Things that go “crunch” in the night (or on the car)

Driving home from Leek Wooten at about 02:00 last night, I heard this horrible crunch, and realised that I'd hit something. When you're doing about 80mph, there isn't going to be much left of whatever got hit...

So, I managed to stop in a safe place. Ok. I'll re-phase that. A place that's as safe as anywhere for a lone female at 02:00. Only see the remains of a rabbit splattered on the front air-dam of the car.

Great. Just what I didn't need. A bill for £400 plus, for a new air-dam from Arbury Peugeot, or a claim on my car insurance. So, muttering darkly, I got back into the car, and drove the rest of the way home.

I didn't mention the fact that I'd had an impact on the car to Mum; otherwise she would have fussed about me, making sure I was ok. I was - I was more annoyed with myself for forgetting that the road I was travelling on was well known for being a rabbit playground.

So, I got into work, and started talking with colleagues about things, and then let it slip that I thought I'd damaged the air-dam on the car...

"Why don't you get your fella to have a look at it, Kaz?" asked my line-manager.

That was the worst thing that he could have said to me. Ok - I know that he didn't mean that I wasn't capable of sorting the car, but I felt that it implied that I was a typical ditzy female that didn't know one end of a fibre-glass patch from another.

I politely pointed out that it was rather difficult, as he was in one location, and I was in another. Thankfully, my line-manager didn't take offence, and offered to take a look at the damage himself.

That was too good an opportunity to resist I knew what a mess there was on the air-dam, and decided that me being the rotten little b'stard that I can be, the best thing I could do would be to keep quiet.

Needless to say, when he got down on his hands and knees at the front of the car, the picture was a real "Kodak" moment. He went very pale, and muttered something about me having a very twisted sense of humour.

He looked a little shaky when he stood up, but said that I'd avoided damaging the air-dam - it was nothing that a good wash and brush wouldn't cure.

I don't know how I managed to avoid laughing, but to be honest, I was grateful that he'd confirmed that the car was in one piece, as I was not looking forward to having to contact the insurance company, and tell them that I'd damaged the car doing 80mph on a 60mph limit road, because I was desperate to get home and get some sleep!

Time to call this quits - I don't really want to push my luck any more today!

Back when I get a chance to think straight!

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

One year on, and things still hurt.

It’s been a year and a day since Dad died, and it still hurts like hell. And to make matters worse, my best mate called me yesterday morning to say that his Dad had been rushed into hospital with a heart attack.

That nearly broke me in the morning, and I will admit to being rather subdued at work, which did make people wonder if I was ok, but those that work with me knew the reason for me being subdued.

I will admit, I was glad that he called me, as I was supposed to be going over to see him and his family last night, and he said that the last thing he wanted was for me to walk straight into the mess.

Time to call this entry quits - I'm too emotionally challenged to be able to think straight.

Back when my mind and emotional state allow.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Its funny how life turns around....

I know that I've not posted for a while, but to be honest, my life has been a little too manic for me to even think about going near a computer after I finish work, and I don't seem to get the time to post whilst I'm at my desk.

So, I guess that now's as good a time as any to bring this blog up to-date. I've had the cortisone jab in my shoulder, and as I type this entry, I'm beginning to wonder if I've made the right decision.

Simply because the shoulder doesn't seem any easier, and just to add insult to the injury, my damned arm has swollen up, making it near impossible to wear my watch and my normal ring on my right hand.

But, I'm willing to give this shot chance to work, simply because I don't want to go and see a saw-bones, as I know that it will mean a substantial lay-off from the things that I enjoy doing - including the horse-riding!

Horse-riding.... That was the reason I used to sign off on my last blog entry. I will admit, it was break that I really needed, and in a way, all it did was re-affirm the bond that I have with my partner, who has been a tower of strength to me, whilst I try to get to grips with things.

But, I’ve always said that this time of year is not good for me at all, as it’s nearly a year since Dad died. And to make matters worse, my feelings for someone are getting stronger.

I know this sounds crazy, especially when I love my partner so much, but this other person makes me laugh, and seems to have the knack of bringing me out of whatever funk I’m in, by aiming some silly comment or joke in my direction.

In some ways, I get the feeling that it’s a case of familiarity breeds contempt – especially where my partner is concerned. We’ve been together since Christmas, and he’s been a real help, when I’ve hit a few rough patches. Now, I feel like I’m betraying him – emotionally, at least, by having feelings for this other person.

So, I guess that the only thing I can do, is carry on what I’ve been doing – and that’s hiding my emotions, never letting on how I feel about this person, and praying that no-one realises the conflict that’s raging inside me.

Time to call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be getting ready to go out to dinner with my partner.

Back tomorrow, if I get the chance.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Getting fustrated, but not for too long..

I know that I was told by my line manager that my new role would be challenging to me, but there have been a couple of occasions this week where I've come very close to telling him that he could find some other mug to look after this one damned account.

I mean, this particular account has caused me more grief in the last four weeks, than any of the others managed in six months. But, I'm determined that this bunch will not beat me, and I'll win them over if it's the last thing I do!

But, I guess that I'm lucky enough to have a partner who understands why I'm in an evil temper when I go straight over to his place, after work, and who does his best to make me laugh, by telling me silly stories and jokes, like this gem:

From the State where drunk driving is considered a sport, comes a true story from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a local neighborhood tavern. Late in the evening the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the car park for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing.

After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five vehicles, the man managed to find his car which he fell into. He was there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off. He finally started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine dry night), flicked the indicators on, then off, tooted the horn and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained stationary for a few more minutes as some more vehicles left.

At last he pulled out of the car park and started to drive slowly down the road. The police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and carried out a breathalyser test.

To his amazement the breathalyser indicated no evidence of the man having consumed alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said "I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the Police station this breathalyser equipment must be broken."

"I doubt it," said the man, "tonight I'm the designated decoy..."

True story (allegedly!)

Time to call it quits - I can her my other half calling me, to say that dinner's ready.

I don't know when I'll next be able to update my blog, as I'm off to the Peak District on Friday night, on a trekking break with Rachel and a friend of ours, and won't be back until Sunday night.

Back when I get the chance...

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

A shot in the shoulder

I've been to my doctor this morning, and been told that the next step isn't for me to see a saw-bones. (Thank God - I hate having to go to Warwick hospital - for obvious reasons!) Instead, I'm to have a cortisone jab in the joint, in an effort to reduce the inflammation, then go back to the sadist (sorry - I mean physiotherapist!) to get things moving again.

There is, however, one drawback to this jab... The last time I had a cortisone jab, I went and passed out, and gave the doctor quite a fright. But the main thing, is the fact that Mum's on the late shift so that it means that I can get a lift with her to the doctor's, have the jab, and then get a lift into work...

However, I've also got to go to a meeting in Winchester the following day, and I'm not looking forward to that at all. Still, I can always explain an evil mood by saying that I'm in pain with my shoulder, and from what the doctor has said, I'll be in a sling for a couple of days! So, guess what - I'm going to be playing the sympathy vote for all I'm damned well worth!

I know that it's not normally the sort of trick I pull, but given how I feel about this meeting it's just what I'm going to do.

Time to call this entry quits - I'm off to Birmingham to see Amber.

Back when I get chance.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Eight legged fiends....

Well, the engineer has been out to sort the problem with the alarm. It turns out that the moggies weren't responsible at all - it was a spider walking across the sensor!

A few years ago, we'd had the sensors sealed against eight-legged invaders, but it looks like the damned things needed re-doing. The one sensor had quite a few webs in it, and a couple of small spiders that had taken up residence there.

Needless to say, Mum and I were not very impressed, as Ponto is supposed to be the moggy with the hair-trigger appetite - and he's got a thing for eating spiders. Revolting hairball!

Still, at least I know what I can do to prevent this from hopefully happening again - just make sure that there are no eight-legged fiends near the sensors!

Time to call this entry quits - I'm off to watch the Spanish GP on ITV...

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Another early start...

Just what Mum didn't need. I'd been out horse riding this morning. (I left the house at 05:30 and got back just after 07:00.) I set the alarm and went upstairs to sort out some files on the computer off line when the damned alarm went off!

I shot downstairs and turned the thing off and cursed whatever caused it to go off. There was no sign of anything that could have caused it - not even one of the cats as they were both in the study with me. (I think Ponto was under the impression that if he looked appealingly enough at me, I might feed him. Think again cat!)

Thankfully, Mum and I sound identical on the 'phone so once I'd turned the alarm off and reassured Mum that it was nothing to worry about, I called the service centre who said that an engineer would be out by 10:00 this morning.

Great. It's a good thing that I wasn't planning on doing anything today, otherwise I would have been well and truly screwed.

Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't have been a problem as Mum was supposed to be working this weekend. But, as she's been signed off by the doctor with inflamed cartilage in the right knee, she was asleep - or at least she was until the alarm went off!

So, because Mum's been signed off, she's been at home the past few days,, and has been told by the doctor that she's to do as little as possible, and rest with her feet up - which means no gardening - much to Mum's disgust!

But, I guess there is a positive side to me sitting here on the computer… It gives me chance to assess the perfume I tried yesterday in Stratford. It’s Dior’s new fragrance – Addict 2.

I will admit, when I first tried it, I thought it was a little too sweet smelling, but as it’s warmed up and adapted to my skin acidity, it’s really nice. Think I might drop a hint to the other half about getting me some, otherwise I’ll just go and get it myself!

Time to call this quits – I want to get the washing knocked off this morning.

Back later.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread.

It never rains but it pours....

And I guess that this blog entry sums up how I'm feeling at this moment in time. I had a missed call on my 'phone this morning, and because I was up to my eyeballs in work, I didn't get chance to check who it was from until lunchtime.

The missed call was from my best mate, and I sent him a text, to see how he was... He called me back, and dropped the bombshell on me: his Mum's got kidney cancer. He's had to cut short his holiday, as he said that the last thing he wanted, was to be on holiday, knowing that his Mum's seriously ill.

I will admit, I was stunned, and asked him to let me know how his mum was when he got home. He agreed, and said that the reason he called me, was because he knew how close I was to his Mum and Dad.

That's quite true - they welcomed me with open arms when I started seeing him, and when we split up, berated him for being a fool for calling it quits with me. But, when I lost Dad, his family welcomed me with open arms, and really helped me though a very difficult time.

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

Back when I get chance.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Things are looking up!

Guess I must be doing something right after all... I've had my review, and to say that I was stunned by the review was an understatement.

It was really good, and it turns out that the powers that be at my company have noticed my "can do" attitude, and are making comments in meetings that my line manager attends. So, needless to say, he's really pleased with the way that I've coped with being thrown in at the deep end.

I did admit to getting home a couple of times, and throwing things across the living room (causing both moggies to run for cover!) and he laughed, and said that it proved that I was getting challenged by my job.

Damned right I am, but to be honest, I don't object to that, as I'm the sort of person that needs a challenge to keep myself on top of the game, and stop myself getting bored.

But, after my review, whilst I was trying to get my feet back on the ground, I started thinking... And I realised what was different about this job. It's because I like the people I work with, and the attitude that the company takes with its staff. And, because of that, I'm willing to pull out all the stops to give the company 110% - especially as my colleagues have been really supportive over the past year or so....

And I've really needed that support - especially just recently. My god-daughter, Amber, is currently in Birmingham Children's Hospital, having undergone major heart surgery to replace two of the valves in her heart, and I've been spending every evening at her bedside.

It breaks my heart to see the little munchkin all wired up, but as she was asking for her teddy today, I know that she's on the road to recovery.

Guess I should call this entry quits - got bits to do before I head for Birmingham...

Back tomorrow.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Talk about an adrenaline bounce!

I completed the point-to-point with Flame, and the little beauty (ok - not so little - she's 17hh!) made it round the course - all 3 1/2 miles of it!

We did really well - out of a field of 30 competitors, we came 5th! Not bad going, when you consider that Flame's only a 5-year old - which means that she's still only a baby in horse terms!

The best bit was the fact that my other half was there to see me off, and from what my friend was saying, he could barely watch the race, as he was terrified I'd injure myself.

Ok - there's a good reason for him being worried, as the last time I rode the course, I ended up in hospital with concussion as my horse had accidentally kicked my head (which was protected by a very good riding hat - the only thing that prevented a more serious injury!)

But, once he realised that I was back safe and sound with Flame, he was the first one to cuddle me, and helped me cool Flame down after the race. Even Amber wanted to help out, and was as proud as anything, leading Flame around slowly, and looking for all the world like my minature groom!

The only thing that worried me was the fact that Amber didn't look too well, and I asked her mum if she was ok... It turns out that the poor little kid has to go into hospital next week for major heart surgery.

I knew that Amber hadn't been very well, and will admit to being a little miffed that her Mum hadn't told me how ill Amber was. But, given the fact that Carole (Amber's mum) pointed out that I'd got enough on my plate, I was willing to let things rest...

Suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm off out to celebrate!

Back tomorrow - hangover permitting!

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Still in pain

I must have been a real b'stard in a previous existence, if the pain my shoulder is anything to go by. I've made an appointment with the doctor, and hopefully, I'll get myself referred to a saw bones to get this damned shoulder sorted out.

I think I know the reason why my shoulder is so painful: - Ponto (the furry thug) was asleep on my shoulder when my alarm went off this morning, and I think that he must have put his full weight (about 1.5kg) on my shoulder joint.

On top of that, the ungratefully moggy bit me, because I had the nerve to move the little thug, so I could get up! So needless, to say, today has not been a good day for me.

That and the fact that I've got to attend another meeting on Wednesday afternoon, to review my progress. The company is a great believer in keeping tabs on your progress, and giving you things that you need to aim for.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not worried - much. But, I know from past experience that if there was a major problem, I would have been spoken to before now, so it's probably going to be a case of setting new aims / targets for the next few months, as well as talking though any issues that may have arisen that haven't already been discussed.

Hmm - don't really want to blot my copy book by getting caught blogging...

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

The mother of all jumbos!

IT FLIES!!!! The Airbus A380 flies!!! To be honest, I will admit to feelings of sorrow and loss as I watched this new aircraft take to the skies on BBC News 24. Simply because this is the first new airbus launch that I've missed seeing from Toulouse airport.

How did I manage to watch all the other test flights? Simple. Dad used to take me to watch the test flights, because he knew that it was something that I was (and still am) very interested in.

Ok - I will admit Dad had a professional reason for being at the test flight - he was going to be the one working with the aircraft, but for me, it was a chance to see a new aircraft, and learn more about Dad's job.

But, whilst I was allegedly doing some work, I've managed to find the offical Airbus website. It's got some stunning images, and is well worth a look: http://www.airbus.com/A380/seeing/indexminisite.aspx

Hmm, guess I should call time on this entry for today - I know I appear to have a charmed life at times, but I don't really want to push my luck too far...

Back when I get chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Getting fed up with the kid glove treatment

I know this sounds crazy, but I’m getting more than a little fed up with people treating me like I’m made of china.

People may find this rather trivial, but to me, at this moment in time, it’s a real irritation to me, and I can’t see a way of stopping people without causing major offence.

One of the worst offenders (if I can call him that!) is my line manger. Ok – he’s seen me when I’ve been very close to breaking point, and has seen me coming into the office in tears, because I’d visited the crem at lunchtime.

Admittedly, that’s probably the reason he treats me with kid gloves, but there are times that I find it incredibly annoying, and I know damned well that if I did say anything to him, he would be really hurt.

But, I guess that it's just something that I'm going to have to put up with - especially as it's nearly a year since I lost Dad, and I guess that the façade that I present to the world is starting to crack a little - and if that's the case, then I'm scared.

Simply because I obviously thought I was stronger than this, and am too damned stubborn to admit that this impending anniversary is going to hurt like hell.

Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be doing some work!

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Just a little something that made me smile...

There's something to be said about working in an office like mine... You get all sorts of weird and wonderful things sent into your inbox - this one being the latest in a long line that has been floating around...

A woman was very distraught over the fact that she had not had a date or any sex for over 5 years. She was afraid she might have something wrong with her, so she decided to seek the medical expertise of a well known Chinese sex therapist called Dr Chang.

Upon entering the examination room, Dr Chang said "OK, take off all your crose." The woman did as she was told."Now get down and craw reery, reery fass to odderside of room"

Again the woman did as she was instructed. Dr Chang then said "OK, now craw reery, reery fass back to me"

As she did Dr Chang shook his head slowly, "Your probrem vewy bad. You have Ed Zachary disease. Wurse case I ever see. Dat why you not haf sex or dates."

The woman said anxiously "Oh my God, Dr Chang what on earth is Ed Zachary disease?"

Dr Chang sighed deeply and replied "Ed Zachary disease is when your face look Ed Zachary like your arse."

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

Back when I get chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Early Darwin award nominee

Sorry - I couldn't resist this one!!

The following mind-boggling attempt at a crime spree in Washington USA appeared to be the robber's first (and last), due to his lack of a previous record of violence, and his terminally stupid choices:

1. His target was H&J Leather & Firearms. A gun shop specializing in hand guns.

2. An armed security guard courteously opened the door to let the would-be robber into the store.

3. The shop was full of customers - firearms customers.

4. To enter the shop, the robber had to step around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door.

5. A uniformed police officer was standing at the counter, having coffeebefore work. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up, and fired a few wild shots from a .22 target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, the police officer with a 9mm Glock 17, the clerk with a .50 Desert Eagle, assisted by several customers who also drew their guns, several of whom also fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt in the exchange of fire.

Here we are only in April and we already may have the 2005 winner of the Darwin Award. This guy is going to be hard to beat!

Time to do some work...

Back when I get peace and quiet!

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Listening to my soul

I know this sounds crazy, but as I'm playing around on my computer at home, I'm using my Windows media player to play some of the music that I've got stored as MP3 files on my hard drive..

One of them is Muse - Sing for Absolution

Lips are turning blue
A kiss that can't renew
I only dream of you
My beautiful

Tiptoe to your room
A starlight in the gloom
I only dream of you
And you never knew

Sing for absolution
I will be singing
Falling from your grace

There's nowhere left to hide
In no one to confide
The truth runs deep inside
And will never die

Lips are turning blue
A kiss that can't renew
I only dream of you
My beautiful

Sing for absolution
I will be singing
Falling from your grace

Sing for absolution
I will be singing
Falling from your grace

I won't remain unrectified
And our souls won't be absolved

I guess that in a way, this song sums up how I feel about someone. Don't get me wrong - I love my partner dearly, but this other person really brightens up my day, and always seems to have the knack of making me smile or laugh when I'm feeling low, or I feel like I'm going to burst into tears.

I know that people will be trying to guess who I mean, but that remains within my soul, as I have no intention of making a fool of myself or the other person - whom I respect as a person, as well as caring for them.

Time to call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be going out with my other half tonight.

Back tomorrow - if I get chance!

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Just a quick joke

There have been countless Michael Jackson jokes floating around, and so far, none have them have been particularly funny.... But this one, I felt broke the mould! And all I can say is don't blame me - this was sent to me!!

I got a new car radio last week - voice activated - and it is terrific.

If I say "Rock" it plays rock and roll.

If I say "Rap" it plays rap.

If I say "Love" it plays love songs.

Then, three kids ran out in front of the car and I said "Fu*king kids!"

And it played Michael Jackson !!

Time to call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working!

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Getting fed up

Ever had one of those days when all you want to do is tell the world to go screw itself? Well I'm having one. To be honest, I'm more than a little fed up, as people seem intent on screaming blue murder about things that I deal with to other people, but don't have the decency to speak to me.

I know I was warned about this happening, but it still irritates the hell out of me - in fact, this person would make the perfect laxative - because they irritate the sh*t out of me!

Aside from that, I've been told that I'm going to have to attend a meeting with this person - knowing full well that they've tried to stab me in the back, and will be all sweetness and light to my face. But, I can live with that, as I'm perfectly aware of this person's nature, and won't be dumb enough to get suckered in, and let something slip that I may regret later on.

On a different note, things are really looking up for me at this moment in time, on a personal front at least! My other half has said that he wants to go on holiday with me to the West Country in July!

I will admit, I was speechless, and when I finally regained the power of speech, I said that I would be delighted to go. He's said that he wants to take me to the Eden Project at St Austell - I didn't like to tell him that I've already been there with Mum and Dad a couple of years ago!

Hopefully, I'll be fit enough to climb the steps to the top of the tropical bio-dome this time, as when I was there a couple of years ago, I'd damaged my knee, and that meant that I wasn't fit enough to scarper up the top of the waterfall. Mind you, I wasn't even fit enough to walk 'round the bio-domes!

Suppose I ought to look like I'm working instead of blogging...

Back when I get chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

After the Physio….

Well, I’ve reached the magic sixth session of physio. Why do I say the magic sixth session? Simple. It’s apparently the number of sessions that usually mean that the treatment has made a marked improvement in the injury. The physio and I have come to the decision that I need to be referred to a saw bones.

Admittedly, the shoulder has improved dramatically – i.e. I can use the arm reasonably normally. Even if I do still get this very disconcerting “crunching” when I move the arm in a certain way!

I’ve been advised to leave it a month before I go and see my GP to get the referral, and then all I’ll have to do is wait and see what the outcome is.

Hopefully, I won’t need surgery, as I’ve said in previous posts, surgery would mean no fun for a minimum of 6 – 8 weeks, and I’ve only just started to get things going right in my life – not to mention starting to play with the Pug on track days…

Suppose I’d better call this entry quits – I promised that I would go and see my god-sprog tonight, and read her a bed-time story to get the little munchkin settled down.

Back tomorrow, if I get chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down

Trying to make sense of the past.

I don’t know what’s up with me at the moment. I’ve been feeling rather flat, and I guess that I’m just mulling over the past 15 months or so.

What makes me say this? Simple. This time last year, I was engaged, and preparing to take my fiancé to Heathrow airport, so that he could fly out to Japan on a business trip, and was wondering how I would cope for four weeks without him, as I spent every weekend with him.

Now, I’m sitting at my computer at home, mulling over the events that seemed to turn my nice, simple life upside down. I got offered the job at my present company, and went permanent with them on 04/05/04.

Then on the evening of Friday 21/05/04, I went down to Heathrow to pick up my fiancé, and for some reason, instead of spending the weekend with him, I came back to Warwickshire.

And I’m glad I did; as that was the last full weekend that I was able spend with Dad, as he died on the Monday.

At the time, I was really grateful that my fiancé dropped everything to come up to Warwickshire, and was a real help to Mum and myself when we were trying to sort out the funeral arrangements. But even now, I don’t know what caused him to change.

After Dad’s funeral, he seemed to change, and wanted me to leave my job, and Warwickshire and move south with him, and work for the same company as him, as a PA.

His timing stank, and I made damned sure that he knew how I felt about that, but he seemed to drop the idea, for a while anyway. Then, he started trying the emotional blackmail, saying that I couldn’t care for him that much, if I was reluctant to leave my job and move in with him.

I guess that was the final straw, and it helped me to remove the rose-tinted glasses that I’d been wearing where he was concerned. It was bad enough that he wanted me to leave my job, but the fact that he wanted me to leave Mum as well was the killer blow to our relationship.

I know dammed well that he reads my blog, and if you’re reading this now – I am so much better off without you, it’s untrue.

You once gave me an ultimatum – "it's me or the horse". My answer still stands – it’s the horse every time, and this time, I’ve found someone who is willing to try and get involved with my hobbies – and doesn’t begrudge the time that I spend with other people.

Time to call this entry quits – I’ve got stuff to do before I go out this afternoon.

Back when I get chance.

Karen.

Don't let the b'stards get you down