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?

Big clean

Since I've been working in London Steve does the majority of the cleaning. Which is fantastic. But on Saturday mornings I run the place over with a duster. Give the kitchen a quick wipe down. I may clean the fish tank.
Today as well as those jobs I bleached the thingy that you put in your kitchen drawer and store your cutlery in. What is that called?*A cutlery holder? I was shocked by how manky it was. The Robbos must have excellent immune systems. We do keep the house clean-honest! , but some things just get over looked. As I had all the cutlery out I bleached them as well, and in a fit bleaching also added the mugs.
Then in a cleaning frenzy I pulled out our big bed and cleaned away all the dust bunnies. I say dust bunnies but dust monsters is more like it.
Now I don't need to do all this. Steve polishes and vacuums during the week and if I asked him to do bleach the cutlery and mugs he would. I think cleaning the house for me, is like Tommy peeing up against stuff on our walks. I'm marking my territory.

*A cutlery tray. It is called a cutlery tray. I was making a cup of tea and it suddenly came to me.

Facebook friends

This Facebook thing can you make you feel well left out. All my Facebook friends are real friends. That is I know them in the real not virtual world. There is one girl who I consider a good friend. We don't meet up that much, but I thought it was because we're both busy doing the stuff you have to do making a living, blah blah blah. Now, thanks to Facebook I realise she rarely returns calls, meets up because she is too busy going out with all her other friends. So I now I consider her a good friend I used to have.
Still I shouldn't feel too bad. My mum hasn't even got round to accepting Angela ( my sister, her daughter) as a friend yet. That is just harsh!

Yikes.

I was reading Duma Key. I was all alone in the house. It was dark. I had got to the bit where Edgar sees the little twin girls on the stairs. I should I say Edgar sees the little dead twin girls ...and I heard children's voices at the front door. I nearly wet myself before I remembered that the Little Dudes were due round.
Stephen King - you write some scary sh!t!

Romance

I was reading the Most Romantic Film Moments on 'tinternet and was amazed to see that Shrek wasn't on there. The bit where Shrek tells Princess Fiona she is beautiful, being tears to my eyes every time. He doesn't say "you are beautiful to me" which would imply , yeah you're big and green but I like you. He simply says she is beautiful. *happy sigh*

Whoops!

As I was polishing - the speaker fell off the stand and banged against the plug socket and now the plug socket is hanging off the wall. Sh!t and double sh!t. I'm going to have a husband with the hump when he gets in.

Question.

We went round our friends last night. I asked them if they would rather be a vampire or a werewolf. And they did not think it was an odd question and had an answer straight away. They would rather be vampires. Maddie wondered why I'd rather be awerewolf -all that hair! I suppose vampires are sexier, but I still stick by my choice.

Vampires and Werewolves.

We were watching Underworld last night. Well I was watching it and Steve was playing on his DS.
"What would you rather me a werewolf or a vampire?" I asked.
Steve actually looks up from his game and stares at me "I don't know". Steve said it as if that is the most stupid question he has ever been asked.
"You don't know?" I suppose that is the difference between a Buffy fan and a non Buffster.
Well I'd rather be a werewolf. Because a. I like dogs and wolves; b. In The OtherWorld series werewolves have super fast metabolisms and can eat loads; and c. I find the blood thing with vampires a bit icky. Really I'd like to be a Were greyhound, but I don't think that they exist.
I felt a bit sorry for Michael Sheen who was it. He and Kate Beckinsale used to be a couple, but she went off with the director. Imagine you're both got in a job in the same film, and you're thinking "Oooh that will be good, spending more time together" and she runs off with the Director. I mean I could be wrong, Michael might have been going off Kate anyway.

10 years

The Robbos have been married 10 years today. I think that has been the fastest 10 years of my life. We celebrated by having a v. delish lunch at an Italian restaurant.
Even better, Mum came out of hospital today, after her eye operation. We popped into see her and she looked surprisingly well. When she had the operation before (about 5 years ago) she looked like she had been punched in the face. Today her eye looked a bit swollen. The wonders of modern medicine.

I always said that Tommy was a tiny Greyhound.

Your Ideal Pet is a Little Dog

You're both high strung, hyper, and cute. You're one of the few people who can get away with carrying your little dog in a little bag.

What's Your Ideal Pet?

Ha! ha! ha!

Mum had an operation today. She had it under local. I was talking to her tonight and she was laughing uproariously at all my jokes. I told my sister that I thought she was high. Angela said that Mum has seemed normal to her. Could it be that I am funnier than I think I am?

Brrr and Hmmm

Brrr - Today is been the first day I've been out since Sunday as I was laid low with a tummy bug. Good job the people at work know me - because to ring in sick when London has come to a standstill with snow is a tad whiffy. Like my bathroom was, but we won't go into that. Feel loads better but am shattered.

Hmmm - agreeing to disagree. There's this bloke that me and my friend both know. And he is a very clever sex pest. By clever I mean, he does/says something and it totally wrong foots you . You're left thinking - have I taken this the wrong way ? Have I imagined that? After this happened to me twice I thought - oh no you don't sunshine and I have avoided him ever since. My friend says that apart from that he is a nice bloke. Buttocks to that, I say. I think he uses his nice bloke persona to lull you into letting your guard down. She just can't see it.

So this is why I don't buy magazines

On the train last night, someone had left a woman's magazine. It has been ages since I read a one of those, the celebrity gossip I can get off the Internet and I found the life style articles just made me feel not good enough. Any way in this magazine I was reading that were hyping up a new diet - a day on/day off diet. On your on days you can consume 500 calories and on your off days 2000 calories. They based their weight loss predictions on a 5foot 7 woman who weighed 10 stone.
Now I know why I don't read such silly magazines. For starters a 5 foot 7 woman who weighs 10 stone does not need to go on a diet. When I was 10 stone (all those years ago) I was a size 12. And as to 500 calories a day - that is beyond starvation - you might as well skip food that day. And when your body thinks it is going through a famine it holds on to the fat for dear life.
I think it is irresponsible, magazines printing rubbish like that.

Facebook

Since my sister has got Face book, I've been a little more active on my Face book page. Really it is just lazy blogging: Gina is glad to be home! Gina is waiting for the washing to finish! Gina is waiting for the takeaway to be delivered!Gina should get a life!
I've also installed Stumble - and am busy reading other blogs and neglecting my own. There are a LOT of cooking blogs aren't there?

Pets and fiction

There is a review of tips for budding writers type book in the paper today. One of the tips is that pets shouldn't have a higher profile than a chair. I disagree. One of my pet peeves (see what I'm doing there) is having a pet being mentioned and then not doing any thing with it.
For example Karin Slaughter's Grant County series. The hero Sara has 2 greyhounds. They are mentioned and that's it. What is the point of them? Sara never worries about having to go home to feed the dogs, or letting them out. There is no emotional connection. In fact I can't even remember their names.
Abby Cooper in Victoria Laurie's Psychic Eye series has a dachshund. Eggy is well loved and is part of the story. Not a big part, but I can see why she has the dog.
The best writer to use pets in books is Sara Paretsky . Vic's love for peppy and Mitch shines through and it deals with the downside of owning a dog. ie you to walk them, even when you don't feel like it.

Property porn

I live a short stroll from the sea. Why doesn't my house look like this?
Property porn is my shameful weakness.

Friday!

It was the Little Dudes's birthdays this week. They had a joint birthday tea last night. Amongst their many presents they got MP3 players. Steve showed then up to download some toons. I was impressed with their music choices - they both really like David Bowie. The Littlest Dude was walking around, listening to his player, playing air guitar. He thought he was sooo cool. I remember thinking that I was cool when I was in to Blondie. I was probably about the same age as he is now.
As I have to get up v. early during the week, I don't normally go out during the week. This was bought home to me when I realised I couldn't remember the last time I didn't change my bed on a Thursday night.(Don't panic everyone, its ok, I've done it tonight!) But how regimented is that? Must make more of an effort to go out on a school night.

My New PC

My old computer started to stand like an airplane about to take off. Steve tried ot fix it, buut it was an old computer. Steve sorted out the spare computer for me (yes, we have spare computers at Robbo World) but it took ages to bring anything up. Now I 've got a new (to me) PC and it is brilliant. Quiet and quick. I've been sorting out my book marks and thought I'd write a blog to celebrate. I've even updated my Facebook status for the first time ever.
Mmnn Facebook. I was horrified when I went on to my home page and saw all these old drinks requests and stuff that I haven't accepted because I didn't know that they were there. It all seems bit of a faff.

False memory

We had friends round on Saturday and Steve was telling them about the time his Dad locked his car keys in the car. I've heard this story before but started to pay closer attention when Steve mentioned me being there. I wasn't! I didn't know him then! Steve took some convincing, he was sure that I had been there.
It reminds me of the time I was certain that we had watched the Doctor Who film with Paul McGann as the Doctor, together. Steve swore blind we hadn't. I had to look it up on the Internet Movie database to realise he was right(for a change). We hadn't met then.
It is like a weird false memory couple syndrome thingy.

Just a thought

It has been pretty nippy lately. We managed to keep the house nice and toasty warm. It made me wonder how people who live in converted barns, or have open plan living manage to keep their places warn when it is below zero outside. It must be an expensive nightmare. I think the Victorians and Edwardians got it right: lots of big-enough rooms carpeted and curtained rather than large 'spaces' with wooden floors and huge uncurtained windows.

My favourite things

I've been thinking that they are little luxuries that help me get through life. Not that I have a hard life at all, but there are a few things that make my life more pleasant.
Bath oil or bath foam. A bath with out bubbles just isn't the same.
Candles. In these dark long nights, it is nice to get in from work and light the candles. I find the glow relaxing and forgiving. the gentle glow hides the dust!
A good book to lose myself in. At the moment Kim Harrison's All Hallows series is going it for me.
Tommy -when I get home there is all ways someone literally jumping for joy that I am home.
Steve -at least there is one other person that laughs at my jokes.

Dentist

Just got back from the dentist and am a bit confused.

last time  I went for a check up the dentist directed me to make an appointment with the hygienist.  I think I've written before about the stains on my front teeth. The dentist has told me that the enamel is wearing thin there. Normally he cleans them with an abrasive thingy do-dah and he gets rid of it. But no matter how I clean my teeth the stains come back. Any way last time the dentist said he couldn't get rid of the stains and I'd have to consider veneers- but go to the hygienist first.

When I sorting out the appointment I was told to my dismay that the appointment was about 50 or 60 quid ( I can't remember, the horror has blocked my memory). I didn't book it.  It was too expensive.

So today I'm a tad nervous about seeing the dentist with my disgusting front teeth. 

This is what happened:

Dentist (as I'm lying on the chair) : So Gina you didn't see the hygienist.

Gina: I'm broke.

Dentist laughs: Oh well that is a very good excuse! Any problems.

Gina, thinking what is the point of bringing up my stained teeth : No, no niggles.

Dentist has a poke around and gives me the all clear.

Dentist: Are you sure everything is ok?

Gina,wondering if he means my financial situation or my teeth : How much are veneers?

Dentist ; £200 per tooth. Why do you want veneers?

Gina bursts out: You said I'd need them for my stained front teeth! those teeth really get me down!

Dentist shocked: You don't want veneers for that! I'll use my abrasive brush.

And he does and my! the stains have gone.

Dentist: Gina never let your teeth depress you. When those stains come back, visit me straight away and I'll sort it out for you.

I thank the Dentist and leave , paying my NHS charge of £16.20.  I felt like I had been in an episode of the Twilight Zone.

Dogs

I like watching the Dog Whisperer, but can't watch it if Tommy is in the same room. I suppose it is a credit to our sound system, but Tom barks along with those naughty dogs. Strangely he doesn't bark at other times when dogs are on the telly. Tom is a strange dog indeed.

But he's my life!

I was talking to a male friend of mine the other day. A few years ago he went out this gril and it was by all accounts a very intebse relationship. She announced to me that she loved him. this was the first time I had met her and was pretty surprised by the announcement.  I don't go round telling people I love Steve. I think I answered something like "Oh good".

I was pretty surprised a few months later that they had split up. bloke friends are different from girlfriends in the fact that when they tell you they have split up, you don't pry too much. Whereas with girlfriends you  go through things with a fine tooth combe and analyse everything that ever happened. 

Any how after several years my friend (oh how  I wish I could use their real names - no one reads this anyway!) started to tell me why they broke up. He couldn't do anything right in her eyes. The wrong presents, the wrong ideas, the wrong shirt.  I thought how can this be? when she was talking to me it was all how wonderful he was, how they were soul mates etc etc. I've been thinking about this and I think sometimes you build up someone in your mind so much you lose sight of the actual person. He is your soul mate! you were born to be together! You think about him all the time! So when he gets things a bit wrong- like buying Roses when you prefer Celebrations (for example) it is devastating to you. You were never make that mistake about him. Perhaps you aren't the centre of his world, but he is the centre of your world.  Then you get resentful and he cops an earful and he has no idea why. or even worse you expect him to be a mind reader. That really is a lose/ lose situation.

A Clear head

I must be grown up, this is the second year that I haven't had a hangover on New Year's Day. The worst ever hangover I had was 1/1/00. We had celebrated new year with the Murphys and we had stayed over. The next afternoon (none of us surfaced before 12) we were eating bacon sandwiches ( the Robbos were meat eaters in those far off days) and watching the Matrix .  I had such  a headache  I thought my head was going to explode. Funnily enough watching a blockbuster helped. Or watching Keanue Reeves more likely!

Mother in law and me

Just to show that Steve's Mum is as mad as mine.

Mother in law: I've made you potato and onion flan

Gina: Mmn that sounds nice

Mother in law: With out the flan bit.

Happy new year everyone!

Mum and me

Mum: Did you see that picture of Barack Obama with no body hair?

Gina: What!?

Mum patiently: He is the next president of the United States

Gina: I know who he is! What do you mean he hasn't got any body hair?

Apparently Mum was talking about a photo of him in swimming shorts and he didn't have any chest hair.

Dog gone

I thought I'd do this quiz after I was introduced on Saturday as "This is Gina , she is into greyhounds.""As pets " I added , "I'm not weird."

You Are: 60% Dog, 40% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog. You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful. And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Bah!

Watched a bit of The Family Stone last night on Film Four. I didn't watch till the end because  I didn't need to - it was so predictable. i thought the warm and bohemian family were a bunch of bullies. The boyfriend kept going on about how he was going to marry Sarah Jessica Parker (well not her - her character) and then falls immediately for the sister .(as she falls off the bus - how zany and cute!) Ugh an awful film. And I think it is patronising and lazy heaping loads of minority stuff on one character. hey he is deaf! he is gay! he is white and has a black boyfriend! And he is still totally boring!

After Christmas

Well I have eaten my body weight in roast potatoes and brussel sprouts, drank bottles of champagnes and glasses of Baileys. Watched Gavin and Stacey, and A Matter of Loaf and Death.I have had a very lovely Christmas. 

Went in to Southend today, and regretted it. The shops were mad. I don't know why I expected any different.

Sunday

I've got period pain and aching legs. Apart from when I first started my periods ("became a woman") I've never been bothered by period pain. now most months I'm fine, but now and then the odd killer when gets through. Today we were meant to see a basket ball game, dropping in on Ma and pa Robbo on the way. The idea of sitting on a bench for a couple of hours is unbearable to me. So Steve has gone and I've stayed at home. I 'm feeling a bit fed up to tell you the truth.

At last!

At last! All the Christmas presents are wrapped, cards written AND posted  and I've just completed my mammouth Tesco shopping order on line!

Who knows I might even get the chance to blog more..

English wine and black dogs.

Steve has work and radio Christmas dos over the next 2 Saturdays, so last night we went out. We went to a vegetarian restaurant in Leigh, called My Kitchen. We've never been to a veggie restaurant before, and it made such a difference not to be a foot note on a menu. Everything was locally sourced, including the wine. I've never even knew that there were Essex vine yards. We had a bottle of Ruby red , and it was delish. very smooth. Steve really like it and he doesn't normally like red wine.  Unfortunately we hadn't any room left for dessert. I'd deffo go there again.

Pootling on the internet I came across this greyhound site, devoted to re homing black greyhounds. Apparently people tend to over look black dogs. Why? After I've brushed Tom, his coat just sines. I may be a tad biased, but he is a handsome devil. penny was mostly white with black bits, and although she was gorgeous too, her coat never shone like Tom's.  Of course looking at all these dogs makes me want to get another dog. But. A dog is a tie.  We tend not to go out Friday evenings as we feel guilty that Tom has been by himself all day. Steve comes home every lunchtime to let him out. When we go on holiday we have to add the extra expense of Tom staying at Hutton (its expensive as he stays in the lady's home. He has a wonderful time. but it is eight pounds a day. But we wouldn't feel happy putting him into kennels). We haven't been out for New Years Eve in yonks because of the fire works. The carpet in the hall way needs replacing, but is it worth it if we get another dog- as even the best behaved dog has the odd accident? However. Every day when I get back home there is some one who is over joyed to see me. The lovely feeling of a cuddling a dog, fondling little silky ears. The exercise of a nice long walk for both of us. The sight of Tom roaching on his bed. That greyhound grin that melts my heart.

Yikes! Long time no blog.

Just realised I haven't posted for ages. So what have I been doing? Well I've mainly been watching I'm a Celebrity Get me Out of Here, playing Mah Jhong on my super cheap Nintendo, wrapping Christmas presents and putting up the decorations. Even though Steve is six foot three and a half and could easily reach the top of the mirror, I clambered on the pouffe to decorate the mirror with fairy lights. Ho hum. He mumbled something about it being too early to put the decorations up but shut up when he realised I had my look of hate on. I just wanted a" thanks for doing that it saved me a job". Not cheeky back chat.

It is freezing outside. I like coming home to a nice warm house, but the walk to work is a bit nippy. In fact I've speeded up and am doing the walk in 17 minutes which is a personal best for me.

Addicted

Steve bought a Nintendo DS lite for his birthday and raved about it. he reckoned that  I would really like one. I wasn't keen on spending £1oo or so  on a game thing- as I am more of a book gal. Steve tried to tempt me with a second hand Nintendo DS, he thought they would cost about £60. Still more than I wanted to spend. I wasn't even sure I wanted the thing. Worn down by the Robbo nagging  I said I'd be happy to spend £20, knowing that he'd never get a Nintendo that cheap. And I was right he didn't get one for  £20, he got  one for £12 from E bay. £12!!  

And now I'm madly addicted to Mahjong.  Just one more game, one more game...I blame Steve.

Jewellery

 I was reading AOJ  's blog about precious items of jewellery and it got me thinking about what item I own means the most to me. My nan left me her gold locket. I don't wear it every day (although Nanny Sarah did, and she had the clasp taken out so the that a mugger couldn't rip if off her neck. Well, she did live through 2 world wars) . The necklace has a peculiar story. dad had bought it for a girlfriend who threw it back at him when they split up. It is a very nice necklace and I think Dad must have liked her a lot, but Dad always acts like he didn't even notice girls until he met Mum, so  I don't know the story behind it.  Then he did meet my mum (only she wasn't my Mum then), and reader he tried to give her the necklace!!! how cheap is that? I'm glad to say Mum told him to shove it and buy her a brand new necklace. So dad gave the necklace to his Mum, and now it has been passed down to his daughter. Weird eh?

However the piece that means the most to me are the diamond studs Steve got me. I didn't ask for them, I know (because he told me later)  he spent ages looking for just the right pair and he got it right. I've worn them more or less every day for the last 8 years. 

Well I never!

I was talking to my neighbour this evening, and she was telling me that she hasn't turned on her heating yet. I laughed and said she must be wearing a thermal vest.

"I'm not!" she said and lifted up her jumper to show a remarkably saucy bra for a Grandmother to be wearing.

Its not often I'm at a loss for words...

I don't believe it

At our works canteen there is a big flat screen telly that is tuned into News 24. At lunch there was the Breaking News tab.  I watched it thinking - is it interest rate? is it stuff about Baby P? No, it was announcing that John Sargent had left Strictly Come Dancing and the Direct General of the BBC was very sad that he is leaving.

Blooming hell! That is misuse of the Breaking News tab!

Dad

One of the reasons why I have a high embarrassment threshold is my Dad.  he is what people call a character.  

he rang me up this morning. This is the conversation:

Dad: You all right?

Gina: Yeah, you ?

Dad: Angela rang me this morning. You and Angela sound alike don't you

Gina (thinking has he only just realised that. Angela has been around 37 years and been talking for about 35 of them): Well we are sisters.

Dad giggling: Only Angela rang this morning and I thought it was you mucking about! And she kept saying it's Angela and I said naw its you Gina, mucking about.

Gina; What was she doing , asking for money?!

Afterwards I rang up Angela. She said it was the most bizarre telephone conversation she has ever had.

BTW I have never rang my parents pretending to be anyone other than me. Oh apart from that time I pretended to be calling from Mum's temping agency pretending to offer her a job as an usherette, but that was years ago.

Random bits

Bought a big Christmas stocking /bag thing and one of those cheap temporary Christmas shops that are in the High Street. Since we got Tommy we daren't put up a proper Christmas tree (the temptation to make his mark would be too great) so I put all the presents in a stocking. I notice last year it had got a bit thread bare so I bought a new one. Realised that I am really looking forward to putting up the Christmas decorations. I put them up on the first and take them done on the 27th.  

Talking of Tommy, I think he is cleverer than he lets on. The other night we were downstairs eating dinner and Tom was upstairs (sprawled out on his bed, or looking out of his bedroom window guarding against cats) and  I asked if he had finished and were the left overs for the dog, and Tom came running downstairs and sat opposite Steve, tail wagging. Then later that evening I asked where the dog was and he thumped his tail against the floor (he was lying on the floor the other side of the settee) it was if he was answering me!

On 11th November we observed the 2 minute silence at work. During the silence I pray - The Lords Prayer or Hail Mary. This year was the first time I thought - there's no one there. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but if I'm really honest with myself I don't believe.

Am fed up to the back teeth about the arguments against gay marriages. Especially "but they can't have children"card. AAARGGGGH!!!

Old Bags

Years ago I used to buy stuff on E bay. that was in the days the Robbos only had one computer between them (how did we manage?) and I used Steve's account. Then after a drunken episode bidding for shoes (the shame and don't ask) I kept away from E Bay. For years.

Mum announces that she would like a small shoulder bag for Christmas.  That poor woman has hardly any handbags (a small note of sarcasm there) I looked around Southend today, but wasn't too impressed with the stuff I saw within my budget. So I signed up to Ebay today and put a bid on a Tula bag. And got outbid in the last few seconds.  I was strangely relieved as I'm not too sure that Mum would have been overly thrilled with what is someone else's old bag.

Mum wants a bag because she borrowed a Radley bag when we went to Center Parcs, but those little babies go for 75 quid!

Random thoughts on a drizzly day

Wouldn't it be nice if today was the last day people let off fireworks until New Year's Eve? What do you think the chances of that happening?

When I was younger  I thought it was really sad that married people didn't bother with special Christmas presents. My Mum would explain to me that when you're spending out of the joint bank account, it isn't the same. And reader its true! Steve and I don't buy each other presents any more. I could try putting a spin on it and saying that when you know you love each other you haven't got to prove it by buying a present. 

Why  do other people's houses feel cold?

What rhymes with....

At the moment I'm reading "What rhymes with Bastard?" by Linda Robertson. I find her story touching because Linda is very honest about her own short comings. How never feeling that you quite belong, that you're not good enough led her to put up with so much rubbish. Saying that I find the pair of them irritating (which I think Linda intends) and at this stage of the book, think they deserve each other.

BTW Linda is always saying how friendless she is...and then mentions her friends. She has got more friends than I have!

Bits and Pieces

A few points:

This morning I'm sitting reading the paper, drinking a cup of tea. The door bell rings  and it is a salesman from Eon. Now I hate people trying to sell me stuff at the door. But I'm polite, I appreciate the man has a job to do.  I told him I was happy with my energy provider (stupid term) and he asked me who my energy provider was. Instead of telling him to mind his own business and set Tommy on him, I just said that my husband takes care of all that (Steve was upstairs and said he had to choke back a laugh, hearing me being such a 50s wife) and the man sneered at me. No need for that was there?

I popped in to Sainsburys yesterday and the Big Issue seller was aggressive. I'm not being bullied into buying a copy, and anyway Ricky Gervais is on the cover and I hate him. I used to dislike him when he was on Liquid News before he became famous. That dislike has grown in to hatred.

About 4 years ago I bought 3 pairs of jeans from Peacocks. They were the best jeans ever. But Peacocks don't do that style any more and I really need to buy new pairs. Today in George  I bought 2 pairs. I did  my normal tests  in the changing room (sitting down, bending over , walking , to see if the jeans stayed put - I hate jeans that gradually ride down and I'm in horror  of  builders bum).  Obviously changing room tests aren't the same as real life, but I have high hopes.   

When I got home and opened the door I could hear scrabbling in the kitchen. I don't know what happened but Tom couldn't get up from the lino. He wasn't crying, didn't look in pain and  I lifted him up and put in the hall. Tom walked away, and if a dog can look embarrassed, he did. I think he is ok. Made mental note to always shut the kitchen door when we go out.

Terror in the Playzone

At Center Parcs there is a Playzone/arcade thing. Steve and I had an enjoyable game of air hockey.  Then Steve suggested we go in this car simulator thing. Like street racer but you are in this car. I said "ok". We squeezed in (having bulky coats and bags with us - and don't forget this game is aimed at kids and I have a decidedly grown up bottom.) Once in side Steve said "Right I'll pull over the roof" and as he did so, the side doors shut and we were completely enclosed in this tiny space. Reader,  I never realised that I am claustrophobic.

Gina: Oh I don't like this.

Steve: It'll be ok when it gets going..

Gina grabbing at door handle and door won't open: GET ME OUT! GET ME OUT!

Steve unable to get door open starts hitting the STOP button. But nothing is happening. I suppose it is unusual to try and stop the game before it starts. Steve opens the "sun roof" to let some air in.

Steve: I think we may have to do the ride.

Gina: GET ME OUT! GET ME OUT!

Luckily the stop button thing kicked in and the doors opened. Reader,  I was shaking. I had gone from calm to barmy on 0000000.000001 seconds.

Later telling the Little Dudes how their aunt went barmy, they told me no one can hear you shouting in that car terror thing. It turns out earlier in the day they had got trapped in it and luckily Dave realised it wasn't moving and got a member of staff to let them out.  I'm NEVER getting into one of those things again. 

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Last night we got back from a long weekend at Centre parcs.  We had 2 chalets, the Robbos and my parents ; and in the other Angela , Dave and the little Dudes. Steve and I rented bikes - and its true you don't forget how to ride a bike.  I was a bit wobbley at first but was soon racing Steve. Us ladies kicked off the holiday going to the Aqua Spa (I've raved about the Centre parcs beauty treatments before.) we all did bowling (and I got a strike!) I did silk painting (I found the technique difficult but Jim was v. patient. The finished piece of art is now sitting on the window sill). The husbands played pool( and were shocked at how bad they are now - apparantly they wer ebrill when they were teenagers). The Dudes and Grandparents had a horse carriage ride. Angela, Littlest Dude, Mum and I played ping pong (mum and LD were vicious) Little Dude and Dave played pool. We all did short mat bowls. Amongst all this there was much swimming and the boys playing in the adventure playgrounds. It was fun and we all went home exhausted.  What I like about Centre parcs is that you do things that you would never normally do (in my case riding a bike, silk painting and ping pong.) Every night we were all soundo by half ten and up again at 8 raring to go. 

Saturday

Last night we went out for dinner with Tim and Sharon. I can't remember the last time we all went out and it was a really good night. You could see the effects of the credit crunch - 20% of set meals and the place was half empty.

I think we were talking about crushes and Sharon announced that she couldn't see the appeal of Angelina Jolie....and the lads went very quiet and a bit uncomfortable looking. Although they denied it, they so love her.

I took the test

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The Loyal Friend
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

Feet and other things beginning with f.

I had a pedicure today. My feet were covered in paraffin wax ( a rather nice sensation) and then the hard skin was skimmed off and my toe nails painted and cuticles trimmed. 

I've always thought my feet were a bit yucky and I have the very bad habit of picking at my feet. Natalie said that my feet weren't as bad as I thought they were and she could tell that I wear good (ie sensible ) shoes.  And its true I do wear good shoes. My Clarke shoes are the very antithesis of f* me shoes but so what. When I wear them I feel like I'm putting on a pair of slippers. I want comfort when  I'm walking .  I agree with Nigella Lawson, high heels are for the bedroom. If I'm going have the discomfort (I do I mean agony) of wearing f* me shoes I want to be well and truly ****'d.

Wot I'm reading

I am reading The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thomas . I first discovered Scarlett Thomas  a few years ago through her Lily Pascale crime series. They were 3 in total, but I read on her website that she didn't feel comfortable with the crime genre, so she won't be writing any more.  I liked Lily, she was how I liked to have been when I was in my early 20s , cool and independent. her own woman. Lily was  half French- I'd love to be half French and fluent in the language , rather than wholly English with one useless French O level (how can you learn a language for 5 years, get a qualification in it and still not be able to speak it or understand it? How?) I remember in one scene Lily is asked if she has got any chocolate and she thinks she may have some Green and Black in the fridge. And I thought yeah there are the girls that buy Green and Black and the girls who buy Cadburys. Guess which one I am.

I've read her other books, Going out, Popco, Bright Young Things. I didn't like Going out so much, but I think that's because I just finished Lily Pascale and the book was completely different from what I was expecting. I'm enjoying The End Of Mr Y. Auriel, the heroine , doesn't have much money. She lives in a freezing cold flat without any nice things. Auriel follows what interests her. She hasn't joined the rat race. Now I have joined the rat race, and given the current economic climate I very much want to stay there.  The idea of not having a nice warm home, my ornaments, my candles, my  treasures makes me feel ill. I'm more than happy to get up very early, work hard in a job that no one has ever had a burning ambition to do in order that I can afford the life style I have.

I do recommend Scarlett's books. I won't say much about them because I don't want to spoil them for you, but they do make you think.

Don't mess with me..

here is your handwriting analysis.

 Gina uses judgment to make decisions. She is ruled by her head, not her heart. She is a cool, collected person who is usually unexpressive emotionally. Some may see her as unemotional. She does have emotions but has no need to express them. She is withdrawn into herself and enjoys being alone.

The circumstances when Gina does express emotions include: extreme anger, extreme passion, and tremendous stress. If someone gets her mad enough to tell her off, she will not be sorry about it later. She puts a mark in her mind when someone angers her. She keeps track of these marks and when she hits that last mark she will let them know they have gone too far. She is ruled somewhat by self-interest. All her conclusions are made without outside emotional influence. She is very level-headed and will remain calm in an emergency situation. In a situation where other people might get hysterical, she has poise.

Gina will work more efficiently if given space and time to be alone. She would rather not be surrounded by people constantly. In a relationship, she will show her love by the things she does rather than by the things she says. Saying "I love you" is not a needed routine because she feels her mate should already know. The only exception to this is if she has logically concluded that it is best for her mate to hear her express her love verbally.

Gina is not subject to emotional appeals. If someone is selling a product to her, they will need to present only the facts. They should present them from a standpoint of her sound judgment. She will not be taken in by an emotional story about someone else. She will meet emergencies without getting hysterical and she will always ask "Is this best for me?"

 People that write their letters in an average height and average size are moderate in their ability to interact socially. According to the data input, Gina doesn't write too large or too small, indicating a balanced ability to be social and interact with others.

 Gina will be candid and direct when expressing her opinion. She will tell them what she thinks if they ask for it, whether they like it or not. So, if they don't really want her opinion, don't ask for it!

 In reference to Gina's mental abilities, she has a very investigating and creating mind. She investigates projects rapidly because she is curious about many things. She gets involved in many projects that seem good at the beginning, but she soon must slow down and look at all the angles. She probably gets too many things going at once. When Gina slows down, then she becomes more creative than before. Since it takes time to be creative, she must slow down to do it. She then decides what projects she has time to finish. Thus she finishes at a slower pace than when she started the project.

She has the best of two kinds of minds. One is the quick investigating mind. The other is the creative mind. Her mind thinks quick and rapidly in the investigative mode. She can learn quicker, investigate more, and think faster. Gina can then switch into her low gear. When she is in the slower mode, she can be creative, remember longer and stack facts in a logical manner. She is more logical this way and can climb mental mountains with a much better grip.

 Gina is a practical person whose goals are planned, practical, and down to earth. This is typical of people with normal healthy self-esteem. She needs to visualize the end of a project before she starts. she finds joy in anticipation and planning. Notice that I said she plans everything she is going to do, that doesn't necessarily mean things go as planned. Gina basically feels good about herself. She has a positive self-esteem which contributes to her success. She feels she has the ability to achieve anything she sets her mind to. However, she sets her goals using practicality-- not too "out of reach". She has enough self-confidence to leave a bad situation, yet, she will not take great risks, as they relate to her goals. A good esteem is one key to a happy life. Although there is room for improvement in the confidence catagery, her self-perception is better than average.

 Gina is selective when picking friends. She does not trust everyone. She has a select group of people that are truly close to her, usually two or three. She is careful when choosing her inner circle of friends.

 For a graphologist, the spacing on the page reflects the writer's attitude toward their own world and relationship to things in his or her own space. If the inputted data was correct Gina has left lots of white space on the right side of the paper. Gina fills up the rest of the page in a normal fashion. If this is true, then Gina has an unhealthy relationship to the past and has a fear of moving forward. The right side of the page represents the future and Gina seems unwilling to face the fear of getting started living now and planning for the future. Gina seems to be clinging to past events and spending lots of time thinking about what happened. It would be best to leave the past behind and move on. Stop crowding that left margin.

Seaside and raindrops

I love taking Tommy for a walk when it is raining. This is because only the "proper" dog owners still take their dogs out in horrible weather, so you don't have to worry about people who can't control their dogs. For me the only drawback about having an ex racer is that you can't let them off the lead. When off lead dogs come running up to on lead dogs, for some reason it never ends that well. I find it easier to just avoid the situation. But on rainy days I don't have to worry, any off lead dogs soon return to their owners when called.

When we got home we were both dripping wet but happy. It doesn't take much. I dried Tom and he is laying by the radiator and I'm going to have a nice hot, bubbly bath, followed by a fried egg and tomato sauce sandwich. Yum yum.

I couldn't help but wonder...

I watched The Sex and the City film on DVD last night (£8 from Tescos, what a bargain) I had seen it at the pictures, so it was the second time I've watched it. I'm a Sex and the City geek. These people are real to me.

My main gripe was the Miranda /Steve storyline. By the end of the film when they had reconciled, she had come to terms with him shagging else where as she was too exhausted from being a working mum to "meet his needs". They were having energetic sex (and it you haven't seen and I've spoiled it for you, tough you've had ages to go see it) - and I couldn't help but wonder -what had changed? Miranda was still a working mum, where she had suddenly found all this extra energy? I thought that was the fairy tale ending rather than Carrie and Big getting married.

Still who watches SATC for believability? I love it. I love the way they are all loaded. That they say how busy they are but they have always got time to go out together. The weird clothes Carrie wears (which none of the other characters ever comment on). Their fabulously big apartments. it is pure escapism. A fairy tale for people like me.

Soul Mates?

Do you believe in soul mates, that there is some one out there for everyone that is perfect for them? That is just a matter of finding them?

I've thought about this a lot, partly because people have said "Oh you and  Steve are soul mates" and I've always thought, no it isn't as easy as that. I've had serious relationships before Steve that crashed and burned, but at the time I thought they were"the one". Now I think "Oh Gina what were you thinking!"

 I think, no I know, that you BOTH have to work at relationship, but there has to be something there  to work on.  And feelings do change. I think that a good relationship  is a magical mixture of luck and work.

Now would do I mean by working on a relationship. These are a few things:

Not blaming them for your inadequacies.

Not expecting them to change, but don't try to stop them changing

Treating them with kindness.

Counting to ten, or ten thousand

Remember you might not have meant what you said in anger..but too late it has been said.

Learning to forgive them

Making time for fun- which funnily enough can be difficult.

Respecting their boundaries.

Allowing yourself to be open with them.

Right, I'll get off my soap box now.

Dogs

Today Angela went to see Chris the Clairvoyant.  One of the things she told Angela was that I should get another dog. Which is odd, as when we where in Wales  we were asked a few times why we've only got one dog.  It has been something we've been discussing - but I think at the moment we are happy as we are.

I'm Back

We've just come back from our holiday in Wales and to be honest am a bit down in the dumps because I loved it. We've taken the dogs on holiday with us before, but to be honest it hasn't been as relaxing as it could be. this is because the garden wasn't dog proof, the dogs couldn't get upstairs and you couldn't leave then unattended.  However Little Dumpledale Farm is completely dog friendly, nice settees with throws over then for dogs to snooze on, a dog proof garden, a little conservatory that (the one time we left Tom) we felt happy leaving him and he had the safe garden to roam in. We ok'd first with Carol and Trevor - who are very laid back, and friendly.  I admit we were extremely lucky with the weather - it didn't rain once. We had days out in Tenby and St David's but we mainly relaxed. At least Steve relaxed after he made the fire each day....it is so much easier to flick a switch!

When we were in St David's a Welsh woman asked me directions, I laughed and said that I thought she was more local than I was, but she didn't find it funny.

Learnt some Welsh by reading the (large) road signs - Awfan is slow, ysgol is school and Dim is no. At least I think they are.

Sad but true

Mum: Are you going to watch Tess of the D'urbanvilles *

Gina: Good God no! it was bad enough reading Thomas Hardy at school. Every one dies! Thomas Hardy is miserable!

Mum; Like Far from the madding Crowd. Who was in that?

Gina: Bathsheba**

Mum: So who is in Tess of the D'urbanvilles?

Gina: Mum!

Mum (sheepishly) Oh yeah!

*or however you spell it

**ditto

It is only dinner

I enjoy watching MasterChef. I like MasterChef in all its forms - the celebrity, the professional and the ordinary.  I thinkMichel Roux jr is brilliant, he doesn't play up to the camera at all and I love him a little bit. However the look of terror on the contestants' faces, the self hatred when things go a little bit wrong does wear a bit thin. Has the director told them to look scared? If it was MasterDoctor or Master Surgeon I could understand it- you don't want to be cocking that sort of thing up. 

500th post

This is my 500th post (just in case you missed the title of this post). When I first started I worried that I would run out of things to say, but I've realised that is no big deal. If I can't think of anything to blog about,  I don't.  When I first started writing it I didn't think I'd get any readers and can still remember the thrill I had when I got a comment from some one I didn't know. 

There are things I steer clear of blogging about. Steve isn't keen that I mention his family, so I try not to do that too much. I try not to slag people off,  I just compose hate filled posts in my head instead.

I know that I'm not a blogging superstar, that I'm not going to get a book deal but I can't imagine not blogging now. I do love my little blog, it is something of my very own.

Why do you like blogging?

mmnn

Your Independence Level: High

You are extremely self reliant and autonomous. You are definitely into doing your own thing. But you also wouldn't turn down help if you needed it. You follow your own path, but you don't do so blindly.

How Independent Are You?

Its funny, my family say I'm too independent but I never believe them. I think I'm one of the most dependent people I know.

Blue and Green should never be seen and other rubbish.

"If you wear spectacles you should not wear earrings"  I read. That's stupid. I hate,hate, HATE so called fashion rules. Like lipstick and nail polish should match, the colour of shoes and handbags should match. Gold and silver shouldn't be mixed. Socks and sandals shouldn't be worn together...oh hang on I agree with that one.

Friday

I haven't enjoyed today much.  I seemed to be manning the idiot phone line. Then on the way home I was sitting next to someone who had a wind problem.

Bring on the weekend!

And she is only 13!

Watch this

Back home

We've just come back from a few days in Thursford. I've done one load of washing and the second load is swishing around. 2 loads and we were only away 2 days! We travelled there Monday night. The country is very dark at night isn't it? I like street lights and pavements myself. We had a day trip to Wells and was rewarded by the sun coming out. Tommy loved all the long walks and sniffings.

Definitely have lost all cravings for meat. Steve's Mum and Dad and brother (Linda, Pete and Dave)  ate chicken legs  and spare ribs last night and I thought "oh yuk!"

Thoughts on a damp day

Put the stove on last night and turned the radiators on this morning. Am typing this wearing a jumper and I'm wondering what happened to Summer.  Do you know I didn't buy any summer clothes this year? I couldn't have gone shopping that in that narrow window of opportunity!

Took Tom out for a walk and bumped into a couple that I used to work with, Gordon and Sam(antha).  When I left my last job they were in the process of buying their house. As I hadn't seen them I assumed it fell through (everyone knows everyone here) but no, they moved and been living here a year. They had their 2 dogs with them and the dogs all gave each other a good sniffing whilst we had a catch up.

Yesterday I was cutting a potato and nearly sliced off the top of my finger. Blood everywhere and it took ages to stop bleeding. There were drips of my blood all over the work top. Bit disgusting.

I've been meaning to blog about this for ages, I'm fed up of Da Vinci code type books boasting that they are better written by better writers than Dan Brown. I like Dan Brown books, they're exciting and you do care about the characters. I was lucky enough to read the Da Vinci Code, before it became famous.  When I started to read it, I didn't know what it was about. I knew it was a work of fiction but it did get me interested in the divine feminine. In fact before I read that book  I didn't know there was a divine feminine ( and me with my  RE O level).

The Robbos were shouting at each other this morning.

Steve:Not everything is about you!

That stung- that's my line! I said (or rather yelled) that first (cica 1996 or 97?). He stole one of my put downs! 

My!My!

a quick blog while I ran my bath - Finally saw Mama Mia with Mum and Angela  last night and we all loved it. It is a complete chick flick.  There was one man at the cinema and he did look a bit fed up.

Hello Mum!

My mum has got a lap top and she's gonna use it (and shop, shop shop!). She'd said she read my blog , so....hello Mum!

You Are Much Closer to Your Family

You consider your family members to be your some of best friends. And you can count on them more than anyone else in the world. You're very similar to your family, and you find it easy to get along with them. You know that they understand you and love you for who you are.

Are You Closer to Your Friends or Your Family?

Weekend

We saw REM at Twickenham last night and it was BRILLIANT. I'd go as far as to say that it was the best gig I've ever been to. There was a good mixture of well known ones, new ones and really early ones. the place had a great vibe and Michael Stipe even went in with the audience and the place just went WILD.
The only odd thing was that the Robbos went hungry as there wasn't any veggie food there. All the veggie stuff was sold out. Luckily I had made a pack lunch for the coach (when the things you do automatically once you're middle aged) so we weren't starving.
Talking of veggie stuff, AOJ suggested I might be lacking something as I'd started to crave meat. The other day Steve bought loads of FRESH veg (as opposed to the frozen stuff that I tend to use during the week) I cooked it all up and - hey presto!-not craving the meat. So I think you had something there AOJ! Which just goes to show that there is a difference in frozen and fresh nutrients (and "they" tell us there isn't).

A Lazy blog

How many people live in your house?
Two people, one dog, about 10 fish (they wouldn't keep still).
Do you like your siblings?
For the first 18 years- not at all- since then love her to pieces.
What color are your nails?
Unadorned finger nails, ruby black toe nails.
What’s your favorite place on earth?
My bed, lying next to Mr Robbo is the honest answer. however a Thai beach comes a close second.
Ever punch someone in the face?
My Dad. me and Angela were playing in our bedroom (this was years ago, this was in the 70s) and Dad made us jump and I punched him in the smacker. he was quite proud really.
Did you have a dream last night?
I've been reading Kim harrison's All hallows series, and the dream was about demons.
Where is your top from?
George at Asda
Are you mad at someone?
No, for a change..
Where’s your best friend?
In Essex
Last place you bought something from?
A chinese takeaway this evening.
Last person you were in a car with?
Mr Robbo.
What bank do you use?
Nosey!
Do you like being in photos?
Accepting rather than like.
Who’s your last missed call from?
3 Customer Services.
Ever broken something at someone else’s house?
I must have done, but it must have been years ago as I can't remember.
Are you a good driver?
NO!
What's on your mind right now?
Doing this
When is your birthday?
march
What kind of mobile phone do you have?
A Silver one.
How old will you be in 5 years?
45. hang on 45!
Are you a movie buff?
I like to think so.
If you could move tomorrow, would you?
it would have to be somewhere fantastic as I really like where I live now.
Do you like the weather today?
Not overly much. overcast and muggy.
Do you like the outdoors or indoors better?
Indoors
How tall are you?
5 foot 7 1/2
If you had to choose an age to remain for the rest of your life what would it be?
What like if I got bitten by a vampire? I like the age I'm at now.
What’s something in your past you wish you could relive?
Saying my wedding vows as i can't remember what the heck I said.
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
Having lots of cups of tea and reading the papers. taking Tom on a walk.
Favorite nearby vacation destination?
Center Parcs!
How’s the weather?
English.
Does anything on your body hurt?
No
What was the last television show you watched?
Sex and the City
Do you prefer orange or cherry ice-pops?
Neither
Do you like pickles?
Pickled Onions, Branston.
Does your hair still smell like shampoo?
yes
What’s plugged in in the nearest socket?
PC and telly.
What was the last thing you wrote by hand?
A cheque
What’s your favorite tv advert?
haven't got one.
Do you pay attention to celebrity gossip?
Yes.
Have you sung out loud today?
At work, under my breath.

Oh Lordy, if you read Dan's blog this meme goes on a lot longer. Igive up!

Fish and Meat

I believe that animals have souls and feel emotions. They might not feel these emotions the way we do, just as all animals breathe but have different ways of going about it. (I'm thinking lungs and gills here).
Six years ago we bought an aquarium, some tetras and 2 cat fish. Those original tetras have long since died and been replaced by platys but the cat fish are still going strong. Well one of them is still going strong, the other one is dying. The other cat fish is lying near it. This has been going on all afternoon. I think the fit cat fish cares.

Talking about animals, I don't eat meat on ethical grounds, not because I don't like the taste. Saying that I haven't missed meat much (unlike fish - that is a real struggle and I have fallen off the wagon LOADS of times) but the past couple of weeks I have craved meat. In particular I nice crispy chicken leg. Oh yes. then that got me thinking to a nice rare steak and onion rings. I'm not going to eat meat though as I know I'd feel terrible. Perhaps it is the meat free equivalent of a 7 year itch?

Feng what?

Your Feng Shui is Decent

Your home is a comfortable enough place. After all, it is your home. Truthfully, though, it may be a bit too cluttered and stale. Try rearranging your furniture, donating unwanted items, and bringing in some natural elements. You may be surprised how much more relaxed you end up feeling.

How's" Your Feng Shui?

I would LOVE to rearrange the furniture, but Mr Robbo won't let me. He reckons we have got the perfect lay out. And after some secret rearranging I have to say he is right. So now I want to buy NEW furniture...

Things we say

I just read "No I don't want to join a book club" by Virginia Ironside . I really enjoyed it and it made me laugh. The heroine is a middle class lady who refers to cakes as being "scrummy", Isn't scrummy a nice word? I wish I used the word scrummy to describe delicious things. Sadly when I've eaten something gorgeous I refer to it as "well horny". As in:"That cake was well horny". Hasn't quite got the same ring.
However one expression I shall be using from the book is a CRAFT moment instead of a senior moment. Craft as in: can't remember a fecking thing.

Friends

I'm reading this book "Still thinking about you" by Adele parks. At least I think it is called that as I seem to give books titles (eg American Gods/Gods of America) It is about a group of close knit friends attending a friends wedding. it is refreshing because it seems to be saying close knit friends are necessarily a good thing. Something I whole heartedly agree with. Before I met the gorgeous Mr Robbo I was engaged to Another Steve. Steve had kept in touch with a lot of hos school friends (something I hadn't managed to do) and at first I thought it was really nice. We'd all meet up, go to concerts, weekends away, we had our local.......and everyone knew everyone's business and had an opinion on it. Another Steve's bestest friend never said 2 words to me(but it took me a little while to realise that he wasn't shy but just deemed me unworthy of speaking to), his brother would say make Another Steve promise not to tell me stuff he told him (which he wouldn't have done anyway..but it all seemed so dramatic). I found it quite claustrophobic.

Now a days Steve and I have friends and it is nice, but we all don't live in each other's pockets, which is even nicer.

Stuff I have and haven't done

I pinched this from The Lurchers:

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink - well we put money behind the bar at our wedding reception.
02. Swam with wild dolphins Well not swam exactly, more like paddled.
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said ‘I love you’ and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea1
3. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa (now closed to the public)
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip on a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Got drunk on champagne Yes, I thought my head was going to explode the next day.
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse Red Rum at the grand national.
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking - that's how I dance.
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken for longer than when you were in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight -what is D & D?
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking -
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived.
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school - well did a few Open University courses.
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you.
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone’s life

Saturday

There was an article in The Telegraph today about child free couples. That is people who chose not to have have children. It was a weird article. These couples were saying that they were happy with the choice they made. They certainly weren't anti children or anti family. Apparently there has been a recent study that couples with out children are "happier" (But how do you quantify happy?) The article finished with the writer stating that breast feeding protects women from certain cancers. So what ? What has that got to do with anything? It felt like the journalist had to put in a disclaimer. There are quite a lot of family life columns in the weekend section, they don't end with the disclaimer "however people that chose not to have children are happier, according to recent study."

Yuk

Last night I dreamt that all my teeth were falling out. First of all it was one by one and then they were coming out in clumps. When I woke up the first thing I did was run my tongue around my mouth to make sure that they were all still there. I think flossing my teeth is really freaking me out...