Thursday, August 31, 2006

Thursday's UKS Blog Prompt

Where/What is your comfort? When things get tough or a bit too mad, where do you go for comfort: food? a book? a fantasy? exercise? a secret place? a special friend? hot bath? or … ?

Lianne's ... if she wasn't there some days I swear I would crack up !!!

She listens, soothes and then straight talks me back home, and I love her loads !

*insert hearty smiley*

Chopped !!

I've done it !!!

As you can see my new profile photo, I've been and done it .... my hair has been chopped. From being about 1cm from my waist, its now lying on my shoulders !!
My hands were shaking when the hairdresser made the first cut and I continued shaking until she had completely finished !

Thanks to Lianne for taking a good photo (and air-spraying out the big spot on my chin) !!

Oven Fire

I set the oven on fire last night. I put garlic and herb bread in the oven, and didn't realise i'd left a tray in the oven, with fat in !!! eeeek !!! Next thing I knew there was a putrid smell coming from the oven, so I went over and opened the oven and WHOOOOOOSH !!!! A massive flame leapt out at me. I blasphemed and kicked the door shut straight away and ran for Tony next door - who came and rescued me !!

The smell afterwards was horrendous and the whole house stunk/stank (?) After a cold evening, I am pleased to say that the smell has now more or less gone !!

Am I a numpty or wot !

Design Team

I'm waiting to find out if I have secured a place on the Scrapfairies DT with Sam .... fingers crossed ! Not sure when the announcement is, but the closing date was yesterday.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Tuesday and Wednesday UKS Prompts !!

Tuesday

Five things that wind you up or make you wanna scream... ???

1. People who chomp when they eat. Its disgusting, surely they can hear themselves. Its not just that I'm fussy over it, it really does make me wretch hearing and (worst of all) seeing someone's food as they're eating it ... *gags*

2. Inconsiderate People. As in people who give no consideration to others ie., when driving, opening doors for others, queuing, parking in disabled spots and more than anything, no consideration or thought given to people's feelings.

3. Bad atmosphere's. I can sniff a bad atmosphere from a million miles. I hate it when people fall out, or 'brew' on something for hours and days ... just say it and get it over and done with. I suppose it stems from when my friend Shirley and I fell out ... we never made it up and she moved to America. I've never heard from her since, and I still miss her desperately 20 years later xx.

4. This one is a continuation of the above .... say what you think. I would rather someone tell me they hate me and give me reasons why, rather than continue small talk or causing a bad atmosphere. A SPADE IS A SPADE ....if you have something to say then SAY IT !!! Everyone could have a different opinion, but that is allowed in life ... no-one says you HAVE to agree with everyone, and no-one says you have to LIKE everyone who comes into your life.

5. Uncleanliness. Drives me potty - I can smell someone a mile away if they stink. I just can't help it, but it really does knock me sick. You can get a bar of soap for 20p nowadays ... there's absolutely no need for anyone to pong these days.

Sorry if I've upset anyone, but after all, they are only my opinions !!! xxxxx

Wednesday Prompt

You can pick 5 people for dinner - who ??

1. Giles Brandreth. Apart from being an extremely intelligent man (sadly lacking in a lot of politicians), he is also one of the funniest speakers I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

2. Freddie Starr. I love this man ... I wanted to breed his children ... (too old now) ... He is without one of the funniest men in history (close second to Norman Wisdom). He walks on a stage and has me in absolute stitches. His voice when he is serious, is the voice of an angel. Love him, love him.

3. Elton John - one of the best music writers and singers. I'd really like to get inside his head.

4. Anastasia - Her voice sends goosebumps all over me .. plus she's a really intelligent level-headed woman, and, I think she'd be great fun on a girls' night out !!!!

5. Sorry about this, but I have to group these ones together - THE GIRLS ! (all my fabulous friends - past and present) - Oh, to get us all together for one last time - the place would rock !!!!!!!!!

Well ... i've read my list over and I can't wait for dinner !!!!!

Dentist

I went to the Dentist today and only needed a 'clean' - yay !!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Two more UKS Prompts

What did you want to be when you were grown up ?

For some reason ? I always wanted to be a Secretary. Thankfully I did become a secretary after going to a Secretarial College. I was a secretary in lots of different fields, shipping, accountancy, financial and eventually Law, although I took this further.

Treasure chest: you have a small chest and you’re going to place things in it that symbolise who you are, important milestones, etc. so that someone years after you’re gone will look at it and see the essence of you. For example, you might place a stethoscope if you’re a doctor or medical student, a Bible if your faith is important to you, etc. Which five items would you choose and why? No photographs (though you could use a camera if you're a photographer)...just symbolic items.

Erm ... well someone else suggested their computer hard drive, and I really have to agree with that. My whole life revolves around my computer. Photographs, documents, my friends, contacts etc.etc. I have met numerous friends via the internet, many of them will be true lifelong friends. My whole life is on one weeny hard drive ... bizarre eh ?!!

Secondly, I would put in Aaron's Birth Certificate. My life changed completely when I gave birth. From being a woman who worked hard and played hard, I became (and still am) a doting mother. I still wake up every morning and thank god that I am a mother to the most adorable son in the world.

Thirdly, I'd put in my wedding ring. Not in a million years did I ever think i'd get married. I never imagined there was anyone who could cope with me ! Thankfully though, I met and married Stewart at the grand age of 41, because at last, I felt I was ready to commit.

Fourthly, I'd put in the gold chain and locket from my 30th Birthday which represents my mum and dad. Mum wanted me to have a gold watch, Dad wanted me to have a locket. Hey, I struck lucky and got both !! Sadly, over the years I've lost the gold watch :(, but I do still have the locket and chain.

Fifthly, I'd put in a smiley badge. Hopefully that would represent me. I always try to find the good in people, and try to make the best out of a bad situation. I hope it would show that a smile costs nothing - a smile given freely could make the day of a lonely stranger.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Thursday's UKS Blog

What family traditions do you have ?

I am struggling with this one, because i'm sure each family do things that other families think of as strange and weird, but are really a family tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation ....

I eat porridge with salt because my mum does .. no-one else I know does, they have all sugar and milk - yeuch, yeuch.

At Christmas, we used to have to have breakfast before opening our presents - cruel or what ???? I wouldn't dream of doing it to Aaron, because i'm normally as excited as him !! LOL !

Erm erm ... i'll come back later with more - honest !!!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Aaargh i've been tagged - again !!!!

Four jobs I've had in my life:
1. Saturday job in a hairdressers
2. Bank Clerk
3. Directors PA for a large shipping company
4. Para-Legal running a Remortgage Department

Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. One flew over the cuckoos nest
2. Green Mile
3. Dirty Dancing
4. Chicago

Four places I have lived:
1. Wallasey, Wirral
2. Rochdale, Lancashire

Four TV shows I love to watch:
1. Max & Paddy
2. Big Bro
3. X Factor
4. Corrie

Four places I've been on vacation:
1. Greece
2. Spain
3. Portugal
4. Scotland

Four websites I visit regularly:
1. www.ukscrappers.co.uk
2. www.ukstampers.co.uk
3. www.thecraftforum.co.uk
4. www.ebay.co.uk

Four of my favourite foods:
1. Indian food (traditional)
2. Cheese and onion crisps
3. Steak and kidney pie/pudding
4. Chinese food

Four places I would rather be right now (which is at home):

1. Having a one-to-one demonstration with Sir Tim
2. On holiday with the family in Portugal - Carvoeira
3. Scrapping with Lianne and/or shopping for stash !!
4. Liverpool Football Club in the changing room with the team !!

Four things that make me smile:

1. My son, family etc.
2. Shopping
3. Smell of new stash and new shoes
4. Waking up every morning.

I tag ........ erm ........ erm ...........

Tuesday's Blog Prompt

Which scrapbooking technique(s) have you seen and liked, but not tried yet?

I'd love to have a go at image transferring. Cherry kindly bought the stash for me to do it, but she's away on holiday. Once she's back, i'll be nagging for her to send it so that I can have a go !!!

Why did you like it?

I think the concept of it is fabulous, and can be used for all different types of mediums. I have a couple of projects already in the pipeline.

What scrapbooking technique(s) have you recently tried for the first time? Did you like it and did it work for you?

I have started drawing and working from other people's sketch maps. I have found that my work looks more sort of erm ... finished ... .professional.

I have about 8 new layouts to photograph and download, so I'll get them done over the next few days and load them on here.

Lunch

Went to the Hopwood Arms for lunch today. Its a fab pub near where I live who do the most incredbile food. It also helps that there's a hoooooge children's play area, and is on the banks of the canal. We therefore stuffed ourselves silly, let Aaron have a play, and then everyone took the long walk home back along the canal. Its been a lovely afternoon.

(I didn't walk back by the way, because I am a lazy moo) !!!!

Monday, August 21, 2006

UKS Monday Blog Prompt

What does your name mean ?

Gender: Female
Origin: Old French
Meaning: Melody, Song

I suppose it is quite 'me' really as I'm always walking around singing or whistling ... much to the shame of Stewart and Aaron !!

My nickname is Cal ..... I absolutely hate Caz - yeuch, gross, orrible.

Colin and Del have arrived

Well actually they arrived last night. We had dinner and then sat around drinking copious amounts/bottles/glasses of wine ... and then fell into bed.

Today

We all went to the Manchester Science Museum for a mooch around ... Col and Del were well impressed with the place, and I must be honest, it it one of those museums where you find something new or different every time you visit.

Went to the pub for a pub lunch. Home ... had dinner .. am now drinking more copious amounts of wine .... *insert happy very happy smiley*

Hope all who are reading this are as very merry as me .... !!

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Daily Blog - its now Sunday - Ooops - Fridays !!

We have to advise ourselves of 5 things we wish we'd have known at 14 ..... or something similar to that ... (can't find the thread now - poo and pants)....

1. Its allowed to say no ... to all sorts of things.
2. You don't HAVE to do what your friends do.
3. Its ok to be different - in fact its fantastic.
4. My view WILL change on things.
5. Stand up for the under dog more.
6. Looks DO NOT matter.
7. You get what you work hard for. You get nowt for owt.

ok ... so i'm rabbiting ....... done !!!

Massive thanks to Natbag (UKS) !!!!!

Massive thank you's to Natalie - Natbag on UKS for sorting out my blog ...

She's spent days sorting out my banner and scrolly-screeny-picture-dooh-dah-thingy ... I've driven her round the bend and back !!!!

I hate being un-techy on things and feel so stupid, but Nat never once made me feel daft - so a million thank you's - you truly are a techy-angel !!!! Oh, and she's on my DT as well which helps !!!!

Heaps of hugs and snogs Nat xxxxxxxxxxx

Thursday, August 17, 2006

UKS Daily Blog Promt

Ok, to help me keep my blog up to date, I've subscribed to the UKS daily blog prompt ... Every day we will be given a question that we have to answer on our blogs .... Today's prompt:

Who are the people you've met that you gained the most from ?

1. Carol Bellis - one of my old school teachers. She gave me my love of music, taught me to play the guitar, taught me my times tables - and attended my wedding !!! She is a fabulous inspirational teacher and friend.

2. My mum - she's just soooooo cool even at 72 and is a fab scrapper too !!

3. My darling son, who keeps me grounded. :)

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

OMG - i've been tagged !!!!!!!!!

I've been tagged -OMG, i'll have to give 'proper' answers .. here goes...

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?

Somewhere inbetween my mum and Stewarts mum and dad. A nice modern easy-to-clean house with a massive light and airy extension for me to craft in, a huge footie/cricket/rugby/golf field/course for Aaron... i'd be happy as a pig in .... poo !

2. What's your favourite article of clothing?

Probably a good quality pair of black trousers - i live and die in them !! I really love wearing the colour red, it always makes me feel very feminine.

3. Favourite physical feature of the opposite sex?

A nice backside and thighs ..... hmmmmmmmm..... oh and a hairy chest *insert horny smiley*

4. What's the last CD that you bought?

Nina Simone greatest hits. I just luuuuurv her.

5. Where's your favourite place to be?

At home with my family and my mum visiting, I feel safe and secure.

6. Where's your least favourite place to be?

Dentist.

7. What's your favourite place to be massaged?

My neck. Can't bear my feet being touched - yeuch !

8. Strong in mind or strong in body?

Mind

9. What time do you wake up in the morning?

Every day about 6.30am.

10. What is your favourite kitchen appliance?

My new microwave/grill

11. What makes you really angry?

People who think they are superior to you. People who try to walk over others. I tend to always 'take on' things where I think the person is the underdog and won't stand up for themselves *is a gobby moo*

12. If you could play any instrument what would it be?

I play Piano but would love to play saxaphone.

13. Favourite colour?

Red or pink

14. Sports car or SUV?

Prefer people carrier because we can fit everything into one ...

15. Do you believe in an afterlife?

Yes I do - I'm not afraid of death because I do believe.

16. Favourite children's book? Famous Five

17. What's your favourite season?

I like them all really, can't say I have a favourite. They all have pros and cons !!

18. What is your least favourite household chore? Ironing

19. If you could have one super power what would it be ?

Read people's minds.

20. If you have a tattoo what is it?

Don't have one, I keep thinking what would I look like when I'm 80 !!

21. Can you juggle? Yes

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My dad or my Auntie Rosa.

23. What's your favourite day? Saturday.

24. What's in the boot of your car?

Cricket bag and contents, travel rug, bag with towel and trunks in from Aaron swimming. 2 footballs.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?

Would love to say sushi, as I think its very classy to eat, but it tastes like raw fish (ha ha ha ha ha) !!!!! Definitely hamburger !!!

Right ... i'm off to 'tag' someone else now .... think it will be Lou (Lorraine) here's the link ..

http://lorraines-place.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Prodigal Returns and the Loft ....

Prodigal

YAY !!!! My boy is home ... phew ! Apparently he had a great time and has been spoilt rotten, but at least he is home, and we've brought his best friend from 'home' back with us .... Matthew. Three days in and all is going great, i've hardly seen em, although I have been a very good 'mum' and took them out every day. Today we went to the park and took our Gnasher with us on the elongated lead. He was actually really good, and during our time there he came face to face with a fifteen week old Rottweiller. They were both really good together, but Gnasher got bored and decided to jump in there with a nip to 'Vince's' nose ! Brave little sod - I bet he wouldn't do it again if we bump into Vince in six months time !!

Loft

Loft has now been sorted - YAY !!! I can store and hide things away now ! We've had a massive and I mean, massive clear out .. and what was left, went up in the loft ... I can't believe how gorgeous upstairs now looks ... I can see my rocking chair !!! *insert happy smiley*

Microwave/Grill

Ok, i'm getting used to it ... bacon and mushrooms are devine in it, and I love it because I can switch it on and walk away and not have to worry about setting the grill pan on fire !!! Have I ever mentioned about the time I set my mums kitchen on fire when I was cooking bacon ? I was erm ... 40 at the time ...in fact, I don't think i'll carry on with this story !

Stewart

Has now lost 8lb at Slimmers World. I have gained 2lb ... work that one out someone !! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr !!

*wonders if it could have been the McDonalds last week*

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Whoops ....... forgot to update !


See i'm just not used to all this updating palava ... anyway....

End of Term

Was two weeks ago now *insert laughing smiley* and I still haven't had a second to myself yet !

Loft, lagging and lights

We didn't have a loft - we have one now. We didn't have any lagging, we've now got some. We didn't have lights into a loft, we've now got one.....

We did have a fab walk-in wardrobe, which I 'somehow' managed to stuff full of ahem .. my clothes and crafting gear ... and then 'shoved' everything else into there as and when required.... anyway, because its illegal NOT to have a loft - we've now got one !

So, while Aaron has been away in Scotland with mum (thats another story), Stewart and I have been busy sorting, storing and chucking away .... NOT MY CRAFT STASH btw, but clothes and carpy toys etc. etc..... What was left has gone into the new loft !!! Its Grrrrrrreat ! I can store all the carp I want and have heaps and tons of room in the walk-in wardrobe for all my 'spare' stashand stash that needs hiding for a little while until it becomes 'integrated' into my usual stash *insert dodgy smiley* ... anyway, the loft is done YAY !!!!!!!!!!!

Microwave

MIL and FIL have treated us to a new microwave - well actually its a microwave and grill - which means I'm not gonna be able to use it .... it means its technical, and I don't do technical. I can master a microwave .. but why try and confuse me with a grill as well - what on earth is steamed AND grilled bacon gonna taste like ?? Will my bacon go crispy ? I've got a 'george' ... and I don't want to retire him ... Right, as I don't 'do' instructions, i'll have to wait until Stewart works it all out and then 'lectures' me how to use it !!

Actually, its really nice posh and shiny, as in its chrome ... posh or wot ?!!! *insert happy smiley*

UKS Cybercrop

Its summer cyber crop time !! I spent a fab day today at Lianne's with her and her sister Elise. I managed to complete the double layout (above i think). I had wanted to complete another double layout tonight when I got home, but typically, my printer has now busted. *insert sobbing smiley* It means i'm stuffed, because if its not the cartridge then its technical, and as we all know ... i don't do technical !!

Aaron and Mother

Mother once again managed to 'persuade' me to allow her to take Aaron on holiday up to Scotland. From the nightly phone call that I insisted upon (and which mother reluctantly agreed to) ... it sounds like they're both have a fabulous time, but I WANT MY BOY BACK !!!! I miss him ..... I know i'm odd, but I really do enjoy spending time with my lovely lad. *insert sobbing smiley* Aaaah well, he's back on Sunday, and no doubt by Monday he'll be pecking my head telling me he's 'bored' and 'what are we gonna do today' !!! Such is life eh ?!!!

Love 'n' stuff - Cal xxxxx