Since I haven't been blogging in a long while, I'd do a quick overall update.
KIDS
My lovely daughters are growing up so much. And the past few days have been really lovely with them. Fifi has started coming out with some of the funniest things. Just to name a few (for posterity):
* She asked me for some chocolate or something else that I wasn't going to give her, and she started counting to three at me!
* She's been listening to me practice for my audition for Footloose (see below) and without my realising it, learned the songs along with me. So imagine my face when she heard her baby sister crying one morning, and came running into the room, started gently rubbing her back and softly sang "Where have all the good men gone, and where are all the gods?"
Lolly too is really growing up. She still calls everything 'shoes' but is signing a lot of words. It's really cute having a whole conversation with her using only words 'shoes' and 'dubbadee', whatever that means.
FOOTLOOSE
Yes, as I mentioned above, I auditioned for Footloose. I haven't done any acting since high school, but after going to see a few of the amateur shows locally, I decided I wanted to go for it again. So I auditioned. And I got a (tiny) part! I was honestly just hoping for anything at all, so I'm very happy with the part I got. So, show's in September; who's coming?!
UM, MISCELLANEOUS
Scott and I are going away for a night in Callander tomorrow, kid-free! It's gonna be awesome. We also won a free two-night stay in Tain at the Glenmorangie House. We don't know what we'll do with it, considering they never mentioned if meals were included or what not (not to mention we have two kids to think about), but it's still exciting to win something!
I also made a dress tonight. About two years ago at the Craft Fair at the SECC, I bought a couple of metres of some beautiful French fabric and had been holding onto it for ages to make something special out of it. So about a year ago, I cut out the pieces to a dress but was still too chicken to make it. Well, tonight, with my sewing machine still out from last night's project, I decided to go for it. I learned some hard lessons (like sometimes patterns don't make sense until it's too late, and don't use stretchy fabric if you don't know how to keep it from pulling). But overall, the dress looks okay, and I'll still wear it. After all, I really like the fabric!
The other thing worth mentioning is how clean my house is! It's a pure delight to walk into my house right now with how clean it is. The only room that needs work is the kitchen, which both Scott and I keep putting off. It's just the handwashing which is piling up, and I keep saying I'll do it after the kids are in bed... and then all I want to do is veg. And the floors need swept, but it sort of crushes my soul each time I sweep because have you seen the way kids eat? But all that will be done before we leave for Callander so I can come home to the most peaceful, tidy, happy home imaginable.
***
And eh, that's about it for now.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Craft Night, Maybe?
I've spent the whole day cleaning. We had a surveyor over today to do a Home Report (landlady is selling the house), so I wanted the house to look... decent, at least. But once I got started, I couldn't stop. So the good news is, my house (with the exception of post-dinner kitchen) is sparkling. The bad news is I'm EXHAUSTED. And the kiddos (namely, Lolly) have gone into a very awful non-sleeping phase, so I can't even fully relax tonight.
(And speak of the devil, Lolly just woke up.)
Anyway, Lolly awake or not, I fully intend to do something enjoyable tonight. I've gotten the sewing machine out, and I'd like to complete a quick project I've been meaning to do for weeks. I've got a large square of leftover fabric which Fifi has adopted as a blanket. So I've been wanting to line it in some matching satin binding which I just happen to have so she can use it properly without the edges fraying.
Then I'd like to get out my cardmaking stuff and make a few cards. I've got some half-finished cards lying around, waiting for some stuff to be glued on, so I want to do that tonight too.
All the while watching daft TV box sets. Right now I've got on That 70's Show, but I'm not really feeling it. Might switch it out for Season One of The O.C. or perhaps Gilmore Girls.
But Lolly is still crying, and while I know Scott is kindly trying to deal with it for me, the senstive mother in me can't handle it and will probably convince me to go feed her instead.
So we'll see if I get my night off after all.
(And speak of the devil, Lolly just woke up.)
Anyway, Lolly awake or not, I fully intend to do something enjoyable tonight. I've gotten the sewing machine out, and I'd like to complete a quick project I've been meaning to do for weeks. I've got a large square of leftover fabric which Fifi has adopted as a blanket. So I've been wanting to line it in some matching satin binding which I just happen to have so she can use it properly without the edges fraying.
Then I'd like to get out my cardmaking stuff and make a few cards. I've got some half-finished cards lying around, waiting for some stuff to be glued on, so I want to do that tonight too.
All the while watching daft TV box sets. Right now I've got on That 70's Show, but I'm not really feeling it. Might switch it out for Season One of The O.C. or perhaps Gilmore Girls.
But Lolly is still crying, and while I know Scott is kindly trying to deal with it for me, the senstive mother in me can't handle it and will probably convince me to go feed her instead.
So we'll see if I get my night off after all.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Fifi's Blog Entry
The Zoo
The penguins. The giraffe. And the tiger. And the zebra. And the monkey. Lion.
They go 'oohhooooaaahooh!'. The monkeys.
I don't care about the zoo. Let's play Snap instead.
The penguins. The giraffe. And the tiger. And the zebra. And the monkey. Lion.
They go 'oohhooooaaahooh!'. The monkeys.
I don't care about the zoo. Let's play Snap instead.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Bedtime Struggles
Tonight, Lolly (and Fifi for that matter) was NOT for going to sleep. Scott tried putting Lolly down for about half an hour but she wouldn't fall asleep. So I took over and seriously tried for an hour and a half, during which time, Fifi came into my room and joined me. She fell asleep somewhere between 8.30 and 9, but by 9.00 Lolly was still awake.
I'd had enough of it - my boobs were sore from feeding her in the most uncomfortable position known to (wo)man, but the only one in which Lolly would lie (upside down, legs over my shoulders) - so I just left the room, leaving Lolly to scream. If you know me, you know that is a BIG deal; I NEVER leave the babies to cry. But I'd had enough and had to get away before I lost my senses (and temper) completely.
A few palm-sweating, hands-clasping, heart-pounding minutes later, I heard the screams subside. Relieved, I poked my head in to make sure all was okay and the screams hadn't ended because my poor child had screamed herself to death or plummetted off the bed and cracked her skull, and this is what I saw.
All my anger and annoyance melted away. I love these two precious, amazing daughters more than anything in the world.
I'd had enough of it - my boobs were sore from feeding her in the most uncomfortable position known to (wo)man, but the only one in which Lolly would lie (upside down, legs over my shoulders) - so I just left the room, leaving Lolly to scream. If you know me, you know that is a BIG deal; I NEVER leave the babies to cry. But I'd had enough and had to get away before I lost my senses (and temper) completely.
A few palm-sweating, hands-clasping, heart-pounding minutes later, I heard the screams subside. Relieved, I poked my head in to make sure all was okay and the screams hadn't ended because my poor child had screamed herself to death or plummetted off the bed and cracked her skull, and this is what I saw.
All my anger and annoyance melted away. I love these two precious, amazing daughters more than anything in the world.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
New Laptop
Hi folks,
This is me blogging on my new, smashing laptop! This is my birthday (slash Mother's Day) present from Scott. I love it! It's so fancy and sleek and modern. Oooh I love it. And I love that I can now be on the internet while simultaneously watching my children! This is good news for you as I hope it will mean more blogging time! Let's have another exclamation point just for the hell of it! Yeah!
So, let's see. It's been a long time since I've been into blogging, so what to write about... When you first start blogging, it's all about what you ate that day and who all you spoke to on the phone. So I'm going back to basics.
What I Ate Today
Toast for breakfast
Cheesy tuna pasta for lunch
Saltines for snack
Chocolates for while-kids-are-sleeping snack
Frozen chicken, onion rings and broccoli (cooked, of course. Was cleaning out freezer)
Several cups of tea and juice
Who I Spoke To On the Phone
Scott
Maria (and Caspar, actually)
Lloyds TSB
Fiona Roach
Wow. Blogging is, like, so cool and stuff.
This is me blogging on my new, smashing laptop! This is my birthday (slash Mother's Day) present from Scott. I love it! It's so fancy and sleek and modern. Oooh I love it. And I love that I can now be on the internet while simultaneously watching my children! This is good news for you as I hope it will mean more blogging time! Let's have another exclamation point just for the hell of it! Yeah!
So, let's see. It's been a long time since I've been into blogging, so what to write about... When you first start blogging, it's all about what you ate that day and who all you spoke to on the phone. So I'm going back to basics.
What I Ate Today
Toast for breakfast
Cheesy tuna pasta for lunch
Saltines for snack
Chocolates for while-kids-are-sleeping snack
Frozen chicken, onion rings and broccoli (cooked, of course. Was cleaning out freezer)
Several cups of tea and juice
Who I Spoke To On the Phone
Scott
Maria (and Caspar, actually)
Lloyds TSB
Fiona Roach
Wow. Blogging is, like, so cool and stuff.
Friday, March 12, 2010
A New Toilet Because I Need To Say Something
I'm sick of seeing that post up. It reminds me too much of the pain.
So, trying to think of something newsworthy to replace it with.
We got a new toilet. Fifi was the first to pee in it and also the first to puke in it. It has been totally christened the Ivory Throne.
So, trying to think of something newsworthy to replace it with.
We got a new toilet. Fifi was the first to pee in it and also the first to puke in it. It has been totally christened the Ivory Throne.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Why Parenting and Dignity Don't Mix: Reason 267
I was bursting for the loo in Tesco today, so I hurried up my shopping and rushed us through the check-out. I wheeled the trolley with Lolly in it, Fifi walking along beside me, into the disabled toilet, because it was the only one big enough for a trolley. The disabled toilet is located away from the normal toilets and is just a room with a door facing out into the main part of the store.
I shut the door and locked it, only vaguely registering the fact that the lock was fairly loose, and sat down for a pee. Seconds later, with my trousers and knickers around my ankles, Fifi flung the door open. I screamed for her to shut the door, but the shock of me screaming left Fifi motionless, staring at me with surprise, while an army of shoppers waiting in the queue to check out watched as I helplessly sat on the toilet, begging Fifi to shut the door. I have no idea if it was Fifi who eventually shut the door, or a kind, concerned shopper, because by then my red face and streaming tears were hidden in my hands.
I finished my business and washed my hands, and then proceeded to wait a further five minutes or so until I hoped all the people who had seen me were finished checking out and gone. Nevertheless, I'm certain all eyes were on me as I did my walk of shame out of the toilets and out of the shop.
I shut the door and locked it, only vaguely registering the fact that the lock was fairly loose, and sat down for a pee. Seconds later, with my trousers and knickers around my ankles, Fifi flung the door open. I screamed for her to shut the door, but the shock of me screaming left Fifi motionless, staring at me with surprise, while an army of shoppers waiting in the queue to check out watched as I helplessly sat on the toilet, begging Fifi to shut the door. I have no idea if it was Fifi who eventually shut the door, or a kind, concerned shopper, because by then my red face and streaming tears were hidden in my hands.
I finished my business and washed my hands, and then proceeded to wait a further five minutes or so until I hoped all the people who had seen me were finished checking out and gone. Nevertheless, I'm certain all eyes were on me as I did my walk of shame out of the toilets and out of the shop.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
40 Annual Questions
40 Questions I Answer Annually:
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Became interested in gardening. I planted several pots with flowers and fruit this past summer and really enjoyed watering them and watching them grow. And eating them!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I did not make a resolution last year, and it's a good thing too. I never would've kept it. This year I intend to read more books. And Scott and I have made resolutions for each other, things we know the other would like to start doing but don't have the motivation for. So Scott has resolved that I will get back into writing poetry. (I've resolved that Scott will get back into woodworking.)
Also plan on re-instituting the chore schedule for my new home.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Cheryl and Matthew gave birth to Caleb. Graeme and Emily gave birth to Violet. Pete and Rebekkah gave birth to Juliette, our second niece.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Scott's family's lifelong friend Frank passed away this year. I only knew him for 4 years, but I loved him very much, just as the rest of Scott's family did. My love goes out to his family this holiday season, as it will have been a hard one.
5. What countries did you visit?
Went to the States in April.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better turnout in my TinyTalk classes! And a profit! Wow, that would be amazing, to actually make MONEY while working...
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory?
June 10, knowing that was the day my mom first decided out loud she wanted a divorce. :(
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting up a very successful breastfeeding text messaging service (with the help of my BfN colleagues!) where pregnant mums can join up and are assigned a 'buddy' whom they can use for support in the early days of breastfeeding. It's going on six months, and it's great!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Falling off the chore schedule wagon. But I'm getting back on for 2010!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was involved in a car accident (their fault) in July and suffered whiplash. I am fine now, though, and pleased to be getting a pretty settlement!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our new car!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Fifi and Lolly's. Fifi has been so fantastic with her new baby sister, and Lolly is the sweetest, most contented, easy to look after baby I've ever met. Let's hope both children continue on in the same vein!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
:(
14. Where did most of your money go?
As always, bills. Council tax, in particular! But for the first time in years, we've actually started putting money in savings, which feels kinda grown up and nice.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Christmas! And moving house. I *heart* our new house.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2009?
Just For Now by Imogen Heap. It's an old song, and the album itself reminds me of being pregnant with Fifi, but that song took on new meaning this holiday season as I had to put aside family hurts because 'it's that time of year, leave all our helplessnesses aside, just for a little while'.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? happier, with great periods of sadder.
thinner or fatter? thinner, though this Christmas season has beefed me back up a bit!
richer or poorer? about the same financially, but exceedingly richer in spirit!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Rushing about trying to do a million different things instead of just enjoying my kids. This year I am going to cut back on all my responsibilities and volunteering and really make memories with my kids.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas morning (5am) woken up by Fifi. (Made her stay in bed until 6.) Checked to see if Santa had eaten his milk and cookies and brought presents. Opened presents. Went back to bed.
Had Christmas dinner at in-laws with Scott's family and my dad.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Last year it was my mom. This year it was my dad.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I'm going to need to change this question and the following question. This is always the same... just falling more in love with kids and hubby. Next one is always no. So new question to replace this one:
22b. What's your best memory from 2009?
It's hard to remember all year, as I'm sure there are lots of good memories, so I'll list a few good ones: going to Nardinis in November with Carol and Maria and all six of our kids; eating out on my patio table at the old house during the summer and lying on a blanket in the grass under an umbrella; Club Noir with Paula, Debbie and Heather; visiting my old high school in April with Jessica and feeling like a celebrity in Mrs Balgavy's class; and Lolly's dedication ceremony.
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Nada. New question:
23b. How have you seen yourself grow as a person this year?
I've realised that in order to grow and protect the things I love, I have to be fully honest with myself about who I am and what I am capable of. Whether it be in regards to me as a mother, a wife, a daughter or a professional, I have to be willing to admit, at least to myself, my shortcomings and then work hard to rein those things in and resist the temptation to give into them. It's almost like keep your friends close and your enemies closer; in this case, my enemies are my own weaknesses.
24. What was your favourite TV programme(s)?
One Tree Hill. That was my new one. I still watched a LOT of Scrubs as usual.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Man, I want to change this question too. I'm not a big hater. And even if I were, I wouldn't blog about who I hate. So new question:
25b. What one special thing would you like to do in 2010?
I'd like to go to my 10 year high school reunion. But seeing as that is highly unlikely, I'd like to go on some kind of interesting holiday to somewhere. All four of us.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I didn't manage to read much at all this past year. It was kind of all a blur having two kids to look after. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish was probably the best book I read. It really changed the way I deal with Fifi and made a significant difference. Now that's she's a bit older, I think it's time to reread it. I'm starting to retreat back into my old ways! (If you have kids, this is my official recommendation to go find this book and read it.)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Does anyone else have time to discover music with small children? If so, please give me recs.
28. What did you want and get?
A new home. And while it's still a rental, I'm perfectly happy with that. Not gonna buy now anyway. It would be silly to buy now. So all I wanted was a bigger place, and boy did we get one!
29. What did you want and not get?
A Xyron 500. And a new telly.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
Harry Brown may have been one of the only films I saw this year, but I liked it a LOT. And the new Harry Potter (was that 2009? I don't even know).
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 27 and let's see, what did I do? I have a feeling this year I did nothing... Was I in America for my birthday? No, I left the weekend after. So chances are, I was packing.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Can I be really sad here and say having my parents still together? :(
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Trying to look hip again? While trying to lose weight and still being able to breastfeed in any item of clothing? On a budget?
34. What kept you sane?
Lolly's amazing ability to sleep almost through the night from birth. I. Love. Sleep. (Fifi, however, is hellbent on making sure we DON'T get sleep, as she wakes us up religiously at 6am every morning.)
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
*EDITED* Scratch my original lame answer. Dev Patel from Slumdog Millionaire -- Talk about yummy! Mm mm mmmm.... break me off a piece-a dat!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Besides the obvious answer of the economy, there was that one woman who widely and publicly criticised the Prime Minister for misspelling her son's name in the hand-written, personal letter of condolence after he was killed in Afghanistan. I mean, seriously? He's the Prime Minister and he takes the time to personally hand-write every letter of condolence to every family who loses a loved one in combat, and you are going to publicly criticise his 'insensitivity' for misspelling a man's name that he's never even met but cares enough about to personally hand-write you a letter? That just pissed me off. I'm no Gordon Brown fan, but that is just ridiculous, lady.
37. Who did you miss?
My parents. And I really found myself missing my brothers and sisters-in-law. I really wish I could get to know Danny and Matt and Charity better and have more of a relationship with them. I'd love for Fi and Lolly to know them as more than just names and photographs.
I also really miss Carol and her boys. I hope they are having a great life in Abu Dhabi, but I think they were better here!
38. Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Can I tell you a secret? I have a total girl-crush on Jane. Shhh, don't tell.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Please, please take time to protect your marriage. Take the effort to work out differences, even when it seems like too much work. Don't just keep things inside, bottled up, or hope they will work themselves out or go away. Take time to be a couple, even if you are also parents. Care about the things that make your spouse happy, even when they don't seem a big deal to you. Even though I never believed this before, please put your spouse ahead of your children - in your heart, at least, because in reality, your children will take the majority of your time and energy. But if you leave your spouse on the periphery, irreparable damage can be done.
Guard your marriage with your life.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more
(For funnsies: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Became interested in gardening. I planted several pots with flowers and fruit this past summer and really enjoyed watering them and watching them grow. And eating them!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I did not make a resolution last year, and it's a good thing too. I never would've kept it. This year I intend to read more books. And Scott and I have made resolutions for each other, things we know the other would like to start doing but don't have the motivation for. So Scott has resolved that I will get back into writing poetry. (I've resolved that Scott will get back into woodworking.)
Also plan on re-instituting the chore schedule for my new home.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Cheryl and Matthew gave birth to Caleb. Graeme and Emily gave birth to Violet. Pete and Rebekkah gave birth to Juliette, our second niece.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Scott's family's lifelong friend Frank passed away this year. I only knew him for 4 years, but I loved him very much, just as the rest of Scott's family did. My love goes out to his family this holiday season, as it will have been a hard one.
5. What countries did you visit?
Went to the States in April.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better turnout in my TinyTalk classes! And a profit! Wow, that would be amazing, to actually make MONEY while working...
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory?
June 10, knowing that was the day my mom first decided out loud she wanted a divorce. :(
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting up a very successful breastfeeding text messaging service (with the help of my BfN colleagues!) where pregnant mums can join up and are assigned a 'buddy' whom they can use for support in the early days of breastfeeding. It's going on six months, and it's great!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Falling off the chore schedule wagon. But I'm getting back on for 2010!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was involved in a car accident (their fault) in July and suffered whiplash. I am fine now, though, and pleased to be getting a pretty settlement!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our new car!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Fifi and Lolly's. Fifi has been so fantastic with her new baby sister, and Lolly is the sweetest, most contented, easy to look after baby I've ever met. Let's hope both children continue on in the same vein!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
:(
14. Where did most of your money go?
As always, bills. Council tax, in particular! But for the first time in years, we've actually started putting money in savings, which feels kinda grown up and nice.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Christmas! And moving house. I *heart* our new house.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2009?
Just For Now by Imogen Heap. It's an old song, and the album itself reminds me of being pregnant with Fifi, but that song took on new meaning this holiday season as I had to put aside family hurts because 'it's that time of year, leave all our helplessnesses aside, just for a little while'.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? happier, with great periods of sadder.
thinner or fatter? thinner, though this Christmas season has beefed me back up a bit!
richer or poorer? about the same financially, but exceedingly richer in spirit!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Rushing about trying to do a million different things instead of just enjoying my kids. This year I am going to cut back on all my responsibilities and volunteering and really make memories with my kids.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas morning (5am) woken up by Fifi. (Made her stay in bed until 6.) Checked to see if Santa had eaten his milk and cookies and brought presents. Opened presents. Went back to bed.
Had Christmas dinner at in-laws with Scott's family and my dad.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Last year it was my mom. This year it was my dad.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I'm going to need to change this question and the following question. This is always the same... just falling more in love with kids and hubby. Next one is always no. So new question to replace this one:
22b. What's your best memory from 2009?
It's hard to remember all year, as I'm sure there are lots of good memories, so I'll list a few good ones: going to Nardinis in November with Carol and Maria and all six of our kids; eating out on my patio table at the old house during the summer and lying on a blanket in the grass under an umbrella; Club Noir with Paula, Debbie and Heather; visiting my old high school in April with Jessica and feeling like a celebrity in Mrs Balgavy's class; and Lolly's dedication ceremony.
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Nada. New question:
23b. How have you seen yourself grow as a person this year?
I've realised that in order to grow and protect the things I love, I have to be fully honest with myself about who I am and what I am capable of. Whether it be in regards to me as a mother, a wife, a daughter or a professional, I have to be willing to admit, at least to myself, my shortcomings and then work hard to rein those things in and resist the temptation to give into them. It's almost like keep your friends close and your enemies closer; in this case, my enemies are my own weaknesses.
24. What was your favourite TV programme(s)?
One Tree Hill. That was my new one. I still watched a LOT of Scrubs as usual.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Man, I want to change this question too. I'm not a big hater. And even if I were, I wouldn't blog about who I hate. So new question:
25b. What one special thing would you like to do in 2010?
I'd like to go to my 10 year high school reunion. But seeing as that is highly unlikely, I'd like to go on some kind of interesting holiday to somewhere. All four of us.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I didn't manage to read much at all this past year. It was kind of all a blur having two kids to look after. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish was probably the best book I read. It really changed the way I deal with Fifi and made a significant difference. Now that's she's a bit older, I think it's time to reread it. I'm starting to retreat back into my old ways! (If you have kids, this is my official recommendation to go find this book and read it.)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Does anyone else have time to discover music with small children? If so, please give me recs.
28. What did you want and get?
A new home. And while it's still a rental, I'm perfectly happy with that. Not gonna buy now anyway. It would be silly to buy now. So all I wanted was a bigger place, and boy did we get one!
29. What did you want and not get?
A Xyron 500. And a new telly.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
Harry Brown may have been one of the only films I saw this year, but I liked it a LOT. And the new Harry Potter (was that 2009? I don't even know).
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 27 and let's see, what did I do? I have a feeling this year I did nothing... Was I in America for my birthday? No, I left the weekend after. So chances are, I was packing.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Can I be really sad here and say having my parents still together? :(
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Trying to look hip again? While trying to lose weight and still being able to breastfeed in any item of clothing? On a budget?
34. What kept you sane?
Lolly's amazing ability to sleep almost through the night from birth. I. Love. Sleep. (Fifi, however, is hellbent on making sure we DON'T get sleep, as she wakes us up religiously at 6am every morning.)
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
*EDITED* Scratch my original lame answer. Dev Patel from Slumdog Millionaire -- Talk about yummy! Mm mm mmmm.... break me off a piece-a dat!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Besides the obvious answer of the economy, there was that one woman who widely and publicly criticised the Prime Minister for misspelling her son's name in the hand-written, personal letter of condolence after he was killed in Afghanistan. I mean, seriously? He's the Prime Minister and he takes the time to personally hand-write every letter of condolence to every family who loses a loved one in combat, and you are going to publicly criticise his 'insensitivity' for misspelling a man's name that he's never even met but cares enough about to personally hand-write you a letter? That just pissed me off. I'm no Gordon Brown fan, but that is just ridiculous, lady.
37. Who did you miss?
My parents. And I really found myself missing my brothers and sisters-in-law. I really wish I could get to know Danny and Matt and Charity better and have more of a relationship with them. I'd love for Fi and Lolly to know them as more than just names and photographs.
I also really miss Carol and her boys. I hope they are having a great life in Abu Dhabi, but I think they were better here!
38. Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Can I tell you a secret? I have a total girl-crush on Jane. Shhh, don't tell.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Please, please take time to protect your marriage. Take the effort to work out differences, even when it seems like too much work. Don't just keep things inside, bottled up, or hope they will work themselves out or go away. Take time to be a couple, even if you are also parents. Care about the things that make your spouse happy, even when they don't seem a big deal to you. Even though I never believed this before, please put your spouse ahead of your children - in your heart, at least, because in reality, your children will take the majority of your time and energy. But if you leave your spouse on the periphery, irreparable damage can be done.
Guard your marriage with your life.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more
(For funnsies: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
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