Hi, can't believe it another New Year's Eve they seem to come around so quickly. Having a lazy day today. Went out with N&G last night and we had lots to drink and a real good time. We love to go out with them we've all got the same sense of humour (dry) and have a lot in common and we're never short of something to talk about.

Didn't get up till 11.30 this morning and poor Nic's had to go to work. She's emailed me to say that she's got an hangover from hell but she's still working, I've told her she's a real trooper.

Had a good curry with D&R the other night. Went to a place near where we live and it was really good. We then came back to ours for drinks and boy D can drink like a fish. He's always been the same and never has an hangover (or so he says).

Going to be a real party bore tonight cos we're staying in. Don't fancy miggling and having to make small party talk just want to be with the one I love to start 2008 not with people who are merely neighbours or acquaintances.

Went to Bakewell yesterday and had a lovely Sunday lunch. Its very rare that we have Sunday lunch out and it was a real treat. I'm on the look out for a new dining table and chairs and we saw something that we like and it'd fit into our dining room perfectly so I think we might be ordering one next weekend.

Back to work on Wednesday but have only got to work 2 days this week. On Friday I've got a microwave being delivered and I've booked an appointment with the iron and ironing board. Yippee.

Having lasagne for tea tonight with Reb and Rob. Asked Reb if she'll make it and wonders of wonders she says she will.

Hubby's gone to the hospital to see his ma. Hospital have now found that she's broken her leg, God knows how she's managed to do that it just seems to go from one thing to another.

Well thats all for me in 2007 looking forward to talking to you in 2008.

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGERS

Thank goodness Christmas is over. Its not been good for us this year. I knew it wasn't going to be a great one when we had the flu a couple of weeks before and Xmas dos had to be cancelled but nevertheless you continue and think well things will be okay now.

You'll know from my last write about the debarcle of an Xmas day we had. Boxing day wasn't much better. Got up and got to work getting tea ready for the family. Blokes went to the match in the afternoon and I ended up feeling like my Christmas was being spent in the kitchen waiting for everyone to come back. Everyone came for tea and I put on a lovely buffet. Several bottles of wine were drunk and boy did I need it. Hubby turned off his mobile so we could have at least one evening to relax. Expected to get up yesterday with an hangover but somehow that didn't happen.

We went to the sales yesterday and I got a new pair of jeans but there wasn't much to be had really.

Today has been another loafing around the house day. Didn't get up till 11.00, hubby's a bit bored wanting to go for a walk but its cold and windy and I'm still not feeling 100%. He's off to see his ma in a bit so am going to get some ironing done while hes out.

Going out with D&R tonight for a curry and then it'll be back to ours for a few more drinks. Then on Sunday we're out with N&G - going to town to have a drink with them.

We've been invited to 2 NYE parties but not bothered about either of them. One involves a taxi each way which'll end up costing us about £40, then we'll have to take something to drink. We don't know anyone who's going and to be honest don't much feel like socialising and having to make the extra effort with people we don't know. The other party is at a neighbours house but they had a do last NYE and we popped in at the end and it was like going to a wake. I personally would prefer to stay in and watch Take That and the Sugarbabes at the 02 arena - I know I sound like a party poop but somehow I just don't want to let the new year in with people I don't really care about.

Only about 4 months to go till we go to Gran Canaria and am starting to count the days off. Am going to have to go back onto weightwatchers though think I'm going to have a look at their website now. Bye

Hi, hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Wasn't going to blog till tomorrow but I've gotthe blues so I thought I'd come on here to get it out of my system.

Xmas Eve arrived and went to see my ma and take her pressies. Went out for lunch and we had a nice time apart from me having PMT and getting a bit grippy about things that were bothering me. Got back home to find out that ma in law had been let out of hospital. Was really chuffed about it and felt that at least we'd be able to have Xmas without feeling guilty about her. Me and hubby went to our local Indian and had a great meat and lovely Xmas eve night. Noticed the pubs were very quiet though.

Anyway Xmas morning arrived, came down to open pressies. Daughter was upset cos instead of putting pressies into sacks we'd put them all under the tree which she didn't like (she's nearly 21!). Son was happy with what he'd got as were me and hubby but once again daughter had the usual Christmas day frown when she's thinks she's not received her fair share (which she definitely had).

Anyway made a cooked breakfast, hubby took son to work, daughter buggered off to fiancees to see him and said she'd pick her bro up after work after which we were to have our Xmas meal.

Prepped up and got everything ready, birds in the oven cooking away and its 2.00pm. Me and hubby sat down and had a drink, watched the Queen and started to get a bit bored being in by ourselves. Time dragged a bit and finally it was time to get the dinner cooked.

Son and daughter arrived home at 4.20 and we thought great we can have a nice couple of hours with kids and have a lovely meal. Sat down to eat. Hubby's mobile bleeped. Text from his sister saying ma being taken back into hospital. Upset faces all round the table.

Managed to cheer things up a bit and we got going but now am left feeling like I've been cheated over Xmas this year.

Hubby's gone to see ma in hospital. My family are coming for tea this afternoon.

Watch this space cos I'm just wondering what lies next around the corner. Keep smiling cos Life's a Gas! :D

My last blog entry before Christmas. The turkey's thawing, ham's in water (to get rid of the excess salt), making a banoffee pie as my son doesn't like Xmas pud. So what have you lot been up to.

Well I did my food shop on Friday afternoon at Morrisons and it wasn't too bad. Think a lot of people had chosen to go in the morning cos when I went it wasn't much busier than a normal Friday afternoon. Spent loads and bank account took a bashing but hey its Christmas.

Cleaned the house yesterday and made some yummy mince pies as per last week's recipe on Christmas cooks, it uses flaky pastry and they're very moreish. Went to hubby's works Xmas do last night. Couldn't believe it was told I looked lovely by the boss's wife, and another of Ian's female colleagues complemented me on my hair (am growing it at the moment). Never been complimented so much before. It just shows that when you shine from the inside it reflects on the outside world too.

Xmas bash was a bit boring really and we left about 11.30 which is really early for us. One of the young girls was showing herself up. I'm really not a prude but if I was her mum I'd have been so ashamed. Girl had a short dress up, fine no problem with that but when she started strutting with one of her male workmates on the dance floor, tossing around her bleached blonde hair, lifting up her dress to show her red nickers I simply couldn't believe it. Can't believe she's a year younger than my daughter who is fashion conscious but there's a different between been that and been a t**t!

Anyway got up this morning hangover free. Yippee. Been to Meadowhell and got some bargains. Needed some hair straighteners and bought some from Boots at £23 which should have been £60 - BARGAIN!!

Got my ma a lovely bouquet of flowers as part of her Chrimbo present.

Went to see ma in law who's still in hospital. Poor old soul is 85 and I don't think she's got much longer left with us. All she wants to do is go home (home is an old people's residence), she was really upset. She gets confused and thought we'd all left her there. She's got a short term memory and forgets people have been to see her. Made my Christmas wish when I got home. The people from her home are going to assess her tomorrow and my wish is that she'll be able to go back there tomorrow, I think it could be her last Christmas and I don't want her to spend it in hospital.

My god this is a long blog hope I'm not boring you.

Anyway came home and made a lovely roast beef dinner, our R and Rob had dinner with us. Had a lovely bottle of wine with it and am chilling out now.

Tomorrow going to see my ma and take her out for lunch then coming home to cook the ham, and get prepped for Xmas lunch. Me and hubby going out to our local curry house tomorrow night.

Won't get our Xmas lunch till about 5.00 as my son is working but at least that gives us time to pop and see ma in law beforehand wherever she might be.

Anyway that just leaves me to wish you A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. I hope you all have a lovely day and will see you post boxing day.

Yippee, finished work today until 2nd Jan. Now I can get on with getting Christmas organised. Going to wrap some pressies and write some cards tomorrow morning. Tomorrow afternoon is the annual Xmas food shop - not looking forward to that but I'm hoping it'll be a bit less busy than going in the morning.

Want to make some Xmas pies on Saturday and fetch some flowers for my ma. Then its off to my hubby's works party at night freeeee booze - might have a headache on Sunday.

Ham will be coming out of the freezer on Saturday and then on Sunday Mr Turkey, sausages and bacon will be getting defrosted ready for the big day.

Party, party, party

Hi all, been back to work today. There's plenty to do - it took me 2 hours just to get my desk sorted from stuff that had been left on it whilst I'd been off. Got plenty of Christmas cards from my work pals and one of the girls brought in some home made chocolate fudge - absolutely delicious. Have arranged to go out with the girls in my office on 4th Jan, drinks and something to eat after work. On the same day its Nic's birthday and she's invited me and hubby round to her house for a celebratory meal on the Saturday which should be good.

Tomorrow at work its Christmas lunch in the canteen, 3 course meal with turkey and all the trimmings. We've also got a secretaries meeting in the morning so won't get a lot done tomorrow.

Looking foward to the weekend. Christmas party on Saturday at a local hotel, hangover on Sunday!, and then I'm going to my ma's on Chrissy Eve for lunch and to swap pressies.

Got loads of cooking that I want to do before the big day so am going to have to make myself a list of things to do.

Last one of Gordon Ramsay's programme tonight. I like him but I bet he can be a real sod to work for. Tarrah for now.

Hi ya, its Sunday afternoon and I thought I'd have a look on here to see what's been happening.

Was well cheesed off last night when Leon won X-Factor, he can't sing a note. I wanted Same Difference to win, cheesy I know but at least it would have been a proper pop act instead of another Michael Buble wanabee. To be honest I still can't believe that Nicky was voted out instead of Leon but unfortunately I'd be surprised if a middle aged man or woman ever won. Steve whatshisname won a couple of years ago and where's he now, I know in the same place that Leon is heading.

Anyway enough about the box. Managed to finish off my Xmas shopping on Friday when hubby and I popped out to the shops. It was nice to get out for a bit after being cooped up for nearly a week - we've been a bit bitchy to each other cos we're getting on each other's nerves now. He didn't go to the match yesterday and I was chomping at the bit to be man free for a couple of hours.

Went to the hairdressers yesterday. I'm growing it so its in the in between stage at the moment but she's made a nice job of it and hubby said it was like getting a new wife when I came home with my new hairdo, looks a bit of a bugger today though after going to bed so am keeping my fingers crossed for when I wash it in the morning. Went out for some lunch to a local hostelry yesterday and that was nice so I didn't have to cook last night.

Spoke to my pal Nic yesterday. Works do apparently went ok but everyone was missing me, I am a bit of party gal and like a good laugh - wasn't laughing Friday night though was in my jim jams by 8.00 pm. Had a nice chat with Nic, its good cos we've got a lot in common and we had quite a laugh about our sons. She's got an 18 year old that she can't get out of the house and I've got one that seems to have lost his way back. She frets about her son like I was doing this time last year but I'm sure in twelve months time she'll be in the same position as I'm in now.

Been to Sainsburys today to get some Xmas drinkies in. I've just done some cleaning - not done anything really for a couple of weeks so house was really needing a spruce up. Hubby's gone to see ma in law in hospital so I bet he'll need a bit of alcohol to get over it when he gets back. Poor soul she can't help getting old but its really emotionally draining putting yourself through the hoop of visiting them - still we all get old but I hope I don't have to go through what she is.

Going to have a look on here for a bit and then I've going to start wrapping presents which I absolutely hate doing. Wish there was a Christmas fairy that came and did all the wrapping for you. Having home made lasagne for tea and then its another chill night in front of the telly.

Going to the supermarket in the morning and then me and the iron have a date tomorrow afternoon - joy of joys.

Its hubbies works Xmas do nextSaturday which is at a local hotel so that should be good and hopefully we'll be up for having a good time by then.

Not long now till Santa comes - have a Christmas drinkie on me! Cheers

Feeling totally rubbish. Hubby's been off work all week with the flu, started to pick up a bit but is asleep on the sofa as we speak. I felt okay Tuesday morning, day went well was busy as usual, came home, hubby made tea, went to bed and woke up Wednesday feeling absolutely terrible. Had to phone in sick. Went to bed last night at 8.40 and got up today at 12.30. Managed to get in the shower and that's made me feel better but all I can think about are the things I need to do before Christmas which is making me feel totally frustraed.

Supposed to have gone to hairdressers last Saturday but had to cancel, they managed to fit me in this Saturday and am hoping I'll be okay to go otherwise I'll look awful over Xmas and I don't want to let hairdressers down after they've made a special attempt to fit me in.

Ma in law is still in hospital. She had a chest infection which was treated by antibiotics but now she's got to have a blood transfussion cos her cells are low and then they've got to do investigations to see what the problem is. Its awful but I wish she'd just go to sleep and pass away rather than being put through all this. We can put animals out of their misery but us humans have to suffer till we get so bad that we simply can't go on any more.

Found out son dumped his girlfriend on Saturday and started going out with a new one the same day. New one is 23 (he's 19), she's got her own house and he stayed there twice this week apparently sleeping on the sofa - must think we're made of green cheese especially when he came in yesterday looking like he'd spent most of the previous 2 nights awake if you know what I mean! Of our 2 kids he's the one that causes the most worry.

Had to cancel on our work's night out on Friday which I'm really peeved about as I'd bought a lovely top and was really looking forward to a night out. My social life is rubbish at the moment cos of this flu and I just wish it would go away!

Oh my God I can't believe this weekend its gone from bad to worse. Finished work on Thursday after feeling bad all day with a cold, woke up on Friday feeling absolutely awful and couldn't do anything all day apart from sleep. Hubby had flu last week but being the person he is has persevered and gone to work as he'd got so much to do so when it got to Friday night he collapsed in a heap totally knackered.

Woke up yesterday and I still felt awful, hubby had got even worse. We'd got tickets to see Joseph last night but there's no way we could go so I managed to sell them. Hubby spent virtually all day in bed yesterday. Had tea and watched TV. We went to bed about 11.00 and after about 10 minutes the phone rang. Hubby went downstairs and we'd got a message to say that his mum (who lives in an oldies residential home) had had a fit and was being taken to hospital. At hearing the news my sister in law panicked, fell over and broke her shoulder and is now in the same hospital as her ma.

Me and hubby got to the hospital about midnight, saw his mum who was totally confused and it was awful to see her in such a state. She's 85 and although I know you shouldn't say it sometimes (and even hubby says this) you wish she'd just give up the battle of carrying on but she's a battler. Anyway we got home about 1.00 am this morning, went to bed and woke up today at 10.

On waking Hubby's eye wouldn't open, went to the hospital and on top of it all he's got conjunctivitis. I've made him a bite to eat and he's now in bed. I'm starting to feel a bit better but my housework needs doing, ironing is piling up, not been able to get my Christmas cards for my family yet and am totally knackered.

Talk about the weekend from hell. Roll on next week

Well went to work today and spoke to colleague about her negativity. Worded it exactly as my mate had suggested and as I expected colleague was very defensive and came back to me with a sharp retort but I had already envisaged this happening and had decided not to reply which I carried through. Think she had a think about it and for the rest of the day she's been fine, even had a positive comment to make before she went home so I'm hoping this'll have worked, if not its simply a matter of I've told her what I think and I'm just not going to get involved with her negative thinking.

Cold starting to get worse, took some tablets tonight. Its the start of my weekend now so at least I can have a lie in bed tomorrow morning before getting on with my ironing.

Keep smiling less than 2 weeks to go now till the big day

Oh poo, think I've caught hubby's cold. Can feel it in my head and I'm starting to get snuffly - just what I want for the weekend.

Been busy at work today, as always. Had an induction meeting which was eye opening because it contained information which should have been given 18 months ago when I started temping there. The negative team mate has been at it again. I spoke to a friend of mine who's got a psycholgy degree at the weekend and asked her how to deal with it to ensure that I don't take on this negativity. She gave me some ideas so I'm going to have a chat to co-worker tomorrow and put the emphasis back onto her. I keep coming up with ideas but even then she's still negative about not having time to put any plans into practice. Will let you know how it goes.

Came home from work and as you can imagine I felt a bit stressed having to cope with this but then I had a bad journey home and had to suffer listening to some kid's music blaring out which wasn't conducive to winding down after work. Anyway got in and hubby was already home. Needed to veg out till eventually hubby started mentioning getting dinner ready. Felt peeved with him because I don't see why he can't be responsible for once for what's going into our stomachs, anyway he took on board what I said and made us bacon, egg, chips and beans which was really nice. He's just not confident about cooking, probably cos before I was always such a control freak, and I need to get him gradually used to take on this kind of responsibility.

Looking forward to Friday when I've got a few things planned. Finished my Christmas pressie shopping yesterday and I've just got my family Chrissy cards to get so am going to get that done on Friday.

Ooo before I forget just wanted to say thumbs up to Next. Ordered some trousers online on Monday and they came today, beautifully packaged and just what I wanted. Will definitely order online from them again.

Nothing else to tell you about. Bye

Oh my God I'm so tired of talking to people. A year ago me and hubby didn't really have anyone to go out with and then all of a sudden things have changed and now its great but I'm so looking forward to next weekend. Me and hubby are going to see Joseph and will have a meal out beforehand. Am so looking forward to it being just the two of us for a change. Its lovely to have a social life but its nice to spend quality time as a couple too.

Anyway, I'll tell you what I've been doing this weekend. Went out for the girlie lunch on Friday. It was really nice for us 4 to get together and have a chat. Watched Biggins win I'm a Celebrity accompanied by a bottle of wine. To be honest my opinion of him has totally changed and he is an adorable bloke. It was great to see that Janice came in as runner up. She does get on people's nerves at times and is very opinionated but she has a heart of gold and I bet she'd make a great friend.

Saturday morning arrived with a bit of a thick head courtesy of the white wine. Went and did the supermarket shop whilst hubby finished the painting, in the afternoon did some housework to get me back on track in the house. Went out to Matt and Sarah's last night. Meal was lovely and the recipies were from Nigella. Anyway, its lovely when people take the trouble to cook for you and I was very appreciative. Lovely Sarah its totally work driven and it doesn't matter what you change the subject to the lovely lass still comes back to discussing her work. This'll change when she gets with child and I hope they don't have too long to wait.

Today operation kitchen is completed. Rob's put the floor down and the kitchen looks ace. Hubby's just ordered stainless steel electrical sockets to finish it off. Its been a year in the planing but its certainly been worth the wait.

Made a roast chicken dinner and its was lovely finished off with a rhubarb and sultana crumble. Put some mixed spice in the crumble and it really added to the flavour.

Having a veg out in front of the telly tonight and going to watch the programme with Alison Steadman and Kevin Whately.

Tommorow going to get hubby's Chrissy pressie and need to get something to wear for my Xmas night out with work. My bank balance is going down very quickly this month due to Christmas, in January its Rebecca's 21st and then in February its hubbys birthday and my sister's 40th so don't see the money situation changing for a few months.

Going to put Chrissy tree up next weekend. Don't usually put it up until the following weekend but for some reason can't wait to get the tree out this year.

Glad to see Hope went out of the X Factor last night, they should have gone out last weekend. Shame on you people letting Beverley go.

Well that's all for now, will be back in touch soon.