2013? Bring it on!

Where to start? I normally don't bother with resolutions; they get bent and broken so easily.Instead I'm going for hopes and aspirations, after last year being a bit of a big cock up, it'll be interesting to see how these pan out. A new, fresh start:

1. I'm going to support my Mum and watch her kick the big "C"'s arse. We're half way there but she has still got a long time to go. I know I cannot cure it, but a positive attitude and help when I can is a must. As with most people, we're close to our parents. Mum and I created a strong bond over the time I was ill. Fighting all the way, and I'll be there with her.

2. Learn new things and have different experiences. (Without being alcoholically challenged!) Perhaps finally learn an instrument, or go back to playing the piano and develop my skills. Go back to learning another language. It's been too long since I've done something practical, I enjoy learning and I should utilise this further. I now have the time, rather than watching films, or sitting in the pub I will make sure that I will be proactive with expanding my horizons. (Admittedly signing up to a 200 mile bike ride was a little bit of a crazy moment, but that will be.... Interesting, a challenge??)

3. Keep my head down and work hard. I have a new job starting soon, it's a chance for a whole new career and life. So many options from it.. Thou shalt not cock it up. I want my own place and to prove things can be accomplished on my own.

4. Support Herne Bay in any way, shape or form that I can do and not just on a Council level. So many events to plan that are all just going to get bigger and better as the year goes on. I'm looking forward to my 2nd year in the BayPromoTeam. They've become a second family, They are all crazy in their own ways but what we've managed to accomplish is totally amazing, long may that continue (and Gerald's amazing costumes!)

5. Dive the US Thistlegorm. I've been to Egypt god knows how many times, I miss out. This isn't a hope, this is happening.  My idol Jacques Cousteau discovered it, I need to do this wreck. I'm back to Egypt on my own this time. I'm quite excited about this. The Thistlegorm is a war grave, a very sad wreck from 1941, but it's probably one of the most interesting wrecks ever. Full cargo.

6. Last and final one, to learn to be happy for myself and myself alone. This is going to be the hardest one, but against 6 months ago, there's no comparison as to what I feel about my life. I just must look to the next 6 months and see what I can accomplish. As Mr Shakespeare once said, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players". Time for me to take a main role.

To the family, friends and crazies who seem to like hanging about with me, thank you for everything. XX

Life, 2013, bring it on. I'm ready and waiting! Just let me get out of bed and over this damn hangover first...

Herne Bay Expo - Come one and all

There's nothing I can say.. So watch this instead!

Annual Projects and Business Exhibition

Celebrate Herne Bay at the Community, Projects & Business Open Day 2012

Visit the Community, Projects & Business Open Day on Wednesday 21 March from 2pm - 7pm at the Kings Hall, Herne Bay.                                                                   

It's an opportunity to engage with many local businesses and get an update on the great progress made on Herne Bay’s regeneration and community projects over the last 12 months, as well as seeing some exciting plans for the future. You will also be able to have a closer look at some of the services offered by the city council.

City councillors and project officers will be available to answer your questions and provide more information about the projects featured.

Some of the stands you can expect to see include: 

• QE2 Jubilee Park application
• The future options for Herne Bay Pier
• The seafront improvement plan
• The plans to refurbish the world renowned clock tower
• Bay Card – the loyalty card for Herne Bay
• Herne Bay Festival 2012
• Herne Bay Museum
• Play Provider Network
• Herne Bay in Bloom
• Bay Arena and Herons Leisure Centre

Please put this date in your diary and tell your colleagues, friends and neighbours - everyone is welcome to come along and help celebrate the good things that are happening in Herne Bay.

For further information please contact Patrick Rynne on 01227 862329 or Angela Furlong on 01227 862400.

Family of the Furry Kind.

Very sad day in the Edwards Household yesterday... My little Cookie-Monster had to be put down. To anyone who is currently rolling their eyes and thinking that it's just a cat, get over yourself Jen.. Please leave this page now.


Animals teach us to love unconditionally. They are the one thing you know that you may never count on and yet want them around not matter what. (The little buggers really get to you!) I am a major animal lover and have always had a moggie in tow. Even though the first cat I ever really had contact with hated me with a vengeance till the day he passed, I still loved him to bits. (I still have the scars to prove it!) Inspector Gadget was evil. But awesome all the same


Cookie-monster  was a rescue from the Herne Bay/ Canterbury branch of Cat's Protection League. Found in a field at about 8 weeks, never to have had human contact before only to be lumped with me after a scary few days in someone's bathroom. I will never forget going to see her, she was such a bright spark for such a little thing. She won me over within moments of meeting her; she was so tiny she fitted on my right hand. We'd adopted Solimonster as an adult so I hadn't done the whole kitteny thing. I refuse to buy a cat when there's so many that need a loving home all ready.


She came home with me one sunny afternoon back in August '09 and then spent the next two weeks hiding under my bed, refusing to come out and shivering when touched. I finally managed to coax her out with the promise of food. Gradually, from then onwards, the only time you'd see her is when she'd climb up on the bed, perch on my shoulder for a mini cuddle before disappearing under the bed again. How tiny? --->


The process of getting her out of the bedroom and into the house was a slow and painful one. She was the shyest thing possible, it took months just to get her to stray into the living room. Don't even get me started on trying to get her to go outside! A leaf would fall down and she'd be shivering under the table.


I'd spent nearly 3 years with this wonderful kittencat as company. She was mine. She'd talk back to me and no one else, she'd follow me around the house and we had a very special bond. I'd miss her as much as she missed me. I especially loved waking up in the morning to find her perched on my shoulder, staring at me with "WAKE UP.. I NEED FEEDING!!" expression. She was always so kind not to paw at me, would patiently wait there for hours until I felt the need to be horizontal. Soli, on the other hand, would have no qualms on jumping on you, pawing you or even biting you to get attention.


She developed FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) back in November. Poor thing started to go to the loo indoors, which she'd never done before. You could tell she'd suddenly lost that spark of wonderment and fun. She constantly needed the loo, blood started to go everywhere and she just wanted to curl up and be loved. I spent many an hour massaging her belly for her, something she came to really enjoy. Feline cystitis is supposedly ridiculously painful. Problem was she was causing it herself. She'd been stressed out by two local bully toms, and the situation just got worse. We tried every medical technique, drugs, tests over the next few months. I refused point blank to give in to drastic options. She'd perk up a little, then suddenly all hell would once again break loose. I even tried making her an in-door cat which just plain stressed her out even more. I knew I was running out of options fast.


I thought things were better, then a few days ago I came home to what was such an upsetting scene; she was cowering under the table and there were blood spots littered across the living room floor. I just couldn't take it any more, it played on my mind for a few days; I didn't care about the mess, I just couldn't bring myself to put her through more pain. Mum accompanied me to the vets and I then spent the next few hours in floods of tears. I had a lovely cuddle with her before saying goodbye and I'll never ever forget her.




I knew I'd done the right thing. Although, that is the first and last time I ever want to play god. I was glad to have had her in my life, albeit a short period and I hope that she was happy too. I feel odd today, such a surreal feeling to think she will not be there when I get home any more. I have to try and remember the great moments, and perhaps one day I'll feel up to finding another stray in her honour as I'm sure she'd be quite upset to know there's no one sitting on her favourite patch of the sofa.

January part 2

January's doom and gloom seems to carry on and on, will it never end? I'm not going to even mention the opening batting of our boys down in Dubai.. ...Well actually, I will. 

My high hopes for this year went flying out the window within a space of a few hours yesterday. What a crap start!  I got up this morning hoping it was all a dream, we'd done ok at least and onwards and upwards. I then downloaded a Live Cricket app for my Windows phone, only to discover the scorecard racking up runs for Pakistan. I then realise in my frustration of seeing this news; that I'm talking loudly at my phone as I walk down the street to work with quite a few strange looks on the way. Great start to the day Jennie, just great. The day just carried on in this tone...

In other news, I was saddened to hear of Dave Lees' passing on Monday. Cancer is a terrible disease which effects not only the sufferer but everyone around them.  Dave did wonders for his charity, Happy Holidays, and I managed to have the pleasure of fund raising with him once. Professional and passionate to the core he was a gem to know. 


On a happier note. T minus 10 days and counting till the big one. Even better it's 11 days till I can stop stressing!