MARCH 2006
20/03/2006
Look whose back! (Again)
Yeah, it’s me (again). And I’ve decided to make another version of my poxy little website. What do ya think? Ok, so I admit it, it does kill time writing on here but I doubt I’ll be doing it on a daily basis (and I can’t guarantee a regular basis either!). So, what happened after I left the site? Well I had that interview with McDonalds and got the job! But I hated it and after one day, I was gone. But I did want to be doing something… I couldn’t just leave it at that could I? So I didn’t. I went to the job centre and was asked how I’d feel about doing a work preparation and personal development course. And that’s how I ended up doing an office stint voluntarily. At first though, it was more about personal development and then it moved onto work preparation with Scout Enterprises Western, a non profit organisation whom help those considered disadvantaged (how many times have I said that?) And it was due to being with them that I ended up going to College. Then they started smashing up Bristol and the little office I worked in (which is fine cos I didn’t like it much anyway) and I still attend College. I now hold a Level 1 CLAIT Certificate and plan on doing more courses at College (I am now doing ECDL Level 2). So apart from that, I’m still learning to drive. Nick has his own flat, Trish is still alive n well (unfortunately), Nichola went to College like me but had to give it in but now wants to find work and I’m sure she will! Gemma is a trainee Lawyer for Lyons & Davidson Solicitors, Mike is doing some kinda vocational course and not living with his parents anymore and Chris is in trouble with the law.
Oh, and I’m 21 years old now and had a really amazing 21st Birthday in a stretch Hummer H2 Limousine and went to TGI Fridays.
21/03/2006
Under Construction
Still battling with the carers and now I just can’t give a toss. So nothing much has changed on that front. My site is still under reconstruction and it’s doing ok. Very red (as I’m sure you can see). I’m using NetObjects fusion 9 and it does seem to have improved some. I remember designing the 2nd version of my site on NetObjects fusion 6 and that was very unstable at times. I’m also looking round for a good host for this site. Can’t say I’ve made my mind up on one yet. Apart from that I’ve just been doing some gardening and had a driving lesson where I discovered a woman who has been driving for 12 years… without a license
23/03/2006
My P.O.V: Carers
As many of you know, I have been a carer for my mum for almost 6 years now and in that time I have had to endure some extremely outrageous claims and exaggerations from the South Gloucestershire Council homecare service which has left me satirically bitter towards there staff, my own role and even my own home. It has also formed part of the decay in the relationship between me and my mother. It has ranged from not having the kitchen/bathroom clean before they get here and even refusing to empty my mum’s commode as a kind of protest (which I have contacted my MP over). Well, I’m at a loss now and I really am at breaking point. If a real solution doesn’t arise soon, then it really is over and I will have to refuse to do absolutely anything to benefit them. I have also considered moving out and had trialled this however, due to other reasons concerning my own safety and wellbeing, it has not been viable. But there maybe one solution left... I could always live in a Renault 11. I feel driven out of my own home because I live here… I don’t work here… the people whom I need respect from the most are those whom use my home as there workplace and it seems that in turn, I need respect from them too. But I obviously seem to lack there respect as when they discovered I have ceased my role as a carer, I was ridiculed by them. I’m out of Ideas… I’m at a loss… what can I do?
25/03/2006
Lost hour
Where have you lot gone? Nobody is around… Oh well. I know Nick and waffs are either in Yorkshire or on there way back from Yorkshire pudding land. Has anybody noticed that little paperclip in MS Office often looks depressed? I feel like I’m talking to it actually… But yeah, I’ve just spent the last 6 hours playing Panzer Dragoon Saga and I’ve got quite far into it actually. It’s a good game; I remember it well when it was first released on the Sega Saturn in 1998. It’s like chasing my lost weekends as a teenager… only in my twenties. Speaking of wasted teenage weekends, I watched “Not another Teen Movie!” th9is afternoon and it was quite outrageous at times… I’m just gonna go play more Panzer Dragoon Saga I think.
28/03/2006
Simon’s Guide: Smoking Cessation
In case you haven’t heard, I am officially an ex-smoker and although I’ve had a little slip here n there, I no longer smoke. So I thought I’d compile a little guide on how I did it. I hope it helps you if you decide to make one of the best decisions in your life!
Step 1 – REALLY want it to happen!
It’s no good thinking that patches or any other form of NRT is gonna do all the work for you. When they say you need willpower, they really do mean it! You really have to want to give up and it might not be a bad idea to come up with a list of reasons as to why you want to stop and what you would like to achieve from this. Bare in mind that the most important thing in the list is YOU! Look at the benefits on the web to give you some idea (IE health, financial, the future etc). Why not make this list on a pocket sized pad and keep it in your pocket for when you need a little reminder as to why you’re doing this?
Step 2 - N.R.T in position?
Although some mange to give up cold turkey (and I salute them), not everyone is Superman/Superwoman and so Nicotine Replacement Therapy (N.R.T) can be of huge benefit. I used patches but there are also Lozenges, Gum & Inhalors. You may also be able to get Zyloban which is only abvailiable on prescription. Also, the other forms of NRT that I have described can be obtained on prescription, just ask your doctor who can help in many ways or even your pharmacist.
Step 3 – Craving Busting
There are a few ways of dealing with this. I found that keeping my mind occupied with puzzles and other such things helped with the psychological cravings as it pushes it out of your mind leaving no room for the desire to want a cigarette. Also, try avoiding areas where you know you will be exposed to smoking (Bars, Clubs etc) and if you work in such a place, try finding somewhere else to work and then quit once you are settled into your new job as I seriously do not recommend attempting taking on such a large challenge so early on. Just take each day at a time and don’t forget to reward yourself once in a while!
I wish you the best of luck and I hope that my small guide helps!
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