Work has been a nightmare this week. They say never work with anilmals or children but anyone who says that doesn't work with technology. My job depends on computers and printers. When they don't play ball it causes endless problems. But, I'm off today. Except that I'm not really off because I'm volunteering with my youth group. Lately I've had an overwhleming urge to climb a mountain. Today we are going orienteering which is the next best thing to climbing a mountain. When I told my boss this he said, "Please don't get lost Hannah, we need you on Friday". Either he hasn't a lot of faith in my orienteering skills (not sure I can blame him) or he thinks life is a movie because anyone who goes on such expeditions in a movie is bound to get in a spot of bother. Personally, I don't mind if I get lost. It may be preferable to going back to work. I just hope I don't run into any bears. Ireland is hotching with bears. Ask Nelly.
Anyway, Rocky was a bit raging that Pepe got to post on my blog and he wants a wee turn at it so here is, Rocky the Rock Star:
Hi everyone,
I know you've heard a lot about me but that was from Hannah's point of view and she doesn't speak Rat and I think she's waaaaay off the mark. Firstly, I am not stupid I am just bone idle. Yes, I like to stuff my face and, yes I like to sleep for hours in my hammock while Pepe runs around like a mental skittish bitch (hope I don't get into trouble for calling Pepe a bitch)but it was them who insisted on getting my balls chopped so now my only pleasures in life are sleeping and eating. Having said that though, I do so love to get out a wee scoot. Hannah and Jakers let us 'free range' round the living room, and though it'ss only a wee living room to them, it's practically a whole country for us. I love jumping up on the window sill and looking out over the universe. I also like to have a wee nibble at the Parrot plant they keep there. Well, that's all for now, I just wanted to set the record straight that I am not a dumbass. I'm actually quite sensitive.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
What Girls Get Up To
Inspiration has been thin on the ground just lately. I find when your busy doing stuff there's no time to think about interesting tings to write about. And I have been a busy girl, what with the alternative 12th BBQ and general summer merriment.
I stayed over at my friends last night to keep her company while her parents are on holiday. Her cousin informed us of a ceriain internet phenomenom called Chat Roulette. Well, it involves switching your web cam on and chatting (or otherwise) to someone half way across the world. If you don't want to chat you hit a button and you see someone else who you may want to chat (or otherwise) to. Obviously it's a total breeding ground for exhibitionists wanting to show off their assets in the hope of enticing someone to do a little more than just chat. I guess that's where the roulette part comes in because every time you hit the button you don't know if your gonna be staring at someone's face or someone's assets. Needless to say, we are innocent girlies and we did a lot of shrieking. We also sang Danny Boy to some Jamaican lads.
I stayed over at my friends last night to keep her company while her parents are on holiday. Her cousin informed us of a ceriain internet phenomenom called Chat Roulette. Well, it involves switching your web cam on and chatting (or otherwise) to someone half way across the world. If you don't want to chat you hit a button and you see someone else who you may want to chat (or otherwise) to. Obviously it's a total breeding ground for exhibitionists wanting to show off their assets in the hope of enticing someone to do a little more than just chat. I guess that's where the roulette part comes in because every time you hit the button you don't know if your gonna be staring at someone's face or someone's assets. Needless to say, we are innocent girlies and we did a lot of shrieking. We also sang Danny Boy to some Jamaican lads.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Spoilt Ratten
We got a new sofa yesterday and I can't beelieve how good it is. The rats can finally go free range (and hopefully start laying some eggs). When they escaped it was a nightmare getting them back because the old sofa had holes in it which Pepe liked to climb through and hide. Attempts to retrieve her often resulted in a fierce bite.
The new sofa has no holes and all we had to do was barricade the TV so they couldn't hide in Wire City and they were able to run loose. I realise that having a couple of rats running round your living room doesn't appeal to everyone but domestic rats are very clean animals and will hold their poohs and pees in til they get back to their cage. Also, it fills my heart with glee to hear the pitter patter of their feet as they scuttle about.
Up til now we have let them roam on the sofa. They crawl all over us, using our shoulders to jump to the top of the sofa where they like to snuggle when they get bored. And that's the thing, they do get bored and need lots of things to keep them entertained. It's Saturday night and I reckoned watching the rats run about the room was a much more worthwhile pursuit than going out and getting blocked.
We thought it might be hard getting Pepe back into the cage again but she didn't put up a fight and she was rewarded with a nice bit of cheese. Rocky never gives us any bother so he got cheese too. They actually looked like happier rats after their little taste of freedom. And we were happy and proud that it was such a success. I said to Jakers "See, we're good parents after all."
It's been a Rocky road at times but now I know that those rats have all they could ever wish for, and more.
The new sofa has no holes and all we had to do was barricade the TV so they couldn't hide in Wire City and they were able to run loose. I realise that having a couple of rats running round your living room doesn't appeal to everyone but domestic rats are very clean animals and will hold their poohs and pees in til they get back to their cage. Also, it fills my heart with glee to hear the pitter patter of their feet as they scuttle about.
Up til now we have let them roam on the sofa. They crawl all over us, using our shoulders to jump to the top of the sofa where they like to snuggle when they get bored. And that's the thing, they do get bored and need lots of things to keep them entertained. It's Saturday night and I reckoned watching the rats run about the room was a much more worthwhile pursuit than going out and getting blocked.
We thought it might be hard getting Pepe back into the cage again but she didn't put up a fight and she was rewarded with a nice bit of cheese. Rocky never gives us any bother so he got cheese too. They actually looked like happier rats after their little taste of freedom. And we were happy and proud that it was such a success. I said to Jakers "See, we're good parents after all."
It's been a Rocky road at times but now I know that those rats have all they could ever wish for, and more.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Pepe's Post
I didn't realise it but tonight was my last night volunteering until September. It'll be nice to have a break for a few months but, now that I have a spare evening free every week, I think I should use it as an opportunity to start driving lessons. To be honest, the thought repulses me but I am only putting off the inevitable.
But.....someone else has something to say. It's Pepe the rat:
Hey there,
Well, Hannah thought that Rocky would be the first to guest blog but he hasn't learnt to read or write yet 'cos he's a thicko. I think the fat has clogged up his arteries and the blood doesn't flow to his brain so good. I used to have lots of adventures round the flat. One of my favourite places was behind the TV where all the wires were. I never nibbled them. I waited until Hannah or Jakers put their hands in and nibbled them instead. Except, they didn't like me nibbling them and always shouted at me. I don't get out and about as much these days since me and Rocky got the new cage. I do like it. I especially like the soft flannel hammock. Sometimes me and Rocky just lie in there all day long. I'm not sure what I make of Hannah and Jakers. They're ok sometimes and give me bits of ham or cheese or fruit but sometimes I just want to bite them, just for the hell of it. And sometimes I have a good scrap with Rocky. Ok, that's all for now, I'm ready for a nice big snooze in the hammock. Cheerio
But.....someone else has something to say. It's Pepe the rat:
Hey there,
Well, Hannah thought that Rocky would be the first to guest blog but he hasn't learnt to read or write yet 'cos he's a thicko. I think the fat has clogged up his arteries and the blood doesn't flow to his brain so good. I used to have lots of adventures round the flat. One of my favourite places was behind the TV where all the wires were. I never nibbled them. I waited until Hannah or Jakers put their hands in and nibbled them instead. Except, they didn't like me nibbling them and always shouted at me. I don't get out and about as much these days since me and Rocky got the new cage. I do like it. I especially like the soft flannel hammock. Sometimes me and Rocky just lie in there all day long. I'm not sure what I make of Hannah and Jakers. They're ok sometimes and give me bits of ham or cheese or fruit but sometimes I just want to bite them, just for the hell of it. And sometimes I have a good scrap with Rocky. Ok, that's all for now, I'm ready for a nice big snooze in the hammock. Cheerio
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Summer At Last
Today it actually felt like summer. The sun shone bright with only a ight breeze in the air. I woke up late but not too late. I drank coffee 'til I was sufficiently alert. I hung washing and washed dishes. We went out for a dander round the town. Bumped into Pepe Le Pew and his girlfriend who is not a black cat with a stripe down her back. We stopped off for a pint of interesting cider. Jakers' cider was interesting because it was alcohol free. Mine was interesting because it wasn't Magners or Strongbow.
We also took a walk to look at a new prospective house. It looks lovely and if I could wish for anything right now it would be to have that house. This depends on the rent being affordable and the landlord choosing us over anyone else interested in it. But, as with everything, if it's meant to be it will be. I hope it is.
We also took a walk to look at a new prospective house. It looks lovely and if I could wish for anything right now it would be to have that house. This depends on the rent being affordable and the landlord choosing us over anyone else interested in it. But, as with everything, if it's meant to be it will be. I hope it is.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Granny's Stew
Remember the job I applied for a while back. Well it turns out that failing to mention that I do voluntary work didn't really matter as I got home from work yesterday to find the application form sent back to me because I hadn't paid enough postage. It was 12p. 12p for fuck sakes. The best of it is, Dirt Bird sent me a letter and it didn't have enough postage paid but they sent it to me anyway. And what use is it returning a letter to the sender 6 bloody weeks after they've sent it. Complete and utter incompentence on Royal Mail's behalf. I refuse to take responsibility for not putting another 12p stamp on the envelope.
As annoying as it is I didn't have much faith in getting the job anyway and I just take it all as a sign that it wasn't meant to be. Ho well.
I've been staying at Nellybert's once a week. This is mutually beneficial as I'm pretty sure that mum and Bert like having me around and I get to have yummy dinners like Granny Stew (basically Irish stew but always tastes better when cooked by a Granny). Another perk for me is getting to cuddle with Harry and Judy. Judy climbs into bed with in the middle of the night and I wake up with her underneath the blankets. She wakes up with me in the morning, hangs about 'til I leave for work and then runs upstairs to mum's bed for more cuds and snugs.
I've been living in the town for a good while now and have forgotten the ways of the countryside. I was outside when I saw a strange small object on the ground. I picked it up and it was hard and slightly curved like a small banana. I inspected it closely and wondered if it was a claw from some kind of sea creature. Then I saw the indistinguishable marks and squealed as I realised I had picked up a hard, dry, dead slug. Yuck!
As annoying as it is I didn't have much faith in getting the job anyway and I just take it all as a sign that it wasn't meant to be. Ho well.
I've been staying at Nellybert's once a week. This is mutually beneficial as I'm pretty sure that mum and Bert like having me around and I get to have yummy dinners like Granny Stew (basically Irish stew but always tastes better when cooked by a Granny). Another perk for me is getting to cuddle with Harry and Judy. Judy climbs into bed with in the middle of the night and I wake up with her underneath the blankets. She wakes up with me in the morning, hangs about 'til I leave for work and then runs upstairs to mum's bed for more cuds and snugs.
I've been living in the town for a good while now and have forgotten the ways of the countryside. I was outside when I saw a strange small object on the ground. I picked it up and it was hard and slightly curved like a small banana. I inspected it closely and wondered if it was a claw from some kind of sea creature. Then I saw the indistinguishable marks and squealed as I realised I had picked up a hard, dry, dead slug. Yuck!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Dinner By Willy
Last night was a great wee night. I had a hot date with Jakers. We went for a romantic meal at Whetherspoons. Obviously Whetherspoons is the least romantic place to go for a meal but it's where I wanted to go because they serve interesting cider. After our bite to eat (which, unsurprisingly, was rank)we headed over to the Fairhill bar where there was a folk gig on for charity.
Jakers and I made a donation and were entered into a raffle. I said to him, "We're gonna win something, I know we are." And we did. We won a meal for two, cooked by a fella Willy, who is, apparently, an amazing chef. He sat down to discuss what we'd like on the menu. I said chicken and his face fell. Chicken wasn't exciting enough. When I said fish, his face lit up. We were told by others that we were in for a treat.
It would have been a great night even if we hadn't won anything but it was definitely the icing on the cake. And we have a delicious meal to look forward to. Though I'm not a big fan of fish so I hope he really is as amazing as everyone says.
Jakers and I made a donation and were entered into a raffle. I said to him, "We're gonna win something, I know we are." And we did. We won a meal for two, cooked by a fella Willy, who is, apparently, an amazing chef. He sat down to discuss what we'd like on the menu. I said chicken and his face fell. Chicken wasn't exciting enough. When I said fish, his face lit up. We were told by others that we were in for a treat.
It would have been a great night even if we hadn't won anything but it was definitely the icing on the cake. And we have a delicious meal to look forward to. Though I'm not a big fan of fish so I hope he really is as amazing as everyone says.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Phantom Tooth Ache
Today I feel weird and a bit queasy. Yesterday I felt numb. But not too numb to not want Irish stew. I think I wanted Irish stew because it reminds me of my granny and I needed a bit of comfort. I have had an awful cold and I've had toothache where there are no teeth. I've heard of people getting phantom pains after a limb has been amputated. A quick google search lead me to the conclusion that the pain was referral from my sore, infected sinuses. Also, this morning, something slipped down the back of my throat and it felt kinda like a small chunk of my brain.
Today is the first day of my life. My new life. The one that will be good and happy and niiice. I have decided that and it's up to no one else but me. I may feel a bit weird and queasy but it's better than feeling numb.
Today is the first day of my life. My new life. The one that will be good and happy and niiice. I have decided that and it's up to no one else but me. I may feel a bit weird and queasy but it's better than feeling numb.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
When My Teeth Go Green
A few weeks ago I ordered some sweets off the internet. You might think this is a silly thing to do considering I can buy sweets in practically every shop I go to. But I'm 29, I've eaten a lot of sweets and I like to spice things up a bit by trying a few different things that can only acquired via the world wide web. The best bit was, by the time the sweets finally arrived, I'd forgotten what I'd ordered.
I got home this evening to find a note from the post man saying they'd tried to deliver a parcel but it was too big for the letterbox. They normally take it back down to the delivery office where you have to pick it up in person but this time the postman left it with our 'designated neighbour'. We don't have a designated neighbour and I was quite concerned that Mr. M. in 50A was chowing down on my sweets. He didn't though. He called round with the parcel earlier and I opened up, literally, a box of delights. Like I say, I'd totally forgotten what I'd ordered. So now I have a big box of sweets consisting of; red and black beaded berries, rose and lemon turkish delight, raspberry flavoured vampire teeth (a personal favourite), violet bud boiled sweets, banana and mango boiled sweets and a bag of strawberry flavoured tongues. It's all about appreciating the small things in life.....and having enough money in the bank to pay the dentist when my teeth go green.
I got home this evening to find a note from the post man saying they'd tried to deliver a parcel but it was too big for the letterbox. They normally take it back down to the delivery office where you have to pick it up in person but this time the postman left it with our 'designated neighbour'. We don't have a designated neighbour and I was quite concerned that Mr. M. in 50A was chowing down on my sweets. He didn't though. He called round with the parcel earlier and I opened up, literally, a box of delights. Like I say, I'd totally forgotten what I'd ordered. So now I have a big box of sweets consisting of; red and black beaded berries, rose and lemon turkish delight, raspberry flavoured vampire teeth (a personal favourite), violet bud boiled sweets, banana and mango boiled sweets and a bag of strawberry flavoured tongues. It's all about appreciating the small things in life.....and having enough money in the bank to pay the dentist when my teeth go green.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Our First Date
I was off on Monday and had energy for nothing. It wasn't even like I'd had a wild weekend and was still suffering. I just felt really lethargic. So on Tuesday I went to work heavy headed and dreading the extra 3 hours voluntary work that I had in the evening. It ended up being great though. I had acupuncture for the first time and it was bliss. It helped that I was relaxing on a massaging chair as well. So I slept like a baby on tuesday night. On Wednesday evening I went to a spin class. This involves 45 minutes on an excercise bike pedalling like a maniac. It's pretty hardcore at the time but I felt really good after.
Tonight Jakers was teaching me how to box. I enjoyed that too but then he decided he was gonna put me through my paces with a few press ups and squats. He pushed me til I could take no more which I knew he would and that's why I never agree to ecercise with him. We went out for dinner at the weekend and it was, pretty much, our first date. We've never been out for a meal as a couple. We went out to the new Indian restaurant and our waitress had just started that night. She was sweet and I'm not really used to tipping but we left her one so that the boss knew she was doing a good job.
Tonight Jakers was teaching me how to box. I enjoyed that too but then he decided he was gonna put me through my paces with a few press ups and squats. He pushed me til I could take no more which I knew he would and that's why I never agree to ecercise with him. We went out for dinner at the weekend and it was, pretty much, our first date. We've never been out for a meal as a couple. We went out to the new Indian restaurant and our waitress had just started that night. She was sweet and I'm not really used to tipping but we left her one so that the boss knew she was doing a good job.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
My Eyes Are Dull
Hahahah this made me laugh a lot. I was thinking that my eyes aren't as bright an twinkly looking as they should be so I typed "my eyes are dull" into google thinking it would lead me to some health food sites telling me which vitamins are good for sparkly eyes. Instead I found this. Seemingly Catholics all round the world are right and masturbation is bad for you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rat Bite Fever
This whole week I've been unable to finish anything that I've started to write. I've just deleted a post about Pepe biting me this morning. But then I realised that all I really needed to say was; Pepe broke out, I tried to catch her, she bit me pretty badly, I was cross but now I feel sorry for her. There was also the email that never got sent and the letter I wrote to my friend that I gave up on. I will write to my friend but I'll start a new letter. And I will send that email, when the time is right.
Today was a mixture of loveliness, annoyance (rat bite), physical activity, and paranoia (will I get rat bite fever?). I had a lovely time with Miss Martha pushing her about in her car and looking through the box of farm animal figurines. There's a figurine of a woman in dungarees carrying a bucket of eggs who Martha liked to call 'Mummy' and there's another woman, dressed in a blue mini skirt and knee high black boots and she was, naturally, christened 'Ha'. God knows why though because Martha has never, and will never, see me dressed in a blue mini skirt and knee high black boots.
Today was a mixture of loveliness, annoyance (rat bite), physical activity, and paranoia (will I get rat bite fever?). I had a lovely time with Miss Martha pushing her about in her car and looking through the box of farm animal figurines. There's a figurine of a woman in dungarees carrying a bucket of eggs who Martha liked to call 'Mummy' and there's another woman, dressed in a blue mini skirt and knee high black boots and she was, naturally, christened 'Ha'. God knows why though because Martha has never, and will never, see me dressed in a blue mini skirt and knee high black boots.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Big Guns
Between the heavy presence of police out to deal with the bomb scare on Wednesday, and the meeting of a seriously massive body builder you could say that I've seen a lot of big guns this week.
There's Rocky minding Pepe there and he too, like his namesake, has big guns. Though they're mostly fatty guns as opposed to muscly guns. I was looking online to see if I can get them harnesses and leads. Jakers doesn't approve though as the only decent ones we can find are pink and there's no way he's dressing his boy rat in pink. Says it's bad enough he's got no balls.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Perhaps I Should Have Mentioned....
I really am a bit of an eejit. I've applied for a new job in the caring profession, working with kids, and I clean forgot to mention on the form that I do voluntary work, with kids. I'm really quite annoyed with myself as, after all, one of the main reasons for volunteering was to help me get a job more suited to what I've studied. Anyway, that aside, I wasn't holding out for the job. I know the score by now. Quite often they already have someone lined up for the job but they have to go through all the necessary procedures. What will be will be and at least I like the job I'm in already.
Today was a good day in work. No bomb scares (yesterday we were evacuated for nearly 2 hours because of a hoax call) which is always a plus, though we did have a biker guy ask if he could leave his jacket and helmet in the shop for 10 minutes, which, really we probably shouldn't have. But we'd also just taken his photo for a passport so we figured he wouldn't be leaving any bombs as we had photographic evidence of what he looked like.
Also, two of my favouritist customers were in and one brought me maltesers (cos she knows they're my favourite), and the other brought in her big body builder son who, apparently, I was flirting with. I don't even like muscly men.
Today was a good day in work. No bomb scares (yesterday we were evacuated for nearly 2 hours because of a hoax call) which is always a plus, though we did have a biker guy ask if he could leave his jacket and helmet in the shop for 10 minutes, which, really we probably shouldn't have. But we'd also just taken his photo for a passport so we figured he wouldn't be leaving any bombs as we had photographic evidence of what he looked like.
Also, two of my favouritist customers were in and one brought me maltesers (cos she knows they're my favourite), and the other brought in her big body builder son who, apparently, I was flirting with. I don't even like muscly men.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Robbed
I just woke up about 10 minutes ago and went about my usual morning buisness; took the lid off the rats tank, replaced their bowls with fresh water and food, made coffee, sat down for a smoke, truned the lapton on, checked emails. Then I looked at the time. 14:58. How in the hell did I manae to sleep 'til that time? That's 15 hours sleep! My one day off this weekend was spent sleeping. I feel robbed!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Because I'm Worth It
Today was lovely. I woke up early and surfed the net and drank coffee. I had a bath and drank more coffee. Then I went to town and bought myself expensive face cream. L'Oreal: Because I'm worth it.
I bought Jakers lunch and took it into his work. His lunch consisted of a burger in a pastie and a pink iced bun. I went home. I surfed the net and drank tea. I prepared a batter mix for Staffordshire oatcakes. I left it to sit. I washed dishes and cleaned floors.
Mum called and we went for coffee. I had a cinnamon and apple scone. I came home. I kissed Jakers and cooked up my oatcakes. I wasted about a third of my batter mix before I came anywhere close to getting something that resembled an oatcake. By the time I had finished I had perfected the technique. I left the oatcakes to cool. I kissed Jakers and headed out to my voluntary work.
Some of the kids wanted to do music and were disappointed I hadn't brought guitars. I called Jakers and asked him if he would meet me halfway with the guitars. Boys got guitars and were happy. A somewhat productive music session occurred.
Got home at 9. Positive reports on the oatcakes. Tried some myself and was pretty chuffed that they tasted like they were meant to. Promised Nelly I'd throw some her way but, since I ruined half the mix and discovered that Jakers is a big fan of the Stafforshire oatake, I might have to make her wait 'til the next batch is made.
I bought Jakers lunch and took it into his work. His lunch consisted of a burger in a pastie and a pink iced bun. I went home. I surfed the net and drank tea. I prepared a batter mix for Staffordshire oatcakes. I left it to sit. I washed dishes and cleaned floors.
Mum called and we went for coffee. I had a cinnamon and apple scone. I came home. I kissed Jakers and cooked up my oatcakes. I wasted about a third of my batter mix before I came anywhere close to getting something that resembled an oatcake. By the time I had finished I had perfected the technique. I left the oatcakes to cool. I kissed Jakers and headed out to my voluntary work.
Some of the kids wanted to do music and were disappointed I hadn't brought guitars. I called Jakers and asked him if he would meet me halfway with the guitars. Boys got guitars and were happy. A somewhat productive music session occurred.
Got home at 9. Positive reports on the oatcakes. Tried some myself and was pretty chuffed that they tasted like they were meant to. Promised Nelly I'd throw some her way but, since I ruined half the mix and discovered that Jakers is a big fan of the Stafforshire oatake, I might have to make her wait 'til the next batch is made.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Dog Frisbee
When I go back home to visit Nellybert Judy Dog is always super pleased to see me. She loves me y'see. Though she is a bit of a floozie and a tart as she has a major soft spot for Young Loveheart aswell. According to Bert it would 'sicken ye' the love and adoration Judy bestows upon Young Loveheart when he's visiting. A few weeks ago I was informed by mum and Bert that, should they both be kllled in a freak accident, Judy would go to ilve with Loveheart. Well. I. Never!
The rage! The pure shock and disgust I felt at learnng that I would not be Judy's next of kin. Over my dead body says I. So last week was the first time that myself, Young Loveheart and Judy were in the same room. He called Judy over. She ran to him like a big wet blanket and cuddled into his chest. Wee bitch. So I called her over. She ran to me without even so much as a backward glance at Loveheart. Score! She's my dog, she loves me. She loved me dearly until she was called away again to cuddle with the enemy. We played dog frisbee for a while until even my sister Katy said that Judy should go live with Loveheart. Betrayed by my own flesh and blood. Not once, not twice but thrice.
I threatened to take Loveheart to court over the custody of Judy and he promised me I could have visiting rights. But this is just all wrong. I was living at home when Judy was a tiny pup. I cuddled her, sang to her, bought her dog toys and nurtured her. And I bet she has never even licked Loveheart's toes. She's licked mine.
The rage! The pure shock and disgust I felt at learnng that I would not be Judy's next of kin. Over my dead body says I. So last week was the first time that myself, Young Loveheart and Judy were in the same room. He called Judy over. She ran to him like a big wet blanket and cuddled into his chest. Wee bitch. So I called her over. She ran to me without even so much as a backward glance at Loveheart. Score! She's my dog, she loves me. She loved me dearly until she was called away again to cuddle with the enemy. We played dog frisbee for a while until even my sister Katy said that Judy should go live with Loveheart. Betrayed by my own flesh and blood. Not once, not twice but thrice.
I threatened to take Loveheart to court over the custody of Judy and he promised me I could have visiting rights. But this is just all wrong. I was living at home when Judy was a tiny pup. I cuddled her, sang to her, bought her dog toys and nurtured her. And I bet she has never even licked Loveheart's toes. She's licked mine.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
How Can That Be?
It's not often that me and Jakers have intellectual conversations but this is one we had the other day. It started with me reading his t.shirt that he got for taking part in the marathon. It read: The Belfast Marathon's 30th Year 1982-2011.
Me: How can it it be the Belfast Marathon's 30th Year?
Jakes: I know, i thought that?
Me: Because it's 1982-2011, that can't be 30 years.
Jakes: I know.
Me: Because we were born in 1982 and we're not 30 'til next year?
Jakes: I know, that's what I thought.
Me: And for it to be 30 years it would have to end in an even number and 2011 is an
odd number.
Jakes: I know.
Me: And it would have to end in the number 2!
Jakes: I know.
Then I proceeded to count (on my fingers) from 1982 to 2011 and, sure enough, it was 30 years. This fries my head a wee bit.
But anyway, the point of this story is to congratulate Jakers in his participation of this year's (the 30th year) Belfast marathon. Well done baby! He had sore knees but the rats kissed them better.
Me: How can it it be the Belfast Marathon's 30th Year?
Jakes: I know, i thought that?
Me: Because it's 1982-2011, that can't be 30 years.
Jakes: I know.
Me: Because we were born in 1982 and we're not 30 'til next year?
Jakes: I know, that's what I thought.
Me: And for it to be 30 years it would have to end in an even number and 2011 is an
odd number.
Jakes: I know.
Me: And it would have to end in the number 2!
Jakes: I know.
Then I proceeded to count (on my fingers) from 1982 to 2011 and, sure enough, it was 30 years. This fries my head a wee bit.
But anyway, the point of this story is to congratulate Jakers in his participation of this year's (the 30th year) Belfast marathon. Well done baby! He had sore knees but the rats kissed them better.
Friday, May 06, 2011
When You're Washing Up
This is an excerpt from Paulo Coelho's The Witch Of Portobello:
"When you're washing up, pray. be thankful there are plates to be washed; that means there was food, that you fed someone, that you've lavished care on one or more people, that you cooked and laid the table. Imagine the millions of people at this moment who have absolutely nothing to wash up and no one for whom to lay the table"
"When you're washing up, pray. be thankful there are plates to be washed; that means there was food, that you fed someone, that you've lavished care on one or more people, that you cooked and laid the table. Imagine the millions of people at this moment who have absolutely nothing to wash up and no one for whom to lay the table"
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Lost
Usually, I'm not too bad at expressing my emotions through words but, now, I just can't seem to find the right ones. All I know is that I feel sad and however sad I feel I know that this must be ten fold for my mum and her brothers and sisters.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter
By pure sheer luck I managed to be off work for five full days. Feeling the itch in my feet I decided to take myself down to Derry for a night. I was gonna go by myself, stay in a hostel, walk around, read my book and drink coffee. But there are two absolutely amazing people in Derry, Magda and Steve, who I met at university and hadn't seen in years. I dcided to give them a shout in case they fancied meeting. Then I realsied that Dirt Bird was home for Easter so she came along too and we had a lovely, lovely time. But it was more than just a lovely time for me. It was healing for my soul. If I spend too long without some kind of adventure I feel restless and discontent. I used to think that I had to travel half way round the world to settle this urge but I've realised that even just gettig out of Ballymena helps.
We met Magda and a few of her other friends and went to Sandino's where we were entertained by an eclectic mix of live music. We then headed back to Magda and Steve's where we were fed mojito's and pizza. The next day we had a lovely breakfast in their garden, a stroll along the beach and yummy icecream at a traditonal cafe. We were very well looked after.
Last night I was at my mate's birthday party. It was a fun night playing drinking games and being silly. Today I could really do with a mint frappe (my new favourite hangover cure) but I'm going to have to settle for juice and doughnuts. Oh well.
We met Magda and a few of her other friends and went to Sandino's where we were entertained by an eclectic mix of live music. We then headed back to Magda and Steve's where we were fed mojito's and pizza. The next day we had a lovely breakfast in their garden, a stroll along the beach and yummy icecream at a traditonal cafe. We were very well looked after.
Last night I was at my mate's birthday party. It was a fun night playing drinking games and being silly. Today I could really do with a mint frappe (my new favourite hangover cure) but I'm going to have to settle for juice and doughnuts. Oh well.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Ha Boot Da Ha
If my niece knew what a birthday was this is probably what she'd say to me. And though she's not quite old enough to be aware of birthdays she still made me a lovely birthday card and came round to visit me. She brought her mummy and her two dogs with her. I made tea for the adults, Martha got a wee taste of mint milkshake and the poor dogs had to settle for a few rat kibbles.
After being at the zoo yesterday you'd have thought that the rats would have been boring to Martha but not atall. She thought they were great. And you'd have thought the rats would have been nervous with two dogs around but they are far too cocky to be scared. In fact, Maya was much more scared of the rats than they were of her.
After being at the zoo yesterday you'd have thought that the rats would have been boring to Martha but not atall. She thought they were great. And you'd have thought the rats would have been nervous with two dogs around but they are far too cocky to be scared. In fact, Maya was much more scared of the rats than they were of her.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Flat Warming and Rat Warming
It feels like such a long time ago that I had anything of any real worth to write about. In a way it's a good thing. My time is occupied doing stuff, rather than writing stuff. The stuff that i do isn't so exciting that I feel the need to write about it. I go to work. Work is fine. For the first time in a long time I'm happy in my job. I volunteer once a week at a youth club. Sometimes it feels like there's not much point me being there but a lot of the time I feel I'm doing something worthwhile. I encourage some of the lads to make cards and last week I brought the guitars down for them. Sometimes I just play pool or chat with them.
I get to see my darling niece on a regular basis which I could write about at great length but I am aware that, whilst this is great for me and my family, it's not great reading for people who don't know me. It's an utter delight though to see her smiling at me, or hear her giggling when we play peekaboo.
There's also the rats of course, which are another endless source of delight. Rocky is getting fatter and fatter. Pepe's definitely not pregnant but she's earning herself the reputation of being the naughty one. We talk about the rats so much that mum says she dreads to think what we'll be like if we have kids.
It's my birthday this friday so I'm having a party to combine our flatwarming ratwarming and my last year of being a twentysomething. So that's my life at the minute in a nutshell. I'm happy and content but lacking in a bit of inspiration But if that's the least of my worries I'm doing alright really.
I get to see my darling niece on a regular basis which I could write about at great length but I am aware that, whilst this is great for me and my family, it's not great reading for people who don't know me. It's an utter delight though to see her smiling at me, or hear her giggling when we play peekaboo.
There's also the rats of course, which are another endless source of delight. Rocky is getting fatter and fatter. Pepe's definitely not pregnant but she's earning herself the reputation of being the naughty one. We talk about the rats so much that mum says she dreads to think what we'll be like if we have kids.
It's my birthday this friday so I'm having a party to combine our flatwarming ratwarming and my last year of being a twentysomething. So that's my life at the minute in a nutshell. I'm happy and content but lacking in a bit of inspiration But if that's the least of my worries I'm doing alright really.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Bad REaction
I do love my darling ratscals but, unfortunately, I've discovered that I'm allergic to them. This is what happens when their wee tiny clws even so much as slightly scrape my skin. My skin burns for about ten minutes then these huge itchy blotches appear. I've never reacted to anything quite so violently. Thankfully it settles down after half an hour and just leaves me with a bit of an itch. And this happened as a result of Pepe climbing up and down my back so I'll just have to avoid that in the future or wear thicker clothes.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Dead Cat Or Sleeping Cat?
I was saying yesterday that it would have been the perfect day if I didn't have a dentist appointment. Well, it ended up being pretty perfect after all. The dentist said it was a superficial filling and I could chance it without having my mouth froze. This meant the rest of the evening wasn't ruined by numb gums,
When I got back Jakers and I decided to go for a walk to make the most of the nice evening. We dandered up through the park to Sentry Hill where I spent a good few of my teenage years drinking cider and hooch. We realised that when we were kids we lived round the corner from each other. It's so strange to grow up in a town like this and never have ran into each other before we were 25. Just before we were leaving I asked if we could go to the clearing where we used to hang out. It's obviously not a popular hangout spot anymore as it's totally overgrown. Then I saw something and I asked Jakers "Is that a sleeping cat or a dead cat?". As it turns out it was neither, it was a teenage fox cub enjoying a siesta in the sun. It stirred slightly and we stood and enjoyed the moment for a while before letting it dream of cunning ploys to catch chickens. It maybe wasn't quite as magical as when I stumbled upon Freddy's encounter with a fox but it definitely made it a perfect day.
When I got back Jakers and I decided to go for a walk to make the most of the nice evening. We dandered up through the park to Sentry Hill where I spent a good few of my teenage years drinking cider and hooch. We realised that when we were kids we lived round the corner from each other. It's so strange to grow up in a town like this and never have ran into each other before we were 25. Just before we were leaving I asked if we could go to the clearing where we used to hang out. It's obviously not a popular hangout spot anymore as it's totally overgrown. Then I saw something and I asked Jakers "Is that a sleeping cat or a dead cat?". As it turns out it was neither, it was a teenage fox cub enjoying a siesta in the sun. It stirred slightly and we stood and enjoyed the moment for a while before letting it dream of cunning ploys to catch chickens. It maybe wasn't quite as magical as when I stumbled upon Freddy's encounter with a fox but it definitely made it a perfect day.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A Nearly Perfect Day
Every morning I wake up and look into the rats tank and check they're ok. This past few mornings I've noticed that they're food bowl is upturned. The food's always lying scattered about so they don't do it as a protest for more food. I think it's much more likely that they're trying to suss out a way that they can use they're bowl to escape.
They've been very lazy ratscals today but right now Rocky is giving Pepe's ears a thorough grooming. Pepe is still a bit nervous when we take them out. Rocky gets more and more confident by the day. Balls? Ha, who needs them? We are discovering that sliced ham is definitely one of their favourite treats. They prefer red grapes to green ones and they don't seem to like the special chocolate drops we got them.
Today has been, without a doubt, the nicest, warmest, sunniest day of the year. Let's hope it's not the last either. I met Zoe and Martha in the park and gave Zoe back some books that I'd borrowed about 4 years ago! At the minute I'm reading The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho.
Now I have to go to the dentist and get a nasher filled. Could have been a perfect day if it wasn't for that.
They've been very lazy ratscals today but right now Rocky is giving Pepe's ears a thorough grooming. Pepe is still a bit nervous when we take them out. Rocky gets more and more confident by the day. Balls? Ha, who needs them? We are discovering that sliced ham is definitely one of their favourite treats. They prefer red grapes to green ones and they don't seem to like the special chocolate drops we got them.
Today has been, without a doubt, the nicest, warmest, sunniest day of the year. Let's hope it's not the last either. I met Zoe and Martha in the park and gave Zoe back some books that I'd borrowed about 4 years ago! At the minute I'm reading The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho.
Now I have to go to the dentist and get a nasher filled. Could have been a perfect day if it wasn't for that.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Parklife
There's only one thing better than seeing my niece once a week and that's seeing her twice a week. On Tuesday my friend and I took Miss Martha to the park. You can't go wrong at the park really, unless there are no ducks and no bouncy horsey thing. Martha enjoyed feeding the pigeons but she didn't think much of them pecking at her lovely shoes.
After a spell on the slide, swings and the bouncy horsey thing I took her up to meet the rats. At first she was a bit annoyed at Jakers taking her pram up the stairs. I think she thought he was stealing it. It occurred to me that Martha is already aware that the pram belongs to her and her mummy and without it she wouldn't be able to go to all the nice places, like the park, so you could see why she wouldn't want anybody stealing it.
When she saw the rats she smiled but the closer she looked at them the more confused she seem to be. She said 'bird' and she said 'dog' and then, when she realised she didn't know what they were, she got a little fretful and didn't like them quite so much. On Thursday we done a bit more hanging out at the park and hanging out with Gra' and Great Gra' She loves her Gra's very much.
Rocky's definitely healing up pretty good and doesn't seem to hold anything against us for taking away his manliness. Pepe did a good job at looking after him and though there still a bit nervous around us they seem like they're pretty happy rats. Rocky has a little adventure under one of the chairs when my mate Emma let him free range round the floor. Of course, I was completely nerotic and thought he'd be there forever or we'd squish him trying to force him out. We got him out eventually and he seemed rather pleased with his first proper adventure. It will be the first of many no doubt.
After a spell on the slide, swings and the bouncy horsey thing I took her up to meet the rats. At first she was a bit annoyed at Jakers taking her pram up the stairs. I think she thought he was stealing it. It occurred to me that Martha is already aware that the pram belongs to her and her mummy and without it she wouldn't be able to go to all the nice places, like the park, so you could see why she wouldn't want anybody stealing it.
When she saw the rats she smiled but the closer she looked at them the more confused she seem to be. She said 'bird' and she said 'dog' and then, when she realised she didn't know what they were, she got a little fretful and didn't like them quite so much. On Thursday we done a bit more hanging out at the park and hanging out with Gra' and Great Gra' She loves her Gra's very much.
Rocky's definitely healing up pretty good and doesn't seem to hold anything against us for taking away his manliness. Pepe did a good job at looking after him and though there still a bit nervous around us they seem like they're pretty happy rats. Rocky has a little adventure under one of the chairs when my mate Emma let him free range round the floor. Of course, I was completely nerotic and thought he'd be there forever or we'd squish him trying to force him out. We got him out eventually and he seemed rather pleased with his first proper adventure. It will be the first of many no doubt.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Trip to the Vits
Rocky survived his operation. I left him in yesterday morning and picked him up in the afternoon. I have to say, I wasn't overly struck by the Vet's staff. When I phoned up to check if Rocky was ok the receptionist left me on hold for for ages, long enough for me to to convince myself that Rocky hadn't made the operation, he was dead and nobody could face telling me. I was left on hold for so long I hung up. I tried to phone back about a dozen times and each time the number was busy. I texted Jakers telling him I thought Rocky might be dead. I phoned the Vet's again. They answered. It was a different receptionist and she went to check on him leaving me on hold again. I thought I was going to be left for ages but then she came back telling me that Rocky was ready for home. The relief. Honest to God, if this is what I'm like with a rat what kind of mother am I going to be?
So we went to pick him up and were greeted by a different receptionist who felt that it was too much effort to say 'Hello, how can I help you?'. I told her we were there to pick up Rocky the rat and, without smiling, she clicked a few buttons on the computer and said "That's thirty-six pounds fifty". She was so dour Jakers said he was expecting her to say "Computer says no". And when the vet came out with Rocky in his shoe box she wrinkled her nose and asked why anyone would want to keep rats. To be fair, she knew her stuff and answered all our questions but why would you be a vet if you didn't like rats?
Anyway, we got Rocky home and he felt very sorry for himself but still managed to eat. Pepe was pleased to see him and went in for a cuddle but when Rocky lay in his clear plastic tube, writhing in pain and discomfort, she knew to let him be. Rocky spent the night in a separate cage and Jakers reunited them this afternoon. Rocky is still not rightly at himself. He's a bit more comfortable than he was last night but he's doing a lot of sleeping and lying on top of Pepe. He's also doing a lot of munching so he must be on the mend.
So we went to pick him up and were greeted by a different receptionist who felt that it was too much effort to say 'Hello, how can I help you?'. I told her we were there to pick up Rocky the rat and, without smiling, she clicked a few buttons on the computer and said "That's thirty-six pounds fifty". She was so dour Jakers said he was expecting her to say "Computer says no". And when the vet came out with Rocky in his shoe box she wrinkled her nose and asked why anyone would want to keep rats. To be fair, she knew her stuff and answered all our questions but why would you be a vet if you didn't like rats?
Anyway, we got Rocky home and he felt very sorry for himself but still managed to eat. Pepe was pleased to see him and went in for a cuddle but when Rocky lay in his clear plastic tube, writhing in pain and discomfort, she knew to let him be. Rocky spent the night in a separate cage and Jakers reunited them this afternoon. Rocky is still not rightly at himself. He's a bit more comfortable than he was last night but he's doing a lot of sleeping and lying on top of Pepe. He's also doing a lot of munching so he must be on the mend.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Yet Another Post About....
.....RATS! They're adorable and maybe, one day, I'll stop writing about them so much but for now I'm just going to indulge myself. Though they are brother and sister they are very much a couple. It's been consummated. Rocky is the more dominant one. He stands over Pepe to protect her when he's nervous about something. He also steals food from her. Right now they're nesting in a clear plastic tube. They've dragged over some of their cotton wool bedding to lay over the side. I guess they're preparing for babies but it will be the first and last litter they have.
Rocky makes his wee trip to the vet on Wednesday. I can honestly say that phoning up and registering him with the vet is the first thing that's ever really made me feel like an adult. I did, however, give them my mum's address because I still don't know what my new post code is. It's a shame we have to get him neutered though because we were just building up our trust with him. And I guess getting his balls chopped off is gonna make him hate us. I hope he can be appeased with apple and kiwi fruit.
Right now the rats are having a tussle with each other, letting out little squeaks every once in a while. They stop fighting periodically to groom each other. Full of mischief so they are. I'm away to play with them.
Rocky makes his wee trip to the vet on Wednesday. I can honestly say that phoning up and registering him with the vet is the first thing that's ever really made me feel like an adult. I did, however, give them my mum's address because I still don't know what my new post code is. It's a shame we have to get him neutered though because we were just building up our trust with him. And I guess getting his balls chopped off is gonna make him hate us. I hope he can be appeased with apple and kiwi fruit.
Right now the rats are having a tussle with each other, letting out little squeaks every once in a while. They stop fighting periodically to groom each other. Full of mischief so they are. I'm away to play with them.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
That's How They Knew I Was a Boy
I love days like today. I spent most of it hanging out with my niece, who was hanging out with her granny and great granny. The great granny, which is my granny, said she was in right good form today so that pleased me. After a spot of lunch we took Martha to the park where she swung and slid and spun to her little heart's content. I wished that I could swing and slide and spin but I'm pretty sure an adult having more fun than a baby at the park is frowned upon.
It is becoming more and more clear that Rocky is definitely a boy. I told my (male) friend that we were pretty sure he was a boy due to the fact he was growing a set of balls. My friend laughed and said "Well I know that's how they came to the conclusion that I was a boy"
So, to avoid us having loads of inbred baby rats I have to take Rocky to the vet to get neutered. I feel awful about it but I would feel more awful about taking Pepe back to the pet shop to replace her with a male. Rocky and her have already bonded and to give her a taste of a life that she could have and then take her back to the pet shop is just unthinkable. So Rocky's balls have to go. Poor thing.
It is becoming more and more clear that Rocky is definitely a boy. I told my (male) friend that we were pretty sure he was a boy due to the fact he was growing a set of balls. My friend laughed and said "Well I know that's how they came to the conclusion that I was a boy"
So, to avoid us having loads of inbred baby rats I have to take Rocky to the vet to get neutered. I feel awful about it but I would feel more awful about taking Pepe back to the pet shop to replace her with a male. Rocky and her have already bonded and to give her a taste of a life that she could have and then take her back to the pet shop is just unthinkable. So Rocky's balls have to go. Poor thing.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Introducing......
ROCKY AND PEPE!!!!
Here are our two gorgeous rats. Right now they are snoozling away but all in all I think there settling in really well. Poor old Rocky's been a bit gender-confused but after he was a girl, then a boy, then a girl again, we're pretty sure now that he is a boy. And we're pretty sure that Pepe is definitely a girl. Could be problematic months down the line but we'll cross that bridge when it comes to it.
I went out yesterday and bought them some toys. I want to give them as much stimulation as possible because they're clever little critters that would get bored easily without things to climb and stuff to munch on. They get on really well together, snuggling together for sleeping, grooming each other and play fighting. It would have broke my heart to let Rocky miss out on the company of another rat.
Well, as much as I would love to blog about my babies all day long, unfortunately, I have a lot of rather mundane chores to be getting on with.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Rocky Rat Joins the Clan
Now that I'm back online there's no excuse for not blogging. Though I'm badly out of the habit so bear with me 'til I remember how to write or until I train Rocky to use the laptop. Yes! Rocky is finally here though she's more of a female Rocky than a male Rocky. We got her home last night and she was only in her cage for ten minutes before Jakers and I decided that she definitely needed some rat company. So went back to the pet shop and rescued one of Rocky's sisters. Haven't figured out a name for her yet but I'm just glad that Rocky's not going to be lonely when we're not around.
Today in work was tough. It just seemed to be one of those days. I thought the sunshine made everyone more happy and relaxed but apparently it has the opposite effect on certain people, making them uppity and, generally, very annoying. The worst customer today was Mr. F., a well-known local wino. He wanted passport photos taken but only had 30p in his hand. He was wobbling all over the place making me feared that he'd fall into a rack of frames. He then staggered over to the stools by the kiosk, sat down, and proceeded to fall asleep.
But ah....that was work and I'm at home now watching Rocky and her sister munching on kibbles and dinner is cooking and I have a night out planned and I'm off the next two days and sure, is that not great?
Today in work was tough. It just seemed to be one of those days. I thought the sunshine made everyone more happy and relaxed but apparently it has the opposite effect on certain people, making them uppity and, generally, very annoying. The worst customer today was Mr. F., a well-known local wino. He wanted passport photos taken but only had 30p in his hand. He was wobbling all over the place making me feared that he'd fall into a rack of frames. He then staggered over to the stools by the kiosk, sat down, and proceeded to fall asleep.
But ah....that was work and I'm at home now watching Rocky and her sister munching on kibbles and dinner is cooking and I have a night out planned and I'm off the next two days and sure, is that not great?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
At Last
I'm such a happy bunny. Sitting in my cosy, just cleaned flat. Jakers is in the kitchen rustling up some chili mince and garlic bread. I've spent a good hour pottering about the world wide web, whittling my time away. Surely when man was created this is what he was created for.
Now that we're all broad-banded up all we need to make our cosy flat complete is a pet rat (or two). I'm hoping that Rocky the Rat will have a flair for blogging. He could take over for me on nights that I'm too tired.
Despite not having internet I've been keeping myself busy enough with work, jigsaws and endless episodes of Family Guy and American Dad. I've also taken to recording Countdown and watching it in the evenings, which, I've been told, is very sad and marks the end of my life as a young, adventurous twenty-something putting me firmly in the bracket of an old, boring seventy year old pensioner with nothing better to do with my time. Of course, now that I have internet I can cling on to my youth.
Hooray for internet, and days off and tidy flats!!!
Now that we're all broad-banded up all we need to make our cosy flat complete is a pet rat (or two). I'm hoping that Rocky the Rat will have a flair for blogging. He could take over for me on nights that I'm too tired.
Despite not having internet I've been keeping myself busy enough with work, jigsaws and endless episodes of Family Guy and American Dad. I've also taken to recording Countdown and watching it in the evenings, which, I've been told, is very sad and marks the end of my life as a young, adventurous twenty-something putting me firmly in the bracket of an old, boring seventy year old pensioner with nothing better to do with my time. Of course, now that I have internet I can cling on to my youth.
Hooray for internet, and days off and tidy flats!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Back Soon
This is a quick, sneaky blog from work so I've no time to go into details about the useless Sky buggers and why I've been off line for about an eternity. We are promised tomorrow but we have been promised many's a time before. We'll see. I suppose I should get back to work now though and keep my blog rant until such times as I'm not getting paid for it.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Oh Boy
Well, what a bad blogger I've been. I blame Christmas. It's hard to even know what day of the week it is never mind writing about it. I'm glad it's all over and done with though. Phew!
Last New Year I had organised a party to combine Dirt Bird's birthday, the New Year and my going away gig. But I was dying of a cold last year and sneaked off to bed, not once, but twice before the clock struck twelve. Other than that I really don;t remember much about it. This New Year, however, was very enjoyable. A nice mix of loved ones and music with just a dash (ok....a whole bottle) of Jamesons' whiskey.
The next day I took me and my bad head to sweat out the badness in a hot tub. Dirt Bird's uncle has one in his garden and he invited us up for her Dirtieth Bird Day. I could do with one of those every weekend.
Right, anyway, I would write more but my neck hurts so I'm gonna go see if I can wangle a massage off Jakers. Hopefully it won't be so long before I update next time.
Last New Year I had organised a party to combine Dirt Bird's birthday, the New Year and my going away gig. But I was dying of a cold last year and sneaked off to bed, not once, but twice before the clock struck twelve. Other than that I really don;t remember much about it. This New Year, however, was very enjoyable. A nice mix of loved ones and music with just a dash (ok....a whole bottle) of Jamesons' whiskey.
The next day I took me and my bad head to sweat out the badness in a hot tub. Dirt Bird's uncle has one in his garden and he invited us up for her Dirtieth Bird Day. I could do with one of those every weekend.
Right, anyway, I would write more but my neck hurts so I'm gonna go see if I can wangle a massage off Jakers. Hopefully it won't be so long before I update next time.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Peanut Butter On Toast
I'm a sucker for life's little pleasures at the minute. On Sunday me and Jakes cooked a Sunday dinner and invited a couple of people around to help us scran it. Unfortunately Dill couldn't make it so we set him aside a plate and sent it up to Belfast with Dr. D.
Sunday's are my new favourite day. I used to find Sunday's very lonely. I once went through a phase of convincing myself that the Sunday papers were a good way of killing an hour or two but my heart was never really in it. Now Sunday's are never lonely and there's always something to do, which is nothing, but relax and read magazines and watch Twin Peaks.
I went to visit Nellybert on my day off which, luckily, coincided with Granny Nelly's babysitting Martha day. I really love going home every couple of weeks and seeing mum and Bert and the dogs. Judy was super pleased to see me and even Bonnie seems to appreciate me more now that I'm gone. I took Martha in to see Pearlie and she entertained her by saying 'duck' a lot and pointing at her neck pillow and saying 'hat'. I had a couple of good cuddles with Freddy cat. He always makes sure that he gets some Hannah loving when I'm there and I'm pretty sure that, if Pearlie would let him, he'd make her his Hannah surrogate. She won't have it though. she hates him.
Sunday's are my new favourite day. I used to find Sunday's very lonely. I once went through a phase of convincing myself that the Sunday papers were a good way of killing an hour or two but my heart was never really in it. Now Sunday's are never lonely and there's always something to do, which is nothing, but relax and read magazines and watch Twin Peaks.
I went to visit Nellybert on my day off which, luckily, coincided with Granny Nelly's babysitting Martha day. I really love going home every couple of weeks and seeing mum and Bert and the dogs. Judy was super pleased to see me and even Bonnie seems to appreciate me more now that I'm gone. I took Martha in to see Pearlie and she entertained her by saying 'duck' a lot and pointing at her neck pillow and saying 'hat'. I had a couple of good cuddles with Freddy cat. He always makes sure that he gets some Hannah loving when I'm there and I'm pretty sure that, if Pearlie would let him, he'd make her his Hannah surrogate. She won't have it though. she hates him.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Snow Girl
Yesterday I was hanging out with this little snowgirl. Mum and I took her out to Granny's where it was a winter wonderland. This is the best snow I've seen in years. I'm not generally a big fan of it but it's hard not to smile when you see your gorgeous niece trying to walk in her snow suit and welly boots. An absolute delight!
I've had a few days off work and it was spent sorting the flat out, music-making and hanging out with my two favourite Martha's. I also spent a night out in Belfast where I ran into a girl I haven't seen for 10 years. This would have been a pleasure if it wasn't for the fact that the only thing I can remember about her is that she once said to me "You know, you would be pretty if you wore makeup". It annoyed me at the time but I'm not the sort of person to hold grudges. This time she mentioned again that I never wore make-up. Though at least this time she said I didn't need to.
I can't believe it's nearly Christmas. This time last year I had no time to even think about, juggling my 2 jobs and getting things sorted for S.America. In fact, all that nearly feels like a dream. This year I'm happy to relax and enjoy the thought of spending a lovely Christmas with all my family. And on that note I shall go, as I have things to do and dinner to make.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Ballymena Ladyboy
Ballymena isn't a big place. It's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone to some extent, even if it's just recognising their faces. Sometimes it's a good thing because I like walking down the street and having people to stop and chat to. It can also be a bad thing too because everyone knows everyone's buisness. Luckily I haven't too much to hide or be ashamed of so I don't really mind people knowing my buisness.
I was at the pub last week and as I was leaving the girl's toilets and said hello to a girl I kind of know. Someone was standing outside waiting for her and this person said hello and asked me if I remembered them. I looked at their face and thought they looked vaguely familiar. They then proceeded to tell me that I had met them outside another bar and we'd been chatting and I asked them what their name was. When they said it was John, or Mark, or some other boy's name I asked them why they were pretending to be a boy. All of a sudden I had a flashback of this particular encounter and I did actually ask them why they were pretending to be a boy.
Having been reminded of this I looked at this guy and apologised profusely and then asked him if he was sure he was definitely a boy. To which, he/she replied that yes he definitely was a boy. I felt really bad but still not entirely convinced. And to be fair, there was absolutely nothing about him that suggested he was a girl, other than a fairly unbroken voice and soft, delicate features. Poor lad. I hope he's not too offended.
I was at the pub last week and as I was leaving the girl's toilets and said hello to a girl I kind of know. Someone was standing outside waiting for her and this person said hello and asked me if I remembered them. I looked at their face and thought they looked vaguely familiar. They then proceeded to tell me that I had met them outside another bar and we'd been chatting and I asked them what their name was. When they said it was John, or Mark, or some other boy's name I asked them why they were pretending to be a boy. All of a sudden I had a flashback of this particular encounter and I did actually ask them why they were pretending to be a boy.
Having been reminded of this I looked at this guy and apologised profusely and then asked him if he was sure he was definitely a boy. To which, he/she replied that yes he definitely was a boy. I felt really bad but still not entirely convinced. And to be fair, there was absolutely nothing about him that suggested he was a girl, other than a fairly unbroken voice and soft, delicate features. Poor lad. I hope he's not too offended.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Dill Tries Horlicks
We had a visit from a guy the other night. He's a shy fellow so I won't disclose his real name, I'll call him Dill. Dill's a great guy but he's got his quirks. He doesn't fall asleep to serene music or whale sounds like any normal person would, no, he likes to listen to repetitive white noise, like the sound of an electric drill, or the fuzziness of a T.V.
He was round playing a bit of geetar with Jakers. He's very good and we've told him he'd make an excellent teacher but he's negative about everything. And I mean everything. The only thing that makes Diil truly happy is food. He's a big lad at 6 foot eight and so he needs a lot of grub. He once ate so much at a Chinese all you can eat buffet that he was actually sick.
He was offered a cup of tea and a Curly Wurly at first and then later I wanted Horlicks and we gave him some of that too. He'd never had it before and thought it was maybe some kind of class A drug. We told him it was what old granny's drink before they go to bed. At first he liked it. He felt enveloped in the warm milky, malty goodness. But then he got half way through it and decided it was like drinking baby boke. Yeah, if baby's stomachs were lined with malt, which they're not. Anyway, I didn't let it put me off mine though.
He was round playing a bit of geetar with Jakers. He's very good and we've told him he'd make an excellent teacher but he's negative about everything. And I mean everything. The only thing that makes Diil truly happy is food. He's a big lad at 6 foot eight and so he needs a lot of grub. He once ate so much at a Chinese all you can eat buffet that he was actually sick.
He was offered a cup of tea and a Curly Wurly at first and then later I wanted Horlicks and we gave him some of that too. He'd never had it before and thought it was maybe some kind of class A drug. We told him it was what old granny's drink before they go to bed. At first he liked it. He felt enveloped in the warm milky, malty goodness. But then he got half way through it and decided it was like drinking baby boke. Yeah, if baby's stomachs were lined with malt, which they're not. Anyway, I didn't let it put me off mine though.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Back To School and Bomb Scares
A couple of nights ago I had a dream that I woke up to a text from my friend saying "I'll meet you at school". I was running around wondering how it could be the first day of term again and feeling totally disorganised because all my school sgirts were either dirty or wrinkled (which is ironic because it never bothered me before going to school in a dirty, wrinkly shirt). Anyway, it took me a while to catch on that it wasn't just the summer holidays since I'd been to school, it was years. I recalled having gone to uni and couldn't figure out why I was going back to school. So I texted my friend back asking her why we were going to school. She replied back that we had to go for ESPN training. There's no such thing as ESPN training, it's a sports channel I'd been watching the Stoke Vs Liverpool match on ESPN some few nights before.
Last night, when I went to sleep, I must have traveled back in time about 40 years because I'd been in work, this morning, no longer than an hour when the manager from the shopping centre came into the shop telling us we had to close up and evacuate as there was a suspected bomb threat across the road in Poundstretcher. After 3 hours of drinking endless cups of coffee in a nearby pub (there wasn't much else we could do) we were allowed to open up again but they'd cordoned off the whole street and sent the Bomb Disposal Unit out. As I was walking towards the pub I bumped into Jakers who said he'd just got into work and was told to go down to Poundstretcher to get a cheap jar of coffee. They lost a sale there.
After the whole hoo-ha we went back to work and thought the rest of the day would fly in. It did but in a very annoying way. Why anyone ever has need of a 30 x 40 inch frame I do not know (apart from having a poster print and wanting it framed, which should be banned). Anyway, Danny asked me to help him frame it and it ended up being a complete disaster. Firstly, it was mounted. This isn't normally a problem but the aperture of the mount was the exact measurement of the print. Normally you'd have a bit of an overlap meaning there's no chance for gaps. We had to line the print up precisely and tape it down a bit. I had hoped the back of the frame would help flatten the print down but this frame's back was ever so slightly too big. Only by millimeteres but it was enough not to flatten the print, which really needed it because of the neat fit of the mount. We ended up with a print that gaped. No good. In the midst of trying out other things to help it the glass broke. Only a tiny bit from one of the corners but enough to completely ruin it. Luckily when I called the customer to explain she took it in good humour and laughed about all the mishaps. I'd have laughed too if it hadn't been such a ball ache. Roll on the weekend.
Last night, when I went to sleep, I must have traveled back in time about 40 years because I'd been in work, this morning, no longer than an hour when the manager from the shopping centre came into the shop telling us we had to close up and evacuate as there was a suspected bomb threat across the road in Poundstretcher. After 3 hours of drinking endless cups of coffee in a nearby pub (there wasn't much else we could do) we were allowed to open up again but they'd cordoned off the whole street and sent the Bomb Disposal Unit out. As I was walking towards the pub I bumped into Jakers who said he'd just got into work and was told to go down to Poundstretcher to get a cheap jar of coffee. They lost a sale there.
After the whole hoo-ha we went back to work and thought the rest of the day would fly in. It did but in a very annoying way. Why anyone ever has need of a 30 x 40 inch frame I do not know (apart from having a poster print and wanting it framed, which should be banned). Anyway, Danny asked me to help him frame it and it ended up being a complete disaster. Firstly, it was mounted. This isn't normally a problem but the aperture of the mount was the exact measurement of the print. Normally you'd have a bit of an overlap meaning there's no chance for gaps. We had to line the print up precisely and tape it down a bit. I had hoped the back of the frame would help flatten the print down but this frame's back was ever so slightly too big. Only by millimeteres but it was enough not to flatten the print, which really needed it because of the neat fit of the mount. We ended up with a print that gaped. No good. In the midst of trying out other things to help it the glass broke. Only a tiny bit from one of the corners but enough to completely ruin it. Luckily when I called the customer to explain she took it in good humour and laughed about all the mishaps. I'd have laughed too if it hadn't been such a ball ache. Roll on the weekend.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Busy Bee
I'm so busy these days that when I do sit down and relax I feel truly justified. I've stayed true to my word about embracing the land of T.V. The best thing about Sky is that you can record shows to watch at a later date. I am currently watching endless episodes of QI, Mock the Week, The Middle and Family Guy. Jakers hasn't got to watch as much Sci-Fi or wildlife documentaries as he had hoped but perhaps I'll get bored of T.V.
The reason I'm so busy is a combination of work and play. On Thursday night I met my workmate for drinks. I wasn't home that late but it was late enough for my mate to want me to get a taxi. I live ten minutes away from the pub but she said she didn't want me to get raped. I told her I'd be fine but her parting words to me were "you know that most people who get raped get raped up the bum!" I guess I must have been quite shocked by this revelation so I called Jakers and told him I was on my way home and if I wasn't back in 5 minutes to come looking for me.
I had a busy day on Friday as well . I spent the afternoon hanging out with Zoe and Martha. Martha is getting pretty used to me now and she makes it known that I am part of her clan. Very sweet. I then went round to a friend's house where we talked non-stop for 3 hours. This guy's hasn't been well for a long time but he's still an absolute ray of sunshine. When I was living at home I only saw this guy the very odd weekend. It's so nice to be within walking distance of calling in on him. We also had a few dudes round in the evening for music night. Though it was more like sitting around talking night than music night.
Then it was Saturday and work was super busy (but in a nice way, not a head-frying stressful way) and I went out with friends even though I felt I could sleep a marathon. I ended up having a lovely wee night and staying up late so when Sunday came round it was pure bliss waking up late and doing absolutely nothing. This is the life I've been longing for for quite some time now. I just wish that all the people I love and care about could feel as content as I do now. At the same time, I know how life is, swings and roundabouts. I'm just going to enjoy this feeling while it lasts.
The reason I'm so busy is a combination of work and play. On Thursday night I met my workmate for drinks. I wasn't home that late but it was late enough for my mate to want me to get a taxi. I live ten minutes away from the pub but she said she didn't want me to get raped. I told her I'd be fine but her parting words to me were "you know that most people who get raped get raped up the bum!" I guess I must have been quite shocked by this revelation so I called Jakers and told him I was on my way home and if I wasn't back in 5 minutes to come looking for me.
I had a busy day on Friday as well . I spent the afternoon hanging out with Zoe and Martha. Martha is getting pretty used to me now and she makes it known that I am part of her clan. Very sweet. I then went round to a friend's house where we talked non-stop for 3 hours. This guy's hasn't been well for a long time but he's still an absolute ray of sunshine. When I was living at home I only saw this guy the very odd weekend. It's so nice to be within walking distance of calling in on him. We also had a few dudes round in the evening for music night. Though it was more like sitting around talking night than music night.
Then it was Saturday and work was super busy (but in a nice way, not a head-frying stressful way) and I went out with friends even though I felt I could sleep a marathon. I ended up having a lovely wee night and staying up late so when Sunday came round it was pure bliss waking up late and doing absolutely nothing. This is the life I've been longing for for quite some time now. I just wish that all the people I love and care about could feel as content as I do now. At the same time, I know how life is, swings and roundabouts. I'm just going to enjoy this feeling while it lasts.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Domestic Bliss
I'm back online and all broadbanded up. I've been living in the town with Jakers for just over a week and we have a little haven of media and entertainment and scented candles. We take it in turns to make dinner and I make us both a packed lunch every day for work. Right now it's domestic bliss though Jakers reckons I'll be bored by next week and he'll be cooking all the dinners and there'll be no sandwiches for lunch.
We also have the loan of a Wii for a wee while. I'd never played one before but am totally relishing in the delight of beating Jakers at bowling and boxing. Beginner's luck no doubt but i may as well enjoy the feeling while it lasts.
I like the handiness of everything. Getting home from work without buses, popping down to the shops on a Sunday. I have also purchased myself a hot water bottle complete with fluffy cover. The cover is so soft I can almost pretend that it's a warm fluffy kitten. A picture of Nellybert's pup Judy hangs proudly on the living room wall but I'm not sure Jakers will allow me to plaster the whole place in animal pictures. He probaby thinks it's girly enough with all the scented candles though he has been known to walk past the Yankee Candle shop informing his men friends that when it comes to scented candles it has to be Yankee.
Well, anyway, I'd love to blog all night but I'd get tired and folk would get bored. I think I'll just light a scented candle, light a little smoke and chillax for the rest of the evening.
We also have the loan of a Wii for a wee while. I'd never played one before but am totally relishing in the delight of beating Jakers at bowling and boxing. Beginner's luck no doubt but i may as well enjoy the feeling while it lasts.
I like the handiness of everything. Getting home from work without buses, popping down to the shops on a Sunday. I have also purchased myself a hot water bottle complete with fluffy cover. The cover is so soft I can almost pretend that it's a warm fluffy kitten. A picture of Nellybert's pup Judy hangs proudly on the living room wall but I'm not sure Jakers will allow me to plaster the whole place in animal pictures. He probaby thinks it's girly enough with all the scented candles though he has been known to walk past the Yankee Candle shop informing his men friends that when it comes to scented candles it has to be Yankee.
Well, anyway, I'd love to blog all night but I'd get tired and folk would get bored. I think I'll just light a scented candle, light a little smoke and chillax for the rest of the evening.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Introuducing....
This handsome guy shares the same name as my boyfriend. My Jakers is way cuter though. I figured that I'd be mentioning him a lot more when I move in with him and referring to him as 'my boyfriend' would get pretty boring.
This day next week but will be my last night at Nellybert's. And then I will be a Townie. It looks like Tuesday night is going to be Music Night. Jakers has already got me a form for volunteering where he works and Tai Chi classes are held in Ahoghill on a Thursday night. There's nothing to ail me calling in on Zoe for half an hour after work the odd day. I used to live round the corner from Zoe and saw her maybe once a month. Shocking! But that was before she had baby Martha and I'm an auntie who's greedy for the baby cuddles.
The only real worry now is work and money and sure I'm too happy to be bothered worrying about that until I have to.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Embrace The T.V.
When I move in with my boyfriend we'll have broadband installed. It's like a legal requirement. And because there are so many good internet and tv packages we've decided to get Sky as well. It's been years since I've been interested in watching tv. I grew used to not having it through traveling and when you don't have it you don't miss it or need. it.
But, I have to say, I'm quite looking forward to becoming a bit of telly addict for now. I've spent so many years in my own head with no real outlet for escapism (except escape games and I'm starting to get bored with the formula) and so I don't even feel guilty about the fact that I'm gonna watch a lot of tv. In fact, I think it will be positively good for me. As long as that's not all I'm doing.
Anyway, I'm not moving in for another week or so but I'm already thinking about the tv shows I want to watch. I'm well into Meercat Manor. It's pretty heavy viewing sometimes as Meercats, despite being adorable, can be pretty brutal to each other. It's just their survival instinct but they're a lot more complex than you'd give them credit for. I also plan to get back into Neighbours. It's been s few years since I used to watch back to back episodes on the internet. And when I'd run out of the current series I started watching really old episodes of it. It will take me a while to get used to the characters but I believe Toadie's still in it and I'm hoping Dr. Karl and Susan are still kicking about. I also plan to watch a lot of comedy, new and old. I truly believe that a daily dose of laughter will have me in a state of euphoria. Of course, I'm pinning all my hopes and dreams on an evil, mind-numbing box, which isn't such a good thing, but it's gotta be better than a smack habit.
But, I have to say, I'm quite looking forward to becoming a bit of telly addict for now. I've spent so many years in my own head with no real outlet for escapism (except escape games and I'm starting to get bored with the formula) and so I don't even feel guilty about the fact that I'm gonna watch a lot of tv. In fact, I think it will be positively good for me. As long as that's not all I'm doing.
Anyway, I'm not moving in for another week or so but I'm already thinking about the tv shows I want to watch. I'm well into Meercat Manor. It's pretty heavy viewing sometimes as Meercats, despite being adorable, can be pretty brutal to each other. It's just their survival instinct but they're a lot more complex than you'd give them credit for. I also plan to get back into Neighbours. It's been s few years since I used to watch back to back episodes on the internet. And when I'd run out of the current series I started watching really old episodes of it. It will take me a while to get used to the characters but I believe Toadie's still in it and I'm hoping Dr. Karl and Susan are still kicking about. I also plan to watch a lot of comedy, new and old. I truly believe that a daily dose of laughter will have me in a state of euphoria. Of course, I'm pinning all my hopes and dreams on an evil, mind-numbing box, which isn't such a good thing, but it's gotta be better than a smack habit.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
B12 In The Bum
I was gonna post about being sick but it's not particularly enjoyable to write or read about so I won't bother. Except to say that my energy levels are at an all time low and I would probably benefit from a big dose of vitamin B12 in the bum. This is not a euphemism. Apparently vitamin B12 is all the rage amongst the celebs. I'm not sure that they need the injection in the bum but most of them are so skinny that they probably do.
The time has come for me to finally grow up and flee the nest. I'll be moving in with my boyfriend at the end of the month. It's the natural progression really considering we've been together for 2 and half years. Normally I stay with him at the weekends and a day during the week. This means carting my stuff to and fro in bags and I have done enough living out of rucksacks. It'll be nice to have just one permanent base. Also, I'll be living in the town which means I can put a lot of what I want to do into practice. No excuses now for not going swimming once a week. When I was 17 I asked my dad for some money to buy a swimming costume with the intention of swimming on a regular basis. It's now 11 years later and I still have the same swimsuit. I've only used it about 10 times.
Today I need to go into town and buy a few bits and pieces for the flat. I think it will take a while before it starts to feel like my own place but then I'm kinda used to that. Getting a few pictures up on the wall will be my number one priority. This shouldn't be a problem though considering where I work.
The time has come for me to finally grow up and flee the nest. I'll be moving in with my boyfriend at the end of the month. It's the natural progression really considering we've been together for 2 and half years. Normally I stay with him at the weekends and a day during the week. This means carting my stuff to and fro in bags and I have done enough living out of rucksacks. It'll be nice to have just one permanent base. Also, I'll be living in the town which means I can put a lot of what I want to do into practice. No excuses now for not going swimming once a week. When I was 17 I asked my dad for some money to buy a swimming costume with the intention of swimming on a regular basis. It's now 11 years later and I still have the same swimsuit. I've only used it about 10 times.
Today I need to go into town and buy a few bits and pieces for the flat. I think it will take a while before it starts to feel like my own place but then I'm kinda used to that. Getting a few pictures up on the wall will be my number one priority. This shouldn't be a problem though considering where I work.
Monday, October 04, 2010
On The Up
I have no idea what I do with my time but there's never much of it left over for blogging. Then again, there's nothing much to blog about really. I'm hoping that will change soon.
Laughter is something that is greatly missing from my life. I do laugh, just not enough. So if anyone can recommend some good comedies for me to watch that would be great. I caught the tail end of a spoof movie the other night. I have no idea what it was but it was a piss take of when Tom Cruise went on the Oprah Winfrey show proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes. It was hilarious.
Work has been cut down to a 4 day week. Not just me but all the staff. Normally I'd be worried about this but I'm just looking forward to the extra day off. Also, if we meet targets we have the opportunity to earn a bonus, bulking our pay up to a normal 5 day week.
Well, anyway, that is all for now. I just know life is on the up again and when it is I'll enjoy writing more. Just bear with me.
Laughter is something that is greatly missing from my life. I do laugh, just not enough. So if anyone can recommend some good comedies for me to watch that would be great. I caught the tail end of a spoof movie the other night. I have no idea what it was but it was a piss take of when Tom Cruise went on the Oprah Winfrey show proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes. It was hilarious.
Work has been cut down to a 4 day week. Not just me but all the staff. Normally I'd be worried about this but I'm just looking forward to the extra day off. Also, if we meet targets we have the opportunity to earn a bonus, bulking our pay up to a normal 5 day week.
Well, anyway, that is all for now. I just know life is on the up again and when it is I'll enjoy writing more. Just bear with me.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
My Perfect Life
So I figured it was time I updated. Not that I have much to update. My life took a bit of a downward spiral. It wasn't one thing in particular but lots of things that eventually got on top of me no matter how much I tried to fight it. That was also part of the problem, trying to fight it when I had absolutely nothing left to fight with. Anyway, giving up is not an option. The only option is to deal with things accordingly.
So I've been thinking about what would be the perfect life for me. I don't mean a fairy tale life I mean real life. Firstly, I wouldn't live so far away from my boyfriend and friends. Though the countryside is beautiful and peaceful I can't help but feel isolated. I am a person who needs a lot of stimulation. The internet can only provide so much.
When I do eventually move into the town I plan to occupy my evenings much more constructively. For years I have had a yearning to learn T'ai Chi. I could start classes now but the travel back and forth between Ballymena and home would be tiresome and expensive. I'd also like to do some voluntary evening work to help me in my plight to become a social worker. Again, the travel holds me back.
Another thing missing from my life right now is making music with people. Playing geetar on my own is only fun to a certain degree. I miss jamming sessions. I miss the banter and craic. Living so far away is a bit of a deterrent for friends who do like to play.
Of course, if I could drive none of this would be a problem. But I can't. And though I plan to start it will be a long time before I have complete independence.
So, really, I'm not asking for much in life. Just a little patience 'til it all fits into place, which at times has felt like it never will. I have been unsure about the security of my job and though it's worked out well for me so far I don't like to count my eggs before they hatch.
So there we go. I am very much hoping that some day I'll have something funny to write about again. They do say that laughter is the best medicine.
So I've been thinking about what would be the perfect life for me. I don't mean a fairy tale life I mean real life. Firstly, I wouldn't live so far away from my boyfriend and friends. Though the countryside is beautiful and peaceful I can't help but feel isolated. I am a person who needs a lot of stimulation. The internet can only provide so much.
When I do eventually move into the town I plan to occupy my evenings much more constructively. For years I have had a yearning to learn T'ai Chi. I could start classes now but the travel back and forth between Ballymena and home would be tiresome and expensive. I'd also like to do some voluntary evening work to help me in my plight to become a social worker. Again, the travel holds me back.
Another thing missing from my life right now is making music with people. Playing geetar on my own is only fun to a certain degree. I miss jamming sessions. I miss the banter and craic. Living so far away is a bit of a deterrent for friends who do like to play.
Of course, if I could drive none of this would be a problem. But I can't. And though I plan to start it will be a long time before I have complete independence.
So, really, I'm not asking for much in life. Just a little patience 'til it all fits into place, which at times has felt like it never will. I have been unsure about the security of my job and though it's worked out well for me so far I don't like to count my eggs before they hatch.
So there we go. I am very much hoping that some day I'll have something funny to write about again. They do say that laughter is the best medicine.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Even Pearlie Likes Her
I guess it's about time I introduced the latest addition to the Nellybert clan. Her name is Judy and though she looks really cross in this picture she's really very cute. She's a bolshy one though. It took her no time to settle down and she has yet to learn the pecking order. Every human, cat and dog in the house is her plaything. The humans are dealing with the toilet training but I think Bonnie Dog will take it upon herself to teach the pup some manners.
She is very, very sweet. She lies on my lap and has a snooze every morning before work. She makes puppy groans when she stretches. She runs after Bonnie hanging off her tail, which Bonnie detests but it's funny all the same. And then there's the fact that she's gorgeous. She's chocolate brown with a white neck and paws and lovely blue eyes. And even Pearlie likes her so she must be good.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Meditating Buddha
They have a lake in Retiro Park, Madrid where you can hire out rowboats. After a hectic few days a relaxing boat trip was just what we needed. We spotted a girl on dry land looking serene and calm. Just after I took this snap of her we saw another girl approaching from behind, creeping up on her. We watched in suspense waiting for the friend to pounce and make the girl jump. The moment came and we laughed as we secretly shared their joke. Then the waiting girl stood up to greet her (girl)friend and they indulged in a passionate kiss! Good on them says I. It's one of the things I love about photography though. If I hadn't explained the story behind this picture no one would have guessed that the meditating Buddha was waiting on her lesbian lover.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Dr. D, Mr. J And The Tale Of The Curs-ED Lighter
Mr J has somehow managed to be in possession of the infamous curs-ED lighter. In an attempt to get rid of it he offers his good frrind Dr. D a choice between the lighter and the beautiful blood stained geetar.
Haha The Curse Is On You Now Dr. D
Little does Dr. D know that by accepting the curs-ED lighter he has now fallen victim to an evil, wicked curse.
Mr J Plays The Blood Stained Geetar
Once Dr. D realises his fate he tries his hardest to give back the curs-ED lighter to Mr. J who tells him to piss off and gets back to his rendition of She's Electric by Oasis
Eat It
Dr. D is so desperate to get rid of the curs-ED lighter that he tries to force feed it to Mr. J.
The Madness Begins
It's too late for Dr. D now the evil has taken hold. He still finds time though to hang out with Jesus and see if he can light his cigarette with the fire in his eyes.
Cross Dressing Demon
Dr. D's soul has now been taken over by a cross dressing demon. Mr. J is sad to have lost a friend in Dr. D but he feels he's gained a new, more interesting friend in the cross dressing demon. A happy ending after all.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Freddy The Green Eyed Monster
Freddy sniffs the laundry, an evil glint in his eye. Holly cat is getting nervous.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Retail Therapy Works A Treat
I got the therapy I needed in the form of, some much needed, retail therapy. It was long overdue. I got myself a new digi camera. It's been a while since I've had one and I'd forgotten the joys of being trigger happy. Above our some sample pics from my camera. There's one of the Handsome Paddy boy, looking particularly handsome and one of Fish Face Freddy looking like an evil c**t but such a cute one. There's also one of Bert looking worn out from his week of hard work with Ben. Note the poised clarinet. I caught him mid-break. This could also be why he looks worn out. He just can't suss out how to play Fever properly. And then there's one of me. And any camera that can hide my spots and blemishes is a damn fine camera. So I'm happy. Trigger Happy.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fly Free Wee Fly
I don't mind admitting that I only shower every other day. Obviously I wash every day but I don't like to wash my hair every day as it's a chore and once you start that caper with your hair it starts to need being washed every day. But the problem is that there are seven days in the week which kinda messes up my weekly regime. I don't know who invented the days of the week (probably them same dicks that invented numbers) but they clearly hadn't anticipated what life would be like in the year 2010 for a young twenty-something woman. So I propose we just do away with a day. Personally I would choose Tuesday, it's always dragged in for me and nobody ever remembers what they did on a Tuesday.
I rescued a fly from a spider's web. I don't really know why. I guess I just felt sorry for it and then I felt sorry for the spider too for setting it's dinner free. I used a stick to catch the web from under the fly's feet and the spider lunged out. Scared the hell outta me but then I felt a sense of happiness when I saw the fly fly free. I wonder if I need therapy?
I rescued a fly from a spider's web. I don't really know why. I guess I just felt sorry for it and then I felt sorry for the spider too for setting it's dinner free. I used a stick to catch the web from under the fly's feet and the spider lunged out. Scared the hell outta me but then I felt a sense of happiness when I saw the fly fly free. I wonder if I need therapy?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My Wee Bro
After however many years of blogging I decided I needed a new look. I think it sums up my general outlook on life at the minute. On the plus side though, I've inherited a temporary wee brother for a few days. He comes in the form of a Young Banjo. The youngest in fact.
We like him being here. He keeps Bert well at the hard work all day long. He came in and ate a hearty dinner and gave full compliments to the chef (Nelly) and told her she's a brilliant cook. He's out in the kitchen now, dutifully cutting up rhubarb for a crumble and because he's near the kettle he asked Nelly if she wanted a cup of tea or coffee. He apologised for talking over mum and I and he's only eleven years old. He is, without a doubt, an absolute wee star.
It's a shame we can't keep him.
We like him being here. He keeps Bert well at the hard work all day long. He came in and ate a hearty dinner and gave full compliments to the chef (Nelly) and told her she's a brilliant cook. He's out in the kitchen now, dutifully cutting up rhubarb for a crumble and because he's near the kettle he asked Nelly if she wanted a cup of tea or coffee. He apologised for talking over mum and I and he's only eleven years old. He is, without a doubt, an absolute wee star.
It's a shame we can't keep him.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Worried Chick Blues
Life is tough at the minute. I don't say that in a 'woe is me' kinda way but certain stresses and strains take their toll and eventually you end up cracking over the most inappropriate thing.
I'm worried. Worried about my Granny and even more worried about the fact that I don't see her as often as I'd like to. I ask every day how she is and I'm told that she's good, or ok, or not too bad. But the last 2 times I've seen her recently and she has not seemed to be ok. The last time she was dizzy and weak and had to lie down. The time before that she was emotionally preoccupied.
I'm also worried for my mum, who probably doesn't think I am but isn't it funny how worry can manifest itself? I'm worried because I know how much emotional and physical pressure she's under and I worry that my low mood and depression adds to that. So I try to keep it together but all that worry still niggles away.
I worry that this period of full time work will end in a matter of weeks and I'll be no closer to living independently like a 28 year old adult should be. I worry that I will never be financially stable enough to start my own family.
I worry that my relationship will suffer because I can't shake these blues and I feel guilty for not being that carefree fun-lovin' woman that I used to be for my guy. He by no means makes me feel this way and is nothing but a sweet, strong rock for me (kinda like yellow man but he's not yellow) and I'm pretty sure that if it wasn't for him I'd have fallen to pieces by now.
I can feel a wee song coming on here..... :(
I'm worried. Worried about my Granny and even more worried about the fact that I don't see her as often as I'd like to. I ask every day how she is and I'm told that she's good, or ok, or not too bad. But the last 2 times I've seen her recently and she has not seemed to be ok. The last time she was dizzy and weak and had to lie down. The time before that she was emotionally preoccupied.
I'm also worried for my mum, who probably doesn't think I am but isn't it funny how worry can manifest itself? I'm worried because I know how much emotional and physical pressure she's under and I worry that my low mood and depression adds to that. So I try to keep it together but all that worry still niggles away.
I worry that this period of full time work will end in a matter of weeks and I'll be no closer to living independently like a 28 year old adult should be. I worry that I will never be financially stable enough to start my own family.
I worry that my relationship will suffer because I can't shake these blues and I feel guilty for not being that carefree fun-lovin' woman that I used to be for my guy. He by no means makes me feel this way and is nothing but a sweet, strong rock for me (kinda like yellow man but he's not yellow) and I'm pretty sure that if it wasn't for him I'd have fallen to pieces by now.
I can feel a wee song coming on here..... :(
Monday, June 28, 2010
La Senza Here I Come
When your boyfriend suggests that you should get some new bras I guess it's time to get some new bras. I guess he's sick of seeing the same old ones. It is true though, I do need some new bras. And jeans, jumpers, t.shirts etc. I haven't indulged in any new clothes since way before South America. Except for the dress I got for Katkins' wedding. And it's not exactly practical. I'd look well sitting in my local bar's smoking area (which is basically a cage) getting roaster burns in my pretty summer dress.
I'm hopefully gonna get a few week's full time work so bras are top of the list. A digital camera is second on the list. Once I have these in place my life will be complete. Ha!
Hmmmmmmmmm......not a lot else to say really. I just deleted a whole paragraph there about mexican travel sickness tablets. Damn my self-censorship, it's so boring.
I'm hopefully gonna get a few week's full time work so bras are top of the list. A digital camera is second on the list. Once I have these in place my life will be complete. Ha!
Hmmmmmmmmm......not a lot else to say really. I just deleted a whole paragraph there about mexican travel sickness tablets. Damn my self-censorship, it's so boring.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Luck On The Dreen Road
There's a rabbit's foot lying up the Dreen road. I don't know where the rest of the rabbit is, probably in some critter's belly, but I know that rabbit feet are sold as good luck charms. I was thinking of picking it up and putting it in my pocket for a bit of the oul' gud luck.
I need some darkroom practice. That's the hard part of my job. Doing things in the darkroom. My boss was showing me how to change the paper when it runs out. He showed me first in the light so I'd know what I was doing. I understood perfectly. But it's a whole different ball game when you can't see what you're doing. It's also quite disconcerting that when you're in there, you can't open the door until you've finished what you're doing, otherwise you expose the paper or film to light, thus ruining it.
The Lovely Mel is home before she jets off to Ozland for goodness knows how long. I am only a little but jealous of her. I am more happy and excited for her as she has been dreaming of adventures for a while now. We'll be having a little shindig for her tomorrow night and it's only now, while writing this, that I realise how much I'm going to miss her. Even though she hasn't lived in Ballymena for years she was always home every couple of months. We'll miss her little visits and the rays of sunshine that she brings. But she's too good to be confined to Britain and she must go shine her rays on other people in other places.
Whilst on the subject of rays of sunshine and to conclude this disjointed blog post, the best bit of being back at work is, for sure, the fact that the shop is on route to Zoe's house form the town centre. This means that any time Zoe and baby Martha are up the toon, they walk past my shop and call in. I get to see my darling little niece's beautiful smiles so much more. And I get paid for it!
I need some darkroom practice. That's the hard part of my job. Doing things in the darkroom. My boss was showing me how to change the paper when it runs out. He showed me first in the light so I'd know what I was doing. I understood perfectly. But it's a whole different ball game when you can't see what you're doing. It's also quite disconcerting that when you're in there, you can't open the door until you've finished what you're doing, otherwise you expose the paper or film to light, thus ruining it.
The Lovely Mel is home before she jets off to Ozland for goodness knows how long. I am only a little but jealous of her. I am more happy and excited for her as she has been dreaming of adventures for a while now. We'll be having a little shindig for her tomorrow night and it's only now, while writing this, that I realise how much I'm going to miss her. Even though she hasn't lived in Ballymena for years she was always home every couple of months. We'll miss her little visits and the rays of sunshine that she brings. But she's too good to be confined to Britain and she must go shine her rays on other people in other places.
Whilst on the subject of rays of sunshine and to conclude this disjointed blog post, the best bit of being back at work is, for sure, the fact that the shop is on route to Zoe's house form the town centre. This means that any time Zoe and baby Martha are up the toon, they walk past my shop and call in. I get to see my darling little niece's beautiful smiles so much more. And I get paid for it!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Back
I'm back from Madrid, back from Katkins' wedding and back to work (only part time but it's better than nothing). Madrid was fantastic. Cocktails and Tapas are the way forward. My boy says: Mojito's? Yes please, Powdered whiskey? No thanks. Also, no thanks to rancid burgers but yes please to buying fresh bread and cheese and having a picnic in the Botanic Gardens. We walked a lot, laughed a lot, talked a lot, made some friends and on the last day we took a row boat out on the lake in the park. We went to the zoo, Real Madrid stadium and a couple of museums. We found the BEST sweetshop and delicious ice cream. We went clubbing with 2 guys who worked at our favourite bar. We climbed a million steps everyday to get to our hostel on the 6th floor, a hostel that was owned by the lead singer from ZZ Top.
So then it was time to leave Madrid and head to Norfolk for the lovely Katkins wedding. We stayed in cottages in the most beautiful English countryside. We took walks to the nearest village and ate delicious toffee tiffin at Tilly's. I nearly cried as my big sis walked down the aisle with my dad giving her away. I'm not really a romantic person but I think I was just so happy for her. I also cried during the speeches as mum read out a letter from my dear sweet granny who couldn't make it on the day.
So now it's back to butts. I didn't get the job I had the interview for but I'm back at my old job part time. I was asked if I wanted a few hours and although I'd rather have full time hours I think even working a bit will be good for my head. I am not cut out to be a stay at home mom. Especially when I'm not a mom. And on that note I think I should go see what I can rustle up for dinner.
So then it was time to leave Madrid and head to Norfolk for the lovely Katkins wedding. We stayed in cottages in the most beautiful English countryside. We took walks to the nearest village and ate delicious toffee tiffin at Tilly's. I nearly cried as my big sis walked down the aisle with my dad giving her away. I'm not really a romantic person but I think I was just so happy for her. I also cried during the speeches as mum read out a letter from my dear sweet granny who couldn't make it on the day.
So now it's back to butts. I didn't get the job I had the interview for but I'm back at my old job part time. I was asked if I wanted a few hours and although I'd rather have full time hours I think even working a bit will be good for my head. I am not cut out to be a stay at home mom. Especially when I'm not a mom. And on that note I think I should go see what I can rustle up for dinner.
Monday, May 31, 2010
She Loved Us All
On Friday we laid my Great Aunt Mary to rest. She was my grandfather's sister but she was also my Godmother. And as we said good bye to her on Friday a very silly and naive childhood memory came flooding back to me. I recall being slightly jealous of how good she was to my 2 sisters. Of course, she was just as good to me, more than good, but she was my Godmother not theirs! Of course, now that I am an adult I understand that things don't work that way. I never expressed my annoyance but I realise now that the reason she never treated me any differently to my sisters was because she was a good, kind woman with a heart of gold. And on the one hand I felt jealous but on the other hand I felt lucky that I had such a kind, caring Godmother. She loved us all and we were always in her thoughts.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dog Treats and Dresses
Well, it's been pretty quiet here in Hannah Land for a while. I say quiet but this isn't true. There's always a lot going on behind the scenes but nothing that's really bloggable.
I had a job interview today. I think it went reasonably well but I'm never one to set myself up for a fall. The fact is that there's one post and everyone's looking for work at the minute. It may well just boil down to someone having more experience. But you have to be in it to win as they say.
It's Bert's 50 plus one birthday tomorrow so I called in at the International shop down in Harryville and bought him a jar of pickled nonsense. He got some wine and biscuits too (in my head I'm saying bisk-wits because of that Fox's panda advert).
I also got some treats for the dogs and cats, a crossword puzzle book for Pearlie and some copies of an old photograph for mum. So that's the whole house sorted. I also went and got me a dress for Katy's wedding. I might end up bringing it back tomorrow though as the thought of even trying it on again, let alone wearing it out in public, is making me feel nervous. And cold.
This day next week me and my boy will be going to Madrid. Hooray!!! He's never been on a plane before and is a little scared. I have the perfect cure for that though. It's called whiskey ;) I have a feeling it's going to be a lovely wee trip away.
I had a job interview today. I think it went reasonably well but I'm never one to set myself up for a fall. The fact is that there's one post and everyone's looking for work at the minute. It may well just boil down to someone having more experience. But you have to be in it to win as they say.
It's Bert's 50 plus one birthday tomorrow so I called in at the International shop down in Harryville and bought him a jar of pickled nonsense. He got some wine and biscuits too (in my head I'm saying bisk-wits because of that Fox's panda advert).
I also got some treats for the dogs and cats, a crossword puzzle book for Pearlie and some copies of an old photograph for mum. So that's the whole house sorted. I also went and got me a dress for Katy's wedding. I might end up bringing it back tomorrow though as the thought of even trying it on again, let alone wearing it out in public, is making me feel nervous. And cold.
This day next week me and my boy will be going to Madrid. Hooray!!! He's never been on a plane before and is a little scared. I have the perfect cure for that though. It's called whiskey ;) I have a feeling it's going to be a lovely wee trip away.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Finally Some Photos
I thought it was about time I got some pics of my time away. I would list all the different places they are but I'm feeling far too lackadaisical. I have more up on flickr and more to come but that's just a wee taster for now.
So, not a lot else to report really. I still haven't got myself an outfit for Katy's wedding. I still haven't booked accommodation for Madrid. I still don't have a job. I did get a (much needed) haircut. I have also, inadvertently, been training to become a housewife, which is silly really as I plan never to be a housewife. For two simple reasons; I will never have a house and I will never be a wife.
But, anyway, this post isn't about that it's about the photos of my trip away. I wish I'd taken so many more now. I thought I had all the time in the world though. Too much time. But there are quite a few that I'm proud of and it's nice to have some visual aids to remember my trip by.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
World's Largest Jigsaw
There was something I hadn't taken into consideration about the whole pole-dancing thing. Dancing around in skimpy underwear is not ideal for someone who is morbidly feared of the cold and would normally turn up for a day's work wearing, vest, t.shirt, sweater and coat. I naively thought that they'd have good heating in these strip joints but as mum pointed out, how else do they keep the lasses nipples so hard? So, back to the drawing board. Oh, if only I could draw.
I'd like to make the world's largest jigsaw and be part of a team that helps build it. The average jigsaw has 1000 pieces and measures approximately 28 inches by 20 inches. This leaves us with 36 pieces per row and 28 pieces per column. So, based on these calculations a 1,000,000 piece jigsaw would measure....
Ok, I actually tried to work that out with a calculator but I still can't get my head around it. But, basically, it would be a BIG jigsaw. A bigsaw if you like. The picture at the top is the image I've chosen for this jigsaw, mainly because I love cows but also because there's a lot of variation in the oolours which would make a massive jigsaw a bit easier to do. Yes, i have thought about this a little too much. I'm not mad I just have a lot of time on my hands at the minute.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Freddy's Foxy Friend
I'm glad I took a dander down the back lane today. Because if I didn't I wouldn't have seen two animals having a stand off. One was easily identified as Fat Face Freddy. The other animal, I presumed, was also a cat but when it looked up at me and ran off there was no mistaking that bushy tail for the tail of Fantastic Mr. Fox. So what were Freddy and the fox standing around chatting about?
Freddy: Feck off Foxy, I'm more ginger than you are!
Foxy: Are you feck Fat Face. You're more like a strawberry blond. Bet ye dye your hair too. I can see white on your belly.
Freddy: Look Foxy, not only am I more ginger but I am also a black belt in Catrate so you better keep your big foxy mouth shut or I'll hoof ye.
Foxy: Hahahahaha it's KARATE Fat Face and I bet the only belt you wear is a chastity belt. Everyone round these parts knows you have no balls! LOL
Freddy: Don't you LOL at me. I'll set my bear on you. Her name's Bonnie!
Foxy: Ha! Bonnie's not a bear she's a German Shepherd and I know for a fact she's soft as shite. wouldn't hurt a fly.
At which point I show up and Foxy runs away whilst Freddy laughs down his sleeve and then miaows at me like he's such a sweet innocent wee cat.
Freddy: Feck off Foxy, I'm more ginger than you are!
Foxy: Are you feck Fat Face. You're more like a strawberry blond. Bet ye dye your hair too. I can see white on your belly.
Freddy: Look Foxy, not only am I more ginger but I am also a black belt in Catrate so you better keep your big foxy mouth shut or I'll hoof ye.
Foxy: Hahahahaha it's KARATE Fat Face and I bet the only belt you wear is a chastity belt. Everyone round these parts knows you have no balls! LOL
Freddy: Don't you LOL at me. I'll set my bear on you. Her name's Bonnie!
Foxy: Ha! Bonnie's not a bear she's a German Shepherd and I know for a fact she's soft as shite. wouldn't hurt a fly.
At which point I show up and Foxy runs away whilst Freddy laughs down his sleeve and then miaows at me like he's such a sweet innocent wee cat.
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