Sibri's World

How true...

2011-07-24T09:06:00.001+01:00

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Victoria Clock Tower

2011-07-10T18:14:00.003+01:00

Taken at Victoria Shopping Centre

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Victoria Clock Tower

2011-07-10T18:14:00.001+01:00

Taken at Victoria Shopping Centre

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Around the Ol camp fire

2011-07-09T23:29:00.001+01:00

Taken at Gedling

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Lovely people

2011-07-09T19:35:00.001+01:00

Taken at Gedling

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Reunited after 32 years! Great to catch up. We shall overcome :0)

2011-07-08T23:31:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

After today, bring it on!

2011-07-05T19:12:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Nom nom

2011-07-04T18:03:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Untitled

2011-07-03T21:02:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

The Council House

2011-07-03T19:42:00.001+01:00

Taken at Old Market Square

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Fun in the Sun

2011-07-03T19:40:00.001+01:00

Taken at Old Market Square

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Royal Centre

2011-07-03T19:39:00.001+01:00

Taken at Nottingham

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Cheers

2011-07-03T19:01:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Think I have elephantitus... Gotta love eBay

2011-07-01T18:14:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Poppies

2011-06-30T20:42:00.001+01:00

Taken at Portland College

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Meet the new edition to the Ganesh family

2011-06-29T17:57:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

And relax...

2011-06-26T20:00:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

This is the life!

2011-06-26T10:36:00.001+01:00

Taken at The Family Home

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

I must stay out of Ice Nine!

2011-06-25T14:52:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Mmmm gorgeous as well as 2 of my 5 a day

2011-06-23T21:05:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Mandala

2011-06-19T19:53:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

The TriGaneshas

2011-06-19T18:22:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Opposites Attract

2011-06-19T13:35:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Untitled

2011-06-19T13:34:00.001+01:00

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Yin & Yang

2011-06-19T13:32:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Point of conciousness

2011-06-19T13:30:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Aum

2011-06-19T13:28:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Hare Krishna

2011-06-19T13:27:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Lord Ganesha

2011-06-19T13:26:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's Pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Finally got around to posting the May Sum Buddha

2011-06-19T12:31:00.001+01:00

Taken at May Sum Derby

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Buddha

2011-06-18T21:56:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Om Shanti

2011-06-18T21:24:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Peace

2011-06-18T20:51:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Untitled

2011-06-18T20:45:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Meditation

2011-06-18T20:42:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Untitled

2011-06-18T20:36:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Peace

2011-06-18T20:35:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

All that glitters

2011-06-18T19:24:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

Untitled

2011-06-18T19:23:00.001+01:00

Taken at Sibri's pad

Posted via email from Sibri's posterous

I have to say that this company make the best scented candles

2011-06-09T18:34:00.001+01:00

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Zeitgeist - The Movie

2010-12-17T07:02:00.001Z

Just watched a really incredible online movie. It’s a few years old now so you may already be familiar with it. It’s called ‘Zeitgeist – The Movie.’ A lot of people will say it’s nothing more than a whole bunch of conspiracy theories banded together, but a few things ring true for me. So if you have a couple of hours spare take a look and let me know what you think?

http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

There's a ghost in my house, a ghost of your memory...

2010-06-06T09:57:00.001+01:00

At last, caught on camera

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Contacting Aliens 'A Bad Idea', Warns Hawking

2010-04-25T20:16:00.001+01:00

Aliens are very likely out there, according to eminent scientist Stephen Hawking - but we should keep quiet and hope they don't notice us.

Contacting Aliens 'A Bad Idea', Warns Hawking Enlarge photo

In a new documentary for the Discovery Channel, the theoretical physicist warns against making contact with any extra-terrestrials.

Professor Hawking, who retired as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge last year, claims such space life would only abuse Earth's resources and move on.

"We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet," he said.

"I imagine they might exist in massive ships, having used up all the resources from their home planet.

"Such advanced aliens would perhaps become nomads, looking to conquer and colonise whatever planets they can reach."

"If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans."

The documentary, which begins on May 9, explores the British scientist's vision of the universe.

While most aliens were in all probability simple organisms such as microbes, Professor Hawking said it would only take a few intelligent ones to spell disaster for humans.

"To my mathematical brain, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational," he explained.

"The real challenge is to work out what aliens might actually be like."

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Unbelieveable

2010-04-14T19:48:00.001+01:00

Pope's No. 2: Pedophilia linked to homosexuality

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- The Vatican's second-highest authority says the sex scandals haunting the Roman Catholic Church are linked to homosexuality and not celibacy among priests.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state, made the comments during a news conference Monday in Chile, where one of the church's highest-profile pedophile cases involves a priest having sex with young girls.

"Many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy and pedophilia. But many others have demonstrated, I have been told recently, that there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true," said Bertone. "That is the problem."

His comments drew angry reactions from Chile's gay rights advocates.

"Neither Bertone nor the Vatican has the moral authority to give lessons on sexuality," said Rolando Jimenez, president of the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation in Chile.

Jimenez also said no reputable study exists to support the cardinal's claims.

"This is a perverse strategy by the Vatican to shirk its own ethical and legal responsibility by making a spurious and disgusting connection," he said.

At least one of the highest-profile pedophiles in the Chilean church victimized young girls, including a teenager who became pregnant.

At the time, the archbishop of the capital, Santiago, received multiple complaints about Father Jose Andres Aguirre from families concerned for their daughters. But the priest - known to his parishioners as Father Tato - continued serving at a number of Catholic girls schools in the city.

Later the church sent Aguirre out of Chile twice amid abuse allegations. He was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison for abusing 10 teenage girls.

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Guess the film...

2010-04-13T23:05:00.001+01:00

Now I have some instructions for you. I want you to go straight back to the gallery. When you to the gaIlery, tell Jennifer she will be Iooking after things temporarily. She's to give me a ring if there's anything she can't deaI with herseIf. Then go into the office and make out a check for cash for the sum of $5000. Then carefully remove absoluteIy everything that might subsequently remind me that you had ever been there incIuding that yellow thing with the bIue bulbs which you have such an affection for. Then take the check for $5000, which I feel you deserve and get permanentIy Iost.

It's not that I don't want to know you, aIthough I don't.. It's just that I'm afraid
we're not really the sort of peopIe that you can afford to be associated with.

Don't speak.
Just go.

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Things can get a whole lot worse...

2010-04-11T23:08:00.001+01:00

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Zeitgeist – The Movie

2010-04-11T17:26:00.001+01:00

http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

Untitled

2010-04-11T17:11:00.001+01:00

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.

Posted via email from sibri's posterous

2009-09-05T15:18:00.006+01:00

Meeting an Idol

Last night I finally got to see someone who I have admired since 10 years of age and wasn't disaappointed in the slightest!

TOYAH ROCKED!!!!

She made an appearance at The New Forresters in Nottingham to an intimate yet very responsive crowd. She came on at 12.30am and did an hours set, performing her hits both new and old... she brought down the house. She was very funny and extremely down to earth!

My mate Tim and I even got to tell her how brill she was an gave her a kiss in appreciation!

After a 30 year career Toyah Wilcox was as lively and energetic as she has always been, Long may she continue.... I for one, would love to see her perform again.

2009-05-31T16:12:00.004+01:00

An Alter of Peace

I have just created an alter of peace in the corner of my home. I was reading about this in the Psychic's Bible and thought I would give it a try. Whilst creating my alter I also invoked my guardian angel and spirit guide in my home. Hoping my life may take a new direction now.

I wear a coat of angels' breath and warm myself with His love. ~Emme Woodhull-Bäche

2009-05-31T15:26:00.008+01:00

Parents Silver Wedding Anniversary

On Tuesday my parents have been married for 25 years! I can't believe it, it just seems like yesterday since I was a young innocent 13 year old attending there wedding? How can 1984 be a quarter of a century ago? Ed - in case you were wondering, Malc is my step dad!

Anyway, last night was their Silver Anniversary celebration and being as they enjoy live entertainment, they chose Bistro Live! as the venue. As I mentioned in my last blog Mum has been feeling quite unwell (it started last week with her back and leg), during the week she had been to see the nurse, her GP and an osteopath. The GP had perscribed for her a course of co-codamol, but she had been struggling on these tablets and they really took their toll on her during the journey to the club and she was poorly on a couple of occasions. Poor Mum!

I had arrived there at around 7.05pm and the street was already filled with various hen parties all in fancy dress. The club didn't open its door till 7.15pm so I stood outside as more and more mini busses dropped off more hen parties. I got into the club at about 7.20pm and was immediatley shown to our table, I explained that the rest of my party would be arriving shortly and ordered a pint whilst I waited. As I sat there at our large empty table I noticed that so far I was the only man in there, other than the staff of course, so I was relieved when the family arrived at 7.45pm! That made 5 males in total out of 400!

We had a really great night and once Mum had something to eat and drink started to feel a lot better. The meal was lovely and the entertainment was fab, the only downside was the fact that it was extremly noisy in there (well in would be with 400 hens) and so no one could talk to each other. I couldn't even her what was being said to me by the person opposite or next to me.

Once the meal is over, the staff come and clear the tables completely and then they attach some metal bins to the ends of the tables for you to pit your drinks into, as you are encouraged to dance on the tables!!! There is no dancee floor at all, as everyone is packed in so tightly. Needless to say a couple of my sisters were straight up on the table!

We finally left at around 11.30pm and I said my goodbyes and headed home through the packed town! When I got in I wasn't a bit tired and so I popped on the BGT final. Great show... was a little sad for Susan but Diversity were outstanding and very deserving winners! I'm sure Susan will do well out of it all anyway.

2009-05-25T13:02:00.012+01:00

A welcome break!

On Friday I broke up from work for two whole weeks! It was a great start to the holiday as the sun was shining and an action packed weekend loomed!

I went to work for 8.00am, but didn't have to do too much as it was Lisa's wedding shower, so most of the morning was taken up with setting up the room and laying out the food etc. At 10.00am Lisa walked into the room and we all applauded loudly, it was a lovely couple of hours. Before we knew it it was almost 12noon and we all said our goodbyes and went home. I did a bit of shopping in town before Jen arrived at 4.00pm.

Jen and I had a couple of hours before we were due at Tim's house, so we sat and had a cuppa and a catch up. Jen told me all about here new job, that she had just been told she has got at Job Centre Plus - well done Jen!

We talk a walk up to the tram stop for 7.00pm and caught the tram over to Tim's. I really have started to dislike the tram, as every time I catch it these days it is rammed and I have to stand up for the entire journey. Why can't the Net lay on more trams? Why do they naturally allow for people standing? Surely everyone has the right to a seat, as they charge everyone the same price.

We had a lovely evenings at Tim's. It was Jen's first time there, so he gave her the guided tour around. Actually it was the first time I had been there since he had fully furnished the place, so it was nice to see it all completed.

Tim cooked us a gorgeous spag bol with garlic dough balls and for dessert we had fresh strawberries and ice cream.

The rest of the evening was spent listening to music, chatting and polishing of three bottles of white zinfandel and a couple of walnut liqueurs. By midnight the early start to the day and the grog was starting to take effect and we were all nodding off and so we headed to bed.

We woke up around 8.00am and after some breakfast headed back into town. After a bit of shopping in Tescos Tim and Jen came back to mine for some lunch and then in the afternoon Larry came and joined us for a little celebration (Jen and Larry both getting the jobs they wanted).

We had a lovely afternoon of just chilling out and chatting..... Four bottles later Larry and Tim left, leaving Jen and I to get ready for our night out.

We had arranged after the last AA reunion, to meet up with Tony at a later date as Jen couldn't make the last reunion and Tim had arrived after Tony had left. We all met up in Nottingham and had a few drinks in some bars around town. It was really nice just to sit and relax and enjoy the company. We found a lovely little bistro to finish the night off in and found that four hours three and half hours just flew by. Before we new it we were saying our goodbye's to Tony and heading home for a good nights sleep!

On Sunday, we had to be up early as was spending the day with my parents, so I said my goodbyes to Jen and headed off to my parents in Long Eaton. It was a red hot day, and so after our lunch out at the Newdigate we headed over to Highfields for a walk. Mum had been suffering with a bad back for a few weeks and it seemed that yesterday it was worse then ever and so she hoped the walk might do her some good. We took a very gentle walk around the lake and stopped every 5 or 10 minutes so Mum could have a rest.

It was so hot and before I knew it I could feel that my forehead was starting to burn and so we headed back home and sat under the umbrella in the back garden supping some cold beers... bliss!

After tea, I caught he bus home and spent the rest of the evening catching up on Britain's Got Talent - Go Susan!!!!

2009-05-05T16:16:00.007+01:00

A Smashing Time

This weekend my old friend Paul came to stay. It's been a couple of years since his last visit so it was really nice to see him and catch up.

On Saturday we had a walk around town. Paul, although he has been here many times, had never done the 'touristy' things and so we set off with cameras etc and had a walk around the city.

We stopped for some lunch at the Red Hot Buffet Shack which was really nice. In the day it's £6.50 and you get just as much choice as you do during the evening at this particular restaurant.

In the market square we passed some Native American Indians who were performing an incredibly moving song, and so I just had to buy their CD. (It turned out that the track I wanted wasn't on the CD but they kindly swapped it for me the next day).

In the evening we went to the Eviva Taverna (a favourite haunt of ours) and had a really lovely meal and as usual they provided live entertainment for the diners as well. The owner recognised me and I mentioned that I had been going there since 1987 and he gave us free drinks... how kind!

On the Sunday we had some lunch and then went over to Cineworld to see 'Is Anybody There?' The film was okay, but very depressing! Not sure if it's one I would buy on DVD.

I had to work on Bank Holiday Monday. It's the only BH that we have to work as it doesn't fall during a college closure. I told Paul to let himself out when he was ready to head off home, as I left for work that morning. When I returned in the evening I returned to a nightmare!!! For some unknown reason my key was unable to turn the lock. I tried and tried and tried, but it was no use. I was really beginning to panic as it was Bank Holiday Monday and I just didn't know what to do or who to call. In the end I decided to nip down to the basement to Data Control and ask them to contact the Woodlands Security, both of which were really helpful.... NOT!

I managed to get a number for the 24 hour hour emergency repair team, who said they would send a joiner out in the next 4 hours! I contact my mate Daren who lives in the same building and he kindly let me sit there until the joiner arrived an hour or so later.

The joiner tried for 30 minutes unsuccessfully to bust the lock, breaking 3 drill bits along the way, in the end he resulted to using a crow bar which took him a further 15 minutes and leaving this mess...

but at least I was in!

Went with Helen over to see Tim in his new house during the evening. He's got it looking really nice and homely. We all had a good natter and Tim did me some pizza, as I had missed my tea. He also did cakes and biscuits. It was a really nice relaxing evening after a day of stress.

Had to take today off work and after a few failed attempts to get a repair man here I finally got a new lock and the door leg looks a little better. Unfortunately I have to take more time off work as it is a temporary fix until a new door leg can be replaced.

Oh joy!

2009-04-26T20:05:00.011+01:00

A Great Weekend

I thought it was high time that I posted a blog entry! AND being as I have had such a good weekend, why not now?

Yesterday (Saturday) I woke up pretty early and so decided to go and visit the barber when he opened at 8.00am. Whilst I was sat in the chair having my head shaved Larry called to say that he was in the Vicky Centre as so after I Left the barbers I met up with him and we went back to mine for a cuppa and a catch up.

Larry kindly offered to take me out to PC World to help me by a laptop. (I'm hopeless with these things!) As we set off he said that we should have a look in John Lewis... I thought this was a waste of time as they are usually very expensive, but actually it turned out that after doing a few price comparisons they had some really good deals. So after driving to PC world and having a look at a few other places in town, we went back to John Lewis and and I got myself a new Laptop...

However I didn't stop there... I've always wanted an iPod and so ended buying an iPod touch and a docking station too...

Larry helped me set everything up back at mine (I say helped.. he did everything, whilst I went to Gregs to get us some lunch).

In the afternoon I went over to Tim's new house to offer some help with the move. By the time I got there they were on the last run, so I helped unload the van and I also put together a clothes stand for him (get me Mister DIY!). Tim's house is lovely and I have a feeling that he would be very happy there. I can't wait to see it when he has everything sorted. I left about 4.30pm and caught a tram back into town, listening to my new iPod ;0)

Last night was the American Adventure reunion. We had had one 2 years ago to mark the 20 year anniversary and decided then that we should meet up again every couple of years. Tim was running a bit behind with the move, so I decided to catch a bus out to Ilkeston and meet up with him there. However, as I was leaving for the bus I got a text from Tony to see if I wanted a lift, so we ended up traveling there together.

We arrived around 7.45pm and as soon as we walked in we were greeted by everyone. It was great, everyone was hugging each other and saying things like "Do you remember me?" and "Oh My God" there were even some faces this time that were unable to come to the 20 year reunion and it was so nice to catch up with them too. The drinks were coming fast and furious and for the next few hours we all sat around looking at old photos and laughing histerically at the old stories and memories that the various people had. Not to mention the fact that we were all getting extremley drunk. It was a really good turn out, but just like last time people seem to split into groups. Before we knew it people were starting to leave and a realised that Tim hadn't even arrived yet. Daryl had waited to see Tim but had to leave about 10.15pm as he had to pick his kids up and drive back to Leeds. Tim arrived at around 10.30pm and there was still a fairly small number of us left... we stayed till about 11.30pm. It was such a lovely evening, but like all reunions it was also bitter-sweet one as you start to think about where the time has gone and you also see people getting older.

Gill, Maegaret and Jayne

Darryl

Tony & Andy

Jayne, Gill and Darryl

Alison, Adrian and Andy

Margaret, Gill and Jayne

Today I played some more with my new laptop and iPod and then met up with Tim in town for a spot of lunch and a couple of beers. Then I headed over to Larry's to help him with an application form for work. Why he asked for my help I'll never know, as it was absolutley brilliant!

The rest of the evening was spent donloading all my CD's onto my iPod.

All in all a very enjoyable weekend. Must have an early night tonight as me and Larry are off to
London in the morning to attend a conference on disability in FE so another long day lies ahead ;0)

2009-02-15T22:18:00.018Z

Light Night

On Friday I should've been going to a local spiritual development group, but had been suffering with an upset stomach in the afternoon, so decided it was best not to risk it. At about 6.30pm I decided to go out to the nearest late night chemist to stock up on supplies.

As I left Victoria Centre I could hear a lot of music and singing and the sky over the Market Place was illuminated in a beutiful pinky purple colour, so I headed off to see what was taking place.

It never ceases to amaze me that altough I live in the city centre I never tend to find out what is happening in town until after the event.

As I approached the Market Place I noticed that it was jam packed full of people singing and dancing along to a band that was performing on a stage... This I later found out was the second night of Light Night.

I had a walk around and soaked up some of the atmosphere. It was great to see all these people gathered togeather enjoying the event and having fun. I would've stayed a lot longer but I did need the chemist and it was bittertly cold... even Brian was wearing a pullover...

I don't know how they managed to get that onto him????

The fab steel band outside St Mary's

Thought

When ego is out of the way it is very important to create an atmosphere of harmony

2009-02-01T07:43:00.004Z

Where have I been???

Nowhere! I've just been incredibly lazy if I am honest! I probably wouldn't be writing now, if it wasn't for the fact that I have been awake since 6.00am on a Sunday morning, with nothing to do. ;0)

I had a great Christmas, hectic and noisy, but still great!

My new job is going really well, and both my bosses say that they are really pleased with me, do that's good. I now feel like I know what I am doing!

You may have noticed that I have stopped doing a film blog? Well, I just thought it would be easier to mention them through here, as and when I had seen one worth recommending. The only one I would recommend so far this year would be 'Milk' it's an incredible film, that's both deeply moving and inspirational... check it out..

Trailer - click HERE

Okay, well I promise to post more... I guess I have to get more of a life, so that I actually have something to blog about!

Thought

The history of the world is created from individual actions, as is the future of the world.

2008-11-23T19:31:00.010Z

I've found my vocation

Well, maybe not... but I have had a really good day and was told that I made a really good Santa, I also raised over £200 for the college, which wasn't bad for £3 entry into the Grotto.

The Christmas fair went well considering what the weather was like at the beginning of the day today.

Here of some pictures of the Grotto...

Santa's little helper

The Chad also came along and took a few pics, so I may find myself in the paper this week. I'll post a copy if I do!

On to other things....

The new job is going well, although there is an awful amount of work to take on and I do feel a little overloaded at the moment, but people tell me it's always like this when learning a new role! If you had asked me a week and a half ago how it was going I think I would've burst into tears... probably why I didn't blog!

On Friday I went to the 'Visible and Valued' conference in London to pick up a training DVD on LGB issues in FE. So I will be holding a meeting at work this week to launch the DVD and plan how we can roll it out for 2009. It was such a better trip than my last jaunt to London. I walked to the station at around 7.00am, passing through the sqaure which looked lovely all lit up. I had gone along on the previous Wednesday to the switching on of the Christmas lights, but it was so busy that I didn't really see much!!! So it was nice to go again at this hour when there was hardly anyone around.

I caught the 7.30am train and it was nice and quiet for a change, I had some breakfast from the buffet station and I arrived in London St Pancras at 9.05am. I was amazed at how quickly it took, mind you it did only stop twice. The venue was literally a 2 minute walk from the station, I could believe how close it was. The room we were in was a big old Victorian hall and was very grand! Jen was also in London on this day and we had hoped to meet up, but you know what London is like, you might as well be in another city altogether if you are not in the same area!

I left a little bit earlier than expected and managed to catch the 3.55pm train to Nottingham (the joy of an open ticket!) Tim text me when I was making my way to the station to see if I was up to anything that night and being as I wasn't we decided to go out to a bit to eat. I got home at about 6.00pm and Tim came over at around 7.30pm. We ended up going to the Flaming Dragon. I really like it there, you do pay a little bit more but the quality is so much better than others in the area. I had tempanyaki, and loved it! We went back to mine for some wine and I finally got to bed at around midnight.... exhausted!

Yesterday I spent the whole day christmas shopping..... nuff said!

Thought

Live in such a way, that love informs every action!

2008-11-20T22:21:00.003Z

Guess Who????

Be the first to read all about it.... new blog entry coming soon!!!!

2008-10-28T13:30:00.019Z

Sods Law!

After a very stressful end of term and preparing for leaving the department I was really looking forward to a week off work. I bought a box set (One Foot In The Grave - Complete Collection), got some books and planned to spend time with friends and family.... bliss.

However, I am sat her with what appears to be the flu!!!

In one sense I am glad it's come this week, as I would hate to be poorly next week when I start my new role.

Like I said, last week was manic as I had to move all my files and belongings to the two new offices that I would be occupying (both of which are at opposite ends of the campus) and set them up, as well as help the remaining admin staff move three offices into one, as they are having an admin pool. That and try to handover all my work to Lynn, who will be trying to pick it up until my replacement starts. I don't think I went home before 7.00pm any night last week. I wouldn'y mind too much but I start at 7.00am!

Sam, who I shared my old office with also left on that day. She is going to a new job altogether, so at 12.00pm we all finished work and headed for The Rushley for a pint and a meal. It was lovely just to relax with friends after what has been a difficult half term. I caught the bus home at around 2pm.

I did a bit of shopping and then I got ready to go to the Diwali celebrations at the Brahma Kumaris center. I wanted to get there early so decided to go on the 6.15pm bus, only it never came and so I stood in the freezing cold for over half an hour (I think this is where I might of caught my death) for the next bus. When I arrived at the center it was packed solid so I took a seat right at the back. Although I couldn't see anything I still enjoyed the talks, the songs and the candlelit meditations! The room was decorated beautifully and the food was something else!

Towards the end of the evening I started to feel achy and heavy headed, and was so relieved when Helen and Nigel offered to run me home. I felt bad as it was out of there way. I did say that I was fine to catch the bus, but they insisted.

I woke on Saturday at 5.00am having had a night of weird dreams! (a common occurance with me whenever I am under the weather) I spent the day watching my DVD box set and last nights TV whilst trying to keep warm under my duvet.

On Sunday I caught the bus to my parents house. I didn't want to tell Mum that I was unwell as for some reason she gets very upset and this manifests itself as anger!!! Don't ask me why? But as kids the three of us learned very quickly that unless you were on deaths door you didn't tell Mum that you were unwell!

We went out to the carvery at West Hallam and had a lovely meal. Tracey and Phil came over in the afternoon with the kids and we all watched a DVD. Mum bought me a box of wine gums as a treat for the movie... yes, she feeds my wine gum addiction!

On Monday, my sister and her friend Helen came into town and so we went and did a bit of Christmas shopping. They took me into Primark and I can honestly say that this was the worst experience of my life... forget falling off the back of my parents sofa and landing in a split position resulting in a hernia in1974 at the the age of three, forget almost drowning in a lake in 1987, forget having a breakdown in 2001... have you ever been in Primark during half term week with flu waiting for two women who want to look at every item of clothing under £4???? HELL!!!!!

Anyway.... breath out.... we then went to Gregs and back to mine for coffee and lunch. Whilst I opened my belated birthday pressies from my sis and nephew... a watch, some wine and mens deodorants!

In the evening, I felt worse than ever, but decided to fight through it and I made the effort to attend the last Raja Yoga class. I'm really glad I did as I didn't want to miss the last one of a 13 week course when I had not missed a single one. We talked about *Murlis and about compassion and it was a really interesting evening. I felt very looked after after as Latta gave me some warm cider vinegar and got me to sip it slowly. It really did the trick!

On Tuesday my friend Louise came over for lunch. She brought some Subways with her and I roasted some fresh ground coffee and then we sat and hatted for about an hour, before she had to get back to work. by now my flu was in full force, but I gathered all my strength and went to Holland & Barret when she left and bought some Apple Cider Vinegar (the Elixir of life, apparently) and some Beechams Honey and Lemon. My god are they gorgeous!!! I quite dislike Beechams Hot Lemons as they make me feel sick, but are very effective, so I was looking for the blackcurrant variety but they didn't have any. A blessing in disguise it turns out, as the honey and lemon ones are to die for! I was amazed that Victoria Centre had already put its decorations and tree up! But it did put me in the mood, so I did a small amount of Christmas shopping... mainly wrapping paper etc.

On Wednesday I got up and caught the bus over to Derby. I had planned to spend a couple of days with Jen and I was pleased that I was well enough to still be able to do it! Jen met me off the bus and we went and had some lunch at May Sum. It was the first proper meal I had had for a few days, but was still feeling delicate so didn't over do it. I even had a fruit course! The food was all lovely and Jen sat and chatted to me about her holiday experiences. Jen and I have decided that we will take ourselves on a long weekend next year.... so watch this space.

Spot the difference

After lunch we took a walk back to Jen's and I sank into my usual armchair with a mug of Lemsip! Jen had dug out all her old photo albums, and we spent the next three and a half hours going through them and laughing at the antics we got up to. A lot of them were of our Rocky Horror Show or the rehearsals for it, but there were a lot also from when Jen and I shared a little flat together 21 years ago, when we both worked at the American Adventure. It was such a blast and I loved every minute of going through her albums and Jen was so kind in copying all the ones I wanted for me. Here are a selection...

How young, slim and good looking was I? Plus I had hair!

Jen after one of our parties at the old flat - Christmas 88

Rocky Horror after show party- I had legs then!

Halloween 88, okay I'd better stop here!

Jen and I drank a bottle of taboo between us as we spent the rest of the evening chatting and watching the National TV Awards (Did you hear the David Tennant shocker????).

I was stuck to my seat all evening as for some reason Jen's cats took an instant liking to me...

I went to bed at around 1.00am as I was starting to feel rubbish again, but I managed to sleep for about 8 solid hours, which was really good. I was still feeling rubbish when I got up so Jen kindly walked me back to the bus station in the morning. I did a bit of shopping, enough to last a few days, as my intention now is not to leave the house until I feel better. I CANNOT be ill for work next week!

Thought

Take care of yourself with understanding and love, and make sure that you never compromise your own spiritual growth.

*From the Hindi word for flute, as seen pictured symbolically in the hands of Krishna, the BK Murlis are the closest thing to scripture within the BK religion. The are considered to be the words of God, i.e. Shiva, as spoken through the medium of Brahma Baba. All the primary BK teachings come from the Murlis. The BK Murlis, especially Sakar Murlis are not widely available to the public. One must go to a BK center to hear them spoken or to read a copy. BK "students" hear a Murli every morning at around 6.30 am.

2008-10-19T16:13:00.003+01:00

Curry Night

Firstly let me start off by saying that I had an absolutely lovely birthday this year. I arrived at work at 7.00am to be greeted with a bottle of JD on my desk from my boss. (how much better can a day begin?) I received lots and lots of lovely pressies and cards from my work colleagues, Not to mention all the ones I had received from family and friends when I woke up that morning. I even received two birthday cakes! My good friend Louise came over in the evening to see me and we chatted for hours and had the odd glass or two of wine. The only downside was having a throat and ear viral infection, which meant that I couldn't really swallow anything without suffering an immense amount of pain.

I made up for that on Friday though when my mate Tim took me for a fabulous birthday meal to a Carvery at Colwick. It was the first proper meal I had had for about 4 days so I really went to town, especially with the roast parsnips! After the meal we spent a lovely night at Helen and Nigel's house, with nibbles and good conversation. They had also kindly bought me a book for my birthday called Intune with the Infinite by Ralph Waldo Trine. It was the first time I had ever been to their house and it was lovely just till chat about all sorts of things. I couldn't believe it when I looked at my phone and saw that it was after midnight!!!

Last night was Curry Night at work, as my colleague Sam had organised some entertainment for the event she was given two free tickets by the catering team. Being as her hubby was on nights and doesn't eat curry anyway, she asked me if I would go with her. During the day I had convinced myself for some reason that I wouldn't enjoy it, but I decided to give it a whirl. Then after ripping my face to bits with a cheap razor I was even more reluctant to go, but I moped off to catch the bus at 6.45pm.

As I arrived I was amazed at how big the event was! They had used the whole of the Woodlands area. (normally reserved for the annual student awards ceremony of the staff Christmas party). It was huge! There was a full DJ box and dance floor and enough tables and chairs to seat around 150 -200 people.

Sam and I had been seated on a table for eight, which was really good as we knew some of the people we were with, such as Karen (who came out with me last week for my birthday) and a lady called Rachael who I always got on well with at work, and both their partners. there was also a couple who were not from work, but enjoyed coming to the events.

Karen and Partner and Sam

Rachael and Partner

The food was delicious, there were a choice of around eight curries, I was tempted to have the Thai Green Prawn Curry but instead went for the Chicken Passanda with chips and rice and a gorgeous garlic and coriander naan. There were poppadoms and pickle trays to start with also.

Everyone enjoyed the disco, but after only four pints I wasn't brave enough to get up and strut my stuff!

I left at around 10.30pm to catch the bus, as I didn't fancy the last bus with all the drunks!

Thought

To follow someone else's truth is a trap. The best strategy is to know your own truth, face it and live by it. Others may inspire, guide, give you directions, but ultimately you have to cut your own way through the jungle. You could always be asking others where North is, and they will tell you. Someone will say North is this way and someone else that North is that other way - and both would have been sincere. But you alone has to find your true North.

2008-10-12T15:12:00.006+01:00

Leaving/Birthday Bash

Being as I am leaving my current role and department at work and that it's my Birthday this week, I decided to combine the two and invite friends along (both from work and outside work) for a night out. I invited 16 friends in all but only half could make it due to one reason or another. That said, 8 was a really good number as we were all able to chat to one another and have a really good time. In fact it turned out to be one of the best Birthday nights out I've ever had.

I had had a bit of a dilemma, as I had ordered a shirt online ages ago to wear for the occasion, but as it turned out there was an error with my address and it ever arrived. To cut a very long story short, I spoke to a manager at Home Shopping Direct who was looking into it and basically told me that I wouldn't be getting it in time as A) the order was lost and B) they were now out of stock. I didn't have a lot of money and wanted to save as much as I could for going out, but yesterday morning I went into town and managed to get a nice one in a sale for £22. I got home and guess what? Within two hours I had received my delivery and there was my missing shirt! Sod's law I guess!

Jen arrived around 4pm and we had a glass of wine. Jen kindly agreed to cut my hair for me. I needed a number one all over and Jen was brave enough to except the challenge!!! I could tell she was really nervous but she was really gentle and made a really good job of it! Thanks again Jen!

Larry arrived at 6pm with a couple more bottles of wine and he introduced himself to Jen. I was amazed at how quickly they both hit it off and both of them said to me (when the other was out of the room) how much they liked each other. I always get a bit apprehensive when two of my worlds meet, so I was really pleased. I popped on the itunes and we chatted whilst sipping wine and waiting for the others to arrive. Joolz text at around 7.45pm to say that they had just parked up across the road, so we drunk up and then went over to meet Louise, Karen, Sam, Joolz and Tom. I introduced Jen to everyone that she didn't know and we then took a walk up to 'The Curry Lounge.' It was very busy inside and the place had a great atmosphere and the interior was lovely. We were taken to our table and we all made our choices. Don't ask me what I had as I cannot remember. No, I wasn't drunk, I just have a very poor memory of the names of Indian dishes.

Although the portion sizes are very small and that it is quite expensive, the food was really nice. There were a few down sides, such as they forgot to bring a side dish, the chicken in my starter was pink, and when we complained was told "It's meant to be like that, trust me" (is chicken ever meant to be pink?) and Louise also found a hair in her naan bread, but chose not to complain for fear of the same response. I don't have food poisoning today, so who knows? The plus sides was that they were very friendly and gave me a complimentary drink (JD and Coke) and also a small birthday cake with a candle in the top!

We left the restaurant at around 10.30pm and walked into the town center. We called for a few drinks at Tantra and Ha Ha bar before settling in the Lord Roberts. It was very quiet in there so we were able to all sit around a table and chat. We were all pretty merry by this point (except for Tom who had drawn the short straw and was driving) and were being quite loud!!! We also fell about in fits of laughter when Karen decided to go to the toilet and dropped her shall, this isn't funny in itself, but it was obviously connected to an extremly long and invisible thread, so was following her through the pub and all the way to the loo. (You just had to have been there!).

At around 1.00am we decided it was probably time to call it a night, when Larry decided we needed to have one more for the road and ordered a round of shots! I had already gone onto juice as I had already consumed 11 alcoholic drinks and was starting to get a bad head! Larry returned with a shot for everyone, which we all downed in one. I'm not sure what it was but it tasted of aniseed. We left the pub a few minutes later and said our goodbyes. Jen and I got in just before 1.30am and I think I fell straight to sleep pretty much as soon as my head hit the pillow!

It was a really good night and everyone there said that they had really enjoyed it!

Thought

The one who is content is creative and thereby successful.

2008-09-27T17:20:00.006+01:00

Mini Update

I realise it's been a while since I last posted. Been really really busy, both at work and not. Not much to report really other than I have a new phone...

After a complete farce in trying to get it delivered to the correct address (too long and boring a story to go into here, but needless to say I have been given a free month for my troubles) I finally got it a couple of days ago. I now have a Nokia 6500 slider, 1000 texts a month and 100 minutes talk time all for just £20 a month!!! I'm finding new features all the time and the camera is quite decent too...

this was taken at the Lakeside last night when me and my mate Larry called in for a well earned drink on the way home from work!

Tonight I am doing dinner for Sam (the lady I share an office with) and then we are going to see 'The Boy In The Striped Pajamas'... so check out my film blog tomorrow!

Thought

A good method to remain happy and to make others happy is to remain flexible and to adjust yourself to different people's personalities and opinions.

2008-09-14T11:27:00.008+01:00

New Job and a Trip to London

It seems like a lot has happened since I last posted. The first bit of good news is that I was successful in my application for the post of PA to the Assistant Principals. I wasn't the only one to apply, so I spent all last weekend worrying over my pending interview and presentation etc only to find out on the Monday that the other applicant hadn't been selected for interview.... Phew!

So after a very informal chat with the two AP's they made me an offer and hey presto the job is mine. It looks like it will take effect after the half term holiday, as there are 3 of us leaving from the admin department (the other two taking up external positions) and so it is hoped they can replace some internally and I can train them up.

On Thursday of this week I had to travel to London for a time management course taking place on Friday. I had requested this training during my last appraisal in June. I hate London, I really do! and every time I go there is always some sort of disaster and I say to myself... Never again!

It started in Nottingham. I was surprised to see the 5.30pm train standing in the station as I arrived at 5.00pm. I got on and made myself comfortable at a tabled seat and got out my latest Paulo Coelho book... bliss! People started filtering through the carriage and taking their seats. I got so engrossed into my book that I hadn't even noticed the time and the fact that the train was still sat in the station at 5.45pm! A few minutes later a voice came over the tannoy to sat that there was a man sitting on the track just outside Nottingham station and was refusing to move!

Great!!!

6.00pm - Voice returns saying that they were unable to remove the man as this is considered an infringement of his human rights! However, they were now waiting for the British Rail Police to come and arrest him and then we would be on our way.

6.15pm - Man arrested and charged... we are now in a queue and would be leaving shortly.

6.35pm we are on our way and would now be arriving at St Pancras at 7.55pm instead of 6.50pm.

7.40pm - Voice comes back saying that due to the fire in the channel tunnel today (fire, what fire?) St Pancras is extremely busy and for us to take extra care....

... 7.58pm - We arrive.... no kidding is St Pancras busy!!!! it's a circus! people pushing and shoving, TV camera crews, total bedlam!

On another note, I was very impressed with the new look station, especially now that you don't have to leave the station and go across to Kings Cross for the underground. I knew my hotel was close by but not knowing London and as time was now getting on I queued to buy my ticket... £4 for just 2 stops! I made a mental note to walk back tomorrow in the daylight!

The underground was just as awful as I remembered it to be. Just two stops later and I arrived at Holborn, I put my ticket into the turnstile feeder only to find it didn't come out the other end... apparently they don't for single fares. I explained that I needed it for expenses and the very kind guard unlocked it and gave it me back. I took advantage of his kindness and asked if he would point me in the direction of my hotel on Drury Lane. He said it was the third street on the left and that it was just 2 minutes walk.... yaaay... something is going right at last!!!

Not quite! I arrive at the hotel at 8.15pm and am told that being as I have arrived after 8.00pm my room has been given away!!! WHAT???... excuse me, it's booked and paid for!!! "Not to worry sir" says the receptionist, we can accommodate you at our sister hotel across the road. Needless to say I was fuming!

As it turns out the hotel is just a couple of minutes walk and the room was stunning! One corner of the room was completely made from glass, from ceiling to floor, with a great view of London!

I iron my shirt for the next day, have two cups of coffee (much needed) and sink into the white linen sheeted bed watching the plasma TV on the wall... the next thing I know is it's 7.00am!

A soak in the bath and 30 minutes later I have checked out and in search of somewhere nice to have breakfast... I pass the training venue, a few yards from the hotel and decide not to wander to far... I'm sure there will be a lovely little place to eat close by? Where do I end up? Burger King!!!

The course itself was excellent! and I can happily recommend Reed Training to anyone who requires effective and worthwhile training. Their venue in London is very modern and sleek and they provided a top nosh lunch! There was ten of us on the course and during the days events I delivered two presentations! I didn't even feel nervous! We put into practice Covey's Priority Matrix, how to say 'NO' and the art of delegation. All things that I will hopefully find useful in my new role.

The course finished at around 4.15pm and I knew I had over 3 hours to kill, as my train wasn't until 7.30pm. A very kind lady from the course called Genna pointed me in the direction towards St Pancras and approx 20 mins later I was there.

I had some tea (a baguette) and then took up residence in the Starbucks across from the station and carried on reading my book for about 2 hours. Many people were sat in there doing the same or typing away furiously on their laptops. London eh?

One observation I made was that not only was everyone in London in such a rush, but a lot of them are really quite rude! They push and shove and have absolutely no patience or manners at all... I would list a few examples but there are far too many!!

At 6.50pm I made my way over to St Pancras and notice that there was a train to Nottingham boarding, I asked a lady checking tickets if I could get on and was told that I could not as my ticket was for 'Off-Peak' times... I asked if this was not an off-peak time and she tells me that no it wasn't, as off-peak times are after 7.00pm... I look at the clock... it's 6.57pm... the whistle blows and the train leaves... I won't type the words that went through my mind!

When the platform number flashed up on the giant screen for the Nottingham train, all hell broke loose, and everyone in place just rushed forward. I thought to myself 'if you can't beat em, join em' and pushed my way through to the platform and boarded the train. I was stuck by people standing in the isles putting their bags into the overhead compartments, smug that they had managed to bag a seat! When the lady in front of me sat down I noticed a nice two seater a few yards ahead... I aim straight for it, only to find myself flat on my face having tripped over the lady's bag who had just sat down! Did I receive an apology... did I heck as like! What I did get was a mouthful of abuse and words somewhere along the line's of " Why can't you just bloody wait" to which I reminded her that "most normal people stow their bags away first before sitting down". Well, I meant to say that.... what came out of my mouth was something else entirely... oh dear.... bad Buddha!

I sit down, embarrassed, sore, tired and fed up. A young lad sits next to me and the train fills up to bursting point. Then the voice of doom comes over the tannoy..."Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we would like to apologise to passengers as this train only has 5 carriages this evening instead of it's normal 10, we would ask that some of you alight this train and wait for the 8.05pm train, which will be making fewer stops and should be less busy" No one moved .... myself included, and so the cattle train chugged along, unbearably hot and sweaty all the way to Nottingham, arriving at 9.40pm

I left Nottingham station and that's when the heavens opened....I arrive home at 10.00pm soaked to the bone.

I would say never again (as I usually do). But alas I am booked into a conference in London in November. It can't be much worse than this though surely????

Thought

If things are not going right, despite that you feel you are doing the right thing, consider it a means to make you strong.

2008-09-04T18:42:00.000+01:00

Resent Not

There are no justified resentments. To resent someone is to fall under the illusion that they are the cause of our suffering. No one can die from a snake bite. It's the poison that kills them. You may receive the poison of another's words, or even just in a glance, but you don't have to absorb it or allow it free passage through the veins of your consciousness. The consequence of not absorbing the poison of others is you never experience enmity towards others. And people notice when you have absolutely no enmity. It draws them close, it empowers them, it builds trust, it enables harmony to break out! It is only because the lion has no thought of killing the lamb that the lamb feels able to come so close.

2008-08-31T11:16:00.002+01:00

ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT!

A friend sent me the link to this shocking and disturbing report. It is over nine minutes long, but I would urge you to watch it till the end.

2008-08-24T18:57:00.009+01:00

A Good Bank Holiday Weekend So Far

On Friday Jen came to stay. I love it when Jen comes, as she is one of my oldest and dearest friends and we just talk about everything and anything. It doesn't matter if moments of silence pass between us, as true friends are naturally comfortable with that, however from the moment we met up till the moment Jen caught her bus home on Saturday we chatted about, life, the universe and everything (not quire the fact that it is 42, but you get the picture?).

I went to the dentist on Friday and was only in there for a matter of minutes. My intention was to run down to Specsavers afterwards to collect my contact lenses and then hop over to Victoria Centre to meet Jen off the bus... But as I was coming out of the Dentist the heavens opened and within minutes I was soaked to the bone. Jen had text to say she was on the Bus and had also gotten soaked in Derby. I rang Jen and asked her to get off the bus at May Sum, as we had decided to try it out for lunch and I thought we could take shelter there also. May Sum has been open for about two weeks and is situated right next to Big Wok, which I thought was very strange. I did enjoy my meal but would definitely not go there again. They had no prices up, so we didn't have a clue what we were going to be charged. BW charge 4.99 for lunch so I thought it wouldn't be more than that.... wrong... £6.50 and £2.00 for drinks! Not very good business sense!!! Especially as they only had half the dishes of BW and no chocolate fountain working. But Jen and I were both pleased that we tried it out. I only had one main meal, so maybe these slimming pills are working after all???

In the afternoon Jen and I just sat and relaxed and chatted away over a few drinks. In the evening Tim came and we chatted over a couple of bottles of red and then watched the BB Eviction.

Jen and I went to bed at around midnight and lay chatting for an hour or two. I had a really weird nights sleep, it took me hours to drift off and then all night long I drifting in and out of sleep. I felt bad as by the time I woke up in the morning, Jen had been up ages and was having to entertain herself. I made some fresh coffee and toast and then Jen left around 1pm.

Today I have spent the day with my parents, which is always a treat. We went to the Newdigate Arms in West Hallam and had a Carvery lunch and then took a ride out to Highfields for a leisurely walk around the lake and grounds. There were lots of wildlife and we even found some very friendly squirrels that eat nuts out of our hands. Malc and I had a game on the putting green and he beat me 14 holes to 4.... the shame! We sat and had an ice cream in the sunshine and then headed back to my parents house for tea, before I caught the bus home at 6pm.

At The Newdigate Inn

Tiger Woods

Highfields (Notts University)

Friendly Squirrels

Thought

Honesty and humility give happiness, whereas falsehood and ego take it away.

2008-08-23T12:19:00.004+01:00

Tina Turner Chanting

I have always been amazed at this footage and how fast Tina can recite the first prayer of Gongyo. Thought I'd share it with you ...

Thought

What ever you do, you are creating your own future

2008-08-17T17:49:00.023+01:00

Sun, Sea, Sand and....

...yeah right!

As many of you who regularly read this blog know, for two days each summer I join my parents at their hotel in Skegness. It's always a nice break away and used as a time to relax and recharge my batteries. However, each time I go I reaffirm to myself that two days is more than enough! Don't get me wrong, Skeggy is an okay kinds place, but after going there year in year out it does become a bit 'same old, same old' if you know what I mean?

I set off for the train station at 6.30am for the 07.59 train (why not make it 8.00am?). At first I panicked as I noticed that there were a lot of people waiting and only one small carriage, then a few moments later two more carriages came along and attached themselves. This wasn't really needed in the end, as the train was only half full but did make for a comfortable journey. It annoyed me that the staff on the train didn't open the doors and let people board, until a minute before they were due to set off, despite people queuing!

It hardly seem like a year since the big fire that destroyed a lot of the promenade and all that remains now is a vast empty space that is boarded up!

I met up with my parents at the train station at 9.45am and we went and got some breakfast! Then it was off to the hotel to check in and take my bag up to my room.

Our Hotel

I have always liked this hotel, as the rooms have great views of the sea front. It's just a shame that this has now being spoiled somewhat by the hundreds of wind turbines that have appeared.

I had mentioned to my Mum that after all the years of going to Skegness, I had never been to the Seal Sanctuary, so we decided to go there first as we were meeting up with my older sister at 1pm. It was only £6 to get in and it was much better than I was expecting. There were a lot of people gathered around the seal pool as it was feeding time when we arrived. We were able to see the end of that and was just in time to see the penguins being fed and also the baby seals.

The lady told us how a few of the baby seals had only just come out of the seal hospital and how some of them were brought to the seal sanctuary in the most appalling conditions... it really did bring a tear to my eye. She explained that they were a charity and that the did all of this voluntary and asked if we could support by purchasing car stickers, pens etc for a pound each. It didn't seem much, so I bought a pen and a note pan. Malc bought a car sticker.

Poorly seal in hospital

We walked around the rest of the sanctuary and looked at the goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc and also had a look in the tropical area, were they had a butterfly avery, tropical birds, alligators, scorpions, tarantulas and iguanas etc. It was really good and well worth checking out if you are that way!

eeeew

We met up with my sister at 1pm and being as it was so hot, headed for the beach for a couple of hours. It really was like being abroad, especially when my Mum bought me a Malibu slush! Mmmm

My sister caught the 5pm train home and we headed back the the hotel for dinner. In the evening we headed to Chapel St Leonards to the Club Tropicana, which we do every year.... mainly for the cash bingo! lol

Parents at Club Tropicana (the drinks weren't free!)

The next day (Friday) was even hotter!!! Mum went to have her hair done, so me and Malc had a look around the shops. When Mum was ready we took a ride over to Ingoldmells and had a walk around the Eastgate Market at Fantasy Island. Mum treated me to a winter coat, bless her, and I bought a few bits and bobs for home. We walked up to the sea front and had some nice healthy seafood for lunch!

We sat for a couple of hours on the beach and then had a wander around the shops before heading back to the hotel for a rest before dinner. I lay on my bed and finished my latest Paulo Coelho book 'Veronika Decides to Die' an excellent read and is to become a film next year starring Sarah Michelle Gellar (that'll please someone I know).

On Saturday morning I was woken up at the ridiculous time of 6.20am by my extremely noisy and inconsiderate neighbours....MY PARENTS!!! The sun was already shining so I decided to get up, have a shower and have a walk along the sea front before breakfast! It was great, so peaceful, in fact the only people around were the men with metal detectors and a JCB combing the sand on the beach (obviously working in partnership).

I walked and sat, walked ans sat until it was time to go back to the hotel for breakfast at 8.30am, by 9.15 we were on our way home! Another year bites the dust!

Thought

Patience and Peace are like the Mother and Father of Love

2008-08-13T21:44:00.011+01:00

Raksha Bandhan

A couple of weeks ago I received an invitation in the post from the BKWSU (The place where I attend my weekly Raja Meditation class) to attend their annual Raksha Bandhan celebrations. You know me, love anything like that, so I accepted. We were asked to be there for 6pm as this was the time that dinner was being served. My bus got me to the centre at around 5.50pm and there were already a lot of people gathering in the meditation room chatting in hushed voice whilst some were just sat listening to the soothing music.

Dead on 6pm, Lata greeted us all and asked if we would go into the back garden as dinner was ready. I text Tim and asked him if he was on his way and he said that he was. There was a lot more people gathering in the back garden so I got my food and waited around the front for Tim. The meal was gorgeous! A lovely vegetarian dish and lot's of variety and to top it off, a tub of Indian ice cream.

Tim arrived at about 6.30pm and got his food and we stood in the front garden with some others enjoying the sunshine. So many people were arriving and I was worried that we wouldn't get a seat in the meditation room, so I went in and saved us a couple of seats. I'm glad I did as people were having to sit on the floor.

The ceremony kicked off at about 7pm with a meditation and then a lady from London who was issuing the Rakhi's (a golden thread to be worn on the wrist for protection) explained to us the traditions of the ceremony.

I must admit when it began I was a little apprehensive and nervous as we were told that when we felt ready, we had to leave our seats and kneel on the floor in a queue for the front and then once at the front we had to sit on a stool and stare at the forehead of the lady (this is where the Brahma Kumaris believe the soul resides) and she does the same to you. After a few moments she then ties the gold thread around the wrist, places a binde dot on your forehead, stares some more and then presents you with a sweet, stares some more again and then you move to the next stool and repeat the process with Lata, who then gives you a piece of fruit and a blessing card.

It took about 45 minutes before me and Tim left our seats, but once we found ourselves kneeling in the queue we were soon at the front.

I sat in front of the lady from London and we began the process of staring at each other between the eyes. (Ed - I later learned that this process is called Drishti ~ In a state of high self-regard, the awareness of oneself as a spiritual being performing pure action, brings the awareness that other beings are also souls performing through their bodies. When there is this drishti; this way of seeing another person as a spiritual being, when the attitude of soul-to-soul is maintained, then there is true communication and pure interaction and the desired state of peace, happiness and purity occurs automatically).

I noticed that she had the sweetest and most gentle face and her eyes radiated love and peace. I was determined not to get emotional! The staring seemed to last for ever and I remember thinking that I was sure no one else's lasted this long, but I guess everyone thinks that. She smiled, tied the string around my wrist, placed the binde dot on my forehead, stared some more, put the sweet into my hand and held it for a few more moments, not once did either of us disengage eye contact. One last smile and then I moved to sit in front of the lovely sweet Lata who gave me a very warm smile. We repeated the process and then Lata presented me with a card and an apple. My card had a beautiful image on the front of a person meditating sat over a lotus flower and the point of consciousness over the top of the card. ( the words on the back are the thought at the bottom). I walked away with a sense of calmness and inner peace. It was lovely.

Tim was right behind me and just before we went up, we noticed that Nigel (Helen's Husband) had arrived and so when we sat back down we encouraged him to go up.

We all left at around 9pm having enjoyed the experience.

Thought
The sign of your truthfulness is the divinity in your words and actions.

2008-08-09T17:30:00.013+01:00

Back to my Roots

No, Harrison Street in Derby isn't named after a relative of mine! Well, at least I don't think it is? Although, Iremonger Road at the Notts County Football ground is named after my Great Great Uncle Albert, who was Goal Keeper for many years at that club. But no, like I say Harrison Street is the first home of my parents (the newly wedded Mr and Mrs Harrison) way back in 1963! But more about this later.

Yesterday, being the first day of my summer holiday from work, I packed an overnight bag and popped on a bus over to Derby to meet up with my good friend Jen. We get together as often as we can and normally do such things as going for a bite to eat, go to the cinema or enjoy a DVD at one of our homes with a nice bottle of wine.

I arrived in Derby at around 11.15am and I had also arranged to meet up with my oldest Sister Debbie in town at 11.45am. Jen and I lived with my sister in the late 80's whilst we were in between places and I knew it has been a number of years since they had met up and so I thought it would be nice to combine the two and go for a spot of lunch.

Jen has often mentioned a Chinese Buffet restaurant that had been converted from an old church called Wokmania and so I was looking forward to going there. Jen needed to do a bit of shopping first and so we rushed about trying to fit this in before meeting up with Deb. We arrived bang on time, although I was very hot and bothered. The restaurant was only a few minutes walk from the Market Place where we met Deb, so we were one of the first to arrive for the lunchtime meal.

Upon entering I was very impressed with the place as it was absolutely huge and obviously had all of it's original features. We were taken to our seats and our drinks orders were taken. Deb had a coffee and me and Jen had diet coke, which I was really pleased about as they offered free refills!!! This being a godsend (pardon the pun) for me as I was extremely thirsty! I noticed that the cutlery that was set for us was quite dirty and the spoon in particular has dried food all over it... I'm really fussy when it comes to things like that!

The food however was gorgeous and there was a vast amount of choice... 75 dishes to be precise! For starters I had some Thai soup with a bread roll and then some, bits and bobs, like pancake rolls, chicken wings, ribs etc etc. For my main course I has lemon Chicken, Kung Po Chicken and Chow Mein. I didn't have seconds as I wanted to save some room for ice cream. Imagine my disappointment when I got up there and the ice cream machines were switched off and a sign on them saying that they were out of order! Oh well :0(

Deb and Jen enjoying their starters

The Grande Pudding Area

The deserts were all individually plated and I had a small piece of cheese cake with a fresh strawberry dipped in chocolate... a favorite of Jen's it seemed!

We paid the bill, which was made a lot cheaper as Jen had a voucher that entitled the bearer to £2 off, per person! Thanks Jen!

We said goodbye to Deb and then Jen and I headed off to her house for a sit down with a much needed cold drink and a bit of a play with Jen's gorgeous new kittens!

We had meant to pick up a bottle of wine on the way home, but by the time Jen remembered we had passed the store! Jen mentioned that there was a Londis on Harrison Street and that is how we discovered that she lived so close by to the old family home. I had often heard my parents talk about living on Harrison Street when I was little. It was where they lived when they were first married and I always thought it amusing to live on a street with the same name as the family surname. My Mum had mentioned that the house was really small and that it felt like she was living on Coronation Street!

When we arrived on Harrison Street I rang Mum to tell her where I was and asked which number they used to live at, she told me number 31 and asked if it still had a blue front door!!! It amused me that she imagined it would after 45 years!

The place where I was just a twinkle in my Dad's eye!

She asked if all the corner shops were still there and I said that there was only one now at the far end (the one we were heading for) and the rest had all been bricked up...

Really sad, but I guess that is the world in which we now live with retail giants such as Tesco's and ASDA to compete with.

On the way back we cut across the park and I could believe that you could see the new Westfield shopping complex from that distance away!

Jen cooked a lovely evening meal of Waffles, Gammon Steak, Fried Egg and Pineapple for our evening meal...Yum and a cheesecake for desert. There hadn't been any wine on offer at the shop and so we bought the cheap version of Bailey's and enjoyed a couple of glasses of that in the evening whilst watching Big Brother! Afterwards we chatted till about 1.00am until I couldn't stay awake any longer and so went off to bed and instantly fell asleep!

In the morning Jen treated me to a slice of her homemade tomato bread for breakfast and we watched some 'On Demand' TV as there wasn't much on. We watched a couple of episodes of Derren Brown and the first ever episode of 'The Comic Strip Presents' which was great! The next couple of hours was spent watching this very bizzare music channel called Bedroom TV in which members of the public make the own music videos to songs and then send then in to be played on air. I must say it was quite addictive to watch and it provided us with a couple of hours entertainment!

It had been raining all morning, but by 2pm, the inevitable couldn't be put off any longer and so we braved the elements and walked back into Derby to catch my bus home! A strange thing happened though... there were quite a few of us in the queue and the bus driver didn't take any payments or wanted to see our return tickets. Instead he just greeted us all with "please take a seat" how odd!

Thought

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it - Paulo Coelho

2008-08-05T20:15:00.005+01:00

Raja Yoga

Last night I attended my first Raja Yoga class at the Brahma Kumaris Centre. There was seven of us in total. My mate Tim and a lovely lady called Helen (who is a friend of Tim's) and her husband were also on the course, so it was nice to share the experience with people that I know.

Raja Yoga Meditation is a method of relaxing, refreshing and clearing the mind and heart. It helps you look inside to rediscover and reconnect with your original, spiritual essence. Meditation enables an integration of your spiritual identity with the social and physical realities around you, restoring a functional and healthy balance between your inner and outer worlds.

The class kicked off at around 7.30pm. Our facilitator was a lovely lady called Joan, who asked us all in turn if we had ever meditated before and what effects it had had upon each of us. She also asked us all what we considered our true selves to be, i.e. flesh and bones, energy, light etc. She then began the class by explaining about Raya yoga and also about our sole, and that the soul is located in the middle of the forehead in between the two eyebrows. This is the seat of the soul.

The brain is the "control-room". Just as a driver controls the car using different parts of the mechanism seated at one place, the soul employs the brain to control the body. Brain is the machine by means of which the soul thinks, remembers, receives messages from or gives directions to the sense-organs. The brain is the meeting place of all nerves, which carry sensations from all parts of the body to brain which functions like a control-room and makes the body to work. It is in the brain that the soul, through the nerves, puts the body to work and experiences physical sensations, pleasure and pain or happiness and sorrow. But, the brain is separate from the soul, brain is a complex thing made of matter whereas the soul has the life-principal or consciousness.

She went on to say that a soul is a tiny, metaphysical, conscient point of spiritual light. There are a finite number of souls. Each soul is eternal. They were never created, and will never be destroyed. Each soul is unique. We are all souls, unique and different and remain so eternally. As such, souls are invisible to the naked eyes, but one can experience it's presence. The intrinsic nature of the soul is that of peace and we are beings of peace... in fact that was our homework for this week, to meditate on the fact that we are light and that we are peace. In the Brahma Kumaris WSU people greet each other with the words Om Shanti which literally means 'I Am Peace'

Our first meditation was to a CD commentary called The Jewel, I have heard other meditations (when I did the Positive Thinking Course) from this CD and have really enjoyed them all. I was hoping to purchase one from the shop at the end, but they only had one in stock and about three people wanted to buy it, so I'll have to purchase one online. The Jewel was absolutely beautiful, we all thought so! It lasted about 12 minutes and even though the practice of Raja Yoga Meditation is to meditate with the eyes open, it was the only time in my life that I have been able to hold a visualisation for that long. I really did feel like I had been transported to another place. I wasn't even conscious of the fact that my eyes were open.

The session ended just before nine and I must say that I left feeling like a different person. I'm really excited about the next seven sessions!

Om Shanti

Thought

When you build a house, every brick counts. When you build a character, every thought counts.

2008-08-03T19:18:00.003+01:00

The Alchemist

I have just read one of THE most amazing books ever to be written, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A few weeks ago a friend of mine asked if I had ever read it and I replied that I hadn't. The response was "oh that surprises me, as I would've thought that it was right up your street." When someone says something like that to me I have to find out why, and so that night I ordered a copy.

I started it a couple of days ago and read a few chapters, then I picked it up again today to read on the bus over to my parents house and didn't put it down again until I had finished it. It's only 161 pages long and the style of writing is so simplistic.

The story is about one of dreams. It is about a young Spanish shepard boy named Santiago who has a dream about finding buried treasure at the Pyramids of Egypt, and travels from Spain and across the African continent in pursuit of this dream.

Along the way Santiago meets many teachers who provide words of wisdom and answers to his many questions. These encounters include Kings, Merchants, A Gypsy and of course an Alchemist. Paulo Coelho book is one of sheer poetry and is filled with profound quotes and anecdotes that really make you want to search your soul and go in search of your dreams.

Originally published in 1988, The Alchemist has been translated into 56 languages, and has sold more than 65 million copies in more than 150 countries, and is one of the best selling books in history.

I intend now to read all of his books (well one a month) the next one will be Veronika Decides to Die, which I understand is to be released as a film in 2009 starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Thought

No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it.

Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist

2008-08-02T14:10:00.003+01:00

Cocktail Heaven

I met up with my friend Anne-Kine after work on Thursday for the Cocktail Heaven promotion at Fat Cats. It was really lovely to just sit in a trendy wine bar and relax for a couple of hours after a grueling day at work. We have endured a week or two of extremely hot and sticky summer days here and Thursday was no exception!

I caught the 4.40pm bus from outside the college and headed into town to meet Anne-Kine, by the time I arrived I was sweating like a mule! (very attractive). However the bar had some excellent and very welcomed air conditioning, not to mention big leather sofa's to sink into and so I soon cooled down and relaxed!

The promotion was 2for1 on cocktails, however you had to order two of the same cocktails, so we decided to order two each of what we fancied and then swap the second one... I cannot remember for the life of me what they were called, but they were both ice cold and divine. One was a short martini style cocktail and the other a nice long drink!

We chatted away like we hadn't seen each other in years (it's actually only been a month) and before we knew it two hours had past, so we drank up, paid the bill and then headed off to see what was showing at the cinema. To be honest, due to the summer blockbusters there wasn't a great deal to chose from. Neither of us fancied seeing anything and so we just went back to Anne-Kine's apartment for coffee and to continue with our conversations.

It was a great night, a lovely summers evening spent in lovely company.

2008-07-27T16:33:00.006+01:00

Manic Month

A lot of people have asked why I haven't blogged for a few weeks. It's quite simple really, I'm lazy!

That and the fact that I have been really busy of late. I have literally worked around the clock for the last couple of weeks organising the 5th annual ONEday event and I've been quite stressed out! Everyone who was there seemed to enjoy it though and have said that it was our biggest and best event yet. That is the feedback we really wanted, as this year we offered 36 workshops (600 available places), 26 exhibitions, more food than ever before, more live entertainment and more therapies. The weather was absolutely glorious which always makes the event, especially with the outdoor activities and entertainment. I will post pictures when I have some as I didn't take any this year, one because I was busy and the other because we had an official photographer this year.

So, what else is new? Well, the Positive Thinking course is going really well and it's already making quite a difference in my daily life. I have one more lesson and then I am hoping to do the Raja Yoga course (yoga for the mind). So I'll post about how that goes at a later date.

My GP has put me on Reductil (appetite suppressants) for three months, but I have to go every two weeks to have my blood pressure checked whilst I am on them. I've been on them for almost two weeks now and they are really starting to kick in, but what tends to happen is being as I have to take one each morning, I can go all day without eating, then at teatime I am really hungry, so eat a big meal. Not sure if that is the right idea?

Yesterday was Pride in the Park and so Jen came over to stay for the weekend, which was really nice. She and Tim arrived together at about 11am and we had a glass of wine at mine before heading over there. I have to be honest and say that I didn't enjoy it as much this year as I did my first time last year. Maybe it's because it was exactly the same, maybe it was because it seemed a bit tacky and just like the scene in Nottingham, but outdoors, or maybe it was down to the fact that it was unbearably hot and extremely busy! Probably all three! All I wanted to do was crash out in the shade and not move! We did have a cold beer and some ice cream, but they don't last long! We did stay for about 4 hours though before we took one last walk around the stalls and then headed back through town to grab something from the chippy and head back to mine.

Enjoying the pints in the sun!

Hot and Busy!

Tim left at around 7pm and Jen and I walked down with him to Tesco's to get some ice cream, I know, I know, but it was just so hot yesterday! ;0) In fact it was so close last night that at around 11pm Jen and I went and sat on the roof garden in our PJ's!

On way to roof garden in our PJ's - Jen's gonna love me for this one!

This morning Tim came back and the three of us went to see Mamma Mia. I had already seen it, but it is one of those films that I could just watch again and again! It is in it's third week of release now and it had been moved into one of the smaller screened auditoriums complete with the uncomfortable seats and poor stereo sound!!! So I was worried that Jen and Tim wouldn't enjoy it as much as I did, but they both said afterwards that they thought it was brilliant, so I needn't have worried. Tim went straight home afterwards and Jen about half an hour after him. Jen commented that I seemed quiet and a bit distant and vague, I think it's just because I don't cope very well in this type of heat!

2008-07-02T21:28:00.004+01:00

The Power of Positive Thinking

I have just arrived home from attending my first class of the Positive Thinking course run by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.

You may remember that I visited their place as part of the interfaith day a few weeks back. I was really impressed by them, as they are not affiliated with any particular religion really. So anyone can attend their free courses no matter what your beliefs are.

The class started at 7.15pm and I knew there was a bus leaving at 6.45pm. They are located in Lady Bay, which is about 15 minutes by bus, so I knew I would have plenty of time. However, I wasn't sure where to catch the bus!!! So after asking around I discovered that the bus stop was just outside Wilko's, literally across the road from where I live. I was told that the number 11 drops you off dead opposite the BKWSU centre. It's funny as a lady sat next to me whilst waiting for the bus and then opposite me whilst on the bus, it was only when we got off at the same stop and walked up the drive way togeather that we chuckled and said (almost in unison) "are you here for the course?!" It turned out to be her first time as well, so we had something in common, her name was Bea, a lovely friendly woman, who I later found out lived not far from me and has two teenage kids. There was a third person there for the course and her name was Fatima, she is a Muslim and also a really nice lady, in fact so lovely that she gave Bea and I a lift back into town after the class.

The class itself was very informal and relaxing. Lata (our Teacher) greeted us at the door, welcomed us in and asked us to make ourselves comfortable. We started off with a relaxation meditation and then had a discussion about the effects of positive thoughts and also the effects of negative thoughts. I could really relate to this topic as I always tend to go down the negative thought route. I always think that I can't do something, or that I will fail at things. I always visualise this failure and then never put myself forward, as I am in constant FEAR of this failure. I have often been told that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real and this was kind of reiterated again tonight.

We talked about how to stop this negative cycle,by using a system called SOS = Standback - Observe - Steer. It's a simple tool in which we think about the negative cycle, mull it over and then steer it towards a positive outcome.

We talked about a whole manner of things related to thoughts, what thoughts were (i.e. taken in through the 5 senses), how the conscious mind then rationalises these thoughts and how we then take action, by answering them! e.g Did I lock the door before I came out? - replay locking door in our minds - yes I did, panic over... or...No I didn't, I have to go back etc.

We ended at 8.45pm with a meditation on the mind and how to manage our thoughts and then Lata gave us some homework of trying to continue this meditation for 10 minutes each day.

I really enjoyed this class and look forward to completing the course.

Thought

I dream my painting, then I paint my dream

Vincent Van Gogh

2008-06-28T08:47:00.007+01:00

I've had a Vision

Ok, so I didn't exactly have a vision, as in seeing a burning bush or foreseeing the end of the world, rather I am now plugged into the world of digital TV!

It all started two weeks ago, it was a Saturday and I had just sat down to watch the Trooping the Colour, after I had cleaned the flat from top to bottom, When I received a cold call. Now I don't normally bother answering the phone to numbers I don't recognise, but on this occasion I did for some strange reason. The lady on the other end of the phone started off by saying she was calling on behalf of BT and that they had a terrific offer for me (as they always do).... to cut this long conversation short, it meant a free BT Vision set, free broadband upgrade, and a TV package free for the first 3 months and then £4 a month after that (this has actually now turned into £2 a month!). I ended up agreeing and giving my bank sort code and account number as I was told I had to set up a separate Direct Debit for the package. It was only after the call ended that I started to panic. Thinking back the only information she had about me was my name and email address!!! She said she was calling on behalf of BT, but if this was a scam then she could've known this just by knowing my email address as it's a BT one! I had unwittingly given her my home address too, as she said she needed to test the signal strength in my area! I suddenly felt very dumb for giving out my bank details so freely. How stupid? I googled the phone number that was still in my caller display, only to find pages and pages of people posting scam alerts about this number!!! I decided to phone my bank immediately, only for them to reminded me of how stupid I was to give out my details to a cold caller! Thanks Natwest! They went on to say that they couldn't do anything at this stage and that I needed to call BT to ask if an order had been raised? Which I did and was then told by BT that they wouldn't have this information this soon and to call back on the Monday. Great! This meant a weekend of worry!

As it turned out, it was genuine and my equipment arrived a week later... phew! Lesson learned though!

Larry came over on the Tuesday and after a few technical hitches was able to set everything up. what a relief, I was dreading it, as I am hopeless with things like that and end up getting all frustrated and miserable. Jen had also kindly offered to come and help on the Wednesday, but when she did come it was all set up, but was still great to have her as I was able to ask her lots of questions about how it all works! It also gave us the chance to have meal together and catch up on things, which is always lovely.

This also explains why I haven't posted this week... I'm hooked! Plain and simple, I have not been able to tear myself away! Not only is it great to pause live TV, rewind, record at the touch of a button, record two things at once and store up to 80 hours, but the TV package I have for a mere £2 a month is fantastic, hundreds and hundreds of programmes, such as Lost (3 seasons) Ugly Betty (2 seasons) Shameless (5 seasons) Desperate Housewives (3 seasons) the list goes on and on. I'm the sort of person who likes to sit down with a box set and watch programmes back to back, rather than wait a week in between each one, so this for me is my idea of heaven.

So, what else has happened? Well I got the results of my blood test. (If you read my blog you will recall that I went to the opticians and was recommended to see GP) It turns out that I have high Cholesterol 6.5, borderline Diabetes and a low liver function! however my blood pressure is A1, so that's something at least! I have a month to lose weight or the doc is putting my on Reductil (an appetite suppressants). All I can say is watch this space!

We also had our annual family BBQ, which gets bigger and bigger each year! 19 of us this time, which meant that half sat outside and half inside.

It went well despite my niece of 17 helping herself to a little too much wine! this was okay (we've all been 17 right?) until she emptied a full glass into my lap! Oh to be 17 again! Actually she was very sweet and became extremely sentimental and just wanted to hug everyone she came into contact with, much to my sister Sharon's annoyance...

Right off to watch another episode of LOST!

Thought

If your actions have been according to your conscience, they will be your protection.

2008-06-15T16:50:00.010+01:00

Day of Pilgrimage

Today I attended my first Nottingham Interfaith activity. Sam and I (who are both very active on the Portland EDI Committee) attended on behalf of the college.

Sam came over last night, and so I cooked my usual specialty (Thai Curry) and she brought the starter and some wine. I also did the dessert. We had a lovely evening, we chatted ate, drank, watched a DVD, Big Brother and then chatted some more whilst leaning out of the window on what was a lovely warm summer evening sipping our wine. We finally went to bed around 12.30am, having discussed the meaning of life and why the universe exists!

We got up at 7.30am and got ready to leave for 9.00am as Sam had parked over night in the new car park across the way and if you leave before 9.00am it's only £4 for all night parking. She had brought her Sat Nav with her and so we set off. The first point of call was The Brahma Kumaris Centre and when we first got there we thought we had arrived at the wrong place as it was just a normal looking house. We asked at the near by shop and they confirmed that this was indeed the right place, and so we went and rang the doorbell. I recognised the lady when she answered right away and so did she with me, as she was also at the Dalai Lama event a couple of weeks back. The house, as it turned out, had a huge extension at the back where the main meditation area was. I was really impressed, it was so light and clean and extremely relaxing and peaceful.

The Brahma Kumaris Meditation Room

The lady talked to us about The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University and then we took part in a meditation. Following the meditation we were served breakfast, which consisted of various, fruits, cakes, bread etc. it was very nice. I invited them to our ONEday event this year and they said that they would love to come.

The next stop was across the way to All Hallows Church for hymns and tea and coffee.

Tea & coffee at the All Hallows Church

Then we went to the Islamic Centre where we were given a talk on the history of Islam, a tour of the Mosque, a Q&A session and then served more food! (by this time we were behind schedule).

Islamic Centre

Next we went to the Gurdwara Centre (Sikh) on Forest Road where again we had a talk on Sikhism and a Q&A session. We all had to cover our head when we entered into the prayer room, as you can see it looked very fetching!

Sikh Prayer Room

Lunch

We don't have any Sikh's attending our ONEday event, so again I left them with my card and they said that they would be happy to attend. They served us a wonderful dinner, of Dahl and Veg Curry and Chapati's.

Our last stop was to the Akshobya Buddhist Centre, where we were served tea and biscuits and given a tour of the centre, a talk and Q&A session.

Meditation Room at The Akshobya Buddhist Centre

It was a great day, all were most hospitable and I feel that I met some lovely genuine people. I was able to make some good contacts as well as developing my knowledge of other people beliefs. A great experience!

Though of the day

The history of the world is created from our individual actions, as is the future of the world.

2008-06-09T21:41:00.004+01:00

June Sky

Just had to share this with you. I've just looked out of my window and seen the most beautiful sky. It's 9.42pm.... stunning!

I suppose that means I have to post a thought now...

Thought of the day

Mind the gap!

2008-06-06T22:42:00.004+01:00

... and so the end is near

My two weeks off work has been great fun! I seem to have done loads and the great thing is it hasn't gone by in a flash either. I can hardly believe that it was still only last week that I met the Dalai Lama for instance or went to Bakewell with my folks!

Anyway, I went for my contact fitting yesterday and I'm pleased to say that the dryness in my eyes seem to have cleared up and so I have begun a two week free trial. I had to wear them for 4 hours yesterday, 6 today, 8 tomorrow etc etc until I get to the maximum of 12 hours on Monday. They are just so comfortable, I can hardly tell that I have them in at times I swear! Maybe it's because they are a lot thinner than the old ones I used to have. In fact I'm a bit worried when it comes to taking them out and cleaning them, as they seem really delicate. This could be cos they are monthlies, so therefore a lot cheaper!

After my eye appointment, I caught the bus over to Derby to spend a couple of days with Jen. She met me off the bus at about 10.30am and because it was so hot and stuffy we went for a drink at McDonalds before doing a bit of shopping. Jen bought some food for the kids and us some lovely cherry flavoured Skinny Cow ice cream. I bought some treats as well being as it was the launch night for this summers Big Brother!

We arrived at Jen's hot, sweaty and exhausted from the walk and so I just collapsed into her big comfy armchair and stayed there for 12 hours! Literally. Jen made us a lovely prawn salad for lunch and then in the afternoon we watched The Long Way Round. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but it was great! Really funny and entertaining as well as being really interesting, we ended up watching about 6 episodes back to back!!!

For dinner Jen cooked a gorgeous chicken in red wine casserole. I recognised the flavour of the casserole and asked what it was and then Jen reminded me that she used to cook it for us when we shared a flat together 20 years ago. It's funny how tastes and smells can take you back in time... a bit like music!

Jen

In the evening we settled down to watch the BB Launch. It looks like it might be an interesting summer, as they kicked the night off with a twist in the first few minutes. Most of the housemates are annoying as hell, but then it wouldn't be BB otherwise!

I was really tired due to the fact I had only manged to get 4 hours sleep the night before, as I had cocked my sleeping pattern up by going to bed the previous afternoon, after I had traveled back from Coventry. So I hit the sack at about 1.00am. I slept like a log. In fact I didn't wake up once during the night (which isn't like me) and slept until about 9.30am.

We spent the morning watching more of The Long Way Round and Jen let me borrow the DVD to watch the last episode as we ran out of time! Jen walked with me into town and we grabbed some lunch in a very hot and humid Burger King. Their air conditioning had broke and no one could find keys to open the windows!!!

I said goodbye to Jen and thanked her for a lovely relaxing couple of days and caught the 2.30pm bus home. Like I said it has been a great couple of weeks and I have really been able to catch up with some great friends.

A nice chilled out weekend now, before heading back to work on Monday!

N.B. Being as I am unable to put a quote now on my profile from president Ikeda, I thought I was put a thought at the bottom of each post. Not always a spiritual one, but a thought provoking one at least.

Thought of the day

If the Universe is always expanding, what is it expanding into?

2008-06-04T20:00:00.002+01:00

A TOP Family!

I think I am experiencing some sort of bad transport karma! I told you about my ordeal last week, how it took 5 hours out of my day to travel to my sisters and back from Selston right? Well, on Monday I went to spend a couple of days with my mate Daniel and his family in Coventry. I normally do that during my second week off work during the May/June holiday.

I had looked online for train times and noticed that there was a train to Coventry with one change at Birmingham leaving at 9.00am at the cost of £19.00, so I set off from home at 8.15am to get there in plenty of time. When I got to the window to buy my ticket I was told that there wasn't a train to Birmingham at 9.00am but that there was two at 9.34am and was advised to take the the Leicester route, changing at Leicester, then Nuneaton. I said that I didn't really want the hassle of changing twice, but was told that going this route would get me to Coventry an hour earlier than the Birmingham route and thus getting me into Coventry at 10.58am. Fantastic I thought! This however was not the case at all! As I sat on the station with almost an hour to kill I heard an announcement that the 9.00am train to Birmingham would soon be leaving!!! I went and spoke to one of the platform attendants and he told me that I could get on it if I wanted as the ticket was from Nottingham to Coventry on any particular route. So I did! Only to be told a couple of minutes later that I needed to alight the train as I wasn't able to travel before 9.30am as I had been sold a 'Super Saver' ticket. I wouldn't mind, but I didn't want a super saver, I just wanted to leave at 9.00am! The train to Leicester got me in at 10.25am the next train to Nuneaton left and 10.52am (not bad going being as I should be arriving in Coventry in 6 mins time according to the ticket office at Nottingham). The train to Coventry left Leicester at 11.38am and I finally arrived at Coventry at 11.55am an hour later than advised and at the same time as the 9.34am train to via Birmingham. The trains at Leicester and Nuneaton were very small (2 carriages and 1 carriage respectively) and were very cramped and I had to stand up all the way! Something that has never happened to me before on the Birmingham route.

On the way back, I had to upgrade my ticket and pay an additional £7.20 as I had to leave Coventry before 9.30am, as Daniel traveled to Birmingham with me as he had an interview there at 9.45am. I was so angry and frustrated. I never wanted a super saver ticket in the first place. I just wanted to travel at any time, and on the train going that I saw online and come back early today. They say they want people to use public transport more and then we have problems like this and last week it's just not reliable at all.

Okay, rant over.... I wrote the above in detail as I can't be bothered to type it all out twice and I am going to use it to make up the body of my complaint to Midland Mainline. I wasn't going to complain my my friend Jen talked me into it, saying if I don't then nothing will change!

Anyway, I had a fab time in Coventry with my mate. We just spent the time chilling, chatting, and watching films. It was a nice relaxing time and the journey back from Birmingham was blissful!!!

I'm going over to Jen's tomorrow after my contact lens fitting until Friday! looking forward to that!

2008-05-31T12:28:00.005+01:00

Supper with Sue

I have just gotten back from spending a couple of days with my dear friend sue. Like I said early Sue's son John has gone to Greece with the rest of the family to get married and with Sue being to poorly to travel, she invited me over to celebrate their union with her.

We had a fantastic time! I arrived at Sue's just before 11.00am yesterday and we spent a couple of hours catching up before having a lovely lunch together. At around 4.00pm we walked down the road to Mandy and Steve's (other friends) to record a video to send to Greece, to be played after John and his bride tied the knot. We had a couple of glasses of champagne and I did the recording for them ( as I really don't like being on videos).

Sue and Mandy

We stayed there for about an hour and then headed back to Sue's to get ready, as we had booked in to a newly opened Indian Restaurant in Eastwood called Bombay Spice. Mandy drove us up there for about 7.45pm. The meal was absolutely superb! In fact I would go as far as to say that it was probably the best Indian Meal I have ever had!!!

The restaurant was quite small and intimate, which was nice in a way. We had a bottle of red wine between us and some poppadoms and a pickle tray to start us off. For my starter I had the Onion Bhaji's, which were just delicious! For my main course, I had Lamb Tikka Malaya, fried rice and a garlic nan. The Lamb Tikka Malaya was in a rich creamy sauce and was just divine. Sue ordered a side order for us to share as well, which was a Sag Paneer (spinach with home made cheese). For desert I had an Indian Ice Cream that contained vanilla ice cream with cherries and a cherry sauce!

The staff were very polite and friendly and we didn't have to wait at all between courses. After we finished we were asked if we would like a complimentary liqueur, so we both had a Tia Maria, (well, it would have be rude not to!) which finished the meal off lovely...

As we left and went to pay the bill, they also gave us a 'Thank You' chocolate and also a lovely looking pen. It's the small touches like this that make a place memorable I think.

Mandy picked us up at about 9.30pm and Sue and I got home in time to watch the last 4 acts of Britain's Got Talent, luckily the two acts that qualified were in amongst those four so we got to see their performance.

Afterwards Sue made us a real coffee with Sheridan's, Mmmmmm, and we stayed up till 1.30am watching Eastenders on catch up and Corrie on ITV2!

I awoke at about 9.00am this morning and Sue was in the kitchen cooking Breakfast!!! (My Diet!!!!) ;0)

I left Sue's at 11.00am to catch the bus home, having had a lovely couple of days with my dear friend!

2008-05-29T22:35:00.009+01:00

Should I Have gone to Specsavers?

Yesterday I went for my two-yearly eye check up. I have been thinking about going back onto contact lenses also and many people have told me how great Specsavers are for their 'Dailies' Contact Lenses, so I thought I would check them out!

My appointment was at 9.10am and I finally got out of there for 10.20am. After the initial eye testing, i.e shape, density etc I was taken though to meet the optometrist, where the proper eye test took place... after a thorough examination, a few Hmm' s and aaah's she explained to me that she had a concern with my eyes and that she felt I should see a GP regarding being tested for Diabetes, High Cholesterol or kidney problems. Great!

She also explained that with my prescription I would have to pay 39.99 a month for dailies and so she recommended that I try for the 'monthlies' at 15.00 a month and buy the solutions etc. Apparently my left eye is very dry and so she is worried that contacts will only make this worse and so will give me just a months free trial.

I was then taken upstairs to chose my new specs. This is always the most frustrating part of the process for me, as all the modern styles are far too small for my big round head and so I have a hard time choosing a pair I like. I finally chose some frames at 85.00, not brilliant, but the best of a bad lot. I was advised that again, due to my prescription that I would be better off having my lenses thinned down. (which I do normally anyway) To have this done to the thinness that I am used to cost me more than the frames at 110.00!! I did qualify for a free second pair though (yippee) and was told that I could have these as prescription sunglasses. I have never had prescription sunglasses before, so was really chuffed with that.... until she told me that if I wanted these lenses thinned I would have to pay a further 110.00 for them too, making over 300.00 for the two sets! I was a bit miffed with this as the last opticians I went to matched this in the offer and thinned my second pair at no extra cost! I decided to decline her offer and so now my sunglasses with have beer bottle lenses on them! please don't laugh at me if you see me out and about in the sun!

When I got home I called my GP surgery for an appointment and luckily they happened to have a cancellation for 5.00pm and so after an afternoon in town with my mate, a couple of beers, I went along. She explained that she couldn't do the blood test until the morning as I needed to fast for 9 hours! She took my blood pressure though and that was okay!

This morning I went along to see the nurse (god I missed my coffee) and she took some blood and told me the results would be back in a week. The lovely kind receptionist reminded me however that just because they would be ready in a week there wasn't necessarily a doctors appointment available to discuss my results and that they would see me on the 16th!!! A few hours later I removed the tape and cotton wool from my arm to see the butchered mess left behind....

I went over to see my sister today, it took me two hours to get there and three hours to get back, but it was worth it as my two nieces had come to see me there too with their baby sons! Had a lovely day with them all :)

Learna with Jaiden

Karla with Kai

Mia, Sharon's youngest with Kai

Proud Grandma, Sister Sharon with baby Jaiden and Karla with Kai

Tomorrow I am going to stay with my dear friend Sue for a couple of days as her sun is getting married tomorrow in Greece and due to her health is unable to be with them. I'm sure we will be celebrating in our own way for them!

2008-05-27T15:11:00.005+01:00

A Humorous, Humble and Inspirational Man

I've just gotten back from my luncheon with the Dalai Lama. If I was to say it was a far greater experience than what I was expecting, that would be an understatement.

The Dalia Lama has been in Nottingham for a series of talks at the Nottingham Arena, spanning 5 days!

I woke up this morning to see that it was an absolutely filthy day. Great!!! I had no suit jacket to wear! The invitation said that we had to wear a lounge suit (which I didn't have) but then when the ticket arrived it said smart dress, bright colours NO BLACK! Fantastic, I only have black trousers or jeans! Anyway to cut a long story short I went to Bakewell yesterday with my folks and my step sister and her partner and managed to get some light coloured trousers for £20 each! Job done.

I caught the bus from town at around 11.20am as we had to register at the County Hall for 12noon. I had a rough idea where it was as I was told that it was on the embankment just over Trent Bridge. The bus dropped me off more or less opposite the County Hall at around 11.45am providing me with more than enough time to find where I had to go and register. I noticed it straight away, despite there being no signs saying that the building was the County Hall.

As soon as I arrived I gave my name and was taken to The Rufford Suite, where other people were eagerly waiting. I spoke to a lady who was a Quaker and another lady who worked for the council but was also a member of The Vineyard. We were all offer tea, coffee and biscuits. At 12.35pm we were all taken down to the Suite where the Dalia Lama would be arriving and talking to us. I couldn't believe how small the room was, as I was expecting a lot more people to be there. I was a few SGI members, like Tanya, Isabel and Mel and so I sat with them.

One whole wall was a huge glass window and we were told that we could stand there and watch the Dalai Lama arrive and plant a tree. We were again reminded that we were not permitted to take any pictures as they had an official photographer. A bit mean I thought as members of the public (seeing the press) had gathered on the embankment to have a look at his arrival and were snapping away merrily! I tried to take a sneaky one on my phone but there were too many people around me and so only took one and it didn't turn out very well...

The crowd gathering as he arrives

After he's gone, the tree planting site taken from the Rufford Suite upstairs

Once the tree planting took place we had to rush back to our seats for his arrival. In first came his entourage closely followed by a hoard of photographers and cameramen walking into the room backwards. What a skill! Then The Dalia Lama walked in and we stood and gave him a round of applause.

Councillor The Hon Joan Taylor did the welcome and said what an honour and privilege it was for the people of Nottingham to have him stay for a week with us etc etc. Then the Dalai Lama stood up and spoke to us for about 30 minutes. I must say I was really humbled by his talk, and a few people in my group said how moved they felt by his words. He spoke a lot on Compassion and how we need to find inner piece and how this cannot be bought, injected or downloaded off the Internet, but found through our compassion for our fellow human beings. He spoke a lot about community cohesion, and how we need to embrace differences and work together. He spoke about his worry regarding the Earths growing population and measures that we needed to make to ensure our survival. And he also spoke about his own life. He said people often refer to him as the living Buddha and said how that it "Rubbish" he also said that some people say he is a demon and jokingly said that that was rubbish too! He spoke about being a simple human being, a monk. He went on to say that at at the age of 4 he was initiated as a monk and at 16 was invested as the head of the Tibetan state and so lost his freedom. Then a few years later after the invasion of Tibet, lost his home. He went on to say how he had been 'homeless' ever since. His talk was really interesting, and filled with a lot of homour. Although he represents a different school of Buddhism from that of my own, everything in his speech was from a humanistic point of view. There was certainly a heart to heart connection.

After his talk he was presented with a gift from the people of Nottingham and because he was ahead of schedule he suggested a Q&A session.

On his way out we all stood and applauded again and due to my position in the room was able to shake hands with him on his way out. I thanked him for his words of encouragement and he politely said "Thank You"

After he left we were invited back up to the Rufford Suite where we helped ourselves to the Buffet lunch!

I decided to walk back, as the exercise certainly wouldn't hurt me. It was a nice walk and provided me with a lot of opportunity to think about the days event.

2008-05-24T17:26:00.005+01:00

Two Weeks Off!!!

That's it! I have finished work for 15 days!

It's been a really good last week actually. On Tuesday was our final weight-loss Hypnotherapy class and we had a really good final hypnosis. I don't recall much about it, but what i do remember was she took me back to a time in my life where I felt, safe, happy, and free of any cares or worries. I found myself as a 14 year old, laying in a deckchair in our back garden at our old house in Sawley, Long Eaton. The sun was really warm and beating against my face. The radio was placed against the kitchen window so as it could be heard in the garden and Phyllis Nelson was singing Move Closer, it was 1985! I'm not sure why my mind took me back to this place, but I guess as a 14 year old I did have a good and happy home life and I always felt safe and secure and free from worries. I was also very VERY slim then (too slim in fact) so now I am wondering how I got from that to this? Interesting!

Ok, so I'm actually 17 here, but you get the picture!

Yesterday, for our final hour at work I enrolled onto one of the staff well-being classes, due to a considerable amount of peer pressure I might add. It was a Cabaret Dance class. The full hat and cane routine! It was actually a lot of fun!!! and a brilliant way to enjoy exercise! Of course 12pm came around though and we all headed off to the pub for our ritualistic pre-holiday drinking session!

Joolz and I left the pub at around 2pm and headed into Notts for a spot of lunch. After lunch I walked her back to her car which was in the car park above the new TK Max. She asked if i wanted to have a quick look in with her and I was going to say no at first but boy am I glad I did!!! as soon as we went down on the escalator I was greeted with a book that has been delisted for a few years now and that i had tried to get everywhere. I had even put a 'watch for' on Amazon, but no one ever tried to sell it. The great thing was they were reduced to just £2!!! The book is Titania's Oraqle and it's fab! If you don't into that sort of thing then it's just great to get out at parties and have some fun with. However, if you do believe that there is something in divination then you'll be surprised at how accurate this book is! I have already consulted it twice with amazing results (and yes Charlie I have chanted with these questions in mind also).

I actually have a fun packed two weeks planned. There isn't a single day where I am not doing something. I intend to catch up with a lot of family and friends! I'm also meeting the Dalai Lama on Tuesday So expect a blog entry or two!

2008-05-24T17:07:00.004+01:00

Flat Pack Hell

Aaarrggghhh I HATE ARGOS!

My friend Louise came around for a spot of lunch today and, as is usual, when I have friends over we have no where to put coffee cups etc, and what invariably happens is coffee gets knocked or kicked over... not good when you have cream carpets!

So, I mentioned to her that I would like to get a coffee table, but we both agreed that it would be too cramped with having a large coffee table at one end, (being used as a meditation alter) and the arm chair and settee at the same end of the room as well. So after moving some furniture around there was a nice big space in the middle for me to go and get a reasonably cheap coffee table from Argos. Shouldn't be too hard to assemble a coffee table, right?

What a nightmare, first of all the thing came in hundreds of little bits, then the allen key that they provided me with was bloody useless!!! Every time I tried to turn the screw to tighten the legs the thing popped out!! I couldn't turn it 360 degrees anyway, as the table top was in the way... after an hour of trying and loosing half my body weight in sweat (I wish) I went over to Wilko's and brought a set of allen keys. This did the trick!

The next dilema was an impossible one! Well, for me it is anyway. The coffee table comes with a under shelf. The problem is there are no holes in the legs or the under shelf to fit it!!! How ridiculous??? You have to make your own holes and then measure the exact spot on each leg to make sure the shelf is level! I am unable to do this, but spoke to my good friend Daniel, who just happens to be a DIY god and said that he would sort it for me the next time he comes!

I feel like I have just ran a marathon! Oh well Eurovision tonight!

2008-05-22T20:03:00.003+01:00

Doctor Who meme

My friend Jen asked me to do this blog! Here you go Jen

1. When did you start watching?
When I was about 5, the Tom Baker era

1a. Why?
No idea as it terrified me... maybe I just had sadistic parents?

2. What was your first episode?
I think it had something to do with giant spiders.. But of the new regime Rose the first episode.

3. Which episodes have you seen?
Okay, I think we are definitely talking new series... I have seen them all and have them all on DVD

3a. Favourite?
1st Series, Father's Day, 2nd The Girl in the Fireplace, 3rd Blink and I'll tell you about the fourth in about 7 weeks time

4. Have you been to any Doctor Who conventions?
Nope not yet

5. Have you ever dressed up as a Doctor Who character?
No, I haven't!!! That would be kinky

6. Do you own any Doctor Who merchandise?
All the DVD's and Torchwood boxset, does that count?

7. Are you a fan of Russell T Davies?
Most definitely the man is a genius!

7a. Steven Moffat?
Yes, just hope he continues to write some excellent stories

7b. Paul Cornell?
Ok i guess

8. What say you to Season 6b?
What?

9. The UNIT dating controversy?
Say what?

10. The Blinovitch Limitation effect?
Say what again?

11. Multi-Doctor episodes?
Bring it on, we are already gonna have an overload of companions soon, so why not the Doctors?

12. What's your favourite Doctor Who technobabble?
Also the Timey-Wimey Detector.- it's so hilarious. yeah II guess 'll go with that too. WELL it's true, WELL a little bit, WELL Not really!

13. Have you watched other TV shows exclusively because of the presence of Doctor Who actors?
It's the only reason I watched Blackpool!

14. Have you met any of the actors?
Not unless Ken Barlow or the Spice Girls have made a guest appearance!

14a. Travelled to any filming locations?
Well, I've been to London, does that count?

15. What do you think of The Curse of Fatal Death?
It was okay, but not keen on Rowan Atkinson

16. Do you have any fannish opinions that you think are fairly unpopular?
Yes, I think it's time for a new film version

17. What's your favourite pairing?
Tennant and Tate... what a duo!

18. What pairing(s) won't you touch with a really long pole?
None, as long as they don't bring back Bonnie Langford

2008-05-17T09:33:00.004+01:00

SMILE

Last night I went along with my good friend Joolz to see Steph's latest play SMILE. Steph and Tanya are the friends of mine whose house I sit in the summer each year. They are also our Buddhist Men and Women's leaders. You can read their biogs here...

Steph

Tan

I went back with Joolz to her house after work and she did us a lovely tea, before we heeded off just after 6.00pm for the Lakeside Theatre. I knew in my minds eye where it was, as I knew it was situated at the Nottingham University Campus, next to the lake at the Highfields Park. I love Highfields as it holds a lot of childhood memories for me. Growing up my Grandparents used to take me and my sisters there all the time. We would spend hours walking around the grounds, playing crazy golf, bowls or even hiring a boat and sailing around the beautiful lake and grounds.

Although I knew where it was, I was unable to lead us straight there from the direction we were coming from and I ended up taking Joolz on a scenic route (sorry Joolz) before arriving at 7.10pm! As it turned out we were one of the first people there anyway, so we collected our tickets and met up with Steph inside, had a chat with him, before I took Joolz on a whistle stop tour around the lake. We didn't have a lot of time, but I think she got the picture!

Once back in the theatre we went into the coffee bar and sat and had a coffee. Joolz and I were quite miffed that there were no minstrels on sale to take in with us! Upon asking the cashier though, we were offered raisins!!! Less noisy apparently, but hardly compares!

One or two Buddhist friends of mine arrived, Charlie, Alan, Peter and Peter's partner, shortly before the play started and so they joined us for coffee.

I have to say the play was terrific! Wonderfully written and the acting was very powerful indeed. The play took you through a whole range of emotions, resulting in a extraordinary and extremely tense ending. I won't give too much away, should you go and see it. And if you do, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Joolz came out saying that she wanted to see it again and I have to admit I wouldn't mind either. A great play!

2008-05-09T19:17:00.002+01:00

It's good to Twitter!

I now Twitter! Click HERE

Twitter is a micro blog. Each time you log on you are asked just one question... "What are you doing?" It's that simple! You just answer it! Once you are linked to your friends, they are updated with what you are doing and vice versa. It's good fun and easy to do and only takes a couple of minutes to set up an account. If you decide to Twitter, please add me... Sibri... as I'd love to know what you are up to ;0)

I'm not going to stop blogging by the way! ;0)

2008-05-06T21:08:00.002+01:00

Caricature

A street artist was kind enough to draw me. Do any of you really see a resemblance?

2008-05-05T13:16:00.007+01:00

Two Weekends and One Long week!

Last weekend (Pay weekend!) was lovely and warm. Larry came over in the morning and we had a bottle of ice cold wine, before he went into town to meet some friends for lunch. I caught a tram out to Asda as I needed a couple of new T-Shirts to prepare for this lovely heat wave. The tram was absolutely heaving but I managed to get a seat, but it was on the wrong side, so I completely missed my stop and ended up having to walk a mile or so to the Asda store!!! I arrived dripping with sweat and very hot and bothered... why did I wear a pullover???

I met Joolz on the tram back into town and we decided to get off at the Market Place, as I made the mistake telling her that there was an event being held there and that there were men in uniform....

We met back up with Larry at my flat before heading of to B Bar. Being as it was such a nice day we decided to sit on the roof terrace in the sun and continue with the wine... I'm not going to say how much I had but I don't remember anything about Doctor Who that night!

Larry met up with his partner after he had finished his shift and they headed home at around 5pm. Joolz and I went back to mine and I cooked a King Prawn Thai Yellow Curry (very healthy).

What's amazing is the fact that the next day I didn't even have so much as a bad head, which is a blessing in disguise being as I spent the whole day over at my folks' house. We went for our traditional Cavery at The Newdigate.

The week in between was pretty uneventful, despite the fat that 24 season 3 arrived and so I have been engrossed in that all week.

Hypnotherapy was good this week, we looked at the nutritional value of foods and how harmful diet/light foods are! Next week we will be looking at learning to love ourselves again!!! .... Woo hoo can't wait.

This weekend is a long weekend for me as I had accrued 9 extra hours over the OFSTED period and so I booked today (Bank Holiday Monday) off. Jen arrived on Saturday, just in time for Doctor Who and I made us one of my special curries (Chicken, King Prawn & Veg). Jen brought some treats also... Very Naughty Jen!

We had a Gavin and Stacey night, as Jen had only seen a couple of episodes from the second series. So we watched the entire first series. I love that show, it is so funny. We went to bed at about midnight, but lay talking and giggling till at least 3.30am. It was brill to reminisce about aspects of our friendship and the memories we have made over the last 21 years!

The next day (Sunday) we went over to Joolz's house, as she had kindly invited us for dinner. I managed to get us both completely lost between getting of the bus in Mansfield and getting to Joolz's house! A ten minute walk that turned into 40! We arrived hot and bothered and in much need of a glass of water!

Joolz did a fabulous Sunday lunch, Roast Beef and Yorkshire puddings! Yum! and she made a fab Lemon desert. Joolz is a domestic goddess and her food is something else!

After a couple of hours chatting Joolz ran us to the bus station and we caught the 7.30pm bus home. I did us some Bagels at about 9.30pm and we watched some TV and just chatted into the wee hours again!

It was great having Jen here this weekend. We never run out of conversation and always manage to have a good giggle. This morning, before she caught her bus home, we watched some old camcorder videos from about 14 years ago, when Jen's kiddies were really young. It's amazing where time flies!

Back to work tomorrow and learning to love myself!!!

2008-04-22T20:03:00.002+01:00

Hypnotherapy Course

Tonight I attended my first Hypnotherapy Weight-loss class. There were 17 of us in the end as 3 people were unable to attend the first class.

The class was lead by Kim Rossi, who is a member of the Holistic health team and introduced herself as our motivator. We spent the first 40 minutes talking about what we wanted to get out of the 5 week course and Kim also explained to us what we would be covering. These include;-

Making food your friend (our relationship with food)
Throwing away of scales
Being aware of our weak times and avoiding cravings
Whether we are emotional eaters (I know I am!)
Know the difference between being physically hungry or emotionally hungry
Don't have forbidden foods, eat whatever we want (I'm being serious)
Eat consciously
Visualise ourselves looking and feeling good

There were a lot more, but that gives you the general idea.

The last 20 minutes was the hypnotherapy itself and I can only describe this as incredible! I have never been hypnotised before, and although I was conscious, I was definitely in an altered state (Alpha State). Even my boss who described herself as skeptical beforehand, said that she had quite a profound experience.

Next week we will be spending the first half looking at the nutritional value of food, before continuing with the hypnosis.

We each got a pack that contains a hypnosis CD, to practice in the week. I must say I feel very excited about it all. So much so I have just had a mixed bean salad with fresh mint and balsamic vinegar for my tea... Mmmmm... it was lush!

I'm really hoping this will work, being as I've tried nearly every other diet. This does seem to get at the root of the real issue... what's behind the over eating and explores what other diets don't... I'll keep you posted!

2008-04-13T14:05:00.002+01:00

New Film Blog

Remember me saying that I didn't want this blog to turn into a film review? Well, I was talking to my friend Jen yesterday and she said, "Well why not just do a film review blog? people might just want the opinion of a normal guy, rather than some film critic!"

I was just pleased to be called 'Normal' ;0)

It's true I am no film critic, but I do see a lot of films and they are my passion, so why not? My film blog can be found HERE

2008-04-11T11:26:00.002+01:00

MY I.Q.

I often wondered what my I.Q. was. I'm no genius by a long mark... but still better than I credited myself for...

2008-04-06T20:33:00.004+01:00

Funny Games

I was saying to my friend Jen, I really don't want this blog to turn into a Film and TV review, but I have to tell you about this film I have just been to see.

It was called Funny Games. The premise (in a nutshell) of the film is that a family of three, Mum, Dad and there young son are held captive by two psychopaths, who tell them that they are going to play a game. The game is that by 9.00am the next morning the family will all be dead. You get what happens... the family try to stay alive whilst the psychos try and kill them???

There are some great scenes and also some superb acting, especially by Naomi Watts (The Ring, King Kong and the soon to be The Birds remake). The problem is one of the psychos on two separate occasions turned to the camera and spoke to us, the audience, and I really don't like that.

During the height of the film where it was most tense, there is a scene where Naomi grabs a gun laying on a table, turns it on one of the psychos and blasts him away.... "Hurray" shout the audience..... "Oh No" shouts the other psycho... grabs a remote control.... rewinds the film.... yes, the one I am watching... to the bit before she grabs the gun, grabs it before she does and shoots dead her husband!!!.... that was it for me... they lost me at the point.... how stupid!!!!!

Why do film makers do that?

2008-04-06T08:04:00.005+01:00

The Doctor Returns

Last night saw the return of Doctor Who, with a fantastic episode entitled 'Partners in Crime' kicking off series four! This episode had everything... action, comedy, tension! It was absolutely terrific and I have to say I thought Catherine Tate was brilliant (sorry Jen). Her acting style does seem to have changed... I did like her in the runaway bride, but am glad that she is playing the character of Donna in a different way, it seems that the screaming fish wife has been replaced by a more sophisticated, self assured Donna and is now perhaps more of an equal for the doctor.

I have to applaud Russell T Davis for knowing how to get grip the audience and ensuring we stay tuned for the full series, by introducing the shocking 'ghostly' appearance of Rose right in episode one!

There were some classic lines, such as "I'm waving at FAT" "Are we interrupting" and "Hold on... I AM"

The best scene for me in this first episode has to be the mime scene! This was where The Doctor and Donna are reintroduced. It will go down as a classic scene as it was hilarious and showed superb acting by Catherine Tate and David Tennant.

And of course if a cute little adipose toy isn't released for Christmas this year, then the person responsible for the DW merchandise should be shot!

Well done Russell... Saturday nights are fun again!

When I clicked by 'bookmark' for the daily quote from Presisdent Ikeda, it seems it has been removed from the website, sorry and all that!

2008-03-30T16:08:00.002+01:00

A little Gem

I've just been to see a really surprisingly good film. I had read reviews about 'The Orphanage' and when I checked the film listing this morning, if anything else had took my fancy in any way I would have gone to see that instead.

I had been out for the day yesterday with friends to celebrate Larry's 30th Birthday (he'll love me for that) and so that last thing I wanted to do today was watch a film that required effort. The film is Spanish with English subtitles. However that aside, it was an excellent film. It reminded me a bit of a cross between 'The Others' (only in it's style and not cos of the ending) and the old Hammer Horror Films. It was very creepy and on quite a few occasions I jumped out of my seat!

The synopsis is a family move into an old Orphanage, the same orphanage as the Mother lived as a young girl. They have an adopted son called Simon, who has imaginary friends... or does he? The house has many secrets and then one day Simon just disappears. The Mother disagrees with the Police, who believe he has been kidnapped by his real family, and believes instead that Simon is trapped somehow within the house. She enlists the help of psychics and mediums etc and there is a very sad and eerie ending.

The film didn't require much effort at all and I found that I was reading the subtitles without really realising it. definitely a 9/10!

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, March 30, 2008

There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.

2008-03-26T14:48:00.008Z

My Life ~ the Soundtrack

Do you ever hear a song that you haven’t heard for many years and then instantly you are propelled back to a particular time or to a certain place? It happens sometimes with smells also.

Today, whilst I was preparing lunch in the kitchen, Dancing Queen by ABBA came on the radio and it took me right back to being five years of age and to the house I spent my first seven years of life. I was dancing around the front room with my two older sisters, whilst Mum was doing some chores in the kitchen.

Whenever I hear ‘Poison Ivy by Lambrettas’ I am on holiday in Pontins ~ Silver Sands. It’s 1980 and I am 9 years old.

Whenever I hear ‘It’s a Mystery by Toyah’ it reminds me of my Mum and dad splitting up.

Whenever I hear ‘Caravan of Love by the Housemartins’ it reminds me of my Grandad passing away (the first death for me in our family).

Whenever I hear ‘Chain Reaction by Diana Ross’ I am back at the ‘Funky Fiffe’s Under 16’s Disco (The banana company sponsored these events) with my school friends. I felt so grown up being out late on a school night.

Whenever I hear ‘Star Trekking by The Firm’ I am in my first year of work at The American Adventure. It’s 7.30am and I’m walking down the street in Kirk Hallam, drinking a bottle of Milk bought from a milk float with my two mates, Tim and Tim. (We had spent the night at my sisters, we had broken in as she was away and we had had no where to go after boozing the night away the previous evening).

Whenever I hear ‘Push It by Salt & Pepper’ I think of the AA Parties and Debbie and Alison performing their rehearsed dance on the dance floor.

Whenever I hear 'Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard' It reminds me of a very cold Christmas, living in a very small, crummy flat with Jen. She is standing looking out of the window singing the song and I am in the kitchen reciting a poem I had made up as a child and we both think that the two blended together sound amazing!!! It's Christmas 1988.

Whenever I hear ‘Opposites Attract by Paula Abdul’ it reminds me of my first serious relationship and starting work at Granada.

Whenever I hear ‘On the Bible by Deuce’ it takes me to a week I spent in Blackpool in 1995 with my mate Tim. Best holiday ever… we clubbed seven nights on the trot and had such a laugh. Even though I was 24, this week is a 'coming of age' type of memory for me. A bit like the film ‘Stand by Me’ N.B. there are actually numerous songs that remind me of this holiday.

Whenever I hear ‘Wannabe by the Spice Girls’ I am just joining the Mormon Church and ice skating with the Elders who taught me. ‘Rain by Madonna’ reminds me of making a lifelong friend with Daniel the missionary who went on to baptise me and never once judged me.

Whenever I hear ‘No Matter What by Boyzone’ it reminds me of my Wedding day.

Whenever I hear ‘I am Like a Bird by Nellie Furtado’ it reminds me of my breakdown.

There are actually millions of songs that take me back to millions of places in millions of different times. Don’t you just love that about music? There will be songs that are around now that will take me back to this time in a few years I am sure.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Of foremost importance are the people-not celebrities, the powerful, the rich, scholars or others whom society deems great or praiseworthy. The purpose of all things must be the happiness of the people. Everything else should be but a means to that end. Those who fail to recognize this fundamental point and look down on the people and exploit them are thoroughly vile and contemptible; they are a hindrance to people's happiness.

2008-03-25T18:44:00.018Z

A Hectic Bank Holiday

It's been a crazy few days! My feet don't seem to have touched the ground since I broke up from work last Thursday!

I left work with Joolz at 4pm and went and had my hair cut, before meeting up with Larry and Daz in the newly refurbished Grosvenor. It was Daz's birthday so we had quite a few drinks and a nice meal. I went home with a fuzzy head at around 8.30pm.

On Good Friday, Joolz came into town and we met up to do a bit of shopping. We had lunch at the Big Wok (seems to be a firm favorite these days). Omar (my friend from Leeds) was due to arrive around 6pm, as he was coming to stay until Saturday. I had said that I would give him some Reiki healing and also do a card reading for him as he has been working through some issues of late. Omar arrived a little bit earlier and so got to meet Joolz, they seemed to get on like a house on fire. Who wouldn't though with Joolz???

Omar and I had a lovely evening. We chatted for hours and caught up on what had been happening in our lives since we last saw each other. His Reiki session was an extremely powerful experience for both of us, as he really opened himself up to it. After his card reading we had a couple of glasses of wine and a pizza then watched a dvd. After the film we chatted some more before going to bed in the wee hours!

The next morning we had some breakfast and headed into town. I took him to meet Lizzy at the LIZIAN stall and he also shared with her some of his experiences. Liz said she would look into them for him and let us know. Omar left around 2pm and at 3pm Tim and Al called in for a coffee and stayed for a couple of hours.

On Easter Sunday I went to visit Mum and Malc. I had a lovely day and we went to the Newdigate Inn for a Calvery dinner, which was superb. They also spoilt me to lots of chocolates!!! It's always good to go home, I lay on the sofa munching my chocolate bunny, whilst watching the Wizard of Oz on TV, and for a time I felt really safe and protected just like I did when I was a kid.

On Monday I was invited to Join Tim, Al and Helen on a trip to Haworth. I had never been before. It is famous for Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights and the Hovis commercials. It is a truly stunning place. Lots of old fashioned shops, like Mrs Beightons Sweet Shop (see below). We spent the morning walking around the village, looking in Museums and the church. At lunchtime we had fish and chips. In the afternoon we walked along the Moors, which was fab, lots of fresh air and exercise! I took a few pictures...

The moors were very bracing!

Watch your step Tim - Helen with the shitty stick!

The moors were just to much for some people
Helen and a lovely shire horse we stumbled across

We finished the day off with a lovely pint of Real Ale in a great little pub...

The journey home was horrendous, as we took a wrong turn and then got stuck in traffic on the M1. There was a really bad accident and we didn't seem to move for an hour, so we entertained ourselves with 'Eye Spy' although there are not a lot of things to spy on a motorway in the dark! I got home around 9pm and more or less went straight to bed and slept like a log!

Today, my sister and her hubby came over for lunch and brought with them my 4 year old niece... I forgot how much hard work it was looking out for a tiny tearaway around the flat!!! Tomorrow I am really looking forward to not going anywhere or seeing anyone! I'm having a complete relaxing chill out day... bliss!!!

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 25, 2008

We are no longer in an age when one person can shoulder everything. Of course, for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president. With this spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people. May you also build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of undying progress.

2008-03-22T20:16:00.002Z

Help stop the Deportation of Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

Please take a moment to sign a petition at the website below and request that the Prime Minister stops the deportation of gay and lesbian asylum seekers from the UK to countries where they may face imprisonment, torture and execution for their sexuality.

You may have read about the recent case of Mehdi Kazemi who has been granted a temporary reprieve...

A gay Iranian teenager was granted a reprieve on Thursday from deportation to Iran, where he says he could be hanged for his homosexuality.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said in a statement that "in the light of new circumstances" 19-year-old Mehdi Kazemi's appeal for asylum should be reconsidered.

"This is very positive. But reconsidered doesn't mean he'll get a permit, they could still deny what he is asking," Kazemi's Dutch lawyer, Borg Palm, told Reuters by telephone.

Kazemi came to Britain to study in 2005, lawyers have said. He later learned that his lover in Iran had been hanged after being charged and convicted of sodomy. Homosexuality is illegal in the Islamic republic.

Fearing for his life, Kazemi sought asylum in Britain, but his claim was rejected.

Members of the Lords urged Smith earlier on Thursday to show mercy and grant Kazemi asylum in Britain, where his uncle has lived for 30 years.

"We are deeply concerned at the possible execution of Mehdi Kazemi if he is refused asylum in the UK and is deported to Iran," read a letter to Smith signed by 63 members of the Lords.

Kazemi fled to the Netherlands and sought asylum there, but a Dutch court this week turned down his application, saying as he had applied in Britain he must return there to pursue his case.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, said the case of Mehdi Kazemi, 19, would be re-considered after "new circumstances" came to light. Kazemi is currently in the Netherlands, where authorities on Tuesday rejected his appeal for asylum, and he is likely to be sent to Britain, where he lived from 2005 until last year.

Recent cases highlight the extreme danger lesbians and gays face because of their sexuality if deported to a number of countries. Sending people back to their possible death is totally unacceptable.

Please sign the petition today by clicking HERE

2008-03-16T16:35:00.009Z

The SingStar Superstar!

On Friday night I went to Jen's birthday party.

I was a great night!!! I was worried that with it being on a Friday night, I would be too tired to enjoy it fully, as I have to get up each weekday morning at 5am or work, and by the time Friday comes around all I'm fit for is an early night!

How wrong I was...

Tim and Al picked me up at around 7.15pm and the three of us headed over to Derby, getting to Jen's for 8pm. Jen said the party started at that time, but by the time we got there the flat was almost full to bursting. Jen introduced us to all of her friends. It was really nice to be able to put faces to names. Both of Jen's sisters, Angie and Deb were there two, it was really nice to see them again, they were like 13 and 7 (respectively) when I first knew them, being as I have known Jen for over 21 years!!!

Jen said later that it was weird seeing all the people she knew from different aspects of her life come together in one place. I have had moments like that and it can be very surreal.

Tim and I started on the vodka and cokes and Al, being as he was driving, was on fruit juice. Almost immediately I was invited to have a go on SingStar by Angie, but I declined by saying "maybe after a few more Vodkas."
I had to eat my words as 4 large Vodka and cokes later Tim and I each had a mic in our hands and did a performance of Erasure's A little Respect followed by Tainted Love! Tim beat me hands down! My junior school teacher Mr Breakwell was right.... I am a growler!

Jen warned me that SingStar was addictive, and she was right.... after midnight and 8 large Vodkas later, I was singing with everyone who would tolerate me and I was beginning to start winning... unreal! My last few performances of the night had to be done sitting in a chair as I was exhausted!!!

Also after midnight, Jen opened her pressies and we all let off party poppers! I think?!? Help me here Jen? This part gets a bit hazy!

People left just after 2am and Jen and I crashed at around 2.30! I didn't get much sleep, I never do after a skinfull if I'm honest.

We had a lazy morning (hangovers made certain of that!). I had a go on Jen's Nintendo DS. I have always wanted to try Brain Training and Jen had the Big Brain Academy version. By brain is 45 years old!!!! Everyone informs me that this is good for your first go and that Jen's brain was 80 when she first went on it.

At about 1.30, Jen and I took a walk into Derby so that I could catch my bus, stopping en route at a fab Chinese restaurant called May Sum, it was huge and Jen explained that it used to be a nightclub (Madison's). The food was great, but like always in buffet restaurants I ate far to much!!!

Inside the Restaurant

I caught the bus home around 3.30pm and after a few hours retired to bed exhausted!