Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Meme Me Baby

Thanks to my new friend Mago, I shamelessly infringed his copyright and lifted the meme. The answers in blue are mine and mine alone.

1. First thing you wash in the shower? My face. I lurve my shower and could spend half an hour in there. Oh yeah, I regularly do.
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Plum. It's a very comfy hoodie from Tresspass, from which most of my clothes seem to have come from recently.
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? I would like to, but its not a terribly good idea.
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes. Because I went to uni with Just Curious, who taught me to co-ordinate everything.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Rubbish/fragile/lonely.
6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? A card on my noticeboard, a quote from Margaret Attwood 'I believe that everyone else my age is an adult whereas I am merely in disguise.'.
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? Nope. It's gone.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes.
9. What are you craving right now? Peace of mind.
10. Do you floss? No, though I should. Another to add to the list of Things to Beat Myself up About.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Ewwww.
12. Are you emotional? Yes, I am. Soft as muck, me.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? No. Life's too short.
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I nibble.
15. Do you like your hair? Yes, now that it's grown a bit and the grey is well hidden.
16. Do you like yourself? Despite feeling like crap at the moment, yes.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? No. Life is too short and I like to enjoy my food.
18.What are you listening to right now? Nickleback, acoustic 'How you Remind me'.
19. Are your parents strict? My mother was, though my brother will say she had a softer touch with me and it spoilt me forever.
20. Would you go sky diving? No, I quite like being on the ground and especially can do without the 'splat'.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? If it's Marks & Spencers full-fat, bring on the calories - yes. Anything else vaguely healthy - no. I'll hang my tongue out the window instead. Bleugh.
23. Do you rent movies often? No
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Hell yes. And dangly. With bells. Do I get a prize?
25. How many countries have you visited? Eight...I think.

26. Have you made a prank phone call? Nope.
27. Ever been on a train? Hell yes. Like trains. Big ones, little ones, especially ones that are steam driven.
28. Brown or white eggs? Do you know, I can't remember the last time I saw a white egg. I have free-range, orgasmic ones.
29. Do you have a cellphone? Yep. A Nokia. It's slim and it sends texts and makes calls. For I am old fashioned.
30. Do you use chap stick? Nope, I prefer Nivea Lip Balm to keep my lips soft and kissable.
32. Can you use chop sticks? Hell yes.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? The Cat.
34. Are you too forgiving? I think I forgive just enough. There are some things which you're better off just walking away from.
35. Ever been in love? Many times and I hope I will have the opportunity for more in the future.
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Hanging out in Boston.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Profiteroles? Oh yeah baby. Yummy.
38. Last time you cried? Today.
39. What was the last question you were asked? 'When was the last time you cried?' Idiot!
40. Favorite time of the year? Spring. Bring on the bulbs, warmer weather, Beltane!
41. Do you have any tattoos? Not yet. I'm working on it.
42. Are you sarcastic? Who me? Nah.
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Nope. Not planning to anytime soon.
44. Ever walked into a wall? No, but have walked into a lamp-post because I was too engrossed in my conversation with a friend.
45. Favorite color? Royal blue.
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes, and I'm not proud of it.
47. Is your hair curly? I would prefer to describe it as wavy.
48. What was the last CD you bought? Ummm....Ministry of Sound, Anthems I & II.
49. Do looks matter? Yes. Time spent on your appearance isn't wasted. Shows good self-esteem. Doesn't mean I only hang out with pretty people. I hang out with people I like, whatever they look like (as long as they wash).
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Yes.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? Nope. For I have a good tariff.
52. Do you like your life right now? Not particularly.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? No. I'd have to go downstairs and turn it off before I could get to sleep.
54. Can you handle the truth? Oh yeah.
55. Do you have good vision? Nope. -8 in one eye, -9 in 'tother. Any worse and I'm buggered.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? No. I don't like that kind of negativity in my life.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Once or twice a day.
58. The last person you held hands with? Someone who is very dear to me.
59. What are you wearing? Jeans, t-shirt, flouncy cardi, hiking socks. Dead sexy. Not.
60.What is your favorite animal? Cat.
61. Where was your default picture taken at? At the UEA Broad.
62. Can you hula hoop? Nope. Life is too short.
63. Do you have a job? Yep.
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? A hairbrush. Round and vented. To give me good waves.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yep. For I am forgetful and know not where I put my keys.
66. When was the last time you've been to church? I think it was to visit Beverly Minster with the Viking many moons ago. As I'm not a Christian, the question is slightly irrelevant.
67. What's your least favorite meal? Sausagemeat.
68. Did you ever steal anything by mistake? Yes.
69. Have you ever won anything? Umm....I was given a course award...does that count?


Right. Your turn.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Challenge

Think of this as a meme. Someone had to do a list of the 10 Things he was Good at/Proud of, and was struggling; and because everything really is ALL about me, I said I would do mine too. I have to say I struggled too and eventually came up with this list.
  1. I'm good at friendship and relationships. I can keep friends for years and years. I can also remain friends with my exes. Both aren't true of the people who have been unkind to me.
  2. Creativity. I love expressing my creativity in a variety of media, whether poetry, prose, my home or photography. I am up for it!
  3. Driving. I love it. I love my car. Say no more.
  4. Blogging. After 3 years and 1 attempt to give it up, I'd say that was self-evident.
  5. Procrastination. I am the champion of putting off til....whenever.
  6. Tarot Cards. I am a good reader and I love my cards.
  7. Selling Fragrance. I am brilliant at selling expensive fragrance.
  8. I have a really good telephone manner...except when some bastard is trying to sell me something I don't want and didn't ask for.
  9. Survival. I am the Queen of Endurance.
  10. Despite the occasional descent into despair, I remain hopeful and open-hearted. I am bitter about very few things.

So, that's my 10 Things. Are you brave enough to share your 10 Things? Please do so in the comments, or e-mail me if you're feeling shy.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Norwich Pride 2009

It was thanks to the joys of Facebook that I discovered that yesterday was the inaugural Norwich Pride weekend. Of course, Boy already knew what was happening as he's now joined the other disaffected Youff hanging out at The Forum, which was the hub for all their activities. I had to pick up some necessities from the city anyway, so said I would pass by and see what was what.

I'm so glad I did.

It was amazing to see so many people supporting the event, and considering it was the first one, it was really well attended and the atmosphere was brilliant. There were people of all different sizes, shapes and persuasions, all come together to celebrate.

It's so frustrating to be feeling this fragile. There were loads of really groovy things happening throughout the weekend ranging from cabaret, to dog walking and pub lunches. I would have loved to have been part of the festivities. Even as a rampant heterosexual, I felt welcomed and included. There were so many interesting people around, some in drag, some dressed up, some just come-as-you-are. All celebrating the diversity of love.

Things kicked off with a parade. The organisers had been terrified that no one would come, so admitted afterwards how chuffed they were that the police had to hold back the traffic on Theatre Street, to make room for the parade as the pavements couldn't hold all the people marching. The pictures on Facebook are awesome and there's some excellent ones on the BBC website.

I left before things really got busy. I'm not good in crowds at the moment, even good natured ones, I tire very easily and I was happy to have spent my half an hour tasting the atmosphere.

I am hoping next year Boy and I will help out.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Gadgets

This post is dedicated to Kaz.

When we moved home in April, one of the things I wanted to get was a paninni toaster. We are partial to the odd toasted cheese sarnie and I thought a panninni toaster would do all kinds of breads. That was until I saw the price of the damn thing. It was nigh on £100!

Bearing in mind that I have a poor history with kitchen gadgets i.e. I've spent a hideous amount of money on them, used them for a month (if that much) and then they've sat in the cupboard unused and gathering dust.

I had a bit of a brainwave and had a look at the George Forman grills. By complete chance, the one that I wanted was a third off at Argos. So, I invested.

I have to say that was the best £22.00 I've ever invested in a gadget. I've used it to grill bacon, salmon and chicken, and it makes brilliant toasted cheese sarnies. It's a little one, and for two people quite frankly, it's perfect.

What gadgets have you found fabulous and regularly use?

PS. Coffee machines don't count as they are a necessity, not an indulgence.

PPS. I was talking about kitchen gadgets; if you're going to be filthy, make sure it's entertaining and ingenious.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Shout Out for Good Reads

I am looking for some feel-good reads. I've fallen out of the habit of reading and although I have stacks of thrillers and horrors etc, I just can't face them at the moment. All that pain and death. I'm not particularly after romance for once, just not in the mood for it.

I'm after books that have been well constructed, well written and fun to read. A story that will touch me.

I don't need any dramas. I won't voluntarily read anything by Sebastian Faulkes or Dan Brown, so don't even make me try.

Go on, what do you recommend, and why?

Friday, July 17, 2009

Dressing the Mormon Way

Every year the Mormons descend on Carrow Road for their big get-together East Anglian style. Riverside becomes swamped in freshly scrubbed, suited men and their women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

I was dragged out of my home, kicking and screaming by the Great Ursus who has decided to 'look after me' in my time of need (I am more and more coming to understand the comfort of agraphobia and am considering lining it up as my next neuroses, but he's not having any of it. *mutter, mutter*).

So, we're driving past Carrow Road and there are the throngs of freshly scrubbed Mormons and I was struck by the thought, when exactly does the Dowdy Fairy come visiting? As you know, I'm looking at my 40th in a matter of months and I'm just wondering whether being Pagan is protection enough against her wily ways.

When do polyester, A-line, pleated, paisely skirts start to look good on a hanger? Especially coupled with flat shoes and frilly blouses?

The younger women, in their long flower printed skirts, are lovely, but next to them are their mothers, because families that pray together, stay together. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of long skirts, they hide a multitude of sins and are cooler in hot weather. But, any woman who grew up in the 60s and 70s, there's really no excuse for it. Or is it the religion? Along with the many wives, at middle age, out go vibrant colours and in comes lilac and baby blue (both of which should never, ever be put together, especially if one has reddy tones).

I know this isn't particularly Politically Correct of me, but quite frankly, the Editor-in-my-Head is off on holiday. Any hate mail, make it interesting 'burn in hell' isn't going to cut it. And besides, I already know I'm not going to Heaven, I won't know anyone there.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Words for Women to Live By

Thanks to Moggie for this, I adjusted it for my own circumstances.

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.
2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.
3. Take life with a pinch of salt... a wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.
4. In need of a support group? - cocktail hour with the girls!
5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).
6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.
8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.
9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.
11. When life gives you lemons in 2009 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.
12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!
13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.
14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Private Spaces

Commuting out of the city every day has given me a new insight on human nature. You'd think I'd have grown bored of human nature - you'd be wrong. People never fail to fascinate me.

A car is a private space, an extention of one's home if you will. And people treat their cars like they do any other private space, even though it's got 5 windows and half the city's population trying to get to work.

While waiting for lights I have seen:
  • a guy have a really good dig around his nose, and give the results a thorough inspection before consuming.
  • a woman apply full make-up
  • another woman squeeze her spots
  • a couple argue, with lots of hand flinging..
  • a mad woman sing on the top of her lungs to Bohemian Rhapsody...

Oh yeah, that was me.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Cover Up!

Its officially a heat wave, and I think it's melted peoples' brains.

I have never seen so many scantily clad people in my life, all shapes and sizes.

I just want to go around with a huge vat of sun cream and a bunch of t-shirts. Cover it up! Please?

English men should not wear trousers that have been cut off at the knee. They aren't shorts. They are masacred trousers. And they should definitely not wear flip-flops with them. Especially to walk around the city. Flip-flops are beach-wear. This is the city, damn it, not the flippin beach.

Oh yeah, and while you're at it, please can you also ensure that your boxers and trousers don't part company around your waist? I don't want to see your Calvins, really I don't.

And put a t-shirt on! I don't care if you've got a 6 pack. Put it away!

Bank Holiday Sunday

Dear Dave I woke up today with Philip Glass' Metamorphosis in my head. It's apt really as it was part of the music chosen for your...