"home is where the heart lies...but if the heart lies where is home?"
Following on from my birthday last week I have to cause to celebrate another event.
Halloween & October 31st marks a very rare anniversary for me...for the first time since leaving a previous home in Bristol in May 2008, I will have spent an entire calendar year living in the same place!
A big thank you goes to my flatmate Josie (pictured) for allowing me the opportunity to live in Chichester, and enjoy a better quality of life due to cheaper rent, no travel expenses, the friendly company of her boyfriend (Glen) & her two gorgeous cats (MowMow & JiJi), and the nearby use of her lovely Mum's (Camilla) pub, The Chequers!
Since moving on from Bristol, I've spent seven months in Cheltenham; two months travelling around New Zealand; eight months in Crowthorne; seven months back 'home' at my parents house, followed by another seven months in a seperate house share in Bognor Regis!
All of my change of locations have been discussed at length in my previous series of blogs entitled,
'A Spiritual Journey To Find A Home', which I started writing last November and signed off as 'Nomadic Steve' in March of this year ~ please find the link attached to these blogs if you're interested:
http://aspiritualjourneytofindahome.blogspot.com/
Whether or not I see out a second full calendar year at Josie's remains to be seen, as I can always see myself moving on once again. But I have been extremely happy sharing a flat with her, and I love working in this great cathedral city in the south of England.
November 9th also marks another significant anniversary ~ my second year completed at my current employer. Work has been the one thing providing me stability in recent months, so a big thank you goes to Mercer.
An even bigger THANK YOU goes to my work mates for keeping me grounded, for providing me with a social life once again, for constantly making me laugh, and for not allowing me to take myself too seriously!
Ramblin' Steve
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Keeping Myself Busy
"I'm not much of a man, but I know how I am,
I know this won't fade away, I will pretend and be strong
but I wonder where I belong..."
As it currently stands at the time of writing this blog, I remain in the dark conerning the full extent of the situation concerning someone special in my life, and the ongoing battle with her health, but I do know that she's fighting on and making the appropriate plans for her immediate future should the worse happen sooner rather than later. The welfare of her children is obviously of paramount importance, with their grandparents set to provide legal guardianship which is to be written into her will once this has been contested in court in the coming months. I am also being respectful of her wishes by giving her the space she requires as she comes to terms with her situation.
It breaks my heart not knowing exactly what's going on, but all I can do is remain as supportive as I can from afar whilst trying to carry on with everyday life. She insists on me not putting my life on hold and moving on with things, even including encouraging me to meet someone else, but as anyone who knows me well will no doubt testify, letting go is never easy for me to do.
"It's always a struggle to let somebody go,
it's a natural desire to own your lover, I know..."
So although I'm sick with worry I'm striving to remain as upbeat as possible, and I've started reading 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, as recommended by my lovely kiwi mate, Angela Paul, to help keep my spirits up and promote positive thoughts.
Because of the uncertain future, all I can do is throw myself into work and into organising my sponsored charity event and keep myself as busy as possible.
A brief update on the progress of the charity walk along The South Downs Way in aid of Cancer Research UK next year is as follows:
Plans are progressing nicely for the event which is due to start from Winchester on April 23rd and end in Eastbourne on April 27th, and everything is coming steadily together.
The B&B's chosen for the overnight accomodation have now been contacted, as has the National Trail Officer for The South Downs Way commitee.
There have been a couple of snags concerning the chosen accomodation, resulting in the third stage needing to be 'tweaked' a little bit. The venue recommended in Fulking is currently being sold and is unlikely to remain a guest house, so the best option is to increase the third day by three miles to enable us to stay in nearby Pyecombe. Also the intended accomodation in Buriton will be closed next April, as it's located on a farm who will be in the middle of the lambing season when we're due to pass through the village. Therefore, alternative accomodation is being sought out.
Cancer Research UK remain very supportive and keep in regular touch, prompting and encouraging me all the time.
At work, e-mails to my colleagues appear on a monthly basis and the local 'Bulletin Board' representative has been informed of the event, and she has promised to help maximise the publicity.
I hate to say it, but with Christmas now just around the corner I shall keep my updates to the bare minimum until the New Year, when my campaign will then gather momentum once again.
No doubt everybody's thoughts (and money) will be understandably focused elsewhere, so I shall wait until January to really drive the sponsorship requests and to really test your patience with my demands! Lol.
In all seriousness however, nowadays it seems everybody knows somebody effected in some way or other by cancer, so I won't apologise for promoting my charity walk next April as I'm sure you can appreciate that my efforts are worthy of a very good cause.
Thanks in advance for all your continual support.
Ramblin' Steve
I know this won't fade away, I will pretend and be strong
but I wonder where I belong..."
As it currently stands at the time of writing this blog, I remain in the dark conerning the full extent of the situation concerning someone special in my life, and the ongoing battle with her health, but I do know that she's fighting on and making the appropriate plans for her immediate future should the worse happen sooner rather than later. The welfare of her children is obviously of paramount importance, with their grandparents set to provide legal guardianship which is to be written into her will once this has been contested in court in the coming months. I am also being respectful of her wishes by giving her the space she requires as she comes to terms with her situation.
It breaks my heart not knowing exactly what's going on, but all I can do is remain as supportive as I can from afar whilst trying to carry on with everyday life. She insists on me not putting my life on hold and moving on with things, even including encouraging me to meet someone else, but as anyone who knows me well will no doubt testify, letting go is never easy for me to do.
"It's always a struggle to let somebody go,
it's a natural desire to own your lover, I know..."
So although I'm sick with worry I'm striving to remain as upbeat as possible, and I've started reading 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, as recommended by my lovely kiwi mate, Angela Paul, to help keep my spirits up and promote positive thoughts.
Because of the uncertain future, all I can do is throw myself into work and into organising my sponsored charity event and keep myself as busy as possible.
A brief update on the progress of the charity walk along The South Downs Way in aid of Cancer Research UK next year is as follows:
Plans are progressing nicely for the event which is due to start from Winchester on April 23rd and end in Eastbourne on April 27th, and everything is coming steadily together.
The B&B's chosen for the overnight accomodation have now been contacted, as has the National Trail Officer for The South Downs Way commitee.
There have been a couple of snags concerning the chosen accomodation, resulting in the third stage needing to be 'tweaked' a little bit. The venue recommended in Fulking is currently being sold and is unlikely to remain a guest house, so the best option is to increase the third day by three miles to enable us to stay in nearby Pyecombe. Also the intended accomodation in Buriton will be closed next April, as it's located on a farm who will be in the middle of the lambing season when we're due to pass through the village. Therefore, alternative accomodation is being sought out.
Cancer Research UK remain very supportive and keep in regular touch, prompting and encouraging me all the time.
At work, e-mails to my colleagues appear on a monthly basis and the local 'Bulletin Board' representative has been informed of the event, and she has promised to help maximise the publicity.
I hate to say it, but with Christmas now just around the corner I shall keep my updates to the bare minimum until the New Year, when my campaign will then gather momentum once again.
No doubt everybody's thoughts (and money) will be understandably focused elsewhere, so I shall wait until January to really drive the sponsorship requests and to really test your patience with my demands! Lol.
In all seriousness however, nowadays it seems everybody knows somebody effected in some way or other by cancer, so I won't apologise for promoting my charity walk next April as I'm sure you can appreciate that my efforts are worthy of a very good cause.
Thanks in advance for all your continual support.
Ramblin' Steve
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Nurse Joke
"A very tired nurse walks into a bank, totally exhausted after an 18-hour shift.
Preparing to write a cheque, she pulls a 'rectal' thermometer out of her purse and tries to write with it. When she realizes her mistake, she looks at the flabbergasted teller...and without missing a beat, she says:
"Well, that's great...that's just great .... Some asshole's got my pen!!"
This was provided by Gerardine Quigley, one of my many friends from Ireland that I miss so much, and is very respectably dedicated to all the wonderful nurses and staff who do such a fantastic job.
I attended hospital myself not that long ago, and the staff were unbelievably helpful and patient.
Likewise, I know of someone special who is regularly receiving treatment, and she can't speak highly enough of their kindness.
I guess I'm at the mercy of the expertise and skill of these doctors and nurses, as they try to treat and heal (where possible), or least prolong the health of my close friend, as they strive to find some sort of miracle to sustain her precious life.
At the other end of the scale, there are those fantastic nusres and mid-wives who help to bring new life into this world.
I know of three nurses personally, and they are all lovely ladies so if you're reading this take a bow because you are very special indeed!
Ramblin' Steve
Preparing to write a cheque, she pulls a 'rectal' thermometer out of her purse and tries to write with it. When she realizes her mistake, she looks at the flabbergasted teller...and without missing a beat, she says:
"Well, that's great...that's just great .... Some asshole's got my pen!!"
This was provided by Gerardine Quigley, one of my many friends from Ireland that I miss so much, and is very respectably dedicated to all the wonderful nurses and staff who do such a fantastic job.
I attended hospital myself not that long ago, and the staff were unbelievably helpful and patient.
Likewise, I know of someone special who is regularly receiving treatment, and she can't speak highly enough of their kindness.
I guess I'm at the mercy of the expertise and skill of these doctors and nurses, as they try to treat and heal (where possible), or least prolong the health of my close friend, as they strive to find some sort of miracle to sustain her precious life.
At the other end of the scale, there are those fantastic nusres and mid-wives who help to bring new life into this world.
I know of three nurses personally, and they are all lovely ladies so if you're reading this take a bow because you are very special indeed!
Ramblin' Steve
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sweet Ocean Cloud
"I've seen too much of life, so the sea is my wife
and a sweet Ocean Cloud is a mistress I'm allowed..."
I recently discovered the above words and they are sentiments that I can identify with, especially with regards to my current existence. I then thought about a line from my favourite film that featured the quote that the ocean has no memory...and I like the idea of that.
The picture accompanying this blog was actually taken by myself, whilst out on the magical Milford Sound in New Zealand as we made our way out to The Tasman Sea.
The views were like the rest of the breathtaking scenery in New Zealand...you have to witness them for yourself to fully appreciate them as pictures can't ever truly do the experience justice.
I was always extremely happy when travelling around this wonderful island, especially when I remained within touching distance of the sea whilst on the coast, or nearby to the great lakes when I was further inland. It got me thinking about my future plans, hopes and dreams.
As much as I wish them to feature a special lady for many years to come I also know that this may well prove to be tragically unrealistic. But I would be the happiest man alive if she could grant me my wish, even if it was only for a few years...I firmly believe in quality not quantity, and I'd rather spend a few treasured, if limited moments with her than not share any at all...time will definitely tell?
So further on down the road, this ramblin' man must look to the longer term future.
It seems that I've always been unlucky in love, but rather than feel sorry for myself I actually feel quite blessed to have shared some magic moments with some very special ladies in my life.
As the words below indicate, the years may have been unkind, but they've been kind enough...and I'm actually quite a tough cookie despite appearing to be a big softie!
"I have seen too much of life, and there's no going back as the loneliness calls me.
There's an edge which must be sharpened, although I know that I'm losing it.
But there's a fighter in my mind and my body's tough; the years may have been unkind, but they've been kind enough..."
In just over four years time I shall be completely free of any debts, and what little I own or earn will at least be all mine. A few more years hard graft with the intention of saving as much as possible should help to realise another dream of mine. A third trip to the fantastic New Zealand, and then I'll look to take an early retirement and live off my small company pensions accumilated from various employers over the years, as after all it'll only be a further seven years away if I look to stop working at fifty-five, and I shouldn't have many overheads or financial commitments to concern me.
I'd like to buy a small place by the sea somewhere, own it outright if possible, and then spend my remaining days living out the simplistic, quiet and peaceful life that I've always strived to achieve.
Alternatively, I may even purchase a mobile home if neccesary, as the nomadic lifestyle of my past has served me well so the idea of travelling around definitely appeals.
Well, a man can dream...
Ramblin' Steve
and a sweet Ocean Cloud is a mistress I'm allowed..."
I recently discovered the above words and they are sentiments that I can identify with, especially with regards to my current existence. I then thought about a line from my favourite film that featured the quote that the ocean has no memory...and I like the idea of that.
The picture accompanying this blog was actually taken by myself, whilst out on the magical Milford Sound in New Zealand as we made our way out to The Tasman Sea.
The views were like the rest of the breathtaking scenery in New Zealand...you have to witness them for yourself to fully appreciate them as pictures can't ever truly do the experience justice.
I was always extremely happy when travelling around this wonderful island, especially when I remained within touching distance of the sea whilst on the coast, or nearby to the great lakes when I was further inland. It got me thinking about my future plans, hopes and dreams.
As much as I wish them to feature a special lady for many years to come I also know that this may well prove to be tragically unrealistic. But I would be the happiest man alive if she could grant me my wish, even if it was only for a few years...I firmly believe in quality not quantity, and I'd rather spend a few treasured, if limited moments with her than not share any at all...time will definitely tell?
So further on down the road, this ramblin' man must look to the longer term future.
It seems that I've always been unlucky in love, but rather than feel sorry for myself I actually feel quite blessed to have shared some magic moments with some very special ladies in my life.
As the words below indicate, the years may have been unkind, but they've been kind enough...and I'm actually quite a tough cookie despite appearing to be a big softie!
"I have seen too much of life, and there's no going back as the loneliness calls me.
There's an edge which must be sharpened, although I know that I'm losing it.
But there's a fighter in my mind and my body's tough; the years may have been unkind, but they've been kind enough..."
In just over four years time I shall be completely free of any debts, and what little I own or earn will at least be all mine. A few more years hard graft with the intention of saving as much as possible should help to realise another dream of mine. A third trip to the fantastic New Zealand, and then I'll look to take an early retirement and live off my small company pensions accumilated from various employers over the years, as after all it'll only be a further seven years away if I look to stop working at fifty-five, and I shouldn't have many overheads or financial commitments to concern me.
I'd like to buy a small place by the sea somewhere, own it outright if possible, and then spend my remaining days living out the simplistic, quiet and peaceful life that I've always strived to achieve.
Alternatively, I may even purchase a mobile home if neccesary, as the nomadic lifestyle of my past has served me well so the idea of travelling around definitely appeals.
Well, a man can dream...
Ramblin' Steve
Friday, October 7, 2011
...And Then There Were Three
'...And Then There Were Three' isn't a reference to a dodgy seventies Genesis album post Peter Gabriel, but a statement in relation to my future charity walk event next April along The South Downs Way.
Two of my work colleagues, Mr Alan 'Curph' Curphey and Mr Ross Chapman have very kindly volunteered to join me on my trek, and our mutual employer has also agreed to match their respective donations upto a value of £300, as well as those that I raise myself.
I'm sure their support will be of a great benefit to me, and I'm sure the three of us will have some fun along the way too.
With regards to an update of my fundraising efforts, as well as contacting Cancer Research UK about Curph & Ross, I have begun securing and sourcing additional promotional materials. Fundraising T-shirts will be produced, as well as other possible items which may be available nearer the time.
I have begun to contact potential B&B's and guest houses in anticipation for our intended overnight stays, although as it's still quite a way off nothing will be confirmed just yet.
For those of you not fully aware of the event, we shall be walking the entire length of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne (total distance of 100 miles) which we intend to cover in only five days between 23rd & 27th April 2012.
The provisional plan is that we will be staying overnight in Buriton, Amberley, Fulking, and Rodmell, as well as enjoying the hospitality of local villages for our essential pub lunches along the way...now that I've got some company this is a definite pre-requiste of the lads agreeing to join me! Lol.
Our trek will then conclude by the seaside at Eastbourne and we hope to enjoy a much deserved celebration over the weekend!
Please find attached the link to my 'Just Giving' page should anyone wish to make a donation, but like I've repeatedly said as it's quite a time away I wouldn't expect much activity as yet.
Hopefully, Curph & Ross will have their own pages set up imminently too.
http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010
On the 'Ramblin' Man!' blog there are previous entries which can viewed by following the links on the right-hand side (under Archive), and please feel free to either add any comments, or contact me via my e-mail address:
stevemuskett@yahho.com
Until next time, take it steady and be safe.
Ramblin' Steve
Two of my work colleagues, Mr Alan 'Curph' Curphey and Mr Ross Chapman have very kindly volunteered to join me on my trek, and our mutual employer has also agreed to match their respective donations upto a value of £300, as well as those that I raise myself.
I'm sure their support will be of a great benefit to me, and I'm sure the three of us will have some fun along the way too.
With regards to an update of my fundraising efforts, as well as contacting Cancer Research UK about Curph & Ross, I have begun securing and sourcing additional promotional materials. Fundraising T-shirts will be produced, as well as other possible items which may be available nearer the time.
I have begun to contact potential B&B's and guest houses in anticipation for our intended overnight stays, although as it's still quite a way off nothing will be confirmed just yet.
For those of you not fully aware of the event, we shall be walking the entire length of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne (total distance of 100 miles) which we intend to cover in only five days between 23rd & 27th April 2012.
The provisional plan is that we will be staying overnight in Buriton, Amberley, Fulking, and Rodmell, as well as enjoying the hospitality of local villages for our essential pub lunches along the way...now that I've got some company this is a definite pre-requiste of the lads agreeing to join me! Lol.
Our trek will then conclude by the seaside at Eastbourne and we hope to enjoy a much deserved celebration over the weekend!
Please find attached the link to my 'Just Giving' page should anyone wish to make a donation, but like I've repeatedly said as it's quite a time away I wouldn't expect much activity as yet.
Hopefully, Curph & Ross will have their own pages set up imminently too.
http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010
On the 'Ramblin' Man!' blog there are previous entries which can viewed by following the links on the right-hand side (under Archive), and please feel free to either add any comments, or contact me via my e-mail address:
stevemuskett@yahho.com
Until next time, take it steady and be safe.
Ramblin' Steve
Monday, October 3, 2011
Less Is More
"we stare at our screen all our lives, what a waste of eyes
'til the electrical storm blows our fuses... "
I guess the above lyrics are rather contradictory or ironic, when you consider that you must be looking at screen to read them in the first place!
But the essence of my message with this blog is clear:
less is more, and quality not quantity really counts.
I have recently become all to aware that sometimes we can say too much. Then the impact of what may actually be relevant can be lost. Specifically, I know that I can send too many meaningless text messages, facebook messages or similar, when I should concentrate on only saying what is truly required.
I was brought up in the belief that you only speak when you've got something important to say, and not to talk just for the sake of talking. I'm also fully aware that I've been around too many people in my time who like the sound of their own voice too much. This can also be transferred in these modern times with IMs, Facebook posts, tweets and the like.
So moving forward I am going to attempt to restrict my messaging to only those which need to be said, and try to remain diplomatically silent where appropriate.
All those people close to me know that I am forever here for them, and would always do whatever I can to help, but it's high time I took some of their advice and wait for them to come to me, rather than instigate the conversations.
Bearing this in mind, I also know that I can care too much sometimes, and that my heartfelt sentiments can become overwhelming at times. I am a deep thinker too, but I must learn to keep my thoughts to myself.
Due to a tough few years I can quite understandably feel a bit insecure or sensitive at times.
I may display an outwardly bright and bubbly demeanour, but sometimes inside I can feel very confused and conflicted. I'm learning to come to terms with these senses, and despite feeling rather lonely and dejected on occassions I know I must continue to put on a brave face and look to the future.
So apologies to all those who I may have inadvertedly contacted too much of late ~ it's just my caring nature working overtime, which I shall endeavour to curb from now on.
I shall restrict my blogs, text's and facebook messages to say what's important and nothing else!
My next blog will feature an update on the fundraising activity for Cancer Research UK, so until then be safe, have fun and take care.
Ramblin' Steve
'til the electrical storm blows our fuses... "
I guess the above lyrics are rather contradictory or ironic, when you consider that you must be looking at screen to read them in the first place!
But the essence of my message with this blog is clear:
less is more, and quality not quantity really counts.
I have recently become all to aware that sometimes we can say too much. Then the impact of what may actually be relevant can be lost. Specifically, I know that I can send too many meaningless text messages, facebook messages or similar, when I should concentrate on only saying what is truly required.
I was brought up in the belief that you only speak when you've got something important to say, and not to talk just for the sake of talking. I'm also fully aware that I've been around too many people in my time who like the sound of their own voice too much. This can also be transferred in these modern times with IMs, Facebook posts, tweets and the like.
So moving forward I am going to attempt to restrict my messaging to only those which need to be said, and try to remain diplomatically silent where appropriate.
All those people close to me know that I am forever here for them, and would always do whatever I can to help, but it's high time I took some of their advice and wait for them to come to me, rather than instigate the conversations.
Bearing this in mind, I also know that I can care too much sometimes, and that my heartfelt sentiments can become overwhelming at times. I am a deep thinker too, but I must learn to keep my thoughts to myself.
Due to a tough few years I can quite understandably feel a bit insecure or sensitive at times.
I may display an outwardly bright and bubbly demeanour, but sometimes inside I can feel very confused and conflicted. I'm learning to come to terms with these senses, and despite feeling rather lonely and dejected on occassions I know I must continue to put on a brave face and look to the future.
So apologies to all those who I may have inadvertedly contacted too much of late ~ it's just my caring nature working overtime, which I shall endeavour to curb from now on.
I shall restrict my blogs, text's and facebook messages to say what's important and nothing else!
My next blog will feature an update on the fundraising activity for Cancer Research UK, so until then be safe, have fun and take care.
Ramblin' Steve
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