Altaira

Cute or Sad? 3

2009-09-28T20:26:37Z

WHY?

2009-08-20T14:35:24Z

In recent weeks someone has been encouraging their dog to toilet all around my bike, which I park in the road outside my house. This is offensive, and makes it very difficult for my to remove my security chain and start up without touching dog poop.

Today, they stepped it up with a pile of poop on my doorstep. This wasn't a random poop-stop, as you will see in the below picture they had to come a distance on to my property to do it. I have circled the offensiveness.

I am beyond angry. Whoever it is obviously has a problem somewhere, but I have no idea who or why. Grrrrrrrrrr!

I am thinking of getting a security camera - does anyone else have any ideas on what I can do? *Looks at Hazel, whom she knows watches CSI*

Oh, and I was so annoyed that I forgot to go to the post office and send a gift to a friend - now I have to go and do it tomorrow. Wah!

New bunny!

2008-10-29T20:24:15Z

x-posted

Last night I picked up a little girl bunny who is to be Arthur's girlfriend. She is a 10 week old lop mix, very friendly and keen on exploring. She has flopped out a lot, and thrown some binkies and head-wobbles.

She and Arthur are fascinated with each other - looking at each other sniffing with a bit of nose-touching through the bars.

I have named her Lady Elizabeth the Longeared (I had to give her a name that would go with that of my other bun - Sir Arthur Fuzzbutt McFluffersons).

Watership Down review (spoilers)

2008-10-23T13:28:38Z

I finally bit the bullet and watched this film, as it was on telly the night before last. I have to say, I didn't find it as traumatic as I had always been led to believe it was - but then, I am 26 and this is a children's film.

The blood in various places was upsetting, but I dislike blood/gore of any kind in films to be honest.

Richard Briers (met him!) and John Hurt were very good, they each have lovely voices and played their parts well. I had trouble understanding what Kehaar (the bird) was saying a lot of the time, and Jason and I are pretty convinced he told the rabbits to "Piss off!" at their first meeting. Anyone know?

"Bright Eyes" (song) was very beautiful, and I liked the strong character of Hyzenthlay.

I thought Hazel's death, while upsetting in the way that any death is, was more uplifting than anything else. Not only had he lived to see the new warren grow and prosper, but he came to understand that the Black Rabbit (death) was not something to fear but something to be embraced at the right time. Not only that, but death was not the end for him - his spirit was free of earthly pain and able to play in perfection forever.

The film was good, but not so good that I would buy it or necessarily see it again. However, I may keep an eye out for the book.

I cried a lot more at The Velveteen Rabbit - that is a book I would heartily recommend.

An epic movie.....

2008-09-26T03:29:18Z

of determination, strength and courage in the face of adversity.

altairastar @ 2008-09-02T22:20:00

2008-09-02T21:23:36Z

Someone half a world away has just described me in one of the LJ groups I belong to as "pissy" and "stupid". Then denied calling anyone names.

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Get your handbags ready folks!

Strangely enough, I don't care much .....

2008-06-07T20:49:31Z

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Poor (Failure)

Take the test!

Oops! again

2008-05-26T13:40:55Z

I managed to knock over a pint-glass half full of blackcurrant squash yesterday - and guess who got showered?! It was sort of his fault - I was trying to pick up a cecal he dropped on the carpet.

Arthur was not happy. I popped him in the bathtub and wiped him off with a damp cloth, then rubbed him dry with a nice soft towel. Fortunately he loves affection and pettings so wasn't bothered at all.

I feel kind of guilty for laughing at wet bunny though!

x-posted

He's done it

2008-04-08T00:16:04Z

I managed to fall for the oldest trick in the book today. I thought Arthur was enjoying a quiet lie down, when actually he was chewing my earphone cord in two.

x-posted

Arthur pictures!

2008-03-10T21:48:48Z

Arthur has grown a huge amount since I got him, but he is still as sweet and cuddly as ever!

Lots more pictures at http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k126/EmmaT1982/Arthur/

WTF?

2008-01-23T11:04:20Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7203988.stm

Okay, so to get both bitten by a crocodile and shot by someone who was trying to rescue you is pretty bad, but the guy was stealing crocodile eggs! What exactly did he expect to happen? It was obvious there were crocs in the area and he is disturbing one of their nesting sites!

I say he got exactly what he deserved.

Videos of Arthur

2008-01-03T17:37:59Z

I finally managed to upload the videos I made of Arthur the day after I got him (20th Dec). I plan to make more! Nowadays he is a little more comfortable, and lays his little head on his front paws for nose-rubs. Apparently I am a good bunny climbing-frame too.

My clever boy has also managed to litter-train himself - he still poops a little (dry ones) and leaves a couple of cecals in a few places but all his pee is in the litter tray. I am surprised, as he is only about 9 weeks and obviously unneutered. I know I am very lucky!

Ignore my wittering in the background!

More pictures of Arthur

2007-12-26T20:10:24Z

Snuggling into my neck.

Arthur!

2007-12-21T22:32:54Z

As promised, here are pictures of Arthur. I did capture some binkies on video but I am having trouble uploading them - it's a real shame as at one point he climbed onto my lap and it is so cute!

He’s been flopping and binkying all over the place and it’s only our second day together – I am so glad.

The pink thing is my toes in a sock.

Finally!

2007-12-20T21:41:23Z

I am delighted to announce that I finally have a bunny of my very own. I adopted him from Belgrave Bunnies, the rescue centre I have been helping out with for about a year.

He is a bit young to be away from his mother (about 8 weeks), but the owner would not be told. She insisted she wanted rid of the babies RIGHT NOW, and to be honest Debbie (of Belgrave Bunnies) and I were afraid of what she might do if she was refused. The worst part is that this woman’s doe is now pregnant AGAIN. I don’t know where to start with that. The woman claims the bunnies are dwarf lops, but we think there is actually a bit of Netherland Dwarf in there, from the ears and face shape particularly. The woman dropped the babies off at a neutral location, so we did not get to see the parents.

There are 3 babies, all are on pellets and hay with no problems at all. I had to choose between the two boys, and one of them was much more interested in me than the other so he is the one I brought home. He is completely black with brown eyes and very keen to explore. Everything that can be sniffed, climbed on, crawled around or rubbed against has been thoroughly enjoyed. We have had lots of cuddles, and he climbs into my lap. He has been a house bunny since arriving at the rescue, and that is what he will stay. I bought him a house with an attached run, which he just loves to bounce around and then flop in. He has been eating, drinking and pooping in abundance, so I am happy.

His name is Sir Arthur Fuzzbutt McFluffersons, but will be known as Arthur. Pictures to follow very soon!

x-posted

It's been ages!

2007-11-05T12:56:05Z

I have been so busy I haven't had time to post, but I am still here!

Uni is currently overwhelming, I am just about keeping my head above water but it is a struggle. Still, I have now done half of the first semester and the time, in retrospect, has flown by.

A few weeks ago I felt ready to bring another hamster into my life, so I present...... ANDROMEDA!

I got him from a rescue, he is still very young (no more than about 3 or 4 months). He looks white in photos generally, but he is actually blond with a very soft and silky coat. The family who had him before me had children, and he apparently bit one of them. However, I find him to be extremely shy and terribly nervous - he is particularly afraid of loud noises. He is very jumpy, but improving all the time. About a week ago he realised that climbing all over mummy and daddy was actually rather fun, especially as he sometimes finds treats in their clothes! He is very greedy and hasn't turned up his nose at anything. He still needs a lot of patience and care, and will never be as friendly as Juno was. I think the children probably didn't treat him well - he isn't a biter at all, he just runs and hides. I am very much in love with him!

Fabric

2007-09-20T15:32:59Z

I bought some fabric last week that I fell in love with immediately. It is 2.5m by 1.4m and cost £6. The only problems is, what should I make with it?! I'm thinking maybe cushions? It's quite a thick cotton - and to give you an idea of scale, the bunnies are about 4cm from ear tips to back feet.

Suggestions gratefully accepted!

Lost my job

2007-09-14T21:00:55Z

Yesterday I lost my place at the salon.

I actually feel really badly treated - they knew that I was unqualified (although training) as a nail technician and they gave me a trial which they said they were happy with, but they just left me to get on with it all alone and then were not happy when my work wasn't brilliant.

However, they did not tell me what was happening, oh no. They instead decided to just quit giving me bookings, so I spent several days sitting about doing nothing (except answering the phone, making drinks, making appointments, greeting customers - all the things I did not get paid for). If I had not confronted them on Wednesday then I don't think they would have told me and I would still be sitting there.

Also, I worked there for five weeks - if my work was so poor, why did they not tell me earlier (they wouldn't answer that one)? Why did the nail tech who fixed my customers' nails (apparently) not tell me where I was going wrong?

I was told I could come in and "observe", but would not be given any more customers until I had done more coursework for the nail qualification. I declined the offer, saying that I had no wish to do that as I would find it embarrassing and humiliating. Plus, I wouldn't get paid of course. Do they think I was doing it for a laugh? I need MONEY! I am starting my Masters in one week's time - how on Earth am I going to pay my train fare etc if I have no income?! Answers on a postcard please!

Juno (backdated)

2007-09-13T13:43:10Z

Juno, my wonderful little hamster, had to be put to sleep this morning.

We had been back and forth to the vet with her, eventually leading to a diagnosis of an abdominal tumour that was not going to get better. After finding her cage splattered with blood on Sunday, Jason and I decided to take her to the vet for the last time on Monday.

We had been warned that deterioration would occur, especially at her age (2 and a half), but I still felt shock and anger at her being taken from me.

The vet was very understanding and very professional.

I plan to post an entry about Juno's life and personality when I feel up to it. For now, all I can say is say goodbye, my darling.

Funny or sad? 2

2007-08-22T19:55:37Z

I mean, the cheeky snatching of the food is priceless, but the look on the poor wallaby's face makes me feel awful!

Rethink

2007-08-22T19:51:40Z

I often wish I could live somewhere hotter and more exotic than the UK. Then I see things like this:

and change my mind.

At last!

2007-08-19T20:51:12Z

Apologies for having to backdate this entry - it has been a mad week.

I am delighted to announce that I got offered the job at the salon after completing a set of nails this (Wednesday) morning. The people there seem lovely, we all got on really well and the customers (the salon relies mostly on repeat customers it seems) seem happy and comfortable chatting away to us.

I am nervous about my so very recently acquired skills, but I have been assured that I will be fine and not to worry. What is more, I get all the benefits of having a workplace with equipment provided, but am actually self-employed. This means I choose my working days/hours, choose how to deal with my customers, choose what services I offer, choose my charges etc etc etc. Naturally there are certain rules I must follow in order to keep my place at the salon, but these are very basic and common-sense.

I am happy!

Good news and bad news

2007-08-13T10:37:54Z

Good news:

I have stuck with the nails, and am finally getting there. I am happy with the blending, now all I need is lots of practice!

A couple of weeks ago I popped into a salon and left my details as they are looking for a gel nail technician on a part-time basis - perfect! Last week I got a phone call asking me to come in at 10am on monday 13th August (today) for a trial as they liked me. The place looked great - I would be self-employed, with 50% of my revenue going to the salon. For that I would get a workstation and all equipment and consumables except my gel brush.

Bad news:

I arrived today at 9:50am to find the place locked and in darkness. It is closed on Mondays. No worries I thought, they obviously interview on a Monday when there are no customers around. I am early anyway - so I'll just wait a bit.

I waited. I tried ringing. I went round the back (and was nearly run over by someone riding their bike on the pavement - grrr!). I waited until 10:30 before walking away.

WHO DOES THAT? I had got really nervous and made a real effort for this thing. I worked hard all weekend to refine my techniques and made extra special effort with my appearance... for what?!

Am I a bad person? Do I deserve this in some way? I am so desperate for a job now I can't tell you. I apply for endless positions, but no-one will give me the time of day. I have so many traumatic things going on right now, this is just the straw that broke the camel's back.

ETA (2:30pm):

I just got an apologetic phone call. Apparently it is the lady's boyfriend's fault that she overslept. Right.

I'm not going to hold it against her, life's too short. I am going back again on Wednesday for my trial, as I am just too tired, cold and depressed to go today. Wish me luck.....

28th. July, 2007 06:09 pm Childishness revisited

2007-08-12T20:00:40Z

Believe it or not, this crap is still quietly rumbling on.

I have been slandered, called names, yelled at, abused and victimised. Now I have finally stood up for myself and said NO MORE, I have been told "Just drop it".

WTF???

I don't think my anger can be expressed in words. I have some truly dreadful things going on right now, and I don't think I can cope. I feel like I am actually losing my mind, and might do something very serious.

Nails

2007-07-31T14:05:26Z

As some people know, I am currently doing an Essential Nails home learn course for gel nails. I cannot fault the course or the company, they are absolutely brilliant.

So what is the problem, I hear you ask?

My stupid fingers!

For some reason I just can't move the way I am supposed to, I can't get the blending right, I can't quite manage to follow what is being done. I know what you are going to say, that I've only been doing it for a few days, it is supposed to be difficult, I'll get it in the end .... (I have heard it all from Jason).

The thing that really upsets me is the fear that I will fail at this and have wasted almost £400. I'll fail at something AGAIN. I don't know how I will ever survive in this world, it seems I am not skilled enough, clever enough, well enough to manage anything. More than anything in the world I just want a normal life, with a normal job, a normal mortgage etc etc.

I am also stressing about gong back to uni (I am going to do a Masters in Astrophysics at Queen Mary from September). What if I can't keep up? What if everyone hates me? I had a horrible time during my first degree, I got a brilliant qualification but it seems now that even that is holding me back (no-one will give me the time of day at the places I am applying for jobs).

Sorry for the long rant, I am just feeling so down, so hopeless and so very very tired.