West Ham United 4 Manchester United 0
Carling Cup Semi Finals here we come!
Epic game, passion, fire and fight. Turned the Mancs over well and truly. COYI! Irons! Irons! Who the f*ck are Man United?
*is forever blowing bubbles*
That is all. Normal service will resume shortly!
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Monday 29 November 2010
One step forward, three steps back!
I suppose that's starting to feel like our life in a nutshell. Just when it looks like there might just be some light at the end of the tunnel, another setback comes along!
This week has been quite stressful anyway, with looking forward to the court case, and having my appointment with a counsellor alongside the constant of Dan's slow recovery and the lack of money as he's now on SSP :( This morning Dan finally had his appointment with a physiotherapist about his legs. Ever since he's been home from hospital his legs have felt numb and cold. At first we put it down to him being stuck in bed for so long, but the more it went on, the less likely that seemed, so quite a few weeks down the line we find out it's probably down to nerve damage, caused by staying in the same position for so long - an unfortunate by-product of all the complications, but this now means that the court hearing has to be adjourned. With the complete, flat on his back rest that's been suggested there was just no way he could make the journey.
It's so frustrating to have to keep delaying these things, the original purpose of the court order was to re-establish contact, and we hoped that at this second hearing, Dan might be in a position to think about more contact. That is now looking highly unlikely, purely down to circumstances way beyond his control. The contact hasn't been properly re-established, and now with the hearing having to be adjourned it looks like fortnightly, 4-5 hour visits will have to continue for the forseeable future at least. Hopefully once recuperated, things will return to normal and we can once again think about more contact, and what is best for the boys, and everyone who loves them.
This week has been quite stressful anyway, with looking forward to the court case, and having my appointment with a counsellor alongside the constant of Dan's slow recovery and the lack of money as he's now on SSP :( This morning Dan finally had his appointment with a physiotherapist about his legs. Ever since he's been home from hospital his legs have felt numb and cold. At first we put it down to him being stuck in bed for so long, but the more it went on, the less likely that seemed, so quite a few weeks down the line we find out it's probably down to nerve damage, caused by staying in the same position for so long - an unfortunate by-product of all the complications, but this now means that the court hearing has to be adjourned. With the complete, flat on his back rest that's been suggested there was just no way he could make the journey.
It's so frustrating to have to keep delaying these things, the original purpose of the court order was to re-establish contact, and we hoped that at this second hearing, Dan might be in a position to think about more contact. That is now looking highly unlikely, purely down to circumstances way beyond his control. The contact hasn't been properly re-established, and now with the hearing having to be adjourned it looks like fortnightly, 4-5 hour visits will have to continue for the forseeable future at least. Hopefully once recuperated, things will return to normal and we can once again think about more contact, and what is best for the boys, and everyone who loves them.
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Winter Wonderland!
Well, not quite :o) But the first snow of the winter has arrived! I do love the snow, makes everything look so pretty, although not so great to drive in. Seeing as I've got a hell of a drive ahead of me on Sunday I hope it's all done and dusted by then.
I'm quite nervous about the weekend as it goes. Apart from Dan's court hearing on Monday regarding contact with his boys, we're going to be seeing his family. Now, I may have been with Dan over two years now, but I've not met anyone from his side of the family yet, so the knowledge that I will now be meeting not only his brother and his girlfriend, but as we have been invited to Sunday Lunch with Dan's Dad and his wife I'll be getting the whole package at once! Eek! I get nervous about this sort of thing anyway - and practically the whole family at once is a daunting prospect!
Wish me luck? :o)
I'm quite nervous about the weekend as it goes. Apart from Dan's court hearing on Monday regarding contact with his boys, we're going to be seeing his family. Now, I may have been with Dan over two years now, but I've not met anyone from his side of the family yet, so the knowledge that I will now be meeting not only his brother and his girlfriend, but as we have been invited to Sunday Lunch with Dan's Dad and his wife I'll be getting the whole package at once! Eek! I get nervous about this sort of thing anyway - and practically the whole family at once is a daunting prospect!
Wish me luck? :o)
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Dementors
Today is not a good day. The weekend was wonderful, we saw the new Harry Potter film which was fantastic. We wandered around Norwich in all its Christmassy glory, stocked up on Lush and had a lovey dinner. The rest of the weekend was spent watching the rest of the Potter DVD's and generally relaxing with a few jobs getting done here and there.
Christmassy Norwich!
The menagerie seem to be getting on just fine, although Pussumph is starting to get a wee bit too intrigued with the gerbils....but they're in a cage, she's outside, so I'm not overly worried.
But, not a good day. I've been feeling worse and worse for a while, and even a rainbow this morning couldn't lift my spirits. My mind can't seem to settle on what to worry about next. Problems and issues seem to be swirling around inside my head like a storm, and the reasons to feel negative are stacked up so high I can't see the top of them. The positives are hiding themselves very well right now.
There are only so many times you can say "Things will get better soon" before the words become hollow. Only so many times you can try and find the light before you just stop looking. All my efforts seem to end up being a waste, and make me feel like I shouldn't have bothered in the first place. You can only be the "Strong One" for so long before the burden just becomes too heavy to bear.
I'm not in a good place right now, and can't see a way out anytime soon. Here's hoping my appointment tomorrow is a step back towards the positive, optimistic, sunny me that I hold so dear, and feel like I'm fast losing grip on.
Christmassy Norwich!
The menagerie seem to be getting on just fine, although Pussumph is starting to get a wee bit too intrigued with the gerbils....but they're in a cage, she's outside, so I'm not overly worried.
But, not a good day. I've been feeling worse and worse for a while, and even a rainbow this morning couldn't lift my spirits. My mind can't seem to settle on what to worry about next. Problems and issues seem to be swirling around inside my head like a storm, and the reasons to feel negative are stacked up so high I can't see the top of them. The positives are hiding themselves very well right now.
There are only so many times you can say "Things will get better soon" before the words become hollow. Only so many times you can try and find the light before you just stop looking. All my efforts seem to end up being a waste, and make me feel like I shouldn't have bothered in the first place. You can only be the "Strong One" for so long before the burden just becomes too heavy to bear.
I'm not in a good place right now, and can't see a way out anytime soon. Here's hoping my appointment tomorrow is a step back towards the positive, optimistic, sunny me that I hold so dear, and feel like I'm fast losing grip on.
Friday 19 November 2010
A busy few days!
The end of this week has been a bit busy by my standards, normally, during the week, evenings are spent relaxing and doing not a great deal. Due to work being a 40 minute drive away, I'm out of the house for at least 10 hours a day, so I don't have a great deal of motivation to do much in the evenings. However, yesterday was a different story.
My Sister and my Mum had been to see Sally Morgan (Psychic Sally) last year. They were both very impressed as she had spoken to my Mum and put her mind at rest regarding something that had been bothering her since her sister died. She knew the name of my Mum's Sister and her Dad with no prompts and answered her question. So when she was due to appear at the local theatre they snapped up tickets and got a spare for me. Now, I have never seen her on television, in fact hadn't really heard of her before so I wasn't exactly overexcited at the prospect of sitting in a cold theatre for 2 hours on a Thursday evening - without even adding in the fact I'd have to get to work for 8.30am to make sure I was home in time! To my surprise though, I enjoyed the show. When someone "came through" for someone in the audience, the information she passed on was astonishingly accurate, and it made for an intriguing evening. You could feel the theatre pulsing with spirit activity as well which was something rather special to feel. I came out of there with quite a positive attitude.
Today I've decided to take a half day of holiday, I am woefully low on holiday, and was informed yesterday that I can't buy any more until March (grumblegrumble) but today is the day that the first part of the last Harry Potter film is released!! Hague wanted to go into Norwich anyway to see the Lotus F1 car that will be on display, I need to go to Lush, so it seemed the sensible thing to do seeing as we could make a nice early viewing which will (hopefully) be lighter on overexcited children than the later viewings....I can but live in hope! lol! You'd have thought that I'd recognise the fact by now that by loving films largely aimed at the younger population I have to contend with the fact that they might actually attend screenings at the cinema, but no, I am eternally optimistic that there will be a minimum of them in attendance......a vain hope methinks!
So, in a mere hour, my weekend will be starting! I'm rather excited about having an afternoon of such fun things to do on a Friday, and still having the whole weekend to enjoy as well. After a pleasant discussion with my boss regarding the objectives for my new role (and confirmation of the lovely new pay rise, and the even lovelier pay rise due in January) I feel the need for a weekend of fun with the deliciousness that is Hague, as the upcoming Family Court hearing is nearly upon us, and any excuse to chill out and relax before that is good enough for me!
My Sister and my Mum had been to see Sally Morgan (Psychic Sally) last year. They were both very impressed as she had spoken to my Mum and put her mind at rest regarding something that had been bothering her since her sister died. She knew the name of my Mum's Sister and her Dad with no prompts and answered her question. So when she was due to appear at the local theatre they snapped up tickets and got a spare for me. Now, I have never seen her on television, in fact hadn't really heard of her before so I wasn't exactly overexcited at the prospect of sitting in a cold theatre for 2 hours on a Thursday evening - without even adding in the fact I'd have to get to work for 8.30am to make sure I was home in time! To my surprise though, I enjoyed the show. When someone "came through" for someone in the audience, the information she passed on was astonishingly accurate, and it made for an intriguing evening. You could feel the theatre pulsing with spirit activity as well which was something rather special to feel. I came out of there with quite a positive attitude.
Today I've decided to take a half day of holiday, I am woefully low on holiday, and was informed yesterday that I can't buy any more until March (grumblegrumble) but today is the day that the first part of the last Harry Potter film is released!! Hague wanted to go into Norwich anyway to see the Lotus F1 car that will be on display, I need to go to Lush, so it seemed the sensible thing to do seeing as we could make a nice early viewing which will (hopefully) be lighter on overexcited children than the later viewings....I can but live in hope! lol! You'd have thought that I'd recognise the fact by now that by loving films largely aimed at the younger population I have to contend with the fact that they might actually attend screenings at the cinema, but no, I am eternally optimistic that there will be a minimum of them in attendance......a vain hope methinks!
So, in a mere hour, my weekend will be starting! I'm rather excited about having an afternoon of such fun things to do on a Friday, and still having the whole weekend to enjoy as well. After a pleasant discussion with my boss regarding the objectives for my new role (and confirmation of the lovely new pay rise, and the even lovelier pay rise due in January) I feel the need for a weekend of fun with the deliciousness that is Hague, as the upcoming Family Court hearing is nearly upon us, and any excuse to chill out and relax before that is good enough for me!
Sunday 14 November 2010
A Girlie/Geeza Kind of Weekend!
It's getting near to the end of the weekend (unfortunately) but it's been a really fun one!
Friday was payday, so the chance to get the Christmas shopping finished off - the time of the year when the internet truly comes into its own. You have to love the fact that if you so desired, you could do all your shopping without leaving the house :) For someone who HATES fighting through aimless wanderers to buy presents, this is a much better option!
We'd also decided to do some baking on Saturday. It's been an age since we've done anything like this, so with the help of Tesco and their 3 for 2 on baking goods offer, we got stocked up and got baking :)
We created butterfly buns, bluberry muffins and caramel shortbread.
Friday was payday, so the chance to get the Christmas shopping finished off - the time of the year when the internet truly comes into its own. You have to love the fact that if you so desired, you could do all your shopping without leaving the house :) For someone who HATES fighting through aimless wanderers to buy presents, this is a much better option!
We'd also decided to do some baking on Saturday. It's been an age since we've done anything like this, so with the help of Tesco and their 3 for 2 on baking goods offer, we got stocked up and got baking :)
We created butterfly buns, bluberry muffins and caramel shortbread.
All were delicious, although the caramel was slightly more toffee-ish than squishy, but no less yummy because of it!
After such a girlie afternoon, we headed off to The Parentals to watch Haye vs Harrison. I'd been so looking forward to this fight. I was well and truly in the Haye camp and he duly delivered, making "Ordinary" look exactly that, and hopefully one step closer to being Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World! I love boxing, my Dad always watched it when I was growing up, and as I've got older, I've grown to appreciate it more and more. I've even been to the York Hall, Bethnal Green in my time.
The evening continued at home, with us watching UFC122 and attempting and failing to stay awake to see the Manny Pacquiao fight!
As always on a Sunday, it's been a lazy one, catching up on washing, and as I type, I'm watching Darts and waiting for Sky to show the Manny fight again, as we have tried desperately not to come across the result today so we can enjoy the fight to the full later.
So here's to a lovely weekend, of baking and sport and family and relaxing - what else are weekends for?
Friday 12 November 2010
Musical musings
I love music, I adore music. I simply can't imagine life without music of some kind. When I'm happy, when I'm down, when I'm at work, when I'm in the car, I just don't feel right without music on.
There are so many songs that mean so much to me that I struggle to choose my favourite song, or even my top ten as my head fills with the varied and multitude of songs that I have loved over the years.
I like anything and everything. My iPod contains a ridiculously eclectic mix.....Dolly Parton? Check. Kylie? Check. Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Girls Aloud, Operatic arias, Musicals.....you name it, it's probably on there. Music really is a huge part of my life!
I'm not one of these people that "get" meanings of songs though - that sort of thing passes me by, it's more intuitive to me, it could be the hint of a beat in the song...or one line that just hooks me in, but I like that, music shouldn't be something you can analyse and explain, it should be deeper than that, it should move you in some way, even if only in the literal sense of making you want to dance.
Every now and again a song comes along that just speaks to me....I can never put my finger on quite why, but I'll hear it once and just become obsessed, I'll need to listen over and over again, and each time I love it more and more. I need to move when I hear it, need to sing out the lyrics, just close my eyes and enjoy everything about it, vocal, beat, rhythmn, backing, production - in my mind it's perfect :o)
The last song that had that effect one me was this....
It's successor has now appeared, the latest Mark Ronson song, featuring Boy George has just become my new obsession, I can't stop listening to it. I love Boy George's voice in it, I love the beat, and could literally listen to it over and over again :)
Please listen....I hope you like it :) 2010's Song of Wonderfulness :)
Thursday 11 November 2010
Lest we forget...
Today is the 11th day of the 11th month. A day for remembrance, and a day I think we should always stop and take pause at the striking of the 11th hour.
Both my Grandfather's served in the Second World War, my Maternal Grandfather was a member of the Medical Corps, I am proud to have his cap badge. My Paternal Grandfather was an RAF Engineer.
My Maternal Grandfather's Brothers both served in that war as well. My Uncle Bill served with the Desert Rats, and used to proudly regale us with tales of serving alongside Spike Milligan. Christmas visits always involved the grandchildren, listening open mouthed as he told us about his adventures during the war. My Uncle Bert, Grandad's youngest brother never spoke of his time spent serving his country. He was one of the Forgotten Army in Burma and took his experiences with him to his grave, the last of his Brothers to sleep.
Thousands and thousands of young men serve our country, have lain down their lives for our freedom, for the freedom we take for granted, take as a "right". Today, soldiers all over the world are missing their families whilst we are safe at home. Buying a Poppy, donating to the Royal British Legion simply shows that you care, that you appreciate the enormous sacrifice made for us, and the price that is paid for freedom.
No-one else in my family has served, we are not an army family, however I will always buy a Poppy in November, I will always observe the 2 minute silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. I will always shed a tear as I see the Poppies fall during the Festival of Remembrance....and I will never forget.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
www.poppy.org.uk
Both my Grandfather's served in the Second World War, my Maternal Grandfather was a member of the Medical Corps, I am proud to have his cap badge. My Paternal Grandfather was an RAF Engineer.
My Maternal Grandfather's Brothers both served in that war as well. My Uncle Bill served with the Desert Rats, and used to proudly regale us with tales of serving alongside Spike Milligan. Christmas visits always involved the grandchildren, listening open mouthed as he told us about his adventures during the war. My Uncle Bert, Grandad's youngest brother never spoke of his time spent serving his country. He was one of the Forgotten Army in Burma and took his experiences with him to his grave, the last of his Brothers to sleep.
Thousands and thousands of young men serve our country, have lain down their lives for our freedom, for the freedom we take for granted, take as a "right". Today, soldiers all over the world are missing their families whilst we are safe at home. Buying a Poppy, donating to the Royal British Legion simply shows that you care, that you appreciate the enormous sacrifice made for us, and the price that is paid for freedom.
No-one else in my family has served, we are not an army family, however I will always buy a Poppy in November, I will always observe the 2 minute silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. I will always shed a tear as I see the Poppies fall during the Festival of Remembrance....and I will never forget.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
www.poppy.org.uk
Friday 5 November 2010
Expectations vs Reality
Today is November 5th, notable for being Guy Fawkes Night. A night of fun and fireworks, and for some wonderfully British reason, celebrating someone trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament. It is also the date that Hague and myself started to live together....some might say this is a reason to celebrate, an anniversary of sorts, but it's hard to see it that way.
When we met, Hague was married, albeit in an open relationship. We could claim many anniversaries if we tried, July 18th when we first met, a couple of weeks later when the words "I love you" were first uttered, or even our first weekend away. None of them feel right, we weren't truly together, weren't free to be a couple or express our love for each other. The 5th of November is the date when Dan told his wife he was leaving, the date will never, and can never be a happy one. It was a day of fear, dread, pain, anguish and one I will never forget for mostly the wrong reasons, although the feeling of relief to reach home at the end of that day will be something I will always remember.
From that day onwards, we have built something good. There have been wonderful highs and lower lows than I thought I could get through, but we've done it. I think we have come through some awful times stronger than ever, and things do seem to get better and better. We muddle along like a couple of kids most of the time, happy just to be in each others company, facing whatever life throws at us whilst trying to keep smiles on our faces.
But.....no marker for us, no anniversary, just the daily reality of us, Mitchell and Hague, together, and more in love every day.
In other Expectations and Reality conflicts today, my unerring belief that I will be winning the lottery this weekend has appeared in the Not Quite as I Saw it category today by being a £20 scratchcard win rather than the £18 Million I was planning on ;o) Such is life!
My Lover, My Soulmate, My Partner in Crime...
When we met, Hague was married, albeit in an open relationship. We could claim many anniversaries if we tried, July 18th when we first met, a couple of weeks later when the words "I love you" were first uttered, or even our first weekend away. None of them feel right, we weren't truly together, weren't free to be a couple or express our love for each other. The 5th of November is the date when Dan told his wife he was leaving, the date will never, and can never be a happy one. It was a day of fear, dread, pain, anguish and one I will never forget for mostly the wrong reasons, although the feeling of relief to reach home at the end of that day will be something I will always remember.
From that day onwards, we have built something good. There have been wonderful highs and lower lows than I thought I could get through, but we've done it. I think we have come through some awful times stronger than ever, and things do seem to get better and better. We muddle along like a couple of kids most of the time, happy just to be in each others company, facing whatever life throws at us whilst trying to keep smiles on our faces.
But.....no marker for us, no anniversary, just the daily reality of us, Mitchell and Hague, together, and more in love every day.
In other Expectations and Reality conflicts today, my unerring belief that I will be winning the lottery this weekend has appeared in the Not Quite as I Saw it category today by being a £20 scratchcard win rather than the £18 Million I was planning on ;o) Such is life!
My Lover, My Soulmate, My Partner in Crime...
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Who knew?
Happiness supposedly lies in the smallest of pleasures - but who knew we were quite so happy!!
A survey has been carried out by Radio 3 regarding the happiness of the nation, and apparently the smallest things make us happy, with watching television whilst eating pizza or chocolate scoring highly. Another key to happiness is living in East Anglia. Now, seeing as we live on one of the most Eastern points of East Anglia, and last night was spent watching television whilst eating first pizza and then chocolate, we are officially as happy as happy can be! :o)
All I need to work on now is the £40,000 annual income and we'll be laughing!
The article :)
Joking aside, I do find myself happy the majority of the time, and I honestly do believe it's the taking pleasure from the smallest of things that is key to a positive outlook, why look for things to bring you down, when you can so easily find the things that lift your spirits and raise a smile?
A survey has been carried out by Radio 3 regarding the happiness of the nation, and apparently the smallest things make us happy, with watching television whilst eating pizza or chocolate scoring highly. Another key to happiness is living in East Anglia. Now, seeing as we live on one of the most Eastern points of East Anglia, and last night was spent watching television whilst eating first pizza and then chocolate, we are officially as happy as happy can be! :o)
All I need to work on now is the £40,000 annual income and we'll be laughing!
The article :)
Joking aside, I do find myself happy the majority of the time, and I honestly do believe it's the taking pleasure from the smallest of things that is key to a positive outlook, why look for things to bring you down, when you can so easily find the things that lift your spirits and raise a smile?
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