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    Slapstick - Getting Through The Rough Times!

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    I managed to actually sleep in this morning, it's been a while since that's happened. Today is just about relaxing and doing what I want, something else I rarely get to do, with the busy lifestyle I have. At the moment, I am watching a download of 'Carry On Behind' on the television, a fantastic slapstick comedy film set on a campsite in the 1970s. I am a big fan of all things 'Carry On' watching each movie again and again. Thinking about what to write in today's blog, I was transported back to my childhood, lazing in front of a coal fire on a Sunday afternoon, laughing away at the latest Carry On film on the screen.

    Despite the often raunchy behaviour portrayed in these Great British films, they are essentially innocent snap shots of an era otherwise forgotten. Many of the memories I have from this time are rolled up in these hilarious movies, producing some wonderful family impressions that I continue to look back on today. I am a product of the 1970s and embrace its significance in my upbringing wholeheartedly. This was a decade that has always remained at the forefront of my thoughts. I often sit and remember the occasions sat with my kinfolk, laughing and joking  at films that no longer play comfortably in the evocations of those born after me. These unique time capsules are not seen as politically correct today and consequently left on the back burner of history.

    As a character, I often look back to better times and have written extensively about past experiences. Television plays a huge part in my recollections and whenever I am feeling down, sad or lonely, I will put on an old film, TV series or listen to some music from my childhood. My nerves are immediately calmed, my stress drains away and I am happy and ready to get on with the rest of the day once more. Comedy is a great way to unwind, forget ones difficulties and remove oneself from particularly demanding situations. people have their own ways of coping under extreme pressure - looking back, reminiscing and reliving better days is my way of muddling through!

    My life hasn't been particularly easy, I have lived in three countries and in different parts of the UK. In every instance I have found it troublesome trying to adjust, always looking back to my life in the Britain, missing home terribly and wanting to return at the earliest convenience. Having access to videos, DVDs, CDs and today downloads, has helped me adjust to my circumstances. During my first month in Spain, I played the entire ten series of 'Are You Being Served' and even more episodes of 'On The Buses,' two of my all time favourite shows. My connection to these programmes, the significance they played in my life and their link to my past, always helped me cope with arduous situations. Spain was my home for several years, there were many days I felt down and depressed, so I am thankful I had the films from my youth to help me get by!

    Today living at my Aunts I am fortunate to be surrounded by family and in a much happier place than I have been in the past. However my husband is still in Australia and my life isn't exactly a bed of roses. Both of us are making the best of a bad situation, which isn't going to change anytime soon. Luckily I brought back a hard drive from my life in Spain, which I often scroll through, should the need arise. I spent many years scanning and converting films, photographs and videos into digital format, handy when you move around as much as me and I am thankful I did. Without this drive I wouldn't have access to all the things that matter to me now. Precious echos from happier periods in my life and a collection of comedy that spans the generations.

    Well that's enough thinking for me, time to get on and cook some lunch!
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  • Published on

    Shambles!

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    I was lucky enough be able to express my view, on the contemporaneous 'Brexit shambles,' in the Portsmouth News this Saturday. A colleague who writes for this popular Newspaper contacted me and asked if I would say a few words about the current situation and I was of course delighted to do so. As most of my readers are aware, I am extremely opinionated, especially on political matters, so It will come as no surprise as to my thoughts.

    'It is important that the Government implement the wishes of the general public, which thus far they haven't. We should have left today no matter what these over paid MP's think. Parliament has set a dangerous precedent. People will only take so much! The whole process has been a shambles from beginning to end... LEAVE MEANS LEAVE!'

    It does seem from the above article, that I am not the only one who thinks the way I do. Brexit is the talk of this great maritime city, as it is in every other corner of Britain and the majority of the general public think the same -  Brexit is a bloody shambles and the problems that surround our departure are getting worse. The reality is, there seems no end in site to this Parliamentary impasse and Britain appears stuck in a vicious cycle of blame and shame.

    Today I don't want to go into the details of Brexit, because I have done so many times before, but I do want to talk about ordinary people, not the useless politicians, the Prime Minister or the EU, just people like you and I, after all we are the ones that will be dealing with the aftermath of our exit, long after Theresa May and her cabinet have gone.

    People are incredibly angry that Brexit has been delayed. As a country we voted to leave the EU three years ago and we are still very much a part of this union. Our wishes have been ignored and the selfish rhetoric of MP's in the House of Commons has taken priority. It does feel that everyone of them has their own damn agenda and they couldn't care less about the electorate they serve. As a disgruntled voter, who is disgusted with all those who represent me, I want the whole lot of them to go. Their self serving egotism is a stumbling block to our eventual freedom and I am appalled by
    their continual uncompromising, stubborn and tenacious behaviour.

    The Great British public are fed up with MP's squabbling and for the good of this country they need to pull together and do what is right for us, the people. That means politicians compromising, putting their own pride to one side and finally working as a team for the good of the UK. People demand a resolution to this ridiculous charade; all of us want to lay this chapter to bed; I urge and encourage all those engaged in petty party politics to start talking about the issues that are important to us - housing, education, the NHS and the cost of living, just a few of the concerns that have been forgotten over the last three years.

    None of us know where we are heading, what the future holds and just how we are going to get out of this mess. If Theresa May can't command the confidence of Parliament any longer, than it's time she left and allowed someone else the chance to solve this crisis. Until then expect more of the same, more inaction, more fighting and more inertia until the day finally comes, that we can celebrate our independence once more!
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  • Published on

    One Month To Go!

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    I've had a busy day today, on my one day off this week. After a trip to the Doctors and a walk into town, I went with my Aunt to the Southsea Medical Centre, so she could get her final injections for our trip to Asia, which is approaching ever faster. My Aunt had the same immunisations as me but with one noticeable difference, an MMR jab. Recently there has been a bad outbreak of measles in South Korea and my Aunty was also given this jab in preparation for our upcoming visit. Naturally I was anxious about my own well-being when travelling to this part of the World, having not had the appropriate injection thus far!

    This afternoon I phoned my surgery to ask for advise on whether or not I should have this jab done. After giving my details to the receptionist she quickly spoke to a nurse, giving me a ring back an hour later. She was concerned about the measles fare-up and suggested I attend the surgery to have the appropriate medication administered before I leave, followed by a second injection on my return to the UK.

    The one thing I have discovered about this holiday to Asia, is the amount of preparation involved before leaving Britain. There are different illnesses and diseases to take account of and protect against and the expense involved can be considerable. These are factors all of us should take into consideration before we embark on expeditions to the back of beyond, something most of us do not think about until it is too late. Like my Aunt I am trying my hardest to protect myself against any eventuality, I certainly do not want to suffer the ravages of some exotic, tropical indisposition. Both of us are also well aware of the importance of purchasing the best mosquito repellent money can buy. Luckily my Aunty has travelled extensively all over the World and is well versed in the necessary precautions.

    Apart from this unexpected immunisation, my Aunt, husband in Australia and I seem to be more than ready for departure now and are all  looking forward to some much needed time out. My husband and I have been apart for six months and it is important we see as much of each other as we can. It is difficult living through a long distance relationship, especially when one isn't used to it. It is also dreadfully debilitating dealing with the issues of illness that keep us both apart at this time. For these reasons, both Darrell and I need these kind of meetings, not easy when we live thousands of miles from each other. The benefits of this journey will most certainly outweigh the costs.

    I have just a few bits and pieces to deal with now; last minute paperwork and a small number of items to purchase before we are due to fly. The nerves have started to kick in and I await with anticipation as we prepare to leave. The eight flights, four countries and three weeks away will be a challenge for me; I haven't been on a jaunt like this for many years, but I am looking forward to the ups and downs that we are likely to encounter along the way. The next time I blog about Asia, will be when I land on Vietnamese soil, until then normal blogging will resume!
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  • Published on

    Brexit Madness!

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    Since returning to the UK last year, there has only been one word on peoples lips ‘Brexit.’ Everyone has a view or opinion about what Britain should do and just how we should leave the European Union. Soft Brexit, hard Brexit or no deal, just three of the options on the table and not one of them a clear choice for the powers that be.
     
    The last few weeks have been a ‘car crash’ for the negotiations to leave on March 29th 2019, a date that will now pass without fanfare. The only difference to the current situation we are facing, is we really have no firm leaving date at all; all options are open. Parliament initially rejected the draft withdrawal agreement mainly because of the ‘backstop’ clause in the document. The backstop is essentially a security measure, intended to ensure there is no hard boarder between Northern and Southern Ireland, in the event that no formal trade agreement can be reached later down the line. In effect if no arrangement is agreed, Northern Ireland would remain in the Customs Union and single market, thus creating a frictionless boarder. The main objection to this clause is that Britain could still be tied to Europe, with no firm time limit on the backstop specified. For many MP’s it is unthinkable that Northern Ireland would remain within the regulatory structure of the EU, split from the rest of the United Kingdom, threatening the very fabric of the union itself.
     
    Members of Parliament voted on a series of amendments to the withdrawal bill, charging Theresa May with the difficult task of renegotiating the agreement with Brussels, removing the backstop from the draft document; on top of this they have signaled their objection to a ‘No Deal Brexit,’ which seems to be at odds with the demands they are placing on the Prime Minister. The European Union have already stated they will not renegotiate the deal on the table, so it would seem we are heading for a ‘No Deal Brexit’ anyway. Europe was in no mood for compromise; Theresa May returned to Britain empty handed and had to ask Members of Parliament to vote for a second time on her original bill. Once again the proposed withdrawal agreement was scuppered and Theresa May lost for a second time.
     
    When I lived in Spain, I wasn’t truly in touch with how the British felt about Brexit. I heard snippets of information, but essentially my life carried on very much in the same vein it always had. Brexit really wasn’t affecting me on a daily basis, so I just chose to ignore it. Here in the UK, you just can’t get away from the stress of this highly contentious topic. Only yesterday the news announced more job losses as a result of the instability in the UK economy and with other famous brands threatening to relocate their Head Offices and foreign nationals packing their bags in readiness to leave in a few short months, none of us are completely sure how this saga will end.

    Tonight Members of The House of Commons will vote on a series of Indicative amendments, hopefully suggesting a way forward in this exhausting Brexit process. Rather than saying what they don't want, MP's are charged with expressing a view on what they do want. So far Parliament has been unable to decide how to proceed, only stating its opposition to Theresa May's deal with the EU. A consensus may well be reached tonight, or not, depending on just where politicians want to go next. Revoking Article 50, leaving with a 'no deal,' a new referendum on the withdrawal agreement or a delay to Brexit itself, just a few of the options that will be considered. Of course if no one choice emerges as the favourite, the Prime Minister is likely to once again put her deal on the table, simply because it is the only way Brexit can be delivered. Nothing is certain as politicians from all sides try and break this Brexit impasse.
     
    Personally I think Parliament will support the withdrawal agreement in the end, they really don’t have a choice; in their eyes the alternative is far worse. I believe we should just walk away and get on with it, if that is what it takes then so be it; as a nation we have survived before and will do so again. Having the courage to do what is necessary is vital for the prosperity of all, we should not sign a deal at any cost. The uncertainty and instability up and down the country at present is destroying the economy, indeed the very fabric of society. It is essential the Government does all it can to finally move the debate forward, signaling its intentions to end the deadlock!

    Today is yet another crucial day in the Brexit story. Every week for as long as I can remember has been a milestone in this ongoing serial drama. The twists and turns of an embattled nation has been aired for all the World to see and as we pass the original leaving day of 29 March, the waters seem muddier than ever before. It looks likely however the PM will win through, the threat of Britain not leaving the EU will be too much for Brexiteers to stomach and finally we will be able to once again forge our own way in the World. Until that day finally comes, the spectacle of a Country at war with itself will continue and there are likely to be more difficult days ahead. All of us looking on with baited breath are watching history in the making, the final chapter about to be written; what happens tonight will be pivotal for the story of our nation, as Brexit slowly, painfully comes to an end!
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  • Published on

    Partnership!

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    This morning while getting ready for work I received a text message from Darrell in Australia, telling me he missed me, words we often exchange, considering the great distance between us and our inability to say it to each other face to face. We have been living apart now for six months, as he continues to care for his ailing Mother in Australia, during her battle with terminal cancer. I miss my husband everyday and find our current circumstances difficult to endure at times. When you have to live away from the person you love, you really do feel the stresses and strains of life ten fold. Today I have to cope with life as a single man, not something I am used to, having been in a relationship since I was eighteen years old and on days like today our separation does take its toll.

    I have always believed in relationships, taking a lead from my parents and their fifty two years together. I have never seen eye to eye with Mum and Dad on most things, but have always admired their sense of loyalty to one another and the love they share. Relationships do indeed have their ups and downs and like most people, Darrell and I have gone through some very rough times, that aren't over yet, as we both approach our fifties.  Unlike most people however, we have always worked through our issues. There have been many times when we could have split up, but our shared experiences and understanding for one another has allowed us to forgive and forget far more willingly. Relationships are about partnership and we have always been there for one another, no matter what the circumstances.

    The limits of what we can stand as a couple has been tested in recent years and we have had to adjust our life dramatically to accommodate ever changing circumstances. Darrell is living in Australia with his Mother once again, as he did in 2016/17, when she was first diagnosed with cancer. This time I am lucky enough to be staying with family in the UK, a Godsend when I remember the challenging situation I experienced in Spain. There I lived alone, just me and my two cats; I spent seven months struggling to survive in the harsh Spanish climate, without any support at all. I miss Darrell everyday, but I can cope far better, being around those I love.

    When I look back over our twenty four years as a couple I am well aware of just how much we rely on one another, even today. In the past, our life followed the same path, we had the same friends, at times the same employer and were always a pair that went out together, with friends or otherwise. Despite being surrounded by my Aunt and numerous Cousins, Mum, Dad and work colleagues on a daily basis, rarely having five minutes to myself, I essentially remain lonely and feel like I am drifting all at sea, without my right hand man. I am not enjoying this period away from my partner, I am doing what I have to, doing the right thing and doing what is expected of me at this time. Our wishes are not important right now, other people have to take priority; eventually when all this is over, we will be together once again.

    None of us know what will happen in our lives, who we will meet, form relationships with and ultimately spend the rest of our lives with, but we are all well aware of the here and now. I have come to the realisation that we should all live life in the present, especially in our case. We can not make plans, because the path we are currently on is ever changing and just when we think our life is back on track, we are thrown another obstacle to overcome. I have long given up on planning for the future and will in all probability continue to struggle for the foreseeable future. For me there is no oasis on the horizon and I will just have to continue fighting to survive. I am not trying to deliberately sound downbeat but I am trying to build a sense of reality and reluctantly accept my current situation, which isn't ideal.

    In one months time I will finally meet up with Darrell once again as we rondezvous in Hong Kong and together with my Aunt fly to Korea, enjoying ten days as a couple, no doubt arguing and stressing as every other couple do on holiday. It will be a welcome break for both of us navigating our way through this demanding period in both our lives. Darrell and I can briefly relax and have a little bit of quality time together, despite the pressures on us both right now. We may well be living thousands of miles apart, but the story of our partnership goes on. The bumps in the road make for a rocky ride but the thrill of exertion keeps memories alive!
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