Monday, 22 June 2009
The Battle of Hastings
It definitely has to be this one...
THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS
By Marriott Edgar
I'll tell of the Battle of Hastings,
As happened in days long gone by,
When Duke William became King of England,
And 'Arold got shot in the eye.
It were this way - one day in October
The Duke, who were always a toff
Having no battles on at the moment,
Had given his lads a day off.
They'd all taken boats to go fishing,
When some chap in t' Conqueror's ear
Said 'Let's go and put breeze up the Saxons;'
Said Bill - 'By gum, that's an idea.'
Then turning around to his soldiers,
He lifted his big Norman voice,
Shouting - 'Hands up who's coming to England.'
That was swank 'cos they hadn't no choice.
They started away about tea-time -
The sea was so calm and so still,
And at quarter to ten the next morning
They arrived at a place called Bexhill.
King 'Arold came up as they landed -
His face full of venom and 'ate -
He said 'If you've come for Regatta
You've got here just six weeks too late.'
At this William rose, cool but 'aughty,
And said 'Give us none of your cheek;
You'd best have your throne re-upholstered,
I'll be wanting to use it next week.'
When 'Arold heard this 'ere defiance,
With rage he turned purple and blue,
And shouted some rude words in Saxon,
To which William answered - 'And you.'
'Twere a beautiful day for a battle;
The Normans set off with a will,
And when both sides was duly assembled,
They tossed for the top of the hill.
King 'Arold he won the advantage,
On the hill-top he took up his stand,
With his knaves and his cads all around him,
On his 'orse with his 'awk in his 'and.
The Normans had nowt in their favour,
Their chance of a victory seemed small,
For the slope of the field were against them,
And the wind in their faces an' all.
The kick-off were sharp at two-thirty,
And soon as the whistle had went
Both sides started banging each other
'Til the swineherds could hear them in Kent.
The Saxons had best line of forwards,
Well armed both with buckler and sword -
But the Normans had best combination,
And when half-time came neither had scored.
So the Duke called his cohorts together
And said - 'Let's pretend that we're beat,
Once we get Saxons down on the level
We'll cut off their means of retreat.'
So they ran - and the Saxons ran after,
Just exactly as William had planned,
Leaving 'Arold alone on the hill-top
On his 'orse with his 'awk in his 'and.
When the Conqueror saw what had happened,
A bow and an arrow he drew;
He went right up to 'Arold and shot him.
He were off-side, but what could they do?
The Normans turned round in a fury,
And gave back both parry and thrust,
Till the fight were all over bar shouting,
And you couldn't see Saxons for dust.
And after the battle were over
They found 'Arold so stately and grand,
Sitting there with an eye-full of arrow
On his 'orse with his 'awk in his 'and.
We had this on cassette performed by Fivepenny Piece, I loved listening to it, we had played it so often we ended up wearing the tape out! But even as I read it now I still hear it as Fivepenny Piece performed it.
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Easily distracted
Here's a bit of an update on what I've been doing...
Have been working quite a lot, not that I'm grumbling, I'm still enjoying the job & feel very lucky to actually have one. In May Diane(one of my colleagues) & I took four of our residents on holiday. We stayed at a lovely farm in Whitwell, & we all had a great time doing all the tourist things; like visiting Flamingo Park, the island's Steam Railway, eating ice-creams on the sea-front & much more. Definitely no complaints from me, get paid to go on holiday. Vanessa, another of my colleagues, & I have also taken three of the ladies to Porstmouth shopping, again how can I complain a day off the island & shopping!
I've now booked all of my holiday for this year;
A week off in August, Elena & I are planning to go to Southampton shopping, any one wishes to join us then the more the merrier.
A week off in September, hopefully Matt & I are going to go to the Bestival at Robin Hill with Christian & Gina, but no definite plans on that yet.
And two weeks off in October, again some plans to maybe go on a late deal holiday for the first week, depending on money of course. Then spend some time with Elena for the second week(October half term) hopefully if it's OK with Auntie Claire & she hasn't got any plans to go away or anything for that week then visit them.
Matt, Elena & I have been spending quite a lot of time together, we've been out sailing & spending time at the yacht club as well as going to Robin Hill a couple of times. The first time we all stupidly wore flip flops, if any one is ever planning to visit Robin Hill I would suggest wearing trainers, much more sensible.
Matt & I have been to Porstmouth to meet some of his family. We had a great day shopping, going up the Spinnaker Tower & having an all you can eat Chinese at Water Margin in Gunwarf Quays, we were rather full by the end of it. Matt treated me to a new Fat Face t-shirt & a lovely black & white going out dress from M&S.
I have finally got round to buying myself a new car. A blue Vauxhall Astra, & its lovely to drive something with a quiet exhaust.
We've been spending a bit of time with Christian & Gina, we've had a BBQ, spent the day at the beach, gone to the pub a few times & played golf together. Next month we are planning on having a night out in Portsmouth, where I'll be able to wear my new dress. Hopefully Lisa & Liam are going to join us as well.
Friday, 1 May 2009
1 Month Later...
So what have I been up to for an entire month without blogging once?...
Well have been working loads, which is great, am thinking of the pay cheque at the end of the month.
Mum, Dad & Elena went on holiday to the Maldives over Easter.I stayed at home with Lisa, Liam & Tillett. I get on with them really well but unfortunately I suffer with "Monica-itus", (I really really hate mess!) Lisa, Liam & Tillett on the other hand really don't seem to mind it. Good job their all lovely, & Lisa's a smashing cook. Though I only go to have a couple of meals with them due to working (& being fed at work) & the couple of days when Matt was in hospital.
Yep Matt has been for a trip to St. Mary's. One night, about a week before Mum & Dad got home, we had to go to A&E as Matt had a rash on his legs that wasn't going away & was struggling to breathe! We arrived at there at 11 pm. By 2am they had decided to admit him for more tests on his lungs & liver!?! By 4am I had to go home as I was exhausted. Matt had to stay in for 2 days. (We still haven't got any answers as to what was wrong in the first place. Oh well at least he's feeling much better now).
Elena & I have had a go on the landboard. Elena loved & wants to come down with us next time. I'm still not sure what I think yet, but will have another go to see if if I like it any more.
Other than that not a lot has happened. Mum has booked a holiday to America for 2 weeks in October 2010. Possibly thinking about going away with them in February. I'm off on my first client holiday for work soon. Am trying to convince anyone to come with me to see Simply Red at Osborne House in August. Might end up dragging Matt along, he has told me he likes them & managed about 4 words of Fairground as proof! I think going to see Simply Red would be better than watching the Disney Princess Parade, which I made him do when he took me to Disney land Paris for my 21st. LOL.
Right well I'm going to try & get some sleep, as I'm sat here at work (doing my first sleep in), feeling rather tired yet worried that I haven't done something. Oh well have to try I guess. TTFN x
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
The Sun Has Got His Hat On!
Well I still haven't heard anything about my car, other than my Dad receiving a quote from one of the garages I took it to! Over £550 so I think I'll probably get a new car if the council decide not to pay.
Matt has taken me to Ryde House to fill out a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) form, just waiting on that to come back then I can start. I'm still so excited, but feeling a little pessimistic at the same time. I keep dreaming that something happens that means I'm not allowed to work for them!
The place I went to this time was in a different part of Ryde & it was beautiful, if I hadn't of had directions I wouldn't have known it was there, it was off the main road & surrounded by trees, they had their own garden centre/nursery there & it was just so peaceful & relaxing.
Matt & I have been on a couple of walks. On Sunday, 15th March, we walked with Matt's friend Cristian (usually known by his last name Warren) & his fiancee Gina. We walked through Sandown golf course & up the cycle track to Newchurch. We did take a detour off the cycle track at one point, having been told it would be quicker, it took us right up a hill & through a farm, well the hill almost killed me yet everyone else was fine, so I think I definitely need to get some more exercise before Florida.
We ended up in a pub in Newchurch called the Pointers, it was lovely one of those pubs where every one feels at home, one bloke had even left his money & phone on the bar whilst he went outside! We had a couple of drinks each, outside as we were rather hot. Then walked back. Matt showed Warren & Gina the Michael McIntyre skip, he did it during one of his stand ups & said that skipping though generally frowned upon unless your a 5 year old girl, was actually an easy way of getting about quickly so long as you swung your arms together. It was certainly a sight to see the 3 of them skipping down the cycle track.Lol!
Matt & I also walked from home to Arreton on Saturday, where Mum & Dad picked us up, as there was no way we could have walked back home & got there in time to go to the Ponda Rosa.
On Sunday Matt & I were going to try & walk from Home in Sandown to Newport, but as there was a bit of wind we called in at Yaverland first (with the intention of going on a walk in bit) & ended up spending the day down there.
Warren & Matt have made a landboard. Basically a mountain board with a windsurf sail attached. Some of the islanders really make my blood boil, they complain that the kids run around causing chaos, but anything that they love doing they put a stop to, the most recent one is the youth clubs, some of the islanders are trying to close all the youth clubs on the island. Well how can they then complain that the kids are always running around making trouble! But it isn't just the kids some rather large. old lady shouted out of her car as her husband drove past (she didn't even have the nerve to come say it to our faces) that this was a car park not a sailing ground!
After a bit another of Matt's friends, Kim/Kym (not sure on the spelling) turned up with his homemade landboard. And we went down the revetment to Dinosaur Isle & then back again.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Hmm What Can I Say Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
Mum & I nipped up to Morrison's today, for part of my birthday present Nana & GrandJack had given me a £20 Morrison's saver stamp book, so I've treated myself to a itunes gift card. Mum needed some bits so we thought we'd get it from there just in-case they said anything about buying a gift voucher with a gift voucher.
At 2 o'clock Matt picked me up to take me to Ryde for my interview at Ryde House. It's a privately owned company that provides accommodation & care for people with learning difficulties. I think the last time I was that nervous was when I took my 2nd driving test! Luckily Colin interviewed me as well as the main manager, so with him there I felt a lot calmer, even though at one point I had to sit on my hands to stop them from shaking!
Well they seemed really impressed with me, luckily everything I'd put on my application form seemed to help, like having my own department at Woolies, my interests and hobbies etc.
They told me they would let me know either way on Monday & if I was offered the job would have to have a police check done, which could take anything from2-4 weeks.
After the longest interview I've ever had (an hour!) Matt dropped me off at home, whilst he went back to his to carry on with the work in the garden, he's finished painting the fence now & has started on relaying the patio.
Around 5.30 whilst sat talking to Lisa over the internet I had a phone call, it was from Ryde House... I GOT THE JOB. OMG I was so excited as I was still on the phone I was typing to Lisa & Liam & as soon as I put the phone down I ran outside to tell Dad ( he had just pulled up in the car), then on the phone to everyone else I could think of. Including Sharon, who was really pleased for me & promised to write a glowing reference.
So now I just have to wait for my references to go through & this police check, then I'll be working again. Yay. Now to book the holiday to America.
So thank you Kerri & Colin xxx
TTFN x
Monday, 9 March 2009
Everything Happens For A Reason!?!
Lisa & Liam have come down to celebrate Lisa's birthday, bringing with them 3 of Lisa's flatmates, Abbie, Katie & Emily. On Friday, 27th February, Mum & I nipped to Tescos's & bought the biggest chicken going (actually I thin it was a turkey pretending to be a chicken).
Then whilst Mum as at work I made a rather huge Keylime pie, using the new cook book that I've typed up, made sure everywhere was tidy & with Elena's help pumped up a couple of airbeds for the girls to sleep on.
Spent all of Saturday in bed, every time I go out I say to myself this time I won't mix. But I always manage it & regret it the next day. Thought the last time I went out I'd mixed cider & amaretto, this time thought I'd better not mix the 2 so I had cider, sambuca, tequila, sours & champagne...oops. Unfortunately it meant missing Shaun's 21st, but there was no way I could have drunk again that night.
Sunday, whilst Matt was out boarding with Christian, Elena & I went down Sandown with Lisa & co. First we visited the Rock shop, so the girls could buy some,yes you guessed it, sticks of rock, then down to the pier.
We all had a game of crazy golf, which was a laugh. Lisa's first shot bounced out of the 1st hole we were playing on & then landed on the 2nd. Abbie hit the ball so hard on one hole it ended up in a little well of water, where Lisa fished it out for her. Then on the last hole (where when I took Elena & Jake in the summer, Jake managed to hit some woman down the other end off the hole) Lisa hit her ball so hard it ended up on hole 1! Steve walked round & got the ball for her, she took another shot & it rolled all the way down to the beginning of the hole, so Abbie hit it up to us, managed to get it through a rather small hole in the wall & the ball ended up on hole 2!
Dad cooked a huge roast dinner for all of us & we managed to sit 12 people around the dinning room table, it was like trying to eat your dinner on an aeroplane! There was Mum, Dad, Lisa, Liam, Elena, Sam, Steve, Abbie, Katie, Emily, Matt & me! I hope Lisa liked all her presents, I got her a hand blender & in a lovely folder had given her a copy of the Hopwood's cook book. Lisa, Liam & everyone left around 8.30 so they could go back to uni.
Have been watching Gavin & Stacey , it was 1 of the DVD's I got free from the Entertainment roadshow I went on for Woolies, I've never watched it because looking at the front cover I thought it looked rather chavy. Proving you should never judge a book, or in this case DVD, by it's cover! It's brilliant I can't believe I was considering getting rid of it!
Have done a car boot sale with some of my stuff & the stuff Mum & dad have cleared out of different places. Managed to get just under £40 & have also sold their old cooker for £65. Mum & Dad have very kindly let me keep all the money & want it to go towards fixing my car. So just got to wait to hear from the council. If the council do cough up then we're going to put it towards a big birthday meal when Lisa & Liam next come down. We're going to go to the Ponda Rosa in Ryde to celebrate Mum's birthday, Mother's Day, Sam's 21st & my birthday.
For my birthday Matt took me bowling on the Wednesday & then out for a meal at the Dairyman's Daughter. It's a really lovely pub in Arreton & is usually really busy but tonight, even thought the car park was quite full, Matt & I were the only people in there! He also bought me series 2 of Gavin & Stacey.
Mum & Dad bought me a digital camera, so now I can take decent photo's. Lisa & Liam bought me a memory card for my camera, a couple of necklace, some earrings & a pink travel adaptor. Elena got me a pink heat protective mat for my hair straighteners & a cross stitch & I got money & Morrisons stamps from Nana & GrandJack, Nana- Jean, Teresa & co, Auntie Claire & Wendy.
Wendy bought Matt & me a curry from Taj Tandoori to celebrate my birthday. So I'm managing to make the celebrations last quite a while as the meal out to Ponda Rosa is 2 weeks after my birthday! Lisa would be proud.
Went to Newport Friday with Mum & bought myself a new hoodie, highlighter blue this time, & a white top similar to the top I wore to Bogeys. We met up with Dad for dinner & on the way back to the car picked up a brochure for Disney World Florida, ad Mum & Dad want to take Elena there. And if I get a job & can save enough money then hopefully I'll go to.
Saturday night Matt dropped me off in Newport as it was Sam's birthday, we went to school together & she worked at Woolworths but left quite a while before it shut. I didn't stay long as Newport's not really that nice a place to go drinking in. Cat was there as well so it was really nice to see her.
Sunday Matt dropped me off at the King's to meet up with every one from Woolies. We had decided last time that we'd all get together to celebrate all the birthdays in February & March. This time Cat, Shaun Debbie & myself turned up, I'm beginning o wonder what the point is as no-one can ever be bothered to turn up or to tell us they aren't coming.
Matt picked me gone 6 & we went back to his to watch Heston Blumenthals Victorian Feast, it was brilliant, he even manged to make a drink that was all pink but tasted of toffee, hot buttered toast, turkey, custard & cherry tart!
Kerri's husband Colin phoned me this morning to say I have an interview on Thursday at Ryde House, where he works & He is the one who has tried to get me a job. So keep your fingers, toes eyes & anything else possible crossed for me.
Well i think I should really get up & dressed now as it's gone midday. TTFN. x
Thursday, 19 February 2009
It's Official!
Had an email from Sharon last night asking me to see if I could get hold of as many people from work as possible to get their details for our claim against Deloitte, it's amazing how fast people email back when it's regarding them receiving money! Oh well, we've managed to get everyone so Kerry's going to help Sharon fill out the form's & get them sent off.
Southampton today. The Red Jet terminal was so busy the queue was out of the door & on to the street! We found out when we got on the boat that all the very thick fog had delayed everything.
I managed to get some new pyjama bottoms from Primark & get a few birthday presents sorted out. It was a really lovely day out with Mum, Elena & Kerry but I was definitely glad to get back, feeling rather tired now.
Matt picked me up from home & we spent a few hours together, I must have been such great company as at one point I did nod off! Just before he dropped me back off we went down Shanklin seafront for a quick drive, it was lovely watching the waves come in.
Thought I'd quickly check my emails before going to bed & found one from Shaun. It's official Sandown Woolworths is becoming a Sainsbury's local, http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shoppingandservices/storelocator/store.htm?id=4933, think I'll be sending my C.V. off to them tomorrow along with getting a quote for the damage on my car (to complete the council claim form).
Off to bed now for some much needed sleep. TTFN
Boat, Car & Pink Dumplings
We then went up to his to get the boat out of the garage (a lot of hard work as it fitted rather snugly in there, and was rather heavy) & gave it a good clean ready for the man from Cowes Boat-shed to come & take a few photo's for hiss website.
Matt dropped me off before the man turned up so i could get a much needed shower. I gave the under stairs cupboard it's first coat of paint before Matt picked me up again. We popped into Newport again to get the cheapest car seat covers possible form Argos, as the seats in the new car aren't that nice, but we've had worse.
Matt then dropped me back at Mum & Dad's for some tea, cauliflower & broccoli mornet, I love it it's so tasty. Lisa sent me a picture of what she had cooked for her tea steak & ale pie with pink dumplings! So after tea Mum called her up & we all had a good chat with her, I can't wait for them to come down for her birthday, I really miss her & Liam so it'll be great to see them again.
Spent a few hours with Matt after tea.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Absolutely Fabulous Darling
The problem when shopping for clothes (and shoes) is you have not only find something that looks great on but it has to feel good as well, not only in texture it has to make you feel good. I'm exactly the same. And I love really soft materials, but I think that may have something to do with when I was younger & loved to pull a lovely sot hankie through the gaps in my fingers & toes! Well when I say younger, nothings changed as I still love it now.
Mum treated us to a McDonald's, hmmm chicken nuggets yum. I felt rather run down though, I don't know why as I hadn't really done anything.
Mum dropped me off at Matt's on the way back. We went back into Newport to buy a car, so we can tow Matt's boat over to Cowes where it's going to be sold, & just something for us to get around whilst mine is being fixed. It'll be great once the boat is sold as the money is going towards somewhere for us to live. So keep your fingers crossed for us.
Got back just into for the final installment of ITV's Whitechapel with Rupert Penry- Jones, based on the notorious Jack the Ripper. It was rather squeamish in places, but then I'm a rather squeamish person, but very good.
Matt popped round to see his friend Christian and got asked to be his best man. Christian (more popularly know as Warren, his surname) was the lad who tried to sail to France about 4 years ago know, just before I met Matt, on Matt's catamaran.
We went on another random drive ( I know you would have thought we would have learnt our lesson about random drives) it was about 11.30 and we were just coming up to Arreton, when I spotted James another of Matt's friends walking on the side of the road. It's quite a long stretch of this road has no foot path! So we turned round & offered him a lift, he was rather pleased as he had been quite worried about getting run over but had just finished work at the Dairyman's Daughter, a lovely pub further up the road.
He was really nice, I'd only met him briefly a couple of times before. Unfortunately he'd lost his bike licence due to speeding a year or 2 ago & couldn't afford to re-sit it at the moment as now you have to take bike tests on the mainland as no-one does them on the island anymore! The advanced driving instructors are also warning the council at the moment that if all of the island becomes a 40 mph or less zone then no-one will be able to sit their driving exams on the island as it would be too dangerous for them, due to faster speeds on the mainland & people not being used to it!
Matt dropped me back off at Mum & Dad's after we had dropped James off so we could both get some much needed sleep.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
A Little Bit Of This & That
Tuesday, 10th February 2009
Matt & I went for a drive over to Yarmouth, popping into Sainsburys on the way. We bought some more Walkers crisps. Builders Breakfast, they were ok but got a bit too eggy towards the end, & Fish & Chips, absolutely disgusting they tasted as if they had dipped the potatoes in week old used chip shop oil...yuck! We also bought some olives... my favourite yum.
We parked in Fort Victoria, it was really nice down there, unfortunately it wasn't until we got there that I realised I'd forgot my phone, so no camera!
Wednesday, 11th February 2009
Off to the job centre again today, woop woop. OMG I really hate it their, some of the staff make you feel so rubbish, it always feels like they think they're better than you, I know some of the other girls feel the same way.
Kerry, the manager of Cowes, is always leaving just as I go in, this week we had about 30 seconds to have a quick chat before I got called up. She told me to go down the Kings tomorrow as she was meeting up with Sharon to tell her about a claim we can make against Deloitte.
I had another form to fill out, this time to claim my notice pay, so the women I saw this week helped me fill it out. I also found out that for the first 6 months of unemployment you go on to contribution based pay, this means you don't get any help towards your options fees. So had to cancel my appointment on Friday as £30 is a bit expensive when you have limited funds. I just hope the dentist will be free or even a bit cheaper.
On the way home I drove via Culver/ Yaverland. All the marshes had flooded.
Matt & I also had a drive to a few different places to have a look at a couple of cars as I am currently deciding whether I should get a new car or spend a bit of money fixing the Corolla. Still haven't made my mind up yet though.
Thursday, 12th February 2009
My interview at Lower Hyde today. I didn't really feel that nervous, I thought I would, I've never really had a proper interview. At the Trouville hotel Pete, the restaurant manager, told me what the job would entail and asked when could I start. The Fairway I had been doing a bit of work in the reception when I approached Wayne, the manager of the club house, and asked if he had any work going, I started that night. And I had handed my C.V. into Woolworths after a couple of seasons had passed at the Fairway, Wayne had left (it wasn't the same working there after he and Adele had gone) and the season had ended. Tracy, the manager at the time, phoned me one day asking if I could pop in as a girl was supposed to be transferring from the mainland and never turned up! I started the next morning!
The man I saw, Sven, seemed really nice. He was the head of the bar. He showed me around the bar and entertainment area and also showed me the little children's shop. Other than just refreshing on my previous jobs, a quick chat about Woolworths and a general overview about the job and Park Resorts the only question he asked me was "What could I bring to the company?", so I'm not feeling to positive about getting the job.
At 12 o'clock Matt dropped me off at the Kings. Kerry told Sharon, Bren & me that we can claim up to 8 weeks pay from Deloittes, the reason being something to do with a consultation period they legally had to give all the staff. I'm not 100% sure what it means but because Woolworths employed over 100 people they had to give 90 days consultation period before making the first person unemployed, which they didn't. So hopefully we should be able to get some more money.
Friday, 13th February 2009
Matt & I went to Marks & Spencer's today to get their Valentine meal deal. The deal consisted of a starter, main, side dish, dessert, bottle of wine & a single rose all for £20. So we had a lovely pate for our starter. Steak & chunky chips for the main & side dish. Melt in the middle chocolate pudding. A bottle of rose. A bubblegum pink rose.
Matt then treated me to a small bag of Thornton's cappuccino chocolates, yum. And the last of the Spiderwick Chronicles books from Waterstones. Where we bumped into Mum who was trying to buy all the birthday presents for the copious amounts of birthdays in February & March.
We had our meal tonight as an early Valentine's celebration, it was all really lovely except the wine. It doesn't really help as I'm more of a cider girl.
Saturday, 14th February 2009
Didn't really do that much today as I woke up with an awful headache, not due to the wine as I only had a mouthful. I slept at Matt's last night and didn't sleep to well. He has a water bed, which is ok, but we haven't slept on it for a while so I every time I turned over I woke up.
Went home & had a quick shower then went to Morrisons with Mum & Elena to get a few bits. Then after having a bit of lunch I went back up & spent a few hours with Matt
Sunday, 15th February 2009
Well talk about kicking you when your down, who ever it is doing the kicking I want to find them & give them a taste of their own medicine! So if any ones got some steel toe caped boots I could borrow I'd be very grateful, lol.
What am I talking about I hear you say... well Matt & I went for another random drive again today. Going to Ventnor first of all. It was really busy with hardly any parking space! Then over towards Compton along the Military Road.
Whilst just coming out of a corner (doing 45 mph) I spotted a pot hole in the road, tried to swerve to miss it but no luck. No sooner as we had gone through it the car started vibrating and making a really awful noise! So hazard lights on I had to pull over straight away .
Running back to take a picture of the pot hole for evidence I found a couple of rusty cogs, not knowing if they belonged to my car or not I picked them up & took them back with me, just in case.
Matt drove back it was so loud we could hardly hear each other talk, & you could barley see out of the rear view mirror as it was vibrating so much! It was really embarrassing going through place like Godshill, which is only a 20 mph, as it sounded as if we going a lot faster & all the old folks where staring at us looking rather annoyed.
Got back just in time to make it to the Kings for 4 o'clock. Where I met up with Sharon, Cat & Shaun. We talked about the claim & Cat's sister-in-law is an employment lawyer has said we've got a very good chance of getting it! We had a few drinks & have decided to go back down there on the 8th March to celebrate every ones birthdays that fall in February & March. Bren, Cat, Shaun & mine!
Matt & I spent a few hours at his before Mum very kindly came & picked me up.
Now off for some sleep. Bye.x
Monday, 9 February 2009
How Much Stuff?
Saturday I spent 3 hours in the hairdresser's. Catching up with Caroline, who had a really quite day so I had her undivided attention, and having my highlights topped up. I always worry once all the dye has been washed out and I'm sat there in front of the mirror with wet hair, it always looks as if nothings happened, but then after having a lovely hair cut and a quick blast with the hair dryer it always looks fab. Caroline was great, my hair looks brill and and she's said that if Lower Hyde don't give me a job she'll got down there and sort them out for me!
Then Matt and I spent the rest of the day moving out of the flat. OMG I didn't realise how much stuff I have, all of Matt's things fitted into car loads. Mine took 3 and that's not including Fridays car load! So I have decided to go through everything to see what I want to keep or sell.
Sunday I sorted thought some more boxes. Spent a bit of time on the Wii Fit (managing to get advanced on the balance ball game) and then helped Dad tidy up the kitchen after part of the ceiling came down. After some lovely home made chicken soup for dinner I spent a few hours with Matt. We rented a film from Blockbuster. It was called Righteous Kill with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino it also stared John Leguizamo (Sid the Sloth out of Ice Age, Moulin Rouge and Romeo & Juliet) and 50 Cent. It was really good, much better than I thought it would be. I won't tell you what it's about as I really think you should watch it. All I'll say is it's a bit of a murder mystery.
Then after one of Dad's marvelous roast dinners, a bit more sorting and getting the top score on advanced ball balance game on the Wii Fit Mum started to teach Elena and me how to knit. She cast on for the both of us and we both started with 20 stitches, Elena lost a few but at one point I'd managed to gain 10! I've also ended up with a couple of button holes, lol!
Caught up on a few programmes after everyone had gone off to bed. I watched Rory Bremner's Who Do You Think You Are and the new 10 Years Younger with Myleene Klass, who is much nicer and kinder than the previous host.
I've already tried Chili and Chocolate, Cajun Squirrel and Duck in Hoi Sin, didn't like any of them. So I wanted to get Builders Breakfast, Fish and Chips and Onion Bhaji. The only one of those 3 they had in stock was the Onion Bhaji, I bought 2 packets and dropped one packet into Mum at work then went up to see Matt. We had the other packet, at first I thought they tasted of cheese and onion but the more we ate the more I could taste onion bhaji. So all I have to now is find somewhere else that sells them.
Matt dropped me back back off at home just before 12 o'clock. I did the ironing and a bit of tidying and then carried on sorting through my stuff.
Mum came back just gone 2 o'clock and we spent a bit of time on the Wii Fit. I've also carried on with a bit more knitting.
Well that's it for now, will go and do a bit more knitting and sorting.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Interview
We then popped into Maxine's, a hair dressers in Sandown, to book an appointment, I was only going to have a trim but Matt's treating me to having my roots done. Thankfully the way Caroline's going to do my roots is a lot lot cheaper than how I used to have it done.
We then dropped some plastic carrier bags into Mum, as she was saying yesterday that she was running out of them (they use them for the kitchen bin) and we have loads and loads of them.
Then off to Morrisons as they're doing an offer on Muller corner yoghurt's at the moment. A multi pack of 6 for 2 pounds. So we stocked up on them, got some fruit and cereal.
I then dropped Matt off at his Mum's, as she wanted to see him but thankfully I got to go back home. Where I carried on sorting through different bits and pieces and read some more of my book.
At just about 6.10 my phone went, I was expecting Matt to phone me to ask me to come and pick him up, but when I saw the number I didn't recognise it. It turned out to be a man from Lower Hyde, he said that he was looking through the C.V. that I'd sent in and would I like to come for an interview!!! So I'm not to sure if it's for the restaurant work or for something else but I don't care, it's definitely something to look forward to. Roll on next Thursday!
Another episode of the Hustle tonight, I love it's brilliant it's definitely in y top 10.
Well off to bed now, TTFN. x
Park Resorts
At 10 o'clock this morning, after making my self look very presentable, I went to Lower Hyde. It is one of the islands 4 Park Resorts. I had sent them one of my many C.V's and in return they had sent me an application form and invited me to their open day.
Whilst waiting to speak to one of the heads of departments I spotted John, Steve's brother, I didn't say anything to him though as he looked highly immersed in his application. I spoke to the head of the restaurant, he seemed quite impressed, my previous hotel and holiday park work being an advantage, he said he would have a look through all of his application forms and give me a call next week. So fingers crossed, I really don't mind what I do it'll just be great to be working again.
I went to see Mum afterwards, she told me about the family history she's been doing and then let me borrow her laptop so I could email Elena's pictures of the snow to myself.
After a lovely cup of tea we popped into Sandown to drop her broken hard drive off at the computer shop. Then went to Morrisons, I'm sure all the terrible drivers on the island go to Morrisons Tesco's must be to far away!lol. There was one, well I'm still not to sure whether it was a woman or a man, trying to get a rather small car into an extra large disabled space and taking ages to do it!
We then went over to the industrial estate to get a door curtain for the utility room, they only make them to order though so I think Mum will go to Argos.
I spent the rest of the day sorting through boxes and tidying the flat, other than that really didn't get up to much.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Matt and I spoke to Fiona this morning and she's letting us have the flat for another week! I phoned Mum to tell her and to ask if I could use her washing machine again, going out tonight and everything I want to where needs washing!
When we got round there Liam, Lisa and Tillet where playing on Mum and Dad's new Wii Fit. Over Christmas we had had a conversation about addictions, Tillet saying how he hasn't got an addictive personality! He's always playing on his Xbox or playing Ge
o Challenge, a game on Facebook! Today was more proof of his addictive personality, he spent quite a lot of time trying to beat Liam's score on ski-ing!
Steve came over a bit later and we had a quick chat about tonight. When we went out for Chinese at the beginning of the month we all decided to keep in touch, Bren decided that we'd meet up on the 31st and go out for a meal. Well yesterday I heard from Sharon telling me that she wouldn't be able to make it (which isn't like Sharon at all) also Bren and Lyn couldn't make it as they both, handily, had family over! Debbie had told me earlier in the week that she wouldn't be able to make it, and Jo never let me know what she was doing.
Steve said that he was definitely coming but little Gemma would only come down for a couple of drinks.
I left Mum and Dad's just before 5 so I could get my self ready, then down to the Kings for 6. I met Catherine outside and we were soon joined by Shaun. We waited until 7.30, having a few drinks in the meantime (except Cat who was driving) I even phoned Steve twice, but no joy. No one else turned up!
So Cat, Shaun and I went down to the Caulkheads. It wasn't that busy when we got there, there were a few people in but they all had their food. They had no chicken in (which we only found out when we went to order our food) and no lasagna. Cat had chosen chicken fajitas and Shaun had chosen lasagna! So after another look at the menu we got it all sorted. Cat and Shaun to have a burger and I to have medium rare steak. We had over a 30 minute wait so by the time the food turned up we where all starving!
It wasn't the best, half my steak was medium rare and the other half was well done! Not to sure how they managed that one, but I couldn't be bothered to send it back as I was so hungry. It also came with a mushroom sauce, that tasted suspiciously of Campbell's soup!
So on the whole the night was a bit of let down, it was really great to see Cat and Shaun (who had come back from uni especially) but I was a bit disappointed that no one else could be bothered to turn up.
When I got back to the flat I spoke to Lisa or Liam on MSN where they told me Steve had waited down the Caulkheads for half an hour! I'm not so sure if I believe it though, as why didn't he answer his phone or phone one of us? Oh well.
Whilst round Mum's earlier Elena told me that the Chanel 4 show Come Dine With Me has filmed an episode on the island and that one of her teachers is taking part. When talking about it with Cat and Shaun Shaun told me that his sister would be on it as well, as they filmed a bit of her at the school, and his sister was in the class at he time. How cool is that!
Sunday, 1st February 2009
Popped round Mum and Dad's to pick up the rest of my washing, which they had very kindly dried for me as well, thank you.
We went to Morrisons to get a few bits for tea. We decided to have potato bake so got potatoes, sweet potatoes, cheese and then went to get the sauce. They only had the cheese and ham flavour which I really don't like. So on our way back to the flat I nipped into Somerfield, who don't sell potato bake sauce at all.
There was nothing else for it, I dropped Matt of at the flat to unpack the shopping we had got and then went to Tescos! Where thankfully they had my favourite flavour sauce, garlic and herb.
Back at the flat we decided to do a bit of cooking, and make some cheese scones. We measured it all mixed it all up and then realised we don't own a rolling pin, so I just flattened it out. Then realised we don't have any cutters! In the end I used one of the Ikea glasses Teresa and Nik bought us.
They turned out great, though next time I think I'll use stronger cheese.
I've borrowed one of Elena's DS games, Viva Pinata Pocket Paradise. I spent ages playing it this morning. After finally deciding I should go and have a bath I quickly phoned Lisa to see how her driving test had gone. Unfortunately she failed again, so I said I'd go round and see her. When I stepped out the front door it was snowing!!! It wasn't setteling but I did manage to get a few photo's.
On my way to Mum and Dad's a stopped in Shanklin and bought Lisa a "Good Luck" Me To You Bear, she bought me one for my third driving test, which I passed, so hopefully it'll help her. I also popped into Shanklin news and got her some chocolate to cheer her up.
I had a go on the Wii Fit, the first thing you have to do is let it measure your BMI mine was in the middle of ideal, then you have to measure your centre of gravity which was ok but needs some work. I love the Wii and the Wii Fit, once I have a job I think I'll definitely start saving for one.
I stayed for tea, so when Elena and I went to Tesco's we got some broccoli and cauliflower, I hadn't got a clue as to which to buy but I think I did well, they weren't moldy so that's a start.
Tuesday, 3rd February
I was very rudely awoken at 6 o'clock this morning by a rather loud metallic bang, I think there must be some air in the radiator system. After a lying there there for a couple of minutes, letting my heart settle down, lol, I realised Matt wasn't in bed, getting up to investigate I found him at the living room window as excited as a kid who's Christmas' have all come at once, it was snowing!
We quickly got dressed (Matt was even wearing trousers- a rarity!) and went for a drive. First of all we drove down to have a look at Rylstone Gardens, it looked lovely, unfortunately as it was so dark i couldn't get a picture, it was beautiful though.
We then went down to Yaverland car park, and by this time the sun was starting to rise. There were a couple of other people down there driving around the car park and getting a feel for driving on the snow. I also had ago as the only other time I've driven in the snow it hadn't really settled properly.
Then we made our way, very slowly, to Mum and Dad's. I was supposed to be going to Age Concern today and get a lift in with Dad. But I'd managed to get an earlier doctor's appointment to check my back, and I really didn't want to give it to anybody else.
Back to Mum and Dad's so Elena could get changed, we had a quick go on the Wii Fit, and got Matt on it as well, then went for a drive in the snow, whilst we still had it. We went back to Luccombe and showed Elena Big Mead, where there were people making snowmen, sledging, having snowball fights, 2 lads had a big catapult which they were using to get their snowballs further than anyone else. It's lovely how a little bit of frozen water brings everyone together. We showed her Rylstone Gardens, then up into Ventnor.
Matt pulled into a car park for us, so we could get a few pictures and throw a few snowballs. it took Matt a couple of minutes to get the car out as it was in the shade and on a bit of a slope- Ventnor being mainly hills- and then on our way again. We stopped of in another layby so Elena could get a picture of the sea and then on to Ventnor botanical Gardens. We didn't take any photo's here as, due to all the trees no doubt, the snow hadn't really settled.
Matt then said he had a really could idea for a photo spot for us. So off we went again, some of the views on the way were amazing, like the snow coming down and swirling over the sea and hills, at one point Matt pulled over and was umming and ahhring as to whether we should drive really slowly down a hill or walk. In the end I told him just to drive down it, he went really slow and soon pulled into another car park. Here we got and followed Matt up a snowy path. Well he definitely didn't let us down, we had a great view of West Wight and Blackgang Chine.
OMG trying to get back the hill was, well, a bit of a laugh! We got over taken by not 1but 2 tractors! It took us a while but Matt, after much sweating, managed it in the end. the tyre tracks we left behind were brill, wiggling all over the place!
People sledging in Ventnor
Matt trying to get out of Ventnor car park
Blackgang Chine
Cowboy and Indian village at Blackgang Chine
Our tyre marks trying to get up the hill
We left Elena with Mum watching House and went back to the flat. I fell asleep pretty much as soon as we got back to the flat, being up at 6 really doesn't agree with me lol. Haven't really done much for the rest of the day other than listening to Dr. No, I think it's got to be one of my favourite James Bond books.
Well TTFN
Friday, 30 January 2009
Car, Car, Car
Nana and GrandJack have been really helpful, everyone has, it's always nice to have a great family behind you to keep you going. Over Christmas Nana & GrandJack gave Matt and me £25 worth of Morrisons stamps as well as chocolate and money for Christmas. GrandJack had also asked Mum to spend the money she'd spend on his Christmas present on car tax stamps for me instead, how kind is that! Mum got me £20 of saver stamps, and bought GrandJack a Christmas pressie, she's so cool.
Matt went into the post office to get the car tax, armed with Mum & GrandJack's saver stamps which was a great help, and I popped into the bank. The woman I spoke to was really lovely, when she found out I had been made redundant she got really upset and suggested I make an appointment with the bank manager to see if he could suggest any thing to help us out.
We went to Mum and Dad's whilst waiting for my 3 o'clock appointment at the bank. No one was in but I wanted to be nosy and have a look at the fridge freezer and have a nice cool drink of water with ice cubes- all thanks to the fridge freezer- it looks fab.
When we got there the woman next door was in the process of filling up a couple of cars with different bits and bobs, and not long after she had gone 3 removal vans turned up. I assumed they were for her, but she didn't come back, the only person I saw turn up was a lad on a push bike who looked younger than Elena! Mum came in just after 2 when a couple more blokes turned up and started unpacking the vans! They looked quite chavy, but I know you shouldn't judge book by it's cover.
About 2.40 Matt and I headed off to the bank where I spoke to the manager and he suggested a few things that might help us out.
Before going back to the flat we went to Morrisons, Matt went in and I stayed in the car as I really couldn't be bothered to move and for some reason felt in a bit of a bad mood. Matt had been gone about 5 minutes when I heard a noise, I turned round to see and old man driving an estate car, with his wife, pull into the space next to me. He seemed to just force the car into the space instead of straightening up, and scraped the side of my car in the process!
So I got out, went round to the drivers side and had a look at the damage whilst trying to keep my temper. The couple got out of the car and walked off, not even a backwards glance let alone an apology! Well that really annoyed me, I know if I had driven into his car and gone to walk off they would have gone up the wall with the usual "the youth of today".
Completely losing all self control now I phoned Matt, crying my eyes out, to tell him what had happened. He ended up having to phone Mum to see if she could get any sense out of me as I was in such a state!
It's not that I wanted to claim on the man's insurance or anything (unless he'd been really horrible about it), as nearly every panel of my car has some sort of dent in it, and not all of them due to me, (even the steering wheel looks naff. It went off for no reason whilst Matt was driving it a few weeks ago. Luckily he managed to pull over and only came out of it with a swollen lip, where he'd had his hand on the wheel, the force of the explosion made his hand fly up and punch himself, I know I shouldn't but rofpml. We took it to the Toyota garage where he said it would cost us over £300 to have a new one fitted, which is what I paid for the car in the first place, but it wasn't compulsory to do so) it was that they hadn't apologised to me.
The couple eventually came out, Matt showed them what had happened, and the man was really sorry, he hadn't notice it happen. Him apologising calmed me down a bit so we just left it.
Matt took me back to Mum's to let her know what had happened. When we got in Elena told us that the lad I'd seen come in on the push bike was in the same year as her and was the school bully!!!
Mum had a phone call from Lisa about 5.15 to say that her and Liam were on the fast cat, so her and Elena went to pick them up. Matt and I went back home to have some tea. After tea I carried on my book.
I only put my book down to watch Gorden Ramsey's British kitchen Nightmares, it was great but I really don't know how he has the patience to put up with these people, some of them really don't deserve the business, but he always cracks them and gets their business booming. His USA version starts next week I can't wait.
Anyway I'm off to bed now. night night.
Age Concern
We'd popped into Morrisons yesterday when I bumped into one of the teaching assistants from Sandown High, Mrs Lowish- she also helped out at Lake middle when I was there, then moved over to Sandown high the same time as me, she's really lovely and will always stop and have a chat- she told me that Sandown are having a mufti day for Age Concern this Friday, Elena had also told me earlier that day.
Matt picked me up at 2 o'clock and we went back home for some much needed lunch. For the rest of the day I read some more books, as I really couldn't be bothered to do anything else. I've now finished The Spiderwick Chronicles, Mum bought them for me for Christmas and I was positive there were only 4 books, had even looked it up on the internet, but now I've read them there is a 5th one, aargh! I might see if I can read it online or pop into the library perhaps. They are good and a bit different to the film, but very quick to read. I've just started The Little White Horse, which so far seems really good, but I think this one will take me a bit longer to read.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Catch Up
I had a great time shopping with Mum and Elena yesterday. Mum bought me a lovely soft "highlighter pink" hoodie from New Look and I bought myself some brown boots, they go really well with my beige trousers and look fab with jeans.
After watching Big Chef takes on Little Chef I have really fancied some scrambled egg, so for tea tonight Matt made some, with a little bit of cheese and marmite on toast, yummy!
It was the final episode of the Little Chef program as well tonight. Heston came back, got the Popham branch refurbished and ready to run.I'm very happy to say it did really well, everyone loved the food and the decor was great, they even had singing toilets and urinals! The idiot at head office has said that he'll review whats happening and whether or not it'll be rolled out to all branches after 3 months!!
I spent about 6 hours at Age Concern today (wearing my new boots). I found out that all Age Concerns are registered as local charities, meaning all the money they raise in their area they get to keep, so all the money the island raises stays on the island, how cool is that. They provide 9 essential services to the islands elderly and need to raise a further £140,000 to carry on. In order to do this they have come up with the idea of "Be a silver star day", they are trying to get businesses and schools involved in some sort of mufti day where people wear something silver.So today I was helping Ellen sort out who would take part.
Waterfall coming through part of the walkwayWhat looks like a castle tower in someones back gardenA gorgeous little thatched cottage in Luccombe woods
The thatched cottages gate
Went round Mum and Dad's at for 10 o'clock today to take delivery of their new fridge/ freezer. Thought I'd have a quick shower while I was there, as its lovely and warm and powerful, which beats the cold drip at the flat hands down. Had to leave the bathroom door open though as I was really worried the delivery guys would turn up.
I waited till 1 o'clock and thought I'd make myself some lunch, managed to make it to the kitchen when they actually turned up! Sod's law or what. Lol. Well it was certainly a bit of a palaver trying to get it in the house. Eventually, after a few phone calls to Dad, we put it in the conservatory. When I opened the patio doors one of the blokes looked in and said "Hey love, I think you've got a bit of a problem... I think your bird's are dead!" In the corner Mum and Dad have got a lovely cage two pot budgies in.
After having some soup for our tea Mum, Dad, Elena and I made our way to Red Funnel in Cowes. Then made our way up to Auntie Claire's, 250 miles inn Derbyshire. We arrives there around 10.30 ish , and soon went to bed as we were all shattered.
We went to see Nana-Jean in hospital today, she looked well, tiered but well. We stayed there for 2 hours and then on our way back to Auntie Claire's we popped in at Sainsburys. It was huge, they even sold clothes! Mum and Dad got Nana some books as she had finished all the ones she had with her and was rather board.
After having some pizza we went back to see Nana for an hour, well we got to stay a bit longer as one of the ladies who had kept everyone else awake the previous night had died whilst we there in the afternoon, and she was still there when we left that evening!
On our way home we picked up a Chinese for our tea.
This house is down the road from Auntie Claire, I love it, if it were on the island it would be perfect.
Sunday, 25th January 2009
Dad woke us up this morning so we could get ready to go back home. We set off at 10.30 and by 12 o'clock we were at Teresa's!
Teresa made us a lovely cup of tea and some hot cross buns, we all had a good old natter, and at 1.30 got back in the bus to travel back down to the island. When we were stood in the kitchen Max came in with my glasses on upside down, he's so cute.
I managed to forget my sunglasses, I didn't realise until about an hour later when the sun was shining in my eyes! Teresa is very kindly sending them back down to me.
We got the 6 o'clock ferry back and on our way home picked up the Indian I had ordered, banquet night at Taj Tandoori, you get a starter and main meal with either rice or naan bread all for £8.50, bargain! Matt met us back at Mum and Dad's, it was really nice to see him as I'd missed him so much. I know we only spent 2 nights apart, but it was really weird not waking up next to him.
Monday, 26th January 2009
8 o'clock this morning Matt dropped me off at Mum and Dad's so I could get a lift into Newport as I was going to spend a few hours at Age Concern again. Ellen was going to a couple of schools today- Sandown High being one of them, Elena's school- to give an assembly, so I finished around 12.30. Today I updated her spreadsheet of all the people she had contacted.
Whilst waiting for Matt to come pick me up I had a wander around the shops. Which is horrible when you have no money as your always guaranteed to find really nice things, well I thought I was very good, I only bought a book. There's a new film coming out on the 6th February, it's called The Secret of Moonacre, and it's based on a book called The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge. I think it's along the same genre as Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling is even quoted on the cover saying how she adored the book.
Didn't really do much fro the rest of the day as I felt really tiered.
Tuesday, 27th January 2009
I fancied some scrambled egg on marmite on toast this morning, but we had run out of margarine, and I've found that marmite is a real pig to spread on toast with out butter. So I thought I'd pop down the shop and get some, only when I got into Shanklin did I realise that I had forgotten my door key to the flat, and it's on one of those automatic locks! Matt was in but he hadn't slept well the last couple of nights so he was still in bed and his mobile in the other room. I don't think I've ever known anyone so difficult to wake up, but once he's asleep that's it, he's out of it! There could be an earth quake and I don't think he'd wake up. Wish I was like that, all though Mum is much worse than I am.Lol.
So I thought I'd go to Tesco's get the butter and some soup for tea tonight. I text Matt to say when he got my message to phone me and then went to Mum and Dad's. Mum was just coming up the road as I put my laptop back in the car, so I spent a bit of time with her, had a cup of tea and a chat.
Once back at the flat I read a few books. I read The Tales of Beedle the Bard and 2 and a bit books of the Spiderwick Chronicles.
Wednesday, 28th January 2009
I opened the front door this morning to find it was really foggy, I thought I'd take a leaf out of Mum's book and get some pic's of the island in all the fog. So on my way to the job centre in Ryde I drove round the boating lake, usually from Ryde you get a cracking view of the mainland, no such luck today, you could just about make out Ryde Pier!
In the job centre I bumped into Lyn P, who left Woolies in the summer to work at the job centre, Kerry and one of the Sue's from Shanklin. Kerry told me that Laura, another lady we used to work with who left last year to move to the mainland, is coming down to the island on Monday to meet up with everyone, so I might go and meet up with them.
In my wisdom I thought I'd drive up Culver on my way home to get some more picture's. Well the fog was even worse up there, I could barley see where I was going!
Popped into Mum and Dad's again today, where Nana and GrandJack were supposed to be bringing Jack and Jordanna round to see us, but for some reason they didn't, they didn't even mention it! Had a letter on the side when I got in, my last pay slip and P45 from Woolworths!
Mum and I talked a bit about her upcoming holiday to the Maldives, I hope they have a great time.