I honestly don't know what to think...



I think maybe these girls have gone past it, but what do I know about these things? I think by the time Gerri had left they were fading fast.

No matter where I am though, when I hear a certain Spice Girl song it warps me back in time in Halifax when myself and a few girlfriends found ourselves in the Officer's Mess of an English naval ship that Cat had managed to score invites to. Oh the memories.

Row your boat some more

The north of Britain has been hit in recent weeks by massive downpours that have been causing a high level of flooding (see post about the dogs almost drowning). On Monday it came down so hard and fast that it made the rain of recent weeks look like a small shower. Most of our roads have been impassible and many people had to be escorted out by boat, their front lawns/roads are so completely submerged. Some have even lost their lives. Now, when those hit hardest are still wondering what will happen (as they can't go home due to high waters), we've been told to expect a rainstorm that will make Monday's pale in comparison. Will it come to pass? I certainly hope not, but I do hope that the counties and towns batten down and prepare as best as possible. I seem to remember a small coastline back in Canada that didn't quite heed the warnings for something called Hurricane Juan.

Andy and I were were going to host our first house party/BBQ this weekend, in honour of Canada Day but decided to postpone it for a few weeks until some proper summer weather decides to come our way. If it does rain like they say it will, I'm staying put, as all the roads get closed off and I can't be assed to sit in traffic for two hours to get back home. I won't complain though because honestly, its small potatoes compared to what some people have had to endure.

It's always hard to say goodbye...

Just one short hour ago we said goodbye to Val and Mike at their hotel in Liverpool. We had a great weekend with them but it's always hard to say farewell to friends you don't see very often...



On Friday I borrowed Andy's sat-nav and off I went to pick them up at their hotel near the airport. How exciting it was to see them after two years, especially now that Valentina is absolutely glowing in her 6 1/2 month of pregnancy!

We made our way to the shopping outlet where it was the plan to find Val some maternity clothes, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed their pleasure in the sales and even indulged myself, when we went into Ralph Lauren and I got myself a pair of jeans. We both ended up buying a few things from the Gap Outlet Shop as well, including the same sweater as it was both cute and warm - we were both in need of something warmer.



I loved being in the baby shops with her, looking at maternity and baby clothes although at this stage in my life I'll say that's risky business for me!

On Saturday morning, despite the weather being iffy, we decided to drive to the Lake District, one of my very favourite places. We took a little train trip on a steam engine that we thought might be more scenic but was still enjoyable. Molly sure liked it.





After our train ride we took a drive to Hawkeshead, a little village that Fern, Dawn and I had fallen in love with last year,for some lunch. After a little walk around the village we drove back around Lake Windermere and headed down to Ingleton, yet another village surrounded by gorgeous scenery and took a walk before hitting yet another pub so Mike could enjoy another bitter :)





This morning we headed out for more shopping before driving into Liverpool for some lunch by the River Mersey. It was a bit chilly but at least the rain held off and we were able to drop Val and Mike off just before the rain started. They have tonight and tomorrow to enjoy the sights of Liverpool before departing back to Italy. The next time we see them will hopefully be sometime next year to meet the baby I took such joy in shopping for!

Now I'm off to spend an hour with my husband before heading back across the country.

The most laid-back place I have ever been...



Well I don't know where to begin really. Andy and I had such a relaxing, wonderful holiday together. 10 days of easy living, where the hardest decision was figuring out what beach to go to or what taverna to eat at.



We met some of the most beautiful, kind people: A fantastic lady called Dessy (not her correct Greek name) who could speak fluid English, and her mother (who couldn't speak a word of English). They invited us to their home in the hills over-looking the sea a few days later where Dessy's mom had cooked us a marvelous meal that lasted from 2:00 until 5:30 in the evening. It was so extraordinary to be in the company of an authentic Greek family, where not everyone could speak English, but amazingly enough we all managed to communicate. The food was out of this world - we were all joking of how many mints we would have to take to the wedding due to all the garlic we had consumed.

We met a lovely German woman called Petra and her Greek husband, and two beautiful children. They ran one of the cocktail/ice-cream bars on the main road in Aegina Marina, where we were staying. Petra was so excited for me to come back to the Island after the wedding to tell her all about it and show her the photos.

And of course the there was Silva, the young Greek lad who met us so cheerfully every night at our favourite cocktail bar... he was so eager to bring us a variety of fancy drinks garnished with fruits and fancy umbrellas. He had the barman make us a fantastic, nearly all alcohol drink in a pineapple that cost £25 Euros, but then gave us the second one for nothing. The Mexicana is still my favourite though - bring on the tequila. Needless to say we walked away from the taverna on many a night more than a little lopsided.



On the Sunday we made our way into Athens, where the original plan was to then remain on the mainland, and enjoy the sights and beaches of Athens. We had to change our plans though as the city was over-whelmingly hot and smoggy and with my bronchitis and Asthma acting up, we thought it was best to head back to the Island. It was an idea we had discussed before even leaving the Island anyway, as we had fallen in love with it.

The wedding itself was one of the most amazing events I have ever witnessed. It was so rewarding to see how the Greek Orthodox tie the knot, from the arrival of the bride to the Reception. Add to the fact that the reception was a mix of Greek and Irish, well it was definitely something to behold. I honestly don't remember ever seeing a more pretty bride (I'm sure I say this everytime, lol), but seriously, Sophia was an absolute vision, and Paul cut a handsome figure in an all-white suit, which is what the groom wears according to Greek tradition.



The reception itself was so much fun, and again the food was amazing. The party was full of laughter due to the antics of my fantastically comical pal Jane. Jane, Anna and myself joined in one of the greek dances, only to go back to the table where more comedic sessions were in play. It was such a great opportunity to have some good fun with the group I used to work with.

During the times we weren't on the beach, we rented a jeep, or on two occasions, a quad bike and toured around the Island, which was a lot of fun. We found a few good beaches and scenic viewpoints. It was too hot to trek up to the temple ruins on the mountain above our village so we took the quad up mid-morning one day. It was a sight worth seeing, as well as providing a spectacular view of both sides of the Island.



Sophia and Paul came over to the island on Tuesday with most of the Irish contingent and a few friends from work. We met up with them at lunch time and caught up with what everyone had been up to since the wedding, before heading back to our little cove for some more snorkeling and sun-bathing. God, it was hard work.

The only disparaging moments on the trip were when we came across animals that have been abandoned. Once it was a group of four little kittens on the side of a mountain road, that I had a hard time leaving behind, but honestly, what could we do? The other was realizing that Athens has a big problem with stray dogs. I was told that they run in packs similar to wolves, foraging for food and protecting one another. Apparently they won't harm people, but have distanced themselves from humans. I actually caught sight of one of these packs from the tram, on the way back to the port to catch the ferry back to Aegina. They were laid on the sidewalk near a park, just sleeping.

On a more positive note, its not all like this and most animals are well looked after. We loved how there were a number of dogs and cats in Aegina Marina just lazing about while their owners worked in the various shops/tavernas. We got to know quite a few and I could even communicate with a few as I'd learned a few words in Greek. In Aegina Town there were a number of horse drawn carriages and there was one, that when taking sight-seekers through town, had a cute little lab running ahead of the carriage, showing the driver the way. Mostly everyone seems to drive with care so I hope no harm ever comes to the little fellow.



I think its going to take me a little while to get over being back, as the life-style out there is so relaxing and fulfilling. I could easily see myself living on that Island, its like taking a step back in time, where everything is less complicated. The island is far enough from the city of Athens to feel like a world away, yet you only have a short ferry ride back into the city for anything you might be missing in regard to culture and entertainment; And absolutely everyone is so friendly and warm, but most importantly, the children seem so happy.

We're Back, We're Brown, and my dog almost drowned...

Thursday was our last day on the glorious Island of Aegina Greece. As Andy and I took one last swim in the turquoise sea, I figured it would be the last time I would be taking a dip for quite some time - at least until our holiday with the children in August.

However we touched down late Thursday night to torrential rain, a typically up-yours welcome home from this wonderful place we call England. We were told on Friday morning by Andy's parents that both Alex and Molly had been on best behaviour, however Molly had not been outside for a proper walk since Tuesday because along with the heavy rain, came massive amounts of thunder and lightening. This is something our fierce little dog just can't cope with (along with fireworks), so she made the decision to forgo her beloved walk and stayed in the relative safety of her grandma's kitchen.

Today she nearly went mad with excitement when I took her out on the field to meet up with her pals Rico and Abby. I stood around laughing with Emma and Elaine (the dog's mom's) about how silly they were being, before the conversation moved on to more serious issues i.e. my trip, Emma's husband's big win on a game show - Deal or No Deal, etc. The dogs kept going in out of the bushes and it was after a few minutes that I noticed only the Dalmatian Rico on the field. Molly and Abby were nowhere to be found. There could only be one answer - The Beck, the stream that runs down behind the field that these two bad girls can never resist - must be a retriever thing.

Now we normally don't like the dogs going in the stream as its not the cleanest, however when it rains its not too bad. We did get a bit concerned though because with all the rain the river was running very deep and very fast. After a few minutes of calling, the dogs still didn't return. This was not too worrying, as they don't often come straight back, however when an additional minute or two went by and they still didn't respond, panic started setting in. We split up to scout out various parts of the stream, without much result. Double panic time. Elaine finally discovered Abby just out of sight behind some bushes, out in the middle of the water, struggling hard against the current. At least she was ok, but it was obvious she wasn't going anywhere and was tiring fast. My heart was in triple overload by then, for as I was fearing for Abby, I still couldn't find my own dog. There was only one thing to do and it looked like it was going to be me doing it. I took off my shoes, handed my sweater to Emma and plunged into the dirty, fast flowing Beck. I couldn't think about where I was headed, I could only think of the girls. Thankfully as I neared Abby, I finally caught sight of Molly, further down and like Abby, struggling hard. The poor things. Fighting the current, hearing their mamma's calling, and not being able to help themselves. I reached Abby and struggled to get her back upstream where Elaine could grab her and then went back for Molly. It was hard work getting us both out, but we finally managed. It was with a big sigh of relief that I pushed Molly to where she could jump out and thankfully reached for Emma's hand. The dogs were fine and went back to acting like nothing ever happened, although I will say Molly was worn out and slept most of tonight. I took my soaking wet-self home to get under the shower where I tried hard not to think about that dirty water, and clean out the cut on my foot. I don't dare think of what could have happened to the silly cows if we didn't find them when we did, and I'll be keeping a close eye out to ensure they don't go anywhere near the water during the next few days.

I do realize that this isn't the post most of you were probably expecting. I do have lots to report and some great photos to post in relation to our brilliant time in Greece, which I will do tomorrow.

If its half as good as last time...

Tonight officially begins our 10 day holiday to Greece. We travelled up from Grimsby tonight in order to stay in our company flat, as we are flying from Manchester at 6:55 tomorrow morning.

We land at Athens airport at midday and have to travel a few short hours to Aegina Island, just an hour and fifteen minutes off the Coast. For six days we will bask in island warmth and comfort before heading back to Athens for some culture and the wedding of our very good friends, Sophia and Paul.

Andy took me to a lovely Chinese restaurant for a fantastic meal (which I completely ate using chopsticks ;) It was a terrific start to our holiday. If this trip is half as wonderful as our honeymoon two years ago we will be truly blessed. We loved Greece the last time we visited (Kefalonia Island) and were trying to figure out where to spend our summer holiday when our friends announced their wedding. As the price came up right, we figured why not. So here we go. Here's to Greek tradition, sun, wine, and best of all, food. See you all when we get back.

Jods and Andy

Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman

She is a trusted and valued friend, a loved and treasured sister, and of course an adored and admired Aunty.

Happy Birthday Dawn, with much love from your family across the ocean.

And in other news...

A big old package arrived from back home today and inside it I found a few of my favourite things, lovingly filled by my mama:

* Chocolate filled with peanut butter
* Stove Top, a favourite of not just mine but all my boys
* KD - what my boys love but mistakenly refer to as pasta...
* Three Jars of Kraft PB - cause what they have here is a poor excuse (and one of em just happens to be for Valentina :)
* Lucky Charms for the Boys (no wonder they love Gina and Dawn so much)
* Kraft Lite French Dressing
* Fish Sauce

and much more.

Not to mention the ace pair of Roots red sweats with Canada emblazoned across the ass. God love my little sister Fern.

So tonight, instead of sticking to my healthy eating, I'm boiling the pot as I type, anxiously looking forward to my first bite of KD - not something i ever ate much of back home but once you take the beaver out of Canada anything can happen!

Time to Come Back

As of Friday I was officially back on line. Sure I could access my email, and read a few things on the Internet via work, but as access is so restricted, my choices were very limited. I feel like I've been out in left field as a result. That place where you can basically see what's going on, but your still not quite in the loop.

We've moved successfully and we are all completely happy and loving our new house. There have been a few 'slight' issues with the company we rent through and I've decided to take a back seat and let Andy handle the agents as I think my temper would get the better of me. This is quite a role reversal for Andy (the keeping calm bit ;), but I'm glad he's taking over, that bunch just rub me the wrong way. Although our new home is only a rental (we chose to go this route for a variety of reasons), its our home for the foreseeable future, most likely until we get back to Nova Scotia and we are going to make it just that. Four bedrooms and two reception rooms is a big bonus on the house we just moved from. Molly herself is in love with the back garden as its bigger than mostly every other garden on the estate, and although that might not sound like much, it is rather big. Not to mention its nearly next door to the playing field she loves to romp around on with all her mates.

I will be posting photos shortly, however, I've been busy taking a number of courses relating to the new job, the latest being Drug Awareness, which was intriguing due to a variety of different reasons and I can't wait for Stage II.

We also have to do a little bit of shopping for blinds/curtains etc. as the windows in all rooms but one were bare. We've completed mostly every room but the kitchen and our room. We want to change the colour scheme in our room slightly so we've just had the light shears up from the last house. We do have to fix this soon though, as the sun is coming up at 5 a.m. and its completely disrupting my delicate sleep habits. A couch for the front room is in order as well - let me tell you - you often realize how much 'stuff' you have when moving, which we did, but furniture wise, we were lacking. There is only so much furniture you can stuff into a little two up, two down. We are not rushing though in terms of a couch, because after living with a futon for 3 years, we are getting exactly what we want this time, and we are shooting for not only elegance, but comfort, a couch that will envelope you in its pure coziness!

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.