tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/Some of my thoughts, hopes and dreams. A place I can come to be alone and with friends, nice to meet you... Enjoy your stay.MokoFeed2009-11-21T00:04:17+01:00tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/some-progress-7415868/happy282009-11-19T20:42:44+01:002009-11-19T20:42:44+01:00 <p>I thought for once I'd share some good news!</p> <p>Hubby has spoken to the company handling our relocation, the removal company, one of the estate agents valuing our house, the bank and a few other people. Soon we will be in a position to put an offer in on a house, we just have to decide which! </p> <p>We have 10 days til we head up north for hubby to start his new job, and with a bit of luck we'll be into our new home before Christmas. I certainly hope so. We've talked through my separation issues, I'm going up there with him for a few days the first week, then we'll see from there how we do. I'll still have to find doctors/dentist/leisure centre/nurseries etc so I'll be busy. Also last night Brother In Law advised he is doing a New Years Eve gig in Birmingham so we have invited him to drop by for New Years Day breakfast, followed by a long sleep before he heads back South to the Mother in Laws. </p> <p>More later, gotta go help Hubby in the kitchen!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/some-progress-7415868/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/i-m-back-divided-7374018/happy282009-11-14T20:58:17+01:002009-11-14T20:58:17+01:00 <p>I am soooo glad to be home. Goodness what a crazy 48 hours. Yesterday morning I was in to work for the morning, stressing about 'catching up'. I don't honestly think I've a hope in hell now of staying afloat, neither have I really the inclination. Only two weeks til I get out of there! Yeeeeehaaaaaa! Althouugh its looking unlikely that I'll be moving up north immediately <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Yesterday afternoon we were on a 3.30 train to Victoria. We had a lovely relaxed supper at a nice restaurant above Victoria Station as our offpeak tickets meant we couldn't leave Euston til after 7pm. The train from Euston to Birmingham took an hour and a half and after checking in, nipping out for nibbles we settled in for an early nights sleep. </p> <p>We were rudely awoken around 1.30am by the fire alarm in the hotel. I freaked out. Firstly we were up on the 11th floor if we had to evacuate (or waddle down stairs), secondly not a family member knew where we were if the worst happened. I had decided against calling my mum as I tend to get stressed out on speaking to her. The alarms shut off after a minute or two, but it was enough to scare the crap outta me! I did get back to sleep after ringing reception and being advised it was definitely a false alarm however. </p> <p>This morning we were up bright and early, on the train to Redditch and off to view house number one! Hubby's favourite, 4 bed detached and nice. Slightly overpriced but very nice. House number two was a 3 bed town house, which I really loved on paper, but after the first house it seemed poky. The garden was also quite overlooked. So that was a big no. </p> <p>The final house was one Hubby hadn't seen on his midweek trip. One we'd both liked on paper, well on the net at least. In fact in reality I liked it even more. It's the one with the Butler Sink! I could really see myself in it. And... it's within our budget! It's also a 4 bed house, slightly smaller, but nicely done. Hubby liked it, but still prefers the first house. So now we are at an impasse - larger space and larger mortgage or one which I feel at home in, with a bit less space? </p> <p>After house number 3 we headed back to the train station. and spent the bulk of the day on or off trains. It was so good to get home. But we are still undecided. And I am pretty tired. I feel as though it is nearer midnight than 8pm. We're watching a bad film, and then I'll either head to the bath or to bed. </p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_yawn.gif" alt=":yawn:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/i-m-back-divided-7374018/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-13:/2009/11/13/excuse-my-absence-7365061/happy282009-11-13T09:30:48+01:002009-11-13T09:30:48+01:00 <p>this weekend we will be a little busy! I am gonna miss the weekend teaser, which pains me, but I don't think I'll have the time or the presence of mind for it.</p> <p>Today I finish work at lunch time, head home and pack a bag. Hubby and I are going up to Brum (by train) overnight so we can see two houses which made it onto the shortlist of 7, on Saturday morning. We'll have a quick look around Redditch before hopping on a train back down South again. Hopefully we'll be home in time for tea. </p> <p>Sunday from 9.30-4.30 we have our antenatal class. I'm not looking forward to discussion of labour, but the early days childcare bits appeal. I think I've read loads but Hubby has read less, and his memory is so much better than mine so it'll be good for him. </p> <p>Oh, Hubby got Brain Training to go on his Nintendo DS thing, and apparently my brain age is 51! I guess it could be worse.</p> <p>Ok, hope y'all have a good weekend, hope the weather where you are is better than the almost torrential rain here in Worthing. </p> <p>Love Happy</p> <p>x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/excuse-my-absence-7365061/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/frickin-dentists-7354509/happy282009-11-11T23:19:30+01:002009-11-11T23:19:30+01:00 <p>Grrr, so much for a good night sleep. I got to work and was tetchy, tired, hormonal and ill today. Work was stressful, and I really wasn't in the mood. And to top it off? I ate some toffees and (one of) my sodding crowns fell out. </p> <p>That set me off, and I ran off to the loo in tears. My boss was really really good when I told her. But why oh why do crowns (which you pay a fortune) don't stay in my mouth? </p> <p>I rang the dentist, explained I was pregnant and needed an appointment asap to get it fixed back. Could they do it. The receptionist checked and said yes. Before offering me an appointment on the 23rd of November. Now, unless I'm mistaken thats nearly two frickin weeks away! This crown is one of my frontish teeth, where the vampire ones used to be! So I feel pretty monstrous with whats left in my mouth being on parade. When I asked if there was anything sooner... "oh yes, we have an appointment at 3.20pm tomorrow" she says. So WTF? Why not offer me the tomorrow appointment you daft f'ing bint??? <img src="/img/smilies/grayupset.gif" alt=":##" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So, I have to be at work for 8.30am and I'll be finishing at 3pm, I guess I take a half hour lunch and I'm owed a half hour from extra time on Monday. But if I get to the dentist and they turn me away 'because I'm pregnant' I will give them hell. This <em>is</em> the same <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/08/28/the-dentists-6844035/">dentist</a> surgery I was badmouthing 4 months ago as the dentist was downright rude, telling me off for not getting my filling done sooner and then telling me to return post Bump as he couldn't do a filling whilst I'm pregnant! </p> <p>Aaargh. I hate them all! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/frickin-dentists-7354509/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/hurrah-for-hubby-7354418/happy282009-11-11T23:06:54+01:002009-11-11T23:06:54+01:00 <p>He's home. I picked him up from the station. He saw 7 houses today. Jeez and he remembered stuff about each one. 4 have been discarded. 3 we are hoping to see again. His favourite is not mine. But he has seen them and his choice is far more practical than mine. There's one we both liked on the net which he couldnt see as the current owner is ill. So we're hoping to see that too. </p> <p>Fingers crossed! Apparently the area is nice too. It's definitely happening. Soon. I am excited! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/hurrah-for-hubby-7354418/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/made-it-through-the-night-7349784/happy282009-11-11T09:39:19+01:002009-11-11T09:39:19+01:00 <p>I did. I'm in one piece too. Overslept so must've slept well. When I logged off here I did end up calling him and we were on the phone for nearly an hour, I had to stop in the end to get some food in me. Ended up watching an episode of Location, Location, Location which I hadn't seen and was surprised because a) they found two sets of unannoying people, b) both sets actually chose one of the properties AND c) both couples put in offers on properties! I couldn't believe it. Most of the ones I've seen have been a case of 'yes we want a house somewhere but we dont really know what we want, just nothing Kirsty can show us obviously' and you end up wondering why they bothered going on the show! </p> <p>Went to sleep at ten and apart from a sore back woke up at 8am this morning. Just spoken to the man, he is well. He is not looking forward to his day ahead, I think if it wasn't for the travel back he'd be fine, but there you go. </p> <p>Thank you all for the encouragement last night, I am glad I am not the only one who struggles when alone. </p> <p>Have a great day</p> <p>x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/made-it-through-the-night-7349784/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/10/miss-him-much-7346891/happy282009-11-10T20:28:55+01:002009-11-10T20:28:55+01:00 <p>I know I am silly. I know its only one night. But still I miss him like crazy. Hubby has gone up to Brum. Just for one night mind. He is going to look at houses, hopefully to see something nice that we can buy. Bless him, he's seeing 6 in one day. And when he gets home tomorrow I won't be around as I'd made plans ages ago to go out for supper with friends. </p> <p>The flat feels huge, the Bump is sitting quietly, sure he must know something isn't right. If I could go to bed now, skip work tomorrow and be here for Hubbys return that'd make my day(s). Work right now is a case of treading water, trying to stay afloat for the next 2 weeks. I can't wait to get out. </p> <p>I should probably do something more creative with my evening than languish hereon the net, but I can't be arsed. Still, tis only 7.30 so plenty time to watch a film or something. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/miss-him-much-7346891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/08/fed-ex-phishing-look-out-7332349/happy282009-11-08T18:10:41+01:002009-11-08T18:10:41+01:00 <p>Hey,</p> <p>I thought I was gonna be rich, but seeing as I don't know anyone working for a Nigerian Petrol Company thought instead I'd warn you of this blatant (if well spelt) phishing scam I received by email today!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><em>Dear customer, You have a Package that is registered with us for shipping. However,the content is a Bank Draft worth is $800,000 USD (Eight HundredThousand US Dollars).Reg .Number: P-01-402761625/Your package was registered with us for mailing by your colleague whois currently undergoing survey project with NNPC (Nigeria NationalPetroleum Company). We are sending you this email because your packageis registered on a Special Order. What you have to do now, is to contact ourDelivery Department for immediate dispatch of your package to yourresidential address. Note: As soon as our Delivery Team confirms yourinformation,it will take three working days (72Hrs) for your package to arriveat your designateddestination. For your information, Shipping charges as well asInsurance fees have been paid by your colleague.However, the only payment you are to make is £210 GBP to the FedExDelivery Department being full payment for Customs Duty Certificate.Please Note: All registered package with us have a time limitation and youare to meet up with this payment to facilitate immediate attentiontoward the delivery of your package. Note: Your colleague did notleave us withany further information.We hope that you respond to us as soon as possible because if you failto respond until the expiry date of the foremost package, we may referthe package to the British Commission for Welfare as the package do nothave a return address. Contact the delivery department (FedEx Ship Manager)with the details given below:Contact Person: Mr. Richard RaynorEmail: <a href="mailto:fedex.nig6@live.comTel:">fedex.nig6@live.comTel:</a> +2348071208793.Kindly complete the below form. This is mandatory to reconfirm your Postaladdress for clarification.FULL NAMES:TELEPHONE<img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0">OSTAL ADDRESS:Zip/Postal code:CITY:STATE:COUNTRY:As soon as your details are received, our delivery team will give youthe necessary payment procedure for Customs Duty Certificate andTariff. As soon as they confirm your payment of £210 GBP they shallimmediatelydispatch your package to the designated address with the attachTracking Number. It usually takes 72 Hours being an express delivery service.Ensure to contact the delivery department with the email address andensure to fill theabove form as well to enable successful reconfirmation.Yours faithfully,Mrs. .Mary MaxwellAll rights reserved. © 1996-2009 FedEx</em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/fed-ex-phishing-look-out-7332349/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-06:/2009/11/06/autumnal-friday-five-yoiked-from-rithompson-7321725/happy282009-11-06T19:20:34+01:002009-11-06T19:20:34+01:00 <p>1. Do you have a favourite part of autumn?<br> The run up to my birthday</p> <p>2. "It's too cold to snow!" Do you think it ever is?<br> the days you wanna crawl back into bed are too cold for snow, too cold for anything other than snuggling and snoozing!</p> <p>3. Do you feel there is still a place for British Summer Time or should we just stop changing the clocks?<br> I like the summer ones, and the extra light autumn mornings. but it is a lot of faff! undecided.</p> <p>4. Are there certain meals you only eat in certain seasons (salad in summer, stew in winter)?<br> Not any more, used to have casserole winter time only, but now we have it all year.</p> <p>5. Autumn is...?<br> The best, run up to my birthday and so full of bright sunshiny days, and crazy rainy days </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/autumnal-friday-five-yoiked-from-rithompson-7321725/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-06:/2009/11/06/birthday-celebrations-7317619/happy282009-11-06T09:31:25+01:002009-11-06T09:31:25+01:00 <p>Tonight I am celebrating my birthday by having a party. My birthday isn't for another week but this date was one all my friends were free. I didn't have a celebration for my 30th as hubby whisked me off to DC so this is a combined 30/31 celebration. I feel that each year has only improved me, and when I am 31 I will meet my gorgeous baby! Certainly something to look forward too when I'd normally be feeling low at the end of January. </p> <p>Anyway, it seems like it might also double as a leaving party, as neither hubby or I can be arsed to fix up another do so soon. We have no clue whats going on at present, we need to wait for the relocation people to contact us, we've to have the house revalued by the bank, i think a survey done too, but all the essential paperwork has been done. </p> <p>This weekend we're gonna narrow down the houses and the area we want to live in, then get on the blower to estate agents to book hubby in for some viewings next week. He's got a week off, the jammy bugger. I was supposed to, but had to rearrange with the change in plans. Thank goodness work are fairly flexible. Still, dunno why I'm moaning, I've got 3 weeks at work then almost 12 months off work. Stupid me!</p> <p>Anyway, back to this party, the house is fairly clean, I've brought some provisions (including a yummy Flake chocolate cake, and I've told Hubby I want the candles. I've still to buy and blow up balloons, but I'm hoping this will be a party rather than an 'everyone sit down and chat in the front room' night. Either way it'll be lovely to see friends, I'll definitely have to capture the evening with some photos. Bump might even perform for my friends. </p> <p>Ah well, best get on now. Have a great Friday and weekend everyone</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/birthday-celebrations-7317619/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-05:/2009/11/05/40k-payrise-anyone-7314459/happy282009-11-05T19:58:06+01:002009-11-05T19:58:06+01:00 <p>This headline caught my eye on the papers tonight, apparently politicians want a £40,000 pay rise <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"> . I didn't stop to read the story, it would've only made me mad. But how about it? Would any one else like a little pay increase like this? Didn't think so!</p> <p>Me? I'd be happy to get an extra £5k a year. That'd keep me plenty amused. Where on earth do the papers/politicians get their ideas from? Do they really think that they work <em>that</em> hard that this is justifiable when so many people struggle to earn this much money in 4 years, never mind having it as an ANNUAL increase?</p> <p>Who knows? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/05/40k-payrise-anyone-7314459/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/and-so-to-bed-7309223/happy282009-11-04T23:28:44+01:002009-11-04T23:28:44+01:00 <p>Has been an interesting evening. My name is Happy28 and I am addicted to Zuma! I played for two hours straight whilst hubby was out tonight. I had to call time as Bump was kicking me to pieces for neglecting to feed myself. House stinks of burnt toast. The bread was sodding mouldy too! Had some baked beans which were yummy, hell to pay tomorrow. </p> <p>Hubby has gone out for a lads night; beer, pizza, films and gaming at a friends. I hope he's home soon as I am tired. </p> <p>Have read some very interesting posts and comments on bcuk today, has made me think. Too much. I am exhausted, and so I am going to bed. </p> <p>Good night, and welcome back to dear Usky!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_yawn.gif" alt=":yawn:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/and-so-to-bed-7309223/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-03:/2009/11/03/decided-7297193/happy282009-11-03T09:10:55+01:002009-11-03T09:10:55+01:00 <p>It has been. Hubby is to go up north for an overnight exploratory trip next week (he has holiday to take still) and view a few properties. We've seen loads of lovely houses on rightmove - I've no idea how you relocated in the olden days <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> - so with a bit of luck he will narrow it down. </p> <p>Then the weekend of the 14th me and him will go back for a couple of second viewings, makes a change its been the other way around down here with me doing the leg work and him playing catch-up.</p> <p>Anyway, hopefully we'll be able to narrow things down. There were pages and pages of paperwork relating to the relocation, and it all seemed so complex which was why I got so down. I think the fact that the paperwork advocates leaving family behind whilst Hubby searches for homes also had a hand. I mean, how on earth are you supposed to do that whilst also starting a new job? And how can your wife be supportive from 180 miles away? </p> <p>What I must remember is that <strong>We can do this</strong>. We <strong>will</strong> be doing this one way or another. And most importantly everything will work out. </p> <p>So, hopefully no more tears from me... until the next time!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/decided-7297193/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-02:/2009/11/02/scared-now-7295276/happy282009-11-02T22:43:10+01:002009-11-02T22:43:10+01:00 <p>It's starting to dawn on me again what a big thing this move will be. I think what with hormones I'm all up in the air. I nearly snapped at him that he shouldn't take the job, even though rational me knows that this is an amazing opportunity. </p> <p>The relocation deal looks sweet, if complicated, on paper but in order to keep it simple we need to find somewhere to buy asap. We were gonna go scope the area this weekend, but by the time we get there it'll be mid afternoon, not leaving long at all to view properties, so instead we're gonna go up the weekend after -on the Friday afternoon giving us the whole of Saturday to scope houses. </p> <p>I am scared. He knows. Knowing how excited he is about the job will make it all worthwhile (and to be honest I'd follow him to the end of the earth) I just wish there was/is a simpler way to do things. Thankfully my car MOT isn't due til the end of November! Father in law is going to come and have a quick look see tomorrow as it wouldn't start yesterday when I went to collect my mum. </p> <p>Its all too much, perhaps I could get signed off with stress for a week? Although given that I've only 19 days to work it seems a bit cheeky! Oh and I'm hoping to have a 100% attendance as that looks so good and also increases any bonus I get paid out next Spring (bonus is paid the month my salary stops!). </p> <p>Oh well, lets hope I sleep well tonight. I just want to pass out and snore, worry I can do without!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/scared-now-7295276/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-02:/2009/11/02/did-it-again-7289995/happy282009-11-02T08:36:24+01:002009-11-02T08:38:33+01:00 <p>Woke up in the night panicking about all the things we <em>haven't</em> done this weekend. Stupid really. Must start doing them now. Time is finite. Ticking away. Thankfully managed to get back to sleep in under a half hour. Stupid me!</p> <p>Today has dawned bright and clear. I love November, tis the month of my Birthday, clear autumn skies and waterproof trousers!</p> <p>I hope you all have a good day and week</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/did-it-again-7289995/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-11-01:/2009/11/01/short-of-time-7285431/happy282009-11-01T13:50:06+01:002009-11-01T13:50:06+01:00 <p>I have come to the realisation that actually I must <em>like</em> doing things in a short space of time. What leads me to this conclusion you may wonder? Well firstly my approach to mornings. I am always happiest lying abed until the last possible minute, before rushing around like a lunatic to get ready for work and out the door. I scrape in literally at a minute or two to nine, just in time! Either that or I get up in plenty of time and end up blogging til the last possible second!</p> <p>Second to give me this impression? The 'planning' behind our wedding. Hubby and I had been engaged a year or two with no intentions of forking out for a big day. Instead we planned to make good our intentions to return to Barbados. After booking the holiday we realised we'd have to wait a few more years before returning. So, having booked the holiday in January for May 2004 we went arse about tit in order to arrange our wedding so the dates coincided. Instead of spending 6 months or more in a fluster, we managed to get it all sorted in just shy of 4 months! Oh it could've been awkward, but the venue we wanted - the Royal Pavillion in Brighton - was available for the 14th May and our flight was the 16th. Could it be more perfect? I doubt it!</p> <p>Thirdly, with the wedding duly arranged I realised I'd made <del>little</del> no effort to sort out a wedding dress. I ended up taking a random half day of holiday, and going to Pronuptia on the spur of the moment where - alone, and I do regret that - I found <em>the dress</em> paid for it and was told it would take FIVE weeks to be made to my size! Well the wedding was in SIX so that sounded fine to me!</p> <p>Not wanting to start married life in my bedsit came the fourth thing: We started looking for a home, hoping to complete by May so we could move out shortly after our honeymoon. We found somewhere in time, but the chain meant we weren't moved in until the beginning of September. But not for want of trying. The lady we bought off was pregnant so I think this delayed things somewhat as she'd had her baby before we completed. </p> <p>Finally? Oh yes, this crazy moving of home and job and the imminent birth of Bump. We now have four weeks til he starts his new job, and I don't think we are truly any further forward than this time last week! Yet we are both chilling out with our books, the music playing and as relaxed as pie! I have faith in him, he has faith in me, and between us WE will accomplish this move. It might be a bit crazy, I may get a bit stressed out, but we will be packed and moving by hook or by crook! </p> <p>What a mad pair we are <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/11/01/short-of-time-7285431/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-31:/2009/10/31/friday-five-nicked-from-subville-7281887/happy282009-10-31T18:32:45+01:002009-10-31T18:32:45+01:00 <p>1. Are you superstitious?<br> I don't do ladders, and I knock on wood so I guess so. Also don't like black cats crossing me and dread being at work on friday 13th. </p> <p>2. Are you attending or hosting a halloween party this year?<br> Going to a party, not sure if it's actually a Halloween one, we chose the date coz we were free!</p> <p>3. What's your favourite scary movie?<br> The Stand freaked me out. </p> <p>4. Trick or Treat?<br> Treatsies please. Chocolate</p> <p>5. The best Halloween costume is...?<br> The most imaginative! I went to a party many moons ago where one of the co-hosts was a Mummy - he literally wound rolls and rolls of loo paper around him! Looked so funny!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/friday-five-nicked-from-subville-7281887/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-31:/2009/10/31/happy-nicked-from-la-spice-7279598/happy282009-10-31T10:38:51+01:002009-10-31T10:38:51+01:00 <p class="center"><strong>Name FIVE things that make you happy</strong></p> <p><strong>Here's my "Happy List"</strong></p> <p class="center">A sunny day<br> Cuddling my hubby<br> A long hot bath<br> Feeling Bump kicking me<br> freshly baked cake</p> <p>So tell everyone what makes YOU happy?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/happy-nicked-from-la-spice-7279598/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-30:/2009/10/30/whatever-happened-to-friday-fives-7276757/happy282009-10-30T18:45:00+01:002009-10-30T18:45:00+01:00 <p>Friday here in blog used to be a celebration of pointless lists, memes and quizzes. It seems like AGES since one last went round. Could whoever was starting these little beauts PLEASE come back and get some more going?</p> <p>Please? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/30/whatever-happened-to-friday-fives-7276757/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-30:/2009/10/30/peaked-too-soon-7273678/happy282009-10-30T09:34:52+01:002009-10-30T09:34:52+01:00 <p>Today I start work at 9am instead of 9.30 so I thought I'd be sensible and get up at 7 instead of 7.30, you know and ensure i had time to get stuff done? Well that was all well and good. I read for a bit in bed with a cup of tea, got up, got dressed, put the rubbish out, had breakfast, checked my emails, read a few blogs, and now? </p> <p>It is too early to go work but I feel like I could quite happily go back to bed. I am more tired now, than when I get up last minute and rush around like a crazy thing. Why did I get up? Still, before I know it today will be over and the weekend will be here. </p> <p>Has anyone got a good meme for this evening?</p> <p>Have a good day</p> <p>x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/30/peaked-too-soon-7273678/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-29:/2009/10/29/one-hundred-forty-seven-hours-7270782/happy282009-10-29T21:53:17+01:002009-10-29T21:53:17+01:00 <p>Or 21 days of work before my maternity leave starts, and our new northern(ish) life begins. Of course there are glorious weekends in between now and then which is a good thing coz we've lots to do between now and then!</p> <p>It does however leave me not a great deal of time to keep on top of my work whilst whittling down the paperwork and useless crap in my desk drawers. I am counting my blessings though, I've found out that a friend who is a nurse in a hospital gets no maternity leave at all. I don't know if its as she is still studying/training or if benefits for NHS employees are just shite, but it is certainly making me count my blessings. There's me moaning that I will be taking maternity 7 weeks early, losing out on 7 weeks at full pay with the Bump but in fact I am lucky to get what I get at all. Tis crazy!</p> <p>Saying that, and sad as I will be to leave family and friends, I am looking forward to the challenges my new life will hold. And at least I have the option to move up north with Hubby, and have time to concentrate fully on house searching etc, rather than him being sat in some hotel room night after night, and commuting down south for the weekend. I'm not sure that'd be bearable. </p> <p>All of my family knows we are going now - well I told my sis today as mum had implied sis wanted to spend Xmas with me. I have politely told her that we wont have room for her until we have a house. And to be honest I was quite looking forward to hubby and me having a relaxing Christmas just the two of us, he will only get the Public Holidays off as we've used our holiday for the year. You never even know, there might be snow in the Midlands. Not sure if Hubby has experienced a white Christmas!</p> <p>I think the scariest prospect at the moment is the thought of driving my car all the way up North. I haven't ever driven on a motorway and freak out enough on bloody A roads! I'll have to go out this weekend for sure! </p> <p>Pastures New, Here we come!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/one-hundred-forty-seven-hours-7270782/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-26:/2009/10/26/dark-nights-7249594/happy282009-10-26T22:01:06+01:002009-10-26T22:01:06+01:00 <p>Goodness, isn't it odd how quickly the darker evenings caused by changing the time can have a depressing effect? I had a pretty good day at work, my review went better than expected, my manager as usual being reasonably positive and encouraging. </p> <p>It wasn't even 6pm when I left the office, but it was pitch black outside. Ok, so perhaps pitch black is a <em>slight</em> exaggeration, but still. As I walked home my mood slipped lower and lower, by the time I got indoors (five minutes away) I felt really tearful and low. I ended up following the hubby round our flat, and snuggling up to him lots. I haven't cried yet, but I feel morose. I just need to find a way of picking myself up when i get self centred and miserable. I did have a Pink album up full volume and was headbanging which seemed to work for a bit, but now I'm back to that strange place where I want to curl up under my duvet and hide until next week!</p> <p>In other news, I had a text message from a friend who was due to be induced on Saturday, she has had her baby - only 3 hours ago - a healthy 8lb baby boy. Congratulations to them. </p> <p>My keyboard seems to be a bit sticky, wonder if I can wangle in a new laptop for Xmas? Not like we won't have enough to buy then - what with only having one set of curtains! Potentially needing a new fridge/freezer and cooker post move. Oh and nursery furniture and other stuff! Tee hee. New Lappy & mobile are in order I think!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/dark-nights-7249594/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-26:/2009/10/26/good-impressions-7245235/happy282009-10-26T09:13:55+01:002009-10-26T09:13:55+01:00 <p>The hubby/job/move thing is going to be amazing, but I am reeling with the fact that it is all only 5 weeks away! Crazy. In the meantime I have a shedload to do to be able to hand over my workload to some other poor sod. I've almost decided it will be worth starting my maternity leave early rather than working from a strange office, but Hubby needs to check out all the blurb.</p> <p>So, in the meantime I am going to try to be the 'perfect' employee for the next few weeks. I am going to get in early and try to get my head together at work, tidy through all my paperwork (in a paperless office there is a surprising amount) and chuck out all the irrelevant stuff. I've also to write out a handover list of all my clients/contact names/issues so whoever takes over can get going in a hurry. </p> <p>so, this morning I got up at 7.30 and have had breakfast yet I don't appear to be any further forward than from getting up at 8am. Oh, I did make hubby and me sarnies. Luckily my official start time is 9.30am so I can muddle along and get in for 9am. Always good!</p> <p>The sun shines today so should keep me in a positive mood <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Have a good day everyone</p> <p>x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/good-impressions-7245235/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/contented-7240530/happy282009-10-25T14:43:48+01:002009-10-25T14:43:48+01:00 <p>I have been an industrious one this morning! As previously discussed Hubby likes Parkin, so that is in the oven and due out in about twenty minutes. In the mean time I am adapting a flapjack recipe so we have something 'healthy' to snack on this time. I have added plenty of nuts, dried fruit and a little touch of rum to the mix.</p> <p>Can't wait to try it. Also might make a sponge, but will have to see if I can be bothered!</p> <p>Baking makes me feel so contented. I think I've found my calling... except for all the sodding washing up <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Suns still shining!</p> <p>Yay. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/contented-7240530/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/want-that-one-7240031/happy282009-10-25T12:53:32+01:002009-10-25T12:53:32+01:00 <p>Just searching one of the potential areas we could live in...</p> <p>And we could afford <a href="http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-13656033.html?minPrice=110000&maxPrice=180000&minBedrooms=3&retirement=false&pageNumber=1&fromSummary=true&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind.html%3FsearchType%3DSALE%26locationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E1116%26insId%3D1%26radius%3D0.0%26displayPropertyType%3D%26minBedrooms%3D3%26maxBedrooms%3D%26minPrice%3D110000%26maxPrice%3D180000%26retirement%3Dfalse%26partBuyPartRent%3D%26maxDaysSinceAdded%3D%26_includeSSTC%3Don%26sortByPriceDescending%3D%26primaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26secondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldPrimaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26oldSecondaryDisplayPropertyType%3D%26newHome%3D%26auction%3Dfalse%26x%3D22%26y%3D11">this</a></p> <p>This time though we ARE going to look at the neighbourhood/schools/hospitals etc before we get our hopes up. But can you imagine? Me? In a 4 bed house? How much cleaning?</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/want-that-one-7240031/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/i-did-it-7239896/happy282009-10-25T12:29:23+01:002009-10-25T12:29:23+01:00 <p>Due to the extra hour sleep I was up and about before 9am when hubby was getting ready for his driving lesson, and decided that I'd (drum roll please.............) take the car for a spin!</p> <p>And I did it! At first I went along quiet roads that I knew, but by error I ended up on a road where the turning at the end was left only, and on to a dual fricking carriageway! <strong>Aaaaaaah!</strong> The dual carriage way went on for ages, I couldnt find a decent road to turn off, so ended up nearing Chicester signposting. I turned off at Ferring and drove I know not where. Then I was on a little windy road, one lane each way, trees each side, up and down hills, all at 60 miles per hour <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Coming home I decided to drive through town and eventually made it over an hour after I left. Hair raising, but also confidence boosting. I CAN drive! <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Got home and did the dishes, put the washing out and got the kettle on just as hubby came home from his lesson. All that and its only 11.30am! I am going to make Parkin today. Hubbys grandma used to make it and both him and his mum have been on about if for years, so it will be interesting to see how I get on! Apparently you have to leave it to sit for a week before you eat it, so I will be endeavouring to make another cake for this weeks eats. </p> <p>Have a great afternoon, hope the sunshine holds for you all!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/i-did-it-7239896/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/so-much-to-do-7238891/happy282009-10-25T09:41:21+01:002009-10-25T09:41:21+01:00 <p>With the coming upheaval there are a million things I should be doing. There are also things I could be doing. Yet I find myself sitting here doing what? Playing sodding solitaire on the computer! Is that the worst time waster in the world? Honestly <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"> what am I like?</p> <p>I had a lovely dream, where I was helping someone to renovate their cafe into a really nice one, and one of the big attractions was a freshly baked cake each day. People were coming to have coffee because they were anticipating that days cake and the place was rammed. We also managed to find some garden (dunno why coz I started off in a town centre cafe!) which we smartened up and had some beautiful wrought iron furniture in, and we were serving cream teas.</p> <p>I guess i must've enjoyed my cafe work. I've always been of the mind that I'd love my own cafe, but there just isn't the money in it these days. A cafe has to be really good or have a really Unique feature to survive and I don't know that I could think of either. </p> <p>Anyway, leads me on thinking that maybe when we have our new house I could look into baking courses, and seeing if any local cafes are prepared to buy my baking. That reminds me, must go have breakfast and then bake for Hubby!</p> <p>Have a lovely day, tis a dry and sunny one here so I hope to get out later.</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/so-much-to-do-7238891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-21:/2009/10/21/note-to-self-7212483/happy282009-10-21T03:31:48+02:002009-10-21T03:31:48+02:00 <p>There's always someone in a harder situation than me. I have a job, a loving family, a home and a baby on the way, not a disease or a life or death situation. </p> <p>Pour some sugar on me! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/note-to-self-7212483/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-20:/2009/10/20/safely-reunited-7209922/happy282009-10-20T18:22:31+02:002009-10-20T18:22:31+02:00 <p>Hubbys home. My life is restored to normality and I am happy again. Playing domestic goddess has made me chuckle, so far I have made him coffee, run him a bath AND put dinner in the oven!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/safely-reunited-7209922/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:happy-me.blog.co.uk,2009-10-20:/2009/10/20/back-2-sleep-7205786/happy282009-10-20T08:26:40+02:002009-10-20T08:26:40+02:00 <p>I wanna go back to bed. I've breakfasted yet I'm still half asleep. Bump started kicking at 7.15am which I managed to ignore for a bit, then he started up again at 7.30 so I took the hint. </p> <p>I have to work today, I just wanna sleep. Ah well, tis payday so I can do my monthly finance jiggle. This month I am gonna try something different, I'm gonna pay about £400 onto my credit card and try not to use the credit card. See if I can live within my means and maybe reduce my debt!</p> <p>Saying that I AM cheating, as my birthday comes before the next pay day so I am almost guaranteed some spare cash if I run out <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Have a good day</p> <p>x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://happy-me.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/back-2-sleep-7205786/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>