Pedantic and Proud

Everything changes but you...

2009-06-08T13:30:00.002+01:00

Confusion is the name of the game. Thoughts swirling around my head make no sense at all these days. I don't seem to able to come to the simplest of decisions or conclusions about anything.

I probably won't post here until I've sorted my head out. I'm OK, really I am, but I don't understand enough about how I'm feeling to be able to put it into words.

I'll be back when I start making sense....and for those of you that know me well, you'll understand just how long that might take...

Tish and piffle

2009-05-27T07:43:00.003+01:00

You didn't really think I'd get it did you? After all the negative thoughts and self deprecation?

Well, I didn't get the job.

I was 'appointable' though - which is nice. Nice to know that I was good, but not quite good enough. Always a good ego-boost that one eh?

Anyway - can't stop to chat...I am working virtually full time this week, due to it being half term, and Michael being off on holiday (he's back at work after his op, but he has taken this week off in lieu of the week he didn't have as holiday at Easter).

Weight loss is now at approximately 2 and a half stones, just for the record. And I can now actually remove my wedding and engagement rings - for the first time in about 5 years. Nice to know that I won't be needing them to be cut off when my finger turns blue after all.

I haven't, by the way. Removed them, that is. I just can.

Here we go...

2009-05-17T18:38:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow is D-Day.

Tomorrow is the day which has the potential to change my future. Or not... as the case may be.

Tomorrow is the day of my interview. At 9.10am I wish be ushered away to complete 20 minutes worth of tasks and preparation. At approximately 9.30 I shall be led to seal my fate in front of a panel of 3. 3 whats I'm not quite sure...

And as the interviewees are now down to just 3...I will know my destiny before the end of my working day tomorrow (3pm).

To say I am nervous doesn't quite cut it...to be honest I'm absolutely crapping myself. Sorry for the vulgarity. I wanted to be more graphic, but restrained myself. I think it would be easier if I was sure whether I actually want the job or not. The job is 37 hours a week, when I currently work 26 (well, nearer 30 normally). It is, however, double the money I am earning now. And I know I could do it - and without being too immodest, I could do it bloody well too.

I just don't know if I want to.

I'll let you know what happens, but if I don't get it, (not because I was shit, but because someone else was better), then I may well be just as happy as if I do get it.

Que sera sera (thanks Doris)

Blimey

2009-05-02T23:55:00.003+01:00

I've been neglecting you again, my dear blogger friends. I hadn't even realised I had some followers! Thank you!

Not much to report, only that things are manic as per usual. I'm getting used to manic, to be honest. I'm learning to function with manic as the default setting. Good job really.

I have an interview on 18th May for the job I applied for at work - if I were to get it, it would be something of a coup...but I suppose if I'm honest I am probably the least favoured of the 4 candidates up for the position. Still, I am proud to have even been shortlisted. Good times.

Michael had his op, at very short notice, on 6th April (with his birthday on the 7th, he had a lovely birthday pressie!).

My head is still very miuch mixed up about things, and as a result I have lost approximately 2 stones in weight. I did need to lose it, I know, but not in such a dramatic way, and over such a short space of time (about 6 weeks).

I still have more to lose, but I promise I will lose the next few pounds properly!

Can't stop now, as I have other things to do (YES - even at this time of night!).

Thanks to those who've been thinking of me, and if you haven't, then why haven't you?

Clarification

2009-03-24T11:05:00.002Z

A really quick update on last night's post.

I have some issues to sort, but on the whole they're positive issues. Some more positive than others. Only I can sort it out in my head, and I'm not sure how long that will take.

For the positive comments I've had, thank you. And there's one person out there reading this that knows exactly what I'm talking about and referring to, and to that person, thank you too. I know you're there for me and one way or another you will help me get through these 'difficult' times.

What can I say...

2009-03-23T23:42:00.003Z

Well, here I am...one month later. Bad Blogger. Again.

So much is happening in my life at the moment that it's kind of difficult to put most of it into words. Some of it isn't my stuff to tell, but I will give you an idea.

Firstly, I am about to apply for a job. I don't really hold out much hope of getting it...but I've nothing to lose, and everything to gain so I'm going to go for it. It's within the Council where I already work, but it would be full time (which carries its own magnificent set of complications), but double the part-time salary I'm on at the moment. You have to be in it to win it so they say ...so wish me luck!

Secondly, Michael has to have an operation. It's not a terribly serious one - one of the most commonly performed operations in the country apparently. But for anybody who knows Michael, he doesn't 'do' sick. He gets restless at the weekends if we don't have things planned for him to do. He likes being busy. It's better for us all when he's busy, I assure you. So how he's going to cope when he has to take 6 weeks off work, I don't know.

And not just 6 weeks off work...but 6 weeks off band too! Beloved band. How will he cope without band? Tune in later to find out! In truth, I have no idea. But we don't yet have a date for his operation anyway, so it's difficult to predict how he will cope, without actually knowing what he's going to miss out on. If it's a contest, then heaven help us.

That's another thing - Newstead Brass came second at the Regional Brass Band championships in Bedworth a couple of weekends ago. This means that they have qualified again to go and play at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in London (17th October). That in turn, means money money money...and lots of decisions to be made on whether we all go, or just Michael...but I daresay funds (or lack thereof) will probably dictate the outcome.

I have been audited at work (a very stressful experience) but all was good in the end. Before I started work last year, an audit was carried out, and our department was deemed to be 'unsatisfactory'. So, the lucky, lucky people that we are, got to have a 'follow up' audit a year later. That was earlier this month. It was supposed to be conducted over two days, but we were (I was) so good that she completed it in just one day! Yey for me! All the changes to procedures and systems I have put in place over the last year have paid off! The auditor even admitted that one particular system which she had huge reservations about, works extremely well and efficiently! Ha! One in the eye for her! LOL!

I do have other issues going on at the moment too, none of which are available for public consumption, but they're occupying my mind somewhat, and making it difficult to sort out my head. I know I've been neglecting things - friends and forums especially, and that makes me sad. I will, once my head is in a better place, endeavour to return to my favourite places.

If you can still be bothered to read my blog, thank you. And if you've given up on me, ... well, you won't be reading this, will you.

Thank you, and good night.

Oh, and I made pancakes!

2009-02-25T00:31:00.003Z

Erm, and there were pancakes too:

YUM!!!!!

Twittertastic baby!

2009-02-25T00:23:00.005Z

Well then, now I'm getting over my intitial trepidation on Twitter, I'm finally getting the hang of it. After having joined in with a random tweet 'thing' from an Eddie Izzard namesake (heaven forbid I should suggest it isn't the real deal!) I've started randomly following people who amused me (and in many cases, they're only gone and started following me back!). It's making Twitter a more interesting place altogether. All: "It's making Twitter a more interesting place".

I do still follow the Frymeister, Schofe and others...but it kind of makes you realise that whilst these so-called celebs are interesting, there are loads of others out there with equally interesting things to say.

Come on over and join me... https://twitter.com/ (I know, my user name isn't especially imaginative, but hey, any port in a storm!)

And another one

2009-02-19T16:53:00.003Z

A wedding card for Emma's sister - used cuttlebug wedding cake, and some Inspire Me paper for the damask looking background. Ivory background card is Stardream and some general burgundy ribbon and gold and burgundy cardstock.

2009-02-19T16:38:00.003Z

Quick post from me today - here's 4oth card I made a couple of weeks ago for my sister to give to one of her work colleagues. For anybody that does read my blog, you might remember I made a similar one last september for a friend of mine. I liked it so much, that I did it again, something I rarely do.

a Jolly Nation image decoupaged and finished off with stickles glitter on the letters and bubbles, and some glaze to the legs of the bath, the taps and the wine glass. I still like it though.

What a week!

2009-02-17T13:05:00.004Z

Well, I've had quite a busy and flustered week, so I've not been here again! Somebody will have to slap my wrists!

Not much to tell, not that I can put up here for personal reasons anyway, so I'll just show you a few pictures.

The first couple are of the snowmen in the back garden from a couple of weeks ago. Complete with skipping ropes for scarves, frisbees for hats, plastic golf clubs for arms and stones for eyes (and those are stone ears on the first one too - thanks to Sophie for that! LOL) - and the thin black pole you can see is the bird feeder stuck in the middle of the garden. I could probably Photoshop it out, if only I could be bothered!

The card is the one I've had dilemmas over - it's for my boss, Emma, as she's leaving at the end of this week. I'm hoping she doesn't read my blog, or at least not overnight, as she will get the card tomorrow at her 'fuddle'. I didn't have a clue what to do, and I did it late at night, so I can honestly say, my colouring skills aren't up to my usual standard. Coloured with Watercolour Pencils too, as I didn't want to spend time experimenting with the colours of my ProMarkers untilo I found the right combination.

May have a wedding card to show you tomorrow, assuming I actually finish it today! But for now, here's your lot!

NVQ and away...

2009-01-28T10:36:00.002Z

Here I am at home updating my blog when I'm supposed to be working on my NQV. busy day today again - NVQ all day amongst other bits and bobs I need to do, then pick the kids up from school, James has choir from 4-6pm, Sophie is swimming from 5.30-6pm (and James will need a lift home from choir!) and then a Governors' meeting from 6.30 till goodness knows when! I still have a commissioned birthday card for my sister too, which she needs before the weekend.

Better plod on instead of blogging...

Eight going on eighteen

2009-01-26T22:38:00.002Z

Nothing much to report tonight, but I'm just de-stressing after a nightmare run-in with sophie. What gives an eight year old so much attidute and audacity? Not to mention the constant arguing and backchat. I've had a serious talk with her about her having to calm down, and the upshot is that she got very upset, and promised to try to be calmer.

I still want her to be Sophie...just a little better behaved and less words per minute out of her 'motormouth'. I've told her that if she doesn't calm down, that I'll start by cutting down her e-number intake - and the thought of no sweets really brought her down to earth with a bump.

I'll let you know if it lasts!

One more

2009-01-24T21:01:00.003Z

Not much else to say really - but this is the card I made for my friend's daughter's birthday this week. Image is from Ruth as per tha last post. I believe it is a Whiff of Joy stamp - Melinda Blowing Kisses - but I can't find it in stock anywhere :( - can anybody help me?

Poorly pussy

2009-01-23T23:50:00.004Z

My lovely beautiful gorgeous feline friend has been poorly. Very poorly. In fact, I thought he was off to chase mice in the sky on Thursday night. However, as these things tend to go, he improved vastly overnight, and although I still took him to the vets this morning, he was given a clean bill of health.

Not bad for a 15 year old moggy. She said that in most cats of 15, they would expect to hear quite a significant heart murmur, yet his was pounding away like that of a 3 year old. That's not to say, of course, that there's nothing at all wrong with him, but from the checks she could do, she couldn't find anything to worry about. Bless.

I finished a card for one of my best friend's daughter last night, ready for her birthday today. I haven't uploaded the photo of it yet, so I can't show you, but I will tomorrow. It's using another of the lovely images Ruth sent me as part of my Secret Santa pressie on my forum (she sent me a hand made book, entitled a Year of Cards with a stamped image in each pocket ready for me to use. It was truly lovely, and the image on the sister birthday card from the other day was one that she had stamped too.) I've added the pictures of the book and the other goodies I got below. Enjoy.

8 years ago today...

2009-01-19T16:43:00.005Z

and I was in agony right about now! Having had an 'elective' c-section (not elected by me I hasten to add! A medical decision was made on my behalf!), and not having a very good reaction to the morphine they kept on pumping into me. However, here we are, 8 years later, and was it all worth it?? Hmmmmmm........

Of course it was (mostly)! Happy Birthday Sophie!

Here are Sophie's birthday cards, the first one from us, and the second was from James (although as you may have guessed, he had very little to do with actually producing it):

Oh Dear

2009-01-18T16:34:00.004Z

Well, that didn't last very long did it? I've been so busy with work and general 'stuff' that I haven't got around to doing much crafting, but I have made a couple of cards this year.

I can show you one today, and the other two tomorrow, as they're for Sophie's 8th birthday. I can't believe she's 8 years old tomorrow!

Anyway, this one was for my cousin's daughter, Imogen, who was born 4 days before Sophie. (sorry for the poor photo - it was taken on a phone by my manager at work, as I'd forgotten to take a photo whilst I was at home - it's better than the photo taken by my phone though :-( )

New Year - New Me?

2009-01-03T10:53:00.002Z

Well, maybe not, but here I am again! I'm about to start taking all my decorations down. I say all, but all we have up really, is the tree, a bit of tinsel on the mirror, a couple of stuffed snowmen, and the Chirstmas Cards on the doors. It will be quite nice to get rid of them actually - and arrange the furniture so you don't have to breathe in to get past it!

I also hope to make some cards this weekend, so I'll endeavour to photo all my cards this year (I got into the bad habit of not taking pictures towards the end of last year) and pop them on here for all to see.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T18:44:00.005Z

No New Years resolutions from me - 'cause I never keep them. But I really am going to try harder in my aspects of my life - to be more organised at home, more organised with my crafting, try to eat more sensibly (notice how I worded that? No promises).

I will blog more too - even if it's a short and succinct post - just to let people know I'll still alive.

Went to see my Grandad on Monday - he was 105 yesterday. Yes - that's 105 years old! Go Grandad!

James, Grandad and Sophie.

Advent

2008-12-02T13:16:00.003Z

I wish somebody would invent a few more hours in a day; there never seems to be enough. I have almost given up on the idea of making mt christmas cards (apart from a few which I need to make, like very close family and a couple of swaps).

James is at a choir concert tonight (although thankfully a short one) as the choir are singing for the opening of the Christmas Craft Fayre this evening at school. I won't mention (much) about the magnet that James swallowed last weekend. It's enough to say that I'm fairly sure it's out of his system now. Honestly - you'd think he was nearly 10 monthsold , not nearly 10 years old!

We spent the whole weekend tidying the kids' bedrooms - and there is still more stuff to sort. We have bags and bags of rubbish/recycling/clothes/toys to give away (some has already gone to friends and family) and I can only imagine what the bedrooms will be like after Christmas again. Saying that - James' birthday is next week so it's going to get worse sooner rather than later. I can't tell you what he's having, as he reads my blog from time to time. Bless.

I'm just at work now catching up on here, but needs must and I'd better get back to doing the stuff I'm paid to do. Will pop back later.

Christmas is coming...

2008-11-22T17:09:00.004Z

Oh hecky thump! How on earth are the days passing so quickly? Since I last blogged I can't even remember what's happened. I know that Sophie was ill again, and James has been bullied at school (although I am quite satisfied with how it's being dealt with - so far!). I made the rest of the Christmas gifts that Emma at work had ordered, and also a birthday card for her Mum (shown below). I still have to make any impact on my Christmas cards though - I've made, like, 10 maybe? No flipping good at all, I can tell you.

The washing machine broke last night, so we're now £46 lighter, but at least it's fixed. Bloomin' good service from my repair man I can tell you!

Strictly will be on soon, and however controversial I may appear, I'm actually quite glad that John Sergeant is now gone.I am sad and disappointed that the public didn't vote him out, but nonetheless, I think the context will dramatically improve from now on in. I also received Tom Chamber's autograph this week (via my wonderful sister who works in the bank where his Dad banks, and who asked him on my behalf to get a personalised autograph off Tom when he saw him). It arrived on Tuesday, and the kids and I were whooping around the house for ages! LOL - big kid me or what?

Go Tom!

Study leave

2008-11-12T22:06:00.005Z

I've been off work today with a day of study leave - I've actually used it properly too - I've been a good girl and written my first reflective account for my NVQ in business and Administration. Had a bit of a rum deal though - my lovely employer has registered with an NVQ help website so that we can log on and get tips and hints. However, when I did this, I tried to register for the level 3 NVQ, but it kept defaulting to the level 2 one. I e-mailed the website, and they replied to me saying that my employer had only purchased the level 2 one (bearing in mind that 90% of us are doing the level 3 NVQ in Bus and Admin - so I rang poor Charlie at work and she's e-mailed the woman who runs it all. We'll see if there's an explanation when I get into work tomorrow.

James has been fine today (although still quite pale) - eating properly though, and quite chirpy still, so I'm not really worried. He had a bad night last night though, and wet the bed for the first time in months. At least I was working at home so I could wash all the bedding and get it dry. Bless him.

I got 3 more orders for mini clipboards off the back of one I did for a girl at work, so I need to get those done soon, as well as the ironing that I've been putting off for days. I'll have to do it tomorrow, or we'll all be in out birthday suits before too long (not a pleasant thought for anybody!).

Animal Magic

2008-11-11T21:45:00.004Z

We've just come back from a school choir concert for James (it was called Animal Magic - just in case you're wondering) - it was quite eventful - he fainted half way through the last piece! He was on the front row of the choir, and we were sitting 3 or 4 rows back right at the side. We watched him get paler and paler and start to sway a little, then I dived out of the audience and up the side of the seats, and as I went forwards, his music teacher spotted me, then looked at James and ran forward to catch/lift him off the stage and sit him down. Phew! He had completely drained of colour and gone all clammy and I'm sure was about to topple over.

Funny thing is, he had done something similar earlier on in rehearsals, but had been fine after 10 minutes and a little sit down.

He's fine now we've got him home too, so not sure what that's all about. Perhaps it's his version of the bug that Sophie had over the weekend? He should hopefully be OK for school tomorrow - but if he isnt he can stop at home as I have a study day tomorrow (well, technically a half day study day and 1 1/2 hours of flexi to top the day up). I think he'll be OK though.

The sad news is that a local man who was found dead in the church yard at the weekend is the step-dad on one of the boys in James' class at school. We've known the fammily for about 5 years, and although I wouldn't call them friends, it really brings it home how sad these tragic events are - and you never think it will happen around here, so when it does it really comes as a shock.

Sad, sad times.

That card

2008-11-09T16:46:00.004Z

Sorry about the quality - I was in a rush on the morning I had to take it into work to be signed by everybody. For anybody that's wondering, Helen and her boyfriend Baz have a large German Shepherd (Baz is a security guard and 'Kato' is a trained guard dog). So whilst the card might have an odd picture for a leaving card, it was very appropriate, and very much appreciated by the lady in question).

Dead or alive?

2008-11-03T21:29:00.003Z

If I have any loyal readers, you'll all be thinking I've deserted you by now, I'm sure. However, as you can see, that is not the case - it's just that sometimes you can be poddling through life merrily minding your own business, when things just seem to catch up and overtake you on the odd occasion. Nothing major, no traumatic events (thankfully), nothing special to write home about, just 'stuff'.

I'm doing my NVQ 3 at work (business and administration), and I worked full time last week as it was half term, and I like to get my money's worth out of the holiday club I use for the kids - add that to the fact that work will not only let me take flexi time (like today - for an inset day), but they'll also pay me for some of the extra hours I work. Thank god they will too, as Michael is now on flat pay with no travel expenses or overtime at all. This last month was the first 'flat monthly wage' he's received, and OMG was it a shock! So if I can get a few extra hours in and paid for, then I will! It all helps!

I also helped out at Shirley's annual jumble sale on Saturday in aid of Breast Cancer Research. As a survivor of Breast Cancer, Shirley has organised a jumble sale for the last few years, and we broke the record again this year by raising over £600. A long day (but a few perks by being able to have first pick - so the kids got a few bits - some Spongebob DVDs, some Dr Who action figures, Sophie got a little collection of photo frames, and I even got a couple of decent books to read - Autobiography from Gary Barlow, and a Biography of Ronnie Barker, and a couple of Joanne Harris novels too - and a few other odds and sods like note pads and a couple of tops for James for the future).

Well, I have only made one card lately (a leaving card for one of my dearest friends at work) and I did take a quick picture, but I haven't uploaded it to either computer or laptop yet - so that will follow as soon as I get get chance or have the inclination.

The only other point to note is that I had to get a man in last week - the laptop finally stopped working (and I tried and tried myself to get it connected again with no joy). It turned out that I had got too many spyware and such programs running and they all conflicted with each other and booted me off the Internet after being connected for only 2 or 3 minutes at a time. All sorted now, and he also sorted my wireless connection (made it secure after 2 years of it being unsecured) and also created my little network so I can see files on the PC from the laptop and vice versa, and I can also print from the laptop now, which I have never been able to figure out for myself! He was here about 2 hours, at least, and only charged me £35 for sorting it all out! What a bloke, and a serious bargain too!

Only 51 days to go until the fat man comes then? Trouble is, it looks like we might have to choose between presents and food this year - (well, not quite that bad) but seriously tightening of belts will be required!

And Tina - if you read this - more info please!!! It's killing me not knowing!

Another week

2008-10-05T17:00:00.003+01:00

goes by without a post from me.

I really thought I was getting back into the swing of this blogging malarkey, and then it all goes to pot again.

I've had a busy week, with the kids having after school stuff and two governors meetings...one of which lasted until 8.45, by which time I was shattered, but still had to fill the car up with petrol and get a takeaway for tea. I barely stayed awake long enough to eat it (although it was yummy KFC). To cut a long story short, other stuff just got in the way this week.

I did finish the card for my (stand-in) line manager's daughter's birthday - here it is:

I did get a wonderful bargain though - our local 'Au Naturale' shop was having a '20% off' day, and Michael and I had been chatting about how rubbish our cushions on the sofas are (we have 2 x 2 seater sofas and no single chairs)...so it was decided that I would look for some nice, good quality, well filled, plump cushions to replace them. So in to Au Naturale I nipped, and spotted some lovely large faux suede cushions, in a mushroomy/biscuity kind of colour - perfect! £12 each they were, but with 20% off, I could get two for under £20 (we can make do with 2 I thought - don't have to have 4 all at once). When I got to the till, the young girl behind the counter said "These are a real bargain today - they're coming up on the till at £5 each" - which meant I was going to get 2 for £8.

When I got them home, Michael asked why I didn't get 4? Because I only have two hands and I was carrying 3 bags of shopping before I bought the cushions, and the cushions were so big they needed a bag each...so that's why (the polite version anyway).

Needless to say I went back the next day and bought two more (after checking that the price was the same of course). We're now using the old cushions in lieu of a door draught excluder (anything to save money on heating bills) - but I'm going to look around for a proper draught excluder in the near future, I promise.

What a week

2008-09-27T10:05:00.004+01:00

Well, this week has been a busy one. I've had a birthday (I will photo my cards and pop a picture on here soon), I've been on a course to start my NVQ3 in Business and Administration (I must be mad), I've been running around left right and centre with the kids swimming and clubs and stuff, and I haven't started my Christmas cards yet, despite it nearly being October, and the fact that I'm fast running out of time! It was also 21 years on Thursday that I lost my Mum, and strangely I find myself missing her more and more as the years go by, and I see my kids growing up without her by their sides. RIP Mum.

My friend Helen from work has only gone and got herself a secondment for 3 months, so after having finally thought we were settled at work, it's all up in the air again. It's great for Helen, as it's more money for her, but on a purely selfish note I don't want her to go!

I have to get my posterior into some sort of gear today as I have loads to do, in the form of housework and card making (neither of which are floating my boat at the moment). So that begs the question; why on earth am I sitting here updating my blog when I should be running around the house with a duster or something...(I think, dear reader, that you probably already know the answer to that one in your heart fo hearts).

As promised

2008-09-21T16:38:00.006+01:00

Here are the cards I made yesterday (well, and one from this morning too). I still have to put inserts into these, but for the first time, I've inked the edges of a couple of the envelopes to match the inking on the cards - it looks quite effective, even if I do say so myself! In Jayne's card, I'll be putting an image on the left hand side of the insert (as you open it - the left page) to tie in with the front. (It's the same Jayne that's on secondment - so I hope she's not reading my blog to keep up-to-date!)

General birthday cards:

A couple of anniversary cards:

A card for my cousin's son (10 this week and a mad-keen footballer):
A 40th birthday card for Jayne:
And another general birthday card:

Itchy and scratchy

2008-09-20T16:22:00.003+01:00

is how we've been feeling for a couple of days as Sophie came home from school with some little tiny multi-legged friends in her hair. Well, that is , I assume she did, as I could see the eggs, but couldn't find the actual little pests themselves. All treated and presumably gone now, but it doesn't stop you itching when you think about them.

The consent form for James to appear on TV came (via Special Delivery 9am - guess who wasn't here?!) so I went to the sorting office to pick it up, and it's duly been completed and returned. We'll just have to wait and see when he will appear now (she said within a couple of months).

I've spent all this morning making cards! Yippeeeeee - finally! I shall take some piccies either later today or tomorrow and let you have a peek. Nothing spectacular (I bought some of those 'No Scissors Required' decoupage sheets, so I've been making fairly quick cards with them, and also some Paper Nation decoupage which I seem to have had forever.

I might get around to making something completely original one of these days, but don't hold your breath!

This evening, I shall be mostly watching 'Strictly Come Dancing' - I love the program, and since the gorgeous Tom Chambers (Sam Strachan from Holby City) is appearing, it will be even more worth while. I didn't realise that my sister knows Tom's dad though, until I was speaking to her about Strictly the other week! Apparently they're quite local to Matlock and they come into the Bank regularly - jammy cow [smiles sweetly].

Anyway - come on Tom!!!!!

Famous at last

2008-09-16T17:22:00.008+01:00

Well, it looks like James is going to be famous at last! He's pestered me for days to take some photos of him that he can upload to a CBBC website Funky Fables - he needed seven photos of him with different (pre-defined) expressions on his face. We did this exercise on Sunday, and they were duly uploaded. They are then used for animated clips on the website where a character uses your face and it appears to talk etc. I'll try to post a link to his clip later on when he gets back from his piano teacher's leaving party (I'll tell you about that another day).

Clip is here

Now along with the website, there is also a TV Program, which is 10 minutes long and on the CBBC channel. Photos which are uploaded are randomly selected to be chosen to appear on the actual TV prog (with parents' consent) - and James has been chosen!

I was contacted on my mobile today by a producer from the program who asked me loads of stuff about James and confirmed he will be on the TV program within the next couple of months.

Can you imagine how excited a certain 9 year old boy is?? I'm not sure I can put it onto perspective, but I think the whole school knew about it by 8.50am this morning!

Sophie's been off school poorly for the last two days, with a stinking cold and a bit of sickness, but I'm hoping she will be well enough to go back tomorrow (she is slowly regaining her appetite) as I really need to be at work!

Right - Michael's cooking tea as I type, so you can guess how popular I am for being on here again. Must get around to crafting again soon...or I'm going to found buying birthday cards late at night under cover of Tesco's.

Photo

2008-09-13T15:42:00.002+01:00

All quiet

2008-09-09T21:34:00.005+01:00

on the South Normanton front - well, that is to say the kids are in bed, recovering from the shock to their systems that is 'school'. Sophie was so excited this morning, she was practically bouncing off the walls before we went to school - I'm sure that we won't be early for school every day, but it did make a change. The only shame was the dreadful weather - it's rained persistently all day. I'm grateful we don't have a river nearby, as some of the local villages have had problems with flooding!

I did take a photo of the kids this morning all togged out in their new uniforms (well they're both 'new as in bought very recently and expensively from the shop - but Sophie's was a new uniform as in she has now moved up to the Junior School which James has attended for the last 2 years. I now have 2 years of them being together, so no more rushing between schools with seconds to spare and fighting for parking spaces. Phew.

With Michael at Band, I really should be doing something constructive - like making one of the 27 'occasion' cards I need to make for birthdays and anniversaries before Christmas, and that's not to mention the cards for that occasion in December which begins with C and ends in chaos and overdrafts.

I think I also need to make a card for a commission, only the person that asked me for the card hasn't mentioned it since. She is in work tomorrow, so I will find out some more info (seeing as the birthday, from the brief conversation we had) is very fast approaching.

I will upload the photos in a minute, so as long as there's a decent one among them, I will add one to this post shortly (and no - I'm sorry - I didn't meant to call you 'shortly'!)

I can show you

2008-08-31T19:20:00.006+01:00

the card I made for Jayne at work now - as she left us on Friday 25th August to go on her secondment.

When in doubt...

2008-08-29T07:41:00.002+01:00

...post anyway!

Well, I've been so busy with work I've neglected it (my blog) again. I will be back very soon with some pictures and some info, as I'm finishing work today until 9th September. Yeeeehaaaaaa!

A Quickie

2008-08-17T23:50:00.002+01:00

Where does all the time go? I've been hectic at work for most of the week, and also the two days off I've had with the kids have been filled with mundane stuff.

I've got my new contact lenses (continuous wear ones that I don't have to take out at night) but I'm not sure about them. They just don't feel right/comfortable. I'm going back to the opticians on Tuesday to have a check up, so I'll see what the optician says. I've been looking forward to having them for ages, but now it feels like a real anticlimax.

Anyway - made a card tonight for one of my work colleages that's leaving on Friday to go on a secondment - can't put it on here yet, as although I don't think she does read my blog regularly, I know I've sent her the link in the past, so I daren't risk it. I'll put it on the Canny Crafters forum in the meantime, and put it up next weekend once it has been given to Jayne.

Just passing through...

2008-08-07T18:45:00.002+01:00

No time to stop - I've got 101 things to do tonight! As well as going and getting some food shopping and filling up the car with the last Tesco 5p off a litre voucher I've got, I've also got to get all my craft stuff together for loading up in a hurry tomorrow.

I also want to make a couple of bookmarks tonight, and I'd like to stamp out some images and colour them ready for doing my candle class at the weekend.

There's also some ironing to do (Michael is off this week with the kids, ands he's done loads of houseworky type things (cleaning floors, tidying, hoovering, cleaning) but he's managed to ignore the ironing so far (and only one day left). He is, however, at home all weekend with the little darling children as I'm off crafting in Nottingham with my lovely forum mates.

Can't wait until I finish work tomorrow - yipppppppeeeeeee!

xxxxx

Phew - finally

2008-08-03T21:31:00.008+01:00

I've finally made the candles with matching cards for Emma at work. I think they're for her to give to her daughter's teachers when she finishes private day nursery at the end of August. I just need to start working on the bits she's ordered for Christmas now!

I've also managed to take some photos to put on the tutorial sheet for the altered candles I'm doing at the craft weekend. that way. if I bore people to tears and they fall asleep, they will be able to follow the instructions instead [smiles].

I've also made a few cards to keep up to date with family birthdays. Should be all right for a couple of weeks now.

Back to work tomorrow - at least I won't be able to hear the kids arguing from there. They've been dreadful this last week - hitting and shouting at each other, then best of friends the next. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Anyway - here are the photos:

I promise that the last card has silver card round both images - the top one looks gold because of the flash :-(

Whoops!

2008-07-30T18:33:00.003+01:00

I was bemused when I heard the doorbell ring at 9am this morning. I wasn't expecting anybody, and I couldn't see a post van outside...so imagine my surprise when I opened the door and saw my hairdresser standing there! She wasn't due until tomorrow...or so my pea-brain had convinced me.

How embarrassing, but at least we were all up, dressed (at least 2/3 of us were) and hadn't gone out for the day! It frees up tomorrow morning though.

Alas I still haven't had time to craft, but at least the ironing pile endeth! Should be able to get some major stuff done tomorrow now (although we have to fit in a trip to Tesco petrol station to make use of my 5p a litre voucher, and to the kids' holiday club to pay the next shed load of money, and also to the local fancy dress shop - the only outlet that sells the Junior school's branded items of uniform [I kid ye not - not even the school itself sells it]).

Really need to get some candles made for examples at the craft weekend (wont be showing you those until after the weekend, for obvious reasons).

No crafting today

2008-07-29T14:34:00.005+01:00

No time to craft - still got half a mountain of ironing to do (it was just far too hot to finish it last night! I got a few bits yesterday at The Range - notably some cheap ribbon (not that I need to restock my ribbon collection, but if it's a bargain, it always seems to find its way into my basket one way or another), some brads (and I have a fair few of these too *ahem*) and some white acrylic paint, as mine is all stringy and weird inside.

Quote of the day went to Sophie though. We were browsing the aisles, and Sophie declared that she really needed some foam pads. I turned to her and said:

"Sophie - how many foam pads do you think I've got at home?"
"Fifty million" was her reply. The shoppers around us were almost doubled up with laughter (and a few knowing smiles made me think they understood the situation exactly).

I have also been to my local candle shop to buy some stock for the craft weekend - 24 so far. I had to make two trips as I couldn't carry them all in the poor quality plastic basket. I'm sure the woman on the counter thinks I'm barking mad - it was only a couple of weeks ago that I bought 10, and now another 24. Perhaps she thinks I've got a candle fetish?

Popped to Ikea too, to stock up on batteries and some small square mirrors for a friend (and had to have a few for me too of course!). Had meatballs and chips for lunch too. Yum yum.

Little and often

2008-07-28T09:59:00.003+01:00

First day of a week off, and if I can get the kids to do as they're told, I'll be off to The Range in a minute (just for a few basics (need a new glue stick and maybe some bind-it-all covers and other little bits).

Got a mountain of ironing to do (didn't get any done last week at all) so that will be my main job later on (hope the heat dies down a little before then!).

Will make a concerted effort to turn this blog back into a diary/showcase, rather than one entry a month.

And some more

2008-07-27T19:17:00.003+01:00

And these were taken with my phone, so apologies for the quality (or lack thereof):

Some recent cards

2008-07-27T15:40:00.006+01:00

Right then

2008-06-23T16:24:00.007+01:00

Well, who's a naughty girl then?

I've been neglecting my duties and my friends, my blogging and my cardmaking - but folks, and listen very carefully, I shall say this only once...

The MOJO returneth!

I sat and made 4 cards this weekend! Now I know that compared to some of you out there, 4 is a drop in the ocean - a mere pinprick on the face of the earth, but considering that lately I've been making cards rarely, and I've even resorted to altering cards from my few remaining 'stash' pile, and even buying a few here and there (hangs head in shame).

So when I sat down and made a graduation card for my neice, Dawn - who by the way got a 2.1 degree and can continue on to next year to do her PGCE so she can be a music teacher), I started with a little inspiration, and I actually did some stamping.

Now, I know I have other things I must do, like get back onto the Canny Crafters forum and prove to them that I didn't die or run off with a cowboy from Denver, and they will come in time - I promise.

For now, I'll leave you with my cards.

Au revoir, mes amis.

Dawn's congratulations card:

3 general cards (all Penny Black Stamps): there isn't a mark on the 2nd one on the embossing, honestly!

Playing catch up

2008-05-08T18:38:00.007+01:00

Not blogged for ages (Sorry) - but thought I'd upload a few photos to show I'm still in the land of the living.

Work is good (I think) - and it's certainly nice to be around adult conversation again.

Here we go then - a double rainbow last week when it was absolutely throwing it down:

A wedding card I made for my sister to give - Doodlebug embossed card for the top section, and the bottom is plain white card embossed with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots (the motif is a small cuttlebug folder too - one of four):

A Birthday card (My first commission from a work colleague - may it be the first of many!) - very similar to the one I made Sophie for her birthday back in January:

A get well card for my 'Boss' (my line manager's boss - one of the two ladies who interviewed me) - die cuts (flat and raised on foam pads), pink wire, and glitter glue - I think it was well received:

A close up of the card:

And finally a bookmark I also made for Julie - I should have photographed it before I put it into a cello bag of course, but time was in short supply, as it seems to be all of the time at the moment:

Working 9 to 5...

2008-04-22T20:14:00.008+01:00

or rather 9.05 to 2.50, but that doesn't have quite such a good ring to it eh? Started work yesterday, and I rather think I'm going to enjoy it! I sit next to a girl who plays the drums - like me! I sit behind and across from two women who make cards - like me! My boss is addicted to ebay - like me!

Nice to have stuff in common with people :D

Will upload Dawn's 21st card (very basic) tonight, but I was really pleased with the frame I designed with the cricut and the Design Studio.

Also took some pictures this morning for the photo frame, so will upload my chosen picture later too (dashing off to a PTA meeting now).

Oh, and Tina - if you're reading this - I've been waiting until I was a tax payer again before I sponsor you [insert winkie type smiley here].

Toodle-oo!

At last

2008-04-12T12:25:00.005+01:00

Here I am - not quite up to fighting fitness, but a darn sight better than I was (I've passed it onto DH - oh dear!).

So I need to catch up - here we go with DH's birthday cards.

From James:

From Sophie (she was determined it was going to have his age on!):

And finally from me:

And here's the card I managed to make for my Nephew - he is a staunch Man City fan (the logo is 3D decoupaged) - and he loved it:

Normal Service

2008-04-06T20:25:00.003+01:00

Will be resumed once I shake off this flipping cold. Will also photo the (very) quick cards which almost managed to make themselves for DH's birthday tomorrow (he's opened them already as he had to work tomorrow - awwww - but I will wait for daylight to take piccies - or at least reflection off the snow if it settles).

TTFN

Weather

2008-04-05T22:09:00.002+01:00

...I'm under it. Feeling lousy I'm afraid.

James missed his first day off school in well over 2 years yesterday - he has the same cough/cold that I seem to have, although thankfully his is on the mend, and sadly mine is still spiralling down. I'm dog tired, but don't want to sleep as every time i lay down, I just cough up my guts. I've read 2 books in just over 2 days, and now have no new literature to get my hands on.

Got my two new cartridges from the US finally today (the ones I ordered when I ordered the Cricut) - Zooballoo and Doodlecharms. I helped Sophie make a card for Michael this morning. Just got to muster up the energy to make one from/with James, and of course one from me.

Sophie's already sealed the envelope for hers, so I'll have to post a piccie of it once he's opened it on Monday.

Going to go and try and get warm and comfy on the sofa without feeling the need to hack my innards out every 30 seconds.

More tomorrow.

Swiss dots

2008-04-02T16:31:00.007+01:00

Here is a quick one for today - my friend Marie nonchalantly announced yesterday (whilst standing at the school gates) that she had got engaged on Friday. Well, I say announced...she actually shoved the massive rock on her left ring finger right under my nose! [smiles]

So I knocked up this card today for her - completely 'lifted' from a gallery which is absolutely full of fabulous cards. The Cuttlebug section of the gallery is here, although you can get to the main menu by clicking on home from the top of the page. I even embossed the envelope to match [smug smiley here].

James went on a school trip today - to Eyam village (famous for being the village that contained the plague back in the 1600's) - Eyam is one of the villages that feeds the secondary school I went to - Lady Manners School in Bakewell. I wonder if any of my old friends still live there?

I must trawl through Friends Reunited again one day. Anyway - James seemed to like it (even if he did get ripped off in the museum shop when he bought a pen and pencil, and then didn't have enough money left for an ice cream - (all together now...) awwwwwww!)

Got to dash - not feeling 100% as I have a stinker of a cold and a rather irritating tickly cough to go with it - and a Governors' meeting to sit through later, so lots of minutes of meetings to print out and ponder over before I go.

Quick card

2008-04-01T14:33:00.004+01:00

Here's my first proper card made with the Cricut - and one of my new Sugar Nellie stamps (Summer Nellie - complete with crocs). It's A5 in case you're wondering.

Got loads of cards to make for April so hopefully will be posting some more really soon. Got my new embossing folders to try out soon too.

Photo frame

2008-03-30T16:25:00.004+01:00

Almost finished the photo frame I've been altering (quite basic though - don't expect Elise Flanagan or anything). Just got to stick the embellishments on (they're all painted now) and then take a photo of the kids to go in it - I will show you the frame as soon as I've done it today though - the photo of the kids may take a little longer.

My niece's concert was good (although the choice of music wasn't exactly mainstream).

Be back later with the picture...et viola - as if by magic...it appeared!

On your marks...

2008-03-28T16:26:00.006Z

Get set...go........to work that is! Yep - had a phone call from my new boss this afternoon. They've finally traced the reference from my previous employer, and we've agreed a start date of 21st April. That gives me three weeks till lift off...and two of those are the school holidays. I am really quite looking forward to starting work in a large office again. Actually, this one is far larger than anywhere I've EVER worked before - the largest Bank branch was probably no more than 30 people when it was fully staffed, so with up to 500 people in this one, it will be a different kettle of fish altogether.

On a lighter note I've been playing my my new Cricut, but as I've only been 'practicing' I don't really have anything to share just yet. All in good time - I'm sure my first creation isn't far away.

We're off to see my niece tomorrow night - she's playing her final concerts this summer with the City of Sheffield Youth Orchestra and we're off to see her at Sheffield City Hall. She's 21 in April so also she will soon be too old to participate. Which makes me feel VERY old (and lord knows how old my BIG sister feels [smiles]).

We've also confirmed that we're off to sunny Blackpool in May with DH's Brass Band just for a short weekend, but at least it won't be here (picture on right is from when they played at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2006 - DH is furthest left - 2nd row up) .

Tardy

2008-03-27T20:28:00.002Z

I should have made it back on here last night, but alas I was far too tired (and then didn't sleep well at all - what's that all about? I normally sleep very well).

Anyway, the Cricut DID arrive yesterday - at about 5.15pm just as I was getting ready to take James swimming (I couldn't believe it...and the delivery guy wasn't too happy - I wasn't his last drop either). I took the manual to swimming with me and had a little read, and then came home and had a little play on the Design Studio later on (then came the restless sleep bit).

Soooo today I've started having a proper play - and WOW am I impressed! I do wish I could have gone for the expression, but it would have been a few months before I had got the rest of the money together for it, and I really didn't want to wait any longer - isn't 8 months long enough?

I've been on the blogs which have the templates that other (much more competant and preficient) users of Cricuts have made and posted for all to share. I made one of those cards with Happy and Birthday around the edges - only problem is the card is quite small because of the cutting area of the small bug. I will ahve to try to find a way to turn it all sideways and just cut the front out, so I can stick it onto another larger card.

I also got my order from Oh My Crafts - two sets of the cuttlebug combos - the presents and the build a flower one. Haven't had chance to play with those yet - a job for tomorrow. I need to get making cards soon as I have LOADS of bithdays in April, and also one for February that I have forgotten, and now it is so late it deserves something fabulous. Which brings me back around to tardy, which is an appropriate place to end for tonight (have to go and watch Ashes to Ashes anyway - there's something about Philip Glenister that I just can't put my finger on).

Bling!

2008-03-26T16:50:00.004Z

Quick post for now (but may be back later) because I want to show you a picture of my latest candle with 'bling'.

I am really quite pleased with this one - I used Cosmobella (I think) and wrapped some Papermania ribbon around the bottom (stuck on with DST) and then added some hot fix crystals to the ribbon and the candle itself. There are three Bella images going around the candle too.

Might try some more, but need to go and get some more candles first.

The Cricut which I ordered yesterday from Cutting Edge Crafts hasn't made an appearance today, so fingers crossed for tomorrow. I have, however, received the Design Studio software from Sirstampalot, and the little tiny order which I placed at Craftsulove (would have been rude not to when they had free p&p). I did originally order it from Sirstampalot, but alas they didn't actually have them in stock, so the very nice owner, Janice, gracefully offered me a refund of the machine so I could buy it elsewhere.

I am so into crafting again at the moment that I can't wait for it to appear! I hope it's everything I expect it to be - and more!

Off to take James swimming soon, so I'll try to get back later with the rest of my news.

It's Friday - Good!

2008-03-21T19:01:00.004Z

Not much to report today - still sorting my dining room, although DH did put my shelves up last night, so getting there little by little.

I *think* I've finially decided that I'll buy a small Cricut and the design studio cartridge from Sir Stampalot. I'm just not sure that I'll need the big one as I don't really scrapbook, so I can't justify buying the Expression. That said, if I find I'm using it a lot, I can always upgrade once we have some funds to do so in a few months.

So I'm off to order it in a mo - I am also going to order a couple of cartridges from a site I've found in the USA as they have most of them on offer this weekend. So for now I'm off to peruse and decide which two to go for (although they haven't got the disney ones on offer so it will just be a couple of the older standard ones for now - got to find my feet after all!).

Didn't tell you that Sophie lost another tooth this week - which now means she has her four top teeth all missing. She looks a right one I can tell you.

Pedantic? Moi?

2008-03-20T11:03:00.003Z

Oh, and just a quick one - I saw a really posh signwritten expensive sign over a new shop in our village the other day (I must stop the car and photograph it to show you).

It says something like:

A taste sensation
@ DOORSTEP SANDWICH'S

I ask you - you'd think somebody would have pointed it out wouldn't you? Doorstep Sandwich's what?

And there's more...

2008-03-20T10:50:00.003Z

Well, I'm trying to make the most of the time I have to myself before I start work (no, I haven't got a date yet, but I did ring to chase them up yesterday because as far as I know they now have all the information they need ) so I made a couple more candles last night. When I say made... I don't, of course, mean made - I mean decorated. I really should be careful what I type eh?

Anyway - here they are:

My Bind-It-All which I ordered in a moment of weakness on Tuesday evening has just arrived too - so as well as candle decorating, I now have books to make! Isn't DH going to be pleased this weekend?

We are toying with the idea of going to see my Grandad tomorrow - he is now 104 years old, and realistically isn't going to be around for ever. Once I start work, I'm not sure when we are going to get another chance, but as my Aunty that we normally visit on the same day is away on holiday at the moment, it's a long way to travel just to visit him for 1½ hours (2½ hours in the car each way).

I'll make a decision later on. Sophie is at her friend's house for tea, and James has choir after school, which should have meant that I have some extra time to myself this afternoon, but Sophie's school has decided that they're having a table-top book sale, and also selling off some stationery items which they've been given.

I popped into the office this morning and saw them - they're gorgeous! They have sets of 3 Laura Ashley pens for 50p (rrp £3.99 at WHSmith) and also some Laura Ashley storage boxes also for 50p (which I think would look fab full of blossoms!), so I've agreed to pop in and collect Sophie's school bags and take some pennies to spend. THey have got kids stuff too - lovely girly door hangers and wipe clean weekly planner boards (kids ones), so I better get to the cash machine to draw out some dosh. Pictures to follow once I've bought them!

Wax lyrical

2008-03-18T12:18:00.003Z

Finally I've got around to trying the candle thing that I've seen so many other people try - the one where you transfer a stamped image onto a plain candle.

Well, here is my effort - this is actually one candle with two images on it, but I've bought 4 of these candles altogether to practice on. I think next time I'll get the larger (taller) candles, as I haven't got many stamps this small (the candle is only approx. 3 inches tall).

What do you think ? Success?

I will post the images of the dining room soon, but I'm waiting for the room to be finished before I do (and DH has some shelves to put up for me - I think he's trying to avoid the job - naughty naughty).

I also got my huge set of Prismacolor pencils yesterday (thanks to everybody on UKS who recommended to get an automatic sharpener - it was a really quick job and no blisters to sharpen them all).

Also, after my successful listings on ebay, I have to go and wrap some parcels up (the rest were posted yesterday). I now have money sitting in my Paypal account and I can't decide what to spend it on (saving isn't in my vocabulary).

A little bit lax

2008-03-12T07:43:00.003Z

Is what I've been lately. I have much to tell, and so little time.

The main news is that I got myself a job! I went for an interview at Nottinghamshire County Council for a job as assistant administrator in the Finance Department, and I only went and got it. I'm still in shock, and this was last Tuesday!

The offer is subject to references and medical questionnaire, but as far as I know they will be fine. It's 26 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days (which suits me fine), and as long as I work the 'core hours (which I'm assuming are 10-2 ish) I can work flexi time and build up hours to take (eg for inset days). I'm really quite excited, as it should be a nice stable job, and the people I met seemed really nice.

As soon as I know when I start I'll update here.

I've ordered some Prismacolour pencils from the USA too - a sort of congratulations pressie from me to me on my new job. Actually I've got some stuff for sale on ebay which looks like it's going to cover the amount of the pencils, which would be great!

Dining room still isn't quite sorted, and we still have stuff all over the house, but bit by bit it's getting there. My only worry now is that I'm going to be really organised and have no time left to craft once I start my new job. Hmmmm - might have to make a concerted effort to make some time to craft.

Got to go now and I mustn't make the kiddies late for school. I'm also going to have a trial run this morning, to see what time I can get to where my new office is (to see if I can make it there by 9am).

p.s. I still have some pictures of the dining room to post - I will get there in the end!

Ahoy Matey! - ATCs

2008-02-29T13:55:00.006Z

These Sugar Nellie ATCs are for a swap on UKS - a Sugar Nellie Swap. I don't normally 'do' ATCs, but I really quite enjoyed these. Had to do them all almost the same though, couldn't cope with thinking of 10 different ATCs. There are 5 different ones - identified by the different stamped images in the top right hand corner of the cards.

Pictures of the dining room coming up soon......

Nightmare & stress

2008-02-26T23:11:00.002Z

Quick update:

Laminate flooring laid.
Radiator leaked.
Laminate flooring taken up.
Plumber enlisted.
Radiator fixed.
Room decorated.
Laminate floor re-laid.
Furniture moved (again and again and again ad infinitum).
DH's eyes zapped.
Various check ups undertaken (at Meadowhall=expensive journey/shopping trip).
Kids now back at school.
DH back at work.
ATCs for swap almost finished (phew).

Manic couple of weeks.

Normal service will be resumed shortly.

Not forgotten

2008-02-15T18:07:00.006Z

...but life has really got in the way these last few days. The floor is almost laid (I forgot to take a picture of the craft room before, but I've got one of during, and I'll take one soon of it now (in it's floor-finished state, but walls as yet untouched).

I might even have an old photo of the craft room somewhere (probably not quite as full as it ended up in the end, but you'll get an idea).

We have great plans for the new look room (none of which include piling it to the ceiling with stuff), but we need to take the excess flooring supplies back to Ikea in order to buy the storage unit from there too. One of those Expedit thingies - a 4 holes by 4 holes one like the one in the picture - yes a white one! We'll probably start off with two of the plastic boxes for it, and build up the collection later on (they cost a whopping £7.99 per box).

We're also painting the existing wall shelves white and raising them up a little so that you can actually lift the lid of the piano when it's underneath (essential if we're going to have it tuned regularly!).

I also met up with Helen from Craftables yesterday, but I can't tell you much about that or I'd have to kill you :smile:

Quick cards

2008-02-11T16:55:00.000Z

Had a busy weekend - hence no blogging. I've made a few cards, but mostly I've been assisting my dear husband to lay the laminate flooring in the living room. Sadly, apart from a few square feet in the tiny porch/hall as you come in the house, the next area to be done is the craft room - so we're now past the point of no return.

The only reason I've had a reprieve up till now is that we decided to put threshold strips between the rooms (the original plan was to go straight through).

Anyway - here are my cards (some of which are already on their way as the birthdays are imminent - sorry if I've spoilt the surprise).

£££££££ and a few more £££££££

2008-02-07T20:04:00.000Z

I've spent a small fortune today. First was £69 for a new back box for the exhaust on the car. Then off to Ikea and spent loads on laminate flooring for the living room and 'dining room'.

The only problem with replacing the floor in the dining room, is it is home to not only the computer, ALL of my craft stuff (not inconsiderable as many of you know), but also a rather large upright piano that I haven't seen for at least 2 years from behind all the craft stuff.

Frightening stuff.

I have to make sure I'm up to date with all the cards I need to send for Feb, then I have to start clearing it all out.

It's going to be a long hard task, but the by-product of all this tidying up, is that I'll probably be selling off plenty of unused stuff (like the set of Prima flowers of the month which I sold to Ruth this afternoon - LOL).

Michael's hoping to start on the laminate at the weekend, but from Monday onwards he has to wear his glasses in preparation for his eye treatment the following Monday.

I'll take a photo of the 'dining/craft' room in the morning in daylight before I start clearing, and I'll post photos along the way. Oooooh it's exciting.

Double whammy

2008-02-06T07:57:00.000Z

Well, I had a fab day yesterday! Well, evening anyway. LOL

We heard from Ofsted that we are a 'Good School with some Outstanding features. Can't go into more detail as it all has to be verified, but basically we're chuffed to mintballs with their findings.

Second bit of good news is that we had James' parents evening, and he is doing fabulously. He is on the Gifted and Talented Register for Literacy and also for Music, and is heading for some fantastic achievements if he keeps up the good work. He is acheiving level 4b and 4a work now,for literacy, and that's usually the expected grade at the end of year 6, or so I'm told - he's in year 4.

Add that to pancakes for tea all round (one of the few things I'm really good at) and things don't get much better.

Went to the Papermill Shop to get my card, so will get onto stamping those images today for you Donna!

ZZZZZzzzzzZZZZZzzzzz

2008-02-05T09:33:00.001Z

I finally got some sleep last night, after the nightmare that was Ofsted yesterday. I didn't sleep properly or eat properly on Sunday night, and I spent all Monday morning reading pertinent documents. After all that, the meeting only lasted 1/2 hour, and I think it went OK. We'll find out the outcome at 3.30 this afternoon, so until then, it's fingers crossed.

So today is going to be a craft day methinks. All the cards I made the other week have all been used (cripes I send an awful lot of birthday cards!), so I need to really go for it and build my stock up properly. I also need to stamp some images for one of the girls on UKS who I've discovered only lives 5 minutes away from me. We're going to arrange a meet up soon, so I need to get my bum into gear. First I'll have to visit the Papermill shop at Macarthur Glenn to stock up on some white card. I'm off there in about 10 minutes (they don't open until 10am).

Hope I'm strong and don't slip other things into my basket. LOL

Bling

2008-02-03T15:24:00.000Z

I've finally got to grips with my Kandi Kane - and lo - there was bling!

Trouble is, I only seem to be able to do the studs (which you press onto the cards) or the 4mm gem stones, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of the others if I keep practicing (don't stand still too long near me as you may get 'diamante'd).

Anyway, here are my latest few cards (I've also been back over a couple of older cards and given them the Kandi Kane treatment, but I wont bore you with the pictures again).

First another Sugar Nellile - the Guitar boy - papers from Dovecrafts new masculine papers, and a peel off greeting:

Then we have Cosmobella (a StampingBella stamp, bought from Funky Kits) used in conjunction with my new nestabilities circles dies (sentiment from Craftwork Cards):

And finally a Paper Nation decoupaged image from the QVC TSV, also with the nestabilities dies, a couple of Primas and a rub on sentiment:

Buried alive

2008-02-02T17:25:00.000Z

under a mountain of Prima Crazy Daisies - but what a way to go! LOL. I got more Primas from Helen at the wonderful Craftables (see link on the left) - along with some Blonde Moments embossing powders. I'm hoping to get time to have a play tomorrow.

For tomorrow I am again a Brass Band widow, as DH is off to Preston to play in a competition with his band Newstead Welfare Brass. In fact, he's off out of the door right now to a rehearsal. I know that I met him whilst I too played in a band, so I do understand why they have to do all the rehearsals, but it really is silly season - with loads of contests in Feb/March/April May, and all the extra rehearsals really cut into family time.

I made a couple of cards yesterday, but I wasn't really feeling any inspiration, so they aren't particularly noteworthy. However, in the morning I will endeavour to photograph them and get them on here. There was a sprinkling of snow this morning, but there is more forecast, and maybe it will make for good photo taking with all that light reflecting into the house off the crisp white stuff. And maybe not.

Panic Stations!

2008-01-30T20:35:00.001Z

School is being Ofsteded next week (Monday and Tuesday - thank goodness they cut it down to 2 days!).

Anyway, as at least 3 of the governors can't attend (one on holiday and two not able to escape from work), it looks like muggins is going to have to blag her way through a meeting with them (I've been assured I won't have to face them alone).

I felt phyically sick when I was told at 3.15, but I'm a little calmer now.

I did take that photo of my new stash, so I'll upload it in a minute for you - I need something to cheer me up after all!

Nestabilities

2008-01-30T14:16:00.000Z

I forgot to mention yesterday that I received my long-awaited nestabilities set from the USA. I got 40% discount off the rrp and also got the postage reduced too, so paid about £32 in total, and when you consider that they are £17 for ONE SET, I got all four for less tan the price of two over here!. I ordered the set of circles (which includes small and large circles, and the corresponding scalloped edge circles to go with them). I'm going to have a play later if I get chance (James' swimming night tonight, so might be too late to post piccies until tomorrow).

I also got my order from the wonderful Helen at Craftables today. I spent all my points (see previous post) and a bit more too and got some scrummy stuff. I got 4 bottles of Primas, some 12x12 cardstock,a pad of Basic Grey Gypsy, two cats eye inkpads, some fingerlift tape and some ribbon. I might even take a photo of it in a bit, but for now I have to dash out and get some mince for tea so we can have spaghetti bolognese (the co-op hadn't had their meat order when I went at 9am this morning).

Bad blogger

2008-01-29T20:27:00.000Z

Well what an expensive week this has been. Michael (DH) and I went to Meadowhall on Monday for a consultation for laser eye surgery (for Michael, not me).

The crux of it was that Michael is a 'highly suitable' candidate (surprise surprise!) and we've booked a date for the surgery to be done. He goes to Nottingham on Monday 18th February to have the treatment, and we end up two grand poorer. Lovely. Mind you, we will be saving the monthly fees for his contact lenses, and there will be no more glasses to buy (at least not for the near future, as Michael doesn't need them for reading yet - he's not quite THAT old yet :wink: ).

So apart from that I don't have a lot to tell you. I made a few christmas cards at the end of last week (and old Canny Crafts tradition started by Anne Ashford all those years ago), so I'll pop a picture of those on here in lieu of a better picture for today.

I need to get loads of cards made in the next few weeks if I'm going to build my stock back up again. I should have posted a card today for my friend's daughter's 13th birthday, but if I post it tomorrow with a first class stamp, a following wind and a huge dose of good luck, it might just get there for Thursday (after all, it's only got to travel about 13 miles!).

Drink anybody?

2008-01-25T13:44:00.001Z

Or rather, a beer mat swap. These little beermats have been stripped, painted, covered with paper, and then had the images, phrases and rhinestuds fixed in the corners (with my Kandi Kane - which I've had for probably nearly 3 years and never used, and I thought it was about time). Just realised that the pictures probably don't show the colours properly, and they're much brighter in real life. Might try and get another picture later if the sun comes out.

Never done beer mats before, so not sure if they're really what I envisaged at the start of the project, but hey? I think they look OK. Lets hope the other people in the swap do too.

A couple of pictures to keep you going...

2008-01-22T17:53:00.000Z

Today I've decorated a smartie tube. Yes, I've typed that correctly. A smartie tube.

It's for a swap on the craft forum which I moderate - we have to decorate a smartie tube and fill it with 6 yards (or metres) of ribbon, and send them to the swap co-ordinator. She will then send mine to someone else, and send me one that someone else has decorated. And I end up with 6 lengths of lovely ribbon. Yum.

Anyway, here's my effort. It's painted with white acrylic paint (two coats) and then covered with Doodlebug black and white paisley paper, and I've coloured it all in with a red stardust glitter pen. Then I've popped a paisley peel off on a piece of card on the side.

I thought I'd show you a couple of other things I've done recently too.

This is a card I made with my Rock Star Nellie stamp, from the kit I bought. I thought this might do for my cousin's 40th birthday in February - he plays in a heavy metal rock band.

And finally this is a slim clipboard I decorated as part of a prize for a member on the aforementioned forum. She has had a bracelet, and altered tin, and altered box and this (and some chocolate I think). Hope she likes it!

Enchanted

2008-01-20T22:39:00.000Z

was enchanting. A seriously harmless fluffy film, where the good guy gets the girl and everyone lives happily ever after. Bless.

The day was slightly marred by Sophie though, who upon reaching the age of seven, now thinks she is invincible, and unpunishable. On the way to the cinema in the car, she and James (and her friend Morgan) were playing on their DS Lites, on the 'pictochat' function (like a live messenger thing, but wirelessly connected rather than internet based).

We had been watching 'Are you smarter than a 10 year old' this morning, and one of the questions was about Mary I (Bloody Mary) so they were pushing the limits by repeating this and then 'dobbing each other in' for swearing. Sophie took it a step further. She decided to write F****** H*** (albeit spelled wrongly) on her DS. Well, that put a bit of a dampener on things I can tell you.

I do think though, that she is truly sorry, and she has solemnly promsed never to say, write or even think those words ever again. School has a lot for answer for these days.

Hope to be back in the craft room tomorrow. That, and use my new smaller slow cooker (changed the 6.5 litre one for a 3.5 litre model). Might attempt a bolognese in it, after I've nipped to Tesco in the morning to stock up on a few essentials.

Why does the December-January paypacket never seem to stretch far enough? Might have something to do with Christmas and all the December and January birthdays in our family I suppose. :D

A whole seven years

2008-01-19T21:12:00.000Z

...have passed since Sophie was born. I can't quite fathom where all the years have gone.

Anyway, just a quick post today (haven't done any crafting today - only stamped some images for Mammy Hen on UKS to pop in the post on Monday. I hope she likes them.

So a couple of quick pictures to mark Sophie's birthday. We haven't had a party, as we're off to see Enchanted tomorrow at the pictures, and then to pizza hut afterwards.

The cake (Bratz as I predicted):

The blowing out of the candles (think yourselves lucky that you can't hear the singing):

Sophie's cards

2008-01-18T21:17:00.000Z

Let them eat cake

2008-01-18T09:16:00.000Z

if I remember to buy one that is! I forgot for James' birthday cake back in December, and we ended up on a mercy mission on the way back from the cinema to buy one at Morrisons.

Yes, yes, I know I could make one, but really - what's the point? All that effort, and either way you look at it it's not going to last very long is it? So I'm sure Sophie will be happier with a suitably decorated sponge cake from some supermarket or other (probably Bratz with those awful made up faces and huge sinister eyes).

I have to put the inserts ito Sophie's cards in a minute, then I will photograph them and pop them on here for you to see. I doubt if she will see them tonight,and after tomorrow it really doesn't matter. I'll also have to try to find the cards I made for James back in December to show you too.

When Michael gets home from work it'll be off to the opticians (again) in the pouring rain (again) to get him some specs sorted. Then I assume he'll want to get a couple of hours kip having been up half the night.

Think I'll take the slow cooker back and get the smaller model too (pillock that I am) - as Michael pointed out to me that not only is it too big for the meals we will ordinarily want to cook, but we are severely limited for storage space in the kitchen, so it will have to be downsized.

I hate it when he's right - good job it doesn't happen very often then eh? LOL

Wet wet wet

2008-01-17T13:57:00.000Z

is what I am, or rather we are, as James is here too (inset day).

Absolutely pouring down here it is! And we've just had the most torrential hailstorm too. Lovely weather.

James has had an eye test this morning. No change from his last prescription, which is not only good for his eyes, but means we didn't have to fork out for some new glasses. Yes, I know that children's glasses are free, but we always end up paying for thin lenses and having the anti-scratch coating on the lenses, so they come to about £35 usually. £35 we could well do without spending at the moment. Trouble is, Michael is going to the opticians tomorrow as he is desparate for new glasses. He actually wants laser eye treatment, but for that he needs to be able to wear glasses for a day or two before a consultation, so he needs his glasses to be up to date (and also not held together with insulating tape as his are at the moment). He's not at work tomorrow (daytime) as he has a 'shutdown' to do at about 4am tomorrow morning. Only good thing about that is he will get paid double time, and gets the rest of the day off.

I did, however, go to Argos and buy a new slow cooker. I think, however, having got it home, that it might be too big. I wanted a big one, so that we can cook a whole chicken in it, but I think it's going to be too big for normal family meals, which is what I really want it for.

As I'm not much of a cook (slight understatement - I can burn beans in a pan, me!), I'm going to have to think this one through a bit before I get past the point of no return.

Slacking off again

2008-01-16T15:40:00.000Z

I have been, haven't I?

(note to self: Must try harder)

Well I've Made Sophie's birthday cards from us and from James. Have to confess I've cheated by buying some Disney Princess stickers from ebay though. Just one more reason why I ought to have a Cricut with the disney cartridges. LOL.

I daren't post them up in case Sophie comes a nosing by by clicking on my links in the favourites bar. But I will of course, post them as soon as her birthday has been and gone on Saturday. I can't quite believe that she will be seven - where on earth does the time go?

I have made some more cards with my Sugar Nellies, which I will add to this post later on (they're still in my camera at the moment). I can't believe that for the first time in absolutely months I'm not behind with making the cards I need to send. I was truly terrible last year, and forgot more people than I remembered I'm sure. I'm also not doing as well with the blogging as I hoped I would, but I am trying to put that right now.

I have been helping a friend who dabbles in crafting to make a birthday card for her Fiance's Grandad who is soon to be 80.. A lilttle awkward as she wanted to go with a screws and fasteners theme (he set up an 'industrial fastener' company years ago). Still I think we managed to come up with an idea - thank heavens for Quickutz and Making Memories brads which look like screw heads.

Anyway - she took it home to finish it off, so if and when I manage to get a picture from her I'll let you have a look.

Got to takes James for his swimming lesson tonight, so will post those cards a bit later on.

A spoonful of sugar...

2008-01-08T17:22:00.000Z

...helps the medicine go down' so the song says. In my case it gets my crafty mojo back! Here are three cards I made this morning with my new Sugar Nellie stamps - God how I love these!

Wowser!

2008-01-06T20:32:00.000Z

I'm not a lucky person in general, and that is understating the fact, but I've just won £15.00 to spend at Craftables as I placed their 1000th order!!

Add that to the £11 or so I had already accumulated, and that means I have £26 to spend on me, me ,me!

Thank you so much Helen. Fab stash, fab service, and now fab freebies - I'm in stash heaven!

Just a quickie...

2008-01-06T17:46:00.000Z

So here it is - finally...the long awaiting very simple card I made for James' friend (yes, Sherlock, his name is William).

Probably not worth waiting for, but at least it's better to give a hand-made card when you're only putting money inside.

I've just sorted out all my new Sugar Nellie stamps, which I've trimmed down ready to use, so I'm hoping to get around to at least stamping and doing some colouring later on today.

I've also made an altered clipboard today for Kimb, the winner of the Christmas quiz on the forum. All 4 of use mods/admin are sorting out a prize for her, so hopefully she'll have a lovely surprise when she gets all her gifts together at the end of the week.

I wont post the picture here, but I'll pop a link in so you can have a quick look in case you're interested.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/craftyclaire/various052-1.jpg

New Year - New Me ??

2008-01-03T12:35:00.000Z

Well, I'm going to try anyway. I'm really going to make an effort to post more often, and one of my many 'resolutions' (don't like using that word, but can't think of another appropriate one) is that I am going to craft more and remember to photograph my creations again.

There was a time when I would photo or scan everything I made, but just lately the only thing I've been capturing are the cj pages I did. And I still haven't managed to post them onto the forum either.

Anyway - I need to make a card today for James to give to his friend as he's been invited to the cinema tomorrow (to see The Golden Compass- I'm quite envious). I'll endeavour to post my work later (or possibly tomorrow).

I will leave you with the most recent photo I took - one of James and Sophie with my Grandad - their Great Grandad) on Saturday just gone (29th December) - just two days before his 104th birthday.

Yes, that's 104 years old. And counting...

Tum te tum

2007-11-07T09:15:00.000Z

Well, I still haven't managed to gain any employment, despite getting down to the last two for one of the jobs I've been interviewed for. On the positive side (I really am trying to see a positive side) she did say that if there had been two positions they would have offered me a job, and she wants to keep my details on hand for when their next suitable position comes up. Sounds very positive, yes? Sadly the next suitable position could be months away.

On the flip side of this, I am finding myself with days to fill. I am not, however, actually achieving anything in these extra hours. I have every good intention of sorting the house out, listing every excess item on ebay, making 1001 cards (birthday, Christmas, BELATED birthday too of course, seeing as I've missed more birthdays than I've remembered this year). - yet I haven't managed to actually get any of these things done.

I even managed to waste a day by breaking down on a little jaunt to Nottingham last week, having to be towed home, and car repairs totalling £185. Could have been worse though, as apparently the engine may well have seized if I'd tried to start the car just one more time. not like me to have any 'good luck though (good luck is, of course, relative in this situation).

James came home from school yesterday with a letter stating that he has been chosen as part of a small group who are to organise a 'French week' within school. In order to do this, he needs to be arriving at school on a Thursday morning at the ungodly hour of 7.45am. Yes - that's quarter to eight in the morning. He promises that he will be able to get up and ready to be out at that time. Who is going to get me and Sophie ready and up and out at that time though??? Flipping ridiculous is what I say. I'm sure I'll be saying it a few more times tomorrow morning too (plus a few other choice words I suspect).

I really am going to have to get my bum into gear and make some cards today though - it's my niece's birthday tomorrow, and Michael's niece's birthday on Saturday, so that's at least two I need to do today. Add that to the 3 clipboards and the 2 CD clocks I'm already behind at making, and that should keep me busy for a few hours methinks.

Better get started then...

The end of an era...

2007-10-05T21:35:00.000+01:00

or at least, the end of my working career at Omega. Yep - that's it! Finito - Fine - The End.

Brian is winding up the company as of a week on Monday, and I got the offer of a fortnight temping at the company at which I used to work, so I've finished as at today. To be honest, there wouldn't be anything for me to do really, as I've spent this week making sure that everything is as up to date as it can be.

So I've started looking for another job and I've already sent off one application form, but I'm going to took into whether I can claim jobseeker's allowance. I've never been in a position to claim it before, and I'm not sure if my limited requirements for working will prohibit me from claiming.

We had a fun evening yesterday - at A&E! Michael twisted his ankle at work and so we ended up spending a couple of hours in casualty whilst we waited for the doctor to tell us it was 'probably' a pulled ligament on the underside of his foot. From coming home from work and not being able to put any weight on his foot, he almost skipped back to the car, He's had the day off work to be safe (The doctor did advise him to put his feet, or rather his foot up today), and I haven't seen him limp once.

Still, he's done all the washing for me. Good job really, as he's out with band tomorrow from 2.30 in the afternoon, right through to about 3 o'clock in the morning. His band are playing at the local Rotary's club's annual shin-dig in Southport (yes, Southport, near Liverpool).

The saddest news

2007-09-19T20:47:00.000+01:00

I haven't been here for months have I?

I don't really have any excuse except that I have been working and I'm so very tired at night that I haven't been doing much of anything really.

And now - the sad news that my Mother-in-law passed away on Sunday 9th September. For those of you that read this who know me well, you will realise that this is probably a blessed relief for her, as she has been ill for some time. She had Parkinson's disease, and over the last few years (and increasingly over the last months and weeks) had being losing her independence, and her ability to fend for herself with even the most mundane of tasks.

She hadn't for some time, for example, been able to dress or undress herself, or to wash. Recently, although she was able to make a cup of tea or coffee, she was unable to carry it into the lounge area as she needed the aid of a walking frame.

She was buried with her beloved Brian on Monday. A very emotional day for all of us.

Michael is devastated by his loss, as are the kids. I am too, of course, and at this time of year, at which I feel very vulnerable at the best of times, everything is hitting home hard.

I'm not going to dwell on it. Really - I'm not! It will be 20 years next Monday that Mum passed away, and whilst it is somewhat of a milestone, I am so determined that at last I am going to carry on as normal, not least for the sake of the family, who do not need to hear my woes when they are feeling their own loss so much.

I will think of Mum, and no doubt I will speak to my sister about it, but I'm not going to get all maudlin and moody. No sirrreeee.

I'm off now, as I have to get back in the swing of crafting, as there are rather a lot of birthdays and anniversaried approaching, and as I've been so dreadful at birthdays these last few months, I've run down my stock and I really need to get my bum into gear and get on with it!

So if Guy or Finnlay or George happen to pass by my blog, and you haven't yet received your birthday card, it's because I've been blogging on here whilst I should have been making your cards!
And a random photo from last year from when my friends took the kids conkering. James loved it (we still have a few conkers on the hearth as they are supposed to scare away spiders (it's the chestnut oil apparently!) - but they are losing their effectiveness. Might have to take the kids myself this time. Heaven forbid ;-)

AWOL

2007-04-10T22:21:00.000+01:00

I have been for a month! How remiss of me. in my defence, your honour, I've been rather busy getting of with the (excuse for a) life which I lead.

The job is going well (I think). It's really busy actually, and I am re-learning how to apologise for things not getting done to schedule (not my things not getting done, you understand, but orders at work not being fulfilled on time - something I have no control over seeing as I am no use at all with a hammer or jigsaw).

Sophie has been quite poorly over the last few weeks. First of all about 3 weeks ago she succumbed to a nasty throat virus which sent her temperature up to 105. After she got over that, last week she had a build up of fluid behind her ear drum which again caused her temperature to soar and caused her a lot of pain, and she ended up with a course of anti-biotics - and a follow up visit to the doctors in a couple of weeks time to check it out (she had the same problem last July and they want to check whether there is an underlying cause which needs looking into). That caused a few sleepless nights for her, and consequently me too, so autopilot mode kicked in for me and as a result of napping on the sofa, my back has gone into spasm. Not nice I can tell you.

I mean, I've had a recurring back problem for years, but it's not been too bad lately. I suppose 5 weeks of sitting at a desk for 5 hours a day and turning between the phone and the screen and the printer has added to it; topped off with the sofa as a bed for many hours last week, my back didn't really stand a chance.

A little bit of news from the weekend, is that we went to see Grandad on Sunday. For 103 years old, he's doing really well. He was thrilled to see the kids and flung his arms open to hug them when we walked into his room. He also returned the feeling by doing charcoal sketches of the kids in their own sketch boolks which they had taken to show him - they were so thrilled! Even at his age, the portraits were still recognisable as being the children, and considerably better than any efforts I could produce (and believe me you wouldn't want to see me try!). I will endeavour to scan then in and upload them, for you all to see.

I did take some photos of Grandad with the kids (I fear each time we go that it will be the last) but as yet I haven't uploaded them to the computer. I do, however, have a photo from this time last year when we visited, so I'll try to upload that. First time for everything!

Back to work tomorrow (I worked Good Friday and had today off instead) - and the kids are booked into the local out of school club. They're really looking forward to it. They ought to be - it's costing me more to send them there than I'm earning whilst at work. Good job the hours during term time are within school hours. Otherwise I'd be paying to work.

Right - I still have a card to make for a friend who is 40 on Thursday, so I really ought to be there doing that instead of here doing this. And I promise to try to be a little more productive and keep you informed.

Flying visit

2007-03-11T16:44:00.000Z

That's what my father and step-mother had today. They were travelling back from their week long holiday in Sidmouth (of the grounded container ship fame) when they decided to call and drop off the items they had bought from Lakeland for me (at my request). A Banana guard and a slicer gizmo to make sure even I can cut even slices from our home baked bread. So they stayed the grand total of 1/2 hour, drank a cup of coffee and managed to eat a hot crossed bun into the bargain. Not bad in 30 minutes flat! Still, it was nice to see them.

Michael is away [laying at being a bandsman for the day. His band have drawn to play last (12 of 12) and the band playing before them, is the same band (Desford Colliery Band) that 'people' thought should have trounced them last year (when Newstead won and Desford came 6th). So we'l see what delights this years contest brings. Results will be here once they've been announced later this evening.

In the meantime, I shall appease myself with the few bits and bobs I bought from a little jaunt earlier to The Range in Nottingham. Not as large as the other two 'Range' stores I've been to, but I did manage to get a 12x12 pad of glittery papers from DCWV (Pocket full of Posies). Lovely.

Eeeeeeeek!

2007-03-09T19:20:00.000Z

Can't believe it's over a week since I blogged! What a naughty girl I am.

I've completed my first week in my new job, and what can I say? What I don't know about rabbit hutches isn't worth knowing. Well, almost anyway.

It's actually fine. the boss is really nice and very approachable - good job really, because there's so much about the actual business that I just don't know. Still, I'm learning fast. Back for more next week. Got a living to earn now,

Michael has been at band for the best part of every evening this week, and tonight is no exception. And tomorrow, and finally the competition on Sunday. Defending champions they are, but probably not after Sunday. We'll see. Good luck to them anyway.

I finished the CJ which I had been ignoring for the last three weeks. I had lloads of seconds to spare before I caught the last post on Thursday afternoon. I do hope the glue was dry. Now I have the next one to do - Alison's 'Where in the world'. That should be fairly straight forward. I've only been to one vaguely interesting place, and that was almost 10 years ago. Only thing is, I haven't seen the photos since we moved house over 6 years ago. I daresay they are in the huge mess that is quaintly known as the loft.

Whilst Michael is tooting his horn at Band this evening, I need to make a 21st Birthday card for Michael's 'step' daughter Katie. As she is a massive Tigger fan then I won't have to think too hard about the theme. I normally make Tigger cards for little ones though - I wonder if it's appropriate to put Tigger next to a bottle of bubbly? I'll let you know how it turns out.

Sophie is swimming tomorrow morning, then MIchael is taking the kids to see his Mum, who we're hoping has come out of hospital today. I still don't think she should be coming straight home, but they are talking of gadgets and gizmos to make her more independant and there's even talk of benefits she may be intitled to to help pay for all the care she's going to need. then Michael is off to yet another rehearsal after which he will come to home to collapse. Then out earlyish on Sunday for the event itself.

Band widow yet again - good job black suits me.

Learner no more!

2007-02-28T23:12:00.000Z

Yey! Good news! My close friend Ann passed her driving test today. I won't say how many times she took it (partly becuase I lost count, and partly because it would be very rude of me), but it's fabulous news and I'm soooo chuffed for her!

I'm meeting my big sister tomorrow and I think we've decided we're going to Ikea. KInowing my sister she will be a terrible influence one me and I shall spend lots of money that I shouldn't (mainly due to the fact that i've not earned it yet). We might even squeeze in a trip to Home Bargains and Au Naturale. Seeing as they are next to Matalan and the big Poundstretcher (although I know it's not called Poundstretcher any more, but I can't remember for the life of me what its new name is). They, in turn, are just around the corner from Lidl and Aldi, so I'm guessing my poorly big toe won't be getting much rest tomorrow.

My sister used to work on a Thursday and a Friday morning at her local 'playgroup/preschool', but since the government moved the goalposts on what you have to do to work there (re hours worked and qualifications being done). Anyway, we were looking forward to spending some days together for the first time in many many years (without any kids in tow) and then I go and do the inconvenient thing of getting myself this job. How flipping annoying eh?

Still not done the ironing (oops) but it's only me that's going to suffer, as I made sure all the kids' school stuff and Michael's work stuff was done. So just muggins here that wil look like a tramp tomorrow. Nothing new there then.

Really will have to get some pictures on this laptop so I can bore you all rigid with those too. Maybe tomorrow? Don't hold your breath ;o)

All done.

2007-02-27T21:41:00.000Z

Today's visits that is. I am now the proud (?) recipient of a 7 day course of anti-biotics (which the doctor fair encouraged me to take with alcohol, or at least so it seemed at the time), and a head of red-ish hair (albeit a little darker than I was wanting or expecting).Still, it won't come out in the wash - or on the pillow I hope.

Michael is now on the long slog up to the regional Brass Band competition in Burton-upon-Trent on 11th March. This is the same competition that last year they very unexpectedly won and gained a place in the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain in the Royal Albert Hall last October (which in case you were wondering was the start of all my problems with my toe - the trip to London that is, not the qualification of said band).

Sold my Sizzix Sidekick tonight to my friend who already loves it. I haven't used it in about 2 years so best it gets some use and I get some cash. All the more to spend on Saturday.

Only [counts on fingers] 4 more sleeps! Yey!

I should be ironing, but I will leave that until tomorrow (mañana mañana). My dad gave me a postcard when I was about 18 - it said on it: 'Why do today what you can put of till tomorrow?'. I've lived by that ever since.

Bad News

2007-02-26T22:46:00.000Z

Well, what can I say. Michael's Mum has contracted the C-Diff bug whilst in hospital. At least it explains the chronic diarrhea she's been having. But if they are saying that she has caught it since she was admitted this time (and they're not saying much at all!) why did she have this particular symptom when she was at home before she was admitted? It seems to me (and this is only a guess) that she may well have caught it the last time she was in, and with all their faffing around about whether she could/should return home or to a rehab centre it wasn't picked up upon.

And they say that hospitals are the safest place to be when you're ill? I think not.

The car has had its oil leak fixed again (or that's what they tell me), but sadly not the radio still. Looking into the cables for the aerial now - might need a new aerial altogether. Harumphhhh.

Got a visit to the doctor in the morning about my manky big toe nail, which appears to be detatching itself from the toe and bleeding a bit into the bargain. Yuch! And double yuch just for good measure. I can't imagine what they can do for me, other than remove the nail, which doesn't sound like a very pleasant option. Perhaps I'd better stop this self diagnosis malarkey and wait to hear what the doctor says.

Then I've got the hairdresser (Louise) coming at 11.30 to put some red(ish) low lights (is that the modern term for streaks?? LOL) through my mop. I'm so glad I've timed it this way - as it works out perfectly for attending the retreat on Saturday and starting my new job on Monday.

Speaking of the job, I'm getting quite nervous about it now it's getting nearer and nearer. can't do much about it for now, just make the most of this last week of freedom. Oh, and I've booked the kids in to the local out-of-school club for the three days we can't cover with holidays at Easter time. £30 a day for both of them, but that is from any time from 7.30am till 6.30pm. I might just ahve to take them in for breakfast and leave them till the end. Might take in a bit of shopping in the free hours. Only kidding :) (will take them after breakfast otherwise I'll be getting up too darn early too!)

Nothing doing

2007-02-23T21:21:00.000Z

I rang to confirm that I would accept the job this morning, only to find the owner (my new boss) wasn't there. He did ring me back, and basically there's nothing I need to do except take my P45 in with me on the day I start. Only one more school week left, which means only 5 days of rest and relaxation. It also means 5 more days without being paid, so that's what I'll concentrate on.

Michael will probably go and see his mum in hospital tomorrow, although his Brass Band have called a rehearsal at 3.45 - I mean, what sort of a flipping time is that for a rehearsal?? Grrr. Mind you, you never know with that lot - they've booked a concert/job in Southport in October, for a Rotary Club International Event. Great venue for a band in Nottinghamshire to travel to. I might need an angel of mercy to break up the journey. Any takers??

Did I mention that after Sophie's visit to the opticians, she doesn't need glasses after all (she was very disappointed). Less hassle for me though, sorry to be so selfish.

Oh, and on a final note, James has had a horrid experience at school today. After telling me that the kids keep asking him if he likes ginger (due to the colour of his hair I presume), he went on to tell me that he had his worst lunch time ever. He was carried into the sports equipment shed and shut in by some year 4 kids (he's year 3). Luckily some of his classmates saw it happen and got him out fairly quickly. He went to a dinner lady and she took him to a teacher (the head was out) and she told the boys off and kept them inside.

I, however, am livid. I know the store room that James was shut in, and I thought it was locked with a padlock. Obviously not, at least not today anyway. I tried to ring the school at 4.10pm, but there was no answer. They will get a visit from me on Monday, and they will not be left in any doubt that I wnt the matter sorting so it can never happen again. It's just the kind of incident that could scar a child for life. I'm surprised he hasn't had a night terror tonight. Fingers crossed he takes it all in his stride. Poor lamb.

Flipping Heck!

2007-02-22T11:22:00.000Z

It's mine! All mine! The job that is! What a shocker. I'm still in a state of shock. I can't even ring Michael to tell him becuase he's in some poxy meeting all day. I have, however, told my sister, my Dad, my friend Ruth (who gave me the nod about the job in the first place), Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Or not, as the case may be.

So that gives me about a week and a half of freedom left - I start on March 5th. In the meantime, I have 4 commissioned cards to make (which will be done over the weekend with no problem at all), and I suppose I ought to try and get the craft room sorted while I still have time to do it. I got a sample swatch of paper this morning too from paper2go - a new line of papers they're doing. It's actually from a new website, which I'll link to in a couple of days (need to check if I can make it publicly available). Anyway, it looks lovely, and I can't wait to have a little play. I'll put a piccie on here to show you when I've made something with them.

Right - I suppose I ought to start the big (early) spring clean so that the house doesn't suffer too much once I start work.

No news

2007-02-21T19:55:00.000Z

...is good news, or so the saying goes. Not so sure myself, as I still haven't heard from the company I had the interview with. Only time will tell I suppose.

Well, we've had James' parents' evening tonight. what an eye opener - for the teacher that is. She was gobsmacked when we questioned if James was agressive at school, and couldn't believe it when we explained his reluctance for homework of any kind, his agression towards me and Michael, and especially Sophie, and his regular tantrums.

She is also going to look into the swimming lessons issue, and the fact that James seems to spend most of his spare time on his own, and often sits on his own on the school bus to swimming too. She said she will have a word with him tomorrow about whether he feels that the after school homework club would help him to concentrate and get work done.

Apart from our issues, her only issue was that he doesn't concentrate on his own work in class and is much more interested in what everybody else is doing. He is also on the 'gifted and talented' register because of his vocabulary and use of language (even if he doesn't manage to get in onto paper in the time provided). He has done VERY well in a music aural test, but with James' class teacher not being a musician, she is going to get the results explained to her in more detail and feed back to us soon,as she couldn't interpret them and tell us how well he had actually done!.

So, in summary, we had far more worries than her. Whew!

Not much else to report, other than I spent 3 hours yesterday tidying Sophie's bedroom so you can at least see her floor now. Sadly, it needs many more hours work before it is up to a normal standard of tidyness.

Will endeavour to post tomorrow, whether I have good news, bad news or no news. Please pray for the former.

Pancake Monday

2007-02-19T16:08:00.000Z

Well, I'm not mucking about tomorrow when they've gone back to school and wound themselves up into a frenzy. Last time I made pancakes both of them decided after only one pancake each, that they didn't really like them and didn't want any more. Typical. Mind you, now James has decided he likes Yorkshire Puddings, and he knows that the mixture is the same, he might be a little more positive this time around.

So it's an early start tomorrow as they both go back to school. I should hear either tomorrow or Wednesday about the job I had the interview for last week. One way or the other I need to know, so I can start applying for the couple that were in the paper this week if I need to (one of them is term time only, but the closing date is Wednesday so I might be pushing it, unless I go tomorrow and pick up an application form in person?).

Michael's Mum was re-admitted to hospital last night, which doesn't bode well. In our opinion she should never had been allowed to come 'home' last time to live on her own again. Sheltered housing or no, it's obvious that it just isn't enough for her now. She is struggling to get in and out of bed (when Michael arrived yesterday afternoon at about 2pm, she said she'd been up since 11pm the night before and asked him to help her into bed, where she stayed the whole time he was there. Being a bloke, he didn't go inot the room to talk to her until he was ready to leave, and then it was only to ask whether he should lock the door and put the key through the letter box.)

Anyway, she's back in the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham now, and they've already given her a chest X-ray and done some preliminary tests. I got a phone call from the occupational therapist this morning asking how she's been over the last few days. As we live 25 miles away, I couldn't give her much information, and passed on the details of Michael's two sisters. Makes you wonder though doesn't it? If' they'd asked Joan herself, she would have told them that Michael would be at work!

Back to tea - pancakes will be served in approximately 40 minutes, mine with sugar and lemon (of course) and I've bought Maple syrup for the kids to have. I'm not taking bets on how many they will (or won't) eat, but I'll let you know how it goes as soon as I can.

Mad?

2007-02-16T09:56:00.000Z

Well, I must be, as I've offered to have my friend's daughter today. It's raining, the kids are already arguing, Sophie is playing up good and proper, and I've booked Sophie an appointment at the opticians this afternoon.

It would have been bad enough just taking Sophie with James in tow, but to have to drag the third child with me too? I must be completely bonkers. Time will tell this afternoon.

I didn't sleep much last night - too busy whittling about this job that I may or may not stand a chance of getting. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I tell myself that I can't do anything about it now, and Que Sera Sera etc etc, but my mind was working overtime none the less.

I thought I might try to get some crafing done today, but the way these girls are arguing every 30 seconds, I think my job today will be as chief mediator and fight-breaker-upper. Deep joy.

Hairdresser's coming this evening, so at least James' hair will look respectable when he goes back to school next week. I only wish I could say the same for Sophie. Her hair looks fine when she leaves the house, but even by the time she gets to school, she looks like a proper ragamuffin. It was OK until the hairdresser said I should stop putting in it pigtails every day, as it was breaking her hair in the same place each time and not doing it any favours. Plan B was just wearing an alice band, but Sophie's hair just goes static as it is so fine (bobble hats do nothing to help the situation either).

Hey ho - off to mediate I go....

D day - or not

2007-02-15T16:58:00.000Z

Well today was the day when I had my interview. It went as well as could be expected. I wasn't too nervous and I think I did quite well.

They will let me know by the middle of next week they say. They have 2 more people to interview and then a decision to make. I fear, however, that if they come across someone with previous bookkeeping experience then I may just be pipped to the post. I haven't done bookkeeping before, and although a large part of my job at the Bank involved balancing their internal accounts, I think they might be looking for someone a little more experienced. We'll see. Touch wood and all that.

The kids spent a wonderful couple of hours at my friend, Ann's house. James is even more set of having a PSP now as Jacob, Ann's son, has one. I've told him (James), that when he can afford to buy his own he is more than welcome.

Michael is at band tonight, so I might make some more toppers to put on ebay. I have quite a few watchers on the ones I have for sale at the moment. No bids yet though, as that's what counts. Incidentally, the potential job involves taking care of ebay sales for the company. That is one area where I may have impressed at least.

Anybody want to buy a rabbit hutch?

Day three and counting...

2007-02-14T12:04:00.000Z

We've just had a visit from my Dad and Lesley (his wife) - they came not just to see us, but to use the computer to check their bank accounts as their internet connection has gone for a burton.

Not much doing today. The kids made some bead type coaster thingies yesterday with our cheap 'Hama-type' beads, which are now duly ironed and being flung around the room as I type. We have to squeeze in a little trip up the road to the Co-op later as we've run out of a few bits (despite going to the largest Tesco in the area on Monday). Still, it breaks up the monotony I suppose.

I've been looking at Jennie's Circle Journal again this morning, wondering what on earth I'm going to do. I guess that taking a few snaps of the moggy might be a good place to start - maybe later on.

James wants to learn how to play chess, except I'm not sure that he really does. He bought the first issue in a series of a Harry Potter weekly magazine which is a "step by step learn to play chess" type thing. The real reason it found its way into the shopping trolley was that it came with a magnetic wand and a magnetic chess piece. He wants the next issue as it comes with the chess board itself, but at £3.99 a pop I'm sure the novelty of parting with his own money will soon wear off. With 32 chess pieces to collect, it's not going to gome cheap is it?

Anyway, I suppose I ought to feed them soon, and then there's the not inconsiderable task of sorting out Sophie's bedroom. Trouble is - where to start? Might even be better off doing it on my own when she's back at school, so she can't stick her two-penneth and try to stop me getting rid of things. I need to give it some more thought.

The Verdict

2007-02-13T14:57:00.000Z

Forgot to mention I have been glued to this program for the last couple of nights - I find it fascinating viewing and will be tuning in tonight once more as the defendants take to the witness box.

Fab!