There comes a time, when we head a certain call When the World must come together as One There are people dying, and it's time to lend a hand To Life, the greatest gift of all
We can't go on, pretending day by day That someone, somewhere will soon make a change We are all part of God's great big Family And the truth, you know Love is all we need
Send them your heart so they'll know that someone cares And their lives will be stronger and free As God has shown us by turning stone to bread So we all must lend a helping hand
When you're down and out and there seems no hope at all But if you just believe there's no way we can fall Well, let us realise that a change will only come When we stand together as One
WE ARE THE WORLD WE ARE THE CHILDREN WE ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE A BRIGHTER DAY SO LETS START GIVING THERE'S A CHOICE WE'RE MAKING WE'RE SAVING OUR OWN LIVES IT' TRUE WE'LL MAKE A BETTER DAY JUST YOU AND ME
A fantastic Tribute memorial to this megastar, It was great to be able to watch it today.
Not that anyone needs a reminder of his talent. But I think of all the footage I've Youtube'd and to combine my very favourate MJ track, I'm chosing the following footage.
I think it was primary three, ninteen hundred and seventy nine, when I first remember Michael Jackson blessing my eardrums. I'm a bit of a music romantic. Every song as Ive grown up reminds me of something, somewhere, someone. Music is very special to me.
Anyways, the late seventies early eighties brought much joy from Michael Jackson. Jackson Five music was still everywhere and MJ went solo.
Aged seven, I was in the Brownies in Dalry.
Every Thursday Id go to a wooden hut and learn to sew, make fire out of wood, be a 'good' person and pledge an oath.
We had a tape recorder in the Brownies and we had cassette tapes of various different artists. Michael Jackson was in the charts with Dont stop til you get Enough...
RIP Michael Jackson.
But what of the rest of 1979 musically? I'm going to try and include a few treats for you here. Truth is, there isnt enough room for everything that 1979 produced. It was a phenomenal year in the music world and produced for me, the best year round music of any year since, by a mile!!
Queen - Don't stop me now --
Pink Floyd - The Wall
Dr Hook - When you're in love with a beautiful woman --
Not content with sending me a knock out busy day at work, where I had many teenage tantrums to contend with, I came out of a late meeting to no less than nine messags on my work phone. Whilst driving home at SEVEN pm, I saw an incoming call from the 'boss'. Not the regional, but the 'big' 'boss'. I scrambled for my phone whilst driving past James Watt in Kilwinning and negotiated the traffic lights with one hand whilst trying to impress my boss on the phone.
Sirens blazing (which i thought was a tad o.t.t. for Kilwinning) I got pulled at the Caley Station in full view of like every fucker who lives here. Sweet.
I got politely escorted into their back seat whilst they called in my details. Insurance ok - check, MOT ok - check ! lots of questions later, I was faced with the reality of a charge of Careless driving.
My nerves were jangling I was shaking like a leaf ! However, they decided to use their 'discretion' and give me a spot fine and 3 points bringing my total to six at the moment (see previous entry - Tho Shalt not Speed !)
I'm home right now with a rare midweek bottle of wine, seriously pissed off at how stupid I am.
Truth is, I ran out of my nine lives, I do it all the time, evey day. It was just a matter of 'when' I got caught, not 'if'.
Hot weather always does that to me. Makes me smile, makes me lazy, makes me eat too many bbq's, makes me drink too much white wine!
I can't afford a summer holiday abroad this year, so this weekend has been such a bonus, like a weekend in Spain, fantastic.
I had a tough week at work, and had a not so nice job to do on Thursday, which affected me quite a bit, so the weekend was so welcomed.
Saturday was spend in Ayr with D and the troops and we had a lovely day. D was a bit stressed out trying to find the way to Ayr Farm Park,
but she was chilled out in no time at all. I was great until I went down the tyre rope ride and hurt my butt at the bottom. Ouch !!
We then snuck into Haven next door and went to the beach for a few hours, taking a note of rental caravans for a proposed weekend visit sometime soon.
Back in time for BGT final, which was excellent, and I don't even like BGT, but the final was good viewing. And whilst we basked in the Sunday sunshine, Susan entered The Priory
Sunday was so fab! Great weather and good company. Too much wine though, so I'm on the wagon for the forseable, promise!
I'm off til Wednesday and can't beleve Ive scored holidays for the best weather of the year, i'm such a clever cookie !
Ripped off customer of the week has to go to the Ryanair passenger who opted to support her local airport, Prestwick Intl. in sunny Ayrshire and book a flight to Europe.
After check-in (which costs you now unless you check-in on line with no hold baggage) she sauntered into Duty Free with her one item of hand baggage and proceeded to browse the aisles for some pre flight bargains.
Having purchased ONE bottle of whiskey, she proceeded to the boarding gate with said duty free plastic bag and her one piece of hand baggage over her shoulder, compliantly small.
However, all thoughts of a wee dram once she reached Frankfurt were to be dashed, as the boarding agent promptly advised her that she couldn't proceed to the aircraft with the whiskey unless it could fit in her existing hand baggage. This, she couldn't manage, so the duty free was promptly taken off her.
She proceeded to board the flight with only SIXTEEN other passengers, wondering what fuckwit screws with the people who support local airports and airlines and what greedy bastard will be guzzling her booze.
Apparently, confiscated Duty Free at Prestwick is destroyed.....
Aye,,,right!!!!! Not a chance in hell.
What a rip off!
Be wary the next time you board a flight at Prestwick Airport. Looks like the only thing you are supporting are the cartel just waiting to rip you off.
Well. Midway through the week and Im totally scunnered, knackered and pissed off.
Please God, bring the weekend to me like I've never wanted it so much in my life! The only positive from a severely stressful few weeks at work, is the welcome quick loss of the five lbs I gained in America which I hadn't shifted yet. Mind you, compared to the mama's in Detroit, I looked half way normal.
I know it's hard to believe girls, but the European girl isn't actually me.............hehehehe
Having enjoyed problem free health all my life I'm pissed off that for the last few months Ive been suffering from a really stiff lower back. Not painful, just still as an old board.
Now, while stiffness is something I normally welcome, this is just not the type I had in mind ! If anyone has any recommended lotions, potions or remedies for my stiffness, please let me know! Seriously! It's really bothering me !
Anyway, onto the subject of my blog entry tonight. I've been thinking for some time now that I want a tattoo. A tummy tattoo to be exact.
I love love love Peaches Geldolf's body tattoo.
The beautiful daisy chain she's got goin is way cool. I'd love to be daring enough for that ! however, I want one along my lower tummy and Ive found an excellent design in a similar daisy chain effect.
The next step is to visit the tattooist for my consultation, then, working up the bottle to DO it !
What do you think? Is this a good or bad idea ??!!
I keep thinking though, if I'm lucky enough to reach a ripe old age, will I regret tattooing my tummy??!! Or will there be a generation of tattood OAP's come the year 2040 ?!!
Will I still be bothered with stiffness in 2040 ??
I'm so glad we can't see into the future.......................!!! xox
Thanks to my blogging (or is that bloody) friends, Ive been motivated into making a comeback after my shameful temporary exit from our blogging world this springtime. I'ts been weird ! I kinda enjoyed today, surfing for some music, some videos, some funny captions, thinking about what has stirred me politically, or what has stirred me in other ways. Thinking, what tales will I start with???!! It's been a little while huh? it's been really cool catching up with my blogging circle. Mrs S, I want a blog entry from you each time I do one, eachy peachy now fairs fair !!!
Well as usual, I want to start with music and for some weird reason, its not 80's, 90's, Country or such like. Nooo, it's the charts ! I'm so glad I don't feel like an old fart yet and I still love the top 40. It helps that it's pretty cool at the moment - Ive added a Jukebox with my favourites for your listening pleasure. Ive got eight jukeboxes loading with great tracks, so remember to send me requests as usual.
Spot the odd one out? Mmmm. Shed Seven - Chasing Rainbows. Thats just for me :-)I found it by accident, or is it coincidence??
My fav song at the moment - still, Jason Mraz.
It was number one whilst I was in America this year and it sooo reminds me of that trip, it's so cool. Enjoy !>>>>>>>>>>
Well, after a hectic week, Ive got lazyitis today (is that spelt correctly? or even a word?) heck, thats what Ive got anyway and i've been in my jammies all day!
I'm depressed at Celtic throwing away the title today and handing it to Rangers. We are such loooosers !!!!
I'm back at Tennis after my assault, attack, drive-by biting..whatever you want to call it. I'm pissed at the scar, but hey, who's gonna be lookin there?? I'm hoping there are more interresting parts of my being that are more worthy of checking out hehehe.
Work is just silly busy. I put in yet another Saturday this week and I reckon I need to seriously look at my time management, or my staff would say, just my management !!!
I'll be blogging soon in the usual 'R' style !! But for now....
It's been a busy few months and I have little time to see my friends and family or have a life in general! I'm a workaholic at the moment and totally ensconsed in the new job.
Bear with me, and don't give up I'll be back soon.
It's a good job that my next trip to Detroit is worthwhile - because the day I endured yesterday, getting the passport - wasn't !
I will admit that it was down to my bad planning. I hadn't spotted it was due to expire in July, in five months time. Apparently, you need six months validity beyond your stay in America. Plus a new ESTA on line registration three days before arrival. Plus, a valid health insurance document upon arrival. Sh#t. Maybe they'd like my first born also???????????
My £114.00 appointment was for 10am Saturday morning, to replace the expiring passport with a shiney new one.
I had completed the application on line the weekend previous and this was posted out to me. All I had to do was shove some I.D. into my beautiful Ness pink tartan bag and head to the Passport Headquarters in Glasgow..........
En route I made use of my stupid bluetooth earpiece that hurts my ear every time I wear it and called a few friends. I dont get a chance to speak to my friends alot at the moment, so Im finding this is a cool way to keep in touch, given that I notch up a fair amount of miles in the car each day.
After speaking with T whilst heading up the 737, with about 40 mins til the appointment, I was reminded I needed new PHOTOGRAPHS................ Shoot - I totally forgot, completely forgot, of course. I needed new pictures !
Then I was asked: Do you know where the Passport office is?. Now thats a silly question!
Of COURSE I don't know where it is - that would mean me actually finding something out in advance and being organised !!
So, directions to Northgate streaming in my earpiece courtesy of Chantry, whilst I decide to come off at Govan to use Asda's Photo booth. Time 9.30am
What do you think the chances were of the photo booth working? And why didn't it dawn on me that the chances of an ASDA in GOVAN having anything remotely reliable were slim.
Back in the Car.........0940am
As I drove into Bothwell Street, heading in the vague direction of the passport office, a taxi driver alongside me gave me perfect directions to where I needed to be. I then had to find PARKING. 0950am
I parked adjacent to Buchanan Street bus station where I frantically searched for a photobooth. BINGO ! Got one there and it worked, back in the car to the passport office. 0957am
I ran in the door of the passport office hoping to God I'd got everythin I needed. I was unimpressed with my morning and less impressed with the photo I was submitting for my passport for the next ten years, carrying a head cold and the botched laser procedure on my face last week, I didn't exactly look my best !
As my number was called I walked up to the window to a stern looking older lady. One of those older women who have that ' don't even look at me the wrong way or I'll reject your application' look.
I was quite gloaty that as she searched through the paperwork I'd given her, clearly looking for SOMETHING to get me on, she had drawn a blank. Hehehe Better luck next time I could hear in my head.
Then, her contorted bulldog look broke into a smile of satisfaction as she held up my pictures - still wet from their production ten minutes before. My heart sank.
'You can't use these pictures' she said.
'Why ever not?' I retorted.
'Quite simple' she said. 'You are SMILING in the photo. And therefore, I can see your teeth. Thats not allowed' She said smugly.
Too tired and too clever to cause a debate surrounding this ludicrous decision, I wearily asked her to wait til I returned to the previous photobooth for more said pictures.
'No need' she said. Adding, 'There's OBVIOUSLY a photobooth here' pointing behind me and looking at me like Im the dumbest person she's seen in quite a while.
Yes, why didn't I realise that the passport office woud HAVE a photo booth.? WHY didn't that dawn on me.?
WHY Am I so fecking useless!
I have no idea how I hold down a job! I think it must be the intelligence of people around me and Im just in it for the jammy free ride.!
So.............. Passport : Check
Bright Red Panda eyes from the botched laser resurfacing which Im now told will take months to disappear: Check.
And despite buying cute knee length pink tartan socks (sue me - I think they're cute. and lovely new pink knickers yesterday in Buchanan Galleries, they didn't make it home with me.
Lost somewhere on the street, or pickpocketed by a perv with a passion for my panties, not my purse !!!
Birthday party tonight for brother E who celebrates 41 tomorrow, with his cuter, much thinner younger sister turning 37 on Tuesday. What a shit day of the week to have your birthday! so thanks to everyone for accepting a boring Tuesday invite to mine, see you all then.
Other birthdays this week : Aunt K, IB (same day as me! except significantly older........I think 44?) RMcD (Same day as me also - happy birthday, hope you are better now !) and celebrations next Saturday for D's belated 30th birthday day out in Glasgow, can't wait! So here's a birthday cake for all of us ....
In the meantime, here is an old time cringey track, appropriate in many ways this week - I LOVE this song......(Yes, I know I say that about every song).
You will by now know, that I am a follower of American Politics and current affairs. I am a true believer in democracy.
The American people today, watched by a global audience of billions, inaugurated their first black president, Barack Obama.
A truly transparent, liberating and inspiring process for every voter in the United States of America.
The most perfected spokesperson ever to emerge from the Senate in its entire history. A man with flawless speeches, a masterminded campaign and the most heartinspiring election night we are likely to ever see.
The culmination of this unfolded on Capital Hill today, as Barack Obama was Sworn in, to lead and guide the American people.
As the world watched, at the most important moment, the experienced speechmaker made a monumental fuck up of his swearing in oath.
A complete PR disaster for Mr President. Recorded forever in history and I'm sure, casting a slightly grey shadow over his special day.
As I cringed with mortification, it made me think of him as a mere human being, with feelings, with anxiety and vulnerability, just like all of us.
It got me thinking about how many mistakes Ive made in MY life. And how damned hard I am on myself when I make them.
Here are some of the monumental fuck ups Ive made in my life:
I didnt stick in at school - underachieved and wasted learning opportunities
I started smoking at the age of TWENTY, not fifteen, TWENTY, when I shouldve known better.
I didnt emmigrate when I had the clear chances to.
I sold a £50k house in Bristol in 1996 for a £10k profit which is now worth £500k
I wasn't there when the two closest people to me on the face of this earth died. And I could have been. I should have been.
How do we account for mistakes we make?
How do we view mistakes?
Irreconcilable errors? or Opportunities to learn and grow?
In managing some of Scotland's most vulnerable chaotic youngsters, I champion the theory that Crisis = Danger & Opportunity.
Crisis carries its dangers, but it's ALWAYS an opportunity to LEARN. LEARN from our mistakes. Have I learned from mine? Yes, Have I found positives in everthing I've learned? YES !
So don't be so down on yourself the next time you make a mistake.We are all human, just like the most powerful man in the world today.
So long as you can truly find learning from it, you have actually grown, grown into the wonderful unique human being that you are.................
I'm sending you all the following video to remind you how special you are!
I had the best day ever in Glasgow on Saturday - just brill!
After a great night at Beith T's Friday night, I had a morning appointment in Visage beauty clinic, then met L for lunch in Soho, Miller Street, just off Argyle Street. I havent seen her in two years since my birthday in 2007 so we had a marathon catch up. L is a city corporate and her business conversation is top notch and we mixed business and personal conversation as easy as gin and tonic go together. Excellent catch up !
After lunch we said our goodbyes and I took myself off shopping for a couple of hours.
First stop on Argyle Street, a new IPod docking station as Ive already broken the one Santa bought me. As I wondered round Curries, searching for the correct aisle, a wave of nostalga came right over me.
It was instant - like an injection of Eighties memory right in the arm.
A Song - A wonderful song, I knew instantly, but, couldn't for the life of me think who sang it, but I was singing every word right there in the store.
I wondered round the shop lost in my youth, feeling quite emotional that I had found an undiscovered pocket of my youth, wrapped up neatly in a song I hadnt heard for probably twenty years.
I left the store minus a docking station and floated along Argyle street in historic heaven.
Ive hummed the song all weekend, searched on Google for what I thought was the title of the song, no joy.
Then tonight, whilst doing something else, it came to me -
The Bluebells - I'm Falling
Here it is - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Fantastic track and terrific memories.
As you can imagine - this put me in a warm fuzzy mood and I took myself into Schu and promptly purchased two pairs of killer heels, pink and aubergine sling backs, just beautiful.
Then - I went to Frasers - to purchase St Tropez compact powder.
As I entered the door, straight into a Handbag section, my heart started thumping and I felt my excitement level rise no end.
DKNY, Christian Dior, Hermes, Armani.......................omg omg omg
I picked up a DKNY bag on sale and immediately decided to buy it. But a wave of guilt swept over me. £300.
I text My friend to ask could I justify it? YES was the answer back.
I walked onward, to the Hermes counter. In front of me, a walnut panelled crystal display cabinet with God's perfection of a Birkin Handbag in front of me. Cost: THREE THOUSAND POUNDS and a three year waiting list..............
I was overcome with retail love - suckered in to the endorphines sweeping through my body - almost......better than an orgasm.
I put everything back and promptly went to the St Tropez counter and purchased my compact powder as planned, where I got a free spray tan with my purchase, which Ive booked to coincide with my next trip to America in two weeks time.
I drove home feeling fantastic - that I had such a buzz, but didnt lose any cash at the expense.
Im listening to the Bluebells right now as Im writing this, fantastic !
Thanks to Edinburgh D for a great Spanish reunion on Saturday night. We met in Spain in 2007 with Kilwinning T and hubby J, and we all got together Saturday night. Time flies but memories last forever.
Great weekend all round.
All set for Michigan. Though I just realised my passport is up soon, so this Saturday will be spent in the passport office, with perhaps some shopping in between........
Happy New Year 2009 to each and every one of you. I hope you had fun. And I hope you had as much fun as I did. Im grateful I had such a blast and brought the New Year in in very good company and spirits.
Hogmanay 2008 - Dunure Castle ruins - I love this picture. This was after a lovely brisk walk on Croy Beach.
Hogmanay Dinner Dance courtesy of the Piersland House Hotel Troon - a great night !
New Years Day. A side trip to Queensferry en route to Edinburgh took in the Forth bridges. It was so beautiful an hour before sunset.
Edinburgh Castle - New Year at Dusk Edinburgh was mobbed on New Years day, really busy! we enjoyed some sunset sightseeing and the buzz in the Capital was excellent.
Do you ever find yourself looking back on the year about to come to a close? Think about your achievements, your failures, the friends you kept, the ones you lost? the job you cherished, or was it the one you hated? The love you found, the love you lost? The family you have, or the family you dont have with you any more?
2008 was a busy year for me.
A year which started in Burlington, Vermont in the middle of a storm, and that wasn't just the snow.
The first New Year in my new house.
My January Birthday was a great day with the girls, and I was celebrating promotion at work, a happy month.
The early Spring I was ensconsed in work and life kinda passed me by. A special boy grew up another year and is the most beautiful precious thing that God ever created. Well, one of Two.
Celtic win the League. On the Hoops
The early summer brought lovely weather and a really nice quality to life to my home. I love where I live. God bless my home.
And another special boy growes up another year.
The Late summer brought a special person into my life. I wasnt to know it would be short lived, but it sure was fun whilst it lasted, Im thankful for that and can now look back with precious memories of a lovely time together in Scotland and in America.
October can be wiped from the radar. Completely obliterated from all memories and thoughts. Its gone, and with this last word on it, its gone
Forever . Ba bye
November brought some sunshine after the rain, both personal and professional.
And Im happily ensconsed in both, as Christmas Eve arrives.
I am working til the 29th then have a great New Year planned. The works.
I hope, wherever you are tonight, whatever, you are doing, whoever you are with, or without, that you are content and happy.
Well, safe to say, today has been the BEST day of the year so far!
I got the job.
Cant go into detail on here for obvious reasons. But, Ive just landed the job I spent four weeks preparing and competing for.
I will be the new Unit Manager of an eight bedded Residential Unit in East Ayrshire for vulnerable youngsters.
Today marks (hopefully) the end of a very challenging period in my life. With exception of bereavement, this has been the darkest, hardest eight weeks of my life. Ive been faced with stuff I never thought possible and Im not quite sure how Ive came out the other end.
Without being too much of a girl about it, there's a few thankyou's I need to mention.
To Beith T, (and hubby D) :
For being the best friend anyone could ever wish for. For phoning me every single day. Days when I couldnt get out of bed before the fear and crying would start again. For being non judgemental and being a great listener. And for protecting me, from things I dont need to know and dont want to know.
To A
For praising me regularly, for being an advocate and for believing me, whilst in an awkward situation.
To Kilwinning T
For her positive outlook for the future and her hopeful attitude
To the Hayocks T
For feeding me bacon butties and keeping it real
But most of all I need to thank D:
A colleague and a friend, who supported me, believed me, believed IN me, listened to me, advised me, advocated for me, suffered me! who came to my house ill, to prepare me for the big interview, gave me all my leads and advice, and who, despite being stuck in the middle, never lost the ability to phone and offer me a shoulder to cry on.
Thankyou so much, all of you, and the others, all of you have played a part in me conquering this hurdle.
After belting her wee lungs out tonight, her luck with the British voting public ran out and she has left the competition.
Personally, I thought she was screamy and a bit out of tune, but hey, anythings better than that wee fud Eoghan.
I've waited all week to see Britney Spears and Miley Syrus perform tonight.
Miley was great, true wee rock chick, but for the third time in as many weeks, the main star, Britney Spears was MIMING. Joining Same Difference and XFactor Help the Heroes who mimed their entire performances in previous weeks.
Whats the point in bringing stars onto a live singing show to have them mime? How hypocritical is that ? I mean, WHAT is the point !!!
The performance was very average, plus I don't like that new Womaniser song. But when Dermot spoke to her on the stage after her performance, she seemed wired to the blinkin' moon!
Lets keep the guest appearances to people who can actually sing.
She began her day finding the most perfect pair of shoes in the first shop and a beautiful dress on sale in the second shop. In the third, everything had just been reduced by 50%, when her mobile phone rang. It was a female doctor notifying her that her husband had just been in a terrible accident and was in a critical condition in Intensive Care.
As the woman hung up, she realised she was leaving what was shaping up to be her best day ever in the shops. She decided to get in a couple more shops before heading to the hospital. She ended up shopping the rest of the morning, finishing her trip with a nice coffee. Then she remembered her husband. Feeling guilty, she dashed to the hospital. She met the doctor in the coridoor and asked about her husband's condition.
The lady doctor looked at her and shouted, "You went ahead and finished your shopping trip! didn't you? I hope you're proud of yourself! While you were out for the last four hours enjoying yourself in town, your husband has been languishing in Intensive Care! it's just as well you went ahead and finished, because it will be more than likely the last shopping trip you ever get! For the rest of his life he will require round the clock care! And you'll now be his Carer ".
The woman was feeling so guilty, she broke down and sobbed.
The lady doctor then chuckled and said, "I'm just pulling your leg. He's dead. Let's see what you bought ? ".
Im just back from my twice yearly injection of poison to smooth out the wrinkles, creeping into my mid thirties. (Im still claiming to be mid thirties, I'm only 36 ! Sue me!)
Yes folks, today I had my BOTOX.
Eyes, brows and forehead, the works.
It isn't usually as sore as it was today, and when I left the clinic in Glasgow, stepping out into the freezing cold sunny afternoon, the cold hit the injection points on my face like burning icicles.
You dont see the results of botox for about four or five days, so this time next week I'll be like Danny Minogue's scary sidekick !
Tomorrow morning, Im having laser whitening on my teeth, again something I have every year. And Im starting dental work on my wonky front tooth ! I didnt realise my teeth had gotton so bad ?
Im on holiday yipee!!! Albeit after a Monday in Stornoway on business yesterday and I worked through til 7.30am to clear my desk and have peace of mind to relax now for two whole weeks !!!
That wee plane yesterday plays havock with my ears, its so blinkin noisy! But the flights were very smooth not that I noticed much as I was furrowing away on my laptop in both directions.
I watched the whole Michael Jackson Memorial Funeral today and Im really surprised to say I was a bit tearful ! It was really moving.
Im trying to do arghouseworkargh!!!! before Im laid up after the op on Thursday, then Im no doubt gonna have the most mind numbing boring weekend ever with my painkillers! Lots of TV required which i don't normally do.
Im going cycling tomorrow with the boys and we're going to Irvine Beach park I think. If I close my eyes, it may seem like St Tropez, do you think I can pull it off?
Im so crossing my fingers I'll be fit for the camping trip next weekend to Dalbeattie, here's hoping.
