Pro-choice

This article in today's Guardian about late-term abortions is interesting. And rare, in that we hardly ever get to hear voices of women who have had abortions, let alone late-term ones.
And as it's 40 years since abortion was made legal in the UK, I will state right now that I am a part of the pro-choice majority.

One of the big problems I have with anti-abortion campaigners is that pro-choicers are not saying that everyone should have abortions all the time, which is how we seem to be portrayed in their narrow view. We're saying that individual women have the right to choose whether they have an abortion or not. We're not stopping women who believe it's morally wrong from choosing not to have an abortion. All that we're saying is that each individual woman should be able to make up her own mind. Anti-abortion campaigners, on the other hand, are saying that no-one should be allowed an abortion, ever, that it should be against the law. If your religion tells you something is wrong, that's different. You can choose whether or not to be a part of that religion and its beliefs. It's when personal or religious views start trying to dictate laws for the entire population that it's wrong. No-one should have the right to force their views on others, especially through the legal system. Pro-choice allows individual women to choose for themselves. Anti-abortion campaigners believe women should not even get that choice.

I'm so thankful I live in a country where abortion is legal and safe. I see the 40 years as a reason to celebrate the tolerant, free society that we live in.

Outraged

Today's Guardian has an article about Joanna Bourke, and her new book about the history of rape:

'Bourke, who describes herself as a "socialist feminist", is clear that legal reform is needed, but also believes "that men should step up to the plate. Women are told how to fight back, to get good locks for our doors, to be sensible. It has become our responsibility to make sure 'they' don't do something to 'us'. And when you know that a lot of rapes are committed by husbands, boyfriends and acquaintances - well, it's outrageous. I can't work out why people aren't more outraged. But this epidemic of sexual violence doesn't do men any favours either. Not normalising it, not naturalising it, making it seem abhorrent - that's one of the ways forward."'

This is what always makes me angry as well - in the feminist blogosphere, we are all (rightly) outraged. In wider society, it's not seen as that big of a deal. If it were, the conviction rate for rapists wouldn't be so low, and judges wouldn't be able to get away with blaming 12 year olds for their own rapes.

Distraction

It is raining. I have taken the day off work to write. Which I will start it just a moment, really.
But before that, I read Beth Ditto's column in today's Guardian. Which is brilliant, as usual (the column, not the paper).

A newspaper that calls itself liberal?

I'm really, really, REALLY angry about this, and how something so ignorant, sexist, and disgusting could have been produced by The Guardian.

So instead of telling you how wrong it is, read this fantastic and well-written reply. And if you ever hear anyone using any of the standard rape myths, make them read it too.

Apologies for the short posts lately, writing course is coming to an end. But there are some things I can't ignore and must draw to your attention, and this is one of them. I'm ashamed of the Guardian at the moment. I'd thought better of it than that.

Feminist reader

Today's Guardian has an interesting piece on feminists and books:
Six leading feminists recall the writing that first opened their eyes to the women's movement.

Check it out.

Still writing...

I'm supposed to be working on my writing. Submitted one assignment on Friday, which I'm pleased with. However, I now have 2 and a half weeks to write the final one, which is actually two. Life writing AND fiction. Obviously, I'm supposed to have been developing these throughout the course. But clearly I haven't. I at least have the topic for the life writing, so I'm working on that. No idea what fiction to write yet though. So this is why I haven't been writing much here. I'm meant to be at martial arts class now, but I'm not, because some writing needed to be done.

Mr Huntress and I watched 1408 at the weekend, which was OK, but the plot was pretty rubbish - why was the hotel room evil? No reason, it just was. Oh, OK. I don't know if the story lacks plot, but the film certainly does. John Cusack was watchable though, as usual. The weekend before we saw Atonement, which was brilliant, but really, really sad. I recommend it. The film was beautifully shot too. Gorgeous.

It was cold enough to see my breath this morning. Autumn must be on its way.

Read this

I know I've been quiet lately, and still have very little time at the moment, but really wanted to point out this article in today's Guardian about successful actresses feeling the need to strip off for photo shoots. I'm just glad at least one major newspaper is printing an article like this.

Lies, damn lies, and...

Yesterday, I was researching something for work, and came across this data on the Equal Opportunities Commission website. Some lovely, life affirming statistics, such as the fact that only 20% of MPs are women, and at the current rate, it will take 195 years to achieve equality. Even more comforting is that while there is currently a 5% conviction rate for reported rapes, this statistic shows no improvement at all, and is likely to never improve, if things stay as they are.

Here's some more:
An estimated 1 million women in England and Wales experienced abuse from a current or former partner in the last year.
Women aged 16 or over are 5 times as likely as men to feel very unsafe walking alone in their area after dark.
On average, women spend 180 minutes per day on housework, that's 78% more time than men who spend only 101 minutes per day. This is getting worse, not better.
Retired women's income is 40% lower than retired men's.
In full-time work, female employees earn 17% less per hour on average than male employees.
Female employees in part-time work earn 38% less than the hourly rate of men in full-time work.

And they say we don't need feminism any more. I suspect "they" are mostly men.

Cheating again

Still working on the writing like mad. Assignment due Friday...not good. However, today I went to the botanic gardens in Cambridge, so enjoy these pictures.

Real entries will resume soon.

I am working on the writing course again. Somehow I have an assignment due a week on Friday. I have no idea what I'm going to write about.

Blehh.

Also, I'm back at work after a week and a half off. Which just sucks.

Photos

In lieu of a real post, some pics from the folk festival.


The main tent by day:

And by night:

Rachel Unthank and the Winterset play the main stage:

Festive

Lots to report, but too little time here in the Folknet cafe, as there are many other things going on. I will update fully when I get home, but there are some highlights.
Yesterday I was very excited to meet Kate Rusby, and get her to sign my copy of her new album, which is only available at the fest until September, when it comes out in shops. She was lovely and cheerful and very tiny. She later played the main stage, which was excellent, as expected.
I've also really enjoyed the Oysterband, and Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, who we have seen twice, once on the main stage and then today in the club tent. Beautiful harmonies. And I had a good dance to the Oysterband.
This morning we went to Martin Simpson's guitar workshop, which was inspiring and brilliant and fun, and later we saw him perform on the main stage, which was also really good.
So it's all fun here. Although, it having dried up and been gorgeous and almost mud-free, it then rained ALL last night, so there was mud again today. And some crazy person woke us up playing a banjo all around the campsite at 6am, which was both irritating and amusing.
Anyway, off to enjoy the last evening. Farewell for now...

Festival blogging

At the folk festival. So far it's rained torrentially, but we had already got the tent set up by then, thank goodness, so we sat in a little cocoon and read and sketched and listened to the rain on the roof. Very cosy.

So far we have found lots of things to purchase, but not bought all of them yet. Also saw Mabon who played funky accordian and fiddle stuff. There is lots of mud.

We ate veggie chilli with cheese, sour cream and cajun fries, gorgeous. Later a crepe with chocolate and nuts, and iced, freshly squeezed lemonade. Oh yes. Festival food rocks.

Folking

I am off tomorrow morning to the Cambridge folk festival, yey! I'm hoping it doesn't rain much, although a little bit would be OK, because then I can wear my new pirate wellies.

Besides them, the tent is all ready, and I have my notebook. I just need to choose some books to read, and I'll be all set. Looking forward to chilling out and listening to funky music for a few days.

Yee-hah.

Apparently, sexism is still "rife"

The Guardian has a not so shocking article about how sexism is still rife. Yes, we all know this. However, I suppose it's something that this is getting some attention in mainstream media, instead of ignorant articles about how feminism is irrelevant now.

"Sex equality will take generations to achieve at the current "painfully slow" rate of progress, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) said today in a final report before being wound up by the government after more than 30 years fighting gender bias across British society."

There are also other linked articles down the left hand side of the page that are worth a look.

Obviously

I read the book, of course. I didn't go at midnight because I was the only person who wanted to go who lived anywhere near me that I knew, and I thought going by myself would be a bit sad. So I picked up my copy on Saturday morning, when we went out to get the rest of the stuff for the folk festival. I started reading around 2pm, finished around 10pm with a half hour break. So 7 and a half hours, pretty good.

I enjoyed it a lot. I don't think JK Rowling is a brilliant writer, she's certainly nothing compared to Phillip Pullman. And you don't come away from reading her books thinking about important life issues. But she's a fantastic storyteller, and sometimes that's enough. Especially for a children's book.

Anyway, now I'm back working on my writing course. Life writing now. Not sure how it's going yet, we'll see in a few days.

Fighting sexism day by day

Mr. Huntress has been fighting against sexism this week, of which I am proud. He was buying me a Pirates of the Caribbean notebook in the Disney store, and the assistant was putting it into a blue bag.
Assistant: "Is it for a boy or a girl?"
Mr. H (not admitting it's for a 26 year old woman): "It's for a girl".
Assistant: "OK" (Gets out pink bag and starts putting the notebook into that)
Mr. H: "I'd rather you didn't do that, it's really sexist."
Assistant puts notebook back into blue bag.

And people say boys and girls aren't treated differently anymore. I especially love that the assistant clearly thought to begin with that because it was a Pirates related item and not the Little Mermaid, that it must be for a boy. Stupid sexist Disney store.

Also, feast your eyes on The Guardian's 50 Years of the Women's Page G2 special. Lots of interesting articles.

AND, somehow, I got 83 on my poetry assignment. I still can't believe it. It's shockingly good. Yey!

Oh yes

I have seen "Order of the Phoenix". And all I have to say is.... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

OK, a few things I meant to draw attention to yesterday, but didn't, because by the time the poetry was finished, I was too tired to bother.

52 Projects has a nice post on things you can do to keep yourself writing, and find inspiration, which I enjoyed reading. I used to read the 52 projects blog ages ago, and had somehow lost it, so I was glad to discover it again via Moleskinerie.

Friday's Guardian had an article about the rise of feminist magazines, which I enjoyed, especially as it was written by Jess McCabe of The F-Word, one of my favourite feminist sites. The F-Word has also recently put up its first podcast, which is worth a listen.

Since I've managed to hand the poetry in, I spent the day wandering around my city, eating lunch in one of my favourite cafes, and then, after a brief rest at home, doing a good workout at the gym. And now I'm going to have a Lush bath, and a face mask, and read the latest Robin Hobb book. Lovely.

Finally!

Poetry assignment is finished and submitted. Thank goodness that's over. Now I can go back to wonderful prose.

And now I need sleep.

Spent the weekend watching all the tennis, which was excellent and the men's final was really gripping. I wanted Nadal to win though, so was disappointed with the result. I really enjoyed the match though, they both played some fantastic tennis.

Also worked lots on the poetry and managed, eventually, to write a sonnet. Bah. I hate the stuff. Can't wait until it's all done.

Links Update

I've added many links down the side of the page, and tried to give the blog-list something resembling organisation as it's now in alphabetical order. Woo!

That's all for now, I'm meant to be working on the poetry. Pah.

The Guardian today has a good article about Nancy Drew and childhood heroines, which I enjoyed reading. Mainly, I think, because Nancy Drew was one of my major childhood heroines. I think she's probably less relevant to girls growing up today since there are loads more books with decent female characters, especially Phillip Pullman's stuff, but when I was smaller there were much fewer. And I still like Nancy Drew very much.

Bleh...

Am feeling generally fed up at the moment, mostly due to being extremely tired and having to deal with the tediums of the real world after having had an excellent holiday, but also because it appears nowhere in the UK does an MA in Women's Studies via distance learning, which is something I'd really like to do. The OU is brilliant, but it just doesn't do the stuff I want to do next, once I've done the writing course.

Bah.

Pictures

My favourites from the holiday. The beach in Greneda:


Palm trees on Maracas beach, Trinidad:

And sunset over Port of Spain:

Pity I'm back at work now...

*sigh*

Last days

I have eaten out so much in the last two weeks. Mmmm. Tonight being my last night here, we went out for Italian, a rather bizarre thing to eat in the Caribbean, I know. It was excellent though, I had pasta with chicken and three types of mushroom, and then tiramisu, which I love. And one last rum punch, of course! So now I'm feeling exceptionally full.

I have spent the last two days sitting by the pool at the Hilton, working on my creative writing course, reading and swimming. It's been blissful. It'd be so nice to be able to write for a living and sit by a pool writing, and knowing that was your full time job. Sadly I have to go back to my real and tedious job next week, but I've managed to forget about it pretty much all the time, which has been lovely. Just what's needed.

***

So, while I've been here I have seen a lot of American TV. There are some local channels, but most are American. And I have to say, American TV is weird. There are adverts every 10 minutes, which is really irritating. There are constant adverts for other programmes, the same advert for the same programme every single advert break. It's so tedious. It makes me really determined not to ever watch any of the programmes after I've had them shoved in my face thirty times in two hours.

Also, the adverts are incredibly sexist. I criticise British adverts, but at least we have adverts that show men doing the washing and other non-stereotypical things. American adverts are so sexist it's unbelievable. There's actually a woman who gets so angry about a stain on her washing that she throws the washing machine out of the house, making a giant hole in the roof. And her husband, who owns the stained shirt, whined about it to her and then watched her totally lose it. Clearly this is the most important thing in her life. There are loads of adverts for prescription medicine too, with people constantly telling me to ask my doctor about medication for any number of conditions. And they're always "Side effects are mild, and may include internal bleeding, ulcers, and infection". Yes, very mild. In the UK, we get adverts for cold and flu medicine, and things you can buy over the counter, but not stuff you have to get on prescription. It seems so bizarre to me, I'd never dream of going to my doctor and going "Ooh, well I saw this advert on TV for a medicine, I think I'll try that!" I hope my doctor knows more about medicine than I do, or else I'm in trouble.

There's also a really irritating woman who wishes life was like a parking meter and she could just keep putting in money. I bet she wouldn't wish that when she was a minute too late putting her coin in, and her car got clamped.

Also, (and this is really not interesting to anyone except me) "Law & Order", in fact, all of the Law & Orders, have different beginnings and theme tunes in the UK and the US. Which seems pointless when it's a US series. At first I thought it was just an earlier or later season, but I've seen a few episodes here that I'd already watched at home. Before every US episode, you get this creepy man's voice saying "In the criminal justice system, people are represented by two different groups. The police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys who prosecute the criminals. These are their stories." (That's not the exact wording, but hey). "Law & Order: SVU" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" have similar explanations. I can only conclude this is because there are lots of Americans too stupid to realise what the programmes are about and therefore need it explaining before they watch them. I'm obviously not including any readers in this group, if you can follow my rambling entries you're doing better than I am.
Anyway, I should really stop my tirade against American TV, it's getting old. And there are some good things. Such as the fact I have managed to watch six or seven episodes of various Law & Order series without even trying. And the fact that "Frasier" is on every morning. Daytime TV is actually watchable when you can see things like that, and not the crap that's on every single UK free channel all day.

***

OK, so tomorrow I begin what is pretty much a 2 day journey home:
Leave apartment: 9.30am-ish.
Flight to Tobago: 11:50am
Get to Tobago (if all goes well) 12:15pm
Check in for flight to UK: 2:15pm
Flight to UK leaves: 5.25pm (10.25pm UK time)
Land at Gatwick: 7:15am UK time.
Get back to London, and across London to Liverpool Street station
Train from London: 1.30pm
Back in home city: 3.30pm.
It's hideous even thinking about it. I wish I could teleport.

Books I have read so far while on holiday

PD James "Cover Her Face"
Fiona McIntosh "Betrayal"
Fiona McIntosh "Revenge"
Fiona McIntosh "Destiny"
PD James "Death of An Expert Witness"
Jessica Valenti "Full Frontal Feminism"


On "Full Frontal Feminism", I read it not because I need an introduction to feminism, but just out of interest. I think it's an excellent book to introduce young women to feminism, but it also makes me incredibly thankful not to live in the US. I know the UK has major problems, and needs to do a hell of a lot for equality, but really, we're nowhere near as bad as America. If you don't think so, read the book, it's horrendous some of the things a so-called developed country does to half of its citizens.

It'd be nice if we had some decent British feminist overview type books, there are a few American ones now, "Manifesta" off the top of my head, but nothing equivalent that I know of in the UK. I hope it doesn't take our country screwing over women that much until we get one.

And, I've got a few days left yet, I may well read more.

Back again

I keep suddenly getting access to the web when I don't expect it. But hey, I'm not going to complain.

This morning I got up at 7.30, way early for me usually, but here it's so hot that you can't really sleep very late. I drank orange juice while sitting on the balcony, made real Jamaican coffee, and ate breakfast on the balcony while watching the parrots fly over. By 9am though, it's really hot, and I've had to come inside for some relief.

I wanted to point out this article on The Guardian's website, about Harriet Harman and Hazel Blears and the deputy leadership race.

Right, back to my exhausting morning of reading on the balcony, such a hard life.

Blissful

I've been meme-tagged, but as I'll be without web access from tomorrow until I get home, I'll be doing that when I'm back in the UK.

Meanwhile I've been to a gorgeous Caribbean beach with white sand and palm trees. I've been swimming in a sea that isn't freezing!! I haven't found any pirate gold yet, but there's still time. I have, however, seen monkeys and dozens of parrots flying overhead, and even a couple of hummingbirds, which is amazing.

I've been reading a lot, the Fiona McIntosh "Trinity" trilogy was excellent, very absorbing. It's so nice just chilling out and reading and not worrying about stuff. Mmmm.

Caribbean

I'm in Trinidad, having an extremely relaxing time and reading absolutely loads. I've been here 3 days and am already onto my third book. Blissful. I've seen monkeys and a hummingbird and been swimming in the sea. Proper updates when I get home, obviously.

I wanted to avoid all this while I'm on holiday, but of course made the mistake of clicking on The Guardian's webpage and this story was the top headline. *sigh* Do these damned judges not see that the conviction rate for rape is so low for a reason? Because of society's prejudices, because of the way victims are treated, because of the attitudes of judges just like them. It's not because the majority of rape vicitms are making false accusations, and I'm fucking sick of hearing about the poor falsely accused men. The rate of wrong convictions for rape is no higher than for any other crime, and we should be embracing any measures that are proposed to help the victims of this horrific crime. You can bet your life that 1. Most or all of theses judges complaining are men, and 2. If this was a crime that affected mainly men, they'd be doing all they could to do something about it, in fact, it would never have got this bad in the first place. It makes me sick. Until women aren't raped every day, we will never be equal. Every time I feel happy about some progress that's being made toward equality, I'm brought back down to earth with the facts about rape. While this still goes on society has a very long way to go.

Back to my holiday now. More ranting when I return.

Am writing this at Gatwick, mainly because I wanted to check my email, but stupid airport computers won't let me for some reason. Bahh.

All has gone smoothly so far, and am in the departure lounge awaiting my flight, and not buying giant Toblerones.

Yee hah.

Setting off

So my suitcase is (almost) packed and I leave this afternoon for my flight in the morning. I've packed many books, including lots of PD James for the plane (light reading), Wilkie Collins's "The Dead Secret" and Jessica Valenti's "Full Frontal Feminism". Oh, and a trilogy by Fiona McIntosh that I haven't read. So, reading-wise, I'm all set.

I'll report back on my first ever plane trip and holiday abroad when I return. Meanwhile, read this article on engagement rings, that I found via The F-Word.

See you in a couple of weeks!

What kind of freak gets a cold in June? Well... me, apparently. Been stuck in bed the last few days as a cold for me means bad asthma, and not being able to breathe. It's calmed down a little today though. I really hope I feel better for the Oysterfayre tomorrow, otherwise I will not be happy.

A brought home the paper though, and pointed out Beth Ditto's latest column, which is brilliant.

And I go on holiday on Thursday, down to London on Wednesday, so I can't complain too much, really.

Relaxation

I've somehow been way too busy over the last couple of weeks to do much, but yesterday A and I went to the beach, and rode the steam train up the coast, which was lovely. We ate handmade pizza from a gorgeous deli, had ice cream by the sea, and... well, ate more cake. It was gorgeous and relaxing, which was much needed.

But now there's only a week and a half until Trinidad! Still, I have at least managed to buy a few suitable items of clothing by now, which I hadn't this time last week.

I was going to write a really long rant about how disgusted I am at Cardinal Keith O'Brien and his exceedingly ignorant comments about abortion. Instead, I'll just make the following points:

1. Religion should stay out of politics. Religion is about belief and faith, and while it might affect people's personal opinions, it should have nothing to do with the way the country is governed or its laws.

2. A man, especially an old Roman Catholic cardinal, should have absolutely no say over what women choose to do with their own bodies. It's not something he can possibly ever understand, or ever have to deal with.
Also, as pointed out at The F-Word Blog:

"But it begs another, for me, bigger issue. Why all the fuss about abortion? The bible says nothing about abortion. If God meant the “no killing” rule to apply pre-birth, you would think He would mention it. And look at the miscarriage rate - for someone who disapproves of abortion, God sure carries out a lot of them Himself. "

I saw Pirates 3 on Friday, obviously, and thought it was excellent. Much better than the second one, which had that irrelevant and trying-too-hard-to-be-funny bit on the cannibal island. This one had plenty of pirating action, battles, and excellent outfits, and Elizabeth gets way cooler. In fact, even Will looks cool at the end. It was also much improved by the presence of Geoffrey Rush, who I think was sorely missed in the second one.

Parents and one of my brothers visited over the weekend, which was fun. We went into the city, A cooked an excellent meal on Sat night, then on Sunday we went to the castle, where they looked around the museum part and I went round the gallery, which had an exhibition of work by Vanessa Bell, Gwen John and Laura Knight, which I enjoyed. Then we went for a meal at the Waffle House, which was gorgeous, as always. They do the best chocolate mousse ever. Mmm.

Monday was a bank holiday, so of course it rained, and apart from going to the gym, the entire day was spent lying about dozing and watching all the episodes of things we'd taped over the weekend. Thankfully "Dr. Who" was much improved from the trash that was last week's episode.

Only two weeks until Trinidad now...really must buy some suitable clothes.

A clean house is a sign of a wasted life

Spent the entire evening yesterday cleaning and hoovering, and yet the house is still mostly a mess. Except for the bathroom, which is shiny. Pah. This is what happens when you never do any cleaning except when someone comes to visit. Because usually I have far more interesting things to do.

Got my second assignment back from my Creative Writing course, and have done wonderfully well so I'm really happy. All the agonising and editing was clearly worth it. The poetry mark is sure to drag down my average, though. Boo.

I can tell I have been really busy, I've been reading the same book for over three weeks, and it's not even a long book. This is very unlike me, usually it's one a week, or one a fortnight at least. Looking forward to being on holiday and spending whole days reading. Blissful.

Child free!

Yet another tedious and sexist article in Grazia this week about women who don't have children. This could have been a really interesting article about those of us who choose to be child free. Instead, it was full of women who didn't have children because they couldn't afford it/hadn't found a man/the man they were with didn't want kids. Not one of them said that they didn't want to have kids at all, even the ones who were "having too much fun" still wanted children in the future.
So yet again, the stereotypes are enforced, that women who don't have children all want them, there are just reasons preventing this. How about an article about those of us who have no desire to have children, EVER. Because we don't want them or need them or have any inclination to do so. It's 2007, and yet all women are still expected to have children, because as women, this is what we are, baby machines. Men who don't want children do not have to live with these assumptions, why should we? They're not told how selfish they are. I don't see why it's selfish to want to enjoy my life and have time to do so, rather than spending 18 years looking after someone else and having to constantly put them first. Plenty of women have children because it's what society expects them to do, and look what happens to the children. So many of them in care, or living with parents who don't give a damn about them. If I was forced to have a child, I'd resent it for the rest of my life, which undoubtedly wouldn't give the child a very good upbringing.
There are plenty of us about who choose not to have children, don't want them ever, and are extremely happy with that choice. It depresses me when magazines that are supposed to be for women only reinforce stereotypes that we're trying to get away from.

Brighton

Meant to update at the weekend, but spent almost the whole weekend asleep, because the week at conference was so tiring. I'm not exaggerating - on Saturday I got up at 11.30am, went back to bed 3.30-6pm, then to bed at night from about 10.30pm and slept all the way through. Sunday I was slightly more awake, but mostly watching TV as it's all I could manage. Thankfully I feel much perkier now.


My hotel for the first three nights was lovely - only a Holiday Inn, but it's apparently a 4 star hotel, and the room was really nice, with an inviting bathroom, which is important to me. I got upgraded to an executive room too, which was cool. Annoyingly, we had to move hotels halfway through, and the last two nights were spent in the Quality Hotel, which was really shitty in comparison, with a room of half the size! It was crappier than the Travelodge I stay in when I go to Leeds. Pah. Thankfully, both hotels offered an all you can eat full English breakfast, which was brilliant for the first four days, but by Friday I couldn't face anymore grease and ate cereal instead. This may also have something to do with the fact that we had two all you can eat Chinese meals, and one all you can eat Indian meal. They were so good at the time, but now... no more all you can eat. It just means I stuff myself to the point of feeling ill to try and get the most out of my money. The Chinese place had a chocolate fountain with marshmallows to dip into it, which was excellent! I also managed to eat rhubarb crumble two days in a row, which I was proud of. This week I am eating many healthy things and no grease or fat, in an effort to counteract the effects of last week. So anyway, food was a major theme.

Conference itself was interesting. I'd been expecting, from what people had said, to be sitting in a room with a bunch of old white men, but really, it wasn't too bad. In both conferences, but especially my departmental one, there were lots of women, many of whom got up to speak. Also, both of the presidents are women, which helps, I think.

Department conference was more relaxed, whereas the national one was much more crowded, stuffy, and uncomfortable, and more formal. National was weird, there were huge political debates which were really interesting to listen to, and then there were also boring, tedious motions about changing one line in the rulebook, which really sent me to sleep. Going from one to the other, you could tell it had that effect on many people, as they all scuttled out to get coffees. Heh.

I never expected it to be so tiring. But sitting listening to people give speeches, albeit small ones, for seven hours a day, is really knackering. I didn't want to do much in the evenings except have my tea and sleep, although I did manage a walk along the beach the one night it wasn't raining, and a walk on the pier one evening when it was raining only a little.

On Friday we finished at 12.30pm, so I did get to explore the city a bit, and go in lots of fascinating little shops - I'd really like to go back for fun one day and explore properly. I went into a shop where they were making fudge right there behind the counter, in huge vats. The whole place smelt amazing. I found a good secondhand bookshop, which made me very happy, of course.

Now I'm back at normal work, which at the moment seems very easy compared to last week, although I'm sure it'll get tedious soon.

Mostly Sleeping

A real update will come soon, all about conference and other exciting and not so exciting things. Meanwhile I have spent the weekend sleeping to recover from the exhausting but fab experience that was union conference.
Back soon...

Travelling

Did my gym workout today to T-Rex, A had made me a special compilation, so that was funky. It worked really well too, good rhythms.

Tomorrow I go off to union conference in Brighton for a week, which should be exciting, even if it's also scary. We'll see. As long as I get a full English breakfast, I'll be fine. Heh.

My suitcase is almost packed. Hey, I have a suitcase! It's getting a pre-Trinidad trial run, anyway.

Must do some work on my creative writing course while I'm away, especially as I feel the poetry section is going to take rather a lot of work.

Last night A and I made a funky compilation CD of cover versions, but not the obvious ones everyone knows. I've been listening to it today (it ended up as a double album) and it's excellent. Because we rock, obviously.

Now, must finish packing, and attempt sleep, although I never sleep very well the night before I go away anywhere. Worth a try, though.

Beltane celebration went well, I was coherent despite getting up at 3am to do said celebration at 6am, and on the way home we had a full English breakfast, which was excellent. Luckily it was a bank holiday, so I slept all day and pretty much all night too. I feel almost human again now.

Saw the Michael McGoldrick trio at the arts centre last night, which was excellent. They're just brilliant musicians, which was both fascinating to watch, but also made me think, with a sigh, "I'll never be able to do that".

Off to the gym now, to make up for the lack of it over the last few days.

Finished

The assignment is done, and was sent off on time, thankfully. Of course, after I'd sent it I kept thinking of things I should have put in it, but that's pretty much always the way. Poetry next, ulp. Not my strong point.

So to celebrate I bought bras. Well, not really, but I went to the Bravissimo shop, especially for those of us with big boobs, which made me happy, because usually buying bras is a nightmare. This time... well, it wasn't fun, but neither was it horrific. So I'm happy.

What's in a name?

While I myself have absolutely no desire to get married, this article on the F-word website, about the changing of names once married, is really interesting, and probably something I would consider, had I any desire to do such a thing. What I don't respect when it comes to women changing their names once they're married, are those who do it with no thought about why they're doing it, but do it because it's the thing you're supposed to do.

Bollocks

Of course, after optimistically deciding that people aren't so bad after all yesterday, today someone attempts to screw me over to alleviate their own guilt, and I feel pissed on again, and am rather losing faith in humanity.

While I sit in the churchyard and ponder this, I overhear a group of middle-aged, possibly homeless (from the conversation I overheard) sitting about in the sun talking about how they want the fairytale, they want to "fall in love, get married, and have kids". This was kind of nice, and wonderfully against the stereotype, since they all looked like stereotypical builders.

The world is weird.

Picket

On strike today. Much more fun picketing in the sun than in the freezing cold in January, and all went pretty well, with most people supporting us, and some lovely supportive members of the public too.

Sometimes I despair of the world. But when so many people will stand up (or stay at home) and protest because they believe something is wrong, it makes me feel a little better.

Five Worst Foods

1. Any kind of seafood or fish
2. Aubergines
3. Pesto
4. Prunes
5. Marmite

So, it turns out the gym is actually good for me. Thursday and Friday I felt mega-stressed and pissed off at work, so much so I almost insulted quite a few people, and wanted to kick the walls. But then I went to the gym after work on Friday night, did a really hard workout, and felt wonderful and chilled out in the evening, and slept really well. So I've proved that the gym is actually good for my mental wellbeing, therefore I should keep going.

Today is gorgeous and warm and sunny, but with a breeze, and I have sat in a cafe courtyard and eaten bakewell tart and drunk ginger beer and read the paper, and all is well with the world. Also I bought a suitcase, for my forthcoming jaunt to Trinidad, which is quite an important thing to have, really.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Everything and everyone is really annoying me today.

This is what happens when you start your day by waking up from a horrible nightmare, and then get loads of crap thrown at you at work.

Pah.

I'd really recommend you read this article at the Guardian's website, by Jessica Valenti of feministing. An excellent summary of the importance of feminism (if you were stupid enough to doubt it).

Spring lambs!

Having been extremely disappointed that I didn't get to feed lambs in the mall a few weeks ago, today K and I went to Wroxham barns, where I got to feed many sheep and goats and a donkey, AND to feed a lamb from a bottle, which was so cool. Yey!

David Tennant is annoying me much less as Dr. Who this series than last, which is good. He's stopped making so many ridiculous faces and being so over the top. So I'm enjoying Dr. Who a lot more.

Finally got a hard case for my guitar today, which is gorgeous, and lined with red velvet. Now I feel like a real musician, heh.

On my way to get the case I took loads of photos along a street where they're about to demolish almost all of the buildings and build new stuff. So I wanted to have a record of what it was like before the new stuff goes up. One thing I love about my city is the way it blends old and new so well, so I hope this development will keep that up.

Sat in one of my favourite cafes this morning, ate a scone, drank lime cordial, and did some writing. And did more at home this afternoon before falling asleep on the couch. The next assignment is due in two weeks. I have no idea what to write yet.

Overheard an excellent conversation in the cafe. May post it later.

I finished "Mansfield Park", which is satisfying, because it was nicely long, and took me more than a week to read. Also it was extremely amusing. I love Jane Austen.
I'm really enjoying Neil Gaiman's recent blog posts about writing. Especially the photos of his notebook. I love seeing other people's notebooks, it's so inspiring. Unless they're full of maths and stuff, that's just boring.

What goes on

Generally tedious week at work, as usual, except for two union-related things, which were good. One is that in my new role as Branch Assistant Secretary, I get to have monthly "informal" meetings with the local managers. There's me and another bloke from the processing side, and two people from the front-of-house, customer facing side, then there are a couple of managers. We go over any issues, raise areas of concern, and they tell us what's happening. Or, in theory they do, we'll see. My first one went well, quite friendly really, which I suppose is the best way. It'll be interesting to see what happens when something comes up we don't agree on. I like finding out what's going on though, as far as is possible, and I didn't feel anywhere near as intimidated as I expected. I think as I do this more, I should get more confident at it, although I was pleased that I brought a few issues up and didn't just sit there and listen as it was my first one.

Also had a branch meeting, which was the usual stuff. I do feel sometimes in a bit of a testosterone-filled room though, there's me and one other woman, and about ten blokes. Most of them are fine although I do get talked over occasionally. It's brilliant compared to what other women reps from other branches have told me about trying to get themselves heard though. I'm pleased to be one of the few women on our branch committee, and hopefully by seeing that there are a few women doing that stuff, maybe others will get involved too. I'm going to conference in a few weeks, which I suspect will be full of middle-aged men, but we'll see.

It's the weekend now, thankfully, and I have caramel chocolate drops from Hotel Chocolat, Lush bath bombs, and lots of reading and writing to do. Should be good.

Weekend stuff

Work this week was uneventful, thankfully, as my boss was back from holiday and acknowledged straight away that I'm on 4.5 hours a day until the humidifier is fixed. It's frustrating having had to go through all that hassle last week though. Pah. Stupid work.

Other than that, it's been a busy week. Martial arts on Tuesday night, which was excellent, but really tiring. I'd intended to go to the gym on Wednesday, but fell asleep at 3pm, and after that realised my body needed a rest, so spent the evening doing very little, and went to the gym on Thursday afternoon instead. I'm feeling very pleased with myself, because I've also been to the gym today, so I've done my goal of exercise for the week. Today was so much hard work though, more than normal. I think because it was my third session of the week. So tomorrow will be lazy and restful in contrast, which I'm very much looking forward to.

On Thursday night I met a couple of people in my writing group in a cafe to chat and do a few writing exercises, which went really well, and was great fun too. I always feel more inspired after writing with other people too, so that's a good way to kick off some ideas.

This afternoon after the gym I sat in the garden reading, which was gorgeous - blue skies, light breeze, sun shining. Forget-me-nots I grew from seed last year are in flower and looking beautiful, they're one of my favourite flowers. Although now I'm feeling wheezy and coughing, and I've remembered pollen is worst in the late afternoon/evening, so maybe sitting outside then wasn't such a good idea. I have some thyme tea to drink though, which usually helps.
Mmmm, I love the weekends.

Boo.

I am upset because yesterday, A told me that in the mall they had lambs!! Real ones, and a sign that said "Feed the spring lambs" and you could go and feed them from bottles. I didn't know about this until I was already at home, which is very unfair. Especially as the day before the mall just had inflatables for little children to jump on, which is just boring.
But spring lambs!!
So unfair.

Top 5 Fruit

1. Raspberries
2. Rhubarb (yes, I know technically it's a vegetable, I just don't care)
3. Peaches
4. Pineapple
5. Strawberries

I am still knackered from martial arts class last night. So instead of going to the gym today, I had a nap and watched last week's episode of "Ugly Betty" which I'd never got round to watching, because I'd spent my free time at the weekend working on my writing course instead of watching TV, which I think is very responsible of me. And unusual.
So I will go to the gym tomorrow instead, then I can be in agony from muscle aches for three days again. Yey!

Currently...

Current book:
"Mansfield Park" - Jane Austen
"Underground to Everywhere: London's Underground Railway in the Life of the Capital" - Stephen Halliday

Current CDs:
Siobhan Parr - Repeat to Fade
Teddy Thompson - Separate Ways
Eliza Carthy - Rough Music

Current TV show:
NCIS
Angel Season 3 on DVD

Current drink:
lime cordial with sparkling water

Current food:
Cadbury's mini eggs

Current wishlist:
More time
More money
Less work (how original of me)

Current triumph:
Getting back to martial arts class

Current bane of my existence:
Work

Current mood:
sleepy

So, today has been spent in almost catching up with my writing course (I'm now only half a chapter behind as opposed to two and a half chapters behind) and procrastinating and faffing about while trying to think of things to write. For once I've managed less procrastination, more writing, so all is well.
Back to work tomorrow, which will not be joyous, I'm sure.

Holiday Weekend

So, besides all the crap, some fun stuff has also been going on. Last Sunday A and I saw Thea Gilmore, who was brilliant, and was supported by Erin McKeown, who was also fab. And on Wednesday we saw Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers, also fab, of course. I love watching Eliza Carthy play the fiddle madly, chalk flying from her bow. It's fantastic.

I went to the gym on Thursday night, had an appointment with one of the trainers who designed me a new programme, which I then did, and was in agony for the next two days. But the good kind of agony, if there is such a thing, the kind which means you're working a part of you that evidently needs some work. I need to do that twice a week, and hopefully will become mega fit, and possibly a superhero. Or, you know, maybe just actually fit instead of useless.

The long weekend has been lovely, a walk and picnic with friends on Friday, wandering round the city with A on Saturday, having lunch sitting outside in a gorgeous medieval courtyard, eating ice creams, coming home for an afternoon nap. Then yesterday another picnic with K and Steve, and a day of playing many board games and eating, which went on until 10pm. It was very cool, especially getting over-excited about Pictionary.

Today, more sleeping this morning, and this afternoon I must do some work on my writing course. I have managed to eat hot cross buns for breakfast four times though, excellent.

Teach them while they're young

I was on the bus yesterday, and opposite me was a woman with a small girl in a pram, so the girl couldn't have been more than about two years old. The little girl keeps lifting her leg up and resting her foot on the pram seat, and the woman keeps going to her: "Put your leg down! I've told you to put your leg down! Everyone on the bus can see your knickers!" and then "You should have been a boy, not a girl. I'm sure you were meant to be a boy."
Nice. So, let's get the gender-stereotyping in as early as possible, and teach girls that there are things boys can and should do that they cannot and should not do. Also, that girls should be ashamed of their bodies and not show that they feel comfortable with them.
It had never before occurred to me that such things were that blatantly taught to little girls. Thank goodness my parents never told me I was behaving like a boy, and that was wrong.