The World of Siân

The Beginning of 2012...

2012-01-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe that January is almost over. This year it has gone quick, I normally find that January drags and is a long month. I suppose it has been filled with fun things and excitement.

My friends and I started off the Year by going into town in Hobo’s to their cheesy 80’s night; we thought this would be great and reminisced about the horrible 80’s style. We dressed up in our 80’s gear had a few drinks before hand and headed in. Good job we had a couple before we went out, the rest of the people there weren’t dressed up, either too miserable or too young to remember the 80’s. Still we didn’t care, ordered hideously bright coloured cocktails, demanded the 80’s music from the DJ and danced the night away. It was a really good night. Followed by a leap of faith at the end of the evening, I am still hoping this will pay off.

Ez and I also re-discovered a local to haunt, this is the Coach in Bridgend which is looking fab after its refurb and what a lovely place to have a pint or two, with Welsh Ales and Ciders. I would definitely recommend it.

The following week saw me hitting the Rummer in Cardiff with my work colleagues for one of their Birthdays. The Rummer is one of our favourite places to go for a drink; always a good atmosphere and you can always get to the bar, not to mention the good food there in the day. A good time was had by all as usual.

Then it was the wonderful Ez’s 30th Birthday and there was much rejoicing and celebrating. We started the day off wonderfully with a champagne breakfast, unfortunately something occurred and we managed to set fire to a couple of birthday cards. Luckily they were put out in time so you could still read the message inside and most of the card was still there. We then headed into Cardiff booked into our hotel and went and got some delightful cocktails and Cake in Milgi’s on City road. I would really recommend this place for it’s glorious cake (which they put a sparkler in Ez’s as I mentioned it was her birthday) and it’s fantastic cocktails.

The time went all too quickly and we met up with the others for a gorgeous meal in Henry’s, the service was good, the drinks flowed nicely and the food as always was gorgeous. I don’t think anyone had a complaint. I had also organised party bags for everyone with balloon animals, lip gloss, roller stamps, jumping frogs and a Disney princess ring in it. Ez’s had the bonus of a little tiara. We went from here to our favourite haunt of Gwdihiw’s and then on to Café Jazz, before collapsing in the hotel.

The next day we had a lovely continental breakfast, a lovely spot of window shopping followed by lunch in Tiger Tiger. We were pooped, but in good spirits. We decided to go to the cinema and watch the Artist which I have to say was wonderful and it was filmed really well. It was lovely to hear everyone laughing in the cinema, and the ending was superb.

That’s it really for my busy January; a couple of meals out this week with friends and a catch up, it has been a great start to 2012, let’s hope it continues.

Steam Punk Burlesque Show

2012-01-04T07:10:00.001-08:00

It was the night before Christmas Eve
All the creatures were stirring even the burlesque tease
The stockings were hitched up the legs with great care
Hoping everyone would be in good cheer.

The guests were snuggled and of all ages
While visions of steam punk burlesque danced on the stage
With people in their fishnets and some with top hats
It was a glorious sight as a matter of fact.

When from the side of the stage there arose a clatter
The band was now playing getting better and better
Away to the dance floor we flew like a flash
Bopping and jiving with a slight Russian sash.

The evening was quick to draw to an end
However we made a good couple of friends
Their car pulled up and numbers exchanged
We had to run to catch our train

We were too late as the train just pulled away
Another hour we would have to stay
To the chippie we went to have our fill
Then to the waiting room against our will

One more hour our train was delayed,
Luckily we were merry so we weren’t enraged
A young lad was there he was such a bore
I said to my friend we’ll be home before four.

Our train arrived we made it on quick
With everyone on board we were off in a tick
We pulled into the station with much elation
We were home and tired but it was a joyous occasion.

More Afternoon Tea?!?!?!

2012-01-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

Well yes, I have been at it again. The 2nd December my fabulous friend Fordy and I went on a lovely day trip to Bath. We love our girlie day trips and thought we would combine this one with the Christmas market and afternoon tea (of course).

As it was a day off from work we allowed ourselves a little lie in so didn’t set off too early, this did mean that we missed all the rush hour traffic and had a lovely drive down to Bath. The weather was nice and bright but it was cold, which got us in the mood for a Christmas market. We arrived at the park and ride and it was full, we drove round trying to find a space, just as we were about to give up and try and find somewhere else, a bus from town pulled up and we were able to follow people off the bus to a parking space. Then came the wait in the queue for a bus, it was so cold and we wished we had layered up a bit more. Luckily we weren’t waiting long and we were on a bus into Bath centre.

On arriving we got our bearings and started to have a wander around. As we had booked afternoon tea at the pump rooms we decided to have brunch so that we weren’t waiting too long without something to eat. I had heard my favourite Pies from Pieminister were going to have a stall at the Guildhall Market, we made our way over. I had a delicious Deer Santa pie with gravy and Fordy had a Three Kings Pie with gravy. It really hit the spot on such a cold day and because I had been craving one for a while, it really warmed us up nice and toasty.

We decided that we would have a wander around the Christmas market and it was lovely to see all the stalls and get us in the mood for Christmas. The smells of all the different foods and mulled wine was lovely. There were so many different crafts available it was delightful. We were having a glorious time. Both of us bought a lovely glass ornament for our Christmas trees, mine was of Rudolph and Fordy’s of a Robin which had a glittery red breast.

Time was soon upon us to head on over for our afternoon tea. Having being uber organised I had booked us a table so we didn’t have to queue. We were shown to our seats and our order taken by a lovely waiter who we nicknamed Sebastian. There was delightful Christmas music being played on the piano, and we nicknamed the pianist Quentin. Our Tea stand came and it full of delicious food. On the bottom tier was finger sandwiches, the next tier up were four scones, two with currents, two with out, with some lovely clotted cream and jam, then the top tier had two choux pastry cakes, a fruit custard tart and a mince pie.

Once again we couldn’t eat it all as it was all too much, however this time we were able to take the left overs home and Sebastian took them away to wrap them up for us. We noticed others had done the same and came away with a lovely foil basket, however, when ours came back it was in a delightfully wrapped foil swan, we loved it.

There was still a decent amount of time for us to finish looking around the Christmas stalls and general shops before heading home. The day put us in a lovely Christmassy mood and joyful spirits, I would definitely recommend it.

Secret Supper Afternoon Tea and Christmas tree Decorations

2011-12-12T00:48:00.001-08:00

One fine Sunday afternoon at the end of November my great friend Ms James and I went to the secret supper club vintage afternoon tea and Christmas tree decoration making.

We found the venue and were greeted by some lovely people who run the secret supper club. We were shown through to the room where it was being held and met by lovely bunting surrounding us and the table all set with lovely vintage china tea cups and saucers, along with lovely tea pots and accessories.

Once all the guests arrived we got down to the workshop on making our own Christmas tree decorations. This was great fun, choosing the shape we wanted in the right colour felt and then what we were going to use to decorate it. From buttons of all shapes, sizes and colours to an array of sequins in a rainbow of colours. We were shown the best way to sew these on, then stitch around the felt adding a hanging hook and then leaving a gap to stuff with wadding and finally stitching it all together.

In the middle of the workshop we were able to stop for our afternoon tea, not only delightful tea and coffee but a lovely array of finger sandwiches, mini quiches, mini Victoria sponges, scones and cakes. It was all homemade, fresh and filling. We munched our way through, then it was back to stitching and sequins.

Inspired by this glorious afternoon I decided that for the girls Christmas drinks this year as a little gift when they come to mine, they will each get a little homemade Christmas tree decoration.

Labyrinth Worm Cake

2011-11-25T04:11:00.000-08:00

It was one of my close friend’s birthdays and I wanted to do something special and different for her. I decided to make her a birthday cake. I wasn’t sure what to choose at first, then it hit me there was only one thing I could do that she would love… the worm from labyrinth!!! We were having a little girlie get together for her birthday with lots of food and drink and to watch the Labyrinth film, not only because it’s an absolute classic and one of her favourites but this month marks the 25th Anniversary of the films release. Also one of her favourite characters in the film is the worm. Here is what he looks like if you’re not sure:

So the task was underway to construct this cake. First it was to think of the extra bits that would be used to decorate it. I ordered some blue sparkly edible glitter to sprinkle on him but was getting no where with cake decorating shops for the other bits. I was wracking my brains. Then on a quick visit to Cardiff one morning I happened to visit Paperchase and they had lots of glorious craft bits and pieces, it was done, found all the bits I would need.

Right to make the actual cake, I was going to get my celebration cake recipe book out to see if they had a worm shape there, but having to pack up most of my house recently for a referb I couldn’t find the box I had packed it in. I remembered that the best type of cake for moulding was a Madeira sponge. I used a circular baking tin that looks like a ring doughnut to get the basis of the shape I needed.

Once this was cooked and cooled I cut the cake into the desired sections, the base section I filled with Betty Crocker Vanilla icing and strawberry jam, I then used Betty Crocker to stick the upper part of the body and the head to the rest of the cake. Also in order to give more support I used wooden skewers. This seemed to be holding well until I started to ice the cake

It wasn’t too bad but after I had iced it and left it in the fridge to set, it was just slipping all over the place and was clearly too top heavy. I decided to make the base more sturdy and flat so reduced the size of the worm down. The finished result wasn’t too bad, my friend was delighted and could tell straight away who he was, which was a relief!!!

Intestines and eye balls

2011-11-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

I was trying to come up with inspiration for my friends Halloween party. I wanted to make something ghoulish and savoury to take. I stumbled upon a ladies website which showed you how to make intestines. Fantastic and brilliant, saved my aching brain.

I must say this is so easy to make, the only thing I need to perfect is what filling to go in it. The lady said Guacamole but I thought that this might be a bit bland and I went for Brie and Cranberry. Unfortunately (although still very nice) I put in too much cranberry sauce and not enough brie and so it turned out to be sweet rather than the desired savoury. I could even try putting in a stronger cheese which might help. You could also do these with maybe cheese and ham or even sausage meat but this party there were mainly vegetarians and so I went for the no meat option.

All you need is one pack of ready made puff pastry made into a long strip; add the filling of your choice, leaving enough space around the edges to pinch the pastry together. Once pastry is laid out and filling is in places brush the space around the edges with a beaten egg and pinch together the pastry. Then place on to a baking tray or pan which is lined with baking paper, put the intestines pinched edges down and shape to make the intestines. Then take red food colouring with a drop of blue in it to get the right shade and use a thin small paint brush to paint on the blood. I didn’t have a brush handy so used a wooden skewer.

Here is how they turned out:

I also made Mozzarella eyeballs, these were meant to be made with mozzarella pearls but annoyingly they had sold out of them in Bridgend Tesco all week and there were none in Asda, Aldi or Lidl!!! I had to make do with large mozzarella. Then non Halloween really a lovely Tortilla, yum yum.

Girlie Day and Ghost Walk

2011-10-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last Friday there was still hope of Wales being in the final for the World Cup in the Rugby and the weather was warm enough to walk around in t-shirts. This Friday we’re in the 3rd place play offs for the Rugby World Cup and I had to scrape ice off my car this morning!!! What a difference a week can make.

Anyway, back to last Friday. I took a flexi day leave (one thing the government hasn’t taken from us poor Public Sector workers yet) and spent it with my superb friend Ms James. We had a late morning start catching the train to Cardiff Bay where we took a little stroll around enjoying the sun and popping into some boutiques. We then decided to go for a cocktail before heading for our champagne cream tea. Mimosa’s was our place of choice and we settled down for a lovely Manhattan whilst taking in the view of the lovely barman with gorgeous blue eyes, ensuring we will have to return there. All too quickly we had to finish our cocktails and head off to find the place we were having our cream tea.

On hitting the fresh air outside I realised I was a bit tipsy already considering I had only had two slices of toast for breakfast, but this added to the fun of the day. After searching and walking around for a bit we eventually found the Deck coffee shop where we were to enjoy a magnificent afternoon cream tea. We chose a lovely table nestled within the coffee shop and were brought our glasses of champagne; this was quickly followed by our choice of tea and two massive home made scones with cream and jam. We leisurely enjoyed the atmosphere of our quaint surroundings, the soothing of the tea, and the satisfying feeling of the scones and the giddiness of the bubbles. It was a mouth-wateringly brilliant combination.

Feeling delightfully full and refreshed we left The Deck and meandered back towards the main part of the bay, the sun was really warm and we decided to head for a drink outside the Terra Nova pub overlooking the bay. It was beautiful, the sun shining, the breeze off the bay and a cold drink in hand. Randomly we decided to catch the water taxi back into the city and rushed down to catch it, just as we got there it pulled away, damn it back to catching the bus for us.

Back in the city we called into one of our favourite places Gwdihw for a couple, it was still so lovely we could sit outside. The time soon came for us to head on out to Llandaff where we had booked in for the Ghost walk that evening. We wanted to get there early not only to get a bite to eat but also to have a look for my Great Grandmothers grave that was from Llandaff and is buried there. Not so morbid really as I have never been there and I have started researching my family tree.

On arrival into Llandaff we headed off towards the Cathedral to find the grave yard, we managed to find the old grave yard with a lot of it overgrown, we eventually found the more recent grave yard which is better kept, but then it was a nightmare, like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The grave yard isn’t marked out at all so we had no idea on the row or plot numbers, so had no joy in locating said grave. We gave up and decided to grab a bite to eat before the walk.

We wandered around Llandaff looking for a place to eat whose prices were reasonable and also had good veggie options. We ended up in the Italian Kalla Bella, slightly more expensive than we wanted to pay but very reasonably priced. I opted for a gorgeous calzone and Ms James had a wonderful pizza, they were both very tasty and absorbed all the alcohol we had consumed that day. Here we met up with another fabulous person Nush.

Off to the Ghost Walk we set which would take us mainly around Llandaff cathedral and take about 2hrs. This was done through Cardiff History; I won’t go into too much detail as its something worthwhile doing. I have to say it was really good. In the first part I did come over all funny and nearly passed out but didn’t want to say anything as I wanted to continue. It was really interesting hearing all the history about the area and all of the different ghost stories associated with it. We went down a fantastically dark path called Path of the Dead as it was the one they used to bring the bodies up to the Cathedral. We then entered the grave yard where we could hear some cracking twigs in the bushes, one man was quite scared and moved away, Nush informed us she saw what it was and it was only a bird. I thought it had to be scary or she would have moved away very quickly from where she was standing. In another part someone said that something had grabbed her elbow. All in all it was a great experience and well worth doing if you’re in the area.

Cheese Cheese Cheese

2011-10-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

24th September 2011 saw the Great British Cheese Festival come around once more to the great landscape of Cardiff Castle. What a spectacular venue for a glorious event.

My mum, sister and I tend to go to this magnificent festival at least every other year, sometimes every year. This year we also decided to take my wonderful niece and nephew.

Luckily we arrived early, just as the big wooden doors opened revealing the wondrous sight of peaks rising up from all the tents, the colours and aromas from the flower and herb stall and the magical sounds of the music being played on the bandstand.

We headed straight for the main market hall tent, luckily it was fairly quiet which allowed us a preliminary walk around before we selected our purchases. The twins enjoyed trying the cheese my niece enjoying them slightly more than my nephew, taking a great liking to a hard goat’s cheese.

I purchased a Boksburg Blue and three Snowdonia Cheese, the black bomber, amber mist, and green thunder, as my sister bought three as well we had an extra cheese to share between us and chose the bouncing berry. Quickly making an escape from the tent when it started to get crowded, we grabbed some chairs and had a sit down and a drink in the beautiful sunshine, taking it in turns to watch the twins as they had a wail of a time running around the place.

I escaped for a short while into the farmer’s market tent. Here sold different types of produce ranging from ciders and wines to Ice cream and fudge. I bought some delicious coffee fudge, a lovely venison joint stuffed with garlic and mushrooms along with some gorgeous pates; I quickly had to escape before parting with any more of my money.

It was time for a bite to eat and I decided on a mouth watering pie from the Pieminister. I chose a veggie pie called Heidi Pie which contains Sweet Potato, goat’s cheese, spinach, red onion and roasted garlic served with gravy. Well what can I say it was delightful and really hit the spot for the journey home!! Just need to get a Pieminister shop in South Wales now as the nearest one is Bristol.

My Day of Castles with a 10k Walk

2011-09-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to start my flexi day off watching one of the Rugby World Cup matches. With this lovely relaxing start the day was looking good. Soon it was off to Swansea to meet my friend Taggers for a spot of lunch at the first stop of our tour.

Oystermouth Castle has been newly reopened with accessible walk ways and interpretation panel. They have done a fine job of making this castle agreeable to the public for a miniscule entrance fee which is well worth the price. You can even walk around some of the battlements taking in the spectacular views of the Swansea coastline. There was some scaffolding in place in certain areas of the castle when we visited which looks like they are doing further works either to just make it safe or to increase the amount which is accessible to the public. Either way, it’s a lovely castle, in a great location near fab coffee shops and the best place to get fresh cockles.

From here we went to Swansea Castle in time for our scheduled tour. We listened to some medieval re-enactors outside the front of the castle while we waited for the tour guides. The tour guides seemed a little deflated and complained they had been giving tours all morning, this I was not impressed by as it’s not really our concern and we should still get a quality tour despite how many times they may have given it already, which was the point of the day.

We started the tour in the debtor’s prison which still had its original doors hanging. Our guide said there would be about 10 in each cell. Having recently visited Nottingham’s Gallery of Justice Museum and seen the size of the cells in their debtors prison the people in the one in Swansea should be thankful at least for not being as cramped as the poor debtors in Nottingham. Apparently you were able to keep working once in the debtors prison as you had to pay off your debt, so one gentleman even had his two apprentices coming to work in the prison with him. We went on to see the rest of the castle which was quite impressive and the numbers of under crofts which were made accessible. Hopefully this will be something Swansea Council can work on further in the future maybe in partnership with CADW to make it accessible to the public all the time and do a lovely job like they have done at Oystermouth.

There was just enough time to stop for a coffee before heading to the Walk 10 event at Margam Park to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. On arriving at Margam Park, I met up with my delightful friend Ez and her dog Bertie and we were all raring to get going. We eventually found where to register which could have been clearer really and we headed out to participate in the Zumba warm up. This was more energetic than I had anticipated, and a bit disappointed at the people who didn’t join in (they would have been aching the next day).

Off we set, we were a bit annoyed at the beginning as people were slower in front of us and then people were bottle necking but we quickly made our way near the front of the groups of people. We were laughing at the people in their fancy dress costumes or not so sensible shoes, and then the people we thought had gone over the top bringing walking sticks, as far as we were concerned it would be a nice walk around Margam Park and back for a picnic and fireworks. We were doing well, over taken by a few keen walkers and one person who were running it. Then we were the ones wishing we had brought walking sticks.

We turned a corner and noticed a fairly steep hill, this was literally nothing for what was to come, a really steep embankment which was really quite muddy, it was a good thing we didn’t stay with the main crowd and were one of the firsts up the steep slope as it would have gotten worse and very slippy. We took a couple of breather stops on the way up and admired the view across the park until it was spoilt by the sight of Port Talbot, but hey it was still a lovely evening and we were really lucky that the rain held off.

The last stretch of the walk was all down hill and we were very grateful for this, also really felt like we had a good workout. We completed the walk in good time coming in just 1hr 15mins after we set off, not bad for 8 miles over that terrain!!! We slumped onto a bench, I decided I would brave it and go and get our picnics we left in the car. I was glad to get back to the bench and sit down. As it was only half 8 we had ages to wait until the fireworks at 10, so as we were both shattered from long days and a rough walk we decided to head home, also I had my Young Archaeologists Club session the next morning at Aberdulais falls that I had to be up for, so we called it a night. I will definitely be participating in more events like this one, so keep an eye out to donate.

Tea in Stratford-Upon-Avon Why Not?!?!?

2011-08-30T04:10:00.000-07:00

For my 30th birthday my fabulous friend who I have known for 12 years bought me a voucher for afternoon tea for two at a location of my choosing. Unfortunately as me and said friend live quite far apart I was unable to take her with me, so took my other fabulous friend Fordy.

On arriving in Stratford after many a detour around the M5 thanks to having too much fun in the car and not concentrating on directions (also I refuse to use Satnav it makes me even more of a road rage victim) we found the hotel we had booked the afternoon tea in and parked up. Brilliant, as we were using the hotel’s facilities and having afternoon tea there we could park for free and it was a two minute walk from the shopping centre.

It was a glorious day, a lot hotter than we had anticipated but not that we were complaining. We donned our sunglasses and headed for a look around the shops. I just had to stop for a drink and chose a gorgeous Strawberry milkshake that was quite filling really. We headed first to the Christmas shop, this was quite bizarre it being the end of July but lovely as it took you away from the present time and flung you into a winter wonderland. They had delightful decorations in there and things that might make a good gift. It was a bit busy so we decided to call back after our treat so we weren’t carrying things about with us all day.

From here we had a little wander around some more shops and then went into a brilliant one called Magic Alley, unfortunately we didn’t have time to go around the Museum of Wizardology that was up stairs but I think a return trip is called for to do as such!! It was fantastic, you could buy your own wand which came with its own little bag, there were some spectacular sweets and Halloween ornaments, and they also had a little tea room out the back which sells Pumpkin and Gingerbread Lattes all year round as well as Butter beer.

The time came and we headed back to the hotel for our afternoon tea. On arrival we were shown into the dining room which was laid lovely with nice stiff white table cloths and the waiter showed us the assortment of teas on offer. Our voucher included for us the deluxe afternoon tea. We started with a pot of coffee (as Fordy isn’t a fan of tea, this was also refilled on request) and our choice of sandwiches. I opted for the smoked salmon and cucumber and Fordy went for the chicken mayonnaise. They were both delightful coming beautifully presented on a plate with little swirls of rolled bread and smoked salmon. The bread was lovely and the chicken was generous sized cuts.

After munching down on our glorious sandwiches, out came the cake tray. The first layer had white chocolate éclairs and two shot glasses, one filled with a milk chocolate and the other white chocolate and raspberry compote. The bottom layer was two slices of lemon drizzle cake and two little macaroons. On the side were four delicious looking homemade scones with clotted cream and a choice of jams. We struggled to eat our way through this but had to try everything. We ended up putting two of the scones in a handkerchief to take home with us. If that wasn’t enough out came the final round.

Out came the chocolate fondue, I was so pumped up on sugar; I was really craving something savoury. Still the fondue came with bananas and marshmallows to dip in. We tried our best but resorted to just eating the banana. After having finished, we were too stuffed to move any where and really had to roll ourselves out of the hotel. We were glad then of the walk around Stratford, we were sooo full.

I would recommend this for an afternoon tea as its very much value for money and you could add Champagne to it for not much more. However, be warned it is incredibly sweet and filling. They suggest that the experience should last about an hour but we were there for at least two!!!

We headed back to the shops that we wanted to buy things in and then started our journey home, this was just as good, singing along in the car and having a laugh, it was a brilliant end to a brilliant day.

I am getting too used to this afternoon tea, Fordy and I have booked up for another one. This time to coincide with the Christmas Market in Bath, we are going for afternoon tea in the Pump Rooms.

Champagne and Cocktails in Old London Town

2011-07-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

My fantastic friend Ms James (blogger of 1001 fun things to do in Aberystwyth, Cocktails at Dawn and Fat Ninja Girl) organised a surprise weekend for me the other week. I was to be at her house for 7pm Friday evening when all would be revealed; all I was told was bring an overnight bag, dress smart casual with fairly smart but comfortable shoes and a pair of dresser shoes to change into.

Full of excitement that Friday work couldn’t pass quick enough and when 3 o’clock eventually ticked its way around I was ready to sprint out the door and whiz home. Not knowing what to expect I was a bit perplexed as to what to pack. I decided to have a shower and mull it over. With bags then packed and shoes at the ready I headed over to Ms James abode. On arrival I was greeted with an envelope which inside contained the details of the wonderous weekend ahead. It began that evening with drinks in our local as it was a gorgeous warm evening then back to Ms James’ for delightful little munchies, more wine and a film.

Silly us really we stayed up until about 1am and then had to be up at 4am to catch the train to Cardiff and then the bus to London. We arrived fairly early in Cardiff so decided to get a cup of tea and the only place open at that time was unfortunately McDonalds. Still it did the job and we headed over to catch the bus. It was packed I thought it might be quieter that time of the morning but it really wasn’t, so much so we were separated and had to spend the journey next to strangers. As Ms James had planned a lovely breakfast for us we decided that once we got to London we would find somewhere nice to sit and enjoy it.

We arrived into London and headed for a park we thought we knew, unfortunately we couldn’t find it but enjoyed our Bucks Fizz and fruit salad breakfast outside the Tate, which was lovely, and the sun was peaking through the trees and it was lovely and warm. After our breakfast we had a look around the Tate and then headed off to find London Dungeons. The tube was a bit of a mess that weekend and so there was a lot of walking around in between which we didn’t really mind as we were taking in all the sites. We got to London dungeons and were disappointed to find that the queuing time was 1hr ½ and the tour around took 1hr ½ and so we didn’t have time. Instead we headed back to look at Borough Market and it was fab, really bustling so many different sights, sounds and smells. The variety of different food you could purchase was outstanding even Greedy Goats Ice-cream. We enjoyed a sit down and a people watch before finding and booking in to where we were staying.

Once booked in, freshened up a little and settled we got ready to depart for our Champagne afternoon tea which wasn’t far from where we were staying either. We arrived and got shown to our lovely booth seat with bolster cushion which we both loved (it’s a women and cushion thing lol). Once we had settled into our seat we got brought the champagne, followed by the tea and out luxurious cake stand with delicate sandwiches on the top consisting of ‘Severn & Wye’ Smoked salmon, ham and mustard, egg and cress and cucumber and cream cheese. Underneath this layer were three gorgeous looking scones, two without raisins and one with and to accompany that clotted cream and jam. The final layer had a delicate slice of Victoria sponge and a slice of chocolate cake. Well Considering it didn’t look very much it filled us up very well. We were slightly disappointed with the tea, we asked for a pot of Assam tea for two and it was tiny, you could just about get one cup each out of it and we were expecting at least a little pot like that each. That said the experience was charming and I would definitely recommend it. I have the joy of going on another afternoon tea later this month and I shall no doubt be comparing the two.

Feeling nice and full from our spectacular champagne afternoon tea and slightly merry from the bubbles we headed back to where we were staying to get ready for out evening out. This started with a great bar in Shoreditch called Calloh Callay Bar this is known as somewhat of a speakeasy, we were not fabulous unfortunately to be able to go to the supposedly fantastic bar which was through the wardrobe to sample it but we did get a seat in the main bar area and sipped our fabulous cocktails. From here we went to a Coney Island 50’s party in the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club this was great, people were all dressed up, you had different stands you could go to and win a prize, there was plenty of dancing, a man playing a saw and a transvestite tarot reader. I was absolute rubbish at all the stands, but Ms E James won a prize and I got a fake tattoo.

The next morning we were up early again, planning on having a delicious breakfast in a little café we had seen the day before which had advertised it was open for breakfast 6-11, but unfortunately it was closed when we got there, so we had to make do with Starbucks which seemed to be the only one open apart from things like McDonalds. It did the job and filled our tummies for the journey home.

A Book and it's Cover

2011-06-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong to judge a book by its cover? I think in the literally sense maybe when talking obviously about a book. However, even then I have seldom chosen a bad book based on its cover. When taking into consideration the cover of a book you have to remember to look at it in its entirety and that this would include the blurb on the back cover as well.

When looking at this principle where people are concerned I have never been wrong when judging them by their covers or how I find them from a first impression (remember to look them up and down now!!) I do of course try and give them the benefit of the doubt that I am taking them as I see them from a first impression, but I am always proved right with my gut instinct.

Maybe this could be put down to women’s intuition, but I can spot a person who is out for themselves from the off and I am rarely wrong. Lol talk about blowing my own trumpet. These people always show their true colours even if it takes some people longer to catch on than others. These people also tend not to have many life long friends either, as they have normally betrayed them.

I might be venting a bit from personal experience as well, but I am thinking should I go with my first instinct from the off or should I wait for people and give them the benefit of the doubt? I think given my nature I will always give people the benefit of the doubt and be glad when I am proved wrong. I might not have an army of friends but I know a lot of people and the ones I consider friends are all loyal and trustworthy. I know that when in a spot of bother they will be there for me no questions asked.

A Goat at the Beer Launch???

2011-05-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday 12th May was not only Mass observation day which I took part in but also a fantastic beer launch hosted by Gwdihŵ café bar in Cardiff.

Gwdihŵ café bar is a quaint little bar which has a unique boho chic feel about it, the bar area itself is small but adequate and the staff are friendly, generally young and fairly trendy looking, it’s all very comfy and the DJ booth is fab and well placed. There is a lovely beer garden, consisting of what look like old sofas and chairs, along with mini barrels to be used as stools or side tables. Part of the beer garden is undercover as well and quite sheltered giving it a lovely homely feel.

The evening started with my fabulous friend Erika getting us free tickets to the event entitling us to a free sample of the beer Kozel. Kozel is the Czech word for goat and of course is a Czech beer; Gwdihŵ is one of the first places to be serving it. Kozel is what I would call a Lager Beer, a bit like Budweiser but slightly more refreshing and a bit less hop to the taste, but not a lager taste like in the form of Carling or Fosters, much nicer (however I am biased as I don’t like lager). It is also served in funky glasses.

We took a short train ride into Cardiff central from Bridgend and headed over. On arrival we were greeted by a lovely lady at the door who checked our names off the list gave us out raffle tickets for the free beer sample and also a card with a goat on it which you could pop different body parts out of and it would tell you something about the beer. Sounds a bit weird but fun nonetheless.

Erika and I were a bit disappointed that you didn’t give in parts of the goat from the card for your free beer samples, we though this might have been a better use of the cards, but then they were littered all over the bar so people would have been getting more than their fair share. We were also hoping for some cheesy freebies like badges, key rings or t-shirts, instead we had to be satisfied with the piece of cardboard. Are we old school in expecting a bit more? I remember going to the Bud Bar in Bridgend (now Sam’s Bar) and getting a free flashing bud badge in the shape and design of its bottle tops, or Flares and O’Neills where you get badges. Still there is a recession on I suppose.

We wandered out into the beer garden as it was still quite light and sunny, we were offered lovely little potato rosti type snacks that were being freshly cooked outside, these were very moreish and we had a few throughout the evening. We enjoyed the atmosphere and people watching as well as the beer until it started getting a bit chilly and we headed in doors. More people were arriving and the place was filling up. I am pleased to say that there was a very eclectic mix of people ranging in all ages so no-one felt out of place or like they didn’t belong so all are welcome. It was a bit scary and frightening to see a few women there dressing a bit young for their age, everything in its place I think, and not necessarily donning mini skirts either, but…. Just… I am not sure, hard to describe really. I suppose I should say “good for them”, but I can be a bit of a snob.

There was a band playing that evening which I have to say I really enjoyed and they were very talented, and also fun, making people want to get up and dance and enjoy themselves. The original band that was meant to play couldn’t make it due to illness so Mae LLai Yn Fwy stepped up to the mark and were brilliant.

We had a right giggle sipping away at our beers (of course we bought some more after drinking our free sample) people watching and making Goat jokes to one an other, of course they’re the kind of ones that are only funny at the time and in the moment, so won’t be repeated.

On the train home we spread the word about Gwdihŵ and Kozel to an American we got chatting to who was on his way to Swansea. Unfortunately although he wanted to visit a real pub whilst in the UK he didn’t drink, however he could have a coffee at Gwdihŵ instead which are also lovely and some food. We shall definitely be returning soon, a great venue, a great night and a great beer.

Bluestone

2011-04-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Well April has been a busy time and not much of it spent in work. I was off at the beginning of April at Bluestone in Pembrokeshire with my friend Fordy and then there is time off for Easter and the Royal Wedding, which I was sick of hearing about from the moment they announced it.

Let me tell you about Bluestone. This wonderful place is located in Pembrokeshire right by Oakwood and Folly Farm. I would say generally it’s a place for families. However, my friend Fordy and I went off peak and stayed in one of their two bedroom cottages. It was lovely modern and fresh, generally it was clean but not really to my standard. There were some cobwebs in some of the corners and lightshades, the kitchen blind had dead flies on it and there were dead flies in the lightshade of the second bedroom. The cottage had all the things we could need and was a lovely place to relax.

We didn’t do much on getting there on Monday, we arrived about 2 if not before, got checked in and headed over for the complimentary tea and coffee at the adventure centre. We eventually found it after walking around for a bit, after refreshments we wandered down to the village part of the complex for a look around and have an advance peek of our cottage as we weren’t allowed to go in until 3:30. We were pleased with the village, an on site bakery, wine shop, grocery store, pub, three restaurants, Spa and the Blue Lagoon.

Tuesday we ventured over the Blue Lagoon for a swim. The weather wasn’t too bad a little bit of misty rain. It was lovely and warm at the pool. We floated down the lazy river which goes outside, there is a little sitting area off the pool with some steps to the side, we peered up at the top of the steps and spied the outside Jacuzzi, we made a dash for it, it was freezing, but the warmth of the Jacuzzi was delightful. There is also an inside Jacuzzi which we spotted and took advantage of and we also went on the water slides. From here we thought we would try out the onsite bakery and have a Panini for lunch with a coffee. What a disappointment, the Panini wasn’t fresh but from a freezer and heated up, it is probably one of the worst I had tasted too, and I right rip off for the price. The coffee was average. We noticed whilst in there that everything else they sold in there came from the freezer as well.

Tuesday evening we thought we would sample curry night at the pub, we headed over (a stones throw from our cottage). We went into the bar area which was really packed with families children everywhere, we asked at the bar if there was another seating area and they pointed out the family room. We thought oh well, went over and it was practically empty, we were so annoyed we didn’t want to be sitting in there with no atmosphere and a walk down the corridor to the bar. Surely the family room should have been used by all the families in the bar area. I disagree with having children in a bar at the best of times, this really infuriated me. We decided to go elsewhere. The main restaurant was a bit pricey so we headed for one of the others; one was shut so we were left with a choice of one. Fordy had the steak which she enjoyed. I opted for a starter for my main, which they doubled up without asking and so was too big for what I wanted, it was also not very warm either. My advice don’t eat out at Bluestone.

The grocery shop at Bluestone is very well stocked and has local fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, I would recommend buying things from here. But do food shopping before you go as most of it is full price and not many offers.

Wednesday to the Spa we went, they had a nice offer on for two to use the facilities so we thought we would take advantage of that. The treatments were expensive and so were lunches so decided to give it a miss. We made full use of the outside Jacuzzi pool with its massaging jets and also the many different steam rooms and saunas. There was a salt room which is good for skin conditions, a brick sauna, marine steam room, herbal steam room, Celtic sauna and ice room. I have to say I loved the Celtic sauna and the ice room. The ice room had a bowl which would fill up on its own from time to time with ice. You would take the ice and wrap it around your legs, apparently good for cellulite. It was lovely and relaxing. There were some bitter old ladies sharing the spa facilities with us, they were very rude and patronising, luckily they didn’t seem to like the steam rooms or saunas very much so we could escape them.

Thursday we escaped the site and headed off into Tenby, the weather was glorious and sunny. After a little wander around we bought a Pasty each from the Pembrokeshire Pasty Company which now also has a shop in Cardiff. We went here on Fordy’s recommendation and I have to say it didn’t disappoint. We took our pasties down to the sea front and ate them in a little park overlooking the sea, it was delightful. I had the Steak and Stilton Pasty which was lovely, luckily the gentleman in the shop advised before hand that there wasn’t as much stilton in as normal as they’re all hand made and the guy who made them this time didn’t put as much in, but it was still delicious and the pastry not too thick.

Friday we were up early to pack and empty the cottage, we had to check out by ten, a little earlier that we would have liked. There are other activities to do at Bluestone as well, there is a bike and buggy hire for getting around the site, there are nature trails and walks, along with things like archery, treasure hunts and bush crafts. So plenty for all. It’s also a wonderful base for exploring the delights of South West Wales, I would recommend it.

Like to Graze?

2011-03-29T04:56:00.001-07:00

Well, I have started to try and be healthier, mainly with making my portions smaller and doing some exercise. I now try and go for a run once a week (to start with) and my sister and I now attend Aquafit every Thursday.

The other evening when I went to one of my fantastic friend’s house I noticed these delicious looking healthy snacks on her table, brimming with flavour and healthy goodness. I just had to ask her about them. They come from a company called Graze, which is online. You can order boxes from them (a snack box or a nutrition box) which will be delivered straight to you either weekly or every other week, for a small cost (cheaper than buying it all from a supermarket for sure). The box is small enough to fit through your letter box as well, so you don’t have to worry if you’re in or not. Also you can tell them when you’re going to be on holiday so they won’t send you a box during that time.

These boxes are filled to the brim with goodness, and contain things like nuts, seeds, olives, focaccia bread and flapjacks. Some even come with a little bit of chocolate in. You get four different punnets. This week I had West Country cheddar, red onion and chutney focaccia, funky gibbon (containing banana coins, cashew nuts, milk chocolate covered puffed rice), tom yum yum (containing thai spicy rice cracker mix) and orange and ginger flapjacks. I have eaten the focaccia bread already. On opening the punnet the aroma floated up to greet my nostrils and what a delight it was. I soon had to gobble it all up, and the taste was sublime.

The brilliance behind this also lets you exclude any ingredients or mixes you don’t like by rating them all on their website. I don’t like almonds so I have asked them not to send me anything with almonds in. How brilliant, you’re never going to receive something you don’t like. Or if you’re not sure about one you can just select try and then rate it later on whether you like it or not.

Graze state that the boxes are balanced to give you loads of essential nutrients from a variety of natural foods. And by grazing you will enjoy more energy thanks to stable blood sugar.

For a limited period you can get your first box for free through me by going to their website Graze and entering the following code: P856LP7T

From the Depths

2011-03-22T02:44:00.001-07:00

Friday I hit my lowest low
A place I never thought I’d go
I was hoping I would find you there
Waiting in your threaded chair
With outstretched arms in front of you
A kind face to help me through.

Instead I found the silence and the cold
Tired of being brave and bold
Shivering in a messy heap
Scared to take the final leap
And so I must soldier on
Face each day until I’m done.

Burlesque Taster Session

2011-02-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the month I went to a Burlesque taster session with my Bessie mate Fordy. We met after work for some tea and went to an old favourite the Rummer Tavern in Cardiff opposite the castle. When we both worked in Cardiff this was our favourite haunt for having lunch. We decided to have the BBQ chicken which is one of our favourites and it didn’t disappoint. Sizzling hot, enrobed in BBQ sauce and smothered in glorious melted cheese we were in heaven.

The time came to head over to the venue, which was luckily just down the road in Revolutions bar. We waited anxiously and not knowing entirely what to expect. Two ladies sat down next to us in their 50’s who were also waiting for the lesson to start as well and were full of dutch courage. They had come from Bristol and it would seem spent the whole afternoon building their confidence. Quickly Fordy and I began to realise we had only been drinking soft drinks and maybe it would have been a good idea to have something a little stronger.

Armed with our lemonade and squash with ascended the stairs into the venue room, to be met by the lovely and warming Hannah who was taking the session. She immediately put everyone at ease with her approachable and friendly manner. We donned our trainers and took to the floor for the warm up exercises. So far so good, these were the standard exercises for any warm up.

Our first task was to learn how to walk in the Burlesque style. There were three walks, one where you stepped out to the side (this was followed easily with a shimmy), the second where you had to drag your foot behind you (Hannah made it look really easy, I felt like I was wiping dog poo off my shoe) and the last you lifted your knee and did a little hop. We were walking all over the room, trying all the different walks. Then walking as a group, which I failed miserably at and decided I am not best at working in a group when trying to learn something. But I got there in the end.

Next came the facial expressions, these were quite amusing and ranged from innocent, to shocked and snobby. To combine the two (the walking and the facial expressions) in pairs we had to think of our Burlesque name (first pets name followed by your mothers maiden name) and then walk down the centre of the room to the other girls do our pose and say our name. This was hysterical; we had a lot of Kittys. My friend Fordy didn’t really like her mother’s maiden name for this so borrowed my nan’s maiden name Bevington, she became Skippy Bevington, mine is always good for a giggle and I transformed into Felicity Tipples.

From here we moved on to some moves, how to turn when walking and how to get down on the floor with out looking like you just got in from a days work and plonked yourself on the sofa. It was hilarious seeing all these women of different ages getting on and shoving their bum and boobs out all over the place and rolling around on the floor. I felt like I was dusting the floor at one point rather than doing anything remotely resembling sexy. Next came to incorporate a prop. We each had a fan, which we had to link in with the moves and walking that we had been doing. We were taught how to hold the fan correctly so with a flick of the wrist it would open.

When Hannah thought we had got the moves a bit under control and more comfortable with them we learnt a routine. This was great, but there were quite a few of us in a small space so a number of us nearly got kicked in the face a few times. For the end of the session we were split into two groups and performed the routine for each other. This was brilliant and everyone was very supportive. Of course we all cooled down and gave each other a round of applause, what a fantastic night and something a bit different I would recommend it 

Where's it gone?

2011-01-28T06:32:00.000-08:00

OMG!!!! Where has January gone? One minute we’re celebrating the start of a new year and the next the first month of it has gone already!!!

Well there are things to plan and parties to go to. Starting this weekend it’s my grandparent’s birthdays. My Grampy will be 81 on Saturday and my Nan 80 on Monday, and they’re doing great. Then the week after is my brilliant boyfriend’s birthday and we’re having some great people joining us to celebrate. We’re going with a Chinese theme as its Chinese New Year. We’re having a Chinese banquet with fortune cookies of course and also Chinese paper lanterns to set off into the night sky. In the day we’re taking our friend to the National History Museum St. Fagans as they haven’t been and it definitely is a must. Check it out for yourself at http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans/

As it is P.O.E.T.S day I have left work early today to enjoy a Friday and hopefully a relaxing on at that. Although I will get home and no doubt find something to do. Like packing and sorting the house.

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T04:39:00.000-08:00

Well another year over a new one just begun. I would have liked to have posted over crimbo but lo and behold Christmas day after coming home from my grandparents and then my sisters the electrics went in most of the house, so we have been functioning on limited electricity with it only being available in the extension. Fine for my mum as she’s still able to watch tv and listen to music etc. I on the other hand have not been so fortunate, I can’t watch tv, listen to music, watch dvd’s or play on my wii (of which I had a new game for Christmas).

I shouldn’t grumble too much, we have got the main house lights working and the appliances in the kitchen so that’s the main thing. Luckily I am with my man and have been able to go to his to watch some tv (of his choice mainly of course) and a few films. I have missed out on most of the Crimbo tv though, I am sure it was the same as last year more or less though so not missed much.

I also wanted to start my new blog for New Year, this has been delayed some what but should be back on the right track soon.

New Years eve was lovely and I was joined in celebration with some fab friends. We started off at mine listening to some cheesy old music, drinking an array of alcoholic drinks and eating a lot of party food. At 11:30 we headed up to my man’s house and brought in the New Year with the party up there with some champers and fireworks. Bubbles and bangs are always good.

The Cracker of Christmas

2010-12-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

Last night saw my delightful friend Erika and me heading off to participate in being in the audience for the filming of Ruth Jones’ Christmas cracker. Having never really been involved in an audience like this before I wasn’t sure what to expect, well it was great fun, my arms ached and hands stung a little from all the clapping.

Ruth Jones was fabulous and looked lovely in a glitzy black number. Her guests were brilliant and really got into the spirit of things, even with some delays and retakes. The house band was great and got named the Gastric Band. She had a delightful Barbershop Quartet who had lovely candy cane looking ties and sang wonderfully. Even the guy there to warm up the audience was good and kept us amused.

I don’t want to give too much away about the program as you will have to see it for yourselves when it is broadcasted on BBC2, hopefully you will be able to see me and my friend in the audience. We were sat in the second row from the front, by the stage with the guest band, and some other performances. I am wearing a lovely green top and my friend a lovely black sparkly one. It is surely one to see with some great guests and performances to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Tea and Sympathy

2010-11-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

Well….. What can I say…? I imagined 2010 being a great year for me and all my friends. When really it’s been a good year for me and an average or bad year for some of my friends.

However, I have been able to offer tea and sympathy to them and hopefully some grains of advice that might help them, if not just someone to listen to them. I am very thankful that (touch wood) I haven’t had any trauma in my life this year and it’s all gone smoothly for a change, this is also good as I have been able to give my friends my full attention when things have been going wrong for them. Obviously I can’t divulge too much as it’s their business and up to them to broadcast.

I am now hoping that 2011 will be a fab year for all. There is a lot to look forward to already, well for me anyway, there is Rome, 30th Birthday’s, possibly Holland and a wedding.

I think nothing cures all ills and calms people down as well as a nice cup of tea. I can be quite a tea snob and like my Assam, Oolong, cha etc. I am sure each of these is good for different types of moods and occasions, I am sure more to come on this at a later date. I think I should design or track down a tea which is ideal for a tea and sympathy situation, that perfect blend to refresh, reawaken, soothe and calm.

unusual websites

2010-11-16T00:36:00.000-08:00

Don’t you just hate websites that claim to have unusual gifts on them and then you have a look and there is nothing out of the ordinary at all. Maybe I am being unfair and I have just seen the same thing on all of them too often, or I am not looking in the right places. Another thing that bugs me is the gift finding services, they think that all men like golf or football and all nan’s like lavender and rose!!! Well I have had enough!!! Below you can see the cream of the crop for different gifts, not so much unusual but something a bit different that people might not think of buying for themselves:

www.truffleshuffle.com
http://www.love-eco.co.uk/
http://www.martinsjerkedmeat.com/osCommerce/index.php?osCsid=61d0b6b5cc8b66820d192490ff1d6442
http://www.kategarey.com/index.htm
http://www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk/shop/index.php?page=588
http://www.suck.uk.com/index.php
http://sallypointer.com/shop/
http://folksy.com/buying
http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/
http://www.campusgifts.co.uk/
http://www.clothkits.co.uk/index.php

If you think of any more that I am sure I don’t know about feel free to add :0)

Christmas Shopping

2010-11-04T02:05:00.000-07:00

The time is fast approaching where we start to think about fun and frolics of the festive season and as the month of December continues people become more and more manic and more and more insane with their shopping antics. If people in general aren’t already zombie like as they trudge around the shops, especially men who have been dragged along and then find themselves in the lingerie department of a store. One of my pet hates are men lingering around the aisles of female clothes shops as their girlfriend/wife bustle about, they are just getting in the way. Free the poor souls and let them go to a more manly shop whilst you’re in there or don’t bring them at all.

This time of year I spare myself all of this turmoil and tend to do all my Christmas shopping online. This sees me floating down the virtual aisles of numerous shops with freedom, and without pushchairs trying to run me over as well and shop assistants who are both too friendly and cheerful or are completely opposite and rude. I love the freedom this brings me and also I have more time to think about people’s presents and what to get them. Much to the joy of himself as he doesn’t get dragged around shopping either.

This year I am one Christmas party down as two have been booked for the same date, but I have made up for this by holding a party at the beginning of December. This shall be a Lord of the Rings Evening. Basically showing the films back to back while people drink and eat. People shall be required to drink out of goblets or tankards and the food shall have a LOTR theme to it. Of course there will have to be some decorations keeping in theme as well but I have yet to think about what line we wish to go down.

Back to the joy of Christmas shopping. I love to get people something a bit different and something they wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves. I love to trawl the internet and find unusual gifts which are thoughtful as well, not forgetting hunting out a good bargain. I feel I can’t do this when going to the actual shops as it takes too much time, unless I know exactly what I would like from them or they are little local boutiques and then like to keep the local shop keeper going in this very competitive world.

What is also making it difficult is finding different and unusual gifts for himself and things that he might actually want. I do tend to do him a stocking every year filled with bits and pieces of fun things little tit bits, which is nice to put together. I generally get all this from Hawkins Bizarre, which is great. However it’s the main presents I am stuck on, I have one sussed but for the rest, who knows, I am sure inspiration will hit at some point…..

In the Footsteps of Heroes

2010-10-15T04:05:00.000-07:00

On the 10th October a group of remarkable people (the First Allied Airborne Association and the Screaming Eagles Living History Group) and I participated in what turned out to be a nearly 13 mile march in aid of Help for Heroes. The money raised by those doing the march will be going towards helping those who have put themselves in the front line abroad and at home. Those who have volunteered for this did the 13 miles in full kit. We were dressed in WWII U.S. Airborne and other uniforms and marching the 13 mile route that the 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne would have taken. The march started at Littlecote House and finished back at Littlecote House via the town of Aldbourne.

This was a mean feat and by the end of it I was fit for nothing. Unlike our troops of today and the past when they would have been expected to then fight or tend to the wounded. I have the utmost respect for them. So I have a sense of achievement that I completed this march and didn’t die, although I felt like it at numerous points.

The day started off overcast and cool, we were all in high spirits. Luckily it wasn’t such an early start as himself and I stayed at our fab friends Rachel and Mike’s place the night before. We arrived on site at Littlecote house at 07:10am, for a much needed coffee and bacon roll. After making sure everyone in our group (FAAA) had arrived and we were all in the right kit, the ladies struggled into their leggings with some help from the guys and we were all ready to roll. We joined the others at the front of Littlecote House and started the march off at 09:00am.

We reached our first ten minute break at Ramsbury where we congregated on the village square, put our feet up and made sure we all drank plenty and refilled our water bottles. Not quite yet feeling the burn, morale was still high and we were up and raring to go again, on we marched to Aldbourne.

On arriving at Aldbourne at Midday we were met by a village fete, to which we did a small parade for and the Screaming Eagles group sang their Army marching songs, collecting some donations as we went. We sat down on the green for a well deserved rest and a spot of lunch; there were also some lovely doughnuts with tea and coffee put on for us. We had done six miles and were half way through. The burn was starting to kick in and many of us were feeling we might have blisters starting to form. Himself was carrying a 19lb BAR, and was slightly regretting the decision but was determined to carry it all the way to the end. As we all got back into formation to start off again we could all feel the brum beneath our feet.

The way back seemed harder with endless hills, people were starting to suffer but we pulled together as a group and kept our spirits high encouraging each other on and helping each other out. With a couple more breaks along the way. We eventually made it to Ramsbury where we were resting once again on the village green for short break and a couple of photos. Thinking we had only about 3 miles left and not too many more hills. How wrong we were. Just before our final stretch down to Littlecote house they decided to add an extra mile onto the course by taking us up a hill with about a 17% gradient, which when I laid eyes on it I almost cried. The purpose of this was to see if we could find some carvings in the trees done by 101st Airborne. Generally the thought of this would be one of wonder and excitement however after so much walking today already not many people cared as much as they normally would have done. Even one of the jeeps gave up on the way up the hill and had to catch us up later on.

After a short break and a quick glug of water we were making our descent down the other side and the home stretch to Littlecote house. I naively thought we would take the path down passed the chickens, how silly of me, no we went up yet more hills to come down the main avenue into the house. One of the lads from the Screaming Eagles almost didn’t make it up this last hill and had to stop for a bit, the rest of us carried on, I could feel every muscle in my body and the burn of my feet begging me to stop. I was not giving up now.

Hurrah!!! We arrived at the front of Littlecote House, but then endured some speeches before collapsing in a heap on the grass outside the entrance. We eventually moved slowly inside and collapsed on some lovely comfortable chairs with some nice cool water. We had made it. I am so proud of everyone in the group for their determination and keeping morale high.

There are a number of photos from the march around on facebook etc. this one is courtesy of Ade Pitman.

Idea for new blog

2010-10-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

I have had inspiration from a couple of different blogs and have decided next year I shall start a 365 days of t-shirts. I am an avid T-shirt wearer and this constitutes most of my wardrobe, so much so I must have 365 days worth and could wear one for each different day of the year. This could also be my new year’s resolution. It’s going to be hard to do a blog a day but simple in the fact it could just be a photo. Also I am almost certain to buy new t-shirts next year and within the coming months. Anybody happy to donate an individual different t-shirt to the cause too is more than welcome.

It is mad to think of next year already but my diary is already filling up with different events and celebrations. Also next year see’s the year of the 30th birthdays, where most of my friends including myself will be turning 30, eeep!!!!

Human Race?

2010-09-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

OMG, I can’t believe it’s the September already, time flies when you’re having fun. I have only two weeks left in work and then I am off for just over two weeks as well, no where particularly exciting, just West Wales, which is quite beautiful as well. Himself and I are planning a lot of walking, mainly along the Heritage Coastal path, which is really lovely.

I am also planning on doing a lot of book reading (I have so many to get through and have been reading the same one for far too long as I don’t get much time to read) and also a lot of going on the wii fit. Of course to balance this out will be a lot of nice meals and good wine.

I was pondering this morning when I couldn’t get back to sleep the meaning of the phrase (or words) “The Human Race”. I decided that it is called this because a lot of people seem to be in such a rush to do things, and look at it as a kind of race. The first to get married, the first to have children etc. etc. I don’t see what all the rush is, especially these days when as a species we’re living longer thanks to better health care and awareness of what we’re eating. I think we should all take a step backwards and slow the pace down a bit. There is potentially plenty of time for everything. I suppose as long as you’re enjoying yourself and making the most of things carry on.

Dreams

2010-08-02T04:03:00.001-07:00

I know I have blogged about dreams before, so this is more pondering on the subject.

Why is it that what we dream about at night has an effect on our mood for the rest of the day?

I have often wondered this, but today it is more poignant because I can’t remember what I had a dream about last night, I know it was something, but can’t remember any detail. However, it has left me in a depressing mood for today. I am going to have to try and lift myself out of it some how.

I do love the dreams you have that you can’t remember but you wake up laughing, they put you in such a good mood for the rest of the day, but if only I could remember what it was that was so funny, I could then save that for days like today…..

One a month

2010-07-29T03:48:00.000-07:00

Ok this is not a rant about the womens time of the month, that comes around about once a month. Rather that I am going to try and be more productive with my blog and try and type a post at least once a month. Fingers crossed I find some good inspiration and it won't be too boring.

Time Flies when you're having fun

2010-07-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

This year is flying by and it’s been quite a reflecting one so far and trying to figure out ones wants and needs. To do this you really have to work out the differences between wants and needs.

Wants: - Things that you would like to have but could live without. Lovely shoes, nice clothes, place of my own, progression in career, more money, nice holidays.

Needs: - Things that you have to have as you can’t live without. Clothes, food, water, roof over my head, job.

After weighing these out I have everything I need, which is fantastic and I am lucky that I have some of the things I want. The only specific goal for something that I want now is a place of my own.

A prime example of what was frustrating me, last night after doing my monthly shop, I came home and tried to place things in the freezer, no can do, it was filled with someone else’s food!!! No room for mine at all, the fridge was almost the same as well!!!!! This won’t do, I really have had enough!!! So the saving must commence for a deposit, and quickly, my aim is by Christmas.

If anyone has any money saving/making ideas let me know.

Follow the old saying

2010-06-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, after spending a lot of time lately going through my box set of sex and the city which my wonderful boyfriend purchased for me, I have been inspired to blog. Now I claim to def not be any Carrie Bradshaw, but I do like to waffle.

I had a delightful girls night in last night and watching a few episodes of the BBC's adaptation and in my opinion the one and only true version of Pride and Prejudice, with cocktails and delightful pink fizz, we obviously chatted about our own lives.

This made me realise that I am really happy with my life at the moment and I can't really pick faults with it. Yes there are things I want but I am not in any rush to get them. Is this what happens when you approach 30, you become more settled and laid back?

I had to save my friend from herself and in a delicate way tell her life is stressfull enough without adding to it and thinking your bed linen has to match the colour of your bedroom. I said sod it, I just buy the duvet set if I like it and sod whether it matches my bedroom. Why are people so strict with themselves?

I am growing to like the old saying more and more, and think that we should try and live by this motto. If someone comes round to your house and it's pristine, then you haven't got a life, if someone comes to your house and its a tad messy, then you have a life. The motto being Dust if you must!!

Ty Hafan Midnight Walk

2010-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say this was a success and I was joined by my delightful friends Jen and Erika and we managed to complete the near 10 mile walk in about 2hrs.

There were a few people in our way at the beginning as they were daudlers and slow walkers, but we pressed on and made some head way on the open stretches.

A good night was had by all as we donned our flashing bunny ears, flashing sticks and glo sticks, there was no missing us.

The end in sight we were ready for our refreshments of a lovely coffee and a huge muffin, delicious :0)

Cocktails

2010-04-15T04:26:00.000-07:00

It is coming to that lovely summer season where cocktails at any party is a must and to celebrate I have purchased some lovely new cocktail glasses. By the end of the year as well I am hoping to have moved house and so shall also celebrate with a Cocktail party.

Thinking of cocktails I have to say my forte is the Margarita or the Strawberry Daiquiri both favs of mine and go down nicely. Of course there are the classics like a S3x on the Beach which are just as lovely.

I do think practice makes perfect so I shall be filling the drinks cabinet and donning my cocktail shaker in order to get a few other cocktails to perfection.

Now to think what kind of food goes nice with Cocktails…….

Weight Loss!!!

2010-04-15T04:24:00.000-07:00

I shall loose some weight I shall!!! Not that I want to loose a lot only about a stone and I shall be happy. I am getting there ever so slowly but hoping to up the tempo with the nice weather on the way.

I don’t eat too badly with my lunches at work mainly consisting of Cous Cous flavoured with sweet chilli with cheese and ham added in or something different, but I don’t tend to do much exercise, so this must change. I am now going on my wii fit more, and great stuff now they have brought out wii fit plus where you can target certain areas. Also last year I bought some proper running trainers so now the nice weather is here I should be getting out there and running as well.

Bring on the bikini body woop woop :0)

Ty Hafan Midnight Walk

2010-04-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys, I have decided to do my bit for charity and I am taking part in the Ty-Hafan Midnight Walk in Cardiff on 30th April 2010 :0), if you fancy donating to the worthy cause, click on the link to the right of the screen. I would much appreciate any donation no matter how big or small. If you fancy joining me sign up today.

Hanging on by my finger nails!!!

2010-03-18T07:17:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s been a while and I find myself clinging to my twenties and reluctant to let go. I don’t want to be in my 30’s I find the whole thing a hurdle. I think this is mainly because I had planned so much for myself to have achieved by now, and I feel not much has been done. I am getting there though I suppose, also you can never plan when you have to factor in other people and what they want to do as well. Maybe the key is never to plan and that way you are never disappointed.

Eep it's not gone to well

2010-01-19T04:18:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. With the hectic season of christmas and being ill for a portion of that time, I have failed to keep up to date with my 100 days. I have completely failed :0( maybe I chose something a bit too hard.

On the plus side, a new year and a new me. I have lost 3lb and have 11lb to go for my target weight, which isn't bad and I feel achieveable. I think this is due to less buscuits, smaller portions and more exercise.

Also I have become a Vie at Home consultant, so if you would like any parties and are living in the South Wales region, I'm your girl. Check out my other blog. This will also hopefully help me on my way with my top 50.

another 100days post

2009-12-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

After starting this challenge I thought, great I will get to write a short story. Now I am thinking rats, it's rubbish and boring and shall be destroyed once the 100 days are over. I now know for sure I will never be a writer. Are we allowed to switch part the way through the 100 days? What else could I do? Also who would really know if I were to switch lol.

Anyway for the time being here is a poem to keep you entertained:-

Christmas

What time of year to spread some cheer,
Its peoples selfishness that I fear.
Too busy to help others out,
This is why in Human Kindness I doubt.

Christmas presents and Christmas trees
You should fall down on your knees
To rejoice in what you have
No poverty and a lot of love.

Spread this good will
Let your empty glass be filled
Put a smile in someone else’s memory
Forget you selfish needs.

Deck the halls it’s Christmas Eve,
Rejoice in your annual leave
Remember your family, remember your friends
And you won’t be lonely in the end.

Through The Window

2009-12-10T02:17:00.000-08:00

Through a window I appear to gaze
Thinking of a life before
As if through a rose tinted haze
Time has passed, was it better before
In those almost forgotten days.

Out of the Window I look
It seems so ideal
Like out of a picture book
No marks upon it
Until I stamp with my foot.

I peer through a Window.
The sun shines bright
Over meadow after meadow.
Then it hits my old friend
The weeping willow.

100 days

2009-12-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

Well I am taking part in the 100 days challenge, but I am not tending to blog about it (lol sounds like brag). I am finding it not too bad. I have decided to write a sentance to a book/short story a day. So far I am not doing too badly, however I think the story will be rubbish. Oh well, at least I am doing it. I have decided also to try and earn some extra money, this will definitley not be through my stories.

Here is another Poem to keep you entertained:-

The Tree

You stand so tall and proud
And then a guy shouts aloud
TIMBER………………….

Your fall is not as graceful as a flower
You are strong and hold the power
TIMBER…………………

You get chopped up into planks
To the tree we give our thanks
TIMBER………………….

A bed is made
And here I lay
I am comfy
Thanks to the tree
TIMBER……………………

Walnuts

2009-12-01T04:42:00.000-08:00

Walnuts are odd
Walnuts are strange
I have never seen anything
Look quite so much like a brain

Poetry Corner

2009-11-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

I have a few poems I have written tucked away and I thought it would be about time to air them. Here is the first:-

Bridgend

My Home town
Protected by a dome
It doesn’t make me frown
I don’t see any garden gnomes

It is like a magnet
Draws people back
It doesn’t make me fret
A bit off the beaten track

No sun, no snow
Only rain
Why, who knows?
It’s a pain

From the old bridge it gets it name
Good wishes it does send
Some people from here have found fame
My home town, good old Bridgend

C.H.A.V'S

2009-11-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

Now there is one thing (of many as I am sure you have read) that I can’t stand, and that’s Chav’s!!!!

I was thinking this morning, if you’re a chav, do you know that you’re a chav? Do you purposely pick out chavvy clothes? Do you think other people are chav’s?

They seem to be everywhere, I was astounded when going into my local town during the week and seeing them cluttering up the streets. I did comment to himself and he said it’s as most of them are on the dole and so have nothing better to do. Which is true? Why should they restrict themselves to causing chaos on the pavements on a Saturday?!?!? When they can do it all week as well.

Here is a link to wiki, to see what they say on Chav's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav

This time of year.....

2009-10-20T04:41:00.001-07:00

Once again my beloved car is playing up, booo. I am starting to think it doesn’t like this time of year. Anyway, the garage can’t really find much wrong with it, so as I need a reliable car to get back and fore work I have decided to mosey along to a garage after work to see what they can offer me on a part exchange. I don’t really want a new car as I do love mine, but needs must!!!!

As I am looking for a reliable car it would be interesting to know if anyone has any opinions on cars I really should avoid.

Anyway enough of the car topic as it only depresses me…… We are nearly at the end of October and I am pleased to say I have a lot of my Christmas shopping done, woop woop check me out!!!!

I am particularly looking forward to Christmas this year as my sister is expecting twins and they should arrive a few weeks before. Christmas is after all as they say for the children. It also gives me a good excuse to play with children’s toys. She has been told she is having one boy and one girl, so a perfect little family wrapped up in a Christmas bow, how exciting.

50 things to do

2009-09-03T04:02:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been feeling rather restless and wishing for some event in my life that I can focus on. I need some new goals to focus towards.

I have always been very goal orientated really, but didn’t ever really plan for them to run out, so I have always had direction. Now I have achieved most of the critical ones I am feeling a bit lack lustre.

A couple of years ago I did start the 50 things list which can be found here….

http://www.my50.com/yourlistro.php?list=66eb5d8ed4da564c

The only problem is I only have 32 things on it, so I am looking for ideas and inspiration to add to my list to get it to 50, if you can think of any please let me know. On this link you can see the things I have already completed as well, so you think of something you can check it on there to see if it’s a to do or a done :0) Also don’t be offended if I don’t add your suggestion, it just might not be right for me.

Ooo I have just thought of a fab project for me to do…….. more on that at a later date.

Whilst compiling “My 50” I was very surprised at what I had already achieved and think this is a good self esteem boost for anyone and I would recommend it. Also browse other peoples lists and see if they would like to do something that you would like to do or give you ideas to add to your achievements. I found it bizarre finding out some things that I took for granted that I had done, were on some people’s lists.

So new goals, head towards completing and adding to “My 50”

Afternoon Siestas

2009-08-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

I really think that we should adopt the Mediterranean’s attitude of having afternoons Siestas. Instead of a few hours off in the afternoon and working again in the evening. Leaning more towards and extra hour added on to your lunch break or half an hour to have a power nap. I think this would work wonders and also increase productivity and performance.

I always find afternoon’s a struggle, I think it’s because after lunch I become sluggish while my body digests my food. I find my brain becomes a bit gloopy as well, and not as responsive.

Well the gloop is slowly starting to lift and I am feeling a bit more responsive. I think it was the little break from the norm and a little chat goes a long way.

Cycling in the Rain

2009-07-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Well lo and behold another wet summer for us. As usual the met office lied and said we would have a nice hot summer, I scough as I sit here at the end of July in my winter clothes!!!! Of course the met office is trying to back track now and say that the media misinterpreted what they had said.

To be honest I don’t mind the rain that much but I do like to have a summer. One of my best friends is getting married in about 2 weeks and so I am hoping the weather brightens up (the sun shines on the blessed and all that), also they are having a BBQ as their wedding reception. Each to their own I suppose, definitely wouldn’t be my choice. I can see it now, sausages and burger grease all down your lovely outfits, eeep!!! I much prefer the idea of a nice meal or lot’s of different cheeses and breads, with dips and oils.

On a different note, I purchased a lovely new bike the other week in a bid to get fit and as of yet I haven’t ventured out on it. I have been waiting for some nice weather but I think if I wait for that I shall be waiting forever. So tonight I am popping to Halfords to get some bicycle clips (sad I know but my trousers always get caught) I am also going to purchase a bike rack for my car so I can take the bikes camping when I go with himself the end of August. Also I am encouraging himself to join me in the cycling, he needs inner tubes first!!!! Then we will be off on numerous adventures, there will be no stopping us…..

Monday Blues

2009-07-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am really not in the mood for much today and I can’t really place my finger on why. I am just going to put it down to the fact that it’s a Monday.

I have to stay on in work until later today as I am helping lock up, not that I mind but I don’t want to do it today. Still at least it gets it out of the way for the rest of the week.

Himself has actually agreed to go to the cinema with me this evening. This is momentous because we rarely go to the cinema as he doesn’t like it but then if I go with my friends or family he will sulk that I have been without him. There really is no winning with him. We are going to go to a late showing so there shouldn’t be too many children around; we both find them really annoying when they can’t behave in the cinema.

Well, I have been ok most of the day but now I am resorting to clock watching. Booo!!!!! I hate doing that as it seems I am wishing my life away, which I am not really.

Me and the girls did have a lovely weekend making and drinking cocktails, maybe I am on a come down from that as well. That’s the thing with busy weekends you feel like you haven’t really had a break from it. Still this weekend should be quieter with just a meal out on the Sunday.

Up to date

2009-06-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

Well, that's all of my previous ramblings that were typed out else where, I can now start getting up to date. When I am feeling inspired of course...........

Money and cars

2009-06-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Ok its November now and I am not much closer in getting my Christmas presents bought. This is due to my damn car!!!! I never have any money because of it grrrr. Well I have bought his nibs Christmas present which is a few bits and pieces and a mini break in London with tickets to an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. Ooo how cultured are we? Luckily me, my mum and my sister have put limits on how much we are spending on each other this year for Christmas, this is great as I don’t have to worry too much then either.

I long for the day when I don’t have to fork out loads of money on my car, or for the day when money isn’t so much of a problem. Why does it always feel like you are on a constant struggle against the world? It makes more sense now as Britain heads into a recession, that we’re going to have less money to spend and more and more people will be made redundant and loose their jobs. As reading back on previous rantings I can see I have had many a car trouble. After the exhaust the following month my breaks went and then this month it was in for its MOT and service and now next month I need to replace the Auxiliary belt. Eeep even more money gone!!!! Luckily I have saved a little bit to put towards the cost of my car, or Christmas presents.

I suppose not all parts of your life can run smoothly all at one time and the only thing that has needed doing is my car, so I shall count myself lucky that it’s not my work or personal life going wrong, just my finances. (November 2008)

Presents and Parties

2009-06-08T04:16:00.002-07:00

I am so tired today, I feel like I have had no sleep, although I know I at least had some. Right it’s the beginning of October tomorrow, and knowing how I like to be organised, it’s time to start shopping for Christmas presents. I have no idea what to get his nibs; he has said he has already bought mine!!!!!!!!! This amazes me for a start that he has been that organised and bought it. I really need to get my thinking cap on. It is also his 21st next year and I have a few ideas what to get him for that. We have also started planning a party for him, which he doesn’t know about yet, I am hopeless at keeping secrets from him as well, and I am going to try my hardest not to let on what’s happening.

I also have to have a big think what to get my friend, as I normally get her some sort of Archers product, but now she finds herself with child, obviously she can’t drink. It looks like I will have to resort to her second favourite thing, of pigs. There might also be an extra person to buy for this year in the shape of my sister’s new piece of stuff, hopefully he will still be around, as he is a nice guy (well seems to be at the moment). I can just get him some smelly stuff or something. (September 2008)

Autumn and flip flops?

2009-06-08T04:16:00.001-07:00

Autumn is upon us and yet I am amazed at the amount of people who refuse to believe it and are still wandering around in flip-flops!!! I mean come on……who in their right mind likes soggy feet? I know I certainly don’t and can think of nothing worse. Don’t they know they could suffer horribly and get trench foot or something?!?!?! I can see the point of little dolly/slipper type shoes, to make one look dainty or to go with an outfit, but flip-flops, when it’s raining, complete escapes me.

My one friend tried to tell me before it’s because she has a bad toe…. I just thought that she had been wearing flip flops for so long her feet were too used to them and now could wear nothing else. Not only would your feet be wet but I am sure they would be cold as well. I suppose there is an exception, if you are in hot weather, and all of a sudden it rains, like it would in say places like Florida, then I am sure you could quite easily find yourself in that situation and it would be no fault of your own. (September 2008)

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain

2009-05-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Ok so it’s been heavy rain here for weeks, so I thought I would finally invest in some wellies. I thought there is a need for them considering mostly when it is heavy rain I am walking to or from work and get drenched. My jeans become like sponges and soak up all the water from the pavements within a certain diameter of where each leg is and I leave a trail of dry pavement behind me.

So at the Eisteddfod the other week (yes, I was being cultural), I went into one of the hippy type clothing stores and there were some delightful wellies. Needs must, as I was also up to my knees in mud as trust me I went on the wettest day of the Eisteddfod. So I donned my wellies and was very pleased with myself.

I have however tempted fate and it has been dry every time I have had to walk to work. I have found myself yearning for a heavy down pour and me to be stuck in it with my wellies. The time came this morning, I was walking to work and it had been dry all the way until I was 2mins from the door to work and it came. A torrent of rain to fulfil my aching need, and then as quickly as it had come it passed and so the rest of the day has been sunny. (August 2008)

Cars and Jobs

2009-05-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Ok Today is not a Wednesday but a Thursday, much better. I am alone in the office all day, I find this most boring as not only do I have no one to chat to, and I have no motivation to do any work. Also I can not browse the Internet as it’s not working, much to my annoyance. Damn, I don’t think I have any rambling’s to put down either!!!!!!! What am I going to do?!?!?!?!

Why didn’t anyone tell me that as soon as you have a car you never have any money? It’s true and I would warn anybody thinking of buying a car that once this is done there is no going back as it seems a necessity and that you couldn’t function without it. Thinking I was starting to get my finances back on track and my bank balance actually looking a bit healthier, POOF there goes the exhaust on my car, eeep!!!! So I decide to be very sensible and take it in to Kwik fit straight away. I get it there and not only does it need two parts of the exhaust done but also three new tyres and the tracking!!!!!! Sooooo £300 later and I eventually drive my car away thinking, that I do feel safe in my car but once again I have no money, booooo.

Well hopefully within the next month or so I would have had a promotion and so a little more money, but then that starts getting sucked away by my student loan. There is another reason to complain and not be impressed.

Hopefully the promotion will be mine. So unless I do something drastically wrong between now and the time they appoint somebody, or even at the interview, like I insult them all and turn up with knickers on my head, it should be in the bag (still fingers crossed). (August 2008)

Age Old Weddings

2009-05-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday, the most pointless day of them all I think. It is afternoon and I am ready for a Siesta. This is when you really know you’re old. Also another attack of feeling ancient, I have in the past week found 2, that’s right, count them, 1…2…GREY hairs on my head!!!! How on earth did they get there and where on earth did they come from?????? Ho hum, I have 30mins left in work and I am almost falling asleep. Oh yes I am still with his nibs and it’s been just over a year, things are going good. However other relationships have broken down around me not instilling faith in the whole commitment thing.

Well I have now woken up a bit, and feeling a bit refreshed from my lull of the afternoon. I have started trying to loose some weight and have started eating better and going to a class on occasion called Shape Up and Dance. This is hilarious and showed me that I have a lot less coordination than I previously thought. There is one bit where you have to kind of skip backwards; well I was in stitches as my sister looked like a spider trying to do this.

Tonight I am being very coupley (eep I have fallen into the trap) and cooking a lovely meal for me and his nibs, Venison with mash potatoes and veg. Well I am still a bit cynical about marriage, my sisters’ has now broken down and that was after just over a year of married life together and he had an affair. However, two of my friends are getting married next year and I am bridesmaid for one.

I am a bit peeved as my friend has pinched all the ideas that I told her that I was going to do for mine whey back when. She is having blue embroidery on her dress, which I told her, blue bridesmaids ditto, Celtic style wedding rings and getting married in a castle!!!! I am not impressed, but then I think I am not getting married any time soon and I have never even been asked so she can have my ideas, and if I ever do get married I can think of something more fabulous and also improve on things where she went wrong, and I am sure each wedding is different. Still I suppose I am allowed to be a bit bitter. (2008)

Dreams

2009-05-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

Aren’t dreams weird? I had the most bizarre one yesterday whilst dozing. I dreamt that I was a Chinese MAN of all things, and I was running my own Chinese restaurant. Then a door swung open showing what looked like the yard behind the Chinese with two big skip bins. By the side of the bins were two men, I somehow had a gun in my hand and shot the two guys and then door swung shut and I carried on running the restaurant as if nothing had happened. I have no idea what this means at all. The shooting I can imagine is from the fact that his nibs was playing a computer game at the time where he was a hit man, but the whole Chinese thing, I have no idea.

I am definitely one for crazy dreams though. When I was younger, about 5 or 6 I had a dream I was in school and everyone apart from me had one normal leg and one pig’s leg. I was trying to get out of the school playground but there were people everywhere with a pig’s leg. Even my best friend at the time appeared and asked why I didn’t have one too.

I also had a strange dream the other night, where my sister was pregnant but you could see the baby on the outside of her body!!!! It was very gross and weird.

Do dreams have any meaning? Are they a message from the subconscious? I would like to spend more time pondering on the meaning of dreams and I would like to think that they do have meaning, but it is probably just your mind mixing the whole of the recent events together and coming up with some bizarre output.

The Time has Come

2009-04-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Well I must say it's an absolute delight to be able to eat crisps and I don't think there is anything wrong with it at all. My first packet was a delightful Roast Ox flavour by Real Crisps and then of course I had to try all the bizarre flavours doing the Walkers round. I will have to agree that the Onion Bhaji flavour is the best and tastes most like what it should.

The builders breakfast is strange and you can definitely taste and smell the egg, I could also taste Sausage and tomato. The others are just really strange flavours and I am not sure I would recommend them at all. The Cajun Squirrel one is OK, but just tastes like curry spices rather than anything else, but then what would you expect them to taste like?

At least now I can say that I have the will power to give something up, which I thought I never would lol.

It's the final countdown....

2009-04-07T02:14:00.000-07:00

We are in the final week of lent and I know it's gotten to me now. Last night I had a dream that I was eating crisps and worried as I had broken lent. I awoke in a cold sweat just to realise it was just a dream and it was Tuesday, with only 5 days left to go.

I am planning on having a BIG HUGE bag of crisps. Any ideas yet on what flavour? Also any views on the new Walkers flavours, is there one I really shouldn't miss? I have heard the Builders Breakfast is good.

Woop woop crips binging here I come!!!!!

Lent is almost over woop woop !!!

2009-04-01T03:14:00.000-07:00

Well, as I start coming into the last stretch of the mammoth task that came before me to give up crisps, I am pleased to say that the cravings for crisps started kicking in, about a week after I began. You might not think this is a long time but for me it is. I have still not eaten a crisp though, which I am very proud of and can't wait for Easter day when I will pig out on them.

I have tried substituting crisps for other things, carrot sticks with a nice dip works well and even better salted popcorn. Nothing else works really :0(

The difficulty now being what crisps and what flavour should I choose to break the crisp silent in my mouth and stomach? Any ideas?

I long for the array of flavours and the crunchy texture as the wonder that is the crisp will cascade down my throat and swim in the delight of my stomach. I long for the tingle, taste bud explosion with mouthwatering sensation that you get from the salt and vinegar flavour. Or the heady dark aroma and taste of the Steak and onion. Even the delectable and subtle taste of the ready salted is calling my names on the breeze. How I wait, like there was never such waiting before.......

And so it begins.......

2009-02-26T06:03:00.000-08:00

As a personal challenge and part of lent, I have decided to give up crisps. To most people this wouldn’t appear that hard, however with me, crisps are like other people’s addiction and craving for chocolate. I can’t remember a time where I haven’t had crisps and they haven’t been in my life (dear me I am making them sound like a person). When I was in school I used to have up to 4 packets of crisps a day!!!! Since I’ve gotten older I have cut down on that amount. I am surprised I am not really that fat. When I was eating these 4 packets a day I was training about 3-4 times a week in Badminton, so I think I just burned it off.

The first day without crisps yesterday went fine. I didn’t crave them at all and I was ok at lunch time as well when I normally have my packet of the day. Today is proving a bit harder. I would like to have a packet but I will say NO. One of the guys in work was ever so cruel and took two packets of crisps and waved them either side of my head, saying I was seeing things and I know I wanted them. I WILL NOT GIVE IN!

Aaaaargh lunch time is almost here and I would love some crisps. This could just be because I am hungry more than anything else. Let’s hope that I will be fine once I have had my lunch.

Ok I have had my lunch, I still feel a bit hungry but more satisfied and I am not really craving crisps, so that’s something :0)

Am I too old or him too young?

2009-02-13T00:30:00.002-08:00

Well it’s been a while since I have been bored enough in work to type down the mundane thoughts that have been going through my head. I am not as such bored in work today, as in the fact I have practically done all my work and there is not much left for me to do so I am trying to drag out the last few things over today and tomorrow.

I have as well found myself attached. Yes, even with my cynical ways, I have managed it. This guy at the moment is great but then we are in the honeymoon period as we have only been seeing each other for just over 3 months. I think give it time and we shall see. As previously stated if we are still together after 4 years then I shall be able to comment. For the time being he is brilliant, albeit several years younger than me, there is a lot to be said for the younger man. They have a lot more energy, are more daring and a lot more interesting. Also it means that you can act younger as well and they can introduce you to new things that you might have missed out on. However, there is also down sides that come along with it, for example the feeling of being old. I was looking at my blokes computer and realised that there was no floppy disc drive, I questioned this with him and of course he laughed at me saying that nobody uses them any more, to which I thought actually no they don’t really, only archaics like me I suppose from time to time. In its place were memory card readers and USB ports.

A bad thing though now that I am no longer single I have put on weight, I am now the heaviest I have ever been in my life. There are a number of tyres forming around my middle. Something has to be done, this simply isn’t good enough!!!! I should also loose it now while I can rather than waiting until I put on even more weight and approach middle age only to find out it won’t budge and I have the dreaded middle age spread.

I also have some other exciting news concerning work this time. They are opening a new gallery in December and they have used me as a basis for a sketch or a Roman woman being cremated (dear me, almost typed worm then, that would have been disturbing).

Eeep!!! I must slow down otherwise I will have no work to do tomorrow what so ever!!!!!! I dunno, hehehehehe.

Woop woop the lovely Mark has come to my rescue and provided me with more work so I will not be left destitute tomorrow and look like I am skiving with nothing to do, nothing worse really.

I am just wondering what will happen to this document if I were to die tomorrow, not a nice thought I know but would it ever be found or would it be lost on the system and then deleted without a second glance, not that it bothers me really as it’s just some ramblings. (July 2007)

How long is too long?

2009-02-13T00:30:00.001-08:00

I have just been sat here thinking, whilst I work obviously (I am a woman and can multi task), why do your non-single friends always say the same thing ‘don’t worry you’ll find someone when you least expect it, and you know when they’re the one’ complete rubbish. I mean it is very easy for them to say as they are with someone and everything is hunky dory. I was with ‘the’ ex for 6 ½ years do they not think I thought that he was the one. We had planned our wedding, what we were going to call our kids even the name of our sodding dog for crying out loud. I know that we got together young but still that is no reason not to think they are the one. They have only been in their relationships for about 3 years; I think they can comment when they have been with them a lot longer. I firmly believe it takes you 3 years to get to know someone properly and then you can make your mind up and see how you live with them, with the mundane and nothing surprising you about them anymore and that takes its time to settle in to. I think a fair comment is after you have been with them for about 4 years plus.

I think on the outlook its best to stay single and not get attached as nothing lasts forever and you save yourself a lot of grief and heartache which is definitely better to live without. There is an old saying ‘Better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all’, absolute codswallop it is much better to never have experienced love than to have and then loose it. You can’t miss what you do not know; mind you I think they both have the same result at the end, misery, cats and a beating stick.

Well tonight I shall be dining at my friends house and drowning my cynical sorrows with a glass or two of wine and I am sure my outlook will not improve in the slightest, I need something fresh to take my mind off things. Maybe the sun will improve my mood when I go out for lunch, but I think I might just find it depressing as I have no money for retail therapy, then I suppose that’s where plastic becomes your friend.

Cat Woman

2009-02-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

All of my friends are now in a relationship of some sort and I am left the only sad single one, and to rub that in just a bit more my friend who is getting married has placed me on the singles table. Not that I mind entirely as I would do the same if I had sad single friends as its cheaper than asking them to bring a guest.

I firmly believe that I am going to be alone and become the nasty cat woman you hear so often about. I am also going to get myself a walking stick or otherwise known as a beating stick, with a sharp point on the end. This is so I can beat naughty children with and also if their footballs dare to come onto my land I will stab it with my stick, bwhahahahahahaaaaaaa. I think this is already coming into place as yesterday I told off one of the children in my street last night. I was driving home and got into my street, I was most annoyed as I had spent an hour on a coach for a 20min journey as the damn trains weren’t running again. Anyway, I drove down and some children were playing with the hose and sprayed my car, I was not impressed as my windows were down, but thought they had done it by accident, I turned my car round and came back up the street and they did it again and definitely on purpose. So I stopped my car, reversed and told him off, bless he looked scared and said sorry so I went on my way. Well they have to learn they can’t go about doing things like that, even though I probably would have done the same when I was younger.

What did the Roman's ever do for us?

2009-02-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

It is the end of January already, and while I am freezing in my office my grandparents are on a cruise around the world. They are at this moment in Honolulu. I am hoping that I can look forward to an old age like them. This year is going too quickly for me already. Ah well, I have nothing to complain about I suppose. Apart from the dreaded Valentines Day is approaching and my first one where I am single in years. I am not sure whether to jump for joy or slit my wrists, joyful that I haven’t got to spend any money or sad because I am all alone in this cruel world. I think I shall concentrate on the first option. Well just doing some research and lo and behold Valentines Day originated from Rome. Typical another thing the ever so helpful Romans did for us. (January 2007)

Friday woop woop!

2008-11-21T02:09:00.000-08:00

Another Friday and this evening I am off to a meal for my friends mothers birthday, although I might be proved wrong and it will be a delightful evening. However, I am convinced it won’t be and I will have to listen to her mother be nothing but rude and putting me down. I don’t know why she does this but has done it ever since I was younger. She would always find something which she could either laugh at me about or put me down on, whether I was learning to drive or the clothes I was wearing. I think my other friends have picked up that my friend does the same, she thinks that she is joking but it is so easy for people to take it the wrong way, and after a while I think it sounds abusive.

Well hopefully I can escape the meal early and head off into town and surround myself with the young. Albeit some are certainly a lot younger than me, but it must be better than old bitter people. I think me and my best friend came to the decision that we are not snobs we just have taste. Not that Bridgend is the worst place but it definitely has a lot of less desirables. However, there is the odd little classy place in Bridgend like Foxes and Cabo Roche wine bar. It is always a pleasure to go in there and avoid places like Cody’s. Another place to avoid would be Jaggers, mind you this isn’t too bad if you are on the hunt for young blood or a pound a shot. Cody’s used to be bearable when they served cocktails but now it is just a place for leachy old men. As I described once to an acquaintance "Bridgend is like a safari park, drive through with the doors locked and the windows shut and you’ll be fine", this especially true on a weekend night

Champers and Quizzes

2008-11-21T02:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a revelation in the fact that I found out that my boss also talks to herself. I was there minding my own business just working away of course and then I heard it. The distinct chattering to herself about pieces of paper on her desk. A smile spread across my face and I realised I was not alone.

Also my friend brought to my attention that it is not only words we can’t spell that we have to say out loud in order for them to become clear but also when reading old English. This also requires the reader to speak aloud in order for the words to make sense. Otherwise it becomes a heaped jargon inside your head. The same is also true for some forms of poetry.

We then proceeded to quaff champagne and head down for the pub quiz. Unfortunately our favourite bar man wasn’t there so I couldn’t wangle my friend a free drink for her Birthday. Let me clarify. This man is not our favourite bar man because he is gorgeous and we are in awe of him. He is in fact our favourite bar man because he gives us table service and sometimes free drinks. He is also a very nice guy and you know that if you were in a pickle he would look after you, of course if he wasn’t trying to ply you with drinks.

The quiz was not successful…let me re-phrase…we were not successful at the quiz. We had a number of disagreements with the quiz master. One being over whether pigs can swim or not? I thoroughly believed that Pigs could not swim as they would slit their throats trying, which I am sure I learnt from some trivia when I was little. I ‘Googled’ it this morning though and it turns out that some pigs can swim and really enjoy it. Also another question, which has more bones, the arm or the leg and they are actually equal (although I did think that the leg had more bones). There is one more metacarpal (wrist bone) than there is metatarsals (ankle bone) but this is balanced up by the Patella (knee cap). Silly quiz man! He also has an unhealthy obsession with Arsenal football team, and any sports questions are based upon this, which I think is completely unfair. Not only because I hate football but because it is biased between one sport and also if I did like football I would not choose to support Arsenal. (January 2007)

Monday Blues

2008-09-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

Another Monday. I really thought that this one would go slow, but looking at the clock now and I only have 34mins left. So I thought sod the work for the rest of the day lets see if I can’t amuse myself some other way. I really must go to the gym this evening, not that it is a resolution as such but because I am sure that as we speak I can feel the dimples of cellulite encroaching upon my upper thighs. I am also almost certain that no woman is free from these. Unless of course you are actually fit or you are so skinny you might as well be a skeleton.

This is another thing I don’t understand. Anorexia, not meaning to sound harsh but how on Earth can anybody give up food……I know I certainly can’t, it is one of the few luxuries that I have (yes I am sad). But there are too many different tastes out there to banish them. What annoys me even more than anorexia is ignorant people who say stupid things like ‘I don’t ‘do’ Sea food’ as if all sea food tastes the same so they obviously don’t like it, they could at least try. Or the only fish they venture having is Cod, which is not that interesting a taste.

Or maybe I am just lucky that I am adventurous with my food, if there is something on the menu that I haven’t tried before I have an urge that I have to try it. Most of the time I like it, I can’t remember a time when I have ordered something from a menu and not liked it. Maybe I am just easy to please as well.

Don’t get me wrong there are definitely things that I don’t like. For example cauliflower and broccoli I think are disgusting. I also have an aversion to peas. This is due to my first year in university. I was placed in a guest house for my accommodation which was quite good; I got bed, breakfast and evening meal. Except all the evening meals came with peas. So I spent practically a year eating nothing but peas and now I hate them, not that I was a massive fan to start with either.

Blank Day

2008-08-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well today is a particularly blank day for me, all I seem to have going round my head is random snippets of songs which don’t equate into anything. Also I am trying my hardest not to give in to the temptation to sod who ever is in the room with me and have a kip. I do this from time to time. Sink low in my swivel chair and rest my head, close my eyes and have a lovely cat nap. Of course being careful not to nod off completely so that I can hear when one of the doors go and I can jump to alert (and I am doing work) status.

Normally when I feel this tired I nip to the loo to wake myself up. However, there are three problems with this, someone might think that I have a bladder problem; another would be to think I have some sort of infection like cystitis or something. The last and by no means least, I might bump into the suspect lesbian. Not that I am in the least bit homophobic, but I can’t figure this girl out. She always talks to me as if she is chatting me up and I start to feel really shy about it. I also think this as she has asked me out for drinks and also to play football (?). Maybe I am reading too much into it and she is just being nice, but I still don’t trust it.

Well back from the loo and no suspect lesbian in sight. I am also feeling slightly more awake. I am sure it won’t last long and I will be back to the rolling of eyes and jerking of head, where you are just about to fall off to sleep and then realise you are not meant to. Maybe I shall listen to the radio and see what dire so-called hit they pump into my ear holes. I really need to sort out putting some music on the MP3 player on my phone. Umm typical adverts, all droning on about car deals and discount supermarkets, I WANT MUSIC on my radio, please. They also tell you on most radio stations (or maybe I am generalising) that today is the national day of something or other, which sometimes I find quite useful.

Conversations in Your Head

2008-08-11T06:46:00.001-07:00

I sit here continuing my days work and I realise suddenly that I have conversations with myself in my head; of course this must be completely normal. Everybody has conversations with themselves in their heads, its called thinking. Duh! At what point then does the mouth become engaged and then involved in this conversation? Is that when we turn mad? I think at times I have reached this point and have often had a conversation to myself and answered my own questions. Oh how I can talk, I can go on for a good while before I realise I am the only one in the room. I don’t even have the excuse of pets or even living on my own.

Singing to yourself is considered normal and a sign that you are happy, so why not talking to yourself? Is it because it can turn into a debate or even an argument with you? Or is it that people just don’t want to hear what you have to say let alone to yourself? I think this is something which credits thinking about. Everyone should test it out. First walk down the street singing to yourself and then do it talking to yourself and see how people react to both. I have to say I am a hypocrite and I do give people strange looks if they are talking to themselves, I think I will have to amend that.

I think I will have to survey my friends and see what their thoughts are on the matter as well. This should be quite interesting as my friends are quite eclectic and should come up with a varied response. I have also noticed that if you don’t know how to spell a word we say it out loud. Does this make it clearer to hear it with your ear rather than in your head?