Fresh

We had a lovely Christmas.

The midnight mass was not at midnight because of weather conditions.

We ate sensibly and we cannot bear to eat anymore.

So we went out and have some fresh air and eat some more.

No 7 is Decked

Today

The mist had lifted

My mist remains

Happiness

Contented

Pleased

Cheerful

Glad

Jovial

Merry

but

the best thing is:

HAPPINESS

Seven Hours in London

The underground is the best way to travel but you have to be good with colours.

Do not take the bus; you will be stuck in traffic.

Do not place your tube ticket next to your mobile phone. I learned the hardway :-)

The pace is fast and frantic.

Do wear comfy shoes - because of the above.

Shops are bigger; items dearer.

Londoners are a bit grumpy first thing in the morning (7.00 am).

The only place open for breakfast at 7.00 am is McDonalds.

The only open fast food in the service station in the M25 is McDonalds (and KFC).
Do not take the coach.
If you do make sure you are not travelling with a screaming two year old.

Make sure you travel with friends you like - I did and we had a great time!

Too Random

Finally the boiler is sorted which cost us an arm and a leg. The roof repaired which had cost us our whole body. The car's loose wire is fixed for free (?!)but we have to wait for 6 lonnnggggg weeks.

I am so tired and so worn out at work. I need to step back and to look at work on a different perspective. It is only work.

I am enjoying Strictly Come Dancing. I wish I can dance but I also want to be a chef when I grow up after watching a lot of Masterchef.

I have rediscovered having baths. It is sooo soothing. It takes away aches and pains. I should look for nice smellies.

The dark nights are setting in. We have turned the clocks back.
We have September weather in October.
The leaves have turned. I took photos.

Having coffees with Dennis lunch break on Thursday is a great thing.

I have re read some books and now I know why I have not given them away.

I decluttered and had sent a box back home and a bag for the charity shop. How cathartic.

I crave for trashy food.
I have eaten a box of M&S redcurrant Puffs. I am stull hungry.

I like my new pair of autumn boots. I like winter and wear coloured tights.

The End for now.

Forty Three

Number Game

For what it is worth I was stuck in traffic outside Durham at 9.09 on the 09.9.o9!

So I Ask

Should one be happy at work?

Any answer?

Dizzying Speed

I did my first stretch of Motorway Driving last night. My instructor took me to A1 south and then turned off to A19 a dual carriage way back to Chester le Street.

I did not realise that my instructor’s car had to be free of Learner signs and any other information telling everyone that the driver is a terrified novice with very sweaty hands gripping the steering wheel for dear life.

After successfully leaving the slip road and hitting the accelerator in a dizzying speed and finding the fifth gear somewhere I began to breathe again.

‘Though this driving malarkey makes my already nervous disposition worse but I know time will come where I will be able to take Dennis for a long drive and yes come back home alive!!

Bedroom with a View

Weird and wonderful British summer!!

Domesticity Dennis style

Dennis is taking the car to the garage for some sort of maintenance. The other day amber light flashed in the dashboard. Dennis phoned the garage who advised him to take the car in.

By the way the guy on the phone said: Are you sure that the light is amber and not red? Because if it was red you have to immediately stop the car and call for assistance.

Well it is so good to know that!!

I packed Dennis some lunch and a book because I have a feeling he will be in the garage for a long time.

Anyway, around 9.30 am Dennis phoned me that the car is fixed and there were sort of some loose wiring from the accelerator to engine – blah and more blah.

So he is at home and would I email him the list of food shopping because he will do the shopping. Ahhh, I was so pleased and after going OTT thank yous I emailed him the list.

Then the phone rang again – Dennis on the line. He thought he will load the washing but will my dress (floral one) and two tops (black and grey stripes) go to the wash or are these items for hand wash only? Bless him – I said these items are for hand wash only please but the rest of the clothes can go to the machine.

I have this big smile as I put the phone down – I am so looking forward to the weekend now with some jobs already halfway done – what else do I need to do. Oh yes make the tea but I do not mind.

Hmm, bliss.

My (un) Wish

I wish that I understand other drivers especially

• the white van drivers and
• drivers using big luxury cars and
• drivers using massive 4x4 cars.

I do not wish to drive like

• white van drivers and
• drivers using big luxury cars and
• drivers using massive 4x4 cars.

Happy Birthday Dennis

Dennis birthday today and we went out for a meal with his mom.

Interesting converstation during lunch:

Mommy Eve: Dennis how does it feel to be 61?

Dennis: Better than it feels to be 83!

Well I am pleased it did not spoil dinner and the blowing of candles on three cupcakes.

Quickie

Eternal downpour, relentless rain, I was wet and not wild about it. Somebody turn that tap off.

Mirror Signal Maneuvre

Finally after two Christmases and 2 Wimbledons and 110 lessons I passed my driving test on my second attempt. I had three minor faults - not bad - oh please just allow me to brag!!

Happy is an understatement! I am still high as a kite and I need to go back to earth. Too happy too high that I seemed to be kissing everyone. I started with my driving examiner then to my driving instructor. To be honest I could have kissed everyone in the driving test centre car park!

Amsterdam Report

It is Gladys special birthday and she thought the best way to celebrate it is to have a mini cruise to Amsterdam!!

Everything (check in, immigration control and boarding) was on time except us who forgot to adjust our watches (apparently we should be in Amsterdam time which is + 1 hour the moment we stepped in the boat) therefore we were very late for our dinner at 6.30 pm. We appeared in the restaurant an hour late. Good start but staff managed to find a table for us so everyone was happy.

After dinner, we explored the boat’s upper deck (very windy), 2 bars (very full of merry people) and of course the duty free shop. After a spot of shopping we settled for cocktails and enjoyed the last 30 minutes of the live band’s repertoire of Eagle’s songs.

We tried to have an early night because of an early start the next day.

Breakfast was full English with freshly brewed coffee. Then we were ready to disembark and explore Amsterdam.

No not yet… we had to wait for 45 minutes for the disembarking manoeuvres (duh?); wait another 10 for immigration control and another 15 for the sightseeing tour bus to fill. I was ready to have a sleep by then.

Pointers from tour guide:

· Men and women in Amsterdam share toilets. Her tip: Use toilets in hotels or restaurants.
· Amsterdam has coffee shops and cafés and make sure you know the difference
· You can take us much ‘stuff’ in cafés but please do not take out.
· Cyclists have their own lanes and they do not stop for pedestrians.
· There are hundreds of museums so visit one that you really are interested in.
· Canal tours last an hour and it is recommended to explore Amsterdam’s architecture
· Best way to travel from one point to the other is by tams.
· We should be in the meeting point 10 minutes before 4.00 pm or we find (and pay) our own way to the port.

The bus dropped us off next to Hotel Victoria. And following the tour guide’s advice we went straight in to use the toilets.

After successfully crossing the street (the business of avoiding trams and cyclists was totally stressful!); we caught the 11.30 am canal boat trip. It was a good introduction of the city – the route was picturesque and architecture was amazing.

Off the boat and into the tram to visit Van Gogh’s museum. Because we bought our museum tickets from Hotel Victoria we jumped the long queue in the entrance and breezed through security. It is such a shame that we have to rush through the collection but it was an experience to be up close with VVG’s masterpieces. Shhh, I took a photo of the Sunflowers.

We missed our stop to visit the shopping mall so we ended up in the side streets (that does not sound right ;-). Hmm, very very interesting window displays and we also passed by the cafés that our tour guide mentioned. I have to say that everyone in that place certainly looked very chilled and on top of the world.

After the customary souvenir shopping we headed back to the meeting point. I was shattered and fell asleep as we headed to the port.

We rested for an hour and then had our dinner. We did some more duty free shopping and met up with Filipino crew in the boat.

A glass of mojito and a cupcake --- probably does not complement but truly a very good way to end our day!!

Daddy - Happy Father's Day!!

I remember... I can still remember... everything.

I miss you dad.

Too close for comfort

It was an assault to the senses one morning!!!

Yay- sun!!

Slowing down on Mothering Sunday

We have had a hectic week. Now I know why Dennis and I had that relaxing weekend in the Botanics Garden - to prepare us for the crazy days ahead.

Mother in law was admitted to hospital Tuesday night. She had bronchitis - possibly not too scary if you were not 83 years old. Because I am at work Dennis did all the afternoon visits (3.00 - 4.00) and then from work we did the evening visit (6.00 - 7.00). We were pleased that mother in law responded to treatment and more pleased that she was discharged Friday afternoon.

This is outside Ward 5. Look mother in law stood out in her hot pink dressing gown.

Mother in law was with us for Sunday dinner. Thought we will have some Christmas pudding - I know it is May but why not it is Mother's Day (in the Philippines!).

After dinner I phoned mommy in Tangub to greet her Happy Mother's Day. He he he mommy was watching her favourite tv programme so I need to hurry ;-). Mommy said to extend her greetings to my mother in law as well. Sorry mommy, mothering Sunday in the UK was last March.

This was taken February - mommy's 73rd bithday.

What a Day

Wet and cloudy, stuck in traffic at 5.30!!

Saturday Day out

The University's Botanic Gardens.

Blue Bells

I am with Durham University for almost seven years but I have not visited the University's Botanic Gardens. Dennis and I were in for a surprise - especially when we ventured to Houghall Woods - which is part of the Gardens.

Gotcha Babes!!

Intriguing Babes?

Sheep Attack

PS No sheep was harmed in the production of this photo.

Raise view house

The best place to be in Grasmere Village.

Tin for Ten

Ten years ago I said yes to him. Ten years on we had almost perfected the art of me talking and him listening; me more English and him more Filipino.

We spent the weekend in the Lakes.

We had laughed and we had cried - we even cried laughing.

Caption Please

Road works are everywhere in England all year round - every junction, every main road, every side road...when I saw this sign in our church grounds last week I was just lost for words.

Gremlins

I just notice that some of my blog entries already posted were reposted. I don't have any idea how this come about. I know I am trigger happy with the mouse and the keyboard but I am not that clever to repost blogs.

Be careful the gremlins are about...

Today

Is a good day to go back to work.

Why? It is murky; it is foggy; it is misty. I will not be watching the sun from my office window and I will not go out for lunch and wishing not to go back to work.

So today is a good day to go back to work.

Sunny Easter Morning

Happy Easter.

Glorious sunshine.

Indeed - happy fault is conquered.

Fresh start

New beginnings.

Lost in Translation Part 3

I receive the email below today. This is a classic example that your computer cannot really help you when it comes to checking your spelling.

do i haev any ma diss studnets?
i odnlt seem to heav heard fomr anybody
haev i been getting them mixed up
am i going mad
hev i gone mad already

what is yo rview on this delaicte issue

Palm Sunday

Sun continued to shine.

Palm Sunday ushers in the beginning of the Holy Week. And the church was in a buzz. The young kids were distributing blessed palm fronds and youth group members were taking individual photos of parishioners. These photos will be used to create a collage of the face of Christ. Let us see how this turned out.

The thought that it will be Easter soon had had given me a jolt. I was still in the Philippines on Ash Wednesday. I remembered that my mom sent my sister a text while we were in Pizza Hut reminding us to fast and abstain on that day.

My world is so busy and noisy and I am so caught up with work and with timetables and with the secular and the worldly that I fail in keeping my Lenten promises.

If only I can do more of things I do not do a lot and less of things I do often I will be happier.

More stillness less chatter

More reflection less doing

More focus less distraction

More for others and less of self

I might be starting late (Easter Sunday soon) but again that is the beauty of God’s love – we know there is forgiveness and we can either start late or all over again!!!

Freaked out Friday

The alarm went the normal time (6.00 am) but I turned over and switched it off. I went out last night; came home early but with a full stomach I did not go to bed straightaway.

Dennis has to take me to work early (7.45 am) because he needs to pick his mother up early (8.45 am) for his mom’s quarterly perm. And yes, I flew out of bed 7.00 am. I had literally 45 minutes to shower, get dry, and get dressed. I skipped breakfast.

I stuffed my bag with anything (banana and scones) I can have as breakfast at work trying to remember what I have in my desk drawer: a packet of crisp and sunflower seeds. No good.

We were out from the house 7.42 – with me out of breath and hopefully not out of my mind and wishing that the day will give me enough time to repair wrecked nerves.

Brush(ed) with Fame

MM, a cousin and I were in Robinson's Malate waiting for Auntie Fe. A woman approached me

Woman: Can you take my photo with Jerry? Pointing to a tall man in white shirt.

Me: Certainly!

After I took their photo.

Woman: Hindi mo kilala si Jerry?

Me: Jerry....???

Woman: Si Jerry Cordinera. Purefoods basketball player?! Don't you want a photo with him?

Me: Oh okay, go on then.

I asked MM to take my photo with Jerry Cordinera!

Anything Goes

Yeheyy – I took my driving theory test and passed!!

I did a lot of reading (honestly) and attempted to memorize information (and failing oh so miserably). I was in the exam centre 15 minutes early; I was signed in and I was ushered to station 1. The first part of the test is the multiple choice bit (50 items) and the second part is the hazard perception. In the multiple choice part I will be tested on how good I memorize facts from the Highway code and in the hazard perception I will be tested on how quick I can click the mouse when I see a hazard developing on the video clip.

After an hour of nervous mouse clicking and of emptying brain of facts I got my result. The receptionist handed me a piece of paper. I asked him which part I will know the result. He said read the first line please (sorry brain has now turned to mush). And it said Congratulations!! Well that was it. I was out of the room fast!!

So I am half way there… the practical test follows. Let us not go into that just yet.

Dennis and I went out for a curry to celebrate and watched Die Hard 4.0 on DVD. It was not very good (the bus and the fighter plane sequence was just too far fetched!) anyway, who cares I passed my theory test ;-).

I came to work very pleased with myself and ready to face any challenges. The University IT server was down for almost 30 minutes – nothing to worry – did not bother me at all…okay the next line is: I pass my……:-)

I am going out with the girls tonight for curry (again) after work. This was organised two weeks ago. If I had not passed my test I could have drowned my sorry in my curry but because I have … this will be another celebration.

Before I go.. it is 15 degrees today- lovely, lovely - "all's right with the world".

Kick Start Monday

It is lovely to start Monday with cakes and coffee. It is Jane’s birthday and she brought a lot of delicious goodies to work: coffee and walnut, chocolate and carrot cakes and Victoria sandwich cake + Cadbury Cake Bars and plenty of Weight Watchers bars for those who are ‘watching’ their calorie intake.

I particularly recommend having cakes first thing on Monday – it eases you in to work oh so gently.

I Heart this Week

Totally – the sun is out the whole week not just a hint but its full blazing glory. Although temperatures only reach as high as 10 degrees but the sun’s presence makes a lot of difference. I know I moan about the weather but I admit a bit of sunshine and a bit of cool breeze are perfect for me.

My viral cough is gone – it went as quickly as it came. I was prepared to be patient as the doctor advised and I was pleasantly surprise when I did not cough at all starting Thursday last week. You don’t know how pleased I am (and my friends and loved ones) that I am back to normal again. I am so overjoyed that missing an episode of DAMAGES does not bother me at all.

I took down minutes of a meeting. This is a new responsibility at work which I cautiously accepted knowing the demands of minute taking and the drag of producing the final document itself. The meeting went well and I came out from the room neither joyous nor traumatised but at least satisfied that I have survived the first hurdle. I start typing down my notes straightaway while everything is still fresh in my head. Yes there is a struggle but it is not as bad as I thought. I hope I have not spoken too soon here.

A trip planned with friends will finally go through. I was at first the miserable and confused old grumpy *** who cannot decide. I made that crucial decision last night and yes I felt so good about it. I felt 100 times better when I heard the excitement in my friends’ voice over the phone.

I wake up today inspired as I pay the window cleaner and put away the recycle bins. The sun is out and the air smells of newness and freshness to come.

Reluctant Trainspotter

Going home from work we turned left to a country road and after a few yards we saw around 10 cars parked next to a farm overlooking a rail track. There were men in anoraks and big jackets with their high tech filming equipment; cameras on tripods with long lenses.

I have my digital camera ( very small and more or less the point and click type) - pretty embarrassing compared to what the others have and the camera might not capture what it should capture - potentially a fast moving train.

After 30 minutes we saw a smoke from the distance - omg - it is a steam train! Dennis clambered out from the car and started taking photos. He managed three and as I predicted he was so frustrated with the camera's performance.

The third shot gives the impression that the train is about to catch fire ;-)!!!