With a six digit salary at stake and the power over transport and taxes for the entire metropolitan area including over seeing the 2012 Olympics.
If you listen to the MORI polls and all of what the press says then the current Labour government is more unpopular than ever in the past. In 2004 when we last voted for a Mayor, apparantly Labour had more of a lead than they do today.
The three major contenders remain, Ken Livingston, has won previous 2 Mayoral elections and is re standing hoping to keep his seat. (Who can blame him? Who wouldnt want a salary in excess of £100,000.
Additonal potential candidates include, Boris Johnstone (Tory) and former Chief of Metropolitan police Brian Paddick.
Boris apparantly is not shy of the camera's but watching him being interviewed over the past few days how could one trust a toff who doesnt even know how much a price of milk costs? Does his Butler buy his milk?
Brian is my current faveourite, though I have not read all of their manasfesto yet. Its set as my bed time reading. His Gay and he seems to lie less than Boris or Ken. Many say its between Ken & Boris, but why shouldnt it be Brian?
Afterall, its not just the Mayorall election thats at stake but rather the way that the goverment is perceived by the general population. I dont think taht I am the only one that seems to think that the current government, especially now that Gordon Brown has taken over seem to be so far out of touch with the people that they have lost the plot. It cant have helped that today the news was leaked that at a time when the cost of Fuel is greater than at any time in history the budget a few weeks ago hid the fact that car tax will be doubling for some veichles.
Gordon Brown going on television to ask for money to provide Mosquito nets to poorer countries. Great idea, but at a time of no news is fine, but when the people of the country are struggling with huge rising costs, is this the time to ask for money to help another country on a different continent.
From my personal belief, I believe that Britons have had enough of the current lot, are sick to death of the lies and not being given a referendum on Europe even though they promised us one. I dont know what will happen but all I can do is urge you all to use your vote. Its a right that every person should excercise.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Cottage Pie
I have never been one that has really been able to cook anything much more than the odd Microwave meal. But that all changed when I finished my last contract and had a month off to recoup, move home and catch up on all the admin and things you never get time to.
I also used to it have a go at trying out some culinary skills. Daringly starting with Roast Chicken and Roasted Potatoes, I gradually got more adventurious to the extent that the meat mix alone for my cottage pie takes between 3-4 hours to prepare.
Yesterday afternoon I had a surprise call from Mikey who came over at tea time to see the new appartment. I was starving by then so made a quick stir fry for us to eat and when he left around 8PM decided to spend my time wisely. Dusan was on a late shift at work and wouldnt be home till at least 1AM.
So I started to cook, adding my usual, Garlic, Red & White Onions, Carrots and Mushrooms as well as a few secret ingredients I add for additional flavour including red wine.
What started as my first cottage pie in February has now become a base of our regular home cooked meals. Considering you can use the same meat mix if you freeze it for Spagetti Bolognaise or Beef Burritos. But rather than say how nice it is I asked Dusan to try it and he agreed, my home cooked Cottage Pie was nicer than the one at the Ivy! Maybe I have missed my vocation?
Tomorrow I am back at the office near Heathrow and we have to start at the early time of 08:00 as we start our roll out of Siebel accross the entire organisation. Let the roll out begin!!!
I also used to it have a go at trying out some culinary skills. Daringly starting with Roast Chicken and Roasted Potatoes, I gradually got more adventurious to the extent that the meat mix alone for my cottage pie takes between 3-4 hours to prepare.
Yesterday afternoon I had a surprise call from Mikey who came over at tea time to see the new appartment. I was starving by then so made a quick stir fry for us to eat and when he left around 8PM decided to spend my time wisely. Dusan was on a late shift at work and wouldnt be home till at least 1AM.
So I started to cook, adding my usual, Garlic, Red & White Onions, Carrots and Mushrooms as well as a few secret ingredients I add for additional flavour including red wine.
What started as my first cottage pie in February has now become a base of our regular home cooked meals. Considering you can use the same meat mix if you freeze it for Spagetti Bolognaise or Beef Burritos. But rather than say how nice it is I asked Dusan to try it and he agreed, my home cooked Cottage Pie was nicer than the one at the Ivy! Maybe I have missed my vocation?
Tomorrow I am back at the office near Heathrow and we have to start at the early time of 08:00 as we start our roll out of Siebel accross the entire organisation. Let the roll out begin!!!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Ivy
I was reading an atrical in the Evening Standard last week about the Top Ten Restaurants in the World and how you would stand about getting a table. Only 3 were fully Sold Out. I'm not sure how far in advance the artical meant, they didnt state it, but it is true. The Ivy is one of London's most famous restaurants and indeed the proof is that it is frequented so often by the stars of stage and screen that the Papparazzi can often be seen hanging outside the entrance on West Street.
Sinead and I have for the past 9 years enjoyed our works Christmas Celebrations together but this year she had been poorly and both of us had work committments that meant that we had not had our Christmas 2007 meal in April 2008. Something had to change. So I asked Dusan if he could get us a table. Well if the Ivy is sold out and impossible to get a table I see ho harm in getting my husband to book one for me. He does work there after all.
The reservation was made and they confirmed the day before. They are so popular, you are only able to book a slot and have to vacate the table within 2.5 hours, unless you have the final sitting and want to be the last one in there.
Sinead and I met at Liverpool Street Station at 5:30 and went to the ST. Georges Public House in the Great Eastern Hotel for an apperitif before dinner. We then made our way to the Taxi Rank and jumped in a taxi asking for "The Ivy Please". Somehow you can almost smirk with satisfaction when you say that. The roads between the city and west end were grid locked and it took us about 25 minutes meaning we were about 10 minutes late for our reservation.
The doorman opened our taxi door, dressed in Top hat and tails and then held the door open as he welcomed us. We hung our jackets in the cloakroom and gave the receptonist our name. "Come right this way please", she said and we were immediately shown to our seats.
The restaurant was not full at this time, but by the time we had ordered a couple of drinks, Whiskey Sour for me and a Cosmopolitan for Sinead, all of the empty tables were about full.
We browsed the full menu. Starters, Soups, Game, Fish, Meat, Desserts. You could easily do a six course meal if you had more time.
We decided to go for a pre course of Oysters with onion Relish to begin then I took the Crab Bisque and Armanac followed by the House specialty of Cottage Pie and we shared a Baked Alaska in Kirche Liquor Cherries for dessert with Coffee, Water and a Glass of wine.
It was delishious, fabulous service buy some of the cutest waiting staff in town (I would be bias now wouldnt I?) and at a very fair price.
Of course it wouldnt be the Ivy if you didnt look around, wondering who you might spot that you know from a Film or Television and not far to our right was John Hannah from Four Weddings and a Funeral and then as I went to the bathroom there was Christopher Biggins in the Bar. When Kevin Bacon walked in it topped the night off and Sinead was in Utopia.
We had a fabulous night and what a way to spend a late Christmas Meal. Happy belated Chistmas. :-)
Sinead and I have for the past 9 years enjoyed our works Christmas Celebrations together but this year she had been poorly and both of us had work committments that meant that we had not had our Christmas 2007 meal in April 2008. Something had to change. So I asked Dusan if he could get us a table. Well if the Ivy is sold out and impossible to get a table I see ho harm in getting my husband to book one for me. He does work there after all.
The reservation was made and they confirmed the day before. They are so popular, you are only able to book a slot and have to vacate the table within 2.5 hours, unless you have the final sitting and want to be the last one in there.
Sinead and I met at Liverpool Street Station at 5:30 and went to the ST. Georges Public House in the Great Eastern Hotel for an apperitif before dinner. We then made our way to the Taxi Rank and jumped in a taxi asking for "The Ivy Please". Somehow you can almost smirk with satisfaction when you say that. The roads between the city and west end were grid locked and it took us about 25 minutes meaning we were about 10 minutes late for our reservation.
The doorman opened our taxi door, dressed in Top hat and tails and then held the door open as he welcomed us. We hung our jackets in the cloakroom and gave the receptonist our name. "Come right this way please", she said and we were immediately shown to our seats.
The restaurant was not full at this time, but by the time we had ordered a couple of drinks, Whiskey Sour for me and a Cosmopolitan for Sinead, all of the empty tables were about full.
We browsed the full menu. Starters, Soups, Game, Fish, Meat, Desserts. You could easily do a six course meal if you had more time.
We decided to go for a pre course of Oysters with onion Relish to begin then I took the Crab Bisque and Armanac followed by the House specialty of Cottage Pie and we shared a Baked Alaska in Kirche Liquor Cherries for dessert with Coffee, Water and a Glass of wine.
It was delishious, fabulous service buy some of the cutest waiting staff in town (I would be bias now wouldnt I?) and at a very fair price.
Of course it wouldnt be the Ivy if you didnt look around, wondering who you might spot that you know from a Film or Television and not far to our right was John Hannah from Four Weddings and a Funeral and then as I went to the bathroom there was Christopher Biggins in the Bar. When Kevin Bacon walked in it topped the night off and Sinead was in Utopia.
We had a fabulous night and what a way to spend a late Christmas Meal. Happy belated Chistmas. :-)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Final Days in the Algarve & My Birthday!
Monday was the hottest day so far. It was about 23 degrees and perfect blue skies. We headed to the Praca and had a lovely luncheon on the sea front and a nice spot of local white wine then made our way to the Beach for a few hours of sunshine and a chance to catch up on my latest book, Lovers & Losers by Paul Burston, which I have now finished and loved every bit.
We headed back fairly early and lit up the BBQ to enjoy a meal at the villa and a movie and some wine and ended up having a fairly early night.
Tuesday, my Birthday, we headed into town to get some sunscreen then took a wander around the complex and then a drive to enjoy some of the architecture of the new homes being built.Dusan had had a little too much sun already so he sat in the appartment in the afternoon watching TV and studying for his upcoming test at work and I finished by book in the sunshine by the pool.
For our evening meal we headed to the parrot at the Praca for a final Steak on the Stone meal. Unlike the times I have been there before it was totally chav a roctious. But the steak was great.
We were not up too late as we had to be at the airport at 0845AM to head home. We cleaned the Villa, packed and put on the dishwasher and took our final drive back to Faro around 0800AM. The check in desks were not quite open when we arrived having dropped the car back at the Rental centre. We stood by the monitors indicating which desks were for which flights along with a growing crowd of people. Most were with Children of very old seniors so the minute our desks flickered to the screen we being just two healthy men managed to walk very briskly and make it to the front of the lines before the masses.
Within a few minutes we were checked in and had cleared security and into the departure lounge. With 2 Hours 10 Minutes before the flight was due we had plenty of time to enjoy the VIP lounge. We found the entrance, presented my VIP card and were soon settled down with a nice Whisky and Dry and some breakfast type snacks. As the lounge filled with more and more people we seemed to notice that we were the only two that didnt seem to have a complete set of Louis Vitton travel bags. Memo to me, must buy new luggage. Before we knew it we were landed at Gatwick and as Dusan has to still use the Non EU Passport Holders line we were one of the first through into the luggage area and were soon on the Train heading home sweet home.
Both of rested, tanned and chilled having had a fab relaxing time!
Pictures will follow as soon as I can find the cable that connects my computer to the camera. :-) Watch this space!
We headed back fairly early and lit up the BBQ to enjoy a meal at the villa and a movie and some wine and ended up having a fairly early night.
Tuesday, my Birthday, we headed into town to get some sunscreen then took a wander around the complex and then a drive to enjoy some of the architecture of the new homes being built.Dusan had had a little too much sun already so he sat in the appartment in the afternoon watching TV and studying for his upcoming test at work and I finished by book in the sunshine by the pool.
For our evening meal we headed to the parrot at the Praca for a final Steak on the Stone meal. Unlike the times I have been there before it was totally chav a roctious. But the steak was great.
We were not up too late as we had to be at the airport at 0845AM to head home. We cleaned the Villa, packed and put on the dishwasher and took our final drive back to Faro around 0800AM. The check in desks were not quite open when we arrived having dropped the car back at the Rental centre. We stood by the monitors indicating which desks were for which flights along with a growing crowd of people. Most were with Children of very old seniors so the minute our desks flickered to the screen we being just two healthy men managed to walk very briskly and make it to the front of the lines before the masses.
Within a few minutes we were checked in and had cleared security and into the departure lounge. With 2 Hours 10 Minutes before the flight was due we had plenty of time to enjoy the VIP lounge. We found the entrance, presented my VIP card and were soon settled down with a nice Whisky and Dry and some breakfast type snacks. As the lounge filled with more and more people we seemed to notice that we were the only two that didnt seem to have a complete set of Louis Vitton travel bags. Memo to me, must buy new luggage. Before we knew it we were landed at Gatwick and as Dusan has to still use the Non EU Passport Holders line we were one of the first through into the luggage area and were soon on the Train heading home sweet home.
Both of rested, tanned and chilled having had a fab relaxing time!
Pictures will follow as soon as I can find the cable that connects my computer to the camera. :-) Watch this space!
The Fabulous Few
I just had to say I cant wait to see my good friends from my last contract so a huge Hello and big fat hug to the very Fabulous, Trish, Surinder and Theresa. Looking forward to seeing you all and Happy One Year anniversary.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Algarve Day 3
We decided that having had about 14 hours sleep every day so far we would set the alarm for earlier and get up at 1030. A quick shower and dress and we were down at the Praca shortly after noon ready for our daily cocktail. Rather than the Parrot we went to Sandbanks, famous for their fish so we both had the Sea Bream and Stone Bass for lunch with a lovely bottle of something like Pinot Grigio though it was Porgugese equivilent and every much as delicious.
By 1300 the clearless skies were partly cloud and we were begining to think that things would get wet. We decided that we would get an Ice Cream then head back to the pool for a drink and to chill. The pool now nicely chilled and perfect for a dip and the sun on and off perfect.
The pathwork clouds thankfully cleared and we ended up having a perfect day of sunshine by the pool.
The BBQ is now lit, the meat charing and the potatoes and salad ready for our penultimate night in.
Tomorrow, my birthday, we will govout for dinner but tonight its just fabulous to enjoy the sunshine, eachother, Gaydar Radio and the sunshine. No sign of Judith nextdoor, but wish you were here! X
By 1300 the clearless skies were partly cloud and we were begining to think that things would get wet. We decided that we would get an Ice Cream then head back to the pool for a drink and to chill. The pool now nicely chilled and perfect for a dip and the sun on and off perfect.
The pathwork clouds thankfully cleared and we ended up having a perfect day of sunshine by the pool.
The BBQ is now lit, the meat charing and the potatoes and salad ready for our penultimate night in.
Tomorrow, my birthday, we will govout for dinner but tonight its just fabulous to enjoy the sunshine, eachother, Gaydar Radio and the sunshine. No sign of Judith nextdoor, but wish you were here! X
Algarve Day 2
After a good 12 hours of sleep we woke to another perfect blue cloudless sky. A light breeze kept the air slightly cooler and we washed, dressed, had the obligatory mug of coffee first thing then took the car down to the Praca to enjoy a mid day cocktail in the sunshine at the Parrot Beachside Bar.
From there we took a trip down to the beach which was surprisingly busy considering its so off season. Children were playing in the Sea and Sand and families and couples were enjoying wine and cocktails in the fresh spring sunshine.
We stayed on the beach for a few hours to enjoy some sun, not thinking that it was really warm enough to catch any colour. How surprised were we then when we got back to the villa and discovered our arms were a shade of pink.
Will deffinitely up my sunscreen today.
For dinner we took a short drive outside the complex into Almancil and spotted a little place called Flor de Algarve. The speciality being Steak on a Stone. We both ordered one mine with Peppercorn and Dusan with Bernaise. They brought out a huge Blue peice of Steak on a red hot piece of Marble where the waitress explained to cut the meat into small pieces and it will cook as much as you would like it on the stone. She even replaced our stone's with hot ones mid meal. It was delishious but far too much meat for me to finish a whole on in one sitting.
Came back to the villa to enjoy a lovely glass of port, many thanks to my Aunt and Uncle who left me a bottle of Vintage Port as a Birthday gift.
More of the like today, another clear blue sky ahead of us to enjoy. :-)
From there we took a trip down to the beach which was surprisingly busy considering its so off season. Children were playing in the Sea and Sand and families and couples were enjoying wine and cocktails in the fresh spring sunshine.
We stayed on the beach for a few hours to enjoy some sun, not thinking that it was really warm enough to catch any colour. How surprised were we then when we got back to the villa and discovered our arms were a shade of pink.
Will deffinitely up my sunscreen today.
For dinner we took a short drive outside the complex into Almancil and spotted a little place called Flor de Algarve. The speciality being Steak on a Stone. We both ordered one mine with Peppercorn and Dusan with Bernaise. They brought out a huge Blue peice of Steak on a red hot piece of Marble where the waitress explained to cut the meat into small pieces and it will cook as much as you would like it on the stone. She even replaced our stone's with hot ones mid meal. It was delishious but far too much meat for me to finish a whole on in one sitting.
Came back to the villa to enjoy a lovely glass of port, many thanks to my Aunt and Uncle who left me a bottle of Vintage Port as a Birthday gift.
More of the like today, another clear blue sky ahead of us to enjoy. :-)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Algarve Day 1
Woke at around 11:00 AM and the sun was shining but Dusan having worked so much of late needed his rest so I left him sleeping.
When he awoke we wacthed the end of Live and Let Die and decided to go for a drive for a bite of lunch. We made our way to Julias Beach Bar and enjoyed lunch in the sunshine. Then the afternoon down on the beach.
By six it was a little cooler and we headed back to watch Dr Who. Dusan once again is asleep on the sofa at 8PM. Poor love, I think they have worn him out.
But then whats a holiday for but to relax. :-)
When he awoke we wacthed the end of Live and Let Die and decided to go for a drive for a bite of lunch. We made our way to Julias Beach Bar and enjoyed lunch in the sunshine. Then the afternoon down on the beach.
By six it was a little cooler and we headed back to watch Dr Who. Dusan once again is asleep on the sofa at 8PM. Poor love, I think they have worn him out.
But then whats a holiday for but to relax. :-)
Friday, April 11, 2008
Time for a lucky bitches break!
Both of us have been working really hard of late. It seems every other shift Dusan does is a double at the restaurant and my hours never seem to get easier with my current commute to Heathrow taking around about 2 hours each way. So we decided that it would be perfect to escape for a few days to portugal when I had a few days off between dates on the roll out.
I left the office last night at 5.30, stopping for a quick drink with Sinead before we left to avoid the chaos of the M25.
I made it home for 8PM and time to wash my clothes, dry them and throw them in the drier and to pack.
Woke up this morning and was ready to go, taking the train up to Gatwick. Thanks to my having a card we were able to enjoy the Aviance Lounge and some cocktails and snacks before we flew.
,.
Arrived and ready for a chillled time. More soom
I left the office last night at 5.30, stopping for a quick drink with Sinead before we left to avoid the chaos of the M25.
I made it home for 8PM and time to wash my clothes, dry them and throw them in the drier and to pack.
Woke up this morning and was ready to go, taking the train up to Gatwick. Thanks to my having a card we were able to enjoy the Aviance Lounge and some cocktails and snacks before we flew.
,.
Arrived and ready for a chillled time. More soom
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Red Arrows Banned from 2012 Olympics for being un PC
Maybe the world has gone mad, but yes, its true, they want to ban the Red Arrows from flying at the Olympics because organisers claim the popular RAF display team's military background "might offend other nations". When does the PC thing become too much? But its not too late, you can help. Simply sign the petition to the government to let the Red Arrows do a Fly Over at the opening of the 2012 Games. You can help by signing it at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Freshers Week
This week was the first week where the whole of the new team got together at work. Some of us have been involved since the begining and have been in and out of the office over the past few years while some of the others are new in this week.
I decided it would be a nice start to buy some trays of pastries to share with everyone on the first day.
To make things a bit different, rather than just train up front in the regular style we were all assigned a person to speed train for an hour and then the delegates moved on to the next trainer. Its worked quite well really. But by the end of day two we were all starting to get exhausted. But to help us celebrate in the begining, middle and end, they took us all out for a fabulous meal at a superb Chinese Restaurant not far from Heathrow. It really was nice. Starters, Duck, Main, Dessert and coffee. Ever notice how you are actually hungry again 2 hours later though after chinese?
One more day to go now and then we are all on our own, ready to do our final prep and then launch the entire sales force. In a strange way I am actually looking forward to doing so much training again. Plus its lovely to see some of the old team both this contract and previous client sites.
Off to bed now as early start. Sweet dreams X
I decided it would be a nice start to buy some trays of pastries to share with everyone on the first day.
To make things a bit different, rather than just train up front in the regular style we were all assigned a person to speed train for an hour and then the delegates moved on to the next trainer. Its worked quite well really. But by the end of day two we were all starting to get exhausted. But to help us celebrate in the begining, middle and end, they took us all out for a fabulous meal at a superb Chinese Restaurant not far from Heathrow. It really was nice. Starters, Duck, Main, Dessert and coffee. Ever notice how you are actually hungry again 2 hours later though after chinese?
One more day to go now and then we are all on our own, ready to do our final prep and then launch the entire sales force. In a strange way I am actually looking forward to doing so much training again. Plus its lovely to see some of the old team both this contract and previous client sites.
Off to bed now as early start. Sweet dreams X
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Harmony
I still cant believe it at times when I look back at my life and see the total transistion that I have gone through.
From feel lost and confused and lonely to here and now and possibly the luckiest man alive on earth today.
Okay so it sounds like I am blowing my own trumpet and all but sometimes I just look at my life and think, Wow. I did it. I went after my dream and got it 110%. My babycakes Dusan calls me every day even while his at work and tells me he loves me. We look after one another and we finally have someone to look after us both as we grow older.
He told me again last night as we both said the same thing at "Exactly" the same time, that he cant believe he found his Soul Mate. The person that matches his exactly. We have the same nasel congestion, both of us are night people. Most of all, all the years I dated I never ever before found someone that I wanted to change for. Someone that I could change my own opinion for. But now, I dont have to. I am not changing for another person, to make them happy for he is I and I are he and together we are us living in Harmony. Thank You Lord, for I we are Lucky Bitches.
From feel lost and confused and lonely to here and now and possibly the luckiest man alive on earth today.
Okay so it sounds like I am blowing my own trumpet and all but sometimes I just look at my life and think, Wow. I did it. I went after my dream and got it 110%. My babycakes Dusan calls me every day even while his at work and tells me he loves me. We look after one another and we finally have someone to look after us both as we grow older.
He told me again last night as we both said the same thing at "Exactly" the same time, that he cant believe he found his Soul Mate. The person that matches his exactly. We have the same nasel congestion, both of us are night people. Most of all, all the years I dated I never ever before found someone that I wanted to change for. Someone that I could change my own opinion for. But now, I dont have to. I am not changing for another person, to make them happy for he is I and I are he and together we are us living in Harmony. Thank You Lord, for I we are Lucky Bitches.
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