I'm a Baby Faced Guitar Hero!

Still on the topic of Lush products, I asked my Mum to get me theBaby Face cleansig bar and the Soft Coer massage bar as recommended by Holli.

I read the reviews on both products, and decided on my own method of using the Baby Face bar. Run a sink of hot water, rinse your face so it is damp, dry hands! Massage Bay Face bar all over face (with dry hands so they don't get sticky, and use up more of the bar than is necessary!) put bar down. Massage face and rub in the cleanser. Put a face flannel into the sink and use it to wipe of cleanser thoroughly. It removes make up and mascara so quickly and thoroughly it is amazing! I then dry my hands, and gently quickly massage face again with the cleanser, and lightly wipe it off with the flannel. This ensures your skin isn't over clogged, but is left with the residue of the bar to work it's moisturising magic.

I have always suffered with my skin allergy on my face. One single tiny spot soon becomes a three month home for my allergy. It takes forever to clear it using my cream, and my cream is steroid based which isn't good to use too often. Never ending circle of allergy, cream, allergy cream, until it decides to move elsewhere on my face.

BUT.......within three days of using the cleanser my Mum noticed a difference! and within a week....all signs of my allergy has gone! Now that's what I call magic.

People at work have commented on how pretty I look now that I am wearing make up, and it's all down to this tiny bar of cleanser. I can confidently wear make up to work, knowing that a, it wont affect my allergy, and b, I can remove it simply and thoroughly without having to rub my face raw with baby wipes!

I give this product a 10/10 and would recommend it to anyone. I wouldn't recommend Lush's way of using it though. Cotton wool pads would simply stick to the bar, and then stick to your face.

On to the Soft Coer massage bar, and no this isn't X rated!

Holli recomended using it like a perfume,most importantly keep the bag it comes in! I slide it to the botom of the bag, hold the bag around it to use it. It is designed to completely melt in the hands and this stops that from happening. Anyway, I rub a little bit behind my ears, in the pulse point on my inner elbow/arm, down to my wrists, and behinf my knee's.

It smells heavenly, and people at work have been asking me what my new perfume is as it smells gorgeous!

Thank you Holli!, and I hope you don't think I am copying you too much. It's just knowing that these products are completely natural with no chemicals, and hearing such good reports from you, I simply had to try them.

I also used another of my birthday bath bombs.
The Haagen Bath bomb I have to say it took well over fifteen minutes to fully disolve! The water was filled with a raspbery ripple effect cream on the top, and was scented with mint chocolate. My skin was smooth ans silky afterwards, but I didn't smell as wonderful as after the S*x Bomb. I'd give that one a 10/10 and the Haagen bath a 7/10. Mainly because of the disolve time. I would recomend puting it in the bath when it is a third run. NOT when it is completely run and at your desired temperature.

Anyway, I still have the Champagne Supernova to go, and Mum and I are going into town on Monday to visit the store.

I have made a list, and I will try my best to stick to it. I have on the list five more bath bombs. A flying fox temple balm (again recommended by Holli), and a dream time temple balm, and a bath bar soap.

I will let you know if I buy anthing else, which I'm sure I will :)

Hubby came home last weekend with a joint "easter egg" for us. Eggsept it wasn't an easter egg, it was guitar hero 111 for the Nintedo Wii.

Ok so seven hours later I had a sore hand, and was seeing dots before my eyes but it is THE best game ever. I am totally addicted. Simply adore the fact you actually hold a guitar, and have now completed the easy level with three bands!

Last night I managed to complete one song on the next level but boy is it hard!

I give this game a 10/10 both for playability and addictiveness.

I'm off to check my regular web sites.....see you soon!

Love n hugs

Whisky

xxx

Birthday Bathday

Ok so my birthday was last week.....but seeing as Monday is one of my days off, and our new snuggly sofa was delivered today I decided to have a pamper bath.

I normally have to be careful as to what I put in my baths, with scars and wounds anything too perfumed is a bit dodgy. I'm ok with natural lavendar, soooo, I splashed out, or should that be bombed out with one of my presents off my Mum.

Holli had given me the idea a while back to try some Lush products. Namely the Henna (caca) rouge bar. When I was younger I was lucky enough to have strawberry blonde hair. It was a ritual once every few months for my Mum, my sister and I to "Henna" my hair. Given the fact it was long enough for me to sit on at the time it was quite a task. Back in those days you could buy pots of henna for hair, you wash your hair, then refill the bath with really hot water. Slap on the henna, comb it through, and sit with hot towels on your head. As soon as one towel cools another was dunked in the steaming hot bath and wrapped round my head. It was bliss and the henna really brought out the red in my hair, and conditioned it like nobody's business.

So......Holli mentions a Henna bar and I'm straight on the Lush website. Should I try it or shouldn't I? Mum then mentioned that there was a Lush shop in our own town and I was gobsmacked!

For my Birthday my Mum gave me a Henna bar!! wooohooo, and......set of three bath bombs.

Anyway today I thought I would give it a go. I ran my piping hot bath, plugged in the cd player (not into the bath d'ohh) with the new Nickleback cd in it, got into the bath and let the S*x bomb do it's work.

Instantly the bath turned a deep marshmallow pink, the bomb fizzed, the smell filled the room and I was enveloped in clouds of pink marshmallow, feather, bubblegum loveliness.

I soaked whilst listening to my music, made sure I rubbed the lovely water all over, and came out smelling absolutely wonderful, and my skin is adorably soft!!

I can't wait to try the other two, and maybe get some more?

My Henna bar is in the fridge, I need to work up the confidence to use it. I have to do a strand test 1st to check my hair will be ok, then I need to decide whether to leave the clingfilm on for four or six hours! Holli? any suggestions lol.

Anyway, out of the bath, and into Clever Crafting Friends gorgeous birthday present for me. A lovely pair of marshmallow pink jim jams (pyjama's) that I just happen to have matching socks for! I'm in a land of pinkness. From feather bubblegum marshmallow baths to a lovely new fresh pink pair of pj's. What more could a girl ask for?

I have to say I was spoilt by everyone for my birthday. I got my drum kit off hubby yeeeehahhhh! And yes I can play!. My pj's from CCF, Navie Wifey got me the cutest ornament doggies :) SA at work gave me a lovely deep pink crysanthemum plant and an adorable pink alien. Mum gave me the Lush goodies, a kilner jar filled with sweets in the shape of a pig and a unique hand made bangle with a heart and an aqaumarine on it. As I say.....spoilt rotten.

I had tonnes of cards, and a few messages on facebook, which I am now addicted to as well.

This Friday I am going to visit College Buddy, and then the Friday after I will take a trip into town and go into the Lush shop. So far on my wish list I have

The Babyface cleanser as recommended by Holli. and, The Snake Oil Scalp Massage bar, I suffer badly with my allergy, and now it's even in my hairline, I can hardly put my cream there can I? also,definately two of the temple balms, probably the dream time and whoosh, and as recently recommended by Holli, a Soft Coer Massage bar. Holli recommends "I put a dab on my chest, wrists and anywhere else I might like fragrance or shine. After that, I just want to eat my own skin. The smell is outrageously good. I DARE you to find something on earth that smells better" Ok, I'm up for the dare, and anything that smells like milk chocolate and honey,honey, cocoa and natural melty butters I'll try.

After all, last years present from CCF was choccy based bath and shower products and they are good enough to eat.

Whew, how many links in one post?

And.....I think I'm finally back on blogging track. Recently my mind has been doing a lot of wandering, it still does, and always will, but not as much. I could only have typed about sadness, and loss, and I didn't want people to read that. Whisky is back in the land of pink fluffiness, there will be some absences. Everyone has sad days, but for now you'll have to put up with me more often :)

Love and hugs

Whisky

I've been tagged :)

I think Aly has realised that my blogging days are dwindling and has given me the nudge I need to do a long await post. Thankyou hunny!!

Anyway, when you are tagged in blogworld, you simply have to answer the questions, and not just answer them any old way, you have to be honest, so here goes.......



The rules of this tag:
A: The rules are posted at the beginning
B: Answer the questions about yourself
C: Tag people, let them know in a comment on their blogs that they have been tagged.

What were you doing 10 yrs ago?

Ten years ago I was 27, and I believe was working at my last job. I think at that point I was reasonably healthy and was loving the job until things changed. I had had my ileostomy by then, and I think it's about this time that the dreaded abscesses started rearing their heads. This would lead to a five month stay in the hospital......oh the joys. BUT....at this job I made two very important and precious friends. In no order, Clever Crafting Friend, and Navy Wifie.

Snacks I enjoy:

I simply adore Tesco's own cheese twists. Biscuits that are cheesy but not over so, and are easy to eat whilst reading a book.

I also permanently have sweets and chocolates in the house. For my birthday my Mum gave me a huuuuge glass jar in the shape of a pig, this is filled with sweets from my past, and present. Jelly beans, flying saucers, cola bottles, banana's, jelly snakes, fried eggs, an all the goodies I love.

Five things on my to-do list today:

Visit Clever Crafting Friend :)

Have a bath, possible with one of the Lush bath bombs my Mum got me for my birthday!

Sit up and wait for hubby, he has been in Portugal all week for work, so no, he wasn't here for my birthday :(

Play on the Nintendo Wii. I'm still absolutely addicted to tennis, I have made three of my Mii's (individual characters you make and dress yourself) professionals now, and I can even play sitting down. Who needs to stand up and expend valuable energy!
Copy the new Nickleback cd for SIL and one of my colleagues at work.....it's a brill cd!!

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:

I would pay off all of my friends and families mortgages, yes I stole this idea off Navy Wifie, I would give money to local charities, I would buy a second home in the town we love in Mallorca. I would buy myself one of the new Aston Martins as seen in the new James Bond adverts, and whatever car hubby wants. I would have a loft extension built. I would set up a trust fund for Little Miss Pink and Little Miss Purple. The rest, I would let the interest build up, and have direct debits coming out regularly for the charities.

3 bad habits:

I have a base metal allergy on my skin....and I tend to overdo it with the cream. So much so that when a friend came to visit me on Monday night I looked as if a meringue had exploded all over my chin!

I can get snappy when things get noisy. I hate unnecessary noise! If I am watching a tv programme and hubby is putting the washing up away with the door open I go mental! When I am at work, if people are talking across me whilst I am on the phone I'm sure I turn into the incredible hulk, either that or the look I give them insinuates murder and they are quiet LOL

I have to stick to my routines. I don't start work until 8.45 am, so why do I get there at 7.40am? I HAVE to get up, have my toast, then my milky coffee and go on the internet on my days off work. If this routine is disturbed, even by my toast burning I feel out of kilter all day!

5 places I have lived:

I have always lived in the area that I live in now....but I was lucky enough to be brought up in pub's and have therefore lived in some truly amazing places. One pub,I spent my young childhood, and met my 1st ghost Charlie. Him and I would sit in the cellar talking for ages. My Dad would come down to look for me, and there I would be, sat on a pile of four barells.....now how does a five year old get that high? Charlie helped me. He also saved me on the cellar steps. I followed Dad down and he told me to avoid the one step that was due to be repaired. I didn't and felt a hand move my foot to the next step down. I asked Dad if it was him......he was right at the other side of the cellar no where near me.

Another pub had a not so nice ghost. She had died tragically whist on the phone. You could feel her walk in the room and it went ice cold. Her father still worked at the pub as the gardener, and every year he would put random flower bulbs in the rockery. I watched him! A bag of mixed bulbs, mixed flowers, mixed colours and e threw them in and covered them in soil. SO how, every year on the anniversary of her death, did they come up in color order spelling her name?

I think my favourite place was the pub I met hubby in. He was a barman, and I didn't even acknowledge him for a year. I was "in lurrrrve" with my teenage blonde hunk, then found out he was cheating one me. he next night, hubby before he was hubby, talked me through it, he helped me cry, and told me I would be fine. Within 3 weeks we were seeing each other and I have never looked back. I have since found out from his Mum, that as soon as he began working at the pub he fancied me! He watched me from a distance, going out with a excuse the language, "jerk".....and we ended up together. Rebound? No way.

I think that's enough, believe me my childhood homes we amazing....I could talk all day!

Things people don’t know about me:

I have always known that even though I have my life time disease and all that it throws at me, endless operations and scars, pain and annoyance, I have always known it is for a reason. I don't know what reason, but I know this and that is what keeps me going.

I AM going to write a book or two. I have nearly finished my children's novel I will print it off and start sending it to publishers. It has a sequel, but that will be written after I have written my adult novel. I don't mean adult x rated d'ohh. I mean adult reading as in psychological thriller, murder, mystery and maybe a little supernatural thrown in for good measure.

I adore rock music. People assume I am a pop lover, take that, boyzone, etc and yes I do like all music. My all time heroine is Karen Carpenter....but I also love Nickleback, Creed, and anything that isn't too heavy a rock sound. Evanescence, Within Temptation, music that means something and tells a story.

I tag:
Gert Lush

I still check your blog often, and haven't forgotten about you :)

I hope you enjoyed my deliving into myself. Sounds a bit odd lol.


Anyway, that was one looooong post :)

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxxxx

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to all!

Just a brief visit to wish you all the merriest of chrismasses and the happiest and healthiest of New year's.

Hectic, hectic, hectic, still wrapping, still trying to make arrangements to deliver presents.

Then off for Christmas to my Sisters with Mum and Hubby :)

Normal service will resume in the New year, until then.....

Take care all.

Love n hugs

Whisky

xxxxxx

F...F....F...Freezing!

Since Thursday we have had no hot water and no heating. The boiler man came and we needed a new pump so it should be fitted today. As soon as it's done the heating will be turned up to the max, a hot bath will be ran and I will soak up the warmth.

Thankfully Mum let me use her facilities on Saturday and I had lovely bath and washed my hair. It did take me nearly an hour to dry and straighten it, but if you're reading Mum....Thankyou!

Yesterday was was spent with Sis In Law, Mr Bleach, Little Miss Purple and Little Miss Pink. A lovely roast dinner, crafts, walking, snuggles and secrets.

No doubt Sis In Law found my secret, and don't go blaming the girls, and I bet it was a shock ;)

Our neighbours are still on top form, making a much noise as possible as early in the mornig as possible. No Lie in's for me :(

So I'm tired.....I'm cold, but I'll carry on regardless. I've got nothing to complain about really.

Work has been extremely busy, one person down and we are realy feeling the strain, but! we have pulled together as a team of three and made it work. One of our three even noticed the difference in the team now that the other person has left. It's much nicer, we all work together, and more importantly we all care about each other. He admitted it made him want to work harder so he could help us the way we are helping him. We are team!

Anyway......I'll try and blog more regularly, I didn't want people to think I was being disrespectful in any way. I hope you are all well, thankyou for sticking by me and reading my here and there posts.

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxxxxx

It All Started When.....

Firstly, happy 2nd blogging birthday to me!

Who would have thought this blog would last for so long with someone who looses patience so easily!

Well.....so much news!

As I mentioned briefly on the previous post my Mum got a new laptop, of course Whisky had to be a copy cat ;)

My old laptop (the workhorse) truly has been put through it's paces. Three years of online chatting sometimes for eight hours at a time, when all I could do way back then was lie on the sofa and chat to what seemed like strangers. So it's roughly three years since I met my Sunray Child.....one of my strongest, and best friends.

Anyway as usual I digress. Poor old work horse has been gradually giving up the ghost, literally, freezing, closing down, turning itself off etc etc etc.....plus taking 10 minutes to start in the first place. (Makes mental note not to download too many programmes onto the new baby laptop)

So I copied my Mum and got a lovely ickle baby waby Dell notebook. Dual core, 120gig etc. Simply beautiful to work on. Turn on, in built wireless card for internet access and 20 seconds later here I am.

I'm now a fully fledged "you tuber" having made, recently, my 17th video! and I'm pleased to be getting comments on them, and making new friends along the way. Of course they are all Supernatural/Jensen Ackles orientated. If anyone fancies having a look, go to you tube, search for whiskyminx and there my baby video's will be.

SLowly I'm being welcomed into the arms of the Supernatural "vidders", and am hoping to book tickets tomorrow to go to the 2008 Asylum/Supernatural convention in Birmingham, with I might add, hubby's permission to meet in person and have my picture taken with Jensen Ackles, as long as it's him that comes.

Work has been exceptional. A few hiccups along the way, feeling like n "in betweener" one minute, then extremely over valued the next. And also......big news here! Being head hunted by my companies main competition within the industry.

The reason I couldn't take the job?! It's in Wales.....plus, my body won't allow me to work a full week and they needed a full timer. How did they hear about me? Apparently a few of my companies customers heard the other company were looking for someone for a similar role to what I do now....and mentioned I was top dog in the field!! How's that for a confidence boost!

Well.....I am an honest person, as anyone who knows me in person will know is true, so what do I do, but print off a copy of the job description and tell my boss all about it. Boss S at first was scared I was going to take the job as it had literally been offered to me on a plate.....but me? No. One thing I hate is being disloyal to employers that I respect, enjoy working for, and have done everything in their power to welcome me back to work after such a tough time in my life. Yes I could have taken a job with a salary increase of 12 grand.....but as someone else said in their own blog this week.....money isn't everything. My health and happiness is much, much more important.

Hubby has still been working away, and is this week on a course which he thought he was doomed to fail. The exam today was to decide if they should complete the rest of the course.....he passed! All he has to do now, is hold his nerve and he will complete the course and have a wonderful certificate to add to his collection.

Life is fine, hunky dory.

I have friends though who aren't so lucky right now. I won't name names. One friend is having a really hard time, but I'm sure if she looks at the Sunrays she will be fine. Another friend has so much to deal with it is untrue, another friend recently discovered they have serious problems with their back, and another friend's hubby has been drafted away, another friend is coping so admirably with all that life is throwing at her right now I admire her so much. A house move away from her family, one of whom is very ill, her own illnesses that increase her frustration but also her determination, and a law suit she so deserves to win.

My heart, love, and thoughts are with all of them. Truly it is. Without my friends I would be nothing.....and yes I include my Sis In Law as a dear, dear friend, even if I don't call her often enough!

So.....the things above put my happiness to shame......I just hope that all goes well, my friends, hopefully, know I am there for them, always. No matter what the time of day or night, no matter what the issue. One e mail, one phone call and Whisky will be there. But most importantly they will always be in my heart.

I may have a new lease of life, hopefully a long lasting one, but while my life gets ever better other people are suffering, whether it's pain, heartache, frustration or sadness.....and that makes me more determined to remain strong. If the can do it, so can I!

For now.....after a long catch up on my blog, I will love and leave you.

I'll be back, and hopefully this time I won't leave it so long!

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxxxxx

Gettin' Bloggy With It!

Yes, it's still me, still ickle old Whisky. I just wanted to play.

I came accross Caz's template completely by accident.....but fell immediately, totally and utterly in love with it. I wanted it! It had to be mine!. Did it work with Beta Blogger. No. But I wouldn't be beaten. I googled, and blog searched until I found out how to convert it. Fingers crossed my blog wouldn't completely disappear, and hit Save Template. It worked!!! I lost my links, but it worked.

So, if I have forgotten any of my fellow bloggers I apologise, just drop me a comment and I will add you back on :)

Monday morning, well afternoon I awoke. I had to have a lie in today, it will be my one and only this week. Work tomorrow and Wednesday, hospital and haircut on Thursday, and a full day at work on Friday......all that means no sleeps for Whisky :(

I had a quick blog update check, my milky coffee gulped down, and off I went to pay in my Avon money, and go and see Mum and Dad. Mum and I went to Morrison's, and the three of us had a good old chat. In fact I talked that much that I apologised for bending their ears on my way out ;)

I received a lovely phone call last night. Instead of calling her C, I am now going to rename her "Sunray Child". Ok, ok, so her age indicates she isn't a child....but, she has a childlike heart and soul, and that fills me with love for her. The Sunray part comes from the fact that everytime I see the sunrays through the clouds I think of her.

Anyway, Sunray and I were on the phone for aaaages. We caught up on things like me being back at work, and we laughed, and laughed. I just love phonecalls like that. I can honestly say that with all of my friends we have the ability to make each other laugh. I can tell if someone is not quite themselves....yes we talk about the serious stuff, but I know when to throw in a joke, or a memory that will bring them a smile, and they can do exactly the same for me :)

Poor hubby was waiting to go to bed sat at the side of me....but he was smiling and grinning like a cheshire cat at our conversations. Off the phone, a snuggle, with lots of Love you's and will miss you's thrown in, and he went off to bed. Yet again, another week of long distance phonecalls, empty rooms, and empty beds, but knowing that he is so much happier makes me happier, and makes the loneliness easier to bear.

He will be home on Friday, the night I am at a Pamper Party with Sis In Law. All being well he will drive over to her house, spend the night drinking with his brother, and be there when I get back. However, he has said, if he feels too tired he will see me on Saturday Morning. Sis In Law? Did I mention/ask if it was ok for me to stay over? I think I may have forgotten that one small issue! (panic!!).

I'm so looking forward to a head massage, and an Angel card reading, you wouldn't believe how excited I am. So much so, that I got out my Tarot cards and my book last night and did some practise readings for myself. Some people say it's not right to do your own readings, some people say it is a good way to learn the meanings of the cards. I agree with the latter.

Every time I shuffle the cards seven times, I did a seven card reading by splitting the cards seven times, and I did three three card readings by splitting them three times. Every single time it gave me the same message. The past has been riddled with trouble and turmoil, the present ground is even with some stumbles along the way, and the future is to be guided by myself. Hmmmmm......I think I had better start guiding!

So, tonight, I thought I would just "pop online" for a few minutes. Mainly to have a look at a certain car manufacturers website to see if they do a pink version that isn't a convertible! But I got totally distracted by this new template.

It's so me.....childlike, wanting so much to tell people things. Whether it be on the telephone or on the blog, via text messages or e mail, I want to share my life with everyone. ALthough, one thing I have vowed not to do is give anyone from work the link to my "private life".

I hope the new template meets with your liking. Please let me know if there are any font reading problems and I will try, and I mean try to address them.

Let me know if in error I have missed anyones links off. Please forgive me if I have.

Most of all..........I Have So Much To Tell You!!!! & I hope you will pop by again.

Lots of love and hugs.......and Please get better soon CCF, you are in my thoughts, and if I wasn't working on Friday I would pop in to see you. Huggs especially for you.

Whisky

xxxxxx

Spot The Difference!!

As you know I regularly have hunks which I adore. I did my top ten men, which included, Wentworth Miller, Robbie Williams, Dominic Purcell, Tom Cruise, Dermot O Leary, hubby, and oh.....hubby.

Recently added was John Barrowman, a total dish. But.....I've just discovered Ugly Betty on Channel 4. I was hooked on Celebrity Big Brother, and the first to episodes were shown in between the two Friday evening programmes, as a consequence, I used this hour to wash up, get changed, do my hair etc etc, and never really took much notice of the programme. This Friday however I did.

The lead man in the show is simply.......adorable! Tight suits, beatifully colored shirts with matching tie's and hankies in pockets. The way he stands with his hands on his hips, hmmmm. Chiselled jaw line, amazingly blue eyes, lovely thick messed up hair, oh and did I mention his muscles?

Anyway, I instantly fell for this man, but......he reminded me of someone else. So much so that I thought one of our English actors was playing the lead, and not an american man. Instant Google, and I found this. The lead man in Ugly Betty is Eric Mabius. Same age as me. The english actor I was thinking of is Lloyd Owen, quite a few years older. He was in Monarch of the Glenn, and is now in The Innocence project on BBC1. He too is a hunk, the same blue eyes, chiselled jawline, thick hair and did I mentione muscles?

Anyway..apart from Lloyd's scar on his chin, I think these two could be twins, dopplegangers, brothers? I'll let you see for yourselves.

Lloyd Owen, the one on the right obviously! In a lovely suit and tie.

Eric Mabius, in a lovely suit and tie.

Note the blue eyes, the cheeky grin, the chiselled jaw line......

Oh......did I mention the muscles!!!

What do you think? Do they look alike, are they both extremely dishy, cute, adorable? I only wish I'd watched Ugly Betty from the beginning! I have found, however, that on NTL I can review and record it, and see the next episode tonight before it is aired on channel four on Friday....methinks both dvd recorders might be in action to catch the rest of the season! Then, play, pause, play, pause etc etc etc. Come back hubbyyyyyyyyy!

Yesterday at work I had some wonderful news. At first I was scared whitless being called into an office by Boss S. But, to cut a long story short, instead of filling in weekly time sheets, they are putting me in a contract for the hours I currently work, they will issue me a new contract each time I increase my hours. Boss S announced that she, and the company are perfectly happy for my final, permanent contract to be three working days!!!!!!

No more worrying about whether there will be a position for me with just the hours my body can manage! No more worrying that eventually I might have to tell them my body will not let me work full time! No more worrying!!!

Boss S came back to me and said that the lady in HR is fine with this, as long as I am fine. In other words, they are looking after me so well it is unbelievable! I was over the moon. I texted everyone I could think of with the news, and I got some wonderful texts back. I have such a support network around me of friends, family and work colleagues and bosses that it is unbelievable. Now is the time I find out who my friends are, and how much people think of me.......and that means so much to me.

Gone are the days of worrying if someone is watching me through the letterbox, calling themselves a friend. Welcome to the days when I have people I know I can turn to, people I can talk to, people I can text at any moment and get support and care.

It makes me so proud! It makes me so happy :)

Of course when I spoke to hubby he analysed it financially....but all is well in Whisky land.

So, have you decided yet....do they look alike?

Maybe you need to look some more (wink wink).

Hugs galore

Whisky


xxxxxx

Shine, For Someone Special

The weekend was lovely, hubby home, shopping done, lots of snuggling, talking and I love you's.

This week he's "conveniently" (as long as all goes to plan), back on Thursday evening. As soon as he told me I realised he is coming home to see how I cope with my full day at work. Bless him for checking up on me :)

Lots of text messages were sent to someone who doesn't normally smoke, yet was texting me to ask me to save them an orange cigarette as they were puffing on a hookah pipe! Tutt Tutt.

Also a special Happy Belated Birthday to A, Sammy the dog's dad, for Sunday. I did send a text wishing him happy birthday but got no reply :( I wanted to ring and play the magical birthday cake to him! Boooohooo.

On Thursday evening there was a special preview of a bands new single. A band I used to like before they broke up, and who have now reformed. I recorded it.

For some reason last night I kept playing it over and over and over. The lyrics were trying to tell me something, but I didn't know what. Then I realised, they weren't for me. They were for someone who needs these words much more than I do.

You,
You’re such a big star to me,
You’re everything I want to be,
But you’re stuck in a hole,
And I want you to get out,

I don’t know what there is to see,
But I know it’s time for you to lead,
We’re all just pushing along,
Trying to figure it out, out, out
Oh your anticipation pulls you down,
When you can have it all,
You can have it all, all , all

So come on, so come on, get it on,
Don’t know what you’re waiting for
You’re time is coming don’t be late, hey hey
So come on, see the light on your face
Let it shine, just let it shine, let it shine,

Stop,
Being so hard on yourself,
It’s not good for your health,
I know that you can change,
So clear your head and come round,
You only have to open your eyes,
You might just get a big surprise,
And it may feel good,

And you might want to smile, smile, smile,
Don’t you let your demons pull you down,
‘Cos you can have it all,
You can have it all, all all,

So come on, so come on, get it on,
Don’t know what you’re waiting for
You’re time is coming don’t be late, hey hey
So come on, see the light on your face
Let it shine, just let it shine, let it shine,

Hey, let me know ya,
You’re all that matters to me,
Hey, let me show ya,
You’re all that matters to me

So come on, so come on, get it on,
Don’t know what you’re waiting for
You’re time is coming don’t be late, hey hey
So come on, see the light on your face
Let it shine, just let it shine, let it shine,

People will presume it's for hubby, but it's not. This person will hopefully read the blog, and they will know that most of the words, I stress not ALL of them, are for them. I've always known I have connections with certain people, and intuition sometimes. I know now, that deep down I knew this person was troubled, but I didn't know why. Maybe me recording the video was me picking up on something, maybe it's just coincidence. Maybe me playing it over and over until I knew the words off by heart was someone calling out to me. ut at the time I didn't know who, why or where.

Now I do. I don't think it's coincidence. I think it's fate. I think it's my link to people's feelings and emotions without even knowing it. Someone maybe thousands of miles away, but I can still sense when they are in need of a virtual hug. Or, some song lyrics that might mean something to them without seeming patronising.

I have a very strong link with another friend. I know that when I see the sun rays through the clouds we are thinking of each other. We can think exactly the same thing at the same time, I think that right now that she might need me as well......but is hesitant for some reason. Maybe it's pride, maybe it's a worry that I may repeat things to other people, which she should know by now I won't. Or maybe it's a fear that I will judge or take sides. I can promise you now that will NOT happen. The two people I am mentioning here mean as much to me as my family does. We may be hundreds or thousands of miles away from each other, but I still feel your pain and your confusion and worry.

If you need to lean on me I am here.

Maybe the lyrics will mean different things to different people, maybe everyone that reads this might take a chance, and learn to shine. I am not, and will not ever try to force my opinions on anyone. I only offer words of hope. Written by someone, put to music and transformed into a song.

I often listen to songs and can relate to them. Anastacia - left outside alone, Kelly Clarkson - Because of You, etc etc etc, but from my point of view. This one however was meant for someone else, and I don't think that has happened to me before.

I only hope these words are taken in the right way. Not as an instruction, a patronisation, or a judgement. Just to let someone know I am thinking of them, and I care.

For now, I'll leave you to ponder.

And Sis In Law, yes I was up at 12.35. I was up at 9am waiting for my Avon delivery. I was out ding dong Avon calling at my Mum's when you rang :)

Stay strong, be true to yourself, put yourself and those closest to you first and you can do no wrong.

Love and hugs across the miles

Whisky

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Happy Birthday Holli!!!!!

Fancy only mentioning it the day before!! You thought you could get away without a blog from moi!

Here goes.........



To my dearest blog friend Holli.

Only a year since we met
Miles and miles over the internet
Next blog, next blog, then this pink one was found
Pictures and words so much joy did abound.
I soon said hello, filled with fear and with dread,
Never done it before so gently did I tread,
A hello back and it filled me with joy
Now to find out if Nate Nate is a boy?

Baby Faith, Nathan too now Tom joins the crew,
E mails pass one by one, between me, between you,
Holli my Friend. Oh Holli my dear,
Can you believe it's been only a year,
Now I hear it's your Birthday, and only by chance
Once I knew I stood up, did a furious dance,
For no chance was given for me to prepare
An appropriate poem, one thats good, filled with flair,

So this one I write, it's from me, sent to you
I know it's not much, but I hope it will do.
And as a finale guess what, bet you never will
We've more things in common than pink, for my heart you do fill
With hope, and with FAITH, and with love it is true......
And guess what....have a guess...





we're both five foot two!!!!!!!

So sorry if it's not brilliant, but I didn't have the normal opportunity to sit and write, and re write. This was just what came into my head :)

What I'm trying to say is, (without seeming like a stalker), I admire you, your courage, your outlook on life. Once again, thankyou for sharing your's Faith's Nate Nate's and Tom's life with us. Along with Sto Sto, Nana, Poppy, ALi Ali and everyone else. Sometimes I can have the saddest of days, I click on one button.....read your blog, and know that there is someone out there who cares about the world and the people in it.

Many Happy Returns Holli. I hope you have a wonderful perfect "cupcake" Birthday.

All my love, and tonnes of hugs on this your special day.

Whisky

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I Managed It.........Just

Wednesday afternoon at work was the usual, still one person down, but nice and busy. The time flew by and it was soon 4.30pm and time for me to go home. Milky coffee, talked to hubby :) and I made myself have an early night in preparation for my full day of work on Thursday.

I must have slept straight through, which I was relieved about, as I had slept poorly at the beginning of the week, as the next thing I knew it was 6.30 and time to get up.

Breakfast, bath, dress, I looked out of the living room window and panicked! I knew that the main road I use to go to work was closed for road works, so I would therefore have to take an alternative and longer route. What I hadn't planned for was that my poor ickle purple car would be covered in thick lumpy frost! You know the kind that is half frost and half frozen snow. The kind that is physically impossible to remove from windows unless you have the muscles of Hulk Hogan!

That was my car.

I quickly made up my flask of milky coffee, donned my coat, hat and gloves, double checked the contents of my handbag. House keys, pen, energy drink x 2, can of coke, flask of milky coffee, and other essential items, and out I went.

Imagine. A 5ft 2" 9 stone weakling scraping superglued frost from her car.

I tried the sideways scrape. Excellent for removing the delicate frost. But useless for the lumpy frost.

The up and down ways scrape. Ok, until you get stuck in a lump and then the shock reverberates up your arm and into your shoulder.

The random pick a spot and scrape it scrape. Again ok until you get to the lumps.

In the end I went for the random whack it scrape. Pick a loose bit and scrape at the rate of roughly 1000 scrapes a minute until you can no longer breath, rest start again.

I ended up, with frost/snow in my shoes, all over my trousers and the arms of my coat, in my hair.....and gawd knows how but up my nose as well!

I got into my car, just about to remove gloves and fasten seat belt. Guess what I had forgot?

The bloomin windscreen!

So....at this point, already feeling as if I have done a full days work, I opted for the cannned de icer, (Sorry to the ozone layer here). I picked up one can.....could I get the lid off it? Could I nuts! Second and larger can lid already off, and away I went.

I sprayed for england, each and every centimetre of the windscreen had a good splattering. Windscreen wipers on........jammed. I lifted them to release them and got a face full of slush mixed with de icer. Sprayed again, and again and again and soon the windscreen was clear! Wooohoooooo!.

Into the car, wet cold gloves removed, rear window nicely defrosted due to the heated window. cigarette out, lighter in hand. Hmmmmmm, is de icer flammable. Is there enough remaining on my finely plucked eyebrows to enable me to burst into flames in my car.....well at least if that happens it will be thoroughly defrosted.

To hell with it. I tentatively lit my lighter, brought it closer to my cigarette, all safe and off I set on my journey.

Sorry if this is a long post, it's about to get longer.

I've always been told by both my Dad and hubby, in icy weather, when the roads are slippy. Play it safe. Drive slowly, and with the car in a higher gear than it needs to be. So......5 miles an hour in 3rd gear worked well until some moron decided to pull out on me. I avoided the natural instinct to slam my foot on the brake, and slightly tapped the brake with my delicate size 6 shoe. Luckily the moron and his car had already passed me as my tail end swerved from side to side down the remainder of the road!

Main roads, ice free, alternative route, and I still got to work with fifteen minutes to spare!

I had been told the day before by my supervisor that if it was icy in the car park I was to ring up to the office and someone would come and get me from my car to the door in safety. the last thing I need is to land on my butt!

I took a risk. Walked along the pebbled gaps in the car park and made it in one piece.

Into work, slaving away until the morning meeting. Always a team meeting on a Thursday morning. it felt good to be there for it :)

At about eleven am I started to fade, and fast. My brain, eyes and fingers were no longer connected. I reached into my bag, pulle out my flask, and took five to drink my milky but strong coffee. I was back on top form and raring to go.

Lunch, in the car chains smoking as they have closed the smoke room, and there is no way I am standing in a bike shed to smoke!

Back into work and it was soon 5 oclock and time to go. Boss S had checked on em all day that I was ok, and I was.

Home, milky coffee, feet up, bath, yes another one! Mum rang to say she had been worried about me all day. I rang Sis In Law and we had a scream!

Tammy had found my blog via the Be Connected website, and also takes part in the Self Portrait Challenge. She had left me a lovely comment, that Sis In Law had read, and clocked on the link to her website. She was reading things out to me from Tammy's website that had us both in stitches. I'm sure Tammy knows that this in in no way ridiculing her site. She just has the most fantastic sense of humour that is down both mine and Sis In Law's street. Now every time I think of Tammy, I think of a woman in a velcro suit!

I've a feeling my garden of friends is soon to have another seed planted :)

On that note, with laughter in the air, I ate my dinner, and headed up to bed. On my way into the bedroom I caught site of myself in the mirror. I looked terrible. I knew I felt tired, but I didn't realised I looked as bad as I did!! Grey completely pale skin, eyes sunken with dark circles underneath them. Scary! That effect after just one full day at work. How the hell did I used to manage five full days. What has happened to my strength! Did Mr R the surgeon remove that when he removed my wounds? I'll have to ask him when I see him in a fortnight.

Yet again, I forgot, not only do I have the Crohn's I also have two other conditions that sap strength from my body. I will fight them and try to gradually build up my energy. Hopefully I will win when I get to three full days. If I don't I will admit defeat, and hope that work will stick by me.

What a day.......what a blog.

Today, after a lovely lie in with no alarm clock I am refreshed and awake. Waiting for hubby's return.To see his smile, to smell his aftershave, hear his voice and most of all, to be wrapped in his arms and hear him tell me he loves me.

I'll blog soon......don't be too scared. LOL.

If you have battle with the lumpy frost.........I hope you win like I did :)

Hugs galore

Whisky


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Whisky In A Pickle

Yes, I'm in a pickle, and possible in trouble, and was up until a few moments ago in floods of tears.

Yesterday work was extremely extremely busy. Two people down on sales, two people left, me being only there for half a day, and a very kind person from another department helping us. There were orders like I have never seen before. It's as if the customers know when we are short staffed and save up their orders for then.

Amongst this I was called up to a meeting room to see Boss S. Without going into too much detail, even though I have only been back at work for approx two months, they have awarded me a pay rise.

I was gobsmacked. We, as a team, finally managed to get all of the orders on and I made my way home. No I didn't do the weekly shop as mentioned yesterday, I was too exhausted.

I spoke to Mum and mentioned about the pay rise, and then it clicked. I could be in deep deep trouble.

The letter was dated 8th January, I was given it on the 18th January, and the pay increase would be effective from the 1st January. This would mean, that for the last three weeks I have been, without knowing it, over my allowance to be entitled to my disability payments!!!! Panicccccccccccccccccc.

Hubby rang, I discussed it with him, we worked out my new hourly rate, and I worked out how much per week I was earning over my allowance, all of £2.53. But it was still fraud!

This morning I rang the relevant department and spoke to a lovely chap. I explained I had previously filled in a form declaring my earnings, that I was due to ring him this week anyway to advise that as from next week I would be over that, and need to be disqualified from benefit payment. Then I turned into jelly, burst into tears and told him I could be in trouble. I explained the situation and he immediately told me not to worry. Yes I was over the allowance, did I know I was up until yesterday, NO! He told me it was totally out of my hands and I had done nothing wrong. This months payment may well be recalled as it has already been payed out......but he thought that could be unlikely as I am only over my weekly allowance by pence.

I have to write a letter to them explaining the situation and wait for it to be reviewed.

There's me, worried the police will come knocking on my door over an overpayment of £2.53, when there are other people out there who get thousands of pounds from disability payments and are found to be not ill at all. They are watched by people with video camera's. Claiming they have an injured back, carrying boxes, wheeling wheelbarrows, on holiday water ski ing and still claiming their payments. They are the people that are de frauding the system.......me, I just got caught out unawares. But I still got upset. That's how genuine a person I am. How honest I am, hoe worried about getting into trouble I am.

If every person was like me, the government would have lot more money to put into things like hospitals and schools. But not everyone is as genuine as I am.

So, I'm quickly blogging before I go to see Clever Crafting Friend. Hopefully my eyes won't be puffy by then!

Then I will get home, and hubby will either be on his way, or already there. Wooohoooooo!

I love Fridays! A whole weekend of hubby, snuggles, cuddles, tickles, talking, laughter and most importantly, love.

I've gone from upset Whisky to mushy Whisky :) all in one blog.

This is one of the reasons I adore blogging. It's an outlet for my panics, for my thoughts, for my dreams and aspirations. It keeps me in touch with my friends, whether near to me, or thousands of miles away. I can be the "real" me on here.

Anyway......have a brilliant weekend guys and gals.

Lots of love and Whisky hugs for all

Whisky


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Nightmares, Dreamcatchers, and Sore Arm!

For the last two nights I have had the same dream. Normally in a nightmare I can "control it". I know when things are getting too scary, and wake myself up. I did this the night before last, as the dream was freaking me out a little. Last night, my subconscious curiosity must have got the better of me. I let the dream carry on.

It was almost like a mystery thriller, sort of like a horror movie where I needed to collect clues, and use my intuition along the way. It's still so vivid. Searching through knife drawers in a strange house as I knew there was a dangerous threat on it's way, only to find they had all been taken apart from one. The other person in the dream, female, who I have never met before, acting strangely. Leading me to places, different rooms, almost making me look for things. One of the biggest clues that she was a "baddy" was when I walked into a room to tell her something, and she was doing something? She told me she was putting clothes into a tumble dryer. I picked up an item yet to be put in, and found it completely dry?!

Doors opening and closing of their own accord, hearing sounds, her leading me into the kitchen to get a knife to protect ourselves only to find them all gone. But somehow, even though I didn't know the house, I knew they should have been there. Then it cut to outside, something coming, but I didn't know what. My heart was thumping, me stood with her behind me, me holding the only knife we had. I started to look over my shoulder.......then woke up.

Absolutely terrified I went downstairs, got myself some orange juice, and had a cigarette. A few minutes later hubby came downstairs, it was only 4.30am! I apologised for waking him, but he said he was already awake and needed the toilet. I felt safer with him next to me. Back upstairs to bed, and I slept like a baby.

Much use my dreamcatcher was! When my nieces stayed over on New Year eve, they saw it and asked me what it was. I told them it took away nightmares, and helped you remember good dreams. So much for that. It was as if it was making me dream the same dream, making me go further into the terror. So much for peace and tranquility.

Yesterday was fun. Of course I got up late, hubby had been shopping, and got even more Christmas presents for next year :) along with some lovely old fashioned tree decorations, and some more fancy gift tags. This year my presents for others should look wonderful, and the way we are going they will all be wrapped and tagged in July!

We made our dinner of stew together, hubby peeling, me chopping, and it was scrummy! Dumplings galore, and then a lovely chocolate dessert whilst watching Kylie on the tv. I flicked over after hubby had gone to bed and caught most of a film with Bruce Willis in it called Mercury Rising......a brilliant film, and the ending......perfect.

All day yesterday my right arm was achey. As if I had slept funny on it. Today....it hurts even more. It's ok when my arm is below shoulder level, but once I try and lift it up, OUCH! I really don't know how I'm going to wash and dry and straighten my hair later?!

Oh yes, my much awaited SIM card, that I have been telling everyone I will get soon, and moaning it hadn't arrived. I asked hubby to chase it up this morning. Guess what.......he hadn't even ordered it. I immediately panicked, sure that the offer had ended on December 31st, but thankfully they have extended it to March 31st. I saw him order it, I have the order number written down. SO......soon I WILL have my new sim card, I will be able to transfer it to my usual number instead of using a "temporary number", and I will have 300 free texts and minutes a month, that can be carried over if not used. Men!!!

I also heard some sad news today, Lady Hawk has shared with us the bad news that Moggie has passed away. A treasured feline friend, along with his owner who I was, and still am proud to know. His resting place looks beautiful, peacful, serene, just as it should be. Moggie, my thoughts are with you.

For now,

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxxxx

Happy Birthday Country Girl.....I'm Sorry It's Late

I'm so sorry this is late, but two little people were keeping me very occupied at the time! More on that later.....

My Dear Friend Countrygirl. May I wish you a belated





Please forgive me for being late.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Lots of birthday hugs for you my Texas friend!!

Love

Whisky

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Two Friends Over The Rainbow

Two very sad posts in one day. Words can't tell you how I feel today....I'm just thankful that P and C were there to answer the phone.....and that hubby is here to hold me.

Today I heard that we have also lost Pickle. On many an occasion he has brought light into my life....pictures and stories of him, humorous and funny and truly heartfelt. I was so proud to be admitted into his extended family along with Moggie. I was even prouder the day I received in the post an original picture from Pickle's owners, a picture of Moggie Pickle and Whisky together looking out accross the big wide world. I will treasure it forever, and now it means so much more.....it means I may have touched his life as much as he touched mine.

Sunday will go down as one of the saddest days. I've tried everything to take my mind off things.....music, writing, and sleeping. But no, Whisky is still here crying.

Please join me in wishing both Archie and Pickle a safe journey over the rainbow.



Hugs

Whisky

Awake the Fae (copyrighted) has Awoken My Faith!

I was overwhelmed again today. Having had two days away from the pc, my first point of call of course was to check up on all of the blogs I read. When I got to Awake The Fae - Aly's site I nearly blubbed. I sent her a poem I had recently written, specifically for the Fae site. Never expecting it to be good enough to be featured. But there is my name amongst the list of participants. Click on my name and it will take you to my poem, and the most beautiful description of me and my blog! Along with an amazing song that "is me" all over.

Thank you Aly! There could be more to come.

As I mentioned I have been a busy bee the last two days. Let's start with Wednesday. The appointment with my gastro Dr L went well. He was literally gobsmacked at my improvement, and that was before checking my wounds and scars. I think anyone who saw me six months ago, and see's me now....will see a huge difference, and it's not only the hair braiding! He checked the wounds and scars and almost jumped up and down with glee bless him. He did say that he thought that this was going to go on for years.....my reply was it's already been two and a half years!!! He admitted he didn't think I was going to be an easy case to treat. Thanks for making me feel better about myself! Not.

Anyway, Mum and I were glad to leave at least one Dr happy for once and headed into town. The agreement was that Sis In Law (SIL) was going to be in town, and we would ring or text her to meet up for lunch. We headed into the new Primark, got up to the third floor, and there she was!! She instantly told us about one brilliant bargain, and we parted ways expecting still to text to meet up. Wherever we went we saw her! By the socks, by the clothes.....everywhere. Eventually, after Mum and I having decided on our purchases we headed off to Mcdonalds with SIL close behind.

We had decided not to buy our things until just before we got on the bus, to save dragging everything around town with us. Clever idea! Macdonalds was had, along with a good chat with SIL. My Mum thinks the world of her, but shhhhhh, she doesn't know it! She admires her sense of humour, and her honesty. We ate, and swapped various stories, and headed off towards the market. I picked up my 40 free photo's, and we popped into a brilliant bargain shop. SIL was engrossed so Mum and I headed off to the market. We said we would meet her there. We hunted round and eventually found the stall we were looking for. The hair stall that sold hugely sized bulldog clips for hair. SIL had given me one, so I needed to replace that for her, and get myself another one as well. We instructed the lady on the stall that if (Insert certain description and accent and name here) came along, she wasn't to sell her bulldog clips as we had already got them!

We wandered back through town, and decided to go for a drink before our mass purchase in Primark. We popped to the pub and had a soft drink and used their facilities. Whilst I was "using" the said facilities SIL rang on my mobile. I called to my Mum in a panicked voice and slid my phone (the pink one) under the door and asked her to answer it! It was SIL and we had a laugh that she had called at such an inconvenient time! LOL. P.s. Makes mental note she did exactly the same thing last night!!!

ANyway, we declined her very kind offer of a walk home, as we really wanted to have a more thorough mooch around the shop, and ensure we couldn't find the slipper socks that Sis In Law M had on the other night.

I bought loads, and Mum just a couple of things, we headed home on the bus, had a coffee with Dad, and I drove home.

I expected to be exhausted after nearly four hours in town, but I had a quick cold drink and headed straight out to collect my Avon books. There is another lady on "my patch", somehow we have crossed over, so I wanted to get my books in before she "borrowed" them. When I got to her house I did leave a very apologetic note, saying I didn't know anyone was covering the road, which I didn't, and giving my number in case she wanted any help with anything. I didn't mention that she had collected in three of my books! But I didn't mind as I got two rather large orders to add to the previous one on that road anyway. Nuh nuh ne nuh nuh. She should have written more than just her name on her forms. Customers need a phone number and address, firstly to contact you, and probably more importantly, to know you are trustworthy and actually live nearby!

I got home, hubby got home, we had dinner and snuggled on the sofa. A lovely end to a lovely day. Oh, I did show him my purchases, all loads of them! and I want this in writing that he actually said "you didn't spend a lot"!!!

Thursday, up again at 7am, bath, breakfast and off to Mum and Dad's for hospital appointment two with surgeon Mr R.

Amazing how the day before, in the same clinic, they had my current notes. Thursday, they had volume two and not volume three!! d'oh. It's a good job Mr R knows me better than any of the others :)

His first comment was "Thanks for the postcard, thanks for rubbing it in". He was just jealous that I was abroad and he wasn't. He checked the wounds, and said everything looked brilliant. Mum asked him why he was wearing his white coat, as he doesn't normally wear one. He said it was because he wanted to play Dr's and Nurses, but none of the nurses would play with him! He makes me laugh.

I told him I was going back to work next week, he took off his glasses and asked if that was wise. Paniccccc! He then looked at me then my Mum, and said that at my age I shouldnt have to think about working.....couldn't I send my Mum instead!! The three of us were in fits of laughter.

Although the gastro Dr L wants to see me in six months, Mr R will see me in three. He always keeps a better eye on me as he knows my recent history. He also reiterated if I need him in the meantime just to call his secretary and he will see me. After all I'm his nightmare patient ;)

We left him laughing and headed back to Mum and Dad's. Picked up my car, and had a nightmare journey home. What would normally take five minutes took twenty. We tried three ways of getting to my street, all of which were blocked off due to re tarmacking (sp). Finally on the fourth attempt we got there. It's a good job I know my way round my area!

Mum ironed, while I dusted, vacuumed (with the dying vacuum cleaner) and cleaned bathrooms. We had a coffee and a chat, and then finished off the floors and the upstairs. Dad came to collect Mum, and we had pre warned him of which route to take. I went for my flu jab, and headed home. Normally after two early starts and two hectic days I would have crawled into bed, or onto the sofa for a well deserved rest. But no, I was bored. So I wrote out some more forms and headed off delivering more Avon books. I tried two roads, both of which already had a rep, so I collected those books back in. Tried another road, and was adivsed by a lovely woman that no one had covered this road yet, she thought. So off I went from door to door getting as many brochures out as possible.Yes it may seem tedious, but I really enjoy it!

Got home and dutifully peeled the potatoes for dinner, sat and listened to some music and waited for hubby to come home. We had dinner, SIL rang, again whilst I was in the ladies room, hubby talked to her then passed the phone over. I nealry feel for another of her jokes.....that a certain brother in law had decided he had jumped over a certain fence!

As always we had a laugh, then hubby and I decided to watch a new tv show, both of us promptly dozed off on the sofa. He went up to bed, me, having gained my second wind stayed up til one am! I slept like a baby, and yes I got up late today.

I have to be up early tomorrow, a certain niece is having her ears pierced. Then we are out for dinner with Chinese buddy and her hubby. Then I have two more lie ins, and days to myself before I start work!

What a long post today......well there was two days to catch up on LOL

I'll love you and leave you. Have a good weekend all :)

Hugs a plenty.

Whisky

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Another Seed Sown

Another seed has been planted in my garden of friends :) I believe I found her via Ladyhawk's blog but I might be wrong. This lovely lady, almost the same age as me, is yet another fantastic artist! She paints, and creates art that is truly beautiful. I visited one of her blogs, and it is a contribution site for people who have pictures of sunrises from different part of the world. Ladyhawk has contributed one of her amazing pictures, so, I thought I would enter one of mine in the amateur category ;)

I introduce to you Tanya <<< href="http://tanyaruka.blogspot.com/">her Artists Space or A New Day.

Her seed is now sown in my Garden Of Friends (gee I'm getting good at this link stuff!!), and I promise to nourish it and feed it with love, hugs, and comments as I do with all of my friends :)

Don't miss the UK Tanya....the weather here right now sucks big time! Last week it was a pleasant 17degrees going down to 7 or 8 at night. This week it's 8 degrees in the day going down to -4 at night! Heating on, thermals on, wooly slipper socks on, and I even managed to slip my foot into hubby's jogging bottoms pocket tonight while we were sitting on the sofa to keep at least one of my feet warm. Good job he told me he was going to get up, otherwise I may have been dragged off the sofa and accross the floor in a very unlady like fashion!

We had a bit of a shock (to say the least) visitor today. I was sat reading the paper, and hubby was working at my side, both sat on the sofa in the conservatory. All of a sudden we hear a kerfuffle (sp) outside, and the next thing we know a blackbird flies in, swoops round and flies back out again. Once we were over the initial recognition of what had happened hubby noticed what it had "done" during it's frightened fly by.

Let's just say that it's "deposits" were, on hubby's laptop screen, his socks, his jogging bottoms, his tee shirt, all over the conservatory tiled floor inclusing the kitchen windowsill, the door into the kitchen.....literally everywhere! It must have been so frightened.

I expected hubby to go mad....but he calmly asked me to get him a wet j cloth, he cleaned up the mess. I passed him clean clothes, he got changed putting the dirty things straight in the washing machine, sat down and started work again.

If it had been a normal Thursday, as in him not working at home, it would have been round about the time that Mum and Dad had just left, after Mum had helped me clean the house! I would have been sat in my clean conservatory on my own! Needless to say I would probably have made a hole in the polycarb roof!!

Last night (Wednesday) I went to see the barbershop choir rehearsal again, they have a competition in a week or so, and are hoping to get a medal. The sound is amazing, and the ladies are lovely. As some of you know I have a love of singing that goes right back to my early childhood. I attended stage school, and left when I decided I didn't want to become a diva like all of the other kids there, attended high school, and completed a diploma in theatre skills, then sang with a band for a year or so.

Anyway, I decided to have an audition, mainly to see what a professional singing tutor thought about my voice. My voice was cold, as in no warm up prior to the audition. We did some scales to check my range. Some pitch matches, where she hit a random key on the piano and I had to sing the note back, and I sang my rendition of Yesterday by The Beatles unnacomapanied as my solo song.

The results were, and please remember I don't do sympathy or praise very well. AND, I repeat AND I am not bragging.

Pitch perfect.
The widest range she has come accross in a long time, only two ranges off Julie Andrews.
Capable of singing lead, baritone, bass and most of soprano.
Natural Vibralto. (This I was worried about, as during the rehearsals vibralto is banned!) Vibralto is the natural "wobble" in someone's voice when they sing. Think Whitney houston singing I WIll LAways Love You in her video and picture how much she moves her lower jaw! That is over pronounced and sometimes forced vibralto. Not to say I dont admire her singing.
BUT She did say I had the training, and ability to turn on and off my vibralto when required, meaning I could use it when singing in a quartet, or solo, and control it when singing with the group or chorus.

We came out of the audition room and back into the croud of about 40 women. She called over the leader of the leads and told her, quite loudly, what my capabilities were. One woman listened in. I have to point out I went last week with my Mum, and told my Mum straight away I didn't like this woman, and I hadn't and still haven't spoken to her. The woman concerned listend in, looked at me, glared, stuck her nose in the air and walked off! Hmmmmm methinks that stuck up nose was maybe pushed a little out of joint?

I was given a tape to learn, and after the competition, come back and learn with three other singers, and the sheet music to accompany it. Sheet music to me is EGBDF (every good boy deserves food) and FACE, they are the notes....and I can read some of the lengths required. I cant really read music, but I can learn it by listening.

SO I have about three weeks to learn this song, practice it, and then perform it in front of the musical director and hopefully, get accepted into the babrbershop choir.

Do I really want to do this? Does my voice really want to be that disciplined, do I want to "act" out songs using dramatic faces? Not sure.....you'll have to leave that one with me.

Sis In Law......please dont tell Ma In Law as it's the same choir her old next door neighbour G goes to!!! I want to make this decision myself, not be influenced by anyone else apart from my instincts.

Would I be taking on too much. Returning to work, Avon, and writing and researching my book? AM I whittering on too much here? Answers on a postcard to.....PO Box WHISKY!

I guess I'm just letting out my thoughts. But I have to say, I enjoy sitting here, whether it's late at night like now, or in the afternoons, and sharing my days with you. I just hope you dont mind me rambling on and on and on.

Christmas present list for other people so far only has one persons items on it. My Mum's. SO any family that read this....plkease let me know what the children want for Christmas......but remember "No buying for adults, only children. And if you are unfortunate enough not to have any children yet......no presents for you!". But...we're working on it.....practising. TMI!!! I meant buying christmas presents d'oh!

Why Oh why do I hold grudges for so long. Maybe it's only ones that really tug on the heartstrings. Maybe some people should put themselves in our shoes for a while and think about what they say. Rant Over!

One final but Important note before I go.
A special friend deserves a special........


You are the one in pink, me of course in purple, and little miss crystal is the other.......

But just to reiterate it

You know who you are, and you know you deserve it. The news nearly brought tears to my eyes....that's why I had to have a cigarette so I didn't blub!

I dont remember seing you that happy in a long time. Like I said, after all you went through.......no one deserves it more than......


and for all

Whisky (The queen of pictures, links and glitter graphics today ;)

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Family Tree And Our Garden Of Friends

I thought I would take the time to introduce you to all of the members of my family, and my garden of friends....I called it my garden of friends because it seems to be always growing :)

Here goes, starting with my side of the family.

Me - Dippy female known as Whiskyminx
Hubby - Soulmate and my best friend
Mum - My Mum, where I get my nutty side and my strength and determination from
Dad - My Dad, also where I get my nutty side my strength and determination from
Sister - My sister, eleven years older than me and running a public house
Brother In Law - Sisters hubby, helping to run a public house
Nephew J - Sis's Son, chef, mechanic and extremely tall
Neice D - Sis's daughter and like me, heavily into drama, singing and dancing

Hubby's side of the family

Mum S - Hubby's Mum, lovely, kind, caring and always lends an ear when needed
Dad S - Hubby's Dad, gentle and easy going, it's where hubby gets his traits from

Mr Bleach - One year younger than hubby and married to Sis In Law
Sis In Law - A year older than me ;) and married to Mr Bleach
Little Miss Purple - Daughter of the above and a purple addict
Little Miss Pink - Daughter of SIL and Mr B and heavily into pink

Brother C - Middle brother, lives in same town as the above
Sister In Law D - Married to Brother C
Neice A R - Daughter of the above
Nephew O - Son of the above

Brother S - Youngest brother, the same age as me, loves football
Sister In Law M - Married to Brother S and the mother of 3 lovely boys
Nephew L - Son of the above and studying hard at Universisty
Nephew M - Son of the above and loves to have a rough and tumble with hubby
Nephew T - Son of the above and also loves to have a rough and tumble with hubby

Our Garden Of Friends

Not sure where to start here as I don't want to offend anyone! Maybe it's best to start with those we have known for the longest :)

College Buddy - We met at drama college 19 years ago, and have been firm friends ever since. There have been years when we were out of touch, but now we see each other regularly and are never short of a conversation. So much in common, especially our love for drama, singing, reading and writing. She is currently studying hard for a degree in English literature. I'm sure she will pass with flying colors and have the well deserved letters after her name.

BRS friend - She was my boss, but soon became my friend. I looked up to her, and we went through some tough times together where we worked. We were soon known as the terrible twosome.....have lost touch recently, but I'm sure our friendship will go from strength to strength.

BRS Security Friend - I met this man on my first day working there, he realised I was a bad car parker and saved me "my" space every morning for two years. Supported BRS friend and I in our bad times and still remains a good friend.

Ex Friend J - Someone I met when I first had my Ileostomy bag. I offered to talk to her has she had just suddenly had to have the same operation. We were good friends, again inseperable, but too much so. In my eyes theres only room for one person who demands so much of my time, and that's hubby. She recently got back in touch with me to try and reconcile our differences. Yes it was brave of her, but I'm one for sticking by my judgements. There's only one person allowed to sit and watch me through my letterbox and that's Robbie Williams!!

Clever Crafting Friend (CCF) - We met at one of my old jobs. We worked in the same office space and soon became friends. She introduced me to everyone, helped me when I was down, always supported me when I was ill, and has listened to my tales of woe too many times to mention. I hope I have been as supportive of her as she has of me. SHe has seen me through my hospital stays, my confinement to my house, and my integration back into society. As well as encouraging my crafting skills she has helped me to realise how much a real friend can mean to me, and that I will always be grateful for.

Navie Wifie - Again we met in the same job. On her introduction to the company as with everyone, she sat with me to see what my job entailed and how it linked in with hers. I knew I knew her face, but couldn't remember where from. It turned out we went to the same school, she drank in my parents pub, we married in the same month on the same year and had our reception at the same hotel. We got on straight away, crosswords galore at lunchtime! Again, she has been one of my rocks with my illness, always there, and always sending me the sweetest and funniest e mails to brighten my day. We may not speak or see each other often, due to family comittments, but along with CCF she is one of my most cherished friends.....Maybe I don't tell them that enough.

Flowergirl - (slight name change here) We met online in a chatroom. Her and her partner and I hit it off instantly. Laughs.....I've never laughed so much as when I chat with them. The strangest thing is, whenever we are chatting we always say the same thing at the same time SNAP!! It's as if we are tuned into each other minds. Again, she has helped me no end with my emotional times. Given me advice relating to Ex Friend J, which I completely ignored much to my own stupidness. Hubby and I went to visit them in their home town for a weekend. Scared we wouldn't get on in "reality". Doubts soon disappeared.....we had a blast that weekend, and hope to do it again soon, when hubby's work schedule allows. She recently stopped with me for a weekend. A true girly weekend, hair straightening, eyebrow plucking, eating, drinking and laughing until we cried. And yes......I did blub when she left :(

Dr Pepper - Flowergirl's partner. Again we met in a chat room. He was the one that made me feel welcome, and insisted I come back. Both him and Flowergirl defended me during one particularly nasty experience. ALways fun, always playing the best music.....and now a firm drinking buddy for hubby, and a firm friend for me :)

Pingu - Again we met in a chat room. American through and through, and extremely shy! It's only taken her eighteen months to send us her picture! When I came out of hospital one time, I arrived home and she had sent me a get well card....that meant the world to me. Now it's tradition to send each other the dishiest pictures of men in postcard form we can find when we go on holiday. Another true internet friend who one day I hope to meet.

Archie - Again we met in the same chatroom. He organised quizzes and dedicated his time to opening his room especially for this when the other room closed due to friendship breakdowns. I know we aren't in touch often, but he has told me he reads the blog occasionally. I often think of him and hope he is still keeping well :)

Holli - My first blogging friend. I only wrote last week on her wedding dedication page how we met. Next blog, same format as mine and an amazing writer. She shares her emotional ups and downs, and Faith's (her daughters) growth with an outstanding number of readers. We have in common, our height ;) our age, and our love for blogging and music. SOmeone I admire, and aspire to when I think of my writing....maybe she can give some hints when I finally start writing my novel!!

Stephaine - Another fellow blogger with a wicked sense of humour. We haven't been in touch much recently, but again I admire her writing skills and her blunt honesty when it comes to her work colleagues ;)

Moggie - Again I found this blog via hitting the next blog button. I was amazed and astounded at his beautiful photography and instantly saved it to my favourites. He has inspired me to try and take some artistic photo's. Some of which I will soon share when I finally complete my holiday diary. I now look at everything with a different eye. Tree's, flowers, the sky, animals and insects. A supportive friend when I am down and for that I will be eternally grateful. I hope this new found friendship will continue for many many more years.

Pickle - A friend of Moggie's and again shares his life in pictures. Not photographs like Moggie, but the most amazing drawings I have ever seen. He takes in stray and injured animals, heals them with love and dedication and helps to find new homes for them. We share a love of animals. He recently sent me a drawing of him, Moggie and Pickle. Blogworld may seem like a bigt place, but you can still find friends that feel like family. I am proud to be part of Moggie and Pickle's extended family :) Again his kind words have helped me through many a pickle ;)

Ladyhawk - A friend of Moggie's and a fellow photographer.....she has an eye for detail, and along with Moggie takes the most amazing pictures. She is now my surrogate "hugger" for Moggie when he is feeling low. Another person who offers me kind words when they are needed :)

Divemuster - Another friend of Moggie and Ladyhawk. Another amazing photographer. He seems a little shy to me, but that might be because I don't know him as well as Moggie. Recently became another year younger and Moggie dedicated a wonderful picture to him ;)

NN (Chinese Buddy) - A long time ago hubby was looking through cv's for a couple of jobs he had to emply people for. I helped him narrow down those that he should interview. Automatically knocking out those with spelling mistakes! This person's cv was one of the ones I helped to select for an interview. She got the job and became one of hubby's employees. We met up for lunch one day, hubby and I and her and her hubby. We hit it off straight away. Such a lovely warm, friendly person who always makes me feel happy and cared for. She spols me something rotten and she shouldn't! She isnt just "an ex employee of hubby in his old job" but a true friend.

V - Also an emplyee of hubby's in his old job, and Sammy the dog's owner. We met up as we had agreed to look after Sam while they went away for a few days. It was to make sure that Sam liked us, and that I liked him. SIx of us, hubby and I, NN and her hubby, and V and her hubby went for Sunday lunch. We had a lovely time, and again all hit it off. Thankfully Sam and I hit it off too and we now look after him whenever the need arises. V and her hubby are now good friends, and bbq's with spiders create a wonderful atmosphere. She also introduced me to cous cous and now I can't get enough of it!

I think that covers everyone.....but If I have missed anyone off I am truly sorry. This has taken me two days to do as I wanted to make truthful and honest comments about anyone without being "over the top". If I have missed you, think of yourself as a seed yet to be planted......there is plenty of room in my garden for everyone to flourish and grow.

I hope this has introduced a little bit more of my life to you.

For everyone above, and every reader....special hugs today

Love

Whisky

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