Musings From The Chair

With days to spare, I'm trying to vote for the Bloscars. And it's really hard! I thought it would be easier than this. Have to get down to some serious decision-making here. Has everyone else voted?

• noun INFORMAL nonsense.

  — ORIGIN imitative.

Probably been done before, but what the hell. Thanks for the idea, rowtheboat, this is a South Park version of me...

Go here.

Hey there,

Back from a short break. I say 'break' as if I was sipping coffee in Paris, but no, I was working. I say 'working' as if I was tapping away in front of a monitor and shuffling papers, but no, I was digging and excavating for England. I never want to see another trowel, shovel, or for that matter, any soil ever again. I've got brusies on my legs the size of your fist! The digging part of archaeology is definetely over for me I think. Although the fact that I was doing it on my own didn't help. Something nice in Egypt, or an Italian villa outside Rome (ah, those were the days) might tempt me.

So 2007 hasn't started great for me so far, with the big W stopping me from having a life. Speaking of which, I was in a B&B last week, nothing much to do but watch TV really - all the Big Brother businesss kicking off, all over the news. So I had a quick watch and am now officially addicted to Celebrity Big Brother. I am clearly mortified (the hubster just looked at me as if I was as thick as Jade Goody) as I have never been a fan of reality shows. I am sure, also, that if I had more than 5 channels to choose from (and rather randonly the History +1 channel) I would have found something more worthwhile with which to pass the cold winter evenings in Leeds. But there you go. I have to find out now if Dirk will ever cheer up, or Jo will get a hard slap for being such a venomous old hag. Even to see the look on Danielle's face when she's told her modelling contract has been revoked. My favourite is Shilpa, what a babe. But that's enough. I can't even stop myself gossiping about these people. I need help. It'll all be over soon, don't worry...

Cheer up, Starbuck!

Right. Shopping. Got sweet FA in the fridge and I need supplies.

Take care, Gil. xx

What type of person do you attract?

Your stunning intellect and love of sci-fi and video games allures the geeks like nothing else. Maybe it is the sparkle in your eye that makes them want to text you, who knows. Geeks make good partners, but tend to be arguementative. If you are a TRUE geek magnet, you will know if that was spelled correctly, and actually care. If it is a bad-boy/bad-girl you are seeking, you are barking up the wrong tree, unless they are just 'bad' behind a PS2 console.

Thanks to Meno Mama - name meaning  - decided to do the real one as I'm not sure Gilraen is in there! I have also deleted any references to princesses.

You entered: Diana Jane

There are 9 letters in your name.
Those 9 letters total to 32
There are 5 vowels and 4 consonants in your name.
 
What your first name means:

Shakepearean - Female - 'All's Well That Ends Well' - daughter to the widow of Florence

Latin - female - Fertile. God, devine. Famous bearers: Diana was the Roman goddess of fertility and childbirth, of hunting, and the moon.

Greek - female - Goddess of the Moon

Biblical - female - luminous, perfect (I knew it was always so).

Your number is: 5

The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.

The expression or destiny for #5:
The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and change. You are good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this gives you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Your popularity may lead you toward some form of entertainment or amusement. Whatever you do, you are clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.

If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup, you may express some the negative attitudes of the number. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be rather erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. You tend to react strongly if you sense that your freedom of speech or action is being impaired or restricted in any way. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again because much of your response is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application. You are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.

Your Soul Urge number is: 8

A Soul Urge number of 8 means:
With an 8 soul urge, you have a natural flair for big business and the challenges imposed by the commercial world. Power, status and success are very important to you. You have strong urges to supervise, organize and lead. Material desires are also very pronounced. You have good executive abilities, and with these, confidence, energy and ambition.

Your mind is analytical and judgment sound; you're a good judge of material values and also human character. Self-controlled, you rarely let emotions cloud judgment. You are somewhat of an organizer at heart, and you like to keep those beneath you organized and on a proper track. This is a personality that wants to lead, not follow. You want to be known for your planning ability and solid judgment.

The negative aspects of the 8 soul urge are the often dominating and exacting attitude. You may have a tendency to be very rigid, sometimes stubborn.

Your Inner Dream number is: 6

An Inner Dream number of 6 means:
You dream of guiding and fostering the perfect family in the perfect home. You crave the devotion from offspring and a loving spouse. You picture yourself in the center of a successful domestic unit.

Hello All,

I have been avoiding writing a proper post for some time (- hang on, just grabbing a glass of Christmas Amaretto - that's better -) for no particlar reason other than lack of inspiration and winter sadness. Winter is a funny time. Lots of people I speak to swear they suffer from S.A.D., and it's the weather and darkness that gets everyone down. I can't wait until the spring/summer - a bit of light in the evenings gives you some motivation to do more than just grab a dressing gown and turn into a couch vegetable as soon as you walk in the door.

I'm going to have more to say soon I hope, so bear with me. In the mean time, here's a couple of family photos:

Polo can hear a fridge door opening from 5 miles away. And yes. You are not mistaken. We have a Monopoly quiz machine in our kitchen.

Not sure if you're in the right job? The try this quiz. I had a go and was surprised that it was reasonably accurate. This was my result - there are about 8 there that I would be more than happy to do!:

You would be very happy in a career that utilised your level-headedness, and allowed you to work mainly on your own. You want a career that allows you to stimulate your senses and your mind, without having to be involved with lots of people. Some careers that would be perfect for you are:

• Novelist
  
• Photographer
  
• Vet
  
• Medical Technician
  
• Paralegal
  
• Geologist
  
• Marine Biologist
  
• Graphic Designer
  
• Online Content Developer
  
• Webmaster
  
• Computer Security
  
• Producer
  
• Computer Programmer
  
• Technical Writer
  
• Systems Analyst
  
• Meteorologist
  
• Artist

You like working and being alone. You like to avoid attention at all costs. You tend to keep to yourself, and not interact much with the people around you. You enjoy spending time with a few a close friends. You like to listen to others, but don't like sharing much about yourself. You are very quiet and private. You are very practical, and only act after thinking things through. You don't like being forced to answer quickly. You have to evaluate the situation completely. You make decisions based on what you can verify with your senses. You like to be involved deeply in one or two special projects. You like to be behind the scenes. You are very logical and fair. You feel you should be honest with others at all costs.  You trust what is certain. You only like new ideas if they can be practically applied to the situation. You value what is real. You use your common sense. You like to utilise the skills you have instead of learning new ones. You are very specific and detailed when writing or talking to others. You follow directions well. You like things to be laid out for you to do instead of working them out for yourself. You like decisions to be made. You don't like things to be left in limbo. You like to know what you are getting into before you commit to something. You like to focus on the here and now. You enjoy completing projects. It is important for you to achieve and succeed. Therefore, you believe in working hard and playing later. You like to set goals and work towards them.

Thanks to Sweetymon for this one. And, yes, it is quite random.

1. When was the last time you shaved your legs?
Thursday evening.

2. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
Having a cup of tea and watching the news.

3. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Having a nap.

4. Are you any good at maths?
No. 

5. Do you have any famous ancestors?
I'm Aragorn's Mum, don't you know.

6. Are you mad at anyone right now?
God - he invented PMS didn't he?

7. Do you know the words to the song on your MySpace profile?
I don't have a MySpace profile.

8. Last thing received in the mail?
A late Christmas present from my friend in Canada and a letter - yeah!

9. How many different drinks have you had today?
Jus one - tea.

10. Who do you miss right now?
Hubster (as usual).

11. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
Yes.

12. Who did you lose your concert virginity to?
I have no idea what this means. But if you mean the first concert trip, then New Kids on the Block (NEC). 

13. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
No.

14. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had?
Brace tightening.

15. What is out your back door?
?? The back garden.

16. Do you have plans for friday night?
I'm spending the next Friday night in a B&B. With the TV.

17. Do you like the ocean?
Yes.

18. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns for xmas?
No, but they sound good.

19. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
No.

20. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Happier.

21. Who around you has the most problems?
The questions in this mem are just strange. I have no idea, and if I did, I probably wouldn't say.

22. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive?
No.

23. Explain your love life at this moment?

24. Where do you keep your change?
In my wallet. 

25. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
Can't remember - and it won't be any time soon, either!

noun [U] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL

talk about other people's lives that is usually unkind, disapproving or not true

God's having a hissy fit...outside. He's pissed about something, because I fear for the roof tiles.

Well, Christmas and New Year have taken their toll as you can see by my ticker. But I still have to squeeze into the bridesmaid's dress without looking like a pot roast, so it's back on the Atkins. Its bacon and eggs for me every morning from now on, with lots of fish, meat (not your processed rubbish) and decaff coffee with cream - I remember I got very addicted to that last time. I've thought about Cambridge a lot, but I'm not sure whether I could handle it to be honest. I've got to do it now, I've got the motivation. In the words of the late, great, Magnus Magnusson, I've started so I'll finish.

Stolen from a few people tonight...

WRATH

1. Who did you last get angry with?
I don't get angry. I get even....

2. What is your weapon of choice?
A green handmasher which has Energy +10, Chaos Damage 11-22, requires 9 Domination magic, halves the casting time of inspiration spells, Energy +5, Health +30. Oh - I see what you mean...a chainsaw.

3. Would you hit a member of the opposite sex?
No, I'm married. Oh, I see what you mean - depends what they did.

4. How about of the same sex?
No, I'm straight. Oh - a good hard slap if one was deserved.

5. Who was the last person who got really angry at you?
Hubster.

6. What is your pet peeve?
So many - lateness.

7. Do you keep grudges, or can you let them go easily?
Yes, I bear them. Usually for about 50-60 years. Let 'em fester gooood...

SLOTH

1. What is one thing you're supposed to do daily that you don't?
Stop being lazy.

2. What is the latest you've ever woken up?
5pm (I was 19 though).

4. What is the last lame excuse you made?
Erm...stumped on this one. Aren't all excuses lame? If they're not then they're reasons.

5. Have you ever watched an infomercial all the way through?
Not without a bucket of slippers beside me.

6. When was the last time you got in a good workout?
In my dreams.

7. How many times did you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock today?
Five.

GLUTTONY

1. What is your overpriced yuppie beverage of choice?
Latte.

2. Meat eaters: white meat or dark meat??
Depends on what goes with the wine best!

3. What is the greatest amount of alcohol you've had in one sitting/outing/event?
Can't remember. The most drunk I got was in Finland though. I think that was the most booze I had in one sitting (beer - 1998).

4. Have you ever used a professional diet company?
No.

5. Do you have an issue with your weight?
Yes.

6. Do you prefer sweets, salty foods, or spicy?
All. Sometimes together.

7. Have you ever looked at a small house pet or child and thought "lunch"?
No.

LUST

1. How many people have you seen naked (not counting movies/family):
No comment.

2. How many people have seen YOU naked (not counting physicians/family):
No comment.

3. Have you ever caught yourself staring at the chest/crotch of a member of the opposite gender during a normal conversation?
No comment.

4. Have you ever kissed two people in one night?
No comment.

5. What is your favorite body part on a person of your gender of choice?
No comment.

6. Have you ever been propositioned by a prostitute? No - but I thought that was the other way around, surely?

GREED

1. How many credit cards do you own?
One.

2. What's your guilty pleasure store?
Amazon.

3. Would you rather be rich, or famous?
Rich.

4. Would you accept a boring job if it meant you would make megabucks?
No.

5. Have you ever stolen anything?
Yes.

6. How many MP3s are on your hard drive?
About 1500 I think.

PRIDE

1. What's one thing you have done that you're most proud of?
Get a (relatively) well paid job in my career choice.

2. What one thing have you done that your parents are most proud of?
Ditto? I don't know.

3. What things would you like to accomplish in your life?
Have a family.

4. Do you get annoyed by coming in second place?
If you don't think you're going to come first, don't enter.

5. Have you ever entered a contest of skill, knowing you were of much higher skill than all the other competitors?
No.

6. Have you ever cheated on something to get a higher score?
No. Well, maybe. No, definetely not.

7. What did you do today that you're proud of?
Nothing.

ENVY

1. What item of your friends would you most want to have for your own?
Family.

2. Who would you want to go on "Trading Spaces" with?
The person who lives in my honeymoon house.

3. If you could be anyone else in the world, who would you be?
Well, I wouldn't know how to be anyone else except me, would I?

4. Have you ever been cheated on?
Don't know.

5. Have you ever wished you had a physical feature different from your own?
Actually, no.

6. What inborn trait do you see in others that you wish you had for yourself?
I envy people who can't sit still and have to be doing something all the time - they get so much achieved.

I think I am now feeling the void of no 'Who or 'Wood to watch, so I am going to have to fill in the void with another great show - Battlestar Galactica (21st century version!). Season 3 has just begun on Sky One, but I'm gooing to watch all the Season 2 in a few sittings. Great show! It cuts quite close to the bone and this latest season seems to go side-by-side with today's issue on terrorism. I thoroughly recommend it to all newbies out there and all hard-core sci-fi fans.

Well, next week, there may be some spadework involved. But mainly I am hoping that the 7m x 4m trench inside - yes inside - the old barn will be dug by machine. However, because it is such a small space, I'm going to get a 'mini digger', that is one of those small one man Davros-looking things that you see by the side of the road. Good job I checked with some of my colleagues - these usually don't come with a driver! That would have been a laugh on delivery - "so, er, you're not going to'...er..stay?" - "nope - see ya!". I reversed the hubster's beamer into our brick wall last year - with the parking sensors on. What do you think I'll be like at the controls of one of these? No. Not worth risking. "Can you supply a driver with that please?" Huge sigh of relief....

Ha ha!

The first day back at work after the slob holidays was made slightly brighter with an e-mail from the MD saying congragulations on exceeding the sector's targets by 249%. Thank you, sir! The plum's are dancing.

Also celebrating Tobias Quicksilver's (lvl 20 mesmer) victory over the evil Lych at the week-end with a little help from hubster. Go, Tobias!

Go back to work that is!

There's so much more lazy slobbing I need to do!!!

I hope you all have a nice evening - for me (as with many others I suspect) this is the last night of relaxation before the first working day of 2007 on Monday...

Every Saturday - a word which I think everyone should try and crow-bar into their weekly conversations...

 

adjective Brit. informal

means 'in good order',
perhaps from a Hindi phrase meaning ‘all right’.

MLAW is the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch - here is their homepage. Formed as a non-partisan, grassroots organization, Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch (M-LAW) serves as a public watchdog over our court system. M-LAW's goal is to eliminate the many negative effects that lawsuit abuse has on families, job providers and communities. Excessive litigation has robbed consumers of needed products and services and has added a hidden "lawsuit tax" onto countless other products and services.

One of the results of tedious lawsuits is the ridiculous labels you get on products these days - I picked up a frozen packet of cod in Tescos the other day and it said on the side 'contains fish'. MLAW have annual competitions to find the most ridiculous, but below are some past winners. My favourite is underlined and in green:

• A label on a baby stroller warns: “Remove child before folding