Please excuse me I have had 4 of those today - apparently that constitutes binge drinking, if you read the paper here that is...

I tried to go shopping for some shoes today in Hastings, and found that it was an impossible task. Unless of course I happened to be about 60 years old and was looking for a pair of homey-peds. I think I spelt that wrong, but you get the idea, those old people shoes.... Looks like I have been given a mission! Will let you know how that one goes...at least I work in Brighton!

We (Mark kindly came on the re-con with me) ended up at the pier - which is quite touristy - and I did find a skirt that I could almost wear - if wasn't such a tight-arse. But anyway, went to the gritty palace,not a bad pub. Every pint we bought gave us a raffle ticket in a draw for a hamper. The basket was really nice - perfect for picnics, or the laundry. Filled with all sorts. McVitties biscuits..Mmmm. Mince pies, a bottle or two of beer, cheese, more plain biscuits. Mmmm verrrry nice. There are also a bunch of board games in the pub as well, so we had a few rounds of back gammon - goes down nicely with the beer. We didn't win the hamper though, and we did have about 12 tickets - but the bar maid even gave us a few extra... - Ha ha, we weren't meant to win it.

I'll be blogging from home now, it's easier than at work. So expect some more of this random thinking.....

St. Leonards - the next town or suburb alon from Hastings is quite Moe-esk... A bit run down and grey..

I finally took up my swimming challenge last Tuesday, after saying for a couple of weeks that I was going to go 'tomorrow'. Anyway the local pool is about 5 minutes walkk from the train station so I got to it and went along. I think people may have thought I was a bit strange. I went in, paid and walked into the change room with my bag. It was all stalls and lockers, so I picked the stall clotest to me, shut the door and started to get changed. Next thing you know, I can hear mens voices, right next to my stall. Not a good sign I'm thinking, I've bloody gone and walked into the wrong change rooms, what do you do?? So I decided I had imagined it, and continued to get changed.
So there I am kitted out in my togs and bath towel and ready to step out of the stall, a bit weirded out. But then I heard a female voice, was placated and opened the door. I step out into a uni-sex change room which was a bit more than strange. Shortly after found that I didn't have a pound coin for the locker and walked around weirded out for about 5 minutes trying to figure our what to do with my bag while I was swimming. I swear peolpe must've thought I was a freak.... Mind you the whole changeing room experience did leave me feeling like I was in a strange place.

I did go shopping yesterday in Brighton which was kinda fun, in a frenzied 1 hour sort of way. I've been needing some new sneakers/trainers and jeans. I don't fit into the ones I had made in Vietnam anymore - they shank, and that's the story I'm sticking too ok? Anyway I ended up getting 2 tops, a pair of jeans, jacket and a truly exciting 5 pack of socks at some cheap shops. I do love the bargain hunt, Maybe I couldn't handle being rich...? Naaaahhh Anyway, I still have some spare cash for some shoes if they have any in Brighton that I like.

Anyway, I feel like a pizza, so I'm off to make one. Mmmmm piza, and popcorn.

Wa hay!!! Good news to post today! My interview went really well and it looks as though I now have a permanent position with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance!! I should get confirmation of it tomorrow, it just needs to be signed off at HR and then I switch from being a temp to being gainfully employed with a charity again! Let the partnership begin....



Not much else has been going on this week really. It's been hell busy at work, which is great, I'm learning more and the days are flying by.

Last weekend was reasonably quite. On Saturday I got a few things done that have been waiting for a while - like getting my camera fixed - or at least sending it in to be fixed. Hopefully it won't cost me a fortune, but I won't know until they write to me with the quote.

On Sunday Mark and I walked up to the country park to see how Spring was coming on, and it is truly beautiful out there right now. Bluebells, daffodils and blossoms on the branches. Plus it's light now until about 8.30 and getting lighter, so some picnic dinners after work are in order I think, once it's a touch warmer...

Anyway, it's Friday tomorrow, and the much awaited weekend again. Ahh, I'll be off shopping on Saturday, and then Sunday off to work for a friend. Not too much happening really, but the weekend after is the May Day celebrations, which sound like a bit of fun. Sue is coming down for that and hopefully a few other mates, but that remains to be seen...

Until next post - x

Well the weekend has been and gone, as per usual a mite too quickly! All the same, it was a good one. On Saturday Mark and I traveled up to London for a friends birthday party. It was a pretty good night, although unfortunately Sue couldn't come because she was ill, and Em was nowhere to be seen! Ach well, fun was had all the same, some good music, a few beers and chatting to new and interesting people. It was quite a late night/early morning and when we finally stumbled out of the pub it was a little bit of a mission to get a cab back to Peckham.
Mark decided the first one we got into was too expensive and after 'bargaining' with the cabby we got out and traipsed down the street in search of another, which fortunately we found reasonably quickly!

On the Sunday (after a couple of panadol) we went into London for a walk along the Thames with Amber - Mark's 7 y.o niece. Was a really nice day and lots was happening on the banks of the river - mimes, balloon twisters, games, music all sorts of things. It was good to get out and see some new and different things. Amber got a little freaked out by a 'human statue' which was kinda funny. As we were walking towards the gold seated man we asked her if he was a statue or not. She wasn't too sure so went up to touch him, and came back to let us know she was sure he wasn't 'real'. After watching him for a few moments, he moved to a different position, and the look on Amber's face was priceless!

After that it was back to Peckham for a Sunday roast! YUM! As Amber said, her Nan is the best cook in the world, and she's not far wrong, although I can't bring myself to admit she's better than my Dad - sorry.

I came back to Hastings on the Sunday night, but Mark's had to stay on in London for work. So at the moment I have the flat to myself, which isn't so bad although a little quiet. Still it gives me a chance to get some things done that I would otherwise put aside for another time... Ha ha, fun things like washing!

Also this week I've been able to apply for permanency in my position here! I've only just sent in my application, and should know by Friday if I have an interview, an

Well the time to blog has come around again, and really this one is just to let you all know that I'm still alive and kicking, but not actually kicking anyone imparticular.

Nothing amazing has happened. I've just been working and doing the day to day routine things. This weekend I'm off to London for a party with Mark. Sue and Em are coming along as well so it should be a good chance to catch up and have some fun.

Last weekend was reasonably quiet, on Sunday we went down to a different park (for a change) in the centre of town - Alexandra gardens. Strange how so many places here are named the same as home - or not so strange depending on how you look at it. Was nice to sit out in the sun, have a few beers and eat some (more) yummy food. But then again not the most exciting thing to be writing home about.

The weather has gone bad again though and outside it's drissle and cold with a northly wind. Hate those north winds, they really get into your bones. Gawd! I sound like an old woman! I suppose I should leave it there before I start moaning about my joints....