what you doing at the moment??

[cnc]

Well I've had a busy day today, I suppose its my own fault for not being very organised, but its always the same!! Have done my packing, just need to get the final bits and pieces sorted and pack a load of work to take with me :( Plus delivering a card, and visiting the nice lady across the road.
Have been busy cooking/ making a mess today. Chocolate cake, chocolate brownies and chocolate brazil nuts. Anyone see a pattern emerging here....?!

though admittedly I ate a few myself. *blush*
Glad you've been eating something :D

Matt got the new job he applied for!!

That's really good news, pass on my congratulations to him.

so it's all go in January!
Its always the way. Ian starts his job in January, so has been busy hunting for somewhere to live, but hes only in Milton Keynes for 4 months, so hasn't been that easy!!

Right I better go and get sorted for what feels like an expedition that I'm embarking on!! Lots of electrical equipment to be charged etc....Take care everyone and enjoy the break :D
I expect lots of exciting Christmas tales when I return!!

[matt]

great news gill pass on my congrats to my namesake! when do you hear from the doctor???
just think how you'd be feeling if no one had eaten the cakes etc. atleast it means that they were nice. post away with any receipes the more ideas the better. i really must pull my finger out and make some stuff for me.

the camera. well was going to wait for the sales but then saw an offer that if i got it before the 31st using mastercard i could get a £100 rebate from canon. i'll post the link for anyone who's interested. so camera cost £514 minus £100 almost too good to turn down for 8million pixel camera. mind you that's without lense but i was given one so i didn't need to buy one. will turn up sometime next week. no problem. you also can get a free memory card and discounts in another canon offer again until 31st.

choc cake to make this morning for a certain young lady.

copper the one fearnley whittingstall made was chestnut puree no almonds. but as you say go with safe option of choc with choc icing.:lol2:

24 hours to go and trying to feel festive:unsure:

[Copper]

I am sure that you will feel festive once your little treasure arrives :) I assume that Santa leaves some of her pressies at your house?

[matt]

oh yes all six of the ones from me!!! i have my instructions to tell santa to hide them all around the house!!! just who is humouring who? she still claims to believe... but then so do i!

miserable sod never comes to my place to leave stuff for me anymore. well i guess i should be better. i do try to be good!:lol2:

[Kamagrian]

great news gill pass on my congrats to my namesake! when do you hear from the doctor???I've passed on congratulations and he's very impressed to hear good wishes from people he's never met. :D

My next appointment with the pancreatic specialist is on 10th January, so I'm expecting the results of my CT scan then. The only reason they'd have to contact me in advance would be if it was really bad news (i.e. cancer or necrosis), which is unlikely and also most undesirable! So I'm hoping I hear on the 10th, and that it's a fairly easily-fixed blockage. They're consider whipping out my gallbladder too, but I'm not actually too worried about that as I can live without it.

I've now finished all my baking for the festive season - at least until Matt eats them all and begs me for more! :lol2: Currently dyeing my hair a more vibrant shade of red (it darkens and dulls in winter and I get bored with it), and might go out for a few hours tonight, so it's actually celebration time now. Yay!

I agree Matt, you'll feel much more festive when Caitlin turns up and does the excited-child thing. I hope you have a great time with her!

[matt]

ho ho ho and all that!!! only 9 hours to go before my day starts properly!!! ie when i get caitlin. the fat man didn't come here but then i probably got up too early for him!

what you doing on the forum today? get off and have some quality family time. god am i going to bored tomorrow. no one's going to have been here!:o

hope all goes well with all and that any problems are minor.

merry christmas all.:lol2:

[Kamagrian]

Hope you're having a wonderful time with Caitlin, Matt - and that everyone else is having a fantastic Christmas.

Our feast was certainly none the worse for the lack of dairy! I had to choose between sticking to my low-fat diet and being puritanical, or deciding that it's Christmas and I could let loose a bit for one meal. So I chose the latter! :lol2:

We had lobster with a lemon and herb vinaigrette to start, then stuffed duck and all the trimmings. And even Christmas pud with custard and 'cream'! So I don't feel deprived at all...just very, very full. Matt loved all his pressies so I'm in a really good mood, and now he's snoozing contentedly on the sofa to one of the CDs I bought him. He looks ridiculously cute - good job he can't see what I'm typing. :p

Good cheer and relaxation all around here. Hope others are having a similarly enjoyable day.

Gill x

[matt]

but did you catch it on film? a fat contented matt asleep on the sofa!!:o

well my day went fairly well. no major hiccups. got caitlin ok and she loved her presents. all i've heard was her talking to her new pet. the furbie.!!

hey furbie, this and hey furbie......well she likes it and it's easier to look after than a pair of chocolate labradors.

and i had a nice walk over the new forest finding a couple of geocaches. loads of people out enjoying the sunshine. better for me than siting home on my own!

i hope the fat man came and left lots of goodies. shall i open a new thread or do you all want to give a run down of the best present received here?:)

[Copper]

Oh be a devil Matt and open a new thread :D

[cnc]

I have returned to some form of civilisation, well as civilised as an environment containing two men who want me to play Monopoly so I better go!!

Take care everyone.

[Kamagrian]

I have returned to some form of civilisation, well as civilised as an environment containing two men who want me to play Monopoly so I better go!!Welcome back! Come over here and play Settlers of Catan or Mespotamia with us instead - much more fun than Monopoly. :lol2:

[cnc]

Well I attempted to send a message and then it vanished, (my copmuter was being silly!!)

Think I shall turn down your offer for now Gill, I've done quite enough travelling for now. Am quite tired, but theres no real surprise there. Am looking forwards to a quietish week at Ians. This may be the longest I've stayed in any one place for the last 3 weeks!!
Christmas day was nice, as was boxing day, but I got very tired and quite grumpy eventually so was hard work for me :( Got some good presents though!!
Am sitting and having a rest at the moment, as I'm due to go for a curry shortly and I don't particuarly want to fall asleep in it :D

We had snow this morning :) Was a bit worrying as I was travelling across country with my aunt to get to Ians, but thankfully there was no problems and no snow here so was all fine in the end.

Hope you are all recovering from your festivites and ready for the new year.

[matt]

no snow here so far. thankfully i might add as i'd rather it didn't. off to a meeting of geocachers today.
therapy for me as i have to be in the pub and with several people without running screaming for the door:o

so snow would make it hard to get to. will hopefully have daughter with me as they do brilliant games for the kids. but then who knows as i'm in ex's bad books for something!:D

well either people aren't coming online as they are too busy at the sales or too busy eating leftovers!!

[matt]

oh yeah, the latest waitrose magazine has several wheat and dairy free receipies in it. do people want to go themselves or should i try to post them on the forum? i ask the question to get you buggers posting again. it's your civic duty to keep me amused at 4am!!! idle hands and all that....:o

[Pam]

When does the camera come Matt? Hubby was looking on the Jessops web site yesterday and making hopeful sounds (he's got no chance) He thinks that because he's 40 in April he will be entitled to a big pressie - not so big though matey! Our 40th birthday pressies are hopefully going to be a new house this year. What more does he want?

My Readers Digest draw envelope has just plopped through the letterbox - who else has got one?

Loads of chocolate, christmas cake etc to eat here, then I'll have to diet again. I've been a bit naughty with the milk chocolate and although I haven't really itched much I think my digestive system will welcome a return to normal dairyfree food.

[Fozzybear]

Some snow here in Chelmsford, but no more than a centimetre at most I'd say. The footpaths are pretty slippery though!

Haven't really had a chance to post anything but I'm relaxing over lunch at the moment so thought I'd add an update on my Christmas. I went to my parent's house with my brother on Christmas day and my Mum cooked a lovely roast dinner. They had turkey with butter injected in it so my Mum had bought some chicken breasts for me and cooked those separately. Beautiful roast potatoes, paxo, cocktail sausages, veg and gravy topped it off and it was really, really nice! My Mum was concerned as she had a real problem trying to get the right milk-free stuff for the meal but I was fine apart from some stomach problems overnight from the rich food - I'm not used to it! It didn't feel like my usual milk reaction and I was fine the next day (I'm normally very lethargic and achy after having milk) so I'm sure it wasn't a milk-caused thing.

Boxing Day my parents came to us (my brother and I share a house) and we had loads of nibbly snacks, watched christmas telly, played Ludo and, as is traditional in our family, we cooked up loads of (milk-free) frozen party food for a feast - chicken samosas, bhajis, duck spring rolls, chicken satays, potato wedges and so on. It doesn't take long to cook, everyone can tuck in to what they want and after the formal dinner on Christmas day it's nice to have something different and informal. We all love having it and my Mum always tells us to keep doing it as she really likes it!

Yesterday I went into town to look in the sales, but I wish I hadn't! I slipped and slided all the way into town and every shop was full to bursting with bad-mannered people. I found a couple of dvds I wanted in HMV but was jostled so much trying to get to the queue that I nearly lost my temper so I chucked the dvds on the nearest shelf and fought my way out! I walked around and calmed down and tried Argos - big mistake. The books were all occupied bar one, which had a small child in front of it belonging to the man at the next catalogue. I managed to lean over and find what I wanted and used the stock checker but when I tried to fill out a form I found that there were no pens at all. Cue me leaving, stage right! I ended up just buying a few bits in Tesco and storming home!

Today was more positive though - I've been wanting to replace my manky old vacuum cleaner for years and I've been wanting to get a small Dyson but everytime they're reduced in Argos they either aren't in stock or I can't get to the store to get one. Well, I've finally managed to get one! The DC08 is reduced to £125 at the moment and I reserved one on Monday, only to find out that the buses weren't running on Tuesday! I thought I'd lost my chance again but last night I managed to reserve one for today and I got the bus into town early and got it, carried it to the bus stop (phew - they get heavier and heavier as you carry them!) just in time for a nice empty bus home! I've had a go downstairs and up the stairs and it's just so much better than my old hoover! Not sure if the reliability will be up to scratch as I've heard good and bad, but I can't fault the performance!

[Copper]

I would not be without my Dyson. I have the original upright and it is brilliant. I understand that the newer models are not as reliable. We will have to hope that yours keeps working ok.

It did take me a while to get used to seeing all the dust etc in the clear plastic bin :)

Sales - oh no I don't do them. I can't stand crowds and the sales seem to bring out the worst in people.

My youngest daughter and I have been busy making 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles. This is a tradition in the family now. I have spent more time in the kitchen than the rest of the year put together - I am not fond of cooking. I have managed to feed PA (wheat, gluten, dairy, parsley, vanilla free) without making her ill so far which is good.

[Fozzybear]

I've hoovered (or should that be Dyson'd) pretty much the whole house now and I had to empty the bin three times! I know I'd not hoovered for a while but that's a lot of muck! :eek:

I hate crowds too so it was a real nightmare in town yesterday. I've seen HMV busier (once you couldn't actually get in the door!) but not by much. Was much better this morning when I went in before 9.30! I still didn't buy anything, although I've now ordered a couple of dvds in the online sales - Brotherhood (http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=R2&title=656483&p=57&g=72&pa=sr) and Downfall (http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=R2&title=606435&p=57&g=72&pa=sr) from play.com.

I think I've had my quota of housework today so I'm going to settle down with a coffee and watch some tv or a dvd. I got a Bill Bailey live DVD set for Christmas so I might watch that and have a chuckle.

[Copper]

oh yeah, the latest waitrose magazine has several wheat and dairy free receipies in it. do people want to go themselves or should i try to post them on the forum?

OOOooo try to post them on the forum Matt. It will keep you busy :D I am not going to Westbourne (the only waitrose around here) just on the off chance that they have a mag.

[Copper]

I've hoovered (or should that be Dyson'd) pretty much the whole house now and I had to empty the bin three times! I know I'd not hoovered for a while but that's a lot of muck! :eek:


At least you can see that you have achieved something :) I hoover the matress on the bed weekly and try hard not to look at the bin afterwards :lol2:

[Pen]

OOOooo try to post them on the forum Matt. It will keep you busy :D I am not going to Westbourne (the only waitrose around here) just on the off chance that they have a mag.
You can also search for recipes (keyword 'dairy-free' or 'gluten-free') on the Waitrose website at http://www.waitrose.com/food_drink/recipes/index.asp (http://www.waitrose.com/food_drink/recipes/index.asp). Not sure how to find the ones from the magazine though.

We had an original Dyson upright vacuum cleaner when we lived in the UK (but sold it when we moved to Canada). It was brilliant--especially with the long hose so you could vacuum all the stairs from the bottom of the stairs. Can't get Dyson cleaners in Canada, but I notice that they are now being advertised on the US TV channels. Not that a vacuum cleaner is much use here as we have all hardwood floors, so sweeping and mopping is more useful.

[matt]

right to try to deal with each point...

the waitrose recepies are probably the same ones as they do have alink to the latest magazine. i'll check and if not i'll post them on the receipe page.

sales...well i don't really need anything so there is no way i'm going to risk the crowds. panic attacks are not really my favourite!

camera. well by some miracle just before i left yesterday, up pulls a citylink van hurrah!!! post worked and no waiting in all day. just need to get the chance to read the thing and charge the battery.
if your hubby is thinking pam he needs to pull his finger out. i bought it online from www.bestcameras.co.uk (http://www.bestcameras.co.uk) for £514 but and here's the biggie if you buy before 31st you can get £100 back from canon and also on seperate promo a 256 memory card and discounts on lenses. so if you're thinking about it don't wait too long.

yesterday was great, sun shining nice walk around a quaint village, found cache no probs though damn cold. great meeting in open plan pub so my crankyness kept under control. i ate in the car like normal!!!! but that's just me! so thoroughly good day.:lol2:

[matt]

so fozzy, bill bailey, any good??? next question, you got dvd sprint or similar?? purely for a back up copy ofcourse:lol2:

[Pam]

Matt, he can carry on "thinking" about it - that's all.

[goose]

Hello everyone, hope u all had a great xmas. and santa treated you well.
I certainly did ok, got plently dairy free stuff, got chocolate footballs, snowmen, marziapan bars and dairy free smarties, so u could say my stockin was full to the gunnels.:drool:

Just to get the New year off with a Scots bang and thats it all over for another year. Although i think the first footing will be a cold and bitter one this time around. and im not shivering too long watching the proclamers.
Snow has fell at some rate today and it suppose too get worse over the weekend, but us scots are used to it, it just means ill have to look out the wellies etc before sat night. :wine:

[Copper]

I have just been round the large Tesco here with my daughter. She needs to stock up on food when she gets home tomorrow, so she did some today. Tesco was heaving :(

OOOooo Matt - excitement - it is SNOWING here now this minute. It is settling. I wonder what the cat will make of it as he has never seen snow. Tesco is on a hill and when we left just before 3pm the sky looked ominous.

Just before 1pm I was out in the shed sorting out some compost and pots for my daughter to take home. The cat was out and rushed around like a mad thing wanting me to play. Sometimes he thinks he is a dog :) . I obliged and chased him round the garden for 5 minutes before it got too cold.

The black bamboo in the pot in the shed was frozen and didn't look too happy so that is now on my landing.

Just before Xmas I sowed three Canna lilly seeds and all three are growing! If you want a Canna Lilly Matt you know where to come :)

[cnc]

Goose, where are you seeing the Proclaimers? I keep meaning to go see them. I'm the only member of my immediate family to never have seen them.

Spent all day trekking around the Bullring looking for some shoes (I HATE shoe shopping), never an easy task when you've got size 8/9 feet and you're looking for something to go with a cocktail dress which won't involve me breaking my neck when I try and stand!! I failed miserably in this task.
I however did have some success in the fact that I managed to get a teach yourself French set. Was very impressed with the service I got in Borders, the man actually seemed to know what he was talking about and also said that even if I listen to the cds and stuff and then decide its no good, I can still return it :).
Apparently I need to brush up on my French before I go to Madagscar- looks like I'll be going, but not to do quite what I wanted.
Cold makes my knees hurt, so I'm not altogether that happy, especially as I'm rather sleepy as well....
Am going to rest up this evening, (probably should actually do some studying as I'm drowning quite rapidly!!) as I think we're going to Cheltenham tomorrow, so more potential shopping for me :D

[goose]

Well Claire, thr Proclaimers, Liberty x and a few others are hosting this New year celebrations in Aberdeen, not as good a show as the capitol as Aberdeen council pay for the show, but its always a great time where we take over the main street, party till 12 then hit the first footing until past 7 in the morning so ill need some sleep before then as its always a tiring event.
But its only one day a year so its a good chance to catch up with people.:band: :band: :band: :band:

[Fozzybear]

Matt - glad to hear you got the camera ok, will be looking out for some pics! I did watch the Bill Bailey dvd and it was excellent - it's the Cosmic Jam/Bewilderness double set. I've seen bewilderness before but this is the extended version.

Took the train to Ipswich today and was frozen as I forgot to put my thick jeans on so I was walking about in thin trousers, t-shirt and leather jacket. Brrr! Was a good day though, bought a rucksack in Millets for £10 to replace my old one with dodgy zips and bought some dvds in the sales in WH Smiths - Master and Commander (2 disc set, £6), The Osbournes 2.5 (£6), Ray (2 disc set, £7) and Shrek 2 (£5). Also got a Terry Pratchett book (Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents) for £3. I've had a slightly late start on the sales but I've certainly spent some money now! With the stuff today, the hoover yesterday and also some dvds and cds I ordered online last night I'm going to have a fair sized credit card bill! With one thing and another it's been quite an expensive six months!

The heating has been off all day and I'm noticing it now - it's freezing in here! Slowly getting the heat in the house though.

[Kamagrian]

Fozzybear - I'm so jealous, I love Bill Bailey! He has me in stitches every time I so much as LOOK at him. :lol2:

Well, I've managed to work a fair miracle at work today, get much more done than I thought I could, and as a result we should be all ready to open the new service on the 9th! As a result I've granted myself a celebratory day off as holiday tomorrow - with the public holidays here, that'll make a 5-day break for me, which is definitely needed before the hassle and (no doubt) chaos of the initial few weeks' business.

Was going to go out tonight, but got home and fell asleep at 7pm! Matt just got back (we were supposed to be meeting some friends) and he's a bit half-cut, so apparently they had a good night regardless!

Right, going to get hugs now. :)

[Fozzybear]

:D

If anyone's after Bill Bailey DVDs, they're on amazon.co.uk:

Cosmic Jam / Bewilderness

(http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000B8TJ3K/qid=1135898057/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/202-5227946-6589417)Part Troll (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002SDY1M/qid=1135898057/sr=8-2/ref=pd_ka_2/202-5227946-6589417)

Both are very good sets, I particularly liked Bewilderness but the Part Troll extras include a home video by Bill where he films the different hotel rooms he stayed in during the tour including an analysis of the various Corby trouser presses and tea and coffee making facilities. Also the main show has a Kraftwerk rendition of the Hokey Cokey which is hilarious! :lol2:

[Kamagrian]

Also the main show has a Kraftwerk rendition of the Hokey Cokey which is hilarious! :lol2:I've seen that show before - as someone who admits to owning Kraftwerk stuff on CD (yeah, I know, I'm a tragic case) I found it absolutely hysterical and didn't stop laughing for ages. Even now, I only have to think 'Ja. Das hokey cokey.' in those dead voices, and I crease up.

Oh dear. I've started laughing again now. :lol2: Bill Bailey rocks.

[matt]

oh loads to read this morning.

well we had snow at about 6pm for a while and settled but this morning it's raining so that's that gone then. can't say i'm too upset as otherwise i might not have been able to get daughter later as they live in the sticks!

copper that canna lily sounds good. good job you brought in the black bamboo as when young they are tender.

after the camera and i've lent my brother enough to get a laptop i don't think i'll be spending much in the sales! might pop in today just to have a browse as could do with another set of bedding sheets etc.

getting ready for the new years by buying a pair of ear plugs! fully intend to keep to my normal hours. daughter here she'll be in bed like normal and we hope to avoid disturbance by the neighbours.

bill bailey dvd will have to wait.
don't suppose anyone's got pinky and the brain ???:lol2:

[matt]

this probably doesn't apply to many here but you might know someone who could benefit:
URGENT! If you receive means-tested benefits you can claim a 60 quid rebate from British (or Scottish) Gas, though you must claim before 31 DEC 2005.

They are giving out rebates of £60 on winter bills - it is paid in two installments in November and February. The rebate is worth £40 for gas customers, £20 for electricity, i.e. £60 for customers getting both.

Check to see if you’ve received a form with your gas bill or call 0845 602 2008 and press 1 for Winter Fuel Rebate. All you need is your account details and they’ll arrange it for you.

It's for British (or Scottish) Gas customers only and you have to be on one of the following benefits:

Vulnerable Customer - Eligible Benefits
• Disability living allowance
• Pension Credit
• Attendance allowance
• War disablement pension which includes either a mobility supplement or constant attendance allowance
• Disablement pension which includes constant attendance allowance
• Child tax credit where the relevant income is £14,600 or less
• Working tax credit where the relevant income is £14,600 or less
• Council tax benefit
• Housing benefit
• Income-based job seekers allowance
• Income support
• Carers Allowance
• Severe Disability allowance

Call centre holiday opening hours:
Christmas Eve 9am-5pm
Tues 27th Dec 9am-5pm
Wed 28th Dec 8am-8pm
Thurs 29th Dec 8am-8pm
Fri 30th Dec 8am-8pm
Sat 31st Dec 9am-5pm
Last edited by MSE Jenny : 24-12-2005 at 12:41 PM.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif

[Pam]

You've been on Money Saving Expert, Matt. Another site that I use gave a link to that message yesterday and I passed it onto my friend who was just moaning about how much BG are charging her for her power and how much debt she was in. Hopefully she will qualify for this. Unfortunately I neither qualify nor use BG.

[Fozzybear]

Snowing heavily here at the moment, so I guess the atlantic front is coming over us now, although the wind is coming in from the east so maybe the front is to the west and the two air masses are colliding. Not sure as I don't know enough about the weather, but I like to try. :D

Should turn to rain here too later on. :(

[cnc]

So much to read!! I guess its my own fault, for spending far too much time asleep :(

Apparently it snowed here last night, but it was dark, so I couldn't see any snow (I wasn't going outside either), but then it started raining about 10pm, and don't think its stopped yet.
Think we're going into Cheltenham today, but I'm not really sure as there doesn't seem to be anyone else up in the house.
People keep talking to me about Bill Bailey, but I've never seen any of his stuff, suppose I should get round to watching it, but may need to find a time that I'm actually going to be awake for long enough to watch it!!

Goose, Proclaimers good, Liberty X, not so!! I think our New Years eve plans are sorted now. I intend to sleep in the afternoon and then we're going to Ians friends party, and then back here before midnight, see the New Year in and then I think I shall go to sleep :D Sad I know....

[goose]

What ever everyone is doing this year, make sure you have a good one, i certainly intend to.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
TO YOU ALL. :cheers:

[matt]

well i'm going to be super dull and be asleep unless i'm kept awake by the neighbours! i have earplugs on standby!! so i'll be here as normal at 3-4am to wish all a merry new year and best wishes for the new year. some have had their problems, hopefully the new year will see the end to them and we can all look forward to a better 12 months.:)

no new years resolutions for me as don't really believe in them, wrong time of year to try to turn over a new leaf, waking up with a monster hangover was never a good time to contemplate giving anything up, except alcohol!!!

have a great time whatever you are all doing. be safe and so on.... gos this is sloppy and gushy for me!

have a good one all
matt:lol2:

[cnc]

No New Years resolutions for me either. I think resolving to do more exercise would be a bad idea for me!!

I'm hoping to be awake to see the New Year in, am aiming to be in bed by about 12.30 though :) Slept in till 10.30 this morning and will probably have a sleep in the afternoon to help in my quest to reach midnight.

Hope the New year brings solutions to everyones problems and that the next year goes smoothly.

Take care and best wishes :)

[Pen]

Well, we didn't have a White Christmas (well, okay, it did start snowing at about 9 pm that night, but soon disappeared), but I woke up today to find snow coming out of the sky, and it was landing. At 4.30 pm it is still snowing (but is much finer, probably wetter now), so it looks like we might be in for a White New Year! Darned stuff, I wish it would just melt and get above minus 6 degrees C.

I'm another one who is going to be super dull, as I am not planning to see the new year in (please don't let either of the neighbours have a party)!

Have no particular new year's resolutions--only ones that I have been planning to put into place for a while. You know the ones... eat well (which I think I do anyway, albeit a little lacking in choice), and exercise more (which will probably mean joining a gym for a few months so I can use the indoor walking track as the park is far too cold to go for long walks during the winter [unless we have a rare day when the temps are above freezing]). Have only been for two walks in the park over the last few weeks--yesterday, and another time when I saw a fox!! I had never seen a wild fox before (either here or in the UK), and didn't even know we had them here so I was so surprised and happy to see such a wonderful animal. Especially as it stopped and looked right at me before heading off into the bushes.

Have just been sorting out my wall calendar for 2006 which ironically is a freeby 'Milk' calendar. Not as nice as the WWF Polar Bear one I had for 2005, but a lot cheaper :lol2:!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

[matt]

happy new year all 4am here so pen is an hour away from her celebrations. lets hope the neighbours are not too noisy.

happy new year, hope you all celebrated it as you wanted with those you love. may the new year be a good one for us all. wishing all those who have things wrong with them get better and the rest of us cranks a damn good year being cranky!!!:lol2:

right i think that sums it all up really.:wine: :drunk:

[Fozzybear]

Happy New Year all!

Feel a little groggy at the moment, not from drink (I'm teetotal) but just a bit dehydrated. Had a fairly quiet night in with my brother and a mate, watching the AFI movie quotes thing on TV and some episodes of Extras, and eating some of the nibbles and frozen party food left over from Boxing day (cooked, of course!). I've been drinking Pepsi Max "Punch"*, which has cinnamon and ginger in it. First sip was a bit weird but I'm really getting into it now, its very, very nice. On offer in the Co-op so will make sure to get some more before the offer ends.


*I emailed Britvic before Christmas and they confirmed that all of their products are lactose-free.

[Copper]

Happy New Year :drunk:


We got to bed at 1am once all the fireworks had stopped :( The cat was behind the sofa again. The fireworks started as soon as it got dark - why?

We celebrated with Jules Holland as usual :)

This year my husband retires from work and we can really enjoy life :lol2:

[cnc]

Happy New Year :bounce:

Hope the next 12 months go well for everyone.

I had quite a pleasant evening. We visited friends until about 10.40 and then drove home so that we were back just before midnight, had a little celebration and then I was in bed by 12.30 :) So a combination of resting and partying means I'm not feeling too bad this morning. I even had some champagne to celebrate (this is a VERY rare occurence for me).

We're going to collect some sofas soon for Ians new house and then looks like I'll be studying for the rest of the day, or maybe playing some games if I can persuade some people to join in!!

Hope everyones 2006 is going well so far :D

[goose]

HAPPY NEW YEAR:hug:

I had a fab time last night, enjoyed the Proclaimers performance, Libery x , well there were Liberty x and the gaelic band went down a treat.
We then counted in the new year to a huge firework display, bells in the main church rang and the boats from the harbour sounded there horns. And to complete, we got treated to the Police live big band.
I then did the first foot tradition and got in at 6.30 this morning. got up at 10am and started work!, which i may add,i am now completely nackered and cant wait for bedtime, so i think it will be an early night for me.
All in all, it was a great new year and roll on the next 12 months.

[ellsie]

Happy new year to all!
Cooking the steak and mushroom pie for dinner now.
This year we should emigrate I hope, to Canada so it will be busy busy busy!
Wishing you all you wish for yourselves this year!:cheers:

[Kamagrian]

Well, I overdid it a bit last night so I'm exhausted today, didn't even get out of bed until the afternoon! We were going to have my family's traditional (though very odd) celebration breakfast of steak, eggs and mushrooms this morning, but...well, it's going to be dinner instead!

Last night's party was great - surrounded by friends, lots of good chat and drink flowing. I got lots of cuddles too. I even had a couple of glasses of wine, which is very naughty of me as I'm supposed to abstain but I figured it's only once a year!

So, that's 2006 started then. Where is the time going??? :lol2:

Happy new year, everyone!!

[matt]

great to hear that you had great time.

where was everyone for the chat room chat at 2pm??? claire turned up but we were all alone.
i don't know just not good enough starting 2006 in such a haphazard way. must do better!!:o

well hope we all recover over next day or so. no real difference for me.

sun was out to celebrate the new year though so that's a good start.

any resolutions that you're daft enough to tell us all about to get nagged about?

so another escapee to the colonies soon. well atleast it's someone else to be online when i am! as it'll be 11pm for the canadians about now or earlier depnding on how far west you go. any idea yet or just canada so far?:)

[goose]

Well, dont i feel stupid today, 2 days into the new year and ive over done it.
After all the excitment of new year, that i had to attend due to being a scottish tradition i got a burger from the stall with cheese, and i feel awful today, i was fine yesterday and thought id be ok, but today have all the usual symtoms and wsh i was still in bed. its my own fault but at least i know what it was that caused the dam pain.

[ellsie]

Did I forget to mention that we bought a house in Campbell River on Vancouver Island? About as far west as you can get before you fall off the edge! Any further west and you are in the east! It's an 8 hour time diff so I won't even be in sync with Pen! Time scale is impossible as they tell you so little while you are being processed. House is being let out this month so we will cover our costs. Prices on the island are rising quickly so we wanted a foot on the ladder before it turned to silly prices like here! Can't wait.:D

[Kamagrian]

Congratulations Ellsie! Great news on the house - I have a friend with family on the island and she's moving back there next year. It seems Vancouver Island has its own gravitational field for people on this side of the globe! :lol2:

[goose]

Yes well done on the house buying Ellsie, things are going your way this year.

How's the new camera going Matt, have you tried it out yet or are you stll waiting for it to arrive, from the wonderful postal service we have hear in GB.
Isn't it strange that the postman always come like clock work when there is a bill to be delivered!!
Im waiting for the festive period and the holidays to end so i can serch for another job, i love the job i do, i just want to move back into nursing homes,as the community work is slowing down, the only thing thats holding me back is leavng all my clients i have as i love them all like an additional family. But i'll have to wait and see what is ot there first before i make any radical desitions...:blink:

[cnc]

Have been quite busy so far today. We went shirt shopping and managed to get Ian plenty of shirts ready for work. I also succeeded in buying a bargain pair of shoes, reduced from £65 to £17!!
I must do some studying this afternoon (have a few emails to send first though) and then I think we're having an Indian takeaway this evening as I go back home tomorrow.

[matt]

great buy elsie is that 8 hours time diff from here? only makes you three hours out from pen. and when i'm online it'll only be 7 or 8 pm for you!

new camera turned up last week. just before i went out for the day so for once the post worked well...mainly as it wansn't the post office.
first play with it yesterday. really fun and easily to use. well on the fully auto anyway. with several hundred other options it could get complicated!
very happy so far.

whether i can justify the cost is another matter!

now if you eat a cheeseburger you only have yourself to blame!!! nevermind hope you're feeling better by now.

[cnc]

My day today appears to consist of packing up to go home, maybe doing some studying and the highlight of my day will be the blood tests that we decided should be done last night, so I'm waiting to hear what time I have to go in for those today :S Apparently if these don't show anything up the GP here is going to recommend that I'm referred to a couple of consultants when I get back to uni :(
Glad the camera is working well and I'll have a look at the gallery later.
Hope you are all well.

[Pen]

Ellsie, I hope your application (for Permanent Residency?) gets processed quickly. Congrats on the house purchase. I have a friend who lives in Victoria who I went to senior school with in the UK. I think the island is very 'British,' far more so than Toronto (but where I do come across the occasional Brit). It is more multicultural here, and I believe it is the most multicultural city in the world. There are neighbourhoods all over the city representing many different countries but I don't think there is a particular UK neighbourhood. Where I live, it is a mostly Ukranian and Polish population.

Sing along now Ellsie-- "Oh Canada, our home and native land...."

[rebecca c]

Happy new year everybody. I have been off line for a while due to the house move. Good to hear everyone is doing fine. It will be interesting to hear about Ellsie new home and how you get on with all the differences/similarities.

I had a good christmas and new year and am really enjoying the new house. ;)
I have a lot of challenges ahead this year but because my health has been settled for a while I am sure I will get through them.

[rebecca c]

Copper I was away when you posted this:This baking is a bit stressful as I have to make it with wheat and gluten free flour for PA.

I find rice flour (Doves Farm) to be really succesful for baking and I like the taste, it does need a lot of baking powder which can taste a bit odd but overall I enjoy the results and just substitute it in any cake recipe which I can tolerate the other ingredients in.

[Copper]

Thanks for that Rebecca. I use Doves baking flour. I will have to try their rice flour.

[matt]

well i was good and bad. i did a couple of hours studying and a hour or so caching as a reward!!:lol2: well carrot and stick.

so far looks like that we've all had a good start to the year. hope that i'm not proved wrong. good start so lets keep it up.

if i'm wrong then let us know for a group hug!!

[ellsie]

Didn't catch the tune Pen! At the moment I am living in an extremely multicultural city as Leicester seems to have a rep from all countries! More than one from some! I won't have the same choice of ethnic restaurants. The other thing I found confusing was having three types of Indians, east,west and native! And Asians are from China and not India! I'm sure I'll get the hang of it! Victoria was more british than us with all the tea shops and high tea! I haven't seen that here for a while!;)

[cnc]

Well I'm back home again now. Copper I've even changed my location for you!!
I have a lovely multicoloured arm from yesterdays tests, when I was told they were going to test for lots of things, I didn't realise quite how many. Hopefully one of these will show something that can be treated easily and I'll recover quickly. Why these tests weren't carried out before is beyond both me and the GP I saw, so fingers crossed that they reveal something (hopefully nothing too nasty!!)

Hope everyone else is doing well. (I'm ok, apart from the usual problem).
Take care

[Copper]

Well I'm back home again now. Copper I've even changed my location for you!!


Thanks Claire :) Some of us seniors need all the help we can get :D

I hope the tests find something that can be sorted quickly with a magic potion or pill.

[Pen]

Didn't catch the tune Pen!
Just for you, Ellsie!

http://www.singforcanada.ca/anthem.html

And if you want to catch some live Canadian television, you can watch the a live stream of Toronto area's news on www.cp24.com (http://www.cp24.com), then click on 'Watch CP24 Live' on the right column of the page. And if you have good eyesight you may be able to watch the image! I expect there is a sister news channel out west, which would probably be of more interest to you. Ooh, look what I just found... http://www.citytv.com/vancouver/, but I am not sure if you can watch a live stream.

[matt]

well went for a long walk to find a new cache yesterday. got cold before the end. but going to be colder today so will get on with the OU work and chores today.

fingers crossed for claire. and gills results must be due soon. or do i remember 10th being mentioned?

canada being more british than britain. new zealand is meant to be similar. but i'll stick with the old country for now.:lol2:

[ellsie]

Thanks Pen for the sites! We can learn it and sing it when we land:thumbsup:
Good luck with the tests.
Good luck inyour new home Rebecca:D

[cnc]

Is absolutely freezing today. Got up earlier than I've had to for ages and I'm not appreciating it at all!! Got another early start tomorrow as I'm going to see a friends parents who specialise in Chinese medicine to see if they can offer any advice to help me recover more quickly.
Am going to attempt to do some more of my presentation today, unfortunatly this means I'll do about an hour at the very most and then be asleep!!
(I really must find something more interesting to do with my life!!)
Good luck to all those that are moving/ have recently moved hope all goes well.

[goose]

Well, not much of an exciting day for me. frezzing temps in Aberdeen brought on some snowey showers, which made my work little more difficult,as had to run to each client to warm up. Thank god old folk love the heat, you can always rely on them having the heating on, on a day like this.
Decided to take my new hobbie on photography seriously and going to buy a camera, which one i have absolutly no idea, so the help people would be appreciated.. hint,hint. Ill have to take a look round the shops at the weekend or through the middle of next week as have some spare time then, So it looks like ill need all the tips i can get.

[Pen]

Goose, you could check out the 'Anyone into Photography?' thread in the 'General Chat' section as there has been discussion about camera models there.
http://www.dairyfreeuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=586

[Pen]

Got another early start tomorrow as I'm going to see a friends parents who specialise in Chinese medicine to see if they can offer any advice to help me recover more quickly.
Good for you Claire. I am currently receiving Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and maybe some massage next time) for my wrecked hormones (stemmed mainly from my taking steroid inhalers!) The woman I see specializes in hormone imbalances and thinks it will take only three months to get my body back into a balanced state. It isn't cheap, but well worth it, and my TCM doctor has already noticed great improvements since I started seeing her last month. Be ready to cut out some more foods from your diet though--I currently can't have what the Chinese consider to be 'hot' foods!!

[cnc]

Got a very pleasant phone call this afternoon, asking whether it would be possible to move my appointment from 10am to 1pm, not a problem for me in the slightest!!
Have been attempting to study most of the afternoon, so feel absolutely drained at the moment.

Going out for dinner tomorrow night as well, so going to be resting lots in the morning, and having an early night again :(

Hope everyone has had an ok day. Not long till the weekend :D

[goose]

Glad to hear your taking a bit of a rest Claire, bet your glad to be back home, you must be nackered after all that touring round the country. hope scotland treated you well and glad to hear you and Gill had a great time.

[goose]

Feeling a bit tired and strange this evening, think i may have over done it the last few weeks. have not had a full day off work since before xmas and starting to feel the effects.
And the stress of the new year celebrations aint helped, Thankfully i have a few spare days off next week so going to get a camera and take a few phots. thought i might get a digital one to start off with and see how i get on. well fingers crossed. ill keep you all posted on which one i get and how the photos turn out.

[Pen]

It's just after 4 pm here (it doesn't get dark until about 4.45 pm) and I have just got in from a wonderful walk in the park. Apart from feeding the squirrels, I also fed three chickadees (birds) who took turns to land on the fingertips of my open palm to take shelled peanuts. A couple of times two of them landed together, but one chased the other away (I think that is the first time I have had two birds land on my hand at the same time). Between them, they must have fed about 20 times, and I was having just the greatest time. I also saw a pair of cardinals--my favourite breed of bird; a male (with vivid bright red plumage) and a less colourful female. http://www.irritatedvowel.com/Birds/Cardinals.aspx (http://www.irritatedvowel.com/Birds/Cardinals.aspx). Ah, I feel rejuvenated with all that contact with nature, and it was great to actually get some exercise for a change, and it was above freezing today too.

[Copper]

I have spent most of the day feeling unwell. I still went to work this morning - what an idiot :) The afternoon was spent sitting on the toilet far too many times. I still felt hungry though so I am wondering if it was a bad intolerance - time will tell I guess.

I have been ok since 7.20pm and feel a bit peckish - a biscuit is called for I think. I have not decided yet about going to work tomorrow. I will have to see how I feel when I get up. I do feel rather drained at the moment. In some ways it would be easier to go to work and do nothing (I have no practicals to prepare). If I am too ill to go in I have to phone in and then fill in a form in duplicate when I return on Monday.

[matt]

goose how much cash are you looking to spend?

my main piece of advice would be figure out what's the most you can afford, add a little and get the best camera you can. i like my little point and shoot cdigi, but wish i'd bitten the bullet and got the canon 350d in the first place as it's great fun.

be very carefull with the chinese medicine claire, too many people have had bad reactions to some of the stuff they use. if your system is already worn down i'd think for along time before trying anything before the test results come back.....just my 5pence worth some swear by them some at them!

[matt]

oh and goose , get it online its far cheaper

[rebecca c]

My mum and her friend both have the digital canon 350 and love it although it is very expensive.

I react to Chinese herbs - I think, but I think the accupuncture does help me - although that may just be that she is a good listener and takes me seriously but even so that has helped me sort a lot out and stay in control.

[cnc]

I don't particularly want to be taking herbs etc, having spoken to my friend I think its going to be more along the lines of accupuncture etc, which I've had before. (Plus I'm really rather desperate for some relief to this).

Well my presentation currently has an introduction.... Must go back and do some more of it, but I'm feeling quite unwell after the travelling, and a bad nights sleep (was over tired and couldn't settle :( ) Am seeing my friend soon and then going out for dinner with some other friends tonight.
Assuming I'm well enough, I'm going to see March of the Penguins tomorrow morning :D Am quite excited about this, as I have a 'minor' penguin obsession.

On the digital camera discussion I have a Canon IXUS 400. Is a few years old now, but I quite like it. Does it job well!!
Take care everyone.

[Copper]

I had a decent night of sleep and then felt ill after getting up early for work. I guess I must have a bug of some sort and had to stay home. I am really tired now so I am not best pleased. I have been ok since 10am so I am hoping that I am over it now.

I was going out to buy some wool this afternoon :( I really fancy doing some knitting again after a 10 year break. Maybe I will be ok and have the energy to go tomorrow or Sunday.

I will have to try and do some family history now as I still have piles of paper stacked under the desk!!!! If I input the info then the papers can be filed.

[goose]

Well had a joyfull day at work, and have come home to some house work, this afternoon. whick isn't too bad, a little hoovering ain't killed anyone.
Although i must admit i have been lured into the world of reallitytv and Big Brother is back on our screens, and im hooked
Matt got a couple of hundred to spend on a camera so will start to shop next week.
There is a fantastic camera shop in the middle of the town so ill check out their sale.

[paranoidangel]

There's definitely something going round at my work. Although Thursday morning I think I probably had a bit too much lactolite on my coco pops, so felt quite sick by the time I got to work. I couldn't quite face the thought of the 15min walk back home just to lie down in a cold house, so I stayed and surfed the internet a bit until it went away. Luckily, we weren't very busy at the time.

I had no idea Celebrity Big Brother was on until there was something in my BBC news email this morning. People at work thought that was quite funny, so I'm guessing there's been quite a bit of publicity about it.

[matt]

la la la can't hear you....big bro, get me out of singing/dance school fat fit club do not exist!!!!
never watched a single one and never will just not my idea of entertainment:o

not condeming anyone else who does like them just not my cup of tea.

goose look in the shop and have a play but check online before buying i used
http://www.bestcameras.co.uk
got it delivered no probs and good price. but plenty of others out there, doubt the shop will be able to match the prices.

acupuncture good idea had some and seemed to help. i'm very worried about the herbs and potions they can offer. too many scare stories and tales of liver failure for my liking.

daughter swimming last night, she did really well simming with face under which she hates! day of treats today i think.:)

[Copper]

I had a relapse yesterday evening for about an hour. I then sat and thought about my symptoms and what I had been eating. I have decided that I did not have a stomach bug as I was still feeling hungry in between the periods of cramps. I am fairly certain that this was a bad reaction to coconut :( The day before I was really ill I had 3 or 4 home baked coconut biscuits. My relapse yesterday happened nearly 4 hours after eating one coconut biscuit.

I am feeling fragile again today. My intestines are feeling very delicate but they have not rebelled against the chips and baked beans I had for dinner last night :)

This reaction to coconut has been very very bad. I am clearly more intolerant to that than lactose and eggs and that is saying something.

Oh dear my list of intolerant foods is just getting longer and longer - how depressing.

[goose]

Cheers for the helpful info Matt, had a look on that web site and have gone and bought a sony cybershot dsc w7 so ill have a good play around when i get it.

Hope your feeling better soon copper, its always the same, just when you think you have managed to control everything, something else comes along.:(

Did a little bargain shopping this morning but my boyfriend held me up from having a good look around so have planned another shopping trip with the girls next week and some lunch, not sure whether Frankie & Bennies have a good menu, looks like i have to phone and ask before going along on tue.

[ellsie]

Hope you feel better soon Copper!

[cnc]

Copper hope you feel better soon.

Film was very nice, about as much intellect as I can cope with! Got to visit relatives tomorrow (final Christmas visit), so am having an easy day today to balance out yesterday and tomorrow.

Hope everyone is feeling better and having peaceful weekends.

[matt]

:( :( :( copper not another thing to avoid:( :(

i'm having to avoid chips as the fat in them causes my ibs to flare up.:(
crisps don't though so i can keep my junk food diet!!:)

we await the photos in the gallery from the new camera. the only problem with my 350d is the photo files are too big to upload so i have to degrade them first!!:o still i have the originals.

anyone around today at 2pm or just me again??? only until 3 when sad little me goes and watches stargate and enterprise!:D

[Fozzybear]

As a slight deterrent against buying a digital slr like Matt's*, half impulse buy and half planned (I've been looking at these for a while), and because I got some money for Christmas which I put towards it, I bought this on Friday from Carphone Warehouse - iPod 30GB (http://www.dairyfreeuk.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=47&original=1&c=7).

http://static.flickr.com/39/83529070_88b74dfda1_m.jpg (http://www.dairyfreeuk.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=47&original=1)

It's a 30GB 5th gen Apple iPod (a portable music mp3 player, if anyone doesn't know), that also does photos and video. Now 'technically' I didn't need to replace my iPod mini as that still works perfectly well (which I bought about a year and a half ago), but I've been finding the small capacity limiting (4GB is, for me, around 600-700 songs) and the 30GB iPod will hold aroung 5000 of my songs. Also Carphone Warehouse are selling the ipod with official Apple universal dock and infra-red remote for £219, which is standard price for the iPod on it's own, but the extras are worth £44 (and are both worth having). I just can't resist a gadget! :lol:

It's not much larger than the mini in width and height and it's actually less deep, which is very impressive! I've spent a reasonable part of the weekend updating my music in the iTunes software with cover art as this will show that as the music is playing (which is really nice), but it takes a lot of time to manually add it to my 300+ albums! There's a pic of the screen during music playback in the gallery here (http://www.dairyfreeuk.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=49&c=7).

Operationally it's certainly better than the mini, with more room on the screen for text which makes navigating easier and it also shows the album name during playback, which the mini doesn't (and which I've found to be a pain). The hard drive is a lot quicker than the mini's so songs transfer pretty quickly. It still takes quite a while to fill 30GB though! The sound quality is also better, sounding clearer and having a better tonal balance. It is a bit delicate though - I've already scratched the resin over the screen by laying my old ipod on top, which has sharp edges on the top of the unit - dummkopf! Will need to look for a rubbery case like I had on my old ipod. Here's a side-by-side comparison (http://www.dairyfreeuk.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=48&c=7) of the two ipods. Dimensions of the new iPod are 10.4 x 6.1 x 1.1 cm (130grams), and the mini is 9cm x 5xm x 1.5cm and just over 100grams.

I really bought it on a whim, having walked past the day before and seen them in the window. I didn't expect them to have any but when said they had the ipod in-stock along with and all the free extras I couldn't resist. I'm trying to find out the camera connector you can buy for £19 will work with my Canon G5 camera (or a usb2 card reader) as I could back up photos onto the ipod if I felt the need (couldn't do that on the mini). It's not something I'd need to do much but it would be nice to have the ability to do it. Apple say it does work with the EOS 350D though... :eek:





*a bad reason, but it makes sense to me ;)

[matt]

gadget freak!!! so now an old ipod to get shot of....

happily playing with my 350d. not today though as very wet and soggy out so i've tidied up :o . turned up here now at 2pm to see if anyones on chat..... not so far

[goose]

Well since its food allergy and intolerance week on the 23 of this month, my boyfriend has kindly agreed to go dairy free or a week. although rabbie's day is on the 25th and i dont think hell manage without his creamie tatties, we will have to wait and see,

[Fozzybear]

gadget freak!!! so now an old ipod to get shot of....

:D

It's true! I just can't resist those shiny little things. A late night again last night putting album artwork in my mp3s, but I've got nearly all of them done, apart from a few compilation albums and ones I can't find images of on amazon or google. Will scan those last ones at some point, but not now!

I've tried converting some video to iPod compatible mp4 using Nero Recode and they play fine in iTunes but haven't uploaded them to the iPod yet - a job for later on today as I'd like to have some video on it when I show my mates at work. :cool:

[matt]

i'm as bad. just try to be good once in a while. the camera should keep me happy for a while!

[cnc]

Final Christmas visit over with today!!
Was nice, although I'm suffering now.
Fozzybear, I'm still not convinced by the ipod- my HDD works perfectly fine anyway, and I need to resist buying gadgets if I want to go on my dissertation trip (I AM going, no matter what state I'm in!!)
Hope everyone has had a nice weekend.

[Fozzybear]

Fozzybear, I'm still not convinced by the ipod- my HDD works perfectly fine anyway, and I need to resist buying gadgets if I want to go on my dissertation trip (I AM going, no matter what state I'm in!!)
HDD? hard drive mp3 player?

I don't particularly like the fact that the iPod is seen in society as being 'cool' and bought purely for style considerations, and I try to be inconspicuous when getting my ipod out in public to change settings for this reason - I don't want people thinking I'm a fashion-type!* Apple have certainly been forward in creating that image and it obviously works, but coming in as a potental buyer it can be hard to see past that and the negative things that are spread about the iPod because of it. I find it to be a very easy device to use, both out on the street and when connected to my PC, and that was the real issue for me. None of the other players that I looked at (Sony, Creative, Archos, iRiver, Samsung...) had as simple an interface and software. I certainly haven't regretted buying one, which is why I've now gone for a full-size iPod rather than one of the other brands - the new Creative players are supposed to be very good (but larger - another big consideration for me).


*but I do tend to write about my ipod on the internet, and I really like the styling. Hmm... :huh:

[matt]

i've had a cd player for years and hardly ever used it....i can play music on my pda but never do.... don't really know why as i love music and have in the region of 400 cd's

well it was too bloomin wet to do much yesterday. so apart from a trip to the farmers market for mum i was in. on the chat room 2-3 then sadsci fi time on channel 4.

today quiet. meant to be looking at a gym as won 1 months free. but 10 miles from home. and it'll take me longer to change than get tired due to the fatigue!!! oh and i'll have to be sociable....that's the biggest.:(

oh what to do with myself!!!

[Fozzybear]

I used to have a personal cd player (still got it in a drawer at work) but didn't use it as it was huge and skipped all the time. Also had a tape personal and a minidisc recorder but they were big too. Also had a little flash memory mp3 player but found that difficult to control and it didn't have enough room. The iPods are really the first personal players that I've actually used often - the mini went pretty much everywhere with me and I'm sure it'll be the same with the new one. I listen to more music now than I have for years!

[cnc]

HDD? hard drive mp3 player?
Yes, sorry. I have a very nice Philips one. Is a good few years old now. I did look at having an iPod, but when I was looking I still had my old laptop, which it wasn't compatiable with (one of my main reasons for disliking it at the time), plue the iPod was about twice as expensive for the same thing when I bought mine. I also try and avoid the hype of these things, so again no iPod!
The only issue was that you can't take songs off of it, but I got round this problem very easily.
The other thing I liked about it was the fact that it has a remote control as standard, which means I can put my player in my bag/ pocket and its much more secure than having to keep taking it out etc.

Ok thing I've talked enough about this now!! Must do some work today, and ring the dentists :S Got another visit to the accupuncturists today as well.

[goose]

Having not too bad of a day today, weather aint been that great. frosty winds coming across from the artic, which may bring snow, great just what we need.
not only am i going to try my had at photography this year but going to do a bit of the gardening too. so will be having a visit to the garden centre later today hopefully ill get a few things in the sale to start me off.
Will have to pop into Holland and Barrett tomorrow to get a few things, not sure if they have anything in the half price sale but will check it out anyway. Im on a bargain hunt this week incase noone noticed. hope everyone else is having a good day.:dance:

[Fozzybear]

Been a reasonable day for me Goose. Very slow at work but that was no real problem as I spend a lot of the day talking to my mates about my new gadget buy. One of the guys is seriously thinking of getting one now as he's got a long flight to Goa coming up and it would keep him occupied.

Just got back from the town after picking up my Call Of Duty 2 pc game from the sorting office. I really want to play it but I've had a hectic last few days going out with my parents and sorting out all my music, which kept me up until 2 or 3am each night since friday. I need a quiet evening so I'm going to stop using the pc in a short while, put on some bread to bake, throw a very simple cold dinner (probably just a cornish pasty, some crisps and baked beans) on a plate and sit down to watch the telly.

[cnc]

I failed miserably to do much work again. Managed a whole 50 minutes in batches today.

Just done a load of shopping online ready for my next stage of travels.
Went out for a curry this evening, was quite pleasant, but I got very tired part way through.

[rebecca c]

Claire take good care it must be a difficult balance getting on and getting enough rest.

I just got back from my first session of an environmental art course I am doing. Only possible with some childcare from a very kind friend. It was such a good time I am so glad I am doing it.

[matt]

well i managed to finish the OU work and get it sent off. so good result yesterday.

where's kamagrian? aren't her results due about now????

envoronmental art? ok i'm being dim what's that then?
good that theres handy friend to child care for you. must be nightmare otherwise.

and fozzy getting to bed when i am getting up!! 24 hour access to the site!

quiet day today i think. maybe a little mucking about with the camera if the rain holds off for more than ten mins.

feel better all :)

[cnc]

Back to uni on Saturday, so have got to get work done today, as my presentation is due Tuesday morning (how coherent I'll be is another matter, but its not my problem!!)
Rebecca, I'd like to know more about the environmental art course, as my Director of Studies lectures on social constructions of nature and that kind of thing, so wondered whether there would be some cross over? Glad you're enjoying your course, makes things so much easier.
Managed to get an emergency appointment with the dentist. My dentist still hasn't started, but I'm getting discomfort from my wisdom teeth and don't particularly want to be having to come home to have them looked at if I can get them checked out before I go back.
Going to see if I can persuade someone to drive me out to Hobbycraft today.

[Kamagrian]

where's kamagrian? aren't her results due about now????Aww, darling, never knew you cared! :lol2:

Sorry I've not been around, been working very long days to get the launch event arranged, which left me completely worn out and pained. And yes, my results were back today...

Basically, the results indicate that I may have a problem with my gallbladder which is, in turn, damaging my pancreas. Since I can live without my gallbladder much more easily than without my pancreas, they're whipping out the former. It's apparently quite urgent so they're going to call me in sometime in the next few weeks, and are hoping there'll be a cancellation so they can get me in very soon.

The scan showed my pancreas HAS suffered some damage during the pancreatitis, but they're hoping this will have a chance to heal once they've ripped out other bits of me. It had better do after all this...

I'm considering it a sort of 'extreme weight loss' programme. Liposuction? Not me! I go for organ removal!

One amusing bit was that in my pre-op blood tests (it was urgent enough that they jumped me up the queue and I got to see the ward sister while I was there), I kinda bled a bit. In fact, spurted unexpectedly all over the room. And the nurse. And my dress. Given that I had to go straight from the hospital to a Board (Bored?) Meeting, I'm very glad I was wearing black so I DIDN'T look like an escapee from Erzebet Bathory's castle...

Where on EARTH am I going to find time to take 2 weeks off work?? Don't they know I have a world to save??? ;)

Hope this finds everyone else in a better state than I am. Despite the smilies, I'm feeling a bit annoyed at the world right now.

Gill x

[rebecca c]

Matt - environmental art is a wider ranging subject than I first thought but really art that is influenced and often placed in the landscape. The most well known artists are Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Long (the latter is one of my favourite artists). Last night we talked amongst other things about primitive societies and things like songlines, Navajo sand and pollen paintings and cave paintings. I have the same problems with childcare as everyone else and Mike works long hours so I have put off doing this course in the past, the friend is actually an angel and I must get her a big pressie.

Clare - I dont know what social constructions of nature covers but suspect we covered some last night and will cover more. A songline is very much a social construction of nature for example. I think my interest in this subject and being interested in geography are mutually compatible. (with respect to dentists and wisdom teeth I had one of mine out and it was fine but I did react badly to the local anaesthetic so next time I have it I shall ask for a Friday appointment)

Gill - sorry to disappoint you but I dont think a gall bladder weighs much. Glad they've got to the bottom of it, sorry you have to have an op but just think how much more of the world you can save when you are not in pain all the time.

Today I saw the dietician at Guys and found her to be excellent, in fact every single member of staff I have seen at Guys has been superb they really do show how it should be done. She knew about salicylate intolerence and was accepting of all my intolerences but quite rightly said I need to challenge so I can broaden my diet and she is supporting me through this. Once again I feel better just for being understood and supported never mind people actually doing their jobs properly. I got lost on the way out and asked a surgeon the way out - he walked me to the exit!! Anyway you get my point by now.

[matt]

gill don't know whether to be pleased that they found something or concerned that it means an op!!! well atleast they will be able to sort it out and hopefully it'll start you on the road to recovery. thought i think you need to schedule a little longer han two weeks break to recover. give yourself some time or you'll never get over this and then you'll be unable to sav the world. better to take a few weeks off now and get better than be ill forever!

ah i see what enviro art is now.... sounds a little too cultured for a rough old git like me!:lol2:
jackson pollack i can like, anything much more than that am i'm out of my depth.

guys sounds good. how many strings did you pull to get referred there?

didn't do much yesterday. might go for a drive to salisbury today before getting daughter later:)

[cnc]

Rebecca- I don't know much about the social constructions of nature, as I'm not doing the social engagment with nature course, however I have been sent a couple of publications on soil in poetry and other things like that, which I can pass on to you if you're interested?
Apparently it is my wisdom tooth, and I should have it x-rayed by my own dentist, so that could be about 3 months before I see them....
Gill- take care of yourself, and I hope the operation goes well. I agree with Matt, theres no point going back to work to soon, as you won't be able to save the world properly.
Not much to do today, ring the people about my dissertation and hopefully get the go ahead with that, my only worry is whether they're happy to take me with my health, although I should be much better by then.

Take care everyone.

[ellsie]

Hi everyone! I enjoy keeping up with all your news! I have just been to swimming lessons and did 6 lengths and treading water for the first time so I have acheived something today!:D

[goose]

Not much happening today, did some house work and some washing. started reading Gloria Hunifords Biography. and played with the cat for a while.
Still awaiting my camera, which i cant wait for, so i can play around for a while.
Have been having a bad few days ibs seems to be flaring up again so aint slept for more than 6 hours in last 2 days and im nackered. Thought i might grab some sleep this afternoon but the workmen are still digging up the pavement, so im gonna relax in front of a dvd this afternoon.

[Copper]

Gill - I am sorry to hear that you have to undergo an op. You have to try and be positive about it and tell yourself that this will be the cure. I agree with Matt that it will take loner than 2 weeks to fully get over this op, although you do have age on your side. Just pace yourself when you go back to work. I wish you well and good luck (I guess we won't get much notice that you are off for a bit of bed rest).

Ellsie - well done. I learnt to swim when I was 15 and that was scary enough.

Rebecca - pleased to hear that Guys were so helpful. I must try and broaden my diet soon. At the moment it is even more restricted as I still IBS although it is improving daily.

Claire - yes think positive - of course you will be much better by the time you have to go on your trip.

[cnc]

Well the 'good' news is that it is my wisdom tooth coming through. Although judging on the discomfort so far not sure its great!!
Phoned the company I want to go to Madagscar with, but the women I wanted to speak to isn't in today (always happens like that)
So I've had a quietish day as I've been feeling sick all day (woke up after about 9 hours sleep, thinking I'd been asleep for about an hour, I was that tired :( ) Back to sorting out my cross-stitch I think now.
Ellsie- Glad the swimming is going well.
Hope people are all doing ok.

[matt]

well done elsie. never got round to it myself, wish i had in some respects. not going to bother now as i never did float very well and now with zero body fat there is zero chance!! plus i'd scare everyone if i went into a pool!!! aaaarrrrgghh skeleton!

half way through a sci fi book by alastair reynolds, then have another in the dune series by frank herbert before i go get the latest kim stanley robinson 50 degrees below. yep i'm a sci fi addict.

a walk in the sunshine today to find a couple of caches then rescue one of mine that's fallen down a hole!!!
and resist temptations in the shops.
hopefully get some phtos done if the sun stays out.

have good one all:lol2:

[goose]

Come on Gill you aint gonna save the world if your ill. take it easy and hope the operation goes well.
Well done Ellsie on the swimming lessons youll be diving before you know it.
treated myself to a good pampering today. went and got my hair cut and colored and got my nails done so now i feel much better for it.
And managed to get a good sleep after the last few days. hows everyone else today then

[Kamagrian]

Hi Everyone,

Well, yesterday was such a bad day at work that, combined with the pain and tiredness, I got home and had a long sob at Matt. Poor lad. He said all the right things though. I'd had one of those days when the whole world seems to be conspiring to make bad things happen, and then an entirely inappropriate and unconstructive comment from another staff member made me livid. I've taken it up with my external supervisor though, and a good rant always helps.

My contract technically comes to an end in March (it was only funded for 6 months but they've added a bit more in), so I may have to look for other work if more secure funding isn't found. Part of me feels that I've done my job (the place is open and getting stronger by the day) so I can move on if this happens, and part of me wants to stay and make it better - there's still so much that can be done. Ahh well.

Ellsie - well done! I've had friends who've learned to swim in adulthood and it's a fantastic achievement! :)

Claire - rest up medear. Sounds like your body's telling you to stay in bed.

You'd better show us your pretty photos if you get any, Matt. :lol2:

Hope everyone's feeling good today. I'm planning on meeting a friend for coffee and hugs after work, then I'm going home to rest. I've not eaten a proper meal in about 3 days, so that's probably not helping my mood and pain levels. I shall hie me to Costa for soya latte goodness!

Hugs,

Gill x

[linny]

Hope the op goes well Gill - I wonder who will be arcade champion in the next few weeks!?

I must admit I find the 'London' hospitals do seem to have better specialists. They seem to be more decisive about what's wrong and how they are going to treat it. We took Megan to King's College for 3 years and now she's been transferred to St Thomas's, and they all seem really good. They seem to have the knack with kids too, which helps a lot!! When Megan was in King's they let her help with the blood pressure machine, took an x-ray of her plait etc., they talk to the child as the patient and not just to the parents.

I've got an appointment to have my tooth out in hospital on 2nd Feb - I can't wait, it's been hurting since October and I've had 3 infections. It's also free at the hospital, never could understand why.

[cnc]

Ellsie, if you ever want to learn to dive, let me know (I'm qualified as an assistant coach :) )


Claire - rest up medear. Sounds like your body's telling you to stay in bed.

Gill please take your own advice. If I don't rest all that will happen is I'll go to bed for ages, if you don't look after yourself you're going to be in lots of pain and grumpy. Poor Maliika doesn't deserve that :D:D

Hope you cheer up a bit more soon.

Looks like I shall be going to Madagscar when I get myself sorted out!! Need to get packed now, and wait for the Tescos van to turn up- Mum couldn't be bothered shopping for food for me to take to uni, and I can't really do it by myself!! Lazy I know, but these things sometimes have to be done.

Take care everyone

[Kamagrian]

Gill please take your own advice. If I don't rest all that will happen is I'll go to bed for ages, if you don't look after yourself you're going to be in lots of pain and grumpy. Poor Maliika doesn't deserve that :D:DAll I have to say to you is :p.Hope you cheer up a bit more soon.I'm cheered up a bit after having a long girly chat with a friend, over soya lattes at Costa. I'm not usually this grumpy, I promise!Looks like I shall be going to Madagscar when I get myself sorted out!!That's fantastic news - I know how much you were hoping to go! Yay for Claire! :D

Meeting tomorrow at noon with someone who's making my life very difficult at the moment. Not looking forward to that. Spare a thought for me, of happy rainbows and gallumping mattresses, or something...

Gill x

[Kamagrian]

Hope the op goes well Gill - I wonder who will be arcade champion in the next few weeks!?I'm more likely to be exhausted and up to my eyeballs on opiate pain relief, so it's unlikely I'll be coordinated enough to do well on the arcade games! :lol2: In fact, I may not be responsible for anything I say or do...which could be entertaining for everyone on here. ;)

The hospital here is very good and highly-regarded. In fact, the three surgeons in my care team are the people who perform all the 'fixing' surgery for gallbladder ops that have gone wrong in Scotland, apparently. And as my consultant said, they're unlikely to be poachers and gamekeepers at the same time! Hopefully they'll make a good job of me in the first place though. I've had good reports from most people I've spoken to who've had the surgery, and one very bad report. I hope I end up one of the former - but to be honest I don't really have a choice at this point as leaving things as they are could cause major problems for my pancreas in the future.

Gill x

[matt]

up to eyeballs in opiates. you'll not care enough about the high score!!!

seriously, the pair of you need to listen to yourselves and sit down once in a while and relax! hard to save the world or go to madagascar if you are exhausted!!!

gill you've acheived remarkable things even before you consider that you did it hile being as ill as you are. now do something equally remarkable... give yourself a break and let your body heal. then when better you can carry on the good work, you are not much use to people in a hospital bed.:o

i had a couple of teeth out in the hospital the other year, it's free as they only do it if you need proper surgical intervention, ie not just routine so becomes a nhs problem again. watch this space they'll find a reason to charge soon.:angry:

a nice walk was had yesterday, found a couple of caches and retreived mine from a hole! too cold and gllomy to get any photos though. it'll happen sooner or later. promise.

[matt]

Well i was hoping for something spectacular but maybe that would be asking too much for me really.

2000 posts. if only some of it was worth reading!!!!:lol2: :lol2: :lol2:


my theory? make lots of noise and every once in a while something relavant will come out and be usefull to someone!!!

And to think that at first there was only a couple of us here and we posted on the forums maybe once a month!!! ah the good old days:lol2:

have a good day all!

[cnc]

2000 posts. if only some of it was worth reading!!!!images/smilies/laugh.gif images/smilies/laugh.gif Well done Matt!! At least you've done something 'productive'.

seriously, the pair of you need to listen to yourselves and sit down once in a while and relax! hard to save the world or go to madagascar if you are exhausted!!! Oi, I've been behaving myself recently....:unsure: And theres nothing a bit of sleep won't solve for me. Gill on the other hand- REST!!

In fact, I may not be responsible for anything I say or do...which could be entertaining for everyone on here. I'll wait with baited breath for texts, and conversations in chat then :D (I've stopped late night typing, for the sanity of my friends!)

All I have to say to you is :p. No need to stick your tongue out at me madam, just because I'm right!!

I'm not usually this grumpy, I promise! I agree- I bear witness to her being quite entertaining :D

happy rainbows and gallumping mattresses,How about flolping mattresses, and fluffy dolphins!?! Good luck, and I hope it goes ok.

Matt, how much do you know about hand-held GPS? It looks like I'll need to buy one to go mangrove mapping, and could do with some advice.

Please also spare a thought for me, as I have to get packed today, (have done nothing) and then am leaving for uni at 8am tomorrow :(
Take care everyone, and hope you have a nice weekend.

[linny]

Opiate pain relief eh!! I've been on a few courses of different opiate tablets, some made me float, some made me sick and some gave me a headache!

The 'floaty' ones got rid of the pain for a while though. When I had the infection in my gums a few weeks back, I had to take opiate and normal pain killers to get rid of the pain - not nice at all. Only 3 weeks to go before it comes out.

Really chuffed today as Megan passed the first part of Grade II ballet. She had been off for 3 weeks with damaged soft tissue around her ankle and when we arrived for the lesson we found out that it was the exam day. She did really well with 2 minutes notice and a dodgy ankle.;)

[Kamagrian]

Opiate pain relief eh!! I've been on a few courses of different opiate tablets, some made me float, some made me sick and some gave me a headache!I'm on the floaty type, and have been since about October. I worry as I'm aware they're not good for my body - but at least I'm unlikely to become addicted to them because I DON'T like the floaty effects. I'll be pleased when I can come off them and I'm not in pain anymore, but things are very uncomfortable if I don't take them at the moment. I hope they get me in and the gallbladder ripped out soon, basically!Really chuffed today as Megan passed the first part of Grade II ballet. She had been off for 3 weeks with damaged soft tissue around her ankle and when we arrived for the lesson we found out that it was the exam day. She did really well with 2 minutes notice and a dodgy ankle.;)That's fantastic news, and it just shows how talented she is that she could go straight back after time off and pass the exam. :) Please pass on my congratulations and give her a random hug from one of your Dairyfree friends.

Well, the heating system in my refuge is now working PROPERLY, after I hurt my hand womanhandling (well, there wasn't a man around!) a broken valve and a load of metal pipes. We have two flats occupied now and it's amazing seeing the place doing its job, given it was basically a concrete shell in August. I feel quite proud!

Today was a stressful day in all the RIGHT ways - I did lots of work and got loads done, with none of the petty upsets and politics I can't stand. Leaves me feeling utterly exhausted, but quite fulfilled.

Claire - before you shout at my hard work, I actually got home just after 6pm tonight and I'm doing as little as possible over the weekend, apart from going to the Farmers' Market tomorrow. Do I get a brownie point now?

And me, quite entertaining? You were imagining things. I'm a dour old crone. :lol2:

[cnc]

after I hurt my hand womanhandling (well, there wasn't a man around!). I hope you're hand is better now, I'm sure you can get plenty of sympathy this evening.

I feel quite proud! Good, now you can rest!!

Leaves me feeling utterly exhausted, but quite fulfilled. I give up, I really do :)

before you shout at my hard work,
I'm only trying to make you look after yourself. I'm not going to comment on your amount of activity over the weekend, as I might be looking for some sympathy after I move in :D

apart from going to the Farmers' Market tomorrow. Do I get a brownie point now?
No Brownie Point, but you have my permission to eat a hog roast burger :)

And me, quite entertaining? You were imagining things. I'm a dour old crone. images/smilies/laugh.gif Well to be fair, I only just about remember being there. I was sleepy and confused most of the time!! My lasting memory is of having a fight with your wooden table (and losing).

Early night for me, haven't stopped all day, so think I'm ready to crash immeniantly (sorry its too late for me to spell properly!)

[Kamagrian]

. I hope you're hand is better now, I'm sure you can get plenty of sympathy this evening.Much better thanks, all it needed was some arnica cream and a snuggle. :lol2: No Brownie Point, but you have my permission to eat a hog roast burger :)I'd forgotten about those! Mmm. Pig for breakfast, it's the way forward I tell you!Well to be fair, I only just about remember being there. I was sleepy and confused most of the time!!Well, be assured you were entertaining too - and really rather surreal at times, but that's a good thing! :lol2: My lasting memory is of having a fight with your wooden table (and losing).Well come back soon, for heaven's sake - it's got a taste for blood now and it's starting to make hungry noises!

Sorry. I'm in a surreal mood too. But I have opiates to blame, which are a fantastic scapegoat for all kinds of bizarre behaviour.

Gill x

[matt]

the two of you need locking up for the good of the rest of us!!!:lol2:

linny, likewise congrats to daughter for the ballet. my little horror did brillaintly at swimming last night. swimming under water and sitting on the bottom, just a few weeks ago she didn't put her facce in. great teachers and bravery on her part.

hog roast for breakie... well pig has always been high on breakfast menu. bacon, sausage, black pudding... then all the other goodies. can't think when my last cooked breakfast was. mainly as i don't think my stomach would cope!:o now thats sometime to aim for!! heart attack on a plate.

sausage onna stick anyone! cmot dibblers specials 100% genuine rat:lol2:

the thing is i'm not on any opiates or similar so what's my escuse for the insanity and bizarre postings? oh yeah now i remember.. i'm mad.

have a good saturday folks.:)

[Copper]

the thing is i'm not on any opiates or similar so what's my escuse for the insanity and bizarre postings? oh yeah now i remember.. i'm mad.


Ahh Matt you are just worried that you will lose your mad crown to either Gill or Claire :lol2:

[cnc]

Ahh Matt you are just worried that you will lose your mad crown to either Gill or Claire

I'm quite happy to share the title with Gill :D If I'm really lucky I'm going to get referred to a neurologist, there can't be a bigger sign of madness than that surely?!

the two of you need locking up for the good of the rest of us!!
Laughter therapy, plus I've discovered if I get very tired and don't rest (bad I know, but sometimes it happens), I look like an extra from the mad hatters tea party (its rest time very soon, moving in has taken its toll)
But its always been said by my friends that if I was ever put in a padded cell, I'd still find something to get hurt by!

Well, be assured you were entertaining too - and really rather surreal at times, but that's a good thing!
Excuse me, but you were the one who appeared as though they were going to eat haggis on a teacake was it??
I'm more surreal when I'm well, so beware!

Well come back soon, for heaven's sake - it's got a taste for blood now and it's starting to make hungry noises!

Well I've got two free tickets to Edinburgh Zoo to use before the end of this year, so who knows :D

Right rest time for me, and then I might be awake enough to use a knife and fork.
Have a good weekend everyone

[matt]

morning all. busy day for most yesterday? i only ask as not many postings this morning. well not everyone is as weird as me.

anyone take my title of nuttiest king, never. i am crowned head of mad world. good to have a bench mark. if you find yourself comparing your behaviour to mine in any terms other than atleast i am not as bad as matt is a warning to you all!!

haggis on tea cake.... well i've heard of worse. tasty was it?
edinburgh zoo. think the last time i was there i was about 6years old. seem to remember they had a golden eagle at the time.....can remember that but not what i did last week!

have a good one folks, might chat to some later at 2?

[cnc]

Well I've managed to move in, not actually unpacked yet, as Friday night, Ian decided he was going to drive across and see me on Saturday, so the rest of the unpacking has kind of been left (plus I was too tired, after being made to get up at 7 so that we could leave at a sensible time.
Just been to Asda (got bullied by a friend to keep them company, so I have food now at least), then am going to spend a quiet day, unpacking and maybe doing some work if I have any energy left.
Edinburgh zoo, last time I went I was on crutches/ in a wheelchair, is a good place to visit, the only problem being its on a huge hill, so not that accessible!!

[Kamagrian]

morning all. busy day for most yesterday? i only ask as not many postings this morning. well not everyone is as weird as me.Dead day yesterday - went out to the Farmers' Market in the morning, but overdid it and spent the rest of the day in a fair amount of pain, so I just rested up!anyone take my title of nuttiest king, never. i am crowned head of mad world. good to have a bench mark. if you find yourself comparing your behaviour to mine in any terms other than atleast i am not as bad as matt is a warning to you all!!You're mad in the nicest sense. Given the societal definition of normality these days, would you REALLY want to be classified as mainstream? ;) We love your nuttiness!haggis on tea cake.... well i've heard of worse. tasty was it?It wasn't REALLY haggis! As I recall it was blackcurrant conserve, but it was dim as we were watching TV, and Claire thought it was haggis because we'd been talking about the stuff. She was most startled...I should've made out it WAS haggis. :lol2:

Doubt I'll be around at 2 as I'm a bit out of it today - I'm almost looking forward to my surgery as it will MAKE me sleep and rest for a while, and I'm absolutely running on empty right now! If I'm awake and vaguely compos mentis though, I might pop in and say hi. :rolleyes:

Take care all, and have a great Sunday.

Gill x

[Fozzybear]

Yesterday I took my wireless headphones back to Tchibo as they weren't very good and they refunded me without question even though I've had them a couple of months (one of the best things about Tchibo!). Also bought a rubbery case and screen protector for my new ipod as it's already getting little scratches!

Last night and this morning I watched two very good foreign films. Last night I watched Downfall, a German film which follows the fall of Berlin to the Russians in 1945, concentrating on events in Hitler's bunker from the perspective of his secretary, Traudl Junge, but also showing the collapse of the city and the breakdown of control over the people. It's an extremely good film with lots of fantastic acting and it's certainly given me a lot to think about!

This morning I've had something of a change of pace and watched a recording of a film called Ping Pong that I made from BBC4 last night. It's a Japanese film about ping pong players taken from a manga comic and I really enjoyed it! I was unsure about it as it's one of those films that doesn't give a good first impression (a film about... ping pong?) but I'd seen a mention from Jonathan Ross that was good so thought I'd give it a change. A good thing as the characterisations were excellent and it was filmed really well. One of those films that really draws you in!

[cnc]

It wasn't REALLY haggis! As I recall it was blackcurrant conserve, but it was dim as we were watching TV, and Claire thought it was haggis because we'd been talking about the stuff. She was most startled...I should've made out it WAS haggis. :lol2:
I don't remember that, I thought it was in the morning when you were putting away the haggis and I thought you were about to open it and eat it on whatever you were making at the time.
(It's not my fault I'm easily confused :( )
will MAKE me sleep and rest for a while, and I'm absolutely running on empty right now! If I'm awake and vaguely compos mentis though, I might pop in and say hi. :rolleyes:
Yes REST is good for you Gill.
I may appear on chat, although it may be quite comical as I'm shaking a lot, and I've got to do more unpacking yet, so will be in an even worse state :D We could be confused on chat together at least!!

[cnc]

I can't log into chat, anyone else having a problem or is it just me??

[paranoidangel]

Not just you. It doesn't usually ask me for a login, but this time it does, and doesn't like my username & password.

[cnc]

No I've never had to log in either before, and doesn't like my username either....

[matt]

not me then? i've been trying

[matt]

where's steve when you need him?:mad:

[cnc]

Not fair, I was looking forwards to having a chat whilst I carried on unpacking (want sleep but bed is covered with clothes....)

[matt]

lan is shown a sbeing here maybe a quick call to steve is in order lan???

[matt]

well haggis for breakfast, no worse than sausages and black pudding.

fozzy....watching foreign movies late at night!!!!!:eek: whatever you say recommended from john ross. yeah sure we believe you.

i've never been mainstream but i used to be just eccentric and fun to be with. now i'm just damn odd. and anti social with it! not online obviously but not so good face to face.:mellow:

been out geocaching today and was looking forward to having a chat before sad sci fi tv then johnny and the bomb

[matt]

well i emailled lan looks like we are going to miss out today. nevermind.

1/2 hour to go yet.

so, anyone else going to try the euro lottery this weekend? estimate is £80 million!!! promise i'll throw a party if i win.



so is this thread getting top heavy? happy to let it run or could shut it and restart afresh. peoples thoughts?

[cnc]

Ah well, you can have a slower version of chat on here instead!!
Unpacked my clothes now, think I shall have a rest soon though, as I'm feeling rather floaty!!
Not much more stuff to unpack, and then down to the studying :( :(
Hope everyone has a good week.

[Copper]

Phew just arrived and couldn't get into chat - had a quick panic and then read the posts. It is not just me then - thank goodness for that.

Matt you were fine when you visited me :)

I have been in pain most of this weekend and I am currently functioning like a zombie

[Fozzybear]

It could have been worse, Matt, it could have been The Calamari Wrestler (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/calamari_wrestler/)! :D

I didn't watch Downfall late at night though, I started watching it about 6ish, so it was over before 9pm. I don't have a problem watching subtitled films late though, and some of my favorite films are foreign, like Sprited Away (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/), Jean de Florette (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091288/), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190332/) and Amelie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0211915/).

[matt]

i nearly always use tv as moving wallpaper 1/2 attention to that 1/2 to reading so subtitiles and me don't get on.
and anything japanese just makes me think of 1970's classic kung fu stuff so can't keep straight face!
http://haggishunt.scotsman.com/camera.cfm?camera=10
if anyone wants a laugh visit this site

you can visit all the cameras and try to spot a haggis! in theory you can win stuff.
looks like new york has had some snow.

[matt]

calamari wrestling and comedy three words i never thought to see in the same sentence!!!

[matt]

well nevermind all. the thought was there. hopefully steve will sort it before next sunday.
have a good day/ week. get to the tv and get sci fi on.

cheers i'll be back in a few hours!!!!:)

[Kamagrian]

Sorry people, wasn't on for the chat as took a sudden turn for the worse - bad enough that the emergency doctor's pumped me full of IV morphine and anti-emetic drugs, and left me for a few hours to see if I improve at all. If not, it'll be hospital sooner than I thought, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Suddenly INCREDIBLY tired. Going to curl up and sleep and see if I feel any brighter when I wake.

Matt...re your madness - methinks the gentleman doth protest too much! You're probably deeply sane and normal IRL. :lol2: Only kidding, I wouldn't insult you so badly and mean it!

Gill

[Fozzybear]

Sweet dreams Gill. Hope you feel better when you wake up.

[Copper]

Gill I hope that you feel better when you wake up. If you do manage to keep out of hospital please don't go to work tomorrow - rest up girl - that is an order. :)

[Steve]

Chat is broken, not sure what the problem with it is, i'll get it fixed and will let you know when it's all back up and running.

[matt]

yeah i know to be honest i'm not mad, that would be easy. i am just neurotic and over anxious. saying mad is just easier.....

no point telling you to not got to work today as you seem to be hell bent on puting yourself in hospital one way or the other. how much help are you going to be to the refuge from a hospital bed???

the more tired you are the longer it'll take to recover from the op. and potentially the worse the op will be!

but to end on a positive note... hopefully the chat will be sorted before next sunday.
sci fi time was fun, not 100% sure of johnny and the bomb, but not anything else on so will watch again.
what will happen to the enterprise??? and will trip and the vulcan chick get it together?
i do like the jack o'neil character appeals to my sense of humour.:lol2:

[Steve]

sci fi time was fun, not 100% sure of johnny and the bomb, but not anything else on so will watch again.
what will happen to the enterprise??? and will trip and the vulcan chick get it together?
i do like the jack o'neil character appeals to my sense of humour.:lol2:

Been watching the new series of Stargate and Stargate Atlantis on sky. They have also started to re-run Enterprise from the start and the new series of Battlestar Galactica has started as well. Missed most of Enterprise the first time they showed it so may catch up with it this time around.

[cnc]

Gill hope you are a bit better today.

Doctors appointment in an hour or so, got a load of papers from the GP that did the blood tests to take with me, with the instructions of 'push for referral!' A little unnerving in my opinion!!
Am shaking quite well at the moment- walked into town this morning to get some bits and pieces.
Am off for a bit of a lie down/ read of a book, now though.

[Fozzybear]

I've just today had the migration complete on my ADSL internet connection. I've been on Pipex for the last two or three years but the service was becoming abysmal so I've moved to Zen, which is somewhat expensive but seems to offer an extremely good service.

I tried the new zen settings in my router when I got home and it's been activated so I'm trying out the zen newsgroup servers at the moment (and they're very fast!). I'm a little concerned that the zen and pipex connections are both active though as I assumed when it was changed over the pipex one would stop working. I've raised a question on adslguide.org.uk and sent pipex an email though and hopefully that's all normal.

[paranoidangel]

Gill - that sounds quite nasty, I hope you feel better soon.

Matt - I could tell you the answer to your Enterprise question, but I won't :) I quite liked Johnny and the Bomb, although I don't remember the book at all. The thing that got me was that they were all saying how old Mrs Tachyon was, and I was sitting thinking 'but it's Zoe Wanamaker!'

[cnc]

Have had a hectic afternoon. Visiting the doctor is quite traumatic for me, and have then spent a lot of the afternoon on the phone to other people to discuss my referral, so am waiting for a call at some point from the hospital to arrange a suitable time for me to be seen.

Hope people are ok, Fozzybear sounds like you're having fun with your connections (I get free high-speed internet at uni :D )

[matt]

fozzy i was with you right up to the point where you said "today" then you lost me:lol2: :lol2:

plug in turn on tune out!!! if it don't work turn off and hit, repeat until working.

not got sky and don't want to be told. i mean it's not exactly rocket science they aren't all about to die are they!! i watch it through habit more than anything. stargate higher on list as jack and me have lots in common.:)

i suppose we shouldn't moan too much re johnny as it is a kids book and meant to be a kids series. zoe not looking her sexiest in it is she:lol2:

and battle star gallactica back on with new series.... well i'll researve judgement but surely not as good as the original and didn't they find earth in the end so how does the new series work?

practical day yesterday planting stuff in the garden and tidying the study.

walk in the forest on the cards this morning.

have good one all:)

[cnc]

Have just had the doctor on the phone this morning. Am not impressed. Will explain more later, but at the moment, its likely to contain far too many expletives- primarily as he chose to ring at 20 to 9, how anti-social??

[Steve]

and battle star gallactica back on with new series.... well i'll researve judgement but surely not as good as the original and didn't they find earth in the end so how does the new series work?


It's a remake of the original series, it's not too bad but i do prefer the original. If you a fan of the original then they have made some odd choices with the characters. Starbuck and Boomer's characters are now women in the new series.

[cnc]

Right, I've calmed down a little more now!!
Has already been one of those days, and its only just gone midday :S
We appear to be making progress with my illness, I'm not getting any better, but they've now agreed to send me for more fun tests....
First call is the neurologist. Hopefully I should be seen by them in the next 3/4 weeks. If all that comes back fine, then I'm being referred to the post-viral clinic at Addenbrookes, who apparently will run more tests on me.

In addition to this I have to return to have my blood pressure checked, as it goes mental when I see the doctor (is it any real surprise, when I don't like doctors, its a bit like testing my blood pressure when I'm at the dentists!!) So I'm being sent to see the nurse :unsure: The Doctor also made me change my appointment with him to the morning, so that when he decides to do more tests on me, they can be sent off that day or something?!

In more happy news, my presentation I was worried about went very well!! Primarily as I didn't have to read it :D I was first on the list to do my presentation, but asked to be moved, so that I could recover enough to be able to speak coherently, and then we ran out of time and never got round to mine.
Got two more meetings today, one with my personal tutor and one with my DoS- at least he'll be happy that I've got dissertation plans.
Lunch time I feel. Hope everyone is ok, and having less hectic days than I am.

[Copper]

Things are looking up here. I have had a whole morning with no IBS - long may it last.

I am still very tired though which is not so good.

I did have 3 Canna lillies grown from seed but sadly one has died. I am making plans for the garden but I have not got the time to actually do anything at the moment. Most of the plants have survived so far in the garden.

[paranoidangel]

I've not seen the original Battlestar Galatica, but did see the mini-series start of the new one and didn't think much of it. They could have done the whole thing in 10 mins, I seem to remember thinking.

[Copper]

Claire - at least the doctors are prepared to try and find out what is wrong with you. Maybe they will be able to wave a magic wand - well one can hope.

We have not heard from Gill since she was pumped full of morphine, I hope that she is ok.

[cnc]

Things have calmed down a bit now. Apart from the fact I went to a meeting and forgot one of the most important things I was meant to say, and also couldn't remember my plans for my dissertation!! This might have had something to do with the hour and a half sleep I had before the meeting! I then nearly forgot my second meeting.
I think I'm going to write today off as a lost cause....

I'd sent this before I saw Coppers post. Yes hopefully they can find something up, that can be solved easily.
Will try and give Gill a ring, and let you know if I get a response.

Edit: Her phone is switched off, which is not usual for her. Fingers crossed that everything has gone ok.

[Copper]

Thanks for trying to get hold of Gill. It doesn't look good does it? We will have to hope that her op is brought forward and that she feels much better very soon.

[cnc]

Hopefully if shes gone into hospital then they'll have done the operation and she'll be on the road to recovery by now.

[matt]

keep trying to phone her just to check!

starbuck is a woman now!!!! well i suppose it was made in those wonderfull sexist days where the women stayed home looking pretty except for a couple of tough girls thrown in for good measure.
no doubt it'll make it to terrestrial eventually. i'll happily live until then.

claire heres hoping that they come up with something soon.
it is a recognised condition for the blood pressure to rise if in doctors. lots of people suffer from it apparently.

well i spent the day walking in the woods yesterday and stalking some deer, photos later when i get the chance to sort them! camera on fully auto o loads of shots most of which will need deleteing! great fun:lol2:

no plans yet for taoday until later when i get daughter.:)

have a good one all

[matt]

gallery gone??? another victim of the roving problem?http://img.groundspeak.com/cache/log/c678df30-6801-44f5-8f9f-a40bbfd8beb0.jpg

http://img.groundspeak.com/cache/log/84ed96ee-3c20-4ee4-988e-f31cc91e04b4.jpg

[rebecca c]

I have been worrying about Gill too. All we can do is think of her I guess.

Claire I hope the doctors get a bit further with it all and am wishing you well so your plans for Madagascar come off. You seem to be taking a very sensible approach to it all and keeping a good balance going - well done that is a big acheivement when you are ill.

Great photos Matt.

Dieticians challenges are not going well. Tummy ache all night after trying cocoa last night. Last week I increased my rice milk - which was not even meant to be a challenge and that set me back for a week with quite a few symptoms. going to try some of the less severe things once I have recovered the idea of trialing the soya is making me very scared as it is not even an intolerant reaction but eosinophilia which the dietician did not know of.

Off to work in a garden today which is a mixed blessing given the lack of sleep but its better than a day stuck at home.

Waiting to hear about an interview I went for on Monday - just to add to it all. Would like the job but I think there was some stiff competition and its the first job I've applied for in 13 years!!!!

[cnc]

keep trying to phone her just to check!
Her phone is still off. I might give her home phone a ring this evening, and see if I can speak to Matt.

Waiting to hear about an interview I went for on Monday - just to add to it all. Would like the job but I think there was some stiff competition and its the first job I've applied for in 13 years!!!!
Good luck and I hope you get it. Fingers crossed. Hope you feel better soon.

CV to write today, and various other bits of admin to do. Lectures start tomorrow, so I may vanish under the mounting piles of work very rapidly :lol2:
Got a meeting this evening, with the current president of the Diving society, as for some stupid reason I agreed to be the new president (at least it means I'll still be involved in the sport even if I can't participate)

[pinkfairy]

Hope Gill is ok keep us posted.

I have had an awful ten days firstly my son was off school with tonsilitus. Then the following day he sneecked out of the house and went over his friends on the trampoline. (In his shorts and t-shirt). He fell off the trampoline and has now broken his collar bone. I then caught his tonsilitus which also upset my stomach. Then yesterday I bent down to pick up the washing and I pulled my back. Today the pain is not quite so bad but it is still effecting my legs. Hope I am better by friday, I have finally got a cancellation appointment with the stomach specialist so I don't want to miss that. Hopefully he can investigate yeast and gluten more throughly. MY doctor said that the blood tests for gluten are more accurate than the biopsy anybody know if this is true. I always thought it was the other way around.

Also the kids have been recalled for their LI tests. Don't know why. They both stick to the diet really well because they know how ill eating dairy makes them feel.

Anyway enough of feeling sorry for myself.

Matt - Like the photos

Jane

[Copper]

Rebecca - good luck with the job. I hope you feel better soon. I have been thinking of you whilst I have been suffering with the after effects of creamed coconut poisoning! I think that you are very brave to try the things that you know make you feel unwell.

Claire - you are very good at balancing your life at the moment. I hope that you manage to keep on top of your work. Your desire to be fit enough for a trip to Madagascar should keep you going.

Matt - I like the photos. How did somebody so tall manage to sneak up on them? I guess you kept downwind of them :) They are beautiful but nervous animals.

[rebecca c]

Didnt get the job - a bit disappointed but got a housewarming party to look forward to on Saturday.:)

[cnc]

Rebecca, that's a shame, but at least you've got the party to look forwards to.

Have spent all day battling with my CV, its kind of done, just needs condensing a bit, but at least I've achieved some sort of thing today!!
Have become more focussed on what I'm doing for my dissertation as well, which is good. Number of essays to write currently stands at 5, with more to come....
Lectures start tomorrow :unsure:

[matt]

rebecca- are you sure it was the rice milk that caused that reaction? rice is normally the least allergic reaction food and is used on the basic elimination diet because of that! shame about the job but better luck next time, interview experience for you. 12 years since my last interview. with the police, it's a two day affair where they watch you constantly for those two days!!:o

claire- well done becoming the president of the dive club. what are the onerous duties the role has?

those deer. well used to muck about as a kid following deer so just trying to remmeber those days. 1/2 hour stalking, 30 shots 2 decent pictures. hurrah for digital cameras.

[matt]

oh by the way, the baking question the other day.

it isn't guar gum they add to help the wheat free flour to rise in xantham gum. comes in jars in powder from. health food shops or some tescos.

hope this helps

[cnc]

I've no idea what becoming president of the society entails (the meeting has been postponed, as the relevant forms aren't ready!!)
I think it involves looking after the money, and sending emails.... Plus it'll look good on my CV :)
Just one lecture today, so hopefully can get some work done today.
Hope everyone is ok.

[rebecca c]

I feel sure there was a response to the rice milk increase which I didnt expect so cant be physcological. It could be I use the rice milk with traces of gluten and it raised those traces slightly too high. It could be that it is a processed food or it could be the form of calcium. I have tried the provamel one in the past and that has set me off - possibly the vitamins they add I just dont know. However as it is important I will rechallange and try the provamel again or maybe mix and match. I will ring the dietician to confer with her on it all next week.

[Kamagrian]

Hi everyone, I'm baaaaa-aaaaaaack! :lol2:

To keep the original question of the thread...today I'll be mostly popping painkilling tablets and cuddling the cat. Thank you.

[cnc]

Welcome back!!

As long as you don't end up cuddling the painkillers then it should all be fine!!:D

[Copper]

Welcome back :) You were missed - guess you have already gathered that though.

[Kamagrian]

Re: popping painkillers and cuddling the cat...As long as you don't end up cuddling the painkillers then it should all be fine!!:DAnd popping the cat???

*squish*
Meow
*BANG!*

Ewwww. :lol2:

Sorry. I did warn you I'm a bit off my head...

[matt]

great to have you back gill. feeling ok? how long before they think you might be feeling better? take it easy for once you will get better quicker and be more usefull that way.....wasting my breath i know:lol2:

rebecca there's always almond milk or similar. go to the health food shop and try one. quite nice as long as you are ok with nuts.
or just go without milk entirely, i do and i think a couple of others are the same.
fruit juices on cereal, black tea and coffee.

well i knackered myself yesterday walking up three hills to find caches. lovely walks but too murky for decent views. a couple of wuiet days to recover needed though. watching me slowly plod up the hills, only did three as took so long and was so tired!!!:o

meeting my mp today...should be fun if a waste of time.

[cnc]

And popping the cat???
To be fair, that was my first thought, but a rare wave of behaving myself passed over me, and I decided that saying cuddling the painkillers was more appropriate!!

Sorry. I did warn you I'm a bit off my head...
I wouldn't worry, thats how I am normally.

Well its raining this morning, and I've got a lecture in half an hour, so will have to dig out my waterproofs. Not very trendy, but at least I'll be dry!!I hope it stops raining soon as I've another two lectures to go to today-which probably means I'll be incoherent later today, which should be fun as I have two meetings in the evening :)
Typing this has caused me enough problems!!

Matt why are you meeting your MP- new career in politics for you?!

[rebecca c]

Well just getting over my reactions to the chocolate and I'm now starting to feel a bit headachey and queesy which is probably the same bug which is whizzing round my sons' school. Oh well as long as it doesnt make me really ill for housewarming tomorrow night.

[Copper]

Rebecca I hope that you manage to fight off the bug and enjoy the housewarming.

I thought that things were going too well - somebody followed me into the car park at the shops especially to tell me that I have no brake lights. I took it to the garage and it is nothing simple (it never is with this bloody car) so they can't fix it until Wednesday afternoon. They kindly pointed out that it was illegal to drive it and dangerous of course. What shall I do about going to work next week?

I hate my car - there I have said it now.

[cnc]

My current mood is urghhh.
I have two more meetings to go- one is a social event, which I don't want to go to, but its expected of us all to attend, so hopefully can get out of it fairly quickly.... Today has been quite pointless :( My main achievement has been to keep the contents of my stomach where they belong, but I may lose this battle shortly, especially if things don't stop spinning.
However, on the work front things are looking a little more positive. Two of my supervisions, should be quite easy. One has a short reading list and no essay, the other wants an essay plan, so that makes things easier for me.
Sorry about my rant, bad day with my illness :(
Copper, hope things get sorted with your car soon. Could you take it to a different garage??

[Copper]

I took my car to a very nice Vauxhall garage who service my husband's ancient nova. The proper Daewoo garage is now part of some big company and would need at least three weeks notice of any problem with my car!!! They drove me mad in August when it was serviced and had the ABS replaced. I don't trust them anymore after the experience in the summer. Some garages won't touch Daewoos, I don't know why.

My next car will be a Toyota. They are very reliable and that is what I want never mind looks.

I hope you manage to stop feeling ill very soon. I don't see how you can go out and enjoy yourself when everything is spinning and you feel so ill. It sounds like a lie down is called for :)

[cnc]

I had a little rest, which has moved me closer to being back on this planet.
Ah well at least I've got a visit to Ians tomorrow to look forwards to :)
Hope everyone has a nice weekend.
Some toyotas look quite nice.

[matt]

copper have you checked it isn't just a blown bulb??? if so even you could change easily.
if not then repeat after me " no officer, i checked them just before i left and they were fine then. thanks i'll see to it straight away....":lol2:

went to see mp as the home office have changed some long term rules on my pension which would mean a retirement of poverty! he's onboard and writting to home office. we'll see.

apart from that didn't do much, daughter went swimming and jumped in the deep end:)
treats for her today!:) :)

toyota good make. sod the looks it's a steel umbrella with wheels, reliable far more important.

[matt]

oh yeah gallery back so posted a couple more piccies.

and looks like chat is back.... see you all tomorrow at 2!!!:lol2:

[cnc]

After yesterdays day of feeling dreadful, I don't feel quite so sick, but am now shaking quite well instead!! Am exhausted already, and all I've done is have breakfast....
Quietish day today- 5 of us are going to Ians, so will give me a break from work although I'm taking a little bit of reading to do in the car (although I'll probably fall asleep!!)
Might be doing some rowing coaching tomorrow, which means I'll get to go out and get some fresh air- and shout at people (good stress relief :D )- Does mean I won't be on chat though I'm afraid Matt.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.

[Copper]

Ah Matt - the garage kindly checked the bulbs, switch and fuse and they were all ok. Conclusion a break in the wiring somewhere!!!

I would be a nervous wreck driving to Bournemouth in the "rush hour" with the idiots. I have a plan to get round this which can't be mentioned here. I can get a lift there and back on Monday but will be at work at 8am :(

I should be in chat tomorrow.

[Kamagrian]

Claire - sounds like you're overdoing it AGAIN...you should come up here and we'll be stationary together. Hope you're feeling much stronger now.

Matt - congrats to Caitlin for her bravery in swimming! Sounds like she's really coming along well, you must be so proud. :)

Ugh. I'm feeling awful today. The pain's about the same as yesterday (nasty, but bearable with medication) but I'm feeling extremely weak and nauseous - nausea is a particular problem as, with 4 holes in my abdominal muscles, I'm terrified of the pain of throwing up. My stomach seems to have shrunk to ridiculous proportions so that I feel full and sick after only a few bites of food - but Matt says he'll still love me if I turn into a waiflike type. Somehow I think that's highly improbable, as I'm informed my appetite should return sometime soon. Honest.

To be honest, I'm feeling a bit down, so I'm sorry if this all sounds horribly indulgent and self-pitying. I'm really not like that, honestly! I just feel exhausted, really bone-tired fatigued, and I hate feeling like life's passing me by when I should be working, playing, enjoying things. Bah. S'not fair! S'not!

I think I'm going to fade back into a drug-induced unconsciousness. I'm less trouble (and less whiny!!) that way.

Take care, people.

Gill xx

[Copper]

Poor Gill - you are entitled to whine now and again. You have been struggling with pain and feeling yuk for ages. You have to let your body get over it all - just give it time and be good.

You just need rest and TLC. I am sure that Matt is giving the TLC :)

[Steve]

and looks like chat is back.... see you all tomorrow at 2!!!:lol2:

It should be working ok now, i'll check in the morning. any problems just e-mail me.

[cnc]

Claire - sounds like you're overdoing it AGAIN...you should come up here and we'll be stationary together. Hope you're feeling much stronger now.
Ugh. Am quite sleepy at the moment, but have had a pleasant although unproductive day.
Gill-I'm on a rehabilitation programme technically- which means I don't have to be stationary, although its how I spend much of my day!! So technically I've not been overdoing it, I've just been testing the boundaries....(aka, having a strop!!)
I was very good today, I didn't spend money on the jeans I wanted to buy.
I also got a phone call from a good friend of mine, who I've not seen for ages as he's a casino manager on cruise ships, but was really nice to hear from him!
Right, think an early night is in order today, and then do some work in the morning, before going to coach- Yes I know it might make me feel ill, but it'll also make me feel useful!!

Matt says he'll still love me if I turn into a waiflike type. Somehow I think that's highly improbable, as I'm informed my appetite should return sometime soon. Honest.
Hog roast burgers will ensure you do not become waiflike!!

Gill hope you're feeling better soon. And you're entitled to whinge, you've been through a lot, but try and stay positive as I'm sure you'll improve rapidly, and be back to your normal self (normal in the loosest sense of the word, of course!!)

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.
Take care

[Kamagrian]

Ooh! I'll try to get on for that, would be a nice distraction to talk to people. :lol2: Feeling a bit less self-pitying now as Matt's making me my favourite convalescent food - his homemade leek and potato soup, with thyme. He's going to bake bread tomorrow to have with it, too! Because I have so little appetite and can only eat small amounts at once, he keeps bringing me tiny things through to tempt me. I think he's worried, bless him...so I'm doing my best to eat things. Crumpets and vitalite are going down particularly well. :)

Has anyone been following the plight of the poor bottle-nosed whale that grounded in the Thames? I was really saddened to hear it had died, the poor creature...and the rescue team were obviously working very hard to try to save it. :mellow:

[matt]

gill try to look a little further forward, life isn't going to pass you by, once you get over the op you will hopefully be able to enjoy it far more than you have been in the recent past. butyou are tottally justified to feel sorry for yourself and have a moan after what's happened. moan away.

cheers steve for the great work. hopefully it'll be up and going for 2. i'll get stuck in a traffic jam now and miss the session won't i? you can almost guarentee it!

going to go for awalk later and enjoy the sunshine while it's here. siberian weather heading this way apparently.:(

batten down the hatches and turn the heating up.

shame about the whale, but inevitable really as they nly do that sort of thing when they are not well. the nicest thing to do when they beach themselves or turn up in rivers would be to inject them with something quick and painless. seems harsh but is nicer.

have a good one all maybe chat later

[cnc]

My tasks for the day- photocopy sheets, read some other sheets and note some ideas down for my dissertation.
I think these are realistic aims for the morning, but I probably should move from sitting in front of the computer having breakfast!!

Was very sad about the whale, but as Matt says these things are inevitable really.

Am quite excited about the prospect of coaching, although a little nervous as well- I must not fall in the river!!

Hope you all have fun on chat this afternoon- think of me when it starts pouring down with rain....

[matt]

rain????? glorious sunshine here at the moment. been for a lovely walk in the forest and saw the rapidly moving backside of a deer!
got here for 2 and no other sole in the chat yet.... well still early...:(

[cnc]

No rain here in the end thankfully. I'm still alive rather shakey, and have only just sat down, so may feel dreadful very shortly- am drinking Pepsi to try and stave off the ill effects. Was nice to be out and doing something though. I also got all of my tasks done for the day- they weren't particularly difficult but meant I actually got them completed :D
Did anyone turn up in chat in the end??

[Copper]

Chat consisted of a very select group ie Lan, Matt and myself :) I am afraid Lan and I rather ganged up on Matt to try and get him to go out and mingle. We expect a report next week :)

[cnc]

Chat consisted of a very select group ie Lan, Matt and myself :) I am afraid Lan and I rather ganged up on Matt to try and get him to go out and mingle. We expect a report next week :)

Sounds fair enough!! The question is 'Will he pay any notice to it at all?!!'

[Copper]

Sounds fair enough!! The question is 'Will he pay any notice to it at all?!!'

I assume that is a rhetorical question :)

[cnc]

Of course!!

[cnc]

Well today was fun. Coaching was a new experience. Was nice to get out in the fresh air for a while as well, and not feel bad about it, as there was a reason.
I do now however have an overwhelming desire to go to bed. So I may try and do a little more work (possibly just sitting and staring at the computer) and then do some cross-stitch.
Have a hectic morning tomorrow. 2 hour practical, then a dash across town to see the nurse, and then back to the department for a lecture. I'm meant to be going to a talk after that, but I think my bed will be calling before then!!
Hope you've all had a nice weekend.

Edit: In fact I finished my CV- now I can go and do cross-stitch and feel justified in having a rest :)

[matt]

me take any notice? ofcourse i will..... maybe at some point....:o

claire. feeling tired and exhausted and combatting with a sugar and caffeine hit... all well and good until they wear off!

well the sci fi time was as good as ever. next week they've moved johnny and the bomb so will have to tape it if i want to see it. have to say i'm not over impressed though.

nothing much planned today. time will tell as it's meant to be cold. so wrap up warm in yet more layers!

[cnc]

me take any notice? ofcourse i will..... maybe at some point....:o I just looked out of my window, and saw some flying pigs :D

claire. feeling tired and exhausted and combatting with a sugar and caffeine hit... all well and good until they wear off!
That was the idea- stave off the exhaustion until I could go to bed at a sensible time (9pm) :) I however think on the floors above me are several centipedes with lead boots and about 600 woodpeckers!! Not amused, especially when I was disturbed at sometime before 2am!!

Busy morning, 9-11 practical, followed by a quick visit to the nurse and then back for a lecture at 12!! Am meant to be in a talk at 1, but I quite like food, and will probably be ready for a break by then....

[ellsie]

What are you stitching Copper?

[Copper]

I have a half finished cross stitch mat for a dressing table. I have hidden the cross stitch away in a drawer :) I am knitting myself a cardigan, which is going quite well considering that last night I had to have my large cat on my lap too.

[rebecca c]

Matt - As far as I can tell there are loads of single women out there and a shortage of men. Ok so a lot of them have kids of their own but it sounds to me like if anyone can handle that Matt can. And as you have found out that everyone on this site is just as mad as you Matt I shouldnt think it'll be that different in the 'real' world.

The house is now duly warmed by all our friends and their children and most of the post party mess was hoovered up by the dog.

Have got a slight tummy bug but my youngest was off again so I had a sleep this morning and then got on with it. Shall be off to my course this evening to talk about ritual (not my favourite topic but you never know).

We are heading off for Norfolk at the weekend for great hotel while my parents have the kids. I can only say that this year is already going better than last but we may run out of money soon!!!

[cnc]

Glad the house is warmed, and I hooe you're settling in OK.

How was the course this evening, I hope you enjoyed it and are feeling better.

Have spent most of my day studying, between sleeping and being prodded by nurses. None of it was particularly interesting, but I'm making some progress on things. Unfortunatly due to various restrictions I've ended up having a lot of work due in the same few days. One piece I wanted later on this term, but the handing in date is not possible!
Back to the doctors tomorrow (It appears as though I am doctor phobic!!), I wonder what pearls of wisdom hes going to have for me this time?!
Sorry I'm rather tired, and had a busy day- I do appreciate the help the doctors are providing me really.

[matt]

yeah i'm sure there'ssomeone out there that i will get on with well but don't quite see how the hell i'm going to meet them from insdie my comfort zone.. and yes i do know how to resolve that. easier said than done as we all know.:lol2:

glad the house warming went well. enjoy the weekend away. cheaper option. ship kids to grandparents and stay home with the money spent on food and drink!!

ok so it's going to be cold today but i'm off to grab a couple of caches as i need someone to grab a web cam image of me at one! should be nice and sunny but the only thing they are going to see is this well padded michellin man with a thick fur hat on!!! :lol2: that'll scare the locals

noisy neighbours... mine were playing up at the weekend. tried some boots foam ear plugs. they really work. well recommended.:eek:

[cnc]

Hmmm ear plugs maybe a little tricky if I fail to hear my alarm go off!! Also I'd probably forget to take them out, and wonder why my hearing was dodgy :D

I must do some shopping today. I've run out of fresh fruit, and meat. Which means I'm lacking in some basic foods really!!

[cnc]

Visit to the doctor this morning was surprisingly calm!! He however admitted that he doesn't really know whats wrong with me which is why I've got to go and see the specialist :S He also predicted a rough time ahead for me (not sure I needed to know this, and was happy in my ignorance!!)
Shopping done, so I now have lots of fruit and smoothies to consume, but yet the marble cake still looks the most appealing!!

[rebecca c]

Its a lovely day here but cold so good weather for the geocaching - I hope.

Clare I hope they get you to a specialist ASAP. Meantime your regime seems sensible and you need to carry on with the same attitude.

The course was better than I expected, it covers a lot of issues which I think about all the time but dont know anybody else who would want to discuss it. The tutor tried to get some heated debate going last night and I enjoy joining in or leading these. Gardens next week so I may be in my element.

Finding it hard to get back into work as my son has been sick and I have been a little bit ill but hopefully I'll pick a routine and get into the swing soon. As I have a slight tummy bug I'm taking a week off the food challenges which is a mental relief.

[goose]

Hello everyone, glad to see you all missed me.....:crying: .. not.
Have been really busy with work and getting the garden going in time for the summer, well thats if we dont get hit with the russian weather.
My camera hobbie has come to a hault, when i finally recieved the thing, it did not work so sent it back again, so when i have the time ill be hunting for another.
Hope everyone is well and Gill hope the recovery is ok. Claire take it easy for god sake, Matt nice photos, which may of been on the gallery a while. but just had a chance to check them out.

[cnc]

Goose, I am taking it easy honestly!! But I get bored easily as well!! Is the garden sorted out now then?? Are they not sending you a replacement camera?

Rebecca, I've been referred to the specialist and am a now just waiting for the day of the appointment. If all this comes back clear though, I get sent off to another specialist instead :unsure: Oh well, at least it'll prove to uni that I am ill and that they should be lenient with my exams :) Hope you recover from the bug soon.

[matt]

good to hear from you again goose. it's hard to keep up with who's here and who isn't so sorry if i miss out on checking anyone.
can still remember when there was about three of us on here!!!:o

much better now.

hope you are feeling better soon rebecca and that gardening bit lives up to what you hope.

my next OU course will be starting soon, geology this time. need to sort myself out and really concentrate this time as there will be an exam at the end!:( trying to retain and regurgitate the info and cope with being in a crowd/ my odd eating sleeping times interfering!!! no point worrying now.

lovely day in the sunshine yesterday. going to be cold today.

have a nice day all.:)

[Fozzybear]

I have trouble keeping up with who's here and who isn't too.

Geology sounds interesting Matt, that's one thing I would quite like to look into, but in a more casual way. I can't see me clambering around volcanoes but I'd like to know a bit more about the make-up of the landscape. Hope you'll keep us updated on how you get on. :)

[cnc]

I get to produce an essay on volcanic hazards this term, which I'm sure will be great fun- if I ever get time to actually write it, with all of the other essays that are mounting up!!
Fozzybear, there are plenty of books around on geology-some are a bit dodgy, but you should be able to pick some reasonable ones up from a library.
I've got 3 hours of statistical training this afternoon- think my head may explode by then :) Need to get things sorted for my travel grant as well, as the deadline for that is looming closer.

[matt]

geology and volcanoes, dinosaurs, asteroids.... a boys dreams answered!!!:lol2:

always had an affinity with the subject, did the a level years ago and nearly went to uni but decided to work for a living instead and dropped the idea. now i've time on my hands and need to exercise the brain seemed like a good idea.

good evening with daughter baking cakes and doing homework. early start to take herto school as normal today thne undecided. see how cold it is!!

hope everyone is feeling well

[cnc]

This morning I am unamused. One of my neighbours alarm went off for an hour this morning!! 10 past 7, I was awoken, not amused in the slightest.
Have recieved more test results back, and apparently all of my viral titres have come back normal, which has puzzled doctors, and they seem less sure of it being post-viral fatigue anymore, which is a little worrying. But I'm not getting any worse, which is something I guess :)
Busy evening today I think. Going to coach an erg and then am going to a business event, hopefully. This morning may consist of sending emails and trying to get this form a bit more sorted.

Hope everyone is ok.

[Copper]

Pleased to hear that you enjoyed baking cakes with your daughter, Matt.

Claire - you are thinking positively which is good. I am sure that the medics will find out what is wrong with you eventually.

I am still very tired - must be an age thing :) actually I have always been a tired person. I am sure that I have read somewhere that intolerances make you tired. It must be the constant battles going on in my body as I will give it "poison" to deal with.

On a high note my car now has brake lights and the ABS warning light is never on, so that must have been in the same wiring circuit as the brakes.

There was deep stress on the drive to work today as the workmen have decided to shut a main road between Bournemouth & Poole. It took me ages to get to work this morning and then I was lucky to get a car park space. This road will be closed for the best part of two weeks!!! I will have to leave home even earlier in order to get to work on time. That will not help me to feel less tired :(

[cnc]

I do get quite frustrated sometimes (read a lot of the time), but I try and behave myself as I'm sure you lot don't want to hear me whinge on.
And on that note, I'm feeling rather worse for wear at the moment, and am going to treat myself to a snooze :)

Hope the roadworks clear soon Copper, and spend some more time looking after yourself, relaxing :)

[matt]

copper feeling old? never. traffic in bournemouth a bloomin nightmare most of the spring summer and autumn so nice of the workmen to use the winter to make it terrible all year long and bring back memories of the summer!

went for a walk yesterday after being sociable to a chatty ex but too damn cold so gave up on that idea.!!

so came home and made some bread for mum instead. what a dear i am.:o

[Fozzybear]

I'm glad I don't own a car - they can be useful, but I can certainly live without the stress and hassle they seem to cause!

Had a headache all yesterday so just went to bed when I got home at 5pm. I got up about 10pm feeling hungry so had a Trufree potato and veg pot and watched a little telly before going back to bed. I think I've got rid of it now, which is good as I'm on holiday today - couldn't face another day of assembling circuit boards. I've not got anything planned but I might head out to Colchester on the train with my camera. I don't know if the weather will be ok or not but I might be able to get a few snaps.

[rebecca c]

Well I'm about to head off to my weekend in a posh hotel sans kids. Getting away early as they are both off sick with this bug that has certainly made most of the kids in Brighton sick - I dont know about elsewhere. Nausea, headaches and cold symptoms. Packed loads of warm clothes and some good books.

Claire - I dont really know if I should suggest this because I dont know the full story of your health problems and I know they are bad but have you considered some extension of your food intolerence. I only say because I had 6 months of my life ruined last year because the soya in my inhaler gave me a white blood cell reaction ie eosinophilia which gave me some extreme symptoms including night sweats and a fever of 101, which you would not really expect from a bit of soya. I understand if this is a totally irrelevant idea though.

Just had our water put on meter and apparently it could cost £400 or more a year so I am a bit shell shocked by that.

Wrap up warm everyone and enjoy the weekend.

[cnc]

Well I'm about to head off to my weekend in a posh hotel sans kids. Hope you have a lovely time :)


Claire - I dont really know if I should suggest this because I dont know the full story of your health problems and I know they are bad but have you considered some extension of your food intolerence. I appreciate the thought, and it had crossed my mind, but I'm not sure a food intolerance would manifest itself in this way. All suggestions are welcome, because the GPs have run out of ideas!!

Quiet weekend I hope. Pizza and film this evening, and then spend some time doing work this weekend. Think Ian is coming to see me on Saturday as well.
Right I'm off for a lie down now, had a bit of a bad night last night, and was woken early by my neighbours alarm again so off to have a little snooze, speak later!!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

[cnc]

Had a headache all yesterday

Think I'm going mad, I glanced at this and thought it said hedgehog.... Bizarre images going through my mind :)
Anyway I hope you have recovered now, and are having a nice day off.

[Fozzybear]

My hedgehog came back very slightly when I was heading into town so I decided not to go to Colchester (if I've got a touch of a headache the train ride always seems to brings it on for some reason), but I did walk around Chelmsford and took quite a few photos, even though the wind was absolutely freezing so holding the camera sent my fingers totally numb! Will sort through them later and post some up if I've any good'uns. The headache didn't develop though, so I'm ok now - just trying to warm up again.

[cnc]

Fozzybear, don't be mean to me!! I can't help it!!Hope you've warmed up now.
Well I've been to sleep for about 2 hours now, so at least I currently feel as though I'm on the same planet as every one else.

[Fozzybear]

I'm only joshing with you. :hug:

[cnc]

I know :D

I appreciate the usage of the phrase joshing as well!! Is a lovely Scottish phrase.

[matt]

hey you two the chat rooms for online chatting!!!:lol2:

damn cold yesterday, mean to be all weekend but dry atleast so...
not much planned today as will see what mood madam is in when she gets up. happy to spend the day just doing stuff with her.

don't do cold as i turn blue and stop functioning! and thats when i'm all wrapped up!:eek:

hedgehogs are a pain aren't they? sometimes you can't seem to get rid of them and they hang aboutfor bloomin ages. and the looks people give you:lol2:

[cnc]

hey you two the chat rooms for online chatting!!!:lol2:
You moan when there's not enough posts, so we have some fun online and then you complain- Men!! :p

The alarm was going off again today, I still can't work out where exactly its coming from, I'm pretty sure its not in my room, as it appears to be louder outside....
Ians coming to see me today, I need some food, so might make him take me to Tescos and also to get some over the door coat hangers from Argos.
hedgehogs are a pain aren't they? sometimes you can't seem to get rid of them and they hang aboutfor bloomin ages. and the looks people give you:lol2:
Stop mocking the afflicted please!! I think I'm being bullied :cry: Just because I'm younger than you two, doesn't mean you can pick on me :lol2:

[Fozzybear]

I don't do chat rooms - I prefer to carefully word my posts, although it doesn't show! :D

Certainly is pretty cold out this morning! I thought I'd get my hair cut so left home at 7.15 to walk up to the barbers for opening at 7.30 but they're opening an hour late today (insert rude word of your choice here). I didn't want to have got up early for nothing so I walked up to Asda to get some shopping. However, Asda is in the next village so it was a two hour round trip on foot (one reason I don't go there much, along with the poor selection of dairy free food). I thought I'd get the bus back part way (we don't have a bus from where I am to Asda, which is sucky) but it was nearly a half hour wait so I just walked and got to where I'd have got off the bus only a few minutes behind the bus. I've just got back home, unpacked my shopping and settled down with some toast and coffee to rest my feet.

I think I really need some new walking boots as mine are wearing out - but I've only had them about 9 months. I get through shoes very quickly, sometimes they only last 6 months and that's decent makes like Clarkes and Hush Puppies. Might get some proper walking shoes from Milletts and see if they last longer.

[Kamagrian]

In the name of balance, I have good and bad things to report to all and sundry...I'll start with the bad!

Just got my payslip through from work, and...oh dear. I'm going to be incredibly broke this month. Good job I have a nice selection of games, books and DVDs in the flat as outings will be a bit thin on the ground. To be fair, I'm sure they must've paid me even less than I'm due - I think there's been some mix up with my sick pay. :( I'll ask the finance worker when I return on Monday.

Good news though...

I'm feeling a fair bit stronger each day. Still in pain but managing without the 24-hour slow-release heroin-type drugs now! I'm back onto the pain relief I was using before the op, which is definitely a big step forward. The doctor says I should be at 100% (as I was well before the pancreatitis that brought me to this board!) in a few months. I'm still a bit anxious and depressed after the surgery (and horrible post-op complications and pain), but I think it's slowly lifting. Friends have been incredibly supportive, and one even sent me a big box of 'stress relieving' toiletries from L'Occitane, one of my favourite companies - so I might be stressed-out but I smell wonderful and my skin's soft! :lol2: My appetite's also been returning bit by bit, so I've been snacking more on fruit and small sandwiches...a big step forward from my 'can't be bothered to eat' phase before the surgery.

I'm planning on returning to work on Monday, though I'm very nervous about what I'll find - there's been some unpleasant political wrangling and powermongering recently, and I'm concerned that my absence will have allowed it to escalate behind my back. I hate things like that - I'm a naive old hippychick by nature, and tend to be open and honest with people, so I really dislike it when others don't show the same respect and transparency.

Oh, another bit of good news! I have tickets to see Edward Scissorhands at the Festival Theatre next week. Five of us are going, and it promises to be a great evening out - though I'm glad I bought the tickets from last month's salary as this month's is so dire!

Haven't been able to be around much online for a couple of weeks, so I'm behind on everyone's news! I'll read back and comment on things when I can. :rolleyes:

Hugs to all,

Gill x

[Kamagrian]

I think I really need some new walking boots as mine are wearing out - but I've only had them about 9 months. I get through shoes very quickly, sometimes they only last 6 months and that's decent makes like Clarkes and Hush Puppies. Might get some proper walking shoes from Milletts and see if they last longer.I managed to get some great Karrimor KSB hiking boots from Blacks or Milletts some time ago, at half price - they're definitely recommended, though I'm not sure if they were cheap because they were discontinuing the brand (a horrible rumour I heard). Matt wears the same ones - romantic, eh?? :lol2: - much more often than I do, and they've worn really well so far.

I had them recommended by a friend who works in outdoor sports sales, so if you're stuck for decent wearing boots, let me know and I'll see if I can get some hints from him on what's good in the market at the moment.

[Kamagrian]

Think I'm going mad, I glanced at this and thought it said hedgehog.... Bizarre images going through my mind :)This made me laugh so much I thought I was going to burst my stitches. You really shouldn't do that to me. :lol2:

I have an image of Fozzybear walking through Colchester with hedgehogs resolutely attached and hanging on for dear life...

[cnc]

This made me laugh so much I thought I was going to burst my stitches. You really shouldn't do that to me. :lol2:

I'm sorry!!

[Fozzybear]

This made me laugh so much I thought I was going to burst my stitches. You really shouldn't do that to me. :lol2:

I have an image of Fozzybear walking through Colchester with hedgehogs resolutely attached and hanging on for dear life...

:lol2:

I hadn't thought of Blacks for shoes, there's one in Chelmsford now so will have to take a walk over there one evening after work.

[cnc]

Gill, glad to hear you're on the mend. Take things easy and get back to being fighting fit- but don't abandon us all, when you get better again :)

Have done very little work today, but have had a busy day doing some shopping and stuff. Am very tired and Ians just gone back so I think a nice warm bath will sort things out for me.
Need to make a reasonably early start tomorrow as have lots of work to do, didn't do quite as much as I intended today (never do!!) and then am going to coach an erg tomorrow, so a bit of cycling to the boathouse for me and then lots of shouting at people!!
Hope you are all having a nice weekend.

[matt]

fozzy, blacks can be good but a proper outdoor walking shop be better , don't know if you have any near you.
good makes i would recommend, merrell, mendl or lowa. all good. tip, get two pairs and wear alternatively, they will last longer than two pairs bought one after the other as the breaks let them rest...

and what's with no visits to the chat room, we never take offence at things said there.... well not much!

gil. really glad to hear you are feeling better. are you really meant to be going back to work yet? remember the longer that the recovery takes due to you not resting enough the longer it will go on for..did thatmake sense???
hope you sort the pay problem, doesn't seem very caring of them considering the issues involved.
oh and think about it, pain killers surpress the desire for food the waif look isn't called herion chic for nothing. and perversely they can cause depression as well as elation. coming off them will also have side effects. the result is that the next few weeks will be up and down a bit but as your body gets used to the lack of them you'll be feeling better all the time.

claire us picking on you has nothing to do with us being older... you're just a great target!!:lol2: i'd still do it if you were older than me. i mean i have no respect for the elderly... (obvious gag coming) i take the mickey out of copper all the time!:lol2:

[cnc]

gil. really glad to hear you are feeling better. are you really meant to be going back to work yet? remember the longer that the recovery takes due to you not resting enough the longer it will go on for..did thatmake sense???It made sense to me and I've been telling her this for a while now, but she doesn't seem to pay attention to me :o!!

claire us picking on you has nothing to do with us being older... you're just a great target!!:lol2: i'd still do it if you were older than me. i mean i have no respect for the elderly... (obvious gag coming) i take the mickey out of copper all the time!:lol2:
Matt you're just a bully!! It's quite simple really. Just because I'm stupid doesn't mean you can pick on me. Just wait until I'm well again, and revenge will be mine :D

Lots of very exciting reading on coral reefs and their decline this morning, which I'm sure will be thrilling, may even get as far as starting to write the essay plan for it today :unsure:
Hope you all have a lovely Sunday.