Happy New Year!

Have you ever been reading a book only to find a large chunk of the pages missing?

The book i'm currently reading (Good Grief by Lolly Winston) jumps from page 118 to 151.

Happy to report the rant of yesterday's post has subsided and am now looking forward to New Year celebrations.

Today we're visiting another cousin: S, his wife A, and their 5 children.

No specific plans for this evening apart from to see 2006 in on the beach.
So long as the rain hasn't started, which is reported for the next 4 days.

We can't choose them...

What is it with family members feeling as if they can comment on an individuals life/looks/choices??
In this case, of course i'm the individual in question.

This evening having dinner with an uncle i've met twice since the age of 2.
Both those times have been in the last few weeks since we've been out here.
So anyway, over dinner he makes some smart comment about about how i'm hardly eating anything but have put on weight.
SowhatthefuckifIhave???

Now ordinarily i'd have treated the owner of any such comment to a verbal crack in the nuts.
But with this being a family member, i'm expected to accept it with good grace.

Bollocks to that.


From this point i'm formally giving notice that the period of good grace has officially ended.
Anyone wanting to step up to the line and air any opinions in a very ungracious manner can take their chances.

Ok. So let me update things.

Yesterday we eventually got to Disneyland.
Even though it's totally cheesy and Americanified it never fails to impress.
Especially the fireworks which were truely spectacular.
The two and a half hour wait for Space Mountain reminded me that theme parks are rather like giving birth: all the pain of queueing is banished from memory as soon as the ride has been ridden.
Well it was like this for me, in the case of Space Mountain.

We also got some new shoes.
J has metallic gold Converse All Stars.
I have black trainers which have 3 white stripes,pink bits and laces.

I also forgot to say that we tried to get into Disneyland today only to find it full.

Going to book tickets online and try again in a few days.
Wish us luck.

To carry on from where I left off yesterday:
Herbal with an H.
Very annoying to hear it pronounced 'erbal.


The very cute elephant you see pictured above is named Becky.
She was kind enough to give J, Mum and I a ride today.

The sign I think very nicely illustrates this nations politeness.

Went to the cinema (yes again) to watch Rumour Has It.
V. funny. J laughed at all the right bits.

Bigger is certainly better when it comes to the movies.
Yes i'm talking about the IMAX, where we watched Harry Potter and the Flute of Pink Champagne, or something similar.

Americans.
Aren't they enthusiastic?
Even applauded as the lights went dim.

About half way into the film a lady came and asked if she could sit in the free seat next to me.
I mean, where was she for the first half??

Another thing about Americans is saying you're welcome.
If you're gonna say it, at least put some effort into it.
In fact saying it any way other than the bland, monotone version i've heard since being over here is just fine with me.

Also. King. Kong.
They're two s-e-p-e-r-a-t-e words.
Not to be pronounced like ping-pong.

I love Americans really.
Just finding some quirks amusing.

Christmas Day.

Met my extended step family today, and what a pleasure it was.
All were warm, sociable and unpretentious.

I hope we'll stay in touch.


Just noticed the time and date are set to UK time which makes it look as though i'm writing this on Boxing day.
Well, i'm not, and according to the clock it's 11.50pm on Christmas day in California at the time of posting.

Had a fun filled Christams Eve.
Visited my cousin and his wife at their place in Hollywood, who are also expecting their first child.
Then onto my uncles.
A particular highlight was the large train set donated for the evening but one of the guests. Her late husband had enjoyed playing with it and she seemed happy that it was such a big hit, especially with the children.
I have a picture of my uncle in a zen like pose which i'll post just as soon as I can get it onto the computer.

These last few days have been pretty quiet.
Mostly because even though the temperature is warm and the sun is shining, I have a cold.
The kind that makes your eyes stream and nose red.
Typical.
Not a sniffle at home.

Went to see King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, and have just learned there's an IMAX nearby so am planning a visit.

I'm currently being force fed vitamins.
R, my step father is a serious vitamin taker.
He also has some slightly unorthadox ideas about health.
This morning he stated They've found out smoking doesn't cause lung cancer.
I suggested he must be having a laugh.
Got the impression this wasn't a phrase the Americans are familiar with.
Can't argue with the fact he maintains a very high level of good health, so maybe there's some degree of insight into his views.
Who knows?
I do think moderation is probably key.
But that's just my thoughts, and what do I know?!

Plans for the next few days go something like this:

Tomorrow we're travelling to my uncle's house somewhere in the mountains for a big family get together.
On Christmas day we'll be visiting R's son and his family for dinner.
It'll be the first time meeting my step brother and his clan so should be interesting.

More waves.

Click here to read more.

A poem by the same 14 year old.

Laughter Twinkles
Like the stars
in a night sky


A very talented young woman, i'm sure you'll agree.

Let me tell you about my friend's daughter.
She's 14 and for as long as I can remember has wanted to be a Litigator (whatever that is).
Chatting to her online today she informs me her latest ambition is to be The Sun's US correspondent.
Sounds like a great job, and actually a lot of fun.
I can't seem to stop myself from regaling about the journalistic merits of The Guardian though.

The Beach.

Hard to believe it's just a few days before Christmas.
Especially whilst at Laguna Beach today.
Absolutely beautiful.

Mum and I had the following converstation.

Me: Isn't this lovely!
Mum: I'm getting bored of just watching the waves.
Me: Bored?! If I lived nearby I think i'd be here very often to do just that.
Mum: I'd rather play tabletennis.


We really are very different people.

Big Fish And An Elderly Stud.

Well, today has been a much better day.
Met a somewhat elderly chap by the name of Charles whilst sitting in the hot tub (jacuzzi to us).
He said several things which I consider a bit odd:

1. Before even introducing himself he stated he liked me.
2. Professed to being very rich, rich enough to keep four wives.
3. Commented on how well I spoke english.
4. Invited me to join him for a round of golf, just so I could be his eyes.

So glad i'm not here in search of a mate.

Today 3 people have commented on my accent being just so cute.
Yeah right!

The fish pictured above was HUGE.
Easily as big as my hand.
If you dip your finger in it's pool it'll be nibbled.

Well, so far so good...ish.
I've been spending a lot of time with my Grandmother.
She has a very generous spirit and very kindly bought me a new ring.
It's lovely.

What is it with Mothers and Daughters?
After just two days I could happily throttle mine!
I'm sure she feels the same.
Maybe it's because we're alike?
Although can't really say I can see it.

Hopefully it'll be short lived. In the meantime i'm planning my getaway route.
Just in case.

Greetings from the other side of the pond!

We've arrived safe and well after being upgraded to Economy Plus.
So much legroom even a giant would be comfortable.

Am still suitably jetlagged so will keep this brief.

Super Dad.

My dad`s been visiting.
Today he put up a bed in J`s room and got rid of the other one and two matresses.
Amazing really as he had a stroke a few years ago.

I join you whilst taking a break from packing.
For tomorrow J and I are heading stateside to visit my Mum and Grandmother.
We shall return early in 2006.
I intend to try and update whilst away, but just in case.....

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year one and all.

Shunts, Ketchupy Pasta and Loos Without Locks.

Well. What a day.
Today I went to see a show in London.
It was a trip organised by a tutor at uni.
It`s Amato Saltone by the Shunt Theatre Company.
A truely unique and unusual piece of theatre, performed within the arches of London Bridge station.
I won`t tell you any more. But it`s worth seeing. Trust me.

I spent most of the day in the company of H. Another student on my course.
H is of Asian heritage and was talking about the problems of having a boyfriend from another culture.


So we went to a lovely italian restaurant.
H ordered a tagliatelle dish and went on to drizzle tomato ketchup into it.
Is it just me, or is that totally wrong?
It`s probably down to the age difference.



Later in the evening whilst using the unisex toilets one of the young men in our party, M asked if i`d mind holding the door of his cubicle due to it being without both a lock and a light.
I obligingly did so.
A member of the theatre staff approached saying That`s not actually a toilet.
It`s the cleaning cupboard. That`s why there`s no light.
M emerged looking sheepish.
Oh dear.

On the coach journey home we were treated to various musical recitals as the merriment continued.
All in all a very enjoyable day.

A good day.

Yay! Got 66% in my latest assessment.
Am very pleased.

Nice lady: Hello Kiera, how can I help?
Me: Well done for remembering my name.
Nice Lady: You stand out.
Me: It`s because i`m older than most students.
Nice Lady: No, it`s because you have a nice face.

Conversation which took place when I was buying a photocopying card today.

How nice is that!

Click here.

Very funny site featuring prank calls made by a Scottish man.

Had me in stitches.

Warning: some of the calls contain strong language.

This evening`s activities consisted of going to watch The Chronicles of Narnia.
Obviously I took J, and aslo his friend (another J).
We met L and her nephew C there.
Great film. Very similar to how I remember the book.
Tonight i`ll be dreaming of Aslan.

When I was growing up my ambition was to be a dolphin trainer.

Open Blog..

Like an Open Mike Night.
But on a blog.
If anyone has anything they`d like to share, hit the comments icon and leave it there.
Haircut stories especially welcome.

It is messages like yours that make the heart leap. I am so grateful to you for sharing this with me because I am sure that J would not have told me! What presence of mind he had to stay calm and to know exactly what he must do. What a lovely boy you have brought up. You must be very proud of him indeed. Kind regards, and a happy Christmas to you all.

Above is the contents of an email received form J`s headmistress earlier today.
I`d contacted to her to let her know how J had reacted when I fell, and how the doctor had praised his actions.
Enough to warm the cockles of even the most hardened cynic`s heart.

This evening J was at a Christmas disco.
He wore jeans with a belt, black shirt untucked, trainers and a black jacket.
So grown up.
He has size 7 feet now.

Have I told you how much I love being a student?
I have. Oh well. Get comfortable because i`m going to bore you. Again.

This time with a list of the most enjoyable parts:

• the positivity of the environment, especially the staff.
• friendly people everywhere.
• the fact that it`s something new and am feeling stretched in many a direction: learning new stuff.
• the opportunity to be creative.
• cheap theatre trips.
• being around people who excel in their own field.

Alas, I have sad news to report.
Poor Goldie, after seeming unwell for a short time has now passed on.

I suspect Norbert may have been bullying poor Goldie.
But I can`t prove it.
However, if it`s possible to gauge fish emotions/behaviour, Norbert`s looking like one happy fish.
J remains steadfastly loyal stating, Norbert isn`t like that to any bullying suggestion.

We won`t be getting another fish to keep Norbert company.

My head hurts.

This morning I managed to trip over my bag and bump my head on the very hard marble fireplace,
So am now sporting a very nice bump.
J called his dad (what a good boy!) and we all went to A and E.
With concussion diagnosed i`m now at home resting.

It was the Doris Humphrey style dance assessment this morning.
Fortunately in the circumstances an extension should be granted so I can perform the said dance at a later date ON MY OWN.

Ironically Doris Humphrey style dancing is all about the fall and recovery.
No problems with the fall here.
Just the recovery that`s a bit ropey.

Am sitting at the computer,
With my mother at her computer.
We`re talking on the phone.
I`m trying to help her navigate around this blog.
It`s taking a while.

Twinkle, twinkle...

You know how it goes.
A very popular rursery rhyme.

I may return to this post.
I may not.

Something missing.

Let me ask you....
How would you feel if presented with a box of liquer chocolates...
Only minus the liquer?

Lizzie (a regular commenter on this blog), and I had this conversation last night.
I won`t tell you what else was discussed.
Suffice to say Lizzie`s a very broad minded person.

Can honestly say that right now i`m loving life.
There`s nothing i`d rather be doing.
Even though it`s new and sometimes daunting.

Over the next few weeks things are pretty busy.
With several assessments and getting stuff sorted before going away for Christmas and New Year.

Yesterday whilst waiting on a platform in the maze that is London`s Underground.
An announcement came out over the loudspeaker system:

Someone`s pressed a fire alarm on this station.
If it was you please identify yourself to a member of staff.
If you`ve done it by mistake please identify yourself to a member of staff.
If you`ve done it on purpose because you think it`s funny then why don`t you go home and play with your rattle there.

It`s moments such as this that brightens even the dullest of days.

Birthday wishes.

A very happy birthday to Hoofie for yesterday.

It was lovely to see everyone on Friday night.

Also birthday wishes to S.

I`m starting to sound like a children`s tv presenter.

Click here.

Did anyone happen to read the Times yesterday?
It featured a touchingly authentic account from a young woman who`s awaiting a double lung transplant.


Now most folk who know me will be aware that the main charity I support is the CF Trust as well as others which raise funds/awareness for cystic fibrosis.
You`ll also know that this came about as a result of my friendship with S, who tragiically lost her life to cf.
But for anyone who doesn`t have a personal connection or knowledge of cf, i`d urge they take a look at this article.

Here`s some links:

http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd3/46517/Pict0001.JPG

http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd3/46517/Pict0002.JPG

A random act of kindness?!

As i`ve been sitting here in the library at uni.
Someone has just walked past and placed a condom on the desk beside me.
Student union reps are giving them out as part of a safer sex campaign.
In case you`re wondering.