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.

The great thing about hitting a low...

.. is that there's always going to be a high afterwards. Well, I can hope can't I? Having one of "those" days this week. I'm not the negative type but I'm known for having "those" days every so often. I'm not actually on about PMT or women's problems when I refer to this all. So before you get freaked out, icky and leave my blog I'll explain; tis more of a bit of whinge on my blog but hey.. It's always good to talk!

This morning, I got to bed quite a bit past 2am after a busy night (No alcohol involved might I add) . Set my alarm late so that I could get that extra 20 minutes snooze time. I struggle to get out of bed most mornings. I'm quite vocal on the fact I LOVE my bed...but no oh no. ..7am.. Ker-ching! I'm awake, very crabby and knowing that I could get another hour's sleep is not helping the mood. From this moment on I just know life's going to side against me for the rest of the day. I might as well go to work a few minutes earlier, just because I can, then its over and done with. So up I get...  Dress for work. The normal routine.. A tired and grumpy Jen office bound. It's like a scene from Dawn of the Dead....uuuuurrgh.


I'd forgotten a few boxes of worky stuff in my other car so thought it would be clever to take the the DS for a run to offload it. What I'd forgotten was that my office keys are on Eric (The Proton's) set, so I soon to get to work burdened down with boxes to discover that my colleague is off for the day and I have no way of getting into the office. Yippee!


Well, now logic dictates that getting to and from Herne Bay to pick up my other keys would take about half an hour. My other colleagues were due about the same time so I made the executive decision to sit on the little wall beside the office and wait. In the meantime I discover that my phone is dead. I was going to charge it when I got into the office, but of course, that didn't work out... HUFF.. I can't even text! So now I'm locked out my office and unable to call the bossman to let him know where I am and why I'm not answering the damn office phone which I can hear ringing over and over on the other side of the wall. 


By now I'm about to commit homicide unless I get my caffeine fix. Parking had been difficult; I had to walk quite a way to the office. Couldn't be bothered to trudge the boxes back to the car so I head off down into the town in search of my drug of choice, laiden with said boxes. Only discover I left my debit card at home and the only change I have on me is a EURO!! ONE BLOODY EURO!! I grumpily trudge back up to my wall now in a stinking huff. Not knowing the time and half wanting to cry. (I know, I'm a drama queen).
I remember that I have my Ipod in my bag (Yippee!)  and discover that, once again, the battery has nearly failed (Blast!) . I write a sarcastic facebook status (as one does) and then that decides to give up on me too.


Sitting on the wall I contemplated life, space and the possibility of evil blue chickens. Then what feels like a day later, one of my colleagues turns up. I realise when I get into the office that she's actually running mega late so I wasn't going crazy.  So near enough an hour later I'm finally at my desk, cuddling my coffee mug and doing a fine Gollum impression "My Preeeeeeeecious". A few sips of caffiene heaven later I discover my internet is dead to the world. Fortunately it only lasts 20 minutes. I troubleshoot and work my IT magic only for my work email to go up the swanney.  Wonderful. Simply Wonderful.


The last of my woes on this fine Thursday morning.. I get up to make another drink to see weird whitish marks on my chair. I take a closer look to realise it had transferred from my skirt which now has a lovely pebble dash effect. Turns out that sitting on that wall, contemplating life wasn't so clever when it was covered in Seagull crap!


Happy Thursday everyone. This is my saga so far... I've officially given up on today. My bed is calling me. However, just remember what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger and hopefully my day will pick up! ;-) 

BayPromoTeam.. Doing what we do best.

We've been hard at work in and around the Bay with an aim to promote the town to it's full potential. We're a collective team of like minded individuals (NO POLITICS, ahem. ) who all are aiming for the same thing.. the progress and promotion of Herne Bay.

For starters, Project Palm Tree has really taken off, we've had numerous press releases and are making great steps with the Council. Hopefully by 2013 we'll be able to have the Herne Bay Riviera in place. The guys have been squirreling away, behind the scenes trying to get permissions for this to work. Cannot wait to see the results!

In other news, we've started up an awards scheme for the town. The first "Flagship Business Award" going to Abi Calder of the Activity Box (Mortimer Street). We'll be doing a presentation with a trophy this afternoon.

You can find more about the wonderful little shop by going here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Activity-Box/131056393633133 I highly recommend it. Wonderful fun for all the family.

See.. Just shows you what a little positive attitude can accomplish. Looking forward to the Herne Bay Festivities once the Summer (weather) commences! Not to mention I best start sorting out my Carnival Costume for this year... Just wait till you see what we have lined up!!

If you haven't all ready done so. Check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/baypromoteam and add add add! We have all the latest news and happenings and not to mention we now even have a mobile app!

A Little Bike ride

Soooo... I got my bike out today. It's been about 3 years. Two flat tyres.. Quite a bit of rust and lo and behold needing a little bit of TLC. (A little bit meaning quite a lot!)


I pop round to Daddy Edwards' magical mystery shed to see what he can do and within 10 minutes my tyres were blown, the chain oiled and, well, the rust is still there but I don't mind. I'm not perfect.. why should my bike be too? A little rust adds character. I swear it.


It also turned out I shouldn't bother to use my back brake.. Which was fineeeeee;  by the time I'd squeezed on the front brake the noise factor made sure that anyone within a 300 meter radius knew I was there. Handy when you don't have a bell! But highly embarrassing when everyone who sees you looks at you as if you're a public nuisance (or nutter!)


I leave my parents to pop home and grab my drinks bottle and a jumper et al. Climbed on, wiggled the handlebars and set off... only to brake at the end of the drive by the pavement and nearly end up on the floor. Making things that little bit worse; two youngish lads walk down on said pavement, sniggering away at my uselessness. Nice start Jen; weak legs and not a clue how to ride.... Whoever said that you never forget how to ride a bike needs a short sharp punch. It's lies. I looked a muppet.


So, after collecting my bits and bobs... off I went. I live the "Kings Hall end" of Herne Bay. Not even 2 minutes walk to the beach. I like it that way. Natural outstanding beauty on my doorstep. I don't think I could ever live away from the seaside now. It gets under your skin. That and of course, pubs are on the seafront. This aids my love just a little bit more really.


I headed towards Hillborough, a nice straight route for the "learner" cyclist. I'd only gone out to test my skills and to see how the bike faired. Next thing I know I was there and not wanting to turn back. Dog walkers and cyclists were out all round. I couldn't blame them. It's been such a glorious day. 

I thought it would be rude not to try out the new Oyster Bay Trail to Reculver. I trudged up the hill at Hillborough (walking.. I'm not that fit!) and had great fun on the new track around Bishopstone Glen. I kind of wanted to stop and do it all again as it reminded me of being a kid with those kind of "go faster" hills. Before you say it.. My brakes made sure everyone knew I was coming round the bends!


Next thing you know I'm over hill and down dale in front of the beautiful towers. The sea was like a mill pond. If it wasn't the fact it was only March I'd be out waterskiing. But hey ho.. That's one for later in the year.


By now the adrenaline was running high. I'd joked earlier that I'd stop at Minnis Bay for a pint. Little did I actually realise I'd manage it. Yes.. I cycled straight past the towers, resisted the urge for a swift one at the Ethelbert and straight on track to the Minnis. (Everyone's got to have a target.. By then it was a pit stop with a pint!)


I got to the Minnis in 50 minutes flat. I was so chuffed at myself; until I came to a halt and realised I couldn't quite make it off the bike. My legs had turned to jelly. I also had a slight ache in the gluteus maximus region that wasn't there before. (I think I managed to put that very politely!)


I laid out on a picnic table bench with some amazing music in my ears (Seth Lakeman, Frank Turner and U2, if anyone's interested) and disappeared into a nice daze for half an hour whilst slowly supping on a nommy pint of Gadd's whatnot. By then I was slightly tempted to call the parents to see if they'd pick me up.. Jelly legs had really hit in. Also by then, my pint had begun to take effect. Lazy days by the sea; you can't really go wrong.


I started to people watch; only to find a chap walking up on what could only be described as one gigantic horse onto the beach. By the time he'd got him onto the sand and let him play in the water I think I'd fallen in love. (To be fair, I couldn't see what this chap looked like.. by my god he could ride. That was enough. I think I got up from my bench and stood royally perving for a good five minutes before I realise what I'd actually been doing.) He then decided to go for a royal gallop up the beach. By then my enthusiasm for heading back had been spiked by wanting to watch this man on such an elegant horse. So I got on my bike and followed him up on the grass. Of course I couldn't catch up but I did manage to take a couple of shots of such a magnificent sight, I'll only put one up as so not to bore you all:

I didn't want to leave. It was pretty mesmerising. I spent the next part of my journey wishing I had a horse rather than a bike. Although I probably would ache far, far more.


By then, my energy levels had peaked so I headed back towards the towers. Not that I could see them. A haze had dropped over the seafront and gave this eerie glow with the sun trying to break through. I pottered back across and took another photo. Get me with my camera phoneyness! I was quite chuffed with this as I think it does the haze that I'd described some justice.


Anywho, I managed to make it all the way home. I was very proud. I had to stop on the lovely green patch after the towers. My poor legs really couldn't take the up hill battle. My glutes had begun to ache just that little bit more but I still managed to have the greatest of fun down the Hillborough track. Got a fast speed up and wooosh... Almost as fun as being at Thorpe Park! 


I'm home now. It took me just over two hours with my pint stop. I'm about to pour a bath with TONS of aromatherapy oils in as I have a great feeling I shall be needing the 'therapy part.  


I'm meant to don 4 inch heels for my friend's 21st birthday party tomorrow night. Good luck to that one me thinks!

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.

All about ME... Part 1.

Someone asked me to explain the history of my illness the other day. I don't know how I can compact this into a blog post without writing a whole essay.. It's quite a task! Gradual parts, I think, is the way forward. I didn't realise quite how much of it I blocked out my brain until I talked about it with my parents a little while ago. Hopefully it makes sense; here it goes:


Growing up; I was a bubbly blonde happy go lucky girl who took part in practically everything. I loved life and spent most my time at gymnastics, sea cadets, dance, cycling and tons of other things. I loved school, I was a normal kid who was rarely ill.


Age 10: I moved schools due to moving house. (Big Mistake of life No1.) I missed my friends chronically and for some reason I could not glue into this school whatsoever.


Age 11: I moved into a class where I didn't get on well with most of my class mates. I only had one friend (The wonderful Beth, who is still near and dear to me) and my teacher decided to put her into a different class to me. 


I got bullied, physically and mentally by a few girls in my class. One would even be as so bold to kick my legs on the way home from school despite walking back with my own mother.  I got sworn at, spat at and pretty much humiliated in front of my whole class on a regular occasion. Kids can be so cruel.  The reason? Because I spoke nicely. Supposedly I was too "posh" to fit in. I'm a very friendly and open person and it really got me down. I also got accused of stealing a (cheap and half used) lipstick by a girl who then spread the rumour through the whole year. I hated not being liked and for some reason I wasn't just disliked.. I was pretty much hated. Not that I was ever popular in my previous school but this was another level of loserdom. I didn't want to go to school any more; it was misery. I pretty much didn't want to be alive anymore. My family and Beth were about the only things keeping me going.


Not that I knew it for many years until being told by Great Ormond Street, but I'd actually contracted Glandular Fever through my brother at the same time. It all went downhill from there. The combination of the Kent Test (11+), being bullied badly and the GF my body started to cave in. I couldn't eat without being in pain, I lost so much weight and I physically couldn't get out of bed anymore. My body ached all over, my throat was sore, my glands were up and I could barely make it up the stairs at home without giving out half way up. It took forever for the doctors to diagnose me, a good year at least. Problem was ME/CFS, back then was non existent. Known as "Yuppie Flu" or "The Fakers Disease" If only!!


 Luckily my parents took me to a private physician out of pure desperateness and even luckier for us, he happened to be one of the leading doctors in the field of ME. He wrote to Great Ormond Street to get me on the list to see the specialist.. but that didn't happen till quite some time later.


In the meantime I'd passed my 11+ and had been accepted into a local all girl's Grammar School. (Not going to name names here) My parents were very proud of me bar the fact that I struggled with life. The new teachers had reassured my parents that I would be looked after and helped with my learning considering I struggled to concentrate for an hour without developing sickness and dizzyness. I lost count of the amount of times I'd fainted.. I'd just keel over at any given moment. Beleive me when I say, that school = Biggest Mistake of my Life. 


I spent the Summer in hospital.. about 7 weeks being "monitored". I had ECG's, blood tests and   practically every other test under the sun to see what was wrong with me. It was a boiling Summer and I'd be huddled up under fleece pajamas and hot water bottles. All a bit strange really. The doctors still couldn't figure it out although they had worked out I had developed at least one stomach ulcer. (No wonder I couldn't eat!!) I dropped down to well under 5 stone and spent pretty much most my time in bed, or in a wheelchair. By now I had such bad insomnia I was lucky to get 3 hours sleep a night. My poor parents; they were at their wit's end. 


I think that's enough for now. Considering that's only the first 2 years and my concentration is failing me. Don't pity me though; this story is what makes me who I am now. A walking, talking survivor who happens to know everything and anything about drugs :-)


Part Deux.. coming soon!