There can't be anyone who hasn't heard of the Edinburgh Fringe so I won't bother explaining that it is a world renowned festival complete with acts to suit all tastes...oh there we go.
This weekend, I'll be taking a look myself, after missing out last year.
I think it's such a brilliant cultured thing to do and, having performed there myself in the past, I can understand the sheer thrill of taking to the stages, even if it is for free.
I have no idea what I'm going to see, I love the variety and hate it at the same time.
I know there will be things I can't see but I'll have fun trying to get round as much as I can.
I wonder if anyone else is going...drop me an email if you'll be there at the weekend!
I'll blog what I go and see after the weekend, but I just thought I'd share my sense of looking forwardness in an otherwise bland, monotonous summer!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Spring Clean!
A letter came through my door recently that sent chills through my heart and gave birth to a mounting dread in my stomach. It wasn't a massive debt, a pay review for my new job or even a notice that my grandmother was coming to visit (shudder)
My lettings agent was informing me that they were coming for (another) routine inspection of the property. It makes me think if they spent less time on these inspections and more time dealing with other problems (i.e faulty washing machines) then they may develop themselves a better reputation but never mind!
I hate anybody poking around in my private spaces. (Please don't take that risky phrase out of context!) Last time they came round, they had the ordasity to stick their noses in our wardrobes and kitchen cupboards and even our fridge!
So, bearing all this in mind, my paranoia stakes were high and iIdecided there was only one thing for it: a dramatic spring clean so there can be no opportunity for embarassment.
Four and a half hours later and the place is sparkling. Everything is in order, the wardrobes are neat and tidy, washing and ironing is up to date, the carpet is cleaned and everything is gleaming with a fresh coat of polish.
Lovely!
So while I hate the intrudence of some stranger inspecting my home, I must admit, if it wasn't for this, I probably never would have mustered the courage to have a good old muck out!
And I feel much better now for it.
I double dare her to say anything is not up to scratch....
My lettings agent was informing me that they were coming for (another) routine inspection of the property. It makes me think if they spent less time on these inspections and more time dealing with other problems (i.e faulty washing machines) then they may develop themselves a better reputation but never mind!
I hate anybody poking around in my private spaces. (Please don't take that risky phrase out of context!) Last time they came round, they had the ordasity to stick their noses in our wardrobes and kitchen cupboards and even our fridge!
So, bearing all this in mind, my paranoia stakes were high and iIdecided there was only one thing for it: a dramatic spring clean so there can be no opportunity for embarassment.
Four and a half hours later and the place is sparkling. Everything is in order, the wardrobes are neat and tidy, washing and ironing is up to date, the carpet is cleaned and everything is gleaming with a fresh coat of polish.
Lovely!
So while I hate the intrudence of some stranger inspecting my home, I must admit, if it wasn't for this, I probably never would have mustered the courage to have a good old muck out!
And I feel much better now for it.
I double dare her to say anything is not up to scratch....
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Who said you had to be brainy to be a Journalist?
In a 'high brow' newspaper column, a journalist had this to say yesterday: 'I don't understand all the furore of letting the MP's who were part of the scandal resign. They've been caught now so they won't do it again so we would be better keeping them in their jobs.'
Ahem, excuse me? Have they not broken the law? Anyone else would have been thrown in jail never mind lose their high paid job!
I might go and murder someone in my workpalce tomorrow, confess to my boss, say sorry I won't do it again, see you at 9 tomorrow.
How do some people's minds work!?
Ahem, excuse me? Have they not broken the law? Anyone else would have been thrown in jail never mind lose their high paid job!
I might go and murder someone in my workpalce tomorrow, confess to my boss, say sorry I won't do it again, see you at 9 tomorrow.
How do some people's minds work!?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Bunch of Bankers!
I don't know if this has happened to anyone before, but if so, you will no doubt understand my frustration. About 6 weeks ago, a bank machine gobbled my card after I asked for £100 withdrawal and then shut itself down. So I had no card, minus 100 from my balance and no cash in my hand
Naturally the bank that owned the machine were 'powerless' do do anything and I had to go through my own bank...who only sent a request form back to the other bank anyway. They then told me to wait a month before it is resolved (a spot check takes 4 weeks!?)
6 weeks on, no whisper of that money and when i went into my bank they treated me with the derision associated with awkward customers and people trying to pull a fast one.
But excuse me! I did nothing wrong, I worked for that money and just because it is an inconvenience to the staff paid to do it, it does not mean I am going to shrug my shoulders and say 'ah you win some you lose some'
Would be interested to know if anyone has had this happen to them before.
Naturally the bank that owned the machine were 'powerless' do do anything and I had to go through my own bank...who only sent a request form back to the other bank anyway. They then told me to wait a month before it is resolved (a spot check takes 4 weeks!?)
6 weeks on, no whisper of that money and when i went into my bank they treated me with the derision associated with awkward customers and people trying to pull a fast one.
But excuse me! I did nothing wrong, I worked for that money and just because it is an inconvenience to the staff paid to do it, it does not mean I am going to shrug my shoulders and say 'ah you win some you lose some'
Would be interested to know if anyone has had this happen to them before.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
What a Washout!
For the past three months I have been suffering the aggrivation of living without a washing machine, an experience I can assure you provided me with much frustration.
My flat came supplied with a 'working' washing machine which, after three uses, broke down and flooded the flat downstairs.
This complimentary Persil-non-bio-y shower to our neighbours was the start of much hassle that just proved to me what I had been warned by everyone- don't trust your letting agent!
A plumber confirmed that the machine was faulty, and had been for some time, despite the fact that there was an appliance test carried out in November prior to me moving in. Not only this, but our neighbours informed us that they had been flooded by their last tenant too.
Despite this mounting evidence that the machine was no good, the letting agent insisted on a second opinion, where the same conclusion was reached.
After this, we heard nothing from them for a week and decided we should get the ball moving as leaping on the train with a suitcase full of smelly washing, paying well over a tenner for the privelage of sitting in a grotty launderette run by a stained vested, foul mouthed local whose own caring standards of personal hygeine didn't fill me with much confidence, was hardly an ideal situation.
And cue the torrents of excuses.
'Our manager is on holiday'
'Louise is on the other line'
'She's off sick today'
'Oh, that's strange, we asked them to get in touch...'
BAH!
Eventually we decided that enough was enough and after threatening the termination of our lease, quoting the cause as the agency violating the terms (it cost an extra £50 a month to have appliances!), they have pulled their fingers out of their well used jacksies and tomorrow, FINALLY, we are being supplied with a brand spanker of a washing machine.
Let's hope I can recall how to operate one. It's been a long time!
My flat came supplied with a 'working' washing machine which, after three uses, broke down and flooded the flat downstairs.
This complimentary Persil-non-bio-y shower to our neighbours was the start of much hassle that just proved to me what I had been warned by everyone- don't trust your letting agent!
A plumber confirmed that the machine was faulty, and had been for some time, despite the fact that there was an appliance test carried out in November prior to me moving in. Not only this, but our neighbours informed us that they had been flooded by their last tenant too.
Despite this mounting evidence that the machine was no good, the letting agent insisted on a second opinion, where the same conclusion was reached.
After this, we heard nothing from them for a week and decided we should get the ball moving as leaping on the train with a suitcase full of smelly washing, paying well over a tenner for the privelage of sitting in a grotty launderette run by a stained vested, foul mouthed local whose own caring standards of personal hygeine didn't fill me with much confidence, was hardly an ideal situation.
And cue the torrents of excuses.
'Our manager is on holiday'
'Louise is on the other line'
'She's off sick today'
'Oh, that's strange, we asked them to get in touch...'
BAH!
Eventually we decided that enough was enough and after threatening the termination of our lease, quoting the cause as the agency violating the terms (it cost an extra £50 a month to have appliances!), they have pulled their fingers out of their well used jacksies and tomorrow, FINALLY, we are being supplied with a brand spanker of a washing machine.
Let's hope I can recall how to operate one. It's been a long time!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Remember Me...?
Well, in case you don't, just to catch up, my first new post will be a bit of a cheat. I can't remember where I found this meme, I got it with the good intention of posting it on the blog last year until life took over.
Anyway here it is. For those who've forgotten who I am, it might just remind you! And for those who haven't there might be something new on it. I say might as I haven't read through it properly yet so I'm just going to fill it out as I go!
1. My uncle once: Became the editor of Thailand's top selling newspaper.
2. Never in my life: Would I support any form of discrimination
3. When I was five: I ate some seeds off a tree...and was poisoned!.
4. High school was: A traumatic experience
5. I will never forget: The friends who helped me through a painful time
6. Once I met: The cast of Corrie. Exciting times...
7. There’s this girl I know: Who I am in love with, despite the fact she's a messy sodette!
8. Once, at a bar: I was chatted up by a girl who collapsed before she finished the sentence. Great for the ego...
9. By noon, I’m usually: Counting down the last half an hour til lunch!
10. Last night: I was mourning the end of Bad Girls after watching the last episodes. Not that I'm sad, you understand?
11. If only I had: My bloody bank card, which was eaten by a greedy bank machine yesterday!
.12. Next time I go to church: Will be for a christening where I am godfather
.13. What worries me most: How long have you got?
14. When I turn my head left I see:A very attractive magnolia wall
15. When I turn my head right I see: A messy room which I'm avoiding tidying for now!
16. You know I’m lying when: I don't do lies.
17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: I only enjoyed one year of the eighties and I can't say it was very memorable
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Benedick...utterly hopeless and naive!
19. By this time next year: I hope that everything is more settled
20. A better name for me would be: I don't know, never really thought about that
21. I have a hard time understanding: Brutality and lies
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: be getting paid
23. You know I like you if: I do things you like which I hate
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: The person handing me it, it's only polite after all!
25. Take my advice, never: Take anything for granted, because something round the corner is lying in wait to snatch it away
26. My ideal breakfast is: One that doesn't make me throw up!
27. A song I love but do not have is: Well modern technology allows any songs I like to be very easily obtainable. There are none I don't have
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: check up on my mum and tell me if she's okay
29. Why won’t people: Understand one another better?
30. If you spend a night at my house: I charge £25 a night
31. I’d stop my wedding for: a bill that told me how much it had cost
32. The world could do without: Prejudice and liars
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: go bungee jumping
34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: My partner
35. Paper clips are more useful than: Paperweights. Clip your papers together with a clip and they'll be too heavy to blow away anyway
36. If I do anything well it’s: because I'm in a good mood
37. I can’t help but: hate showbiz and the media
38. I usually cry: When I get down, often for no reason
39. My advice to my child/nephew/niece: Don't let anyone grind you down. You're better than anyone who tries
40. And by the way: I'll try my best to stick around the blogosphere this time!
Anyway here it is. For those who've forgotten who I am, it might just remind you! And for those who haven't there might be something new on it. I say might as I haven't read through it properly yet so I'm just going to fill it out as I go!
1. My uncle once: Became the editor of Thailand's top selling newspaper.
2. Never in my life: Would I support any form of discrimination
3. When I was five: I ate some seeds off a tree...and was poisoned!.
4. High school was: A traumatic experience
5. I will never forget: The friends who helped me through a painful time
6. Once I met: The cast of Corrie. Exciting times...
7. There’s this girl I know: Who I am in love with, despite the fact she's a messy sodette!
8. Once, at a bar: I was chatted up by a girl who collapsed before she finished the sentence. Great for the ego...
9. By noon, I’m usually: Counting down the last half an hour til lunch!
10. Last night: I was mourning the end of Bad Girls after watching the last episodes. Not that I'm sad, you understand?
11. If only I had: My bloody bank card, which was eaten by a greedy bank machine yesterday!
.12. Next time I go to church: Will be for a christening where I am godfather
.13. What worries me most: How long have you got?
14. When I turn my head left I see:A very attractive magnolia wall
15. When I turn my head right I see: A messy room which I'm avoiding tidying for now!
16. You know I’m lying when: I don't do lies.
17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: I only enjoyed one year of the eighties and I can't say it was very memorable
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Benedick...utterly hopeless and naive!
19. By this time next year: I hope that everything is more settled
20. A better name for me would be: I don't know, never really thought about that
21. I have a hard time understanding: Brutality and lies
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: be getting paid
23. You know I like you if: I do things you like which I hate
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: The person handing me it, it's only polite after all!
25. Take my advice, never: Take anything for granted, because something round the corner is lying in wait to snatch it away
26. My ideal breakfast is: One that doesn't make me throw up!
27. A song I love but do not have is: Well modern technology allows any songs I like to be very easily obtainable. There are none I don't have
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: check up on my mum and tell me if she's okay
29. Why won’t people: Understand one another better?
30. If you spend a night at my house: I charge £25 a night
31. I’d stop my wedding for: a bill that told me how much it had cost
32. The world could do without: Prejudice and liars
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: go bungee jumping
34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: My partner
35. Paper clips are more useful than: Paperweights. Clip your papers together with a clip and they'll be too heavy to blow away anyway
36. If I do anything well it’s: because I'm in a good mood
37. I can’t help but: hate showbiz and the media
38. I usually cry: When I get down, often for no reason
39. My advice to my child/nephew/niece: Don't let anyone grind you down. You're better than anyone who tries
40. And by the way: I'll try my best to stick around the blogosphere this time!
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