Things to remember

When I get in from work I get going. Dinner on, kettle on - the usual stuff. However it would help if I remember to put the hob on and when the kettle has boiled to pour the water in to the cup. I had thought I had done that and did other little chores whilst I thought the tea was brewing.

Marmite

I hate marmite- these Americans trying it for the first time really made me laugh:



I like the way they lump British people and Australians together ;0)

Slop

Tonight I cooked rice. Normally I cook one part rice, one part water. This time I read the cooking instructions on the packet (why?) and ended up with a pan of rice slop.Luckily I had emergency noodles.

What Steve did Saturday Afternnon.

Mr Robbo is the good looking bloke announcing the song.

Misunderstanding.

On the cover of the Sunday Times Style magazine:Secrets of British bedrooms. Um goody I thought, lots of photos of bedrooms. Imagine my disappointment when I realised it was an article about sex.

Monetize

Has any one else noticed the Monetize tab on blogger? I clicked on it as I have no idea what "monetize" means, and it is all about setting up Ads on your blog. But really what sort of word is that?

Friday morning

It is 6.15 in the morning. Normally I'd be watching a bit of GMTV before I get my train. But Steve is watching the Grand Prix practice. As it is a bit too early for me to cope with all that engine roar -I'm staying upstairs. Grand Prix season seems to last for ages. *sigh*
Here is a prediction: The Boxer Rebellion will be nominated for next year's Mercury Music prize.

Book Snob and other stuff

When will book shops learn that I buy a book despite the "Richard and Judy reads" sticker. OI don't want people to think I take notice of those two.
Tried to find a new bedside light for my ( I mean our) lully new bedroom. Didn't see anything that inspired me.
Was horrified to discover that whilst cleaning lully new bedroom - a bit of wall had been missed!!! Soon corrected that.
Back to work tomorrow. I feel like I have been off for ages. Feel v. relaxed.

A Little Night Music

We went to see The Boxer Rebellion last night. As we went into the venue I had my hand stamped! I can't re,ember the last time I went to a hand stampy place. We had a really good time and I said to Steve that we were lucky to see then in such a small venue. There were about a hundred in the audience and the bands and audience mingled. However as I sang along to the songs I did feel a bit like Mel in Flight of the Conchords.

New Chairs! Newly decorated bedroom and new curtains!

Fizzes and Sparkles

Now I do love a drop or two of wine. Mr Robbo doesn't like wine and one of the things that I miss is sharing a bottle of wine. Last night we went to Mr Pings, a really nice, friendly Chinese restaurant. We didn't take the car and I assumed Mr Robbo would be having a beer or three.
Perusing the wine menu, Steve announced that he likes sparkling wine! He said he realised that he had developed a taste for it when he won some champagne. It was lovely, eating delish Chinese food and sharing a bottle of wine.
Thursday night seemed to be Ladies night. Towards the end of the evening Steve was the only man there. I think that the other ladies were dead jealous that I was with such a hunk.

Check Everything!

Angela bought me a Ruby and Millie make up bag for my birthday. Just what I wanted! Although when I opened it some thieving toe rag had stolen all the make up! Poor Angela was so embarrassed (although not her fault). She is taking it back to the shop. But- really what a shame. Angela always wraps up the presents nicely and had put a lot of thought in the gift. From now on if we buy anything we are all going to make sure everything is as it should be.
Mum treated me to a hair cut and colour and Steve bought me some Joop perfume. So I am sitting here typing, smelling lovely and looking gorgeous ;0)

An Observation

Not turning off your Blackberry when you are in a meeting -and it keeps ringing - doesn't make you look important. It makes you look as if you don't know how to put it on silent.

Birthday Week

This is my birthday week. I am please to say that there will be various treats.
I'm working till Wednesday. That evening I'm going to my Mum's and we will be having a girly night and watch Mama Mia. Angela, Jean and Sally should be there too and Dad will be out of the way watching telly in the garden room. Thursday Steve and I will go out for dinner. There is a particular restaurant that I want to go to, but I don't think he has book it yet. Friday we will be choosing paint for the bedroom, which Steve will decorate on Saturday. And on Saturday the chairs are being delivered!!!I'm a bit nervous about that, in case I get Buyer's Remorse. That evening We are going out for dinner with the Murphys. Sunday is Mother's Day , my parents are coming over for dinner. And they will get to sit in the new chairs!!! Monday we will be going to Cromer to see Dave. Tuesday we off to The Chinnerys to watch Boxer Rebellion. NOTHING is planned for Wednesday and Thursday it is back to work.
Of course this is all Plan A and subject to change at any time. Except the chairs bit.

A bit of fun

I stumbled on this and I thought I'd share it with you.

30 Questions

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Nope - simple answer!

2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster? I was so young I can't remember.
3. When's the last time you've been sledding? I don't think I ever did...

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? If not with Steve, alone.

5. Do you believe in ghosts? Sometimes..

6. Do you consider yourself creative? yep.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Yep.
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?I will always support the wronged wife.

9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics? I actually did politics at college, so yes.

10. Do you know how to play poker? No.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Yes at the Southport Soul Convention,I didn't enjoy it.

12. What's your favorite commercial? Cadbury eye brows.

13. Who was your first love? Mr Robbo of course.
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light? I can't drive

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? No.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? I'm ENGLISH.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Once I was rubbish.
18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Always. They are a bit weird.
19. What's the one thing on your mind? Getting ready for bed.
20. Do you always wear your seat belt? Only when I'm in the car - if I wore it all the time, I'd never get out the car! LOL

21. What talent do you wish you had? To be musical.
22. Do you like Sushi? Yep.

23. What do you wear to bed? Myself.
24. Do you truly hate anyone? Hitler

25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? Oh Lord -none of then how could they live up to the hype?
26. Do you know anyone in jail? Not as far as I'm aware.

27. What food do you find disgusting? meat

28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?I'd like to say no, but yes.

29. Have you ever been punched in the face? No.

30. Do you believe in angels and demons?As Abba says : I believe in Angels.

Another bloggy quiz.

You Are a Visionary Soul

You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness. Connected to all things spiritual, you are very in touch with your soul. You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable. Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings. You have great vision and can be very insightful. In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself. Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend. You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

I thought I'd get 100%

You Scored 86% Correct

You are an 80s expert, You never confuse New Order with the Pet Shop Boys. You know which classical musician Falco rocked. When it comes to 80s music, you Just Can't Get Enough!

How Much Do You Know About 80s Music?

Friday

Its the weekend. I'm going to the theatre tomorrow with Dad. He bought the tickets and wouldn't take any money for it. I was grateful until he told me they are both senior citizen concessions. Oh the shame!

2 much 2 young.

On the train home today 2 lads were talking. One of them was an expectant Dad and he was finding it all a bit too much. he and his girlfriend, he told his mate, were continually arguing. They were 19. I knew this because he said his age a lot. I felt sorry for him and his girlfriend, By what he was saying I could tell he thought that he was too young for all this and so was she. What depressed me that all their friends seemed to be in the same boat. Trying to do the right thing at such a young age.
Obviously I didn't know if the pregnancy was planned ( but I was dying to ask!) but contraception is so easily available. It just seemed such a shame.

Ripped from Dan

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing?
Love it.

2. Favorite late night snack?

crisps -but not fish and chip flavour

3. Do you own a gun?

of course not.

4. What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop?
I don't like coffee. I had a smoothie at Starbucks I liked.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
No.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
When I ate meat I liked them with cheese and chilli.

7. Favorite Christmas song?
Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Earl Grey

9. Can you do push-ups?
Of course not

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
My eternity ring.

11. Favorite hobby?
Blogging or reading

12. Do you have A.D.D.?
No

13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I don't hate anything about myself. I'm not being smug its true.

14. The last disease you contracted?
I don't think I've ever had a disease. Is Mumps a disease? I had that when I was about 5.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment ...
- I think I've got chili tingle on my nose (I've just cut a chili whilst preparing dinner)
-I can't believe I've got chili tingle - when will I learn?
-I better finish this soon and give the pot a stir.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?
- Tea
- wine
- pepsi max

17. Current worry right now?
In this economic climate - keeping our jobs,

18. Current hate right now?
I hate the smell of bacon

19. Favorite place to be?
In bed.

20. How did you ring in the New Year?
We didn't.

21. Like to travel?
I don't mind it , as long as I get a comfy seat.

22. Name three people who will complete this meme:
Mark? AOJ? Lisa?
23. Do you own slippers?
Wearing them now. When Penny was alive I didn't bother because she would stalk the slippers and kill them.

24. What color shirt are you wearing?
I'm wearing a white top with green stripes. it looks nicer than it sounds.

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Ooh yuk! I've never tried but don't like the sound of it

26. Can you whistle?
No. It is one of my failures.

27. Favorite singer/band?
At the moment it is Take That.

28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor?
No

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
If I had a shower I would sing "Its raining men"

30. Favorite girl’s names?
Gina and Angela and Barbara

31. Favorite boy’s name?
Stephen and Ted and Dave

32. What’s in your pocket right now?
Nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh?
Myself.

34. Like your job?
Surprisingly - yes I do.

36. Do you love where you live?
Yes

37. How many TVs do you have in your house?
Two.

38. Who is your loudest friend?
I think it might be me.

39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed?
I can't drive.

40. Does someone have a crush on you?
I think George Clooney has a bit of a thing for me.

41. What is your favorite book?
At the moment it is the All Hallows series by Kim Harrison. It changes though.

42. What is your favorite candy?
Ripple

43. Favorite Sports Team?
Go London Leopards!

44. What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Sleeping

45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today?
Morning. Again?

Tuesday Trivia

The saying "You come into the world alone and go out of it alone" really bugs me. You are not born alone. Your Mum is there.
Why do Americans say "I could care less" when they mean "I couldn't care less". Is it an example of American sarcasm?
When people say "I hope you don't mind me saying.." I end up minding very much?

Monday

One of the blogs that I had a link to has announced that it is going private. If you want to read it you need to email requesting access.
This is one of my pet peeves. When I started blogging a few years ago a blog I followed announced that she was going private and I sent an email to request access. But after a short while she gave up on the private blog as she got fed up of not having that many readers. Hhmmn. Also I had access to it and she didn't know me from Adam. There I was another blog I used to really like but she used to do private entries. To read certain posts you had to have a password - and I kept forgetting mine...and I stopped reading it. Too much hassle.
So I won't be bothering to request access. I think for a private blog to work, the blogger needs to send out invites to the readers that they want to read their stuff.
But then perhaps I'm jealous - as sometimes I feel I'm writing a totally private blog...

Dilemma Resolved

Well after much humming and hahing we have gone with the dining chairs rather than table and chairs. Here they are . I think that they will go very well with the table and won't over power the room. Who knows once we get these babies delivered I might be able to tempt Mr Robbo to sit at the table and we can share romantic candle lit dinners for 2...
STOP PRESS: We are finally going to decorate the bedroom . Yaay! I'm opting for a warm light raspberry type to make the room lully and cozy. I mean a tone of pink, but if I say pink I don't think Mr Robbo will go for it.

Make up

This morning I was reading an article in the Sunday Times Style section about wearing make up every day. Even the woman who wore make up said that if she has a stay at home day she doesn't bother to wear it. As if wearing make up is a bit guilt inducing. In my team at work (3 women and one man) I'm the only one that wears make up. The other day they were talking about how they don't bother to wear make up for work (they used the words "don't bother" I'm not being judgemental) and the bloke said his wife never wears make up. Although I'm a bit cynical when men say that - she could well be and he just hasn't noticed.
I wear make up EVERY day. I think it makes me look prettier and I feel better about myself. I wear foundation, concealer, mascara, blush and lip stick. Sometimes I dab eyeshadow on or eyeliner. The only time I don't wear make up is when I've got a cold.
People have commentated on my clear skin - that's the foundation baby!
I first got interested in how people think about make up when an acquaintance told me he didn't like women wearing make up. I think he just didn't like me, but that is another story. His wife never wore make up and I wonder how much that was her choice.
Please don't think I'm a make up Nazi. If you don't want to wear it that is fine with me. it is just interesting that such a small thing can push so many people's buttons.

Funny Song

Cliff Richard is on my I Pod!

Yep its true! I've got a lot of Van Morrison on my i pod and was listening to Whenever God shines his light, and thought who he is dueting with? And then I realised. Actually it reminded me of what a good voice Cliffie has got and I might down load some of his stuff. Especially Wired for sound- I used to love that!

Dilemma

We inherited our dining table and chairs from my parents,. My parents are so posh that it wasn't their main dinning table and chairs but the one that was in the garden room. Yes my parents have a garden room. At least they don't call the conservatory the serre. ( I once worked with a very posh lady who referred to sitting out in the serre, and when I asked what that was she said "Its the conservatory". She didn't like the word conservatory. She also thought call one's grandmother Nanny was awful. I think its lovely. nanny is much more cuddly.) Any how it is made out of pine and you can collapse the chairs and stick'em in the middle storage bit. It is just the right size and I like the wood but I HATE the chairs. They are not that comfy to sit on and I just don't think they look that good. But I really like the table. I want to replace the chairs but keep the table. But i want them to be good, comfy chairs. Looking at the prices I wonder if I wouldn't be better off buying new table and chairs. Also I'm worried that the getting lovely new chairs will make the table look not as good. Its a dilemma. There is also the added worry that when the Robbos buy any furniture Mr Robbo thinks that unless it falls apart, they is no need to replace it. He was shocked and dismayed when I told him I was getting fed up of the settee.

Fantastic!

I was talking to my sister's eldest yesterday. He had just had his hair cut. "I look fantastic". Phew, I thought when was the last time I thought I looked fantastic? I remember when I was about 3 I had a pink fairy dress and I used to cry when I had to take it off. I think I looked fantastic in that. But since then...on a really good day (for example my wedding day - hairdresser, make up done and the most expensive item of clothing I've ever worn) I thought I looked quite pretty.

Monday

Further to the post below - I forgot to mention the wind chimes.
Just finished reading How to cook for a ghost by Hope Mcintyre. I was looking forward to it as I had enjoyed the first 2 in the series. I read till the end but had guessed the murderer and the thing about Max's wife quite early on. And Lee is getting on my nerves now. I don't know if that is the author's attention, but she is irritating. In fact I didn't like any of the characters in the book, which is strange given that I really liked the first 2 - How to marry a ghost and How to seduce a Ghost. And what grown woman is called Gussie? Gusset more like.

Treasures or clutter?

I think that people can be divided into people that like their house strewed with trinkets, ornaments, bits and pieces; and those that regard such stuff as dust collectors. I suppose that they are right- they can be a bind to dust and I'm always scared when I clean my Nao dancers. Steve keeps well away from "my ladies" and I don't blame him. Actually Nao is my guilty pleasure, I have loved those figurines since Mum bought one from Queens Street market. It was of 2 girls, and Mum had got them cheap as one poor girl's head had broken off. Dad glued it back on. I can't remember how old I was but I must have been younger than 10, because it was in the 70's. I thought it was the most beautiful thing. As I got older and my - shall we say - artistic taste changed - I still love Nao. I especially love the ballet dancers. Its funny really because normally twee things live me cold - Cherish Teddies, crystal ornaments. I have three Naos, a big Isadorsa Duncan like dancer (v.scary cleaning the huge scarf she is twirling), a reclining ballet dancer and a little girl pushing a barrow with a puppy in it. Steve bought me that one , I think he was getting a bit fed up of the dancers.
Aside from the Nao stuff, the house is strewn with photo frames, candle holders, paintings and house plants. There are greyhound figures (suppose to be Tommy and Penny) , my bridal crown is on display, various little boxes that I don't keep anything in, a mother child bronze, a Buddha, the wedding cake decoration held in a sheer box, champagne corks with 50p pieces stuck in them(isn't that supposed to be lucky?), a wooden bowl holding various stones, a blue decorative bowl, a big green glass bowl on the table, an empty champagne bottle Steve won (well it was full when he won it). A stack of decorative boxes I bought in Bali, a fancy box holding chop sticks that has a carved frog and gekko on it (again from Bali). I don't like over head lights, so I have three Tiffany lamps in the living room and side table lamp in our bedroom. And I'm not going to bother to mention the books and DVDs we've got. Or the cushions and throws.
That is quite a lot of stuff isn't it?