February all ready?

Where the bleeding heck did January go. Can someone please tell me? I'm Sure I did not blink and miss it. One month down, and all ready well into 2013.

The question is: have I got anywhere fast? I'd like to say yes, but predominately the answer is a big fat no.

I feel guilty not writing a blog every so often. I look back and think: Wow! Where did the time go. I've noticed that my last post was about the gym work outs and the crazy drunk promise to cycle. I can assure you all that I've stuck to it (So far, so good!) I've a nice pretty new road bike on order and I will be zooming past most local towns in the oncoming months (Many of those said towns will be stopped at for a pint or two).

As for the other non-resolutions, Mum has had her mega surgery, and we've all got our fingers crossed that she's now on the home stretch. It's an odd feeling, but I don't think I've ever been so scared over anything in my whole life until the last few months. You only get one family, one life and one chance to live it. I have a great feeling I'll be booking in something similar to a skydive with Mum come the Summer. Actually, knowing what she's like, probably not. But I feel a stupid dare of some form looming. Watch... This... Space!

The gym work has been maintained, bar the last week when the onslaught of final job roles have come to a head at Tory HQ. I'm very sad to leave there in way, I've made some amazing friends over the past four years; a few I'd even go as far to say adopted family. But, the times are changing and I need a new life challenge. Hopefully I'll fit in well at the new job role, it's a fresh start in many way for me. Hopefully the right one.

In the meantime, the sad news is that Chez Edwards lost our long-standing feline companion, Cleo. She was a present to me on my 11th birthday, the day after Princess Diana's funeral (You can work out the age if you really need to). All of us are missing her terribly but we knew it was the right decision. There will never be another cat quite like her, but I'm quite sure we won't stay cat less for long.

So that's it kiddos. February update is done. The last on my list was to work to be happy for myself this year, so far it's sitting on a positive note. That can only be a good thing!

I'm a right cycle path...

Nearly 2 weeks into this year and so far I've managed to accomplish quite a lot; or well, it feels like a lot.

I know it's only 2 weeks... but so far ive stuck to my resolutions. Last weekend I joined the gym with my bestest bud, Jeremy, with every intention of working hard and so far it's seemed to have worked. There's a big reason for this change in my habits as I managed to get myself into a little bit of a sticky situation, but now trying to make the most of it...

Back last Summer I was invited to The Lord Mayor's Ladies Day at Kent County Cricket club. I was ridiculously excited to attend and had to dress up in my glad rags in the sunshine. (me + cricket = happiness at the best of times). It's a rare occasion I properly dress up, so I made the most of it.

Suffice to say, as the day went on we all had a few shandies whilst networking and enjoying the company of the Council's guests. In the latter part of the afternoon I ended up sitting next to the Chief Executive of the Council, Colin Carmichael and also the deputy, Velia Coffey. I'd had a few conversations with them in the past about cycling, as both have done tons for charity by doing crazy bike rides. I'd informed them that over the Summer I'd developed a taste for cycling.... although my craziness was limited to Minnis Bay or Whitstable with normally a pint stop in between. I then of course, with a little stupid Dutch courage told them how I love challenges. Which to be fair is the truth, but perhaps not what I had in mind when they then invited me to do the Lady Mayoress's charity bike ride the following Summer. "Of course!!" I responded. Thinking yes, this would be awesome. That, and well, how could I refuse the Chief and Deputy execs?!

Following on from that day, I received an email back in November to officially sign up. I couldn't really say no after having the cajonies to say yes beforehand. I then realise its a bike ride to Reims in France.. Over 3 days. Eek! Anyone who's reading this now, and thinking to themselves that the distance is simple.. Pease leave!! ;) For a person like me and my medical history, it's asking a lot. But who doesn't love a good challenge?

So this week at the gym, as well as completing other cardio, heart attack causing exercises; I've cycled about 70k. I've also bought a pretty road bike, which should arrive just in time for the snow fall. I've also had the dawning realisation that I desperately need to invest in some decent cycling shorts (ouch!). I'm not going to even try and describe the saddle sore at this exact moment in time, otherwise this blog would become R rated.

I'm facing the challenge at hand straight on. Half the reason I've written this blog is because it means I then cannot back out. It's now on record and in the public domain. Wish me luck!

Oh and PS, Jeremy dared me to write about how awesome he is. So there, Jeremy. You're mentioned and it's done.

Posted with Blogsy

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...

Setting the record straight

For anyone and everyone who knows me, you know I'm a Councillor. A Conservative Councillor. A Tory Councillor. A Blue Councillor. I could go on with this list, but the tagline starts getting a big more derogatory towards me, which I'm used to but I don't want to encourage it.

I've had my politics and values questioned recently. Admittedly, I question them myself all the time. I sometimes wonder why I do it but then I remember the bigger picture. I enjoy what I do. I like helping people, or trying to help people. I get passionate about what goes on locally. 

What has saddened me, is that I've discovered that recently I've been branded something that I'm not. When you put yourself in the limelight, you know you're bound to get a bit of negativity, especially if it's something so divisive as politics. But as much as I sit on the Conservative bench, I have never once claimed to be a "party politics" type of Councillor. I  involved myself in Council because I wanted to help the town that I know and love. I've never had a political agenda, or an aspiration past trying to get the right things for my area, and trying to help people with problems that need solving. To be completely honest, I'm quite happy to sit here on the back bench so long as I can have my say and represent the right views for the town and district. If I have an answer, I will give it. If I don't have an answer, I will get research the right information and get one.

I live and breathe Herne Bay. I was born here, and I've always tried to put everything I can back into the town. I've been doing that for years, and even after my time as a Councillor, I still will. 

Take what you want for my title, blast me all you like. I know I'm doing the right thing. 

Bank Jollidays

Well, August bank holiday is upon us. Time for the weather to change from the glorious heat to showers and miserableness for a few days.

Let's face it, it's a Herne Bay curse. When's the last time we had an awesome August bank holiday weather wise?? Being typically British, I do not let the weather get to me and fully intend on being out all weekend no matter what!

There's a lovely classic car show in Herne Bay town centre from 10am, where, the BayPromoTeam will be with our children's characters and also a big stall to promote our Zombie Crawl on the 3rd of November this year. Come on down and get involved with the frivolities.

Tonight there's the end of the Herne Bay Festival Fireworks, well worth a gander down to the seafront to see. It's a free event and kicks off about 9pm, I've also been told there's live bands playing near the clock tower.

I won't go into detail about my night... But it involves friends, birthdays and a little bit of a crawl. NOT of the zombie kind.

Tomorrow there's the annual Herne Bay in Bloom big picnic in the park. Again BayPromoTeam will be in attendance with tons of things to make for the kiddles. It's all free and will be a great day out for all the family.

That's about it for now, I've got to dash for my shower and to go help set up. Have a lovely weekend everyone and hope to see you at some point!


NB... Just got out of bed, opened the curtains to find beautiful sunshine... WOOOHOOO! I love to be proven wrong sometimes... Bring on the day!

HERNE BAY CARNIVAL!

Yes, it's that time of year again!

Left to right: Ashden, Eloise and Keira

I've got quite literally everything crossed in hope that the weather stays nice. I refuse to look at the forecast, I'm not particularly superstitious but I've been told I'm a curse so many times now I've started to actually believe it.

Carnival has always been a big part of my life, I grew up the Broadway end of the Bay. I always remember my Dad putting me on his shoulders and walking me down to see the floats get ready. I especially loved the Queen's floats. Seeing the girls in beautiful flowing dresses and glittery tiaras. I grew up in the "Disney Generation"; to see real life princesses at a young age was the equivalent winning the lottery when you're that small and impressionable. The only thing I couldn't understand why Prince Charming and his white steed were not apart of the procession.

I got involved back in '06 when I randomly decided to enter Miss Herne Bay after having a dream (Yes.. this did actually happen) and managed to win. I had an awesome year with my Princesses, despite being hit in the head by 2p pieces and having the WORST weather in the history of Herne Bay Carnival. (Force 7 Gale... Peeing it down with rain. See, I told you I was a curse!). But overall I've had more fun in the 6 years I've been involved since that year. The work behind the scenes is incredible and I've made some of the most awesome friends possible. 

Our float, of which we are very proud of, gets a total re haul every two years, and adjustments made every year. This year's float has taken months to complete and it's all ready won two major cups at both Whitstable and Margate Carnivals this year all ready.   I will put some decent pictures of the float up soon.. this was a half hearted effort from Ramsgate.


People don't quite realise what goes on to make a carnival. It's an all year thing. The paperwork, finances and grafting doesn't happen all by itself. We're constantly our trying to raise funds for our charity without any funding. We have a small but dedicated committee of some amazing, friendly and hard working people that most of the general public don't even see! The red tape and health and safety aspect has hampered all Carnivals in the last 10 years, but if you keep the dedication going, you can achieve anything. Herne Bay Carnival Committee prove this every year!

If you want to get involved on the day or just generally; contact us on our Facebook page or go to www.hernebaycarnival.co.uk

We also have a post carnival dance being held down at the Kings Hall. £5 a ticket, all for charity. We have the AWESOME Kellys Heros playing. I'm not just saying that.. they really are quite special.... See you down there! 

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