tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56145166189184500512024-03-14T04:39:40.025+00:00CocoaPoweredA woman powered by chocolateCocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-38109299761069081762013-05-18T19:29:00.000+01:002013-05-18T19:29:00.652+01:00It has been a long time.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, it really has. I have been busy focusing on other areas of my life for the last few months. As a parent, I don't get a lot of time to spend on things that aren't directly related to being a parent. That includes slumping on the sofa of an evening, of course. That is directly related to the amount of hassle and energy-sapping antics my four year old has been up to throughout the day.</div>
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Anyway, I just popped in to say that I really miss having a bit of a rant or cathartic outpouring on here, so I may start it up again soon. However, I am making no promises. Every time I think I might get around to doing something fun for me, someone decides to get ill in the house or part of the house ceases to function. </div>
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I am determined though, so you never know. Now, there's suspense for you! I am not sure if you find a new post on here in the near future that it means that I have achieved world domination or that I have given up trying. I will try to make it obvious either way. </div>
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CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-13002271762047725212013-01-22T12:33:00.000+00:002013-01-22T12:33:31.883+00:00A day in the life of...<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I dropped my son at
nursery at 9am this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Since then I have:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Done
the grocery shopping</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cleaned
my son’s room – recycling the old pictures, sneaking broken toys into the bin, matched bits of toys together
and reorganised his cars</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Vacuumed
the whole house</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Emptied
the washing machine</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Put
on more washing</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hung
up wet laundry and put away dry laundry</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ironed
a load of dry laundry</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Emptied
the dishwasher</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sorted
the recycling</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - including hiding anything my son may still think he wants</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Filled
the dishwasher</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Matched
toys up downstairs and put them in the right place</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cleaned
kitchen surfaces</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Replaced
loo rolls</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Changed
bathroom towels</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Organised
a bag for charity</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sorted
through a load of old receipts that were lying around</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cleaned
jam out the hall carpet</span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s now 12:15pm and
lunchtime. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have time for lunch and to
clean the bathroom before I’m off again to get to the nursery early to go
through my son’s ‘learning journey’ to check how both he and the nursery are doing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I often wonder whether
teaching teenagers what is involved in being a parent of a young child might make them realise it’s not all fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would adverts highlighting the reality of
parenting help the teenage pregnancy rate?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On the plus side, it is
all good exercise!</span></div>
CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-54198320926377071182013-01-17T10:33:00.000+00:002013-01-17T10:34:01.129+00:00The best things about winter<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We’re not deep in snow here, but it is -3⁰C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sky is bright blue and sunny which makes
it easy to look at the wonderful things that winter can bring us:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The
beautiful scenery of the frost and ice on the trees, fields and hedgerows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All white and glistening in the sunshine</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The
horses in the field wrapped up in their blankets against such a wintry backdrop</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The
discussion in the car with my son about whether horses like eating frosty grass
for breakfast or not (we have no idea)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Kiddies
all wrapped up super warm in coats, scarves, gloves and hats, so much so that
the little ones can hardly move their arms about</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Enjoying
the British tradition of talking about the weather with strangers: how cold it
is, the prospect of more snow</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Snuggling
up with my son in bed this morning giving me an excuse to stay warm in bed
longer</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Hot
chocolate</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Being
able to put a woolly hat on top of a bad hair day</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Although I am longing for warmth and sunshine,
winter does make me grateful for summer when it comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also super grateful for my central
heating, my nice warm duvet, my loft insulation and double-glazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blue sky and sunshine make me happy whatever
the temperature but realising how lucky I am, makes me happiest of all.</span></div>
CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-78310135271015760212013-01-06T10:41:00.000+00:002013-01-06T10:41:00.061+00:00My son got 82%!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMnSfnjOIR66KADdTiFnzUIsmtf3-sN-B22y6AG0gKYw6DQh8bNxJ0bqRuomTEvYzeByhh-erU_K883c0gjlxwDb_WsxOsimCTEhs_XaYW3vQmIVz8D6ACNXNcd1JmCgGVkJvyaQ1b73p/s1600/DSCF8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMnSfnjOIR66KADdTiFnzUIsmtf3-sN-B22y6AG0gKYw6DQh8bNxJ0bqRuomTEvYzeByhh-erU_K883c0gjlxwDb_WsxOsimCTEhs_XaYW3vQmIVz8D6ACNXNcd1JmCgGVkJvyaQ1b73p/s200/DSCF8751.JPG" width="92" /></a></div>
Fabulously my son already knows his way around Hotel Chocolat and chose this lovely bar of 82% gorgeousness from Equador for my Christmas stocking. <br />
<br />
Top choice! It certainly hits the spot, especially after said son has been a bit of pickle.CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-23127636718762163592012-12-30T20:26:00.002+00:002012-12-30T20:38:36.921+00:00Girls to be homemakers? - What a scandal!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
let out a groan the other morning in bed after reading an article on the BBC
website on my phone. Apparently it is shocking that schoolgirls in the
year 2012 are still being given the impression that later in life they will become
homemakers. This, according to the article, is a scandal that should be rectified
with immediate effect.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From
my own experience, I went to a girls school in the late 80’s/early 90’s and
sadly was not given career guidance on being a homemaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we were told that we would follow an
academic route to University and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were lead to believe that our options were unlimited, that the glass
ceiling was being smashed ahead of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
a mum was never mentioned. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That
was all well and good in my 20’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
inspired and had ambition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, though,
I frequently feel unprepared for this stage in my life where I have a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My career is now constrained by my son’s need
for a stay-at-home-parent and soon, school run times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
wish someone had pointed out, all those years ago, that I should think about planning
my career path to fit in a few years of freelance or flexible hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the same age, Husband was not given this
kind of career advice at school either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was disappointed that the BBC article is still calling for girls to disregard
the importance of being a parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
call should instead be for more career guidance for both sexes on how to manage
the inevitable scrum for a work/parenting balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely it is time for boys also to be taught that
being a parent can be a tough job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should
be given career advice that includes not expecting your future wife/partner to
stay at home with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until boys
start to think about sharing parenting and taking on the tough role of ‘homemaker’
when they grow up, women will inevitably be the ones to fill the role.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-66738299412233842732012-12-04T19:23:00.001+00:002012-12-04T19:24:09.208+00:00The Curse of the Faraway Tree<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, tonight we read another chapter of the Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. Once my son was in bed and snuggling down, he announced that he'd actually like to change his mind on Christmas. He told me he'd need to write a new letter to Santa asking (instead of more wooden railway, trains, etc.) for some spells, a brush (if the spell came in a can, like in the book) and also for a car. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Naturally, I asked about the car. The response? Well, he'd apparently use his new spells to make me really small, then, of course, he'd need to have a car to drive himself to the supermarket. He felt confident that he'd manage just fine at the supermarket. He did check that I'd give him the list first though. As far as driving was concerned, I would also need to tell him which roads to go on. Oh yes, I'd be taken along too. In his pocket. Apart from in the supermarket, where apparently he'd delight in putting me in a trolley and pushing me around.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not sure if this tells me something about how he feels about being a small child and his impatience to grow up. Or, if he's just gonna have some interesting dreams tonight.</span></div>
CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-60710400732341983512012-10-23T11:47:00.001+01:002012-10-23T11:47:33.375+01:00Moved in. Now back to blogging.Well, finally I can knock one item off my 'to do' list.<br />
<br />
Yes, after months of planning, we are living in our new home. The whole thing was exhausting and, really I suppose will continue to be so.<br />
<br />
The move itself went smoothly but the stress associated with the organisation and the length of time it takes to unpack is really not fun. There are plenty of other things I should, and would rather be doing than searching through boxes, unpacking boxes, moving boxes and so on. <br />
<br />
On the upside, once things are settled in properly, I shall have some real space to put my files and thoughts and finally get on with the grand plan of a Working At Home Mum (WAHM). I rather suspect that the onslaught of winter bugs and the depletion of financial means will ensure that my plans for world domination may take longer than I would like, but I am eager to get going at least.<br />
<br />
Another advantage of the move is that since each evening there has been packing/sorting/moving heavy furniture/manic searching for things, both me and husband are feeling a bit fitter, trimmer and all round less interested in sitting on the sofa watching TV and eating snacks. <br />
<br />
I wrote a post earlier in the year about <a href="http://cocoapowered.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/this-year-doing-more.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">doing more</a> and moving house has reminded me not to fall back into bad habits. I have put a note in my diary to remind myself again at the end of the year as it seems without a kick every now and again I have the tendency to seek out the solace and comfort of the sofa.<br />
<br />
Blogging will be back on the agenda slowly as I still have a huge list of stuff to get on with, but for now, it is just great to be logged back in.<br />
<br />CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com1United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597346.109196499999996 -23.650817 64.6469055 16.778871tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-65146435772327493282012-08-18T12:05:00.002+01:002012-08-18T12:05:34.787+01:00Finally, a bit of colour on my legs!Finally some colour on my legs, although red, brown and green wasn't exactly what I was hoping for this summer.<br />
<br />
A couple of months of rain and summer holidays filled with
trips to unfamiliar playgrounds and woods has left my legs covered in
bruises and insect bites. I have enjoyed my adventures with my young son: following trim trails and footpath signs, but I do feel like I am back at school when I look down at my shins.<br />
<br />
Our lack of sunshine has left my legs distinctly moon-kissed as they have hardly had much exposure to the elusive sun. I don't mind that so much. I'm content to be the colour I was born, but it is nice to wear skirts and shorts when I can. However, the added colour of bruises and fading bites is not exactly the sophisticated, well turned-out yummy mummy look I aspire to.CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-18033558157979081282012-07-26T10:30:00.000+01:002012-07-26T10:30:05.370+01:00Am I really too busy for housework?<div style="text-align: justify;">
So many Mummies I know these days avoid ironing like the plague. It is much considered to be a waste of time when there are so many other things to do in this short life of ours. So many are also lucky enough to be able to afford a cleaner who prevents them having to carry out most of the daily drudgery of keeping house. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recall my own mother in rubber gloves more often than not . She was always cleaning and frequently found ironing. She had far more children than me. This got me to thinking about how we (me) are all so busy these days. And certainly too busy for housework.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do mothers of this generation do with all this time that technology has given us? It should now be quicker to vacuum, iron and clean than ever before. We have elasticated sheets for the beds, washing machines with quicker spins, even tumble dryers if we choose. Other lucky people (yes, I'm still bitter!) have dishwashers which prevent them being tied to the kitchen sink all evening as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is it really down to Twitter, Facebook and Mumsnet? That we fritter away our valuable time instead? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wonder whether some of it is because our local shops are no longer a few minutes down the road. We have a round trip of half an hour's travel time just to get to the supermarket. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It can take hours, if not days to renew the car insurance, home insurance and get cheaper energy bills. We are now able to sort out our own banking online, at a time that suits us, but is it quicker than it used to be to pop into the local branch? We have to keep all our own paperwork for our own pensions, ISAs, mortgages, etc. and take time to file them all away. Our houses are bigger than they used to be in many cases. An ensuite and downstairs loo all sound great until you realise that you have to find time to clean them all. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even booking a holiday online can take several days of your life to book as you compare prices, research destinations and compare seat space on the airlines available. Sometimes I hanker for the opportunity to walk into the travel agent, give them my requirements and go back the next day to pay and pick up tickets. Of course, this option is available and I would take it except for the fact that I believe I can find it a lot cheaper online. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I charged out my 'free time' though for all these activities, I wonder how much money it would cost? I wonder how much less stressed (ignore the poorer part) I would be if I could just hand over the regular stuff to a willing and competent PA? I'd no doubt be able to sack the cleaner (I don't have one right now to sack as can't afford one, but you get the idea) as I'd have more time on my hands. I'd have more time in the evenings too. I could maybe even take up a hobby instead of plodding through the ironing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, the question is: Am I too busy? Or just too busy for housework?</div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-1216527528551212302012-07-13T10:34:00.003+01:002012-07-13T10:34:59.807+01:00Where have I been?Well, I have been busy. Busy working on my 'to do' list finally. Things are picking up a pace and I'm feeling all nervous at the opportunity to change things at last.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons is because I now have a huge list of things to do! And very few of them are fun. So, I need to make sure I get that balance right between having time out and gettings these things knocked off the list as well as keeping up some exercise. Of course, it is also a good opportunity to test out more yummy chocolate.<br />
<br />
They say moving house is the most stressful thing, so am not looking forward to it in the way I perhaps should. However, I am really pleased that we will get other things sorted as a consequence.<br />
<br />
So, I will be back more regularly, but for now there is a lot of things on my list.CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-45640518753289173562012-06-09T22:18:00.001+01:002012-06-09T22:18:54.163+01:00Get the Life You Really WantJust started reading this book by James Caan.....only on chapter two....not got the life I really want so far. <br />
<br />
Trouble is, he talks a lot about having goals and making sure you write them down and tackle each one in easy steps. <br />
<br />
So.....first goal: Make time to write down a goal. That goal may well be: 'Find time to write down a list of goals'.<br />
<br />
Time for bed to continue the book.<br />
<br />
Keep your fingers crossed for me.CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-5779854899952571672012-06-06T14:55:00.000+01:002012-06-06T14:55:16.417+01:00Doing a spring clean? Don’t forget your medical cabinet!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ok, so this
is going to sound a little ‘public safety announcement’, but it’s not meant to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going
through our medical box is something I do regularly because we have space
issues in the bathroom, so here’s my checklist: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UDOEq_h3CO5XUS9fUWirGO2p5CbdZAq0-Wx5ug5e2Ne3MbSOXOXnY_G-D8WHKaA72a3XuuSVtn-ARkdQlTs79hxEW4cAmpYcCGeNek9N7vglhBTZLpzlHEBfgR7Q6xvQBcFtN0KE0rxr/s1600/Opening+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UDOEq_h3CO5XUS9fUWirGO2p5CbdZAq0-Wx5ug5e2Ne3MbSOXOXnY_G-D8WHKaA72a3XuuSVtn-ARkdQlTs79hxEW4cAmpYcCGeNek9N7vglhBTZLpzlHEBfgR7Q6xvQBcFtN0KE0rxr/s200/Opening+time.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Always check expiration dates on your medicines,
including checking how long they should be open for (the little ‘lid up’ symbol
with a number next to it) </li>
<li>Replace anything that you might need in the
middle of the night or at a time when no one in the house is capable of getting
out such as flu remedies or dioralyte</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Make sure the instructions are in the right
boxes </li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>If something doesn’t actually have a full dose
left in it then it’s probably sensible to ditch it</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Check for anything you might need for a new
season, e.g. antihistamine ointment for insect bites for summer</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Make sure any child medicines are age
appropriate and ditch anything they’ve grown out of</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>If you getting rid of anything like antibiotics,
check first if they need to be returned to the pharmacist </li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Always good to check to see if you have enough
‘normal’ plasters – not just the huge ones or tiny round ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer means shorts which means knees are
exposed to the pavement</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maybe it’s
the Girl Scout in me, but I like to be prepared and make sure that the medical
supplies are there and ready when I need them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So, if you
are inspired, while you’re busy having a clean out, go through your make-up and
toiletries too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-43845352876986976712012-06-01T11:04:00.000+01:002012-06-01T11:04:24.161+01:00Explaining China’s global market position... to a toddler<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKz68qzU-kxzCarRWiaTIDVdbNIGdlHMBtpoa0ZA2D9IvWWpz4EGIgR_RpDh8Fv8n_uTkRths9n0HZu0TcS_yWKUqHnnrlVe7opwSFpSopHh_npM5-2uYTZUQ2HFWCxystPhgghUL7R8Z/s1600/DSCF7390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKz68qzU-kxzCarRWiaTIDVdbNIGdlHMBtpoa0ZA2D9IvWWpz4EGIgR_RpDh8Fv8n_uTkRths9n0HZu0TcS_yWKUqHnnrlVe7opwSFpSopHh_npM5-2uYTZUQ2HFWCxystPhgghUL7R8Z/s320/DSCF7390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
I don’t know whether you have noticed, but pretty much everything is
made in China. Don’t believe me? I’ll send you my three year old who will
systematically check everything in your house for you. You may be surprised. He certainly was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
It started when he discovered all his books are printed in China. All except two library books that is. One of
which is printed in Singapore and the other, strangely, in Belgium.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6Ck12yYJa1VR46VXS8_QJFOwawYIlEJLzDmbpy_OOTSBGX_jPvwz1ZnLqSm0nLW43cygGaHcD60YWKTluUEFYGSzp-QuxCmGpjFRc1tKG8GCRiuiLEmNJVqAeohOla2rKdHrfCMhFVuD/s1600/DSCF7389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6Ck12yYJa1VR46VXS8_QJFOwawYIlEJLzDmbpy_OOTSBGX_jPvwz1ZnLqSm0nLW43cygGaHcD60YWKTluUEFYGSzp-QuxCmGpjFRc1tKG8GCRiuiLEmNJVqAeohOla2rKdHrfCMhFVuD/s200/DSCF7389.JPG" width="200" /></a>My son is intrigued by this and is audibly impressed and surprised when
studying the underside of an object to find it’s made somewhere other than
China. I mention the audibly bit as he’s
not fussy where or what he’s found to inspect for its country of origin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The thing is, although he can read ‘Made in China’ he’s not yet there with
understanding the globalisation of industry.
So how do you explain such a thing to a toddler? And, why is everything made in China? How do they get all the books here that they
print there? And why does Belgium get a
look in on book printing, but not the UK, or Spain, Greece? So many questions and so few answers...at
least not many my son can comprehend at his tender age. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu9FCNxJE5nqzwyJGTNS8sgf1xJF1L7y6_vfx-J4QHDArFN7MbYC6jPDgSWj0A06JkusWaZsQPvVMkBMEy79vUVQGfi6qxBgCdGL_jp1jb8hu2aTHwkKSDca7U4y_dTGuynVmy__cHF08/s1600/DSCF7388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu9FCNxJE5nqzwyJGTNS8sgf1xJF1L7y6_vfx-J4QHDArFN7MbYC6jPDgSWj0A06JkusWaZsQPvVMkBMEy79vUVQGfi6qxBgCdGL_jp1jb8hu2aTHwkKSDca7U4y_dTGuynVmy__cHF08/s320/DSCF7388.JPG" width="320" /></a>I’ve never seen a parenting book that covers answers to these sorts of
questions. Is there one? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Is it printed in China?</div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-26663448297408920052012-05-23T20:11:00.000+01:002012-05-23T20:13:03.489+01:00What being a SAHM is all about<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As much as being a Stay
at Home Mum (SAHM) frequently drives me to swearing, cursing and crying (not in
front of my son!) there are days like today which are fun and truly priceless.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This afternoon has been hot
and humid. A long walk along the river
meant that the little hand running up behind me and grabbing mine was sweaty
and sticky. But, it was perfect. I know that one day, sooner than I shall
expect, that hand will not want to hold mine at all. Then one day it will be a big, man hand and will
dwarf mine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After the little one announced
that he wanted me to ‘snack him up’ (!), we settled on the grass by the river
and watched boats, helicopters and ducks.
We took time to sit and search for four-leafed clovers and admired the
daisies. I sang (it’s ok, there was no
one around...) ‘Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do...’ to him loudly, as my
Grandma used to do with me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It got too hot so we continued
on, following an official footpath sign.
However, we soon discovered we had no idea where we were. Apart from the concern of getting home in time
to cook dinner, I was a bit worried that we’d been out for some time in the
heat. I was expecting the little one to
pass out from thirst as we powered up the last hill to discover the main road
and a helpful bus stop to rescue us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">An unplanned trip on the
bus is about the best thing my son can think of happening in an afternoon so he
was overjoyed, if a little worn out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Watching him after
dinner watering the seeds he’d planted with husband, wearing just his t-shirt,
baggy pants and wellies is an image I’d love to keep in my head for a long
time. Well, I did take some photos, but
I think they’ll be seen only by a future girlfriend or for blackmail.</span></div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-83704475857132401142012-05-18T14:14:00.002+01:002012-05-18T14:14:59.981+01:00Maroon 5 and their bid to get me fitOk, so my moves are not exactly like Jagger* but thankfully the little one is happy with me jumping around the room like a loon as long as I throw in some country dancing-style moves holding his hands. I love the song and can't sit still when it comes on the radio. We have fun and dance around until we have to open the window and have a sit down.<br />
<br />
Apart from making me realise how little cardio exercise I usually get, it also makes me realise how much I miss going out dancing. When I lived in London I'd regularly spend 4-10 hours a week in a club dancing my high heels off. These days, I can't remember when I last wore heels, let alone kicked them up.<br />
<br />
Am I too old to be seen in a nightclub? <br />
<br />
*I am too scared to find out if they mean Mick - if not, then I really am too old and out of the loop!!CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-77505863516211603222012-05-18T10:35:00.002+01:002012-05-18T10:35:44.064+01:00Chocoholic, moi?Have a busy weekend coming up with a couple of long events to go to. Is it wrong that this morning I was thinking that I need to get some small stashes of chocolate to take with me? <br />
<br />
Mind you, at the wedding tomorrow I am unlikely to be able to eat the cake (don't ask) and I know that I will get grumpy if I don't have a sugar fix at some point in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it is that I have not had a decent night's sleep this week and feel in constant need of a 'pick me up'. <br />
<br />
I don't think I need rehab just yet.....do I?CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-71427247466122653382012-05-09T14:29:00.001+01:002012-05-09T14:52:34.619+01:00Yum yum, delivery for CocoaPowered!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNouP_cpTNv13b6H05OiVlop5BOcE5SNv6GIscRr7qIFcH6eeBboUvNAUv7bQ74nm9jiWJUZo_vAI16LtYo9Cs1hGvWEhE7p7buiI32WUeWgakEA3SlBzoT-ICdS9JSu8P8pX5TvkpfEU/s1600/Delivery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNouP_cpTNv13b6H05OiVlop5BOcE5SNv6GIscRr7qIFcH6eeBboUvNAUv7bQ74nm9jiWJUZo_vAI16LtYo9Cs1hGvWEhE7p7buiI32WUeWgakEA3SlBzoT-ICdS9JSu8P8pX5TvkpfEU/s1600/Delivery.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Just
got yet another leaflet through the letterbox telling me how wonderful my life
would be if I received a weekly box of vegetables for me and my family. This is folded into a leaflet that tells me
that I can get pizza delivered at almost any time of day or night for a bargain
price. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How useless
these are. I buy vegetables when I’m in
the supermarket and I cannot eat pizza. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What
I do want to find on my doormat, however, is a leaflet offering me what I do
need: the foodstuffs I do run out of, that I need stocking up on in between
supermarket trips. Chocolate. Chocolate
is the one thing I do panic about when I run out. It is the thing that I need at almost any
time of day or night. I don’t get the
same feeling about vegetables. Besides, I
always have a supply in the freezer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
would like to have a weekly box of chocolate delivered so I never run out. It doesn’t have to be exclusively chocolate,
of course. It would be good to be able
to ring for a delivery in the evenings too.
Especially when hubby is still at work and I really fancy some biscuits
but I can’t leave the house. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNouP_cpTNv13b6H05OiVlop5BOcE5SNv6GIscRr7qIFcH6eeBboUvNAUv7bQ74nm9jiWJUZo_vAI16LtYo9Cs1hGvWEhE7p7buiI32WUeWgakEA3SlBzoT-ICdS9JSu8P8pX5TvkpfEU/s1600/Delivery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-32385273589015701642012-05-01T10:30:00.000+01:002012-05-01T16:17:01.720+01:00Thanks Will Self, you made my week.<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Three
things this week have happened to make me grumpy and want to share it. To start with, I found a brilliant article on
the BBC by Will Self: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17777556" target="_blank">In Defence of Obscure Words</a>. I was
really pleased to read this (not only because it is a beautiful piece of
writing) as I derive a secret joy from obscure words. Sadly, I rarely recall them for use in daily
life and in my professional life I’m an avid advocate of Plain English. The article discusses the loss of eloquent English
but makes a better point about modern society and the requirement of media to ‘dumb
down’. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So
is it no longer ‘cool’ to be clever?
Clearly there are a lot of clever people out there. Considering so many more people go to
university these days actually, surely there are far more academically-minded
souls in the UK than ever? The coffee
shop chains should be positively over-flowing with philosophical debate, non?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nevertheless,
the tabloid press continue to tell us how more important it is to be pretty and
underdressed, celebrating those that are scholarly-challenged and labelling our
well-educated politicians as ‘posh’ and ‘out of touch’. I was recently found rolling my eyes as the
participants on a panel quiz show recently all denied being able to do a basic sum. Really?
Well, what are you doing on my TV?
How do you manage to work out your self-assessment tax on your huge
salary? Why are you not embarrassed? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On
the other hand, there are people on TV who are clever. Very clever.
Talking about space, nature, medicine.
These are ‘experts’ so it is ok for them to be clever and interviewers
can ask them to talk about their subject in ‘simple terms’ for those of us at
home listening or watching. I only
imagine this is in case we are embarrassed into having to reach for the
dictionary to follow what they are on about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
final trigger this week was the attack on Stephen Hester and his gardens. I am not a Mail reader but saw the story
commented on a TV show. My first thought
was ‘Wow, nice! What a successful guy. How do I get me a house like that?’. Husband and I then debated as to why a ‘newspaper’
with such a broad readership doesn’t ask Mr Hester that. Wouldn’t we all like to know how to reach
such a nice place in life where we can live where we want and how we want? Mind you, I doubt Mr Hester does either of
those things considering the tough job he has.
I admire the man and would happily invite him over for dinner. Over a bowl of pasta I’d ask him to tell me
where to invest my money, what sort of pension I should have and other questions
that I expect he’d have the answers to.
After all, he didn’t get to where he is by being a bit dim. Instead of having a go at the man who is just
doing a job, why don’t we use him as a resource? If we are all so up in arms about paying for
his house out of our taxes, could we not all demand that he do a weekly column
telling us the secrets of his success, instead of picking him apart in a
national paper? Wouldn’t that be more
beneficial to all of us?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Rant
over.....for now.....I have to go and re-read my copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Superior-Persons-Book-Words/dp/0747553378/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335820753&sr=1-5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Superior Person’s Book of Words</a>.
Thanks Will Self, you made my week.</span></div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597336.641164 -43.8656605 74.114938 36.9937145tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-76704276510274514472012-04-27T10:23:00.000+01:002012-04-27T12:53:35.595+01:00Is classical music really just for the elderly?<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYHmkZAcQwecGQSKvgwmrgu1lZrZEAc-gOhR7AjPdInGdRe-JjmX4EKvstblazaJlHotN-AhQ5mnIq5Q04hS147cwmeVAWsagbZDkmUB2h221-fRMbAWNtJ2OlipG55z-L-AL4OJZdAar/s1600/vioin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYHmkZAcQwecGQSKvgwmrgu1lZrZEAc-gOhR7AjPdInGdRe-JjmX4EKvstblazaJlHotN-AhQ5mnIq5Q04hS147cwmeVAWsagbZDkmUB2h221-fRMbAWNtJ2OlipG55z-L-AL4OJZdAar/s320/vioin.JPG" width="320" /></a>I was lucky enough this week to go to a concert given by the
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I say ‘lucky’
because they were playing in a local town, which meant I got to hear great
music without the pain and expense of having to make a trip into London. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
For me, although I love listening to classical music, I do
so enjoy studying the musicians. There
was the lady with the elegant dress who kept such a straight back through the
whole performance. There was another who
sat in a more dynamic pose, resting on her tall, shiny stilettos. There was the man who couldn’t help smiling
while he was playing, almost lifting out his seat with enjoyment. The pianist was fascinating. If I hadn’t been able to see her hands
actually moving along the keys I’m not sure I’d believe it was possible that a
real, live person was actually making the music. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
But, for me, the percussionists will always
be good value. Nothing amuses me more than
someone playing a drum that’s almost as big as a bear. I was sad when at the end they all stood up
and there was a man with a triangle that was sat off to the side and I hadn’t
seen him. I mean, how often do you get
to see someone play the triangle? I was also
really pleased to see so much use of the cymbals in this performance. Too often these guys have to sit there all
night, turning the pages all for one go at the crescendo of a piece. Not this guy though, he was banging and
crashing all the way through. It was
great.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The only real sad thing was that the audience was made up
almost entirely of people over the age of 55 years old. We saw 5 people under 15 and although there
may have been more, they were certainly in the minority. Equally lacking was anyone in their 20’s and
those in their 30’s were sparse, usually accompanying an older parent. It was good to feel so young I suppose, but
it felt we were out of place as much as we might at a JLS concert at our
age. I remain curious. Are concert halls in London still full of
students and young people? Was it just
representative of the demographic in the town here? Do they not enjoy a night out of people watching? Let me know your thoughts.</div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-86439264433095497572012-04-20T10:54:00.001+01:002012-04-21T21:16:53.830+01:00Is alcohol really a right?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SUnNbrYe9F1EKmlEA16TJZHsQW-r-DRuNe2SJPQsOVrsY4Ahy3LWZyfyCbqNKPLg01yyllQh4u2Z9HW8ZSsxCxOCEJ1J55Gn6H1q4fMAB3nch1h1u1iT0Eiqfy2RlkjbZXxFSthyAzQd/s1600/booze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SUnNbrYe9F1EKmlEA16TJZHsQW-r-DRuNe2SJPQsOVrsY4Ahy3LWZyfyCbqNKPLg01yyllQh4u2Z9HW8ZSsxCxOCEJ1J55Gn6H1q4fMAB3nch1h1u1iT0Eiqfy2RlkjbZXxFSthyAzQd/s320/booze.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
I know it was a few weeks ago now that the price of alcohol
was in the news again. However, stumbling
across an article on the BBC (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17291978">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17291978</a>)
really got me thinking about it further. I found the article fascinating. On the one hand it reminds us that we really
don’t know much about what goes on in all the countries in the world (unless I am the
only one who didn’t know how ‘dry’ the States still is), on the other it got me
wondering how relevant ‘Footloose’ still is today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
On the whole though, I wonder why the UK seems to think that
alcohol is a right for everyone. Every
time there is a discussion about the problems of alcohol abuse in the country there
is a call for increased prices in order to restrict access. This comes from those concerned for our
health and of course the costs associated with it, which ultimately affects us all. This I understand completely and I do think
we need to listen to these people before we end up with real restrictions on
access to alcohol similar to those used in parts of Scandinavia. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
Nevertheless, whenever there is a call for price restrictions,
it seems there is general outrage and concern that not everyone will be able to
afford their regular fix of this drug. Surely we do not consider alcohol a human right? I know there was
much jeering when a politician tried to express that access to the internet was
a human right. In a way though, that’s
easier to understand. Have you ever had
to try finding something like the number for an electrician in a power cut?
These days, so much is on the internet there is an argument to say that
you would be disadvantaged without access to it. However, if the health counsellors are to be believed, not being able to drink much is a
good thing. So why do people get so upset about it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
It makes me wonder what would happen if we were declared a ‘dry’
country. Some of the US counties in the
article are large areas, compared to the UK. Would we have riots like last summer? How much money would we save for the NHS
compared to the taxes lost? Would it
just be a nicer, calmer society on a Saturday night? Would we all become caffeine addicts
instead? Of course there are already many people in the UK that choose not to drink because of religious beliefs or due to health reasons (chosen or forced) and I wonder what the percentage is of drinkers vs. non-drinkers. I am sitting here curious to know what level of support there would be for a 'dry' week in London, for example. It will never happen but I'm curious.</div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-36423595333331056382012-04-17T09:22:00.001+01:002012-04-17T09:27:06.736+01:00Not enough chocolate in the house...<br />
The last two nights the little one has decided not to
sleep. No apparent reason (which is more annoying) so he is fine during
the day. It is just me who is grumpy and keeps dropping things.
*yawn*<br />
<br />
It has been a stressful few weeks here and this blog has suffered through lack of inspiration. I was hoping that as of yesterday things would've calmed down and I would have time to get back on with things. However, I have a feeling my brain is still asleep upstairs.<br />
<br />
During the last few weeks I have been reading a lot of interesting, very serious, very brain-consuming books, fretting over husband's job situation and dealing with the little one on my own for a few days. All of this has taken up a lot of spare time and in particular 'brain time'. Add to that entertaining a little one with nursery and playgroups on Easter break and I've not had too much time to myself let alone to think, ponder and write.<br />
<br />
Keep your fingers crossed that everything settles down for me soon, that the little one sleeps and that the sun starts shining soon.CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-62940780354138760652012-04-08T18:24:00.000+01:002012-04-17T09:31:53.089+01:00Ant Annihilation<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Despite enjoying
learning more about Buddhism recently in my kid’s religion book, I showed
little mercy and understanding for the several ant families that I swiftly exterminated
from my kitchen floor yesterday morning.
Whilst I was there on my knees with ant spray in one hand and kitchen
paper in the other, my son handily pointed out any runaways that I’d missed in
my ant annihilation. He was bravely
standing off the ground on his kitchen step, mind, having got well into the
kitchen before we noticed the floor crawling.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I did have a fleeting concern
though, about the lesson I was teaching him.
Usually I admonish him for stamping on ants in the garden (he has never
seen anyone do this before, but did it to the first ant he saw after learning
to walk) and putting the ladybirds ‘to sleep’.
I am abnormally brave with spiders in the house – taking them outside
and grinning inanely saying things like ‘oh, silly mister spider must have got
lost, off out to the garden with you’ whilst trying to stop myself convulsing with
irrational fear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, yes, they were in
the kitchen, and I had no idea how else to stop them storming the kick boards
and feasting on the crumbs that inevitably live on our kitchen floor, but I did
wonder how the my son will react next time he finds one in the garden.</span></div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-24688056389910575032012-04-03T14:15:00.002+01:002012-04-03T21:33:27.315+01:00Social Grandparents<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I recently had a
birthday. Not a big one, nothing too
special, but I think the last time husband and I properly went out for dinner
(and by ‘properly’ I mean I actually wore a dress and heels) was for my
birthday last year.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This year, I guess I had
hopes that we might make it out again.
However, what I forgot is these days, grandparents are busy people. Both sets of available grandparents had
parties to go to on the Saturday night and then needed Sunday to recover and
Sunday night to get to sleep early for work on Monday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Something doesn’t feel
right about this. I’m in my thirties and
have zero social life. Any time I want
to go out I have to book in a date about a month in advance to fit in with the
oldies’ packed social calendar. Some are
so busy working, socialising and having fun that they are never around. This is a problem that is rife these days. I have friends who are desperate to go out as
a couple but only get to do so on Wednesday evenings or in an afternoon as the
grandparents are far too busy Friday and Saturday nights. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I seem to recall my
grandparents being retired. They did the
garden, read the paper and if they went out, it was to meet friends in town for
a cup of tea, or a doctor’s appointment.
They were dependably ‘in’ at all times.
In fact, I seem to remember my Mum being in a bit of a tizz if the phone
wasn’t answered. No answer meant they
couldn’t hear it from the garden or, if it was raining, they were clearly lying
on the floor half dead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Of course, I am pleased
that the grandparents are getting out and enjoying life, especially now they
are free of their own children. I look
forward to that part of my life. But, I
wouldn’t mind being out after dark on a Saturday again sometime this year.</span></div>CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-52845471859840314482012-03-31T19:00:00.000+01:002012-03-31T19:00:42.869+01:00Cutting the Clutter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAslXYGw4SLxuKaKyVVdcoLBvZoPhzD2oHQ3s9NA8pMjmZLA0LZsHAs4QDxiK55PJY40jTqxvxo8lrR3ALWkqZDkUgj5AhHWvxQXCDZAX-gumLN2OTc1GnUrderQYUyJ0wFuoMgNPTPCEM/s1600/Organizing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAslXYGw4SLxuKaKyVVdcoLBvZoPhzD2oHQ3s9NA8pMjmZLA0LZsHAs4QDxiK55PJY40jTqxvxo8lrR3ALWkqZDkUgj5AhHWvxQXCDZAX-gumLN2OTc1GnUrderQYUyJ0wFuoMgNPTPCEM/s1600/Organizing.jpg" /></a>One of my main goals this year is to do more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past few months I have realised that
a lot of this is to do with productivity – using my time more effectively – so I
can fit in the things I want to do and stop wasting time on things that don’t
help me to enjoy life more.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am really pleased so far with what I have achieved and I plan to
report on that soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now though, I
wanted to share with you a great find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Idly browsing the magazine shelves in my local WH Smith’s I found a gem
of a magazine book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Called “Organizing” it
is part of ‘The best of Martha Stewart Living’ series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, being British, I barely know who Martha
Stewart is, and really don’t care either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, she appears to be one organised lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a while to absorb all its loveliness
at once but I just couldn’t put it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am someone who does love organising:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>people, stuff, I don’t really mind what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like things to have a place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
like tidy rooms and believe that it does influence my state of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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As someone who is trying to work from home, I am finding this truer
than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not lucky enough to have
a study or home office so I have to find a space in the usual living area of
the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult to clear my mind
and settle down to something when there is clutter everywhere. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I think that’s why this appealed to me when I saw it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being back at home with the little one after
being in the office is opening my eyes to ways the house doesn’t work as well
as it could. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading “Organizing”
I managed to get the motivation to tackle some specific key areas of the house
and I was surprised by how quickly I was able to do it and, more importantly,
how much difference it made.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Back in January I persuaded husband to help me reorganise the kitchen
and I am really pleased that we did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once I realised how much easier things would be, it was a no-brainer to
give up an hour or so to change things around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, after reading my Martha Stewart treasure, I have taken it one
step further and re-discovered an unused drawer in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I made dividers for another drawer from
tubs and boxes I already had in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This won’t save much time when cooking, but may save a lot of swearing
and scratches on my arm as I wrestle with utensils to find the right measuring
spoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have also organised the hallway spot where all the keys and bits and
bobs get left (you have one too, I know you do!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have made husband put another shelf up in
the lounge, allowing me to put more things away properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then spent 20 minutes making two caddies
for the table out of an old box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
got rid of a box that was lying around ‘in case we needed it’ and now husband
and I each have somewhere to put the cr*p we accumulate on the dining table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At work, this might be called a ‘pending ‘
tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, when there is too much ‘pending’
we know it’s time to have an empty out and they can be quickly removed to the
new shelf when we need space on the table instead of having a wobbly pile.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For the rest of the book, I will just dream about having a house that
has so much space to organise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Overall, my fiver was well spent as this is a publication I will keep
for a long, long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will aim to
revisit it every year just to make sure I am doing as much as I can to keep my
house in order.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0jhSRRhPbpwE86yzforALo454l89IbJst_r8ZiW4vFu3Qx9MfxV8515iwWDeG2Auh94jbohVQVDsDCsTTBj5pWz7BhaPWFuZ4LGK9pXfEjlz8Hz_92nDifCvgjKjtkEoVrZxnD7NPYBJ/s1600/Organizing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614516618918450051.post-57601094885842473562012-03-29T20:34:00.001+01:002012-03-29T20:37:41.625+01:00Springtime fitnessWell, the sunshine certainly gives me the feeling of more energy and I want to get out there and get some exercise. However, I have noticed that it really does help. This week has been full of sunny walks with the little one, bending and stretching putting the washing on the line, gardening and running up the stairs to shut the windows on my way out. Let's hope the sunshine stays so I can eat more biscuits guilt-free!CocoaPoweredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036442815150911939noreply@blogger.com0