Rantsville

So, some stuff has been bothering me lately. I guess it's really Humanity that's bothering me.

I've been doing a course on Equality & Diversity and have been doing some research on it all, so have been reading quite a few articles on various newspaper websites (Never the mail, I hasten to add- everything they write is bull) and I can't believe some of the comments people write. Now I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion and we live in a massively diverse society (well, not me, the IOW is barely diverse) and you have to learn to tolerate others opinions especially when you don't agree with them. That is life. I have no problem with that.
What I have a problem with, is all the SHAMING.
The people who add their opinions when they think they know better. Sexist comments or shaming fat people are my favourite ones.

'Like, OMG what you're doing isn't healthy, how can you say you're happy with your body, blah,blah, blah'

My question is this: Did you ever stop to think that maybe that 'fat' person goes to the gym and eats healthily and that they are HAPPY with their body the way it is? They have achieved what so many of the commenter's haven't. Being happy with the way they look and with who they are.
Fat shaming, or shaming of any sort helps no one. I don't even know why people do it. Does it make you feel better about yourself? Does it suddenly solve all of your own problems and insecurities? No.
I suggest before you make your pathetic comments, do your research. Fat people go to the gym, Women do still get sexist comments, and just because it doesn't happen to you, doesn't mean it doesn't happen, dufus. Maybe you should count yourself lucky that it doesn't.

Stop trolling, unless you actually have something useful to say. Go look in the mirror and sort out your own shit before you drop it on someone else.

Sorry about the rant, but it bothers me, I know I can't change it, and that people will always be negative and mean. But there are so many better things you could be using your time on, like actually being Grateful for the things and people in your life and figuring out how to love yourself and be happy.
No one else is here to validate you, or make you feel good. You have to do that for yourself.

Rant over. Thanks for reading and have a swell weekend kids!

Autumn.

I realised that I hadn't posted in like a month. Which for me and the amount of words which fall out of my mouth on a daily basis is pretty impressive.

I guess Autumn hit and I went into hibernation mode. Although I have still been going out, just not on the pile.

I joined a neat site called http://www.meetup.com/ Which is pretty rad. Not a whole bunch of people know about it, but its kinda like a site to make friends with people. Dating for friends is how its been described. Anyways, I joined a meet up  in Southsea called Geek Girls Unite. So far we've met for coffee twice and drinks once. Its been a lot of fun, mainly for the fact we all geek out and get over excited about the things we love. For me that's my love of Nathan Fillion & Pandas, so imagine my joy when I met a lovely Scottish lady who not only loves Mr. Fillion, but in fact drives a fiat Panda full of, wait for it....PANDAS!!!!!!!!!! Incredible.

There's also a lovely gal called Amy who reminds me of Linda Cardellini in Freaks and Geeks

Weird right! But she's a lot of fun and is dairy free like me.
I also met a gal from the pile called Danni, she's neat. We have a mutual friend too, as well, that's the Island for you!
I think some of the gals may be coming over to the Island for this at the end of the month:

I'm pretty excited about this too. Halloween and Rock'n'Roll? It must be the work of the devil, surely? ;) or just Dr.Jive...

Besides that I've been to a few fluffy Rock'n'Roll events on the Isle which has involved quite a lot of drunkenness on my behalf. Turns out I'm pretty good at being drunk, who knew? 

I've watched some movies that were so bad they are almost good:

There are some very imaginative Nazi monsters in it, so totally worth a look for them alone.

I've also been catching up on the new Fall TV, which has included Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Supernatural, Castle and a new edition to my playlist thanks to Mr. Short

I know a few people have dissed it, but I have to say I kinda love it, but then I've always had a soft spot for Tom Everett Scott. There are some awesome zombie death scenes and a zombie tornado. AMAZING. For a syfy show it's pretty good, yet there isn't even a hint of it on UK TV yet. I started on The Strain and Gotham too. 

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

So, that's kinda what I've been up to. I won't leave it so long next time.

Summer.... and stuff

So, It has been a really long but fast and incredibly tiring summer.
I didn't get out much, but I've had a few mini adventures to keep me sane!

I finally saw this guy after 12 years!! 

(He's not a midget, he was just getting the lighthouse in shot...)

This is my friend Dan from Uni. We always do the 'we must meet up' thing, and never quite get round to it. So, a few weekends ago I got my ass on a ferry & a train and went to the delightful Littlehampton to see Dan and his Boyfriend Martin. Not forgetting his dogs!

We went for a stroll along the sea front and ended up in this lovely little Tea room, where I had the best High Tea I'd ever eaten.

Martin with all the food!

Brie & Cranberry sandwiches, with a shot glass of coleslaw. Then cream tea, made up of a cherry & almond scone with cherry jam & cream. 2 (yes, 2 ) cakes! One Gluten free Chocolate almond cake, which was incredible! I took my bakewell tart home as I couldn't eat any more!

It was lovely catching up with Dan, and I really don't think either of us has changed that much. But I know we won't be leaving it so long next time!

Sunday was also a mini adventure as well to the Victorious Festival in Southsea. It was such a lovely laid back festival, really well put together and a lot of fun. I met Claire on the seafront (we braved our way through the mods) and ventured on the cat to meet Lucy. 

We ate a whole bunch- Toastie, sweets, nachos and a halomi & pitta and donuts! Yum. Not all in one go of course.

We saw the Southsea Alternative choir. I was still swooning at the ginger one who was struggling to sing. So very cute! Lucy and I were most excited about seeing Menswe@r!!!

We went on a mini adventure to the Blue reef aquarium. I squashed a penny. I know, right!? Awesome!

So yes, Menswear sounded pretty much the same, and Lucy and I were playing the game of remembering the songs. We were pretty close to the front, so hadn't realised how big the crowd had got for Shed Seven. Man, People LOVED Shed Seven. There was a guy in a Wonderstuff tee going Mental for them. He was pretty entertaining.

Claire and I didn't stay to the end. thanks to Wightlink for having a crap timetable, but it was fun none the less.

Last weekend was the Ryde Illuminated Carnival. 

The Highlight really was getting my light up Bunny ears.

Its such a shame, because the illuminated carnival used to be a lot of fun & had a whole bunch more floats. I guess that kinda goes to show that people can't be bothered anymore. Sorry state of affairs.

Last night was a whole bunch of fun too.

My friend Andy was doing his regular Vintage Rock'n'Roll night at The Wightrock Bar. It also happened to be Max's birthday weekend, so Dawn & I hatched plan to hijack his event with a surpriseish party for Max.

I went to Cowes earlier in the day to collect the food and Balloons from Dawn. I drove home with a Bull looking at me in my rear view mirror!!

I got there and decorated and waited for the birthday boy to arrive. It didn't really go to plan and it was just me yelling SURPRISE at Max when he walked in. HA!
He was like, Surprise what? ha ha

Me rockin' my gringo tash- it made it really hard to drink or stay on..

Yeeeeehaw

Andy rockin' his gay cowboy shirt. 

The fun was had and it was really lovely to hang out with my rockabilly pals, as well as the lovely Helen & Frazer from Vintage Vacations who I hadn't seen in forever. Wendy & her husband came over too which was lovely. 

We all consumed the some what rummy chocolate rum cake I made for Max. People kept on asking how much rum I put in. NO IDEA! tasted great though! ha.

So, I just wanted to wish Max Warner a very Happy Birthday.

Now for some shameless self promotion!

I finally got my ass in gear and listed some of my new Fascinators on Etsy, so it would be incredible if you guys could go and have a look and let me know what you think!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RnRtreats?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Thank you & Happy Sunday!

2014 so far.

So, its been a hectic kinda year so far and its almost August. I'm not entirely sure how that happened to be honest with you, but when you work at a tourist attraction the days all just roll into one.

To remind myself that there is fun to be had and that I've had a whole bunch of fun already this year I thought I would do a year so far kinda post. Apologies if I miss anything, but my memory does suck!


January
I think it was a fun month involving not one but two trips to London. One for Elvis' Birthday at The Ace Cafe, which was a rather random venue. It was fun hanging out with Dawn, Max, Lyns and Peck as usual. Peck is always entertaining.

The Glamorous view from the Travelodge

January was also the month I tried Lindy hop- lets just say me and Lindy aren't meant for each other.
It was Mom's birthday too, so we went to Ryde Castle which was nice, if not a little to generic.

February
Josh's 40th Birthday party. A bit random hanging out with my sister and her pals, but interesting none the less and I learnt a few things too.
It was also a pretty quiet month, my car broke, which sucked and I looked after my friends 8 cats, which made me realise that I couldn't be a crazy cat lady after all...

3 of the 8 cats.

March

Yes! March was fun. I got to see the lovely Cassie at the Jive Alldayer in Worthing with the Jive Aces

Plus dancing with Andy my patient dance partner :) I danced with Colin from Brighton Jive and made it through without messing up too much!

March was also the month Mr.B.The Gentleman Rhymer was at Coburgs and Helly bought me a ticket. Man, that seems forever ago now. He's always fun to watch, and not just for the facial hair!

There were some decent films out in March too- Need for Speed- (Yes, ok I was totally just swooning at Aaron Pauls' voice) and Captain America- more swooning at Chris Evans, plus the whole crazy Hydra Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D crossover which was pretty rad.  I also saw an exhibition at the Roman villa on roman sexuality and laughed like a boy at all the phallic shapes.

April

Pretty much the best month so far. Why? CANADA. Man, what an adventure. Now I'm pretty sure y'all have read about that on this blog, so I won't bore you again, but it was massive fun. I got to meet my bestie Sunshine, and another lovely lady called Angela. Both of whom I've been writing to for 5 years! Eep! It was a great experience and showed me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

May

May was a bit random really, but fun. Mom and I met an Almost relative, I say almost, because we aren't quite related. It was cool though, seeing how much family history he has amassed, it just wasn't our family!

A non planned trip to the Rivoli in London too to see The Jive Aces again which was fun.

What else? There was the boat trip at work for a Photo Op, as well as Bumblebee coming to work ( that was a pretty rad day)

My birthday occurred. I'm 34 apparently.... then a rather crazy came out of nowhere Wedding in the shape of Cassie and Joe! 

That involved a mini weekend adventure to Burgess Hill, Arundel, Worthing, Lancing then Worthing again.

June

Half way through the year and much fun has already been had- June saw Helly's birthday and me watching Withnail & I for the first time, As well as my favourite  weekender of all The Rockabilly Rave! That was a lot of fun and emotion fuelled by alcohol and a full moon! But I got to hang out with Cassie, my Russian spy pal Nina and I got to meet some lovely new people including Sarah.

I really do adore that weekend. Rockabilly at its best and I got to meet Lil' Mo!

Now, as I am of course crazy sensible I thought what would do after 4 days of drinking and little sleep would be to go to West Yorkshire and buy a car in a day. Normal. So now I have the beautiful Lucille in my life making me drive faster than I should :D

I also got to see Mike Sanchez at the steam railway and the Three Belles at Portsmouth historic dockyards. A pretty decent month really!

July

It hasn't sucked to be honest. I watched the musical version of From here to eternity at the flicks, which I really enjoyed. I watched the original too, and decided that the music defo made it less glum! 

My Jiving pal Andy and Claire put on a Rock'n'Roll night at the Wightrock which was pretty splendid fun! I danced with Max (I think he was more terrified of me), Shoes and the lovely Claire- it was kinda like a roller coaster ride he he. Of course Andy had to endure some more dances with me too.

(sorry about the stolen picture Dawn & Claire)

I also went on a day trip to France with Mama. This involved a lot of ferry and little of France. Just enough time to spend around £100 in the hypermarket on Rum and Cheese. Oh and Hair dye...

I ventured across the water again to see Lucy and drink Ron Jeremy Rum.

It wasn't that good to be honest with you. Ron, you've disappointed me. However the vast amount of Pulled pork and Ice Cream I consumed that weekend made up for it. We went to Its a Sin at The Wedge, but the usual DJ wasn't there so there was less 90s cheese to dance too. Fun none the less and on the Saturday we got to watch men with Beards singing Blur in the Southsea Alternative Choir. Good times.

And that my friends, is pretty much how my year has shaped up so far. I'm wondering what other adventures I'll have this year, and I'm pretty stoked to find out, that's for sure!

Online Dating sites - sigh!

So, I've been single for like over a year now. I'm cool with it, and pretty happy being single and independent & being able to do what I want, when I want.
However, like everyone, It would be neat to have someone to share stuff with, you know, like 'Man, did you see her boobs?' Usual chitchat ;) ha ha, but seriously, it would be cool.

I'm not stranger to online dating, I've been meeting people online for years. None of them have been axe murderers so far. They haven't all been as they've seemed though, and I think the net makes it easier for people to pretend to be something they aren't. I get it. Real life people can be scary.

Why am I writing this? Well, I don't mean to moan,but every time I've attempted online dating in recent years, its getting harder and harder to interact with people. I send messages to people who I think I would get on with, you know, have a decent conversation with, and most definitely people who don't constantly 'lol' but I get few replies. People seem disinterested in actually bothering with other people.

My other favourite on dating sites in 'Wants to date, but nothing serious'. I know what it means really. They want to get laid, and possibly go on casual dates. I get it. However us gals do have a tendency to get a little attached. I most certainly have these things called 'Emotions' which seem to affect my ability to not give a fuck. Darn it.

My point is that society seems to have changed massively, where everything is so instant, and so very disposable. Remember the good ole days, where if you had an argument of some sort, you'd try and figure it out? Yeah, those days are gone. People just break up and move on to the next. I get that the majority of people don't care, and you can only control your own reactions to that. I guess what makes me sad is that people, like everything else, have become disposable. Its all so,umm, soul-less.

I know that I for one, am trying to make more of an effort with the people in my life that matter, and the reactions are generally good. But I don't do it for the reactions. I do it because I want the people who matter to know that. Life is short and goes by so fast. It can be taken away at any moment, so I want to appreciate the people who matter to me, for them to know that someone cares and does love them, because I know we can all feel alone sometimes.

And eventually my Gemini brain kinda got to the point there.

Appreciate each other, make the effort, be Grateful.
Y'all will do what you want, but that's my thinking at the moment.

The Rockabilly Rave 2014

So, once again it was time for The Rockabilly Rave. My favourite weekender.
I had of course been over excited about it like a small child for some time now. I was excited about seeing all my Rockabilly pals who I rarely see, and meeting my new Facebook pal Nina, or Vlad as I affectionately call her.

I travelled from the pile to Pompey, to Brighton where I saw an 'billy looking gal, so went and said hey to her as I figured she was going to the rave, I actually asked if she spoke English because of the way she looked at me. Ugh. Thanks itch with a B.

So, more trains to Rye, food shopping and a bus to Camber Sands. Ah Rockabillyland...
I checked in only to find that Vlad and I were literally in the last chalet known to mankind. You could see sheep out of the window...but, on the bright side (always try and see the silver lining) it was nice and quiet.

This is me awaiting Vlads arrival with my inflatable pink panda. Obviously.

So, Vlad eventually got there after I had a brief Visit from Janice. And I met Vlad :D and the lovely fan giving lady Angel (American awesomeness in a gal) who helped us blow up the flamingos, Vlad gave some lame excuse about having Asthma ;) he he

So, yes. Thursday night.... It was the first Thursday night I'd done. It was actually busier than I thought. I can't say I remember it all, (well, you'll notice a general theme of drunkenness and not really remembering much.... )

Cars!

Vlad- Hangin' out with a random, uh, dinosaur?

I was also pretty fucking stoked at the prospect of seeing Cassie! I eventually found her...

Needless to say I fucking love this gal. I even spoke to her husband Joe some more, and he seems like a stellar guy. You can see how much in love they are, and its pretty sickening ;)

I know there were bands, I couldn't tell you who I watched. Think they were good though. Ha ha.

I should also add I had a screaming match with the oven at 2am when I wanted crumpets and the thing wouldn't work. Raw crumpets and jam. Yum.

Friday that felt like Saturday came, and I went shopping with Vlad. I found a pair of vintage Highwaisted Jeans, which I am still pretty in awe of! I was pretty excited that they fit. Amazing! I even bumped into my instagram friend Sarah who almost robbed me of them.

So, yes, Friday evening. Fuck was I drunk. I got a bit sad and emotional. (i'm blaming the full moon) had a strop, went home, then Cassie phoned me and made me come out again. It was a lot of fun (I think). I know I drank a lot, and Jived and strolled and was drunk.... 

Doing the 'Janice' pose

first Rave chalet mate- Tracy

Vlad has her random blue thingy.

LOVE! ha ha 

From the looks of it, I had a good time... my legs certainly felt it the next day, which was in fact SATURDAY...

Umm, hazy memories. Wandering, eating and the obligatory making of moose milk. I also watched the Vintage Fashion review, which I have to say, congrats to Bettina Scarlett for putting on, but I found the compares flat, and they put way too much focus on Bernie Dexter. The other gals, especially Little Gem, were doing a swell job, and I thought they should have got more recognition.

Thanks to the lovely Adrian for being the moose milk mixer. 

I also got to properly meet and hang out with my Instagram pal Sarah & her husband Amir. We had a lot of fun, and 2am Hotdogs...

Yes, toilets photos. 

I think we saw Dave & Deke, and we liked them. Not just because Deke had gaffer tape on his nipples either....there were a lot of Australian bands too. I think they were good. I tried to teach Sarah to stroll & she did really well with my lame instructions!!

Sunday? Sunday, yes. I went for another wander and watched Mississippi Queen who were kinda fun. I bought some lucite/resin earrings as I was curious how I could make them ;) I spent the afternoon just chilling out by myself. Much needed after a longgggg weekend. 

Sunday evening I was ready by 7pm as I really wanted to watch Little Mo and The Unholy 4. I love his voice, and am a huge fan of the Doo Wop stuff, so he was pretty much the band I wanted to see all weekend. And he was rad!

I told him that I wanted him to come home with me and sing to me every night, he said it was the best proposal that he'd had all week!

I got to hang out with Sarah and Amir again. Love that gal!

Also caught up with this beautiful lady:

Who said I had won the boob wars. I was grumpy so I headed to bed around 1am.

And that was it. The rave was done. I was home by like 3 on Monday which was good, considering I'd decided to go to West Yorkshire on Tuesday to buy this:

This is my beautiful new car. Well, new to me. I think she's called Lucille, after another fiesty redhead...

I just want to thank Nina/Vlad for putting up with my epic mood swings (Damn you moon) and for making my face hurt from laughing. Plus supplying the mingos...

Also to Cassie for making me have fun whilst I was sad. I love you dearly.

And to Sarah for being such a lovely, beautiful gal! 

And to everyone else I met and hung out with and forgot because I was drunk. oops! ha ha

Here's to next year!

Birthday, Wedding & Strolling.

So, as you all know I posted that it was my 34th Birthday soon. That was last Wednesday.
A kind of none event, but  fun none the less. Mom had done me a few gifts & cards in the morning so I didn't have a grump on, it was my day to be a princess after all ;)

At work Mary had bought me some cupcakes & a card, and of course I got lots of lovely Facebook messages which made me feel pretty loved. 

In the afternoon the lovely Catering Manager: Gav had arranged for the gals to bring me up some cake, balloons & a card which they had all signed, which really touched me. They wished me Happy Birthday over the tannoy too :*

I got home and had more gifts from Mom.

Yes, more Elvis for my ever growing collection! 

We went to dinner at Salavtores, which kinda reminds me of the wine bar in Brushstrokes... It was nice enough, but I have to say I was pretty much all caked out by the end of my birthday.

Thursday involved going to the cinema with my friend. We saw The Grand Budapest Hotel, which I actually really liked. 

Friday, the day I'd been waiting for, for a while. up at 4.40am and on the 6am ferry to go and see my bestest Rockabilly gal pal, Cassie getting married!

Thankfully my car made it to Burgess hill and I got to see Cassie getting ready. Damn that gal is too pretty for words, and she looked so amazing in her dress.

Champagne selfie

Cassie & the lovely Marilyn who I had the pleasure of meeting & spending the day with!

Cass had done a great job on her shoes!

First Dance. Aww. These guys are actually in love. Its pretty sickening ;)

I love  this gal dearly!

Hot rod- I was the support car!

The Happy couple.

Congratulations Cassie & Joe. May you always love each other.

So, yeah, that was the wedding. I stayed in a lovely pink guest house on Worthing seafront. Then I drove back to Pompey & killed a few hours in Gunwharf. I treated myself to tapas for lunch. Found an Asda and finally got the pinup gals bedset I'd wanted for ages.

Saturday evening was this:

 The Isle of Wight's Rock'n'Roll Special. 

And Special it was.... Well, I got to see Dawn, Max, Gill, Andy. Jane & Clare so it wasn't a waste. I got a Jive with Andy, even though my top decided it wasn't for Jiving. I had some strolls too.. and it was fun. Dawn had even made me a lovely Dalmatian picture, which I was stoked at, as my friends rarely make me things.

So, its been all kindsa busy lately, and shows no sign of letting up. 

This weekend is my besties birthday: Helly will be 34 too! 

Then next weekend is the Rockabilly Rave!! EEP! I finally get to meet my partner in Bramance: Nina. I cannot wait. 

Until then kids, keep smiling. Every day is a good day if you let it be :D