Friday Fill-In #69

And...here we go!

1. Summer is never a certainty in the UK.

2. A person of good character and strong principles is unchanged by pressure, circumstances or convenience.

3. Aargh! I'm slipping backwards again!

4. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

5. Seven: the best and most blest day of the week (Saturday).

6. Life would be wonderful for everyone in the world if their most basic needs (food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, employment) were available to them, don't you think?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting home, having something good to eat, catching up on some blog reading/writing and generally just chilling out all on my own, tomorrow my plans include sorting out a few bits, watching Stanborough Park Church online and then going to meet the Mrs for a lazy aftenoon milling about, finally getting to watch Bridesmaids and then having Nando's for dinner and Sunday, I want to do my laundry (so gangsta!)!

 Friday Fill-Ins come courtesy of Janet.  Click the button to play along too!

Friday Fill-In #68

And...here we go!

1. Life is beautiful, magical, challenging, inspiring and difficult, but altogether too short.

2. Piccadilly Circus (London) is one of the best places to people watch EVER because you get to catch a glimpse of such weird and wonderful people from all over the globe.

3. If I was going somewhere, the one thing I have to bring is my bag, because that always contains my essentials anyway.

4. The weekend always rolls around soon enough.

5. Next year, I can only hope I will have progressed as much as I would like to.

6. I lost myself and I found you.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting an early night, tomorrow my plans include being lazy and seeing my boy and Sunday, I want to have a nice day with Samson after waving Big Sis and Bro-in-Law off on their break to the Lake District!

Friday Fill-Ins come courtesy of Janet.  Click the button to play along too!

Sunday Stealing - The Honesty Meme

I stole this from Sweet Memes - you can read her answers on her blog. She, in turn, stole it from Sunday Stealing, who stole it from someone else!

Complete the Sentences:

Right now I'm feeling... a little sleepy, but pleased I managed to be a little productive today.

When I'm alone I feel... most normal.

When I'm surrounded by people I feel... happy, if they are people I know and like.  If not, or I don't want to be there at that moment, then I feel uncomfortable, awkward and anxious.

One thing I hate is... bad manners.  No excuses for having them.

One thing I really like about myself is ... the fact that I don't take myself too seriously.

When I'm feeling sad I... isolate myself and stay in bed.

When I daydream it's usually about... being debt-free, having my own place and being settled down.

I'm afraid of...  losing my faith altogether.

I'm happiest when... I don't have worries on my mind.

One thing that really worries me is ... money, or the lack thereof.

If I could change one thing about myself it would be... to be more confident in my abilities.  To be honest, it's hard to keep this at just one thing.

If I could be with anyone right now I would be with... Samson.  I need a cuddle before bed.

The family member I am closest to is... Big Sis.

If I was really honest with my father I would tell him... that if I had looked for a man like him much earlier in my life, I probably wouldn't have experienced the heartache I did.  That I am extremely grateful to have him as a father.  And that I really want to get married while he can still walk me down the aisle unaided.

One thing I regret about my life is ... letting other people damage the best of who I am.

If I only had one more day to live I would... write a letter to everyone that is important to me saying everything I have always wanted to say and try to deliver as many as possible in person.  And then cry and apologise for being such a disappointment.

If I was really honest with my mother i would tell her... that I need to live my own life. And that I'm still suffering from depression.  I would explain what that really means and how it effects me.

One thing about me that nobody knows is... how difficult it is for me in some social situations when I'm feeling low.  I'm not that great at hiding it, but I think I hide it enough that no-one knows the extent of how uncomfortable I really feel.

I hope that someday in the future... I will be able to say that I am truly happy with my life and within myself.

When I think about my family I feel...  grateful, blessed and happy.  They are such a diverse and amazing group of people.

Something I'm really embarrassed about is... my flaws.

One thing about me I never want to change is...  my sense of humour.

One thing I feel really proud of is...  I honestly can't think of anything I would say I was 'really proud' of, and that makes me sad.

Blogsville has helped me to... express myself better than I can in person.

One thing I like about blogsville is...  the opportunity to discover the different perspectives, viewpoints and opinions of people you might never normally be able to meet in everyday life.

Today I Have Been Mostly...(#10)

Looking...at the world through blurry contact lenses.  Annoying.

Feeling...not quite right physically, not so bad mentally/emotionally.

Eating...mini cheddars and a chicken salad from Pret.

Drinking...water, tea, cherry Coke and red grape juice.

Being...sick at work is not the best, especially when you can’t ask to leave early because you know having any more time off sick will just cause trouble.

Having...stomach cramps from Thursday’s food poisoning, but not as bad today.

Going...to Boots and Waitrose at lunch for a little wander, to get a few bits I needed, but mostly just to get some fresh air and some sun.

Getting...cod fish cakes for dinner and hoping I will be able to eat them without feeling horrible later.

Trying...to hold out till the end of the day.  Nearly the weekend....almost...

Thinking...about what I need to get done this weekend and over the next several months to get me out of the negative mindset I’ve found myself slipping back into.

Wondering...why old thoughts and feelings find their way into my present thought when I am feeling low.

Giving...the ‘rents a call to let them know I can’t make it to the concert tonight.  They are going to see the Choir of the World (Luciano Pavarotti Trophy winners 2011), Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Ambassadors (often known as ‘AMBA’) at our local church.  Both my Mum and Big Sis went to AUP (when it was known as PUC - Philippine Union College) and know the choir conductor and some of the members.  My Mum is cooking up her famous soup and lots of other food to feed the choir (and the audience) after the concert.

Seeing...random food products I wanted to buy, then remembering that is not a wise idea when a.) you only have a small amount of money to get me through the next week and b.) you are in Waitrose, which isn't exactly the cheapest supermarket.

Doing...lots of work, actually.  Honest!

Listening to...Lonely Island (they crack me up, but it’s not the same without the videos)

Watching...AMBA later, if they are broadcasting the concert online.

Friday Fill-in #67

My answers are in italics.  And...here we go!

1. I hold on to the hope that things will get better, eventually.

2. Lolly is someone I like to travel with because she is easy-going, similar-minded and doesn't mind me taking millions of pictures, as long as I get some of her!

3. That day, the day I am debt-free, will be one of huge happiness and relief.  I am hoping to see that day before my next birthday - that's 10 months in which to acheive it, eek!

4. I would LOVE a beach holiday somewhere hot this year. It's probably not going to happen quite yet because of point #3.

5. Trust completely only in God, because He alone knows everything and humans are sadly flawed.  I'm trying to remember this.

6. I like listening to chilled-out music in bed in the dark.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing work and going home, tomorrow my plans include reading, relaxing and hopefully seeing the boy sometime in the afternoon/evening and Sunday, I want to sort out some paperwork, finish my wardrobe, do some eBaying and maybe write a blog if I can muster up the creative energy!
 
  Friday Fill-ins come courtesy of Janet.  Click the link to play along...

Friday Fill-In #66

I Am From...

1. I am from the dictionary, from Oxford English and Roget’s.

2. I am from the red patterned carpet, from numbers 19 and 6, from the smell of delicious things baking in the oven.

3. I am from the mango trees, jacaranda and bougainvillea, the mighty oak, purple heather and dry-stone walls.

4. I am from closeness through blood, not distance and raging migraines, team sports and fierce debate, from Harry and Lucy and Cenon and Paz.

5. I am from the hard-working and deprived, the God-fearing and chivalrous but humorous in all.

 Click the button to play along...
(Janet decided: "We're going to do things a bit differently this week. A blog friend, Jen, wrote a post called I Am From . . . A Meme Worth Doing, using this template (it's worth checking out Fred's and Jen's writing to get an idea of what to do). I thought it would be fun to do the fill-ins on this template.")

Today I Have Been Mostly...(#8)

Looking...like a Mexican, so I’m told.  But a cute Mexican, at least.

Feeling...hot.  And slightly unable to breathe!

Eating...a Pret mozzarella & tomato croissant and a roast pepper pizza wrap.

Drinking...tea, water, red grape juice.

Being...on the lookout for a birthday present for MiniMe.

Having...sore stomach muscles when I cough.  I think that’s supposed to indicate that the Pilates is working, but it could also mean I’ve ruptured something.

Going...to see Lolly for a catch-up after work.

Getting...a bit worried about my lack of jacket when I saw the huge downpour at lunchtime.

Using...a crap new version of one of the programs I lost when my computer died.  Rubbish.  How does a new version of a program from the 80s or 90s end up worse than the original? 

Trying...to make space on my work drive by deleting duplicate photos and documents.  All work-related, obviously.  o_O

Thinking...that weekends would be so much better if they were three days long.

Wondering...who will get fired from The Apprentice this evening and will there be two people?  Also wondering why I keep wanting to call them ‘evictees’?

Giving...Samson a big cuddle even though I only saw him on Monday.

Seeing...a lovely photo of the Mrs’ bro and new sister-in-law from their wedding this morning!

Doing...a fair bit of work this morning before getting bored this afternoon.  Now desperately trying to keep my eyes open.

Listening to...a lot of grumping.  It’s our busiest time of year.

Watching...the clock...tick...very....slowly...

Today I Have Been Mostly...(#7)

Looking...‘very smart’ according to Big Sis, as I left the house.  I think she meant to end that with: ‘...in comparison to how you usually look.’

Feeling...a little bit better than yesterday, but not a huge amount.

Eating...Raisin Oats & More cereal for breakfast; a mozzarella, basil & tomato sandwich and salt & vinegar squares for lunch, and then a whole packet of fruit flavour Mentos in the afternoon.  Eaten within approximately 15 minutes.  Now experiencing a sugar rush.

Drinking...orange & lemon This Water (and winning a free bottle of the same in the process), red grape juice, water and tea.

Being...90 minutes late to work due to a doctor’s appointment and still finding the day was way too long.

Having...to pop lots of pills to keep the headaches at bay.

Going...to Pilates class after work with Big Sis and Bro-in-Law for our second class of six.  Would rather go home and sleep at the moment, but at least this way I will be nice and relaxed before I do.

Getting...a little bit of a lie-in this morning and two more prescriptions from the doctor.

Trying...to reassure myself that things are OK, but knowing that there are still plenty of things I need to deal with.

Thinking...that family connections are wonderful and interesting things, but also loving the fact that friends are the family you get to choose.

Wondering...why I dreamt one of my lower front teeth fell out, the night before Samson was going to have a tooth removed?

Giving...up on trying to install anything on my work PC (however insignificant), as I no longer have admin rights since the virus.  *Grrr*

Seeing...a cute little boy in the doctor’s waiting room who couldn’t sit still and kept trying to inspect my bag.

Doing...a lot of fidgeting in my chair.  I think I’m ready to go home now.

Listening to...tunes to get me hyped on the way to work.  It sort of worked.

Watching...that Nigerian impression that Mickey Flanagan did on last week’s Mock the Week that allegedly caused some controversy.  Get over it, it was quite a good accent!

Today I Have Been Mostly...(#6)

Looking...a bit dead behind the eyes.

Feeling...rough.  Really rather rough.

Eating...some biscuits and a mushroom cup-a-soup.  Oh, and a donut.  Yeah, not good, I know.

Drinking...tea and water.

Being...a snivelling snot monkey and not enjoying it much.

Having...a few money worries.  But hey, what else is new?  My mind on my money and my money on my mind...

Going...to work with Samson after he stayed at mine for the first time in ages.

Getting...through quite a lot of tissues.

Trying...to endure this last hour or so before home time.

Thinking...about the Mrs and hoping she is OK.

Wondering...whether honesty is really always the best policy?

Giving...up on the idea of having a holiday later this year.

Seeing...all the old family photos I scanned while at the rents’ over the weekend.

Doing...a bit of work, a lot of faffing.

Listening to...weird construction noises from outside, which sounded like the caw of a giant crow.

Watching...a video of this year’s graduation ceremony to see if I can spot Badges’ moment of glory to send to her!

Friday Fill-In #64 & #65

I missed last week's Fill-Ins, so am doing a combined post of both.

And...here we go!

1. Getting away would be easier if I could drive.

2. A good night's sleep helps to start your day off right.

3. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?  I will usually always choose tea, but will go for a hot chocolate now and then (especially if from A&T, yum yum).

4. Attachments to things in place of relationships with people is never an adequate substitute.

5. The lights aren't on as much while the sunset is so late.

6. Everyone deserves happiness.

7. Blue skies are a nice surprise.

8. There are some avenues off memory lane that I would rather not go down, but most of the way is fun to re-visit.

9. Kids are innocent, endearing, inspiring, scarily observant and generally full of the joie de vivre that we start to lose the older we get.

10. Escaping the rat race, seeing new people, places and languages, constantly good weather; these are some of the best things about vacation.

11. Love is only real when put into action.

12. If you don't know what watching the submarine races means (like me until a moment ago), you will laugh when you look it up on Urban Dictionary.

13. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having dinner with the fam and my visitng cousin Duck, tomorrow my plans include going to W-church for the first time in ages and Sunday, I want to spend time with my cuz and hopefully a bit of time with Samson too!

 Click the photo to play along too!
Copyright Spering Photography, courtesy of Fondofsnape.

Today I Have Been Mostly...(#5)

Looking...like I student, so I was told.  I guess I'll be grateful for that...in 10 years' time.

Feeling...slightly more stimulated at work than normal, for the morning at least, but otherwise drained, a little sad and a little anxious.

Eating...a mozzarella and tomato croissant and a tuna, sweetcorn & cucumber baguette.

Drinking...tea.  Vimto.  That's about it.

Being...sent a text by Lolly while I was getting ready for work, reminding me of a silly thing from a few years back that made me smile.

Having...that unsettled feeling.

Going...to meet Big Sis and Duck (my cousin who is visiting) after work so we can go home to the rents' together.

Getting...slightly anxious about the prospect of going to my most recent church tomorrow for the first time in 6 months.

Trying...to look vaguely intelligent and authoritative at my three-hour meeting this morning.  Don't think I really fooled anyone, but I didn't make myself look completely stupid, so that's a start at least.

Thinking...I would really like to just go home and sleep tonight, but that I will likely have to be a bit more sociable than that.

Wondering...what it really sounds like When Doves Cry?

Giving...Samson a kiss on the cheek where his sore tooth is (for 3 more days only).

Seeing...how slowly an afternoon can go when work is slow and I am having to fight to stay awake.

Doing...a Snoopy dance in celebration of it being Friday!

Listening to...Janelle Monae - 'Tightrope'; Gnarls Barkley - 'Run' and a few other goodies.

Watching...the updates to see who is through to the Wimbledon finals.