all over bar the shouting

Well , busy week this week , spent most of it signing on with agencies the good side is that I've been told that my CV is 'good and strong !' and they should have no problem placing me . The bad news is that my sleep has gone to pot and I feel so tired all the time.
I sign the final paperwork on Monday then that's that, I'm officially unemployed . I had to apply for my birth certificate as I can't find mine.
The weather is beautiful at the moment and it's nice not to be tied to an office.
Yesterday when I was at an interview for an agency , there was a repatriation at the place where the interview was - we stopped the interview and went outside to pay our respects while the cortege passed through - so sad , these young people no longer have the chance of walking in the sunshine - it put my problems in perspective.
Have a lovely weekend and take care all my bloggy friends

Feeling a bit calmer

I've decided to bow to the inevitable. I went to see the solicitor yesterday and she's going to try to negotiate a better settlement. FF has already put a temp in my place and given him all my work. He'd again rearranged my desk while I was away but I put everything back. I'll have to clear it out next week.
I've started to job hunt .had lunch with friend S. who has been with me throughout and supported me. She is angry on my behalf and even went to see the director to try to make him see sense to no avail - ff has won.
Just need to see what the future will bring. Another friend and colleague who has supported me throughout J. gave me his email - wish he had been my manager.
Am booking with the same lady for holiday next year - that'll be something to look forward to.

Meme for 8

I stole this from the lovely Fhina aka 'A Woman of No Importance' http://wildatheartblog.blogspot.com
The rules are:- Mention the person who tagged you. (check)- Complete the list of eights- Tag eight others and let them know.
1) Eight things I am looking forward to :
Getting closure on my work problem
Stopping the horible steroids
Losing weight after stopping the horrible steroids
Being able to fit into some of my clothes again
Christmas
The Jane Austen festival in Bath
Eating a tub of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia Yoghurt
Stitching on some of my current projects after a hiatus caused by bruised eye
2) Eight things I did yesterday
Visited Solicitor
Had lunch at Starbucks with good friend
Sent hate waves to FF
Decided it's not worth the effort
Filled out job applications
Left work early because I could
Realised that I do have friends who care
Thought about where life is headed
3) Eight things I wish I could do:
Argue objectively without bursting into tears
Stay in current job
Murder FF without reprisal
Draw better
Win the lottery so it didn't matter
Finish what I've started!!!
Afford a City and Guilds course in Stumpwork
Do a course at Hampton Court
4) Eight places I would like to travel to:
Florence
Sorrento
New Zealand
Australia
Canada
San Fransisco again
Boston
Ireland
5) Eight places I've travelled to:
Austria
Malta
Cyprus
Holland
Belgium
France
USA
Germany
6) Eight people to tag:
I'm taking a leaf out of Fhina's book here and not tagging (some people have expressed a dislike for being tagged and feeling obliged to do something ) so choose yourselves but please let me know if you do this and pop in a link for me
Thanks

Well It's happened

This time next week I will probably be unemployed.
I got back to work yesterday to be handed a letter saying my final review was to be next Tuesday and FF was still not satisfied. I then got called in to my Director who offered me £1500 and a months wages to leave quietly having signed a disclaimer.
I went to CAB at lunchtime with my friend and colleague who has supported me through this and today I have an appointment with a lawyer - her initial reaction was that it's obvious by the pay off offer that they want me to leave so lets try to counter claim for larger offer.
I feel sick to my stomach and can't believe this is happening. I asked for more time as I have to see a solicitor and was given just an extra days grace.
I really don't know what I'm going to do - we need my wage.
All prayers etc welcome

Back off holiday

Well , that's it for another year !!! It seemed to go so quickly .

The bad news is I spent the first day for three hours in casualty after waking looking as if I'd done ten rounds with Mike Tyson. Turns out I had a spontaneous bleed - down to the drugs / condition. I left casualty looking like one of jack Sparrow's crew. Quickly changed to sun glasses - not so bad as the weather was gorgeous all week so didn't look out of place. So it turned into an easy going lazy week with walks on the beach and plenty of rest for me.

We went to the conservative club ,ate at the Sea marge Hotel and the White Horse pub. We also had a day in Norwich and ate at Waggamammas - a first for DH and Ellie who where both suitably impressed

Then back to rest at the cottgae.

Ah well back to work tomorrow - wonder what FF has done to my desk this time ? !!!!

Hurray forthe hols !!!!

Well it's here at last , after a manic few weeks I'm on holiday.

The work situation is still up in the air as all the directors have been busy with an important aquisition which has just been achieved , FF hasn't given me my review . I had to arrange a champagne lunch for everyone for today but I won't be there as I really didn't want to go in on my day off . On Saturday we travel to Norfolk for our holiday . A little fisherman's cottage by the beach in a non-touristy village.

Jamie is settled into his new job although we're still subsidising him as he doesn't get paid till the end of September !!!

I'm still stitching away on my RR - this ones over one and I really have to concentrate and am using my magnifier - very tiring but I hope the outcome will be worth it

This is our cottage

a couple of minutes down to the beach -

We're taking the note book and dongle but notsure about reception so may or may not post.

A peaceful weekend

DH and Ellie have been Imp hunting in Lincoln all weekend so it's been quiet.


I managed to get some stitching done



it's Quaker heart by Kelly Searles you can't really tell on this but I'm using 14ct oatmeal rustico aida and Les fils Pomme de Pin in Le Feu de Bridget variegated red
I managed to finish my presentations on Friday so it just remains for FF to aprove them !!!
two weeks to the holiday and hospital again next Thursday.
trying to stay upbeat at the moment but the tooth was a set back.
Ah well
- onwards and upwards !!!!

yet another set back

Well yesterday at work was again a good day - worked solid and got on okay with FF who even bought me a massive double choc chip cookie !!!!
However , last night I went to the dentist - a lovely gentle Polish man - and he proceeded to remove my poor broken tooth (no chance of a patch!!!) I have for obvious reasons been given antibiotics but he wants me to stop my medication (steroids and immunodepressants ) No way José !!!!!!
Been awake since 2.30 and popped some Paracetamol , tempted to ring in sick but got meeting with FF to review progress on tasks so far so won't , might just fall asleep in the loo instead!!!
Got out some sewing but can't concentrate hence on the computer instead
Can't eat properly but might get some porridge down at least.

They say it comes in threes !!!!

Well I woke this morning to find I'd lost half my tooth !!! It was mostly filling anyway so it must have worked it's way loose and I've swallowed it .The good news is that I've found an NHS dentist quite local that's taking on new patients so as I was working today DH was despatched to pick up forms and he got one for himself while he was there. I hope to get an appointment by the end of the week as there's a spiky bit which was rubbing on my tongue today. I was tempted to put a temp filling in but thought better as it would probably cause removal problems so instead I've put a piece of chewing gum over it which seems to have worked . Hospital tomorrow (old hospital just to touch base so no blood tests etc but will ask about bone scan) Needless to say couldn't really concentrate at work with pain, but as FF is back tomorrow while I'm off and 'Santas little helper' (the temp who's after my job) is in situ I had to make the effort and worked on my presentations.

It occured to me that I didn't post pictures from the retreat, so here are a few

This was the view on my morning walk

the style of quilt I'm aiming for using my jellyroll - not ready for photos yet though

An Idea I'd like to try but maybe with appliqued butterflies or dragonflies - we'll see - I don't think I'm that clever.
Anyway I've got some stitching to go yet. DH is taking DD to Lincoln this weekend so I may do some more while they're away - we'll see

A minor set back

Well Friday was a really good day at work - I really was on a roll. I presented my project and asked for everybody's thoughts and ideas at the end of the breakfast briefing and raised a page for discussion on the company intranet and I got good feed back almost straight away . So will into completing my tasks. Problem was that as the day for on my hip became more painful and had to get DH to pick me up at the end of the day . Went straight to bed with some Paracetamol and codeine the pain was that bad. I slept most of the evening and well into late morning. The pain has subsided but I'm worried that its a new twist to the health thing.

On another note , here are some of the pieces I've completed recently - these where for the round robin I'm in

What do you think ? Not sure what the next one is - just have to wait and see.. This leaves me with a little time to do my own thing - which one to choose ?

On a roll

Well , I'm shooting ahead on the project side at work at the moment and have started to work out my presentation. Breakfast briefing this morning - I have a slot at the end to ask for peoples input.
Dave's away this weekend so crack on with homework. Next weekend he's taking Ellie to Lincoln so I'll have some more time to myself - probably get sewing out as opposed to needlework.
The haircut was favourably received at work - the word 'babe' was even bandied about.
Dave has organised Jamie with wet weather suit ,new lights and helmet for his pushbike and dropped him an bike at new job yesterday afternoon (Jamie wasn't back till late last night so don't know how it went) It's bar work in a hotel (big chain) so he finishes quite late.
The rain it did rain yesterday morning but it was sweltering in the afternoon . It's dress down day today so cropped pants and tshirt is choice - hope there is no rain today. I've even painted my toenails a bright shiny blue - feeling positive at the moment. Went into Body Shop yesterday and bought some smellies in the new Moroccan Rose .
feeling positive

A little bit of an update

Well , it was hospital yesterday and I spoke to the nurse who was with me on the fateful Monday before coming down with Swine Flu Tuesday - it turns out that she was sent home from work on that Tuesday with suspected swine Flu so there you have it !!!! Who infected who will never be known.
On a positive note my eye was better so I'm tapering the steroids again.
I had my hair cut drastically short before I went to the hospital in an attempt to get rid of all the dry 'mess' that was still lingering since before christmas . I think the tablets have a hand in the bad condition of my hair as well. I think it looks quite smart now but from DH's mutterings , he obviously isn't impressed - c'est la vie !!!
I bought Ellie a new detangle brush - expensive but it promises to 'take the tears out of tangles' - anything for a quiet life.
I must crack on at work with FF's project's - don't remember if I mentioned what they where but they are recycling and training for Fire marshal's and first aiders . Not difficult in themselves but I have a time limit and I must tick every box in his sheet in order to pass and there are a LOT of boxes.
My friend and colleague who came with me to my disciplinary hearing is helping me even though he told her he didn't want her to - personally I don't think he can say that , as long as I do all that he asks then it matters not how I get the thing done ?
I'm a bit hyper at the moment which could be the steroids - swings and roundabouts ? Sometimes I fell so low I need to shut myself away and pull the covers over my head , not at the moment though.
The rain absolutely heaved it down yesterday but it seems a bit brighter today. I need to stitch urgently but can't settle at the moment
Maybe tonight.

It's been a long, long time

Hello my faithful peeps.
I'm back - I have my sparkly computer up and running well and a brand new broadband server so we'll see how things go .
On the health front things have been up and down - just recovered from suspected swine flu - Doc doesn't know for sure as he said it was too expensive to do the proper blood test.
Hospital Wednesday as eye is in flare up again - was threatened with eye injection again but defrayed the attack !!!
Work is not good - on final warning pending the sack , have two weeks to complete a project to FF's satisfaction. Have wonderful support however in shape of friend and colleague who accompanied me to meeting (she was the HR lady but moved over to accounts so has lots of experience) also lots of colleagues on my side.
Jamie left his job without getting another first !!! But has been taken on as a casual in a hotel near here - big rows between him and DH as you can imagine and he owes both of us money - he's been staying with latest girlfriend a lot I think to keep out of our way.
Ellie has now finished school for the summer and got a really good report.
I have started a new online course - Emotional Intelligence skills - which will hopefully make me more organised and less emotional !!!
Needlework wise I'm still doing a round robin - teapot at the moment. Also started (not got very far on a Jane Greenough piece - a band sampler with some spot sampler elements.
Quilt is on hold for the minute and I hope to crack on with Ellie's Jane Austen dress for the promenade in Bath in September.
Ah well must get ready for work
More later

Thoughts and worries

I've been off work all week since last Friday - I had a really bad IBS attack so bad I was scared to move too far from a toilet. I fear FF will not understand but there is little I can do about that as it happened and I stayed home . Doc gave me yet more tabs - these are anti-spasmodics and appear to help a bit. Back to work and the wrath of FF tomorrow.While I've been off I've spent the time (to no avail) trying to sort my broadband so I may well be signing up with someone new shortly . My sparkling new vista computer is good but I'm having to use mobile broadband to connect which is so slow and intermittent it's driving me potty. I've got some stitching done and got the sewing machine out and done some more of my quilt so been a bit productive.
My little veg crop is doing well - Carrots, potato's, Tomato's, jalapenos, spinach ,beans, lettuce and chives .
Watching Britains got talent and have to say , I don't think Susan did as well singing 'Midnight' as she did on the original audition - I can't help feeling she got through because of the publicity wagon - I know folk will argue but that's my feelings.
Not yet tried loading photo's to this puter but will maybe play this week.
Friend Barry the traveller (with dog Lindsay) is starting some nasty chemo tomorrow so my thoughts are with him. We all deal with these things in our own ways but I know he has the strength and support to get through this.
Phina is back at work and I love reading her blogs - I feel like a twin to her , our thoughts are so alike. Mwah Phina my love and I'm visiting you for strength.
Lets see what tomorrow brings ?!!!

Rose Coloured Glasses

I can actually boast owning a pair of these. They're round gold framed John Lennon style (as a true Scouser whose big sis once dated Paul McCartney's brother I have a tentative claim to fame there) I've also got an octagonal blue glass pair and oval plain glass. None of them are proper glasses , just fashion statements.
The past couple of weeks where wonderful apart from the useless computer connection as FF was on holiday. Lots of people at work remarked on how much more relaxed I seemed. I dealt with all problems (including a broken toilet seat in the men's loo !!!) But now he's back with a vengeance !!!!
I had my chest xray last week - no news is good news ?
Last Saturday we had a lovely day out at Longleat - the weather was good and it took the whole day . The only disapointment was that the monkey enclosure was closed as one of the monkeys has an aids related virus so they are all in isolation for the moment.
In the house I was taken back to my (misspent?) youth as on the walls were poems of Brian Patten a poet I read avidly when I was doing my angst bit.
We had a lovely meal in an unusual local pub on the Monday (Bank Holiday) I had sea food pancakes but unfortunately I was very ill afterwards as my IBS kicked in big time.
Wednesday FF returned. I was supposed to have my review yesterday but at the last minute he postponed it till Tuesday - not pleased . I'd worked my self up for it having been told that my pay rise review was delayed because of it by the director who handed me my share options at the same time - I was very close to telling him where he could shove them but I stopped myself.
Another blow is the continuing saga of my new computer not arriving - needless to say I have had long and lengthy words about this and am not happy - due on Monday - we will see.
On a lighter note sent off my round robin with dragon stitched and received a round robin witha cow - need to source a pattern.
I'm watching the wonderful Bill Bailey at the moment and his unique take on the orchestra - I love him.
Hospital on Monday - wonder what joy's they'll throw at me this time ?

Have You Missed Me?

Hello patient followers , sorry I haven't written in a while but my 'puter is seriously ill to the point of terminal. I have just agreed with a little man in a call centre in Casablanca (I'm not making this up and it's a well known company which I won't name and shame until I have my new system up and running) to hand over copious amounts of money in exchange for a shiny new 'puter. I've been able to read blogs and email but it's very slow . I fared better at work but could only do that during lunch hour.
So , lots to tell .
On the health front, I had my appointment with the occupational health doctor (FF made this appointment as part of my report) . He was very nice and I fear that it's going to back fire on FF as one of the things he said was that I haven't been taking enough time off when I have a flare up - the usual time off is six weeks and I'm probably not giving my body time to heal when I only take 2 days off !!!!!
I have been 'playing the game' and being an extremely good girl at work (simper , simper) but I have also made it known to the powers that be that I want to move jobs - we'll see what happens.
FF is currently away on holiday at his mums in Spain so all is calm and good ,he doesn't return until the 6th and I have a review on the 8th.
Today I had to go for a chest xray as my consultant now feels my uveitis may be linked to sarcoidosis I also need more blood tests.
On the needlework front I'm finishing my piece for a round robin and I have two mailarts on the go one for Michelle of Little Rabbit Blog and one for my mailart group for which the theme is butterflies.
I've also been a naughty girl and acquired two new patterns - Chatelaine's 'Mermaid Box and toys' and Giulia Manfredini's Halloween Sewing Set. I've started my Tempus Fugit stitchalong and done some more of my jellyroll quilt that I started on the retreat.
We've found a wonderful Italian restaurant that makes it's own ice cream and does specials of pasta or pizza at lunch times.
Jamie was 21 on the 23rd (St Georges Day and the birth and death of Will Shakespeare (or so the myth would have you believe)
I read a really interesting book which revolved around John Dee ( scientist and philosopher in QE 1 and King James' time , magic , religious persecution and cellular memory in transplant patients - very good book.Just finished the latest Kathy Reichs 'Devil Bones' slightly disappointing - not as pacy as usual .Dave is away in Aldershot umpiring hockey so my choice of food is 'eclectic'
Anyway ,I'm stopping here as I want to watch Emmerdale
Take care peeps !

Long time no blog !!!

Well dear readers , a lot has happened since I last blogged and to start with my heart wasn't in it All down to FF. I am gentle readers at the grand old age of 51 (Birthday last week - more on that later) 'on report' because of my attitude !!! FF is acting like Jekkyl and Hyde (more Hyde at the moment) and I'm strongly considering which is more important, my health or the money (at the moment its the cash I'm afraid)
I did however have a wonderful week away at a needlework retreat in Muncaster in the Lake District. I started a quilt , got a fair bit of stitching done and relaxed with like minded ladies.
On my birthday I was presented with a cake and they all sang Happy Birthday.
My accomodation was in the castle coachhouse and the grounds where wonderful (I walked most mornings)
Lots more to tell later but for now , must get on with getting ready for work - wonder what today will bring ?!!!

Funny old game !!

Life that is.
This week started off not good . FF is still harrassing me over a project whereby I'm meant to be moving a set of documents from one database to another . This had all been organised between myself and the girl who is the database administrator and then he stuck his oar in and has been bombarding me with emails about it ever since. I have now reached the stage whereby my final reply email is going to say - I no longer want to look after this data please find someone else to do it or indeed do it yourself., but I need to say this in a way that I will not be construed as being insubordinate as I'm sure he will use it as an excuse to formally warn me - what to do !!!
On anther note , got home Monday to a letter from Bristol eye hosital cancelling my Thursday appointment and remaking it for April. I'd already got my rail ticket and booked the day off work s I decided to play hookey. I spent a lovely spring day in Bath.Frosty but sunny it was lovely and so relaxing . I viewed the new Jamie Oliver restaurant but the queue put me off the menu looked nice though - may try there some time when I'm with the other half and can be bothered to queue.
Went instead to my favourite Parisienne cafe for a cappuccino and an apple cake and witnessed some colourful 'Anglo-Saxon' language being bandied about by the staff - good job Ellie wasn't with me. Stopped at watersones to pick up a book and just to browse for a while - I do love just relaxing amongst books , even the smell of new books makes me feel good.
I spent some time browsing in my favourite patchwork shop as well and picked up a couple of things for the retreat in Muncaster - only a couple of weeks to go http://www.thesamplerguild.co.uk/TSG%20Retreat.htm
Just realised that this will be the longest that Ellie and I have been apart. DH will have to cope with her hair etc as it's a school week. My birthday falls while I'm there which was a reason I booked it . I hit the big 50 last year and was unable to take time off to celebrate properly as ff had already - very selfishly knowing it was a special birthday for me- already booked leave and refused to swap so I got in early this year. Can you guess how much more I dislike the man by the day ?
Back to Bath - I wandered through my favourite herb and perfume shops and bought some sausages from the sausage shop. Finally made my way home not feeling the least bit guilty. Told work that Bristol had cancelled my appt at the last minute - not strictly true but 'c'est la vie'.
I have another hospital appt Tuesday in Swindon - wonder if that'll go ahead ?

Please excuse me while I have a proud mummy moment

I won't be offended if you don't want to read this entry but I just wanted to share.
Ellie has been going to creative writing class every couple of weeks after school . It's run by the headmistress and she allows them to let their imaginations run riot and they can sit, lie, stand where ever they want and feel comfortable - it's totally informal.
Well Ellie came back with a poem she'd written and after reading it I suspiciously questioned where her ideas had come from and whether she'd copied pieces or ideas from things she'd heard or read. Sh assured me she hadn't and was most put out that I'd think that. Here it is.

My Magic Box by Ellinor


I will put in my box

the shimmer of a sparkling star on a simmering night
the bark from the mouth of a black Jasper Labrador
the top of my Ted touching the television

I will put in my box

a snowflake with a falling heart
a hat of the finest tatan from Loch Lomond
a swirling star from an eternal space

I will put in my box

four orange wishes spoken in Welsh
the last cough of an old father
and the first winkof a black fly

I will put in my box

A violet moon and a multicoloured sun
A mummy on a broomstick
And a witch on a simmering pyramid

My box is made from the finest velvet
With sugar on the lid and books in the corners
Its hinges are the colour of the sun

I shall read in my box
on the top of a million hearts beating together
then find a diamond
the colour of the moon

Age: 9
Feb 2009

Dancing a happy dance

I've finished my model stitch piece for Jo of polstitches http://www.polstitchesdesigns.co.uk/designsforcrossstitch.htm It'll go in the post on Monday . I've asked her to take a picture for me as my camera is still defunct.
The week has been very busy - interviews ,meetings project work and filing so have managed to keep out of the poisoned dwarfs way on the whole . Got to work Wednesday to find pd already there as he'd been called out at 4am because the alarm went off , triggered by the fax machine apparently , so he went home then - lovely relaxed peaceful day.
I've almost finished my swap piece for the retreat, I'm getting a lift from Lin so train to hers on the Sunday morning which is good. She's lending me her machine for the quilt class as well.My train tickets arrived this morning.
Jamie has apparently got a new girlfriend - one of the young girl's in Tesco's in the village told us - ah the joy's of village life !!!!
Elie's back at school Monday so is prepping her work ready.