Short and Sweet

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*

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

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

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

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

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

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. ;)