To say that I feel quite tired is like saying Lady Godiva was underdressed! I feel absolutely knackered and in pain! I have been taking pain killers since last night and I have already taken one this morning—it isn’t even 9:30am yet! The downside is I get somewhat drowsy after I’ve taken them and to keep me awake I am now drinking strong coffee—and I hardly drink coffee anymore!
The cause of this physical angst was I decided to clear the rubbish off my flower bed yesterday, replant a huge hydrangea (with Peter’s help of course), and plant my spring bulbs. Now my back muscles—from neck to ankles—are protesting from the demands made to them. There was so much muck because of the rain and I had to pull out the nasturtium, sedum and an unclassified weed that threatened to colonise the area. The problem was this area was just outside my kitchen door, which meant I could see everything close up from my kitchen! I was working from 10:30am to 3:30pm. I even had enough energy to wash my car, top up the oil and screen washer liquid. Then I cooked a roast chicken for dinner and prepared my lunch today. I am having a crab linguini with chilli. Yumolah!
Just think this time next week I will be driving a Toyota Yaris instead of a Peugeot. I had to break my piggy bank to buy this car but there is no other recourse. I need to update my car. The Yaris Spirit has everything I want—from fog lights, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric door mirrors, CD/radio, power steering, electric windows, remote central locking, sunroof and a mid size (almost!) 1.3cc VVTi engine. Toyota will deliver the car on Friday this week. I am getting quite excited!
I couldn’t really get that hyped up last week because I wasn’t sure we could get the Yaris I want but late last week everything suddenly came together. Good thing I had a buyer for my car already—my colleague’s husband—and she wrote out a cheque last Friday.
Last week was also a very emotionally charged week especially Thursday and Friday. I am still coming to terms with the events. According to my father’s famous adage—“it was a blessing in disguise”. Good things could come out from terrible events. I am still trying to process everything. Peter was very supportive although I was in a state. I have blocked a lot of emotions from my life to the point of appearing too cold and analytical to some people. I avoid negative emotions like anger, envy and hate. There is nothing to be gained from them. I also avoid confrontation. I have a deep aversion to “dramas”. I do not have it in me to completely lose my temper and go on a rampage. In fact I cannot imagine how it is to go on a blind rage. However I cannot say that I will never snap. Who knows what could happen if someone pushes my “explode” button? Maybe someday I could write about what happened last week but not just yet.
The clocks went back yesterday and we are now in British winter time. The nights are closing in although it is still quite mild for the time of year—ahh, global warming! I am now thinking of Christmas. As per usual I host the family’s Christmas dinner. Where did the year go????
Monday, October 30, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Goodbye MX5!
I just proved something this weekend—I have matured as an individual. There were a couple of things that made me reflect on that. One had something to do with work—and I managed to act as professionally as I could and to let things go even if I feel some stupid individual is acting like a complete idiot. Just because she’s an idiot doesn’t mean I’ll stoop to her level! Actually, I was so pissed off on Friday but didn’t want to ruin the dinner with my in-laws by talking about my trials and tribulations at work. Towards the end of the night I had a pounding headache. I took one Syndol and basically that wipes me out for the night! The following day I was still feeling down so I decided to discuss it with Peter. As per usual he makes me focus on the positive. I guess I needed to let off steam. I felt loads better after that!
The other “proof” that I have indeed matured in my thinking is I have decided to buy a car that suited my needs instead of my passion. Okay, let’s put it this way, since 1989 I have lusted after one particular car—a Mazda MX5. I promised myself I was going to own one someday and since I am about to reach my five-oh next year I thought I should go out and do it! BUT and it’s a big but, the practical side of me won out. I thought a sportscar was impractical for my needs. An MX5 has a big engine for its size—1.8cc to 2.0 cc, hence the tax and running costs are higher. It is only a two-seater, not very versatile and because of its bigger engine it’s not going to be too good for the environment. Okay so the last one sounds like a cop out but hell I do care about my CO2 emissions and global warming! Anyway, I decided to go for a three door Black, Toyota Yaris-VVTi Spirit with a 1.3lt engine. It’s more economical and has all the creature comforts I’d like in a working car eg, alloy wheels, electric windows, mirrors, CD/Radio player, sunroof, Central locking, power steering, aircon, fog lights, anti-lock brakes, etc. I tell you it’s a wrench because I know I’ll never have the same opportunity to buy my MX5! Anyway, I saw the Yaris I wanted on the Toyota website and I asked Peter to negotiate it for me. I already have a buyer for my Peugeot 206. A Yaris is not in the same league as an MX5 but my instincts tell me it is the right choice for me. It will keep me out of mischief and speeding! It’s quite exciting really! I do hope we get this particular car. Keeping my fingers crossed.
The other “proof” that I have indeed matured in my thinking is I have decided to buy a car that suited my needs instead of my passion. Okay, let’s put it this way, since 1989 I have lusted after one particular car—a Mazda MX5. I promised myself I was going to own one someday and since I am about to reach my five-oh next year I thought I should go out and do it! BUT and it’s a big but, the practical side of me won out. I thought a sportscar was impractical for my needs. An MX5 has a big engine for its size—1.8cc to 2.0 cc, hence the tax and running costs are higher. It is only a two-seater, not very versatile and because of its bigger engine it’s not going to be too good for the environment. Okay so the last one sounds like a cop out but hell I do care about my CO2 emissions and global warming! Anyway, I decided to go for a three door Black, Toyota Yaris-VVTi Spirit with a 1.3lt engine. It’s more economical and has all the creature comforts I’d like in a working car eg, alloy wheels, electric windows, mirrors, CD/Radio player, sunroof, Central locking, power steering, aircon, fog lights, anti-lock brakes, etc. I tell you it’s a wrench because I know I’ll never have the same opportunity to buy my MX5! Anyway, I saw the Yaris I wanted on the Toyota website and I asked Peter to negotiate it for me. I already have a buyer for my Peugeot 206. A Yaris is not in the same league as an MX5 but my instincts tell me it is the right choice for me. It will keep me out of mischief and speeding! It’s quite exciting really! I do hope we get this particular car. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Going Green
I plan to go green one day. As Kermit the frog said, it isn’t easy being green! Well Hubby and I made our first tentative step towards the green brigade. We installed our first water butt and it was a major success! It was this that prompted us to buy a bigger one and divert water from one of our down pipes around the house so we can use rain water for our plants. There might be a water ban in the South West one of these days and we want to be ready for it. Actually, watering my garden using rain water from these butts really helps cut down on water bills and is also beneficial to plants. At least rain water does not contain a lot of chemicals—unless it is acid rain!
My next project is a composter. I’ve been reading up on it and there are a lot of models available on the market. I think I am leaning more on the compost tumblers or those plain, compact, compost bins. This is actually the best time of the year to do something environmentally friendly as “composting”. I think I will need to research more on this. I also need to get serious with recycling. I think everyone should think seriously about conserving energy, not just to save on bills but for the future of the planet!
I read in my Sunday magazine that it is now acceptable to eat veal—but not just any kind of veal. They mean British veal coming from the dairy industry. I stopped the practice of preparing veal since the early 90s when I found out how the animals were treated. They were kept in crates so that their flesh remains white and delicate to the taste. The moment I found out I felt absolutely disgusted and never touched the meat again. It was the story with foie gras. The first time I tasted the stuff I was covering a story in Amsterdam and we were treated to dinner by this big company. They had foie gras as a starter and of course I ate what was on offer. Besides I read so much about the stuff I thought I was being “classy”. Then someone told me how they forced fed the geese in order to make their liver nice and fatty. That’s it. Never again! I had images of these poor little creatures being forced fed. Anyway, back to the veal issue, apparently bulls being born to cows in the milk farm are now bred as veal BUT they are allowed to wander around the farm. They are just slaughtered young—like lamb. I might just consider it (veal) with Italian dishes like osso bucco and the like. But I will not touch the ones coming from the Continent. I understand they are still bred in crates!
I am thinking of food now because the season to gorge is near. I was perusing a Marks and Spencer Food booklet last night and I was so hungry in the end. Not a good bedtime reading.
My next project is a composter. I’ve been reading up on it and there are a lot of models available on the market. I think I am leaning more on the compost tumblers or those plain, compact, compost bins. This is actually the best time of the year to do something environmentally friendly as “composting”. I think I will need to research more on this. I also need to get serious with recycling. I think everyone should think seriously about conserving energy, not just to save on bills but for the future of the planet!
I read in my Sunday magazine that it is now acceptable to eat veal—but not just any kind of veal. They mean British veal coming from the dairy industry. I stopped the practice of preparing veal since the early 90s when I found out how the animals were treated. They were kept in crates so that their flesh remains white and delicate to the taste. The moment I found out I felt absolutely disgusted and never touched the meat again. It was the story with foie gras. The first time I tasted the stuff I was covering a story in Amsterdam and we were treated to dinner by this big company. They had foie gras as a starter and of course I ate what was on offer. Besides I read so much about the stuff I thought I was being “classy”. Then someone told me how they forced fed the geese in order to make their liver nice and fatty. That’s it. Never again! I had images of these poor little creatures being forced fed. Anyway, back to the veal issue, apparently bulls being born to cows in the milk farm are now bred as veal BUT they are allowed to wander around the farm. They are just slaughtered young—like lamb. I might just consider it (veal) with Italian dishes like osso bucco and the like. But I will not touch the ones coming from the Continent. I understand they are still bred in crates!
I am thinking of food now because the season to gorge is near. I was perusing a Marks and Spencer Food booklet last night and I was so hungry in the end. Not a good bedtime reading.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Road courtesy
Unlike most people, driving for me is a chore. It’s not something that I would normally do for pleasure. Maybe I associate driving too much with work. I drive over 30 miles each way everyday to work and I use two main A roads (A35 and A30). The summer months do not pose a lot of problems but come autumn and winter, driving to work in the mornings sometimes is a challenge. Take for example today, sunrise is at 7:30am but I leave the house 6:45am. That means night time driving for me but with the added complication of fog and mist. I do hate tailgaters because they make me nervous—I was involved in a nasty car accident three years ago with a lorry who failed to stop in a roundabout and treated my car like a pinball!
Anyway, all I want to say is that I do appreciate any form of road courtesy. I guess road courtesy is a sign of a civilised society. I like it when I let someone go in front of me and I get a courtesy “wink” back or see a hand up saying thank you. I like the polite sign language between decent drivers. Everything becomes less stressful and I am sure there will be less road rage if only all drivers observe an amount of decorum on the roads—but that’s not all possible because some drivers are complete idiots!
Today is one of those days when I find some form of satisfaction from my job. It was a result of a team meeting that a year ago I could not have because of some historic issues. There were some changes during the start of this academic year which enabled me to concentrate on our core offerings and things are indeed looking up. I think success is a lot sweeter when you work hard for it. I feel that I have developed as a line manager—I know I wrote in the past that it is one of the things I hate about my job because you’re completely immersed with a disparate group of people who have their individual needs. Now I really feel I have a cohesive team and we are completely at ease with each other. My team has accepted me as their leader and they give me so much feedback! They acknowledge that our communication with each other works. Can you believe that? I feel very lucky indeed. I wish I could bottle this feeling and sniff it every time I feel down. This is the best I could do, remember it for all time.
Anyway, all I want to say is that I do appreciate any form of road courtesy. I guess road courtesy is a sign of a civilised society. I like it when I let someone go in front of me and I get a courtesy “wink” back or see a hand up saying thank you. I like the polite sign language between decent drivers. Everything becomes less stressful and I am sure there will be less road rage if only all drivers observe an amount of decorum on the roads—but that’s not all possible because some drivers are complete idiots!
Today is one of those days when I find some form of satisfaction from my job. It was a result of a team meeting that a year ago I could not have because of some historic issues. There were some changes during the start of this academic year which enabled me to concentrate on our core offerings and things are indeed looking up. I think success is a lot sweeter when you work hard for it. I feel that I have developed as a line manager—I know I wrote in the past that it is one of the things I hate about my job because you’re completely immersed with a disparate group of people who have their individual needs. Now I really feel I have a cohesive team and we are completely at ease with each other. My team has accepted me as their leader and they give me so much feedback! They acknowledge that our communication with each other works. Can you believe that? I feel very lucky indeed. I wish I could bottle this feeling and sniff it every time I feel down. This is the best I could do, remember it for all time.
Friday, October 06, 2006
A good day
There are days when things can’t get any worse and you just wish the day away. However, there are days when everything just happens according to plan – your plan that is! I had that sort of day on Tuesday and I promised myself I was going to write about it lest I forget that I do have good days too.
Well, I did have an awful Monday at work but quite educational. I needed the experience anyway to improve on our services. I came home quite unsettled. Poor Peter had to put up with my less than amiable self before dinner.
Tuesday started out just like any normal day. Came in at 7.30am as per usual and then things just started to unfold like a good day should. I met with people about building projects, bonded well with my staff and basically came up with good, feasible ideas. Oh also the builders finally showed up to install the mini kitchen at work. I’ve been nagging them all summer long. It was worth the wait though. It looks really good and staff are happy. I also booked the venue for the Christmas Party. My budget is taking a beating! But I do like organising events like this. I felt like organising a mini wedding… “could we have round tables please? Oh yes I prefer comfy sofas on the side…what kind of décor are we having? Flower arrangement?...etc” The menu looks scrumptious as well. Actually I love the building. It is a Grade II listed building and one can be forgiven to imagine what it felt living there at one time. It is also located inside the campus right smack in the middle of mature trees and garden. Parking wouldn’t be a problem, hehe.
Anyway, I came home feeling like I’ve had a productive day. Yesterday wasn’t so hot but it wasn’t too bad either. One thing I learned about this job, you can’t please everyone so now I do not even bother—I just get on with the work and blank out negative people.
I made a very good spaghetti Bolognese last night if I say so myself. In fact I do not order spaghetti Bolognese even in Italian restaurants because I might get disappointed. I put in lots of garlic, basil, tomato sauce, parsley, onions, red wine and Worcestershire sauce with the minced beef. Yum! Peter said he didn’t want a lot on his plate because he had a late lunch and I told him to eat what he could and leave the rest. Well, his plate was wiped clean!!! And so was mine for that matter. Shortly after dinner we went up the attic and watched Autumn Watch on the BBC. I hardly watch the telly but I do make exceptions on nature and gardening programmes on the BBC. I also got hooked on this show Anatomy of a Crime, which came right after AW. I’m a sucker for police detective/forensics/murder investigation stories. Anatomy was a real life feature on how the old crime investigation unit in the police tracked down a rapist. The crime happened over 10 years ago but due to latest DNA technology they managed to put the man in jail. Guess who he raped? A streetwalker! Justice prevails! Amazing really.
Well, I did have an awful Monday at work but quite educational. I needed the experience anyway to improve on our services. I came home quite unsettled. Poor Peter had to put up with my less than amiable self before dinner.
Tuesday started out just like any normal day. Came in at 7.30am as per usual and then things just started to unfold like a good day should. I met with people about building projects, bonded well with my staff and basically came up with good, feasible ideas. Oh also the builders finally showed up to install the mini kitchen at work. I’ve been nagging them all summer long. It was worth the wait though. It looks really good and staff are happy. I also booked the venue for the Christmas Party. My budget is taking a beating! But I do like organising events like this. I felt like organising a mini wedding… “could we have round tables please? Oh yes I prefer comfy sofas on the side…what kind of décor are we having? Flower arrangement?...etc” The menu looks scrumptious as well. Actually I love the building. It is a Grade II listed building and one can be forgiven to imagine what it felt living there at one time. It is also located inside the campus right smack in the middle of mature trees and garden. Parking wouldn’t be a problem, hehe.
Anyway, I came home feeling like I’ve had a productive day. Yesterday wasn’t so hot but it wasn’t too bad either. One thing I learned about this job, you can’t please everyone so now I do not even bother—I just get on with the work and blank out negative people.
I made a very good spaghetti Bolognese last night if I say so myself. In fact I do not order spaghetti Bolognese even in Italian restaurants because I might get disappointed. I put in lots of garlic, basil, tomato sauce, parsley, onions, red wine and Worcestershire sauce with the minced beef. Yum! Peter said he didn’t want a lot on his plate because he had a late lunch and I told him to eat what he could and leave the rest. Well, his plate was wiped clean!!! And so was mine for that matter. Shortly after dinner we went up the attic and watched Autumn Watch on the BBC. I hardly watch the telly but I do make exceptions on nature and gardening programmes on the BBC. I also got hooked on this show Anatomy of a Crime, which came right after AW. I’m a sucker for police detective/forensics/murder investigation stories. Anatomy was a real life feature on how the old crime investigation unit in the police tracked down a rapist. The crime happened over 10 years ago but due to latest DNA technology they managed to put the man in jail. Guess who he raped? A streetwalker! Justice prevails! Amazing really.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Rain, wind and more rain
It’s been a hell of a weekend—weather wise, courtesy of hurricane Helen. Heavy rains accompanied by gale force winds hampered some of my gardening plans but I still persevered. I couldn’t stand the sight of weeds and fading summer plants. Autumn is truly here. I planted spring bulbs yesterday and I am glad I did because today the winds are stronger and it looks like we’re going to have wall to wall rain. It actually feels like a tropical cyclone to me. I wish we installed more water butts to collect rain water. Well at least we have two filled to the brim. I think I am going to get more spring bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils although I have heaps of the latter. I am actually looking forward to early spring without wishing my life away! I am looking at several Christmas brochures already and planning the Christmas dinner.
I have shrugged off the initial “depression” I felt when I came back from Manila. I feel I am back to my cantankerous self again (haha!). I got my appetite back as well, which is very important as far as I am concerned. Also my first foray outside the garden yesterday helped.
I guess I was a bit worried about my new responsibilities at work and since Freshers’ Week went without a major incident, I feel more comfortable now. Tomorrow is the first day of the academic year (autumn term). Soon it will be Christmas--amazing isn't it?
Oooppss the rain is lashing down on my window. It looks wild and woolly outside and Sam is curled up under my workstation. He doesn't like the sound of the wind battering the house. He is such a wooz this dog. I've never encountered such a wimp. He hates loud noises--or any noise for that matter. Gosh looking out my attic window I could see huge trees outside swaying dangerously with the wind. I hope they survive the onslaught. I wonder if the lowlands are going to experience flooding. It looks really dodgy. Peter's working at Plymouth today--an hour and a half trip from Musbury. I worry because the roads are too dangerous for driving in this kind of weather. I feel sorry for the little birds. I wonder where they take shelter? I am making chicken casserole tonight. I have the meat marinating as I speak. Actually it is not strictly a casserole--a cross between chicken in red wine and garlic and chicken asado, a pinoy favourite. I will accompany that with steamed rice, potatoes and fresh greens. I am getting hungry and it's not even lunch yet! This is bed weather as far as I am concerned!
I have shrugged off the initial “depression” I felt when I came back from Manila. I feel I am back to my cantankerous self again (haha!). I got my appetite back as well, which is very important as far as I am concerned. Also my first foray outside the garden yesterday helped.
I guess I was a bit worried about my new responsibilities at work and since Freshers’ Week went without a major incident, I feel more comfortable now. Tomorrow is the first day of the academic year (autumn term). Soon it will be Christmas--amazing isn't it?
Oooppss the rain is lashing down on my window. It looks wild and woolly outside and Sam is curled up under my workstation. He doesn't like the sound of the wind battering the house. He is such a wooz this dog. I've never encountered such a wimp. He hates loud noises--or any noise for that matter. Gosh looking out my attic window I could see huge trees outside swaying dangerously with the wind. I hope they survive the onslaught. I wonder if the lowlands are going to experience flooding. It looks really dodgy. Peter's working at Plymouth today--an hour and a half trip from Musbury. I worry because the roads are too dangerous for driving in this kind of weather. I feel sorry for the little birds. I wonder where they take shelter? I am making chicken casserole tonight. I have the meat marinating as I speak. Actually it is not strictly a casserole--a cross between chicken in red wine and garlic and chicken asado, a pinoy favourite. I will accompany that with steamed rice, potatoes and fresh greens. I am getting hungry and it's not even lunch yet! This is bed weather as far as I am concerned!
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