Film stuff.

I like lists like this.

Rings Part 2.

Woke up, got ready , put my jewelry on. Ring still fitted. Took rings of whilst cleaning the loo (the glamour , the glamour.) Went to put rings on, couldn't get ring past my knuckle. WHY? Is it even possible to put weight on that quickly? I'd only had a cup of tea.

The bells , the bells.

My parents live near a church. A church with bells. Mum and I are sitting out in the conservatory chatting. The bells start to ring.
Mum: It must be a late wedding.
Gina: No one gets married this late, perhaps they're practising.
Mum: No they practise Wednesdays.
As it is about 6pm, I can't believe it would be a wedding, but as I'm not one to go on I let the subject drop. The bells stop and we carry on chatting.
The bells start ringing again.
Mum: Perhaps they are practising.
Gina: This is very olde England isn't it, listening to the church bells.
Mum: Mmnn.
The bells stop ringing. We carrying on chatting....bells start ringing again.
Gina: This is like being in Midsummer Murders. It's so quaint.
Mum laughs and we carrying on chatting. The bells stop ringing. Then they start again.
Mum: BLEEDING HELL!!!!!!


You can take the girl out of Hackney, but it seems you can't take Hackney out of the girl.

Rings

I had a pleasant surprise today. Since I've been working in London I have been making pack lunches. its not too bad once you get into the swing of it and it is surprising the lack of choice you have if you don't eat fish. Readers will be aware after the "fish pie" incident I have finally become a "proper" vegetarian - even though it is because I am scared of the fish. Also I have a stomping 15-20 minute walk to and from work. Although Ben can walk it in 11 minutes. But then I suspect he was wearing heelies at the time. Anyhow the point of this rambling is that I was going through my jewelry box. When I was about 22 (23?) Angela and Dave bought me a gold ring for my birthday or was it Christmas? It is a gold band about half an inch thick with a overlapping circle engraved on it. It is lovely and I used to wear it on my middle finger. It had always been a snug fit fit and when I took it to a jewellers to get it made a bit bigger, he said, no it was the right size. He was adamant so I accepted it. Over the years I got chubbier and I haven't been able to wear it. I couldn't get it on my middle finger and it was too loose for my ring finger and anyway my ring fingers are already spoken for. Yes reader - you have guessed what I'm going to say, I tried it on today and it fits! I cleaned it and it sparkles.

London

I have been shown a quiet cut through to work. It is bliss, no more walking against the tide of commuters. I actually get a chance to admire the buildings. I do love London especially by the river. I think of the blitz and the bombings and am so glad she is still here. I like the way the city has new buildings nestling alongside ancient churches and pubs.

Eight things I like

1. Reading -as in books,not the town.
2. Red wine
3. Kung Po vegetables and noodles
4. Walking Tommy on a quiet beach.
5. My clever phone.
6. Writing my blog.
7. Having a lie in
8. Watching a film with the Little Dudes - they give you a running commentary:

8 Things that get on my nerves

1. Jim Davidson on Hell's Kitchen.
2. Sniffers. That is people who sniff, not sniffer dogs.
3. People who say "That's my personality."
4. People who say "I don't care what you say."
5. Alex Lester - how has he managed to get a regular radio gig and not Richard Allinson?
6. Shopping on Saturdays.
7. Getting up in the mornings for work.
8. Getting a ladder in my tights.

Modern Technology

I am sitting at the works canteen, updating my blog on my phone. how cool is that?

8 useless things

Well Mrs M I've considered myself tagged.

1. I've no idea how much I weigh because I'm too scared to weigh myself. I think it is a lot.
2. I can watch telly and read at the same time.
3. I don't watch the soaps.
4. I laugh at my own jokes.
5. I've just found out three and free are supposed to be pronounced differently.
6. My underwear never matches.
7. I sing songs in my head most of the time.
8. I think it would be cool to be a werewolf.

and as a bonus - I think Agas are over rated.

Childfree to childless to childfree-ish

When I was little - I think I must have been about 8, Dad was talking about when Angela and I grew up. If we'd get married, what sort of jobs we'd have; that sort of thing. I remember shocking him by saying; " I suppose marriage is ok if you don't have kids." And to be honest that was my view point for the next 25 years.
I think there were a number of reasons I felt that way. Both Mum and Dad come from large families and as a new cousin seem to pop up annually. From a young age I saw what hard work babies are. I never had a romanticised view of what having a baby meant, and reader, this was before the days of the disposable nappy. The smell- yuk! Also my parents were big babies themselves when they had me and I remember Dad storming out a few times and thinking he could only do that because he knew Mum wouldn't. She would stay and look after us. That left a big impression on me.(Poor dad he probably only did it the once and was probably gone for about an hour - but I'm remembering this from a child's point of view.)
As I got older my feelings didn't change, I'd secretly feel a bit sorry for friends that became pregnant. Working with Mums who declared that they came to work "for a break" didn't change my mind either. When I was about 26 and in a boyfriendless state I did start to worry about being single, childless and alone for the rest of my natural life, but that feeling didn't last too long. I met Steve when I was 28 and got married at 30, still not feeling broody.
Then 2 things happened. The first was that my sister had kids and I just fell in love with the little dudes. The baby stage was still hard work and scary (they might die!) but it seemed worth it. Also as they got older it seemed ot get better and easier. Of course endless games of hide and seek are boring and I'd like to kill the person responsible for the Powder Puff Girls and a filled potty is a truly disgusting thing - but for the first time I could see myself doing this. I didn't want a baby I wanted a family.
The second thing was that we moved to a 3 bedroomed house. I think there is an urge to fill the bedrooms up.
So we decided to go for it. Unfortunately we couldn't do it the old fashioned way (well we could have done - but there is a genetic condition that meant the odds of having a diabled child was high- but there is a whole different subject for a blog.) So we entered the world of assisted conception. One day I'll write about that, but it was a very difficult thing and after 3 attempts I didn't get pregnant. For the first time in my life I'd really wanted something, did my best to get it and failed. I became depressed, which meant for me I was bawling or walking around with a dry eyed hollow stare. After a lot of resistance I finally agreed to take anti depressants. They did help in that they stopped me obesseively thinking (I smell, Steve will leave me, everyone hates me, I let the baby down) but they're weren't a magic wand. People suggested adoption, but I was scared that if we got turned down I would kill myself. I got therapy through work and that did help. Over 2 years I had three cycles of therapy. I believe that and the support I got from friends and family helped. I gradually began to see that I could have a meaningfull life without children.
Where am I now? Well seeing babies can still upset me (although not all the time, so that's an improvement)I think Steve and I are a stronger unit because of what we have been through together. I admire the way he stuck with me, as there were lots of time I couldn't bear being with me. I value what I have got rather than pining for a what I haven't. And sometimes, dear reader, I think I may have had a lucky escape.

Saturday

Met my Mum today at Southend. We sat on the balcony at the Navy and Military Club and you could hear the screams from the roller coaster. The tide was in, it was a really beautiful view. Mum was telling me that Aaron thinks that alien lawn mowers make the mysterious crop circles. Well that is as good a theory as any..
Walking down the high street there was a woman at a little stall, the sign read "let the parrot pick your future".That is strange in itself, but the bird wasn't a parrot. It was a budgie. She didn't have many customers.

That boy can bear a grudge.

The Little Dudes are back at school. When Joe first started school, he didn't take very kindly to it. It was harrowing for my poor sister -Joe used to get hysterical every morning. it was explained to him that he had to go to school, it was the law. Joe took that to mean that the Queen makes him go to school. Five years later he still blames the Queen and doesn't like her at all. I'm amazed that he has carried this grudge over half his life. Note to self - do not pee off Joe.
Today in Aaron's class a WPC came in and gave a talk. The children could ask questions. here are the ones that made me chuckle:
Will there always be enough police?
If you fall down a hall and the batteries run out of your walkie talkie what will you do?
At what time of the morning do you become a Police woman?

What the...?

We're sitting weatching telly, talking about our families.

Gina: Well as you know I'm the quietest way in my family.
Steve (spluttering on his drink): Well that's a high bar!
Gina: What d'ya mean?
Steve: There's not much in it.

Gina continues to look at Steve in amazement until he gets up and mumbles he needs to sort out his computer.

I must be the quietest one. When I'm with my family its really hard to get a word in.

Eggs

My Mum is really tight with eggs. When Mum makes a cake she always tells you how many eggs she used. As in "I used three eggs in that cake!No expense spared!" It just struck me that eggs are cheap - even free range organic eggs aren't expensive. Do you think it is because she can (just about) remember rationing? When I asked her why she is so tight with eggs (after she got over her initial shock. Mum denied she was but Angela backed me up.) She reckons it is because her Mum treated each egg as precious. Nan was born in 1910 and had six children, so I can understand why she was a careful housekeeper.

My Weekend

After reading "the Life in the Day" and "my weekend" features in the papers I thought I'd write about my ideal weekend. Its ok I don't expect you to read it.

I love waking up naturally in Saturday....and then rolling over and catching a few more zzzzs. When I wake up again, Steve is dozing and if this was a film there would be a shot of the breeze causing the curtain to flutter through an open window, or a steam train entering a tunnel...Then Steve staggers downstairs to make me a cup of Earl Grey and I read The Telegraph. I love having the papers delivered at the weekend, one of the many benefits of having your own front door. After a reviving cuppa I make breakfast - which is surprisingly healthy- fruit, muesli and yoghurt. We have breakfast in bed, it is lovely to mooch about after the hectic mornings during the week. Finally dressed I take Tommy for a walk over the beach while Steve gets ready. Ideally they wouldn't be any kites as they make Tommy nervous. Then when I get back we drive into Southend. I go to the library to stock up on some books and then we whizz round Sainsburys buying fruit and veg for the following week. If we're flush we'd to to TK Maxx and buy something nice that we don't need. The rest of the afternoon I'd spend gardening.When we first got the garden I assumed Mr Robbo would be interested, as my Dad loves gardening but it soon became apparent Mr Robbo had no interest and I was surprised to find out I quite enjoyed it. The garden isn't as good as it could be - not many plants can stand up to dog wee. Last week we went to a garden show and I asked a seller if he could recommend dog proof flowers and he suggested plastic!
Ideally Saturday evening we would go round my sister's or the Murphys for a takeaway and setting the world to rights. Chinese is we round Angela's , Indian if we're visiting the Murphys. Tim is brilliant at giving us the latest conspiracy theory- the Robbos love a good conspiracy. We don't get to see Tim and Sharon that much as we would like as Tim tends to work weekends.

Sunday morning involves more of the same - Sunday Times, breakfast in bed and more curtain fluttering (ugh curtain fluttering sounds really rude , as in I'd like to flutter your curtains..)Steve takes Tom for a walk and I potter about. If there is a Grand Prix Steve will watch that with his Dad and I'd go round my Mum's or Ruthie's for lunch and a chat. We tend to watch film on Sunday and not do very much at all. In fact there may be quite a bit of fluttering..

Do I know you?

I seem to have a very forgettable face. My new manager Steve (its funny that the 2 blokes who can officially boss me about have the same name) used to work at Southend. Although we worked in different departments we were there at the same time. Boss Steve kept going on about how he didn't remember me. After a while this got on my nerves.
Gina: That's funny because I remember you
Boss Steve; Really?
Gina: Yes Steve, you're the reason I applied for this job. I just had to see you again. I was heart broken when you left Southend..
Steve: Ha ha.
At least now he has stoppped going on about how he can't remember me. Actually I don't remeber him either - obviously our paths didn't cross- but I haven't told him that.
Today I bumped in to someone , when I said hello, she said she didn't recognise me...I must have a forgettable face.

Fridge

We've got a new fridge. It seems really small after our big fridge. Small but perfectly formed.
Big Brother final tonight - although I haven't got in to it so much this year, I'll still watch it. I hope the twins win. Perhaps I'm in to it more than I thought.

Money

The Robbos seem to be having a few months where every thing is just costing. In July we had unexpected expenses hospital visiting (those train fares mount up - it resulted in a couple of hundred quid we weren't expecting). Then I changed jobs - but my London weighting hasn't come through yet so this has been a bare month and NOW we think the fridge may be broken. And the MOT is due soon.

Stop Press- the fridge has broken. It is official.

I'm so excited!

Oh please let this be good.

1408

A few years ago I read a REALLY scary Stephen King short story called 1408. 1408 is the number of a hotel room (add the numbers up it makes 13!! Corny but good.)It was a story that stayed with you afterwards. Now I see that it is a film with John Cusack in it. Hopefully the fact that John Cusack is in it will mean it will be true to the spirit of the story. I don't know if I will be brave enough to see it at the pictures, although I could smuggle in scary film cushy *in.



* The cushion I hide behind when I watch scary films at home.

Back to work

Still liking the new job. Still got loads to learn. Still referring most of my phone calls. Need to remind myself that I've only been there 2 weeks.

Monday

First of all I have been asked to make one thing clear. In my previous post I mention Steve's auntie. This was shorthand - it was actually Steve's Uncle's girlfriend - but I thought that was long winded and just used the word Auntie. It is important to Steve that I clarify that it was his Uncle's girlfriend and not his Auntie. I suppose I should have called her Common- law Auntie.

We went to the garden show today and took Tommy. This bloke (weirdo?) more or less had poor Tommy in a bear hug and kept telling us how much bigger his dog was than Tom. I think the man had dominance issues. If Penny had been there she would had growled at him. A little while later the man made a bee line for Tommy again - but we just kept walking.

I blame my parents.

Steve and I went to a wedding this weekend. Steve is half Brum ( on his Mum's side) and the wedding was in Solihull. When I started talking his Auntie remarked that I haven't lost my accent. WTF?! I haven't gone anywhere to lose my accent. I live (as the crow - or pidgeon - flies) about 30 miles from my birth place. Why would she think I had lost my accent? I blame my parents. It's their fault I'm a Londoner.
BTW the only time I did lose my accent was when I lived out in Australia. I started to end every sentence on an up.
Another BTW - I like my accent. I don't want to lose it.

Spoilt

The other day I was talking to Mum and said I needed a wind proof brolly. Viola! i come in from work and there is a windproof brolly on the kitchen work top. I was really pleased ...until I realised that today is market day. i hope they didn't buy it from Del Boy...When I rang Mum up to thank her (you shouldn't have! I hope it didn't cost too much!) Mum said she got it from TK Maxx. That means it should be windproof.

Panic

I'm finding that the journey to work can get a bit tricky. A couple of mornings I have got a bit panic-ky. As in needing to take a few deep breaths to calm down. Then I need to use the loo (but don't - I think I'm worried that the loo will be out of order and I'll wet myself) and spend the rest of the journey trying to calm down. Most of the time it works, I manage to calm myself. It is pretty horrible at the time though. As the journey home is fine I think it is nerves about the day ahead. I'm sure that I'll get through this. Although tonight I'm worrying about tomorrow morning's journey. So in short I am worrying about being worried tomorrow.You don't need to tell me that's mad. Anyone got any tips in how they deal with their own irrational behaviour?

MacLesson

I find stuff like this interesting.

Basically.

I was in Southend today, shopping. I went into the bank to pay in a cheque that I've been carrying around in my handbag for a week. I get to he paying in machine (hardly ever works anyway) rummage through my bag and then realise I haven't got work handbag with me. Arrgh. As I go to leave I see Little Dudes and big Dude (their Dad) sitting in the waiting area. Actually I didn't see them - they had to holler my name several times. The first thing I notice is that they are wearing matching sandals. I know Angela likes to dress the boys the same , but I didn't realise she was including her husband in that. Joe had a big tear across the knee of his jeans. I wasn't sure if that was on purpose and asked him. He cheerfully told me it was the mark of death. Mark of death? The Little Dudes are obsessed with all things horrific.
When I got home Steve and I had a row because I muttered "fecking basic"* under my breath. Now I'm having to endure him telling me stuff and then adding -"but I thought that would be fecking basic."** I'm getting my own back though. During the Robbo row he accused me of just pretending to love him so I'm calling him Pretend Husband. The Robbos are not sophisticated arguers.

* He hadn't put the door stop against the door, so it was in danger of slamming on Tommy. I said "You haven't used the door stop" and then muttered "fecking basic". Steve demanded to know what I had muttered (he didn't believe my answers of "nothing" "love you?")so I said very slowing "fecking basic" and it went nuclear after that. He is sooo touchy.

** Obviously we were using a different word.

Blood ties

Watched Blood Ties on Living tonight.It was surprisingly faithful to the book. The actress who played Vicky Nelson looked a bit like Anatasia when she was wearing her glasses. It was a pity Henry didn't have an English accent. Afterall, he is supposed to be the illegitimate son of Henry VIII. Still I think it is a keeper.
BTW I've been wiped off all the system at work, and they got my pay wrong. Aargh!

Count to Ten....

I like to think of my self as easy going, empathic and even tempered. And most of the time I am. Sort of. But tonight I really lost my temper with Mr Robbo. I'm sorry Mr Robbo. I was out of order.
BTW we are definitely not one of those couples that get off on arguing. You know when it leads to hot sex. Arguing just gives us both a headache. In fact I've just taken some panadol.

How Rude!!!

Warning - I'm banging on about the commute:

Where work is about a 20 minute FAST walk from the station. And on the way back it is uphill (but weirdly seems faster.) My legs ache.

Gina: Even the muscles in my bum ache.
Ruthie: Its all the talking you do from it.

Well really - and Ruthie is supposed to be a friend :0)

First Day

The first day wasn't too bad. I don't regret changing jobs. The journey's ok. People were friendly and Imanaged ot get up at 5.45 AM. I do feel tired now - but Ithink I'll feel better after dinner.
I travelled in with Ruthie. She threatened to blog about me...

Packing for Work.

I've started to sort out stuff I need to take with me to work tomorrow. I took all my appraisal stuff home as I didn't have the balls to bin it. I won't bother trawling that to London yet. I think it will stay buried in the kitchen cupboard for a while. I did bin my 10 year service certificate though as I thought what would be the point in taking it home to bin it there.
Sooo - here is what I've packed to take in with me tomorrow:

My pens (as I don't like using work issue pens -they get blobby too quickly.)
A pebble Claire gave me. I use it like a worry bead when I'm on a call from hell.
Plastic glass for water. I drink a LOT of water and those little plastic water beakers don't do it for me.
Mug and spoon - for my Nestle Coffees - as I don't like the vending coffee.
Pack of Nestle coffees.
My diary.
Framed photo of Penny and Tommy.
Framed photo of the Little Dudes.


I don't think I'll have room for my packed lunch. Ruthie suggests that I take a packed lunch as it is expensive other wise. I normally get the Boots meal deal at £2.99 - but there isn't a Boots near my new work. I think I'll treat myself to a sandwich for the first day.

I was reading the TV guide and was (way too) excited to see that there is show on Living on Thursday. Its on at 8 and its called Blood Lines (or something like that). It is based on the Blood books by Tanya Huff. I read that a year or so ago and really enjoyed them. I hope the programme is as good. I've set it up on my (I suppose I should say our)personal planner.

Leaving Do

I had my leaving do - and very nice it was too. Didn't get too drunk and woke up this morning feeling un-hungover. Perhaps I have finally grown up and can drink in moderation...I will be still working for the same company but it feels funny leaving Southend after 14 years. Lots of people had an opinion on commuting to London. I got fed up of telling them that I've commuted before. True enough I lived closer to London then but I was about 1 1/2 miles from the station- that was some walk- and I could never get a seat on the train.

Another crush bites the dust..

I was watching telly and the adverts came on. There was an advert for a film with Nathan Fillion in it. Captain Mal *sigh* Imagine my disappointment - he looks like he has wig hair. I don't think it is a wig but that he has dyed his hair wig brown. Now I hope they don't bring Firefly/ Serenity back. Nathan - why?
Ruthie and I were discussing Brangelina. neither of us think Brad is right for her.
Gina: I don't know why she didn't go for George. he's more political.*
Ruthie: And gay.
Nooooooooooooooo!!!!

*Get me talking as if I actually know these people.

Special offer

We've taken up a non contract - one off payment Sky offer. Installation, digibox and variety channels for a one off 75 quid. After 6 months I lose the pay for view channels. Fair enough.Ever since Sky have been sending me direct debits forms - I ring up and state the special offer number and they say I don't need to fill it in. Until tonight when all the channels were turned off. I rang up Sky AGAIN. I was really shocked by the operator's attitude - he kept talking over me and HE was getting angry with ME! I don't know why - he wasn't paying for the call. I think it was because I was asking questions he couldn't answer.
Steve ended up having to take the call over (that's how bad it got). Its sorted out again. They don't need to know my bank details. I'm not holding my breath though. Stupid special offer.

Hot

I don't want to be a meanie - but its too hot for me.

Secret Grudge List.

I think most people tend to think that I'm easy going. And most of the time I am. But I do notice things and although I might not say something at the time, I do remember. You could say they go on my secret grudge list. I shouldn't keep a secret grudge list because when it gets full up I go mad. And the poor person on the receiving end has no idea why. To be fair to myself this happens very rarely. Yes you guessed it - I blew a friendship out of the water today.
In my last job i made really good friends with the girls I worked with. When I left I was confident we'd still be friends. But there was a lot of little things - I felt if I didn't make the effort to see them- popping up on their floor, inviting them to lunch - I didn't see them. Of course I should have mentioned this, but it went on my secret grudge list. They were invited to my parents' party. One girl couldn't go because she had an operation (I'm not totally mad - I'll accept a sick note) the other said she may come if she didn't have plans. She didn't let me know if she was coming, she just didn't turn up. That hurt my feelings - but I didn't say anything - it just went on the secret grudge list. And I also made excuses - they're busy etc. I invited them to my leaving do, fully expecting they would come. They said they would - but now plans have changed for them - they can met me for lunch but can't go out next Friday. One of the girls was having a friend over Friday or Saturday. As you can imagine that went straight to the top of my secret grudge list. At first I agreed to go to lunch - but inside I was stewing. I hate going out work lunch time as I can't relax, having one eye on the clock. I sent them an email saying I couldn't make lunch. They suggested another day - and that's when I lost it. (I thought, come on - I'm leaving Southend to go to London - this is a big deal for me.its not like I'm just going to work on a different floor.) My words weren't horrible but my tone was. I handled it badly and I was really upset.

I pretty much think the friendship is over. They made it pretty obvious they don't want to spend an evening with me and I made it pretty obvious where they can stick it. I suppose you could argue that the friendship had really been quietly dying for some time. But I wish I had told them the things that were bothering me. At least they would have known. Instead they thought everything was okay, I'd be all right about being blown out and they got a shock when I growled. When I growl like that I shock myself. So that it what I going to salvage from this - no more keeping secret grudge lists. They don't work.

My Poor Feet

I bought a pair of shoes. They are described as comfortable. They should be - you know some shoes are f-me* shoes? well these could be described as a cup of tea and a biccy shoes. No sex appeal whatsoever. The shoes are black and flat. And they f'ing killed my feet. My poor toes are a sea of blisters. And if these shoes aren't comfortable what is the point of them?
BTW once when I was high on hormones I bought a pair of killer f-me shoes. They're black and purple and when I wear them I'm six feet tall. But f-me I can't walk in them to save my life.

*Although Gina Robertson curses in real life, it doesn't feel right for Gina Robbo.

Wednesday

I'm sorting out my leaving "do" and I have to collect deposits for the meal. Now I know for sure who is coming and I will be able to book the right number for dinner. I can't believe it is next week.
At my new job I'll need a new pass. This means a new photo. Yikes. Shall I do Boy George's trick and paint my chin and neck black so it looks like I've got a thin face?

Couples that don't talk.

Many moons ago I read a book where the heroine is dumped by her husband because he didn't want to turn into one of those couples who don't talk in restaurants.When I was younger I was fascinated seeing couples that didn't say one word to each other. I thought that they must have a very bad relationship. I felt sorry for them. Now I realise that Steve and I don't say much to each other when we are out. I like to think it is because we are so comfortable in each other's company we don't feel the need to chat. I shared this thought with Steve - and once he got over the shock that I was talking to him, he agreed. But then he would, wouldn't he?

What's in a name?

As part of lazy Sunday I was reading some of the blogs on Dashboard and one writer was talking about the importance of the blog name. I think I was pretty unimaginative when it came to my blog title. I felt pretty shy about doing a blog in the first place and I didn't really know what I'd be writing. I chose Gina Robbo because Steve's nickname is Steve Robbo so I sort of kept the family connection. When I say family, please do not be alarmed, we're strictly related through marriage. I didn't want anything too cheesy like Frustrated Writer or I'm a office worker get me out of here. Now I regard GinaRobbo as my trade mark and I'd be strangely annoyed if there is another Gina Robbo out there. Its like Clark Kent and Superman. By day I'm Gina Robertson but by night I'm Gina Robbo!!!! Only I can't fly and don't have a cape.
Do you think I should get out more?

Weekend

After a very busy, super stressy week we've had a very lazy (well after essential cleaning chores - a week from hell does not mean that one lets one's standards slip)weekend. We watched The Lady Vanishes. I won't spoil for you if you haven't seen it - but do try and see it as you'll realise a lot of films pay homage to it. I love getting film references and at one point nearly peed myself with excitement. Steve and I like to play spot the character most likely to die - Steve got it right this time. You play it by shouting out "Dead meat!" when they're on the screen. That's why we tend to watch films at home, much more fun than the cinema where you have to keep quiet.
I've been to London quite a few times this week. I used to commute about 9 years ago and am amazed at the change of train etiquette. Some people treat the carriage as if it is their living room, music blaring and long, loud one sided telephone conversations. On a very rickety tube ride to South Kensington the girl sitting opposite me was applying mascara. I kept waiting for her to poke her eye out.

Black eye

Steve is sporting a black eye. No, I didn't give it to him -he has had a minor operation on it Tuesday. He has been in a fair bit of pain. Which is why I have forgiven this:

Gina is blabbing on about how things normally turn out on the best.
Steve: yeah and you thought you'd get pregnant.*
Gina: Blimey Steve , break to me gently!

Gina then gives Steve the evils as Steve tries to back out of it. Actually I thought it was pretty funny - but I had to make him squirm a bit first.

* I had fertility treatment a few years ago. I was very optimistic it would work. I'm a twit

Hmmnn...

I was just been reading one of my regular blogs. And I noticed although I'm still linked to I've been moved lower down the list. So much lower down I thought I had been removed. Now I know this is a small thing and I shouldn't even notice stuff like this (me being so grown up an' all). But even so...

Hello -I'm still here

Just realised that I haven't blogged for a few days. My poor reader(s) how have you managed?
Steve has had a minor operation having a thingy removed from his face. He was very brave and has to take it easy. That means I'm doing all my chores and his chores. I'm a bit worn out. I never realised how much he does. Don't tell him that though.

Steve is right - it is a load of buttocks.

Your True Love Is a Capricorn

Why you'll love a Capricorn: Hard working and driven, a Capricorn will work overtime to win your heart. Be prepared to get wined and dined, even once you're convince that your Capricorn is the one! Why a Capricorn will love you: You don't rush things. You know it will take a while for a Capricorn to trust you, and you can wait. Social and outgoing, you can introduce normally shy Capricorn to a great circle of friends.

What Sign Is Your True Love?

And I didn't cheat with my answers.

Steve's a Virgo!

After reading Steve's blog I had to post this:

Never Date a Capricorn

Somber, demanding, and freakishly logical. Emotions? It's not clear that Capricorn has them. And while it may be flattering for a Capricorn to be serious about you, bad news: they expect you to be super serious in return. Instead try dating: Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, or Virgo

What Sign Shouldn't You Date?

Friday

No one handed in my ring. Oh well. There is no use claiming on the insurance because the excess £100 which is more than I paid for the ring. It was a nice ring though. If any one out there has found it and kept it (heaven forbid) I hope your finger drops off.

Thursday.

I've got my leaving date from work - 10th August. It will be an end of an era! I've worked in the building for 14 years so it will feel funny leaving. I'm inviting people for drinks from work and dinner, Mae if you are reading this considered yourself invited! I'm looking forward to it, its been ages since I've been out with a group of people. But then I am an unpopular member of staff so perhaps there won't be that many of us there..
On an annoying note - I lost my little finger ring. I'm pretty sure that I lost it at work - but I couldn't find it anywhere. I hope my good karma comes into play because I ALWAYS hand in stuff I find.
I'm reading Imperfectly natural Woman by Janey Lee Grace. Isn't it odd that many people who are in to alternative stuff (eg won't take anti biotics because they are bad for you, think sun screen give you cancer)smoke?

Bring out the Branston

The Littlest Dude attends speech therapy. Angela and I were discussing his progress.
Angela: ..So Aaron asked for a cheese and Branston sandwich. But he didn't say Branston clearly. I said I couldn't understand him and he managed to say cheese and banston.
Me: Why didn't he say cheese and pickle if he is having trouble with his "r"s?
Angela eyes rolling : He'll only eat Branston.
Me: Oh!

MmmmMagnum

There is one Magnum triple chocolate lolly in the freezer. Unfortunately there are two of us.
"You have it"
"No you have it"
We're not grown up enough to share it. At the moment there is an uneasy - if you can't have it I won't have it.
I think Steve will be the first one to break.
BTW I got the job! Don't know when I'll be starting yet.

Pizza (or how kids tell lies)

Just to expand on the post below:
We're at Pizza Hut with the boys. One of the reasons we are there is that Joe has a nut allergy and the Meat Feast is nut free. (although saying nut allergy is a bit like saying diabetes is a sugar allergy.) The boys want large, thick crust. I query that that this might be a bit too much for them but they are quick to reassure me that they always have this. So I order it for them. And they eat it all.
"That's the biggest pizza I've ever eaten." Aaron tells me as he pushes his empty plate away.
They played Gina for a sucker.

The next morning I'm cooking breakfast for them. I'm reading the back of the honey pot for ingredients. I'm pretty sure it won't contain nuts but you have to check. There are no nuts but there is a disclaimer. It is quite long winded but the gist of it is 'It shouldn't have nuts in it. But it might. We can't be bothered to check. Its up to you if you eat it or not" Shame on you Tesco.
BTW I didn't give Joe the honey.

Sunday

Had a great time hanging out with the Little Dudes. It was hilarious watching Dare Devil as they gave us a running commentary on what happens just before it happened.
A storm woke us up at the ungodly hour of 6am. Tommy was terrified but fortunately for me he was whimpering on Steve's side of the bed.

When to shut up...

I had an interview today. When they asked me how I would handle the commute I gave them the full benefit of my research on train times. "If I get the 7.05, that would get me into London 8.07 which should get me here at 8.30. If I get the 5.30 I'd get home about 6.30." Yes, I actually said 8.07.
The Little Dudes are coming over tomorrow for a sleep over. We're taking them out for pizza and then watching Dare Devil. Can't wait!

Cool Girl.

I've been reading blogs like Company bitch where the blogger uses cool pseudonyms, slags people off, discusses their sex life and has a way cool 'list of characters' on their side bar.
I don't slag off people(who I know )in this blog, in case they read it, or someone reads it and tells them and they beat me up. Reading my blog you could be forgiven for thinking I've never had sex (the whole Doctor Who geekiness, the way I got confused between real life and Heroes). Then I found out Steve's Auntie Carole reads this blog and tells his Mum about it- so I'm keeping well clear of the sex thing. Also Steve's mates read this and I wouldn't want them to feel inferior..
Perhaps I should start another blog - but make it anonymous and not tell anyone it is me. I could slag people off, give them mean nicknames. I could call it Honks of Filth (I watched How Clean is your House and Kim said "This honks of filth " and it struck me as a good name for a blog)...oh dear I've just blown it haven't I?

Now I know why I don't diet and Victoria Beckham always looks so miserable. It sucks not eating. Stupid rumbling tummy, stupid food poisoning.

If you ever get food poisoning from eating fish, taking an anti histamine helps. Steve looked it up on the Internet in the early hours of this morning. I'm never eating fish again. I'm scared of the fish.

I'm sure everyone noticed the look of barely controlled horror on Ziggy's face when Chanelle was not evicted from Big Brother last night. Steve has that look on his face every time I mention decorating.
I haven't put a title on this because I can't click on the title box. it was going to be called: The Look of Love (Not).

"As a parent..."

I purely hate it when someone starts a sentence "As a parent I feel awful that a child had died/injured/gone missing". It makes me feel like a non parent. That I can possibly understand because I haven't got children. Which is a nonsense.

Friday

I'm secretly proud that I am left handed. It is a silly thing to be secretly proud of, as it is no effort for me to be left handed. I suppose it is like being proud of your eye colour. It makes no sense.
Watched Big Brother last night. Charley is very proud of her chest isn't she?

Even younger Gina

Thinking about how I was at 19 made me starting thinking about when I was 9. Although I might get 9 and 10 muddled up as it was a long time ago.
When I was 9:
Mum wouldn't let me watch Charlie's Angels. I was very cross about that and felt it was very unfair.
I loved drawing and writing stories. I would carrying on reading after the light was turned out.
I shared a bedroom with Angela. I hated that. I hated the fact we went to bed at the same time and I was the OLDEST.
I was in the Brownies. We lived in London.
Dad did night work so we had to be very quiet during the day as not to wake him up.
We didn't have a phone. Or a car.
I had a Purdy haircut.
I thought my Mum knew everything. She still thinks she does.
I have never been on a plane or been abroad.
I used to play out with my mates. I had a Tomahawk bike.
We didn't have central heating. We used to get dressed in front of the gas fire.
I liked The Famous Five, Secret Seven, The Faraway tree and Amelia Jane is naughty again. I thought the Wombles might be a bit real.

Games

Steve downloaded a game on my phone. I call it Bubble Pop, but that's not its real name (puzzle bubble or something.)I don't normally like games but this is very addictive. Steve had to explain to me how to play it, step by step. I saw Joe yesterday, he is off school with a tummy bug. To cheer him up I let him play Bubble Pop. As I was explaining to him how to play it, he was already playing it. Is that the difference between a 20th Century and 21st century person? Or is it just me?

I was just randomly looking at blogs and came across a blog where someone really opens their heart. But there is a spelling mistake in the title of the blog. And I got all snobby about it. I am a terrible, shallow person. (I even got the dictionary to check- how mean is that -if she wasn't so depressed I'd let her know.)

Your EQ is 133

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick! 51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese. 71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely. 91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that. 111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt. 131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin. 150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

Dentist

I had a dental check up this morning. I had a little filling (I call little fillings the ones where you don't have to have an injection) and a teeth clean. It came to £43.40, which isn't bad I suppose but doesn't feel very NHS.
When I left the Dentists it was bucketing down with rain. All this rain is getting weird.

Young Gina

Hurray! mrs M has updated her blog! its about how different the 39 and a bit Mrs M is from the 19 and a bit Mrs M. So mrs M - I ripping off your blog.
When I was 19 I didn't know Steve Robbo, so my name wasn't Gina Robbo.
I had a steady boyfriend who was a complete f!ckw!t. Readers, he was so up his own arse he used to explain MY jokes back to ME. Readers I'm sorry to say I thought he was terrific. Sadly Young Gina had to kiss a few frogs before she met her prince.
I started going to pubs. My tipple then was vodka and tonic. Stupid young Gina started to smoke "socially".
For some reason Young Gina used to carry a brolly with her every where (I think I had a horror of getting my hair wet)but hated using a handbag.
Young Gina would snigger behind Now Gina's back, as Now Gina has her own special glass and coffee cup at work, as well as photos on her desk. Young Gina used to think people like that were really sad.
I don't think YG knew what the Internet was, YG never thought she would own a mobile phone. YG had a choice of 4 TV channels to watch.
Young Gina was all right but she was very naive and tended to believe what she was told. She was also a bit of a clothes snob- like she would only wear 501s. Young Gina would be mortified at Now Gina rummaging through George and Peacocks.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Robbo Rule No 2.

Robbo Rule number 2 is who ever gets out of bed last, makes it. The rule was violated this morning by Mr Robbo. As I'm not one to make a fuss or go on about things I made the bed. Later Tommy was whimpering for his walk. (He does that as soon as we get dressed)
Steve: Why is Tommy crying?
Me: Because you didn't make the bed.
Steve: No he's not!

Shame

I'm on the telephone to my nephew. He is a Dr Who fanatic, so I can geek off to him and he thinks I'm cool not sad.

Me: Did you see the Doctor Who cartoon this morning?
Joe: No I don't watch them. They're silly.
me (shocked):I thought it was good!
Joe (being polite to his aged aunt):I'm glad you liked it.

The shame, the shame.

Rain

My dad says that if you live in England you can't take any notice of the weather. I've agreed with that - I quite cheerfully do the gardening, walk the dog in most types of weather, but the past few days have been ridiculous. I took Tom for a walk in a mild drizzle and came home soaked. The heavens opened just as I got to the point of no return. I know that we're lucky that we haven't been flooded (I heard a funny but horrible joke about at least all the Bull Eye winners have got somewhere to cruise in their speedboats now)but I'm fed up being soggy.
I watched the Doctor Who cartoon this morning. It was really good and was voiced by the proper actors. I was a bit worried it was going to be voiced by sound a likies. I don't know if it was a one off or a series. Its been years since I've watched telly on a Saturday morning. I suppose that is because I'm a grown up. Allegedly.
The cartoon was about finding a ship that showed you your heart's desire. Martha's was the Doctor (big surprise) you never found out about the Doctor's (he is so mysterious!). It made me think about my heart's desire. It would go like this:
Steve: Where am I? Where are my clothes? You know what? Grand Prix is noisy and boring. I don't think I'll bother watching it any more.

Pink Fraud

Just got in after seeing Pink Fraud at the Riga. They are a Pink Floyd tribute band. I think tonight they played mostly B sides. It was a bit boring. And my legs ache from all that standing around.
Nice to meet Steve's mates though.

Just a thought..

Do you think Gordon Brown is really the Master and he has gassed Tony's Cabinet?

Work stuff

I'm at the photocopier, copying my last 2 appraisals when Lesley, a senior manager I've never worked for but know , walked past:

Lesley: Are you applying for a job.
Me: Yeah, !!!$$$$* have got some jobs going
Lesley: Are they in Canada Square?
Me: Good Lord no - I'm not going to change trains to get to work, too much of a faff.
Lesley; Ha ha Gina you are funny.

Who's joking? I mean it.

* I'm not telling you what job I'm going for yet. I'm paranoid.

Secret

Its a blumen' secret how they get people to buy this rubbish. AAARRRGGGHHHHH
So glad I got it from the library and didn't pay twelve quid for it.

Lucky me

I don't normally blog about work but due to work changes I'm looking for a new job. Steve is has been great helping me with my CV. I'm applying for a few jobs in London and he has volunteered to do the cooking and week day shopping. What a sweetie!!!(in a macho way obviously). Ruthie has been brilliant as well - even offering to lend me some smart clothes if I get to interview. I'm a lucky girl.

Got The Secret out of the library - that has been a lot of ho hah about this. I think it is about putting out positive thoughts or something. Anyway wish me luck with my job hunt.

Food I don't like

Hannahhas written a blog about food/drink she doesn't like.
Here is my list:

marmite
bovril
instant coffee.
sweet wine.

So if you ever want to invite me round for dinner I'm pretty easy to cook for.

A quick Doctor Who question - are they saying that Time Lords are like vampires in that humans are strangely attracted to them?

You Are a Peacemaker Soul

You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can. War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace. You are a good mediator and a true negotiator. Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy. While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental. You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take. On the flip side, you've got a graet sense of humor and wit. You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

New Photo

Came to the painful conclusion I am not photogenic. Can understand totally why some people put on photo of their feet as their blog picture or a cute cartoon.
BTW still haven't got hair remorse.
PS. In you look in the corner you can see Panda.

Books and Stuff

Got my Amazon delivery of my G A McKevatt books today. Brilliant! Still I've got my pile of library J D Robbs to get through first. The librarian actually commented on how many I'd checked out (7). I've read 3, 4 more to go. I'm really enjoying them but I don't know if they are re-readable. I really enjoyed Heroes but I don't know if I could sit through it again. I think some stuff you watch/read to find out what happens. You really enjoy it, but at the end its done. Then there is the stuff you can re-read and re- watch (not a word I think, but will do for my purposes)again and again. Buffy, Angel and Doctor Who being prime examples. It doesn't matter that you know the ending, you just enjoy being in their little world. I know what happens in The Shining - but I love that book, and am gripped every time I read it; although I don't think I'll re-read The Stand. I suppose it is the difference between plot driven and character driven stories.
I know lets do a list!

One Night Stands:
The Stand- Stephen King
Shawshank Redemption(really loved that film but it was so emotionally draining I couldn't watch it again)
Polo- Jilly Cooper
The Water's Lovely - Ruth Rendell
Heroes
4400


Enduring Love:
Buffy
Angel
Rosemary and Thyme (these are my favourite comfort watch at the moment)
The Shining - Stephen King
Rivals -Jilly Cooper
Any Agatha Raisin book - M C Beaton
High Fidelity (the film not the book. Although I liked the book)
Matrix

and things I'd thought I'd like but hated:
Wicked - Jilly Cooper (Jilly - I couldn't even finish it.)
Supernatural
Seven (didn't stay till the end it was so rubbish.)
Ghost Country - Sara Paretsky

Mrs Miggins and Mr Whoppy

Looked at Mrs Miggins's blog today. Mrs M hasn't updated her blog in AGES, thus depriving me of a giggle. I looked at it just now and nearly wet myself - she has changed her background, Hurray! I thought, Mrs M has updated her blog. I was wrong. She has just changed the background. That doesn't count Mrs M.
I was thrilled to see Whoppy has updated his blog - that's more like it!

Chop, chop

I've got short hair now. It's a tad shorter that the photo I showed Julie. (Julie cuts my hair.) Short hair is my default hair cut. My hair is so thick it has bowl like tendencies and I've never got the hang of straighteners. I wonder how long it will take for remorse to set in? I'll keep you posted.

BTW - anyone got some tasty marrow recipes? I've got one the size of a baby in the fridge and I want to do it some justice.

I knew it!

How evil are you?

What the..

Against my better judgement I read an Amy Winehouse interview. The interviewer was making a big deal about how Amy is actually a very devoted wife. To illustrate this, we're told how Amy, in a restaurant, divided her meal in 2 and gave the other half on plate to her husband. He didn't even have to ask.
WTF?! That's an example of freaky control eating. If husband wanted something to eat he would have ordered something. Ooh it feels better to write that down, I've been stewing on that all day.

It seems I got very smashed last night. Steve told me he has sorted out Esther's email address.
Me: Oh does Esther need new email?
Steve stares at me: So you don't remember the conversation then?
Me: Blimey I was pissed wasn't I?
Steve: yes you were.

Still at least when I get out of it these days the worst things that happen are I forget a conversation about e mails, seriously consider (but decide against) not bothering to take my make up off before going to bed and am sound asleep by 11.

I, Geek.

I am getting fed up with watching 'to be continued ' on Doctor Who. Really enjoyed the episode- what a twist! I'm going to check if they are any watch fobs that I haven't noticed before lying about the place.

We* were talking about the Paul McGann Doctor Who film. I always thought I watched it with Steve. I secretly think that Steve is the geeky one and I'm the cool one. But the film was made before I knew him. So I must have watched in all on my own. I think I must have watched it by myself because the little dudes hadn't been born.** I now realise that I've always been a geek! Especially as I was about 27 at the time, living at home with my parents and watching it in my bedroom. And it was probably shown on a Saturday night.

* Unless otherwise stated 'we' refers to Steve and I. I get fed up of writing Steve and I or Steve and me.
** Angela, Mum and Dad aren't that bothered about Doctor Who. Yes I don't understand it either.

Saturday

Yesterday evening Steve went over his dad's to watch the Grand Prix practice, he dropped me of Esther's on the way. Esther has recently moved and being nosy I was looking forward to seeing her new house. Esther's old house was lovely -big with a large garden but this place is really special. The garden is enormous and the backs on to fields with horses. How lovely is that? The house is big but is not over whelming, the rooms are quite cosy.The living room over looks the garden and fields. If Esther and Darren were 30 years older they would like the decor, you can tell the previous owners spent money on the place.
However Esther plied me with red wine - it would have been rude to say no, and I'm afraid I ended up rather smashed. So smashed, in fact, that when I got ready to go to bed I was seriously considering not bothering to take my make up off! Luckily I did make the effort (my pillow cases were clean on that day!)I'm amazed that I haven't got a hung over this morning - although I did get up at about 3 and took some panadol.

Ring and things

One of my hobbies is staring at Jeweller's Windows. They don't seem to mind.Last year I was looking in a shop window and saw this fabulous wedding ring. It was quite wide, gold with a triangle pattern. I'm not describing it very well but I really liked it. My own wedding ring is a gold flat band with five (tiny)diamonds. I do really like it but I've worn it every day for the past 8 years. I fancy a change. Honestly when I mentioned it to Steve he acted like I wanted to change husbands, the fuss he made. He kept saying 'But it is your wedding ring, your WEDDING ring. You're winding me up - right?'
So to wind him up I suggested that on our 10th wedding anniversary we should renew our vows and we could exchange new rings then. How Steve laughed. To be honest if it bothers him that much I won't get another one. I see it just as a ring rather than a symbol of marriage. Steve says I'm mad.

Friday

Thank goodness the working week is OVER. When we got home from work we took Tommy down to the beach (but not on the beach as dogs aren't allowed there in the Summer. It may be my city roots bit I think it is brilliant I can just walk to the beach. I love being beside the seaside.
Have just discovered JD Robb I wonder if she has got a My Space page?

Tuesday

I found a dog this morning. She was a English Bull Terrier puppy and she was running in the road. After a couple of false starts I managed to catch her.(Tip - you catch a dog by pretending you're not bothered - then they walk up to you and while they are having a sniff you can grab their collar.) By this time Steve had come back from getting diesel and was surprised to see me clutching a wriggling puppy and trying to dial the number on her collar. Steve rang for me - it was a More than number- they contact the owners. Five minutes later the owner rang, luckily they lived quite near. They were very grateful and we managed to get to work on time. It made a change to the start of the day.
Watched 'the season finale' of The Tudors and was astonished to learn that Wolsey killed himself. That aside I really enjoyed the Tudors, apart from all the sex scenes. Am I the only one that find sex scenes - well just a tad boring?

Frodo Friends

I've been reading this blog. Now I don't want to get all coy ( I hate coyness in blogs) but I'm not going to link to this blog. It read by invitation only ( and I got an invite! - I never get invited to things. My parents didn't even send me an invite to their party. Just took it for granted I'd be going.)Any how Secret Blogger (referred now to as SB) was writing about friends yawning whilst SB is talking to them. I could really relate to that blog. Now I have got a small circle of friends (and I'm related to about half of them)but when I was younger I was the victim of the yawning or even worse the stifled yawn -while I'd be spilling my guts out. I call it the Frodo syndrome. That is said friend thinks that they are the star and you are the support (ie Samwise). Just like Samwise they expect you to drop every thing and follow them in their marvelousness. You tend to hear from Frodos when things are going wrong with them. Which usually means when their boyfriend has dumped them or they thinking of dumping their boyfriend. You know when everything is ok when you stop getting the daily phone calls.
As I got older I realise friendship is as friendship does. Eff off you Frodos!

Robbo rule 1.

I really enjoyed Doctor Who this week. In fact I'd say it is my favourite, it certainly made me jump. I'm keeping a close eye on my Nao figurines.The story was so good I didn't notice that the Doctor wasn't in it much.
Stayed up very late (for me) last night. Just wasn't tired. Steve went to bed about eleven and I watched X files on ITV4. I used to love the X files. I remember when the film came out we had booked tickets to see it with some friends. We had just started to live together. On the night I felt rough so Steve went out and I went to bed. As I said this was early days in our relationship and we were still at the love struck stage. I was sound asleep and something made me wake up. The flat was in darkness and I could make out a shape in the bedroom doorway looking in at me. Reader, I nearly had a heart attack, I thought that a nutter had managed to break in to the place. The silly sod (that's Steve by the way) hadn't wanted to wake me up and was looking at me with eyes of love.
That's how Rule number one was made. When you come in always shout 'hello'. Even if it means waking the other person up.

Saturday

Took the little dudes to East beach this afternoon. They had their fish nets with them. They caught mainly sea weed. After they went home I had a bath as I was all sand gritty. Now I'm in my pyjamas, exciting times in Robbo World.

Me me me

1. My front teeth are wonky.
2. I'm scared of heights.
3. When I walk passed a dog I always smile at it.
4. I'm five foot seven and a half. I never made it to five foot eight.
5. When I like a book I'll re -read it loads of times.
6. I've got a scar on my neck from an operation I had when I was a baby. I hate having my neck touched.
7. I'm three and a half years older than my sister. Most people don't realise that we're sisters because we don't look like each other. A lot of people think Angela is older than me.(I think it is because I'm so immature rather than I look younger.)
8. People tend to think Steve is older than me.That makes him mad.
9. I haven't got a middle name.
10.When I was 6 I broke my arm playing Daleks. I was running and managed to run into a wall.

Mad

I feel wiped out today. Steve was doing his hospital radio show straight from work. He told me to take it easy when I got in. So what did I do? Didn't listen to Steve, that's for sure. I did all the dusting/polishing as soon as I got home - before a cup of tea and didn't even change out of my work clothes. Obviously my hormones dictated that the house needed an emergency clean. Then I changed into my jeans and put the kettle on. Tom came in to the kitchen and I decided he needed a walk. Coming home after walking him I realised I had forgot to do my flies up. Bloomin' hormones.

The Road where I live

I was interested to read Hannah's comments on her blog , about being unhappy where she lived. Steve and my first home was a one bedroom flat. Despite the lack of space we were very happy there ...until we had a drug dealer and his prostitute girlfriend move in downstairs. It is horrible feeling unsafe in your own home. We were lucky that we were renting so didn't have to worry about selling it. We bought our house in 2000, back when houses were affordable. We are very lucky that all our neighbours are , well neighbourly. I'd feel comfortable knocking on their door if I needed anything. I don't take this for granted though, after my experience in the flat I am only too well aware it only takes one bad apple...
I don't think neighbourliness (is that a word?) is about money. I have friends that live in a very desirable road and her neighbours don't even acknowledge her. Then again my parents live in Thorpe Bay which has a reputation for being stuck up, but Mum and Dad feel very at home there.
My heart goes out to Hannah , stuck some where she hates. I think it is everyone's worst nightmare.

Well this is the last quiz I'm doing ..

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment. They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.

How Do People See You?

Looking on the brightside, I like her haircut.

Horror fans

It is my Dad's birthday today and we all met for a meal last night. Very nice it was too. I was sitting next to the Little Dudes. Angela, being a clever Mummy bought them felt tips and a drawing pad to keep them entertained. Reader, they spent the whole time drawing sharks eating people, the Scream mask, evil weapons and Jason of Jason v Freddy fame. Angela said that red felt tips always run out first because of all the colouring in of blood that they do.
Me: Can't you draw anything nice?
Little Dudes: No!
They wanted me to tell me what happens in Scream 2. As a responsible adult I wouldn't. So dear reader, they lie. Joe said 'You might as well tell me. I've seen Scream 4' The Little Liar!

Geeky Gina

Okay I admit I moaned about last week's Doctor Who but I really enjoyed last night's episode. Especially the bit where Joan tells the Doctor where to get off. The actor who played Baines was excellent - how did he get his face to look like that? Russell T Davies has been saying that the next series will be the last because of the heavy work load. (does Russell really mean that, or are they in pay negotiations? A heavy work load never seem to have bothered Joss Whedon.) I think the way forward is one off feature length episodes. Talking about Joss, The Doctor seems to have followed the Buffy formula of a Big Bad for every series. Big Wolf, New World, Mr Saxon. (Mr Saxon must be the Master - I can't wait)
The only reservation I had about last night's episode (I'm such a geek -see how seriously I am taking all this) is that it had a narrow definition of love:get married, have a family. Where traditionally the message has been love is where you find it and one size doesn't fit all. For example the episode with Peter Kay and Marc Warren, Love and Monsters. When ever I see Marc Warren on telly now I always think of Elton. Although both episodes had the message that meeting the Doctor messes up your life one way or another.

By the way I'm eating fish again. I know all the reasons I can give you are excuses not reasons, but I didn't want you to think I don't eat fish, when now I do.

Be Warned....

You Sometimes Hold a Grudge

You aren't exactly vengeful, but you're not going to forget when someone wrongs you. And while you'll forgive the small things, you don't hand out too many second chances to people who really screw up.

Do You Hold a Grudge?

These things are addictive!

Monkey magic

You Were Born Under:

Full of spunk, you are the original party animal. You bring fun, activity, and stimulation to any event. Self-control is not one of your strong points; you have been known to over indulge. Cheerful and energetic, you can turn the most boring thing into something fun. You are most compatible with a Rat or Dragon.

What Year Were You Born Under?

The Grudge

Ruthie came over last night and we got to talking about scary films. I think the scariest film I've ever see is The Grudge. I won't say what happens in case you haven't seen it - and it is well worth seeing. Apart from the first five minutes I watched the film from behind a cushion. There is no let up - there aren't any 'you can relax now it won't be scary in this bit' bits. At one point I foolishly let my guard (and cushion) down and SCREAMED. I made Steve and the dogs jump.
I'm still a bit scared of stairs. I'm glad my house hasn't got stairs in the living room. Stairs that are situated behind my settee. Where I would be innocently sitting watching telly or reading or knitting. Unaware of anything coming down the stairs. Yes, Ruthie, I am very glad indeed...

I love my phone

This is my phone
I love it.