Christmas...

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!!!!!!

It's DECEMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Church sucks

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...

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

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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...

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

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

I am unspeakably sad.

Update

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...

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!

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

There's nothing like.....

...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....

...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!

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

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....

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

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

It's the weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekend!

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!

Happy Easter!!!!

Love, me xxx

Seussical the Musical

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