Been a long long time since I last posted.
This year, I've just not been very good at keeping my LJ up at all. I think I might try to blog some stuff in retrospect and fill in all the blank dates (or some of them at least).
Just a quick summary first then...
Job is still going well, still got lots of good friends, no love life, seen a few musicals, been on a few trips, had a little medical scare... Nothing too much out of the ordinary. Barely wroth blogging about, but I will try nevertheless. I am paying for this after all so I may as well use it...

*chuckles*

Hope that you've all had a great day and that the slave of the Artic Elves has left you lots of prressies ;)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7772902.stm

I've never been so glad at not having many chances to kiss folk...

Brrrrrr!
It's SO cold! Went downstairs this morning to make myslef a nice mug of Earl Grey and could see my breath condensing! Far far too cold!
So I'm hiding now in my room, with the heater on. Now, I tell you that it's days like this that I really miss having a warm body to snuggle up with *chuckle*
I've had a lovely relaxing long weekend so I'm in a cheerful mood despite the weather. I borrowed the DVD of Hairspray from Gill yesterday and was watching it last night. It's fab. I'll have to get a hold of the CD and will certainly have to see when I get the chance. As well as great R&R music, it's worth it for the sight of Travolta dancing with Walken. Mildly surreal...
Two training courses at work this week and then we're gearing up for the Xmas season.
Talking about that, I still find it difficult to believe that the year has gone already. Seems to have flown by. I guess I have been fairly busy so perhaps I've just been having fun for the first time in quite a few more years than I like to count. So far, plans for next year are filling it up nicely as well (although of course it might not end up that way). I may well write up and up of year blog in a few weeks.
Not much else to say really. Might post more later though...

Hiya folks, been a bit busy at work this past week catching up on all the stuff which piled up while I was in London.
More or less caught up now but now got lots of other stuff starting. Never a quiet moment (which I should be glad of since I complained about boredom in my previous jobs).
Happy (belated) Birthdays to beastofargh, spindr and my non-LJ friend Bri.
Only a 4-day week this week as I have a long weekend planned *cheer* Which of course means that I'll have more piled-up work to deal with on my return *rueful chuckle*
I've realised once again that I'm not cut out for the life of a seamstress. Nor a surgeon for that matter. My stitching is fairly pathetic. But seems to have doen the job on my trouser hem. Just hopes it holds and I don't end up looking silly.

Back from London. Bus was late yesterday. Almost an hour late *sigh* I've not had much luck with travelling this year (although they've all turned out OK in the end).
Spent most of the day Friday in the Natural History Museum. A fascinating place but I needed more time. I'll have to visit again sometime (just like the BM). Dinner on Friday was at a Spanish restaurant in Putney (very tasty Pina Coladas) and include quail, liver, prawns and pork skewers. Yum!
Saturday we (that's me and Sharon) went to the Museum of London. They have a special exhibition about the Great Fire at the moment as well as the history of London's development and growth. In the evening we went to see Phantom of the Opera. Amazing music! Of course I've got the CD and I've seen the film (and read the original book) but nothing matches it live on stage. Although, I think that some of songs sound better in a recording. Especially the ones with multiple characters singing different vocals at the same time over each other.
On Sunday, 3 of us went out to a nice old-fashioned pub in Kew for a Sunday roast. The pub was lovely, but I have to say that I was disappointed with the beef. It was rather tough and riddled with tubes. Not nice. The rhubarb crumble did go a long way in making up for it though. After the meal it was a quick journey into Piccadilly where we went to the Comedy Store to see the Players (via a quick cocktail at TGI Friday). All the usual Players and Paul Merton as well (I know he's a co-founder and regular but it's the first time I've caught him). Fantastic as always. I'll be booking again for my next trip down (probably in February) so if anyone would be interested in joining me let me know.
And that's about it really. Long trip back North. An hour longer than I expected (which I've already mentioned) but when I got in I met up with Kyle and went for some food and a quick pint.
So, all in all, not a bad weekend *chuckle* and all I have to worry about now is the pile of work which I'm sure will be waiting for me on my desk tomorrow morning *sigh*

Yes, It's the Fifth again. The evening that all dogs and cats dread.
Was over with feb_the_cat tonight. Poor wee thing really doesn't like the noise of fireworks. She seemed to appreciate the cuddles though.
*smile*
Just finishing my travel preparations, and counting my pennies...
*mental note* stop arranging trips the week before I get paid instead of the week after.

Hello folks,
Been a bit busy the last few days so haven't had a chance to post. Been cat-sitting feb_the_cat while his usual tenants are off on holiday. I'll be off myself soon as well. Heading south on Thurs. Looking forward to it after this past week or two.
But then, none of you are interested in work...you want to hear about the party don't you?
Well... it was great fun! Everyone enjoyed themselves. The quiz went down well, the drink flowed freely, and the costumes...well have a look yourself. I'll wait for you...
...
...
OK. If you've not been driven blind, then yes. Scary eh? *chuckle*
The faces of the folk at work were amusing when I showed them... I haven't seen so many people so shocked for a while.
On another Halloween note (and to explain the title) have a look at this. Isn't it fantastic?

F'ing Halloween! (and sadly that's a comment and not a prediction).
Now, before I rant any further, let me point out that I do actually enjoy Halloween. Esp the parties with feb_the_cat hosts (although she's been rather cold and stand-offish with me recently for some unknown reason). However, I had decided to go this year as [deleted]. This means I had got a few bits and bobs myself, and was expecting the remainder to arrive from the Web. That's not happening now *growl* Well, it hopefully will be, but I've had to order it from somewhere else (and more money for fast delivery). Not too happy about that, just hope that the reordered one does arrive or I'll look a bit daft!
And, to add to my Halloween woes, I'm doing the party quiz again this year and the USB drive I was storing it on has went the way of the Dodo and the Honest Politician! So I'm now sitting here trying to remember all my questions (and answers) and re-writing. Don't know if I'll redo the edited music tracks again though. Might use my other idea for a music round.
So, Halloween is a bit of a nightmare just now (which may be kind of appropriate I'll grant you). Work isn't too bad at the moment. Bit of politics going on though which is never good. I'm mostly keeping out of the limelight and just getting on with stuff while smiling and nodding. I find that's usually best (esp with an office full of women).
My holiday was great btw. I know I'd meant to post about it, but just haven't been motivated. I visited drtinuviel and we went for a very tasty and pleasant meal before going to see Cabaret (starring Wayne Sleep no less) which was amazing. Really really enjoyed myself. I was then down in Kent with lghsa for a few days. Managed to squeeze in Rochester (cathedral, castle and Dickens World), Canterbury (cathedral and Roman museum), Dover (castle and tunnels), Battle (abbey & battlefield), Hastings (Smugglers Adventure) and Oxford (Museum of the History of Science). Not bad going for 4 days *smile*
I was however rather silly and forgot to take my camera *sigh* Very unlike me...
I will however remember to charge it for Saturdays party and also for heading down to London again next weekend. (that's the one after this coming one)
So, busy busy, back to writing question again. Feeling a bit more relaxed, thanks for listening *mgrin & hugs*

Back from hols (of which more to come) but just wanted to say that I've just finished reading The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. Feeling rather sad and thoughtful now...

Ooh, I didn't know that today was this. Is there anything which hasn't got a day for it? I mean, we even had 'Talk like a Pirate' day! Sheer silliness...
Starting to suffer from a bit of a bug today *sigh* a tickle on the roof of my mouth and snuffliness. Work wasn't much fun like that, esp since I was on the Desk again dealing with patients. *growl*

Been a while, but I'm posting again.
I feel as if I've been really busy, but also that I've not really accomplished much.
Perhaps more details to come....

Hello everyone :)
Hope you haven't missed me too much? I've been safely back from Northern Ireland for about a week now and haven't written anything at all. I do humbly apologise, I can only blame my laziness *chuckle*
You're probably interested in what I got up to? Well, if you aren't, then don't click on the cutaway link ;)
( trip details )
Well, that was the trip more or less.
Only other thing to moan about is my watch. The battery died last night. Just a couple of months after the 12-month warranty on it expired. Now, call me odd if you will, but I reckon that a watch battery should last longer than 14 months. Especially as it's an analogue watch. No fancy alarms or displays of anything. Grr. And because it's a 100m pressure watch, it costs a fortune to get a new battery and it re-sealed. So, now I'm looking at getting a new watch for my birthday. I quite like the Seiko Kinetic ones but they're a bit pricey :( Think I'll shop around for a bit.
Well, time to stop waffling I guess.

Heavens! Do you have any idea of how difficult it is to buy a double-breasted suit? At least in Dundee I mean. It's impossible! When did this overwhelming desire for single-breasted suits come from I wonder? Personally, I blame the rise in obesity rates...
Have had a rather busy weekend. Friday evening I was over to see feb_the_cat as usual. Saturday daytime I was over at hhoantioch's to help him lay his new driveway (and move about a tonne of stones from his back garden to the front). After that, relaxed for a bit then out with drtinuviel to the Bollywood Buffet. Very tasty. Later on Friday I spent about 2 hours on the phone to Sharon, then about 3.5 hours on a Skype vid call with Brian. A very very late night. Sunday was spent lazing around and resting my muscles.
Monday? Why, busy at work as always. In fact, busier than usual as I was doing someone else's job instead of mine. And that was still the same today *sigh* And I know have a rather large pile of my own work on my desk which I'm sure will only grow before I return on next Tuesday.
At least I'm on holiday now. Leaving for Belfast tomorrow and really looking forward to it. It'll be good to catch up with lghsa and Steve again. SMS and IM just will never be the same as real-life.
Well, off to do more packing etc. I'll try to get some good photos for when I get back.

*cuddles*

Oh, and PS, I got the CD soundtracks for Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You. Fantastic!

Just watched Little Shop of Horrors. One of my faves.
Love it, and love singing along...
Perhaps it's just as well that Gav is out of town *chuckle*

'night folks, and remember not to feed the plants!

Just home from dinner with my mum. It was her birthday yesterday (she's 18 (well, according to her that is, and who am I to argue)).
Went for a lovely meal in Chambers Coffee House which was very tasty. Thai Prawn Salad and a rather good glass of red wine. And afterwards, up to the Globe Bar for a drink. It's nice to get out and about. Work today was busy. Especially since one of my docs is a complete pest and keeps playing about with IT things without telling me. I only tend to find out when other folk complain that their systems don't work anymore *sigh* Heaven save us from amateurs!
Found a couple of mem type things so we have ( this ) and also ( that ). Both pinched from a Bebo page.

Might buy a suit tomorrow.

Just back from watching Mamma Mia with drtinuviel. It's fantastic! Makes me wish that I had chosen to see it on stage when I was down in London. And (for those who don't me) I'll be buying the soundtrack album soon enough *chuckle*
Oh, and dinner was nice as well. Although the wine was slightly mediocre. I'll miss drtinuviel when she heads south. Who else in Dundee can I go out for a fancy dinner with then follow it up with a musical?
On another note. Work has been busy this week. Mostly due to stupidly non-logical software. And partially due to non-working users. Oh well, guess that's all part & parcel of working in IT.
I was going to add in a Facebook quiz here that drtinuviel sent me a link for (and that's 3 mentions for her in one post! scary!) regarding 'How Evil' am I. It contains a list of things for you to choose that you wouldn't do (in reverse order of likeliness). I'm not going to be abel to do it though...I think I've already did them all (and enjoyed most of them) *blush*

Well, I can hear the drums....guess I should go...

*dances off*

Edit: Ooh! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7509006.stm

Hmm, never been called this before...
( attachment meme )

Well, just back from the cinema having been to see Hancock. It's not too bad to be honest. The story and concept was a little bit better than I had thought it was going to be and Will Smith was fairly impressive with his role.
Work wasn't too bad, bit busy but at least it keeps me interested. Nothing worse than boredom in the office. Well, that's not quite true, many things could be worse I guess. Some loony wafling on and on on his blog for a start *chuckle*
Hoping for a nice storm tonight to clear the air. The heavy rain showers are doing some good but I think that we really need a nice big powerful storm!

Ooooh! Wasn't it good?
Looking forward to the new series of Torchwood now ;)