Wow, in't Nature cool!

It's a gorgeous day here in the outer suburbs (sort of!) of Birmingham so I wandered up the end of the garden to the pond that me and Jo built last year - and LOOK what I found! Was very excited just had to put that on now :)

"A lot can happen in 25 years...*tingle*"

And so finishes my journey through ST:TNG. I watched the thoroughly brilliant last episode today along with the extras and feel as if I have now crammed 7 years of various poeple's lives into 1 yr of mine! I really enjoyed the last 2 series (6+7) - definitley from a photography point of view - but also because everything seemed to really hit the ground running. The relationships, the storylines, and all the ideas of the whole wierdly wonderful ST world.
I liked the extras on the last disc because the behind the scenes peeps get a good look in, the 'A Captain's Tribute' was lovely and also Gates MacFadden has a lot of screen time. She wasn't really in the others but that's probably because she has so much in this one!!

Vix had a brave go at *straightening* my hair this evening. I say brave 'cos I've never done it before, my hair usually has a random, Fairy Tale, ringlety type thing going on and it's just so bloody long! Still here are the results (she also did a bit of a styling - v. wierd when look in the mirror!)

sorry about the HUOGE pic. Something's up with the icons at my msn group. V. Wierd!

Poor Moffy if all cracked up

(N.B Moffy is my 1968 Morris Minor - just to clear up any confusion!)
There was a note when I got in from TMOW rehearsals this evening......

"RING Mark at HOME - It's URGENT"

Several things then ran through my head in quick succession
a) He needs the money that I didn't manage to get to him yesterday b)There's something horribly wrong with poor Moffy c) He's not going to be able to get the work done by Saturday d) He got shunted whilst towing her to the workshop yesterday e)She's been nicked....... at which point I took a firm grip of myself and told my slightly deranged imagination to 'pull it together'.

Now I have to say, I love my car. She's almost like part of my personality. I've spent a lot of time and money on her - 'cos she's worth it. She pretty reliable, cheap to run, parts are easy to get hold of and easy to fix (despite what the insurance companies may think ::seethe::) and I have to admit - I like the attention I get when I'm out in her, my friends all love her when I start a new job or go somewhere new she's always a good conversation starter - and they used her in 'Heartbeat'! I know her past history from when she came out of the factory to now, and I've learned an awful lot about cars and mechanics from fixing/watching her being fixed.

So you can imagine how I was feeling yesterday when I actually came to the point of considering selling her, due to the amount I was having to spend fixing her every winter, and getting a new car, 'cos I really need something more practical. People have often said it to me (especially my sister Jo) but I will defend that car to the hilt. Still, practicalities must be addressed.
I thought about it, got upset and shoved it to the back of my mind to stew upon later. (it's a good trick to learn!)

But this evening all that has come flooding back, I rang Mark........imagining him sitting at home, waiting for my call and working out how to tell me that Moffy had phutted on last time.......And it turns out instead of just a blown HEAD GASKET she also has a crack in the MASTER CYLINDER. It's only hairline but he said I would need to get a new one tomorrow and then take my old one back to "Bull Motif" when Moffy is fixed. I imagined £300 prices, retrieving my exhausted credit card from that spot where I would never find it again (If only I knew where that was) and my chances of paying off most of my overdraft before this summer drifting swiftly out of view.

Still, I steeled myself, took a hold of the price list and began to scan............... ENGINE PARTS............Lead Free Cylinder Heads 1098 engine............£119 plus V.A.T. My chest tightens a little but it could have been worse.....MUCH worse. Also then found something at the back about exchanges so who knows maybe it'll be a little cheaper!

So Moffy rides again and lives to see another summer - be it sat on the drive as I'm not in the country - plus she has an M.O.T to get through next week (she'd never passed 1st time since I had her!) but still, I feel she deserves a chance. After all, I don't know what I'm doing after the summer - and 'Heartbeat' maybe looking for another car...........

Peace of the evening

Walked home from group tonight,
Was wierd to feel my feet trying to walk normally,
The sky was cloudy, dark and yet, somehow seemed bright
With patterns and colours
It seems full of possibilities

The haze from the sports centre away over the hill,
The orange beams from the street lights
Silence
Only the low zum of busy by-pass in the distance
And that tingling in the ears that comes from no noise at all

Suddenly it didn't seem real
I stopped - actually stood in the middle of the road and looked around
The houses seemed empty, and yet were full of families
A Light flicks on in one of the bedrooms, I'm drawn to it

As I turn the noise of my 'Vans' shoe on the gravelly pavement
seems fake
and yet, the most crisply real noise I've ever heard.
I pause,
and take in the moment,
trying to store it for another time

eeek......actual stuff to do!

Blimey, it never rains but it pours (well this is Britain after all!) Two weeks ago I was happily ::cough:: sat at home with naff all to do and then suddenly work descends upon me, I'm not complaining - but why does it always come at once?!

*I've been promoted to SM for TMOW, although I'd kind of done peliminary paperwork now I've started to type it all up and make it official looking. I've also got to do a lighting design for it - hmmmm....... (It'll be my first real one!)Got some good ideas though.

*Doing the LX Design for LR at Absolute Beginners aswell as writing and planning these workshops - they seem a bit more manageable now - I'm in the right frame of mind today!

*Still preparing to do Matt Finch's Music Video - for Shanty Town.

*Have been asked to prepare a serious Drama type thing for the Sunday after Easter about the Resurrection so currently scouting for ideas. I'd love to do something that'll really make people think. It's only gotta last about 5mins though so I can't get too carried away!

TMOW rehearsals were god fun this week. Feel I may have trodden on a few toes as I learned 'Mary's'(Denise) words for the bit we did on Wednesday - didn't manage to do it without the book in my hand mind - but I gave it a good go! I don't think anyone was really p***ed off 'cos I'd told them I was going to do it just to keep me occupied! Now on Sunday we have a rehearsal - just the ladies, me and the director so as Denise can catch up. Hopefully it'll go smoothly!

Land of Oz?....We'll be lucky if it isn't next week!

Above, I am of course reffereing to these AMAZING gales that are sweeping across our fair land! Nothing much to compare to storms whilst on camp - although Saturday was giving it a good go!

Won ST:TNG 7 on ebay last night - for about £5 cheaper (inc P+P) than the other's I've got - wohoo! Thought I may aswell finish the set!(well, I'm missing the first 3 but that's for another time!)

Born and Bred and Heartbeat were good last night. I really like both those shows 'cos they're good quality viewing, clever and there's no swearing, aswell as being funny and commenting on issues - there's a lot of programmes that could learn a lot of lessons!

Group last night was Me, Sarah and Brett (Clare came back about 10) and we ended up discussimg the youth work/service within our church(es). Hopefully we can start something going and get lots of people involved instead of it being a tight group.

Have to 'read in' in rehearsal for Denise tonight - eeek!. That means doing the moves aswell - bit misleading really! Should be OK as I don't really need my crutches now. My feet are still swollen and hurt to touch but I've got used to walking on the side of my foot so the crutches are more to fend off other people's stray feet than anything else!

Farewell Sex and the City

Went to see Starsky and Hutch tonight with Paul. It was pretty cool - some very funny moments - some bits when they were trying a bit too hard, Snoop Dog was great, the car stuff was pretty good too! - Although the ending with the original guys is sooooo contrived it doesn't actually fit - but it was nice to see them!

Started to sort out a load of paperwork today. Why is it when you start doing one thing to do with papers etc you suddenly think of about 8 other jobs that need doing?! I've got props lists, setting lists, lx + sound plots to do for TMOW. A LX design for Lark Rise (at Alcester Grammar School) and start working out the technical/Stage Management workshops I'm running there for Absolute Beginner's -ahhhhh! Lots to do in my last 1 1/2 wks on invalid row!

Moffy (my Morris Minor) is going in for a wee overhaul on Thursday - just the Head Gasket,.....Brake Master Cylinder......Front suspension - you know - nothing too major! - bet she still won't pass her M.O.T! Bless :)

My sister's (Jo - the one who's 1yr younger than me!) VW Golf is off to that big car park in the sky tommorow - she's somehow managed to persuade my Dad to GIVE (almost) her his 2ltr Volvo (which he's selling) and I do mean handing over the paper's an all. Now this may not seem much except that she still owes him money from buying the Golf AND he's said he'll give her money towards a new car (yeah. like she needs it with that Volvo!). She's managing to wangle all this by milking the fact that he said the Golf was alright to buy (about 3 yrs ago) when it actually had a crack in the manifold and has since had a few other problems (It's an F reg so far from new but still....). I have to say I'm ::slightly hacked off:: by this.
Honestly my sister could sell snow to Eskimo's (or Inuit if we're being PC) and still look entirely innocent! - Mainly - I wish I'd though of it first! I'd not sell Moffy, but it would give the old girl a well deserved rest. I'd only have had the Volvo until I go to America in June and then Jo could have had it - ah well.........Que ce ra, ce ra (or however that's spelt - Doris Day - what a woman!)

Hope everyone's got Mother's Day sorted........:)

FREEDOM!!!!

Yeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyey! Wooo, my plaster casts are off and now my feet are washed, buffed and looking vaguley presentable - if VERY swollen here they are:

Isn't it cool! They do hurt though. I'm not supposed to walk on me big toes properly for another week so they get the full 6 weeks - Not sure how me stubbing one of them on the stairs this evening is going to help but hey - makes life interesting (there was a lovely crunch and I didn't even yell and wake people up - how considerate am I!)

Have received ST:TNG 6 - have 2 disc 1's and no disc 2 so they're sending me a new one - still have only 2 discs left to watch!. Got Wil's book - sooo cool!

Poor George the rabbit has nasty mites so as part of his treatment Vix decided to give him a wash - here are some progress pics! - He actually really enjoyed it - break from routine!

Shanty Town Rule!

Went to Son's mum's 50th party tonight. Son's brother Matt along with Martin Bentley, Jason O'Sullivan and another guy (whoops!) have formed this band called(as above!) Shanty Town - this was there first gig and they played their own stuff except for one song ('have a nice day' - which kind of gives you a feel for their sound) and can I just say - it kicked the proverbial derier!!! They were amazing - especially the last song. Starts as a piano slow thing and ends in a massive guitar solo etc - ssooooo cool. I've known these guys since they were little and boy are they talented!

Met a lady at the party who I haven't seen in years (from church) and she remembered who I was and even got my name right! Wohoo - some people manage to not get me confused with my sister's!

Got my first installment of sickpay - wooo! Healing stitches are itching like a badger so bad it actually woke me up last night! Only 3 days left with the plaster's - yey!

More things in post to me!

I have succumbed to the boredom and my own lack of self discipline again and ordered
*ST:TNG 6
*Dancing Barefoot - by Wil Wheaton

I've been meaning to buy Wil's book for ages but they've only just published it again so I took my opportunity! Plus have finished watching ST:TNG 5 for the second time (Edd has 4 and RD 4 - I'm such a sucker!) so I ummed and ahhed, checked the prices and decided to go for it. Most of the other series have gone back up to £60 - £80 but this series was still at £39.99 .............................

..........well it's exciting for me............(probably not for my overdraft though..ah well put it down to recouperation needs :s )

I have been stuck here with these plaster casts on my feet for nearly 6 weeks now - they come off on Tuesday - HURRAY!!! Son has agreed to take me to the hospital as my Mum/Dad/Sister's can't - she's such a Star :)

...why!?!!....

Went to the doctor's - I now have mild asthma causing panic attacks and a lovely brown inhaler to take everday- *:::sigh::::* - 'nuff said.

"You got me commander"..."That's your expert opinion?!"

Wahoo, Vix passed her driving test - thanks to anyone who took the time to send a little prayer/mojo her way. Although having been driving around with her all day - and I think I may need it!

Group last night was great. We were discussing the chapters we'd read in TPDL. It's gonna be a tough journey but hopefully it'll all be amazing in the end.

Went to rehearsal for "The Memory of Water" (next Wythall Theatre Company play at the Palace Theatre, Redditch) for which I'm prompt (well, I'm probably going to end up as SM!). It's a great play but the cast are getting worried about whether they can manage the lines/rehearsal etc so the atmosphere's a bit tense. I really feel for them, they're all lovely ladies and the show should be amazing - here's hoping.

Been having a few chest (as in breathing...) problems in the last few months so have finally decided to go to the doctor's tommorow!

Stack o' Buttons

Isn't it amazing what a good laugh can do to your mood and overall feeling? Just watched Parkinson on BBC 1 with Harry Connick Jr, Lionel Richie and the man- Patrick Stewart. It was hilarious. 3 very chilled down to earth guys just chattin' with Parki, it's put a smile on my face sooooo big :))))))

I was on the net until 5:30am this morning and then slept 'til midday, and it felt good! I wasn't forcing myself to sleep and when I woke up I felt rested, instead of harrased from bizarre dreams you get from that much sleep! Me + Edd spent nearly all afternoon playing co-op LOTR:Return of the King for PS2. We completed it and unlocked some new stuff he can use in single player - it was nice to have a bod to waste the afternoon with!

Gotta get to reading TPDL and watching the episode of CSI:Miami I just taped so no late night on here tonight.

Ooooo, it's Vix's driving test on Monday - so any prayers/mojo for her gratefully received :)

"Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it Infamy"

Anyone know where that come's from.......answers in the comments box - if it's someone I know - I owe you chocolate! - Hey, maybe if I do more improptu quizzes people'll say hi.............

....naaaaaah.

Well, here is the poem I promised. Take it how you will it's from TPDL (see Blog Abb) and I just thought it was so cool and put stuff into perspective for me that I would share it.

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!

by Russell Kelfer

Now I'm not about to go all preachy on you 'cos hopefully you'll know that's not my style. But this poem really 'speaks' to me, as those of you who know about my childhood etc will understand. So I was hoping that maybe you'll read it and take a minute to think - that's all, just a pondering point for the day - bit like Radio 4 in the morning's :)

la di la do la....

Nothing much up today. Finally found this funky site again so I can put my map of "states I've visited" on my blog - WOW isn't it exciting :s


create your own personalized map of the USA
or write about it on the open travel guide
There was a lovely poem in TPDL which I'll put up - probably tommorow, this book's pretty cool.

hmdy hmdy hm...

Well chaps, I'm bored - and that's about it really. I do have things I can do, i.e read, watch mindless TV (did that practically all day yesterday), DVD's/Video's, do quiz books. But to be honest I've kinda lost the will to do stuff.

I'm going to start reading "The purpose driven Life" this evening. My Church is doing it for Lent - it has something to read, think about, and answer everyday. I didn't manage to get hold of a book 'til yesterday so i'm about a week behind. We started looking at it in group on Sunday night, it seems really good. A lot of stuff was spoken about that evening which isn't usually and it helped me feel as if this might help me get back on track with God instead of the trapesing along I seem to be doing at the moment.

I guess I should go do something - I can't stand up for too long at the mo - my feet (well what I can see of them!) keep going purple and tingly so making a sandwich is about the most I can manage.

Frasier's on tonight - yey!