Atominade

Not scrubbing up too badly, all things considered.

2012-01-30T11:06:00.000Z

I've been trying to post this for a week...

...I've clippered half my hair off, so this is OLD NEWS! Ha!

Thank you Ward 10!

2012-01-09T12:56:00.000Z

Did you know that Stoke-on-Trent has some of the best facilities to treat & support rehabilitation after a stroke? Don't feel bad if you didn't know that because, let's be honest - we all hope you never have to make use of those facilities.

source

Acute Stroke Unit Ward 10 is the specialist ward that deals with male patients post-stroke. Padre really made leaps & bounds of improvement under their care. Not only medically but personally too. As the minutes stretch into days after a stroke, there can be some fairly dark moments for even the most headstrong survivor but Padre would have a smile for the Lady Nurses. The patient's family is well cared for too. Admittedly, as much as it wouldn't be my usual hangout, it was comforting to see the same families & staff every day. I quite missed them when we left - I even sent them a card! There's a ward just for the ladies too & if the staff on 10 were anything to go by, then the girls on 9 are in good hands. In addition to a full compliment of highly respected consultants (thank you, Prof. Christine Roffe) & trained nursing staff, the ward has Occupational and Speech & Language Therapists, as well as access to the Royal Infirmary's Health Services. They work swiftly after admission and once they've assessed the patient, provided treatment & stabilised him medically, rehabilitation is begun & he is discharged. Sounds easy right?! In the best circumstances, being discharged is just a taxi ride home. Even in these 'ideal' conditions recovering from a stroke is a long-term process. In my father's case, he was discharged into the care of Haywood Hospital's Sneyd Ward.

source

The Haywood facility is truly brilliant & whilst my father was in their care we saw just how those rehabilitation services can help families & improve the lives of Stroke Survivors. Sadly, Padre never really took advantage of those facilities. He became very ill, quite quickly & was moved again to more medically-focused ward. I kept a diary documenting my father's progress & my viewpoint of his post-stroke experience. At first, I kept the diary for him. Padre journaled every night & it seemed only fitting that I should 'fill in the blanks' until he could do it himself. As it became apparent that he wasn't going to take up the pen again, I continued the journal for myself. The results may turn up here yet, maybe. It depends how helpful the WWW. would find it!
Padre's Stroke Story might not be the kind of 'Against All Odds' tale that afternoon TV specials are made of, but if it wasn't for the sterling work of Ward 10, his experience would have been far more negative. Every day of my father's post-stroke existence was like panning for gold. The positives were there but some days you really had to search for them.
The fact of the matter is that stroke units like Ward 10 save lives: for a stroke patient, a general treatment ward holds a 14 per cent to 25 per cent higher mortality rate than an acute stroke unit*. So I'm massively grateful to Ward 10 & every other unit like it.
Unfortunately, not every patient has access to the kind of specialist care that North Staffs can provide & rehabilitation suites like Sneyd Ward have limited beds. Stroke Survivors can sometimes find themselves thrust into a 'normal' life feeling isolated & misunderstood. However, The Stroke Association has a fantastic project - The Life After Stroke Centre, housing a post-stroke support network for the whole West Midlands. Please head over & take a look around (and if you're feeling fruity, drop a few pennies in the jar!)

“This new Centre, the first of its kind in the UK, will ensure The Stroke Association can reach and help many more stroke survivors. So please join us now and be part of a unique project that will make a huge and positive impact on the journey of recovery for stroke survivors and their families.” Hilary Devey

That's right, the terrifying new lady dragon from Dragon's Den.

*Royal College of Physicians, (2001), National Sentinel Audit for Stroke - Clinical Audit Report.

Before I die...

2012-01-02T21:23:00.001Z

Before I die I want to…

sing for millions, see my daughter graduate, eat a salad with an alien, see the leaves change many times, be someone’s cavalry, straddle the International Date Line, cook a souffle, hold her one more time, make it in the hip hop, help numerous children, see what I’m like as an old man, tell my mother I love her, make peace with Ohio, abandon all insecurities, be completely myself, evaporate into the light…

Source

I stumbled onto this art project by Candy Chang just after Christmas and I was blown away!

I've always had a soft spot for projects which are fully integrated into communities, but for some reason this one really grabs me. Maybe it's because deep-down I really wish I could stumble across something like this in real life.

There's such a palpable sense of hope in some of the writings & who doesn't love scribbling with chalk! Let's not forget that this art project started on a derelict house in New Orleans. The birthplace of Jazz and a city ranked highly on my 'Before I die' List! Those hopes and dreams garnered by the Orleans community have inspired Walls across the world AND could come to a town near YOU!

I'll be honest. I'm thinking of signing up for a Before I Die Toolkit. I asked MrR what he thought of the project, his response was "Knowing people round here, someone would nick the chalk." Sadly, he's probably right. But isn't that exactly the point? Chalk can be replaced & the wall can be washed and renewed. The voices can continue to be heard. Those dreams can continue to inspire & engage. In an area where someone's idea of a good time is nicking chalk - The community needs a Wall.

Happy New Year, Lazy B*+$#!!

2012-01-02T13:24:00.000Z

"Where the hell have you been!? You haven't blogged here since October 2010... and it's 2012 now!! What kind of excuse can you possibly have for your absence? Eh? There's been a distinct lack of unnecessary punctuation & random spacing for far too long! So go on. What's your excuse? Did you just forget Atominade even exists?"

Well... yes.

However, there are mitigating circumstances. In Oct 2011, I shaved my head and bleached the resultant stubble, into a glorious and glowing 'do. The next morning, having felt slightly off-kilter for a day or two, I pee'd on a stick and well...

As I'm sure you can understand, being pregnant & working full-time whilst trying to maintain a blog can be really tricky when you are as spectacularly lazy as I am. I kept drafting the 'I Am Pregnant' Post, but couldn't word it as I wanted to. Plus in all honesty, I wasn't sure how much of the Newt's life I wanted to share with the WWW.
I had a grand old time getting bigger and bigger! Spending large swathes of my wages on ASOS Maternity and working on integrating the bump into my style was SO much fun. However, in May 2011 as I entered the uncomfortably large stage of pregnancy, my beloved father suffered a massive ischemic stroke. Unable to speak or move his right side, Padre never came home. Right now isn't the time to go into the details, but if you want to learn more or you need support The Stroke Association is an incredible resource.

The much needed view on Holywell Beach at the end of summer

Summer 2011 was spent alternating visits to the City General to see Padre with trips to the Maternity Unit to see when the Newt would turn up. In July and nearly two weeks behind Due Date, the beautiful Miss Newt brought her laughing face into the world! Within 48hrs, having waited long enough, Padre drew his last breath. As distressing as it was to say goodbye, it was truly awe-inspiring to witness the outpouring of love & admiration there was for him. My sisters & I received some wonderful words from some wonderful people, including many I've never had the privilege of meeting.
So between changing Nappies, arranging funerals and filing an ungodly amount of paperwork followed by staring at the sea - I can be forgiven for a little slacking.

I guess what all this comes to is that I foresee some great changes ahead and I'm taking Atominade along for the ride. I'm resurrecting Atominade, improving the content & frequency and shooting some great big bubbles into the world!

So, I'm looking forward to 2012 with "a grateful prayer and a thankful heart" (Huge respect if you can place the quote!) It will be a great big cathartic exercise in drawing on the past in order to shape the future. There will be some tough moments and some awkward questions, such as; 'How does an Aggressive Optimist deal with death?', 'When is the right time to make a Will?' and 'What DO you wear when everything you own is covered in baby snot?' As tricky as it might be to navigate through the effervescent ramblings, I promise I will not abandon you.

I truly hope you're on board.

T
Xx

The Missie Campaign...

2010-10-13T21:25:00.001+01:00

As inspired by this article...!

Get over to The Pursuit of Harpyness... Get reading... And get your facts straight!

Trying to live with less makeup...

2010-05-30T23:22:00.001+01:00

I've been slacking on the blogging front... And I shall continue to slack some more by regurgitating another writer's work! After all, what is Postmodernity for if not to reappropriate the work of others?

"...The perverse concept of "natural look" makeup, [...] the irony of spending an hour in front of the mirror applying "barely there" foundation and "nude lipstick," all to achieve the appearance of having expended little or no time on one's appearance at. The preponderance of makeup brands promising foundation that makes your skin look "naturally flawless" that "blends perfectly, so the world doesn't see makeup, just the look of great skin," as Cover Girl puts it, make it even more evident that beauty is a performance. And like any performance, it's supposed to look effortless: The world doesn't see your aching toes, just the look of a ballerina floating across the stage. Allowing the audience to see what goes on in rehearsals or in the wings reminds them that what they see on stage isn't effortless, but the product of years of training and months of rehearsal, with help from costumes, sets and lighting."

Source

Hear, hear! And one day - I'll go makeup-less! Just got to wean myself of it...

Funniest Election Tweet I've Seen (so far...)

2010-05-05T22:44:00.000+01:00

Ooh, this vid made me heebie-jeebie...!

2010-04-18T22:51:00.000+01:00

Dove

When I am tired, There'll be no words...

2010-03-29T22:21:00.000+01:00

...Exactly what I was thinking!

2010-03-17T21:57:00.001Z

Buzz-Buzz and a Tub O Pink...

2010-03-13T23:21:00.000Z

You Is Well Annoying...

2010-03-09T23:41:00.001Z

Fact-o-tron guide us through things NOT to use our microwave for...

2010-02-10T22:58:00.000Z

Fact-O-Tron

New Shoes...

2010-02-10T22:19:00.000Z

All over my legs,

My new boots are clinging...

They're here!!
They're thigh-high!!
They're on my legs!!
They came from the nice people at Pennangalan!!
They're mine!!
They're my only pair of fresh-out-the-box footwear for the entirety of 2010!! (Away with you, disbelievers!)
They took half an hour to lace!!
They make this really cool squeaking sound when you rub your hand on them!!
They made me shoe-gasm!!
I. LOVE. THEM!!

Conversations With An 8 Year Old...

2010-02-09T20:53:00.001Z

xX Sent from my iPhone

Oh, Drop Dead Fred...

2010-01-31T23:18:00.000Z

Ode to Drop Dead Fred,

By Taz Cadillac Cool

Oh, Drop Dead Fred!

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways,

I love thee to the depth and breadth and most top,

My soul can reach, when watching Rik,

In his high Green Troos and Red mop.

I love thee to the level of every day's,

Most childish need to guide others into strife.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right;

I love thee purely, as irritating as I am.

I love my inner Fred with a passion put to use ,

In my old grief, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I'll never lose,

Blessed Saint of All Us Pests!

I love thee with your bad breath,

I love thee with all the smiles and tears you have inspire me to create!

And, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after Drop Dead Fred.

Oh, and it seems that there is a DDF remake in development...! If you know owt about it, let me know? I love Fred a little too much!!

Courtesy of Fact-O-Tron...

2010-01-29T00:28:00.000Z

Fact-O-Tron

Oh, ok! Jeremy isn't spelt technically correct, but hell! It isn't my website, and the article made me giggle!!

Reasons To Love Harem Pants...

2010-01-19T21:39:00.000Z

source

...because once people have seen you in a pair of Harem Pants a few times, it becomes far less noticeable when you turn up for work in your pyjamas...!

Continued tomorrow...

Ach, phoning this one in...

2010-01-18T22:33:00.001Z

I Am Hilarious

I've gone a smidgen on the Ginger side again...

2010-01-17T22:55:00.000Z

"According to the wire, you are resting well and are being taken care of by a nurse. I hope she is beautiful and that she has red hair. I don't know why, but whenever I dream of a nurse she always has red hair. Red hair makes a man want to recover his health quickly, so that he can get on his feet and the nurse off hers."

Groucho Marx

This one's for Thursday...

2010-01-17T22:51:00.000Z

Found this whilst Stumbling

To follow from Ladette-ness...

2010-01-13T22:04:00.000Z

Favourite Quote has to be: "Pucker up, Kiss a nut, Cuz it sells to be a slut."

xX

Some drunk semi-famous girls...

2010-01-12T23:14:00.000Z

source

Why are American singers/performers doing the British Ladette thing, but like 10 years too late? Connections can get you signed, but they just can't get you any class...

*Ooh!*

Getting a bit narked by "fitness gurus" now...

2010-01-11T22:40:00.000Z

So tired... How I wish I had another set of eyes!

2010-01-10T21:47:00.000Z

*Poof!* As if by magic!

1943 Guide to Hiring Women, take heed...

2010-01-07T00:03:00.000Z

1943 Guide to Hiring Women

Please note the inexpertly highlighted text...

Hmmm, I'm always on the lookout for "Female Weaknesses" which affect my mental or physical fitness! This excerpt continues for another 1o points. Click on the link for the full run down...!

Oh, we so rock the equality!

A Generic Entry To Start...

2010-01-04T20:40:00.000Z

Source

Mine!

2009-12-31T23:40:00.001Z

Thank you 2009 for giving me this...

...this...

...these...
...and more than anything - this...

Thank you 2009, you were pretty damn sweet...!
Oh, hey there 2010! Nice to meet you...! I didn't catch your first name? Right, January. Nice name!! You look kinda cool! In fact, to me, you sort of look like this...

Pennangalan

Catchya in 10, dood.

Just advancing the Cyber-career of someone I've never met...

2009-12-29T22:05:00.000Z

I'm a diamond - How about you?

2009-12-23T22:18:00.000Z

My Favourite Waterhole...

2009-12-22T21:45:00.001Z

xX Sent from my iPhone

Christmas Time, Chrismas Time, We"re gonna celebrate at Grandma's Place...

2009-12-21T22:55:00.000Z

Through the free laser lens glasses...

2009-12-20T21:00:00.001Z

xX Sent from my iPhone

2009-12-20T20:40:00.001Z

Sweeeeet! xX Sent from my iPhone

Guess where I'm going tonight...

2009-12-20T14:06:00.001Z

You took too long to guess, so I thought I'd just tell you...!

Zach and RATM boys have something to say...

2009-12-17T21:05:00.000Z

Big up, Shelter!

Shelter is a charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing.

They do this by giving advice, information and advocacy to people in housing need, and by campaigning for lasting political change to end the housing crisis for good.

The great work of Shelter is funded by the kind donations of the public.

From running marathons to organising music nights, individuals and organisations take part in a wide range of fundraising activities for Shelter. Such as the Facebook campaign begun by Jon and Tracy Morter, which encourages FBers to donate to Shelter whilst also attempting to install Rage Against The Machine's "Killing In The Name" as the UK Christmas Number 1, 2009...!

Many individuals give one-off donations to Shelter, or regular gifts via Direct Debit, after having direct contact with the work of Shelter or hearing about it through advertising or media coverage - just like the explosion of extensive media coverage surrounding the FB group (the original of which continues to crash through sheer volume of traffic)...!

Genius!! Well played, Jon and Tracy...!

Oh My Tits Yes...!

2009-12-16T21:20:00.000Z

Just call me Wonka, baby...

2009-12-15T20:03:00.001Z

xX Sent from my chocolatecoatediPhone

I have a mental alarm clock...

2009-12-14T23:49:00.000Z

...it makes me post whatever I'm looking at that moment!

A Bugatti Kettle, say wha?

2009-12-13T22:06:00.000Z

Sooooo sexy...

Source: Kingdom of Style

2009-12-11T16:33:00.001Z

I love Black Lipstick...

2009-12-11T12:02:00.001Z

Just a mascara and blue contacts kinda day...

2009-12-06T20:45:00.001Z

Rocking the Bald!!

2009-11-16T20:42:00.001Z

McQueen S/S 2010...Ohhhh...

2009-10-09T00:12:00.000+01:00

Oi! Giger! Over 'ere!!

...It's all gone a bit alien...

These are just spectacular...

style.com

To those obsessed with Disco Pants and H.R.Giger...

We salute you!!

Only Brief...

2009-09-14T20:54:00.000+01:00

I would just like to point out the following things which are WEDDING BULLSHIT...

Venue Facility, Caterer, 3 Course Meal,
Wedding Party Gifts, Menu,
Gifts for Each Other (Hmmm...let's say the rest of your lives?!!) Bartender,
Bar/Liquor, Dishes,
Tables & Chairs (With matching decor!) Glasses,
Themed and Hand-picked Decorations, Toasting Glasses (why are these any different to glasses?!)
Tablecloths & Napkins (Which, of course, must match the decor?!) Coffee Cups,
Centrepieces (More decor...), Teapot,
Flower Arrangements (Eh hem!) Music,
Coat Check, Sound System,
Custodian, Valet Parking,
Limousine, Coordinator,
Special Occasions Permit,
Programs, Wedding Rings,
Guest Book Table, Outdoor Sign,
Pen & Guest Book, Alter Arrangements,
Pew Bows (Ooooh, for the whole 20mins you have the venue?!),
Unity Candle/Holder, Pillars/Pedastal,
Arch, Aisle Runner,
Kneeling Bench, Candles,
Photographer, Videographer,
Backdrop, Parking,
Gratuities, Picture & Stand (Just in case guests forget what you look like?),
Photo Permit, Flower Girl Basket,
Boutonnieres, Ring Pillow,
Corsages, Bouquets,
Flatware, Tables & Linens,
Dinnerware, Hors d'hoeurves/snacks,
Water Pitchers, Lemon, Lime, Milk Creamers, Sugar, Sweetener,
Wedding Cake/Groom's Cake, Punch Bowl,
Cake Topper/Decoration, Cake Knife,
Liquor & Mixes & Ice, Guest Favours,
Transportation, Security,
Serving Staff, Tent inc Dance Floor,
Bride's Bouquet, Headpieces,
Calligraphy, Reception Cards,
Wedding Invitations,
Reply Cards, Place Cards, Lined Inner Envelopes,
Colour Printing, Special Printing,
Personalized Note Pad, Scroll Rings, Bookmarks,
Printed Return Sticker, Matches, Maps,
Save the Date Card...

This is by no means a comprehensive list! There are certainly more elements of Wedding Preparation, which may be deemed Bullshit...!
No offence is meant to anyone who has strived to include any (or all!) of the items listed within their own wedding. However, the above Bullshit List - is just that. As long as you and your partner are present, exchanging a commitment to one another... none of these items matter. Personally, some of the items on the Bullshit List have ended up being part of my Wedding Day, but they have been acknowledged as the B.S. that they truly are.
If you desperately want to include any these things in your day, go for for it! Let noone, let alone I, tell you that you can't or shouldn't. Please remember though, that this is the Bullshit List. If you don't mean the things you commit to on that day, no amount of frou-frou is going to improve your situation.

Rant over. How are you?
xX

BTW. The full (unadulterated) checklist can be found here if you should so wish. No reflection is made upon the source website,

Old Face - New Holes...

2009-07-10T18:21:00.000+01:00

What The Jonas?!

2009-06-05T15:21:00.000+01:00

Gladiator Boots...

2009-05-12T18:26:00.000+01:00

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Sniff, Swig, Puff...

2009-04-27T21:52:00.000+01:00

Hey guys...! I'm still alive!
xX

I bought a hat...I did nothing but lounge around the house in it...

2009-03-30T22:25:00.000+01:00

DIY Distressed Damsel

2009-03-17T17:33:00.000Z

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

She's only bloody gone and done it again!

2009-03-12T21:57:00.000Z

Madonna Covets My Mouse Ears

2009-03-08T21:54:00.001Z

Katy Wears Kitty...Hello!

2009-02-19T22:02:00.000Z

Don't you just love a good corset?

Yeah? What about if it's the most poorly laced and badly fitted one you've ever seen?

temptalia

Embarassing... How can a couture house know so little about a fundamental garment?

Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee...Rock It Like Brand Beckham!

2009-02-17T21:16:00.000Z

AWESOME!

It's All About the Angles...

2009-02-15T19:08:00.000Z

Walking to Work with Mr Tumnus...

2009-02-08T22:57:00.000Z

Nothing Smart to Say...New Do!

2009-02-06T15:26:00.001Z

This really applies right now...

2009-01-25T23:17:00.000Z

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

xX

So much going on...can't find the words...

2009-01-25T22:59:00.000Z

WRITER'S BLOCK
by Mary Deal

The plot's
strong in my mind
too cold, can't think
fingers won't move
rise from my chair
rummage through closet, find a sweater
something warm to drink
still cold, climb on treadmill, move circulation.
Already skipped breakfast
another cup of tea, a cookie or two.

Go to the bathroom, wash hands
stare out the window
conjure my story
and the grocery list
remember
clean house
sort the laundry
pick up kids
visit mom.

Tea is cold
flick on TV while microwave heats
finish watching show, learn about plots
conjuring
write a screenplay some day.

Actor wasn't good, story not credible
very upsetting, destroyed my mood.

I can write better than that!
Get to work
create mind boggling twists.

Answered the phone, talked too long
answering machine gets the next one
turn the volume down.

May I be smote by the BlogGods...

2009-01-12T13:39:00.000Z

So what's the crack?

I got ill. I got better.

Mr.R and I set a date for our wedding. Plans went from 'Zero' to 'Wedding and Reception booked' in less than a week! I been trying to avoid becoming a Bridezilla, purely because Bridezilladom requires me to be pro-active...which as we have discussed before is just not me...! Lacking a Mother-Of-The-Bridezilla means I'm gonna be leaning on the Lil and Big Sisters and on the Mum-To-Be. Padre has offered his assistance too, and he has a good eye for the bling!

I'm making my dress and my Maid's dress...! I've bought the fabric and I vaguely know the pattern I'm using, which I'll hand-sew. However, I can't use a sewing machine...bummer! The beautiful M2B has kindly offering her machining skills, which I will be gratefully accepting!

This is what The Day looks like so far...

My apologies if I am using an image without credit. If I am...please let me know!

I adore these images and would dearly love to give appropriate credit.

Argh!

2009-01-06T23:28:00.000Z

Sometimes I get a headache that will kick the crap out of me for a couple of days.

I have one right now... eww! So, as a cure I thought I'd post this...

Feel better?

Me too...!

Bring On The Trumpets!

2009-01-01T17:55:00.001Z

Happy New Year!

I have a cold...

xX

I Want To Cover This...

2008-12-28T21:10:00.000Z

I bid a fond farewell to the beautiful and perennially perfect Ms. Kitt...!

She stood out uniquely in a sea of drab character-less actresses.

After Emperor's New Groove came into my life, I discovered just how wonderful Eartha truly was...! And how ACE this song is!

Ho Ho Ho!

2008-12-25T23:02:00.001Z

Merry Effing Christmas Baby!!!

I love this song... and I love this grrl...

2008-12-22T23:06:00.000Z

I will take on ANYONE who slags Lily Allen off!
'Nuff said!

xX

Christmas Magic...

2008-12-21T22:13:00.000Z

How will you be getting your kicks this Christmas?

Will you be following Gordon Brown's advice and spending your way through the Credit Crunch? Or will you be finding the Christmas Spirit [brandy, whisky..ho ho ho!] in other ways?

I've never been the most organised of folk, but this year I've actually managed to shop with time to spare... AND bought gifts that I think are fabulous! Not expensive, because I've never seen the point in spending for the sake of it, but the sort of gifts that clearly demonstrate the thought behind them. The kind of gifts that you feel all smug about thinking up! I really don't need much provocation to feel smug, to be fair...!

However I, and many others, have noted a distinct lack of Christmas-ness this year. Whether it emanates from the poor economy or the wrong socks, time and again this year I've heard the question "I don't feel very Christmassy, do you?"

I believe though, that Elisabeth Wilson has solved the Christmas Crisis. Unable to buy her 'way to that magical feeling', she will be having a No-Lights Christmas. How perfect? Lit by only firelight, candles and fairy lights, her home will be a TV free zone within which her family can entertain themselves. What a thoroughly subversive idea...!

I love it!

As she so eloquently puts it;

Spending less and thinking about Christmas more.

AWESOME! By the way if anyone wants to get me a Christmas present they could buy me Elisabeth's book 'Stress Proof Your Life'... Just an idea, like!

On The Move...

2008-12-19T20:11:00.000Z

May I present my new [virtual] home!

ATOMINADE!

The realisation that the Universe began just to make you feel good...!

Save Hallelujah!

2008-12-19T14:00:00.001Z

No offence to Aleonaxandra-Whatever X-Factor winner of 2008, but Hallelujah is not the song for her voice.

The version she has been given to record is clodding and emotionless. It is all horrid strings and voluminous backing which lacks the subtlety required to pull off a song of such delicacy.

Her version, in short, is anaesthetic!

However!

I just found a guiding light to get me through this Pop-induced nausea...

Save Hallelujah

It might not be Cohen but it it is a truly beautiful song so - Please. If not for yourself or for me, but for your children!

Just think...they could well end up thinking that Burke's version is original or, heaven-forbid, definitive!

I Got Morphed...

2008-12-17T23:28:00.001Z

I got turned into a baby!!

xX

Bad blogger, Very Bad Blogger!

2008-12-16T23:10:00.001Z

I know. I've been rude and mean to you of late. (TBH What did you expect? Rude and mean is my default position!)
Not blogging when I said I would...
Not returning your messages...
Pretending I'm not here - when really I am.

And, to be fair, I was considering posting some kind of "It's not you...it's me" style speech and telling you I need some "time to find myself." Turns out I knew exactly where I was all along! Truth is - I've been slacking...! I am, by my very nature, remarkably lazy.
As a ~~great~~ man once said of me;

"If she were any more laid back, she would be comatose."

That comment actually resides in my record of achievement...and what an achievement!
I have never been spectacularly pro-active and I never shall. I am proud to say that I drift through life being truly fabulous wherever I settle...kinda like a Jericho Rose(-ish...!)

Anyway, after my little hissy fit a few weeks ago, I have felt a change in current...
...it seems to be pushing me toward a session in the studio on Friday. Meh, we'll see!

Finally Letting Go...

2008-12-15T00:14:00.001Z

I AM A HOARDER!

I admit it! I hoard everything... Clothes, DVDs, ribbons ETC! But no more I've decided I'd rather have an uncluttered life...!

So it's all gonna go. I've been working on my wardrobe for awhile now (i.e Moving the clothes I don't wear into the spare room and seeing if I miss them - whaddaya know? I don't!) All that's left for me now is to actually part company with the offending items!
What better time of year than the run up to Chrimbo?

Handily, the Sis has stumbled upon a charity which provides goods to single mothers seeking asylum locally. So all my baby-related paraphenalia can be donated to a good cause. Yeah, I know! I really shouldn't still own pram/pushchair/baby pen/gate et al, but the majority of them, were gifts and selling them just didn't seem right or fair. I feel a lot better knowing they'll be used by people who really need the support.

As for the clothes, I'm gonna let my Ladyfriends get first dibs and then it's off to eBay!

All that's left - is to convince Mr.R to condense the DVD collection and we can rid ourselves of the shackles of materialism!!

Anyways, I painted my nails as a diversionary tactic...

What's your favourite thing to do when you have better things to do?

xX

RIP Bettie Page...

2008-12-12T12:50:00.001Z

The Original Hottie and inspiration died yesterday (December 11th), at the age of 85. I just heard the news - made me more than a little sad.

I don't know why I should be so sad...

"I never understood how anyone believed those poses were sexy. To be tied up? I don’t get it.”

xX

Not-So-Crazy...

2008-12-10T23:02:00.002Z

I definitely don't look it anyway...

xX

More-Than-a-Little-Drunk...

2008-11-28T00:09:00.001Z

...and feeling clipper happy!

xX

Not-So...meh!

2008-11-25T00:08:00.001Z

Having a minor episode...!
Normal service will be resumed ASAP!

Troila
xX

Not-So-Important Post...

2008-11-18T22:35:00.001Z

I'm not entirely sure what's going on...

I just liked that picture...!

I spent Friday torturing a faceless youdoodoll...

And now the wine is gone...

xX

No-Fancy-Makeup - Just My Mug...

2008-11-12T23:11:00.001Z

It's been a long time comin...

2008-11-09T23:16:00.001Z

Well done, America...you made it!

xX

I.C.P Cont...

2008-11-05T23:15:00.001Z

Not the Joker

Not Harley Quinn, but

Couple of glasses of wine + One hard-wearing Black lipstick

= THIS...

Oh, and dyed some of my hair pink and yellow...the pink was supposed to be baby pink - Say Wha?

"You're dead. Your career is over" and I'm Home...

2008-11-04T23:15:00.001Z

Hey guys,

Yeah, I've been off living my non-virtual life for a while but I thought I'd come back and share my latest [albeit recurring] obsession - INSANE CLOWN POSSE...
Am I coulronarcismaniac? I only like clowns when it's me in make-up...the rest of the time I suffer a somewhat violent reaction to them!!
Except for these guys...

Anyways, I just read that way-back-when Sharon Osbourne once bet US$50,000 that Insane Clown Posse's next album would not even sell 200,000 copies—a bet that Good Ole I.C.P accepted. Osbourne was managing Coal Chamber at the time, who had been unceremoniously booted from I.C.P's tour. Basically Coal Chamber's music was not appealling to Insane Clown Posse fans, and Juggalos everywhere were demanding their money back...! (After Coal Chamber were removed from the tour, ticket refunds decreased considerably.) wikipedia

The sales of Bizzar and Bizaar were around 400,000 copies, exceeding the bet - Does anyone know if she paid up?

Why Can't Wine Be Sexy...?

2008-10-15T21:55:00.001+01:00

No offence to Captain Slow and The Great Egg-headed Oz. I find them highly amusing and interesting but, in this scene they remind me of the leering Mid-Lifers who cling to you in nightclubs...!

Anyway, I want this place to be my living room...

Not-So-Nice-Mood...

2008-10-08T21:26:00.001+01:00

Latest Sarah Palin joke:

What's the difference between a pitbull and a hockey mom in lipstick?

You can train a Pitbull to pick up a newspaper.

Don't know where I got it from but I like it!

So good ole Poverty Palin has been at it again... No, no. Not railing against a woman's right to choose what happens within her own body [although that underlines her entire existence], she been posing for some fancy photos again! Exciting times, people. Now, we all know how prone the retiring young lady is to keeping herself to her own business...[What is that business? Vice-Presidential nominee? What does a Vice-President do? YOU TELL US, PALIN?!]...but here she is flashing her specs:

Forgive me, but doe she actually need glasses? Or is it one of those Sexy Secretary ideas...? You know, she takes off her specs and shakes down her hair and suddenly...BLAM! ...her clothes are gone:

Nevermind though, I reckon that if she doesn't get her lipstick-smeared teeth in through White House door she could always go into business running a workhouse for all those children who are born to mothers who are pressurised into keeping unwanted pregnancies...she could start with Jamie Lynn. [Ew, too far?] Bless.

Not-So-Sorry...

2008-10-06T21:10:00.001+01:00

Hey kids,

I'm back! I feel like a shitball from hell and I have a killa bad attitude today...!
Just being honest there - you gotta keep it real right? Ha ha!

The whole blog will be back online properly later in the week once I calm my bad-self down.

Peace X

Not-So-Hot 2...

2008-09-29T22:04:00.001+01:00

I've got me another multi-day headache...

Gonna resume posting when it's gone!

Troila!
xX

Not-Down-With-The-Canned-Laughs...

2008-09-28T21:10:00.001+01:00

Not-So-Much-What-I wanted to post...4

2008-09-26T19:08:00.001+01:00

I was totally going to hook you guys up with an absolutely incredible Post tonight, but then I spent all day looking at inspiration for a new 'do, whilst simutaneously designing a new tattoo - having realised I'm less than a week away from my first appointment with a new tattooist!

So in the midst of my search for new Hairinspo, I was looking at some of my old 'dos...

All the synthetic 'dos were done by the luscious Kelly Fox!

Bottom 3 photos: Devilish 'Dos

Not-Just-Black...but also Orange...

2008-09-24T20:45:00.001+01:00

I came to a realisation recently. The realisation was that maybe, just maybe, I love orange too much! Specifically the juxtaposition of orange with black. I don't really wear colour too much. Prefering instead to maintain a level of monochromacy, but just look at my current wallpaper ...[Honestly, is it sad that I have an entire folder of orange and black images, for use as wallpaper?]...
Wouldn't your day just fly-by if one could replicate those colours? In some way immerse yourself without feeling as though you are trapped inside a giant traffic cone? Well, Mr.R and Lil ReGAL have gifted me with a solution.

I can wear this all day, every day and not worry about blinding the natives...! Considering that it's just a bracelet, it really does deliver just the right smack in the face to my usual black/white/grey!
Not that I'm afraid of all-over orange application [cue: fake tan jokes...!] In fact when I decided to invest in a maxi dress this summer - there really was only one colour I wanted to purchase. I searched for many months for the perfect shade, length and fit! My plan was to buy one I could use in an outfit for my Boss' wedding...I think it worked well...! I was fairly successful in translating the look from Polyvore into Reality.

photo: Mark Milward

Not too bad! I accessorised with matching blue tunnels, nail varnish and cocktail ring... I even had a cropped pleather jacket that I fashioned out of old coat [not seen]! Skill!! I wonder though if, had I a better understanding of colour theory, I could have geared it up more? Why do orange and black together, work so damn well? And is there any way I could make my dress work with my cardigan boots?

Hmmm...I'd say no.

Not-Everyone's-Cup-Of-Tea...

2008-09-22T20:41:00.001+01:00

Aren't they just lovely? Aren't they wonderful?

No? You don't think so? Oh well, each to their own! I think they are ACE!

My first real pair of Cazals. It really is such a (sniff) beautiful moment...(sigh!) The clear frames are inset with black and red, with a weird gold chevron thing on the bridge. I have to admit that these frames are possibly my favourite eBay buy - EVER!
Mr.R has his reservations [in fact he said I'm not allowed to walk with him in public if I'm wearing them] but I've assured him that, once I've 'scripted up the lenses, they will grow on him...!

My old frames made me nauseous, because they were thin and rectangular. Thus giving me lots of uncorrected peripheral vision...But these bad boys...ohhh - Due to the MASSIVE frames, the new lenses will give me total all-round vision - perfect for work! Not that I'm going to say what I do for a living or why I would need to see so many angles at once. Nevertheless - perfect!

Almost perfect in every way ... except I'm wondering whether to appease the Deidre Barlow-ness of them by darkening the frames. Would that be sacrilegious? Would I really want to do that? Or is because somewhere, deep down, I still crave these?

image: platinumeyewear

Not-So-Day-Off...

2008-09-21T21:55:00.001+01:00

So far today, I've had to deal with the awkward nature of punishment, the truth about playing with fire and, the delights of chilling in the sun, with a good book...!

I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings!?

I have always been a great believer in just drifting through life. Never plan or aim or set yourself goals, because someone will always come along and move the goalposts or dismantle them all together...! This notion has served me well in the past, but today...today I made a plan! I shan't share the contents here, mostly because I've been quite vague in the majority of factors. However, rest assured that once the plan's details have been finalised - you good people will be the first to know!

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about my plan yet. I either feels like the most childish or the most grown-up thing I've done in a long time...hmmm!

edit: This is the funniest thing I ve heard in a long time and I apologise to Letterman if I replicate it incorrectly - "

"By the way, there's good news, ladies and gentlemen: Sarah Palin's family crisis that we've all been talking about [Bristol's teenage pregnancy.] Well, that has been solved now, and, today, the baby is being adopted by Angelina Jolie."

Not-So-New Things...

2008-09-20T01:12:00.001+01:00

I've just had the most beautiful meal with possibly one of my oldest friends...not that he is old mind - but I have known him for TIME!

My mate's girlfriend cooked up a storm! She loves to feed whilst also being outstandingly witty, intelligent and funny company...! In fact, if she's ever single, I might ask her out on a date. I'm sure Mr.R wouldn't mind...

Anyway, despite my various attempts to dissuade it - this song was stuck in my head ALL NIGHT!!

Not-Just-Any Artist Will do...

2008-09-16T22:55:00.001+01:00

I think I'm too easily influenced by...er...anything?!

A few weeks ago on Channel 4's The Sculpture Diaries, Waldemar Januszczak (I know! Isn't it the most amazing name? I like saying it over and over - Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak...) was walking us through the history of female representation in sculpture. Waldemar is intense to watch! He gets so excited about the piece before him, YOU simply just can't avoid becoming excited yourself...!

And so it was that I became excited about Hans Bellmer. I'd never encountered his work before...I was taken back by his immense doll obsession and the manner in which he could imbue his sculpture with a pervasive sensuality. The guy's clearly tapped - but I think I love him for it!

The main pieces that caught my eye however, were some strange blue mannequins with realistic glass eyes, which appeared to adorn Bellmer's studio... Can I find a picture?

Can I arse!

Anyway, I've been haunted by them for weeks now - I think I want to own one!

I was going to try and recreate the look with make-up but I didn't have the right blue. Regardless of whether I look like an Oompa-Loompa or not, I absolutely love the way natural eyes stand out against the completely unnatural skin tone...!

Here's to you Hans Bellmer and, of course, there's a toast just for you too - Waldemar (...Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak, Waldemar Januszczak...!)

Not-So-Well Done...

2008-09-14T23:14:00.001+01:00

How 'bout a round of applause to my internet provider...

A standing ovation?

Hopefully, I'll be back on track tomorrow...!

xX

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Not-So-Happy About the slow internet...

2008-09-12T17:23:00.001+01:00

Sexy new things for me!! On your marks, get ready, get set...GO!!

Liquid latex looking leggings...

Rocking the All Saints Femme Fatale leggings! A gift from Mr.R's mum - Mrs.S! This crappy phone photo just doesn't do the High Shine justice...! As Mr.R put it; they make my legs look as though they've been painted with silver tar...NICE!

LOOK! Look at my feet! I'm quite sure how to wear these yet. A present from the ever-handsome Mr.R, these cardigan boots are THE comfiest boots I've ever owned! I haven't taken them off since they arrived... However, the leggings are a different story. These American Apparel leggings were a gift to myself... They are the first item I have ever ordered from a AA, and I'm a little disappointed to be honest. The leggings are nowhere near as shiny as the swatch on the website AND how weird is AA's sizing? I followed their sizing chart down to the letter and these leggings are MASSIVE! I have to wear shorts to stop them wrinkling - Nora Batty Style!! At least for future reference I know [if I ever suffer AA Temptation] to order the next size down...oh, and wait for a sale!

And I gave myself a new hair colour... Happy Birthday to Me!

Partly because I'm a fickle lil thing and partly because I damaged my scalp so badly with bleach that I felt my folicles deserved a well earned rest. This is actually the closest I've been to my natural hair colour in over 10 years!

I also gave myself a PinkEye from rubbing my eyes yesterday.

So the rest of the shots had to be taken from this angle...

There you go!

Troila!

So-Unhappy-Birthday...NOT!!

2008-09-11T22:08:00.001+01:00

Happy Birthday to me for Monday!

Hence my absence...but I sharn't apologise because I've been having a rockin' ole time!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand tomorrow I will let you in on just a few of my new Shiny things!!

Not-So-Fun...

2008-09-07T23:30:00.001+01:00

Things which have attempted to attack me today...

1 Wasp [In Pret A Manger: After sharing a delicious Fun & Falafel with Mr.R]
1 Child With Helium Balloon [Adidas Store: Considering just how much I hate things floating/flying near my face, it was all I could do not to burst the balloon and punch the kid.]
1 Belt With Massive Buckle [Bedroom: The damn thing just lunged at me from the top of the ClothesLibrary!]

Q. ClothesLibrary? A. The only way I can think of the unit which stores the majority of my clothes.

Q. Do I have too many clothes? A. Probably.

Not-So-Hot...

2008-09-03T21:08:00.001+01:00

Day 2 of the oddest headache...

I'm so spaced out....!

Not-So-Uninteresting Times...

2008-09-01T22:55:00.001+01:00

Mr.R has just promised me a trip to the Adidas Store...

I bartered that this should included his buying of whatever I should want from said store...

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Oh yeah!

Not-So-Level...2

2008-09-01T20:47:00.001+01:00

I chopped my hair again...

Just cuz my head hackles grow so damn quick! You know volumising shampoo? Well, does De-Volumising shampoo exist? If it does exist, which is the best? Anyway, my thick hair - despite my best attempts to curtail it with bleach - maintains itself admirably. Pointing to every compass-point simultaneously and bowing to no wax or prevailing wind...Depressing, isn't it?

Not really, I know! I'm only joshing, I wouldn't have my mop any other way!!

Having permanent-just-got-out-of-bed-head, is very liberating...sometimes tho - just sometimes - I miss my dreads. But pfft! It matters not...

Because...

I make the Care-In-The-Community-HairCut WORK, baby!