R u kding?

"According to The Times, to gain minimum marks in English GSCE papers -- an exam taken by hundreds of thousands of 16-year-olds across England every year -- pupils must demonstrate 'some simple sequencing of ideas" and an ability to put "some words in appropriate order'." (from Yahoo news)

Management speak

"They have already been paid to manage their own lavatorial affairs." As soon on the BBC website regarding workers taking toilet breaks.

What is the point?

I'm seriously asking. What is the point of all this? The drudge, the suck, the constant annoyances. The people. I'm grumpy, and I'm taking your opinions. What is the point?

I feel all smart

I just found out the difference between a situationist and a dispositionist. I think I lean towards the latter.

The wilds of Yorkshire

I have just returned from Harrogate; was up there for our big annual conference. I only saw enough to want to pop up there for a holiday at some point. Very quaint little town with lovely apocalyptic urban legends. My kind of town. Also, a great book shop.

This week is shaping up to be busy, culminating in moving next week. Sharing with a complete stranger....oooh.

The Time-Traveler's Wife

"My apartment is basically a couch, an armchair and about four thousand books." - Audrey Niffenegger

Migraine induced mope

The problem with a migraine is that in the moment, you're convinced you'll never feel well ever again.

Dear John mark 2

You were rejected for mocking my accent.

Saying that the way I flatten my vowels "freaks you out" is not conducive to a good date.

Neither is getting hammered.

Proceeding to get annoyed that I don't like Kevin Pietersen was almost the final straw.

But the kicker was you not being able to let it go. I don't like spending a Friday night with someone who lectures me for more than hour about not appreciating a talented but all-around random batsman.

Thanks anyway.

Latest additions

On Sunday I went to a farmer's market in Loughton. In addition to some wonderful garlic and basil infused olives, glorious sweet garlic cloves, poacher's cheese and a loaf of sourdough bread, was an incredibly well-stocked bookstall. Increadibly well-stocked. So I was really doing them a favour when I brought an enormous pile home. Books and food and stall owners who queried my accent and tried to sell me huge pieces of lamb shank. It made me feel so warm and comfortable.

Anyway, as promised to Marissa, the books in my latest haul are:

March - Geraldine Brooks
Master and Commander - Patrick O'Brian
Post Captain - Patrick O'Brian
The Mauritius Command - Patrick O'Brian
Comeback - Dick Francis
PS I love you - Cecelia Ahern
Wild Designs - Katie Fforde
Orlando - Virginia Woolf
Nineteen Eighty-Four - George Orwell
Beauvallet - Georgette Heyer
The Pilot's Wife - Anita Shreve

Biscuit expert

In my next life, I'm coming back as one.

Conflict of interests

I find myself caught in a quandary. I happened to see the trailer for the Mamma Mia movie. I hate ABBA. No wait, I don't hate ABBA. I loathe ABBA. But Colin Firth is in the movie. I love Colin Firth. No wait, I looooooooove Colin Firth. What to do? What to do?