Binge Drinking

Have decided doing things on the spur of the moment is a good thing. I’d also like to point out here and now that if I catch a cold it’s Alice’s fault.

The cause of this accusation started yesterday morning with an email titled ‘fancy a pint?’ in a sort of ‘we should catch up’ sort of a way.
Alice responded with ‘now?’
I said ‘tonight?’
And the rest is history.

We didn’t drink much, only about 4 units each, in 3 drinks, but that apparently counts as binge drinking in some researchers eyes. Probably not something that is recommended on a school night. Oh, apparently I’m a grown up and should refer to such things as a work night. Although that implies that I’m working (and not, for example, blogging).

I’m not normally very good at doing random things and actually seeing the world, I should do random stuff more often. Not today though. Today I must actually do some work.

And on the cold issue, part of the reason for drinking was to kill off the bugs causing Alice’s cold. That’s how it works isn’t it? Just as well neither of us is writing up a PhD on immune system type stuff...Oh, well I've not understood any of Alice's work for years.

So that still makes it Alice’s fault for misleading me.

Networks

Whether I like it or not I am part of a generation of people who communicate electronically. The online network is another way of creating a social network and learning more about friends through seeing what they say about each other.

I’ve never really worked out why I blog – I think it’s mostly down to the fact that I find it fascinating to people watch on the net by reading other people’s blogs. It’s a fun way of gauging what other people’s opinions are and using that as a jumping off point to research and inform my own.

However, reading and writing blogs is one thing but being part of a social networking site is another. Until about 2 weeks ago.

I’d been holding out against it – After all I don’t need to be a member of these things to see friends’ sites. But turns out that that wasn’t enough, if I wanted to comment I needed to be registered. So I’m now on myspace and facebook.

In the process I’ve discovered a new idea of what heaven is like – all my friends, from across the world, networking in the same place. One log on. One name. One God.

Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow.

Oh look the country has shut down. It must have been snowing.

The English are really rather bad at snow. There was about 2" on the car this morning, but at work there's barely 0.5". However at work we have no heating. And the caretaker is in Australia. I can't see him coming back to sort the boiler out.

Ho hum. That's enough moaning. (Although, lets make it clear - I really don't like snow. It's cold. I don't like being cold).

Not been up to a lot else recently. Had a meeting for the confirmation program at Church last night which was better than expected, although I'm still a little concerned. Unfortunately as a member of the Parish management group I suddenly developed a list of financial requirements for the program. And as ever, I'm concerned that so many Catholic Programs seem to happen without half the leaders even considering prayer. It's no wonder we end up with a weird reputation amoungst our neighbours. Ah well, I guess I'll jsut have to pray for them all... Anyone who feels like helping.... :-)

Government Petitions.

Sometimes you come across one that is simply brilliant. Like this. Mainly brilliant because they actually replied to it.

Free Monkeys on the NHS.


What do you mean you don't surf the government petitions website? I blame the BBC magazine monitor.

Catholic bishops have prettier dresses than Anglican ones.

I can’t help but think that there might have been more that I should have got out of the service last night ;-)

It was the Commissioning service for Regenerate which is a mission into Reading, where all churches, all denominations, are involved. We’re going to run a summer barbeque for our neighbours as a thank you for the way they put up with us parking in front of all their houses and causing parking chaos once a week.

What amused me about the service was spotting the stereotypes that churches, particularly ministers slot into. The Catholic priests all looked smart in their still black suits. They all gave the impression of having washed behind their ears especially for the occasion and were hunting in packs. The Anglicans and Baptists however – I don’t think I’ve ever seen beards like them in the Catholic Church, and on the most part a black suit really meant a dodgy grey, and they were to be found wandering about by themselves looking a little lost and chatting to anyone they found. All a bit bizaare.

People from various churches were harder to identify. Apart from the Salvation Army. The Uniform really does give them away…

Motivation

Motivation seems to be sadly lacking at the moment. Instead of doing what I'm meant to do I end up with all sorts of other things done. None of which are that exciting.

Like posting meaningless blog entries instead of writing up my CPD (Continuous professional development). Why is it so hard to write up stuff that I know like the back of my hand?

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Dreams

I don’t normally remember my dreams. This makes last night all the more random.

I had a nightmare. About an RC drawing.

An RC drawing is a engineering drawing showing the metal bars that are placed within concrete structures to give them tensile strength - on it’s own concrete isn’t very good, but with reinforcement it rocks.

So it’s a weird thing to dream about. Not least, because producing those drawings isn’t my job.

I’ve been trying to remember the details. It seemed to be something to do with people dying because they couldn’t find the drawing. And for some reason, I knew where it was but I couldn’t find the words or communicate with anyone.

And no, work isn’t stressing me out at all at the moment, why do you ask? ;-)

Virus

There is a virus on the network somewhere in the global company. It hasn’t caused any problems in the UK at all. However, IT’s attempts to upgrade the software have so far cost thousands in terms of lost manhours within the UK. Apparently it’s harder than I thought to upgrade virus protection.

Grrrrrrrr.

Currently I’d rather have the virus. At least I'd know where I stood and could officially not do any work.

Bags.

Sometimes I think I work for a global American business. Occasionally I am reminded that actually it’s a British engineering company. Today is one of those days.

Working in the environment sector we’re always keen to look like we actually are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Putting our money where out mouth is.

So today we all got given our very own shopping bag.

It’s not bad actually – blue canvas with the company logo on the side. The idea is that we can stop using plastic bags so much. It’s already been determined that the bags will make pretty good wine bottle carriers.

But somehow personal shopping bags seems more British than American. Is that stereotyping?


*I’ve just realised that I have referred to the business using the words ‘us’, ‘our’ and ‘we’ – It’s official, I’m a company girl. But I still have no intention of learning to play golf.

Kevin Lilley RIP

Kevin was in the same hall as me in my first year at uni. He was one of the same crowd as me, but I've not really seen him much since graduation. It's weird to think that he isn't about anymore, but good to know that he benefited from the charity set up in memory of another friend, Bryony, from the same group of friends and hall of residence, who also died of cancer.

Skittles. A very English game. And a slightly random one.

It’s good fun though – and I’m not just saying that because I won a pack of biscuits. The fact that I wasn’t drinking may have helped, that and the fact that I was hitting the skittles rather than those people at the far end of the alley. Rubber balls may be quieter than wooden ones, but wooden ones do have the advantage of not bouncing.

But it’s ok, of all the places to risk injury in a room full of 30 odd first aiders is surely a good place to do it….

And when I say odd, I really mean it.

USB gadgets

For Christmas (or was it for birthday ?) my brother gave me a USB powered heated coaster. The idea is that you plug it into your PC and it heats up. Any mug you place on it is therefore kept warm and you never have that horrible mouthful of cold coffee.

Great so far.

It may be a little gadgety – but hey, I’m an engineer. I’m not as gadget orientated as say, the electrical or mechanical guys, but they’re still fun.

It’s currently on my desk next to my USB powered fan, my mobile phone holder, my helicopter shaped pencil sharpener (when you press the tail the rotors spin round - and all supporting the Air Ambulance!)

Now the only problem with the USB powered coaster is that it doesn’t actually keep my coffee warm. A significant oversight. Apparently it only works if you have a steel mug. Now, the only time I would consider using a steel mug would be when camping. And, despite appearances, I don’t actually live in the office.

So I’m trying to work out how to set up the heating element of the coaster with the USB fan so that I have a sort of portable heater.

Problem is that since we ‘engineered’ the fan blades for grater efficiency (post it notes attached to each blade to provide a greater surface area) it now tends to fly across the desk when you switch it on unless you’ve selotaped it down first.

The trials of work. I don’t know how I cope...

Questionnaire

1.How old will you be in five years? From now? 31. But I feel the question needs more clarrification.

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My colleagues, the Net Leaders and anyone else who makes it to the pub

3. How tall are you? 5'7"

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Sleeping more?

5. What's the last movie you saw? The Holiday.

6. Who was the last person you called? Dad, to let him know what I’d volunteered him for in his absense.

7. Who was the last person to call you? A supplier for work

8. What was the last text message you received? ‘There is also chocolate’

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? no idea.

10. Do you prefer to call or text? Depends on what it is for. Normally text.

11. What were you doing at two last night? Sleeping

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Married

13. When was the last time you saw your mom? Last Night for food

14. What time did you wake up today? 6am.

15. What are you wearing right now? Brown trousers, brown and blue stripey jumper, white shirt, brown boots.

16. What is your favorite christmas song? That Elton John one.

17. Where is your favorite place to be? I’ve been told before that just saying ‘bed’ to that one gives the wrong impression.

18. Where is your least favorite place to be? Anywhere where I have to talk into a mic.

19. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? other than the answer to no. 17???

20. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Still in Reading, a Chartered Engineer and, hopefully, married with kids

21. Do you tan or burn? Burn.

22. What did you fear was going to get you as a child? Using the telephone.

23. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Trying to get a cork out of a corkscrew. Using another corkscrew and then a socket set. I’d explain more, but you mostly needed to be there.

24. How many TVs do you have in your house? Currently 3. All in the living room. 2 of them even work.

25. How big is your bed? Double.

26. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Desktop

27. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? I wear PJs.

28. What color are your sheets? Orange

29. How many pillows do you sleep with? Two

30. What is your favorite season? Spring.

31. What do you like about fall? Colours

32. What do you like about winter? It being acceptable to go to bed early.

33. What do you like about the summer? Daylight!

34. What do you like about spring? Smells.

35. How many states have you lived in? one. New England.

36. What cities/towns have you lived in? Reading, Boston, Wokingham, Birmingham

37. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Socks

38. Are you a social person? Ish. Depends on how much sleep I’ve had.

39.What was the last thing you ate? Porridge with golden syrup.

40. <---- where'd it go!?

41. What is your favorite ice cream? Have to be in the right mood for ice cream – no particular favourite. Just not cherry.

42. What is your favorite dessert? Chocolate.

43. What is your favorite kind of soup? Depends on the soup. Turkey soup was good but I also like Potato and Leek

44. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB&J sandwich? Probably Strawberry.

45. Do you like Chinese food? Yes. Mmmmmmmm.

46. Do you like coffee? This is a trick question? YES!

47. How many glasses of water a day do you drink? Depends. 2 or 3.

48. What do you drink in the morning? Water at home then coffee at work.

49. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? I have no idea. I’m asleep.

50. Do you know how to play poker? No, never really needed to learn,

51. Do you like to cuddle? Yes :-)

52. Have you ever been to Canada? No

53. Do you have an addictive personality? Not particualrly.

54. Do you eat out or at home more often? At home

55. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Yes, at least two other people in my office. We have to make sure we don’t all bring cakes on the same day.

56. Do you want kids? Yes

57. Do you speak any other languages? Complete rambling nonsense. And some french.

58. Have you ever gotten stitches? No

59. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yes – but only volunteer ones.

60. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Pool

61. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats? Window

62. Do you know how to drive stick? Does that mean manual? If so, yes.

63. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Books.

64. Do you wear any jewelry? Yes. A necklace and earrings.

65. What is your favorite TV show? Firefly or Doctor Who.

66. Can you roll your tongue? into what?

67. Who is the funniest person you know? I get the giggles with my housemate a lot – does that count?

68. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? sometimes. Mostly they sit on the shelf these days.

69. What is the main ring tone on your phone? Ringing.

70. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? No

71. Closest red thing to you? Coffee mug.

72. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? Yes

73. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed

74. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? neither?

75. Do you flirt a lot? I don’t know. Don’t think I do these days.

76. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? nothing

77. What is your favorite food? Chcolate.

78. Can you change the oil on a car? No

79. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Yes.

80. Have you ever run out of gas? No

81. What is your usual bedtime? I aim for 2200.

82. What was the last book you read? Fiction: Winter in Madrid, Non Fiction: God’s Big Picture.

83. Do you read the newspaper? The Online versions of several.

84. Do you have any magazines? I get my professional one – the NCE.

85. Do you watch soap operas? Hollyoaks. Sadly.

86. Do you dance in the car? no

87. What radio station did you last listen to? Radio 2

88. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? I’m at work, I don’t have any pictures here.

89. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? Some actions from a committee meeting

90. What is your favorite candle scent? no real preference

91. What is your favorite board game? Again, no real preference. I like jigsaws and they’re on a board. Or maybe backgammon.

92. When was the last time you attended church? Last Sunday.

93. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? one of my maths teachers.

94. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Two weeks.

95. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? Dunno. Probably Alice who organised some gig tickets for BNL and Tim Minchen.

The voices in my head...

OK, so how do I stop doing things? I couldn't sleep last night because all the things going round and round in my head were getting too loud. I've been told recently that I'm doing too much, but I don't quite know how to stop...

• Do I stop the voluntary society - despite believing in their principles, and the difference we make to the world?
• Do I stop the church committee - despite believing that there is important work to be done and things that need to happen in our church to glorify God?
• Do I stop the Youth Work - despite believing that young people need places to ask the questions that I never found anywhere to ask?
• Do I stop the paid work - despite needing the money?

Problem is something needs to give because stopping the sleep just isn't working! The alarm going this morning wasn't so bad as it could have been - not as bad as yesterday anyway.

However, lack of sleep and lots of things requiring conflicting emotional responses have meant that whilst I'm technically at work, and have been for 35 minutes, I haven't quite managed to actually do anything useful yet.

Ho hum. Maybe decaf coffee was a mistake...