To fight any chronic illness is wearing, to live in constant pain is enough to drive you insane, but to battle the government and the NHS at the same time is enough to turn a sane person into a lemming. To be blatantly honest we the weakened members of society are having to put up with conditions more suited to the times of Charles Dickens, in fact I stand by my thinking that the only reason this government hasn't returned us all to the work houses of times past is because they couldn't find any more of their university posse to take the job.
Seriously, if you have any long term medical condition you will know your life tends to have a lot of appointments. If it isn't with the doctor to see if there is any wonder drug they may have forgotten, its with your specialist who then books you in for yet more tests to check you still have kidneys after the latest drug scare. Now I have to another two lots of medicals to justify the government, one to work out if I am disabled, to which the doctor said if you read my records that is easily answered yes, and then another to work out if they can stick you in the grey area group who can't work but as you can answer a phone you can't be written off as unable to work, so they don't need to help you, but instead run your life by more appointments.
I don't need a diary, I need a P A just to work out where I am meant to be and why. Not to mention I thrown them a curve ball by daring to question their judgement, now they are so confused they did what came naturally and organised more meetings, then cancelled them all as they realised I would bring this up in the tribunal. All I know now is I am going to clinics in march and a tribunal in February and any time soon I am heading for new medicals and appointments as I haven't been told yet.
So as we enter a new year and continue our long term battle I wish you all this,
The patience to live through the stupidity,
The courage to brave the pain,
The strength to continue the battle
and the faith that one day the situation will improve for us all
In the meantime feel free to scream.
Friday, 3 January 2014
Can I smell petrol yet (motorsport)
OK it is a little early but the count down to Top Gear Live has well and truly started here. It marks the start of a fuel filled year. Provisionally I know I am off to Weston Super Mare and Goodwood as well. I am sure there will be more, but for now I am getting excited for the show whilst also feeling sick as I am flying to Glasgow for this.
Now for a car and bike nut I am a contradiction as I am terrified of both flying and boating. How I ever fly to America to see the in laws totally astounds me. I am so terrified of heights I feel sick at the thought of them. This is made even crazier when you think I have been to the top of the following, Canary Wharf, Eiffel Tower, Tower Bridge and the Ferris wheel in Vienna. But everyone involves the intake of a very medicinal brandies and in the case of Canary Wharf I was a limpet to the central column. So I am already dreading the flight in two weeks.
That said it will be worth it, as this is the first pure stadium show I have seen. For the last 5+ years I have made the pilgrimage to the NEC for TGLive with the full compliment of additional things like stalls and drifting. This time it is just the two days of watching the show. No doubt as per every other time I will drive my camera to a total meltdown, but I know I will enjoy it.
I am already at the what to panic part, and the where the hell is my suitcase is yell. But I know this is all trivial because when I get there it won't matter what jeans I am in or whether I packed my 2 inch or 3 inch heels. Although it being Glasgow I must remember a jumper. But what a way to start the new year than at TGLive. I am sure there will be plenty of tales to report back with, in the mean time I have to find that suitcase, any ideas?
Now for a car and bike nut I am a contradiction as I am terrified of both flying and boating. How I ever fly to America to see the in laws totally astounds me. I am so terrified of heights I feel sick at the thought of them. This is made even crazier when you think I have been to the top of the following, Canary Wharf, Eiffel Tower, Tower Bridge and the Ferris wheel in Vienna. But everyone involves the intake of a very medicinal brandies and in the case of Canary Wharf I was a limpet to the central column. So I am already dreading the flight in two weeks.
That said it will be worth it, as this is the first pure stadium show I have seen. For the last 5+ years I have made the pilgrimage to the NEC for TGLive with the full compliment of additional things like stalls and drifting. This time it is just the two days of watching the show. No doubt as per every other time I will drive my camera to a total meltdown, but I know I will enjoy it.
I am already at the what to panic part, and the where the hell is my suitcase is yell. But I know this is all trivial because when I get there it won't matter what jeans I am in or whether I packed my 2 inch or 3 inch heels. Although it being Glasgow I must remember a jumper. But what a way to start the new year than at TGLive. I am sure there will be plenty of tales to report back with, in the mean time I have to find that suitcase, any ideas?
Downpours and sales (fashion and beauty post)
I swore blind I was never going to do sale shopping ever, and how I wish I had kept to that motto. Last year by Internet I scored some lovely bargains. This year in person all I got was very very wet! Yet through total frustration I have agreed to go to London next week to replenish mothers wardrobe, heaven help me.
That said I did nip into the 99p store mainly to dry out, and managed to pick up an argan oil healing spray, something my wavy hair depends on. Now I know that's a bargain as my last lot cost me £12.99. So it is always worth a look if you are near a store. I have previously picked up 3 china glaze nail polishes for the same 99p .
I also nipped into the ever reliable Primart for some socks and as usual ended up walking out with a lot more. My two best buys from there are some fleece lined leggings for £6.99 and a double tee shirt top £5. Thus making my soggy adventure a bit more worthwhile. What did annoy me beyond measure was the lack of stock at my local Primart. For me to get what I need I have no choice but head up to the Marble Arch store which is a mission. The sooner Primart join the world of on line shopping the better as far as I am concerned.
Other on line shops that seem to have failed me this year are the Space NK and Asos beauty. Both had some brilliant offers last year but this year it all seems a little flat to me. Granted this is down to personal taste, but I can honestly say this year the sales have failed to impress me this year.
As for London I will let you know how that went once I recover from that little adventure, for now I need a hot bath and fluffy pjs.
That said I did nip into the 99p store mainly to dry out, and managed to pick up an argan oil healing spray, something my wavy hair depends on. Now I know that's a bargain as my last lot cost me £12.99. So it is always worth a look if you are near a store. I have previously picked up 3 china glaze nail polishes for the same 99p .
I also nipped into the ever reliable Primart for some socks and as usual ended up walking out with a lot more. My two best buys from there are some fleece lined leggings for £6.99 and a double tee shirt top £5. Thus making my soggy adventure a bit more worthwhile. What did annoy me beyond measure was the lack of stock at my local Primart. For me to get what I need I have no choice but head up to the Marble Arch store which is a mission. The sooner Primart join the world of on line shopping the better as far as I am concerned.
Other on line shops that seem to have failed me this year are the Space NK and Asos beauty. Both had some brilliant offers last year but this year it all seems a little flat to me. Granted this is down to personal taste, but I can honestly say this year the sales have failed to impress me this year.
As for London I will let you know how that went once I recover from that little adventure, for now I need a hot bath and fluffy pjs.
Kandee Luxe selection (fashion and beauty post)
Its new season time in the house of Kandee, granted this is a few weeks late to post, but better late than never. As per usual they haven't failed to deliver a selection of seasonal delights. Although this season is a mix of glitter and fierce. Rather than writing a massive blog of each shoe or boot available I am going to only write about my top 3. Now I know there is a real mixture of over the knee heeled boots to spikes but my choices this season are a little more practical for the real world of day to day living.
In no special order my first boot of choice is Amor. Currently at £190 here http://www.kandeeshoes.com/e-boutique-c1/amor-p164
It is a snow leopard print heeled boot. Great for casual party wear and very seasonal in colour. Normally I am not a fan of animal print but this is enchanting and there is something subtle in this colour scheme. It is the type of statement boot that can lift an outfit from standard to quirky and that scores brownie points with me.
Next up is Kylie at £180 for here http://www.kandeeshoes.com/e-boutique-c1/kylie-p158 . This is a flat black boot with a mixture of hologram and sparkle. It takes the standard black boot that all girls have and makes it something hot. I can't wait to mix this up with jeans and a jacket to take a wardrobe favourite fresh into 2014.
And my final choice is Brooklyn again at £180 and found here http://www.kandeeshoes.com/e-boutique-c1/brooklyn-p157 Now these are the trainers I have dreamt of all my life. All covered with delicate sparkles, and just a few spikes for the added edge. Here Kandee has taken deluxe and made it street couture.
These are only my highlights of the collection, there are many more to choose from and I suggest you have a look. From flats to skyscraper's this season has a lot of variety, there is even a jump suit currently at £9.99 for those of you brave enough. All in all I would venture to say this is the best collection to date. Keep them coming Kandee, your sweetness is so tempting.
In no special order my first boot of choice is Amor. Currently at £190 here http://www.kandeeshoes.com/e-boutique-c1/amor-p164
It is a snow leopard print heeled boot. Great for casual party wear and very seasonal in colour. Normally I am not a fan of animal print but this is enchanting and there is something subtle in this colour scheme. It is the type of statement boot that can lift an outfit from standard to quirky and that scores brownie points with me.
Next up is Kylie at £180 for here http://www.kandeeshoes.com/e-boutique-c1/kylie-p158 . This is a flat black boot with a mixture of hologram and sparkle. It takes the standard black boot that all girls have and makes it something hot. I can't wait to mix this up with jeans and a jacket to take a wardrobe favourite fresh into 2014.
And my final choice is Brooklyn again at £180 and found here http://www.kandeeshoes.com/e-boutique-c1/brooklyn-p157 Now these are the trainers I have dreamt of all my life. All covered with delicate sparkles, and just a few spikes for the added edge. Here Kandee has taken deluxe and made it street couture.
These are only my highlights of the collection, there are many more to choose from and I suggest you have a look. From flats to skyscraper's this season has a lot of variety, there is even a jump suit currently at £9.99 for those of you brave enough. All in all I would venture to say this is the best collection to date. Keep them coming Kandee, your sweetness is so tempting.
Thursday, 2 January 2014
First steps into the new year
Now we have eaten the turkey and the Christmas tree has started to shed its needles everywhere, we reach the start of the new year. I hope you all were good enough for Santa to leave all you wished for and you aren't feeling too guilty for raiding the quality street. Most of all I hope the weather didn't ruin your festivities too badly. Due to the dreadful weather my Christmas was a little quieter not that I am complaining, it did save the endless exhaustion I usually suffer.
That said it has certainly been a memorable new year, we are all suffering from the delightful experience known as the British weather, I certainly can say we are all well washed in Britain at the moment. But I know we will battle through like the true island nation we are. Personally apart from chasing rubbish bins down the road and a fence at a 45 degree angle I can say we are lucky. If twitter is to be believed there will be a need for ark makers soon. I am not going to make light of others suffering with worse conditions but as I write this and watch the wind moving trees into unnatural angles, I am thinking it is an excellent physical metaphor for the priciples of new years resolutions. Every year thousands of us try to sweep the bad habits of the last year (s) away and start the year afresh, in a way so is our weather clearing the old for the new.
On that note I am trying to revamp this page, by dividing it into 3 so the different interests are covered. However as it too 2 hours to get this net book to boot up so please bare with me. So for the moment I will just try to be clear in the title line what is what. There is a guaranteed Top gear Live post this month as I am crazy enough to be flying to Glasgow to see the first shows of the year. There will also be a Kandee post in the next 48 hours. However if anyone wants to get a blog write up of their product please either comment or contact me via twitter as this year I want to try new things and live as much as I can.
As for my new year resolutions they are the following.
Cut down and hopefully quit smoking ( give me time)
Remember to cleanse tone and moisturise daily
Get this blog really working
the rest will come with time.
For now let me just wish you all a happy and healthy new year and I look forward to hearing from you.
That said it has certainly been a memorable new year, we are all suffering from the delightful experience known as the British weather, I certainly can say we are all well washed in Britain at the moment. But I know we will battle through like the true island nation we are. Personally apart from chasing rubbish bins down the road and a fence at a 45 degree angle I can say we are lucky. If twitter is to be believed there will be a need for ark makers soon. I am not going to make light of others suffering with worse conditions but as I write this and watch the wind moving trees into unnatural angles, I am thinking it is an excellent physical metaphor for the priciples of new years resolutions. Every year thousands of us try to sweep the bad habits of the last year (s) away and start the year afresh, in a way so is our weather clearing the old for the new.
On that note I am trying to revamp this page, by dividing it into 3 so the different interests are covered. However as it too 2 hours to get this net book to boot up so please bare with me. So for the moment I will just try to be clear in the title line what is what. There is a guaranteed Top gear Live post this month as I am crazy enough to be flying to Glasgow to see the first shows of the year. There will also be a Kandee post in the next 48 hours. However if anyone wants to get a blog write up of their product please either comment or contact me via twitter as this year I want to try new things and live as much as I can.
As for my new year resolutions they are the following.
Cut down and hopefully quit smoking ( give me time)
Remember to cleanse tone and moisturise daily
Get this blog really working
the rest will come with time.
For now let me just wish you all a happy and healthy new year and I look forward to hearing from you.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Do I smell Christmas
It has been a tough autumn for me and because of such I have let my blog slip so major apologies. I have to admit today is the hardest day of the year for me as it is the anniversary of my granddads passing and I tend not to start accept its Christmas till this day has past.
That said most of the presents this year are already bought and food planned, so its not as if I dissociate myself from Christmas till the 6th of December, but I refuse to put up decorations etc till then. I always find the irony in the fact my Granddad actually hung on till the 6th St Nicholas day, as he well knew I was well read up on the feasts of Christmas and this was always important to me. Now this may sound quite morose to people but to me it is some form of comfort as this man brought me up whilst my mum worked. So although I find it hard even now to accept he is gone I know he would also see the irony in the date.
Anyway it has given me food for thought this year. Without going into to detail I realise this year has been hard not just for me, but it seems for my closest friends. So much so it has reiterated a childhood bond in one case. But I do think all of us will happily wave 2013 goodbye, but not without some decent celebrating from us all. Again I can't say too much as I believe at least one of them reads this, but this year Christmas presents have a theme to them, and I have managed to spoil all. Not in a money sense necessarily but in a thought and time sense. Whilst doing this and on one of my scarce days out, I sat outside my favourite coffee chain drinking a much loved coffee and talking to mum. We are both what I would say as students of the human nature, and we tend to watch people and their behaviour. Almost simultaneously we both said where is everyone. You see we were in the height of the lunchtime rush and there just wasn't the people around with the normal hassle of pre Christmas shopping. We shrugged it off until we had to return the week later and it was the same.
It was on those trips it hit home just hard life has become for most people. Christmas mealy highlights the fact that the money just isn't around for people to be trivial with it. So when I head off to the frost fair along with some borrowed children, the magic of Christmas is going to be a lot more innocent and less material than the Christmas' of my past. Sure I will be providing pocket money but not a bottomless pot of cash. In doing this I actually feel some form of release as I believe there will be a stronger focus on fun and less on want. Despite the fact that at the moment I am struggling to walk due to the fact I had a fall earlier this week, I am excited to get there. It has revived the childhood feeling of anticipation and hope.
Although I am going to be held back from doing the mad things of the past I have regained the feeling of Christmas. The idea of going to the market for the fresh fruit and veg just before the big day, was a nightmare last year as crutches and crowds don't mix, but this year I am going with one of my oldest friends and it has become an event to look forward to. By stripping out the materialistic side of the season it has become more about time spent in the company of family and friends, and it is refreshing.. I am not saying I am a saint and the mound of present wrapping I have to do it is beyond a joke , in fact it is so bad I need an elf or two to help. But that's because anyone who knows me knows my idea of wrapping is a bit dire. But this year I am going to restore a long forgotten custom that involves present wrapping, a locked room and a bottle of wine.
So what I am trying to say is this year has been hard on most people, and rather than be depressed about what limits you have, look back at the memories of times past and what simple customs you could restore and pass on. Whether it be home made Christmas decorations or stocking fillers on a small budget competition. Start looking at the celebration through your inner child, or better still with people who need the celebration as much as you do. Yes Christmas is a time of giving, but there is no bigger gift than that of time. I speak from experience when I say an hour or two spent with a member of the older generation can be enlightening and fun. Or a coffee with a friend in need becomes the best girly time ever.
So whilst I accept there are obstacles for us all, there is also hope, and with that said some one I know mentioned coffee and homemade mince pies ( thank goodness for cars), so I am off to help test them.
That said most of the presents this year are already bought and food planned, so its not as if I dissociate myself from Christmas till the 6th of December, but I refuse to put up decorations etc till then. I always find the irony in the fact my Granddad actually hung on till the 6th St Nicholas day, as he well knew I was well read up on the feasts of Christmas and this was always important to me. Now this may sound quite morose to people but to me it is some form of comfort as this man brought me up whilst my mum worked. So although I find it hard even now to accept he is gone I know he would also see the irony in the date.
Anyway it has given me food for thought this year. Without going into to detail I realise this year has been hard not just for me, but it seems for my closest friends. So much so it has reiterated a childhood bond in one case. But I do think all of us will happily wave 2013 goodbye, but not without some decent celebrating from us all. Again I can't say too much as I believe at least one of them reads this, but this year Christmas presents have a theme to them, and I have managed to spoil all. Not in a money sense necessarily but in a thought and time sense. Whilst doing this and on one of my scarce days out, I sat outside my favourite coffee chain drinking a much loved coffee and talking to mum. We are both what I would say as students of the human nature, and we tend to watch people and their behaviour. Almost simultaneously we both said where is everyone. You see we were in the height of the lunchtime rush and there just wasn't the people around with the normal hassle of pre Christmas shopping. We shrugged it off until we had to return the week later and it was the same.
It was on those trips it hit home just hard life has become for most people. Christmas mealy highlights the fact that the money just isn't around for people to be trivial with it. So when I head off to the frost fair along with some borrowed children, the magic of Christmas is going to be a lot more innocent and less material than the Christmas' of my past. Sure I will be providing pocket money but not a bottomless pot of cash. In doing this I actually feel some form of release as I believe there will be a stronger focus on fun and less on want. Despite the fact that at the moment I am struggling to walk due to the fact I had a fall earlier this week, I am excited to get there. It has revived the childhood feeling of anticipation and hope.
Although I am going to be held back from doing the mad things of the past I have regained the feeling of Christmas. The idea of going to the market for the fresh fruit and veg just before the big day, was a nightmare last year as crutches and crowds don't mix, but this year I am going with one of my oldest friends and it has become an event to look forward to. By stripping out the materialistic side of the season it has become more about time spent in the company of family and friends, and it is refreshing.. I am not saying I am a saint and the mound of present wrapping I have to do it is beyond a joke , in fact it is so bad I need an elf or two to help. But that's because anyone who knows me knows my idea of wrapping is a bit dire. But this year I am going to restore a long forgotten custom that involves present wrapping, a locked room and a bottle of wine.
So what I am trying to say is this year has been hard on most people, and rather than be depressed about what limits you have, look back at the memories of times past and what simple customs you could restore and pass on. Whether it be home made Christmas decorations or stocking fillers on a small budget competition. Start looking at the celebration through your inner child, or better still with people who need the celebration as much as you do. Yes Christmas is a time of giving, but there is no bigger gift than that of time. I speak from experience when I say an hour or two spent with a member of the older generation can be enlightening and fun. Or a coffee with a friend in need becomes the best girly time ever.
So whilst I accept there are obstacles for us all, there is also hope, and with that said some one I know mentioned coffee and homemade mince pies ( thank goodness for cars), so I am off to help test them.
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Simple pleasures
I thought I would start my big catch up with something very simple. I am very lucky where I live. Although being on the suburbs of London I am not 20 minutes drive to the countryside of Surrey. Even better at this time of year I am 10 minutes drive from not one but two lavender fields.
Now for those who don't get why this is so special, the area where I live used to be known for its lavender fields and watercress beds. So to have the return of such a traditional plant is brilliant. Even better is the fact that one of these fields Mayfield Lavender is open to the general public 7 days a week at the moment. Not only can you walk amid the plants and all the bees and butterflies they attract, but you sample the different ways lavender can be used. Granted neither lavender tea or cupcakes rock my boat, but lavender shortbread it a defiant hit in this house.
Not to mention we seem to have gained about 5 different lavender plants to our already extensive collection, and at this moment in time we have lavender drying from various curtain rails.
But what is so special is not what you bring home materially, its the peace and quiet you gain sitting in such a heavily scented field. Its free to go there but the sense of refreshment you gain there is totally priceless.
Now for those who don't get why this is so special, the area where I live used to be known for its lavender fields and watercress beds. So to have the return of such a traditional plant is brilliant. Even better is the fact that one of these fields Mayfield Lavender is open to the general public 7 days a week at the moment. Not only can you walk amid the plants and all the bees and butterflies they attract, but you sample the different ways lavender can be used. Granted neither lavender tea or cupcakes rock my boat, but lavender shortbread it a defiant hit in this house.
Not to mention we seem to have gained about 5 different lavender plants to our already extensive collection, and at this moment in time we have lavender drying from various curtain rails.
But what is so special is not what you bring home materially, its the peace and quiet you gain sitting in such a heavily scented field. Its free to go there but the sense of refreshment you gain there is totally priceless.
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