what's going on?

Yet another sponsored run

2008-04-16T22:02:00.003+01:00

Hello...long time no blog...

As you may know I run the Race for Life every year for Cancer Research UK. In addition to my usual 5k for Cancer, last year I ran 5k in September at the HydroActive Women's Challenge for Action for ME, the national charity for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

This year I'm stepping it up...I am entered (and have received my orange & purple running vest - lovely) for the British 10k, a run through the streets of London. I am, again running for Action for ME because ME is a hugely misunderstood disease. No one knows this more than people with M.E., like myself.

I have just had to explain it to my boss in the light of me having a possible relapse. I ran just over 2 weeks ago and have been having a low period ever since. Hopefully this won't last too much longer, because I really do need to do more training!! More on that later...

Anyway, any generous readers out there can visit my sponsorship page: www.justgiving.com/runforme

Thank you xx xx xx

Where have you been?

2008-04-08T23:32:00.002+01:00

create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands

I know I have posted this before, but I've been to more places now! Sorry (again) for being a rubbish blogger. I have spent about 3 weeks living sleeping dreaming Brownie Holiday which is very dull for anyone who isn't a) a Brownie Guider or b) a HUGE fan of the Mr Men...

I have signed up to run 10k in July for Action for M.E. If you're feeling generous, my fundraising page is here. Help to inspire me to run!!

Soon I will post soon! But in the meantime, where have you been??

It's good to be back

2008-03-16T19:18:00.003Z

Oh my gosh.... I'm back.

It has been an extraordinarily long time since I blogged. So long in fact that I was surprised to find that my URL still existed...I stopped for a number of reasons, the biggest of which was having little to write about and absolutely no time. I have also been battling a number of "diseases" and have had all my energy wiped from me!

So, what's been happening?? Not only have I not blogged, but I have let my normal readers down and haven't visited a blog in ages. This is mainly due to the fact that blogger is blocked at school, so I can't get on to any websites which have ".blogspot" in the title. Very sad, especially as blogging has been taken over by ebaying which is much more time consuming and far more expensive!

I'm now living with Phil and all is well. I couldn't move back home now I don't think. I have got too used to having my own space. We don't argue often and when we do it tends to be about something silly. I have a whole other blog post in my head about the whys of living with a man ("why does the shopping take 3 times as long with a man?" etc).

I am still at school, and with the Easter holidays fast approaching I can feel my body begin to relax. I love school, the boys are great and the therapy is interesting. It is quite hardcore though which as we know my body doesn't cope with. For this reason I am now on a cocktail of drugs to get me through the day. Sigh.

Good news is that I got into university to do my Speech Therapy degree. I went through 4 long and difficult interviews but was finally accepted to UCL (again) and Reading. I am going back to UCL in September and am really looking forward to it. I also passed my MSc with a convincing pass mark. The dissertation-that-tried-to-kill-me was all worth it, with my mark coming out at 66%. I was really chuffed, and am going to be graduating in September. I am officially "Clare Groome, BA (Hons), MSc.

That's all I think.... another post soon I promise!!

Quick update

2007-10-24T11:45:00.000+01:00

I am still alive, though the inevitable half term bug did attempt to strike me down... I slept for two days straight and am feeling somewhat better now.

Please pay attention to the new addition to my side bar. Treasure Island is Ottershaw's Christmas production and it's going to be brilliant!! Swashing of buckles, lots of yo ho hoing etc. Come and see it if you're in the area, and if you're not, make the journey - it'll be worth it! Bring you children, your grandchildren, your aunts, uncles and cousins!

I am moving house in 3 days time and haven't started packing yet. There's been lots going on, mainly my beloved godfather Lester becoming very ill in Bristol. We've all been on tenterhooks for the last week, but sadly he passed away last night. Not really thinking about much else at the moment.

Off now to do my ironing, and think about packing. And try to decide which of the MANY pink things I own to use for the Photo Hunt this week...

Photo Hunt - Practical

2007-10-22T17:46:00.001+01:00

I have been away...but now I am back, later than ever before, with an entry for "Practical". (I hope I'm still allowed to play after such a long absence?)

This entry is both practical AND pretty... And inside the handle are three useful additions :)

The hammer is my mother's (she also has a tape measure). The stapler is mine, a birthday present in response to the request for "pretty things" for my birthday!

AWOL

2007-10-13T18:59:00.000+01:00

I am alive. Some of you will already know this of course. Anyway. I live, I breathe, I sleep. No updates for a while due to everything fun being blocked at school (grrr) and actually not having much to say. Oh and the internet is dodgy at home and I got bored of Blogger crashing!!

News:

Loving new job, but finding it very tiring. Roll on half term!!!

Phil and I officially move in together in two weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch this space....

Am in two plays at the moment, "Treasure Island" with Ottershaw Players and "Little Red Riding Hood" with Byfleet Players. Consequently I spend most of my time trying to remember which play I'm doing at the time and which lines I'm supposed to say...

Will be back in half term I promise!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo Hunt - Paper

2007-09-22T15:01:00.000+01:00

Another late entry from me - in fact all I seem to do at the moment is post the Photo Hunt entries...

Last week I talked about my plastic chair which is really uncomfortable when writing a thesis. This week....my thesis! Well, it fits the theme!

Photo Hunt - Plastic

2007-09-16T16:30:00.000+01:00

Bit slow this week, and a bit of a random photo!

This is my desk chair in my bedroom. I bought it primarily because it is pink...however, it is also very uncomfortable if you sit in it for a long time, which I have been doing recently due to my thesis being due! Anyway, a plastic chair for the photo hunt!

Photo Hunt - Music

2007-09-07T21:48:00.000+01:00

Here is my "musical" offering for this week's photo hunt.... My brother (yes, despite the long hair) is playing the guitar in this picture, with his band Cowblanket. I don't know why they were called that and sadly they have now disbanded, but when they played they had a small but devoted following!!

Enjoy!

It's a dog's life.

2007-09-02T15:46:00.001+01:00

While I remember... In fact it was reading Welshcakes post about Simi that I remembered to post this - pictures of William and Grace after their haircuts. Normally Lhasas have long hair which reaches the ground. This has proved entirely impractical for our dogs, so we tend to keep them quite short. When we first have them done they look quite silly, but also deliciously neat and cute. It turns out that Gracey has very long legs and a very skinny body, whereas William is very stocky and muscley. They might not be to everyone's tastes, but I think they're gorgeous!

(on a related note, I was talking about the God Delusion by Richard Dawkins this week. I got my tongue twisted and called it the Dog Delusion, which would be an entirely different book!)

Not looking bad for 90

2007-09-02T15:17:00.000+01:00

Yesterday me, Patrick, Daniel, Dad and Monika trekked to Ipswich to celebrate Aunty Nancy's 90th birthday. She was, as always, in fine fettle and as you can see, still looking good for 9 decades. She said she had had a wonderful birthday and was quite overwhelmed by how kind everyone had been (she received 46 birthday cards in all!). In the photo AN is enjoying a strawberry ice-cream (a woman after my own heart) and she was very proud to not only eat the world's biggest portion of plaice, but then to eat ALL of her huge portion of ice-cream. She said as she ate it "I will eat all this ice-cream even if I pop". And she did! (Finish it, not pop!)

Photo Hunt - Dirty

2007-09-01T22:36:00.000+01:00

I didn't think I would post this week, and am doing so very late, but mainly cos I don't have a very good picture (did anyone else find this theme hard?) but also because I have been in the library all week working on my thesis and then in Ipswich today celebrating my Aunt's 90th birthday (see below)

So here are my not-great-contributions this week:

"Dirty Weather" at Pack Holiday 2007

"Dirty Boat", Emsworth

Nostalgia

2007-08-31T11:01:00.000+01:00

It was my Aunt Nancy's 90th birthday this week (on Tuesday, in fact). 90 years seems impossibly old for this very active and bright woman, but I am assured that she has been rocking and rolling for 9 decades now...

Anyway, Dad has organised one of those digital picture frames for her. I'm not really sure what that means, but he asked me to find some photos she might like. I had already found loads of old photos from when mum and I tidied her room a few weeks ago, so that was quite easy. I particularly like the one below, which was taken on my first birthday:

Back row (L-R): Grandpa Groome (Dad's dad), Aunty Nancy, Uncle Harry
Front row (L-R): Grandma Groome (Dad's mum), Dad (check out the socks), Mum, me and Grandma Vera, mum's stepmum (my Australian Grandma)

Whenever I look at photos like these I am always really grateful that my parents took to recording every moment of my life from birth (pretty much). When I am old and grey (and perhaps 90 years old), I hope I still have these photos to remember things by.

2007-08-30T15:33:00.001+01:00

ok ok ok... I said I wouldn't post, but then I found out that I had been linked/mentioned/used (in a good way) on Nourishing Obscurity... A mentioned blogger is a happy blogger.

PS: the photo at the top of my page, and at the top of the post on NO, is by my dad whom I probably should have credited before now...

Please leave a message after the tone....

2007-08-30T14:49:00.001+01:00

Clare is not available to blog right now, but will be back, after 14th September (but probably before) when dissertation hell is finished....

Due to lack of time, and rising stress levels, I seem to have neglected this blog. I am very sorry, as I still really enjoy reading everyone else’s. I may not be able to participate in the Photo Hunt this week as I am seriously stressed about work (dissertation due in oh not long enough days) and also can’t think of a suitable picture.

Instead I will leave this picture with you, for all the women who read this (again, sorry for 3 blokes who read this blog), which I received through email a few months ago. It made me chuckle, and I printed it out – it’s now on my wall. (You may have to click on it to read it better...)

Also, here is a picture of little Kieran George Hames, who was born on 29^th August at 10:33, weighing 9lbs. Kieran is the son of my friend Zanna (whose purple nails you can see in the picture!), who I went to school with.

For all you women...

2007-08-25T12:37:00.000+01:00

Q: How many women going through the MENOPAUSE (or PMS) does it take to change a light bulb?

A: One! ONLY ONE!!!! And do you know WHY? Because no one else in this house knows HOW to change a light bulb! They don't even know that the bulb is BURNED OUT!! They would sit in the dark for THREE DAYS before they figured it out (as long as the TV and beer fridge still worked). And, once they figured it out, they wouldn't be able to find the stupid light bulbs despite the fact that they've been in the SAME CABINET for the past 17 YEARS!But if they did, by some miracle of God, actually find them, 4 DAYS LATER, the chair they dragged to stand on to change the STUPID light bulb would STILL BE IN THE SAME SPOT!!!!! AND UNDERNEATH IT WOULD BE THE WRAPPER THE "F&*%$£G" LIGHT BULBS CAME IN!!! BECAUSE NO ONE EVER CARRIES OUT THE RUBBISH!!!! IT'S A WONDER WE HAVEN'T ALL SUFFOCATED FROM THE PILES OF CRAP THAT ARE A FOOT DEEP THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE!! IT WOULD TAKE AN ARMY TO CLEAN THIS PLACE! AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON WHO CHANGES THE TOILET ROLL !! . . .

Photo Hunt - Happy

2007-08-24T21:23:00.000+01:00

PhotoHunt

My beautiful friend Emmie has a very characteristic laugh. I am lucky enough to have caught it on camera twice, once in Hungary when we were on a GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development) Project (one of the happiest times of my life) and once at her wedding, in July 2007 (one of the happiest days of her life). I thought both fitted the theme perfectly.

Emmie in Hungary 2003

Emmie at her wedding, July 2007

Old photos

2007-08-22T20:34:00.001+01:00

I have been feeling bored and nostalgic recently. I was looking through some old photos from uni and from when I went to Hungary and I came across this photo of Phil on his graduation day. I think its a lovely one of him, and I'm quite pleased with it from a photographic point of view as well.

I think the girl to his left (right as you look at it) is thinking evil thoughts though...

Photo Hunt - Two

2007-08-18T14:49:00.001+01:00

PhotoHunt

Here is my offering for the Photo Hunt this week:

Two peas in a pod! (Except I'll let you in on a secret...they are both me!)

Furiousness

2007-08-17T18:18:00.000+01:00

I sent an email to my dissertation supervisor and my head of department today concerning some problems I have had with the project. The contents of the email was personal and (I considered it to be) confidential.

My supervisor emailed me back with a very supportive email but he has copied two other people in on his reply, leaving my original email at the bottom. If I had wanted them to know, I would have sent it to them...

I am furious that my confidentiality has been breached. I just assumed he wouldn't forward it on to anyone. ARGH>

A pushme-pullyou dog...

2007-08-17T17:08:00.000+01:00

Another random phone photo of my dogs doing silly things.

Darcey on the left was quite comfortable on the beanbag, when Grace climbed on top of her and lay down. Before I moved to take the photo, you really couldn't see where one dog started and the other ended!

But now I wish I had put this up as my photo hunt photo - a two headed dog...

2007-08-16T18:30:00.000+01:00

Last week I promised photos from my shopping "spree" with the Jigsaw voucher mum gave me. We went into Guildford (your favourite place Chux!) and had a lovely time browsing in the sunshine. I was only allowed to buy new clothes for work, and so....

A new jumper:

A new skirt:

And a new cardigan:

They all look much nicer on than they do spread on my duvet!

In other exciting news, Phil's parents have given me some money for house sitting/watering the garden whilst they were away. I feel dreadful about taking it, as I really didn't do much except water the greenhouse as it was during the floods and all it did was rain. But they insisted. So I paid the cheque in today and will hopefully be shopping again soon - for work clothes again (no denim, what AM I going to do??) but probably from H&M this time - MUCH cheaper than Jigsaw!

Welcome to the Twilight Zone

2007-08-15T20:11:00.001+01:00

Having read on Pete's blog about HLYW's dream about David Bowie, it reminded me about my strange dream last night.

I dreamt we were having the first rehearsal for Treasure Island (Ottershaw's next show at the Rhoda), but two things were a little odd. First, it was held in my bedroom - not the normal place to hold a rehearsal with a cast of at least ten people. Second we were in costume. Not too weird, except that my costume was a pair of tights. Just a pair of tights. So I spent the whole rehearsal wrapped in my duvet, wearing a pair of tights. Now, Chris is doing the costumes, so I am hoping that if I am in it, I will be wearing more than just some tights...

Also weird was that I was playing a male pirate who has his leg shot off on the first page. There is no such character...I also had to sing "I'll make a man out of you" from Oh What a Lovely War as part of the rehearsal!

Does anyone have a dream diary?

If at first you don't succeed...

2007-08-13T12:42:00.000+01:00

Never mind eh... He didn't pass, but he's going to do it again in a few weeks.

All the best people fail first time...

Say a little prayer...

2007-08-13T10:58:00.000+01:00

....If you're of a religious frame of mind: my brother has his driving test today. It would be brilliant if he passed, he needs some good news after the farce of his degree results.

I will even try not to get annoyed when he gloats at passing first time (I passed second time)...

So, fingers crossed, and all that jazz...

Stress....

2007-08-11T23:16:00.000+01:00

I now have three documents open. In total I have written 1,342 words. Unfortunately it's about as dysfluent (it's a word, honestly) as some of my stammerers. I'm sort of writing things down as I find them, and then hoping I can make it hang together at some point. It's terrible, I hate it, and I cried a lot earlier. But hey.

I found this poem from Lewis Carroll (a stutterer - did you know the character of the Dodo was based on the man himself?) which amused me:

Learn well your grammar,
And never stammer,
Write well and neatly,
And sing most sweetly,
…Drink tea, not coffee;
Never eat toffy.
Eat bread with butter.
Once more, don't stutter.

-from Rules and Regulations

Now I'm trying to work out where I can slip it into my project...

Writer's Block

2007-08-11T12:33:00.000+01:00

I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again.

OSCAR WILDE

I cannot think of anything more to write. I have written about stammering. I have written a little about Conversation Analysis. I have written about why we should look at stammering in the light of Conversation Analysis techniques and theories.

I am bashing my head against a brick wall.

With apologies to Helen Fielding (and Bridget Jones)

2007-08-10T16:19:00.000+01:00

Cups of tea: 3 large (not v.good)

Cups of coffee: 1 large (not v.good)

Glasses of water: 0 (very not v.good)

Lines of Chocolate Eaten: 3 (not good, but choc is fair-trade and therefore allowed?)

Cookies eaten: 2 (ok, except that the only other thing I’ve eaten is 2 slices of toast)

Work done: minimal (very not v.good – deadline is fast approaching)

Naps: 45 mins (awful, bad, terrible)

Blogs read: numerous (very very very bad)

Blog articles written: 3

Television watched: none (very good!)

Games of Solitaire: none (very good!)

Please stop writing interesting blog articles. In the last 2 days I have found 4 more people I want to read on a regular basis. I am never going to get my thesis done.

Photo Hunt - Row

2007-08-10T12:18:00.000+01:00

PhotoHunt

My First Official Photo Hunt!

When I first saw the theme for this week I initially thought of this:

Collingwood College Boat Club, Women's Eights Head of the River Race 2005

And then I read on tnchick's blog that she meant something more like this:

Looking out over Budapest, August 2003

Or this:
Tunisian Shoes, Sidi Bou Said (June 2007)

International Fun at the Jamboree

2007-08-10T10:12:00.000+01:00

The uniform makes for brotherhood, since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country.
Robert Baden-Powell

Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably have noticed there's been a lot of stuff in the press about Scouting recently. The Scout Association is 100 years old this year, and there has been a lot of hoo-hah about it in the papers in the last few weeks because of the Scout Jamboree in Essex.

I was lucky enough to go to visit last Saturday and it was amazing! 40,000 Scouty people in a huge field (Hylands Park, where the V Festival is held), with national dances, food, games and even a huge ferris wheel made of wood and string!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and immersed myself in the wonderfully Scoutiness of it all. I've got plans to take a group of girls to Iceland next year for an international camp there - how cool would that be??

PS: I know I'm a big geek, I can't help it, and make very little apology for it!

Lots of little nice things

2007-08-09T13:22:00.000+01:00

I found an old purse in my car a few weeks ago. Didn't look in it, as I thought it had been in there too long to be of any interest. Mum found it the other day - it had a £20 note in it!

*********

I lent some books to a friend of Phil's mum as Nina is worried that her 2/3 year old son is beginning to stutter. Sergei was adopted from Russia last year, so has a lot on his plate for any toddler, so I lent these books to put Nina's mind at rest. She gave them back a few weeks ago, and again I didn't look in the envelope cos I thought they were just books. I opened the envelope yesterday and found she'd also given me a bar of fruit and nut chocolate!! Even better, it's Fairtrade, therefore guilt-free, therefore calorie free :)

*********

Mum was given a voucher for Jigsaw for Christmas. She doesn't want it so she's given it to me, as she owes me some money. I am very excited about legitimate shopping opportunities, though looking at the prices on their website, I'm not sure how much I'll get for my money. Anyway, I'll post pictures when I've been shopping!

*********

Last but not least I have been awarded a Power of Schmooze Award from Chris. My first Blogging Award - I'm so proud. I now have to pass it on to 5 more people... So, Pete, Chux, Liz, Becky & Anna, here you go!

*********
What a lot of loveliness for one post. Back to Project Doom and Gloom now....

More distraction, yay!

2007-08-08T11:49:00.001+01:00

OK, scrap that. I saw this on Delmonti's blog, and thought I'd post it here:
You just have to answer the questions...

My Name is Clare, and I'm a blogger and I'm female

The Last.....

person you punched.
I once slapped someone at school - unfortunately it was in front of the head of year. I've never punched anyone though...

haircut, how much was it
£20, just before I went to Tunisia

time you thought you were gonna die
Every time I fly anywhere. But particularly when I flew home from Italy in 2000 and the turbulence was so bad we were dropping 50ft and then rising again.

holiday
Tunisia, about a month ago

flowers you sent/received
Sent, some time ago when I stayed at my Godfather's so I could do work for my dissertation.
Recieved: on 3rd July, my anniversary

album/single/song you bought (and how, store, download, bribe?)
My Fair Lady Soundtrack - bought in HMV

paid job you had
Researcher for Sacoor Medical Group, West Byfleet

alcoholic drink you had
Glass of wine at Phil's house on Sunday

bowel movement
Umm...You can tell a boy wrote this!

Kiss
Last night under an umbrella in the rain

Stitch (either cosmetic, accident, or self prescribed (like Rambo))
4 on my 4th toe on my left foot, after I dropped the wheel of a trampoline on it at school when I was 14

time you cheated on a loved one
Never. I've always split up with them before I cheated!

lie you told your boss
Never I don't think...

time you felt that initial "I'm in love!" feeling
Last night....

pair of shoes you bought
A pair of black ballet-type shoes, and the same in bronze. They are the most beautifully comfortable shoes, ever.

Over to you now... you can ignore the bowel movement question!

Tunisia...a month late!

2007-08-08T11:07:00.000+01:00

I was uploading photos on to Facebook and I remembered I haven't posted about mine and Phil's holiday in Tunisia. Anyway, it's been almost a month since we went, and there is very little that is more boring than looking at other people's holiday snaps (well looking at all of them anyway), so I thought I would post a few choice ones here and be done with it!

I may be a bit quiet on the posting front for the next few weeks - thesis is due on 13th September, and I start work at More House on 3rd...Though having work to do has never stopped me blogging before...
Phil on the Salt Lake (Chott El Jerid)

Me (L) and Phil (R) on
camels in the Sahara
(my camel was called Alice,
Phil's was called Trevor)

One of the beautiful blue doors in Sidi Bou Said

Some very funky shoes on a
stall in Sidi Bou

Apparently

2007-08-03T12:57:00.001+01:00

So there we are. Small children, old people, and others are welcome!

Handsome Man

2007-08-02T19:47:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement.
Charles M Schulz (1922-2000) - Snoopy

Here is a picture I found on my phone of William looking regal. It must have been taken some time ago because he hasn't looked this calm since before the puppies were born...

If I didn't have proof....

2007-07-28T22:42:00.001+01:00

I'd never believe my eyes... Phil, ironing his shirts for work. You can tell that his mum is away and I've only just come back from a mammoth journey to Liverpool....

A Poll

2007-07-25T22:52:00.000+01:00

For all you arty dramaery people out there:
Would you rather see Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet or "something by Oscar Wilde" on stage in June?
Answers on a postcard please - or just comments in the usual place!

Little Green Bag

2007-07-25T18:40:00.001+01:00

I can resist anything but temptation

- Oscar Wilde

When I read this post by Welshcakes, it reminded me of the bag I didn't buy today. Why am I telling you about a bag I haven't bought? So you can tell me that I did the right thing by not spending money on another handbag which was entirely the wrong colour for my purposes.

Let's recap. I am going to a wedding on Friday, and am recreating my Henley outfit from a few weeks ago. There were two drawbacks to this outfit - the bag and the shoes. The shoes are gorgeous, but I spent all day digging my feet out of the mud, which became very painful. The bag is equally pretty, and bought for me by Mr & Mrs Phil for my birthday. But it's quite small. It was ok for Henley, because Phil had his camera, and held onto most of my stuff when I needed him to...But I'm going on my own to the wedding, well without Phil, so he can't keep things in his suit jacket for me.

I have bought some new flat white shoes, very practical, but not so pretty. The solution would be to wear the pretty shoes and then change them when my feet started to hurt. But where should I keep the shoes in the mean time? I can't keep them in the bag that's too small!!

Anyway, back to the pretty bag. I decided to try to get a bigger white or blue bag. I failed, but there was a beautiful green bag in M&S. It was £15, and bright green, leather. Oh it was lovely. But green, not blue or white. I didn't buy it, but it is playing on my mind....

(can you tell that I have work to do that I don't want to do?)

Now here's something depressing

2007-07-24T12:12:00.001+01:00

Arabians learn Arabian with the speed of summer lightning.

The Hebrews learn it backwards which is absolutely frightening.

Use proper English, you're regarded as a freak.

Why can't the English learn to speak?

Professor Henry Higgins - My Fair Lady

I found this article via a Facebook group called "If you can't differentiate between there, their and they're you deserve to die". A little harsh, perhaps, but as a grammar Nazi and a fan of apostrophe graffiti, this article depressed me rather a lot...

Race for Life (& Harry Potter!)

2007-07-21T16:25:00.000+01:00

I resisted temptation and did not go and buy Harry Potter at midnight. I seriously considered it - as this is the last one and all - but common sense prevailed and I slept instead.

Kate, Lisa and I managed the Race for Life this year - Kate's third, Lisa's first and my fifth. I ran about 3.5k of the 5, Lisa ran 3 ish and Kate ran "just less than 5". What really matters is that we raised £470 between us (not including Gift Aid). There are still some people left to sponsor us (ahem, Phil), so hopefully we'll break the £500 mark, which would be amazing. Thank you to EVERYONE who sponsored us!! It did show me that I really have to do some training for the one in September though, so that will give me something to do that isn't my dissertation for the coming months!

I sucumbed (how many c's?) and bought HP at Waterloo Station. So far just as readable as the others and already 2 characters are dead - devastating! I won't say anymore...I'm off to climb into my cupboard under the stairs and read some more!

PS: Liz, I hope you're not too flooded??

Funeral Blues

2007-07-20T19:18:00.000+01:00

Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours.
Yogi Berra

Too true, too true. I will not get maudlin and depressing on you, but the funeral was yesterday. Not as awful as I thought it would be, with the family politics involved (not mine, I hasten to add), but sad none the less. Weirdly I kept looking for Molly, I expected to see her there. But there were two things she would have loved. First of all it took me, mum and Patrick three attempts to find the wake - and we used to live in Teddington. The Groome sense of direction is ever present, and would have made her smile. The second is that the vicar was still wearing his bicycle clips... Which would have made her laugh out loud. It was those things that made it bearable.

This is the poem which was read out by Molly's daughter; I liked it , so I thought I'd post it here:

I am standing on the sea shore,

A ship sails in the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.

She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her

Till at last she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says:

"She is gone."

Gone! Where?

Gone from my sight -m that is all.

She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her

And just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.

The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me,

not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says,

"She is gone",

There are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout:

"There she comes"

- and that is dying. An horizon and just the limit of our sight.

Lift us up, Oh Lord, that we may see further.

Bishop Brent

Classic

2007-07-18T14:07:00.000+01:00

"It's that wet rain, soaks you through" - so says Peter Kay. It might actually be "It's that fine rain" but anyway. The heavens have just opened, so its a good excuse to get on with my project work, and I am. Or I was. But then I watched Neighbours, and there were two classic lines that just had to be shared:

Frazer to Rosie: "I might be writing cheques my body can't cash..."
and then
Frazer to Rosie (again): I didn't think I could have a relationship and concentrate on my recovery at the same time. Trouble is, I wasn't counting on how hard it would be to resist you...

Mills and Boon eat your heart out!

And now, back to the work. I really can't watch Doctors as well!

Tagged Again

2007-07-17T10:52:00.000+01:00

Pete has tagged me...So here is the list of facts and habits - some of this you may already know!

1. Fact: I used to be small enough to be passed through the nextdoor neighbour's trellis when crying

2. Habit: I fiddle with my jewellery when nervous - hence always taking it off before doing a presentation or play

3. Fact: I am born on the same day as Judy Garland. Shame I can't sing like her.

4. Habit: I read in the bath, and have rarely ruined a book doing so...

5. Fact: My first pet was a tortoise called Betty. It turned out Betty was a boy and she "ran away" when I was 6. In hindsight, I think the foxes got her.

6. Habit: I tidy up before I go to bed. I will even go as far as making the bed, just before I get into it.

7. Fact: I want to do a PhD about Autism - but can't get any funding.

8. Habit: I always look into the driveways of people I know when driving past, for no real reason, just habit...

Now I tag: Liz, Hannah, Becky...and anyone else who wants to, who hasn't already been tagged by Pete!

And relax....

2007-07-16T17:26:00.000+01:00

After the excitement of "Oh What a Lovely War" this weekend (and the After-Show party that finished at 5am - though Phil and I left at 3.30...) I dragged Phil to see the fifth Harry Potter film. Actually, that's unfair. He said he wanted to see it, but he probably wasn't quite as enthusiastic as I was...

Anyway, I really enjoyed it. The films are getting better as they get on, and I have stopped getting annoyed about it when they miss bits. In the 4th one they missed a huge and very important chunk which irritated me intensely, but in this one there are bits missing, but they are not important. I think I've realised that its easier to consider the films as "stand-alones" to the books - they are based on them, but don't tell exactly the same story. The special effects are amazing, the acting from the kids is getting better, though I wish they wouldn't bother doing the saccharine speech at the end - it makes the whole thing seems excessively cheesey.

Something that is puzzling me though - why is the film based on "His Dark Materials" called "The Golden Compass" and not "Northern Lights"?? Do they think that people won't realise its the same book, or is it like calling Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone" in the US?

Mucker.

2007-07-11T12:22:00.000+01:00

I'm eating an orange and lemon muffin at my desk at work. Not only am I eating BAD food, but there's orangey stickiness in the middle of the muffin, and now on my fingers, and my keyboard...

BORED!

2007-07-11T10:25:00.000+01:00

What a load of rubbish! But still, I was bored....

Your Brain is Green

Of all the brain types, yours has the most balance.
You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver.
You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual).

What Color Is Your Brain?

Stuff and nonsense

2007-07-11T09:47:00.000+01:00

Well that was a bit heavy, wasn't it...Had to be done though! Thanks to Chris for being my first sponsor...

Dress rehearsal last night, and I didn't really lose my temper once - impressive! Now everyone is wearing their costumes it's looking better and better. If we can get all the sound cues in the right place, and all the lighting cues in the right place (and get the actors not to stand in the darkness, numpties!) it will be a great show.

I'm trying to read a lot of Shakespeare to get some inspiration for a play....Does anyone know how you find out what is on the school syllabuses (syllabi?) for English Lit? I like Shakespeare, it's so clever.

Having a bit of a quandry about two lots of dramaery stuff happening on the same night. But I will think on and work something out....

This is a really random post, sorry!

ME and me

2007-07-10T09:27:00.000+01:00

with MS, it is better to concentrate on what you are able to achieve with
relative ease and leave to others those things that will only make matters worse

Shirl

I have put the quote from Shirl above because, although its about MS, it is also very applicable to ME.

Probably most of you know that I have ME. Probably most of you don't know what ME actually is. Please forgive me if I seem to be patronising, but nine times out of ten people think that ME is "just being tired".

When you're ill t's like having the worst flu of your life. Every single cell of your body (no joke) feels like its on fire. If you stand up you're dizzy. If you lie down you feel sick. Your body aches with fatigue, your brain is made of cotton wool. If you can get to sleep you're lucky - and if you do you won't feel any better for it. There is only one thing to do, and that's wait for it to pass.

I am one of the lucky ones. I can study full time, I can work full time (ish), I have an active and (possibly too) busy social life. I have friends and relations who look after me, and almost understand what's going on when I say "sorry, I can't come out, I'm too tired". Because being too tired on a normal day means being dizzy and feeling sick. Being too tired on a bad day means retreating to bed and trying not to think. I often have "brain fog" - not being able to string a sentence together, or getting halfway through a sentence and having to leave it because I can't remember what I was saying. This makes me come across as very stupid, which is incredibly frustrating.

You may be wondering why I'm telling you all this. In September I am running 5k for Action for ME, the national ME charity. I would dearly like to raise a lot of money for this wonderful charity who make life worth living for people who are severly affected by ME. This is another cheeky request for sponsorship. You can sponsor me here:

I will be incredibly grateful for the smallest amount to help me reach my target.

Thank you xx

Two wonderful books

2007-07-09T14:18:00.000+01:00

Whilst on holiday with Phil I managed to read three novels. He managed one, and a bit of another. Maybe I don't read thoroughly enough!

Anyway, two of them I'll recommend, the other you can take or leave, I didn't really enjoy it.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a gorgeous book. It starts with the birth of twins on a snowy night. The son is born healthy, but the daughter is born with Down's Syndrome. The father (also the doctor delivering the babies) makes a snap decision and hands the Down's baby to the nurse. The book is about what happens to both these babies and the consequences of the father's actions.

The second book I read was "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox". In the 1930s a young girl is sent to an institution for being unpredictable and rebellious in society. In the present day, a woman called Iris gets a call- her Great Aunt Esme is to be released into society as the home is closing, and she is her nearest surviving relative. Who is this woman, who Iris has never heard of, and what must she have done to be locked away for 60 years? Another great read with lots of twists and turns...

The third one was "Double Fault" by Lionel Shriver, and has the most irritating lead character ever written in my opinion!

Opinions please

2007-07-09T14:05:00.000+01:00

What is the general consensus about the new look of the blog? I like the picture at the top, but really wanted it along the top of the page and not in the left hand corner...And I'm not sure about the fonts. Or the colours. Its all pink, which is nice, but is it reader friendly??

Can you tell I don't want to do any work today?

Mixed feelings

2007-07-09T09:04:00.001+01:00

It's been a funny weekend.

Saturday I was at Henley Royal Regatta with Phil. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous, and the Pimms was flowing freely. We sat in deckchairs and watched a token amount of rowing, and general went "Rah rah rah" and pretended to be posh.

My feet were killing me by the end of the day, so I might try to find some flat shoes for when I recreate the same outfit for a wedding in a few weeks time - I really do have to get my money's worth from it!!

There was an early disaster however. At Twyford train station I spotted not one, but TWO girls in the same dress. Phil didn't quite understand the enormity of this situation. Anyway, when I bumped into one of the women later on, we were very mature (no cat fights in the mud, you'll be pleased to hear) and just smiled and said "Nice dress!". A good time was had by all.

***************

Two good things in tennis this weekend - our first British champion for 20 years, and Roger Federer's 5th win. He really deserves it, I'm very pleased for him. He plays gorgeous tennis. And, well if a Murray had to win Wimbledon, I'm glad it was Jamie, not Andy Murray! A much nicer chap all round, though I was annoyed on his behalf that his brother only "just" managed to make it to the match. Hmm. Family solidarity etc etc...

****************

And finally. We found out yesterday that an old family friend died on Saturday. Molly was my next door neighbour when I was born, so I have literally known her all my life. When I was a baby and screamed the house down, mum (or dad in those days) would pass me through the trellis to Molly or her husband Reg and they would look after me to give my parents a break. The trellis is still standing, and it was always mentioned whenever I went to see Molly, which wasn't often enough.

Molly remembered every birthday, every Christmas, every Easter, and always wrote to say how proud she was of me for my various achievements at uni, or in Guides. Molly fell out with one of her daughters some time ago, and one of the last times I saw her she told me that she considered me and Patrick to be her grandchildren as well. I was honored to be thought of that way, and she's always been considered special to me and Patrick.

I didn't see her enough, I didn't ring her enough, I didn't write enough. I'll always regret that and I'll miss her very much.

Ponderings

2007-07-06T14:37:00.002+01:00

Another thought, whilst I'm here.

A guy at rehearsals the other night was asked if he was a vicar. He replied that he wasn't and that he was insulted that people thought he was (or rather thought he looked like the sort of person who would be a vicar) as he's not a Christian.

Is it insulting to be told you look like a vicar, religious or not? And what does a "vicar" look like anyway?? I would think it would be better to be thought to look like a vicar than what people were saying about him in the pub...not a man you'd want to leave with small children...

***DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that this man is a danger to small children, I am merely repeating what was said in the pub...***

Coming up at the Rhoda McGaw...

2007-07-06T14:32:00.000+01:00

Here is what I've been rehearsing lately. Come and see it, it should be a really good show - we've worked really hard!

Older but not wiser

2007-07-06T13:15:00.000+01:00

Bad dog! Stole a biscuit! -

dog: who are you to judge me? you people you have war and genocide and i stole a biscuit?

Good.... point here have another one

Eddie Izzard on Evil Animals

Young Grace, the puppy, turned 1 this week. Yes, a year ago on Tuesday she was borned in our living room, along with her sister, Emily. We all hoped that this coming of age would mean a cleverer, less daft, and less naughty dog.

This morning mum went downstairs to find that Grace had eaten her rosta from work, and the instructions for her new camera...

Older, but certainly not wiser or less mischevous!

HP- 15 days

2007-07-05T13:58:00.000+01:00

Liz has just reminded me that the 7th (and final) Harry Potter book is published this month. I am in two minds about this "momentous" occasion.

Part of me wants to read it as soon as it comes out, to find out what happens to all the characters I have invested so much time in over the past few years. The other part of me is happy to leave it as "to be continued", because then there's always the chance that it will all end happily ever after. And I'll always have something to look forward to. But then the chances are someone will spoil it for me anyway. Sigh. It's tough being me sometimes...

And Liz - yes, its exactly how I felt about the West Wing finishing too...Bereft!

However, there is still the films to come out - so that's something to look forward to...

I can't stand the rain...

2007-07-05T13:02:00.000+01:00

...against my window pane...

This time last week it was 30 degrees, and I was lying by a pool.

Two things...I hope that Wimbledon doesn't go into a third week, because then I would love to be able to go and I can't. I also hope that it stops raining enough for me to have a sunny day at Henley Royal Regatta on Sunday. I have a hat and everything...

I'm back...

2007-07-05T12:51:00.000+01:00

I have been thoroughly told off for not being a good blogger, so here I am... There really isn't much going on of interest in my life at the moment - all I seem to do is work, rehearse, sleep, work, rehearse, sleep. Mainly I'm rehearsing though... I am thoroughly sick of many of the songs in "Oh What a Lovely War" now - not only have I rehearsed every night this week (just about on top of the whole stage managing thing now) but I also find my self singing them at work. Not really appropriate to be singing songs such as "Gassed last night, gassed the night before..." but then better than singing the Nazi anthem "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" which was thoroughly stuck in my head when I was doing Cabaret. Or indeed "Springtime for Hitler" which I sang for weeks after seeing "The Producers". Why are all the songs I sing a) inappropriate and b) related to either World War?

I must say that I have found the research about WW1 really interesting in a completely disgusted and horrified way. The sheer loss of life was just phenomenal. I studied really useless periods of history at school (The American West - fun but really, cowboys and indians?; The Irish Troubles - really really interesting and relevant at the time; Medicine through Time - half interesting, but not terribly useful; and Castles - BORING! But I do know a lot about arrow slits and crenellations now), so my knowledge about either World Wars is limited to what I've picked up from watching Blackadder, mainly.

I started this post to talk about something completely different. Hmm, perhaps I shouldn't type it, as I keep forgetting that this is in the public domain. I'll have a think about it and come back I think...And I really need to post about Tunisia, though that might end up being one of my listy type entries...

Checking in...

2007-07-04T14:11:00.000+01:00

I've been very neglectful lately. Not a lot has happened since the excitment of getting a job for next year, except me and Phil going to Tunisia for 10 days, but that really deserves a blog of its own...
It's really annoying, I wrote at least two blog entries in my head when I was away, and now I can't remember what they were about...

But, I am still here, (thanks for your concern, Han!) and I will get back to it when I have something exciting to say....

Cracked

2007-06-07T15:53:00.000+01:00

I was being so good. I had yoghurt for breakfast and have been religiously drinking my "Lactofree" milk drink (why does the word drink make me feel that I am not really drinking milk?).

And then I got hungry.

And then Waitrose were reducing their sandwiches.

Which included smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels for £1.10.

So I've fallen off the dairy free wagon...

Tomorrow is another day - so I might as well eat a Dairy Milk bar to drown my milk free sorrows!

Round Up

2007-06-06T10:11:00.000+01:00

It's all been going on recently. I was back at work last week, not very effectively, but I was there. I can't seem to get up any enthusiasm for it, perhaps because I know I'm really only going to be here for another couple of weeks... I've been working on the data for my project, and beginning to see patterns in it, which is excellent as I have to talk about it for 10,000 words! I was really getting into it yesterday, as I am finally transcribing it for myself and not just checking another person's. Unfortunately I had to leave early and go to talk to my old folks, so I am hoping that I get back into it on Friday when I'm next in the lab.

***********************************

One of my old people has a thing for Tom Jones. She's not very vocal normally, which can cause a few problems, as the point is to create conversation, but when Ross (another volunteer) put on a Tom Jones CD her whole face lit up. It was nice to see her enthusiastic about something, as she has told us on a number of occasions that she is "not interested" in conversing with us. I also have a sneaking suspicion that she fancy Ross - she often comments on his beard and says he would be more handsome without facial hair. He has cottoned on to this now though, as apparently last week he had shaved and she insisted on feeling his face...

***********************************

I have a job for next year! I will be working full time at More House which is tremendously exciting. It's a good salary and I get paid holidays and half terms - yay! I am very happy, as it's a lovely school and the staff and the boys are all lovely...though some of the year 10s scare me! Becky, this might make you feel better: year 8 are a nightmare at More House too, so it's not just in your school!

***********************************

I'm trying a new diet. Not to lose weight (I managed that easily enough a couple of weeks ago by not being able to eat - now my jeans don't fit me anymore but I refuse to buy a size 6 pair), but to try to sort out my asthma. I'm cutting out dairy from my diet... Hard for someone who loves cheese, chocolate and iced coffee from Starbucks. But, I have discovered a new type of milk which is cows milk with the lactose taken out. It tastes like milk, unlike soya which so doesn't. There is also a dairy free ice cream (well, lactose free) so I'll be ok...I'm really going to miss cheese though!

***********************************

Phil and I went to Emsworth on Chichester Harbour this Sunday. It was beautiful and reminded me of Salcombe in Devon, near where I used to live and the home of the best ice-cream ever. Photos are up on flickr now, I'm quite pleased with them.

If you're at a loose end this week...

2007-06-06T09:52:00.000+01:00

...Go and see "Whose Life is it Anyway?" at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking.

This popular black comedy by Brian Clarke is set in a hospital and tells the story of sculptor Ken Harrison: a serious road accident forces him to contemplate a future in which he will remain constantly dependent on those around him. Left with only the use of his sharp mind, wit and indomitable spirit, Ken will not submit quietly to his fate. He can make us laugh, and often does. He could make us cry, but doesn't want to. What he does want is to be heard and to reclaim the decisions about his own life and death. Whose Life Is It Anyway? places the individual at the centre of one of the most complex medical and moral issues of our times - do we have the right to choose how we want to live and when we want to die?

6th-9th June 2007, 7.45pm. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions) and available from the box office (01932 702091)

GO AND SEE IT!

Grumble

2007-05-31T10:05:00.000+01:00

I wish I wasn't so computer illiterate. I have just spent some time trying to put a link to the PhotoHunt blogroll on my sidebar. And have failed miserably despite very clear instructions from Mrs Photohunt. Grumble. I wish I knew about html, but its all too confusing for someone with a brain as small as mine. Humph.

2007-05-30T11:24:00.000+01:00

I've been a rubbish blogger of late. I keep thinking of things to write, and then forgetting them by the time I get to a computer. I've been in bed for a week with sinusitis, but am now feeling much better, and am grateful to whoever invented doxycycline and neurofen - I wouldn't have got through it without them!! I've been on Brownie Holiday this weekend, which has been a fun but knackering experience. We had one poor girl who suffered from night terrors - she screamed and slept walked every night we were there. Bless her, she was shattered by the end of the weekend (as were we), even though she's not conscious when she's screaming. But I've spent the weekend getting hugs from small people, so it can't all be bad.

In other exciting news, Phil and I have booked our holiday - ten days in Tunisia. I am very excited as the package we've booked includes a 2 day tour, and a camel ride in the Sahara!! Tunisia was a bit of a compromise - I wanted to go to Morocco, Phil didn't really, so we're going somewhere "exciting" but in a nice hotel!! It should be hot too, which is great - I really need some vitamin D!

Madeleine

2007-05-20T22:11:00.000+01:00

This should be a link to Madeleine McCann's website. Keeping her in the public eye and in public prayers seems vital at the moment. xxx

Race For Life

2007-05-17T10:30:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year again... emails coming round asking for sponsorship. People foisting sponsor forms at you when you're least expecting it.

And here I am, blogging about it! I am running the Race For Life for the 5th year running (no pun intended) on 21st July at Regent's Park. My sponsorship link is on the sidebar, or you can click on this link.

Every penny helps! Last year I raised over £400, I'd love to do the same again this year. Wish me luck with the training!!

SaLT

2007-05-16T10:42:00.000+01:00

I don’t know where the time is going at the moment. I’ve almost got a routine, which is nice, but time sure does seem to be flying by (except when I’m at work).

Mondays are school days. I am volunteering at a school in Farnham, More House. It’s an independent Catholic boy’s school for kids with severe speech and language (and other) issues. This week I was in the learning development centre, and also helped in a science class and a maths class. I never thought I’d see the day where I was teaching multiplication (and long multiplication at that) and children would understand me. It amazes me – some of these kids can’t spell their own names (or read it for that matter) and yet when you ask them what is the first stage of the plant life cycle? “Germination Miss”. Some of them are delightful; some of them are little horrors. Each one has their own problems which More House are trying to help them with, whether it’s learning to read at age 16 or knowing that the first question you ask a stranger is not “when were you born?”

Tuesdays are uni days and Stroke Association days. Until recently I’ve been heading off to the library to work on essays, and then going to Archway (N.London) to be a conversation partner (or “Dysphasia Support Worker” to give it it’s official title) to people who have had strokes. This week I was working in the sound lab on my project, where I’ll be until kingdom comes at this stage. I am transcribing conversations between a fluent adult and a stuttering child. It’s long and it’s boring, but there are some interesting patterns in there, so I will have something to write about when it comes to it.

The Stroke Association gig is all in the name of work experience. To support my application for a Speech Therapy degree, I need to show relevant work experience. This can’t be just any work though – it should be with both paeds (paediatrics) and adults. Ideally I need to work in a clinic or a hospital stroke group, but for now, my weekly journey to Archway will do. The same goes for More House, though that is more like what I would be doing as a Speech and Language Therapist. I love it; I enjoy every moment of the school day. It’s hard and it’s challenging, but it has opened my eyes to what SaLT is all about and I’m now sure that this is what I want to do.

Wed, Thur, and Fri are all boring work days. Eventually I’m going to have to give up I think, as a full time MSc and part time work don’t really go together. But the money is good and keeps me ticking over – and will hopefully help me pay for a summer holiday with Phil in June.

Anyway, that’s my week, and I can’t quite believe it’s Wednesday already! No play this week: just ironing and planning for Brownies on Thursday. Fun!

Bloggiversary!

2007-05-10T23:18:00.000+01:00

I have been a blogger for over a year! How strange. Not only that but my Budapest post was my 100th...small fry for the likes of Liz etc, but still, who would have thought I had that much to say??

Dramatic Wonderings

2007-05-10T16:57:00.000+01:00

Having come down from my cloud of accolade and success (it doesn’t happen very often. In fact rarely ever so I’m allowed to be pleased.) I am left wondering what to do with myself next. I am going to help with Front of House for “Whose Life Is It Anyway” with Ottershaw Players in June, but I kind of want something to get my teeth into. I really enjoyed directing, and I have enjoyed playing around with sound for PLT (though to be honest Phil has done most of it, I just press play when necessary). I’d like to Stage Manage something one day, but not this year probably.

I’m already thinking of possibilities for directing. It was suggested last night that I could do something for the festival, as I don’t think anyone has come forwards at Ottershaw yet. But then again, I’m not sure I can go through the stress of being adjudicated again… You do all that work, then one performance, and poof, it’s over and someone you don’t know rips it to shreds…I don’t know, maybe it’d be better this year. The other problem is who to do it with. I really enjoy working with the “youths”, but aside from the three in Teechers, there aren’t many others of a suitable age. So for the festival it’s more likely to be grown ups. Which is ok, if a little scary – who is going to take me seriously?

I’d like to do another show in April next year, but again, what to do, and with whom. One of my favourite plays at the moment is “Quartermaine’s Terms” by Simon Gray, which calls for French windows at the back of the stage – something Brook Hall offers! Other options, though probably not for Brook Hall, are “Pygmalion” or “The Importance of Being Earnest”. However they’re both quite big shows, and I don’t think I’d be allowed to direct them! On the youth side, I quite fancy “Shakers” with the girls, but that’s another Godber play – don’t want to be typecast!

It’s all quite academic at the moment anyway – but a lot more appealing to think about than thesis and rain and boringness.

Budapest: should be in a Bond film...

2007-05-06T12:18:00.000+01:00

I realised that I actually never wrote about my trip to Budapest. Phil and I went for three nights and had a brilliant time. I've been before, I went in August 2003 as part of a Guide project, and I was surprised at how much of the layout/geography I remembered. It was great to visit some places that I'd been before and discover new ones.

Some notable memories:
Getting on the blue metro line at the terminus, in the wrong direction. Sat in a siding for a while wondering what on earth we were going to do...thankfully the train went back into the platform after about 5 minutes...
Phil ordering a "tea". Te in Hungarian means...Milk. So he ordered half a pint of milk...The waitress was incredibly confused.
The meal in La Fontaine. A very very nice restaurant. Unfortuantely it was also VERY expensive. Phil's face when the bill arrived was a picture!
And many more which escape me at the moment!! Photos will be up on flickr soon!

The Right To Bear Arms

2007-05-06T12:13:00.000+01:00

The right to bear arms is slightly less ludicrous than the right to arm
bears.- Chris Addison at the Pleasance, Edinburgh Festival.

Everyone has spoken already about the hideous massacre at Virginia Tech. I know I'm a bit late. But then I found this quote, which made me think about it. I don't know when America will learn, but then, have we really learnt either? We have a ban on handguns - children are still being shot on the street. We had a knife amnesty - children are still being stabbed. I don't know what the answer is. But in the words of Eddie Izzard: "guns don't kill people, people kill people. Well, I think the gun helps..."

Openers

2007-04-20T15:47:00.000+01:00

In the past year or so that I’ve been blogging two things always cause me strife when starting a new entry:

1) How to title it and

2) How to open it.

A good title attracts people, a good opening line keeps them reading – or so my English teacher told me. I struggle to be witty when creating either – so my apologies.

In deference to the fact that I have no inspiration for either, and because I have been reading some of my old favourite books, here are some of the best openers of books that I can think of – have you got any more?

“I am writing this in the kitchen sink” – I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Pride and Prejudice

“Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again” – Rebecca

2007-04-20T15:35:00.000+01:00

Blog fans, it’s been a while. I’ve been meaning to write for AGES but never seem to get round to it. Oh, and we don’t have any internet at the moment, so I haven’t been able to sit down and bash out an entry for sometime.

Going up to see the Marathon this weekend – I know at least 3 people running. It seems an entirely crazy pursuit if you ask me, but then, what do I know. I do my 5k every year for Cancer Research UK, (don’t worry, I’ll be asking for sponsorship nearer the time) and I do get all enthused and think about doing a 10k, or a half marathon. It’s not happened yet, but maybe one day. I really would love to run the marathon on behalf of “Action for ME”, not only cos it’s a charity I have a link with, but also (slightly flippantly) – how ironic it seems to be running the marathon for an ME charity…

Since I last blogged I’ve been to Budapest (see next entry), been rehearsing and panicking about the play (see Adventures for more details) and manically writing essays. My life seems to have gone out the window somewhat, especially as I have now started part time work back at MMRI (where I was last year).

I’ve been reading good books (another entry to follow) and trying not to shop too much. Phil and I are still debating the location for our summer holiday, and also trying to work out when to go taking Wimbledon, Women’s Henley and Shakespeare into consideration…Trials and tribulations!

Right, more work is necessary now – only 1 hour and 20 mins to go – hurrah!

Petition

2007-04-03T16:42:00.000+01:00

Please click on the link below and sign the petition. A friend of mine's daughter has recently had an ileostomy, and now the Government are planning to cut spending for Stoma Care.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/StomaCare/

Thanks!!

Photo hunt

2007-03-19T14:12:00.000Z

I've joined this following Liz. There is a different theme for each week, and you post a photo relevant to the theme. This week was "Drink"...

A Valuable Member of Society - Officially

2007-03-16T19:53:00.000Z

Yesterday I went to Gibson Hall in London to be presented with my Queen's Guide Award. The Award is the highest accolade (right word? sounds good) in Guiding, and takes three years to complete. I started it in August 2002, and officially finished in September 2005, as I took some time off over my finals.

The Queen's Guide award is the highest attainable award for members of Girlguiding UK. Although originally awarded to Girl Guides, it is now only attainable by members of the Senior Section (including Rangers, Young Leaders and Young Guiders) aged between 16 and 25. It is a challenging programme comparable to the Queen's Scout or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Since the awards creation 60 years ago 20,000 young women have gained the award. (Thanks, Wikipedia!)

It was presented to me by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who is the President of Girlguiding UK. She was lovely, really friendly and normal. Which is surprising, considering she's royal... It was a lot like Graduation - lots of faff, lots of co-ordinating of parents, making sure hair is right, uniform was right etc. Then, up onto a stage for a quick handshake and a photo and then off again. After all that!! There was a "splendid tea" (my mother's words), and Soph came round to chat to us all about what we did for the award, what we're doing now etc. I obviously pressed the right buttons by saying I was studying to become a Speech Therapist (only a small stretch of the truth...but who understands "Human Communication" anyway?) as she was really interested in it and chatted to me for some time.

All in all it was fun - and my parents were proud, so it's all good!!

Spider solitaire

2007-03-13T11:10:00.000Z

I am realising that the better I get at Spider Solitaire, the less well I get on with my work. I think I'm going to have to take a leaf out of Liz's book and give up for Lent (a little late now, perhaps?).

Either that or swap to the harder level so that I don't win as easily and get frustrated.

Yes. That sounds like a better plan...

Week-ending

2007-03-11T22:26:00.000Z

I've got that Sunday evening feeling. You know, the one after you've had a really nice weekend, and you realise the only thing in front of you now is Monday?

Oh well. I have revision to do this week for a Cognitive Neuroscience Exam (yuck), and reading to do about children who use Augmented and Alternative communication devices (such as Steven Hawking uses). At least the essay reading is interesting. Then I have more training with the Stroke Association on Tuesday, which is a real faff, but will at least get me out of the house and trained for work experience with old people (who've had strokes). Wednesday, lectures, yawn. And rehearsals. Thursday is exciting - I'm going to meet Sophie (Countess of) Wessex to be presented with my Queen's Guide Award. I have to dress up in posh uniform (a button down shirt and everything) and have a chat with "Soph" as to what I got up to in the three years it took me to finish it.

Well now I've told you all my news, what am I going to blog this week??

Phil and I went to the coast today to fly his kite and fiddle with his new camera. It's very posh. Here are some photos....

2007-03-11T11:35:00.000Z

No boots for Clare...someone bid over £50 for them, and frankly, that's just daft. But they were awfully pretty.

Will have to actually go ice skating to be able to convince Phil that they're a worthy investment the next time something like that comes up!

Dwarfish

2007-03-11T00:15:00.000Z

Ho hum. Or should that be "Heigh Ho"?

This weekend I have been alternately itchy and Sneezy. And Grumpy. And Sleepy come to mention it. A little Dopey, a little Happy but not really Doc. I suppose not very Bashful either.

I have another cold, and also an allergy to penicillin. Didn't know that until I took some and came out in itchy welts all over my body, including the soles of my feet. Won't take any more of that then... So now I am doped up on Piriton and Day Nurse, which gives the dual effect of making me incredibly out of it and also not convinced that my legs are attached to my body.

********

Phil has bought a new camera (an EOS 400D, for camera fans out there) which is very swish. He has been taking photos of me all evening. This is probably because I can't be bothered to move out the way (and anyway, I'm not sure my legs are attached).

However, I am not allowed to buy myself some ice-skates on eBay. Ever since I was wee, and read "White Boots" by Noel Streatfield, I have wanted some white ice-skates. Now I've become ever so slightly addicted to Dancing on Ice, I thought I'd have a look on eBay to see how much they are. And there's a lovely pair, for about £26...in my size, hardly been worn. The auction finishes tomorrow, so there's still time. What Phil doesn't know, won't hurt him, right?

Amazon

2007-03-07T18:52:00.000Z

I have been quietly raising money by selling various items on Amazon.co.uk. So far I think I've made about £32, and I started selling stuff late last week. Phil says he "doesn't like the idea that I'm selling off my possessions", but mainly it's books I've not read, or DVDs I've not watched. So I think I'm being resourceful. And anyway, at least I'm not selling my body or something...

So, if you or anyone you know wants to buy:

New Zealand (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Guides) [Paperback] by Enderby
Price: £7.00

Driving Test All Tests Deluxe 2006/07 Edition (PC DVD) [CD-ROM]
Price: £9.50

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [2002] [VHS Tape] (2003) Daniel...
Price: £1.99

Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence [1998] [DVD] (2004) Monica Potter...
Price: £3.99

Lonely Planet Prague [Paperback] by Wilson, Neil
Price: £3.99

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone [2001] [VHS Tape] (2002) Daniel...
Price: £2.00

Japan (Rough Guide Travel Guides) [Paperback] by Dodd, Jan; Richmond, Simon
Price: £10.00

Then I'm your gal! x
PS: some of the prices have come down from what it says here, I don't know why its showing up like this!

This brightened up my day

2007-03-06T11:36:00.000Z

I found this on my friend Hannah's blog. There are loads of them on the site (see link below cartoon) and also a church calendar which really made me smile - and think of Liz! (Liz I think you'd enjoy it, have a look at the website :-D)
xx

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

It's not my fault!

2007-03-02T19:07:00.000Z

and it's official!

When I am navigating to the uni online library catalogue, I have to type "li..." into the address bar. The first site that comes up? liz-and-harvey.blogspot.com. So it's not my fault I keep procrastinating. It's the silly internet and it not knowing the alphabet!

Inner Peace

2007-03-02T14:41:00.000Z

My friend Liz (not Liz) sent me this and it made me chuckle - I thought you'd all enjoy it...

I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me and we all could use more calm in our lives.

By following the simple advice I heard on GMTV, I have finally found inner peace.

Dr. Hilary proclaimed the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started.

So I looked around my house to see things I started and hadn't finished; and, before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Cardonay, a bole of Baileys, a butle of Kehuha, a pockage of Panjuin biksuits, tha mainder of bot Prozic and Valum scriptins, the res of the Chesescke, some dajestifs an a bax a cholates.

Yu haf no idr who gud I fel.

*Peas sen dis orn to dem yu fee ar in ned ov inr pece

St David's Day

2007-03-02T11:32:00.000Z

A day late I know, but I was at uni with the presentation yesterday (the waffle god was with me, hoorah!), then Brownies, then Phil's birthday... Anyway, HAPPY ST DAVID'S DAY!!!

My Brownies enjoyed the day of daffodils (they didn't much enjoy the leek and potato soup, more fool them!). Did you know that you are allowed to wear your Brownie (or Guide/Scout/Beaver/Cub) uniform to school on Saint's Days? Nope, neither did I!

And I think to myself....

2007-02-28T18:17:00.000Z

what a wonderful world....

An unusually happy opening. But hey, I've had a good week. I went to see Dancing on Ice being filmed on Saturday and saw Take That LIVE! I went to Oxford on Sunday to see my friend Linz who is the most sensible and fun (it is possible) person in the world. And I love Oxford, I really really do. I was taken to see Swan Lake last night by my WONDERFUL boyfriend, who sat through it even though he really doesn't like ballet. And he bought me dinner. I am lucky :) And today I was greeted by such a happy band of dogs that one of them (I won't name and shame) weed on my foot. Oh well. At least they were happy to see me!

On another note, I have to do a presentation about my project tomorrow which is as yet nonexistant. Hmmm. May the waffle god be with me!

Finally

2007-02-23T14:25:00.000Z

I have updated Adventures in Amateur Dramatics

I warn you though, I was grumpy when I updated it...

And I have created three powerpoint slides. I'm working badly even by my standards....

Baths

2007-02-23T10:33:00.000Z

Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cure for depression.
- Dodie Smith -

I do believe this is true. Not that I am particularly depressed at the moment, but just very tired. My own fault entirely, as I was up til 2am gossiping/bitching (sorry) with my good friend Nicky, but I've just had a bath with the gorgeous "Sanctuary Spa" products Phil's parents bought me for an Easter Present last year. Now I am all soft and clean and smell nice. Perfect for writing a PowerPoint presentation on stammering....

Flickr

2007-02-20T01:42:00.000Z

Just in case any of you decide to look at my flickr page, there have been some weirdo problems and some of my photos have been replaced by other people's. I've not gone into every set, so I dont know the extent of the problem, but a lot of other people seem to have had the same problem (including, from the look of it, your page Pete), and most of them are reporting pornographic pictures. So, just in case, I've made all my photos private so no-one except my "flickr buddies" can see them - I don't want anyone to think I have an unhealthy interest in porn!

Long time, no blog

2007-02-19T16:32:00.000Z

I would love to say that my absence has been caused by a fit of essay writing and hard work... Well sort of. The internet has been down at my house for well over a week, and as I only get 39 mins at the local library (why 39 mins? it's a mystery), I've not been able to write properly. Also, with the essay writing that needed to be done, I have actually been working....
So news... I have new glasses (if I could work out how to take a picture I would); I was sent a red rose and chocolates last Wednesday; my friend Beth is getting married :) ; Teechers is up and running again (I will update Adventures in Amateur Dramatics soon!); I'm applying to Greenwich University for next year.
I think that's it... Life sort of just barrels on, without a by-or-leave! OOOh I am re-reading all the Anne of Green Gables books, and am now at the penultimate one. I swear I read these books over and over when I was little, but Anne's House of Dreams seems almost brand new to me. Hmmm...

Holiday plans are afoot, and I may well be able to go away earlier in June than I was expecting. The choice is now between Morocco and Croatia, so I am busy reading my Lonely Planets trying to make a decision. Not that Phil won't be involved too....

Back to reading about mathematical development in children. I am hoping that it will soon become plain why I am so terrible at Maths. Then again, maybe not...

Message for Pete.... (or anyone else with computer knowledge!)

2007-02-10T18:18:00.000Z

Do you know how to get a flickr badge on with the new Beta-less version? I can't work it out for love nor money, and you're a computery type! Thanks!

In fact, can any one tell me (simply, I'm quite blonde when it comes to computers) how to personalise my page a bit more? Ho hum...

Also...

2007-02-10T18:07:00.000Z

I thought you'd enjoy this photo from Hayling Island a couple of weeks ago... I was actually much warmer than Phil, but then I was wearing two coats...

Be still

2007-02-10T18:03:00.000Z

Help! Ever since I read Liz's post about the hymn Be Still, I have had lyrics in my head and I can't remember where they came from. I have the tune and lyrics to this hymn but can't remember where I learnt it!!

The lyrics are:
Be still in the presence of the Lord, the Holy one is here,
Stand ___ before him now, in reverence and fear,
In him no sin is found,
We are on holy ground (??)
etc

And then I get stuck. It's a lovely hymn, but I can't remember the rest of the words - can anyone help me???

Fabulous Party Picture

2007-02-10T15:09:00.001Z

Daniel and Me
Originally uploaded by clareybella.

My little brother and me at dad's 60th party last weekend... He's only 14, but already looks like a grown up, but as he is currently in hospital with a broken ankle (he was chased by some sixth formers after throwing a snow ball at them - and fell over...) he's still 14 at heart!

Money money money...

2007-02-05T10:43:00.000Z

Must be funny, in a rich man's world. If anyone knows of any laughing rich men who feel like giving me some money, please let me know.

I am penniless. Not because of going away, which is the normal way of things, as I didn't have to pay for very much, but, well, because I've got no income and am funding my MSc myself. I know a lot of people do this every year, but they are probably much better with money than I am...

I moved out of the house in London to save money, and in theory I am, as I'm not paying rent to my mother (on her insistence, I add). However, the person who was supposed to move in hasn't, so I am still paying rent on the house every month. £368 a month seemed a lot when I was living there. It seems extortionate now.

So now I'm off to the bank to ask about a loan. I really did hope I'd be able to get by without, but apparently not. I hate the feeling of being in debt, I actually feel quite panicky about it. Heart races, breath comes in shorter gasps...Will I ever be on top of it?

And the problem comes back again and again because when I feel down or crap or rubbish or ill, I shop. Always have done. My mother is the same. So I'm really not helping myself at all... So it's all my fault, really. ARGH!

I promised this post wouldn't be moany. But I also think (as has been commented on by Pete) that there is less to write about at this time of year. Hence the moan moan moan. Sorry...

Bleugh

2007-01-30T15:40:00.000Z

There really is only one word to describe it. Bleugh.

I have the extraordinary head cold that is making it's way round the country. My nose is blocked, my throat is sore and I am extremely deaf. I have also been to my god mother's today (and yesterday) and she has a cat so I am also in the throes of a extreme allergic reaction, and look quite like Rudolph. Sigh.

Enough moaning - I now have 4 fully functioning wheels on my car, after getting sick of flat tyres. I've had 6 flat tyres on this car in the last 18 months. Six. That's more than my mother has had in her lifetime. Now, hopefully, I've sorted it by buying a new wheel. Fingers crossed. And I've made an appointment to have my eyes tested next week - how very organised!! Only something I've been meaning to do for...um...a year now?

Back to work before auditions tonight. I am hoping Pete reads this before the auditions so he knows my head is full of cold!! Wish me luck....

2007-01-29T18:22:00.000Z

Can't resist a quiz me...

You Are: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog.
You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful.
And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Goings on

2007-01-29T00:37:00.000Z

Not a very productive weekend. Have got little work done, spent Saturday arguing in a very meaningless way with Phil, got a migraine, was stubborn and watched a film, took magic pink pills (Migraleve), went to bed. Got up today, went to Portsmouth, bought a dress for my friend's wedding in July (how organised am I? She's not even got her dress yet!) had a walk along the beach, came home, fell asleep.

I also appear to be an insomniac again, and am very very annoyed about it. My fingers are typing extraordinarily badly, so I must be tired, but my brain doesn't seem to agree. Hmm. Might read some Shakespeare. Ironically I also have a cold. Always at the same time!

Oh Liz! I had a wonderful time in the Cadbury Factory Shop at Gunwharf Quays (must be tired, originally wrote Keys) today - huge boxes of chocolate fingers, on a bogof deal. Made me think of you and then entertain the idea of posting them to "Liz and Harvey Hinds, Swansea, Wales".

Arguing was about summer holidays, as I am all fired up and travel-buggish, but have no money, and Phil is now training to be an accountant and so is careful and sensible with money, so we argued about where to go. I am slowly working on him though, and am hoping to go to Morocco at the end of June... Fingers crossed...

2006

2007-01-27T15:27:00.000Z

I made a whole list of things that had happened last year yesterday, but I've forgotten the list, so I might have to do this from memory. The point of this post is that I had a fairly mixed year, with being ill a lot and other things. So I decided that I would think of all the good things that happened in 2006 instead.

Here are a selection of the ones I remembered:

Still being with Phil
Being involved in Ottershaw Players again
Travelling: Japan, Paris, Madeira, Italy, Greece and South Africa
Anna getting a distinction in her MSc
Becky qualifiying as a teacher (and others, but Becky's was the most important :) )
Teechers coming off and not being a disaster
Meeting nice people in "blogworld"
Working at MMR for a year and meeting new friends because of it
Starting my MSc (even though it's caused no end of trouble so far)
Dancing again and going to tap classes
Sorting some stuff out with an friend who I had fallen out with so that now it's all better.

Lots of good things, which definitely counteract the bad stuff. But yet another list. I promise, no more lists from now on...

Happiness is...

2007-01-26T15:04:00.000Z

Happiness comes in many forms. Whilst the last week has been super-stressful, I am now at home on a Friday, reading a relatively interesting paper on Conversation Analysis, whilst also in bed.

Happiness is:

Covent Garden Soup when you're feeling unwell
An electric blanket
Not having to do statistics again
A new play on the horizon - even if I don't get in, it's still exciting!
A new dressing gown.
Being able to work from bed (even though I really shouldn't be)
Three weeks til my next essay is in :)

My blogs seem to have taken the form of lists lately. I really must start writing in sentences again...

Guiding

2007-01-17T19:38:00.000Z

I'm currently planning what to do with my Brownies tomorrow. As usual I've not been organised enough to actually have anything planned a term in advance like some Guiders do, but me and Deb (Little Owl, if you will), find that the "play it by ear but look like we know what we're doing" approach normally works well. We spent most of the summer turning up, making something up on the spot and then having a great time - the girls were none the wiser. I'm thinking of something on a spring theme - making a "Spring Watch Diary" where the girls monitor a "new thing" that's growing in the park, and also note down what birds they see, that sort of thing. And also trying to grow something - cress, or orange seeds or something. I love the creativity of Guiding, and inspiring girls to learn new things.

Whatever mood I'm in when I get there I always leave with a smile on my face. I tell you what, if you've got no self confidence at all, spend some time with 7 year old girls and you'll soon feel like the cleverest, "most bestest" person ever. They don't care if I'm fat, spotty, stupid and uncool - to them, I rock. Me and Deb make a good team because we have similar ideas and are similarly laid back. I've really missed working with the girls regularly while I've been living in London, and one of the best things about moving home again is that I get to go to Brownies again and get my weekly dose of self confidence. They're great and I love 'em all :)