Change your perspective; change your life

Life is one big drama stage. We all have roller coaster moments, and in some of those down points, it is not strange to feel sorry for oneself even get depressed.

But what do we really have to get so upset about? Money? Career? Loss of something or someone? Illness? Whatever the reason, it is OK to feel upset for a period of time, but life has to go on, regardless of how it has altered.

Often used to soften any bad situation the phrase, " there's someone worse of than you", made me think my point was being brushed under the carpet. But when I took a more sensible point of view, I realized people were trying to gently tell me to change my perspective and appreciate the good that was still around me. Yes I have my fair share of crap thrown at me by life but I'm still here. We're all still here.

I normally don't watch the early rolling news broadcast, mainly because I'm trying to sleep, but something about this pre dawn hour compelled to turn on the TV.

BBC's HARDtalk was beginning, the reporter was interviewing British photographer Giles Duley. Giles used to make a living taking celebrity pictures but had found his true voice through humanitarian photographs from his time in war zones such as Afghanistan with US troops. Whilst working, he stepped on land mine which blew both his legs and left arm off.

Giles was taken to nearest army hospital in war-torn Afghanistan and it looked as if he was not going make it; his family and friends were by his bed side, when he was brought back to the UK, and began to bid him farewell. But through everything and with great thanks to the excellent medical care Giles survived.

Anyone would understand if he had decided never to go back to what he was doing and started to feel low. Not him. He, with the love and support of those close to him, found the mental strength to say "I am going back to do what I love, photographing and showing the world the consequence of war and conflict."
 
Having worked closely with local afghans and gaining their trust so that they would give him remarkable photos that makes his portfolio most poignant, losing his limbs only made Duley's work that much more personal. "I take photographs of people at their worse. You could say I was the opposite of a wedding photographer. Having seen my own limbs blown and scattered around me, I now know what it's like having a camera shoved in my face to capture that moment."

With the help of a friend, Giles was determined to set up and take self portraits to reignite his career. "We go to a museum a look at a Greek statue with it's broken limbs and comment how beautiful they are, that's how I saw myself- a living Greek statue," Giles continues his work in Middle East and has found love along the. His work can been found  here http://100portraitsbeforeidie.co.uk/

Life has it's pitfalls but when we start looking for the brighter side of it,even through immensely adversity, that slight change in perspective will see us through. Everything happens for reason.

How'd you do 2014!

Goodbye 2013! You left as quickly and dramatically as you entered. It has been a breathtaking 12 months both globally and personally.

The events kick starts with Obama being sworn in as President of the free world for a second term. For the first time in 600 years, a living Pope steps down from his papal duties and forces the appointment of another.

Natural disasters ripped across the globe with record-setting storms wrecking havoc. Not to mention pointless deaths caused by mindless fanatics all using politics and religion for the wrong reasons. We also saw the passing of world leaders like Nelson Mandela.

But we also welcomed a future King and saw incredible acts of humanity though the mentioned tragedies.

In our personal lives, our friends got married, welcomed a newborn or two, bought new homes. We traveled the world-went to pastures new. Did something different for the first time. Danced the night away and drank too much, got into rows and quarrels. We tried to keep up with the new year's list but failed dismally and made up excuses to do it 'tomorrow'. Worked far too much and moaned about it on Twitter and Facebook. Missed a few functions, wished you had done something else. Definitely spent too much money on gadgets, clothes and shoes!

But you know what 2013? Through everything, I'd like to say 'THANK YOU' I'm still here, I have a fabulous family and an amazing bunch of friends. I've made so many new friends along the way. I've moaned and cried and laughed all the same. You were not brilliant but you were sufficient to see me through to 2014.

As a good friend said to me once, the 'world's my lobster'. Beyond bright horizon across the beautiful blue sea, the opportunities are endless.

So 2014 let's see what you got installed for us. I'm looking forward it all! Bring it on..

Online shopping

We're all busy people these days. The rat race is getting faster each year it seems and there is just not enough hours in the day to do everything, nor can we be at multiple places at once (how wish we could!)

And this time of the year, the holidays are upon us before we know it, even if the most organised of us prepare for it months in advance. For those not so apt with an organiser there is the wonder of the online shops. With a click of a button, products we normally would risk getting trampled on in the high street stores for, purchased and delivered to our very door.

But there is always that slim chance of "will we get what we actually ordered" doubt. Not too tragic if the product was simply a different colour or even a day late, at least it turned up and especially if it was a Christmas present, there was something to wrap up.

Therefore, it is rather annoying when your good faith gets taken advantage of by so-called award winning online companies-promising us next day delivery and swift customer service in dealing with our orders and queries.

Well consumers beware of this name if you are thinking of cheap home and garden furniture  WorldStores- Their website worldstores.co.uk where they boldly claim to provide a fuss-free shopping experience with option of "next day delivery or day of choice delivery." Not to mention a "7-day no quibble refund", all of which seems to be just empty words.

As for their dedicated customer service, very much non existent service more like. I ordered a chest of drawers from their store online with a choice of when I would like it delivered. An email confirming this order was prompt, they were even quicker to take their payment. Day of deliver came and went, drawers no where to be seen nor did I hear from the delivery company who were supposed to call before arrival.

When I tried to call their customer service number, oddly, they have two 0844 premium numbers. One for pre-sales, which they answer within seconds. But as for their after-sales number, you are left holding the receiver for literally hours and never speak to anyone!
Frustrated I asked the pre-sales person to put me through to someone in their after sales team, but was told "I'm afraid you will have to hang up and try the other number, I can't put you through and I can not help with any queries because I can't see that side of the customer service on my computer."  Ridiculous!  Considering that it costs between 1pence and 13pence a minute from landline and 20pence and 41pence a minute from mobiles this is extra cost you were never intending to spend for a service that was to save you money and time and the hassle of going to the shops in the first place!

When I eventually spoke to someone after contacting them via twitter, the excuse was that the delivery company had damaged my order and didn't inform them of what had happened. Fair enough so I gave them another to deliver it on my next day off, the woman reordered the item, I asked for the new order number she didn't give me one but assured me it'll come on my next day off as I preferred. The day came, nothing. She did get back in touch to say it won't arrive but by then I had enough and just wanted my money back to which she said I will get a refund within 3-5working days. But no not a penny back for something I had not received.

Annoyed I sent more twitter messages to get a response needless to say they have not got in touch.

I'm not the only one who has had an awful experience with WorldStores. I found out there were plenty of disgruntled shoppers, all unable to get in touch with the company staff.

One fellow consumer, Hana Price, a graphic designer from Essex, nearly had her Christmas ruined. She ordered a table and chair set to host the big day celebrations at her home. Trusting the firm's deliver on preferred day guarantee, she asked for it to be sent for the 21st.

"My partner went to the delivery company in person on the day it was due, as it said it had been received on the tracking site. They assured us it would be delivered that day." But the table and chairs didn't arrive.

With Christmas approaching and not able to get in touch with the store, Hana who is 5 months pregnant, decided to go Ikea and spend even more money she didn't have on the much needed furniture. "Already rushed off my feet getting ready for Christmas, the last thing I wanted was a trip to Ikea? Especially when I am already £150 out of pocket."

Not long after their first visit to the delivery depot, Hana and her partner went back to the delivery depot only to find it empty and was told the goods were moved as the depot had closed down.

She spent hours on the 0844 number on,y to be told by a very unhelpful pre-sales staff that it was a shame she didn't call the after-sales number an hour earlier, she would have gotten through to someone. And when she enquired why her emails were not responded to she was told  that "they were focusing on calls".

It has been 6 days since Hana made a purchase online, and like many others, she has had no reply from World Stores, neither received her goods nor been able to get a refund.

So if you are considering buying online, do not be fooled by this bunch of so-called e-commerce winners, their bold claims and flash sales tactics are nothing but smoke screen for a badly run business.

For advice on consumer rights visit www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights or contact Citizens Advice  via www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer or on 08454 04 05 06.

"This is the reason why I dislike hospital wards at night"

What do you do when you have the house to yourself on a Friday night? Party! I hear you scream..
That would have been the usual protocol in any 'home alone' opportunity- invite the mad gang over for drinks and eats, rave on till the wee hours of the morning.

But no. I decided I wanted a night-in, just me the telly and mountains of junk food.  Since it hit the global markets we know how marvellous HD TVs are as a viewer you feel like you're in the scene/environment next the person(s). Its fab for nature programs and films. Yea films, horror films are magnified in clarity and hence making it far more scarier than when first viewed on grainy analogue sets.

Foolishly, you may say, I decided to watch The Exorcist 3. Among the iconic scenes from the trilogy, this one, in my opinion, is the most spin-chilling scene. (Exorcist III  'Legion' - Nurse Station Scene, courtesy of http://youtube/zHGood p8ynu0jRvY)

I do not like being an in-patient at the best of times, but growing up hearing of haunting tales at hospitals and after watching this (when I was much younger) has instilled an eternal fear of dingy hospital corridors. I also have developed an irrational fear of the nurses being harmed by apparitions or poltergeists! Serves me right for being a reluctant fan of the horror genre.

How can I be a 'relunctant' fan? I'm one of those who likes a scary film but would only watch it with either a bunch of people or if alone (like in this occassion) peeping through an opening under my duvet!

Having said that, I would still prefer to watch a scary movie than a chic flick any day.
So what do I do to pass yet another few hours, since I have already spooked myself stupid that I wont be sleeping a wink until daybreak, I proceeded to watch amityville horror! "Another bowl of popcorn, for the mad lady!"

Hiatus.... A very long one

Right... For those who know me personally would be privied to the reasons for my rather long hiatus, hence the lack of posts since the last one.

But all that is behind me now, I'm back! Geez and it feels good, no, GREAT to be back doing what I do best...waffling, I mean writing! It has been a rough, long old road to get here, but it has made me a stronger person for sure. And thankfully I've not lost my sense of humour. I can't tell you how important it is to laugh, and especially about oneself. Pity is a fool's emotion. Self pity is far worse. I know I've been there many a times, it's like falling down a well and not being able to get out.

It is during  these times that I find the rescue rope thrown down by my nearest and dearest (who know who you are).

Well move forward to happy time; I went to a comedy gig couple days back. It was a small venue with a cosy bar, mini stage and delicious food. I had not been out for ages until that night so was rather looking forward to the stand up comedy where, five guys; three Americans, a Canadian and a Scot. All vying for the  'fight comic' title. They had to get through several rounds mostly based on the concepts of 'mock the week' and 'have I got news for you' and the deciding round involved random suggestions/comment from the audience. It was cracking good fun!

Anybody can join to compete in this weekly event, of course with the intention of going to the grand final against past winners, the crowd were a mix bunch. Mainly tourists and a few after-work business types with their companions. This old boy- who just happened to look and dress like Donald Trump got ripped to shreds, well serves him bloody right for sitting close to the stage and in view of the comics!

My friend and I weren't drinking so mock cocktails it was, mainly mixed with red bull and some sparkling juice made up for the lack of cold beer or spirits. I think this might become a weekly thing. Definitely inviting more people to go along next week. And for a fiver (entrance fee) cheap drinks, it's not bad for a night out.

Back online...passwords, URLS Technology-BAH!

Oh bajesus! Firstly I do apologise for the massive gap between posts. You know when you have too many accounts online and you have equally as many passwords and users names to go with them... yeah that. My hotmail account got hacked into and had to change my password. Not only that, there were so many unread spam mails to delete it wasn't OK after the 50th. And to top it all off, I forgot my password and couldn't access any of my email accounts for yonks, as there is no contact number for the provider only an email address- not useful at all! All sorted now but....

I'm not ranting about my inability to remember things,  more the fact that there are computer cretins who think spamming is a) funny b) a great way to scam people and make a quick quid. If any you of the spam-oids out there are reading this, it's NOT funny. Can you STOP hacking into peoples accounts!

Microsft sort yourself out please. I refuse to pay for a 'security program' to 'safe guard' my laptop. Robbing twits!

Paris and all that jazz..

Ah Gay Paris! Exactly what I needed, a nice girly holiday with Mum, to a place we both had not visited before. The place is full of history, culture and simply experiencing Paris for all its glory and sins has given us, mum and daughter, a whole new set of memories to cherish forever more.

The city has its fair share of fans and haters, but for all the pomposity and showmanship, it has class, debonair and eccentricity that makes the city of love all the more alluring to a tourist, well it certainly intrigued me.

The trip was all the more special for mum being there, as I rarely see her- because she lives in Singapore. Girls just wanna have fun! And boy did we! We arrived in Paris in the wee hours of the morning-British time 6am, French time 7am.

My knowledge of French, is limited and fairly basic, mum's non-existence. I can read French, holding a conversation, however, err let's not go there. So it fell upon me to be the Navi. As soon as we got there, we weren't disappointed, started our holiday travelling on the metro to our hotel, a street musician boards the the train looking to make a quick euro by waking up the morning commuters.
Not the best idea in my opinion trying to wake up a bunch sleepy French people, needless to say he went away without a cent. He'd earn a bit more if he sold
coffee instead.                                                         

 

Talking about coffee, we certainly enjoyed the cafe culture was relaxing and it had to be done- when in Rome, I mean when in Paris!                                We went around the usual tourist routes, tour bus and so and so fort. I did however convince my mother to take a late night trip down to the famous windmill in the land- Moulin Rouge! Yes, rather naughty and not seeded as you may think, after all I was with my mother! She's cool, we had a laugh walking around Paris red light district (during the day time initially). We were waiting to cross the street, stood outside what we later deduced was a pole-dancing club. The bouncers were beckoning us to go inside and take a look. No way! We giggled like two school girls and dashed across to patisserie.

Our hotel was located in the an area called Monmarte. It was a beautiful , hilly location with historic buildings dotted around the area. It's main attraction was the Basilica Monmarte., a uniquely designed catholic church with a stunning view of the city.     

Another first, we had our portraits drawn by a couple lovely street artists.

We stood there with in the lovely sunshine, down a cobbled alley way beside Monmarte church. They were every so sweet and funny and me being me, asking loads of questions. The guy who drew my picture- Andy, was a native to the district. his grandfather used to own the restaurant that was behind us. The guy who drew mum's picture- Boris, a Russian friend of Andy's and they work together getting a few euros to get by as artists. I admire them for doing what the want, and I personally thought they were good.
Mum and strolled off with our pencil sketches and merged back into the tourist crowds. Souvenirs shops, wandering the ancient pavements and side streets. Pungent metro stations and back to our hotel rooms, worn out but not defeated-yet. We'd drop the shopping bags in our room and head for the cafe for some drinks and food. It was during our midnight stroll,
I found out that my mum was better at finding the way back than I was..

I'd say that was a brilliant getaway. Paris was fun! London's still my favourite city! Wink wink nudge nudge aye! I dare say some French might find the Brits interesting?! If this union jack topped red bently is anything to go by!