happy as i am

1. What is your favourite comedy film?
Dirty Dancing - I know its not sposed to be comic but hubby has pointed out so many continuity errors I always laugh loads (whilst perving over a young Mr Swayze of course) even whilst trying not to.

2. What is your favourite comedy on TV?
The IT crowd or As Time Goes By

3. Who is your best Comedy actor/actress?
Adam Sandler

4. If you could write a comedy what would it be about?
Decorating and the things that could go right/wrong - think The Plank but modern.

5. What is the Funniest thing you have ever seen be it in person or on a TV show or film?
Dear god. I can't think, Probably my hubbys face when I burst into a hyper giggle mode for no apparent reason.

Well I hope so, I just hope I'm not being too premature. This evening my sis rang me. Actually rang me! And asked if I was coming over. She sounded much more normal, a little vacant but she always has been. My mum said she had been asking over me for a couple hours and that she seemed a lot clearer at home. So this is it. FINGERS CROSSED.

I hope this is it and she's on the mend, but its given me hope as it's now been a week since she went doolally ('scuse the phraseology) on us. The only bummer is that all the family arrive this week and if she is on the mend I don't want them to set her back.

Anyway, that's my news. Thought I'd share something good for a change!

I'm starting to find this really difficult. It's been nearly a week, and although there are obvious 'improvements' in my sister she hasn't snapped back to being herself. I find it hard spending time with her. It worries me that I might go the same way sometime.

I had two shots of neat rum last night, the burning as it went down kinda helped, and I slept through the night. Don't worry, I know alcohol isnt the answer, but it helps from time to time.

I'd probably be fine if it was sunny, like yesterday, but it's raining, and I just want to hide away. Not sure I can face work, but then again I need to be kept busy, to stop my wandering thoughts.

My tears are coming. I'm not sure whether they're self pity, sadness for my sister or pent up frustration at life in general. I stopped the tears for now. Too mch to be doing.

See ya

We're all doing fine. I apologise if I haven't visited you lately, had a lot going on. Back to work tomorrow. Thanks for your support and thoughts.

in usual times my sister doesn't especially get on with my uncle or aunt as they always ask too many q's and my aunt's English is quite fractured.

My aunt & uncle still kinda want my ma & (not soon enough but) soon to be ex-step father to get back togther, and I really hate my step father and get annoyed with my uncle and aunt.

Oh, and my sister keeps saying 'I can't cope I don't think I will be able to survive' which makes me worry in case the phone rings.

Still, could be worse I guess

Well, today has been an experience. One I don't really want to experience again. But tomorrow I am up early, back up to mums' to look after my sis whilst mum goes to work. It was quite harrowing, as sis is still not back to normal. She walks about like a wraith, still thinks people are coming for her, and hardly eats. But she isn't quite as odd as last Tuesday to Thursday.

Looks more & more like she took or was slipped something at a party last Saturday which has affected her very badly. Her dad is coming down on Tuesday which should be interesting as the last time he visited (maybe 6 months ago) he stayed about half an hour en route to somewhere else. Hopefully my sis is alright with him as he'll be on his own from whilst mum goes to work til she gets home. And I'll be at work. Oh, in case you didn't already know, I also can't stand the man.

We've also got my uncle and aunt arriving from Holland on Thursday so mums house is gonna be busy. At least there is the bank holiday weekend so I can help out a bit more. Assuming my sister isn't recovered, or admitted to hospital by then. At least mum will have some extra support.

On the upside though, we've just ordered us a new TV. A Samsung 37inch 1080p (and if that means as much to you as to me... it's quite a good TV but mostly great if you like split screen gaming). It should be with us within the week!

We've also put the carpet back down in our lounge and our sofa too. The sitting room really only needs wallpaper and a few finishing touches of paint. Oh, and some CD racks and about 1000 cd's to be returned to their rightful homes.

The downside being that it's so unnerving spending time with her. I can't help her, and I feel so fruestrated. And I end up totally knackered. I'm back to work Monday but I don't think I'll feel rested. I only wonder how mum is coping, at least I am getting some 'me' time. She is straight back from work into it.

So, what have I been up to since last I posted? Not a lot. Well, some things and some nothings to be fair. Over the weekend I watched some really and unexpectedly good films. My subscription is currently working out at £1 a film, if not cheaper and I am watching such a range of genres and time spans.

So, what did I watch? 'Chaos' on Friday night. I wasn't expecting too much from Jason Statham and Wesley Snipes, but they actually kept me amused and enthused to the end of a film. It's basically a thriller with a bit of action - two cops are put on a case to solve a bank robbery and at the end after one dies the other finds the crim. Won't say more than that, but it is pretty good all the same.

Then we saw 'Serenity', the first half hour of plot building had me bored, but then the action and plot were gripping. Good guys, bad guys, action and romance. What more could I ask?

Last night, I watched 'The Jane Austen Book Club', alone. He refused to watch it but I found it quite refreshingly funny without being gooey. I still love the word gooey. Gooey, gooey, gooey. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

So, aside from watching films I also met up with friends and we got lent some new books, one of them isn't even out yet, its like a proof copy. Friend works for a publishing house. I had a picnic in the back garden on Sunday, the sun was nice although the wind was breezy.

Then I went to the park with my friends little girl, we had huge fun kicking the football around and I was absolutely knackered trying to keep up. So, I got up early today (in preparation for 6.15am starts for Fitfarm in 18 days) and this evening I went to the gym. First time in two weeks, and it was alright. Apart from feelings of nausea as I rode the bicycle and rowed the rowing machine. Didn't do any resistance stuff but I'm hoping no going, back tomorrow for more of the same after work.

So that's me and mine in a nutshell, apart from getting very frustrated with my camera which wouldn't let me take the detailed photos I wanted of dew drops in the grass. I'll post them another day, after I've reviewed them.

Take care everyone

x

It's here again. Can you believe how quickly time flies? Time to relax with a glass of wine and a good film or two. Hubby's on the phone to his ma, so I thought I'd grab a quick blog.

We're thinking of getting Domino's delivered for dinner. It's not cheap, but today IS payday! I've put by £100 to buy the last bits I need for fitfarm, which is now 20 days away. It even leaves me a load of spare cash. I love this job!

Today I was lucky, it wasn't anywhere near as busy as the two days previous, we had a call coaching course first thing, which was a good laugh, and when we went back to work it still felt like 9am, so lunch time came very soon!

We've plans for the weekend, we're visiting mates in Haywards Heath for lunch tomorrow. Should be good, hoping the weather holds out though. I've also got a bucket load of housework to do, and some decorating too.

Bob the builder was back yesterday, he's started sanding the back and front of my house. Scarily though he explained he has to remove all the loose fluff from the cracks around my window, which actually, right now, looks scarily like it's all gonna fall down.

Oh well, it will be finished next week and then we've only got...
the bathroom, the kitchen and the back stairs left to decorate and then a new mattress and stereo to buy as well. Nevermind, we'll get there.

Hubby reckons there might be a job opportunity at a higher level coming up for him soon, so now we're gonna be rethinking the 'moving to the US' plans, maybe delay them a year or so, but there's no guarantees (he's naff at interviewing) so there's lots going on!

So there,

Gotta go have a fab weekend!

Last time I was online I looked up and nearly two hours had passed. This time I've been on for nearly half an hour already. We watched the most beautiful film tonight - August Rush - it was really really good. Left me all warm and gooey inside.

Lovefilm is a wonder, all these things that I can't be bothered to fork out for at the cinema, that sound vaguely interesting. I have watched so many films in the last year that I would never have seen, all for £17 a month! And, when I think how much cash and space I have saved by not purchasing films I would only wanna see once?

Anyway, bed time calls

x

Hello.
In the last week I have completed...
Gym visits: 0
Swims: 0

I have just checked my Countdown between today and my trip to FITFARMS and it's not looking good.

I see myself in the mirror and think perhaps I need to stay at fitfarm for a month to actually benefit my body enough. It's not pretty. No really.

This week I am going to get my bonny behind to the gym at least twice. I might just do the cardio stuff one day, and the resistance stuff another, although that's a real cop out too. I have bought the bulk of clothing I need for my week away, but have a few bits to get after payday.

Just realised its nearly a year since i joined blogland. How peculiar that I have managed (mostly) to stay positive, yet not achieve any of the goals I had in mind back then. Never mind, slowly, slowly is better than backwards!

I went to the most beautiful wedding last Thursday. Thankfully the weather was lovely. The bride looked pretty in fuschia. I took lots of pics but often found that there was an elbow in my shots. I don't honestly know how on earth I managed with a film camera coz I had so many duds!

Anyway, tomorrow is another day. Back to the grind, but a busy week. Ma's birthday, must get a card, a volunteers get-together, lunch out on Saturday AND two gym visits. I will be busy! We've also got more decorating to do. Still. Yes. I know. But we are getting there I think.

Take care all, gotta go check the answer to the weekend teaser.

x

**One
Word.**
You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.

Not as easy as you might think*. Remember: one word answers.

Where is your mobile phone? Kitchen
Your significant other? Reading (a book, not the place)
Your hair? Unclean
Your mother? crazy
Your father? Who.
Your favourite thing? Sleeping
Your dream last night? Dull
Your favorite drink? Sambuca
Your dream/goal? Happiness
The room you're in? Front
Your ex? Who
Your fear? Illness
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Pregnant
Where were you last night? Friends
What you're not? Awake
One of your wish list items? Decorator
Where you grew up? Congresbury
The last thing you did? Read
What are you wearing? Duvet
Your TV? Dusty
Your pets? None
Your computer? Dusty
Your life? Good
Your mood? Dozy
Missing someone? No
Your car? Wishes
Something you're not wearing? trousers
Favourite Store? Waitrose
Your summer? BBQ'ing
Like someone? Yup
Your favourite colour? Purple
Last time you laughed? Just
Last time you cried? Tuesday

I've been tagged by Rithompson

The Rules -

1. Link to the person's blog who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself
4. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog.

My facts?
1) I have a cold.
2) I haven't read a book from cover to cover in the last 4 months. How annoying!
3) Im hating chain blog posts!!!
4) Really need to comb my hair!
5) I would love to stop working - if only the funds were available!
6) My credit card is clear but my loan is maxed out!
7) Moving to Brighton changed my life for the better.

Philg
phil

Sorry, I aint got 5 more people who havent been tagged.

x

I am 29 years old, and when the chips are down the only two friends I can talk to are my mum and my hubby. You know, when you feel the need to pick up the phone and have a really good gossip/whine? When you need someone to pour salve on your troubles.

Don't get me wrong, I'm lucky that I have a good man and a better mother, but it has saddened me to realise, that of all the people I've ever met, befriended, entered onto my phone book. Tonight when I really want someone to listen, there is nobody.

I probably sound awful selfish, I know there's bigger things going on in the world that I am blissfully not party to, but I worry, and when I worry I wanna talk it all through. It's only tonight, hubbys gone out (stag do - do not disturb) and talking to mum will make her worry unneccessarily.

So, as my dinner cooks I blog instead, open my heart to the world and the worlds wide web. Tomorrow I'll be fine, but tonight is another matter. The reason for my discontent? The most disatisfying conversation with my 17 year old sister. I don't honestly know how we are related. She is so dim sometimes it just scares me.

She's still seeing this lad, and she confided in me, that sometimes they 'forget' to use condoms. Great. But she doesn't seem to get it through her skull that she not he is the one at risk from pregnancy and STD's (he's already slept with at least 8 girls, he's her first).

So, not only are they forgetting condoms, but it's too embarrassing to book an appointment to get the pill. But that's fine, don't worry, coz if she get's pregnant she'll get rid, she tells me. It's also too embarrasing to find out about the morning after pill, to confide in mum, to take some bloody responsibility for her damn self!

I don't suppose she'd find 9 months of invasive antenatal tests 'embarrasing' but she just doesn't get it. She reckons we're all jealous coz she's having sex so young. Hmm, right.

I need to step back, and I will. My curry is nearly ready, I've a tub of Ben & Jerry's in the freezer and I'll be popping a chick flick on in about 10 minutes, so in an hour I'll be relaxd, possibly drunk and very very full.

Shame I also have to waste/spend my lunch hour tomorrow at the Youth's Information Shop whilst she gets info/pregnancy tested/condoms etc.

Oh, and Thursday morning instead of relaxing and preparing for my cousin-in-laws wedding, I'll be traipsine to the Dr's to sit in a waiting room while she gets the pill. Oh Joy

Anyhow, its mostly off my chest. Thanks for being here guys, I woulda torn my hair out without blog.co.uk to fall back on.

Big love

Happy
x

I had a great one, hope every one else did too! Certainly made the most of both days which was great. And I even made it back to the gym yesterday night, so that was my 4th trip in 2 weeks. I think that's quite good (for me at least). I've packed my swim kit for tonight as my legs are still tender from probably overdoing it.

I hate the cross trainer. It is a devil in disguise! It was good though, I got to the gym just after 5pm and there was only one other person there, so I used the machines in the order I wanted instead of queuing and stuff.

Then I went home, ate a yummy roast dinner and watched Stardust. That is a really wonderful film, almost old fashioned both in values and the number of big actors in it. If you haven't seen it I'd recommend you do. The first half hour is a bit slow but it does pick up!

Gotta get ready for work. Sun's shining and I've only gotta do til wednesday so it should be cool!

Seeya
x

Hurriedly crafted, I still have numb fingers.

Isn't he the Master of sartorial style?

Shame he's slowly melting away!

Or not! But we have Christmas weather now. We never ever have snow at Christmas. Here is a round up of my 4 favourite photos from this morning...

This tree is pretty all year round but the pink blossom is especially pretty and makes it stand out. So imagine how chuffed I was to get such a good close up of the blossom in snow:

I love the play area at the park, all the energy the kids have makes me smile. But today, the play area was empty. It was nice though, almost like it was resting...

the primary colours stood out so well against the snowy backdrop too.

And finally, one from the sea front. The beach was hidden by snow, and this just fell away into sea...

Hope you've enjoyed these few, there'll be more on my other blog in a bit!
x

Ohmigosh. Woke up this morning and ventured to the loo. Looked out the kitchen window as I walked past to see whiteness falling from the sky. Figured eyes weren't functioning, so went back for a second look.

It was snowing! Now down on the South coast we see a lot of snow flurries but it hardly ever settles, so I hurriedly woke hubby up so he could see the beauty before it disappeared. Thick white flakes. So pretty.

It's still snowing now. I've been out. It's lovely. There's something about snow that makes everyone cheerful. As I walked down to the beach I smiled at people coming past me. They smiled back. Coming home again people I will never see again raised their faces and smiled. What is it about this white stuff which cheers people? And if the snow IS the cause, can we have snow more often?

I danced about my garden where there are a good few inches of snow. My footpronts though have nearly disappeared where it's still snowing. And yes, I did take my camera out. I've pictures galore. Just having a sort through before I post them.

Happy Snowday to you

x

Yesterday everyone was moaning about how shit the weather forecast was for this weekend. But yesterday the weather was absolutely gorgeous, sun shining and everything - even went to work without a coat or cardi!

So, I said to the ladies I sit with: ignore the BBC website, the weather is never accurate on it. Tomorrow the sun will be shining and it will be lovely. Everyone laughed at my optimism and went back to the BBC.

Now who gets the last laugh huh? Today was (in the most part) a beautiful day, sun shining and clear skies. We did get a few showers but nothing heavy til about 5pm. Fingers crossed we have as good a day tomorrow!

Oh yes, I went shopping today too. I woke too early and managed to get on a train to Brighton at 8.45am, twas brilliant, I took the least direct route from station to town centre so I could avoid the crowds, walked past my old (and much loved) flat, and then revisisted all sorts of back roads that I used to frequent when living that way. As I walked down the hill into town the sun shone, I could see the sea, and there was nobody about.

I found a dress for the wedding, and a cardigan which kinda works with it, so now all I need is a pair of wedges or heels. And all told I only spent about £150 - this included walking boots, a hat, necklace and lots of t-shirts) so I was really chuffed.

Then, just as the streets were becoming cloyingly busy I was able to nip into M&S before getting the train home at 11.45 - I was seriously pleased. Bags and bags of stuff and home in 4 hours. Normally I find one thing I want, if I'm lucky.

Didn't make it to the gym/pool as things kept cropping up. Most importantly was sitting in the garden in the sun!

That's me, til another day, take care y'all

Not much to say for myself. I haven't been to the gym since Tuesday, hoping to go tomorrow or Sunday...

I made a cake for a cake sale at work yesterday. Sadly the middle sank so I didn't take it to work.

My sister is apparently 'having relations' with her loser non-boyfriend and apparently my mum is jealous coz she didn't have sex at 17. Couldn't stop laughing when mum told me that!

Work? It's paid. It's alright. It pays and I can do it. That's all I need right now. The sickness levels are high in my department (about 2 people off every day). I'm glad it's not my problem. I think I want promotion that doesn't involve people management anymore!!!

Today's weather has been absolutely sublime. Lunch time I came home and lay on a blanket cuddling hubby, sun on my face. Shame I had to go back to work.

This weekend? I have a desperate bid to find something nice to wear for a wedding next week. Wish me luck.

Have a great weekend all
x

I started this morning in as foul a mood as I was in all day yesterday. It was miserable and dark and I couldn't face getting up. The only thing that got me out of bed was knowing I had to be at work for 9am (although I did foray back to bed for 5 minutes at 8.35am). You see there were two things about work which focused me: 1) I haven't been there long enough to get paid sickness so a sicky was a bad idea 2) there is such a sicknote culture in my department that only a handful of people remain who haven't had a day sick this year. I am one of them, and I'm hoping to go the full year without one.

So, I got myself to work in the nick of time, and thankfully my first few phone calls were mercifully short and sweet. Then it began to get busy and I was lost in what I was doing. I looked up and it was 11am and the sun was shining, so my day just seemed to get better.

I had packed my gym kit in a fit of pique (i think this is the word I mean?) this morning and told myself that a 5pm gym visit was happening, but I had to keep telling everyone around me through the day, so they kindly encouraged me to go.

At 5pm I left work, and actually went to the gym!!! I did my entire work out (except the ab roller - which I probably need the most) and was home at 7pm. Just in time to cook a yummy stir fry. It was pretty great though, leaving the gym in daylight and feeling the cool breeze on my warm cheeks.

I'm a happier person this evening, we've just watched 'Run, Fat boy, Run' a film with Simon Pegg from 'Spaced' in which I really enjoyed. If you are thinking of renting it because you liked Spaced, Shaun of the dead or Hot Fuzz DONT. This is pretty much a rom com, with more rom than com, but it is well written, funny and heartwarming.

Anyway, basically, I'm gonna fill my time so I don't have any left over to think, brood or otherwise. Sleep now, hope y'all are well and I'll check your posts tomorrow.

Big love to everyone

x