The Life and Times of Me

2011-10-13T12:44:00.001Z

Nearly time....

2011-09-27T17:53:00.002Z

37 weeks- check
birth pool- check
gublins to go with birth pool- check
box of stuff from midwife- check
small clothes for baby- check
large clothes for me- check
TENS machine- check
biscuits for midwifes- check
snacks/drinks for Tim and me- check
Lots of other stuff- check

Have I forgotten anything?

2011-08-28T07:10:00.002Z

Things I am looking forward to come November:

Sushi
Brie
Mushroom pate

I was pondering last night how much bigger I am going to get over the next 9 weeks or so. I already have a 42inch waist.

2011-05-20T12:54:00.002Z

I have been wondering how a small pub (Charlie's in neighbours) could possibly supply lunches to a who high school.

Also on US drama's how much time and effort do you think they put into continuity errors? I am thinking about brother and sisters. At the beginning of the current series Sarah celebrated her 50th birthday, now Justine is celebrating his 30th Birthday- are there really 20 years between them? The other thing is that there were questions over who Sarah's father was (assumingly because of events which happened more than 50 years ago), now Nora's ex boyfriend (and possible father to Sarah) has returned and they are refering to something that happened 40 years ago.

2011-01-21T14:38:00.002Z

Tim recorded this program for me the other night. I watched it last night. It was very emotional for me. It made me think I need reassessment and that I could do with having similar training to Kara Tointon to help me cope with everyday life.

2011-01-07T14:49:00.001Z

I'm sat listening to this program on Radio 4 (having just made a lasange for tea). 'Tis very funny. Not on listen again though but I would recommend finding a copy of the book to read.

2010-10-05T08:41:00.003Z

So the new coalition government are making some cuts. Nothing is safe it seems.... Not even Child benefit, which has been a universal benefit since it was bought it. Now, house holds were one of the parents earns enough to pay the top rate of tax will not be entitled to get the benefit. On principle, I agree with this. However, I disagree with the current tax bands and how they go about setting the limit... Why one parents earnings and not both of them?

Firstly, I will tackle the tax bands (stop me if you've heard this before).

1. Personal allowance will be raised to £10,000

2. Between £10,001 and £30,000 you pay tax at 10%

3. Between £30,001 and £60,000 you pay tax at 20%

4. Between £60,001 and £100,000 you pay tax at 30%

5. Between £100,001 and £150,000 you pay tax at 40%

6. Above £150,001 you pay tax at 50%

Secondly, I do believe that if your family income (ie that of both parents together) is above £60,000 it is likely, that you are not reliant on child benefit to get you through the week. So why should you get the benefit?

Why am I against what the current government is suggesting given what I am suggesting. Well, the current top rate of tax starts at £37,401. The government is proposing that only one parent needs to be paying this tax rate to stop the benefit. The simplest way of expressing my concern is this;

Family A

Parent 1 earns £43875

Parent 2 earns £43875

Total income is £87750

Family B

Parent 1 earns £50350

Parent 2 earns £37400

Total income is £87750

So both families have the same income before tax.

Family A have a take home income of £72790 paying an average joint tax of 17%.

Family B have a take home income of £71495 paying an average joint tax of 18%

Family A will get child benefit while Family B doesn't. What is fair about that?

For the first time in my life, I can say, I agree with David Davis. The government need to think carefully about how they implement this cost saving measure.

2010-09-16T16:52:00.003Z

The TUC annual conference has been very interesting. 1970s rhetoric is very exciting. I very much enjoyed this show on Radio 4 the other day. Alexei is very amusing. The best bit of it is Bob Crow explaining that in a capitalist system you have to have unemployment otherwise it doesn't work, with the pressure of other people lined up to have your job, your not going to ask for more money are you? I also caught an interview with Tony Blair on the Wednesday edition (15th September) of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I'm glad someone was willing to ask him difficult questions.

There is still no sign of a job for me. I'm doing a couple of application forms at the moment. So, I have been making things and painting things, I've been going round the house, touching up and doing the bits that were missed when we were doing the house work. Spent lots of money in the local haberdashery too, hopefully I'll recoup those costs though when I sell some things.

At Guides, we are going to hold a Cake and 2nd hand book sale to raise a little money. Anyone with any "spare" books, let me know.

2010-08-14T18:03:00.002Z

So I have been back from camp for a week. All the washing has been done, boys have headed off on their second holiday with their mum, I have started some job applications and have started to finish my dress (the skirt is tacked together, just need to do cartridge pleats and machine sewing). I have also caught up with the lovely Liz who has returned from travels and been a shoulder to cry on.

I spotted on Amazon this week the Buffy box set at a very reasonable price, however, I am very proud of myself for donating the money to DEC instead! I must be becoming a sensible grown up.

It was lovely to see Tim after nearly three weeks but unfortunately I had to share him. I have been reading a Chinese medicine book since I have been back and I am tired and stuck. After hearing positive things about acupuncture, I am going to give it a try (well anything that helps PMT must be a good thing).

Tim and I are thinking about going away over the bank holiday weekend, does anyone have any suggestions?

2010-07-16T19:12:00.001Z

Going back to the personality thing, I have been wondering if people who are religious are more likely to be extroverts than introverts... Its all to do with the need to please other people and doing because of what other might think rather than what you think.

2010-07-16T08:05:00.002Z

Last night as I was driving home, I was listening to the PM programme (I seem to have a strange attraction to radio four presenters named Edward....). The news headlines at 5pm announced the re-joining to Take That of Robbie Williams. I know that radio four are trying to attract a younger audience but I am not sure it is really headline news.

This week, Tim brought home from work a personality quiz, I ended up being ISTJ. It was very interesting reading and sort of confirmed somethings I have already figured out. I prefer working by myself (I find I get easily distracted) and I like writing better than talking (which I know some of you might be shocked by given my talkative state).

I was handed a short proposal to review yesterday, I read it through and commented, "that's really good, who wrote it?" the reply I got was a laugh, and I asked why my friend was laughing, it turned out that I wrote it about 12 months ago (my memory is worryingly short at times).

2010-06-19T15:50:00.002Z

This week, the Saville enquiry released its finding. I wasn't surprised by the findings of the report. However, I go the impression that our lovely Prime Minister seemed to be surprised by it.

On Monday, I got really excited to see that One Tree Hill was back on. I watched the first episode and two of the main characters seem to have disappeared and there was no explanation for it. So now I am in a quandry, do I continue watching or just give up. The OC was better once Merissa had left so maybe this might be a good thing or maybe not.

I have less than a fortnight of paid employment left. I have lots of odd jobs I need to finish off before my last day on the 30th June along with a 3 day course in Preston Montford. I am busy applying for jobs, I have had one interview and have another one coming up. I am looking forward to some time off, lots of things for me to do/catch up on. Dresses to make, art projects to carry on.

On Thursday night I met the new Brownie leader for Northleach, this means that from September I am back being just a guide leader (as much as I like the Brownies I am looking forward just doing guides again).

2010-03-04T19:17:00.001Z

I am very tired. I need to sleep for several days with no interruptions from children or husband. Any suggestions on how to achieve this without changing the locks?

2010-01-13T09:19:00.002Z

With all this snow recently, I have been watching a little more TV than usual- work being closed for the weather. Has anyone else noticed that Jessie Wallace has gone from looking like a healthy women in her late 30s to looking like a pre pubecent boy. Although I am not a fan of the mail, the before and after photos make the point. Every time I see the advert for her exercise video, it freeks me out. Anyone who is worried about the size and shape of modern women should read Female Fertility and the Body Fat Connection by Rose E Frisch. Its very interesting.

Last night I watch My big Fat Diet Show on channel 4. I have long felt that diet drinks just made your body think it was getting sugar because they are sweet and then when no sugar arrives in your stomach, it just makes you hungry. Last night on the show, was a research scientist from Queens University Belfast who had proven my theory. I avoid diet drinks because aspartame disagrees with me. But those of you who think having things which are "sugar free" or have "no added sugar" are better for your health, think again. The same thing with low fat food- low fat tends to have more sugar or or sweeteners, smaller amounts of the full fat version may be more satisfying and be better for you.

2010-01-09T20:58:00.002Z

Turnips, treacle and snow

Work was shut down over the Christmas period, so apart from visiting the farm a few times to check everything was okay, I had a very restful 10 days. I returned to work on Monday and saw the arrival of a skip and site safe (we are getting a new cow shed and so are loosing the tool shed while it is getting built). On Tuesday I went in and did a morning on chain-sawing (which although is a very reliable chainsaw did not like the cold). By lunch time, it had started snowing. So Sarah and I went home. By 7.30 when Tim got home (4 hours to do a 12 mile journey- mainly because of people rather than snow) we had about 4 inches of snow. By the next morning we had another 4 inches. The boys have been off school and out everyday sledging and building an igloo- I'll try to put up video and photos. I have also been off work as our "head office" closed because of the snow. More snow is predicted tomorrow, we'll see what happens.

The turnips and treacle mentioned in the title are the everyday confusions I suffer from living in the south. What they call swedes, I call turnip and what they treacle, I call golden syrup- tonight over syrup puddings, confusion rained so to speak.

2009-12-10T19:44:00.003Z

So, I have given in my notice of being District Commissioner. I have had my last division meeting and been and given out lots of badges. When the division found out I was giving up, the first question they asked was "when is the baby due?" I think they are very closed minded if they think that there is only one reason why a girl may not want to be district commissioner any more. A week later, my friend who had been division commissioner until a couple of months ago had a run in with the division president after the later suggested that maybe I was a little to young to be DC and thats why I had stopped. Nothing to do with the bitchesness of the people on the committee or the three hour division meetings or how horrible they were to the previous DC and to top things off, I suffered a 10 minuted talk about how rubbish my campfire skills were.

So now I am back to just being a guide leader (and from January for a short while a brownie leader- if people have some programme ideas please pass them on (programmes on a plate would be most welcome)).

2009-11-26T22:17:00.001Z

Apparently, using the phrase "I concur" is not appropriate when in bed with your husband.

2009-11-18T19:38:00.005Z

For those of you who have known me a long time, you will know I am slightly accident prone. Yesterday, I was wobbling a fence post to try to get it out of the ground. It turned out to be rather rotten and I went flying and landed on another fence post (which was lying flat on the ground, not sticking up). I think I have damaged my coxic (the bone in my bum), I am very sore. So do day I stayed in bed with my hot water bottle. As I am a working girl these days, I thought I better phone my line manager to say I wouldn't be about -he answered that I wasn't looking too good on Monday either. So I've had a day in bed and i'm feeling better (but that might be all the pain killers I am ingested). I'll see what tomorrow brings.

2009-11-05T20:56:00.003Z

Some people are very anally retentive. Five years after their divorce and 19 years after Christmas 1990, Tim's ex wife sent him a note saying "I've just been checking my Christmas list from 1990 and I don't seem to have to following books, can you check if you've got them?" and then a list of books below. My opinion is why the hell has she got such a list and she obviously doesn't use them if she has only just realised they are missing. I know who have my books and DVDs which I have lent out. I do have to admit that I have only just realised I have a dress missing.

I spent the morning today with my Bourton Volunteers cutting back blackthorn growth, it was a very satisfying job, I could see exactly what had been done. I think another 4 mornings of work parties will do the job and the guides can come in and plant trees.

I've had one of those weeks were things haven't really gone to plan. I think it was sort of catching up with stuff that happened while I was on holiday (a week in Aberdeen). We have a new reserves team member of staff starting on Monday, for the Water Park area, so I have to go and do a meet and great sort of thing.

2009-10-03T19:07:00.002Z

I have a week of flying solo (so to speak), and it all went smoothly apart from the flat tyre, but that was easily sorted. I'm now trying to fit all my out of school activities in.

Tim has abandoned me for a week of work in the USA (yet again). I find it frustrating, work want him to fly as cheaply as possible which means the weekends, however, they don't compensate me or him for our lost time together. It is hard for the boys also as it means more time with their mum (who is a fuckwit BTW and has really pissed me off in the last week- anyone wanting to spam her email account just let me know).

I think I am going to resign my DC role, I really can't be bothered with the bitchiness of the Division exectutive and the paperwork of the role.

2009-09-22T19:03:00.002Z

I was wondering today, why it is that in the UK (unlike most of the rest of the world) the two parts of the Scout and Guide Movement haven't merged. In Northleach, we have Rainbows and Beavers, Brownies and Cubs, Guides and Scouts, however, we don't really have enough leaders to run all six groups. But if the groups merged we would have enough leaders (and enough children). It really does make a lot of sense.

Why is it that One Tree Hill has become so dark this season, I like US teen dramas because they are easy going, this isn't.

I have survived one week of work. I have a little cough and I am knackered, but it's okay. Tom's last day is tomorrow and we're taking him out for lunch. I have a little present for him.

2009-09-05T15:01:00.002Z

Happy Birthday the Guide Association, its 100 years since girls gate crashed a Scout Association rally at crystal palace.

We provide a unique girl-only space... and have done so for 100 years!
We promote equality and diversity... and have done so for 100 years!
We're relevant to today's girls... and have been for 100 years!
We give girls and young women a voice... and have done so for 100 years

(I just tried to insert an image but failed)

2009-06-08T20:22:00.001Z

Virgin 1 have been advetising a new HBO cartoon, its called "the life and times of Tim", Tim has a girl friend called Amy. I will have to watch it to see if there are any other similarities.

2009-05-13T12:08:00.002Z

I've been asked to comment on MP expenses. I am not sure if I should, since I live off approximately £4.55 a day of expeses for three days a week. However, I will comment. Since MPs seem to earn about 3 times the average sallery in the UK why do they have expenses to claim beyond that of the cost of some photocopying and maybe some biscuits for their staff to have with tea and coffee. I have heard some interesting comments from MPs, their wives and the general public.

I was particularly annoyed when one MP said that he needs a full sized abode in London as he has to take his family with him when he is in London. This pissed me off because, my cousin, his wife and their two small children live full time London in a one bedroom flat which was built for a single person- they don't have a choice over the size of their abode and so why should the MP.

The Scottish parliment had major problems with expenses when it first opened. They resolved it by making MSP recipt for everything and by saying that you can only rent a home in Edinburgh not buy one. This system seems to be working, can it be replicated for the London parliment.

Two ideas put forward on Radio 4 have caught my ear, the first was on the NOW show. It was suggested that once the 2012 olympics have finished, why not hand over the olympic village to parliment. Then every MP will have some where to stay if they need, in green homes already furnished and desgined for maximum security. The second idea was from someone phoning into any answers- why not instead of giving MPs a buget for a London home, provide them with a constituancy home, which is rent free and council tax free, they just have to pay utilities etc. This home would be for whoever was elected, like 10 Downing Street is for the Prime Minister and so handed over if the MP changes. Any second home that an MP may need in London then just comes out of their usual salery, no expenses can be claimed.

I am trying to get money for my guides, to buy tents, I was counting on O2 (the phone company) to give us some money, and I have just had an email to say I was unsucessful. I need to now follow up some of my other leads. Anyone got any ideas? The 10 page grass roots grant does not seem appealing.

2009-05-10T20:42:00.002Z

Over the last six months, my computer has been getting slower and slower and slower. So today I bit the bullet and got out the disks that came with it and started the thing again. Tim and I have got as far as putting back on office 2002, windows XP and firefox. I'm not re attached to the printer and I now only have three web pages book marked (more worryingly is that I can't remeber some of my passwords). My computer seems to be running a little quicker however, I have a memory stick with all my documents on that need to be transfered. That may slow everything down again.

My quest to find a job that pays me continues. Last week I had two rejections, the first came with a "I'm sorry but why not apply for the job we will be advertising next month" while the second came with a "I'm sorry but why don't you do some more volunteering for us". You can imagine the thoughts that came into my head when I heard the latter. On a brighter note, these rejects came while I was on the farm and Tom did say that although he was sorry I hadn't got any of the jobs he was glad coz he would miss me and didn't know how he would cope without me (which considering how grumpy he's been over the last few months was nice). I have since applied for a job based on Cleeve Common with FWAG, so fingers crossed for that one.

I better get back to playing with my computer and emailing people (being SAGGA chair requires lots of emailing- people actually want to know what I think).

2009-03-14T12:01:00.002Z

To change or not to change

Recently, I have been becoming increasing frustrated with people assuming that because I have got married I have changed my name. What's even worse is when people ask you and you tell them you haven't and they still continue to use the other name.

There are several reasons I chose to keep my own name, firstly, Tim's ex wife still calls herself Mrs H and as she has the same initial as me, it would be confusing to the postman and I didn't want to be mixed up with her, she is horrible. Secondly, I have no wish to be Mrs, for the same reason I have always called myself Ms rather than Miss, that for men then generally get called Mr all their lives and there is no differentiation between married and unmarried. Finally, I see the taking of your husbands name an outdated fashion which was born in the days when women were generally thought of as a possession and had very few rights of their own. They were either their fathers daughters or their husbands wives and the surname showed who they belonged to. I do not belong to any one and I like the name I was given at birth, my parents thought about the names they would given me that went together and ARL are better initials than ARH. In Hungary, women have never taken their husbands name. When we get to having children I want them to have Tim's name, the rest of their names will be though of in conjunction with that surname.

2009-02-15T13:59:00.002Z

We don't like person C anymore!

Anyhooo. I had a really busy week this week, I was doing guiding stuff every night apart from Thursday. And most annoyingly, I managed to miss a deadline for a job I was applying for... Its really difficult to motivate yourself when you have been working all day and then have to go out in the evening and come back in again and do more work/study. So I have just sat down for my first spare 5 minutes to finish the job application form and I'm too late. Poo and double poo is all I can say.

2008-11-28T13:57:00.001Z

Person Z's eavel plan seems to be working. A and C are off out together.

2008-11-21T10:53:00.002Z

On Wednesday I went to visit an Osteopath about a crick I had in my neck. No one warned me it would be so painfull. I still have a crick but it is a lot less than it was. I was asked to return for a further session next week- which will have to be my last session for the time being (its £40 for half an hour).

I had an interesting afternoon on Tuesday. It was my first paid session with the expelled kids. I knew they would be bad but I don't think I was prepared enough. Three kids showed up (two boys and one girl) and were accompanied by two teachers. They turned up late and then told me they would have to leave before I had anticipated. I couldn't get them to standstill and listen long enough to tell them who I was, why we were there and what we would be doing that day. The two boys started "playing" with the tools before we got to the work site. Once at the work area they messed about (we were cutting up a fallen tree), they had very sort attention spans, they tried cutting down other trees, they tried climbing up the fallen tree (which was very unstable and was still attached over a metre above the ground and was at the edge of a very steep slope).

So does anyone have any ideas about how to handle these kids? I would like them to know what we are doing and why we are doing it but I can't get them to listen long enough. I would like to do some positive work with them- putting up barn owl boxes, teaching them rural skills.

Yesterday... I became chainsaw legal. I didn't get full marks for the maintanence section (which is sort of what I was expecting) but I did almost them for the felling. So now I can chop down trees more quickly and not in a TB stylie.

2008-11-07T15:32:00.002Z

I have succumb to match making. Person Z says to me on Monday "so A wasn't suitable for me but how about him for C?" So now A and C and Z are off out to a comedy club thing on Saturday night. I have reservations about this. What if it all goes horribly wrong. Who gets blamed? Me or Z?

I am supposed to be writing "lesson plans" for my new job. But I am unsure which direction I am supposed to be taking. I have three maps. One says were I am supposed to be working and where I am not. The second is a previous management plan (which has work planned in the no go area). The third is the current management plan (which also has work in the no go area). Oh where to start.

2008-10-09T17:26:00.002Z

Harry is back! The first two episodes were a bit horrible though. Nice to have a lovely man on TV though.

I have got on a chainsaw course. This week I got all my PPE and have been learning some basics. I have very saw muscles now.

2008-09-05T11:22:00.002Z

So I am now a married women. Nothing much has changed though. Life is still life as it twas.

Tim does keep getting letters addressed to Mr and Mrs Haseler. I'm not sure what to do about that. My brother does though, he likes to wined me up about.

I sort of have a job. Just need to sort some bits of it out.

For those of you who have flickr the wedding pictures are on there.

2008-08-03T08:21:00.002Z

Marriage mutterings

I was wondering if that once we are married, Tim's friends magically become our friends and that my friends also magically become our friends?

Also will people start calling me Mrs H when I am quiet clearly still Ms L.

Not long to go now. Dress is made, food is being ordered (I hope) and Tim and I are trying to work out what days we should take off work and how much alcohol we need to buy.

2008-06-18T19:52:00.002Z

Last night I had what I thought were successful meetings.

The first was between the County Commissioner, myself and Rangers. I covered lots of issues with them and put a proposal to them (that we would move the Ranger unit to a more central location (nearer to where most of them live) and we would set up a Young Leaders Unit which would run once a month and would provide training for the YL). After discussions the Rangers agreed that this would actually be more beneficial to them and so was a good idea.

The second was with the County Commissioner, myself and interfering Guider (due to other commitments, the other leader involved couldn't make it). I put the proposal to the interfering Guider. She wasn't happy. Said the Rangers didn't want to move and that most would stop coming if it did move etc etc. She wanted to run the Rangers not the YL unit. I said I wanted her to do the YL unit. She looked like she was going to cry. Anyhow, we went away from the meeting saying that we would start the process of setting up a YL unit and moving the Ranger unit.

Today, I had an email from the County Commissioner saying that she had changed her mind and she didn't think it was a problem for interfering Guider to run the Ranger unit where it currently is (in a small village in the back of beyond). As you can imagine, I am very angry. It took me a long time to come up with a solution which would be beneficial to the Rangers and that sort of made interfering guider think she was getting some of her own way.

One of the big issues, which I am trying to resolve is that I think interfering guider has a very unhealthy relationship with the Guides and Rangers and that they are overly dependent on her and she spoon feeds them (anyone heard of 7 guides getting BP challenge award at the same time?). Interfering guider currently runs the guide unit which has been feeding into the ranger unit, so I thought that if there is another guider available to run the Rangers then she should do it.

2008-06-12T18:48:00.003Z

On Tuesday, we went to cut down a tree (well it had blown down and we were going to make it safe). We managed to sink the truck.

2008-06-03T18:58:00.002Z

Today was spent in the office, because despite what the BBC weather page said for the whole day, it was most definitely raining. So for the first time in a very long time, I spent most of the day sat a computer writing reports. And it wasn't that bad. They weren't exactly taxing, just what management Tom and I had carried out on various sites over the past year. I also wrote a site description to go on the Trusts new website.

Apart from the rain, the worst part of the day was a fox that we spot lying next to our building, very seriously injured. So after a phone call to a man with a gun it was put out of its misery.

Hopefully it won't be raining tomorrow and we can go and do some physical work outside.

2008-05-28T15:50:00.002Z

A couple of weeks ago, I made my promise as a District Commissioner. I thought that would be it for a while, a nice easy path of meeting up with my mentor and getting to know my new role. Well this was not to be.

Last Thursday, I got told I had an AGM to organise, ok you may think, thats easy. Well it is but it is in two weeks time. I have to get invites out to everybody (and not manage to offend anyone in the meantime).

So one job to do so far. On Sunday, task number two arrived. When I got home (very wet and cold) from my Drystone Walling Course, I had a letter of resignation waiting for me from our Ranger leader. This was due to the constant interference and undermining being carried out by the neighbouring guide leader who had hoped to become Ranger Leader (but as she has a role at County as well as being a leader in three different units it was thought that it wouldn't be appropriate). So I am having to learn to be diplomatic. Which is a challenge.

2008-05-13T20:13:00.002Z

This weekend I was thinking about Muffin Tops, that is the roll of fat the women often get above there trouser waists. I was trying to work out if muffin tops are a cause of the modern diet or of modern fashion trends?

I have concluded that they are more to do with modern fashion trends that diets. Muffin Tops only became evident when trouser waist dropped to hipster level, well below our natural waist line. This lead to to opportunity for any bulging tummies to roll over the top of the trousers rather than be contained by your higher waisted trousers.

Another aspect I thought about was how trousers are worn so tight now.

I have never suffered from muffin top and I think that the combination of me wearing my trousers baggy and avoiding hipsters might be why.

2008-03-08T20:26:00.000Z

Anorexia is a horrible, horrible thing. It should be band!

2008-02-14T20:14:00.001Z

Today I was stuck in the mud

2008-01-15T13:42:00.000Z

Princess Diaries 9 arrived last week and I have read it. It was brilliant as usual, Mia is sent to therapy, which is funny. I know I am almost 25 years old but it does say on its back cover that it is for "older children" which I think I am still and it has big print (also it in not really at all like the Disney Film, it tackles lots of issues both political and personal). I also got the 2008 Princess Diaries year book. Since I finished the Princess Diaries I have also read "Size 12 is not fat" (an American size 12 BTW which is a British size 16) another Meg Cabot book but this time for grown ups which was very good I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series. Next up on my reading list is Sense and Sensibility, which I am re reading after watching the brilliant BBC version.

I have completely given up reading New Scientist and have cancelled my subscription. It was too boring and sent me to sleep every time I tried to read it.

2008-01-11T20:28:00.000Z

I am a vegetarian with such strong principles... I went beating (scaring birds so they fly into the path of the "guns").

2008-01-06T21:30:00.000Z

Princess Diaries 9 is out and it is due to land on my doorstep at some point this week so in preparation, I have finished Mort (which Mad lent me) and I am sat waiting like an impatient thing.

2007-12-15T10:50:00.000Z

OK folks, there is lots going on in my house, but I am not allowed to blog about it, sorry. I have got a job to apply for, which I will be doing this w/e. Its with the national trust and is along the lines of what I have been doing with the Wildlife Trust. In work this week the new tractor arrived. I am not sure I am allowed to drive it but I got to sit in it look at its shiny buttons. It has about 16 forward gears and 12 backwards ones. It has a CD player and it is red (a Case rather than a Massey Ferguson).

Amy's manifesto part 3

Education
Further/higher education need to be separated. Bring back polytechnics and make sure there are a wide range of technical/manual skilled courses available. We don't need to have every man and his dog having an academic degree.

GCSEs
When pupils enter into year 10, most teachers should have some sort of rough idea who will get Cs and above and who won't. Those who are predicted to get Cs and above should be allowed to do the full range of subjects (but only up to 10 of them). Those who won't do so well should spend years 10 and 11 just doing 5 key subjects, Maths and English, Science and maybe a Modern Language. Then if they pass these subjects (get Cs or above) for years 12 and 13 they can do 5 further GCSEs, so when they leave school at 18 (because we know the government is making school till 18 compulsory) they should have a wide range of subjects at GSCE to a good standard. The second lot of GCSEs they take could include things like plumbing, building (CDT I think it used to be called), typing and other manual skills.

2007-11-06T09:54:00.000Z

Full beams on busy motorways at night, are they really necessary?

Amy's Manifesto part 2
Dentists, all have to have 50% NHS patients on their books, all patients under 18 years old have to be NHS patients. Also all GPs surgery's have to have at least one dentist based at the surgery.

I have some ideas on education too and more about health, but I have to think about them a little longer.

2007-10-12T13:47:00.001Z

The manifesto of Amy
I am very fed up of people complaining about house prices and inheritance tax. From my perspective the two are linked, no one would be worried about increasing the inheritance tax threshold if house prices hadn't race out of control. So I was sort of thinking that maybe a communist collective would be a good idea. And failing that, the government should be trying to do something to control house prices. So my first proposal is that in the UK we should be moving away from selling houses by the number of rooms to selling them by the square meter. Then once that is done there should be a a price set to how much houses should be sold per square meter and that should be linked to inflation or something like like that. Then we would have the absurd thing of London costing ten times more than the rest of the UK. There would be more incentives for people to live outside the southeast and people wouldn't need to have huge mortgages to buy a suitable sized house.

I think I need to get my own soap box!

2007-10-11T18:20:00.000Z

Some may call it a lapse of judgment but I think it was just me being bloody annoyed with a certain ex wife, so when I was told not to raise my voice because I was going to make a scene, I did the exact opposite and shouted at her (not campfire loud, but loud). She was being rude and condescending to me on my own door step.

2007-10-03T08:12:00.000Z

At the weekend, I went to see Atonement staring Keira "I need to eat more mars bars" Knightley. I am not sure if I can say that I enjoyed the film however it was a very good film; well shot, interesting story and some wonderful costumes. So on Thursday I am going to see Amazing Graze with the always beautiful Ioan Gruffudd. I do like the rural cinema thing but only one film a month doesn't really quench my cinematic needs (in Dundee I was going to the cinema almost twice a week).

There are a few films that I want to see (that are coming out and out already). The very beautiful Colin Firth in And When Did You Last See Your Father?, for some reason Feast of Love is appealing to me... Knocked Up was the other slightly silly film I want to see. I still havn't got round to seeing Shrek the Third yet. I saw two trailers at the weekend, one for Elizabeth- The Golden Age (which will be interesting to see how much history has been messed up by the film and also because I just saw the BBC drama Elizabeth (with Anne-Marie Duff)), one for Ratatouille which looked fun (although I might have to find children to go with). There was a reasonable review on the radio of Control which is the film about Ian Curtis, which from a musical perspective I am sort of interested in. 2 DAYS IN PARIS has just caught my eye too as it contains Daniel Bruhl, who stared in Goodbye Lenin, which is a wonderful film. I just realised this list is very long... And still The Bourne Ultimatum hasn't been added to the list yet (as I have seen the first two I may as well as see the last one).

Rehearsals for the November Musical Extravagancer seems to be going OK. Although even though we have been learning the songs for six months there are still people sing them wrong. A seating plan was made last night and unfortunately I am having to sit on the front row (this is all because I have been cohurst into doing a solo... I won't mind if I was getting to sing a good song (infact most of the songs are rubbish). After an hour and a half of rehearsals last night I was exhausted (and I had been in work from 9 till 5 (we are still painting the barn, it is mainly undercoated now but the ceilings need to be done and then the second coat)) and some one said to me that some one my age shouldn't be getting tired so easily!!!!!!! Well all I have to say is at 2145 after spending all day on my feet painting, I had the right to be tired!

2007-10-01T10:39:00.000Z

So it is the final party conference (well of the main stream parties). And how dull has it been! Nothing nearly as exciting as there has been in the past. Although all this talk of elections is a little bit exciting. I have decided that I would like a short election campaign and I would like Labour to win but to have a very tiny majority. Voting this time for me is going to be fun. I am living in a very Conservative area. How best should I use my vote? I have been very tempted to just spoil my ballot paper.

I better go and apply for some jobs (although my printer has broken and so no chance of printing things out).

2007-09-28T17:01:00.000Z

Things have been a little stressful.

I still have no job (although I am looking and there are rummers at the wildlife trust that I will get some paid work there).

Then I heard this. One of my uni friends.

2007-08-21T21:01:00.000Z

Last night, Tim and I went to see a fantastic film called Grow Your Own... I recommend all to go and see it

2007-08-11T14:40:00.000Z

I have just spent two weeks in Essex for my summer holiday. However, it wasn't very restful. I spent my time as a member of the Offsite Service Team for the 21st World Scout Jamboree. This not only involved working with Scouts who didn't have the biggest grasp of the English language (but also the Americans) but SAGGA members who don't usually come to camp. I think it was agreed that I really did draw the short straw of people who where on my team (4 days with a certain couple!).

Now I am sat hiding from the sun. All the washing has been done, it only took two days. and the house needs tidying.

I'm back to work on Tuesday and luckily foot and mouth hasn't spread.

This morning Tim gave me a very nice hair cut (all my split ends have gone) although I am still looking very blonde.

I've got some preparation for guides to do, sheeting to cut up and sew for kneckers and a folder to create for my campers licence.

2007-07-22T13:17:00.000Z

I week or so ago, I went onto a well known internet book shop to pre order a copy of Harry Potter 7. This weekend, I made plans around the expected delivery of said book on Saturday morning. I had set aside 2 days to read most of it (finishing it off during the week). I even decided I would go and do the weekly shop on Monday morning (and pick up all those things we need for camp). So Saturday arrived, and I waited and waited and waited. But no book has arrived. The bookshops website says my expected delivery date is Saturday 21st July having been dispatched on the 15th! I am therefore concluding that the stupid flooding has resulted in the lack of delivery (Northleach and Cheltenham have both been under water).

2007-06-12T20:21:00.000Z

While listening to the today pro gramme this morning I was surprised to heat that one of the editors/producers was someone called Claire Thorpe. I wonder if it was THE Claire Thorpe or another one.

Sexism is alive and well at Northleach Town Cricket Club. Tim was sat chatting to the Second team 's captain and mentioned the fact that there were 2 ladies who were definitely good enough to play for the Sunday friendly side and would be OK for the 2nd team on a Saturday. The reply Tim got was "I'm not being sexist but..." and he didn't listen too closely to the rest. The bloke in question wasn't a 50 plus year old but someone under 30.

2007-06-03T11:39:00.000Z

I recently found a group on the internet calling for the disbandment of SSAGO because it was taking resources away from Scout Network. I have several problems with this. Firstly there isn't as far as I'm aware as a guide leader a GirlguidingUK equivalent of Scout Network and that GirlguidingUK advertises SSAGO as something its members can do at university alongside normal guiding as it is more likely to give them a chance to socialise with people their own age.

My second issue with the idea of disbanding SSAGO is directly to do with Scout Network. SSAGO this year is 40 years old, how old is Scout Network? About five years old? Why when the Scout Association was setting up Scout Network didn't they take into account the fact that there was already a national group set up for 18 to 25 year olds to stay in contact with and serve the Movement (note the Movement and not just one association). Why didn't the Scout Association try and integrate SSAGO into their new ideas for Scout Network?

If the Scout Association are having trouble getting membership for Scout Network then maybe they should have thought about the following:
1. 18 to 25 year olds aren't known for being the most "socially active" members of our population
2. Although SSAGO has lasted for 40 years, it doesn't have a huge membership, only a tiny percentage of Scouts and Guides who go to university actually join SSAGO. This is an indication that maybe students want some time off from the movement.

Maybe the Scout Association should stop is pre-occupation of bad mouthing national organisation which have been set up to support the Movement and start taking advantage of the fact that they are there and willing to work for the Movement. The Scout Association needs to remember that there is one Movement and that they are only half of that Movement. Are they working for the good of the Movement or the Association.

2007-06-03T11:31:00.000Z

Here as promised is my painting

2007-05-27T12:28:00.000Z

Last weekend, I got on a virgin voyagur from Cheltentham (getting to the station is a whole other story) and went to Edinburgh to spend the weekend with my favourite older brother and this girlfriend plus others. I met up with two of my university chums, which was fun. I ended up being harrassed by oldmen in Leith. Also met up with Andras, Eszti and Noel in Glasgow and had lovely food with lovely company. I do hate those stupid trains, they are always fun and I always end up going backwards and then gettting travel sick.

I returned from Edinburgh with Eric's bass guitar which is now on loan to Callum (who has expressed an interest in learning to play it).

In guides I have started working towards my camp licence. I have a book to read, forms to fill in and a scheme to follow. I have started to read the book but its a tad boring, loads of stuff about accounts etc. I am starting to be a bit concerned though, I am trying to get a camp organised for this summer so I can get my practice in and then do the proper camp next summer. I have tents that I can get access to but other camping equipment, like mess tents, dinning shelters, cooks, pots pans etc its going to be hard work.

I have finished off my first portrait. I havent really done figure painting previously (except life drawing which didnt really count as I never really painted what was there) and so I think it is a good attempt. I will get a piture up on here or on flickr when I can get hold of the digtal camera.

2007-05-09T17:08:00.000Z

So Tim has lots of books (too many for this small house really) anyway, one is called "Know yourself through your handwriting" so that is what I have set out to do.

1. Size- Small handwriting (I think)
People with small writing tend to be modest. They shun publicity and sometimes have feelings of inferiority. The small writer tends to be objective in his/her outlook and prefers to concentrate on details.

2. Slant- Right slant
People whose writing slants to the right come forward to meet other people. They are demonstrative, like to show their feelings and take an active part in life.

3. Width- Narrow
Those people whose writing is narrow tend to hold restricted views. They can be well desciplined and have inner strength, but all this can be hidden beneath a cloak of shyness. Such people are sometimes economical to the point of meaness.

4. Zone- Lower large, middle zone average, upper zone small
This type of writer is very down to earth, with strong instincts and good business sense. He/she may have a sensual nature.

5. Regularity- Regular pattern
Just as the writing is steady, disciplined and symmetrical- so is the person. He is unlikely to be late for an appointment and requires a calm and order life.

6. Connections- Connected letters
The person who links his/her letters together sees the logical order in which things ought to be done and problems solved. His/her conversation flows easily and he/she mixes well with other people because he understands relationships.

7. Forms of connection- Angles
At first glance, the writing seems to flow smoothly. But look more closely and you will see a certain stiffness about it, a sharpness induced by the angles. The person with stiff angular connections is firm, strong-minded, uncompromising, tense. He/she has little sensitivity to other people.

8. Pressure- Heavy
This can mean that the writer is full of energy and vitality. He/she feels deelpy. If the writing is quite larfe and flowing then he/she can achieve a great deal, but if the letters are squashed together in an upright, regular pattern then the writer could be fustrated.

9. Writing stroke- 'Pasty' writing
People who write in this way tend to be self-indulgent. They enjoy life and want all the good things. The blured outline suggests sensuality and sofeness.

10. Lines- Falling
Purposeful, well-balanced people who normally write in straight lines can find their lines suddenly sinking when they are overworked or ill. The writer who always lets his/her lines slip away is possibly a pessimist, always feeling he/she is being dragged down.

11. Spacing- Narrow line spacing or mingling
The loops of the top line get mixed up with the loops of the bottom line. They mingle together and jostle each other. People who write like this are not clear-thinking or well organised.

12. Margins- No margins
Some writers leave no margins at all, even going to the extent of turning the letter upside down and writing last bits above the address. These people may be economical and thrifty, or it can be they have no artistic sense.

So apparently that is me. But to be honest, my hand writing changes depending on the day of the week, what pen I am using, what paper I am using and what it is I am writing. Apparently there is another book in the house which looks at handwriting in more depth, so maybe I should look at that.

There is rain here, the garden is looking happier.

2007-05-03T16:14:00.000Z

THE ELECTION

So today is poll day and I was looking forward to spoiling my ballot paper for the district elections (this is a very conservative area). But I have been most disapointed to learn that only on candidate stood and so was elected unapposed... no chance for me to write silly things then. However I do get to vote today, I think that it is the town council, so I will get to go and cast my vote, I think there are three candidates one of those manifesto went along the lines of "I own the local bakery and (over priced) coffee shop so you should vote for me," nothing was said about policy or what they wanted to do for the town (which is what the other candidates did) so I will not be voting for him. I am not sure who I will even vote for. Maybe it will be an ipdip jobby.

Apparently politics in Liverpool seems to have gone back to the days of slagging each other off and isnt really demonstrating any real policies.

Will Tony Blair be announcing is leaving date next week or will he change his mind and let his megolomanic tendicies take over. What ever happens from the polls today I think it will be a reflection of what the country thinks of new labour. Scotland will be most interesting.

2007-05-03T16:00:00.000Z

Down on the Farm things are going well. I haven't got any paid work yet though... I'm still looking.

This week I have mainly been learning wildflowers. I think I have almost got the hand of it.

Today we put in fence posts, a strainer and 4 strutts. This afternoon I did some strimming of nettles and things, and it was fun. I think that next week holds in store a JCB and some blue pipping.

My sun tan on my arms is progressing nicely if only I had the opportunity to do my legs at the same time. It has been a little hot lately though so the breeze this week has been most welcome.

I have a fun packed weekend ahead of me, looking after the children on sat (Tim is playing cricket with the seconds), finding brithday presents, making a map and questions about Northleach so my guides learn to map read and then there is gardening and housework.

2007-04-27T10:54:00.001Z

2007-04-16T08:56:00.000Z

I heard back from Waitrose, they don't have any suitable possitions for me either, but they will keep me on file for 6 months and match me if anything comes up.

I went to the SAGGA AGM, dull as usual and I didn't really get what had been achieved by it all but I am now a member of the SAGGA comitee.

2007-03-26T09:48:00.000Z

Last night I was filling out a job application form and I needed to "Give the 3 most likely words your friends/colleagues would use to describe you". I was at a bit of a loss so I text a few people, these are the answers I got...
Pro-active
Hands on
Practical
Dedicated
Hardworking
Enthusiastic
Concienous
Determined
Crazy
Cool
Sexy
Unique
Smart
Fun
Compassionate
Resourceful
Able
Ambitious
Reliable
Trustworthy
Resourceful
Organised
Dedicated
Creative
Friendly

Tis interesting what people think about you. I went for Trustworthy, Hardworking and Enthusiastic in the end.

2007-03-25T15:25:00.000Z

Last night Tim and I fished the BBQ out of the garage and built a fire in it. You may be thinking now that Amy is a little wierder than you had previously thought, I BBQ on a cold night in March. Well, we sat and toasted marshmallows on it. Twas good fun.

2007-03-22T13:33:00.000Z

So I haven't blogged for a while, and what do I find when I sign in, its all change, so I now have a google account.

Did anyone listen to women's hour yesterday? Hearing Jenny Murray talking about vaginal and cliteral orgasims was slightly ammusing. Although embrassing at times.

I have decided that I want to do a little bit of barn dancing with my guides next term, I think it could be very very funny. Any suggestions on CDs etc available which can be used to call dances to? For thinking day, the district had an almost very traditional church services (a little bit old fashioned if you ask me) in which I lead the congregation in make new friends and the spanish vowel song and then with taps at the end. As a result of this, next week I'm leading a sing session with the local brownies and there is talk of me doing one for the division. Guides can be a little difficult, the 11 year olds especially are very bratty and bad mannered.

Work is great fun especially as the weather is warming up and I have a chance to make myself less milk bottled coloured. I am getting very nice bicepes and smaller bingo wings. Im off for a brush cutter/strimmer course tomorrow which should be fun.

ITV have started a Jane Austen season. Billy Piper as Franny Price isn't really the casting that I would have made but heyho. I am looking forward to the rest of them.

2007-02-13T09:31:00.000Z

Last week it snowed. We had about 4 inches and the world came to a standstill. They coped with snow in Dundee much better than they do here. The children didn't go to school as they were closed (but they were with their mother). I didn't go to the farm either as there is not much you can do in the snow.

At the weekend we all headed north to Liverpool for the NW SAGGA pancake party come Lewis' 60th Birthday (in fact it was lots of peoples birthday, George's, Clr's and Mine). It was good fun, lots of pancakes and lots of people to catch up with. Philip was looking very grown up and very cute. Eric and Gillian made it down for the weekend from Edinburgh, Eric seemed to bond with Tim's children well and was put Saturday and Sunday morning cooking breakfast for them.

Now I'm back in Northleach and back to work on Wednesday (after two weeks off) which I am looking forward to.

I am getting into "town" life, I have joined a singing group and getting into the swing of guides (although they are very very hard work). So things are going well.

2007-02-01T17:55:00.000Z

Well I had this week off work which turned out to be a bit of good luck because on Sunday night I broke my little toe (and I don't want any sympathy because it was entirely my fault, what did I think would happen if I kick something hard several times).

So I have had some time on my hands. I have read a book (the time traveler's wife) which was excellent although a little weird. I have just started reading Nick Hornby's A Long way down. Only read a few pages of that.

I also watch Colin Firth in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice and the the Kiera Knightly one. I have made a list of why the latter one is soooooooooooo RUBBISH!
1. Keira Knightly is not Lizzie Bennet, why would she be flat chested and sooooo skinny?
2. Costumes(this has several parts to it):
a) yes the Bennets and their relatives were not the richest people but they did hang out with society and so they would not have worn such unfashionable clothing, the mother was probably 20 years out of dad!
b) Miss Bingley wears a sleeveless dress, I don't think that that would have happened
c) Lizzie Bennet prancing about with her hair down? Once a girl was out in society she would not be seen in public with hair down, it would always be up
3. The dialog (again several parts)
a) some of it is not is the book but has been taken straight from the Beeb version
b) too much informality (most notably when Lizzie on her first meeting with Darcy walks straight but to him and says "do you dance?"). Also lots of calling Lizzie Miss Elizabeth when none of her other sisters were with her (when of course she should Miss Bennet).
4. They make Lizzie and Darcy start fall in love with each other as soon as they meet. Yes make Lizzie seem upset by the "not hansom enough to tempt me" comment rather than finding it funny.

I think I am done with my complaining. I might think of other things to add to the list.

I am officially a sado!

Oooh the saga of the reading record continues. Ex-wife has been correcting my spelling mistakes "what sort of example is she setting?" she asked about me. I will not tell you the reply she got because it was rubbish.

2007-01-16T20:04:00.000Z

Last week I started my life as a volenteer. I did two days (although not whole ones). Day one was planting a whole hedge (with other volenteers), which included hawthorns, blackthorns, hazel and field maple. Day two was again supposed to be hedge planting but the weather was rubbish and so no one else turned up to help, so Tom (my boss and mentor who is teaching me the tricks of the trade) and myself went shopping, I now proudly "own" a pair of toe capped wellies and toe capped boots. In the afternoon, the weather was better and so we filled some holes in existing hedges and then put up some simple fences to protect them from the cows, I got to play with one of those hedge putty in things, and I did some hammering of nails! All very exciting as you can tell.

Last night was guides. We had a games and planning evening. We played stations which I hadn't seen before and then played budge for almost 20 minutes, it twas entertaining. The next ten weeks are planned. This coming monday is "games night." I'm going to try and make up a story about guiding to go with ladders, I'll have a go at that on friday maybe.

Im back up north this weekend for a spot of child minding and some lunch. I will also be able to pick up some bits and pieces to bring back with me.

2007-01-07T23:31:00.000Z

This is FANTASTIC!

2007-01-07T22:32:00.000Z

Eric pointed me in the direction of You Tube the other day, to have a listen to Billy Bragg as he changes the lyrics of his songs with nearly every gig. I was appalled by what some one posted regarding Mr Bragg, it was obviously posted by a rasist bigot! The clip was from an anti BNP concert that Bragg took part in.

So I have been in Tim's for a week now. Not got all my stuff here yet though. I'm a little bored, day time TV can't sustain my interst long enough. Good news on the job front, I will be starting on Wednesday at 9am and will be working just Wednesday and Thursdays. So I am looking for other things to do. Shop work might do the trick. I'll explore Cheltenham this week and see if I can find anything I would enjoy.

2006-12-18T21:27:00.000Z

So we are well into Decemeber and I still dont have a job. I had a job interview last week with Gloucestershire wildlife trust and I havent heard anything from them yet. Fingers crossed they are willing to let me work from them for free for the next 6 months. I am a little board now though so a job or something to do would be nice.

After months of build up and stress and preparation, Rosemary's wedding took place. I won't say it went off without any problems but it happened and she is married and is now Mrs Wade. Heather has put pictures on Flickr so if you have access you can have a look at them. Bride and bridesmaids look fabulous and I expect the groom would be desribed as hansom. They have now gone off on their honeymoon.

I think I am already for christmas, not really sure where I will be apart from christmas day.

Tim and I have decided that it is about time I spent more time with him so I should be moving down south early in January all going well and I can work out what to take with me and what to leave behind.

2006-11-27T21:12:00.000Z

I have a quondry... Flickr just told me I uploaded as many as I could as a free account holder (which is only 200). So do I pay and upload? Is it worth $24 a year? (whats that in pounds?). Who has a proper account? Is it worth it?

2006-11-27T11:41:00.000Z

Blooming microsoft... Recently updates for said opporating system were downloaded onto my laptop. Since then my wireless has not worked properly. It is really annoying because it is so very unpredictable.

I went to see the taming of the shrew on Saturday. An all male production. It was excellent. The second act very much played up the domestic violence aspects of the play. The Husband treating the wife in such a mannor that she eventually submitted to him. One of the most disturbing aspects of this was that he never once laid a finger on her!

2006-11-26T15:23:00.000Z

Long time no Blog!

I have a job interview, although the word job does not really apply to the position as it is a three day a week volentary post at Gloucestershire Wildlife trust. Hopefully all will be good and I will be on may way south again!

I have been busy finishing me mum and dad's hall, it is now looking a little cleaner and I little greener. I have also made two and a half guiness cakes for chrimbo.

I went to Heathers for the weekend and we made sweets (fudge, peppermint creams, truffles and coconut ice) and boxes for Rosemary's favours. To me honest, that is not a job I will ever volenteer to do again!

I got a leaflet for "Prospect's" magazine. It had some fact's on the back, the one that most interested me was "Seven of America's nine founding fathers denied the divinity of Jesus" followed by; "More homes in China have a DVD player than running hot and cold water" and finally "Most British toilets flush in the key of E flat."

I got sent a good joke last night "There was a cucumber, a pickle and a willy. They had a conversation and the cucumber said 'my life is shit. When I get big, hard and juicy, they chop me up and toss me into a salad.' The pickle said "well, when I get big, fart, hard and juicy, they chop me up and toss me into vinegar.' The willy said 'when I get like that they put a rubber tent over my head, stick me into a dark room and bang my head against the wall until I throw up and faint!'"

2006-11-18T23:55:00.000Z

Not that I am gloating or anything, Everton are so much better than Liverpool...

So the war between the ex-wife and girlfriend is continuing, fueled by the child who insists on me writing in his reading record. I wonder what will happen next. She keeps saying it is inappropriate because I am not his parent. But Grandma can write in it.

2006-11-05T18:59:00.000Z

So I have on my first hen weekend. What are my thoughts... Well, I am not really a hanging around with lots of other women sort of person, I am infact very intimidated by lots of them. Other difficult thing was that out of 18 of us 16 were christians with a capital C. I don't mind people being religious, but when it is in your face and seems to be the number one topic of conversation (appart from which celebrity is doing what etc) I find it extremly difficult. I do not put forward my humanist views all the time... So in conclusion I don't think hen weekends are for me. If I ever need to have one, I think that it will mainly be men at mine. Or infact I will not be having a hen what ever thing...

2006-10-29T15:57:00.000Z

So I have been pondering again. As far as I know there are overlaps between christianity and judaism, most noticably, the old testement from the bible also appears in the torah. Also as far as I am aware also in christanity jesus is the "christian" son of god while in judaism, Jesus is the "jewish" son of god. Moving onto the overlaps between christanity and islam. The new testement from the bible can be found in the q'ran and again, jesus is a very important person in both religions. ALthough in islam jesus isn't recognised as being the son of god he is identified as a prophet of god and only second in importance to mohammed.

So why have I been pondering this you might ask. Well the reason is because that some christians I know will not admit to there being any link between the three religions let alone that the god on all three is undoubtable the same god...

2006-10-20T08:21:00.000Z

Project pond is well underway. With the help of me dad I emptied the water and mud from it (including about 20 frogs with were burried in it). The old linner was removed, some carpet underlay was put down and the new liner was then put on top of it. Next job was refilling it. Refilling it involved putting all the water back in that we had removed and then toping it up with three water butts worth of rain water. And that is the state I left it in for me mum and dad to finish off.

I'm now back in Tim's and will be down south of a while. I am housing sitting and hanging out with Tim (who has the boys for all of the half term holidays). I have brought with me lots of crafty things to do, a patchwork blanket to make, a dress to fix, a skirt to make, a giant bean bag to make and a portrait to finish.

I am now being more active over the looking for job thing. I have applied for one job as a science technition and one as a art technition in schools in Cheltenham. I am definately thinking of getting a job at this end of the Country.

I am sort of all prepared for Rosemary's hen weekend (although not sure if I am totally looking forward to it), I have all my train tickets and I think I have everything else.

I think a little war may be breaking out between me and the ex-wife over reading records and listening to people read... I suspect it is only the start.

Who has seen the british gas advert with someone who was once on big brother (the gordie fireman)?

Last night I went out for a retirement meal with people from Tim's work. I was by far and away the youngest person there. And I managed to get an invite to a fun equestrian event that one of them is holding. Much fun.

2006-10-12T10:38:00.000Z

Yesterday I decided to start project pond (despite the rain). Start of it was to remove the rockery from around the outside, which not only involves nice bits of sand stone and granite but also concrete rubble. This job resulted in the distruction of the habitats of thousands of mini beast. Only conselation is that I will be rebuilding it for them. I didn't manage to get rid of all the rocks as some would have invloved me climing into the pond (and I don't have waiders). Next stage was to cut back/dig up the plants in close proximity to the pond. This mainly involved wild rose plants, didn't quite finish that job. Also did a bit of turf removal around the front. I just have to work out what to do with all the wet stuff now. Hopefully it will stop raining for a while so the pond with dry out a little. I will carry on the project when I get dressed today.

Also today I must tidy my bedroom. It is like trying to walk across a mine field just to get in and out of the place.

2006-10-02T21:29:00.000Z

Wow, freecycle is amazing! I have managed to remove from my house so far, about 300 new scientists, a large box of model railway track and a concrete mixer. I am waiting for collections for some sheet music and a BMX.

Now as I have spent a reasonable percentage of the last 2 months watching day time TV, I have developed some confusion regarding ABC1 on freeview (channel 15). This is on through out the day showing a variety of american sitcoms and occassionally some more serious ones. Throughout the day the channel advertises programmes that are on at about 9pm. However, the channel goes off air at 6pm with no evening programmes. I am sooooo confused. Any ideas?

2006-10-02T09:42:00.000Z

Yesterday, me and me mum finally got round to working out how big the pond was and how much linner we would need to replace the existing one. We calculated 5m by 5m. We arrived at the garden centre, they only sold it in feet. That was ok we could go from there, so the largest width was 20ft we would have that and we thought that we would go for a square peice (so I wouldn't get confused). So we asked for a peice 20ft by 20ft. They went away, cut the stuff, came back with it and charged us £196 for it... with was correct for a piece 20ft by 20ft. When we got home we thought we would check the size of it, considering the price we had paid for it. We unrolled it. It was 20ft across. Length ways however they seemed not to know how to use a tape measure, they had given us 7m worth, which even with my rubbish conversion from metric to imperial I know is somewhat bigger than 20ft. So I now have loads of linner. Do you think my dad will notice if the pond gets bigger?

2006-09-28T20:22:00.000Z

A phrase which ryhmes with "clucking bell" is appropriate at this time.

2006-09-21T14:22:00.000Z

I have a little rant, its a bit dated but not had time (or inclination) to say anything before. During the week when Blair and Brown were having their little argument, I kept hearing people say "but I didn't vote for Brown, I voted for Blair." This fact is incorrect, unless said person lives in the Sedgfield constiuancy and is registered to vote there, then infact they did not vote for Blair but voted for a member of the labour party that happens to be lead by the megalmaniac Tony Blair.

Anyhow, moving away from politics. What have I been up to? Well... I finished sorting out my room (well almost, there were a few boxes I didn't even look into), I filled the wheelie bin twice and put about 6 carrier bags of paper out to be recycled. Now I just need to find a home for 6 years worth of new scientist magazines, any suggestions?

Since finishing my room, I have attended a 60th birthday party, which was fun (although it does make a girl feel old). Then I went to London for a week. THis involved some painting, a bit of shopping (blimey bravissimo is a scary shop), standing around in Leicester square watching people watch celebrities, a visit to the Comedy Store (which I thought was very very funny), a trip south of the river for a meeting of "Ship of Fools" which my aunt belongs to (which was interesting to say the least), I did a bit of hanging around with my baby cousin (and his mother) and some hanging round with my other cousins and my aunt.

Now I am in Tim's house (been here since saturday). He is away with work so I have been pottering about doing jobs and things that had been on the todo list for a long time. I also had a night of loooking after the children (with a little help from Tim's mum) and thankfully evryone made it to school on time and I didn't have too many arguments. I did have a comic moment from douglas (who btw is an expeditionist), he was having a shower and had taken all his clothes but his socks off and managed to put one foot into the bath (he had the plug in even though it was a shower) he noticed and then instead of stepping out of the bath so he could take is one wet and one dry sock off, he stepped forward and ended up with two wet socks, I didn't know if I should shout at him of laugh at him!!!

2006-09-05T15:07:00.000Z

create your personalized map of europe
or check out our Barcelona travel guide

2006-09-04T12:56:00.000Z

following in Wendy's footsteps...

My blog is worth $6,209.94.
How much is your blog worth?

2006-09-03T11:32:00.000Z

I'm back in Liverpool again.

I spent the week before th bank holiday weekend in Tim's house. It is nice being able to do that and not just have two days at the weekend.

For the bank holiday weekend I was on guide camp. We did a night hike, camp fire and wide game (a combination of find the flag and a trading game) in the evenings during the day we did woggle making, wood collecting, climbing, archery and shooting, with the girls having lots of time to get used to camping (for most of them it was their first camp). The weather was nice to us, rained the first night and then on the sunday and first thing on monday but most of the tents came down dry.

Been back in Liverpool and the process of sorting meself out has nearly finished (I cheated a little and stuffed stuff into boxes rather than going through it and deciding whether I really needed it). So I cleared my room enough so that I could hoover. It is now looking much better (sitting area at one end with my sofa and chair and sleeping at the other) now I just have to keep it this way.

Tim came to stay on firday (went home first thing this morning to play cricket). I bet when he arrived he didn't think he would have to move a piano? We have a little subsidance problem in the entrence hall. Also managed to buy Tim some curtains for his patio window (which has had normal length one on for ages and they were only £20... I couldn't make them for that cheep. I was after some purple velvet to make capes with put couldn't find any. I have my bridesmaids dress. The skirt bit is nice but I am indifferent to the top, I ain't a fan of being strapless. I had ordered two sizes of each part of the dress coz I never know what I am meant to be with the aim of returning the ones that don't fit. But I still have two tops. Me mum says she will pay for the extra one which we will take apart and use it to adapt the one which I will be wearing so it is more suitable.

We will have a house invaded by Hungarians on Monday. Andras has a place a glasgow school of art so him, Eszter and Noel are moving to the UK. On monday though they will arrive at our house for a stop off and will have with them both of Andras' parents and Eszter's mother. This could be interesting ;-)

Things for me todo this week include playing about with my down quilt, finishing my crocket shawl, sticking things in my scrap books and updating my campfire blog. I'm also thinking about making meself a patchwork blanket.

Next weekend is Tony Hale's 60th birthday so I will be heading to St Albans and then from there I will do a week in London staying with my Aunt. After that I think it is back to Tim's again.

Oh yes, I almost forgot, I applied for a job at Glenbrook guide centre in Derbyshire as the campsite warden/manager. Interviews are in mid October. Fingers crossed.

2006-08-21T19:06:00.000Z

So it is now nearly one month since I left the world of grown up tax paying adult and re-entred the world of skiving dolite. I have certainly been happier since leaving suffolk. Less stress and more chance for me to catch up on my life (with less rushing round).

After leaving Ipswich on the 21st of July I headed to Liverpool, where I unpacked the car and started emptying boxes (my unpacking theory is that if I can see everything I need to put away the process of finding homes for things will become easier- I think this failed as my room still looks like a bomb has hit it, but I am slowly working my way round the room and have already made several trips to the charity shop and filled the wheelie bin). On the Saturday, me, me mum and me dad travelled to Brecon in the Brecon Beacons for a wedding. My friend Danny got married in a cave to Lisa. I got to see Colin too who came back from Oz for the wedding (I will put a picture on flickr of it).

After coming back to Liverpool I did more unpacking on the Sunday. Heather had managed to locate keys to the house and had let herself in (after being back stage at a tony christie concert). Also more prep for the forth coming trip to Sweden. Eric and Gillian plus Tim and his children all turned up for the night and we had my friend Jen over for tea. Twas a full house but good fun.

Sweden was great. I'm still trying to write the journey home (I am being a bit rubbish). Heather and I both agreed we should have done some more forward planning and things would have been easier but we have learnt lessons for our next adverture. Pitures will be on flickr (although not many) when I get round to uploading them (or flickr will let me do it).

Arriving back in the UK I had a w/e at home to do more unpacking/sorting of my life and then off to Mad's for a few days decorating. Mad has a very yellow kitchen, a mint green bath room and two white halls. She also has some very nice curtains if I do say so myself. Mad and Rob's new place is very nice. It is a ground floor flat in a 3 story georgain building (possibly older) and has very generous sized rooms. I had good fun although it was hard work and tiring.

After Mad's I went to harrass Tim for the weekend and got to play in three cricket matches.

Back to Liverpool for a few days to do doctors and dentist plus getting stuff for guide camp including making neckerchiefs (I am still trying to plan the wide game- so far I have two teams (eeyore will collect thistles and poohs will collect honey... any suggests of how to do anymore of this will be greatfully recieved).

On the road again- or the train really and I headed to Saltaire. Not to go and visit Hockney's gallery but to stay with Clr and Philip for a few days. I had great fun. Playing with small children is always fun. At Philip's age it is always good to see what new tricks they learn- crawling, holding his beaker himself andf drinking etc. Philip seems to enjoy my hair too (and glasses).

I returned to Liverpool for an night and did a little more sorting (5 t-shirts in the bag for the charity shop). Then I set off to Tim's (via Mad's to drop of the curtains). I am now in Tim's till friday (reception here is rubbish so if you want me phone use Tim's number). Then I am off to guide camp for the bank holiday weekend. Then back to Liverpool for the dentist (I am getting a new filling and a polish) and hopefully I will finish sorting all my stuff out and my room will be habitable.

2006-08-05T08:31:00.000Z

Sweden was FANTASTIC! just what the doctor ordered I think. I will write a little more when I get though my list of jobs. I'm having a bit of a spring clean. First thing I have to do is find new car insurance (it will be £895 will current provider to move address from red light district in Ipswich to where I am in Liverpool!!!!!).

Heather and I have both written accounts of the journies to and from camp respectively. I will publish both here. Also photos will appear on Flickr when they are back from the printers (if they are any good).

2006-07-20T22:03:00.000Z

Tomorrow is my last day in work, yey!

I was taken out to lunch today to an all you can eat chinese. Much was eaten and drank. And a very good time was had by all.

I have been touched by the number of people who have come up to me in the last few days to say how sorry they are to see me go...

I have been told that there will be a presentation of some sort at mid day. I have to assume I will be getting some sort of present as Alastair was asking about my amazon wish list, since then I was told that he had been charged with getting me a little something. I have also been told to act surprised!

I have had two exit interviews, one offical one with HR and one "unoffical" with the section manager. I was totally frank in both of them but the two people reacted in different manners. More on that when I properly left, that will be after Sweden then!

Finger/joint a damaged/broke a month or so ago is still troubling me. Hopefully a little time away from the key board and cricket balls will do the trick.

Not worked out my journey to the ferry on monday, which has been made more complicated by the fact the ferry is half an hour earlier than I thought (well an hour and a half than I actually thought). I think we will have a housefull on Sunday night, Tim and boys plus Heather and I think that Eric and Gillian may have appeared.

2006-07-19T08:45:00.000Z

Last night it was my last guide meeting with the 13th Ipswich Guides. We had a party. I did some guide related things, we had dancing and musical chairs and lots of not so healthy food. I was well impressed, I got an oggie at the end too.

I did the guides a quiz, 3 sections, one on guiding (all things we had to do for our world badge), one on famous women and one on the colour yellow. I will reproduce the quiz here at some point (probably after Sweden) no one did very well though!

I got presents which surprised me... A lot of the guides came up to me during the meeting and at the end to tell me they would really miss me. Most of them didn't know I was leaving, it had been kept quiet.

We did a finding out about each other game at the start of the night and one of the things to ask was "guiding history," a few of the girls came up to ask me and I told them I was a 132nd Liverpool Guide, the funny thing was they wrote 132nd down as "130 second", surely 11 year old know how to write this?

2006-07-15T08:01:00.000Z

Last night I was very close to punching on of the men who works in my office. I was taking part in the countryside vs archaeology cricket match. I was made to bat at number 5 (I usually go to number 11 because then I don't have to bat) then it was feilding, our side made about 150 in 20 overs so it was a big challenge for the archaeologist. Anyhow they lost. I didn'y bowl. I went at the end of the match to ask why I wasn't bowled and after a discussion with the captain he said "Amy I saw you bowl last year so I assumed you were a batter." He didn't know how close he was to death when he said that!

2006-07-11T13:34:00.000Z

Ok computor people...

How do I set up a blog so that down the side bar, there is a "previous posts" bit. I have looked through everything on blogger and can't seem to find the relevent bit. Help!

2006-06-30T11:42:00.000Z

I am sure I have seen this before, I may have even posted it before but it made me smile when I read it this morning. Thanks to Stevie B for it.

SOCIALISM: You have 2 cows and you give one to your neighbour.

COMMUNISM:You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and gives you some milk.

FASCISM:You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and sells you some milk.

NAZISM: You have 2 cows. The Government takes both and shoots you.

BUREAUCRATISM:You have 2 cows; the Government takes both, shoots one, milks the other and throws the milk away...

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM:You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyze why the cow dropped dead.

A FRENCH CORPORATION:You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION:You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called Cowkimon and market them World-Wide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION:You have two cows. You reengineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION:You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You break for lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION: You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you. You charge others for storing them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the newsman who reported the numbers.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You worship them.

2006-06-26T16:08:00.000Z

I only ask for minimum wage plus expensis.

I can Sew- curtains, cussion covers, trousers, dresses, skirts etc. Do you want something made from scratch or just mended, I can help.

I can decorate. I can turn up and do as I am ordered or I can provide design advice. I can do most basic P and D skills.

I can baby sit. Years of experience.

I can cat sit (thanks for suggesting that Wend).

I can clean- not managed to spring clean for a while... I can do it "how clean is your house" stylie...

2006-06-24T14:43:00.000Z

So after not being very happy in Ipswich for a while, I have handed in my notice. My last day in the office is the 21st of July and I am owed 2.5 days holiday (which has been turned into 3 coz my boss can't be bothered) so I will be getting paid to be on SAGGA camp!!!!

I have no plans for the future, Amy's sewing beautequie will be re opening it's doors as will my Painting and Decorating company and Baby sitting service. No job too small! I am going to see if I can get a job for a couple of days a week to help me cover my car costs.

I don't know what I want to do or where I want to do it... Been looking at re-entering education and doing i a bit of volentry work. However, I would like to spend August reading the books I got for my Birthday and Christmas and have been sitting in a pile since.

2006-06-11T20:23:00.000Z

For those of you interested...
Colin has a blog!

I am sun burnt. I went to watch little peoples cricket and got asked to score, I made sure I was in the shade for the whole match and so didn't think about sun cream. I now how red shoulders (left hand side mainly) and red boobs. I think my choice of clothing may have been better though! Oh well I suppose if I am to get sun burnt it is better to get it over and done with!

2006-06-05T20:49:00.000Z

A meme I got sent in work today

DEPT OF TRANSPORT INITIATIVE RE-LAUNCHED, MAY 2006.

Information Release.

In response to the deteriorating standards of the quality of driving in England the Department of Transport has now devised a new scheme in order to identify poor drivers and give good drivers the opportunity to recognize them whilst driving.

For this reason from May 2006 new regulations will be in force to identify those drivers who are found to be driving badly. The criteria will include such activities such as:

-overtaking in dangerous places;
-hovering within one inch of the car in front;
-stopping sharply;
-speeding in residential areas;
-pulling out without indication;
-performing U turns inappropriately in busy high streets;
-under taking on motorways
-taking up more than one lane in multi lane roads,

These drivers will be issued with flags, white with a red cross, to signify their inability to drive properly. These flags must be clipped to a door of the car and be visible to all other drivers and pedestrians.

Those drivers who have shown particularly poor driving skills will have to display a flag on each side of the car to indicate their greater lack of skill and general lower intelligence to the general public.

Please circulate this to as many other motorists as you can so that drivers and pedestrians will be aware of the meaning of these flags.

Department of Transport.

2006-06-05T20:23:00.000Z

Rant alert...

Homophobic attitutes irritate me a lot. The big question seems to be nature verus nurture. I believe that there isn't a choice over whether you are gay or not, it isn't like religion more akin to race. Would you consider not voting for someone because of the colour of their skin (or religion), I would hope not so why should their sexual orientation come into it? If you are a Gay Tory do your politics views and value differ for someone who is a Straight Tory?

2006-06-03T11:16:00.000Z

So last weekend was the start of my "half term."

Saturday morning we were woken at six by "daddy can I open my presents?" and that was the start of a long day which saw us returning home at 01:30 in the morning. A FANTASTIC wedding was attended. The bride looked fantastic and the groom not so bad himself. Congratulations again Mad and Rob!

Monday I had more exciting news, Hugh has got engaged to Jo but sadly, they wont be getting married at the world Jambouree as suggested but I date will be made in 2008.

Monday was also a trip to the cricket. I had a fun time and I think Tim enjoyed his first professional match. However, Dan wasn't impressed by our sightly inain conversation (Liz was very interested in many bums).

The plan for the rest of the week had been to cycle down to a place called West Dean in West Sussex, however it didn't quite work out. We have done a wee bit of cycling around the Coltswolds (I have a sore bum) and we ended up doing DIY/house sorting.

2006-05-11T20:32:00.000Z

Nitch in meinem hinterhof

Some issues at work have sort of been resolved... At least I've almost got to the bottom of some of the stuff that has been happening. Still not happy though.

I have some photos to share.

Firstly, my baby cousin Tugs (that isn't spelt right though)
Second is me with my cousins Graeme and Maya at Graeme's wedding. I hadn't seen Graeme for over 10 years. What shocked me most about this photo was how un-related we all look. You wouldn't think that they were the children of my mum's brother and sister.

My Jack Straw issue have sort of been resolved, it is rummored that the American's didn't like the way which Jack kept saying that there would be no military action against Iran and so asked for him to be removed so now there is Beckett who is more likely to toe the line.

Other news. Rosemary is getting married!