Jason Rice - Rest In Peace

Life is just plain cruel
Taking you like that
It seems only a few years ago
In classrooms, we were sat
You were always the life & soul
The light in the room
Your confidence was inspiring
So why so soon?

You worked so hard over the years
To build a happy life
You seemed contented & at ease
With your gorgeous wife

You were an inspiration to us all
I can remember the day we met
You told me you had a hole in your heart
You didn't bat an eyelid, didn't fret

We weren't classed as close friends
But that was just everyday life
We'd always say hi, if we bumped into each other though
You seemed so laid back, no troubles or strife

I always knew your good news
Through Nick's in-laws
It was so good to hear how things had moved on
For you had opened many doors

Jason, life won't be the same without you
Your family & friends left behind
Your lovely wife & baby
A love between you will forever be entwined

Your baby shall grow up with pictures
Of you, the wonderful Dad
The memories that would have been
Passing by. So terribly sad

Your life was so special to many people
Who will ensure your memory lives on
I know I'll never forget you
The cheeky (not so) little one

Up there looking down
I hope that you can see sunshine through the clouds
For when you are finally laid to rest
To show respect & love, there will be crowds

Rest In Peace

The Streets - M.E. - Mike Skinner

It's 02:30. I can't sleep. I catch up on Twitter then tap up Google to try & find any M.E./CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) blogs. Personal ones, to which I can subscribe or follow.

The first link I find however, is to a BBC blog that states Mike Skinner of The Streets is a fellow sufferer of M.E./CFS and has written a song on his last album called 'Trying to Kill M.E.' He openly admits on the BBC blog that his illness isn't severe but it's good that people in the spotlight can write about this sort of thing & get a message across.

Immediately, I tapped into my iTunes & found the tune that had been sitting there without me noticing. Bad girl, slaps wrist! It's readily available for download via iTunes, either as an album or just the single 'Trying to Kill M.E. if you fancy it.

I was in tears within seconds of playing the track. The lyrics are so real & true to feeling. I love the way that Mike Skinner is also saying that he won't let it beat his creativity.

I then searched for the lyrics online, which upset me further due to reading his struggle. Then I noticed something striking... that Mike Skinner has used a line that I have used in my poetry before.., 'For this Chronic Fatigue, there's no tonic it seems'.

Two people unknown to each other at all. The only thing that they have in common is being M.E./CFS sufferers.
These two people used the same line, 'For this Chronic fatigue, there's no tonic it seems'.

This makes me wonder? How many other sufferers, or carer's, feel this way?

Maybe not everyone is lyrical or a poet (of sorts) but lots of people must be thinking along the same lines, surely?!
Even if you just change the words slightly, I bet each & every sufferer, their friends, families or carers have had the thought:

'For this Chronic Fatigue, I wish there were a cure'

Or

'For this Chronic Fatigue, there's no let up it seems'?

I could come up with lots of alternatives but you get my point now.


I was so shocked to find out about Mike Skinner & genuinely feel for the guy. I know how hard it is living with this illness but he is proof that you can still live life whilst having M.E./CFS

If you like The Streets (I love them myself) then I urge you to go & buy the album Computers and Blues. It is not only an amazing album but their fifth & final album ever...

I wish him luck in whatever he chooses to do next. I'm sure Mike Skinner can roll with anything he puts his hands to!


Link to BBC Blog about Mike Skinner & M.E./CFS: http://bbc.in/myh2fO

Champneys Facial Wipes

Ok... I am new to this reviewing of products. Here goes nothing!

I have stumbled across possibly the best facial wipes to remove make up, EVER! For christmas, I was lucky enough to receive this gorgeous Champneys Weekend Bag

The bag contained all the usual items that one would expect - bath milk, shower gel etc. It also contained these amazing All-In-One Skin Smoothing Facial Wipes.

Yes, Christmas was forever ago now but I don't wear heavy make up much, so waited until I had the opportunity for a glammed up girls night out to use this wonderful product.
I had really heavy grey/black eye make up with plenty of eyeliner & waterproof mascara plus all the usual foundation base.

I arrived home, bleary eyed (obviously from wearing contact lenses all night) ready to put the wipes to the ultimate test..

... They were awesome! I only needed to gently wipe my face & delicate eye area for my make up to completely disappear. It only took a minute or two too. I was astounded! The wipes not only swept away all traces of make up but also left my face feeling lovely & clean, ready for my night time moisturiser.

I cannot recommend this product enough! I did toy with the idea of a before & after photo but wisely, I think, decided against this. Pure vanity is the reason - I could not stand the thought of a close up of my face on the web! Shallow, yes. Ashamed, no ;)

Anyway, I've carried out a little bit of research & these babies are only £5 from various high street stores. This price is average but definitely below the hefty price tag for the higher end products that I have paid a fortune for in the past.

I use these wipes on days when I'm feeling lazy & can't be bothered with the whole cleanse, tone, moisturise routine & they keep my skin happy very happy indeed.

In future, I shall be sticking to these!