Gambia here I come!

I'm off to The Gambia with 5 others very early Tuesday morning, only 2 sleeps away!

2 married couples and me and Climber Dude! Oh the joy!

No actually me and Climber Dude spent the weekend together and it was good I enjoyed it. We're just friends.

There's nothng really to report here, my life is at a standstill. Shucks. See you in a week and a half.
Gretta x

One of those...

... I wish I had my camera on me moments.

As I was putting out some bread for the birds. Ok so it's 8.45pm and all the birds are sleeping but they'll be up before me in the morning. So, as I was chucking bread on my little bit of grass at 8.45pm tonight, a badger was scuttering around my garden, it looked up, saw me, with it's white stripe down it's nose, then it scuttered off into next doors little patch of green. I was touched by the moment and I wished I had my camera on me. Horah for the Badger.

waffle!

Hope everybody had a lovely Easter. Mine was weird. When's my life not a little on the odd side.

So, Sunday Climber Dude offered to cook a roast. Yey I love a roast. For me, Best friends, Best friend's Hubby and Intellect. That didn't seem like a couply affair in the slightest. No it really did, it really, really did.

Then BH Monday, Climber Dude asked me if I wanted to do something in the evening. I was coughing and spluttering and suggested watching the film that was on tv "catch me if you can" I also made us fajitas. It was very relaxed and very chilled. At one point I felt his eyes burning into my face, I refused to look at him. I knew if I acknowleged him we'd end up having a conversation, we've been a bit closer this weekend and with my coughing and spluttering I really couldn't hack a deep and meaningful. Think he realised that I wasn't up for it cos he didn't persist.

My boss wants me to deal with one of our employees, he reckons this 1 guy is emotionally unstable verging on mental issues, seems to think he's been acting very bizarrely lately. I don't understand why I have to deal with it but I did point out this particular employee's bizarre behaviour a few months ago..

If you ask him why he has gone about the project the way he's decided, not that your judging his methods but his methods are odd and time consuming, he gets all agitated and defensive. When there is a decision that needs making he makes several decision and back tracks and ends up confusing the whole team, he's inconsistant and there's something I don't trust about him. He's really selfish as well, he asks questions about what I think of his work, but what he's really wanting is me to say he's done a great job. I rarely give to people who fish for compliments. In the line of work he's in he needs to have confidence in his ability. That being said I'd hate to be a project worker. It's a darn tough job bound to drive you slightly insane, and I guess that's what it's doing to him

Why my boss wants me to deal with it I have no idea. I'm definitely NOT the right person for the job.

Because pictures aren't enough...

So, Paris.

Arrived in Gay Paris at approximately 10.30am on the Saturday, jumped into a taxi to the hotel. The hotel was basic but in the most perfect location. Not even 2 mins from the nearest metro, and the metro line was the line that included the Eiffel Tower and the Arch de Triomphe. EXCELLENT LOCATION, BLOODY EXCELLENT.

We settled ourselves in and then as my sister had never been to Paris and I had, I suggested the first thing we see is The Eiffel Tower. I mean seriously isn't it what everyone associates with Paris. So, we headed towards it and got some good snaps, and then we went to the Arch De Triophe and pottered our way down the Champs Elesse. Beautiful, weather at this point was fantastic and we headed towards the Lourvre. My sis wasn't bothered about going inside and I did it last time and got lost in the place, so wasn't bothered either, I know full well the only piece of art I recognise in the place is the Mona Lisa and it seems that everyone seems to gather round that anyway.

We then headed to the Notre Dame area. The streets around there were so Parisian, it was simply beautiful and we stopped to drink beer and people watch, it started to rain at this point to so it was good to be under cover.

After a rather packed day, we headed back to the hotel to get ready to go out for evening. There was a rather nice restaurant just down the road from the hotel so we went there for food, and that's where I had snails. My sister a strict vegetarian had other stuff including goats cheese. I need meat so I really wasn't paying much attention to what she was eating. We had a 3 course meal here and the food was irresistable.

I don't usually like the French, however, in this restaurant there were 2 rather dishy waiters/barmen and they certainly took a shine to me and my sister, we very much enjoyed the male attention and got the impression that they very much enjoyed the attention from us ;).

The next day we got breakfast in the hotel which was continental and french, breads, jams, cheeses couissants etc.. After filling up, we headed to the Monmartre area. We went to visit the Sacre Couer. Stunning outside and inside. That place is spectacular there is no other way to describe it, and just observing people as they pray and light candles it was certainly an interesting experience.

After being in such a sacred place it kind of felt a little wrong to find ourselves in the red light district looking up at the Moulin Rouge. However, I soon started to sing "come what may" from the film much to my sister's embarrassment.

I also wanted to show my sister the industrial area, where all the skyscrapers are as I've always thought it gives a different feel to Paris, so we then headed to La Defense on the metro and I got to show her the Grand Arch (which I think it pretty darn impressive) and the BIG THUMB. Last time I was there I met 2 rather dashing gentleman by the big thumb and we had some fun together, but I was young and foolish at the time. There were no dashing gentleman this time round.

My sister had a stinking cold so after spending some time in the La Defense area, she wanted to head back to the hotel for a sleep. We headed back to the hotel but I just wasn't settled staying there for the afternoon, it kind of seemed a bit pointless. So, I left my sister sleeping and went for a long walk around the outskirts of the Eiffel Tower, just strolling and observing the tourists adn the locals a like. This was probably my best moment of the weekend, it was beautiful just being able to soak it all and get the feel for a Sunday afternonn/early evening in Paris.

When I got back we decided to wait until it was a bit later before going out so we could get to see the Eiffel Tower and the Arch De Triomphe at night. I think that is when Paris is at it's most romantic when everything is bright and yellow in colour. Paris at night is simply stunning.

After seeing them at night we decided to have dinner in an Italian Restaurant on the Champs Elesse, this time I just went for Pizza, no snails that night. After dinner we headed back to the area where our hotel was and we went back to the bar from the previous night, the 2 hotties were there and we flirted some more with them over cocktails.

The next morning, we got up early to avoid the queues and we caught the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower to see the views. It was bloooming freezing I tell you, my ears I thought they were going to drop off they stung so bad! The views spectacular, even though it wasn't the clearest of days you could still see so much.

We then headed back to the hotel, packed up our belongings and caught the train to the airport.

The end of what was a wonderful weekend in Gay Pareeee!

3 boys, 1 day!

The day started well.

Met up with ChS like planned we had hot cross buns for brunch, and just caught up for a bit then he had to go and meet an old flatmate of his (Polish guy - the Polish have kind of invaded England in mass) anyhow off he toddled.

Not long after ChS went, I get a phone call from Climber Dude saying he's in my area and do I fancy doing some shopping with him and then lunch, it didn't sound like a bad plan. We did a bit of shopping, got him a webcam, grabbed some food at 4pm in the local, then he was going to a bar in town for a boys night listening to a Jaz band. So off he went home to get ready for his boy's night.

Jerk Boy and I have both been following "The Passion" not the film but a BBC series. It's actually a really well done portrayal of Jesus' life and as it's Easter (not that we're religious but) we've been watching it and discussing it in work. So he invited me over to watch that with him tonight. We sat snuggled up watching it together while eating chrisps and dip.

Pretty good day in all. Kind of felt a bit odd tho the whole 3 boys in 1 day thing. However, why should it feel odd they're all friends and they all had their own things to do. Gretta just went with the flow.

Counting my blessing (so to speak).

I know Betty would love for me to jump ChS but I just can't. However, we did decide to meet up tomorrow morning to eat hot cross buns together, his idea was the meet up, my idea was the hot cross buns, but I'm sure that doesn't surprise you.

Booked the day off to day and went clothes shopping for my holiday to Africa (whicy by the way is less than 2 weeks away). I picked up some real bargains and I am dead chuffed.

I'm sat watching Numb3rs drinking white rum and coke (that can't be bad).

Oh and Teddy he has been in touch via text since before Paris. Which is a good thing if I say so myself.

I feel very at ease right about now. No man stress in fact, no flatmate, no climber dude, no man stress. Life is kind of good right now :)

why don't you all smile with me.

Gay Par eeeeee!

Honeypie I'm home.

Well what a weekend. I adore Paris and everything about it. I will post some pics this week when I actually get them on to the puter.

I don't think there is one aspect of Paris I don't like, everything was so darn easy. Even PDAs were totally acceptable when underneath the eiffel tower! Although I was dreaming when imagining me having one. I would much rather have been there with a hot man than my sister to be honest!

In fact my sister was something else really, although we had good times, she was a lot of hard work too! And I could do one of my ranty posts, but fear if I were to that I'd sound to much like her so I'm just going to bullet point some things for you..

My sister is....

• very tightly wound
• paranoid about being at the airport on time and everything that goes with it, tickets, passport etc..
• easily offended
• winger
• stinge with money.

This is we have so much in common, but those aspects in her character made this weekend slight hard work. I love Paris and I damn well made sure I made the most of it, but gee a weekend with my sister, is quite enough. As soon as she moved out of the family home, I vowwed I would never live with her again. We used to fight like cat and dog, my patience is much better then what it was then. However, it was rapidly decreasing during the weekend, and a day longer she might have just pushed the wrong button.

But Paris. Paris was adorable.

Off to Paris

Very shortly folks. So unless I blog late Monday night when I get home. I'll next blog on Tuesday.

Love to all.

Your Gretta x

Something I was reminded of

As Jerk Boy and I were moving offices this week we noted that when the boss went out for a few hours we were here alone.



We were discussing how having children manages to get you out of all sorts of stuff.



"I have to leave work early the baby is sick"



oh



"My wife is a live in mum"




"I can't come and fix your computer I have to put the baby to bed"



Why were having this conversation is because 2 of our best friends couldn't make it out one night because of their kids.



So, then this happened.



Jerk Boy: It's handy isn't it having a baby gets you out of doing all sorts of crappy stuff.

Gretta: Let's make one now

Jerk Boy: Well, the boss's desk is big enough *looks at boss's door*

Gretta: What's wrong with right here on the carpet?

Jerk Boy: We'll get carpet burns!!!

Gretta: And?????? Actually, I'd rather not have burns when I'm in Paris the desk it is...

Then the boss walks through the door.

Jerk Boy: Or maybe not ;)

Thanks for the Ally Beal moment Betty that reminded me of this little conversation. I text Jerk Boy that night, while in bed saying "I'm led in bed thinking of me, you, alone, on the bosses desk" He just text back laughing, I think it was all done in jest... Or was it?

have an ice-cream with Gretta x

It's been a heck of a day today we have been office moving and a girl is leaving, a girl my boss doesn't like and doesn't want any part of giving the gift to her. Great.

Anyhow, Jerk Boy was in today so I got him helping with the office move, then he came with me to buy the girl that's leaving a gift. We went to a nice clothes shop to get her some vouchers - And.. Low and behold, he had to start trying stuff on, and then decided that he'd try and get the sales assistant to knock money off for no reason.. It didn't work and I was so embarrassed I can't believe he did that.

Climber Dude is still trying to get rid of this flu he's been suffering with so I don't think I am going to see him now until I get back from Paris.

I am shattered it has been one hell of a day! I've had my ice-cream and a curry now time to read and sleep. Night folks x

needs more cuddles

Today...



I received an email from Teddy. I should be over the moon, it's been a month since he has last been in touch, I should have been running round the office with the biggest beaming smile on my face, I should have got all giddy with butterflies in my stomach.



I didn't. Why?



Because the email was a reminder that he is about as far away from me as he can physically possibly be and that's not going to change any time soon.



In his email he told me that he had found a job in Wollongong near his family, that he is very settled in a friend's place and that although the office is in Wollongong the project he is currently working on is in Darwin. He didn't mention any lady friends, but he did say he was happy, the happiest he's been for a while in fact.



I know his happiness should make me happy, and it does (a bit) but the thing is the more settled he becomes the more unlikely it is that he'll be back. I don't like the thought that it could be a very long time before we see each other again if ever, and I don't like the thought of him meeting someone and settling down, but the more he gets himself in a stable situation, the more likely that's going to be.



Jerk Boy doesn't understand my soft spot for Teddy! I try to explain to him that he's the most wonderful man I've ever met, that the thing I'm most afraid of, losing my independence and being vulnerable, is the one thing that he makes me feel safe about. I'm at my most vulnerable when we're together, yet I feel safer than I ever have before! Work that one out. What do you do when the most wonderful man you've ever met is settling on hte opposite side of the world?



Even though Teddy is so crap at staying in touch with me, he's still given me such wonderful memories and a hope that good guys exist! However, I just fear I wont find one quite as good as my Teddy Bear.

Hysterical Gretta

Do you remember Childhood Sweetheart? The guy I had a crush on all through school but nothing ever came of it, the guy who also had a crush on me but.... Nothing ever came of it?

Well, last week were emailing each other a fair bit because there was a reunion at our school. We decided not to go, but last minute he emailed me saying he'd changed his mind and he reckons we should go.

So on Saturday I met up with him (first time since Christmas) and we pottered down to our school.

On the way he said that he was going to lie about his occupation, not because he was ashamed but because he thought it would be funny! Myself being the child I am encouraged this becasue I to thought it would be amusing, and truth be told I didn't even want to go to the reunion, I just wanted to spend some time with ChS.

So, we arrive at the reunion and this girl from our year comes up to us, a girl neither of us knew that well but was in ChS's tutor.

Girl from year: So, ChS what do you do now?

ChS: I'm a Graphic Designer (Which he isn't)

Girl from year: You're a Traffic Designer? So does that mean you're responsible for the new road layout in the city

At this point a smirk begins to appear on my face and I have to start trying to suck in the giggles.

ChS: Yes, that's right I'm a Traffic Desighner, and I am partly responsible for the roads in the city

Girl from year: *deadly serious and slightly agressive* They're terrible! What company do you work for? I think I want to write a complain letter.

At this point I am creasing over and a tear is rolling down my face because I'm trying so hard not to let out the big cackle that is in my throat, ChS is starting to go red and get flusterred because he has no idea how to get out of this situation. Then it came I started laughing...

Gretta: I'm so sorry, I don't mean to laugh like I'm insane but this is too funny, he said he was a Graphic Designer not a Traffic designer but actually he's neither!

The girl was less than amused and walked away from us in a bit of a huff while me and ChS just laughed like insane idiots. I guess it was one of those "you had to be there moments" but tell you what - I hadn't laughed that hard in a very long time. ChS has text me since saying he feels so stupid and doesn't know when he's going to grow up, but I just still look back and laugh it was too funny, too darn funny.

Stuck in reverse

I can't frigging believe it.

Everything seemed to be going well, I was enjoying spending time with Climber Dude, things seemed kind of perky between us lately. I was maybe beginning to think that we could wipe the slate clean and start all over again. Last night it was Best Friend's birthday curry. Climber Dude picked me up so I was able to drink wine, I drank maybe a little too much wine, he dropped me home after and then I went online and when he got home he came online and talked to me until I decided to go to sleep.

Things seemed like we were getting somewhere, like once again we were building or setting some kind of foundation.

Then this morning , I realised that I shouldn't be thinking this way, that we are only friends, and that actually this alone time is really not good for my state of mind.

So, now what. Do I just back off again after having such an enjoyable week? I guess I do.

no error please

Climber Dude has been off sick all week.

So, yesterday I asked him if he wanted a visitor to go round. When I was sick he always made effort to visit me and I only found it fitting to return the favour. Plus I kind of wanted to spend time with him.

I offered my time and he accepted. So, I took with me a film and chocolate - what better combination, Gretta, film and chocolate. Bar the fact the film was rubbish and he already had lots of chocolate in.

Anyhow, it was a really nice evening, had a great time hanging out and having him take the piss out of my choice of film.

He was really sick, I felt very sorry for him, his nose was all sniffly and blocked. I made him get a bowl of steaming water and we used his superman apron as a towel to get him steaming. He thought I was insane but you do that don't you - steam yourself.

Anyway, I left later than intended and he noticed as today (while he was still of sick) he ventured out of the house and came for lunch with me. We went to a little cafe not far from where I work and it was very chilled!

I guess I am a little concerned about the amount of time we've been spending together lately but stll there has been very little flirting and no physical contact so until the flirting ups and he snogs my face off, I am just going to deal with the face that we are "just" friends.

It's Best Friend's birthday tomorrow night and the whole gang are going out for a curry to celebate so I'll see him there.

Right I'm cream crackered - hopefully this blog wont send out an error. Here goes xx

Blogger issues

I've written 2 blogs and lost both lately.

Sometimes! I HATE BLOGGER!

analysing again.

I look in the mirror to a very tired, warn our face. It's funny how make-up hides so many natural flaws. I don't know what I'd do without my favourite concealer hiding my bags and my many blemishes.

I've been thinking a little about the whole Climber Dude situation today. I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong. Hanging out with him on Sunday was really good, I enjoy his company, but I know he's going away and the longer we don't do anything about our feeling the less likely it is that I'll go with him. I'm pretty sure he has missed my company too, at least I reckon so.

It's weird, I guess I have to remember all the moany blogs about this guy and remind myself that he's just not right for me.

ahh oohh Par eee

I won an all expenses paid trip to Paris for 2 people today. I entered a radio competition and only bloody won.

I'm taking my sister she needs cheering up lately! I think I'm the best sister in the world for taking her.

I spent the day with Climber Dude yesterday, completely unplanned and I'm unsure how it came about but we had a good time and we set boundaries, making sure we both knew it was just as friends. We watched a film and then went out for a curry at our favourite curry house.

It was all good.

I'm going to Paris :>

I take back what I said about the French the other day (that's until I get to Paris and realise that the French are still exactly how I remember them).

G x

What a hike.

I've not got much to say about the walk, it was long, it was hilly, the weather was perfect and the scenery beautiful. Actually didn't chat that much to Climber Dude, we were both mingling loads with others.

Anyhow, so Friday night I'm at home and I'm online both talking to Climber Dude and Jerk Boy, when the doorbell goes.

FLATMATE!!!!!

I thought I'd gotten rid of him!

He comes in so bright and breezy to the point where I say to him.

Gretta: Um? I didn't think I'd be seeing you again?

Flatmate: Yeah I know I've not been around for the last few weeks, things have been busy at work, busy at home... Just busy. I'm sorry.

Gretta: It's ok, the break has been good for me to be honest.

Flatmate: Well, that's good.

Gretta: Look we can't be naughty tonight, if that's what you're here for because it's a really bad time of the month for me.

Flatmate: Actually I came round to chat, all the naughtyness gets a bit much sometimes, hope that doesn't offend you.

Gretta: No offence taken

However, I am thinking to myself at this stage that when we first met we chatted loads, but as soon as things got heated that's all we had - take away the naughtyness and we've got nothing so why the heck is he even here?

We chatted about his work, and about my walk that I was going on, and then he left, saying he was just checking in on me.

It was all very bizarre and maybe now I have actually gotten rid of him. Who knows!