The Boy From Millheugh

A break from blogging

2010-02-06T10:06:00.002Z

I have decided to have a break from my blog and twitter to have a trial of facebook instead. Being very selective about who I'm accepting as friends and not putting loads of photos on. Plan to use it just like twitter but with the added bonus of instant messaging. Have already done some of that with Hazel yesterday afternoon. Will see how it goes. Bye for now.

Study, Study, Study!!!

2010-01-30T16:25:00.002Z

It's not funny any more. I have just finished the literature review part of my dissertation (5224 words to be exact). This counts as a quarter of the entire thing. Have found it a bit of a slog but at least I'm getting there. About to send it to my supervisor for his opinion. Lets just say I wont be surprised if I have to make some amendments.

In other news, Jason and I are booked up to go to Manchester for a weekend next month which should provide a nice break from the old studying and hopefully give us a chance to meet up with George and Juliet (& kids). We're also going out for dinner to an old favourite, Pacific Thai in Manchester city centre which we both really like.

Next weekend a couple of my workmates are coming round for dinner. We're doing Thai red curry with prawns followed by Jason's excellent baked white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. He hasn't made his signature dessert for over a year. Will be really nice.

Victim of crime

2010-01-19T19:36:00.002Z

Yesterday I discovered I had become a victim of crime. A crime without a face. Some bugger had used my credit card details, for 6 different transactions, all on the same day to the amount of £721. They were all in Thai Baht and were for websites. Was it for porn? I cannot say. I don't want to try to go to the website on my statement for fear of being disturbed. On a lighter note, I don't have to pay the money back but I do need to wait for a new card. I'll also need to re-enter all my details for internet retailers.

Jason and I have managed to organise our next holiday. In March we're heading to South America for his birthday. Four nights in Buenos Aires, two nights at the Iguassu Falls and four nights in Rio De Janeiro. I'll really looking forward to it. Will give me a breather in the middle of writing up my MSc dissertation. After our trip to South America, I will have visited every continent in the world except Antartica. Who would have thought the wee boy from Millheugh would end up being a bit of a globe trotter?

Back to studying

2010-01-10T15:58:00.002Z

This week I've actually started writing up my MSc dissertation. As of today, I've only 19,600 words still to write. I've finally got all the ethics approval stuff sorted which in effect has now given me permission to interview the students. It's only taken 3 months to get this far. I'm planning to pop into the University on Tuesday morning to get some books out the library.

On Friday night, Laura came round for dinner. We had vegetable curry which after getting the bus out from the city centre was just great at warming us up. We had a good laugh, especially when we got SingStar on the PS3 up and running.

Despite some more snow yesterday, we went to Silverburn in the afternoon. I bought a pair of jeans and a pair of trousers with a Burton's gift card my Dad and Janice had given me for my Christmas. The jeans are to replace a pair I ripped last Monday whilst shoveling snow off our driveway. Jason got a bit of a bargain, two designer T-shirts for £30 when they should have been around £70. We may go back next weekend so we can visit Yo Sushi! which we really like.

2010

2010-01-02T10:25:00.002Z

Happy New Year! 2010, how time flies when you're having fun. We had a quiet New Year. Actually went to bed before "the bells" as we were both tired. Yesterday we had a relaxing day. Watched some television and went out for a wee walk in the afternoon. Today we're heading to the cinema to see Avatar. We're going to a 3D version even though I can't really see in 3D. I love going to the cinema so it should be good. Was going to take Jason's car but it's snowing again so will probably take mine. I'm fed up with the snow now, just want it to go away. David Tennant's time as Dr Who ended yesterday. I thought the end was well done and felt a bit sad when his last line was "I don't want to go." Will wait and see what Matt Smith does with the role later this year.

Christmas done for another year

2009-12-26T10:57:00.003Z

We had a really nice Christmas Day. Everything went to plan. I got some great presents which included: Mr Tickle slippers, Thornton's white chocolate selection, gift vouchers for Next and Burtons, the Star Trek movie calendar 2010, a Mr Spock T-shirt and more chocolate. Jason and I had a great dinner then relaxed in front of the television. Really enjoyed Dr Who - can't wait to see how it all comes together at the end. Today we're going to visit Blake and Hazel for a couple of hours this afternoon. Then tomorrow we head to Yorkshire, we just hope the snow doesn't ruin our travel plans.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2009-12-24T10:56:00.002Z

I can't believe we've arrived at Christmas Eve. How quickly has this year gone by? I haven't had a chance to post any of our November holiday snaps to Vietnam yet. Been really snowy recently. At least today the nice guys from the council have finally come round and put some grit on the roads and pavements. Having a day in the house today as it won't get above zero degrees outside. The plan for tomorrow is pancakes for breakfast/open presents, head over to Larkhall for some family visits then back home for dinner (just Jason and me this year) and a night in front of the tele (Dr Who is a Christmas must). Christmas Day dinner menu: goats cheese and red onion tart for starter followed by duck with stuffing, goose fat roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, Brussel sprouts, 'pigs in blankets' and gravy for main course and Christmas pudding and cream for dessert. I'm sure there will be other goodies in between and some lovely wine to wash it all down with. No plans as yet for Boxing Day. If there is no more snow we'll be heading down to visit Jason's family in Yorkshire on Sunday for an overnight. May be forced to pop into the Trafford Centre on the way home on Monday. Anyway, hope Santa is good to you.

Christmas prep well under way

2009-12-16T07:54:00.002Z

The tree is up. The Christmas cards were all sent. I think (and hope) all the presents are bought. Some of the pressies are wrapped. Some of the food is bought so we are pretty much on track this year. Friday night is my Christmas night out in Tiger Tiger in Glasgow city centre. I'm looking forward to it but am a little apprehensive as I have the impression that the guys from the Glasgow PEF office(s) are quite hardened drinkers. Some of them are heading to the pub directly from work although dinner isn't until 8pm. I'll be sensible and pace myself.

Jason's new baby

2009-12-05T10:11:00.003Z

Here is Jason's new car which we collected last weekend. It really nice to drive although we haven't had a chance to drive with the roof down yet. Planning to take it Christmas shopping today which will be interesting. Putting Christmas tree up tomorrow which will be really nice. Tonight Jason and I are going back to Michael Caines @ Abode for dinner as it's our 10 year anniversary today. Looking forward to a great dinner.

Skunk Anansie

2009-11-23T07:52:00.002Z

Last night Jason and I went with Laura to the o2 academy in Glasgow to see Skunk Anansie. They were brilliant! Skin sounded as good as ever and the crowd were really into the show. Skin crowd surfed a couple of times. At one point she surfed from the stage towards the back of the ground floor section. On her return journey I got to touch her leg. They sang all the songs I wanted to hear. Was really pleased we managed to survive the jet lag to make it to the gig. I'd say it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to.

Today we've got post holiday stuff to do. I need new glasses as my current ones got bashed on holiday and now don't sit properly on my face. We need to wash pants and socks, sort out someone to iron shirts for work and also do a spot of food shopping. Back to work tomorrow - boo!!!

Back from 'Nam

2009-11-22T14:57:00.002Z

Got back from our holiday to Vietnam this morning after a rather long series of airplane journeys, the longest of which was over 12 hours from Bangkok to London. The holiday was really good. The weather was hot and humid, it rained two days we were there. One morning when all we were doing was relaxing at the hotel so we stayed in our room rather than at the pool and the other was the day we were driving over the mountain pass. This meant the view wasn't great but it didn't ruin the day. Food was good, although I'd say it was much more bland than Thai food. Overall much fun was had.

Tonight Jason and I are off out with Laura to see Skunk Anansie perform at the O2 Academy in Glasgow, should be a good night. I just hope the jet lag doesn't catch up with me.

Holiday, Celebration!

2009-11-06T07:43:00.002Z

We're off on holiday tomorrow, yeah! Really looking forward to it, but not the extra long flight to get there. Have quite a busy day today trying to organise the last few bits and pieces for our trip. Need to sort out travel money, some washing of pants and socks etc. I'm planning to pop into ASDA and pick up a copy of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" to read on my hols. Apparently the baddie has a tattoo (thanks for that Lolly). Anyhoo, better get a move on. Will be back in a fortnight. Ta ta for now.

Chocolate Salty Balls

2009-10-25T17:25:00.002Z

Been studying again today. Was supposed to do some work on Friday but couldn't be arsed, then yesterdays quick trip to Tesco ended up lasting two hours. Yesterday afternoon when we got back from the supermarket we decided to have a go at making some Stollen. It's a German Christmas cake full of fruit with marzipan running down the middle. Normally we just buy a supermarket one in a box but yesterday Jason was in the mood for a spot of home baking so we decided to have a go. It turned out not too bad, although it was a little more moist that the recipe suggested so it spread a little whilst in the over. As a result we had some left over marzipan (again home made) which today Jason coated in dark chocolate to give us "Chocolate Salty Balls" - although to be fair they weren't actually salty, they were lovely. I've finished studying for the day but no doubt there will be more work to be done in the next 13 days before we go on holiday. Did I mention we were off to Vietnam really soon??

Garden cleanup

2009-10-17T14:26:00.002+01:00

Today marks the end of my gardening activities for 2009, yeah! I've put the garden furniture into the garage and later I'm going to give the grass it last cut of the year. Been doing much studying over the past few days, fear it's going to be like this from now until May 2010 when my monster dissertation is to be submitted. At least tonight there is some good stuff on tele to keep me entertained - Harry Hill's TV Burp, X Factor etc. Oh well, better make a move to wonder up to the supermarket, at least it's a nice sunny autumnal day.

Birthday mobile and Chocy Christmas begins

2009-10-10T17:40:00.003+01:00

After a smashing lunch at SeeWoo (a great Chinese restaurant we go to often), Jason and I headed to Glasgow Fort for a spot of birthday present shopping. I picked up a new mobile phone which is currently charging. We also collected our guidebook for Vietnam from WHSmith, although the lady at the checkout shouted so loudly to her colleague that the entire shop knew what we were in to collect, good job it wasn't porn I was in to pick up (not that I would). We also bought our first Christmas present of the year, some chocolates for Jason's mum, and I couldn't help but pick up a chocolate advent calendar - it's a tradition going back many years. Finishing the day off with home made cookies and the X Factor.

Ironing

2009-10-10T11:37:00.002+01:00

I've just delivered work shirts to the Ironing Shop who kindly iron them all and deliver them back to the house. I know this seems incredibly lazy but both Jason and I have a serious dislike of ironing. I'm actually rubbish at ironing, whereas it irritates Jason's back. The scary thing is that we'll have enough work shirts ironed to last until we go on holiday to Vietnam. Can't believe that in four weeks time we'll be at the airport. It's coming around really quickly and I've still got loads of work to do for my dissertation before we go on holiday, I'll also end up taking some "light" reading on holiday with me - the joy.

We've also purchased a new toy to take with us on holiday - a camcorder. Eat your heart out Steven Speilberg!

Weekend again.

2009-10-03T10:31:00.002+01:00

Since I started my PEF job back in April I love weekends. It's so nice to have a routine and know that nice things happen at the weekend. This weekend will be relaxing with nice things like shopping (I need a new mobile phone as mine's is terminally ill), eating (don't know where yet), X Factor (well you need to really) and wine (white of course). Only down side is that weekends come and go so quickly.

Birthday dinner

2009-09-28T10:11:00.003+01:00

Had a great evening yesterday out for a curry with Jason, Jo and Chris. The food was lovely as always. Jo and Chris seemed to enjoy it. I got a cheque from my Dad and Janice and a Braehead gift card and Thornton chocolates from Jo and Chris. After dinner Jason and I came home and I had Morrison's Festival Gateaux a my birthday cake whilst we watched the X Factor. Birthday all done for another year, apart from spending my cheque and gift cards. Back to work tomorrow after our week off. At least I'm only back for 6 weeks before we head off on holiday to Vietnam.

Birthday again

2009-09-27T10:54:00.002+01:00

I'm 32 today. Doesn't feel too bad. Having a lazy day before heading out for a curry to Dahkin with Jason, Joanne and her new man, Chris. Looking forward to dinner later. Got some lovely cards and gift vouchers for HMV and Topman. Been thinking about birthdays gone by. Ten years ago today I started my first job as a staff nurse in A&E in Blackpool Victoria, how frightening is that? Five years ago, I saw a black bear in Canada on my 27th birthday. Three years ago today, Jason and I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge for my 29th birthday. I don't think this birthday will be quite as exciting but should be great none the less.

Day Trip to Edinburgh

2009-09-25T12:50:00.002+01:00

Yesterday Jason and I jumped on the train and had a wee day trip to Edinburgh. I'd love to show some pictures but unfortunately we took the camera to Edinburgh only to find that the battery was totally flat. We had a stroll around the shops then found a great wee restaurant just behind Princes Street. It was quite small but really busy and the food was lovely. We then looked round more shops and walked around the base of the castle, around Grassmarket and down part of the Royal Mile. We grabbed a hot chocolate from a cafe called Chocolate Soup. This was followed by a drink in The Slug and Lettuce where Jason spotted a celebrity - Stuart Frances, a Canadian (or possibly American) comedian who is on Mock the Week quite often. Only three days of holiday left, why does holiday time seem to go faster than work time?

Autumn holiday

2009-09-19T10:46:00.002+01:00

We are on holiday, yeah! Not back to work until a week on Tuesday. Don't have much planned other than time at home and a couple of meals out. Will be nice to have a wee break and a couple of lie ins. Jason is thinking about getting a new car so we'll be doing some test drives this week as well. Also planning a trip to IKEA to buy a new bookcase. How exciting?

Sky HD has arrived, and a posh dinner

2009-09-16T11:28:00.002+01:00

Today our long awaited (about 6 years since we couldn't get Sky in our old house) Sky HD was successfully installed this morning. What's more surprising is that it was installed without any hic-cups. All this channel choice, I may never leave the house again. Last night, Jason and I went to Michael Caines @ Abode in Glasgow for our anniversary dinner. It was lovely. We had a rabbit mouse thing as an appetizer. I then had Skye Scallops with curried cauliflower for starter, Jason had quail. For main course I had beef and Jason had pork. We then got a pre-dessert of orange mouse, how good is the idea of a pre-dessert, that made my night! For actual dessert I had spiced pineapple with coconut sorbet and Jason had a dark chocolate thing. All in all it was a great night. Right, back to my new toy...

Tori Amos

2009-09-10T06:47:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday night, Jason and I went to see Tori Amos in concert at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. The support act was called One Eskimo, who I really liked, especially when one of the guys played the guitar and trumpet at the same time. Tori was really good. I've seen her a few times now and I'm always amazed at how talented a pianist she actually is. Tori likes to play a piano and a keyboard at the same time by straddling a stool. I was really pleased that I actually recognised most of the songs she played and that she did her classic "Cornflake Girl". We're thinking about going to see Florence and the Machine later this year.

The Sky's the limit

2009-09-09T08:46:00.003+01:00

Guess what we're getting next Wednesday - SKY HD! After 6 years with "council tele" we decided that we really would quite like to upgrade to High Definition, especially when the BBC are showing more and more stuff in HD (including new Dr Who episodes which are coming soon). The person from Sky is coming next Wednesday morning to do the business. We signed up direct with Sky online and as a result get a £50 Tesco voucher which we plan to put towards wine.

September already!

2009-09-05T10:34:00.002+01:00

I can't really believe that we've arrived in September already. It's nearly one year since we moved into our house. It's also nearly Jason and I's civil partnership anniversary and then it'll be my birthday. On the down side, I've had contact from the university and will officially be starting my MSc dissertation on Monday 21st September. I don't know whether or not I'm looking forward to it. I usually feel really positive for the first fortnight of any studying activity then wonder why the f**k I'm putting myself through it. Today we heading into town for a bit of shopping. Tomorrow I'm working in the medical tent at the Great Scottish Run. I've been assured that most patients have blisters or ankle sprains. Looking forward to it, although got a feeling it will be a bit on the cold and wet side.

Visit to Yorkshire

2009-08-30T16:15:00.002+01:00

Just got back after spending two nights in West Yorkshire visiting the in-laws. Arrived on Friday, although it took 5 hours because of accidents on the motorway between Manchester and Leeds. Spend Friday evening at Jason's sister's house with his family. Had a nice time, Julie had made biryani which was really nice. I also had a fludo (an ice cream drink which is rose flavoured and has pomegranate seeds) which was also really nice and sweet which I like. We went to Manchester yesterday and discovered that it was Manchester Gay Pride weekend. We stood and watched some of the parade but didn't go into the Canal Street area as you had to buy a wrist band and we couldn't drink because we had to drive back to the hotel. Went out for dinner to a large Chinese restaurant where we had dim sum from little trolleys. Back to work tomorrow. I need to iron my new uniform as I'm working in A&E but in official PEF capacity.

Lolly for dinner

2009-08-21T06:49:00.002+01:00

Laura came over for dinner on Wednesday night. Jason had made lentil curry which was nice. Afterwards we played Buzz on the PlayStation3. It was a good laugh and for the first time the internet quizzes worked which allowed us to play Dr Who and Star Trek questions. Got a bit of a busy weekend planned. Out for dinner tonight with my work colleagues then working 1-9 in A&E on Sunday, still trying to "keep my hand in".

Rainy weekend

2009-08-15T11:26:00.003+01:00

The weekend has arrived again and it's rainy. We've had a relaxing morning, pancakes for breakfast then heading out later. Don't know where to go yet. Tomorrow Jason and I are going to one of Jason's partners for lunch. She (Dr Angela) has done this in the past when the junior doctors change. It's kind of a goodbye to the old ones and hello to the new ones type of thing. Tomorrow there could be as many as 30 people at her house. Let's hope the weather improves.

Yesterday's Entertainment

2009-08-09T11:36:00.002+01:00

Had a really good day yesterday. Got the train into Glasgow and met up with Lolly. We went to the Steampunk event which was held in an old music hall on Argyle Street. The people running the event are raising money to restore the building. It has an amazing history including being the first venue Stan Laurel ever performed in. The event itself was totally different. It was basically an old fashioned variety show with a singer (he sang "Any old iron" and "I'm Henry the 8th I am") a comedian, a magician and some belly dancers. Afterwards we went for a drink in the Merchant City. Jason and I then had a wander around the shops and visited Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art which has an exhibition about sexuality on at the moment. I noticed yesterday that there were loads of tourists around the city which was nice to see. Jason and I then headed out for a curry at our usual haunt before getting the train back home. At night we decided to watch a Heath Ledger movie we had recorded called The Sin Eater. It was pants! At least he'll be remembered for decent roles in movies like The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain. Having a relaxing day today, will probably go for a walk at a nearby loch.

SteamPunk

2009-08-08T10:45:00.002+01:00

Today Laura has invited Jason and I to join her in Glasgow at a Steampunk event. We really don't know what to expect but should be something interesting. Gives us a chance to spend some time with Laura. Probably don't see as much of her as I should. This week I changed my work pattern. I now work 4 days a week (8am-6pm) giving me a day off during the week. This week I used my day off to go to the dentist and to the cinema to see Harry Potter 6. I enjoyed the movie although it was quite dark. Next week I have a day off on Tuesday so going flat hunting with Joanne then over to Larkhall to visit my gran. Will blog again soon with regards today's entertainment.

Holiday planning

2009-07-29T17:10:00.002+01:00

Jason and I are currently in the process of planning a holiday for the pair of us in November. Current favourite option is two weeks on a guided tour of Vietnam. We've had a quote from Trailfinders (who we've used quite a lot) and a company based in Cardiff called Dragon Travel. We used Dragon Travel when we went to Cambodia in November 2007 and thought they had done a great job. At the moment their holiday is a little bit cheaper plus their tour is 14 days whereas the Trailfinder's tour is only 10 days. I'm all for a bit of luxury and going for the deluxe hotels whereas Jason (typical Yorkshireman) would rather go for the standard hotels. Who do you think will get their way?? Hopefully will get it booked this week so we'll have something to look forward in the bleak mid-winter.

200th Post, woo hoo!!!!

2009-07-24T09:29:00.002+01:00

Hard to believe that this is my 200th post on my blog in just over 2 years. Where does the time go? I'd love to tell you that this entry is about to be really exciting but it really isn't. I'm working from home today as I have to wait in for a delivery of highland pebbles which I will then spend tomorrow using shovels and a wheelbarrow, taking them from the front of the house to the back of the house. The joys of having a garden. In some other news, it's my gran's birthday today, so later this afternoon I'm going to be heading to Larkhall to visit. I'll need to stop into Thorntons at Glasgow Fort to buy her some chocolates on the way. So two birthdays in one day - my gran's and my blog's. Many Happy Returns (I never really understood that, does it mean we hope you return again next year to have another birthday? if so, where are you returning from?).

Graduate Nin

2009-07-17T14:46:00.003+01:00

Was in Newcastle yesterday for Jo's graduation. It was a nice day, she looked the part in her robe and mortar board hat. There were two speakers at the ceremony (or congregation as they like to call it) the vice chancellor and the chancellor. The vice chancellor's speech was basically 10 minutes of our University is great, the chancellor's speech was much better. He talked about lots of stuff from President Obama to his time being head of the police in London. Much more entertaining and inspirational for the new graduates. Just had lunch with Laura in Glasgow which was nice, out tomorrow for dinner with Blake and Hazel. We also just bought a waffle maker - guess what we're having for tea tonight??

Holidays are here again

2009-07-10T15:08:00.002+01:00

I'm on holiday! Yeah! Looking forward to some R & R although I am going back to the old stomping ground of the A&E on Monday for a bank day shift (7-7). Off proper work until 21st July. Have a couple of things planned. Going to Jo's graduation on Thursday, meeting up with Lolly for lunch on Friday and doing something with Blake and Hazel next Saturday. Other than that, how knows. I have a feeling that there will be gardening at some point in the next week as well as the possibility of painting. Either way, it's better than being in the office.

Hot

2009-07-02T18:02:00.003+01:00

It's warm. According to my Honda Civic it was 27 degrees on the way home. Thank god for air con. At least I feel as though we've had some summer weather this year. I think I've had my shorts on more so far this year than in total over the last three years. Perhaps we'll get to have a BBQ again soon. Roll on the weekend, I'm ready for a long lie...

Stuff

2009-06-27T10:15:00.002+01:00

Interesting week. Work starting to get back to normal, although swine flu still having it's influence. Got a shiny new desk on Friday. It's a bit sad that a new desk can get you excited at work. Was out last night with two of the mates from Uni, unfortunately one of the girls had to cancel as she was unwell. Had a nice evening, was great to catch up as I haven't seen them since December. Out tonight for a little while to one of Jason's partner's 40th birthday party. Sad news yesterday about Michael Jackson, even though I'm not really a fan it's still tragic that he died at only 50. I wonder what kind of media response we would have had if he had died after his concerts in London. Should be gardening today, hope it stays dry.

Curry in a hurry

2009-06-20T10:11:00.002+01:00

Last night I went out with a couple of my new workmates, Lynne and Allison. Lynne has been doing this Practice Education Facilitator lark for over 5 years, Allison and I started on the same day back in April. We went to Dakhin (my suggestion so no surprise there) then out around the Merchant City for a few drinks. Although me had booked for the pre-theatre meal which means you have to be out the restaurant by 8pm we didn't leave until around 8.45pm. I think because I'm a regular they didn't want to kick us out at 8pm. We had a great night. Allison has decided that we should go out regularly but that dinner should be a different cuisine each time. I hope that happens. Out next weekend on Friday with friends from University, finally organised a night out with them after two years, and then out on Saturday for the birthday party of one of Jason's work partners. My dad and Janice return from their mammoth honeymoon on Wednesday, can't believe they've been away for over 3 weeks.

Hot water

2009-06-15T21:59:00.004+01:00

We have hot water again! (if this isn't ringing any bells - check out my twittering) Don't get me wrong, we haven't been smelly the last few days. We've had water from the back-up system but it costs a fortune in electricity so thankfully it's back to the proper system now. Over the weekend, Jason and I watched the last few episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It's taken us months (or even years) to finally get round to watching them all again. I had forgotten how good some of it is. We've ordered the missing sessions of Angel to watch them soon. I am however planning to start on Battlestar Gallactica this week. Laura got me the box set for my birthday ages ago and it's still in it's wrapper. How bad is that? At least it would be worth more if I had to sell it to raise emergency cash!

Another week nearly done

2009-06-12T06:44:00.002+01:00

Thank Crunchie it's Friday. What a week I've had. Let's just say my nice new job was hijacked by H1N1 (swine) Flu preparation. At least this afternoon I'll get out for lunch at Loch Lomondside with some of my Glasgow colleagues. Will probably be doing some gardening this weekend if the weather is nice. At the moment our heating is broken. Yesterday morning we had to have cold showers - not nice!

Bitten by the Twitter Bug

2009-06-06T09:51:00.002+01:00

Last night curiosity got the better of me and I logged onto twitter.com Was it a mistake? only time will tell. It's so easy to use. It's a bit like sending text messages to your mates without the cost. I am going to be much more careful after my problems on Bebo so I'll only be allowing people I actually know to follow me. If you search twitter my username is djhunter77. So far Joanne is the only person following me. I'm following 5 people including Jo and Laura. The only celebrity I'm following at the moment is Stephen Fry. I remember hearing him talk about twitter months ago. Have a look, you never know, you might like it.

The Wedding

2009-06-04T06:51:00.002+01:00

Hello! Last Friday's wedding went well. It was a lovely sunny day which made a big difference. The service at the registry office was really nice. Dad and Janice got married in the registry office in Larkhall. After the service, they got some photos taken at the office before we went to the garden of a friend of my Dads. It was so nice, there was a bridge over a pond and an large tree where they were photographed against. The party afterwards was at "St Tams" in Larkhall. I gave my speech before the dinner which seemed to go down well. The food was also nice. Dad and Janice are now enjoying their honeymoon in the USA, all right for some.

Sweet Caroline; with a twist

2009-06-03T04:53:00.001+01:00

I know I haven't been on for a while. Will chat about the wedding and stuff shortly. At the wedding, Jason was told that this YouTube clip is from Janice's Hen Night. I'm pretty sure it's my sister, Jo, who's doing the singing - if you can call it singing!

4 days and counting...

2009-05-25T18:35:00.002+01:00

In around 100 hours time I shall be getting to my feet to give my speech as best man at my dad's upcoming nuptials. Can't believe how quickly it's coming round. I haven't written my speech yet but have a pretty good idea about the content. Jason and I are both off work this week on annual leave. Great having some time off, although I'm sure there will be plenty to keep me busy. Tomorrow we're off to the bank to open a new account, I'm getting a haircut then we're going shopping to by Jason a suit for the wedding, will probably go to Silverburn as it's all indoors. Today we went out for lunch with Blake and Hazel. We went to Seewoo for the business lunch, three courses for £8.95. The food was great (as it usually is) but the service was really slow - so no tips! We all had soup, I opted for chicken and mushroom, then Jason and I shared chicken in satay sauce and crispy shredded beef with egg fried rice. We had to ask about three times for our dessert. We get some homemade gateaux, which comes with a tiny swirl of very dodgy cream. It's really bizarre as it's creamy and salty at the same time. I really don't want to think about exactly why that my be. Anyway, better start writing that speech.

Skunk

2009-05-22T19:53:00.006+01:00

Exciting news! We've just bought tickets for Skunk Anansie at the O2 Academy in Glasgow at the end of November. Laura is coming along so that her and I can re-live an experience from our youth. We went to see them in the Barrowlands in the late 1990s. They've got back together for a greatest hits album which means it should be great. Something to look forward to in the long nights.

Guess what I'm doing this weekend? Gardening! More accurately I'll be using a wheelbarrow to move pebbles from the driveway to the back garden. Jason and I are on holiday for a week, which is nice. My dad and his partner Janice are getting married in next Friday which should be a great day, although I do need to start working on my speech.

weekend's here again

2009-05-16T09:21:00.002+01:00

Since I changed job and now work Monday-Friday the weekend seems to come round really quickly. Unfortunately when it does arrive, it goes by in a flash. I had quite a nice week at work, I'm starting to feel like I'm finding my feet. Although there are still times I find myself sitting in front of my computer thinking "I really don't know what I should be doing now". This coming week I'm spending a whole day at the University watching 2nd and 3rd year students doing their oral exams, looking forward to that. Well, lets see what the weekend brings. Hopefully a meal out and some relaxation, although I will need to do some cleaning around the house. Maybe we should get a cleaner....

Star Trek was......

2009-05-10T10:09:00.002+01:00

AMAZING!!!!!!! We went to the IMAX at Glasgow Science Centre last night. Was a bit worried as we arrived 40 minutes before the showing was due to start and there was already a massive queue. Thankfully we got quite good seats. I thought the movie was really good. The special effects were great, there were funny bits and sad bits. Even Simon Pegg's accent as Scotty was alright. I am very tempted to go see it again in the cinema as I'm sure there are little things I missed first time round. That's the first big event of May done, the next is my dad's wedding on the 29th.

2 days and counting.....

2009-05-07T18:18:00.002+01:00

Well folks, in 48 hours time I'll be queueing up to get descent seats at the IMAX for Star Trek. It's really sad I know but I'm really exciting. Was over visiting my Uncle Ian today. The jammy bugger is going to the cinema tomorrow night to see Trek. I don't mind waiting a bit longer. After all what is one more day when we've been waiting since Christmas 2008 (when it should have been released until Paramount delayed it until tomorrow). In other news, as part of my new PEF job I went on a "networking" visit to the old Law Hospital site, which is where I lived in the nurse's home as a student, to visit old chum and fellow PEF, Maggie. We used to live together, both in the nurse's home and in Jason's house in Blackpool. It was nice to catch up. Isn't it weird the way our careers have mirrored each other. We've both done A&E and now we're both PEFs. Only 48 hours and 7 minutes to Star Trek.....

Wolverine and wet weather

2009-05-03T13:17:00.002+01:00

We went to the cinema yesterday to see Wolverine. We went to the Odeon at Glasgow's Springfield Quay with gift vouchers we got at Christmas from Blake and Hazel. The picture was properly framed on the screen - a very long story, so everything was good. I even won a free small popcorn from a Star Trek scratch card. The movie was alright. Loads of running and fighting, although the scene with the very fat man reminded me of Austin Powers. It being a bank holiday weekend, it's been raining. Wouldn't mind expect we're trying to do more gardening so it's a bit annoying. Was a little disappointed as was hoping to use my whirlygig for the first time today but the rain put a stop to that.

Dinners

2009-04-26T12:34:00.002+01:00

On Friday, Jason and I went to Lolly's for dinner. She had made vegan chilli but kindly left out kidney beans because I don't like them. It was really nice to catch up. Last night we were out for dinner again, this time for a curry in Glasgow with Blake and Hazel. Another good night, although it did involve Blake and Hazel sitting through loads and loads of our old photos. Was also busy yesterday in the garden and putting stuff back into the garage (the floor was getting painted). Heading back into Glasgow today to has a gander around the shops. We've booked tickets to see Star Trek at the IMAX on 9th May, how exciting? Hopefully Laura and her dad, Duncan, will be able to come along.

Manchester photos

2009-04-17T08:16:00.003+01:00

Hazel and Jason on the steam train
The Steam Train

Jason, Hazel and Blake looking over the dyke!

Blake and Hazel searching for thier Manchester pad

Jason in the city centre

Manchester and the First Shift

2009-04-15T07:00:00.003+01:00

We had a great time in Manchester at the weekend. Shock horror! the weather was great, it was sunny and actually quite warm with no rain. Went down on Saturday and did some shopping late Saturday afternoon. That evening we went for a Thai dinner which was lovely then some beers on Canal Street. Lets say that perhaps more beer was enjoyed than should have been! On Sunday we went a walk around Manchester city centre then had a nice Chinese lunch before heading into the Yorkshire countryside for a shot on a steam train. On Monday we went to the Trafford Centre where I spent loads on shirts and trousers for my new job. I also got a man bag which I'm very pleased with.

Yesterday my first day as a PEF went well. Didn't really do much other than chat with my new colleagues. It will take ages to get used to the change of pace. Was nice to be home just after 5pm, managed to get out and cut my grass before we had dinner.

The final shift

2009-04-09T20:07:00.002+01:00

Well, I am no longer an Emergency Department Senior Nurse/Nurse Practitioner. My last shift was good. I had a quiet morning, including emptying my locker which was full of junk, followed by a 2 hour lunch break. The staff had brought in various goodies (sandwiches, pasta, cheesecake etc) which we all enjoyed. I saw a few patients in the afternoon and was all done at around 6pm. Margaret (the Sister) said I could go home but I had suspicions she was up to something. As I went to leave I was ushered into the sluice where a gang of my colleagues used plaster cast to tie me to a wheelchair, made me a nice hat out of a sick bowl and a bottle which men use to pee into and paraded me round the department before parking me outside in the ambulance bay for 10 minutes. I was then wheeled back into the department to have the plaster cast cut off. The girls managed the 2 pieces holding my legs, then thought they would just carry on and cut off the legs of my scrubs. They also thought it would be fun to cut out holes for my nipples! I then had to pose for photos before being allowed to get changed. I'll miss being there all the time, but don't feel as though I'm really leaving as I'll be in and out of A&E regularly and back doing bank shifts soon enough.

Egypt photos and other news

2009-04-07T09:39:00.004+01:00

Here are some pics from our recent trip to Egypt. In other news, I've only two shifts left as a full time A&E nurse. Start my new job on Tuesday as a Practice Education Facilitator. All I know is that I've to report on Tuesday (get Monday off as it's a public holiday) for a week of meet and greets. I worry a little that I'll not know what to do with myself. I should be triaging or putting on tubigrip bandages or making up IV drugs and other practical stuff like that. I have joined the nurse bank so will probably end up doing a wee shift back in A&E before the month is out. Jason and I are off to Manchester with Blake and Hazel on Saturday for two nights. Really looking forward to it. We've booked to go out for dinner to one of our favourite Thai restaurants (Pacific) on Saturday night and then for a Chinese Dim Sum lunch on Sunday. Will off course be popping into the Trafford Centre on Monday. I do need to buy new stuff for work, like shirts, trousers and I fancy a "man bag" for my diary and other new job paperwork stuff. I was down in Newcastle with Jo on Saturday just gone for her graduation ball. It was a good night although I was quite tired on Sunday. She is doing well in her new job and is also in the process of joining the nurse bank to do shifts in A&E to boost her income.

Me at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Jason and I at Edfu TempleMe at Abu Simbel templeJason on a camelMe hanging on for dear life!Jason and I at the Step Pyramid of ZoserThe Sphinz and Great PyramidJason and I at the Pyramids

Me and a towel crocodile on the cruise boat

Celeb-Air

2009-04-02T20:17:00.002+01:00

I forgot to mention a minor detail of our holiday. On the flight back to Glasgow from Heathrow last Saturday we had a real life celebrity on board. Oh well, I might be exaggerating the level of celebrity this person holds, A list? B list? C list? I'll let you decide. We shared a flight with Mike McShane - who????? He is the big American guy who was on "Whose line is it anyway?" and was also apparently Friar Tuck in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. How exciting? Was all round London and the only slightly famous person we saw was on his way to Glasgow.

Pyramids and Pharaohs

2009-03-29T11:07:00.002+01:00

Got back safely yesterday after our trip to Egypt (more pics to follow). We had a great time. The first seven days were spent cruising the Nile. The boat was nice although our cabin was at the back above the engine room so it was quite noisy. Thankfully Jason didn't get sea sick. It was a great way to visit all the temples and ancient sites, including the Valley of the Kings. We didn't bother paying the extra money to see Tutankhamen's tomb as it was expensive and the only thing left in it is the sarcophagus - all the treasures are in the Egyptian museum in Cairo which was great. The last three days were spent in Cairo and I am pleased to report that the pyramids were wonderful and deserve all the praise they receive. We had the funniest, campest guide in Cairo, called Mohammed, who liked to refer to the group as "my Pharaohs". After our trip to Egypt we spent two nights in London for Jason's birthday. This included lots of shopping and dinner with George and Juliet. Back to work tomorrow, although I only have 6 shifts left to work in A&E.

The big move

2009-03-15T10:28:00.003Z

On Wednesday, Joanne moved back from Newcastle to Glasgow. My dad, Janice and I hired a van and drove down and back in one day. I'm covered in bruises from lifting stuff into her new flat. She has settled in and should be starting her new job next Monday. Jason and I are off to Egypt tomorrow for our holiday. It will be great to get away for a couple of weeks. I'm also looking forward to seeing our old friends George and Juliet in London when we come back from Egypt. I've finally got a start date for my new job, the day after Easter Monday. This means that I'll only have 6 or 7 proper days left as an A&E nurse. Oh well, better get packing.

Jo in her new living room

Total failure

2009-03-08T05:53:00.002Z

Well it's taken me a couple of days to blog about it but on Friday I failed my motorbike test. It actually went a lot better than I had thought. I failed because I put my foot down before completing my U turn. Apart from that I only got 5 minor faults. At the end I felt.... relieved! I'll have a break for a couple of weeks then decide what to do about the biking. The new Star Trek trailer is awesome. We're hoping to see it on the big screen tomorrow when we go to the cinema to see Watchmen. On Wednesday I going with my dad and Janice to Newcastle to bring Jo back home to Glasgow. Can't believe it's been three years since we hired a van to move her down there in the first place.

Star Trek (2009) Fourth Trailer (March 6)

2009-03-06T12:47:00.001Z

New, new, new trailer for Star Trek. Looking forward to seeing this on the big screen.

Let it snow!

2009-03-05T15:51:00.003Z

Today was supposed to be day number two on the 500cc motorbike but unfortunately Mr Weatherfront had another idea. It was snowing quite heavily this morning and as a result today's motorbiking was cancelled. However, the rider training school still think I should attempt my test tomorrow as planned. I've to phone them at 07:30 to see if the test will be on or not. A lot of the snow has melted this afternoon, but the forecast is for -4 degrees overnight which will mean lots of ice on the small roads. I thought it use this as an excuse to post some photos of snow I've taken this winter.

Looking out front of house, 2nd Feb 2009

Looking out back of house, 2nd Feb 2009

Looking towards the snowy Campsie Hills today

Back biking, despite the snow

2009-03-04T17:54:00.002Z

Today was my first day on the 500cc bike. After my disastrous day last Thursday I was a bit reluctant to even go. Thankfully it went fine. The bigger bike is easier to ride and handle. I was extra nervous this morning when I opened the curtains to see snow lying on the ground but the roads soon cleared. I even felt that my U turns were getting better. Same again tomorrow, then test on Friday. Will hope just need to stay calm and relaxed and I might just pass.

Scottish Grub

2009-02-26T17:22:00.002Z

After having a pretty poor day out on the motorbike, I got home to find a leaflet for a local takeaway shop had been put through the door and it cheered me up. My day hadn't gone smoothly. My bike hated me, it cut out several times leaving me stuck at traffic lights blocking the road. After lunch (when it had allegedly been fixed) the break pedal had been raised which meant I spent three and a half hours driving about having to hold my right leg up so that I wouldn't press the break. On a positive note, I did feel more confident after the instructor took us along country roads in the wind and the rain and made us travel around 45-50 mph. When I got home I went for a nice hot bath to unwind. So the leaflet... previously a local Chinese takeaway offered salad dishes (with chips) which made me giggle and think "only in Scotland". This was surpassed today with the introduction of the "salad kebab"! This veggie wonder has all the salad and pita of a kebab without the meat. It does come with vegetable pakora to fill it out a bit. I wonder if vegan Lolly could enjoy one!

I'm still alive!

2009-02-26T07:31:00.003Z

Yesterday I went out on the motorbike all by myself and I am therefore pleased to report that I am still alive. It was fun, kind of... I drove from Glasgow out to Larkhall (around 20 miles) stopping in Hamilton to spend an hour with my mate Andy who has been biking for many years. After spending time in Larkhall visiting folk I headed back into Glasgow. It was really windy and raining. I decided to try to stay in sheltered areas and kept my speed down. I didn't like the wind and rain, definitely going to be a summer biker. I managed to get plenty of practice doing my U turns which I think are my weakest point. Back out again today with the instructor. Still no word on when I'll be starting my new job, looks like it will be around Easter.

Jo's flat and the Kents

2009-02-21T11:29:00.002Z

On Thursday I got up after my night shift and met Joanne in Glasgow. She had been flat hunting the day before and wanted me to see her favourite, a one bedroom tenement first floor flat in the Partick area of the city. It was a lot nicer than the one we had seen in a nearby street a few weeks ago. The carpets are a bit dated, but, other than that, it was fine. She's put in an application, so we just need to keep our fingers crossed. If all goes to plan, she should move directly from Newcastle into her new flat in Glasgow. On Thursday night, Jason and I had dinner at Blake and Hazel's where we saw their photos from their holiday to America. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves. After another day of biking yesterday, my Uncle Ian and his family (The Kents) came over for dinner. It was a nice evening. They were impressed with the house, Jason's cooking and seeing the Star Trek trailer on the projector. I'm taking a motorbike out by myself on Wednesday. Let's hope I don't crash!

Busy few days

2009-02-16T12:34:00.002Z

Today marks the start of my proper bike training. It's lunch time so I've popped home for a cup of tea to warm up. Feel like I'm doing ok, but I don't like going fast on the country roads. Jason and I had a nice couple of nights in Leeds over the weekend, even though it was freezing. Found a great cocktail bar just round the corner from the hotel. Yesterday on the way home we went to the Trafford Centre for a few hours. It would have been rude not to really. Start night shifts again tonight, but not many more nights to do as I'll be starting my new job at the end of March, hopefully. Jo is up this week flat hunting with my dad and Janice. She looks set to move back home in around four weeks time.

Very nearly Staff Nurse Hunter (the 2nd)

2009-02-08T05:55:00.003Z

Jo found out on Friday that she has passed her last assignment for Uni meaning that in around four weeks time, after she's made up sick time at her placement, she will officially become Staff Nurse Hunter (the 2nd). When my dad and his partner get married in May, Janice will become Staff Nurse Hunter (the 3rd). I'm really proud of her, she completed her entire course without failing a single piece of written work or any of her practice placements. Not bad when you consider that she had been out of education for a good few years. Now she can look forward to flat hunting in Glasgow and starting her first job as a staff nurse. This is a photo from 2004 after she attempted to paint her flat in Larkhall but could only reach so far up the wall. Let's hope she doesn't try this again in her new place...

Star Trek (2009) Super Bowl Tv Spot

2009-02-04T11:23:00.001Z

Here is the TV spot for Star Trek which was shown during the Super Bowl. Millions of Americans (and other folk around the world) will have seen it. Roll on May!

The Great Escape

2009-02-03T08:32:00.002Z

Well after nine and a half years I am finally about to escape from A&E. Yesterday I got a phone call telling me that I had been offered the Practice Education Facilitator post at the RAH in Paisley. It's great although I'm having a mixture of emotions. At first I thought "yeah! no more nights or weekends" but that was quickly replaced with "oh sh*t!, what have I done?". At the end of the day, I think it's about time I had a different challenge at work and if after six months I decide I hate it I'm sure Gerry (my boss) would do what he could to take me back. I'll probably be starting at the very end of March/beginning of April just after our holiday to Egypt and just in time to get Easter weekend off. Anyway, off to bed now, need to get up at lunchtime to phone Gerry and give him the news that I'm leaving.

Happy Birthday Nin! (or is that Merry Christmas?)

2009-01-30T00:30:00.003Z

As it's after midnight it is now officially Jo's 28th birthday. She is currently out in the streets of Newcastle dressed up as a banana (don't ask). I've posted a card to her which I bought the other day in the lovely card shop called Clintons. The joke was basically about wishing a happy birthday to a smart, funny and fab sister from your smart, funny and fab brother. However, the naughty people at Clinton's had, unknown to me, hidden a left offer Merry Christmas version in amongst the Happy Birthday cards. I didn't notice until I was writing it the other day just before posting it. So I had to score out the Merry Christmas line and hand write "Happy Birthday". The cartoon girl wearing a Christmas hat on the front should have given the game away. Oh well, Happy Birthday away Jo. In other news, I've just found out that I've passed my last Uni assignment, yeah! No more Master's studying until September. The only thing I've got to study for now is my motorbike theory test which I'm sitting in less than a fortnights time.

Newcastle photos

2009-01-28T08:51:00.003Z

Me and Jo at the Baltic (and it was)
Dad and Jo

Dad

Jo in "her city" but not for long...

Back to Biking

2009-01-27T13:55:00.002Z

The other day I decided it was time to take my finger out of my bottom and get on with my motorbike lessons. I realised that if I didn't get on and have lessons I'd end up just putting it off and off for ever. So I've booked to do a wee refresher course, my theory test, four full days of lessons (two on a 125cc and two on a 500cc bike) and then my test!!! I now need to start studying for my theory test. When I sat my car driving test in the mid 90s there was none of this theory rubbish. Still no word on the PEF job.

Job Interview

2009-01-23T09:20:00.002Z

Yesterday I had a job interview. I had applied for this job away back in November before I went to Miami. The interview is for the position of Practice Education Facilitator (PEF) who basically looks after the nurses who look after students in various clinical settings. I had to do a ten minute presentation and then there were questions for around 20 minutes. Unfortunately I wont find out if I've got the job for around two weeks. Will just have to forget about it for a while. Tonight we're out for a curry with Blake and Hazel which I'm looking forward to. They head of on their American adventure in one weeks time. I'm a little jealous, sure they could fit me in a suitcase.

Dinner party, Newcastle and other news

2009-01-20T19:32:00.002Z

Our dinner party on Saturday night has been and gone. It went really well although our timings for cooking the dinner went a little to pot. Everyone seemed to like the food, and the drink even more. Thirteen of us managed to polish off 12 bottles of wine, 2 bottles of beer and a variety of spirits. Including one incident of lighting some tequila and spilling it on the glass table. I even managed to make our guests watch the trailer for the new Star Trek movie on our home cinema projector system. The place was an entire mess and has taken a couple of days to tidy up. On Monday my dad and I went to Newcastle for the day to visit Jo (pictures to follow soon). It was freezing but we had a nice time. Jo then got the train back with us as she had an interview today for her first staff nurse job. Today became a bit of a family outing. Dad, me, Joanne, Janice (dad's wife to be) and Gemma (Janice's niece) all went with Jo to her interview in the haematology day unit at the Vale of Leven hospital. We then went into Glasgow for some lunch. After lunch dad and I went on a secret mission regarding the honeymoon whilst the girls went to look at the wedding outfits and try to find shoes which match. At around three o'clock Jo got a phone call to say that she had been successful and will start some time in March. Apparently she was jumping for joy and screaming in the middle of Argyll Street. I'm really proud of her and I'm sure she'll do well in her new job. Now she can start looking for a flat in the West End and planning her move back to Glasgow. I may have some job news later in the week......

Dinner partners

2009-01-13T12:56:00.003Z

Now that one stressful thing has been dealt with (the essay) we can move onto something else, a little less stressful, but in a different way. On Saturday 5 of the other partners from Jason's work along with the practice manager and their respective other halves are coming to ours for dinner and drinks. That means that Jason will be cooking for around 16 folk. We've already bought a 2 cases of white and a case of red wine but we still need to buy two boxes of beer as well as all the stuff for food. I'm sure it will be a good night, but we've quite a few hurdles to get over first. Jason is planning to start the cooking on Thursday when he makes his delicious white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. It is gorgeous! Then on Friday he is planning to make meringues and marinade some meat to use on Saturday morning. It's a bit of a world menu and we're not sure what the partners are expecting. Let the cooking and cleaning commence!

The end is in sight

2009-01-11T22:23:00.002Z

Well folks, the end of my studying (for a wee while) is in sight. I've almost finished my essay which is due in tomorrow. All I have to do is write the conclusion, around 500 words, and then compile my bibliography. Jason helped me today to make a couple of nice diagrams to add as appendices. I've arranged to meet up with a couple of the gang from Uni at 3pm to hand the essay in. At least I shouldn't have to worry about studying again until September, unless of course I fail and have to resubmit. Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed that I've done enough to scrape a pass.

Walk like an Egyptian

2009-01-09T06:47:00.002Z

The other day I booked our next holiday. Jason and I are off to Egypt at the end of March. We're doing a 7 day Nile Cruise then spending 3 nights in Cairo. The holiday includes loads of tours of ancient Egyptian sites including the Pyramids. I'm also looking forward to our first experience of going on a cruise. This is giving me something to look forward to and get me through my studying. Still have 1500 words to do before Monday.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-05T11:53:00.001Z

Happy New Year! I hope 2009 is a good one for you. Guess what I'm doing? Studying again!! I have an assignment due next Monday so I'll be hitting the books pretty hard this week. Thankfully after this I've got a rest until September. We had a quiet New Year. We stayed up to watch the bells but were in bed by 00:15. On New Years Day we went to Blake and Hazel's for dinner along with Hazel's parents and sister (and her family). Blake did a great steak pie and we had a go on his wii fit which was fun. I'm meeting up with Clare for lunch tomorrow which I'm looking forward to as I've not seen her in ages. Anyhoo, I'm nipping out to the bank then back to more studying, aim to do at least another 1000 words today.

Belated Christmas

2008-12-28T18:52:00.002Z

Yesterday was Christmas Day in our house so as is the tradition, the day started with the unwrapping of the pressies. I got some great stuff including a home cinema system which Santa had brought for both Jason and me, some Thorton's white chocolate, Blu-ray movies, Trekkies (documentary about Star Trek fans), a nice wooly cardy, socks, money and a Mr Tickle toy which speaks and whose arms rotate as if he's tickling very fast. The voice is a bit distracting as he sounds like Louis Walsh! Last night Blake and Hazel came over and we had Christmas dinner which included Coca Cola Ham and a roast duck, although at one point the duck tried to escape of the baking try and landed on the kitchen worktop. It was very nice, as was Hazel's home made trifle, although with the amount of alcohol it contained I'm sure you wouldn't be able to drive after eating some. After dinner we played a couple of computer quiz games and drank some wine. Today Jason and I briefly visited Glasgow Fort to look around the sales but it was mainly rubbish so we came home to catch up on Christmas tele and eat some mince pies, yum!

All by myself...

2008-12-24T22:30:00.002Z

Well it's Christmas Eve and I'm about to go to bed on the 24th December by myself for the first time in 10 years. In the past decade I've either been at work on the night shift or with Jason. Jason arrived safely in Yorkshire to spend Christmas with his family. I'm up early for work so just about to head to bed. I spent my Christmas Eve watching Star Trek First Contact on our home cinema system. It was really good. Just checked google/norad who are tracking Santa - he's currently in Slovakia. Modern technology is cool. Hope Santa is good to you all, Merry Christmas.

Christmas time, Mistletoe and wine

2008-12-24T08:53:00.002Z

Can you believe that it's Christmas Eve already? I can't! I've still got to wrap presents for Jason to take to his family this afternoon. Laura was over for dinner last night. We had veggie fajitas which were really nice. Lolly was impressed with out new installation. Santa brought Jason and I a home cinema system. We already had surround sound speakers so Santa delivered and installed a high definition projector and 106 inch screen. It is fab!!! I especially like watching the Star Trek trailer on the big screen. Oh well, better get wrapping.

Curry night

2008-12-21T11:38:00.002Z

Last night Blake and Hazel came over for a wee catch up. Jason did a Thai curry which was really nice whilst Blake and Hazel provided a Lemon Meringue pie for dessert. Blake and Hazel are off to America for a holiday next month so we showed them our photos of our trip way back in 2000. It was a bit of a trip down memory lane as we looked at the photos we hadn't put in our America photo album. It's all about catching up this week. Today Joanne is coming over for lunch. On Tuesday I'm meeting Clare for lunch and then Laura is coming over for dinner that evening. It is then Christmas Eve with Jason heading down to Yorkshire for Christmas with his family and me visiting my Gran and Uncle Ian (and family) dishing out Crimbo pressies. Will be a wee bit strange Jason and I not being together on Christmas Day, so we've decided that for this year only Christmas Day for us is actually Saturday 27th December. Since neither of us are Christian I don't really see a problem with that.

150th Blog Entry!

2008-12-16T11:38:00.002Z

Ta Dah!!!! This is my 150th blog entry. Sadly I'm about to bump my gums around being disappointed. Today was supposed to be a special day when workmen were coming to our house to do something that both Jason and I are really quite excited about. I can't go into details at the moment but one day soon I'll reveal all. Unfortunately a key component in this mystery installation has failed to arrive on time as it was sent to a shop in England and not the Glasgow branch. Hopefully it will arrive in the next few days then I can tell you all about our new thing. Until then I'll have to live with my disappointment.

Rough round the edges

2008-12-11T14:03:00.002Z

Last night was my Christmas night out at Dunblane Hydro. It was a really good night. This morning however has not gone so well. I think I may have overdone it on the white wine front. I felt tired but ok when I woke up. The trouble started when I stood up and noticed that the room was spinning around and nausea was setting in. I decided that a full Scottish breakfast wasn't the best way to go. I have however made it back home safely. Despite visiting the toilet (which was thankfully clean) I managed not to get sick on the train. I'm blaming my hang over on either cheap white wine or dodgy brussel sprouts. It's Jason's Christmas night out tomorrow night, lets hope he doesn't feel like I do now on Saturday.

Workmen

2008-12-09T10:39:00.002Z

Is it me or do tradesmen (painters, joiners etc.) have their own definition of time? Yesterday the painter was coming to do various bits and pieces around the house. He had told me me that he would be quite early in the morning. When I left for work at 11:20 he still hadn't arrived. There was only 40 minutes of morning left! Today we're at it again, this time I'm waiting for the workies to come and re-concrete the garage floor. I was told it would take all day and at 10:46 they still haven't arrived to start. If they don't turn up today I'll be really pissed off as I've had to take absolutely everything out of the garage which means that the house looks a mess. Last day at Uni tomorrow and unfortunately I have to present my 2nd assignment seminar. I'm sure the class will be on the edge of their seats with excitement. At least I have my work's Christmas night out to look forward to in the evening. It's an overnight at Dunblane Hydro Hotel which should be great. Today I'm planning to do a bit of Christmas shopping and then have a nice hot bath this afternoon. Should really be studying but can't be arsed!

Christmas cards

2008-12-05T17:19:00.002Z

I've spent some time the past two days writing my Christmas cards. This is normally a job I enjoy but this year I'm not feeling the Christmas spirit yet. If anything I've been a bit bah humbug. Some of my family can expect Christmas cards which we bought a couple of years ago, although I'm sure they'll have forgotten if they do end up with a duplicate card. I went to the Post Office to buy stamps for same cards today. I like Christmas stamps. Last year I got plain stamps which just isn't the same. This year's 2nd class (see, bah humbug! why pay for 1st class?) stamps feature two pantomime dames. That sums up Christmas - camp!! Jason and I are heading out for dinner tonight. It's nine years since we first got together, doesn't time fly?

Miami and the Florida Keys

2008-12-03T17:54:00.005Z

Miami's South Beach

Me on South Beach next to beach hutThe Everglades National ParkA Friendly American AligatorA dolphin at Key LargoUS Highway OneOur wheels in Floriday, not quite a Mini!Sunset at Key WestMe on the beach at Fort Lauderdale
Jason on the same rock

The two of us at the hotel in Fort Lauderdale

Christmas Shopping 2008

2008-11-29T10:36:00.002Z

Yesterday Jason and I went into Glasgow in the afternoon to do a spot of Christmas shopping. The city centre was quite busy, I think it was because lots of shops had special reductions to tempt people to spend despite the credit crunch. I was quite excited, although Christmas this year is going to be a bit of a non-event in our house. I'm working day shift Christmas Day and Boxing Day so Jason is going to Yorkshire to spend Christmas with his family. I do plan to make up for this next year with a proper Christmas. We got pressies for lots of people including Lolly, Joanne and Clare & Angela. Still got loads to get but at least we've now started.

New Star Trek Trailer

2008-11-27T13:16:00.001Z

Here is the new trailer for Star Trek. I was lucky enough to see it at the cinema in Florida a few days ago when we went to see James Bond. Spent $5 on popcorn forgetting that the Americans like salty buttery popcorn which was minging! This version is slightly different as it has Leonard Nimoy in it. I'm excited, roll on May 2009.

Foreign Correspondant

2008-11-24T03:37:00.002Z

Hello from Florida! I'm in a hotel room in Fort Lauderdale updating my blog, how cool is that? We're having a great holiday, although there is only a day and a half left. Will have plenty of photos to post when we get back to Glasgow on Wednesday. In the meantime, I plan to make the most of the sunshine, heard there's snow in the UK.

We're going to Miami!

2008-11-15T08:55:00.002Z

Well tomorrow we head off to the sunshine state of Florida. Looking forward to the break. Unfortunately I still have to complete a uni assignment today before we go, as well as pack and tidy the house. We're also going into Glasgow to see a couple of projectors demonstrated for our home cinema system. Hopefully by the time I next update my blog I'll have a suntan and will have seen the trailer for Star Trek.

The Enterprise!

2008-11-12T15:00:00.002Z

Here is the first look at the new USS Enterprise from the new Star Trek movie. I'm not sure, bits I like, bits I don't. Sure I'll learn to love it.

Hitting the books.

2008-11-10T12:14:00.002Z

Guess what I'm doing? Studying!!!!! We're off to sunny Florida in 6 days time so before we go I have to submit another 2500 word assignment. This morning I've already done around 1000 words. Although the first part is mainly descriptive stuff so easy to type. I discovered that I'm working over Christmas, 7-7 on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Jason is planning to get the train down to Yorkshire on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas with his family. I'm planning to see my extended family on Christmas Eve, after work on Christmas Day I'll head to my dad's to see him, Janice and Joanne (who will be up from Newcastle) via the Chinese takeaway and then on Boxing Day evening I'll probably see Jo again. It's not ideal but I can't really complain as this will be my 6th Christmas working in Paisley and so far I've only had to work one Christmas Eve night shift. Anyway, better get back to the studying, won't have much time tomorrow as have to take Mini to the garage, she's a bit poorly.

Happy biker

2008-11-07T10:56:00.002Z

Yesterday I resat the road ride part of my motorbike basic training. Having failed the last time for poor observation and control. I've not been on a bike for around one month but had been practicing my observations whilst in the car. It must have shown because I passed! Although I did stall a couple of times and my U-turns didn't always go smoothly. Still I'm encouraged to carry on. It was quite difficult yesterday evening as it quickly got dark. Don't think I'd be that keen to go out at night when I do eventually pass my test and buy my own bike. Our living room curtains are being fitted today, woo hoo!

fireworks

2008-11-06T08:56:00.002Z

Last night we went to Blake & Hazel's for dinner. The deal was that if they provided the food we'd provide the fireworks. We had a great time even though it became a bit damp. We were a wee bit disappointed with the fireworks. We bought them from Homebase and although they were quite expensive you only got 10 fireworks. We thought they would be spectacular, they were alright. Think we'll go back to Morrison's next year. Jo is up visiting so I'm heading into Glasgow to meet up with her in the west end to have a wonder. I passed my first assignment of this module at Uni with a surprising 73%. Must have been a fluke!

Freezing!

2008-11-03T15:49:00.003Z

My night shifts went smoothly which was great as I find four nights a bit on the long side.We only had a couple of folk in fancy dress. This morning however it was freezing! -2 degrees to be exact. I had to scrape the frost of my car twice. Once at 3am to move it so that I wouldn't be blocked in by a truck in the morning, that happened once and I didn't leave the hospital until around 07:45, and then again when I finished my shift. I then kindly came home and defrosted Jason's car for him. I must have been delirious at the fact my nights had finished. Anyway, now that winter has arrived I'm starting to really look forward to our holiday to Florida in just under 2 weeks time. My sis has just set of from Newcastle for a visit. Looking forward to catching up with her and showing her the new house, will need to clean up, and still no sign of our material for our curtains for the living room. My patients is starting to run thin.

Night shift on Halloween

2008-10-31T05:51:00.002Z

I'm back at work on nights. Tonight has been number 1 of 4. Included in this little run of nights is Halloween which basically means that instead of getting drunk people with various alcohol related injuries you get drunk people in silly outfits with various alcohol related injuries. I'm sure I worked this shift last year and had at least 2 young guys who attended in drag. On the plus side, Jason will have to deal with the "trick or treat"ers who'll come knocking at the door to our new house. There will be no hiding either as we still don't have curtains in the living room. I still don't have my shifts for Christmas and New Year yet. Apparently they have been done so will hopefully find out next week what I'm working so that we can start to make plans.

Shock horror - house photos

2008-10-26T11:06:00.005Z

It's hard to believe that one month has pasted since we were given the keys to our new house. So far I've not posted any photos, mainly as we've not had internet for a few weeks but also because I wanted to wait until the rooms inside the are finished and looking good. Saying that I couldn't resist posting a couple of the photos which we took over the first few days of being in our new pad.

Me outside our completed house

Jason in Bedroom 2

Me in our Master ensuite

Jason getting famillar with his new kitchen

Me and our strippy hall carpet

Hazel trying out the new bath

Feeder

2008-10-25T10:54:00.002+01:00

Last night we went to see Feeder at the Glasgow Barrowlands. They were brilliant. The only downsides were getting covered in beer, being squashed up against very, very sweaty people at the end when we were trying to get out and a little bit of violence when someone, jumping around, knocked a bloke to the floor who bashed his nose. The nose injury man responded by trying to punch the jumping man. Despite this we really enjoyed the gig. The support act was Fightstar who include Charlie from Busted. I don't think he appreciated the crowd shouting "Year 3000" or other Busted references.

Star Trek first photos

2008-10-22T16:02:00.003+01:00

The crew of the USS Enterprise

(Chekov, Kirk, Scotty, McCoy, Sulu, Uhura)
The bridge of the Enterprise with Kirk in his chair
Spock and Kirk get to know each other
Eric Bana as the baddie, Nero
The USS Kelvin under attackUSS Kelvin close-up

I'm back!

2008-10-22T15:57:00.002+01:00

Our internet service has been switched on. It is slow but at least it works. I've been at Uni today. Had to do a presentation to the class which I think went quite well. Off for a few days now. Jason and I are meeting up with Blake and Hazel tomorrow for lunch. On Friday night we are going to the Barrowlands to see Feeder in concert. I've not been there for around 10 years when I went to see either Skunk Anansie or Placebo. Then on Saturday we are supposed to be doing something with my friend Kenny from work. What a busy social butterfly I'll be over the next few days.

Roll on Tuesday

2008-10-19T12:24:00.002+01:00

I'm back at work which is bad, but on the plus side I can get on the internet during my lunch break to say hello. I've been working on an assignment for Uni over the last few days which I have now almost finished, just got to prepare a presentation for Wednesday. Actually quite looking forward to doing this one - it's on assessing a wrist injury which is something I do quite a bit of. On Tuesday, our internet service at home is being switched on. How exciting? I'll finally get to put some photos of our house on my blog. On Friday just passed, Jason and I went to my friend Clare's 30th birthday party. It was nice to see her enjoying herself and she had loads of presents. She also did a bit of singing. We were at the back with a couple of other friends, Mandy and Maggie, making the cross arms X Factor sign. Oh well, better get back to triage.