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.

Something to brighten a dreary day…

I’m bored. However, I’m lucky enough to have people out in the big bad world who’ll send me such gems as this:

WHY I AM TIRED
For a couple years, I've been blaming it on lack of sleep, not enough sunshine, too much pressure from my job, earwax build-up, poor blood circulation, or anything else I could think of.

But now I found out the real reason: I'm tired because I'm overworked. Based on our own Government statistics here's why:
The population of this country is 273 million.
140 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work.
There are 85 million in school. Which leaves 48 million to do the work.
Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government. Leaving 19 million to do the work.
2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Osama Bin-Laden.
Which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.
Take from that total the 14.8 million people who work for state and city governments.
And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.
At any given time, there are 188,000 people in hospitals.
Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work. Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons. That leaves just two people to do the work.
You and me.
And there you are sitting on your butt, at your computer, reading jokes.
Nice. Real nice.
Guess I should get on with some w*rk, but I’m suffering from a severe lack of interest…

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

Planning another escape…

I get back from one escape, and I immediately start planning another escape – with the same person!

This time, it’s the Italian car day at Brooklands, and from what I’ve been told, it should be one hell of a weekend. Apparently, there are loads of cars there, and you get the chance to walk around, ask questions and get your sticky little mitts on them as well!

I’ve got to admit, I’m really looking forward to this, and all I need to do is find out what date this is, and see if Mum’s got anything planned, as the last thing I want to do is upset her…

Guess I should call this quits - I’m supposed to be working…

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

A fun but tiring weekend…

It was just the sort of weekend I needed to brighten my mood after a rotten week.

I got to our meeting point, and was able to sneak up on my friend who had his back to the door, and made him jump by giving him a cuddle. We had a coffee and talked about the route to Cosford – which meant that we would have to use the M6… Ok – not a problem there, as it was a Saturday, but I knew from past experience that traffic could be hell.

The museum at Cosford opened at 10am, and there were a couple of aircraft outside... Not an issue, but it was blowing a gale across the airfield, and I was shivering, despite the fact that I had a heavy coat on – as it was my legs that were cold!

Once inside, my friend was a real angel and guided my frozen carcass to the hot air vents, which supplied heat to the museum building – and me! Once I was warmed up (ok – not nearly as warm as I would have liked, but I don’t think my friend would have been too keen on staying by the heater as it was quite a drive to get to Cosford!), we started to go ‘round the museum.

I will admit, I was wishing that Dad was with me, as he would have really enjoyed the museum – simply because he would have been able to tell me about the passenger aircraft that my friend and I were looking at.

The exhibits were incredible, and I will admit being awestruck by the sheer size of the Lincoln bomb bay, and my friend was a real angel, and explained about the different ways that the bombs could be loaded, and also showed me the loading diagram on the side of the bomb bay.

I also saw one of my favourite aircraft – the Spitfire. Ok – I know that sounds corny, but it really is a favourite of mine, and I’ve been lucky enough to see one flying several times – and one of those times was when the Lancaster bomber was flying as well…

We then walked down to the other hangar, where there were a variety of aircraft, including the York transport aircraft – which was another derivation of the Lancaster bomber. My friend was quite upset, as the aircraft had its tail pointing towards us, and we were unable to go around the front, but he took the time to explain what the differences were and what it was used for.

The one thing that he was determined to do was go and see the Vulcan cockpit simulation... Ok – not a problem there, as I was interested as well, but I didn’t realise that I was claustrophobic.

Which is crazy, simply because I didn’t have a problem when I went ‘round St Michael’s cave in Gibraltar. I couldn’t stay in there, and I gave my friend quite a fright when he turned ‘round, and I’d gone!

What I did was scoot out as fast as I could, and headed for the Concorde engine, as it was something that I was interested in (as I’ve got several bits of one at home, thanks to Dad, who used to work for British Airways!)

I didn’t hear him walking up behind me, and he returned the fright that I’d given him earlier in the day, and was quite concerned about me. I explained that I had felt very uncomfortable, and needed to get out of there as fast as I could. He was really sweet, and said that if he’d known that I was claustrophobic, he wouldn’t have let me go in there!

We then decided that it was time for a coffee, and as the coffee shop was in the main building, it meant that I got cold again! I wasn’t terribly impressed, and headed straight for the coffee shop, whilst he went ‘round the shop.

Once that was sorted, we then headed for our over night stopping point – which was the Mellor Park Premier Inn at Wolverhampton – as my friend wanted to go to Chapel Ash Harley Davidson the following day.

Before we went to dinner, he got this bag out, and told me to hold out my hands, and close my eyes… I will admit to being somewhat suspicious, as he can be quite a wind up merchant, but I decided to trust him. I felt something soft and furry against my hands, and when I opened my eyes, he’d given me this really sweet little toy tiger!

He said that it was the only one in the basket, and had made the most of the fact that I’d gone for a coffee, as it meant that he could dig through properly, and see if he could find a little tiger for me! Needless to say, the tiger was duly named Cosford, after the place that he was bought, and I hooked him straight onto my car keys, so that he was safe.

I then gave him the little teddy that I’d got him (it came with a miniature bottle of Bells whisky) and he immediately called it Grumpy, as it had a seriously grumpy expression on it face!

We then decided to go to the adjoining pub for dinner, which was really good, and I have to admit, I was absolutely shattered – but equally over the moon, as Scotland had won the Calcutta Cup! (It’s a trophy that is contested between the English and Scottish rugby union teams)

The following day, we headed for Chapel Ash, and had a quiet wander around… I bought myself this magnificent t-shirt, in shades of blue, with the union jack on the back – much to the disgust and annoyance of my friend, as it was the one that he wanted!

The drive back was ok – apart from the fact that I really aggravated my shoulder injury, by being too damned stubborn to stop and have a break – which caused my friend quite a bit of worry, as we parted company at Warwick services, and he admitted that he was worried about me, as he wouldn’t be there to act as my back up if anything went wrong!

But, I survived, and had a really good weekend, and the memories will keep me smiling when I’m feeling down…

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming

I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Time to call this quits – I’m supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

It's been a long time, but my time is finally near.

It's so close to me going away for the weekend that I can scarcely believe it. Simply because the time seems to have been dragging, and I know tonight that I am going to have an awful job getting some sleep.Ok, I'm an insomniac anyway, but I get the feeling that tonight will be worse that normal...

It's been a long road, getting from there to here.
It's been a long time, but my time is finally near.
And I can feel the change in the wind right now, nothing's in my way.
And they're not gonna hold me down no more,
No they're not gonna hold me down
.


But, the best bit is knowing that I'm going to be spending a weekend with a really good friend, and know that I can let the barriers down,and be myself without having to put on the usual front that I have when I'm in the office....

I've known the wind so cold, I've seen the darkest days.
But now the winds I feel, are only winds of change.
I've been through the fire and I've been through the rain.
But I'll be fine ...

Cause I've got faith of the heart.
I'm going where my heart will take me.
I've got faith to believe, I can do anything.
I've got strength of the soul, and no one's gonna bend or break me.
I can reach any star; I've got faith, faith of the heart.


Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back later if I get chance...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

In the office, and in pain...

My shoulder's killing me, and I'm beginning to wish that I hadn't decided to drive today. Thankfully, Mum's insured on the car, so if my shoulder is as painful when I finish at 17:00, I'll drive down to see Mum, and then ask her to drive home.

What doesn't help me, is when I get smart ass comments about me going horse riding. I wouldn't object in the slightest if I had been riding,but the closest I've been to a horse was going to see Flame this morning, and giving her a treat - a couple of apples that I'd picked up at Sainsbury's on Sunday.

But, the thing that's worrying me is Saturday. I'm supposed to be going to Cosford with my daft hog riding friend. Ok - I know that doesn't sound too bad, but it's about an 80 mile drive - most of it motorway.

But, I guess the way to deal with it is dose myself up with painkillers before I go and meet my friend, and try my best to hide the fact that my shoulder is killing me.

Failing that, I'm just going to have to grin and bear it, and admit that my shoulder is giving me a great deal of trouble, and take the consequences head on.

Guess I should call this entry quits - I need to get some bits and pieces sorted out.

Back when I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Starting to walk on air...

There's something about talking to a good friend that really lifts me.

I called my daft hog riding friend at lunchtime, and he was making me laugh, complaining about his phone and hands-free kit packing up. Once he'd had his grump about that, we got talking about various things - including his trip to see We Will Rock You in London last night.

He said that it was really good, as he really likes his Queen music, and said that there were some parts that had him in tears, as he admitted that he's rather vulnerable at the moment, and was grateful that the theatre was dark!

We got talking about our trip to Cosford, and we've agreed to meet between 08:00 and 08:30, and the second one there not only buys the coffee and also gets a huge hug. That made me blush, and I have to admit that I was really glad that I was in the car, and not anywhere that I could be seen!

Once we get to Cosford, we've both agreed to turn our 'phones off, and he has said that he'll have no need for his phone, as he would be holding my hand the whole time, and that when he hugged me, he said that it would take an awful lot to make him let go of me! That made my smile get even bigger, and I have to admit, I'm counting the hours until I see him, as he means an awful lot to me.

We had to end the call as he was arriving at his next customer's premises, and he said that he would see me very soon, and would speak to me later this evening, when he finishes work.

Time to call this quits - I've got four tyres to locate for an order...

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Something smells fishy. Very fishy indeed. Positively tuna casserole.

And I think I know where the smell is coming from. I'm getting landed with dealing with the account that I have to run weekly reports for. Ok - not normally a problem, but I get the impression that it could be another poison chalice for me, and I have enough on my plate dealing with the OTR stuff.

But, at least I've been asked if I want to have more to do with this account... I suppose I could have refused, but the way things are looking at the moment, refusal would not have been very healthy for my career. Don't get me wrong, I'm not worried about my job - it's just that recently, I've had a few wobbles, and I don't really want to blot my copy book any further.

To add insult to injury, I've also got to speak to my line manager tomorrow about one report for this damned account, as they want to know what stock will be available for them every week.

Err, excuse me, I'll just use my crystal ball to see what all the other customers are going to order. There is no way that it can be done with the present system, as I know damned well that the data will be obsolete even before it's left my in-box.

Guess I should call this entry quits - it's nearly time for me to escape on my lunch.

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Back in the saddle? I wish.

Well, I've got my body armour, but I'm not fit enough to go riding yet. The armour fits nicely, but it still hurts to breathe when I've got it on, and that tells me that I'm still recovering from the injuries that I sustained when Flame kicked me.

Ok - I know that it could be an awful lot worse - and I could be in hospital recovering , but I was hoping to be able to start riding as soon as I got my armour. So, it means that on a nice sunny afternoon, there's no buggering off down to the farm to get Canute (or Flame) saddled up, and disappearing off into the the hills.

So, I guess that it means a few more weeks of being careful, and not doing anything bloody stupid, until I can breath without pain when wearing the armour.

Time to call this quits - I'm supposed to be looking on the web for a new digital camera...

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug

And today was my day to be the bug. I seemed to get splattered on practically every windshield that I encountered, and all it did was spread my confidence like a bug's innards.

Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're going to lose it all


But, I'm lucky enough to have friends who do their damnedest to scrape my confidence up off the windshield of life, and send me e-mails like this:

What can I say 'bout my friend Karen?
She is kind, warm hearted, with a devilish sense of humour
She is small but all the best things come in small packages
She is fiery yet gentle she is lovely and caring yet doesn't show everyone
She is private yet outgoing she shows love and affection
She loves cuddles and will get some and kisses as well
I love her company she is great fun I know the real Karen and there is only one
I wouldn't want her any other way so don't you change not for anyone
Don't you cry there is no need for you are not alone
You are strong and you are the best never let them tell you that you are not
You're a winner and that's what sets you apart from the rest
Winners make it happen losers let it happen and you ain't a loser and you know it
Take your strength from those who really know you not those who think they know you
Lean on those that you can count on not those who count on you
Use the shoulders given to you, they may be uncomfortable but use them to rest your head or cry on
Use the cuddles you receive as they are silent but mean so much
Thank you for being my friend your friendship means so much to me and I cherish it always as I cherish you


When I read that, it was all I could do to say at my desk, and not run outside and find somewhere I could cry my eyes out.

Time to call this quits - I'm about to get savaged by the cats - they're hungry and I've not fed them yet!

Back later - if I'm in one piece!

Karen
Learning to fly but I don't have wings

Shattered dreams, and a shattered heart?

On the work front, it's been a good day for me. On the personal front - it's been a disaster - and not for me, but for someone whom I care about a great deal.

I realised that something was wrong, when my friend sent me an e-mail, telling me that he wouldn't be answering his 'phone to anyone, and that he wouldn't be sending any e-mails either..

Normally, if I get an e-mail like that, my immediate thought is "what the hell have I done to upset him this time", but he seemed to realise that would be my first thought when I read the message.

He was at pains to point out that it was nothing that I'd done, but he just needed time to get his emotions together, and would be in contact with me soon.

Ok - not a lot I could say about that, but I don't mind admitting that my mind was on anything but my work, and was only too keen to make a run for it at 17:00...

As Mum was working the late shift, it meant that I had the house to myself, and was able to sort out bits and pieces, whilst having a part of my mind on whether my friend was ok...

I got my answer soon enough. My mobile chimed, and I had a text message from my friend, asking me if I could call him...

I did, and it was like someone had blown a hole in the Hoover dam. He was distraught, and in tears, and I will admit to feeling helpless, as there is only so much that you can do when you're at the end of the 'phone, and there's a fair distance between you.

And now you've given me, given me,
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams,
Feel like I could run away, run away,
From this empty heart

At the end of the day, all anyone can do is act as a shoulder for someone to cry on, and when they're in that sort of emotional state, try to keep their head above the emotional tsunami the best that you can.

Time to call this quits - I've got things to do, and the reception on my mobile stinks, so I need to be somewhere where I can get a call on my 'phone.

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Bored, and time is dragging...

It’s one of those days when time seems to be dragging its heels, and I’m reduced to scratting around trying to find something to keep me out of mischief… But, thankfully there have been several good jokes coming my way…

Three guys - a Canadian farmer, Osama bin Laden, and an American engineer are working together one day. They come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it. "I will give each of you one wish, which is three wishes total," says the Genie.

The Canadian says, "I am a farmer, my dad was a farmer, and my son will also be a farmer. I want the land to be forever fertile in Canada." Pooooof! With the blink of the Genie's eye, the land in Canada was forever made fertile for farming.

Osama bin Laden was amazed, so he said, "I want a wall around Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran so that no infidels, Jews or Americans can come into our precious state."

Pooooof! Again, with the blink of the Genie's eye, there was a huge wall around those countries.

The American engineer says, "I am very curious. Please tell me more about this wall." The Genie explains, "Well, it's about 5000 feet high, 500 feet thick and completely surrounds the country. Nothing can get in our out - it's virtually impenetrable."

The American engineer says, "Fill it with water."


This was one of the others that made me snigger…


Students were assigned to read 2 books, "Titanic" & "My Life" by Bill Clinton.

One smart ass student turned in the following book report, with the proposition that they were nearly identical stories! His cool professor gave him an A+ for this report:

Titanic: $29.99
Clinton: $29.99

Titanic: Over 3 hours to read
Clinton: Over 3 hours to read

Titanic: The story of Jack and Rose, their forbidden love, and subsequent catastrophe.
Clinton: The story of Bill and Monica, their forbidden love, and subsequent catastrophe.

Titanic: Jack is a starving artist.
Clinton: Bill is a bullshit artist.

Titanic: In one scene, Jack enjoys a good cigar.
Clinton: Ditto for Bill.

Titanic: During ordeal, Rose's dress gets ruined.
Clinton: Ditto for Monica.

Titanic: Jack teaches Rose to spit.
Clinton: Let's not go there.

Titanic: Rose gets to keep her jewellery.
Clinton: Monica's forced to return her gifts.

Titanic: Rose remembers Jack for the rest of her life.
Clinton: Clinton doesn't remember Jack.

Titanic: Rose goes down on a vessel full of seamen.
Clinton: Monica...ooh, let's not go there, either.

Titanic: Jack surrenders to an icy death.
Clinton: Bill goes home to Hilary... Basically the same thing.


This one, though was the one that made me grin….

A married man was having an affair with his secretary.

One day, their passions overcame them and they took off for her house, where they made passionate love all afternoon.

Exhausted from the wild sex, they fell asleep, awakening around 8:00 pm. As the man threw on his clothes, he told the woman to take his shoes outside and rub them through the grass and dirt. Mystified, she nonetheless complied.

He slipped into his shoes and drove home.

"Where have you been?" demanded his wife when he entered the house.

"Darling, I can't lie to you. I've been having an affair with my secretary and we've been having sex all afternoon. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until eight o'clock."

The wife glanced down at his shoes and said, "You lying bastard! You've been playing golf!"


Hmm – suppose I should look like I’m working, but I’m suffering from a severe case of TNFI…

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Starting the weekend...

Well, the plan to go to Ashwood nurseries went to the wall, simply because they were holding one of their "behind the scenes" weekends, and it had featured on Midlands Today - one of the local news programs.

Mum didn't feel too good, and was worried that my ribs and shoulder would get bumped and bashed, thus putting me in an evil mood, and that was something that she had no intention of doing.. Why, I have no idea, as I'm such a little sweetheart when I've been bumped and barged. Believe that, and you'll believe in the Tooth Fairy as well!

So, Mum and I headed to Merry Hill. Which should be re-named Merry Hell, as that was what Mum was playing about the parking. Because she's not too good when it comes to walking long distances,has what Dad used to refer to as a "park anywhere ticket" - i.e. a blue disabled person's badge, that allows her (in theory) to get parked in larger spaces, closer to the entrance of the shops.

Fine in theory, but Merry Hill doesn't seem to have enough parking spaces full stop, let alone enough disabled slots, thus meaning that we had to park at the bottom end of the car park, and take a very slow walk to the entrance of the shopping centre.

Once we'd gotten over that hurdle, it was a case of seeing if either of us could find anything for my cousin's October wedding. I was tempted by this beautiful ice blue dress, but even in the petite (ok - short) section, this damned dress was nearly floor length - which went down like a lead balloon with me.

My mood wasn't helped when the smarmy sales assistant said that it would "look better with high heels." That was not the best thing to say to me, as I loathe heels, and Mum was sniggering at the thought of me wearing a dress. So, I've decided that I'm going to look for a dark coloured trouser suit, and have a brightly coloured top underneath the jacket.

We got several bits and pieces - but nothing for the wedding apart from a few ideas, and headed for home, where I was able to check my 'phone. I'd got a couple of missed calls from my friend (who was working - I gave that up as a bad job when I joined my present company!) He was his normal mickey taking self, asking me if I'd left my 'phone on a high shelf again, and would I call him when I got chance.

Not a problem - I just made myself scarce (the excuse being that I was going to watch the rugby on BBC1)... I called him and he asked if I was ok, and I could tell that he was worried I'd been horse riding - without my body armour.

Ok - I'm dumb, but I'm not that dumb, and I told him that I'd been shopping with Mum at Merry Hill, and that I was going to go back to the saddler's next weekend to see if the body armour fitted, and if it did, I could contemplate starting riding again.

He didn't sound too keen on that idea, but I think he's realised that there's not a lot that he can do if I do decide to go riding - apart from lecture me, which I'll just ignore as per my usual trick!

Time to call this quits - my damned mobile's ringing...

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Playing the fragile female...

And I can do it so well when I need to! Needless to day, I have managed to make the two people who made me so angry / upset yesterday feel really guilty, as I went into work with a migraine.

The OTR manager called me first thing this morning, all sweetness and light, almost as if he'd forgotten that he'd had a real blast at me yesterday afternoon...

I, however, decided that it was time to start playing nasty, and when he asked how I was, as I sounded subdued, compared with my normal self, dropped the first of the bombs...

"That's because I'm waiting for the migraleve to kick in, and try and ease my migraine."

"Oh, I'm sorry - I didn't realise that you weren't feeling too well."

The sucker punch came when I told him that I'd woken up with it. Which wasn't a lie - I had, and I was feeling bloody awful.

Needless to say, that sucked the wind right out of his sails, and he said that he would keep the calls to a minimum for me, as he wanted me to get better quickly. I got the feeling that he was worried I would go home sick - something that I have to admit, I was awful tempted to do!

But, there were a couple of bright spots for me - one was the fact that my daft bunny kept e-mailing me, and making me smile (not something that I'm supposed to do when I'm supposedly suffering from a migraine!)

The other was finding out that I had unexpected allies in the OTR department - all of whom had ganged up on the two people who'd put me in such an evil mood yesterday, and one even went to the trouble of pointing out that I was doing a job that none of them wanted to do!

Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm going to Ashwood nurseries tomorrow with Mum, and I have to be up early to go and make a fuss of Flame as well... Bang goes my weekend lie in!

Back tomorrow, if I can face sitting at a computer!

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

In fury and pain

I swear, one of these days I am going to swing for certain members of the OTR department. Before I escaped for physio, I had a call from the OTR manager, asking me about two tyres, that I'd let one of the guys have... It turned out that one of the other guys wanted these same tyres and it was like a group of children squabbling!

It turned out that there were two codes for these damned tyres, and that both my understudy and myself had been using the "wrong" code for the orders, and neither of us were the wiser, as no-one had thought to let either of us know!

Even though I offered to call this fella and explain, the manager refused, and said that he would deal with it, as he said that it would sound better comming from him, and finished the call.

Needless to say, that put me in an evil mood, and I warned my understudy of what had happened, as the poor sod gets my direct line forwarded to his extention number when I'm either on lunch, or away from the office.

I then went to physio - which was good, if not painful and I will admit, to being in a stinking mood as I type this entry up.

I'm awful tempted to make life extremely difficult for the two people concerned, but that would mean letting them know that they have been able to wind me up - and I'm better than that.

But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to get my own back - and I think that it may be time to play the "fragile female" bit....

Time to call this quits - I need to try and get some sleep tonight....

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Back onto the emotional rollercoaster...

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions today... I'd already got the pre-cursor to a migraine, and them my daft hog riding friend sent me an e-mail at work, saying that he'd sent me an e-mail to my home e-mail address, as he didn't think it was suitable to be sent to me at work....

I struggled through until lunchtime, then called him as I was driving over to the Crem, and that was when the tears really started to flow.

He was a real angel of mercy - talking to me about all sorts of things and even managed to make me smile through my tears by asking me how big I liked my teddy bears... I wasn't sure what that was leading up to, so will admit to being a little guarded, until he said that he was going to hug me like a teddy when he saw me!

That nearly finished me off, and I went back into the office looking like a vampire after a seriously bad night on the blood, and did my best to avoid answering questions about what had caused me to get so upset.

The simple matter was the fact that I had spoken to my Aunt last night, and she is so much like Dad in her manners (i.e. doesn't suffer fools gladly, and is of the opinion that it's the family first - everyone else can go **** themselves) that it re-opened the wounds that were caused when Dad died.

Then, I read the e-mail that my friend had sent me. Suffice to say, that it did start me crying again, as I didn't realise just how he viewed our friendship, and it made me realise just how much I value his friendship.

Hello my friend,

Thank you for talking to me,
Thank you for being there when I need someone,
Thank you for reasoning with me,
Thank you for listening and trying not to judge me.

I am a mad mixed up bunny trying to do the best I can for everyone - it's just that some people out there in my life just don't appreciate it and it just ain't good enough for them.

I don't expect you to understand me at all 'cause I know I don't understand myself all of the time.

I just want to be happy its not too much to ask is it?

Take care from your daft cuddle bunny

For him to take the time to send that to me, just tipped me over the edge yet again, and it took several readings for his words to sink in.

I will admit, there have been times in my life - especially just recently - where I don't think that I could have coped with out him giving me a swift kick up the tail, and I will admit, I didn't think that my reply was really eloquent enough to express what I was feeling....

You've been one of the best things that could have happened to me, and there have been times when I don't think that I could have coped without having you to talk to, make me laugh, and occasionally give me a swift verbal kick up the tail to get me thinking straight.

Your friendship means more to me that I could ever tell you in an e-mail, but I know that when I see you, I'll be able to show you what you mean to me...

 Time to call this entry quits - it's nearly impossible to type when you can hardly see the keyboard for tears.

Back when I can see, and think straight.

Karen
Leaning to fly, but I don't have wings

Knackered, but happy....

I'm making an escape this month with my daft hog riding friend. We're going up to RAF Cosford, and as it's a fair distance for the pair of us to travel, plus wandering around the museum, we've decided to make a weekend of it.

Ok - not a problem there. The problem arose when I was dumb enough to mention this trip to Julian, who immediately decided that there was "no way you're going to wear a scruffy polo neck and jeans - you're going to look like a lady for once."

Thanks a bunch. The "scruffy polo neck" happens to be an old favorite of mine. Ok - I admit that it has seen better days, but it's one of those things that you tend to be loathe to throw away, as it's so comfortable. But, once Julian gets into that frame of mind, it takes a braver person than me to challenge him - especially with sore ribs!

So, the scene was set for the pair of us to go to Milton Keyens, and as we were leaving early morning (ok - 08:00) he stayed over at my home.

There were moments when I could have cheerfully strangled him, as he kept dodging from shop to shop, picking out things that were either frilly, or pastel coloured, or if I was seriously unlucky - both! But, I soon realised that he was only doing that to wind me, up, and he did quite a good job of it!

He was a real angel, advising me on colours and fit of things that he and I picked out, and on more than one occasion, I heard other shoppers say to their partners "why can't you take more of an interest like he does?" That made Julian and I both laugh, and yes, it did hurt, I will admit!

The end result was well worth the sort feet that I ended up with, and as my friend reads this blog, I'll say no more about what I got - aside from the fact that it's a little bit different to my normal attire!

Time to call this quits - Julian's cooked dinner for Mum and myself - and it smells divine!

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

And it's not just me getting hurt...

Not the sort of 'phone call that you really want to recieve. I got a call from the farmer who keeps an eye on Flame for me, to say that she had blood pouring from a wound on her off-side rear hock...

I will admit to breaking numerous speed limits in an attempt to get to her as fast as I could, and was praying that it wasn't anything nasty, and that Tony had called the vet...

I got to the farm, just as Gianni (my trusted vet) pulled up. The pair of us walked into the yard, where Tony had managed to get Flame into one of the loose-boxes. If I didn't know better, I would swear that she knew he was trying to help her, as normally she's a real sod to get into a box.

Thankfully, no major damage, but the cut still needed a fair few stiches to close it up, and I've been told that she won't be fit enough to do any serious cross-country work for at least a month.

Ok - I can live with that for the moment, as I'm still trying to recover from my injuries. But I know that as soon as I (a) get my body armour, and (b) am fit enough to ride, then this restriction will bug the hell out of me. Tony must have realised that was the case, as he's said that I can ride his big hunter - Canute, until Flame is fit again.

That's really sweet of him, but it will be like going from a Ferrari to a Reliant Robin in terms of performance, as Flame is bred for speed and agility, whereas Canute (bless his huge heart) is more of a plodder.

But, they say that beggars can't be choosers, so I guess that if I do want to go riding before Flame is fit, then I'll be scrambling up onto Canute's broad back.

Time to call this quits - I need to get some rest, as my ribs are killing me.

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Preparing for the weekend...

Well, under normal circumstances, I would have been preparing to go out on the lash with Julian and co, but due to the fact that my ribs are still highly traumatized, and I'm under strict instructions not to do anything daft, I'm having to do as I'm told for once, and it doesn't suit me at all.

Having said that though, there are compensations to having to spend a quiet weekend for once - namely the fact that I can spend some time at home with Mum... Ok - I'm the first to admit that I don't see as much of Mum as I would like to, simply because of the fact that she's working every other weekend, and I have this habit of buggering off with Flame. Or at least I did until I got booted!

But, this weekend has been quieter, simply because I'm too damned sore to do anything, and I've made the most of it by going and getting my hair cut again, and getting the copper highlights put back in it. Only this time, I opted to go shorted than normal for me!

Don't ask me what prompted me to get it cut as short as I did - suffice to say that I'm a lot happier than I was - even though I do look like a hedgehog first thing in the morning, as my hair is all spike!

Aside from that, I've also been to get measured for my new body armour... Unfortunatly for me, the manufacturer has stopped making the 1/4 inch thick plate, so the insurance company has authorised my saddled to get the 1/2 inch thick plate - with me still paying the same excess!!

Time to call this quits - it's my turn to give the maurading moggies their last snack of the day..

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Mangled by the sawbones, but it's good news.....

Well, the sawbones has spoken - and I'm off to see the physiotherapist again - this time for a three month stint of intensive physio. But, at least he was positive, and said that if I felt that the pain was worsening before I was due to see him again in three months time, then I was welcome to go back and see him.

If this physio doesn't work, then I've got to go for a course of jabs (not my favourite option, thank you very much) but I guess that it's preferable to having an operation on my shoulder! Ok - it would only be a minor operation to see what's going on in the joint, but I still don't like the idea of being operated on.

So, it boiled down to the fact that the shoulder is in the throes of acute tendonitis, and that I should continue to use the wheatie, Ibuleve gel, anti-inflammatory pills and painkillers. I was also told to consider acupuncture, as I'd already said that I wasn't averse to considering alternative therapies.

As well as getting the shoulder seen to, I was also examined by the consultant in A & E who treated my rib injuries on Saturday. He was quite impressed with the bruising, and told me that I wasn't to ride for another 4 weeks, but I was to get the same standard (or better) body armour if I intended to continue riding, and more to the point, intended to survive that sort of impact - as the last time he'd seen this sort of injury, the patient ended up in ITU, then the morgue as they had succumbed to the injuries sustained.

Talk about getting shaken. I swear that I had a guardian angel looking after me on Saturday, and I know one thing - Dad would say that it was money well spent if the armour had saved my life. So, I guess that I shouldn't begrudge having to pay the £50 excess on my horse insurance - especially as I get like for like with the policy!

Guess I should call this quits - I've got work to do, but I've just got no interest at all - guess that I'm just bouncing like a demented tigger because of the news from the hospital...

Back later, if I've stopped bouncing!

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

In, but freezing...

The office is freezing cold this morning, and nothing that we do to the thermostat will warm the place up!

Needless to say that I'm not very happy, as I'm cold and still in an awful lot of pain from my ribs. The arnica is helping, and my ribs are starting to show a crazy paving style bruising pattern, and are going quite a delicate shade of black / purple from the impact that I took on Saturday.

So, when I go and see the consultant in A&E tomorrow, I'll have quite a pretty pattern across my ribs, and it will make things interesting when I go and see the sawbones afterwards, as no doubt I'll get asked about the bruising, and then will get a lecture about my horse riding!

Aside from that, things seem to be improving for me on the work front, as I've pointed out that there is only some much that I can do with the data that I am given, and that there need to be a change in the processes that the reports go through.

On a personal note (ok - family note) one of my cousins is getting married in October, so that's another outfit that I've got to buy - and I hate shopping!!!

But, I guess there is light at the end of the tunnel, and in comes in joke form:

Ma was in the kitchen fiddling around when she hollers out.... "Pa, you need to go out and fix the outhouse!"

Pa replies, "There ain't nuthin wrong with the outhouse."

Ma yells back, "Yes there is, now git out there and fix it."

So.......Pa mosies out to the outhouse, looks around and yells back, "Ma, there ain't nuthin wrong with the outhouse!"

Ma replies, "Stick yur head in the hole!"

Pa yells back, "I ain't stickin my head in that hole!"

Ma says, "Ya have to stick yur head in the hole to see what to fix."

So with that, Pa sticks his head in the hole, looks around and yells back, "Ma,there ain't nuthin' wrong with this outhouse!"

Ma hollers back, "Now take your head out of the hole!"

Pa proceeds to pull his head out of the hole then starts yelling "Ma! Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the toilet seat!"

To which Ma replies, "Hurt's, don't it?!"


This was the next joke that made me giggle:

In a recent Channel 4 news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister Louella was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago. Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena.

She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage. The husband is reported to be in serious, but stable condition, and Louella has been charged with:











A Misdewiener!


The other joke that made me grin was this one:

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a Naval conference that included admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies.

At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of half dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

Suddenly the group became very quiet.


Guess I should think about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from TNFI...


Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Feeling brighter, but I'm still not a happy tiger.

Well, I've spoken to my best mate (who was busy getting lost on an industrial estate in Wembley), and he's done his usual trick of cheering me up.

He was supposed to be going to see a customer, and all he had was an address - no telephone number, and there was no-one around that he could ask!

We chatted about things that mattered to the pair of us, and he was threatening to tan my hide for me, as I was being cheeky to him as normal. I sniggered, and said that he shouldn't make promises that he had not intention of keeping... I was then told that he had every intention of keeping that promise, and that he would get me - eventually.

Aside from that, I got sent several cracking jokes...

You have all the money your heart desires
You have no worries...
You come home and the finest meal is awaiting you...
Your bathwater has been run...
You have the perfect kids...
Your partner is awaiting you with open arms and kisses...
So where would you be...?

IN THE WRONG HOUSE.

The next joke was this one:

A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Hunting flies" he responded.

"Oh. Killing any?" she asked.

"Yep, 3 males, 2 females," he replied.

Intrigued, she asked, "how can you tell?"

He responded, "3 were on a beer can, 2 were on the phone."

But this was the e-mail that REALLY cheered me up:

You think you're having a bad day? Check it out these actual cases.

A man was working on his motorcycle on the patio, his wife nearby in the kitchen. While racing the engine, the motorcycle accidentally slipped into gear. The man, still holding onto the handlebars, was dragged along as it burst through the glass patio doors.

His wife, hearing the crash, ran in the room to find her husband cut and bleeding, the motorcycle, and the shattered patio door. She called for an ambulance and, because the house sat on a fairly large hill, went down the several flights of stairs to meet the paramedics and escort them to her husband.

While the attendants were tending her husband, the wife managed to righ tthe motorcycle and push it outside. She also quickly blotted up the spilled gasoline with some paper towels and tossed them into the toilet.

After being treated and released, the man returned home, looked at the shattered patio door and the damage done to his motorcycle. He went into the bathroom and consoled himself with a cigarette while attending tohis business. About to stand, he flipped the butt between his legs.

The wife, who was in the kitchen, heard a loud explosion and her husband screaming. Finding him lying on the bathroom floor with his trousers blown away and burns on his buttocks, legs and groin, she once again phoned for an ambulance.

The same paramedic crew was dispatched. As the paramedics carried the man down the stairs to the ambulance they asked the wife how he had come to burn himself. She told them. They started laughing so hard, one slipped, the stretcher and dumping the husband out. He fell down the remaining stairs, breaking his arm.

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

Still having a bad day? Just remember, it could be worse...


The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska was $80,000. At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers. A minute later, in full view, a killer whale ate them both.

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

Still think you are having a bad day?

A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him with a handy plank of wood,breaking his arm in two places. Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman.

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

STILL think you're having a bad day?

Two animal rights protesters were protesting at the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn, Germany. Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly the two hopeless protesters were trampled to death.

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

What?! STILL having a bad day??

Iraqi terrorist Khay Rahnajet didn't pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with "return to sender" stamped on it. Forgetting it was the bomb; he opened it and was blown to bits.

There now, feeling better?


Guess I should call this quits, as I'm supposed to be doing some work....

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Feeling crushed...

I sometimes wonder why I bother to work so damned hard on some things, because all I seem to get is kicked in the ribs.

Two of the reports that I run have been questioned for accuracy, and to be honest, it's starting to really get to me. I haven't changed the way I work at all, and then I get this slung back at me. Needless to say, I find this less than endearing, and more than a little bit infuriating.

Ok - I admit that there are targets to be aimed at, but I was under the impression that they were sales targets - not human ones, and I'm beginning to wonder about the wisdom of having anything to with these reports, until such time as the problem has been resolved.

But, I guess that this is just getting to me, as I feel bloody awful with both my ribs playing up and my shoulder adding to my woes, and it doesn't help my temper / mood when I get comments along the lines of my rib injuries being self inflicted, because I had the nerve to go horse riding at the weekend - in MY time. I felt like asking when 'Big Brother' policies on weekend activities had been introduced. Ok - I can see the point if I'd taken time off, but I've come into work against my better judgement.

I guess that I should call this entry quits, before I really blow a fuse.

Back later - if my temper has improved.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Getting to grips with a slower pace of life.

Yes, you guessed it. This pace of life doesn't suit me at all, and it's starting to really irritate me. Thankfully, I'm still able to drive, and I've been to see Flame several times since I got kicked, but it doesn't make me feel any better.

Don't be afraid to be weak
Don't be too proud to be strong
Just look into your heart, my friend
That will be the return to yourself
The return to innocence

But, at least I'm happy in my job, unlike my best mate, who is getting more down every day so much so, that each day he spends at his work place drags his confidence even lower. It breaks my heart to hear him so flat, and I do my best to make him smile and laugh, but until he decides what he wants to do, then all I can be is a sympathetic / daft ear at the end of the'phone.

How many sorrows
Do you try to hide?
In a world of illusion
That's covering your mind

I'll show you something good
Oh I'll show you something good
When you open your mind
You'll discover the sign
And there's something you're longing to find

Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging!

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Sore ribs...

Talk about having a guardian angel looking after me...

I got kicked in the ribs on Saturday - by Flame as I tried to jump clear of her, so that she could deal with a dog that was chasing her. The result? My body armour plates got smashed to pieces at the front, and the back plates also got broken.

So, I spent Saturday morning in the local A& E department, getting examined by a consultant, who couldn't believe that I wasn't more seriously injured after being kicked by a 17.0h horse! I guess that it goes to show that the initial investment in the body armour was well worth it - as my later father bought it for me for my birthday... It wasn't cheap when he bought it for me, but he was of the opinion that you got what you paid for - and I got 1/4 inch thick Kevlar plates...

Ok - I've got badly bruised ribs (and it makes breathing VERY painful), but it could have been a lot worse - I could have still been in hospital with broken ribs, and internal injuries. But, to be on the safe side, I've got to go and see the consultant on Thursday morning - before I go into see the sawbones about my shoulder.

What really irritates me though is the fact that I've had to claim on my horse insurance for a new set of armour. Admittedly, it's better (from my viewpoint) to pay the £50 excess, instead of the full £600, but it still galls me that I've go to go up to Walsall on Sunday to get the new armour fitted. Add into that, I'm banned yet again from horse riding for another 4 weeks, and you get one unhappy little tiger.

But, on the positive side, my friends have been really good about finding ways to take my mind off the pain, and I have to admit, I am eternally grateful for their support.

Guess I should call this quits - it's nearly time for me to take some more pain killers...

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen


Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Sore heads all around

It's always the same.

After the conference, there are always sore heads, and it's usually the same people who suffer. Me? I was smart - I refused to go, as I knew damned well that I would end up sitting up 'till the crack of sparrow fart talking to people that I know and respect.

From what I can gather, it was a damned good night and I'm almost sorry that I didn't go. But, with hind sight, I think I did the best thing for myself, as I was knackered when I got home last night. Ok - I finished at 18:00, but I'd been in the office since 08:30, and I was doing what felt like 50 million things at once.

But, as I sit at my desk, I don't mind admitting that I am mentally and physically drained - simply because I was running on pure adrenaline yesterday, and I know damned well when I get out of here tonight, I'm going to be on-course for a spark out, because I'm knackered!

Guess I should call this entry quits - I've got loads of work to catch up with from yesterday.

Back tomorrow.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Worrying about a friend, and other things

I've spoken to my daft hog riding friend and he's not a well bunny. He's got a viral throat infection - apparently it's the one that causes professional singers to cancel tours, as the only way to regain the full vocal range is rest the voice.

That, under normal circumstances would have me sniggering, as I jokingly tell him that the appetite on legs has a better singing (ok - meowing) voice than him but he's really ill with this bug.

But, the worst is still to come, as he's got to go and see his boss tomorrow and tell him the good news.. I felt like telling him that it was a bit extreme, catching this bug, just so he could get some time off work!

The others things are to do with my work. I'm having to act as the senior person in my department, as the rest of them are off at the conference (I refused to go), thus meaning that I have to work twice as hard, to keep people happy.

Guess I should call this quits - I need to get back and make sure that things haven't blown up whilst I've been on lunch!

Back later, if I can face looking at a computer again!

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Jokes from the front line...

Boy, can't you tell I'm bored. I've been scouting around trying to see what I can do to keep myself out of mischief (apart from blogging!) and I've been able to find a couple of really good jokes that have been sitting in my in-box, just waiting to get posted....

This guy was lonely and so he decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet.

After some discussion, he finally bought a centipede which came in a little white box to use for his house.

He took the box back home, found a good location for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to the bar to have a drink.

So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to Frank's with me and have a beer?" But there was no answer from his new pet.

This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, "How about going to the bar and having a drink with me?"

But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation.

He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to Frank's place and have a drink with me?"

Scroll down!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS!









A little voice came out of the box...







"I heard you the first time! I'm putting my f***ing shoes on."


This was one of the others jokes that made me laugh....

The train was quite crowded, so the U. S. Marine walked its entire length looking for a seat, but the only seat left was taken by a well dressed middle-aged French woman's poodle. The war-weary Marine asked,"Ma'am, may I have that seat?"

The French woman just sniffed and said to no one in particular,"Americans are so rude. My little Fifi is using that seat."

The Marine walked the entire train again, but the only seat left was under that dog.

"Please, ma'am. May I sit down? I'm very tired."

She snorted, "Not only are you Americans rude, you are also arrogant!"

This time the Marine didn't say a word, he just picked up the little dog, tossed it out the train window, and sat down.

The woman shrieked, "Someone must defend my honour! Put this American in his place!"

An English gentleman sitting nearby spoke up. "Sir, you Americans often seem to have a penchant for doing the wrong thing. You hold the fork inthe wrong hand. You drive your autos on the wrong side of the road. And now, sir, you've thrown the wrong bitch out the window!"

The third and final joke is this:

People were in their pews talking at church. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon everyone had exited the church except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seeming oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence. So Satan walked up to the old man and said:

"Don't you know who I am?"

The man replied, "Yep, sure do."

"Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Nope, sure ain't."

"Don't you realize I can kill you with a word?"

"Don't doubt it for a minute," returned the old man, in an even tone.

"Did you know that I could cause you profound, horrifying, AGONY for all eternity?" persisted Satan.

"Yep," was the calm reply.

"And you're still not afraid?"

"Nope."

More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, "Well, why aren't you afraid of me?"

The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for 48 years."

Guess I should get on with some work, but I have to admit I'm bored...

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Roller-coaster of a weekend....

Well, I have to admit that the weekend was somewhat of a roller-coaster ride for me. Saturday morning was OK - Mum and I went shopping in Solihull, and I decided to hit Waterstones, and I bought four books!

One was on the development of the atomic bomb, and the other three were Terry Pratchett books - the next three in the Discworld series (Mort, Sourcery and Wyrd Sisters).

But the rest of the day was quite emotionally draining, simply because I decided to move my beloved horse closer to home and spent the rest ofthe afternoon making sure that she was ok, and settling in.

I also had a call from my daft hog riding friend to let me know that he was at his friend's house in Redditch ok, and that he would try and see me on Sunday.

Sunday. What can I say about that, apart from the fact that it was a really good day. I decided to go horse riding in the morning, and I was a bit late getting back - like about 10:15, and I will admit, I did pong a bit!

As soon as I walked in the house, Mum told me to buzz off for a shower, as, and I quote "you stink". Thanks Mum!

I had just started to wash my hair when my mobile rang. It was my daft hog riding friend. He asked if I was still going into Stratford, and said that he would love to meet up with me - and would be bringing someone with him - his friend from Redditch! Ok - not a problem there, as I'd spoken to this lass, and was curious to meet her...

Well, I got to Stratford, and met up with the pair of them and I will admit, it was a really good laugh, as the pair of us kept double-teaming the poor guy, and he said that he was getting fed up with the pair of us ganging up on him!

That made us laugh, and I have to admit, I really enjoyed myself, but I could sense that there was something bothering him...

Wanted you to know I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph; I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

One of these days, I'll listen to my instincts... I spoke to my friend late last night, and suffice to say that he ended up pouring his heart out to me - both in an e-mail and on the 'phone.

Obviously, what he told me will not be relayed here, but all that I shall say is that I now understand awful lot more than I did, and am more determined than ever to do what I can to help him.

The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging.

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

You're gonna hate Fridays!

I make no apologies for this joke - it had me sniggering today!

One day a guy died and found himself in Hell. As he was wallowing in despair, he had his first meeting with a demon. The demon asked, "Why so glum?"

The guy responded, "What do you think? I'm in Hell!"

"Hell's not so bad," the demon said. "We actually have a lot of fun down here. You a drinking man?"

"Sure," the man said, "I love to drink."

"Well you're gonna love Mondays then. On Mondays all we do is drink. Whiskey, Tequila, Guinness, wine coolers, diet Tab and Fresca. We drink till we throw up and then we drink some more!"

The guy is astounded. "Damn, that sounds great"

"You a smoker?" the demon asked

"You better believe it."

"You're gonna love Tuesdays. We get the finest cigars from all over the world and smoke our lungs out. If you get cancer, no biggie. You're already dead, remember?"

"Wow, the guy said, "that's awesome!"

The demon continued. "I bet you like to gamble"

"Why yes, as a matter of fact I do."

"Wednesdays you can gamble all you want. Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, slots, whatever. If you go bankrupt, well, you're dead anyhow. You into drugs"

The guy said, "Are you kidding? I love drugs! You don't mean....."

"That's right! Thursday is drug day. Help yourself to a great big bowl of crack, or smack. Smoke a doobie the size of a submarine. You can do all the drugs you want, you're dead, who cares!"

"Wow," the guy said, starting to feel better about his situation, "I never realized Hell was such a cool place!"

The demon said, "You gay?"

"No."

"Ooooh, you're gonna hate Fridays!"


Time to call this quits - got to log off and bog off - it's after 17:00!

Back tomorrow, if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

MID (Mentioned in Despatches)

I'm shaking as I type this. I've just been told by my line manager that I've been mentioned (by name) in the Customer Service review meeting! It wasn't anything nasty - totally the opposite - I was being praised for my handling of the OTR work by the OTR Manager!

When my line manager told me, I've got to admit I was stunned, and said that it could explain why he (the OTR manager) was willing to help me out yesterday (there was a tyre short on an order, and I couldn't beg / borrow or steal one for once) and told the rep that there had only been three tyres, and that the other one was due in sometime next week!

That made my line manager laugh, and he said he thought the reason I got the help, was because I do my best to make sure that any problems are nipped in the bud, and that I work damned hard!

But I have admitted that I would jump at the chance to transfer to the OTR department, as that's where my real interest lies, as it all ties in with my upbringing as an engineer's brat.

I also owe a muppet an apology - I spoke to one of my colleagues in the OTR department, and told him what I'd been asked for, and that I was rather sceptical about it being a Ferrari... It turns out this is a dock handling machine, and just happens to have the same name as the sports car! Doh! But at least I know now for future reference...

Guess I should call this entry quits, as I don't really want to blot my copybook by getting caught blogging when I'm supposed to be working...

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

I've become so numb...

I guess that it's just a legacy of my insomnia. My eyes are the sort of thing that you would see on the "before" advert for eye drops - the ones that are supposed to make bloodshot eyes sparkle.

I'm tired of being what you want me to be....

Today has been one of those days that would, under normal circumstances, make me curse anyway, but add into the mixture that I'm knackered, and that's the killer blow to me.

I was snowed under with my OTR work, and then on top of that, I had to deal with multiple scarcastic idiots, who thought that as they were dealing with a female, that they could have some fun at my expense.

Not really a wise move, especially as it turned out that the idiot concerned didn't know what the hell he was talking about... I mean, he asked for some tyres for an earthmover. Ok - not a problem with the size - it's one that I'm comfortable talking about (18.00 R33), but when I asked what the machine was, he said it was a.... wait for it...........
Ferrari


Now that struck me as someone who was either trying to set me up or he didn't know what the ***k he was talking about. He didn't like it when I pointed out that Ferrari had never made any earthmoving machines (earth shaking - yes) and that Enzo Ferrari would be spinning in his grave at that thought!

So, that got rid of one idiot, then I had to deal with idiots in the same company, and to be honest, I was getting to the stage where I was going to end up wringing someone's neck, or offering to make them a seven knot neck tie - and then show them how to wear it!

I guess that's just because I am so tired, and as a result, I'm getting incredibly intolerant, but until I get to the stage where I crash out asleep, there's very little I can do...

Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface
Don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
And every second I waste is more than I can take

I've become so numb, I can't feel you there
I've become so tired, so much more aware
I'm becoming this all, I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you



Time to call this quits - my eyes are burning again, and I need to get some sleep tonight - if I can.

Back tomorrow if I'm with it enough, or more to the point, if I haven't flipped my lid at some moron on the 'phone!

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings