Let Me Entertain Me

2009-03-25T19:51:00.002Z

We're In!!!!!

It seems like years.....probably because it is...........since we first decided to move house, and finally, here we are! We're now part of the Cofton Hackett Set darling!! They have their own newsletter discussing the painting of lamp posts and articles from the local wine club...it is soooooo posh!!! Ok, was posh....now they've let in an Essex Girl and a Black Country Boy..what were they thinking??!!!

The move went OK and was massively helped by my parents visiting for 3 days to help, especially with occupying the little man while we packed and unpacked boxes! Day after moving was a little hectic as the brakes on Criag's car had gone, so he found a local garage and left it with them to sort. The Sky man came to re-connect us (and gave us Sky +!!!) but found the scart connector on our TV was broken so no picture! Great! Anyway, Dad offered to buy us a new TV so off we trotted to buy one. Have since found extended warrenty on old TV so hopefully we'll get that one fixed....can we take back the other one after using for a couple of weeks??? We returned from buying TV to find Craigs sister, neice and great nephew on the doorstep, and then followed a procession of most of Craig's family for the evening, which was really lovely. Shame we don't have any sofas at the moment, so most had to sit on the patio and dining chairs!

The house is not looking too bad now, after a few days of sorting. Main tasks in next few weeks are to board the loft. Some bright spark has re insulated the loft....lovely new insulation....but put it across ways rather than lying it between the beams, so now Craig will have to remove the old insulation, relay the new stuff before he can put down the boarding! Oh well. Then we can get rid of some more boxes to the loft.

Another fairly urgent job is to have a shower fitted. Can't have it over the bath as the bath is under a sloping roof. Our plan is to remove the hot water tank in the bathroom, and put a walk in shower there. We'll replace the boiler for the heating with a combi boiler in the kitchen, but all a bit complicated. In the meantime we're making do with silly shower head thing in the bath and involves being a contortionist.....not easy in the mornings!!! :-)

Anyway, off now to have some tea. Boy in bed asleep, husband attempting to shower after being at the gym and wife hungry!!

Hoorah...Apprentice starts again!!

2009-02-25T20:06:00.004Z

That's the thing with babies...sometimes you are right in the middle of things and then you have to stop to deal with them, hence abrupt end to last post. Tonight the little man is in bed, so we should be fine for a bit.

As I was saying, moving date is currently 20th March, but the lady we're buying from is apparently keen to complete as soon as possible, so maybe earlier, depending on what our buyer thinks. Can't really believe its all happening! The house is not hugely bigger than where we are now, but it does have 2 separate reception rooms rather than a through lounge. The main benefits are the area it is in, much nicer than where we are, good schools etc (have to think about these things now!) and the property has planning permission for a 2 storey extension. There is a separate garage (which we'll probably re-build this year for Craig's workshop) so the downstairs of the extension will be a good size office and we'll extend the kitchen, knocking through to the rear reception room to make a large kitchen/diner/family room. Not sure when we'll actually be able to afford to do that, but hopefully no too long. Be good to make the most of cheaper building quotes with most of them being desperate for business! Hopefully we'll be able to receive guests soon, although we won't have a sofa when we move. We're leaving our cat torn one here (cause to take it out we'd have to have the lounge window removed...that's the way it came in!),and clearly it's been shredded and we'd like new ones for a new house.

Buying the sofa's has caused almost more discussions than the house...and then after choosing the ones we liked from Lee Longlands, we discovered we wouldn't be able to get into the lounge when they were in there....so looked at smaller ones in the same range.........then found out (Thanks Sarah!) about Lee Longlands having a clearance place in Cheltenham which is having a sale starting from tomorrow.....guess where we'll be in the morning. Sure Lucas is getting as bored as us with our indecision on the matter!! Anyway, with the lead time on the original suite being 4-5 weeks, we could be seattingless for a while!

I'm starting now to contemplate the return to work. It's my last day of mat pay from work tomorrow, then I go onto the statutory pay. Can't live on that for long, so going back at beginning of May. Going to be hard, so just trying to make the most of the days we have. Least my job is somewhat flexible, so fingers crossed we'll be OK. Not looking forward tot he first time I have to stay away though...that will be really tough!

Lucas is lovely, although he was a whinger today when Aunty Kaz came to visit. Wish everyone could see him when he's smiling and giggling and blowing raspberries! He's trying to sit up, and is much more alert and interested in things, and can grab his toys too! We are trying to be a bit 'green' when it comes to nappies, and are using re-usables now. They will hopefully save quite a lot of money in the long term, especially if we have another child, but rinsing them through when they are full of runny poo takes a bit of getting used to!! Today's turned Craig green in a distinctly non-environmental way! Ah the joys of parenthood!

2009-02-11T19:04:00.002Z

OK... so promising to keep up with a Blog lasted about as long as still being pregnant! Since Lucas arrived on Nov 9th things seem to have been a bit busy!! It's not just getting used to a little man in the house (few weeks of sleepless nights and seemingly constant feeding and changing!), but then of course there was Christmas, busy for everyone. On top of these, we accepted an offer on our house on the Monday before Christmas, the 2nd one as the first buyer had pulled out just a few days before. While the rest of the country aren't selling houses, we sold ours twice in a matter of weeks!

Anyway, as we'd had the previous offer, and the buyers supposedly wanted to move quickly, we spent many days looking for houses and doing viewings, not easy with a newborn baby! We could never seem to get out of the house much before noon!! When the buyers pulled out (they changed their minds apparently!) we called them some names I can tell you, especially as we'd seen a house we really liked and on the day they pulled out, we'd just put an offer in for it...all hopes seem dashed. But then up popped the next buyer, we put in another offer on the house we liked, and now we are well into the buying/selling process. Fingers crossed we'll move some time in March.

2008-11-06T13:54:00.002Z

So, yesterday passed without incident, other than the cat being freaked by fireworks around here! Ate fresh pineapple, prepared lovingly by my husband late last night, but nothing so far.

So, spent morning baking some cakes for the Ranger stall this weekend, and also one for us so that we can offer cake to any post baby visitors...that's if it lasts that long!! Cider & honey cake......gorgeous. Craig loves it but that could be because he has to drink the remaining cider! Such a hardship! Baked some apple & walnut thins, and now got a banana cake in the oven, so lets hope that looks OK to sell.

Zoe said she might visit this afternoon, which will be lovely. She's got a 6 month old boy, so perhaps the sound of him squawking or playing may encourage ours to think about appearing!

Parents rang this morning to see if any news too. They have a free weekend this weekend and are really hoping they can spend it visiting their grand-child.......wish I could promise them that!

Well, just cleaned bathroom, and downstairs needs a bit of a hoover, so we'll do that and then have sit down this afternoon. It's tough this mat leave lark!

Craig is tiling again today, only about half dozen left, but ran out of adhesive yesterday. Then they'll need grouting, but the main bulk of the kitchen will be done, so at least it can be tidied and cleaned, and maybe Steve and Dawn will see the end is near. Craig will then lay the carpet for the dining area, and fit the low level units they are having along the side, with another small worktop. Will look gorgeous. We get quite jealous with these jobs, cause we can't wait to be able to do a kitchen up for ourselves and have the benefit. One day!!

2008-11-05T17:16:00.003Z

No, before you ask, no news! We all know today is the day, but peanut is not obliging at this stage! Didn't sleep too well last night. Kept wondering about names. We've certainly narrowed the list, and we're getting near to some definites I guess. I was trying to put names together to find 1st and middle names that went together. Craig didn't want to hear my suggestions at 2.30am though?!

Had little trip out to supermarket, as planning on doing some more baking tomorrow if no sign of the sprog. Rangers have a stall at a Christmas fair at the church on Saturday, so if I can make a contribution and take them to one of the girls, that would be nice. They are doing a quiz with the Guides and some chaurch people on Monday night too, as a fundraiser for those going abroad next year. Not sure I'll make it to that, but who knows!

After shopping, I popped into to see one of the girls from my NCT group who had twins on Saturday morning.........they are just the cutest little things you've ever seen!!! 2 little boys, over 5lbs each, which is a good size, but still look so small. They were lying in a moses basket together, which was really sweet, they are just so used to being near each other! Bless! Didn't stay long, but was lovely to see them all.

Other than that, I've been setting up Craig's blog for him as another media for his business. Looks quite good, but not perfect yet! he wants to look at FaceBook too, but I know nothing about that, apart from the fact I got loads of spam e-mails when I signed up, so deleted my account!

2008-11-04T10:19:00.002Z

Back ache today......is this a sign??!! probably not, but who knows. Still in bed, propped up with pillows and hot water bottle on my back. Is a lovely pink fluffy HW bottle that my hubby bought me for valentines day! He knows me so well.

Forgot to mention that I went to an Aqua Natal class at Northfield pool yesterday. There were about 7 of us I think, 5 pre-natal (fat people like me!) and 2 post natal. Was 45 mins of running, jumping and toning in the water...very amusing for any others in the pool I'm sure, the sight of pregnant women in swimming costumes is funny enough, without us prancing around! Was fun and I will go again...when that will be who knows! Don't think that is the cause of the back ache, as it has been coming on for the last few days. Besides, over the last 6 weeks or so I've been going swimming, and also the lovely Davnia has a pre/post natal exercise DVD which is quite good. Her comments get a bit annoying when you've watched it a few times, but the exercise is quite good, nice an gentle for someone at 40 weeks.....eek!!!

Peanut seemed to enjoy James Bond last night....think it was the loud chase scenes which got it going! Was quite a short film, and perhpas Mark Kermode was right that there wasn't much of a story, and lots of Bond venting his frustration on various adversaries. But, the nachos and cake were nice (even if they had run out of dips to go with nachos!)

Plans for today, well, guess I should get up and have shower at some point, as I'm seeing the midwife at lunchtime. Last time to see her at my GP's. Next appt is a week Thursday to discuss options if the baby is still refusing to make it's entrance......think we'll both go spare if it takes that long!

Craig slept better last night, with the aid of industrial ear plugs bought from B&Q! Snoring....a common pregnancy side effect...apparently due to increased vascularity in the nose! I even wake myself up sometimes, so no wonder Craig has found it so annoying! Glad the plugs worked.

2008-11-03T17:09:00.002Z

Wow, made it to week 2 of mat leave...no sign of sprog yet! It's lovely getting all the calls and texts, but lets hope it doesn't keep us all hanging on too long! Tried curry on Saturday night, but no twinges. Have yet to try scrubbing the kitchen floor, or sex, both of which are supposed to help.....hmmmmm, bet a bloke made those up! Eating raw pineapple is also reported to assist in bringing on labour..I'm sure others have more suggestions!

So, how have I been spending my time?? Well, Craig had to get 10 acrylic blocks out to a customer, and they have to have little magnets fitted in the corners, and glued in. The glue sometimes leaks out and has to be cleaned off the block to make them beautiful again..... So this took a bit of time on Friday and Saturday to make sure the client would love them when they arrived. They were a corporate job, and he is getting a few more of those recently, which is brilliant, as they pay well! he's got a big job to produce 15 acrylic pics for a veterinary training school in Hertfordshire. As well as producing them, he and his brother are going down to fit them, so that could be a long day. If anyone feels like coming to keep me and the baby company here on that day, that would be lovely! :-) It's good money though, and I'm so proud of him and what he's achieved. The Acrylic art is flying, not least because his site comes up on page 1 of Google now, so it's getting noticed!

Oh dear.....fireworks starting again. Better go and find the cat and make sure the cat flap is locked. She turns into a nervous wreck around this time of year. I fear a baby will not help her!!! Last year we think she was spooked by a firework and made her hide underneath a neighbours newly laid decking. She got trapped and spent the night under there until we found her the next day. Poor neighbour had to take up some of his lovely decking to release her. She was very muddy and hungry and spooked...other than that she was OK!! Poor thing.

Wea re leaving her again tonight, as we've booked to see James Bond at the Electric in Brum. It's a fab cinema, with sofas (if you book early enough) and can text a waiter to bring you wine, chocolate cake or nachos etc to your seat! We thoroughly recommend it!

2008-10-30T11:00:00.003Z

Day 4 of mat leave. Oh this is lovely..no rushing out of bed, can do what I want.......this is not going to last I know so I'm just enjoying it!

Having said that, we did have a bad day yesterday, mainly because Craig was very poorly on overnight on Tuesday - severe D&V and stomach cramps, so no much sleep for either of us. Kind of wiped out yesterday really. Luckily, I seem to have avoided catching whatever it was! All I managed was a walk up to the post office to post my expenses (last bit of work! Yippee!) and buy some more paracetamol. They recommend taking paracetamol when labour pains start! Can't see them having much effect, but who am I to argue with experts??!

Did make about a dozen Christmas cards last night. Please don't be offended if you get a shop bought card, I'll never be able to make enough for everyone! I tend to inflict my art on family first and just a few friends depending on how many I manage to produce! Craig was laughing at how long it took me to make each one. Not being naturally gifted in the arty way, I do tend to fiddle around for a long time before coming up with a design I like. Each one took me about 20 mins yesterday, but I was distracted by Deal or no Deal and other rubbish TV!!

Deal or no Deal..what a strange programme - Noel has become a parody of himself surely. How can he say things like "you played a shrewd game" and "be true to yourself" etc....they chose a box number and it's got a value inside..good or bad...there is no strategy any more than there is for choosing lottery numbers!! The only strategy is taking the bankers money or not! The last 2 days the players went away with nothing......very amusing to me!!! Sorry!

Anyway, back to today's plans. In about half an hour I'll be taking me and bump for a swim, much to the amusement of other swimmers who have been tempted to call Greenpeace in the last couple of weeks to take this whale back out to sea!! Only manage about 12 lengths now, but better than nothing. Would be all too easy to sit on the sofa now, but deteremined to try to stay active...all supposed to help during labour....I'll let you know!

Then later today my hairdresser is coming ot sort out my mop......don't want to frighten my new baby with the site of my hair at the moment! Mind you, be a miracle if he turns up (the hairdresser that is!) as he quite often cancels on the day for a variety of reasons! We'll see.

Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross..........................what a stupid storm in a teacup...how is this headline news???!!!! End it now!

2008-10-28T15:36:00.003Z

For fear of shocking everyone too much...yes, I am blogging again! Well, to be fair, I did blog about the house last year (wreck&rebulid), but now life is about to take on another turn, I thought I'd see if I can keep up a blog for the 1st few months of our little baby's life!

This is just day 2 of mat leave, so can't really comment on how that's going yet. Working up to 38 & half weeks was tough going towards the end, but will give us as much time as a family after the birth, and also meant I could easily keep active. Getting in and out of the car was becoming more and more amusing, especially in tight spaces. Still think that turning side ways should make it easier to get through little gaps, but of course, that isn't the case at all! I'm much front to back now, so turning side ways on has just lead to many a work blouse having grey marks across the bump! I have also noticed that there is a tendency for any food droplets to fall directly on to bump.........I understand now why my Dad's shirts always have marks in the same place!!!

I did the sin of weighing myself while at the midwife's last week. They don't weigh you as routine round here, and I was curious as to the amount I'd put on. Although people are very kind saying I look well, and most speculating on the bump being male ("as you're carrying it all it the front"....what ever relevance that had....would amuse me greatly to tell the world it's a girl............... but we don't know yet!!!), you do start to feel like the proverbial beached whale. I have put on about 2 stone...........how much of that is baby I wonder??!! Too late to worry now, so may as well have afternoon tea and a lammington I made on Sunday! Besides, I've been getting varying strengths and frequencies of braxton hicks since about 5 months (mainly when on the cross trainer at the gym back then.....haven't been to the gym for awhile!!), so I'm hoping that this will mean my stomach muscles will be amazingly toned once I've given birth!!! If anyone has ever tried those stupid electrode things you can use to excersise your tummy muscles, you'll have an idea of what BH's feel like and some days I feel I've done about 100 sit ups!

With weather as it is today (it's been snowing here for a while, although now turning to sleet and looking decidedly horrid outside) I'm so glad to be here in the warm. Great plans for before the baby comes are to make some Christmas cards; maybe visit one the NCT girls who's having twins and is getting very bored at home; and read a bit??

Craig is getting quite impatient. However, he still hasn't quite finished his bro in law to be's kitchen, so until he's done that, this baby is staying put..........!!

2006-02-25T23:15:00.000Z

Wendy, you've inspired me to update my site!!! (Craig says he loves your coat, by the way!)

7 THINGS TO DO BEFORE I DIE
Tandem skydive (I'd be scared, but maybe I could take photos to distract myself, like I did in the helicopter!)
Have children (Craig wants 4, but never mind!!)
Have a photo taken of me that I love!!
Have a book published
Write something people want to read (other than blog!)
Retire wealthy!!

7 THINGS I CANNOT DO
Ballroom dancing
cook scones (although I've made 3 batches today....rock cakes anyone??!!)
sing acapello (??)
Keep rubber plants
Paint (pictures)
Go scuba diving
Throw in a straight line (Craig will testify to that!)

7 THINGS THAT ATTRACT ME TO LONDON
Theatres
Near my home & family
Reminds me of Christmas (we always went to see the lights and go carol singing)
Architecture
Cheap hotel rooms (lastminute.com...kensington Thistle (£56 for 2 people with breakfast!!))
Camden Market (not been for a while!)
How could you not be..it's a great city!

THINGS I OFTEN SAY
you Know (that's what 3 weeks in Australia does for you!)
It wasn't me! (or Shaggy, maybe!)
Give Mummy a cuddle (to the cat!!....she never does though!)
I'm tired!! (well, I'm a busy girl!)
I love you( to my lovely husband.....newly weds are allowed to be slushy!)

7 BOOKS THAT I LOVE
Memoirs of a Geisha (until the end)
A Woman of Substance (made me cry..sad I know!)
The Kid (also made me cry...i see a trend here!)
One about the building of a cathedral, but I can't remember what it is called...Rachel will know!
Ellen Macarthurs book....didn't understand teh boat stuff, but you have to admire her determination!)
Paula Radcliffes book (how can you not admire her....marathons hurt!)

7 MOVIES I WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN
Don't watch any over and over, but
4 weddings
An Affair to Remember
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Titanic
Wonderful Life (should have put that further up!)
My Favourite Wife (Cary Grant is fab!)
Our wedding! (Not available at any outlets!!!)

7 PEOPLE I WANT TO JOIN IN TOO
Craig........'bout time he got a blog...he spends more time near the computer than me!!!!

2005-05-13T16:42:00.000+01:00

Well, Hello world! Yep, I know, the comments section is still not working, but I'm just too darned busy to change anything!!

I haven't blogged since Feb........hmmmmmmmmmmmm.......... not alot has happened. The wedding in March was brilliant, fantastic day and the weather was amazing. Couldn't have gone better. The weekend after was Easter, and Craig whisked me off for a surprise weekend in Paris, travelling 1st class on Eurostar...........see, romance isn't dead!!

As if that wasn't enough, on Easter Sunday, our year anniversary, he got down on one knee and presented me with a gorgeous ring, asking if I'd marry him. You could have knocked me down with a feather!

Anyway, surficed to say, the day is now booked for Oct this year, church, reception all sorted. I've even got my dress and just today ordered my bridesmaids dresses.

The invitations are on their way to my parents, as they are going to finish them and send them off (we're making them ourselves....well, when you've got talent!). There are still a few things to sort, but we're getting there.

Planning to honeymoon in Oz, so that is taking a bit of time to decide where we really want to go, and how much we can physically fit in, but all in all, we are really excited!!

It may be really cheesy and all that, but I can't get over how things have changed for me so quickly. Craig makes me so happy. WE can be stupid together, laugh together, work and cry together. 14 months ago I was single, and certainly couldn't envisage the prospect that within 2 years I'd be married!!

Just goes to show, you never know what is round the corner I guess.

On the other side of the coin is a couple who have been together years, young baby, and now he decides he wants to be with someone else. Now that I could never have seen coming. She is facing the prospect of brining up a baby on her own, and being a single mum, not a place she would have seen herself a year or so ago either.

Crazy world.

2005-02-09T18:03:00.000Z

Still no comments left. Either no-one is reading this (which is possible as I have been rather sporadic, and lets face it, I'm not writing anything that exciting!!), or the comments aren't working properly...........?

Moving on. Even more excited about the wedding stuff now as I've been asked to do a reading!! How fantastic. I'm reading a poem.....need to practice.........could do with west counry accent, but don't want to offend the locals!!

Work is OK right now, suprisingly. Still silly nonsense from upper management, but today I've been put forward to help produce a newsletter for the team, so a bit of journalistic practice, which is good. Also going to San Antonio in May, accompanying some Docs to a conference. Obviously pleased about this, although I'm rubbish now when I have to leave Craig behind...... I know, I'm crap and sentimental, but I don't care!!!

The 'detox' is going quite well. Still not succumbed apart from a cup of tea at Craig's Mums on Saturday as she didn't have anything decaf. Even managed to resist pudding last night when I was out with some docs. How I didn't order the banana toffee waffle I'll never know!!

Got another reminder of marathon today when the official magasine with photos & the full time listing came through the post. Still gets me a bit emotional when I read about it. Thinking about the crowds shouting your name and cheering you on, incredible. Don't think I can expect same support for Tamworth 10k in 10 days time! Mind you, that is more about getting Craig round. Know he'll do it, but I'll be there to ensure he paces himself and doesn't run off to quick at the start!

Flat is coming on. Mainly painting jobs and then the finishing touches, like changing the light switches, fitting the lampshades, getting a carpet for the hallway! We'll both be so glad when its' on the market!

Hmmmm...can smell my jacket spuds......must be dinner time!

2005-02-08T15:21:00.000Z

Well, it is a momentous day, and I don't care what anyone else says, Ellen Macarthur is a star! I've been listening to the radio today getting increasingly irritated by people saying "What's the point?" "She's not brave, she chose to do it" "She's a whinger" whatever. Well, I reckon they should try to emulate her achievment and most of them would not even make it to the start line.

Yes, it is her past time, just like running is a past time for Kelly Homes, and not everyone likes sailing...don't think there are many people who like sprinting round a track either! Maybe it's because in an age where the public attention span is too short, the fact it has taken Ellen 71 days to complete her challange is just too long. The public want instantaneous satisfaction of winning or losing. Other say it is because sailing is eliteist. Well, so is rowing when most of our good ones are Oxford or Cambridge graduates, but we all applauded Matthew Pinsent and his crew didn't we? Makes me mad.

Can't we just accept that as individuals we may never achieve something of this significance, but that we admire those who do? She is a British woman, lets embrace her achievment!!

I've been reading her book (for some time now, as I don't seem to have much time to read!) and it is a fab read, even though I don't know one end of a boat from another, and as for the different types of sails, well that is beyond me. But just seeing the effort that goes in to her getting to the race, never mind completing it, is remarkable. Of course she has a team of people around her for their expertise and advise, but we all know other sportsmen & women have nutritionalists, coaches, physios etc working with them to reach their optimum performance.

So, for Ellen, raise a glass, a pancake, whatever, in salute of her achievment and put a sock in the mouth of any decenting voices around you!

End of rant.

2005-02-04T20:21:00.000Z

Well, just got a few minutes before Craig gets back from the flat. Would have been there too, but we had wedding stuff to attend to again today. Final fitting for the dresses, and then the search was on for headwear. Jo had an idea of what sort of tiara she wanted. For us bridesmaids, we didn't really have any idea!!

Anyway, got them sorted after a trip to Pronuptia (or something like that....I'm a new comer to this wedding lark!!). Got little tiaras for us too. Well, they are on order. Doesn't seem they let you walk out of any of these wedding shops with any of the items you have paid for!!! You have to wait!!

While in the wedding shop, we had a go at walking in these stupid shoes we bought the other week. They are a nightmare! Can just imagine how practical they will be if we end up with a snow in mid March!

Don't worry, I won't shirk my duties this weekend, on the decorating front. I'll have to prepare the bedroom walls and hopefully start painting, if we can decide on a colour! Craig will probably want white or cream like the rest of the flat. Probably best I suppose. It's only small and anything else would make it shrink further!

We're still on the 'feel good Feb (FGF)' campaign. Craig suffered with bad headache for a couple of days and was certainly a bit crabby, but he seems to be improving! Not sure how easy a weekend without alcohol will be! And with England playing rugby too???!!

2005-02-01T16:09:00.000Z

I know, my blog has changed, and you can't leave comments and it just looks rough, but after deciding on a template I forgot to save the other settings and need to crib from Haigh jnr's to get the settings back. Be patient!

Madness of work has settled as I'm now back in old (pre-Christmas) role which is great. Have a new boss who seems lovely, and might make it a bit more palatable to stay. however, the financial press are musing about take-overs and if that happens, it will almost cetainly mean job cuts. It always does in this industry. There are definitely too many of us!

Life is still manic. Craig is on a real push to get the flat finished and on the market. Seen another (almost identical to his) for £80k which would be brilliant. fingers crossed.He's made a great job of the kitchen, which I think will sell the flat easily, and he is now working on the bathroom. He bought some gorgeous tiles for the walls, and then found he couldn't cut them. They are thick terracotta ones and he had to hire a cutter in the end! I learnt a few new swear words!!

In the meantime, I have given the hall a couple of coats of paint. it will need another though. I've also varnished the paintwork, and spent Sunday stripping the paper in the bedroom. Life is Rock and Roll!!!

Today we have embarked on Feel Good February. With holiday and my mates wedding looming, we have decided to go on a healthy living kick. We already do a bit of running, but it's more the eating that's the problem. So, for Feb we are cutting out alcolhol, caffiene and chocolate, replacing them with fruit drinks and fruit snacks. We're going to really try to eat as healthily as we can. Hopefully we'll feel better for it, but I wouldn't drop round for dinner this month!

2005-01-14T12:44:00.000Z

It's now 12.25 and I still haven't left the house today! Some may call it laziness...I call it craziness!!

After the debarcle my company call a restructure, last October, there have been some leavers, and some movers. I was a mover, not out of choice, to new territory, new products. Now, just 8 days into the new job (2 of which I've been off sick for!), I find that my old job has become available again.

Pros and cons weighed up, and although I don't see myslef being here long term, in the short term, returning to my old job would be preferable to trying to get to grips with this new one, and would also mean I wouldn't have to attend a further 2 weeks training already in the diary for Jan & Feb.

So, I'm hanging on for a call from my new boss, to see if she will grant my transfer request. Who knows??!!

Great excitement this morning for other reasons, as some posters arrived. I've had 2 of my studio flower pics and an outdoor flower pic printed 20x30 inches, and they look fantastic. The quality is amazing. All down to my briliance and my wonderful camera purchased last autumn (8 mega pixel Nikon Coolpix for the techies out there!). I also had a scyscraper shot, taken in NewYork, blown up to 24x36 (unfortunate terminology there....apologies to anyone I offended...seems you have to apologise publically for everything these days, so I offer that immediately to save The Sun editorial space!), and printed onto canvas. I have to say that it looks magnificent!! I know, I am bias, but I am also quite critical of my own work, so if I thought the shot was rubbish, I'd say so! The print quality is also great, so I recommend FujiFilm poster printing to anyone with nice shots they'd like printed up.

Craig is quite keen, and I agree, that it would be brilliant to be able to have a web site to sell some of the pics I've taken. I'd also like to take more, especially the studio flower shots, really close up shots of the flower centres. When I get a bunch of flowers now, the first thing I do is pick out the flowers and take their photos....sad really, but it keeps me off the streets!

I'm also sitting here next to my dresser which previously contained lots of nik naks. Craig hated most of them, but with a memory as crap as mine, I needed the trinkets to remind me of my travels and of my friends. Anyway, after new year, I decided it was about time we had a bit of a sort out. Afterall, this is Craigs house now too, and there is obviously lots more of me in it, than there is of him. The balance won't be struck properly until we have a place we've bought together, but I thought we should redress the balance a bit. Therefore, appreciation needs now to be given to a more uncluttered and neater looking dresser.

Guess we'll be doing another boot fare when the better weather comes along!

2005-01-12T20:44:00.000Z

Well, folks I'm going to try to write more often, but don't hold me to it!
Where do I start though? Last 6 months. Craig moved in, we went to New York. I ran the marathon. That just about covers it!

Wednesday is Craigs football night, so I get a bit of time to myself. Today I'm trying to put all the New York pictures into a folder. I couldn't find a photo album that would hold the pictures and our memorabelia.

I'm also sitting by the phone waiting for a call from my mate who has asked me to be a bridesmaid for her. Going to be a bit of a rush. Engagement on NY eve and wedding on March 19th!!! She's coming up this Saturday to go dress shopping...I'm like a little kid waiting for Christmas. I've not been a bridesmaid since I was 7. Hope the old story of 3 times a bridesmaid never a bride isn't true!!

Luckily we've kept up our running since the marathon, so I should look OK in a dress, and we'll have just got back from a week in Lanzarote by the time of the wedding, so I might even have a few extra freckles to show off!!

We've entered a 10k run in Tamworth in Feb. Craig is very determined to keep fit, which is great, cause he's more motivated than me. I need goals and there isn't much more of a goal than a marathon, so after that I need other little races to keep my interest up!

The rest of the freetime (of which there seems precious little!) we spend at the flat. Last weekend, Craig removed the old sink, put up the brushed steel splachbacks, and then put the new sink in. It isn't plumbed in yet, but the kitchen is almost completed now. I finished stripping the wallpaper in the hallway and prepared the the walls ready for painting. I hope to put the first coat on this weekend if I have time. I like to feel I'm doing my bit!!

On the work front, things are not too good. I've signed up with an agency again. It would be lovely to be settled in a job I liked! Maybe one day!

2005-01-04T13:41:00.000Z

I wouldn't like to give you all hope that I might actually make an effort to keep a blog this year, but it is only the 4th Jan and here I am. We'll see how it goes. Going out in a minute, so it will be short. Off to the flat again to try and do a bit of work there. Craig has set his heart on finishing it int eh next 3 months or so. We'll see!!!

2004-08-20T09:14:00.000+01:00

I know, its' been ages!! Seem to start my Blog with this phrase or similar alot!

Anyway, after receiving a complaint for not having anything up to date, I felt compeled to write.

I can't believe where the year is going. When I sent of my application for the NY marathon in April, November seemed so far away. Now it is just 11 weeks away!!! So, the training has had to be upped and taken a bit mroe seriously. I have no doubt at all I will complete the course, although the first mile or 2 on my runs seem to be most difficult and I briefly curse myslef for this stupid idea!! My training is all about the recovery, hopefully allowing me not to feel too knackered after it, and maybe being able to walk the following day!

The training has allowed me to find my pace, which for those who are interested, is about 10 minute miles, so if maintained would mean a time of 4 hours 20. We'll see! I was well chuffed last Saturday to run just over 10 miles, making use of the fairly flat Rea Valley Cycle route and the Birmingham Canal. Tomorrow I'm aiming for 15 miles. The thought of it is painful, but once you get into a rhythm it doesnt' seem to feel too bad!!

Fundraising isn't going too bad either, with my Cancer Research UK almost on target. Arthritis Care needs a bit more of a boost, but OK. Hopefully I'll raise about £11-£1200 for charity in total. Not a bad amount to show for this act of stupidity!!!

Not much other news, as everything is taking a back seat to the training schedule. Everything that is, apart from Craig, who is trying his hardest to train with me when he can, but his poor old joints are suffering!! The news there is that he has now moved in here. Seems incredible to me, that having only met him at the end of March, that we are already sharing this house. It is lovely, and in general I've managed to adapt from my single life well. Thankfully my parents are happy too, although talk of where we will spend Christmas is a little scary!!!

I know that the weather is shocking but it is still supposed to be summer...is anyone else having the Christmas pressure yet??!

2004-06-14T11:39:00.000+01:00

Gosh, weeks since writing! Been a busy bee!!

First, running update: Been upping the regular runs to 5 or 6 miles, with shorter ones (2.5 miles) in between. Only managing to run about 3 times a week though, so need to increase this, although Craig is very keen and has joined me twice now. Think he regretted the 6 miles we did last Tuesday and his knee hasn't been the same since!

Craig update: well, as you can see from above, all is well there. Went into city centre last night to watch footy in Centenary Square..no it wasn't me who vandalised a bus!! Was a lot of unhappy people at the end, but the atmosphere had been quite good and I'd like to go in again on Thursday.

Job: It's 11.43 and still at home, although need to leave now. Got meeting this afternoon so didn't want to overdo it!! Also, early start tomorrow - Wolverhapmton for 8.15!! Yuk!

Off now. "the sun has got his hat on..."

2004-05-20T18:48:00.000+01:00

Well, you'd be proud of me today. Maybe it was the pasta I had for tea last night, but I felt particulrly energetic tonight so started out on a run and then thought, hey, lets try a new route! Managed to run up to the Bunbary Road, along Middleton Hall Road to Cotteridge then past the Green to home - 8km (almost 5 miles!). Middleton Hall Rd is suprisingly flat and I felt as though I could have run forever..just the blasted hill up to the Green and beyond that home that kills!!! :-)

Also updated fundraising of £331.79....I have a fantastic group of generous friends...god bless you all!!

2004-05-19T19:22:00.000+01:00

So, I've officially launched my websites for the New York Marathon..the countdown starts here!!

Fundraising has had an amazing start with £254.87 (which includes almost £55 of gift aid), so thanks to anyone reading who has pledged so far...and if you haven't...why not??!!

Training is slow but the true marathon training starts about 3 months before the event, so August then. Currently the furthest I've run is 6 miles, but that was hard and I did start to get some blisters, even with my super duper trainers from Hall Green running shop..so some adaptions may need to be made...spare feet might be good!

On Friday last week I did my usual 3 mile circuit, and I felt dead...great motivation!! As I'm in a positive mind frame, I decided not to be put off and that I would be more determined, and managed a 4 mile run on Saturday, although I did have to stop for 2 reasons.

a/ the view was great (I was running on part of the North Worcestershire Way and could see the lovely rolling hills of Worcestershire to my right and the gorgeous city skyline on my left...well I think its a lovely view, people's opinions differ on that!!)

b/ I got lost! Well, I expected the path to be well sign posted, but it wasnsn't. My trainers got quite wet and muddy too, which wasn't great.

I really need to gradually increase my distance (a mile at a time my coach reckons...thanks Ms Haigh for that advice!!) and I need to vary my routes, but running over uneven ground is a recipie for disaster I think and likely to end in me with a sprained ankle or twisted knee, so care is needed!! I don't mind running on the roads though, but buses tend to get annoyed if I us the bus lane!!!

From now on, this is an official NY marathon Blog (but might digress from time to time!!)

2004-05-18T10:18:00.000+01:00

Ok, I know I've been rubbish at putting a new post on, but I've got a highly motivational job and hectic social life........well, one out of 2 aint bad!!

Work - suprisingly easy of course. But that is OK. There are still the odd challange and my old team are keeping me feeling useful in terms of coaching. I'm probably better now than when I was their boss as I'm far less stressed!!

In fact, I do tend to pocess rather an inane grin most of the time at the moment, but this is probably not due to work. ;-)

2004-05-02T12:34:00.000+01:00

So, been a while...dont' seem to get much time to write at the moment..can't think why!!!
Not that I'm complaining. Is weird, being part of a couple again, having, and wanting to consider someone else. Compromise is the watch word I guess!

Anyway, Barcelona last weekend was great, with the ginger one! We even found a restaurant called 'Ginger'! Taxi drivers wre very chatty, even if the one taking us tot he airport at the end of it was trying to talk in Spanish, teach us Spanish when clearly we knew very little. our interpretation was something like this:" Blah blah blah blah blah blah then you gracias blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah (animated with hand gestures!) blah blah yes si blah blah blah" ....you get the picture. We were totally drained by the time the airport came into view!!

Weekend was capped by the mad twins we found ourselves next to on the airport bus going to the plane. Within seconds they were grilling this poor Spanish guy about hi wife and wether they had kids, why he was going to the UK, fo houw long and basically a life history. Amazing!

Lucky for us, we were sat directly behind them on the plane, so had their life story as they told the stewardess it was their 50th birthday and they had gone to Barcelona to celebrate. All I can say is that I'm sure their husbands had a fantastically quiet weekend with a beer in front of the telly, every now and then, turning off the sound and going 'hear that? That's peace and quiet that is!'

The stewardess was supposed to have been serving us tea but they talked for so long, the ones working their way forward from the back reached us eventually and they'd still trapped this poor woman! Ii have to say, we were in bits by this point and dreading eeting them at the baggage hall. WE imagined the inquesition. 'So, did your husbands mind you going away without them? What? You're not married? But wouldn't you like to have children? Do you thnk you will get married one day? How many bridesmaids would you like.................' AHHHHHH!!!

Luckily for us, they were no where to be seen, so we grabbed our luggage and ran!

2004-04-19T16:27:00.000+01:00

Wow, been a while and I momentarily forgot my password!! Shock horror.
Anyway, settling into new job now..making the most of the weather to dry clothes and browse internet for journo stuff, oh and seeing docs from time to time too! Amazing how easily one slips back into the pace of life!

Ok, big news is that I am dating, proper dating..this must be the first time in years when I think about it. I mean, sure, I was seeing the laid back Irish one for a while, but one weekend in 3 doesn't really count as dating does it?? Since then, Mr non-commitment and Mr no txt...useless bunch!

So now, a real live proper man, who can txt, who does call, who will respond to e-mails, who comes up with ideas of where to go (Warwick races, meals out) and has even cooked me dinner...........................I have a suspicion it is all going to go wrong somewhere!!

What is it about us girls that we actually like the bastards of the world? They are exciting, maybe we have to work a little harder for them, whatever, I don't get it!!

So, effort required to hold on to the guy who can cook, has his own teeth, doesn't have any hang ups or sexual deviancs that are obvious at this stage, doesn't require huge amounts of fan like adoration, and has good standards of personal hygiene!!!! Go forth and buy hats!!!!

Only kidding folks!!!!

:-)

2004-04-04T17:20:00.000+01:00

Well, I have to say I have a certain contentment this afternoon. I've finally finished my training course and passed (would have been a shock after 10 years in the job to be told I was crap!!), and am free from Monday to do as I wish!

Also, I've had a lovely weekend, doing exactly what one should do at weekends, buy a paper (which I haven't read!), go shopping (for nothing in particular, just to look and impulse buy!), and see friends. Bliss.

Only low point really was visiting my neighbours grave yesterday as it was a year since she passed away. Where does the time go? Good to remember and at least smile now. Funny, no relative of mine has ever been buried, so never done the whole grave visiting thing. Can understand now why people chose burial, as there is a focal point, somewhere to go to be near to them. Strange though, as maybe there are more places we can be close to someone we loved, just by thinking about them, but I guess that isn't always easy. For me, being someone who likes to be warm, I'd rather be cooked and scattered on field a daisies!

Sorry, didn't mean to get morbid! Anyway, the ironing calls!

2004-03-26T20:25:00.000Z

How funny is that...after almost 3 weeks of no message, suddenly man gets use of his thumb back and sent txt. Honestly.

Have checked out the intracacies of the New York marathon and am definitely on for that! So, get your arms ready for reaching deep into your pockets to give me some dough!

2004-03-22T08:49:00.000Z

If global warming is not to blame for the bizarre weather over the past 10 days, I don't know what is. We've gone from snow, to warm summer sun, and then yesterday the most amazing hail shower I've ever seen!! Felt particularly sorry for some joggers who were clearly in some pain a they failed to shelter from the marble sized ice drops, but not sorry enough to offer them a space in the car, and I have to admit to laughing at them! Sorry!

2004-03-16T22:30:00.000Z

I'm much happier today. Promise! The sun has been shining and I've had another day at home to do more journo stuff,some work and been tot he gym again! My, I will be fit. I have finally decided (well, probably!) that I'm going to do the New York Marathon in November. I know I will probably regret it and may die in the process, but what a way to go. And anyway, I've never been to NY!!

Spoke to Debs about engagement. She is over the moon. Guess that's what 3 months in Iraq does to a bloke! Lovely news.

Been chatting with nice guy called Craig on DD today. We've even had to send 2 messages at a time because we've been running out of space. Time for next stage....personal e-mail address!!

Actually going out to work tomorrow. I know, it's a shame. How will I cope??!!

2004-03-15T22:03:00.000Z

What is it with my friends at the moment??!! There must be something in the water! I only keep in touch with 2 really good friends from school, one got engaged 2 weeks ago, and now the other one is joining her too!!

So I feel totally on the shelf. I am happy for them both, honest. Deb & Chris have been together for years, and she really loves him. Touch of the green eyed monster, that's all. I'll get over it. Eventually.

2004-03-13T16:02:00.000Z

I positively bounced out of bed this morning, with the prospect of yet another date. OK, I'm lying. I was quite unenthusiastic really. He looked OK on his pic and matched my criteria (clinical isnt' it?!), but our phone conversations left me thinking he sounded a bit, wel.....gay! I know he couldn't be, he is afterall actively looking for a woman, but an ifeminite voice was not what I was expecting.

In reality, he was friendly and apart from laughing a bit too much and slight twitch (no humped back though, thankfully!!), he was fine. Let's not get too excited, I wasn't bowled over. Mr 'no txt' man did bowl me over, just he turned out to be useless!! Perhaps there is a lesson there, but I'm not prepared to learn it yet!

2004-03-12T16:22:00.000Z

Today I cannot deny that the events of Madrid have been on my mind, as I'm sure on many others. I was only there on New Years Day. For a capital city it didn't appear to be too full of itself, like maybe Paris, instead it allows you to take it at face value. The architecture is impressive and the people seemed charmed, or maybe they were still nursing their hangovers from the previous nights festivities! There are tranquil places, even in the center, where you could sit and watch the world go by. Tourists and Madridians (as I believe they are known?) mingled side by side to wander round the palace gardens, and central park. You just can't equate that with yesterdays scenes.

It was just a normal city, now it has seen the worst terrorist attack in Europe. Perhaps it doesn't matter who the perpetrators were, it is of no comfort to the city's morners But for us, sitting here, it coud make a difference. If it is not ETA, then we are all in danger, and the question of 'where next' arises.

It can't stop us doing whatever we want to do. We have more chance of being killed on the roads, but it is scary. We could be shopping one day, or going to work, or seeing friends... Doesn't bare thinking about.

2004-03-09T21:59:00.000Z

who are you
why are you here
do I know you
what do you fear
have we met before
or chatted online
what do you look like
I bet you look fine
do you like to exercise
or swing a short whip
are you romantic
and like candlesticks
do you like roses
do you like music
are you into rock
or are you into country
long or short socks
do you want forevers
or only one night
do you dream of tomorrow
or only first light
do you want someone taller
do you mind if he's not
do you want some italian
or is elsewhere your lot
do you search for intimacy
and kisses galore
or casual moments
some sun and no more
are you satisfied with your body
do you have a big butt
do you want a boob job
or chocolate walnuts
would you move for love
or only for cash
what moves you honey
what causes a splash
will you be mine forever
or only one night
what do you want
when we turn off the light

OK guys, what the hell do I write in response to this?? Some of these blokes just take the biscuit don't they??!!

2004-03-09T12:37:00.000Z

Job change situation:
Downshifting is a joy so far. I am back to being my own boss, more than when I was the boss, ironically enough!! I'm at home 'consolidating' what I learnt on last weeks training course. What I don't know about Prostates & what can go wrong with them now is not worth knowing!!!

Man situation: Not only can they not text, they phone you when you least expect them too, and screw you up......again!!! It has gone from "Sorry, no time to see you afterall" to "I've been out shopping and I'm meeting up with some mates later". Plenty of time for them I see. Not bitter, honest!

Friends situation: One couple now complete with no doubt perfect baby. Was compelled to buy decidedly cute outfit from Designer Debenhams to kit out the little mite. Will visit this week (all being well) and report back.
Another friend used 29th Feb to propose to bloke and he accepted. Wedding next summer and I am to be one of 7 bridesmaids. Apparently the best man is single and cute, and being chief bridesmaid, I'd say he's mine!! Only 15 months to go then!!

Health situation: Haven given up caffiene for lent, I am feeling chipper and lively......or is that due to a new job and less stress?? Hard to know!!

2004-02-29T12:57:00.000Z

Top night out with girls last night. Was a revelation to go to Reflex and dance to our favourite 80's hits without being totally plastered before hand!! No dwarfs in sight either which was a definite plus!

Todays conundrum is, why can't men txt? Is it yet another trait that women have which men have clearly not yet grasped??!! And don't they understand that if they receive a txt it is polite to respond?! Blurrrrr!!!

2004-02-28T17:43:00.000Z

Weekends are fab. Get to lie in bed and get up late, go to supermarket (OK, so not everything about weekend are so good!), and then go into town to spend money on clothes you don't need!!

2004-02-25T22:38:00.000Z

So, here I am in cyberland....oh, it's a bit dark and dusty!! Better clean up! I've got time now you see, I've started a new job. Just waiting for my friends to start taking the mick about how little I actually do, now I have entered into the 'DOWNSHIFTERS CLUB'. People all over the world are saying "NO!" to hard work, long hours and no fun time. We are striving to rectify the work life balance. So many companies lie saying they care about your home life, but ultimately they run you ragged and it is time for this to STOP!

Well, I guess some people have to work hard, or else the world would turn, but I'm of the 'working smart' fraternity, be productive in the shortest amount of time possible, leaving other time to please ourselves with going to the gym, shopping or maybe, learning a new skill.

So, pick up thy trusty briefcase and march boldly from your office, take a breath of fresh air (well almost!), and say, "today is the first day of the rest of my life...I am going to make the most of it", wander into the pub next door and see if with the aid of alcohol you can put plan of action into place!!

Good luck comrades!!

2004-02-25T11:16:00.000Z

I have been working hard honest...I had to read some background info and put a presentation together for the training course tomorrow and Friday. And, I've been trying to decide on a car. You see, I'm a stylish kind of girl and you can't have just anything. So, thought I'd have a Merc again, but this seems to have disappeared of the list since I last looked, but the Golf has appeared. I could have that with every toy going for a very reasonable price....hmmm..still no Beetle though!

Think I'll go to the gym later. Need to work off last night's dinner. Had nice French Onion soup followed by mussels, but I must have been clenching my teeth all evening because my jaw was really tight when I got home!! Poor lad, he was just a little bit too chatty. I can only recall him asking me one question all night!! He said he'd tried speed dating before but 3 minutes wasn't enough to tell the girl all about his 5 years on cruise ships!!! Really??!!

Maybe Mark from Cheltenham will turn out to be a better bet, so sent him another message today!

Right, couple more papers to read through, then off to gym I think.