Saturday was rather exciting as I was able to zoom around a few shops without the buggy. I went up and down all the escalators and squeezed myself through narrow gaps. The only thing I bought was a magazine to take to the theatre.
It was rather lovely going to the theatre on my own. When we lived in London, I went through a stage of going to the cinema alone on Saturday afternoons while Paul played football. The first film I saw was the 'Blair Witch Project' which looking backwas a bit of a random choice to watch alone. The second film I saw was 'the Sixth Sense' and I walked all the way home crying. After that I stopped going alone. However, I was more than happy at the theatre alone with my magazine and packet of Starburst.
The play ('A View From The Bridge') was absolutely fantastic. Scarlett Johannson was amazing (and gorgeous) but it was the man man, Liev Schreiber, who stole the show. If you are interested in what it was about you can google it but it left me with a lump in my throat. Luckily, I was able to compose myself before I walked back. The next theatre trip planned is with my brother in a couple of weeks when we are off to see Denzel Washington in 'Fences'.
Yesterday, we were going to explore part of the north of Long Island before going to spend the afternoon with Paul's boss and his family. Paul had been very organised and booked a hire car with a child seat through Hertz which we went to collect in the morning. They gave us the keys to the car and it was only when we found it we realised the child seat was loose. I spoke to the lady who said that they aren't allowed to fit the child seats anymore so we had to fit it ourselves following the instructions. Well, the 'instructions' turned out to be a sticky label on the side of the car seat. Now, both Paul and I have many talents but neither of us is particularly useful when it comes to being practical. We ended finding a member of staff who apparently was allowed to tell us what to do. That was when we found out that the car we had been given didn't actually have the correct fittings for the child seat. It took Paul a while to get the booking lady to realise that it wasn't unreasonable to assume that we would actually want the child seat to be fitted in the car so finally she offered us a different car. After being there an hour, the chap actually fitted the child seat in the new car just to get rid of us. The new car was the size of a bus. Paul filled me with confidence when he said, "Oh, I've never driven a car this big before." Oh good, I thought. The rest of the trip was more successful as we looked at a couple of potential places to move to, Great Neck and Port Washington. Boy Wonder was given a compliment by some people in a restaurant for being so well behaved and he spent the afternoon chasing after the cutest little dog ever.
Boy Wonder has learnt to say 'Wow' and says it at every available opportunity. He also does exaggerated 'Mmmm' sounds whenever he is eating. I'm thinking this may be to make me feel better about my cooking. He has a rather nice blue spotty tea set from Early Learning Centre and has been making tea for his teddies for a while now. He has now developed this skill further by pouring his water from his beaker into the cups and putting a cup of 'tea' on each of the bedside tables in Paul and I's room. Next week we are teaching him how to work the kettle.
You'll be pleased to know it's not all glam and fast living over here. It rained heavily today so I got as far as the supermarket and back and even had time to go down and do the laundry. It's due to rain again tomorrow so I doubt we will go too far. The weather is due to clear in the middle of the week and the temperatures going up. The forecast at the moment is 78 degrees in time for my birthday. Woo hooo!!!! I may just have to go shopping as the only clothes I have here are my winter ones. That makes shopping for new clothes a 'necessity' as opposed to a 'want'. And apparently that makes a difference ...... xx
Monday, 29 March 2010
Friday, 26 March 2010
Family Dating
Family Dating. That was what they were discussing on the 'Today' show yesterday morning. At first I thought it was what you did if you were a single parent and wanting to meet a new partner who also had a family. Then I watched the short video and it was all woman talking so then I thought it was something to do with single parents wanting to meet a same sex partner. But I was wrong. Apparently, 'family dating' is what I should be doing!!!! It's when you actually 'court' another 'mom' with children and spend time together seeing if you get along and if your children get along. That is actually the language they were using. You 'court' each other and it also gave tips on how to deal with 'ending your relationship'. Holy Moly - I'm going to have to give this a little more thought. I mean, what should I wear to the park? Will I look too forward if I make the first move? Do I say 'I'll call you'? What if they don't call me back???
Yesterday morning Boy Wonder and I found found a fantastic playground in Central Park complete with huge sandpit (which we have since bought some toys for). Central Park is like an oasis of calm in the middle of the madness. For some reason it was even more busy than usual down Fifth Avenue. I have a new game which is called 'Spot the English Person'. They are the ones with a complete set of bags from Abercrombie and Fitch, NBA and Hershey's.
Unfortunately, the sunglasses haven't stopped weirdy beardy approach number 2. I was waiting at the traffic lights with a whole crowd of people when a man started rambling away to my left. Like everyone else, I just ignored him. Then all of a sudden he leaned into me and said 'I'm talkin' to you.' So everyine turned and stared. Thankfully, the light changed and I power-walked ahead. Brilliant, I thought, I've lost him. Now, those of you that have been to New York will know the roads are on a grid system and as soon as you get caught at one set of lights you will be stopping the whole way down. So there I was, making my great escape, until I was caught at the next light with rambling man rapidly approaching. You would have been very proud as I did a swift turn to my left and crossed the other junction instead. Maybe I should be wearing a hat as well as my sunglasses. Any more tips anyone (from anyone other than Sam D!)?
Talking of great escapes, we nearly had another one this morning. Normally after Paul leaves for work I turn the latches in the door. This morning, Boy Wonder was up earlier and sitting on my lap having a cuddle when Paul left and I forgot about the door (you can probably see where this is heading...) After breakfast I went in the bedroom and then I heard a noise. 'Oh, that sounds a bit like the door' I thought to myself. Panic immediately set in as I went in the hallway to see that, indeed, Boy Wonder had made a great escape. I opened the door to see him charging down the corridor with his little legs wobbling about in his nappy and stripey pyjama top. My first thought was that he did look quite cute. My second thought was that I was actually quite impressed that he knew how to open the door and the thought process behind his great escape. Of course, my last thought was that I am a slummy mummy and I've learnt a lesson there.
We had a quiet day and mooched around Bryant Park where Boy Wonder found a ramp to run up and down. We then went on a carousal where Boy Wonder made loud 'woo woo' noises and rather louder noises when he needed to get off.
Really pleased it's the weekend. Off to the theatre tomorrow. Can't wait. Might stop me thinking about the girls at Book Club on Sunday xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yesterday morning Boy Wonder and I found found a fantastic playground in Central Park complete with huge sandpit (which we have since bought some toys for). Central Park is like an oasis of calm in the middle of the madness. For some reason it was even more busy than usual down Fifth Avenue. I have a new game which is called 'Spot the English Person'. They are the ones with a complete set of bags from Abercrombie and Fitch, NBA and Hershey's.
Unfortunately, the sunglasses haven't stopped weirdy beardy approach number 2. I was waiting at the traffic lights with a whole crowd of people when a man started rambling away to my left. Like everyone else, I just ignored him. Then all of a sudden he leaned into me and said 'I'm talkin' to you.' So everyine turned and stared. Thankfully, the light changed and I power-walked ahead. Brilliant, I thought, I've lost him. Now, those of you that have been to New York will know the roads are on a grid system and as soon as you get caught at one set of lights you will be stopping the whole way down. So there I was, making my great escape, until I was caught at the next light with rambling man rapidly approaching. You would have been very proud as I did a swift turn to my left and crossed the other junction instead. Maybe I should be wearing a hat as well as my sunglasses. Any more tips anyone (from anyone other than Sam D!)?
Talking of great escapes, we nearly had another one this morning. Normally after Paul leaves for work I turn the latches in the door. This morning, Boy Wonder was up earlier and sitting on my lap having a cuddle when Paul left and I forgot about the door (you can probably see where this is heading...) After breakfast I went in the bedroom and then I heard a noise. 'Oh, that sounds a bit like the door' I thought to myself. Panic immediately set in as I went in the hallway to see that, indeed, Boy Wonder had made a great escape. I opened the door to see him charging down the corridor with his little legs wobbling about in his nappy and stripey pyjama top. My first thought was that he did look quite cute. My second thought was that I was actually quite impressed that he knew how to open the door and the thought process behind his great escape. Of course, my last thought was that I am a slummy mummy and I've learnt a lesson there.
We had a quiet day and mooched around Bryant Park where Boy Wonder found a ramp to run up and down. We then went on a carousal where Boy Wonder made loud 'woo woo' noises and rather louder noises when he needed to get off.
Really pleased it's the weekend. Off to the theatre tomorrow. Can't wait. Might stop me thinking about the girls at Book Club on Sunday xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
These boots are made for walking...
We have had a lovely couple of days and are started to feel more settled each day. Boy Wonder sleeping for 13 hours (!!!!) the two previous nights has probably had something to do with it. This morning was the first morning so far where I haven't woken up with a minging headache so fingers crossed it stays that way.
Paul got very excited on his way to work yesterday as he walked past a viking exhibition in Times Square. I think it's something to do with promoting the new 'dragon' film. I told him that I would take him to see the vikings if I had time as Boy Wonder and I had more exciting things planned. Toys R Us!
When you enter Toys R Us there is a huge ferris wheel and staff that take your 'welcome' photo. We managed to avoid them but then Boy Wonder got quite taken with a person dressed in a large giraffe costume who was apparently called Geoffrey. This was another photo opportunity so I found myself trying to make Boy Wonder smile while standing next to a six foot waving giraffe. Now, as you know, I happen to think Boy Wonder is rather gorgeous and he has the funniest laugh in the world. But only on his terms. When someone is trying to take his photo and saying 'Smile', he starts to look a bit like Les Dawson. Hence, our occasional nickname for him which is 'Chops'. After about five minutes, the poor photographer gave up trying and let us get on our way. Boy Wonder particularly liked looking at the ferris wheel, as one of the cars looks like the yellow and red 'Little Tikes' cars that he is obsessed with, and also waving at the large moving dinosaur.
After that we went to Fifth Avenue via the Rockefeller Centre. I can feel a slight obsession with the Rockefeller Centre coming on. And this isn't just to do with the toilets (rest rooms!). It has only taken a couple of days but I now have a route planned where I know where the toilets are where I can fit in with the buggy. Toys R Us. Rockfeller. FAO Schwarz. Now just need to find some when I head downtown. Some of you may not appreciate how important this finding is. But trust me, now I'm trying to blend in with the NY yummy mummies, complete with bottle of water permanently on the go, it's a necessity. (Paul says my new sunglasses make me look a proper NY yummy mummy and I am now recognised in the local corner shop so hopefully blending in) I seem to be walking miles and still haven't quite worked out which subways have lifts so I can get the buggy down. There are lots of parks dotted around so Boy Wonder can let off his steam and wear himself out (so he continues to sleep for 13 hours a night ;-) )
Have been pleasantly surprised at how much attention Boy Wonder gets over here. All of the staff here make a huge fuss of him and people smile at him all of the time and even ruffle his hair. A really old man helped me down some steps with the buggy today and I was slightly concerned he would injure himself. Luckily, Boy Wonder has perfected his waving, if not his smiling. Today, we met Paul in Bryant Park and Boy Wonder played near the fountain with a little girl the same age. He was rather taken with her and kept showing her his moves. This involved marching, bouncing, pointing at the water and sort of jumping. I was very proud.
I am still struggling with the supermarket. We have a store a couple of blocks away which seems to stock a wide range of stuff. However, most of the brands are unfamiliar and I'm finding it difficult to work out which is the healthy option or not. All of the tins seem to be HUGE. I have found the US equivalent of Sudocrem which is called 'Butt Paste' which amused me for hours.
Anyway, it's going to be a nice day tomorrow so heading off to Central Park. With my sunglasses. Now off to join Paul watching 'ANTM'. xx
Paul got very excited on his way to work yesterday as he walked past a viking exhibition in Times Square. I think it's something to do with promoting the new 'dragon' film. I told him that I would take him to see the vikings if I had time as Boy Wonder and I had more exciting things planned. Toys R Us!
When you enter Toys R Us there is a huge ferris wheel and staff that take your 'welcome' photo. We managed to avoid them but then Boy Wonder got quite taken with a person dressed in a large giraffe costume who was apparently called Geoffrey. This was another photo opportunity so I found myself trying to make Boy Wonder smile while standing next to a six foot waving giraffe. Now, as you know, I happen to think Boy Wonder is rather gorgeous and he has the funniest laugh in the world. But only on his terms. When someone is trying to take his photo and saying 'Smile', he starts to look a bit like Les Dawson. Hence, our occasional nickname for him which is 'Chops'. After about five minutes, the poor photographer gave up trying and let us get on our way. Boy Wonder particularly liked looking at the ferris wheel, as one of the cars looks like the yellow and red 'Little Tikes' cars that he is obsessed with, and also waving at the large moving dinosaur.
After that we went to Fifth Avenue via the Rockefeller Centre. I can feel a slight obsession with the Rockefeller Centre coming on. And this isn't just to do with the toilets (rest rooms!). It has only taken a couple of days but I now have a route planned where I know where the toilets are where I can fit in with the buggy. Toys R Us. Rockfeller. FAO Schwarz. Now just need to find some when I head downtown. Some of you may not appreciate how important this finding is. But trust me, now I'm trying to blend in with the NY yummy mummies, complete with bottle of water permanently on the go, it's a necessity. (Paul says my new sunglasses make me look a proper NY yummy mummy and I am now recognised in the local corner shop so hopefully blending in) I seem to be walking miles and still haven't quite worked out which subways have lifts so I can get the buggy down. There are lots of parks dotted around so Boy Wonder can let off his steam and wear himself out (so he continues to sleep for 13 hours a night ;-) )
Have been pleasantly surprised at how much attention Boy Wonder gets over here. All of the staff here make a huge fuss of him and people smile at him all of the time and even ruffle his hair. A really old man helped me down some steps with the buggy today and I was slightly concerned he would injure himself. Luckily, Boy Wonder has perfected his waving, if not his smiling. Today, we met Paul in Bryant Park and Boy Wonder played near the fountain with a little girl the same age. He was rather taken with her and kept showing her his moves. This involved marching, bouncing, pointing at the water and sort of jumping. I was very proud.
I am still struggling with the supermarket. We have a store a couple of blocks away which seems to stock a wide range of stuff. However, most of the brands are unfamiliar and I'm finding it difficult to work out which is the healthy option or not. All of the tins seem to be HUGE. I have found the US equivalent of Sudocrem which is called 'Butt Paste' which amused me for hours.
Anyway, it's going to be a nice day tomorrow so heading off to Central Park. With my sunglasses. Now off to join Paul watching 'ANTM'. xx
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Three things that have me burst with excitement today
1 A 'Cookie Bouquet'! How exciting is that? You get lots of different flavours and they are beautifully wrapped like lollipops. We are sitting here eating them now.
2 I have discovered the US version of 'Deal Or No Deal'. Noel Edmonds has nothing to fear but you do get to see the Banker (in silhouette in a shady office!!!) There isbv a lot of squealing and the contestants are standing on steps with suitcases.
3 I have found Simon Cowell on American Idol. And it's on again tomorrow! Woo Hoo!
2 I have discovered the US version of 'Deal Or No Deal'. Noel Edmonds has nothing to fear but you do get to see the Banker (in silhouette in a shady office!!!) There isbv a lot of squealing and the contestants are standing on steps with suitcases.
3 I have found Simon Cowell on American Idol. And it's on again tomorrow! Woo Hoo!
Monday, 22 March 2010
I've got a date with Scarlett Johannson...
Had a lovely morning yesterday. It was a beautiful day so headed off towards Times Square. There was some sort of race going on so the road was closed and the NYPD were letting people cross. We sat in Bryant Park enjoying the sun and took turns following Boy Wonder around harassing the birds.
Then to business. We hit Macy's which was rather satisfying. It didn't open until 11 and there was a huge surge of people going in when the door opened. The main item I needed was a new hairdryer. I seem to remember mentioning in a previous entry that next time I cut my hair I will go even shorter. If I mention anything like that again, please tell me no. I always go through a novelty five minutes of liking my shorter hair then go in to full blown grieving for my pony tail. The main problem with hair above the shoulders is it takes way too much effort and maintenance. I mean, it needs to be styled!!!! Hence the hairdryer.
Paul went back to work this morning so was looking forward to a morning exploring. As we had all been awake since 5am I was desperate to get out. Unfortunately, it was raining rather heavily but that didn't dampen my enthusiam (tee hee). I was rather excited to find the ice rink at the Rockefeller Centre still open and I watched the 'Today' programme being filmed. I got myself at the back of the crowd that could be seen on the monitors. I don't think this TV experience reached the dizzy heights of my 'appearance' on the US version of '10 Years Younger' when we were in LA a couple of years ago. That episode involved the presenter choosing volunteers from the crowd (there was 10 of us who had been asked to stand in a particular spot) to comment on the new hair/teeth/clothes/figure of the 'victim'. I stood there inwardly dying of embarrassment as the presenter asked everyone around me their opinion but avoided me. I started paying attention to what he was saying and he was complimenting the other girls on their personal style. I then became uncomfortably aware of the rather sweaty patch that had formed on T-shirt and my shiny, caked in sun creamed face. The final straw was when the presenter even asked the girl next to me, and she was wearing a 'New Kids On The Block' T-shirt.
Anyway, back to today. I was rather pleased to find my new favourite shop in the whole wide world, Anthropologie, in the Rockafeller Centre. I bought a rather nice pair of sunglasses which I'm going to wear every day, come rain or shine, to stop me catching people's eyes and making me a magnet for strange people. Sara told me today that Sam D also has the knack of attracting strange people too so maybe it's an Arien trait.
Saturday afternoon. I've got a date with Scarlett Johannson who is so gorgeous I think I could marry her. And Paul wouldn't complain either. I'm going to see her in an Arthur Miller play called 'A View From The Bridge' (I think). I have no idea what it's going to be about and haven't read any Arthur Miller since college. I've also got a ticket to see Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury (yes, THE Angela Lansbury) in a play at the start of May. How exciting is that? Have decided not to bother with the big type productions but hunt out the smaller shows with the celebs. Shallow? Moi?? x
Then to business. We hit Macy's which was rather satisfying. It didn't open until 11 and there was a huge surge of people going in when the door opened. The main item I needed was a new hairdryer. I seem to remember mentioning in a previous entry that next time I cut my hair I will go even shorter. If I mention anything like that again, please tell me no. I always go through a novelty five minutes of liking my shorter hair then go in to full blown grieving for my pony tail. The main problem with hair above the shoulders is it takes way too much effort and maintenance. I mean, it needs to be styled!!!! Hence the hairdryer.
Paul went back to work this morning so was looking forward to a morning exploring. As we had all been awake since 5am I was desperate to get out. Unfortunately, it was raining rather heavily but that didn't dampen my enthusiam (tee hee). I was rather excited to find the ice rink at the Rockefeller Centre still open and I watched the 'Today' programme being filmed. I got myself at the back of the crowd that could be seen on the monitors. I don't think this TV experience reached the dizzy heights of my 'appearance' on the US version of '10 Years Younger' when we were in LA a couple of years ago. That episode involved the presenter choosing volunteers from the crowd (there was 10 of us who had been asked to stand in a particular spot) to comment on the new hair/teeth/clothes/figure of the 'victim'. I stood there inwardly dying of embarrassment as the presenter asked everyone around me their opinion but avoided me. I started paying attention to what he was saying and he was complimenting the other girls on their personal style. I then became uncomfortably aware of the rather sweaty patch that had formed on T-shirt and my shiny, caked in sun creamed face. The final straw was when the presenter even asked the girl next to me, and she was wearing a 'New Kids On The Block' T-shirt.
Anyway, back to today. I was rather pleased to find my new favourite shop in the whole wide world, Anthropologie, in the Rockafeller Centre. I bought a rather nice pair of sunglasses which I'm going to wear every day, come rain or shine, to stop me catching people's eyes and making me a magnet for strange people. Sara told me today that Sam D also has the knack of attracting strange people too so maybe it's an Arien trait.
Saturday afternoon. I've got a date with Scarlett Johannson who is so gorgeous I think I could marry her. And Paul wouldn't complain either. I'm going to see her in an Arthur Miller play called 'A View From The Bridge' (I think). I have no idea what it's going to be about and haven't read any Arthur Miller since college. I've also got a ticket to see Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury (yes, THE Angela Lansbury) in a play at the start of May. How exciting is that? Have decided not to bother with the big type productions but hunt out the smaller shows with the celebs. Shallow? Moi?? x
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Well, here we are!
Not that I'd tell Paul, but there are a few benefits to having a husband who travels a bit. Mainly these bonuses revolve around being able to watch maximum rubbish on television and eating comfort food on a tray on the sofa. However, the main benefit is the air miles that Paul has been stock-piling which enabled us to travel to New York 'first class darling'.
This made a huge difference in making yesterday run as smoothly as it possibly could. We woke up hideously early with minds a-buzzing. Many apologies to Jane and Alex for leaving a pile of random stuff at their house and being a snivelling wreck at the airport. The flight was on time and the first class section was only half full so Boy Wonder trotted around ruling the roost. Way too excited to sleep for any length of time. Travelling with a toddler is certainly a very different experience than what I'm used to. And I don't mean that in a good way!!!!!! However, I did curl up in my complimentary 'lounge' pyjamas and have a good rummage through all the freebies.
We got through passport control without any problems and all of our luggage turned up. I always dread waiting at the luggage carousal ever since our suitcase didn't turn up when we went to Cuba. Jane and Alex helped us out then as well! We were even met on time by the lovely taxi driver who works for a company that provide taxis with baby car seats. We arrived to 71 degrees and beautiful blue sky and I swear my heart fluttered when we saw the New York skyline. Just as we were arriving in Midtown, Boy Wonder had a slightly concerned look on his face. I thought it was all of the very large trucks and strange noises he could hear. I realised I was wrong when he promptly threw up everywhere all over himself and the cab. Paul and the taxi driver politely ignored it.
Our apartment is lovely with loads of space for Boy Wonder to charge up and down. We are on the fifth floor and last night I watched all the skyscrapers lighting up the night sky while I enjoyed a nice mug of PG tips.
Only had a short wander this morning as Boy Wonder a bit under the weather. You will be pleased to know that I have attracted my first weirdy beardy person in Starbucks. He proceeded to tell me how he was bitten by a snake in Puerto Rico when he was nine months old so his aunt had to carry him around, until his grandma buried his leg in sand and he was cured. I think that was the gist of it. Paul was consumed with looking out of the window at this point. I need to develop some sort of 'tough don't talk to me' type face, as opposed to 'I'm English and too polite to tell you to get lost'. I'll let you know how it goes!
This made a huge difference in making yesterday run as smoothly as it possibly could. We woke up hideously early with minds a-buzzing. Many apologies to Jane and Alex for leaving a pile of random stuff at their house and being a snivelling wreck at the airport. The flight was on time and the first class section was only half full so Boy Wonder trotted around ruling the roost. Way too excited to sleep for any length of time. Travelling with a toddler is certainly a very different experience than what I'm used to. And I don't mean that in a good way!!!!!! However, I did curl up in my complimentary 'lounge' pyjamas and have a good rummage through all the freebies.
We got through passport control without any problems and all of our luggage turned up. I always dread waiting at the luggage carousal ever since our suitcase didn't turn up when we went to Cuba. Jane and Alex helped us out then as well! We were even met on time by the lovely taxi driver who works for a company that provide taxis with baby car seats. We arrived to 71 degrees and beautiful blue sky and I swear my heart fluttered when we saw the New York skyline. Just as we were arriving in Midtown, Boy Wonder had a slightly concerned look on his face. I thought it was all of the very large trucks and strange noises he could hear. I realised I was wrong when he promptly threw up everywhere all over himself and the cab. Paul and the taxi driver politely ignored it.
Our apartment is lovely with loads of space for Boy Wonder to charge up and down. We are on the fifth floor and last night I watched all the skyscrapers lighting up the night sky while I enjoyed a nice mug of PG tips.
Only had a short wander this morning as Boy Wonder a bit under the weather. You will be pleased to know that I have attracted my first weirdy beardy person in Starbucks. He proceeded to tell me how he was bitten by a snake in Puerto Rico when he was nine months old so his aunt had to carry him around, until his grandma buried his leg in sand and he was cured. I think that was the gist of it. Paul was consumed with looking out of the window at this point. I need to develop some sort of 'tough don't talk to me' type face, as opposed to 'I'm English and too polite to tell you to get lost'. I'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Reasons to be cheerful...
Am highly stressed and full of cold. It would have been really helpful today to be full of energy to clean and move out of the Marlow pad but was not meant to be. However, I have decided not to wallow in self-pity but to acknowledge my reasons to be cheerful. 1. 2. 3. And maybe even 4.
I have Paul and Boy Wonder in my life. Paul is my everything. And Boy Wonder. Who is worth every second of the wait we had. I would cry each tear over again if I knew he was at the end of the path.
My M, D and Daniel. Whom I love with all my heart and really should tell them more often.
My friends - Have said enough about them already. Won't say any more as they'll just get too big for their boots. I must say though, Jane is once again being a wonderful host and being suitably sympathetic to my cold!
Our American Adventure - Nervous as hell but bring it on!!! Life is for living. No regrets. Regret lasts a lifetime.
See. Lots of reasons to be cheerful.. I won't even get upset about the fact that 'Over the Rainbow' is starting on BBC on Friday and I won't be here to watch it. No, I'll be arriving in New York!!!! Woooo hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have Paul and Boy Wonder in my life. Paul is my everything. And Boy Wonder. Who is worth every second of the wait we had. I would cry each tear over again if I knew he was at the end of the path.
My M, D and Daniel. Whom I love with all my heart and really should tell them more often.
My friends - Have said enough about them already. Won't say any more as they'll just get too big for their boots. I must say though, Jane is once again being a wonderful host and being suitably sympathetic to my cold!
Our American Adventure - Nervous as hell but bring it on!!! Life is for living. No regrets. Regret lasts a lifetime.
See. Lots of reasons to be cheerful.. I won't even get upset about the fact that 'Over the Rainbow' is starting on BBC on Friday and I won't be here to watch it. No, I'll be arriving in New York!!!! Woooo hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, 15 March 2010
Shopping For Friends
I can put my friends into particular boxes. For instance:
* School friends - I have a group of friends from my time at LGS, going back to 1984. I am told this is quite unusual but I feel rather lucky to have a group of friends that are so much part of me they are practically family.
* Maybox friends - There is a rather special bunch of people out there who will have fond memories of wearing stripey blue and white shirts and pink bow ties. Admittedly, it is a small and select group. But these people do exist. The best job in the world.
* 'Teacher' friends - This group covers friends from college, teaching at the Lea and the wonderful St B's. Teachers need other teachers to be their friends, purely to share their funny children stories that no-one else finds funny.
I now have a new group.
* New friends - One of the few downsides of having such wonderful school friends is that you can become quite lazy in making new friends. No-one can live up to the friendships I already have, so why bother. However, I would like to highlight four new friends, three of whom I've seen today. All of them have come into my life over the last four years, which most of you will know has had it's fair share of highs and lows. Finding other people in your position, who really understand, is priceless. The other benefit of this group is that they don't know me well enough to know all of my bad habits. Nor can they drag out embarrassing school photos. Or remind you about blue eyeliner. Or spicy tomato wheat crunchies.
And I also got a whole bag of chocolates and sweets (flakes, wine gums, milk buttons, crunchies - all of that sort of stuff) from one of my lovely new friends. Not sure how much will be left by Friday but we will do our best.
I now have the challenge of finding some new friends in the Big Apple. Sara likened this to shopping for new friends. Choosing the best bits of everyone. I am nervous but looking forward to this new challenge. I just hope I don't become desperate and develop stalker tendencies, as I'm sure that's not a good look for anyone...
* School friends - I have a group of friends from my time at LGS, going back to 1984. I am told this is quite unusual but I feel rather lucky to have a group of friends that are so much part of me they are practically family.
* Maybox friends - There is a rather special bunch of people out there who will have fond memories of wearing stripey blue and white shirts and pink bow ties. Admittedly, it is a small and select group. But these people do exist. The best job in the world.
* 'Teacher' friends - This group covers friends from college, teaching at the Lea and the wonderful St B's. Teachers need other teachers to be their friends, purely to share their funny children stories that no-one else finds funny.
I now have a new group.
* New friends - One of the few downsides of having such wonderful school friends is that you can become quite lazy in making new friends. No-one can live up to the friendships I already have, so why bother. However, I would like to highlight four new friends, three of whom I've seen today. All of them have come into my life over the last four years, which most of you will know has had it's fair share of highs and lows. Finding other people in your position, who really understand, is priceless. The other benefit of this group is that they don't know me well enough to know all of my bad habits. Nor can they drag out embarrassing school photos. Or remind you about blue eyeliner. Or spicy tomato wheat crunchies.
And I also got a whole bag of chocolates and sweets (flakes, wine gums, milk buttons, crunchies - all of that sort of stuff) from one of my lovely new friends. Not sure how much will be left by Friday but we will do our best.
I now have the challenge of finding some new friends in the Big Apple. Sara likened this to shopping for new friends. Choosing the best bits of everyone. I am nervous but looking forward to this new challenge. I just hope I don't become desperate and develop stalker tendencies, as I'm sure that's not a good look for anyone...
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Oh Bags!
How is it possible that I can't fit everything into five suitcases? Or, two large cases, one small case and two black holdals (sp?) to be precise. Already, I have recycled and donated. I have raffled tat and hidden tat in people's houses. I have been to the dump and have a mountain of stuff being kept safe at M and D's and Janey and Al's house.
Decisions will have to be made. For example, Boy Wonder's 47th favourite cuddly toy or a spare box of ReadyBrek? Boy Wonder's 'favourite book 'Brown Bear Brown Bear' or my latest Stieg Larsson which I'm hugely excited about? An extra grey cardi for me or all of Paul's black tops - I mean, does he really need that many??
Can't believe we are flying on Friday morning. I'm sure it seems to many people that we've been talking about it for ages and our leaving dinner three weeks ago is a distant blur. To me, it's come around like 'that' (clicks fingers in a fast fashion). Just like 'that'.
Decisions will have to be made. For example, Boy Wonder's 47th favourite cuddly toy or a spare box of ReadyBrek? Boy Wonder's 'favourite book 'Brown Bear Brown Bear' or my latest Stieg Larsson which I'm hugely excited about? An extra grey cardi for me or all of Paul's black tops - I mean, does he really need that many??
Can't believe we are flying on Friday morning. I'm sure it seems to many people that we've been talking about it for ages and our leaving dinner three weeks ago is a distant blur. To me, it's come around like 'that' (clicks fingers in a fast fashion). Just like 'that'.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Ouch :-(
Ouch
I feel like Elliot losing ET. Only thing is, I'm the one leaving. The goodbyes are starting. Need to dig deep and remember all the positives about our American Adventure. I don't think the week will be getting any easier though. Ouch - touches heart with one of my weird alien ET fingers...
Chop chop chop. Hair cut to shoulders. Paul said, 'Gosh'. Sam D said, 'Sassy'. Sam M said, 'Lose the irons'. I am going to take all these comments on board and go shorter next time. Watch this space.
I feel like Elliot losing ET. Only thing is, I'm the one leaving. The goodbyes are starting. Need to dig deep and remember all the positives about our American Adventure. I don't think the week will be getting any easier though. Ouch - touches heart with one of my weird alien ET fingers...
Chop chop chop. Hair cut to shoulders. Paul said, 'Gosh'. Sam D said, 'Sassy'. Sam M said, 'Lose the irons'. I am going to take all these comments on board and go shorter next time. Watch this space.
Friday, 12 March 2010
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