http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/Life : Rants : Ravesen-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/09/7003796be7df88800c1aafc0ca47c4_160x200.jpg <p>NO! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/did_it_hurt_when_i_fell_down_from_heaven~1755363/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/did_it_hurt_when_i_fell_down_from_heaven~1755363/Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:39:19 +0100 <p>In our politically correct world (near ‘nanny state’) we are being stampeded with nothing more than hypocritical mis-guidance by who? The Government, the experts – who the hell are they all…</p> <p>It would be foolish to suggest that most people are aware of how easy it is for the common criminal to steal another individual’s identity. Again, it would be foolish to assume that everyone meticulously shreds their personal information such as utility bills, bank statements, receipts and any other documentation that may include personal details.</p> <p>What would the other be? Ever received an invitation from a credit card company or loan company with a pre-completed application containing personal information? Well, that should be shredded – this combined with other bits of what we think are rubbish provide an open door into our personal lives and bank accounts.</p> <p>So where is the conflict with the environment? Did you know that most local councils will not take shredded paper as part of their recycled waste collection!</p> <p>What a complete farse!</p> <p>Not so much of an issue for household that can hide their ‘shredding’ within the weekly waste. For business, in particular the smaller businesses – there is a huge problem. How many small businesses do you deal with in your personal life – solicitors, financial advisors, beauticians, hairdressers and smaller retailers etc – they all hold your personal information on databases!</p> <p>I say that this is a bigger problem for smaller businesses; however there was a recent case where a top UK retail bank has disposed of customers’ personal information within bin liners left out in the street for standard refuse collection – shocking!</p> <p>If the environment and recycling are so important to the Government and the economy, then campaign to make it available and equal to all.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2007/02/14/identity_theft_versus_the_environment~1742234/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2007/02/14/identity_theft_versus_the_environment~1742234/Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:46:16 +0100 <p>I did come back to my blog last July – just one short visit! Work kicked in and then kicked again and again. B*stards beat me to a pulp. </p> <p>First off, I was working far too long hours – I was ordered to stop the 13/14 hrs per day (only because I had complained!). Why was I to stop? They cared about me? No, they knew they were taking the piss and were treading troubled waters.</p> <p>I reduced my hours, only down to about 9/10 hrs per day – however they increased my workload. I received a direct order from the CEO that I was not allowed to work beyond 7pm of an evening. Several times I found myself still responding to emails long after 7pm and to my ‘disgust’ I was reprimanded for trying to keep command of my brief. What a load of bull!</p> <p>Ever been in a situation where there is never an end – I hate using the phrase, <em>“I can’t win which ever way I turn”</em> because work life should not be a game. It’s our bread and butter – we arrive, we a do our job and then we should leave without feeling the over-spill. The fruits of our efforts transfer to our bank accounts at the end of the month. Wow, big deal – loads of dosh – feel like Shiite!</p> <p>Is it all worth it at the end of the day? Everyone will answer differently – but for me no. The crap I have put up with for over 3-years is not worth a ‘significant’ package when basically there is no lifestyle that accompanies supposed wealth.</p> <p>Mid-January I decided, enough was more than enough – and there ended any relationship that should have been based on ‘mutual trust and confidence’. No more game playing, no more b*shit.</p> <p>I am free and believe me I have lots of ranting to do from now on. On a positive side, I have lots more focus on diverting my skills that will benefit others as opposed to lining some fat-cat's pocket!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2007/02/14/i_told_them_to_stick_it_on_my_terms_of_c~1741833/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2007/02/14/i_told_them_to_stick_it_on_my_terms_of_c~1741833/Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:41:32 +0100 <p>A year has passed since my last blog. It has been far less than a year since wine passed my lips – thank goodness for that.</p> <p>I got an email today from a blog pal – thank you so much for reminding me that there is still some space in my life to have a good rant.</p> <p>After all this time I am glad to say that I am a fighting fit, full of energy person again. Last year was rough after a long time suffering as a result of an accident. I am now the airport security worst nightmare. Everywhere I go I set off alarms, every time I get frisked! The downside it why, oh why, is it not politically correct for a woman to get risked by a man? I am kind of sick of women giving me the all over fiddle…</p> <p>Lily is back!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2006/07/19/i_ve_been_screwed~972259/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2006/07/19/i_ve_been_screwed~972259/Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:12:12 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1171233" title="mollusc"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/233/1171233_dc28ec1096_s.jpg" alt="mollusc" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a>Call me little Miss Mundane...</p> <p>Lily has no brain - its all pooped out. Its been a while since my last blog (sounds like a confession)... (perhaps it should be a confession) "What's there to confess?"</p> <p>Let me see now - parties, work, party again, then some work - sun shining, so another party and then work and then one almighty party... "I confess, I think I have an alergy to wine! Gin, that's ok - Jack Daniels' oh yes, that goes down nicely - Pimms, lovely for this time of the year, but, WINE - drink loads, feel ok, then start jabbering on about crap, pass out, wake up and don't remember any of my jabber!"</p> <p>I've bought rows of vins in a bloody vineyard for goodness sake and for some reason over the last 2 years, I drink it and pay for it big time. I love it - but it turns me into a washed up mollusc! It's not fair, I seem to have developed an intolerance to this heavenly juice. Perhaps I should start buying shares in JD instead.</p> <p>This is a totally meaningless blog - I am ranting again...</p> <p>...but, I like it </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/27/i_m_a_washed_up_mollusc_no_more_vino_for/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/27/i_m_a_washed_up_mollusc_no_more_vino_for/Mon, 27 Jun 2005 23:03:33 +0200 <p><strong>..Water, beer or just pee?</strong></p> <p>My body aches, feel as though I have walked miles and miles, and then a few more miles. I have a cough from breathing in huge amounts of dust and smoke and to top it off I have several large lumps on my head, and my arms, body and legs covered in bruises of varying degrees.</p> <p>Do I feel sorry for myself? No – I feel knackered, but totally exhilarated. I had the most fantastic long weekend at Castle Donnington for the Download Festival.</p> <p>I can see several blogs emerging as a result of the weekends experiences, but the first thing to address is the bottle throwing. Why? Empty plastic bottles are acceptable I suppose, but come on – half full bottles of some kind of fluid, lobbed with extreme force, really bloody hurts! And, you big guys out there have to remember that there are us smaller framed females out there in the crowd!</p> <p>My first hit was at the end of the first night. Feeder were playing on the main stage and it was damn cold. One minute I was standing, actually getting quite bored (Feeder were not the best choice for headlining!) and then, whack, landing right in the side of my face just catching the corner of my eye. I quickly woke up and from then it was like attack Lily with a full on assault with bottles cracking the back of my neck, my head and the most painful, right on that boney bit of my wrist! (I was rubbing my head when it caught me).</p> <p>Luckily it had been a long day – the consumption of beer, Jack Daniels, wine and gin made the pain quickly disappear.</p> <p>The following day, this time on the snickers stage, more bottles began flying – this time with plenty of liquid spitting out as they flew through the air. Warm and slightly smelling droplets spraying unsuspecting victims from head to toe…</p> <p>Anyway, thank you to those that soaked me in urine and hurt my head. I suspect, unlike you (who were probably camping with shit-stained, non-functioning showers), I had the pleasure of returning to my hotel every night to get clean!</p> <p>Please don’t throw bottles at me next year!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/14/bottles_and_bruises/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/14/bottles_and_bruises/Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:13:36 +0200 <p><strong>I feel good!</strong></p> <p>No, I haven’t had heaps or lashings of sex – I just stood-up and stood tall and had a very successful day. I damn well made sure I made those that needed to know plainly aware of how good I am… shocking behaviour really, but went down very well.</p> <p>Now, off comes the suit, a quick change into something a lot more comfortable and back in the car to Castle Donnington. Download Festival here I come – I am going to have a stonking weekend and I hope all you fellow bloggers have a good one too!</p> <p>Its so nice to end the week on a high note, don't you think?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/09/oh_happy_day_1/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/09/oh_happy_day_1/Thu, 09 Jun 2005 19:55:48 +0200 <p>You’ve been on hols, and now you are probably horribly healthier looking than when you were when you left…</p> <p>Anyway, my dear “Hoto”, the 9th June is your birthday and although I am away rocking with ‘H’ I wanted you to come back home to a message from moi…</p> <p>So, as this is a blogging community, please feel free to sit at your terminal and sing-along-to-yourself, and ‘D’ of course, also cannot exclude ‘G’ from this symbolic occasion:<br> <strong><br> “Happy birthday to you…<br> Happy birthday to you…<br> Happy birthday dear C:Bear<br> Happy birthday to you…”</strong></p> <p>We’ll catch up next week my friend! xx</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/08/mello_hoto_to_my_dear_friend_c_bear/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/08/mello_hoto_to_my_dear_friend_c_bear/Wed, 08 Jun 2005 22:01:17 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1171282" title="gun girl"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/282/1171282_1fe2bb73c4_s.jpg" alt="gun girl" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a>I am so tired – had a really late one last night and up at the crack of dawn this morning. I wish I could say that it was due to the constant dedication to my career, but no it was pure and simple, slightly bonkers for a female, stress relief.</p> <p>I had taken a walk into town during lunch yesterday with no plans other than a break from the legionnaire air-conditioning system in the office. Did a quick circuit of HMV and decided that this weeks DVD releases were not worth the spend. I then ended up in Game with no specific ideas other than looking at the latest Xbox releases.</p> <p>This is the point when I saw the potential for a nice new toy. This light-gun was not just some silly little pistol – this is the mother of all gaming guns fitting more the arcade category rather than residential gaming kit. <strong>“Oooh, it’s so big”</strong> I said to the manager – he gave me an odd kind of look back, but then did force a smile.</p> <p>Of course, the second most important thing about new toys is all those nicely listed key features down the side of the box. (The first is of course, size and stature – and this was / is a whopper!):</p> <p>Motion activated scope<br> Removable stock, barrel and scope<br> Pump action re-loader<br> Realistic linear kick-back<br> Normal, burst, auto-reload, auto-reload auto-fire<br> Xbox Live / memory card slot<br> oh, and of course, the rubberized ‘BUTT’ on the stock…! </p> <p>Got home, gun & game under my arm. Boxes were ripped open and away I go. Now, although I do like to pride myself in being an intelligent person I do have the inbuilt stupidity that tells me not to read instructions unless I can’t get it working. One hour later, I read the instructions! Finally, after much fine tuning got the gun calibrated and proceeded to hit the training ranges. There I stayed until about 1.30am this morning – trying to perfect the art of jumping up from behind the sofa and shooting the shit out of my telly. I have not had some much fun on my own in ages.</p> <p>What did I learn from this experience? To close the curtains during more social hours as the neighbours now think they live next door to a total lunatic.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/08/some_gentle_stress_relief_me_and_my_ligh/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/08/some_gentle_stress_relief_me_and_my_ligh/Wed, 08 Jun 2005 20:13:07 +0200 <p>What ever your background, experience and career, have you ever met those individuals that progress by ‘riding off the back of…’?</p> <p>I have never been a person that has been comfortable with boasting and telling those that need to know what I have achieved, and what and why I am just so damn good. My methodology has always been that results demonstrate individual capability. Surely that makes sense?</p> <p>However, with maturity and lots of experience I am now questioning whether my somewhat honest and naive behavior has really paid off over the years. In conclusion, I don’t think I have quite mastered the art in putting myself forward as the creator and generator, the thought leader and the deliverer. I have always been too eager to sing the praises of my people, my teams (those that report into me and those that support me and my teams). That’s surely a nice way to manage – isn’t it all about succession planning and developing people?</p> <p>I have surmised that lack of own confidence is a major contributor. I have always been branded with the phrase of ‘hard to manage’. Not because I am a difficult person – and it took me years to not be sensitive that that comment. This is more because of the issues revolving around managing creative types. I am a quick thinker, I have technical knowledge that is diverse across our industry sectors – I don’t mind challenging those around me and I understand the fundamentals of a sound business proposition. I have been told that these qualities are daunting for some and welcomed by others. However, the welcoming committee is never as large as the opposition.</p> <p>So, while I always feel I have to justify my existence, my competence and salary – there are those that just fly by the seat of their pants, and excuse my pun, but at the same time cream their knicks! (By this mean reap the benefits both financially and with extreme kudos).</p> <p>There is now a transition phase taking place. Very exciting in an odd sort of way! For some, they are growing and achieving financial and credibility awards that are well deserved. For others, I am now seeing the foundations of their pedestal crumble. A few have fallen off, and some are now standing like the leaning tower of Pizza!</p> <p>Why does this seem exciting to me? Am I sick or even odder than I care to think? No. I really feel that for the first time in many years I am growing in my own self-confidence and ready, able and competent to start standing on that pedestal. I have a solid foundation, sound credentials and industry recognition evidenced by publicised documentation, features and articles. All I have to do is just take one step forward without any pretence and present myself for what I am…</p> <p>Gosh, this is going to be so easy! I know it is… <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><strong>The morale of my blog:</strong> Be sure to have 100% confidence in your knowledge and experience before promoting micro / macro expertise because one day you are likely to be demolished. (P.S. Don’t tread on people to get to where you want to go)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/07/the_foundation_of_a_solid_pedestal/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/07/the_foundation_of_a_solid_pedestal/Tue, 07 Jun 2005 21:38:36 +0200 <p>Now, that is a question?</p> <p>I know what I think, <strong>but what do you boggers feel about people registering to slap their commercial crap all over place?</strong></p> <p>The definition of ‘Blog’ is as follows:</p> <p><strong>Main Entry:</strong> blog<br> <strong>Part of Speech:</strong> noun<br> <strong>Definition:</strong> an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log<br> <strong>Example:</strong> Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author. Etymology: shortened form of Weblog<br> <strong>Usage: </strong> blog, blogged, blogging v, blogger n</p> <p>I don’t see anything there that suggests that to blog means to promote, advertise or try and sell anything…</p> <p>Can you tell, the shark has got on my nerves!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/06/should_our_blog_be_used_for_commercial_a/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/06/should_our_blog_be_used_for_commercial_a/Mon, 06 Jun 2005 19:29:11 +0200 <p>Just logged on after a gin-soaked weekend - thought I'd unwind before getting ready for one of those days at the office tomorrow. Why would someone want to use blog to promote loans, and why also on a Sunday evening would someone want to post at least 17 blogs all related to loans in the space of very little time. What a load of shiite!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/05/there_is_a_shark_in_our_blog/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/05/there_is_a_shark_in_our_blog/Sun, 05 Jun 2005 22:48:04 +0200 <p>...and I will be letting my hair down at the Download Festival! Nice to have something wild to look forward to <img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Visit: <a href="http://downloadfestival.co.uk">http://downloadfestival.co.uk</a></p> <p>Oh, and if you think the lineup looks good and you fancy it -too late, its sold out! Harsh, am I not... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/02/7_days_3_hours_and_37_minutes_to_go/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/06/02/7_days_3_hours_and_37_minutes_to_go/Thu, 02 Jun 2005 21:25:52 +0200 <p>For the last 5-working days (not including the clicking jaw) I have at least had some peace to deliver what I do best. I love work, and I enjoy the role and feel totally committed to making a success of the total collaborative outputs! Yes, I would say that this would mean I get off on pure team work and I value the contribution I make towards that end goal along with others that also play an equally important part.</p> <p>Not one person in any organisation can honestly say that they, and they alone have made something most incredible happen. Success happens as a result of people’s input and sharing and it does not matter at what level – a collaborative approach means that minds meet, ideas are shared, debates follow and a conclusive structured plan is implemented. The most important thing is that following this evolutionary process means that those that participate buy-in to the concept and therefore focus on delivery. It’s pretty much text book – so why would the return of the rooster pose a problem?</p> <p>Because, when your rooster is nothing more than an oversized (super-size me) extrovert with the people skills of a knat, probably sectionable under the mental health act due to the extreme split personalities under a single umbrella of a person! It makes a huge difference when you are trying your hardest to take an SME to large scale.</p> <p>Apparently it’s very common of SME Roosters to possess the inability to let go once their organisation begins to grow beyond their individual ability to have daily control. I suppose this person would be described as a control freak – to put it midly.</p> <p>Anyway, I am strong enough to withstand the bullying because I know I am not alone. However, how long I can keep my trap closed is another matter? (it’s only been 6 months since I last let my gob-off) – (I believe in honesty and that things need to be said rather than bitched about).</p> <p>So, a new day dawns and maybe tomorrow is the day that Lily loses her rag! It is that time of the month after all – do you think that would stand up in court as mitigating circumstances?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/24/the_return_of_the_rooster/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/24/the_return_of_the_rooster/Tue, 24 May 2005 22:23:56 +0200 <p>If you could do with some light-hearted humour, then please follow this link to see the funny side of Yankee marketing (although this is a joke, but at the same time totally believable if you are an American citizen).</p> <p>Follow the link here: <a href="http://www.bitoffun.com/Vids/Crap_in_my.mpeg">http://www.bitoffun.com/Vids/Crap_in_my.mpeg</a></p> <p>So, How many times was "Oops, I crapped my pants" mentioned in 90 seconds? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/23/oops_i_crapped_my_pants_mpeg_video_link/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/23/oops_i_crapped_my_pants_mpeg_video_link/Mon, 23 May 2005 21:53:45 +0200 <p><strong>17 days and counting…</strong></p> <p>Donnington Park is the venue for the 2005 Download festival and looking forward to an exciting and packed weekend is an understatement!<br> <strong><br> My most want to see bands:</strong></p> <p>Black Sabbath<br> My Chemical Romance<br> Garbage<br> Feeder<br> Velvet Revolver<br> Papa Roach<br> System of a Down<br> Slipknot (because they scare me!)<br> Motorhead<br> Billy Idol<br> Bullet for my Valentine</p> <p><strong>Anyone else going?</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/23/download_2005/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/23/download_2005/Mon, 23 May 2005 20:15:31 +0200 <p>I am sure that everyone has a few pet hates and things that they personally find really irritating to the point that it drives them crazy.</p> <p>I have recently been subjected to about the 7th internal office re-shuffle in the last 20 months. I really don't have a problem with that - I’d like to think I am a flexible type of person. I don't even mind not being seated in an area that is occupied what I would call good work mates. Sometimes it’s good to be with new people, get to know them better and all that stuff.</p> <p>However, on this occasion, I think I may literally go totally bonkers. There are not that many things that annoy me so much that it causes physical sickness. My god, just thinking about it turns my stomach into knots. I person in question is actually a very pleasant person, which does make it all the more difficult especially when they only sit less than a couple of feet away.</p> <p>The combined food-fashion of detox diets and the in-between meal snacks does not help. In this specific case, the culprit to which promotes the extent of the defect is the one and only pine nut. Very nice indeed, I like them myself but when you combine the crunch with an individual whose mandible is obviously not quite in the right place, the noise... "click, crack, click, crack...", is totally fixating. The more I hear, the more I seem to focus on it and it becomes louder and louder - and believe me this person loves their nuts!</p> <p>Nuts are literally driving me nuts! I have to keep leaving my desk and going for a wonder because I can start to feel myself flushing up with frustration and anxiety; there is nothing I can do about it. I don't want to offend this person - but I do kind of want to ask them to look down the end of a 9ml barrel...</p> <p>If I were rich, I would buy up all remaining stocks of crunching food items just for some solace!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/23/the_clicking_jaw/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lily-white.blog.co.uk/2005/05/23/the_clicking_jaw/Mon, 23 May 2005 19:46:25 +0200