Just a little thought for those who work in an office....
Prayer for the stressed
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change things I cannot accept and the wisdom to hid the bodies of those I had to kill today because they got on my nerves.
Help me to be careful of the toes I step on today as they might be connected to the feet I may have to kiss tomorrow.
Help me always to give 100% at work: 12% on Monday, 23% on Tuesday, 40% on Wednesday, 20% on Thursday and 5% on Friday.
And help me to remember when I am having a bad day and it seems that people are trying to wind me up it takes 42 muscles to frown, 28 to smile and only four to extend my arm and smack someone in the mouth.
AMEN.
I know it sounds like all I do is bitch about work, but the office isn't as bad as it could be... There have been some offices that I've had the misfortune to work in, where you felt like you'd done well if you only had one knife hilt in your back!
Ah well, suppose I'd better get on with some w*rk...
Back later if I get the chance.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
After the run through...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Talk about being emotionally drained. The run through was worse than I'd expected! Ok - I know that my colleagues were quite happy with the way I coped, but appearances are tremendously deceiving. Inside, I was little more than a quivering jelly!
My line manager was really helpful, and offered to help me on the first attempt, but I'm the stubborn (or bloody minded - take your pick) type. I will admit, I politely declined the offer of help, as I said that it was easier for me to "fling myself in at the deep end, and get this started - otherwise I'll just wimp out."
It wasn't as bad as I'd feared, and given the fact that I'd only watched the video a couple of times, I don't think I did too badly... Everyone in the group was really supportive, and my line manager was really impressed - he jokingly accused me of reading the script over his shoulder as he prepped it on his laptop!
But the more I ran through the script, the more my nerves started to affect me, and it didn't help the fact that my colleagues were pulling faces at me in an attempt to ease my nerves. In the end, I declined the offer of another run through, on the grounds that all it was doing was making me even more nervous that I already was.
As I left the room with the others, my line manager asked me to wait a couple of minutes, as he wanted to talk to me. I will admit to being even more uptight than I was before, but it transpired that all he wanted to do was re-assure me that if I didn't feel up to doing the presentation at any point, just let him know, and he'd step into the fray for me.
I will admit, I was really grateful for the offer, but said that I would feel that I had let myself and my group members down by wimping out at the last minute. As I type this, I'm beginning to wonder if this time, I've finally bitten off more than I can chew...
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
My line manager was really helpful, and offered to help me on the first attempt, but I'm the stubborn (or bloody minded - take your pick) type. I will admit, I politely declined the offer of help, as I said that it was easier for me to "fling myself in at the deep end, and get this started - otherwise I'll just wimp out."
It wasn't as bad as I'd feared, and given the fact that I'd only watched the video a couple of times, I don't think I did too badly... Everyone in the group was really supportive, and my line manager was really impressed - he jokingly accused me of reading the script over his shoulder as he prepped it on his laptop!
But the more I ran through the script, the more my nerves started to affect me, and it didn't help the fact that my colleagues were pulling faces at me in an attempt to ease my nerves. In the end, I declined the offer of another run through, on the grounds that all it was doing was making me even more nervous that I already was.
As I left the room with the others, my line manager asked me to wait a couple of minutes, as he wanted to talk to me. I will admit to being even more uptight than I was before, but it transpired that all he wanted to do was re-assure me that if I didn't feel up to doing the presentation at any point, just let him know, and he'd step into the fray for me.
I will admit, I was really grateful for the offer, but said that I would feel that I had let myself and my group members down by wimping out at the last minute. As I type this, I'm beginning to wonder if this time, I've finally bitten off more than I can chew...
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
Tired, and stuck with a headache.
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
There's nothing like a headache to make you feel flat. I've had this dratted headache for the past couple of days, and I'm beginning to wonder if it's got something to do with the fact that I'm worried.
No, it's not family or anything like that. This is work related. Me being dumb, I've agreed to speak at the company conference this month, and I'm scared witless. I know people will be saying "for goodness sake, say something!" but it's not as easy as that. I feel like I'm letting down my colleagues & team mates if I back out now.
Hopefully, I'll feel brighter this afternoon - I'm going to be doing a run through, to make sure that everything goes to plan...
Suppose I'd better log off & bog off - I want a few minutes peace and quiet before I get hauled in to do the run through...
Back later - if I get the chance.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
No, it's not family or anything like that. This is work related. Me being dumb, I've agreed to speak at the company conference this month, and I'm scared witless. I know people will be saying "for goodness sake, say something!" but it's not as easy as that. I feel like I'm letting down my colleagues & team mates if I back out now.
Hopefully, I'll feel brighter this afternoon - I'm going to be doing a run through, to make sure that everything goes to plan...
Suppose I'd better log off & bog off - I want a few minutes peace and quiet before I get hauled in to do the run through...
Back later - if I get the chance.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
Finding a UFO in the car... (Uninvited Furry Object)
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
No, I'm not going 'round the twist. I was checking the car over in the garage, and obviously, to get access to the controls and the bonnet catch, I had left the driver's door open.
The cats have the run of the house and garage, and Fred, being the nosy / dumb moggy that he is, hopped in to the car. Ok - not a major problem, as he had a quick sniff 'round, saw that there was nothing of feline interest, and hopped out.
Ponto, on the other hand was a different kettle of fish. (Or fur - your choice!) He hopped into the car, and promptly settled down for a sleep on the back seat. I closed the bonnet, and the door of the car, and went back into the house to grab my coat and handbag, so I could leave for work.
No problem there. The problem arose, when I backed the car out of the garage, and had just closed the garage door, with the intention of heading to work. Only to have a small (or not so small) grey head pop between the front seats, look up at me and go 'Meow.' As if to say "where are we going, and will I be able to sleep?"
I will admit, I was too stunned to even scream. I stood on the brakes, and slapped the hazards on - the last thing that I wanted was for one of the other residents to plough into the back of my car, whilst I was busy throwing Ponto back into the house.
Grabbing hold of him wasn't that difficult - I think he was more stunned by my reaction than I was! I opened the garage door, and then opened the back door and plonked him down on the floor with a few kitty crunchies. Whilst he was munching, I scarpered out the back door and back to the car, muttering darkly as I did so.
If the truth be known, Ponto & Fred wouldn't dream of going near my previous car, as I used to take them to the vet, and the minute they saw the door open on the car, the two of them fled!
So, I guess the moral of this furry tail (ok - I mean tale) is to make sure that neither cat is in the area when I'm checking the car over... Until I have to take them to the vet that is!
Suppose I'd better get on with some work...
Back later - if I can get the peace and quiet!
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down
The cats have the run of the house and garage, and Fred, being the nosy / dumb moggy that he is, hopped in to the car. Ok - not a major problem, as he had a quick sniff 'round, saw that there was nothing of feline interest, and hopped out.
Ponto, on the other hand was a different kettle of fish. (Or fur - your choice!) He hopped into the car, and promptly settled down for a sleep on the back seat. I closed the bonnet, and the door of the car, and went back into the house to grab my coat and handbag, so I could leave for work.
No problem there. The problem arose, when I backed the car out of the garage, and had just closed the garage door, with the intention of heading to work. Only to have a small (or not so small) grey head pop between the front seats, look up at me and go 'Meow.' As if to say "where are we going, and will I be able to sleep?"
I will admit, I was too stunned to even scream. I stood on the brakes, and slapped the hazards on - the last thing that I wanted was for one of the other residents to plough into the back of my car, whilst I was busy throwing Ponto back into the house.
Grabbing hold of him wasn't that difficult - I think he was more stunned by my reaction than I was! I opened the garage door, and then opened the back door and plonked him down on the floor with a few kitty crunchies. Whilst he was munching, I scarpered out the back door and back to the car, muttering darkly as I did so.
If the truth be known, Ponto & Fred wouldn't dream of going near my previous car, as I used to take them to the vet, and the minute they saw the door open on the car, the two of them fled!
So, I guess the moral of this furry tail (ok - I mean tale) is to make sure that neither cat is in the area when I'm checking the car over... Until I have to take them to the vet that is!
Suppose I'd better get on with some work...
Back later - if I can get the peace and quiet!
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down
Happy New Year!
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Happy New Year! Sorry it's taken a while for me get this post on to the blog, but I've been rather pre-occupied with various things - including making sure that my friend is ok...
As I type this, Rachel is still in hospital recovering from the riding accident, and to be honest, I'm wondering if she'll ever want to get back on a horse again.
But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it - no point on dwelling what may not even happen. If the events of the past year have taught me anything - it's grab every chance with both hands - life's too short for what if....
So, having taken that lesson on board, I did exactly that, and did something that most people would consider crazy. I bought a horse. Not just any horse, but a thoroughbred. As in race horse breed. I've no intention of racing her, as I don't fancy the expense / heartache that comes with race horse ownership.
However, she's a really bright / intelligent horse, and she's called Heart of Flame (more often called Flame for ease!) When I get the scanner sorted out (really must take the computer apart this weekend!) I'll take some photos of her (I don't do self portraits), and post them on my blog.
On a personal note, aside from the purchase of my horse, things have been ticking along quietly, and things are getting..... Interesting. Obviously, I'll refrain from naming people (unless I get their ok), but suffice to say that I'm happier than I've been for quite a while.
Admittedly, I do take some stick at work for it, but it's water off a duck's back as they say, as there is very little that anyone can say / do to dampen my happiness.
Ah well, time to call this entry quits - I've got to get dinner ready for when Mum gets in...
Back tomorrow - possibly.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
As I type this, Rachel is still in hospital recovering from the riding accident, and to be honest, I'm wondering if she'll ever want to get back on a horse again.
But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it - no point on dwelling what may not even happen. If the events of the past year have taught me anything - it's grab every chance with both hands - life's too short for what if....
So, having taken that lesson on board, I did exactly that, and did something that most people would consider crazy. I bought a horse. Not just any horse, but a thoroughbred. As in race horse breed. I've no intention of racing her, as I don't fancy the expense / heartache that comes with race horse ownership.
However, she's a really bright / intelligent horse, and she's called Heart of Flame (more often called Flame for ease!) When I get the scanner sorted out (really must take the computer apart this weekend!) I'll take some photos of her (I don't do self portraits), and post them on my blog.
On a personal note, aside from the purchase of my horse, things have been ticking along quietly, and things are getting..... Interesting. Obviously, I'll refrain from naming people (unless I get their ok), but suffice to say that I'm happier than I've been for quite a while.
Admittedly, I do take some stick at work for it, but it's water off a duck's back as they say, as there is very little that anyone can say / do to dampen my happiness.
Ah well, time to call this entry quits - I've got to get dinner ready for when Mum gets in...
Back tomorrow - possibly.
Karen.
Don't let the b'stards get you down.
Guess things must be making an impact...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
To get a comment about my blog was unexpected, but to be told that the writer of the comment doesn't like what he / she / it reads is just up to them. Simple solution - if you don't like what I write, don't read my blog.
Now that's sorted out, I can get on with the rest of my blog. As you may or may not know, one of my hobbies is horse riding. And I will admit, I've had my share of scares / accidents / injuries over the past few years. Well, it wasn't my turn to go splat.
It was Rachel's turn. Her horse shied at something, and that was it - she was out the back door, and fell back first onto a boulder. Thankfully, she was wearing body armour, but it didn't prevent her being badly injured.
So, I spent a happy time (take that with a very LARGE pinch of salt) at the A&E - in the same room / area where Dad had died. Needless to say, I came very close to freaking out. But freaking out was not an option for me, as I needed to make sure that her sister (who's little girl I am God-mum to) was ok.
Rachel is, as I type this, in hospital recovering from surgery to pin her shoulder back together, and will be in hospital for the New Year. (Much to her disgust!)
Her sister has made me promise that I will take her to the saddler that I use, to make sure that she gets the same body armour as I wear. Ok - I admit it probably wouldn't have prevented the injuries, but it may have prevented them being so serious.
Ah well, that's what you get when you decide to take a hobby that involves dealing with something that has a mind / will of it's own.
Suppose I'd better call this quits - I need to make sure that Rach's operation has gone ok...
Back when I get the chance.
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
Now that's sorted out, I can get on with the rest of my blog. As you may or may not know, one of my hobbies is horse riding. And I will admit, I've had my share of scares / accidents / injuries over the past few years. Well, it wasn't my turn to go splat.
It was Rachel's turn. Her horse shied at something, and that was it - she was out the back door, and fell back first onto a boulder. Thankfully, she was wearing body armour, but it didn't prevent her being badly injured.
So, I spent a happy time (take that with a very LARGE pinch of salt) at the A&E - in the same room / area where Dad had died. Needless to say, I came very close to freaking out. But freaking out was not an option for me, as I needed to make sure that her sister (who's little girl I am God-mum to) was ok.
Rachel is, as I type this, in hospital recovering from surgery to pin her shoulder back together, and will be in hospital for the New Year. (Much to her disgust!)
Her sister has made me promise that I will take her to the saddler that I use, to make sure that she gets the same body armour as I wear. Ok - I admit it probably wouldn't have prevented the injuries, but it may have prevented them being so serious.
Ah well, that's what you get when you decide to take a hobby that involves dealing with something that has a mind / will of it's own.
Suppose I'd better call this quits - I need to make sure that Rach's operation has gone ok...
Back when I get the chance.
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
Just a thought..
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
If this was used here in the UK, I guess that there would be uproar... But it would bring home the danger of using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving...
And yes - I am quite aware that it has now become a 3 point penalty offence. (Just for the record, you're allowed a maximum of 12 points, then it's a mandatory one-year ban.)
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
Bird Bath....
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Another American gem...
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
South East Asia Earthquake & Tsunami...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
I guess I should mention this, as I will admit, this has had me glued to the 24 hour news channel (BBC News 24 - very imaginative name!)
I was heartbroken to hear that Sri Lanka was hit - this was a place that I had planned on returning to, as I'd enjoyed several family holidays there when I was a lot younger (ok - about 12 years old!) And for once in my life, I am going to give to an overseas charity appeal - as I know that the affected countries need all the help that they can get.
Time to call this quits - I'm being yelled for.
Back whenever..
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
I was heartbroken to hear that Sri Lanka was hit - this was a place that I had planned on returning to, as I'd enjoyed several family holidays there when I was a lot younger (ok - about 12 years old!) And for once in my life, I am going to give to an overseas charity appeal - as I know that the affected countries need all the help that they can get.
Time to call this quits - I'm being yelled for.
Back whenever..
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
Politically correct jokes? I don’t think so.
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Just another one of my pet hates. Ok – I agree that there should be limits, but when it comes to humour, there are few boundaries I won’t cross. My trouble is, most of the jokes I know are racist, sexist or down right offensive. Or, as a good friend of mine like to point out – if I’m lucky – all three! If you’re easily offended, skip the rest of this post!
I was given the DVD of the self-proclaimed Australian Bard (also known as Kevin “Bloody” Wilson) He of such classic songs / ballads as She’s the kinda Sheila for me, Santa Claus, DILLIGAF (Do I Look Like I Give A F****) and my personal favourite That f*****g cat’s back.
Suffice to say that I was howling with laughter – especially when he came out with the comment about making PC jokes.
“’Cause to me, political correctness has always been a contradiction in terms. If it’s political, it’s a real good chance it’s not correct.” (Or words to that effect!) Needless to say, it has had me in fits of giggles.
There were jokes about fun runs. (Now there’s a contradiction in terms!) It turned out to be a 5k run, which took him 3 days, as there were pubs along the way… “And I didn’t know you weren’t allowed to spend all the money every b’stard had given me.”
The best bit is where he takes a swipe at his fellow countrymen. He asks the drunks in the audience to put their hands up… Only a few people stuck their hands up, so Kevin asks people sitting next to a drunk to put their hands up…. “That’s the Australian attitude – dob your mates in.”
The other thing that’s had me in stitches is a book that Mum gave me for Christmas. It’s called A year in the merde by Stephen Clarke. (And yes – I am quite aware of the title’s translation. French was one subject at school I enjoyed!)
Still, where would this world be, without a sense of humour? In my opinion, it would be a poorer place, especially when you get gems like this sent to you…
http://www.gotlaughs.com/funflash/boobs_hang_low.cfm
And I make no apologies – it’s an old ‘un but a classic!
Time to call this entry quits – I can hear my two furry thugs starting a punch-up with the cats next door…
Back tomorrow.
Karen
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
I was given the DVD of the self-proclaimed Australian Bard (also known as Kevin “Bloody” Wilson) He of such classic songs / ballads as She’s the kinda Sheila for me, Santa Claus, DILLIGAF (Do I Look Like I Give A F****) and my personal favourite That f*****g cat’s back.
Suffice to say that I was howling with laughter – especially when he came out with the comment about making PC jokes.
“’Cause to me, political correctness has always been a contradiction in terms. If it’s political, it’s a real good chance it’s not correct.” (Or words to that effect!) Needless to say, it has had me in fits of giggles.
There were jokes about fun runs. (Now there’s a contradiction in terms!) It turned out to be a 5k run, which took him 3 days, as there were pubs along the way… “And I didn’t know you weren’t allowed to spend all the money every b’stard had given me.”
The best bit is where he takes a swipe at his fellow countrymen. He asks the drunks in the audience to put their hands up… Only a few people stuck their hands up, so Kevin asks people sitting next to a drunk to put their hands up…. “That’s the Australian attitude – dob your mates in.”
The other thing that’s had me in stitches is a book that Mum gave me for Christmas. It’s called A year in the merde by Stephen Clarke. (And yes – I am quite aware of the title’s translation. French was one subject at school I enjoyed!)
Still, where would this world be, without a sense of humour? In my opinion, it would be a poorer place, especially when you get gems like this sent to you…
http://www.gotlaughs.com/funflash/boobs_hang_low.cfm
And I make no apologies – it’s an old ‘un but a classic!
Time to call this entry quits – I can hear my two furry thugs starting a punch-up with the cats next door…
Back tomorrow.
Karen
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
The day after the day before...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Christmas. You seem to spend about half the year preparing for the big day, and when it finally arrives, it's almost as if it's a case of is this it? All that work / stress / hassle for this?
Ok - maybe I'm getting cynical in my old age. (And before I get comments - I know I'm only 30, but there have been times when I've felt 130! The morning after my department's Christmas do being one of them! More on that in a later post.)
Having said that, it wasn't too bad - Mum and I had a quiet day - which is what the pair of us really wanted (apart from Dad being with us - but that just goes without saying, really.)
Mum was over the moon with the perfume bottle, and said that it was from a maker that she'd never considered collecting in the past. The foot spa was well received, and Mum put it to the test later in the day, and said that it made her feet feel a lot better.
Me? I got Green Day's new album - American Idiot. I'm listening to it now, and some of the songs are really though provoking - especially Boulevard of Broken Dreams. I will admit - that's one of my favorite tracks, but the rest of the album has the normal guitar riffs and good strong vocals.
The one present that really made me smile was given to me by a guy that I met (ok re-phrase that - got to know better as a person!) at the Christmas do. He gave me a little box that was gift wrapped, and insisted that I waited until Christmas day to open the box, and then call him to let him know what I thought...
He'd bought me a pair of Peridot earrings! They're really unusual, and to say I was speechless was an understatement! I called him as soon as I could, and said that I was really touched, and felt a real rat, because I hadn't gotten him anything.
The reply was something that took me by surprise - "Princess, you don't need to get me anything. You're the only thing that I want for Christmas." Normally, I'd be making comments along the lines of - "Where's the vomit bucket / what are you after, etc"
Needless to say, after that, I was struggling to find words - not something that I usually have problems with - as my friends well know!
Ah well - time to call the entry quits - I'm off to Leek Wooten to see Amber & co...
Back whenever.
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
Ok - maybe I'm getting cynical in my old age. (And before I get comments - I know I'm only 30, but there have been times when I've felt 130! The morning after my department's Christmas do being one of them! More on that in a later post.)
Having said that, it wasn't too bad - Mum and I had a quiet day - which is what the pair of us really wanted (apart from Dad being with us - but that just goes without saying, really.)
Mum was over the moon with the perfume bottle, and said that it was from a maker that she'd never considered collecting in the past. The foot spa was well received, and Mum put it to the test later in the day, and said that it made her feet feel a lot better.
Me? I got Green Day's new album - American Idiot. I'm listening to it now, and some of the songs are really though provoking - especially Boulevard of Broken Dreams. I will admit - that's one of my favorite tracks, but the rest of the album has the normal guitar riffs and good strong vocals.
The one present that really made me smile was given to me by a guy that I met (ok re-phrase that - got to know better as a person!) at the Christmas do. He gave me a little box that was gift wrapped, and insisted that I waited until Christmas day to open the box, and then call him to let him know what I thought...
He'd bought me a pair of Peridot earrings! They're really unusual, and to say I was speechless was an understatement! I called him as soon as I could, and said that I was really touched, and felt a real rat, because I hadn't gotten him anything.
The reply was something that took me by surprise - "Princess, you don't need to get me anything. You're the only thing that I want for Christmas." Normally, I'd be making comments along the lines of - "Where's the vomit bucket / what are you after, etc"
Needless to say, after that, I was struggling to find words - not something that I usually have problems with - as my friends well know!
Ah well - time to call the entry quits - I'm off to Leek Wooten to see Amber & co...
Back whenever.
Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
I like this one...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Blame this on American friends - it had me howling...
Karen.
Do Spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
‘Twas the night before Christmas…
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Not a creature was stirring – not even a mouse. ‘Cause he was pissed like everyone else!
Sorry. Couldn’t resist that. But it does sum up how I feel about Christmas, simply because we finished work at 12:30, and decamped straight to the pub! I couldn’t drink as I was driving, but thankfully, I wasn’t the only one.
OK – you’d got the stupid ones who were determined to drink as much as they could, before they headed for home but they were few and far between.
It was a really good time, with a whole load of friends & workmates, and it was a case of a few of us realising that we’d still got to get food / present for some obscure relative who was going to be coming to the family home on Christmas day.
Thankfully I wasn't one of them, but I did have a visit to make - to my Godsprog! I told the truth - I'd promised I'd see the little munchkin before Father Christmas (or as Amber calls him - Santa) arrived, and there was no dammed way I was going to break that promise.
I wasn't the only one who was leaving at that time - my line manager was also leaving to keep family commitments, and there was much speculation that the pair of us were sloping off together.
He held his car keys up, and said that he’d got his car, and I did the same, as the last thing either us wanted was for our names to be linked at Christmas! I know it would have been done in good fun, but you always get the odd one or two who wouldn’t be able to let it rest.
Admittedly, I did get a kiss – on the cheek! But no more than that, aside from good wishes to the respective families, and “see you on Wednesday”, as the pair of us are working.
The drive to Leek Wooten was less traumatic than I’d thought it was going to be, and Amber was bouncing ‘round like Tigger® on acid! She was being a real menace at times, and her mother was at her wits’ end…
I soon sorted the problem – I threatened to light the open fire in the living room, and give Father Christmas a hot backside. The poor little mite was running ‘round crying “no hot Santa, no hot Santa!” That made everyone laugh, and her mother murmured that she wished she’d thought of that!
Still, I left the presents for Amber and her little sister (no – not the cymbal set – thankfully, Granddad Peter has taken care of that – he’s taken the drum and cymbal set off the two of us (Amber’s aunt and myself!), so he’ll be the one to get earache, not us!)
I found out that Amber is really into the play kitchen set that her Mum & Dad bought for her birthday, and there were several additional sets that would compliment the original set up. I bought one of the sets, and made sure that Amber was too engrossed to see me hand it over to her Dad.
Elian, (Amber's baby sister) I bought one of the Fisher Price® play sets that goes over the floor mat, and has dangling things that she can hit / spin / chew / annoy the cat with.
I made my excuses and left a couple of hours later - ok they weren't really excuses - I'd still got to wrap Mum's present up, and put the ribbons on the foot spa box.
That and the fact that I knew damned well I’d have Fred trying to play with the ribbon and the sellotape, before he finally ends up with it entangled in his fur!
Ah well, nearly time to call it quits – I can hear Mum’s car pulling up on the drive…
Karen. Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
PS - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!!
Sorry. Couldn’t resist that. But it does sum up how I feel about Christmas, simply because we finished work at 12:30, and decamped straight to the pub! I couldn’t drink as I was driving, but thankfully, I wasn’t the only one.
OK – you’d got the stupid ones who were determined to drink as much as they could, before they headed for home but they were few and far between.
It was a really good time, with a whole load of friends & workmates, and it was a case of a few of us realising that we’d still got to get food / present for some obscure relative who was going to be coming to the family home on Christmas day.
Thankfully I wasn't one of them, but I did have a visit to make - to my Godsprog! I told the truth - I'd promised I'd see the little munchkin before Father Christmas (or as Amber calls him - Santa) arrived, and there was no dammed way I was going to break that promise.
I wasn't the only one who was leaving at that time - my line manager was also leaving to keep family commitments, and there was much speculation that the pair of us were sloping off together.
He held his car keys up, and said that he’d got his car, and I did the same, as the last thing either us wanted was for our names to be linked at Christmas! I know it would have been done in good fun, but you always get the odd one or two who wouldn’t be able to let it rest.
Admittedly, I did get a kiss – on the cheek! But no more than that, aside from good wishes to the respective families, and “see you on Wednesday”, as the pair of us are working.
The drive to Leek Wooten was less traumatic than I’d thought it was going to be, and Amber was bouncing ‘round like Tigger® on acid! She was being a real menace at times, and her mother was at her wits’ end…
I soon sorted the problem – I threatened to light the open fire in the living room, and give Father Christmas a hot backside. The poor little mite was running ‘round crying “no hot Santa, no hot Santa!” That made everyone laugh, and her mother murmured that she wished she’d thought of that!
Still, I left the presents for Amber and her little sister (no – not the cymbal set – thankfully, Granddad Peter has taken care of that – he’s taken the drum and cymbal set off the two of us (Amber’s aunt and myself!), so he’ll be the one to get earache, not us!)
I found out that Amber is really into the play kitchen set that her Mum & Dad bought for her birthday, and there were several additional sets that would compliment the original set up. I bought one of the sets, and made sure that Amber was too engrossed to see me hand it over to her Dad.
Elian, (Amber's baby sister) I bought one of the Fisher Price® play sets that goes over the floor mat, and has dangling things that she can hit / spin / chew / annoy the cat with.
I made my excuses and left a couple of hours later - ok they weren't really excuses - I'd still got to wrap Mum's present up, and put the ribbons on the foot spa box.
That and the fact that I knew damned well I’d have Fred trying to play with the ribbon and the sellotape, before he finally ends up with it entangled in his fur!
Ah well, nearly time to call it quits – I can hear Mum’s car pulling up on the drive…
Karen. Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
PS - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!!
Dealing with Christmas cards
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Well, I'm just about finished the Christmas cards. I've sent the e-card to my late father's friends in the USA, and all I've got to do now is post the other three cards (yes - I know I've left it late to post them - but some of us have been busy!)
The hardest bit has been putting the letter inside the card, to let people know what has happened. I will admit, the return cards have reduced Mum & myself to tears on more than one occasion.
Suppose I'd better bring this blog up to date a bit... It's just been a case of trying to find the time and place to put this down onto a keyboard - without getting skinned!
I went on the office Christmas do on Wednesday night - good food, good drink and good company - and a minor hangover the following morning!
Despite that, it was a good night out, and I'm not going to say any more than that, as I don't really want to reveal anything. Well, not yet anyway! *Grin*
I've also been promising a friend of mine, White Wolf, that I would publish a poetry website he publishes on... http://www.allpoetry.com/
He's written some good stuff, and hopefully, I'll be able to talk him into starting his own blog - his outlook on life is very refreshing, and frequently has me howling with laughter when we're on the phone.
Time to call it quits - got stuff around the house to do today.
Back when I get time & peace & quiet!
Karen
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
The hardest bit has been putting the letter inside the card, to let people know what has happened. I will admit, the return cards have reduced Mum & myself to tears on more than one occasion.
Suppose I'd better bring this blog up to date a bit... It's just been a case of trying to find the time and place to put this down onto a keyboard - without getting skinned!
I went on the office Christmas do on Wednesday night - good food, good drink and good company - and a minor hangover the following morning!
Despite that, it was a good night out, and I'm not going to say any more than that, as I don't really want to reveal anything. Well, not yet anyway! *Grin*
I've also been promising a friend of mine, White Wolf, that I would publish a poetry website he publishes on... http://www.allpoetry.com/
He's written some good stuff, and hopefully, I'll be able to talk him into starting his own blog - his outlook on life is very refreshing, and frequently has me howling with laughter when we're on the phone.
Time to call it quits - got stuff around the house to do today.
Back when I get time & peace & quiet!
Karen
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?
On the ramp at Brimingham
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
What a sight! This was taken by a friend of my late father's on the ramp at Birimgham Airport
Side view of the world famous nose
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Concorde's world famous nose in the upright position
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
