Do you wanna f**k in a boat or a car???

Last night I was talking to mom on the phone when she mentioned what a 'whiz' she is becoming in regard to the Internet. That evil Internet. Because for any of you that know my mother, you know that she has tried to deny the computer and anything related to it, especially the Internet, since its onset. She has sworn she will never be interested in something that is used for filth, luring people into porno and affairs etc. But... apparently, she has been assimilated - at 59 years young. She's realizing that it can in fact be a very useful tool and that although it can still be used for badness (like everything else - her words) it can also be used for the greater good. She was also keen to add that she will just have to ignore rude pop ups, and gave me an example (that she was laughing through):

"I was on the a web page looking up home care and this little box pops up in the bottom corner and you know what it said? 'Do you prefer to fuck in a boat or a car?' I don't understand? I don't want to do either... what's that got do with me?"

By then I was laughing so hard,I could barely respond. Whether it was a reaction of her puzzlement, or just plain shock from hearing my very clean-mouthed mother saying the F word, I'm not sure. As I mentioned previously, she was laughing a lot herself, and proceeded to tell me about the filthy comments that were coming up when she googled Dr. Phil. She informed me that she was just going to have to ignore such things if she was going to be online.

I must say, my mom might initially deny such modern conveniences like the Internet or even the microwave oven, but when she finally discovers how useful they can be, she quickly becomes the converted.

Note: This blog was composed with my mother's acknowlegement and approval :)

New Camera

A few weeks ago I took my camera out of its case to take a photo and was crushed to see that the view screen was broken. We took it into the camera shop but to have it fixed would cost more than buying a new one. The camera was a Christmas present from Andy two years ago and I hated to just let it go, but it wasn't feasible to have it repaired. I really can't be without a camera as I like to take photos and Andy's digital vivitar he uses for work just wasn't cutting it - the delay took for ever.

So on the weekend we went out and I bought myself a new one. Its not bad at all, just a Samsung mind, but it takes nice shots without too much of a delay.

Andy has been pressing me to blog, and as I haven't a whole lot to talk about at the minute (other than the SUV getting smashed into and I don't really want to go there) so here are a few photos, one especially for my husband :)




This one is me playing at being some kind of dreamer, but a girl is allowed to do that...




And this... shhhh, listen? Who is it?

My Baby and Me

Which way to turn?

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. We had Maebh with us for about 10 days or so, my mother in-law's dog has had her pup's - five tiny runts that are so cute already, I've also just completed the last week of my old job, and we are in the process of moving.



In two weeks time we get the keys to a four bedroomed, detached house on the back of the estate we currently live on. I don't know who is more excited, Andy and I or the kids. The only downfall re the house is that it has carpeting throughout. I mean in every room, bathrooms/kitchen included. However this is something that we will be changing as soon as we can.

Speaking of bathrooms though, the house is equipped with three, which to me is a catch 22, as three bathrooms + 3 children = a lot of cleaning. I think I have to make the en suite toilet off limits to kids, and the downstairs off limits to everyone, other than guests. Call me anal, but unless everyone in the house is willing to help scrub toilets, and thus far no one has shown any inclination to clean the one we currently have, why should they be free to mess up more than one? (Of course this rule won't apply for when I'm taking a long bath as the en suite only has a shower stall - not that I'm complaining mind!)

I'm just so excited about the amount of space we will have. Other than extra room and a bigger garden, the best perk is getting away from the mardy-assed cow and her offspring that live next door. She has been so rude to the kids and even my friends that I'm about to erupt, so the timing couldn't be better - it would only have gotten worse now that spring is here and we are outside a lot. Its just such a shame when one person in a street full of great people ruins it for everyone else.

Anyway...



Last Sunday Andy and I took advantage of the 23 degree weather and drove up into the Yorkshire Dales with the dogs to do some hiking. The scenery was breathtaking, lots of rolling hills and even a waterfall. The dogs were in their glory and even Maebh took some tentative steps into the streams to get a cool off. We naturally couldn't keep Molly out of the water.



I fell pretty hard during our second hike through a wooded area, but brushed myself off, wiped the tears from my eyes and slugged on. But because I landed on my knees (what is it with me and my damn knees?), they were pretty knackered so we had to pack it in about 45 minutes later.



On the drive home we passed through a gorgeous national park, The Dalby Forest that was not only beautiful but offers a variety of outdoor activities so in the very near future we will be taking a trip up there for some hiking/biking.

Click here for more photos of our day out.

Changes

Next week is my last week at the clinic I've been working at for the past two years. The first place I've ever been employed in England. I will be a little saddened to say goodbye to the people I work with there, but know that any friends I've made will stay just that. What I won't miss is working five half days a week. Annie has informed me that I can continue choosing the time/days I work, so long as I fulfill my 20 hours per week. And I also get to wear jeans to work if I want. Oh,and I think I might have mentioned this before: my boss stocks the fridge with diet coke. I honestly think I have struck the jackpot.

As I type this I have two tired little girls laying beside me. We've just been on the field and they bounded around after Phoebe and Abby for a good half hour. Its a lovely, sunny evening and I'm taking advantage of it, especially with it just being the three of us. Andy took Alex to Warrington with him this morning (Al is on Easter break) to 'job shadow' him for a few days. They return on Friday, and in the interim, I get a much needed break, Alex isn't forced to go to his mother's, or hang out here being bored and Andy gets to spend some time with him. Its a three-way bonus. I do however miss Andy more when he's been home for longer than usual at the weekend. I usually get him for three nights tops, then he is gone again early on Monday morning. The past four days/five nights have been really good for us. However I do know that this week is going to pass quickly and he will be home again on Friday afternoon, so I have no cause to complain. Especially since it will be a quiet weekend again.

With so many exciting events in the works i.e. travelling, the possibility of seeing friends, and Val's wonderful news, I have moved out of the low period I was going through and am now full of optimism for the upcoming summer.

So tonight, I shall take advantage of this time on my own and head to the gym shortly. I have nothing to rush home for now that the girls are suitably worn out. Its time to start taking care of me again, both physically and mentally, and what better way than working up a good sweat.

Hoppy Holidays

As I was saying to those at home, it sure doesn't seem a whole lot like Easter around these parts as folks just don't seem to get into it the same way. There is lots of drinking going on due to the long weekend, and when you throw in the massive amount of sunshine we've been having, you have to wonder why the hell not.

We haven't been doing the massive amounts of drinking, but we've been enjoying the sunshine and 18 degree weather. Today was rather windy, but I'll take that over the 20 cm of fore casted snow back in Nova Scotia. Because it was so nice, I decided not to make the three course turkey dinner I had been planning all week, and Andy took me and the boys for a carvery that was almost as good as what I would have cooked myself ;)

We've had the dogs to the beach three days running and they are wearily crashed out beside as I type away. What funny little creatures they are. I was just reading www.dooce.com and surprisingly her story about dogsitting is the exact mirror of mine. Its our little guest that cannot stop herself from crouching down in eager anticipation, awaiting that moment when Molly goes running after something. She then lunges, lips bared and teeth snapping, grabbing for Molly's back as she zigs and zags her way past Maebh. Only occasionally will she succeed. But they really do love each other. They do :) Its just so funny watching them, especially Maebh as she still has the clumsiness of a pup. Those graceful long legs are very deceiving. Today would have been a great day to have had the video with us.

Now that the pups are suitably worn out, Andy and I are going to enjoy yet another child-free night and head out to the cinema. Who knows we may even treat ourselves to a drink or two afterwards.

Happy Easter to you all, hope you are filling yourself up with chocolate and whatever feast you favour on this holiday that happens to be my favourite.

Happy Birthday Annie

Last Friday Sarah and I took the day off work (well she was off all week anyway) and headed out to have our nails done in preparation for our boss Annie's big birthday celebration that night. I'd never had my nails 'gel tipped' before and I have to say, although its slightly expensive, I'm in love with the effect. As its something that's healthier for your nails, I chose this option over acrylics and I'm going to stick with it for a little while. I keep looking down expecting the polish to be chipped and am proven wrong every time :)

After a small glitch with the venue we were supposed to meet at for pre-dinner drinks (it was shut down by environmental health, nice eh?) we finally all hooked up and got quite merry before moving on to the Indian restaurant to eat ourselves silly.

Here are a few pics from one hell of a night out.

Great people, lots of drinks and tons of good food - what more can a gal ask for?

Rob, Annie, Mandy, Ricardo and Emily


Sharon, Me and Maxine


Sarah and I


Ang tearing it up (stone cold sober - what a girl!)

More pictures from our night out can be found here

Happier to be me

I want to thank you all for your comments and emails that were full of encouraging and kind words. It means a lot to know that I have really good people in my life. I have, however, made the decision to remove my last post as it was written during a rather dark moment. That post did what it needed to do for me personally, and I have filed your comments away in a very special place. With the help of expressing myself and chatting to some of you I have begun to sort myself out and get my ample ass back in gear.

I feel much better already, and hopefully my next little emotional 'glitch' won't happen for awhile. But I am also going to take the steps required to do what needs doing, and knowing I have my friends and family for any needed support, makes it that much easier. I don't think having someone objective to talk to about any issues I may have around inheriting a ready-made family (with two teenagers and a less than happy ex-wife) in a new country, etc. etc. would hurt at all.

There is nothing weak or embarrassing about admitting you need a little assistance to get through some things in life. I've always known that, especially when it comes to other people, but now I know its right for me.

They wanna put me in rehab but I say No No No

The past week has been full of strange days. Last night while picking up a few groceries, Alex and I had the pleasure of frequently being in the same isle as a young fellow who was either drunk, high or mentally challenged (yes I should probably have been able to figure out which, but it wasn't easy) who kept us entertained with the above mentioned tune. He also had a constant monologue in place as he carefully picked out his groceries. His care in choosing his product is what led me to believe that he was probably the latter, however the fact that he kept muttering that he was ready to fight with whomever wanted to roll, gave me the impression he was either drunk or high. Either way, I didn't spend too long trying to figure it out as a) I didn't want to blatantly stare, and b) quite frankly it was none of my business so long as he didn't step out of line with Alex or myself (or anyone for that matter).

Last Friday I went in to work to have my colleague tell me to 'look in the box' in reference to a big red container that was placed in the middle of the floor. Now I don't know about you, but when someone tells me to look in a box, I'm more inclined to do just the opposite. Turns out there was a squirrel in the box that had been hit by a car that morning and another gal we worked with couldn't bear to leave it in the road. Now the squirrels over here are not like those in North America. They are BIG. And cute. And it broke my heart to see it laying there in the box so obviously hurt and frightened. I think N thought she could help it but it was obvious that its back end was useless. When she took it to the vet, they informed her they are not legally allowed to release a squirrel back into the wild as they are considered vermin. Nice. However this little guy wasn't going to make it back home, even if they would let him go, so he was put down. Nice ending to an already dissapointing week.

My husband did however take me away to Warrington on Friday where he keeps a company flat to stay in while he is there from Monday - Friday. Its the first time I've seen it since he's taken it on, and I'm pleased to say that I'm going to be spending a lot of weekends in this so obviously hip and child free environment. Its a great flat, very modern and minimal. I like it. Another bonus? Its close to both Wales and The Lake District. Come on summer, even then we'll happily bring the boys along.

In Limbo

Its over. Five seasons. At least I have the whole series on DVD and can watch it however many times I want. I'm speaking of Six Feet Under, one of the most brilliant pieces of television ever made. I was way behind schedule when I finally decided I wanted to watch this much-raved about show and was thrilled when Andy bought me the first series. I received the 2nd and 3rd series for Christmas and bought the 4th and 5th shortly after myself. Some nights I stayed up till 2 a.m. (or later) as I couldn't bear the anticipation of waiting one whole night to begin again.

Last night my sleep was very broken as my mind kept returning to scenes from the final episode and I couldn't even talk to Andy about it because he is still back in season two. It was one of the saddest, yet gripping finales in television history. I think the way they decided to end it was so befitting of the show and it didn't disappoint. It didn't leave you hanging as to what might happen to the characters once they are out of sight. It had a sense of finality most shows don't leave you with. I'm still feeling overwhelmed by it all to tell you the truth. I'm a little sad they only ran it for five seasons. The complexity of the characters is unmatched in any show I have yet seen. Its hard for me to remember sometimes that these people are not real, and have moved on from 6FU. Now I just need to. Thank God for Prison Break and Lost.

Would you like some water with that?

Today as I walked into the changing room at the gym, I overheard a 'mature' woman grilling another 'mature' woman about where she was from originally (India). She was being friendly enough, but very direct, and I could tell the lady being interrogated was being polite, but really wanted to get to her workout. When she left, the interrogator turned to me and said 'This place is really becoming international isn't it?'

I don't know if 'this place' meant the gym, or the area, but you should have seen her face when I grinned and said 'It certainly appears so'. If only I'd put on my Scottish accent.

Somethings are so easy. Some things aren't.

Today I walked into my new office and was so taken aback to see that my utterly fantastic boss had bought a stash of diet coke for me, to be kept in the staff fridge. Some people are so damn thoughtful and kind. While others...

After a long, strenuous fight that unfortunately had to involve the kids, but not lawyers, Andy, all three children, and I will head to this place for our summer holiday as a family:





Halkidiki Greece. We leave to take the kids on a much deserved vacation at the end of August. Just seeing their excited faces is reward enough. I think we are really going to have a ton of fun :)

Time Out

This past week has been a trying one for both Alex and I. Teenagers are complex creatures and our fourteen year old is definitely one of them. There was a constant battle of wills going on in our house for a few days last week and I think I was fair in releasing a sigh of relief when the came for him to go to his mother's.

A friend of mine has been suffering depression of late, which has been exacerbated by the fact that her 12 year old daughter is very difficult to deal with, constantly mouthy, refusing to do anything, etc. etc. I can understand how my friend is spiralling into depression, especially since her husband offers little help in coping with the kids. I have 100% support from Andy, and I was still mentally exhausted on Friday evening after just 2/3 days of it.

Lets hope that this week is better for us, because I know Alex is a good kid, and although I enjoy the occasional whinge myself, being considered a nag by a 14 year old kid is a role I never envisaged for myself. I don't know if it was better or worse that I was spared all the hard work of babies and toddlers, but I've had loads of experience with wee children, and although they too can be trying at times, it still comes easier to me than older children. My mother's motto to the new moms who came into the creche with a penchant for complaining about how 'hard' it was is this 'You think you have it hard now? At least you know where they are and what they are doing at all times'. I'll add this tidbit of my own: 'Yes and at least they are still small enough to manhandle them into their rooms' But be it toddlers or teenagers, sometimes 'reason' isn't something you can factor in at all.

After all the tension last week, Friday night found me happily downing a few pints and glasses of red with the team from work. To say that my speech was yet again slurred upon arrival home is an understatement. But I was stress-free and happy so who the hell cares?

Although experiencing a slight headache yesterday, Andy and I enjoyed our child-free day and met up with friends last night for a Mexican feast. This morning Andy joined me at the gym where I signed up for a year-long membership. After working out for an hour we lunched at the Harvest Moon and are now enjoying a few quiet hours with Molls (who is enjoying her new bed) before our lovable teenager returns.



I came across this: Banana Bunker, on another blog, crabmommy, and although its a great idea, I just can't imagine packing it in a child's school lunch as its a little obscene. Or maybe thats just the view of us dirty minded folk

Running around with earache

This week at work has been exceptionally busy, and Alex has had various appointments that I've had to attend with him. Add to the fact that I'm watching Six Feet Under on DVD at almost every opportunity (I'm hooked!) plus trying to squeeze in a few other favourites not on DVD such as Prison Break and Lost, not to mention walking the dog, I've got very little time for much else, well other than cooking and housework.

This evening though, I finally managed to get my ample ass out for a short jog with Molly. It was only meant to be a walk, but I figured the exercise could only benefit us both. Try telling that to my chest. Not jogging outside (or on a treadmill for that matter) for awhile + being asthmatic does not make for a good combination, but I'll get over it, if for nothing else than the fact that exercise feels good, at least once you get back into the swing of things which is something both Andy and I have promised each other, as well as ourselves. I miss exercising and come this weekend I believe I will once again be the owner of a gym membership. Andy has beat me to it, but he only has himself to worry about while he's away all week ;)

I am however feeling rather vindicated in the fact that I am busy with work, its giving me more focus and drive and less time to laze around. Laziness really does beget laziness. Not that I was ever particularly lazy, but I had a lot of extra time on my hands that I thought I enjoyed. Now that I'm working more, I have less time to spend on housework, laundry, etc. and am having to do it in the evenings and for some reason I seem to find more energy to do these things. I'll have even less time when I go back to the gym. I just have to make a concerted effort to ensure my little Molly doesn't suffer as a result. Things should be changing again work wise in approximately a month, whereas I believe I will only be working 3 full days and off for two. At the moment I'm working 3 full days plus two 1/2 days.

At the moment it is 10:30 and the girl from two doors down just knocked on my door asking me to join her, her mom, and sister (et others) over at the Harvest Moon. They all looked great and were feeling good but as I'm in my old sweats and Alex is 'recovering' from having a mole surgically removed yesterday (and being a bit difficult) I figured I best give it a miss this time. As its the second offer in recent months I'll make sure to go next time around.

Tomorrow night I'm off out with the the gang from the new office and after the week I've had (dropping my gorgeous, leather turquoise bag in a puddle this morning is just one example), I must say I'm looking forward to it. Add to the fact that its mine and Andy's child-free weekend, I'd say its time to break out the party hats, or at least the massage lotion and handcuffs.

Movie Date

He said "I really think your gonna enjoy this film"

She said "Oh yeah? Even though I don't really know much about football?"

He said "Yup, even though, cause there are gonna be lots of men with fit bodies in it"

She said "You know, you might just be right".

Tonight I had the pleasure of hanging out with Connor, just the two of us. Alex is away spending the week in Chester with his dad due to half term.

Connor still wanted to come spend the night with me despite this and because of it, I wanted to ensure he had a good time. Its not often I get to spend time alone with him and as he is such a great kid with a lot of interesting things to say, I was looking forward to it.

I offered him the rare treat of McDonald's for supper, and to my delight was pleasantly surprised when he said he'd prefer to stay in. His exact words were 'I'd rather stay in, I like your cooking'. So when I told him I'd grill him a hamburger he smiled and informed me that I make great hamburgers. (Which I do, if I say so myself.)

He then picked out the late movie we would go see (Goal II: Living the Dream)and even if it wasn't the most gripping storyline I've seen, it was enjoyable, especially when I listened to his running commentary throughout. (Hey, this night was about him, and the theatre was practically empty).

Tomorrow morning, before I take him back at lunchtime, and weather pending, we will take Molly out for a long walk. Maybe on the beach. I honestly can't tell you who would enjoy that more, him, me or the dog.

Don't turn your back on me...

In the past I have sometimes blogged about children and my feelings toward having them. Sometimes, although not lately, the desire to grow and nurture a baby of my own are so strong that I get very melancholy over the fact that I am likely to never have a child of my own. Thankfully I haven't experienced these feelings in the extreme for over a year now. Babies are fantastic, with their sweet little smiles, and gorgeous baby smell, toddlers and young children special too. Hell, even teenagers can be pretty decent. And when they are grown? If everything goes according to plan, and you do your best to instill good morals, and teach your child right from wrong you just might end up having a friend for the remainder of your life. So many of my friends, myself included, are lucky enough to have had good parents who did the best they could by us, and as a result we try to be good adult children in return. But it doesn't always go according to plan. There are so many things that can go wrong, so many nights spent awake until dawn wondering where they are, or if they will ever recover from a serious illness, or God forbid, is someone out there waiting to hurt them. What if they never come back? And no one can tell me that the chances of these things happening are rare, and unlikely to happen, because they do happen, have happened, even to people I know and love. How does a parent survive and recover from these horrifying occurrences? Love would be the answer I suppose. But anyway, I'm digressing.

I've often wondered how children in the same family can be raised by the same parents, with the same values and turn out to be so different. I'm not referring to differences such as talents, hobbies or even sexual preferences. Today I am thinking along the lines of selfishness. People chose to have children for a multitude of reasons, and I often respect and appreciate every one of them. But for those few people who think that having children will ensure they always have someone in their life who will look up to them, love them and perhaps be company when the loneliness of old age comes creeping in, I suggest they think again. (I myself sometimes wonder who I will have to pass mementos on to, or who will mourn me after I'm gone but with three stepchildren and a large extended family I'm sure it won't be an issue - besides once I'm gone, will I actually really be that bothered? :)

I'm just mortified by the fact that those of us who are blessed with good, I mean really good, parents can turn around and be so self-centered that we can't pick up the phone to just say hi, or take a moment to spend an hour a week in the nursing home visiting a parent who proudly boasts of our accomplishments and flashes our own children's photo to anyone who shows the slightest interest. Or even worse, those children who can turn their back on their own parent because of something so trivial as money.

Someone whom I know and love dearly told me a story not so long ago of a son who chose not to speak to her for over a year due to the fact that she dared only send him a card for a milestone Wedding Anniversary with a small amount of money enclosed so he and his wife could have a drink on her while they were on their anniversary cruise. Nevermind the fact that she had a bottle of wine, cake and a gorgeous gift awaiting them upon their return, when she could celebrate with them in person. Her son didn't take the the time to find this out though as he sarcastically commented upon the little 'gift' enclosed in the card and hung up on her. He didn't speak to her again until she hurt herself badly a year later.

She never did tell him of her plan, or gave him the gifts that she has hidden safely away since long ago anniversary. But when she is gone, he will surely come across these gifts, with card enclosed, that was intended for he and his wife. I wonder what thoughts will cross his mind then. Even though he eventually found his way back to his mother, it will be obvious that he broke her heart at that time. In a sick way I hope he feels the pain that he caused his mother over a silly bit of money. I'm sure he will, I'm sure he will feel it a hundred fold, and realize how horribly he behaved, but for him it will be too late.

And I don't blame her for handling it in this manner. Not one bit.

I'm often told by my older friends that although children are a blessing, they are also the bearers of heartache and grief, be it intended or not. I am aware of this, but it would not be a basis for my deciding to bear children or not (provided Andy and I even could that is, chances are slight of it ever happening even if we decide to try). There are many things in life that can bring us trouble and pain. Life is a gamble and we never know what is around the corner. But I know what my mom sacrificed to bring her children up the best way she knew how. She tried so hard and for that I will always love her and give her the respect that she so deserves. Never, ever could I imagine turning a cold shoulder on the woman who gave me life, and a very good one at that.

Something I have thus far neglected to tell you

The past couple of weeks have been a bit more hectic for me than usual. The reason behind this is primarily due to the fact that I have started a new job. A new job that I love for so many varying reasons. My boss is great and I have a load of perks i.e. choosing my own hours, great co-workers, freedom to organize the office as I see fit, and one of my favourites: the use of a personal laptop, which I am happily typing on at this moment.

I'm still holding on to my part-time job at the clinic but I'm not sure how long this will last, it will depend on how a few things pan out. This new position is definitely more my speed, and as its still working for the hospital trust I can manage to hold both for the time being. I'm just having a bit of difficulty at the moment as there just aren't enough hours in the day. The new position is much more involved and takes up more time than the one at the other clinic. If I could switch the hours around I'd be better off. I'm not quite working full-time, and I certainly don't want to, but I could easily see myself falling into it with this new position, as I actually enjoy everything about it. The team I'm working with are proving fun and easygoing so far and my boss is one of the most laid back and generous people I have come across in the field. The team provides a great service to the community via an outreach program for drug/alcohol users and their families, something I find beneficial as well as very interesting. It is the plan that I will eventually job shadow the support outreach workers to get a better scope and understanding of their role and I am very excited about this.

I've been holding out for a new job for quite a long time now and can't believe my good fortune in landing this position, especially since I didn't even go looking for it, they found me. Sometimes my good luck amazes me, but I feel grateful and don't take it for granted, because it balances out the not so great luck that occasionally sticks to my heels like dog shit on the bottom of my shoe.

I sort of lost my way there for a bit, and as a result my blogging has taken a downward slide, something I'm hoping to amend. I miss musing about the silly little bits in life and feel as if I lose contact with so many of you when I'm not around, even though I'm constantly visiting your pages to make sure everything is well. I honestly love this method of sneaking peeks into each others lives.

Flemenco's, Food and Sore Feet

Many of you might think that this was not a great time of year to be in a Mediterranean City, but let me tell you, I was perfectly ok with it. Although the temperature varied between 8-14 degrees, the fact that it was winter cut down on the crowd factor big time. And if anyone really knows me, they know how I feel about crowds. It was a shame we couldn't go down into the water as the beaches were fantastic (although it sure didn't stop a few idiots), however the walk along the promenade on Sunday was nevertheless, breathtaking. I had layered up with three sweaters as I wasn't sure how warm it would get in the early afternoon. It was a good decision as I needed to remove the top layer at varying times throughout the trek. It was a refreshing walk along the beach as my head was feeling rather sore from the intravenous I had hooked up to me the night before which was continually pumping sangria directly into my blood stream. By the time we got back to the hotel for a shower and change of clothes, we had covered over 12 km on foot.



This photo was taken on Saturday night. Andy had taken me to a traditional Flamenco show that was absolutely brilliant. The way these women and men move make my feet hurt and my head spin, as the move around in a blur of astonishing colour

One of the most memorable sights of the city for me, were all the street performers down the main street, El Ramble. Each were in an amazing, original costume, looking completely statuesque, and remained so until someone dropped some change into their pots. They all had something interesting to surprise you with. Naturally some were more unique and enlivening then others, but it was something I could have spent quite a while (and a lot of money) on. They were honestly the best I've ever seen.

I have finally managed to find some time to post our photos, which you will find here. I'm a little disappointed we didn't take more, or that some of my shots were mistakenly taken in the wrong colour, however I think they give a small indication of this beautiful city.

There is no point in regretting that I should have taken more photos from the mountain we hiked up, and later descended by cable car. The view of the whole city from the cable car was one of the most stunning views my eyes have been witness to, but unfortunately my camera never made its way out of my bag. You'll just have to take a trip yourself to see what I mean.

If the trip to Barcelona was good for only one thing (which it certainly wasn't) it would have been this:

Seafood Paella

On the Friday morning of my birthday we had a 4:30 a.m. start which gave me a slight indication that we would be catching a flight somewhere (remember, at this point I had absolutely no idea what Andy had been planning). When we turned off at the exit to the local airport, it was a given. With a smile on his face my husband breathed a sigh of relief: he could finally let me in on the secret. He then proceeded to tell me where he was taking me for my birthday surprise. To say I was, is an understatement: Barcelona, four star hotel, three nights, with just my husband. It really and truly doesn't get better than this people.

Well actually it does. When we reached the hotel he then proceeded to present me with not one, but three boxes from my favourite jewelry shop. Inside I found a matching necklace, bracelet and earrings, all silver with light pink stones that happened to perfectly offset a pink ring I have from the same shop. What a brilliant man I chose to spend the rest of my life with. Each year, he proves over and again that I made the right choice in him. And not just only for his generosity and kindness, but because of the man he is.

We spent our first evening in Barcelona mapping out the city, trying to familiarize ourselves with this very big, but clean city. We thought we would walk into the city center, not realizing quite how far we would have to walk. We were a bit thrown off by the lack of people, until we realized we had taken the longer route into the old part of the city. We stopped for a beer and some Tapas along the way as we were getting pretty tired after having been on the go for over 12 hours. When we finally found the Gothic part of town it was well past 8 p.m. We were ready for some good food and drink. We found a lovely restaurant for my birthday dinner and promptly ordered a pitcher of Sangria, my new favourite beverage. What followed was the most scrumptious meal I've had in a long time. It was so good in fact that I ate it for two nights in a row. The seafood in this city was amazing and I overindulged to the point that when I awoke on Monday morning my eyes were half swollen shut. Now I can usually eat shellfish, but I think my body was trying to tell me enough already. I had definitely gone into shellfish overdrive. Good thing this didn't happen until my last day, because I would have continued eating these delicious treats until my eyes were swollen completely shut.

The rest of the trip was fantastic and once Andy had his bearings, getting around was really quite easy. Needless to say, we chose to walk most places and are still waiting for our legs to stop feeling like they have been shoved through a slicer.

I will post about the other sights and the fantastic Flemenco show, as well as upload our photos as soon as I have more time.

I'd like to also say thank you to everyone who sent birthday cards, gifts and wishes - it means a lot to be remembered :)

Tingling with Anticipation...

Friday is my birthday and my loving husband has been planning something for weeks now. He has managed to keep it a secret thus far, although I know on Sunday he was fast approaching a point where he was going to erupt and tell me just exactly what he had planned. Of course this was when we were trying to sort out what I should be packing (he has told me that its an overnight excursion) and wanted me to trust him. I however don't think I'm the only woman that might have some reservations around a man picking out her outfit. I am, however a woman who loves a surprise and because he has worked so hard on this I will place my trust in him. Apparently he has had some assistance in planning this event, but hasn't told the children where he is taking me in fear that they spill the beans. Lord knows he's having a hard enough time keeping little 'hints' to himself as it is. If I was the kind of girl who persisted in being given some kind of idea as to what he was planning, I'm sure he would have broken by now. Call me crazy, but I'm happy to be kept in the dark.

There has also been an unexpected number of packages delivered to me. Mom and Dad's arrived just over a week ago, my friend gave me a gift bag last week, and today I received not one, but two! A package came from Tawny, wrapped in lovely lime green paper, and another had arrived earlier from Roisin. It's been hard not opening these packages, and I've even managed to hold off on Mom and Dad's (which is saying something since its been laying around for so long). But today I couldn't resist, I opened the one from Roisin, telling myself that I couldn't be 100% certain it was something to do with my birthday. Of course it was and inside I found a beautiful necklace and bracelet that will be just perfect for this weekend.

If I wasn't feeling a little bit celebrated before today, I sure am feeling it now.

I'm also looking forward to beginning this book. I think its going to be an absorbing piece, especially since I am so interested in psychiatry, and certainly the way it was perceived/practiced over 100 years ago. I'm trying to branch out in the type of literature I've been reading and just finished a non-fictional autobiography entitled 'A Piece of Cake' by an author called Cupcake Brown which tells a gripping, if appalling tale of how the US Legal/Foster system could so horribly fail a child in the 1970's and 80's. Thankfully this woman triumphed to become a lawyer in a top-ranking firm.

Wanting and Needing

Yesterday morning as I was getting ready for work I heard a knock upon the door. At 8:00 this usually only means one thing: my mate the friendly post man has a very welcome package for me, or mine.

Turns out this box was addressed to me and the Allenby Clan from a very special Canuck we call Sage Longbottom, better known as Dawn. It was full of mine and my family's favourite Canadian things: Reese's pieces, Lucky Charms, Trident Gum, tuna, Pad Thai sauce, and a big package of these:

Here is where I add that I am probably the most gluttonous person this side of the Atlantic. My greediness came out in full whack as I proceeded to stuff my mouth with these wonderfully scrumptious peanutbutter chocolate treats and did not stop until today, when I reached the bottom of the bag. In my very weak defense I did manage to stop on occasion, trying to convince myself to share, if not with my mother-in-law, then at least with the kids. But I fobbed myself off, letting the evil cow inside me win. The cow convinced me that the kids could have the bag of Reese's, and the gum, Andy could have the Twerpz (or at least half that bag) that they could all have the cereal and every other goody, so long as I got the bag of PB cups.

Nevermind the fact that there were numerous other gifts in there for me such as a beautiful handmade scarf and hat, and treats from Lush. I'm not even putting a dent in what was in that box of gold. To top it all off there was a lovely Chinese game that we can't wait to try on the weekend.

It is times like these when I hold my friends and family so dear, for remembering all the little things of home that add up into something very big. We are truly blessed to have such caring people love us from afar.

Starting Over

This year began very quietly for Andy and I, we ended up having dinner out and retiring home by 10:00 to have a drink and welcome the New Year by ourselves. The weeks leading up to Christmas were rather hectic and I found my self experiencing a multitude of emotions, the end result being my disinterest in blogging. I seem to have found my way back though and am looking forward to both blogging and exercising with zest, a few weeks away from both have taken their toll both physically and emotionally. Exercising will not only assist my body in getting rid of the 1/2 stone I put on over the holidays (and most likely am still adding to) but it helps keep my mind focused and clear. Writing will only help the cause I should think.

We were all spoiled to excess over the holidays and didn't stop at the personal gifts for each other. Andy and I proceeded to buy ourselves that big double door fridge, as well as a clothes dryer (we had a little unexpected 'income' just prior to Christmas). Both these appliances have gone a long way to save my sanity, especially the dryer as I think I would have preferred to wring my own neck with jeans than hang one more pair over the radiator or door.

Connor's New Year Resolution (I haven't made any) is to drink only ice-water until the end of January, at least while here in this house. He has a fascination with the fridge's ice-maker/water dispenser and loves using it. Surprisingly he has stuck to it thus far bless him. We'd only dared to hope that this would be one very positive effect of the new fridge and we didn't even have to 'push' the kids into it. Fingers crossed that it continues even after the novelty wears off.

Oh, and how could I forget to mention one of my other favourite toys, Sky+. This happens to be the UK's equivalent to TiVo. My only thought around this new addition is 'What on earth took us so long?'