Thursday 30 August 2007

It's a celebration





On August 28 2007, the fireworks lit up the streets and waterfronts of Liverpool! Alas, it was not as most of you may think, celebrating the fact that it is now only a month until SGA airs it's premiere fourth season. In fact the celebrations were for Liverpool's 800th birthday. Day and night people paraded the streets of Liverpool in their costumes, think Mardi Gras, but in its early years! With that said, the fireworks as you can see are impressive. Scenes of parade goers in their underwater themed costumes lined the street for a day of celebrations. We had stalls, parades, karaoke for the Mayor, now personally I thought Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York' was a bit much, but each to their own I suppose. I would have thought, Ferry Across the Mersey, would have been more apt, but oh well the crowd seemed to enjoy it! It was nice to see Liverpool partying in style, in preparation for the prestigious title of Capital of Culture 2008. I look forward to seeing what lies ahead.


Anyway on the work front, there's so many changes going on at the moment, and yours truly may even get the opportunity to go to Cyprus... all expenses paid, no less within the next few weeks. To accompany the 'chosen one', they will need the help o 6 lucky volunteers to help with the task at hand. Well, as soon as word broke that I might be going, all I heard for the rest of the day, was, "So, who are you going to pick?" and "You do know that you're my favourite boss of all time, don't you?". Not to mention the whole, "Will we get to go the beach and sunbath?" and "Do you take bribes?" My replies were of course, "Whomever can grovel the most, can go!" and "Oh dear, my coffee cup is empty, how can I possibly make a decision when i'm dying of dehydration!" (Yeah, I know, it was a bit dramatic, but then do you really expect anything else from me after all this time?) So, all of these subtleties were met with, "What can I get you?", "Is there anything, I can do for you, as I know how busy you are.", "Have I declared my undying love for you today?" You've got to love their tenaciousness! ;)

What they don't realise is, (and i'm not going to tell them yet, because this is much more fun) that the decision of whether they go or even whether i'll be going, won't be down to me! But let's be honest here, if you were being sucked up to 24/7 would you tell them the truth straight away? Nah, of course you wouldn't. I want to see just how far they'll go, and if an apple will be on my desk tomorrow morning. ;o)


AND if that wasn't the possibility of exciting news, i've got another job interview next week for a great job, and it will suit lil ol' me down to the ground. The person wanted is required to:
  • Be passionate about the work (in other words, be worked into the ground without complaining)
  • Be authoritative when required ( which means, get the whip out, when staff become unruly)
  • Make well informed decisions, and be able to stand by them (be extremely opinionated and stubborn)
  • Enjoy research (someone who loves to play on the Internet)
  • Work well with others (play nice, or we'll fire your ass!)
and my favourite one is....
  • Persuade and influence others (be exceptionally cheeky to get what your heart desires) :o)
So, personally I feel I have those qualities and I guess only time will tell. We've been told that prior to the interview we have to give a presentation. I have to say, my first thoughts were, ooh I could do a presentation on Shirtless Shep! Then I thought about doing a presentation of defining the genres in the fandom... I could do a PowerPoint presentation on the Shippers, thunkers, slashers and whumpers with visual aids to assist me! All of this was going through my mind until I was told that I was going to be given a scenario on problem staff!

*cough*

Oh that'll be interesting! I suppose I could always bring in my whip as a visual aid? ;) I'll keep you informed as I go along!On a last thought before I go, little spoilers are being released about some of the Season 4 eps for Stargate, and what d you know?! There just happens to be a quest in the latter half of the season, and it involves a young girl, with what's hoped is going to be some great Shep/McKay banter! McKay + Lil ankle biters should be hilarious! I just hope the girl is successful on her quest, particularly as i'm sure it's something she's set her heart on! ;)

*kicks blogger*

Thursday 23 August 2007

Cheeky's wrath




Okay, i'll hold up my hands and admit that i've been increasing lax with updating my blog. Please forgive my tardiness. I do have a great excuse though... just give me ten minutes to think of one! ;)
So, now with the apology out of the way, let's get down to what's happening in Cheeky's world. Well, it has to be said, that Cheeky is becoming a seriously boring individual with only moments of causing mayhem and anarchy in work, at home and on the Internet. That's right, i'm ashamed to say that Cheeky is becoming normal.... *sniff* And the quest for shirtless Shep had to be... brace yourselves girls... Abandoned for a little while. *hands out tissues* I'm sorry to have had to disclose, what I know will come as a shock to you. But, alas real life intervened and everything got sidetracked. I know I am amongst friends, so I can "release my burden" to you all. I feel that every now and again we all have to get some things off our chest. I'm just waiting until S4 of SGA until it's Shep's turn. :P

*cough*

Well, over the last few weeks i've been filling in job application forms and getting into trouble, as per usual, this of course includes my good friend anon, who has had to be slapped down a few times over the last week or so. It's a dirty job, but someones got to do it, and i'm more than happy to volunteer my services. ;) There are certain things in life that bug my brain; rude people and nasty people are at the top of my list. And no matter how much I try, I cannot hold my tongue, irrespective of who it is, or who they've targeted. It's bad manners and they're just being rude. To them, there are no consequences with regards to their actions. By their very definition they are nobodies, but does that stop me from opening my very big mouth and giving them the little bit that's left of my mind? No, because when one has a big mouth, well, it's a shame not to use it. ;) And oh my goodness I have used it quite frequently this week.

One of the girls in work is fairly new and fairly timid, bless her. She's really not into confrontation of any shape or form... unlike her boss who thoroughly enjoys going head to head with rude and obnoxious people. As i've said before, my staff are like my babies, i've nurtured them, fed them and well... quite often they burb themselves! :P And when they're ready, they head off into the big bad world and cause mayhem. *feels very proud* i'm very protective, and won't have anyone give them grief... unless it's from me or my other half. And woe betide anyone who upsets them! So, anyway, the new girl came back from an interview yesterday quite upset after an altercation with... certain interested parties, shall we say. And they were rude, nasty and laughed in her face. Well, that was it! My mothering instincts kicked in, and now i'm hell bent of ensuring that justice be done. Not just for her, but for anyone else that would have to suffer the rudeness and vitriol in future interviews. As we were discussing the situation, she said to me, "You know what? You're like a mother lion looking after her cubs!" So true, the only person who can slap them down is me! ;) Maybe it's because my job involves protecting those that don't have a voice, or being bullied growing up? I don't know. Personally, I'd rather use humour and snark to diffuse any situation. Only very rarely do I feel that people cross the boundaries that shouldn't be crossed, but sometimes you need to stand up and say something is unacceptable. Hopefully, this will, if anything show the nasty person that bad behaviour will instill the wrath of cheeky, and hopefully be enough of a deterrent. :P


With SGA season 4 only being 4 weeks away, nerves are frayed, fingernails have been bitten and we've begun counting the days to alleviate the wait. Some efforts have been fraught with laughter, others with tears as the pros and the anti's have continued to go head to head. The whump thread have been trying to keep up our squee momentum for season 4 by providing blow by blow commentaries for certain SGA eps. And it has to be said that we haven't laughed so much in ages. We're not a group that takes itself seriously and that's the way we like it. Any sign of whump, and the whumpers can descend on a thread like a swarm of locusts with their high pitch squee shaking the forum. And with season 4 looking darker and more menacing, there's (hopefully) more chance for whump! To say that we're a tad excited at what S4 brings, is a bit of an understatement. It's hoped given what we know is it to come *squeeeee for evil Shep* that Shep will get some whump to rival 38 minutes and CG. What can I say? We're very much akin to vampires... extremely blood thirsty. :P Anyway, I think i've killed my blog with my boringness today, so I shall bid you farewell.

Thursday 2 August 2007

12 Step Programme








Finally! It's taken me a long time to recognise that I have a problem. I know it may come as a surprise to you all, but, I feel here, i'm amongst friends and can *cough* 'release my burden'. Now, normally, i'm not the sort of person to do one of these programmes. I feel as if I can handle my fantasies... sorry obsessions quite well. But, it has come to my attention *waves to Anon* that I have a problem.

I first noticed this pleasant feeling (often known as a 'squee') a few years ago, and never felt it was an issue! I mean, how can one know one has a problem, if it's not pointed out to them? So, I thank Anon from the bottom of my heart for being 'friend' enough to tell me I should definitely seek help. Now I know Anon and I have not always seen eye to eye, but sometimes it takes a stranger to identify these things, and be brave enough to tell a friend when they need help. Thank you Anon for being such a friend.

Now, I have searched the internet high and low, for a specific 12 step programme and believe i've found the perfect one. All I can say to others in the same boat as me, is to embrace this program and see just how much better you'll feel after it's all said and done. After checking this programme out, I can definitely say that the 'originator' is on my wavelength and I bow to your greatness. So that others can benefit as I have, i've included my own personal tips. Feel free to add your own or tailor it someway, and please let me know of how you're progressing. ;o)

So, without further ado, I present the virtues of the 12 step programme to Shirtless Shep.

*cough*

  • admitting that one cannot control one's addiction or compulsion;

This, for me, was the most difficult obstacle to overcome, as the 'squee' often gets out of control, and quite frequently I find myself basquing in it. I honestly thought that it was something to cherish, and remember with fondness! How wrong was I? As mentioned above, it was only when a certain picture was posted that I realised I had a problem (albeit through a friend). I admit it was an error in judgement in letting my fangirl moment slip through, from my always normal and well behaved posts to the Executive producer. However, I feel that my loss of control over wanting Shep shirtless was due to the fact that I was 'goaded', by Mr M no less. In his infinate wisdom,(knowing I had such an affliction) posted a particular hot pic of 'the boys,' and thus my halo slipped. Yet, I must confess, that I did not recognise my guttural behaviour *blushes*. Instead it was pointed out by another *waves to Anon*. It was only then that I realised, that I did in fact have an addiction and not just to Shep being shirtless. As I perused over the pic, my eye was not drawn to his chestage area, but in fact his tackle... I know what you're going to say! After all this time questing for shirtless Shep, strangely (but pleasingly), my eye was drawn elsewhere! In my defence, (yes I have one, believe it or not), the P90 did take my breath away.

  • recognising a spiritual higher power that can give strength;

I recognised early on that there has to be a 'higher power' involved to succeed. I have regular contact with the 'higher power', and have begged for guidance of this issue many times. The gentle encouragement given, spurs me on. The posting of such hot pics lets me know that I can succeed, but only with their help. Regular contact and updates gives me the strength to continue until i'm cured. While yes it's up to me to 'fight the good fight', I can only do this if I know that there is the chance to succeed. And the support i've received from others who feel the same always holds me in good stead! So,as long as we are unified in our resolve, it is only then we can overcome the obstacles that cross our path. Of course, when I refer to said obstacles, what i'm actually referring to is Shep's shirt, or lack thereof. :P

  • examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member);

I am not one to dwell over my failures as past blogs can attest. Sometimes, I am so in awe of chest peekage that I lose sight of what's important! That's right, semi nekkid Shep, whumped to oblivion. So, I do rely on others to show me where i've gone wrong in this regard, particularly on days where I am so snowed under with work, that the quest becomes... Neglected! I know, i'm ashamed of that admission, and beg for forgiveness.

  • making amends for these errors;

Thankfully, with friends *again waves to Anon* to support me on my endeavors by posting in my absence, I soon learn the errors of my way and am usually back on form within a short period of time. If it wasn't for them, I don't think i'd have found this 12 step programme for Shirtless Shep. But they're unselfish posts highlighting this need for me to recognise the fangirl in me, only heightens my enjoyment of this programme.

  • learning to live a new life with a new code of behaviour;

Since joining with others, and living by a code of practice, i've learned to embrace the geeky fangirl in me. I'm now not afraid to drool in work with my colleagues or in a public setting, such as; Gateworld, Mr M's blog when I see chest peekage, and it's changed my life!

  • helping others that suffer from the same addictions or compulsions.
I can honestly say with hand firmly on heart... *wishes it was someone elses heart* :P that I actively encourage others to overcome their desires and bring about a resolution. In particular just the other day, I posted several links to assist readers with their 12 step programmes. I am actively seeking others who share in the compulsion of wanting to see Shep shirtless. And to join with me, in brainwashing... sorry, asking Mr M to help us overcome our addictions. As mentioned in the top virtue, once we recognise our problems, it's only then we can overcome them. So all I ask is that we see Shep shirtless, that way we can positively identify that this is a problem. Are you with me?