Really Writing!

Yes I kept to my New Years Resolution. I began writing a children's story which one day I may finish. The initial responses from chosen readers were positive. PC breaks down, brother in law kindly repairs it......and I completely lost the flow.

So, I had a fresh idea, not for a childrens book, I think I was trying to take the easy option with that, but for an adult novel. No, I don't mean a triple x rated love and lust story, I mean the kind of book that I would like to read. A thriller, a murder mystery, possibly with a bit of supernatural horror thrown in.

This idea hit me, and I literally mean hit me one night and it blossomed. It imposed itself as a question. Could what I was thinking really happen? So I went on the long road of research, using the internet of course, and loop de loop! yes, it could happen.

So my story began. All I had in my head was the idea for the end. Normally I would sit and think, and think, and think, trying to start at the beginning, work everything in and finally get to the end. Those efforts in the past have stopped with the thinking!

So, fingers poised, I picked the name for he leading lady, began typing, and for once it flowed. The story appears to be writing itself within my head and I'm not sure if that is a good sign or not. I'll be writing away on the current chapter, and another idea will come into my head, one that is a perfect link, a perfect clue for further on in the book. It's almost like an umbrella effect. I started with the handle, then one spoke appeared, then another, finally all the spokes will be there and eventually the waterproof cover will mesh itself together to complete the effect.

Hopefully the waterproof cover will be the end of the book. Then all I need to do is keep opening and closing the umbrella, in the form of sending copied to publishers. Maybe the umbrella will finally be used in the rain! Meaning it may be published.

I still have so much research to do. I need to get back in touch with an old police friend, or anyone know a police person willing to help a budding writer with her research? I need to study a little more on forensics, molecular biology, the processing of DNA.........amongst other things that would give the game away, and that I have already studied a little of, and no it's not psychology or Spanish!

So.........wish me luck. And please, please, please don't let my "backspace" key fall off like it did last weekend in the middle of writing! Hoe can you write a novel with no back space ke ?! Hubby to the rescue, and believe me those things on a Dell are hard to put back on, blinking fandangled contraption took him an hour to do bless him. He will get an acknowledgement in the book. My backspace repairer extrordinair.

Oh.....writing will take a back seat in a week, while we are sunning ouselves (hopefully) in Majorca for just over 2 weeks. But I will be taking notepad and pen to jot down any ideas that pop into my head over a gin and tonic :)

Bye for now

Asta La Vista

Whisky

xxxx

Blog Redecoration Yet Again and introducing Liam Live

I was annoyed with the previous lay out, I couldn't control the size of the picture I wanted, and I couldn't link directly to new posts, so I'm back to the old pink blog template. At least I know how to work this one!

Our holiday to Mallorca was wonderful. Ten days, nearly all of them sunshine fuelled. We met our friends there, we had booked for the same place and the same time and didn't realise until a couple of months before we went. It was nice to meet up with them have a few drinks, watch the entertainment, and take them on trips. They loved Palma, but then again who wouldn't!

It's such a beautiful old city. One minute a maze of tiny streets with buildings reaching for the heavens, the next a shopping street, the next a cathedral, probably the most beautiful one I have seen.

What was my favourite part of the holiday? Well definitely not the 2 am alarm call on the flight out. Maybe seeing Lianne at Grillworld again :), maybe getting the apartment we had in September with the huuuuge balcony? Maybe lazing around sunbathing and reading books? No.

It was this Liam Live Turn your speakers up when you click on the link!!

We had seen him last year as a Robbie Williams tribute act, and had spoken to him briefly. This year we took J and K to watch him, while they were sat down hubby and I spoke to Liam. He is a lovely man, willing to talk even though he has work to do. He has recently got married and expecting an addition to his family. Last year we bought two of his albums, and I told him they had not been out of my car since then, he was really pleased, and even mentioned it during his show!

He has a new album out, he explained he had had a hard winter, and had used the time to write some amazing songs. He sang two of them during the show, the title track to his new album Ice, and his new single Amazing. Amazing is.......well amazing! It is currently being aired on radio in Germany, South Africa, France, Spain and America, and will be on Radio 1 and 2 in the UK next month. I urge anyone to either go out and buy the single when it is released or download them from his site. He is the future of music. He is a truly talented man and I don't often heap praise on singers.

The Robbie part of the show is excellent, he carries off his moves and mannerisms better than Robbie himself with the trademark spins well and truly awesome. But....vocally he wipes the floor with Robbie, and you guys know to me Robbie is the top man!

Liam sings from the heart, just because it may be a small venue he doesn't skimp on vocal power and physical energy. he more feedback the audience give him the more he sucks it in and uses it as his force to perform. The audience is the electricity and Liam is the power.

I cannot praise his songwriting skills enough. I have listened to the new Album and cannot fault one song. The songs have meaning, and that is one thing I am passionate about. He wears his heart is on his sleeve when he sings Amazing and Too Late. He vocally surpasses anything I have heard, and to hear him live.......I had goosebumps. Occasionally he would glance at hubby and I, both on the 1st week and the second week. To me it was worth 1000 glances from Robbie, this man deserves to make it big, he deserves recognition, he deserves to be top of the charts!

After both weeks he thanked us for our support, he asked us our opinion of the show, our answer was always "Brilliant!". We bought his album on the 1st wek, and he very kindly gave us a new "launch" copy on the 2nd week. My only wish, is that he lived nearer to Cala D'or so he didn't have to pack up his equipment and drive the long drive home. I would love to talk to this man, ask him where he gets his inspiration from, how he builds the stamina to do nine shows, yes nine shows a week! To ask him never to change from who he is. Not to let fame overtake him and change him as a person. I hope, I pray, that Liam makes it. I have never met anyone so deserving, and I would love to one day be fighting to buy tickets to one of his sell out shows.

His album launch was Monday. His special guest? Cliff Richard. I can only hope he was well received, that the album and single will soon be hitting it big in the Uk and world wide. I hope he stays who he is, an extremely talented grounded handsome man. I hope he simply stays Liam Live.

Having just done a search on you tube I have found Liam singing his new single Amazing, so, turn up your speakers, listen to his voice and.......enjoy!!

Laim Live - Amazing

Roll on September when we can watch him for three shows!

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxx

Water day!

Whew,

Update so far, more Lush products have been tested both by myself and by Mum. So the newest ratings are...

Honey Bee bath ballistic gets a 2 out of 10. Tested by Mum. This smelt lovely in the bathroom for a few days, so much so that Mum put off using it to keep the scent. She finally gave in, ran a bath, dropped in the bath and got in and went.....eeeeewwwwww!

It should be called Honey I Pee'd in the bath! The water turned a yellow colour, the smell disappeared, and Mum thought if she had an accident and had to call an ambulance they would think she had been in the bath all day peeing!!

Then I tried Butterball bath ballistic. I expected to get what it said on the web. A lovely soft moisturising bath with coconut butter. What I got was the effect of margarine floating on the surface of the water, a smell of nothing, lovely soft skin, and a lovely ring of grease all around the bath. I give this a 3 out of 10.

As recommended by Holli, I bought the Flying Fox Temple Balm. At 1st I was surprised how small the tin was, but seeing as Holli had told me it was discontinued in the states I got some anyway.

The next day, no perfume which is a rarity for me! I dabbed some of the balm on my wrists, behind my ears and in the pulse point of my elbows. I was transformed! I became full of the joys of spring, and.....everyone said I smelled lovely. I love it and give it a 9 out of 10. Holli, I asked in the shop and they said they haven't heard of it being stopped in the UK....so if you need some sending over when yours runs out let me know!

Lush review over until the next usage takes place.

Hubby went on an impulse and booked us a long weekend in Cala D'or. We flew on Thursday lunchtime, and flew back Sunday tea time. Well, we arrived to glorious sunshine, were told that the previous few days it had rained, and on the day we were due to leave it clouded over again. We are both sunburnt, but loved every minute of it.

We found a tiny cove really high up from the sea, we popped to have a look and found well over fourty jelly fish. We were amazed, not only to see them, but also because they were purple! We watched them for ages. I was slightly sozzled after having a Majorca sized gin and tonic, hubby kept his eye on me as I went from one edge of the twenty foot drop to the other. But I sobered up whilst watching the jelly fish dance, eat, and poop.!

The next two nights we were treated to a wonderful display from the local bats. Amazing to watch them swoop and soar by the streetlights to catch their food.

Of course we saw Lianne at Grillworld, and were treated like long lost friends. We crept up on her as she wasn't expecting to see us until June, and the look on her face was a picture.

Now to today. And believe me I'm itching with adrenaline.

We have had a leak in the house, and our plumber was booked to come and fix it today. He arrived, disappeared outside with hubby, and the next thing I know the doorbell rings. The next door neighbour was asking why she hadn't been pre warned. I told her even I didn't know the water was going off straight away!

Then it was "While we are on the subject your husband drilled through our wall two years ago!" Huh? Hubby has been decorating the upstairs bedroom for four years, it must have been a really long drill bit to go all the way down the stairs along the length of the house to their kitchen.

My brain kicked into jack russel mode. "If you want while we are on the subjects here goes.......how about cleaning up the dog mess in your garden once in a while, out garden stinks".

Reply "I do it every week"

Me "You do it once a week when your dog fouls at least twice a day, thats fourteen poops right next to our garden fence and it stinks!"

Me "While we are on the subject, do you not know how to close a door properly? You have two front doors that you constantly slam, I have come home from work to find books fallen out of my bookcase with the force of the slamming!"

Reply "We don't slam doors"

Me "We are fed up with the noise, if it's not the doors it you screaming at each other stomping up the stairs and slamming doors, how about a bit of peace and quiet".

Reply, hand goes to mouth, starts looking downwards with tears in her eyes. "I didn't realise, why didn't you say something?"

Me "Because I didn't want a confrontation like this, I don't want us to fall out!.....Do you hear anything from us?"

Reply still looking at the floor "No why?

Me Because I have a drum kit in there that I play as loudly as I can, but stop at 6pm for the sake of your children"

Reply. "I........never knew!"

Me "Exactly, we think of our neighbours"

Reply "I'm so sorry if I have offended you, I didn't mean to fall out with you, I'm so sorry and will make more of an effort".

Me "I didn't want to fall out with you either, but at least we can get things sorted" Meanwhile the plumber has turned the water back on and is probably thinking I am insane!

Reply "I'll go and fill some containers of water.....I'm so sorry if I offended you and I will make more of an effort"

Me "Thankyou"

I then shoot outside to smoke a much needed cigarette as I am shaking with anger.

Hubby comes outside to check I am ok, I tell him, then let him know we can probably expect round two when her hubby get's home and she tells him what I said.

At least it is out in the open now. We can try and resolve things instead of me always wanting to ring the council and get them into trouble.

There was the mention that we didn't have children and couldn't appreciate the noise. I didn't bite, just said we have neices and nephews and fully understand the noise kids can make. I didn't tell her that the kids weren't responsible for the dog poop, the slamming doors or the late night arguements with foul language.

Finally I've had the arguement I've been waiting for, I stayed calm, having planned over and over in my head what I would say should this day happen. I stuck to my script, I was honest......I did good.

Fingers crossed that there is no round two, fingers crossed if there is that hubby ISN'T home, and he will not be as polite as I am. I can out talk anyone, I have a quick sharp tongue without stooping so low. I can dis arm people with a few words. Hubby isn't so tactful, if he turns white.......run!!!!

So that's my weekend in a nutshell. Tomorow it's back to work and I'm looking forward to it :)

Mum is having her new bathroom fitted this week. We went two weeks ago to a place that Clever Crafting Friend recommended, she chose what she wanted, they had a cancellation and it will almost be finished in time for her birthday on Thursday :)

For now......keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer!

Hugs

Whisky

xxxx

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

A Four Letter Word.....

The heating is fixed, our home is lovely and warm, hot baths really are taken for granted when you have no hot water!

This week seemed full of just one thing, WORK. I'm sure I have mentioned we are one person down on our team (another four letter word), and this has a dramatic knock on effect for the three remaining people. Our company is so busy at the moment it's unbelievable. We usually work in 3rd gear in the mornings and sometimes have to pump it up to 4th or even 5th gear to get the overnight orders completed. These last three weeks we have all been in 6th gear and buzzing. Thankfully the three of us that are left work well together. I worked with Supervisor S before my time off ill, and we know each other's working techniques, strengths and weaknesses. J on the other hand, has moved in from another department and until recently seemed to be focusing on the old things he used to do.

The week before last he came out with a statement that surprised me. He noticed the difference since the other person left, and now he is as caring as Supervisor S and I. We pull together for each other, we multiskill, offer advise and keep each other smiling and laughing....otherwise we would all simply crack!

I had a phone call yesterday from Boss S, a different person to Supervisor S, asking if I could do some extra shifts for the next couple of weeks. I was well ahead, my thoughts about five minutes ahead of hers. I said I could do Monday and Friday afternoons to help out until a replacement person is found.

Only when I came of the phone did I grin at Mum and say it wouldn't be for a "couple of weeks" only one, as after this next week hubby and are away for a week.

I gave in after ten minutes, rang Boss S and reminded her of this, and heard the panic in her voice. ANother solution would have to be found for the week after next, but at least next week is covered.

My "oppo" who works Mondays and Fridays while I work the middle of the week, will be doing extra days as well. I love it when this happens. We used to work full time together although she was then in a different department, so I missed working with her. Knowing that when I am not at work it is her doing "my" work and vice versa (I hope). Makes me feel secure. She is as fastidious as I am, and I know everything will be done, and perfectly.

Ohhh I'm looking forward to seeing her again next week. I happened two weeks ago, we were together, and we classed as the terrible two some. BUT, the work was done, and everyone enjoyed us laughing and joking as me and my oppo simply bounced off each other like old work colleagues do.

So...a tiring week ahead methinks. But, I have the thought in my head that on Saturday we are flying once more to Mallorca. Not to the security and homely feeling of Cala D'or. But to a place just 5 miles from the airport. Near a beach, essential, has a pool, essential for hubby, but most of all, together, in the sun or the rain whatever it happens to throw at us. A week of talking, walking eating and laughing. What more could a girl ask for?

I forgot to mention, I went out on Tuesday night. To a theatre to see someone quite famous of a tv show or two. Think Most Haunted and Spirit towns and you have the man. I know Navie Wifey will be extremely jealous! What happened will be a post in itself, but I was enthralled. No messages for the three of us that went together, but it was fascinating.

So the next post will be about.......messages.

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxxx

Returned

I'm back. After two weeks in sunny Mallorca our usual holiday haunt, I now don't feel as if we've been away.

On our arrival we found we HAD been allocated the apartment we had viewed in May, the one with the terrace big enough to have a party of thirty people or more.....overlooking the entertainment and the pool, and we immediately felt at home.

On our walk out that first evening heading towards our favourite restaurant I raised a question to hubby. Would the holiday erase the memories of the previous 4 weeks? He answered simply, nothing will erase the memories, but you need to relax now more than ever.

I did, I tried and I did.

I picked up a book as we checked in. One of the only books that caught my attention. Prescribed Danger. I love medical thrillers and this one looked as if it was right down my street. I read it in three days, and there were three "memories" in it. A Dr's name, a condition, and one of the instances of the crime. I'm sure if I re read it now I would miss them, simply glide over the words and they would just be what they were, words. But at the time they caught my breath.

The book finished I went on the hunt for another. There was a small cafe that offered a book library facility. Looking along the rows of books only one caught my eye. A hardback but paperback. The sort they sell at airports for travellers. I paid my 5 euro's deposit, telling hubby we would get it back whe I returned the book.....I never got it back, I never returned the book.

It was the author's 2nd book. It had me gripped from the start, I even had to read the end of the first chapter twice as I was unsure had read it right.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, refreshing, full of new ideas, and based on some of my all time favourite things, a solid main character, murder, mystery and tarot cards.

One night as I put the book down I noticed something. It was a 1st edition, only printed in August 2007, and in the first pages, and on the rear of the book it stated it was an unedited proof copy. It was then that I decided it would be brought home safely in m hand luggage.

Mum has it now, and I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

I enjoyed it so much that not only have I ordered the author's 1st book, but I have found his blog, and e mailed him to show my appreciation. He sent me lovely reply back, he took the time to do that and that meant the world to me.

Anyway, work has been the usual. Busy with lot's going on. Internal politics, arguements and the suchlike. I just go there to do my job, enjoy the company, and along the way have a laugh. I'm trying to steer clear of the whispers and back stabbing, I don't want any part of it.

Oh....there's an addition to my body as well, a simple tattoo. Maybe one day I'll show you. Hubby also had one, a large tribal tattoo from his shoulder to his elbow and I love it.

So....would the holiday erase the memory of the previus four weeks.......



Hugs and love

Whisky

xx

Proof of Tanning!

Hubby and I

This is on the last day of our holiday, which just happened to be hubby's birthday!!

The restaurant we go to most nights look after us sooooo well. Lianne the host is like a 2nd Mum to me :) She takes pictures of all of her visitors and posts them on the grillworld website every evening. If you want to see any more pics of us visit Grillworld click on photo's and check dates in between the 19th May and the 28th to see how our tans were progressing day to day.

Holli asked for proof of tanning, Moggie asked ages ago to see me in my glasses, but no one asked to see hubby in a birthday cake hat!!

15 weeks and 2 days and we will be back in Cala D'or. Eating at Grillworld, and you can check the link daily to see how often we eat there, and if our tans are better over 17 days than 11 ;)

Oh....Holli, I've ordered three pairs of the socks!!! I got some adorable pink crocks on holiday, and decided the socks would work really well with them.....now to get some Jibbetz, the things you pop in the holes.

Anyway, I'd better go catch up on blogs before I start work.....yes I am in 3/4 of an hour early, I always am :)

Love and hugs

Sis In Law, see you later for babysitting duties!!

Whisky

xxxxx

Ola!

Yes, we are back from our lovely holiday in Mallorca.

I have photographs, and a video to upload of me being taken on stage by one of the members of a Take That Tribute band. The first week I just wanted to sit on the stage, the second week the guy dragged me up again as he knew I would go and that would encourage others to come up as well. It was fun and they were brilliant.

Our accomodation was cr**, but we made a brilliant holiday out of it. We've also book in a different aparthotel for September........16 weeks and 1 day to go!!!

Hubby's birthday went really well, he was presented with a birthday cake hat by the four waitresses at the restaurant, it was sent over by Mum and Dad, hidden in my suitcase, and he loved it and wore it all night. I also have photo and video evidence of this, as the Take That lad's took him on stage to sing happy birthday to him :)

So....we are both well tanned, and reasonable relaxed, but...both back at work :(

It was good to get home, to see Sis In Law, Mum and Dad and of course Snoopy bird.

I'll blog more next week, hopefully with the pictures and maybe even a you tube video or two!!

For now,

Love and hugs

Whisky

xxxxxx