Cheeky lil Devil

New Year and New Beginnings

2011-01-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since i've posted, but i've got a fairly good excuse. I've been traveling around Asia specifically; China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Korea. Loved every minute of it... what I was allowed to see anyway after being confined to my quarters due to contracting Pneumonia whilst away. To top it off we witnessed a boat sinking, was involved in a rescue for survivors and just missed a Tropical storm. Well, I always said I loved adventure, and to say it was adventurous would be an understatement.

For two whole weeks I had the pleasure of visiting so many different places and I loved every minute of it. In particular I got the chance to go back to the place I was born. It was quite a surreal moment standing there looking at the place where my parents lived nearly 40 years ago, the place I was born and lived. I promised my mom and dad that I would eventually go back to Kowloon, and I've been fortunate enough to fulfil 2 lifelong dreams in my lifetime, roll on the third... I'm hoping the next one will be to go to L.A and see NCIS Los Angeles being filmed and to meet the actors. Hopefully that dream will be a reality sooner rather than later, will now by the end of the week.

Anyway getting back to Hong Kong, I always dreamed of going back with mom and dad, and never for one minute thought i'd be there without them. I couldn't imagine it, so I did the only thing I could, take the picture they had done in Hong Kong and take it with me on my journey.

The trip itself was everything i'd dreamed of and more, except for the pneumonia, tropical storm, capsized ship... After I got home, went back to the docs for more nebulizer treatment and he kindly informed me that if he ever saw me getting on the same plane/boat or holiday as him, he'd run a mile in the opposite direction. After careful consideration, I do find that bad things tend to follow me around a lot. Ah well, life would be pretty boring otherwise I suppose, although the whole people dying on me is getting really old now and if anyone's listening, i'd actually like to have a whole year go by without witnessing a death, having a family member or friend die. It would actually make a nice change...

Swiftly moving on, Christmas was exceptionally quiet now that i'm an orphan, I didn't really relish feeling like Oliver Twist over Christmas, so I decided to buy myself presents, sad but true. Glad I got my gifts in before getting snowed in. I wasn't so sad as to wrap them up and leave them under the true. But, I did carry out my tradition which involved the film, "It's a wonderful Life" and a huge glass of Baileys. It should be noted that I only drank the bailey's for medicinal purposes. :)

I'll try and post some pics of my holidays and of getting snowed in, but as I can't be bothered at the moment it'll have to wait. ;) Hope everyone has a great New Year. I plan to start mine off with a brand new job (yes, finally left work after lots of umming and ahhing), and maybe even a brand new life if i'm lucky. Who knows what the future holds... but seriously if there are any psychics, fortune tellers out there, would love to know if i'm going to win the lottery as this year I plan to live life to the max... and unfortunately my credit card is at its max...

Times they are a changing

2010-09-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I sat down and wrote, and a lot of things have happened; or should I say will be happening over the next few months. Some things will be scary, some exciting. One thing is for certain, my life is never dull. Not quite sure if that's a good thing or not, but things will be differen't that's for sure. Different people have been giving their advice, and normally at times like these i'd ask my mom; the fountain of all knowledge. However, that's not possible anymore so i'm kind of torn on where to go from here. With all the advice I think I need to take 5 and try and sort things out in my own mind.

So, where to start!

Well, my beloved sister has turned psychotic, and decided that she wanted to stalk me first then proceed to attack me at my own home a few weeks ago. Police were called and she was warned to stay away otherwise risk arrest. Thing is she really didn't care, not about me, not about what the police were telling her. She's been told now to stay away for good and not to contact me again. Whether she'll heed that advice or not, time will tell, but if she does come around again, I won't be pulling any punches. My mom and dad would be turning in their graves. So what was the fight about? A photo album! Unbelievable isn't it what lengths some people will go to to hurt another. I was entitled to copies of my parent's wedding album, she disagreed and told the solicitors not to give me copies. Luckily mom chose some good solicitors and they told her to back off and gave me copies. So now all I have to do is give her money in exchange for staying at my parent's home. This is where the fun starts, which i'll talk about in a little bit.

My second news? I'm going on a cruise to Asia; Beijing, Shanghai, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Okinowa, Incheon, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, my birth place and the place my parents lived for 2 years. It's going to be a fantastic journey, 2 1/2 weeks of contentment and memories, especially going to Hong Kong, specifically Kowloon. I can't wait. I leave in October then board the cruise ship Legend of the Seas. I've never done a cruise before, unless you count a Nile cruise. I think i'm at the stage where I can't quite believe i'm going yet, so i'm keeping my excitement down to a minimum. I think it'll all sink in when I get to the airport. I'll be taking my camera with me, so will keep posting pictures of my journey, and will get the opportunity to wear cocktail dresses. Only one problem with that, i've not bought any yet, so will have to go shopping, and I hate shopping, but I suppose it's a mean to an end. I know my mom and dad will be traveling with me, and keeping me safe. I can't wait to go on the Star Ferry and see the Great wall of China. I'm taking my friend Vickie with me, and hopefully we'll have a blast. I'm having trouble with my Arthrirtis at the moment so it's causing a few problems both personally and profesionally which i'll go into in a minute.

My friends in work suggested instead of taking my sticks to take a wheelchair instead or try and get one of those mobility scooters. I told them that my friend Vickie loves to push me around, ergo I wouldn't need a wheelchair. ;) Only joking. I'm not quite sure how i'm going to manage, but i'm absolutely determined that this once in a life time holiday. Well my second once in a lifetime holiday (Stargate Atlantis holiday to Vancouver).

Talking of work, things have kind of gone from bad to worse for me in that department, and i'm finally leaving for good. I've not really got much choice to be honest as my bosses are curently preparing to dismiss me for inefficiancy for being off sick so much. I got my first formal warning on Tuesday for being off sick when my mom died. I was then told if I was off again i'd have to attend a stage 2 warning which will eventually lead to dismissal. Unfortunately as my Arthritis has been really bad recently and work are constantly ignoring my requests for support and reasonable adjustments, my doctor signed me off for two weeks. So hello stage 2 warning. My union rep thinks I've got a good case to appeal the warning as i've not had any support, and even my doc says that i've got a good case to go to the Employment Tribunal under the DDA. Thing is, even if I did that, what would change. I have no job to go back to, work are looking to get rid of about 10 thousand people across the UK, and then there's me, who's intermittantly off sick, who has a long term disability and hasn't had a job to do for the last 6 months.

I just wonder what is left for there. Hence my last dilemma. My job has always been secure in the past, it was one of those places that you never get made redundant they simply move you elsewhere. Now, however with all the cuts, nothing and noone is safe in any position. I volunteered to leave, but got told that I couldn't leave until my department was finished in March 2011, but given what's happened recently and by all accounts will continue to happen, i'm left in a dilemma as to what to do. Do I leave in October like i've now been told can happen and get some money so that I can last for 12 months while I look for another job. Or do I hold out until the end of March, where there's no guarantee that I will have a job as they're looking to dismiss me.

My mom was brilliant at guiding me in the right direction, and I really miss her, especially now. I don't think i've grieved properly for mom yet, and not quite sure when it will actually hit me, but I honestly am struggling with which way to turn. People have been giving me advice, half are telling me to go, the other half to stay and fight it out. As for me, I want to leave. I honestly don't think there's a future for me there anymore, and realistically I know that they're trying their hardest to get rid of me and will eventually succeed especially with my being signed off at the moment. My doc has told me that it's pointless having anymore physio or steriod and facet joint injections and i'm not gaining the benefit. So i'm being referred to a pain clinic which hopefully they'll help control my pain somewhat until I finally get my knee replacement. Which will likely be in about 10 years as i'm apparantly too young at the moment.

So, everything is kind of up in the air, if anyone has any advice, please put your answers on a postcard. ;)

And lastly as I like to end on a high note, my hair is growing back nicely and it's now a couple of inches long and platinum blonde. I had a cut and blow dry today to cheer myself up and my whacky cat decided that she also liked my new hair so much that she decided to groom me. I know the quality of the vid isn't that great, but she just started doing it, and all I had was my mobile to hand.

So the video of my cat licking my hair is short and sweet. Ignore the clothes in the corner, I've been trying them on for my hols and deciding what to wear.

The next time i'll post will probably when i'm on my cruise and sailing the seven seas. I'll keep you updated, please feel free to drop me a line.

Free flowing thoughts and feelings

2010-05-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this post makes sense, but today i'm trying an experiment and to be honest i'm not quite sure how it'll turn out. It might come out a jumbled mess, or I might get lucky and actually find some semblance in my life, so here goes.

Six years ago now, my dad died and my mom became paralised up until now, i've been responsible for looking after Dad and Mom until they both died. The thing is now I don't quite now where to go from here. I feel as i've lost who I am, and now have to start over. I know during my time of caring, I tried to be the best daughter I possible could, sometimes I felt as if all I had given was not enough, sometimes I felt as if I was being selfish for wanting some kind of life. Over the years i've heralded feelings of guilt, sadness and grief as my emotions tumbled out like a spewing volcano. Now that i'm on my own, i'm trying hard to come to terms with things and find a life that I once had. I just didn't realise what a rocky road it was going to be.

They say that in life you have to choose your path, I wonder if that's true, or if the path you take is somehow predetermined. I know since my mom died i've changed, i'm not the person I once was. I need to find somehow the inner strength to get through this change. I guess what i'm feeling is related to grief and losing my mom, but a part of me is trying to break free I think of all the restraints placed on me over the years. I've come now to a point in my life I think where I need to start thinking of myself for a change. To learn how to stand up for myself without feeling gulity that i've hurt people for having a disagreement. I have to live my life as if it's the last day of my life everyday and not make apologies for being selfish for a change.

My sister came around a couple of weeks ago now comeing to collect her bequeathed items that mom left her, and I've come to realise that all this time I thought there was something wrong with me, something I'd done to piss her off. But what I realised for the first time in my lifetime, that it's not me that has the issues, she is the one who's made my life a misery because she can. She's the sort of person that puts you down all the time, she deliberately belittles people to make herself feel better. I wonder even know why I hadn't noticed, and why I allowed myself to be treated that way, when I wouldn't stand for anyone else to be treated in such a manner.

I guess i'm finally growing up and taking back a part of my life that's been missing for 6 years. I know that over this turbulent time i've done everything I possibly could to care for mom and dad, and I hope that they're looking down on me and saying that they're proud of who I am and what i'll become. For now though i'm trying to find a way forward and there are two paths I could take, and for me i'm trying to figure out whether the path i'm going to take is a good one or is it a knee jerk reaction to my mom dying? Honestly I really don't know.

Path 1

I stay at my current job, and although disallusioned and no longer want to be there anymore, it gives me stability. I can stay indefinately or take redundancy and follow the second path, or I can stay in work and be moved to a different position and maybe enjoy the job again.

Path 2

I leave my job by taking redundancy, pay off all my bills and the last of my mortgage and study again. I want to do criminology and psychology and it's something i've wanted to do for a very long time, but circumstances haven't allowed it. I'll have the money to be able to study, but I wonder that I might be too old (i'm 38 this year) to have a complete change of careers and would I get a job in the field that I want.

All I know at the moment is that I need to know which path to choose, my heart is set at the second path, but if I don't get redundancy then i'll have no choice but to stay on the first path and just wonder what if.

If there's one thing I know is that the words that will haunt me if I don't try this things are 'What if?'

I always bounced these things off my mom, but now without her here I don't honestly know where to go, she always knew just what to say to make things right, but only enough to allow me to make my own decisions. I guess it's a mom thing, and I miss that.

Hair today, Gone tomorrow!

2010-03-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well it's 2 months today since my mom passed away. As you can see I no longer have any hair, lost it a about a month ago now. The doc thinks it's a result of the stress on my body caused by the loss of my mom and the fact that I may have ovarian cancer. I go into hospital in two weeks time to determine if I have cancer and how far advanced it is. They located to large tumors after several scans and as they've been changing rapidly, the oncologist i've been seeing recommends we get them out asap. I of course have been very stubborn and have asked not to have the operation a few times, what can I say i'm stubborn, and it's really not been a great time for me to get it done. I lied to my mom and told her before she died that the tumors were benign, she needed to hear that it was ok for her to let go without worrying about me.

I think for me it was also important to not let anything stop her from leaving. She was exhausted and wanted to be with Dad. If i'd have told her what the oncologist said then she would have hung on for who knows how long, that would have been unfair. So I had to let her go even if it's hard now not having many family members left here for support. My mom's family are not speaking to me, obviously i'm still the black sheep LOL.

I am desperate for a little change in my life at the moment, i'm lost at the weekends, I miss my Stargate Atlantis fix, i'm guessing there isn't gonna be a movie. Hmmph no surprise there. I miss my friends from Gateworld, but don't feel I can go back now. I've changed they've changed, i've not even been to Mr M's blog for ages or challenged anyone's post. I've become a bore. I bet Mr M is relieved he doesn't have to listen to me go off on a tangent anymore LOL, at least he's kindly putting some old Atlantis pics up. Ah to reminisce.

Here's to the good old days.....

There are two things n life that are certain; Death and Taxes!

2010-02-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

When I was just a little girl

Mom's garden.

Mom's special Christmas tree

My mom passed away a few weeks ago after a long debilitating illness. I'm currently in a state of denial and numbness. For the last 5 years i've spent every weekend with her bar a couple of weekends where i've shamelessly indulged in my stargate obsession.

Know during the weekends i'm fnding it hard to do something with my time. I guess it's going to be a case of learning how to live again. I've known it was coming for a long time, but it doesn't matter it's still a shock and it was so sudden at least my mom didn't suffer at the end. How strange a passing it was, my mom spoke of having a last cigarette even though her chest sounded like a rusty pair of bagpipes, LOL. But that was mom, even at the end she was never going to give up smoking, so i'm glad she got one last indulgence. I even managed to put some photos of the garden up on her wall after the recent snowfall, so I hope it brought her a tiny bit of comfort. I also finally finished making her a sculpture that i'd been working on for the last 4 weeks. Years ago my mom used to make ceramcs, and as a surprise i'd been taking evening classes so I could make her a ceramic ornament. I finished it Christmas eve, and she was so proud of me. And i'll remember that always along wth out conversaton about her not beng afraid to die and fnally beng with dad again.

The day she died I stroked her hair and had the opportunity to thank her for my life and for thanking her for helping me become the person I am today. Because of my parents i've managed to live a successful life full of creativity and friendships and a person that's full of passion and love and caring and honest. They're the parts that my parents instilled in me, and I have the priviledge of taking those attributes throughout my adult life, and hopefully to one day f I ever find myself a husband or sperm donor LOL, that I can instill those attributes into them.

The only disappointment I have is that i'm amazed and saddened at the greed of some people, partcular family members who feel that it's ok to act like vultures and take whatever they want even if its against my mom's wishes. Unfirtunately i've had to change the locks on my house and tell people that i'm more than happy to give them things that they feel are precious and that hold memories of mom and dad, but it's at my discretion. The person i'm most disappointed about is my sister and my mom's side of the family who have done nothing but made trouble for me since after mom died. They changed all the funeral plans without consulting me, cancelled the cars that were coming to the house to take mom to the church and have behaved so badly that they even stormed out of the solicitors office when mom's will was read, becasue mom didn't leave them as much money as they told her they wanted. Ths was a day after I buried my mom. To say it's dsgustng would be an understatement. What is it with families, funerals and money? Is that all some people really care about?

All I can say is that i'm glad my mom isn't around to see ths debacle, and the fact that i'm being ignored by family memebers for carrying out mom's wishes. At least I can say I honoured what my mom wanted, shame on the others for only thinking of themselves. Mom's only wish was to be with dad, and at least she has that now. Goodnight mom, see you in my dreams. xxx

Depression

2009-06-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of uncomfortable about discussing this topic, especially as it relates to me. I've recently been diagnosed with major depression and have been on antidepressants (Citalopram) for the last 2 months to get back to my old self. My friends (the few close ones I have) have been very supportive, but others seem to think I should snap out of it and get back to work.

I didn't think there was such a stigma surrounding this as their used to be, or maybe it's a lack of understanding on people's part. Stress plays a large part of it, but stress and depression may be similar in symptoms, but the two are very different and shouldn't be confused. I've been battling depression for nearly 5 years now. Never told anyone about how I was feeling because for the last 5 years i've had to be the carer, I've had to hold everything together. So each day I put on my mask when I go to work and people don't see how much i'm hurting. I've done really well keeping my 'secret' under wraps all this time, no one would look at me and say, "Oh you look depressed." It's something that's never been associated with me, as I always seem in control of my actions, my feelings. That was up until a few months ago, when my mask started to slip and my emotions were starting to come apart.

I'd ignored all the health warnings my body was giving me, palpitations, suspected heart attack, tearful, stressed, letting the things I once enjoyed doing I let go. I was losing weight regular each week, and lost 28 pounds in the last few months. Now i've been told, that because i've not listened to those subtle sounds, my body is screaming for me stop and reevaluate my life or lack there of.

I've been on valium for a month aswell as tamazapam and Citolapram, none of which have been any good. I still don't sleep well, primarily due to my hands going completely numb, yes the valium relaxed me, but they were only a short term measure. I'm hoping this Citolapram I take each day will hopefully help along with some cognitive behavioural therapy will get me back on an even keel and start enjoying life again. I miss smiling and laughing and my writing.

Looking at my house (which is in a serious state of dissaray) I just don't have the willingness to even clean up. My boss and my mom are asking me what i'm doing with my time since i've been off work. While i've made some progress in getting my other house ready for sale, my mom's house looks like i'm living in a pigsty and i'm so embarressed I won't answer the door, or invite people round.

I know time heals all wounds, and i've been told to take it day by day and learn to relax, but i'm not used to it. I've had to cope on my own for all this time, and care for others, but I don't know how to relax and care for myself. I guess it's time to learn. I just wish I could bounce back to my old self.

If anyone wants any information on Stress/Anxiety or depression here are some links. If you feel like sharing your story, i'm a good listener. :)

Tattoo's

2009-05-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

After 6 months, I finally decided to get my fourth tattoo. This time I got a Japanese cherry blossom as a band around my ankle. There are differences between the Chine version and the Japanese version. The Japanese one holds more significance for me and my life, but a lot of people don't realise the significance, and to be honest a lot of girls just like them. :) If you want to know the difference, here it is.

The first one I got was when I was 15, and it was done in one of the bouncers kitchen from a nightclub I used to attend when I was *cough*underage*cough*. It helped tremendously that I developed at an early age. ;) The tattoo I got admittedly was the most impulsive thing i have done as a teenager... sort of. The tattoo was of Charlie Brown with the words saying "Good Grief!" Whatever possessed me, I have no idea, and it is the only tattoo I regret, but I did get an offer to pose for a nudy mag at the time.. but I was a lot slimmer in those days. Needless to say I declined as I was only 16 at the time.

The other one I got when I was 22 and is a Chinese symbol on my hip. I eventually told my mom at age 25 that I had two tats and she promptly told me to wash them off... you gotta love her for that. Believe me it took lots of convincing to tell her they were real.

The third one I got is my most beloved tattoo, I had it done 2 years ago a couple of years after my Dad died of cancer. During my time of looking after him, it was the most stressful and rewarding time of my life. My Dad needed me, he was scared and vulnerable, as was I at losing him. During that time as you know my mom was in intensive care at Walton neurology, and there were times I just thought I cannot do this anymore. But the perseverance was well worth it, as was the 2 and a half hour sitting getting it done on my back! It was how I felt and still sometimes feel even years later, and I adore it. The tattoo was done at Triballife tattoo (now called Memento moiri, based in Liverpool, and he was a great artist and conversationalist. To be honest I thought it was going to be excruciating, but really it was a walk in the park. Maybe because of the meaning behind it? The aftercare of my tattoo went so smoothly, no scabbing, scarring. I took good care of it, and still to this day I adore it, and have no regrets.

During the last 6 months, I thought about getting the cherry blossom tattoo and the artwork and the placement is fantastic. However, my god I never understood how painful it would be afterwoods. My ankle has swelled to twice the normal size, it is a bit inflammed and hot. I have been cleansing it as instructed, and now have it elevated. But oh my goodness, even walking is agony. Hopefully it will settle down in a few days.

Here's some links on aftercare if you decide to get a tattoo done.

http://tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/a/blaftercare.htm
http://www.tattoozoo.co.uk/aftercare/aftercare.html

As soon as the swelling is settled i'll add some pics. :)

Natural Photography

2009-05-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get into my new hobby, photography using the Nikon D5o. Still not quite sure how to use it, but i'm trying out different styles.

As I mentioned before, i'm trying to cheer my mom up, so have been waiting for a nice sunny day to mow the lawn and take some pics of the garden. Next week i've plans to get them blown up to poster size so that I can put them on her ceiling, and something else to look at apart from artex! I've also arranged for Sky to be put in, even though I bought freeview box for her at Christmas. Hopefully she'll get a better reception. I read an article today, the author must have read my mind about the caring system. Here it is if anyone is interested.

Anyway, I finally mowed the lawn, got up at 6AM to take some pics of the sunlight hitting the trees and I hope she enjoys it. I also nearly blew myself up when I cut right through the mower cable when it was on. Oops! The people at the store said I was very lucky to not get electrocuted. Glad to see i've still got some luck on my side. So whilst at the garden ship, i've been wanting to buy something for the birds. We already have a box for the bluetits that visit the house every day, but haven't really done more than that. So I bough a victorian type of stand along with nuts, seeds, worms and peanuts. Since then i've had an influx of birds of al varieties, which is just what I wanted.

I've seen a red finch, blue tits, lots of pidgeons, a black bird that's stealing moss in a plant pot for it's nest and a few sparrows. I've managed to take a few pics behind the glass doors, some turned out well, others didn't. Judgin by the seed feeder that seems to be the most popular, so i'll have to top that up as soon as possible.

I'm heading off to the house again tomorrow to sort a few things off... yeah had all these plans to get stuff done this week and i'm still procrastinating... so tomorrow!!

Enjoy the pics.

Caring - An antiquated system

2009-05-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

My mom

For the last 5 years, i've had to be involved with medical personel, hospitals, doctors, nurses, social services - the whole kit and kaboodle. After seeing an entry in today's news about an OAP that was killed, it stirred something within me. A fire that's been brewing for a long time.

There has always been disparities within the health system, and nursing care standards, along with the old age post code lottery. For me though my story is probably not disimilar to others out there. My dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2004, and within 2 months he was dead. During those two months, we had the support of Macmillan nurses, the Queenscourt Hospice in Southport whom were wonderful with dad whilst he was there during his last few weeks. I had support from nurses, doctors, because of the word 'Cancer'. With other people, like my mom who is just 55 years old - a young women whom has Ankyosing Spondylitis, Osteoarthritis, and Osteoporosis, she's unable to feed herself, care for herself and has been bedridden for 3 years, I receive no support. I'm not just talking about monetary support, i'm talking about physical support, emotional support. People's wishes when they're seriously ill and whom are not suffering from cancer appear to be discriminated against. A person with cancer is allowed to die at home and receives such support and services to allow them to fulfill their personal needs. Why then is it so different for people of other illnesses?

My mom is dying slowly, she wants to come home to die, and the only way I can manage to do that is to pay some agency fee of £700 per week, plus the costs of Social services. But because of costs it's too expensive to bring her home, when nursing homes are £500 per week (minimum). So mom has no choice but to stay there against her wishes, against my wishes. Have you ever heard someone cry for years on end because they want to go home? How hard it is to try and say that 'i'm trying'. Working all the hours to try and save that sort of money. For it to be gone within a year. Then what happens after that year when the savings are all gone? They sell their home that they've built their whole life working for.

I know my mom and I aren't the only ones in this position, but too much power is now at the hands of others instead of the needs of the individuals, and it needs to change. Help for carers needs to change. The whole system is so antiqauted that it's no longer fit for purpose. So where do we go from here. How do we stop the discrimination from this point on?

Classical Music - Rondo Veneziano

2009-05-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a child I have been interested in all kinds of music. People who've browsed through my iPod, can't quite figure out which genre I fit into, which is fine with me. I'm pretty much an eclectic when it comes to music. It has to reach me on an emotional level for me to love it. I remember a song from probably going on 20 years ago that I heard and has stuck with me forever. The song was Notturno in Gondola by Rondo Veneziano from the album Venice in Peril. I do have the LP somewhere, but had trouble getting it onto disc. High and low i've searched for this particular song to put on my laptop/iphone/ipod etc. And now i've finally found it.

I'm not quite sure what it is about the composition that I love so much. It's such a haunting piece that just gives me goose pimples.

As I sit here trying to relax (thanks to some hefty meds from the doctors), I get a sense as I close my eyes that i'm wandering in a meadow of yellow flowers and at the end of the field is an old shack. As I walk towards it, I see an old gentlemen just sitting on his porch in this brocken down building, only sheltered by some beams of wood overhead. The man is of black origin and aged approximately 80ish originated from the southern states of America. And he sits in solitude, his head bowed in contemplative silence as if waiting for something or someone to find him.

I don't approach him, instead I stop and sit, watching this man from a distance and this music is what I hear, a haunting melody of emotions that emanate from him. His sadness, whomever he is, is lonely and longing for something. Or maybe it's me who is longing for something. Where this has come from, I really have no idea, but if someone can explain it to me, i'd be very grateful. Is it just vivid imagination, or is it something i've seen before? I don't know. I've uploaded the music for you (hopefully it works). All I ask is when you listen to this music, what do you see, what do you hear, what do you feel?

Okay, so the music thing didn't quite work out as i'd planned. So i've put the link to the music at the bottom, don't worry there's no virus's and you don't have to download anything unless you wish, just simply press play on the required file and let me know what you think.

Notturno in Gondola by Rondo Veneziano

Cats and Computors

2009-04-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

My cats have serious issues with my PC and my using it, and will use mostly any tactic to get in the way of my surfing, typing or reading. My older cat (Gemma) is 17 in a couple of months and has become even more clingier than usual. She adores cuddles, and will most often just plonk herself either on my chest, the laptop or on my hands. Either that or she just wants to feel the heat!! Bella on the other hand is still very kittenish at 2 years old, she still drags her blanket around everywhere and adores being tickled on the belly, very much like a dog. With the PC her mannerisms are very different to Bella's in that she'll attempt to sit on the laptop and refuses to budge. Worse still she's such a drooler, and it goes everywher, once she starts that's it. Puddles on the keys on my arms, and quite frequently she suckles my ear and drools down my neck. Now i'm told that they normally do that if they're taking away from their moms too early, and they should grow out of it when they're about a year old... i'm still waiting!!

Unfortunately my previous laptop didn't fair very well with the girls in that they became so jealous, Bella kept repeatedly headbutting the screen until it eventually fell off. Needless to say my insurance agent, had a good laugh and refused to pay. Fingers crossed this doesn't happen again!

Anyway a couple of pics to show you the lil tearaways.

Nikon D50

2009-04-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally been ordered to relax and take some time off for a few weeks to get my blood pressure down to a more manageable level; lest I end up having a stroke! So with that in mind. I've had to learn how to chill out. Given that i'm one of those people with Type A personalities, i'm not quite sure how to relax. So my boss has set me work plan objectives on relaxing. She's advised me to read at least 3 books before I go back to work, to get a sun tan and chill out in the garden, to do some writing (which i've been extremely neglectful with for the last year), and to go out and take some pictures.

So, with my orders firmly in hand, I took a first tentative step and attempted to be a tourist for the day. As you can see from the snapshots with my Nikon D50 (200mm lens with UV filter), they're of the funfair and pier nearby. I seem to have this thing at the moment about wildlife, specifically ducks... i'll tell you about it some other time. I think the pictures came out quite good, and i've now got a telescopic lens which I hope to use when I go to Portugal in June. A whole week of swimming, chilling and drinking. Can't wait!!

Long time no post

2009-04-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I posted here. To tell you the truth things have been exceptionally hectic, and i've barely had two minutes to do anything more than just sleep once work has finished.

After a health scare... or three, i've decided that I have to start making some changes to my life, which means having fun a lot more, and leaving as much stress behind me as I can. I miss the good old care free days when the only thing I had to worry about was if I should get up at 11am or 12!

With work as stressful as it is, and mom begging me to come home i'm finding myself more and more out of sorts. So to try and gain that bit of life that should be fun i've decided to get out a bit more and enjoy life. Even if it's little snatches here and there. With that in mind I got myself a new camera (well, Ebay new) and some zoom lenses and went down the road to test out my new camera. Some pics i've been surprised with, and thought they'd turned out really well, particular the close up shots. Others i've thought 'meh' I definately need more practice, but practice makes perfect. The other part of my buying a new camera was for the trip to Bedford in February to see that cast of Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis. It was definately interesting for Joe I think when he realised Linzi and I were there for the cocktail party. I didn't think he'd remember me, but he did, and it was funny seeing him do a double take when he first saw Linzi.

So that was the first reason I bought the Nikon D50, the second reason was my love for cherry blossoms. I don't know why i'm drawn to them, but absolutely love the spring when they all come out and will finally get that tattoo on my ankle of the Japanese variety as opposed to the chinese version; primarily because they have two differing meanings. With mom still very poorly and deterioriating each day, she's not got much to look forward to, or to see given her bed ridden status and her being paralysed. So as she has little to no movement from the neck down, instead of simply being turned onto her back and seeing the ceiling, I want her to have a little piece of home. So once i've mown the lawn and the blossoms in the garden are out in full. I've arranged for my photo's of the garden (from start to finish) to be blown up to poster size and then arrange them on her ceiling. So the times when the nurses turn her on her back, she doesn't have to look at a blank ceiling. It's something at least. If anyone has any other ideas, i'm open to them.

I know I never posted my write up when I visited the set, but you can find all the details and some photos here. It's been so long since we went to the set, but I can still recall it with absolute clarity and fondness. I'll post some pics here of our trip to Canada and some shots I took today with my new camera if anyone is interested. Now that SGA has ended, I feel quite lost and empty and sad... good job I can look back at shirtless Shep and smile, grateful to Mr M for finally relenting and giving all us fangirls a long lasting squee moment. Let's hope we get some more when the movie comes out!

If anything this post was quite cathartic. Hope you enjoy the pics.

SQUEEE!

2008-05-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I updated, work, home, being poorly and squeeing has taken up my all too little time to play. That, and i've become incredibly boring. :P The job is busy and i'm still getting used to it, and is causing havoc at the moment with my asthma. So unfortunatley not a lot of time to play.

BUT, I do have some good news, some very good news. :) Linz and I are finally going to get a chance to visit the set of Stargate Atlantis. I still can't quite believe it, it's all a bit surreal at the moment. Hopefully i'll have some more details over the next week or so, but at the moment i'm in 'bouncy and don't quite believe it's going to happen' mode. And to top it off, I and a good friend Linz get to have lunch with Joe Flanigan. Yep, still not sinking in. I have so many questions, i'm like that annoying child who questions everything, I just hope that when we finally get to Vancouver, I can keep a reign on my enthusiasm.

What's always fascinated me is how the show is put together, and to see the set up close and personal just makes me speechless. Me, speechless, that's got to be a first. :)

But to see the set and hopefully see behind the scenes and how things are put together to make the episode just is such an exciting prospect. I've wanted this for so long, so it seems like a dream at the moment, and someone is going to pinch me and i'll wake up.

*doing my happy dance*

Oh poor neglected blog, how i've missed you!

2008-02-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

After nearly a year of waiting, the Pegasus 3 convention finally arrived! Here was the chance to meet my whumping buddies and meet some of the actors from Stargate Atlantis. The guests; Andee Frizell, Kavan Smith, Dean Marshall, Tori Higginson and Paul McGillion arrived at the meet and greet in high spirits, we also had a bonus guest of Johnathon Woodward (no comment there). The SGA actors were pleasent, charming and very funny. Each of them had their own sense of humour and anecdotes to share along with some lovely juicy spoilers. One guest (no names mentioned to protect the guilty) accidently gave away a big part of a plot for The Last Man (bless their little cotton socks, they were mortified, and proceeded to bash their heads against the wall when they realised what had been said). Suffice to say the fans loved it and the display of panic and shock that followed. I won't reveal it, as it could potentially spoil you too much, so my lips are firmly sealed, but I will say this, I think we're in for a great treat!

Now you lot know i've got a memory of a goldfish and to be honest I have enough trouble remembering what day it is, let alone what people had to say in a three day convention. Sorry. Alipeeps did a fantastic write up of the convention, so if you literally want to know the ins and outs of what happened, you might want to head on over there. The one thing I did notice, and let's face it, those that attended can attest to it, was that Paul M, was alas not a true Scot! Shame on you Paul! Oh yes, he gave us a quick flash as he hopped up onto a bed, but a girl can tell a true Scot! ;) What was the bed doing there? Well it certainly felt like a whumping crew convention, so maybe they wanted us to feel at home! Bless.

So, finally meeting up with Linz, Sheppy D, Listy, Bebop, Ali, Squonk, Red Phoenix and puddle jumper it was so nice to put faces to names, particularly as we'd been talking on line for so long. Let's just say they're exactly the same in real life as they are online, well maybe we squee more in real life. Hehehe. The other good thing about the convention is that I was chosen to play 'Dial or no dial' by way of raffle. I never expected to get picked and certainly never expected to have my face plastered on the big screen. *Note to self: no steroid injections for the forseeable future* :P

So, there I was on the big stage, playing with the ducks (that could potentially be mine if I didn't win), and to be honest after losing a tonne of money early on, it was looking very likely. I was however convinced that I would win tickets to the Pegasus 4 convetion, so much so, that I kept telling the compare that my spideysense was tingling. I don't think he believed me! Especially after I had a run of bad luck and lost pretty much all the top prizes except for the tickets to the next convention! After a whole 15 minutes on tenderhooks, the last box was finally revealed and I won the ticets! Woohooooo! For me that meant more than all the other prizes put together, however I did lose the Joe Flanigan photo! *insert a primordial scream of despair* :P

So, what's happening on the work front? You know this whole big boss thing is not exactly how I imagined it to be. Lots of stuff going on, and not all of it is pleasant. So with all that going on, my squee is fading fast. There's a hearing to start today regarding a member of staff, that isn't any longer my staff because of circumstances, needless to say yours truly has been accussed of some nasty stuff, and i've not even met them! Doesn't it boggle the mind that you can be accused of something that you've never done? I've been accused of discrimination, harrassment and bullying and i've managed to achieve this without even meeting or talking to the individual involved. What can I say, it's a knack! I've been told through the hearing that the person who instigated the complaint doesn't like women bosses and despises the fact that i'm not only a woman, but i'm young to boot! To be honest the whole thing is laughable especially considering i'm being accused of something that he's actually doing. Ahhh the irony of it all! Unfortunately though, because it's classed as a formal complaint, we have to go through the motions. I told my new boss that this must be some kind of record, i've not even been in the job two months, have never met them and yet......... i've been reliably informed that this is why I get paid the big bucks, to put up with this sort of stuff.

So while i'm on a rant... the news relating to the cast shake up for season 5 is out, and to say I have mixed feelings is a bit of an understatement, and I did have a major overreaction to the new appointed leader of Atlantis, which has now been confirmed as Robert Picardo! Due to Amanda Tapping's new series, she has stepped down which has resulted in the character Richard Woolsey taking over. First reaction is i'm not a happy camper, personnaly I loved RP's character in Star Trek, and for me what I find difficult when characters come into play, is that they have to be believeable in that particular role. With Richard Woolsey, sorry I just don't see him as having the ability to command such a large community in the midst of battle, and as a friend said, Richard Woolsey in leather is just wrong on so many levels. LOL.

The character is a bit panicky, can occasionaly be a muppet and for me cannot cope with the demands that a leader must possess. Everything that's been written about his character so far suggests that, so for me it's a bit unbelievable and to be honest has me feeling a tad nervous. I'm normally one to go with the flow and look at the positive aspects of change, but I mean it's WOOLSEY!! My whumping buddies have been telling me it could be great for angst potential and butting heads with the team and specifically with Shep, BUT, it's Woolsey! I keep repeating it like a mantra in the hopes i'll get used to it, as yet, I just can't imagine it. Throughout the changes i've never been disappointed in what TPTB had put forward save for a few exceptions *cough*Kelleer*cough* and i'm trying to like her, really I am, but I don't know what it is about her that I'm not fond of. It's not even as if I dislike the character, it's simply that for me she doesn't add anything, and I miss Beckett. I think maybe for me I've not seen that 'caring side of her' yet. Maybe I need for her to take care of Shep! What? Don't look at me that way, i'm a whumper and a shallow one at that. :P

Beckett for me had those caring, sweet qualities, and told the team off when they didn't do as they told, and he had a 'quality' about him that i've yet to find in Jewel Staite's character. I did enjoy the episode 'Missing' so maybe there's still hope for me. At this point, i'm just meh about it all. And then to top it off, I hear that Michael Shank's character from SG1 is coming over for a couple of episods. Hmmph! I did love SG1, and adored the character Daniel Jackson for a long time, but for me his character evolved to a point where he had changed too much, and I went off him. So for him to come over for one ep, let alone two? I'm not fond off, hopefully i'll be pleasantly suprised and i'll adore the ep, but at the moment i'm not too keen.

*sighs*

As I can't end the post on a negative point, so.........

Ahhhhhh all is right with the world again! :D Let me just say this one thing before you fall asleep (that is if you haven't already).

I absolutely adored Outcast, that aired in the US on Friday. There was just so much feeling of love, that it just melted my heart. But, I think i've said too much today, so i'll save that for a few days. Suffice to say if you haven't watched it, you really need to, as it's 42 minutes of pure enjoyment.

Odd and Sods and a Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, so i'm a really bad blogger. In my defence though so much has gone on and i've hardly had two minutes to myself. So today, as it's Boxing day, I thought i'd send you all to sleep after your heavy meals. See, that can be my present to all the insomniacs out there, just because i'm kind and generous like that.

So, where to start? Well, let's start with Stargate and the two eps that have aired since I updated last. I'm debating whether to bored you needlessly from the onset or give you the choice. Hmmm decisions, decisions. Tell you what, i'll give you the highlights and if you're feeling exceptionally bored one day you may feel inclined to read them at your peril.

Miller's Crossing. What I enjoyed about this ep was the moral issues that were created. This initial post was just a series of posts with others at GW to debate back and forth whether the choices Sheppard made were ethical or not. Let's just say the debate is still ongoing. After tensions on the boards reached it's peak some decided that the only way to decide if he was correct to make the decision he did was to hold an Article 32 Hearing. Yours truly is 'playing Shepard' and it's up to the judge to determine if there were any wrong doings. So far things are being set up, so i'll keep you apprised on the progress of the trial if you're at all interested. I think it's certainly a good way of keeping people out of trouble (namely me) and having lots of fun along the way. While some parts of the ep (specifically the beginning did bore me slightly, I found myself enthralled by the end and questioning the morality of what took place! There have only been certain eps like this, and I love that SGA seem to be going darker and throwing up these sorts of 'What would you do?' dilemmas. I also felt it tied in nicely with previous eps and the moral question that was raised in Season 3's 'The Game'.

Next up was This Mortal Coil. I thought i'd done a review for this, but can't find any trace of it!! How bizarre. Well, I did enjoy it to a point, but to be honest it was a bit meh! Though it has to be said i'm like that with the majority of two parters. I understand the set up has to happen, but I tend to find I like the second parts more than the first. What I did like was that everything seemed to be coming together. That we got two Sheps! ;o) And we got great continuity throughout (which I absolutely adore and there was lots and lots of team moments.

Best line for me? Sheppard: The last time I met up with myself, I ended up kicking my own ass! (flashback to DG)! Told you there was great continuity.

Oh I went to Haworth, did some Ghost Hunting... found no ghosts! Alas they must have heard I would be in the neighbourhood. I rode the Harry Potter express, which was lots of fun. Took a tonne of vids (learnt i'd never make a good cameraman).

What else? Oh yes, I started a new job! I am now the man!! With cleavage though. Lots of things going on. Remember I told you about my having to bond with my team, and how management weren't very receptive about my idea of paintballing, bowling or going to the pub? Well, they allowed me (very generous of them) to make an executive decision on how we would bond. So I was very good, we compromised and for the first day, we had lots of fun being creative. The second day we went bowling and the staff (I hope) bonded. From the vid, above I think we're at least part way there. And from the sounds of it, bowling was the right choice. I heard from some of the other staff in the other new teams that had been set up, and they were gutted their manager didn't take them bowling!! Well, I ask you, who is going to learn anything by sitting in a room and dictating to staff (two days before xmas, I might add) and listen to the benefits of regionalisation and consistency? I don't do death by PowerPoint, for me a happy team makes a productive team.

Okay I think i've bored you enough. Merry Christmas everyone!

Spirit guides

2007-11-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

Well, today was the second week of our course to be the best and the brightest. This week's learning involves creativity and innovation. I've always said i'm probably more creative than I am academic, but being such does not mean that I haven't got a brain. Though some days it may feel that way, and i'll hold my hand up and say that I'm no Einstein, but then Einstein was no me. I bet he's thanking his lucky stars as we speak (well he would if he was alive) LOL.

As has been the norm since we began our management course, every Monday (without fail) we've had examinations. I'm one of those people that just the simple word 'test' sends me into a blind panic. Doubly so, when we've not even learned the material we're being tested on! Thankfully, this time I was not alone. Taking a peek at my co-workers papers to see what they put down... What? I mean it's not like you've never done that. Come one admit it, you've peeked! Or at least thought about it. I was relieved to see that everyone (well as far as I could see) didn't fair any better than me! For some reason that made me feel lots better. Our tests involved the Left and the right brain, which parts are creative and which are the logical ones. Then this was followed by a brief Mensa test. I kid you not! Yep, and it's still early in the morning. Strangely enough I actually managed to answer a few questions! Go Me.

Then we moved on to the fun part of drawing pictures, playing with toys, (Spirograph's, ping-pong, cuddly toys, glittery wands) apparently it stimulates all your synapses. As i'm drawing my stick men to represent an answer, it dawns on me that I'm actually enjoying myself. I knew it was too good to last!

The trainer decided after lunch that she'd like to us to 'think outside the box'. As such she wanted us to practice some meditation techniques to solve any problems that we had through using whomever we were paired up with to act as a 'spirit guide'. Now things probably wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't been paired up with my partner in crime. So far we've behaved reasonably professional, with only brief moments of him and his boss 'flashing us' after we had to make a commercial, and my 'giggling' has only occurred a couple of times. So, I think so far i've behaved very well. When we were paired up, he was very hesitant, it was a bit 'new age' and he's a 'man's man' if that makes sense? He doesn't like anything involving 'fluffiness' But, I was determined that he was going to give it a go. Given this we trundles off with another couple to somewhere quiet, and he had me go first. I scooted down in the chair, and closed my eyes relaxing my body as much as possible. The exercise was for us to ask ourselves a question, and then go into our secret garden, then have a wander around before jumping over the imaginary stone wall using our super powers. Can you see now why we might have found this a bit embarrassing? I mean this is him and it's me guiding each other through our imaginary garden's!

As I took some deep breaths and exhaled slowly, I could hear him snickering to the side of me. I swatted him in an effort to keep my own giggles at bay. Then he uttered those fateful words. "Now it's time to release your burden!" At that point, all I could think of was the episode, 'Tao of Rodney' and Shep saying to Weir that Rodney needed to release his burden! Oh dear things were not going well, and I burst into fits of giggles. So we tried again after i'd composed myself. Finally I was in my secret garden, and i'd lasted a whole 2 minutes without laughing! Go me! Then he had to walk me through my garden, and it was at that point, I lost it again. When I open my eyes my partner in crime is shaking his head and I we end up giving up. His turn! Let's see how he likes it. Closing his eyes, I tell him to breathe easy and relax his body, he's to clear his mind and think of bright blue skies! And then I lost it! Again!! Then he lost it, and no matter how many times we tried this, both of us ended up hitting each other with our books. Things were not going well. So we ended up giving it up as a bad job, and hoped the teacher wasn't going to ask us what we saw in our garden's. If this is day one, i'm dying to know what tomorrow brings!

Management - the Cheeky way

2007-11-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned a few days ago. I have been promoted to a senior manager. Whether this was fluke or someone took pity on me, i'll never know. Personally I think they promoted the wrong person and today's first day pretty much confirmed that for me. A few of us (including my partner in crime) have been sent on a training course to become the best and the brightest leaders. This course is to last a whole 4 weeks and will apparently include a variety of topics and activities in an effort to get all the managers to utilise their skills and bond with each other ready for the mammoth task ahead.

I'll be honest with you, I was slightly nervous going in, and had no idea what to really expect from my colleagues or the course! Our group consists of several 'executives' who appeared quiet and deadpan. No humour, no smiles, no laughter. These type of courses freak me out. Me being serious for a whole 4 weeks? This was not going to be easy. I had to remain professional at all times as i'm now in a position of power. BUT it's 4 weeks!! I'm never going to last. So our first task involved a pop quiz regarding employment legislation, learning techniques and grievance procedures. A whole 91 questions on the topic. To say I was unprepared would be an understatement. The trainer advised us that this was purely a benchmark exercise. Just as well really, lol, you can't exactly get any worse than being absolutely crap. ;o)

After our test we were asked to draw a pictogram about who we are, what influenced us, what our job entails and what our motto is. And just to make it that much more interesting our big boss decides to tell us that we are 'the cream of the crop'! She might want to take that back at the end of my presentation. :P I told the group that I was *cough* on occasions a bit cheeky and geeky and how much I loved Stargate. My partner in crime kept rolling his eyes as if to say, "Oh no, not again." LOL What was my motto that I live by? Carpe Diem (Seize the day - stolen from Dead Poets Society) One of the best films i've seen! Alas, the only way I knew how to draw that was to draw a picture of a sun, and a hand grabbing it. Let's just say i'll never win any awards for my creativity. ;o)

So our third activity of the day was to design, present and act out a two minute commercial on how to promote out business. This is the point where I lost the plot and had a fit of the giggles for ten minutes solid. In my defence it really wasn't my fault. Anyone seen the show with Les Dawson? It's the one where he dresses up as a woman and keeps hoisting his boobs up whilst pulling funny faces. Well, my partner in crime decided that we (the other girl) and I should be the women and we should hoist our boobs up like Les Dawson Don't ask. LOL Well since I have the attributes, I felt like I could play my part pretty well. I've noticed recently that most topics seem to be about boobs... specifically mine. Then the boys decided that while us women were pretending to play these parts, they would jump up behind us, tap us on the shoulder and then 'flash us'! Yep, you heard me. Complete with mac and dodgy persona, (though obviously.. and thankfully not nekkid.) They planned to sneak up on us and tell us both 'Not to fear' as they'd have the solutions to our problem. I was fine up until the point where 'flashing' would take place (complete with actions, I might add). Well, I lost it at that point and continued my giggling hysterics for about 10 minutes while the others looked on as if this was part of the norm. Their seriousness just had me laughing even more.

So we'd rehearsed through my laughing, up until the point where I was told to 'go and sort myself out'. I can't help it. Once I start laughing, that's usually me gone for a while. People were coming out to see what the raucous was, and why it was having this effect on me; they couldn't wait to see what we'd come up with. Oh the pressure of a performance!! Needless to say, like the consummate professional I am, I held it together for nearly the duration, but what set me off again (oh yes I know I'm childish) Was when one of the lads 'flashed us' he ripped his mac so much that his buttons flung off. After that there really was no going back. :o)

So, with my fate in the group firmly sealed, I think TPTB are thinking of ways of retracting my promotion. I'm not sure if i'm exactly the kind of person they were hoping for. Even if I do get kicked off the course for being a bad influence, at least i'll have had fun along the way!

Spideysense

2007-11-18T11:43:00.001-08:00

Well, it looks as if someone's spidysense is working well for them! In this weeks episode of Stargate Atlantis, The Seer. The team got a taste of their possible future... or demise, as this week the team encountered a 'Seer' whose accurate predication's makes him a valuable asset to the Atlantis team. The problem is, he's dying, and there are a few things he needs to tell the team before he dies. That, coupled with the fact that the CG Wraith is back *squee* made this an excellent 42 minutes of pure entertainment.

What fascinates me about predicting futures is probably the same as other people's thoughts. Are our lives mapped out already or are we able to chose our own paths? These are the sort of questions, that I like shows to delve into. I asked a question on the whump thread about this episode as I don't know why I thoroughly enjoyed it, I simply did. S4 has been very much like a tapestry and each episode the threads become interwoven; building up slowly until the viewers will finally get to see the full picture.

One thing i've always commented on is the fact that at times SGA doesn't always follow up on things. But, I have to say, this ep had continuity in abundance. The CG wraith initially appeared in S3's Common ground, and the tentative alliance he built up with Sheppard was an integral part of the story. The events surrounding that episode resulted in both man making a pact of sorts, in that 'All bets are off', if or when they ever met up again. So for me this was one ep I was looking forward to. I'll admit I had reservations, particularly as I didn't want the ep to go down an 'Irresponsible' route. ;) And you know what? This episode blew me away. We had angst, mistrust and an uneasy tentative alliance, with both sides. I adored the fact that even though Sheppard and the wraith shared that common ground before, that here and now the circumstances were very different and the two men reverted back to the same uneasiness that we felt initially in Common Ground. I loved it. But then I am a sucker for angst, mistrust and tension type of episodes. ;o)

There was so much information and build ups in this ep, that I had to watch it several times to get the full impact. Yes, that's my excuse and i'm sticking to it. :P I'll be honest, I was worried about Carter coming over from SG1 (even though i've always liked the character). I felt that now that SG1 had finished that TPTB felt some kind of loyalty to the actors, which is understandable. I didn't however want SGA to always be reliant on it's sister show. I wanted it to stand on it's own two feet and do well on its own merits, and there are times when I still think it's overshadowed by its sister show, even now that SG1 is off the air. People will always make comparisons. However after the episodes that have aired thus far, i'm hoping that people will realise that it's a different type of show. The content is darker, the story lines (personally) feel stronger, more so recently. And I hope it goes from strength to strength. With that said with the viewing figures dipping I do wonder if Season 5 is the last. I hope not, but my spideysense continuously tingles on this issue. And i've not been wrong so far. :( Anyway I digress!

Spidysense!!

So, with the team being shown possible futures, Carter had several tough decisions to make based on the visions shown. One in particular related to the potential destruction of Atlantis. Given the arrival of the CG Wraith and his pose, it was understandable that they perceived the two to be connected in some way. So the dilemma was, after seeing the vision and arrival of two hive ships, do they play safe or do they go with their instincts? I won't spoil it for you. Suffice to say, I think this episode left more unanswered questions that will hopefully be revealed in the coming weeks!! Darn it!

So what did I love? I'll try and be succinct, this could be a first. :P

CG Wraith and his humour. *g*
Shep and the CG Wraith (that really doesn't get old). :o)
Angst, tension and mistrust throughout
Shep and Carter scenes showing a lot of respect for each other.
Rodney and Shep scene *sniff*
Continuity with Teyla and the Athosians
Tentative alliance with the Wraith
Great story and SFX
Lots of unanswered questions. (What? I like it when things aren't nicely squared away). :P

Alas we're not going to find out the answers for a few more weeks. Dagnabit! But, hopefully we'll get to know in time how things tie up. In the meantime it means that we get to speculate to our hearts content. :o)

Death by PowerPoint

2007-11-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever sat through an intensely boring lecture, where the lights are off and the manager decides to give the team a thorough briefing of changes being made in the office? 50 slides of management speak along with stats, and how the team should be performing under those immense changes and what's expected of you? The lights are off and you're forced to spend a whole day listening to your manager speak for a minimum of 7 hours as you try desperately to stay awake. Failing that, you pray that if your eyes do close, then they won't hear you snoring.

Well, the time has come when I will have to be that manager and talk for not just 7 hours. Oh no my blogging friends, our Powers that be are insisting that I bore my new team for a whole 14 hours! Won't that be fun?

Yours truly has finally become a senior manager after passing my promotion board! Woohoo! And with great power comes with great responsibilities... or so i'm told. Now i'm all for bonding with my new team, but let's just say my ways might be a little bit more different to theirs. After being told what is expected of me and my team, it has to be said that i'm always up for new challenges and have no doubt that it'll be a bumpy ride as we all get to know each other along the way. But team bonding through death by PowerPoint? Not exactly a great way to get to know my team. it has to be said that they wouldn't be the only ones struggling to stay awake! "How about bowling, or going to the pub then?" I suggested? Their short and sweet reply? "NO!"

Okay, maybe too much too soon? I mean they're not used to my way of working yet, so better take it slow and steady then. "How about bonding via paintball? That way, instead of killing them with death by PowerPoint, I can get them with my lazer gun, or paint balls?" Given the look I received, I don't think they thought too highly of my suggestions. In all fairness though, I can't take the credit for the pub suggestion, that lil gem goes to my partner in crime. ;o) I think they're seriously thinking of changing their minds. Personally I think the team would like nothing better than to take pot shots of their managers. But that's just me!!

So with my last day tomorrow, I'm feeling slightly off. I've been with my team for 8 years and there's been lots of laughs (mainly from them laughing at my attempts to manage them) and tears (usually mine as I tear my hair out from their juvenile behaviour). ;o) And now it's all coming to an end. *sniff* So in true leaving style the team decided that we would need some executive toys for our new job, just to help us get into that mindset. Those toys consisted of a 'shocking' arm wrestling kit, (for when the staff become unruly and instead of hitting each other they get to wrestle). A wise talking Yoda (that answers all the important executive questions, such as who will make me coffee today). Separately my partner got a remote control armchair complete with booze for when the pressure gets too much and he needs to relax. And yours truly got a leather whip, for whipping the new team into shape. ;o) You've got to admire their ingenuity and cheek. ;o) Well at least now when my new team are being opinionated and unruly, I can say with confidence, "Don't make me get the whip out!" It will no longer be an idle threat. ;o)

I can't wait!! My new team have no idea about my humour, so this should be quite interesting.

Missing

2007-11-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Part of the reason why I love Stargate Atlantis is that it allows me to expand my brain capacity and think about things. While I love the episodes that just allow me to sit back and relax, I do now and again enjoy a change in pace. Mythology and varying cultures along with SciFi elements is why I tune in each week. The fact that there are so many sexy men on there is just an added bonus. ;o) This week 'Missing' aired and revolved around a more darker story arc than SGA has seen to date. This area of story telling touched on it with Common Ground in Season 3, and this felt like an extension of that general feeling in many ways, such as the will to survive against all odds.

Now I know there have been mixed reviews with this episode for various reasons. Like any character centric episode you'll have people who didn't enjoy the story as much as they miss the team element. I am one of those that need to feel the team's presence in an episode even if the focus is on my favourite character. I think this episode achieved that more than Travelers did, although I have a tendency to be like Oliver Twist and want more. The team elements for me were balanced just right in Tabula Rasa, but did those 'missing elements' stop me from enjoying the ep with Teyla and Doc Keller as the main focus? Nope, not at all. In fact the episode left me with a feeling that there were more questions than answers. Not everything was tied up into a nice little package and it left things to the viewers imagination. It certainly felt as if this episode spawned several small story arcs that will hopefully enlighten us in the coming episodes.

The premise was set with Teyla and the Doc heading off world, series of events take a nasty turn and the two women have to literally kill or be killed from a nomadic cannibalistic race after a visit to Teyla's Athosian family go missing. Given what has happened, Teyla's survival skills kick into place and she heads for the dark side, turning her fear and uncertainty into something much darker. The doc, who is so much like a female version of McKay (that it's scary), LOL, doesn't feel as if she's up to the challenge. I have to say that there were times when I felt she need a good slap upside the head on occasions. Thankfully though she stepped up to the plate when it became necessary and we got to see some very nice bonding scenes between the two very different women, not to mention the creation of a new enemy, the Bola Kai and some very nice kick ass fight scenes. That along with the use of cat and mouse games throughout the 42 minutes made this a very enjoyable episode.

Towards the end of the episode we see Teyla talking to Sheppard, and that one particular scene felt as if something was brewing just under the surface for Teyla. Something that will not doubt have an impact on her actions in future eps, not to mention that there could be some serious issues between her and the team. I got the sense (whether i'm right or not) that Sheppard for once didn't know what to say to Teyla. With her emotions and resolute at finding her people spiralling out of control, I do think that it left Shep uncertain on what to say to her. It's his way to bury his emotions and feelings about certain aspects of his darker side, but it's not hers. So I look forward to where this takes us.

Oh my i'm rambling again... so, what were my favourite parts?

Girl Bonding
Teyla's turn to the dark side
Kick ass fight scenes
New primitive bad guys
Insight into Teyla and Doc K's past
Athosian history and culture
Boys coming to the rescue
Shep in fight mode
Great scenery and lighting
Thought provoking storyline
Set up of future arc's

Phew i've actually said more than I planned! Did I not say it was thought provoking at the start? Hopefully next week we'll see the return of lots o team moments in 'The Seer'! With the return of the Common Ground Wraith that fed on Shep! Oooh the angst potential it could bring. I really hope that the writers do justice with this one and don't do a repeat of.... that Irresponsible ep!! *growls*

You know one of these days blogger will actually start to like me again, and not screw up the formatting so I have to go back in several times and fix it! If any one has any solutions, please let me know. ;o)

2007-11-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

With Tabula Rasa airing on Friday, I thought it was about time to do my long overdue review for Travelers and for Tabula Rasa! I'm getting caught up after a hectic week... but i'll save that for another day. So, let's start off with Travelers. A gift to the whumpers, and it certainly lived up to our expectations, I can assure you. However, what I wasn't prepared for was the backlash that followed. Who knew the fandom could get into such a tizzy over one little kiss?! So,are you all sitting comfortably? Shall I begin?

Travelers

The concept was set some time ago, when Mr M issued a message to the Shep whumpers via his blog, that this episode was to be our gift!! We squeed, and speculated, then had to wait for months. There was talk of building a time travel machine, and the pre-discussion thread for this ep over on Gateworld actually felt like a second whump thread. Nails were bitten to the quick. Our heart rate increased exponentially as the time for Travelers and DG got closer, until finally it arrived! While the whump certainly lived up to our standards. *squee for blood* alas some of us felt that once we arrived on the episode discussion thread that we had to continually defend Sheppard's actions in this ep! So what was the controversy? Well, let me put it this way, a little kiss and some innuendo.

Suddenly threads are popping up all over the place that Shep was a slut, was unfit for command. And brace yourself people.. he flirted! I know, shocking isn't it. Well, apparently to some people *waves to FAII* it was the crime of the century. Now normally i'm quite a shy and reserved sort of person, and I really don't like to cause chaos and mayhem, and certainly I have no desire to derail any thread, no matter how ridiculous I feel it is. But, it was just too much fun to ignore, and yes ill freely admit that I had great fun blowing that poster out of the water. For some strange reason he really dislikes me, and my thoughts. Apparently i'm childish, immature, irreverent, and get on his nerves. And this is something new? :o)

So we debated back and forth about the kiss and Shep being unfit for command as a result of being a complete slut. You can just imagine my eyes rolling at that statement can't you? So, with smut being the topic of conversation, let's just say, it was not my fault the subject of boobs was brought about. I was simply trying to stand my ground and make a point. And if the thread descended into chaos and mayhem as a result of that, well, that's the way it goes sometimes.

So what did I adore apart from all of it? Bear in mind that this was a Shep episode, it's not just my obsessive compulsiveness with the dashing pilot. :P

Sheppard being captured, tied up and beaten. (Maybe I was a dominatrix in a previous life)? :o)
Sheppard getting all bloody!! Yes that does excite me, and no i'm not a vampire. :P
Very rarely do we get to see true ramifications of actions, like cuts and bruises, so for me this was a definite highlight.
Shep being irreverent and playing hard to get. ;) (That one was for you FAII)
Shep using his ATA gene do access the control systems on the Aurora class ship, the control chair and the internal communications device!
Shep being resourceful and using his smarts to get out of situations
Larrin using her feminine wiles, and innuendo. (What?) *pretends to look innocent*
The fleet of puddle jumpers at the rescue
Continuity in the ep (ala Common Ground S3)
Great story and cinematography... the lighting to was amazing and very pretty
Tentative alliance with the Travelers.

Best lines:
"Just remember not to shoot to early... i'm guessing that's not the first time you've heard that from a women." *giggles*

The bad points. Well, just a couple. Although I understand that there are time restraints in the episode, I would have loved to have seen and heard more about the Travelers. Who they were, how they came to be, where they lived. What their culture was like and to meet the people. Alas i'm assuming that the writers are saving that for another day. The only other point I wanted to say was that I missed the team. In reunion, although it was a Ronon centered ep, we got to see a lot of team interaction, and unfortunately for me that felt a bit flat in this episode.

I honestly thought that this ep would be similar to Common Ground, as in we (as the viewer) would see the angst of his colleagues, and for me, I guess I didn't feel that as much as I did in CG. Nevertheless it was a great story, plot, we got to see the ATA gene and Shep in action. An all round great ep!

Tabula Rasa!

Unless you've fallen asleep reading this by now. LOL. From the onset, the whole episode felt very different. Whether it was due to how they filmed it, the lighting effect or the actually story itself (Writer Alan McCullough - Directed by the wonderful Martin Wood). The episode was pure class from start to finish. Set up with McKay tied to a chair, the episode went from strength to strength. Each character was given the opportunity to shine (which I love) and the whole episode felt as if the SGA family had finally been established. Now you know how much I adore bonding, mistrust, team moments, angst and not to mention whump and infirmary scenes. Well it had all this and more, including some great lines and interactions between the team. So I know you're getting tired listening to me ramble, but you know how I get when I haven't had the opportunity to chatter with you all, I go off on a tangent! Anyway what I adored in this episode;

Team episode
Great character moments between Teyla and Rodney, and Shep and Ronon.
Teyla being patient with McKay and keeping him focused. It was a really nice surprise to see her upfront and center in this, and she really felt as if she was an integral part of the story! Thank goodness, it's been a while, and she never disappointed me.
The Ronon and Shep scenes were for me one of the best i've seen. Ronon getting frustrated with Shep when he lost his memory and trying to be patient... and failing miserably. LOL.
Ronon shooting Shep and saying, "Never get's old!" best SGA line to date. Whether that was an ad lib or not i'm not sure, but it has to be said, Shep getting shot really doesn't get old. LOL.
Ronon grabbing Shep by the hair. Not sure if that was added, but Jason seemed to be enjoying that scene quite a bit. LOL
Mistrust played up between the soldiers and scientist.
Radek going nuts with his pipe.
McKay and his insecurities (That's always endearing).

AND

The infirmary scene and team loving at the end *sniffles*.

I do love infirmary scenes, I can't help it I get really gushy and my heart melts when they stand by the person's bedside asking them if they're ok, and how they're feeling. *sniff* I can't help it, i'm a whumper, and where better to show team bonding than when someone is sick. Joe Flanigan does vulnerable very well, and I guess that's the part of the charm. And we got CHEST PEEKAGE! *dies* Well after all of that I felt as if the quest had been successful LOL, whether that was intentional to have Sheppard in scrubs or not. I would just like to send oodles of hugs for giving us that scene. It has to be said that, that is the best infirmary scene to date.

Best line: Ronon, "Never gets old!" *giggles*

Low points. None!

This year the episodes showcased have shown just how much SGA has come into it's own. Great story lines, plot, characterization. Writing, direction, lighting, CGI, whump, team bonding and not to mention EVIL SHEP and Chest peekage! S4 is turning into a great season and with another 14 episodes to go, I look forward to seeing what else is in store.

So don't forget what you have to do, apart from petitioning Mr M for shirtless Shep!

Stargate Atlantis: Watch it live on SciFi 10pm every Friday!

Oh I meant to say that Sky are actually advertising Stargate Atlantis! That's got to be a first. For weeks Zak Selwyn has been tooting his rap song, and today they actually aired the full version! Sky, let me stand and applaud you for at last advertising a great programme! let's just hope it continues!

*looks up at her blog* What can I say i'm a chatterbox. And I never even got to tell you that I got my promotion!! Woohooo, go me. I'm now the man!! I just hope I don't have to tape my boobs down now. ;) I'll tell you all about it in the next installment along with a presentation I have to give on Stargate Atlantis. Oh well it should be interesting if nothing else. The whole of my work will finally know that i'm a SciFi geek.... I wonder if I can get hold of some visual aides... Hmmmmm.

Excuse the formatting, I think Blogger has the hiccups!

Fangirl-y Moments

2007-10-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I’m way behind the times. I should be cast out amongst the minions for failing to update the blog. But, for the last few weeks I’ve been having so many fangirl moments that the poor blog became neglected again. This is becoming a habit. I’m not one of those people unfortunately who was blessed with the great skill involving time management. I tend to go where the wind takes me, and if I’ve eaten beans, then I’ll head in the other direction. :P

Moving swiftly on… As usual, it’s pee break time, so go pee, grab a beverage and a pew and settle down, you might be a while. I hope there’s no limit on how much you can post in one go, otherwise I might have to curb my enthusiasm! So, I know I said that I was going to be reviewing all the SGA eps for season 4, and I’m nothing if not honest, but instead I’ve spared you from my incessant chatterboxing on here! See aren't I kind to you? I’ve attached the linkies to my extremely long posts from Gateworld, just in case one night you’re having an ‘insomniac moment’. These posts will certainly have you snoozing in about ten seconds flat. :o)

Alas my reviews for Adrift/Lifeline got mixed up with other posts, But here are Reunion and Doppelganger *squeeeeeeeeeeee*

I have never been what you’d call a ‘fangirl’. I think I was always a bit too tomboyish. I was the girl who loved playing in the dirt, eating worms and playing with snails. Not to mention trying to breed caterpillers, or rolling around the dirt with the Star Wars action figures (Han Solo in particular) and the Millenium Falcon at hand, not surprisingly I also enjoyed action men and toy soldiers. There's a shocker! I remember from my school days the girls would go nuts, start crying and screaming as their favourite pop stars made an appearance on TV or we’d gone to a concert. And I’d often wonder why the hell they made this high pitch screeching noise. To be honest it was quite annoying. I never realised back then… when I was young and naïve, that the peculiar high pitched sound (that only dogs could hear) was called ‘squee’ and that they were in fact having, what the fandom now calls ‘fangirlling’ or ‘having a fangirl moment’. It now makes perfect sense! As yes, I believe I may have had several of those moments quite recently. *thinks about Evil Shep and Shep whumped to oblivion with some chest peakage... or should I say tummy peekage.!" ;o)

So, if you’ve not fallen asleep yet, I’ve been attempting to determine if I’m slightly neurotic, having a so called ‘fangirl-y moments’ or a bit of both. Let’s see if I fit the criteria, and if the urge takes you, see if you also are a fangirl. Whilst I use the terminology ‘fangirl’, my male friends on Gateworld advise me that they to have on occasions suffered from this wonderful affliction, which is always good to hear.

Let’s see how we do. ;o)

What is a fangirl/fanboy?

A fangirl moment according to urban dictionary is usually a human female who is obsessed with either a fictional character or an actor. Similar to the breed of fanboy. Fangirls congregate at anime conventions and livejournal. Have been known to glomp, grope, and tackle when encountering said obesessions.

Well… obsessed, *thinks of shirtless shep* okay, I’ll have to give them that. Congregate at conventions and livejournals… I’m guessing Gateworld counts to. So, we’re two for two, so far! Glomp?? Okay just what the heck is glomp? It sounds like something that’s stuck on your shoe! I need to check really to see if I glomp, don’t I? Grope and tackle? Well, I think my mother not to mention the actors would have issues if I started groping them, don’t you think. And I’m not that cheeky to go around playing with someone’s tackle! What? Is that not what they meant? *Adjusts her halo* Okay, I have to ask how can you grope, or ‘glomp’ a fictional character? I’m going off on a tangent now aren’t I?

Fantasies

A female who has overstepped the line between healthy fandom and indecent obsession.

*reads the definition* oookay, indecent…. Hmm. Do thoughts count? I really don’t think saying that I want Shep to be shirtless for the last… er… 7 months is obsessive! In fact, I feel I’ve been quite restrained on this topic, besides, you know how caring and thoughtful I am. I do this not for myself, but for my fandom! So, what’s next?

This one, I think I’m going to look at one by one! I’d love to know which stage you’re at. ;o)

Stages of fangirlling

BELOW AVERAGE FANGIRL - This fangirl is the least likely to cause chaos or mayhem, insult or annoy someone else who is not a fangirl (or boy, if they happen to be male). They admit that they have a slight obsession for something/one, and are mature about it. While they might use smilies (XD, XP, ^_^) and occasionally rant, they try not to go overboard about it.

Least likely to cause chaos and mayhem. Oh this is definitely me! Because I never cause trouble in the fandom. Nope, not me! And that whole maturity thing? I’d never do anything immature online or in work. Wow who would have thought that I was so average?! But, for curiosities sake, what say we take a peek at the ‘average fangirl’?

AVERAGE FANGIRL-This fangirl is the most commonly seen fangirl across the Internet, and are generally harmless. They are prone to making shrines, annoying people with their "fantasies" of meeting or marrying their idol, bad grammar, and just being immature about the object of their obsession/affection. Many of these also write fanfics, causing such places as fanfiction.net to be cluttered with stories that could use a good editing and rewriting all together. Another common trait about them is their tendency to rant, be easily insulted, and excessively "glomp", squeal and use chat speak in places where it is not appropriate.

Annoying people with their fantasies… well this can’t be me, because I never annoy anyone with talk of shirtless Shep. *waves to Reefgirl who does not find Sheppard sexy and who became slightly pissed when I invaded her anti-sheppard thread* As for the ranting, I do have the pen chance to go into rant mode. But, in my defence, people need to just accept the fact that I’m always right! Then, maybe I wouldn’t need to rant as much. ;o) Lastly, what’s with the glompping? I’ve seen it so many times, and I just don’t get it at all! Is it dirty? *Cough* One can only hope!

ABOVE AVERAGE FANGIRL -This fangirl is above the previous fangirl, and has thus let her obsession go beyond healthy levels. They tend to squee a lot more than other fangirls, and are more easily to insult or anger if you tell them that their "idol" is just a two-dimensional character, or someone whom they will most likely never meet. Their fantasies go beyond the fantasies of the "average" fangirl, along with all of their other tendencies. These are the fangirls most dislike and tend to stay away from due to their ability to easily annoy others, and their high levels of immaturity.

Firstly, maturity is so overrated, and sooooo boring! I ask you, what’s so wrong with having a good squee? I think my fantasies regarding Shep (minus the shrt of course) are quite normal! My goal is to allow the squee to rule the fandom. Mr F on the other hand fears for the safety of his fangirls, and has declined to take off his shirt (just yet) in case the squee gets out of control. I dare say if that happened, he may be right! But, oh my goodness, what a way to go! And I dare anyone not to have a fangirl moment over evil shep!

One last thing, before I go! MR M, when you next have Shep whumped to oblivion, please can we have an intubation scene that includes, Shep all hot, sweaty and requiring chest compressions first! Doc Keller didn't do it right, so we need you to do it again, just to make sure she doesn't kill off Shep the next time by doing it incorrectly! So, I hope you don't mind, but I've given you the instructions, grateful if you could pass these on to Mr C, next time he does a sequel to DG!So without further ado! Chest compressions for Shep... the Cheeky way!

*squee* Sorry had to get that off my chest!
The shirt would be gone (for medical emergency reasons of course)! Although obviously i'd try not to drool on Shep!
Rip or cut the shirt open. Ripping obviously would get me squeeing. However, I don't really mind, as we would have at least some chest peekage! And by peekage, I actually mean from his neck to his tummy! ;)
Give 30 chest compressions (Obviously I may at this stage be on my way to having a fangirl moment.)
The heel of my hand would be placed in the centre of his chest. (And I promise, I wouldn't try to cop a feel), as Shep would be dead by the time i've finished!)
Placing my other hand on top and interlock fingers, i'd at this stage i'd only be looking at the positioning of my hands.
Then, keeping my arms straight and my fingers off his chest (that would be the most difficult part of the procedure btw), i'd press down by 4-5cms. then release the pressure, keeping my hands in place. (Well, i'd lose my positioning, wouldn't I) ;)
I'd have to repeat the compressions 30 times, at a rate of 100 per minute. Oh the hardship of having my hands there all that time!

Obviously at this point, Keller would come in and place him on a ventilator... just for our whumper friend SD, not to mention the rest of the whumping crew! Well, turnabout is fair play. Ronon, Teyla, Weir, Sam, and Rodney have all been intubated, it's only fair that Shep gets some! ;)

Short and Sweet

2007-10-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Are you all sitting comfortably, been for a pee break, got your beverages to hand. Well, all that may have been for nothing. :P For once this is going to be short and sweet. I know, so unlike me, but i'm saving myself for my 'bound to be exceptionally long-winded post' tomorrow. That will be the review of the fourth season's Adrift, Lifeline, and Doppleganger (Evil Shep) *squeeeeee* And for another reason, the blogger seems to be hiccupping *kicks blogger*

So to sum things up, I attended my friends wedding, are gay wedding's called 'weddings' or is it just civil ceremony's? *Attempts to be PC and fails miserably* So last Friday, I got exceptionally tiddly and had a great time. At the end of the night, one of the girls (obviously pissed) suggested we go to this really bizarre Pub. "It's horrible." She said. And I want to go somewhere horrible because? She saw my face and tried to reasure me. "No, honestly, the place is so awful, they'll think we're fabulous!" There's nothing like a bit of flattery to build the confidence is there? "So what's this place called then?" I asked hesitantly. "Smokey shit moes!" Someone was having a laugh and I wasn't getting the punch line!

I asked them if they were joking, they said they named it that, because it was that bad!! It just gets better and better, doesn't it? So with some trepidation, I was persuaded to go and check this place out. Let's just say they weren't wrong! The place was buzzing with... something, and the decor was certainly interesting in many ways. As we plucked up courage to go in, I noticed a strange women looking over at us, she looked as if she wanted to punch our lights out. Great start!! Nevertheless we ventured in and got ourselves a drink... mine was a double! Then the girls decided to 'hog' the dancefloor, which actually was just a floor. In record time they'd cleared the dance floor and became 'entertainment' for what appeared to be a fair few... undesirables, shall we say. Oh well, when in Rome!! So I boogied to Dolly Parton's song "9 to 5". Quite apt considering my cleavage had taken on a life of its own. :P

After a few dances, I went to sit down next to where the girls were dancing around their handbags. Alas, I was not alone, as an older gentleman decided that I needed a lap dance... much to the chagrin of his wife!! Mortified was an understatement. I thanked the erotically challenged lap dancer in the only way I knew how, (minds out the gutter) and apologised unreservedly to his wife, (well S4 was starting, and I didn't really want to spend the season in traction). She told me simply that, he does it often. That's really not reasurring me, and to be honest, the drooling was making my dress wet, so I diplomatically shooed him in the direction of my friends, who were giggling at my misfortune!

After 10 minutes of freedom, my 'friend' came back, thankfully it didn't last long as his wife had just about reached her limit, and got hold of him by his ears and hauled him out of the pub!! What a shame!!

Needless to say we all had a ball... no pun intended. And next stop is our trip out at Christmas, for Ghost hunting, riding on the Harry Potter Express, and going back in time. Can you say squeeeeeeeeee? *does her happy dance*

2007-09-26T11:19:00.001-07:00

Vid: One of my staff, showing how excited I have gotten about season 4 SGA. This, is my happy dance. :o)

To say that I’ve been a bit excitable this week would be an understatement as passions and competition between myself and my partner in crime reached new heights this week. Both of us have been vying for the same position, and recently we were called for a temporary promotion interview on his side of the business. Up to the days preceding it, both of us have been trying to psych each other out, as we commenced in a friendly game of rivalry. Ribbing each other about each others crap application forms was just the starters. Before long it had escalated when my other half was asked to see the boss. "He obviously wants to console you in private, and to let you know that you haven't got the job. You know, just in case you start crying, and make a show of yourself in front of the staff." I jested with a huge smile on my face, as he was called in to talk with his boss. It turned out his boss was giving him pointers!

I looked around, my boss was nowhere in sight. My partner in crime came out grinning like a cheshire cat, I knew then he was up to something! He never smiles in public, unless he's conspiring. I watched and waited for him to make his move. For days he kept me waiting, and watching for any sign. Somethig wasn't right here, and I couldn't put my finger on what it was. Then the day before the interview, he announced later on in the afternoon that the interviews were cancelled. What? Cancelled? Why hadn't I been notified? Then it dawned on me, this must be his plan to put me off. "I don't believe you." I told him smiling. So he ushered me over to his email messages and there in plain sight was an email from the boss advising that the interview had been cancelled and they had decided to give my evil partner in crime the job. I looked at him trying to assess how this could be. "Sorry." He told me grinning, "I guess the best man got the job after all." Best man?! Right. Well, now i'm pissed and curious, so I start to investigate. The boss was out the office and I had no one to ask if this really was the case. Dejected I had to accept the evidence in front of me. Two hours later as I headed out for home, he decides to say, "Gotcha!" Little shit. He's good, i'll give him that, but two can play at that game. :o)

On the day of the interview, I arrived in style, perfectly immaculate attire, compared to my normally casual attire. My other half who is normally in jeans and T-shirts came in that morning looking as if he had won the lottery. Whistles from the team suggested that both of us dressing up, was a sight to be hold and we bowed respectfully to our audience. Let the games commence once more! I was due to be interviewed an hour before him, but we had time before hand to have a bit of fun with each other… *minds out the gutter please* Psychological games are something of a skill, and even if I do say so myself, we’re extremely good at it. So, just before I went into my interview, a voice echoed behind me, "You do realise, they're only doing this so it doesn't look like they're playing favourites, don't you?" I laughed at his nervousness, then told him, "You keep thinking that partner in crime." And in I went to the torture chamber. Given that we'd timed everyone who went in before us, the average seemed to be 40 minutes, usually a good sign for any interview. So we'd vowed each other to keep an eye on the clock. I came in under 30 minutes. Not good. But, like the good sportswoman I am, I played it up, advising him that he needed several examples of budgeting, and competencies, (which I knew he didn't have, and had been stressing about for days). With sickly sweet innocence, that could put an angel to shame, I told him that those were the areas where the interiewers focused on. With sweaty palms and a rolling stomach, he went in. Game, set and match to me, I think. :o)

Alas, neither of us got it, but at least we had fun along the way. I'm still waiting on the results of one of my interviews. I guess no news is good news.

My goodness me, i've rambled today, and i've not even finished!!

So, as season 4 approaches, SciFi and MGM have been pulling out all the stops over the last couple of days with regards to promoting Stargate Atlantis Season 4. So can I just take this moment to say, "It's about bloody time!" One of the things that irks me, is that it feels like SGA is the ugly step sister to SG1. Hoepfully now, with some fantastic and top notch advertising at long last, it can surpass everyone's expectations and stand on it's own two feet. So, for those of you who aren't regular watchers or have no clue what i'm talking about, go check out the promo's and see what you're missing, and then tune in on September 28th for the best Atlantis season yet. So with the previews now available for us and S4 only a couple of days away, the GW Shep whump thread have finally got their squee back after a bit of a dry spell. Consequently we did go into overload yesterday after all the whump stuff that was shown in the trailers, and many of us will now require valium from now until the start of the season. Thankfully we've not got long to go, otherwise, we'd never make it. :P Ha, you think i'm being overly dramatic, don't you. Ah no, my blogging friends, go check it out and see for yourself. ;o)

So, before I finally say goodnight, what have you all got to remember, apart from petitioning SciFi and Mr M for shirtless Shep?

That's right, STARGATE ATLANTIS, SEASON 4 - Friday on SciFi at 10PM.

Desperate times, desperate measures

2007-09-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I have a confession to make. *blushes* In my defence though it was everyone else's fault for getting me too excited with all of the talk on the pre speculation threads/spoilers for season 4's Stargate Atlantis. If they hadn't gone on and on about how fantastic it was and how brilliant the storyline was, i'd not have caved... Yeah right, who am I kidding?!

Somehow, and ask me no questions and i'll tell you no lies, that the first two episodes for season 4 of Stargate Atlantis (Adrift and Lifeline) made their way on to the internet! The episodes were raw, as in no score, no sound FX and cue's coming in from directors, reflected that this was the uncut version. Yet, it has to be said, that for me it made my whole viewing pleasure even more memorable. I won't spoil it for those that won't get to see it until it premiers on the 28th September on SciFi, but let's just say that you won't be disappointed one little bit. The quality of the visible effects, the storyline the Weir arc, was executed and played out brilliantly. And in the words of Harry Potter's, Ronald Weasly, "That was bloody brilliant!"

So Mr M, here in the safety of my own blog, I feel I can once more release my burden!

*Cough*

Dear Mr M,

I feel I can open up to you, since a) you don’t know me, b) you’ll probably never know me, and c) I’m hiding out in the safety of my own blog! But nevertheless, I feel I can’t go forward until i've admitted to you something. Think of it as a confessional! I watched it, Season 4, episodes. The non sfx supped up, non scored eppies of Adrift and Lifeline. I couldn't help myself, it called to me, and I did give in to temptation. Now I feel I must repent!

*Squeeee*! Okay, so maybe I can pay penance later on by way of chocolate?

Joe, the eps blew my socks off! Even without all the effects and the score etc, the storylines were fantastic, great twists and turns around every corner, and it's made me that much more desperate and excited to see the full and finished version when it airs in a few weeks. It really made me appreciate how much work you all put in on a daily basis, and it's given me a greater understanding of what you guys do. Thank you for what looks to be a great season! I'm more excited than ever. And you know what else I noticed? For a handful of folk who were so adamant that they weren't going to watch, there's sure been a hell of a lot of watching! The problem with that is, irrespective of what was on screen, they never were going to be happy, because they’re too closed minded to give it a decent shot. It wouldn’t matter what the ep was, there will always be people with an agenda and their viewing pleasures would be tainted because of the changes. And the worst thing is, I never expected some of them to behave any differently. Sometimes it’s not nice to be proved right!

*hugs for a fantastic start to season 4*
Cheeky xxx

The day finally arrived for the most important interview of my career. Well, the second most important interview. The first of course being a promotion, but of course this came in as a close second; a job that I was born to do. What’s so special about this job I hear you ask? Or not?! Well, as per my previous blog entry, the person wanted was to hold certain attributes. *checks both of her favourite attributes* :P That’s one attribute sorted without even trying. ;)

This time I didn’t put on a skirt… sorry mom. After three goes of trying to put on pantyhose’s (tights) and putting a ladder in all three, I gave it up as a bad job. You know, hopping round the bedroom and trying to get your leg over (minds out the gutter) to put these tights on, only resulted in yours truly becoming hot and sweaty! And let’s face it, men *cough*Shep*cough* look good all hot, and sweaty, but I don’t! So, enough was enough

So, I donned the relevant clothes, taking into account the last interview and clothing attire. This time, not to be outshone by the interviewer in the cleavage department, I put on my brand new one of a kind ‘Hello Boys’ apparel. That was my first mistake. My friend said I looked as if I’d stuffed a pair of balloons up my shirt! Maybe the wonderbra wasn’t such a good idea after all…. But that was just the beginning of the day. You'd think that the shop would tell you when you buy this type of lingerie that you shouldn't do anything that could affect the body's response to... gravity, shall we say. So, being the good consumer I am, I feel it is my civic duty to warn all the girls out there.

*cough*

Ladies, please be advised that when purchasing said, 'stopemfloppin', then you must do the jiggle test. Failing to do the jiggle can result in embarrassment for all concerned. Once you've done the jiggle, you then need to ensure that when bending over to retrieve an item 'things' don't fall out. Be advised, that gravity, is not always your friend! I had a feeling that this time it wasn't going to be the interviewer who was adjusting herself during the interview!

So anyway, I was feeling calm and quite relaxed despite the bad start and headed off for my interview. During the 20 minute presentation, things were going too well.... I knew it was too good to last. The interview was supposed to be question me with regards to achieving the job's core competencies and my application form, which i'd rehearsed backwards, front wards and sideways. I'd covered all eventualities, anything they asked me about my form, i'd have the perfect answer! So, there I was eager for them to start firing away the questions, and what does the interviewer say? "Forget what's on your form. Hypothetically, what would you do if..." Noooo!! Someone was determined to make me work hard, either that, or I really did overdo it in the cleavage department and he had forgotten what he was going to ask!

So, he asked me how I would deal with unruly employees, and I explained about my team. As per the norm, I gave the standard management speak, and so he pushed that bit harder on how i've dealt with my team, and he misunderstood what I was saying, then started asking how I dealt with them when they've rebelled against my management style! My team rebelling against me? I think not. They're vocal, and opinionated and passionate, but to me that's a great quality... and the interviewers saw this as rebellious? Ooops! Maybe i'm not what they're looking for. In the end, after ten minutes of toing and frowing with the interviewer, I told him, that it would never get to that stage because i'd tell them to 'wind their necks in' and they would! Maybe it wasn't exactly the best reply, but at least it was an honest one! LOL. I should hopefully find out if I have the job sometime over the next few days. *iz keeping everything crossed*

The worst thing is, i've got another interview tomorrow, so have to go through all this again. This time, minus the wonderbra, I think!

It's a celebration

2007-08-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

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*

Cheeky's wrath

2007-08-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

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.

12 Step Programme

2007-08-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

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?

Harry Potter Mania

2007-07-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

After months of waiting and speculation, I wondered if I would be like one of those people you see in the newspapers who queue's for hours on end waiting for that perfect gadget or first edition book. In truth, I may be a little impatient but I can sure wait a few hours until the queues died down to get the latest copy of Harry Potter.

As I do every weekend I go see my mom in hospital, and we chat... Well, it tends to be me who does most of the talking. I know it's so hard to believe, because i'm normally such a quiet person. I tell her all the news over the last week and let her know the ins and outs of the Stargate fandom. I try not to take offence as she closes her eyes... because she's obviously trying to picture what the Stargate fandom could be like. ;)

*cough*

So, I bid her farewell and head off to the shop to get my Harry Potter book: Deathly Hallows all 607 pages of pure escapism. *squee* It does the job as SGA is on hiatus, and I can only 'squee' now and again thanks to some yummies (Thank you, Mr M) until it airs on September 28th! Don't forget to mark it in your calenders. Only 65 more sleeps! Woohoo. Sorry, i'm getting carried away now. So, Deathly Hallows. It's been a very very long time since i've had a few hours to myself and I get the opportunity to sit down and read a book. So, I set myself a few hours to read, as i'm one of those people that once they start a book, I find it extremely hard to put it down (especially when it's a good book). So, I timed myself to start it early, then finish it off before going to see my mom. That was the plan. But alas, the more engrossed I became the faster I read, but obviously not fast enough. And there was no way on Earth i'd finish it before seeing mom on the Sunday.

So... *bows head in shame* I have a confession to make to my mom. Mom, i'm sorry, but I didn't come and see you on Sunday because I was... too engrossed in Harry Potter! I feel so ashamed. I blew my mother off to spend quality time with a book. Now obviously i'm not going to get the daughter of the year award after this. So how do I break it to her? I'm really bad at lying, I start stroking my nose (obviously subconsciously emulating Pinocchio) and am wondering what the heck am I going to say to my mother! Any ideas?

I was in work on Monday and one of the girls was asking who had died, in Harry Potter, not because I looked so guilty at not seeing mom. Ha! I thought I was a spoiler whore. Trust me i'm nothing compared to her! So as not to spoil it for anyone else, I wrote it on a bit of paper and handed it to her.A shriek of shock escaped her lips, and for the twenty minutes I had to go over the plot of the story and tell her what happened! I didn't mind, because with all the questions she was asking, I honestly thought she was interested. "So, when are you going to read the book then?" I asked excitedly so that we could compare notes. "Oh i'm not going to read it, i'll wait for the film to come out." I did the math. It was going to be at least two years before it came out. Shocked, I asked her why she wasn't going to read it. Her answer, "I can't be bothered!" Great! Next time i'm going to keep my mouth shut.

Anyway, getting back to the book. I won't spoil it for you for those that haven't read it yet, but personally I thought it had action, angst and oh my goodness lots of whump *wants that for Shep*. But I have to say the final ending just didn't sit right with me. It felt off... wrong. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was, but needless to say, I'm not fussed on cheesy endings, but it did smell of Vieux Boulogne. Maybe it was just me? But, at the end of reading certain books, I sort of like the fact that things aren't always... neatly wrapped up, shall we say! I like to use my imagination on certain endings. I enjoy those little strings that keep me hanging on and keep me on the edge of my seat, and keep me wondering. Even though I know it's the last book, I just wished for a different ending to what we got. I'd rather it had finished at the end of chapter 36, and left the readers with our own imaginations about what lay in store for the future! But, hey, that's just me, I like a bit of mystery regarding characters to keep me guessing as well as to keep my interest. For me, if you know 'everything' about a character including the future, then where's the excitement? Where's the suspense? Where does you imagination take you from that point on? Okay now i'm rambling, so I think it's time to call it a day.

Answers on what to tell my mom on a post card please!No stamp required. ;)

Phobia

2007-07-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Fear can save you or it can hinder you. I have a couple of fears, but to me there is nothing worse than a visit to the dentist. My heart palpates and I hate it so much that even sitting in the chair feels like a fate worse than death! Yeah, I know, i'm over exaggerating again, but well I wouldn't be me otherwise, would I? ;) For the last few months, I have taken everything available on the market to alleviate my toothache; which includes oil of cloves (which stunk the office out, much to the chagrin of my colleagues) to acupressure. Finally after much cajoling from colleagues, friends and family, I bit the bullet.

Standing outside the dentist surgery, I tried to convince myself that everything was okay and that the pain really wasn't bad... (getting up at 3am to put a pack of cold peas on my cheek didn't even convince me) :P So, there I was, looking through the window contemplating whether to go in or not, the pain, as I said wasn't too bad at that moment. It really had nothing to do with the fact that an hour earlier i'd taken enough pain meds to sink a battleship. Everything was fine, and that's what I kept telling myself over and over again. Finally after ten minutes of walking up to the door then walking away, I relented. That familiar sensation of dread built up and I was ushered into a side room with (I have to say) a very nice dentist. But she made her first mistake by wanting me to sit in the big chair! Was she nuts? She reassured me that she wouldn't do anything that time, so I sat down holding my breath. "You have to actually open your mouth." She told me. Right, I suppose that would help diagnose the problem. But then, she got an instrument out and went to poke it in my mouth. "What are you doing?" I cried out in protest. "I need to tap the tooth to make sure it's still alive." She told me calmly. Trust me the bloody things been killing me for months. I can categorically say that it's alive and out for vengeance!

Putting away the instrument, she then once more proceeded to look inside my mouth. With my heart pounding away, I held my breath for what seemed like an eternity, and then she said "All done, you can breath now." Thank goodness, I was becoming slightly lightheaded. She told me very nicely that I could get out of the chair before I had a heart attack from the fear! Nice lady, she obviously knows me well.

So when she told me that i'd have to have treatment (because i'd left it so long) I was not a happy camper. However, she did assure me that she would sedate me. Bless her little cotton socks. With that, my friend said she'd come with me on the next visit to hold my hand, and make sure I didn't say or do anything stupid. Not that I would of course, but given my healthy obsession with shirtless Shep, I might say a few things i'd regret, especially as she knows nothing about 'The Quest'. Secretly I think she only agreed to come with me, so that she could laugh at things she thought I would say under sedation! Ha! No chance, i've been sedated before and never said anything ridiculous.... Until yesterday.

With a brave face, and Valium taken, my friend came with me yesterday. And it was only today I actually find out all the things i'd said... Apparently even under sedation my fear knows no bounds, as I refused to open my mouth to get the treatment. Well, at least i'm consistent. :o) In the end they apparently had to bring my friend in to co-operate. I'm never going to live that down. After surgery, I was taken into a side room, where my blood pressure rocketed as I once more realised that I was in a dentist chair. Alarmed that my blood pressure was sky high, the dentist told my friend not to worry, as if I was in any danger i'd start fitting! There's a comforting thought! Apparently she (my friend) asked me if I was ok as soon as the alarm bells sounded. The only thing I vaguely recollect is that I remember looking at her, and noticed that she had 3 heads; which surprisingly didn't freak me out, but from her account, it did freak her out, lol. As she panicked, I apparently found the whole thing hilarious and began giggling like a school girl at my three headed friend and the two headed doctor. I think the fact that I wasn't freaked out by my friend having several heads means I might be watching too much Sci-Fi. But, it has to be said, it could potentially hold me in good stead if we're ever approached by ET! ;)

So, as I recovered slightly and headed out to pay, with my friend holding me up. The lady told me the cost and I handed over a £20 note. It's £200, not £20 she told me. I remember looking at the note, and I definitely saw a £200 note. Now, in my defence I know there is no £200 in circulation, but she could have at least humoured me until I came back to reality!

I still even now have no idea how I got home or what else was said, but my friend has been having lots of fun today telling staff about my little escapades. I'll have to try and find a way to get my own back now!

That's one thing i'd love to see in SGA S4... No not someone going to the dentist, but a phobia of some sorts. Sheppard is the perfect choice to explore this, with his fear and loathing of bugs. And who knows we might get to see him go a bit nuts and lose it for a while. I don't think having a hero lose it, takes away anything from the character, or makes them any less heroic. In fact the opposite is true, as it makes them more human, and people can identify with those feelings and fears to some degree. So i'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. Mr M, if you ever read this, please can we have Shep not be the hero and losing the plot.... and on that subject maybe he could lose his shirt at the same time. *puts on her most cheekiest of expressions* ;o)

Race for life

2007-07-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I have rambled on a bit. So as usual, go pee then grab yourself a beverage, you might be a while. Sorry. Some people are suspicious when it's Friday the 13th, and I am one of those people. Everything was going swimmingly without any problems on this fateful day. For a whole 6 hours I thought i'd escaped the curse. Alas it was not to be. As I left work early to attend a friend's leaving do, we had a late lunch at a lovely restaurant while a few of us stayed behind to gossip, as our remaining co-workers trundled back to the office. So there we were, having a good old chinwag about the goings on, and we find out that certain people are having an affair right under our very noses. One of whom was under me! Thankfully not literally, as he's a bit of a weasel. That same person was whom was sent to assist me. As it turned out, all the times he kept disappearing was to see her. It all makes sense now. I asked my new boss (apparently my old one became too exasperated with me... I wonder why?) *puts on her most innocent expression* So anyway, I asked my new boss why if they new these shenanigans were going on, that she put 'him' with me. 'Well I knew you could sort him out!' I never realised I had such a reputation!

After our gossip session ended we headed out to the pub, but I left early to get some last minute things for the race. Heading off I got what was necessary and headed to the till, only to have my card rejected. The first time, could simply have been an error, and as the queue formed behind me, I tried to hide my embarrassment once more as it failed to go through a second and third time. Shocked and appalled I took out 'old faithful' my mom's credit card. Thankfully it worked and I left the shop with heavy heart.

To try and sort this problem out, I headed to the bank whereby I waited for 30 minutes to see someone about this predicament. After too long a wait it turns out it was their error and they'd inadvertently cancelled my card as it was due to expire. Nice of them to let me know! So with about £1.50 in my purse I still hadn't acquired what I needed. A very necessary item called a 'stopemfloppin' for the race. Heading into town, I headed for the lingerie department whereby I was greeted by a very... excitable assistant, who was very nice, but a bit too fond of playing with things that she had no business playing with! All under the guise of 'helping me' find that perfect 'stopemfloppin'. In the end, I told her that it had been some time since someone had helped me dress and that I could manage perfectly well, thank you, before making a hasty retreat.

As I headed for the train home, I learned the trains were cancelled due to a fallen tree, and that I would have to get onto a replacement bus. No problem you'd think wouldn't you? But this is me, and my life is never that straight forward. So after being delayed for an hour already, I got told by the train driver that instead of getting a replacement bus, I could wait for a few minutes until the next train was due (as they'd just about finished clearing the track). Sweet. So, I waited. Then said stupid driver said he was only having a laugh and that we could be waiting a while. We'll see how much he's laughing when his boss finds out! So, by the time I got to where the buses were supposed to be, they had all left and I was left stranded; with pittance in my pocket and no money in my phone. Great! I headed for the bus stop with a hand full of coppers in my purse (that's nickel's and dimes to the US folk). And hope that i'd have enough money to get home. "£2.35" said the bus driver. Crap. He obviously must have seen my face and said, how much have you got on you? "How far will £1.50 take me?" I asked him, thinking I might have to walk the rest of the way. Bless that man's heart, he obviously took pity on me and accepted what I had. And finally I was on my way home after 2 1/2 hours on a journey that takes 15 minutes tops!

For those that haven't given up reading... sorry i'm a bit long- winded today. :o) I completed my Race for life today and raised £164 for Cancer research (see previous blog on the trial and suffering of Cheeky's quest) :P

I've been excitable about this race for months, purely because people have said that there was no way I would have finished the race with all my medical problems. Ha! They obviously don't know me when i'm on a mission... or on a quest. :P The chunky one in pink (thanks to the steroids) is me. Now 5km may not seem a lot to some people, but to me it's like running a marathon, as on good days I struggle to walk up a flight of steps. BUT, when Cheeky is on a quest, pain knows no bounds. *g* I have wanted to do this race for a couple of years now, since my dad and my auntie died of cancer. And I finally got the opportunity. Seeing everyone (2000 women participating) and all the reasons they were running (signs on their backs saying whom they are racing for), did make me emotional before the race. But, I held it together, and with the Rocky Theme tune, and Walk a thousand miles blasting away on my stereo, I was determined to finish it, even if it was on my hands and knees. My best time so far had been 1 hour and ten minutes, and that was (I thought) a fluke, because I was pissed off! Lol. So for the last week i've been trying to get the staff to make me angry to get my mojo going. So between that and the whole day before fiasco, I set off. My friend and her mom were running and were going to meet me at the finish line. A few times along the way I did get a bit upset, so many memories, and feelings go through you when you do something like this. But with my dad with me (so to speak) nothing would stop me. As the Rocky theme belted out I finally saw the finish line in my sights, a good friend spurred me on for the last 10 minutes shouting encouragement from the sidelines. Bless his little cotton socks. Finally I saw the 'finish line' banner and my friends waiting to cheer me on. Excited at seeing them I turned round to wave them thanks and tripped over my own two feet! Did I mention that I was a klutz? Recovering in quick style I sprinted towards the finish line to get my medal and much needed water and was overjoyed at my time of 57 minutes!

Surprised and delighted to have actually finished, I couldn't believe how I held it together, that was until my friends came over to tell me how proud my Dad would have been. Hello floodgates! Lol. We hugged for several minutes remembering why we were racing. My friend who had lost her nan, my other friend who had lost her mom, and me losing my Dad and Aunty. As we cheered the last walkers on, we couldn't stop grinning like Cheshire cats. Gasping for liquid refreshments we headed for the pub for ten minutes, until we all began to seize up, and then it was time to say goodbye to each other and have another cry.

I'm apparently being hoodwinked to do a Santa run in December and am expected to beat my time. That should be very interesting! As I sit here typing up my blog, every muscle aches, but it's a good ache if you know what I mean. So with whumping myself today, and a dentist visit on Tuesday *grabs the Valium* It must be whump Cheeky week. So on researching 'quests' it did fortell that I would have to overcome obstacles and the like. Thankfully I didn't have to jump over the fences at Aintree racecourse as part of my quest. ;) But phase II continues for Shirtless Shep. I hope it's all worth it in the end... Oh my I can't believe that came out of my mouth! Ignore me it must be the medication making me normal. :P

*kicks blog*

Attack of the bog

2007-06-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, i've been training for the Race for life for some months now. And each week i've been spending some quality time at the beach running *cough*walking*cough* to get fit for the 5km race. Alas, my training has not exactly been that great, and quite frequently I become distracted either by the seashells, or the fact that the tide has started to close in behind me. Fortunately i've always managed to escape with my life. Today I nearly lost more than my life... Who would have thought walking on the beach could be so hazardous!

Picture this....

There I was, walking the walk, with my MP3 player blasting and not a soul in sight (or should I say sole? :P). The beach is deserted and the heavy rain has just managed to stay away. The sky is dark and overcast, droplets of rain are splashing onto the many puddles beneath my feet. My trousers and trainers become drenched with sea water as I try unsuccessfully to evade to water pools. Nevertheless, I bravely soldier on, with mobile phone (just in case).

So today, I wasn't feeling particularly energetic, and I have to say, I was struggling to do the whole 5km. Weary and with heavy heart and not reaching my target, I headed back to the mainland. Once more evading the hoards of jellyfish that littered my path... and by jelly fish, I am actually referring to seaweed, but jellyfish does seem more dramatic. :P

*cough*

So, as the storm clouds ebb and float away as i'm nearing the 'finish line' so to speak, the Rocky theme starts to play on my MP3 player. This song motivates all my senses and I feel the adrenaline bursting through my veins, subconsciously spurring me on to finish the 'last lap' in style. As I miraculously avoid the swirling water, I head inland to the grassy knoll's embedded by streams of sand and water. And prepare to do a Rocky! But instead of climbing the steps, my biggest feat is actually jumping over mounds of grass and dirt not more than half a foot deep. As the song reaches it's peak, so do I, and feel myself 'flying' over the stumps. Suddenly and obviously due to my getting carried away, I find myself falling off the clump of dirt and land in a quagmire. That familiar sound of vacuum sucking at your trainers as your feet are sinking in the mud. In panic mode, I flail my arms like a windmill as to not fall backwards. Okay why do people do this? It's not pretty and to be honest makes you look a bit ridiculous! I mean it's not as if that exuberant flailing of the arms will a) stop you from falling b) make the wind current from your flying arms rush up to cushion your fall... Yet I still did it!

So, there I was, trainers being sucked into the mud without anyone around to assist me. I panicked slightly.. yes I admit it. How the heck do I get myself out of this. As my sinking stabilised and the adrenaline coursed through my veins, I thought about how the hell to get out of this predicament before the tide came in. Then it hit me, like a thunderbolt. A plan, it wasn't a great one, mind you, but it was all I had. So I gathered all the energy I could muster and prepared myself for the worse... the worse of course being me falling on my ass!

*insert dramatic music for effect*

I flexed my knees in readiness, then lifted my foot out of the quagmire! It worked! I smiled in relief as I gently lifted my other foot; clinging onto the shoe for dear life with my toes, so they wouldn't get left behind and headed inland once more!

As I neared the entrance to where I parked the car, and immediately spotted several horses. My first thought was, they're obviously there to help me on my quest. :P So that must mean that i'm onto phase two! And getting stuck was my second test. So, once more, I must mount my trusty stead and ride roughshod... not over the minions this time, but over the quagmire in search for Shirtless Shep. Wish me luck! ;)

So the moral of the story is, "Don't get too over zealous when listening to the Rocky theme tune!" ;o)

I'm becoming a techno geek

2007-06-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, work is extremely hectic at the moment with long hours and little to no thanks. Lately it feels as if I should be dragging my duvet and pillow into work and crawling under the desk with the amount of hours i've been putting in. Staff are now getting concerned as I seem to be the first in and last to leave... now don't get me wrong i'm as dedicated as the next person, but all work and no play makes Cheeky a very boring individual. And I think my lot are starting to feel quite concerned, hence the article I was sent in work today. Maybe they're trying to tell me something? ;) Anyway, I have taken note of their concern and so has my co-manager. We've been working long hours and are both ready for a break! He's off to Canada, Burnaby, no less *insert the green eyed monster*. As for me, i'm planning to reward myself with a week off to. I did offer to carry his bags for him, but he wasn't having any of it. *sigh* One day....

So when staff got wind that we were both going to be off, all I heard was, "Yeah, Mom and Dad are going away, let's have a party!" Hello? Mom and Dad? I wasn't quite sure how to take it to be honest. I think it was a compliment, although with them you never know! Insults are in our team are par for the course, and is meant as a term of endearment. So, I think i'll take it as a compliment.

As you know, the move around our office has resulted in a girls v boys scenario, and yours truly has this week had to suffer inordinate amount of smut talk all week. And have lived to tell the tale! But it has to be said, the conversation is never dull, who would have thought you could go from discussing relativity and the origins of the universe to vomiting and diarrhoea within 3 minutes! I now know all I need to know about men and their wonderful toilet habits. Thanks guys! Needless to say with all the burping and farting going on, on our table, i'm just grateful that i've got a particularly powerful perfume to mask those.... um.. Never mind!

Over the last few months, i've been watching the workman attempting to create a piece of art, near an old abandoned building. Whether it's for the Capital of Culture 2008, i'm not quite sure, but it is unique! As you can see from the video clip, engineers cut a circle into the front of the building and rotated it inside out. The artist is sculptor Richard Wilson, has for the tidy sum of £450, ooo created this unique... Art, shall we say. The craftmanship and engineering design is wonderfully executed, but did it make the impact that everyone was expecting it to? I'm not too sure. The artist chose a run down building near the train station to show off his artwork, but I can't help thinking it might have been more effective on a nicer looking building! As for the price tag, well i'm sure that there are a few places in Liverpool that could have utilised the money more effectively... but then what do I know! For those that want to see it, you can find it directly opposite Moorfields station.

Out of the shadows

2007-06-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual I am in a rambling mood, more long-winded than normal! There's a shocker. So for those with weak bladders, go pee! Then grab a beverage and pull up a chair. Make yourself comfy I will be a while. :o)

So, Vengeance aired on Friday night in the US, the penultimate episode of Season 3. Vengeance, Submersion and First strike's ratings will apparently dictate whether fans will get season 5 or not. Whether I like it or not, executives will make a finding of whether to renew the show based on the latter parts of S3, which personally I found preposterous. After all the shake up SGA has had over the last few months, I would hope that logic would dictate somewhat as to wait a few months until S4 starts airing. And hope that will show a more reflective figure of the SGA viewers.

Like most fans on the net these days, I do tend to download the eps airing, not because I want the show to fail... far from it. I'm hoping against all odds that SGA will stand up on it's own two feet and to step being the ugly duckling. My reasons for downloading the eps, are selfish, in that I can't wait a further 4 months or so after it was initially aired elsewhere. I'm not that patient! Does it mean I won't watch again when it airs in my own country? Or buy the DVD's? Of course not. And a lot of fans I speak to are of the same mind. So personally I don't feel as if the lower than average ratings for SGA are due to downloads, but are as a result of an improvement in technology. And until such a time as advertisers and executives realise that we are now living in the 21st century and that there previous methods of detecting ratings are outdated, then shows such as this will potential fall through the cracks and be cancelled!

I know there are those saying they won't watch. for reasons I can completely understand. To them, their favourite show has changed to a point where they feel as if it won't be 'their show' anymore. I get that, really I do. Some of those people are already saying they won't watch, and it could potentially have an impact on the ratings in the long term. But, what I find completely bizarre and will probably never understand is, that they're saying that since they heard that these characters are leaving or being made reoccurring then it automatically infers that it's not their show anymore, without even seeing how the changes in cast will be reflected in the new season. They may actually find that these 'core changes' could improve things, or that the quality of those characters coming back will enhance their enjoyment, because the eps they return in, could very well be centered around them or on them. Instead though, we are to endure the endless negativity of said posters for the foreseeable future.

Now don't get me wrong, i'm all for people having an opinion, be it positive or negative. For me those it's how they word their points of view and what tone they use. Some posts i've seen are just down right inflammatory and rude! Now though it doesn't seem to be centered on the loss of those characters, or the gap their role will leave behind. For some reason some people have taken it upon themselves to bash the whole fandom, be it SG1 or SGA... for reasons known only to them.

Well, I have an inkling of why they behave the way they do. They are miserable! And since misery loves company, they believe everyone should be as unhappy as they are. They're jealous, bitter and twisted because their [insert character/pairing/show] has been disrupted, and they want things back as they were. So they're going to throw a tantrum and make as much noise as humanly possible to ensure their voices are heard. The more vitriolic they are, the more outraged others become, and it spurs them on; because in a sense we're fuelling the fire. Normally I will hold my tongue and try and see things from other people's perspectives. But you know what? It's at the point now where I want to tell those 'vitriolic posters' to piss off and stop whinging, because they're making me lose my temper. And woe betide anyone who makes me lose my temper. It takes at least ten years for me to get to that stage so i'm not due a rampant outrage for at least another 7 years! :P And it has to be said, they won't like me when i'm angry! I am not a nice person. I'm like the incredible hulk when I lose my temper, hehehe. Not a pretty sight.

The thing is, JM has already said Beckett is coming back for a few eps, so is Weir. But, by not watching the episodes where they're not in it or not watching it all, because they want more. Then they're effectively cutting their noses of to spite their face. If they don't watch S3 and S4 then the hope that 'their show' will come back will not become a reality, because the show will be cancelled. If that happens I can guarantee there will be one or two that will gloat! You know what though, i've never been one to let other people get me down for more that a few hours so...

*grabs her jug of happiness and tops her glass up*

My spidey sense says that there will be a season 5, and i'm very rarely wrong on that score. But just to make sure i'll keep everything crossed! Anyway enough doom and gloom onto the goodies. I've not reviewed Submersion... *hangs head in shame* But let's face it Sheppard wet AND whumped how could that episode fail in my eyes. :o) I would say this though, as a slight criticism, Shep should have gotten out of those wet clothes, poor man could have gotten hypothermia!

*looks at what she's written*

Hmmm, as a whumper, should I be complaining at the possibly of Shep becoming all hot and feverish and needing icing down in a cold bath? I only say this as it could have been integral to the plot. :P

Moving swiftly on!

Vengeance... there were so many things that I adored about this ep, right from the start. At the initial opening we see Ronon teaching Rodney how to bantu fight. It really was a classic moment. With Rodney attempting to be brave with what looked like a shield around his stomach and dressed up in his karate gui (which i'm assuming he acquired it off the set of ADB) hehehe, Cheeky lil Devil. Throughout the episode, fans were rewarded with some great team and character moments, with the stage set in some abandoned building complete with slime oozing down the wall. Coupled with a dark dank atmosphere, this episode had all the hallmarks of a great 45 minutes worth of entertainment and it didn't disappoint at all. It had action, intensity, mind whump and team moments galore, and i'm sure it's going to be up there with the best of S3!

So what did I love in particular?

Ronon and Rodney sparring ( I loved seeing them build on their friendship from TOR)
Nice to see continuity (The super volcano people)
Shep mind whump with the bugs (Squeeeeeee, I loved that he didn't take his eyes of the bug the whole time he was in that room with it!)
Blowing up the bugs and Rodney's comments of "Did you use enough dynamite their butch!" *giggles*
Teyla and Michael's moments
Sheppard's "I hate those bugs" hehehe, i'd love to see that built up on in S4.
Ronon calling Sheppard 'John' and disagreeing with him. (For me it shows how far the character has come and that he's now settled in the team).
The whump! (Only criticism) We need more blood... Don't shake your head that i've said it, we need it for authenticity. :D

Well i'd be here all day, and i've rambled on enough. I'm hoping that the writers will play on Sheppard's fears more in S4, and allow his character to show a bit of fragility. I will continue to squee with delight at the forthcoming eps, and only hope that the air date is sooner than the fall.

As for the quest for shirtless Shep... well, I think i'm still on 'the testing of Cheeky's patience' at the moment. But, it's still early days, so I think i'm right on course. :o)

Freaky Friday

2007-06-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the news isn't good. I guess my top wasn't low enough to get me that promotion; damn that new clothing attire policy! Either that, or the woman got jealous that my boobs were bigger than hers and she didn't want the competition! ;) Or maybe the interviewers found out that I loved Stargate and would most likely spend the day watching SGA and SG1 episodes and posting on GW as opposed to actually doing the work that I was going to be paid to do? :D Would I do that? *tries to look as innocent as possible*

So today in work was pretty eventful as always, with silliness afoot. What can I say, it's like freaky Friday some days in work... For those reading on a Saturday, no I haven't got my days mixed up, I just needed to get a dongle. And for those non tech savvy amongst us, please raise your hand.. I see you. *waves* Well, for the record, it's nothing rude. When my co-manager advised me that I needed to get a dongle, you can imagine where my brain went... His smut talk is worse than mine normally, and I thought because he knows i'm single that he was suggesting something very naughty... and well.... *cough* You catch my drift.

So anyway, swiftly moving on…

This dongle apparently allows you to 'zap' (that's the technical term by the way) stuff from your mobile to your PC and it instantaneously appears on your computer. Why am I telling you all of this? Well there were quite a few shenanigans in the office today and I wanted to post the pics, but couldn't, due to my not having a dongle.. until tomorrow, when I shall purchase my newest acquisition and have a play.

What was I saying? Oh yes, shenanigans! We've had a move around the office today and for some reason it caused a bit of hilarity. It started off like any normal day in the office, when it was decided that we would have a move around. But you know what that's like... it's like school, with people saying I don't want to sit with so and so... I swear they're worse than teenagers. So we did this in the most diplomatic way possible; we put all the names in the hat and coordinated them with desks and had a special drawing for the occasion. As it worked out, the seating plan resulted in a girls v boys type of set up (completely unintentional). But it means yours truly is now a rose between the thorns and I will no doubt be subjected to talk of boobs, butts and football for the foreseeable future. And let me assure you it's already begun. After lunch I found the boys huddled round in a semi circle like women at a coffee morning... and they say women gossip?

The move around took place later on in the day, and began with staff having 'chicken races' with their respective pedestals. The said moving of pedestals resulted in items being found behind the desks.. items which included a very scary black ski mask, and a porno DVD... I'm not quite sure of the title, but my co-manager is keeping the cover... for reasons known only to him! Staff have obviously strenuously denied that the apparel belong to them, but a ski mask and porno? I don't know about you, but I know what my thoughts were... *wonders if she can get hold of the security tapes* :P

As some of the girls got their stuffed animals and plastic...reptiles settled on their new desks, (don't ask) one of the lads decided to have a little fun while the girls were at lunch. I knew nothing about what happened and only became aware of the 'incident' after 'said' lad went on an interview and the girls had come back to lunch. A gasp of horror escaped their lips so I went over to investigate. It turns out one of the girls plastic reptiles, Lenny as he's affectionately known, had been... *struggles to find the words* ...violated, shall we say! Shocked and appalled the girls decided to retaliate, by stealing the lad's... 'voodoo doll'... and subsequently held the 'doll' for ransom, as pictured above...

Alas I was not around to see the start of the negotiations, but I look forward to a full report on Monday morning. Just to let you know the blog seems to be a bit screwy on the formatting today...not quite sure why. Perhaps it's the level of smut on this post?

*muses*

I wouldn't mind, but i've not even mentioned a certain Lieutenant Colonel's chest, so it can't be that smutty. ;)

The interview to end all interviews

2007-06-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

I think today was 'let's make Cheeky squirm'. Today was the day, I had my second phase promotion interview. I'd passed the first one, and today was meeting other board members to discuss my evaluation form and how I performed against certain competencies. They'd managed to whittle the applicants down from 120 people to 30, so I was pleased to get as far as I have. Whether I'll get my promotion is another matter. I'm not normally a nervous person (by any stretch of the imagination), but there are times when I can talk...excessively, more so than normal when i'm nervous. I know that must come as a shock to all of you as I'm normally so reserved. But yes, it's true; Cheeky can be a chatterbox.

So, with my interview being held today, I thought it was time to don a skirt, tights and heels; the whole kit and caboodle. Now, I'm not really a 'girly girl' and I would rather spend my time paint balling than going shopping and getting my hair done. But, needs must and all that, so i'd prepared my clothing attire ahead of schedule. Top - not too revealing, but just enough to flaunt my assets. My mom is a big believer of 'if you've got it, flaunt it'. The skirt was knee length which covered the essentials as mom would say, but I've never felt so uncomfortable. Give me a pair of jeans or trousers and i'm content. Put me in a dress or a skirt and it's 'how the hell do I make sure I don't show my knickers in public' type of scenario. I've sought assistance on many occasion on how to cross your legs just right, but I tend to look really uncomfortable... and it's not pretty.

Nevertheless, I braved the world with my knee length skirt and got on the train, hoping that no one would sit in front of me, so I wouldn't have to get my leg over... so to speak. In the end I gave up and put my coat over my lap thus failing the lady like test before i'd even begun. As I made my way into work in the rush hour traffic, and to work, making my way eventually to my desk as discreetly as I could. My lot have maybe seen me in a skirt twice in the last couple of years, normally smart attire is for meeting the bigwigs! So, I got just a few feet from my desk, and was about to pat myself on the back by sneaking in without being spotted, but fate had obviously decreed that today wasn't going to be that day. And a loud voice echoed across the office. 'Oh My God you've got legs'! Dagnabit my cover was blown, I turned round to the whistle blower and gave them that look that says, 'you're going to pay for that at your next appraisal'. Needless to say he took no notice. note to self: You may need to threaten them with the whip more often! Within minutes people were looking over to see that I was in fact wearing a skirt. I tend to keep things pretty much close to my chest, so that if i'm unsuccessful, the least people who know about it the better. I really don't need to hear the 'oh i'm sorry', 'better luck next time'. But unfortunately today was not going to be one of those days. Maybe I overdid it with the skirt?

After about twenty minutes of discussing what my interview was about, they made their way back to their seats and allowed me to carry on with my work. They promised faithfully they wouldn't disturb me so that I could concentrate on what I was going to say. No such luck. I swear the same lad came over every ten minutes for two hours! In the end I turned round to my colleague as he approached and said to her, 'it must be the skirt'. Who knew it could have such an effect on a person. She giggled and in response to said giggling he (my stalker for the day) wondered what was so funny. I really couldn't leave it there, so I told him that I didn't realise my showing my legs would have such an effect on him! He crooked his head and took a look at my legs and said, 'did you use a fake tan'? I shook my head in disbelief. They're called tights I told him. He subsequently grunted and forgot his reason for coming to see me. He left and my colleague and I continued to laugh at his expense.

As the time draw nearer, I felt myself chilling, i'd read my application form front to back, right to left. I'd learned the senior management talk aka bull shit to ensure a successful interview. So I was half way there. Now anyone who knows me is fully aware that although I try to toe the party line, I am not now nor ever will be a 'yes sir, no sir three bags full sir'. I've tried it, and just end up feeling nauseous by the sickly kissing of ass. So I tend to give up after about ten minutes, and I end up getting into trouble, or receive 'the look'... *know understands why she has not been promoted in a few years* :P Oh well promotions and money is so overrated anyway.

So i'm called in for interview, head up, chest out, walking tall and being very professional. My mom would be so proud! And after being gestured to the seating area, I take my seat and give a 'hello' to those interviewing me. Can I just say that i'm not a fiddler in an interview. I've been the interviewer and interviewee on sever occasions and up to this point, have never felt the need to 'fiddle with myself' during an interview. I wish the same could be said for the interviewer! She obviously never received the memo about clothing attire! Adorned with what must have been the skimpiest tops of all time, she began.. how can I put this, 'playing with herself' for 40 minutes. Fiddling with her bra straps, pulling at her top, leaning over the desk (well I suppose it shows she was interested in what I had to say). And then started playing with her pendant that kept getting caught up in her cleavage!

This could only happen to me.

Nevertheless, I soldiered on and kept good eye contact throughout until she began bolstering up her boobs! And alas I lost my concentration and began to say the same buzz word at least 5 times in three minutes. I ask you, in response to 'How do you effectively maintain a good working relationship with stakeholders?' I swear I must have used the words, 'it's all about building a foundation' five times.. Oh things were not going well. And the worst thing was, I was telling myself to shut up and use a different word, but alas it was not to be. I continued to use said words at least on 4 other occasions as I internally admonished my brain for talking such crap, I knew I just wanted to get out of the interview as soon as possible. Thankfully the interviewer changed the subject, but I continued to sprout crap and ramble excessively until my mouth suddenly went dry and I found my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth. Great! Now the nerves decide to kick in. 'Would you like some water?' At this point I wondered if I could actually hold the cup without spilling the jug of water over the table... reminisce of a previous interview. I politely declined saying that I didn't want to drop the jug with my shaking hands... a little humour to ease the tension. They didn't laugh. Nice professional manner, there Cheeky! Obviously taking pity on me they poured me a glass of water and this allowed me to regain my professional demeanour, and to lubricate my mouth so that it became an oasis in the desert.

After 40 minutes and polite handshakes and thanks all round I left the interview without so much as a backward glance. So with that wonderful interview out the way, I should hear back as to whether i'm successful or not sometime this week.

Let's just say I won't be holding my breath!

Sunday

2007-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

I know people are upset by this episode, and i'll probably get slammed for it somewhere down the line, but i've never been one to shy away. So, i'm jumping in with two feet. I actually loved this episode, for me it had everything I wanted to see apart from Carson's 'passing'. From my perspective there was an inordinate amount of things that the fans have requested to see in SGA, in particular how the team interact on their off duty hours, and do they spend any time together outside of 'work'? Some people have said that some episodes have felt forced when team bonding was thrust upon them.. and they are entitled to their views. For me this episode showed just how much everyone cares for each other.

The Good points

We had girlie talk between Teyla and Elizabeth (which some fans wanted to see)
I laughed my head off when Sheppard was trying to get Teyla to play golf with him and Ronon, and Ronon tried to head Teyla off at the pass, hehehe.
Loved the pat on the arm from Teyla to Ronon as a thank you for the heads up.
Then we had the Golf game *Thwack* ;o)
We had poor Carson, desperate attempts to go fishing and nobody wanted to go. Bless.
Loved that Atlantis has a chess tournamount *g*
We had Ronon and Sheppard fighting *fight to the death*
We had Rodney trying to make a date with Katie Brown and him stumbling over the marriage proposal. (very sweet)
We had Weir actually relaxing and enjoying herself for once.
We had Lorne painting.
We had Zelenka in the chess club playing for rations.
Carson holding Teyla's hand.
But most of all we had Carson meeting and speaking with everyone on his last ep.

PM did a great job with this, even down to the smallest details of him getting excited that he and Rodney were going fishing was so sweet. I loved the fact that Carson wouldn't leave his patient. He knew the dangers to himself, but he didn't want to risk anyone getting hurt and it just goes to show how self sacrificing the character is and would do anything to save his patients... just as Janet did in SG1 *stops self compairing the two*

What broke my heart in this was how everyone reacted differently. Teyla was at a loss for words. Sheppard's, "It hasn't hit me yet" packed a punch in my stomach. Rodney was so filled with remorse it broke my heart *sniff* especially the ending where he's packing up Carson's belongings and finds the photograph of the two of them from Duet.. *grabs a tissue* When Ronon came in to check to see if Rodney was okay I began to 'well up'. But when Rodney began feeling guilty, Ronon's simple word, 'Don't' was just enough to get my bottom lip quivering. But what sent me over the edge was the bagpipes. *sniff*

The whole of the 'gate room was deathly quiet (no pun intended) and then the bagpipes started playing. It was so serene. Then, as the camera panned around to get everyones reactions, you could feel how much they were hurting, because in a sense they had lost their friend....The ending couldn't have been more perfect (imo) it wasn't corny or cliche as i've heard some people say. You'd be surprised what you think, feel and see when someone who's close to you has died. So, I think having the last moments of Rodney alone and then the Carson and Rodney together at the very end was beutifully done. McKay is hopefully going to have lots of issues over this. And I know I seem to saying this old chestnut quite often these days, but it would be nice to see the impact this has on the characters and not brushed aside.

The Bad! Not much I have to say...

I didn't want carson to go at all, but thanks to Save Carson Beckett, we at least get to have Carson/PM back with us for a short time. I have to say *waits for the tomatoes* I don't know if I want him back. I'd like his death to have meant something, and it's a bit hard to see this ep again and feel the full impact, knowing that he's coming back. Watching it again several months down the line from when I watched it the first time, and knowing what's ahead now; I did look at this ep differently. It didn't have as much as an impact the second time around, probably because I knew that it wasn't going to be his 'Beckett's final scene' so to speak...

What caught my attention in this episode, was surprisingly not Carson's death (as I knew going in that this was going to happen), but it was cleverly scripted so that all the cast had sufficient lines, and character development.... something that has been out of sync, in certain episodes. So did it take PM's leaving to bring this to the foreground? Were there too many 'main cast members' to give good character develpment for? I honestly don't know. We've been afforded the good grace of having stand alone type episodes for each of our characters, and for me that has worked very well. In between those eps, we've also been afforded the opportunity of having some very good team eps such as, Vengeance, Phantoms and Tao of Rodney. Irrespective of what I think, you will always have people having a good whinge that their favourite character hasn't had sufficient development. It's the whole Oliver Twist analogy; when a person's character has a chance to shine, it leaves people always wanting more, and more. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, the problem occurs when they don't get that on a continued basis and can leave them bitter and twisted; which unfortunately can create tension amongst the fanbases. Is it logical? Nope, but then when are emotions ever logical.

So has the tension begun to rise after this ep? Heck no. It started at least 4 months ago now. Fans of PM have stated that they are boycotting season 4, some people are now harranging individuals for liking the new doc; Doctor Jennifer Keller; purely on the basis that she has 'replaced Carson'. I've seen posts from individuals saying that they can't stand the new actress, Jewel Staite because of this! Now personally, I don't think it's a slight on JS or her acting abilities. I honestly think that it would'nt matter who took over, some fans will find a way to 'dislike that character' however great they are, because for those types of fans, that character/actor has essentially 'taken over' from someone they loved. It hasn't just happened with JS, it's also happening with Carter/AT. So, I say to those people who won't even give the individual a chance... get some perspective, or don't watch, but have a modicum amount of decency and at least be honest with regards to why you feel like that. I may not agree with you, but at least you're not hiding behind some misguided guise that, that's not the reason you're unhappy. Have the courage of your convictions. But some fans need to realise that we don't have access to all the information. As nice as it would be that we understand why certain decisions are made, we will never know. So, we have no choice but to put our trust in TPTB and have a little faith that everything will work out. And *fills her glass half full* I for one am feeling very postive about Season 4. ;o)

Playing catch up

2007-05-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

I know, I call myself a fan and can't even keep up with reviewing SGA alongside the US *hangs head in shame* Maybe subconsciously I didn't want to trash my favourite TV programme and that's what stopped me from writing my thoughts? Hmmm. No, in all fairness it wasn't that bad, but for me it just lacked a certain je nais c'est qua.

The stage was set with the team in the commissary. McKay was trying to get his team to think long and hard about an ethics question, the more common of which is, who would you save? One member of your family or a thousand strangers. Great character moments there for all of the team, and it kind of let us see how their minds worked. People have been delving into this for years trying to ascertain how someones mind works by answering those types of questions. And as i've said before, while i'm all for learning what makes people tick. Personally I don't think it's a question that can be answered until that person has to face that scenario. We all say in the midst of discussion, 'Oh there's no contest' it would be the thousand strangers. Really? When confronted with this kind of ethical question, we have the luxury of time to sit and analyze (to death usually) ;) every single scenario of how we would react. When in reality a lot of people in those situations rely on instincts... But with that said, if they really don't like the family member, then I guess it's not that hard a decision to make. :P

Anyway I digress...again!

Back to Atlantis. So in 'The Game' it's very much a Shep/McKay episode with Teyla and Ronon 'tagged on'. I do love my Shep/McKay banter, don't get me wrong. And after watching this ep, it definitely feels like Sheppard and McKay are siblings, lol. I was just a tad disgruntled with how the ep turned out. For me I was bored, there didn't seem to be the angst or the jeopardy that has become embedded in SGA on a regular basis. So for me, I didn't enjoy this ep as much as I had hoped. I love the action, and the perilous situations our team gets themselves into on a regular basis. This, though was very much a light-hearted fluffy type of ep without much 'consequence' and so for me, alas it fell a bit flat. Sorry.

What I did enjoy;

Commissary scene
McKay/Shep sibling rivalry

Weir telling the boys off, and their not taking it seriously. (Loved Shep pulling a face at Rodney) *giggles*
Shep sending a crate of lemons to Geldar
Baden and whats-her-face acting like McKay and Shep (See what I mean about the ep holding my attention, lol) Sorry to the actress.
Lorne and Zelenka fighting
Ronon and McKay working together. (Tangent note: Ooh and I notice that Ronon isn't wearing his wraith finger anymore. Could this possibly be because McKay healed Ronon's runner wounds and as such 'healed' Ronon's issues as a runner?)

So there ya have it. Short, sweet and straight to the point... *looks at the long winded post* Well, nearly. :o)

This week we have Ken C's ep '"The Ark" shown the other tonight in the US. What I found interesting is that SGA seems to be putting in certain subtle threads along the way. Such as in ToR we have Rodney and Ronon bonding, and in the next ep, we have them working together. Then we have this weeks dilemma of 'saving one member of your family or one thousand strangers' which was nicely picked up from 'The Game'. Now whether this was supposed to work out like that or it was just happenstance, we might never know, but I have enjoyed these consistent elements. It shows the writers are picking up the threads and tying them in. Nice.

I enjoyed the Ark for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it had Shep with a blow torch... and let's face it, a man with a blow torch is very sexy! Shallow, but true :o)

What interested me the most, is the unique situation that Sheppard and the team were put into with regards saving Teyla. It was clear from the onset that it was a 'no brainer'. Even though it was technically a suicide mission, Sheppard couldn't leave Teyla behind, because it goes against everything that he is. I do wonder where this sense of camaraderie comes from, and hope it is explored further on down the line.

I also enjoyed the fact that in this ep, Sheppard and McKay were separated for the most part, yet were still able to keep the banter that fans love. It just goes to show, that both do not always need to be joined at the hip to maintain that aspect of the show, which people love.

There were a few things that I enjoyed this ep, but I promise to keep them brief. Yeah for Rachel getting some good dialogue.

Okay so what did I love?

McKay's 'Time for the how screwed we are report'
Ronon and Shep whump and fight to the death :o)
Teyla's scenes
Ronon's little revelation about claustrophobia
McKay telling Shep not to go on the suicide mission
McKay explaining to Lorne that they don't leave anyone behind.
Sheppard with the blow torch. *has a fangirl moment*
Infirmary scene

Okay, so i've rambled on long enough, next week it's Sunday *sniff*

Patience is a virtue.

2007-05-14T11:26:00.001-07:00

They say that when on a quest, one apparently has to overcome many obstacles that crosses their paths. The journey, so i'm told, can involve the person being tested to their limit. Or involve overcoming certain obstacles, thus building their character, along with, (I hope) enjoying little adventures en route. Oh how true that is. I think today was such a test...of my patience. Given the long journey ahead, I envisaged that this would be the first barrier I would have to overcome, and i'm sure my patience will continue to be tested for many months to come.

Oh before I start, you might want to go and grab yourself a cup of coffee as i've gone off on a tangent again!

You'll be pleased to hear that the girl in our 'office', seems to have quietened down. So much so we don't hear a peep from her these days. I wonder if she was also on a quest? I sincerely hope if that is the case, that her own quest in finding her conscience, has been successful. I can only hope that I to can be as successful as her. ;o)

So, as for my quest, today's lesson revolved around patience. Work has been whumping the crap out of me, and will be for the foreseeable future. My boss has decided that even though we have ten times more work to deal with than any of the other ten departments, that I can carry the load all by my lonesome. He has, in his infinite wisdom decided to take away one of my staff who assists me with the day to day running of the business. Subsequently, that person has now been transferred elsewhere. Nice! This must be payback for the whole 'clothing attire' business. So, given the amount of work to be done, I asked him (as diplomatically as I possibly could) if he wanted to stick a broom up my ass, so that I could sweep the floor as well... ;o) He simply rolled his eyes, telling me that i'm being overly dramatic again... Now I wonder where he gets that idea from. *cough*

Moving swiftly on...

So as my staff member has now left *sigh* and in such a short space of time i've had everyone and their mother come and see me today, or people phoning me.... every two minutes. It's got to the stage where people are even queuing at my desk! I'm thinking of getting one of those machines they have in the supermarket. You know the ones I mean, where they grab a ticket and wait until their number is called... it could come in handy. ;o)

So as the quest for shirtless Shep comes ever closer to fruition, *cough*in my dreams *cough* I've been attempting to go a different route to spice things up a bit. And I have to say i've had lots of fun with it along the way :o) As some of you know, Zach (from attack of the show) is quite the fan of Stargate Atlantis. So much so, that he wrote a lil rap number and posted it onto you tube. Great video and lyrics, and quite catchy. To cut a long story short, (don't die of shock, I do short occasionaly) ;o), he begged to get a bit part on Stargate and succeeded. With a trip to the set, David Hewlett obviously wanted to get in on the act and in response to Zach's rap, came up with his own little ditty and a hilarious shuffle step, which was subsequently leaked ;) on to you tube. In response to the leak, David sent a heartfelt apology to his fans. *sniff* Tissue anyone?

As i've always loved poetry, and the whumping crew were losing their squee (due to the long wait of S4), I decided to spice things up a lil bit, and did my own rap...sorta, but you'll be pleased to hear it hasn't been posted on to you tube. Instead I posted it to Joe's blog. Poor Joe, he does suffer for his craft ;o) But, in my defence, a quest cannot be interrupted once it has begun. So i'm very sorry Joe, you might have to suffer a little longer :o) Anyway, as you can imagine, being an extremely serious individual, and not wanting to embarrass myself or my long-suffering family in public, there was no mention of hot, sweaty or shirtless Shep at all...not even one line.

*cough*

Before I leave you for the night, I would just like to say this one thing if I may. For the long suffering readers of Joe's blog, and in the words of David Hewlett... I offer this heartfelt apology.

I sincerely apologise for my actions. Not just to those who have had to endure my ramblings on Joe's blog, but to everyone I have offended with talk of hot, sweaty and semi nekkid Shep. *waves to anon* Please believe me when I say, I have no idea what came over me when I wrote the 'rap' lyrics. I just hope that you can forgive my actions. I say this to you now because I had so much fun, I shall be repeating the torment until my quest has been successful. :o)

And maybe next time there might be a lil rap video for you.... *shakes head at the thought of how bad this could be* Remind me again why I even contemplate doing these things?

*thinks about Shep's chest to get her through this part of the quest*

Will it bring me one step further in my quest? One can only hope! And if Joe, thinks I should go forth, then all hope is not lost ;o)

Quests

2007-05-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

*hangs head in shame* I've been kinda remiss about updating my blog...i'm sorry, but it's really not my fault, work is extremely busy at the moment. Personally, I think my manager is secretly keeping me busy to stop us having our 'little chat'. Which is fine...I can wait for the right moment. Teasing has no time limits and neither do quests.. :o)

*cough*

It started out like any other day, tantrums in the post room; lots of 'staff' airing their grievances about some changes 'management' were making. And to be honest it did get on my nerves a bit. All that constant bickering about who was flirting with who in the 'office'. Some people didn't want anyone flirting/dating and pairing off at all, (if it ever got to that stage), yet some were determined to see their favourite couple get together. I don't have to tell you what office politics are like, so I'll leave it up to your fertile imaginations. Anyway, I wasn't too sure if the boss was getting a bit ticked off with the constant bickering, but one never knows, he's elusive like that and lays his cards very close to his chest. *tries not to think of a certain person's chest*

No, not the 'boss' get your dirty minds out the gutter!

Are your minds out the gutter? Yes? Shall I continue? So, my gut instincts tell me that he is quite happy for us to handle things ourselves, most of the time. But! I have to say, he did surprise me slightly by intervening.... sort of. So subsequently things quietened down and everyone was back on track discussing what they had for lunch, who they saw at work and what their plans were for the fall; I expected it to last at least a week. Silly me, how wrong could I have been. It was the calm before the storm... okay so i'm being overly dramatic again, but c'mon you lot expect this now ;o)

Anyway where was I? Oh yes, calm before the storm. Things were going great until a new person joined us in the post room. For some reason, known only to her, she became insanely jealous of us. Not all of us mind you, just a select few. Now at first I simply shook my head at her misgivings, and really, people like that are just out to cause some kind of trouble. So I laughed with the others, but unfortunately.... *cough* this person... I tell you what, to protect her identity i'll call her, Anon. ;)

Anyway, Anon started attacking my friends, and just so you know, I can't stand by and watch this sort of thing... my eye starts twitching and really, it's not pretty. :p So, myself and a few others rallied round our friends, trying to be supportive in our own tactful way and she backed off for a short time. Sometimes, simply by standing up to them, makes them lose their 'edge'... sometimes. ;o) With that period of grace, it allowed me to reflect why she was like that. Was it some deep seated fear within her, a touch of insecurity, or was she just a bit nuts? So never one to back down from a challenge. I sought the help of some friends. We got together and had a discussion of why people are like that, and what it was that drives them forward. Usually though feelings like that can bring emotions of past hurt to the surface and I did wonder if I was stirring up more trouble by suggesting a 'get together' so to speak :D. As the meeting gathered momentum, people from other departments joined in and we had a nice long chat. It was just like therapy only cheaper ;)

So that is where my quest began...and not a shirtless Shep in sight.

Oh right, that's part II ;)

Boobs, Basking and Short shorts

2007-05-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

Chatterboxes are prevalent in our office, and that's how we like it. The work can be stress full, so a little humour goes a long way. My boss is the complete opposite to me and my co-manager in terms of management style. While I don't necessarily agree with him all the time, I do follow his orders like any good employee, but it doesn't mean that I can't have a little bit of fun along the way. :o)

I'll hold my hand up and say that I am one of those people that can be a little irreverent and er...cheeky shall we say, and have on a couple of occasions got on my bosses nerves. I can assure you, I don't mean to be pedantic, but sometimes I just can't help myself; especially when it involves unusual orders about clothing attire in the summer months. Coincidentally we were discussing boobs, bra sizes and the like over the whump thread, (don't ask) ;o). So I had to laugh at the timing of an email received today from senior management. Apparently, our PTB have decided that they have nothing better to do than dictate to us how we should dress in the up and coming Summer months. While i'm all for professionalism and the need to look smart in front of clients, I... struggle, shall we say about dictating what a person should and shouldn't wear. It should be noted though, that when in the office we are normally a little more casual than most places, but not overtly so. But I was surprised to find in my inbox an email relating to dress attire in the up and coming months, and the importance of my co-manager and I to enforce and embrace these changes.

It does make me wonder what on Earth 'the powers that be' were thinking when they came up with this lil gem, and I had to giggle very inappropriately at their choice of wording. Suffice to say that staff would from this point forward, not be allowed to wear clothes that were classed as 'revealing'. My staff have dirty minds, and have the pen chance for being quite vocal...I have no idea where they get this from! ;) But I like those qualities in people, for me it just means they're passionate. So given this, I knew from the onset that questions would be asked regarding what would be classed as 'revealing', and surprisingly enough, this 'request' from management was not just for the ladies of the team.

So with this in mind, I discussed the email in great lengths with my co-manager. After working together for nearly seven years, we tend to know how each other thinks, and it has to be said that we are like an old married couple. We have our ups and downs, but 99% of the team we're on the same wavelength and this time was no exception. So we began discussing how to make our manager squirm... he's not very comfortable discussing body parts, which we find hilarious. So with that, we felt it necessary to commence 'operation squirm'.

Walking over to his office I sat down, and with all seriousness I said, "We need to talk." A shocked expression befell him at my unusually solemn appearance. Concerned, he asked me if this was a personal matter, of which I informed him it wasn't. The relief that washed over his face was nearly enough to make me drop the facade...nearly! ;o) Asking what the problem was, I informed him that my concerns related to the email he sent out regarding clothing attire, and that I needed clarification on a few things. Trying to keep a straight face, I watched him begin to shift uncomfortably in his seat. This was going to be fun.

"Just what do you mean by revealing? Are you talking about boobs, cleavage, too short shorts?" I asked him in my own subtle way.

"Use your discretion," he told me a little too quickly as if not wanting to have this conversation with me. You'd think he'd realise by now that that word isn't in my vocabulary. ;o) Then without warning he got up from his seat saying that he had forgotten that he had an urgent meeting and was sorry to end our 'little chat' so abruptly... was it something I said? *puts on her most innocent expression* Oh well, there's always Monday. ;o)

So for me, if the boys want to do a diet coke break in the office ala Jason Mamoa style, my boss would probably have a coronary. But as my boss has now left things to my discretion, I imagine the 'diet coke breaks' will be starting as from Monday! ;o)

Now if only Joe M can get Joe Flanigan to do a diet coke break ad..... shirt off, hot, sweaty and basking in the sun or ala Jason Mamoa style, complete with pictures I might add...

*waves to the gutter*

*dives in*

:D

Murphy's Law

2007-05-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

It's apparently one of the more constants in the universe, 'whatever can go wrong, will go wrong'. While i'm more than inclined to think that I make my own destiny rather than it be set out for me. I have to say after yesterdays, not so good, very crappy, bad day... the Murphy's Law thing applied in spades. But as i've always said, when life kicks you in the ass, kick back.

Families and friends are great for picking you up when you fall down now and again and I've always wondered if they appreciated how much a difference they realise they make? So with those thoughts prevalent this week, I decided to watch some fluffy Stargate Atlantis in advance of the airing in the US. And this weeks ep is all about, family, friendship and feeling the luff! Coincidence? I think not :o)

Tao of Rodney is for me one of the best eps of the latter half of season. I know a few people thought the episode involved too much Rodney, but not for me. I love his snarcastic attitude that we see on a regular basis. But there are times however, when events take a turn for the worse and we see a different side of someone; the vulnerable side. It's not normally a side we see of McKay, but this episode reflects how much he cares for his team, and they in turn care for him. Those great little bonding moments showed us just how far McKay has come in the last few years. His 'mask', which he wears as a shield has protected him from showing how he feels. Whether this comes from some deep childhood trauma in which he was hurt by someone, we might never know. But gradually over the course of the episode, we see his 'mask' slowly slipping. He allows his friends to see the gentler side of McKay and for me it's very endearing. Up until this point we knew so little about our characters insecurities, so it was nice to see a brief glimpse into what makes our characters so loveable.

If I went into detail about what I loved about this ep, i'd be here all day. :o) Suffice to say, there were a lot of great insights, not only for McKay, but we also had the opportunity of seeing what mattered to most of the team. I say most, because we still didn't see what was on Sheppard's mind. Shame on you PTB for not giving us a hint! Anyway I digress...

My favourite parts were the character moments, and Rodney's attempts to make a difference before he died;

McKay approaching Zelenka and telling him that he respected him and apologising for being snarky.
McKay hugging Ronon to heal his scars, and Ronon patting him on the back (not knowing what he was doing).
Ronon's reaction to McKay when he tells him that the scars are healed. *sniff*
The memorial tea ceremony with Teyla and Rodney serving her.
McKay and Elizabeth moment when Rodney called her on saying she loved him *giggle*
Everyone at his bedside telling him they luffed him *sniff* with Carson feeling guilty he couldn't help his friend.

Saving the best for last :o)

Sheppard teaching McKay how to meditate and McKay finally admitting to Sheppard that he didn't know how to be himself. So simple, yet so effective.

Although i'm more of an action girl, and like to see our Heroes kick ass on a regular basis. Every now and then it's important to sit back and reflect at how far our characters have come, and the effect their presence has had on other people, and it's something i'd like to see built on with all the characters. Not just in terms of character development, but to show that when push comes to shove, that their life and subsequent actions has made a difference to someone elses. And that those feelings are reciprocated. The last thing i'd like to see is the show getting all mushy on a regular basis, but if it's a choice between choosing an action ep, or a fluffy ep, like this. Then, to be honest i'd take either. With that said though, i'm more likely to favour the ep that has hot, sweaty and nekkid Shep any day of the week. And if that means our wonderfully heroic character has to die for us to see that, then i'm fine with that... on the proviso that McKay saves him at the last minute ;o) So then we can have a nice little infirmary scene at the end. Well, turnabout is fair play after all :o)

Irreplaceable

2007-04-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Since our friends in the US watched Irresponsible last night, I thought i'd be good and watch it again and see if my thoughts on the ep had changed somewhat from my original post on the subject. Alas it hasn't.

The premise of the ep had so much potential, but it just didn't pan out for me. From what JM said about the ep he feels the same way the fans do, which in a way is a small comfort. What I enjoyed about the Koyla/Sheppard story arc was the excitement an unpredictability of their relationship (for want of a better term). Each of them doing what they do best; fighting and defending their people for things they believed in. Their characters personalities are not dissimilar and both Robert Davi (Kolya) and Joe Flanigan's characters play off each other extremely well. That charismatic interplay between them, gives the viewers an element of surprise at what's to come next, which in turn keeps us on our toes. Each time they've come up against each other, it has played out in such a way, where you don't know who's going to win the fight. And that keeps the arc interesting. Kolya was Sheppard's nemesis and it seemed only fitting that retribution should be sought after the actions of Kolya in Common Ground. And Sheppard's promise to 'kill him on sight' was said with such vehemence that the viewer new that the next time they met, Sheppard would finish Kolya off, on his terms.

So when I found out that Kolya was going to be in this episode, I was ecstatic to see the 'showdown'. I'd heard of the wild west theme, and although it sounded a bit corny it was something that I had longed to see; Sheppard finally getting redress. BUT as it turned out (or so it felt to me), the Kolya angle seemed like a 'B plot', and the euphoria at longing to see these two finally fighting it out fell flat. Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the Lucius storyline. I actually enjoyed Irresistible for the most part, but I certainly didn't believe that his character warranted a second episode and certainly not with Kolya. Yes dark and light episodes do work most of the time with both SG1 and SGA, and I love the Stargate humour 99.9% of the time, but this? This was just...how can I put it diplomatically? Crap! Sorry, I tried.

It was disappointing to say the least. We lost a good foe to this and while the whole 'no one dies in Sci Fi' may afford us the opportunity to see Kolya again in future eps; either in an AU type ep, or as part of Shep's issues. I sincerely doubt it. At the very least, Kolya will hopefully get a mention if, sorry, when we see the CG Wraith again :D. I suppose after watching Common Ground, and seeing how the whole storyline shone with every element, I was expecting that same kind of pizazz from this and I didn't. :(

Nightmare on Atlantis Street

2007-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I love the psychological aspect of people, how they talk, their actions all their little mannerisms that make them who they are. While i'm no psychology expert it doesn't stop me from speculating why people do what they do. Everyone has a dark side, and apparently Stargate Atlantis's is coming to the forefront in the form of 'darker' episodes. And hopefully this in turn will allow us to see the darker sides of our characters and how they react to certain situations.

When confronted by something that is totally unexpected, each persons response to that situation is different. Like the fight or flight response, your instincts stem believe it or not from the prehistoric era. :o) It's an inbuilt safety mechanism that the brain produces to either fight the danger head on or avoid any confrontation. The chemical that's released into our body during the time of stress hones all our senses, and diminishes the body of feeling pain. Which is probably why our Shep doesn't tend to feel the effects the same way as McKay does (bless him). So what the heck has this got to do with Atlantis going dark, I hear you ask...

Well, over the course of Season 4 we're hoping to see our characters pushed to their limits both emotionally and physically. As this takes place over the course of season 4, we'll be afforded the opportunity into looking into their psyche and seeing how they cope when pushed to the limit. Will it make them stronger or will they fold under the pressure? From JM's poem, it's clear that the characters emotions are going to be like a rollercoaster ride, with angst, pain, regret and self doubt being at the forefront of their character develpment. From what we've learned about Doppleganger, this episode will focus on the nightmares of our characters; each of whom have deep seated issues about certain things.

We've been speculating (wildly of course) ;o) about what effect these nightmares will have on our team. For me, I love to see a different side of a persons character that's not prominantly displayed in the show on a regular basis. And usually the only time we get to see a different side of them is when there are mitigating circumstances that bring that aspect of their personality to the surface. So to have an episode that focus's on their deep seated fears is very attractive in a weird kind of way, lol. Normally we have our heroes battling demons every day, which I love, but we never get to 'see' what that effect has on them.

Now I completely understand that our characters can't have a meltdown after every mission, :o) but like it or not, our experiences be they good or bad do affect our personality and can turn any rational person into a nut job. Paranoia and mistrust can occur when someone is pushed to the edge, and if you bury it for too long without dealing with it, those 'issues' have a way of coming to the surface. I'm hoping that those 'issues', which occur when things go wrong (and that help to define us), will show up in the Doppleganger ep. That inturn will enable us to get a more indepth look at how our characters minds work, and why they behave the way they do. And what I love about these types of episodes is that they allow the viewer to see that the characters are human...unless they're Wraith of course ;o)

So tomorrow's Stargate episode is 'Irresponsible', and I think this is a good example of someone reaching their limits when pushed too far. I won't bore you needlessly until tomorrow and trust me when I say that i'll have a few things to say about the ep!

Ooooh I ended on a rant! Can't have that now can we? Then allow me to finish with this one word.

*Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*

For those that have no clue why i'm so excited about season 4, you might want to check out the answer JM gave lil ol' me and the whumping crew about Doppleganger :o) And for those that don't know what *squee* is check out Josie's article which she did for when CG was airing(pictured above) and it will explain everything :o)

That thing we call life.

2007-04-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

The thing I love about the fandom is the passion that goes with it. We love to get excited about our show, and speculate about what’s to come in the up and coming seasons, so much so that on occasions we get a little too excited. How can one possible get themselves in a tizzy over a TV show? Very simple. Pull up a chair and grab a coffee, this might take a while. :o)

A lot of people within the ‘fandom’ have real life issues. So for them, their fandom *insert fandom of choice here* ;o) is a way of escaping the crap that we call real life. In this wonderful imaginary world that we escape to, we can let go of our everyday problems and feel secure in the knowledge that we can get lost in the moment for one hour a week. Or if you're completely obsessive ten hours a week ;) We can envisage what will happen to our favourite characters, and what fate has in store for them, and they in turn can take us on a little adventure thousands of miles away from the problems some people face on a daily basis. As time moves on, we get to know who the characters are and what makes them tick, and gradually we learn about their little foibles and what defines them. The same can also be said for friends that you discover online.

As you get to know your fellow posters, you learn to see beyond the post and see the person; not just an opinion on the thread that you’re posting in. You learn to get to know that person’s style and if they’re having an off day. Sometimes this one ‘off day’ can bring a thread to it’s knees. Scary, but true. People’s emotions can affect a thread’s ‘mood’ (for want of a better terminology) and usually you find that as soon as a thread gets some exciting news, they go a bit nuts, and tend to get swept up in the wave of emotions.

When the information comes from a viable source, your excitement tends to go up ten notches, especially when that news is something you’ve longed for *cough*hot and sweaty semi-nekkid Shep*cough*. ;o) But when that programme airs, and it’s not lived up to your expectations, (because you’ve speculated to the point of no return) then it can have devastating affects. Okay I’m being a bit dramatic here, lol, but you get the point. ;o)

I suppose, what i'm trying to say in my usual rambling way, is that the fandom should be a place to go and bond with other like-minded individuals. It's not just about that exciting bit of information, or you're favourite character. It's about getting away from the harsh realities of life and letting your imagination run free for a short time. Sometimes you do need to get caught up in the moment to remember that life is there to live and enjoy, so enjoy it.

And remember if you see someone without a smile, give them yours :o)

So much for my cheeky blog, this is getting far too serious for me, time to lighten the moment and dive into the gutter. Didn't I say at one time, I was going to talk about hot, sweaty nekkid Shep? :o). Well, I have since obtained some pics that have spurred me on a lil bit more in my quest, and while they're not exactly Shep, it's probably as close as we're going to get. ;o)

Pics are from Dawson's creek... I won't even go into detail of the table scene *cough*

*has a fangirl moment*

*waves to the gutter*

*dives in * :o)

Bonding - Atlantis style

2007-04-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

The one thing i've grown to love about Atlantis over the last three years is watching the relationships develop within the team. As the seasons have progressed we've been afforded the good fortune of seeing how our characters have changed from one dimension to three. And considering that Atlantis has just now completed its third year, the analogy seems quite apt. :o)

Appropriately this is what has been needed to establish who our characters are, what their strengths and weaknesses are and how they relate to each other. Something that the whump thread has been discussing in great detail today. Shame on all of you who think we just talk about how to whump Sheppard ;o)

So as Echoes airs tonight, I find myself joining in the squee with my US friends. This episode personifies exactly what a great show Atlantis is. When we were all desperately awaiting Season 3, we were given so little information on it, that people naturally assumed (from what I remember) that it was going to be either one of the best eps or one of the worsts. And like all good Atlantis fans do, they assume the worst and hope for the best. It has to be said though that this is not all Atlantis fans, just those that have decided that no matter what Atlantis produces it will never be up to their expectations...see my previous post about how I feel on that subject! And i'm not the only one who has had enough of the constant complaining and moaning minnies of the Atlantis world. I digress....

Where was I? Oh yes, Echoes! *sorry i'm having a McKay moment.* :o)

What I loved about this episode is that it seemed to build upon the friendship between Shep and McKay. And the banter/chemistry Joe Flanigan and David Hewlett have on screen absolutely shines through in these types of episodes; this one was no exception. I have to say it kind of reminded me of Irresistible, when they had their fan boy moment over Catwoman! Classic. I think tptb struck gold when they put these two together. For some reason, and it has been asked a few times, why in Season 2 the writers got away from the banter. No one seemed to know why. Thank goodness they amended their error in judgement and we have the boys back on form again!

Male friendships on TV will always work well, when the characters are written as polar opposites, but if you watch closely both have certain personality traits in common. Shep is secretly geeky ;o) who enjoys indulging McKay in his little obsessions, like the whales, playing chess and talking about Batman. But I think it's unlikely that we'll see that side of him with the others (Teyla, Ronon, and Lizzie) as it seems to be a bond between the two of them, that's shared usually in private (and I don't mean that in a slash kind of way). For me it shows how comfortable Sheppard is with McKay and it's clear that when they're together, McKay sees the good, the bad and the ugly, and vice versa. And that only tends to happen when you're family. One thing I don't think we'll ever see in Atlantis, is the boys getting mushy. I have to say I don't want to see that, because it would just come off as cheesy. They don't tell each other they care, because let's face it, they're men!

Nuff said. ;o)

For all Shep's complaining about Rodney, it's so evident that he cares, because he makes a point of protesting too much, such as in Sateda and the Ark. Likewise with McKay, in The Defiant One, Aurora, and Common ground. When his friend is in danger, he loses the 'geeky' persona and does what's necessary to protect his friend. And when you're family is in trouble, you do whatever it takes to get them out of it.

So, for me this is why I think I enjoyed Echoes so much. We had lots of bonding, not only between the boys, but we also had some nice Ronon and Teyla moments. Both have come together thorough unorthodox ways, and they've started to become good friends. Ronon seems to be losing some of his hostility as he settles down more, and I think Teyla's meditation classes are starting to pay off. ;o)

What I enjoyed in Echoes;

The jumper scene with Ronon, Zelenka and Shep.
Ronon falling asleep and snoring while Teyla teaches him how to mediate.
McKay putting his case to Lizzie about the ZPM and the 20 page email.
Flagisalus and identifying the sex of the whale *giggles*
McKay naming his whale, Sam and Shep's protests because it's creepy. :lol:
The balcony scene between Sheppard and McKay when he sees the whale.
Geeky Shep rushing off to see the whales and McKay running after him.
The whump and the infirmary scene.
Sheppard and McKay shouting and escaping.
Their expressions at escaping Carson's clutches.
McKay trying to be all military in the corridor.
Shep coming up with a plan, and McKay telling him just what a bad plan it was :lol:

I could be here all night! If I had said I enjoyed everything about this ep, it would have saved me a lot of time. But I have the pen chance to go off on a tangent... hence my very long winded fanfiction ;o)

I've always strived to be a good boss, and if I were any more laid back i'd fall off my chair. Whenever you become a new manager, you tend to learn from your superiors. Not me. I have my own style, and while it's not everybody's, for me it means I get the most out of the people that work for me. Their's a little thing called trust. You have to trust your staff and give them a bit of flexibility or you stifle them. And if they respect you then you're half way there to becoming a good manager.

Every team leader has their ups and downs with staff, especially if you work with them for long hours. Given that you spend more time with them, than you do with your own family it's normal to build up a bond with those you work with. I look out for my staff, just like they look out for me. I've seen them at their very highest and their lowest, because my job is to protect them and guide them as they move on. When they're having a rough time, they get a pep talk and a swift gentle kick in the kaboose. But at the end of the day, there are times when I have a bad day and they're there for me. And believe it or not, I'm not perfect. :eek: I make mistakes and they like that, because no one is perfect.

That's something i'd love to see explored on the show more; letting Sheppard make mistakes, and then agonising over those decisions. We know he has to remain infallible because to have a lead character who questions his actions is not one that is likely to be portrayed. But sometimes all it takes is a look. Let the audience take it from there with their imagination. JF is fantastic at playing those subtle scenes and one look of doubt/uncertainty would show he is human and does make mistakes. And sometimes the team need to be there for him instead of him being the one to save himself. Let the hero take the day off once in a while! He deserves it ;o)

May the fourth be with you! Sooner than we hope!

2007-04-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Evil Shep by Bebop

When we first heard about Doppelganger, I honestly wanted a certain something from this episode. Myths and folklore are rampant about what Doppelgangers are, if they exist and what can occur if you meet your double. Well, the Stargate world has decided to explore this mythology and to say i'm a teensy bit over excited at seeing this, is a huge understatement!

I love dark episodes, so Atlantis season 3 episodes such as Phantoms, Common Ground and Vengeance all had that quality (for me anyway). Each of them had a certain something that piqued my interest even more than other eps, maybe it was because they weren't afraid to go a little darker or dealt with the psychological effects on our characters, but whatever element they've been using for Atlantis is really working. And from reading the spoilers on Gateworld, Doppelganger seems to be taking that dark edge a little further to the point of turning one of our characters evil.

*tries to contain her excitement and fails miserably*

As you can imagine talk of a certain person getting the crap kicked out of them is causing a certain thread to speculate wildly and we are (to say the least) getting extremely excited about what's in store. With my favourite character turning to the dark side *squee* it will hopefully bring in some viewers that might have heard ruminations about season 4, but I won't hold my breath. There are already people comparing this ep to a certain SG1 episode 'Cold Lazarus' even though it clearly is very different. But people will see, hear and read what they want, and it doesn't matter how much you show them that things are very different they simply refuse to budge.

Everyone has their opinions, don't get me wrong, I love a good debate, but when people start knocking things before they've even seen the end product makes me lose faith at my fellow Gaters. I've even seen people who have blatantly said they want it to fail. Nice attitudes! I know there have been changes to cast. And yep when information about the changes weren't made available (for one reason or another), i'll hold my hand up and say that I was one of them who was not a happy camper to begin with. But, with that said, i've never indicated that I wouldn't watch season 4, and i've never bashed anyone for not wanting to see season 4 either. Each to their own. If you don't want to watch, fine! I just don't see the point of posting in threads and being all petty and spiteful, just to try and stop other people from getting excited about the new season.

If you don't like it, deal with it! As for me, well in the words of Star Wars, 'JM you're my only hope' at getting hot, sweaty and nekkid Shep. ;) And if this ep is one that deals with nightmares, then I at the very least am expecting a bed scene, with maybe shirtless Shep :o) As i've said before, I am not beneath begging and bribary ;o) I have to say that when I posted the question to JM back in February, I never expected it to be anything like this, and I have to say he lived up to his end of the deal as did I ;o)

For those who want to know what the original Q&A was, here it is posted on the 28 Feb 07, as you can see I was quite shy and retiring then and posted as anon ;o) Oh how times have changed :o)

JM's blog 28/2/07

Anonymous #2 writes: “Does your magic 8 ball say there's any remote chance of an 'evil' Sheppard type episode? And for the record, i'm not beneath begging and would even throw in some dark chocolate offerings as way of bribing you.”

Magic 8 Ball says: Now it’s time for you to hold up your end of the deal. Send the dark chocolate to Joseph Mallozzi c/o The Bridge Studios.

Squee for Season 4

2007-04-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Getting over excited is nothing new to me. I do have the penchance for completely going off on a tangent now and again. But I have to say, over the last month or so as the spoilers for Stargate Atlantis, Season 4, (no less) have been making their way across the fandom courtesty of JM's Blog, GW and other places (too many to mention), so i won't bore you needlessley. However, if you like boring stuff, then you've certainly come to the rest place. So, grab a coffee and take a seat while I ramble excessively :o)

As you know, I am a whumper! There i've said it, held my hand up. I like my leading men to get the crap kicked out of them on a regular basis! People think it's weird, but you know what, if it wasn't so popular then why have it in the show at all? Food for thought. And for the writers to put our leading heroes into mortal danger on a regular basis must mean that they to are whumpers :eek: Nice to know us weirdo's keep good company ;) The sad thing about it is, that some people think you're weird. Personnally I think it's because they haven't taken the time to understand what it's all about, hopefully the linky above will explain it more fully.

So far we've been given wonderful lil tidbits about certain whumpy eps for S4. We've been told that there's a possibility of whumpage in Travelers and Doppelganger. How much or how little is not known, but speculation is rampant amongst the whumpers and we wait patiently *cough*NOT*cough* for S4 to arrive hopefully before I turn old and grey, but with Skiffy you never know! These are the same people that can't even spell the names of our leading men right. *shakes head* The worst is, they're not the only ones. Sky get the names of the characters wrong on a daily basis, you'd think that these people who are promoting a show would at least have the sense to actually understand what it is they're trying to market.... I digress.

So, at years end, 2006, JM gave us a poem to decipher, he loves to tease everyone and he likes to give us little clues regarding certain eps, but won't reveal the whole episode....boo! I'm a spoiler whore and love to know the ins and out of everything. So every day, he updates his blog, and folks ask questions about anything and everything. So if you feel like checking it out the link is above. At the moment i'm still campaigning for hot, sweaty and nekkid Shep, and I am tryng to ~~brainwash~~ ask very cheekily ;) and in a variety of different ways if we will see our dashing pilot in bed, in the shower or in the infirmary. I have even sunk to the low depths of bribery for getting Evil Shep, which is my ultimate goal. Heck i'd even settle or angsty Shep, if we didn't have to wait until the fall! :D Anyway, the chocolate apparently went down well (at least I hope it did), and JM kindly showed a pic of Martin Gero with the chocolate, very nice touch, thank you Mr M.

I would like to say a big congrats to our very own little whumper who deciphered one of JM's clues about a S4 Episode called Doppleganger (aka N.O.A.S). Our very own Josie got it on the very first day it was posted) So for those that don't want to know what the original working title for Doppleganger was, look away now.

*spoiler*

Nightmare on Atlantis Street!

And you know what that means, don't you? Hot, sweaty, semi nekkid Shep lying in bed all stressed could in fact become not just a fangirl's fantasy, but a reality. *insert big cheesy grin* If, sorry WHEN this airs I might just have another fangirl moment ;o) See always think positively! And if at first you don't get hot, sweaty, semi nekkid Shep, then try, try, try try again ;o)

We have deciphered the poem together so if you don't want to be spoiled, I bid you farewell now.

For spoiler whore's like me, here we go. It's not finished yet, but it's darn near close enough, so suggestions and comments are always welcome. The good, the bad and the ugly!

Atlantis S4

Atlantis assailed by the stuff of nightmares, (Doppleganger)
While the team will explore that dark sunken lair. (Submersion)
For one player worship, adoration and fame, (The Game - both lines)
As he and his rival find it’s more than a game.

Receive a grand gift from an all-seeing shaman. (The Seer S4)
Find the wraith and our allies have something in common. (CG Sequel) In my dreams!
A tech-savvy group who progress via pillage. (Travelers)
A wild west High Noon in an inapt Dutch village. (Irresponsible)

Too late the value of that friendship he’ll learn. (Sunday)
A strange disappearance feeds another’s dark turn.(Missing)
Find survivors concealed in an orbiting rock, (The Ark)
While the thinker receives an enlightening shock. (ToR)

Mutations discovered, O’Neill is all wet. (Vengeance and The Return Part II)
With a change of location all will forget. (Tabula Rasa)
Hyperion’s wrath threatens total destruction. (Echoes)
Our hand will be forced by ominous construction. (First strike)
Carter arrives; a reunion of sorts. (Reunion)
One of our own the enemy courts. (Missing)

Isolation imposed and a grand battle looms, (Adrift)
While an alien contact this player dooms. (This Mortal coil)
Self-doubt for one, parenthood for another,(Miller’s crossing)
And that brilliant young mom may be needing her brother.

From innocents lost he’ll produce strict adherence (Lifeline)
While the late fallen one makes a surprised reappearance (Squeee)

Miscommunications in the Stargate world!

2007-04-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

When I first came online and joined the fandom, I lurked for several months before finally getting up courage to post. I browsed online going from one site to another until I finally found a place to call home. The people there have become like a surrogate family to me, and it's a really nice feeling to 'belong' somewhere... so to speak. When I perused some forums I noticed a lot of animosity between people, and it took me quite a while to really understand what was going on. One thing I love to do is people watch. I know what you're saying, how can you people watch online? You'd actually be surprised at how easy this is. By watching how people interact with other posters, and seeing how they post, along with getting to know whom they like in the show and how passionate they are about things, it can give you an idea on who to avoid and who to 'play with'.

What I didn't realise is how much passion some people have. I know i'm vocal, but some people are just downright...what's the word? Oh yeah, obsessive and rude and mean (ooh that's three words). Oh well, moving on swiftly. When they're arguing about 'my character is better than yours' or bitching about other people on line, I just think...get a life! It's a TV show people. A TV show that I love and get passionate about, but there's a line (for me) that should never be crossed and that's nastiness. Is there really any need for it? I know full well that what you write online doesn't necessarily come out how you intended, sometimes it comes out harsher than you'd like, or it's difficult to express how you feel about a particular subject. For me, there's only one way, and that's politely, manners never cost anything, and if you're respectful in your post, then you're in turn extending the courtesy to other readers. If you're debating with someone, is there any need for it to become a personal attack (even if they start it)? I've had years of experience debating, looking at things objectively, looking at the person you're conversing with and you can gauge their personality. Some people are born to whinge and antagonise, they feel it's their right. But, if you stay calm and focused and never stoop to their level of childishness, then you win, every time.

Personally if someone attacks me, then I throw it back in their face, I tell them how rude they are and that it's not acceptable. Granted it's not everybody's way, but there are times when the other poster doesn't even realise how aggressive they are, because that's the way they've always posted. Sometimes a little friendly reminder goes a long way. And if you have wronged someone, either intentionally or not, apologise! It's not hard it's just one little word, show there are no hard feelings and then change the subject as quickly as possible and move on ;o)

Another thing to note...if anyone is remotely intersted, lol. Is that there are real people attached to their keyboards :eek: yes it's true and they have feelings. And their feelings get hurt just as much as yours do when their opinions are shot down in flame. So even if you disagree with them remember, words are a very powerful tool, so choose them wisely, be respectful and play nice. You'd be surprised at how attitudes can change with just a friendly word, a great emoticon or posting a pic of semi nekkid, hot and sweaty Sheppard. You'd be surprised at how quick the conversation can change :o)

Ooooh bit of a sneaky rant there...oops. So much for my light hearted and fluffy blog about nekkid, hot and sweaty Sheppard. :o) That'll be my blog for tomorrow. ;o)

Subtle flirtations, dirty minds and the gutter!

2007-04-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Shep: Run Rodney! Peg is making us into Chia pets.

Rodney: I really hope she doesn't use lemon grass!

We were talking on the whump thread yesterday about 'Mr potatoe head...don't ask *shakes head*. The whumpers are very strange individuals...or so people tell us :o) So anyway we were saying that there are a variety of Mr Potatoe heads, including a Darth Vadar one. Intrigued regarding this concept I decided to do a 'Blue Peter' style version of Sheppard and McKay. For those that don't know what Blue Peter is, it is a kids TV programme in the UK whereby they make things out of everyday objects, like this: Dr Who's Tardis... you get the picture :o)

Following that, hilarity ensued and pictures relating to Sheppard and McKay being chia pets caused lots of giggling and a fab one liner by Pocus in response to McKay's allergy to lemons ;o)

That was just the start of things to come! I went and saw my mom in hospital today. Twelve months she's been in, and she has the hospital staff eating out the palm of her hand. I often wondered if I got my cheekiness from my mom or dad, but after today's little display, it's definately my mother. Because my mom is bed bound with little use of her hands, pretty much everyday is like groundhog day for her. So she likes to spice the days up by trying to get me married off! I walked into to her room today and she was talking to the neuro surgeon about how she was getting on. She sees me come into her room and her face lights up. Isn't that nice, I thought, my mom is happy to see me. Hmph, little did I know what her nefarious plan was. This is how the conversation went.

Mom: Hello love, you remember my doctor don't you? (I don't often see him unless he's on call)

Me: Hi mom, yes I remember him. (It's at this point I smile at the doc and say hello)

Mom: She's single at the moment. Are you single doctor?

Me: *mortified* Mom!

Mom: I'm just making conversation.

I look over at the Doc, who has turned probably the same shade of red that I have. He hurriedly makes a hasty retreat and I really don't balme him! She tells me, that I need to be a bit more flirtatious if I want to get myself a man... Thanks mom, i'll remember that in future.

After feeling suitably chastised for not being married yet, my mom preceeds to tell me her usually dirty jokes that the nurses tell her every morning. I'm no shrinking violet, but she's my mother and it's just so wrong on so many levels. Between my mother and the Air force pilots and technicians that I used to work with, it's no wonder my mind is so corrupted! So for those that want to know how I can twist every pure word into smut, there's your answer :o)

Not long after the Doctor leaves, I try and sort out my mom's room and notice a picture of a famous footballer on the side. I'm curious how she got this, considering she can't get out and about, so I ask her. She tells me that one of the nurses has a son who'se a famous footballer. That still didn't explain how got the picture and had it autographed personnally. So I ask her how she came to get this little gem, at which she advises that she was watching a football match and starting shouting at the ref's decision regarding penalties (because apparantly she knows more about football than the refs). One of the agency nurses wondered what the commotion was and came to investigate. The nurse (seeing the football game and her son playing) pointed this out to my mom. My mom cheekily asks for a photo of him and would she ask if he could sign it for her. I know i'm cheeky, but at least i'm subtle about it *picks halo off the floor* :o)

Before I head off for another day, I thought i'd let you know how my cat's getting on with her issues. Between you and me, I think she needs some serious counselling.. I wonder if there's such a thing as a shrink for pets? My little Bella has her own bed, complete with blanket and has begun dragging the blanket out of bed and taking it upstairs with her at night time, then first thing in the morning she brings it down with her. When she comes and sits with me, she drags this smelly thing around with her and tries to drag it up onto the sofa (it's 5 times the size she is). She is beginning to look like Linus from Charlie Brown...

Fan girl moment

2007-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Finally! After nearly 7 painfully long months of waiting patiently, not! The long awaited Part deux of Atlantis finally airs for the US folks.

There were lots of little bits about part two of 'The Return' that I adored, one of which involved the dashingly handsome Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) attempting to stave off several drones. As soon as he submerged the jumper, my lil heart squeeled with joy at the thought of seeing 'wet Shep' as the girls over on the GW whump thread like to say. So like a teenager once more, I waited with baited breath to see if my dreams would come true...so close! As our hero bravely volunteered to open the hatch in the hanger full of water, I had a wonderful fan girl moment that lasted a whole nanosecond. Unfortunately, the writers decided that Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) would be the one to get wet. Shame on you 'powers that be' for dashing our dreams of seeing Sheppard wet. You had us in the palm of your hands there, and snatched it away. So not nice.

Highlights for me;

Sheppard flying around the city

Sheppard being fired if he didn't pull off the rescue plan.

Beckett's indignation at O'Neill wondering why our wonderful Scottish doc was there

McKay getting slapped on the back of the head

Teyla shooting her way in.

The end bit with Jack and Dr Weir, I love to see people hugging :o)

I laughed my ass off at the fact that their plans seemed to fall by the way side. I can't remember (I know, I call myself a fan) which plan saved them in the end. I think it was a mixture of plans A to F. 'F' being my favourite, it reminded me of what we resort to in work :o)

So as we never got to see our hero wet *sigh*, I guess i'll have to just settle with a wonderful pic from 'The Eye/The Storm'. I suddenly feel the urge to watch those eps again. Me thinks he might need a hot shower after getting drenched like that. Wouldn't want him to get pneumonia now would we? Because that would mean that he'd end up feverish hot and sweaty, lying on an infirmary bed, semi nekkid...

*waves to the gutter*

*dives in*

Cheeky Chops

2007-04-14T03:18:00.000-07:00

Some might say i'm cheeky...well, most people that know me actually. But, you'd be surprised at just what you can actually get away with when you're THAT cheeky. What can I say, it's a gift!

All this is very new to me, and i'm not the most technocologically apt person, when it comes to doing stuff like this. So that's two things you've learned about me already.What can I say to enthrall you all into coming to my blog? Well i'm a Stargate Atlantis addict, not to mention a bit of a cyber stalker when it comes to reading certain blogs...no names mentioned Mr M. :o)

I am extremely inquisitve and tend to ask lots of questions, and usually end up in a heap of trouble. I won't tell you about the time that I got turfed out of an Air Force tatoo show, (not my fault btw... it was the pilots fault and their shananagins. Nor will I tell you about the time I got turfed out of the girls tent for snoring on a 'bonding exercise' and ended up sleeping with the lads...in their tent. Get your minds out of the gutter people, it wasn't like that at all!

I have a neurotic cat who thinks she's human and chunters all day if you talk to her enough. She likes to suckle on my ear and slobbers down my neck and between you and me I think she has some serious issues!

What else can I tell you about myself...hmmm my ultimate goal is to visit the Atlantis set and meet the cast, but I think they might be a bit hesitant since my posts to the Executive Producer seem to be about wanting to see the dashing pilot Lt.Colonel John Sheppard semi nekkid. What!? Don't tell me the fangirls/fanboys haven't been thinking about it, because if you say you haven't you're going to end up like Pinnochio!

:o)