Made It ...

I'm here, in Dublin. I haven't freaked out, or even felt nervous. I think I may never travel with a companion again. I haven't done half the things on my list, bt I'm having a great time, and my internal batteries are recharging as I type. The weather has been cold, windy, wet - generally miserable, since yesterday morning, but who cares?

I've been to Howth, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, spent this morning at the zoo, tried my first Shamrock Shake (yummy!), explored Grafton Street and Temple Bar, only had *one* KFC, spent less than half my money (!), made friends with the resident cat at the zoo, seen a herd of wild deer, and not taken as many pics as I had hoped. All in all, I don't think I want to come home!

Using your preferred media player ...

(stolen from Viodyna)

How many total songs?

1710


Sort by song title - first and last?

First - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, by Bryan Adams
Last - Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, by Disney


Sort by time - shortest and longest?

Shortest - Nocturnal Pleasure, by Meat Loaf (0:37)
Longest - 80's Megamix, by various artists (21:22)


Sort by Album - first and last?

First - (What's The Story) Morning Glory, by Oasis
Last - World Of Our Own, by Westlife


Sort by Artist - first and last?

First - 10CC
Last - Wilson Phillips


Top five played songs?

Cry - James Blunt
Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt
You're Beautiful - James Blunt
High - James Blunt
Wisemen - James Blunt


Find the following words. How many songs show up?

Sex: 2
Death: 0
Love: 153
You: 314
Home: 13
Boy: 72
Girl: 24

Heading for the Emerald Isle ....

Today has been a pretty near perfect day. Granted, it's not yet 2pm, so there's plenty of time for that to change, but it's going great so far.

Despite being up until nearly 3am, I was awake at 8am, and online, needing to check my bank balance to see exactly how much my profit bonus and wages were. I was thrilled to discover that even after tax and NI, my wages were £872 and my bonus was £327 ... though not *quite* as thrilled an hour later when I picked up my payslip and found that over £160 of my gross bonus amount had gone to the government, along with £280 of my gross wages ... ouch! Moving swiftly on though, after checking my bank account, I headed straight over to LastMinute.com to book my trip. Although I've ended up paying a bit more than had I been able to book further ahead, I've got my room of choice (double, non-smoking) at my hotel of choice (the Comfort Inn Parnell Square) on my chosen dates - Wednesday 29th March - Friday 31st March. Plus, I was able to get my desired flights with British Airways, flying out at 0625 on Wednesday (up at 2:30am - ugh!) and back on Friday at 6:40pm, so I should be home by 10pm at the very latest.

Having booked that, I went into town with Mum, grabbed a few travel size toiletries, my favourite Wonka Whipplescrumptious Fudge Mallow bar, some bird food, and a drink, then caught the bus into Brighton, where I pottered around for a little over an hour. I bought a black t-shirt in Bon Marche, wandered into Poundland, Argos, WHSmiths, HMV - where I bought a silicone skin for my iPod, to stop it getting any more scratches. My next stop was EAT - an outside permanent deli stall, where I bought a spicy crayfish noodle salad to have for lunch when I got home.

Over the road to the bus stop, and straight on the bus home, then into Waitrose where I bought some reduced lamb hanks which I'll cook shortly, and lots of healthy salad ingredients to have with the cold lamb and some new potatoes. Despite starting off absolutely freezing, it's turned into a perfect spring day, and the journey home on the bus reinforced that ... huge swathes of daffodils, primroses and crocuses on the verges and banks, a blue sky unmarred by clouds, and little white lambs gambolling around in the fields ... I think spring may have sprung at last!

Next was lunch at home, and I'm pleased to say that in keeping with the rest of the day, the crayfish salad was great! I only wish I could get the same thing here without travelling to Brighton!

Now I'm relaxing in bed with the radio on, and the laptop, about to browse for more Dublin ideas, and order my euros ... if only every day could be like this!

Found It ... !

I found my passport, after less than half an hour of searching, which was pretty cool! My room's a little bit tidier now as well, thanks to a huge tub of fake snow leaping off the shelf, ejecting it's lid, and creating a fake snowdrift, necessitating the vacuum cleaner ....! I tidied the entertainment unit, where the TV, DVD player, stereo and MegaDrive are, but didn't go any further than that as I'd found the passport by then! Panic over, I can go to Dublin now ... subject to being able to get a sensible rate tomorrow when I book! I may want to go, but even I won't pay *silly* prices.

If you were my passport ...

... where would you be?

I get paid tomorrow, and get my profit bonus as well, which I plan to use to book my trip to Dublin next week. It's all planned out - get up early to search for the best deal, book my trip, go and get euros, travel size toiletries, etc. There's just one *tiny* problem though ... my passport has apparently gone for a trip without me!

I haven't seen it since the day I got back from Dublin last September, and I have *no* idea where it is. Guess what I'll be spending this evening doing then ...

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today is St. Patrick's Day, and I have been desperately wanting to get back to Dublin for months now, so I tortured myself a little when I came home at lunchtime today by watching the Dublin webcam, which looks out over O'Connell Street, and was able to get a glimpse of the parade. I'm hoping to get there for next year's celebrations, even if it's only a two night stay.

Daniel told me today that he doesn't want to go to New York in September. His reasons are good ones, and I agree with him that it's best to put it off until the end of March next year, then hopefully we can combine a week in New York with a coupld of days in Detroit, and he can do Wrestlemania as well, thus kiling two birds with one stone.

Not going to New York in September means that I am free to use my bonus next week on other things ... such as the trip to Dublin that I've been wanting to do for ages! The thought of going abroad on my own, even when I've been there twice already, is terrifying, but I keep telling myself I can do this! I'm determined to be brave and go, as I have the time off work *and* the money now!

Daniel and I are also going to return to Dublin in September, for a few days, so I now have *2* trips to look forward to, as well as the big one to New York next spring! I'm not even disappointed about delaying New York for over 6 months, because it will work out far better in the long run, and this way I get several trips instead of just one!

I'm annoyed that Daniel was worrying about telling me all day yesterday though - if he'd told me when he first decided, he wouldn't have spent a day fretting (his word!) over it, an dI would have had an extra 24 hours to look forward to two more Dublin trips!

Bedtime for me, as it's almost midnight and I start work at 7am!

Meanwhile ...

What's the difference ...

... between a goldfish and a goat?

A goldfish mucks about in fountains, while a goat .....

The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

So said Dr. Seuss, and at first glance it seems to be very true, and something that we all should live by. Certainly, it's a saying that I believe everyone should feel comfortable living their lives by ... everyone except for me, that is. I don't think I'll ever be brave enough to be myself around most people, and most especially those that matter the most - the very people Dr. Seuss reckons wouldn't mind.

I almost feel like two different people, in that I have very strong feelings and opinions, yet I am usually too worried about the way people will react to them to actually make them known. For example, one of my friends came into work yesterday proudly brandishing five fox pelts that she had bought at the boot sale, and which are destined to become part of her bonfire costume this year. I am pasionately anti-hunting and anti-fur, and yet instead of expressing my disgust when she was so proud of having got them for a bargain price, all I could find to say was "cool ... " How pathetic that I'm so afraid of offending or arguing with someone that I'm willing to hide my beliefs like that.

It seems to me that there's the opinionated, rebellious, strong-minded me, who *I* know exists, and then there's the quiet, weak-willed me, who cares far too much about what others think about me, and is always afraid to rock the boat, or break the rules, and that's the person who others see. That's not the real me though ... but the question is, can *that* me ever come out and live, rather than being kept hidden away?

I often wonder why the way others think of us matters so much? What is it about the thought of losing a friend or family member's respect or friendship that is so utterly terrifying? And is the thought of getting a negative reaction to our own thoughts, beliefs, or lifestyle really worth hiding the real 'us' from the outside world for? I don't know, but I'll let you know if I ever figure it out.

What's Your Scrabble Score?

Pholph's Scrabble Generator My Scrabble© Score is: 19. What is your score? Get it here.

Bored, and boreder still .....

Yet another boring day at work today, to top off a boring week. So much for the job I'm doing now being the same as what I did when we were Safeway. Whoever said it's not a demotion didn't so much stretch the truth as lose all sight of it. I spend most of my time on a till these days, don't have any of the responsibility I used to, such as cash office, and am pretty much a general dogsbody. Been there, done that, and *thought* I'd got away from it a few years ago when I was promoted. *sigh*

Still, the bonus figure was announced on Thursday, and even though I've only worked for Waitrose since the end of October, I should still get somewhere in the region of £450 before tax. Should be enough to cover most of the cost of my flights to and from New York in September, so that's some consolation!

As usual, it's Saturday night and I'm sitting indoors trying to entertain myself. I could have gone out with Daniel, Dom, and the rest of the work crew, but it's not really my scene. I could use the company, but I'd rather go for a meal or bowling. Roll on the summer when we can get a few theme park trips in - that's much more my sort of thing! Oh, I do have a meal out on Wednesday to look forward to - a colleague's birthday, and about 13-14 of us girls from work are going out, like we do every few months. It's always fun, and we all get the chance to catch up with people who we may not work with very often due to differing shifts.

Not much to report today, but I like to post a 'real' entry every so often, instead of just a quiz result or questionnaire!

Countdown Meme

Ten movies you’d watch over and over:

• Die Hard
• Back To The Future
• When Harry Met Sally
• Armageddon
• Dirty Dancing
• E.T
• You've Got Mail
• Top Gun
• The Shawshank Redemption
• Dead Poets Society

Nine people you enjoy the company of:

• Daniel
• Dom
• Clare
• Maryke
• Clare
• James & Kim
• My mum
• My nan
  

Eight things you’re wearing:

• Pyjamas
• Silver ponytail band
  

Seven things on your mind:

• My uncle/grandad/people I know who have died and I miss
• Work
• My health
• Profit bonus payment
• New York
• What colours to redecorate my room
• The person who hurt me recently, and how to deal with the situation.
  

Six objects you touch every day:

• iPod
• Mobile phone
• Laptop computer
• Hairbrush
• Purse
• Cat
  

Five things you do everyday:

• Brush my hair
• Bath
• Feed the cat and birds
• Listen to Southern FM
• Drink Diet Coke

Four bands or musical artists that you couldn’t live without:

• Bon Jovi
• Savage Garden
• Bryan Adams
• Meat Loaf

Three of your favorite songs of the moment:

• James Blunt - Cry
• Coldplay - Fix You
• Damien Rice - Cannonball

Two people who have influenced your life the most:

• My father (or Male Parental Unit, as I prefer to call him) - for worse.
• My friends - for better

One person who has been nice to you today:

• Clare

Stolen Questions

Stolen from Lins, who got them from Viodyna ... no telling *where* she got them! LOL

Stolen Questions...

How many keys are on your keychain? Two - locker key and cashless vending machine tag for work. I should start carrying a doorkey I suppose ...

What curse word do you use the most? Me - swear? Probably good old "shit!"

Do you own an iPod? Yes, a white 30gb video iPod.

Who on your Myspace "Top 8" do you talk to the most? I don't chat to any of them, and only 4 friends at the moment, but most contact with Viodyna.

What time is your alarm clock set for? Depends what time I start work, or need to be anywhere.

How many suitcases do you own? One, a 16" black Constellation one.

Do you wear flip-flops even when it's cold outside? No, I never wear flip flops.

Where do you buy your groceries from? Waitrose or Tesco

Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? Take.

What was the last movie you watched? When Harry Met Sally

Do any of your friends have children? Yes.

If you won the lottery, what's the first thing you would buy? A house in Dublin Bay.

Has anyone ever called you lazy? Yes, and it's true!

Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster? No. I rarely have problems sleeping.

What CD is currently in your CD player? None, though thecurrent album on my iPod is "Waking Up The Neighbours" by Bryan Adams

Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? Regular.

Has anyone told you a secret this week? No.

When was the last time someone hit on you? When I was 17.

What did you have for dinner? Pepperoni Pizza and steamed veggies.

Do you wear hoodies often? Never.

Can you whistle? Sort of!

Have you ever participated in a protest? No, though I'd love to be a hunt Saboteur.

Who was the last person to call you? A pharmaceutical company asking if I was insulin dependant or not..

What is your favourite ride at an amusement park? Rollercoasters, the faster, higher, and scarier, the better.

Do you think people talk about you behind your back? Yes, I expect so.

What area code are you in right now? 01273

Did you watch cartoons as a child? Yes.

How big is your local mall? Nearest one is about 75-100 shops, I guess.

How many siblings do you have? 2 half brothers 20ish years older than me, never met them.

Are you shy around the opposite sex? Yes.

What is your biggest regret? That I haven't *lived*.

Have you ever had Jamba Juice? No.

When was the last time you laughed so hard your sides hurt? I don't know... obviously too long ago!

What movie do you know every line to? Dirty Dancing, Bac To The Future, Die Hard and When Harry Met Sally.

Do you own any band t-shirts? No, but I'll be getting a Bon Jovi one in June when I see them LIVE!!!

Do you own any movie t-shirts? No

How many chairs are at your dining room table? We don't have a dining table

What is your favourite salad dressing? Italian

Do you read for fun? Absolutely!

Can you speak any languages other than English? No

Do you do your own dishes? Of course!

What colour is your bedroom painted? Lilac

Have you ever cried in public? Yes

Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Both.

Which do you make: wishes or plans? Both.

Are you always trying to learn new things? Yes, I suppose so.

Do you shower on a daily basis? I wish we *had* a shower. I do bath daily though!

Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos? I want my nose pierced but work would sack me LOL.

Do you believe that the guy should pay on the first date? No way ... 50/50 or no date!

Can you skip rocks? No

Have you ever been to Jamaica? No.

What to snack on at the movie theatres? Wine Gums or ice cream!

Who was your favourite teacher? Erm ..... Posible Miss Shaw

Have you ever dated someone out of your race? No.

What is the weather like? Cold, wet, grey and miserable.

Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? Not covered, no, but a few are fine.

Do you have an online journal? What do *you* think?

What was your favourite class in high school? English

Do you enjoy travelling via airplanes? Yes, I love it!

What personality trait is a must-have in the opposite sex? Sense of humour.

Have you ever been attracted to someone physically unattractive? No

When was the last time you slept on the floor? A few years ago when I redecorated my bedroom.

What is your favourite alcoholic drink? Baileys

Does your closest Starbucks have a drive-thru? No

Do you like your living arrangement? Not really

What is your mother's hometown? Uckfield, East Sussex

How many hours of sleep do you need to function? 5-6 to function, 7-8 to function *well*

Do you eat breakfast daily? No.

What was the last thing to scare you? Not being in touch with someone for a long time.

Are your days full and fast-paced? If I'm working yes.

Did you ever get in trouble for talking in class? No, I was the teachers pet!

What is your favourite fruit? Banana.

Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages? No to calories, big yes to sugar and carbs (I'm diabetic)

How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 31

Are you picky about spelling and grammar? Yes for myself, for others it doesn't really bother me

Do you believe in life on other planets? I think so .....

Have you ever been to Six Flags? No, we didn't have time while we were in the US.

Who was the last person to piss you off? Someone I never thought would!

Do you believe that God has a gender? I believe there is no God.

What was the last thing you ate? A lemon curd luxury yogurt

Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex? Either

What did you dress up as for your first Halloween? I've never dressed-up for Halloween.

Do you like mustard? Yes.

What do you tell yourself when times get hard? That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Failing that, pass the chocolate ....

Would you ever sky dive? In a heartbeat!

Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back? Stomach.

What character from a movie most reminds you of yourself? None

Have you ever bid for something on ebay? A couple of times.

What do you think of Angelina Jolie being pregnant? Good for her.

Do you enjoy giving hugs? Rarely, only with a few very select people

Would you consider yourself to be fashionable? Hahaha

If someone you had no interest in dating expressed interest in dating you, how would you feel? Would depend on *why* I had no interest in them!

What celebrities have you been compared to? None

Who is your favourite Star Wars character? Can't stand Star Wars so I wouldn't know!

Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but never do? Yes.

What books, if any, have made you cry? Heidi, Black Beauty, Alice In Wonderland .... none for years!

Do you think you're attractive? Maybe when hell freezes over.

What are you allergic to? The general public.

Are you a jealous person? Yes, I can be

What's your opinion on sex without emotional commitment? As long as nobody gets hurt, who cares?

Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat? Sometimes

If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name have been? Dylan James

Taken by Dom, in Dublin, the reflection of the Custom House in the windows of this building. I wish I'd taken it, but sadly I just converted it to B&W.

The Custom House in Dublin, on the bank of the RIver Liffey, taken in August 2005.

Maryke, Clare, Dom, Daniel, and me, at Maryke's daughter Eszmey's christening.

Me with a tame penguin at Paradise Park in Hayle, Cornwall.

Taken in Spetember 2003, left to right: me, Daniel, his sister Clare, Tina, and Maryke and Dom in front. A good end to a great day at Chessington World Of Adventures.

Daniel and Dom at Thorpe Park! I love this silly shot, as it shows the humour very well. They thought it would be funny to hide from us girls here ... and it was!

The entrance plaza at Disney's California Adventure park, at about midnight.

Underneath a waterfall at Knott's Berry Farm. Me trying an arty shot!

The end of the day at Universal Studios. I loved the light in this shot.

The set of "War Of The Worlds" which was filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood. Very realistic, and quite unsettling.

The view of the Los Angeles basin, from Universal Studios.

Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles. Sadly I didn't shop there, just drove past it on a tour bus!

Not what I expected to see on California! Taken at Disney's California Adventure.

Splash Mountain ride, at Disneyland California.

The biomes at the Eden Project.

A pretty flower, taken at the Eden Project in Cornwall, just because I liked it. 

The Hollywood sign, taken from the Hollywoo & Highland complex on Hollywood Boulevard. 

Paradise Pier, at Disneyland Resort California.  

Sunday Meme (stolen from Viodyna)

1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at?
Hair

2. How much cash do you have on you right now?
Not a penny

3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"?
Lest

4. Favourite plant?
Almost any spring flower

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
There are no missed calls at the moment

6. What is your main ring tone on your phone?
Blue - Guilty

7. What shirt are you wearing?
Plain orange T-shirt

8. Do you "label" yourself?
Yes, though I try not to.

9. Name brand of your shoes currently wearing?
I'm in bed, so just black socks

10. Do you prefer a bright or dark room?
Light, bright and airy

11. What did you have for breakfast?
Hula Hoops

12. Since question 12 is weirdly missing, make some shit up.
Wish I was in Dublin

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Feeding the cat before another couple of hours online.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say?
"Hello! Are u coming out 2nite?"

15. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners?
No

16. What's an expression that you say a lot?
"Cool"

17. Who told you they loved you last?
No idea. Can't remember, probably my mum.

18. Last furry thing you touched?
The cat

19. How many hours a week do you work?
25 on my contract, usually 40-45

20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
I think I have 5-6 rolls from 15 years ago or more. Wonder if they'd even come out now?

21. Favourite age you have been so far?
30

22. Your worst enemy?
Sugar - I'm diabetic. Or myself.

23. What is your current desk top picture?
The default WindowsXP desktop

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"OK" to my mum

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose?
I'd take the money, I haven't made any mistakes I can't live with at this point!

DVD Day

Mum and I went to Tesco after I finished work today, and I discovered that they are having a DVD clearance at the moment. I picked up four of my favourite films, all at either £2.84 or £4.96, which was a bit of a bargain, I thought.

I got Big, Four Weddings & A Funeral, Maid In Manhattan, and 50 First Dates - all romantic comedies, all great, and in the case of FW&AF, guaranteed to make me cry! I can't go out tomorrow, so I foresee a day in front of the TV watching DVDs!

I shall be stuck indoors as the doctor changed my blood pressure medication, and I start the first dose of the new med tomorrow. Apparently it's effective - so much so that within an hour or so of the first dose, it may lower my BP so well that I'm dizzy and on the floor! I'll keep you posted as to whether that happens!

Another boring day at work today, and the end of the day was a nightmare. It stayed busy in the store until closing, and although everyone was out on time, it wasn't a good close. I'm glad I'm not working tomorrow! I spent much of my time on the welcome desk today, and was on and off the phone to operational support to log faults with two of the tills. Having two out of ten main tills out of action on a Saturday, with the Farmer's Market on as well, and drawing people into town, is guaranteed to create stressed staff! Works every time ....!

We find out what % of our last year's wages we will receive as our annual bonus on Thursday. As our store only converted to Waitrose on October 27th, I'll only get bonus on my wages from that day to the 31st of January, but it should be at least £200 or so, which will be a nice head start on my saving for New York in September! It's more than Sir Ken would have given his staff, anyway!

Off to bed now I think. Or maybe late night surfing for blog ideas, memes, NYC hotels, and general aimless browsing until the wee small early hours .... sounds like more of an option actually!

More Q and A

Stolen from Viodyna and Lins!

B e s t

1. Male friend: Daniel
2. Female friend: Lins and Clare
3. Vacation: LA in 2005
4. Age: Now, I suppose, so 30.
5. Memory: My uncle and grandad still being alive.

W o r s t

1. Day of the week: Whichever day I'm not working, though if I'm off all week, Saturday.
2. Food: Liver, squid, cooked peppers.
3. Memory: A sunny Saturday afternoon in 1990, when all was right with the world until the phone rang, and it was my favourite uncle ringing to say goodbye to my Mum before he overdosed on paracetamol and alcohol.
4. Date: Never had a date in my life. Yes I'm a freak.

L a s t

1. Person you saw: Mum
2. Talked to on the phone: Mum.
3. Hugged: Karen, my section manager for the past four months.
4. Text messaged: Can't remember, probably Daniel

T o d a y

1. What are you doing now: Filling in a questionnaire, listening to Southern FM, while in bed.
2. Tonight: Online until a bath, then online before bed.
3. Wearing: Orange T-shirt, pink pyjama pants, black socks.
4. What did you eat for lunch: Sweet and Sour Chicken with rice, and a banana.

T o m o r r o w

1. Is: Friday
2. Got any plans: Work from 4:30-9:30
3. Goal: To get a phone call saying I don't have to go to work!
4. Dislikes about tomorrow: I'm working.
5. Do you have work: See above!

F a v o r i t e s

1. Number: 2 & 5
2. Song : Right now, Savage Garden - Crash And Burn.
3. Color: Yellow
4. Season: Winter
5. State: California

C u r r e n t l y

1. With someone: Haha.
2. Alone while doing this?: Yes
3. Missing some one?: My grandad, uncle and my cousin.
4. Mood?: Bored.
5. Wanting: To talk to any, or all, of the people 2 questions up.

A favour, please?

Inspired by Viodyna, would you please spend a few minutes doing this and this for me? I'll love you forever if you help me on my quest for self-knowledge! Thanks a million!

PS. If you do them, please use a nickname that I'll be able to recognise you by! LOL