Sunday, November 20, 2005
Sober as a Queen
As the only sober blogger there last night I feel it is my duty to recount the tales of the evening :-)
Mrs Aginoth's birthday party - now all the blogs are in - full links :-)
Nanny A arrived to babysit. We all set out to the restaurant; rca, Mr A and I driving as it was too cold for rca to walk - not complaining as I thought it was freezing myself! although finding parking in Weston on a Saturday night at 8pm was hell.
We arrived at the restaurant, who were expecting 8, and so were somewhat caught on the hop when 9 arrived. As I was the last in, I got the gloryseat - between Mrs A and Sister S.
The food looked scrummy, although being a *Posh* restaurant they only had one veggie option and that was pasta with goat's cheese. I asked for an omelette, which sent the waitress into a tailspin, and ended up having the pasta with a different kind of cheese (ricotta I think, not a favourite, but not barf-making like goat's cheese!). In all I had the tomato and onion soup (nice), the pasta with all the veg (nice) and a Pot Au Chocolate (most nice!).
Then Aginoth made his first mistake. 'Wine' he said expansively. 'Bottle o' red, bottle o' white and one rose.' (well, it's always good to cover all the bases)
I smirked slightly as I sipped my water. I knew what was coming.
By the time the starters were done, the second order of wine arrived. You couldn't see the table for glasses and bottles :-)
Brother S was by then very ill, see Mr A's blog, and his fiance K did a sterling job of looking after him. Sister S (on my right) then decided I should experience French kissing with a tongue stud. Well, I've made it to 41 without that particular experience, so I refused gently.
Sister S found a nice young man at another table to chat up and she and Mrs A spent most of the evening discussing his merits, while Mr A kept prodding Brother S (I have photos!) to ensure he was breathing.
rca drank enough to make her happy and carefree, which is nice to see (I admit, I have a soft spot for rca!) and us three sober participants looked on in semi-stunned disbelief.
Stories and reminisces abounded wonderfully all evening, and at times I regretted sitting between Mrs A and her favourite sister. Me and Mr A occasionally exchanged raised eyebrows and wry grins.
Once Brother S had thrown up in spectacular style outside the restaurant (not wholly his fault, having very little liver function will do that!), Sister S molested rca (much fun was had with that!) and having fought off another tongue stud attempt on my lips, I settled back with my Pot Au Chocolate with Kahlua (the only alcohol that passed my lips all night [polishes halo]) and let the drinkers get on with it.
One stolen glass of wine and an argument later, I decided it was time to 'go back and see how Nanny A was coping with a poorly LMD' (ie run away!! [wink]). So I piled rca into the car and headed back.
Fifteen minutes of glorious peace with LMD, Nanny A and rca followed before the gang came home. Friend C made his farewells and left. I allowed rca (guarded) access to my blog and Mrs A let Sister S loose on hers! I think I got the good end of the deal! :-)
We broke out the port and the chocolate cake (Brother S missed the cake as he was unconscious on the floor!) and the party continued.
Midnight came and I really had to break up the fun, despite rca's demands for Trivial Pursuit (I always win anyway!). After gently pointing out to my darling tipsy girly that it was midnight and Triv took hours to play, we agreed it probably was time to go home. Also, me being the driver had some sway!
Delivered a happily tipsy rca to her house, and a contentedly sober sleepypete to his and arrived home at 1am. Tired, sober and very, very happy. Aginoths will do that!
Wonderful party, Aginoths! Sister S is always good for the money and next time Brother S should stay awake longer! Fiance K can come again (she's nice!) and I'm sure Friend C will talk to you all again - eventually! :-)
[blows kisses to everyone - yes even Sister S!]
Actually, we have agreed that next time I will babysit and Nanny A can shake off her shackles and be carefree on a girly night out! :-)
[wanders off to find USB cable for phone]
cq
Mrs Aginoth's birthday party - now all the blogs are in - full links :-)
Mrs A's account here: Morning After
Mr A's here : Morning After
rca's first ever 'blog' here: so this is rca
and Sister S's first attempt here: guest-huh-blog
A long overdue opportunity for our good juggling mother to shake off her shackles of maternity and be young and carefree.Nanny A arrived to babysit. We all set out to the restaurant; rca, Mr A and I driving as it was too cold for rca to walk - not complaining as I thought it was freezing myself! although finding parking in Weston on a Saturday night at 8pm was hell.
We arrived at the restaurant, who were expecting 8, and so were somewhat caught on the hop when 9 arrived. As I was the last in, I got the gloryseat - between Mrs A and Sister S.
The food looked scrummy, although being a *Posh* restaurant they only had one veggie option and that was pasta with goat's cheese. I asked for an omelette, which sent the waitress into a tailspin, and ended up having the pasta with a different kind of cheese (ricotta I think, not a favourite, but not barf-making like goat's cheese!). In all I had the tomato and onion soup (nice), the pasta with all the veg (nice) and a Pot Au Chocolate (most nice!).
Then Aginoth made his first mistake. 'Wine' he said expansively. 'Bottle o' red, bottle o' white and one rose.' (well, it's always good to cover all the bases)
I smirked slightly as I sipped my water. I knew what was coming.
By the time the starters were done, the second order of wine arrived. You couldn't see the table for glasses and bottles :-)
Brother S was by then very ill, see Mr A's blog, and his fiance K did a sterling job of looking after him. Sister S (on my right) then decided I should experience French kissing with a tongue stud. Well, I've made it to 41 without that particular experience, so I refused gently.
Sister S found a nice young man at another table to chat up and she and Mrs A spent most of the evening discussing his merits, while Mr A kept prodding Brother S (I have photos!) to ensure he was breathing.
rca drank enough to make her happy and carefree, which is nice to see (I admit, I have a soft spot for rca!) and us three sober participants looked on in semi-stunned disbelief.
Stories and reminisces abounded wonderfully all evening, and at times I regretted sitting between Mrs A and her favourite sister. Me and Mr A occasionally exchanged raised eyebrows and wry grins.
Once Brother S had thrown up in spectacular style outside the restaurant (not wholly his fault, having very little liver function will do that!), Sister S molested rca (much fun was had with that!) and having fought off another tongue stud attempt on my lips, I settled back with my Pot Au Chocolate with Kahlua (the only alcohol that passed my lips all night [polishes halo]) and let the drinkers get on with it.
One stolen glass of wine and an argument later, I decided it was time to 'go back and see how Nanny A was coping with a poorly LMD' (ie run away!! [wink]). So I piled rca into the car and headed back.
Fifteen minutes of glorious peace with LMD, Nanny A and rca followed before the gang came home. Friend C made his farewells and left. I allowed rca (guarded) access to my blog and Mrs A let Sister S loose on hers! I think I got the good end of the deal! :-)
We broke out the port and the chocolate cake (Brother S missed the cake as he was unconscious on the floor!) and the party continued.
Midnight came and I really had to break up the fun, despite rca's demands for Trivial Pursuit (I always win anyway!). After gently pointing out to my darling tipsy girly that it was midnight and Triv took hours to play, we agreed it probably was time to go home. Also, me being the driver had some sway!
Delivered a happily tipsy rca to her house, and a contentedly sober sleepypete to his and arrived home at 1am. Tired, sober and very, very happy. Aginoths will do that!
Wonderful party, Aginoths! Sister S is always good for the money and next time Brother S should stay awake longer! Fiance K can come again (she's nice!) and I'm sure Friend C will talk to you all again - eventually! :-)
[blows kisses to everyone - yes even Sister S!]
Actually, we have agreed that next time I will babysit and Nanny A can shake off her shackles and be carefree on a girly night out! :-)
[wanders off to find USB cable for phone]
cq
Saturday, November 19, 2005
So this is rca
And I'm lying on the Aginoth's carpet (and am slightly more drunk than I thought cos I had to type that sentence 4 times).
So the almost whole gang is here, Mr A drinking port, LMD still up and no longer puking (phewww). Mrs A's sister trying to hit on almost everything moving and Mr A's younger brother a little worse for wear.
So Mr & Mrs A keep trying to get me to write a blog and I'm refusing but wondering if it wouldn't be fun..
So random drunken rant aside. CQ is cursing, Mrs A's sister is hassling/molesting me and my girlfriend is sending me soppy mesages. The port calls (alcholic not the kind with sailors) and my fingers hurt so I'm done typing.
Bye Bye, possibly forever... :-)
rca
[my driving isn't *that* bad!! cq]
So the almost whole gang is here, Mr A drinking port, LMD still up and no longer puking (phewww). Mrs A's sister trying to hit on almost everything moving and Mr A's younger brother a little worse for wear.
So Mr & Mrs A keep trying to get me to write a blog and I'm refusing but wondering if it wouldn't be fun..
So random drunken rant aside. CQ is cursing, Mrs A's sister is hassling/molesting me and my girlfriend is sending me soppy mesages. The port calls (alcholic not the kind with sailors) and my fingers hurt so I'm done typing.
Bye Bye, possibly forever... :-)
rca
[my driving isn't *that* bad!! cq]
Sheez!
As usual, I am greeted with smiles and cuddles at Casa Aginoth. Welcoming grins from Mr and Mrs A, leaping cuddles from LMB and A Jnr, and the usual instant screaming hysterics from LMD.
In her little ten month old brain my appearance indicates mummy is about to leave. So requiring much comfort from said mummy and repeated cries of 'I'm not leaving!'.
Wonder how long I am to be the harbinger of abandonment? LMB was reasonably accepting from an early age, and A Jnr has always been my little man.
And isn't it nice that Aginoth lets me use his laptop (with internet connection!) whenever I come over?
Whenever I am here I am reminded of the wonderful phrase I believe in (and is enscribed on one of my fridge magnets!) 'Friends are the Family one chooses for oneself' - I have a lovely family.
LMD and LMB are having a bath with Cousin G, watched over by Mrs A. A Jnr, rca, sleepypete and Aginoth are playing some sort of racing game on the computer, and Sister S is getting organised - and I'm sitting here by a roaring fire quietly and contentedly blogging away :-)
cq
In her little ten month old brain my appearance indicates mummy is about to leave. So requiring much comfort from said mummy and repeated cries of 'I'm not leaving!'.
Wonder how long I am to be the harbinger of abandonment? LMB was reasonably accepting from an early age, and A Jnr has always been my little man.
And isn't it nice that Aginoth lets me use his laptop (with internet connection!) whenever I come over?
Whenever I am here I am reminded of the wonderful phrase I believe in (and is enscribed on one of my fridge magnets!) 'Friends are the Family one chooses for oneself' - I have a lovely family.
LMD and LMB are having a bath with Cousin G, watched over by Mrs A. A Jnr, rca, sleepypete and Aginoth are playing some sort of racing game on the computer, and Sister S is getting organised - and I'm sitting here by a roaring fire quietly and contentedly blogging away :-)
cq
OMIGOD.......
[looks out of window at inexorably worsening freezing phog]
OK [puts nice dress away, gets out smart black trousers and delicious purple jumper] - bummer...reminds self to remember coat and scarf!
Good thing my foglights work! What with that [shudder] horrible phog and the roadworks - the 30 miles or so to the Aginoth's is going to be an interesting drive. Hope my passengers, rca and sleepypete, have their insurance up to date.
ok, showered, lovely and clean now and washed my hair. In this modern world, am I in the minority in that I don't use a hairdryer unless really pushed?
And one more for thought - when the thick nasty phog descends, will all those morons who use their phoglights in rain and sun remember to turn them on for the purpose they are designed for?
Call back later to get the results....
cq
OK [puts nice dress away, gets out smart black trousers and delicious purple jumper] - bummer...reminds self to remember coat and scarf!
Good thing my foglights work! What with that [shudder] horrible phog and the roadworks - the 30 miles or so to the Aginoth's is going to be an interesting drive. Hope my passengers, rca and sleepypete, have their insurance up to date.
ok, showered, lovely and clean now and washed my hair. In this modern world, am I in the minority in that I don't use a hairdryer unless really pushed?
And one more for thought - when the thick nasty phog descends, will all those morons who use their phoglights in rain and sun remember to turn them on for the purpose they are designed for?
Call back later to get the results....
cq
Party Day
Tis a cold and frosty morning out there [brr].
Charlie kept me awake for some of last night and he is going full steam at the moment. Pandora is hiding in the study with me.
Woke up with a bit of a cough this morning - very annoying - and a headache. Hope I'm not sick, I am really looking forward to Mrs Aginoth's birthday party tonight. Dear friends, friends' family and delicious food. Mind you. as I understand it the A's have been through the lurgy recently, so it's a bit like taking coals to Newcastle. Will I get my huggy hug from Aginoth?
Of course, the bonus is if I'm coughing and not well, I get to do the shopping by car this week!
And the good news - having the laptop worked (well almost)! Last night I managed 1,000 words while cooking the dinner. The war is over, life has settled down again, but they don't know what's around the corner!! Being a very old laptop, it struggled with formatting and stuff - and I never put my fingers on the right keys! But it worked - kudos to John in the office.
Let's be sociable this weekend! Visit Jean-Luc's blog for a fantastic Christmas Party idea, he has such cracking audience participation posts on the weekends! And don't forget to pop over to mar's to see her All Time Meme, and Blogfather is still pounding away at blog reviews. rashbre is coming along brilliantly with his nano novel, and of course, as ever, if you're at a loose end, nip over to Michele's place for some social interaction and games. I can heartily recommend the 3 Day Meet and Greet!
Busy world out there in blogland.
cq
Charlie kept me awake for some of last night and he is going full steam at the moment. Pandora is hiding in the study with me.
Woke up with a bit of a cough this morning - very annoying - and a headache. Hope I'm not sick, I am really looking forward to Mrs Aginoth's birthday party tonight. Dear friends, friends' family and delicious food. Mind you. as I understand it the A's have been through the lurgy recently, so it's a bit like taking coals to Newcastle. Will I get my huggy hug from Aginoth?
Of course, the bonus is if I'm coughing and not well, I get to do the shopping by car this week!
And the good news - having the laptop worked (well almost)! Last night I managed 1,000 words while cooking the dinner. The war is over, life has settled down again, but they don't know what's around the corner!! Being a very old laptop, it struggled with formatting and stuff - and I never put my fingers on the right keys! But it worked - kudos to John in the office.
Let's be sociable this weekend! Visit Jean-Luc's blog for a fantastic Christmas Party idea, he has such cracking audience participation posts on the weekends! And don't forget to pop over to mar's to see her All Time Meme, and Blogfather is still pounding away at blog reviews. rashbre is coming along brilliantly with his nano novel, and of course, as ever, if you're at a loose end, nip over to Michele's place for some social interaction and games. I can heartily recommend the 3 Day Meet and Greet!
Busy world out there in blogland.
cq
Friday, November 18, 2005
How Cool is this...
Garage has a sign
'Free internet access while you wait. Ask at reception for details'.
So I asked......
and here I am, happily blogging while they scurry around replacing my chipped windscreen!
Update - internet access is via a computer workstation with desk and everything! Laptop is still in its bag :-)
cq
'Free internet access while you wait. Ask at reception for details'.
So I asked......
and here I am, happily blogging while they scurry around replacing my chipped windscreen!
Update - internet access is via a computer workstation with desk and everything! Laptop is still in its bag :-)
cq
Here and now meme
Current reading?
Black Wind, Clive Cussler – love Cussler books, adventure and escapism. Something for everyone.
The Novice, Trudi Canavan – book two of a fantastic trilogy about a magicians guild.
Next book to read?
Cyclops, Clive Cussler
High Lord, Trudi Canavan
Last film seen?
Constant Gardener yesterday – yawn, nuff said. I saw the beginning and woke up in time for the incredibly depressing ending......
Next film to see?
I have a list: In Her Shoes, Doom, Narnia, Brokeback Mountain, The Libertine, Mrs Henderson Presents, Flightplan (do you get the feeling I like going to the movies?)
Yesterday’s dinner?
Spudulike, spud with cheese and coleslaw (yummy!) cos time was short before the movie.
Today’s dinner?
Something simple with chips (busy night tonight, new windscreen, Charlie to the vet etc etc)
Tomorrow’s dinner?
Is a mystery – as I will be dining in fine style with the Aginoth's for Mrs A's birthday!
Most recent purchase?
Cyclops – Clive Cussler
What is in your diary for the next few days?
Windscreen fitting tonight.
Vet tonight.
Chores tomorrow.
Mrs A’s party tomorrow.
Nano on Sunday.
MOT on Monday :-(
Black Wind, Clive Cussler – love Cussler books, adventure and escapism. Something for everyone.
The Novice, Trudi Canavan – book two of a fantastic trilogy about a magicians guild.
Next book to read?
Cyclops, Clive Cussler
High Lord, Trudi Canavan
Last film seen?
Constant Gardener yesterday – yawn, nuff said. I saw the beginning and woke up in time for the incredibly depressing ending......
Next film to see?
I have a list: In Her Shoes, Doom, Narnia, Brokeback Mountain, The Libertine, Mrs Henderson Presents, Flightplan (do you get the feeling I like going to the movies?)
Yesterday’s dinner?
Spudulike, spud with cheese and coleslaw (yummy!) cos time was short before the movie.
Today’s dinner?
Something simple with chips (busy night tonight, new windscreen, Charlie to the vet etc etc)
Tomorrow’s dinner?
Is a mystery – as I will be dining in fine style with the Aginoth's for Mrs A's birthday!
Most recent purchase?
Cyclops – Clive Cussler
What is in your diary for the next few days?
Windscreen fitting tonight.
Vet tonight.
Chores tomorrow.
Mrs A’s party tomorrow.
Nano on Sunday.
MOT on Monday :-(
isn't my life just so exciting??
cq
All time meme
Time for me to create some memes :-)
All time favourite song?
Dancing Queen by Abba – when I was 15 I won a disco competition at summer school. I loved summer school, it was the only place I wasn’t bullied.
All time favourite book?
Wild Swans by Jung Chang. OMG! A powerful biography of three generations of women in a Chinese family through the times of war-lords, the Kuomingtang, the Communists and freedom!
All time favourite film?
Two:
Roomates – never put on general release. The story of two men, one straight and one gay, who share a flat in an Aids hospice. Eric Stoltz and Randy Quaid are mesmerising.
Pirates of the Caribbean - General release favourite. Fun, colourful, noisy, funny and thoroughly entertaining. Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are hilarious.
All time favourite film star?
Johnny Depp – from 21 Jump Street to From Hell, from Astronaut’s Wife to Sleepy Hollow, from Benny and Joon to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, from Ed Wood to Pirates. This man has done it all with consummate skill.
All time worst moment?
Three:
When I heard my best friend/soul mate had killed himself.
When it was confirmed that I can’t have children.
Holding a child as he died in my arms. Road accident, boy vs lorry – lorry won :-(
All time best moment?
Three again:
My annual Crazie Christmas party. All my crazies descend on my house, there’s a tree, decorations, food, booze, pressies, kids and lots of noise…..
The first time my beloved god-daughter smiled and reached out for me.
Winning the works annual story competition last year (story ‘Outsiders’ is on my storystore)
All time most used saying?
There’s no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer.
All time favourite quote?
'In order to end the suffering of the people, to bring an end to their pain and agony; there is no option but resistance.'Ahmed Shah Massoud, the Lion of Panjshir, leader of the Northern Alliance before his assassination by the Taliban.
Favourite wardrobe item?
My posh blue dress. Mid-length, midnight blue, velvet – gorgeous.
I tag Teh Blogfather, Aginoth, mar and Simon for this one :-)
cq
All time favourite song?
Dancing Queen by Abba – when I was 15 I won a disco competition at summer school. I loved summer school, it was the only place I wasn’t bullied.
All time favourite book?
Wild Swans by Jung Chang. OMG! A powerful biography of three generations of women in a Chinese family through the times of war-lords, the Kuomingtang, the Communists and freedom!
All time favourite film?
Two:
Roomates – never put on general release. The story of two men, one straight and one gay, who share a flat in an Aids hospice. Eric Stoltz and Randy Quaid are mesmerising.
Pirates of the Caribbean - General release favourite. Fun, colourful, noisy, funny and thoroughly entertaining. Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are hilarious.
All time favourite film star?
Johnny Depp – from 21 Jump Street to From Hell, from Astronaut’s Wife to Sleepy Hollow, from Benny and Joon to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, from Ed Wood to Pirates. This man has done it all with consummate skill.
All time worst moment?
Three:
When I heard my best friend/soul mate had killed himself.
When it was confirmed that I can’t have children.
Holding a child as he died in my arms. Road accident, boy vs lorry – lorry won :-(
All time best moment?
Three again:
My annual Crazie Christmas party. All my crazies descend on my house, there’s a tree, decorations, food, booze, pressies, kids and lots of noise…..
The first time my beloved god-daughter smiled and reached out for me.
Winning the works annual story competition last year (story ‘Outsiders’ is on my storystore)
All time most used saying?
There’s no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer.
All time favourite quote?
'In order to end the suffering of the people, to bring an end to their pain and agony; there is no option but resistance.'Ahmed Shah Massoud, the Lion of Panjshir, leader of the Northern Alliance before his assassination by the Taliban.
Favourite wardrobe item?
My posh blue dress. Mid-length, midnight blue, velvet – gorgeous.
I tag Teh Blogfather, Aginoth, mar and Simon for this one :-)
cq
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Sleepy Cinema
I have a failing.....
I sleep in the cinema.......
a lot........
I slept through Harry Potter (not a loss, some would say!), I slept through all three Lord of the Rings movies, the list goes on.....
In fact, my sleeping through films is legendary with my crazies and even people at work! I usually use cyberkitten as a pillow.
The legend lives on - tonight I slept through The Constant Gardener. My defence was it was incredibly slow and boring.
rca reckons that it is a perfect way to ward off Ugly Monster - go to a movie and fall asleep.
I blame the cinema. They have the aircon on full and it's usually freezing in there. And, of course, I blame the films. No blame can be apportioned to my condition or my hypersomnia.
hmm - what can I sleep through next?? [checks listings]
cq
I sleep in the cinema.......
a lot........
I slept through Harry Potter (not a loss, some would say!), I slept through all three Lord of the Rings movies, the list goes on.....
In fact, my sleeping through films is legendary with my crazies and even people at work! I usually use cyberkitten as a pillow.
The legend lives on - tonight I slept through The Constant Gardener. My defence was it was incredibly slow and boring.
rca reckons that it is a perfect way to ward off Ugly Monster - go to a movie and fall asleep.
I blame the cinema. They have the aircon on full and it's usually freezing in there. And, of course, I blame the films. No blame can be apportioned to my condition or my hypersomnia.
hmm - what can I sleep through next?? [checks listings]
cq
RIP Eddie - and thank you
One of the enduring and hardworking stars of wrestling entertainment has died.
Eddie Guerrero, active wrestler, was found dead in his hotel room while on tour by his nephew Chavo (also a WWE wrestler). He was only 38.
I have admired Eddie's resolute spirit for years, right back to when he was fighting his addiction to pills and booze. The clean Eddie that emerged a few years back was fabulous. He worked so hard that he was nothing less than admirable. He was exciting, vibrant and controversial. He was cute, canny and oh so funny. He was a man of the people, and even when he turned Heel in a plotline with old friend Rey Mysterio, he was unarguably still the best in the business.
He had a wife Vicki and two daughters that he adored.
I held my breath for the autopsy report, hoping that Eddie had not slid back down that slippery slope to drugs and alcohol.
I just read this report:
11/15/05
It is now known that Eddie Guerrero died of heart disease. His wife Vicki said " that the blood vessels were very worn and narrow, and that just showed all the abuse from the scheduling of work and his past. And Eddie just worked out like crazy all the time. It made his heart grow bigger and work harder and the vessels were getting smaller, and that?s what caused the heart failure. He went into a deep sleep." (credit slamsports.com)
A more complete autopsy is still pending.
Thank you, Eddie......
cq
(and you all now know one of my secret vices, men running around in lycra knickers!)
Eddie Guerrero, active wrestler, was found dead in his hotel room while on tour by his nephew Chavo (also a WWE wrestler). He was only 38.
I have admired Eddie's resolute spirit for years, right back to when he was fighting his addiction to pills and booze. The clean Eddie that emerged a few years back was fabulous. He worked so hard that he was nothing less than admirable. He was exciting, vibrant and controversial. He was cute, canny and oh so funny. He was a man of the people, and even when he turned Heel in a plotline with old friend Rey Mysterio, he was unarguably still the best in the business.
He had a wife Vicki and two daughters that he adored.
I held my breath for the autopsy report, hoping that Eddie had not slid back down that slippery slope to drugs and alcohol.
I just read this report:
11/15/05
It is now known that Eddie Guerrero died of heart disease. His wife Vicki said " that the blood vessels were very worn and narrow, and that just showed all the abuse from the scheduling of work and his past. And Eddie just worked out like crazy all the time. It made his heart grow bigger and work harder and the vessels were getting smaller, and that?s what caused the heart failure. He went into a deep sleep." (credit slamsports.com)
A more complete autopsy is still pending.
Thank you, Eddie......
cq
(and you all now know one of my secret vices, men running around in lycra knickers!)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Lottery Dreams
Mar's blog asks the question
would you like to win the lottery?
do you actually buy tickets?
Since the lottery began and I started purchasing my one line a week, I have always had a plan if I win (unlikely, I know - but us depressed folks need to learn to think positively).
I'll buy a big house in the country.
Fill it full of cats and dogs and the fields full of cows, sheep, pigs and horses.
Have huge landscaped gardens.
then
make it all accessible to wheelchairs, crutches and the blind.
pay for children to be bussed out from inner city schools.
give them (and their guardians) a week's holiday.
The gardens would have to include a blind garden (ie one with touch sensory information).
There would be horse-riding and feeding the animals.
and it would all be free.....
So - what would you all do with your lottery winnings - should you be so lucky...?
cq
would you like to win the lottery?
do you actually buy tickets?
Since the lottery began and I started purchasing my one line a week, I have always had a plan if I win (unlikely, I know - but us depressed folks need to learn to think positively).
I'll buy a big house in the country.
Fill it full of cats and dogs and the fields full of cows, sheep, pigs and horses.
Have huge landscaped gardens.
then
make it all accessible to wheelchairs, crutches and the blind.
pay for children to be bussed out from inner city schools.
give them (and their guardians) a week's holiday.
The gardens would have to include a blind garden (ie one with touch sensory information).
There would be horse-riding and feeding the animals.
and it would all be free.....
So - what would you all do with your lottery winnings - should you be so lucky...?
cq
Review for the Story Store
"What you lookin' at?" [Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain] Ah-chooo! Break it down if y'all comin down with bird flu, huzzaaaaah! Our next entrant is lethal with tha word, cranking out stories and keepin' it real. Give it up for Gangstaaaaaah "Tha Storynator" Nannyyyyy! [And the crowd: whoa honaaay!] If you've ever wanted to stop the world and read a story then Tha Storynator is your gurl - show her looooove!
Gotta love my 'crew' :-)
Again, thanks to Teh Blogfaddah for another hilarious review. And I am copying it to it's rightful home on the Storystore.
cq
Princess Sayako
Japan's Princess Sayako has lost her royal status after she married commoner Yoshiki Kuroda, in a ceremony in Tokyo.
Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets between the royal palace and the city hotel where the half-hour marriage rite took place.
Wearing a Western-style white dress and pearls, the princess sipped sake rice wine with her bureaucrat husband.
Marriage to Mr Kuroda, 40, means Princess Sayako loses her title and will have to adjust to a new lifestyle.
The ceremony, which took place in Tokyo's plush Imperial Hotel, was an informal affair by royal standards.
"The princess was so beautiful, she was just like a cherry blossom," said bystander Michiyo Tanimura.
"It's like someone above the clouds is coming closer to ordinary people like us," she told the Associated Press.
About 30 people attended the ceremony, and some 120 guests attended the reception, where they dined on a French-style menu including lobster and caviar jelly and caramel-vanilla sorbet with chestnut creme brulee.
The princess had said her formal farewells to the imperial family at the weekend. She is Emperor Akihito's only daughter and becomes the first princess to abandon her title in 45 years.
Sayako Kuroda, as she will now be known, told a press conference that her mother and father had reassured her that her family ties were unchanged.
"The empress then hugged me tightly and told me 'Everything's going to be OK,' many times," she said.
Her husband said in the press conference: "While respecting each other's views, I would like to make a quiet home where you can feel at ease."
To prepare for her dramatic change of lifestyle, Princess Sayako has reportedly been taking driving lessons and practising shopping at the supermarket.
The princess and Mr Kuroda, who is a descendant of Japan's now-abolished aristocracy, were childhood acquaintances, but their romance began two years ago at a tennis party thrown by one of Sayako's brothers.
Princess Sayako will lose her royal allowance, but this is eased by a $1.2m dowry from the state.
The couple will live in a rented apartment not far from the palace before moving to a new condominium to be completed next year, media reports said.
Sayako's aunt, Takako Shimazu, was the last princess to lose her royal status when she married a commoner in March 1960.
The Japanese royal household currently faces a succession crisis, with no male heir produced for 40 years. There are moves under way to change the law to let women ascend the throne.
Story from BBC
I like this story, I think it's sweet and I wish Mr and Mrs Kuroda all the luck in the world.
cq
Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets between the royal palace and the city hotel where the half-hour marriage rite took place.
Wearing a Western-style white dress and pearls, the princess sipped sake rice wine with her bureaucrat husband.
Marriage to Mr Kuroda, 40, means Princess Sayako loses her title and will have to adjust to a new lifestyle.
The ceremony, which took place in Tokyo's plush Imperial Hotel, was an informal affair by royal standards.
"The princess was so beautiful, she was just like a cherry blossom," said bystander Michiyo Tanimura.
"It's like someone above the clouds is coming closer to ordinary people like us," she told the Associated Press.
About 30 people attended the ceremony, and some 120 guests attended the reception, where they dined on a French-style menu including lobster and caviar jelly and caramel-vanilla sorbet with chestnut creme brulee.
The princess had said her formal farewells to the imperial family at the weekend. She is Emperor Akihito's only daughter and becomes the first princess to abandon her title in 45 years.
Sayako Kuroda, as she will now be known, told a press conference that her mother and father had reassured her that her family ties were unchanged.
"The empress then hugged me tightly and told me 'Everything's going to be OK,' many times," she said.
Her husband said in the press conference: "While respecting each other's views, I would like to make a quiet home where you can feel at ease."
To prepare for her dramatic change of lifestyle, Princess Sayako has reportedly been taking driving lessons and practising shopping at the supermarket.
The princess and Mr Kuroda, who is a descendant of Japan's now-abolished aristocracy, were childhood acquaintances, but their romance began two years ago at a tennis party thrown by one of Sayako's brothers.
Princess Sayako will lose her royal allowance, but this is eased by a $1.2m dowry from the state.
The couple will live in a rented apartment not far from the palace before moving to a new condominium to be completed next year, media reports said.
Sayako's aunt, Takako Shimazu, was the last princess to lose her royal status when she married a commoner in March 1960.
The Japanese royal household currently faces a succession crisis, with no male heir produced for 40 years. There are moves under way to change the law to let women ascend the throne.
Story from BBC
I like this story, I think it's sweet and I wish Mr and Mrs Kuroda all the luck in the world.
cq
B-Day!
Bit of an early morning blog here. [sips coffee]
I'm killing time until Charlie needs to go to the V E T. It's a big day in the Crazie household. It's neutering day, de-nutting time!
And as far as poor old embattled Pandy is concerned, it hasn't come a day too soon. For me either, as the last month or so has been a continous splitting up of the warring factions.
Thing is - Charlie has worked out what that thing between his legs is for, and like all teenage boys he's practising. Nearest target is the old bagcat :-( Needless to say at 16 (about 80!) Pandy isn't interested in - er - that...
OK, we are now reasonably quiet. They are both in here with me, Pandy on the windowsill looking very put-out and Charlie trying to get to her.
cq
I'm killing time until Charlie needs to go to the V E T. It's a big day in the Crazie household. It's neutering day, de-nutting time!
And as far as poor old embattled Pandy is concerned, it hasn't come a day too soon. For me either, as the last month or so has been a continous splitting up of the warring factions.
Thing is - Charlie has worked out what that thing between his legs is for, and like all teenage boys he's practising. Nearest target is the old bagcat :-( Needless to say at 16 (about 80!) Pandy isn't interested in - er - that...
OK, we are now reasonably quiet. They are both in here with me, Pandy on the windowsill looking very put-out and Charlie trying to get to her.
cq
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Jetlag
Ugly Monster-lag actually. I'm always so tired after I have done battle, even for a brief period.
UM's not gone (it never goes away!) - but I'm a bit more in control tonight. Bit hairy driving to Yeovil today - shouldn't be allowed to drive when I don't care if I live or die. Luckily, I do care if other people do....which stops me steering my car under the nearest lorry or into oncoming traffic.
And yes, Aginoth, I am remembering to take my medication!
No writing again tonight - gonna surf some blogs, say hello to my blog friends and play some mindless computer games.
Teh Blogfather very kindly pointed me at my new review - for my story store. This follows a very flattering reference on his hippopotomonstrosesquipidelian blog the other week. Thank you, Eric, I must be sure and dig out the rest of my old stories. And if I ever finish my Nano - I will be serialising it on there. And I will have to start writing proper again.....
I was so touched by all my visitors - kind of like having visitors in hospital. You don't want people to see you weak and defenceless, but are ludicrously touched when you realise how many good people want to wish you well.
Thank you, thank you, thank you [looks at each]
cq
(a bit fragile but still blogging!)
UM's not gone (it never goes away!) - but I'm a bit more in control tonight. Bit hairy driving to Yeovil today - shouldn't be allowed to drive when I don't care if I live or die. Luckily, I do care if other people do....which stops me steering my car under the nearest lorry or into oncoming traffic.
And yes, Aginoth, I am remembering to take my medication!
No writing again tonight - gonna surf some blogs, say hello to my blog friends and play some mindless computer games.
Teh Blogfather very kindly pointed me at my new review - for my story store. This follows a very flattering reference on his hippopotomonstrosesquipidelian blog the other week. Thank you, Eric, I must be sure and dig out the rest of my old stories. And if I ever finish my Nano - I will be serialising it on there. And I will have to start writing proper again.....
I was so touched by all my visitors - kind of like having visitors in hospital. You don't want people to see you weak and defenceless, but are ludicrously touched when you realise how many good people want to wish you well.
Thank you, thank you, thank you [looks at each]
cq
(a bit fragile but still blogging!)
Monday, November 14, 2005
Wallop
Wow - here it is.....
I was reasonably positive at work, I got lots of writing done in my lunch hour, I left at a decent hour, picked up the required air filter and oil for my little car, got home, fed the cats, fed me....
and wallop....
Sometimes it hits when you are looking, usually it hits you when you aren't.
Depression (not to be confused with SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a curse. I have been clinically depressed for 7 years. The trigger (and depression usually needs a trigger) was a major operation I had nearly ten years ago. After that it was downhill all the way.
I can sleep for England (hypersomnia)
I can be awake all night (insomnia)
I wake exhausted when I do sleep
I can burst into tears for absolutely no reason
I have a complete lack of concentration
I have been through the range of eating disorders
I constantly feel helpless and hopeless
I detest myself
I have periods of suicidal tendencies
I know I'm not alone - Clinical, or major depression is the world's No. 1 mental disorder, the 2nd most disabling condition in the world behind heart disease. And it's growing at an alarming rate. If it lasts more than a year it is classed as a disability - albeit one no one can see.
I am a prozac queen, ie to help me manage my depression and keep functioning I take that wonderful curative Prozac.
What irks me is I try so hard to keep on the track that when I do stumble, some bright spark always says 'depression? but you're always so positive' - no I'm not, I've just learnt to pretend, to say the right things, to not burst into tears and run out every five minutes, to paste a smile on my face for the 30seconds I talk to someone, to put smileys on my emails and blog :-) see? That took three keystrokes and meant nothing to me...
Why make everyone around me miserable (as I was once accused of doing when I first was ill - which almost drove me to suicide)? Why pass this awful shitty feeling onto friends and colleagues? Why indulge myself and drag the Much Beloved down with me? They don't deserve that.
So why am I posting this now?
Because I feel like crap.
I'm exhausted, I'm miserable and I'm crying.
And all for no reason.
Am I going to get better? Unlikely. The problems that caused this will be with me for the rest of my life and depression is my way of (badly) handling things. It's all about management. The Much Beloved is a stalwart support, my Crazies are the best family anyone could have and I have a GP who is quietly supportive.
Many years ago my previous GP suggested I try and get a grip on my depression (it's kind of like that octopus and string bag joke) as it is easier (!) to fight if it is more tangible. So I gave it a name.
Ugly Monster
Not a nice name is it? Well, it doesn't deserve a nice name, it's not a nice thing. It sits on my shoulder or in the back of my head and tells me I don't deserve to live, that I am useless.
I am in a constant battle to either ignore Ugly Monster, or continue despite it.
There it is, my deep dark secret. My soul bared.
I'll probably look at my blog in horror tomorrow and delete this. Pretend I didn't say anything. Paste a smile on my face, smileys on my blog and keep going.......
craziequeen
I was reasonably positive at work, I got lots of writing done in my lunch hour, I left at a decent hour, picked up the required air filter and oil for my little car, got home, fed the cats, fed me....
and wallop....
Sometimes it hits when you are looking, usually it hits you when you aren't.
Depression (not to be confused with SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a curse. I have been clinically depressed for 7 years. The trigger (and depression usually needs a trigger) was a major operation I had nearly ten years ago. After that it was downhill all the way.
I can sleep for England (hypersomnia)
I can be awake all night (insomnia)
I wake exhausted when I do sleep
I can burst into tears for absolutely no reason
I have a complete lack of concentration
I have been through the range of eating disorders
I constantly feel helpless and hopeless
I detest myself
I have periods of suicidal tendencies
I know I'm not alone - Clinical, or major depression is the world's No. 1 mental disorder, the 2nd most disabling condition in the world behind heart disease. And it's growing at an alarming rate. If it lasts more than a year it is classed as a disability - albeit one no one can see.
I am a prozac queen, ie to help me manage my depression and keep functioning I take that wonderful curative Prozac.
What irks me is I try so hard to keep on the track that when I do stumble, some bright spark always says 'depression? but you're always so positive' - no I'm not, I've just learnt to pretend, to say the right things, to not burst into tears and run out every five minutes, to paste a smile on my face for the 30seconds I talk to someone, to put smileys on my emails and blog :-) see? That took three keystrokes and meant nothing to me...
Why make everyone around me miserable (as I was once accused of doing when I first was ill - which almost drove me to suicide)? Why pass this awful shitty feeling onto friends and colleagues? Why indulge myself and drag the Much Beloved down with me? They don't deserve that.
So why am I posting this now?
Because I feel like crap.
I'm exhausted, I'm miserable and I'm crying.
And all for no reason.
Am I going to get better? Unlikely. The problems that caused this will be with me for the rest of my life and depression is my way of (badly) handling things. It's all about management. The Much Beloved is a stalwart support, my Crazies are the best family anyone could have and I have a GP who is quietly supportive.
Many years ago my previous GP suggested I try and get a grip on my depression (it's kind of like that octopus and string bag joke) as it is easier (!) to fight if it is more tangible. So I gave it a name.
Ugly Monster
Not a nice name is it? Well, it doesn't deserve a nice name, it's not a nice thing. It sits on my shoulder or in the back of my head and tells me I don't deserve to live, that I am useless.
I am in a constant battle to either ignore Ugly Monster, or continue despite it.
There it is, my deep dark secret. My soul bared.
I'll probably look at my blog in horror tomorrow and delete this. Pretend I didn't say anything. Paste a smile on my face, smileys on my blog and keep going.......
craziequeen
Current Word Count
Your current Word Count is
26583
thank god for that - passed the halfway point!
cq
14 Nov - First day of Winter
Here it is, must be the first day of Winter.
It was back to scraping the car this morning. I might have an old car (N reg) but I love my little car, Emma. And the thing I love the most? Her wonderful heated windscreen! Instant vision on the coldest of mornings, and reduced scraping. I would sell my soul for an electric windscreen these days!
Today is also the first day cold enough to warrant my wearing a coat and scarf when driving (not something I usually do!).
I see Teh Blogfaddah's gift-giving is a roaring success, at least with the women....his anti-blush cream is being put through its paces, what with all the kissing and hugging and stuff :-)
I am so disappointed in myself, despite all my good intentions I only managed 1,000 words this weekend. Naughty Queenie. Life and laundry got in the way - not to mention Michele's 3DM&G! But I have seen a way ahead. And I have buddied up with Rashbre, which is cool :-) And in order to help that 'sitting at blank screen block' I have scrounged a laptop from work so I can write in the lounge or dining room - or even in bed! :-)
Much Beloved is away for a couple of nights now with work, so I intend to crack on with it - please feel free to nag me!
update - it was gratifying to be greeted today by a colleague with the words 'how much weight have you lost??'
cq
It was back to scraping the car this morning. I might have an old car (N reg) but I love my little car, Emma. And the thing I love the most? Her wonderful heated windscreen! Instant vision on the coldest of mornings, and reduced scraping. I would sell my soul for an electric windscreen these days!
Today is also the first day cold enough to warrant my wearing a coat and scarf when driving (not something I usually do!).
I see Teh Blogfaddah's gift-giving is a roaring success, at least with the women....his anti-blush cream is being put through its paces, what with all the kissing and hugging and stuff :-)
I am so disappointed in myself, despite all my good intentions I only managed 1,000 words this weekend. Naughty Queenie. Life and laundry got in the way - not to mention Michele's 3DM&G! But I have seen a way ahead. And I have buddied up with Rashbre, which is cool :-) And in order to help that 'sitting at blank screen block' I have scrounged a laptop from work so I can write in the lounge or dining room - or even in bed! :-)
Much Beloved is away for a couple of nights now with work, so I intend to crack on with it - please feel free to nag me!
update - it was gratifying to be greeted today by a colleague with the words 'how much weight have you lost??'
cq
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