(Level - Public)

I had a really really good time at the party last night so first and foremost, thank you to our most excellent host, raggedy_man. There were lots of other ljers and nonljers there, some of who I knew and some of who I didn't, all of whom were lovely.

There was lots of alcohol, lots of food, lots of stuff to drink which wasn't alcohol, a little bit of rain (which didn't dampen the enthusiasm).

BIG long list alert...

There were impressive fireworks, terror of falling sticks, lots of girly gossip and giggling (well, akonken WAS there and that is what we do best!), far too much _ebb_ being selfish and going on about a difficult situation in the kitchen for far too long (sorry akonken and nekofairy666 and thanks for listening to it all), not enough Murphy stroking (those of you not in the know, he's the resident cat and he's fabulous), lots of silly sing-along songs about Tractor Factories, loving Monsters etc, lots of not quite as silly singing, a little lesson on the Boran (belak_krin patiently explained it all to me), corset schtuff with autumn_storm, yummy Sangria made by twentypence, karohemd looking very buff (must be all the naked dancing with the metal cone :P), razornet and devalmont having a good time with firearms, intelligent conversations, feet being amusingly put into mouths (but it's all ok), mastery of a barbeque under difficult circumstances (ie being surrounded by demanding drunk people, managing in the rain and the dark - robinbloke deserves special mention at this point!), and lots of other things and people that I can't remember!

In short, a great night with good people. And that's a pretty special thing, however often I have the privlege to enjoy it. Thanks all.

*awaits the hangover from hell*

[Level - Public]

First and foremost,

Happy New Year
Here is to a good, peaceful one.

There have been quite a number of changes for me and my loved ones to deal with during 2005. I feel that it was often a bit of an uphill struggle but last night, it felt that we'd reached the sumit all as one and I'm convinced that whilst lots more changes are in store, they're going to be good ones (or at least, affirming ones which help you move on) rather than the chaos and confusion so many of you have known.

It was very difficult being away from devalmont who I missed terribly at midnight but I think this was the place for me to be. Next time round, wherever he is, I'm by his side as I doubt I could manage again. NYE is traditionally a couples night whereas Christmas is traditionally family. He is both and we didn't manage to be together either time.

Spending Christmas with my parents was very important to me this year and I'm really pleased I did. min_ki graduates this year and is unlikely to be able to get Christmas off. I've already decided that this year will be spent with devalmont and basically I think it will be some years before we're all able to be there at the same time again.

I spent my New Years surrounded by some of the most wonderful and amazing people I know and it was great to be together for what I think might be the last such comprehensive gathering. Lots of effort was generally made by people with costumes, the most impressive being reverend2001 with is Jareth impression. LOVED the wig!

These last 3 years in Brum have been fantastic due to a very special group of people who I miss dearly. It feels as if everyone is at a crossroads and different directions are on the cards for them all. So to everyone who came to HoG for the New Years party, thank you for making it a special last one for me. Next year, wherever devalmont is, I will be.

All the best for 2006.

_ebb_

xxx

[Level - B]

So. Friday. Well. I arrived two hours late, thanks partly to the buses not getting me to the station for 4:24pm, thanks partly to the technical fault on the train at 5:24pm which caused a cancellation. Despite this, the journey was relatively pleasant. Teaching and what the best methods, my top, Pokemon Ruby on the Gameboy and various other things were discussed during the travel. I was on the receiving end of a MASSIVE and wonderous hug, the usual was purchased from the grill house along with liquid refreshment from Balvs and all was good.

Saturday invovled a mini meep as I was left in bed. I generally planned to join the boys at WT's for the match but failed utterly due to a soak in the bath and makeup requirements. A toddle along to the Mitre (via several shops including a wonderful jewellery stall which was owned by the man who set up the Mercat Moot in 1995! Well he WAS selling silver broom broaches, had to die for Athames and a rather pretty chalice proudly snuggled into his photo album, as he makes lots of pretty silver things) to meet up with mutualdesire and his Cambridge buddies for lunch. Eventually. At the Pick...something.

Back via my love's workplace and then much debate over going out or not, then much debate over what to wear. We FINALLY arrived at ( the party ) A rather wonderful and fun chilled out evening ensued, which lead nicely onto Sunday. Thank you to the host and hostess (who looked gorgeous in her ivy).

What happened Sunday... oh yes. Very little. Phoenix Nights series 2 for a little while. Packing disgruntedly. Watching May. Very Sunday! :)

Then back here far earlier than is fair. The train didn't have the decency to be late or anything. No-one interesting on the train. Missed the no. 35 by moments so had to hold out in The Newt for the next one. Just... meh. There was some really sad, miserable news too. Not directly involving me, but friends. You know, it doesn't matter how much I wish I could make it all ok, I know I can't. It's so frustrating!

I'm feeling rather sleepy now so off to bed... gn'ite and I hope your weekend was as wonderful as mine minus the bad bits!

[Level - Public]

Right - rather late in coming, I know.

But.

The planned meal at the Thai Orchid. For various reasons, it's not going ahead. We shall instead be having the mother of all house partys in a short while, at which point Ali's birthday in conjunction with mine shall be celebrated. Rah!

I'll try and comment on the ljs of those who were planning to come in case they miss this - but please comment to let me know you've seen it so I don't pester you.

Ranty post to follow. I'm irked.

[Edit - Party date is yet to be confirmed, thought about, discussed, passed by the majority etc.... also, if you're now wondering what to do with your Saturday night, (as if) there is a suggestion over on eddy_'s lj :D]