekend.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
