Cool Words

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I've had mild hysterics this afternoon. It resulted in frantic phonecalls to my husband, various engineers, and in the result of nothing else working, my mum who I cried at.

For the past month the freezer has been leaking steadily. Throughout the day there would be a gentle and occasional drip onto the lino (toddler safe!) below. Husband was notified of this and he said, "oh it's probably just a bit blocked, it needs defrosting." I reassured him that I believed it to be more than that, as the freezer is a frost-free model. Well at lunchtime I took The Boy's food out of the freezer and found it was quite as rock-solid as it should be, just as the milk in the fridge wasn't quite as the 3°C symbol on the display was leading me to believe.

Having emptied out all the food in the freezer (which is now currently sat in one of husband's colleagues own freezer, hope they're not having a party!), I was faced with removing the fridge poetry from the front. Either the repairman could fix it or we'd need a new fridge/freezer. If it was the former, it would be in his way, so needed to come off, and I don't need to explain the latter to you.

Problem is that those mini-poems and meandering thoughts have been written over the past nearly two years; since The Boy was born. So actually they're quite significant to us and I can remember when we wrote them. Like the time exhaustion had kicked in as new-parents and we'd discovered the wonders of Starbucks. Or the time that we weren't very impressed with The Boy's Christmas presents so we'd written a little note for nosey people to hint at them.

Either way, I thought I'd share them (click for a closer look).

What's on your fridge?

Movie Meme: Favourite Actress

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When we were set the theme of Favourite Actor by Hannah over at MetalMummy a few weeks ago, it was relatively easy for me. I knew straight away who I was going to choose, although I had a few fall back options. Therefore, when the theme of Favourite Actress was set this week, I'm a little unsure as to why I struggled to come up with a name.

Ok, I'm fibbing. I did come up with a name but was worried that she was too conventional. And so I thought and I thunked about who else I could choose. It is a sorry state of affairs that men still outrank women in the film industry, and that I have had to go and Google a list of 'top Hollywood actresses' to double-check that there's not one that I've missed. In my own defense, I can list a fair amount of actresses, but some of them are that simpering female type that I can't stand.

After much internal debate (more like, "sod it, I like her, don't care if no-one else does!") I have resorted to my initial person because I think she's the one that I tend to watch most films of.

 

 

Sandra Bullock

 

 

I know she's conventional and a blockbuster actress, possibly even a little predictable of me, but I like her films. I think she's funny and delivers a good performance in an enjoyable film, with the exception of that God awful Two Weeks Notice and don't even get me started on All About Steve, I had to turn it off.

As with most people I would imagine, she first came to my attention in Speed (phwoargh, Keanu's muscles!) where she was a fiesty livewire. I've watched a fair amount of her films over the year, including Miss Congeniality 2 on the plane in America. I was so cross when they cut the film off 15 minutes from the end. It may have been dire, but I'd invested more than an hour of my life in that film and I wanted to see how it turned out!

Bullock is capable of churning out more than just the comedic performance, as in The Proposal and While You Were Sleeping, and actually can be incredibly endearing with her serious roles. 28 Weeks is a fabulous portrayal of life as a young addict, her out of character role in Crash and the heart-breaking loneliness of The Lake House.

I am vying here with my favourite film from her. Seriously contending for Number One spot is Demolition Man which is in my Top 5 Films of all time; she's young and fiesty, innocent and cheeky. However, in the end I am settling on the nicely predicatable Miss Congeniality because it makes me chuckle every time she falls over in those stomping heels.

You've also got to admire a woman who appears to have it all; successful career, beautiful home, etc. yet adopts a child from her own country (rather than doing the celebrity thing of from another country) and kicks out her cheating hubby. Just goes to show that money doesn't make everything rosie does it?

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Now pop over and check out the other entries using the linky.

Listography: Top 5 Bucket List

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Oh that Kate is a twisted one. This week she has offered us a choice of topics, however both are to do with funerals!

This week's Listography theme is '5 Things I Hope People Say About Me At My Funeral'.

Oh my word, what are you supposed to do with that? For someone who lacks self-esteem and as I can't imagine more than seven people at my funeral, I'm going to go with her other option:

If you don't like that one you can write your Top 5 Bucket List , i.e. – things to do before you kick the bucket.

Now that one is much better.

  1. Cruise on the River Nile: Think Agatha Christie but without the murder! I am desperate to do this, visit Abu Simbel, Giza and Luxor.
  2. Enjoy retirement: Personally, I'd like this to start tomorrow but there's the debts, mortgage and pay into the pension fund in order to have the financial security to enjoy retirement.
  3. Win the lottery: Now that would enable the other two things to happen!
  4. Eat in a really expensive, exclusive restaurant: And not have the chef complain about having to cook a vegetarian meal. Not Gordon Ramsey's restaurant then!
  5. Have laughed every day of my long life with my beautiful family.

Short and, hopefully, sweet.

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Now pop over to Kate's blog to check out the other entries. You can use that widget over there <—

Weekend (In)Activity

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We've had a terrible few days; The Boy is teething again and this time it's bad. Probably the worst it's ever been in all fairness. He is suffering unbelievably; chewing his gums, bright red cheeks, not eating, runny nose, doesn't even want to drink milk, high temperature, screaming in pain at night and not able to sleep easily, and of course the de rigeur nappy situation!

This weekend we had such great plans. Yesterday we were going to sort out the garden; adjusting some steps which are too big for him to manage without falling down, mowing the lawn, trimming the hedge, pegging the washing out and playing. We managed to mow the lawn. The Boy felt terrible and needed constant cuddles or nursing.

Today we were going to go to Margam Park, near Swansea, for the day allowing The Boy his morning nap in the car on the way there. After the most horrendous night's sleep that we have ever had, that idea was scrapped. We managed to nip out to a beautiful country park which trails through woodlands, meadows and ends up on the beach. Unfortunately though The Boy didn't want to get out the pushchair and when he was coaxed out, he wouldn't go back in or walk. The poor thing wouldn't even really play with the football apart from for the inital 30 seconds.

On the way home, we tried to tempt him with his favourite park. Surely the slides and swing would enable him to crack a smile? We managed ten minutes of play before again 'up-py' was the request. The poor little chap is suffering so badly, it breaks my heart. The only thing for it was a trip to Nana and Grandad's; pure magic! He giggled and laughed for the first time all day!

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ShowOff ShowCase: Favourite Photo-Post

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As you may have seen me mention, ShowOff ShowCase was only intended to be a 3-week linky, but last weekend I had a fair amount of curiosity as to that weekend's theme. Those lovely people persuaded me to continue with it, which I would like to do if you'll have me, but in an amended format: once a fortnight. Once a month I shall host a SOSC themed The One That Should Have Done Better because I like the title! And then the alternate fornightly weekend I shall choose a different theme. This weekend sees the theme of:

Favourite Photo-Post.

There are a fair few photo linkies out there, I'm certainly not even attempting to emulate them; The Gallery and Silent Sunday are too well-establised and liked (by me included) to copy them. Likewise with the newer FlashBack Friday. This weekend's carousel allows for you to share your most favourite entry into any of these, or a 365 entry, or indeed a general post centred around an adored photo. The added bonus being that if you do choose a Silent Sunday post, you can add text to it in order to explain it further.

I've trawled through my archives and managed to narrow it down to one finally. It's very hard to chose just one photograph of such a gorgeous child such as mine, so I may have taken advantage of my own rules.

Why the hell not? I wrote them after all!

So it's time for you to now link-up please and show off your favourite photo-post. All that I ask is that, if you can, you add the html to your post please in order to link back here and help spread the word about the linky and therefore the other posts.

And don't forget to visit the other blogs!

ShowOff ShowCase

Musical Memories: Moonlight Sonata

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Ha! I lied, that's not the music that this post is about.

The song that I am choosing as my first musical memory does involve night-time illumination though.

Hubby and I met in 2000 and one of the biggest songs that year was "Dancing in the Moonlight" by Toploader. We had a couple of songs that meant something to us, but this was an anthem of the year; one we both adored and would turn up to belt it out at the slightest opportunity. I'm pretty damn sure we weren't the only ones.

It took on new meaning for me though when one night in July 2001, after the cinema, my then-boyfriend and I decided on a moonlit stroll along the beach. Yes it was Barry Island, but you lot have really got to get over your impression of it. It's a stunning sandy beach!

So there we were, strolling along under the midnight blue velveteen sky, a waxing moon high in the sky casting diamonds and sapphires over the sea which gently crashed onto the shore. And yes, he proposed to me. And yes I accepted. We married four months later (I don't like waiting for things).

When our friends got married in August 2004, this was one of the songs played at the disco and it was coincidentally the first time that hubby and I had ever danced together (we don't do dancing). It's also the only time that we have ever publically danced since, we've got four left feet between us and can't possibly stand for that lvel of humiliation ever again!

It's still one of my favourites; I consider it our song because it reminds me of the early days and the night we got engaged.

 

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Now pop over and see the other entries on Deep In Mummy Matters where the theme this week is "New Beginnings"

Musical Memories

FlashBack Friday: Picture Window

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Time passes so quickly; what seemed like only a year or so again suddenly turns out to be six years ago!

It's been quite cold today and when it's like this it makes me want to get away from it all. Three years ago, we'd have booked a European city weekend break and popped off to somewhere warmer and slightly less monotone in colour. Nowadays, that's not so easy with a nearly two year old to consider. On top of the financial aspect, there's the point that I've always maintained that I won't take a young child on a plane; it's a personal thing. So we have made a decision to spend our holidays for the forseeable future in Britain, holidays will happen via a car.

Six years ago, we decided to break from our traditional haunts of Prague and Barcelona and try out Budapest.

We landed at the airport and caught the bus into town, something that we'd done every time in Prague with no problem. Slightly different kettle of fish in Budapest. We had to then catch a train in from the bus station to the centre of the city, struggled up the stairs and almost died straight away from carbon monoxide poisoning from the pollution. On the map, out hotel was a short walk. In reality it took us an hour. With a suitcase. And the temperature decided to rise steeply.

We'd decided on a romantic hotel on Margarite Island in the middle of the Danube. We couldn't catch a taxi to the hotel because no taxis are allowed on the island, so even once we'd got to the right bridge, we then had to walk more than a mile up to our hotel and by then we wanted to go home already. We checked into the hotel, eventually, and went and collapsed in out very expensive hotel room. Which had red ants crawling up the walls.

That night we went in search of a meal in the city centre. This was no mean feat as I am vegetarian and this is goulash country. Finally we found a hotel which had a nice restaurance attached. We ordered some soup to start which turned out to be quite frankly the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted bar none. It was a gazpacho soup and the best way I can describe it is an alcoholic cold condensed milk. Neither of us ate it, instead we gorged ourselves on bread rolls.

The next day we managed to stock up at breakfast time and find a McDonald's for lunch. I had fries because they didn't do veggie burgers. In the afternoon we hired a golf cart, I was a little concerned handing over my passport as a deposit but hey-ho, and drove around Margarite Island. We ended up driving down a path alongside the Danube, and suddenly noticed that the path was tapering in and we were running out of available driving area. This is where hubby executed a 23-point turn alongside a rushing River Danube trying to avoid the joggers and not fall in to a river which is certainly not blue!

All in all, we had a rubbish time in Budapest and I went home starving. This photograph looks wistful and picturesque but belies the fact that there's also bugger-all to do there. Not a place I'd personally recommend.

But at least now we can laugh about the tip-top soup!

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Please visit the other entries over at CafeBebe



ShowOff Showcase

Questions and Answers

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I've been tagged twice today in the Q&A meme by The Moiderer and Christine over at Thinly Spread; a meme that originated with Mrs. Lister when she confessed that the "one feature I always look forward to is the ‘Q&A’ interview with a random celebrity/politician/author/whatever."

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

My mother. She is the strongest person that I've ever met. Life has dealt her some really tough cards, a lesser woman would have broken many a time, but she has kept her chin up and kept going regardless. If I have a fraction of her strength, love and compassion then I am a lucky person.

When were you happiest

From the moment that I went on maternity leave looking forward to the birth of my first child, throughout my entire time off with him and ever since.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

It was clearly so embarrassing that I have wiped all memory of it. However, I do tend to put my size eights in it rather a lot so these moments are frequent.

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?

My car. Still paying it off monthly, it's not a Lamborghini or anything, just a Renault Scenic.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family. If I'm forced for a material possession: my photographs which are my key to unlocking all my memories.

Where would you like to live?

Right where I am, it's why I gave up the chance of a Deputy Headship at the age of 27.

What’s your favourite smell?

The Boy's hair and skin, freshly mown grass, filter coffee and the crash of a wave.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

God only knows. A friend once commented (ten+ years ago) that I was like a fat Cameron Diaz (not as bad as it sounds; remember that thing Chris Evans used to do on TFI Friday? 'He's a fat George Clooney, she's a fat Jennifer Aniston' where he'd bring on a general public lookielike of a celebrity?). However, being that she is a simpering female, I'd probably sack her and employ someone else instead.

What is your favourite book?

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and I Love Capri by Belinda Jones.

What is your most unappealing habit?

I'm not going to be vulgar here so I'll say the fact that I swear like a trooper, I detest it.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

1920s.

What is your earliest memory?

Sitting on the floor of my Nan and Bampi's bedroom playing with the doll's house, when my Bampi called me over for a cuddle. He died when I was two and a half so sometime before then.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Too many to list really, but I'll go for gorging myself on a feast of my favourite food.

What do you owe your parents?

Everything, in particular my mum. She had the determination to get me started in my adult life as best as she could and without the opportunities that she had. As for my dad, probably about £1275 for all the odd-jobs he does around my house because "that's what dads do!"

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

Gosh this is a difficult one. Probably my great-aunt who I didn't get to see for the six months before she died (even though we knew it was coming) because I suffered with horrendous morning sickness for five months, and then couldn't handle the three hour drive down to see her. She was buried three hours after The Boy was born. I will always regret not being able to say goodbye to her.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My husband.

What does love feel like?

Unconditional acceptance and devotion.

What was the best kiss of your life?

You know that bloke that I've already mentioned in the last but one question?

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Jesus Christ! In fact the other day, I said 'Jesus' and The Boy said 'Christ'. That's when I knew it was time to stop. That's aside from the all swear-words!

What is the worst job you’ve done?

I've never done a job that I didn't want to do, although I once worked in a cheapy clothes shop in Cardiff. I stood there for an entire day, not allowed to use the till, not allowed to assist the customers, just allowed to tidy. The next day I walked in and told him that I would not be staying that day or any other.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?

Nothing really, because everything has made me the person that I am. However I would like to go back ten years and forbid myself from ever taking out a loan or credit card.

What is the closest you’ve come to death?

General Anaesthetic I suppose!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My child.

When did you last cry, and why?

Last night because I don't want to leave The Boy to have to go to work, it happens every night before work.

How do you relax?

Hello? Have you seen my blog? Other than wasting my evenings on the Internet, I like gardening and being by the sea.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

Having enough money to not need to work.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Ok, so that was actually Ferris Bueller, but he's right isn't he?

I tag in turn:

Alli at Mum2Four

Kerry at MultipleMummy

Sabina at DeepinMummyMatters

Jennie at Esther and William in the World

'My Refrigerator' or 'The Most Bizarre Post I've Ever Done'

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This is quite possibly the most surreal meme that I have ever taken part in. I'm not going to pretend to understand it, in fact I'm not entirely sure that there is a reason to it other than "why the hell not?"

I have been tagged by the chirpy chappy that is Garry from The Blog Up North to photograph and list the contents of my fridge and then tag some other people. I am only happy to do this because I had a delivery from Tesco's yesterday!

 

 

Organic milk, cheese and butter for The Boy, 0.75% milk for us, water filter, vegetables, fruit, salad, jam, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle, cheese (paneer, Somerset Brie, Le Roule, mozzarella, cheddar, grated cheddar, grand padona, Philadelphia), Clover, Dairylea Dunkers, Petit Filous, yoghurts, ham, opened tuna, stir-fry veg, noodles, stir-fry sauce, Onken Cherry yoghurts, Elmlea.

Think that's it!

Who do I pick on now…

Ha, good luck!

Sunny Day

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Is there anything better in life than this?

Sitting on the back doorstep, watching my beautiful and clever 22 month old (today!) son playing with his new garden toy. "pa(s)ta gone, wheel round-a-round, wa(t)er splash down, pwane sky, sun-ny… day, pour pour pour!" The birds chirruping in the trees, gentle Spring breeze blowing through the bamboo and zebra grass, windchimes gently swaying, planes zipping through the sky, children shrieking with delight. The sun's gentle caress is trying to convince my milky-white legs to convert to a more sociable shade of cream, while coaxing the moisture out of The Boy's mini-clothes on the whirly-gig.

I love Spring!

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