Space Cadet/ Calamity Jennie

Sooo, I've been lying (laying?) here for the past few hours trying to nod off with little success. My mind will not switch off at all, which, after the day I've had is ridiculous! Most of the day has been spent trying to keep my eyes open. My Mum will moan at me later on when she sees this as I did say I wouldn't touch my IPod or phone tonight. Sorry Mum, I got bored.. It's hot and I'm awake.


I've been in the wars, again. Full on concussion. From, wait for it.... The corner of a wooden shelf! Yup, my poor skull had a lovely little argument with it and lost. The shelf is quite happily still in place, gloating, sharp corner and all. Whereas I ended up with a headache over night and passing out the next day from dizziness. A lovely bruised lump has appeared; fortunately just behind my hairline. I look a little like a Conehead when I tie my hair back so methinks I'll be keeping it down for the foreseeable future. A trip to Margate Hospital later and I'm a space cadet... And quite happy about it! I have all ready stated to the friend who owns it that I will not be coming round again until said shelf is removed from all it's glory.. *Evil shelf. Grumble. Grumble.*


My matey Phil text me this afternoon, after I'd sent an explanatory text of just why I couldn't answer the phone due to a core splitting headache. His response? "Calamity Jennie strikes again!" Phil is spot on with this remark. I've known him 4 years, and in those years I've had: a broken collar bone, a broken toe, swine flu, torn ligaments, fat lip, another broken toe, multiple falling down scars, multiple horse riding injuries... I could go on but you get the picture. Phil's had a full report on all of these as he has this amazing innate knack of calling me just as these accidents happen.


When I first me Phil I remember sitting in the pub next to an open fire and explaining that I was slightly illness and accident prone. He worked at Pfizer and joked that I'd met the right person. I don't think he quite realized how serious I was. He soon learned when I turned up to his birthday party in a posh frock and my arm in a sling! Ten days after a broken bone I still managed to bake him a triple decker birthday cake, single handedly (boom boom!) AND drink and dance the night away.. (After reading that back to myself I can't help thinking I was either awesome that day, or incredibly stupid).


Anywho, I've completely lost the plot of my post and cannot remember the point I was going to make. But I'm awake, drugged up and in pain so I'll leave it there for now.


Night all!


Calam x

Respect where respect is due.

It's been a while, again. I haven't really had anything much to talk about if I'm honest. Work has kept me under the radar. It's all been a bit doom and gloom, and let's face it, the weather hasn't helped!


I wasn't going to blog the doom and gloom part, but I felt, out of respect I should least write a little note:


Sadly, both Canterbury and Thanet Councils have lost some dear lovely Councillors recently. The late Brian Goodwin passed away back in May (One of my favourite Councillors to have ever worked with) and left a gaping hole in TDC. A quick on-the-trot by election followed. This was a double edged sword for me, because not only was I mourning the loss of a friend and colleague ... I was dropped into the deep end, fighting a By Election. Which we lost, by the way. Not by far, and not because we didn't try. Our candidate James was awesome but it just wasn't ours to keep. C'est la Vie. We didn't win the battle but doesn't mean we won't win the war... I can almost feel Brian putting a hand on my shoulder and saying "S'alright Pet" which is a small comfort I guess.


Margaret Sheldrick, formerly a Councillor for Birchington and Chairman of TDC lost her battle with the big C a few weeks ago. She moved to Cyprus back in November and her presence has been missed ever since. She used to pop in to the office for a catch up and chat away about the most random of subjects and catch up on the political gossip. She taught me a lot on how to work with Councillors (Not saying for an instant that they can be difficult, no, never!!) For such a tiny little woman she had so much power and strength, I was told she fought the cancer to the very end. I couldn't see it any other way really.


Then of course, the sad tidings of Hazel McCabe last week. This wonderful lady was the spirit of the Council, having stood for Blean since 1973! I'd only got to known Hazel a little in the past year, but what I saw of her, I couldn't help but love. She was so passionate about what she believed in. I always respect and admire someone who fights for her ideals. It was Full Council last night, and it was lovely to see so many people come to pay their respects, no matter what their political background. So, By Election to follow in Blean shortly. On the brighter side, this is not my patch for work so I do not get dropped in the deep end. However, I'm sure I'll be helping in some way or other.


It's funny how people can mould and shape your life. Each of these lovely people were not necessarily close to me, but all had a significant impact on my life and views in the last few years. Each of them taught me different ways of looking at things, and their insight into life and living was invaluable. 


You will be missed.