So this is Christmas..?

If you ever decided to spend time with my family for Christmas, you realise how much we hate the holiday. We are the orignal Grinches that are happy to put our fingers to our ears, singing

"LA LA LA..CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

Well, apart from my mum, who is happy to play the Santa's little helper and celebrate it properly.

This year however, even Mum was not immune to the ditziness that spread the nation as Christmas panic was really "Christmas..What about it..?".I do supect that was mostly to do with the Credit crunch,lack of jobs and crap being shoved in our faces for presents..Or the fact that they have woken up from the lie that Christmas is "Good family fun"..

Anyway, fastforward many weeks of stress and Christmas day is here at last..

Woke up with a headache and was ambushed by a bag bigger then me outside my door. After waking up enough to realise what was going on, I struggled to bring the bag inside my bedroom.
Turns out it was filled with presents. Mostly bright clothes ( blue-Why oh why?!) and following a purple theme with everything else..It was touching, if not frightening!
Hmm, After unwrapping them all, I settled to read my new book. Was not left along long enough though,as had to walk Fred. (Neighbour's dog..Sad timess)

Went to my Nana's after..still here now infact. It has been filled with shouts, food, Doctor Who and the Internet. Not Quite Christmas,but close enough for this family..

Hope the rest of you enjoy your version of Jesus' Birthday!
So...

Happy Christmas Dear Readers!

Fast Car, remade by John and Cat <3

The song Fast Car by Tracy Chapman was lived out this weekend..Slightly Modified:

You've got a fast car
I want peace inside my own mind
You told me that you'll strike a deal
And together we'll go somewhere
Any place is better
Scarred from the past,got nothing to lose
Maybe we'll find something,
Me, myself, I've got So much to prove.

You've got a fast car
You've got a plan to get us out of here
Been working hard at my Placement
Managed to save just a bit of mentality,
Won't have to drive too far,
Just cross from London into Reading
You and I can both get grins,
And finally see what it means to be living

See my old Mum's got a problem
Deals with depression, that's the way it is
She says she's to worn for living
Her mind went too young, how Sad it is.
When Daddy went off and left her-
He wanted something more that she couldn't give,
I said somebody's got to take care of her,
But I turned my back,yes, that is what I did.


You've got a fast car
Is it fast enough so we can fly away?
We need to make this decision
Leave tonight or live and die this way

Say remember when we were smiling, driving in your car
Speed so fast it felt like I was free
City lights lay out before us
And your warmth of your hand resting on my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

You've got a a fast car
We go cruising entertain ourselves
You still got that awful Job
Now I work so hard to be a normal girl
I know things will get better
You'll find Smiles and I'll get better
We'll move out of the shelter
Buy a little Cottage, the Door covered in Roses.

Say remember when we were smiling, driving in your car
Speed so fast it felt like I was free
City lights lay out before us
And your warmth of your hand resting on my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

You've got a fast car
We get jobs that are ace it seems,
We live a life together,
This is what we saw in our dreams,
Never hoped for anything better,
My plans fulfiled, ain't going nowhere,
And we take your fast car and keep driving,

Say remember when we were smiling, driving in your car
Speed so fast it felt like I was free
City lights lay out before us
And your warmth of your hand resting on my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

You've got a fast car
So fast you flew, we had much to gain.
Wasn't so hard to make a decision
Leave tonight and forget all the pain.
:P

Anyway, it was like that. John took me away for the weekend to Reading as a surprise. He knew that I was a little mental from the feedback of Placement and wanted to destress me. How sweet..I was actually gobsmacked he wanted to spend 72 hours with a pissed off me. True Love it must be..

Reading. What can I say about it..? It has a massive shopping centre called the Oracle. The chavs were mild compared to the London versions. They seem to hate cars judging on the fact they sucked so much out of us for Parking charges and the resturants were good. Found a cheap Pub that loved Students as it was cheap and Cheerful. Big cinema as well. ((Sad to say I still rate Kingston over Reading. Not that I am a loser in any way)).


Reading by Night:


The weekend was supposed to make all the Sadness suck out of me, but being as I cannot control what I feel, or even hiding my emotions in public, John seemed to morph into me by the end of it.
It was not all doom and Gloom though. Went to the cinema twice:
Escape 2 Africa

and

Transporter 3. (Brilliant Film).


Oh and got a free Ben and Jerry's bag for buying the ice cream. Which John smeared ice cream all over, being the Male Child he is :P. Will pose with it when I find my Camera/Phone..

If only if it was that easy..Damn RMH!

My my..Just imagine my face a few weeks ago. I was a bright eyed eagar beaver about to start on her placement. The Placement being none other then the World famous Royal Marsden Hospital. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen..They let the crazy person into an Insitition where they are famous for being Professional. Great thinking that was, wasn't it..? Anyway, fast forward the last 10 weeks, and among the memories of Chemo and learning "The Marsden Way", you will find a girl close to tears. You see..I failed my first placement since beginning the Nursing Course in September 2006. What is the big deal..? Pssf, this was the same person admitting they were not the best example of Student brown nosing the Mentors for a pass rate... Well, as I had been naughty and gathered myself a bunch of fail Credits already, I couldn't fail the Marsden without the prize of being kicked off the Course..Hence the panic.. So what is there for me to do now..? Nothing. Sit tight and hope that the people in Kingston University have gotten used to my puppy eyed look that says "She feels bad already..Let us give her some hope. Even if it is to repeat the Year again.. Or worst- Find a new Uni to do so.
*********************************************************
Anyway, beside the fact I failed the placement, there are still nice things to be said: #1 The Sister Jo was the sweetest leader. Who was also left handed. #2 The amount of cake and Chocolate to be sampled #3 The Doctors respected the nurses. In fact they shared advice and asked for help on several occasions #4 The fact I live 10 minutes away, allowing me to wake up half an hour before I was due to be in work #5 They are having a secret Santa-Always was a sucker for the mystery gifts #6 The Patients were interesting people that had things to say..and said them regardless #7 Taking out a CVC line out right first time ^_^

*Sigh* At least I have a reason to be Emo now..I am waiting to hear whether I can continue with the Course or not. Sad times I feel. Hope the Weekend turns out better then a failed Placement book!
Oh and in case you are wondering why they failed me..?
"Catherine shows that she is the level of a promising Second year Student, not the year three level she should be displaying, Although improved vastly from the student she was upon starting the Course, Catherine still displays difficulty in the Acute side of Adult Nursing. Due to this, I (the Sister of the Ward) think she needs another year in Clinical skills to reach the level of a confident level three Student."
Sad times huh.?

A tale of Old Friends

It was a good fun night, the way that old friends are drawn together just like old times.
Yes it appers that those I knew and loved from Secondary School were still the Same, fun loving folk I remembered. Rosie, Kyle and Harry. The best a gal can get.

Met them at High Street Ken, stalked out a few clothes and gulped down a weird Meal that consisted far to much of Homus. Aww, good times.

As Usual we gossioped about how life was in St Thomas More. Kyle summarised best though:

"Isn't it weird how life seemed so normal at school, and you get out in the real world and are like, errr, School was fucked"

He was refering to the time that a guy went a little mental with a knife in Class, or the sexual nature everyone displayed far to early, or even the fact some people resorted to having sex in the Church..But, even without the delinquents it did feel weird stepping out of class and realising that you have a new role to fulfil...

If only the problems that are faced in our lives are just getting to class on time and completing homework to avoid dentention..
Anyway, we also stalked out Vanessa's Old house. Just because we were in the Area. And the fact that we wanted a mini adventure...We also (according to Kyle) Saw a celebrity and looked at his old School.
Sweet Childhood Memories...





Rolo didn't want to Pose..Damn her!

Stalking out Vanessa's old home

Posers, just like old times!
Close friends...

So the Christmas Spirit has finally London big time..

Okie, So Christmas is not known to be my Favourite Holiday. In fact as Holidays go the tale of a fat burgular in red, who seems to forgot he is supposed to TAKE stuff, not merely eat free food and please the kiddies, is not top of the list. (And no, you sarcastic bunch of readers, neither is it Halloween, or Easter- Thought Chocolate and the excuse to eat it, is a good enough reason to have a holiday). However I am seeing no reason not to Smile when I see Santa parading round the windows in the West end..
Here are some of my favourite snaps of him:





(In Selfridges 2008)

Now every since I was a little girl my Mum took me to the West End to look in the Shop windows and see the Christmas decerations. Really sweet, although getting older sometimes I do roll my eyes at the idea of going out just to see the displays. I know, I can be a bit whiny at times. However, Santa was not the only one to gace the stage this year- The whole Animal Kingdom wanted a bit of the spotlight as well....





(In Debenams, 2008)
And of Course, the Fairy tale Kingdom was not to be forgotten either with Delights such as the Snow Queen and Pirates:





(In Fortum and Mason,2008)
I was impressed by the beauty and skill that went into those!I don't know about you..

Walking in a Winterwonder land

I am not a fan of Winter Wonderland..Being forced to go last year with my mum when it was cold and full of tacky stalls to lure money away from the Stu id made me less then keen to go back.
John's puppy eyed expression and his badly hidden excitement for it swayed me to go back the Second time..

Impression of WW?..It was better to be expected. The entire German population seemed to have invaded Hyde Park, with Stalls selling everything from Toy Cars to Nuts..
The rides were impressive to like this massive wheel:
Didn't go on it though..We decided to pose with the various animals instead..John insisting on the Polar bear and Pirate (He forced me to take the Photo..beggar's belief!) and me choosing my Soul mate of Rudolf the rose reindeer (I was cold due to having no winter clothes at all!)








Um, money was spent on a lot of nuts and Mulled wine. Oh and a German shot of Jurua something Master. John got a free Car as well...He connected with one of the guys on the Stall selling Kid's toys and told him had a car that cow printed...
He ended up with this...
Cute I think..

Anyway, leaving Winter wonderland £40 lighter and equipped with a ridiculous amount of Nuts and a cow car we headed to Chelsea..
Saw a homeless guy on the way to the bus...I felt so bad for him I made John give his nuts to him..Aww well..At least Josh (that was his name) was happy..

Fun times

Damn you Rolo!

So going online I was talking to Rolo and complaining that..
a. I was really ill so couldn't leave to do anything
b. I was poor so couldn't afford to go out
c. I was bored- see the first two Reasons why I couldn't do anything about it..

SooOoO... Being the Amazing Girlie she is she gave me this Link..
--------------------> http://www.questionablecontent.net <---------------------------- okie, I know it sounds, well, Questionable but it is a really funny, clever web comic.. Characters:
Marten Reed Our titular hero, only he's not really titular and he's not really a hero. He lives with Faye and Pintsize. He's passive and doubtful of himself by nature, but he's working on it. Marten recently lost his job as an Office Bitch and is now employed at the Smif College Library. He likes mopey indie rock. He plays in a band with Nat and Amir. Dates Dora Faye Whitaker Faye lives with Marten and Pintsize, but is originally from Savannah, Georgia. She has severe psychological issues stemming from a traumatic incident in her past (see story arc starting at strip #500 for the full story). Faye is usually snarky, sometimes violent, and extremely protective of Marten. Faye gots issues. Dora Bianchi Dora is the Owner/Operator of Coffee of Doom, the coffee shop where Faye and Raven currently work and where Marten spends most of his free time. She owns a pet cat named Mieville. Dora is a somewhat-reformed goth who retains a yen for dark clothing and angry music. She's assertive and confident, yet contains an inner core of self-doubt and anxiety. Dora is frequently too nice for her own good. Pintsize Pintsize is an AnthroPC- basically a walking, talking computer with a personality. He enjoys eating cake mix and other unhealthy things, and is a frequent source of mischief and mayhem. He has a weakness against duct tape, and lives with Marten and Faye. Raven Raven is an old acquaintance of Dora's who used to be goth but is now sort of trendy/emo/whatever. It is uncertain whether Raven is a total dimwit or simply a little slow on the uptake. It is also possible that this is an act and she is far smarter than she appears. Hannelore Ellicott-Chatham Hannelore is the slightly creepy upstairs neighbor of Marten and Faye. She has severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Counts things for a living. She repeatedly falls asleep on Marten's couch, but otherwise she's a chronic insomniac. She may or may not be stalking Marten. Tai Marten's coworker/boss at the Smif College library. Evidently a lesbian and evidently perfectly happy to make out with multiple ladies at once, Tai's love life is...complicated. She's a huge fan of Jimbo's books
Penelope Gaines Former bookstore employee shanghaid into working at Coffee of Doom by Dora and Faye. Easily bullied but can display unexpected sass when provoked. May or may not be Pizza Girl's secret identity. Winslow Hannelore's Apple AnthroPC model- basically an overgrown, sentient iPod. Winslow means well but is very naive and prone to corruption by Pintsize Natasha Natasha likes hardcore and metal. Currently living with Ellen, she is presumably also in college. Natasha is bad at making personal decisions as related to her hygiene and hairstyling. She has an undetermined number of tattoos and body piercings. Currently dating Amir and in a band with Amir and Marten. Amir Afridi Amir was kicked in the face by Natasha at a Converge show. They are currently dating and in a band with Marten Sven Bianchi Sven is Dora's older brother. He makes his living writing awful songs for country singers. Sven is also something of a ladies' man. Very tall and skinny. Raven wants in his pants. Jimbo Jimbo is a former construction worker turned successful romance novelist. He's the drinking buddy of Marten and Steve (and anyone else who may happen to be around). Excellent choice in facial hair.
Anyway, here is a few of my Favourite strips from the Site:

John's Appreciation Day..or lack of it..

If every there was a time when I wanted to be one of those amazingly Popular girls who can just think "Ooh let's have a party" and have one to envy those held in the Playboy Mansion, this was the day.
Granted, I did not want a big one, Just a gathering of friends to force John to celebrate the fact he is well liked..hence the name "John Appreciation Day".
The plan was simple..Get everyone to text him during the day a message like "Happy Appreciation Day" and make him go to Putney where every one I could find/ steal/threaten would be there so he would be showered with Love..

Hmm, it sounded good in writing didn't it..?

The plan fell apart so fast it was like the Gods in heaven were angry at me..
Rosie went to Shelfield Phoebe disappeared from the face of the Earth and everyone else sent sheepy texts saying "Sorry, Can't make it". The same people who promised the night before..Grr.
It turned bad to worse when John himself had to cancel (his family was in need of his driving skills). I was crushed..

Who came then..?

Chris (John's really good friend from Cheam) and Belinda. Poor sods.

Was not all bad as they got on well enough and drink was brought to forgot the pain and embarrassment. Plus Chris entertained us with his card Playing.."Bullshit" is his weakness BTW..Log that info if you plan to beat him at cards!

A restaurant called "Friends" was also invaded. It was actually quite nice food- Mixture of Thai, Chiense and Japenese. Ace stuff- and cheap..So very, very Cheap!
Hm, still not the way I wanted things planned, but at least the night had some smiles in it!


A little Truth in that Statement, hmmm..?


Flashy with the Cash..

Belinda posing with the bill

Chris struggling to win with Bullshit

A good old Indian Meal..Hmm, tasty

So it is not often I venture to the world outside Chelsea. In fact I have been known to be like a spoilt brat and refuse to leave my nice Comfy bedroom unless it is work, placement, uni or a night in Camden..

So what persuaded me this time...?

A mixture of John, Rosie, Charlie and food.
Good Company to be found across the river.

Oh yes, it seemed like there was a really good resturant in Morden.



All you can eat Indian food to be exact. Tasty and Cheap. I like it..And John's face when he realised it was a double date!
Not that it mattered..The conversation flowed, the food was good and it was a case of Meat eating Murders Vs the Veggies across the table..(Yes, for the time being I am calling myself a Veggie. Well, until I smell McDonalds at any rate..)




Tasty.

Bar Fly..Sounds Dirty

Seeing as I obessed with entering to get free tickets to gigs, it seemed it finally paid off as I got the Chance to see a whole lot of bands/Singers in Camden.


Okie, so it was not in KOKO where I usually grace, but in Barfly nearer to Chalk Farm Road..

It was good timing as I had a bad day in Placement, so I was glad to meet Belinda to forgot about it.
Walking down the road we encountered a surprise..Razorlight Singing on the roof of Hawley Arms Live! (Quick history, the pub was famous for being a star hang out and burnt down in the fire that destroyed a large Chunk of the Marketplace..Story can be found here)


I was so happy. They are amazing live. All good :P

Hmm, we soon reached Barfly..
First impression was that it looked dark and the sort of place that indie bands are bred in the basement. That, and it was filled with over 25's that looked as though they were successful and should be in the city having expensive drinks in private clubs.

The toilet gave me no confidence either:

Anyway, drinks were consumed and pictures were taken...

And again..

And again..



Well they say three times a charm, do they not..? :P

The bands themselves were okie from what we saw of them..
Drums Of Death + Ipso Facto DJs + L-Vis 1990 + Todd Hart + Goldielocks + The Pity Party.

She was AMAZING!

Anyway, After a while we had to leave..The Music was to much and I had downed a little to much Rum to continue to stand in the Audience. Good times though!