Been doing a lot of work so far this week. So, as my replacement member of staff arrived at 10 am, I downed tools.
Hello Wednesday! I'm all yours. Work no more. Particularly important on a day such as this. Spring is definitely springing, if it hasn't already sprung, and I love it. From where I am sitting, I can see birds nesting, bees busying themselves around flowers, an open door to let the breeze in, and a wapping great big bunch of daffs in a vase. Toby is outside on the patio with his nose in the air and a lazy demeanour. My winter coats and boots are safely tucked away for another time, and I'm going to hunt out the dresses and sandals. Oh Joy!
As soon as I've had this cuppa, I'm going to walk the mutt, then I'm going for a run, and then my pal Emma and I are going roller skating. And then onwards to the pub. And why not?
My favourite day of the week. It used to be Sundays, but as I'm now resigned to (usually) working six days a week, Saturday being the only one off, it's all change.
Hasn't the weather been beautiful this week? This is the first week that Toby and I have seen rabbits on our walks. He doesn't even bother to chase them any more. I think he realises he's fighting a losing battle.
The path was full of tiny worms this morning, so many that unfortunately I had to make the sad decision as to which ones to save and which to sacrifice. Alas, I had to place my feet somewhere. Toby had no such concern.
Spent the morning listening to the delightful Graham Norton on the radio, and then - HURRAH - finally got around to writing and sending off my first assignment for the writing course I'm doing, or supposed to be doing. Can't say I'm ecstatic about my work, I feel I could have done umpteen times better, but hey ho, what's done is done, and I was determined not to keep it hanging over my head a minute longer. And it is only the first one...I vow to improve on things as I progress. I suppose that's the whole point isn't it? Let's see what comes back. Feeling slightly daunted by the whole palaver to be honest.
So with that, I'm moving on to more positive topics!
Two research projects today:
1) I need to locate, and apply for, a suitable allotment, in which to grow my own lovely fruit and vegetables, and hopefully keep chickens too! I should have done this in the winter, could have been there right now, smugly observing my seedlings and clucking hens. Never mind, it's a start, and wasn't something I had considered in the winter.
2) I need to find a stall in which to sell my mother's wares. She has a little gift and card shop (makes all her own cards don't you know), and needs to offload a few things, so there's no time like the present. A little craft fair, preferably in a well-to-do part of town, would be marvellous.
After that's done, a run is in order if I have any hope of not coming last in the Great North Run in September. Followed by a cuppa and the Guardian. Followed by a night out here:
For as long as I've been alive, until recently, whenever I passed the Central Bar at the Gateshead side of the Tyne Bridge, I was always struck by the amount of "triffids" growing in the windows of this place. A run down, triangular oddity of a pub on the edge of town, as my years grew in numbers, so the triffids grew in size. The pub was never painted, revamped, anything. I always had a secret desire to pop in for a swift half though, as I imagined it being full of character. I never did though.
Until now! The Central bar has had a rehaul, boasting live music and a roof-top terrace bar. So I'm off to explore this evening. Rumour has it that Deborah Harry of Blondie fame will be there. Who knows? I shall report back with my findings.
- one of my colleagues was self sufficient for SEVEN YEARS! How wonderful. She grew fruit and vegetables, kept chickens and bartered for anything else that was needed. She said that it was the most carefree, enjoyable time of her life. I feel an allotment coming on.
- I just simply cannot work in an office all day. I had one of my rare office days today, and I struggled. Someone drilled the pavement incessantly outside of the window. I wanted to pick up the laminating machine and throw it straight through said window and off their head. I'm not a violent person. I did achieve a few things today, but then amused myself by creating pictoral diagrams, updating my email address list, talking about self-sufficiency, etc., etc. I ate my lunch by 11.45 a.m. just for something to do.
- I don't care what anyone says, "Black Swan" just isn't my cup of tea. My friends are divided into two categories: those who think it's wonderful, and those who think it's weird. I'm afraid I fall into the latter.
At this present moment, as I type, Natalie Portman is prising her toes apart. The skin between them has moulded together, so she only has three toes on each foot instead of five. No, thanks. I'm probably missing the irony of it all, or something. I'm probably not intelligent enough to understand the emotions being conveyed. I don't care, it's absolute piffle.
- Little pretty birdies are nesting along the path where I walk Toby. Look at their lovely nest. They're absolute geniuses (or is it genii?)
The goddess that is Elizabeth Taylor has sadly passed away. She of the violet eyes and heart-shaped face. Oscar winner and AIDS campaigner. I loved her best in "National Velvet". RIP Liz.
Fact of the day: The budget on "Black Swan" was so tight that when star Natalie Portman had a rib dislocated during a lift and she called the producer for help, she was told that the budget was so low they had no medic. She stated that if they needed to cut items from the budget they could take away her trailer, instead of the medic. The next day her trailer was gone.
Just realised that I haven't posted in a week! I'm shocked - this wasn't in the plan at all. I don't really know where the week has gone to be honest.
Last night we all met at the rugby club, where Sophie and Ben planted a tree in the grounds in memory of their dad. Stuart's ashes were scattered where the tree was planted and a plaque was revealed to show everyone the importance of the tree. Afterwards we all let some Chinese lanterns go, against the backdrop of the enormous moon. They float so peacefully, and we watched them until they were tiny dots in the sky, and then they disappeared. A fitting tribute.
Tonight it was back to the rugby club, where a cheque was presented to Macmillan for £2,300. This was the money raised at Stu's funeral in lieu of flowers. Such was his popularity. Quite an achievement!
So I did another run today! I've now received my Macmillan vest for the Great North Run, so I thought I'd better get my act together, as currently, I can't run for a bus. Toby is no help though; he keeps sitting down in protest. He's not the most athletic of pooches. I'm going to have to leave him at home next time.
So I've set up my web page (as below), early days, but the early bird catches the worm, they say. Here's hoping I catch a good few!!
My shift is cancelled for tomorrow, therefore a whole weekend off for Hodgy! Hurrah!
Started my day with a long walk with Toby. The sun came out to join us. We usually go to this location for our walk, as photographed with said sun this morning:
Lately we've had three friends join us, if we get out early enough. Three enormous deer emerge from the woods, stop to graze on the football field, and then drift silently on their long slender legs back into the woodland again. They're beautiful and graceful, and I'm always caught offguard when I spot them. Never get my camera out in time.
Managed to tick off half of my "to do" list today! Including meeting my good pal Gill for a catch up. Hot topic of the day, not counting the usual gossip, was conspiracy theories. It's all going on at Denver International Airport! Blimey.
So now, after a couple of pieces of the best cheese and onion pie in the world (my mother's), I'm tucked up in bed with my laptop and what must be my gazillionth viewing of "The Godfather". Yes, on a Saturday night. I do indeed know how to live the wild life.
Fact of the day: Deer are quick and skillful swimmers, often taking to water when frightened. Deer can easily swim across lakes or rivers at over 10 miles per hour.
Had a very productive day at work today. Making a couple of people happy + getting a compliment + achieving something + good office gossip = job done.
Best part was a huge hazelnut latte and a chat in Costa with one of the people I support, which is always a bonus. Is there anything better on a chilly windy day, when a person is full of cold, than sitting in a comfy chair drinking hot coffee? Apart from a hot toddy? I don't think so.
Plans for the weekend have sadly been shelved, due to unforeseen circumstances. I need to come up with some ideas, and fast! The cheaper the better. If anyone out there has any suggestions, please throw them this way. If, indeed, there is anyone out there. Is anyone reading this?! Not that it matters I suppose. Ideas, I need ideas!
Anyhoo, so far this weekend I plan to:
- meet a friend for coffee Saturday morning
- go for a run without stopping for longer than five minutes
- have a long walk or two with the hound
- finish of my current assignment for my writing course (must, must, must)
- take my library books back and replace
- do a bit of work with someone I support on Sunday afternoon (might cycle there and back, if the weather is good. Then again, it's easy to say that now, on Thursday evening, with a glass of red wine in hand).
But I need something different and exciting. Something I've never done before.
Don't be silly! Not that! I'm not doing that! I've applied to join the Northumbrian Wildlife Trust as a volunteer, imagining myself carefully cradling abandoned baby puffins and all that, but sadly I'm yet to hear anything. I suppose I should go and join a flamenco class, really. But how scary is that to do on your own?!?!
Fact of the day: although it's a very corny 80's song, it's very difficult to listen to "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News without losing yourself in song.
I've also given up bread for lent. I'm not that mad on chocolate, so the choices were:
- crisps
- alcohol
- bread
Bread it was then. I'd sooner give up alcohol than crisps, and I've got a cold so need hot toddies at present (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it).
I must be honest, I thought bread would be easy. But blimey! Garlic bread served with my pasta this evening...aaargh. I turned my face away, wearing a big pet lip and a huffy demeanour.
Just wanted to take a wee moment to recommend a link. All about a wonderful man I was very lucky to know and call my brother-in-law. And keeping his memory alive.
Roller disco was fab. Managed the hour without falling over. Good exercise too, and for £3.95 with a free hot dog and carton of juice thrown in, I for one felt it was a bargain! As I whizzed (okay then, teetered) around, I lost myself in a world of disco music and naff 1980's films. I do recall, a few years ago, throwing away a couple of hours watching one terrible roller disco film, which starred Linda Blair of the Exorcist fame. As happy as she was on her wheels, I'm afraid she'll always terrify the living daylights out of me. Sorry pet.
Rewarded ourselves with a pint or three at the lovely Cumberland Arms pub in Ouseburn afterwards. I love how one of the rooms is a cosy drinking library; everyone looked very content with their pints and their books, the fire crackling in the corner. One man was sitting on his own, happily chortling away, with a pint of ale in one hand and a book called "Balderdash and Piffle" in the other. He was in kinks. I must read that book. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5940034/Newcastle-Pub-Guide-The-Cumberland-Arms-Byker.html
Fact of the day: Roller skating burns 350-600 calories per hour!
After a successful day's work and a quick bite to eat in Pizza Express, I went with H to see Blood Brothers at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. It was just wonderful, brilliant acting, very good singing, and a standing ovation at the end. I'm impressed. It was a weepie, but also funny in parts. If you haven't been to see it, GO. GO NOW!!!! I'm not that into musicals but I make an exception with this one.
The female lead was played by a woman who reached the semi finals of the X factor. And I have to say, she was excellent. Makes you wonder how many talented people out there remain undiscovered or never achieve their dreams. She was born to be on stage, and yet if it weren't for a tv talent show she'd be working in Sainsburys or Lloyds TSB or somewhere like that.
I'm going to try and get tickets and go back with my mother on Tuesday.
When the lights went on at the end, a girl sitting near me had black mascara running in torrents down her face, she was covered. A sign of a good play if ever I saw one.
Fact of the day: the first actor appeared on stage in 534 BC. He was called Thespis.
Got confirmation of my place on the Great North Run for MacMillan today - woo!
To celebrate, I took Toby on another mini-jog around the fields. He wasn't impressed. Booster injections this morning, and running this afternoon. Poor sausage.
I then bought a magazine called "Women's Running". A whole bloomin' magazine just about women running! I'm only up to page 12 and already wondering how they're going to eke it out for...(let me check)...122 pages.
One of the articles tells you how to have a firmer bust in only five steps. Presumably by running?
Fact of the day: Great North Run participants have clocked up more that nine and a half million miles between them. Every postcode in the UK is represented in the starting line up.
Another event to add to the collection! Race for Life, around Saltwell Park, 15th May 2011.
I started my training with a little mini-run this morning with the dog. A very little mini-run, I might add, as I have a lurgy at the moment, so far from my best health. It's a start though! And I must add, I felt better for that sudden tiny burst of enthusiasm and energy. I'll run a bit further tomorrow, and the next day, and so on.
It's funny how dogs have a compulsion to run alongside you. I'm not convinced that Toby is altogether keen on the idea (preferring to play ball), but it's as if his mechanics insist that he runs. He has no idea what he's letting himself in for.
Fact of the day: The record for the most money raised for charity by an individual marathon runner is £1,841,138 (US$3,669,325) and was set by Steve Chalke (UK) who raised the money for Oasis UK by completing the Flora London Marathon, London, UK, on 22 April 2007.
