So today I stuck with Egg Mayo for lunch and my tea consisted of left over stuffing from yesterday (apple and herb flavour) and Chocolate Tiffin. Yup I know so healthy lol.
Rules for happy 101 award:
Post who gave you this award.
State ten things you like
Give this award to 10 other bloggers.
and notify them with a comment.
So the Ten Things I like……
Contemporary Dance
Reading
Music (playing my guitar and singing)
Bones
Glee
Photography
Movies
(The American President is one of my favourites – especially this speech)
Hanging out with my Friends
Food
Craft Stuff
The Images came from all over the place – most of them should link back to where I got them from 🙂 Any issues let me know 🙂
Ever since I was young after Birthdays and Christmas it was encouraged that we wrote Thank You cards. Now I always figured that this was something my Mum made us do because it made her feel good or something. However as I’ve grown up and become more responsible for making myself get on with them, it often makes the person who gave you a gift feel like you appreciated it.
I know that one year my Great Aunt got in a proper twist because she hadn’t received a thank you card from us. I’m not sure what actually happened after that but I just remember her getting in one over it – so I guess it’s a big deal lol.
My friend Katie lives in the States she’s a blogger but her main thing is running her own business called Katie Blair Designs. She mainly does stock items but if you ask her nicely she does custom jobs 😀
Every so often she sends out an e-mail newsletter. Now I love her products – I’ve bought birthday presents and cards from her and hosted a giveaway to win one of her journals.
So with no further ado – courtesy of Katie we have four tips for you about Thank You notes. As we enter months filled with parties, dinners, gifts and favors, it’s time to sharpen up our rusty thank you note writing skills. If you’re anything like me, your personal gratitude history is probably paved with thank you notes that never quite got written – or those sad few that you did write, but then stuck in a drawer and finally threw away six months later.
To help you out (and to make the holiday thank you parade a little less overwhelming), I’ve compiled a few of my favorite thank you note tips:
1. It’s OK if it’s late. Yes, you should get a thank you note in the mail as soon as possible. But if you forget, or if you’ve been putting it off, that doesn’t mean the opportunity has passed. Write a quick note, and add a lighthearted apology to the end. The recipient will appreciate the gesture.
2. Have supplies ready. Before the holidays, stock up on thank you notes and stamps. Start compiling an address list of people who usually send you gifts or invite you to holiday parties. If possible, keep a thank you note kit ready – include cards, envelopes, stamps, and a nice pen or two. That way, when you need to write a note, you’ll have everything ready to go.
3. When in doubt, send a note. Sure, everyone knows you should say thank you for a gift. And dinner parties are no-brainers. But what about less obvious areas – like a neighbor who shovels your walk or a postman who makes an extra stop to make sure your gifts get in the mail? If you’d like to say thanks, go ahead and do it. No one’s ever going to be disappointed to get a handwritten note, and you might make someone’s day.
4. Say more than thanks. Add a little something beyond the expected to make your note more enjoyable to read. Tell them what your family’s holiday plans are, or that funny story about your kids playing snow tag.
If you have tips for Katie (and for me lol) leave a comment and I will be sure to pass them on – I’m sure she’d be super grateful!
So maybe my Mum does make sense! Thank you cards are lovely and can make someone’s day – so even if it’s a little thing it could make a huge difference to the person you are giving it to.
You can visit her Online Store here. She also has a store with Etsy. You can read her blog or follow on Twitter.
All the text above in italics is from Katie’s Newletter that was sent out. The image is from her Etsy store – please ask her before reposting (leave a comment and I will forward onto her).
Yesterday evening I went to see KT Tunstall in concert at The Junction in Cambridge.
Having not been to The Junction before I was a little concerned that we were going to be stood miles from the front and wouldn’t be able to see – how wrong was I! We were maybe around 50th in the queue to get in the building, we nipped off to the loo and to grab a drink before taking up our “seats” we were 3 rows from the front and other than the two big guys in front of us who pretty much video-ed the whole concert it was amazing.
The majority of the songs were new from the Tiger Suit album but there were a couple of flashbacks. KT and the band played False Alarm, Suddenly I See, Black Horse and The Cherry Tree – there was another but I can’t remember now. Doh!
I kept my ticket and meant to scan it in so that I could attach it to this post but I can’t find it grrr.
I took some photos on my phone but they are a bit fuzzy – thankfully one of the fab guys from The Junction was armed with a good camera and posted these images on Flickr.
(In the bottom picture of the two you can see Charlotte the guitarist on the left hand side I was 3 rows in a straight line from her. AWESOME!)
I came out with a killer sore throat and when I got home it dawned on me that I had minor tinnitus. I sat in bed and could hear my ears ringing lol. Luckily when I got up this morning apart from being shattered the tinnitus had calmed down and I was about ready to take on the world.
The warm up act was called Slow Club and they are from Sheffield. I bought a copy of their CD and Giving Up On Love has been on repeat quite a few times.
I was beginning to think that I could handle work again but then it came back and slapped me in the face – one of my colleagues was really mean this morning for no reason – I asked for help and she just gave me attitude. ARGH!
Okay well anyway. It’s Monday – how are you? I’m actually not tired lol. I went to bed about 10:30 last night and got to sleep just after 11. I woke up around 6 when Chris got up to get ready for his trip to Alton Towers. I then went back to sleep and go up around normal time and headed for work. Chris was up that early as he went to Alton Towers today – alright for some lol.
I am pretty sure that at 6am ish we had a whole conversation about him not leaving his MacBook on the bed but I am really not sure why we had that conversation lol.
On the other hand, Lunch was easy had a Egg Mayo and Cress Sandwich and a croissant for lunch.
After work I went to the supermarket and grabbed a ready meal, it was a bit rubbish to be honest there is a sign that shows where the vegetarian section is but then there isn’t actually any vegetarian meals next to it. I found one in the Italian section and it sounded good
“Garlic Dough Ball Pasta Bake”.
Well it was nice until i overdid it lol. I read the wrong instructions and so rather than following the “from chilled” instructions I read the “from frozen” instructions and ended up with seriously overdone pasta. It was okay just a bit tough round the edges lol.
I did really well for lunch – although the Coronation Chicken and Sweetcorn was calling me I was very good and had Egg Mayo sandwich and Salt and Vineagar Crisps.
It was dinner that failed me. I didn’t really get a proper lunch break and so but the end of work I just wanted to flop. My brother and the Kiwi were getting Maccy D’s and I didn’t think about it and got the my usual, Chicken and Bacon wrap. Well there we go I failed. It suddenly dawned on me as I sat doing some work stuff for my Mum that I’d eaten meat on my day that was supposed to be meat free. Issues.
So I failed and I feel really bad that I failed. So Monday and Friday of next week are going to Veg Out days.
Okay I know it’s now Sunday but I’ve had one of those weekends where blogging seems to be the last thing on my mind. I dyed my hair again yesterday and by the time I’d done that and sorted stuff for our friend’s Birthday Party it was today and then Zoza’s Baptism and I was at church from 9 till about 3:30.
So anyhoo here is my Fill in the Blank Friday Sunday
1. Blogging is my thing. My friends can paint and others make things, I take photos and blog.
2. A current fashion trend I wish I was brave enough to wear is high heels. I know it sounds silly but I really struggle with wearing heels lol. I have a pair of wedges which is about it when it comes to heels – but they are like an inch heel and thats it lol.
3. My greatest accomplishment in life thus far is graduating from university with a Lower Second after failing my A Levels and almost not getting onto my course.
4. If I had to choose between a mountain or a beach vacation I’d choose erm actually I’d choose a city break rather than mountains or beach – I guess I would go for mountains because I’d like to learn how to ski but then again I’d love to go scuba diving – oh yes I’m so indecisive!!
5. A talent I wish I had is crocheting. My Mum has taught me like 3 or 4 times but I can’t quite get the knack of it.
6. A talent I do have is playing bass guitar, flute, recorder and some other instruments.
7. This week band was cancelled so I played guitar lots, I went to my first concert and ended up really tired because of my late nights lol.
Cancer is one of those rubbish illnesses that affects lots of people. Not just the person suffering from it but their families too.
A friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer a while back and she is now in remission – she ran a 10K race two weeks ago (or was it 3 I’m not sure now!) to race money for Sue Ryder Care which is a charity near where we live that supports people with cancer.
I saw Lauren’s email appear in my inbox and this one struck home and I felt that I had to repost it so you out there would see it too. Please take the time to go and comment on Nanette’s Blog. Thank you 🙂
Hi everyone!
Some of you reading this email are on the Love Bomb team, and some are part of ItStartsWithUs, and some are part of both! This week, Love Bomb is doing a joint mission with ItStartsWithUs. It’s so great to have all of you.
Today’s mission is for a woman named Nanette. She was suggested to us by Lori, one of our Love Bomb members.
NANETTE IS A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO (AGES 9 AND 13), AND WAS JUST RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER.
She has absolutely amazed me with her optimism, joy, and overwhelming hope for her future. I don’t know how she does it.
She has been dealing with losing her hair through chemo, and has been very sick – making work difficult for her. I admire Nanette for keeping her head up so high despite the physical pain, adjusting to losing her hair, the stress from work – all while taking such good care of two kids on her own.
This week has been rough for her, and she needs encouragement. I am so excited for all of us to be her cheerleaders! If you’ve been reading the articles published about Love Bomb lately, we have been referred to as a compassion flash-mob. I LOVE it.
Let’s share our love, support, and encouragement with Nanette!
Please join me in commenting on Nanette’s blog here.
So on Friday I did my thing and I gave up meat for the day. I thought it would be really hard but actually it was really easy lol.
Why is it when you give something up it’s either the only thing you can think about or the only thing you’d like to eat lol. I sat at my desk and really fancied a bacon sandwich, I even held my breathe as I walked past the canteen just in case I got a whiff of it lol.
Two weeks ago I spoke to the Vicar who covers Renhold village (my parents go to the Chapel in the village and the Vicar works at the other) we were talked about how long she’d been a vegetarian and what made her give up meat. She told me how most of the people she knows who were vegetarians who are no longer often give up because of the smell of a bacon sandwich.
I went to get lunch and luckily the vegetarian option was Quorn Meat Balls which was lovely! I had pasta with it and polished off nearly all of it – there was a bit too much tomato sauce for the pasta and the “meat” balls thats I had but it was all good. (I even took a picture!)
Tea consisted of Pizza from the takeaway was I was home alone for the evening. I tucked into my Cheese and Tomato pizza and watched all sorts of TV.
I got Chris to join in as well, it depends on whether or not you include fish as to whether he succeeded or not. He’d forgotten about the challenge and ended up having fish and chips for lunch.
Why is it that whenever I see Italy in a film I want to grab my passport, pack some clothes and get on the first flight there lol. (I certainly did after Eat, Pray, Love). Well I guess I just have to wait till next year when we are hoping to go (suggestions of places to visit in the comment please?!). I have a list that is growing but we will have to see where that takes us.
I learnt Italian at school and have pretty much had a passion for all things Italia since. I haven’t properly tried to speak Italian in years but occasionally use it at work – mainly to speak to our Italian distributor via email (So it’s not really speaking lol)
Anyhoo, I was looking on iTunes for Shop Girl (I’d picked up the book at the charity stand that they have at work sometimes and have read all of about 3 chapters and most of that was on the bus yesterday) and in the end spotted Letters to Juliet. I’ve been meaning to watch it for ages (pretty much since it was at the cinema lol.).
The story features La Casa Di Giulietta in Verona, and the surronding area. Amanda Seyfried plays another girl called Sophie (her character in Mamma Mia was Sophie Sheridan)
An American girl on vacation in Italy finds an unanswered “letter to Juliet” — one of thousands of missives left at the fictional lover’s Verona courtyard, which are typically answered by a the “secretaries of Juliet” — and she goes on a quest to find the lovers referenced in the letter.
It’s a proper love story where it’s about the forever after and the falling in love rather than just getting laid. I’m kinda glad that the most “action” between Seyfried’s character and her love interest is a proper kiss at the end of the film. There is a shorter kiss shared between the two about half way through the film but that’s it.
I’m also a Shakespeare geek and absolutely adore all the little hints at Shakespeare throughout the film. Some films I leave playing when I go to out the room but this one I actually paused and watched every moment of it. The only problem with downloads through iTunes is that you don’t always get the Special Features. (I say this uncertainly because I’ve only downloaded a couple of films and the only one that had special features was (500) Days of Summer.
Seeing how it is now 2:14am I’ve decided to leave it there and head for sleep. Hope you all had a good weekend 🙂
For over a year now we’ve had a housemate, June 2009 we gained The Kiwi. She is super lovely and I am so grateful to her.
This weekend Chris is away and I decided that following the decision about not going to Yorkshire I would spend as much time as I can physically manage tidying the house – mainly my bed room because it’s getting really messy and it’s beginning to make my asthma play up (I only properly noticed this after I was away last weekend then came back home again)
So that’s what we’ve been doing. As I write this The Kiwi is being super and hanging out washing in the garden making use of the dry weather. We’re about to go to the charity shop and get rid of three bags of clothes and bits – two are mine. I’m also going to ask her if we can go to the local DIY store and have a look at drawer knobs for my chest of drawers and some kind of shelving unit to put on top of the chest of drawers for books and bits because they are going everywhere lol. I have so much junk and even with the three clear outs I’ve had since my birthday back in April there is still too much stuff.
I talk about having my own library if we ever build our Grand Designs house but I have a crazy amount of books – I keep meaning to catalogue them or something so that I know what I’ve got and what I haven’t but they are just all over the place lol. We’ve even had to start double-stacking them (two rows to each shelf).
1. The first thing I do in the morning to start my day is switch off my alarm and check FB and Twitter from my phone – if there is time I check my email too. Then I contemplate getting up for work lol.
2. Today I wish I was in my car driving northwards to Kewey’s house. Instead I am preparing for a day of crazy tidying – I am clearing out under the bed and putting everything on top of the bed that is my goal tomorrow.
3. If I had an extra $100 in my bank account today I’d (I’m in the UK so we’ll call it £100) go and buy a new point and shoot camera (My current one is on loan to my friend Caz as hers died on her – she could have mine as a present). Either that or I’d be catching the train to Kewey’s Boyfriends house to catch a lift the rest of the way northbound.
4. Tomorrow I am tidying lots – see above lol.
5. Two things that don’t go together are me and skinny jeans? Does that count hehe. High waisted flares don’t really work either.
6. Something I can never pass up at the grocery store is erm I don’t know lol. I guess chocolate is kinda high on the list but I am trying to be good and not eat as much.
7. The last time I tried something new was at lunch time kinda, I had Quorn Meat Balls and Pasta which wouldn’t have necessarily been my first choice given what was on offer today but as part of Veg Out I couldn’t have my normal favourite filling (Coronation Chicken and Sweetcorn).
When I was at Upper School I decided to give up meat for Lent. I think it was following the year where I gave up chocolate and may have got addicted to the food colouring and E numbers in Skittles.
Anyhoo, I am posting about this because October is National Vegetarian Month (Okay someone is bound to be clever and point out that in the UK it’s actually in March, however there are people from all over the world joining in this month.)
So each Friday of October I am going to be Vegetarian – now I missed the first Friday because I only read about Elycia’s challenge today. But here we go – vegetarian for the Friday’s of the month. This could be a challenge.
I will keep you posted on what happens – I have 7 minutes left of MacBook battery and really should sleep so night night one and all I will let you know how day 1 goes.
It’s Thursday that makes it time to Drop a Love Bomb. I’ve talked about Princess Nat in the past and you all know how much she means the world to me.
Kaelah at This Charming Life suggested Annie and her family. Annie is pregnant with her third baby and she’s found out that her Baby might have DS (Down Syndrome) not just that the Baby might have a hole in it’s little heart.
Can you please spare the time to read the bit below and then leave a comment on Annie’s Blog – also lift them up in your prayers (whoever or whatever you pray to)
Thank you my lovelies —-
Hey team!
Today we are dropping a Love Bomb on Annie!
Annie is a young woman with two children and 20 weeks pregnant with her third. She and her husband, Jade, just found out that their new little one most likely has Downs Syndrome. Annie’s strength and perspective on this news is incredible, but obviously this is still very difficult for them. On top of this news, they found out that their baby has an opening between his or her two ventricles.
Within the next week or two they will find out if their baby still has a hole in his or her heart, which will mean delivering in a different hospital/city and many surgeries, as you all know.
Annie was suggested to us by one of our members, Kaelah – both of us would like to ask you to please join us in coming together behind Annie and her husband to offer love, comfort and encouragement. Prayers and wishes for healing are treasured.
I’m sure many of you know the weight of a stressor like this, and how much it affects the entire family unit. Reassurance from a loving community is one of the greatest things we can provide for them.
You can comment on Annie’s most recent blog post here.
Having been asked by my friend about how far I’d got with my goals I figured an update is needed – once I’m over 50 goals I’ll definitely start counting down I think!
Go camping
Buy an external hard drive.
Go to the cinema on my own
Attend a Girl Geek Event in London
Build a blanket fort
Eat a meal inside a blanket fort
Visit a foreign country
Go to Paris
Start a new blog
Organise my clothes and donate what I don’t wear
Find a new pen pal
Surprise someone (with a visit, flowers, something nice)
Sing at Karaoke
Try 5 new foods (5/5)
Find a penpal.
Buy a copy of the Manga Bible
Read the Manga bible start to finish
Ride the Paris Metro
Ask for directions in French and don’t whimp out by pointing!
Ride the Eurostar
Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris
Stand underneath the Eiffel Tower, Paris
Complete one sewing project
Watch Season 1 of A Town Called Eureka. (12/12)
Update my Amazon WishList after my 24th Birthday
Purchase The West Wing
Watch The West Wing
Do Race for Life once.
Discover 3 new groups or artists that I like (3/3)
Take part in Script Frenzy 2010
Purchase/find a notebook for the above task
Learn to light a fire without matches
Clear and Organise my Mac
Sort out the box on to of the wardrobe
Attempt to make an item of clothing from scratch.
Watch the World Cup Final (11th July 2010)
From Future Hannah: Clearly I need to write the whole list and then, commit to the goal instead. Well now I’m attempting 22 Goals in 2022. You can see the list here.
I was chatting on Twitter about the WordPress iPhone app and the trouble I was having with it. Someone suggested about posting via Posterous to my WordPress hosted blog – hence this rather strange test post.
I found this image somewhere and used it as my phone background for a little while.
I came to the conclusion that I’m not going to Yorkshire this weekend.
I love my best friends to bits and pieces but there is too much stuff stacked against me at the moment. I’ve not got the car as Chris may need it this weekend for the residential and that’s been in the diary since the beginning of the summer holidays so that takes shotgun on the car.
I looked into buses and train but its like 4 changes and 8 hours to get to Yorkshire where my friend lives or an alternative is to take the train or the bus to Nottinghamshire where Kewey’s boyfriend lives and catch a lift with him up to Yorkshire – again not so bad I could do this.
But by train this is nearly £40 and I’m only half way there. I’d give Kewey’s boyfriend some petrol money so that’s like £50 add onto that the £30 for a B&B and two meals and that’s over £100 for one weekend – I just don’t have that kind of money to and spend on one weekend. That’s before actually doing anything for Kewey’s birthday.
I was okay with the idea of staying in a local youth hostel which would have been like £16ish for the night. However my friends weren’t. I’m not sure if that’s including breakfast but I could buy a box of cereal and borrow a bowl and spoon from Kewey if needed (although I don’t really eat breakfast so it wouldn’t be a major thing to go without lol).
The other joke was about me camping in the garden – well in all seriousness I would lol. I can get my tent and sleeping bag to another friend’s in MK who can take it up on Friday in her car then I can take my clothes, extra layers and blankets with me. I’d sleep in my clothes and just change into a clean shirt and undies in the morning and that would be okay – wouldn’t it? Lol.
So other than transport and sleeping arrangements add into the equation that my Manager is on holiday the Friday before and the Monday after the weekend so I’m the main customer service person with assistance when needed from my colleague.
Add to that, that I’ve not been sleeping very well and all the stress that going to Yorkshire has caused I think I might check myself in to a padded cell for a few weeks – that way I might be able to get some sleep and deal with the future.
On a more positive note I have an idea for making it up to Kewey – it’s not going to be the same as me being there but hopefully it’ll balance out with fab-ness.
So having finally finished my post about my week I’m now going to post about my weekend before going to write the post about the Monopoly Challenge.
I went here this weekend – I however didn’t take the picture – but I wish I had! 🙁 I took some on my phone but the weather was really sucky so I’m not sure how clear they will be lol. I took one of Chris and his Aunt talking about the container ships going into Felixstowe but A.K. (Chris’s Auntie) wasn’t too impressed as her hair was all over the place hehe.
So this weekend we went to visit A.K. and her sidekick. We had an awesome time. A.K. is so welcoming and kind. We arrived around lunchtime yesterday. We sat down for some lunch of a cheese toastie (or whatever flavour had been created – I think Chris had Brie, Celery and Cranberry or something strange like that lol)
We headed into Norwich which was really cool. There is a store there called Brambles – Oh my goodness I loved it lol. Is Norwich too far for a day trip? (I found this picture on Flickr – It’s on a proper road so I should be able to find the shop front on Street View – Note: I found it! Their postcode is NR2 1AT and they have a website)
After our trip to Norwich we came home and watched Strictly Come Dancing and Merlin – we then played 3 games of Articulate. I played with A.K.’s Sidekick for two games and we lost both. Me and Chris then ended up on a team together and we won but it was very close.
This morning we had breakfast together and listened to BBC Radio Norfolk – they were doing a treasure hunt or something like that. We then headed over to Felixstowe and then went to the supermarket on the way home. Following that we had lunch which was a speed cooked roast dinner but was amazing all the same! Yum!
Unfortunately because of the time we needed to be back we had to leave really promptly after lunch. We got back into Bedford around 4:20 ish, I dropped Chris at church and me, Zoza and Mum went to a baptism service. My friend Catz and Zoza’s friend were getting baptised – we worked out that there were 350 people at the proper service bit and there might have been the same or less at the baptism. Because the church meets in a local community centre they had the dunking bit at a local school that has a swimming pool then we all changed venue for the testimonies and worship time.
My friend made me cry lol. I was all proud and happy and stuff and I blubbed lol. I looked over at my Mum and she was crying too! Doh thats the second baptism I’ve been to in the last year and have ended up in tears lol. Can I make it a hat-trick when Zoza gets baptised in two weeks time?
You know the ones where everything seems to be going really crazy and you can’t do anything about it apart from plough head first into it.
Well that’s me and it’s now Thursday, I’m shattered and really would like the weekend to start in two hours ish not 26 hours! On the plus side we’re going out to have pizza for tea so that’s good lol. There are a few bloggers out there who will get in a twist about the fact they’ve not got it together and then wouldn’t, I would probably be doing that but since finishing My 30 Days I seem to have gone on my own hiatus so I’m taking a few minutes out and
So why do I feel like life is going nuts, well this is my week so far
Sunday
Get up at 8ish
Head to MK to collect Zoza from the Coachway
Bring her back to Bedford
Drive to Biddenham to cheer on my friend running a 10k race (she came 200 and something and in her age bracket was 15th which I think is seriously cool as its her first 10k race)
Drive to Renhold via church and via home to collect Chris and some other bits (which in the end we didn’t need and could have got straight from church to Renhold lol.
I came home and dozed off on the sofa. I woke up like half an hour later and Chris had put the herbal heat back thing against my back to keep me warm – except it was so hot through my t-shirt that it woke me up because I thought I was on fire! Then he grabbed me a blanket as I was cold. I dozed back off again and when I woke up it was about 6:30 and The Kiwi and Rich were stood in the living room door way asking me if I was okay and if I wanted any tea.
I sat on the sofa with The Kiwi and Rich and we all watched Dara O’Briain – not necessarily my first choice but he is actually really funny.
Monday
Monday evening is Date Night for me and Chris. We made dinner together which was interesting lol.
He got in a bit of a mood with me so I headed upstairs and watched some of Jonathan Creek with The Kiwi – haven’t seen it in ages but really liked it.
Tea was fab we all ate together then me and Chris hung out and watched random bits of TV.
Tuesday
Today Chris did his Monopoly Challenge today (don’t worry if I get it sorted there will be a post about it!) It was a little crazy and tiring for me and I was at work all day lol. I went to collect Chris from the train station just before midnight and went in my pajama bottoms because I couldn’t be bothered to get dressed again lol.
Wednesday
Alpha at church used to be on a Monday but this time round it’s been moved to a Wednesday, this week was our groups turn to serve dinner. In the pass I’ve been in the kitchen but this time round I was serving tables. I had to dress up smart in my waitress outfit lol.
Apparently (and I could be wrong) our group is the only group who dress up smartly rather than just serving in our jeans lol. I wore my white shirt with my waistcoat and black trousers – my waistcoat is too small now 🙁
Dinner was Beef Casserole (or was it Bourguignon I got confused lol) and the vegetarians had Quorn Sausage Casserole thingy. Pudding was Chocolate Brownie with fruit and ice cream
While I was laying tables, my friend Helen started having a crisis as her computer wasn’t doing what she wanted it to do so I came to her rescue. After serving dinner I then hovered in the corridor in case she had issues with it – which unfortunately she did as it was misbehaving so I darted across the room to fix it so she could carry on with her talk.
Afterwards on Facebook we had a discussion about lessons and fact sheets.
Thursday
This evening was always going to a little crazy lol. It’s Boy’s Night on a Thursday. Two of the boys from church come to our house for tea and we have some crazy adventure. This week was no different.
We had Lambkin and Chris took him to the woods to collect Conkers then on the way home they went to the supermarket to get some bits for me but they also got a piece of cake each and Chris bought my a bunch of beautiful lilies (My Mum’s favourite flowers).
I got home from work about the same time as they had and we all had a go on the trampoline. I showed Lambkin how to do a front drop and then he got back on the trampoline and was trying to do something different then landed a front drop and got back up again – I swear somedays he’s made of rubber bands lol.
So that was my crazy week – can you believe it! When I started this post I finished it with this bit which I think is redundant now but I’m going to leave it for now: “And before you go all like “Don’t whinge some of those things weren’t like you had to do them!” Well I wanted to collect Zoza from MK and cheer on my friends. My Friends are a huge chunk of my life and I want to support them through their craziness (just like I hope that they would support me through my craziness lol)”
I think you are suffering today. I’ve just read your Facebook status and it says that you ache lol. No wonder after your crazy adventure yesterday.
This evening is the Alpha Supper. I’m on waitressing this time round which I don’t mind but I am kinda disappointed that I don’t get to wear a black tie – I might just have to wear your red bow tie in my hair instead lol. That way I can join in and work on a smart shirt and tie for next time. You and Rikki have a sidekick to help you as Caz was struggling to get a babysitter and organise stuff like that – the people that she’d normally ask are helping at the meal doh! I need to visit a cash point on the way home and get the sidekicks sponsor money – can’t believe he managed 13 laps! Thats crazy!
He’ll be running marathons by the time he’s 18 and even then he’ll probably still have bundles of energy lol.
It’s only taken since your birthday back in August but we got there – today is D-Day and you are doing the Monopoly Challenge. At the moment it’s 9.45pm and you are still in London – I’m a little worried what time you will actually arrive home as you might be expecting a lift home from the train station and I need to sleep so that I can survive through work lol. At the last update you’d made it to Regent Street/Oxford Street. Thank goodness some of theses places geographically are next to each other like they are in the game.
Maybe it’s me lol. Yup maybe it’s me. I’ve never been the greatest fan of cereal. I used to ear Weetabix when I was a teenager because it got me through the morning till lunch. Then I resorted to “5 items for £1” at Upper School – yes this probably also explained why I’m overweight lol.
Anyhoo there were certain cereals that I steer clear of. I’m not sure why but I never really liked Coco Pops and Sugar Puffs, they were tried once in a while just to prove that I still didn’t like them lol. Then again my Brother and My Mum loved Sugar Puffs. They used to have a bowl each and we’d all watch X-Men and various other cartoons that were on the Television on a Saturday morning.
Apparently the Honey Monster is coming back! Even The Guardian Newspaper did a write up about him. Can you believe he’s been around since the Seventies?
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Play Mob at Crossroads Oakley Church in Cincinnatti, OH – (Especially watch at the 2:45 mark it’s my favourite bit!)
Might have posted before! I love this song by Julia Nunes and the video uses stop animation of sorts. Her friend who takes all the pictures is awesome! Her name is Julia Brenner.
This is Paige and she is awesome! lol. She’s studying Ethnomusicology at the moment – which is a mouthful itself – there was a different video that I wanted to post but couldn’t remember which one it was that I wanted to post! She’s completely fab and barmy (and we’d be best buds if we met in real life – or at least I think so lol)
I Like Giants by Kimya Dawson! I love this song – it’s kinda sad though.
After the bits and pieces I did this morning Chris and Me had been invited to go to a BBQ at my parents church as part of Back To Church Sunday.
As I’d been to get Zoza from the Coach Station and then been to cheer on my friend Jen who was running a 10K this morning I hadn’t actually made it to church – apart from to sit outside and wait for Chris and when we went to the BBQ.
Anyhoo we’d finished eating and Chris, Rich (My brother), My Dad and Me were sat around the table chatting. I’d made a comment about how even though Jen had ran nearly 10K she was still really fast even at the end. I spotted her about 2 marshalls from the end (I think about 500m to the finish line or something like that) so I tried to keep pace with her and cheer her on about how close she was to the finish line and not to give up.
Well anyway my brother makes some comment about so that explains the tremors felt during the service! How rude! Well then those three descended into anarchy against me. Along the lines of my weight, earthquakes, tsunamis or worse (if there is worse). Well it was kinda hurtful and in the end I ended up in the loos – when it comes from my Brother or my Dad I know that they are just joking, they are both slightly overweight just like me. But it was still hurtful. Except when I tried to explain to my Mum what had been send I couldn’t help but laugh because it was still kinda funny.
One line my brother said was about this bit in Jurassic Park.
On the other hand my Grandma came into the chapel kitchen and told me that Mum was giving Rich and my Dad an earful about not being very nice. Grandma said that the devil plays on those insecurities and because we are there spending time together and showing love and all those sorts of things he plays on the negative to try and create rifts etc. My Grandma is so full of wisdom it’s great! If I’m 70 and as wise as her I think that I will have had a good life 😀
My Mum sent my Dad in who gave me a hug and then my brother followed after. I made a comment at him along the lines of “You’re so big you sat on a rainbow and Skittles popped out”, yes it is a “Yo Momma” joke but I couldn’t think of anything else weight related – he’d used the Jurassic Park line on me – it wasn’t original then. Anyway my brother gave me a hug and rather than hugging me he hugged my head which was kinda funny especially when I said something about that he stinks (funnily enough he let go then lol).
So yeah they were mean but they were funny too – there was some comment about that when I go on the trampoline it doesn’t have much effect here but it works like the Butterfly-Tsunami thing! (How rude!).
It’s okay it’ll all come out in therapy when I have a midlife crisis lol.
I need to get the pictures of the camera but we had so much fun this evening – we made our own pizza dough which was a challenge in the first place followed by the challenge of making our own pizzas. Every time I stretched mine to try and make it bigger it kept shrinking back into itself like a rubber band – maybe we should have left it to rise some more doh!
The Kiwi took Bex down to Southampton today for her to go back to Uni. It might be a bit strange not having her around lol. Seems like only yesterday that Bex got back from America.
Well this evening while you were at the youth group I went to the cinema to see Eat, Pray, Love. I went straight after work and made it to the 5:30 showing. After the section set in Italy, I wanted to get an Italian newspaper and start practising for our maybe trip next year. I got in trouble for texting Caz during the film (oops!). The film was dragging a bit and my phone vibrated in my bag – how is it the one minute I reply the cinema person is hovering at the back and spots me! Doh!
1. In the story of my life the actor who would play me would be… erm, well Zooey Deschanel would be kinda cool but then again she might be too quirky for me lol.
2. If I could change one thing about the world it would be World Peace – or is that cheesy?
3. Yesterday was awesome – my God-Daughter aka the Mini Fairy had her birthday – she’s 3 now!
4. My favorite comfort food is homemade pizza – this is a new one but I love it lol.
5. My new favorite blog find is ooh there are lots!
6. If I could meet any blog friend (who I haven’t met yet) in real life, I’d choose to meet.. Becca from Life In Technicolor, Koree from Unveiled and Paige of HopeonaTenSpeed (well thats her YouTube Channel rather than a blog – does that count?)
7. My favorite breakfast food is sausage sandwich with Tomato Ketchup lol. Healthy option is Muesli
Today is Mini Fairy’s Birthday. She’s 3. She kept talking about how she wanted cake, but she kept being told that she couldn’t have any until we finished dinner – how is that when she’s being so naughty she’s still so cute?! On the wall in the kitchen at Mini Fairy’s house there is a massive world map with postcards that family members have sent home so that Mini Fairy (and Mummy Fairy!) can practice geography. I wish I travelled more so that I could fill the wall with postcards for her lol. Maybe I need to request that my Twitter Friends around mail me postcards to send onto Mini Fairy lol.
Mini Fairy was given a “My First Camera” for her birthday, she hasn’t quite worked out not to fidget while taking the picture – how many times did we end up with pictures of our feet, the cardboard box or the ceiling lol. It was fun though – especially when I was nearly blinded lol.
As I flick through my diary I realise how crazy life is in the next few weeks.
I’m going to see Kt Tunstall in concert with my best friend – which is one of my 101 in 1001 days challenges – so that can be ticked off the list!
(If Mum manages to book the tickets then) I’m going to see the Les Mis 25th Anniversary Satellite broadcast to a local cinema with my Mum and The Kiwi (I’ve had Les Mis songs stuck in my head all day – I stood next to the photocopier singing Master of the House)
EDIT: No to the tickets 🙁 the website kept crashing so I tried at lunchtime and it crashed Chrome on my laptop at home – when I tried again when I got back to work the website had updated and there were no tickets left L there was like 1 seat two rows in front of where we were trying to get but that’s kinda sold out because we needed three tickets.
We’re going to Chris’s aunt’s house for the weekend, the weekend after that I’m going up North to see my other best friend at her new uni house. She’s going back to uni to do a PGCE or something similar so she’ll be a fab teacher next year.
Also I’m going for pizza and a cinema trip with JD at some point in October – yeah it’s that crazy that I’m booking like two weeks in advance – does that make me a pants friend?
Tomorrow is my Goddaughters Birthday and I really hope she likes her present – I went practical for one part and fun for the other lol.
So that is the crazy-ness – that’s missing out anything like Connect Group, Esther Group or Band at Church. They already take up 2 or 3 evenings a week. I’ve even started writing myself a to do list for home stuff like I do during my day at work because I don’t want to forget anything lol.
My 30 Days
Today’s Prompt:
A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days.
So those are all future things but for Day 30 it was all about the past.
1. We got a trampoline! Wahoo! The Kiwi found a second hand one that was reasonably cheap – we assembled it on Sunday and realised that 12 foot is massive and nearly as wide as the grass patch in our garden. We set it up in one place then realised that it rocked because the ground wasn’t level – we walked it down the garden (it took three of us lol) and found a better patch.
2. Yesterday at Esther Group we started a new season about Inspirational Ladies. Caz spoke about Jackie Pullinger which was kinda cool. Did you know that Kowlook Walled City covered 6.5 acres and in 1987 housed 33,000 people? I texted my Dad to find out how big 6.5 acres is – now from what he said it’s about a third of the green near his old house and my lower school but that seems really small. Then again my Dad is clever so I’m pretty sure he guess-timated it correctly and it’s just me.
3. While camping at the weekend, we put up two tents and took both down. I was like team leader for putting up the two tents which was kinda scary but then I was the leader and people kept asking me questions – I guess it worked because none of us woke up in the field having gone to sleep under canvas lol. Taking down was a little bit more of a challenge because it’s always really hard to fit the tent back in its bag that is clearly 5 sizes too small or something. Me and my friend at one point were sat on the bag trying to squish it all back in the case.
(I know I’m supposed to post a picture but I need someone to take it for me lol. It’ll be on tomorrows post)
It’s Tuesday today and I need to catch up on my “My 30 Days” post. Well in a second.
So this morning I had a really bad day. I got to work and was a little worked up about having to be there in the first place – I’d been sat at my desk about 20 minutes and one comment was made and that was it I was in floods of tears (luckily I’ve somehow mastered the art of holding the tears in long enough to exit the office and be half way to the loo before someone really notices)
So here starts the search (Again) for a new job. I don’t want a job that gets me that worked up before I’ve even done anything but check my emails.
Back to my weekend.
Our camping trip started on Saturday. We packed up our car and Caz’s car and set off for our trip. The Murf had been taken ill so we were down a car, it also meant that we lost car spaces. In the end Chris and one of our crew, headed for the train station and got there that way. The campsite was like 30 minutes from a tube station which was good.
We ended up having our own Top Gear Challenge of sorts. We all started lent up against Caz’s front garden wall and then all ran for our cars (or to the train station) We went to the petrol station on the way out of Bedford. Having got to the train station and headed out of Bedford I realised that I had forgotten my pajama bottoms (thankfully I had a pair of shorts with me that could be a temporary replacement – if not I would have been sleeping in my jeans!) also that if I’d got to the petrol station on Cardington Road rather than Riverfield Drive, I wouldn’t have had to double back on myself.
Anyhoo, we reached the M25 pretty quickly and the only traffic we hit was at Hatfield where there is road works as they fix up the Hatfield tunnel (it runs under a shopping centre it’s kind of a big deal that it doesn’t collapse lol.)
It took about an hour and 15 minutes to get to the site – when we got there it was just as complicated to find our pitch lol. We were told Field 5 Pitch 19. Well at first we could find Pitch 2 and Pitch 25 but couldn’t find 19 so we went for a drive round this field. (Me in our Sirion and Caz in her Amica or maybe it’s a Matiz – anyway it looked hilarious us driving round trying to find our space)
When we found it we set about to getting the tents up – it had clouded over a little bit and we thought if we at least had some shelter if the heavens did open then we would have somewhere to dive quickly. In our car I managed to jimmy out the tent from under everything and get it out the car – unfortunately Caz had to half unpack her car to get her tent out lol.
I am positive that I have more to share but I’m shattered and I am trying to catch up before I’m another day behind lol.
Day 28 The best part of your day.
Does going back to bed count? Lol. Erm getting home from work and flopping out on the sofa til Chris gets home to give me a hug or when you wake up like 10 minutes before your alarm and realise that you have more time to sleep.
Day 29: Things you collect + things you would like to start collecting.
VW Memorabilia, VW Beetles (Old Style) and VW Campervans (Old Style) – (aka Volkswagen Westfalia Campervan) not real ones just the little toy cars and ceramic figurine thingies (I wanted to take a picture but my collection is downstairs I’m upstairs and it’s an effort lol)
Books and DVDs are the other big collections that I have. If I had the space in my house I would have my own library – you know that bit in Beauty and The Beast and he shows her library and the books are from floor to ceiling – I think thats what I’d like one day lol.
I went camping at the weekend and on Saturday night I didn’t sleep very well at all so when I got home yesterday I didn’t really want to blog. Then last night again didn’t sleep very well. Partly because we had a proper camp fire and the smoke messed up my asthma but also because my muscles in my back and stomach have been hurting a lot. This was mainly due to my mats on Saturday but also because we got a new trampoline for the garden yesterday. (12ft across – plenty of room for seat drops and front drops :D)
Anyhoo it’s now 6 to 1 on Tuesday morning and I need to sleep. I’ll be back with My 30 Days tomorrow.
This weekend we went camping with the Connect Group from church. It was a little crazy but so much fun at the same time. It was very funny when you chased Joe because he wouldn’t give you a hug. I think if Dave had been there as well then he’d have gone home rather than have hugs lol.
Caz Libs and Zoza were all aimed with their cameras to capture as many silly moments as possible. I was actually telling you off but Zoza and Libs both commented on how cute we were. This was on Saturday evening while we were all sat round the camp fire.
Sunday was cool as well once we got the tents down we all went to a local pub for lunch which was really nice. I wasn’t really hungry so had cheesy nachos for lunch and a pudding – I decided that I could always get a sandwich when I was back in Bedford if I was still hungry.
Apart from sleeping, I love reading – that would keep me occupied for a long time thats for sure! I’m attempting to read 100 books in 1001 days (as part of 101 things in 1001 days) but I’m struggling at the moment lol. It’s September and I’m only up to 19 but then have like 5 in progress, it’s about day 173 so got a far way to go!!
1. When I get a day to myself I like to sleep till like 10am and just have a bit of a lazy day to be honest. Read movie magazines and random books, blog away to my hearts content, watch DVDs and TV shows. Probably shower and get dressed somewhere in there.
2. High school was…. pants! I spend most of the time in the music department. I had a small group of friends who I kept out of trouble with but I was picked on alot so tried to stay out the way lol.
3. A little dream I have is to go to New York. One day I will make it to the USA!
4. A big dream I have is to have at least one baby, a girl would be nice but I can cope with a boy (Chris would have him climbing trees and things like that before he can walk lol)
5. If I could drive any car my pick would be a VW Beetle or Campervan.
6. A time that I felt really and truly beautiful was erm when I had my wedding dress on and my Dad stood in my bedroom door way and his jaw hit the floor and he nearly cried.
7. Tomorrow I will…. be going camping with my crazy friends from church.
1. I guess one is the way that if Taxis are behind you they bumper hug you for ages! I slow down to like 25 (in a 30 zone) on purpose because theoretically if they are that close and going slow if I have to brake sharply it should cause less damage.
2. How is it when you are running late for work you get red lights all the way?
3. Does Justin Bieber count? Then again I guess his Mom loves him
Although I’ve opened my heart and talked about my memories why is it the crush list that fills me with a bit of dread lol. So it’s more admiration that crush (Especially when it comes to the girls lol)
David Tennant
Okay I am still divided whether Matt Smith or David Tennant is the better Doctor – however David Tennant also does Shakspeare and plays a pretty good Hamlet. David took over the role from Christopher Eccleston and became the Tenth Doctor.
Matt Smith
Again a Doctor lol. And see above for the divided argument lol. I love the bow tie – as kinda vintage retro it is, it’s kinda cool in a kitsch way (Did I mentioned that Chris wore a bow tie and his trilby to Connect Group on Wednesday?? I threatened to get him some braces – or suspenders as Miss Indie called them.)
Nia Vardalos
First I saw Nia in My Big Fat Greek Wedding which is one of my favourites – then I also saw Driving Aphrodite and I Hate Valentine’s Day. (How cute are her and John Corbett?!?!) She’s genius and so awesome. I think if I ever met her (which the chances are tiny!) I’d probably get star struck lol (Then again we have had a conversation via Twitter which was exciting! She wished me Happy Birthday)
Anne Hathaway
She’s great. I love her character in The Devil Wears Prada (yes another one of my favourite films lol). I love her outfits post makeover in this film – especially this outfit and the one where she wears a white shirt under the black jumper when she goes to hand over “The Book”.
I often have the tendancy to shy away from writing posts majorly about being a Christian or specific events and stuff like that but I think it’s about time that I stood up and said “Look at this moment”. Now I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea so I get it if you hit Next or close the window but please just for a sec, pull up a pew and have a read.
Since I was younger I’ve been one of those people who attempts to hide what is really up and pretend that the world is all sparkles and daisies (As my friend put it once lol) so I squish down the issue and pretend all is good until I explode and make a mess.
For quite a while I’ve been feeling a bit down in the mouth and like I’m not good enough to achieve stuff. That God gives the people around me picture, visions and goals because they are some how more holier, better or cooler than me. I think this has hurt the most when Chris came back from Soul Survivor and was all excited and like it was going to explode with some great plan about the future, it made me feel really horrible and like I was the worst person and that I was no good at anything (especially given other attitudes around me).
This evening at Connect Group* we were having a prayer and prophesy evening. We started just hanging out and chatting about our camping trip this weekend then got down to business.
We’d been sat that and had a few prophesies. I was sit listening to the music and being a sponge in the way that I do.
Caz read out a passage from Philippians 2:6
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
I kinda nodded and smiled and went back to my train of thought (don’t ask me what I was thinking about i’m not entirely sure now lol) Caz then started talking about that because of Jesus dying for us we are free from condemnation.
Well this is one of those moments where God gives you a loving slap round the head and tells you to pay attention lol.
It always boggles my brain how people can prophesy over you and because of what God has told them can cut straight to the chase. The Murf agreed with Caz and then said that he’s going to stick his head out and risk it. My heart was going “please not me, please not me” well then The Murf says my name and (slap round head) he was correct.
I know I am free and that Jesus died for me on the cross but somedays I get so down that I begin to believe that I am not worthy of his love.
I want to analyse more but I’m still processing kinda. We got home and me and Chris chatted over stuff and Chris told me I needed to be more like a meerkat rather than a ferret.
If you’ve ever seen Meerkats on nature documentaries they scurry around and when they hear a predator they are up on their hind legs to see whats going on. Well Chris said that I need to stop studying the detail of the ground and get up on my hind legs and look at the bigger picture.
I was writing my other blog post and he sat down on the floor and put his hand on my shin and started praying for me. I felt bad that I wasn’t really having a moment but I started writing this post so that I don’t forget what happened and whats going on. I have a list next to me that I need to write up for the group today or tomorrow but I needed to do this. (Guys if you are reading and I missed something important please tell me – leave a comment or drop me an email)
*Connect Group is like a bible study/friends hanging out.
When I spoke at my Parents Church on Sunday, I grabbed the hymn book and read out this song, it’s called I Can Only Imagine – it wasn’t really in my original plan but it kept going round my head on Sunday.
There are few shows that I watch all the time – most of which are on the Summer Break at the moment.
I’ve recently been watching Private Practice and Ugly Betty. Having been a Grey’s Anatomy fan from the beginning,
I didn’t really see the point of Private Practice – well then I sat down to watch it and that was that lol. It’s just as OTT and confusing as Grey’s Anatomy but somehow I manage to keep up lol
I used to watch Ugly Betty nearly all the time then the scheduling changed and I went off it because it would either be on while I was out at the Youth Group or Connect Group or there would be a recap on a Sunday morning while I was at church.
At the moment I am working my way through Season 4 of Ugly Betty – I am really kinda gutted that it finished after 4 Seasons but I guess it has kinda started to drag a little but we’ll see how it goes as I’m only half way through the season.
Strictly Come Dancing starts back in a few weeks – we had the pilot/intro show on Saturday and that caused upset already. This year there are various celebrities who are taking to the floor some who I am positive won’t last past week 3 or 4 (Anne Widdecombe and Peter Shilton for example) and then some others who might go all the way (Kara Tointon and Matt Baker)
Well in 2007 I got married to the lovely Chris. I wouldn’t say that mine was the perfect wedding but it was perfect to me if you get me. This is me in my dress doing my first dance with Chris.
Here are some pretty bits I’ve found over the web – the images take you to the source 🙂
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaking suspicion… love actually is all around.
Hugh Grant as The Prime Minister, Love Actually (2003)
Today it’s 9 years since 9/11. On Thursday at work we were talking about it “Where were you when you heard about 9/11?” I was at school, my manager was at his old job and my Aunt was still working at a local school. We were all in different places but something big happened that day.
I was about 3 or 4 days into Year 11 (Thank you Ally for correcting me!) and had been over to the music department to quickly speak to my Expressive Arts teacher about something we were doing in class. I got there and the other music teacher appeared and made a comment about the twins being hit or something like that – this never occurred to me as to what was happening – I figured that they were mid-flow of conversation as I walked into the class room.
I got in the car with my Mum and went to my Grandma’s house – it was traditional that on Tuesday we went round for tea.
I got there and my Aunt was sat on the sofa watching TV and my Grandma was sat in the room as well. They’d got the news on which was kinda strange as they usually had a quiz on or something like that, then I saw what was happening. My heart leaped into my throat and something in me wanted to protect my cousin.
Okay she was 7 at the time (she turns 17 in January!) and I’m sure she was well aware that something bad was happening and that I couldn’t really protect her but we went into the other room and started playing while everyone watched the news.
I’m not really sure how to end this post – I wanted to talk about what I was doing when I heard but I don’t really have anyway to sign off. I think the way to do is this two things:
Where were you?
and when you’ve commented, wrote your own post or what ever you to do today make sure you tell your family and friends that you love them – give them the biggest hug ever.
Well I’ve never really been a pet person. When I’m asked Cat or Dog? I’d rather say a gerbil lol. Chris is most definitely a dog person and he’d really like a Finnish Lapphund
So if it wasn’t probably against the law and could be house trained etc I’d have a Pygmy Marmoset or a Spider Monkey – seeing as it’s probably not allowed and classed as an exotic animal I guess a ferret, gerbil or mouse will have to do lol.
1. The strangest thing I’ve ever eaten is… when it comes to food I’m not very imaginative so I think the strangest thing is Calamari – which isn’t really strange at all lol. Me and some friends dared each other to try it and so went ahead and did it. Did you know you can buy pickled baby octopus in the supermarket – it’s really gross.
2. I wouldn’t be caught dead… erm in a bikini maybe? I really don’t have the body for a bikini so I guess for now I wouldn’t be caught dead in one lol. I know not very original but whereas Lauren put she wouldn’t be caught in overalls – I would wear them if it meant I didn’t get dirty (not these funny fashion overalls lol). But also I wouldn’t be caught dead in a fur coat.
3. When I am 75 I will…. be a Grandma (Well maybe I guess) and will hopefully still have all my faculties intact.
4. If I had to be named after a place I would want to be named… Dakota as in North & South Dakota or America as in the country and the actress America Ferrera.
5. My name is… Hannah Louise, no real deep meanings to it, all I know is that Hannah is Hebrew for God has favoured me (or Grace of God depending on who you’re asking). In the Bible Hannah was the mother of Samuel in the OT. Louise is from the German Louisa and that means Fights with Honour.
6. My all time favorite photo is…. I take so many pictures that I don’t actually know. I guess my family ones are pretty important – especially my wedding ones as my Grandma is in them – or the one of me at Graduation, My Grandma didn’t want to be in the pictures but then someone caught one of me with Grandma in the background anyway.
7. If I could afford it I would… book a plane ticket to Australia for Ruby and Branden’s Wedding, and I’d take Chris and The Kiwi with me.
One of my favourite blogs in the whole wide world (Yup that much) is Today’s Letters. I think I’ve written about then before and more than likely will mention them again but they are just soooo lovely! Em is the main author but Mr L. is going to author the Friday post each week which is super exciting (Fist pumps and leg kicks for that!)
Em and Mr L.
So anyway my point was that this post to finish the day is in the style of Today’s Letters.
Dear Dad… You sent me a silly email today and it made me smile while I was fed up. Thank you. Dear Fire Bell… I get the point that you are there as a safety measure but do you have to be so loud! You were hurting my ears. Dear Caz… You give super hugs and I don’t think I said thank you for standing out in the street in your slippers with me yesterday. So thank you lovely one. Dear Rubot… Thank you for your email this morning – there is something about waking up to an email from you that makes dragging my butt out of bed so worth it! Dear Kiwi… I am so glad that you got your promotion and I’m glad that you liked the cake! Dear Chris… I sat in bed yesterday and made a deal with you about making sure we do one thing each day to make the other one feel special. Yesterday was like a test run when I made you tea (here’s hoping your not at home praying to the loo!), scrambled eggs and toast – okay so the toast was burnt but it was good all the same. What do you think? Can’t wait for today’s mission lol. The above picture was one of the best when we were playing in the garden with the boys earlier.
(If Em doesn’t mind me adopting and attributing this format to her every week I might do it on a Thursday/Friday)
A picture of you from last year + this year + how have you changed since then?
Due to the wonders of Flickr – I can do better – I have a 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 picture and I’ve changed lots lol.
2007 – taken at my G-ma’s Birthday Party. Me, Rich and my Cousins lined up in front of the mirror, we were armed with cameras or phones lol.
2008 – I’d been to see Julie and Julia, I came home and really wanted to cook – so I did lol. I took photos of me cooking scrambled eggs on toast and then some cakes.
2009 – Not sure why but I was taking pictures of my earrings while sat in the car (the garage in the background is down the road from my Mum’s house lol)
2010 – this was taken about two or three weeks ago – The Kiwi bought some new curlers and I was the guinea pig!
So what’s changed about me?
The main two things – I’ve probably put on weight and my hair has changed that’s about it when it comes to the differences – and in a week my hair might have changed again as I’m going to dye it red – although I am questioning my choice of dye – I think I might just have to get on with it and see how vibrant it comes out and then wash it lots if it’s too bright lol.
Having posted my pictures though – my glasses got changed in 2008 (I think I got new glasses as my main birthday present from my parents!)
However I am doing something about the weight thing too – I am trying to cut out biscuits, cakes, sweets and junk food. Given the amount of rubbish I do eat – I’m allowing myself to have junk for one meal a week as sort of a treat for being good the rest of the week – that should work right?
So far I’ve not been doing very good but yesterday I cooked scrambled eggs and toast for tea for me and Chris. I think this is one occasion when the local supermarket won out against the corner shop. The eggs we got from the corner shop were from caged birds and were on the small side. I’d rather may a little bit more for free range eggs, after dinner we discussed this and decided that in future although it’s a bit further to walk to the supermarket we’d get free range eggs where possible. (I’ve been a free range egg kinda girl for a while).
I meant to post about this but due to the time zones and things like that I didn’t manage to. On a Tuesday Becca at Life in Technicolor writes a post entitled Travel Tuesday. This week I was interviewed about where I live and next week it’s Chloe’s turn. Chloe blogs at My New Life as a Housewife.
Cupcakes – or cake of pretty much any description.
Yeah I know not very healthy lol. Hence why I am going to attempt to give up chocolate and cake at the moment, I am looking into the best deals when it comes to gym membership and I’m going to get my behind in gear or at least I am saying that and hopefully will drag myself kicking and screaming to loose some of the extra weight I have hanging onto me lol.
And now for something completely different…..
While trying to find images for this post I found this guys website – how cool is his work….
This artist is called Matt Sewell and he painted Room No 1 at the Artist Residence Hotel in Brighton. you can actually go stay at the hotel and it would be seriously cool but it’s a little on the expensive side for my pocket lol.
(The Image will take you to the blog most with more pictures – it’s sooooooo fab!
So what makes me different from everyone else. Erm I don’t know I guess when I was at school the fact that I was a Christian often made a huge difference. Also the fact that I was a bit of a goth/emo chick and was a Christian. People couldn’t really get their head round that I could like rock music at the same time as being an goth/emo girl. (Finding a picture of me when I was of school age when I was all emo’d up was a bit of a challenge lol. Where are all my pictures?? lol).
I got stuck so I asked Chris for help to start with he said “Where do I start?” I think that was in a “You are completely barmy and therefore very different from everyone else”.
He then asked me – “What makes you think you are strange?”
So I wear odd socks everyday! And I mean everyday – unless I wear my flip flops of course then I don’t wear socks.
Given the option I would have all my hair braided like Sooz from As If either that or dye it bright pink or bright purple (Think Ramona from Scott Pilgrim!).
I mostly would wear trousers rather than skirts – I had a minor disagreement with my drama teacher at Upper School because each time I was in a performance I had to wear a skirt – admittedly sometimes it made sense and sometimes it didn’t but for most of my teenage years I hated skirts and some how now they are growing on me and I’ve started wearing them more – I’m even wearing one for most of the performance on Saturday – out of choice!
Okay so I am positive that there are more to add to this but at the moment this is about as far as my brain power will stretch – I’m in a performance next weekend and we ran it twice this afternoon and I wanted to come home, curl up and sleep I was that shattered lol.
Okay so I don’t have a funky mail box like this but I got post and it was awesome! A few weeks back I read a review (written by Kaelah) about Funk Off and the products that they make. I’m not vegan or anything like that but having gone vegetarian for lent a few years ago I’ve always been interested in natural, vegetarian and vegan friendly products.
Here’s the blurb-by explanation bit from their Etsy Page:
We hope you like what you see and we’re certain you’ll like what you smell when your order arrives! We’ve got a product for just about anyone, if you gotta get fresh why not Funk Off!
All of our products are natural and cruelty free. In fact, all of our soaps are Vegan with the exception of the honey soaps, since technically honey is not Vegan. Our body sprays and lotions are Vegan too!
All of our natural, earth friendly products are made by us, we only work in small batches to ensure top of the line quality and freshness and long lasting scent. Every little measure, chop, mix, pour, cut, fold, stamp, wrap is done by us. We put the utmost care and attention into every detail, every step of the way to create a perfect product every time…not factory perfect, truly handmade perfect!!!
I open the package and had this fab note.
I bought two lip balms, one is Spearmint and the other is Strawberry Kisses. I also bought an Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Shea Butter Soap which I’m going to use in my next shower – it smells AMAZING!!
I’ve been using the Spearmint lip balm today and although it doesn’t really taste of Spearmint but its super lovely and keeping my lips nice and soft hehe. (I had a little hiccup with the turny bit on the bottom of the lip balm and a chunk got knocked off the top but it’s fine.)
Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day + why.
ARGH this one is soooo hard – I’ve written two attempts and keep changing my mind lol.
So my first idea was to swap places with the Conductor at The Last Night of The Proms and conduct the London Symphony Orchestra through Rule, Britannia and Pomp and Circumstance. I know it’s geeky in a sense but me and my Dad watch The Last Night of The Proms together nearly every year. I think it annoys my Mum how excited we get over a classical concert but I can’t help it – I think I get it from my G-Dad (Dad’s Dad) who loves classical music. My Manager at work went to a Beethoven and Mahler concert yesterday and the Berliner Philharmoniker were playing. I always thought that the tickets were expensive for The Last Night but according to the website – if you have a standing ticket as such it’s £5 – there is a queue for like 3 hours as you can’t reserve in advance but if me and Dad went we could take it in turn if we needed a drink or visit the little girls/boys room.
Image from the BBC Proms Website (Click Image for Source)
My other idea was somehow swap places with someone so that I could have a photography lesson with Annie Leibovitz. I love her photography. I think one of the first photos I saw of hers was the John Lennon and Yoko Ono one but actually this isn’t my favourite. I love how personality is captured in the images but also there are other things in there. Her photography has also caused so much controversy – for example that image of Miley Cyrus or that one of Demi Moore when she was pregnant.
fill in the blank friday is brought to you by my name is lauren at thelittlethingswedo.
Koree is a friend – thanks to reading Becca’s blog and being part of My 30 Days we made friends or at least I would call her a friend – she probably things I’m that weird girl who just won’t go away lol. I found this on her blog (then I found that it was from Lauren’s blog.
1. If I didn’t have to work anymore I would…New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Spain, Rome, Verona, Venice, Paris, Strasbourg, Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam that’s just off the top of my head while I’m sat here lol.
2. My favorite thing about vacation is visiting new places and having adventures. When me and my Brother were younger we used to go to alot of castles while we were on holiday and they were the best bits lol.
3. When packing for a trip I am usually pretty good. I don’t forget anything (sometimes). I’ve packed for a lot of trips, so I’ve become pretty good with remembering what to bring.
4. If I could go on a road trip with anyone (dead or alive) I would choose Kewey, we’ve been best friends since we were at university and I’ve never been on holiday with her – I think we’d go on a road trip to the seaside or something like that.
5. My top three absolute travel essentials are hairband (or hair tie I’m not sure the elastic things you use for pony tails),
6. Vacations are great – however I like doing the tourist things but I do like to chill out and just take things slowly whereas That Boy likes to charge from one thing to the next – we’re working on getting it a bit more balanced.
7. On vacation you must always attempt the local language. If you go somewhere like France or Germany take your phrase book and attempt the language – don’t wimp out – just because you’re not fluent doesn’t mean you can’t try.
Today is one of those days where my heart has been in my mouth nearly all day. My brother (Aka The Stig) had an MRI this morning and I texted my Mum saying “How did the MRI go? Are they going to amputate his leg at the hip?” I’m not sure if she appreciated it really. He’s got to wait two weeks for the results – so no amputation this weekend lol.
One of the lads in our youth group at church got his AS level results last week and they weren’t want he wanted. His school have said that he can’t resit them and he can’t continue onto his A2 Levels – so he needs an alternative – from what I’ve heard this morning he went to the the local college to see if they will take him on – I kept praying between orders and phone calls that there would be a place or he’d find a temporary job. I hate to see them lot in pain – okay I am no longer a youth leader person anymore but they are all my lovelies and when they hurt I hurt for them too.
Having been in the same boat as him when I finished my AS Levels, I want to see that it gets sorted out for him sooner rather than later.
On the other hand here is todays “My 30 Days”:
My 30 Days
Today’s Prompt:
A photo of something you ate today.
Well I don’t really eat breakfast – I was going to have a sausage sandwich but the breakfast was too popular today and there weren’t any left in the canteen I had a packet of mini hob nobs (yeah okay they aren’t healthy but they are less than 200 calories so that’s not so bad right?), I then drank a can of diet cola this morning.
Lunch was a coronation chicken and sweetcorn white bread sandwich. Yesterday and today it tasted kinda funny so I think they might have changed the recipe or someone else made it rather than the normal person lol.
I have no idea what is for dinner this evening – I have a rehearsal from 8 til 9 for a performance that I am in next weekend – I also am speaking at my parents church that same weekend so I need to get a move on and finish my talk because at the moment it’s still in about its first draft. I also need to write a sketch that can be performed with two puppets or something to fill that time. I have however chosen my worship songs/hymns – one of which is How Great Thou Art.
Put your iPod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play.
Young London – Angels and Airwaves (Love)
Is it Any Wonder – Keane ()
Frontier Psychiatrist – The Avalanches
Faint – Phatfish
Going Through The Motions – McFly
New Shoes – Paolo Nutini
Run – Snow Patrol
Undiginified – Matt Redman
Smile – Glee (Cover of Lily Allen)
When We Dance – Sting (Symphonicities version)
It’s a short and sweet post today – That Boy wants me to go mindmap/brainstorm some ideas. I just want to curl up and not be here for a little while lol.
So many fab people are having giveaways at the moment:
First up we have Becca at Life in Technicolour is hosting a giveaway – the prizes are handmade by her fabulous self. To enter go here and look at her blog answer the question “What’s in your DVD Player at the moment?” and become a follower – and that’s your entry – you can also gain extra entries by blogging and tweeting about it – you can also FB about it if you are friends with Becca.
Giveaway closes at 5pm (BST) on Friday 3rd Sept (That’s Midday for those on EDT).
Second up we have Trisha, she is my lovely german blogging friend.
Visit her blog here to enter leave a comment and for extra entries tweet or blog about it.
Third up is Lauren @ Busy Bee Lauren. You can win one of these fab aprons as made by her sister Sierra 🙂
Fourth Up (or should that be next up?!) Lindsay at Pixies and Bears is having a Craft Room De-stash and you can win all sorts of goodies. The list is:
Items include:
-26 8×10 chipboard sheets of multi colored alpha letters
-7 various wooden block stamps
-pack of 24 mini clothespins
-16 foam sheets
-Popsicle sticks
-floss organizer
-binder rings in various sizes
-several packs of vintage ephemera
-several notepads and sticky notes
-10 ribbon spools
-MASSIVE amount of ribbon scraps
-several cello bags
-4 Binder clips
-13 crazy cut scissors
-lace tape
-fabric
-leaf cut out
-erasers
-28 packs of stickers (lots of Christmas/winter ones)
-4 packs of photo organizers
-brand new nail file
And the best bit is that International people can enter too!! Woop!
I’m not sure if I actually have a decent photo of me and my family lol. I have ones with my parents and ones with my hubby but I think my brother may manage to evade the camera so it might have to be a wedding picture or I’ll divide it up so we have my family in multiple pictures.
Mum
Back in July Me and my Mum went to a studio day in London, it’s never something we would normally do as neither me or my Mum are the type to spend ages on our make-up and stuff like that. We had some pictures taken together as well as all our single ones.
Dad
Me and My Dad are like completely barmy when we get together sometimes for example this picture was taken at my Aunt’s wedding. They had a trio singing then a disco in the evening but during the trio it was proper dancing (well I guess disco is proper dancing but this was like partner waltzing ness) So me and Dad started dancing near the door away from other people so that we didn’t crash into anyone but we kept being silly so my brother or That Boy took this picture.
Brother (aka The Stig)
My brother hates having his photo taken – any day he’d rather be the person taking the picture – well I managed to get one of him the other day at the fun day – he had been cornered by The Kiwi to have his face painted. He choose a skeleton – which was funny as he’s 6ft ish tall and was wearing big skater jeans with his hope shirt – he actually looked kinda scary (and reminded us of one of the Bond baddies but we couldn’t remember the name of the baddy) hence the picture. He’s nicknamed The Stig because at a youth event earlier this year he was dressed up as The Stig (from Top Gear) and then the young people had to try and beat him on one of the racing games.
Hubby
That Boy is my best friend (at least most days lol). He’s an adventurer at heart so I have pictures of him climbing walls and making fires here there and everywhere.
The Kiwi
Okay so technically she’s not a relative but she’s been semi-adopted into the family so she’s kinda like a sister anyway so she’s included. Back in February, we went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at a local theatre. We’d been for a wander round the shops and then went to get some tea – when this photo was taken she thought it was just a coincidence that my Mum, Dad, The Stig and some other friends were there, actually what she didn’t know was that there was a whole plot going on. Following dinner we made a point to walk a funny way back to the car and as we went past the theatre we stopped and her best bud got the tickets out her bag and said about what the whole plan was – she had no idea at all!
On the theme of family, I got an interesting friend request this morning on Facebook. My Grandad has joined Facebook – when I checked at lunch he just has 3 friends but I’m sure he’ll gain some more once people know he’s there lol. He seems to know anyone and everyone lol. Just need him to get a profile picture now lol
Okay so now I actually have to think up proper titles having had a month with titles such as “BEDA Day 5” or “Bonus BEDA Day 24“. I was sat in front of my Mac yesterday evening and gain some inspiration from somewhere so made these funky little fluff balls lol. I got a strip of felt and then wrapped it round to create this funny bobbly thing. I then found an elasticated hairband and sewed them to it in some formation making the above. Tada! I showed my housemate and she said I should go into business – I could but I’m sure I already saw them somewhere so then it would be copying and that wouldn’t really be fair if I stole someone else’s idea from somewhere (if you make a similar product to the above and would like some kind of “inspired by….” then drop me an email and I’ll add a link.
BEDA may be over but My 30 Days is continuing I will see you on the other side when it shall be September.
So today is the 31st August that means that today is the last one for BEDA – eek How quickly did that month go by – then again by roughly a whole month of posts you are all probably really bored and actually I am only writing for my cat (well if I had one lol then again next door’s cat seems to get confused as to which house it lives in sometimes lol)
My 30 Days
Today’s Prompt:
A song for every mood.
Anyway, on My 30 Days today is Day 9 and the prompt is above.
I nearly always have music on – if I’m in the car I have a CD or the radio on, if I’m at home I have the radio or my computer on, if I’m out and about in town I more than likely have my iPod on with something playing. Basically music and me are like best buds – we live in each other’s pockets lol.
I tend to have one or three CDs in the car that I rotate between for like 4 or 5 weeks and then I get bored and switch for something else – I have an iPod adaptor thingy for the car and that plays from my old iPod however I can’t get it to work properly and the frequency that it is set to is fine until I go up the hill where I work because then it can pick up a radio station that broadcasts on that frequency (I didn’t know there was one till it cut in a few days ago).
I wrote my first draft thingy but decided having seen both Koree and Becca‘s lists
Happy:
Your Sofa by Becky Higg
Safe House by Becky Higg
Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette
Jesus Freak by DC Talk (Happy mosh round the room)
Sad:
Thank You by Dido
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Eva Cassidy (It was played at my Grandma’s funeral)
Angry:
One Step Closer by Linkin Park
You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette
crushcrushcrush by Paramore (mosh round the room again)
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Romantic:
My First, My Last My Everything by Barry White (Cheesy I know but I love it)
Finally Found by The Honeyz
Dance/Party:
Dancing Generation by Matt Redman (Technically a worship song but it makes me want to dance)
Anything by Abba
Chill/Calming/Contempletive:
I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe
What If I Stumble by DC Talk
Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez (Yeah it fits under this as well lol)
At The River by Groove Armada
Sleepy:
Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez
Also I have a little plug to make….Becca (who came up with the My 30 Days Project) is hosting a giveaway – the prizes are handmade by her fabulous self. To enter go here and look at her blog answer the question “What’s in your DVD Player at the moment?” and become a follower – and that’s your entry – you can also gain extra entries by blogging and tweeting about it – you can also FB about it if you are friends with Becca.
Giveaway closes at 5 pm (BST) on Friday 3rd Sept (That’s Midday for those on EDT)
I’ve just noticed that my prompts are in the wrong order doh! Day 8 should actually be Day 6 if you are going by Becca‘s List – hopefully this is the only hiccup!
My 30 Days
Today’s Prompt:
What’s in Your Bag?
At present, I’m using my Criminal Damage messenger bag – it has stars all over it :D. I bought it at Pulp a few weeks ago. In there I have….
My iPhone
My 2010 Diary
My 2011 Diary (Yup that organised!)
Two Letters to post (One to Becca and one to Kaelah)
The bag that came with my diary – both by Irene at 1 Off Handbags
Pens – I go through stages of having quite a few in my bag
Keys
Painkillers
Deodorant
I started writing this post and then went outside to help That Boy – he set a challenge to see if any of us could light the BBQ using a flint and some tinder – I DID IT!!! The first attempt worked but then burnt out 🙁 I didn’t let that put me off, I wriggled and pulled my sleeves back up again and then tried again with a fire lighter – I got the tinder lit and then that lit the fire lighter and the rest of the BBQ. This morning we bought one of this Chimenea thingies – we’d been to friends who had them and been nice and toasty while sat next to it.
A while back I went for a chat with a company upstairs from my current office – they were interested in my photography skills but I didn’t have the editing skills etc that they needed for a new team member. I installed Photoshop and Illustrator and stuff all at the same time and for one or another reason never got on with actually learning how to use them. Then the trials ran out so I uninstalled them from my MacBook and trundled along without ever learning what to do.
I emailed Kaelah last week to pick her brain over how she edits images, and adds text and things like that – I got a reply and left it in my inbox, while I got on with chores this morning I left my Mac re-downloading the trial and this is my first attempt.
My friend Caz took this picture of me taking a picture a few years ago when we went for a walk around Ampthill. I wanted to play with Photoshop and learn how to use it – this is my first experience – I know not very complicated but it’s somewhere to start, hopefully my skills will grow from here and I’ll get better.
A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
This fab couple are my Grandparents on their wedding day. They were married in September 1961. There’s a story that my Grandma tells me about how they were involved in a motorcycle accident a few days before the wedding and she very nearly didn’t make it to the wedding – thankfully instead she was just a little bruised and that meant that they could get married. The following August my Mum arrived on the scene followed by my Uncle a few years later.
To me they have had the biggest impact on me, my Grandma is an amazing woman of God even through dealing with my Great Grandma when she was ill and then dealing with her own illness, she never turned her back on God. We write to each other occasionally – I don’t necessarily have the time to go round (which sounds really sucky) but sometimes I scribble Grandma a note and send it via my Mum just to give her the heads up so that she knows that I’m okay and surviving lol. We also talk about those things that I can’t chat to my Mum about but my Grandma has like 40 years (oooh 50 years next year!!) of marriage behind her and okay so they don’t always get it right but she can give me some form of guidance right?
My Grandad is amazing man of God too. He’s so amazing, so many times he’s come to my rescue because the car broke down or because I needed his help with some crazy project or idea that I had lol. When my parents had their bathroom redone my Grandad taught me how to tile lol. I worked in a DIY store and to learn to tile was really helpful when people asked lol. (Yeah I was part time and that dedicated lol) Also when Grandad installed the new windows I also learnt how to do that lol.
All of my Grandparents have had a massive impact on my life – they have been there through the good times and the bad. When Kewey was sick I left uni that day and some how ended up stood in my Grandma’s kitchen – I had one of those moments where the car just kinda drove itself and next thing I know I’m stood in my Grandma’s kitchen bawling my eyes out. She picked me up and dusted me off and in true Grandma fashion reached for her Bible and we had a pray.
So they are my biggest influence I think, well I think lol. Get me? Who’s had the biggest impact on you?
And….this post is about my Mum’s parents. Today is my Grandad’s birthday (that is my Dad’s Dad) so…
Favourite superhero + why they are your favourite.
Erm I have no idea lol. I grew up watching X-Men and Transformers with my
brother – do they count as super heroes?
I liked Storm and Rogue in X-Men. I remember how Wolverine had this amazing bright yellow and black costume like a wasp lol. I remember that in Transformers there was Optimus Prime and Megatron but I wouldn’t be able to tell you which side either of them were on (I remember there was the Autobots and Decepticons – haha good memory!!).
I also used to watch The New Adventures of Superman (Lois Lane was played
by Teri Hatcher). I watched the original Superman films but they weren’t as
good in my expectations lol.
Batman and Robin were the other ones I used to watch. I liked the 60s TV show – I used to watch the repeats lol.
I went to see The Dark Knight at the cinema but it wasn’t my cuppa really Heath Ledger did an amazing job as the Joker but I always remember him being the comical clown of a character rather than the psychotic character that Heath Ledger portrayed.
I used to look for female SuperHeroes but the only one I could find was Wonder Woman and Supergirl – are there any others?
A picture of you as a kid + 7 facts about your childhood.
Okay so I’m cheating here – I’m double posting today so that I’m posting at the same time as Becca and Koree because at the moment I’m a day behind.
Yup that little dinky is me! This was taken at about 3 weeks – so around when I should have been born.
7 Facts about my Childhood.
I was born 3 weeks premmy – Apparently I was a funny yellow colour as I had jaundice. By being early and my cousin being late this made me the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family.
I started learning the flute and keyboard in Year 5 (I would have been 9 years old.
One of my favourite memories was when it snowed loads and me, m brother and the three kids from two houses across the street had a massive snow ball fight and snowman making session – we were going to make snow angels then realised it was too cold and we’d all end up really wet lol.
I wasn’t a Brownie, Girl Guide, in the Girls Brigade or anything like that. I joined and left the St John’s Ambulance within a term as my friend (who I went with) stopped going as well. I went to Sunday School at my church – often it was just me and my brother lol.
When I was 8 or 9 I would read GCSE Maths textbooks for fun (yeah I am a geek and it took me most of my teens to realise that I could be a geek and be cool in a way lol)
I started wearing glasses at Middle School just to read the board, by Upper School I had to wear them all the time – now without them I can read a book and send a text that’s about it lol.
Until I was in my teens we always went on holiday for at least a week in our caravan – I don’t care how much Top Gear diss them – I loved going on holiday in a caravan!
When I’m concentrating I stick my tongue out the side of my mouth, only a little bit but people notice sometimes lol. According to my Dad I get it from my G-ma S.
For years I didn’t cut my nails, I only nibbled a little when they got broken or things like that. Now I have to keep them short to play bass – except sometimes I forget and then sit there before band practice biting my nails to get them short again – yeah I know gross lol.
I guess to a certain degree I have a bad habit of being over emotional – I tend to loose my rag or get upset. I keep trying to laugh stuff off but sometimes it hurts too much and I’m a little fed up of being made to feel like rubbish all the time – but I’m working on it and trying to kill off my bad habits.
A Sad Day for Nerdfighteria and YouTube
Had some pants news, Esther Earl – a fab 16yo Nerdfighter, HP Fan and YouTuber, passed away yesterday after her battle with Cancer. I never got to meet her in person or even chat via the Internet but having watched her YouTube videos and heard about her – she seems like a friend so I wanted to post something. DFTBA Lovelies.
You can read Esther’s story here. You can see her YouTube Channel here. Also go watch Kayley’s Tribute to Esther here.
Your favourite season + what makes it your favourite.
Autumn or Spring – I can never quite make up my mind lol. My friend told me that Spring was better because plants and things are coming back to life or waking up from hibernating through the winter. But I love kicking through the fallen leaves (And singing this really loud).
Having said that about the song I then realised that I sing Drip Drip Drop from Bambi lots in Spring lol. (Video on Youtube here)
So today I took my photo as I actually wore a skirt to work – although after I finish writing this post I’m going to stick my jeans on before I go out lol.
Where did my blog name come from….erm in all I’m not really sure lol. My original title was “Journal of a Rock Angel” which was because I was a rock chick and Journal of a Rock Chick didn’t sound right lol.
Now it’s “My Corner of The Internet” and again not entirely sure where it came from lol.
Becca at My Life in Technicolour has started a challenge – with a blog prompt for each day. It’s called My 30 Day Challenge. And I am going to do it in September.
These are the 30 Day prompts and I was going to start on the 1st September but I’m going to start today:
Recent picture of you + the meaning behind your blog name
Your favourite season + what makes it your favourite.
A habit that you wish you didn’t have.
A picture of you as a kid + 7 facts about your childhood.
Favourite superhero + why they are your favourite.
What’s in your bag?
A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
4 simple short term goals for this month + reasons why you picked them.
A song for every mood.
A picture of you and your family.
Put your iPod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play.
A photo of something you ate today.
Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day + why.
Plans/dreams/goals you have.
What makes you different from everyone else.
Things you crave a lot.
A photo of the item you last purchased.
A picture of you from last year + this year + how have you changed since then?
A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
Your dream wedding.
A photo of your favourite place to eat.
A photograph of the town you live in.
A show you’re currently addicted to.
A list of things you don’t leave the house without.
Your celebrity crush list.
5 pet peeves.
Something you could never get tired of doing.
The best part of your day.
Things you collect + things you would like to start collecting.
A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days
Can I use this post to point out how lovely That Boy can be? I’m so mean that I often point out the stuff he does that annoys me or upsets me but don’t big up the stuff that he does that makes me smile.
I don’t actually know what started me off on Saturday but I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t breathe and had to take my inhaler because when I tried to breath in not a lot was happening. That Boy had been away at Soul Survivor all week and so I hadn’t seen him (and not really heard from him) since Monday. Well I have no idea what did it but I sat there unable to breathe and laughing so hard.
Then today, He’d given me the responsibility of looking after a really important key over the weekend while we had the Fun Day. I was given the key on Saturday and attached it to my house keys and that’s where it stayed. I was supposed to give it the The Kiwi this morning to return it but I completely forgot until I got to work. I sorted with her about getting it back to the person we had borrowed it from.
While I was on my way to town, That Boy texted me saying that he was going to our friend’s house for tea to chat over some stuff (I think last week was a little bit mind blowing!). Also that did I want him to sort me some food at home or get takeout on his way back. Well I’ve ate way too much takeout recently so food at home is good lol.
This evening we went to the cinema to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – it was really cool and I was kinda pleased that there was the broom scene lol.
I mention that fact to That Boy and he says yes we’ll go. So at about 7:30 ish yesterday evening we went over to MK to go to the cinema – we were a little early so rather than sitting in the cinema foyer we headed back downstairs to one of the pubs/bars and had pudding while watching SkyNews – well I was watching the news and commenting on who the people were and things like that. We had a whole conversation about the Chilean Miners who are trapped and why David Grant was interviewed about auto tune and X Factor.
I wanted to post this last night but I wasn’t in the best mood and knew that because I’d had a falling out with That Boy on the way home and had I posted then I’d have probably ranted about the thing that we’d fallen out over rather than praising what he’d done good 🙂
Due to the craziness that has transpired over this weekend I will be having a combo post rather than separate.
Day 21
Started with a trip to Costco with The Kiwi.
Got there, had forgotten card, thank goodness for temp card
Got shopping realised that the amount of bread we needed for Fun Day was way too much and needed a second car.
The Stig comes to our rescue and drives from Bedford to MK while we finish shopping.
We get home and distribute the frozen food between various freezers and cold spaces.
Go back to Mums and flop, eat lunch and watch TV.
That Boy phones. The youth group are delayed will be back around 4ish.
Head into town to distribute flyers about the fun day.
Go back to Mums.
The Kiwi goes to her Aunts. I stay at Mums wrapping single slices of cake in cling film for the Jaffa Orchard stand.
Collect That Boy from church. Back to Mums.
TV time again – we catch the end of Made of Honour. (from the Scottish wedding til the end)
Watch more randomness and eat dinner.
Come home and sleep.
Day 22
Started the day around 7am. Alarm set to go off every 15 mins.
Get up and go to the site for 8:30am.
From then til 4pm I bounced from one thing to the next. My main job was to man the craft stand but at one point I ended up helping on the Face Painting and putting out a hose.
At 4ish the day started to wind down but there was tidying to be done.
We finished around 8 and went to Mums for dinner.
Around 10ish, get the last load from the car and the heavens open – it doesn’t stop raining.
I would like to write more but I must sleep!
Night!
Today was the last day of holiday club.
Tomorrow is prep for the fun day
Sunday is the Fun Day and Monday I go back to work.
On Wednesday I think it was I was thinking over stuff and every time I thought about going back to work my heart sank.
But, before I go back to work we have the fun day which is going to be awesome. I’m spending a lot of tomorrow getting ready and doing stuff for the Fun Day and Sunday is going to be just as crazy.
This is kinda a stop gap post. There is stuff happening around here that I’d like to write about but at the moment I can’t.
That Boy and the young people get back from Soul Survivor tomorrow so I’ll be told lots about that and the adventures That Boy wants to have.
A while back those lovely people at FuelMyBlog offered the chance for a Threadless voucher – you just had to review VoucherHub – well I signed up and kept meaning to write my review – but in that way that it does life kept invading lol.
So here I am using my time off to catch up and get it done.
I love shopping online – it’s so easy and convenient – alot of companies now receive takeaway orders over the internet for example Domino’s Pizza take their orders over their website – they also have a website which updates with the progress of your order.
Alot of shopping websites – like Amazon and eBay have a voucher box during the checkout where you can put in a code to receive money off, free carriage or maybe even a free gift (In some cases lol).
I’ve looked at various companies that I regularly shop at for one or another thing and 6 or 7 of them had vouchers that were usable maybe 1 or 2 had no vouchers at all. It’s definitely worth having a look if you’re wanting a discount somewhere along the line. The good thing about alot of the offers is that they have expiry dates so you can see when they run out. Back to my example of eBay from before, now rather than having money off vouchers they have direct links to ebay pages for certain items that are listed by genuine reliable sellers, for example the first that came up for me was for a Samsung digital camera that was ex-catalogue being sold by Tesco (if you click on the link it’ll take you straight to the ebay voucher page)
Next to each code there is a button with a pair of scissors on it – they copy the code to the clipboard so that you can paste it straight into the checkout box on the relevant site.
There are quite a few other people who joined in to, take a look here:
It’s just over half way through BEDA and apart from the hiccup with That Boy being ill, I seem to be doing pretty well with keeping up.
This week has been completely crazy lol. Every evening, I’ve been at one of the local churches helping with their holiday club – and as tiring as it is I am loving it! It’s weeks like this where I miss giving up kids work at church. (There is a long story to why I don’t do kids/youth work any more but the main reason for no kids work is that it clashes with band and one or the other had to give.
I’ve also been taking lots of photos – mainly of my brother and his best bud creating havoc as Phil and Ling in the sketch.
On the other hand the car had to go to the garage as it wasn’t happy. Our friend the mechanic said that he couldn’t get it to make a noise like it did when That Boy showed him it, he’d been working it on home and couldn’t work it out so took it into the garage so that it could put it on the treadmill thingy so run it at different speeds. Again no noise. He also noticed that it was chucking out a lot of fumes – or at least more than normal so he plugged it into the emissions monitor thingy that they used for MOTs gave a reading that is over what it should be to classed as an MOT pass so we might have to get that bit looked at before it’s MOT (note to self ask That Boy when the MOT is due).
Anyhoo so since Monday I’ve been using the lovely bus service around Bedford lol. It was fine apart from when I was waiting at the stop and it started spitting but I just waited it out as the bus was due within minutes. Most of the time the drivers have been okay but I had a really stroppy one this morning – I pointed out to him that the stop button wasn’t working and he got in a royal strop with me – luckily enough I am able bodied enough to walk back to the stop I actually needed but had it been one of the older people on the bus today – they wouldn’t have necessarily been able to manage walking back a stop. Grr some people lol.
I spent around two hours at church printing and cutting up flyers for the Fun Day this Sunday – we’re praying for a good weather – I’d rather be too warm on Sunday that cold wet and miserable lol.
I’m sorry it’s bit of a pants post but it’s nearly midnight and I need to be up at 8:30 to go collect the car before out mechanic friend goes to do another favour for someone else. Also I slept rubbish last night – to the point that I was still awake at around 2:30am.
Did anyone see this weeks episode of The Deep – the trailer for next weeks episode gave away stuff like the fact that they must go back for Clem and Catherine
I read quite a few blogs and so many people are getting involved with the 4 Simple Goals project that Elsie at A Beautiful Mess started. I’ve also seen it here, here, here and here. As I’m doing 101 Things I was a little reluctant to join in but then again I keep seeing it all over the place so here I am with my list – I couldn’t resist.
1. Take More Photos
Okay so everyone seems to have this but it’s true – I carry my camera round with me nearly all the time and seem to take lots of photos at events but not of every day stuff lol.
2. Dress More Girlie
According to my Mum, when I was little I adored dresses, I wore them all the time, then I got to about 11 or 12n and didn’t want to be the girlie girl any more and went completely to wearing trousers as much of the time as possible. Now I’m 24 and want to be more girlie lol. So here we go – I’m going to wear a dress or a skirt at least once a week.
3. Knitting
I love knitting but have the tendency to start projects and not finish them (or then unpick them to use the wool for other things). So I want to finish some projects and be more inventive and not wimp out by purling and dropping stitches and picking up stitches.
4. Re-Dye my hair
I unfortunately am blessed with premature grey hairs so I have two choices – I leave my hair natural and wait for all my greys to appear or I keep dying my hair for as long as possible lol. I’ve already decided that when I go grey all over I am dying my hair pink or blue – mainly because I have naturally dark hair and so the pink only shows up if I bleach first.
My friend posted this on Facebook earlier today and I decided to share cos it’s awesome!
This is like a half post so I’ll be back with a longer one later 🙂
Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms.
Joe Fox, You’ve Got Mail
The thing is I agree with him lol. Okay so I’ve never been to New York so don’t agree on that bit but the school supplies things – each summer I got to the supermarket and they have funky notepads, pens, pencils and other supplies in funky colours. On the Etsy website they have a whole list of suggestions for the Back to School season – so I’m window shopping lol. Here is my hypothetical list if I was going to school/college this September which I’m not lol. After this week I’ll be back at work:
School Bag
I found this through the suggested items list. The store is called Kibber and they have so many different designs and colours. I liked this one but I really like some of the others like this and this.
Notepad
How cool are these notepads? I saw the yellow one and then spotted the image with the other colours! They are listed in Sugar Cookie’s Etsy Store. I love the cartoon character on the front – minus the fact that I wouldn’t wear a skirt that short I think it’s like me – living in my headphones lol. They also do funky badges – this is my favourite badge. Missy (who makes these fab creations) also blogs at Rancho Cocoa, she also writes here at Missy Kulik – take a read! (Having gone back to add links and stuff I found these notebooks which are even more me – Guitar Girl).
At moment in my bag I carry a supermarket version of the infamous Moleskine notebooks – it’s similar to this one (at about third of the price lol)
Laptop Decal
I don’t think I ever took my laptop with me to classes at Upper School but when I started taking it to uni classes to take notes etc I had stickers stuck all over the front of my laptop – I so should have got one of these awesome decals. I think I might get one for my Mac but can’t decide on the design – Maybe I should design my own and find someone to print it lol. This one above is by a store on Etsy called OvenMonsters, I saw a few others this week including a Snow White one.
Pens
I’m a bit retro when it comes to writing – I like biros for quick notes and things like that but I really like writing with an ink pen – I’m not really sure why as they can be kinda messy. The only thing I can put it down to is my artistic flair lol. I’ve got a Parker Frontier in Blue at the moment that is running Turquoise ink lol. I use it at work but it’s mainly used for diary writing and things like that.
Diary
From Year 5 until joining the Sixth Form when I was 16, the school supplied you with a homework diary – they were often pretty boring and by Christmas mine was covered in pictures from magazines or arty pictures or doodles. Now I’m a bit better lol. At the moment I have an 18 Month Moleskine on the go. I had made a deal with That Boy that when I went back to an iPhone I would try going digital with my diary again but there is something about writing events in a paper diary – that way I remember what I’m supposed to be doing. (Especially as my work diary doesn’t sync with my phone and my Google calendar syncs with my iPhone and my MacBook lol talk about complicated!)
Colouring Pencils
When it comes to colouring pencils the different range the better lol. I don’t pick a particular brand and I’m happy with supermarket own ones if they do the job and don’t break too much. Even when I was at University I still had colouring pencils in my pencil case – they were a staple of my doodling time lol. (Yes for someone who doodles alot I really have no skills when it comes to drawing lol.)
Have I missed anything?
I’m sure I probably missed something but having not been in a class room for a few years now, I think I am bound to have forgotten some bits lol.My schools all had set uniform so own choice of school clothes didn’t really happen for me lol. My school uniform for middle school was a red and gold tie (which would later actually be the same colours as the ties for Gryffindor), a navy jumper with the school crest, a white shirt and navy skirt along with white socks and black shoes. At Upper School, uniform was in the winter (Well September through to Easter) was a black V-Neck jumper with the school logo (or in our case it was just the name), a white shirt with a black and silvery-grey tie, along with a black skirt or black trousers – I had wide leg trousers but the length of skirt and the fit of trousers was definitely up for interpretation, in the summer it was a polo shirt with the skirt/trousers combination again. The good thing about not having to choice as to what I wore to school meant that I didn’t have to worry about what I was wearing – until it came to mufti days but they were few and far between and easy to deal with lol. On the other hand by having to pick my own stuff I think my personality might have shown a little more and I wouldn’t have been the quiet girl that all my teachers made me out to be lol.
What was your favourite bit about going back to school? Or were you like me who often didn’t want to go back to school and face the bullies?
Pea.Ess – don’t worry I’m not blogging at work – I have this week off, there is a whole bunch of stuff going on including a fun day and a holiday club that I am taking part in so blogging is going to fit in around them – I might even have chance to live blog at the Fun Day on Sunday. If you want more info about the fun day take a look here or watch the video below:
I always thought that I read alot but the more that I look at my 100 Books list I seem to have slowed down. I managed to finish reading two books yesterday. I finished Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell but also finished The More You Ignore Me… by Jo Brand.
I don’t know whether it’s because I saw the film first – and also because the film Julie and Julia is a merge of Julia Powell’s book and My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme (her Great Nephew) or whether the book just wasn’t what I expected – I spotted bits of the film plot in the book and was able to identify the order (Although some of the events in the book are in a different order to those in the film)
I do prefer Julie and Julia the film over the book, however the book still has the inspiration to get cooking. I tried to find an Artichoke in the supermarket but having had a read of Wikipedia it looks like it’s out of season in the Summer (and the Boeuf Bourguignon challenge is to follow).
The More You Ignore Me was definitely a bit out there lol. It deals alot with mental illness especially seen through the eyes of a child. Alice, that child, starts the book at around the age of 5 or 6 – with her first major encounter with her Mum’s illness. The book then finishes at around age 20. I would say that most of the plot is how Alice deals with her Mum’s schizophrenia.
Alice’s major encounter with her Mum’s illness is when Gina becomes obsessed with the weather reporter from one of the TV stations, Gina climbs on to the roof of their cottage with no clothes on – refusing to come down until she is able to tell the forecaster how she feels about him.
After a little coaxing, Alice’s Dad is able to get her down and somehow (and will some force) manages to get Gina (Alice’s Mum) to the local psychiatric ward. She then spends the next 15 years on drugs to keep the illness at bay.
Alice has a lot to deal with during this time, her Dad brings her up single handedly – the in laws on both side are involved but neither really admit what is going on – Gina’s parents just think she’s having a funny turn and that it’ll be over soon whereas Gina’s In Laws (Keith’s parents) think she’s not good enough for their Keith and so generally dislike her anyway.
To add to the family issues she is having at home with the half life her mother leads through all the medication, Alice has to deal with the bullies at school, who use her Mum as ammo to call her a nutter and equally other things.
At one point in the middle of the book it was really sad and in all honesty nearly made me cry. I wanted to reach in the book and hug Alice – not that thats really possible lol.
On a side note of sorts: I received some fab post from Jana this week which made me smile :). I also received my stickers from Stick Up For Love so will start posting about that too including an interview with Chelle who is behind the project. And I won a Giveaway hosted by Roxy @ GrrFeisty and Trisha @ Mary Sew but you already knew that cos I told you the other day lol.
I found two fab dresses on the supermarket website – I just need to go have a look see if they have them in store (to make sure that they fit and that the comment of “knee length” is actually knee length and not “just covering your pants” lol. I’m going to grab some leggings/footless tights to go with them – I could really do with pedal pushers or capri pants – can you still get them?
Yesterday afternoon Rickie directed me to India Knight’s Blog and her list of ultimate comfort reads.
When I’m poorly, if I’m not sleeping then reading or watching a DVD tends to be next on the list – mainly because reading keeps me reasonably calm and then I can sleep again if I feel like it.
I tend to read what ever I’m reading at the time. But I guess if I was off for more than a few days I’d be calling into favours to my friends to mail me books or lend me DVDs.
So I had a look down India’s list and it was really interesting but so many I’ve never read or thought of reading.
My own TBR pile is growing daily lol. This is how it stands at the moment…
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Release: August 2010) What’s Yours is Mine by Tess Stimson Quintessential Tarantino by Edwin Page Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin Scott Pilgrim Vs. The Universe (Volume 5) Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour (Volume 6) – release July 2010 The Twilight Saga: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer Paperweight by Stephen Fry Moab is My Washpot by Stephen Fry Mortal Remains by Kathy Reichs Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan Derby Girl by Shauna Cross My Life in France by Julia Child Why Does E=mc2? by Brian Cox 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson House and Philosophy: Everybody Lies by Henry Jacoby The Stars Tennis Balls by Stephen Fry Almost French: A New Life in Paris by Sarah Turnbull Paper Towns by John Green Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle Look Back In Hunger by Jo Brand The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest by Steig Larsson Japan Through the Looking Glass: Shaman to Shinto by Alan MacFarlane I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert How They Met, and Other Stories by David Levithan Kimmie66 (A Minx Title) by Aaron Alexovich No One Cares What You Had For Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog by Margaret Mason Confessions of a Blabbermouth by Mike Carey Re-Gifters: A Minx Title by Mike Carey The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci
Okay so on the other side of the world it’s the morning but there we go. I need your help. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it but I’m going to talk about It Starts With Us and Love Bombs.
So lots of people talk about wanting world peace and changing the world – but what about if changing the world could be making a difference in someones life – whether it’s someone you know because they are your neighbours or they live in the same street or town as you – or amking the difference in someone’s live when they live the other side of the world from you.
The guy who created ItStartsWith.Us is called Nate – and he’s a lovely friendly guy. He set this up with the following goal
“To build a global community of individuals focused on making a positive impact in the lives of the people around them.”
Nate also goes onto say
“Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives in this way. And when we hear stories about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us.”
So in about 15 minutes a week we are changing the world – it may only be a little thing like giving someone a hug, or leaving a comment on their blog but I can guarantee that action makes a difference to that person.
“We’re changing the world,
in just 15 minutes a week.”
So what is a Love Bomb?
Well it’s a project that ItStartsWith.Us do. Once a week lots of people all over the world come together to drop lots of blog comments on someone who needs it the most. I’m subscribed to the email so each Thursday morning I get an email with a little introduction and then a link to someone’s blog. I then go read and comment. Now normally I just read their post, comment and then go off and do my own thing but I’ve decided that on Thursdays I’m going to post the mission here so that hopefully you lovely blog reading people out there will take the time to visit this other person and show them some love – because they need it okay?!
So in Mission (im)possible style:
Your mission, should you choose to accept it (which I hope you do!)
Hey Team!
This week’s mission is one that hits me at my core.
It was suggested by one of the awesome anonymous women in our Love Bomb family.
Her friend, Bria, is a 22 year old young woman who has severe clinical depression and anxiety (severe panic attacks included) and in June she checked herself into the hospital in hopes of help. She was doing better, but has, in her own words, relapsed. For the first time, she is suicidal.
This past year I dealt with the same, which resulted in multiple hospital visits and medication. I will never forget the thoughts, emotions (and lack thereof), pain, and darkness that seemed consume me 24/7.
Written encouragement and love have such incredible power in times like these. They were two of the greatest contributing factors to bringing here: to a place of joy, stability and health. I still cannot express how thankful I am for those that went out of their way at this time to speak hope into me.
I am SO thrilled and excited to see all of you come together for this mission to provide exactly what Bria needs most: love, encouragement and hope. I have full faith that she can overcome this, and that we can be what helps get her there.
Let’s get on it, team! Join me in dropping a Love Bomb on Bria.
So today is Wednesday and I’m sure I should be writing some really deep and meaningful post but I’m having a really bad day and really don’t feel like writing tonight. I’m going to read in bed in a few minutes but there are a few bits I want to share.
My favourite is the Mustachasaurus – he’s sooooo awesome!
But I also really like these hair bands…(I might see if Roxy could do me one in blues and turqoises rather than yellows)
The two images belong to Roxy @ Grrfeisty – they should both link to the listings in her store on Etsy.
Hehe that was like the most exciting bit to share with you lol. I’m going to read Julie and Julia by Julia Powell or The More You Ignore Me by Jo Brand – either way I need to finish them both before Mockingjay (The Hunger Games Book 3) arrives in about two weeks – originally I had it on free delivery which would take like a week to get delivered but I decided that I couldn’t wait that long so I moved it up to like 2-day service which is about £3 but I’m kinda tempted to pay the £6 and get on like a next day service but then I think that’s a little extreme lol. (My other option is to cancel my order Amazon and get it from Waterstones on the day that it comes out. Oh the issues lol!)
That Boy is working on a full set now. After the rapid response vehicle and ambulance on Sunday he then decided it was time for a police car and fire engine.
Okay so he didn’t so much decide – he was doing his neighbourly duty and things.
Around 11:30 last night there was some noise outside like fireworks. I looked out the window above the trees and there wasn’t anything there but there was smoke. I could then see the flames from just under some of the branches – the garages behind the trees were on fire!!
In my pajamas, I ran down the stairs as fast as I could and opened the front door and ran out into the street and stood next to The Kiwi’s car on the road. Yup it was definitely a fire – That Boy had followed me out (well me running anywhere is kinda strange lol) seen what I was looking at did a 180 and went for the phone. He rang 999 for the Fire Service.
The Kiwi then lent out her bedroom window and asked what was happening (She was just about dozing off when the fire started). Next thing I know she’s running down the stairs and trying to find her flip flops which are actually on my feet seeing as standing outside on the pavement with no shoes was hurting my feet lol.
I charge back inside the house and stick my hoodie on and grab my phone. When I come back outside That Boy has vanished over to the houses across the road to wake people up in the houses nearest the fire (a man gives him an earful about getting up at 4am but That Boy was super brave!). That Kiwi also wanders off while I’m stood outside the house trying to remember where my house keys are – in the end I grab That Boy’s just as the fire engine belts into our road. I go back to my position next to The Kiwi’s car and start waving in the general direction of the fire as the engine starts to turn into the road that leads to the houses next to the garages (Rather than the garages that back onto the houses).
Well within a few minutes there are two fire engines and two police cars – lots of people stood outside the houses watching from that side. The Kiwi, some neighbours and I were watching from the pavement a bit further down the road. I took about 7 pictures of the garages and the fire.
I headed back in side at about midnight and headed to bed – with all the lights and noise outside I’m actually surprised I even fell asleep but I did and somehow slept reasonably straight through. I woke up this morning and felt really exhausted (again like I’d been hit by a truck).
1. GrrFeisty is hosting another giveaway! You can find lots of details on her blog: here.
Prize 1
-“Sew Darn Cute” by Jenny Ryan. Fab book about sewing cute creations -“Best Friends Rock” tee in large (but fits like a Medium). -And a sweet pair of sunglasses from Delia’s! -PLUS a super secret surprise 😀
2. I’m tired lol. Earlier I went swimming again and had sooo much fun. Me and my housemate have a plan to go to trampolining on a Monday and swimming on a Friday in an aim to be more healthy and cut down on the junk food that we eat.
3. I’ve just put on University Challenge and Greenwell playing for Newnham College, Cambridge was at my Upper School the same time as me 😀 I got very excited and shouted a bit louder than I intended. (I think I interrupted That Boy’s train of thought)
I had other things to say but I got distracted lol. Not good!
I claim extenuating circumstances. That Boy had to go to hospital yesterday afternoon for about four hours. We got home about 10:30ish and by the time we had some food, watched Sherlock and chilled out it was midnight and time to go to bed. So although the post won’t be yesterday I’ll post twice today and that will somehow balance out I think lol.
So yesterday, it started as normal we fell out of bed and headed for church as Chris and The Murf were in charge of the service. Because it’s all age worship we are also having dramas and stuff like that – I was in the sketch yesterday morning which was good fun.
I had a chat with one of the guys at church who used to work at the uni when I was there. He gave me an update of some of the stuff that’s been happening around the department (or Division as it now seems to be called lol). Turns out my dance teacher is now engaged to her long term boyfriend which is really cool and some other not so good news.
The service went really well and it seemed like everyone enjoyed it (possibly more than last week). We dropped some bits of at a friends house then headed home.
The Kiwi was in full flow and sorted lunch for us – at first it was egg sandwiches but then something happened to the egg and lunch changed radically but was still yummy. We started watching The Boy In The Striped Pajamas but I had to go out – I left them watching it and from what I heard it was a proper tearjerker – The Kiwi was crying and I think Chris had just welled up. (Having just read the synopsis oh my word I know why now!)
It gets a little more dramatic. At about 10 to 4 we take a break in the rehearsal and I start playing on my phone a text came in from That Boy along the lines of “I have chest pains from walking too fast” I then tried to phone him there was no answer – I kept trying in case he’d collapsed or something (yeah okay I know drama queen lol) Well after 7 calls in 10 minutes I was beginning to get a little irritated as well as annoyed. I decided that if he didn’t answer on the next call I was going to leave the rehearsal and go and find him. Well finally he answered and I gave him an ear bashing. He said his phone was on silent so he hadn’t heard it going off. Well that started ear bashing number two, why text me saying that you’re having chest pains and then not answer your phone. Anyhoo the conclusion was that he was okay to do what he was doing and that I could go back to the rehearsal.
I finished the rehearsal and popped to my parents on the way home as I had found a book at a garage sale that I thought my Dad might like. I’d left my phone in the car figuring that I’d be at my parents for less than 10 minutes if anyone called I’d ring back.
I was stood in the door way and Mum’s house phone started ringing. I answered the phone and Chris gave me the run down that he’d been on the phone to NHS Direct and because of the chest pains they were sending an Ambulance. This is how quick this bit ran. The 999 call was placed at 1752 the ambulance drew up outside the house at 6pm Chris phoned me somewhere in that gap, as the ambulance went down the main road near my parents house we knew it was on the way because I heard the siren. I gave mum the rundown of why there was an ambulance heading for my house and got in the car. (I think at this point I didn’t even say bye to Mum oops!)
I got home and there was a Rapid Response (or is First Response now) vehicle one side of the driveway and an ambulance parked up behind The Kiwi’s car on the road. I got out the car and the lady from next door stuck her head out the door to see if we were okay – I think I was a little rude to her but I really didn’t mean to be.
I got inside and That Boy was hooked up to an EKG machine with two leads, Lady Paramedic 1 (LP1) was in the process of sticking the other leads on to do a 12 lead EKG (yep I watch too much ER, Casualty, Holby City, House and Grey’s Anatomy so what?!)
His EKG was normal but he was still in pain so they consider that unstable and he was taken into A&E.
And that’s where we sat for about 3 hours lol. After getting Chris into the ambulance LP2 asked LP1 if she wants the twinkles on. LP2 said no it wasn’t needed (yes okay I was disappointed at this I wanted the twinkles lol). We filled in the patient form thingy and Chris kinda sat there just starring into space. I texted my manager to say what was happening and that I’d keep him posted (something along the lines of presume that tomorrow is normal until I call or see you in the office lol) I tweeted as well and Elle, Becca and Lizzie were there will tweets of concern – I didn’t really want to shout about it while we still didn’t really know what was happening so I emailed Elle and asked her to forward it onto Becca as I didn’t have her home email account address to hand. We then pulled up outside A&E and I had to go through the waiting room door to get Chris booked in. I was then let through into cubicles.
All the staff who looked after Chris yesterday evening were so lovely, the first nurse who dealt with us was winding up the cardiology nurse while trying to be serious doing the EKG again (This time with different sticky pads). The cardiology nurse decided that the EKG was clear and that the doctor would be along shortly to do a once over. We saw various nurses and doctors but the first nurse (with the amazing red hair!) and Nurse (she might have even been a Sister I’m not sure) Rachel (or Nurse Tourniquet at Chris started calling her on the way home lol)
In the end, our original Doctor finished her shift so had to hand over to a different Doctor. Well by the time Doctor 2 got to see us at about half 9 ish we were bored – we’d played I Spy – I even threatened to read Julie and Julia by Julia Powell to Chris. Doctor 2 came in and made That Boy feel about 2 inches tall – he went on about how he was too young to suffer from heart disease and if there was anything wrong he would know about it and stuff like that. Well, we’d been sat there for nearly 4 hours so the pain had subsided and Chris was beginning to feel back to normal. So Doctor 2 discharged us and we went home.
The Kiwi and Rich were just about to go for tea. They grabbed us some food as well and brought it back to our house where we all chilled out and watched the last part of Sherlock – when that finished it was 5 past 12 – I was shattered and blogging was well past my mental capacity lol.
So here is my post and although it’s a day late you can see why I didn’t post yesterday so although I have technically failed I claim my right to events beyond my control lol.
Having been doing 101 Things since the end of March I decided that it was about time that I had a recap of what I’ve done and what is left to do. I’ve managed to lose 5 of my goals – so if anyone has suggestions to add then let me know.
Completed
Buy an external hard drive.
Go to the cinema on my own.
Attend a Girl Geek Event in London
Build a blanket fort.
Eat a meal inside a blanket fort.
Visit a foreign country
Go to Paris
Re-dye my hair
Start a new blog
Organise my clothes and donate what I don’t wear.
Find a new penpal.
Surprise someone (with a visit, flowers, something nice).
Sing at Karaoke.
Buy a copy of the Manga Bible.
Ride the Paris Metro.
Ask for directions in French and don’t whimp out by pointing!
Ride the Eurostar
Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris
Stand underneath the Eiffel Tower, Paris
Complete one sewing project
Update my Amazon WishList after my 24th Birthday
Purchase The West Wing
Watch The West Wing
Do Race for Life at least once.
Discover 3 new groups or artists that I like (3/3)
Read Quintessential Tarantino
Not start any new notebooks until I have finished the ones I have on the go – Use one at a time as necessary (work/home etc).
After my bonus posting yesterday I’ve got to today and have no inspiration lol. Well I do have a little but it’s all about work stuff so I’d just be boring everyone (it was a bad day and I’d like to rant but I’m going to be positive and look for the silver lining).
Now originally I had planned to go swimming today but I can’t. I’m thinking if my housemate is around that I’ll shout for tea and we can watch St Trinians 2 and create havoc in the living room for a little while lol.
I had meant to do lots of tidying and stuff like that but I can do that while I wait for The Kiwi to get in from work and then when the film finishes (unless we decide to watch another after).
I started watching The Lovely Bones yesterday. How is that Stanley Tucci can have such nice characters in The Devil Wears Prada and Julie and Julia but then play such a creepy mean character in The Lovely Bones? I guess thats the sign of a good actor or something like that. On the other hand I love Susie’s bright yellow flares – they are awesome!!
I’m thinking of downloading (or buying on DVD) Remember Me but I’m not sure – the trailer looks good but the blurb on the DVD Cover put me off a bit lol.
At present my “Would like to Watch” list keeps growing – I’m in two minds whether to post it to it’s own page or just stick it on a post (for now it’s going on this post I think)
Because of my super-efficient posting at like 10 past midnight this morning to welcome in That Boy’s Birthday I now have another post to write this evening as well. (You are either really lucky because you like my posts or really unlucky because I’m clogging up your RSS Reader – either way, I’m sorry lol.
3 Things – but maybe there are more to come.
1
MarySew (aka Trisha) and GrrrFeisty (aka Roxy) are hosting a fabulous giveaway so go take a look 😀
Roxy is also hosting a giveaway with Keiko-Lynn who blogs here.
3
Yesterday Amy (who blogs at Amyschmamey) had a list of blogs that she likes to read that have under 50 followers – I’ve copied the list so I can read them all – I bet they are so fab! (Read Amy’s blog too she’s super cool!)
So about half an hour ago That Boy asked me had I blogged for Day 4 and my response was “Yes, Why?” I think he’s made it his little mission to make sure that I finish and complete BEDA (or VEDA as it’s called on YouTube if you’re vlogging everyday (or nearly every day like Esther)
Anyhoo that wasn’t the point of this post. The point of this post in particular at 10 minutes past midnight is to say…….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THAT BOY!!!!!
I love you lots and hope you have a fab day whatever you get up to in the end!!
It’s lunchtime as I write this post rather than the evening or last thing before bed like I tend to do! It’s cold. I don’t actually know if it’s cold outside as I’ve not been out since just before 9am when I arrived for work (where I was a little chilled but not uncomfortably cold). Now it’s 12:45 ish and I am frozen.
I understand that it makes sense to crank up the air con when it’s hot outside but it’s not – it’s grey, overcast and wet – it’s been raining on and off all morning. I don’t mind the rain but I wish I had my wellies to go jump in puddles lol.
I have a few choices what to do with my lunch break. I can:
a) Sit in the canteen eat my sandwich while playing with my phone and half watching Loose Women (although I won’t be able to hear it because it’s too loud in the canteen and the TV is on too quiet)
b) Go to town to get That Boy something little to go with his main present (except it’s raining and I don’t have a coat or a jumper!)
c) Go home, get a jumper, be complained at by That Boy about “why I came home for lunch and what was the point in driving the 20-30 minute round trip for a jumper”
d) go to the supermarket, purchase a new jumper (that to a certain degree I probably don’t need) and to b) at the same time (replacing town with the supermarket – but also then I’m not sure what to get him lol)
So, no none of the above really are going to happen – I’ll go with a) and sit in the canteen, I can go to the supermarket or the retail park after work and fulfil option b)/d) however because of the lack of jumper I might be cold. So plan d) to a certain degree seems to fit the bill.
Who made life so complicated and created so many options?
I’ve resorted to the fact that if I’m going to post for every day in August that I’m going to go with Day# each time until I think of another title.
It’s Tuesday and this is in the background while I do other things and come up with ideas.
TV
Yesterday, The Kiwi and I were watching random bits and pieces on different channels. We were watching The Darling Buds of May on one of the ITV channels and spotted an advert for Monarch of The Glen. I used to watch MoTG with my Mum and always wanted to go to Scotland to be able to see the real estate. (it’s called Glenbogle in the TV series, but the estate that it’s filmed at is called Ardverikie – that I found out this weekend after seeing a picture on Ryan’s blog)
I also found by a small fluke most of Season 1 and Season 2 of As If. When I was at school it was a quite popular TV show here in the UK – it did try and make the transition to the USA but there wasn’t much love for it and only two episodes aired over there. My favourite characters is probably Sooz and that is because of her awesome hair. I also like her piercings but there are a few too many for my cup of tea – from memory there is nose, labret, at least 2 if not 3 in each ear lobe plus 4 at the top of each ear. I kinda wish that I could have my hair braided like Sooz but I probably would look more like a rebellious teen rather than a twenty-something who’d like to be taken a bit serious. I sound so grown up lol.
Why do you get that Monday Morning Feeling where you wish it was the weekend and really struggle to get your brain back into gear for work related stuff.
After my post yesterday, That Boy was knelt on the floor working on his computer and I stood behind him as I was heading out the room to go to bed. He grabbed my legs to give me like a deformed hug and I lost my balance. I went straight over his shoulder, my head then made contact with the floor and my back and legs hit the floor, a cushion and a plate (not just a flat-ish dinner plate, I had had a flat bottom bowl – like the picture).
I’d caught my back in line with the bottom of my lungs so I think it had winded me because I rolled over on my side and just tried to pull myself together, then proceeded to burst into tears lol. It was completely an accident and That Boy did take care of me, he checked my back for me even though I was too busy crying lol. Once I had composed myself enough I went upstairs and got straight into bed.
I read for a little while then when That Boy came up to bed he grabbed me a drink. I didn’t really drink any of it and just rolled over and tried to sleep. I think I did sleep but I kept dreaming about being in Twilight and that a newborn kept trying to chase me, I have no idea why lol. I’d been reading The Host before I went to sleep and it was a few nights ago that I was reading Midnight Sun on my phone.
Anyhoo its Monday I feel kinda tired, my back is achy but not painful (if that makes sense!) I am in two minds about trampolining, I’m thinking not to go tonight in case I’ve done anything more than just bruise it, but also I ate junk for most of last week so the exercise would be good – talk about a complicated life lol.
Jess and I had lunch together, we went to the supermarket as normal but it’s possible that it’ll be our last lunch together before she moves to her new job. I’m really glad for her about getting a new job because she’s not been happy in her current one.
Aah well, for now, I’m going to flop and find some stuff to watch either on iPlayer or on YouTube.
I’m not sure I am going to be able to keep up with this but it’s BEDA (aka Blog Every Day in August, a phrase coined by the fab author Maureen Johnson), I will do my best to keep up and there may even be pictures along the way.
I know of a few other bloggers who are taking part – but whenever I Google it I get lots of old hits from people who did Blog Every Day in April (I’m not entirely sure why it changed lol)
Today was great, first up was church, because it’s August we’ve got All Age services each Sunday. Today was about The Good Samaritan – it was funny because our friend who was playing the Samaritan had been told to look disreputable – he was wearing a hoodie, a woolie hat/beanie and his jeans were “drooping” (I’m not sure how else to describe it lol. Wannabe rude boy could be the phrase lol). Anyhoo it was good fun – I was sat in the front row with some of the kids so during the “preach” that wasn’t a preach I ended up doing a bit of colouring – I did the sky on one girl’s picture and the saddle on another picture. The preach was actually a bit of a gameshow/drama sketch to explain the story of the Good Samaritan.
Chris and I were in the front row doing the actions to Great Big God, Steph (who was leading the service) wanted us to go up and do the actions but Chris wouldn’t and the actions that I know are different to what have been teached in kids work and stuff like that so I need to learn the other actions and then do those lol.
After church, we hung around and chatted to lots of people. I chased my friend’s 2-year-old son as he decided that staying in the church was boring and he wanted to go for a wander down the road. In the end, I ended up chasing him around the church garden which kept him occupied for about 15 minutes while my friend had a chat with some of the other ladies.
Following that there was a ground of 7 of us going out for a girlie lunch (well our friend’s son was an honorary girl for lunch hehe). We headed into town and went to a restaurant called Harpurs – it’s quite posh and the decoration is modern but there are also vintage touches like very cool chandeliers.
We had a roast dinner (I had chicken) and then Apple Crumble with Custard to follow. The roast dinner was good but there was no stuffing and my Yorkshire pudding was so black on top that it was wasn’t really recognisable (I managed to salvage some so it wasn’t worth a complaint there and then). The Apple Crumble was lovely but I had got a disappointly small portion (even in comparison to the other portions on the table mine was small). We discussed about our portion size and one of the other ladies round the table had got a small portion as well so I didn’t feel so left out.
As we left the restaurant I texted my Dad and asked him to look up what buses were running on a Sunday. I had two options of what I could get home but seeing as the one of the buses was there in the station I decided to hop on that one. I got the bus at 1513 from the bus station and arrived at home between half past 3 and 20 to 4. The bus took about 10 minutes from the station to my stop (about the same time as a car trip would have taken) and then I walked through the park and the woods back to our house. That Boy was a little disappointed that I hadn’t walked all the way town but I was slightly stuffed from lunch lol. (According to Google from the restaurant to my house is just over 2 miles – this is the road route rather than cutting across patches of grass and up alleys lol)
When I got home, I brought the washing in that had been out nearly all weekend, I’d put it out Saturday afternoon before we went to our friend’s birthday party and then when I got home I was too shattered and only remembered it when I woke up this morning lol.
I sorted that out and then flopped in front of the TV, Chris decided (well actually more like I forced him) to take a nap. At 6ish I went to help Jess move to the house that she’s staying at this week. We had to put the seat down in the car so that we could get the rats cage in there (she has 3 rats, they are all very cute but apparently they might bite lol)
I then took her back to hers as she was being picked up by another friend to go out for the evening. I then got home and woke Chris up. We sorted some tea and I parked in front of the TV to watch Sherlock.
I watched it on iPlayer last week as I’d heard lots about it. It’s directed by Steven Moffat (yup, he directs Doctor Who since Russell T Davies left). This evening was the second episode and it was good, it wasn’t quite as good as the first but it wasn’t bad.
BTW having almost finished this post I realised that there to a certain degree may be spoilers regarding The Hunger Games. Now hopefully the image below is big enough (or that the maybe spoilers are so far down the page) that this gives you chance to walk away. It’s your own fault if you read a spoiler and then wished I hadn’t said anything!
I am a really bad book worm. I read reams and reams! Then again I took this picture over a year ago and yet I’ve still not read all the titles that are in this pile. The picture was taken in May 2009, it took till November for me to read Making History by Stephen Fry. I started but didn’t finish both Labyrinth by Kate Mosse and The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Also By Any Means by Charley Boorman and Stephen Fry in America were packed away when we moved house in June and haven’t been seen since (I think I saw them when we first move in but following that I think they went AWOL). As part of 101 Things I had challenged myself to read 100 books over the 1001 days. I’m so far up to 15 whereas on the film stakes I’m nearly over half way. I spend all afternoon today watching films – maybe I need to do the same but with reading.
Anyway even will all that happening this weekend I finished the second of the books from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. About a month or so ago my friend Catz recommended that I read it so I went to town and bought the first of the series and started reading it. Well it gripped me and wouldn’t let go and I finished it within a few days. I then left it about a week and decided that I really wanted to read book 2 so I placed an order with Amazon and waited for it to arrive then there were the hiccups where they charged and sent me two copies even though I’d actually only wanted/ordered one copy anyway I had a copy to read and on Thursday I started it. The first few chapters take a little while to get moving but then from about Chapter 5 or 6 it starts snowballing and it’s nonstop to the end – yes i read 400ish pages in about 3 days. Then again I did for like an hour nonstop last night reading and only realised how late it was when I nearly fell asleep on the sofa!
I finished it this morning and was gutted. So many questions, so little time….(Here are the maybe spoilers – turn away now if you don’t want them!)
Would Katniss get her happily ever after and would it be with Peeta or Gale?
Would she get to see her family again?
What happened to District 13?
Was Katniss and the duo from District 8 correct about the footage?
What happens to the other tributes from the Quarter Quell?
Will there be an uprising?
ARGH so may questions. I managed to do some chores and about an hour after finishing decided that I had to pre-order Book 3 and wait the 3 weeks for it to arrive then again I looked at the predicted arrive day and it’s actually more like 4 nearly 5 weeks. In which case it may have been worth paying for the faster shipping. Anyway I am now so stuffed from tea (BBQ at a friends house for a 50th Birthday) and having danced the night away (and shown off by doing headstands without a cushion I really need to go lie down and die for a little while lol. I will see you in the morning one and all.
Night night
Sleep tight
Don’t let the bed bugs bite
If they do blow them up with dynamite!
(I would like to state for the record that I am running on sugar rather than caffeine or alcohol so there! lol.)
A while back Me and That Boy offered to have our friend’s son round for tea. Our friend is having a rough time and we wanted to offer her a little break from the craziness and figured that having her son round for tea one day after school/work would give her that little bit of breathing space (especially now it’s the school holidays).
In the end we had our friend’s son and one of the other little boys from church round for tea as well. I went to work this morning feeling so tired that in a way I wanted to cancel having them both for tea but by lunch I was feeling a bit better and more and more got excited about them coming round.
I got in from work and That Boy had taken the boys for a walk through the woods and to the Country Park to hang out by the river. They ended up playing Pooh Sticks at the river and on the way back popped into the supermarket for me to get a cucumber to have with some tomatoes and lettuce from the garden with our pizza (we were going to have garlic bread as well but I couldn’t cook it and the pizza’s at the same time lol)
So I get in, read for about half an hour and then I get a text from That Boy telling me that they were on their way back from the supermarket. I was about to put the pizza in the oven and realised that the trays hadn’t actually been washed up since we had pizza on Tuesday (oops!) so I quickly washed them, dried them and stuck the pizzas in the oven just as The Boys and The Kiwi walked through the door.
While the pizzas were cooking, The Boys and The Kiwi started work on a den in the garden. I kept running backwards and forwards to help and join in but also check on the pizzas.
This is what the den looked like.
We ate tea around the den. The Boys took it in turns to eat either in the “porch” or the teepee bit of the den. I tried to get into the den, I managed it I got to the teepee bit and then one of the boys told me I had to leave via the emergency exit and pointed me in the direction of the door lol. We had lots of fun and when we dropped them back at our friend’s house, we explained what we had been up to and all the fun that they’d had. We’ve offered to have them again at some point.
Yesterday I lay in bed and had a serious word with myself lol. For as long as I can remember on and off I’ve wanted to be a teacher, through my first and second year of uni, I kept telling myself I’m here to get my degree and then I’ll go do a PGCE and become a teacher.
I then did my teaching experience and kinda fell out of love with the idea of teaching upper school kids, so then looked at teaching Primary Ed, again not so keen. I decided I’d work for maybe a year and see what I felt then, however in that time That Boy finished his course at university and then the church decided the youth worker would be part time – so money wasn’t really around for me to quit my job and go train as a teacher.
Anyhoo, I’ve been graduated university now for 3 years, and decided that something needed to be done. My job is okay and in the grand scheme of things could be worse (I could be flipping burgers at a fast food restaurant)
So here I am on the 28th July deciding that I am going to go train to be a teacher. I’d quite like to teach English and/or Drama at Secondary School level but I’m going to go and discuss with the local SCITT service and see what they say. Hopefully I can get on a course where I work in a school for 2 or 3 days a week and then go to uni for the other two or something like that depending on how the course works.
For now I stick with the day job and have to start saving so that if I need to I can pay the £3k fees myself, unfortunately it does mean that Italy next March/April could be off the cards – unless we can fit going in the Easter Holidays maybe – I guess we’ll see.
And as Ruby quoted to me via Twitter earlier today email “Run with it. Invest all your time & energy – pursue that dream. As Yoda says ‘do or do not, there is no try’” – Yes she did quote Star Wars at me – I blame it on the fact that it was like midnight in Aussie when she wrote it lol.
Man this weekend was crazy – I knew it was going to busy but it was super busy lol.
Saturday
So after the crazy week I had decided that actually having a lie in would be the best option so that I was nice and rested for today when I did Race For Life. However my neighbours had other ideas and started the lawnmower at like 9:15am, how rude lol!
I’d had a text from my friend about going to the cinema with her and my Goddaughter. So I replied a second time saying that actually I would get up and meet them at the cinema. We went to see The Princess and The Frog. I don’t think my Goddaughter really like it as some of the characters would be a little scary to a small child.
After the cinema I came home and flopped in a heap. I have two favourite chairs that I often flop in. When we get our new sofas I’d like to buy my own comfy chair to curl up in. You know the kind that you bury yourself in to watch your favourite DVD or read your favourite book – do you have a chair like that?
The Kiwi came and sat with me in the living room and we talked about the lawnmower and whether it would be worth getting a new one (The one we have was a second hand that a family friend was getting rid of – it does work but it’s too heavy and it take too long to cut the grass.) So we discussed the two that were in the catalogue and weren’t too expensive and we came to a decision. I think That Boy was a little annoyed that we’d made the choice without him but due to the price (it was reduced from the catalogue price once The Kiwi got to the store) and the fact that we’d cut the grass out the back and the front (and I’d done the edging lol) so it couldn’t really complain because it saved him doing it lol.
After all that hard work we decided to grab some cake and park in front of the TV with a nice girlie DVD. We ended up watching Sense and Sensibility. We also discussed how it’s really funny – Emma Thompson is nearly 15 years older than Kate Winslet and yet at that time they look like the perfect pair to be sisters. (In 1995 Thompson would have been in her early 30s maybe and Winslet was 20)
Following our DVD session, That Boy decided that we’d go out for tea – I also suggested going to the cinema to either see Toy Story 3 or Shrek Forever After. We invited The Stig and The Kiwi but they were both busy doing other bits so they decided against coming.
We went for pizza which was lovely and then headed to the cinema. We ended up watching Toy Story 3 due to the showing times.
Toy Story was great – it was kinda sad in places and happy in others – my friend told me to take the tissues – I didn’t need them but it was like closing a chapter lol. Toy Story 1 and 2 were part of my childhood and me growing up.
Sunday
Today was the day lol. Last year after our friend was diagnosed with Cancer we decided to do Race For Life.
Then earlier this year we decided to do it again. We signed up and got on with our sponsorship lol.
We decided to move towards the flag before we were technically asked to move so that we would be nearer the front. We crossed the start line about 5 minutes after the start of the race and I timed us on my phone as we went round. (I also tweeted lots on the way round.)
We finished at 59.46 – this was about 5 minutes quicker than we did it last year which is really exciting. My Uncle was stood with my Dad and my cousins and shouted to us that we should run the last little bit so I did. Mum did stick with me then told me I was running too fast lol. I tried to slow down the but it was just funny because walking would have been faster lol. In the end I crossed the finish line just before Mum so turned round and waited for her just after the finish line.
My Dad took a photo of us with our medals (will post when I have it) I think he was really proud that we did it and was chuffed that we’d finished quicker. He was there taking pictures and cheering us on.
After doing the race, we dropped Mum at home then I nipped home for a change of clothes and a hi speed shower – me and dad then went back to Mum and Dad’s for lunch. We watched Extreme Home Makeover and ate pizza and garlic bread for lunch – I also had couscous with my pizza.
After lunch we went to my parents church to help set up for holiday club – we were then there all afternoon so that we could stay for the commissioning service – at the moment they have an expected group of about 10 but are praying for more to come.
(If you live in Bedford or the surrounding area and would like information drop me a message)
Following that we then came home and I just crashed in a heap – my legs are killing me and are really achey. I really am kinda worried that I’ll get up for work in the morning and not actually be able to walk lol.
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