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Showing posts from 2016

The 2016 'Days Of Christmas'

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    Keeping this blog's  tradition  going, this is my Yuletide posting about all that you should know for Christmas. But let's just take a moment in the busy day to remember what it's all about - the people you love. I'm thinking of the people you love right now ... are you thinking of mine? Of course, it's not just about family and friends (if that's who I was thinking of) but also presents, alcohol and oodles of sitting around in the sun (hardy har har Northern Hempishpereans!). If Jesus is you thing, I mean, if he's your bag, what you're into man then do the religious thing as well. Just don't get all "God" over Christmas and try to remember that it was originally a pagan festival around the longest day, certainly don't want you Christians foisting your ideas on people and trying to subvert the real message! Fun. that's the real message. Believe in Father Christmas (who shats all over Santa) and have too much laughter

'Tis the season to be jolly (2016 version)

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( 2013 version | 2005 version ) So, Christmas is coming and I'm starting to get into the spirit and I'm getting the "What We Need To Have Happen To Make It Feel Like Christmas" list circulated, verified, commented on and ratified by the occupants of chez Riversdale on Christmas Day - so far it's looking something like this Things Christmas songs (not necessarily carols) / Tree / Decorations / Lights / Tinsel / Smiggle Advent calendar / Board game / Crackers ("banging, crap-joke, paper hat" sort) / Christmas candles / Sparklers / Balloons Events Hanngout calls to family / SMS/IM to mates / Video taking / Picture taking Food and Drink Breakfast Champagne with strawberries / Sparkling juice / coffee / Salmon /  Toast / strawberry jam / pancakes / maple syrup / hash browns / Shreddies / Snacks & nibbles throughout the day Hazelnuts / Brazil nuts / Walnuts / Pistachio nuts / Mandarins / Chocolate /  Terry's Chocolate Orange / Fr

Depression & Anger: 2 More Things

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It's been a little time since the " Depression & Anger: The Dastardly Duo's Latest Adventures " post ... well, quite possibly it's been short for you, life went on, work happened and shows were seen. For me it's been very similar with an underlying sense of EVERYTHING IS CHANGING. So much to write about, so much to tell but let me try and gather my thoughts and not overwhelm you with a brain splurge (those I leave to the family and close friends on all the types of instant messenger thingies :) Oh, god, how rude - my first action has to be say THANK YOU! Fark, I was blown away by the support shown to me on Facebook, via emails and in real life - I have had a lifetime of hugs, words of encouragement, people telling me how proud they are of me and ... well, it leaves me speechless ... for a little bit. I cannot say thank you enough, but I'm gonna try! Never alone, xx In this post let me tackle just two things - drugs and friends! A photo posted b

Depression & Anger: The Dastardly Duo's Latest Adventures

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Things to say before I crack into this - YES, this feels extremely, "Oh look at me, aren't I all special" and, this might come as a surprise to those not used to sharing emotions ... looking at you Kiwi blokes. My responses to both are, "Fuck it, it's my blog" and, "Deal with it ya uptight buggers" - both responses apply to both things. Back in mid-March I was away at Castlepoint with, oooh, around 10 families on a weekend of whanau friendly fun. The weekend was a lot of things to a lot of people - mostly fun, sliding and amazing company (especially the kids). To me it was a dark, turbulent, and poisonous place. (for those that recognise those words, yes, this is the most of the apology email I sent out ... I still treasure the replies) For years I have struggled with anger (I'm sure that comes as no surprise) and whatever triggered my inner rage on that particular weekend led me to be particularly nasty to people that had no cause for me

Never Alone

Walking to what I call work this morning I passed a primary ("junior" in the UK) school just as the bell had gone to call all the kids into classroom to start their day. There were a number of kids in adult hands still turning up and I wandered through a small throng of parents 'catching up', "Oh hiya", " Hey, how are you?", "Great thanks, how was the weekend?", " Fantastic thanks we ...". Have you noticed how "Facebook" these conversations are? As I turned to a familiar voice (I was mistaken, it wasn't her), I was drawn to a small boy standing just inside the school gates. My heart leapt. He had his backpacked back turned away from the school entrance so that no one could see his eyes. He was standing stock still. He was staring ahead. But it was the determination to not cry, to stop the bottom lip from wobbling that grabbed me. He looked 6 years old. With a full six years experience he was trying to deal w