L-Plates please
Every day you learn something new.
Called Kemi in reply to Tade's call regarding the barbecue they will be having in a couple of weeks time. Got talking and she mentioned Yinka who said we haven't spoken for a while. 'Tis true, but more out of timing than anything else.
So I call Yinka after talking to Kemi. She said she saw me in South London a couple of weeks ago and I said yup, that was me. So as we got talking, she mentioned "the children", and that her eldest was in bed (he'll be 4 this month). I didn't think too much about this because I assumed it was someone else's child - until I heard a baby in the background.
Ok, I know we haven't spoken since last December, but I didn't even know the woman was pregnant!! I knew her other sister was getting married, I knew she had moved house, but in all of the time I was talking to her, up until December, a month before the baby was born, I didn't know she was pregnant. She obviously thought this was very funny and laughed at the fact that she'd spoken to me all of that time and never mentioned this rather important matter.
Now I think about it, that explains why she spoke to me the way she did back then. When I mentioned Darly (bloke) to her today, she seemed quite calm. Which I found strange. Anyway. will be seeing her at the barbecue, she'll get to meet Darly and I'll get to stand over the barbecue and go home smelling of the stuff...
A woman in the bank with a pair of tights on her head (with the legs attached!). I had to mention that, I couldn't believe she couldn't find a headscarf.
The times they are a-changin'
Today was work, and lots of running around. I finished off a couple of things, but still haven't gotten around to putting those photos up. I took my camera out, but haven't done anything else other than switch it on and off. A very comforting practise that.
There are a number of things that have been going around in my head. Actually, the most exciting thing that happened is...Val went out today and got a Palm Tungsten T2!!! I worry about whether she's out of her depth with that, but I get the impression that it's "retail therapy", after the past week in hospital with Jan. She's due to go on holiday next week Monday, I hope she really gets the rest she deserves. Tomorrow I'll be paying her a visit and trying to sort out a couple of things for her, because I know she is really going to be hopeless at this.
This past weekend I bought myself two different versions of the Bible for me Palm. It was a good thing, because it made it easier to catch up with all of those bible readings that I've not been able to keep up with, especially as I have it with me most of the time. Plus it's much lighter than carrying my big bible with me all of the time.
Now to find a Palm study bible...
Back with a blip
This week away has been good and not so good. Good in the sense that it was nice getting away from the city and stuff, not so good in that I would have loved to have been able to talk to folk a bit more.
The monastery is a lovely place to be, but I didn't go to any of the Vespers or any other services. And in that sense, I feel like I have missed out. The regimented regime is nice if you don't mind sticking to the routine, but I skipped a meal just to have time alone. I even escaped from the main group in order to be able to be quiet and listen to music. Which in effect is what I did (though it seemed people thought I was off to sleep). I really ended up only listening to one album: "City on A Hill - Sing Alleluia"
On my return on Friday I didn't really do much. I've taken some photos and will be posting a couple of them over the next week. I really wanted to get one of the gates when they were closed, but never quite made it. The horrendous weather wasn't really an incentive to go outside.
From pillar to post
This has been one tiring weekend. But then, don't I always say that.
I guess it is moreso when I realize it's my brother's birthday tomorrow, it's Father's Day and I didn't get around to emailing my father, nor sending that eCard I was hoping to send. Last night I got the main preparations for my Junior church lesson covered. Decided to leave the wedding reception early yesterday in order to get a break and accomplish the task.
After church, I trekked across London to see Val and daughter. She said she's a bit better today, having run around the ward with her brother. There were quite a number of visitors from her church, I stayed until after 5pm, then made my way back home. It was raining pretty hard and steadily, I was a bit miffed that I left my umbrella swinging from my front door handle. A bit useless to me there!
Stood at one bus stop being dripped on, then at the next one I was cold. When I got in, I sat down for a few minutes before running off to church to collect the books (and possibly guitar) for the week ahead. I haven't even started packing. Decided to call my bro and ended up in conversation for an hour and a half. No surprise there. And now, to finish packing...
Kipping
Never was I happy to finish work than after today. When I got in I sat in front of the pc and started falling asleep in the chair. I wasn't even doing anything, but it's a comfy chair. Plus it's not cluttered, like the others are!
I then transferred to my bed and ahhh..bliss. But then I had to get up because I had to buy some stockings. Took a leisurely stroll to the supermarket this evening. It's getting a bit cold, which probably means changing whatever outfit I was planning on wearing to the wedding tomorrow.
Finally turned on the tv to realize that it might be chilly tomorrow, so I'll be able to get away with wearing my suit again!
Hard day's night
Today I've figured out a number of things. One of them being that I'm not going to get much sleep for the next couple of days.
Tonight I found myself chatting with someone into the wee hours of the morning. Which will mean that I get little sleep before getting up to get to South London by 9:30am. Then, hopefully if I can leave on time, I get back in time to work. And my luck, I'm working in the evening and the next morning.
I have come to the realization that I dislike Burberry. I'm looking at this guy with a Burberry cap on, and I'm sure he likes it, just like someone I know who wears a pair of Burberry shoes. Val said her ex bought her a Burberry handbag - why would he do that when he's never seen her with anything like that before? When I went to buy a case for my mobile, I was given the option of a silver-grey case or a naff looking Burberry one.
I had to stop myself from automatically recoiling in horror and saying to the guy "do I look like the kind of person who would walk around with
that around my neck????" Good thing too.
Well, now to sleep...
The sound of one hand clapping
I can't believe this - I just spent a good few minutes writing up my blog, and it all disappeared when I tried to publish it!!!!
So now I have to start again...
I've been in writing to someone recently, and I don't really understand what it is that goes on with some folk. I made the mistake of commenting on something that happened to her and from there it snowballed into something else. She comes across as the kind of person who is always wronged, and I merely suggested that maybe she has a role in all of this? It might not be a "Satanic attack" as she put it. Well who told me to say that?
In the end I just quit the conversation and moved on to other stuff, despite the fact that she keeps bringing it up. I don't expect to agree with everyone, but I'd like to think I'm objective enough to comprehend that there is more than one side to any disagreement. Now I hear I'm not writing with "feeling" - why? Because I don't go on about my personal life? I give up - there is just no pleasing some people.
A night to remember
I've just returned from the
Third Day concert at The Forum.
It was great!!!
It was their first visit to the UK, the place was packed. I didn't realize that people came from all over the country, from Leeds to Cardiff, just to be a part of the Third Day Choir experience. Alas, they didn't sing "Love Song", but they sang one of my favourites, "Consuming Fire", and stuff from their most recent album, "Wired." The crowd were all good, it was amazing being there and seeing people worshipping and singing along. When we sang "Agnus Dei" solo it was an experience and a half.
Susan and I got a bus to Tufnell Park station and from there, walked to Kentish Town. We stopped by at a place called "Eatzone" for a meal, and from there made our way at around 7:30pm to The Forum. There was a massive crowd outside, so I knew it wouldn't start on time (7pm). In fact, they tried to get as many as possible in who turned up and bought tickets, so we started closer to 8pm or thereabouts. I think the band was surprised and amazed at the turn out. You got the impression that they didn't think they were that popular in these parts.
Nicki Rogers opened for them, and she was good. Susan assumed that some really bad opening act would start up, when in fact it was homegrown talent. And it was far better than had been anticipated.
To date it's the best concert I've been to, an incredible experience. I look forward to seeing
Out of Eden in concert one day. I overheard someone behind me talking about one of the concerts they attended and how good it was. So...
Venus passing
It's been a long day. But then again, don't I always say that?
I got up early in the morning to catch a glimpse Venus passing across the face of the sun. But alas, the trees were in the way. By the time I got up later, it hadn't risen much, but I didn't really get to see much. Why oh why do I always seem to miss these once-in-a-lifetime things? Well, that's not exactly true. I did see Halley's Comet in the 1980s, then the Halle Bop comet in the 1990s. Oh yes, and there was that eclipse thing that took place when Ruth and I were in Corfu. So this one, on today of all days, was worth catching. But my mind, not being alert, couldn't figure out how to filter it through my camera so I could still see it. If I looked carefully with one eye and glimpsed on and off at the sun, I could just about make it out with a bit of a strain. Not good of course because then you get the dark spots in front of your eye....
By 11:45am I was on the bus going to Waterloo. And I kept wondering "people, don't you realize that you're missing a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon??? Look up, look up to the skies (don't forget your protective eyewear)" I have to figure out where I can get a pair of those special eclipse/planet watching glasses.
The original plan was to go to see Val (trip to Nando's), then see Darly but the latter plan was cancelled, much to my relief. So I went to Val's via the supermarket, and we had a healthy(ish) option meal. I got there much later than planned, bless her socks, she was going to take me out to get a cake and I ruined her plan. Well, it was my birthday and I could ruin her plans if I like!!
After that, made my way to see Shell at work, then parted way and decided to go to the supermarket first and then go home. I was falling asleep on the bus, but I was glad I got off at the right place. Came home and did dinner - don't know why, because I couldn't eat it all. Drank lots though, which would probably explain why. Bought a "no added sugar" bottle of high juice which I'm enduring. I think I'm drinking more of it in order to get rid of it and get the one I want
WITH sugar. These low sugar things are disgusting, I'd rather have nothing than have Aspartame.
Move me
It's been an interesting weekend.
On Saturday, found myself in Islington. Looks like all of the campaigners for the political parties were out in full force - Respect..wait a minute. What is their agenda apart from being anti war? They're like the UKIP, a very limited agenda. Anyway, as I went from the bank to the shops, leaflets were shoved in my direction (I declined to accept any). On the other side of the road noticed more Respect coalition people, Labour campaigners and I let out a loud laugh when I saw the Conservatives. I didn't mean to laugh out loud, but it was too funny seeing them - they really don't stand a chance in these parts.
This morning I trekked across London to Val's church, and found myself sitting behind a woman whose style sense was reminiscent of Kay. What is this thing about black women (and men) bleaching their skins? I don't get it. And it was pretty obvious that this was the case, the dark rings under her eyes was the giveaway. I remember having this conversation with folk at work (white) who didn't have a clue and couldn't tell a black person who had bleached their skin. Which is where Kay came in. I said if you look carefully, her hands are a different colour to her face.
We went with the children to Nando's, it went well but Jackie and her sister were supposed to come. They didn't turn up, Val was ticked off because she felt that Jackie always makes promises to her son yet never keeps them. We left just before 3pm, I left Val and the children on the bus going home and then took about
5 buses to get home. I thought of going to church but after three hours travelling I was shattered. And after all of that, I realized on the bus that I forgot my pedometer at home...
Being here
Today was at least better than yesterday. As I lay in bed yesterday morning, I'm sure I heard my doorbell ringing. I got up and realized someone was trying the door. Turns out it was Kathy and I didn't realize I was working in the morning and not the evening!
But what I don't understand is this; I went to bed in the wee hours on Thursday morning and yet I could get up and not feel tired. Last night I went to bed earlier, and woke up this morning tired. I don't get it.
Shell is off to Zurich today, and in her great wisdom, whilst at the launderette she realizes that she forgot her passport at home. Fortunately it's not too far away so she goes back to get it, otherwise she would have been stuffed at Heathrow. This is what I love about the EU, the travel. On the downside, no more stamps in passports :(
Spent the day labouring over this rent programme at work. Tried to reset the thing, messed it up, almost ended up having to call the helpline to sort it out. In the end I found a random disk that I had saved the initialization software on disk - a random, unlabelled disk! And would you believe I put said disk away unlabelled? By the time I finished work I'd had enough of the whole thing, and will probably go on Monday to sort it out.
Now I'm whiling away the hours instant messaging Darly in Colchester. That's my therapy...
Ascension
Yesterday was Shell's birthday. She was planning on coming around, but in the end decided she was going to see Chicago - the play that is and not the city. Sent her a text message, I've now collected enough tokens to get her that Pedometer, but I haven't sent off for it yet. Sounds like she was having a good time, she wasn't at work and was out somewhere in the city.
And I finally got it! Four years ago, in February 2000, I had intended on buying myself a specific domain name. Unfortunately I left it too late, and on the day I had planned to buy it, someone else had registered it. I was so bitterly disappointed, to the point where I considered calling Victor the following day. It was as good an excuse as any to talk to him. Good thing I didn't too, because he had died suddenly that morning.
Earlier this year, around February or March, I noticed that the domain name wasn't renewed, so I watched and waited to see what would happen. I checked again at intervals, but then stopped and forgot about it. It was only when I went to see the status of a lapsed registered domain name that I decided to check it, and lo and behold it was available! It was an opportunity too good to be missed, having learned from the last time I promptly snapped it up! Initially for two years, but I hope to extend it for a good few years when it's up for renewal.
So do I feel good right now? Sure do...now, for my plan for world domination!!!
AND...today I reached over 16,000 steps, about 5kms. It's the most I've accumulated in one day.
I also managed to locate that 40-something pounds that was bugging me from Monday. The strange thing is, it took me less than 10 minutes to locate the discrepancies. Can't understand why it was that I couldn't see them before.
