Well - here we all are! One of those curious occasions when a Virtual community Actually meets.
A nice afternoon. More of my photos here
Monday, February 26, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Avatars
Talking of avatars.
Of course it's only right that Alfie should have his own.
And he does - it appears on my computer every day. ( When I have to use a PC that is...)
Limecat
As you know, I've used this avatar for the last couple of years - I was originally pointed to it by a friend.
It's brilliant to learn that it has an active fanbase! and to have been invited to join it.
Diligence
A long day in Coventry yesterday pitching for more work - we'll hear on Tuesday. As I got back home at about 9.00 pm on Friday evening, there was a salutary reminder that some travellers didn't....
This morning I picked up Alfie from the kennels. He was pleased to see me and after a mad half hour, he settled like he hadn't been away! The rest of the day has been spent quietly and diligently tidying the house up - I suddenly decided that it looked like a tip this morning. It looks slightly less like one now.
Am slowly getting used to the Blackberry but was surprised that it seemed harder than I thought it should be to get set up with email and web-browsing - I just couldn't get a data connection. Several calls to the Vodafone Helpline later and some Googling myself led me to discover that I have to buy a seperate data plan to go on the internet! The plan I've just upgraded to ( that comes with the Blackberry) er... doesn't include data transfer... I'm annoyed, as I specifically asked about this when I ordered it. And of course, no-one is around on a Saturday afternoon to sort this. I pity the poor s*d who gets my call on Monday morning!
The hernia is still uncomfortable - lying down is such a relief! But the other soreness has been fine for three days now so, apart from the bloated feeling that I was told to expect from the Fybogel, ( swings and roundabouts eh?) I think that that may be sorted.
This morning I picked up Alfie from the kennels. He was pleased to see me and after a mad half hour, he settled like he hadn't been away! The rest of the day has been spent quietly and diligently tidying the house up - I suddenly decided that it looked like a tip this morning. It looks slightly less like one now.
Am slowly getting used to the Blackberry but was surprised that it seemed harder than I thought it should be to get set up with email and web-browsing - I just couldn't get a data connection. Several calls to the Vodafone Helpline later and some Googling myself led me to discover that I have to buy a seperate data plan to go on the internet! The plan I've just upgraded to ( that comes with the Blackberry) er... doesn't include data transfer... I'm annoyed, as I specifically asked about this when I ordered it. And of course, no-one is around on a Saturday afternoon to sort this. I pity the poor s*d who gets my call on Monday morning!
The hernia is still uncomfortable - lying down is such a relief! But the other soreness has been fine for three days now so, apart from the bloated feeling that I was told to expect from the Fybogel, ( swings and roundabouts eh?) I think that that may be sorted.
Evening Chronicle Thursday February 22
Look - I'm Famous!
I'm going to the official launch of this on Sunday - that's my shot of the beer glasses to the right of the photo.
I'm going to the official launch of this on Sunday - that's my shot of the beer glasses to the right of the photo.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
virb
I got sent an invite for the beta testing of virb today. Think of a less-cluttered MySpace.
This is what I did with mine. I've got a few invites if anyone would like one.
This is what I did with mine. I've got a few invites if anyone would like one.
Seaham Beach
Finally made it to the beach with Alfie this afternoon! I'd tried yesterday but er.. got lost. No mistake ( and a map) this time. We had a great time - and I even risked taking him off his lead.
Back to work tomorrow - working from home - but loads to prepare for a trip to Coventry on Friday :(
It's been nice to be off - but I don't feel I've taken full advantage of it. Too much mooching about. My hernia is still quite uncomfortable - I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to need to ask for the op to be brought forward if possible. Soreness much better though.
But I managed to treat myself - it should arrive tomorrow.
Back to work tomorrow - working from home - but loads to prepare for a trip to Coventry on Friday :(
It's been nice to be off - but I don't feel I've taken full advantage of it. Too much mooching about. My hernia is still quite uncomfortable - I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to need to ask for the op to be brought forward if possible. Soreness much better though.
But I managed to treat myself - it should arrive tomorrow.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Overcast
A bit low today.
The weather's been foggy and overcast and so have I. A mixture of post-birthday glums, guilt that I'm not at work ( I know...) and my hernia is a bit sore and achy.
But a nice call with my sister S this morning and the discovery that Alfie is a fine catcher of the ball!
And listening to Regina Spektor...
The weather's been foggy and overcast and so have I. A mixture of post-birthday glums, guilt that I'm not at work ( I know...) and my hernia is a bit sore and achy.
But a nice call with my sister S this morning and the discovery that Alfie is a fine catcher of the ball!
And listening to Regina Spektor...
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Birthday!
Birthday
I've had a lovely 48th Birthday weekend with J - lots of presents and cards ( 17 - I er..counted ) and a great time working on images for her current poetry collection yesterday. As you can see, we even made it for a walk in the sunshine with Alfie - and if you think, last year on my birthday I could hardly walk!
Alfie's starting to show his character a bit more now. On the first night J was here, he wouldn't let her back in the room until I said it was OK! And he has adopted the blanket that she gave him as his toy - he loves playing tug with it. He's great fun - just wants to please, but gets a bit confused as to how to do that sometimes...
In the evening we went out for a pub meal and then to the Fishtank in Durham to see a covers band called Skint. They were OK - always good to see blokes my age having such a great time - but after about an hour of them - and a realisation that most of the songs they played were identical ( So were the originals: ed) - we left.
It's now late Sunday afternoon ( J went home this morning) and I'm feeling nice and relaxed (just been out for a walk with Alfie ) and I'm still off till Wednesday!
I'm also beginning to think that the treatment Mr Bain suggested might just be working! I'm still free from soreness and going to the toilet less often.
I've had a lovely 48th Birthday weekend with J - lots of presents and cards ( 17 - I er..counted ) and a great time working on images for her current poetry collection yesterday. As you can see, we even made it for a walk in the sunshine with Alfie - and if you think, last year on my birthday I could hardly walk!
Alfie's starting to show his character a bit more now. On the first night J was here, he wouldn't let her back in the room until I said it was OK! And he has adopted the blanket that she gave him as his toy - he loves playing tug with it. He's great fun - just wants to please, but gets a bit confused as to how to do that sometimes...
In the evening we went out for a pub meal and then to the Fishtank in Durham to see a covers band called Skint. They were OK - always good to see blokes my age having such a great time - but after about an hour of them - and a realisation that most of the songs they played were identical ( So were the originals: ed) - we left.
It's now late Sunday afternoon ( J went home this morning) and I'm feeling nice and relaxed (just been out for a walk with Alfie ) and I'm still off till Wednesday!
I'm also beginning to think that the treatment Mr Bain suggested might just be working! I'm still free from soreness and going to the toilet less often.
Invitation
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Return
I collected Alfie from the kennels this morning - bless him - he went demented when he saw me - dragged me off to the car. He'll want the car keys next...
Trying to relax after a very hard week at work - have to keep reminding myself not to check work emails and to ignore my work phone when it rings. Am spending the day quietly - over to see my counsellor this afternoon - and then J arrives at about 7 for my birthday weekend. Two days of pure geekiness and slovenly behaviour in prospect! Oh - and dog-walking...
Healthwise, it's hard to tell whether the new regime is having any effect yet. I certainly have been less sore but that can be the case for a couple of days anyway sometimes.
Trying to relax after a very hard week at work - have to keep reminding myself not to check work emails and to ignore my work phone when it rings. Am spending the day quietly - over to see my counsellor this afternoon - and then J arrives at about 7 for my birthday weekend. Two days of pure geekiness and slovenly behaviour in prospect! Oh - and dog-walking...
Healthwise, it's hard to tell whether the new regime is having any effect yet. I certainly have been less sore but that can be the case for a couple of days anyway sometimes.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
The Word Of God
I saw Mr Bain this afternoon. He said he thought I looked well, in spite of what I told him about my problems. He checked me over and said that the surgery is healing well, but I definitely have a hernia and so will need to go into hospital ( provisionally mid-April) for a minor op to sort that. ( He seemed more concerned that it might be his surgery rather than my abuse that might have caused it...)
And he said that the soreness and bleeding is basically caused by going to the toilet too much - he said he'd be the same if he was going as much as me! So I've been prescribed something to slow me down - I know that some of my readers have suggested that before. Have to see how it goes.
I asked about exercising and he said that that was fine - "If the hernia pops out, just pop it back
in again!" - so I'm going to start back with running - hopefully this weekend. That'll give Alfie a shock when he comes back on Friday!
They also did a blood test to check my markers - I think they only call me if there's something wrong, but expect a lot of number obsessing over the next few years...
Overall I feel upbeat as a result of the appointment. As I hoped, I feel signed off from the surgery now and can get on with things. J said later that it's funny how we complain when doctors act like God, but actually that's also what we want them to be sometimes.
Another trip away tomorrow - Coventry this time. And then off for a few days!
And he said that the soreness and bleeding is basically caused by going to the toilet too much - he said he'd be the same if he was going as much as me! So I've been prescribed something to slow me down - I know that some of my readers have suggested that before. Have to see how it goes.
I asked about exercising and he said that that was fine - "If the hernia pops out, just pop it back
in again!" - so I'm going to start back with running - hopefully this weekend. That'll give Alfie a shock when he comes back on Friday!
They also did a blood test to check my markers - I think they only call me if there's something wrong, but expect a lot of number obsessing over the next few years...
Overall I feel upbeat as a result of the appointment. As I hoped, I feel signed off from the surgery now and can get on with things. J said later that it's funny how we complain when doctors act like God, but actually that's also what we want them to be sometimes.
Another trip away tomorrow - Coventry this time. And then off for a few days!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Pending
I woke up in quite a lot of discomfort this morning - I'll spare the details, but I'm glad I'm seeing Mr Bain tomorrow. I've also just realised that it's three months today since my operation - time to get all this niggly stuff sorted.
The London day was long and tiring. I know I'm doing too much but it's hard to know how to untangle that.
The London day was long and tiring. I know I'm doing too much but it's hard to know how to untangle that.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Kennels
I had to take Alfie back into the kennels for a few days this afternoon - a pre-planned stay. I hadn't wanted to do it so soon but I need to be away from work for a couple of days this week and I'm afraid it's something he'll have to get used to. Still not an easy thing to do though - we've had a great weekend. But I've got Friday off and a few days next week too.
London for the day tomorrow. Wish I didn't feel so weary....
London for the day tomorrow. Wish I didn't feel so weary....
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Sunday Morning
Well - we've made it so far! I think he slept fine downstairs - it was just me that lay awake fretting. We're breakfasted and a walk is planned....
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Bonding
Back yesterday afternoon after most of the week away in London with work. A hard week - but enjoyable in a worky sort of way. J came down on Thursay night and we went to see The Decemberists play at the Shepherds Bush Empire. A great night - pictures here and videoclips here. Then some birthday shopping for next weekend and the train back up through the snow. We had a quick turnaround and then out last night to hear Michael Heller read. It was a bit hard to keep my brows that high after a long week but it was still enjoyable.
And today...
Well - today I got Alfie! Picked him up this morning and brought him home. We spent about an hour following each other around the house and then staring at each other but now he ( and I) seem to have settled a bit. He's just lying here at my feet as I write. Already I've sat down far more on a Saturday than I usually would - if I move, he jumps up and looks worried - so that has to be a good thing. More about all that over the next few days I'm sure.
Healthwise, it's a bit strange at the moment. I feel pretty much OK in myself but I'm still rather sore and I'm pretty sure I've got a hernia at my operation site. Apparently they're not that unusual ( I really have tried to take care - honest!) and it doesn't hurt at all but I'm aware of an odd lump that shouldn't be there. I'm seeing Mr Bain on Wednesday so I'll just leave it till then ( and be very careful) - unless it starts hurting of course... Just have to see what he says.
So - back to my dog then...
And today...
Well - today I got Alfie! Picked him up this morning and brought him home. We spent about an hour following each other around the house and then staring at each other but now he ( and I) seem to have settled a bit. He's just lying here at my feet as I write. Already I've sat down far more on a Saturday than I usually would - if I move, he jumps up and looks worried - so that has to be a good thing. More about all that over the next few days I'm sure.
Healthwise, it's a bit strange at the moment. I feel pretty much OK in myself but I'm still rather sore and I'm pretty sure I've got a hernia at my operation site. Apparently they're not that unusual ( I really have tried to take care - honest!) and it doesn't hurt at all but I'm aware of an odd lump that shouldn't be there. I'm seeing Mr Bain on Wednesday so I'll just leave it till then ( and be very careful) - unless it starts hurting of course... Just have to see what he says.
So - back to my dog then...
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Sunday Sunset
- and the weekend draws to a close. A nice walk out in the sunshine this afternoon and I feel rested. Good job really - on Tuesday morning I go to Sheffield for a meeting and then to London for the rest of the week. The good side of that is that J and I are meeting down there on Thursday night to go to a concert and then taking Friday off together to maybe catch an exhibition before heading back up North.
And then on Saturday I pick up Alfie! I got him a lead this weekend...
And then on Saturday I pick up Alfie! I got him a lead this weekend...
Geekend
Well - I had the quiet weekend I wanted - but I don't think I expected to spend so much of it in front of the computer! But in a good way...
It all started after a power cut here on Friday. When I went to restart my PC, my Firefox browser had crashed and all my bookmark settings and plug-ins had been lost - three years of history!
Rather than restore them all on the PC I decided to use that as an excuse to transfer my browsing more over to the iMac. (I've been using it for that intermittently but as it's mainly for video editing I hadn't really wanted to distract myself with the web.. ) That all went well ( Camino feels much more stable - and there are safeguards you can build in.) and then I just spent hours on the mac updating and installing applications, trying to remember how to build websites and well, just playing. ( You can see see some of the history of that on my Twitter box at the bottom of the sidebar - just click on the downward triangle.) It's my birthday in about a fortnight and J is coming over for a geekend to do video and webstuff ( as well as take me for a nice meal!) and so some of the stuff I was doing was to check that I could remember things for that.)
It was brilliant! ( If you like that sort of thing - Ed) The mac feels much more like my main machine now - I'll always need a PC for Outlook ( I need to sync Tasks and Contacts to my ipaq and although there are mac solutions, they're still a bit crumbly.) but for most other stuff the mac is much much better.
But now - it's Sunday lunchtime and I need some fresh air!
It all started after a power cut here on Friday. When I went to restart my PC, my Firefox browser had crashed and all my bookmark settings and plug-ins had been lost - three years of history!
Rather than restore them all on the PC I decided to use that as an excuse to transfer my browsing more over to the iMac. (I've been using it for that intermittently but as it's mainly for video editing I hadn't really wanted to distract myself with the web.. ) That all went well ( Camino feels much more stable - and there are safeguards you can build in.) and then I just spent hours on the mac updating and installing applications, trying to remember how to build websites and well, just playing. ( You can see see some of the history of that on my Twitter box at the bottom of the sidebar - just click on the downward triangle.) It's my birthday in about a fortnight and J is coming over for a geekend to do video and webstuff ( as well as take me for a nice meal!) and so some of the stuff I was doing was to check that I could remember things for that.)
It was brilliant! ( If you like that sort of thing - Ed) The mac feels much more like my main machine now - I'll always need a PC for Outlook ( I need to sync Tasks and Contacts to my ipaq and although there are mac solutions, they're still a bit crumbly.) but for most other stuff the mac is much much better.
But now - it's Sunday lunchtime and I need some fresh air!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Fish on Friday
Thanks for the feedback on the blog everybody - looks like it's working again OK.
Funny that a week that started so work-loaded has ended so slow and stodgy. I put it down to the cold I've had this week - since Wednesday I've been dealing with everything through cotton wool. Not so bad actually...
But some great bits to my week as well - a meal in Leeds with J's daughter D on Tuesday, a brilliant massage on Thursday followed by a catch up meal with former colleagues K and M and now fish and chips!
I've got a quiet weekend planned - busy busy again next week. I also want to get out in the sunshine a bit if I can - shake off some of these cobwebs.
Funny that a week that started so work-loaded has ended so slow and stodgy. I put it down to the cold I've had this week - since Wednesday I've been dealing with everything through cotton wool. Not so bad actually...
But some great bits to my week as well - a meal in Leeds with J's daughter D on Tuesday, a brilliant massage on Thursday followed by a catch up meal with former colleagues K and M and now fish and chips!
I've got a quiet weekend planned - busy busy again next week. I also want to get out in the sunshine a bit if I can - shake off some of these cobwebs.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Blog Problem?
A couple of people have told me that they've had problems getting to the blog in the last few days. As they ( obviously) can't contact me via the blog, can I ask that people who are seeing this fine let me know please? ( I've checked it myself on various PCs and Macs and I don't have a problem.)
Either just leave a response to the blog or email me at:
moi@menage.me.uk
Thanks
Either just leave a response to the blog or email me at:
moi@menage.me.uk
Thanks
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