The MonSter ate my branes!

From Twitter 07-05-2009

2009-07-06T00:59:46Z

00:33:08: "Boing!" said Zebedee, "Time for bed!"
00:35:50: ...cont) Torchwood! (via @racheline_m) ;-p
00:35:51: The "we are coming" on the torchwood ads on the bus is causing my gf seriously inappropriate giggles. She doesn't even watch (cont...
10:05:47: Going back to bed. Tried playing WoW but can't keep my eyes open. Minor rash on the back of my hands. Only itches when I touch it. Heatrash?
10:07:16: @kathAVFM I am 41 (42 in Aug), dx in '98 but symptoms back to age 9 or before.
10:07:26: zzzzz
10:08:03: P.S. I may have found an alternative to @loudtwitter - at least while he tries to resurrect the service from a dead machine.
10:09:35: P.S.No.2 Crutches are bruising my hands and forearms. Also, crutches, stairs and vertigo is not the safest of combinations. #nts #psa
15:55:34: Feeling faint and nauseous. Right hand numb and tingly. Taking a break/nap.
23:07:58: @kathAVFM Looking back at my medical history after mu diagnosis, they thought my first episode was a bout of vertigo at age 9.
23:09:28: I wish that twitter apps would remember where I was last time I ran it so I don't have to find something I recognise by hand to read on from
23:10:49: Ah found where I was. Finally.

Interesting

2009-07-05T08:43:52Z

BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Alaska Governor Palin to resign

I still think the GOP were wrong to chose her to run with McCain but I can hear the tears in her voice and think that she *DOES* love Alaska, even if I don't agree with all of her politics and policies. I wonder if the last year or so has been too much for her and her family and now she just wants to concentrate on family for a bit.

Also, once she is no longer having to spout the party line in an election that was way above her head, she is a clear and sympathetic speaker. Maybe she is right for local politics where she was wrong for national politics?

I am followed on Twitter by a lot of cool people!

2009-07-04T22:34:47Z

Some of them are even slebs!

Get your twitter mosaic here.

P.S. You may (or may not) have noticed that LoudTwitter seems to have died and so my Twitter tweets (and everyone else's) are not getting posted to LJ.

As I am posting more to Twitter than LJ these days this means that, unless you check my Twitter page occasionally, you may miss out on the goings on of my life. No biggie unless you are interested in how I am or what I am doing!!

rwboughton tells it as it is, as he so often does

2009-07-04T22:09:36Z

It’s A Wonderful Life by rwboughton | A Voice For MS

My reply/comment:

I too am Uncle Billy, although we all become him to one extent or another as we age. I, however, was Uncle Billy at age 30. My descent into Uncle Billy -ness began at age 18 or so. Yay MonSter! Then again, I do not remember ever seeing the film and so I can only base my definition UB-ness on this article. I may have seen the film but I do not remember doing so. This UB-ness does come in useful when watching reruns on the TV though - I can never remember what happens even if I have only just watched it - reruns are never boring to me because the plot often seems totally new to me (although I sometimes get a flash of recognition)! I am 42 in August and used to be a computer programmer but my brain may was well be that of a 99 year old with Alzheimer's on my bad days.

And now for something completely different!

2009-07-03T07:12:10Z

BBC NEWS | England | Cornwall | Missing cat turns up on TV show

The saga of my eventful day yesterday, Part 1

2009-07-01T20:52:15Z

This is the longer version of my short, earlier post.

The day started well. Hubby and I were going to travel up to London to visit an online friend (Molly)/mollydotcom). He had met Molly before but I hadn't and was looking forward to it. I had also hoped to get to iKnit (shop near Waterloo station).

I was fine waking up (7 am), getting up, showering, dressing, packing my bag and eating a quick breakfast. We caught the bus just after 09:30 to go to Horsham Station. Hubby bought us tickets (one day Travelcards so that we could use the buses and tube in London as well as them covering the journey to and from London). We went through the ticket barrier and walked up the stairs and over the bridge to the platform where our train would be.

Walking down that stairs to the platform I happened to mention that my often-painful knees seemed to be okay that day. Then again, I had already taken painkillers for a headache (at 8 am) and so that might have helped. Nevertheless, I will try to watch what I say in the future!

As we neared the bottom of the stairs and were about to reach the platform, everything about the day changed. I now know what happened (years of sports injuries and more recent falls have left we with an ability to be able to see what happened pretty clearly afterwards). I went to step from the bottom step to the platform, only to discover that it was not the bottom step and that there was another step between it and the platform.

My left heel landed on the true bottom step and, as I fell, my left foot turned out and under. I landed on my right side and knee with my left big toe bent under and my left foot twisted under. My right ankle and the top of my right foot has some grazing on it but no blood was drawn.

Hubby and a station employee dashed to my aid. The latter offered to lift me but to do so would have hurt him more than me and so I used the stairs to scoot up on my bum and then stand. I new I had done some damage, probably ligaments, but the pain was not too bad and so, after (another? the same?) station employee had filled in an accident report, hubby and I got on the train to go to London. I was feeling fine, able to walk with the stick I always carry anyway (thank $deity!) and in no real pain.

Yeah, I now know that that was because the painkillers were still in effect and the adrenaline of the fall was dulling the pain as well.

During the journey the pain was steadily increasing as the adrenaline and painkillers wore off. We changed our journey plans and changed trains at Three Bridges so that we would get to London at Victoria station instead of London Bridge station.

Walking a little on the platform at Three Bridges confirmed to me that I had done something but I had forgotten that soft tissue injuries hurt more than broken bones. I had heard a click when I fell and was concerned that I may have broken something after all.

We popped upstairs to Boots and bought a crepe bandage (and a few other items). I bandaged the foot up (thanks to my Girl Guide First Aid Badge training all those years ago and my years coaching trampolining - and getting injured myself trampolining!) but it was increasingly clear that I was in a lot of pain. If I had been one of my trampolining pupils, I would have made sure that they had an x-ray! I would wish, later, that I had taken more painkillers at this point but I did not.

We called Molly and, coincidentally, she had woken up not feeling too great herself. We decided (I got to speak to her on the phone at least!) that hubby and I would go back to Horsham and get me to an A&E for an x-ray. Molly would take the 'grunt candy' she had been able to buy OTC in the UK (400 mg ibuprofen gel capsules) and go back to bed herself.

So. We grabbed some snack food (it was about 11:45 by now and waited for the train. Once the platform was listed and we went through the barriers, we were getting drinks at the coffee stand (mine was a blended ice and strawberries affair - and YUMMY!) when there was a loud thump and a young child began to cry. His mother / female-care-giver had collapsed on the floor and he had gained a bloody lip in the event. He was terrified because mum would not wake up but he had already been swept up by station staff and was being comforted and tended to.

I asked the coffee stand guy for a drink of water for the child and he gave hubby a cup (with coffee lid) of iced water which hubby took over to the station employee with the child. Other station employes were standing nearby and, being well trained, not touching the woman on the floor as they waited for trained staff and/or paramedics. As we left the area to get onto the train, a trained employee had arrived and was assessing the woman's condition (without moving her, of course).

As we settled into our seats on the train, I mentioned to hubby that, while I was sorry that that had happened to the woman and the child, I was glad that it was not only me that had been affected by the awful heat-wave so as to make them fall. (I did not take any more painkillers because we planned to go to A&E).

We decided that the best plan of attack would be to get a taxi home, get the car and then drive to Redhill A&E. I knew there had been an A&E in Horsham in the past but we believed that it was now closed and that we were supposed to go to Redhill. We did discover, later, from the specialist I finally saw at Redhill that there is an office-hours Small Injuries A&E unit in Horsham. Worth knowing for next time the MonSter decides to throw me at the ground, I guess!

When we got back to Horsham station, one of the staff that had been there earlier and had seen my fall let us onto the lift that accesses another bridge over the platforms. Unfortunately it comes down behind the main entrance and so we had to walk around to the taxi rank. There was no way I would have been able to cope with the bus to get home!

This is taking forever to write. Maybe I will write more tomorrow.

I agree Sir PTerry!

2009-07-01T12:41:26Z

BBC NEWS | England | Wiltshire | Pratchett supports suicide bill

This month's Birthdays!

2009-07-01T11:03:36Z

Happy Birthday to you all!

01: drpete - Pete
01: orddu - Orddu
10: neilf - Neil Ford - hubby!
15: kaylee - KayLee
27: fjm - fjm
30: grimacounsellor - Grima Wormtongue, the creepy counsellor

Can't stay awake

2009-06-30T22:51:43Z

I will have to update later about my eventful day. I am okay but it did involve a visit to A&E. The imminent LoudTwitter Microblogging post will have a bit more info. zzz

ETA the pertinent parts of yesterday's Twitters that never got posted by LoudTwitter - I wonder why?

There's always one. Usually me. Fell down the last two steps onto the platform at Horsham Station. Turned left foot over. Coping for now. ;)
10:35 AM Jun 30th from Twittelator

Nothing broken but soft tissue damage all over my foot. As all we ex-athletes know, hurts more than broken bones & takes longer to heal! :-(
about 21 hours ago from Twittelator

Sleepy and so giving up for now. Will blog/email more about today in the morning. Will have to be awake in the morning to cancel gym/pool! 〷
about 13 hours ago from Tweetie

As ever, though, I will cope and be OK with help (major ✹hugs✹ to hubby!). Just PLEASE send cooler weather NOW! ✹faints✹ ✹melts✹ ✹icepacks✹☺
about 21 hours ago from Twittelator

On the mac with my foot up as per medical orders. Knackered and so considering a nap.
about 19 hours ago from Tweetie

Microblogging

2009-06-29T23:03:32Z

11:09 …cont) Been through Five Oaks #

11:09 … mins in Cranleigh! Mum has rearranged her afternoon so I am enjoying this (except for the awful seats and suspension on Sundays). (cont… #

11:10 @mcglk I had a feeling you'd like @tweetie more than @nambucom! Glad to help! #

11:12 Sun is HOT today! Glad I remembered to sunscreen my face and neck. Sitting waiting for bus & wishing I had done my arms, shins and feet too! #

11:13 May buy more sunscreen if time b4 doc appointment. #

11:15 Found shade. Did not find hat. May have to buy one. #

11:42 AudioBoo: Wandering York for food boo.fm/b34417 (via @Documentally) I have so many good memorie of York Uni and town in the late 80s. #

11:43 Just because nobody ever complains, it doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect. (via @GeneHunt) So true! ☻ #

11:50 @natalief @n (via @romanticland) Wuh? #

11:50 #writechat as publishers wake up to the fact that people will pay money for physical copies of stuff they enjoy online (via @alexandraerin) #

11:51 @alexandraerin They need to! #

11:53 "bruise easily": CHECK. (via @tylluan) Me too & hypermobile joints & fatigue & … #

11:55 twitpic.com/8pvej - first "lame is sexy" screenprint! not totally clean job, but passable? … (via @tylluan) love it! #

11:58 My cat always reminds me of that old comic about how living with a cat is like living with a tweeker... (via @NorwichGrrl) What comic? True! #

14:36 I'm fooked. The procedure at the surgery, the heat/humidoty and a bit of shopping have conspired to do me in. Chilling in Subway b4 the bus. #

15:13 how many years do you need to shout "shut up" at your barking dog before you realise shouting "shut up" doesn't stop the barking? (cont… #

15:13 …cont) (via @ndixon) #

15:14 Want a new funky URL shortener.. check out www.stnx.at #bpark Support @BletcheyPark ! (via @Documentally) #

15:14 The man behind the stnx.at (www.stnx.at) url shortener is @PaulDJohnston Good work! #bpark (via @Documentally) #

15:31 Home now but may just pass oit for a while. #

15:40 RT @PaulDJohnston: stnx.at/ - support Bletchley Park with Station X URL Shortener. Please ReTweet #bpark (via @bletchleypark) #

15:45 @sarahkane you need to email twittascope and get them to stop tweeting for you. You could also delete the tweets. #

15:50 Preparing for a hot day in the car and at clients. Oh the joy! (via @NeilCFord) Pity the Smart's aircon has died. ✹hugs✹ & ✹ice water✹ #

15:50 It's only sunny because YOU didn't put the washing out: ping.fm/ldZc4 (via @the_magazine) LOL #

15:56 … Im too hot yuck hate the summer roll on autumn! (via @waitingforsimon) This. Wishing I could live in the southern hemisphere May - Sept. #

15:59 Cooling down by dint of icepacks applied liberally and very little clothing. May yet survive the day. Cold shower next. #

16:02 @fluffymuppet I got little ziploc-style bags in Ryman. 300 x 57 mm x 57 mm. I forget what they cost but it was not ridiculous. #

16:04 @fluffymuppet other sizes too and other quantities if 300 is too many. Now I want commission from Ryman! #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Speed Painting - horse portrait in pastel (Billy)

2009-06-29T09:22:03Z

Not mine. Amazing work!:

A time lapse film of my painting of Billy, a stunning chestnut horse. I made it using pastel pencils (all brands) on sanded paper (Fisher 400). This was a commission for Billy's owners, and the painting is about 14x10". I hope you enjoy watching. To answer the FAQs that I usually get: I don't use water or any fluids. The background is in soft pastel sticks, the 'brush' looking thing I use on it at the start is a silicon 'colour shaper' tool: it blends the colours. The horse is done entirely with pastel pencils. The stick you can see some of the time is a Mahl stick, as used by signwriters. It's just to lean my hand on without smudging the work. I do sell my work and take portrait commissions in the UK (it's my living, so please don't ask for freebies!), more about that on my website for anyone interested. I don't do any teaching or tuition, I just make these videos from time to time because people seem to enjoy watching the process. Hope you do too... happy viewing!

WARNING LOUD MUSIC YouTube - Speed Painting - horse portrait in pastel (Billy) WARNING LOUD MUSIC

See more at her YouTube channel and more yet at her website!

Microblogging

2009-06-28T23:02:50Z

13:58 Waiting for bus to mum's. Melting. Wish my oPhone could tell temp. 34℃ in my room. Slight breeze outside but still pretty hot. Melting! ♨☼♨☼ #

14:00 Seem to be getting a lot of @ replies in not-English and so I have no idea what they say. Made sense to them at the time, I guess! #

14:00 Next time I'm travelling in the hold. At least I'll know what to expect.. #ryanair (via @Documentally) LOL! #

14:02 it's horribly hot and sticky round here. Meh. Could do with a good thunderstorm to clear the air. (via @cazm) Yes. This. #

14:03 Boy, Twhirl is a memory hog. (via @matociquala) That is why I now use Tweetie on the mac. YMMV. #

15:12 Magical mystery tour! Now stopped for 10 mi #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Microblogging

2009-06-26T23:03:13Z

09:56 Awake and waiting for painkillers to kick in. Ordering more painkillers online (repeat prescription). Gathering strength to go down stairs. #

10:58 RT #michaeljackson. He seemed to be a troubled genius. Hope he's found peace now. (via @Xenaclone) well said x (via @Hedgewytch) Yes. This. #

10:59 RT @ScotRadcliffe: For those who haven't heard ~ Torchwood: Children Of Earth st... Read More: is.gd/1e7Ls #

11:00 Might be considering blocking people if they make sick MJ jokes (via @Hedgewytch) He was another troubled child star that never grew up. :-( #

11:02 Wow if only Neda got as much news coverage ! BBC news is the least painful of all the channels to watch today. (via @loudmouthman) Agree+1 #

12:00 Going back to bed for a couple of hours. Phone calls to make this afternoon. Hope I wake with more alertness/spoons/energy! #

12:02 Harrison Ford story is not on Reuters or BBC News - possibly a hoax :( (via @NeilCFord) What story is that then? #

14:40 Genius Bar replaced Macbook battery for free. Excellent service - first time I've used it. (via @sbisson) Awesome! #

14:41 #followfriday @IvyBean104 @shadesong @matociquala @regularjen and @ndixon #

14:42 Observed @ndixon's ultrasound. He's having a girl. #fibbingfriday (via @regularjen) YAY and Congratulations! ;-p #

14:44 #twitlonger If you crossed a big hairy spider and a trampoline, you'd get a tram... Read More: is.gd/1elNQ #

14:45 @ramtops re O2 and data connection - I had that after the iPhone update. It resets the data connection settings. Calling O2 helped me out.GL #

14:46 @ndixon That may indeed be fibbing but I cannot tell because I do not recognise a number of the words! ;-p #

14:47 Needed: PA to deal with paperwork and phonecalls. Just cannot do it myself without huge stress and pain these days! :( #

14:48 @ndixon nah, he's on an island playing 'uno' with diana, elvis, red rum and richie manic (via @petecooper) And Moby Dick? ;-p #

14:48 so. my hobby became my day job. hobby into job. hobby job. jobby. that's right, i have a jobby. (via @petecooper) or a Hob? #

14:50 Have succeeded in writing a letter, however. Now I just need to post it. I even enclosed everything that I said I had! Don't always in email #

14:52 Have also reordered pain meds (I am nearly out!) and made one phone call (from the LONG list of calls I need to make). Now I R DED! :( #

15:00 Going offline (i.e. shutting mail and twitter). May play WoW, though. Disengage teh branes for a while. #

15:31 Right ring and pinky finger are numb. #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

The Customer Is Not Always Right!

2009-06-26T10:29:35Z

A Whole Lotta Latte
Coffee Shop | Wales, UK

Customer: “Could I have a mug of chino?”

Me: “…sorry, a what?”

Customer: “Mug of chino. I don’t think a cup of chino is enough.”

Me: “…a cappuccino?”

Customer: “No, a mug of it.”

Me: “…”

Not Always Right | Funny & Stupid Customer Quotes » A Whole Lotta Latte

Microblogging

2009-06-25T23:12:41Z

13:40 MELTING!!!! :(((( It is TOO HOT! I have made it to counseling, though. Need to go into town afterwards if I can bear the heat. Feels 2000℃.☹ #

13:45 Which means, @nambucom, I'm done with this for now. I used to like Nambu … fatally broken. (via @mcglk) I use @tweetie on the mac. #

13:49 @mcglk @tweetie #

13:51 Seriously does the cat have to jump in the dish washer every time I try to load or unload dishes?? (via @bloodcurdling) Of course she does!! #

13:54 Purrrrdy: bit.ly/1991L9 (via @bloodcurdling) cut indeed! #

13:55 @NorwichGrrl Magic Loop FTW #

16:31 Sat in Starbucks under air conditioner. Almost too chill! #

17:01 @Hedgewytch re. 2 sorts of people; I only wish that I could! #

17:04 I am dusting off tennis bat and racket slacks for a spot of shuttle slam in the sun (via @Aleksandr_Orlov) ROFL #

17:06 I don't think that I should have sat down in Staebucks despite being tired; now I am falling asleep! #

17:09 @stephenfry Thanks for mentioning AT - there will be a whole 'Alan Turing Year' in 2012 - bit.ly/lu4dH #BPark (via @bletchleypark) #

17:11 @petecooper let me know your research results re speakers - may be in the market myself. #

17:19 Just missed the d@mn bus! ☹ #

17:56 Home. ✴flop✴ zzz #

17:58 @petecooper pretty much #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Microblogging

2009-06-24T23:03:33Z

08:56 @charpool Works this morning (Safari). Yay! #

11:49 Just missed a bus. Never mind. It is a pleasant enough day and I have a book, knitting, teh intarwebz… ☺ #

11:50 RT @seananmcguire: Happy Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! (via @popelizbet) #

12:01 #Fairyland is live! Read girl's adventures w/ leopards, fairies, & customs agents! Read for free, pay if you can! tinyurl.com/mbpvur Pls RT #

12:02 "All children are Heartless. They have not grown a heart yet, which is why they can climb high trees and say shocking things…" #Fairyland #

12:05 … we are having the most incredible sun shower right now. Pouring rain. Streaming sunlight. It's gorgeous. (via @alexandraerin) & rainbows? #

12:06 @NorwichGrrl I only had a passing familiarity with your name before I got into @s00j via her web presence (via @alexandraerin) This. Me too. #

12:13 Bus just drove straight past me! :( #

12:22 Next bus picked me up so I should not be late. #

12:22 @mollydotcom whatever you may be, boring is not the adjective that springs to mind :) (via @pixeldiva) This! #

13:40 30 mins in the small pool doing resistance exercises with a trainer flew by and felt like 10! Now it is brunch time. #

13:43 twitpic.com/88z5y - a neighbour a block down has huge lovely tangles of poppies. (via @tylluan) Ooooo pretty! #

13:48 There are many rhymes about magpies, but none of them is very reliable because they are not the ones the magpies know themselves. (@tylluan) #

13:48 @stephenfry Have fun on Top Gear today! #

13:52 Writing to the Telegraph to complain about bit.ly/1U8JP - an advert for homeopathy dresses up as editorial. (via @davorg) good on ya #

13:53 @pixeldiva Earplugs are vital in my semi-nocturnal world! #

13:59 @Hedgewytch Twitter is designed to be all "me, me, me". With added replies and retweets theese days. "What are you doing?" #

14:39 Homeopathic remedies cure nothing but thirst. Discuss. (via @davorg) And then only if you like expensive water! #

16:18 Nap time. More tired than I thought. #

16:19 I'm fed up with people who make huge sweeping generalisations. As far as I'm concerned, all generalisations are false. (via @GeneHunt) LOL!! #

16:20 RT @cspenn: Want more Twitter followers? Try talking to people instead of selling your stupid $49 guide.via @dungeekin (via @Hedgewytch) ;-p #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Duh!

2009-06-24T07:53:18Z

BBC NEWS | England | Devon | Thief caught using cabbie's phone

Microblogging

2009-06-23T23:03:38Z

12:46 Have managed a couple of chores in the kitchen and a couple of phone calls before the battery died in the landline handset even tho charged. #

12:47 Managed to Weeble around the kitchen safely but am now even more wobbly. Weebly wobbly wibble! #

12:49 Have also 'built' this weeks meds, eaten breakfast and taken meds. Will now either knit, read, WoW or sleep. < /random > #

12:51 RT @mysociety: Read John Bercow's endorsement of mySociety's 3 Principles for the new Speaker - bit.ly/j91qR (via @davorg) Awesome! #

13:06 One of my all time heroes Alan Turing was born today 1912! Find out more here: www.bletchleypark.org.uk #bpark (via @stephenfry) #

13:24 "If you're having trouble please click here for the web version" Plain text newsletter #fail (via @davorg) LOL! #

14:05 Have knitted and listened to serialised audio of fiction. Now off for a nap. #

18:10 Woken up but melting. Tried the cold shower on the head trick but it has not helped. Can't wait for Aqua tomorrow! #

18:12 Cover art for my next novel KICKS SO MUCH ASS: craphound.com/?p=2258 (via @doctorow) I like the UK version/cover art best. #

18:20 Reading material.. #1984 twitpic.com/86tak (via @Documentally) One of my fave books. Does that make me disturbed? #

18:22 Guess I had better feed the kittehs. Maybe I should wait until it is a bit cooler. Smudge threw up this morning… #

18:23 @twittelator Many plants grow fractally! - [Re:] mobypicture.com/?4le8q1 #

18:24 Today I have real bad fur day. I look like Homelesskat. (via @Aleksandr_Orlov) #

18:26 @mollydotcom When the cows were scared away, the cowboy decided that he'd better learn HTML5 and make his living cutting website code… #vss #

18:28 Playing WoW? Then while you're waiting for me fixing TwerpScan, visit my other site, CharPool @ charpool.net/ ;) (via @TwerpScan) LOL #

18:30 @TwerpScan Actually, CharPool charpool.net/ looks pretty funky! Not sure I'll sign up though. Maybe? #

18:32 @TwerpScan I am guessing that CharPool doesn't know about the history of my toon and so the timeline will only start from when I sign up? #

18:37 @twerpscan Actually, this CharPool thing is quite cool! My 80 DK: bit.ly/WKzOl #

18:57 @twittelator The 3GS has a macro lens? Does it have zoom as well? - [Re:] mobypicture.com/?hekofb #

19:23 @TwerpScan I can't log back in to my #CharPool account in Safari or Firefox (OSX). I was not offered the option to sign up with email so … #

19:24 @TwerpScan … I used my livejournal and now I cannot log back in because the popup is empty in Safari & does not pop up in Firefox! #CharPool #

19:25 @Twerpscan Any chance I can convert my account from a livejournal login to an email address login please? #CharPool #

19:45 @ninthspace Some restaurants/companies/shops have started doing that +SalesTax thing in the UK now as well! :( #

19:49 WTB CNS Transplant with prior personality and memory backup and subsequent re-upload. Yeah, I thought not. :( #

19:50 @regularjen Purple rawks. Even with bows. I am, however, allergic to PINK! ;-p #

19:53 @ninthspace Yeah - I thought there was some sort of law (Trades Description Act?) that said we only have to pay the advertised price here? #

19:54 @ndixon Jen tweets that you're poorly - get well soon! #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Microblogging

2009-06-22T23:03:46Z

01:22 off to bed. early for me. gym at noon and a coldsore coming on my lip. last few days have been busy, fun and exhausting. maybe overdone it? #

10:26 Gonna skip the gym/pool today. Can't see straight, cold sore and very under the weather. Am booked in for Wednesday so will see how I am. #

11:22 Never bolt your door with a boiled carrot. IRISH PROVERB (via @qikipedia) Um… #

11:23 twitpic.com/81u5q - Mr. Moses. He's being extra cute today. (via @sarahkane) He sure is! #

11:23 RT @Twitter_Tips Could Twitter Prevent World War III? cli.gs/s13VMS --Share this article: bit.ly/ZZejR (via @judywatt) Maybe! #

11:46 RT LaughItUp: If The Golden Girls Were On Twitter ow.ly/fnXz (via @judywatt) Awesome! #

12:36 Sheep dash! bit.ly/UwkxC #

14:13 Pondering a tattoo: natalief.livejournal.com/1258139.html #

14:13 I Am Me: natalief.livejournal.com/1258344.html #

14:35 Just had call from the gym. I have the go ahead to have aqua sessions under GP referral (they don't usually)! 1st one is Wednesday at 12:30! #

15:17 Back to bed. Exhausted and not well. I will be fine, though, eventually! :) #

15:47 bit.ly/8cDwu #neda #iranelection (via @laserone) #

15:50 Seems to me that anyone who campaigns to be Speaker is not a suitable candidate. (via @ramtops) This. #

17:39 I don't really care who the Stig is, I'm quite happy for him to remain anonymous, and its probably lots of different people (via @Hedgewytch #

17:41 Hello … I too busy to go holidays so I have Sergei bring beach to me. Simples. (via @Aleksandr_Orlov) #

17:42 These days, I wear more protective gear to type that I do to climb. Wrist braces, elbow straps... (via @matociquala) ouch! #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

I Am Me

2009-06-22T13:00:59Z

Posting about my tattoo ideas made me go in search of the "I Am Me" quote that came to mind when I read the "sufficient" episode of Shadow Unit. Here it is:

I Am Me

In all the world, there is no one else like me.
There are persons who have some parts like me, but no one adds up exactly like me.
Therefore, everything that comes out of me is authentically mine,
because I alone chose it.
I own everything about me - my body, including everything it does;
my mind, including all its thoughts and ideas;
my eyes, including the images of all they behold;
my feelings, whatever they may be -
anger, joy, frustration, love, disappointment, excitement;
my mouth, and all the words that come out of it -
polite, sweet or rough, correct or incorrect;
my voice, loud or soft;
and all my actions, whether they be to others or to myself.
I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears.
I own all my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes.
Because I own all of me, I can become intimately acquainted with me.
By so doing I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts.
I can then make it possible for all of me to work in my best interests.
I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know.
But as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for the solutions to the puzzles and for ways to find out more about me.
However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is me.
This is authentic and represents where I am at that moment in time.
When I review later how I looked and sounded, what I said and did, and how I thought and felt, some parts may turn out to be unfitting.
I can discard that which is unfitting, and keep that which proved fitting,
and invent something new for that which I discarded.
I can see, hear, feel, think, say and do.
I Have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive,
and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me.
I own me, and therefore I can engineer me.
I am me, and I am okay.

- Virginia Satir

I have been pondering a tattoo

2009-06-22T12:51:40Z

I have been pondering getting a tattoo but have not been able to chose what or where. Then I read this:

He says, "Cultural appropriation. Chinese character. For--" He clears his throat. He's still hoarse when he says, "'Sufficient.'"

Quote from this Teaser / Deleted Scene of Shadow Unit

I like this idea. It is something I am trying to learn and remember. I am sufficient/enough. I have spent much of my life wanting, needing and striving (for whatever reason) to be the first and best at everything I do or want to do and I don't need to do that. I am me. I am sufficient.

I would like to incorporate something to do with the moon, preferably full - and maybe something fierce and feline (I may have to ask mischief_wa if I can use this userpic as a tat!). This may end up being more than one small tat. I still have no idea where to get the tat(s) done, but I want to be able to see it often and so I am considering my forearms or the tops of my feet.

Other thoughts that I have had are of words/characters for Balance, Stability, Health/Healing, Strength, Calm, Island, a camera, knitting - so many vague ideas but nothing solid as yet.

I am open to suggestions, comments and opinions but I reserve the right to not follow your suggestions. If, however, someone would like to design me a tattoo or tattoos, preferably no larger than a couple of inches diameter, then I would be infinitely grateful!

Interesting sleep questionnaires - I already knew some of this

2009-06-22T11:53:04Z

Sleep Profiler
Daily Rhythm Test

My Profiler Results:

Your profile summary

Your sleep is not well optimised, scoring 20 %...
...and you said you have a problem with sleep. If you are falling asleep during normal activities during the day, you should see your doctor.

Body and Health

You are an "Owl"
You are built to be at your best later in the day. Surprisingly, it also means your body clock is more flexible than people with standard or lark-like body clocks.
Ideally, people should wake at the same time everyday, but being an owl, you can probably cope quite well when your sleep pattern is disrupted.
How to boost your alertness
You seem to be quite tired during the day.
One way of treating the symptom is to nap in the afternoon. The body is designed this way - most of us have a natural dip in alertness at roughly 2-4pm.
A 15 minute nap when you're tired can be a very effective way of staying alert throughout the day. But sleep longer than 20 minutes and you'll enter the stage called Slow Wave Sleep (or 'deep' sleep), and you'll feel very groggy when you wake.
You would benefit from getting more advice
Your answers suggest that health issues are affecting your sleep. A doctor can give you more advice about why you're not sleeping well.
Snoring can be a serious problem
Severe snoring can be a serious problem: if you gag or gasp for breath when sleeping, it can mean that you wake 100 times an hour without realising (you have to be awake for at least 30 seconds to remember waking).
Lying on your back will make you more likely to snore. Try sleeping in different positions if you can
Severe snoring could be due to a condition called sleep apnea. Apnea occurs when your body is struggling to get air into your lungs because something is restricting the airway. The restriction could come from the weight of fat around the neck, the shape of your chin, or simply very relaxed neck muscles (often induced by alcohol).
For this reason, taking sleeping pills to combat snoring may only make it worse, as they will relax the muscles round the neck. Sleeping pills are considered ineffective as a treatment for snoring. Get advice from your doctor if snoring is a significant problem for you as there are simple and reliable cures available through sleep specialists - and don't worry, surgery is seldom an effective solution.
Environment

Your bedroom should be mainly for sleep
Sleep experts recommend that bedrooms should be for rest, relaxation and a good night's sleep.
If getting to sleep is a problem, remove distractions from your bedroom if you can. If you use your mobile telephone as an alarm clock, try to turn off the mobile to avoid getting any late night calls or text messages. The alarm clock function still works when the mobile is off.
A comfortable bed could improve your sleep.
One thing that could be keeping you awake is your bed. It's not necessary to change your bed every three years as some people advocate, but it should be comfortable.
New research shows that an 'orthopaedic' mattress (a hard one) is often not best for people with back problems. Ignore the hardness, and choose something you're comfortable on. Test out a range of mattresses by lying on each for about 20 minutes.
Think about what you wear in bed as well - natural fabrics such as cotton that allow your body to breath are best.
Foam and synthetic fibre mattresses retain body heat and act like ovens. This will raise body temperature and make sleep lighter. Natural fibres such as cotton and wool will help keep the body at a more even temperature.
Duvets come in different tog ratings and it's advisable to use the appropriate one during different times to the year. 4.5 tog is a light duvet and ideal for summer. 12 - 13.5 gives extra warmth in the winter. 9 - 10.5 tog offers medium warmth and can be used all seasons.
Making your bedroom more comfortable
As you've noticed, temperature has a big influence on how well you sleep. The body needs to cool by about 0.5°C at the start of sleep.
If the weather's too hot, it will be difficult to cool, even by this small amount. Keep the window open and buy a fan.
If it's too cold, your body will be working extra hard to produce heat, keeping your core temperature up.
Think about what you wear in bed. Breathable natural materials such as cotton are best for comfort.
Lifestyle

Your work hours don't suit your natural rhythm.
You're an "owl" (i.e. best in the evening) but you have to get up early - a difficult combination.
To help in the morning try leaving your bedroom curtains open, allowing the natural light to wake you up (this works best in summer of course). As soon as possible after waking, follow this up with a walk outside. Exposure to daylight can help you feel more awake and alert. In winter, try to become active and busy as soon as possible.
Getting up at the same time every day helps to anchor your body clock to a time more suited to your life style. This includes weekends and holidays; resisting the urge for a lie-in can pay dividends in alertness.
Routine can also help alleviate the effects of not being at your best in the morning. Try setting the breakfast table and preparing your work things the night before. That way, on the following morning you carry out all the tasks without needing too much brain power.
Exercise routines can help
Regular exercise is a great way of improving your sleep - but be careful not to exercise close to bed time as this produces stimulants that stop the brain from relaxing quickly.
You know what works.
Well done - the things you do to help you sleep should be working - did you know there are real scientific reasons?
A warm bath offers a chance to relax (vital for a good night’s sleep) and in a more practical way, it makes the blood vessels in your extremities dilate and help cool the body.
There's new evidence that hormones released during sexual activity can promote sleep.
There are things you can do to improve your sleep
Health has a direct impact on sleep.
Exercise is a good way of improving your the start to the day. But if you exercise too close to bed time, it will make it difficult for you to sleep. After a heavy workout, your muscles may be tired, but muscles only need to rest, not sleep. Your brain will be too stimulated to calm down quickly
Smoking and alcohol also affect your sleep - causing you to wake more easily out of light sleep (a stage of sleep that occurs for about half a normal night's sleep)
Have you considered caffeine as a way to increase your alertness?
Sleep experts say caffeine is a safe, natural chemical that acts as a stimulant so is good way to alleviate tiredness.
However, the effect only kicks in after about 20 minutes - so beware if driving - it won't make you any safer until it is in your system. (The psychological effect of drinking caffeine is probably instantaneous, but only makes you feel more alert).
Either as an alternative, or in combination, to alleviate tiredness, you could try napping for 15 minutes - test show a 30% improvement in concentration when you have a coffee and a nap.
Psychological

How to get past your worries and get to sleep

As you've spotted, trying to sleep when worried is very difficult, so it would be a good idea to try some techniques to help you relax before trying to sleep.
Having a time to calm down after a hectic day is important - try taking a bath, reading a book or taking a gentle walk outside.
Simple breathing exercises can also help
Some people find that Lavender oil, Valerian or other herbs help them to sleep.
If you still have problems, you could try massage, aromatherapy or acupuncture.

Sleep information created with Jim Horne and Clare Anderson of Loughborough University

My Rhythm Results:

Your natural rhythm cycle

This chart shows your natural rhythm of alertness and sleepiness over a 24 hour period.

Research into morning and evening types has been done by Professor Jim Horne at Loughborough University, who has produced these graphs by comparing your data to the national profiles.

Why does the chart dip?

Having a siesta seems to be hard-wired into us. Most of us have a natural dip in the early afternoon - this is controlled by your body clock (not by how much you eat at lunch).
Morning people (Larks) have a longer and more obvious afternoon dip than evening people (Owls).
After a poor night's sleep, your afternoon dip would be more noticeable. Your graph would be one notch lower - something you should bear in mind if driving in the afternoon.
Can I affect the dips?

Everyone's natural dip is made worse by alcohol - drinking at lunch time seems to have more of an effect than in the evening.
Afternoon tiredness can be overcome by coffee or a 20 minute nap (ideally both, since caffeine takes 20 minutes before it gets through your system).
If you like to limit your caffeine intake, you may want to save your quota for when you experience your natural dip.

Microblogging

2009-06-21T23:03:37Z

16:04 …cont) #iranelection @j ... (via @laserone) #

16:04 RT Breaking: very disturbing video of innocent women shot dead in Tehran watching protest. Horrible bit.ly/XBzEb (cont… #

16:07 RT @atmasphere: GR: Iran Election Crisis: 10 Incredible YouTube Videos bit.ly/ZdIPH (via @laserone) #

16:07 RT @atmasphere: #iranelection GR: Iran Election Crisis: 10 Incredible YouTube Videos bit.ly/ZdIPH (via @laserone) #

16:28 RT fr Iran: PLS ALL RT THIS SUMMARY AND FOOTAGE OF TODAY [June 20, 2009]: bit.ly/2CQn0 #iranelection (via @laserone) #

18:35 RT IranianChopper releasingSomethingChemical, allegedly ovr crowds.cn any1 ID wht's hapng? twitpic.com/80gv3 #IranElection(@laserone) #

23:16 To whom it may concern: When I am concerned / worried / nervous I giggle and laugh - not AT anyone. It is a reflex. I hate that I do it too. #

23:19 It is a bit like, when I am angry or scared I cry. Damned randomised emotional responses. Emotional Labilit and the MonSter can BITE ME. :(( #

23:19 Lability #

23:20 Cool new discovery (new to me, anyway): search.twitter.com/advanced #

23:22 The bridge at Maidenhead - mobypicture.com/?96sdnb (via @ndixon) Love it! You are pretty good at this pencil thang! #

23:23 @ndixon Is this your own paper? Love the sketch! - [Re:] mobypicture.com/?96sdnb #

23:24 @ndixon of course, that sketch was pen… #

23:25 @ndixon Caffeine-fail - there is such a thing?! ;-p - [Re:] mobypicture.com/?rbt2d6 #

23:27 @ndixon Then again, I love all of your sketches, drawing and writing. Multitalented - R - U ! - [Re:] mobypicture.com/?96sdnb #

23:29 Opening my etsy store. cindyli.etsy.com so many more to add... (via @cindyli) Stunning fused glass! #

23:32 Snow leopard cubs - bit.ly/oraOe (via @ramtops) Once petted a snow leopard cub about that age. Binu was born at Marwell Zoo. #

23:36 @shadesong Congratulations on finishing your first draft of My Empire for Ashes! #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Microblogging

2009-06-20T23:03:25Z

18:45 About to walk down the pub to meet up with brother and his GF. Eyes are getting used to the new Fresnel temp. prism I just applied. Taraaaa! #

23:11 Search "gay rights" on PhotoBucket; says it's an adult topic and that site doesn... Read More: is.gd/17Gb8 #

23:26 RT twitpic.com/7jy96 (via @Hedgewytch) RUDE!!!!! #

23:46 thinks she may have been stood up. (via @rebornspirit) :( *hugs* Did they show up? #

23:48 i bought some nice new slippers today they are so comfy its like wearing slippers dont worry sandra they were only 4.99 (via @IvyBean104) :) #

23:56 Nothing to do tomorrow? Try Group Rope Jumping! englishrussia.com/?p=2327 (via @qikipedia) MAD! "And then police came…" #

23:58 RT: Besiji may be camping outside embassies now. Be very cautious if trying to go to one. #iranelection [RT PLEASE URGENT] #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.

Microblogging

2009-06-19T23:03:15Z

07:48 Woken by Smudge at 07:00. So much for my alarm being set for 08:30. As ever, 4 hrs sleep is > none, if insufficient. Ah well. #

07:55 @YarnHarlot L&O:UK is sadly nothing like the actual legal system in the Uk. While is is a great AltUniv version of L&O, it is misleading. :/ #

My posts on twitter/natalief posted daily to natalief for me by LoudTwitter.