Saturday, January 31, 2004

Friday - market day

We arise at an unearthly hour for Allys birthdauy pressies she is made up. It is one of my favourite days of the year. on the way into the works traffic poop again on Speke Road. In my cunning plan to avoid yesterdays traffic jam I cruise past ASDA in a 60's cadillac way (not nineties gay scene). Bad decish poop that way to.Still I sit listening to the editor of This rag on Desert Island Discs bloomin amusing it is too. But his middle england crappy views grate on me. He does choose a years subscription to the guardian as his luxury. His readsons made me laff. Into the works and sorting stuff home for Allys birthday. A sly snooze is planned but foiled by Colin and the girls arrive, with birthday pressies for Ally. Ally gets to choose so its KFC. Crispy strips and a few fries for me. This made me laff. Whilst eating me tea. As if some cunning plan of the obesity police, an alarm triggered by the high fat content of me tea an article comes on the six oclock news about Weight Loss Surgery bit off the mark but welcome publicity none the less for that. The reporter denise mahoney left a message on the wlsinfo answer phone I rang her three times left voice mail but she never got back to me. The Ruth and Paul visit Ruth is on her way out. Alan calls later Bea isn't well. mum and Nan are off a Christmas party at Sacred Heart. Nice

Thursday, January 29, 2004

msskybluez.blog-city.com

msskybluez.blog-city.com Found this woman in New York State reminds me I should email Marta in the US.
Work today on the program that I agreed with Val its difficult to to say no to people I end up seeing an Allied Health Professional who needs a system to manage referrals. Jon had set it up but he was off to a funeral at short notice. I sat talking to Pami Equality advisor over luch, clearly she didnt recognise me but did the polite thing and humoured me. It became past the point where I could say dont you know who I am. Home and to Birthday wrapping. Well watching Jean birthday wrapping as I am incapable of wrapping in extremis.

Wednesday

Meet with Val, the boss and reflect on lfe the universe and everything. She is a sound sort. Straight yorkshirewoman no messing. we agree a work plan and it feels doable. Often it seems very uphill but this was a reassuring time. Off for lunch to Greenbank. Delicious chicken and sweetcorn soup and surprisingly prawns. Back to the works and its cool. Home in the evening. Its cold no snow but a real fire warms the soul, along with a bowl of hot chilli. Top stuff. Earlier night and better kip. Wake up tired after restlessness later on. Guts aint right constipation returning as a feature not pleasant. Need more water and more citrus and a bit more bran,

Wednesday, January 28, 2004

Tuesday - Birthday Boy - Birthday site

I surface morning world I am 43 surely I get to sleep in all day. Nope presents and crads with wife and daughter. Telling that most of my greetings are cyber rather than carbon based, hmmm interesting but sad. This is the official anniversary of the launch of the website. This time last year it was 2 members me and loopy boy - his bariatric conversations are as you can see stunning. Still we moved on and 585 since then. Books and treat and stuff for birthday too numerous and personal to list, top prize goes this book. Into Hammy house and the email system is cunningly set up to stop achieving anything. Sure its just a glitch, but its darn annoying. Kieran and I scoot throught the detail of the wlsinfo library he has graciously helped with. I remember a good lesson look at your service from the front of the shop not the back.
Go home for birthday time cool. Nice feeling and we have a takeaway

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Monday - Squatters in the library

So I am off to Hammy House. Took me a while to get into the groove but it was worth it. Allys off sick her chest sounds grim. Nice tolerant gaff. If they were a band who would they be what would they play. I have thought tht through and after much thinking probably better not to get into too much probably upset someone.
Kieran aka Loopyboy Tracey Sallly Christine and Sarah provide a cool service operating out of the back end of Hammy House. Their Home page is here the search feature is temporarily unavailable. As is Kierans Blog. Get an abusive text off Ally in the afternnoon with instructions to pick stuff up use somerfield on the gotta pass it minimal distraction maximal utility argument.
Lady on the check outs first day - what a job to learn sitting next to Nellie or is it NelH. Just in case my mate Nell H is getting paranoid reading this NelH is here NeLH correctly where the tops news story is athletes foot medicine helps dementia. Whats next bunion ointment cures liver disease?? bit suss that mate.Get off home and excited by pre birthday feelings. I rustle up fajitas with some special offer chicken breasts. Cool.

Sunday lunch

Off to Ruth and Pauls for Sunday luch joined by their students, Ruth a JMU health studies. and Chris a redbrick geology/geography man. Roast beef and yorkshire pud goes down remarkably well. Then its off home and sunday night chill.

Monday, January 26, 2004

friday five

At this moment, what is your favorite...

1. ...song?
Tenth avenue freeze out
2. ...food?
Chilli
3. ...tv show?
League of Gentlemen
4. ...scent?
Chilli
5. ...quote?
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than a conspiracy of words - Dr Winston O'Boogie

Saintly Switchboy has miracles in mind.

The girls slumber I was just up having a pleasurable prod in my delicious fire. When JK arrived to do the gig. Top man and in true worky fashion I assume position of can lad a job I can manage.
In that cupboard is a mystery to mean. But the 4.50 bit dont work and we get bumped to plan b.
3 or so hours later jobs good 'un - sorted. Plenty of hot drinks thrn home for spanner. sorted. awkward but sorted. Congrats JK you is a star of the highest order. Bum about felling warm, before takin a hot bath and braving Nannyland. Oh dear.
Home via Somerfield and then back to cook chilli together - well on me own reallly but I like it and its in the pot for the week.Ally is off to her Penny lane based mate. She is miffed when she rings at 9.45 and we wont let her stay the night. but hey thats the parent gig isn't it. We watch Dalziel and Pascoe.

Blundell Street

Blundell Street This wa Jeans Christmas night out on Friday, foodwas mediocr and the conceptgood but poorly executed.

Sunday, January 25, 2004

Saturday, January 24, 2004

Friday morning - things can only get better.

Or can they. The launderette is open and bad news the washing aint there. Livers minimalist staffing policy means Dot Cotton has been replacd by a CCTV and a computer. I am in semi slumber but the emerging panic scares me from my semi-comatose state. Uniform policy at St Hildas is slightly to the right of the Coldstream guards. After securing a letter from Rowan and verbal permish from the school sec Ally proceeds thro the hallowed portals in a black skirt. The secs first advice on hearing Jeans tale of woe was to ask if Jean had another school skirt. Yes of course, just ringing to check that would be OK....... why do people do that. Having said that the first rule of IT support is tpo state the obvious.
Anyway they are off and I am up. I start sorting stuff out and generally getting my act together.
Emails and such contact with the works and a deal to chill in the library brokered by blog with Kieran. We aint talked rent or nowt but we can sort it I am sure. Finance people will need to be involved and EOS orders raised. Or I can buy a jar of coffee and some doughnuts/bananas.
I ring the Liver Launderette and the peripatetic Dot Cotton will be in residence between 1 and 3. I wander to see her. Success and Jean wasn't the only fly tipper and I have to perform a laundry identity parade I fortunately recognise one of my shirts so result. Dot had neatly folded them too. Result, good job there was at least some of my own gear there, as i thought Allys school skirt was purple, not navy blue. Johnnie Macca calls to catch up.
More email and phone calls. Then pick up coal from new friends the chandlers on Allerton Road, as well as a grate thing(which I have wanted for years) and an ash tray. Round the deal off with some kindling and a bar of fruit and nut and I am sorted.
Then its off to meet Mickey at the Ship and Mitre good company as ever the lad dissapointing to hear that he and Jane wont be at the doo. Having said that weather and my inability to sort invitations may conspire to mean hardly any show. Well there'll be a few I am sure.
Terry joins us and as usual the ale Roosters Hooligan is a delicious pale bitter. They are out of Jever fun so I end up with an Erdinger wheat beer alcoholfrei as they say. Wheatbeer aint good looks like infected wee and don't taste much better. A very attractive pump the real McCoy is pulled from. Then back home via somerfield for essentials and home for a quick lasagne. Then its girls to a) school disco after picking up her mates and then Blundell Street for Jean. Me on the way home at 8.18 I remember I am hosting a live Roux-en-Y chat at 8.30 I fly up the stairs speak to Audrey from Scotland and she sorts things while I go downstairs and play firestarter. Starts on time and good chat. Went well. Real fire late night.

Friday, January 23, 2004

Thursdays report.

Work starts with a trip to Hammy House to see Big Bob. A top geezer, Scot, dry good political sense and economics graduate. Aint got long till he retires too ....lucky sod. He is the professional boss of all things informatics in the North Mersey LIS community. SO as well as reporting to South Liverpool PCT I am professionally acountable to him. He speaks some very wise words and he makes me feel significantly better about being off and returning to work. He helps put the last 15 months in a bit of context. Top man can always earn a few Bob doin cognitive therapy when he retires. I saunter down to the Library home of Loopyboy. The youngs of Leicestershire have sent me a link Sad Sad Sad but true I am afraid. I squat at Vals desk. i have to clear this with Kieran but this could be a good place for squatting. Tracey, Kieran, Sally and the new and equally charming Sarah. There are worse gaffs I can tell you. Arrange to meet Kim for lunch in Greenbank. Eyeballed by Maria Cody a big cheese from Central PCT who aint seen me for a while so its the my word how do you feel conversation. Vegetabl soup does good and then maria asks me to intervene with their data projector, fortunately the day is saved by a techician so ok there then. Prawns go down well, as ever. Back to the works and problems at Garston with a new system install. Sorted I think then a few things sorted at the works then back to the house. Call to Linda on the way home. Quick meal and laundry crisis. Then Ally and I are off to the Support Group while Jean samples the delights of Liver Launderette. Which for those not from these parts may sound like a place George Best could gig. its pronounced Lyver as in birds. The washing aint dried coz the house is cold. Jean gets in a state Liver Lunderette on woolton road provides the answer. Ring their head office a very helpful lady sorts me out with times it is staffed 1-3 but they are open late.
So we set off and it all looks OK. Gerry is caretaking, full marks to him and Chris they are top geezers. People start arriving about 6.30 in fact Tanias there already. It goes well a good mix of newbies and oldies. i need to sort the library with loopy boy. It went well 30plus in attendance. We get home and then Jeans tales of problems come clear.
So we get home about 10.30 Jean aint had the best of times. The launderetter was a bum time. Sure the stuff had gone in and things was groovin. She went off to see Ruth and pick up a fan heater to discover that on her return the launderette was shut. Bad move - Allys school skirt is in there -but all is not lost its open at 8am, Ruth and Paul dont have one anymore and plan B me mums appliance has been forgotten.
We sit looking at one another across a cold living room. Tomorrows another day.

Welcome to E-Health-Media

Welcome to E-Health-Media and that is the article to which the comments relate.

Welcome to E-Health-Media

Welcome to E-Health-Media ANother EMIS tale.

Guardian Unlimited | Online | Feud hits ?5bn plan

Guardian Unlimited | Online | Feud hits ?5bn plan Nice to see part of your daily work life in a national.

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Burn baby burn

Start the day by annoiting myself with orange juice not traditional but wet none the less. Work on emails and sorting stuff. Then off to a meet in the swiss life building in crosby. Its about the next steps in the LSP process, related to the NPFiT. Its a whole new world for me. We talk about CSC, bundles and inevitable change. I realise I have been in the NHS for 25 years this year 21/08/04, does that mean I get a pressie. We shall see later this year. Seems a big chunk of time to me. Meeting is a strange one, lots of dynamic, nervousness, jockeying, there wasnt a three line whip but pretty near a 100% attendance. Two conultants from Secta. One of whom was John Nickson who is shocked by my appearance. Nice guy and former Head of IT at North Mersey Community Trust. On the way home I pass a road sign for chaffers field. Is the the field of some one who chafes. Its a sporty gaff still made me smile. JK came round had a look at the boiler. Not good news. but he speaks to a mate and will be coming back soon.

Fire is good

Tuesday is OK emails and then lunch with Kim at the Greenbank, pulling another flanker I discover Jean has assaulted the walletthe presumed tenner has gne AWOL. Then its off to Hammy for a meeting with Fran top woman upfront honest and straight. i am enrolled to the corporate cup team for this year. 6 runs I think. Nice one Corporate series - like that. Catch Val, she is going soon to teacher training land and call in to library see Tracey.Call at Glaxo on way home to drop off booking forms badly organised sod that I am. Ally and I make Chilli together which we both enjoy doing. Then the girl are off to Beas and I am off to Cell. Interesting session Mals cousin Stuart from Australia is there. We are paired up to go out and get to know each other a bit. i get Taxi billy. cool we is matey already so a nice easy start.

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

I'm a firestarter - eventually.

Working from home - yup we have a shower, but it dont appeal at the mo. Going thro the famous always want what we cant have mode and mind fixates on baths. Get quite a bit done though there are problems with an install with westspeke. I work in the cold till 2.30 when during a call to andy the accountant I am overtaken with a brainwave - cold hmm bonfire. A tad impractical given they are outside and its raining. Whays like a bonfire doh whats that thing in the living room called a coal fire - thinks...we could light that - result. Tesco here I come firelighters sorted. Garage coal sorted no logs. And then leave garage without coal dum dum go back to garage. Which in itself is a problem have you tried using a drive in facility without driving in. It may shock you to learn they aint designed for such activity. Where will I get logs - ah lightbulb moment - the chandlers Allerton road. I enter a car park space good sign. An aladdins cave of fire starters goodies. I overdose with a new poker (2.99) shovel (1.25) and logs drink long at this fountain of pleasure. they have combination sets, coal savers scuttles and even cheap firelighter. Will this pleasure never cease. And another good omen Beef lasagne (finest) has returned to Tesco. Thus armed I head home and Ray Mears meets caveman and start poking away. All basic Mavlovian stuff sorted the women of the tribe arrive in Ihave skinned the kill and prepared it (prawn curry) and the rest of the night grunt occaisionally. Nowt new there then. Ally and I alternate between living room and uptsairs. I keep on having to poke add coal etc but hey thats fun. JK is gonna look at the heating tomorrow - he is tired today and all looks well. Mods meeting online goes well. Natter with julie late on. Reduce sedatives at night and poorer nights sleep as a result but less hungover.

Monday, January 19, 2004

Government Gateway - Homepage

Government Gateway - Homepage Working from home due to central heating probs. I opt to submit my tax return electronically and I aint activated it. A helpful lady points me here. Job done. Now awaitmy activation PIN.

Thoughts from a Rabbi

Thoughts from a Rabbi Well I know I have at least one muslim, 1 christian, 1 atheist, and one jewish blogwatcher. Thanks to Kieran for a bit of balance in the mix.

Sunday, January 18, 2004

Blogger boys boiler blues

It happened to Loopy boy I think his central heating threw a wobbler. Its happened here we had had a good day. Jean had done Tesco I had been bumming around. Jean and I went to Calderstones park an excellent walk web chat. and then Jean went for a bath. No hot water, blast what we do. Ring Jk and mickey. Panicking now. In desperation i head to the offy and then in further desperation I buy a bag of chips. Despite our best efforts only 40% get eat if that. I put the rest in the wheelie bin in case i get possessed and wanna eat them watch ER.

Saturday- sleep in

Well after the week at work we all sleep in. Still I had a good week, achieved five days in work, two gym visits and a very healthy diet. Result.
Idle around clearing some inbox backlog. jean and Ally away to town. Me mooching till Ally and I off to pick me mum up from me Nans. Mum drives me crazy with an incessant jangle. Drop her off then home, my dream of cafe cuisine from M&S was shattered and I content myself with a delicios lasagne, or lorenzo as Nanna calls it.

Saturday, January 17, 2004

Friday feeling

Get into the works and go through the CHI informatics section with Jon a result. It looks OK. I see Paul Airey from South Sefton Health and Safety guru, he is a little shocked at my appearance much to the amusement of Jon. And then lunch with Stella and Ann in the Richmond Tavern. It belongs to the Ember Inns which means a pedestrian menu and a real fire. Its great to see them old old friends. Stella and I worked together in 1986 on 2Y at the Royal she was a sister and I was a staff nurse. Ann was queen of information before comuters in the health service and is a whizz at the mental health computer system for which she is singularly responsible. We have had some laffs together and it continuesagain. We discuss my illness and its good to be open. Hear about a friend who aint been compliant and what happened to her hmmm. The its off to the house and set up home working, dial in access and NHS mail. A singularly unfrienly service, is it me or is it that.
Continue the wade thro emails. Ally is off to the orthodontist and so her and Jean arrive in after that. Ally has KFC jean and I chicken and pasta. Off to Beas then home to the news that Nell from WLSINFO has been in doc again. Quick dive into the inaugural RNY chat. A top gig a good mix of pre and post oppers men and women and a carer. I am described as a veteran. I guess on one level I feel envious of the level of information and support these pre-ops have when I started there was diddley squat. But thats the mission fulfilled. We agree to do it again. I have an appointment with a Bishops Finger and Eastenders rerun on Beeb3.

Friday, January 16, 2004

The Official T.Rextasy Website

The Official T.Rextasy Website Thanks to Jenny for pointing out these were the Midlands T.Rex tribute band (see blog passim).

H at NHSIA

H at NHSIA aint seen this guy before come across him whilst I am cursing things at NHS mail grrr.

Thursday, January 15, 2004

Aving a break

Chi email email chi. It all involves looking at a screen and it aint that cool. But I making progress just need a final read of chi tomorrow. Then start on email. Things have been a bit upside down on wlsinfo mick the forum manager has stepped down. I am glad he is staying as a member he has been a staunch supporter. Had some telephone training today. We have a really capable system here which we use about 5% of. The trainer is cool. Chicken and broccoli pie for me low fat healthy eat cool. Spoke to stella an old friend on the way to work. Meeting her and ann deane for lunch tomorrow. Taking a break and blogging, cool. No gym for me today. Off home via a tesco baked spud encounter, add a spachcocked chicken and its lookin like a meal. Top stuff. Good night on TV with Alan Clarke on BBC4, the return of ER on E4 and pap but escapist Redcap on Beeb two.



Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Wednesday.

Emails clarifying the exact position on TREX tribute bands has been dispatched from the midlands. I cant report it exactly but the crux is it aint the band earlier referred to. I would check but its on the PC upstairs and I am too lazy.
Get up sluggish and move it on out into the works and knock out some of the CHI questionairre it goes well. kim is off charnock richard and I undertake to to check out somerfield in the village on her behalf. Garston is a village, near where I grew up. An interesting place, the shire of Liverpool. Well Somerfield is an odd gaff. Kwik save meets Lennons, though I note Garston still has a Kwiksave. Somerfield isnt sure if its tesco asda or lidl. I guess the truth is it tries to tailor according to the area. This gaff seems ok a nice prepared fruit tray at 1.25, 4 types of chillies, fairish range of cheese bit poor on healthy eating ready meals, healthy on wine beer and megadeals. I couldnt find sandwiches but Gill in the works later pointed me right. Its ok I score two ready meals and some hot cross buns.
Back to the works and then lasagne. More Chi and off to the gym. Good session if a little busy. Home and busy on the internet.

Tuesday

Still have trouble getting up in the morning. Dragging around and a bit sluggish. Call into mather avenue on the way in for a sick note. A big queue, and I see the two wendys, a mum and daughter combo who used to go to red cross when I was a tutor there. Get accosted by Ida the practice manager and she whisks me off into her cupboard. She updates me on things and I ask her for my sicknote. Frank has forgotten to do it but she wheels him in to do it. There is cell groupb tonight. Off to the works and before long I am off to hammy to see caroline. NCP is full so 2.50 and a long walk in foul weather. Stop at delaneys veg soupand pasta salad. Good meet into lis see paul helene jeanette end up trotting to a greasy spoon with paul. Back to hammy then off to see john young. He gives me a good helping hand. Off to the library. Kierans out catch up with sally. Off home. Ring moss house in transit to enquire as to appt time tomorrow. 3pm said the lady today, its 4.05 dont worry he is till seeing his first patient. Made it in time top guy lots of information choices and empowerment. I am severely impressed. Off home girls off to Beas and me to cell group just seven of us their but a good gig none the less.



Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Work is calling.

Hygine medication and blog sorted - Here we go.

tuesday

Sounds cold wet and miserable just the day for going to work. Into theoffice few emails and then off to see Caroline at Hammy House. A catch up and then its on to sort out the informatics section of the CHI questionairre. My left ankle seems to be suffering in pain on weightbearing. Had a good session at the gym yesterday so if the pain persists today I will rest it and just do weights and sitting cardio work. I blame the stepper machine which is I think some sort of medieaval torture instrument, Idid 5 minutes on it and felt whacked. Email last night from the youngs in darkest Leicestershire still blog watchin and watching trex, not sure if its a tribute band or the originals sans marc of course. Well it would appear they are both or neither really if this is them Who knows December Market Harborough Leisure Centre and DVD from the live gig at Sevenoaks Kent. MEN arena it is not. I await confirmation from our Midlands correspondent.

Monday, January 12, 2004

This was a test

That didnt work

Monday.

I had an awful nights sleep in which thoughts of anxieties about work and the website play on my mind. Restless, tossing and turning. I struggle to get up and gety lively. Digestive problems abound but I get through breakfast and personal hygiene. JK helps me put things in perspecive, and a natter with Rebecca on the way in sort me out. Arrive at the works and go for a wander round the block twice with Jonathon. People being really nice and things seem cool. Wander over to Borders at lunchtime with Kim and get an egg mayo sarnie. Good value at 1.98 and the lady gives me a free glass of iced water. I look out for a new book but they aint got it. I will ask Kieran. Back to the works and a bit more work. Off to the gym on the way home. Pecs and biceps and cardio work. Jean had been to induction with Sally from the library bit of a poor show as a speaker cried off. Sorted out Party stuff blogwatchers its 8pm 31/01/04 usual gaff.



DELL TEST

once again i try new ways to make contact with the blog. This time its dell axim wireless network at home (from bed). Sad I know.

Sunday, January 11, 2004

Lazy Days

It must be catching Kieran aint blooged and I aint done much. Late afternoon muster up the courage for a sojourne to Tesco. is it some festival that I aint heard of. it is madness. Old Swan branch - no recycling facils there whats that about. We wander aimlessly like fools. What can we do. We are in a strange Tesco and several items are unavailable at least to us. We cant find nowt. We do however score some snax for the exit. Maple pecan danish for me - bad but as Jenny the dietitian says treats are part of a healthy balanced diet. Ally scores a T.Rex triple CD disk 1 is cool but the rest is far from mainstream. The girl askswho are T.Rex I had hoped for the the classic who are Trex, but alas. Ally regales me with a lengthy exposition on the social groupings in her peer group and their characteristics, townies, scalls, goths, and I am sure many others. Arrive home time to unpack and off to see me mum at Nannys - joy. Ally in tow. Explainint that we are off to the pictures. What you going to see "King of the Ring" she asks, its better than that boy with the glasses - I hate him - whats his name - Shitty Potter. Nanny on the other hands reas the papers and knows what LOTR is and what is about. In fact she wants to go. Sod that says me mum I aint sitting for three hours watching some crap about pixies.Ally gets affronted at this point. Call at Somerfield to tget the gear that we couldn't get at Tesco. Drop Ally and me mum at me mums and its home canneloni and out - Its Saturday and we are going out and it isnt even our anniversary. Return of the King was good the special effects were impressive, a good yarn , some rubbishy bits and some bits inevitably left out. Overall good value for 4.50 at the Allerton Odeon. We decline a bevvy at the New York and endup cooking chilli together at 11pm on a Saturday night - well the childs away - you gotta take advantage. Who says romance is dead.

Saturday, January 10, 2004

In My Liverpool Home

In My Liverpool HomeMargaret didnt know what a scouser was so I sent her this.

Parents!

Mother is singularly unimpressed with the butternut squash, my one-upping sis got her one last week. Doh...trumped again. Her and nanny seem close to blows. The toll on my mum really does worry me. Fridays malapropisms and verbage dont fail to dissapoint. Dilys bought her strawliners for christmas??? Takes the length of Picton road to realise she mean draw liners, not some sort of natural fibre panty liners. In the inevitable traffic jam she exclaims I stick my finger in and lick it for no apparent reason. Which in the context of the current conversation is disturbing. i am relieved whe i see the creme egg advert, mother meanwhile is taking about crocuses and the poor quality of her christmas gifts. We are further along the road when she shouts "how do you eat yours." Completing the creme egg thread and then moves on to the poor quality of Uncle Billys meat. Ruth Got her the crocuses and easter eggs in the shop it is still christmas. Careful analysis by a highly trained mental health clinician might conclude Flight of Ideas or even Knights move thinking. Its non of the above really just her own multistranded conversation which if you right it down you can follow.
Thing is her and Nanny both do it to their own mysterious rhythym. It is amazing and confusing to watch, and Ally and I look like meerkats whilst observing.

Friday, January 09, 2004

On the way home from the gym.


Instead of Tesco I think I'll support my local shop so it’s the greengrocers at the end of the road for local goss and crappy veg. To be fair though I do score a butternut squash for me mum - fairexchange is no robbery.

Bit worried how she'll cook it, gamma irradiation for about two days prior to three weeks parboiling (does anyone say that)and then roasting at regulo (what) 1/4 from Advent till Christmas day.

Still with my new bloggie gadget I aint never leaving outlook sountil microsoft add in the microwave in office 2008 I wont be bothered.

Matchworks a go-go

Off to Matchworks to Meet Val my Boss and Caroline from HR regarding my return to work. 25 hours a week for two weeks phased over 5 days and set duties. Cool, supportive people. Lunched at the gym a very fine chicken and sweetcorn soup with prawns. Home and await the market researcher who I put off earlier he looked so forlorn as I was literally on my way out that I said but I'll be aback at 2.30. half expected half the house to be gone. And the swine never even came back 20 minutes on my morning news paper habits with a tablet PC and more likel less likely not bloomin likely would have done me.
So I have to content with integrating RSS into Outlook - its the only way Kieran and this

Thursday

Tedious innit. Typing on this small keyboard. This blackberry is 2003 a small pause whilst I figured how to type numbers. Full stop is achieved by double space I think. EUR a handy euro sign.
Need to work out a way to get the sig off the blackberry posting - Hmm. Kieran must know how. Discovered I didn't need a post for Wednesday as I was fairly up to date.

Wednesday

Blackerry posting. Long time since I tried this, but Kieran loves it. It is actually friday but I need to make entries for wednesday so I can add to them.

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intraVnews | Home

intraVnews | Home Could this be what I am looking for

Thursday, January 08, 2004

Aches and pains

Gym is getting its payback noto be organised enuff to mail merge it out on to labels. Not the easiest.t good and I am feeling it ouch ache and stiff. Slow starting today. Website lingers around 499 membersand I wonder when we will crack 500. A couple of them haven't been real members. People who have often wandered in thinking we are something else. It isn't always apparent what though which is strange. Our most popular search term is cellulitis apparently. Hmmmmm. The organiser of the NW support group is under the weather so I have to o-ordinate the mail shot. Jen is organised enough to have all the details in an access database I just need to get it on to labels hmmm. Not easy - get there

Wednesday, January 07, 2004

It's Gym time

After talking to JK my celebrity Bilio-Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch mate, not the first in the Uk, that we think was Jane, but probably JK was the first done in the UK. Anyway he aint been so good for a bit but he's been reviewed and has a plan with which he is happy. Talking to JK makes me realise what a wuss I am and how hard he is. Though I do wuss very well, years of practice see.
Anyway jangle with him for longer than should medicate and breakfast.Then hit the road for the gym. Aint been since 22/12/03 and it hurts to walk the steps through the door. Nice lady with heart and hormone problem is there and we exchange pleasantries. The staff seem more distant than ever and I miss Jack. I work out and despite near misses make it through the session, then into the restaurant for mushroom soup and prawns. Did a lot of thinking about the nature of the long term maintenance of Roux en Y, whilst I was training.
Email city on return - chill out and Kieran visits to serve some sort of librarians fatwa on me OK - I exagerate an overdue notice. He collects the book so no blood is shed. We have a good jangle he is off to Glasgow, I offer to go in a fit of impetuousness, but since I drove to Romania Glasgow seems not far away. He is planning to stay though so its a non starter. Phew he declines I have been in trouble before for rash escapades to strangelands without prior approval from Mrs C.

I write to satisfy my muse

Which is is a quote from an Alan Partridge, the radio shows of which remain one of my fave ever things. Like Dead Ringers it should have stayed on the wireless, much better. Anyway I penned a piece over christmas and sent it off to the Nursing Standard - it looks like they are gonna publish it - cool. It is about being ill, which I apprear to be very good at. Started the day with a plan of gym and lunch at Greenbank but spend till 3pm waiting for a phone call from Glaxo Centre where we hold our Weight Loss Surgery Support Group. Consequently nowt physical gets done but several outstading techie bits on the PC get sorted. Tal to plenty of people on the phone or MSN notably Rebecca and Nell. Amazing how little I have managed to do whilst I have been off - swimming in concrete thoughfor most of November and December. Still looking back I feel I am on solid ground and as Labour famously said Things Can only get Better.
Phone call from Frank then the girls arrive in tea, sort of pasta ready thing, I add more meat and chuck past away. Off to Beas where we plan an excursion for Saturday to see Return of the King at a local cinema.
A cautionary note about being mentioned in the blog - the rule of paradoxical intent:-
Complain about being mentioned and you will be mentioned more and more - tell me something that shouldn't go in here and....
Complain about not being mentioned and well you wont be....So there you go mystery person you got a mention sort of, but no names.
Of course what doesnt go in the blog is of course sometimes more interesting. Things about confidentiality, losing friends, family or job, though at times these boundaries have been stretched.

Tuesday, January 06, 2004

Welcome to the Scottish Blogs WebRing

Welcome to the Scottish Blogs WebRing Some gems in here, I feel the urge to go North of the Border.

It's Funny Because It's Shit

It's Funny Because It's Shit A few giggles in here as well.

Raised by Chaffinches

Raised by Chaffinches Had me in stitches - no xml though - seems to be the territory of geeks and me and kieran.

Monday a big day.

Went to see My surgeon Mr Kerrigan today. Clinic 3 Walton OPD. 16 months one day post op open Roux-en-Y.
The everpresent Gail (nursing asst)weighed me. Weighing in at 17 8lb I guess 5 kilos less than last time I was here. According to the stats
BMI down from 64 to 33 80% of excess gone. Have to say weight isn't the issue it was. I have been down as low as 16st 11lb according to the gym scales. but hey who is counting.
guts fine weight loss good - mental health discussed and how it relates to bypass. Bowels fine - fat does the job - dumping discussed -aint an issue. Diet fine - loosened up over christmas, exercise excellent.
Taking zinc, B1 Multivitamins and Zoton.
Blood tests reviewed from last time feritin consistently low which may point to low iron stores.
Blood tests ordered.
Liver profile.
Bone profile
Full Blood Count
Iron studies
B12 Magnesium Zinc Vit D
Phlebotomist remembered me from last time - she has been on the site looking at pics says it great to see people shrinking.
Coffee and bics in the WRVS.
Result
Then off home for a brief brew and onto the matchworks to meet with Caroline from HR and Val. The presence of Kim whilst I am waiting helps me relax though I feel very anxious. Very productive result being that I start a phased return next week. I meet Derek who is Chief Exec from Central PCT he hasn't seen me for a while and doesnt recognise me, not surprising really. Off home and feel quite buoyant and upbeat. Thats a new feeling.


Sunday, January 04, 2004

Red Chic's Shit!: Day to day stuff

Red Chic's Shit!: Day to day stuff One for Kieran I think a few smiles in there.

Sunday - belly warch

things are aching not clever, and ouch a periumbilical pain. Not good. Bowels ropey too - whats that all about. Not impressed. We go for a 45 minute walk brisk and enjoyable. I note I am 16 months post op today perhaps the guts are just announcing it.

Saturday - lazy days again

The gym remains elusive but mood is lifting well. Things are on the up and moving I feel well. Seem to have developed an excellent ability to fill time doing not ver much. Off to pick mother up and then back home we attempt a game og civilisation with not very good results - then worse news still Jean finds out it cost 49.99 our defence that we had 30 quid worth of vouchers don't cut much. Hmmm. Heard from Sandra in China as well today must send a letter/email.

HighBeam Research

HighBeam Research Came across this will have to ask Kieran if he knows it.

Saturday, January 03, 2004

Purple Medical Blog

Purple Medical Blog Interesting gaff nowt sure about the science but the glucose monitoring tatoo very cool.

Fridays report.

Quiet day rose late despite plans to the contrary. Enjoyed the diversion of Guns at BatasiScooted off to Borders in Speke. Mission spend gift vouchers. Ally got loads and I got one. So I sit in Borders/Starbucks.Persuade Ally to go halves on this looks interesting. We both liked the PC version. Pick mum and decide I should start a page of her malapropisms. Get home shove some chilli in and then we are off to Beas its Friday.

Friday Five

What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .

1. ...today?
Feeling well, which is a change.
2. ...over the next week?
Going to see my boss to sort return to work.
3. ...this year?
health
4. ...over the next five years?
Seeing Ally grow
5. ...for the rest of your life?
making a difference
That was hard

Friday, January 02, 2004

New Years Day

Well wake up late and laze around. Fairly unremarkable but feel a lightness in me. We mooch off to Ruth and Pauls for tea in the evening. A very pleasant affair with fish and meat a go-go. Good food good company good time. I call the Bingo and a good time is had by all. Good stuff.
Happy New Year everyone.

Thursday, January 01, 2004

myboyfriendisa****.com

myboyfriendisa****.com Zoe seriously amuses me.

New Years Eve.

A lot of reflection, despite some achievements we have had a ropey 2003. Still I feel I have something like a plan to go forward, hope I have the credibility and personal resources left to carry it off. I guess what steels me is we have come through worse. So navel gazing over up and at 'em.
Got a meeting at work to discuss return and a guess I need a phased plan and some support, so much has changed. There was stuff happening when I had my op that I never really got my head round - NPfIT etc, I guess theres other stuff now, LSP's and all that are a complete mystery. Plan to talk to Fran and the LIS gang to get some help. We shall see.
Despite my best intentions Ally lazed about in bed most of the morning. I helped Babsie from the site sort her email which was truly rewarding Jean got home after lunch and we didnt do much cept prepare for our New Years Eve supper. I nipped out in a wintry shower to get me mam, who had left earlier thinking I wasn't coming. Cock up there then. Have to stand on the step for 10 minutes whilst me Nan comes to the door. Hard for her and mean on me. Its like a wind tunnel her street and this is straight from Siberia.
Get home and mooch. Then a panic hits me there is nowt for Ruth my gluten free sister in law to drink. Every new year we are embarrassed by the lack of something, usually lime for her lager. Jean tells me lager is off limits so relax no lime but..... Off I trot, quite literally, to the offy. The weather is by now horrific, who was that guy who said "I may be gone some time." The rapidly diminishing Ken (as Kieran (now incorrectly) refers to me ) has very little in the way of wet weather protection. So I try my best by dodging sleet and relying on sheer speed. Protection afforded only by M&S fleece, and my disney racoon skin cap. Trousers may have helped but I was rushing. I hot footed it to the off licence. one was shut and it wasn't bargain booze. Bargain booze I is how can I say a box shifter. Fine for a slab of lager but not for choosing quality beverages, not very deep down I am, I suppose, a snob. They seem to do two types of assistant and three types of port.
Assistants teenager with muscles for lifting slabs, and lady who has been on the sunbed perhaps a tad too long. Port is 3.99 a litre 4.99 a bottle or 7.99 for cockburns special reserve , 4.99 at ASDA. Bargain booze my Jim Royle. I decided to remove my headwear in the shop and stuff it in the fleece pocket. The dripping racoon fur tail raised a few eyebrows. I gave them my best Deliverance tooth less backwoods man grin. Anyway back home through the weather.
The guests arrive and we settle down to a light supper and TOTP2 till This happens New years eve and Telly breaks Harumph.
So I attempt to reboot the cable box - we get nowhere, which is unusual as Ally seems to be netting away merrily upstairs. Hmmmmm what shall we do. Then Ally comes down stairs as a result of A national t'internet access outage later downgraded as it only appled to Liverpool after all. We retuned the telly to terrestial and watched the excellent hootennay with Jools. Jools third and friends album found its way into my stocking along with League series 3 Good Stuff. Lots of fireworks see in the new year and guests away home. Need my sleep calling the bingo tomorrow at the New Year bash.. will this pleasure never cease.