In all the time I have spent down here, I have never seen the sea mist come in. It is most odd. Just kind of there, hanging about, wandering around. Was really strange :)

Anyway, an eventful couple of days for one reason or another. Yesterday, having booked the car in for it's repairs that evening, it decided to rain...LOTS...so as the idiot who decided to vandalise my car had ripped off my wipers, it meant I could not get into work. So, having phoned round and tried to sort it out, by 9ish I was sitting in the Vauxhall main dealer thingy in Canterbury being told it was a five minute job and to take a seat. Now you can probably guess it was not indeed a 5 minute job. A good two hours later and I had exhausted all the reading material in the entire show room, watched lots of crap Trisha type tv and was getting a little cross. Then a chap came to speak with me to inform me that the repairs would come to £116. WHAT!? So some IDIOT decides it will be a laugh to damage someone else's car for NO reason - and it ends up that expensive? ffs. Anyway on my way to school and arrive by 1130. I have missed Andrew's first cricket session of the year, and those who know me know how entertaining it is to be asked to play for KCCC ladies every year and refuse ;) and had a list of people wanting a piece of my time as long as your arm (always an odd expression that one?) So I was frazzled and at the point of hysteria and then the messages came through. Panic ensued and much mirth and merriment was had in the staffroom at my expense (nothing new there!) Evening went well, with a stroll on the seafront in the mist and then Wednesday beers in the normal place.

So that was yesterday. Today has been Spanish Inquisition ;), work stress, sleeping, talking and housework. I am shattered and have to do it all over again tomorrow. Off to footie Saturday with Mother for a change (which will be lovely!) Other than that, suggestions but no cast iron plans for the long weekend. Hopefully get 5 minutes to relax at some point :)

Posted by kary at 10:28 PM | Permalink

After a long day back at work, I have a general tidy up of my blog and find a number of odd comments from two unknown sources. As they will no doubt notice - I have deleted their comments. None of which were rude or abusive but if you are unwilling to disclose to me who you are then I will either delete your comments or suspend the comment facility altogether. I can also block your IP remember. So have the courtesy to mail me who you are and I will be nice.

kary

Posted by kary at 11:25 PM | Permalink

Need I say anymore today than...

CHAMPIONS!

:D

I think not

(sorry Brad although you put up a good fight in the end ;) )

Posted by kary at 07:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Thank you to Bradley for pointing out the error here yesterday. No idea what caused it so had to delete and rebuild it...

Here is the entry for those who are concerned ;)

'Happy Birthday to my sister in law Claire and Happy St George's day to all those English people brave/bothered enough to celebrate it :)

Why are some people so lacking in manners and common courtesy? When you live downstairs, it is far easier ask about the insurance...not send nasty solicitors letters. Oh and have the decency to learn my name too.

It has been another glorious day here in Herne Bay, but have largely stayed in so that I do not bump into any tourists. Two in particular...but they know that. Off out this evening though I think. Another nothing weekend on the horizon, although I have lunch in Canterbury tomorrow.

*sigh'

...and then today. Woke up still dressed and in the wrong part of the house after a really rather good night out last night. I discovered how to play darts (!) and taught most of the pub how to do column subtraction. Rushed around and headed into Canterbury for lunch. When I got out to the car I find some idiot has decided to vandalise it. Missing wing mirror, bent wipers and a snapped off rear wiper. It was not parked on the road last night so it isnt that someone has hit it and cleaned up after themselves. They have taken the bits with them also - what for trophies ffs? So whoever that was - cheers for that...what was it Matt said about plagues? boils?

The weather was glorious and I enjoyed a pleasant lunch in Canterbury before heading off to meet with Matt for coffee. I spent a great deal of time apologising and Matt was as amused and as gracious as ever :)

Came home, sat down and woke up three hours later with a cat on my head and another on my foot. No wonder I was warm! Now settled for the evening, watching tabloid tv, drinking tea and chatting to a select few.

Posted by kary at 08:32 PM | Permalink

Stress stress stress worry worry worry. Little frantic worry machine ;)

Aren't you supposed to relax when on holiday? Things to stress about...planning, cat carpet, choices, decisions, housework, people jumping out of airplanes, stupid handbags, long and serious conversations, work stress, other people's work stress, olives, plants, kids, adults, bills, selfish people that have to be avoided for the weekend, meetings in the area with not selfish people who don't need avoiding, hair straighteners, why the cats are both sleeping upside down, peculiar comments from people you are not allowed to contact, peculiar comments from people you haven't seen in ten years, the colour purple, carrots, tree pollen, daytime tv, times winged chariot... I could go on for hours, but then again, I could stop this work avoidance tactic and do my planning ;)

Oh and Matt? Changed your link as requested ;)

Posted by kary at 12:34 PM | Permalink

Just a quick entry as I have a rant in true Matt style ;)

Having been trying to figure out my bank balance recently, my attention was drawn to the fact that I am currently paying £70 a month (YES A MONTH) for my telephone. I had in the last quarter made £5.73 worth of calls. I do have Broadband through BT but the service charges in all are £93.19. So If I add this up...for the three month period including VAT my bill is £109.88. £70 a month is £210 obviously. So I call them as this has happened before. I then had to endure what is in all seriousness the most ridiculously complex touchdial menu thingy...at least 8 steps of options...at least - before I am permitted to speak to a human being. He, fortunately was a very nice man who was apparently as outraged as I am by my extortionate bill. He makes a note on my account and then informs me that I am not permitted a refund for the £114 I am owed on my account. That refunds are not company policy but they will give me a payment holiday. Well, I want a refund, it is my money at the end of the day >:( Anyway, I then enquire as to how this has happened a second time, they don't know and I am told, I quote 'Maybe you are just unlucky' OK then kids, when I teach you something totally wrong one day and it comes up in an exam - maybe you are just 'unlucky', when the doctor misdiagnoses an illness maybe you are just 'unlucky' It is your business, it is your mistake. Grrr (three r's for you there Mr Pollard ;) )

As for Ryan's comment from yesterday - I was not aware of that side of Norris' personality. You have indeed relieved me of my grief if that is the case. Do you have anything interesting to share about Rod Hull as that one still upsets me ;)

karyx

Posted by kary at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

After it already being one of those days, I manage to complete a reasonably long blog entry only to accidently brush the wrong button on the mouse and it disappear before my eyes...

So here is an abridged version of today's events: Into work with a few simple tasks to complete. Anthony beavers away on the file server - thank you for your time on that- whilst I get things underway...switches sorted, cables in place...all I need is to locate the Windows disks, the Office disks and the CM disks...no sign of them at all. I manage to locate the Windows disks and install the last remaining pc. I didn't manage to find the Office disks which means there is no point in installing CM as it will have to be done again once Office is installed - setback#1. OK, well I decide that I can at least get them all up and running and online. After much faffing, I call RM to insist they tell me the engineer password as they block administrator access on all but the power button. I was sufficiently insistent that the exceedingly patronising man at the end of the phone has not only told me today's code but how to find it in future too. He did however, also insist on telling me -at length- how to add a URL and how to use 'search' on the RM website >:(. Anyhow, having the engineer code and the DHCP all working I can now get going what I need to on that front at least. Only I then discover that 10/16 machines have no drivers installed for their network cards. Setback#2. I now know what drivers they need but it was the end of the day by then so it will have to be done another day, as will the Office and CM installs once the disks turn up. Filserver works though - Simon will be pleased with that at least. The upshot is 6/16 machines doing what they should be - not a good ratio.

In other news...and an icon from my childhood has passed away which is awfully sad...
...and then this If people are stupid enough to copy then they deserve it!

That is about it for today so far.

..and relax.

karyx

Posted by kary at 08:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hello to all you workhorses :) So many people have been confused by my lack of work today. It is quite simple really. Kent are a week behind and therefore I am not back until Monday...that help? :P

Had a lazy day today despite having lots of work to do. Some things never change - leave it all until the last minute then get stressed. Into work tomorrow to sort out the IT room. Switches purchased, crimping tool borrowed, file server (phoenix from the flames) almost ready and only 16 machines to install. What fun.

Ashley managed to not fall into the bath today (applause) but has discovered a new game of getting a paw full of bubbles and batting them all over the bathroom. I really am not sure he is a cat - it is water little matey! You are a cat, you don't like water! It has been pointed out to me that Freddie rarely gets a mention in my blog. It is not that she is any less wonderful than Ashley, she is just much more intelligent and is usually to be found shaking her little stripey head in despair as Ash does something daft. She has her moments too.

Been searching for an interesting link from today's news...can't find one. If you see something interesting let me know :)

Off to watch large amounts of soap operas (for once) and have a nice glass of wine

Enjoy your evening

karyx

Posted by kary at 07:13 PM | Permalink

Good evening. Today has seen me almost finish decorating the hallway and stairs. Just a little bit to touch up tomorrow and all done. One of those odd things of standing back and saying to yourself - blimey - didn't realise it would look like that :) If anyone wishes to buy me a present for the next ten years, then picture frames would be great ;)

Today has been a busy yet dull day. More painting, a trip to Tesco and cleaning paint from Ashley's fur and whiskers.

Speckledgoat.co.uk's new gardening expert Ovendoor aka Ian says : 'Close your greenhouse doors and windows - frost is on the cards for tonight for sure.' :)

Nothing else to report, a busier week in store - planning, school on Tuesday for cabling, more planning and that's about it :( Anyone fancy taking me out for an afternoon/evening? Oh is everyone at work? shame ;)

karyx

Posted by kary at 11:19 PM | Permalink

I have spent another day painting in the hallway. I have now added 3 and a half coats of ONCE paint and have a very nice white and Mulberry hallway. Both the carpet and the cats however are in keeping with the colour scheme and neither of them are going to be easy to wash! Moved on to painting the woodwork now as I noticed whilst doing the rest how shabby it was (I know it is the wrong order llb) and wondering who had the bright idea of designing really fiddly spindle thingies. Easy to paint over the last paint than strip them I guess. Although stripping them would be the ideal. Hopefully should get it all finished tomorrow. At least I no longer feel like I have been Tango'd every time I leave a room now :)

As usual last night was beers out but with the added bonus of a fantastic 5-0 win for Arsenal. Even neutrals had to agree it was quite a display of football. Today saw Chelsea draw and Utd lose...edging ever closer to that title - can they go unbeaten? :)

At home this evening (obviously) and the world is largely silent. I am oddly happy with it as I am exhausted and achy - who would have known painting would be such good exercise?

Richard sent me a link to this should anyone wish to sponsor him for his big jump next week - you are braver than I am Richard - good luck! :)

And a little something from Ovendoor..."Just remember kids, whilst it's fun to grow yer broad beans this time of year... make sure you still cover them with fleece when frost threatens. Garden safe kiddies.” Not that you read it Ian ;)

...oh and what IS it about Jimmy Nail? ;)

Posted by kary at 09:12 PM | Permalink

Ok, for those who have read the previous entries you will be amused to discover that I am now up to coat three of the ONCE paint. I know the walls were ORANGE - but really? Should have take a day this job and now goodness knows how long! Particularly as the carpet is covered in painty cat prints - I hope white spirit gets them out - else I will have to add some more and call it an 'ironic design feature' in the style of Mr LLB (He is a god!) :)

So, while the rest of the world works, I am again waiting for paint to dry and have found a couple of news stories that may concern some friends of mine...
For Matt and Phil...Vaseline boys? and for Anthony... I told you it was bad for you... and no, the 'sport psychologist' wasnt me making excuses not to go ;)

Ho hum. Is there anything more boring than waiting for paint to dry?

Posted by kary at 02:01 PM | Permalink

Ouch.

While you are waiting for something to happen or arrive, it is sometimes hard to occupy yourself. So, today, in my wisdom, I decided to begin decorating the hallway in my flat. Now those of you that know me will be aware of the fact that this is no easy task. It is high. Very high. I have no choice but to leave the paper up and paint over it, hoping that the paint will mean the pattern doesn't show too much. I am doing this very much on the cheap, so a short trip to the DIY store, two tins of paint and a long roller later and I am ready to go. Now in actual fact the 'does exactly what it says on the tin' claim that Dulux Once paint is guaranteed to cover in one coat? - well, there must be a disclaimer on there somewhere that says 'unless the person who lived in your flat before you painted the wall day-glo orange and it will be AT LEAST 2 coats of the stuff' :( So I have been up and down the stepladder brandishing a long armed roller thingy with a life of it's own. I called in re-inforcements later in the day as there was only one bit I could not reach - in the end neither could he, so sellotape, a paintbrush and a broom handle became the best tool for the job - at least it worked! The thing is - my back has gone stiff, I have patchy walls, the cats are walking paintbrushes (as am I) and I have to do it all over again at least once tomorrow. This by the way is only the top half, the bottom needs doing as well! Ever started something you wish you hadn't? I am sure it will all be worth it - hrm.

Oh and by the way - 48/48 achieved :)
It's all just habit breaking now...

Yawn, stretch. Where's my daily mail I wonder? ;)

Posted by kary at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Those in the know will understand the title here. If not then there is a reason for the cryptic blog entry if you think about it. For those who know what I am speaking of, I told you it would happen one day and it did - yesterday :)

24/48 down and then all over...doing good so far. No real problems and lots of carrots. Have not needed as many carrots as I thought I would though. Which is a good sign. Keep those fingers crossed.

Today has been a busy old day really. Up early (just before 8!), showered, Tesco'd and back before midday (a huge achievement!) . Then a visit from Anthony to have a second crack at the file server (new hardware on order as it still didn't happen) and to *help put a curtain rail up in office. Then off to take photos of Thanet RC's 10mile time trial this evening. Not that it worked - at least I got the riders in some of the pictures even if they are out of focus ;) Home alone and installed on the sofa by 7.30pm

*help - meaning put it up while I watch and sometimes offer tools

So off to read and another day of fresh air tomorrow :)

(Hello to Ian and Richard btw)

Posted by kary at 10:49 PM | Permalink

Back from mother's and exhausted. She is settling into her new place well and Dan and Claire are doing ok too :)

Thanks for the stupidly large amount of IM conversations last night (too many for even me to manage at one point!), from existing friends, new faces and a significant blast from the past.

One particular conversation last night made me think - you know who you are ;) I think it is important to consider the past on occasion...sometimes all is not as it seemed at the time. I don't really know how to say what I want to without it sounding wrong (even though you claim I write well)..but thank you. What you said meant a lot to me.

(small smile)

After an epic phone call with Ryan this evening I am now off to bed to catch up on some much needed reading and sleeping time. :)

Posted by kary at 11:02 PM | Permalink

Fame at last - hello to Brad :)

Posted by kary at 12:13 AM | Permalink

Saturday morning and Ashley has now recovered from his carrier bag ordeal of yesterday. He managed to get his head caught in a bag and went wild. It took me an age to catch him as he was tearing up and down the flat like a thing posessed. Once the offending item had been removed, he hid under the sofa for most of the rest of the day - I think the sound of carrier bags will haunt the poor thing for some time to come.

A couple of good nights out have seen the smile return to my face...I only hope it can last awhile. Thanks to Matt, Mary, Ian and Alex for that and of course Mac and Rog'. Spent some time talking with Mrs Rog' last night about all things poetry and literature - was really nice - seems like an age since I have spoken with anyone like that, perhaps I should join a book group?

A great result for Arsenal against Liverpool. 2-1 down at half time and to win 4-2 with a hat trick from Thierry Henry. Fingers crossed it lifts his tail for the run-in. 7 point lead over Chelsea restored. 'Touch wood'.

I am watching from the window as a Burberry capped youth washes a car in my street. It is raining and I am wondering why he is going to so much effort as the rain falls. How much is dad paying him do you think? He is soaked to the skin and trying to fight the rainwater that is leaving streaks in his wax. Poor lad.

That is about it I think. No plans for today. Dinner with Mother, Dan and Claire tomorrow in sunny old Essex.

Freddie has arrived so I will leave it there as she is doing her best to stomp on the keyboard. Hope you have a good day :)

Posted by kary at 09:53 AM | Permalink

If the defeat in the FA Cup Semi at the weekend wasnt enough. We go out of Europe. It never rains but it pours eh. :'(

Posted by kary at 09:27 PM | Permalink

Thought I would share this with you... and for all those that dont click on links in a blog I have copied in the whole thing for your viewing pleasure ;) Oh how true it is...

Found here
'Well there it is. In black and white. The FA Cup final will be between Manchester United and Millwall. No-one likes us? No-one likes either of you!

Hellfire. I'm taking the weekend off. Of course the average footie fan is normally going to be neutral come the Cup Final but you can't be neutral when it comes to these two clubs.

Millwall versus Man U!!! Dennis Wise or Roy Keane lifting the trophy! It simply doesn't bear thinking about.

Robbo's not Keane on Wise

And we'll have to listen to that celeb fan Danny bleedin' Baker - the man who put the prat into prattle - as he chunters on about all things Millwallian. Yawwwwwwn!

And just think how empty London's going to feel on 22 May with these two sets of fans in Cardiff.

Nah. Leave 'em to it, I say. Take a holiday. Chances are if you don't you'll be putting a boot through your TV screen whoever lifts the Cup. '

As i say - oh so true :)

Posted by kary at 07:41 PM | Permalink

Good evening. Have been busying myself with housework today, everything sparkly clean now. Have let that and a few other things pile up lately and it is time to start getting back on top. How I dont know as something else just comes up each time.
Read this today - how true it is. We dont moan more than others - we have significantly more to deal with that most people think. Those that know teachers understand. Those that don't and have children should try to.
So, another week ahead. I wonder what manner of excitement awaits. If it is anything like the last few then there will be none.

Posted by kary at 06:33 PM | Permalink

Having woken at stupid o'clock and given ourselves 5 (yes 5!) hours to do the three hour journey to Birmingham, we were not best pleased when we hit traffic on the M6. When I say traffic - I mean TRAFFIC. Now this is to be expected in light of the fact that 40,000 people were heading for the same place but when the stadium is empty enough on kick off for the radio commentators to comment and there is an accident on the motorway preventing significant numbers of people from reaching their destination, you would think that the FA would delay kick off for say- twenty minutes? But NO. They go ahead at midday. The number of people heading towards the gound having finally managed to park in the non existant, appallingly organised parking system was astounding. When you consider the price of the tickets and the fact that supporters of both clubs were heading a long way, the FA should have made allowances for the traffic jam on the M6 and delayed kick off. As it was we finally made our seats some 20 - 25 minutes after the whistle. This in itself made the mood of the crowd more volatile as they were angry and frustrated by the time they arrived. In addition to this, the commentators on 5 live significantly helped the situation by informing those stuck in non moving traffic to' get there as fast as they cas as they are missing a real cracker of a game.' Yes because we WANT to be sitting here stationary after traveling from the South of England - we really COULD have got there quicker if we knew that. >:(

I can only reason that they did not delay kick off at the BBC's request. They were also showing the Grand National I am told. Well there will be a number of very angrily worded letters from myself and the huge numbers of other supporters who experienced this shambles of a day, heading their way to the FA.

In all the journey that should have taken between 2 and a half and 3 hours took over 5. We paid our ticket price and travelled all that way for an hour of football as the FA would not delay kick off to allow those stuck in the jams to get there on time. If this is the case with a ground such as Villa Park (which I have to say is probably the most unpleasant ground I have ever been to) then the FA need to stage these matches elsewhere. I am unimpressed. MOST unimpressed.

...and to top all this? We lost.

Posted by kary at 07:29 PM | Permalink

Off to Villa Park tomorrow for the FA Cup Semi Final...Arsenal v Manchester Utd. Early start - I know the KO is before the pubs and all that - but still - expecting us to be there for 12? ITS THE WEEKEND!
Lets hope it is worth the journey - either Matt or I will be disappointed but still...

Most scared after being witness to what I am concerned is a proper crime - police called...they didnt blame me for not turning round at least :/ I hope I was wasting their time as daft as that sounds - I hope it was a joke and not as it sounded behind me as I walked. I am not sure I will sleep easy this evening :(

Posted by kary at 10:35 PM | Permalink