I aint colour blind just tasteless.
Drop Ally off at her mates and wander off to the Tip, post Christmas tradition in these parts. Flex 7 15 seconds to change the seats, well Opel must do something different to Vauxhall. Anyway stuffed to the gunnels I enjoy the trip. The bottle recycling section is roped off chocker apparently. Then to Greenbank for a lunch of spiced lentil soup. Off to Franks for a haircut. Frank is off sick and a dysphoric Peter does the deed. Nice guy, not had the best Christmas, chest infection and a bit depressed. Cold on the way home though Not much left up top for sure. Off to somerfield and score some teabags and other essentials. Back home and heat the chilli through. Very good and some to freeze.
Off to Beas and then to tesco old Swan. Ally scores some Jeans and we get the gear for the New Years Eve Supper. Plus some freezer boxes in the sale. Good stuff.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Kieran has shouted out
Well shout out is ok but it dont tell me if you shouted so Unless I look at the front of the shop it dont work right.
Lets have a go of this and sort out xml as per the loopyboys comments.
Lets have a go of this and sort out xml as per the loopyboys comments.
I don't like Mondays
Alison and I go into serious post Christmas pre New Year apathy and doss big time. I have a thousand and one things I could be doing but we barely scrape the energy to go to the supermarket where we lunch and shop. Entertained by a visit from the delightful Gordon of Mental health days. He looks well and his very presence is therapeutic in the extreme. Back home cook a chilli for tomorrow and go to pick mama up, lasagne for tea. Back home and chilling. No christmas treats for me of a liquid or solid calorific nature. Boring but back to the grindstone. Enjoy Time Team abort the Canterbury show in favour of Chrimbo Corries then watch the Big Dig spesh at nine. Catch a Little Britain Repeat on Beeb 3.
Children's Hospitals and Clinics
Children's Hospitals and Clinics a web based patient held record now thats impressive.The NHS are planning something similar I believe.
Monday, December 29, 2003
Sunday Brunch
Off to Ruth and Pauls for a meal I am nervous about it goes ok. I eat things of very dubious food value my diet is poop at the mo. Too much bad stuff around still its Christmas. Back home and leisurely relaxing. Mood feeling palpably better. We mooch in the kitchen for scraps to eat. Goes well generally though I do better than the girls I think. The evening sees the return of Mr Moey - ourneighbour who gave up the day job to set up the Drop off Ironing CO. A great service at 50 pence a shirt, want his details gives us a shout. He drops em off 24 hours later on a hanger in a plastic bag. That'll do nicely.
Sunday, December 28, 2003
Sunshine Saturday in Halewood
Whisk Ally off to Whiston she s off to see Return of the King with Emma. We decide on a walk, had planned to Do this one but ended up in Halewood. As we walk I wonder where Loopyboy lives. Its cool and we both enjoy it. This is complete our lives have changed type stuff and I am made up every time we do something like that. Get home tootle off to Jubilee Drive to get em mam and back home for chilling. Surprised at the lack of Corrie even more surprised to learnt thats coz its Saturday. The Office special is good - part 2 saves the day.
Notes from a North Sea Island: Orkney .... Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Notes from a North Sea Island: Orkney .... Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Makes me want to go there...very nice pictures.
Who Owns the Alphabet?
Who Owns the Alphabet? now this geezer has too much time on his hands. Still I must too, as I was sad enough to read it.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
20six — Weblogs. Blog via the web, MMS or E-Mail.
20six — Weblogs. Blog via the web, MMS or E-Mail. I have been looking at some good sites here. Some real gems. This chappie from the camera shop is funny.
meish.org : mayfly project 2003
meish.org : mayfly project 2003 Sum up the year in 20 words a bit of a challenge don't know if I am up to it.
Boxing Day report
Initially woke at 8 with the plan of getting up and back into real life sleep pattern rolled over till 11am. Never mind. Idled around, till the girls arose, then we were joined by colin to collect his crockery and car. He had eaten his breakfast cereal out of a gravy boat, due to his being press ganged here. Lunch was a cold meat and pick sort of affair. Vitamins were not taken, ut psychotropics et al stay on the list. Jean and I watched a Hugh fest on a cable channel. A man the jury is still out on, he gets on my nerves then i find myself strangely endeared to him. Ater moochin we smooth on out to Ruth and Pauls. For a very pleasant evening. mostly in the dining room in the company of Alan Paul Colin and Tommy. Tommy has been done for using is mobile whilst driving on the 13th December. he wasnt impressed though arguing with the coppers never did me any good 9allusions to my shady past there). Anyway unlucky Tom but thanks for giving us the best laff of the festive season, There is nowt like anothers misfortune is there. Cheery stuff. After some Tex mex its home and telly. Still not very good, very dissapointed with The christmas spesh part one. Still a chance of redemption tonight.
E-government
The Kings Chrimbo message which he handwrites then a geezer scans. The King of Cambodias website isn't exactly top of my list.
AmphetaDesk - Syndicated Aggregator
AmphetaDesk - Syndicated Aggregator I have been messng about and now this seems to be the boy I need.
Friday, December 26, 2003
Friday five - an insight
1. What was your biggest accomplishment this year?
Creating WLSINFO a support and information website, which has helped a few people.
2. What was your biggest disappointment?
Tough question - not being shortlisted for the Bupa Communication Awards - gonna be next year though. (In some way).
3. What do you hope the new year brings?
Mental health.
Family Health
More comprehensive NHS Bariatric services more widely available.
4. Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be?
Nope
5. What are your plans for New Year's Eve?
Have to check with my wife - not confirmed as yet but usually we spend it with Mother in Law and Sister/bro in Law.
And Jools Holland
The Friday Five
Creating WLSINFO a support and information website, which has helped a few people.
2. What was your biggest disappointment?
Tough question - not being shortlisted for the Bupa Communication Awards - gonna be next year though. (In some way).
3. What do you hope the new year brings?
Mental health.
Family Health
More comprehensive NHS Bariatric services more widely available.
4. Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be?
Nope
5. What are your plans for New Year's Eve?
Have to check with my wife - not confirmed as yet but usually we spend it with Mother in Law and Sister/bro in Law.
And Jools Holland
The Friday Five
Boxing day
Woke at 8 for a visit to the loo and planned to get up. Bed beckoned and I returned, till 11, get up chill a bit Colin arrives to pick up his crockery and brings disturbing news that he eat his breakfast from a gravy boat. Lunch and chilling till out for tea at Ruth and Pauls at 5pm. Mess with XML.
OFF THE TELLY: Features/Festive Television
OFF THE TELLY: Features/Festive Television I was lookin for Our Kid on the Net. I was posting on wlsinfo about "our kid" new faces winners of the 76 season. They were truly memorable, dissapointingly no image is available.
Thursday, December 25, 2003
It'll be Lonely this Chrissmas...not
With 11 guests, it went well all ready as it should be how it should far too much of it left and everyone full to bursting. It was a success, very pleasing, though if I say it myself my wife and I are fairly good at a bit of catering. Drop Hannah and Jenni off at their Nans in Walton then Colin near the park. then its back home. Jean has a kip and I take the opportunity to blog.
The constipation which has plagued has been relieved though it has left me with a vicious gas problem. Constipation has only been a feature of my liife once post op. I am attributing this to the SSRI's which i am ingesting at the moment, though I note I could also do with upping my fluid intake generally.
The gas continues though mum has a dog to blame. Pleasant evening and light tea at mums, dave maria mary john ann and nanny in attendance. Correctly berated by brother Dave for not responding to comments. Have amended and responded. Get home and to be honest extremely fatigued. Enjoy some red wine and port.
The bowels continue with vengeance.
The constipation which has plagued has been relieved though it has left me with a vicious gas problem. Constipation has only been a feature of my liife once post op. I am attributing this to the SSRI's which i am ingesting at the moment, though I note I could also do with upping my fluid intake generally.
The gas continues though mum has a dog to blame. Pleasant evening and light tea at mums, dave maria mary john ann and nanny in attendance. Correctly berated by brother Dave for not responding to comments. Have amended and responded. Get home and to be honest extremely fatigued. Enjoy some red wine and port.
The bowels continue with vengeance.
So here it is Merry Xmas (sic)
Roasties done need reheating meat carved serve cold, when you are cookin for 14 its minimal,intervention. stuff. Guests arrive in21 mins and I need a bath.
Its Christmas time...
I hate Christmas music doesnt everyone why do we have it.
Wake up sixish and rouse Jean at 7.15 Ally at 8.30 and its down stairs for presies we are all made up. Highlights for me, Ally being impressed that I had sought out pins on ebay. My best pressie Joools who we saw live earlier this year. Then hit the kitchen. Roasties like alliance bombers come in waves and like new surgical techniques and pancakes you get a few wrong before you get em right. Still we are cooking its 10.40 last load bar one is inand all looks rosy. Summats gonna go wrong but what. Right back to my taters..see ya later blogwatchers.
Wake up sixish and rouse Jean at 7.15 Ally at 8.30 and its down stairs for presies we are all made up. Highlights for me, Ally being impressed that I had sought out pins on ebay. My best pressie Joools who we saw live earlier this year. Then hit the kitchen. Roasties like alliance bombers come in waves and like new surgical techniques and pancakes you get a few wrong before you get em right. Still we are cooking its 10.40 last load bar one is inand all looks rosy. Summats gonna go wrong but what. Right back to my taters..see ya later blogwatchers.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Wednesday - so that'll be Christmas Eve
Oh what a bad nights kip - difficulty getting off meets early morning wakening, not big and not clever. Got up at 6 and messed about. Common decency prevents me using the most precise word which describes my actual activities, suffice to say aimless shuffling on the bum figures heavily in there. The all efficient garbos from Onyx turn up on cue. More efficient and no tipping allowed (officially) time was the binmen would torch ya house if ya didnt give em a tip. I did plan to expound a treatise on tipping poicies both in general and in the festive season but apathy won the day. No shopping today but mother rings to commission a case of lager for Nannie banks, somewhat underpriced swap if you ask me. Given mothers Malapropisms (more of which anon) a case of Harlekin (quin) is ordered. After much thought as to whether to brave the Somerfield or some other chain I elect to trot to the shops at the top. Jean has made her annual pilgrimage to her aunties (who died last year I think) and Ally has made her annual trip to the Albert Dock for Hannahs birthday lunch. We have purchased the best of REM for Hannah, a strange but requested gift for a 13 yr old I felt. She is unimpressed with my offer of a loan of my collection of Yes CD's though. Meanwhile meat is roasting and boiling. i trot to the shops and see Neil the singing chropodist. Nice geezer whoalways shares a chuckle and will be glad to get a mention here during Chanukah. He is off to get some candles which after reading this link, running out of them sounds a serious occurrence. Did I mention where we live is a big Jewish community?
Any way bargainbooze lager bought. Nanny or her guests wont be happy, they never are. It will be weak, strong, cheap dear, foreign, english or worse Australian, c'mon cobber its 4x its sterilised in an industrial estate in Scunthorpe or such.
Then its veggy prep, a visit from Phil - much respect. Pick mother up, swap her for lager Nanny not happy. Curry for tea more gravy making and present wrapping. A drink. And bed. Its Christmas.
Any way bargainbooze lager bought. Nanny or her guests wont be happy, they never are. It will be weak, strong, cheap dear, foreign, english or worse Australian, c'mon cobber its 4x its sterilised in an industrial estate in Scunthorpe or such.
Then its veggy prep, a visit from Phil - much respect. Pick mother up, swap her for lager Nanny not happy. Curry for tea more gravy making and present wrapping. A drink. And bed. Its Christmas.
Tuesday - See the Prof - What a carry on
Off to the prof interesting Man -- got a lot of time for him, shrewd clinician. Once again reflect how fortunate I am in the medics I am involved with. Diagnosis whilst not unexpected is still another percieved hurdle. He does well and i am impressed. Come home and really I am in a bit of a state of shock and aint sure what's going on. In the meantime Jeans brother rings and we now have three extra guests for lunch on Thursday. Hmmm, seems turkey choice wasn't briliant so its off to Tesco Woolton where the object of my desire, Christmas Ham is nowhere to be seen. Replaced now by easter eggs, smoked salmon really, but easter eggs has more dramatic effect. Augment my vegetables too, in a carry on sort of way (Matron). Ruth and Paul drop the table, chairs extra crackers and silverware off. Hmmmm. still Ho hum. No need to pick mother up tonight she is "off" so we enjoy a prawn curry/chicken curry whilst Ally is out.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Monday - oversleep - Turkey Shoot.
Ally and I oversleep, iIhad a very poor nights kip. Its off to Woolton, a local genteel village type gaff. Pick up a turkey at Tescos first then off to park in Sainsburys and hit the local Hallmark card shop which also benefits from a Thorntons francise. The turkey was a tough decision we were I judged on the cusp of a large and extra large so we golarge. Ah Woolton village I used to spend school lunchtimes there eating chips with Scottie and Ormey (When I wasnt sagging off) of course. We weren't allowed ou tof school at lunchtime. So in honour of the villages esteemed place in my personal history Ally and I go to the chippy. I eat about 40% of a piece of fish, and a few chips and jolly enjoyable they were too. Into Sainsburys then home. Drop Ally and her mates at the pics to see freaky friday and then pick Mother up from Nannies. She has brought Christmas tree lights, her fibre optic extavanganza having bitten the dust. So she has invested 99p in a merry christmas sign Pity that it only works on a car battery. Still it is pressed into use on the Zafira. Deep Joy.
Stratford Upon Avon-The Truth
Stratford Upon Avon-The Truth Bit full of Luvvies but a couple of smiles in there.
Monday, December 22, 2003
More template messing
Looking at centreing and other such phenomena at the minute. Amusing. Shall I put pictures in here - not sure. What of?
Sunday - not out much today
After last Sunday morns shocker about Saddam the world is shook today by the news that John McCoys Big Black Bus is no more. Visted by the delightful MaryB from the north west support group and her husband Les a great couple. Lovely people. Mary confesses to having tacky Chrimbo lights.
By 8pm I reckon its time to leave the house and Ally and I go for a walk around the local streets, inspired by Marys revelation. Mainly to gegg (gegg is slang for spy on - I check But not a mention )on Christmas lights - how sad are we. Its cold and the extra layers make little difference. Post WLS I am chilled to the marrow. Towers Road provides some classiscs. Whats it about, a phenomenon that I just don't get at all ... must buy some next year.
By 8pm I reckon its time to leave the house and Ally and I go for a walk around the local streets, inspired by Marys revelation. Mainly to gegg (gegg is slang for spy on - I check But not a mention )on Christmas lights - how sad are we. Its cold and the extra layers make little difference. Post WLS I am chilled to the marrow. Towers Road provides some classiscs. Whats it about, a phenomenon that I just don't get at all ... must buy some next year.
Welcome to MusicBrainz!
Welcome to MusicBrainz! This is very clever and potentially useful if you used mp3 tracks, which of course I dont much apart from to download stuff I already purchased.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Messing with the template
Wish I'd listened to the HTML classes at Uni.
Template messing is scary stuff.
And doesnt always work.
Template messing is scary stuff.
And doesnt always work.
Haywood Jahelpme - aka Tech Support Hell
Haywood Jahelpme - aka Tech Support Hell If there is any ever doubt that tech support is tough enjoy this Amerivam geezers musings.
Saturday - just chillin
Dont go the gym, dont do much just messing about. Jean whisks her mum off to Tesco. Ally and I do what we do best, lazing around. I attempt a kip in the afternoon after a fitful nights sleep but fail. Jean helps me tidy the head office of WLSINFO, or the spare bedroom as some may call it. Off to pick me mum up at Nannies, Nan seems brighter but choses to play this down. Christmas is undoubtedly coming.
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Working With Dead People: My home page
Working With Dead People: My home page Another one that cracks me right up
Friday
Jeans off and off to the hairdressers at 10 for the Christmas trim. Remember that I need to see Frank next week, Barber not Doctor. Jean nips off to a work lunch at the Queens Drive. Ally and I scoot off to Tesco Allerton. Check out veg lasagne in the caff while Ally tucks in to a bacon and sausage stick. Cheaper than yesterday and just as good. Back home and Jeans off to a Christmas meal at Jalons. Ally is off to see Blue with Hannah B for her birthday party.
Welcome to Ugly Christmas Lights.com!
Welcome to Ugly Christmas Lights.com! A site with so much potential that doesnt really cut the mustard for me. Poor quality photographs, spoil it as well as the us focus.
Friday, December 19, 2003
Friday again.
1. List your five favorite beverages.
Tea - hot strong no sugar
Fresh Orange Juice.
Real Beer - Something by Roosters though I am on the wagon at the mo.
Red Wine - Full South African - ditto
Port LBV
Used to be coffee till the op.
2. List your five favorite websites.
WLSINFO interest declared
Kieran the boy
Ebay
Call centre confidential
My Boyfriend is a ****
3. List your five favorite snack foods.
Crisps
Bananas
Nuts
4. List your five favorite board and/or card games.
Monopoly
Risk
Diplomacy
Cribbage
Scrabble
5. List your five favorite computer and/or game system games.
Civ
Scrabble for the pocket PC
3D Pinball - have to stop now and have a game
Crash Bandicoot
Phoenix - 80's pub table game
Tea - hot strong no sugar
Fresh Orange Juice.
Real Beer - Something by Roosters though I am on the wagon at the mo.
Red Wine - Full South African - ditto
Port LBV
Used to be coffee till the op.
2. List your five favorite websites.
WLSINFO interest declared
Kieran the boy
Ebay
Call centre confidential
My Boyfriend is a ****
3. List your five favorite snack foods.
Crisps
Bananas
Nuts
4. List your five favorite board and/or card games.
Monopoly
Risk
Diplomacy
Cribbage
Scrabble
5. List your five favorite computer and/or game system games.
Civ
Scrabble for the pocket PC
3D Pinball - have to stop now and have a game
Crash Bandicoot
Phoenix - 80's pub table game
Thursday
Woke up feeling brighter once again things start to look like they are on the up. Feeling palpably better. Get off to the gym and just do some cardio-vascular work. Pick Ally and her friends up from school. It is a half day as tonight is the carol service at the cathedral. Ally and I take lunch in Neighbourhood a sort of Bistro type place. Ally opts for a BBQ chicken sandwich and I risk spaghetti and meatballs. Bit pricey but tasty. Then its off to tesco, Woolton. Pick mother up from Nans who has been dischargd today. Busy busy busy. I cock up and take jeans car keys, I am not popular when I get back. I eat a ready made curry for my evening meal. A bit of a first.
Call Centre Confidential
Call Centre ConfidentialIts been mentioned here befre but it came second inthe Grauniad comp - its class and it uses a kewl template.
Thursday, December 18, 2003
posts missing
Not sure whats happening here some stuff went missing. Which isnt funny, most of it was a tale of internet connectivity woe which started with router firmware upgrades and ended with lost connection. Sorted now and all the better. Just to replay Wednesday - didnt gym, went to lunch with Ali and Kim which was excellent. What a fine brace of friends. We laffed, mostly at the poor geezers who had booked their Christmas lunch and recieved the worst service in Christendom, it was appalling. I had soup and some smoked salmon and spud nice. Then off to Tesco where i scored a loaf and bacon. Back home and and a quick butty before I wandered out. A little too quick as i had to vomit in the car. Fortunately there was a well placed tesco bag. I arrived at the Brownes after a very dodgy journey where further vomit seemed inevitable but didnt occur. The bandsters on the site call it pb'ing. Which I think means productive burp, but aint sure if this is just a vomit, or more or less. Anyway dear reader enough vomit for you. The it was off to get adair and nip to the Dragon and Phoenix in Newton.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Handheld blogging
Live from my bed with the axim. I t hink I have this sorted. But cannot be certain. It is 5.50 and i had about 5 and a bit hours sleep. That isn't the best.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
BBC SPORT | TV/Radio Listings | Sports Personality | Nobby named unsung hero
BBC SPORT | TV/Radio Listings | Sports Personality | Nobby named unsung hero Was I alone in being amused by finding this mans name amusing?
Tuesday - another bad night
This isn't good, sleep is important and I am not getting enough. Wake after restlessness at 07.05. Slip back into snooze mode and rise again at 9.30. Legs and arms feeling drained, energy levels low. Try to catch up with email inbox but its hard. My inability to complete even the simplest of tasks is astounding, I am drained. I need to set realistic targets today it aint easy. Not feeling brilliant. Natter with Rebecca andthe mystery of the absent JK is sorted.
Monday, December 15, 2003
Monday dont sleep so good
Dont know if I did or I didnt or if I just dreamt I didnt, still don't feel very refreshed this AM. Slow start though sort a couple of things then chunner off to the gym. Not sure what muscles were in play today but my arms are glowing if thats a good sign. In to the caff for a broccoli and spinach soup which is muchly warming. Meander back home, go to pick mother up, Ally is off to her cell group christmas party.
Sunday family lunch.
Our turn today and we had to pie and mash land in attempt to move away from the roast territory of Christmas. Goes well despite the cockney overtones. We light our first festive fire, in honour of Ruth , who has bought some blue burning pine cones for us. Most festive in appearance. Ally scoots off to the pathfinders party and Jean watches sports personlaity on the BBC - dreadful telly with yet another phone in. Am I alone in believing there is some massive conspiracy with TV companies and phone companies in cahoots? I think not.
The National Health Service - Welcome to the National Health Service
The National Health Service - Welcome to the National Health ServiceKierans news digest tells me this won an award - I aint reviewing it now but has it got heaps better than the last time I looked.
Saturday, December 13, 2003
late friday five
1. Do you enjoy the cold weather and snow for the holidays?
2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect?
3. Do you do have any holiday traditions?
4. Do you do anything to help the needy?
5. What one gift would you like for yourself?
from here
answers tomorrow when I recover from the christmas tree
2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect?
3. Do you do have any holiday traditions?
4. Do you do anything to help the needy?
5. What one gift would you like for yourself?
from here
answers tomorrow when I recover from the christmas tree
Didn't sleep well last night
I am still feeling it. I feel drained absolutely shot at and finding it near impossible to motivate myself. Jean assists and drags me out to Williams Garden Centre the annual scene of our Christmas Tree pilgrimage. Deep joy how I love this day, a lowpoint of the festive season. It is acquired easily enough and at incredibly reasonable rate of 29.99 for a noble fir. Seems too easy and it is. The helpful boy trims it up to fit in the red container. Well when we get it hoe we realise his red containers are different size wise to our red containers. So off into the garden to trim it up. As well prepared as I am in the DIY line I attack it with a teaspoon. Not good. Hell I am traumatised, I was severely disturbed by the notices in the garden centre tellin me that I need to chop a centimetre off the end and stand in water for five hours then stay outside till the 20th December...me or the tree? I dunno.
So after much shenanigans its off to the garden centre for Jean to purchase the right size pot for the tree. I meanwhile busy myself drawing up a rota for watering the boy through the night. the sign said five litres a day, thats more than me.
After a fuss we get it in. Humph - don't like this day very much. After a lasagne lunch its off to the gym, for triceps and shoulders. Cardio wise I am slow but steady. Eva is there and its her last day before a month off and a trip home to Belgium. She lives in Leuvel.
Then its off home and Jean had started the Christmas preparations. Tesco online shop arrives ad it is without doubt the biggest mess we have ever had. I am not impressed. We were doing the soft drinks shop to stock up and a take advantage of their triple points offer. We are last on the van run and the geezer says he is empty - so someone is enjoying our coke lemo water etc. A call to Tesco.com call centre sorts out the refund and the re-delivery of our missing items tomorrow. Shock as pop idol kicks out smug boy who looked set to win. Excellent piece slating him and the show in screen burns in the Guardian guide.
So after much shenanigans its off to the garden centre for Jean to purchase the right size pot for the tree. I meanwhile busy myself drawing up a rota for watering the boy through the night. the sign said five litres a day, thats more than me.
After a fuss we get it in. Humph - don't like this day very much. After a lasagne lunch its off to the gym, for triceps and shoulders. Cardio wise I am slow but steady. Eva is there and its her last day before a month off and a trip home to Belgium. She lives in Leuvel.
Then its off home and Jean had started the Christmas preparations. Tesco online shop arrives ad it is without doubt the biggest mess we have ever had. I am not impressed. We were doing the soft drinks shop to stock up and a take advantage of their triple points offer. We are last on the van run and the geezer says he is empty - so someone is enjoying our coke lemo water etc. A call to Tesco.com call centre sorts out the refund and the re-delivery of our missing items tomorrow. Shock as pop idol kicks out smug boy who looked set to win. Excellent piece slating him and the show in screen burns in the Guardian guide.
Ken Clare Excersise Program
Ken Clare Excersise Program Found this a very amusing summary of my original exercise plan. Not bad progress in a shade under 14 months.
Friday evening
Well what better way to celebrate a visit to M&S then with a pastichio see blogs passim. A sort of lasagne with attitude. Then Beas in the evening, no colin and the girls for reasons not shared it me (or forgotten). Rick Wakeman is a guest on " Have I got News for You " which I enjoy immensely.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Friday and Christmas is coming
Well my sleep was initially disturbed last night night. I found the website of This Gang. I suppose part of me should be happy when an organisation with similar aims to your own comes along, but I am not. I aint sure why but instead of working with us - they set up on their own, with very similar aims - why? Time will tell.
Still our branding is about being consumer led and driven thats what we excel at.
Friday and I wake up with a chemical hangover may well try reducing the sedation tonight. Chill around the house while Jean goes into ful ontidy mode. Then its off to Gemini - Marks and Spencers Retail palace at Warrington. The only shop big enough to have its own motorway junction. I remember years ago comin in and seeing the commons debating the proposal - now its here and the M6 Toll road too.
Still our branding is about being consumer led and driven thats what we excel at.
Friday and I wake up with a chemical hangover may well try reducing the sedation tonight. Chill around the house while Jean goes into ful ontidy mode. Then its off to Gemini - Marks and Spencers Retail palace at Warrington. The only shop big enough to have its own motorway junction. I remember years ago comin in and seeing the commons debating the proposal - now its here and the M6 Toll road too.
Search By Number (Google Weblog)
Search By Number (Google Weblog)Fairly impressive if you live in the states.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Thursday
Wake up about 9.15 and get me act together, sort things round the house and get ready for jean coming in. Plan to do lunch but an unplanned meeting causes her to be late. We end up in Tescos old swan I have lasagne and Jean some sort of cooked breakfast combo. They place is busy and we stock up on Christmas stuff. Goes well. Jean benefitted from her shopping half day.
So Wednesday where did you go
Once I fit in meds and personal hygiene there doesn't seem much else for the day. Manage to get to the gym where after a bit of Cardio work I engage in stepping machine then arms and shoulders type stuff. Feels good. Vegetable soup and prawns, do I detect a theme here? Then it'ss off to Tesco woolton to collect the remained of my script. Home and prepare food for the gals, then off to pick mum up Nanny lookin better. Settle down to watch a surreal episode of Corrie followed by the Bill. British Comedy Awards is good.most enjoyable. Ricky Gervais is excellent and David Walliams makes a very strange acceptance gesture - good stuff. Leslie Phillips and Jordan surreal.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Little Britain Character Gallery
Little Britain Character GalleryThis is impressive we watched it on Monday night and were well impressed. Excellent characters, and in the spirit of League Of Gentlemen.
Cell - a good time
Cell at Franks tonight, a good meet. Kitchen Mal - top man, Fords Jimmy and Sid, Doctor Chris, Phil who is struggling, quiet Phil and Taxi Billy. We look at Romans 8 and try to make sense of addictions. Neither of which ie easy. I arrive home after negotiating thick fog. Drug induced haze here we come caramba.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Lunch good as ever
Kim and I hit the Bear and Staff, nice lunch, although it started off good here there is a sense that it is going off a bit. i hit Spinach soup and a combo starter of prawns and chicken satay. Then its off to Tesco Woolton to pick up the prescription. That done I try to contact Caroline HR unsuccessfully and go to the postie to post Rebeccas frock back to her - Jean was going to borrow it not me. Sid from cell rings me up at teatime checking how I am thinking I aint going tonight. I struggle on the fish I had prepared so a danish and Brunch bar is pressed into service.
Tuesday motivation poor
Had a good sleep, but felt miserable as soon as I woke up. I seem unable to complete even the simplest of tasks. Everything seems harder than it should be I try to focus in on simple things and complete them but they are hard. I manage breakfast and plan to hit the gym that soon goes by the wayside. Need to get prescriptions filled out and motor on to Tesco for some potatoes for Jeans tea. Stopping only at the Bear and staff for some lunch with Kim. And decide to use the spell checker well I thought it would make a change. Wonder will anyone notice.
Monday, December 08, 2003
I remain positive in the light of developments.
Not the best of days but I put it down to experience count my blessings and move on, feeling a certain inner calm. Definitely making progress. Tomorrows another day.
Things can only get better
I'm off to see Frank and get the repeat scripts required. He had asked work about my half pay situation last week and it would appear I am already on it deep joy. It seems catatrosphic at the time but soon takes on more realistic dimensions. Not the best news though. In touch with Kim who is meeting me for lunch tomorrow.
Get home and fall into bed more through inertia than tiredness though drop off. Wake about one and hotfoot it to Greenbank for a bowl of soup. Most enjoyable.
Then its a quick nip up queens drive to Walton hospital, where even more demolition has taken place since I was last there.
The clinic is poorly set up admin wise though the presence of Gail from weight management clinic days is pleasing. She weighs me , about 5k out I reckon or things really are bad.. Still its the balance scale and they are a pile of poop. Then into see Mr James - "so you have skinfolds" what problem does that cause you? Interesting question had I been less depressed I might have fashioned a more interesting answer. He doesn't seem enamoured with the concept of plastics for post bariatric boys. He tries to tell me of the risks of surgery. He then points out that what he thinks is secondary to what the PCT will pay for which I knew. Not much good news generally don't do skin fold on people with BMI >26 mine is 34 according to him thought 32 in my book. Hmmmmm doesn't go well, he sort of tells me how this bariatric thing aint been thought through and people should have clarified this, he then gives me some population based data about quality of life. I guess I end up feeling a bit sorry for him coz he probably has more people to treat than operating capacity. Things don't seem helped by the fact I should be at Whiston really either. So loose more weight, and find someone more friendly to bariatrics. That's the plan.
Get home and fall into bed more through inertia than tiredness though drop off. Wake about one and hotfoot it to Greenbank for a bowl of soup. Most enjoyable.
Then its a quick nip up queens drive to Walton hospital, where even more demolition has taken place since I was last there.
The clinic is poorly set up admin wise though the presence of Gail from weight management clinic days is pleasing. She weighs me , about 5k out I reckon or things really are bad.. Still its the balance scale and they are a pile of poop. Then into see Mr James - "so you have skinfolds" what problem does that cause you? Interesting question had I been less depressed I might have fashioned a more interesting answer. He doesn't seem enamoured with the concept of plastics for post bariatric boys. He tries to tell me of the risks of surgery. He then points out that what he thinks is secondary to what the PCT will pay for which I knew. Not much good news generally don't do skin fold on people with BMI >26 mine is 34 according to him thought 32 in my book. Hmmmmm doesn't go well, he sort of tells me how this bariatric thing aint been thought through and people should have clarified this, he then gives me some population based data about quality of life. I guess I end up feeling a bit sorry for him coz he probably has more people to treat than operating capacity. Things don't seem helped by the fact I should be at Whiston really either. So loose more weight, and find someone more friendly to bariatrics. That's the plan.
Bad Blogger Sunday
Dont like that even email posts went missing, where are they? In a holding pattern in cyberspace - I dunno guess we should be told. Sleep well and surprisingly again dream free, though I am disturbed by Jean up to no good in the night with the toasster. not munchies but a fear that it would explode - it is goosed. Needs replacing. Monday brings a visit to frank and then the plasticcs man at Walton Mr james. Interesting.
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Sunday hang yer head in shame
It happens every 3/4 months or so the papers stop coming we get a bill and then I have to go up and pay for them. It happens but it dont get easier. Jean has been off to Tesco and we spend the afternoon writing more lists, getting things sorted for christmas all serious stuff. Ally is off to church mid afternoon for a double header christingle service.
Saturday evening catch up
I pick Ally up from the childwall school fair and we whip to tesco woolton for some shopping and to pick up the fotos from DLP. Most pleasing I take an americano and a packet of wafers. Return home for a spell thats its Ally and I off to get some chrimbo pressies at Borders. BAck home and M&S have come up trumps. Their excellent Pastichio first sighted in June and now seen again , delicious.Chilling generally and things are cool
The Pig's Lip
The Pig's Lip An interesting Blog that reminds me of Mick from WLSINFO - not for any reason other than it talks about the lovely plaes near where he lives.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
AXIM posting
How sad am I have spent the last 2 days setting up wireless networking on the handheld dell axim kewl, posting using it now.
Gout on a saturday
Healthy living I am crippled with pain in me left foot. Not good. Slept really well. Dreamless though which is odd, though better than the guilt trips which have been a feature of late.Awake in the middle of the night and its actually 7.30 so thats quite satisfying. oze some more before surfacing at 9.15. Jean doing something with her mother and Ally preparing stuff for christingle service. Then they go off to town, I had planned to gym but a pain in my left foot sinals take it easy instead.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Friday Morning.
Jean is off and she aways with Bea to Morrison for more festive frippery. I chill a bit after waking up about 9. Get off to Springwood Crem for 12 noon. Professional mourner or what. This is for Mals dad, mal is from the cell. I meet taxi Billy, fords Jimmy and Nigerian Heseremay. Bet I spelt his name wrong.
We get in the funeral and the four of us make a fair report on the singing. Nice service by Nick from Frontline who conducts. Two touching poems from grandchildren and Mals bit goes down well He is, I think, pleased to see us.
Over to the pub in the park with the boys for lunch afterwards. bump into Kath and Michelle from the matchworks.
Home and then meet up with terry and Mick later. Home sharpish and chill.
We get in the funeral and the four of us make a fair report on the singing. Nice service by Nick from Frontline who conducts. Two touching poems from grandchildren and Mals bit goes down well He is, I think, pleased to see us.
Over to the pub in the park with the boys for lunch afterwards. bump into Kath and Michelle from the matchworks.
Home and then meet up with terry and Mick later. Home sharpish and chill.
Awful Plastic Surgery
Awful Plastic Surgery So glad to have found this with my up and coming plastics appt on monday - made me smile though.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Growing up in Lance Lane, Wavertree
Growing up in Lance Lane, Wavertree This grand old lady used to go to our church in wavertree.
Thursday -
Wake up ninish and remember that a visit to SAJMH PCTC is indicated. Sir Alfred Jones Memorial Hospital Primary Care Treatment Centre for the acronymically challenged. Found a nice snap. Not sure who the geezer was but probably some victorian philanthropist, Liverpool abounds with em the Rathbones, Ethel Wormald, Florence Melly, Mabel Fletcher et al. Anyway Frank had sent me for bloods including a fasting glucose. Iron Thyroid Liver, basically what Frank calls his alive or dead tests FBC, a gamut of tests to rule out physical causes of depression. A very nice lady does them, I am seen by several members of staff, who dont recognise me. then its off to Boots opticians at ASDA where I get Allys glasses fixed. then back home for a late breakfast. then Colin picks me up for atrip to Blessed Sacrament Church Walton. Couldn't find a website This was the best I could do. A nice service by a very nice Parish Priest. I have been to many funerals of people I hardly knew. Comes of my mental health days, i always thought it showed respect turning up to funerals of staff etc, did the whole spectrum from the tearjerker to the plain ridiculous. Still grief is a personal gig. I know when me dad dies there were one or two geezers in the crowd from work and its appreciated, dont cost much but goes down well. I remember when Jean worked for social services one of her colleagues died and nobody from management turns up -reason - no policy. Policy my jim Royle what happened to doin the right thing. I had a special funeral coat, replete with pennies for the poor kids. i loved em and always found some material for the book I'll never write. Take mother to ALDI a depressing gaff, german discount supermarket which she loves.Get home and chill bigtime.
Wednesday - gym and Prof
Reluctant to crawl out of the pit this Am I slept so well it feels a good place to be. I eventually muster and trip off to the gym for a legs and back day - don't ask I don't understand. Then its lunch, mushroom soup, is there something mood lifting about soup. After last years episodes see Blog- octover to January I thought I would never do soup again.now we are old friends again. Then its off to see Prof Morris at Moss House top guy but feel a bit of a sad git comin back again. Well after 10 minutes its in and off for some top notch assessment and treatment. Jib the Citalopram and start Prozac and depakote. This man is tops. See him again 23/12/03 and review. Off home still feelin pretty ok. Colin pops round to discuss the arrangements for Gerrys funeral tomorrow. Nip up to winwick to see mickey and adair,which of course its therapeutic in itself.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Tuesday - Operation Nanna to Christmas Party
Well I take me mam to tuebrook pensioners party run by Merseyside police. As she has connections with neither tuebrook or the Polis I am slightly troubled. Still she has been before so good enough The devonshire house in Kenny. The picture is quite flattering and is probably a view I aint seen before. The question is not if she will acquire a friend or two but rather how many. These will usually need to be ferried to some far flung corner of the universe. Accrington or such having travelled for 4 days by public transport in an iron lung. I amuse my self at the gym and indulge in mushroom soup whilst I wait. Fortunately she acquires only one biddy who lives in woolton which is thankfully in the same county. I take mother to ASDA and purchase some festive frippery.
After tea Jean and Ally off to Beas and me I'm off to Cellgroup at Franks. Top stuff, somethings going right. Plenty to pray about and we do, and sleep much better as a result.
After tea Jean and Ally off to Beas and me I'm off to Cellgroup at Franks. Top stuff, somethings going right. Plenty to pray about and we do, and sleep much better as a result.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
friday five running late
1. Do you like to shop? Why or why not?
Yes in supermarkets - but not at christmas.
2. What was the last thing you purchased?
christmas biscuits 3 for 2.50 at asda
3. Do you prefer shopping online or at an actual store? Why?
Store - when I have time
4. Did you get an allowance as a child? How much was it?
Yes half a crown on a saturday off me dad - usually buy a Ladybird book which are stillgoing but when I got em they were hot stuff. My favourites the firebrigade and the navy. Top stuff.
5. What was the last thing you regret purchasing?
Christmas tree hat in Eurodisney. It upsets my centre of gravity
Yes in supermarkets - but not at christmas.
2. What was the last thing you purchased?
christmas biscuits 3 for 2.50 at asda
3. Do you prefer shopping online or at an actual store? Why?
Store - when I have time
4. Did you get an allowance as a child? How much was it?
Yes half a crown on a saturday off me dad - usually buy a Ladybird book which are stillgoing but when I got em they were hot stuff. My favourites the firebrigade and the navy. Top stuff.
5. What was the last thing you regret purchasing?
Christmas tree hat in Eurodisney. It upsets my centre of gravity
Manic Depression Fellowship
Manic Depression FellowshipThis their disclaimer which I may have to pinch for wlsinfo.
Monday GP time
Off to see Frank, the excellent Doctor. I am slipping and he advises antidepressants, and immediate referral to Prof Morris the Art Garfunkel lookalike. Guess I have to accept I have Bipolar Affective Disorder, and Frank confirms this. Will probably need to go on mood stabilisers. Dont relish it but accept it. Seems I dealt well with the obesity problem just got to tackle this. Frank orders a ruck of blood tests which I find reassuring. He really is good and really cares. I get off to the gym and after a cardiovascular session start to work on my shoulders and triceps. Ouch that hurts - I am truly a sixteen stone weakling.
Sunday tired
Mooch in the morning, slept poorly back to bed and then to Ruth an Pauls for lunch, CJ was home and on good form. Liverpool is considerably less Christmassy than Disney. Take Bea home then Off to see Nanny Banks who looks very frail and weak. Mum is ok about things so we underplay how rough nanny looks.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Newport Bay Club
Top gaff well decorated. Up to the room 6240 on the 6th floor, the admirals floor. Two double beds telly in a cupboard balcony mini bar, what else do we need. Stop to unpack and chill for a bit then its off via the bus to the main park. In to the main park using the 3 day tickets picked up from the marriot desk. Disney does christmas well decoration wise. Up into the park and a whizz round lookig for eateries, fantasyland, no joy adventureland no joy at the blue lagoon round into fantasy land again back into main street and its a nugget thing at Caseys themed baseball gaff. Stays down and feels ok. Then its off to watch the fantaillussion parade. Mr D does a good parade for sure. I enjoy and take loads of pics. Then its out of the park and into Disney Village. Ally goes shopping Jean and I go for a pint in the Sports Bar. Something big in the football world on starring Beckham. Beamish 6.40 Euros. Ally joins us then a walk back in the through the rain cold and wet, tired but fun. Will continue disney as time and energy allows.
2nd day down for breakfast in the captains quarters, nice lady at desk told me it was more select holds about 60 and has a superior range of items on the buffet. She aint joking its a top gig we sit in like a bar bit after we have satisfied her we are part of the admirals floor set. Lady brings us individual pots of delicious coffee. Real linen napkins this is impressive. I skip the fruit and get straight into ham(jambon) turkey (dinde) and cheese (fromage) with a croissant. Most enjoyable. Back to the room then off to the park on the big yellow bus.
In to the park and straight into fantasyland where we do lancelots carousel, and Its a small worls - Allys fave.Top stuff.
2nd day down for breakfast in the captains quarters, nice lady at desk told me it was more select holds about 60 and has a superior range of items on the buffet. She aint joking its a top gig we sit in like a bar bit after we have satisfied her we are part of the admirals floor set. Lady brings us individual pots of delicious coffee. Real linen napkins this is impressive. I skip the fruit and get straight into ham(jambon) turkey (dinde) and cheese (fromage) with a croissant. Most enjoyable. Back to the room then off to the park on the big yellow bus.
In to the park and straight into fantasyland where we do lancelots carousel, and Its a small worls - Allys fave.Top stuff.
Dlp next bit
i should just explain how we come to be at DLP. The keen blog followers will recall my success in the Nursing Standard awards. Well with the 500squid prize money I was keen to do something for Jean and Ally. We toyed with a few days away and christmas shopping. well through the door popped a note from these geezers. It oferred a three night break in DLP at the Newport Bay Club for several hundred less than the asking price. In return you had to sit through the timeshare presentation. that'll do us. Add in a couple of cheap flights from John Lennon Airport with Easyjet and you are laffing. 17 one way not sure about the other but 147 or so all told. Cool.
So we arrive we have stayed at DLP twice before both times at Sequoia Lodge which was dear enuff but this was the next gaff up. Both times we qualified as Mickeys special friends - ie the disabled. First time Jeans Knee was in Plaster and the second time I was at me worst physically. We have to report to the Admirals desk. A separate part of the checkin area. Slightly removed from the bustle of the ordinary punter. Top stuff, we get a better room, luggage service, can breakfast in our room for 8 euros can eat brekkie in the captains quarters and we get a free drink for under 12's.
Nice lady takes the info and gives me the Disney ID card tells me to leave bags with grumpy porter and room ready at 3 so oft we go to the park to immerse fully in the DLP experience. We elect to walk around Disney lake to the village then up into the main square. Then its off into Walt Disney Studios This is the new park bit which was under construction last time we was here. Almost immediately we encounter Pluto and goofy. Couple of photo opps, then it is in to the studio one building which is a few shops and a big mcdonalds style gaff. They make pretend movies in there too. Hit the restaurant as thoughts turn to lunch - Ally Double Bacon Cheeseburger - Jean Chicken burger - big boy LASAGNE this is looking good burger joint that sells lorenzo (what nanna clare calls it). it cost an arm and a leg this Euro thing is phasing me -keep thinking they are quids. Then its in to the studio we go off to disney channel france headquarters to see them making a show. Bit crap really, then into some other animation type thing bit better that. Then off on the studio tram tour. A sedate train driven thing which looks poxy till you get into this bit where there is an earthquake, a tanker fire and tidal wave and Jeremy Irons. Then its back to the hotel to claim our room.
So we arrive we have stayed at DLP twice before both times at Sequoia Lodge which was dear enuff but this was the next gaff up. Both times we qualified as Mickeys special friends - ie the disabled. First time Jeans Knee was in Plaster and the second time I was at me worst physically. We have to report to the Admirals desk. A separate part of the checkin area. Slightly removed from the bustle of the ordinary punter. Top stuff, we get a better room, luggage service, can breakfast in our room for 8 euros can eat brekkie in the captains quarters and we get a free drink for under 12's.
Nice lady takes the info and gives me the Disney ID card tells me to leave bags with grumpy porter and room ready at 3 so oft we go to the park to immerse fully in the DLP experience. We elect to walk around Disney lake to the village then up into the main square. Then its off into Walt Disney Studios This is the new park bit which was under construction last time we was here. Almost immediately we encounter Pluto and goofy. Couple of photo opps, then it is in to the studio one building which is a few shops and a big mcdonalds style gaff. They make pretend movies in there too. Hit the restaurant as thoughts turn to lunch - Ally Double Bacon Cheeseburger - Jean Chicken burger - big boy LASAGNE this is looking good burger joint that sells lorenzo (what nanna clare calls it). it cost an arm and a leg this Euro thing is phasing me -keep thinking they are quids. Then its in to the studio we go off to disney channel france headquarters to see them making a show. Bit crap really, then into some other animation type thing bit better that. Then off on the studio tram tour. A sedate train driven thing which looks poxy till you get into this bit where there is an earthquake, a tanker fire and tidal wave and Jeremy Irons. Then its back to the hotel to claim our room.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
DLP
Taxi works out at 9squid bung him the tenner as we arrive there is a queue at the checkin desk. I last flew in about 1990 and Jean last in 1988 on our honeymoon. My last flight to Limerick for work had bee hell I was wedged into the seat, permanently reclining as my massive form pressed the recline button. I kept getting knocked by the stewardesses. This flight would be monumental stepwise following surgery. Checkin Ok and hop upstairs for the cafe and then through into flight side and a bit of duty free. Ally gets stooped after the security check coz of the chain on her Jeans which could be used as a restraint. Get out to the departure gate and in true style we walk to the aircraft an easy jet 737. We take off a bt late, Ally is nervous for her first flight and to be honest I aint the best in aeroplanes. We get a three seat together and settle in. Before you realise it we are seeing Liverpool passing away to the right and turn left and head out across the Wirral and cheshire. Before you know it we are over Brighton and then its clocks forward an hour and final descent to Chaz DG airport. If memory serves it was a top gaff. Wrong we hit terminal three which makes Speke look like a thriving centre of communication. Shed best describes the way it looks. Then its outside to pick up the bus to the park. The VEA Shuttle 14 Euros a piece and sorted. pick it up outside nice newish bus and straight to Our Hotel - The Newport Bay Club.
Wednesday - surprised at the realisation there are two 5 o'clocks
We get up mess about and book a taxi, for the trip to Speke. 7.30 we is booked for on Easyjet to Charles De Gaulle for our journey to Disneyland Paris
Tuesday mood stays low
Feelin pretty grot cancel the dietitans gig at London next week. Well somethings have to go. Touched by the outpouring of genuine human support on the website. Off to the gym for physical exercise, new program with big Steve my soul source of inspiration since Jack departed for pastures new. To be historically correct it was Steve who first oreintated me to the gym. It is a complete revamp. An amazing workout that turns my intensive cardio regime upside down. Steve says my cardio is ok at the mo. I am fitter CV wise than most geezers my age. That shocks me somewhat. Arrive home very late but feel warm and good. I have noticed marked diurnal variation of mood. I definitely have a pooh nights sleep wake up ruminating about 5am then get better as they day goes on. Go off to house group which tonight is at Mal the kitchen mans house. Cept he informs us there aint none tonight. So get home before Jean and Ally take littlepart in the packing as is usual, my contribution is to keep asking have you packed xx, have we got xxx. as ever she has and we have. Get to kip no pills got to get up early
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Return from the Bear and staff
Something strange has happened the house feels odd the washing machine is on when i return, oh no clean burgulars, Jean scares the life out of me by emerging from the front room. She looks shockin, sent home sick from the place of work. What a fine couple we make.
Go to see Emily and me mum in Broadgreen she dont look well, and isnt sure what they are doing to her. There is no one there for me to ask. Nanny dont like being in there and mum does. Creates an interesting tension. Neither of them are very happy. Home and watch Merseybeat- trash telly but impressive in that I grew up by where there station is and pass it on my way to work.
Go to see Emily and me mum in Broadgreen she dont look well, and isnt sure what they are doing to her. There is no one there for me to ask. Nanny dont like being in there and mum does. Creates an interesting tension. Neither of them are very happy. Home and watch Merseybeat- trash telly but impressive in that I grew up by where there station is and pass it on my way to work.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Morning comes round too quick
Awoken by Alison L who was ringing to sort our lunch date. I had already slept through Jk ringing twice trying to fix the bog. He arrives at 12 and does the job. Ali picks me up and we meet Kim in the Bear and staff. Delicious lunch and excellent company as ever. They really make me laff.
Sunday
Moderators meeting and I struggle along far slower than usual. Concentration is hard and I feel like I am wading through mud. Every move is hard. But I get there. Leave for home about 12.15, we give Noreen and Tilly a lift, exceptional company. Get home and relax. Oversleep after night medication and wake up at 10 on Monday morning.
Saturday
We attend the national meet in Dudley. I aint meself and somehow the spark isn't there. I dont think many notice but I have to work hard to appear OK. It is a fine occaision old friends new friends and inspirations. I am overwhelmed during the opening bit. I really feel I have started something special here. It has touched many many lives. The hotel is fine Jean gets some flowers and Ally a book token. I go to bed earlier than usual at a gig like this and to be honest feel better the next day.
Friday
the up and down of mental health continues feeling better today but aint sure if I am slipping.
Friday, November 21, 2003
the friday five
the friday five
1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year.
Sort job out
Get on a even keel mental health wise
Finances sorted
Wlsinfo future sorted
The best Christmas ever
2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again.
Vision25
Gwyn the pharmacist
Glynn Scott
Colin Butterworth
Simon Frampton
3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do.
Write better HTML
Write serious reports
beg money from companies
keep me mouth shut
ride a bike again
4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit).
Buy a bike
sort wlsinfo and emply people full time
pay off me debts
buy a gym and open a fat friendly place
buy some sclaes for Jenny the dietitian
5. List five things you do that help you relax.
read trash fiction
watch amusing tv
go to the gym
walk
real ale
1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year.
Sort job out
Get on a even keel mental health wise
Finances sorted
Wlsinfo future sorted
The best Christmas ever
2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again.
Vision25
Gwyn the pharmacist
Glynn Scott
Colin Butterworth
Simon Frampton
3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do.
Write better HTML
Write serious reports
beg money from companies
keep me mouth shut
ride a bike again
4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit).
Buy a bike
sort wlsinfo and emply people full time
pay off me debts
buy a gym and open a fat friendly place
buy some sclaes for Jenny the dietitian
5. List five things you do that help you relax.
read trash fiction
watch amusing tv
go to the gym
walk
real ale
Blogger on the Cast Iron Balcony
I like this one from down under, certainly makes me smile.Blogger on the Cast Iron
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Wednesday Evening
Mum rings me nan has been transferred to Ward 11 Broadgreen Hospital and Kathleen wants pickin up at 6.30. i will oblige. Prepare a more basic tea for us, chicken lasagne for Jean Cheeseburger for Ally and finest beef lasagne for me. Top stuff. Off to get mum and Ally joins me. Then a nip to Tesco for essentials score some pork steaks for the girls tea. Jean shoots to house group, I watch some dreadful gender swap thing called reversals. Sleep is poor with some very disturbing dreams which make me feel I am slipping. They keep me awake for about half an hour but that time of the morning aint good. Mebbe more active steps required to manage low mood. Still unable to concentrate for more than five consecutive minutes. And old frienfd the light box is broken out. To be onest I would try anything to keep this stuff at bay.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Wednesday - the man comes to fix me plumbing
Or rather JK does. After much grunting from the bathroom, he has, after all, had a BPD/DS. In fact I think he was the firstdone in the UK. he has had top results and it hasnt affected his plumbing (skills) at all. A top job well done. He returns the Clare throne to a vastly improved measure of health and strength. Cant wait to try it under combat conditions. Yup its true bariatric surgery compounds any pre-exsisting bowel obsessions. In fact the free discussion of said stuff encourages it. Jk has fixed the curtain rail an all, top man. And he has started framing the certificates that we have won prior to showing them. Nursing standard arrives and we get some exposure in the news section. Also covered in the Gastrointestinal Journal which was nice.
Off to the gym and a top workout. A member I aint seen for a while fails to recognise me. She says it because I was running, a bit out of context for me I supose. Then a guy appears on the next treadmill. A good jogger, he recognises me from the echo - respect he says, nice guy a milkman.
Off to the caff and its mushroom soup today good for the souls some prawns which I cant finish. I engaged the chef in conversation the other day he now cements our relationship with extra food. Not good I parcel it up and feed it to a cat outside.
Off for a walk in the park to the aviary cafe, a very strange place indeed. Treat meself to a Mr Whippy.
Off to the gym and a top workout. A member I aint seen for a while fails to recognise me. She says it because I was running, a bit out of context for me I supose. Then a guy appears on the next treadmill. A good jogger, he recognises me from the echo - respect he says, nice guy a milkman.
Off to the caff and its mushroom soup today good for the souls some prawns which I cant finish. I engaged the chef in conversation the other day he now cements our relationship with extra food. Not good I parcel it up and feed it to a cat outside.
Off for a walk in the park to the aviary cafe, a very strange place indeed. Treat meself to a Mr Whippy.
Tuesday Afternoon
Off to the Bear and Staff in Gateacre with Kim and Andy, stalwart companions from the finance team in the matchworks. A pint of prawns works well for me in the absence of soup. I repair to Tesco Woolton to cah in my script and shop for tea. Back home and I retire to bed for an hour and half sleep comes quickly and is refreshing. I awake and prepare the meal. Steak and chips for Jean and Cheeseburger and chips for Ally. Salmon and prawns hot with a garlic butter sauce suffices for me.
Mother rings with the news that Nanny Banks is negotiating A&E at RLUH " the Royal" as it is known. Not good and mums scrambler is set maximum encryption so I elect to wait till a personal meeting can sort it. I arrange to meet her at 7 at the front entrance. Nanny still aint been admitted, and I whip mum home. I go in and chat and after fearsome interrogation it would appear that me Nan has cellulitis, though this is on top of chronic acopia.
Off to cell group via Tesco for petrol and a satisfying time with Romans 5. Arrive home ten past ten they are a fine bunch there and most uplifting. My private meditation focuses around release from fear and fund raising to pay for Saturdays meeting.
Mother rings with the news that Nanny Banks is negotiating A&E at RLUH " the Royal" as it is known. Not good and mums scrambler is set maximum encryption so I elect to wait till a personal meeting can sort it. I arrange to meet her at 7 at the front entrance. Nanny still aint been admitted, and I whip mum home. I go in and chat and after fearsome interrogation it would appear that me Nan has cellulitis, though this is on top of chronic acopia.
Off to cell group via Tesco for petrol and a satisfying time with Romans 5. Arrive home ten past ten they are a fine bunch there and most uplifting. My private meditation focuses around release from fear and fund raising to pay for Saturdays meeting.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Off to the doc
I help JK load Big ken into his van for necessary repair work and transport to Dudley. It has been decreed that bigboy and I cannot travel in the same vehicle for fear of accident, bit like the royals. I away to see Frank for a 11am slot. Arrive at 5 to the hour. Frank did once confuse me by being ready on the dot. This guy is quality primary care writ large you dont get the allotted 10mins with Frankie. I had taken the Guardian and the Bible JK gave me and read the excellent letters to Mr Bush in G2 Online here as well as an Amusing Steve Bell. top stuff. Get in about 12.05 and given 25 mins top listening, diagnosing treating holistic primary care.
Whilst waiting the demons have worked overtime I think of the many times I have sa in this waiting room feeling worthless and wretched with a fear I am slipping down that road again. Frank recognises this phenomena well, and drills down beyond it to get to where I am at. He postulates two theories
1) I am exhausted anxious stressed and reacting normally and actively managing meself.
2) I am at the start of a depressive phase.
We agree to agree on option 1. Which on reflection feels like where I am. Its a bit like a steep sided pit with greasy inclining walls feeling like it has drawn me in. The very fact I have taken the steps I have convinces him and I that I have hold of some rail at the side and am crawling back up that wall. No psychotopics save for a script for sedatives. A dependency for which he would prefer to my current alcohol induced sleep pattern.
The spectre that I may have Bipolar Affective Disorder still looms large and the very fear may actually do more harm than the real disease. I seem to have retained my cognitive behavioural techniques in managing my depressive thoughts. We pray together and discuss at length the balances necessary between work, family, self and God. Cell group tonight.
I have messed my zinc up as well I have been self medicatin with 30mgs a day and he prescribes 250mg. Dunderhead I am.
Whilst waiting the demons have worked overtime I think of the many times I have sa in this waiting room feeling worthless and wretched with a fear I am slipping down that road again. Frank recognises this phenomena well, and drills down beyond it to get to where I am at. He postulates two theories
1) I am exhausted anxious stressed and reacting normally and actively managing meself.
2) I am at the start of a depressive phase.
We agree to agree on option 1. Which on reflection feels like where I am. Its a bit like a steep sided pit with greasy inclining walls feeling like it has drawn me in. The very fact I have taken the steps I have convinces him and I that I have hold of some rail at the side and am crawling back up that wall. No psychotopics save for a script for sedatives. A dependency for which he would prefer to my current alcohol induced sleep pattern.
The spectre that I may have Bipolar Affective Disorder still looms large and the very fear may actually do more harm than the real disease. I seem to have retained my cognitive behavioural techniques in managing my depressive thoughts. We pray together and discuss at length the balances necessary between work, family, self and God. Cell group tonight.
I have messed my zinc up as well I have been self medicatin with 30mgs a day and he prescribes 250mg. Dunderhead I am.
JK's visit
The lad and I share the inevitable WLS conversations, and we share thoughts on fluids and appearance of urine. His level approach is much appreciated. He has arrived bearing gifts a small bible and a witty book about management. I encourage him to drink more and we plan a walk later in the week. He is also helping in some practical ways, repairing the leaking bog and the curtain rail in the head office of wlssinfo (small bedroom). Both are key bariatric tasks. The bog for obvious reasons - I wonder if he should set up as a bariatric plumber, the market is there and their needs are very special. No beast would frighten that boy. The curtain rail equally important as it will protect me from the prying eyes of the local community as I don novelty headgear for Kencam.
He is also undertaking some framing projects. Top stuff. He commences on site tomorrow.
He is also undertaking some framing projects. Top stuff. He commences on site tomorrow.
Plan for today
Arisen, and wait for JK to come round an inspirational figure with I believe the most visually dramatic effects of WLS I have seen. He also has the dubious honour of being (we believe) the first NHS open Bilio-pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch. We are still looking for others but whatever way he was the first in the pool. This is now the Rolls Royce of the Bariatric world. With the laprascopic version being the gold standard. It has a far more malabsorpitve element that my Ford Escort RNY. still more of that later and here is pulling up in the great white van.
Tuesday - chemical hangover
Assessing the quality and quantity of your own sleep is notioriously difficult, what seems like an age at night might just be moments. I remember early morning wakening from when I was depressed and I aint got that. Jean wisely as ever sums it up with - you didnt switch the light on, meaning I didnt do that bad. Inevitably at times like that I turn to man fiction, Andy Mcnab, chris Ryan, Tom Clancy that sort of genre. Escapism done large, no great literary shakes but diversion in extremis. Worrying vibes about the cost of the November meet, once again WLSINFO teeters on the financial knifeedge though hoping that Rebeccas letters will bear fruit, she wisely tells me not to worry as she will sort it out, which once again means one of us shelling out cash till we can recover it later. What we need is a member to touch the jackpot on the lottery or whatever its called. Set us up for life and sort these petty worries. Had an interesting talk with a geezer at the gastro gig last week. He couldnt believe it wasnt a suscription service. I decided day one it would forever be free while I was involved. The obese have already been mugged too many times by scamsters. Besides I know we have helped many people who have never even joined. People say even a tenner, well I know how much a tenner can be, and how little when you are well off. I have also been touched by the generosity of members and friends in the past.
Sponsorship now there is a can of worms, there is internecine strife about whose shillings we should take, me at the mo - anyones, so long as its legal decent honest and minimal sponsorship. The thought that some one would miss out on something coz I was too principled to take a ton off say slimfast or Macdonalds sticks in the craw. So plan, charity status to be sorted and Kim my mate who has experience in such professional scrounging will help sort us.
Sponsorship now there is a can of worms, there is internecine strife about whose shillings we should take, me at the mo - anyones, so long as its legal decent honest and minimal sponsorship. The thought that some one would miss out on something coz I was too principled to take a ton off say slimfast or Macdonalds sticks in the craw. So plan, charity status to be sorted and Kim my mate who has experience in such professional scrounging will help sort us.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Notes from a small curate
John Davies - About me As a spirituality fix i check out Johns site. Top geezer did me mate Peters funeral. Nice blog too.
50 bar pump
Pump Pics 30 This fella gets worse. This is another pic of the New Mercedes Atego RP's from South Yorkshire.
They are very powerful machines and drive like a sports car.
This one (Y483 HWE - Mansfield Road) is showing off it's wears with all it's lockers open.
The pumps on these monsters are able to pump at 50 bar whereas the more conventional and
more widely used pumps only pump around 35 bar!
They are very powerful machines and drive like a sports car.
This one (Y483 HWE - Mansfield Road) is showing off it's wears with all it's lockers open.
The pumps on these monsters are able to pump at 50 bar whereas the more conventional and
more widely used pumps only pump around 35 bar!
Welcome To Fire Appliances UK
Welcome To Fire Appliances UK This is a cracker the poor webmasters photos are all mixed up as well and I like the captioning.."This is a Special Rescue Unit (SRU) or also known as an Operations
Support Unit (OSU) from Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service. It carries some
large and heavy rescue equipment. It has a large hydraulic crane on the rear which
can be used for a number of uses (use your imagination!)
It is a Mercedes Benz appliance. "
Use your imagination .....these pictures send my imagination running. Before the reader thinks I am a sad also ran who fantasises about being in the emrgency services - I was a retained firefighter for over three years. Its a long amusing story which I have recounted after good dinners. The trauma has subsided with time but Winwick Hospital Voluntary Fire Brigade was a serious business.
I attended hundreds of false alarms some serious waste paper bin fires and a couple of big shouts. but though we were trumptonesque in appearance and deployment. We got to ride in the county boys big red engines with what is now called Blues and Twos - and I defy most blokes to say they dont fancy doin that.
Support Unit (OSU) from Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service. It carries some
large and heavy rescue equipment. It has a large hydraulic crane on the rear which
can be used for a number of uses (use your imagination!)
It is a Mercedes Benz appliance. "
Use your imagination .....these pictures send my imagination running. Before the reader thinks I am a sad also ran who fantasises about being in the emrgency services - I was a retained firefighter for over three years. Its a long amusing story which I have recounted after good dinners. The trauma has subsided with time but Winwick Hospital Voluntary Fire Brigade was a serious business.
I attended hundreds of false alarms some serious waste paper bin fires and a couple of big shouts. but though we were trumptonesque in appearance and deployment. We got to ride in the county boys big red engines with what is now called Blues and Twos - and I defy most blokes to say they dont fancy doin that.
Lorryspotting.com - The UK's BIGGEST Lorry Database
Lorryspotting.com - The UK's BIGGEST Lorry Database I have to make do with this no way 25 quid I'll content meself with shouting Eddie and Nobby as I drive around. Its like one of these tantalising porn sites I get sent to my hotmail account. Flirtatious shots of some serious vehicles with the promise of great stuff available inside - no thanks.
Crane spotter blues
drivin home on Friday I heard a dhow on Radio 4 about crane spotters and the pointed here Ainscough spotters its been given a 404 everytime I been there. Now as a webmaster with a penchant for publicity I know how much that must sting. Poor sad souls.
I never felt more like singin the blues............
Feels a biy fuzzy here at the moment, a good day on reflection but there feels like an awful lot I have to do, like email people at work with details of stuff left undone, and feels like so hard to do it. I have listened to upliftin music - Relayer possibly me fave album of the mo. Been to the gym and worked hard, with a tangible set of shape changes going on. Noticed the appearance of a clearly delineated muscle in my right bicep. Not very remarkable you may think but for a boy who had sand kicked in his face and dreamt of a Bullworker its a funny feeling. Something about PE at school gave me an allergic reaction, I think it was the rapidly changing bodies, the smells, the hint of suggestions about the teachers sexuality. The fact the PE teachers were bullies didnt help with SO eddie joe and JP and tom lacey watch out, tom lacey was a music teacher who just enjoyed the ridicule aspect. Anyway Ken Clare 1 gyms 0 for the first time in this boys life.
Lots of reflection and a bit of soul searching today, feel a chemically assisted (POM) slumber will assist greatly.
Lots of reflection and a bit of soul searching today, feel a chemically assisted (POM) slumber will assist greatly.
Monday
Speak to Caroline from HR about my health, she is a cool dude and dead supportive. Feel so much better just by taking a bit of control. Go to the gym and have a great workout workin on the theory that endorphins are good for the soul. Nice crew in there and Cath as always is delightful. Lunch at the gym mushroom and asparagus soup with some prawns top gear and 3.60. Head over to Tesco to purchase some spuds an onion gravy gear as the basis for a good meal for the girls tonight. Ally will revolt at the thought of mash so I buy some oven chips - less than 5% fat. Sossies in the fridge bangers and mash good soul food. I'll have lasagne. Feelin jaded and need to work at this gig with frank tomorrow at 11. He will sort me out. The news of Tom Kierans brother law has upset me. Suicide is such a waste, and the fact I once contemplated seriously still sends a shiver.
Shopping nightmare continues
Need to go to tesco to get the stuff the previous two shops didnt pick up. End up in Tescos Old swan an altogether better Tesco exxperience. Dinner goes well we cok chilli and salmon and prawn pasta. Pudd is ice cream, black forest cake, rice strudel and any old mix. Paul as ever is a treat. They scoot and its on to the website. Jean takes a kip its smoked salmon and prawns for tea. Chat room at 6pm and a relaxing evening during which I sign off protem from WLSINFO. I am tired and stressed anit coping well at work. Too many bits of the job that dont suit my skill set. I am messing up big time and it is in serious danger of dragging me down. So the plan see Frank ASAP, get to the gym, look after meself and rest.
Saturday Night strange nightmare stuff
Go to pick me mam up. Nanny looks shocking and I am worried. She fell asleep on the stairlift and woke up a 4am. Mum looks dreaful toand her stools indicate further liver probs. Stop at Sommerfielsd then off to Tesco.
It is the Winwick hospital staff reunion at the Winwick club. I pick Mickey and adair up and we wander that way. Car park is full club is full. The 12 saturday night regulars aint impressed.
It appears to have been organised by Terry Flaherty who was a young nursing officer when I started there in 1979. I am one of the youngest there it would appear. Some names to conjure with Dot Dicks doesnt recognise me - till I speak. Infact no one recognises me. Wally Gomersall Dave McKendrick malcolm price pat price Rocky McAuley brenda henderson Frank carroll
Nell gwynne, pam someone and Jackie Maguire. Jackie and I were an Item many years ago - she aint seen me for 20odd years she thought I looked ill. She should have seen me a year ago. I take Mickey home and leave adair pressing the flesh he is a few years older than us.
get home and chill with some red wine watching the repeated BAFTA tribute to Billy Connolly.
It is the Winwick hospital staff reunion at the Winwick club. I pick Mickey and adair up and we wander that way. Car park is full club is full. The 12 saturday night regulars aint impressed.
It appears to have been organised by Terry Flaherty who was a young nursing officer when I started there in 1979. I am one of the youngest there it would appear. Some names to conjure with Dot Dicks doesnt recognise me - till I speak. Infact no one recognises me. Wally Gomersall Dave McKendrick malcolm price pat price Rocky McAuley brenda henderson Frank carroll
Nell gwynne, pam someone and Jackie Maguire. Jackie and I were an Item many years ago - she aint seen me for 20odd years she thought I looked ill. She should have seen me a year ago. I take Mickey home and leave adair pressing the flesh he is a few years older than us.
get home and chill with some red wine watching the repeated BAFTA tribute to Billy Connolly.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
who says I am predictable
Saturday Morning – a change from the usual routine. The girls seem content to lie in, I rise from my slumbers about 7.30. Site is kewl and a bit of a mooch later and the girls get up. Becky from NGFK the pr darrrlings has forwarded my press pack on.
Fo a break in tradition I declare it necessary to hit the gym before noon. In a new found enthusiasm I am determined to get my full routine in. It’s a while since I managed this so it proves to be interesting. Perhaps it would be timely to list the current workout.
30minutes on the treadmill, go like billy-oh to do 3k which I achieve in a PB 26.50.
12 mins on the top xt a device you pedal with your hands.
12 mins on the bike 5k covered.
Machine you sit in and lift a bar with your legs 2x15 sets 35kg
Machine you sit in and push a bar with your legs 2x15 sets 35kg
2x15 sets of free standing squats, I perform a squat holding two dumbbells and hold. This is cunningly designed for max humiliation also to make you feel like you need a pooh.
Then its on to the lat pull down 2x15 – my favourite machine always makes me feel like I can lift weights.
2 x 15 on a machine you push a bar forward
2x15 on the vertical row – like that one.
2x15 on the pec deck – that hurts.
2x15 on the triceps press.
Then its down to the end of the gym for my benchwork – see I even know the lingo.
2x15 6kg arms at the side then straight out and hold
2x15 8kg arms at side then lift and hold directly in front of you
2x15 8kg sort of dumbbell lift – my fave coz you can see the muscle.
A good time on the way round talking to jimmy, ex-soldier and tennis champeen. And Kath part time gym worker part time learning disabilities student. She’s a cool dude.
Lunch in the restaurant, is tomato and basil soup and six griddled prawns – good stuff.
Then back home and whip Ally to Borders for a read – it is the busiest I have ever seen it. Saw Shirley who used to work in the team she is a Ggrade on the IV team at Garston now.
Fo a break in tradition I declare it necessary to hit the gym before noon. In a new found enthusiasm I am determined to get my full routine in. It’s a while since I managed this so it proves to be interesting. Perhaps it would be timely to list the current workout.
30minutes on the treadmill, go like billy-oh to do 3k which I achieve in a PB 26.50.
12 mins on the top xt a device you pedal with your hands.
12 mins on the bike 5k covered.
Machine you sit in and lift a bar with your legs 2x15 sets 35kg
Machine you sit in and push a bar with your legs 2x15 sets 35kg
2x15 sets of free standing squats, I perform a squat holding two dumbbells and hold. This is cunningly designed for max humiliation also to make you feel like you need a pooh.
Then its on to the lat pull down 2x15 – my favourite machine always makes me feel like I can lift weights.
2 x 15 on a machine you push a bar forward
2x15 on the vertical row – like that one.
2x15 on the pec deck – that hurts.
2x15 on the triceps press.
Then its down to the end of the gym for my benchwork – see I even know the lingo.
2x15 6kg arms at the side then straight out and hold
2x15 8kg arms at side then lift and hold directly in front of you
2x15 8kg sort of dumbbell lift – my fave coz you can see the muscle.
A good time on the way round talking to jimmy, ex-soldier and tennis champeen. And Kath part time gym worker part time learning disabilities student. She’s a cool dude.
Lunch in the restaurant, is tomato and basil soup and six griddled prawns – good stuff.
Then back home and whip Ally to Borders for a read – it is the busiest I have ever seen it. Saw Shirley who used to work in the team she is a Ggrade on the IV team at Garston now.
miserable journey home
terriible night on the m6 stop in tesco woolton on the way home. good to be back. Girls go out to allys school prizegiving.
Friday, November 14, 2003
Friday
Woke at 7.20, feeling a sense of trepidation. The hotel is pretty cool and the telly alarm goes off at 7.30. Wander down for breakfast, see Dawn and Paul on the way in and sit with Brian and Jane, and another RCN events lady.
Drive over to the international conference centre, parked up, suss out the registration desk and check in. Scoot round the exhibition. Suss out the RCN publishing desk and pick up some copies of the gastroenterology mag. Get interviewed by a journo from Nursing Standard. I have decided to launch the national support line on the back of the presentation today. Chill with a coffee whilst waiting for the 11o’clock gig.
Nip out to the car and pick up cardboard Ken. He causes a wow factor as usual.
Top set up twin screens mike lcd screen for speaker and fully miked. Paul helps to reassure me by telling me he always panics before speaking.
Dawn Elliot the chair of the forum gives me a really good introduction and I step up. Cardboard Ken gets the wow and there seems a genuine warm buzz. I am playing for laffs and getting them. I also slip in several pooh jokes and even the Labrador gets an airing. A chunner from Paul and Dawn looks mortified. But I get a top reception and I feel sorry for the joint award winner Gill who is following me.
I sit down and feel terrified. Went well and bit of a buzz to be honest. Jills talk goes down well and she has done some top stuff with the faecally incontinent. Having ridden that way before but fortunately avoided frequent flyer status I feel real empathy and sympathy with them.
Slow transit constipation is a an interesting one.
Then its own for the main man Liam Donaldson impressive geezer and good talk like his thoughts on expert patients. After his talk he asks will I have me foto done with him and cardboard Ken. No danger jimmy.Full media whore strikes again top[ stuff. I then get invited into a secret room where we get a yukky lunch but a chance to meet the man. He seems to be very interested and to be honest I am impressed. I OF COURSE BABBLE RUBBISH BUT. i do me best. Apols for the caps lock but I am too tired to correct. Whip down to the hall then and get engaged by a few people top stuff. A lady wanted to speak to me on a issue for a relly. I was whisked off to speak to the CMO. I hope she emails me. Then a frankly odd presentation from someone at the RCN some very odd attitudes on display. Then a top nurse from Sheffield who is doing a biut there. She scoots off before I could contact her and I need to collar her, email jobbie me thinks.
Drive over to the international conference centre, parked up, suss out the registration desk and check in. Scoot round the exhibition. Suss out the RCN publishing desk and pick up some copies of the gastroenterology mag. Get interviewed by a journo from Nursing Standard. I have decided to launch the national support line on the back of the presentation today. Chill with a coffee whilst waiting for the 11o’clock gig.
Nip out to the car and pick up cardboard Ken. He causes a wow factor as usual.
Top set up twin screens mike lcd screen for speaker and fully miked. Paul helps to reassure me by telling me he always panics before speaking.
Dawn Elliot the chair of the forum gives me a really good introduction and I step up. Cardboard Ken gets the wow and there seems a genuine warm buzz. I am playing for laffs and getting them. I also slip in several pooh jokes and even the Labrador gets an airing. A chunner from Paul and Dawn looks mortified. But I get a top reception and I feel sorry for the joint award winner Gill who is following me.
I sit down and feel terrified. Went well and bit of a buzz to be honest. Jills talk goes down well and she has done some top stuff with the faecally incontinent. Having ridden that way before but fortunately avoided frequent flyer status I feel real empathy and sympathy with them.
Slow transit constipation is a an interesting one.
Then its own for the main man Liam Donaldson impressive geezer and good talk like his thoughts on expert patients. After his talk he asks will I have me foto done with him and cardboard Ken. No danger jimmy.Full media whore strikes again top[ stuff. I then get invited into a secret room where we get a yukky lunch but a chance to meet the man. He seems to be very interested and to be honest I am impressed. I OF COURSE BABBLE RUBBISH BUT. i do me best. Apols for the caps lock but I am too tired to correct. Whip down to the hall then and get engaged by a few people top stuff. A lady wanted to speak to me on a issue for a relly. I was whisked off to speak to the CMO. I hope she emails me. Then a frankly odd presentation from someone at the RCN some very odd attitudes on display. Then a top nurse from Sheffield who is doing a biut there. She scoots off before I could contact her and I need to collar her, email jobbie me thinks.
Thursday
couple of catch up meetings. Veronica confides that she uses the blog to keep up with what I am up to. Then off to Hammy for a meet with EMIS.
Over the waater to the wirral and head for the M6 arrrive telford about 6.30. The telford branch of The holiday inn. top gaff free slippers and a lady calls to turn you down (bed actually) but as i is starkers she makes do with passing me two chocs as I pour meself into the dressing gown. Dignity maintained at all times. Then a walk over to the conference venue.
Meet the delightful Dawn ans her partner Paul top pair and they inform me I am on the top table cool. Sit next to paul a cool dude ex RAF energetic geezer, with a raft of good ideas. Angry old git though so we get on well, till he tells me he used to drink at the marquee with Yes. We take a few tinctures together and are soon old friends. Other side of me is Brian RCN events man - top fella. Feel a bit out of it when the dancin starts and paul and i retreat to the bar. True old gits we sit at the side moaning about everything a soul mate. I convince him of the therapeutic nature of blogging. Back to the hotel bar where we are joined later by Dawn, they retreat to bed I aint far behind. Minor incident in that I couldnt get in to me room but soon sorted.
Over the waater to the wirral and head for the M6 arrrive telford about 6.30. The telford branch of The holiday inn. top gaff free slippers and a lady calls to turn you down (bed actually) but as i is starkers she makes do with passing me two chocs as I pour meself into the dressing gown. Dignity maintained at all times. Then a walk over to the conference venue.
Meet the delightful Dawn ans her partner Paul top pair and they inform me I am on the top table cool. Sit next to paul a cool dude ex RAF energetic geezer, with a raft of good ideas. Angry old git though so we get on well, till he tells me he used to drink at the marquee with Yes. We take a few tinctures together and are soon old friends. Other side of me is Brian RCN events man - top fella. Feel a bit out of it when the dancin starts and paul and i retreat to the bar. True old gits we sit at the side moaning about everything a soul mate. I convince him of the therapeutic nature of blogging. Back to the hotel bar where we are joined later by Dawn, they retreat to bed I aint far behind. Minor incident in that I couldnt get in to me room but soon sorted.
Wednesday
Strategic planning & primary care directorate meeting this am. First meeting with Eileen the new Modernisation person. Then a gang of people from Sheffield come across to talk about a computer system interesting with Linda and John in attendance. Then off to tescos with kim to pick up lunch.
Tuesday
Meet with Dabe who is going for a new job and has approached me for advice, do the best I can for him. Rest of the day spent catching up.
Off to cell group at Jacks this evening a very pleasant two hour and an oasis in the middle of a busy week.
Off to cell group at Jacks this evening a very pleasant two hour and an oasis in the middle of a busy week.
The Onion | Mom Finds Out About Blog
The Onion | Mom Finds Out About BlogIts a bit rude but it made me smile.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Monday Morning
A busy day ahead. I start with a early morning heads and fran, useful stuff, but we over run and I cancel finance Andy. Finish off PEC paper and thanks to Kim for impccable proof reading skills. Off to lunch with Lesley, a delightful lady I have for a long time we reminisce then talk about tele medicine. The Bear and Staff is fine. Vegetable soup and prawns. Then back to the works for a sparsely attended Informatics working group. Still goes well and Bob is pleased with my strategy paper. We retire to Starbucks/ Borders for an americano/latte. top stuff. he makes me feel enthusiastic about informatics and valued. He surprises me with an enthusiasm for Jazz, but the fact he likes Michael Moore does not shock. Off home and then fish for tea. Website business and a couple of funny emails.
Roosters Yankee
products I engage in several pints of Yankee which is delicious. Fruity and yup lychees. Jk and I laff out loud. Heaven knows what any eavesdropping punter thinks of our conversation. We must do this more often. I pledge to make the Liverpool Bariatric Real Ale Society a reality.
Ship & Mitre, Premier Real Ale Pub in Liverpool
Ship & Mitre, Premier Real Ale Pub in LiverpoolSpent a pleasant evening here with JK and great news to see the web site is updated at last.
Sunday
Chill in the mornin then its off to Mary and Johns to install the new Dell. Top gear with a 17"TFT - kewl. Takes a while to set up and I had forgotten the joys of downloading a three meg Norton patch via a 56k dialup. Sweeeet delight. Delicious lunch cooked by nervous sister, concious that pre-op bot would have been quantity focusse she provides a toothsome meal and a delightful Beef in red wine. Most enjoyable.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Saturday
News of the day
Jog 3k in 27mins - which impresses me. But break the 17 stone barrier I am now at a lean 16st 13lb thats 17 stone gone. officially halfthe man I was. Top banana. Take the award memorobilia to show me mam and me nan. Nan looks a bit rough really tired and drowsy, not good at all. Pick Ally up drop mum off and then off to Borders/starbucks. BAd news the GPRS signal in there is pants. Not good.
Jog 3k in 27mins - which impresses me. But break the 17 stone barrier I am now at a lean 16st 13lb thats 17 stone gone. officially halfthe man I was. Top banana. Take the award memorobilia to show me mam and me nan. Nan looks a bit rough really tired and drowsy, not good at all. Pick Ally up drop mum off and then off to Borders/starbucks. BAd news the GPRS signal in there is pants. Not good.
Friday
Off to hammy and the excellent fran - respect helps me put the PEC paper to bed. I hit the LIS portal news section dated 07/11/03. Infamy.
Wednesday
Caught up in the office and thought throyugh a lot of things. Team meeting, they are a gret bunch. Then its up to North PCT looked for a website for them but cant find one. We go off to the glass and bottle or bottle and glass out near rainford. Top banana. I have a pint of prawns, Paulis doing the atkins so goes for a caesar salad. I should know more about atkins really coz people often assume I am an expert on things diet related which I aint. Met a dietitian at the NOF gig who had wrote Diet trials as promised I got a copy in the post today.
After an intense and high level of strategic intent with Paul I end my day at Aintree. David is of course late, weare talking to a bunch of GP's about Bariatrics. They are a bit of a tough audience, more interested in the free freebies than anything, he gives a good talk which me and a few others enjoy. He cunningly doesnt mention that I have had surgery so the first pic is a pre-op of me and me nan. They are impressed, no one slept through my talk. Then its off home.
After an intense and high level of strategic intent with Paul I end my day at Aintree. David is of course late, weare talking to a bunch of GP's about Bariatrics. They are a bit of a tough audience, more interested in the free freebies than anything, he gives a good talk which me and a few others enjoy. He cunningly doesnt mention that I have had surgery so the first pic is a pre-op of me and me nan. They are impressed, no one slept through my talk. Then its off home.
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
London trip
Left in a taxi for lime street, in plenty of time. Saw Jonesy getting the train to Manchester. Great bloke ribbed him about putting on weight. Then Ruth bumped into us outside Costa Coffee. Then we saw Cath from Greenbank on her way to uni. A bit of shopping for essentials, then on to the 9.15 from Limes street. RCN had booked us in 2nd class coach A seats 1&2, as far from the buffet as was possible. Surprisingly ok as an experience Jean was cold had a bit of a kip and I played with various gadgetry. Only glitch was the trolley service running out of hot water aas it arrived at our seat. I comforted meself with a bag of crisps, which made me feel a bit sick. Arrived at Euston on time and made off to the Lancaster Gate Hotel. First mistake get told we aint stopping there. Meet twogeezers from Leeds in the same boat so we are told we are staying in the thistle round the corner – no sweat. Get to the thistle hydepark and told no it’s the other thistle round the corner. Getting a bit browned off with this now. They haven’t heard of us at all. Not good leave the luggage and hotfoot it back for a media briefing at the Lancaster. Arrive late and hungry, get squeezed into a green nursing standard t-shirt and walk to hyde park for a photoshoot. 14 of us looking total lemons (or mebbe limes). Approach a kiosk in the bar but the only fare on offer was fried or big docker butties. Manage to pinch two prawn butties off clare the RCN publishing lady and events co-ordinator.
Then asked would I speak to the Daily mail, nice journo but definitely not taking the angle I fancied. Try to convince her of the message but who knows it’s the daily mail after all.
She is interviewing a cross section of us – most of the speculation amongst the winners is interpreting every event into a view about who has won. Suppose I am thinking that way too. Some geezers are kipping in the Lancaster gate whilst the majority of us are in the thistle. The other gastro lady winner is in the Lancaster gate with four guests all paid for by the sponsors, nice work. Still Jean tells me she uses their gear in her clinical work. Mebbe I could get some sponsorship for the site?
Then into a briefing by Jean the editor of Nursing Standard then into the main hall for a rehearsal. Linda editor in chief of RCN publishing gives us a pep talk. She is one shrewd dude – I warm to her immediately. She gives us a run through and tells us what to expect. She also talks about what to do if you are the winner. Don’t get rooted to the spot. We have a walk through and I walk the wrong way down the steps.
Jean has meanwhile go to do battle over the room and succeeds though we have to change our name by deed poll to Clark. Several other cock ups in there as well. The arrival of coachloads of Russian football supporters just makes things worse.
We get finished up and then Gareth(mens health Sally Army boy) and Elly (leg ulcer club lady) and I walk back to the thistle.
Manage to stop Jean dropping off and we chat and she falls asleep. I amuse myself on the laptop and trying to get their broadband working with me laptop. Doesn't work so GPRS for me.
Wake Jean at 5.30 and start getting ready, leave at 6.15 and if I say so meself we look a fine couple. Arrive at the place and it’s the real mccoy.
Red Jacketed toastmaster lady greeting at door then introducing you to the Prez,Gen secretary of the RCN and editor of Nursing standard. Unfortunately toast lady takes a baccy break as we pull up and I say Hiya to Sylvia and Bev meself. Introduce Jean and get a drink. We are on table 1 the top table with John Reid, Sylvia El Presidente, Bev General Secretary, Linda chief editor lady, Jean Editor lady, some doc who can salsa Who turns out to be a Prof, and another award winner who was nurse of the year in Bermuda some time ago. Wahoo we have arrived. Meet with Gareth and his missus who look as uncomfortable as us. Joined by Jan Sneddon from South Sefton. Jenny and Chris Sudell join us and I shocked by how il Jenny looks, she is zonked on analgesics and has taken to a wheel chair. She is splendidly irreverent as ever. She tells me her ploy is to claim she has Tourettes and shout random abuse throughout the evening. She nominated me for this and wants me to win more than I do.Speculation then about which table you are on and how that effects yer chances. Our location is seen as a good omen. I try desperately not to hope too much but its hard as I have already mentally spent three times any prize money. Get some photos done with Nursing student commendee who is brickin it more than me, two other confident ladies. It is the geezer from the daily mail whom is a nice bloke but has dirt on his shoes. The geezer running the stage aint impressed and follows him with a big piece of sellotape. Out comes big ken, for a photo, well the girls are impressed for sure. Then back into the drinks and toastie lady calls us in. Most just sit down but we follow the lead and stand behind our chairs till madame presidente sits down. I am sat next to Linda, she seems one top geezer and is doing the work presenting the gig. She tells me she don’t take any sauce before, but tells me it is my solemn duty to stash some liquer for her for afterwards – sorted. She goes off and starts the show. Have to confess to being close to tears at her and sylvias words. They say some really nice things about the award winners and how special we all are.
When she sits down I tell her she done good, and through the meal she confirms my suspicions that she is one top geezer. She gives me loads of encouragement to use this year to do all sorts and she wants to be kept informed.
Starter was a big mushroom with chopped mushrooms and parmesan didn’t float my boat. As the mains are being served I get called out to get some more pics taken. Daily mail man had got back to the ranch and his pictures had disappeared, he aint happy.
Go back to the table and its Lamb noisettes and spuds for me. First time I had lamb since the op methinks. Don’t eat much and am finding it hard to relax. Lemon tart for pud with a red coulis that’s nice. Coffee later then on with the show. John Reid joins us at this point he has been home to see his wife - he seems a good laff and soon has us all at ease. He is MP for Belshill, which is where Kierans wifes family live.
Linda introduces him and he gives a helluva introduction. Really pitched it well I as most were was dead impressed. Then its into the awards, surgical wound care cancer and all sorts. All the award winners looked like overall winners. Heres the form Someone in my case Janet one of the judges reads out a sort of citation as pictures of your work are displayed on 2 big screens. I look up to see my mate JK about 12 foot tall smiling at me. They play music as you go up . Mr Coloplast tries to leave the stage after giving rectal lavage lady her gong and clare has to encourage him back to give me mine. Neither Jean or I can remember what music they played. Linda brought cut out pre op ken on stage at this point and John was gobsmacked he took time to chat with you and say he was dead impressed with the look of me – asked me if I could still take a drink – good he said when I replied positively.
To be continued later
I sat down and took a deep breath and a gulp of water. Whoops it all feels a bit real now. Bloomin eck I have been workin hard but its all been mightily worth it. Who would have thought from the messin about in January that this would have happened – feel a bit gobsmacked.
The overall winners were the international award category winners, one of the winners had been died earlier this year and her daughter turned up to collect it. It was really moving and they deserved it. I sat and thought well I done real good just getting this – It will do for me.
After the meal things got real relaxed, it was a party atmosphere loads of people coming up to us saying hello well done you must be proud. Got pictures taken with the great and the good. Evidence here..
Who did we speak to well who didn’t we –
Sylvia the prez.
Beverley the General Secretary.
Ian the Prof.
Prof lady from Wales one of the judges
Karen Birmingham who wrote an article about me for the gastroenterology journal.
Steve Flanagan – RCN NW guy.
Mike Travis – RCN steward in Liverpool – he was wearing a medal.
Janet the chief exec – a judge.
Linda the editor
Loads of general well wishers
Prof Justus
Jean the editor
Got pics done with John Reid
Several people who thought I was Tom – who works in RCN publishing. Then a band come on. I like live music usually in any form I have had crackin nights listening to some terrible acts but these lads were different. I suppose it was a whole sort of acoustic salsa thing in a different language. But I wasn’t the only one not very impressed once they got off and a bit of dance music came on things livened up no end.
Bit of Boogieing then retired home. Met the girls from the hotel debacle having a pint on the bar so enjoyed a couple of bevies with them and retired far too late.
Awoke breakfasted, and went for a walk in Kensington Garden. Went top the paper shop but there was nowt in the telegraph or Mail. Taxi to the station and then coffee and a wireless surf, by sitting under the first class travel lounge. Nowt in evening standard. Train home delayed by 25 minutes good to be back in the pool.
Then asked would I speak to the Daily mail, nice journo but definitely not taking the angle I fancied. Try to convince her of the message but who knows it’s the daily mail after all.
She is interviewing a cross section of us – most of the speculation amongst the winners is interpreting every event into a view about who has won. Suppose I am thinking that way too. Some geezers are kipping in the Lancaster gate whilst the majority of us are in the thistle. The other gastro lady winner is in the Lancaster gate with four guests all paid for by the sponsors, nice work. Still Jean tells me she uses their gear in her clinical work. Mebbe I could get some sponsorship for the site?
Then into a briefing by Jean the editor of Nursing Standard then into the main hall for a rehearsal. Linda editor in chief of RCN publishing gives us a pep talk. She is one shrewd dude – I warm to her immediately. She gives us a run through and tells us what to expect. She also talks about what to do if you are the winner. Don’t get rooted to the spot. We have a walk through and I walk the wrong way down the steps.
Jean has meanwhile go to do battle over the room and succeeds though we have to change our name by deed poll to Clark. Several other cock ups in there as well. The arrival of coachloads of Russian football supporters just makes things worse.
We get finished up and then Gareth(mens health Sally Army boy) and Elly (leg ulcer club lady) and I walk back to the thistle.
Manage to stop Jean dropping off and we chat and she falls asleep. I amuse myself on the laptop and trying to get their broadband working with me laptop. Doesn't work so GPRS for me.
Wake Jean at 5.30 and start getting ready, leave at 6.15 and if I say so meself we look a fine couple. Arrive at the place and it’s the real mccoy.
Red Jacketed toastmaster lady greeting at door then introducing you to the Prez,Gen secretary of the RCN and editor of Nursing standard. Unfortunately toast lady takes a baccy break as we pull up and I say Hiya to Sylvia and Bev meself. Introduce Jean and get a drink. We are on table 1 the top table with John Reid, Sylvia El Presidente, Bev General Secretary, Linda chief editor lady, Jean Editor lady, some doc who can salsa Who turns out to be a Prof, and another award winner who was nurse of the year in Bermuda some time ago. Wahoo we have arrived. Meet with Gareth and his missus who look as uncomfortable as us. Joined by Jan Sneddon from South Sefton. Jenny and Chris Sudell join us and I shocked by how il Jenny looks, she is zonked on analgesics and has taken to a wheel chair. She is splendidly irreverent as ever. She tells me her ploy is to claim she has Tourettes and shout random abuse throughout the evening. She nominated me for this and wants me to win more than I do.Speculation then about which table you are on and how that effects yer chances. Our location is seen as a good omen. I try desperately not to hope too much but its hard as I have already mentally spent three times any prize money. Get some photos done with Nursing student commendee who is brickin it more than me, two other confident ladies. It is the geezer from the daily mail whom is a nice bloke but has dirt on his shoes. The geezer running the stage aint impressed and follows him with a big piece of sellotape. Out comes big ken, for a photo, well the girls are impressed for sure. Then back into the drinks and toastie lady calls us in. Most just sit down but we follow the lead and stand behind our chairs till madame presidente sits down. I am sat next to Linda, she seems one top geezer and is doing the work presenting the gig. She tells me she don’t take any sauce before, but tells me it is my solemn duty to stash some liquer for her for afterwards – sorted. She goes off and starts the show. Have to confess to being close to tears at her and sylvias words. They say some really nice things about the award winners and how special we all are.
When she sits down I tell her she done good, and through the meal she confirms my suspicions that she is one top geezer. She gives me loads of encouragement to use this year to do all sorts and she wants to be kept informed.
Starter was a big mushroom with chopped mushrooms and parmesan didn’t float my boat. As the mains are being served I get called out to get some more pics taken. Daily mail man had got back to the ranch and his pictures had disappeared, he aint happy.
Go back to the table and its Lamb noisettes and spuds for me. First time I had lamb since the op methinks. Don’t eat much and am finding it hard to relax. Lemon tart for pud with a red coulis that’s nice. Coffee later then on with the show. John Reid joins us at this point he has been home to see his wife - he seems a good laff and soon has us all at ease. He is MP for Belshill, which is where Kierans wifes family live.
Linda introduces him and he gives a helluva introduction. Really pitched it well I as most were was dead impressed. Then its into the awards, surgical wound care cancer and all sorts. All the award winners looked like overall winners. Heres the form Someone in my case Janet one of the judges reads out a sort of citation as pictures of your work are displayed on 2 big screens. I look up to see my mate JK about 12 foot tall smiling at me. They play music as you go up . Mr Coloplast tries to leave the stage after giving rectal lavage lady her gong and clare has to encourage him back to give me mine. Neither Jean or I can remember what music they played. Linda brought cut out pre op ken on stage at this point and John was gobsmacked he took time to chat with you and say he was dead impressed with the look of me – asked me if I could still take a drink – good he said when I replied positively.
To be continued later
I sat down and took a deep breath and a gulp of water. Whoops it all feels a bit real now. Bloomin eck I have been workin hard but its all been mightily worth it. Who would have thought from the messin about in January that this would have happened – feel a bit gobsmacked.
The overall winners were the international award category winners, one of the winners had been died earlier this year and her daughter turned up to collect it. It was really moving and they deserved it. I sat and thought well I done real good just getting this – It will do for me.
After the meal things got real relaxed, it was a party atmosphere loads of people coming up to us saying hello well done you must be proud. Got pictures taken with the great and the good. Evidence here..
Who did we speak to well who didn’t we –
Sylvia the prez.
Beverley the General Secretary.
Ian the Prof.
Prof lady from Wales one of the judges
Karen Birmingham who wrote an article about me for the gastroenterology journal.
Steve Flanagan – RCN NW guy.
Mike Travis – RCN steward in Liverpool – he was wearing a medal.
Janet the chief exec – a judge.
Linda the editor
Loads of general well wishers
Prof Justus
Jean the editor
Got pics done with John Reid
Several people who thought I was Tom – who works in RCN publishing. Then a band come on. I like live music usually in any form I have had crackin nights listening to some terrible acts but these lads were different. I suppose it was a whole sort of acoustic salsa thing in a different language. But I wasn’t the only one not very impressed once they got off and a bit of dance music came on things livened up no end.
Bit of Boogieing then retired home. Met the girls from the hotel debacle having a pint on the bar so enjoyed a couple of bevies with them and retired far too late.
Awoke breakfasted, and went for a walk in Kensington Garden. Went top the paper shop but there was nowt in the telegraph or Mail. Taxi to the station and then coffee and a wireless surf, by sitting under the first class travel lounge. Nowt in evening standard. Train home delayed by 25 minutes good to be back in the pool.
Monday, November 03, 2003
Call Centre Confidential
Call Centre ConfidentialOne cool site but a little rude in parts made me laff out loud.
Monday monday
Get up late for me which is good news - 5 to 7. Ally aint well and its jeans first day at CLPCT. So I am stopping here. She seems to have a bug which is bubbling away and keeps bubbling over. Decide against the doctor and then press on with writing a startegy. Several contacts throughout the day re Nursing standard gig. Sorted out gastro gig I think and start to make sense of strategy. getting there. I need to nip out at teatime when jean gets in I shophappily and then starting my act together for the trip. Busy evening preparing then enjoy prunella scales as victoria. Tired.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Sunday mornin
Im up with the lark and down to the pool again most enjoyable. request kippers and eggs end up with smoked mackerel hot, not good makes me very very ill. I need to stop the car several times to chuck not good. Foul weather up the M1 stop at Hartshead Moor, weather over the pennines is terrible. Back home and then off to Ruth and Pauls for dinner Plenty of emails an a few to follow up. Chill on the site, the time away has given me the opportunity to think a few things through. Plent to do and need to start thinking about things.
Later the same day
Then back to the hotel, and another pool session with Ally while Jean has a kip. Very enjoyable time till a swedish footy youth team take over the pool. Talk to a nice lady about the site in the steam room. Off for dinner. I have cream of vegetable, salmon and coffee caramel cheese cake top stuff. Ally goes up to the room jean and I chill in the bar playin a quiz machine top laffs.
Mamas and Leonies Restaurant, Sheffield, UK
Mamas and Leonies Restaurant, Sheffield, UK turn up here for lunch -top gaff. Excellent Lasagne, Jean has a feta salad and Ally has a calzone. Really impressive excellent food.
Saturday.
Got it bad now its off to the gym at 8.10, meet an interesting radiographer and tell her about the site, then to the steam room sauna jacuzzi I aint never been so clean. Kippers and eggs for breakfast and off to Sheffield. Enjoy a good walk through the town and visit record shops a gogo. top stuff seeing the price variation in Yes albums. Struggle looking for somewhere for lunch.
Friday
Breakfast fruit juice poached egg and kippers. Off to Meadowhell as a local tells me its called. Get Jeans outfit for Tuesday must admit its the first time we been clothes shopping together and its hard. Debenhams come up trumps eventually. Ally has a dinkum time wandering round alone, she is truly happen here. We meet for lunch in a family pub it was crap - big time. Lasagne for me. Then back to the otel, all of us off to the pool kewl. Eat at 7.15, tomato soup, and salmon and prawn terrine for me. Dissapointing cheese and bics.
Thursday
Girls go for a haircut, I chill on the site. We set off about 11 ish, stop at Hartshead Moor services for a toilet break then Wooley edge for lunch. I end up with Chicken broth and roll the girls boogie on down to Harry Ramsdens. A treat to find but we get there in the end. Our destination its a modern gaff set back off the main Chesterfield/Sheffield road. Room 217 triple non smoker on the second floor. We are staying three nights paid for by ourTesco clubcard. Dinner Bed Breakfast 50 squid that'll do for me. Chill out round the otel and get off to the gym. Do some good cardio work and then its down to the pool, steam room jacuzzi and out. The girls didnt show they turn up in the bar so I have a mediocre pint of Boddys. Back to the room chill out and down for dinner, girls go fo mixed hor'dourves (spelling) I have salmon mains and caramel cheescake. Then upstairs to watch the Bill 25th anniversary live show. Bit dissapoining really then back down to the bar.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Wednesday
Mornin chillin in da house. Then a quick call from the nursing standardsends me off to office worl for a huge roll of bubble wrap to wrap up big ken to courier to london. This is the gaff top looking joint. This is th efirm Amtrak I thought it would cost a load the online quote implies it will be about 80squid for the two parcels.
Tuesday
Off to Franks for an early am cut, Peter starts about 6.30 so my 7.45 is cool. He is a top guy short of stature and deaf but we get on fine. For a long time I wouldnt let him near the barnet but he is the barber of choice now. Interviewed for gastro journalPicked up the DJ full gear from the shop at Taggart today 39 squid for a couple of weeks. off the Matchworks for the flu jab, nice ladt there. Show a few of the bods from the works cutout big ken. Much respect. off for filming goes well and then off to support group a top talk from steve pollard. Goes well then home
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Monday
Ring the Bosch service department - comin wednesday this is gonna cost I suspect. Sort out some work gear, and chill. Book an interview for Tuesday Mornin with Karen a Journo from RCN - seems a good un, but then they all do. Chill round the house, and take my work in for a sort out with Jon, he is enthusiastic in extremis. We may be parting company, I end up sounding spookily like David Brent when I tell him I am thebest boss he will ever have, well its true, I am David Brent. Kim passes on the latest updates, her sisters credibility is failing fast after the duff gen on the Merseyrail system. Back Home Jean has been in a cleaning frenzy, which disturbs me. Generalised chilling and sorting webstuff.
Monday, October 27, 2003
Googlewhacking: The Search for The One True Googlewhack
Googlewhacking: The Search for The One True Googlewhack Spend far too much time playing with this concept
Sunday
Chill AM, till the oven breaks, luckily it was as we finished making the lunch. Went to otterspool after had a long walk along the front I was up for the pier head and backbut was overruled. Bought a PC for my sister and bro-in-law from Dell. the ask you will the machine be used to support acts of terrorism or develop weapons of mass destruction. Tempted to say yes, I must point out I was using her credit card most enjoyable. Spoke to niece home for weekend, mess onn website for the rest of the day.
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Saturday
Cool day do little in the am. Go to gym later and work hard. Pick mother up, nearly kill her as she suicidally launches herself in to the road during a reversing in a rainstorm incident. Go to borders read a book on nutrition and metabolism and realise that I have been taken the wrong vit b. I have been taking B6 which is used to prevent PMS and I should have been taking B1 to prevent Wenickes encephalopathy which has sarted showing up in Bariatric patiens. i have seen it once or twice not nice and preventable. Off to Boots Monday. Big read in the pm followed by scary moments.
friday
Postman arrives with my Blogger Hoodie kewl
Start the day late witha 10o'clock about systems at Rathbone, slightly out of my depth but accompanied by a geezer from Audit things feel clearer. It finishes surprisingly early and its back home lasagne for dinner. Jean drops me at the Matchworks then a new GMS contract fest starts first with the main group back to back with informatics and quality outcomes subgroup. Sam is a star and relieved that she is on the ball and Paul J wants an early dart.
18 years ago I gave up travelling by the merseyrail train system. A bit like the underground it is a quick way of getting round Merseyside.
Most people will know how welcome the super obese are on mass transit systems and whole well they meet our needs.
Well yesterday I took the train from Garston to Moorfields in town. It didnt help that me mate had told me I would need to change, or that I was bricking it. I stood on the platform for 10 mins the train arrived, I sat on a normal seat, enjoyed the ride Nobody else on the trai seemed to realise how special and exciting this was. It was a privilege to travel on this very fine system they probably wondered why this guy was smiling. Merseyrail had missed the occaision and there was little evidence of the welcome back Ken Clare banners. Very little trumpet fanfares when I arrived for the first time in my life in Moorfields. I was open mouthed at the whole spectacle looking like an recent arrival from an underdeveloped country. The escalator was quite spooky too. I then was faced with a choice of exits, unknown to me I just chose right and exited the station I went down the ramp, forgetting I can do stairs now. I then walked the half a mile to the pub in the cold and enjoyed it. When i got there I wasn't sweating, or in pain.I didnt need to rush to sit down. I enjoyed a few Yorkshire terriers with an old friend and it felt kinda good - a bit special really. A search for Yorkshire Terrier turned up A blog fuelled by Beer kewl
Start the day late witha 10o'clock about systems at Rathbone, slightly out of my depth but accompanied by a geezer from Audit things feel clearer. It finishes surprisingly early and its back home lasagne for dinner. Jean drops me at the Matchworks then a new GMS contract fest starts first with the main group back to back with informatics and quality outcomes subgroup. Sam is a star and relieved that she is on the ball and Paul J wants an early dart.
18 years ago I gave up travelling by the merseyrail train system. A bit like the underground it is a quick way of getting round Merseyside.
Most people will know how welcome the super obese are on mass transit systems and whole well they meet our needs.
Well yesterday I took the train from Garston to Moorfields in town. It didnt help that me mate had told me I would need to change, or that I was bricking it. I stood on the platform for 10 mins the train arrived, I sat on a normal seat, enjoyed the ride Nobody else on the trai seemed to realise how special and exciting this was. It was a privilege to travel on this very fine system they probably wondered why this guy was smiling. Merseyrail had missed the occaision and there was little evidence of the welcome back Ken Clare banners. Very little trumpet fanfares when I arrived for the first time in my life in Moorfields. I was open mouthed at the whole spectacle looking like an recent arrival from an underdeveloped country. The escalator was quite spooky too. I then was faced with a choice of exits, unknown to me I just chose right and exited the station I went down the ramp, forgetting I can do stairs now. I then walked the half a mile to the pub in the cold and enjoyed it. When i got there I wasn't sweating, or in pain.I didnt need to rush to sit down. I enjoyed a few Yorkshire terriers with an old friend and it felt kinda good - a bit special really. A search for Yorkshire Terrier turned up A blog fuelled by Beer kewl
Thursday.
Meeting with system supplie cancelled instead we meet and I wonder what is going on. tesco for lunch pick up some chicken soup and smoked salmon. Paperwork and then the delightful Sam has organised the facilitators forum good stuff. home and chill.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Wednesday
Supposed to be at a vodafone gig at Old trafford today, pressure of work prevents and I end up dealing with emails instead. Meeting with Kim to get on top of new GMS contract meeting actions. Then a good one to one with Val. Not a bad day at all. Get quite a bit done.
Tuesday
Niece Ann and god daughter megans birthdays today. Few probs on the website and get a lot of work sorting them. Interesting meeting dealing with sorting out the works phone system. A few jobs pulling things together then off for luch at Damons with finance gurus Andy and Kim. Cool time then a meeting about our website and ebusiness strategy. Goes well then its off home. Jk has picked pre-op Ken up kewl or what. JK is a dude he has been rough but looks better tonight than he has for ages. Well pleasing.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Monday Morning
Always comes round to early. TAlk to the delightful Rebecca on the way in, she aint been too good and I have been worried about her. Get into work and for a wee while actually begin to act and feel like a senior manager. Meet with Diane older persons nurse to try and plan a startegy for this afternoons meet. Then ring Jeanette in the LIS to get her to explain things to me. Single Assessment Protocol, which seems a fairly good idea but difficult to implement.
Actually make good inroads into me inbox and start getting things squared Jon has done an excellent job. Everything is fine till a box arrives from BT syntegra with a copy of the promovid I was in in it. Oh how I laffed, I almost sounded credible then the last few frames end with me with a pathetic grin on me face. Nice still makes the boys laff and laff. Also some goodies which we have to declare then share out the bounty.
SAP meeting in the afternoon when a plan starts to come together. Feels almost joined up. Scoot home and lasagne for tea, good bit of support work then a phone call to the excellent Vivvi who is seriously into fund raising and eurocash, social enterprise and socially excluded. Feels like something great will come out of that phone call.
Actually make good inroads into me inbox and start getting things squared Jon has done an excellent job. Everything is fine till a box arrives from BT syntegra with a copy of the promovid I was in in it. Oh how I laffed, I almost sounded credible then the last few frames end with me with a pathetic grin on me face. Nice still makes the boys laff and laff. Also some goodies which we have to declare then share out the bounty.
SAP meeting in the afternoon when a plan starts to come together. Feels almost joined up. Scoot home and lasagne for tea, good bit of support work then a phone call to the excellent Vivvi who is seriously into fund raising and eurocash, social enterprise and socially excluded. Feels like something great will come out of that phone call.
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Visited by Val and Mary last night. Basically return to work plan on hold till I see the surgeon next week. I took two sleeping pills and a ...
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Girls off to town so messing about on website for me. Busy day trying to catch upwith stuff. Picked mum up from Nannys both look ill to me. ...
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