I'm in my own world...it's ok, they know me here.

Christmas...

2007-12-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

Red, gold, green. Candles. The smell of the tree when I first wake up. Squinting at fairy lights so they blend into one another, lying on my back under the tree looking up into the branches and lights. Rich's face as he can hardly bear the thought of having to wait until Christmas day to unwrap gifts. Christmas spirit, people saying hello as they pass by. Bucks fizz for breakfast. The build up. Counting sleeps, making plans, hugging yourself with delight at the thought of a loved one opening a gift you KNOW they'll buzz off. Hearing kids talk to their parents about what exactly they intend to leave out for santa (why did we not have reindeer food with fairy sparkles when we were little?), nativity plays, the sheer thrill that coarses through my veins whenever I think of the festive season, santy hats only a pound, reindeer antlers in the pub, catching up with old friends, The Annual Secret Santy Balti - now a time-honoured tradition in Bebington, the Chair of Cheer, Chris Jack pretending to be a grinch but secretly loving it, being off work, all being right with the world, watching the Grinch on Christmas Eve with my hubby, trying not to wake up at 6am on Christmas morning (I lasted until 8:45am this year!), trying not to be sick with too much excitement, wandering through the Village and looking at people's trees all lit up in the windows, wintery weather, walks, scarves , hats and gloves, having G7T's in the middle of the day, tick tock tick tock, counting down the Christmas clock. You'll shoot your eye out kid! Blast this Christmas music...it's joyful and triumphant! Christmas movies, playing with your gifts on Boxing Day, buffets, turkey sandwiches, family time, good will toward men, peace on earth, reason for the season, the Liverpool Nativity. All round feel good factor. Christmas is here! God Bless us, every one.

ARGH!!!!!!

2007-12-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's DECEMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Church sucks

2007-11-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

A strong statement peut etre but nontheless accurate and sadly true. I went, on Sunday night, after a 5 month hiatus (sp?) fully expecting to be moved to my very core, non-cynical and entirely non-judgemental. Hmmm, needless to say this did not happen. I am so confused as to whether this is merely a question of style - that the whole C of E vibe is just not for me - or whether it really IS dead as a dodo. People seemed to be getting into it, all very enthusiastic about SAMS Sunday which fraankly I could not find a spark of passion for....I mean, 'missions' abroad are amazing, if that's your calling but all I could think/feel/pray was an enormous heart cry of WHAT ABOUT FREAKIN BEBINGTON!!!!?? On the Wirral we have THE poorest ward per capita in Europe AND the RICHEST ward per capita! This peninsula has a dual personality, a yin and yan, a black and white, and it is so bloody obvious....We have a wonderful, perfect 1000 year old church building with enormous potential, our motto is 'Connecting the community to Christ' and yet it feels as if that's all it is. A building. Cold, draughty. Void of the love of Jesus. And I KNOW that the people who go there love God, I know they love their community but i can't help thinking that they love only tose who it's 'acceptable' in white, middle class surburbia TO help...ie the odd single mum and anyone who's up for a spot of 'christian counselling' (bleug!) or an evangelistic fish and chip supper. OH MY WORD IT'S ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOO ARCHAIC! The talk on sunday was begun by chatting about 'degenerate families who go on jeremy kyle' and I almost cried out - THOSE ARE THE KINDS OF FAMILIES WHO LIVE NEAR HERE! THOSE ARE THE KINDS OF FAMILIES WHO NEED US MOST! Not the frickin Christmas Craft sale or carolling by Waitrose...good GRIEF! Needless to say the talk did NOT get any better.

So, yet again I am frustrated, angry, let down, disappointed, fed up, cheesed off by this building we call 'church'! Why the hell did everyone stress on me so much about not having been there for 5 months? I feel as if I am loved more, supported more, challenged and moved on more by those people I meet through work or indeed my so-labelled 'non Christian' friends. I don' get it God, how do I fit into this??!!

SO there you go...rant over...

Autumn days when the grass is jewelled...

2007-09-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

I can smell it. I can feel it. It's on the way. It's almost here....AUTUMN! It's the slight chill in the air, the way the light looks at 3pm, the way I caved not half an hour ago and stuck the heating on. It's being excited about the leather gloves with a button at the wrist in a lovely, steely grey - much like the Tin Man's hands - and winter coats and hats. It's seeing brilliant sunshine and yet still having a red nose. It's being in House of Fraser and standing 'in Christmas' - the section full of cards and candy and baubles and reds, holly greens, silver, gold. It's buying the early season tangerines in Asda, green on the outside but oh-so Christmassy in the middle. It's socks in bed, leaves on the turn, red starbucks cups, talk of Christmas 'do's'. It's how if I don't dry my hair properly in the morning, by the time I get to work it's frozen at the ends. It's the crisp, cold, snappy, dry, tingly, thrilling, new, red, gold, crunchy, conkery,woolly tights, winter boot vibe of the autumnal season as it draws on apace.

My most favourite time of year.

I can't wait.

September

2007-09-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here we are. A new month. A new season. And it feels like a new season. I don't mean in weather terms. I feel...stagnated, impatient, eager, keen, searching, hungry, yearning...but for what I don't yet know. Something is just out of my grasp, just about to appear on the horizon, when I see it, I'll know, but until then I'm fumbling in the dark. Things are changing. Suddenly the world seems like a big place again. The world isn't so much focused on Merseyside for me anymore. I ask myself why this is. People are moving, relationships are evolving. Abbi and Chris now live on the South Coast. Emm will shortly be in London. 3 extremely key relationships have shifted, and both Rich and I are having to adjust to that, it creates, or rather precipitates change. Change is necessary. Change is good. But sometimes it sucks. Things that both Rich and I relied on other people for we are now coming to rely on one another for, thus we as a unit are tighter and closer than ever, which is good. Manchester no longer feels so far away when once upon a time it really did. My perspective is shifting. Life seems too short and precious to waste worrying about mortgages and weight watchers and pension plans and job security and housing markets and accruing more annual leave through years of service..and yet the practical aspect of me that refuses to give up the ghost shouts louder...I don't know what it is I'm feeling....not discontent, not unhappiness, but perhaps a sense of there's still more to come. There's a plan, of that I feel certain. But as to what it is, I currently have no clue.

2007-07-08T09:32:00.001-07:00

I have taken a break from my current Harlan Coben serial killer novel obsession to re-read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in preparation for July 21st; the day I can finally get my mitts on the 7th and final HP book - the one that will tie up all loose ends, amd finally let us know the truth!

I have adored each and everyone of the Harry books and whilst I can't wait to find out what happens (even if Harry kills himself), I also cannot help feeling like I want to delay this time so the magic doesn't end! Then paradoxically I know I willl speed-read the book just to avoid being told by some loser hell bent on spoiling it for everyone!

Now I realise not everyone will share the Harry passion, but during some blog browsing I did come across some very cool musings and ponderings, speculating about what will happen - so I've cut and pasted it off that particular blog - with acknowledgement to Carla Harding!

See below:

Prediction 1We will find out what happened in the 24hours between the Potter's death and Harry's injury and Dumbledore's delivery of Harry to the Dursleys. My prediction is Harry will return to Godrick's Hollow and with a surviving time turner will return to the night of his parents death and have to watch without intervening so the future wasn't changed (ala Back to the Future) and then he'll meet with Dumbledore in the missing 24hours.
Prediction 2Harry's scar is a horcrux. If he is not a horcrux then he's something very closely connected which is how he has enjoyed so many of Voldemort's powers and insight into his mind. This does raise the ineresting point that Harry will have to kill him self, the ultimate sacrifice to completely destroy Voldemort.
Prediction 3Wormtail will sacrifice himself to save Harry to repay his life debt.
Prediction 4Snape is grey, both good and bad. He loved Harry's mother Lilliy but hated his father James. He isn't faithful to Voldemort or Dumbledore as he wants power for himself, but out of love for Lilly he will protect Harry, he may even be the one to murder Voldemort as Rowling has made murder the most horrendous thing anyone can do so does she really want her 17 year old hero to take a life?
Prediction 5Harry will go beyond the veil in the ministry of magic and will see Sirious.
Prediction 6Harry and Ginny will get married and have lots of babies, as will Ron and Hermione.
Only the book can prove me wrong. What are your theories?

HOW GOOD ARE THOSE THEORIES!!!! Ohhhhh I cannot wait!

Until next time... xx

It's FINALLY here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

SHOW WEEK! Yes people, Seussical the Musical is ready to rock and roll! I am so excited and have been soooooooooooooooo busy with rehearsals and trying to do at least an iota of work to ensure I remain employed after the fact! Apologies for terrible lack of blogging, espesh to my overseas pals who must be wondering what has happened! (Sorry Tiff!!)

I'll be back with a proper update after this week of trippy madness is over....

Altogether now, "Oh the thinks you can think....when you think about Seuss!"

Hit Me Baby...

2007-05-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well, having a fab week off thus far! Friday evening, as soon as work finished I hightailed it to mummy and daddy's house to hang with them. I dutifully stood with my dad at the piano and sang for him (he now has the piano playing ability of a ten year old, I'm relaibly informed by his piano teacher who happens to take my yoga class) as he played 'Lavender Blue' and 'The Singing Donkey' Bless! I ate dinner with them and then watched the final of Idol with them, boo Jordin Sparks.

Saturday Ricardo and I went to Hollyoaks which was havign a rare off day. I did, however, manage to find a pair of shoes called 'Harlot' which made me giggle greatly, and Rich bought a new hat which he was pleased with AND we only spent our ebay earnings (thanks to whoever bought the coffee thing!) so that was good too. However, Hollyoaks was utter POOP for buying 30th Birthday presents, so after coffee (mmmmm skinny vanilla single shot sugar free latte) we whizzed to Birkencrackhead whereupon Rich drooled over gadgets in HMV and I whirled around like a dirvish (sp?) to get Kate's prezzie.

Sunday was rehearsal all day - show is REALLY beginning to take shape now, I am getting exciteder and exciteder (BUY TICKETS PEOPLE!) and then I had an hour to get Britney-fied and off we went to Burscough, to the Stanley Social Club and to lovely Kate Mercer's 30th Birthday Party 'Stars Up Your Arse' - a crackin' night AND I did my Britney tribute act (see pic) and everyone buzzed off it. My favourite act though was the Birthday girl herself as Amy Winehouse!!(see new album on facebook!)

Andnow it's Monday night, just back from Seussical again, and I am off to bed. Tomorrow is a day of hangin at the gym......bye xxx

The dawning of realisation

2007-05-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight, at cell, it hit me...my Abigail really IS leaving.

I am unspeakably sad.

Update

2007-05-23T01:03:00.001-07:00

Hey kids,

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Dunno if it's because I'm busy (on facebook), reherasing 24-7 or simply have nothing of note to say, which is unlike me!

Been a hectic few weeks, and thus far showing no signs of abating, Seussical is now 5 weeks away (5 weeks tonight, in fact, is opening night!! *pukes*) It's all going very well and seems to be coming together. Definitely excited.

We've been for the first of our summer sojourns to the Wall family holiday home aka the Caravan near Abersoch and Pwllheli! Quick weekend and then back to the rat race, still it's nice to get away and onto the beach.

Looking very forward to a week off! Bank Holiday and then a bunch of us are headed to that London to see none other than The Dave Matthews Band in real life, in the UK woop woop! And tonight, of course, is the Champions' League Final, which (fingers crossed) will be a good night out and not one in which the boys are all down in the dumps - here's hoping for a victory and a match as exciting as 2005!

Other whizzo news is Miss Abigail got her very first teaching job at Bournemouth Grammar School for girls, which is super cool because now when her and Chris move she will have a job but also super sad because they are moving so very far away.....boooooooooo.

Right, gotta go to work.....laters alligator xxxxxxxxxx

That was the weekend...

2007-05-08T02:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been a long and crazy weekend with one common theme….EATING! It began Friday evening, whilst taking advantage of the sunshine, Rich and I decided to have dinner at The Stags, followed by him going off to unveil the long and eagerly-awaited ‘Canopy’ with the boys and me hanging out with my mummy (mostly because she needed a bag and cardie to go with her shoes and dress for a family wedding on Saturday….but I’m sure she wanted to see me too – haha!). Y luego, we ended up @ the Kennaughs for a quick drink, and I bonded with Eddie which was lovely – he is sooooooooooooooo gorgeous! (he’s a cat, btw, not a baby!)

Saturday dawned bright and sunny and Rich and I got ready and legged it up the motorway in the manner of Scarlett and Charles in the opening scenes of the classic movie FWAAF! (yes, including expletives!) Made it though, despite going wrong twice and not setting off until 10:45 (the wedding was at 12), with half an hour to spare! We walked into the church and were greeted by the beautiful sight of the Wenham family! From then on it was one long reunion of sorts for me, and countless introductions of Rich to the Manchetser contingent. REALLY REALLY good though, and of course my amazing hubby was his usual amazing and charming self. Great day all in all and Ulrike looked amazing and had a wonderful day, whch is of course all that matters really! Rich and I went home via Abdul’s (because clearly a 3 course sit down meal during the day AND a bbq at the evening do had not been enough! Haha – GOOD GRIEF! *rolls eyes at the ridiculous amount of food eaten*

And so to Sunday, which was mostly spent lazing around trying NOT to eat, and also uploading copious amounts of photos onto facebook. By 6pm Rich and I were in our glad rags once more and headed over to Liverpool in the drizzle (Where HAS the summer gone?!). We got to the Sapporo Teppanyaki restaurant in time to spare and so had time for a ‘Sake Sangria’ before beginning the most hilarious and entertaining meal we’ve had together for a while! We were celebrating Rich’s birthday (May 7th) and our 2nd wedding anniversary (April 30th) and have been dying to visit the Teppanyaki for ages….and boy was it worth the wait. Amazing food but also total entertainment from the crazy chefs in the form of knife throwing, big fire, and trying to catch sautéed potatoes in one’s mouth (guess you had to be there, but seriously, try it!). After (yet another) massive but gorgeous meal we headed to our local where some of our nearest and dearest were waiting to toast the birthday boy!

After a hasty midnight decision and a few quick texts, Rich and I awoke on Monday to open presents (the Birthday Fairies HAD been and he was SUPER-IMPRESSED with his camcorder) and then I began cooking – yes my new career is short-order cook – as yesterday I got through a crazy amount of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms, tortilla, bread, hash browns, tea, coffee, etc etc as I fed what felt like the 5 thousand, but was really just a group of our lovely and amazing friends who were round at ours to celebrate with Rich. It was a really amazing time, fab to see Rich feeling so loved by everyone and just great to have everyone round for food and laughs – and laugh we did, particularly when Spider Man Mr Potato head arrived!

So, more eating there then (have you spotted the theme yet??) and THEN my mum rang and asked did we feel like going round for a roast dinner? We ahd to draw the line somewhere I’m afraid, and instead of more food, opted for a quick slice of bday cake with the ‘rents.

Fabulous long weekend filled with great friends, great times and enough food to feed a small country for approximately 3 years. Weight Watchers is NOT going to be fun tonight!!

Today I rolled to work as I am now clinically obese!

Bring on the week of no eating!

wow!

2007-05-02T04:17:00.000-07:00

i'm not normally bothered but boy oh boy that was a good football match!

There's nothing like.....

2007-04-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

...threatening to stop blogging to get some attention round here!! woo hoo! I love you all my faithful blog readers and am very glad you read me, as I obsessively check all of your blogs every day too! Ah blogging, remember the days when facebook didn't exist....although I like facebook because it's more instant and I am officially 'friends' with people I haven't hooked up with in years. It seems a new season is a-dawning...a season of re-discovered, renewed, rejuvenated friendships. I'm loving it. I wonder what it means?

It's beyond fab!

I dunno why I'm posting....

2007-04-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

...Because I haven't hugely got anything to say....and I don't think people read this anymore. Which makes me wonder (and not for the first time) is blogging over?

Little Ted is ONE!

2007-04-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

HaPpY BiRtHdAy baby! Here is Teddy in his spidy pj's and pixie boots (left over from his Pixie Party) getting stuck into his choccy birthday cake! Isn't he GORGEOUS! A fun day was had by all, and now little Ted is One year old - how time flies! xxx

2007-04-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

So my weekend went a little like this...
- Got to Manc at 6 on Fri eve, Sal got me at the station in her super-posh Prius, I was reeling in shock (not) from having been asked for ID at Sainsbury's in Piccadilly station whilst attempting to purchase pink wine.....
- Hung out at Sal's posh flat in LOVELY Chorlton
- Went to the beeyootiful cottage in Flixton and was greeted by a VERY excited Penny Wenham, Billy not-Barlow, Ulrike 'Barbie' Hirsch, Anna Wayward: stealth WW member, and the lovely Nicole Proudfoot whom i do not know very well but who is gorgeous.
- Let's just say there was aLOT of pink wine, Playdoh, coffee cake (anna!), Doritos, Pizza, pink wine, some more pink wine, the odd diet coke, and Penny being madder than a box of frogs AND the only sober one!!
- Katy Wareham arrived late on, thus more pink wine drinking ensued.
- Claire was the only one in jammies for a good part of the evening
- Saturday - awoke with not a good head - this was not good, nausea doesn't even cover it! GAh! I am SUCH a lightweight these days!
- Went back to Sal's and felt slightly more human after a shower....
- The hens waltzed off for a spa day while I elected to spend the afternoon avec ma petite soeur!
- The day was so so soooooooooooooooo beautiful that we spurned a day of Primarking in fabour of hanging out in Cosmopolitan Chorlton. Oh it was SUCH A beautiful day.....

more later...it's midnight, je must go to bed, beaucoup d'amour xxx

cream-crackered....

2007-04-15T15:28:00.001-07:00

ohhhhhhhhhh so tired but oh so very happy, more detail and pics to follow......

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

It's the weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekend!

2007-04-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hurrah! Tomorrow I get to go to Manchester and hang out with some super-special people (good special, not special needs...). I am excited indeed. Bring on the hen do of Barbie Hirsch!!!

HaPpY HeN Do DUDE!!!!!

Risen indeed, halellujah!

2007-04-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!!

Love, me xxx

Seussical the Musical

2007-04-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps,
If you're serious about coming to see the show then you need to start thinking about tickets because they're selling like the proverbial hot cakes! You can get tickets in the following ways:

www.ticketmaster.co.uk
www.wklos.org.uk (The Company's site)
www.LiveNation.co.uk
Or call 0870 606 3536

Alternatively you can go to the Liverpool Empire Box Office directly and then you do not pay the booking fee!

PLEASE don't in any way feel obliged to come see the show, but if you can make it then that would be simply FABULOUS!

Love me xxx

Happy Times

2007-03-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

This morning I donned my oversize sunnies, a light summer jacket, my ipod and a sunny mood, and headed over the water to Liverpool to shop. Not for me, no siree, but for some people I love to the moon and back: Ulrike aka Miss Barbie Hirsch, who gets married VERY soon, for Anna Jack, who is a very very dear friend and who turns 29 this coming week, and also for my beautiful Abigail - my bestest bud, who reaches the ripe old age of 30 on Easter Sunday (VERY cool day to have your birthday - even your 30th!) I had such fun thinking about each girl and what they're like and what they would love and buzz off....suffice to say without giving too much away that I was rather pleased with each individual purchase! It gives me such pleasure to give other people presents...I think I'm rather good at it, even if I do say so myself!

I was in such a good mood wandering around town, what a gorgeous and beautiful city Liverpool is. I am very much full of the joys of Spring.....although I did wish i were in Mancland today....soon Miss Anna, soon...

Summer, summer, summer time!

2007-03-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hoorah! The clocks have sprung forward which, although it meant I got in at 4am instead of 3am, is still a welcome and utterly refreshing change. And what a stunningly beautiful day it's been here on the Leisure Peninsula! On the way to rehearsal today it occurred to me just how dreary I'd been getting, I'd quite forgotten the sky could look like it did today - perfect cornflower blue, even the permanent chill in the air seems to have dissispated with the onset of official British Summer time. Oh hurrah the world is indeed a glorious place today - bring on sitting in gardens, pink wine, eating outside, corona and lime, trips to the beach, barbeques, not needing a coat, St. Tropez tans, flip flops, ice lollies, light nights and mornings, birds singing.....I could go on! I LOVE the winter don't get me wrong, but it feels like we're due a mood lift round about now! The best bit of hopefully being able to buy the new apartment is that it has a patio and a little bit of outside space, big enough to entertain so be prepared for an invite!!

If you're a person who prays please keep this home move in your prayers for Rich and I...that'd be smashing!

Happy summer time people xxxxxx

PS 12 weeks till 'Seussical: The Musical' - get booking those tickets! WOO!

Visual DNA

2007-03-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Does what it says on the tin - see right...

(PS - Cate, what can I say, I always knew we were soul sisters! love ya baby!!!!!)

Hola

2007-03-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

Haven't really got very much to report this week - been quite boring really! Though there are plans a-plenty a-foot !! V. excited about the Hen Do of Ms. Ulrike Barbara Hirsch and also about dining with Col and Jules tomorrow, a trip to Manc, many b'days coming up, the possibility of a new swanky flat (please God), developments on the job front, Abbi's 30th, - and it's nearly Easter too - yeeha, fabbo time of year, not least because of the annual Easter egg hunt chez Millar!

I think my prob is everyone knows my news coz you're all on facebook!

It's friday, which means yummy pitta and hummus, a cheeky glass of Beringer and American Idol. Whizzo. Rich is out at a youth event - really pleased he's getting a bit involved again. So I'm all alone.....saddo that I am I'm soooo excited about 24 re-runs, so if anyone wants me, that's where I'll be for the next few hours....'I'm kinda busy right now...'

erm....

2007-03-19T16:46:00.001-07:00

I am worried that I am neglecting my blog because of chuffin' facebook!

Red Nose Day

2007-03-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Rollercoaster of gut-wrenching films from Africa and the UK of real people with real life-and-death needs juxtaposed with belly-aching laughs......did you catch the Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant/Jamie Oliver/Bob Geldof/Andi Peters/Bono sketch? MADNESS!

Let's all get donating!

http://www.comicrelief.com

facebook

2007-03-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

www.facebook.com

Dead good fun. Come on people, get down with the kids!

Ramblings

2007-03-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back at work, which is good but also poop as I am having the unfortunate experience of actually MISSING daytime tv - Fern and Phil feel like old friends. It was fun being off for two weeks but I feel I didn't get to enjoy it all that much as I was practically at death's door. Still coughing like an old man and the office girls are trying to avoid my remnants of germs. I feel like a big fat pie coz I can't go swimming for another week, so despite the little oasis of a fortnight off being poorly, am quite looking forward to getting back to my routines (Autistic spectrum anyone?!).

Other things to look forward to include Comic Relief on Friday (I'm watching it ALL), viewing properties over the weekend with my hubble and the piece de la resistance - combined Paddy's Day and Lockharts' (aka The Irishes) official house-warming! Woo hoo, bring on the Guiness and stew! (??)

In other news, I think I am becoming addicted to Facebook, how sad is that, keep telling myself that because I work with young people it's important that I keep abreast of the times, so to speak.

Birthday shout-outs this week Paul 'Pumpkin' Trevor, the original WAG himself turns 28 or 29 on Thursday, I forget which - age is but a number my dears! HaPpY BiRtHdAy Trev! I love you xxx

Gutted

2007-03-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know I have currently got a bee in my bonnett about moving house. It feels time to move on, though we really love our flat indeed. We are quite happy here, but you know me and me incessant need for a project! It would be nice to move and start a new chapter of our life together. So, I have been trawling the local papers and internet looking for suitable abodes. Because we don't have nippers, we're not too bothered about moving out of Beb, but it'd be nice to be near to the fams and general posse. We looked at a GORG garden flat in Oxton, but rejected it on the basis of potential damp issues (Liz+damp=instant chest infection, and we all know what I'm like with one of them!) and then....by chance...I FOUND IT! The one, the lovliest house in the land, affordable, nice area, newly refurbed throughout so no pesky DIY to do, a proper grown up house...woo hoo! I filled out the online form to contact the agent and waited.....a week later I had heard nothing. I re-filled in the form and waited...for another week. Then yesterday I woke up and thought 'I am going to do something about this today'. So I carefully constructed a letter to the owners of the property and posted it through the door! Hahaha, madness! This morning I raced to check my emails and there was one new message - ARGH! it was from the house people.........GUTTED! They bought it in October and the previous owners had not removed the property listing online. WHY? WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?? I am sooooooooooooooo gutted, in my mind I had moved in! *note to self* Must keep a cooler head when property buying!

Are my dreams coming true??

2007-03-08T03:53:00.000-08:00

ARGH! FOUND THIS ONLINE CE MATIN!!! AAAAAAAARGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Dear Lord Jesus, please let it be true, fanx amen.

"JT Vows To Help Britney's CareerHe does have a heart after all – Justin Timberlake has agreed to record a duet with Britney to help get her career back on track. Uber-producer Timbaland has offered to help write the track. Timbaland, who produced SexyBack, said: "I asked Justin, 'How would you feel about me working with Britney?' I said, 'Would you do it with me?'" Justin agreed, saying: "She's just gotta be serious." This follows reports that JT wanted to visit Britney in rehab but her mum forbade it, saying it would upset the singer too much. Get back together guys, please!"

WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaay....

2007-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Didn't mean to cause a riot in my earlier post, calm down dears! No more babytalk, I am is FAR too irresponsible and selfish anyhoop.

In other news I have been signed off for another week, I HATE being ill. Being ill is for weak people. Being signed off is for skivers and I am neither of these things. Je suis officially NOT HAPPY. AND to add insult to injury I cannot have any more antibiotics so I've got a ruddy inhaler! GOOD HEAVENS! First glasses, now an inhaler, whatever's next? Braces? Grrr.

Sarah and Stoff got married on sat, they are now officially The Stoffers! Woo hoo! I cleverly managed to not take one single pic of the happy couple, but I can be forgiven because I am poorly sick.

Here's a pic of me and Keri instead xxx

Change of plan...

2007-03-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

Having read the Hugsies blog I have been put off nippers for LIFE, given all the poo/sick trauma they've been through recently. This is in spite of Juicy's advancement in clothing technology.

Dilemma...

2007-03-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

OH BUGGER! Just got an email from Juicy Couture....they now do maternity wear AND baby clothes! Hmmm....perhaps this changes my perspective on the whole baby thing...??!!

Remember....

2007-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

...the days before mobiles?? They were funny. However did we manage? The kids I work with think it's hysterical that I did not have a mobile phone when I was at school. I tell then that I think it's hysterical that they don't even GO to school. I would not have dared to be so disobedient. They think this is also funny. Whatever is the world coming to?

phlegm

2007-02-28T02:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry to be gross but that pretty much sums up my existence right now. I'm all about coughing, and it KILLS! I feel like my windpipe is the circumference of a pin head. I will NEVER take my good health for granted again.

AND I was supposed to go see Dave Matthews in Manchester tomorrow AND there's Sarah and Stoff's wedding on Saturday. I do not have time to be ill for crying out loud.

Daytime tv could be used as a form of torture....

I'm in a bad mood.

Ready for a rant....??

2007-02-28T01:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm glad that this little boy Connor McCreaddie gets to stay with his family and not be taken into care, because I really do think it's for the best. However, I find it confusing that all the media attention has focused on how Social Services are having to intervene. What about the mother's culpability in this whole debacle?! I watched 'Tonight with Trevor Macdonald' on Monday evening and OMIGOODNESS the mother is appalling! ABSOLUTELY APPALLING! That may sound like judgement - and yes, I hold my hands up, I do judge her! I think there is a wider issue here that is perfectly illustrated by this story, which is the attitude and mentality of certain types of people in this country that see it as their God-given human right to sit back and expect the local authority to intervene. And these are, unfortunately, usually the sort of people who don't contribute anything to society, don't pay any taxes, live on benefits and EXPECT that the local authority provide for them. GAH this gets my goat! It becomes a vicious circle.This mother said on national television that she felt it was the responsibility of the local authority to sort out the issue of Connor's weight and overreating. WHAT ABOUT HER RESPONSIBILITY!? She said something like 'if I didn't love Connor and was abusing him, he'd be skinny and under fed' - so what? she's over feeding him because she loves him?? THAT is abusive in my opinion! I do think that eventually we will see obesity become categorised as abuse, perhaps not wilful or intentional abuse, but abuse by neglecting to provide healthy meals for the child. This is about education. This mother needs to pull her socks up and learn to cook, get out of bed in the morning, stop playing the 'i'm so depressed' card and set a bloody example for her 8 year old son who weighs 15 stone!!

A miracle...

2007-02-28T01:46:00.000-08:00

I am off work at the mo because I have a stupid chest infection. I am NOT happy and feeling very sorry for myself, which is unusual because normally when I am ill I just get on with it (It's a girl thing). But this time I am really poorly - blame Lucy Kennaugh!

Anyhoo, the reason I'm writing is because I spent Monday on the sofa watching TV classics such as 'Jeremy Kyle' (good grief!), and I'd put a vase of daffodils on the coffee table on Sunday to brighten the room up and remind myself that Spring is on the way. The vase was a little bit in the way of my dreadful television viewing so I kinda had my eye on the daffs all day...Throughout the course of the day I found myself drawn to look at them and each time I looked I realised that one flower had blossomed over the day, right before my eyes! How amazing is that, that's like a miracle to me, how does it happen? how does the flower know? I've been buzzing off it ever since!

This weekend I am mostly...

2007-02-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

*Happy that my lovely friends Keri and Paul are enjoying their brand spanking new house. Happy new home you guys!

*Loving the new Sophie Kinsella 'Shopaholic' book.

*Tidying, dusting, hoovering, polishing and cleaning...apparently I DO have Monica tendencies.

*Liking the fact that I have had my nails done and therefore can type at speed and not make heinous errors in my work emails.

*Feeling smug at having swum 60 lengths in 45 minutes today.

*Enjoying the solitude of Portland Gate, Ricardo is on a Stag do.

*Loving Cheshire Oaks. I played Personal Shopper to my gorgeous hubby and GAP'd him up to the eyeballs outlet stylee - he was proper strutting up and down the changing room!

* Feeling glad for Abigail and Christopher as they have successfully moved house.

*Browsing for new houses on t'internet. Mortgage calculators are confusing!

*Watching Friends reruns and STILL laughing my head off, in spite of being word perfect on the script.

*Buzzing that 50ml of Martini plus slimline tonic = a proper drink BUT only half a WW point!WOO!

*Worrying about Britney's apparent downward spiral into mental ill health.

* Sad because my good friend Anna lost her daddy to the evil that is cancer, as did my good friend Tiff. This is devastating to the nth degree. I hate feeling helpless and I hate that people I love are suffering.

*Considering making some cookies, but my hands are soooooooooooo burned at random intervals I look like a self harmer - is it worth it for cranberry/almond cookies?

That's all folks...the pic is Abbi, Hannah and I at New Year's! Cute, huh?!

Lenten

2007-02-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Happy first day of Lent! I've set myself a challenge this year, to rediscover this season and what it really means for me. Check out this blog http://mustardseedjourney.wordpress.com/ and http://mustardseedjourney.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/a-journey-into-wholeness-lenten-series.pdf Can't remember how I came across it - maybes the 24-7 website? But anyways, I think this stuff is cool. So far I've learnt that Lent is not about sacrifice or deprivation, and in the early church it was seen as a time of preparation for those about to be baptised - very cool. I've always associated it with the classic giving up of chocolate or crisps, or spent it worrying about people who were giving up eating for 40 days and nights....who could forget Caleb living on milk during the Langdale road era!? But actually it's a time of preparation, working towards something - and that something is pretty darn spectacular - you might say the ultimate goal, namely Jesus' death and resurrection. I believe this happened, I live my life a certain way, I belong to God, but Lent - for me, even when I decided to become a Christian - has always been the tokenistic vibe of self-deprivation of something that's not actually that difficult to go without and basically a pseudo-virtuous 'Oh I'm not eating chocolate for God blah blah blah bobbins' but really it's about (a) being on a diet and (b) the cleansing of the system before the onslaught of choco-mania that is Easter Day. I am shocked at my admission of this but nonotheless it's true - I feel appalled that I am utterly subscribed to the crappy view of Easter and the run up to it.....so I'm changing it. I know what I should do too, I should get a group of people together once a week for the next 6 weeks to go through this journey juntos, to prepare us for the most important time of year (or is that Christmas?? Chicken or egg really innit!!) - but I'm SCARED! Plus I'm lazy and don't want to have to lead it BUT somehow I know that this won't be half as much fun, struggle, laugh, challenge, ass-whup etc etc without the people I love.

Note to self: strap on a pair!!!

Ps. 51 vs. 10 - 16

WHAT the %&*£! ???????

2007-02-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

I am SERIOUSLY worried about Brit. WTF is she doin?!

Friday Feeling

2007-02-16T03:04:00.000-08:00

Hi people,
I'm off today, so am showing off by blogging in the day time (I know, I know, the clock's all weirdy on my blog but I dunno how to change it!!) It's 11am, I'm in my jammies, drinking tea, watching Oprah and blogging. GAH! I LOVE being off when everyone else is at work. It's bizarre really, but a day off when you should be at work seems somehow more precious than a weekend day off. Or is that just me?! Hmm....

Well, the weekend draws on apace and with it more than the usual plethora of F-U-N! My beloved husband is off to that London for the weekend with Tranmere Alliance kids for their half term trip sooooooo I get to play in my house all by myself for the weekend.....makes me think of the episode of Friends, where Rachel's in her and Monica's flat all alone....."I'm in my apartment, and I'm naked..." haha. (Don't worry, I'll keep the blinds closed HAHA!)

Tonight will involve pink wine (a nice white Zinfandel methinks), a lovely piece of salmon (which I can eat coz Rich isn't here), Green & Blacks 85% cocoa organic chocolate (from my Valentine)and HOLLYWOOD WEEK OF AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAH! What a crackin night! I am well excited!

Then, Saturday I shall spend a leisurely few hours dans la Gym and then a classy night of sophistication that is Sarah Hayes' Hen Do! We will commence with a few drinks at Alma de Cuba (http://www.alma-de-cuba.com) and then onto Il Forno (http://www.ilforno.co.uk) for dinner. Should be a cracking night, pictures to follow.

This week has been a busy one, sorry for the lack of blogness:we had a fun Valentine's which involved a trip to the Alam Balti for dinner complete with pink champagne and vintage champagne saucers....haha we are sooooooooooooooo classy! Good fun, though I ate FAR too much chocolate indeed. Hey ho, you only live once.

On Tuesday I got to see some of the fruits of my labours, or rather tha labours of the team I work with. We held the Annual Looked After Children's Achievement Awards at the Town Hall. The way it works is the young people are nominated by professionals such as Social Workers, Teachers, Foster Carers, Residential Care Staff, me for example, and every child who is nominated receives an award. The nominations can be for anything that the particular young person has achieved and they receive a certificate and a gift voucher and get to be part of an official awards ceremony - which we tailored very much to the young people, complete with helium balloons and Hersheys kisses on every table, a ridiculous amount of crisps and juice and a lot of pomp and circumstance!! It was fabulous! A lot of the young people who were there I've worked with and it was so, so nice to see them buzzing of being guests of honour for something positive rather than the usual circumstances I see them in, ie- when they're complaining that stuff's not right! (and often quite rightly so, I might add!!) Cheesy to say, but kind of reminded me why I love my job so much and why I do it. Although - If one more set of parents or foster carers had said to me 'Oooh you're a lot younger than we thought you were/sounded on the phone etc', I would have had a full on hissy fit! GAH! Anyways, a crackin' night.....especially in light of recent stats published by Unicef (See Anna's blog).

Anyways, I'm off now to enjoy some more coffee (Bean Around the World, no less) and 'This Morning'...oh bloody hell! Fern and Phil aren't on it this week...DAMMIT!

Happy weekend my lovelies xxXXxxXXxx

Ring the Changes

2007-02-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all! Like the noveau image? Pretty darn good hey? AND I FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO LINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I thought it was time to get with the programme and do that switchy thang you've all been doing.....So - Abbers, Hann, feedback please. Can you still see it even without a log in? Espero que si!

It's Sunday afternoon and I have been in my Primark Pyjamas since 6pm on Friday. Time to go get showered and dressed I think! Haha I am sooooooooo lazy. Gonna put in some gym time avec La Beev methinks.

Loving you all...

Moi xxxx

W(hat) A G(iggle) !!!

2007-02-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! Sorry for the delay! Over a week now since I've blogged - standards sure are slipping! My main excuse for such blog-tardiness is that I have been super-busy catching up with people!! And that is my reason for writing now...On Tuesday I got to hang out with Paul Trevor and Cate Thornton!!! AARRRRRRRRGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!! It was soooooooo amazing to see them! Trev was 'oop north' on official WAG business, so not only did I get to see him AND Cate, Trev also had a surprise...HE BROUGHT THE WAG-MOBILE!!

WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!!!!! Check out the pics!!

Paul, Cate my lovely friends, thanks so much for coming over to the Wizza, and for being so fabulous. You are true legends.

Mr PT hobnobs with WAGs!

2007-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Yes my friends, it's nearly here...the brainchild of our very own you-know-who...WAGs Boutique! Ok, so I don't know if it's ACTUALLY his brainchild per se, but I DO know that he's having big fun indeed being a top BBC bod and rubbing shoulders and Chloe handbags with the WAGs themselves. Jealous? Me? NEVER......humph! Here's the blurb people...

WAGs Boutique - Tuesday @ 21.00. Repeated on Thurday @ 20.00.It's handbags at dawn, as two teams of footballers' wives and girlfriends compete to run the best fashion boutique in London. The challenge - to turn an empty shop front into a hub of high fashion. It all starts badly as three wannabes walk out unable to stand the pressure. But with the new substitutes in place, June Sarpong takes the girls to the London College of Fashion to gain a little insider knowledge.

Now, I know this clashes with our scheduled viewing of The OC BUT that is the true beauty of E4+1 - woot wooooooooooooooooooot!

So, if anyone wants me, I shall be in front of the goggle box watching WAGs boutique 21:00 - 22:00 and then The OC 22:00 - 23:00.

Beaucoup d'amour xxxx

A plea.....!

2007-01-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PUHLEASE!!!! STOP changing your blogs over to that new thingy! I can't see then anymore because I ain't changing mine because then people who aren't bloggers won't be able to see them or comment.....does anyone know what I can do to see them?? I miss Charis and Lucy!!!!!

Hurrah!

2007-01-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

It's officially a year since I began blogging!!! Yes indeed, for one whole year you have been subjected to this madness and drivel - I thank you for visiting, I do hope you'll return!

Been a hectic and mad but rather lovely few days....allow me to expand. 'Let's 'unpack that' shall we?'

- Dinner with Helen on Wednesday saw us sampling the new menu at Frankie and Benny's - may I recommend the mussels in tomato and chilli sauce with Parma Ham and ciabatta - MMMMMMMMMM! It was gorgeous to catch up with 'little Helen' who is now almost 21 but for whom I used to babysit when I first began dating Rich circa 1996! She's all growed-up and a fashion student at Leeds now so I very much enjoyed the sneak preview to Autumn/Winter 2007 themes and trends. Similarly enjoyed a hilarious and yet scarily accurate conversation with her about how the 'Christians' - particularly the girls - at Uni had made her feel as if she were sinning and not a 'proper Christian' because she is studying fashion and is interested in the aesthetics of what makes people look and feel good. I should point out that Hel is one of the most wonderul people on God's green earth, humility in action - someone who will rock the fashion world and change it.....not someone who deserves to be made to feel crap because she's trendy and doesn't wear the standard issue baggy jeans and a hoody! She was worried there was a uniform and she hadn't got the memo! Shocking to note that such bigotry and small mindedness still exists amongst supposed followers of Jesus.....but hey, we've all been there!

- Dinner with my mama and Aunt Cheryl on Thursday - I cooked bacon and beef meatballs in tomato and chilli sauce - good old Weight Watchers cook book! A lovely evening of frank conversation and I especially enjoyed palming off clothes onto them! (in exchange for mummy doing my mending!!)

- And finally, the piece de resistance, two of the most treasured friends I have ventured over to the Leisure Peninsula on Friday evening, Sally D and Rike-a-deek hershey Bar herself. Boy oh boy it was awesome to see them and to lavish them with food and love....it felt kinda like old times but betterer because we've moved forward not back, and we've allowed one another to grow up, not expected one another to be who we were in 1997 forever. It's a wonderful thing growth, sure there have been mistakes along the way - phone calls not returned, love not communicated, visits not planned and actioned, but deep down all in all these two are people who have REALLY BEEN THERE for me, and gone out of their way to still be in my life and have me in theirs, these gals I've laughed with, cried with, wrestled through stuff with, partied with, feasted with and ultimately I respect them and who they are as they stand (as do I) before God and try to muddle their way as best they can through life. Such warriors and amazing sisters. yeehaw rikes and sal you rock my world!

Anyone else fancy a visit?? I promise I can cook now!!

What else has been happening......oh YES! OHMYGAH! Jack is BACK! It was awesome, truly awesome - and mostly because we got to watch with the Murphys who are whizzo chaps, the highlight of the weekend (apart from, possibly, finding a Bench dress in the new Westworld outlet at Hollyoaks for £20 reduced from £65!!)

We also had a spiffing night out in Liverpool saturday evening in honour of Jules' 26th (HAHA you're catching up!) birthday, fab night spent engaging in sophisticated drinks and conversation at Alma de Cuba and then progressing onto raucous dancing 'Grab your coat, get your keys, whatever you're drinking, it's on me, it's on meeeeeeeeeee...I've found a place...etc etc' at Revolution.

Now, my week will be complete if only I can manage a decent length of a conversation with the lovely Paul Trevor rather than playing phone tag.

Et finalement...happy bday Tim for tomorrow!!!

besos y abrazos amigos!!!

The Pyjama Game

2007-01-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

Trolling back and forth through 'The Ferry', as I do frequently for my job, I have noticed a strange phenomenon which I would like to share with you.

What is the deal with mums dropping their kids off at school whilst still wearing their pj's?? (The mums I mean, not their kids!!)

BIZARRE! No matter how little I had to do in a day, I would NEVER EVER take my kids to school wearing jammies, not that I have kids, but you get what I mean! Absolutely bloody mental.

In other news, I cannot wait for 24!! Day 6 starts on Sunday with a 2 hour special BABY! Tiffers has already seen it coz she's in Yankland, so I am avoiding her!! ARGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH! JAAAAAAAAAAACKKKKKKKKK BBBAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

God at work

2007-01-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes you just get to spend time with someone who completely floats your boat and challenges you and keeps you sharp and says things which make you think billions? Well today was one of those times for me, and it was completely unplanned, completely unexpected and truly beautiful.

It's so freeing to be able to be real on that level with someone being as real back - no room for bollocks, superficial conversations. I'm not feeling very eloquent tonight so I'm finding it hard to say what I mean, but you know who you are mate, so THANK YOU - You have challenged me to my very core and made me buzz even more off this God that we know loves us and who we try to follow. Today feels definitely like a breakthrough day. Ever have those?

In other news, What causes community to break down and fail individuals? Discuss.

couch potato

2007-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

This week's little issue is that there is far too much good TV on! I am rapidly turning into a lazy layabout whose schedule revolves around the TV Listings in Heat magazine!!

Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but nevertheless... The OC on Tuesdays, Desperate Housewives on Wednesdays, ER on Thursdays, Ugly Betty on Fridays (no jokes please!)AND in this week's Heat I turned a page only to discover that AMERICAN IDOL is BACK Jan 19th! WOOT WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! Thank the Lord I have glasses, because after all this TV I'm gonna have square eyes!

Love, spud xxx

Theatrical Update!

2007-01-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well people, the first rehearsal has been and gone. I am now in fully-fledged Annie mode. Somebody get me a ginger wig and a pair of tap shoes!

Seriously now, let's talk tickets! The show is OFFICIALLY on Ticketmaster - hahahaha how funny is that! See link below.

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/artist/804288/?search_redirect=seussical&tm_link=tm_header_search

So, now you know the dates, there's really no excuse - get booking! Or, alternatively, if you'd like to avoid the Ticketmaster booking fee, you can book through me as we have now had our ticket allocation from The Empire. You know my email, and if you don't, leave a comment and I'll get back to you.

Argh! This is really happening! ;)

Strange...but true.

2007-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

On Friday I went to work, no big surprise there then, I was having one of those mornings where I wasn't late, I wasn't rushing, and all was right with the world. So I jumped off the bus a stop early and grabbed a coffee at Costa on my way to the office. It was one of those rare days where I was feeling H-O-T! I became aware that people were looking at my legs a lot. 'Yippee' I thought (whilst officially being offended, of course!),'I must be lookin' good! That cross trainer sure is doin' the biz!!'.

I got to the office and went about my morning meetings, and, feeling generous, made coffee for people, chatted to a lady in the loos about where my skirt was from...I could almost hear the triumphal music swelling in the back-ground...I could do no wrong today, the Friday feeling had taken hold. Life was good.

Back at my desk, something caused me to look down at my feet. I had gone to work in what I thought were my lovely Mary Jane wedges (as pictured above left) when, to my horror I realised that what I had done was actually put on ONE of my aforementioned Mary Jane wedges along with one of my patent leather Mary Jane STILETTOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (as pictured above right). TOTALLY different shoes! One of each! HEAVENS ABOVE!

Yes indeedy people, on Friday I managed to go to work wearing ODD SHOES! Not odd-bizarre, you understand, but odd-COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!

I am a muppet.

How did I get to one pm without noticing? My mind frantically went into 'rewind' mode, recalling to mind my triumphal strut through town, clutching my cup of takeout coffee, walking in the manner of the montage in the beginning of 'Devil Wears Prada', all 'gal about town'...and there I was, the odd bod in mis-matched shoes...not in New York at all, but scuzzy old' Birkenhead with its Sayers and the last Wimpy known to man, the woman in the toilets taking a close look at my skirt, parading round the office making coffee for people...the list went on!

Luckily, I saw the funny side and laughed my head off. Particularly as a comedy of errors ensued which I will save for another day. Suffice to say my dear mama and papa came to my rescue, after much laughter at my expense!!.........have a great week people! xxx

PS - Welcome back Barnsies, Heywoods and Ballinger!

HaPpY NeW YeAr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

'nuff said really!

(Apart from that Julie & Colin really know how to throw a great party! Thanks you guys!!)

(Oh, and also....I am never drinking again. Not ever.)

Christmas in Review

2006-12-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well what a whirl this week has been! I can't believe just this time last week was Christmas Eve (which this year I spent in the the gym and pool in an attempt to stave off some of the Christmas gluttony!!) It was odd watching Muppets Christmas Carol on the treadmill and stairmaster, particularly when I kept laughing out loud! Anyhoop, Christmas Eve was lovely - Rich and I had dinner together (he made his Jamie Oliver baked potatoes) and watched 'A Christmas Story'. We then ventured to the Murphy's - stopping to collect the Blackler-Williams' on the way - for Christmas merriment. From there onto the 11:30pm service at church (disappointing 25 minute sermon - it's CHRISTMAS for crying out loud!!) and home to bed before Santa arrived!!

I awoke at 8:30am this year - a first for me! I must be growing up...nah.

We made tea in our Christmas mugs and went to see if Father Christmas had been - he had!!!!
In my stocking I had a lovely sleep mask like Carrie Bradshaw, some Nike goggles (posh) and 3 Terry's Chocolate Oranges - not Terry's..MINE! And a plethora of lovely gifts were also under the tree. We spent a good hour rip-rip-roaring and then had bacon and eggs (on the Christmas plates!) and watched a bit of the morning carol service. It was a bit of a novelty not going to the morning service as it meant we had bags of time to enjoy Christmas and ease into the day rather than rushing round like loonies!

At one o' clock we went up to Rich's parents and did rip-rip-roaring round #2! Jess was a bit overwhelmed but LOVED her recorder and My Little Pony Watch!

Here are a few Christmas morning pics!!

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...

2006-12-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the 2006 Wall tree! The gifts are wrapped and ready for the rip, rip, roar...I can't wait to see people's faces! Love Christmas, love it.

So here it is, merry curry!

2006-12-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

The 4th Annual Secret Santy Balti has been and gone! Christmas is now officially well and truly open for business! Woo! Much merriment was made, and curry eaten. Highlights of the event included Rich and Paul arguing about whether a Balti or a Madras was hotter, Colin getting some yoghurt on the sly from the waiter to enable him to eat his own lamb madras and then trying to weasel out of the fact that he'd done it, Gary's hair, Lisa chanting 'Sh*t present, sh*t present' whilst amazingly under the influence, Chris determined not to be the Holiday Cheermeister for the Secret Santa present exchange and refusing to do the Chair if Cheer, and then absolutely LOVING IT, Keri's bemused expression at her hubby's Paparazzi antics, poor Abbi's poorly voice, Murph (of all people) getting the 'SPECIAL' Balti, and the fact that there were 22 of us (hence the bill being £13.25 each - woo!).

I feel so lucky to know and love such wonderful people, and I think it's a rare thing indeed that 22 people who grew up together, all left for university and various other exploits, have returned and brought with them new loved ones....a real community, true childhood friends. I hate to get all 'Dawson's', but it really is special! (not special needs)

Ooh I feel all Christmassy now! Bring it onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!

I love myelf!!!!

2006-12-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=1e838b9f3abcbc56956972fG06122106

This is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!! Check me out (turn your speakers on!!)
FOUR MORE SLEEPS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watched the Grinch last night - that movie freakin' well ROCKS!!!!!!!

Work 'Do'

2006-12-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well, the work do has been and gone - last Saturday to be exact, but I thought I'd post a few choice pics - mainly so I can show the work birds. We had fun, especially introducing Dawn to babycream!

Love Liverpool...love it!

Visions of sugar plums

2006-12-20T04:32:00.000-08:00

FIVE MORE SLEEPS TO GO PEOPLE!

Roll on Friday! The Annual Secret Santy Balti is nearly upon us! And then, a day or two of frantic wrapping and watching Christmassy films and then, and then.... it will be HEEEEEEERE!!

That's it, I can't wait any longer. I'm wearing my reindeer antlers to work tomorrow.

It's official...

2006-12-15T06:07:00.000-08:00

When:Wednesday May 30, 2007
Where: Wembley Arena
Who: DAVE MATTHEWS BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!! OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!

I am so excited! The whole band is FINALLY coming to the UK after years of us waiting! So, we get to see Ben Folds in Jan, Sugababes in March, Dave on his own in March and then the dog's cojones of all bands ....The Dave Matthews Band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*pukes with excitement*

This may make the dreaded post Christmas slump into depression a little easier to weather.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT chuffing WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!

Further Fezziwig Frolics!

2006-12-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

The Official Start to Christmas!

2006-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

The festive season saw its official commencement this weekend, with the Annual Ballinger family pilgrimage to Ullswater for the Fezziwig Celebrations.

We journeyed up the M6 to the Lakes, arriving about 7pm Friday evening. The meeting point was a quaint olde worlde pub in the nearby village of Pooley Bridge. Once all 16 of us had arrived (including Little Ted) we headed out in convoy to the cottage. It was FREEZING and I had to sleep in my hat and a fleece as well as pajamas BUT once there we could truly relax and begin to ease into the festive season. We began by decorating the cottage with stills from the Grinch movie, care of Mrs Hoppy aka Aunty Sue - chief party planner for this year's event, Christmas tree, Ikea Gingerbread hearts, fairylights and all with select Christmas tunes from our ipods - oh the marvels of the BOSE sound dock! A festive mood settled over the group as Jackie's lentil and bacon soup was served. The requisite family showing off then commenced, as by this time everyone had had a drink - except the kids, coz that would be wrong!

Harry (my 9 year old cousin) and I entertained the troops with our version of Troy & Gabriella's 'Breaking Free' - the theme from High School Musical, and Aunty Jan indulged in a Baileys and a spot of table dancing to her new favourite tune 'Voodoo Child' by Rogue Traders, (yes she is quite, quite delightfully mad)

After a colossal fry up on Saturday morning, we wrapped up warm, loaded Ted into his all-terrain buggy and set out on a mammoth walk. 3 glorious hours of walking in the fresh air, surrounded by family and friends and absolutely breathtaking views....and a little adventure involving a flooded road, an improvised bridge (nice one Rich!) and everyone being EXTREMELY thankful for my wellies!!! We ended up back at Pooley Bridge for hot chocolate before journeying back to the cottage for Aunty Sue's famous chilli, a big old feast, festive cheer, dancing in the 'ball room' to 'December the 25th', Paul dressign as a Fairy, Ted in his Santy suit, Blankety Blank, introducing a new generation to 'Empires' and generally just wonderful Whobilation in abundance!!

Some of the photos are posted here - a truly wonderful weekend, perfectly ushering in the beginning of Christmas for us. 14 sleeps till Santa everybody! Deck the Halls etc etc. Tomorrow we get the tree!

It's December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-12-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

Omigoodness omigoodness I can't believe it's here! 'It's the most wonderful time of the year...' I love EVERYTHING about this season - Jesus, opening my Advent calendar each morning (with a nativity on, minus the chocolate!), planning when to get the tree, seeing lovely Christmas trees waiting to be claimed and to fulfil their Christmas destiny, the Christmas lights in Liverpool that are surprisingly overtly Christian this year (woo hoo!), shopping, that moment when you find someone you love something they'll love, queues in shops and being chilled in them, carols, being gracious to people who are clearly stressed whilst shopping and loving the look of surprise on their faces, Christmas songs on my ipod, running for 45 minutes on the treadmill and barely noticing due to Jessica Simpson ReJoyce and Doris Day Christmas songs on my ipod, the thrill that rushes through me every time I think of the fact that it's Christmas, the cold weather, wearing hats, scarves and gloves, red paper cups at Starbucks, permanent 'Best Christmas songs ever' countdowns on MTV, the Christmas window displays, particularly in Lewis', spending my lunch hour standing 'in Christmas' in Beatties and breathing it all in, watching the Grinch and Ralphie Ralphie, Christmas cards, glimpsing people's trees all lit up on the walk home, candles, wearing my reindeer antlers, singing carols in the shower, the Blue Peter Advent Crown, the Round Table folks that take the sleigh out each year, late night shopping, the Christmas market in Williamson Square, planning the Secret Santy Balti and trying to stop everyone cheating, midnight mass on Christmas Eve, TWIGLETS, the smell of the Christmas tree when you get up in the morning, lying with on my back under the tree looking up through the branches and lights, food, being with family, chair of cheer and rip rip roar....oh boy I could go on and on, but I'll stop for now - don't wanna peak too early!

Pic is of last year's tree - the first Liz & Rich married tree! This year apparently we're having a smaller one...whatEVER husband, you're overruled where Christmas is concerned my friend!!

Update!

2006-11-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

Hey peeps, sorry for the delay, been a mad week.

I did manage the buy nothing thang, and instead had my mummy and sister over for breakfast which was LOVELY!

Haven't anything to really report, other than that (obviously) it's less than 4 weeks till Santa!

And finally... isn't this just the smiliest face EVER! This is my friend Charis, who loves to be outdoors and is passionate about pigeons - don't you just love this smiley gal! This photo cheered me up no end during what has been rather a poop week, so thanks Cazmo, I love ya xxx

Bit of a serious post...

2006-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, 25th November 2007, is BUY NOTHING DAY! "It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!"
Check out the Buy Nothing Day website

"This year our message is simple, shop less - live more! The challenge is to try simple living for a day, spend time with family and friends, rather than spend money on them. Buy Nothing Day also exposes the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism.The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and unfair distribution of wealth.

Cool hey - I am REALLY gonna try and do this. Join me!!

32 Days till Santa!!

2006-11-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

*gasp* Starbucks have swopped their take-out cups to the Red ones which means Christmas is a-comin'!!! WOOT WOOT!

what?

2006-11-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

So, no one's got anything to say about Dave or Bond? I am flummoxed.

Local boy makes good

2006-11-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

Boy oh boy! Methinks I have a new pin up. Yes ladies and gents, we went to see Bond last night. Truly great movie - Craig is, imo, the best ever Bond. Looks like he's been through a few scuffles in his time, wouldn't wanna meet him in a dark alley (or would I? Hmmmm...) BUT looks equally at home in the old Tux...mean, sexy, brooding, ruthless, yummy...I could go on.
Loved it. Loved him. Love him. Oh dear, I think I need to go and have a lie down.

PS. Only think that p'd me off was Mathis' constant 'asides' during the poker game, no need for it at all, purely there to update the audience. I know bob all about poker but even I could figure out what was going on without the whispered '$1,000,000 all in now, this means that Bond has to...blah blah' NO NEED!

PPS. Mmmmmm...Daniel Craig......

PPPS. Richard says to tell you that (a) don't worry, our marriage is fine, and (b) Daniel Craig went to the High School where Rich works.

Dave!

2006-11-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

IS BACK! Thursday March 1st 2007 @ Mancland Apollo....a WOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are you doing June 27th - 30th 2007???

2006-11-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

'Coz I'm gonna be in Seussical: The Musical!!! Get booking those tickets!! Yes indeedy people, over the past couple of weeks I have been doing song and dance auditions to join the West Kirby Light Opera Society!! I found out that I have been formally accepted into the Society and now I can be in stuff! WOO HOO! Their next production is an American broadway musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss (Green Eggs and Ham, Cat in the Hat, The Grinch who stole Christmas etc etc etc) and I am gonna be struttin' my stuff and treading the boards as a member of the cast! I'm gonna be in the chorus for this one, so lots of singing and dancing - I'll probably end up as a Who, much to the delight I'm sure of my family!

So that's what I've been up to - I'm very excited and it's just what I need to expend all this creative energy. It occurred to me that for the first time since I was 4 years old I am not in any form of education! That's always been what's prevented me in the past, but now I am freed up to be the biggest Annie EVER!

All together now people *Jazz Hands*

Britney and Chilli Finger

2006-11-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

Two things to report, firstly and most importantly, the news broke out last night that Britney and K-Fed are no more. Citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ (aka the LA excuse’) Britney has filed for divorce. Now, I would never say I was glad that the diabolical divorce statistics are being added to but I cannot help thinking that poor old Brit might be a bit better off now to get her head together - K-Fed seemed like a Ratfink from Day One to me!

Slightly concerned about all the ‘Hollywood’ marriages going down the toilet at the mo! Nick and Jess, Reese and Ryan, Brit and K-Fed...who’s next?!

Second thing is that I have chilli finger today and it HURTS! I made some carrott and coriander soup last night (mmm!) and added a chilli for a little kick. However, some of it must have got behind my nail as it was killing last night – as if I’d torn the nail from the skin – so I licked it, as you do, and from then on for about 2 hours my mouth was on fire as well as my poor finger – so it must have been that darn chilli!

Soup was nice though.

Tra luvs xxx

These are a few of my favourite things...

2006-11-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

My sister, J-Fen, and Mr Lizzie...

loco @ coco's

2006-11-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

So last night was Daddy and J-Fen's combined Birthday Celebrations at Cocotoo's in Manchester http://www.cocotoo.co.uk/ which is frankly a fabulous restaurant. We parked at Johnny's and braved the Baltic conditions to get to the venue, but boy was it worth it! FAB family times of catching up, swapping of presents and Rich even tried a mussel ("Are these the same as the muscles in my body?" eh Abbers?!). Beaucoup de pink wine was drunk and lovely, gorgeous food scoffed. Great night, fab conversation, wonderful people, hilarious pictures. I *heart* my family!

Laura's Hat

2006-11-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

So, Laura came to the wedding as the Andi McDowell figure from FWAAF (whether she likes that fact or not) in an AMAYZING hat! (see numerous pictures) Unfortuately I do not appear to have any shots of Laura herself wearing said hat, however what these shots do demonstrate is what happens when you leave my friends in easy reach of a smashing hat. I seem to recall at Wen's wedding, everyone tried on Anna's fabulous hat when she left it on a table! What is it with rent-a-crowd and hats? Hmmmm, I dunno, but the pictures are hilarious!

Like the new look?

2006-11-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Felt like time for a change.
No further news to report...slow week.

One other thing...

2006-10-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

LOVE IT that you guys who read this are randomly reading the blogs of people you don't know! Case in point, Julie appearing on Rike's blog today -check it out at onecoffeebean2many.blogspot.com and Abbi falling in love with the adventures of the Wenham nippers. VERY COOL! I love it that my scattered pals are aware of one another, even if it is via cyberspace.

Back to the weekend - here's Hanny & her Man(ny)! Such a beautiful couple. (Christian, Hann, apologies for yelling 'Get a Room' quite so loudly, however you only have yourselves to blame!! AND Chris yelled it first!)

Wedding Shenanigans

2006-10-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here's the first installment - Blogger is being (to use a phrase the kids I work with use regularly) 'gay' and will only let me upload one photo per time - which is tiresome to say the least...I took 103 pictures during the event! (including several of random individuals wearing Laura's 'Andie MacDowell' Hat!!) So bear with me, I'll try to post as many as I can!

This is (obv!) Ricardo y yo - cute huh?!

F-F-F-FRIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

2006-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hurrah! It's the weekend! Today I had 2 hours TOIL so I got to come home at 3pm which felt delicious! It's been a busy week work-wise and a fun week friend-wise. Weds evening was dinner chez Povall-Mitchell which was truly whoopass: great food, great company, great wine, great times. Thanks you guys! Then yesterday some of the gals went to see 'The Devil Wears Prada' which I thought was FABBALUS! A little slow at times, and they changed too much of the book for my liking BUT Ann Hathaway may just be my new style icon - she is soooooooooooooooooooo beeyootiful! And I thought Meryl Streep was amAZING! (although I got her confused with Glenn Close for a bit - think it was coz of Cruella DeVille)

And so to the weekend...The Campbell-Walker nuptials draw on apace, in that they are tomorrow! Pictures to follow!

"That's all"

Hyperventilating! Must calm down! OMG!

2006-10-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

So I went to TK Maxx on my way home (as you do) to look at shoes (again, as you do) where I happened upon the beautiful pair photographed ici! THEY ARE REAL LIFE JESSICA SIMPSON SHOES!! ARRGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!! How beeyootiful are they!?I cannot believe it! Best of all they were only £20! A mere trifle! Online they cost a BOMB! Real life Jessica Simpson shoes. Absolutely bloody brilliant. I almost screamed in the store! Had to have a sit down and breathe into a paper bag (not really, but it could have happened)

Laters people I'm off to swank around my house in my shoes!!

Hurrah!

2006-10-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend! WOOT WOOT! Not that I don't love my job, because I do, but I also lurve the weekend.

Things I'm loving right now:

Feeling smug when I go swimming instead of shopping on my lunch hour.
Dinner date with the Beev last night - Frankie & Benny's, Mussels Marinere and Emma - WHAT a joyous compilation!
Staying in to watch Jonathan Ross tonight with a glass of vino.
Singing along to the radio in the office.
Going to see Devil Wears Prada with Abbers next week.
Having the Mitchell-Povalls for dinner on Saturday - menu tbc!!
Seeing Little Ted last Monday and having him just laugh at me every time he looked at me!
Candles
Tangerines (is 4 a day excessive?)
Tidy house (yes, 2 weeks post-mega-cleanandclearout it's still neat as the proverbial pin!)
Lisa and Jez's upcoming nuptials!
Bonny night plans
WILKOS - my new favourite magasin!
Christmas secrets - I LOVE knowing things others don't hee hee hee

That's all for now parce-que je suis dans the office! xx

today, on the way home...

2006-10-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

...i went past an old people's residential block of flats and for the first time noticed that there are bars on the ground floor windows. For some reason it made me unspeakably sad. I go past that building every day. Why did I only notice today?

GuEsS WhAt??!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

67 sleeps till SANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get fired up!!! WOOT WOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Ten Weeks Today....

2006-10-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

....it'll be Boxing Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christmas is a-coming people! WHIP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead!

2006-10-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

HURRAH! The Serial Killer phase is over (by that I mean the inordinate amount of 'murder & mayhem' books I have been reading since the begining of summer) and all thanks to the lovely, new Anna Maxted - one of my favourite authors. 'A Tale of Two Sisters' is in my grubby mitts and I am thoroughly enjoying it!

Hope you're all having a lovely week!

Love me xxxx

Secret Surprise

2006-10-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Early last week I received a little red notice through the door to say that the Postman had been and tried to deliver a parcel but because I wasn't in and it was too big to fit through the letter box, it had been taken to the depot which is annoyingly/marvellously (depending on your punto de vista) just up the road. After much protesting (and in the end swearing on my Valentino handbag) to my hubby that I had NOT secretly ordered more of either Party of Five OR Seventh Heaven dvd's, fast forward to Saturday morning as I was preparing to go to the Clarke/Roberts wedding (smashing do...more later) lovely Rich hightailed it to the post office which, of course, is only open at stupid o'clock, to pick up my parcel. Back he came with a plain brown business envelope, postmarked Southport.....hmm...what was it?

Well, inside was this stunning book entitled 'Post Secret'! There was no card, there was no note. Whoever has sent this to me knows me well enough to know that I would be so gleeful and joyous at having been 'posted' a 'secret'. I LOVE this blog and visit it regularly (see www.postsecret.blogspot.com) and have told a few people about it, just as I was told about it...so I am puzzled as to who has mailed it to me but suffice to say it was a truly wonderful surprise and I love the anonymity of it - though admittedly I am intrigued by it.

ThAnK YoU secret book-mailer...whoever you are! I am thrilled to own this book of true to life confessions, I will read with care and wonder about the people who were so moved as to contribute to the blog and ultimately to this stupendous book.

Thank you xx

Gigs, Gogs, Specs

2006-09-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today I got glasses! These aren't them, these belong to Mr Paskar BUT I did get some today. My mummy came with me to help me pick ones that didn't make me look a bugger. I chose 2 pairs - 'shoulda gone to SpecSavers' - and one is black and the other brown so as to coordinate with my outfits - I'm not kidding. Best of all, the Council paid some towards them so I am not totally broke - woot woot!

In other news, no-one blogs anymore (except you Charis!), tomorrow I am going to a wedding (Congrats Mr & Mrs Roberts) at the Lowry, I get to stay at Johnny's and eat at Kro 2 on Sunday morn - mmmmmmmm. And then some of my bestest pals are back from their travels in Africa: Abbi, Hanny, Chrissy, Luce, Gav, Stoff, Rob WELCOME HOME! We missed you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's all my news for today....laters people xxxxx

Feliz Cumpleanos!!

2006-09-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!!! Yesterday I was 28! YIKES!

I can't cope.

2006-09-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so during the month of September this year, I have thus far had to endure (a) having my first ever filling, (b) the looming prospect of turning 28 and (c) today I found out I need glasses!

I AM OFFICIALLY OLD AND DECREPID! :(

On the up side, I opened the latest edition of Heat Magazine yesterday (whilst at the effing dentist...AGAIN!), turned to the Letters Page and there it is, page 20, Letter of the Week...ME,ME, ME!!!!!!!!!! Woot Woot! I have finally achieved a lifetime ambition of being (a) a published author) and, (b) in HEAT MAGAZINE!

Yes ladies and gents, I am now famous!

PLUS I get a new phone for being Letter of the Week!

And all because I thought I saw a photo of John Travolta snogging Dermot O'Leary. As my dear papa would say, stranger things have happened at sea!

Hanny Heart

2006-09-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hanny's in lurve! Hanny's in lurve! (I take it the move was made) She'll kill me for this blog but I had to! YAY FOR HANNY AND CHRISTIAN! About ruddy time! I love u Hann xxxx

2006-09-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

We're BA-ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had a whizzo time in Pwllheli! Now back at work (poop) but hey-de-ho, what can ya do?

Went to the dentist today - was shocked to see that she was younger than me. Felt like one of those old women who questions the validity of a doctor/dentist/other such professional qualifications coz they look too young. haha.

Considering porcelain veneers.....or whitening at the very least. On verra!

Bugger all to report really, so I'll go for now till I have something more thrilling to write.

Tra

PS I am nearly 28 - booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

We're all going on a much needed holiday!

2006-08-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here's something I was thinking about the other day. I really like the way Bus Drivers wave to one another when they pass. I've noticed this a lot on my daily commutes. It's like a club or something. But it's very serious, as Arriva drivers only acknowledge fellow Arriva drivers, and Stage Coach their fellow Stage Coachers, and so on. It's all about solidarity. Community. Team. Showin' the love. I think it's great.
We're off to the caravan tomorrow - it'd better be sunny. If not, Turkey next year fo' sho'!!
So I won't be blogging until we're back as the Internet hasn't been invented yet in Pwlhelli or however the heck you spell it. Try not to miss me too much. This is, therefore, my last post of the summer! Wowee how quickly time flies! It'll soon be my birthday…YIKES! 28! Yeesh!
Loads to look forward to in Sept, take heart dear reader! Weddings x 2, another hen do, Hann's bday, my bday, the nights drawing in, 16 weeks till Christmas, red wine and gal pals, winter fashion, the gang to Kenya, the gang back from Kenya (2 weeks guys, it's just for 2 weeks!!), new shoes, new pencil case, ooooh the back to school vibe!!
And to finish…
A quick hello to Mitchell and Povall who are rejoining Blighty soon from a year's travelling! AND a VERY WELL DONE and CONGRATULATIONS to Jenny Holmes on a whopping 2 A's, 3 B's and 5 C's in her GCSE'S!!!! We're so proud of you chicken Holmes!
Ciao bellas, a caravaning we will go!

Discovered treasure

2006-08-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well, we got the table cameras from the wedding developed and amongst the plethora of drunken/random/over exposed/under exposed shots was this little gem! Lookee here! Two of my most favouritest peeps dans tout le monde! Cate and Penny! I love you girls!

Each of them has been a huge influence in my life and I pray that they will continue to be. Man I wish I could convey to you what these girls mean to me, but I can't. I hope they know though. Simply whizzo laydeez.

All about me

2006-08-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

I had a truly sh!t day. I need attention.

Wen doos and Heddings

2006-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

is exactly how I feel after two full days of going to bed past 3am and indulging in 'all that blasted salmon and champagne' (for the FWAAF fans amongst you!) I am so tired it's unbelievable, but WHAT A CRACKIN TWO DAYS! It began on Saturday evening with a lingerie shower for the bride-to-be (pictured above left) Izzy, followed by a swift bouteille de cava and venturing into the wilds of none other than Mancland to Tiger Tiger for dinner and then dancing at the Lime Bar. Try as I might I could not for love nor money get hold of any of my mancland gal pals: Penny was visiting rellies with the Wenham entourage, Rikes and Sal were in that London and Cate was nowhere to be found...I did try to text lovely! Anyhoop, much fun was had dancing to cheesy tunes and I am VERY excited indeed for The Birdcage to open in the Autumn....A PROPER OLDE WORLDE CABARET CLUB! WOOT WOOT!! I shall certainly be frequenting that venue, let me tell thee!

Back to the weekend - it was a quick dash through the tunnel on Sunday morning to Skelmersdale (!?) for Kate and Kevin's wedding (pictured above right) - what a glorious occasion. I really think weddings might actually be my most favouritest things ever! The reception was held at the Speke Marriott Hotel - the old Aerodrome. WOWEE Art Deco-tastic! I could seriously live there, sans doute. It was nice to be able to stumble into our hotel room, post-wedding at 3am.

So all in all a great 2 days celebrating with people I love very much.

Also, I had my first KFC ever....it was NOT GOOD. But I'm glad Liverpool won the Community Shield.

Big fat love, me xxxxx

Current reasons to be happy...

2006-08-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

Reasons to be happy currently include…

The sun is back - WOOT WOOT!
Life is one big social whirl at the moment what with the usual plethora of summer-time weddings and hen do's.
I found the fabbest necklace in Monsoon and when I got to the till it was half off in the sale. (LOVE it when that happens)
My hubby is ok, despite having broken his little finger in a cricket match
My lovely friend Kate gets married this weekend.
We had big fun with Ali & Alan t'other night @ Yiamas
Normal telly is back up to date with us in Lost so Tuesday evenings are fun again (They went a bit poop when The OC finished)
Nikki might get to back into the BB House tomorrow!
Abbi was a hard ass and stood up for herself @ the Wirral Show! YOU GO GIRL!
I got to spend the whole of Saturday with mummy and my beautiful little sister
When I was in that London I SAW TREV!
We got a postcard from Little Ted who is on his holidays. He is having fun and is especially enjoying sitting up in his buggy.
Mummy and daddy go for their annual pilgrimage to Lake Garda this week to parade around and pretend to be Italian.
I found the BESTEST bday gift for Hanny Heart that I want to give her NOW and not wait till September.
I got to sing last night at church and it was F-U-N!
The hairdye has FINALLY washed off my hand (OOPSIE!)
We are nearly going on our holiday - I CANNOT WAIT TO BE OFF WORK!
Jenson Button won his first Grand Prix and was so humble about it that I felt quite sorry I had written him off as a D-Head.
Season 5 of 24 comes out soon

And the bestest reason of all......
THERE ARE ONLY 20 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All creatures, great and small

2006-07-28T01:37:00.000-07:00

So, I was walking along the road by my office en route to the post office during lunch yesterday, minding my own business, listening to Sergio Mendes on my trusty ipod, enjoying the searing heat although being slightly annoyed coz I had a black top on (bad fashion choice in such temperatures!), I walked past the lifeguard station and admired the bronzed bodies clad in their yellow t-shirts and tight red shorts...mmmm.... not really, they're all old men! ANYHOOP where was I? Oh yeh, so I walked past the lifeguard station (Very Baywatch - but this IS New Brighton!) and almost trod on the cutest little snail!!! I managed to avoid him and walked on, when I was struck with the thought 'what if someone else treads on him, I should move him' and then I thought 'Ok, if he's still there when I get back I'll move him' and then I thought how bad I would feel if I came back and he's been squashed and I could have done something about it. At this point, I kid you not, my eyes filled with tears at the thought of the snail being squashed, such was my sense of responsibility!

Obviously, by the time I had thought all this (bearing in mind it was so hot and one's brain thinks slower in the heat!!) I'd practically got to the Post Office! Yet, I was sooooooo convicted about this snail and worried about him I turned around and walked all the way back to where he was, picked him up, had a little chat with him and then placed him safely on a garden wall in the shade where there were plants and greenery so he would be ok. Then I had to go all the way back to the blinkin' Post Office. And THEN on the way back, I walked past my snail again and he was still sitting on the wall but had slithered (?) crawled (?) into a more shady bit so he wouldn't cook in the heat!

Clever snail, and a nice little lunch time adventure, allbeit with a slightly unnecessary overly emotional response!!

Right, I'm off to that London for the weekend, ciao bellas xxxxx

Introducing......

2006-07-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

ABBI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(she's the one with the luscious locks NOT holding a can of Foster's...other lager brands are available...)

I thought it was high time I blogged about 10 reasons why I love Abbi, simply because she happens to be one of the world's best kept secrets. For those of you lucky enough to know or have met her, you are blessed indeed. And for those of you who haven't...read on. So here it is, 10 reasons why I *heart* Abbi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#1 - She was the chief co-conspirator and author of the now infamous 'Year of Naughtiness'!

#2 - We have been through thick and thin together - climbing mountains, the American summer, JT's chunky legs and death-defying LURVE, puking on planes, being drunk as Lords, arguments, fallings out, petty jealousies, makings up, streaking of hair with bleach, me trashing her room simply because it was too tidy, the list is endless...and yet in spite of all this, and actually now that I think about it because of all of this, we have a tried and tested, truly beautiful friendship that has stood the test of time and will last a lifetime. Like any relationship we have to work at it and sometimes we're pants at it BUT deep down, the love is there.

#3 - Abbi is truly the epitome of 'nice'. Now, some people think that word is crap, but to me it describes Abbi perfectly. Don't think this gal's all wet blanket - no siree. She's NICE. She listens to me and makes me feel super-important. She remembers little details that make you feel a million dollars. She has a way of offering a straight-down-the-line challenge in the nicest possible way that leaves you feeling loved and yet ass-whupped!

#4 - Her alter ego is named Bella. Mine is Liberty, and together with Heidi we've had many adventures. Tenereefee has been a particular favourite of mine...remember the Dog Poo Dessert Abbers??!!

#5 - She is really 'of another time' - specifically Jane Austen times where life was all 'Country Living' Magazine and serene, blissful and perfect. Her romantic soul sometimes gets naffed off in real life, but underneath she truly is all about dresses and ringlets.

#6 - She smoked 'Apple Tea' through a bong in Prague and still insists it was nothing dodgy. 'Nuff said.

#7 - She has a hardcore work ethic. She understands what it means to work your ass off and play damn hard too. All on the same day. Whilst wearing high heels. On cobblestones. Together, she and I single-handedly mounted a 400 strong children's Parade from St. George's Hall in Liverpool through the city to the steps of the Museum. All 400 kids were dressed as creatures made from recycled garbage. It was the 1st Annual GLitter Fesitval whereupon Liverpool sparkled. Straight after that we had a quick change Superman stylee, (not in a phone box, although very nearly almost!), and went straight to a Sugababes gig @ the Royal Court and from there to the post-GLitter wrap party, complete with 10 foot Trannys on stilts. Nice. It was a FABBALUS day and one in which we crammed an entire month's social calendar into 24 hours.

#8 - When she was little she thought when a congregation collectively said 'Thanks be to God' after a reading had been done, that they were actually saying, 'Thanks Peter God'. Now I cannot say those words in church without thinking of mini Abbi thinking God's first name was Peter!

#9 - On holiday we both had a different bikini for each day we were there, hence the now infamous 'bikini of the day' photographs! AND Abbi managed to tan the letter 'S' on her stomach.

#10 - She is destined to go so far in life and be so happy. And sometimes she doesn't know this and it's hard. BUT one day she will look back on the tough times and be all 'OMG all my dreams HAVE come true' and there will be MUCHo rejoicing.

And that's Abbi....I could actually keep going to about 100 things I love about her...but this will suffice for now. She is SIMPLY AMAZING.

Thought it was about time....

2006-07-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

...I updated this blog. Don't really have anything to say though which is something of a problem. Would hate to be accused of blogging just for the sake of it. That would, in effect, be tantamount to spamming one's own blog!

I have mostly been a bookworm of late. Over the past 3 weeks I have read:
- Mum's at home - can't remember author
- If I were you - Julia Llewelyn
- Lifeguard - James Patterson
- Psychopath - Keith Ablow
- Fourth of July - James Patterson
- Second Chance - James Patterson
- Blindsighted - Karin Slaughter
- No place like home - Mary Higgins Clarke
- Honeymoon - James Patterson
- The Society - Michael somebody or other
- We need to talk about Kevin - Lionel Shriver

Frankly it's a wonder I get anything done! My most favouritest have been We need to talk about kevin, an epistolary novel about a mother writing to her estranged husband after their son kills 7 of his classmates. Very Clever, won the Orange award. AND No place like home which was a thriller. I seem to be in the missle of a 'murder and mayhem' read-a-thon, but I balance it out with a nice chick-lit easyread.

I like the thrillers but, like my mother, I invariably spot whodunnit very early on and ruin it for myself.

Maybes Lizzie should write a book...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

GOD BLESS 3 for 2 book offers! WOOT WOOT!

Is blogging over?

2006-07-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, is it??!!

Scally chunes

2006-07-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

Rant: What is it with kids on their way to school playing the most obNOXIOUS 'music' aloud on their mp3 player phones. Gah, it's AWFUL! It ruins my trip to the seaside each morning where my office is. Boo to scally kids and their chuffing mp3 player phones. Who wants to hear that in the morning? Even in the glorious sunshine I am STILL not a morning person. No siree bob.

Tra luvs xxx

Once Upon a Time....

2006-06-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

There was a Canadian called Colin who met a FABBALUS laydee from Norway called Solveig. They moved to Norway and had a little boy called Daniel(pictured with his dad...the guy in the linen on the right is John Linen, pay no attention to him!).....he really is the cutest little boy and Colin and Solveig are some very favourite people of ours. (Plus Colin was pretty pissed off I hadn't blogged about their visit to Bebington at Easter and PLUS we kinda need to keep 'em sweet so we can go stay with them in Norway!) HAHA!!!

SO, lovely Atkinson family - we love you guys and miss you - hope all's well in the land of......what's Norway the land of???