When I started blogging I couldn't decide whether to use blogger or wordpress so I used both. I've now decided on Wordpress so if you'd like to keep reading what I tripe please follow the following link...
My Wordpress Blog
Hope to continue to hear from you.
Sunday 21 February 2010
Saturday 20 February 2010
Hair Cut 3
I went for my hair cut again on Thursday. I didn’t give much thought to the maintenance side of short hair on the basis that it wouldn’t be there for that long. When it was long I religiously went for it cut twice a year whether it needed it or not. So I copied Roobeedoo this time and went for an asymmetrical look, a very much asymmetrical one, the first time I had it cut short was far enough. Did I mention that I’ve now gone from red to purple? I had to ask for maintenance tips since the red had really faded and apparently BRIGHT ones do. So there followed a shopping spree for colour treated hair shampoo, conditioner and some serum which have all been applied for the last two nights. The hairdresser was heard to say ... ‘You can always do this’ (light tousling with fingers) ‘for a funky look for a change from the sleek one’. Well yesterday I had a sleek top and a funky bottom and today I have a very funky everything and look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards! Not too sure the sleek look is going to work out. I’ll post a picture if I can get B to take one that won’t scare small children.
Friday 19 February 2010
That was the Week that was
I would firstly like to point out that I am no way old enough to remember that programme. I wasn't even a twinkle when it aired but the title adquately describes last week.
Sunday - The toilet got blocked and leaked.
Monday - The mother in law got stuck in the bath it threw her because she let the water out before trying to get out. So three hours later we found her because the toilet was still blocked. I had to get her out and things like this regardless of my dodgy back are NOT MY DEPARTMENT. A friend after checking Mary was okay, nearly wet herself with hysterical laughter. I had my eyes closed at one point despite the numerous towels round her then decided nightmares were better than A&E if we slipped. I then slaved over three ready meals, and had to parcel Bernard's up because he had to go home and see the plumber who was working after hours so charged time and a turd! (That one belongs to the plumber's grandad.)
Plumber left, toilet still blocked. Plumber’s granddad went and got us some ‘Give it One Shot’ while B came back for me. Put ‘Give it One Shot’ down toilet later.
Tuesday – ‘Give it Second Shot’.
The mother in law was going to the doctors anyway with the brother in law. I spent five hours logged on to work and did 3:40 hours because apart from making the contractor a cup of tea I had a ‘couple’ of conversations with mother and brother in law.
In my defence I had no idea that Mary had been asked to provide a wee sample.
First call
Mary: ‘How do I get water in this thing?’ – No hello or anything
Me: ‘Take the lid off, it’s not like the other one’
Mary: ‘But how do I get water in’
Me: ‘Put it under the tap’
Now I can’t remember exactly what Mary said next because the penny was dropping
Me: ‘Do you mean a wee sample? I thought you meant the new kettle!’ Oops
Second call
Mary: ‘Do I use boiling water?’
I don’t know how I didn’t fall off my chair.
Third call
Mary: ‘I can’t go.’
Me: ‘Have you had a cup of tea?’
Mary: ‘No, can I?’
Me: ‘Yes and some breakfast’ – she’d had a fasting blood test
Mary: ‘I need to go today’
Me: ‘I’m sure you will at some point.’
Mary: ‘It needs to go back today’
Further enquiries of doctor's receptionist and then brother in law revealed it infact did ideally need to go back today. So the pressure was on...
Fourth call
Mary: ‘It’s orange. Is that okay? You know, this thing.’
Me: ‘What?’
Mary: ‘In this pot!’ exasperated.
Me: ‘Oh, yes, well you’ve not had much to drink.’ Penny dropping, we’ll be minted if this carries on.
Mary: ‘What colour’s yours?’
Me: ‘Light straw, I drink a lot of water.’
Mary: ‘Is this alright then’
Me: ‘Yes, it will be fine’
Fifth call
Mary: ‘I’ve kicked the bugger over!’
Me: ‘Well you can do another later’
Mary: ‘I don’t think I’ll bother. It’s not worth it.’ - Huge ‘I’m old what’s the point moment’
Me: ‘Would you like to stay with me tonight’
Mary: ‘Yes... but will he not mind’ – Oh, you mean your baby
Me: ‘No, Mary it’s fine, Bernard will be at work anyway’
Mary: ‘Okay, I’ll go and clear this up’
Sudden realisation that the toilet is still blocked – go and ‘Give it Third Shot’.
Sixth call
Mary: ‘I’ve not been yet’
Me: ‘Have another cup of tea. I’ll ring you in an hour. By the way would you prefer it if I stayed at yours?’
Mary: ‘No, the change will do me good.’
‘Give it Fourth Shot’ – Thinking of suing for false advertising
Seventh call – Okay so it was ten minutes after I should have rung –
Me: ‘Sorry, I was getting Bernard’s lunch’ (It’s okay if I’m doing something for B because that’s what I’m supposed to do being a fluffy female. ‘I was getting paving flags up with a crow bar and breaking them with a sledgehammer’ – ‘Did you not get his tea after that?’ – Actually at the time I did.)
Mary: ‘I’ve been!’
Toilet STILL blocked and we’re out of Shots!
Bernard was going to his mum’s to use the toilet, take wee to doctors and tell her she couldn’t spend night at ours but she agreed I could go there.
I used neighbour’s toilet and went to Blood Support Group Meeting. Came home. Got lift off brother in law to mother in law’s. There before nine. Catered to her every whim.
Went to bed about 12 and Mary managed to go to the toilet in the night about 50 times. Okay I exaggerate, slightly. I myself went once and then went and took some painkillers because my back was giving me a bit of gip – maybe different bed and lifting her on Monday and when I went back upstairs about half an hour later she nearly bowled me over going to the toilet as she’d been waiting because she thought I was in bathroom. And every time she got back in bed I had to pull the cover up – somehow she manages when there’s no-one else there. Little old lady act?
Wednesday - Bernard picked me up at 7:00 and Mary stayed in bed. She says she’s normally up at 6 ish!
Tried to get some work done but seemed to take forever.
Tea’d contractor.
Gave toilet whole new bottle of ‘Give it One Shot’. Manufacturer obviously can’t count.
Auntie En phoned to say x-ray showed collapsed vertebra and myeloma scan on blood test. (Still waiting for results of this.)
Phone calls from two friends and Auntie Ann re driving test.
Thursday – Awake at 4:30. Leave message for Blood Nurse re Auntie En’s news, go back to bed.
Up at 7:30. Bernard politely reminded me that I hadn’t transferred money to pay contractor. Locked myself out of internet banking service in rush to prove I wasn’t inept. Used neighbour’s toilet. Went to fail driving test dramatically.
Acupuncturist.
Lunch with friend.
Train to another friend’s (yes I’ve got two), trip to supermarket (oh, the excitement), tea at Chris’s.
So I was out from 8:20 to 22:30. I don’t know what Bernard means that he didn’t see me last week.
Friday – Few hours work.
Few hours Blood Clinic.
Contractor finished drive.
Drainage contractor turned up to clear toilet blockage.
This week... well I’ve been BORED!
Sunday - The toilet got blocked and leaked.
Monday - The mother in law got stuck in the bath it threw her because she let the water out before trying to get out. So three hours later we found her because the toilet was still blocked. I had to get her out and things like this regardless of my dodgy back are NOT MY DEPARTMENT. A friend after checking Mary was okay, nearly wet herself with hysterical laughter. I had my eyes closed at one point despite the numerous towels round her then decided nightmares were better than A&E if we slipped. I then slaved over three ready meals, and had to parcel Bernard's up because he had to go home and see the plumber who was working after hours so charged time and a turd! (That one belongs to the plumber's grandad.)
Plumber left, toilet still blocked. Plumber’s granddad went and got us some ‘Give it One Shot’ while B came back for me. Put ‘Give it One Shot’ down toilet later.
Tuesday – ‘Give it Second Shot’.
The mother in law was going to the doctors anyway with the brother in law. I spent five hours logged on to work and did 3:40 hours because apart from making the contractor a cup of tea I had a ‘couple’ of conversations with mother and brother in law.
In my defence I had no idea that Mary had been asked to provide a wee sample.
First call
Mary: ‘How do I get water in this thing?’ – No hello or anything
Me: ‘Take the lid off, it’s not like the other one’
Mary: ‘But how do I get water in’
Me: ‘Put it under the tap’
Now I can’t remember exactly what Mary said next because the penny was dropping
Me: ‘Do you mean a wee sample? I thought you meant the new kettle!’ Oops
Second call
Mary: ‘Do I use boiling water?’
I don’t know how I didn’t fall off my chair.
Third call
Mary: ‘I can’t go.’
Me: ‘Have you had a cup of tea?’
Mary: ‘No, can I?’
Me: ‘Yes and some breakfast’ – she’d had a fasting blood test
Mary: ‘I need to go today’
Me: ‘I’m sure you will at some point.’
Mary: ‘It needs to go back today’
Further enquiries of doctor's receptionist and then brother in law revealed it infact did ideally need to go back today. So the pressure was on...
Fourth call
Mary: ‘It’s orange. Is that okay? You know, this thing.’
Me: ‘What?’
Mary: ‘In this pot!’ exasperated.
Me: ‘Oh, yes, well you’ve not had much to drink.’ Penny dropping, we’ll be minted if this carries on.
Mary: ‘What colour’s yours?’
Me: ‘Light straw, I drink a lot of water.’
Mary: ‘Is this alright then’
Me: ‘Yes, it will be fine’
Fifth call
Mary: ‘I’ve kicked the bugger over!’
Me: ‘Well you can do another later’
Mary: ‘I don’t think I’ll bother. It’s not worth it.’ - Huge ‘I’m old what’s the point moment’
Me: ‘Would you like to stay with me tonight’
Mary: ‘Yes... but will he not mind’ – Oh, you mean your baby
Me: ‘No, Mary it’s fine, Bernard will be at work anyway’
Mary: ‘Okay, I’ll go and clear this up’
Sudden realisation that the toilet is still blocked – go and ‘Give it Third Shot’.
Sixth call
Mary: ‘I’ve not been yet’
Me: ‘Have another cup of tea. I’ll ring you in an hour. By the way would you prefer it if I stayed at yours?’
Mary: ‘No, the change will do me good.’
‘Give it Fourth Shot’ – Thinking of suing for false advertising
Seventh call – Okay so it was ten minutes after I should have rung –
Me: ‘Sorry, I was getting Bernard’s lunch’ (It’s okay if I’m doing something for B because that’s what I’m supposed to do being a fluffy female. ‘I was getting paving flags up with a crow bar and breaking them with a sledgehammer’ – ‘Did you not get his tea after that?’ – Actually at the time I did.)
Mary: ‘I’ve been!’
Toilet STILL blocked and we’re out of Shots!
Bernard was going to his mum’s to use the toilet, take wee to doctors and tell her she couldn’t spend night at ours but she agreed I could go there.
I used neighbour’s toilet and went to Blood Support Group Meeting. Came home. Got lift off brother in law to mother in law’s. There before nine. Catered to her every whim.
Went to bed about 12 and Mary managed to go to the toilet in the night about 50 times. Okay I exaggerate, slightly. I myself went once and then went and took some painkillers because my back was giving me a bit of gip – maybe different bed and lifting her on Monday and when I went back upstairs about half an hour later she nearly bowled me over going to the toilet as she’d been waiting because she thought I was in bathroom. And every time she got back in bed I had to pull the cover up – somehow she manages when there’s no-one else there. Little old lady act?
Wednesday - Bernard picked me up at 7:00 and Mary stayed in bed. She says she’s normally up at 6 ish!
Tried to get some work done but seemed to take forever.
Tea’d contractor.
Gave toilet whole new bottle of ‘Give it One Shot’. Manufacturer obviously can’t count.
Auntie En phoned to say x-ray showed collapsed vertebra and myeloma scan on blood test. (Still waiting for results of this.)
Phone calls from two friends and Auntie Ann re driving test.
Thursday – Awake at 4:30. Leave message for Blood Nurse re Auntie En’s news, go back to bed.
Up at 7:30. Bernard politely reminded me that I hadn’t transferred money to pay contractor. Locked myself out of internet banking service in rush to prove I wasn’t inept. Used neighbour’s toilet. Went to fail driving test dramatically.
Acupuncturist.
Lunch with friend.
Train to another friend’s (yes I’ve got two), trip to supermarket (oh, the excitement), tea at Chris’s.
So I was out from 8:20 to 22:30. I don’t know what Bernard means that he didn’t see me last week.
Friday – Few hours work.
Few hours Blood Clinic.
Contractor finished drive.
Drainage contractor turned up to clear toilet blockage.
This week... well I’ve been BORED!
Thursday 18 February 2010
Signature Needles
I love these needles. I only have four pairs, so far. I was a big fan of wooden and bamboo needles for a while and they still have a place in my heart and hands for some yarns and occasions but after reading that metallic needles go faster I went back to them but they didn’t feel the same. Then I came across Signature Needles in Vogue Knitting and love the stiletto tips. This is the only time I now ‘wear’ them. The last time I wore the shoe type for a night out from work my husband phoned the friend I worked with, bearing in mind that Pat and I worked within short stick poking distance of each other, and asked her to keep her eye on me and make sure I didn’t fall off them! I don’t know whether its health and safety but I’m sure points on modern needles are getting blunter. However with these needles you get to choose your point – stiletto, middy or blunt as well as the length and end shape and get to see what they look like on screen as you select each.I’m attempting to knit a baby hat at the moment and I cast on last night on my stiletto needles and hit a snag. Well not a snag but the cut on my left index finger. I sustained the injury during an intense encounter with the foil top on a supplement bottle. They’re vicious little things if you don’t assert your authority. As any knitter knows it is nay on impossible to knit with a plaster on, unless it’s on your toe, of course. Anyway the stiletto point on my needles keeps prodding my cut but don’t worry I’m going to persevere. I’ve only done two rows and I want to give it someone tomorrow!
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Look at My Acupuncturist
Deb, who I have started going to again, is a TV star. Well, not quite but she has made an appearance on the TV and she wasn’t getting arrested or anything. It was on some digital channel that I I’d never heard of. I realised I might be able to post a link or view or something here, so here goes...
Deb on the TV
Apparently the glam presenter in her evening attire had manky shoes. And what was going on with the guy’s hair. You need to watch out for Deb’s dry teeth, she was really conscious of her lip sticking to them and so kept licking them and it was caught on camera. Overall an excellent performance I thought even though I’m slightly biased.
And you know what, Deb doesn't even own a telly.
Deb on the TV
Apparently the glam presenter in her evening attire had manky shoes. And what was going on with the guy’s hair. You need to watch out for Deb’s dry teeth, she was really conscious of her lip sticking to them and so kept licking them and it was caught on camera. Overall an excellent performance I thought even though I’m slightly biased.
And you know what, Deb doesn't even own a telly.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
I think this is my Blood Doctor
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
Monday 15 February 2010
Tiny, Tiny Balls of Wool and Other Knitting News
I handed the charity jumpers and hats into the doctor’s receptionist and she asked if I needed any more wool. Now I never refuse wool if offered and said that if she had some I’d be glad of it. Next time I went another receptionist after confirming it was me that did the jumpers handed over a carrier bag of yarn which when emptied expanded like a life raft and I physically couldn’t get it back into the bag. Here it is...
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Now I know exactly what most of this is. It’s the last bits of yarn left from a knitting project that are too large by about two inches to be thrown away but too small to be of any real use. I know I have them. You keep them thinking they may come in handy if you need a little bit of that colour and under no circumstances can force yourself to throw them away even though they are taking up space. Then an opportunity arises to pass them on and then whether they are used or not they are off your conscience*. So I’ve tipped them into a box so I can see what’s going on and am going to knit wonderfully stripy tiny things.
Extreme novelty type wool normally brings me out in a cold sweat and sends me running from the shop but I was given some balls of this type of yarn and so I thought I’d give them a go. Apart from the cuff for a Christmas Stocking I made these two neck warmers.
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I think they are really nice but strangely since I listed them in my etsy shop they haven’t raised any real interest. Meanwhile Tommy’s dinosaur is quite popular, so I think I need to get sewing.
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Now I know exactly what most of this is. It’s the last bits of yarn left from a knitting project that are too large by about two inches to be thrown away but too small to be of any real use. I know I have them. You keep them thinking they may come in handy if you need a little bit of that colour and under no circumstances can force yourself to throw them away even though they are taking up space. Then an opportunity arises to pass them on and then whether they are used or not they are off your conscience*. So I’ve tipped them into a box so I can see what’s going on and am going to knit wonderfully stripy tiny things.
Extreme novelty type wool normally brings me out in a cold sweat and sends me running from the shop but I was given some balls of this type of yarn and so I thought I’d give them a go. Apart from the cuff for a Christmas Stocking I made these two neck warmers.
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I think they are really nice but strangely since I listed them in my etsy shop they haven’t raised any real interest. Meanwhile Tommy’s dinosaur is quite popular, so I think I need to get sewing.
And this became this
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* I couldn’t spell that either maybe it’s because a friend says I haven’t got one.
Sunday 14 February 2010
GOOD NEWS and Random Stuff
Went to the clinic (that always makes me think of an STD) on Friday and my blood results were all normal. Fantastic but you know how I know this, I asked after being told I only need to go back in three months. (Apart from SCT process but this is at a different hospital.) I am constantly amazed at how much information I see on other blogs regarding numbers, particularly your American ones, although admit that 99% of the numbers mean nothing to me. I think it would be easier to extract a tooth from my consultant than any detailed information. I only know I have IGA myeloma because I saw it on a blood test envelope in October.
Okay I’m being a little grouchy. I don't like being told I can't do something. After posting a comment re exercise on Myeloma UK a lady said that her husband had been referred by his consultant via his GP to a HeartSmart programme which despite its name dealt with any serious illness that would benefit from exercise. My haematologist (I can’t spell this word, I ALWAYS get it wrong, so I’m using blood from now on whether it looks right or not) who we saw on Friday won’t do me a letter saying what exercises I can’t do so my GP can’t refer me to an exercise programme . He says I should leave it for a while. I kind of knew we may have a problem there because when we said the professor we saw re the SCT said some weights may be okay, he said why would I want to do that!
Whilst at the hospital I got up to go to the toilet and hubby informed me that my new dress looked from the back like ‘one of those hospital gowns that doesn’t close at the back, but your dress does, but it is nice’.
I now have purple hair – hubby likes it better than the red.
We have a new driveway/front forecourt – it’s gorgeous, the neighbours have been looking possibly, apart from it being irresistible, because it’s a million times better than the previous eyesore.
Hubby doesn’t listen – I’ve suspected for a while but he excelled himself on Friday night. The flush on the now clear toilet wasn’t working. I managed to fix it. (That sounds like it was technical but it was actually just catching on the back of the cistern.) I rushed downstairs where B was just coming in from the garage. ‘I fixed it, I fixed it, I fixed it’ x about 10 whilst dancing a little ‘I fixed it’ nah, nah, na nah nah kind of jig, embarrassing but relevant. Half an hour later B’s in the bathroom, flushes and says ‘I fixed it’, thinking he’s being funny I say ‘Did you, that was clever of you’. Turns out he’d pulled the arm up firmly and it was flowing in but now won’t switch off. A little discussion ensued. I informed one of our extremely handy neighbours of this yesterday and am now under a gagging order. I finally managed to sort it properly today. So B either doesn’t listen or I get so excited about everything and jig about so much that B doesn’t notice anymore!!
B also likes his cherry tomatoes sliced in at least two. I think this is because when they are whole he wastes time chasing them round the plate so can’t get food in this mouth as fast.
I think I may be watching too much South Park because I've started to understand what Kenny is saying.
Okay I’m being a little grouchy. I don't like being told I can't do something. After posting a comment re exercise on Myeloma UK a lady said that her husband had been referred by his consultant via his GP to a HeartSmart programme which despite its name dealt with any serious illness that would benefit from exercise. My haematologist (I can’t spell this word, I ALWAYS get it wrong, so I’m using blood from now on whether it looks right or not) who we saw on Friday won’t do me a letter saying what exercises I can’t do so my GP can’t refer me to an exercise programme . He says I should leave it for a while. I kind of knew we may have a problem there because when we said the professor we saw re the SCT said some weights may be okay, he said why would I want to do that!
Whilst at the hospital I got up to go to the toilet and hubby informed me that my new dress looked from the back like ‘one of those hospital gowns that doesn’t close at the back, but your dress does, but it is nice’.
I now have purple hair – hubby likes it better than the red.
We have a new driveway/front forecourt – it’s gorgeous, the neighbours have been looking possibly, apart from it being irresistible, because it’s a million times better than the previous eyesore.
Hubby doesn’t listen – I’ve suspected for a while but he excelled himself on Friday night. The flush on the now clear toilet wasn’t working. I managed to fix it. (That sounds like it was technical but it was actually just catching on the back of the cistern.) I rushed downstairs where B was just coming in from the garage. ‘I fixed it, I fixed it, I fixed it’ x about 10 whilst dancing a little ‘I fixed it’ nah, nah, na nah nah kind of jig, embarrassing but relevant. Half an hour later B’s in the bathroom, flushes and says ‘I fixed it’, thinking he’s being funny I say ‘Did you, that was clever of you’. Turns out he’d pulled the arm up firmly and it was flowing in but now won’t switch off. A little discussion ensued. I informed one of our extremely handy neighbours of this yesterday and am now under a gagging order. I finally managed to sort it properly today. So B either doesn’t listen or I get so excited about everything and jig about so much that B doesn’t notice anymore!!
B also likes his cherry tomatoes sliced in at least two. I think this is because when they are whole he wastes time chasing them round the plate so can’t get food in this mouth as fast.
I think I may be watching too much South Park because I've started to understand what Kenny is saying.
To Do List 4 – Times on List in Brackets
New
* Make 3 baby presents, 1 for friend’s grandson, Kaiden (new to me), 1 each for etsy mom’s. I like trying out new ideas with someone in mind, so decided to join the etsy baby shower. I thought I had until the end of February until the first arrival but Declan from House of Mouse has arrived early!
I’m one of those people who wait for the idea to materialise, they always just do, rather than force it out but Declan has arrived before my idea has completely appeared.
Still Hanging About – but started
* Make nosebands for donkeys (4)
* Sister in law’s birthday present (2)
* Aran cardigan for me in rose tinted colour (2)
* Post patterns and knitting to Ravelry (2) – if one pattern and one item knitting count as started
* Pattern for colourful baby blanket in squares (2) – again if four rows count
Still Hanging About – not started
* Make another pet toy for etsy – have two ideas for this (2)
Done
* Make fabric hearts – well heart, no s
And from last week's here's the sweater I designed and knit with the sleeve hand bits inspired by Roobeedoo.
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* Make 3 baby presents, 1 for friend’s grandson, Kaiden (new to me), 1 each for etsy mom’s. I like trying out new ideas with someone in mind, so decided to join the etsy baby shower. I thought I had until the end of February until the first arrival but Declan from House of Mouse has arrived early!
I’m one of those people who wait for the idea to materialise, they always just do, rather than force it out but Declan has arrived before my idea has completely appeared.
Still Hanging About – but started
* Make nosebands for donkeys (4)
* Sister in law’s birthday present (2)
* Aran cardigan for me in rose tinted colour (2)
* Post patterns and knitting to Ravelry (2) – if one pattern and one item knitting count as started
* Pattern for colourful baby blanket in squares (2) – again if four rows count
Still Hanging About – not started
* Make another pet toy for etsy – have two ideas for this (2)
Done
* Make fabric hearts – well heart, no s
And from last week's here's the sweater I designed and knit with the sleeve hand bits inspired by Roobeedoo.
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Friday 12 February 2010
Driving Test – I Failed but... I now have a toilet I can flush
You’re allowed 15 minor faults for a pass but no serious or dangerous faults funnily enough.
I got THREE serious faults. Oops! And a few minors.
The edited highlights are as follows
Went to car to do show me, tell me questions
Examiner, we’ll call him Mike, because that’s his name: ‘Show me how you would check the indicators were working without starting the ignition.’
I click the button the keys to open the car I then put the key in the car door and lock the car. I then get a little confused. Realise what I have done and push the key fob button again. Put the keys in the ignition and turn far enough to get indicators, put on left indicator then decide that if I put the hazards on all four will be on at the same time. Do this and walk round the car.
Mike: ‘Happy they work’
Me: ‘Yes’
We get in the car and the next question.
Mike: ‘Tell me how you could check the tyres to ensure sufficient depth’
Me: ‘No cuts or bulges in tyre or side walls, 1.6mm of tread over centre ¾ of width and all round the tyre’
Mike: ‘You learned that well’
Then it went downhill faster than a freewheeling bike down K2 (don’t know how it got up there in the first place like).
Steering (3 minors) – swerve before we even got off the test centre car park, then first left turn just outside test centre I clipped the kerb with the back tyre, later on we went round a mini roundabout and I seemed to be pushing the steering wheel round and round and round
Observation (1 of each) – failed to look left before starting forward on last bit of turn in the road (this was the only one I didn’t realise I’d done but I did know it wasn’t as neat as normal but he said it the actual turning was fine), apparently he was looking at me intently and on parallel parking I didn’t look round enough. I remember thinking where did that car come from as it whizzed by!
Control (1 serious) – parallel parking after aborting the first attempt the second attempt was worse and I was on the kerb, I didn’t even notice this as it was lowered for a drive at that point but did think we were awfully close to the two wheelie bins on the pavement. And this always goes really, really well on my lessons. Before we moved off he went into a detailed description of where to go next and then when he started to do it again even though I said I understood, I had to say ‘I live just behind these houses’, ‘Oh, so you know the area?’ Yes, I just can’t park in it. I thought you may have a little rubbish you wanted to dispose of.
Mirror, single, manoeuvre (1 minor) – signalled on a side road before I checked my mirrors
And then my piste de résistance...
Road markings (1 serious)
Mike: ‘I’d like you to turn right at the top of the road and head for the town centre’
The road we were on splits into three at the top with a join from the right just before the junction and has a box junction if that makes any sense at all.
I check my mirrors and indicate and then don’t move into the correct lane, realise because I notice it says Hard Lane in the middle lane and Town Centre in the right hand line in letters two feet high. I move over but we are half and half. Mike feels so concerned that he tells me I need to be careful. Later on the debrief he said there was a car behind us trying to go straight ahead, well couldn’t it wait.
Then as we turned there is a pelican crossing literally just after the junction, you’re still at an angle, and the lights were on amber so I had to stop for this.
Ten minutes before this I was thinking let’s just get back and get me out of the car.
So we travel back without any further faults but he felt the need to say as we drove into the test centre car park and the parking space straight ahead so no manoeuvring required ‘Just drive in slowly’, well Der!
Me: ‘So, when can I take it again?’
Mike: ‘So you know then.’
Me: Thinking ‘Well if you drive like that and think you’ve passed you should never be allowed on the road again or even in a dodgem’
Apparently he did wonder if I would stop at the crossing after the disastrous turn and was and I quote ‘impressed’ that I had.
Me: ‘Why, because I couldn’t see two foot high letters on the road’
Mike: ‘No, because there was a lot going on and the sun was really bright’
Dave, my instructor, looked more disappointed than me. I’d ruined his current passing streak of seven but he told me not to worry about that. He couldn’t believe the steering faults I’d made and the parallel parking mess.
In other news since 15:08 this afternoon we have a flushing unblocked toilet. It still needs another visit and we need to sort the modern equivalent of a ball cock out (maybe they made it more mechanical looking because the name was politically incorrect) but we can use it. Yea! Bernard said to the nice young drain cleaning specialist we had to call that it was my back log that had caused the back log!
I got THREE serious faults. Oops! And a few minors.
The edited highlights are as follows
Went to car to do show me, tell me questions
Examiner, we’ll call him Mike, because that’s his name: ‘Show me how you would check the indicators were working without starting the ignition.’
I click the button the keys to open the car I then put the key in the car door and lock the car. I then get a little confused. Realise what I have done and push the key fob button again. Put the keys in the ignition and turn far enough to get indicators, put on left indicator then decide that if I put the hazards on all four will be on at the same time. Do this and walk round the car.
Mike: ‘Happy they work’
Me: ‘Yes’
We get in the car and the next question.
Mike: ‘Tell me how you could check the tyres to ensure sufficient depth’
Me: ‘No cuts or bulges in tyre or side walls, 1.6mm of tread over centre ¾ of width and all round the tyre’
Mike: ‘You learned that well’
Then it went downhill faster than a freewheeling bike down K2 (don’t know how it got up there in the first place like).
Steering (3 minors) – swerve before we even got off the test centre car park, then first left turn just outside test centre I clipped the kerb with the back tyre, later on we went round a mini roundabout and I seemed to be pushing the steering wheel round and round and round
Observation (1 of each) – failed to look left before starting forward on last bit of turn in the road (this was the only one I didn’t realise I’d done but I did know it wasn’t as neat as normal but he said it the actual turning was fine), apparently he was looking at me intently and on parallel parking I didn’t look round enough. I remember thinking where did that car come from as it whizzed by!
Control (1 serious) – parallel parking after aborting the first attempt the second attempt was worse and I was on the kerb, I didn’t even notice this as it was lowered for a drive at that point but did think we were awfully close to the two wheelie bins on the pavement. And this always goes really, really well on my lessons. Before we moved off he went into a detailed description of where to go next and then when he started to do it again even though I said I understood, I had to say ‘I live just behind these houses’, ‘Oh, so you know the area?’ Yes, I just can’t park in it. I thought you may have a little rubbish you wanted to dispose of.
Mirror, single, manoeuvre (1 minor) – signalled on a side road before I checked my mirrors
And then my piste de résistance...
Road markings (1 serious)
Mike: ‘I’d like you to turn right at the top of the road and head for the town centre’
The road we were on splits into three at the top with a join from the right just before the junction and has a box junction if that makes any sense at all.
I check my mirrors and indicate and then don’t move into the correct lane, realise because I notice it says Hard Lane in the middle lane and Town Centre in the right hand line in letters two feet high. I move over but we are half and half. Mike feels so concerned that he tells me I need to be careful. Later on the debrief he said there was a car behind us trying to go straight ahead, well couldn’t it wait.
Then as we turned there is a pelican crossing literally just after the junction, you’re still at an angle, and the lights were on amber so I had to stop for this.
Ten minutes before this I was thinking let’s just get back and get me out of the car.
So we travel back without any further faults but he felt the need to say as we drove into the test centre car park and the parking space straight ahead so no manoeuvring required ‘Just drive in slowly’, well Der!
Me: ‘So, when can I take it again?’
Mike: ‘So you know then.’
Me: Thinking ‘Well if you drive like that and think you’ve passed you should never be allowed on the road again or even in a dodgem’
Apparently he did wonder if I would stop at the crossing after the disastrous turn and was and I quote ‘impressed’ that I had.
Me: ‘Why, because I couldn’t see two foot high letters on the road’
Mike: ‘No, because there was a lot going on and the sun was really bright’
Dave, my instructor, looked more disappointed than me. I’d ruined his current passing streak of seven but he told me not to worry about that. He couldn’t believe the steering faults I’d made and the parallel parking mess.
In other news since 15:08 this afternoon we have a flushing unblocked toilet. It still needs another visit and we need to sort the modern equivalent of a ball cock out (maybe they made it more mechanical looking because the name was politically incorrect) but we can use it. Yea! Bernard said to the nice young drain cleaning specialist we had to call that it was my back log that had caused the back log!
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Driving Test
I have my driving test at 9:17, my driving instructor is picking me up at 8:20ish, it’s currently 7:48. With the week we’ve had I haven’t had time to worry too much about it. I had to get my mother in law about of the bath where she had been stuck for three hours, subsequent water sample excitement, haematology support group meeting, sleepover at mother in law’s and continuing adventures with blocked toilet.
I now need to finish breakfast, get dressed (haven’t done yet in case I spilled breakfast), transfer money to pay for new driveway and go to neighbour’s to use toilet. But this has reconfirmed my conviction that the MM isn’t going to get me because I am going to have a heart attack this morning!
I now need to finish breakfast, get dressed (haven’t done yet in case I spilled breakfast), transfer money to pay for new driveway and go to neighbour’s to use toilet. But this has reconfirmed my conviction that the MM isn’t going to get me because I am going to have a heart attack this morning!
Knitting Thank You
The neighbours who took me and Tommy, the needle and thread eating puppy, to the vets have a 5ish month great grand-daughter. So as a thank you I knit the following whether they want it or not - it's the way knitters show their appreciation. A knitter may have to wait a while until a suitably sized opportunity arises (having a small child ensures a quick response). So if you ever get a traditionally knit fairisle or a bedsized blanket you know you did something truly fantastic about ten years ago!
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This potentially both sucks and blows
I know from what I read that myeloma is not genetic but that there may be a genetic susceptibility for the switch to be tripped by exposure to some toxins (possibly petrochemicals) ie, I get exposed and get myeloma but someone else doesn’t.
My Auntie En rang tonight to say that she’d had an x-ray that had shown up a collapsed vertebra and kind of a mass. It was like déjà vu. Plus some crumbly bones. They have said that her GP should start treatment for osteoporosis but wanted blood tests. Auntie En heard them discussing her age, she’s 83. The blood test envelope requested a myeloma scan. I don’t know whether this is routine for these symptoms at this age or not. No-one actually verbally mentioned myeloma to her but she’s as we would say ‘all there with her cough drops’ and read the envelope and obviously knew what myeloma was. The results will be in next week.
I can’t put into words how I feel.
My Auntie En rang tonight to say that she’d had an x-ray that had shown up a collapsed vertebra and kind of a mass. It was like déjà vu. Plus some crumbly bones. They have said that her GP should start treatment for osteoporosis but wanted blood tests. Auntie En heard them discussing her age, she’s 83. The blood test envelope requested a myeloma scan. I don’t know whether this is routine for these symptoms at this age or not. No-one actually verbally mentioned myeloma to her but she’s as we would say ‘all there with her cough drops’ and read the envelope and obviously knew what myeloma was. The results will be in next week.
I can’t put into words how I feel.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
The Toilet Exploded
Well okay that’s not strictly true but it definitely leaked and since I was the one to flush at the time it’s my fault. It was Sunday evening, tea was in the oven and I decided to go to the toilet. I flushed and water and some other stuff came squeezing out of the pipe at the back. I reached for the toilet roll and decided that the only place for that was in the bath out of the way.
I shouted that the toilet was leaking, B shouted back ‘What Mum’, or so I thought. I rushed downstairs, because I now can, and said ‘Did you just call me Mum?????????’, ‘No, I said how come’, not ‘Stand back fluffy female, I’ll deal with this!’ Okay he knows way better than to call me that. So I got some old towels from the garage and whizzed back upstairs and threw then on the wet river fortunately it wasn’t too bad then I rushed back downstairs for more towels, bleach and a bin bag and what was my darling husband doing – ringing an emergency plumber, suiting up to go in and unblock it himself – no, putting up his barm cakes for work.
So after establishing that it was indeed leaking and another flush wouldn’t clear it while being looked at in an accusatory way B having finished making his ‘lunch’ had come to watch the show. Realising this may delay his tea he pitched in. Then he suggested I may want to finish tea. So after changing the towels, bleaching the floor and the toilet, a lot of washing, a change of clothes and liberal use of hand sanitizer I went to put the pasta on while B had his shower.
Then things hit crisis point. B is very much a creature of routine. He also goes to the toilet more than anyone I know. So normally there is a toilet visit before his shower and then another one after his tea, before work! I know you really wanted to know this. So routine had already gone out of the window. What to do? Ring the neighbours and ask to use the loo that’s what. I jokingly said take a toilet roll. I watched him walk up the road swinging said toilet roll.
When he got back he only wanted half a bowl of pasta because he didn’t want to have to go to the toilet again before he went to work. Now I know what you are thinking it is physically impossible and defies the laws of physics that any food consumed under normal circumstances (we all know medication can cause all sorts of stops and starts) could get through the system in less than half an hour, I know, I know it’s crazy but somehow this is how B’s system works. It may be like a relay team thing but without scientific investigation we’ll never know. It’s like Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
The neighbours’ grandson had a look at it last night but apparently the blockage is too far to reach, we have an internal soil pipe so there is no access to the hatch for rodding. He replaced the gasket where it leaked and I am currently having a whale of a time putting Just One Shot drain cleaner down. We’re currently on our third shot. So I feel a strong letter coming on.
I shouted that the toilet was leaking, B shouted back ‘What Mum’, or so I thought. I rushed downstairs, because I now can, and said ‘Did you just call me Mum?????????’, ‘No, I said how come’, not ‘Stand back fluffy female, I’ll deal with this!’ Okay he knows way better than to call me that. So I got some old towels from the garage and whizzed back upstairs and threw then on the wet river fortunately it wasn’t too bad then I rushed back downstairs for more towels, bleach and a bin bag and what was my darling husband doing – ringing an emergency plumber, suiting up to go in and unblock it himself – no, putting up his barm cakes for work.
So after establishing that it was indeed leaking and another flush wouldn’t clear it while being looked at in an accusatory way B having finished making his ‘lunch’ had come to watch the show. Realising this may delay his tea he pitched in. Then he suggested I may want to finish tea. So after changing the towels, bleaching the floor and the toilet, a lot of washing, a change of clothes and liberal use of hand sanitizer I went to put the pasta on while B had his shower.
Then things hit crisis point. B is very much a creature of routine. He also goes to the toilet more than anyone I know. So normally there is a toilet visit before his shower and then another one after his tea, before work! I know you really wanted to know this. So routine had already gone out of the window. What to do? Ring the neighbours and ask to use the loo that’s what. I jokingly said take a toilet roll. I watched him walk up the road swinging said toilet roll.
When he got back he only wanted half a bowl of pasta because he didn’t want to have to go to the toilet again before he went to work. Now I know what you are thinking it is physically impossible and defies the laws of physics that any food consumed under normal circumstances (we all know medication can cause all sorts of stops and starts) could get through the system in less than half an hour, I know, I know it’s crazy but somehow this is how B’s system works. It may be like a relay team thing but without scientific investigation we’ll never know. It’s like Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
The neighbours’ grandson had a look at it last night but apparently the blockage is too far to reach, we have an internal soil pipe so there is no access to the hatch for rodding. He replaced the gasket where it leaked and I am currently having a whale of a time putting Just One Shot drain cleaner down. We’re currently on our third shot. So I feel a strong letter coming on.
Sunday 7 February 2010
Paper Heart Ornaments
I have a friend (hurrah for me). Chris. She’s not arty. She’s good with ideas but the actual practical follow through is not something we talk about MUCH – one time this resulted in me cross stitching the Virgin Mary’s face for a nativity. (I spent ages trying to find the right colour for her lips as it’s a big responsibility making sure she doesn’t look tarty.) Chris is one of the instructors, minders, I don’t actually know the right word, at the youth club at her church. Last week it was craft day and she didn’t know what to do. I suggested the following, she pretended to consider it, but she decided to put this off until later in the year so she could have a run up to it. They did paint by numbers! Does that even count as being taught a craft. So I decided to publish the instructions here, so once she’s got use to the internet on the laptop they’ve just got, she can look at them long and often. If you decide to give them a go pics would be great.
Now I’m typing slowing for the hard of understanding... (Chris – can you hear me okay? x)
Materials
Card or paper (at least A4 – you can get 2 out of this size)
Sellotape or double sided tape
Thread
Staples, glue or double sided tape
How to
Cut the paper or card into 1” wide strips in the following lengths
1 of 11 ½”
1 x 9"
2 x 7 ½”
Lay 11 ½” strip down flat. Take thread, fold in half and tape to piece between 3” and 4” from one end.
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Place 7 ½” piece 3” from end of strip
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Viola!
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More Ideas
Decorate each strip with sequins, glitter, buttons.
Make them bigger or smaller by using longer or shorter strips.
Add more strips.
Punch a hole in the area first stapled and thread ribbon through. This could then act as the securing strip enabling a bigger heart to be made by not limiting the first strip size to the length of A4. Like this.
Punch a hole in the area where the second staple is and thread a ribbon through or even beads.
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Now I’m typing slowing for the hard of understanding... (Chris – can you hear me okay? x)
Materials
Card or paper (at least A4 – you can get 2 out of this size)
Sellotape or double sided tape
Thread
Staples, glue or double sided tape
How to
Cut the paper or card into 1” wide strips in the following lengths
1 of 11 ½”
1 x 9"
2 x 7 ½”
Lay 11 ½” strip down flat. Take thread, fold in half and tape to piece between 3” and 4” from one end.
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Place 7 ½” piece 3” from end of strip
Place 9” strip on top
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Carefully turn strips over and place remaining 9” piece at same 3” point. Staple (or glue or double sided tape) all strips.
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Fold two strips down on each side and ensuring all ends meet, staple here too.
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Viola!
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More Ideas
Decorate each strip with sequins, glitter, buttons.
Make them bigger or smaller by using longer or shorter strips.
Add more strips.
Punch a hole in the area first stapled and thread ribbon through. This could then act as the securing strip enabling a bigger heart to be made by not limiting the first strip size to the length of A4. Like this.
Punch a hole in the area where the second staple is and thread a ribbon through or even beads.
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Saturday 6 February 2010
Free Knitting Pattern – Orange & Lime Heart
I decided to offer a free pattern in my etsy shop and have put the link on this blog. So if you are interested it’s over there -> somewhere.
Here’s what you’ll be knitting to save you the trip if you don’t like the look of it...
Here’s what you’ll be knitting to save you the trip if you don’t like the look of it...
Look at My Blog
Progress to date. It may not be impressive compared to some but so far I’ve managed to add links, schedule a posting and change the description under the title.
Friday 5 February 2010
To Do List 3 – Times on List in Brackets
New
* Make another pet toy for etsy – have two ideas for this
* Post patterns and knitting to Ravelry
* Pattern for colourful baby blanket in squares
* Sister in law’s birthday present (end of Feb) – no details in case she’s reading this (Hi, Gill)
* Aran cardigan for me in rose tinted colour
Still Hanging About
* Make hearts (2.5) - half done - here are knitted ones – not yet done fabric ones
* Make nosebands for donkeys (not mine) (3)
Done
* Finish jumper pattern and most of jumper – Can’t take all the credit for the pattern sleeve ends these were from Roobeedoo’s idea on Central Park Hoodie with extra Lime – photo to follow
* Finish/knit mitten pattern
* Trousers turned into skirt and back to trousers when I bought more material
* Learn show and tell items for driving test - cancelled. It’s now Thursday 11 Feb
* Get more stuff for mother in law’s hamper – done and given albeit with snow a week late for her birthday. Hubby keeps saying it was cheap stuff and I keep saying this is what she likes and there was no point getting caviar when she likes cup a soups!!!!!!!!!! So I was being thoughtful not mean well, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
* Make another pet toy for etsy – have two ideas for this
* Post patterns and knitting to Ravelry
* Pattern for colourful baby blanket in squares
* Sister in law’s birthday present (end of Feb) – no details in case she’s reading this (Hi, Gill)
* Aran cardigan for me in rose tinted colour
Still Hanging About
* Make hearts (2.5) - half done - here are knitted ones – not yet done fabric ones
* Make nosebands for donkeys (not mine) (3)
Done
* Finish jumper pattern and most of jumper – Can’t take all the credit for the pattern sleeve ends these were from Roobeedoo’s idea on Central Park Hoodie with extra Lime – photo to follow
* Finish/knit mitten pattern
* Trousers turned into skirt and back to trousers when I bought more material
* Learn show and tell items for driving test - cancelled. It’s now Thursday 11 Feb
* Get more stuff for mother in law’s hamper – done and given albeit with snow a week late for her birthday. Hubby keeps saying it was cheap stuff and I keep saying this is what she likes and there was no point getting caviar when she likes cup a soups!!!!!!!!!! So I was being thoughtful not mean well, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Thursday 4 February 2010
Back to Work
I’ve went back to work last week. I'm doing 12 hours a week and it feels soooooooooooooo good.
I’m now a productive member of society again and not sponging off my husband. I don’t like feeling indebted which I think proves I’m feeling almost back to whatever my version of normal is.
I work from home as a typist so I can sit here in my jim jams and listen to surveyors saying things like
‘There are two large trees near the property growing...’ wait for it ‘upwards.’
I’m now a productive member of society again and not sponging off my husband. I don’t like feeling indebted which I think proves I’m feeling almost back to whatever my version of normal is.
I work from home as a typist so I can sit here in my jim jams and listen to surveyors saying things like
‘There are two large trees near the property growing...’ wait for it ‘upwards.’
Wednesday 3 February 2010
South Park and Stem Cells
We went to Australia a few years ago (just as well goodness knows what my insurance would be now) and we based our trip on a few travel guides and more importantly I watched Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Australia. Now I’m having a stem cell transplant I’ve watched South Park and learned all about stem cells. Apparently they can become anything including a Shakey’s Pizza restaurant. I’ll have mine with pepperoni and jalapenos, please!
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Mock Driving Test
I went on my driving lesson yesterday and we did a mock driving test. I failed. After we’d got back to the test centre, Dave my instructor, said ‘Well I think you know you failed. You did things that I’ve never seen you do before!' And I had, I’d driven off from a junction in second gear TWICE!. I still would have passed regardless of all this but then I took what seemed like half an hour to move onto a dual carriageway and this was a serious fault as a van moved alongside us, got tired of waiting and went before us. I have another lesson tomorrow. My test is 11 Feb at 9:17! And if... I mean when I pass, I need a note from the examiner and Dave saying I can drive our car.
Monday 1 February 2010
Exercise Bike
I put it together and had a go. Apparently I’ve done 10 somethings. It doesn’t state the unit it may be miles but I think it’s probably metres. I’m going for a lie down.
Exercise, Nutrition and Needles - not sewing ones
I ordered an exercise bike on Thursday which arrived on Saturday. Last night I unpacked it and the very last bit I got out which was the main part looked like it had been charged by a rhino. The company are sending me a new casing and in the meantime I’m going to put the rest of it together to see if it works because I need to get this fat shifting.
I have received from the nurse at Myeloma UK a couple of leaflets on stretching and strengthening exercises for people with Myeloma. They are really good but a little basic compared to the Oxygen magazine I subscribe too but then I thought well they were probably originally designed with an older age group in mind and I need to consider my collapsed vertebra (just the one fortunately) so maybe no handstands yet. The professor we meet re the stem cell transplant said no lower body exercises, that walking or cycling should be enough but I really liked doing squats and I don’t think I’m yet ready to part with my 7ft barbell. Don’t tell hubby I’m even thinking about the barbell.
I’ve started going back to an acupuncturist. I went when my back problem was thought to be muscular. And am going to try eating from a ‘Traditional Chinese Food Energetics’ viewpoint to improve my overall health. We had a very nice lamb dish yesterday which would benefit my Qi, Blood, Spleen and Kidney. I’m not going to even pretend I know how it works but apparently it does (10 squillion Chinese can’t be wrong).
When I fell off my bike two years ago and needed nine stitches under my knee we were chatting with the orthopaedic surgeon who stitched me up (Eleanor). (The A&E doctor wouldn’t do it and wanted someone from plastics obviously thinking I had very attractive knees.) Anyway whilst we were chatting we got onto the subject of alternative therapies and Eleanor was saying that acupuncture is one that western medicine has proven scientifically to work but doesn’t know how. So that’s good enough for me.
I also need to eat better because I am becoming a small round pudding. I got on the scales last night and I am 64kg. I have bought (on ebay auction) a dress mannequin to photograph my seductively draped scarves on for my etsy shop and also to make clothes. I did not get an adjustable one but a fixed one – 36 26 36 because they look better and are cheaper AND as I am currently (I can’t believe I am going to put my current measurements in hard print but figure it will shame me into action) 39.5 34 39!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have received from the nurse at Myeloma UK a couple of leaflets on stretching and strengthening exercises for people with Myeloma. They are really good but a little basic compared to the Oxygen magazine I subscribe too but then I thought well they were probably originally designed with an older age group in mind and I need to consider my collapsed vertebra (just the one fortunately) so maybe no handstands yet. The professor we meet re the stem cell transplant said no lower body exercises, that walking or cycling should be enough but I really liked doing squats and I don’t think I’m yet ready to part with my 7ft barbell. Don’t tell hubby I’m even thinking about the barbell.
I’ve started going back to an acupuncturist. I went when my back problem was thought to be muscular. And am going to try eating from a ‘Traditional Chinese Food Energetics’ viewpoint to improve my overall health. We had a very nice lamb dish yesterday which would benefit my Qi, Blood, Spleen and Kidney. I’m not going to even pretend I know how it works but apparently it does (10 squillion Chinese can’t be wrong).
When I fell off my bike two years ago and needed nine stitches under my knee we were chatting with the orthopaedic surgeon who stitched me up (Eleanor). (The A&E doctor wouldn’t do it and wanted someone from plastics obviously thinking I had very attractive knees.) Anyway whilst we were chatting we got onto the subject of alternative therapies and Eleanor was saying that acupuncture is one that western medicine has proven scientifically to work but doesn’t know how. So that’s good enough for me.
I also need to eat better because I am becoming a small round pudding. I got on the scales last night and I am 64kg. I have bought (on ebay auction) a dress mannequin to photograph my seductively draped scarves on for my etsy shop and also to make clothes. I did not get an adjustable one but a fixed one – 36 26 36 because they look better and are cheaper AND as I am currently (I can’t believe I am going to put my current measurements in hard print but figure it will shame me into action) 39.5 34 39!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday 30 January 2010
The Printer is Testing Me
The printer is testing me. It must have thought I was bragging about my IQ and now it won’t communicate with the PC. Does it not know that I have things to scan so that I can sew some hearts for Valentines Day. Of course it does – which is why it is playing up. I’ll go do some knitting and then surprise it later.
This is what I’m currently knitting. Can you tell what it is yet?
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This is what I’m currently knitting. Can you tell what it is yet?
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IQ 140 - Believe It or Not
I did an IQ test on Facebook and it said that my IQ was over 140 – but to find out exactly I needed to either pay $2.99 or sign up for various stuff. Needless to say despite my genius IQ (move over Stephen Hawking) after attempting to sign up it seemed to go pear shaped and I didn’t find out exactly how much of a genius I am.
Then last Saturday when we still had Tommy with us – I got up and attempted to put my glovey type socks on (see Look at My Socks). Here’s how in went
Pick first sock up, put on left foot, couldn’t match toes to toe holes, Tommy looked from sock to me ‘What are you doing, it’s a sock’, gave up on that sock, put right sock on, didn’t seem to have right number of toes or sock had grown extra toes in the night. Tommy gives me another look ‘Are you going to be these on or not?’. It was looking like not but I wasn’t going to be beaten by rampant socks. Went back to first sock. Take it slow one toe at a time. Tommy all but signed ‘For goodness sake it’s a sock get it on and let’s go out’. Hurrah, matched all toes in the left one. Went back to right one. Got the knack now only took five minutes!
I had a late night last Saturday and don’t think I’ve managed to catch up yet (3:00am). Friends came round for tea (dinner if you’re posh) and I had reason to switch the laptop on and look up Wizard of Oz. Made the mistake of leaving computer on and picked it up again when they left just after 1:00am and after playing a game and checking email it was 3:00am. (I’m addicted to the games on Big Fish Games at the moment, mainly because you can try before you buy and after just one more go – there’s no knitting done and it’s time for supper and I just wanted to do one while I was eating my breakfast.)
So this morning my IQ was tested again. The dishwasher hadn’t drained. So after cleaning the filter I put it on again. Just waiting now to see if it’s worked.
And then I just got hubby his bagels for breakfast, he has a lie in Saturday and Sunday to make up for lost sleep in the week (he works nights) and put my Bonefos tablet on his plate instead of his Glucosamine. Fortunately I noticed in time but made the mistake of confessing and he wanted to know what would have happened. So I said trust me I have an IQ over 140 it wouldn’t have killed you.
I know need to wait and see if my genius IQ worked on the dishwasher or whether it flooded the kitchen. I may need to pay the $2.99 to find out that there’d been a mistake and it was actually 14.
Hey - I have managed to add places to visit links so I am becoming more web literate, it's taken long enough.
Then last Saturday when we still had Tommy with us – I got up and attempted to put my glovey type socks on (see Look at My Socks). Here’s how in went
Pick first sock up, put on left foot, couldn’t match toes to toe holes, Tommy looked from sock to me ‘What are you doing, it’s a sock’, gave up on that sock, put right sock on, didn’t seem to have right number of toes or sock had grown extra toes in the night. Tommy gives me another look ‘Are you going to be these on or not?’. It was looking like not but I wasn’t going to be beaten by rampant socks. Went back to first sock. Take it slow one toe at a time. Tommy all but signed ‘For goodness sake it’s a sock get it on and let’s go out’. Hurrah, matched all toes in the left one. Went back to right one. Got the knack now only took five minutes!
I had a late night last Saturday and don’t think I’ve managed to catch up yet (3:00am). Friends came round for tea (dinner if you’re posh) and I had reason to switch the laptop on and look up Wizard of Oz. Made the mistake of leaving computer on and picked it up again when they left just after 1:00am and after playing a game and checking email it was 3:00am. (I’m addicted to the games on Big Fish Games at the moment, mainly because you can try before you buy and after just one more go – there’s no knitting done and it’s time for supper and I just wanted to do one while I was eating my breakfast.)
So this morning my IQ was tested again. The dishwasher hadn’t drained. So after cleaning the filter I put it on again. Just waiting now to see if it’s worked.
And then I just got hubby his bagels for breakfast, he has a lie in Saturday and Sunday to make up for lost sleep in the week (he works nights) and put my Bonefos tablet on his plate instead of his Glucosamine. Fortunately I noticed in time but made the mistake of confessing and he wanted to know what would have happened. So I said trust me I have an IQ over 140 it wouldn’t have killed you.
I know need to wait and see if my genius IQ worked on the dishwasher or whether it flooded the kitchen. I may need to pay the $2.99 to find out that there’d been a mistake and it was actually 14.
Hey - I have managed to add places to visit links so I am becoming more web literate, it's taken long enough.
Wednesday 27 January 2010
Doy Bags
I just love the things on the doy bags website. The only thing is they are one of these things that you think wow they are really cool but would never, ever buy to use possibly because I'm not really a handbag kind of gal but I really want something from them. I've been contemplating one of the tidy boxes but they haven't made one yet to go with my decor but it is for a good cause and they are also cutting down on rubbish but yet they don't go with my decor!!!!!!
The only other thing I could do is buy hubby a lunch bag. I'm sure he'd be the envy of all his workmates.
The only other thing I could do is buy hubby a lunch bag. I'm sure he'd be the envy of all his workmates.
Friday 22 January 2010
Testing by Tommy
Testing of the 1172 Dino is proceeding as hoped. So far it’s still intact. However we did have a casualty last night. My yoga ball. It was completely my fault. Tommy has perked up since the ‘incident’ on Monday and I thought how cute would he be playing with a ball. I’ll make him a fabric one. However in the mean time I remembered a small yoga ball I had in just the right size. Not fully inflated and soft so not likely to cause him a problem while he’s healing.
I was right he was soooooooo cute, especially when he managed to get a hold of it because it’s so soft and
carry it around. However said yoga ball lasted all of 15 mins. So if anyone knows a good puncture repair kit let me know.
carry it around. However said yoga ball lasted all of 15 mins. So if anyone knows a good puncture repair kit let me know.
I’m not a complete slave driver so here’s Tommy having a rest from testing with 1172.
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Tuesday 19 January 2010
Tommy Crisis and 1172 Dinosaur
We had a problem last night. A good day was had by all and then Tommy ate a needle and thread!
I wasn’t too sure he had but had seen him doing that kind of caramel in mouth movement reached forward to get hold of his head and saw something shiny in his mouth. Grabbed him to look closer but whatever it was disappeared. He ended up on his back with his legs in the air and me poking about in his mouth. Nothing. Checked the quilt. Nothing. Shook the quilt desperately. Nothing. Went upstairs to check pin cushion. Squeezed until two needles appeared. About right don’t keep more than that in there but still unsure. Tommy seemed fine.
Phoned the nearest vet who fortunately had not yet switched to answerphone and explained. They gave me number of nearest out of hours vet. Bernard was getting ready for work. As you can imagine he was totally unimpressed. Rang them and explained. They said I could take him in for examination. As you know I can’t yet drive as driving test last week was snowed off (now booked for 12 February).
Rang next door neighbour who unfortunately was just about to go out. Rang other neighbour and off we went to the vets after letting Auntie Ann know. Tommy as perky as anything and considered himself out on a jolly refusing to sit on my fleece which I frantically threw down on seat to save it getting hairy after he refused point blank to sit on floor. End up sitting on reusable carrier bag inside as far away from me as he could get.
So we buzzed out way into the vets which is a PDSA clinic in the day and a chargeable out of hours service at night so very utilitarian. Benches round the edge and enclosed reception counter. I explained and nurse went to speak to vet. I looked at sign on reception asking urgently for kitchen roll and wondered why. Looked down and found out why. Tommy was standing on three legs over an increasing large puddle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I grasped the kitchen roll next to the plea and ripped the remaining FOUR sheets off. Well that just about covered it but no way soaked it up. Nurse came back and I sheepishly asked for more kitchen roll, she looked enquiringly. ‘Tommy’s just wee’d!’ ‘Oh, don’t worry about it I’ll clean it up.’
I hung my head in shame. I’d potentially let someone else’s dog eat a needle and thread and then he’d had the opportunity to relieve himself outside but no I let him cock his leg up in reception. And it was purposeful not the cow down panic ‘I’m in a vets’ whoosh but a calm ‘I need a wee and I’m having one here’.
After several isn’t he lovelies he was on the table being poked and prodded. To the general consensus of ‘better safe than sorry’ and that’ll be at least £492 I deserted him there. He was fine right up until the nurse took him through the door to the ‘back’ and then he started dragging his feet. I felt awful.
We came home with the intention of collecting him about an hour and a half later when he came round. Updated Bernard before he went to work and phoned Auntie Ann. Hadn’t had any tea but couldn’t face any. Started cleaning. What seemed like five minutes later realised mobile had just rang. Hunt to find it. TWO missed calls. Was that the house phone? Hunt to find that as I had put in down on way to find mobile!!!! Normally good in a crisis but felt totally responsible. It was the vet he had swallowed the needle and they were going to go in for it. It was in his stomach. Cried. Rang Auntie Ann again. Carried on cleaning. Brother in law rang. Carried on cleaning and attempted to check out In Memoriam verse for father in law’s anniversary. Friend rang. Carried on cleaning. Face book message from nephew. Internet down. Brother in law rang. Cleaned more. Now 23:15. Rang vets. Informed she was in a consult but Tommy was in recovery and doing okay. Vet would ring me back when finished. Texted Auntie Ann. She rang. Cleaned even more. Bernard rang 23:45. Nearly cleaned everything except kitchen sink and vet rang.
Tommy was okay needle and thread retrieved. He didn’t like his hat. We could collect him in morning. Hat??? Finished cleaning shower. Realised hadn’t put washer on with Tommy’s blanket in it. Switched washer on. Had shower. Went to bed 0:45. Put alarm on for 2:30. Didn’t think I was going to get to sleep and then its 2:30. Got up. Put blanket in drier. Went back to bed. 6:30 Bernard rang. Anything else from supermarket. Steam cleaned floors. Got dressed. Upset Bernard.
How touchy are some husbands after being informed that the vet’s bill comes to £1,172.91! I was getting dressed upstairs, he was in the kitchen.
B: ‘Oh no, I got the wrong dog food!’
Me: ‘Why?’
B: ‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHY?
Me: ‘How?’
B: ‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN HOW?’ (Right Shirty Gertie)
I had at this point to go downstairs as shouting from the top seemed to be making matters worse despite the fact that going downstairs to sort this URGENT matter out meant that I wasn’t upstairs getting dressed so we weren’t late picking Tommy up which would also result in upset!
Me: ‘What I mean is what do you mean you got the wrong one oh light of my life?’ Thinking dog food’s dog food, we still have a tin the cupboard, I’m in my jim jams and half asleep and want to go get Tommy, stuff the dog food.
B: ‘Well the one we’ve already got says chicken in loaf and these 12 tins say in jelly. What does that mean?’
Me: ‘How the £%& do I know’ well it was either that or ‘I’m not sure but I’m sure it will be alright.’
So we went for Tommy and dropped off a pack of kitchen roll and B asked whether we got any money off for that and the vet said ‘No, but you didn’t need to do that. That’s nice of you. I feel so bad that you’re having to pay.’
‘Did I tell you’ I enquired going for the sympathy vote ‘that I was using the needle to make a toy for Tommy?’
‘No’ the vet said ‘It may have been cheaper to buy one for £2.00.’
So we went through and saw the x-ray and saw the needle and thread and the vet said again that he was distraught with his ‘hat’ and the penny dropped. And when Bernard said ‘Hat?’ I was able to demonstrate and say ‘Lampshade’. And in he came with this huge lampshade round his neck and dragging on the floor and looking incredibly awkward. And we saw the stitches on his little puppy tummy and I gave him a hug and apologised.
We got home and he had a lie down and B put a cushion under his head and went to bed. I then put a blanket over him and when he seemed a little cold so I gave him the hot water bottle I got for Christmas and then he woke up and was a little dazed and confused looking and promptly went back to sleep again. Slept through about five phone calls. Woke up, followed me upstairs which he wasn’t supposed to do in case he damaged his stitches. Wagged his tail at a friend that visited. Went back to sleep. Ate a little. Auntie Ann and Uncle Ray called and he perked up. He had a little sleep on his back so I could fully see his stitches and feel even worse. I cooked some rice to go with chicken AA brought and he ate it all (B and I had bacon butties). And currently he is asleep at my feet.
Here he is covered by my handknit organic fox fibre cotton blanket lying on my handmade patchwork quilt. Facts I'm sure he appreciated.
'If I don't look that blue thing will disappear. It must be the effects of the drugs' -->
He even managed to pick up the dinosaur which I had finished while he slept this morning. If this survives once he is feeling better I intend to list them in my etsy shop as tested by Tommy and call them 1172 Dinosaurs in view of the fact that this one cost £1,172.
Sunday 17 January 2010
Look at my Tommy
Well I had something to eat yesterday and within the hour was back to my version of normal and went on to have an otherwise good day even managing to persuade my mother in law that the milk that was three days out of date and starting to smell funny really did need throwing out and then coming back from my Auntie Ann’s with Tommy.
He’s 8 months old and a cross between a jack russell and a staffordshire bull. He is a little bit energetic. He chewed through his toy last night and is currently working his way through the plastic bottles for recycling. Once suitably squished they ten become a toy to be thrown and then we start on a new one. There was a slight confusion when Tommy attempted to procure one full of water from my side.
We went for a walk this morning and I impressed myself with how far and how fast I was able to go and Tommy equally excelled himself.
He will sit patiently if he wants something but can’t grasp doing so when instructed. He’s not allowed upstairs and will go as far as the first step then look ‘Can I?’ and when told no waits until you’re out of sight to ensure the imploring look doesn’t go to waste and then tootels off with a whine to amuse himself until your return.
He has inspired me with an idea for toys which I’ll tell you about tomorrow and post a photo of him then because another bottle is squished and ready to be thrown around and I need to tire him out so that when hubby gets home in the morning nothing is chewed or I’ll be in more trouble than Tommy. I did manage to finish a mitten today while he slept which I just love it’s so bright. I don’t suppose I’ll get much done this week as I tend to knit/sew/use the PC upstairs. Well gotta go his head’s cocked and the big brown eyes are looking at me expectantly. ‘I’m so cute and adorable play with me!’
He’s 8 months old and a cross between a jack russell and a staffordshire bull. He is a little bit energetic. He chewed through his toy last night and is currently working his way through the plastic bottles for recycling. Once suitably squished they ten become a toy to be thrown and then we start on a new one. There was a slight confusion when Tommy attempted to procure one full of water from my side.
We went for a walk this morning and I impressed myself with how far and how fast I was able to go and Tommy equally excelled himself.
He will sit patiently if he wants something but can’t grasp doing so when instructed. He’s not allowed upstairs and will go as far as the first step then look ‘Can I?’ and when told no waits until you’re out of sight to ensure the imploring look doesn’t go to waste and then tootels off with a whine to amuse himself until your return.
He has inspired me with an idea for toys which I’ll tell you about tomorrow and post a photo of him then because another bottle is squished and ready to be thrown around and I need to tire him out so that when hubby gets home in the morning nothing is chewed or I’ll be in more trouble than Tommy. I did manage to finish a mitten today while he slept which I just love it’s so bright. I don’t suppose I’ll get much done this week as I tend to knit/sew/use the PC upstairs. Well gotta go his head’s cocked and the big brown eyes are looking at me expectantly. ‘I’m so cute and adorable play with me!’
Saturday 16 January 2010
Stem Cells and Red Hair
I’m not normally a whiney person well, I like to think not. A friend I worked with once told me I’d feel better if I moaned more but I tried it and she suggested I might want to go home early as it didn’t suit me! But I feel a bit whiney and moany this morning. I think it might be an anticlimax and my RED hair and am hungry. I didn’t have much for breakfast but have now taken a Bonefos so I have to wait even though I’ve just toasted bagels for hubby.
It’s not necessarily the redness although it is quite artificial looking, I’m used to henna red applied twice a year. It’s the fact that now I’m not going for my stem cell transplant immediately I’ll have to do something with it to either
a) Keep colour topped up eg, roots
b) Change it completely to something more user friendly
Fortunately I love the shortness.
My stem cells should be hanging their heads in shame as they are to blame for this dilemma, not that you’d notice if they did because there were so few of them. The lazy so and so’s. They mobilised into my blood in so few numbers 0.5% that it’s not even worth poking them out of the bone. There is another drug, Plerixafor, to try but it’s not available on the NHS so the doctor will apply for funding. I’m going to try my private healthcare provider and we can always pay for it ourselves. I can honestly say I never thought I’d be in a position where I couldn’t just get what I wanted from the NHS.
I think I might to whingey and moany because I’m a bit tired today and I don’t like being tired. I have always had to be doing something unless I had a migraine but the problems with my vertebra meant that I couldn’t do a LOT of things for a while even knit. Now I can I feel I can’t take a day off like I have to make up for it or something.
I also need to lose fat and tone up again. I’ve become such a slob and can’t use the myeloma or vertebra as an excuse. I read that you lose up to 10% bodyweight during a stem cell transplant so that would have worked out well. I got weighed at the clinic yesterday and am 63.2kg.
So I need
Less fat, more muscle
Ceramic heated brush
Different hair colour
A new job
An exercise bike or elliptical trainer – we have a treadmill and weights in the garage but it’s too cold
Pass driving test
More sales on etsy
I am a great believer in achievable goals and maybe one or two you need to strive for. Mine was a house worth a certain amount. I thought we would need to build one to do this but our current house is worth more than this.
My new one is
A cure for myeloma that is accessible to everyone
On that note I can now eat again so I’m off for a nice cup of tea and something healthy to go with it.
It’s not necessarily the redness although it is quite artificial looking, I’m used to henna red applied twice a year. It’s the fact that now I’m not going for my stem cell transplant immediately I’ll have to do something with it to either
a) Keep colour topped up eg, roots
b) Change it completely to something more user friendly
Fortunately I love the shortness.
My stem cells should be hanging their heads in shame as they are to blame for this dilemma, not that you’d notice if they did because there were so few of them. The lazy so and so’s. They mobilised into my blood in so few numbers 0.5% that it’s not even worth poking them out of the bone. There is another drug, Plerixafor, to try but it’s not available on the NHS so the doctor will apply for funding. I’m going to try my private healthcare provider and we can always pay for it ourselves. I can honestly say I never thought I’d be in a position where I couldn’t just get what I wanted from the NHS.
I think I might to whingey and moany because I’m a bit tired today and I don’t like being tired. I have always had to be doing something unless I had a migraine but the problems with my vertebra meant that I couldn’t do a LOT of things for a while even knit. Now I can I feel I can’t take a day off like I have to make up for it or something.
I also need to lose fat and tone up again. I’ve become such a slob and can’t use the myeloma or vertebra as an excuse. I read that you lose up to 10% bodyweight during a stem cell transplant so that would have worked out well. I got weighed at the clinic yesterday and am 63.2kg.
So I need
Less fat, more muscle
Ceramic heated brush
Different hair colour
A new job
An exercise bike or elliptical trainer – we have a treadmill and weights in the garage but it’s too cold
Pass driving test
More sales on etsy
I am a great believer in achievable goals and maybe one or two you need to strive for. Mine was a house worth a certain amount. I thought we would need to build one to do this but our current house is worth more than this.
My new one is
A cure for myeloma that is accessible to everyone
On that note I can now eat again so I’m off for a nice cup of tea and something healthy to go with it.
Wednesday 13 January 2010
Hair Dye and Whisky
I have a bit of a cold again. This is about the third since the start of December. I think they are different ones because I’ve had a gap in between. Tonight I treated this one to hot water, lemon juice Manuka honey and a wee dram of Auchentoshan. I’d like to blame this for the current colour of my hair but I bought the dye whilst completely sober this afternoon.
I could have gone for a nice chestnut brown as suggested by the hairdresser but no, I wanted something more dramatic. I dismissed blue as being too dark and I once seven years ago dyed it blue. I remember distinctly it was the night before our two week summer hols and my nice shiny naturally henna enhanced hair went into a blue soggy mess even when dry. I spent the first week of the hols washing it twice a day under a drip of a shower and it was long at the time so it needed a lot of drips.
I settled on Hypnotic Red as (fortunately maybe) they were out of purple and violet.
I got a little on the organic cotton CREAM towels. Fortunately it was one of the old ones and I forgot to sleep with a towel on my pillow so I didn’t get it on the also organic cotton white pillowcase. I don’t know organic this and that and hair full of chemical colour.
Now the other thing of note here is that I neglected to inform my husband before he left for work that I intended to change colour! So this morning I advised him before he saw me. The light went on the second word was hell! He then voiced a thought that I had crossed my mind ‘What’s the driving examiner going to think?’. Second one was 'If you'd had that hair colour 19 years ago I wouldn't have put my hand in that group of girls and pulled you out!'. I still maintain he was just hoping someone/anyone would take his hand but he assures me since I was the only petite brunette it was me he was after.
I normally spend four hours with my head wrapped in cling film and a towel after heating up natural henna from Lush and spreading what basically looks like well rotted manure on my head. Whereas this was really easy to apply but looked like a scene from psycho in the shower rather than like I’d been rolling in a farmer’s field.
So here with have the before and after – can you guess which is which?
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This is the only view available as I had horrendous hat hair static cling, the other side looks like I've been electrocuted!
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On the upside I did go and collect a wig yesterday which I modelled for hubby and which he liked so I do have a Plan B.
I went to yoga yesterday afternoon. It was very gentle yoga sitting in a comfy chair. I kid you not. Apparently I have a very flexible spine. I think this might be good since I have a collapsed vertebra which I neglected to tell the teacher about.
Tuesday 12 January 2010
To Do List
I think this may end up a blogging to do list
I decided to add the number of appearances on the TDL (get me)
* Finish jumper pattern and most of jumper (2)
* Make nosebands for donkeys (not mine) (2)
* Finish/knit mitten pattern - pattern done but not knit(2)
* Make hearts (2)
* Trousers turned into skirt (the miracle of sewing and the lack of material big enough) – cut out but needs sewing (2)
* Learn show and tell items for driving test on Thurs weather permitting (2)
* Get more stuff for mother in laws hamper
I decided to add the number of appearances on the TDL (get me)
* Finish jumper pattern and most of jumper (2)
* Make nosebands for donkeys (not mine) (2)
* Finish/knit mitten pattern - pattern done but not knit(2)
* Make hearts (2)
* Trousers turned into skirt (the miracle of sewing and the lack of material big enough) – cut out but needs sewing (2)
* Learn show and tell items for driving test on Thurs weather permitting (2)
* Get more stuff for mother in laws hamper
Monday 11 January 2010
Too Cold for Fruit
I awoke this morning to the melodious clang of a spade on flags. I thought it must be our next door neighbour who believes, like me but with different things, that the devil makes work for idle hands. But no... it was my husband deciding that 6:45 was a good time to clear the drive around the car. I opened the window and graciously enquired what he was doing with worryingly scant regard that any passing neighbours would be able to view me in my pyjama top and Garfield knickers. (This also being the professional image I’d like to portray for my etsy shop!) I do get dressed before I ‘go to work’.
I tai chi’ed this morning with David Carradine who was looking remarkably well all things considered. It made a change from yoga and I surprised myself with my range of motion but didn’t push it.
Yesterday I sorted by fabric stash, I mean collection and wondered why on earth I’d bought some of them but had a good time finding things I’d forgotten about – I’m going to do some raw silk and organic cotton hearts for valentines. I threw some things away, tending to keep all leftover fabric when I make something ‘Just in case’. Some of these were smaller than the things in my scrap box. But in view of that and what moved location I still don’t seem to have gained a lot of space. I have yet to sort my haberdashery type items, beads, ribbons, etc.
I found my giant bead loom, I don’t think I’ve every loomed anything on it. I also bought a small one at the same time because obviously you need both two and did a little necklace which I wore once to a fancy dress party. They have both been a sound investment.
But maybe not today as today’s schedule has been ring my ISP and confuse them by asking if they do mobile broadband and being passed to technical support by sales and told that if my computer wasn’t connected by a wire to the router I could use it anywhere in the house! I explained that I wanted to use it outside the house and by this I didn’t mean the garden. Further advice had to be sought and the answer was no. I then spend half an hour on the phone with my mobile provider and now, hopefully, have it for 2 months and my dongle is being delivered tomorrow.
Go on driving lesson but just one hour instead of two as snow still thick on side roads.
The other things I ‘need’ to do are
* Finish jumper pattern and most of jumper
* Make nosebands for donkeys (not mine)
* Finish/knit mitten pattern
* Make hearts
* Find material (which should now be easy) and make pair of trousers to wear tomorrow
* Learn show and tell items for driving test on Thurs weather permitting
I might do a To Do List everyday then I feel the need to complete it.
I also need to eat more fruit because it’s good for me. But it’s too cold for fruit. It’s hot chocolate and cake weather. Which made me think how come people who live with cold and snow all the time aren’t obese, what’s their secret? On Saturday I smoothied summer berries and mango with protein powder in a fruit eating effort. Then when I couldn’t finish it all do you know what I did? I froze it. I ate it yesterday and had a kind of body freeze after. No I can’t find the logic in that either. As they say here ‘There’s nowt as queer as folk!.
I tai chi’ed this morning with David Carradine who was looking remarkably well all things considered. It made a change from yoga and I surprised myself with my range of motion but didn’t push it.
Yesterday I sorted by fabric stash, I mean collection and wondered why on earth I’d bought some of them but had a good time finding things I’d forgotten about – I’m going to do some raw silk and organic cotton hearts for valentines. I threw some things away, tending to keep all leftover fabric when I make something ‘Just in case’. Some of these were smaller than the things in my scrap box. But in view of that and what moved location I still don’t seem to have gained a lot of space. I have yet to sort my haberdashery type items, beads, ribbons, etc.
I found my giant bead loom, I don’t think I’ve every loomed anything on it. I also bought a small one at the same time because obviously you need both two and did a little necklace which I wore once to a fancy dress party. They have both been a sound investment.
But maybe not today as today’s schedule has been ring my ISP and confuse them by asking if they do mobile broadband and being passed to technical support by sales and told that if my computer wasn’t connected by a wire to the router I could use it anywhere in the house! I explained that I wanted to use it outside the house and by this I didn’t mean the garden. Further advice had to be sought and the answer was no. I then spend half an hour on the phone with my mobile provider and now, hopefully, have it for 2 months and my dongle is being delivered tomorrow.
Go on driving lesson but just one hour instead of two as snow still thick on side roads.
The other things I ‘need’ to do are
* Finish jumper pattern and most of jumper
* Make nosebands for donkeys (not mine)
* Finish/knit mitten pattern
* Make hearts
* Find material (which should now be easy) and make pair of trousers to wear tomorrow
* Learn show and tell items for driving test on Thurs weather permitting
I might do a To Do List everyday then I feel the need to complete it.
I also need to eat more fruit because it’s good for me. But it’s too cold for fruit. It’s hot chocolate and cake weather. Which made me think how come people who live with cold and snow all the time aren’t obese, what’s their secret? On Saturday I smoothied summer berries and mango with protein powder in a fruit eating effort. Then when I couldn’t finish it all do you know what I did? I froze it. I ate it yesterday and had a kind of body freeze after. No I can’t find the logic in that either. As they say here ‘There’s nowt as queer as folk!.
Saturday 9 January 2010
Yoga, Cold and Cake
Generally I get up and drink 500ml water to get my system off to a good start. This morning I got up put on the things on the radiator which wasn’t on! There’s nothing like toasty clothes on a cold morning. Put the heating on, took a gulp of water, 2 paracetemol, had a cup of tea and a peice of parkin*, nothing like a healthy start to the day.
I may have overdone the yoga yesterday. I spoke to the hematology nurse yesterday about how much to push my back as I was very aware of it during one of the stretches yesterday and wondered whether I should push it because it would improve or accept this was the limit of my range of movement. Apparently because of my vertebra collapse (just one) he said ‘Definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, don’t push it’ – I don’t think he was too sure. So this morning I missed the yoga, I did my night time one yesterday and had the parkin instead. I am now having healthy homemade museli and another cup of tea while typing this and watching/lsiting to Project Runway – the joys of being a multi tasking woman.
* My Auntie En’s parkin is beyond compare. I occasionally part with it to close family and friends but only thin slices, my hand starts shaking if they happen to be watching me cut it and ask for maybe a bit more. The only thing not made by Auntie En that comes close is cheese cake from the Fossil and Heritage Centre in the Orkneys. If you are ever there I highly recommend calling in for some. The carrot cake is pretty good too and the staff are really friendly. If however you are ever anywhere near me don’t expect any parkin without a fight.
I may have overdone the yoga yesterday. I spoke to the hematology nurse yesterday about how much to push my back as I was very aware of it during one of the stretches yesterday and wondered whether I should push it because it would improve or accept this was the limit of my range of movement. Apparently because of my vertebra collapse (just one) he said ‘Definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, don’t push it’ – I don’t think he was too sure. So this morning I missed the yoga, I did my night time one yesterday and had the parkin instead. I am now having healthy homemade museli and another cup of tea while typing this and watching/lsiting to Project Runway – the joys of being a multi tasking woman.
* My Auntie En’s parkin is beyond compare. I occasionally part with it to close family and friends but only thin slices, my hand starts shaking if they happen to be watching me cut it and ask for maybe a bit more. The only thing not made by Auntie En that comes close is cheese cake from the Fossil and Heritage Centre in the Orkneys. If you are ever there I highly recommend calling in for some. The carrot cake is pretty good too and the staff are really friendly. If however you are ever anywhere near me don’t expect any parkin without a fight.
Wool Stash
I sorted out my wool stash. I need to keep using yarn, the word, instead of wool as I keep reminding myself when listing things on etsy. I was brought up calling everything wool that was knit with, cotton, manmade fibres even believe it or not wool but in this age of millions of fibres it can get confusing. So here’s a pic of my stash.
That’s not actually my stash that’s my one ball boxes, as per Sally Melville Styles – a book for using up your yarn collection (I just looked that up on the book and am now going to use it instead of stash) odds and ends. The idea is you sort by colour and not weight and put one ball of each yarn in each colour box and reference to the rest in boxes, cupboards, wardrobes, etc. I have to admit I do have mine in boxes in the wardrobe I converted to shelves in bedroom two or my sewing room as my Auntie En calls it. The doll was a present from her. I have never named her, she has blue eyes and brown hair like me. She also has bloomers on, unlike me, but I love touches like that, things you don't see but that finish things off. She watches over the boxes and makes sure they are not pilfered.
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This is my DMC thread collection. I have forsaken Anchor which are all squished into a box in favour of these. The nails they hang off do provide a little bit of a hazard when getting in and out of the glory hole.
Now I just need to start on my fabric collection. Which was considerably added to by Auntie En recently.
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This is my DMC thread collection. I have forsaken Anchor which are all squished into a box in favour of these. The nails they hang off do provide a little bit of a hazard when getting in and out of the glory hole.Now I just need to start on my fabric collection. Which was considerably added to by Auntie En recently.
Friday 8 January 2010
Yoga
I got up this morning, apparently it's -13 degrees outside the car, I was informed of this at 7:40 a much more acceptable time, and did my yoga, because it's good for you apparently. There was Maddy (Madeline Lewis the instructor), I feel I can be familiar since I have my pyjamas on, looking svelte in her blue lycra on a sunny tree surrounded platform looking all fresh and there was me in said PJs with flannelette bottoms, not having brushed hair or washed as B was having trouble nodding off so I didn't/daren't disturb him with my morning ablutions. I had however brushed my teeth. I was also snuggled in my new cardy completed for Christmas. It has a bit of a design issue with the sleeves but apparently looks like this is the style but knowing that it isn't how I intended keep thinking about ripping out the sleeves and redoing top sections.
I was going to attach a pic but can't find the timber on the camera, can't say I'm too impressed with this latest one. It's a Kodak with 12 mega pixels but I'm a bit disappointed with some of the photos and I don't think it's completely my fault.
I've decided I'm going to have an etsy day and blitz everything I've made and get them listed but first I think I may have to try out the long johns that I got for Christmas because I think it's cold and I'm basing this on my fingers being icy rather than relying on the car to tell me.
I was going to attach a pic but can't find the timber on the camera, can't say I'm too impressed with this latest one. It's a Kodak with 12 mega pixels but I'm a bit disappointed with some of the photos and I don't think it's completely my fault.
I've decided I'm going to have an etsy day and blitz everything I've made and get them listed but first I think I may have to try out the long johns that I got for Christmas because I think it's cold and I'm basing this on my fingers being icy rather than relying on the car to tell me.
Thursday 7 January 2010
Driving Lesson and my Behind
I had a driving lesson today - in the SNOW. When Dave (driving instructor) got here he asked if I still wanted to go as basically I am sensible enough (there's a first) I think he meant old enough, to go slow. If I had been a 17 year old boy racer he wouldn't have considered it. It was fantastic. There was a tiny bit of sliding on roads that we would have thought would be completely clear but with my test next week it really boosted my confidence.
My darling husband gave me a detailed temperature by temperature description of his drive home this morning. It was imperative that he passed this information on to me as soon as he got home at 4:00AM. I was quite surprised that it had reached -10 degrees but could have waited until later to find this out and in fact did because I could only recall as far as -8 when I got up - shame on me!
He then informed me why I did so well in the car this morning. On going into to exciedly tell him about my lesson (I waited until his alarm went off - I'm just so considerate), he asked what I had on as I looked nice. I mistakenly said I had measured my hips last night and they were 39". So the car didn't skid this morning because my large behind stablised it.
AND I still don't know what I am doing on the web but I keep doing stuff. I am expecting a call from NASA any time now.
Look at my Socks!
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Had a little sort out and found these socks so I put them on last night. It was so odd putting 'gloves' on my feet. I had a bit of a 'I have the wrong number of toes crisis'. This reminded me of when my eldest nephew was little and learning to count. His grandad would count Neil's toes with him and then take his own socks off and they would count his. BUT he only had nine toes (due to arthritis) and this would confuse Neil especially since shaking the sock did not produce the missing toe!
Never worn these socks before. Now I know that it would appear that that's a porky because there's bobbles on the big toe but I can assure you that was from the winceyette jim jams I have on last night. To prove it here's another pic from last night that I wasn't going to use because it makes me look pigeon toed.
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Wednesday 6 January 2010
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