Lola's Cherry Cola Café

The mid 20's are rather depressing

2011-01-11T17:19:00.001Z

Yep, it's my birthday tomorrow. Scary times, where has yet another year gone?

The Interviews Part Two

2010-09-18T11:43:00.003+01:00

Rather than edit the original post I thought I'd tell you all about the last interview and the outcomes here.

My last interview went well with a lot of the same questions cropping up, but some new ones too. So here's a few more to add to the list;

* Can you tell us a bit about two of these drugs? (hands over paper with furosemide, digoxin, theophylline and I can't remember which other drug)

* What qualities do you think we are looking for in a pre-reg student and can you convince us that you have them?

* What has been your proudest achievement?

* Are you planning to continue your career in hospital pharmacy?

Ok, so now for the outcomes, my first interview which I thought I'd done alright on, albeit a little formal, I was rejected. My second interview which I came out of there thinking what a mess I'd made of it, though I had let more of my personality through, I was accepted! My last interview I will never know the outcome of as they gave me a courtesy call to tell me that they hadn't made a decision and I let them know I had accepted another place. Miss Lola Cherry Cola is going to be a hospital pre-resitration student!

So I guess the moral of the story is don't hold back too much, let your personality shine through. After all, the interviewers are looking for someone who is not only a enthusiastic and dedicated person, but someone who they feel they could get on with, someone who they feel will slot nicely into the team at that hospital.

I hope these two blog posts will help anyone who is currently going for a pre-registration place. Best of luck!

The Interviews

2010-09-13T16:18:00.002+01:00

I had two of my hospital pharmacy pre-registration interviews today and so I have decided to do a little blog post with advice that may help other pharmacy students who want to do hospital.

1st and 2nd years: Get "The Pre-registration Interview" by Nadia Bukhari and read it. Applying for pre-reg will seem so far away now but before you know it, there you are in your third year applying for pre-reg places. The book also has advice and information on applying for summer placements so there is something in there relevant to you now. Do apply for summer placements in community, hospital and industry, as it demonstrates you are willing to get out there and show you are enthusiastic.

3rd years: Get "The Pre-registration Interview" by Nadia Bukhari and read it, and that's an order. This is a book for every pre-reg interview whether it be community, hospital or industry. Read it quite early on in the year as it includes quite a bit about the application process, the interview itself and an ever helpful question bank. I have owned this book since last year and only read it when I came to apply for hospital and I realised straight away how much more useful it would have been had I opened it sooner.

The application: Speak to other pharmacy students, current pre-reg's and anyone you can about the application questions, they may say something which sparks an idea for one of your answers.

Some of this years questions were to give examples of a time when you

a) Worked in a team
b) Showed organisational skills
c) Demonstrated professionalism

Out of them all I found the professionalism one the hardest, as although I knew what qualities were professional I found it difficult to come up with an answer that didn't make me sound like a five year old. That is, until I spoke to a friend who reminded me of a dispensing error I had dealt with over my summer placement. So speaking to others is really worthwhile.

Once you have completed your application, check it through for spelling and grammar errors. Pass it onto someone else to check your check on spelling and grammar. Pass it onto another pharmacy student/pre-reg to check the content. Don't be afraid to ask for help, after all the application is the gateway to getting an interview.

Also be aware of the deadlines particularly for hospital, although the main deadline for applications is at the end of August, academic referee details must be submitted in June.

The interview: The dreaded day. I wont lie, it is scary, and the interviewers know that, so just try to appear cool and collected even if inside you are petrified.

Sometimes you may be given a test, at one of my interviews I was given 15 minutes to check a drugs chart for any points of concern, the main one of which was the fact that the patient had a penicillin allergy and had been prescribed co-amoxiclav. I also picked up that the patient was being given simvastatin in the morning when it is more effective at night.

The pre-reg interview book has some good questions so have a go at preparing some answers in advance, but also try to expect the unexpected. Don't try to memorise answers word for word, just remember the principles and explain it in whichever words that come to you. Here's some examples of the questions I was asked.

* What made you choose to do pharmacy?

* Why do you want to do hospital pharmacy? Particularly as you seem to have a great deal of community and industry experience but not much in hospital. (Yes, I committed the cardinal sin of not applying for a hospital summer placement, so please even if you aren't considering doing hospital do at least one hospital summer placement)

* Tell me a little about yourself.

* How has your pharmacy degree prepared you for the pre-registration year?

* What skills can you bring to the hospital? (for this one I added a little humour, after listing my good qualities I mentioned the fact that I made excellent brownies, which seemed to go down well with the interviewers)

* What are the roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the hospital?

* Describe the role of a clinical pharmacist.

* What is the NPSA and what do they do? (I didn't know this one and had to admit so, and once they explained - National Patient Safety Agency and they issue safety alerts - I realised I did know about them and said, so they asked me a follow up question on whether I could remember any of the alerts I had seen)

* What is medicines reconcilliation?

* What medication would you expect a patient with heart failure to be on?

* Tell me about a drug you have recently studied.

* Do you read the PJ? Tell me about an article you have recently read.

At the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions, do have questions prepared as it shows you have thought about the role, but try not to ask questions about terms and conditions, salary, general course layout. I asked two questions the first of which was about the shift of the organisation of the pre-registration year from the Royal Society to the GPhC and whether there would be any changes as a result. The second was about the current economic climate and whether there'd be availability of band 6 posts at the hospital. The second gives the impression that you are looking to stay on at the hospital after your pre-reg which is good to give as hospitals like to keep hold of their pre-reg students as they have invested into their training and know the level they are at.

I know interviews are still ongoing, I myself have my last interview tomorrow so I may update this post with any extra questions I get asked then. So if anyone is reading this who is about to go for interview, best of luck, and most importantly, don't panic!

Catching up on other peoples blogs

2009-09-18T23:18:00.003+01:00

Why is it that half the blogs I used to read are now only open to invited readers?

On an unrelated note, I think Twitter has ruined my ability to blog...

Twitter

2009-05-06T12:07:00.002+01:00

I've succumbed to the addictiveness of Twitter. If you'd like to see that I'm alive at the times when I forget to post on here then give me a quick email at lola@wikipole.org and I'll send you my username (which in fairness is pretty obvious...)

I'm not abandoning this place though! Don't worry, I just need to find the time and inspiration for a decent post!

I know, I know...

2009-04-25T10:48:00.002+01:00

Yeah, I'm crap at posting nowadays. Apologies.

I got myself into a big project and that along with the Uni and work stuff conspired against my lack of time.

So what is this project, well if you feel curious you can check it out at www.wikipole.org. Yep, that's my baby, and it aims to bring together pole dancers everywhere. Nowhere else is there such a comprehensive pole moves catalogue, and it was doing that which sucked up all of my time, and it's still not what I'd consider finished.

Anyway, I hope my next post will be sooner, and I'll hopefully tell you all what I got up to on a week long conference in the lovely city of Liverpool.

Nearly There

2009-01-28T11:25:00.002Z

Thanks all for the welcome back messages. I will hopefully be able to get in a longer post soon, my last two exams are imminent.

But for now, enjoy this pic, which kinda shows how short my hair is now (isn't it terrible when the only recent photos I seem to have are of me upside down?)

Exam Period has begun...

2009-01-19T23:51:00.000Z

Anyone got any cramming tips?

Short Hair = Unsexy?

2008-12-10T17:14:00.004Z

Firstly let me say, I apologise for my absence (if anyone is still out there reading this), I've been a lovely little ball of stress recently and nothing much has inspired me to write, though I have still been looking in on other peoples' blogs (even if I haven't been commenting).

Today I found this article and I must say I think this is pretty much the most outdated codswallop I've read in a long time.

Why is Lola so offended by this? Well by sheer coincidence, about 6 weeks ago, I had my hair lopped off and I love it.

Does it mean I'm not sexy? I think not, I keep looking in mirrors and loving my reflection staring back at me. Does it mean I'm uninterested in sex? Quite the opposite actually, several months back I finally got over the ex, spent some time on my own and now feel that I'd be more open to the idea of a relationship if the right guy came along.

Personally I think short hair = confidence. I'm not saying I have bags of the stuff, but I do feel more confident than me several months ago. The short hair is here to stay.

Hey

2008-08-28T09:45:00.001+01:00

Apologies for the absence, I am alive, it's just been a very busy summer.

Will post again soon-ish with an update for anyone who's still out there.

Thanks

Spreadshirt.com

2008-05-14T07:32:00.002+01:00

Hey all,

In gaps in my revision yesterday I came up with this.

Just like to know your opinion on it, I've only currently got one design pic as I'd done the silhouette from one of my pics earlier and it does take me a while to do. So after exams, or when they calm down a bit I shall do more.

Spreadshirt Market Place Design

Pole Dance 1

Where I am

2008-04-23T12:36:00.002+01:00

Publius left a comment asking where I was, so I just thought I'd reply as a quick post.

I am alive. I'm severely stressing over exams and all the Uni work I have to do, so chances are that there will not be posts off me for the next few weeks.

Sorry guys :-(

Pole Kitten

2008-03-14T13:09:00.002Z

Right, this is going to be a bit of a begging post, so please bear with me as I explain.

This Monday at 3.00 a great group of girlies from one of the pole dancing forums I belong to entered a big glass box in the middle of Bristol city centre to perform on BBC's Upstaged. They won that day, and the next, and the next. Yesterday they were in the box on their forth day (the max allowed) and they won yet again, so they have a pass through to the final.

Here's where the begging comes in, they will have some fairly stiff competition in the final as some of the other acts have massive online support so I'd just like to try and raise Polekitten's profile a little. Please, please go to the Upstaged website and register. Then go to the Polekitten page and click to become a fan.

I'll know more about when they are back in the box for the final in a little while. Once I know I'll let you all know. There's live streaming on the Upstaged website and voting buttons just below, voting can be done once every three minutes.

Please pass this on/post about it in your own blog, as the girls are doing an amazing job of promoting pole dancing and showing that it's fun, sexy, good exercise and can be hard work. The more people who find out about them and vote for them, the more chance they will have of winning.

If you want to see the girls in action, click on "Thursdays story" on the Upstaged homepage, or if you are reading this after friday then you can see highlights from their time in the box here click on episode 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Thanks guys.

Six Quirks

2008-03-04T17:30:00.002Z

Ahem. I was tagged aaaaaaaages ago by the lovely Kinda Blue, and I kept putting it off and putting it off. So I decided to get my rear end in gear and get it done. So here we are six quirks all about me.

1) I can be obscenely paranoid, not in a "people are stalking me" kind of way but more so in a "nobody likes me" way. I'm going through one of these spells at the moment at Uni.

2) I randomly skip/jump/hop/make weird noises for the hell of it. I blame my sister.

3) My elbows bend backwards, this is great for freaking people out.

4) I religiously check my email at least twice a day, more if I can.

5) Every exam I have sat since GCSE's I have taken in a small Piggin' figure for good luck (Piggin' Exams to be exact)

6) When I'm feeling blue I buy cake, not so good for the old waistline.

Now, I'd like to tag Karen, MB, The Thinker, Mosher and anyone else who fancies it. If there is actually anyone still out there that is...

Absolutely disgusted

2008-02-18T22:31:00.002Z

Today I was horrified to hear this story on the radio. The mothers of the murderers of Gary Newlove are defending them. One says that her son "isn't as bad as he was made out to be". I'm sorry but her son attacked a man, kicking him in the head repeatedly in front of the mans young daughter, how the hell is that not bad?! This is typical of today's society, people make excuses, look out for themselves, don't give a shit about anyone else, and don't seem to know how to bloody well raise children. And when the shit hits the fan, instead of being righteously shamed and keeping their gobs shut they come out with crap like this, calling these murderers "decent" and saying that the murder made them "angry and bitter". I just can't get my head around how there are people with this mindset out there. You can say mother's love all you want, but if I had a child that did something like that, they'd be on their own. I feel sorry for Gary Newlove's family, having to grieve for him while these idiots spout out this shit.

Apologies for the rant but this story really got me pissed off

Reasons why I'm annoyed by my part time job

2008-02-03T09:58:00.000Z

I've been a bad little blogger recently *slaps wrist* so much so that many of you won't even realise that I do have a part-time job. I started in late October, and haven't blogged about it yet as there wasn't much to blog about. But yesterday, after an 11 hour shift with me getting increasingly wound up I decided that had to change. So here it goes.

I have to work part time to fund my ~~going out and getting pissed~~ University education. This realisation caused me to do much applying for jobs but there was one in particular that I wanted, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't for the money, because it was. I had an interview and got offered the job of a store assistant at a well known discount supermarket which shall remain nameless. All was well at first, but over time little things have begun to niggle at me, about the job, about the customers, about everything. So in the name of blowing off steam, I give you the top five of things that annoy me at work.

1) Children. Now you may say come on Lola, that's not exactly fair. They're little and can't help what they do. All I know is that this job is encouraging me more and more to have my tubes tied. Try sitting on a till in a busy as hell store with a few parents in the queue with a screaming kid in tow. I can forgive babies for this moreso although the crying noise does still set my teeth on edge. It's the "old enough to know better" kids having tantrums because they can't have what they want that really winds me up. I'm going to generalise here but most parents I see with a kid in that situation are only feeding this kids tantrum (the kid is invariably called something like Charmayne or Reece). In a lot of cases as well, both parents are present, so why doesn't one take the kids outside while the other sorts out the paying and packing of the food? It's not rocket science and it will stop the nice cashier from suddenly snapping one day and going on a homicidal rampage. Seriously though, the last two saturdays I've worked 11 hour shifts, why should I have to spend the majority of it listening to crying kids?

2) People who are unobservant/ignorant. We have specials coming in on certain days of the week. Please do not ask us what day they are due in if it is in large bold font at the top of that page! Also we get people coming in looking for certain things, and have no idea when they came in, while this in itself is not a sin, getting snotty about it when the staff haven't a clue about what you mean, is. The only person who has been extremely rude to me was one of these people. She came in looking for a portable television with inbuilt dvd player. We had had small 7' portable dvd players in recently, so I assumed that was what she meant. When I showed her one she looked at me as if I was retarded.
"No," she repeated, "A portable television with inbuild dvd player."
I replied that we hadn't had anything of the sort in and asked where it had said that we had them, as I thought they may be due in, in the recent future. She told me that a friend of hers had gotten one from a store elsewhere. I again said that to my knowledge we hadn't had them in (at this point I had worked there for about a month and a half, and I knew we hadn't had anything in since then.
She then said, very snottily, "You don't sound sure, can you find me someone who is."
I was fuming, but another of my colleagues told her exactly the same thing and she disappeared in a huff. I'm sorry but rudeness is not acceptable. In general the staff know a lot more than the customer about what has been in and what hasn't, so be polite for gods sake. I later found out that a different discount supermarket had them instead. Moral of the story, if you're going to be rude to the staff then make sure you have the right shop first, idiots.

3) People who put things on the till but don't tell me that they are returning them and want a refund until after I've scanned it. I then have to void that transaction (with manager approval) then do a refund (with manager approval). Save us a lot of trouble by just telling me it's a refund before I scan it.

4) People who bag stuff at the till. Now I don't mind this when we're not busy, but when there's 4 cashiers on and we're still struggling to manage please don't bag up your shopping as I'm putting it through, whack it in the trolley and bag it in the designated bagging area, like everyone else!

5) The fact that we are worked extremely hard. Now I don't mind hard work, but when I'm running about, sweating, and picking up heavy things and it's only 7 am that's when I'm likely to get tetchy. I had a shift that started at 6 am on Xmas Eve. I wasn't awake, I probably wasn't safe to drive to work as one point I had to look down to see if I had my uniform on (I couldn't remember getting dressed). Then when I get into work I have the store manager following me around telling me to speed up, grrrrr. Then when the store opens, there is no chance of getting things done in peace, people constantly ask you things like, "where are the eggs?" when they are standing in front of them, or you are getting called to hop on the tills. And yet the day still goes slowly!

Ok, rant over until another time...

Firstly I'd just like to draw your attention to my tongue in cheek pole fund. The jist of it is that I want a pole at home, and I can't afford at pole at home due to being over a grand into my overdraft. Prevent my purchase from adversely affecting my ability to buy textbooks. Seriously though if you have nothing better to spend your money on and fancy a couple of pics posted later of my practicing on said pole then you know what to do ;-)

Thank you to everyone who donated for the world record attempt. We are still to hear back regarding that but I believe that the money raised was phenominal.

2008-01-12T23:52:00.000Z

Lola turned 23 today at 6:18 pm. That is all.

Help!

2008-01-06T15:37:00.000Z

I'm meant to be finishing off the rest of my mid-winter cleaning and starting my exam revision, instead I'm sitting here surfing through other people's blogs. Please someone give me a good (and well-deserved) kick up the arse!

Happy New Year

2008-01-04T08:42:00.000Z

So it's now 2008. How long is it going to take for me to stop writing 2007 every time I pop the date down? I hope your journey into 2008 was a good one, whether it was quiet or not.

Last year I did a highlights of my year. For some reason this year doesn't seem as memorable, so instead I'll look towards the future. I've never been one for making New Years Resolutions but this year I've though long and hard about what I'm going to do. Here they are;

1) Become a kick-ass poledancer, or at least try to get a lot more time on the pole (if I get a pole for my birthday then this will work out quite well...)

2) Every time I get a new Olive/Good Food magazine then I must cook at least one thing from it. I'm a bugger for treating it like food porn, just drooling over the recipes and never doing anything about it.

3) Focus on my Uni work, in 2007 I've let far too many things affect it, so now I need to do things for me and perhaps be a little blinkered in terms of my goals for this course.

And three seems like the magic number so I shall stop there.

So what are your aims for 2008?

Belated Wishes to all

2007-12-27T15:36:00.000Z

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

A late post

2007-12-21T19:22:00.000Z

Sorry for my recent absence, but I wanted this to be my next post and I wanted to write it at a time when I could concentrate on the words and my memories without bursting into tears.

You see two weeks ago we had to have my beloved dog put to sleep. His name was Toto and he was one of the most good-natured dogs you'd ever come across. He was a lovely sandy colour with a white stripe down his nose, I had originally chosen him as a puppy due to this white stripe as it made him resemble my Grandad's dog Benji.

We'd first got him when I had just turned seven years old, I had begged, whined and moaned for a dog, and for my birthday I was allowed to pick out a puppy from the RSPCA. Toto and his siblings had been abandoned while they were very young. I remember that we took Toto home in an empty ice cream tub, that's how small he was. From that day on he settled into our family. And he grew, and grew.

The RSPCA had told my parents he wouldn't grow much because he had small paws, they were wrong. We ended up with a medium sized dog with tons of energy. I remember his tail constantly wagging, him running up and down our back garden and him chasing his tail. I remember being taken for a walk by him rather than him taking me and I remember thinking he'd be around forever.

But he'd aged an awful lot in the past two years and his back legs were stiffening up. It was time to let him go before he started seriously suffering.

I miss him. He was a brilliant dog.

Just a little tid-bit to show I'm still alive!

2007-12-04T17:25:00.000Z

Click here if you'd like to see what I got up to at the weekend.

On a related note please see the little bit of info at the top right hand side of my page, please give whatever you can, because a) it's a good cause and b) have you ever tried doing a fast pole dancing routine for 10 mins straight? It's tiring!

Google search hilarity

2007-11-19T18:36:00.000Z

As much as I dislike being referred to as "it" this last search nearly made me wee, I was laughing so hard.

Apologies for the short crappy posts, the stress monster has currently taken over Lola.

Pole Dance

2007-11-15T13:58:00.000Z

I still can't believe that's actually me, I'm so pleased with myself.

And now for the musicals

2007-11-04T20:09:00.000Z

In my last post I promised the songs from musicals that make me cry. I apologise to the majority of the people who commented on my last post. Depressing songs actually make me happier as I can have a cry and get things out of my system, I know it's not the same for everyone.

I'll Cover You Reprise from Rent

Why does my favourite character always have to get killed off? The first time I saw Rent live, I sobbed though most of the second act. This song in particular set me off, perhaps it was the way Collins helplessly clutched the coat Angel bought him.

A Little Fall of Rain from Les Miserables

Is there anything sadder than dying in your unrequited lovers arms? It's the line "I'll sleep in your embrace at last" that gets me.

Goodbye Until Tomorrow from The Last Five Years

For those who don't know, The Last Five Years documents a five year long relationship. The female partner shows this from the end to the beginning, and the male partner shows this from the beginning to the end with them meeting at their wedding in the middle. This song is the finale where both of the partners are saying goodbye, the woman at the end of their very first date and the man at the end of their relationship.

My Brother Lived in San Francisco from Angels Punks and Raging Queens

This is a song about having a brother who died of AIDS.

They liked it so much more than anywhere they'd been and we thought they would be there, when we made it back again

And the Rain Keeps Falling Down from Angels Punks and Raging Queens

About losing someone.

In Whatever Time We Have from Children of Eden

Two lovers facing the prospect of being separated by The Great Flood as one is the son of Noah and the other is a daughter of the race of Cain.

Johnny Can't Decide from Tick Tick Boom

The video to this isn't particularly relevant but it's one of the only videos on youtube to include the part of the song that makes me cry. The song is beautiful anyway, but the reason why I cry is the man himself, the writer of this musicalJonathan Larson. He died from an aortic aneurism before his famous musical Rent's opening night. The part that makes me cry is the spoken part of the song when Johnny says "I want to write music, I want to sit down right now at my piano and write a song that people will listen to and remember and do the same thing each morning for the rest of my life."

Without You from Rent

I was never a fan of this song until I saw it live. It affects so many others than just those who are singing.

In His Eyes from Jekyll and Hyde

The best song in the show.

The songs we love to be sad to

2007-10-27T13:31:00.000+01:00

I'm one of these people who loves to listen to sad songs, tearjerkers that they are. So as this morning I am in one of these moods I thought I'd share with you some of the songs I love, find beautiful and yes, sometimes cry to.

Winter - Tori Amos

This is a song I've only heard within the last few days and I love it. Some say it is about a girl losing her father, others say it is about the relationship between a girl and her father and how that relationship changes as the girl grows up. Either way I love listening to it. It is a very moving song.

I Will Love You - Fisher

This is one my sister had first heard, and ever since she played it, I have loved it too. It's such a heartfelt song that I think most people will be able to relate to at some level.

But I need to know will you stay for all time? Forever and a day. Then I'll give my heart 'til the end of all time, forever and a day

Nearer My God to Thee

I think most people can understand why I can cry at this one, just watch the video. A lot of people badmouth the film Titanic but this scene is utterly heartbreaking. People from all backgrounds and walks of life preparing to die, and fighting to live. This film shows the best and worst of human nature, so next time you feel like slagging the film off, watch it again but this time ignore the love story and watch whats going on in the background.

You Raise Me Up

For this song my ultimate version was in fact the one sung by the Conway Sisters in X-Factor a few years back. Purely because I think women in a group can make really goosebumpy harmonies that work so well with this song.

Forget Me Not - Lucie Silvas

Please excuse the video to this song, but it is the main reason why it is a tearjerker for me. It is an Angel music video that some talented soul has done by editing together various clip of the show. This one focuses on the episode Hole in the World, and the death of one of my favourite characters. If you're an Angel fan you'll definitely see why it makes me cry.

Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt

A similar one again except this video is a Dr Who one rather than an Angel one. Yes I'm a geek, you've only just noticed?

Everytime - Britney Spears

I can't help but feel I'm destroying any possible street cred I may have had... It's another Angel video in case you didn't notice.

Shine Your Light - Robbie Robertson

Last Angel video I promise. It's the end of the song that gets me in this one, very meaningful. It also made me cry when it was shown in the film Ladder 49.

Until the Last Moment - Yanni

A gorgeous instrumental piece. I'm still not quite certain why it has made me cry on occasion.

Full of Grace - Sarah McLauchlan

A beautiful song.

I could have had more but I've decided to leave it at ten. I'm always on the look out for more tearjerker songs so please feel free to add your own in the comments.

At some point within the next few months I'll be posting my favourite tearjerkers from the musicals. So stay tuned.

Sorry All

2007-10-25T12:29:00.001+01:00

I know I haven't been a laugh a minute recently. So to avoid boring you and for a touch of light-heartedness I've decided to complete this meme, which the delightful Domestic Minx filled in earlier.

Five Things

What are five things you were doing ten years ago?

1) Going to High School
2) Started coaching gymnastics (young I know)
3) Dancing in pantomimes
4) Started to learn how to ski
5) Watched cartoons, nothing ever changes

What are five things you were doing this time last year?

1) In the middle of my contract in my first real job
2) Preparing a Halloween costume
3) Being annoyed that my student mates could go out until all hours while I had to be up at six every weekday to get to work
4) Blogging for about three months
5) Trying to make sense of my on and off relationship with my ex

What are five snacks that you enjoy?

1) Pizza
2) Ben and Jerry's cookie dough ice cream
3) Nachos
4) Pringles and dip
5) A moderately healthy one now, mozzarella, parma ham and melon salad

What are five songs you know the lyrics to?

1) Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
2) Wannabe - Spice Girls
3) Everytime we touch - Cascada
4) Waterloo - ABBA
5) Mary's Prayer - Danny Wilson

What five things would you do if you were a millionaire?

1) Buy my own house.
2) Fork over money to my parents so they can buy a holiday home abroad for them to retire to, and some for my sister and good friends too.
3) Buy some things I've wanted for a while like an X-pole.
4) Donate some money to key charities.
5) Travel everywhere I want to go

What are your five bad habits?

1) Cracking my joints, in particular my fingers, back and toes
2) Biting the skin around my nails
3) Being like a dog with a bone at times/being incredibly stubborn
4) Procrastination
5) Being slightly neurotic and paranoid

What five things do you like to do?

1) Spend time with mates and family, there's nothing like a good old natter
2) Blog obviously
3) Travel
4) Listen and dance to music (with or without a pole)
5) Eat out when I can afford it

What are five things you will never wear again?

1) My hair one length and level with my jaw, it looked naff
2) My hair pillar box red, granted that was a misunderstanding between me and the hairdresser but still I look back on the photos and cringe
3) Matching outfits with my sister, the bane of my childhood, hehe
4) Whatever is fashionable if I don't like it, there's no point in following the trends if the trends look naff on you
5) A nail piercing... granted I was about 13

What are your five favorite toys?

1) My phone
2) My laptop.
3) My mp4 player.
4) My camera.
5) My molecular modelling kit (geek!)

What are five things you hate to do?

1) Physics, gawd I feel thick
2) Get my work done right away.
3) Certain aspects of housework, like ironing.
4) Lectures with the current bunch of rude people in our year.
5) Feel anything worse than ok.

I know some people don't like doing memes, so I'll just leave this one up for anyone who has a few minutes to waste and fancies doing it.

Where my beauty lies

2007-10-25T10:58:00.000+01:00

Where Does Your Beauty Lie? ..::Original Pictures Are Back! Detailed Results::..

Your Beauty lies in Plain Sight. Plain, simple and the girl next door. People tend overlook you as you are the "normal girl", but you're actually very beautiful. And you have plenty about you to set you apart, but more that lets you blend. People love the stability you have because as others may come and go, you will always be there and you may always be the same. You like simple things and that's what people like about you. You most likely enjoy things most consider normal, like movies, shopping, that sort of thing and are very friendly and probably have many friends. You are sweet and kind and that shows on you, but you're also strong and not very naive. You're a rather well-rounded individual. Even though some people pass you off as just another girl, shrug it off because they don't know what they're missing.

Some Things That Represent You:

Element:Earth, Light Animal: Cat Color: Pinks, Blues, Browns Song:Girl Next Door by Pilot Expression: Simple Smile

Gemstone:Alexandrite Mythological Creature: Fox Demon, Hobbit Planet: Jupiter Hair Color: Light Brown Eye Color:Brown

Quote:"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

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Lecture Rant

2007-10-07T10:05:00.000+01:00

First of all thank you to all who commented on my last post for your support. I'm feeling better, I'm just missing all that relationship stuff but I'll live. And now on to the real purpose of this post.

Since finishing my last degree I had forgotten how much this particular thing bothered me, but now I'm back it's rearing it's ugly head once more and causing my blood pressure to creep up. Anyone who has ever done a degree should be able to relate to this one.

How rude is it when the lecture is nearing it's end, the lecturer is still talking and people start to pack their things away? Would it seriously cripple them to hang on for all 30 seconds of the summary of the lecture and then pack away and go? For me it is the height of rudeness, if you were in a job interview would you start putting things away while the interviewer was still talking to you? I highly doubt it, and yet these students think it is ok to pretty much ignore the lecturer at the end of the lecture.

On a related topic there are an awful lot of people who think it's ok to talk in lectures as well, and I don't mean the brief "Oh, what did Dr. Whatdyacallhim say just then?" kind of whispered exchange that I can forgive. I mean full blown what I did last night and what I'm doing tonight kind of conversation that could certainly wait until the lecture is over. It's rude and it's very distracting to those students who are actually trying to listen to the lecturer. I would wonder why they actually came to the lecture in the first place, but our course actually monitors attendance via attendance sheet so they show up to get their mark. I just wish I could forcibly gag them sometimes.

I'd like to wish that this was an unrelated incident but our whole society in general is a selfish and rude one. Yesterday my mum, my sister and I went out and about for a food and drink festival. My sister is currently on crutches having torn the ligaments surrounding one of her toes while dancing (apparently it's more painful than it sounds). On the way back we boarded a very crowded train, with not a single free seat, my sister stood balancing on her crutches and leaning against the edge of a seat. Did the lads standing by us stand up to offer her a seat? Nope. Did the adults sitting by us? Nope. After one stop into the train journey a girl about my age noticed and stood up to let Hop-along have her seat. Am I the only one who finds it disgusting that people are too self-obsessed to think of giving up their seat for someone else? (And before anyone asks, yes I have previously given up my seat for people who are frail/injured/heavily pregnant etc).

On an unrelated note on that same train a girl who had been sitting down chatting on her phone since Oxford Road (I'm assuming she got on at Piccadilly, the stop before) told the conductor that she had got on at Central (several stops later). I was this close to dobbing her in it, and apparently so was my Mum. I sometimes wonder if I'm a bit of a mug for going by the rules?

Back to Studentsville

2007-09-24T16:56:00.000+01:00

The one thing I noticed last night was the fact that I did not dread the fact that it was Monday Eve, which was such a welcome relief after dreading almost every single Monday for the past three months (talk to me in a months time and see if I've changed my tune already!).

The early starts aren't bothering me too much, although it was dark at the train station this morning, an unwelcome drawing in of the nights. I've found even more mature students, this time round some from other countries. It still seems that I am one of the less mature of the mature students (yay!). I don't know how the others decided to go for it, I was fretting about having to take a year out to earn money as I didn't want to postpone my life. I've met people who have done a degree and a masters, or a degree and then teacher training, or like myself, a degree and then worked. We all sound old chatting about the way Uni was "in our day" and how old all these 18 year olds are making us feel with all their partying.

It looks like I will definitely be needing help in physics. At first the lecture was fine while the lecturer explained the reasons behind studying physics on this course, and I was enthused by them. Then the real lecture started and I really couldn't understand a thing I was writing down, all these sodding greek symbols that stand for wavelength and frequency etc, and the basic equations that they expect us to know. I do not know any of this, I last did physics six years ago, so just stick me in the corner with a dunces cap and talk very slowly so I can write all this gobbledeegook down.

It's not much to ask is it?

Oh no I've been neglectful

2007-09-16T19:32:00.000+01:00

I'm brushing off the thin layer of dust that has managed to accumulate in the cafe after my brief time away. I apologise for the length of my absence and promise to behave in future (who am I kidding?).

Paris was fabulous as a future post will tell you, but for now I wish to speak about tomorrow and what lies ahead of me. Friday was my last day in work you see, and this Monday I start afresh with a new degree course (hopefully the last one!).

I'm absolutely petrified, I don't know where I'm going, who I'm going with or anything. I'm sure that at some point through my day I will run across someone who will talk to me, after all everyone is in the same boat, but the paranoid part of me thinks that everyone will have met up in halls and at various freshers parties this weekend and I will be the only one who doesn't know anyone.

So for now I mentally prepare myself and put my chatty head on, because tomorrow I will need it, wish me luck everyone!

The cafe closes up shop...

2007-08-31T16:05:00.000+01:00

For next week anyhow, I'm off to Paris in the next half an hour. I'll miss you all and promise to come back with plenty of tales and photos.

Au revoir!

Ten Eternal Truths About Creamfields

2007-08-27T10:01:00.000+01:00

August bank holiday weekend brings with it several events, one of these being Creamfields. Those of you who read this blog last year may remember my Creamfields post that year as a member of SJA. While last years post was a bit long winded I'm hoping to keep this one short and sweet, so here it is the ten eternal truths about Creamfields (which would happen whenever and wherever the festival was held).

1) There will always be a small minority of girls who will show up in a bikini, a pair of shoes/boots and nothing else, not even a jumper for later on. This will invariably happen whatever the weather is like in the daytime.

2) The aforementioned girls will end up in the field hospital/first aid posts at around 3 am complaining that they're cold and asking can they take one of our blankets.

3) Our members will always lose the will to live at around 3 am and wonder why they signed up to do this event.

4) There will always be someone who for whatever reason decides to test their bodies by consuming between 10 and 20 ecstasy tablets. Do they think "Hmm, the first 8 haven't worked so I'll have a few more" seconds after swallowing the first lot?

5) At least one of our members will always get injured at some point in the night. A couple of years ago that member was me, I got clonked on the head by a big tripod light that fell on me and caused me to bleed a little. This year a member sustained soft tissue damage to her knee and ended up on crutches.

6) There will always be people complaining that they feel weird after taking one substance or another and will be taken to our med centre to sleep it off.

7) Those mentioned in point 7, having gotten a nice place to sleep with a pillow and a blanket will now be extremely unwilling to leave it. Not good when we get busy and need to find a bed to treat someone else.

8) There will always be people who come in and say "I haven't taken owt mate" while their pupils are the size of a dinner plate.

9) There will always be violence, the police do well to try and contain it but we do get to see the end result of fights very often.

and

10) Never leave brownies around our members if you would like to eat one later. I have been told by my mum that the brownies I'd made weren't particularly nice too :-( Thanks Mum.

So all in all, a good night. We weren't as busy as we have been in previous years which was good, although the first aid posts had their manic moments. Here's to next years Creamfields!

An open letter

2007-08-17T23:37:00.000+01:00

To the two do-gooders who saw fit to make complaints to the RSPCA. No, I'm not an animal abuser, neither are my family. Yes, my dog is skinny and you can see his ribs, but no we are not starving him.

Did you happen to know that my dog is nearly seventeen years old? Did you also happen to know that he is currently undergoing diagnostic tests at the vets to determine the cause of his weight loss? No you didn't and that's because you didn't care to ask my mother who made eye contact with you as you beat a hasty retreat.

Your actions, however well intentioned nearly caused my dog to be put down. Luckily the RSPCA officer who came to our house saw that he was not mistreated and just an old dog. Today she came around again and I showed her videos of him running on the beach earlier in the week. From those she could see that he was well cared for and that he was still lively. Despite losing weight he still has a good quality of life.

I'm not an idiot, I know he wont live forever. Trust me when I say that if I could see him in pain and suffering I wouldn't hesitate to do the right thing and put him down. But right now, he's loving life and I'm loving life with him. I'm glad of every extra minute I get with him because I know how close I was to losing him for good.

I hate being judged like this, anyone who has any sort of experience with animals can see that my dog is not mistreated just getting on in years. So don't scowl at me as I take my beloved pet for a walk, after all if I was starving him and kicking the shit out of him do you really think I'd be taking him for a walk in the park?

Twats.

Final day

2007-08-04T22:31:00.000+01:00

I nearly forgot to post. I could have let it slide but since my mate only gets back tomorrow I've decided I should post today. I just want to say thank you to all who have commented over this week, and to all you non-believers, courgette and chocolate go really well together in a cake (try it for yourselves at this site).

Coming up next time; what I have decided to do while in Paris, stay tuned ;-)

And on the seventh day

2007-08-03T21:38:00.000+01:00

I tidied out the kitchen cupboards, let's hope they stay tidy for more than two minutes...

Now I know why I dont generally post every day. I run out of things to say and end up talking crap. My friend is back at the weekend anyhow, so the post madness shall end tomorrow and I can get back into my usual style of posting when I have something to say.

Sixth day

2007-08-02T21:44:00.000+01:00

Thank god it's friday tomorrow, and I'm so glad I have a half day off work. Get in!

The wonder of google

2007-08-01T21:54:00.000+01:00

Check me out, five days into this post per day challenge and I'm already running out of ideas. So I'm looking to my stats for inspiration, and I shall share with you some of the more amusing words and phrases that have brought people via google to my little cafe.

Chat up line physics
I'm sorry but unless she's a physicist too, there's no chance of a physics related chat up line going well

Slobby booty
This phrase would have directed them to this post on my blog, why they were searching for a "slobby booty" I just don't quite know.

Lola's other blog
No I just have the one, unless you count my on the side restaurant review blog

Funny job lola
Well the last funny job was my lab tech stint, the things that I did still amuse me. This post sums up one of my favourite moments from my time there.

How to chat up a scientist
Well it's nice to know that us science gals are sexy enough to chat up, don't expect us to be too easy to get though

Biscuit theory
Oh yes, it's is the one, the only biscuit theory

Show me what happens on monday with lola
Well on monday I went to work, felt crap, cancelled a meeting and went bed early, not very interesting

Magic boobs
Yes they are, dont believe me? Check this out

Bonkers boobs
No, they're magic, not bonkers

Pooing at work
Hmm I may regret doing that post at some point. Remember this isn't instructions on what you have to do, but it's more politeness and toilet manners.

Lola's boobs
It's nice that you want to google my boobs, but I'm not that kind of a girl

The great mouse detective boobs
Oddly enough I can't recall boobs featuring heavily in this film, perhaps it's best if I don't...

"your legs behind your head"
I'm not even going to go there...

Learn how to make cocktails in liverpool
Well give me a buzz I'll teach you how to make them so long as I get to drink some

handcuffed OR cuffed OR handcuffs OR cuffs OR handcuff
I don't think this chappy was intending to find a lovely pic of me in high vis while my first aid kit was arrested. Apologies for it not being sexy handcuffs.

That's all for now folks. Enjoy your evening.

A little late

2007-07-31T22:50:00.000+01:00

I bet you thought I'd forgotten to post. Not quite, but I am busy tonight. Why do I always leave things til last minute, grrrr.

A short post tonight, but then again I need my sleep

ciao

Paris

2007-07-30T17:59:00.000+01:00

Paris the city of lovers, of haute cuisine and haute coulture. The city of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre. The city that I shall hopefully be going to for my holidays this year. Partially because I'm lazy and partially because I'm curious I'd like to know the answer to this question...

If you were in Paris what would be the sights that you'd have to see? Or place that you'd have to visit?

Please give me some hints as I have very little idea of what to do while I'm out there!

Poles Fun, Public Poles More Fun?

2007-07-29T14:36:00.000+01:00

Second day, second post, not bad so far (please see previous post for an explanation of my post per day for a week thingy).

Today I cam across this video on youtube, and although it was for a dare I think this is fantastic and kudos to the girls for doing it. Although the funniest thing about it is some of the other peoples expressions. So to the girls congratulations for going against the norm and having the guts to go for it. Is anyone up for a go of this in London Underground?

Frosty Goodness

2007-07-28T11:57:00.000+01:00

Due to a good friend of mine being away for the week I've decided to try to do a blog post each day to take my mind off being bored. Whether I manage it or not is another thing.

Today I was puzzling over what to write about until I went downstairs to the kitchen, and then I saw it, the frosty gorgeousness that is our brand spanking new fridge. Now call me sad if you like, but I love this fridge, for starters it's massive (and with my food shopping sprees it wont take long to fill it!), it's metallic and somewhat sexy for a fridge. I think I adore kitchen appliances far too much for my liking.

That's the fridge in all its' glory, see why I love it. It also has water and an ice machine. I'm in kitchen heaven!

Now all that's left to do is to go and eat the 4 tubs of Ben and Jerrys I popped into the freezer section last night, toodles!

A spot of selfishness on my part

2007-07-14T20:36:00.000+01:00

We had stumbled on the shop purely by chance. In fact you could have said it was fate that we ended up there. We were desperately searching for hats for my cousins wedding in a weeks time and we had had no luck. Mum had looked up some hat hire shops and we set off for the first one, which was closed, on a Saturday. We grumbled and set off for the second on the list, a little further away.

I knew the road it was on, I had driven along it many a time, but this shop was hidden. It was not only a hat shop but also something called a dress agency. We went in for hats and came out with bags and bags of fabulously priced designer gear, most of which had never been worn before. Shoes, dresses, bags they had them all, and so did we as we strolled out of the shop clutching our purchases.

"Tell your friends!" they said as we headed out the door.

So I came onto the blog to tell you all about this little gem, and encourage you to go, but then I started thinking. What if telling people leads to me one day going in to this little treasure trove and one of you has just snatched up what would have been the perfect shoes/dress/bag for me? What if I lost out because I was good enough to pass this secret onto you all?

So I'm keeping quiet, there's just no coming between a girl and her fashion.

If it makes you feel better I wont be telling my friends either...

Green fingered

2007-07-11T18:56:00.000+01:00

I'm sitting here eating a stir fry with my very own home grown courgettes, mangetout and spring onions.

Life is good.

Happy Birthday

2007-07-02T21:37:00.000+01:00

Not to me, but to my blog. One year ago today I made the first post in the Cafe. It doesn't feel like a year. I've "met" so many funky people while writing this blog, and I'd like to thank everyone who's ever read or commented. Now down to business, party at the cafe guys!

Things that go bump in the night

2007-06-29T18:40:00.000+01:00

There's nothing quite so irrational, yet also rational as our fears. To us it makes perfect sense that we are afraid. To others, we may seem a like bit of a weirdo.

I was listening to the radio last night when a female listener confessed that as a child she had been petrified of buttons and had to have everything fastened with velcro up until the age of nine. I found that odd, but then I had to admit that as a tot I always cried hysterically when the music video for Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson was played anywhere near me. This then extended to me being afraid for the song for most of my childhood.

Thankfully I've now come to my senses and I'm only scared of sensible things, like spiders, daddy long legs, enclosed small spaces, clowns, death, walking upstairs in the dark, pitch dark, ghost stories, etc, etc, etc.

He's fire and ice and rage. He's like the night, and the storm in the heart of the sun

2007-06-17T22:19:00.000+01:00

Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I know exactly where I'll be at 7:10pm next Saturday. I have an appointment to find out what happens in the second episode of the final three part episode of the Doctor Who series. It's set to be the biggest challenge facing the Doctor and certainly one hell of a ride. What will happen with the devious Mister Saxon and will the Doctor, Jack and Martha escape from the "future-kind" at the end of the Universe without a Tardis? It's all hotting up and this is just the beginning. Those who dare, watch!

For those who missed the episode this Saturday, the episode Utopia can be seen at www.tv-links.co.uk

He's ancient and forever. He burns at the centre of time and he can see the turn of the Universe..

A good note to finish the night on...not

2007-06-14T23:48:00.000+01:00

I've just drove home from a friends house, it's late, about 11:45pm and the streets are dark and rainy. I pull into my drive and just before I turn the engine off I see something out of the corner of my eye. I turn my head, a drunken chav is standing by my car window, looking in at me. My heart starts to race. He mouths something at me, but there is no way I'm opening my car window. My laptop is in the front seat with me along with my mobile and my cash cards in my bag, and my town is known for its' scally, inbred inhabitants who cause trouble for kicks. He speaks again and steps closer to the car. At a loss for what to do, I shrug. He straightens up, nods at me as if to say, "ok then" and staggers off down the street after some other drunken blokes. I wait until they are further down the street before I grab my stuff and cautiously head into the house, my heart still pounding and my hands shaking.

That brings me up to now, I'm safe and sitting in my warm bedroom. I'm eating Lindt chocolates to ward off my shakiness (it's just what the doctor ordered). And above all I feel a bit of a prat because after going into complete "flight or flight" mode the drunken chav seemed to only want directions. Still you can't be too careful I suppose...

Belly's gonna get ya!

2007-06-09T14:15:00.000+01:00

The unthinkable has happened, I'm actually fat!

I have a tendency to retain water during certain times of the month, and then look all svelte afterwards. Well it's not longer that time of the month and my bras don't fit and I actually broke into a sweat getting into my tight jeans. In fairness, these jeans were actually tight when I bought them, but now they are cutting off my circulation.

My lazy lifestyle has come after me with avengence, the belly has finally got me...

Meh-ness

2007-06-05T21:46:00.000+01:00

I feel trapped on this blog, I don't have the freedom of being completely anonymous to talk about certain subjects. I feel like that today, If I was anonymous I would blog about it, if only to get it out of my system. People who know me, god love them, would know what and who I mean though, and that would almost be like me betraying a confidence. So for now I feel grouchy, listless, and oddly for me, not hungry. I may have to resort to old fashioned pen and paper, and then the shredder for this one.

A grumble

2007-06-03T14:56:00.000+01:00

I have one reason and one reason only to stay home on a Saturday night. That reason ladies and gentlemen, is the latest episode of Doctor Who. This Saturday, due to cooking dinner for my lot I missed Doctor Who. No matter I thought, since I can catch the repeat on BBC 3. This would be a great plan, except we don't have BBC 3 anymore. The world is conspiring against me, to stop me watching yummy David Tennant-ness.

On a side note, sometime today the cafe had it's 3000th visitor, I hope they enjoyed what they saw here, and that they stuck around for a bit.

I've been tagged

2007-06-02T10:45:00.000+01:00

Actually I was tagged a while ago but I've been unobservant. Sorry Merys. I'm getting my act back together so here it is, The 8 Things Meme;

8 Things you never wished to know about Miss Cherry Cola

1) I am constantly burning myself, my current "war wound" is on my lower arm, and was caused by a disagreement with a hot grill.

2) I fluctuate between being really vain, and hating how I look. Some days I put on my clothes and think "wow, I'm a right fitty" and others I'm constantly changing clothes because I look too fat/ugly/scruffy etc.

3) I can shop for England. If I had the means to do so there are so many things I would buy. Money isn't the keys to Lola's happiness but it does help a tad.

4) I'm getting broody, but not for children. I am suffering from "house broodiness". I'm finding myself watching property tv shows, wishing I could afford a house, wanting to go shopping for kitchen utensils, bathroom suites, sofas etc. The downside to this is that I'll never be able to afford a house until I graduate, again...

5) I feel very green-fingered at the moment, my peas are really coming on as are the courgettes, and plus I have managed to grow some rosemary seedlings from seed (I've been told that it's fairly difficult for a complete beginner to do)

6)I am in no way photogenic, as judged by my old and new work ID card...

7) I often wish I could have a pole in my room for random pole dancing practice

8) I'm getting the traveling bug, there's so many places I want to go and see, the downside is that a) I'm meant to be saving for Uni and b) I have no one to go with :-(

Well that's me done for now. I'd like to tag; The Thinker, Sara, Mrhunnybun, Karen, Dory, Kindablue, The Domestic Minx (although I am aware you did a similar one recently, so feel free to ignore the meme) and JR's Thumbprints. Have fun guys.

Same place same time

2007-06-02T09:04:00.000+01:00

Well here I am again exactly one week later, at the end of my first working week at the new place. I miss my old working colleagues and I'm noticing a nasty habit of mine to refer to them in the present, i.e. my colleagues, my team, etc. I suppose it's fair enough for the first week, but I'm going to have to keep that in check.

I've been training all week, so I can't comment on the work, although I've been told that once we're trained up we will be busy. Which I'm not looking forward to. We can't take mobile phones on site, and I'm really missing sending sneaky texts during a toilet break. The place smells due to the manufacturing of the drugs they make, it's sort of a cross between gone-off yoghurt, bread dough and manky cheese. Did I mention that I miss my old colleagues?

I think I have a downer on this place before I've even begun, but for more money in the bank, I'll get over it. It's only until September...

Back from the Depths

2007-05-26T18:57:00.000+01:00

Apologies for not posting for a while, things have been hectic to say the least. I needed some time away from my beloved cafe.

For this weekend I am unemployed. I've left my first proper job since leaving Uni, and I start a new job on Tuesday. This job is closer to home, and pays a lot more than my now previous job. There's flexi-time too.

Still, I have a bad case of the new job jitters and I've been really sad to leave the other job. I haven't been there long, I only started last August and changed departments in December, but I will miss my colleagues a lot. I could be myself with them, take the piss, and have the piss taken out of me (I'm not a plastic Scouser!). The exchanging of joking insults made the time go so much quicker, and they were always ready to help when things (invariably) went wrong with a test.

At this new job I will have to be on my best behaviour, to be polite and never rude, even jokingly so. Work time is a long part of the day, and I don't like the idea of having to go back to suppressing my natural tendancies.

At least it won't be for long, I've just received my term date start through from Uni. On the 17th September I shall be a student again. Hurray for student life and boo to lack of money.

Enjoying the wonders of Spring

2007-05-04T18:37:00.000+01:00

Well, just call me Lola Greenfingers. I've seduced by the lovely Spring weather, and have been bitten by the gardening bug. I've not been out redesigning the garden groundforce-style (or even tidying it up to be honest) but I've started to grow some veg.

I bought a mini plastic greenhouse, some seeds, compost and tools, and last Sunday morning I was up with the birds and out in the back garden planting rocket, lettuce, spinach, peas, spring onions and courgettes (bra-less too, I think my inner minx is emerging).

Today while giving the plants (or pots of dirt as my sister calls them) the once over after work, I was ecstatic to see some greenery. The mangetout has started to pop up, and the salad has made a move too. Unfortunately I forgot to mark out what was where in my container and so I don't know which is lettuce, rocket or spinach, but I'm sure it'll taste good whatever it is. I've also been growing basil on my windowsill for a few weeks now, and as I used the whole packet when sowing them I now have a startling amount of herbs. Anyone fancy some basil plants...?

More wine dear

2007-04-28T00:35:00.000+01:00

I can't remember the first sip of wine I ever had, however I do remember being given a small glass of white wine at Christmas. The wine was to celebrate the season, and cleanse my palate between bites of Christmas turkey, gravy and stuffing. I may not have realised that at that young age, but this single glass of wine each Christmas day helped shape my ideas about alcohol.

I know that a glass of wine is best enjoyed with a good meal. I do not drink alcohol purely to get drunk, and in my teens I never hung around street corners swigging from a bottle of cheap cider, or stood outside the off-license begging the over-18's to buy some alco-pops. I have had my moments, mainly in University when I've gone over the top, but I can count those times on the fingers of one hand. On the whole I have a relaxed, well-adjusted, sensible attitude to drinking.

So when I heard about this story about banning parents from letting their children under 15 years old consume alcohol, even with a meal, I'll admit my hackles got a little raised. I understand that binge drinking among the younger population is becoming more and more common, but isn't that a sign that we need to change their way of thinking? Teen, and pre-teen pregnancies are rising at an alarming rate despite the legal age of consent being 16, so what makes people think that a blanket ban of alcohol for under 15's will work? How will it be policed? Why can't (sensible) parents make an informed decision about their own children?

In my opinion this idea will not work. To beat binge drinking, attitudes about alcohol must change. If parents want to they should be allowed to introduce the child to alcohol, as I was, at a young age. In this way we can teach how alcohol should be treated with respect. I often think that under 15's are so desperate to start drinking because they see it as a grown up thing to do. If they're used to having a glass of wine every now and again, is it such a grown-up thing to do anymore? Education about alcohol will be more successful than bans will ever hope to be, just look at 1920's prohibition in America and you'll see what I mean.

The best chat up line ever

2007-04-25T21:42:00.000+01:00

I promised MB in my comments about my Grand National post that I would reveal the best chat up line I have ever heard.

Unfortunately this isn't a chat up line that was directed at me, a dear friend of mine (and old housemate) had the pleasure of this line. She was sitting down in the University courtyard waiting for a friend when this guy shows up and begins chatting to her. He starts of with the general uni chit chat, and their conversation goes something like this.

"What course are you doing?" he asks.
"Mathematical physics."
"What? With tits like that?"

For some reason this guy believed that intelligent women couldn't have a fantastic pair. How wrong he was.

As for chat up lines directed at me, I don't tend to get any unless I'm in uniform and drunk people are about.

999 Ambulance Lottery

2007-04-18T23:33:00.000+01:00

No doubt those of you living in the UK will have heard about this story. A rather one-sided look at ambulances, paramedics and technicians. For those of you over the pond, basically the program is criticising the lack of paramedics on ambulances, and implying that the use of ambulance technicians is putting lives at risk, a very one-sided, sensationalist piece of journalism (Sir Trevor, I'm very disappointed with you!). Ambulance technicians are not unskilled, as you claim. They are not bumbling side-kicks waiting for "Super Paramedic" to come and save them from themselves. There are a few rare situations when a paramedic would be able to administer a drug to better treat the patient, but these situations are not the norm. I would rant on more about this, but Reynolds has already said it a lot better than I could, so here are his words on the topic.

Finally, I just like to say a few words of condolence to those caught up in the tragedy at Virginia Tech, and their families. My thoughts are with them all.

Grand National 2007

2007-04-14T22:21:00.000+01:00

Well, the big day of the Grand National arrived, and I blew the dust off my high vis jacket and went along to do some first aid.

Over the course of the day I got hit on seven times, only one of these people was sober. I'm not sure whether that boosts my self esteem or not yet. The chat up lines weren't the most original this year, just the usual "oh I feel faint" or "I need some mouth to mouth". Lads, although Lola isn't really one for chat up lines, a good original one will have her chuckling for days.

I got rather worried when a fight broke out right next to us, we scarpered to a safer spot, although we couldn't actually get out of the enclosure the fight was in. Luckily security contained it quite quickly, leaving us to deal with the first aid related aftermath.

The most pointless job of the day was being called upstairs by control to a lady with a cut foot. As control had sent us, as a response team, we imagined there would be a fair bit of blood. We got there after a bit of directing by stewards, to find a lady who smiled at us and said, "My foot's fine, I just need a plaster." Why she couldn't have gone down to the first aid post and gotten one herself was a bit beyond me.

Despite being an aed and medical gases team, we didn't get called to anything that would require those skills, thank goodness. The weather was lovely, although I found it quite difficult to cope in the heat. Just imagine that the past three grand nationals I have spent freezing cold, in the rain in some years and this year is lovely and I still complain. There's no hope for me.

One of my horses came in second, the problem being that I bet on 4 of them. Ah well, Bewleys Berry was in the lead when it fell, again I'm not sure if that's more annoying than it is anything else. It just goes to show the evils of gambling, I'm sure it won't stop me doing the same thing next year.

Finally on the way home, a couple of gents gave up their seats for us on the train so we could sit down as we had been on our feet all day. Yes, the gents were steaming drunk and sang to us for most of the train journey, but they were nice drunks, and it brightened my day.

Oh Lola, your geekiness is showing

2007-04-06T21:12:00.000+01:00

I'm finding myself getting more and more obsessed with Doctor Who. It's a little worrying as obsessions of mine have been known to take over a large part of my life. Previous obsessions have led to me almost constantly thinking about the subject of the obsession, getting fangirl-ish (I can range from crazy to sane fangirl), and the ultimate sign of being obsessed with something, writing fanfiction (yes my fanfiction is online, no I'm not posting the link).

So as you can imagine, I'm trying to keep my cool about Doctor Who (it helps that Mum tells me how sad I am for watching it...). Of course this new interest in the show has nothing to do with David Tennant, or his quirkiness, or his attractiveness, or how good his legs look when he's in drag ahem.

You're not buying any of this are you?

New Blog

2007-04-01T14:34:00.000+01:00

I've set up a new blog for UK restaurant reviews, and I've been getting to grips with Wordpress for the set up of it. I like blogger, but if I'd used my blogger account to create it, then people I know in real life whom I wouldn't really want in my little cafe would have been able to find it easily. As I've said before, I'm only semi-anonymous. Anyone I know who finds this blog knows it's mine instantly (a few people I know have already found it through various internet searches). So call me paranoid, but I don't want to link my real name with this blog.

I'm actually quite impressed with Wordpress, but at the same time I really don't have a clue about it. I think I'm safer sticking with blogger for this one.

For anyone who's interested the link is http://goodrestaurantfood.wordpress.com

I'll be linking to it on my page here, but no mention of the cafe will appear on there if that makes sense.

Next post: Is Lola really becoming a Doctor Who geek?

Lonely, I'm so Lonely

2007-03-30T14:59:00.000+01:00

Well, virtually lonely that is. Out here in the real world I'm not lonely, but on this little computer screen I am.

Back in the day, well maybe around 4/5 years ago, I had tons of internet friends. People whom I'd met through various internet sites I was on, or through friends. People from all over the world. Now, I don't have so many internet friends. There are a few who are still with me, but the vast majority I have lost touch with.

So, I'm feeling a little lonely right now.

Glorified Cleaner

2007-03-27T06:38:00.000+01:00

My dog went for the hat trick yesterday. I came downstairs first thing monday morning only to find a nice pile of dog poo right by the kitchen door. I was late to work as you'd imagine.

When I returned from work, I wasn't long in the kitchen when I realised the dog had peed all over the floor, another lengthy clean up by yours truly.

This morning Dad went downstairs and he found that the dog had been sick. At least I didn't have to clean it up.

Let's hope this isn't a sign of things to come in the dog senility world.

Values are genetic

2007-03-22T21:58:00.000Z

People generally get their basic views and values from their parents. What brought this home to me more than ever this week was two incidents.

The first was a colleague at work describing how he thought no one should buy things such as furniture unless they already had the cash. He is the sort of person who is deathly afraid to get into debt, and he mentioned his parents were the same. This got me thinking about myself and how I see things.

I have a difficult time accepting things from people. When I first atarted Uni I wouldn't let anyone buy me a drink even (although people who know me now, know that's not the case anymore), and I nearly had a fit when a dear friend of mine spent what I deemed to be far too much on my birthday present.

This brings me to the second incident, this same friend mentioned buying a bottle of champagne at some point and showed me a rather expensive bottle. I said it would have to be for a special occasion and he just laughed at me, asking me if I wasn't used to being spoilt. The truth is that I am rather spoilt, by my parents at least, but when it comes to other people it's a different matter. From a young age my parents encouraged me and my sister to be thankful for any gifts we may get but to never seek them out. Also to say things like, "you shouldn't have" and so on. This lead to utter confusion for my friend who thinks I should just let myself be spoilt.

Maybe I'll loosen up in the future, but for the mean time at least I'm a cheap date!

Lola's Guide to Pooing in Work

2007-03-20T22:07:00.000Z

1) Pick a time when the loo is at it's most secluded.

2) Get your business *ahem* done in there as quickly as possible.

3) Flush straight after, but before wiping. This is commonly known as a courtesy flush, and is a lifesaver if your poo would horrify (not Dr) Gillian McKeith.

4) Wipe and flush again.

5) Remember the loo brush is your friend, no one wants to see your skid marks.

6) Hopefully by following these steps then there should be no one around, and the toilet shouldn't smell (much). So take your time washing your hands, and head back to work.

Yes, as neurotic as I am I managed to poo in work (well I was desperate). I don't think I'll be making a habit of it, but it is kind of funny to think that while you're on the toilet you're still getting paid. The only thing that could be better is an overtime toilet trip. I sure hope my employers aren't reading this...

Where does the weekend go?

2007-03-05T00:03:00.000Z

Well here I am, the night before I have to go back to work for another week, wondering what black hole steals my weekend away from me? It all goes so quickly.

I haven't heard anything about an interview for that job I sent my CV to, so I feel a little unemployable (despite the fact that I'm currently employed). I'm going to go back to the drawing board on this CV of mine, initially it got me some nice results, but now it doesn't seem to be working at all. There is the fact that it's four pages long and the recommended length is 2 pages. I want to delete some of my past employment, seeing as it is irrelevant to the jobs I'm looking for.

On a lighter note after my last post I'm glad to say that people in work do seem to be using the toilet brush now. I've definitely won the battle on this one. Next up I plan to tackle women who just walk out of the toilet without washing their hands, yuck.

Let's talk about poo

2007-02-22T01:04:00.000Z

Warning: this post contains a lot of talk about poo.

I'll admit that whenever I'm in work, I spend a fair bit of time in the loo (toilet). This is mainly because I seem to have a tiny bladder, and whenever I try to drink water I need to go almost constantly. On a somewhat sneakier note though, we're not allowed to use our mobiles in work, and the toilet trips do provide an opportunity to check my messages, and maybe send a particularly important text. I'm sure everyone does it.

Anyway, that's not really my point. This week it seems, I've been going into the toilets after someone has had a poo (purely coincidentally, I'm not some sort of poo fetishist). Now, I realise not everyone is as neurotic as me (I refuse to go for a number two in work) and fair play to them if they need to do this and can. I don't mind the smell too much, in fact a few people open the window too so that's quite nice of them. What I do mind is walking into a toilet cubicle and seeing poo smeared around the toilet bowl. Have these people never heard of a toilet brush? There is in fact one sitting right next to the toilet and it wouldn't take much to use it. All I'm asking for is a little consideration, it isn't nice cleaning up someone elses mess.

And I thought women were meant to be the clean and tidy ones...

New Job?

2007-02-20T20:53:00.000Z

I had a phonecall today about a job. It's closer to home, so it could mean no more travelling an hour to get to work. It pays more money, which is money in the bank for fees for my next degree. It appears to be a similar type of work to what I'm doing now, and much more than that, it's permanent. I should be excited and looking forward to applying, but I'm not. I'm actually happy in my new department. I like the people I work with, and I feel part of a team, with goals to work towards. The work may be dull at times but the people definitely make up for it. I will apply for this job, don't get me wrong, but I'm not completely happy about it.

PS. It's pancake day! Go on, have a pancake, you know you want to. My personal recommendation is a bog standard pancake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and maple syrup. Mmmmmm.

The real pick of the fornight

2007-02-17T12:59:00.000Z

As per my last post here is my blurb about a blog. I've decided on a fortnight because I think I'd be too lazy to do it once a week.

Very recently I discovered a rather unusual blog. I've put it in my links under "personal blogs" but this blog is different from the normal bog-standard personal blog.

L'undone is a blog detailing a specific time in the blog writers' (Lolas') life. It's a rather unusual episode which she has decided to focus on, and although it mustn't have been entertaining to live through, this blog certainly leaves you needing to know how the whole thing ends. I wont give anything away as to the details of this incident, because there's no way that I could write it anywhere near as good as Lola has already done. She's an excellent writer, which makes me a tad jealous. So go and check it out and see how it all began.

If you're not already convinced then I will leave you with some of Lola's own words about her story; "Here is a tale of high-weirdness, big love, cyber-crime and the mutual insane obsession of two people that never even met. This blog is the true story of how it happened."

Pick of the [insert time limit here]

2007-02-17T12:50:00.000Z

Recently I'm finding myself browsing a lot more blogs than I ever have done before and occasionally I come across some really fantastic blogs. Now, while I do add these to my links at the side of this blog, I thought it may be fun to write a little blurb about some of them, as other than the categories I've put them in there is no real way to work out what they're about other than going and seeing for yourself.

So as a bit of inspiration for me (for when my life is so dull I couldn't possibly blog about it) I thought I'd take a pick of some good blogs and write about them in a post. I'll probably start with some of the blogs in my links, but if anyone wants to recommend a good blog to read, then I'm all ears.

I found me

2007-02-13T19:32:00.000Z

I found me, or rather I found my blog on a review site. Here is the review if you fancy a read. I agree with the comments made and hopefully shall take some of them on board in the near future.

I'm quite pleased now.

The Biscuit Theory

2007-02-12T18:25:00.000Z

While working in my new department at work I've developed a little theory. Take today for example, we had a workshop day over at our training building. Being at the training building invariably means tea (or coffee, for the weird ones among us) and biscuits are laid on in abundance for our breaks there.

So on to the theory. I feel that the optimum number of biscuits per cup of tea is three, making the cup of tea to biscuit ratio 1:3, plus or minus 2 biscuits, depending upon circumstances such as amount of biscuits on the tray in the first place. There were three opportunities during this day to have a cup of tea and biscuits, so taking the optimum number of biscuits this would equal nine biscuits consumed for the day (with a possible range of 3 biscuits to 15 biscuits).

My conclusion from this theory is that I'll never lose weight if I keep working here...

Just a quickie...

2007-02-10T21:17:00.000Z

Please vote for Merys (I'm not a drain on society) in the love to lead competition for a brand spanking new laptop. As she is a poor student, she is currently in great need of one of these, so please get voting for her!

That friday feeling

2007-02-10T12:13:00.000Z

Yesterday afternoon at about 15:45 (for those not in the know, that's when my working week finally comes to an end) I found myself wishing that my life could be a musical. Now, I'm not thinking that someone should make a musical of my life, because to be fair, that would be pretty dull, maybe apart from the poledancing bits...

No, what I mean when I say musical, is that I wish that songs would randomly play when I'm doing certain things. This friday I found myself walking down a corridor at work, on my way out of the building. The song I had stuck in my head was The Nolans, I'm in the Mood for Dancing. I couldn't help but think how cool it would be if people would start popping out of their offices to sing "do do do do do de de do do"

Well, share that friday feeling with me (despite it being Saturday) and have a listen to the song!

By the by, I'm hoping to get a new computer (not that there's anything wrong with my old one apart from it running Windows 98) but I'd like a new computer. Can anyone who knows a bit about computers recommend something? I've been looking at www.pcworld.co.uk, and I'm looking for something with 1gb of RAM, at least a 160 gb hard drive, costing around 500 quid give or take a few pounds. I've seen a few and can't make up my mind between them. Also I haven't a clue if I should get Vista or not, because I remember all the security flaws that were discovered when XP first went live. Help!

Zombie-fied

2007-02-07T23:55:00.000Z

I am so knackered right now. It's been a long day. I've just finished putting together a powerpoint for a teaching session I'm doing tomorrow, which I agreed to do at last minute (i.e. today), so it probably makes very little sense right now. I'll have to check it again when I'm more alive.

Also I passed my AED requal, depsite forgetting to call for an ambulance, but suffice to say that if (god forbid) I ever had to use the defib in real life, I would be pooing myself so much that the first thing on my mind would be calling in the professionals.

I'm too tired to write more, so night night.

PS. I just had a thought, the entire country is braced for snow tomorrow, wouldn't it be funny if it didnt happen, hehehehe.

Bah

2007-02-04T01:20:00.001Z

My hopes of winning the lottery have again been dashed, and this time I had actually bought a ticket...

Ah well maybe next year

2007-02-02T20:23:00.000Z

Well it's been an up and down week. Best not to ask anyway.

As for the 2007 Bloggies, I wasn't on the shortlist, which didn't come as a surprise to me. But what did come as a surpise to me was that several of my favourite blogs didn't make it in either. Well, barr the amazing Girl with a One Track Mind.

Anyhow, I'm using this as a reason to find more funky blogs to read, so please do as I do and have a read of the nominated blogs and vote.

I'm off out now, yay I have a social life!

A typical night out

2007-01-21T21:30:00.000Z

This is what happens when Lola gets tipsy and there are poles about. We should try to not let this happen in future as it leaves very painful bruises and aching muscles.

Hello all

2007-01-11T23:22:00.000Z

This will be the last time I post as a 21 year old. In half an hours time it will be my 22nd birthday, now hands up who thinks I'm old *puts hand up*.

Anyway tomorrow I'm off to London with my family for a birthday weekend to remember. Shopping, theatre and drinking. You can't beat it with a bouncer.

Finally there's still a tiny bit of time left to vote for your favourite blogs in the 2007 Blog Awards vote for me, it's my birthday! I'm kidding, vote for your favourites while there's still a chance to.

Right all, enjoy your weekend, I shall be enjoying mine, even if I will be 22.

Bloggies

2007-01-07T14:32:00.000Z

Just came across this: 2007 Weblog Awards. So vote for your favourite blogs as I know I will be.

As for how I'm doing right now, I had a bit of an upsetting night last night. Nothing I can't handle in the cold light of day, I just get on with it and put my brave face back on. But suffice to say I don't think discussing it further would help any. That includes the people who know me outside of the world wide web, I don't want to talk about it.

Anyhow, before the night turned bad I managed to learn a few new poledancing moves. I actually went upside down (with the help of a poledancing randomer), it didn't look good but it'll improve in time... Here's someone who's a lot better at me at poledancing, although I just learnt how to do the move she does at about 1 min 3 seconds, enjoy.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T11:40:00.000Z

Well it's now 2007 and I'm still left wondering where the heck 2006 went. So I decided to find out where the year disappeared by thinking over what were the highlights for 2006 for me, the best times, the worst times and the plain odd times. Carmelo inspired me to write this after I saw his post on the topic sorry for robbing off with your idea, Carmelo!

This day one year ago started off with me at a friends house celebrating the beginning of 2006. By about 2am I had managed to fall asleep on the floor using my best friends leg as a pillow, I don't think he minded too much. I didn't sleep for long and soon headed back to my house.
Note: This is a strange parallel of this year, where I stayed at home, fell asleep on the sofa in the early hours and woke up and went to bed at 6am.

As I'm a january baby the next highlight for me was my birthday. I was 21 years old and for the first time ever I had an exam on my birthday! I survived evil exams but only just, and made a resolution to study harder for my next exams (which I did). The fun came roughly two weeks after my birthday, when exams were over and a group of my friends and I painted the town red. It was the first time I'd ever been into Reflex, and although I didn't swing round the pole on this occasion, I did pose on it, leading to a rather infamous picture... Later in the year I would play on the pole and it would lead to bruises and an incomprehensible urge to play some more.

In 2006 I was chairperson for Links (up until the summer anyway) and therefore had all the stress associated with running a division, plus that of being in my last year at University. My hair was slowly coming out in rather worrying clumps in the shower. However 2006 was the year I managed to get it together, and not only did the unit survive me running it, but I managed to cope with my last exams and dissertation reasonably well.

In Jan 2006 my Dad started the job of decorating the hallway and dining room, and I'm pleased to report it was finally finished in October/November 2006. Only several months behind schedule.

I attended the Grand National, one of the biggest horse racing events in the world. I went with St John, as there was no way I'd be able to afford a ticket. The first day of it I was paired with a friend of mine by the parade circle. Highlights include us standing still too long in the cold and then being unable to move our legs, getting a cuppa while a race was on and having to gulp it down as we had to get back to our post before they cordoned off the area for the horses to come back in, getting soaked in the torrential rain while talking to some police officers (they were wondering why they were doing this, but at least they were getting paid, damn them), and returning to the first aid post after aforementioned drenching, looking a bit frostbitten and getting a nice sit down and a cup of tea in there. Good stuff.

The second day I was on the other end of the grounds and was with the now current chair of Links (my vice chair at the time), we were given an AED and when we got called to a something where we would have to use it, I was nearly pooing myself. We couldn't find the casualty and we were running like hell while I tried to get a more definite location from control over our radio. We ran into my best friend (a paramedic) and then we found the casualty, the ambulance service were already working on him, and we got stood down, thank goodness for that. My mate was laughing at me later on saying he'd never seen me move so fast in his life. This was also the day when I "got arrested". We were walking a casualty back to the first aid post when all of a sudden I felt something stop me, I looked behind me to find that the strap of my first aid kit had somehow brushed against the handcuffs of a policeman and the handcuffs had snapped shut on the strap. The policeman seemed as embarrassed as I was, and handed the handcuffs to his female colleague while he searched for the key. Other St John members who passed by stopped to take pictures... (excuse the edited picture, I just thought it would not be a good idea to post a pic on the web of the police officer). The final day wasn't as eventful, which is surprising considering the actual race is on that day. Alas I had forgotten to put a bet on as usual. The winner was Numbersixvalverde, which to be honest I don't think I would have bet on anyhow.

The Links weekend away was a good time, we went to county Durham, and as usual, had a little walk, drank a fair bit, and did activities. This years activities were archery (I rocked) and a tree-top rope course which scared the hell out of me at first and then led to me and a friend of mine referring to ourselves as "tree whores" as we were straddling every tree going. I also amused myself by hanging upside down on a wire suspended high above the ground. No pictures of that unfortunately. Other higlights include having to put on a play for the rest of the group, using a bag of props we got handed. This led to some bad chinese food puns, Scooby Doo, partial nudity and a monkey called Bubbles, that's all I'm going to say.

I got ill, for one of the first times ever. I had flu just as my dissertation was due in. I got a doctors note and an extention, and as a result I've now got a dissertation that makes sense.

I got offers from all of the schools of pharmacy I applied to, and chose Manchester as my first choice. I deferred entry until 2007.

I again survived exams, but the difference this time was that I knew what I was talking about on them.

I started my brief job as a lab technician at a college. The job held such highlights of getting hopelessly lost on my first day (my sat nav took me to the right road but in the wrong area), getting to make fake blood, microwaving hearts and denting my car.

As you can see my now linking to blog posts, this is when I first started my blog. I've chatted to some fabulous people through it, and as you can see from my first post, I never imagined that anyone other than my friends would read it. So thanks to everyone who's either read or commented on any of my entries on this blog (and thanks to anyone who's reading this doozy of a post, it is a bit long). I'm looking forwards to reading more blogs in this new year.

I graduated with a 2.1. It was my first degree and I loved doing it, even though I played harder than I worked for the first two years. I think in the last year I made up for it. I'm slowly losing my ability to remember all the drugs I learnt about, but hopefully my books, notes and vague memory of this degree should stand me in good stead for the next degree. I sometimes think that it would have been easier if I'd have applied for pharmacy in the first place, but although it would have saved me time and money I wouldn't be where I am now in terms of my emotional development. I wouldn't have met some of my best friends ever. So although it has taken me longer to do what I want to do I wouldn't change it.

I went on holiday to Turkey for the fourth year running. I wont say much here except it was an enjoyable holiday.

I had an interview for the pharmaceutical company I now work at. I thought I'd blown it with my jet lag related nattering, but for some unknown reason I was taken to work in the QC department.

I attended Creamfields as a member of St John, and I can't really say more than what I already posted here.

I went on the course I did to become a first aid trainer. It was hard work but fun, with lots of staying up late and drinking wine while planning our teaching sessions.

I placed third in the "So you think you can blog competition" on the blog Theory of Thought. Many thanks to Thethinker.

I went to London to see Wicked, and The Last Five Years.

I had fun dressing up for Halloween.

I got really bad tonsilitis and moaned a lot about it.

A friend of my sisters passed away.

I discovered baileys irish cream brownies, and ate way too many.

I had a good Christmas. I laughed at my sisters expression when she opened what she thought was a 25 quid bottle of champagne and turned out to be a bottle of bucks fizz. I then later got to see her face when she opened the real bottle of 25 quid champagne. I got dvds a-plenty, ate a huge meal and partied in the evening.

I got taken to a casino for the first time, didnt spend a single thing all night, and made 35 quid from a tenner, not bad for a first timer. We also had a meal in china town afterwards at about 2am with salty rice, yuck.

Then we come to New Years Eve. We had a chinese so big that I had to open my top jeans button. Then we saw in the new year at home and watched most of "2006 most annoying celebrities".

2006 has been a fast year, but eventful. I've done plenty of firsts. I've been hurt, and hurt others. I lost my temper on occasion. This was the first year I became a redhead, and right now the red is here to stay. I've partied hard, worked hard, and also been incredibly lazy. I have grown into a more mature, slightly sassy girl, who can be sensible when she tries, but most of the time she doesn't want to try.

Happy new year everyone, I hope 2007 will be a good year for all.

(Thanks to all who have read this far, why not post a comment just to say hi!)

Twas the night before xmas

2006-12-24T23:22:00.000Z

Well, it's about 1/2 hour to go til Christmas and so I'm posting this now, rather than tomorrow, as I doubt even I would be sad enough to post on Christmas day. Mum has chased me upstairs so she can wrap up my presents, thus ruining the idea that Santa is bringing the gifts. Then again, I am 21...

Anyhow, merry Christmas to you all, may your tipple glass of choice never be empty. Have a good time!

2006-12-23T15:41:00.000Z

The girl I mentioned in a previous post passed away today. We were told she went peacefully, and she was in no pain. My thoughts are with her, her family and her friends. Rest in peace.

Gooey chocolate irish cream goodness

2006-12-17T12:44:00.000Z

Ooh I honestly don't know why I've never baked Baileys Irish Cream brownies before, they're delicious and so addictive. I have the strangest feeling that I'm going to be waddling through Xmas if I eat any more of these gorgeous treats.

For anyone who wants to recreate the pleasure of eating these in their own home, I shall post the recipe. Be warned these are fudgy gooey type brownies, if you want more cake-like brownies either add more flour or only put in 4 eggs rather than 5.

Baileys Irish Cream Brownies

6 tbsp Baileys
5 large eggs
8 tbsp granulated sugar
250 g butter
150 g dark chocolate
60 g plain flour (this is a bit of an estimation, so you may need to pop a bit more/less in if you think it warrants it)
Chocolate chips (as many as you like me dears)

Icing (optional - but very tasty)

4 tbsp Baileys (or a little more if you're feeling merry)
3 tbsp butter
Icing sugar (as much as it takes to get to the consistency you want)

Method (I feel like I'm writing a scientific report here)

Melt the dark chocolate and butter together (I use a bowl over a pan of boiling water because I tend to burn the chocolate in the microwave, but if you are microwave-competant go for it), and allow to cool (sitting the bowl in a pan of cold water works great if you're impatient like me)

Break the eggs into a bowl and add the sugar, beat together, then add 3 tbsp Baileys and the cooled chocolate mixture. Mix and slowly add the flour, mixing well. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Line a baking tray with grease-proof paper, smear with butter and dust with flour if you like. Pour in the brownie mixture and allow to cook for about 20 mins at 200 °C. Test to see if they're done by sticking a cocktail stick into the middle. If it comes out with crumbs attached to it, it's done, if not give it another 5/10 minutes, and so on.

Once it's cooked pop it out the oven and let it cool. This bit is torture for me, as all I want to do is eat the warm brownies. But show some self-restraint and all will be well. Once cooled poke it with a fork a few times, randomly across the brownie surface, and drizzle the other 3 tbsp of baileys onto it.

Now for the fun frosting, melt the butter slightly in the microwave and mix with the 4 or more tbsp of baileys. Add icing sugar and mix until you reach the consistency you want. Then whack it on top of the brownies and voila, there you have it. All you have to do now is eat them, and trust me it wont take long.

Happy eating, I'm off to get another brownie.

Meh

2006-12-16T08:18:00.000Z

I wish this drug really did exist, I need it.

2006-12-06T19:14:00.000Z

Tonight I had some bad news. A girl my sister knows, who has cancer, is seriously ill in hospital. I've never personally met this girl, my sister has only met her a few times. I watched a documentary she was in, about her illness and how she was organising a fundraiser for her local hospital unit. In the documentary it was said that her cancer was terminal. At the moment she is estimated to live maybe another three weeks, it will be her last Christmas if she makes it that long.

She's 19 years old. It isn't fair is it?

My first rti...kinda

2006-12-03T11:45:00.000Z

Yesterday, despite being in my last recovery phase from my tonsilitis I decided to go out on duty to a Dickensian Day. This is a little event where people dress up in Victorian Era clothes and run stalls etc. I did have fun, I loved the costumes. My particular favourite was an old fashioned PC strolling around, complete with a cape.

I was technically down as third person (observer) on the ambulance there, but did nothing really for most of the day. I'd decided it was cold and stayed in the vehicle for the first part of the day. I did wander round for a bit, and become a bit more sociable later on. Myself and a few other members got a "hog roast" sandwich, they actually had a whole pig on a spit. On the way back to the vehicle I left my lunch with my paramedic mate and dashed into a coffee place for some hot drinks. When I returned, everyone (the I had gone for food with) and the vehicle had disappeared. Apparently while I'd been queueing for coffee they'd gotten a casualty and had gone to attend to them. I was a bit gutted that my lunch appeared to have gone awol too, and that I was stuck holding two hot drinks that were rapidly getting colder. It's always typical that the casulaties surface just as you get your lunch. Luckily my lunch hadn't been in the vehicle, and my paramedic friend soon returned and pointed me in the direction of my lunch. I gave him his latte. Vile drink.

When the vehicle got back I had been standing in the rain and had since mostly dried off but was a little cold, especially my feet which I couldnt feel. So I hopped in the back, and dozed off on the stretcher. My problem is that when I recovering from being ill, I jump back into things feet first and do daft things like stand around in the cold and wet weather, and do more than I should be doing. Then the tiredness usually hits me, so I sleep for a bit. When I wake up, it's more or less the end of the duty, so we say our goodbyes etc, and head back.

While on the way back to county, we came across an rti. Being in a big white ambulance we are somewhat implied to stop and see if all is ok. I was again asleep in the back, so got woken up by my paramedic friend shouting at me to wake up, and by my other friend flipping the lights in the back on and off to rouse me. No one was hurt but the accident was on a corner and had blocked off one lane of the road, so to avoid another accident two of us directed traffic. After the paramedic had made sure everyone was ok, he took over from me directing traffic and told me to sit in the ambulance and get warm. Good job really, as I could feel my throat starting to hurt again. The police showed up fairly quickly, and the tow truck a little while later, then once all was cleared they thanked us for our help and we all trundled off back to CHQ.

I personally was so tired that I fell asleep in my computer chair a while after I got back home...

My getting better post

2006-11-30T21:02:00.000Z

Well I'm recovering, slowly but surely. I have come the conclusion that it must have just been really bad tonsilitis. The only symptom I have left at the minute is my really swollen glands, and massive tonsils (they were apparently seeping pus at one point, which was a bit gross). On the bright side, no more fever, no more massive achiness, no more hurting ears, and even my dizzy spells are down to a minimum. I've had the past two days off work, which would probably make people suspect that I'd be blogging more, but realistically how much can you write about aimlessly surfing the net, having regular naps, and watching daytime tv all without getting out of my pjs?

I did go out yesterday on a trip to a ASDA, because there were some things that I couldn't get through the day without. This was my worst illness day, due to my fever, etc. So I waited for my co-codamol to kick in (it lowers my temperature, clears my head and helps with my aches and pains, although unfortunately couldn't do anything for the pain in my throat), wrapped up warm, and set out for the walk there. Yes, I had to walk, as Dad had kindly sodded off in the car to go work in. The walk there wasn't too much of a challenge, although I got paranoid with people staring at me on the way there. I have a few theories on this; a) I no longer look backward enough for this little town so people see fit to point and stare at the "outsider", b) I'm just so bloody attractive they can't help but stare (I'm thinking this is a fairly unlikely theory...), or c) I looked so wretched that they felt the need to stare at this tonsilitis-ridden zombie hag. I'm hoping it's a) but have a sad feeling it could be c).

Once in ASDA I'll admit I impulse shopped, which wasn't good as when I'm ill I don't have all my marbles about me. I bought a small tub of clotted cream which had been reduced, due to it going off today. The thing about clotted cream is, I tend to eat it on scones, and the thing about my current affliction is, I can't eat solid food as it hurts too much to chew and swallow. So I bought clotted cream that will go to waste because I don't fancy eating it gone the expiry date.

The walk back home nearly killed me, it's all uphill. I got in, had my food and then had a lie down on the floor as dragging myself to the sofa required too much effort. After that I disappeared upstairs for a three hour long nap.

A lovely mate of mine, who I adore, bought me some oraldene. I gave him the clotted cream to say thank you. He also gave me a muffin, which is currently torturing me as I can't eat solids yet. Grrr.

I'm back in work tomorrow for my last day in this department, so I'm going to put on a surgical mask and gloves and make them some crispie cakes.

The evilness that is tonsilitis

2006-11-27T21:56:00.000Z

Yes, I'm fairly certain that I've got tonsilitis. I thought I'd gotten over that stage in my life but apparently not. My throat is swollen, it hurts to swallow and it's even affecting my ears. Where are a nice packet or three of strepsils when you need them? I eat them almost like sweets when I've been like this in the past, and yes I am aware that that is technically an OD but it hasn't done me any damage so far.

I'm only moaning on here because if I moaned to a particular mate of mine, he'd make me try some of the foul smelling cough syrup he has. It appears to be Russian in origin and looks like a bottle of cough syrup, but the fun begins once you look at the ingredients list. The list begins with some nasty sounding chemicals, I can't recall their names off-hand but trust me, they don't sound edible. We then move on the ingredients that worried me in particular; chloroform is in there, something that people will probably recall as a film noir method of incapacitating someone (or as an old anaesthetic), but is also a toxic substance. A nice little sentence on Wikipedia states "Chloroform once appeared in toothpastes, cough syrups, ointments, and other pharmaceuticals, but it has been banned in consumer products in the United States since 1976." Anaesthetic ether is also listed amongst the ingredients, another anaesthetic. I do remember using this stuff in a lab practical, for knocking out fruit flies.

None of these ingredients make me want to get near to the stuff, although I did ask him what he thought about it and apparently one gulp of the stuff is enough to stop you coughing for hours. Somehow I'm not surprised.

Edit: After a night of tossing and turning with a fever, I'd gladly take the health hazard cough syrup just so long as I got to sleep peacefully (no doubt I would with the chloroform).

I did sleep well in the end but only after a dose of co-codamol and only for two hours. Now I have the hours drive to work...

Edit Edit: Scratch what I said earlier, I don't have tonsilitis, I have the flu. Owww, I'm so achy! Well I hope it's the flu because if not it could be meningitis. Mum is standing with her trusty, freezing cold glass at the ready in case I get a rash.

Things to do before I die

2006-11-24T07:16:00.000Z

I've been thinking again, of the list of things I want to do before I die. I dug up my old list from an old blog posting of mine (not on here) and have been browsing through it to see what I've completed, the answer is not a lot really...

* See the pyramids Yes, I still want to do this at some point in my life. When I was younger I was semi-obsessed with Egyptian mythology, and still have Egyptian art work on my walls. Seeing the pyramids would be an almost spiritual trip for me

* Go to Italy (Venice, Florence, etc) Again, another one I'd still like to do, but havent gotten around to going. I'd like to go Venice for my birthday weekend, but as I'm a winter baby my mum is slowly turning me off the idea, even though I wouldn't be going for the weather

* (Re)Learn French Tut, tut, I always say I shall do this one, and I never do, well apart from today when I decided that I should think with a french accent. Don't judge me, work was dull and it amused me for about half an hour

* Learn another language, maybe Italian or Turkish If you look back on this blog then you'll see a post in which I aimed to be conversational in Turkish by next summer. Have I started learning Turkish? No, would be the quick answer. I think I'm too lazy for this list

* Learn to pole dance properly (with all the tricks like going upside down etc) This one I am closer to doing, I've found a school, I'm rounding up a few friends to come along, and I plan to book a doctors appointment to check that my back won't disagree with this form of exercise

* Go all the way to the top of the Eiffel TowerI haven't even been to France since making this list, I have been up the Eiffel tower before, just not all the way to the top

* Ski down a black slope (the most advanced I've been on was a red one a few years back) Again, I haven't even been skiing since writing this list

* Drive to either Scotland or down south (anywhere that takes around 4 or more hours to get to) Yay, something I've finally done! I drove down to Hertfordshire for my trainers course.

* Own a motorbike Can't afford a motorbike...

* Visit New York Can't afford a trip to New York...

* Stay up all night to see the sunrise Meh, I work now, I see the sunrise when I'm driving to work of a morning

* See a total eclipse of the sun (I was abroad for the one in England, how gutting?) Don't think there has been another since I wrote this list

* Travel first class I nearly got the chance to when I went down to London shopping, but I decided to go for the dirt cheap tickets instead, yay for being tight with money

* Learn to play piano properly Well the keyboard isnt set up at the moment, it's in a cupboard

* Go on holiday with a very large group of friends Can't afford to go away with a large group of friends... I'm sensing a pattern

* Learn how to do a somersault off a wall This has been one of my ambitions for a while, but I'm old and decrepid and have a bad back now

* Be a cool old person with most of their marbles I like to think I've already achieved that one *winks*

* Make the most of my life Not really one I can achieve fully until I croak

* Live in another country for a period of time

* Buy a house I'm not sick of my family, no, not at all...

* To never lose my loveliness

* To see Rent at the cinema several times with different people That one didn't quite work out as only one cinema near us was showing it, and that was about an hour away and only for a couple of weeks. As it worked out didn't get to see it at the cinema at all

* Write something original I don't think I have anything original to write

* See all the films I keep meaning to see This one came about because I have never seen Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, etc etc

* Become a trainer I'm halfway done, just a few more things to sort out before I'm fully qualified

* Say something really profound for my last words Knowing my luck it'll be something really daft instead

* Go to the 2012 Olympics to see the gymnastics That I really want to do

* Reach 88 mph in my car (all you Back to Future fans should realise why) I've done that, it was a bit of an anti-climax really, no sparks, no travelling back in time, damn flux capacitor must be broken

* Organise a Murder Mystery Event I actually have a boxset for this, but again haven't bothered my bottom to do anything about it

* Graduate from University I managed it with a 2.1

* Learn sign language It would be a good thing to learn but again I haven't bothered

* Learn how to make numerous cocktails and even invent a few of my own Mmmm, cocktails

* Organise a big fundraising event for St John Ambulance I don't think I can be bothered with that one

Anyway, that was my list. No doubt it shall be chopped and changed before long. What got me on this topic again was the book I've recently read. It didnt have much to do with doing things before you die, but it was more like setting a task and seeing what came of it. A comedian Carey Marx attempted to find a wife in under six months, this led him on an entertaining and amusing journey as portrayed in the book, "Marry Me". It's a good read, and I'd certainly recommend it. I read it in two days, and most of it was read in tea and lunch breaks at work.

Random job stuff

2006-11-17T17:16:00.000Z

Remember back in July, when I first got the job I have now, and said it was a four month contract? Well it should come as no surprise that my contract is due to finish at the end of this month. However my lovely team leader knew this and upon overhearing that another department on site was looking for a temp, he suggested me for the role. It's only to Jan 31st but anything right now is better than nothing. To cut a long story short, today I found out that I have this new contract for definite. It is in analytic technology, and is more so involved with drugs that the company is developing.

Along with this change of scenery comes a better job title. From the 4th of December I shall no longer be an Analyst, but a Scientist. I feel quite excited, I may have to change this blog to Lola's Cherry Cola Laboratory, although it doesnt quite have the same ring. I'm excited about this move, but at the same time, absolutely petrified. I think I'll be expected to know things that I don't really know. All this previous job has taught me is how to follow a method step by step, and sometimes I couldn't even manage that... We'll just have to wait and see how it goes.

Speaking of work, the other day I heard something that surprised me, and then made me titter. The company I work for is apparently still producing aerosols with CFCs, although this is the last year they will be produced. It surprised me as the company is otherwise very engaged with trying to be an eco-warrior, persuading us not to print out unnecessary things, to print two pages to a sheet where appropriate, to turn off lights, equipment and computers when we are not using them, and starting off a big recycling quest. One of my co-workers said that apparently when it was first discovered that CFCs were harmful to the environment our company stock-piled a hell of a lot of CFC propellant, so they could keep using it long after it had to be stopped being produced. That was what made me titter, I could just imagine the board room conversation...

Underling: Have you heard about our CFC propellant damaging the environment?
Managers: No. Quick, lets buy some more before it runs out!

Oh dear.

As for today, work didn't like me. I made stupid mistakes and then a sample set was playing up so I can't process my results until monday. But coming out of the carpark I saw my first robin for the winter, and he cheered me up. Yes I'm easily pleased, but then again if I wasn't I'd be walking around in a foul mood constantly. Be happy that I'm easily pleased.

Lest we forget

2006-11-12T23:08:00.000Z

Remembrance day was today and I spent the majority of it at services. As a member of St John Ambulance I helped to cover the main service in the town centre. The service was moving and a pleasure to watch over. The one thing that slightly spoilt the day for me was during the two minute silence, when a family strolled over, stood in front of us and started having a conversation. You'd think that with everybody else being quiet, they would have gotten at least a hint that they shouldn't be speaking, but no, they seemed to be fairly oblivious. Now I dont have a problem with people who personally don't want to observe the two minute silence, but they should have the decency to go elsewhere and conduct their conversation there, rather than distracting those who are trying to pay their respects for those who died in battle. Just my two pence worth.

The second service we attended was a spur of the moment thing for me, as a friend of mine who was giving me a lift mentioned he was going, so why not. I got there and was horrified to find that first aid cover was technically not needed there, and that we all had to march in the parade. St John Ambulance has a military side to it, which involves drill practice etc. Having joined at University I had not been exposed to that side of it (and dont think i'd have lasted very long in the organisation if I had). So this led to things being said like "Right dress" and me standing around wondering what the hell it meant. I don't seem to know my right from my left, and the girl in front of me, bless her, could not swing her opposite arm to opposite leg, so I had to concentrate on someone else to keep step as she was confusing me. Finally I had my fmb's on and they really hurt me when we had to stay still for long periods of time. Never again.

I wasn't impressed with the sermon at the service either, it was patronising. Yes I did agree with many of the points, but I disagreed with others. War is something I am strongly against, many people lose their lives, and the thought of it makes me feel ill. I think Captain Hawkeye Pierce put it best when he said that war was worse than hell, because "In hell, there are no innocent bystanders, war is full of them." I recognise the sacrifice these men and women made, and I respect them deeply, but I have no respect for the reason why they died. I understand that there can be "just" wars, but a lot of wars aren't always "just".

Anyway, before this turns into another rant I'd just like to remember the men and women who have died in any war, the war veterans, and the families who have lost loved ons in combat. May we never forget their sacrifice.

A summary of my week

2006-11-04T21:34:00.000Z

(A repost as Bloggr has somehow managed to delete it before, good job I had it saved in a file already)

I forgot to mention in an earlier post that we had a visit from the big cheese at work, the site director. I managed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time by stumbling into our teams lab while he and my team leader were in there. I immediately went all quiet, what with being near an important person who probably could fire me on the spot if he wanted. My team leader introduced me, and although I answered any questions, I hadn't been that monosyllabic since the heart incident. It was cringe-worthy, and I quickly made my escape to another lab. Here's hoping I don't accidently run into the next set of auditors that come around.

I did promise a picture of myself in costume, however I'm a little shy about it now. One of my mates was teasing me by saying that pic was close to pornography. Although in saying that I think I'll have to post it now just to reassure you all that it wasn't at all that bad. Grrr, now blogger isnt letting me post it. It is seriously just a normal picture, I'm fully dressed, it isn't bad. You'll have to trust me for now. (Actually here it is as now while re-posting blogger has decided to play)

Today I'm planning a nice little shopping trip into Liverpool, I shall get myself a nice hat, gloves and scarf set seeing as the weather recently is definitely not agreeing with me. I'm not used to the cold! And I think a delicious minted lamb baguette is in order. The best thing is, I can definitely say to my mum that I'm not going into Liverpool just for a minted lamb baguette, that's just a highlight.

Finally I've found pharmacist blogs! I knew they had to be there somewhere and they are. I shall post a few for your viewing pleasure.

The Angry Pharmacist: A fabulous read, and an interesting insight into the profession. Also fun to read the rants about different types of customers that frequent the pharmacy.

Your Pharmacist may hate you: Another great read. Amusing and entertaining. Again from a pharmacist in a retail environment. Many rants about idiotic people.

I'll be lucky if those two don't put me off my future career...

Jim Plagakis: Interesting situations and moral decisions that can affect pharmacists.

There are a few more I've found but I'll let you browse over these if you get a chance.

I apologise for the dry posts from me recently, it seems my life is devoid for humour for now, maybe I can pick some up in Liverpool today.

Toodles

All Hallows Eve, amongst other things

2006-11-01T23:00:00.000Z

Well the water was safe for human consumption from monday onwards, which brought an end to the "dying for a cuppa syndrome". Apparently the culprit was a corroded pipe, although how that would turn the water blue is beyond me.

Yesterday as we all know was Halloween, and to celebrate I went out on monday for a halloween social. Ended up at Popworld and swung around every single pole in the place. Yes I'm aching again. I'm seriously looking into this poledancing as exercise now, because I can very well believe it! I was also dressed as a cat, so apparently my tail looked very cute swinging about while I played on the pole. I wish I could have a real tail...

So a fun time was had by all, and now I really need to sleep. I may post a picture of my costume when I'm less sleepy.

The day the water turned blue...

2006-10-29T22:31:00.000Z

Well allegedly turned blue anyhow. And also it wasn't today, it was friday. We got told not to use the water at work, and no we couldnt boil it to drink either. So I was obviously gasping for a drink after they told me that. Odd how I don't usually want something until I'm told I can't have it. Some people had already gotten something to drink, and turned a nice shade of white when we told them the water was contaminated.

Don't worry, we didn't die of thirst (and those who had already drunk the water didn't die either, which was nice). Some bright spark suggested going to buy bottles of water, so no one missed out on their morning cuppa. It was mid-afternoon by the time someone mentioned that someone from another lab had concentrated the water and it was a strange bright blue colour. This may have just been random hearsay, but I'm glad I didnt drink the stuff.

Hope things are all back to normal tomorrow otherwise we wont be able to do any testing!

And people say my hometown smells...

2006-10-18T19:28:00.000+01:00

I'm a little calmer today. The last post was a good way to vent off steam because I was so upset. No, I'm being serious. I've met the lead singer of the Uncoventionals, Drew, several times when he was performing in Taboo and he is a sweetheart (see pictures here and here). So I felt gutted for them, and I hope they continue to try to prove themselves as a group, as every one of them are top notch singers.

Now on to a different topic, today I finally regained my sense of smell (well I could breathe through my nose as the cold I've had is wearing off) and soon enough wished that I hadn't. Some foul stench surrounded my workplace today, a very "agricultural stench" as one of my collegues put it. I was literally dry heaving while I walked to my car it was that bad. It wasn't the first time today that I'd been heaving either, my dog had been sick again this morning, and yours truly ended up cleaning it up. Although to look on the bright side, at least I didn't walk right through it again.

I must say there's been a lot of comments to the last post I did, where are all you people coming from? Not that I'm not pleased that people are reading my blog, please come in, have a cherry coke, or whatever tickles your fancy. It's just that I can't remember being out and about "blog whoring" recently. Oh come on, we've all done it at least once...

Tw*t of the week

2006-10-14T21:54:00.000+01:00

I don't usually do this, but tonight, the british public, you get a tw*t of the week award for sending home The Unconventionals from Xfactor, while keeping in people who really didn't deserve to be there. Hope you're pleased with yourselves.

I have a life (and yes I still lied)

2006-10-12T12:45:00.000+01:00

Yes, still no post about embarrassing crushes, I'm starting to lose hope. Anyhow, I'm going out tonight, so I'm not in work until monday now. Yay!

I've just had my hair done, so it is now bright red again, I may post a pic when I get one. I also have a firnge which I'm not sure if I like. The last time I had a fringe wa about 14 years ago, so it'll take some getting used to.

As a sidenote, the job is still getting me down a little bit. But I amuse myself. I have recently discovered that my access pass works under my labcoat. This is great because I dont have to go rooting around in a dodgy area to pull out the pass only to tuck it back in once I'm through the door. All I have to do now is stand on my tiptoes and thrust my boobs towards the electronic thingy. This is not only fun to do but also allows me to imagine I have magic boobs that will allow me access to the labs (although to be fair it wouldn't be the first time my boobs had gotten me somewhere).

Anyways, thats all for now, me and my magic boobs are going to get prepared for tonight. Cya.

I lied...

2006-10-03T20:58:00.000+01:00

I know I promised you all a post about inappropriate crushes next and that post is in the working, but for now I have a semi-scientific post. Yes, I've been reading my New Scientist magazine again. Well, to be honest the post isn't completely scientific, just a little bit of news.

Apparently more and more employers are "spying" on their employees online. This mainly goes for work computers, which to be honest I think they have a right to see what goes on on. Nothing wrong with making sure your employees aren't slacking. However, did you know that if you go for an interview, the interviewing company has probably "googled" your name, and looked to see if you have a profile on websites such as myspace? It's a scary thought isnt it?

I personally have a Myspace account. I don't think anything too incriminating is on there, but you never know what exactly potential employers may find off-putting. Then there is this blog. I think most bloggers do realise that there is a small chance of being disciplined/fired/never getting a job if their blog is discovered (of course if you're just posting pictures of your cat then I doubt you have anything to worry about).

As I'm not posting pictures of my cat, this has led to a slight mini panic attack from me attempting to find my blog by googling my real name, luckily enough I don't think I can find it that way. Don't get me wrong, a blog can be something desirable to a company. Certain companies like employing bloggers as they know we can string a few sentences together. At the same time though, you could bet that the company is watching the blog making sure nothinng derogatory or sensitive about the company was posted.

Hmm, another thing for me to worry about now.

I got tagged

2006-10-01T20:30:00.000+01:00

Well, for a bit of a change I got tagged by Secret Sara. So for a bit of fun I thought I'd give it a whirl.

1. The last movie you saw in a theatre, and current-release movie you still want to see.

Well, since I'm not a big movie buff, the last film I saw at the cinema was Keeping Mum (last winter). And I actually have two movies I want to currently see, Hoodwinked, and The Black Dahlia

2. The last movie you rented/purchased for home viewing.

Rent, a fantastic film which was sodding well not advertised over here at all, and disappeared from the cinema screens before I had the chance to see it there.

3. A movie that made you laugh out loud.

Um, plenty have. The most recent one I saw that amused me was Scary Movie 4

4. A movie that made you cry.

If I want a movie that will make me cry there is one that will do it every time, and that is Steel Magnolias. I sob at that film. Rent has a similar effect but I havent seen it as many times as Steel Magnolias. If I want a tv show that will make me cry then it will be in season 5 of Angel, the episode known as A Hole in the World. Angel fans will know what I'm talking about.

5. A movie that was a darling of the critics, but you didn't think lived up to the hype.

Lost in Translation. Yes I enjoyed it, but I don't think it was as good as the critics were making out.

6. A movie that you thought was better than the critics.

I can't recall a film the critics have slated, but favourite underrated films of mine include Basil the Great Mouse Detective, Death to Smoochy, and Rent

7. Favorite animated movie

Basil the Great Mouse Detective, a brilliant Disney film which has somehow being overshadowed by others from the same time period. It was the first Disney film to use CGI animation and it starred Vincent Price as the nefarious villain, Ratigan. It was a play on Sherlock Holmes which is probably part of the reason I started reading Sherlock Holmes. Is it sad that at the age of 21 I can still reel off dialogue from this film perfectly?

I also adore Ice Age, Diego rocks!

8. Favorite Disney Villain.

Well after reading my favourite animated film how can my favourite villain be anyone but Ratigan? I mean come on, Vincent Price is a legend!
Scariest villain was probably Ursula once she went all big and tried to kill everyone.

9. Favorite movie musical.

Rent, but I also adore Little Shop of Horrors. Rick Moranis is a legend. Moulin Rouge is another favourite.

10. Favorite movies of all-time (up to 5).

1. Back to the Future; my all time favourite film. I want a time travelling delorian, preferably with a young Michael J Fox.
I cant really list the rest in an order so its all the films I've mentioned so far, plus a few others.

Apparently now I'm supposed to tag other people to do this, so I'll mention a few and if you fancy something to do, then do it. I pick Carmelo, The Natural Blue, Karen, The Thinker and Richard (you can do it on your Myspace, I know you read this, there's no escape, mwhahaha). Anyway normal blogging shall resume shortly, hopefully with an amusing post about inappropriate crushes.