Walking in the Shadows

Random musings from Warwickshire on life in general... Things that make me laugh, make me cry, things that wind me up beyond all endurance - and everything in between.

If you say you're going to call someone back - then DO SO!

That's something that really bugs me. I'd made all the arrangements for a specific company to call me back last night about my car insurance quote, as I'd have the renewal premium and I could make a fair comparison.

Well, the time drifted by, and no phone call came, and come 21:30 last night, I had got steam coming out of my ears, and was resolved to tell them if they got around to calling me, that I had already accepted a quote and was no longer interested in dealing with them.

I know that there will be some excuse (I mean reason) given as to why the call wasn't made but the guy I'd spoken to said that he was only in on a Wednesday, and he would call to discuss the propsed deal.

But, as they couldn't (or wouldn't) keep their end of the bargain, I am not going to lose out financially, as the quote I have accepted is a lot lower than the quote that they gave me at first (as in £189 less!)

Now all I need to do is get the paperwork from my current insurance company showing my no-claims entitlement, and I'm all set.

Guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working. Well, that's the theory anyway!

Back later.


Karen
I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

A quieter day...

Thank god for small mercies. After the trials and tribulations of yesterday, I’m having a better day.

Mind you, I was in a grotty mood anyway, as I’d managed to get the renewal premium for my car insurance, and it was not very good. Some much for we’ll beat any genuine quote. That’s just a lure to get new business, and doesn’t apply to existing customers. So, as I’ve managed to get a quote for my insurance (with the added bits, such as protected no claims bonus and legal assistance – very useful if some prat runs into you) for £189 less.

But I'm still suffering from the events of yesterday, as the miserable cow whose tyres I was trying to sort is blaming me for the thing going wrong in the first place. I wouldn't normally object, but what really pisses me off, is the fact that I sent the paperwork across to one of her colleagues with all the information on.

Thankfully, the person who usually looks after the miserable cow is now back in the office, so they can deal with her as I am now refusing to have anything to do with the account, as all I get is grief and my own work has been suffering.

Ah well, guess I should think about doing some more work, but I'm starting to get TNFI...

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Something to make you giggle...

Just the antidote I needed to today...

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time



THIS IS REMARKABLE, DON'T CHEAT!

In the middle of the table is a round food tray with five kinds of Fruits on it. They are:

A. Apple
B. Banana
C. Strawberry
D. Peach
E. Orange
Which fruit will you choose? Please think VERY carefully and don't rush into it. This is great, I was astounded! Your choice reveals a lot about you!

Test results:


Please SCROLL DOWN









































If you have chosen:


A. Apple: That means you are a person who loves to eat apples
B. Banana: That means you are a person who loves to eat bananas
C. Strawberry: That means you are a person who loves to eat strawberries
D. Peach: That means you are a person who loves to eat peaches
E. Orange: That means you are a person who loves to eat oranges

I hope you find fulfillment in this new insight about yourself. May it bring you peace and understanding, tranquility and all that other profound shit. Also I bet that right now you would like to find me and kick my ass!

Well, You won't find me....because I am still hunting down the ASSHOLE who sent this to me

This news just in:

Some jokes just have to be published - and I make no apologies for this one.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time



This news just in:

All of the Wal-Marts across Alabama sold out of ammunition as of yesterday. A reliable source said that one of the purchasers commented that while Russia may have invaded Georgia, they sure as shootin' ain't doin' it to Alabama!

Fighting a battle, but I can't see the enemy...

It sounds crazy, but this is how I feel at the moment. My beloved is going through another patch of depression, and it breaks my heart to see him so low. He's not the sort of person that you would associate with such a condition, because he is a master of hiding behind a poker face.

But, last night, he was walking a very fine line, and I wish he had been able to break the dam and release all the pent up emotions he has inside. We spoke about what was causing him to feel so low, and he said that he wished he could find a way to go back to being happy, instead of riding this roller-coaster of emotion all the time.

Free is all we gotta be
Dream dreams no one else can see
But ya never know what might be comin' for you and me
Ya it's gonna be


What upset him more than anything, was the fact that people he considers "friends" seem determined to take lumps out of him, and lay the blame for their troubles at his door, regardless of whether he was / is at fault or not, and they don't seem to realise the damage that they are doing to him.

I know it's hard to keep an open heart
When even friends seem out to harm you
But if you could heal a broken heart
Wouldn't time be out to charm you

He's really fed up with the attitude of the people he works with, and not for the first time, he has said that he wants out of his job with the company he's working for. I can sympathise with that feeling, as I've been there myself, but it took me being signed off sick to make me realise the damage that my so-called manager was doing to me.

He didn't last long after I resigned - all of about 10 days as he was suspended for bullying. Unfortunately, he resigned before he was fired - I would have fired the fat b'stard into a reinforced concrete wall from a high velocity cannon. At point blank range. Not that I'm vindictive towards him. Much.

Somewhere - there's a place for you
I know that you believe it too
Sometimes if you wanna get away
All ya gotta know is what we got is here to stay
All the way


But, my beloved has said that he has no intention of telling the people he works with what is causing part of his depression, as he says (quite rightly) that it is nothing to do with them and doesn't want his private life to be the subject of discussion and speculation.


And when your fears subside
And shadows still remain
I know that you can love me
When there's no one left to blame
So never mind the darkness
We still can find a way
'Cause nothin' lasts forever
Even cold November rain

So, for the time being, all I can do is act as a shoulder for him to lean on, and give him all the love and support that he needs to get through this latest struggle.

If you're lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting
Time after time


Guess I should call this quits - I've got bits and pieces to sort out before I make a break for freedom in 8 days time...

Back when I get chance.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

What the hell is that???

The title of this entry sums up my reaction when I saw the top of Mum's left leg - right where the scar is from the hip replacement. Her leg was red and blotchy and according to Mum, itched like hell.

So, rather than risking our holiday in 9 days time (I'm not counting down - honest!) I took the decision to go over to Warwick Hospital. Not my first choice I can freely admit, but I was unsure if Rugby's St Cross hospital has a casualty unit, as it's services have been severely reduced over the past 10 years or so...

Whilst I was waiting for Mum to finish locking the house up (and making sure the furry fiends were OK) I made a call to my beloved, as I was supposed to be meeting him for dinner at the Green Man this evening. His 'phone was turned off, and I will admit I must have sounded slightly anxious (OK - terrified!) that there was something seriously wrong with Mum.

Once Mum and I got there, it turned out that there is and out-of-hours GP service there. OK - not a problem as our GP practice comes under the South Warwickshire health authority, so we didn't forsee any issues.

Until we were told that the first available appointment was 10:10 (and we got to the hospital at 08:45.) Mum was not in a good mood, and I will admit growling at her, and telling her to take the appointment, as I had no intention of taking root in A & E for an hour or more.

She agreed, and we headed into Leamington to kill the hour and a bit before the appointment. The time wasn't really wasted, as I managed to go to the bank and get some money from my account. (It's all very well having the cash card, but sometimes it's faster (and safer) to use cash.)

So, we returned to the hospital, and got our selves booked in, and then proceeded to take root, as the service was running late. But I can't fault the treatment - the GP on call was a real gent, and said that the problem could be one of two things - either a bite or a mild case of cellulitis (a skin infection) which could be treated quite easily with antibiotics.

Mum couldn't remember being bitten, so the doctor prescribed antibiotics for her, and said that she should notice an improvement in the next 24 - 48 hours, and if there was no improvement, then she should go and see our own GP.

So, as I walked back to the car, I will admit to feeling an incredible sense of relief, and called my beloved to give him the good news. The call went to his voice mail as he was at work, but as I was driving towards the exit of the hospital car park, he called me.

He said that he was glad to hear that Mum was OK, and that she was making jokes about the problem, and if we hadn't been able to meet up tonight, he would have come up to see me, as there was no way he was not going to see me before I went on holiday! That really brightened me up, and I will admit I laughed when he said I would do anything to get an extra cuddle!

As Mum and I couldn't go to Banbury as planned, I suggested that we went to a garden centre - Melbicks - up near Birmingham Airport. Mum was quite amicable about that, and even teased me about the reason for me wanting to go there... She said that I only want to go there as there was a Cotton Traders store there. Partly that, and partly because it's one of the few garden centres in the area that isn't owned by Wyevale!

Well, the trip was a success. I managed to find a skirt (yes - it does happen - I do wear a skirt occasionally) and Mum manged to get some hyacinth bulbs for Christmas. But the best bit for me, was knowing that Mum is going to be OK, and that I can go and see my beloved tonight.

Ah well, guess I should log off and bog off - I've got to go and get ready to go out - a girl's got to look her best when she's seeing her beloved.

Back tomorrow...

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Blonde vs Alligator

Some jokes are too good not to post - and this is one of them....

Enjoy.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time


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

A young blonde woman was driving through the Florida Everglades while on vacation. She wanted to take home a pair of genuine alligator shoes in the worst way, but was very reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were asking.

After becoming very frustrated with the attitude of one of the shop keepers, the young blond declared, 'Well then, maybe I'll just go out and catch my own alligator and get a pair of shoes for free!'

The shop keeper said with a sly smile, "Well little lady, why don't you go on and give it a try?"

The blonde headed off to the swamp, determined to catch an alligator. Later in the day, as the shopkeeper is driving home, he spots the same young woman standing waist deep in the murky water, shotgun in hand.

As he grinds his car to a stop, he sees a huge 9-foot 'gator swimming rapidly toward her. With lightning reflexes, the blonde takes aim, shoots the creature and hauls it up onto the slippery bank.

Nearby were 7 more dead 'gators, all lying belly up.The shop keeper stood on the bank, watching in silent amazement. The blonde struggles mightily and manages to flip the 'gator onto its back. Rolling her eyes heavenward, she screams in frustration...

"SHIT! THIS ONE'S BAREFOOT, TOO!"

Preparing to escape from work

It's a scary thought, but I've got just under two weeks to get everything sorted out before I go to Madeira. Most of my work can be done by other people here in the office, but the big stuff (i.e. the OTR tyres) need a little more care, as I've already had one screw up this morning - and it was by someone who really aught to know better.

What really brought home to me just how much I actually do, is writing the list, and even then, I get the impression that I've missed out quite a bit. But, until I go through it with someone to allocate my jobs I won't be happy as I just want to make sure that the people I deal with are not left feeling that they are just an inconvenience to whomever they are speaking to.

But, whilst I am on holiday, the playpen will be the last thing on my mind as I have every intention of kicking back and ignoring the world (especially as I'm not taking my 'phone with me!)

Guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working...

Back later.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Redneck Church

Before I swamped with complaints, this was sent to me by an American friend of mine, who comes from Atlanta, Georgia.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time


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

  1. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.
  2. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- People ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000,whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.
  3. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- When the pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering," five guys and two women stand up.
  4. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.
  5. You know you're in a Redneck Church if :-A member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of"
  6. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The choir is known as the "OK Chorale".
  7. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- In a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church directory.
  8. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- People think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy.
  9. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The baptismal font is a #2 galvanized "Wheeling" washtub.
  10. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy Bob's Barbecue.
  11. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The collection plates are really hubcaps from a '56 Chevy.
  12. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- Instead of a bell you are called to service by a duck call.
  13. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks.
  14. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The communion wine is Boone's Farm "Tickled Pink".
  15. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- "Thou shall not covet" applies to huntin' dogs, too.
  16. You know you're in a Redneck Church if:- The final words of the benediction are, "Y'all come back now, Ya hear".

Breaking the chain? Not this time I'm afraid.

Well, any hopes I had of being able to sleep after posting my fears on my blog were dissolved like morning mist.

I got back into bed, and tried to get to sleep as I am still shattered after my scare in the early hours of this morning, and for whatever reason, I just couldn't close my eyes and sleep. So, I decided to change the music on my MP3 player. (No - it's not an i-Pod - I refuse point blank to have one on the grounds that most of my music is in .WMA format.)

Whilst I was doing the transfer, I was listening to some music on my PC, and I found this track by Snow Patrol. It made me think of my beloved, and the way that I feel about him...

Chasing Cars

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own
We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel
Those three words
I said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never change for us at all

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Ah well, guess I should try and get my hair under some form of control, as I've got to go out and fuel the Peugot up... Oh, and get some cat food, otherwise Fred and Splodge will be gnawing the leather settee...

Back later.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Being scared by nightmares

What am I doing, sitting at my computer at 6am on a Sunday morning? Easy. Shaking like a leaf, because I've just had another nightmare. Yes, it's the second one in less than 12 hours, and it's had exactly the same effect on me as normal - left me scared and unable to sleep in case I have another one.

It's even gotten to the stage where I've actually admitted to my beloved just how bad things are. He sent me a message at about 00:45 this morning, saying that he was sorry it was so late, but he just wanted me to know that he loved me. I was freaked out enough to reply that I really needed a cuddle (without elaborating on the reason why).

I didn't need to. My beloved called me, and that was it - I lost it. I was talking to him with tears running down my cheeks, and he must have realised I was seriously rattled, because he asked me what was wrong and said that I sounded wrecked. I was, and I told him that I'd been woken by another nightmare.

You see, for the past two months I've been having nightmares, but all I can remember is feeling terrified before I wake up, and nothing more. If there was something that I could say was causing it, I would be an awful lot happier (OK - happier in the knowledge that there might be some way to change my routine before I go to sleep), but I can't think of anything that bothers me that much.

Sure, work does get to me at times - I wouldn't be human (or the sort of person that I am) if it didn't. But I don't think this is work induced, so here I am at 06:03 trying to work out what the hell is wrong.

I'm going to call this quits now, and I'm going to head back to bed and see if I can get some sleep - you never know, typing this entry might have been the thing that helps me break this cycle...


Back later.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Childrens' Science Exams

Sometimes, I get a real gem of an e-mail land in my in box, and this is one of them...

Enjoy.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time



Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?

(Brilliant, love this!)

A: Keep it in the cow.

Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon,because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.

Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.g., abdomen)
A: The body is consisted into three parts -- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels A, E, I, O, and U.

Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie.

Q: What does 'varicose' mean?

(I do love this one...)

A: Nearby.

Q: Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarian Section.'
A: The Caesarian Section is a district in Rome

Q: What does the word 'benign' mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

Am I losing the plot?

Today is one of those days when I'm beginning to wonder if I'm losing my marbles. The reason? I've had to arrange to get some tyres collected, as they were delivered in error. What's causing me to think I'm losing my marbles?

It's been suggested that it was me that told someone how to release an order off the system! But the worst part for me, is the fact that I cannot recall ever doing such a thing and people are now starting to blame me for the error.

That would be acceptable with me, if I was the guilty party, but I am certain that I haven't told anyone how do do such a thing, and it's really getting to me.

It doesn't help with certain people having a "holier than thou" attitude, almost as if they never make a mistake. And, if I have the nerve to mention it, then this person gets on their high horse and spouts even more crap!

Ah well, guess I should call this quits - I'm starting to get a migraine and I really don't need the hassle today.

Back later, if the migrane doesn't develop.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

The History of the Middle Finger

Somethings are worth shareing - and this was one of them...

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time


Well, now... Here's something I never knew before, and now that I know it, I feel compelled to send it on to my more intelligent friends in the hope that they, too, will feel edified. Isn't history more fun when you know something about it?

Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future.

This famous English longbow was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as 'plucking the yew' (or 'pluck yew').

Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, See, we can still pluck yew!

Since 'pluck yew' is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodentals fricative F', and thus the words often used in conjunction with the one-finger-salute! It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as 'giving the bird.'




IT IS STILL AN APPROPRIATE SALUTE TO THE FRENCH TODAY!
And yew thought yew knew every plucking thing!

Catching the book bug....

Those rare people who know me, know that I am quite a keen reader, and I am only too pleased to share the book that I am reading at the moment. It's called Winning is not enough, and is Sir Jackie Stewart's autobiography.

I admit to having tried to read this book several times, but I never really seemed to settle with it... Until today. And I can't put it down!

It details his life, from his humble beginning as the youngest son of a garage owner in Dumbarton, to becoming one of the greats of motor racing. I've just finished the chapter where he described the horror of losing friends in various racing accidents, and the lengths that he and the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) went to to improve safety at the various circuits.

Reading the descriptions of the various accidents brought home to me just how much the current set of racers owe to people like him, as the last fatality on a race track was that horrible weekend in May 1994, when Roland Ratzenberger and the great Ayrton Senna were killed at Imola.

But this is not the only autobigraphy that I've read in the past week or so... I've also read Eric Clapton's autobiography.




This book really moved me, and again, was one that I found difficult to put down. It dealt with everything from his early childhood, through to his breakthrough with the Yardbirds, the formation of the world's first so-called super groups (Cream) and the subsequent development of his career.

The one bit that I did find hard to read was the description of the death of his son, Connor and the subsequent events. It made me realise that there is a lot more to his songs than just great guitar chords.

When I finish Winning is Not Enough, I'll do a full review, as I think it is a book that really merits a post of its own...

Guess I should call this quits - my lunchbreak is nearly over.

Back when I get chance.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Feeling blue, but I don’t know why…

Ever had one of those days when you feel like bursting into tears for no apparent reason? Well, I’m having one today. Why I’m feeling like this, God only knows, but I wish that there was something I could do to make myself feel better – even if it’s only to identify what has caused this.

The only thing that I think that might have caused me to feel like this is the fact that I got a very poor night’s sleep last night, and as I get older, that tends to knock eight shades of a rainbow out of me, and does have this tendency to make me feel low.

Ah well, guess I should throw myself into my work, and try and bury this feeling, and hope that I manage to smother it that way, otherwise, I am truly stuffed!

Back later if I get chance…

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

I won't back down...

Occasionally, you hear a song that sums up a mood, and this Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers song has done just that for me.... It's called I Won't Back Down

Well I won't back down
No I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won't back down

No I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground...
And I won't back down

(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(And I won't back down...)
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down

Well I know what's right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around
But I'll stand my ground...
And I won't back down

(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(And I won't back down...)
Hey I will stand my ground
(I won't back down)
And I won't back down...

(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey I won't back down
(And I won't back down)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(And I won't back down)

Hey I will stand my ground
(And I won't back down)
And I won't back down
(I won't back down)
No I won't back down...

As this sums up my mood for today, I thought it was rather appropriate for the start of today's posting...

Guess I should think about doing some work, but I'm suffering from TNFI, and it's not even 09:00 yet...!

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Somethings always make me smile

And these Garfield cartoons are no exception:






Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Getting a haircut in a dying city

I went into Coventry on Saturday with Mum for a haircut, and as my appointment was 11:30, it meant that I had time to wander 'round the shops.

Fine in theory, but in practice, not really a good idea. The city seemed to be dying, and the city planners don't seem to be interested in reviving the heart. I know they have all these plans to revitalise things, but whether anything comes of it remains to be seen.

The main shopping centre (West Orchard) has quite a few empty shops, and moving away from there, things seem to be getting worse. There was a time when Hertford Street and Corporation Street were vibrant with shoppers, but not any more.

People seem to be reluctant to go into the city and it needs something to drag people back into the centre, and away from places like Banbury and Solihull. Primark has gone part way to helping bring people back, but there is still a distinct lack of appeal for most shoppers.

As for my haircut, well that was great fun. Because my hair was so long (I'd left it about 6 months before I got it cut, due to various reasons conspiring to delay me) I had the cut done first, followed by the colouring stage.

As I've gotten older, the grey has started to show through my hair, so Paul (my hairdresser) suggested a semi-permanent base, followed by the highlights. If it was anyone else who'd suggested this course, I would have been very sceptical but Paul has never tried to push me down a route that I would not have been happy with.

The results have been well worth the time that I spent, and am now a lot happier as my hair was driving me nuts (and it didn't help with my beloved calling me Fluffy.) But, I guess that comes with the territory...

Guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working...

Back later, I guess.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Investing in a new car

As mentioned in my previous entry, I've bought myself a new car - the Peugeot 207 Sport. I will admit to having fallen for this car, when it first came out and my 206 was coming up for three years old, meaning MOT testing time, and the start of large servicing bills.

So, I decided to go and see what was floating about deal wise, and I will admit that I was quite taken with the deal that I was offered by by local Peugeot dealer, whom I had bought my 206 off. The deal was sealed with me being given a free paint / interior guard coating (it's supposed to keep the paintwork in good condition and keep the crap on the interior trim to a minimum).




That was fine, but I should have realised that things weren't going to go smoothly for me... Especially when I had to keep chasing to get a build date for the car! The date kept getting later and later, and I was starting to worry that I wasn't going to get the car by the end of October!

Somehow, I managed to get the date and the car arrived at the PDI centre in Corby. All well and good, until it came to the registration number... I'd been allocated a registration number, which I'd passed on to the insurance company, and I'd got all the paperwork to prove that the car was insured so that the dealership could get the car taxed and ready for me to collect.

The day before I was due to collect the car, I got a phone call at 16:30 from the salesman, to say that there had been a problem with the registration. The DVLA (in their infinite wisdom) had allocated my original registration number to another car. Which meant that my insurance paperwork was invalid, meaning no car tax, which meant I couldn't pick the car up.

To say I was unhappy was an understatement, but the salesman (Martin) was a real star. He gave me the telephone number for Peugeot insurance, and told me to take the 7 day option, just to get the car taxed, and then contact my own insurance company to advise of the registration change.

Both insurance companies were really helpful, and when I spoke to my own insurance company, I was advised that if the worst happened, then I was covered under them, as the excess on the Peugeot insurance was an awful lot more than mine!

So, I did manage to collect the car when I wanted to, and things appeared to run smoothly... Until I decided to overtake something on the way home. The overtake appeared to go smoothly, and I was quite happily rumbling home... Until the heating failed on the car. I started getting cold air blowing through into the passenger cabin, so I turned the temperature up - which made no difference.

By this point, I was starting to get worried, especially as the engine temperature was climbing rapidly... It turned out that I had a leak from somewhere in the engine, which meant that the coolant had been dumped out on the road, so I was not a happy person when I called the RAC.

The patrolman was a real gent, and towed me and the car home, as I said that I would arrange to get the car sorted in the morning. I called the dealership, and spoke to the service department, who advised me to call the AA and get the car relayed into them.

So, I called the AA, and the patrolman arrived, and found the problem! A clip on the main coolant hose had come undone, which allowed the coolant to escape. It looked like it had never been fastened properly, so could have come undone at any time. I was thanking my lucky stars that it hadn't happened at the weekend, as I was making a break for freedom with my beloved.

He connected the clip for me and filled the cooling system with water, which enabled me to drive the car very carefully to the dealership. Within 15 minutes of my arrival, the car was in the workshop getting sorted out, and the service manager was making profuse apologies, as was the salesman. It wasn't their fault - I was more unhappy with the fact that this clip had been missed by the PDI check.

So, the first month was somewhat eventful for me and the car... Which in true family fashion has been given a name. In this case, Ponto, as a tribute to the furry fiend.

Ah well, guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working...

Back when I get chance...

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Mea culpea

OK, so I failed miserably to keep the blog going. Partly because things were getting hectic (both in my personal and professional life) and I suffered a severe case of TNFI (totally no ******g interest).

So, a brief summary - I've been back to Madeira (and am escaping in September again) and have been lucky enough to find someone who means the whole world to me, and more to the point, has allowed me to relax enough and drop my guard. I've also bought myself a new car - a Peugeot 207 Sport 120... More on that in a later post...

Aside from that, Mum has had a partial hip replacement, and is now walking much better than she has been (i.e. seven and a half years ago since the accident). As for me, as I've said, I'm seeing someone who makes me blissfully happy, and helps me see that there is more to life than the playpen that I call an office...

Playpen. A good term for the office, and for certain members of staff. Including the one that sits next to me. She's so blinkered about life, it's not true. She's also of the misguided opinion that F1 is the be-all and end-all of motor sport and wont' even contemplate any criticism of Lewis Hamilton.

Don't get me wrong, he's a good driver, but he's been lucky. He's had a good car (i.e. reliable) and a good backup team. But what annoys me is that she just won't accept ANY negative comments and throws a real paddy when you try and say otherwise.

As you can tell, I'm not exactly a member of her fan club, and there have been suggestions that I bury the hatchet with her. I would do so, but I'm afraid that it would be in the back of her skull.

Ah well, guess I should think about doing some work, but I'm afraid I'm suffering from a severe case of TNFI....

Back later.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time