http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/The personal blog of a genuine old maid and a closet transcendentalist. Blather about my everyday life, creative stuff, humor, political, and social commentary and, since I'm hopelessly Whovian, references to Doctor Who. To START the player, click on pause/play button. It is set on automatic shuffle. Click POP OUT to have the player continue to play when you surf away from this page.en-EUMokoFeed10http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/f8/519da899de8bedc28aabf62df503eb_160x200.jpghttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/ho-hum-7423125/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/ho-hum-7423125/Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:05:11 +0100 <p>I have absolutely nothing to do..well, except Hoover the little area rug in the lounge...and do laundry--which I can't do, cos' I have no quarters (25 cents) to do it with. I was so tired and sore, I totally forgot to get some change, yesterday. </p> <p>Didn't think it possible, but this place is even duller than Glens Falls. At least there, I could look out on the street. My view here is an empty lot and a chain-link fence. </p> <p>Despite having a wonky stomach earlier, I went ahead and made tomato-beef stew for dinner, which is simmering on the cooker even as I write this. </p> <p>I've not been able to make a proper meal in a couple of weeks, so figured I was about due. My appetite is messed up in a big way, but maybe a nice home-cooked meal will appeal to it, for a change. </p> <p>I am starting to suspect my ketone levels aren't exactly ideal, at the moment. </p> <p>I tried to contact someone at Sally Army today, so see if I can get assistance sorting out my medical insurance issues--presently, I seem to have lost my access to medical care, when I changed counties. But, all I got was the old shuffle. No one seemed to know whom I should be speaking to, or even if anyone there could assit me. Meh. I'll slog through it again, next week, I suppose....or maybe just not go for medical, dental or eye care. I mean, it's not like I have anyone depending me, is it? It'll save money not going, I won't have co-pays or cab fares and prescription costs. </p> <p>I'm beyond bored, at the moment. Nothing on tele, my mystery I'm reading is dull as dishwater, still too sore to sit long enough to properly write anything...and not feeling especially creative at present, anyway. There's basically no where to go, and nothing to do. I'm a useless appendage. I'm not well enough to work, or even to be a dependable volunteer. I can't even go for a walk...at least, not very far. </p> <p>Other than my rent is cheaper, and I don't have the fear Natl. Grid hanging over my head every month, and a nicer (tho far smaller) flat...I really don't see where my life has chaanged all that much, or will ever change. </p> <p>I guess the grass really isn't greener on the other side of the proverbial fence. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/ho-hum-7423125/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/ho-hum-7423125/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/david-tennant-to-present-new-reality-programme-in-america-7421605/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/david-tennant-to-present-new-reality-programme-in-america-7421605/Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:25 +0100 <p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o63/equuscomitis/da.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>David Tennant has been signed on to present a new reality programme, to be broadcast from some really boring rural location in upstate New York. </p> <p>The show, "Celebrity Cheesemaking," will feature has-been, washed-up 1980's television and music celebrities, plopped down on random dairy farms, where they have 24 hours to figure out how to milk a cow and make cheese. </p> <p>The new show is the brainchild of the producers who brought us such hits as, "Amatuer Proctologists Gone Wild," and "Puking with the Stars." </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/david-tennant-to-present-new-reality-programme-in-america-7421605/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/david-tennant-to-present-new-reality-programme-in-america-7421605/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/forget-7420988/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/forget-7420988/Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:35:09 +0100 <p>They say now...that the end of the world will be in 2012. </p> <p>On the bus yesterday, I overheard a young woman say..."Yeah, they said that in 2000 and 2009, but we're still having babies." </p> <p>Droughts, wildfires, 1000-year floods....Donny Osmond making to the final round of Dancing with the Stars. The end is truly near. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/forget-7420988/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/forget-7420988/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/will-i-ever-see-my-family-again-7417762/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/will-i-ever-see-my-family-again-7417762/Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:47:57 +0100 <p>Thanksgiving at my sister's is off. </p> <p>There's just no way I can work it out. There's absolutely NO public transport to Bennington, Vermont. As in none. Zip, Zero. If you want to go there, you either have to drive yourself, hire a limo, or charter a plane. That's the reality of going to southern Vermont. </p> <p>What gets me is, Bennington is a city! OK, it's tiny as cities go, but still, it's on a major route to New Hampshire and Massachusetts...I mean, come on! No public transport??? </p> <p>Screw the hybrid cars! Only the reasonably well-off can afford those. What about the rest of us ugly little peons, eeking out our meager existance on minimum wage, or living on tiny fixed incomes like disability or pensions? What people in America need, really need, is effing PUBLIC TRANSPORT. </p> <p>If we can have a stinking space station, we can afford blinking public transportation! Less cars on the road, mean less dependence on oil--and less deterioration of the public highways. But, hey, common sense, can't have that! </p> <p>Anyhow, at this point, I'm thinking it'll take 2 planes, a train, three buses, a Jeep Cherokee, a barge, a horse and cart, five tractors and a hay combine, to get me to my sister's on Thanksgiving day. </p> <p>I can get to Albany, NY, no worries. But from there....no way. </p> <p>Sis can't pick me up. It's her only day off, and she's got me, my nephew, her partner, her partner's daughter, and her partner's family to get a big holiday meal for *(this is the Yankee equivilent of the British Christmas dinner, mind you). </p> <p>It's about an hour's drive from Albany to Vermont, then, another 45 min. to her home on the mountain. Her partner won't come and pick me up (seriously, I'm not joking) because he's a right-wing extremeist, and resents not being able to legally pack his gun across the border into NY state, so...I'm just plumb out of luck. </p> <p>While I wasn't thrilled with spending an entire day with my right-wing bigoted racist sister, I do love her very much, and miss her...and my nephew...haven't seen him since the day of my late mum's funeral, in Nov. of 2005. In fact, I haven't seen a single member of my family since New Year's day of 2006, and I'm thinking it's going to be a long, long time, before I ever see any of them again. </p> <p>Damn. I wish I'd never moved here. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/will-i-ever-see-my-family-again-7417762/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/will-i-ever-see-my-family-again-7417762/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/evening-all-7416852/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/evening-all-7416852/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:23:09 +0100 <p>Just got back from shopping. </p> <p>Amazingly, the bus thing went very smoothly. while waiting to transfer buses, I even found a little shop in the city centre, that has very cool costume jewelry for under $2. I'll have to pay them another visit someday, when I'm more flush with cash. </p> <p>Yes, I got to the shopping centre. </p> <p>They had a shop there, that's exactly like smaller version TK Maxx--even laid out much the same, with almost the same type of clothing..but, their prices were even lower than Maxx, and, they have layaway, which allows you to pay for your merchandise in weekly installments. I saw a pair of snow boots there for $20, so maybe I can get a pair there, instead of Salvation Army. My bad foot makes finding boots the right size, really hard, because my feet are now two different sizes, due to the deformity on the top of my right foot. </p> <p>I decided this year, that my Xmas prezzie to myself would either be a pair of winter boots or a hair cut. </p> <p>Anyway, I went to the supermarket...kicking myself mentally, cos' I forgot my coupon. I got a coupon in the post for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more. </p> <p>I did well, though. I went just a smigeon over my $50 food budget, $52. Not bad. </p> <p>With what I got, I am going to have in the next week or two:</p> <p>Pork cutlets with bread stuffing<br> chicken curry<br> cherry chicken<br> beef stew<br> hamburgers<br> beef-rice casserole</p> <p>I also found my favourite brand of kitty litter...don't laugh. I'm genuinely thrilled about this. </p> <p> This is local litter made at a sawmill in Warrensburg, NY...which is just north of where I lived in Lake George, in 2006, and is made of cedar sawdust...it's lightweight--a big plus, smells good, and last 2 or 3 times longer than the gravelly or scoopable litter. Because it was locally made, I didn't think I'd find it way out here, but yes, I did, and it's great...and not much more expensive than it was back home. Bascially, it's the sawmill's unwanted sawdust, repurposed as kitty litter...it's totally biodegradable and environmentally friendly. </p> <p>I got to the shopping centre OK, but....it took a cab 45 minutes to pick me up for the 8 minute ride home. </p> <p>And....my back really, really hurts like hell. I mean, I'm not at the whinging and moaning stage yet, but it's not a lot of giggles for me right now, either. </p> <p>I was in such pain, that I got sick five minutes after coming home. Flamey must have been having sympathy pains, cos' a few minutes after that, she got sick too. The family that ralphs together, stays together? </p> <p>I'll be OK. I got the persiable shopping put away. I treated myself to a box of fresh-baked donuts, and I'm predicting that the coffee pot will be perking away, later on this evening, so I'll have something to wash that beautful round cream-filled pastry down with. </p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>I almost backed out of going out today, cos' by 1pm, oh, I was feeling sooo-good and rested. This was the first time in a whole week, I'd woken relatively pain-free and mobile. It was such a blessing! </p> <p>Unfortunately, ya' gotta' do what ya' gotta do, and I needed to shop for food. Right now, I'm going to take a hot bath and go lie down for a while. Cheers. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/evening-all-7416852/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/evening-all-7416852/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/homosexuality-and-christianity-selective-sinning-7413987/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/homosexuality-and-christianity-selective-sinning-7413987/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:40:09 +0100 <p>I heard on the news recently, that some right-winger's have been protesting homosexuality near one of the local universities.....carrying signs saying it's a sin. </p> <p>Riiiight. Gender preference is a sin? So, like, these morons really think that homosexuality is a choice? It's like a vending machine? Really? </p> <p>Of course, these are quite likely the same American morons who think that evolution doesn't exist, and treat prayer like it's a cosmic slot machine, and believe that if you pray hard enough, he'll help you win money, get a car, a job, a home, etc. </p> <p>Interestingly enough, I notice they aren't protesting other sins which are truly horrible: pedophila, rape, child abuse, war, gang violence, spousal abuse, elder abuse, etc. </p> <p>Bigotry and God...strange bedfellows...pun intended. </p> <p>Shesh...sometimes my country's people really do shame me. And you wonder why I chose to become agnostic??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/homosexuality-and-christianity-selective-sinning-7413987/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/homosexuality-and-christianity-selective-sinning-7413987/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/david-tennant-reveals-to-graham-norton-size-does-matter-7411557/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/david-tennant-reveals-to-graham-norton-size-does-matter-7411557/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:30:40 +0100 <p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o63/equuscomitis/davidcrotchshot.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><strong>Presenter Graham Norton recently asked actor David "ten-inch" Tennant, if he thought size should matter. Tennant told Norton, "Oh, I think it's a very manly thing to want a big one." </p> <p>They were discussing the size of the sandwich that Tennant had just ordered from Subway.</strong> </p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p><a href="http://www.davidtennant.blog.co.uk">http://www.davidtennant.blog.co.uk</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/david-tennant-reveals-to-graham-norton-size-does-matter-7411557/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/david-tennant-reveals-to-graham-norton-size-does-matter-7411557/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-s-meme-2-a-random-12-question-meme-7411431/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-s-meme-2-a-random-12-question-meme-7411431/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:42:11 +0100 <p>1. When was the last time you ran?</p> <p>I can't actually physcally run, any longer, so it would be before my injury, probably in winter 2007 or some time in 2006. </p> <p>2. What are your jeans like? Do they have rips and tears in them, are they designer jeans, or simply whatever was on sale? How many pairs do you own? </p> <p>I hate rips and tears in jeans. They may be cool for the young and trendy, but I never got into that look. I have three or four pairs of designer jeans that I got on sale, some of my jeans are just plain dark blue denim ladies' Lee Rider bootcut jeans, and yes, some are indeed men's jeans that I got very cheaply at Steve & Barry's, Tractor Supply Co. or Walmart, like the flannel lined jeans I bought myself as a birthday gift this year. </p> <p>I think I have between 8 and 10 pairs of jeans...tho' a couple of them are pretty old. </p> <p>3. Do you own a pair of Converse trainers?</p> <p>No, I only have 2 pairs of Keds ladies trainers, but I do have a pair of ladies' black high-top trainers like Converse, only they came from Walmart. </p> <p>4. Have you ever kicked a vending machine?</p> <p>Sure, and pushed one about a bit, as well. Damn things. </p> <p>5. Do you hate it when a DJ talks over the ending or beginning of a favourite song? </p> <p>I don't hate it, but I can't say I appreciate it, either. </p> <p>6. Are you cocky? </p> <p>Heavens, I used to be, driving, until one winter afternoon it nearly got me killed. Not so much any more. </p> <p>7. Are you afraid to try anything new and different?</p> <p>Not at all, I have learned to jump in with both feet. I used to be afraid, tho', when I was growing up. But I changed as I got older, now I love new stuff...tho' I won't ever try something new, just because someone else is doing it, or wants me to do it. It's gotta' be on my own terms. </p> <p>8. Could you live without a computer or mobile phone? How many phones and computers do you own?</p> <p>I wouldn't like it, but I have lived without these things for months in the recent past, and I can do so again, if need be. I have one rebuilt PC, a Virgin pay-as-you-go mobile phone and an older landline phone. </p> <p>9. Could you live without television?</p> <p>I just went the better part of 3 years without it, does that answer your question?</p> <p>10. Do you wear shoes in your house or flat?</p> <p>Sometimes I wear slippers if my feet are cold, but generally no, I take off my shoes when I get home. </p> <p>11. What three things would you do if you won the lottery?</p> <p>1. Fix my financial situation as best as I can<br> 2. Move me and my pets and stuff to Europe<br> 3. Pay it forward and give back to chairities, such as cancer, dialysis, homeless shelters, food pantries, etc. And, help my sister out as well, of course. </p> <p>12. Your three current favourite televison programmes you've watched at home in the past week:</p> <p>Masterpiece Contemporary<br> Nova<br> CSI</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-s-meme-2-a-random-12-question-meme-7411431/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-s-meme-2-a-random-12-question-meme-7411431/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-meme-1-association-meme-7411366/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-meme-1-association-meme-7411366/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:15:18 +0100 <p>She sent me two more memes. </p> <p>And...well, I'm up, there's nothing on tele (tho' there was a fantastic Natl. Geographic documentary about unexplored Buddhist caves in Tibet on earlier tonight)...so, why the heck not? It's something to do, isn't it? </p> <p>WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT IT, SIMPLY WRITE THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU SEE THE WORDS BELOW:</p> <p>WINE:</p> <p>Fingerlakes.</p> <p>FASHION;</p> <p>Town & Country magazine</p> <p>TREE:</p> <p>Transcendental</p> <p>AUSTRALIA:</p> <p>Ayer's Rock</p> <p>SKINNY:</p> <p>David Tennant</p> <p>FAT:</p> <p>Me</p> <p>GHOST:</p> <p>Ada Lee</p> <p>BLUE:</p> <p>Ocean</p> <p>GREEN:</p> <p>Spring</p> <p>FIRE:</p> <p>Bishop's mansion</p> <p>WATER:</p> <p>Dr Who</p> <p>HAUNTED:</p> <p>Mum's library</p> <p>NEIGHBOR:</p> <p>Harry Best</p> <p>EUROPE:</p> <p>Dream</p> <p>AMERICA:</p> <p>Broken</p> <p>CHOCOLATE:</p> <p>Dark. </p> <p>MCDONALDS</p> <p>Big Mac</p> <p>HOSPITAL</p> <p>Alone</p> <p>VEGETABLES</p> <p>Garden</p> <p>SCHOOL</p> <p>College</p> <p>MONEY</p> <p>Lottery</p> <p>POVERTY</p> <p>Trap</p> <p>MOUNTAIN:</p> <p>Adirondacks</p> <p>DESERT</p> <p>Dust storm</p> <p>MODERN:</p> <p>Furniture</p> <p>ANCIENT:</p> <p>Romans</p> <p>HISTORY:</p> <p>cool</p> <p>NEWSPAPER:</p> <p>editing</p> <p>BOOK:</p> <p>wisdom</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-meme-1-association-meme-7411366/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/tardisgurl-meme-1-association-meme-7411366/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/emotionally-whole-or-fragmented-7410647/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/19/emotionally-whole-or-fragmented-7410647/Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:32:44 +0100 <p>It is said that one out of three people has a mental illness of some sort. To find out if you are mentally ill, ask two of your family, friends or co-workers, how they are feeling. If they say that they're fine...then you have a problem. </p> <p>Seriously though, all kidding aside, although Mental Health Awareness Week was the first week of October, I thought I'd just post a few things about a very serious issue. </p> <p>Some 60 million Amricans suffer from some sort of mental disorder. From SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, to bi-polar, to anti-social disorders, millions suffer silently, invisibly, from illnesses every bit as devestating as cancer or other obvious physical illnesses. </p> <p>Only, unlike those with cancer or other physical diseases, those with mental health issues, must deal with something other sick people do not: stigma. </p> <p>In America, one out of every 17 people suffer from a mental disorder. One half of all lifetime cases of mental illness, begin around the age of 14. </p> <p>It may take, however, up to ten years for symptoms of mental illness to truly reveal themselves. Or, it may show up quite young. </p> <p>People with mental issues often are expected either to behave "normally," or, if they are experiencing problems, are called "mental," and treated as if they can actually control their thoughts and behaviours. This usually makes the condition worse for the patient, or, can lead to suicidal thoughts, if the person feels like he or she has been "bad," because he or she cannot control their emotional and thought processes. </p> <p>Mental illness is a brain issue. A chemical imbalance or head injury, that sort of thing. Most people find it easier to blame the mentally ill person, than to take the time to understand that a human being does not control their brain, but that the brain contols <em>them</em>. </p> <p>Another issue the mentally ill must deal with, is massive ignorance and fear. Sometimes, parents themselves can make matters worse for their emotioally sick child, by going into total denial...worried more about the stigma of mental illness, than the health of their son or daughter. The "not my child" syndrome. </p> <p>Left untreated, mental issues, such as anti-social behavioural disorders, bi-polar disorder or clinical depression, can lead to some very serious consequences when that child gets older. It may even lead to that child's eventuall suicide, or, to the child when he or she grows to adulthood, ending up in prison, or in a dysfuctional relationship, or dealing with drug and/or alcohol dependacy, later on in life. </p> <p>Mental illness is just that...illness. What can you do?</p> <p><strong>EDUCATE</strong> yourself!</p> <p>- Learn about symptoms that are warning signs.<br> - Learn about different diagnoses and courses of treatment.<br> - Discuss any concerns with a doctor</p> <p>If you love someone, and truly care about him or her...don't ignore behavioural, social or other issues. Treatment may involve combinations of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy ("talk therapy"), peer support groups or community services. Diet, exercise, sleep and social support networks also play a role. </p> <p>In the USA, go to: <a href="http://www.nami.org">http://www.nami.org</a></p> <p>In the UK, visit: <a href="http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk">http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/emotionally-whole-or-fragmented-7410647/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/emotionally-whole-or-fragmented-7410647/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/curse-you-time-warner-7409851/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/curse-you-time-warner-7409851/Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:53:12 +0100 <p>I've been trying to dial my friend over in the UK, to no avail. Her number begins with a __, but when I dial, I get some poor sleepy bloke with the same number...only with a zero in front of it. </p> <p>What's with that??? </p> <p>I am not dialing a zero first, so why am I getting a number with a zero first? Very strange. I did want to speak to my friend, as we've not spoken for quite some time.</p> <p>Called Time-Warner cable, my phone provider, but the blankity-blank chap said that he was only a "local" operator, and couldn't assist me with an overseas call, and that I'd have to dial customer service. What the eff??? </p> <p>Yeah, thanks mate. You might want to seek employment next time, as a chocolate fireguard. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/curse-you-time-warner-7409851/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/curse-you-time-warner-7409851/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/to-be-or-not-to-be-suicide-on-dr-who-7405528/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/to-be-or-not-to-be-suicide-on-dr-who-7405528/Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:54:14 +0100 <p>I've been studiously avoiding all mention of Waters of Mars online...but, some idiot had to PM me and tell me about some of it. </p> <p>Apparently there's a suicide at the end? <strong>I DON'T want to know!</strong> </p> <p>Got that? </p> <p>Now, anyone who read the above, and still tells me the plot, I can be justified in calling a certified arsehole...with four gold stars attached to the certificate, for being the moron at the top of the arsehole class. </p> <p>Anyway, she was all upset and prattling on about it, railing at poor Russell T. Davies, the writer-producer.</p> <p>What the heck is wrong about suicide. I did ask if it showed the person actually killing him or herself. She said no. So...what's the deal? </p> <p>OK, I can tell you, and I should know; that the biggest killer in any suicidal situation, is not talking..or worse, treating it like leprocy. </p> <p>Now, I honestly don't know the why's or wherefore's, but I personally think that Mr. Davies made a brave decision--if he thought about it at all. mean, he might have just had the character kill him or herself off just for plot reasons, or he might have thought it out, I don't know. </p> <p>I think, if the suicide in the script was maybe some kind of spur of the moment sacrifice...I dunno', to save someone or help someone, to save the planet, to save the future of all mankind--any person of character, whom has a solid sense of right and wrong...would they kill themselves? </p> <p>If the person is deliberately chosing to end his or her life, to save someone, or for a higher purpose, such as saving a planet or the future or whatever...is that wrong? Soldiers, and police and firemen sacrifice themselves for us, every single day, all around the world, and we call them heros. Is the person in Waters of Mars a hero, or did he or she die for internal reasons...depression, confusion, frustration, anger? I don't know yet. </p> <p>Suicide bombers kill innocent people, and they are cowards. Was it that sort of death? Or was it more personal? </p> <p>A man or woman with a rope or a gun, or throwing themselves in front of a train or whatever? Is that sort of personal death, is that an act against society, an act of cowardice born of desperation, or a sacrifice of bravery? </p> <p>That's a question for philosphers, scholars, theologians and shrinks. </p> <p>Me, I think if this person killed him or herself, for a reason well beyond their own selfish interests, beyond their own emotions, or politics or regligion..if it was so life could go on normally for others, or to save someone from terrible suffering beyond immagination, that's an act of bravery that is raw, honest truth. And, I don't see anything wrong with that. </p> <p>I didn't know if I could pull the plug on mum, until the few hours before she died. You don't know what life will deal you out. Not from one moment to the next. Will tonight you have a good dream, or a bad one? How can you know? </p> <p>Suicide is terrifying...not just to the victim, but to western society. Especially to a Catholic person, where it is a mortal sin, driving you into hell or purgatory. </p> <p>Yet, from what I've been able to gather, the fan forums are all up in arms, upset over the suicide scene. I'm not sure how true that is, as I'm avoiding the forums until after I see the last DT special...trying desperately to avoid spoilers, really I am. I've had so few nice suprises these past few years, I cherish my Dr Who first-time viewings, no joke. </p> <p>Still, I'm not sure, being me and having the experiences and feelings I've had, how I feel regarding the whinging of the fans. A few fans are really going overboard, I guess, up in arms about the suicide on Waters of Mars. </p> <p>That's really sending the wrong message to the world, in my opinion. </p> <p>To me,by publicly denoucing suicide, you are telling real suicidal people that the genuine pain they're feeling is unaccepticable to society. </p> <p>At least, that's the way I feel. Jeez. Dr Who over the last 45+ yrs, both the old and the new series, has shown and/or mentioned drug use, war, child abuse, sex and homosexuality, anti-social behaviour, environmental damage, political corruption--all sorts of current issues, why pick on suicide? </p> <p>Suicide should not be made taboo. The more so-called civilized society refuses to discuss it, the more then shun it and treat it openly like a horror...basically, the more people will die of suicide, because they are terrified of the stigma that the people around them, the ignorant and scared people on the internet, have placed upon it. </p> <p>Dr Who has dissed all sorts of preconceived notions by society. Maybe the time is ripe for discussions about what now is a taboo subject? </p> <p>Or maybe some of these complaining "fans" should get a life, and remember that, glorious that it is, in the end, Dr Who isn't real. It's just a television programme. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/to-be-or-not-to-be-suicide-on-dr-who-7405528/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/to-be-or-not-to-be-suicide-on-dr-who-7405528/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/just-call-me-mrs-fletcher-7404238/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/just-call-me-mrs-fletcher-7404238/Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:26:24 +0100 <p>I just had a dizzy spell, and fell down...fortunately, near the sofa...no, thankfully I wasn't hurt. </p> <p>But, as I looked up, there was my white and ginger cat, Charlie, just sitting there on the floor, staring at me, like, "what the hell are you doing down there?" </p> <p>Out of my mouth, I whinged, "I've fallen and I can't get up!" </p> <p>And Charlie reached over with his nose, sniffed me, and walked over to the food dish. Nice to know your pets love you, isn't it? I guess he figured if I was gonna' die, he'd better get all the food he could, while it lasted? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I'm fine, really. I've been a little light-headed all day. I'm sitting here drinking some cold juice now, so no harm done. </p> <p>For those of you whom are British, I'm referring to a television advert back in the 1980's, that was meant to be serious...however, poor Mrs. Fletcher and her walker, and her famous shrill whinge, became the butt of dozens of sit-com, variety programme and late night talk-show jokes...even to this day. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/just-call-me-mrs-fletcher-7404238/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/just-call-me-mrs-fletcher-7404238/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/well-7404102/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/well-7404102/Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:38:59 +0100 <p>...I'm not feeling so hot. But, I'll live. Not sure how I managed to get a stomach virus or whatever, when I have hardly been eating, but...poo happens...'scuse the pun. </p> <p>Also excuse the previous post. Didn't mean it to turn into an anti-conservative rant. Never write when you're sick and grouchy, I suppose is the lesson about that. </p> <p>I had a comment on that post, by someone who used to be on my friend's list. He used to write long boring and dry commentary about every single business in his home city. When I booted him off my friend's list, he got upset, so I put him back on, cos' it's not his fault his post were dry, I decided. Maybe this was all he had in his life, now. He was a real-life Victor Meldrew type of retiree. </p> <p>Then, he started putting down my country. OK, I can live with that sometimes. Everyone is entitled to an opinion in a democracy, whether you agree with it or not. But then, he went vicious and nasty and...it was just hateful. Considering that he knew I was an American citizen, I found his little hate rants about America-- to an American on his friend's list, to be really in the very tacky, tactless and NED-like category. </p> <p>I got disgusted and deleted him. </p> <p>Still, every once in a while, he comes back with a nasty comment. This British jerk is just that...a jerk. It's OK not to like a country, whether it's your own, or someone else's...but, it's not OK to write comments in childish hate rants, at someone you know whom is a citizen of that nation. It's just not civilized--- and only serves to me, to invalidate any legitimate opinion this "man" might have. </p> <p>In all my posts about the UK, I might have disagreed with someone British, or a British policy. Yes, at times, I do rant about the wrongs of my own nation, and I am filled with loathing and disgust at the behaviour and actions of many conservative Americans. But, I don't--and <u>never</u> have, made ranting, hate-filled comments on <em>other people's</em> blogs. about their country. That to me would be simply...cheap, petty and shallow. </p> <p>I mean, I could tell him that his Tories are no better, what with hurting the British people during a dire economic crisis, (blocking Queen's Speech bills), for no other purpose than to get at the Prime Minister. I find that sort of thing very low-brow, petty, mindless thuggery. But, I'm better than that. </p> <p>I may not be anything much to write home about as a person, but some actions and behaviours, I do consider to be beneath my dignity as a civilized human being. </p> <p>Again, sorry. I'm in a bad mood. </p> <p>I've slept my life away for 5 days now. I feel like my life is just grains of sand, sifting through my fingers. You have no idea what it's like to be trapped in a tiny flat in a strange city, over 100 miles away, and be partially bedridden for almost a week. It doesn't do your emotional state a lot of good, let me tell you. </p> <p>I moved in hopes of seeing a light at the end of the very long, totally dark tunnel...but so far, not even a pinprick is showing. </p> <p>Speaking of pin-sized pricks, I'm glad to say my going to modding comments has kept the blog scum at bay, of late. I don't have to read the rubbish, just click a button and bin it. After all, who wants to stick their nose into a pile of smelly garbage? <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>I am not even sure now, why I let these sad little cardboard people even get to me, other than I was stressed out to the max, at the time...and I don't care about it, now. That's very liberating, feeling that way. They might as well not exist, for all I care about them! </p> <p>On the good news front, a friend in Europe is sending me something to help manage my pain (nothing illegal, of course). I was worried about that, cos' I'm running out of aspirin, and dread having to walk anywhere, even for short distances. Such a wonderful thing to do, bless. </p> <p>And, I think I may be getting to see Waters of Mars some time, thanks to another friend, (you know who you are), and I am just thrilled to death with that news. Dr Who is so important to me, and it really made me sad to think I wouldn't see it. Even if it had been on the internet, I couldn't have watched it, cos' I couldn't sit in a chair for more than a couple of minutes. </p> <p>Blimey! I've hardly been able to sit and watch tele, some days. I watched the last installment of Becoming Human again. It only went as far as the development of the atl-atl...or the throwing spear. It was really quite good. Though, I imagine that the Creationists are pissed off to learn that we really are related to Neanderthals...in face, we're all decended from only about 600 pairs of individuals, that were living off the coast of Africa, they reckon...I bet the racists also will hate hearing that little fact. </p> <p>They had two people on the last installment, whom I'd encountered during my college archeology courses, back in the early 2000's. My prof was also one of the top cave archeologists in the USA, so she had a pretty impressive network here in the USA. She did part of her internship in Egypt and other places, and was once part of the cave exploration team, featured in a Natl. Geographic video. She was one of the best teachers I ever had, and tho' sadly, we didn't part in the best of circumstances, I will always appreciate her, because I never wold have graduated college, or gone overseas, if I hadn't of met her, bless. </p> <p>Next week's Nova episode on PBS sounds interesting, as well. It's about dreams and dreaming, and what they may mean to us, as human beings. </p> <p>Well, it's half-past midnight...and I'm wide awake. Sleeping all day sucks, cos' then I feel like...well, like I said, that life is just grains of sand, and my hourglass is broken. </p> <p>Sometimes, I wonder if this is what it's like, to be alone and dying in some hospital or nursing home, or your own home, somewhere. Do you feel your life slipping away from you? Do you feel like it all doesn't really matter? That you were like some old tree or car or whatever...you were made, you served your purpose (hopefully), and now...you're just waiting for the end. </p> <p>That's how I feel some days. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/well-7404102/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/well-7404102/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/the-true-result-of-8-years-of-reublican-greed-and-ignrance-the-liberals-didn-t-do-this-7403582/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/the-true-result-of-8-years-of-reublican-greed-and-ignrance-the-liberals-didn-t-do-this-7403582/Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:57:38 +0100 <p>17 MILLION American children under the age of 18, went hungry in 2008...a number that has been increasing steadily, since 2005. This year, the estimate is expected to rise to an unprecidented 18 to 20 million American children. </p> <p>In the state of Texas alone, former president Bush's home state, in 2008, some 200 million pounds of food were given away to poor Texans whom were unable to feed themselves and/or their families...and nothing has been done, and nothing is being done...<u>nothing whatsoever</u>, to try and drop these numbers. This, from the head of the Texas Food Bank, who distributes this food. </p> <p>The conservatives foam at their mouths senselessly, like rapid dogs, against anything and everything they perceive as "liberal," up to, and including, assisting millions of their fellow Americans, langishing in poverty or near-poverty. This sort of petty, grasping meanness, is what has lowered America into the sewers of civilization. </p> <p>From fighting nationalized medicine, to gay marriage to denying assistance to a hungry child because they don't want to pay a penny or two more in taxes, to fighting against civil rights, the republican party has, and continutes, to push America back into the 19th century. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/the-true-result-of-8-years-of-reublican-greed-and-ignrance-the-liberals-didn-t-do-this-7403582/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/the-true-result-of-8-years-of-reublican-greed-and-ignrance-the-liberals-didn-t-do-this-7403582/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/oh-another-meme-in-my-e-mail-7395858/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-17:/2009/11/17/oh-another-meme-in-my-e-mail-7395858/Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:06:39 +0100 <p>your weight: </p> <p>Fat and if you don't like it, it's entirely your hang-up, not mine. </p> <p>your height: </p> <p>Average I guess. </p> <p>your social life: </p> <p>What's a social life? </p> <p>religion: </p> <p>Sort of mildly agnostic, I suppose. </p> <p>your family: </p> <p>Mostly all dead, except for a sister, aunt, nephew and assorted cousins. </p> <p>partying: </p> <p>No, I'm a closet transcendentalist and an old maid, I don't do partying. Kidding aside, I just find it mindlessly boring; like sun bathing or watching Entertainment Tonight</p> <p>sex life: </p> <p>Erm, hello, old maid. Google it...here's a hint, I'm not the card game. </p> <p>your childhood: </p> <p>Well, considering I come from a dysfuctional family with an occasionally abusive dad, I think I actually had a fairly good childhood, most of the time, under the circumstances. </p> <p>your life now: </p> <p>It's been de-railed and the train has been sunk in the bottom of life's river. </p> <p>kids: </p> <p>Oh yeah, love baby goats! They're adorable, easy to care for, and I wouldn't mind having one as a pet. Oh, you mean children? Erm...too loud, destructive, expensive to feed, and they smell bad. <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/oh-another-meme-in-my-e-mail-7395858/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/17/oh-another-meme-in-my-e-mail-7395858/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/monday-7390424/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-16:/2009/11/16/monday-7390424/Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:23:06 +0100 <p>It's not a bad day out there today, for November. Not as nice as yesterday, when it was in the mid-50's F. But, I'll take 40's F in November. It's become rather dark and overcast now, but, at least it's not snowing. </p> <p>Doing better, but not great. Up and about a little, but only for a few minutes here and there. It's going to take a day or two for me to tidy the flat, possibly longer. I can't stand or sit upright for long, unfortunately. But, I'm trying. </p> <p>I hadn't been able to clean the flat in several days--at one point, I couldn't even get up out of bed to answer the phone, which was only on the desk, which is sitting near my bed's foot board. </p> <p>Still can't sit in the chair for long, to type or make calls or whatever, but I think I'll be OK soon. This wasn't a lot of giggles, and I hadn't expected my back injury to return so soon. I have no idea what may have triggered it again. It felt fine on Wednesday. </p> <p>I found a fairly comfy position on the sofa, tho' I'm not much of a tele watcher, and I'm often simply dozing in the silence (when Flame isn't meowing), or listening to music from the bedroom and reading. </p> <p>I did manage to take a load of laundry down to the washer-dryer in the basement, but I'm 50 cents shy of doing a 2nd load (no coin changers here), so until I'm well enough to move about better and start walking, I can't get any change until I go to the shops for it. And, I guess the laundry will just have to pile up...again. </p> <p>Not a very exciting post, but then I'm not a very exciting person. </p> <p>Never catch me on any reality programme, ha-ha. Have a good week, all. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/monday-7390424/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/monday-7390424/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/helo-all-7383006/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-16:/2009/11/16/helo-all-7383006/Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:03:38 +0100 <p>I was up and about a bit, today...tho' sitting in my desk chair is still a bit of a problem, hence my silence on my blog. </p> <p>After a frustrating almost 2 hour wait to get a cab for an all of 3 min. cab ride to the shop round the corner--which cost $12, aks: highway robbery, I was able to get some things I desperately needed...like kitty litter, can't live in a tiny flat without kitty litter. </p> <p>But, it wasn't easy, shopping with a wonky painful hip, let me tell you! </p> <p>But the really BIZZARE thing, was...well, picture this: a fat Babushka-looking woman wearing farm duds and almost bent over double w/pain. </p> <p>I was standing in the till queue, wearing my old, worn Lee Rider jeans with the rolled up cuffs and a black hoodie--with the John Deere tractor logo on it, bearing the historically improbable slogan of: "Making Big Ol' Tractors Since 1837." </p> <p>The hip and trendy-looking black lady in line next to me, looked me up and down with a snort of derision ("Huh!") that said more than most of the Adirondack redneck grunts which I was used to, ever could. Very rude, but I just grinned at her and shook my head in that reproachful way I learned from my late mum--in reality, I wanted to be rude back, but I wasn't feeling up to behaving like a fellow arsehole, just then.</p> <p>Anyway, I'm at the till of the little general merchandise shop, and the till clerk, whose name is apparently, "S___," starts chatting me up. Seriously! </p> <p>I mean, all I want to do is get another cab and go home, put the shopping away, down some more aspirin, and pass out on the sofa. And, here is this bearded middleage bloke, the only clerk on at the shop, whom ignores the other customers, and starts chatting me up! Blimey! </p> <p>Trust me, even if I wasn't a dedicated genuine old maid, I would NOT be looking for love in the local equivilent to a Woolworth's! </p> <p> While resting my back, I watched Collision on PBS tonight, really great! Nice to have BBC shows back in my life, again, really lovely. And no, I didn't squee or swoon at David Tennant's presenting skills, but I have to admit he does have a heck of a presence. </p> <p>So, I'm really very sad to have not been able to see my beloved Who tonight..being 3000 miles acoss the Atlantic is a big bar to that. At least I got to watch SOMETHING by the BBC, bless. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/helo-all-7383006/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/helo-all-7383006/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/rotten-7370488/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/rotten-7370488/Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:53:32 +0100 <p>I'm not doing great, but I'm still here. I have sciatica in the right hip again, which is really intense. Sciatica usually goes down the leg, but the hip, it spreads upwards for some reason. And, it's triggered the old sciatic injury on my left side, which does go down the leg. </p> <p>I've barely been able to eat or drink anything all day, cos' the pain makes me physically ill to my stomach. </p> <p>Oh, and if that wasn't bad enough, Flame has chosen today to go into heat, and is yowling from time to time. Not bad yet, thank god. </p> <p>Not being British, I'll be missing Waters of Mars this weekend. Why couldn't I have been born British? Very frustrating for a long-time dedicated Whovian, not to see Who. </p> <p>Meh, as my motto goes: Life sucks and then you die. </p> <p>Speaking of water in the heavens, they did find water on the moon. And now what do they plan to do with that information? Will it feed hungry millions? Give free or low-cost medical care to millions? Assist with fighting global warming? End a war? Help educate the needy? Restore run-down neighbourhoods? Provide jobs? Save the economy? </p> <p>No, NASA just likes to screw around with our billions in tax dollars, just so they can open a bottle of champange and say, "See? I told you so." </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/rotten-7370488/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/rotten-7370488/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/down-7368185/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-13:/2009/11/13/down-7368185/Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:02:07 +0100 <p>i'm not going to be online much, today. My sciatica in my hip is not good, and the pain is also affecting my stomach and making me ill. </p> <p>Hope everyone out there is having a good day, i'm spending my friday in bed. Cheers. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/down-7368185/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/down-7368185/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/so-i-ll-keep-the-doors-and-windows-locked-then-shall-i-7364844/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-13:/2009/11/13/so-i-ll-keep-the-doors-and-windows-locked-then-shall-i-7364844/Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:27:31 +0100 <p>I was woken shortly after 2am, but a police helicopter buzzing my building, shining its light into my windows. A unique experience for a country girl like me, I must say. </p> <p>Then, I put on my glasses and looked out the window, and there were several police officers in the empty lot behind the apartment house next door, sweeping the weeds with their flashlights (torches). </p> <p>How very reassuring the men in blue are on the job in my neighbourhood. Not. Guess I'll hear about it on the news, if it was anything serious. </p> <p>Just for good measure, I went and put the chain on my front door (it was locked, but, apparently being naive about the situtation in my new town, I hadn't bothered with the chain.)</p> <p>Never had anything like this in my last place. Back still hurts, hope I can get back to sleep. I'm not well pleased. </p> <p>I went out to the living room, only to find the three cats huddled up together on the sofa--a rare sight, as Flamey hates the boys--so apparently they didn't like the helicopter hovering overhead, either. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/so-i-ll-keep-the-doors-and-windows-locked-then-shall-i-7364844/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/so-i-ll-keep-the-doors-and-windows-locked-then-shall-i-7364844/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/guaranteed-way-to-improve-your-blog-stats-7364538/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-13:/2009/11/13/guaranteed-way-to-improve-your-blog-stats-7364538/Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:42:39 +0100 <p>Simply title your post: "David Tennant Nude!" </p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p><img src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01185/arts-graphics-2008_1185924a.jpg" alt="" title=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/guaranteed-way-to-improve-your-blog-stats-7364538/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/guaranteed-way-to-improve-your-blog-stats-7364538/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/uncle-7360375/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/12/uncle-7360375/Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:41:41 +0100 <p>I've surrendered. Bus company ten, me, nil. </p> <p>This is THE WORST effing bus schedule I've ever seen in my life! I've tried five times in five days, to catch a bus to the stinking mall, but...it's impossible. I called the bus company, and even the man on the phone had trouble reading his own schedule! </p> <p>So, I just won't go to the mall or Walmarts. </p> <p>I hate it here. I may not have bars on my windows or door, but I'm a prisoner, nonetheless. I want to go home. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/uncle-7360375/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/uncle-7360375/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/down-but-not-out-7358948/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/12/down-but-not-out-7358948/Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:11:01 +0100 <p>went to bed after 3am, coughing up a lung, now, I've woken at quarter to ten, with sciatica again. </p> <p>thankfully, the back isn't as bad as before, and I can sit and walk about, but gosh, it does make my life a bit of a misery.</p> <p>had weird dreams last night. Must have been the weird meal I had yesterday, for dinner. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/down-but-not-out-7358948/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/down-but-not-out-7358948/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/david-tenannt-hamlet-clup-wow-7356715/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/12/david-tenannt-hamlet-clup-wow-7356715/Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:36:11 +0100 <p>That was my only word, after watching this clip: Wow. </p> <p>Wow is a small word, that means quite a lot, when I say it. You'll have to trust me on that.</p> <p>That woman is marvelous, as is Tennant. They take those dry dusty words off the page, and breathe into it a rain that washes away the dust, and shows us that Hamlet is as revelant to the human race today, as it ever was in Shakespeare's time. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/david-tenannt-hamlet-clup-wow-7356715/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/david-tenannt-hamlet-clup-wow-7356715/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/unproductive-day-7355457/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/12/unproductive-day-7355457/Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:49:28 +0100 <p>I've just spent such a frustrating day, I feel like I've wasted 24 hours of my life for nothing. </p> <p>I had trouble sleeping, and overslept this morning. The alarm clock my friend gave me isn't working, I spent half the afternoon, trying to reach my former local social security office, to clear up an issue with my state medical insurance--and, until I do, I absolutely have no access to ANY medical care--which I need, cos' my chest congestion got so bad tonight, I couldn't keep down my dinner...and, my mystery pain in my toe is getting worse, as well...which is also very bad, cos' of all the walking I have to do. </p> <p>I tried for almost an HOUR to reach social security. Yesterday, I was on for 20 min. They work until 4pm, but refuse to answer their phones after 3.30pm. After that time, you can get through, but they put you on hold, to dead air, or, they pick up the phone and hang up on you. If they worked in the private sector, they'd be fired for that practice. The US govt. apparently encourages that sort of laziness and crap customer relations, however. And you wonder why my country is so effed up??? </p> <p>I've been trying FOUR times in the past week, to get to this stupid half-empty mall outside the city. I just wanted to get out and see something besides this dull neighbourhood and the walls of my tiny (but nice) flat. There's no parks within walking distance, and really no pleasant places to stroll...and a LOT of hills. I wasn't overly fond of walking up hills at 19, at 49, you can guess that I'm a whole lot less thrilled with that. Walking uphill--even a handicapped ramp, really puts a strain on my bad foot. </p> <p>Anyway, today I read the bus schedule, grabbed those wonderful coupons for Arby's I got in the post, and decided to go to the dodgy old mall, to get some of my favourite Arby's Roast beef and cheddar melt sandwiches, to take home. I just missed the bus...again. Ugh!!! I'm going to try one more time, tomorrow, then I'm just plain going to give up on going to the mall or Walmart. Forget it, not worth the aggravation! </p> <p>In some ways, my life has changed very little. Back in my old city, there was an hour wait between buses to get to Walmart's, and that's the same case, here. Only, in my old city, if I could spare the cash, I could take a taxi, for $5 to $6 one-way. Here, to go to the mall or Walmart one-way...roughly the same distance, from what I gather: $10 to $15 one-way. Whoa. That's really, really frustrating. I can't take a taxi here at all, to get around. That's a very ugly, ugly little surprise. </p> <p>It's no fun waiting an hour for a bus, when you are sick or in pain, or it's freezing cold...or boiling hot. It's no fun carting heavy shopping on a bus, either, by the way. And don't think I'm just talking out of my hat! </p> <p>And, I decided to make a nice dinner. I had bought some Greek turkey burgers--ground turkey patties with spinach and feta cheese added, to which I added a small amount of Cape Cod low calorie sweet & sour poppyseed salad dressing, as a condiment. With it, I had some tinned southern style seasoned cabbage, and some leftover pasta-mayonnaise salad. Not a great meal, but better for me than a Big Mac value meal, right? </p> <p>So, halfway through frying the burgers, my phone rings. It's a collection agency call for someone named Debbie. Well, I haven't changed my name, and none of the cats are named Debbie, so wrong number. </p> <p>Then, the burgers were a bust....the outside was getting overcooked, while the insides were raw..and, the turkey meat was too soft, and was falling apart. I wound up finishing the burgers off in the microwave. I ate it anyway, and while it wasn't anything to shout out about, they were...edible. But, half way through eating my dinner, someone knocked at the front door. It was a delivery guy...looking for apartment number __. My door isn't that number. My door, is clearly marked with a totally different number. I'm like, Hello! Read the number on the stinking door, that's right in your stinking face! So, I got back to my meal, only to find Flamey trying to eat my salad. Ugh. </p> <p>Then, as I said, I got congested and quite sick. So, I lay down for an hour or so and took a cat nap. Before I lay down, I treated Charlie to a saucer of milk. He's been an exceptionally good boy of late; not trying to get out, and also not chasing or teasing Flamey, so I thought I'd give him a wee reward. </p> <p>I woke up, to all this milk on the floor. I scolded Charlie for being a slob...but then, when I lifted the saucer...noticed what appeared to be a tiny crack in the saucer. Poor Charlie got scoolded for nothing, and now I have lost the saucer that goes with my blue willow pattern tea cup. Dang. It's my only tea cup and saucer I own. Well, at least I still have my tea cup. </p> <p>I got an e-mail from one of my fan-girl friends, all excited cos' apparently, she's going to bid on David Tennant's mangy old bed (she even sent me an e-mail pic of it, <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> ) Jeez--and I thought my old wooden 1900's era bed looked a little beat! This guy is a millionare, and this is what he's been sleeping on? Yikes. </p> <p>And, someone's actually going to bid...on that? Okaay then. Well, apparently it's for charity, so I wish them well with the bidding...just don't expect me to be wetting myself to bid on some skinny Scottish bloke's wroght iron nightmare. OK, to be fair, it looks like it might have been a really nice bed in its day, and I'm sure some fan-girl will be fainting with joy at the thought of sleeping where her poster boy slept. </p> <p>Anyway, I am not sure why this girl thought I'd be interested in DT's bed, but whatever makes her happy, I suppose. </p> <p>So, it's just not been a very happy or relaxing day, for me. Maybe tomorrow will be different. Not necessarily better, but...different. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/unproductive-day-7355457/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/unproductive-day-7355457/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/like-we-new-yorkers-really-need-this-right-now-7353477/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/like-we-new-yorkers-really-need-this-right-now-7353477/Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:46:58 +0100 <p>Ok, New York, like a lot of states in America, is in some really deep poo, right now. </p> <p>Although the governor's gay marriage legislation is on top of New York's legislator's lists right now--which is a good thing, the real news, is the state's rather serious budget crisis. </p> <p>Mainly, the proposed cuts in Medicaid and education. Medicaid is health care for New York's poor--from single mum's and their children to the disabled to pensioners. It's health care for those whom are too poor to qualify for private health insurance, or, for state-subsidized private health care. </p> <p>The demorcatic governor says the cuts will all be "administrative," but still, many New Yorker's are very worried. This governor has such a bad track record, that the national demoratic party has publicly requested him not to run for president in 2010. Now, that's not good. </p> <p>So, amid this big budget criss, what does our lovely governor propose doing? Changing license plates that go on our cars! </p> <p>Every decade or so, New York changes the look of its license plates. Our official state "colours" are dark blue and gold. </p> <p>The year I was born, plates were black with gold letters. In mid-60's to early 70's, license plates were dark blue with gold letters/numbers. From the mid- 70's and mid-80's, the colours were gold with dark blue letters-numbers. Then, around the time of the Statue of Libery's anniversary, we went with a plate, of white with blue letters, and a red statue of liberty...then a while ago, the state changed it yet again, to simply a white plate with blue letters. </p> <p> They also introduced regional license plates. For instance, if you lived in Saratoga County, which has a rich horse racing tradition, you could get a plate with a horsehead in a horseshoe, saying that you were from Saratoga County. In my former county, you could get a mountain scene, saying you were from Warren County, etc. They even introduced sports team liccense plates, I was told. And, if that weren't enough, you could even get plates that sported the official state bird (the bluebird), and other native wildlife. </p> <p>All for some fat extra fees to go into the state DMV coffers, I'm sure. </p> <p>So, our "new" plates for our motor vehicles, will revert back to the 70's and early 80's colours, and be gold with blue letters--a bit more flashy than the old 70's-80's version, though, with some graphic flourishes added to it. </p> <p>Which begs the question, why??? </p> <p>It's not like evyerone will have to rush out and buy new plates for their cars. What happens is, the new plates are phased in, gradually. As you change registration/plates in the normal fashion, you get a new plate. </p> <p>I'm really not clear--and so far, no news agency has bothered to ask...how will this be helpful for New York state, right now? Will it bring in extra revenues? I don't see how that could be. Will it cost less to make the new plates? Will it cost more?</p> <p> No one is asking any of these questions, but me, it seems. And I can't get a job as a journalist, so I guess I'm not going to get any answers, any time soon. </p> <p><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/1960_New_York_License_Plate.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.pl8s.com/ps-photos-7/7177.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://beam-services.ocdsb.ca/~Jonathan.Upton/yom/ny73yom.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.whyfor.com/plates/RTTURBO.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/nyc_toby/Real_and_Fake_NY_Plates.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/lylplate/images/globe.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/like-we-new-yorkers-really-need-this-right-now-7353477/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/like-we-new-yorkers-really-need-this-right-now-7353477/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/brawwwk-brawk-brawk-brwak-7348956/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/brawwwk-brawk-brawk-brwak-7348956/Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:41:58 +0100 <p>This is a bit embarrassing...cos' what it says about me, is mostly bang on. Cluck-cluck. Uh-oh, I hope Col. Sanders isn't reading this. <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>WHAT FARM ANIMAL ARE YOU?</p> <p><strong>You Are a Chicken </p> <p>You are a very observant and even snoopy creature. You are curious about the world, and you're always aware of what's going on.<br> And while you're interested in the world around you, you are also very private.</p> <p>You are protective of your personal space, and you don't like it when you feel like your boundaries are being crossed.<br> You can get along with others, even in a big group, as long as you're able to maintain your uniqueness and individuality.</strong> </p> <p><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatfarmanimalareyouquiz/">http://www.blogthings.com/whatfarmanimalareyouquiz/</a></p> <p><img src="http://images.paraorkut.com/img/funnypics/images/c/chicken_jacuzzi-11965.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/brawwwk-brawk-brawk-brwak-7348956/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/brawwwk-brawk-brawk-brwak-7348956/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/cats-7347102/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/10/cats-7347102/Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:04:45 +0100 <p>I couldn't find Charlie...until I looked in my bedroom wardrobe. I have the wee cat carrier in there, that I transported flamey here in, and for reasons only his little cat mind knows, Charlie has crawled in there, and is fast asleep. </p> <p>Last time I looked, he was snoring away on the bed...actually, that's how I found him, I followed the snoring. If Bonnie Prince Charlie was a husband instead of a cat, he'd probably be divorce material, just based on his snoring alone. Seriously, I've heard people that snore quieter than my ginger and white ten-pin bowling ball with fur. </p> <p>He was sitting on my vacuum cleaner this morning. Maybe he wants me to hoover him, again. He actually kind of gets off on being hoovered. He's definately in need of some councilling, ha-ha. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/cats-7347102/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/cats-7347102/#commentshttp://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/hello-all-7347045/tag:oldmaid.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/10/hello-all-7347045/Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:54:49 +0100 <p>Can't get rid of this blankity-blank cough! I don't know which is more bothersome; the cough or that uncomfortable feeling of fluid in my chest. Still, I think I'll be rid of this by the end of the month, unless I have a relapse. My sister keeps harping on me that I need antibiotics. I also need a higher income, not getting that, either. </p> <p>I've stopped following the health care debate and legislation in Washington, D.C. It just makes me sicker than any illness, all this stupidity and wrangling and greed-mongering over the very literal lives of millions of women, children and men. America isn't the land of sunshine and dreams a lot of people like to pretend that it is. There's a whole nightmare of ugliness and meanness that lurking in the darkness of this country...and much of it comes from perfectly ordinary, "normal" people. </p> <p>Well, I just had my blog post interrupted by a knock at the door. UPS guy. Gosh, can't resist a man in a brown uniform...if I were rich, I'd be sending stuff by UPS all the time, ha-ha. Hey, I'm an old maid, I'm not dead! <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>It's really sweet and thoughtful, that my friend has sent my cats a treat...and helpful to my budget, as well. I told my cats it was a prezzie from their auntie overseas...I swear, Flamey knew the box was for her, cos' she was climbing all over it, the minute I set it down. It was four boxes of gourmet tinned cat food. Flamey loves her gourmet cat food. The only thing she likes better, is cheese and popcorn. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Would you believe she and Charlie licked the plate completely clean already? They're sitting around washing their paws. Boots wouldn't wake up, so he lost out, I'm afraid. He was so zoned out, he slept through the man knocking at the door--normally, a knock at my door sends Boots running for cover. Well, he'll get some tonight, at their regular feeding time. </p> <p>I'm out of fries (chips) and a couple of other necessities, so I'm going out shopping up the street. I thought about trying out the buses today, but I still have some housework that needs doing in here, and some phone calls to make, so I think I'll wait to tomorrow to take a day off. </p> <p>I was tired after all the bustle of yesterday. I watched Antiques Roadshow on PBS at 8pm, then turned off the television, and hung around the computer and read an Agatha Christie book I got at the library, before turning in early. Unfortunately, about half an hour after I went to bed, I started my coughing festival again, so wound up being up until 2am, before I nodded off again. Meh, at least the cough isn't a 24 hour thing, like before, and I can sleep. Sleep's a wonderful healer. </p> <p>I'll have to figure out how to get to a supermarket this weekend. Not having a car really is a pain. A 45 minute to one-hour shopping trip by car, can easily take two hours to half a day, by bus. Not fun. </p> <p>I have a lead on a work at home job. It would be working for a former co-worker who started his own business, doing much the same work as I did at my last employer. A lot of my former co-workers have gone to work for him. All you need is a landline phone and high-speed internet...which I have. I'm going to check it out this week. The extra funds would be great, and, I wouldn't have to worry about commuting by bus. And, you don't have to live in the area, as I've been told that one of my co-workers also moved away and works for him. </p> <p>I heard from my farm-lady friend. They're strugging with the farm. It was a bad summer for haying and other crops, as June and July were unusually cool and wet. They lost some calves at birth. Had to sell several heifers--including my lovely Paige, to help pay the feed bill. She's not working, so all they have is the farm income, and the income from her guy's job as a NY state lock tender. I hope she finds a good job, soon. </p> <p>New York is doing their best to assist family farmers--agriculture is one of this state's top industries...still, from what I'd heard back in October, it's not really going to be enough, and some farmers are going to go under. For people who don't care about that, think about the extra you'll have to pay for your food, when it's got to be shipped from a longer distance...and about the higher taxes you'll pay when local businesses go under and can't pay their taxes--true, farmers get tax breaks, but they still have taxes nevertheless, not just business-related taxes, but all the same taxes as their non-farming neighbours...and, there's land taxes, as well. Farmers have hundreds of acres they have to pay taxes on. </p> <p>Well, no snowfall today. It's overcast, but not cold, not by my standards, anyway. It was colder in October, than it is in November. Of course, where I was living was a good 10 degrees or more colder, than where I'm living now. </p> <p>I have to be very careful with spending. I had to get some things I needed for my new place. I'm a bit nervous about spending the $50 to go to my sisters. I only get one cheque on the 3rd of each month, and there simply isn't anything else. Just like the food stamps, once it's gone, it's gone forever, there's nothing more until the next check comes on the 3rd of the next month, and the 7th (when I get food stamps). Hand-to-mouth existance, they call it, and people who don't live on a fixed income, are really clueless how hard that sort of life really is. </p> <p>Save your supermarket recipts for a month, see if you could live on $200 from the 7th to the 7th! I looked it up, $200.00 equals 119.511 GBP. </p> <p>Well, I'm off for a jaunt up the road to the shop. Hope you all are having a good day. Cheers. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/hello-all-7347045/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://oldmaid.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/hello-all-7347045/#comments