http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/35/7f0308ba998dbf23520fa20cc2b3bc_160x200.jpg <p>Well it's January 1st and for me that means resolutions...</p> <p>1. To loose weight - possibly the most important as I feel I need to shrink down in size<br> 2. To eat more healthily - part of the the above goal I guess - I don't seem to get enough fruit and veg lately<br> 3. To pay a more positive part in my relationship with Claire - whilst it is easy to sit back and watch Claire do everything I need to make a more active contribution<br> 4. To be neater, tidier and make greater contribution within the household - that includes making more effort to cook, wash up etc.<br> 5. To drink less alcohol - I drink far too much - this year alcohol will not be the answer - I will only have small amounts for celebratory or positive reasons not to drownmy sorrows<br> 6. To eat out less often - I eat out far too much ifI keep the tidying up goals this will be far easier<br> 7. To be a more positive person - I swear too much, I get down to easily - I will take things in my stride more this year<br> 8. To get anew job that pays better - I love the prison but I am bored with being skint! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2008/01/01/happy_new_year~3516511/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2008/01/01/happy_new_year~3516511/Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:32:36 +0100 <p>Today I've mainly been feeling old. </p> <p>I lived in Cardiff for five years as a student and one of the things I loved about the city was the shops, pubs, bars, clubs - well in all honest all of it! In between lectures in the engineering buildings on Newport Road I would sneak out and wander into town. When I got home of an evening I'd wander the streets of studentville to see what they was to see and do. I never worried about the crowdeness or dirtiness of it in fact I relished in it! </p> <p>Today I went to Cardiff with my parents and whilst there I met up with Claire. We wandered those same city streets but instead of loving it I felt disappointed in the unswept streets of student land. We got into the city centre - I hated the overcrowdedness of it. </p> <p>Has Cardiff really changed that much though? Admittedly it has seen its popularity sore due to the Millenium stadium and various other new attractions opening there. However, at the end of the day it is very much the same city that I left and the only thing that has truly changed is me. </p> <p>When I left Cardiff I was a 21 year old convinced that I could single handedly change the world. I've now been out in the world for seven years and I've realised that however, hard I try I am not going to make a huge impact on the place! </p> <p>I am not disappointed in this - in fact far from it. I have a job and girlfriend I love and neither of those were the case when I was in Cardiff. I even can say I like myself and to me that means far more than feeling part of those mean city streets. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/27/i_feel_old~3496179/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/27/i_feel_old~3496179/Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:08:05 +0100 <p>I like Boxing Day. It's calm, chilled and always far more relaxing than any other of the days around Christmas and New Year. I get to see family who I haven't seen before and have a nice rest up. </p> <p>Today I have come to my parents and opened my stash of presents. I did rather well for myself with a new camera and a new ipod! My dad has gone to pick up his cousins and soon there will be a nice Boxing Day tea with plenty of nibbles. </p> <p>Unfortunately the dog kept me awake for a large part of last night so I feel a bit tired at present but I am hoping my energy will soon return.</p> <p>I love tukey and am always gutted as (because of this family tea which we have on an annual basis) my parents tend to run out of it fairly quickly. </p> <p>It is great to see my dad's cousins though. They are lovely people and I enjoy their company - if only to wind my parents up with my love of John Lewis and Waitrose. </p> <p>Diet starts next Wednesday by the way...so I am off now to stuff my face!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/26/boxing_day~3492038/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/26/boxing_day~3492038/Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:22:42 +0100 <p>Spending Christmas with a family other than your own has it's advantages and disadvantages...I mean I feel more at ease to get drunk here (lol) but at the same time I find myself missing my parents...</p> <p>Christmas should be a time where we are all together but as my parents disapproe of Claire that isn't going to happen...and it hurts...I am here with Claire's mum and dad in Penarth when at the end of the day I want to be spending it with my family...until they can accept us though that won't happen..</p> <p>If this makes minimal sense I apologise..I am drunk and emotional...QE11 is on the tv giving her speech...I have had some Bolly...some Stella...some wine...I have watched TV...I have eaten...I am happy...yet above all I want my Mum & Dad...</p> <p>I think they believe I do this to spite them...I don'...but Claire is my partner so I can't not be there for her...I do want to be there with them but until they accept that Claire is a large part of my life too it won't happen...</p> <p>On a more positive note Gill and Bryan are fab...they've bought me a stocking full of presents and ave fed and watered me...</p> <p>Yes, hard as it seems to believe I am enjoying myself...I am loving my Christmas...but I can't wait for my Boxing Day with my own family...the main reason why I am here though...is to wish one and all a Merry Christmas </p> <p>xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/25/christmas_whines_and_moans~3489240/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/25/christmas_whines_and_moans~3489240/Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:08:14 +0100 <p>Well it's Christmas Eve and I have been quite succesfull at packing all of my presents in nice shiny paper getting all of my cards in the post on time and getting myself into the festive spirit...I've had a nice bottle of beer...I am feeling relaxed and I am now looking forward to the rest of the holiday...</p> <p>Today finds me in Penarth...home of the girlfriends parents...it would be nice to spend the holiday with my own parents and my girl but that's not possible...they disapprove you see...they think it's just a phase that I will grow out of...well it is four and a half years on and the two of us are stronger together than ever...so much so I am spending the Christmas with Claire and her family...</p> <p>I will be heading up the heads of the valleys road on boxing day morning to spend a few days with my mum and dad though and I am looking forward to it...well..and dreading it...actually I'm unsure quite how I feel about it!! I love being there with them but when the ranting starts I want to run away at full speeds...</p> <p>But in case I don't get to write here again...Happy Christmas Y'All! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/24/it_s_christmas~3486542/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/24/it_s_christmas~3486542/Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:13:06 +0100 <p>well weight loss 2008 looms but first time to have that calorific binge known as Christmas...cakes...sweets...crisps...nuts...wine...beer...</p> <p>it's that time of year where normally it's a case of my mum and dad encouraging me to eat food and then warning me how fat I'll be...</p> <p>I love this time of year...the food...the drink..the people...family...friends...</p> <p>Well I am going to go...knock back some white wine...watch some TV...chill! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/23/fooooooooood~3483311/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/23/fooooooooood~3483311/Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:57:52 +0100 <p>I have decided that in the New Year I want to lose some weight as I am fed up with being super jumbo sized Sian. I don't know how exactly I will do this other than being a little more careful with food and alcohol...</p> <p>Anyway I am hoping that as part of this I will be able to do a sponsored slim in aid of Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust - I will give them a pound for every pound I put on and a pound for every pound I loose. I will be weighed weekly with Claire my partner hopefully provding a weigh in service. </p> <p>It's going to be hard work but it will be worthwhile in the long run...I will post the link to my sponsor form on here in the new year as it currently needs RGT approval!! I would appreciate any support you can offer and will give you regular updates! Sponsorship will be based on my reaching a size 16 (from a size 18-20 at present)</p> <p>Anyway...I will post again shortly as I know this isn't the most exciting of blog posts today!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/21/weight_loss~3475903/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/21/weight_loss~3475903/Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:07:55 +0100 <p>Had one roast dinner at lunch time with work...now in Wales and about to have a second one with family and friends...how much turkey can one girl eat?</p> <p>I have to be honest the Sunday roast is my favourite meal ever. I could eat a roast with all the trimmings every day of the week if I had to...carveries are the world's greatest invention for people like me...give me some turkey, chicken, lamb or pork with yorkshire pud, roasties and caulli cheese and I am in heaven...</p> <p>It's time to eat again! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/19/roast_dinners~3466631/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/19/roast_dinners~3466631/Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:28:38 +0100 <p>I fell in love yesterday...</p> <p>She was about three feet high...</p> <p>Fawn in colour...</p> <p>Bouncy...</p> <p>Energetic...</p> <p>Loveable...</p> <p>...and I can't have her!!! </p> <p><img src="http://www.hallgreenrgt.co.uk/images/homeless-hounds/large-image/violet2.jpg" alt="Violet" title="Violet the greyhound"> </p> <p>Meet Violet the most adorable little greyhound other than my own dog Paddy... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/17/love~3457161/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/17/love~3457161/Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:12:42 +0100 <p>I am distraught...</p> <p>Just put BBC1 on to watch my beloved Neighbours and it has gone...</p> <p>Where has it gone? when will it reappear? somebody help!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/17/help~3456695/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/17/help~3456695/Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:42:46 +0100 <p>Hi...the Christmas season is upon us and I for one have been feeling ill for the last week and a half...nothing major just tired...down...grumpy...achey...</p> <p>Part of it stems from the fact that Claire and I have swapped sides of the bed...Claire was complaining that she had a bad back and was waking up in the middle of the night crippled wit pains...so I thought I'd be nice and sleep on her side for a bit...now I have the pains and she doesn't want to move back...We're at that time as well where we can't afford a new matresss are trying to think up creative solutions...so far we flipped the mattress and tonight...well we are going to try lying on top of a duvet...</p> <p>I hope this works...tomorrow morning we do a greyhound awareness and it always works better if you are smiley and happy rather than a little miss crankypants lol! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/14/bad_bed~3444950/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/14/bad_bed~3444950/Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:27:01 +0100 <p>I got a new car last week...a bright yellow VW Fox...I've never had a brand new car before so it was quite a big event for me...it's called Tweety because of the number plate and the fact that the colour reminds me of a canary...</p> <p>Anyway...that's not the point of my blog...but it is always good to show off isn't it lol...</p> <p>No...the point of my blog was to say...isn't the weather hideous at the moment...and isn't it horrible driving a little baby car when the winds are as bad as they are at present? </p> <p>I drove from Bromsgrove to Llangynidr today in the rain and the wind and it was nasty to say the least. I felt on a few occasions like my car was going to be blown from one side of the motorway to the other. I spent the majority of the time with windscreen wipers on full feeling frustrated with not being able to drive as quick as I could.</p> <p>Then I got on to the M50 by Tewkesbury and my thoughts were with the poor people who got flooded a few months ago. Lives just getting back into order for some of them and it starts raining again...nightmare...just outside Brecon when I eventually did get down many of the fields were flooded and there was deep water over a lot of the roads...I contemplated turning around and going straight home...however, in a moment of dryness I thought I may as well stay the night with my rents...</p> <p>Sure enough as soon as I had drank sufficient wine to make it unsafe to drive the rain picked up again...and I am now just praying that the village won't be flooded in the morning and I will get to work on time...uggggh! </p> <p>Bleeding British weather hey?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/02/title~3384757/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/12/02/title~3384757/Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:03:40 +0100 <p>I recently got back in touch with one of my ex school friends who I wrote about on here. Adele was always a really lovely person who stuck with me even though I was Ms Unpopular and the class nerd...anyway all these years on she's married with a gorgeous little one...she looks as fab as ever...she is the same person she always was...yet she doesn't seem happy...</p> <p>To be honest her husband sounds like a bit of a jerk...Mr Inconsiderate...Mr Uncaring...Mr Idiot of the year and I find myself wondering how she ended up with him... </p> <p>It is amazing how so many people seem to change once they have got married...they change from being the person that their partner loves into someone else...but is that really the case?</p> <p>I know since meeting Claire I have put on a lot of weight...I have become increasingly lazy...I have had less contact with my family who disapprove of our relationship and don't like us being together...but...at the end of the day surely that was always the case and I always had potential to do these things..</p> <p>Anyway this brings my rant to an end! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/28/title~3366143/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/28/title~3366143/Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:50:00 +0100 <p>I know I said I wouldn't but I am debating a return to teaching....yep I'm sorry...I may have to do this...but before people breathe a deep sigh and start pulling their hair out I am thinking of a move into offender education...I doubt I'll have much luck with the application but I am putting it in and hoping for the best nonetheless! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/27/return_to_class~3361944/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/27/return_to_class~3361944/Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:47:24 +0100 <p>Last night was track night...once a month we go up to the greyhound track in Hall Green and try to promote the joys of greyhound ownership...it's quite a cool night all in all...</p> <p>The first time we went Pad our little boy was incredibly unfazed by it all...he walked around on his lead and didn't seem to notice the dogs who were running on the track! So, we went back a second time and again he was largely okay...</p> <p>The last two times however, what a change...he's been absolutely wired...the sounds have come on to signal the start of the race and Pad has been whining and making a right performance!! He's not normally a strong dog but the last twice he has pulled so hard I've almost expected his lead to break!! </p> <p>I think along with work one of my main rants here is about the treatment of greyhounds...if you are in the position where you are considering a new pet you will never meet such a lovely, cuddly, friendly a dog as a greyhound...they get on well with kids...they get on with other dogs...a few exceptional ones get on with cats too...Otherwise if you can't give one a homemake a donation if you get chance...Hall Green RGT alone has about 40 dogs in it's care waiting for rehoming...all of these need food and a slight bit of training to get them ready for life in your house!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/25/hall_green_greyhound_track~3348547/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/25/hall_green_greyhound_track~3348547/Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:29:34 +0100 <p>I don't understand why but I seem to have turned off a sensible programme to watch I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here...</p> <p>I was highly amused by what I saw...two big mouths sticking insects in their mouths and holding them there for a period of time...both wanting to be centre of attention but hating it when the other offered any words of advice...</p> <p>I can't get over how adults can act so much like children...what scares me I guess is that these are the people who kids in schools look up to...</p> <p>One of the reasons why I have watched some of this series is that one of my dream women Ms Ceys Matthews of Catatonia fame is there in the junbgle...I think she has been cool to date but I am slighty bemused by her relationship with Marc Bannerman who used to be the uglier of the two Italian brothers in Eastenders...(then again what do I know about top totty I am only a lesbian)! My other shock if this series is...I seem to fancy Katie Hopkins from the Apprentice who looks quite a bit like a member of the royal family... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/21/i_m_a_celebrity_and_need_more_attention~3333071/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/21/i_m_a_celebrity_and_need_more_attention~3333071/Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:39:57 +0100 <p>It's been a while...I guess partly because I went away for about three days last week...partly because although I haven't been particularly busy I seem to have had loads to do...</p> <p>I have been with the prison service two weeks today...however, with almost a week off in the middle it has been nearer to one week...What are my thoughts? Well whether you want to hear them or not here they come...</p> <p>Since leaving Uni I have always worked in schools...while there were people I talked to now and again I felt that I never completely fitted in...I found teacher's in some respects a strange breed...people who can communicate with kids yet when asked a simple question by an adult failed to answer...managers who wouldn't say anything to your face yet take it up a level...as a result I became depressed, unhappy and generally disillusioned with it all...</p> <p>I now work in an office with about 8 other people...to get into that office I pass through a huge number of big heavy doors with locks..but hey this is HMP Blakenhurst...my office is large open plan...my jobs pays poorly...yet I love it!!!</p> <p>I talk to everyone in my office and they are all so friendly and accepting...It is the sort of place I always wanted to work in where every day I feel wanted...</p> <p>If only I could find a way to earn extra money there lol </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/21/my_new_working_life~3332402/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/21/my_new_working_life~3332402/Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:37:57 +0100 <p>I work in a prison...no matter how many times I say that to myself I don't believe it...apart from all the doors and locks it's just like any other workplace...yes I need to be escorted in by someone with a pass every morning...yes I have to show my passport to even go through into the main buidling...but...there is something surpisingly likeable about it...</p> <p>For the first time in my working career I feel like a valued team member...I have people who I can talk to around me...I enjoy my working day...</p> <p>Why didn't I get out of teaching quicker? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/12/prison_life~3286389/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/12/prison_life~3286389/Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:58:08 +0100 <p>I came down to South Wales with Claire yesterday...basically I guess it's an escape from normality and although we are around her parents it's chilled...</p> <p>We stay in the town of Penarth just outside of Cardiff and you can smell the sea breeze...To top it off I guess it is just a gorgeous town even though it has got increasingly built up since I've been with my lovely lady...</p> <p>Anyway we spent yesterday evening just chilling and relaxing...we drank a few too many red wines...lazed around and watched a film...This morning Claire couldn't sleep so she left me in bed to sleep in...After a little more kip we went off to Pont Abraham Services to pick up new wheels for my car and then came back via the Gower and The Mumbles...</p> <p>One of the reasons for my post I guess is that Swansea is one of these places I just don't get...I mean there is some beautiful scenery there...in fact some of it is quite breathtaking but it just doesn't have the charm for me that Cardiff does...</p> <p>I love the sea that is there...I think ther beach being so close to the city centre is fab as it is lovely and sandy and the sea there always calls me in for a paddle...I love so many of the beautiful views...I adore the Mumbles even though it is full of student drinking dens...I adore the Gower even though it is full of tourists...I even love the marina...but something about the city I just don't like....</p> <p>I guess among other things one of the reason is that I feel the City Centre, thanks to heavy bombing in WW2, lacks character...the buildings are uncharismatic and just don't make me fall in love with them...I also found the city centre quite scary when coming across it back to the train station when I was a student as it felt like you were trapped in a concrete jungle...the train station itself was cold and uninviting...</p> <p>I don't think it deserved Rhys Ifans calling it a "pretty shitty city" in the film Twin Town as it really has many redeeming features...I think if it were a child it may be stamped with the label "must try harder"...</p> <p>Swansea however, does seem to be going through a spurt of development which is giving the city character and a little more charm...and after my visit today I left thinking maybe I just need to spend a little more time there!</p> <p>BTW: I apologise if I have offended anyone...these are my views and my views alone...I know there are people out there who love the place...I just ain't one of them </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/11/multiple_things_on_my_brain~3279900/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/11/multiple_things_on_my_brain~3279900/Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:28:19 +0100 <p>Claire just yelled for me to get my backside downstairs...oh shit thought I...what have I done wrong now...I got down there quickly...I found my girlfriend stood in the middle of the kitchen...smile on her face...arms open..."It's just been on the news that we should hug more"...</p> <p>Hugs...the most underrated expression of love ever! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/oh_shite~3252996/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/oh_shite~3252996/Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:01:49 +0100 <p>Some days I feel like I am the invisible woman. I feel like people see through me, see past me, don't register that I am present. I have always been the invisible girl. Back when I was in school. Back when I was in Guides. At various other stages in my childhood and now in adult life. </p> <p>What has made me think like this? Today, I went to Tesco. Whilst pushing my trolley around people would step out in front of me. It was as if they didn't see me. Old people, young people, mothers with babies none of them seemed to notice me. I almost got hit by so many trolleys it was incredible. I just felt like I strangley blended into the background. </p> <p>When I was in school this happened too. Q&A sessions with a whole class where I would make worthwhile suggestions yet be ignored. Times when I would put my hand up yet no-one would pay me attention. The rare occasion where I would get 95% in a maths test but the person with 56% would get far more attention.</p> <p>Being the invisible girl just isn't as much as a super hero trait as people imagine. In fact if I had a super hero trait I think I would either<br> A) be able to fly<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif" alt="B)" class="middle" border="0"> never age</p> <p>I guess what I am trying to say is I always wanted recognition. Some days I want it more than others. Like when I am being struck by an out of control trolley!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/05/my_super_hero_powers~3250790/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/05/my_super_hero_powers~3250790/Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:26:40 +0100 <p>My house is a mess. I think you could possibly compare it with a cess pit andnot be told off for over exagerrating. </p> <p>There are papers, car parts and clothes strewn on every seat. Boxes in the corner of the room. Untidy shelves. It's a nightmare.</p> <p>I don't work. I therefore am expected to clean it. I don't know where to start though. Moving one thing unearths further debris. The living room as I look at it makes me feel sick. Boxes of car spares for my partners business which has thus far failed to take off are stacked in one corer. Papers for the same business sit on the arm of a chair. A pile of unsorted laundry is on the seat beside me. Of a setee with five seats there is one seat where you can sit comfortably and even then you are in amidst the rack and ruin. </p> <p>The floor is again covered, bills, clothes, the dog sprawled on his duvet in the middle of it all surrounded by empty packets that he has scavenged. </p> <p>I want to make it better but don't know where to start. I want to throw things away but am unsure what is a part and what is junk. I have no enthusiasm for car bits. I have no enthusiasm for anything lately.</p> <p>The kitchen is mildly better but still needs tidying. The units look dirty. There is not enough cupboard space. Carrier bags of recycling hang everywhere. I try to tidy it and feel sick. We have a bin but my partner prefers using carrier bags. I don't know why. I don't question it.</p> <p>Into the hall way where until this morning a bike stood propped against the wall. There are more boxes here. A desk frame blocks the entrance to the dining room and yet more clutter. Yet more boxes. I want to cry. </p> <p>Up the cluttered stairs you find a semi clean bathroom. A bedroom whose floors are once again full with rubbish and clothing. A bedroom that you can't enter due to all the stuff piled into it. A bedroom which may one day be used as a study/office is so full of boxes that it is uncomfortable.</p> <p>I want to cry. My partner accuses me of not caring. I do. I just don't know where to begin. So I sit down and write my blog. I need help. We need help. This is going to tear us apart. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/04/mess~3243358/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/04/mess~3243358/Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:08:45 +0100 <p>Well I was going to work at McDonalds yesterday except I had a phone call from an agency inviting me for an interview...after various tests to see how good my numeracy, spellng and typing skills were...they offered me a position at one of the local prisons...</p> <p>Now this is very different to anything I have done previously...it will be an enirely different working environment...it will be potentially challenging and I am really looking forward to it! </p> <p>I am also rather relieved that I am not going to be smelling of burgers...whilst I love McDonalds I kept thinking back to when I was in Uni and one of my housemates worked in Burger King...however, much she washed after her shift she still smelt of fast food - it was seriously nasty! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/02/life_is_interesting~3235955/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/11/02/life_is_interesting~3235955/Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:48:27 +0100 <p>McDonalds here I come...induction tomorrow at 2 woohoo! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/31/mcjob~3223828/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/31/mcjob~3223828/Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:11:43 +0100 <p>Right I'm off to my job interview at McDonalds...woohoo! I have my list of dates when I am unavailable for one reason or another...and I am ready and raring to go...or maybe not! </p> <p>I looked at a job site I use regularly this morning and I am potentially shortlisted for two jobs which is fantastic - it also means I am far less stressed about the interview today as although I haven't even started there yet it shows me that I have a possible escape!! </p> <p>Other than that...picked up a new car yesterday...a 54 plate Seat Arosa which I am loving so far...I spoke to an ex girlfiend last night...and I am just feeling generally positive!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/31/yawwwwn~3223305/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/31/yawwwwn~3223305/Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:19:44 +0100 <p>So on Wednesday my escape from teaching continues with an interview at McDonalds....I spent last Saturday phoning agencies and visiting shops for application forms and this so far is the only one that has got back to me.</p> <p>I'm feeling slightly nervous about it all as I'm not really big on working in catering environments...I worked in a restaurant in Brecon once and used to be dreadful at spilling stuff...I guess at least in McD there is no worry about me breaking any fine china...</p> <p>I've always found the service rubbish at the particulalr restaurant where I am going for an interview...how ironic that I could be on the other side of things!! </p> <p>Whichever way I look at things it seems that I am going to be a minimum wage slave..like it or not...but it beats standing up there in front of know it all kids!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/29/mclovin_it~3213463/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/29/mclovin_it~3213463/Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:27:21 +0100 <p>Well I had the shock of my life this morning...when opening my e-mail inbox I found an e-mail from someone called Adele Sica...now I didn't have to think twice about who this person could be...it's someone who I have thought of lots in the recent past as she was such a cool mate in school...</p> <p>Adele was Miss Popularity...in all rights me and her shouldn't have been friends...I was never up there with the popular people in the class...everyone loved Adele with good reason...she was one of the sweetest people imaginable...</p> <p>One of the things I loved about her was that even as an teenager she had such enthusiasm for life...she used to come back to school from weekends away with mad stories of what she'd got up to...boys she'd gone out with...people she'd met...everything...and she had the coolest clothes too...especially this pair of USA flag jeans which I remember loving at the time...</p> <p>I think we got on well because in some ways I was so different to her...whereas she was outgoing and funloving I was fairly quiet and studious...she educated me about boys (a lot of it passed over my head) and she was always there when I felt fed up...</p> <p>She was never malicious or hurtful even when we teased her non stop abut getting 1% in maths exams 3 terms in a row...</p> <p>I am so glad to have her back in my life and can't wait till Claire and I get chance to go and see her down in Brighton!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/24/surprises~3186938/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/24/surprises~3186938/Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:09:11 +0200 <p>So I travelled back from my parents this morning after being told off for giving an honest answer to a question they asked</p> <p>Them: "Why are you going back now"<br> Me: "because I want to"</p> <p>I didn't there was anything wrong with the answer and I thought it was best to always tell the truth...groan...</p> <p>Anyway Claire had been down in her mum and dad's since yesterday evening and I was looking forward to see her...so that was part of my motivation...we arranged to meet at home for her to drop of the dog and for us to have a quick hug before she went to a meeting...</p> <p>However, things didn't go according to plan...Claire felt tired and was late leaving so we met at Frankley services on the M5...a brief kiss and exchange of dog from Claire's car to mine and Claire went off to Walsall while I took the dog for a walk</p> <p>We ended up in one of my favourite spots...we walked up the Clent Hills stopping half way up for us to catch our breath and to have a nice cuddle!! When finally there we looked at the spectacular views and felt truly in awe of it all..</p> <p>I don't know if anyone has ever climbed these hills before but if you go to one point you can look out over loads of different sites within the West Midlands and beyond...</p> <p>Imagine a place where you can see...Wolverhampton...Stourbridge...Malvern Hills...Black Mountains...Kidderminster...Hagley Castle...Dudley Castle...Lye...Worcester...Cannock Chase...to name but a few of the places...breathtaking hey!</p> <p>I took photos with my camera phone which as ever didn't come out too well...but I guess can appreciate them which is the main thing...anyway as a treat below is a pic of me and the dog...as taken by me...half way up the hills...</p> <p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/1674830028_2860ba6d3e.jpg?v=0" alt="Paddy n Sian" title="Me n the dog on Clent Hills"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/21/sunday_sunday~3172268/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/21/sunday_sunday~3172268/Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:28:28 +0200 <p>I've been a right mardy old grumpbags this last few days...yes my life isn't how I want it to be but only I can sort that out...</p> <p>Anyway I thought I'd write about something I am passionate about...women!</p> <p>I came out about five and a half years ago to my friends (four and a bitto my family)...shortly after meeting a woman down the local pub called Lou...one night we got leglessly drunk ended up snogging on the street corner on the way home and then had a drunken fumble...'twas so much fun that I vowed to repeat the experience and since then I haven't looked back...</p> <p>Yes prior to that I was straight...I had been out with quite a few men and was going out with a fantastic guy called Leigh at the time...however, after that drunken fumble it all started making sense...</p> <p>I went out the following night to a few local bars and had never felt so at home as out on the scene...it seemed like the people there weren't afraid to be themselves and there were some of the most vibrant characters I had ever seen...</p> <p>Alarm bells kept ringing...I realised I had to tell me friends and I freaked out big time...they accepted me though...</p> <p>From that point I felt free to admire all the ladies out there in the world...the thin petite ladies who are so perfect to look at...women with ample cleavages...women with athletic bodies...the big bold beautiful ladies who always came across as larger than life...every woman was so different and every one was so beautiful in their own way...</p> <p>I've been in a relationship with Claire for four years and I still take time out to admire women from time to time...occasionally what is even better is when Claire and I take time out to look together...as Claire always says:<br> "Couples who perve together stay together"<br> and I guess as long as we both look and don't touch there is no harm at all in that!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/i_see_girls_women_lovely_ladies~3168644/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/i_see_girls_women_lovely_ladies~3168644/Sat, 20 Oct 2007 21:44:43 +0200 <p>Call me strange but I really love my car and love driving...</p> <p>Knowing the open road is there below me...knowing that putting my foot down will whisk me away to new places and new sights...knowing that there are all these beautiful parts of the UK I still haven't seen...</p> <p>Some of the most beautiful drives I have had include....</p> <p>Brecon -> Llanfyllin - I did this journey pretty much every other week for a year. It took in a large part of the county of Powys and as I took in the back routes it was never anything but breathtaking...past Llanidloes, Llandinam, Newtown and all those lovely little rural places...</p> <p>Llangynidr -> Bromsgrove - a trip I don't make as often as I probably should for various reasons....I guess I love this journey because it is the one I take home to Claire...I know that at the end of it she will be there waiting for me and I love that feeling...It does also take into some gorgeous sights like the Black Mountains, the Sugar Loaf mountain and other bits of gorgeous Wales and Gloucestershire...</p> <p>The same journeys in reverse (not reverse gear but the opposite way around) don't fill me with the same joy though and that makes me feel heavy hearted. When I took the journey from Llanfyllin to Llangynidr I almost felt like I was leaving my freedom behind. Returning to a world where my every move was monitored even though I was well over the age of 18...likewise the journey from Bromsgrove to Llangynidr is one into a world of lies - everyone here believes I have a full time job and that I am single and it's a pretence that is hard to live up to...</p> <p>It all comes down once again to parents...their refusal to accept me and love me for who I am...</p> <p>If I ever have children I will always love them for who they are and not who I want them to be...whether they are gay, straight or bi...who cares as long as they are happy! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/19/drive~3161836/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://RandomlyRandom.blog.co.uk/2007/10/19/drive~3161836/Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:54:43 +0200