Received my paycheque today and wondered out loud what the National Insurance is for and why I was paying for it.
A colleague told me that "it pays for the NHS. So, you know, when you're ill and you want a superbug, you can go to the hospital and die."
Rather well put, I thought.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Spidey senses tingling...
A generally busy week, but I'm in surprisingly good spirits. Had a weekend full of running errands, including a trip to IKEA for a shoe rack (assembled), new blinds (up) and a full length miror (still sitting on the floor in its packaging). It's funny how that would never have counted as a 'good weekend' when I lived in Dubai, but here in London it feels quite pat-on-the-back-worthy.
Am attempting to register with a clinic nearer to the new house and I am not sure why the process is quite so convoluted. I've had to go in once for the forms, once for the initial health check and soon again for the 'Women's Clinic' health check. Three visits already and I'm not even sick...
Was struck by a mild sense of melancholy earlier in the week when I realised it's been five years since I graduated from university. What have I been doing in that time? It's all passed in a blur and I can't seem to remember any of it. Any minute now I'm going to wake up and find that I'm 60. Oh well, no doubt I'll still be poor and single then too. Perhaps it's time I put a positive spin on the situation and was grateful for the only truly consistent elements of my life.
7 weeks to Russia. Clare and I are now on some sort of detox diet - or as I affectionately call it, the Diet of Death. It's not going too badly at the moment but it's only Day 4; any minute now someone is going to mention chocolate cake and I'm going to snap.
Have been put on a project for a client based in Qatar - it's only Day 2 and already some of the processes are starting to feel familiar. Can't wait until someone springs an 'inshallah' on me.
A visit from the Peters looms on the horizon - hurrah!
Hotel finally booked for the Scorza/Wade wedding extravaganza and just received an agenda for the St Petersburg jamboree. Think this might be another Year of the Maxed Out Credit Card...
Spiderman 3 premiere in Leicester Square a couple of nights ago - that shall be my mission for the Bank Holiday weekend. The greatest battle lies within.
Am attempting to register with a clinic nearer to the new house and I am not sure why the process is quite so convoluted. I've had to go in once for the forms, once for the initial health check and soon again for the 'Women's Clinic' health check. Three visits already and I'm not even sick...
Was struck by a mild sense of melancholy earlier in the week when I realised it's been five years since I graduated from university. What have I been doing in that time? It's all passed in a blur and I can't seem to remember any of it. Any minute now I'm going to wake up and find that I'm 60. Oh well, no doubt I'll still be poor and single then too. Perhaps it's time I put a positive spin on the situation and was grateful for the only truly consistent elements of my life.
7 weeks to Russia. Clare and I are now on some sort of detox diet - or as I affectionately call it, the Diet of Death. It's not going too badly at the moment but it's only Day 4; any minute now someone is going to mention chocolate cake and I'm going to snap.
Have been put on a project for a client based in Qatar - it's only Day 2 and already some of the processes are starting to feel familiar. Can't wait until someone springs an 'inshallah' on me.
A visit from the Peters looms on the horizon - hurrah!
Hotel finally booked for the Scorza/Wade wedding extravaganza and just received an agenda for the St Petersburg jamboree. Think this might be another Year of the Maxed Out Credit Card...
Spiderman 3 premiere in Leicester Square a couple of nights ago - that shall be my mission for the Bank Holiday weekend. The greatest battle lies within.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Birthdays, belly-dancing and babies
Hurrah for an interesting week so far.
Despite all the portents of doom surrounding me attempting any form of travel on Friday the 13th, I managed to get to Cardiff safe and sound and even on time.
Saturday morning saw Jamila, Rania and me off to a belly-dancing class where I think we overcompensated for not having jingling coin belts by thrusting our hips harder and waving our arms more enthusiastically than strictly necessary. By the time we left, we were feeling tired and broken, even though we were among the few people there under the age of 50. Still, it was a fun first attempt - might wait a while to see if I feel like a second. Or if these old bones can stand any more abuse.
The rest of Saturday passed in birthday shenanigans for Marc and suprisingly I made it home on Sunday afternoon in one piece. One rather sniffly piece though. I hate being the one to complain about a cold but they really are rather inconvenient aren't they? Your brains feel like mush, you can't breathe, your head hurts, your throat is sore, you cough like a 2-packs-a-day smoker and you feel weak as a kitten but all you can say is 'I've got a cold'. Hmph.
Still, I was clever and took the day off on Monday to rest, drink fluids and watch Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I've never watched the show on a regular basis but through no fault of its own really. So far am enjoying it, so I'll refrain from questioning elements of the plot. Besides, I'm only a quarter of the way into Season 2 at the moment, so perhaps all shall be revealed at a later stage.
Other news includes that I won the office sweepstakes for the Grand National (Silver Birch won at odds of 33-1) and scooped £39 in mixed coinage.
However, the biggest news of my week so far came last night when Chris and Christina called to announce the birth of Samantha Minga Neukam. I'm sure they told me important things about her like time of birth and size and such but I was busy squealing so I might have missed some of those details. Yay! I'm an auntie! (Really must get the present I've been working on sorted out - there is absolutely no excuse for this sort of tardiness.)
Exactly 8 weeks to Finland/Russia extravaganza. The diet starts today.
Despite all the portents of doom surrounding me attempting any form of travel on Friday the 13th, I managed to get to Cardiff safe and sound and even on time.
Saturday morning saw Jamila, Rania and me off to a belly-dancing class where I think we overcompensated for not having jingling coin belts by thrusting our hips harder and waving our arms more enthusiastically than strictly necessary. By the time we left, we were feeling tired and broken, even though we were among the few people there under the age of 50. Still, it was a fun first attempt - might wait a while to see if I feel like a second. Or if these old bones can stand any more abuse.
The rest of Saturday passed in birthday shenanigans for Marc and suprisingly I made it home on Sunday afternoon in one piece. One rather sniffly piece though. I hate being the one to complain about a cold but they really are rather inconvenient aren't they? Your brains feel like mush, you can't breathe, your head hurts, your throat is sore, you cough like a 2-packs-a-day smoker and you feel weak as a kitten but all you can say is 'I've got a cold'. Hmph.
Still, I was clever and took the day off on Monday to rest, drink fluids and watch Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I've never watched the show on a regular basis but through no fault of its own really. So far am enjoying it, so I'll refrain from questioning elements of the plot. Besides, I'm only a quarter of the way into Season 2 at the moment, so perhaps all shall be revealed at a later stage.
Other news includes that I won the office sweepstakes for the Grand National (Silver Birch won at odds of 33-1) and scooped £39 in mixed coinage.
However, the biggest news of my week so far came last night when Chris and Christina called to announce the birth of Samantha Minga Neukam. I'm sure they told me important things about her like time of birth and size and such but I was busy squealing so I might have missed some of those details. Yay! I'm an auntie! (Really must get the present I've been working on sorted out - there is absolutely no excuse for this sort of tardiness.)
Exactly 8 weeks to Finland/Russia extravaganza. The diet starts today.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
If it's Tuesday, this must be Blackfriars...
Boo to the end of the long weekend.
And boo to not having an Easter egg this year. Well, not too much boo, since really I have no-one but myself to blame for that. Besides, impending Russian holiday, where I will be forced to compete with gorgeous leggy blondes for the attention of my friends, just to ensure that I don't get left behind in some random nightclub while they disappear off with woman who will (if stories are to be believed) elbow me out of the way, means the fewer calories the better at the moment.
(Wow, that was a long and complicated thought...)
Anyway, hurrah for the shortened week and then upwards and onwards to Marc's birthday extravaganza over the weekend.
Over the weekend I went to sunny Brighton on the South (?) coast of England and a charming little city it was too. Well, the bits of it that I saw were nice. Narrow, winding streets with random little shops and kiosks, as well as a wonderfully garish pier with loads of dreadful looking rides, cotton candy stands and hideous stuffed animals to be won. Even though this is a new Brighton pier (the old one apparently burned down or something), it had a lovely old carnival ground feel to it - exactly how a pier should feel, if that makes any sense.
And hurrah for old bookshops where I picked up THREE early edition Wodehouse books, in green fabric hardcover and inscriptions inside from 1929 and 1931.
Mr Kenny is doing well and I am well pleased for having a friend living in an interesting city as it gives me reasons to go down there without feeling like an oddball. On the whole, with him living there and Clare having grown up there, Brighton seems to be worming its way into my consciousness with no small amount of sneakiness. What can it mean?
Plans for St Petersburg continue with hotel bookings chopped, changed and now finalised and train tickets to and from Helsinki to be purchased next week.
Went into O2 shop yesterday to proceed with phone number transferring process and was told it would take ANOTHER WEEK before it was finalised. Admittedly I don't actually know the intricacies of how these things work, but I'm convinced this process shouldn't take 14 days from start to finish. Someone somewhere is attempting to lead me up the garden path and I am wholly unimpressed.
Still no shoe solution for new room. Still no word from Christina on Baby Neukam. Still no idea what I feel passionately enough about to present on it at my Presentation Skills training on Thursday.
This is going to be a busy week.
And boo to not having an Easter egg this year. Well, not too much boo, since really I have no-one but myself to blame for that. Besides, impending Russian holiday, where I will be forced to compete with gorgeous leggy blondes for the attention of my friends, just to ensure that I don't get left behind in some random nightclub while they disappear off with woman who will (if stories are to be believed) elbow me out of the way, means the fewer calories the better at the moment.
(Wow, that was a long and complicated thought...)
Anyway, hurrah for the shortened week and then upwards and onwards to Marc's birthday extravaganza over the weekend.
Over the weekend I went to sunny Brighton on the South (?) coast of England and a charming little city it was too. Well, the bits of it that I saw were nice. Narrow, winding streets with random little shops and kiosks, as well as a wonderfully garish pier with loads of dreadful looking rides, cotton candy stands and hideous stuffed animals to be won. Even though this is a new Brighton pier (the old one apparently burned down or something), it had a lovely old carnival ground feel to it - exactly how a pier should feel, if that makes any sense.
And hurrah for old bookshops where I picked up THREE early edition Wodehouse books, in green fabric hardcover and inscriptions inside from 1929 and 1931.
Mr Kenny is doing well and I am well pleased for having a friend living in an interesting city as it gives me reasons to go down there without feeling like an oddball. On the whole, with him living there and Clare having grown up there, Brighton seems to be worming its way into my consciousness with no small amount of sneakiness. What can it mean?
Plans for St Petersburg continue with hotel bookings chopped, changed and now finalised and train tickets to and from Helsinki to be purchased next week.
Went into O2 shop yesterday to proceed with phone number transferring process and was told it would take ANOTHER WEEK before it was finalised. Admittedly I don't actually know the intricacies of how these things work, but I'm convinced this process shouldn't take 14 days from start to finish. Someone somewhere is attempting to lead me up the garden path and I am wholly unimpressed.
Still no shoe solution for new room. Still no word from Christina on Baby Neukam. Still no idea what I feel passionately enough about to present on it at my Presentation Skills training on Thursday.
This is going to be a busy week.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The memory's the first to go...
Forgot one event of interest and one random conversation from the past week.
Event - met up with Gareth and went along to pub quiz at the Prince Regent in Herne Hill last week. I felt a little rusty having not been at any sort of quiz in easily a year. Have to say this was reflected in the very few things I actually knew (notably the chemical symbol for Ozone and the name of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' nemesis) but in spite of my poor contribution we still WON! And walked away with a handy £45 apiece in prize money.
Am worried that the precedent thus set might be a bit too ambitious for future attempts, but will worry about it if we ever go again.
Conversation - rang up Orange yesterday morning in order to get some sort of code which would allow me to switch network providers but still keep my phone number. I have been pretty much forced to do this because Orange provides no coverage for my phone in the new flat and in order to get reception I have to dangle out of the kitchen window. And while it provides a mildly amusing mental picture, that sort of thing's simply not convenient on what we might call a regular basis.
Needless to say the process of getting through to someone who could help me with this need was quite involved and required a lot of 'if you require this, press one', 'if you require that press two' etc. Once I finally got through and explained to them that I had no reception in my house and that I needed the PAC code, I got transferred to some guy who then launched off on a giant spiel about all the good deals I could get from Orange, the number of free minutes and text messages a month I could have and why Orange is the best mobile service provider on the face of God's green earth.
I let him stop for breath before reminding him that the reason I was choosing to stop using Orange was not price related but because all the free minutes in the world are no use at all when you HAVE NO COVERAGE.
To which he said, in a tone of utter contempt, 'you have no coverage AT ALL?'. I got the feeling it was only by a thin thread that he was avoiding telling me I should clearly just move house.
Event - met up with Gareth and went along to pub quiz at the Prince Regent in Herne Hill last week. I felt a little rusty having not been at any sort of quiz in easily a year. Have to say this was reflected in the very few things I actually knew (notably the chemical symbol for Ozone and the name of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' nemesis) but in spite of my poor contribution we still WON! And walked away with a handy £45 apiece in prize money.
Am worried that the precedent thus set might be a bit too ambitious for future attempts, but will worry about it if we ever go again.
Conversation - rang up Orange yesterday morning in order to get some sort of code which would allow me to switch network providers but still keep my phone number. I have been pretty much forced to do this because Orange provides no coverage for my phone in the new flat and in order to get reception I have to dangle out of the kitchen window. And while it provides a mildly amusing mental picture, that sort of thing's simply not convenient on what we might call a regular basis.
Needless to say the process of getting through to someone who could help me with this need was quite involved and required a lot of 'if you require this, press one', 'if you require that press two' etc. Once I finally got through and explained to them that I had no reception in my house and that I needed the PAC code, I got transferred to some guy who then launched off on a giant spiel about all the good deals I could get from Orange, the number of free minutes and text messages a month I could have and why Orange is the best mobile service provider on the face of God's green earth.
I let him stop for breath before reminding him that the reason I was choosing to stop using Orange was not price related but because all the free minutes in the world are no use at all when you HAVE NO COVERAGE.
To which he said, in a tone of utter contempt, 'you have no coverage AT ALL?'. I got the feeling it was only by a thin thread that he was avoiding telling me I should clearly just move house.
Fish, Facebook and new furnishings
It's been a busy eight days since I last posted.
Since we last met I have moved house and am now reasonably well settled into the new flat. Well, my shoes are still a bit homeless but I'm trying to figure out what my strategy for storage and retrieval is. An IKEA mission might be in order.
Apart from that, am getting used to a slightly new routine (and figuring out where things are), including looking after my new pet fish - Claude and Eustace. They're coldwater fish and that's all I really know about them except that they don't seem to be very smart. Lively, but seemingly not intelligent enough to open their mouths when they want to eat. Still, am feeling quite attached to them already and I'm beginning to understand why they say watching fish can be soothing.
In the last week or so I also got involved with the somewhat time-consuming but ultimately-pointless shenanigan that is FaceBook. After an initial flurry of searching for and adding friends to your list, there doesn't seem to be much else to do with it. Think I shall stick with blogging, less interactive though it may be.
Long weekend coming up, with both Friday and Monday off - am going to Brighton on Saturday to visit Mr Kenny and explore the rumours I've heard about the city being very cool. Apart from that, I plan to spend the extra time off sitting on my new sofa, in front of my new fire and staring meditatively into space.
Since we last met I have moved house and am now reasonably well settled into the new flat. Well, my shoes are still a bit homeless but I'm trying to figure out what my strategy for storage and retrieval is. An IKEA mission might be in order.
Apart from that, am getting used to a slightly new routine (and figuring out where things are), including looking after my new pet fish - Claude and Eustace. They're coldwater fish and that's all I really know about them except that they don't seem to be very smart. Lively, but seemingly not intelligent enough to open their mouths when they want to eat. Still, am feeling quite attached to them already and I'm beginning to understand why they say watching fish can be soothing.
In the last week or so I also got involved with the somewhat time-consuming but ultimately-pointless shenanigan that is FaceBook. After an initial flurry of searching for and adding friends to your list, there doesn't seem to be much else to do with it. Think I shall stick with blogging, less interactive though it may be.
Long weekend coming up, with both Friday and Monday off - am going to Brighton on Saturday to visit Mr Kenny and explore the rumours I've heard about the city being very cool. Apart from that, I plan to spend the extra time off sitting on my new sofa, in front of my new fire and staring meditatively into space.
Monday, March 26, 2007
What cabbage?
It's been a tumultuous week.
The relief of having finally found a place to live lasted exactly a day and a half, with the plan for 6 Cavendish Rd falling apart on Wednesday afternoon. On the plus side, the one full day of relief I had, was my birthday so it was one less portent of ill will to deal with at an already stressful time. On the flip side, it meant I was back to being homeless again and with even fewer days in which to sort things out.
Still, as they say, all things happen for a reason and being chucked out on my ear meant I went looking at 70 Bonneville Gardens, met Clare (soon to be landlady and flatmate) and now am back to having a potential home again - one I feel much more positive about and one that ultimately has more earmarks for success.
Friday saw me spend the day in Belfast, mucking about with surveys at the annual FSB conference. The city looked green and pretty between the airport and the conference centre and I've had an adult-dose of Irish accents which should keep me going until the next fix.
With new housing arrangements imminent, the weekend was spent packing things away and wondering just how much rubbish one person can accumulate in a mere 8 months.
Watched The Prestige. Twice. Yes, it is just that good. What's more, it's the type of layered film that makes you realise only at the end all the little things that you've overlooked along the way. Oh yes and the boys in it are hot. Even in magician beards.
Mad busy week ahead at work, painting of new room to be done and eventual moving in shenanigans scheduled for Saturday. By the end of it all, someone is going to be a very tired panda...
The relief of having finally found a place to live lasted exactly a day and a half, with the plan for 6 Cavendish Rd falling apart on Wednesday afternoon. On the plus side, the one full day of relief I had, was my birthday so it was one less portent of ill will to deal with at an already stressful time. On the flip side, it meant I was back to being homeless again and with even fewer days in which to sort things out.
Still, as they say, all things happen for a reason and being chucked out on my ear meant I went looking at 70 Bonneville Gardens, met Clare (soon to be landlady and flatmate) and now am back to having a potential home again - one I feel much more positive about and one that ultimately has more earmarks for success.
Friday saw me spend the day in Belfast, mucking about with surveys at the annual FSB conference. The city looked green and pretty between the airport and the conference centre and I've had an adult-dose of Irish accents which should keep me going until the next fix.
With new housing arrangements imminent, the weekend was spent packing things away and wondering just how much rubbish one person can accumulate in a mere 8 months.
Watched The Prestige. Twice. Yes, it is just that good. What's more, it's the type of layered film that makes you realise only at the end all the little things that you've overlooked along the way. Oh yes and the boys in it are hot. Even in magician beards.
Mad busy week ahead at work, painting of new room to be done and eventual moving in shenanigans scheduled for Saturday. By the end of it all, someone is going to be a very tired panda...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Bring it on, 27, I dare ya...
So I suppose it had to happen sometime.
The dreaded day has come. This is the oldest I've ever been. Still, am in pretty high spirits following a good weekend and a series of phonecalls, text messages and emails that remind me how lucky I am in the family and friends departments.
Weekend shenanigans in Cardiff resulted in positive actions all around - Wales beat England; I had chocolate cake and pancakes (not together, although that sounds quite promising too); I'm now almost the proud owner of a pair of fish and, most importantly, having something else to think about for a couple of days resulted in good karma on the house front.
After visiting a grand total of 25 flats of various sizes, shapes and occupants over the last few weeks, I have now settled on No 6C Cavendish Road. The girl moving out is off to a new job in Dubai and the new flat is so close to the current one that I won't have to change any of my travel or grocery shopping habits. Perhaps rather a lot of time, effort and stress to move a mere three streets over but into each life some rain must fall, I suppose.
Off home to enjoy my first night in weeks of doing nothing and contemplating the infinite.
The dreaded day has come. This is the oldest I've ever been. Still, am in pretty high spirits following a good weekend and a series of phonecalls, text messages and emails that remind me how lucky I am in the family and friends departments.
Weekend shenanigans in Cardiff resulted in positive actions all around - Wales beat England; I had chocolate cake and pancakes (not together, although that sounds quite promising too); I'm now almost the proud owner of a pair of fish and, most importantly, having something else to think about for a couple of days resulted in good karma on the house front.
After visiting a grand total of 25 flats of various sizes, shapes and occupants over the last few weeks, I have now settled on No 6C Cavendish Road. The girl moving out is off to a new job in Dubai and the new flat is so close to the current one that I won't have to change any of my travel or grocery shopping habits. Perhaps rather a lot of time, effort and stress to move a mere three streets over but into each life some rain must fall, I suppose.
Off home to enjoy my first night in weeks of doing nothing and contemplating the infinite.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays...
This past weekend had the potential to be quite restful and relaxing. Instead I felt rushed off my feet and more stressed than ever with house-hunting plunging to unprecedented depths.
Still, stayed up and watched bad music videos from various decades and genres on Friday night, so all was not lost. What was it with the 80's and allowing dorky white boys to dance in their music videos - I'm looking at you, Rick Astley and I'm especially looking at you, Jimmy Somerville.
Off to Cardiff this coming weekend - have promised Kristen a proper Welsh experience so we will be watching rugby and looking at a castle. Oh and eating pancakes with maple syrup.
A box set of Seasons 1 & 2 of Entourage is now available at HMV and Ian tells me Season 3 of House is set to start on TV next week - proof that the world isn't such a bad place after all.
Still, stayed up and watched bad music videos from various decades and genres on Friday night, so all was not lost. What was it with the 80's and allowing dorky white boys to dance in their music videos - I'm looking at you, Rick Astley and I'm especially looking at you, Jimmy Somerville.
Off to Cardiff this coming weekend - have promised Kristen a proper Welsh experience so we will be watching rugby and looking at a castle. Oh and eating pancakes with maple syrup.
A box set of Seasons 1 & 2 of Entourage is now available at HMV and Ian tells me Season 3 of House is set to start on TV next week - proof that the world isn't such a bad place after all.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Slice of OX?
Phew. Finally another week over.
The past few days have seen me trekking in and out of several strangers' homes, asking dull questions about rent and deposits and making forced small-talk about hobbies and schedules.
Considering how big a city London is, this week it has felt tiny. At a house-viewing last night, the next potential tenant arrived early and I was amazed to recognise him as someone whose flat I had viewed back in July when I was last looking. (Good thing I didn't go with it - at the time I decided against him because I couldn't feel comfortable looking at his weird goggly eyes. Now I see that my prophetic soul had merely been warning me that he wouldn't have lasted as a potential landlord either.) Then this morning at the office I ran into an ex Dubai colleague (admittedly one to whom I've probably spoken a grand total of fourteen words since we first met back in 2002 - most of them today) who is working freelance on a project for GCI.
Went to my first meeting at the Dell offices in Bracknell yesterday. Was suprised to see that they are right next door to HP. Still, as they say, not much to do in the country but think what a tick your neighbour is. I imagine that's the case even without millions of dollars worth of computer equipment to fight over.
Tickets to Finland bought and hotel room at the Astoria booked this week as the St Petersburg slowly starts to take shape. Am trying to see if I can work in a detour to the North of Finland to go to the Lordi rocktaurant. So far KY and Tiina aren't going for it, but it's early days yet.
Will be 27 in 11 days. Am so not ready.
The past few days have seen me trekking in and out of several strangers' homes, asking dull questions about rent and deposits and making forced small-talk about hobbies and schedules.
Considering how big a city London is, this week it has felt tiny. At a house-viewing last night, the next potential tenant arrived early and I was amazed to recognise him as someone whose flat I had viewed back in July when I was last looking. (Good thing I didn't go with it - at the time I decided against him because I couldn't feel comfortable looking at his weird goggly eyes. Now I see that my prophetic soul had merely been warning me that he wouldn't have lasted as a potential landlord either.) Then this morning at the office I ran into an ex Dubai colleague (admittedly one to whom I've probably spoken a grand total of fourteen words since we first met back in 2002 - most of them today) who is working freelance on a project for GCI.
Went to my first meeting at the Dell offices in Bracknell yesterday. Was suprised to see that they are right next door to HP. Still, as they say, not much to do in the country but think what a tick your neighbour is. I imagine that's the case even without millions of dollars worth of computer equipment to fight over.
Tickets to Finland bought and hotel room at the Astoria booked this week as the St Petersburg slowly starts to take shape. Am trying to see if I can work in a detour to the North of Finland to go to the Lordi rocktaurant. So far KY and Tiina aren't going for it, but it's early days yet.
Will be 27 in 11 days. Am so not ready.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
How do ya like them Apples?
Early morning drama today. Woke up cold and was told that the radiator in Dianne's room was leaking beyond any hope of repair and would need replacing. Hung about waiting for the plumber for a while and then left when I found that Tara (landlady) had given him keys after all! Still, will be nice to have the house feel warm again after no heating or hot water since Sunday night.
Got pretty replacement headphones for my iPod - my usual anal retentive sensibilities made me think I couldn't have anything but Apple ones but a recent amount of anti-Apple feeling led me to not want to give them any more of my money than necessary. So I settled on Sony ones as some sort of compromise. But really, I think the fact that they had pretty turquoise bits on them was probably the actual deciding factor.
Good progress being made on planning for St Petersburg and Italy later on in the year. No progress made on planning for visa shenanigans, impending homelessness or upcoming birthday.
Got pretty replacement headphones for my iPod - my usual anal retentive sensibilities made me think I couldn't have anything but Apple ones but a recent amount of anti-Apple feeling led me to not want to give them any more of my money than necessary. So I settled on Sony ones as some sort of compromise. But really, I think the fact that they had pretty turquoise bits on them was probably the actual deciding factor.
Good progress being made on planning for St Petersburg and Italy later on in the year. No progress made on planning for visa shenanigans, impending homelessness or upcoming birthday.
Monday, March 05, 2007
You callin' me a liar?
Phew! Rather a full weekend, although I'm not sure what of.
Friday afternoon at the Computer Weekly awards at the London Marriott. Dell didn't win whatever it was they were up for, but I suppose it would have been worse hanging out at the office, working. Wandered down Oxford St to get to the tube station home and was accosted by a guy trying to get people to contribute to some charity. I tried telling him that I already contribute to several charities of my choosing, so I would look into his before committing to anything. He didn't seem to believe me, which I have to say left me feeling quite put out, even though I'm sure is probably the sort of lame excuse he must get from a lot of people. Still, I feel guilty enough about feeling like I don't do enough to better the world, without having random men on the street doubting my bonafides. Hmph.
Spent Friday night on the sofa watching Walk The Line with Dianne and Boris - I'd seen it before but a little more Johnny Cash never hurt anyone. Or at least if it did, I'm not aware of any documented examples.
Saturday and Sunday were spent dashing in and out of the house for various errands, a bit of house-hunting and farewell drinks for young Catherine who heads back to Dubai this week. Mojitos rule.
Birthday in 15 days and I don't think I've ever felt less excited. Oh well, no doubt I'll get up some enthusiasm when the cards and presents come flooding in...
Friday afternoon at the Computer Weekly awards at the London Marriott. Dell didn't win whatever it was they were up for, but I suppose it would have been worse hanging out at the office, working. Wandered down Oxford St to get to the tube station home and was accosted by a guy trying to get people to contribute to some charity. I tried telling him that I already contribute to several charities of my choosing, so I would look into his before committing to anything. He didn't seem to believe me, which I have to say left me feeling quite put out, even though I'm sure is probably the sort of lame excuse he must get from a lot of people. Still, I feel guilty enough about feeling like I don't do enough to better the world, without having random men on the street doubting my bonafides. Hmph.
Spent Friday night on the sofa watching Walk The Line with Dianne and Boris - I'd seen it before but a little more Johnny Cash never hurt anyone. Or at least if it did, I'm not aware of any documented examples.
Saturday and Sunday were spent dashing in and out of the house for various errands, a bit of house-hunting and farewell drinks for young Catherine who heads back to Dubai this week. Mojitos rule.
Birthday in 15 days and I don't think I've ever felt less excited. Oh well, no doubt I'll get up some enthusiasm when the cards and presents come flooding in...
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Hurrah! Titles!
It has been a busy week so far, with not much hope of it easing up any time soon. *Sigh*
Have seen two more flats so far but nothing that has taken my breath away sufficiently to warrant mentioning in any depth.
Kate's last day tomorrow and I am pretty distraught, but am attempting to hide it under a veil of scornful disregard. One of these days, something is going to snap - I can just tell.
Machinations with getting my UK work permit should begin soon and it looks like the time-frame for getting it all sorted out might be April/May, meaning I might have to put off the US trip I was planning to do at that time. On the plus side, Campbell has come through with an interesting proposition for spending his 30th birthday in St Petersburg that should serve as a cheerful substitute. I shall ignore the following statements from the WikiTravel site on the city:
Have seen two more flats so far but nothing that has taken my breath away sufficiently to warrant mentioning in any depth.
Kate's last day tomorrow and I am pretty distraught, but am attempting to hide it under a veil of scornful disregard. One of these days, something is going to snap - I can just tell.
Machinations with getting my UK work permit should begin soon and it looks like the time-frame for getting it all sorted out might be April/May, meaning I might have to put off the US trip I was planning to do at that time. On the plus side, Campbell has come through with an interesting proposition for spending his 30th birthday in St Petersburg that should serve as a cheerful substitute. I shall ignore the following statements from the WikiTravel site on the city:
- St Petersburg is known for violent conflicts and is notorious for violence and break-ins
- After the war with Chechnya, local hatred is growing toward people with darker complexions and neo-Nazism is a concern
- Russian drivers do not respect pedestrians too much... Do not even think about running over the road when there is a red light because some drivers will just drive faster and not stop, even if they hit you
- Steer clear of stray dogs, as some are aggressive
And my personal favourite:
- In some places in St Petersburg, you should not brush your teeth with the tap water, nor open your mouth during showers
Monday, February 26, 2007
It's been a full weekend and I'm still tired.
Friday night saw a very sparkly gold Dianne celebrating her birthday in style. I went along with Random Mark in tow - and felt like a right old lady beside all the energy and enthusiasm a 22 year old nipper has - and had rather a good night out, although I did manage to lose my jacket along the way. Still, the jacket was nigh on 10 years old and wasn't even warm anymore. I think I miss it more for sentimental reasons than warmth-related ones. Actually, by the end of the night when I had taken my shoes off and was wandering around barefoot, I might also have been a little cold.
Saturday morning saw me wandering along Northcote Road in a bit of a daze, looking for a suitable present for Baby Yousuf. Having bought him t-shirts with dinosaurs on them (because all little boys should wear dinosaur clothing. It's the rule.), I wandered into Buona Sera planning to grab some lunch and spend some quality time readin JPod. The looks of pity on the faces of the hostess, wait-staff and people at the next table, presumably because I was on my own and thus clearly a social leper,were nearly unbearable. I made up for it by eating a meal of epic proportions and then promptly feeling incredibly sick. Hobbled home and spent the rest of the afternoon in a restful anaconda-like state of digestive hibernation.
Watched An Inconvenient Truth that evening and very good it was too. Although, that said, I think it's (rightly) aimed more at American audiences than international ones. Awareness and activism around climate change is very strong in Europe, so the film didn't necessarily educate me on issues, but rather on the extent of them. As I said, very good indeed, in spite of some cheesy Al Gore montage moments.
Sunday passed in a blur of kiddie birthday party and catching up with Geoff King for drinks and dinner. Without any specific purpose in mind, I led the poor unsuspecting gentleman to the heart of Soho where as a heterosexual pair we were in the minority. Still, it's all character-building.
Spent three hours in a Digital Influencer training session today which I found quite interesting - perhaps proof of my supreme dorkiness. Or maybe truly the communication tool of the immediate future.
32 days.
Friday night saw a very sparkly gold Dianne celebrating her birthday in style. I went along with Random Mark in tow - and felt like a right old lady beside all the energy and enthusiasm a 22 year old nipper has - and had rather a good night out, although I did manage to lose my jacket along the way. Still, the jacket was nigh on 10 years old and wasn't even warm anymore. I think I miss it more for sentimental reasons than warmth-related ones. Actually, by the end of the night when I had taken my shoes off and was wandering around barefoot, I might also have been a little cold.
Saturday morning saw me wandering along Northcote Road in a bit of a daze, looking for a suitable present for Baby Yousuf. Having bought him t-shirts with dinosaurs on them (because all little boys should wear dinosaur clothing. It's the rule.), I wandered into Buona Sera planning to grab some lunch and spend some quality time readin JPod. The looks of pity on the faces of the hostess, wait-staff and people at the next table, presumably because I was on my own and thus clearly a social leper,were nearly unbearable. I made up for it by eating a meal of epic proportions and then promptly feeling incredibly sick. Hobbled home and spent the rest of the afternoon in a restful anaconda-like state of digestive hibernation.
Watched An Inconvenient Truth that evening and very good it was too. Although, that said, I think it's (rightly) aimed more at American audiences than international ones. Awareness and activism around climate change is very strong in Europe, so the film didn't necessarily educate me on issues, but rather on the extent of them. As I said, very good indeed, in spite of some cheesy Al Gore montage moments.
Sunday passed in a blur of kiddie birthday party and catching up with Geoff King for drinks and dinner. Without any specific purpose in mind, I led the poor unsuspecting gentleman to the heart of Soho where as a heterosexual pair we were in the minority. Still, it's all character-building.
Spent three hours in a Digital Influencer training session today which I found quite interesting - perhaps proof of my supreme dorkiness. Or maybe truly the communication tool of the immediate future.
32 days.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday was Pancake Day here in the UK. Something about a tradition of making pancakes to use up things like eggs, flour and sugar which were the sort of thing that good Christians gave up for Lent. I'm not sure I know anyone anymore who gives up anything for Lent but everyone loves a good pancake, right?
I was astounded to learn that British pancakes are not the same as American ones (and honestly people, I think we're dragging this difference thing just a little too far. I mean, mustard is one thing, but pancakes? Really?). Turns out British pancakes are kind of thin and bubbly, more like crepes (and don't let's even get started on trying to compare British food with French), and served with lemon and sugar while American pancakes are more soft and squishy and served with butter and maple syrup. I nearly had the chance to try the British kind as we were meant to be having them here at the office that afternoon, but some nonsense about the hot-plate not working deterred me. Oddly enough, Dianne had Scotch pancakes at home that night which were really just like miniature versions of American ones, which she had with butter and jam. So perhaps what I was calling British pancakes are actually just English pancakes? But then, that's apparently how they have them in Wales as well. I am thoroughly confused. Besides, I've always preferred waffles anyway.
Have now given my landlady notice, so the countdown to being homeless is officially on. 37 days.
I was astounded to learn that British pancakes are not the same as American ones (and honestly people, I think we're dragging this difference thing just a little too far. I mean, mustard is one thing, but pancakes? Really?). Turns out British pancakes are kind of thin and bubbly, more like crepes (and don't let's even get started on trying to compare British food with French), and served with lemon and sugar while American pancakes are more soft and squishy and served with butter and maple syrup. I nearly had the chance to try the British kind as we were meant to be having them here at the office that afternoon, but some nonsense about the hot-plate not working deterred me. Oddly enough, Dianne had Scotch pancakes at home that night which were really just like miniature versions of American ones, which she had with butter and jam. So perhaps what I was calling British pancakes are actually just English pancakes? But then, that's apparently how they have them in Wales as well. I am thoroughly confused. Besides, I've always preferred waffles anyway.
Have now given my landlady notice, so the countdown to being homeless is officially on. 37 days.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Apologies again to anyone who was sitting there, holding their breath and waiting for an update on my weekend activities.
After my post on Friday I had a stroke of inspiration that made me order a DVD for Dianne that I think she'd like. Go figure that we watched TV together that night and she mentioned at least two things that then sounded like better presents. Hmph.
A sudden spate of keen-ness (aided by a gurgling heater that woke me up at an ungodly hour) saw me in the gym on Saturday morning - a rash decision for which my nether portions have yet to forgive me. Did a bit of flat-visiting in the afternoon and saw quite a nice place on Northcote Road that I could quite easily see myself living in. I have since been informed that, in actual fact, I will not be living there. Hey ho.
Watched Hot Fuzz, which made me giggle but not laugh out loud. Good film though, understated humour and a good amount of referencing back to things I found funny in Shaun of the Dead as well. I shall watch Simon Pegg's future endeavours with considerable interest.
Went to see another flat on Sunday afternoon and, have to say, had my faith in humanity shaken a little. It turned out to be a house with SIX people living in it (bad start), with stains on the carpet (ick), broken sofas (really disturbed by this point), a bathtub that was missing tiles and had exposed pipes along the bottom (horrified) and a kitchen that looked like nobody had ever wiped it down after a fry-up (nearly the last straw). The people that lived in there were all roughly my age, possibly even a little older in one case, so I couldn't even write it off as student behaviour. Then they had the colossal nerve to tell me that lots of interested parties had viewed it, so they couldn't be sure if I would get the room. It took all my willpower not to tell them that not only did I not want the room but that no amount of showers would ever make me feel clean again after this vile experience. When I heard that one of the bills for the month was apparently for a cleaner, I knew the last straw had come and gone; the camel's back was in pieces. I fled.
Sunday night saw another bit of drama, as Dianne attempted a bit of DIY, trying to bleed our radiators. The gurgling noises were simply unbearable and the house was getting progressively colder all week. It seemed to work at first but then the whole thing went kaput and we had no heating or hot water. After a minor amount of drama from Ms Ramsay, we called the landlady who in turn called 'the little man' who came along and sorted it out in just under 15 minutes. The upshot of all this being that now that winter is coming to an end and we're both scheduled to move out soon, we have a wonderfully warm and toasty house =P
Yesterday disappeared in a haze of busy-ness and this week looks like another packed few days. What it is to be so popular!
After my post on Friday I had a stroke of inspiration that made me order a DVD for Dianne that I think she'd like. Go figure that we watched TV together that night and she mentioned at least two things that then sounded like better presents. Hmph.
A sudden spate of keen-ness (aided by a gurgling heater that woke me up at an ungodly hour) saw me in the gym on Saturday morning - a rash decision for which my nether portions have yet to forgive me. Did a bit of flat-visiting in the afternoon and saw quite a nice place on Northcote Road that I could quite easily see myself living in. I have since been informed that, in actual fact, I will not be living there. Hey ho.
Watched Hot Fuzz, which made me giggle but not laugh out loud. Good film though, understated humour and a good amount of referencing back to things I found funny in Shaun of the Dead as well. I shall watch Simon Pegg's future endeavours with considerable interest.
Went to see another flat on Sunday afternoon and, have to say, had my faith in humanity shaken a little. It turned out to be a house with SIX people living in it (bad start), with stains on the carpet (ick), broken sofas (really disturbed by this point), a bathtub that was missing tiles and had exposed pipes along the bottom (horrified) and a kitchen that looked like nobody had ever wiped it down after a fry-up (nearly the last straw). The people that lived in there were all roughly my age, possibly even a little older in one case, so I couldn't even write it off as student behaviour. Then they had the colossal nerve to tell me that lots of interested parties had viewed it, so they couldn't be sure if I would get the room. It took all my willpower not to tell them that not only did I not want the room but that no amount of showers would ever make me feel clean again after this vile experience. When I heard that one of the bills for the month was apparently for a cleaner, I knew the last straw had come and gone; the camel's back was in pieces. I fled.
Sunday night saw another bit of drama, as Dianne attempted a bit of DIY, trying to bleed our radiators. The gurgling noises were simply unbearable and the house was getting progressively colder all week. It seemed to work at first but then the whole thing went kaput and we had no heating or hot water. After a minor amount of drama from Ms Ramsay, we called the landlady who in turn called 'the little man' who came along and sorted it out in just under 15 minutes. The upshot of all this being that now that winter is coming to an end and we're both scheduled to move out soon, we have a wonderfully warm and toasty house =P
Yesterday disappeared in a haze of busy-ness and this week looks like another packed few days. What it is to be so popular!
Friday, February 16, 2007
More of a challenge than usual, getting out of bed this morning, in spite of it being lighter at 7.00am than it has in months and my heater gurgling like a leaky tap right by my ear. Still it's Friday, so that's some small consolation.
Met up with Pete Kenny last night which, apart from one particularly revolting anecdote involving a centipede, was an excellent evening's worth of story-swapping and Chinese food.
Looking forward to a weekend spent sitting on my sofa, staring into space. Might have to intersperse a bit of birthday present buying for Dianne's 31st next week. Astoundingly, I have realised that in spite of having lived in close quarters for six months and spening several evenings having a chat with her, I really don't know what she likes or would want.
Hrm.
Met up with Pete Kenny last night which, apart from one particularly revolting anecdote involving a centipede, was an excellent evening's worth of story-swapping and Chinese food.
Looking forward to a weekend spent sitting on my sofa, staring into space. Might have to intersperse a bit of birthday present buying for Dianne's 31st next week. Astoundingly, I have realised that in spite of having lived in close quarters for six months and spening several evenings having a chat with her, I really don't know what she likes or would want.
Hrm.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
So the longest night of the year has finally passed and I can put off being single and bitter about a Hallmark holiday for another year. Special thanks to Geoff and Toosy, whose cards, gifts and flowers are actually the only Valentine's Day presents I've ever received, making this an extraordinary year.
Spent last night eating pizza and watching Snakes on a Plane with Dianne. Personal highlights:
Spent last night eating pizza and watching Snakes on a Plane with Dianne. Personal highlights:
- "Great. Snakes on crack."
- Scenes being shot in evil green snake vision
- The bad guy who has arranged to fill the plane with snakes saying there was no other way to stop the witness testifying against him
- End credits song by Cobra Starship featuring lines such as 'I can see the venom in your eyes'
Another long week this week - still no flat and more upsets at work. If I were so inclined, I'd be wasting away from the stress - sadly I think it's having the opposite effect and I'm expanding rapidly enough to soon have my own gravitational force.
Still, meeting up with the unsuspecting Mr Kenny tonight, which promises to be amusing and uplifting.
Will end on this note:
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