blog, wedding

A Wedding & A Dub

Dub Mouse

The Wedding

October 2016 I married my true soulmate, I would include some photos of him but he doesn’t want his face shown, so you’ll have to cope with photos of me instead. Our wedding was at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Hampshire, a lovely place with a fantastic restaurant and spa, they’re also dog friendly, here’s the link if you want a look: https://www.balmerlawnhotel.com/

If you like the wedding photos, check out our amazing photographer. They also offer discount to those in the emergency services: http://www.wowphotography.co.uk

The Dub

What is a dub I hear you ask, well it’s a shorter version of VDub or VeeDub. Nope, still don’t know, what is a dub? A dub aka VDub means VW = pronounce the Vee doubleyou = shortened to Dub.

So yup, we have a VW. Not just any Dub though, a converted VW ‘94 T4. How did the dub come about? Well, we tried camping in a tent but that didn’t work out too well for our dog Charlie. He chewed two guide ropes, couldn’t understand that he had to lift legs up to walk in and out of the tent and so would fall in and out instead. Incredibly jumpy at night time because he could hear everything and so hardly slept as he was on alert all the time – this made for a very grumpy dog and much like a grumpy two year old…. it’s not the best fun we’ve ever had.

We also have a friend who has a T4 and showed us hers, Thor the T4. We were sold and instead of wedding gifts, asked our wedding guests to help contribute via a little poem.

After much searching and a lot of impatience we finally found a T4 in November 2016 – an unnamed T4. The shock! We discovered that all dubs should be named and sexed, and after a drive I decided it was a he and promptly named him Snoopy as he is black and white (actually his top half is a very dark sparkling purple in the sunlight which we later discovered).

Expect to see a few blogs on Snoopy and dublife in the future.

blog, Uncategorized

So… you think you’re clever.

Dub Mouse

In order for me to be able to do my paid job I had to go to university and do a bachelors degree in biomedical science. I was quite lucky in that my work paid for it, many others in my place have gone on to do a masters degree, again work paid for it because they wanted to advance in the career. That was stopped long ago and why I’ve never gone on to do masters degree because to be honest there’s no point if you can’t advance higher, the other reason is I struggled during the BSc. It was my limit.

One thing many people assume nowadays is that because you have a degree or have gone to university, this automatically makes you brainy, I can tell you it doesn’t. All my degree has done has enable me to do the job I do and give me better knowledge & understanding (though most disappeared after cramming as much as possible into my brain cells for exams).

In other terms….I’m no more clever than you, with the mere exception that I’m more knowledgable in a specific area. I know about biochemistry and why certain levels like potassium maybe raised or lowered. You for instance reader may know about computers, law, gardening, physics or maths – areas im not clued up in. It doesn’t make someone brainy just because they’ve gone to university or college for that matter, it just makes them become more specialised in a certain area.

Remember that saying: “no-one is more special than anyone else. We are all special in our own little way, and all special to someone.” Or something like that. I’m no different to you and no more brainer than you, I just have better knowledge in a certain area and I certainly don’t consider myself clever whatsoever.

blog, hobby

Old Lady Confession

Dub Mouse

Cross-stitch! WTF are you on about woman, I hear you cry. Yep cross-stitch, that thing where you makes crosses on fabric using needle and thread to make patterns, something that is normally associated with little old ladies sat in a club nattering away.

It happened when I stayed round my one of my nans, during a half-term or weekend. Cant remember age, maybe 13? Maybe 14? Or was it 15? (Is that the old lady memory loss kicking in?). I was helping nan as she was having a mini clear-out and we came across an embroidery set complete with threads, those wooden hoops things and fabric. (Her nan’s she said – though suspect it was hers). Sod the clearing-out, this looked far more interesting. The entire afternoon was spent with nan showing me how to do embroidery, and I went home armed with a bag full of threads and those hoop things.

Roll on a few years and I decide to pick it up and move onto cross-stitch as a way of keeping myself entertained. I subscribed to a couple of magazines, brought some cards, fabric and threads off eBay, then self-taught myself the art of cross-stitch. I started off by making birthday, Xmas and thank you cards.

Once I mastered those I thought would try a bit bigger and stitched something for cousins first born, then a hedgehog with sunflowers. I even managed to merge a design and create a little something for the bathroom.

A friend was diagnosed with cancer and I had found a quote for her (oddly enough from Star Trek original series) which was very apt advice, not just for her but it could apply to anyone – those afraid of make a chance or take a risk for something etc. she likes Japanese things and has even done cross-stitch herself, she’s done some lovely Japanese figures and framed them. Hudders asked me to do a design for her with a Japanese theme incorporating the quote, even went out, picked the colours, brought the threads and fabric for me. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Trying to find something Japanese to symbolise strength etc so I opted for symbol meanings, created a hand-drawn version then drew onto fabric so it was easier to stitch rather than creating a chart to work from. Hudders couldn’t of picked more difficult threads. Had to keep wetting them to make them workable. A large amount of swearing sessions occurred whilst creating that masterpiece. I had to get a frame especially made for the design because silly me didn’t think to make a design to fit within the bog standard frames. I never do things the easy way (is there one?), the completed piece now hangs on a wall in hudders bedroom as it was designed to fit in with her bedroom colour theme. Sadly Emma passed away on the evening of 13th December 2013.

My latest project was for the kitchen. It fits in well with my ideal colour & retro theme (for my ideal home – provided I ever afford one). I had started it months ago but then put it down for a while, cross-stitch is one of those things you have to be in the right frame of mind to do. The “bug” can hit and leave just as quickly (not much dissimilar to a held in fart allowed to escape. Those come out fast and quickly go). Its now finished after oh must be about three months now i think and hangs proudly underneath my retro style cream clock (why you need to know its a cream retro style clock I don’t know but hey now you do).

And roll forward to 2018, I no longer do cross stitch. Why? Because our rescue dog has decided he is far more worthy of attention than my hobby and every time I tried to sit down and get started, he would run off with the threads.

blog, Food, Healthy Eating

Smooth Operator

Dub Mouse

Have you ever seen those social media adverts and thought that product looks good but decided not to buy? I used to be the same but I took the plunge and so far I’ve brought a veg chopping thingy and some make up. Both have turned out to be good buys.

The latest product that I’ve brought as it kept appearing on Instagram, is the Blendjet. I looked at reviews and YouTube videos and decided ah what the hell, let’s try it. For £30 with no shipping fee, it was worth a punt. So in an attempt to try and be more healthy as well as cut down on the amount of rubbish I eat, especially on night shifts, I brought two (one is for the husband) and awaited their arrival.

The delivery time was actually quite good, took 6 days in total. Ordered on the 1st April and they arrived on the 6th. So instantly impressed with that part. Next was the actual item, mine is purple and the husband’s blue (our fave colours), loving the bright colours and the packaging is pretty good. The only con so far is that the blender still works with the lid off so bit of a safety thing there.

Beast ordered a load of frozen fruit, honestly almost a whole freezer full! We tried them on the Monday. Mixed fruit for breakfast and me being a scientist decided it would be good to experiment and boy was it. In my wisdom, I decided to look on the internet and found a blueberry cheesecake smoothie recipe and tried it, omg it’s delicious. Here’s the link in case you want to try:

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.myfoodandfamily.com/amp/recipe/113240/blueberry-cheesecake-smoothie

So today (being 09/04/19), I looked for a recipe using peanut butter powder as we have some in the cupboard. Popped to the shop for rest of the ingredients and yup I tried a peanut butter and banana smoothie…this too was amazing. I used alpro almond milk and honey as the sweetener. Here’s the link: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2017/04/27/peanut-butter-banana-smoothie/

In all, I can definitely recommend buying blendjet. A well worth buy.

blog, Driving

Can Drive But Can’t Drive.

Dub Mouse

So I passed my driving test a few years ago and only driven a few times. Why?

Each time I get into the car, I have to psyche myself 20mins before hand. I’ll start shaking and even behind the wheel. Whilst driving I’ll continue to shake and then I’m still shaking at the end of the journey. The shaking got worse the more I drove and it got to the point when it became too much and I was crying before I got into the car.

What pisses me off more than anything is hardly anyone seems to understand that my anxiety/fear has stopped me driving. Having looked online, I’m not the only one who has this issue. Most of the comments come from those who drive and can’t get their heads around that someone has a fear of driving and it gets worse each time sit behind the wheel.

This anxiety/fear isn’t limited to gender and hits anyone at any point. There have been drivers who are perfectly confident and for some reason suddenly develop this anxiety. Is it because there are more and more people on the roads? More and more people who really can’t drive that are and wonder how on Earth they passed? People who have been driving ages and seem to think they own the roads, but are actually those who are more dangerous? People in a rush and think they can drive like a complete dick?

It may well be all of the above, there’s also the any mistake no matter how small, can have a consequence. Be it your own fault or one caused by another driver, driving has become dangerous. That saying from my driving instructor “you need to adhere to road rules, any mistake can have a consequence for others and turn your vehicle into a metal box of death.”

There’s so many people who cut others up, drive right up your arse – even had this learning to drive, impatient bastards, people not using indicators, not following correct route round the roundabout, going through red light, using phone etc etc.

Even walking, you have to have your wits about you. Drivers going through red lights, not waiting for you to cross at crossing, turning into a road whilst you’re crossing then swearing at you because they believe they have right of way – actually if you read the Highway Code, it clearly states a pedestrian has the right of way when crossing a road you are turning into.

It appears many drivers do not know the Highway Code: “At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rule 170).” Rule 170 for drivers states: watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way.

Is there a way to get over my anxiety/fear other than not driving? I’ve no idea and I’ve not discovered one. I’ve tried to work so hard to get over it by attempting to get into a car and drive but the shakes became too much and the tears flow.

blog

The Sock Monster (Part One)

Dub Mouse

Let’s set the scene: You put clothes into the washing machine, making sure that socks go into it with their partner. You take the washing out, hang it up (either via clothes horse or if you’re a really lucky lucky person on a clothes line in a garden), only to discover to your shock horror – there’s a blooming sock or two missing and you have now ended up with yet another odd sock. Yes ok it may look funky to have odd socks but what happened to its original partner? – Someone call The Sock Police, we have a MISSOC (my alternative for a missing sock – similar to missing person aka MISPER)!!!

Option 1) Is the MISSOC due to the well known sock monster? What does this monster look like, and have there been any sightings of this monster? Perhaps its a cute shy little thing that lives in a tiny compartment of the washing machine, like the one below in mine? Or is it a mean ugly thing that smells and this is why your washing machine may on the odd occasion clog up. Is there a misfit of the sock monster?

Option 2) Is the MISSOC due to the socks having a big argument and the other sock deciding that’s it……im not being teamed up with that sock ever again and therefore I shall reappear magically in next 3-4 washing loads time… after you have created a wonderful funky odd sock match and forgotten all about me being lost! Where does this sock go? Does it go on an epic adventure?

Who knows reader, all I know is its damn annoying this missoc business!

blog, Mental Health

What is Stress?

Dub Mouse

In the UK, it’s Stress Awareness Month. I thought now would be a good time to share my writings and thoughts on this subject.

As lives get busier, working day longer and less time to spend with loved ones, it’s understandable we all will at some point in life have to deal with stress. We all have our own coping mechanics and at the start will ignore stress by putting the symptoms down to something else and plodding along until we reach breaking point and by then stress reveals itself and can become something more than just the one thing. Apparently stress in small doses is good for us but a lot of stress as we all know is definitely not.

I’m writing this after a “breakdown” as I call it, at work resulting in tears, being angry and a colleague looking at me in shock at my open display. How have I let myself get to the point of openly crying in front of a colleague? The answer is simply… I’ve had enough of hiding in the loos and breaking down then pulling myself together and heading back into the lab then acting like normal. I’ve not long been back from a month off with stress, and I’m been trying to plod along again with the symptoms returning. Having emergency leave denied was the final straw for me along with talking to another member of staff about them having their leave denied on stupid reasons.

So what are the symptoms of stress? The symptoms are similar, and in many cases exactly the same as anxiety. In fact, stress much like anxiety affects all parts of our bodies ranging from emotional, physical and psychological.

Some include: Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed, stomach cramps and upset, Frequent colds and infections, Loss of sexual desire and/or ability to Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing, Insomnia, Forgetfulness.

There are some good websites available and apps to help you deal with stress. It’s a case of finding which works for you, me? Nothing other than being away from my workplace seems to work for me. Ultimately, seeing your GP, speaking to Work manager (in my case nothing has resolved from this one nor did I have welfare check whilst off for a month) is the best route to go.

The NHS offer some good advise, information about stress and links for self help.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/understanding-stress/

https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/

There are so many apps out there, it’s a case of finding which one works for you. I can not recommend any myself as I’ve yet to find one that works. Though I can recommend getting a vw camper and going camping just to get away from it all (other vehicles and tents are available).

blog, Coffee

Coffeeholic

Dub Mouse

As the milk pours in and mixes with the hot fluid, you breathe in, take a long sip and out erupts a hmmmmm from your lips and suddenly you feel alive…..

Some people hate the stuff, I love the stuff. The smell of coffee is one of those nice smells and instantly makes you want one. At work we have horrid instant stuff but it’s the only hot beverage that is actually tastes drinkable (we now have a filter coffee machine that only my team seem to use). The tea is awful no matter what tea bag you try. Must be the water!

At home however I hve a wonderful machine. A nespresso! Some maybe thinking “a what now?” If I said those adverts with George Clooney (who is not good looking in anyway shape or form – imo of course), you’ll know exactly what I’m on about I’m sure.

I’ve kinda gotten into this coffee making lark. Nespresso bring out 3 limited edition flavours round crimbo time so I always try to get those either via their website or that auction site known as eBay (where some people try to charge astronomical prices for the capsules). Anyway, you buy the machine (in my case receive it as a gift), buy the capsules. They arrive, you open the box to discover there’s decaf included! Decaf?!? Wtf, really what is the point in decaf coffee (or tea for that matter)? May as well not drink the stuff at all tbh if you have to get decaf! Oops I went into a rant there.

Accessories:
You try the coffee – lovely. Next stage is buying accessories such as mugs. Which reminds me I need to order some slightly bigger ones. Now you’ve brought the mugs and think oh the coffee looks good in these, you’ll then start looking at syrups.

Syrups:
I’ve brought a few syrups, there’s some blooming lovely ones like cinnamon, but oh dear there’s some really rank ones like creme brûlée. Oh total yucky yuck!! Of course once you’ll experimented and gotten the syrup amount right, you’ll move onto the next stage.

Cocoa powder:
The next stage is of course the cocoa powder topping. You know you’re taking coffee seriously when you hit this point. You’ll get the cocoa powder sprinkler and then you’ll eventually get stencils (unless you’re a clever smarty pants and can do those fancy patterns without the aid of a stencil).

What’s next?
I’ve recently discovered that nespresso have a website that has….recipes!!! Omg, is this the next stage, though I don’t think I’m quite ready for the next step as I never have anyone round to taste the amazing coffee I’ve made (imo of course) and go wow when they see the cocoa powder on top.

since this blog which was originally posted in 2013, I’ve ditched the nespresso and gone for a proper filter coffee maker. Why? Well the nespresso capsules are too expensive and I love all the different flavoured coffees you can buy so felt the nespresso was restricting. I buy my filter coffee from fresco, a uk shop up in West Yorkshire who also sell tea and hot chocolate. Here’s their site if you want a look: https://www.frescogourmetcoffee.co.uk

I still use all the syrups and stencils, I’ve also brought a little milk frother. I be tried using soya milk, actually I love using the alpro coconut milk. Can heat it in the microwave as well, put it in for 30secs. At 15secs remove, give it a stir and put it back in for the remaining 15.

blog, Stargazing

Star Light, Star Bright

Dub Mouse

Star light, star bright,
I wish I may, I wish I might.

As a teenager I could point and tell you all the constellations in the night sky. That changed when I moved out and hve constantly lives in flats with nowhere to go and stargaze, that and the ex not being one bit interested and would start to moan when tried to point out stars or if i just stopped to give a quick look upwards so I gave up my old friend Orion, but would still smile if I glanced up and saw him there twinkling in the night sky.

My ideal place to look at stars would be a walk along a seafront, to sit down there, stare upwards and listen as the waves kiss the shore. Seems nice and Peaceful – also sounds romantic and to me yes it is. I like all that stuff – probably because I’ve never done that.

A camping trip would be another good place to sit and stare. Perhaps some day I will, even if it’s by myself. I say someday as I’ve quickly discovered that one day in my world usually means it’ll never happen and I hope it will happen.

Stargazing can be relaxing (I find it so). It’s a time you can either think about things (and possibly come to a conclusion or be more confused) as you gaze or you can just lose yourself and forget most troubles and worries I guess. Can’t remember what stargazing is like as I haven’t done so for a long time.

Next time you’re out at night, take the time to just glance upwards. You maybe lucky and see a shooting star.

blog, Shift Work

The Woes Of A Shift Worker

Dub Mouse

First Published in 2013

It’s not easy being a shift worker, in fact the only people who understand shift work are well…shift workers.

You see, you the reader may not work shifts. I imagine you have a lovely body clock that means you’re in bed by about 2200-2230 and you hve every weekend/bank holiday off? Eat at what is considered to be “meal times” and not at bizarre times?

As a shift worker, we don’t have body clocks. We go to sleep when our body dictates – even if that means 3pm, even if that means we are up at stupid o’clock in the morning (Like now for instance).

One of the bugbears of a shift worker is hearing others who work boring 9-5 mon-fri complain about how tired they are (or for some, someone saying just because you work shifts you shouldnt be more tired). It’s certainly the case for me. Ill set up the situation:

Where I work we have various patterns but the main two are. 1) which us shift workers call “routine staff” who work 0845-1715 mon-fri and 2) shift workers who work 2x 0800-2000 and 2x 2000-0800 with four days off.

One extremely busy day, a routine member of staff starting complaining about how tired they were at about 1645 whilst yawning. Meanwhile us, the shift worker now into the second day shift will suddenly down tools and set upon this poor routine staff who has every weekend off, every Xmas off & bank holiday. “Tired? You don’t know even know the f***ing meaning of the word tired! Work our shift, come back to me then tell me how f***ing tired you are.” and off walks the shift worker. Of course at this point the routine staff member has now learnt a valuable lesson – never complain how tired you are to a shift worker.

Another thing that annoys me and i know it does a few other shift workers (and I don’t know why having worked 6 in a row), is Christmas. All those people who have every Christmas off & go on about it, moan about having to see the family – especially those you wouldnt see any other time of the year (though tbh I don’t blame you, I would too), enjoy their time off as then moan like a baby who’s had its toy taken away about having to go back to work after.

The shift worker won’t be able to have time off Christmas or new year (unlucky if shifts fall on all). A shift worker may not get to have a Christmas dinner. Those in the emergency services will be busy saving lives, dealing with cases (often fuelled by alcohol excess and seeing family you don’t get on with), and yep when you go back to work – the shift worker is still working.

So next time you’re off at Christmas, valentines or bank holiday etc enjoying time off and being with friends/loved ones, stop and give a little thought & thanks to those who are working – especially those in the emergency services. After all someone has to keep Britain going and everyone safe.