I’ve been pretty busy this

I’ve been pretty busy this week, with that work thing and all. Doesn’t half take up a lot of time, that! ;-) But I’m enjoying it, and there’s lots of different stuff to do, which is good – if the phones aren’t busy, then I have other projects to work on, which means no getting … Continue reading “I’ve been pretty busy this”

I’ve been pretty busy this week, with that work thing and all. Doesn’t half take up a lot of time, that! ;-) But I’m enjoying it, and there’s lots of different stuff to do, which is good – if the phones aren’t busy, then I have other projects to work on, which means no getting bored. Always good.

Met Megs, Nic and Chris yesterday – the original plan was to meet at Planet Coffee, but Nic and Chris were running late. Still, me and Megs stuffed our faces, and I had a yummy banana shake – a proper one with a banana pulverised with ice-cream and milk, not a chemical-y powder one. Mmmmm, shaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake. *drools* [/Homer]
Anyhoo, Megs and I went up to the costume shop and sorted out the rest of our costumes for next weekend. We’ve each hired some stuff, and bought some other bits to add to things we already have. The one I hired was a schoolgirl outfit for the Friday night, as I don’t have anything remotely school uniform-y any more. Megs hired a Riffraff suit, for the Sunday Prom night (going with the Sunnydale-Prom-with-hellhounds kinda theme). I got myself some more fangs (since I killed my last set) for the Saturday Vampire Ball, and some accessories for the Sunday Prom (long gloves, feather boa and feathered mask…. even though it’s not a masquerade theme, I just really wanted one *g*)
By the time we left the costume shop, Nic and Chris had reached Newland Ave, and it was chucking it down with rain. So we dodged in and out of a couple of charity shops, where Megs found a skirt for her anti-Britney outfit, and then the others made their way off to Beverley while I went and got myself some hairdye then went home. Phew!

Must remember to get a new battery for my clock. It’s been quarter to eight for the last two days….

Aaaaand here’s the friday five:

1. What was the last TV show you watched?
The latest ep of Angel, “Sacrifice”. Though that was a downloaded version, obviously, so if we’re counting the last thing I watched on the actual telly, then tonight’s ep of Charmed.

2. What was the last thing you complained about?
The weather. I’msoBritish. Heh.

3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
Told my Mum she looked really good in the pic that she sent me today, of her at Scotney Castle on her birthday last Wednesday.

4. What was the last thing you threw away?
The packets that my dinner came out of, an empty cat food tin, and some junk mail that came in the post this morning.

5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
My LJ Friends page. Just to make a change. Heheh.

I’m getting KIT installed tomorrow.

I’m getting KIT installed tomorrow. Woohoo, no more crappy Sky service that crashes several times a day! Nice shiny non-crashing KIT (I flippin’ well hope!! *g*), and Movies-on-demand that you get for 24 hours and can be paused and rewound, and whatever. Hee! …. I’m maybe a little too enthusiastic about this, aren’t I? *g* … Continue reading “I’m getting KIT installed tomorrow.”

I’m getting KIT installed tomorrow. Woohoo, no more crappy Sky service that crashes several times a day! Nice shiny non-crashing KIT (I flippin’ well hope!! *g*), and Movies-on-demand that you get for 24 hours and can be paused and rewound, and whatever. Hee!
…. I’m maybe a little too enthusiastic about this, aren’t I? *g* I’ll be quiet now.

So anyway, it’s Easter weekend. Happy Good Friday, everyone! :-) I don’t have an Easter egg or anything…. yet. Maybe I’ll go shopping tomorrow. Mmmmm, chooooooocccccclaaaaaaaatttte. I don’t have a church to go to, either. Hum. I might try this one. It’s within walking distance, and looks like it should be friendly enough. *nod*

Right then, I shall go do some tidying and dusting and stuuuuuuff. Maybe something in the garden, which is looking ever so purty :-) Ooo, which reminds me, I must check with Mum to see if she’s downloaded the pics she took yet. :-)

It’s Friday, and that means

It’s Friday, and that means the friday five: 1. Who is your favorite celebrity? Nicole Kidman. She’s just fab. Talented, stunning, strong, and from everything I’ve seen, a really lovely down-to-earth person. 2. Who is your least favorite? Uh. I don’t know. I tend to phase those that I’m not interested in, or impressed by, … Continue reading “It’s Friday, and that means”

It’s Friday, and that means the friday five:
1. Who is your favorite celebrity?
Nicole Kidman. She’s just fab. Talented, stunning, strong, and from everything I’ve seen, a really lovely down-to-earth person.

2. Who is your least favorite?
Uh. I don’t know. I tend to phase those that I’m not interested in, or impressed by, out of my mind, I suppose. But in general, it’d be rude, discourteous type people, I guess. Celebrities or no :-)

3. Have you ever met or seen any celebrities in real life?
Yep, several of the BtVS and Angel cast members. Er, plus being on the train with Gareth Pace (of Hale and Pace), and Neil Morrissey – at different times, I mean. And a couple of passing-in-the-street moments in London.

4. Would you want to be famous? Why or why not?
Hmmmm. No, I don’t think so. Or at least, not be a “celebrity”. Well known in a limited field would be good – as a musician or a writer. But fame doesn’t really draw me at all. I wouldn’t fancy being recognised on the street, or having media interest in my life. Ick.

5. If you had to trade places with a celebrity for a day, who would you choose and why?
Uhhhh. I don’t know! *faffs* Maybe one of the hobbit actors, for a laugh. :-)

Mum and Dad have decided

Mum and Dad have decided to stay an extra day, so they’re now going home tomorrow instead. I got dinner cooked for me after work this evening. Hee! :-) And Alexander has had company and attention while I’ve been out. *g*

I’m tiiiired. Think I might go to bed soon.

Here we go with this week’s answers to This-or-That Tuesday:

1. File taxes as early as possible, or wait until the last possible minute?
Neither, cos I don’t have to. Self-assessment isn’t compulsory here, not if you’re employed (that is, not self-employed), I think. I do check my tax code and stuff when it comes through, though, and check my payslips to make sure the tax is right.

2. File electronically, or mail paper forms?
N/A

3. Prepare your own taxes, or have someone do it for you?
Again, n/a. But I usually do my own checking, or just get some help from my Dad.

4. Are you a saver or a spender?
A spender from neccessity at the mo… and from inclination, as well. But as soon as I can manage it, I’ll start saving. As long as I have some nice spending money left over too. *g*

5. Do you prefer to carry cash, or pay with plastic (credit/debit cards), or by check?
Debit card, generally, cash for smaller payments, occasionally cheque (for rent and so on). Bills all go out by direct debit.

6. You’re broke and desperately need a job, but the only places that are hiring are retail or fast food places. Which would you pick?
That’s an easy one: Retail. I have lots of experience in that area from my jobs when I was at school and uni.

7. Keeping track of your money: are you more meticulous or careless about it?
I kind of swing between the two. I try to be meticulous, and I pretty much am now – I keep firm track of what’s going in and out, and budget the month out pretty carefully.

8. What do you do if you find yourself with a lot of change weighing down your purse/pocket/wallet? Do you try to spend it to *get rid of it*, or do you put it in a jar or a piggy bank?
Neither, really. I don’t put it in a jar, but I don’t try to spend, either. It’ll go soon enough. I try to pay with the smaller coins first, though.

9. Which form of fake money do you like better…Monopoly money or those chocolate coins covered with gold foil?
Hehehe! Chocolate money. Yum :-)

10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You find a wallet containing $5,000 in cash, as well as several credit cards and the owner’s drivers’ license. Your rent is due tomorrow and you’re short $200. Do you take the money (some or all of it) and mail back the wallet anonymously…or do you return the wallet with all contents intact?
You know…. I’d give it all back. If the owner’s address wasn’t in it… hmmm….. I’d likely still leave it in there and take it in to the police station. I found £40 cash lying outside a pub one time, with no indication of who it belonged to. I was flat broke and it would’ve made a huge difference to me, but I handed it in at the bar, cos I knew how I’d feel if it’d been my money. Who knows if the person who dropped it ever got it back, or if the barman kept it. Oh well. I’d’ve felt horribly guilty if I’d kept it myself, so there we go.

Last night (Friday) was “girly

Last night (Friday) was “girly night in” with Megs, Lizzie and Nic. We chilled, watched Y Tu Mama Tambien on my snazzy new DVD drive, consumed chinese takeaway and ice cream, drank not-excessive amounts of alcohol, and then did facepacks, foot soaks, backrubs, and nails. Twas good! We’re going to do it again some time. … Continue reading “Last night (Friday) was “girly”

Last night (Friday) was “girly night in” with Megs, Lizzie and Nic. We chilled, watched Y Tu Mama Tambien on my snazzy new DVD drive, consumed chinese takeaway and ice cream, drank not-excessive amounts of alcohol, and then did facepacks, foot soaks, backrubs, and nails. Twas good! We’re going to do it again some time.

Today, Mum and Dad have come up for a short visit, so I’ll probably be off doing family type activities for the rest of the weekend. They brought me some plants that Mum had potted and had extra ones of, so we’re probably going to be doing stuff in the garden. It’s kind of weird, me actually doing gardening, but I’ve got quite into it. I’m enjoying the end result of having a pretty garden, certainly! Also, helps that my gardens (back and front) are tiny. Heheh.

Time to do the friday

Time to do the friday five. Yeah, I know it’s Saturday. Shhh! 1. What was the first band you saw in concert? Hmmm…. Probably The Dharma’s, or possibly another local Hastings band. I think The Dharma’s though. Unless you count Morris Minor and the Majors in the park at a children’s festival thingy one time … Continue reading “Time to do the friday”

Time to do the friday five. Yeah, I know it’s Saturday. Shhh!

1. What was the first band you saw in concert?
Hmmm…. Probably The Dharma’s, or possibly another local Hastings band. I think The Dharma’s though. Unless you count Morris Minor and the Majors in the park at a children’s festival thingy one time *g*.

2. Who is your favorite artist/band now?
I have so many! There really isn’t an outstanding favourite, but my top loves are Skunk Anansie, Nine Simone, Guns n Roses, Meatloaf, Linkin Park and Norah Jones. Plus Bach, Greig and Handel.

3. What’s your favorite song?
Ummm. See previous answer. Skunk Anansie’s Charlie Big Potato, maybe just about has the edge. I could eat that song. Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum.

4. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
Another instrument? *g* Actually, guitar. Can’t play that yet, except for picking out Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, or whatever. Heheh. I shall get one and learn. But first I need to get my piano playing back up to scratch. I’ve slacked on that in the last few years, and since I started it late, I’ve probably dropped about 4 grades worth. Doi.

5. If you could meet any musical icon (past or present), who would it be and why?
Mozart…. as long as he could keep his hands where they belonged, thankyouverymuch. *g* But god, he was such a musical genius. I’d give a lot to be able to watch him at work.
And, y’know. Some people from the modern bands I like. That’d be cool.

Time to do This-or-That Tuesday.

Time to do This-or-That Tuesday. Can’t be bothered to do a proper entry *g*. Who is: 1. Sexier (female)…Pamela Anderson or Jennifer Garner? Oh, no contenst. Absolutely Jennifer Garner. She rocks, especially in Alias, and she has a stunning smile. 2. Sexier (male)…Ben Affleck or Matt Damon? Hmmm. Matt Damon out of those two, but … Continue reading “Time to do This-or-That Tuesday.”

Time to do This-or-That Tuesday. Can’t be bothered to do a proper entry *g*.

Who is:
1. Sexier (female)…Pamela Anderson or Jennifer Garner?
Oh, no contenst. Absolutely Jennifer Garner. She rocks, especially in Alias, and she has a stunning smile.
2. Sexier (male)…Ben Affleck or Matt Damon?
Hmmm. Matt Damon out of those two, but neither of them appeal to me that much.
3. The better piano player…Billy Joel or Elton John?
Um. I don’t know. Elton? They’re probably about the same, really.
4. Funnier…David Letterman or Craig Kilborn?
Don’t know this one, either. I haven’t seen much of either of them on telly over here.
5. The dumber cartoon cat…Stimpy (of *Ren & Stimpy*) or Tom (of *Tom & Jerry*)?
Argh – never saw Ren & Stimpy. Tom wasn’t *always* dumb, was he? Oh, he probably was. I’m just letting my natural feline-sympathy get the better of me.
6. A better news anchor…Tom Brokaw or Dan Rather?
Hugh Edwards!
7. A better TV chef…Emeril Lagasse or Jacques Pepin?
Errrrr……. Anthony Double-barrelled bloke.
8. The trashier talk show host…Maury Povich or Jerry Springer?
Definitely Jerry, by a million miles.
9. The worse fast food burger joint…McDonald’s or Burger King?
MaccyD’s! Terrible awful stuff. But sometimes oddly tempting……
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: Only a handful of U.S. Presidents have been considered to be *great* Of the following two, which one do you consider to be greater…Franklin D. Roosevelt or Abraham Lincoln? Why?
…………….. Llama?
I still know very little about American history, so I can’t answer this one. Lincoln seems to be the most well known “great” president, to me, but… eh. Who knows? Not me.

Believe it or not, I

Believe it or not, I had a flippin’ power cut yesterday. At about 20 past six, everything suddenly went off, and that was that. I couldn’t even use the phone, because it’s a cordless one and needs to be connected to the mains. D’ohhh!! It turned out that all the houses in my terrace were … Continue reading “Believe it or not, I”

Believe it or not, I had a flippin’ power cut yesterday. At about 20 past six, everything suddenly went off, and that was that. I couldn’t even use the phone, because it’s a cordless one and needs to be connected to the mains. D’ohhh!! It turned out that all the houses in my terrace were affected, though the terrace opposite was fine. Handily, I had enough daylight time to get out plenty of candles, and I’d charged up my mobile phone, so I wasn’t totally stuffed. I got a chinese takeaway for dinner, and sat and read with the help of a torch. We’d all called the emergency number, but they didn’t know how long it’d take, so I went to bed at 10pm. When I got up this morning, power was back. Hoorah!

Feeling a bit knackered, so I’m taking it easy, watching some telly and all that. And hopefully dealing with my email. I’ve got waaaaaaaay too much. *prods inbox*

Right. I’m trying out the

Right. I’m trying out the Blogrolling links service thingy in the sidebar there. Fingers crossed it works! :-) I think I might do some tarting around with this site today, actually. Hmmm….. Last night was good – we started out in the Hogshead in town, but it was shoulder-to-shoulder in there, so most of us … Continue reading “Right. I’m trying out the”

Right. I’m trying out the Blogrolling links service thingy in the sidebar there. Fingers crossed it works! :-) I think I might do some tarting around with this site today, actually. Hmmm…..

Last night was good – we started out in the Hogshead in town, but it was shoulder-to-shoulder in there, so most of us migrated to the Hogshead on Bev Road, then up to… er… the Arena bar place a bit up the road since they were open til midnight. Aaaaand then it was onwards back down Bev Road to the Welly. Not my kind of music, so I didn’t dance, but it was most excellent to catch up with everyone, including some of the guys from upstairs who I hadn’t seen in the office yet. :-) Took me a while to wake up this morning…. actually, I don’t think I really woke up until this afternoon, though I was physically up and about. Heheh!

My hair is red again now. I dyed it yesterday, and I think I’ve found the colour I’ll be sticking with for a while at least. It’s a lovely deep ‘ruby red’ – kind of red wine colour, really. I’ve tried a few similar shades, but this result is what I was aiming for, I think. Hoorah!

I was having some probs

I was having some probs with my archives, but things seem to be OK again now. Looks like they’re all there, anyway. Hoorah! I’d planned on doing some gardening and things around the house today, but so far I’ve just faffed about online. Well, never mind. I’ve got the rest of the weekend still to … Continue reading “I was having some probs”

I was having some probs with my archives, but things seem to be OK again now. Looks like they’re all there, anyway. Hoorah!

I’d planned on doing some gardening and things around the house today, but so far I’ve just faffed about online. Well, never mind. I’ve got the rest of the weekend still to go. Off out tonight, which should be fun! I’m looking forward to it. :-) I think I’ll watch the new Angel episode in a bit, and maybe read a book. Zen and the Art of Vegging About the House. Or something. *g*

And just to bore anyone still reading this to absolute and final death…….
This week’s Friday Five:
1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
Seven altogether, six of those in the last eight years:- Mum and Dad’s house for almost 20 years; Halls at uni for one year; First student house in Wincheap, Canturbury for one year; Second student house on Sturry Road, Canturbury for one year; Flat in Hither Green, SE London, shared with Clara, then a couple of temp flatmates (one of whom turned out to be a sex offender (!!!!)), then Anil, for 2½ years; House in Beverley living with Barry for 1 year; Current ickle house in Hull for just me and the moggy for 1 year 4 months so far.

2. Which was your favorite and why?
This one, because it’s mine all mine… and it’s cosy and in a convenient place. I really love having it all to myself, though.

3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
Overall, more exciting, I think, because of the moving on to a brand new thing, and the potential included in that. But the whole packing thing is horribly stressful, and of course the last move was very much so because it also incorporated the break up of my relationship with B and all that stuff, which was pretty yucky.

4. What’s more important, location or price?
So far, it’s pretty much been price, although location has played a pretty big part since I don’t have a car… that makes it pretty essential that I live somewhere within easy reach of decent public transport and shops. Hopefully, though, I’ll get to a point where price doesn’t have to govern my choices so strictly. :-)

5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
Oooo….. let’s see. Starting outside, a reasonable sized garden, but not something too huge unless I’m in a position to employ a gardener! *g* Good sized rooms, especially a nice big kitchen, spare rooms for friends to come and visit. A library and a music room, at least, and possibly a fabby high tech computer room. Ooo, and a home cinema!! That’s be excellent :-)

Back to work

11:00 Me: Hi, I’m better now, and I’ve come back to work. Work: Welcome back! 11:58 Me: Ha-ha, April Fool! I’m going home! OK, so not really *g*. And I suspect that was only actually funny in my head. But today was my first day back at work, and it went really well. Since I’ve … Continue reading “Back to work”

11:00
Me: Hi, I’m better now, and I’ve come back to work.
Work: Welcome back!
11:58
Me: Ha-ha, April Fool! I’m going home!

OK, so not really *g*. And I suspect that was only actually funny in my head. But today was my first day back at work, and it went really well. Since I’ve been off a while, I had some refresher training, and I think I’ll get back into the swing of things pretty quickly :-) It was really good to see everyone again, and start catching up on all the changes in and out of work. There’s a night out arranged for Friday, too, which I’m looking forward to. Hoorah!

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