callender3

Strange sort of day today. My birthday started at 2am (which is the time I believe I came into this world) and I was fast asleep thank God! I went to the doctor to essentially get some more painkillers for my rib. The doctor confirmed that I have a suspected fractured rib - don't you love the English language? I do. However I have been prescribed a month's supply of stuff - happy pills I call them although they do have the capacity of sending me to sleep.

Am on my own this evening, watching Wimbledon with the cat (who is semi comatose at present!), drinking wine (which I shouldn't be doing). Chip is with the Scouts in his kayak. Oh well, there are worse ways of spending a birthday don't you think.

I really should be starting to pack for my time away with the cadets. We are going to an RAF base in Bedfordshire which will be OK. The boys and girls on the trip are a decent bunch so that's OK. Don't know what the kids from the other 2 schools are like; we'll find out ....

Hi there everyone. I haven't been on LJ for simply ages; so much seems to have happened that LJ has kind of taken 2nd place. Forgive me if this entry is therefore a rather long one. About 4 weeks ago, my epilepsy reared it's ugly head again, this time I was in the disabled toilets at work. I do not, repeat NOT recommend anyone to have an argument with a toilet bowl - it will always win! It left me with a lovely(?) cut on my forehead along with bruised cartilage down the length of my nose. This still hurts! My hubby took me to the local hospital where they glued my cut together. They use a form of superglue instead of stitches.

I also interviewed for my line manager's position. Trish is moving on in August at the beginning of the new session so her place was up for grabs. I felt that the interview was OK but .... My mum gave me so much confidence afterwards by saying that I don't interview well. Helpful eh? Anyway, the position has gone to someone from outside so that will be interesting to see how things work out when she starts at the end of June. I will not see much of her over the holidays as I will be away for about 4 weeks out of the 6.

THEN, we heard about the death of Grant, a dear colleague who had been diagnosed with a couple of brain tumours barely 3 months ago. The memorial service was full with standing room only. Many of the pupils came in school uniform (they did not have to, it was their choice) and the Rugby club and FPs (former pupils) came wearing their club colours, ties, blazers etc. Bless Grant, he went out with a bang! in the best sense. He is a man I will never forget; he had time for everybody and was a wonderful Guidance Leader. He had such an impact on everyone he met. May God bless him and keep him.

Finally, I came off my bike on my way into work last Tuesday. Lord, that hurt! I am now battered and bruised virtually all over. My cycle helmet saved my head, that I'm certain as it is now finished with and I have to buy a new one. My ribs are bruised I'm moving about somewhat gingerly. One finger is a mess. Again my husband fetched me from work and took me to Edinburgh's big hospital which is a 30-40 minute drive away. They finally saw me 90 minutes later at about 11am, they wanted to x-ray my elbow and my right lung incase ... Fortunately I was OK. Finally got home with pain killers at about 2pm and stayed off work until Friday. Glad I went back as the cat kept sitting on all my bumps and bruises. My touch typing is now rubbish and will remain so until my finger heals.

Otherwise I'm fine and dandy!

At long, long, LONG last, I have managed to get myself into gear and tell you all about my hols in the USA over the school Easter break. We took the train to Birmingham and then met up with my 2 step-kids on the following morning. As the hotel was at the airport, this meant just a stroll across the way and then check in, which we duly did. Plane left on time to Schipol in Amsterdam. There, our problems started. We had to wait for a couple of hours anyway, but it ended up being more like 5! Arrived at 1.25am instead of 11.30pm - bit of a difference!

Sunday: I wasn't well, so didn't go for dim sum in Chinatown with the rest of the family. Instead my sister showed me round Greenwich (CT) and we had lunch out. It was a shame as I would have loved to have gone out with the rest of them. Oh well ......

Monday - NYC here we go. Central Station, Empire State Building. What I really hated was going through airport security control every time you went anywhere. Paranoia if you ask me. Worthwhile; the views from the Empire State Building are amazing.

Tuesday - We didn't do an awful lot. We had the loan of my sister's car, so we messed about a bit. The kids were quite tired and didn't really want to do an awful lot.

Wednesday - Again, had the car and we drove up the coast to Mystic, an old whaling port. Some of the old 19th century houses have been renovated as have some of the old working techniques, ie. they had an old printing press which the kids had a go on and a shed/barn where the ropes were made. They also had a couple of ships renovated as well which is always interesting to look around. There was a display of the wicked barbs and spears they used in the whaling industry. I found it all really interesting.

Thursday - Back to NYC where we headed for Liberty and Ellis Islands. However, we had to queue for ages to get tickets and we decided that we only had time to land on Ellis Island only. This proved to be a good move as the boat did a circuit of Liberty Island! GUESS WHAT? Yep, through 'airport' security AGAIN! We all caught the sun that day!

Friday - Last day so it was buying pressies for people back home and things - you know the routine.

Saturday - the kids wanted to go for dim sum again, so my brother-in-law complied. This time I went! Inevitably we looked around the stalls in Chinatown as well. When we got back to Greenwich, it was time to finish off packing and check we had everything and then head off to the airport.

The flights home were more timeous than the ones out but still had to wait for the kids' mum to come and pick them up. We went to our hotel and simply crashed. We caught the train the following morning and when we got home, the cat was ever so pleased to see us (she pretended to be in a huff with us though!)

It was a fun holiday and lovely to see family.

Can't wait to go away. At least I will leave my troubles behind (namely getting a new bus pass sorted out - a saga of bureaucracy and Councils, not to mention the Scottish Executive!). Don't really know what to pack; for once I have the smaller suitcase which means that Chip can carry the 3 packets of McVitie's digestives, 3 packets of McVitie's plain chocolate digestive biscuits and 3 packets of oatcakes. He's got room for his clothes too. Sunday, we're off to Chinatown in Manhattan with my sister and her family. Will definitely have fun there even though I won't be able to understand the Chinese. That's fine though as my brother-in-law is Chinese - easy peasy. Will try and update whilst I'm away, but it is more likely that I will fill you all in upon my return. Take care.

I have had a fairly quiet couple of days other than Choir practice last night. I was absolutely knackered after that - diction, diction, diction - never mind getting the notes right! Being Bach you need both! Concerts are at the weekend; one in a church in the city centre and the other at Dunblane Cathedral, Fife which is a lovely little cathedral (if cathedrals can ever be wee). I am looking forward to both of these and I know they will be hard work. Liquid medicine will have to be at hand!

Tonight, Chris and I are off to the ballet. What again? I hear you say. I have had tickets for this one for ages and 4 of us are going to Glasgow. The ballet is Nutcracker! choreographed by Matthew Bourne who did Swan Lake, about 10 years ago now, for a male corps de ballet. Yum - lots of eye candy! I have been told that this production is excellent and I'm really looking forward to it. Gosh! two ballets in under a week!! There are worse things to do - like housework!!

Will no doubt keep you posted tomorrow as to how things went tonight ...... watch this space .....

I have really enjoyed today for 2 reasons. I didn't stay at home to do the housework (that's tomorrow!) but went to the ballet instead and also Scotland beat England in the rugby (which I didn't see 'cos I was at the ballet).

A midsummer Night's Dream was set in this version, basically on the train between England and Edinburgh and consisted of a touring company going north to perform Romeo and Juliet. Very witty and clever staging and an awful lot of fun. Men were half-dressed and their 6-packs were natural for sure - no (or very little) weight training (other than lifting women above their heads) required. It was lovely to hear plenty of children laughing at the ballet, as intended. Going to what my family calls a 'Sat Mat' it is expected to see plenty of kids. The theatre was pretty full though. A very enjoyable afternoon - as it was wet and dreary outside, I didn't miss much!

I am in a slight quandary in that I simply can't make up my own mind. Dumb I know but ..... The flat is in a total mess and I don't know whether I'm coming or going. Chris is out all day Saturday and Sunday, so it makes sense to make some sense of the marital abode! HOWEVER, there is the ballet is performing a Saturday Matinee doing A Midsummer Night's Dream and I am tempted. Head versus the Heart to nearly quote Chris de Burgh. I will have to see if my friend Catherine is available and wants to go. I think we both need cheering up.

Finished my commissioned socks and got payment for both pairs just a couple of days ago. Wonderful stuff I say, since it was £24 which didn't take an awful lot of effort. Must get some more commissions at some point.

Busy at work - the amount of paperwork which is currently crossing my desk is on the increase. I feel jealous of Scrivener13 in that her desk is always clear of stuff. I intend to (hopefully) blitz my papers in the near future. I won't be able to over the Easter break since I will be on hols then; week 1 at home and week 2 in the US visiting my sister and her family; can't wait.

Just finished watching Dirty Dancing yet again. Who cares how many times? PS still looks gorgeous.

1. What is your name: Janet
2. Four letter word: jest
3. Vehicle: jumbo jet
4. City: Johannasburg
5. Boy Name: Jeffrey
6. Girl Name: Judy
7. Alcoholic drink: Jeroboam
8. Occupation: Judge
9. Something you wear: jewellery
10. Celebrity: Janice Joplin
11. Food: Jumbalaya
12. Something found in a bathroom: Jeyes cleaning fluid
13. Reason for being late: jack-knifed
14. Cartoon Character: Jerry (as in Tom &)
15. Something you shout: juuuummmppppp!
16. Animal: jaguar
17. Body part: jawbone
18. Word to describe you: jovial
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If you call going on a cadet camp with 10 kids between the ages of 15 and 18 a holiday or relaxation, well think again! I had Tues, Wed and Thurs off work; well at least out of the office! As I help with the cadets at school I have the opportunity to help on the various camps. This time it was to RAF Leuchars in Fife with 10 kids (4 girls, 6 boys). They were actually very good and they all got on OK. The RAF guys did a good job of organising various visits around the base ie. to the maintenance hangar, one of the resident squadrons, Air Traffic Control etc. and they made it interesting. Got to sit in one of the Tornado jet fighters. A bit cramped and you couldn't see out of the front because of all the switches, buttons, dials and displays. The kids of course loved it. We went bowling that evening and I had the dubious honour of coming last!

Wednesday, all of them got to go flying for 30 minustes or so in one of the training aircraft called a Grob Tutor. One boy threw up! They also got to shoot at the range beside the runway. Ear defenders definitely recommended. Anyway, they managed to shoot off a total of 400 rounds of ammunition and, again, they had a blast (excuse the pun!)

When I got home on Wednesday it took me a good couple of hours to defrost. There had been freezing fog the night before and the air temperature was cool. Being outside didn't help. Once I soaked in the bath (fell asleep there which is something I NEVER do!) I felt a lot better.

Thursday I didn't do much at all except for knitting my sock. I am now finally knitting for myself instead of for other people. I managed to finish my commissions last weekend. Hooray. Might just get back to my guernsey sweater and/or my Shetland lace shawl. One thing I really must do is get back to my bobbin lace. I intended to do some over the winter but ..... time flew terribly quickly.

Chris spoke to his ex-wife regarding taking the kids on holiday at the end of July. The lamest excuse I have heard so far is that, if they returned to their mum on 1 August, how will she manage to get their clothes washed and ironed prior to them going away to the Isle of Wight? Not our problem. We, however, have compensated in that we will pick them up on 23 July and return them on 31 July. She's still moaning with the same excuse. She's evil to say the least. When I feel less angry about her I might write some more about her. At present I would use too many 4-letter words and the computer might blow up!!!!!!

You Are 41% Burned Out

You're fairly burned out, and it shows. You probably have been feeling a little rundown and irritable lately. If you can, drop a few of your minor responsibilities and focus on what's really important. You have too much on your plate, and it's catching up with you.

Although my voice is back I suppose my system is still recovering a bit.

I have had a simply wonderful day. There was a 3 hour rehearsal which was hard work; even the orchestra said so! The concert was fun and I reckon we did ourselves credit. Plagues and pestilence prevailed (see my LJ from a few days ago - I forgot to add the water turning into blood and a surfeit of hailstones!); I was great fun.

Back to Back as from tomorrow!

Sleep well my darlings.

Well, it's concert weekend again. This means that I have a 3 hour rehearsal tonight (1900-2200 hrs)another one tomorrow afternoon and then the concert in the evening. I'll be Handel'd out. I am singing a piece called Israel in Egypt by Handel and it is from the Book of Exodus and Moses leading the children of Israel to the promised land etc. It also tells about the plagues (flies, frogs, water turning to blood, death of the Egyptian first born - that kind of jolly thing!) It will be fun.

Today my voice has deserted me completely. I'm not too certain whether I will last the day out; we will see. It does mean that I will not be singing at choir practice this evening which is a pity but I am trying to be sensible (fat chance!!). I will have to get rid of this bug by the weekend though, as I am doing MORE singing then.

When I'm sick like this, I tend to feel a bit depressed as I can't do what I want to do. I also feel sleepy, lethargic and downright lazy - well what's new there we ask?!

I have had a wonderful weekend doing nothing much other than sleeping, eating and singing but not necessarily in that order. I really didn't do much drinking - 4 glasses of wine and 1 pint of beer and that was it! I managed to leave work at 4.15 and walked to the local train station. There is a problem in Edinburgh at present in that it is almost entirely roadworks of some description or another. Anyway, couldn't cross the road quickly. Bought my ticket and as I was receiving my change the word Dunblane came off the screen - bother, missed train. I waited for the 1706 and got to Dunblane in time for food. Great. After that it was singing time for 90 mins or so. I'd never sung this music before. The words seem to be a load of rubbish but the music's fine. Collapsed into bed after a wee social (2 glasses). Next day, after a healthy breakfast, did some tai-chi syle exercises as a warm up and then a lecture which was informative as well as fun. The guy is a mix of an excellent musician, an academic and a complete nutcase! What a combination. After that it was more singing, lunch, more singing and a 20-minute lesson. My friend Catherine and I wanted to have a go at one of the solos and so had some coaching. Food, audition (Catherine succeeded but I didn't, but then I wasn't confident with the piece). Had a bit of a break so Catherine and I went out for 40 minutes (1 pint) and then more singing and then party time (2 glasses). The Tom Lehrer piece that we did went down very well which was good.

Sunday, another rehearsal after breakfast and then, after lunch, we sang through the whole piece, solos and all. I got a lift back into Edinburgh and then visited my brother before coming home extremely tired. I found it a fabulous and fun weekend as well as being hard work and I felt I learned a lot. Isn't that what a workshop is all about?

The other laugh was that I received two commissions to make socks. Will have to sit down and work all this out ......

Well, I feel a bit like a giddy schoolgirl, all excited and silly! I am going up to Dunblane in Fife for the weekend with one of my best friends. We are doing a music workshop of Handel with a professional group of singers which will be very hard work I know but a lot of fun. We have been asked to do a party piece and since Catherine and I are Tom Lehrer fans, that is what we will be singing tomorrow night. I am really looking forward to this. I will be all hoarse on Monday!

I seem to have left home on a slightly sour note with my other half. Just mentioned something about a previous boyfriend and he got all hurt and jealous. He does the same sort of thing to me from time to time but I'm not bothered in the least as I know he doesn't really mean it. I reckon it's a case of double standards - he can say what he likes but I can't. Oh well! I'm not crying over spilt milk in this case.

0911 and it still isn't properly light yet. I really hate these kind of mornings when it is damp, dark and not very inspiring; what the Scots call dreich! Want January and February to be out of the way as quickly as possible, then we can get on with Spring and Summer.