Random Thought #26 - It's Not Just Me Then

You find out some random things about people when life goes a little bit pear shaped.

*WARNING! The following sentence may cause you to become confused and you may have to read it several times to understand it.*

Last Friday morning was a particularly uneventful morning because of an event that occurred which stopped other events occurring. Do you understand?

No? Try reading it again... still nothing?

Well last Friday the aforementioned event was a power cut. You realise just how much you depend on computers when there is a power cut.

So I spent two and a half hours on Friday morning trying to find non technology based things that you can do in the dark whilst at work.

So a very dull and boring two and a half hours followed.

Anyway back to the whole 'it's not just me' part of this random thought. Sometime before the power cut I read on Jen Daiker's blog Unedited that she hates speaking to people on the phone - the same applies to me.

Then, during the power cut, one of colleagues confessed that if an 'unknown' number calls his mobile phone he won't answer it. I do that too. If I don't recognise the number and I'm not expecting a call I will not answer it. I hate being called anyway. I like to prepare when making phone calls, what I'm going to say etc. so someone calling me throws that out the window and I have to wing it.

Lovin' The Language Blogfest

Today we have the Lovin' The Language Blogfest hosted by Jolene.




And all you have to do is:

"Pick any five lines or any five SHORT excerpts from one of your WIPs. If you're feeling shy, and don't want to share from your own work, share from something you LOVE."


Now I am one of those shy people... and my WIP is currently a complete mess. So even if I wasn't one of those shy people I probably couldn't have come up with anything decent.

But as soon as I knew I'd be using something else I knew exactly which book to go for... and which scene. It is a book that I only read recently but it immediately became one of my favourite books (although I can't for the life of me tell you why). And it is a scene that stuck with me, even after I'd finished the book and moved on to something entirely different. Five lines was actually perfect for this particular scene.

For those of you who haven't read One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey let me set the scene a little.

McMurphy is a criminal who gets himself transferred to a mental institute for what he thinks will be an easy stay. He soon clashes with the tyrannical Nurse Ratched who rules the ward, sitting behind her spotless glass window only leaving for meetings or to dish out discipline. McMurphy attempts to break her psychologically.


The glass came apart like water splashing, and the nurse threw her hands to her ears. He got one of the cartons of cigarettes with his name on it and took out a pack, then put it back and turned to where the Big Nurse was sitting like a chalk statue and very tenderly went to brushing the slivers of glass off her hat and shoulders.
"I'm sure sorry, ma'am," he said. "Gawd but I am. That window glass was so spick and span I com-pletely forgot it was there."


If you haven't read it you really should... if you like that sort of book of course. If you don't well... don't read it - simple as!

Random Quote #37

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.

Oscar Wilde

I Missed One!

How could I forget!

Last week I took part in The Favourite Book Challenge Blogfest - to see that post click here.

Anyhoo I could only think of four books (as you'll have discovered if you clicked the above link) that stood out from the many many books that I have read over the years.

And then last night I remembered another one. I actually remember thinking that I must include this book when I first read about the blogfest.

So as a late entry... Book Number 5:

George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl.

A young boy tries to cure his Grandma of her viciousness by creating a new medicine for her.


Roald Dahl was one of my favourite authors of a child, this book being my favourite. to the point that I still have the hardback book that includes this story, The BFG and Matilda.


So book number 5 was four days late... but better late than never!

I Have Too Many! Part 4: T-Shirts

I've been preparing this for a while. And to be honest I don't think I've taken photos of all my t-shirts.

I've lost track. Every time I wore a different one I took a picture. But I'm not sure if this is the lot. I already know that I'm missing at least one t-shirt - a white one with Betty Boop on it. Never mind.

But I think that this will demonstrate that I have too many t-shirts regardless. Although I'm pretty sure I don't have more t-shirts than my brother. That is nearly all he wears. And 99% of them are black with skulls, skeletons or wolves on.

So without further ado... I have too many t-shirts:

The Favourite Book Challenge Blogfest

So here we are... I'm all sorted out now... here is my post for The Favourite Book Challenge Blogfest as hosted by Teralyn on her blog A Writer's Journey.

You are supposed to (in an ideal world) have five books... but I've only got four so... four it will have to be.

Trying to cut the whole plot of a book down in to one sentence is hard... especially if you haven't read said book for a while. But I'll do my best...

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

An orphan, forced to live with her wealthy but cruel relatives, becomes a governess in a house where strange goings on occur, and both love and tragedy lie in wait.

I like this book because it's dark, mysterious and gothic, yet romantic and touching all at the same time.

Lucia Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

A young woman listens as her elderly neighbour tells her the story of her life; her determination to have a career, falling in love and risking everything to have it all.

This was the first of Trigiani's books that I had read; it was amongst my Grandma's books when she died and I wasn't sure if I would enjoy reading it... I loved it.

The Reckoning by Sue Walker

Over thirty years after a series of murders split a family up, the killer dies in prison; his son returns to the scene of the crime and discovers that he may have been innocent all along.

Coming up to the end of this book was the first time I had ever needed to know what happened so much that I stayed up until 2am reading - I just had to know!

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

A jailbird, hoping for an easy stay in a mental institute, clashes with the tyrannical head nurse who runs the ward with almost military precision.

I don't know why this is one of my favourite books; it just is.

This Is Not My Entry...

...for The Favourite Book Challenge Blogfest that is being hosted by Teralyn on her blog A Writer's Journey.

Let's put it this way it is a good job that this blogfest is taking place over three days.

I didn't forget about it (honestly). I knew it was coming but it seemed ages away. And then BAM!!! The 20th arrived and I wasn't quite prepared... oops...

But I didn't want you all to think that I'd just not bothered. I have a list of books I've just got to write something for each one now. So hopefully I'll post my entry tomorrow... or the day after... which would be the last day of the blogfest so it will have to be by then or never really.

So I best be off to get on with this hadn't I?

Random Quote #36

*answers telephone after Del has told him to tell the caller that he is out*

Oh, hello Mr Chin. No Del's gone out. I'm not sure... Where've you gone to Del?

Grandad 


Only Fools and Horses - The Yellow Peril (1982)

Random Thought #25 - Sunbeds

This is a true random thought.

I've never been on a sunbed, I have not intention of using one, but I was just wondering...

Do you have to use sun lotion when you use a sun bed?

Blogfest Alert!

I come bearing news of another blogfest!

This one is hosted by Jolene on her blog. It is the 'Loving The Language Blogfest' which you can sign up for by clicking here.

Before I sign up what's it about? I hear you cry.

Well all you have to do is, on 27th June:

"Pick any five lines (yes, it can be a few short lines that roll together. That's okay, and is probably what I'll do) from one of your WIPs. If you're feeling shy, and don't want to share from your own work, share from something you LOVE.

All you have to do is sign up below (so we can share in your language love) and on June 27th (a dreaded Monday post) you can toss up some of your favorite lines - you know - the ones that make you want to jump up from your computer and raise your hands in the air when you get them down, or the ones that make you laugh, smile, or cry each time you read them."

I have to admit I am one of the shy people... I will be posting from something else. Not only am I shy but my WIP is in a state not fit for anyones eyes other than my own. And even then I sometimes don't want to look at it (I can't believe some of the crap I wrote - but it was NaNoWriMo and it was about quantity not quality).

Anyway that is why it is posted on this blog as opposed to my writing blog as my entry is unlikely to include any of my own writing.

But I have just the book/lines in mind...

The Trials and Tribulations of a Diabetic Clothes Horse

Or welcome to Diabetes Week!

I actually thought that Diabetes Week started today until 19th June... I was wrong it started yesterday until the 18th.

Oh well, better late than never.

I'm not 100% sure if this is an international event or just associated with Diabetes UK but anyway...

I actually chose a H G Wells quote for today's random quote because Wells was one of the original founding members of Diabetes UK (when it was British Diabetes Association... or Foundation... or something lie that).

As my worshippers followers might already know (because I have mentioned/referred to it before) I have Diabetes. More specifically Type 1 or insulin dependent Diabetes.

Which basically means the part of my pancreas that used to produce insulin decided to attack itself resulting in the insulin factory being closed down and me having to ship it in from external sources.

But I haven't written this post to talk about my diabetes... well not in medical terms anyway.

The description underneath my blog title announces to all that I am a shopaholic. I especially like buying clothes, shoes, handbags, make-up and books.

Now out of those five it is the first three that are affected by me having Diabetes.

But Chippy how on earth can having diabetes effect your handbag.

Ah yes it's a good question. Diabetes effects my handbag because I have to think in advance - am I going to need to test my blood whilst I'm out? Or take my insulin? Yes. Well then that little clutch bag is going to be no good is it? Can't fit a blood testing meter and an insulin pen in there no matter how hard you try.

Ok so what if I just take the insulin pen - that will fit.

Hmm. Ok just the insulin pen... but make sure you test your blood before you leave the house.

Ok diabetes conscience I will.

STOP! Where do you think you are going Chippy?

I'm just going to work diabetes conscience... I've got my meter and my insulin. I checked... twice.


But do you have any glucose tablets in that there bag?


Erm. I think so, but do I really need to take them with me they taste awful.


Never mind arguing just make sure you have got some.

***

Your choice of shoes can also be affected by diabetes. From the second you are diagnosed members of the medical profession drill in to you how important it is to look after your feet. Because if you develop Diabetic neuropathy you might not notice if you get a blister or a cut on one of your feet. And then it would get infected and worse case scenario you lose your leg... then your shoes would be useless.

But I want to wear these heels to work... what was the point in me buying them if I can't wear them.

Not my problem Chippy. Wear flat shoes. You know you'll be walking home and those shoes will rip your feet apart in that time.

Well what if I wear the heels to work but take my trainers to walk home in.

Well... I don't know... I suppose that would be ok.

And if they do rub I can use one of those blister plasters...

You know as well as I do Chippy you shouldn't use them it probably says on the packet somewhere that diabetics shouldn't use them.

That's just the company covering their tracks in case my foot falls off or something - then I can't sue them. I'm sure I'll be fine. My diabetes is well controlled. I won't tell if you won't diabetes conscience.

Ok I give in. Wear your heels Chippy!

Yay!

***

So me and my conscience have a lot to talk about on a daily basis as you can see. Although my 'diabetes conscience' doesn't tend to pipe up when I'm choosing clothes. Oh no.

That's when my practicality alarm goes off instead.

Chippy, you inject your insulin in to your stomach... how can you inject through a dress. And it's the middle of winter - you'd better wrap up warm. Add some more layers - vests, slips, tights. Let's see your needle get through that lot. 

QUIET!!! It's my wardrobe and I will wear whatever I like! I will overcome these problems I will adapt. If it means taking another pair of shoes to work with me so be it.

If it means having to go to the toilet every time I want to take insulin to avoid hoiking up my dress in the office who cares? (Actually I have my own office so I just listen carefully for anyone approaching whilst hoiking my dress up - see I have developed a good sense of hearing for this very purpose).

And given the amount of chocolate I eat, especially for a diabetic, that would mean a lot of trips to the toilet. Or a lot of physical activity (which with the nature of my job, lugging files around all day, is a good excuse for more chocolate).

Are you still with me? Good. I thought you may have fallen asleep by now... your fingers may be straying dangerously close to the 'X' at the top of the page so I think I'll wind up now.

It's Diabetes Week this week - in association with Diabetes UK - there are approx 2.8 million people in the UK who have been diagnosed with diabetes but about 850,000 people in the UK have diabetes but don't know it... yet.

Random Quote #35

The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow.

H G Wells

This Morning Was Not Grand...

My morning was not a good one for a number of reasons:


1) My blood sugar had dipped – not enough for me to actually go hypo but enough for me to have a headache.

2) The new hay fever spray I am using appeared to be doing f**k all to alleviate my symptoms (I think I may go back to my old brand).

3) The bus driver was blind. There was me, turquoise jacket, orange carrier bag on my arm, umbrella and waving my arm at him to signal that I wanted him to stop so I could get on the bus. And what does he do? Drives straight past me. My own fault really – I didn’t realise that there was a type of hedge that waves and has an umbrella. I probably blended right in. So I then had to pay 40p more in bus fare as I walked over to another road and got a bus on a different route so I wouldn’t be late.


So not the best morning if I’m honest…

It's All Fun and Games Blogfest - Today!!

Today is the day of the It's All Fun and Games Blogfest hosted by Alex J Cavanagh.

All you have to do is name your three favourite games and why - they can be any kind of games - board, drinking, video etc.

So in no particular order here are my three favourite games:


1) 13 Dead End Drive - this game was kind of like a slightly complicated version of Cluedo (or Clue in the US).
Basically there is some inheritance up for grabs. You only know who your own characters are (and try not to give away who yours are) and you have to do one of three things to win.
The first is to kill everyone else off using the traps on the board e.g. drop the chandelier on them. You can also win if you can escape the house whilst your character's portrait is in the frame. And the last way to win is to have your character's portrait in the frame when the detective (yes there is a detective) gets to the front door.
Simple really! I haven't played it in a while (I think my sister has it hidden somewhere) but it was a really fun game... if a little fiddly to set up.

2) Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games DS - I do like the Winter version of this game as well but I like the original the best.
You get to take part in various Olympic events as your favourite Mario and Sonic characters... not just the heroes but the villains as well!
It is a lot of fun and in some events it takes quite some coordination and timing.

3) FrontierVille - this is a computer game where you basically build up your frontier. It is playable on some social networking sites. And I find that I can't actually visit Facebook without stopping by to see how my frontier is doing. As in to clear out the weeds, clear out the withered crops that I forgot to harvest and stare at the array of half built buildings that cover quite a bit of my land.
But I can't play on FrontierVille as much as I used to. If I go on Facebook with my laptop plugged in it overheats and switches itself off. So I have until the battery runs out to play.

On a completely different subject I thought I would just point out that today is the 67th anniversary of D-Day or the Normandy Landings as they are also known.

Random Quote #34

Consider the daffodil. And while you're doing that, I'll be over here, looking through your stuff.

Jack Handey