MSN Sandbox

MSN Sandbox An interesting gaff. Already using Lookout but have alternatives to most of the others I want.

:: w.bloggar ::

:: w.bloggar :: Seems to have stopped working on my main desktop pc doh!

Almost impossible to wake

A good kip - too good a kip. Couldn't prise head from pillow. Still got there in the end and off into the works. Veronica is moving on to is team. Not unexpected but a new start. Emails galore and a couple of calls. Still get out ok and off to sajmh for bloods.
The nurse in SAJMH (sir alfred jones memorial hospital)greets me like an old friend. She has seen me in the media and I inspired her to lose weight. She is very nice but forgets to take the blood for me valproate levels. BTW it says on the card I had low platelets last time. Big bad worries staright away. I scoot into Garston to get me keys cut at the trad old cobblers but he is shut - hopefully just for the day. Two gangsters eye me up as I park walk to the main road and look suss. Meanwhile nursey is ringing everywhere trying to get me back for the other tube.
Meanwhile I am mobile for Tesco, then home - knakkered - go to bed - dont sleep but try to rest. Talk to Karen who used to be my dietitian - made up to hear from she is up north - real good sort.

Back in the saddle

Dawn comes too quick I am whacked - get up at 6.15 and though it seems early it is about right if I am to make an appearance at the required hour.
I manage despite 2 false starts. Anxiety focusses in the colon these days.
In to the new office that I am to share with Dave - nice guy who I get to know. He too is deaf and we are in there as the Matchworks is such a noisy environment. Majorly clearing up emails.
So email - what a delight 30 or so about the tea and coffee, 20 or so round coffee money, parkin, collections, nights out, all cc'd in to the world and his dog.
Makes me larf. 1200 unread jobbies in the inbox. I wonder how many of em are really required - notification of meetings from three months ago - dont folks know how to expire em.
Our weekly jobs bulletin - surely thats ripe for expiration after 2 weeks.
Once more my best lessons about anything emerge from an end users perspective. HSJ - they right to me too often. Embryos called darren offering me training at unrepeatable prices ( repeated week after week). Auto generated emails - theres an abomination. The the thing that tells me everytime someone farts in the LIS office - actually informs me when some puts up on their website that they have passed chuff gas.
The Bob the serially forwarder - gone now and his added expletive element to to the NPfIT - will be missed.
Then the kind geezers who removed me from their circ lists - saving me work but now I am wondering what I missed. I somehow scramble to the end of the morning. Pleased to see the door still aint working. Still not sure where to park and now I have to learn a combination as I work in a safe have a google to discover the definition for you good reader takes me what was the inappropriate use of FOI fora A helpful explanation here. Off out for lunch with Kim in her low slung driven by a woman possesed too fast car.
Need sustenance after my mornin. make a bad choice (diet wise) but toothsome veg and steak and kidley pudd. The Bear and Staff fails to come up with any comedy and the food is good. We have a laff. I realise work must be a richer place for my scintillating wit. Loads of new people in the works but some good old familiar faces too - AGM I couldnt make it. Then its off to me mams - then CMS then home. Me mate Vin is opening herself to NHS care. Hope it all goes well. Back home spag bog for tea and chillin. Play Linux and rebuild pc's deep joy. firefox is the dogs. Also plan to install This on me linux box on pete colmans suggestion. Me linux guru and husband to jane.

Moday - waiting for work type today

Much tidying of schoolbags and worrying about the thing I should have done in the last 5 months whilst I was off.
Still new dawn tomorrow.

Audio Adapter | FM Audio Adapter | SoundFeeder | Music Transmitter | Wireless Audio Adapter | SF250

Audio Adapter | FM Audio Adapter | SoundFeeder | Music Transmitter | Wireless Audio Adapter | SF250 Dr Mc had one of these - and we had a bloomin fine laff.

Sunday double points extravaganza

A disturbed nights kip. Looking forward to getting back to work - is that a bad sign.
Off to Tesco Old Swan to use my Clubcard double points on your entire shop voucher. With our minimal booze policy we had to work hard to get it up to 150.
Have ascare in the care on the way out. In a discussion about Minted kebabs Jean reveals that the 2nd October is next Saturday not some mythical date in the far off future. Oh poop. Need to get finger out for NOF gig. Doing a A4 trifold colour double sided thing. Sketch it out driving back after lunch its pencilled out then off to work. Realise my layout etc skills are pants in extremis Hels to the rescue - a truly talented individual. I stick to content she'll do the tarting up later.
Hot chicken salad, and off for a pint with Dr McCoy. Of course Decent Roosters and Hawkshead both been blogged afore

SUPPORT THE CHILDREN'S FOOD BILL : Homems a good thing to me

SUPPORT THE CHILDREN'S FOOD BILL : Home Seems a good thing to me.

Saturday again - ello john got a new motor

JK has whisked the car away - leads to a slack day appreciated by all. I am up early the girls snooze. All going ok with the car then JK reveals probs - trouble with the fuel gizmo type gadget. Hohum - off to see the geezer Jimmy. No problem guvnor (sure he was a scouser last week - he's now a crafty cockney) mebbe thats coz i dont trust him. Ring me monday my son we'll get it sorted. OKOK he didn't sound cockney at all but it makes for a better tale.
Then back to ours run JK home. NBack home collect ally on way go to nannas. She has cashed in contents of my change draw. in asda 122squid that'll donicely. She has also got me a new watch battery in kenny market. Had to pull out of planned beer expedition with Doc McCoy monday night. First day of term tuesday beery whiff not right message and I wanna start well. Three days next week tues/wed/thurs mornings only. Have been completely confused thought my two year check with Mr K was Monday actually a week on Monday.
Off to Borders - pilgrimage style how cool is that - becoming an institution. Bad news is 3G or GPRS dont work in Starbucks. That aint good. But blog to disk and post later. 1001 things to do but life is good. Pleased that Jane is well and up for the NOF gig. 3 is a whole lot better than 2. Just gotta get Kathy O sorted on some publicity gear and we are laffing. So people spotting in Borders/starbucks and its environs who can we see. I spy Bob Graham, Si's dad in the distance. Paula Grey, John Caldwell, not bad in the first 5 mins. Need to get a book brb.

Friday just sort of getting AGM things done.

Title says it all WLSinfo AGM a coming up and we are all hands on deck preparing the Charity Commission seems intent on making life difficult for me. Tis a veritable minefield we are a Charitable Unincorporated Association. Turns out Ann my niece works for Acevo a sort of prof body for CEO's in the third sector. Anyway spend the day fiddling away on this and that and plenty of farts pass this way. Off to Beas in the evening. Paul regales with woeful tales of reporting the break in to his car at school this week. Drop Jeans car at JKs then relax.

Thursday - return of obstruction?

The day starts fairly normally. Jean has got up early dropped Ally at school then bagged a lift. I take advantage of a lie in - good move. Digestion fine after last nights Masterchef. Chill out then off to mums for lunch. Ok so far Bank then Morrisons looking good. Minimalist shop at Morrisons saving up for a double whammy double points extavaganza at Tesco.
Then drop Mum off at home, gnawing pain, say hello to sis pain gets worse.
Generalised abdo pain radiating to back creasing me double by Speke road. Excruciating by Ford Road. In bulk by M57. Not good pick Jean up at Ennerdale which is not the lovely Wild valley. But some care home gaff at the back of beyond on the Aintree site a fine place but their website aint well today. A whole page of ASP net errors dont look good to me.
Then off to Jimmys gaff aka Rice Lane Motors to exchange cash for car. See Mr RLM a real Swiss sort of guy. Says to Jean (in uniform - so your the nursing trade then are you) red rag to bull stuff. I'm in pain and out of there. Off home. In bulk down Queens drive - consider chucking me guts but decide agin it.
Get home go straight to bed. I am now in agony off-ish! Help - Jeans lays hand on fevered brow, I assume foetal position and belch repeatedly. This is not good Houston we have a problem. The pain is identical in charcter, identity and onset to the stuff just before I had me belly cut the last time. I wait round writhing for hours. Manage to conact consultant and leave message at GP. Consultant says go to A&E and I'll see you when I get back. Ok pack bag Jean and Ally upset me not best pleased. This aint good mortality flashing before me big time - oh dear. Just at the end of the M62 the pain goes - just as quickly as it come turn round. No pint going to A&E c/o "I had a pain an hour ago" Frank (GP not barber) rings at 7.30 fizzy water (why fizzy)and if you are "farting" all is well. Well unusually chuff gas not present for this boy. Then at 11.30 - a hoomer - the seismic reaction woke Jean and caused ally to smile relief.

Well thats cleared that up then

Alder Hey Chart tis all clear now - not.

Wednesday

A fairly idle sort of day - nowt new there then. Ready for work to be onest - I have started sorting things out. Hanging round the house till the girls come in. Then off to pick up script from Tescos and out on the town with the boys from cell. Picked up Billy and Mike then off to the Masterchef. Eight/nine of us in total a good night. Tandoori chicken followed by a pair of trout. Took the boys home - most enjoyable evening.

BBC - Big Challenge - Web guide

BBC - Big Challenge - Web guide After a fair bit of mithering Auntie Beeb has heard of us.

Tuesday

Lunch with Kim and Ally in the Bear and Staff - which is becoming a bit of a comedy pub. A fine lunch despite lack of beer. I had planned to down a pint of their guest ale, an adnams as it happens but plans foiled. Being carless I am picked up by Ally taken to the matchworks by Kim. Meet with Peter for an hour and then walk into Garston Village. A depressing area if ever the was one. St Marys road, quieter since the bypass was built is still seedy. Very few shops I am accustomed by a 12 year old who asks if I have a spare ciggie.
I get a key cut in an old fashioned cobblers, then off for a appt with prof moriss. He is a top man for sure. See him again in December blood test next week. Need to get result from Frank to show David.
Walk quite a way home in a strong wind very envigorating but full of cold. Have a substandard charsui won ton soup - leave most of noodles. Jean and Ally off to her mums.I mess on Linux.

Not a manic monday

Trying to finish off things I should have done. Expecting JK to contact me at some point to arrange his rac type inspection of the car. I am afraid I am a total wuss when it comes to matters mechanical. Add that to negotiatiating a price (another skill I do not possess) and the resulting cocktail could be fatal. What chance woud I have. I don't know a big end from a camshaft. Hence my delight at my empoyers ear scheme. Get new one it break nice man fix. It get old or get pinched I get new one. Cool. Jk is on the other hand a gentle hearted but mean looking dude with a great understanding of matters mechanical. He reviews the vehicle with a dibnah like expertise. I am we'll impressed. As I write this I have I am afraid been bamboozled by a coffee machine. I stood ooking at it with my cup under the sugar shute as the hot water pours out 15cms to the right. So the engine has been replaced (good says jk) and he recommended replacing the timing belt ASAP - whats a timing belt.
Monday night not much happening. Pop to mums pick up charity letters, and tesco for prescriptions.
Some sort of Blog mail probs cause difficulties.
Please combine the two posts.

Monday rice lane car sales

Feel yuk URTI ironic that as my return to work is immimnent well health feels poor. Drag myself to my pc and jk accosts me. He has offered to run me to walton and check out jeans new car.
He is a top man he is a pro with a poker face. He inspects the car with disdain. Makes all the right noises, well impressed. Gives it the green light and gets a ton knocked off off to the office tax for 6 months its a done deal. Pick up thursday. We'll pleased off to peoples in bootle then pick up some bacon butties in sainsburys. We talk for an age. Iife the universe the charidee and all. Few things need sorting out for the agm. A frantic search and a call to lisa. Sort it out. A stroll down to the greengrocer and then a coffee and scone in neighbourhood the top caff gaff.

Telegraph | News | 'Ladettes' clog casualty units after catfights

Telegraph | News | 'Ladettes' clog casualty units after catfights Made me smile

Poems And Other Random Crap: Difficult... But Necessary

Poems And Other Random Crap: Difficult... But Necessary This is allys blog i aint allowed to read it - but we are all well impressd that zoe of http://users.pandora.be/quarsan/zoe/ has commented mucho respect ally ally. Look forward tto the sanitsed version I can read. I suspect the easily offended should not read.

I need a new word.

I was lazy I just lifted the post from WLSinfo and posted it on here naughty but I am tired.
Got up 11am - v late. Brunched then jumped a cab to Greenbank picked up the car. The residents had all departed sans breakfast. Not good stewards enquiry needed tomorrow. Went off to Rice Lane Motors to purchase a car. Having mug tatooed on my head is a distinct disadvantage. JK offers to help with pre purchase inspection. Spy out an N reg diesel fiesta - which looks ok to me. Then off to Sainsburys - some excellent chuck out corner bargains. four cheese bread - down from 1.15 to 30p - see why when we get it home nice bread - cheesey in middle - not to my taste. Nice tea snacky stuff - diesel from Tesco then off to mums fix her "VD" scart lead come out but she is made up.
Back home and Linux joy.

Went the day well

Support group at greenbank, family day. Went well I think.
A review
A good day had by all here.
Started at about 11 shifting furniture.
We were blessed with the weather and it was pleasant enough to sit out.
Teen got most of the people there.
Linda and her hubby and the dogs, Ute, Ada Avril Genevivie and family. All in all I think we had about 40 there during the day. Including two kids about 6 who nobody knew ut they both got a prize in the raffle.
We hadnt planned on food as the NW cash flow was tight when we booked. We were blessed with another donation from CJ medical supplies so Jenfeet and I took the exec decision of ordering a buffet for 30 at the daft price of 2.50.
He provided salads pasta cous cous prawns leek and potato bake cauliflower cheese pitta bread and lots of stuff - couldnt see how he managed it at the price to be honest.
It was great to see old and new faces, meet site people and share a bit of good company.
Jk was the star turn and rebecca will be pleased to know the leather she passed on to me has gone to him.
Thanks to hil for drawing the tickets.
Mary Jean and others for sorting the clothes. We gave the best to East Midlands and Scotlandand took the rest to an outlet that resells em exports to third world countries or recycles them if unsuitable. Will post more about the evening and the bbreakfast problems later.
Part 2
Rebecca had spent a good wodge a mans leather coat preop when I got it last October it was a top fit on me and it was summat id always wanted. It is swimming on me now and JK had always had his beady eye on it. It makes a change from his usual uncle fester coat. Reckon once he gets his hernia sorted it'll look tops.
Anyway after five we sat in the bar restaurant and chilled, the residents, chris auds, Vineeta, babs, linds, gwen david glen and carol plus the tullochs and the wrights all chilled, ate food. And had a hearty laff. We talked a bit about wls but mostly about life.
Late on and heavily inflenced by Newcy Brown I thought what a godd day I have had, and what good friends I have made. We sat round the table with a warm sharing feeling. Then in the wind there was a familiar whiff a malabsorber had felt so relaxed they could release the chuff gas.
Jean kicked me under the table and glared accusingly, it did smile like one of mine but I know when I pass gas - and tis time rare I know I was innocent.
Time stood still people noticed I announced the crime and declared my innocence hoping to flush out the perpetrator.
Suddenly the restaurant went quiet I was lookin for a hint of redness an indicator an ounce of shame and remorse.
Across the table a wry mystical smile revelead the culprit. Vineeta you are a star I shook her hand and said the blessing Good A**e that we use in these parts. Well done lady - I was proud.
And to round the night off we saw a rabbit and a fox on the way home.

channel4.com - E4 - GREEN WING

channel4.com - E4 - GREEN WING Whats this about - not sure if its very funny or just surreal.

Friday

The broadgreen site is reminiscent of the scottish parliament and I don't mean designed by a foreign geezer. Its gruesome bulldozers and YMCA style hard hats abound. In to the lexandra wing (someone has nicked the A). I don't know about you but I am dubious about buildins with levels. Level 1 what's wrong ground floor. I have kim and her sis investigating travel options for the national obesity forum gig. David Kerrigan and I are doing a doube act he does the surgeons approach then I follow it up with living with it. Will also rant on about the charidee and what we about. Its a good gig and I am looking forward to it. We are through to the finals of the excellence in primary care award. Which is an achievment as we don't meet the criteria. Last year they gave us a special recognition award which was very nice indeed.
So here I am sat with mum at the out patients clinic of mr pyatt who I deduce is a cardiologist, but long since learnt that assumptions are dangerous as far as me mas medical care is concerned.
Tis boring but necessary. Val Vernon is coming to see me at 11.30 hopefully for a return to work interview.
A young and moribund looking registrar concludes me mum needs pacing - explains the procedure well in my book. Risks explained well (completely over mums head). Informed consent should be a lark - should I have one Ken - they wouldnt offer it if I didnt need it would they.
Too right mate.
Stop in WRVS canteen thing for brew and a slice of toast - the constipation theme has continued. When did the WRVS go mega corporate what happened to Doris and a big pot. Its all automated douwe egbert whatever.
Still nice old gent buttering the toast I can do that when I retire.
Val visits and it goes very well. She is a good soul and SLPCT have been very supportive to this sick boy. Phased return starts gradually 27/09 - Back to full time in November. Cool. Using quite a few days leave in the meantime too.

Thursday Hearing aids and constipation

To follow

Fade: North West Grey Literature Servicet

Fade: North West Grey Literature Service Npt nagging Kieran but the database is down again.

Steel River Blues: Index page

Steel River Blues: Index page Its hammy but I likes fire engines.

Wednesday AM

Off the dogs breakfast that is the Back of ASDA York Centre. Difficult to see where to park - good job I am mobile. They are building an extension to the York centre and its not pretty. The line from the Echo last night that rebuilding the Royal around patients is a good move doesnt fill me with hope.
Bloods for U&E's SMAC, Zinc and Bones. Then off to the gym. Good workout - alittle light on cardio but I get there. Then a pleasant lunch in the sun I sort out Saturdays arrangements with turgit. Get home and sort meal and a few letters chores etc related to nannie. Colin calls round after tea for the logo for his new company. After busy sorting a few things out before getting used to hearing aids again with the telly. Appt tomorrow at 9am. Car is a write off BTW (Jeans that is Grrrr) aint happy.

Tuesday

It is another dreary day at home - want to get back to work - chomping at the bit. Too much surfing. The weather is bad. Lamb Shanks and veg good stuff for tea. Then off for a stirring session at cell group. Home bed tire.

Songbird

Songbird These boys are out again. Deafness deep joy. Hour a day I think, in the house to start.

Monday

Ally off school feeling yuk and needing a tooth out this pm. I am ready to go back to work. I idle around before trotting of to Franks for haircut - literally on foot. Good step enjoy the walk. The high street is seedy. Frank is at a funeral so its Peter for me. A trot home via Somerfield and Lorenzo and cabbage for tea. Ally aint good after extraction.
Batman has been seen at Buck House, David Blunkett taking it on the chin.

Ctrl Alt Del - Tragically l337

Ctrl Alt Del - Tragically l337 One for Pete Colman.
Its a Linux thang.

Sunday was a family day. Picked mum and the dog up and took them to sister marys. Brother dave and associated inlaws join us. Deep joy. Families eh? Bless. Mums dizzy spells worsening and Friday cant come to soon for me.
Spend the afternoon playing xnot for money - deep joy - then home and a very silly silent witness with a new doc who has swapped genders and gone academic.

Saturday

Ally tried Pimms last night she doesnt like it. I woke at 10 am - day started bad. Main deskop box dead. Not good dead starting looking altenatives all of which cost time and money. Nip to Somerfield at lunchtime for bread rolls for lunch. Bump into Jackie J from Hammy house. The its off to Greenbank to see the manager bout next weeek - he aint in. So its off to Borders, halfords Smiths and PC world. Bump into Marian B in the bookshop. Really nice woman and a big cheese in Merseycare well deputy big cheese. She is from the North east and well sound. I purchase a book about linux for me and one about the houses of parliament in chuckout corner. Linux has been giving me well headaches to be onest. But I have enjoyed it in a perverse sort of way. Saw Dave and Maria in their new Zafira at Speke. Then off to me mums where mary and john are. Mum has a dozen dizzy spells today. Cardiologist on friday. Home late after a 2 drink visit to borders.

Friday - lazy day

Didn't do much today. Jean got in at lunchtime. She was ony around for a bit to collect the hire car. Deal is they arrive in car then you take em back to the office to do the paperwork. Looks like the wee green machine (jeans motor) may get written off. Coud do without that to be onest. Jeans mothers after tea deep joy on a friday. Fair chuckes at colins expense though.

Thursday

Pretty quiet morning a period of uncertainity about plans. End up taking lunch at the the Bear and Staff with Kim. I had a most enjoyable seafood mixed grill - packed with protein. Entertained by a floor show between aggrieved customer and relief manager. Bureaucracy at Aintree prevents me visiting a friend - visiting hours???? Whats that about. So back home to the garden I am afraid. Shame for sure. Girls arrive home Ally and I go for a walk to Tescos.
Pleasant evening in the end.

Wednesday

Off to drop Ally at school then see Frank at the practice. He is a top man for sure - complete holistic approach. Gives me return date for work. Talk a good few things through.
Propose return date for work of 27/09/04 and a phased return. Then its off to me mum and Morrisons. She is having 6 or so dizzy spells a day - not looking brilliant. Back ter house via the greengrocers see Kathy at the practice give em a basket of fruit and chocolates. Then back to mums for lunch and look at sheilas PC. Then off home and its in the garden.
Girls in and then whipped Ally to Borders. Then its off to Mike and Janes. Micks mum and dad looking well. Better than the wireless network in their house.
Home at a late hour.

Tuesday erm dont recall much

nuff said. Not drug induced just boring I think. Reading in garden

Monday part II

173 back home after a difficult converstaion with a gardner and a pensioner then some rays in the garden. Most pleasant indeed. Jean and ally come in, in after tea I'm off to town to meet JK. Jean drives us in. As usual liverpool bariatrics real ale society meet at the ship and mitre. As usual the choice is huge in my preop youth I would start at top and work my way down. This woud inevitably be a friday after work and inevitably end in addlestones scrumpy at 9pm. Another alternative was start with the lowest proof and work my way up. Worse was the same trick in reverse. I remember a young ad in our company getting stung for a round of 3.50 ahead 9% roket fuel. Aptly named too. Anyway in the post op world we go for one and if its good stick with it. Leads to less sillly behaviour. We often choose a roosters brew but tonight its a cumbrian brew hawkshead bitter. Very good. Oh how we laffed we have similar evil scathing sense of humour. O twas good. So good that when the shiip and mitre closed off we trotted to queens square to a terrible gaff called. Lloyds bar. But how we laffed.

QVCUK.com Shoppingdon't walk to qvc to buy this

QVCUK.com Shopping run dont walk to QVC to buy this. Thanks to sad paul who watches QVC

Sunday

Up early and off to buy hoover bags decide the old model is pooped and get a new one from tesco old swan. 35 notes. Good move. Back home and a few things sorted. Family arrive lunch a little late but goes down well indoor barbeque. Me ana Ally trot off to Tesco express for fishy treats. Back home and eat em.
Did a couple of posts on wlsingfo - I thought I would share em here
Well two years crept up on me - two years ago at this very hour I was in a theatre having an open Roux-en-Y. I was 34 stone not expecting to either a) week up, and in the unlikely event that I would b) Lose any weight. I had a turbulent immediate post op period, people have had far worse than me since but at the time it was poop. To be told at 29 stone that you were experiencing hallucinations due to starvation was weird. The site essentially arose as a diversion from vomitting. I had a gastroscopy in Jan 2003 and things went great from there on in. Weight loss wise and health wise I went great. In May that year I went high, quite literally followed by a depressive episode in the December confirmed my diagnosis of Bi-polar affective disorder.
In between all that the site won an award at the NOF and I was nominated for and won the RCN gastro nurse of the year. Weight loss continued in that first year until about 13months. Then stopped dead. I had sort of followed Janes protein thoughts. Ended up eating this high protein low carb low fat diet. I had become a gym monster and was chuffed when me, Jean, my surgeon and my trainer ran together in the 5k corporate cup in Liverpool. All good habits and I was doing well. Looking back at the time of the annual meet I was depressed but to meet again with old friends was great. So I started 2004 on mood stabilisers and was chugging along at work fine till the peritonitis struck in may. Adhesions due to my appendicectomy 20years ago led to an obstruction which near finished me off. Thats all sorted now, peritonitis and pneumonia knocked it out of me but the good physical shape I was in helped.
So here I am back to the gym this week looking back at 2 years in which I have lost loads, gained more, and shared with some of the best most sincere people that I have met.
3 years ago I was referred by the obesity clinic for cognitive behavioural therapy. At that time despite my confident middle manager jolly fat man appearance, I was instead feeling worthless, I believed I was a FLUB (fat lazy useless b******) It didn't help with my eating but made me convinced that positive action was the way. So I went looking for surgery, and found it.
A meeting with Hil(phantomlodge) led to me thinking setting this site up was a way forward.
The rest is well documented elsewhere on here.
So what have I lost
About 18 stone (dont know and dont care).
22 inches off my waist.
DLA
Blue badge
Ability to drink with meals
The real taste I had for fine malt whiskey.

What have I gained well this maybe a big list. Health
Better life expectancy
Better quality
Increased mobility - from less than 100 yards to miles.
Increased self esteem - the feeling of confidence and pride.
A network of friends across countries. Some of these friends have worried me several times peoples lives seemed at risk.
Support and encouragement from people on a no strings attached business.
A sense of helping people that has far eclipsed anything I ever felt in clinical nursing or management.
I started a project and sustained it ( a biggie for me - ask Jean, clare towers is full of half finished schemes)
National recognition
A real sense of pride.
Laffs some nights I have laffed till I have ached, ( sorry about the beast stories).
A blog.
A lot of knowledge, though the more I learn about surgery and its consequences I realise a)how little I know and b) how different each individuals experience is.
And loads more
So when I look back and I realise what this family been thro in the last 2 years and what we got to look forward to I do it with a sense of achievement and pride. A bloomin nice feelin for sure.
So good luck to all the people who travel this road with me - whether you are way along the road or just thinking about putting your foot on the road. I hope this place helps make he journey easier - it certainly has for us.
and this called champagne moments
When we return from holiday we always get asked what was the champagne moment? The bit that you will always remember- well this journey has produced a few for me and I thought I would like to share them.
Getting referred to weight management clinic.
Meeting the doc there and knowing from his eyes he really wanted to help me.
The nurses scurrying round underneath me to measure me waist.
The big comfy chair.
Him listening not judging.
Going to see the dietitian Karen Slevin - her telling me to eat more. (breakfast)
Her convincing me I wasnt lazy and making me feel less worthless.
Being listened to when I argued against getting put on Orlistat.
Going for cognitive behavioural therapy (Kay McBean) which gave me some interesting insights to how I got to 34 stone. Also helped me to decide on grasping life rather than lying back to die slowly through obesity.
Beng gobsmacked when I went armed for a fight about getting an op and the doc said well ken think its the surgical route for you.
Meeting Mr K being presented with hard facts and advised on an op didnt remember thought it was a Ross on Wye rang hLorraine his secretary next day.
Telling me mam and her crying for joy.
Last suppers boy I ate
More last supppers after being cancelled
Meeting Jeff Leach a post opper the day of my op
Going home.
The Mickey taking district nurses
Learning to walk 1 door at a time very slowly
clips out
the first weigh in
wiping me bum with ease
dryin me feet
going back to the gym
setting up the site with the challenge of learnin new skills
getting a gastroscopy and being a new man
meeting my first vbger
ditto dser
ditto bandster
going on holiday in york and doing tourist things on foot.
feeling bones poking through
getting busier on the site
the gasps when I went back to work
100 members
the site was skint it owed us, we were skint I went to church and prayed andthat night someone put a gheque thro the door for a ton fifty
being in the local paper
setting up the nw support group
not forming a dam in the bath
standing up to pee in a pub
seeing me in a mirror and jumping with shock
getting a new smaller car
being interviewed on the wireless
throwing away my crutches
reducing anti inflammatorys/pain killers
snoring less
buying clothes in M&S
a shirt for a fiver in asda
saying no thanks in a restaurant
the mansfield meeting
Giving back DLA (even harder than getting it)
http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/the_mansfield_seminar.htm
The dockers club http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/rogues_gallery.htm
Fun running http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/fun_runs.htm
National obesity forum being very proud http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/nof.htm
Nurse of the year stuff http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/nurse_2003_gig.htm
The chief medical officer of the UK askin me would I mind joining him for lunch
http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/rcn_gastro_gig.htm
Dudley our first national meet http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/dudley.htm
going on a rollercoaster for the first time in me life http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/images/btm1.jpg
Me and the sites birthday party in january http://www.wlsinfo.org.uk/birthday_2004.htm
seeing people shrinking before me eyes and looking healthier.
seeing people waiting ages on the NHS get done
people telling me I saved their life
someone giving me their last quid at NW support group and saying we needed it more than she.
Laffing at meself on the telly.
Seeing people who were on the last legs fit and well
seeing the miracle of people looking younger everytime you see them.
But most of all the friends old and new I have gained through this place
And the best thing is I have plenty more moments to come.
What are your moments from your journey.

Chicken of the Sea Tuna - seafood recipes, healthy articles, mermaid club, shrimp salmon crab products, pouch

Chicken of the Sea Tuna - seafood recipes, healthy articles, mermaid club, shrimp salmon crab products, pouch Had to nip to tesco this am and never off duty I spied this http://www.chickenofthesea.com/product_line_detail.aspx?did=4800009043
its a 7oz pack of salmon no draining necessary dont need fridging and in date till may 2006.
17g protein and 3.6g fat per 100g. Only 99p must taste poopy.
It was the name chicken of the sea that tickled me. I shall subject to taste test later this week.
I love the website too. Clearly one for the fall out shelter.

Friday night report

Beas 80th boirthday dinner and its off to the best western alicia. A hotel past its best (western or otherwise) near sefton park. To be fair to them given the price it was mediocre. I had a vegetable soup, salmon in a chive butter and a toothsome lemon cake, almost delicious. We adjourned to the bar where I stood with my nephew symbol (the nephew formally known as matthew) now matt, matty, or mate anything but matthew. He had never seen peppermin cordial so I saw it as my avuncular duty to introduce him to the old man delights of rum and pep. He drinks like a fish - Colin took a malt or two but I mostly refrained. Shorts are a bit of a no-no for me. I did have a bacardi and coke for a 70's moment. Get home late but had a laff.
Woke up saturday and tried to sort stuff in the house. Tesco shop arrives and I nip to the top for the things I forgot to order. Than I nip to the greengrocer for some mushrooms and spend 25 quid flowers and order fruit basket for d/n's. Nice bacon (grilled) and mushrooms for dinner. Spoke to jk which is always a pleasure goin out for a pint with him monday night.
Messin about in the afternoon when I notice vineeta has posted congrats to me on my 2 year anniversary of surgery. About to post and tell her what a daft bat she is. When I realise she is of course right. As usual I am wrong all week I have believed it was tomorrow. Dunderhead for sure. Poop planned epic meaningful posts. Off to mums via otterspool tip. Mary and jon there. Then running late and off to speke. Oh dear comet and currys are closed the desired hoover bags are not to be. So retire to borders.

Thursday night friday morning

Went to Beas house to celebrate 80th birthday. Bea is my ma in law. Off out tonight (friday) to celebrate. Friday am jean takes car to work and I bite the public transport bullet. Off on the 173 to the gym manage 5500 steps 3.5k on the bike and a good circuit of weights. Good lunch outside with Norman who has become a gym buddy. Lentil soup which wasn't as bad as it sounded. Pat the admin man suspended my membership whilst I was off sick so I am paid up till jan. Nice one. Toying with walking home but aint sure.

Up with the lark

To take mum to see frank. News is in from cardiologist. He diagnosis 2degree heart block and suggests reducing/stopping beta blockers to reduce dizziness. Troube is she already has stopped em and still dizzy. Frank says pacing may be required. Suggests monitoring bp at home and return to cardiologist with me accompanying on 17th inst. Mum flips. Starts getting worried about diabetes frank says let's sort dizziness and bp first mum starts worrying about breathlessness, Frank does valiantly in keeping up with her. Off to craigs pharmacy to purchase BP machine. Then on to Morrisons. Meanwhile getting a message that Fran is having a leaving lunch at ego restaurant. I have a strange broccoli and stilton soup and a chicken and pasta salad. Well done and great to see the LIS gang - Fran will be missed.

Doing Less Harm, musings from Anytown NHS Trust

Doing Less Harm, musings from Anytown NHS Trust so jolly, could the person be one of the PhD's in our own LIS team??

Furl - Your web page filing cabinetrom Kieran

Furl - Your web page filing cabinet From Kieran.

Tuesday - AM

Up early to pick nanna up to take her to the royal for a post op check on her cataract. Thev queue to get in is plain daft , nanna jumps out and I spend 40 minutes waiting. Not good the geezer on the barrier aint impressed I imagine his stick factor is well high. Apparently new 500 space car park opens later this month and the back will be staff only. Can't see that being enuff what about a park and ride? Or is that too creative a solution. To be fair the poor old place designed in the 50's does an amazing job of housing everything. St pauls eye day uit is a busy gaff plucking cataracts by the bucket. Bit concerned that a single member of staff arrives to empty the donation box. Seems slack to me. She could have made off with the 67p in there. Perhaps you only need 2 when its worth nicking. Bit embarrassed by me mum who implores me to share the benefits of weight loss surgery with a couple of staff. A difficult one.