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A mini A-Z post, to explain what I’ve been up to, in the last week!

A is for Addenbrooke’s Hospital (was H, then previously A). After moaning in the last two blog posts about waiting for an appointment for an ultrasound scan, I got a letter on Friday (yes… 6^th August) to come in at 17.40 on Monday 9^th August! So, after the #tigert5 developments, pedal back to Royston, and we will go from there. Except… no food for six hours before! So, if you see me pigging out excessively before lunch tomorrow, then you know why.

C is for Computer.  Didn’t mention this last time, as we’d not set it up. However, I had been using the Gateway laptop as my main computer, following the Mac getting hit by a power surge. Well, it was refurbished when I got it, so it’s not going to last forever. The keyboard has started to wear out, so a new replacement has to be plugged in… oh, and when it reboots, I have to unplug everything before it will restart. So, now I’ve got some money, I wanted to replace it. So, I agreed to buy a case and one or two bits from eBuyer, and C would add the remaining components from a machine of hers. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you – the Coolermaster! At under £60 for case AND power supply, think we got a good one here!  C said it was a joy to put together. The old case (that was on the motherboard before) had a habit of overheating, but the Coolermaster has a huge airsuckything and several fans, plus mesh to aid airflow. I like it! Most of the stuff did transfer easily via Windows Easy Transfer, although iTunes then went mad and added everything already in the library, to the library. Also, got a Trust pen drawing device (Mini Tablet) on special at Maplin (Cambridge city centre) yesterday – it will be useful for drawing route maps etc.

G is for Girlfriend. C’s been a bit tired the last few days – think I must have pinched her energy! (also see M).

H is for Holiday. We’ll have one soon!

M is for Mountain Dew. After getting cash in Hemel on Friday, needed a drink. Found a shop in Marlowes (nearest to the cashpoint that I used) stocking Mountain Dew. Well, that kept me awake until I got home! Also purchased another bottle for tomorrow – see A and T.

R is for #randomcoffeewednesday – well, we already have #muffmunchingmonday, thanks to Lizzy The Lezzy, #randomchocolatetuesday thanks to thebustocrookes, two for Thursday and one for Friday (#fannyfingeringfriday) from LTL. So, what’s missing? Random coffee on a Wednesday? Random Coffee Wednesday it is! When things settle down, it might well work out. Does anyone think #randomradiosaturday might be a goer?

T is for Tiger Line. Tomorrow is our big first day of the Service T5 – look out for Facebook and Twitter updates throughout the day with the hashtag #tigert5 (well, most of the day – see A). Following a lot of hard work over the last few months, it is nice to finally get the chance to see the fruits of my labours on the road! This past week we’ve been route learning, out and about meeting people in Amersham, Chesham and St Albans. I got some pictures from Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and you can see them via those links.

I thought of a new way to update the diary, and a twist on the posting style of Busto aka thebustocrookes ...

… so, instead of a ten point random post, here’s what has happened to me over the last few weeks, in an A-Z format. It incorporates previous postings, and if you like it, I will do one as often as I can! I tried making it transport free, but there are a few posts to fill things up! Don’t forget, you can always see my latest transport pictures at http://pics.suzyscott.com and click on “Last” in the bottom-right hand corner. Tell me how you liked that, and I might manage to make it to 26 posts one day!

A is for Addenbrooke’s Hospital, who have cancelled one of C’s appointments for later in the year now twice, in each case moving further down the calendar. The same department also have ran into problems when I tried to change one of my appointments. I tried to change the date, after our plans for August had changed. So, I called, tried twice, eventually got given someone else’s direct number. I called, and got through on 2^nd occasion. With a very “how did you get this number” note in her voice, she promised to call me back. As you’ll see under C, it’s already been overtaken by a request to see a dietician – but, being in Hertfordshire, we have the unique situation of being referred to a consultant at Addenbrooke’s, and a dietician who works around from Lister Hospital…

B is for Barclays Cycle Hire, as TfL insist we call it. I liked Boris’s comments when it was launched – although these were not included in the press release! He said “I'm so thrilled to be announcing that Barclays Bank, after years of taking extortionate charges from me, is doing an amazing and wonderful thing,” he said. “I think there could not be a better sign of Barclays' commitment to this city, to the environment and to a wonderful means of transport.”

C is for Coeliac Disease. I’m slowly getting used to this being the resolution that I have sought for so long, and am getting used to everything involved. We went to a “Newly Diagnosed” event in Stevington, Bedford, on Thursday evening, which was well worth the time. I’ve got a dieticians appointment coming up later this month.

D is for Depression. I did get really down a few weeks back, but it’s forgotten, because I’ve been fine since.

E is for elaine4queen. We went into London yesterday (see P entry below). After lunch, we went out to Bethnal Green, meeting up with Elaine for the first time – and of course, her dog Poppet. We talked, and then we went out with dorg on a walk through Hackney City Farm and adjacent parks, before walking along the Regents Canal path to Cambridge Heath. From there, back to hers briefly, before going home – tired but happy. See all Saturday’s pictures here – including one of the Dundee Arms pub! (I did leave my memory card in the computer, thus meaning a few were taken on the cameras internal memory, and the rest on the Blackberry, which have came out well!)

F is for funding. Got a letter the other day… you remember I went to Charing Cross for one day last Summer, after waiting months and getting two appointments within days of each other? Well… I wanted to use it to get some follow-up assistance, and screenings, etc. They wanted to see the funding before seeing me – not from me, but from the relevant NHS trust. After all, I’d had the policy documents (obtained via Freedom of Information) that said they would… but these letters, for whatever reason, do not include the discussion. Sometimes I just wish they'd get on with it...!

H is for Helpline. Wednesday 30^th June was the last day of the current arrangement with the Ormiston Children & Families Trust’s tenure on the helpline – the only one of the original seven from the start on 1^st January 2003 – ending. The tender was lost to Partners of Prisoners (POPS) in Manchester… I wasn’t aware that the PFH brand and name cannot be transferred, so, it’s now going to be the Offenders Families Helpline… anyway, we had a fantastic “last Supper” evening, in the adjacent Milton Country Park. We were all given thank-you letters to show appreciation from our own boss, as well as one of the Ormiston directors. I took a few pictures, and you can see those here.

I is for iPod. Well, I had an iPod touch, and shortly after the original warranty expired, it started having problems with syncing and charing. Well, it was like the internal circuits had gone. Tried to get this replaced by the bank, under the extended warranty that comes with such. £25 excess seemed not too bad, so I tried taking it into the Apple Store at Cambridge’s Grand Arcade. I say tried, but it was the day after the launch of iPhone 4 (when everyone finds the bugs)… After waiting for 20 minutes to see someone, I explained what was wrong. He cut over me three times, trying to second-guess the problem (which doesn’t do much for my confidence!) So, I was then told to book an appointment… from the TV screens, the next one was another 3hours 20mins away, all to book a repair. Decided against waiting, and we stopped in a 2^nd hand store in Cambridge, buying a replacement (non-Touch) for little more than the excess, and a lot less than brand new. Well, it didn’t work, and we were about to take it back, when C got it to work on the MacMini... Apple have gone down in my estimation, certainly in their UK Retail business.

N is for National Express. I did have a run-in with a 787 driver on Wednesday after work. He took offence that I tried to pay for a £13.90 fare… with two tenners. I had no more change, I took that straight out the cashpoint. I’d planned to be home earlier, but I was working on some BSOG stuff. Anyway, we'll see what happens.

P is for Pride. As you will see from E above, we went into London yesterday, Saturday. This was the occasion of London Pride 2010, and we helped to set up the LLGS stall. Did a few hours there, then we went for lunch… then see under E for the rest of the day! . (I did leave my memory card in the computer, thus meaning a few were taken on the cameras internal memory, and the rest on the Blackberry, which have came out well!)
 

S is for syrups. After finding some Monin coffee syrups on holiday, bought a mixed case load via Udal Supplies… Well recommended, and all gluten free!

It’s been a busy time of it, with some good times of late.

Results of the medical tests were interesting – the most obvious test does not pick up any wheat/gluten problems, but other tests were sort of hinting in that direction. So, it’s still a case to be investigated. After discussions with the doctor today, further referrals are to follow, with more blood tests to be done by me in a few weeks too. I’m still feeling better, with the symptoms slowly disappearing. This has to be a good sign, no matter what is involved, I think.

On Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th April, we were out and about on the streets of Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley and Watford, promoting the new Saturday service (and improved weekday timetable) on Tiger Line Buses Service T2. We had our mascot Roary The Tiger out and around too, as well as a presence on the Intalink information bus in Hemel on the Friday. Lots of good feedback from passengers, some interesting ideas and suggestions (and requests!), and Roary was extremely popular, as I am sure you can imagine! Have a look at my pictures from Friday and my pictures from Saturday. After all that, lots of leaflets and free journey vouchers given out! (My mobile number was transferred to my new phone on Friday morning. The existing one is staying with me).

Monday 26^th April, C had an appointment at Addenbrookes Hospital. No problems, just routine.

On Tuesday 27^th April, I went out on an Intalink Explorer. Centrebus Solo 305 took me on the 90 to Baldock. As you may recall on my previous posts, Cozy Travel took over operation of Service 391 (Stotfold/Baldock – Stevenage) from Herberts, from 29^th March 2010. This was my first travels on the route since the change of hands, and I had what I think is a former Go-North East bus, X733 FPO, from Baldock to Stevenage, Lister Hospital. From there, it was Arriva Service 301 to St Albans, stop for lunch (stuffed again, believe it or not!) before continuing on the Service 300 to Hemel Hempstead. From there, uno Scania 352 on the 634 to Hatfield Galleria, where the change of bus gave me enough time to stop at Thorntons and the Paper Mill Shop! From there, Uno Dart 100 on the 341 to Hertford, and then Arriva Solo 2463 on the 331 to Royston, where C was waiting to pick me up! Pictures here.

Today, Thursday 29^th, out to the doctors this morning (see above). Now watching out the window, as rain threatens to return, just in time for the bank holiday!

At the change of the year, I set myself some plans and priorities. So, now it is the end of the first month, I think it's time to look back at what I have achieved, as well as the areas needing more attention. I am not going to get worked up about it, but I'd like to look back each month, to see where the patterns lie etc. rather than just waiting until the end of the year.

Weight Management – I've not had a lot of time to look after this, what with tearing up and down the GN train line to/from London and Cambridge several times a week. I have, however, made some small steps. Having said that, I am rather happy at my weight going slightly down. It was 131.3 kilos on Friday 1^st January, and today, Monday 1^st February, it is 130.8 kilos. I had not wanted it to increase further, and it looks like I might be turning the corner. I do, however, understand there is a long way to go.

Health – feeling positive a lot more than before, and made it through the holidays with no major upsets or arguments, which was an improvement. The meds may just be working for me, although as mentioned before, heartburn/reflux has been a problem, which is now well controlled. Still awaiting for further letter writing by my GP, who is doing wonderful work on our behalf. Today, however, I have received a “Choose and book” letter to book a gastroenterlogy referral, at Addenbrooke's (Cambridge), Saffron Walden Hospital or Lister Hospital (Stevenage). I was just thinking that it had been good that I had got through 2009 without any flare-ups with my asthma, however, I did have one on the 3^rd January. Subsequent steroids and antibiotics seemed to clear the gunk, but it has returned, and I'm currently trying to get it away again. As we've been busy, we have not had much opportunity to continue the yogic breathing stuff we did before, although I intend to come back to it one of these months. I do intend to give myself some time to relax on days when I'm not working or out, and hopefully this will happen in the months that follow.

Getting Out & About – I had intended to get out of the house three times a week, most of the time. Aside from the aforementioned trip to Lister Hospital A&E on Sunday 3^rd January, and accounting for the snow. I got out seven times by public transport in January, mostly to/from work, plus three days on my birthday weekend to/from and around Norfolk. We've also been out in the car six times in the month, so that has brought the tally up to 16 times out in 31. I have a number of trips planned for later in the year, and some for the more immediate future. I made up a “to do” list of bus routes I want to do, mostly in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. I've got the Herts list down potentially to just a couple for the year, but that depends on many things. If I can clear these, then so much the better. In London, there are a few routes that I'd like to do, but no formal list as such. Bedfordshire, did more of that last year, but plans also to do a few. Depends on money, health and weather. I will say that I met a lot of people recently, for the first time in ages, and quite a few for the first time.

Web work – My web resources continue as before, with hits growing. The reason for including this is that I intend to delegate some of the work from the Forums. I am currently working on a number of projects, so this may well be something for later. I am working on a number of ideas for Forum meets and days out, and members will hear first later this month. They will, however, be open to other friends, partners too, as they have always been.

Computing – let's not go there this month! Having said that, good trials of the netbook on days out, which I can see the potential. May well be able to do live posts of pictures etc. subject to signal availability, is that a good thing or bad thing?

Publications/books – the computing problems have deferred work on a number, but I am intending to have a few this year. Keep watching!

On Thursday, I was working at Switchboard, followed by the Women's Group meeting into the evening, Got home at a similar time to Tuesday, having had a wonderful day of it! I could have stayed later, but I had a 1030 start on the Helpline the following day.

Since I got home on Friday, I've been feeling a little odd, and it has now continued into a cough/cold, sounding rather hoarse (not horse as I initially wrote on Facebook!) Well, it has developed into the same feelings as earlier in the month – wheezing, coughing and spluttering, coughing up gunk. My doc is off today, but I think my body is missing what it had earlier in the month! Saturday was a quiet one, and we went out for lunch on Sunday.

Today, quiet one for me, C is back at work, but preparing for tomorrow. One bit of news though – I have got a letter from the OU with regards to being assessed again for T175, and it's to be in by 3^rd June 2010,with result expected early August 2010. At this time, that is all I have.

It's been an interesting weekend. I'd planned to go out yesterday to Stevenage, and we stopped for lunch first at Harvester once more. After this, we stopped at Hobbycraft. This time I was interested in a paper cutter, and it is a replacement for the one I've got that is now going blunt, and does not have cutting grids on it, so I felt good about buying a replacement – even at half price! Also bought some other bits and pieces, before getting back in the car.

From there, proceeded via Knebworth and Woolmer Green before going back onto the A1(M) for a junction or so, and coming off at the top end of Hatfield. From there, onto Hatfield Railway Station, where a semi-intentional stop resulted in the snapping of a uno Solo on the 608 (see the snowy pictures here). From there, on via Hatfield Business Park and Parkhouse to The Galleria. Nothing purchased in the relocated Paper Mill Shop (having spent a bit in Hobbycraft!) but we did stop at Julian Graves (more beans for the Jelly Bean machine) before stopping at The Body Shop, to pick up a little something. The last time I was there, I purchased an annual Love Your Body discount card (already saved the cost of it back!), which also entitles a £5 gift in the month of your birthday. So, got a nice body butter, shower cream, body scrub and lily gift set, in Moringa. Originally £12, down to £7. 10% off with card, £6.30. Deduct £5 for birthday gift, pay £1.30. ;-)

Today, we went to The Temeraire, the Wetherspoon's pub in Saffron Walden. We both had a nice meal/brunch. As we left, I spotted that they are doing a special Burns Week menu in a few weeks time – I think Caroline would like to return then!

The snow is largely melted, and the roads are mostly clear. The snow is now coming down again, but it is very light, and not lying.

On an aside, I was upset again last night. Maybe tiredness, maybe wearing off the amitriptyline (I did not have any for a few nights). For something relativity little, I'm confused as to why my mind is doing this. Never mind, weather permitting I've got three days/nights out this week, at least two next. Just two, but that will be made up by the special plans we have for this weekend!