I’m not ‘boring’. I’m English.
Archive for November, 2008
Failed
Nov 30th
Okay, so today would have been about the rest of my holiday but for two things.
One – I haven’t finished uploading what are the world’s most uninteresting to anyone but me photos and
Two – I have been having a last ditch day to try and snap up as many words as possible for my first NaNoWriMo attempt.
Beautiful ladies and too gorgeous to be around gentlemen my final figure is:
23,204
Yep, not even half way. But, do you know what? I feel proud that I got that far… and I may even be able to use this ‘start’ and get somewhere else with it, and in a way – isn’t that the point?
I would like to offer my congratulations to those who are Winners and I would like to offer my congratulations to those who started and persevered. I, for one, certainly don’t feel like a ‘loser’ just because I didn’t get the magic number of 50,000!
Next time, people, I will get it next time!
Holiday Part One
Nov 29th
So, after a long journey and throwing bags into the lodge, food was first on our minds.
And then there was sleep. Then there was walking and the reminder of the reason I love coming to Slaley Hall in Northumberland.
And then Mum left (she couldn’t get any time off work) and for me? More sleep.
The next day I took a trip to Hexham and the Abbey which is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s so calm and peaceful. It’s still a centre of the community, used and visited by many groups but the quiet… It was exactly what I needed and I sat and didn’t think. Lovely.
I felt absolutely no guilt about taking off and leaving my Dad and brother at the Hall for time with myself… I just needed time. Away. On my own. I didn’t want to have to entertain anyone else but myself. Selfish? Yes. Care much? No.
Coming back the weather shifted and this…
…before the snow started. Of course the snow didn’t stay but just to see that much falling out of the sky made it really feel like winter.
The day ended with us collectively having our arses handed to us in a ‘pub’ quiz… So, beer and sleep topped off the day.
More tomorrow…
Back
Nov 28th
Oh it feels good to be back. I mean, holidays are great and everything. The fresh air was fresh, the views were lovely, the service was obscenely perfect and the wi-fi was fast and free.
But home is here and now… and my bed (which may be small and in no way as comfortable the one at Slaley Hall) is calling me.
First I just want to offer my thanks to the gorgeousness that is Martin, Penelope
and Blondefabulous for saving my arse and being far too brilliant!
Long post tomorrow after I have uploaded the pics.
Tomorrow is a day of writing and hoping time slows down. Yes, I am a little behind in the NaNoWriMo writing.
Happy Turkey Day
Nov 27th
Happy Turkey Day!
What am I thankful for?
All of you.
For the rest of the world… Happy Thursday!
Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows….
Nov 26th
Hello there! Blondefabulous here, coming at you from sunny Florida in the good old US of A! When Bec put out the call for guest bloggers, I tentatively put my name in the hat thinking, “Oh there will be more interesting people than me applying for this coveted position.” Apparently, I am interesting. No really, ….I am. I got picked! Whoo hoo…. go me!
So about now you’re saying to yourself, “What is it about this Yank that is interesting, and fabulous?” Well, I’ll tell you.
First of all, I am a rocking chef.
Yep, Gordon Ramsey I am not, but if you need comfort food, I am your woman. I can make a meatloaf that will make you cry, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with real cream and butter, and desserts and pastries that will soften your diet resolve in moments! I can do it all. I also cater and make wedding cakes. Why am I able to do all that? Well, I’m cheap. Horribly cheap! I saw that the local bakery was selling the pretty birthday cakes my daughter was coveting for upwards of $50! Um…. I am a stay at home mom. Not a lot of extra cash around for that. So, I learned. Then that turned to trying new things. Roasts, and veggies. For a time, I got a job in Memphis Tennessee working at a small gourmet grocery that had a restaurant inside of it. Very posh. I got to work with some cool people who had amazing ways of cooking. My family is forever spoiled now and can ask for things on a moments notice, like cookies, or what have you, and I pretty much can whip it up in no time.
I’m Super Mom!
I have 3 kids at home. Well, not “at home”. They all go to school, but two out of the three are Type 1 insulin dependant diabetic. Whee! We have 2 shots a day x 2 kids under 10 years old. On top of all that, I keep all the medical records, school plans, copies of important paper, etc…. all things necessary to keep my munchkins healthy and happy. I also get everyone up and moving in the morning. Yes this is a Mom’s job, but you see, I also have to actually walk to the school every morning and physically hand my two off to the nurse in the school clinic. Yep. The school district has a rule that my kids, who have been diabetic since 16 months and 2 years old, can’t carry their glucometers themselves. I either have to carry them to the school everyday myself, or have an extra for each child at the school. So off we go every day! Rain, shine, or anything else. I also have to go as my children’s personal chaperone on field trips. Over here in America, we don’t give our shcools much money, so they can’t provide a nurse to go on field trips with the medically needy students, so if a parent can’t go, the child doesn’t go. Makes sense right? Punish the kid for having a medical problem. SUPER MOM TO THE RESCUE!!!!!!
I am a blogger extraordinare!
I have blogged almost everything that has happened to me ever since I started blogging. I have blogged the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m a personal kind of blogger, talking about family, friends, home and hearth. Yeah, I know there is a lot of that out there, but when you have moved around as much as I have, it’s nice to see there are other people out there who do the same things you do. That’s why I like to read Bec’s blog. She’s like me. I can relate to what she writes. We have crap happen and you know what? We move right on along. No if’s, and’s, or but’s! Life isn’t always sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows, but as long as you have family and friends, it’s really not that bad.
Kind of like my first guest post.
Gonna make me a ma…a…a…a…annnnn!
Nov 25th
In tonight’s performance, the part of Bec will be played by Penelope. Penelope is currently starring in the regular production of It’s Me…Penelope; currently in it’s 13th month. Tickets are still available from all good outlets.
Yes, that’s right folks, if you came here looking for the delightful Bec I’m sorry to disappoint you but she is off holidaying and as I owe her the mother of all favours, I offered to step in for one night only.
I have never guest posted before and I won’t lie, this has been causing me a teensy bit of stress over the past few days. (I’m such a wuss!) Having said all that, I poured a glass of wine, (nothing new there then), thought of a theme and started trawling the internet for pictures of hot men. What? You don’t spend your evenings doing that?
Just before Bec left for her trip, she mentioned that she could really use a manservant. Couldn’t we all darling?! That got my Chardonnay-pickled brain working over-drive and I started to wonder what qualities would make the perfect slave.
This was what I came up with:
He absolutely needs Gorgeous George’s looks. If he’s going to be working for me 24/7 then I want something pretty to gaze at.
He needs to be good with kids. I only have the 2, but Brad-Gelina seems to have the knack where looking after a Brad-y Bunch is concerned.
He must have the wit, humour and inteligence of the delectable Stephen Fry. This man cracks me up, but he is also on my list of “people I would love to be stuck in a lift with”. (Doesn’t everyone have one of those lists?!)
He must be able to cook gournet food on a daily basis and who better than Jean-Christophe Novelli? Cute and a Michelin starred chef? What more could a girl ask for?
If he’s the type to sing while he is defrosting the fridge then he better have the voice of Carlos Marin. One quarter of Il Divo and, let’s be honest, a rather choice bit of eye candy too!
Finally, he needs to be fairly quick on his feet and so the rather delicious legs (and arse!) of Brendon Cole would be perfect. Handy if I fancy an impromptu dance lesson, because obviously that happens all the time Chez Penelope!
What do you think? Did I miss anyone out?
Writing………. and things
Nov 23rd
Right, I’m a bit nervous here. I’ve never Guest Blogged before. Sure, I’ve ranted endlessly on Benignintervention (My site) and yes, I tune into Outofmytree….. Daily! I’ve probably read YOUR blog a time or two. But this guest blogging makes me quite, ermmmm well nervous!
Let’s start from the beginning. I know the literary legend that is Rebecca from High School. We were in the same Education Set (apart from maths, I can’t count.) Carr Hill High was all encompassing, and still is. Elitism is not a word that school has ever known. The previous statement is not intended to insult any individual who has attended or taught at the said institution. However, there were some teachers, who have been an inspirational guide, creating amazing results in the children who have attended.
I have a mouth, and I have always been more than capable of using it, but putting down those thoughts on paper, in a sensible pattern is something else. I obviously can’t speak for Bec but my enduring memory of Carr Hill High School was that of a man call Mr Wall……………. Most of our peers did stare at the WALL rather than listen or interact, but I know I found my passion for prose from this man. I’m sure Bec will agree, whenever she gets back from the wrong side of the Pennines, that writing is not a case of paying attention in class, or passing exams, or even divulging in dialogue. It’s having the passion to THINK!
I have spent the last three days THINKING of what to post on someone else’s blog. I don’t want to enrage anyone by posting anything even slightly inflammatory. (If you want to see that kind of thing have a look at www.benignintervention.co.uk )……… (Got my cheap advert in there, Bec!!)
I went to Parent’s evening at my daughter’s school a couple of days ago. She needs to try harder with hand writing. She is eight and left handed. Her mum and I will hear that countless times before Phoebe leaves school in eight years time. I read her books. Last week she was told to write a piece of prose including similies. She wrote a beautiful passage about her Nanna, who passed away last year.
Phoebe likened her hands to soft, warm pillows. Her eyes to dark blue pools. Her clothes to the freshest flowers anyone has seen. Phoebe wrote……As time goes by she can see these things less and less……..
She got marked down because she spelled clothes wrong, What am I thinking, what are you thinking?
Is anyone…………………………….. THINKING?
Sunday Meme-i-ness
Nov 23rd
The weather report says it is supposed to be snowing today so… yay! Snowfights and things… but it’s probably raining because this is England.
But, I’m not really here and I haven’t done one in a while so here it is a meme baby!
My current life in 90 questions
1. What was the highlight of your week?
Getting to watch Heroes uninterrupted
2. Whose car were you in last?
The cab that brought me home from work
3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?
My Mum in the morning… But romantically… who the hell knows.
4. What color shirt are you wearing?
Beige. Yes, I know
5. How long is your hair?
Just touches the top of my shoulders
6. Are you good looking?
No no no no no
7. Last movie you watched?
At the cinema – High School Musical 3: Senior Year; Otherwise – The Matrix
8. Who were you with?
No one both times
9. Last thing you ate?
Bavarian Slice – treat for day’s work
10. Last thing you drank?
Cherry and Cranberry Fruit Tea
11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?
1999
12. Who came over last?
Neighbours
13. Are you happy right now?
A loaded question – who really knows what happiness is? I’m not miserable right now.
14. What did you say last?
Night.
15. Where is your phone?
Good question…er… Ooo, in my bag.
16. What color are your eyes?
Blue
17. Are you left-handed?
Nope
18. Spell your name without vowels:
Rbcc
19. Do you have any pets?
Not at this time
20. Favorite Vacation?
Slaley Hall – annually
21. What do you dislike currently?
People trying to fix me
22. What are you listening to?
Grey’s Anatomy, Episode 9 of Season 1
23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
A big bowl of chocolate ice cream and a time machine.
24. What is your favorite scent?
Strawberry ice cream
25. Who makes you happiest?
You guys
26. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Trying to get my email to download and swearing at my wi-fi
27. When is your birthday?
10th April
28. Who has the same phone as you?
Susanne at old work place
29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?
Too long ago
30. Do you read your horoscope?
Yes… and sometimes I believe it
31. Where was the last place you bought something?
Sandwich shop at lunchtime
32. How do you feel about your hair right now?
It needs to be a better colour
33. Do you bite your nails?
No
34. Do you have any expensive jewelery?
Yes
35. Do you have any expensive jewelery?
and still yes
36. Myspace or facebook?
Facebook
37. How fast have you driven a car?
Not very
38. Have you ever smoked?
Once or twice.. a while ago. Never again
39. What was or is your favorite subject in school?
Music
40. Do you have Verizon?
No, I have o2
41. What type of boy or girl do you usually fall for?
Geek boy… dammit
42. Do you have any hidden talents?
I keep all my talents out front
43. Favorite Song?
Today – Bad Things by Jace Everett
44. Do you like to sing at all?
Oh God yes
45. Dream Job?
The I.T. fixer girl
46. Where does most of your family live?
Down South
47. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
One brother
48. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled?
No no no.
49. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
Why is the phone ringing
50. Do you drink?
Yes, and I like it.
51. Know any other languages?
Does HTML count?
52. Ever write a coded message?
About a hundred years ago
53. Have you ever been IN a wedding?
I am a terminal bridesmaid
54. Do you have any children?
Not in this reality
55. Did you take a nap today?
No, didn’t get the chance
56. Who has the same birthday as you?
Max von Sydow, Omar Sharif and Mandy Moore
57. Ever met anyone famous before?
Not really met met
58. Do you want to be famous one day?
No
59. Any Pet Peeves?
Mobile phones that play music and the chav’s that carry them
60. Are you multitasking right now?
Yes
61. Do you like Britany Spears?
No but I like Britney Spears
62. What is your least favorite chore?
Hoovering
63. Last place you drove your car?
I don’t have a car.
64. Ever been out of the country?
Yes
65. Where were you born?
Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, Surrey
66. Could you handle being in the military?
No – I would weep on my first day
67. What is your average cell phone bill?
About £20 a month
68. Who are you thinking about right now?
The guy who did No. 11
70. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
16 – mostly Skechers
71. Are your toes always painted?
No, in fact hardly ever
72. How many piercings do you have?
2 – 1 in each ear
73. What are you doing today?
Being an outdoor’s girl.
74. Have you ever been gambling?
Not really
75. When is the last time you updated your blog?
Every day
76. Do you like rollercoasters?
No – major motion sickness.
77. Have you ever been to disneyland or world?
Nope.
78. Do you have a favorite cartoon character?
Stewie from Family Guy
79. Last thing you cooked?
Mac and Cheese from scratch yesterday
80. How’s the weather?
Windy, cold and rain like bullets. Lovely.
81. Do you e-mail?
Who doesn’t?
82. What’s the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?
Drunk dialling
83. Last time you were sick?
Last week
84. What states have you lived in?
None, but I want to live in all of them!
85. Do you wish you could move?
Yes!
86. Do you take all the QuizPox.com quizzes?
Oh, so that’s where I stole this from
87. What is your dream car?
Aston Martin DBS
88. Have you ever wanted someone you cant have?
Yes.
89. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?
With friends, happy and peaceful
90. Are you happy with your life?
Not really but I hope to be. I’m working on it!
Don’t Forget To Lock Up
Nov 22nd
There’s enough food in the fridge for a week, I’ve cancelled the papers and the milk, I’ve got three bloggers to come in and water the plants, open and shut the curtains and switch radios and tv’s on and off. The lights are on timers and… yeah… So it’s all good.
I’m back (properly) on Friday but yes you get to have brilliant people come in and entertain you for three of the days.
On Monday you have the ridiculously smart Martin of Benign Intervention
Tuesday is too sexy for her own good Penelope of It’s Me… Penelope
and Wednesday belongs to Blondefabulous of Blondefabulocity
They’re all gonna be so good I get the feeling I’m going to get locked out of my own blog!
I’ll be updating on Twitter as and when I can.
So be nice and lovely, as you usually are, and I’ll see you all next week!
Luxury Bumming About
Nov 21st
I went to work today baby!
Oh yes, there was me being gainfully employed.
I got the call at 8:15 this morning and I took that call in my pj’s with my eyes still closed, and my brain in Dreamland. 40 minutes later, suited and booted I showed up at the motorhome showroom all bright and shiny.
I was on reception which was in a goldfish bowl and the only thing that was warm was my knees which were planted on the heater, as every time the door opened – arctic fricking blast!
I know nothing about motorhomes but, my God, the ones in the showroom – I want to live in them. So very very nice!
I daydreamed about just bumming round in one for a few years – drifting from wi-fi connection to wi-fi connection, writing and being at one with myself. Good times.
Sigh. One day.
