Totally Random Tina

Just stopping by...

2011-12-28T11:45:00.000Z

To share the photo of my advent calendar!

It was quite hard to take a pic, as the light indoors was not good enough, and it was windy outside; anyway, you get the picture.

I am very happy to have received the Collette Sewing Book for Christmas, and have already finished reading it. My purple fleece fabric is beckoning, but first I am due at the hairdresser to be 're-purpled'. :)

Ho Ho Sew

2011-12-17T14:14:00.000Z

I can't believe that in a week's time it will be Christmas Eve! I have been very busy in both my craft room and the studio this autumn, although I can't share a lot of it for obvious reasons.

In October I went to Cardiff to the big craft show; lovely day out with friends, and the opportunity to meet up with another crafty buddy once there (although it was unseasonably warm, and I did regret wearing knee-length boots ). Didn't buy much, to be honest, as the show was predominantly glittery card-making stuff (!), and I am still in full-on sewing mode. But,......I did succumb to a rather gorgeous quilt panel (says she who is not planning on taking up yet another hobby).... AND it's finished. There, I do finish stuff. Mind you, that may have something to do with the deadline imposed by the fact that it is an Advent Calendar ;) My girls always receive a beautiful calendar each from their Uncle, but equally bemoan the lack of 'tacky chocolate' calendar that their friends have. So, the best excuse really to have a play. Anyway, it's done, it's up.... and my camera batteries have died :( I will take a photo though, as I'm really pleased with the way it has turned out, especially for a first attempt.

Other than that, christmas presents (and a secret santa gift) have been completed, and I'm itching to get going on the next project. I got to grips with sewing with fleece (actually, surprisingly easy), and have the most fab piece of fleece to play with next... ...'purple flower fleece' from Calico Laine... subtle it is not (it's even brighter in real life, AND matches my hair). But, if I'm going to make something for me, why bother to make something that could be bought in the shops? Anyway, the pattern I chose is dead simple (McCalls 4675 and I have now made it three times, LOL), so it shouldn't take too long. Then, hopefully after Santa has been kind and bought me the Collette Sewing Handbook, I may need a trip to buy more fabric.

Wishing you, my reader (yes, both of you), a Happy Christmas, and health and happiness in the New Year. I should be back with a photo of that quilt, but I am Random, remember? I'll leave you with a pic of some seasonal beads.

Sew busy

2011-07-04T13:11:00.000+01:00

Whilst mulling over whatever my next challenge might be (still no idea really!), I have been playing with my new sewing machine. My old faithful Jones, purchased at a car boot sale 18 years ago, for £20, finally gave up the ghost a few weeks back, just as I decided that I wanted to use it. This had all been prompted by one of my daughters wanting to buy a dress from a shop in Weymouth, which I considered to be extremely poor value for money......'you could make it for less than a quarter of that price' I think were the words that started it. So, a few projects in, and I am remembering that, actually, I can sew. A bit of a revelation from someone whose teenage efforts never managed to pass muster as far as the mother was concerned.

Anyway, I had a particularly productive day yesterday, a top for me, and a dress for the 'not so little' smaller one (12 last week) in the most adorable fabric that we found on Friday. Here we are, modelling the results.

Note the wet hair on littly; she was fresh from the swimming pool and hadn't realised just how quickly the dress would be finished!

Next up, another top from the same pattern for me, and possibly some skirts; those black trousers are WAY too big and held up only by the belt!

Sore feet...

2011-06-18T20:28:00.000+01:00

...well, if you're going to attempt a marathon, it's always best to draft in a few friends to come and encourage you....but I may just have gone one better this time, in that a few of my friends also happen to play in a rather fabulous Samba band called Samba Doc. They were there, and thanks to a bit of 'inside information' just happened to time their performance to coincide with me crossing the finish line! I knew I was close (darn it I wish they had mile markers on that course) when I heard them start playing... and crossed the line to a rather loud and enthusiastic drum roll, with whistles and whoops thrown in for good measure. Lots of hugs, then they carried on playing whilst I stretched and had some food. The picture is me at the end, and yes, it is purple (growing old disgracefully). If you want to see exactly how good they are, go to You Tube and type in Samba Doc, would recommend 'parading through Tenby' as a good place to start.

So, that marathon. Hard. Very challenging course; BOY was I glad I put in so much hill training, particularly the 'twice round Lly-y-Fran reservoir' session. I overtook a lot of people on the hills (can't do them slowly, just have to go for it). Massive sense of achievement at finishing, and grateful thanks to those who supported me both by sponsoring me, but also with so much encouragement. Also thanks (I think) to the local radio station who managed to edit my 05.30 interview to make me sound almost human (although I could have done without them repeating said interview three times that week, eek).

Trouble is with these challenges, training is never quite the same again.... having a specific goal is so much easier. I am back in the gym, at classes, but sort of 'wandering' without a destination in mind. I may just have to set myself a new, different sort of challenge. Not sure exactly what yet...

...waiting.....

2011-05-08T14:20:00.000+01:00

Well, I have got to the 'odd' bit really, my marathon is a week today, so all the high-mileage training is done. I am only really doing gentle stuff, eating, and trying to get some rest. To be honest it feels quite weird after having spent the last three months traing so hard! I did a short session in the gym this morning, mainly to avoid the high pollen count outdoors, but the rest of the day is mine. I might venture up to the scrap room in a while, once the next of the never-ending loads of washing has been sorted. In the meantime, 'here's one I made earlier'..... it's my 12x12 training plan. Last time I did a marathon I made a mini-book, but I thought for this one I would keep it all on one page. I also need to fill it in, as I haven't updated it for a few weeks!

see you on the other end of 26.2 miles!

Scrapping time

2011-03-17T15:11:00.000Z

Well, our first Scrapaholix crop turned out to be a lovely day, very relaxed (as I had hoped it would be), and everyone left having completed a page, with ideas to make more at home.

I think the cookies might have helped, but they all said they enjoyed themselves! Anyway, they're all coming back for more, and bringing friends, so hopefully we will now have a regular little group.

This month we will be talking and learning about journalling (bit of a hobbyhorse for me!), and using templates.

...and at the request of a couple of my ladies, we will be adding a bit of stitching (but just a bit, not too difficult).

Other than scrapping, the rest of my time is now spent training, as the marathon is only eight weeks away. It has been great to be able to spend more time outside, and yesterday and today I have been training in a t-shirt instead of a fleece; spring is finally on it's way!

Going for it....

2011-02-07T15:15:00.005Z

So, living in the back of beyond has it's aadvantages, and lots of them; but I miss my old cropping buddies. I have made contact with a few people in Wales who run crops, but they are all over an hour's drive away, and with one car between us, it's not very practical to go gadding about like that for a whole day; it means the rest of the family are stranded.
So, the obvious answer....start my own crop! Hmm, sounds a bit scary to be honest, except I do have a little previous experience ;)
I know of a few people locally who want to scrap, but lack the confidence, so I am going to start a Scrapaholix club; that way we have stash provided, they get to learn, I get to play. Happiness all round. All I have to do is design a class each month! Okay, no pressure there then, eek!
But even that should be okay; Scrapaholix issue guidelines with each kit as to the technique to teach. The picture is my first class, and a cracking place to start, learning how to use sketches to design a LO. I almost always use sketches, and Anam Stubbington has very kindly let Scrapaholix use this one, together with offering a prize to club members who upload pages to the club site in February.
So, we are starting here at home, so there's no pressure on me to fill a hall, the countdown has started.....19 days to go....

Playing Catch-up

2010-11-29T13:58:00.007Z

Okay, I am resigned to the fact that I can't keep this Blog up to date....when there's so much to do and so little time something has to give! It has been a busy few weeks for me, with lots of Christmas bead commissions, and of course the 'day job'.

I have however been making a little time to scrap, and have also been trying to use up some of my stash mountain (just in case anyone should feel like buying me more for Christmas!). When I'm a 'stuck' for ideas, a sketch is almost always the way to get me started, and for this one I used the sketch over at A Trip Down Memory Lane. Handy really, as it means I can also enter it into this month's challenge! This is of course a brave move for me, not having shared any of my scrapping publicly for such a long time...but spurred on by some very encouraging friends I thought I should give it a go!! You know who you are :) xxxxx

Life is a roller coaster

2010-08-15T16:30:00.002+01:00

Oh bad blogger, even more random that usual! In my defence, the past year has been a roller coaster of a ride, but one that finally seems to be settling down.

Work is of course our main priority, but one that seems to be going pretty well to date. Not sure about my new Boss, but he seems pretty accommodating so far ;)

We moved here to improve our 'quality of life', and that goal has certainly been reached! We rarely work late, and spend loads of time walking on the beach or just hanging around with our friends. The girls one and two have taken up golf and sailing respectively, whilst the boys are simply happy that the beach is so close.

The best news of all is that the 'hole in the house' saga is finally over with, and my studio is both fully accessible, and fully 'up and running'. Bliss. My little shop on the web is ticking over nicely, and I still get the same thrill that someone likes my beadies enough to part with their hard earned cash for them!

Welsh Myths #1

2010-01-02T18:32:00.002Z

....apparently it never snows in Pembrokeshire.

I beg to differ!

Well, the first Christmas in our new home has been and gone, the tree has come down, and the relatives have all gone home. We enjoyed a fantastic beach walk on New Year's Day (and Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Tuesday,Thursday; you get the picture?!); New Year's Day in particular was gorgeous; bright blue skies and hardly a puff of wind!

What a difference a day makes....we had snow last night, and a wonderful wintery walk on the golf course this morning.

We are enjoying a few days of leisure before we go back to work on Monday; who knows, I may even get to do some scrapping! (Those of you who are Facebook friends will have seen the 'hole' in our house, and understand that there won;t be any glassy goings-on until the studio roof has been fixed :( )

I'm still waiting...

2009-08-20T21:34:00.004+01:00

...but probably not for much longer!

It seems that there really is an end to this house moving 'saga to end all saga's'; and we may just do a sort of 'partial move' next week. More news as I get it.

In the meantime I have had some lovely feedback in my little shop, and some great reactions from people when they realise I actually make the beads from hot melty glass, rather than just making jewellery!

www.bearhousebeads.co.uk

I love to read comments ;)

Went to Christina's fab shop today, and managed to say a few goodbyes; I sure will miss all that stash under one roof!

Going Loco..

2009-06-17T20:40:00.002+01:00

...seriously, there's only so much packing a girl can do!

I treated myself to some new glass the other day, and yesterday I actually managed to sit and have a play. I'm rather pleased with the results....I'm thinking maybe a bracelet. Hope you like them?

....we're moving on out.....

2009-06-10T19:36:00.004+01:00

at last, the news we've been waiting for. The mortgage company have got their act together and approved our application!

Relief doesn't even begin to cover how we're feeling at this moment; there was a very real possibility that they were going to refuse to finance the purchase.

Mr Coffee is in a packing frenzy.

I am finally allowing myself to believe that it's real, and in just a few weeks we'll be living in our dream house.

Hopefully in the next few days we'll have a date to work towards and we'll know more.

Can't sit still, I'll be packed in a box!

Feeling hot hot hot!

2009-06-05T16:58:00.003+01:00

well, can't complain that the weather has turned cooler after such a warm and sunny Half Term week, can we?

Not much to report from the house of random, except that the move is still ongoing, I think. 'C&G' and 'customer service' should never under any circumstances be used in the same sentence as far as I'm concerned. Their total lack of communication and ability to get anything done is worse than abysmal. Phone calls that are never returned, reports that get 'lost', and everyone telling us that 'someone else' is supposed to be doing something, mean that the original deadline set by the vendor of 'new house to be' is completely unattainable. Frankly we will be lucky if we actually end up buying the place. Or anywhere else.

I have been busy at the torch trying to distract myself....hope you like my efforts?

Moving on up..

2009-04-22T20:39:00.002+01:00

...we're moving on out!

Yay, at last a Sold sign presides outside the House of Random, and an offer has been accepted on our 'favourite' house from recent viewings. Folks it really is happening now!

We still have to work in our jobs for the time being, and cannot hand in letters of resignation just yet, but things are moving quickly, and we should be 'there' by the end of June.

Still can't tell all, but our new abode is, far from being the 'downsize' that we imagined, bigger and better, and much much older; built in 1866. There are four bedrooms, a stonkingly massive craft room, a long garden and a studio to set my torch up in, so no more excuses not to make beads!

It will be a relief to finally be able to 'spill the beans' on what we are doing, in not too many weeks from now!

I think I have a case of ......

2009-03-16T20:05:00.003Z

...Facebook-induced Blog-neglect! I fought the whole FB thing initially, (until Chrissie wore me down ;)), and I have to agree that it is a great, if lazy, way to keep up to date with friends and family....BUT, as a result, I seem to have managed to stop blogging.

So, here I am.

Where do I start?

Actually, I think it's easier if I start just about now, rather than try to recap; it's far simpler.

Well,those of you who are 'in the know', also know that we are still here, waiting for the Big Move.

Frustrating though it is, there is, frankly, b****er all we can do about it, so we keep our house unbelievably tidy (my craft room no longer exists, Claire, you wouldn't recognise it!), and wait for the phone to ring. Encouragingly, we have had quite a lot of interest over the past few weeks, although I did lose my rag a bit today when the agent proposed to send someone who doesn't even have their own house on the market to look round. Tell them to call us when they are actually serious about buying a house please! We have been plagued by other agents wanting to sell the house, and we caved in this afternoon and invited one of them round for a chat later in the week.

Having had everything packed away for so long, I got fed up the other week, and started to think about scrapping again. Easier said than done; my Mojo is also packed away in the loft!! So, off to Christina's I went, and took a great card and LO class, which did quite a lot to oil the wheels. I have carried on, and several pages now fill the fab album that Mr Coffee bought me for Christmas.

But I have also reached a decision. I think. (I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure...), and that is; that my pages won't feature on my Blog. Claire et al, you know where to find my layouts; anyone else who wants to know, just give me a shout and I'll point you in the right direction. This way, I have some control over who sees what goes on in my life and who doesn't, and maybe I will feel more able to blog a bit about it all as I go.

Other than that, the foot is healing, which makes the boys in my life very very happy! The Consultant told me on Friday that I can't power walk for at least another month though, which rather puts a damper on my idea of doing the Sunwalk in Bristol on 5th July, but we'll see; if I'm careful I might still get there.

Work is; well, work. Still the same mix of emotions on a minute by minute basis, mixed with a lot of 'how different would my life have been if I had been in the Job by now?'. But it will pass (just about the time we sell our house!).

'Toodlepip', as I used to say. Bit passe that, especially now someone else is using it. Get your own catchphrase matey!

I'm not dead....just busy

2008-09-18T10:39:00.003+01:00

Cannot seriously believe I haven't blogged since I was 39! Actually, I thought I had, just after the Moonwalk; but if I did, the post has disappeared :)

Well, the Moonwalk was fab, cold, tiring, emotional and brilliant. I finished, although slower than planned (very few opportunities for overtaking, which frankly I could have done with), and now have a shiny (and heavy) medal to show for it.

We had a great week away over the May Half Term, to celebrate my birthday; and spent lots of time reading, playing scrabble and generally chilling.

As the summer approached, it became more and more apparent that I was unlikely to remain with my Employer (fourth wave of redundancies in two years, and I was very much 'last in'; add to that the fact that I b****y hated working for them!!!), so I started looking for a new job to tide me over until I started the 'shiny new career'.

What I ended up with was an old job; my old job to be precise. So, now I am happily ensconced back in A&E, working my old shifts, and frankly rather glad to be back, even if there is still filing left from when I departed 2+ years ago. The downside is that I can't currently go and play at Christina's on Thursday evenings; but thay should change in a few weeks as we have more staff on board.

So, comfortable in job-much-missed, going to the gym, planning for the future....

...but sometimes Fate has other ideas.

Out of the blue, an alternative future has been offered; not quite on a plate, but very much a feasible option. The chance for us to escape the rat race of middle England, and live in the sticks. The chance for Mr Coffee to work for himself, a long-held dream, and for me to run the office for him. Actually, it wasn't exactly a difficult decision for us, despite the big 'sacrifice' being my 'shiny new career', and surprisingly, the girls are keen too, despite the prospect of leaving all their friends.

So, after weeks of negotiation, it has been agreed; we are going. I can't tell you where, yet, but I will. Our home is going on the market on Monday (is it just me, or do Estate Agents employ 12 year olds?), and I am in the process of packing up my clutter (which may take a good deal of time!!!).

You'll find me under a pile of boxes...

Moonwalk (and I don't mean the Michael Jackson dance!!)

2008-04-22T19:20:00.006+01:00

Well, the time is nearly here for me to complete my 'I am 40 and fabulous(ish)' Challenge; the Playtex Moonwalk.

If I haven't already bored you with the details elsewhere, I am Power Walking a full Marathon, at night, in my bra, to raise money for the Walk the Walk breast cancer charity. Yes, in my bra. (I know; it seemed like a good idea at the time!)

Seriously though, I am really looking forward to the night; and am sure that the atmosphere will be amazing. DD1 has been repeatedly reassured that amongst the 15,000 entrants, I won't be the only Mummy with a wobbly tummy, and that all the other people will be wearing oddly decorated bras as well. DD2 simply thinks I am the coolest Mummy ever to be doing it and frankly doesn't give two hoots what I will (or won't) be wearing!!

Training is going well so far; I completed 16 miles on Saturday, and have been spurred on by people generously sponsoring me (thanks Nattie!). Oh, and a few Mars bars have been consumed on the way, all in the name of training you understand!

So, positive thoughts please for the night of 17th May; and if it stays dry/ snow free, I will be an even happier bunny!!

Edited to add; my sponsorship page is
www.justgiving.com/tinasmith40 if you fancy reading more. You'll need to cut and paste, I can't get hyperlinks to work on Blogger today.

TTFN

Never assume...( a Cautionary Tale)

2008-03-05T21:46:00.004Z

You know the saying; 'never assume, as it makes an ass/u/me'?

Sometimes I should remind myself of that fact.

If my mobile phone rings, and the caller ID tells me it is **probably** Coffee Boy, as he is the only person who usually shows up as 'Private Call', I should just stop and think for a moment.

It might not be him.

Had I done that when my phone rang this evening, whilst I was cooking the childrens tea, I might not have used a rather comic cheery 'let's cheer him up, he's had a rough couple of days' voice. Indeed, I might not have, in said cheery voice, said;

"Hello, Ratatouille Factory"

Only to discover that in fact it wasn't Coffee Boy at all, but the HR Department of 'New Employer to Be'.

Hmm, get out of that one!

Altered Images

2008-02-07T13:24:00.000Z

Well, not much to report from the house of Random; I have taken up residence in the gym, and shall return in early March. Possibly.

We did find out this week that no.1 daughter won a competition! It was organised by the local Fire Brigade, and was all about Firework Safety (that gives a small clue as to how long ago exactly this competition was!!). First prize= £25 in Argos vouchers. She is home from school today with a horrible sore throat, and so is browsing the catalogue as I type.

I did finally manage to take a few pictures of some of my more recent scrapping layouts (roll on Spring and a bit of daylight, pwetty please!), and I remembered my Slide password. A bit much, I know. Anyway, scroll down if you fancy a look.

Oh, and yesterday's trip to the Hairdresser (the girls, not me: I'm going on a Saturday sans enfants thank you very much):
One 'rather reluctant drastic trim under duress' for smaller person. She will, I'm sure one day,come to understand that the cave-girl look is no longer desirable in an eight year old. Not round these parts, anyway.
Then, 'my first big-girl haircut' for no.1. Her decision, her discussion with stylist. Proper wash over the backwash basin. Result = no more long hair; but shoulder-length layers! It's gorgeous, makes her look very grown-up, and will be coming soon to a layout near you.

When will I, will I be Famous??

2008-01-21T18:50:00.000Z

Actually, never (I hope)...but Phil was on the tv today! Following on from his entire episode of 'All in a Day's Work', with Mark Wogan, the Coffee Boy has been gracing the screens of British telly for a second time.

Three hours of filming last week, and three minutes of blurb on the Politics Show (BBC2) this afternoon. If you want to check it out, go to BBC.CO.UK, find 'I Player', and you can look at the Politics Show: he's about 16/18 minutes in.

But hurry, his particular 15 minutes (seconds, LOL) of fame, will only be available for viewing for another 6 days! Indeed exclusive stuff! Oh, and whatever you do, don't blink!

You spin me round...

2008-01-11T20:29:00.001Z

Well, looking back through my Blog, it appears that although I claim to be a Scrapper, I don't actually show you very often (apart from that rather outdated slideshow at the bottom; if I can remember the password, I might even get around to putting some more recent stuff on there one of these days!).

So, in true Blue Peter style, 'here is one I made earlier'! It's a little book that I made for my MIL for Christmas; essentially a quarter-circle that opens out into a circle and can be tied open to sit on a coffee table. (Note to self: buy coffee table for MIL next birthday!).

I rather foolishly took it along to my crop, and am now charged with teaching it as a class in two weeks!

The basic idea is not mine, rather the shape of the book came from a class by a rather talented French lady called Prisca Jokovic; but I adapted it to make use of the rather fab K&Co papers (basically as they will coordinate with MIL's Living Room!). Having never actually taught a class before, this will be a huge learning curve for all concerned: but the instructions have been printed out, the 'ingredients' purchased; so all I can do now is wait!

Have a great weekend!

The times they are a changin' (New Year 'Revolution'??)

2008-01-06T20:48:00.000Z

What a bad Blogger I have been. Too Random, even by my standards.

So much has happened since I last Blogged, there's no point even in trying to recap! Mostly good things, I'm pleased to say: with the best one of course being the arrival of Archie in September!

I have wrestled with the idea of making this Blog password-only, but have decided against it. Having established that someone does, in fact, read my random ramblings, I thought it churlish to make it difficult for you to browse, and hope that those people with whom I wish no further contact will simply not bother to read at all.

So, a new year. BIG changes in store for the house of Random. I can't tell you (for I would then have to shoot you), but those who know me already know what's going on, and for your continued support and good luck wishes, I thank you all.

My big-40 'plan' is actually happening, as I have had confirmation that I have a place on the Playtex Moonwalk. No 'half-mooning' for me: I'm power-walking the London Marathon here guys, all in aid of Breast Cancer,(in my decorated bra!!!) so moral support will be very welcome!

I cannot promise to Blog daily, for it would be far too tedious, but I will try and manage more than every six months!!

Later, peeps!

Catching up!

2007-06-01T20:24:00.000+01:00

Well, cannot believe I have been such a lax Blogger; even by my Random standards!

The Race for Life went well: far better than I had hoped: I did have a few walk breaks, but coped well with the big, long, slow hill, although I struggled with the steep hill going down (1:10). It stayed dry and sunny, and I got round in 40 minutes, which was quicker than I had planned (and I was hot on the heels of my friend and GP, Karen, who is skinny and fit!). Certainly not the start of my illustrious running career, but an achievement, and one that I will always be proud of. Rachel of course breezed round in sub-35 minutes, cross that she didn't win! Our plan next time is to send her to the Start line with some running friends from her Athletics Club, so that she can at least get an accurate time (starting from 500 people back, you don't really know how well you have done: it takes ages to get past the walkers! My friend Shelley and I wished that we had bicycle bells to ring as we struggled to get through!

Next year I will be 40, and I have a most unusual plan to celebrate: not running, but certainly another demanding physical challenge: it depends of course if I am accepted, but I will keep you all posted. I may well have drafted a friend in too, as she will be 40 three days before me, and hopefully the courage levels will be doubled! (I think we may need LOTS of courage!).

Last weekend was my birthday, and we had a lovely time away, visiting Warwick and Banbury, eating and drinking well, and generally relaxing. The picture is just to prove that it really did stay dry in some parts of the country!! The rain held off until teatime Saturday, and we managed to park outside the restaurant in the evening, thus remaining dry and happy (or was that the very large glass of red wine?).

I have been working extra hours this week, as Phil had the week off to decorate the hall and entertain the girls. Not fun (for me anyway), but at least it is the weekend now, and I have Monday off (there is an inset day in School), weather permitting we are planning a Magical Mystery day out. It was never planned as a Mystery, but since the Legoland tickets haven't actually arrived yet, it may well be a mystery as to where we end up!!!!

Don't stop me now....

2007-05-19T20:25:00.000+01:00

...'cos I hope to be having a 'good time' tomorrow morning!!

Yes my friends, the day is finally upon us: the day that I attempt to run in public!!

I am utterly speechless at the support that you have all shown, both moral and financial: firstly to Chrissie and all at the South Wales crop for kicking off our fundraising efforts in such splendid style, then to family and friends, who have all donated so generously. I really am touched that in this day and age, when there are so many demands on our finances, that so many people have dug so deep to help raise money for Cancer Research UK. Link is here, go and see what you have done, all of you!!

Seven years ago yesterday, we lost Phil's Dad to Cancer. It is because of him that my beautiful daughter wants to do what she does best and run, to raise money to fund research into the causes of this wicked disease, and to hopefully one day, maybe even find a cure. It is because of him, that I have struggled with my tiredness and overweight self, to try and train, so that I can run at least part of the way. My friend Jo, herself recovering from cancer, will be there, walking round, thankful that she is still around to do so.

I am nervous, excited, and suffering from too many emotions to put into words. I may not manage very much in terms of speed or endurance. But I will get round that course, for FIL, my daughter, Jo, and every one of you who has supported me in so many ways.

My lucky number....

2007-05-03T15:30:00.000+01:00

seems to be three.

Yes, indeed my friends, throw away your dictionaries for I have the definition of 'happiness' here in front of me, and it is a number: three.

Three: thousand: the number of photos that I have this very day successfully restored from my deleted hard drive. Three thousand unscrapped photos saved from oblivion. Photobox had better be raring to go!!!

Three days: the length of a Scrappers Unlimited Retreat. Can you tell I'm excited?

Three pounds: (the lb sort), which is what I lost this week.

Three weeks .........until my birthday.

and finally...after tomorrow......three whole days off work. Joy indeed! Have a good Bank Holiday weekend, whatever your plans.

I'm so excited....

2007-04-27T14:42:00.000+01:00

I never was much good at keeping secrets!

Well congrats to Chrissie, Gill and Pinny, who all guessed correctly :although I did point out the huge clue in my last post!!

We entered a draw ages ago (before Christmas) with the Caravan Club. It is the club Centenary this year, and the Queen is holding a Garden Party to celebrate. We received a letter yesterday saying that we were to be amongst those people invited! How posh is that?

The official communication will come some time towards the end of June, which will give us our 'instructions', but I do know that hats are expected of the ladies (best excuse I'll have this year!) and obviously Phil will look gorgeous in a suit. Not sure I can take a camera in, but I will definitely scrap the event!

So, darlings, if you want me on 23rd July, I shan't be here: you'll have to leave a message with the Butler.

Toodlepip.

Two can play that game...

2007-04-26T13:21:00.000+01:00

I fear I may just have 'out-poshed' Lady Willicombe of Patio, the Queen of teasing people by leaving them clues and then not telling them stuff!

I have a secret. A very exciting secret. And just to get my own back on you Chrissie, I shall see if people can guess what it is, and leave you dangling!!!!

Okay, clues? Nope, not yet. Oh, okay: it's something that I never in a million years dreamt would happen to me. See, that narrows it down for you?

Any ideas?

I should be so....

2007-04-17T17:56:00.000+01:00

lucky, lucky lucky lucky!!!!

What can I say? I have recently returned from a Scrappers Unlimited 'Time Out': three days of scrapping, chatting and eating chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Child-free (apart from the rather gorgeous 'other people's children' who sat with us and brightened our days), meals provided: heck, even my bed was made for me every morning!

It was wonderful to finally meet people that I have chatted to online for so long, and to realise that each one of them is even nicer 'in real life'. Without exception, people were friendly and encouraging, and the classes amazing. The hotel was set in beautiful gardens, amid fantastic scenery, the food was great, and the bed verrrry comfortable (shame I spent so little time in it!!).

Have only just uploaded my photos, but this one has to be one of my favourite 'non-people' ones: spring has most definitely sprung in Wales!

Back online again

2007-03-13T14:35:00.000Z

My computer died.

All is well again now, but I have had to start from scratch and reload Windows and various other programmes. Complete pain it was too!

Thankfully all important documents were backed up to disk, so Phil's school governor stuff has not been lost. I of course don't ever write anything of any note anyway, and so I had nothing to lose!

It does go to show though, how reliant I have become on the internet. Those few days without access seemed awfully long!

Dear Diary

2007-02-25T15:46:00.000Z

Well, I can't believe it has been nearly a week since I last Blogged. What a busy bee I must have been? No, not particularly! Just the usual routine of school/work/swimming lessons/Brownies/running around after two girls: you get the picture?

My quest for the body-slightly-less-rotund-than-previously took a turn for the worse on Tuesday night, when I suffered an injury. Not life-threatening. Certainly not disabling, but definitely inconvenient. For a start I had to stay away from the gym for a couple of days, horror of horrors!

I tweaked a muscle in my back, which meant that I had difficulty sitting for long periods of time, and didn't sleep very well. Neither condusive to productivity at work or good temper at home. Dragon Mummy rides again!

Anyway, full recovery has meant that I managed an hour of BodyCombat this morning (pretending to hold someone down and punch them repeatedly is a rather satisfying form of stress relief!), followed by an hour of BodyPump just for good measure. (Followed of course by an hour in the bath with a Lush bathbomb: bliss).

Normality (or what passes for it around these parts) has been restored.

Oh, and the dangerous sport which resulted in the injury in the first place?

Tripping over in the changing rooms at the pool, one leg in my swimming costume, whilst trying (and failing) to stop my mobile phone from crashing to the floor.

It's a wonder they let me out on my own ;).

Beautiful

2007-02-19T15:50:00.000Z

Well, back are we, from our little Holiday!

We all enjoyed a fantastic weekend in London: a little shopping, a little eating, loads of mooching, and generally enjoying 'family time'.

Highlight of our trip was spending the whole day at Kew Gardens yesterday, where they had filled the Princess of Wales Conservatory with orchids, for the Tropical Extravaganza. Jaw-droppingly gobsmackingly beautiful.

I took a few (135) photos, between demisting of my camera lens, and generally walking round open-mouthed: so here is just one to whet your appetite.

Now, how to get all 135 on a Layout? May take some time!

Sitting on the fence

2007-02-09T14:42:00.000Z

Hmmmmmmmmmm. I have a dilemma.

I detest anything scrapping-related that implies any sort of 'celebrity'.

With a passion.

As I think I may have said before, to me, the hobby is about preserving family memories, for my family. There are many, many pages in my albums that I choose not to share on the good old www. Some of them might be very aesthetically pleasing as far as other scrappers are concerned, but are just too personal to hold up for public consumption. You get 'edited highlights', if you like, and I put these pictures up so you can see cute photos of my kids more than anything.

There are of course people who make a very good living out of this hobby, particularly in the States, where scrapbooking has been established for far longer, and I don't wish to detract from them in any way: after all they write informative books/ magazine articles etc. which inspire many of us. Good luck to them.

There are many people also, who have a natural ability to teach, inspire, encourage others. These people get on with things quietly, in their own way, running crops and seminars, not inviting 'celebrity' status, but rather revelling in the satisfaction that they have enabled others to grow. I am fortunate enough to know one of these people: she has encouraged me more than she will ever know.

But..

there does now also seem to be a growing undercurrent of criticism 'over here', of people who are perceived to be attaining some sort of 'celebrity' status. Various threads on UK message boards, Blogs, and other such things. Snide comments. Downright rude statements.

Not interested, thank you.

I once dared to get involved in a public 'discussion' about a scrapping-related matter, which quickly degenerated into a character assassination. It was deeply hurtful to someone who has become a dear friend to me, and I have no wish to get involved in any sort of similar situation.

If people are willing to laugh at themselves, with their friends, and have a light-hearted take on life, then that's great. I for one will be the first to stick on a pair of novelty glasses and take a silly photo of myself. I love humour, satire, any form of comedy.

So for now, if anyone asks me to join in their fun and games,I shall reserve judgment.

You'll find me sitting on the fence, until such time as I can be sure that the fun and games are just that, rather than some fun at the expense of others.

Snow much fun!!

2007-02-08T12:55:00.000Z

Well, this is a first: we have had snow overnight, and school is closed!!

We have been in this house for nine years next month, and I think this is the first time we have had 'proper' snow, which stops the buses running, and keeps us at home.

The girls have been having an absolute whale of a time, and I have been doing what every self-respecting Scrapper would do: taking pictures! Hard to chose my favourite (have taken 95 so far!!), but this has to be a contender.

Ain't no stoppin' us now....

2007-02-05T23:32:00.000Z

...it's too late: the entry form is complete, and the calendar marked.

Sunday 20th May.

Race for Life.

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/RachelandherMummy

if you want to help make a difference

Lazy Sunday

2007-01-28T16:37:00.000Z

Having a relaxed Sunday. The ironing is done, the Body 'Pumped', the house is clean (ish). We are as ready for the coming week as we will ever be.

I found out on Friday that our hospital Trust will no longer be running the Holiday Club on which so many of us working parents rely. It's in an old building due for demolition, and there is no provision whatsoever in our shiny new Hospital for a new location.Bummer.

I have e:mailed the Deputy Director of HR, and my Boss has suggested a few names to follow on with if we get no response. I am not expecting much, but do not intend to go without a fight! The children, were naturally very disappointed at the news, as they love going to Holiday Club. For her part, Molly did suggest that they could come to work, and sit under my desk and 'do colouring' every day.

Good idea.

Except that that's where I hide when things get tense!!!!

I'll leave you (because after nine attempts, Blogger has let me upload the thing) with a piccy of a page that I made at our Crop yesterday.

Later, peeps!!

Sooo cute

2007-01-20T09:26:00.000Z

Remember 'Love Hearts' sweets? If you go to

http://www.acme.com/heartmaker/

you can make your own 'virtual Love Hearts'. Great fun!

Edited to say: only a week later, and Blogger has let me add the picture!

Life imitating...

2007-01-19T22:37:00.000Z

art, maybe?

Phil certainly understands and appreciates my need to scrap. I'm not sure if he sees it as my creative release, a way of unlocking all the ideas that float around my head (sometimes I even manage to catch one of them), or just a means to capture moments of our life, and preserve them for when the girls get older. Or, of course (and frankly this is a far more plausible theory), it could just be that it keeps me out of his kitchen, and stops me from getting under his feet when he is trying out his latest culinary masterpiece.

Anyway, my latest kit from The Scrap-Room arrived this week, amid much excitement as usual. These kits really are fantastic value, and have completely transformed the way I shop for things. We were admiring the papers and cardstock and embellishments. I was sniffing the coffee (glazed chocolate doughnut, yummylicious), and discussing the rather lovely colour combinations.

'That's it!!', he cried. 'The answer'.

'erm, to what?', ventured Yours Truly, worried that he might have decided that I have spent too much on stash (as if?!).

'The colour combination we've been looking for!'.

He then pointed out that the lime green and muted orange combination of a certain set of papers, was indeed that answer to the question that has been completely flummoxing the pair of us for nearly two years. Oh, we have talked it over, even tried a few ideas out: but never actually decided. We have ummed and aahed. We have experimented. We have despaired. But now, my friends, we have the answer. Resolution, at long last.

It does, however, present us with one more question. Do you think Kelly Pannacci from K&Co would be:
a/ flattered
b/ insulted, or
c/ just think we're completely and utterly bonkers

to hear that the inspiration for the planned new decor in our downstairs loo was directly taken from a set of her 12x12 scrapbook papers?

Answers on a postcard to the usual address....

Isn't it funny...

2007-01-15T20:02:00.000Z

...how the simplest thing can totally transform your day?

As part of my training, I did a Fizzpotzz party yesterday for the daughter of a neighbour, and her friends. It went quite well, and they were all absolutely thrilled to bits with the lovely goodies that they made. Mum is so keen to tell everyone that she has taken a stack of leaflets to hand out at both the school that her girls attend, and the school she works in.

Granted, they had a free party, but from my point of view, they were doing ME a favour by allowing me to practise on them: so you can imagine my face when the daughter turned up on the doorstep this afternoon with these roses. They are absolutely beautiful!!

Now, I'm very much a glass-half-full sort of girl: you know, 'look on the bright side' and all that: but even I have days that are less than sunny! Today was definitely one of those days. A mundane Monday, cold, windy, kids fighting like two cats: you get the picture?

But there, in an instant, my day was transformed.

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Who are you?

2007-01-10T11:25:00.000Z

I am stuck at home with a poorly child today, as I was yesterday. (Don't feel too sorry for her: she's eating me out of house and home!). Not being at work gives me more time to think (v. dangerous), and I was wondering...

Who reads my Blog?

When I started, I never expected anyone to actually want to read it: I certainly don't have any particularly outstanding skills, or an overly adventurous life, and there are only so many times I can recount hilarious stories about chocolate doughnuts or embarassing encounters with the new Headteacher at school.

I know of course about my crafty friends, who leave lovely comments to reassure me that I am not waffling to myself all of the time: if you get the chance, click on their names to go to their Blogs: there is some amazing stuff to see.

But who else comes to my little corner of cyberspace? I am curious. The stats say that people regularly come and see what I have been up to, and I do sometimes wonder who they are and why, and where they live, and what they do.

If you are one of those people (and thank you!), please consider leaving me a comment: that way I can return the favour, and visit your little corner of the www too!

Right, enough serious thinky-type-stuff: off to do some sticking!!!!

..and now for something completely different

2007-01-09T09:47:00.000Z

...had a bit of fun scrapping these pics last night. The T-Shirt was given to us by a friend, and couldn't be more apt!

The journalling is on a tag concealed behind the main picture, and should be perfect to embarrass her hugely when she is 18: it tells her how hard we are finding parenting her at the moment, as she learns to assert herself (!): but that we love her anyway (mostly, LOL).

2007-01-08T14:14:00.000Z

Just had to get this idea onto paper: it's been floating around in my brain (all own it's ownsome, ha ha!) for weeks. Definitely one of those 'I don't care if the page works or not I just have to get the darn thing made' ideas!

I had taken loads of 'test shots' when my new camera arrived, and just wanted to record them somehow. The 'CD's are actually those plastic spacers you get in a pack on blank DVDs, roughed up a little with some acrylic paint. The pic on the left is yours truly, on the television, so to speak: actually this is probably the closest I am likely to get to being on the telly, so make the most of it!!

Rain stops play!

2007-01-06T10:13:00.000Z

Yeuch! Horrible rain. As predicted, the helicopter trip has been cancelled due to this revolting rain. Phil is going to call them again later to try and set another date. I am pleased: there are, I'm sure, companies who would just take passengers up regardless, in order to get the vouchers cashed in. Their philosophy was very much: 'you've paid so much for this, we'd prefer if it you really had a trip to remember'. I like that! Helicopter Services at Booker Airfield, give yourselves a Gold Star for customer service!

So, trapped in the (tidy) house, Christmas decorations safely stashed away in the loft: what's a girl to do? Why scrap, of course! Here's one I completed last night. When I say 'completed', I reserve the right to change it: have come down this morning, and not completely convinced that it is finished: may have to leave it a couple of days and come back to it.

Have a good day all!

Looking forward.......

2007-01-02T13:53:00.000Z

As usual, I am filled with optimism at this time of year: we have so much to look forward to: already we have a holiday booked, Phil's imminent helicopter trip, and of course my long-awaited scrapping Retreat in April.

Now that I am a scrapper of course, I hope to record these events on paper: and am hoping that I can be a little more current, as well as trying to catch up with the previous 35 years worth of photos!

Looking back at 2006, there are many events recorded in my scrapbook, days of laughter, fun, sunshine and family moments. What I almost completely failed to do was to record the less than happy times: the death of my beloved Nana in the spring, and losing a baby in early pregnancy in the autumn. Whilst I would still find it difficult to complete pages about these events, and certainly would not be publishing them for all to see, I definitely feel that there should be a lot more balance in my scrapbooking.

I have never kept a diary as such: this Blog is probably the closest I shall ever get to that: but what I have promised myself is to try and make a 2-page 'month-in-review', every month. The idea was in 'Creating Keepsakes' magazine, and it struck me as a cracking way of scrapping all those 'odd' photos that don't necessarily deserve a page all to themselves. My total progress so far has been to download the calendar templates from the internet: but then I did only make the decision to undertake this project at coffee time this morning!

All I need to do now is make some decisions on papers etc. but I think I will take each month as it comes, and see what takes my fancy at the time. Off now for a bit of paper-shuffling.

Out with the Old......

2006-12-31T17:24:00.000Z

Random as I am, I have no intention of boring you with the details of my Christmas. Suffice it to say, turkey was eaten, presents were opened, photographs taken, oh, and my darling girls awoke at precisely 05.16 on Christmas morning!!!!!

Onwards, then, towards the rapidly approaching New Year.

Phil and I aren't really ones for New Year Resolutions: we have occasionally in the past made the 'we must try and keep a tidier house' type, but this inevitably sets us up for failure. We resolve, therefore, not to make any resolutions: a far safer option. Then, if by some miracle our house is any tidier, we can congratulate ourselves on having done it without even resolving to do so. Perverse logic? Maybe: but it suits us just fine!

Much debate surrounds the making v.s not making of said promises anyway, and I particularly like Bridget Jones' take on things:

I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second. ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

In preparation for not keeping our unmade resolutions, we have actually done some significant clearing out over the last few days, both literally and metaphorically. The house now looks much better for it, and we seem to have offloaded some particularly tiresome dead wood. It feels good!

So, whether you are reading this from a tidy house, or a scrumptiously post-Christmas toy-filled bombsite of a living room, I wish you all a very Happy New Year. Cheers!!

Happy Christmas

2006-12-23T15:37:00.000Z

It occurred to me that I ought to wish you, my dear reader, a very Happy Christmas, before I depart for distant shores( well, the south coast, at any rate).

For the first time, we are braving motorway and main road, to return to my parent's house in Dorset for Christmas. Phil is naturally delighted at the prospect of not hosting the festivities for the first time, and the girls are happy in the knowledge that Santa has been advised as to their wherebouts tomorrow night, just in case they have been good enough for him to deliver stockings.

Apart from having to be extra-organised in the buying/remembering where I hid it/ wrapping department, and making sure that everyone has packed enough clean knickers, it should be a pleasant enough time: and we will be home by Thursday night even if it isn't!

It's a funny time of year, steeped in tradition, or as P.J. O'Rourke put it:

"There is a remarkable breakdown of taste and intelligence at Christmastime. Mature, responsible grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese in them."

I guess P.J won't be ordering the Egg Nog either then! Cheers!

Grounded

2006-12-23T10:27:00.000Z

Well, as predicted, fog stops play! Phil was absolutely thrilled to bits with his present, and although disappointed with not being able to fly today, it does give him something very special to look forward to in the New Year.

Molly (with the help of Daddy) made some lovely mince pies last night, complete with stars on top; unfortunately Blogger doesn't want to let me upload pics this morning. I will try to get back here later, but the girls have been transfixed by THIS

so it may be much, much later!

More wind please!

2006-12-21T09:46:00.000Z

Now then, no jokes about sprouts please, this is serious!

It is Phil's birthday today: the big 4-0. I haven't really seen him, and won't do so until he comes home from work (he leaves at 04.50, and if you think I do my little wifey bit and kiss him goodbye on the doorstep in my nightie, you obviously don't know me very well. Apart from anything else, I don't wear a nightie).

Anyway, I digress. The short of it is that he always waits until he gets home from work to open his pressies and cards. That of course gives me all day to make a card, ooops!

This year the girls and I have bought him a very special present, for which I have slaved over a hot keyboard working overtime, and spent less on stash (yes really) to actually pay for it. So, when he gets home, waiting for him will be a certificate for a London Helicopter Sightseeing Trip. There are apparently only a couple of companies who are licensed to fly low over London, and this is one of them. Cue applause for thinking of such a FAB present!

So, just the small detail of the thicker-than-my-winter-knickers FOG that has descended over the South-East, grounding all flights, even big planes with instruments and navigation systems and pilots who regularly have to practise flying with blindfolds on (well sort of). It just isn't on. And it jolly well must have cleared by 12.00 on Saturday, please!!!!

It's up!!

2006-12-17T20:25:00.000Z

at last, our tree is up.

I think I may possibly have finished shopping (no thanks to my local High Street, and thanks to the good old www): until I remember what I have forgotten!

One week to go, and am I ready: heck no!

At least there are only three more days of work and school. Hurrah!

TagalongaChristmas!

2006-12-14T19:43:00.000Z

Christmas Tag, courtesy of Chrissie...('cos if I do it now, I might then spend the rest of the evening writing those Christmas Cards I made two weeks ago!!!!

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Never tried Egg Nog, and not sure I want to. Sounds like it might be hot runny scrambled egg? No thanks! Hot chocolate, camping style please. (With marshmallows and a flake if you don't mind).

Coloured lights on tree/house or white?
White, on the tree. We did have some oh so tasteful white lights outside, but some b***er tried to nick them last year, wrecked them, then left them draped over my car (still switched on). Quite stylish in a broken glass/skoda/statement-of-modern-values installation, but Damien Hirst said he'd already finished his Christmas piece, and Tracy Emin was washing her bedlinen.

Do you hang mistletoe?
But of course. And I have no intention of telling you where!!

When do you put your decorations up?
Soon. We try and hold out until about a week before Christmas, and keep them up until twelfth night, no later.

What is your favourite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Erm, that would be Turkey. I absolutely love Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings (except that mushy chestnut puree/stuffing thing). Would happily eat it more often, and have/will have had it at every Christmas 'do' that I attend.

Favourite Christmas memory as a child:
Father Christmas touring Caversham in a Pumpkin float (why? I have no idea). It was after bedtime, and my Dad took me out in his car just to see it. It felt very special to be out in the middle of the night (probably about 6.30!).

How and When did you learn the truth about Santa?
Sorry, what do you mean? Is he really a woman? Don't understand the question.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
No. Never. (and if I'm honest, am usually still wrapping them into the wee small hours anyway).

How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Firstly, it has to be a real tree. Lights first (lots), then strings of wooden beads, then big baubles, followed by little ones, and all the other stuff. We have red, green and gold decorations, and get a bit twitchy if the girls make stuff that is another colour (sad people!). It used to have to be 'perfect', but now we usually open a bottle of something, put on some Christmas music, and after half a glass I don't mind so much if things are a bit haphazard: it's much more fun with all four of us doing the thing together.

Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it: but can't remember having snow at Christmas: not properly.

Can you ice skate?
Very, very, very slowly, and only if the Bar is open. (to recover in).

Do you remember your favourite gift?
That could just possibly be the Fuji S5600 that Father Christmas dropped off a little early for this year ;)

What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?
Family time. Non negotiable.
My sister and I were absolutely horrified once, when some friends of our parents dropped by unannounced on Christmas Day. Apart from the fact that we thought the day was for family only, we hadn't opened our presents, and had to wait until they had left!

What is your favourite Christmas dessert?
I really don't like Christmas Pud. Sarah and I used to have Viennetta every year, and got a bit twitchy when Granny asked for some to go with her Christmas Pudding. Nowadays Phil makes me a little sticky toffee and pecan pudding, or something similar.

What is your favourite holiday tradition?
The fact that Christmas Day is a tradition. Things have always happened in the same order, from when I was a child.
Stockings opened as soon as we wake up. Sherry before dinner (at 1.00pm), getting dressed up in our nice clothes.
Queen's Speech (my Grandpa always used to stand up for the National Anthem), and only afterwards do we open the presents from under the tree. (works well now we are parents ourselves: spreads the excitement out for longer!).
Phil and I have introduced a new tradition: we did this the first Christmas we had together, and liked the idea: we always have croissants for breakfast, filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, washed down with Bucks Fizz. Decadent? You bet!

What tops your tree?
We bought a new, rather fetching Angel last year. Can't remember what she looks like, but she was rather gorgeous!

Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Goodness me, who wrote this? Receiving of course! (Saint I ain't!).

What is your favourite Christmas Song?
Right, I must just point out at this time, I do not like Maria Carey. However, I am quite partial to 'All I want for Christmas is You', not to mention 'Last Christmas' by George Michael.
Carols: not sure: I like most of them!

What is your favourite Christmas story?
You mean there is more than one?

Right, i shall tag Nat, and Micayla

Potz of Fizzy Fun!!!!

2006-12-10T10:19:00.000Z

I am so excited! I went on a day trip yesterday, to meet a rather lovely lady called Sheila. It was a lovely day for a drive, so it was a pleasant trip to Derbyshire, amid sunshine, very little traffic, and some stunning countryside.

The reason for my visit was a lunch meeting (read: informal interview), to discuss the possibility of my working for Sheila in her rather scrumptious business. The good news is that she liked me, and wants me to work for her! I must be on a roll.

So, starting in the New Year, I shall be a part-time Party Leader for Fizzpotzz. Fizzpotzz offer girly parties making bath bombs, glittery soap, lip balm, glitter body gel, bubble bath and other such yumminess. Get this: she is going to pay me to go and make this with girls for their parties! This my friends is my idea of a dream job!

They also do DIY party buckets for people who want to have a go at doing the party themselves, and lovely kits to make luscious presents for teachers/ aunties/ grannies. Rachel and Molly are keen to make lip balms for their friends for Christmas, so we can have some fun straight away.

I go back up there tomorrow to start my playing (sorry: training), a prospect which my lumbar spine is not enamoured of: the Skoda is not a comfortable car for long journeys, but it will be worth it to spend the day immersed in all that sweet smelling glittery yumminess!

Blowing kisses

2006-12-07T18:43:00.000Z

Busy couple of days: the school that the girls go to has had the Ofsted Inspectors in, and stress levels have been a little high. The good news is that they passed with a 'satisfactory', as the new (young, enthusiaastic and not bad-looking) Head has been able to demonstrate that he is enabling significant progress in turning around what he took on as an essentially failing school in September.

Phil, in his capacity of Chair of Governors, went into school yesterday morning for a meeting, and again this afternoon.

Standing in the playground waiting for the girls, I spotted him, walking across the car park, and blew him a kiss. One of the other Mums standing with me, turned round to see who I was 'kissing', by which time Phil had rather inconveniently disappeared behind a bush, and the only other person visible was Simon, the Head.

Took a lot of explaining, I can tell you.

Silent Night...

2006-12-05T20:54:00.000Z

Well, all is quiet in the house of Random.

Daughters dearest both managed to pass their first swimming level, and so move up to the next group, together. Rachel in particular has made excellent progress, and so the lessons are well worth Grandma's money (she pays, as she is, I am certain, convinced that I will drown them at the lake otherwise, buoyancy aids aside)!.

The Christmas cards are made. The internet orders placed. The cake is still intact, and sans mouse-nibbles, a pleasant change from last year. The sprouts are, well, growing like sprouts do, on our allotment: and poised to make an appearance on our plates come the 25th. I think I may have forgotten to buy a present for my sister's dog: but there is still time!

So, a quiet couple of days ahead, then a few days rushing around like a lunatic. Nothing new really. And I shall aim to be as random as ever in my Blogging. Off to watch the unmissable Gordon Ramsay now.

Later peeps.

Oh Happy Day...

2006-12-01T16:40:00.000Z

Well, what an emotional rollercoaster I have been on today. Affirmation that my LO was indeed not carp. Excitement indeed. Now all I have to do is live up to their expectations!

Then three hours in an interview, which was totally exhausting! I feel as though I have been through a mangle.

I find out whether they liked me enough to give me a job next week: so my plan is to try and forget about it for the weekend (some hope!).

Right now, I am off to put my feet up, and have a big hot mug of coffee!

Oh me, oh My!!!!

2006-12-01T10:38:00.000Z

It appears that *someone* else liked my layout too. Liked it quite a lot actually. Aaaaargh. I'm all overcome with......

....nervousness. Performance anxiety.

I have an interview today!

Talk about tooo much going on: an important e:mail this morning, then the thought of having to eat my lunch in about half an hour (or risk getting it all down my lucky purple shirt!!).

Oh, and just for Chrissie, a bus ride. I am going to said interview on a bus ('cos I have a free ticket, and it beats stressing about parking in the town centre in December).

Later, much, much later, I may return and fill you in with the details.

Or I may not :)

Ideas above my Station

2006-11-27T14:56:00.000Z

I had a thought.

Now, being a bear of very little brain, this usually does me no good whatsover. On this occasion, I do at least have something to show for it.

A scrapbooking shop advertised for a new member for their Design Team. Having been a scrapper of nearly five minutes' standing, I thought I would apply!

Having plucked up the courage to submit my entries, they put my LO and card in their gallery, and frankly my LO looks completely 'carp', as we say around here! Not sure if it just doesn't work as a thumbnail, or if it really is rubbish........

.......But the thing is, I am pleased with it. Actually I love it. I am filled with a sense of achievement, and feel proud to put it in my album, and say 'I made that'.

And that my friends is what scrapping is all about.

Happy Christmas....to Me!!!!!

2006-11-23T23:16:00.000Z

Exciting news, oh reader mine! My Christmas present from everyone who knows and loves me will be arriving tomorrow!!!

Argos have rather thoughtfully put the Fuji S5600 in their sale, and yours truly has reserved one for collection tomorrow. Exciting huh?

Now, how on earth am I to resist the temptation to play with it between now and 25th December? I thought I could use the 'oh, but I need to practise so that I know how to take fab festive pics' line: not sure if it'll wash with himself though!

Off to dream of taking piccies. Quite how I have managed this long without a camera, goodness only knows.

Later!

Super Blooper

2006-11-21T22:55:00.000Z

We have a lovely lady, Deborah, working as a temp in our office at the moment, helping to rid us of our astronomically humungously huge backlog of work. She lives locally, and as it turns out, her little girl went to pre-school with the Moll. Small world and all that.

I had seen her in the swimming pool the night before she started work with us, and she mentioned that her husband (a previous non-swimmer) has swimming lessons on a Tuesday night. Every Wednesday she asks how my swim went the night before, and if I saw her husband warming up for his lesson: apparently he arrives some time before for a practice swim.

This has been going on for some weeks, and today she again asked me if I was swimming: to which I replied 'but of course'. 'Oh, you must look out for him, he'll be wearing his red shorts tonight'. Being the dutiful sort of girl that I am, I promised that I would.

I got to the pool in good time, swam a bit, and had a little look round. Bear in mind at this point that I had to be subtle about it: didn't want people to get the wrong impression, and I'm not wearing my wedding ring to swim any more: it's too big! Imagine being chatted up by a fat woman with a ridickerous ponytail in a public swimming pool!!

So, I established that there was in fact only one man in the pool wearing red shorts. Still I hesitated: it really isn't the done thing to chat to complete strangers in swimming pools, is it? I mean, it's just not British. Stiff upper lip, reserve and all that. I wrestled with my conscience: I mean, she did ask me to say 'hello': how very rude they would think me for ignoring him after the conversation that she and I had had earlier.

I wrestled with these thoughts for half an hour, then decided to be positive. He was, after all the only man wearing red shorts, swimming in the right pool, and at the allotted time. Had to be him right?

So, casual as I could muster, I asked 'so, are you Derek?'
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.'No', came the reply.

There really isn't anywhere to hide in a swimming pool, is there?

Beetlebum

2006-11-19T11:08:00.000Z

What a busy few weeks: I don't seem to have had a moment to myself! Mind you, have remedied that one by booking some Time Out in April! I am very, very excited to say that I have booked a place at a Scrappers Unlimited retreat! Three whole days of scrapping, chatting, and by the sounds of it, eating. We are staying in a fab hotel just outside Crickhowell, with beautiful views, and a pool. I am so excited I could burst! In order to bring myself back down to earth, there is of course the small matter of exactly how much overtime I need to work in order to pay for it, but it will make it all the sweeter when I get there.

Talking of work, we have had a major technical problem with our database of late (it died), which resulted in an enforced couple of days off. I had to go shopping on the first day: a tough assignment, but someone had to do it. By the second day I was all shopped out, and thought I would do something a little more, ahem, productive.

So, 10.30 on Tuesday found me at the Sports Centre (again: I think I am becoming such a familiar face that I am in danger of being invited to the staff Christmas party!), participating in something called 'BodyPump'.

Anticipating a sort of 'Aerobics class with cute little hand weights', I was somewhat taken aback at the sheer amount of equipment involved. A step, a mat, barbells (!), and several different sizes of weights. There were another couple of beginners there though, so it was okay, even enjoyable in parts.

Pleased with how my fitness levels have improved over the last couple of months, I so very nearly made it to the end of the class, too. Only one, small, slight problem....

Some of the exercises took place whilst we were lying down, on our backs, on the step. We held the barbells aloft, and waved them around in various directions. Given my habit of lugging boats around the boat park, I managed to keep up, and was really pleased to have made it to the end of the class. I rested the barbells across my hips, and congratulated myself on an hour well spent. The instructor then said 'you can sit up now'.

So there I was, lying on my back on a step, weighed down by a fair few kilos of barbell pinning me down by my hips.........could I get up??? Could I heck! Completely stranded, like a beatle waving it's legs in the air. I probably would have been mortally embarrassed, had I not been howling with laughter!

Guess where I am going in about half an hour.......:)

Fuji-ma-Flip

2006-10-29T15:55:00.000Z

As I have been recently reminded (thanks, Sis!), I have not yet posted a picture of my fab'n'groovy pink slippers. This could prove a little tricky.

My beloved camera appears to have died. It is no longer. It has ceased to exist. It is, in fact, an ex-camera.

Oh what a complete bummer.

Never the most expensive of cameras, but by far the most expensive one I could afford at the time, it has quite simply been the best camera I have ever owned. Easy to use, and with great quality pictures. Usually with me everywhere I go. Now, sadly no more. I had planned to ask everyone for money for my 40th Birthday, so that I could buy a digital SLR. I think perhaps now I will be asking everyone for money for Christmas, just to buy a camera, full stop!

On a happier note, and having emerged from some sort of time-warp lasting rather too many years to admit, I have re-acquainted myself with an old friend this week:-

Many, many years ago, I used to buy the occasional box of sweetly smelling goodies from a company called 'Cosmetics to Go'. Always lovingly packaged with sparkly wrapping and the odd sweetie, they made (actually they invented Bath Bombs), massage bars, shampoo bars and such gorgeous stuff. They were based in Poole, and had a rather yummy shop on the High Street: but it was more fun to buy mail order. All their products were cruelty-free, hand-made, and fresh: no horrible chemicals etc etc. I only stopped buying when finances prevented such luxuries. I did try and order a few years ago, but they seemed to have disappeared off the radar (and we didn't have the good old www. then).

I noticed a few years back that someone had had the same idea, with a chain of shops called 'Lush', who do the same sort of thing, only bigger, and smellier. I assumed that they had basically copied CTG. Wrong!! I wandered into a store the other day, and picked up a copy of 'Lush Times', with piccies of all their current products. Upon settling down with a cuppa to read it, bells started ringing in the dim recesses of my very dusty mind. 'Strandlooper', 'Smaragadine', 'Quishion'? These were names from my past! 'Lush' are Cosmetics to Go'!!! Those fab products have evolved, the shops have grown, but the same amazingly creative people still invent pots and potions of sumptuous gorgeousness, and the products are still made by hand. Wonderful news as far as I'm concerned, although my Bank may care to differ.

So, if you should be passing one of these wonderful shops, take time to go in and fondle their luscious wares. Ignore the all-encompassing smell of their 'Angel's Delight' christmas soap, it's far too overpowering. They do have some real gems though: have a good sniff of 'Honey I washed the kids', or the original Blackberry Bath Bomb: I promise you will not be disappointed! They do mail order still, at www.lush.co.uk Very good place to buy Christmas Gifts!

If you want me, I'll be washing my hair.

and the prize for......

2006-10-18T16:52:00.000+01:00

.......making me laugh the loudest (in public) today has to go to none other than Tesco!

I detest shopping, especially with one of our local branches of Tesco, whose stock control system leaves much to be desired. I did however Laugh Out Loud when I saw these fab socks: the buying department must have seen me coming!

Best £1 I have spent all day.

Solitude Standing

2006-10-12T16:24:00.000+01:00

Been feeling rather nondescript this week.

Nothing serious, but in need of some 'time out'. Things at work have been a bit of a rollercoaster, with a disciplinary hearing/staff member leaving/ 'will they, won't they replace them' situation. We have a large backlog of work anyway, and those lovely people at the HealthCare Commission have been breathing down our necks (and rightly so, to be frank!).

Oh, Phil has been suffering from my hormones. Lots of them.

I am hoping to feel all shiny and smiley and happy on Saturday though, as I am going to a 12 hour crop! They are raising money for Breast Cancer, and we are doing some sort of painty-thingy workshop which should be lots of messy fun. If I actually get myself organised and pack some stash and photos I shall doubtless enjoy the day even more!

Oh, and we're supposed to wear pink too.

Now, I don't 'do' pink. At all. So on Saturday the girls and I, and my lovely friend Angela went shopping,. Yeuch. Hate shopping. However,on this occasion I had some success. Having bought a pink Breast Cancer care T-shirt, I then happened upon some slippers. Well, I'm not sure I could describe them and do them justice. Angela's face was one of abject horror when she saw them: she didn't really think I was actually going to pay money for them! But, being the would-be rebel, I just had to have them.

Once the crop has been and gone,and they have been revealed in all their glory, I shall post a picture of them. Heck I might even do a Scrapbook Layout. Suffice it to say that they aren't traditional slippers, but I absolutely love them to bits.

Me and my Monkey...

2006-10-03T21:06:00.000+01:00

....have been doing sport, so we have.

Rachel, who adores running (we don't call her Forrest Gump for nothing you know) has now reached the age where she can join the juniors section of the local athletics club. She has been on the waiting list since the end of May, and a space became available last week. 'Thrilled to bits' would be a bit of an understatement! So, twice a week, off she goes, and runs, jumps and throws her little socks off.

Partly through my wish to lose weight (sorry, I did promise I wouldn't mention it again, didn't I?), and also because it seemed a waste to drive her over to the sports centre, only to go and collect her an hour later, I have joined as a member. The gym is absolutely packed in the evenings, so there is no way I would set foot in there, but the swimming pool seemed a safer option. Hmm, well, so I thought anyway.

Imagine the scene: me, not exactly slim and sylph-like in my oversized scaffolded swimming costume (think Moby Dick after a trip to the Eat-as-much-as-you-like Pizza Hut buffet). Not nervous per se, but slightly apprehensive at the thought of going swimming for the first time in 20 years. Well, I got as far as the pool, got in (quickly), swam a length or two (slowly), and then stopped for a breather. It was only at this point that I realised that some of the faces bobbing around were, rather familiar.

Just how many SHO's can you get in a swimming pool? Too many. And Hospital Porters. And Phlebotomists. There really isn't anywhere to hide when you're only wearing swimming gear, is there? I did think I might pretend to be someone, anyone ,else, but was rather foiled when someone called 'Hi Tina' across the water.

On recounting the tale the next morning in the office, my oh-so-helpful colleagues, helpfully suggested that I swim in a balaclava next time, so as to avoid being recognised. Hmmmph.

Altered............Me?

2006-09-29T14:41:00.000+01:00

Okay, you have probably been wondering why I haven't blogged much recently. You must have decided that either a/ my life has become even less interesting than usual, or b/ I have been off 'doing something'. Well, the answer is b/.

Since the sailing season has finished, it must be 'something' new? Yes, indeed. Something that prevents me frittering away my afternoons on the PC. Well, almost! I have joined a Slimming Club!

I enquired online, chose the one nearest to me (so that I could walk to it), and got an e:mail in reply saying 'Jenny looks forward to meeting you on Wednesday night'. Well, I could hardly refuse: I had visions of her appearing on my doorstep if I didn't turn up, cookery books under her arm, waving a pair of scales angrily!

So, I duly walked there (took nearly 5 minutes, it did), and after my initial shock at finding that 'Jenny' was, in fact 'Jim', and had a beard (Jenny has gone on Maternity Leave, but evidently Big Brother, the e:mail generator wasn't told), I found them quite friendly. Jim did offer me a bag of 'dust' when I arrived, but I politely declined. I think he was joking?

So, a good week, and some weight lost.Very pleased with myself so far. Phil is as usual very supportive, and has been despatched to Tesco to purchase something called Quark. Absolutely not the faintest idea what it is, what exactly you do with it, or indeed whereabouts in Tesco one might find it, but hey-ho, I guess we'll know soon enough!

I have no intention whatsoever of blogging any further on the subject of my weight loss: but if you should come across me, at any point in the near future, looking even 1/2oz lighter than last time you saw me, give me some kind word of encouragement?

Here we go again....

2006-09-28T14:35:00.000+01:00

Just when I thought I could get away with doing nothing for the afternoon, I find out I've been tagged by that Chrissie again. Tsk, she obviously has nothing better to do!!!

This time the rules are: List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them. Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.

Well, weird things shouldn't be at all difficult, given that I am essentially a completely weird person. Which particular points I wish to broadcast to all and sundry over the jolly old www: well that's a different matter! Oh, and I don't have any pets (tropical fish don't really count, do they?), so I can't fob you off with a tale about them.

Okay, here goes.....

1. I check my bathtowel for spiders each time I use it. This stems from a rather upsetting experience with a very large specimen some years ago, and I still shudder to think of it now. Probably not normal behaviour, some might even say obsessive?

2. I like cheese, and I love bread. However, nothing on this earth would induce me to eat the two togther as a sandwich. Yeuch.

3. When I was at junior school, we went through a phase of wearing our long white socks over flesh coloured tights. The only defence I can think of for this particular phase is that it was Scotland, and we were cold!

4. I am scared of heights. I cannot stand close to the top of a cliff and admire the view without feeling decidedly queasy. Strangely, I love flying. Can't 'do' helicopters, but love planes, the smaller the better. Not consistent, that's my trouble.

5. I hate shopping, especially girly handbag/clothes shopping. To me, this seems a perfectly normal thing, but most of my girlfriends, and certainly my dear sister would think this a strange and odd way to be. Sorry girls, would rather stick pins in my eyes than spend an afternoon in a sweaty changing room trying to squeeze myself into clothes that make me look hideous. Trinny and Susannah?? Don't even think about it!

So, that's me, in all my weirdness. Actually it probably doesn't even scratch the surface....but it'll have to do. Now, I tag Carole, Bobs, Lorraine, Kirsty and Ali. They may, or may not respond......

Later peeps.

Very shiny, very shiny happy Tina

2006-09-16T23:53:00.000+01:00

Ladies Regatta Day today.

What can I say, except that I came 6th!! Woo hoo for me.

To put this in context, I was racing against people who have all sailed for 10 years+, whereas I have been sailing for less than 3.

Fifth placed for the day was one of the club instructors: and I finished behind her!! A very very good day, very close racing for all places, and I certainly had a battle on my hands to get the place that I did. I also came away with some glassware (best Comet in Fleet). That's a boat, btw ;).

Can't walk properly, can't sit properly, and goodness only knows how I will get around in the morning, but just at this moment I DON'T CARE! I am absolutely cream crackered.

But I have the biggest smile on my face.

Not a well bunny...

2006-09-15T09:31:00.000+01:00

..so not so much of a Blog as a Bleurg. Have been at home since Wednesday with some sort of nasty bug-type thingy. Won't bore you with the details, but am desperately hoping to be better tomorrow for the Ladies Regatta!
Unlike the Novice Regatta, which was only contested by two fourteen year olds, this is the day I have to sail. Apart from being (outgoing, hurrah) Fleet Captain, these are the girls I sail with week in, week out over the summer, and we have an absolute scream. Tomorrow promises to be warm-ish and windy-ish, and we are having a bring-and-share meal for our tea afterwards.
Off for (another) lie-down under a blanket.

Shiny Happy People

2006-09-07T15:53:00.000+01:00

Okay, firstly, my friend has been to the Hospital today, and they are very pleased with her progress. They think that they removed all of the cancer, and don't want to see her for another 3 months! What an enormously, gigantic, monstrously Huge relief!

Now, by popular demand, a scrapbook layout!

On the way back from our holiday, Molly and I stopped off to visit with Chrissie. We had a brilliant afternoon, she and her gorgeous daughter took us out for ice creams (quite indescribably wondrous Joe's ice cream, frankly if you haven't tasted it, you haven't lived: think 'frozen condensed milk' and you're about there!), and then on to the beach. Being the talented Scrapper that she is, Chrissie took some great photos, and e:mailed them to me. Being the grateful friend that I am, I scrapped them!

So, here they are, the shiny happy girls, having an absolute blast on the beach. We did tell them 'just paddling only', but I think they developed some sort of Paediatric Hearing Disorder at that point, and nothing short of full immersion was going to please them. Molly then had to travel home from Wales wearing clothes belonging to a three year old: but you know, not that many people noticed that her clothes didn't meet in the middle when we stopped at the Services!

I tried to do all sorts of clever things with this page, as you can see: some of it worked, some of it didn't.(Believe me, it's when I try to be clever that I usually end up in trouble). I do think I went ever so slightly overboard with the gold embossing powder: and not quite the look I had envisaged: but hey, it was fun. Come to mention it, those terribly inventive little embellies that I made with cork furniture protectors and gold ink have gone rather, frankly, green: but I still like the overall effect.

Just goes to show that when you start with such a fabulous photo, even the most inept Scrapper can make a nice page. Thanks Chrissie!!

Down to earth with a...

2006-09-06T16:24:00.000+01:00

bump.

Well, girls safely back at school, normal hours resumed at work. (Bombshell dropped there today, but not Blogworthy). Usual playground catching up, "how was your summer" etc. etc. Then I found out that one of the Mums from school has had the worst possible summer holiday. Husband thought that he had phoned all her friends to let them know, then realised as he saw me in the playground this morning that he had forgotten to let me know...

She has been quite ill for the last few months, underwent emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder, still had problems, but was starting to make a good recovery. Then, in the first week of the summer holidays, she was diagnosed as having Cervical Cancer. Worse, they had to delay performing the hysterectomy until eight weeks had passed since her previous op.

She has another appointment tomorrow, to tell her what further treatment she may or may not need. The job she was due to start this week has been delayed until at least October, possibly Christmas, depending on whether she has to have Chemo or not.

Not a lot else to say really, except that it really brings home to me how lucky I am. Life really isn't fair sometimes, is it?

Scrap Layouts!

2006-09-05T14:57:00.000+01:00

Well, with a little encouragement from my friends, I have now added a slideshow to my Blog!
I will of course only add to it on a Totally Random basis: but at least you can see some of my pages to date. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page, and enjoy!

Toodle pip.

I've been Tagged

2006-09-05T11:27:00.000+01:00

Well, there's a thing. I haven't played 'tag' since about 1978: and this has the potential to be:
a/ more fun, and
b/ less strenuous!.

I don't actually know how to play, but it appears that someone else answers a load of questions on their Blog, then challenges you to do the same. You then 'tag' someone else.....which is fine **if** you have :
1/ any friends, and
2/ said friends don't think that you're a complete weirdo for having a Blog. Hmm, could be tricky!

Anyway, questions.....

Four jobs I have had in my life: A&E Receptionist, Recruitment Consultant, NHS Adminstrator, Ice-cream wafer packer (when the kids were tiny, and I worked evenings).

Four movies I would watch over and over:

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Chronicles of Narnia

Rear Window

Buster

Four places I have lived:

Strathmiglo, Fife

Caversham, Berks

East Stoke, Dorset

Hartley Wintney, Hants

Four TV shows I love to watch: Er, telly, remind me?? Okay, er..

Top Gear (that Richard Hammond, I mean, sorry, the cars are cute).

I'll get back to you on the other three....

Four places I have been on holiday:

Thailand, France, Andorra, Wales.

Four websites I visit regularly: (I shall exclude my most favourite craft sites here, just for a change!)
http://homepages.rya-online.net/greatmoor/index.shtml our sailing club website, http://ukie.accuweather.com/adcbin/ukie/ukie_forecast_1to5day.asp?postalcode=MK18+2EP so we know what weather to expect at said sailing club!
http://www.dailysketches.com/ sketch site for scrapbookers, full of inspiration
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ I don't always have time to sit down and watch the tv news, and if the Beeb don't know about it, it's not worth knowing.

Four of my favourite foods:

Chicken Korma with naan bread

Phil's Goats Cheese and Leek Tart

Phil's Roast Dinners

Phil's Three Cheese and Leek Risotto (bit of a theme emerging here methinks)

Four places I'd rather be right now:

Sailing. Preferably on my own, in the middle of the lake.

Tucked up in bed with no alarm clock set.

West Wales, with Phil and a bottle of wine.

My garden (without the drizzle).

Four things that make me smile:

Phil, first thing in the morning. I am very lucky to have him, and to have him put up with me.

My girls, when they are playing nicely together.

Babies. Cute, and preferably belonging to someone else! (I love babies, but I used all my energy on the first two, and couldn't stay sane with any more!).

Sailing. Can I say that again? Oh yes, it's my Blog. Sailing.

Okay, who to tag next....Kirsty and Ali, I think!

Say hello, wave goodbye

2006-08-24T20:53:00.000+01:00

Well, where on earth did that week go?? Oh yes, I have been at work. Told you my life was exciting?!

So, the girls have finished at Holiday Club, I have the day off tomorrow, and we will be packing up to go sailing for the weekend!
The weather forecast doesn't look too bad, until Sunday at least, so we are only staying at the club for 2 nights. The thought of trying to dry out a wet Trailer Tent for the second time in two weeks was just too much: so we made the executive decision this evening that we would come home a day early.

Our sailing has been somewhat 'patchy' this season: so we are taking absolutely every bit of watersports kit that we own, in the hope that we will all get out on the water at some point over the weekend.

There is also the small matter of a Novice Regatta, which takes place on Saturday. The year before last, I crewed, and Gloria helmed, and frankly it was horrid. Blowing a gale. We only capsized three times, which was pretty good considering: but enough to put her off sailing for over a year. Last year, I was on Rescue Assistant duty (sitting in a small powerboat, not doing a lot), which was really interesting, but very frustrating, as there were only 4 entrants, and I could have sailed the socks off all of them!

Mind you, tactics will be needed: I don't actually want to win. Racing operates on a Handicap system. Once you have won a Regatta (as far as I can make out this is the posh name for '4 races on the lake on the same day') as a Novice, technically you become an Intermediate. Once you are an Intermediate, they think that you have a clue what you are doing, and it immediately becomes harder to win anything! Confused yet??? So, I will craftily eye up the competition from behind my bacon buttie, and make a decision on the morning.

Now, off to brush up on those Racing Rules, just in case......

We're baaaack!

2006-08-20T10:40:00.000+01:00

All home safely, Wedding No.2 attended, washing under way, post opened, some e:mails read. Phil off to see the Cricket in London (rain permitting). Photos uploaded to computer. Tent drying (what a nightmare).

I am completely shattered: it has been a manic few days, and my head is spinning! Normal service will be resumed shortly. (and if you believe that I 'do' normal, you don't know me very well!!).

View from our Tent!!

2006-08-13T10:43:00.000+01:00

It's fab. What else can I say.

We can walk to the beach. It's quiet. The neighbours are nice. Our mobile phones don't work. Catering is up to it's usual high standards! The campsite has rabbits happily munching away at the grass.

Seems really funny to be home for 24 hours: especially as it's raining here, and we know it's sunny in Wales! Very very nice Wedding yesterday though, so totally worth the 4 hour drive to get back in time. The Bride looked beautiful, the Groom handsome, and the atmosphere was lovely. Chocolate fountain wasn't bad either!

Oh, and we are returning to Wales with 2lbs cherry tomatoes and a weeks worth of courgettes and cucumbers picked on the Lottie yesterday afternoon, so we won't starve.

Now, what else have we to look forward to.....a visit to a friend on the way home on Friday, with the promise of ice cream, and another, very different Wedding next Saturday. It's all go, I tell you.

We're all going on a.....

2006-08-04T09:09:00.000+01:00

Summer Holiday!! Yay, can't believe the time has flown so quickly, and we are off on our Hols to Wales in the morning.

We have looked at a few pictures of our nearest beach on the www, and frankly it looks gorgeous! By our reckoning, we can walk there too, so if we can manage to carry everything down there, we won't have to pay to park: always a bonus!

'If' , you say? Well, you see, never has a family of four taken quite so much to the beach: I kid you not. 4 towels, 4 swimsuits (assorted sizes), 4 wetsuits (sea in Wales can be a tad chilly!), buckets and spades, inflatable rubber ducky things (2), lunch, snacks, beach tent, suncream, camera, a couple of books. Oh and a large inflatable dinghy, 2 oars, a huge great kayak, buoyancy aid and paddle!!!!! Last year we nearly filled the car just going down for the afternoon! Plan B is to drive it all down to the car park, unload, and then Phil will drive back up to the campsite to park the car!

So, early to bed tonight, up at 5am, off before the traffic really gets going, and hopefully all set up by early afternoon. In reality that will mean we are up until at least midnight, up again at 5.30, and completely cream crackered to the point of incoherency by about 7pm tomorrow. Mind you, still beats sitting in an airport.

Oh, and as a completely weird addition to our usual routine, we are coming home for the middle weekend to attend a Wedding! We had already booked the campsite before we were invited, and couldn't change the dates. Since yours truly has made the lovely invitations and truly fabulous Order of Service (compete with delicate 3D butterflies), there was no way we were going to miss it. There is also the small matter of a chocolate fountain at the Reception, need I say more?

The other advantage of coming home in the middle, is that I can get some washing done, and upload the contents of my camera's memory cards. You would think that 400 photos is enough for a 2 week holiday? No. Nowhere near. Oh, and if you are very good, I'll even upload a pic or two to my Blog that weekend.

Be good while I am away!

In praise of school holidays

2006-07-26T12:14:00.000+01:00

At long last, the summer holidays are here, hurrah!!

Don't get me wrong: the girls love school, and I like them being so keen to go. We have had some great teachers this year, and SATS results for year 2 made us puff up just a little with pride. But I for one have been dragging myself through the last few weeks of term, counting down the days 'til it all ends and we can stop using our watches. Freedom is not having to do anything by the clock, in my book.

Okay, so it's hot. Too hot really. But.....today we don't have to go anywhere that requires clothes: DDs are currently slobbing around the lounge in their knickers eating sausage rolls and cherry tomatoes, and you can't do that at school!!!. (Be reassured at this point before you start fretting dear reader, that I, in my rotundity, am wearing significantly more than knickers: you just never know when the doorbell might ring).

Yesterday we had visitors. The sort that willingly sit in a hot car for nearly three hours just to come and play. My lovely friend Claire brought her two adorable kids to see us, and we all had a lovely day mooching, chatting, eating, desperately trying to stay cool, and having a little play in the craft room. Happiness is four children, two old sandpits full of water, sunshine, and squeals of laughter! What more could a Mummy want? Thanks Claire, it was a great day (even if I forgot the chocolate cake!).

So: tomorrow it might rain. It might not. It might cool down, or maybe not. Tonight I am due to go sailing, but at the moment there isn't a breath of wind. Do mind? Not one bit. I am determined to enjoy the summer holidays regardless: for soon enough we will be back on that work/school/eat/sleep Merry-Go-Round, and sometimes it is nice just to get off, take stock, and enjoy just being for a bit.

A Cautionary Tale....

2006-07-11T13:11:00.000+01:00

So, there I was, enjoying a great weekend at the sailing club, at our annual Camp and Sail weekend. The open day attracted quite a few visitors, despite clashing with a couple of minor sporting events (!), and I think I may have recruited a couple of new Ladies for the fleet.

Saturday night was the social evening, complete with live band, hog roast and fireworks over the lake (and the rain just about held off until afterwards). Excellent food, company, and of course wine. It's lovely when we don't have to drive home!

Sunday dawned, bringing clouds and rather adverse conditions for sailing: force 5-6: not exactly ideal, and the only people on the water were the daredevil Uni students, who seem to like swimming that much. We thought we would hang around until after lunch to see if it eased at all, and that's where I had, ahem, a bit of bother.

Phil had been into the nearest village to buy lunch, and come back with chocolate doughnuts. You know: the sort that if you bite into them, they can, erm, leak somewhat?? Yes, you know the sort. Hmm, now try adding that little spillage of gooey chocolate sauce to a woman (who can be a messy eater at the best of times), facing into the wind, which was at that point blowing at around 30mph.

Result: 'spread factor', oh, about 10/10! T-shirt, neck, face, hair! Jackson Pollock eat your heart out!!

Oceans Apart......

2006-07-05T14:47:00.000+01:00

I scrap. I stick photos onto bits of paper and add journalling and stuff, and put them into albums for my daughters to have when they are older. It's not rocket science, and frankly there are only so many ways you can lay out stuff on a piece of paper that's 12" x 12". I love my hobby, and hope that the pages that I create are appreciated by my family in times to come.

Quite simple, really.

Well you would think so.

I am also a member of two different crafting forums connected with the hobby. Sadly, over the past few weeks and months, I have discovered that actually there are two very different ways that you can view scrapbooking.

Take one of the forums: let's for the sake of argument call it the 'USA forum'. On the USA forum, there are lovely members, who take delight in people sharing their scrapbook pages, regardless of design skills or choice of photos or perceived 'talent'. They love it when someone makes a page and shares it in the gallery, and if they have an idea they share it. They regularly post pages, and then encourage others to take elements of that design and use it in their own pages. Their aim is to help people actually get their photos out of shoeboxes, and onto pages. They are all pleased whenever anyone takes up this hobby, in order that they too may leave special memories documented for their loved ones. I love these people, they are gentle and encouraging, and love to share.

Now, the other forum: let's call this one the UK forum. Altogether a very different place indeed. For a start, there are those who 'got in on the hobby at the start'. Obviously we have to bow to their superior knowledge and network of scrapping friends, for we mere mortals are not worthy of note as far as they are concerned. I have even seen one of these people start a thread along the lines of 'I am not happy at the number of people who are joining in with my hobby, I found it first'. What??????? Did they invent scrapbooking?? I rather think not. I have seen people apply to be on design teams for shops, and create a huge fuss when they are not picked, literally going on and on about it to anyone who will listen. I have seen people start complaining threads, saying that not enough people have posted flattering comments about the layouts that they have shared in their galleries. Er, HELLO, why are you scrapbooking???? I rather wonder.

I may not make the most inventive, technically brilliant or best-embellished pages that the world has ever seen. I may not have hundreds of simpering comments on the pages that I choose to share, telling me how fabulously talented I am, dahhling, but I can tell you this. I scrap, because I want to. I scrap because I love to be creative. I scrap because I want my daughters to know who they are, and where they come from, and perhaps even understand me a little better as they get older.

So, if you can't find me? I'll be talking with my friends in the USA. They celebrated independance from England yesterday, and frankly, I don't blame them.

Still up there somewhere with the Rocket Man

2006-06-29T13:58:00.000+01:00

Well, it's Thursday, and I'm still grinnning!!

Elton John was absolutely brilliant. We had fantastic seats, and it was a warm summers evening just perfect for listening to live music outdoors! Our lovely friends took the girls to their house overnight, so we had a whole evening together, out, with no worries about getting home for the babysitters: bliss. What price that freedom eh?

Elton started with 'Benny and the Jets', and then played pretty much every one of my favourite songs: Philadelphia Freedom, Daniel, I'm Still Standing, and loads more. He was on stage for 2 1/4 hours, and boy can he really belt them out! . Actually, between you and I, I was quite overcome with emotion: the realisation that I was listening to what has formed the background soundtrack to my entire life to date, live, right in front of me brought a tear to my eye (thank goodness for those sunglasses I was wearing!).

Not a night to be forgotten in a hurry, that's for sure!

The scrapbook layout should be interesting too: a couple of rubbish photos taken with my camera phone (yes, I was the ONLY person in the entire stadium who actually bothered to read the 'no cameras' notice, what a wally!), and probably the most emotional journalling that I will have attempted to date. Oh, and some rather fabulous tickets. Watch this space!

Saturdays Night's All Right For...........

2006-06-23T18:17:00.000+01:00

....going to see Elton John, no less!

I found out this afternoon that I won a staff draw for 2 free tickets to see Sir Elton in all his sparkly glory tomorrow night at Oxford!!! How excited am I? Almost speechless, LOL.

Kassam Stadium, here we come!!

It's all Chrissie's fault!

2006-06-22T22:24:00.000+01:00

Aha, a learning curve indeed: I have worked out (albeit by accident and a bit of button pushing) how to link to another Blog. Life Is Scrap is Chrissie's Blog, and so if I am boring the pants off you, you can blame her ;) (Or just go and read hers instead, it's way more interesting!).

Why am I here?.....

2006-06-22T21:55:00.000+01:00

No, I don't mean I am pondering my very existence: merely wondering how I of all people ended up with a Blog.

It's all Chrissie's fault really. She has an interesting blog, full of witty observations, gorgeous pictures, and the most brilliant scrapbook layouts. I stop by every now and then to oooh and aah at her creativity, and today thought I would post a comment. Wrong! You need to be a bona fide Blogger to post comments, so you do.

So, here I am. And, can I remember what little gem I was planning to post on Chrissie's blog in the first place?? Nope, not a flipping clue.

Honestly, you just can't get the staff.

Good Golly Miss Molly

2006-06-22T17:22:00.000+01:00

Ha ha! Never thought I'd start a blog: I mean, who on earth would want to read it???

Okay, well since you are here, obviously someone does!

I had better start thinking of interesting things to post then. Hmm, lets see....no, I'll do it later. A Skoda-full of Brownies to collect first.

Later!