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| Thursday, November 26th, 2009 | | 12:33 pm |
Update with a vengeance stolen from E_Hal
You know how sometimes people on your friendslist post about stuff going on in their life, and all of a sudden you think "Wait a minute? Since when were they working THERE? Since when were they dating HIM/HER?" And then you wonder how you could have missed all that seemingly pretty standard information, but somehow you feel too ashamed to ask for clarification because it seems like info you should already know? It happens to all of us sometimes. Please copy the topics below, erase my answers and put yours in their place, and then post it in your journal! Please elaborate on the questions that would benefit from elaboration. One-word answers seldom help anyone out. NAME: Andrea Ellen Nichol AGE: 43 LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland OCCUPATION: Academic Administrator, Stewart's Melville College PARTNER: Working on it. KIDS: No. And not likely to be. I'm okay with that. I can love other people's kids so perhaps I'll get some when I get a partner. We'll see. PARENTS: Tom Nichol, Diesel Engineer, was in the navy for years then worked for BC Ferries Kae Nichol, Legal Assistant Both are retired and quite elderly, but we are in touch weekly or biweekly SIBLINGS: Craig - he and I are complete opposites. Completely. I love him, but I don't always like him. It's complicated. PETS: None at the moment. I still miss my doggies. But someday I will have dogs. Please note the plural. CLOSE FRIENDS: I have lots and lots of good friends, who I love very much. However, there are some particularly fab friends who I can't live without - in no particular order (to avoid offence): Susan L (aka Shu) - She is the coolest lady I've ever met. She is honest, trustworthy and I know where I stand with her completely. She has seen me through some of the most difficult times of my life and I love her unconditionally. She accepts me totally for who I am. Very rare and very precious to me as I am all too aware of my shortcomings. Debbie S - my cousin, who is more like a sister to me. I love her to bits and admire her very much. She has seen me through some interesting times and of course is familiar with my family etc. We've had the same experiences. Emma H-F - I know she doesn't feel the same (I know she loves me, but I'm not one of her 'can't do without friends'), but I can't live without her. She probably doesn't know that - well she does now, but it's time she did maybe. I think of her as a sister and her family is my family. They may not feel the same way, but that's how I feel and it's nice even if it's not true for them. Anne H-M - E's mom is very special to me. I can't live without her either. She and I are two peas in a pod and we have a fabulous time together. I love her to bits and would be lost without her. Kirsy H - she won't know this, but more and more I just can't do without her either. A wonderful lady to whom I can say anything about myself and she accepts me for who I am. That is so rare! Kate A-W - Another fabulous woman in my life. We don't see each other as much as I would like, but my love and respect for her doesn't waver....ever. She is a lot stronger than she thinks, but I see it and I can't help but admire her for it. She is also a sister - not sure if she knows that either. 3-5 THINGS GOING ON IN MY LIFE: 1. Christmas: I am knitting furiously, but in quite good shape 2. Dating: might have one with a cutie pie tomorrow night 3. Work: which is absolutely whacko busy and no respite in sight. 4. Weight loss: doing absolutely fabulous - a total of 11.5 pounds lost so far 5. Writing: just put in a query for an article I want to do for a magazine and also just getting back into writing. Some irons in the fire Current Mood: creative | | 8:59 am |
Updating on the weight thing
Okay, here is the latest update regarding my health and weight loss. I wasn't able to go and get weighed last Wed as I had to work at the boarding house Wed instead of Thursday. So, I kinda took liberties. Very bad. Thinking I have two whole weeks to get myself down. Sigh. Wasn't feeling too good about it. Got on the scales hoping like hell that I stayed the same and hadn't gone backwards. In two weeks I LOST 3.5 pounds. Hoooooorrrrrrrraaaaaaayyyyyyyyy!!! In total, I have lost 11.5 pounds, which for British folk is 2.5 pounds away from a full stone. For my Auzzie friends that's almost 6 kilos. Feeling pretty fab today. Current Mood:  good | | Thursday, October 29th, 2009 | | 9:15 am |
Update on the weight thing
Okay, so I've been at Weight Watchers for three weeks now and this is what I've accomplished: This past week I lost 2.5 pounds which makes it a total of 7 pound now - for those of you in Britain that's a half a stone. I got my first '7' sticker at the meeting last night. My waist is 2 inches smaller My bust is one inch smaller My hips are 1/2 inch smaller I am now one size down on the top half of my body and almost one size down the lower half of my body. I am totally okay with these changes. (Okay, I'm bloody thrilled, but trying to keep cool) This weekend is Halloween with a party and a weekend with friends. I did very well during Thanksgiving so I just have to plan my weekend also and take whatever is needed. It's a gorgeous day so I think I'll go for a walk. Current Mood: jubilant | | Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 | | 9:52 am |
For anyone who might be interested, I lost another 2 pounds as of last night. Very happy about it. | | Saturday, October 17th, 2009 | | 4:48 pm |
hot date 3
Unfortunately a complete waste of time and energy. Back to the drawing board. On to the next. | | Friday, October 16th, 2009 | | 11:29 am |
| | Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 | | 4:24 pm |
Hot Date
I have what is most definitely a hot date on Friday after work. This man makes my toes curl in a very good way. Can't wait. | | Monday, October 12th, 2009 | | 2:39 pm |
Thanksgiving
I had a fabulous weekend this past weekend. Was up in Auchtermuchty with Emma/Jamie for the weekend. It was great to see them both. We just had a nice dinner on Friday night, chatted then went to sleep. Saturday we spent most of it cooking, hanging out, then some friends came over and we had a lovely dinner. As it is Thanksgiving today, technically, Emma and Jamie made a turkey and we had a full feast. It was great. Guests were fun and good to chat with . Met one of Emma's friends from work. He was nice. Also, our friend Rob was there. All in all, it was a really nice weekend. Restful, relaxing. Rob was kind enough to drive me home yesterday too which was lovely. No bus. I can use my ticket over Halloween weekend when I go up to visit A and R. In other news, I have met another Graham online. We have been having novel-length emails back and forth all day. I have done some work, but not as much as I would like. That's okay. There isn't really much to do. I'll get back to it in a moment. We are going to meet next Monday for lunch. This one makes my toes curl...at least on email so we'll see how it goes. | | Thursday, September 17th, 2009 | | 10:24 am |
| | Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 | | 8:52 am |
Life List and loss
A couple of decades ago, as part of a course I was taking, I composed a life list of things I wanted to do during my life. Some of these were possible, like get my degree, some were challenging, like move to a foreign country and some were downright not ever going to happen (marrying John Cusack isn't in the cards as I don't think we'll ever meet, nor do I want to marry a smoker anymore), but it was an interesting exercise in seeing what I really wanted to do and pushing the envelope to see what dreams I had. One thing on this life list was to dance with Patrick Swayze. I knew that was an impossible one, but it was always a dream. Godspeed Mr Swayze. Current Mood:  sad | | Thursday, September 10th, 2009 | | 1:22 pm |
Finally an update
Just haven't felt in the mood to share since Auntie Eve died. It's been very hard for me; she was like a parent to me and I will miss her terribly. I don't remember a time in my life when she wasn't there. The final decision is that she died of a heart attack, so I think it was very quick. I am glad she died that way rather than of cancer or something else that takes time. She has been cremated and I think the family will bury her in Manitoba - Lac du Bonnet - where we have a family plot already. My oldest brother is buried there, together with my Nana and Pere and great Granny and my Uncle Hugh. She will be in good company. I may go to Manitoba for that as it will not happen til spring. I also plan to be in Victoria/Vancouver next summer so lots of Canada time coming up. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Otherwise, I am very frustrated about things at work. The new system has us all going a bit crazy and I am still bothered by bonehead type tasks that can wait. Everyone wants everything right now and no one quite understands what they are making me do when they request something. For example, one of my bosses sent me a document and asked for 10 colour copies. It took him two seconds to send it to me. I had to get out of my computer in the office, go to another computer upstairs in the school (one that prints in colour), log in there, bring up the document print it out. It's too expensive to print it out so I had to go over to Technology and make copies of it. He probably thought it would take me a minute. Yeah right. that's the kind of stuff they are all asking for these days and I am very frustrated. Today, my timetable boss, I, came to me to ask me to put in a bunch of P7 French class lists so that the teachers could run off set lists. They had to give me set lists in order to put into the system - duh. I questionned it and they said they needed to be able to print off photos of the boys so they know who is who. WTF? Why am I doing primary work in the first place when I work in the secondary school? Such a bloody waste of time. I'm not even going to look at it until next week. I have reports and Little Red Books to get out first. I work at the boarding house tonight which hopefully will go well. I am so tired. My downstairs neighbours decided to have a party last night. I got home from knitting to find a full-blown hootenanny going on downstairs. Lovely. Needless to say I am knackered today and feel myself reeling just a bit from tiredness. All in all, life is a challenge just now, but I won't give up. I am just feeling it hard to deal with and I want to tell people at work to get lost. Current Mood:  aggravated | | Friday, September 4th, 2009 | | 3:55 pm |
Discussion in the staff room
Dr. S: What is that green blob on your desk? Me: It is a mango. See. (lifts it and flourishes it) Dr. S: I had no idea what it was. I thought it was something you had for decoration, but it is so smooth and round (he is laughing) Me: I feel so much more calm when I stroke my mango (strokes it lovingly) (the entire office killing themselves laughing) Wow, needed a full-on belly laugh like that. | | Saturday, August 15th, 2009 | | 10:56 pm |
She's gone
Mom called me tonight in the middle of my birthday party to tell me that my darling Auntie Eve was found dead in her flat this morning. I can't tell you how heartbroken I am. It hasn't quite hit yet and everyone was very supportive. I did cry a bit, but managed to salvage a bit until about 5 minutes ago or so when everyone left. Now I can just feel bad. I don't really know what to do. I still can't believe it. These are the days when I wish I had a partner to lean on. I feel even more alone than usual. I don't know if I will go to Canada for funeral etc. It's just so unreal. I have also decided not to bother with birthday parties anymore as people don't come and don't let me know about it. Didn't put RSVP on the invite, but I bet people just simply forgot about it. Great to know I am so forgetable. Like I haven't been feeling that way for quite awhile anyway. The people who did come to my birthday party were great and we had fun. Can't help but feel a sting about those who didn't and especially those who didn't let me know. Just trying to be friends people. Doing the best I can with what I got, which just now isn't much. Apparently less than perfect isn't good enough. Oh fuck. Whatever. Too upset to care, too upset not to care. My emotions are all over the place. It just hurts and I am tired of death. It was only two or so weeks ago since Mom had to phone and tell me about Uncle Jim. I didn't know him, but still another family death. Current Mood: shocked | | Friday, August 14th, 2009 | | 7:12 pm |
Wave farewell to the flush
A deep gloom was cast over all at Casa Andrea this week as we had to say farewell to the fabulous waving flush of my delightful white porcelein throne. Oh fair and lovely chair that provides such gracious relief. How shall we ever say farewell and well met when the graceful wave is replaced by a silver dot in the wall? No, I've not gone mad. I got home from Muchty on Tuesday night to find my loo broken. One of the things I liked so much about my flat (yes, I like such silly details) was that in order to flush the toilet, you just had to wave your hand in front of three turquoise squares in the wall. Like magic it all went away and one left my loo thinking 'very cool!' I have made due with a bucket of water making it flush until this morning. Not now. Sigh. It was broken beyond repair so my landlords contacted the company and they were saying next week sometime. H and A knew I had a party going on on Saturday so they contrived to get a new system in today. Now the flusher is a big round silver thing in the wall. Pretty, but not as cool. So wags away the world! Total bummer. All my fun down the toilet. The porcelein god now needs to be touched to make it flush. (giggling) Okay I'll stop now. Nice to feel goofy about something again. Lots more to post, but after my birthday weekend. I'll learn how to do cuts then too. Current Mood: amused | | Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 | | 9:08 am |
Wow, lots to tell
This past weekend was Emma's hen do. It was a hell of a good time! I really enjoyed it. I went up to St. Andrews on the Saturday morning and met with Kate and Mary. We got sorted out then made our way up to C's for the brunch. It was nice to see a whole bunch of people I hadn't seen for awhile. We then went to the cinema and had a private room to see Cabaret with Liza Minelli. The theme was Cabaret so everyone (except four of us) were dressed up like Liza Minelli in the movie, which meant hot pants (shorts for those of you in Britain), skimpy tops, heavy makeup etc. Everyone looked great - I admit I felt over-dressed, but wasn't up to putting anything together as I had been so busy with work and sewing. The film was good. Then we went to a pub and played a bit of pool and just chatted etc. I had forgotten about what a student pub the Raisin is - gah. Sticky tables and smelly! But the company was good so it was okay. Then we were back to C's for an Ann Summer presentation (like The Love Shop in Vic). I bought a pretty black lacy thing. Emma asked me to try on the French Maid's outfit which I did. Oooh la la. It was kind of fun. Then we had pizza for dinner. After pizza, K, M and I left and went back to her place. I went to bed around midnight - stayed at my friend A's - thanks so much, Andrew!! Next day we had breakkie, then hung around getting wee B ready to go off for her holiday with granny and grandpa. After she left, we watched St. Trinnian's then I caught my bus for home. We were late in leaving as there were about 20 French school kids who got on the bus and they didn't hurry in getting their luggage under the bus. The ride was quite noisy also, but we managed. I was happy to get home. I had a mellow day yesterday at work. Got quite a bit done last night. On a sad note, I spoke with Mom last night and she told me my Uncle Jim died last Thursday night. I've never met Uncle Jim, and I know my father wasn't close to this brother so everyone is taking it in stride. I am in charge of ordering some flowers today for Aunt Sue however. They are from Mom and Dad only. I am contemplating sending a card to my Aunt even though we've never met. Anyone want to weigh in on this. Should I send her a card even though I've not met her or my Uncle? I just feel family is family and a card is an innocuous way to give a bit of comfort. Current Mood: busy | | Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 | | 3:17 pm |
Changes
Gotta make some changes in my life. Serious, life changes. My friend, Ali, who I went to Paris with has got me on a site called Plenty of Fish. She is pretty determined that both she and I find someone and soon. Sigh. Hate the whole internet dating thing, but I'm willing to try. They have something you can sign up for to go on a date. So if you want one on Friday, you can sign up and go. Kinda cool. We'll see. this weekend I'm up to Muchty for the weekend. Must get back to my exercising. Feeling very mouldy these days. I've organised myself and will sort that out soon. Need to get back into wearing my contact lenses. I kind of lost the plot with that and I'm wanting to sort it out again. Glasses are easier many days, but it's stupid of me not to try again. Either sewing or knitting tonight. Eeenie meeenie miny mo.... It's been so hot and muggy all day today. Now it's chucking it down! That will cool things off. Current Mood:  contemplative | | Friday, June 26th, 2009 | | 9:30 am |
Death of two Icons
I was gob-smacked to hear of the death of Michael Jackson. For those of you who call him a monster - well that's your opinion. He was aquitted and whether or not I believe that was the right decision, it doesn't matter. No one can deny he was fantastically talented. For myself, I will remember the amazing pleasure I got in his music. I remember the first time I saw Thriller on MTV. My friends and I got together to see it at Fiona's house and were amazed by it. He was a legend and a very talented man. I can't not dance to his music and some of it was very beautiful. I don't choose to focus on the negatives - the man is dead. He was a son, a brother and a father. I choose to focus on the good. I will be chair dancing this morning - Real Radio is playing his music all morning. The other one is Farrah Fawcett. I watched Charlie's Angels when I was younger and loved it. The program might have been fluff, but it was one, together with the Bionic Woman that presented women as being strong. Otherwise they were all housewives who stayed at home and let the men do all the scary stuff. I also saw her do the movie The Burning Bed and Small Sacrifices. She was amazing! Current Mood: sad | | Saturday, June 20th, 2009 | | 12:25 pm |
Being misunderstood
I really shouldn't ever reply to lj posts that are politically/socially/morally sensitive because apparently I can't express myself properly or people can't read properly. Not sure which. This has happened once before and when I read what the replies said and then re-read my email, I thought 'didn't you read what I wrote? or did you just make it up as you went along' It's happened again so I don't think I'll reply any more. In other news, I have been sick all week with a sinus infection. Lovely. I'm at work today (Saturday) just to get up to speed for my own peace of mind. | | Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 | | 11:18 am |
Any news?
Anyone heard how Isabelle/Shannon is doing? Has she had her baby? She was supposed to be induced last Wednesday and I've heard nothing. Just a bit worried so if anyone has heard could they post something. thanks. | | Monday, June 1st, 2009 | | 2:15 pm |
Can't believe it
I am amazed that I will be saying this for the first time since arriving in Scotland over two year ago. Whew it's a hot day out there - almost too hot. My light linen trousers and light top are too much to wear in this weather. What is this country and what have they done to Scotland? Current Mood: amused |
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