blonde poker forum

Fresh start, fresh diary.  Let's gogogogogogogooooo!!!

And in keeping with the theme, this morning I crushed the last few smokes in their ciggy pack and tossed 'em in the bin.  I'd this date set in me head for a while and really looking forward to seeing it through now.  Jack doesn't smoke, so that makes it miles easier to see it through and stick to the plan. 

This week I will mostly be chewing on celery covered with peanut butter.  Not even going to attempt to convince ye that it's good.  Ya won't buy it.  And boldie would just have plain heart failure if I gave it a go.

Supposed to be lovely and sunny this week, with tomorrow being the only potentially cloudy day.  Soooooo, I'll mostly be in the garden.  Love getting the few jobs done while topping the tan up.  If tomorrow's yucky, I'll tackle the downstairs bathroom.  Bit of wallpaper to be stripped and then paint it.  Shouldn't take too long as it's not a huge space.

Now then...the garden.  How do ya decide which way to level/pitch a yard?   rotflmfao

What's the celery dipped in peanut butter about?

Blind stab in the dark..or just go

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYhYsL-eCBM

It's a sex thing, don't ask

 rotflmfao  Dunno what yerself and Mrs. B get up to, but ya might want to GIQ.  People get a lot of stick for veg fetishes around here.

GIQ? So the peanut butter's a lubricant?

:dontask:

Anyway, peanut butter can be very fattening.

As for the real reason behind the celery...

People tend to gain a goodly bit of weight when they pack in the smokes.  I gave them up each time I was preggers (yeah I know, should have just stayed off them) and the one thing I'd found helpful was chewing on celery.  It has a yucky taste so replaces the yucky taste from the smokes if yer into that sort of thing.  But if you prefer to actually kind of enjoy it, put a bit of peanut butter on the celery sticks and yer sorted.  Keeps the hands busy and sorts the eating issues all in one go.

GL with packing up smoking

Not talking about eating a whole jar of it in the one day.  Just a wee dab of it and yer good to go.  Takes the 'yuck' out of the celery.

Cheers.  I reckon it'll be a breeze.  I've gone a bit stubborn in me old age and once the mind is set on something...well, that's usually that.

When I packed in, I tried them patches thingys, but, I did not like the taste of them..!!

You will crack it I'm sure.

I have peanut butter in a morning so when you come up the supplies will be in.

Excellent!  We must get planning on that visit too now that everyone has settled back in around the place.

Good luck Laxie

mbn to have amatay post in your diary.

Cheers ya nutter.  How's the back these days?

What are you doing here?  Riff raff have their own section.  Banned from entering tournaments in Vegas?  Shocking stuff kebab boy.

Can someone on Team Jaxie pm me the password for Gers game tonight please.

Soz, was away from the computer but just sent now so hopefully you'll get there in time. 

TY Dawn

Just skimmed this diary.

Cliffs

Laxie moved in with Jack
She gave up smokes
Now she's pregnant and has cravings for peanut butter

Congrats!

Ha, took me a few seconds but im guessing your referring to a blog post? ;) If so its fine ty. Got a little scar lol

I was and not surprised to hear you were scarred ffs!  Impressive markings to be fair.  lol

Behave you!  No fear of that rumour ever being true.

The peanut butter, however, could pose a few problems.

Poor Jack.   rotflmfao

I went on a bit of a rampage yesterday.  Nothing to do with Jack and the plan was to get all emotion out of the way before he got home from work, so as not to upset him too.  Actually, I tend to close up shop and say nothing when I'm in a mood if others are around.  He's spotted that, which means I need to gather meself to stop him worrying.  The goal was to be rid of the issues in time to be chipper when he he landed.  For me, that means getting up and doing some real work.

What does a girl do when she's off the smokes and needs to let off steam?  Strip wallpaper off walls obv.  And then mix a batch of filler to randomly sort walls where required.  May as well start scraping and prepping the walls in the hallway too for good measure.  By the time he got home, I was looking slightly deranged...but at least there was a bit done around the place.  Try as I might to fake it with a smile and a bit of chat, he saw right through it all and asked what was wrong.  Can't seem to get anything past him, ffs!  And with that, I went to put a first coat of paint on the loo walls...as ya do. 

To be fair to him, he's figured out just the right mixture of 'give her space' and sneak attack cuddles to keep things under control and I was grand in no time.  Today the plan is to complete the loo.  I'm much calmer now, so I've brewed a pot of coffee because I'll need caffeine to kick me into gear.  Need to have the painting out of the way by 4pm for our grocery delivery.  That's another story in itself. 

Grocery shopping.  It's not necessarily something I look forward to, but at least it's shopping that doesn't require trying things on.  In fact, I don't mind the actual shopping side of it at all.  It's the lugging the lot to and from the car that I have issues with. 

Don't have to worry about that here.  It's all done online.  Huh?  All ordered and delivered without leaving yer sofa?  Excellent!  Except that my brain doesn't work that way.  I gather a list in me head as the week goes on.  I need to be able to see the items in the aisles to say, "Oh yeah, that was on the list."  I'm abso rubbish at recalling the list from me sofa - staring at a computer screen.  Bring on the brain freeze panic.  And when me brain freezes, god help ya if ya expect me to recall anything.  Poor Jack.  He hadn't received that memo...until our first sofa shopping trip.  He's got it now.

We've the best part of a month put down now.  It's taken work on both our parts to figure out exactly what makes the other tick.  And we've both had to work on our own issues as well.  Add gardening, painting and shopping into the mix...and we're still laughing and enjoying each other's company with no regrets?  Yep.  Go figure.  Who woulda thunk it?   I think we've done a pretty damn good job of it.

they have a great invention for that now...It's called.....





Wait for it.....




A SHOPPING TROLLEY!

It's an amazing thing;

A shopping cart (trolley, carriage, buggy) is a cart supplied by a shop, especially supermarkets, for use by customers inside the shop for transport of merchandise to the check-out counter during shopping. Customers can then also use the cart to transport their purchased goods to their cars.

In some places, customers are allowed to leave the carts in the parking lot, and store personnel will return the carts to the storage area. In most European premises however, coin (or token) operated locking mechanisms are provided to encourage shoppers to return the carts to the correct location after use.

more information can be found here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopping_cart

But they look roughly like this;

I consider myself an educator, really.

Except that I don't have a trolley waiting at home for me, ya smart arse.  What's yer solution for that one?

www.ebay.co.uk

Or just do what MrsB does...have your lesser-half carry everything in

Today's free painting tips -

Wear old clothes.  If you lose your balance in a small room whilst painting, chances are pretty good you'll land on another wet surface.

Wear a hat!  Especially if you're painting the ceiling.  FFS, I can't stress this enough. 

Black bin liners make most excellent drop cloths. 

Tesco shopping bags don't.  If the paint is also white - check the bottom of yer feet before leaving the room.  Trust me on this. 


And another free tip nothing to do with painting, because I'm feeling generous - carrot sticks dipped in salt don't mix so well with coffee.  Back to celery sticks with peanut butter for me. 

Use a spoon ffs.

This...and do celery sticks with peanutbutter mix well when stirring coffee?


WTF is wrong with you woman??

Nicorette inhilator is incredible for helping  give up smoking.

sigh, she's looking for something to stir the coffee with mate. You crazy Scot, who the hell mentioned smoking?

:)

to be fair a Nicorette inhilator is probably better at stirring coffee than celery dipped in peanut butter!

fair point, from the stopsmoking website so it might be the only thing they're good for when you also like coffee

Yer all nuts...just sayin'...

You're fully qualified to make that assessment.

It's true.  Although some may question the qualifications.

Day 4 on the no smoking front and going grand.  It really is easy for the most part.  Sure, you'll have the odd time where the idea creeps back into the brain.  Just have to remind yerself why you decided to stop in the first place and the creepy thoughts aren't long disappearing.  Not sure how long it takes to totally clear the nicotine from the system, but another couple of days should totally clear me brain of the 'habit' side of things.

Celery really does work a treat.  Although, I've had to cut out the peanut butter.  Found I'd cleared through nearly half the jar...on the first day.   rotflmfao  Wouldn't mind, but I'd also miscalculated the calories of said endeavour - by LOTS.  Jack pointed that out after I innocently gave my 'total' for the day.  He's so funny when he discovers one of my errors.  The pride in his eyes as he smiles ear to ear...ya just wanna give him a big squeeze.

Another day, another DIY project being researched.  This time we're looking into sorting the flat roof on the garden shed.  I've stumbled on to this stuff called EPDM rubber roof.  No worries about losing a layer of skin to hot liquids poured wrong and installation seems simple enough.  I've googled mad and bookmarked a few sites, but if anyone has personal experience using the stuff, opinions welcomed.  Be great to get the lawn mower out of the front hall and back into the shed!

What were you doing walking on the roof?

Sigh.  I wouldn't dare walk on the current roof.  No way it would hold me.

So here I sit diligently scouring the net for roof info. 

Meanwhile, Jack's over on facebook having a laugh for himself -


Where's me whip?!

We're having a debate in this house.  'Best before' dates -

A)  just a silly recommendation, use as and when ya like.

B)  might be a silly recommendation, but get rid within 3-6 months of end date just to be safe.

C)  the date's there for a reason.  get rid once it reaches that date.

Pick one and post please.  There's a pride thing at stake here.  Cheers.

Best before - B with a side dish of taste/smell/texture, obv.

Use by - Seriously C.

Clearly A. Anyone who says differently is a fanny. (Though the occasional thing we find that's well out of date when we clear a cupboard or something would be thrown out, mainly because you'd have no intention of using it anyways...If you haven't eaten it within 6 months of buying it, you won't ever actually eat it)

Clearly a proper man... A of course

duke and I agree, that's that settled then. YW Laxie.

I'm not allowed to influence the voting here, but...WTF are ye on about?!  Sigh.

lol, don't tell me you go for C?

anyone who says c is a moron (sorry dawn). if stuff suddenly magically became poisonous and only fit for the bin as soon as the date is passed then it wouldn't be legal to sell it

D) 1996.

and also, why would use by dates exist if best before dates are when you're supposed to use something by?

Just have a sniff of whatever you want to eat.

If it makes you feel sick don't eat it.

NOTE: This applies to other things as well as food.

The clue's in the description isn't it?

'Best Before' means it's best before - it might not be as strong or taste quite the same after that date, but it won't poison you.

'Use by' means use it by that date, otherwise it might poison you.

But they've both got comfortable margins of error built in, so smell, sight, taste and texture is the way to really tell whether you should chuck it out

Truth is:

Men with a woman in their life haven't a clue - they only eat stuff in date because the woman in question will throw out stuff past its sell by date.  And single men put the sore belly down to alcohol.....

C, C always C - unless you're skint, why would you take the risk?

See Laxie brought in re-enforcements... ;)

You're just being silly really. We don't throw food out just because it's a day over. Lettuce etc and fruit and all thet nonsense is fine after the best before date. so is milk.

Hell, when I had bad toothache I took those soluble tablets that were a year out of date...they still worked fine :)

According to "Food Fighters" on BBC1 daytime this week (Thursday I think) about 10 billion quid worth of food is chucked away from households, mostly edible and safe stuff past its sell by/ use by dates. Worth seeing if its on i-player.

utter, utter nonsense. how do you cope with fruit/veg from markets or cakes from the cake shop that don't come printed with best before dates? common sense would be my guess

If there's no sell by date, it has to be common sense.  But common sense would also say to me that the date is there for a reason.......

Mineral water has a best before date printed on it - does that mean it's gone off after that date?

And as I suggested above wouldn't common sense dictate that 'best before' means that the product is - best before - that date, and hence by implication still okay to consume after the date as well?

Do you really reckon that an apple I buy today will be nice on Saturday but not so nice on sunday because Sainsbury's tells me so?

Boldie has a BBE date - I'm sure it's something like 1982.

Wise words.

From bottledwaterinformation.co.uk

Why is there a sell by date on bottled water when it’s often comes from a source that’s potentially thousands of years old?
To prevent any taints or odours passing through the material and affecting the product.  Also, the CO2 in carbonated water will slowly leak away.

On saying that, I think that's a load of tosh and you do have a point...  As does pretty much everyone posting.  Just been a while since I posted and it's nice to see some healthy argument :)

shhh, don't make MrsB throw me out.

Cosmetics often have a 'use-by' date on them (usually in months from the day it's opened).  The daily mail explains why:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1211047/Out-date-cosmetics-threat-health.html

Jack's threatening to stick a 'best before' date on himself to see will I toss him out when the time comes. 

As for the question...I'd be a B kinda girl at best and C when I'm in one of my over efficient modes.  Jack is very deffo an A man.  I've had to toss things with military precision (ie - when he's not looking).  Been caught once or twice which caused the debate you lot are carrying on with now. 

Now then, forgetting food for a minute.  Kin has nearly hit on my next one...what would you lot say about medicines and the like with dates on them?

Depends on what the medicine is.  I don't really take much in the way of medicine, but I wouldn't be worried about taking a paracetamol or indigestion tablet if it was a year out of date.

I think the pills I took were Solpadol 500mg. Over a year out of date and absolutely fine.

I tend to trust the boys and girls at Harvard and they agree..it's fine

http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update1103a.shtml

definitely A for the food, particularly with 'best before' rather that 'use by' dates.  The only reason they're on there is because they have to be by law. A lot of stuff with long best before dates that won't actually go off will simply be repackaged once it's past the date if it's still not gone to retailers.  Certainly would have no issues eating tinned stuff, for example, well past the best before date, as long as it looks ok once i've opened it.

medicines i'd happily take within a few years of end by date.

haven't read the daily mail article about beauty products, but same as with food, you can tell if a body lotion or something has 'gone off'.  Given that I wear make up about once a month most of my stuff is years old.

just reminded me - my mum gave my brother some ralgex to use at the weekend and after he'd sprayed it on he noticed the expiry date was 12/2001.  I'm gonna check to see if his leg has fallen off or anything.

My wife works in a Brewery (I love my life)

She once phoned me up and said some bottled beer had gone "out of date" and they couldn't sell it but were offering it cheap to staff.

I bought 40 cases :)


p.s. option A everytime for best before

Oh dear, as predicted there seems to be some serious pwnage ITT.

Not sayin', just sayin'.

This is my line of work dawn.If your only wanting to patch the roof up, this stuff may last for a couple of years max.Is it a felt flat roof at present ?

You're from Scotland, right?

Yeah, that's why it only lasted him a week

It is...in theory.  Goodly bit of it not exactly functional.  End of day, the lot needs to be replaced.  Timbers as well.  Hence the rubber thing.  I'm not a rubber fetish girl, honest.  All about the roof.  Really...it is.

Roof fetish imo

So say a jar of dip was opened with a bb4 date of 2012 but it also says on a lot of them use within 4 weeks of opening?..

I always toss out after the X number of days post opening a jar if it says to.  They're generally bang on anyway and you'll notice green things growing if you try to push out the limits.

what about ketchup?  that says store in the fridge and use within 6 weeks.  does anyone actually do either of those things?

Yep - both.  Always kept in the fridge and used so often it wouldn't survive six weeks anyway.

::)

I have a jar of sun dried tomatos in olive oil. it says to keep in the fridge for less than a week after opening. less than a week is strangely vague obv but lol just lol @ anyone who really follows those instructions, either the time or the location. I'll keep that jar in the cupboard for as long as it takes to get through them, they're not going to ever go off

Tomato Ketchup should not be kept in the Fridge. I am adamant about that.

i can feel one of my paint masterpieces coming on

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/clairep75/adamantrich.jpg)

lol. too good.

Prince Charming, out.

Rich, ridicule is nothing to be scared of.

Very good Clurr

That's a poll of its own.

I always keep ketchup in the fridge. Annoyingly, my housemate doesn't :(

 ;D ;D ;D

Even the Government, who are obsessed with introducing OTT rules and regulations, are reviewing this law because so many people are throwing away good food. The "best before" date is merely a guideline therefore any reasonable person uses their own judgement rather than contribute to unnecessary food wastage.

Why waste in the first place?  Buy the proper amount and ya won't have to worry about 'use by' 'sell by' or any of that rubbish. 

But ketchup very deffo belongs in the fridge.

Grand Prix.  OMG it's shite.  And it's on the telly today.  FML.  Give me a good game of rugby any day over this rubbish where they drive round and round in circles.  Listening to the commentators is about the only entertaining aspect of this Grand Prix stuff.  They obv don't get out much to hear the excitement in their voices as one ape passes out another on the track.  Sigh.  Think I'll go paint the hallway.

No it's not and No it's not.
:-)

I dunno what it was called tbh.  Just know it was a bunch of motorbikes riding around in circles...and YES - it's shite.  The car races are rubbish too, but then ye already knew that.

You're a murkin FFS. You should know better.

 ;carlocitrone; ;whistle;

And ketchup very deffo belongs OUT of the fridge.

They were things I found in the cupboards when I went cleaning them out.  He'd tinned fruit with a date of 2004 ffs!!!

Eggs in the fridge.

no!!

That's a tricky one.  Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.  Wonder what the correct storage is for them?  Like, proper correct...ie not one of Tighty's silly theories.

it'll say on the box to refrigerate after purchase.  but they're not kept in the fridge in the shops, and any foodie will tell you to store them at room temp

This. Our eggs are only in the fridge because we don't have any room in the cupboards for them...mainly because we keep the ketchup where it belongs (i.e. Not in the fridge)

people who keep eggs in the fridge are double morons. firstly it's completely unnecessary. if they were supposed to be refrigerated then don't you think shops would have them in fridges rather than storing them at dangerous ambient temperatures that risk killing their customers?

secondly you should cook eggs from room temp so if you want to get the best from them you need to leave them to sit while you wait for them to warm up

while we're at it who keeps bread in the fridge? well you're all morons too. it goes off quicker in a fridge than at room temp but so many peeps insist on doing it anyway

Eggs definitely out of fridge

tomato ketchup most definitely out of fridge. Who wants to put extremely cold red sauce on hot food? room temperature sauce is bearable but refrigerated sauce? Just a no no

Sandwiches are a snack. Though looking at the length of time Laxie took to eat a sandwich recently one lunchtime so offended my sensibilities I almost took the plate off her. Hurry up woman, its food not a museum piece to be admired and pushed round the plate

MotoGp is deathly dull. Very very boring. Grand Prix's are not. Unless in Valencia, Hungaroring or Bahrain. Down to tracks and conditions (and aero and mechanical grip)

Good night

Ambient temperature in a shop is usually below 20°, if the ambient temperature rises above that eggs will go off quickly and bacteria present will multiply rapidly.



Actually, for consistent results it's easier to cook refrigerated eggs. Cooking from room temperature means different cooking times.



Again in warmer, humid conditions bread will go off far quicker than if it's refrigerated. FACT.

This is good, I get to disagree with everyone.

You should cook eggs from room temperature, and you should refrigerate them and take them out hours before you need them so they warm up.

I don't bother with this because I like a house with a cooler ambient temperature and the eggs don't stay around long before they get eaten anyway, but the warmer the house and the longer it takes to get through a carton of eggs - the more imperative there is to store them in the fridge.

Sigh, who the hell keeps bread for more than a day or two?

You can't argue with what I said, I put FACT on the end.

Why should they be cooked from room temperature?  You put them in the pan, and they soon warm up to well above room temperature - from the fridge or from room temperature!

that's the only thing stopping me from pointing out what bollocks you're spouting

That and it's true.  FACT.

Nah - it's rubbish and shite. 

But everyone gets a nervous twitch when a claim ends with FACT. 

One week down and still ciggy free.  No patches, inhalers, tablets or any of that rubbish to get the job done.  Being a determined bitch can be a major advantage at times.  Just lots of celery and one stubborn Chicka.     ;)

The heat shock can have undesirable effects - the shell for hard boiled, the yolk for fried - for example

Also for fried eggs - you can perfectly safely fry an egg with a soft yolk if it's from room temperature; but if it comes straight from the fridge then there's a danger of it being undercooked.

You get consistency when cooking from room temperature, but without the occasional unwanted side effects like these that a refrigerated egg might provide.

Heat shock?  So from going from 5° to 100°+ in a split second (when frying an egg) makes a huge difference from going from 18° to 100°+ in a split second?  Of course it affects the egg when you drop it into a hot pan - it cooks the bugger!


Opposite way round.  You cook from refrigerated, you know how long to cook the egg for (fried, boiled, whatever), whereas from room temperature you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly as the temperature could differ by 10°.  I don't bother with the yolks anyway, so doesn't really affect me anyway.


No, you get the opposite - DUCY?

You don't want to burn the white do you? If you cook a fried egg from room temperature you can cook the yolk soft boiled - if you do it from the fridge then by the time the yolk is cooked to a safe enough level then the white will be overcooked.

And it's a lot easier to work out cooking times from room temperature rather than from fridge temperature - but I guess that could just be down to more practice at it.

which you should've mentioned before as it's the only real justification for refrigerating eggs, it's easier to separate yolk from white when cold

Don't start trying to debate this.  I put FACT at the end of my post, remember.

I refridgerate eggs because I have absolutely loads of them and my fridge a massive.

Is 'the fridge being a convenient place to keep them' suitable justification?

That's why I keep them there so it must be :)

with the amount you get through I'm seriously worried about the amount of beer space that's being sacrificed. at least people who only eat a few are probs only using those egg holders that manufacturers inexplicably put in the door shelves

keep eggs somewhere else and use the fridge for beer and wine imo

Interesting you mention the egg-holders in the fridge doors.  Probably the worst place to keep them, as they are then subject to temperature changes that can accelerate the 'going off'.  Best to have them towards the back of the fridge where the temperature remains more constant.

As for beer and wine - have two fridges ldo.

The same for milk. Should never be in the door. (Though TBF, I learnt that from an episode of House)

That's OK. House is 100% factually correct.  As is Lie to Me. 

8 pages about eggs and tomato ketchup, bring back the old diary plz.

We would like to move on, TBH. Laxie only wants to yack about DIY though, which is more boring than milk and ketchup :)

you mean include cheese and yoghurt as well?

Steaks, ldo.

So does anyone keep bottles of real ale in the fridge?

I keep crates of lager by the radiator.

To be fair though, you could have eight fridges the size of Matt's (or indeed Matt) and you'd still have to store most of your lager elsewhere.

I'm back on the painting trail this week (sorry Boldie). Managed a goodly bit of the hall yesterday so will finish it up today before tackling stairs and landing tomorrow.

Tonight we're going out to a friend's birthday do in Notts. Should be great fun and really looking forward to it.  I'm wearing a tie.  Jack isn't wearing a tiara.  Well, not initially anyway.

Paint - do you keep it in the fridge?

No.  And I also don't wash the brushes/rollers at the end of every day.  Wrapped tight in plastic bags keeps them from going hard and saves the bones of an hour's wash up each day.  Only ever wash them properly if I'll be taking a break of a week or more from the painting.  Jack attempted to debate this practice initially.  [ ] He won.

sigh, I wonder how Jack puts up with you...I despair, I really do

Seriously...were the pair of you split at birth?  He even shaved off the hair on his head last week ffs.

AND - he's got a feck load of socks too. 

I've always said he's a good looking man with exceptionally sound ideas.

Wrapping them in cling-film if you're going to use them again the next day with the same paint makes sense.  If you're going to leave them for any longer, then you clean them.

When you've wrapped them in plastic, do you then keep them in the fridge?

They sometimes stay wrapped for up to 48 hours...72 at a push, but that's very rare and at no point are they kept in the fridge ya eejit.  Ketchup and eggs are though.  



And a sandwich is very definitely a meal.  ;)  

Only if you have cheese and onion crisps on it.

You keep onions in the fridge, yeah?

Oh, and chillis are kept in the freezer.

Yep.


Nope.

Where do you keep Microsoft Paint?

In Clingfilm or Jack's Latex?

Soz mond.  There's actually quite a lot I'd like to say, but must keep quiet (for now anyway) so as not to cause upset.  It's been hard to figure out what to post about next when the main thing I was hoping to clear is still stuck in me brain with no place to go.  So for now yer all stuck with DIY and food storage...but hopefully not for long.  

Must hurry and get ready for the birthday gig in Notts.  No clue what I'm wearing or if I'll manage to get all the paint off in time, but we'll give it an ol' go.  Have a good night everyone.

Blimey...you really need to get out more.  That's kept on the lappy obv. 

why are you painting with ketchup and eggs?

Chillis in the freezer ftw.  They obviously last longer, but are also easier to cut and you get less chilliness on your fingers (which you obviously then rub into your eyes).  An Indian chef told me about putting chillis in the freezer, so who am I to argue?

Nearly choked on me full fat, full meal sandwich reading that bit.   rotflmfao

Vodka in the freezer..!!

Very deffo YES to that one...no question. 

Be careful with lager though.  If you're like mond and don't have room in the fridge, placing a few bottles in the freezer for the quick chill might seem a good idea at the time.  But don't forget ya put them in there while you drink the cold vodka waiting on the lagers.

How long can you keep bottles of whiskey for?  I have some here that I have had for over 10 years..!!

Also, what about Baileys for storage time?

Also, paint, emulsion, gloss, how long can you store that for?

Bailey's storage time is about a week.  Doesn't last longer than that in our house.

Answers in bold. 

Oh dear, had these baileys over 4 years now.!! gonna hurt binning these 2 unopened bottles.

this is a joke right? you're not actually about to throw them out?

Well, if they have been sat there for 4 years and I do know they contain something dairy-like, and dairy stuff does not lst for ever..!!  Does it last longer then 4 years?

http://www.baileys.com/product-and-company-information/

Baileys shelf life

Baileys is the only cream liqueur that guarantees its taste for 2 years from the day it was made, opened or unopened, stored in the fridge or not when stored away from direct sunlight at a temperature range of 0-25 degrees centigrade.

One of the keys to achieving this 2 year shelf-life is in our patented process of blending of fresh Irish cream with the spirits and the whiskey without the use of preservatives. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative for the product.

Under normal conditions of storage Baileys has a shelf-life of 30 months.

If you are concerned about a bottle of Baileys please check the best consumed before date on the bottle - all bottles now carry a best before date. This number is located on the bottom left hand side of the back label. Example : Code 11 20XY would mean that we guarantee the product would taste perfect until November20XY (XY is the year 2 years from the date of manufacture).


A 10yo unopened bottle of Scotch will be fine to drink.

If they've not been opened...bring em on.  I'm willing to take one for the team and research this.

Carl, were you waiting for something to celebrate before you opened them?  Being an Everton fan, maybe you should have gone for something with a longer shelf-life?

Or picked a different sport to follow.  I hear grand prix is most exciting to watch.

He could have chosen football, but instead went for Everton.

LOL - so following that post, label, date on it, I went to the fridge, and looked...
One has 10 2008
One has 01 2008

And also, they are not std baileys, they are Mint and caramel..!!

So they're actually less than 4 years old.  Excellent.  Although I'm not a fan of the flavoured Baileys concept - in the name of research, I'll do what I can for the team and drink them anyway.

If we follow the posted text, the date on the bottle is 2 years after manufacture lol...  I would be to worried to drink it based on that, but for sure, if ya wanna have em, yer can. :)

You think she's going to turn them down?

Ya know what, feck it.  Just bin 'em.  I haz standards when it comes to drink and was already stretching the limits by agreeing to bastard forms of Baileys.  Not going to risk it with that crap.




Actually, give 'em to gatso.  He might have heart failure of there was known drink binage ITT. 

no way are they not drinkable. well known fact that only 2 things never go off; honey and baileys

LOL

...and doner kebabs.

Calling BS on that one.  Only person falling for it might be celtic...maybe.

this is the correct list.. not open for debate lol

tom sauce : unopened- cupboard opened. Fridge !
eggs: dark dry place not fridge
onions dark dry place Not fridge
anything that has a " Pop up top when opened : unopened- cupboard opened. Fridge !

alcohol should never let get anywhere near it's sell by or use by date, not because it won't taste good, just shouldn't ok !

bread ! come on ffs. if you live in a family this is lasting a day or 2 at best.. live on your own.. buy a smaller loaf !

And who made you boss of food storage?   rotflmfao

GOD !

also Crisps before 9am is WRONG !

LMAOOOO!!!  Posting the goings on of a skype chat isn't far right either ya eejit!

lol, WTF???? This is just the craziest thing I have ever heard.

The having them bit or the 'wrong' bit?  It's crucial to be clear here.

The wrong bit ofc

Was worried I'd have to have words with Mrs. B there, but yer safe again.

Don't keep crisps in the fridge.

Obv not.  Much safer in me belly.

With apologies in advance to Cat Lady, I will mostly spend this day blasting music.  Might even get some things done around the house while I'm at it.

A week later and not once has the Cat Lady called to the door.  I know she's alive because I heard her one day, but she's not been the most active sort this week.  Having met her briefly, I doubt she's a fan of the music I've had on.  Hope she's ok. 

In Ireland, everyone knows their neighbours well.  In a situation like this, I'd have called over already to check in on her.  But apparently that's not how ye do things in England.  I'm actually playing the music a bit lower than I normally would in case she's not feeling well.  Best I can do for her under English rule.  Will eat a double dose of chicken noodle soup in her honour too as I'm at it.

Been on a bit of a Talking Heads frenzy with the past day or two.  Also stumbled on to this 'gem'...

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbt30UnzRWw

Jesus, that's bad.  I need to get some Metallica on double time!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZDhnRo8YvQ

Admittedly loads more better tracks to choose from, but I was under pressure.  Will improve a bit later.  For now though...

I'm off to Ireland next week.  Sarah got the appointment for her mouth operation and asked me to be there.  They also got an offer to spend a week or 10 days in Brooklyn, New York during the same time.  It was a coin flip until a couple of days ago waiting to find out what the plan was.  In the end, their father put the foot down and said they were staying home.  Not like they're deprived.  Spent 2 weeks in Spain last month ffs.  lol  Anyway, Brooklyn not happening and I'm on me way.

The op isn't a big bad serious one by any means, but Sarah's never had one of any sort before.  Not sure if she wants me there because she's worried or because she's testing my promise to always be there when asked.  Doesn't matter why.  I made a deal and I'm sticking to it.  Plus it'll be great to see them again. 

All going excellent on this side of the sea.  Jack and I somehow managed to click from the start and it's been just lovely.  Sure we have the odd hiccup now and then, mostly down to me a goodly bit of the time.  I've a bad habit of keeping the mouth shut when things get to me and holding things in as long as possible.  When I can't take it any more, god help the person on the receiving end if I do decide to speak up.  Pretty sure he's spotted a 'tell' when I'm in that mode because he seems to snap me out of it in no time.  It's an old habit by me, but at the rate he's going he'll have it broke in no time.  Just as well.  Once I do let him in on the secrets of what's been bothering me, it doesn't seem half as bad any more. 

19 days ago I'd have contributed to this, but not any more...

(http://www.smokinglung.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Stop-Smoking-Program-That-Can-Change-Your-Life-Forever.jpg)

Pretty disgusting when ya look at 'em like that.

Will be interesting when I go back to Ireland for the few days.  It's been easy here because nobody around me smokes.  Over there I'll be one of the very few non-smokers.  Glad I've the few weeks put down before heading over.  Would have been difficult early days, but don't expect it to be a problem now.

Why do you write like you just stepped off the set of a black and white film set in Irelandshire

Was just thinking about it and it's not entirely fair to blame all the hiccups on meself.  Here's a brief list of the things that have nearly cost Jack an earful...

Paint brush cleaning and storage.  The guy hasn't bothered decorating in MANY years, yet he knows best method for dealing with used paint brushes.  Orly?!

When you've got someone who's willing to tuck in and get the stuff done that you've avoided for all those years, prolly best NOT to send them a 'How To' guide for tackling the task.  OMG, I thought I'd kill him for a split second that day.  Was a good job the guide was sent via email while he was at work.  Sure did study and save it ffs.

Fillers.  Initially I was like WTF?  Surely the paint fills the holes.  But after discovering just how many and how unsuitable the paint was for filling them, I've been proper mixing and filling to beat the band.  On some walls it would have made more sense to just plaster the fecking things.  But motor on she has.  Although, I'm pretty serious about taking up a trade in plastering.  Reckon I'd be damn good at it.

Anyway...I've filled a goodly lot and done a goodly bit.  Still working on the landing this week when Jack arrives home from work and calls up to me.  I'm up to me eyeballs in filler and paint upstairs when he says he's spotted a hole in the hall downstairs which is near the ceiling and wonders why I've left it there.  "Yer over 6 feet tall and have easily spotted something which you can fix.  You then ask the midget to explain why she's missed it?"  With a gritted smile, "Do you have a death wish or something?"

No need to send out a search party for him though.  Luckily he knows how to make me laugh right about the time I'm ready to strangle him.

 rotflmfao  Speak a bit like it too...but with a funky accent.

So that's the latest in Leicester.  Rumour has it this week-end will include cinema, meal out, pub and garden centre shopping.  Sounds perfect to me.  Hope you lot have a good week-end too.

Nonsense, all about your neighbourhood IMO. If you feel like swinging by cat lady to check up on her I'm sure she won't mind and might even appreciate it. She might think you're nuts but, let's be honest, she's bound to come to that conclusion sooner or later :)

Yeah but just because you haven't done it in ages (because you're lazy) doesn't mean you don't know how to.

Don't worry, he'll learn to just do things your way though... all men learn sooner or later...it's called "being in a happy relationship" :)

Got sidetracked with REM now...sigh.  Will get to the metal eventually.  There's less risk of mess when painting with the likes of this though...

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hKSYgOGtos

Uhoh...delay of game on the painting front.  The power washer has landed!!!   ;yippee; ;applause; ;yippee; ;applause; ;yippee;  If I can get it working...it's party time!!!   rotflmfao

Double uhoh Batman.  Jack just landed in and I've been caught out big time... 

"You've not started the painting yet?"

With a guilty look, "How do you know if I have or haven't?"

"Let me see the bottom of your feet." 

"Bottom of me feet?!  That's harsh."

Inspection complete, "No paint on them...I knew it.  You've not started yet."

He's right.

Sigh...GG, WP.

Is he paying you by the hour or something? Tell him to GTFO and get you a beer!

 rotflmfao  To be fair, he did bring me a packet of Walkers crisps and asked would I like a glass of wine. 

"I can't have wine yet!  Not done anything to deserve it."

"Sure you can.  Plus it gets me out of having to do anything too."

Sneaky fecker is trying to swerve the painting for his Friday afternoon.

Wine? Wow, moving to England and she goes all lah-di-dah!

Bottom of your feet?  What are you doing, painting botton of feet and putting footprints on wall..!!

It's more efficient than the hand printing method she was first using - more surface area.

Next thing ya know I'll be drinking tea out of proper china with me pinky finger in the air.  A bit like this only younger.  With real china.  And a pinky sticking out.  Ok not at all like this really, but you get the idea....

(http://www.thedailyspud.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mrsdoyle.jpg)

I've no idea how I'm managing it, but never fails.  I'm barefoot when painting and I ALWAYS end up with more paint on the bottom of me feet than I do on the tops of them.

Bet ya had fun painting the ceiling then.

(http://messy-monkeys.com/files/2010/04/Messy-Monkeys-Feet-Painting.jpg)

The ketchup debate.

It says on the label to put it in the fridge versus it tastes much better at ambient temperature.

If I don't put it in the fridge I might get ill versus no you won't, don't be silly, point at the dead people who've been deaded by tasty cupboard ketchup.

If Aristotle was alive today I'm pretty sure he would put his ketchup in the fucking cupboard.

Or maybe he did and that's why he's not?

Excellent bumpage Tank

(http://www.jamieoliver.com/core/images/news/cupboard.jpg)

Cupboard only. Fridge is for freaks.

obv if you have to have it then it should go in the cupboard however let's be honest, it's filth and really belongs in the bin

if your food tastes that bad that you have to disguise the taste with ketchup then your time would be better spent learning how to cook than worrying about where to store it

Show me a meal without tomato sauce and i will show you a shit meal.

Tomato sauce on everything apart from Indian food and Sunday dinners. Simples.

bump

 rotflmfao  Yer persistent, I'll give ya that!  Was only saying last night I need to get back here and post a catch up.  Will get to it over the next day or two...promise.

Notes to self...

Sue
Cat Lady
PW
DIY
Ireland
Home
Upcoming

Good god, I'll be ages at the catch up and promise there'll be no mention of ketchup!

Now then...where were we? 

For a start - Jack and I are still going strong in Leicester.  Despite all the DIY the poor man has been subjected to since I arrived, he's not given me the road.  To be fair, I think he was more concerned about my giving up the smokes.  He was a bit worried I'd turn into a cranky psycho.  Come to think of it, maybe that's why he's been so good about the DIY.  Fear of my 'snap' potential.   

But four weeks on without the ciggies, I haven't snapped and it's safe to say there's no fear of it now.  Well and truly happy.  Who woulda thunk it?

Jack's sister Sue has been a great help with garden ideas and other stuff.  She's told me from the start to feel free to call over any time for a cuppa or whatever, but I've been 'woman on a mission' getting things done around the house.  Plus, I've still not figured out where she lives...despite it being just around the corner.  Sense of direction by me is pure and utter rubbish.  Luckily she calls over here now and then or we'd never have that cuppa.

Would be grand if it were straight forward getting around but there isn't just one way to get from A to B.  Jack's shown me every fecking way, besides sticking to just one.  Reckon it'll take another 6 months before I have a clue where I am or how to get where I want to go.  Good job I've lots to do around the house.  Keeps me busy until I figure out the area.  For a small place, it sure is big here.

http://maps.google.co.uk/

I've met the Cat Lady properly now!   ;yippee;  But it wasn't loud music that broke the ice...it was washing up what did it.

We've a new power washer thanks to a late night fit of shopping madness Jack suffered a few weeks back.  I'd been itching to use it in the yard but had to wait until we got the proper attachment parts to do the job.  Once those were got, there was no stopping me. 

While I was at it, Cat Lady walked past.  I thought, "Marv.  She's going to give out to me now for starting this job so early in the day."  But she didn't.  Instead I was asked if I'd moved in and if so, she'd like to say "howdy neighbour" and introduce herself.  So now we're on a first name basis and I've this odd desire to keep the music down to a more respectable level so as not to upset her...or her cats.  Only a matter of time before I get to know a few more neighbours around here and then we can start organising the summer block parties.  Poor Jack.  He had such a peaceful life pre Laxie.

Ireland.  [ ] That was an easy trip to make. 

One jumbo size edit and delete later.  Went about doing the Ireland post, but that's going to take a bit of time and thought before I go at it.  Leave it with me and we'll get back to ya.

'Upcoming stuff' is an easy peasy post to do but I've to get meself together around here before we head out this evening.  So you'll have to wait for that one too. 

In the meantime, settle a debate for me...

Door handles - which way is correct?

A)  matching handles on each side of door

or

B)  different handles on either side to coordinate with décor?     

A yer dozy fecker. X

I agree.  Pity Jack doesn't.   ;dingdell;

what sort of a loon would have different handles on the same door?

A Leicester Loon apparently 

I think you've saved him just in time.  ;D

Don't bet on it.  The eejit still thinks he's right ffs.  Just no learnin' some people.

Not long home from our weekly visit to his ex mother-in-law (that's a tale in itself! lol) who's in hospital, followed by dinner in Leicester.  At dinner we talked about this diary.  It's gone stale.  I've known that with ages, but couldn't put a finger on what exactly my problem was.  Until tonight...

It's actually quite simple as it turns out.  With the big move I've put myself in a position that stifles me a bit.  I'm caught in the middle.  Don't at all regret where I am, but also won't forget what I've left behind.  If I post cheerful about current events, it looks like I've forgotten my kids which isn't the case.  If I post how much I miss them, it looks like I regret making the move which also isn't the case.  Catch 22.  Damned if I do and damned if I don't. 

Soooooooo, from here on out this is my wee corner of internet space and I'm going to be true to me here.  Read what ya like in it.  Assume all ya like.  Love it or hate it - this is me.  I've my kids on track with how I feel , so I don't need to worry about what they read here and that's all that matters.  The rest of you will just have to keep up and trust.

But Jack is still totally clueless when it comes to door handles imo.

Ireland.   Was there last week and long and short of it - that trip sucked.  Don't know why I thought it would be easy.  It was anything BUT. 

Sarah and I speak all the time on Skype.  She's got a heart of gold and we're grand.  Brian and I speak now and then and we're grand too.  He's 19 and doing his thing and I know it's not to do with me that we don't chat much.  Once I know he's not cross with me, it's bearable. 

Sinéad is a whole other kettle of fish though.  She's basically cut me off from the day she found out I'd met someone else.  They all know what went down to cause the split over 2 years ago, but she thought I'd eventually just forget and carry on.  She's a bit stubborn (no clue where she gets it from) and it'll take time for her to come around.  I know that, but didn't make it any easier last week. 

Hitting the sack now, but will cover the whole of the Ireland trip in the morning.  About time it was done and already I feel like a ton weight's been lifted off me shoulders after discovering what had me quiet.  See ye in the a.m.

Had to go to Ireland for Sarah's operation on her mouth last week.  It was nothing major, but she'd asked me to be there and I said I would.  Don't know what I was expecting to be honest.  When I was told I'd be staying in the home place, I kind of figured it'd all be ok.  But a few days before heading over, my belly said "No way it's going to be that simple." 

Tim and Sarah collected me from the airport on Wednesday.  Got big hugs from Sarah, as expected.  Mostly civil conversation from Tim too...as expected.  But something wasn't right. 

We got through the day without hassle and Bridget landed with her boyfriend that evening to keep things moving along, but still - it wasn't right.  Couldn't put my finger on just what I was feeling, but there was something very different about the vibe around the place.  You'd think when two years were spent under the same roof, sleeping on a sofa, nothing could top that in the 'odd' stakes.  But here we were topping it better than any kid could do if left alone with a container of sprinkles and a tub of ice cream.  "Ah well...it's only a few days" I thought to myself.

Thursday Sarah, Tim and I made the trip to Cork for the operation.  There were a few awkward moments while the hospital asked about contact numbers saying they'd had difficulty reaching us on mine.  Had to give them Tim's and explain that I'm on a UK number now.  Then it came time to take her in to the pre op/recovery area. 

"Only one parent allowed" said the nurse.

With that, Tim managed to manoeuvre his way past me and wrapped an arm around Sarah before I even knew what was happening.  In the past I was always the one to follow the kids in for anything like this.  But without exchanging a word, it was made pretty clear - that wouldn't be the case today.  I kept my mouth shut and took my place in the public waiting area.  God, it hurt. 

I sat in the waiting room for well over an hour.  This seemed a bit odd because we'd been told once she was settled in, we'd be sent on our way and not to come back for a few hours.  I was dreading a few hours alone with Tim trying to make small talk, but already an hour had dwindled away and no clue what was happening. 

Eventually Tim landed out to tell me, "They're not operating today.  She's still too stuffed with the cold to go through with it." 

"Oh fer feck sake.  I KNEW it!  Told the pair of you last week she wouldn't be seen if that wasn't sorted."

"I know and that's all that's bothering her at the minute.  She's worried you're going to want to kill us now for making the wasted trip over."

"Sigh.  I'm not going to kill ye but I am going in to see her now.  And for the record - you ARE an eejit for not getting that cold cleared."

Off I went to see Sarah.  The poor girl was nearly in tears.  As it was, they'd kept me hanging about booking the trip with their talks of postponing the op and heading to Brooklyn, NY instead.  Got to the point where I was pretty stuffed on the airfare for this one and they knew it. 

Gave her a hug, "I'm not going to kill ya, ya eejit."

"Are you sure?  I'm sorry.  Dr. Leader said I'd be grand but they don't think I am."

"I know goose.  I knew ya weren't grand and would have been surprised if they'd gone ahead with it to be honest."

"So you're not cross?"

"Not at all.  But to be honest, I probably won't be coming back over for the re-scheduled date.  Not much point when only one parent can be with you, yeah?"

"I know.  Just glad you're not cross with us."

So that was that.  It was all fun and laughs for a bit, but once it was established I wasn't going to lose the plot over their screw ups, chilly civil mode resumed.  Meanwhile, I'd barely set eyes on Sinéad.  She just about said hi as she walked past on the first day and was doing everything in her power to avoid me after that.  I'd asked Tim to have a word with her, but he reckoned she needed to come around of her own accord and there was nothing he could do to help. 

Spent most of the rest of Thursday quietly in tears as the kids were out and about with their friends.  He was in charge now and apart from Sarah, they didn't need me or want me around any more.  I was a visitor in what used to be my own home - and an unwelcome one at that.

Roll on Friday.  Everything always seems a bit better after a good cry.  Least that's what I've always been told.  Well, not sure if it's true, but I was deffo better.

I'd been trying to do the 'mom' thing the first couple of days, but went on strike Friday.  Decided if they're doing so well without me, then they can carry on in that mode.  The life was being drained out of me there and it was time to claim it back.

I went about my own business for the day, packing up things I wanted to bring back with me.  I'd taken a basically empty bag over, but it wasn't huge so I had to be selective about what I wanted to include.  Into the case with one thing, out with another...it passed the day away and kept me from dwelling.

Tim landed home from work in the evening just long enough to eat, shower and head off to the pub.  He'd been doing that with a few years anyway, so nothing new there.  Sarah had gone to Killarney with friends earlier in the day and wouldn't be home til after 10pm.  I tucked into a bottle of wine and watched some telly to pass away the night on my own.  Or so I thought.

First Brian arrived on the scene.  We got chatting and were having a grand time of it.  Then, Sinéad landed.  I could smell a rat.  Sure enough, she who hadn't given me the time of day asked for spending money for her night out on Saturday.

"I'm sorry, but you've not had two words to say to me since I landed and now you want me to hand over money for your night out in the pub?  Not happening Chicka.  I'll hook you up with the shoes and or bag for your dance next month, but no way I'm paying for a night out with your mates after the way you've treated me.  Let your father be paying for it."

"I won't ask him for that money."

"That's your choice, but I won't be giving it.  Pick out some shoes or a hand bag for the dance and I'll hook ya up."

"Grandma and Grandpa are already looking after that so just give me the money."

"Well, like it or not, I'm still your mother and have a right to pass them out on this one.  I'm not giving you cash.  I'll get what you'd like or need, but it won't be cash."

With that, she got moody, Brian stepped in and pointed out the basically good deal she was getting and it all calmed down.  Before I knew it, the three of us were actually having a good laugh for the first time in a very long time.  Sarah landed home eventually and joined in with us and it was lovely.  Up to that point I'd swore I'd never go back again.  But those few hours restored my faith and I'll be back.  Just not for the re-scheduled op.

What we've agreed instead, is to bring them over here in October.  Sarah is definitely making the trip.  Not sure about the other two, but they know the door is open and they know I'll understand - whatever their decision.  

Brian had a few concerns.  Said in the deepest manly voice he could muster, "I'm not going over there and having that guy telling me what I can and can't do."

"Brian, Jack has no intention of getting in the way.  I'm your mother and I'm in charge of you while you're there.  No smoking allowed in the house and you have to be respectful.  Those are the rules.  Nothing more, nothing less."

"Oh.  That's ok so."

 ;frustrated; rotflmfao

Brian and Sinéad are having a think about it and will get back to me.  Teens these days!  Sigh.  

Saturday morning came and Bridget carried me to the airport.  I got hugs from all three kids before I left this time.  Genuine ones too.  Made a nice change.  There's talks of Bridget making a trip over as well in the near future.  Will be great to see them all on this side of the sea.  It's finally occurred to everyone - this is for real.

I forgot to mention at the start of the trip report, but I did get a giggle when I first pulled into the village.  People were staring into the car and you could see it written all over their smug faces, "She's come crawling back.  Knew she would. Was only a matter of time"  Just a pity I didn't have someone to record those same faces when they found out I was only visiting. 

always keep kethup in the fridge clawbird

 rotflmfao  Welcome to the diary

thank you laxiebird. dont think weve ever met. my name is dick lynch and i am the best poker player in luton.  come say hi when ur in luton

Deffo heard of you throughout the ramblings of those other degens on the Luton thread.  Not living too far away these days so I'll be sure to say hi next time we're there.

HTC Sensation

Help

Landed safe and sound back in Leicester last Saturday and had a lovely 'rest of the week-end' with Jack...despite his attempts to get me shopping.  I've said it 101 times on the forum, lost count of how many times I've said it in person, yet on Sunday - we went clothes shopping.  [ ] Yay!

There's actually a great wee shopping centre near here.  Probably not great by most people's standards, but works perfect for me.  Has exactly the shops I do head into once or twice a year and not much else to clutter the mind.  We'd to get a pair of trousers for Jack.  I called them 'pants'.  Luckily I hadn't said it too loud in the Men's Department of Marks and Sparks.  Apparently not quite the same translation from what I'm told.

Anyway.  Once we'd his 'trousers' bought, we wandered around the place til we hit the Women's Department.

"Have a look around."

"I've told you...I don't do shopping."

"Ah go on.  Here.  Try this on."

With that, a wee hat was propped on me head.  To be fair, it did look kinda cute.  Only I'd nothing to match it.  Sigh.  I stumbled across a top that might do and said I'd try it on.  Meanwhile, he'd another top found and told me to try that one too.  Fer feck sake.  He wasn't even keeping with the theme of 'match the hat'.  He was just randomly shopping! 

Off I went to try on the two tops and had made up my mind that one was deffo coming along and the other was a coin flip.  That's about the time the changing room clerk said, "Is there a Dawn in here?"  Sigh again.  I opened the curtain, put up my hand to say that was me and had two more tops landed into the hand.  He'd been busy.  With that, I'd a quick change to check out the next two and in my mind decided I'd get the coin flip one and leave the last two behind.  But I needed to change quick before he landed with more stuff.  Managed it and also managed to show zero interest in anything else during our wandering for fear he'd make me try it on.  Apparently I'm a let down to the entire female race when it comes to shopping.  Sorry ladies.  Just don't have it in me.

Well, unless you want to spend a day here figuring it out, you'll have to wait until APAT Worlds at DTD.  Don't have a Sensation but I've an HTC Desire so it can't be that difficult to sort yours.  Since when did you become a Tikay?

Since the last phone broke and I was eligible for an upgrade

I wanted the biggest screen with the best hope of using the internet on it

Was handed a Sensation

It's been downhill from there

Well, get yer arse over here and we'll sort the phone for ya.  Just bring the stuff that came with it so I've half a hope and you should be cruising blindfolded by the time we're done.

Yesterday we went to visit Jack's ex mother-in-law in hospital.  Yep.  You read right.  He's been divorced with 13 years, yet he's still there for them if needed.  That's just the kind of guy he is and one of the reasons I fell for him.  I go with him nearly every week and don't mind it a bit.  Have even met a few of the ex-family (including the ex-wife) and they've all been grand.  Can be pretty comical though when ya try to explain who we're hanging out with for the evening.  Never a dull moment, even when it's something as simple as a hospital visit.

APAT Worlds at DTD end of this month will be my first live poker since that fateful trip to APAT Newcastle in April.  Really looking forward to it on soooo many levels!  Lots of friends to see and going to take the poker proper serious too for a change.  Not here on holidays any more.  Here for the long haul and need to cop on when it comes to the poker.  Looking forward to the challenge.  Be warned.  You might get a proper poker post some time soon.  WTF?!  lol

And with that, the new week-end is here.  There's talks of pub, fry up and garden centre this week-end but not necessarily in that order and nothing set in stone.  Even if it's not great, we seem to find a laugh in things.  So whatever happens and regardless of the order...it'll be good.

That's 'most' of the latest.  If it's missing, it's because my brain's forgot.  If it comes back into the brain, I'll post it.  Otherwise it wasn't meant to be.  Either way, hope you all have a good week-end too.  xx

Serious questions about this not sure if you want to answer them but if not you can always just ignore them :-)

Are you setting any poker goals for yourself?
What events are you going to play at DTD?
Now you are living in this country will you be trying to play more events as you are quite close to DTD?
Other than DTD and Vegas are you both planning on attending any further APAT's this year? (Luton?)

Non poker question

Are you still going to DTD on the Friday (that's two weeks today!!)? If so what time should we expect you?

I don't mind answering questions.  In fact, quite enjoy it as it means other people actually read these ramblings.

Poker goals?  Main thing is to take it more serious when I enter a live tourney.  I'd a bad habit of travelling over here from Ireland and thinking of it more as a holiday than a poker event.  In some ways it's good because I don't play scared.  But it's bad because I was also playing reckless and I know it.  Want to try and keep the 'fearless' whilst kicking the 'reckless' to the curb. 

Was thinking about it the other day and once I run out of DIY jobs to do around here, I'll take the online grind more serious too.  Right now I only play a couple of small league tourneys a week and I'm ticking away ok with them, but deffo not making a killing.  I used to play all day while kids were at school and quite enjoyed it.  When I enjoy it, I seem to play better.  But I've found I don't enjoy the odd one starting at 8pm or after any more.  Need the daytime play to bring the love of online back for me again.

For the Worlds I've only signed up to the 6 max so far.  Kicking around the Omaha as well, but I've not decided yet.  Been ages since I had a good gander through the PHA board, but always feel better for it when I make the effort.  Effort on PHA board first and then I'll decide. 

With the expense of Vegas, I'm not sure what else we'll play the rest of 2011.  DTD and APAT are preferences obv, but APAT Luton is the most likely one as it's nearby.  Nothing written in stone yet.

We arrive in Notts on Friday around 4pm.  Wouldn't miss that night out so check yer liver until Saturday.  Should be a great night!

Please help settle this morning's debate...

How many spaces should you put between sentences?

One or two - you decide.




Yes, I know...we reeeeeeeeeeeeally need to get out more   rotflmfao

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

not  2  2  2  2  2  2

After extensive research (bit of googling and a facebook poll) that seems to be the case.  However, I'd like to point out it wasn't always the case.  Conclusion...I'm old and Jack's a techno geek.  And Jack finally wins a debate.  I'll have to suffer through hours of random 'told ya so' grins now.  Marv.

Dump it and get an iPhone!

Is this serious?  Laxie were you serious when you said this???

Sorry Laxie ... I read this bit and and thought OMFG what parent can say this to their child?


I cant read anymore.

Sorry. That hurt to read.

Yep, got that feeling too....in fact I actuallty thought that Laxie's kids were step kids that she just had a good bond with.

For a start, it's not a family policy by us, but a hospital policy we were unaware of.  Her father obviously wants to be the one to accompany her and I'm trying not to cause hassle in the camp.  In that case, best if I just stay put here.  Don't understand the problem?

I've never beat around the bush with my kids.  We say it like it is and at the very least, we never have to doubt the honesty of our words because we know we don't mess about.  Very definitely don't feel a single ounce of guilt for the conversation we had regarding the re-scheduled op.  

Only thing I feel a wee bit guilty about is doubting my role as their mom.  Just because I'm not there doesn't mean they don't care and I feel guilty for doubting that.  And they know I absolutely adore them.

Today's plan is to hit the garden centres.  We've basically a blank canvass to work with and I don't want to rush into filling it randomly with whatever.  I've a few ideas and know we need to get it mostly right the first time, but not sure how to go about it.  Will probably come home with nothing bought and more confused than ever. 

Meanwhile, Jack's not too keen on garden centres.  He's just going for the cake.   rotflmfao

Yes it was obvious that it was a hospital policy not a family one ... however, the hospital policy didn't say that you wasn't allowed to be there for when she got out?

In situations like these it is normal/usual for the main child carer to be the one present if only one parent allowed. Tim is now the main child carer, a choice that was made by you.  A lot of fathers are put in this very same position when they have to wait outside, yet they still are there.


I read some of your pre move posts and one that stuck in my head was you stressing to your kids that you would always be there for them, that you was only a wee flight away ... yet it seems at the first opportunity to prove this to them you had an attack of 'sour grapes' at not being the one to go in with Sarah, you SAY that you are not cross with them BUT immediately then go on to say  ''I probably won't be coming back over for the re-scheduled date.  Not much point when only one parent can be with you, yeah?''        Can you not see the hypocrasy of that statement?       Assure your kids your there for them then prove that actually you're not.

You gave up the main child carer role Laxie, and being asked to wait outside is an unfortunate part of how things will/can/have changed ... but FFS what matters to a child is that you're there, whether that be in the waiting room or hell even the car park outside!


Each to their own I suppose.

Ahhhhh, NOW I understand what you're saying.  Was really confused to be honest. 

Have no doubt about it...if Sarah wants me to be there, I WILL be there.  We've talked about it and she isn't worried about the operation, but wanted to test the theory of my hopping on a plane when requested.  I've shown I can and will at last minute's notice, and that's the test passed as far as she's concerned. 

This was the first time Tim was even present for anything like this, so it caught everyone for a hop that he was even involved.  But doesn't mean I dodge the role from now on.  Just means I have to be respectful of his new role. 

At the end of the day, not Tim, the neighbours or anyone is going to keep me away from my kids if they need me. 

It's a shame that Sarah even felt the need to test the theory

Just sayin.


Keep justifying it to yourself Lax.



Nowt more from me.   

Yes it is.  A bigger shame we were ever put in the position we are now.  But there ya go.  That's the thing...I always swore when I married it would be forever.  When it all hit the fan, it threw things off for all of us.  Everything we knew to be solid and true was in danger.  I was a damn good mom when I lived there and hopefully I'll continue to be despite the new obstacles.  Definitely going to screw things up a bit now and then as it's a foreign situation to me, but not ever going to throw in the towel and give up on it.

I'm glad you posted Michelle.  Honestly.  Helps me to see it from the outside looking in.  And as this is all new to me, it's a big help when someone says, "Hold on a minute, you're slipping here."  So thank you for that.

If you genuinely want other viewpoints on this situation..... 

I've avoided discussing it up til now because a) it's none of my business, b) I didn't want to come over as judgmental and c) I couldn't see the point.  Now that you've suggested it may be helpful though, here's my take.

Families break up and parents meet other people - it's a fact of life.  There's never going to be a perfect way of dealing with the situation but it is imperative, imho, that ensuring as little disruption and upset to the kids is the number one priority - that takes a lot of time, care and consideration.   Can you honestly say that's what you've done?  I would suggest that the fact that Sinead hasn't spoken to you for a couple of months, that Sarah was in tears for an hour worrying about how you'd react to having made a 'wasted' trip indicate otherwise - these are all facts you have posted openly, and then, almost in the same breathe, have said that you don't feel any guilt. If I ever found myself in this situation I'd be absolutely wracked with it.  I kind of hope that comment was bravado rather than the whole truth.
 
I never will be able to get my head round why you had to rush off to move to England so quickly after hooking up with Jack rather than making sure things were handled properly and the right foundations laid all round.  That's all done now. But Dawn, please, think about what Michelle has said, take a step back and re-read the recent posts you've made as if someone else had written them:  I was actually open mouthed at a lot of it.  Don't let stubbornness or 'proving everyone wrong' get in the way of doing the right thing by your kids.

Why would you leave your kids with their dad when it sounds like, from the line above that he doesn't do a great job of being a dad.

I don't know you Laxie although we've chatted on the phone and on FB a few times. I know you've had some hard times and I think you would agree that I have supported you and fought a corner for you over and above what you woudl expect from a stranger. I knew you had moved but I didn't realise you had moved without your children. I guess I'm going to have to read through back posts to see how on earth that ever came up as a possibility. You see, I can't get my head round it. You left your kids to move in with a bloke? Yeah I need to read the back entries for sure because my first instinct is to just say WTF???? However, Claw n Michelle are much more subtle and polite than me and yet their posts seem to spell out what I would be saying, if i could word it as politely as that. Save my eyes from having to scan your diary - tell me in brief how this ever happened? 

come on guys hold your horses...... what is it with all this gang mentality on blonde, once one person starts the rest of you have to jump on the bandwagon riding shotgun!

im sure dawn thought things through before making her decisions, and knows a lot better what she's doing regards her children better than you or i all do!

if you have an opinion fair enough, but why wait until 1 person voices up before you all come out the woodwork? come on guys the thread is  19+ pages long how come you all wait til there is safety in numbers before saying your piece?

 ;iagree;

Nice bit of trolling Turny,considering your history with Laxie.

Just want to point out the obvious: only one person can ever "voice up" at a time, stands to reason others can only follow. Don't think parallel posting has been intorduced here on Blonde yet ;)

Just lol. Why would laxie want her kids getting in the way of her new life in leicester?

Plenty of useless opinions on this thread.

Absolutely f**k all to do with anybody how Dawn and her family work.

Nobody has a clue as to how they are as a family unit so butt the f**k out.

Just my own useless opinion.

Disagree.

I think if someone is going to post a diary and talk about their personal life to all and sundry that they open themselves up for both praise and criticism.

What a massive FAIL of a post.

These diaries are all about feedback and interactivity. Some ppl say stuff on mine that I don't always like but a diary on blonde is for interaction from readers and people voicing their opinions.

If there's something I don't want/expect feedback on, I wouldn't write about it. I would hope that's the same case with this diary.

I agree with Cos & Brent, there is some tricky stuff I leave off my diary, because it might bore people, or maybe think I was looking for something I'm not, or whatever reason, but all the stuff I put on there, then I sort of accept that people are gonna comment on it, good or bad.

This, and two posts above it. It's like reality Tv "celebs" whinging about gettin papped, altho on a slightly smaller level lol.

Diary posts on a forum are open to interaction. That's what forums are for right?

 

Don't get me wrong there's plenty of worthwhile opinions as well and one's which are worth reading. Michelle's and Claire's spring to mind.

It's the ones from people who really couldn't care less about Dawn and her family's welfare and just see an opportunity to have a dig that I was referring to.

you should be more clear

 :hello:

Ayup Trigg :D

Yes I should've been. Sorry for that.

Blimey, you lot have been busy today.  Not long in the door and tucking into my dinner first.  Then I'll be back to have a proper read and see what needs replying to. 

with a few kids its standard to have one parent look after others and one always go to docs, hospital etc.. In my case my Dad always did it as  mum hated it seeing ill people lol. I would expect he just took the decision to be the "one" since he close and its convenient for all. 

Depends on the dynamics of how things used to happen and what aggreement that have now.

Turny, not sure it's entirely a mob mentality. Not much controversial in this thread, its generally about love, painting, gardens , baking etc.

So, when a series of posts touch on intensely personal family stuff then it's bound to polarise opinion and generate more posts, some of which might have a negative slant.

FWIW, I think this series of posts showed an incred lack of self awareness - when you post things like the line quoted above and the diary veers away from apple pie, then it's bound to generate comment I think - most of us think along the lines of us needing to restore our kids faith in us rather than the other way round.

Ok then.  Dinner done and off we go.  I'm not going to go mental here and take everything personal like some people might want me to because I've no regrets in my posts or my parenting to be honest.  Not always going to get it right, but then no parent does.  It's facts of life and no point getting worked up over things. 

Many valid posts by ye and a bit of rubbish too so not sure how to break it all down. 

Will say this though as it's been pointed out to me in the last 20 minutes by someone who knows me well (and it wasn't Jack)...

Some of what I've posted has been taken totally the wrong way.  It's been said many times before on many a thread around blonde - the written word doesn't always come across the way it was meant.  Anyone who truly knows me, knows exactly what I meant.  The rest will read what they like in it and it won't always be good. 

To be honest, I was quite surprised to see your post Claire.  Mainly because we spent two years chatting about things behind the scenes and you'd a fair idea of the situation in Ireland during that time.  But to clear it up for everyone else reading this...

We were in an impossible situation well before Jack and I ever became an item.  The marriage had fallen apart two years earlier and we were sleeping in separate spaces.  Yes I can honestly say I took my kid's into account when I moved.  If I'd stayed put, the atmosphere would have gone from bad to worse and been abso venom.  Many of you have seen it first hand in the past year - I can handle venom.  But that wasn't fair on the kids to be exposed to it day in and day out.  They always knew I was going due to the breakdown, they just weren't sure when.  Moving meant they didn't have to wonder any more.

Sinéad.  Love her to death obv...but she's a moody teenager fer feck sake!!!  That's why she's been giving me a hard time.  I always knew she'd handle it that way, no matter when or how it came to pass...that's Sinéad.  She hoped I'd turn a blind eye to the latest scandal in the house like I'd done the others in the past.  Many of you know the finer details of said scandal and ye know as well as I do - that was never going to happen.  She just didn't like the idea of locals talking about the split.

'Wasted trip' - well, I speak to them regularly in Ireland via phone and Skype.  I'd spent the few weeks prior telling them to get her cold sorted or she'd not be seen for the operation.  They shrugged it off.  Also spent those same few weeks being told there might not be an op anyway because they were kicking around heading to Brooklyn for a wee holiday instead.  Spent those few weeks saying "Pleeeease would ye decide so I I know if I need to book flights or not."  It was a roller coaster just trying to find out if I was meant to go over.  So yes, it was frustrating to get there and find out we weren't going to sort what I was there to help sort.  As she's the one I spoke to most of the time in the lead up to the trip, she was well aware of the reasonable frustration I'd probably feel and that's why she was crying.  Once I was left in to see her, the tears were insta stopped because I was able to reassure her.  Prior to that, I wasn't told she was upset.

Sarah's in a tough spot.  It's been hard on her playing the one in the middle.  She'd taken it upon herself to pass messages back and forth between Tim and I.  I spoke to Tim about it and we agreed that has to stop.  It's not fair on her and it's since stopped.

I've never done the whole separation/divorce thing before and neither has Tim.  We'd been together since '89 so it's going to be difficult to sort things properly.  We're not perfect, but I'd like to think we'll do our best for the sake of the kids.

I'm sorry, but while he may have been a pretty rubbish husband to me, I'll not have it said he's a rubbish dad.  Far from true and won't stand by while anyone says something like that about him.  He worked his arse off all the years to provide for the family affording me the chance to stay home and raise the kids.  He cares about our kids as much as I do.  And when he has time, he has a great time with them and they with him.

Acidmouse hit it bang on.  Tim worked.  I did the medical, taxi, meetings and anything else that needed doing for house or kids.  That's how we'd always worked it, so yes - it was a shock to me when I was left sitting in the hall.  i get why and that's fair enough...but I'm not going ot pretend it didn't catch me off.

Matt, Acidmouse and Caroline - genuine thank you for various reasons. 

Now then, I'm off.  I'll answer genuine posts in the morning and honestly understand why people would have problems with all of this so don't be shy about it.  I would ask everyone to keep in mind Sarah does read this thread so please keep it civil and we'll get on grand.  She knows there's some 'issue' between myself and a few here, but the 'issue' is not to be mentioned.  Cheers.

My dad was never present for anything like this either but if anyone dares tell me he isn't an absolutely amazing father because of it had best not be in my firing line.

Like Acidmouse says different families have different ways of working things.

Just because it's different from someone else's doesn't make it better or worse, it's just different.

My post wasn't trolling at all or a part of any personal issue (that doesn't exist) that you think might. I picked up on a point that didn't look right to me and posted in the same tone as claw and holdy. You could have replied normally instead of including me in that absolute lolthreat.

Fair enough...my apologies.

Discussion fine

threats not fine (threats were not to Laxie,)

A few posts deleted.

Enough please. Everyone.


thanks

Now then, moving on.....

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ehden6aPl0

My eldest had her  tonsils out (shes 12) Both I and the ex went to the hospital .  She went down with her and when she came out I went to see her in recovery. I felt it was important that our child knew we were both there for her even though we had split. I find it Hard to comprehend some people's blasé attitude to how even young teenage children perceive their parents actions. They are already having to deal with monumental upheavals in their own life with body and emotional changes and some seem to think They will just be fine.

Laxie had you ever thought that your youngest child's indifference to you was something more than just teenage angst.? She has seen you move to another country almost on a whim at a time when she probably feels she needs you most. It's difficult to comment as no one will ever know the full ins and outs of behind the scenes..but I went through a similar but much more profound experience regarding a divorce..having to suffer under the same roof as my ex for two years after we were divorced... Because of this I feel it would be even more important to be there for such occasions .

I'm at a loss to explain it to people who don't already know me and understand.  A number of PM's have come in since this topic was first brought up from people who DO get it, but aren't inclined to make it known in the thread.  I'll give it one last go, but then I'm going to draw a line under it because there's no point when it's clear we're just going round and round.

There's one thing I guess many won't know about me but my kids do.  When the going gets tough, mom makes light of it if she can, because everything usually comes right in the end.  If I were to get overly dramatic or shut up shop and say nothing, THEN they'd worry.  Not sure if I've explained properly - but that's the best I can come up with regarding the seemingly the blasé attitude. 

They know I love them and would move mountains for them if needed.  I don't need to plaster it on facebook or wherever to prove my love for them.  In fact, they'd hate it if I ever did.  They take the piss out of their friends when the parents post things like that and have made me promise I wouldn't embarrass them that way.  And I won't. 

They also know I will do what I can to keep peace around them.  I don't like them being stuck in a tense atmosphere.  That's something Tim will have to work on and until he's got a better grasp, I can't force the issue like I tried to do this last visit.  That said, if they need me all they have to do is say so and I WILL be there, regardless.   

The way I look at it is this...let them have peace there with their father and they can visit here in peace too.  Why do ye think I've been tearing around this place at such a silly speed to get it in order?  Has it not occurred to any of you that all the while I've been tearing around this house, I've had my kids and their future visits in my head?  Just because I don't say it in every single post or on every other fb update, doesn't mean I don't think about and love my kids.

Sarah phoned last night and we chatted about her night out on Saturday.  The latest in this thread wasn't brought up.  Not sure if she's read it yet but when it comes up, she knows she can speak her mind and be honest with me without fear.  Because the one thing I've ALWAYS grilled into them was honesty. 

Said it in pm and I'll say it here, feck the haters.

You've an advantage as you've spent time with Sarah and I since it all broke in May, so ya know how we are.  She was asking for ye last week btw.  x

I've been the child in a situation very similar to this my mum was 300 miles away. And ok so she wasn't there when i was ill or when i had an operation but if i had asked she would have gone without food to be there when i needed her. But i didn't ask instead we spoke nearly every day and looked forward to the time we did spend together.

The fact that my mum ran away to be with someone else didn't effect my childhood as much as her staying and the constant arguments would have. And now 18yrs on I have an extremely close bond with my mum.

everyones different and being far away doesn't make anyone a bad parent.

Laxie..

Just to clarify...you and Tim were under the same roof when you left ?

I spent two years under same roof but no longer with him and children fully aware of that fact...yes.

Why didnt you ask him to leave if atmos was bad... are you/were divorced. ? ud obv get house with the kids aspect... you prob been through this but i joined half way through the diary and haven't had time to back track..cliffs would be good :)

So basically most of the people that read this diary?


Why do you think they don't want to make their oppinion known on the thread? Seems odd.


Indeed.

Irish law drags divorce out for years.  Will be another while before it's formal.  I did ask him to leave on a number of occasions.  He refused.  It would mean the reasons behind our split would be exposed to his family and neighbours and he didn't want that to happen.  We all kept a brave face on for sake of his parents more than anything.

I'd stuck it out and would still be there for another couple of years if things between Jack and I hadn't taken the turn they did.  It wasn't always easy, but we got on with things.  All of us knew the score, but we did our best not to bring it up.  A few blondes had been over during those couple of years, met up with us and can confirm...we didn't really let on to outsiders there was trouble. 

Now then...the basics are here in this diary if you take time to look and there's plenty more on the old diary which can be found here

http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=47002.msg1367347#msg1367347

I'm worn from repeating myself and don't feel it's serving any purpose.  Plus I'm about to go watch some telly. 

"I'm worn from repeating myself and don't feel it's serving any purpose.  Plus I'm about to go watch some telly.  "

what is the matter with you and Jack

get on line and get yourselfs into the DTD  grand prix

:dontask: ;nana;

 rotflmfao  You're not the first person to suggest that as it happens.  If I didn't know better I'd swear ye were working together but ya don't even know each other!  Make ya a deal - you lot plow through the rest of the field and we'll travel over for final table railing duties.  Also, don't forget next week-end we're there from Friday til Monday.

Just been reading some threads on the PHA board and you've been busy over there Rod! 

Oh gawd...brace yerselves folks.  Sarah and her friend Laura have joined the forum. 

Before you Ladies get tucked in, there's a few forum rules - no foul language by ye and no nasty name calling.  I know where ye live and who yer parents are, so watch it!   ;) :-*

Other than that  :hello: and  ;welcome; to blonde.  Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease stay out of trouble ffs!  xx

I'm doing great obv, she's a grand kid...even if she cheats at quizzes.

Lol, I didn't cheat... Just made sure you didn't win thats all :)

PHA board - It's really is an excellent tool. Much better than any other one I have seen. I have been using it to work on PLO cash games and I would strongly recommend that when reviewing online sessions that this board is used. I don't think you are really going to get the same quality of response anywhere else. It's easy to think that you are good at this game until you read how a much better player thinks about the same situations and sometimes you are shocked at how much you missed.

WCOAP - The main event is going to be better this year as we have 15K starting stacks with all the normal levels so I would say get in that as well. You could play Day1a and still be able the 6-Max and if you don't make day two of the main you could still play PLO.

And where is Jack he seems very quiet these days, has he still not finished his painting duties? Tell him if he doesn't hurry it up you are going to leave him home from DTD, that'll hurry him up :-)

OMG - you'll fit right in!   rotflmfao

was going to say, don't your kids read this diary, wouldnt like people talking about my parenting skills if my kids were reading etc :(

what happened to your son? first year of uni over?

I don't mind my kids reading it.  If I've messed up something, don't you worry - they'll tell me straight and you lot won't give them any new ammo - that's for sure!  lol

Brian got through it just about but found it very difficult.  Maths aren't a strong point by him as I've said before.  Now he's talking about going back to the drawing board and trying for more points on the exams so he can chase a different course.  Whatever he decides, we'll support him.  Just want them to be happy and it would totally bite to be stuck in a lifetime career he doesn't enjoy.

hahaha Hey Laxie! Laura here!.... and get tucked in its a little bit hard not to already be tucked in ...this place has more banter and drama than any TV show! :) ..i think mes got a new hobby although it does include doing something i hate reading! lol but no worries il stay well out of trouble ...but Sarah i can not be held responsible for her actions! haha i would imagine she has quite the lump of opinions on certain posts on this forum she disagrees with! :D cant wait to read her post might be the best one yet!

About time you started reading.  Your sentence structure and punctuation is shocking bad ffs!  Ye need to get back to school lively.  This summer holiday carry on is obviously bad for ye.

As for Sarah...I know her opinions.  I've tried to calm her a bit and she's been warned.  Honest but polite is right.  Nasty will see her getting the door here with my blessing.

awwhhhh Dawn leave me alone with my bad grammar i have not had a proper English lesson in over a year! :) haha and im about to go over now ciaras with me and wer going to boot her off this so she can think about what shes about to post! lol talk you later Laixie!

Good woman.  You pair keep her in line.  Now I just have to worry about who's going to keep yerself and Ciara in line.  lol  Enjoy the day girls.  xx

Im going out had planned on a post but i'll do it later

Laura already sent the memo through.  Have a great day and try to stay out of trouble please and thanks.  xx

I lolled hard, but I'm not entirely sure if it was intentional or not......

Kidz speak obv.  Gotta keep up with the times ya know.




(Am I getting it through?) 

Hey ladies ;)

Right, where to start.

As ye all know, i've been reading Mom's diaries since they all started, when she was here and since she moved to England. I had great laughs with her doing the RSQ (Its Derry not Londonderry lol) and even more laughs joining in with conversations and visits from some of her friends in the poker world. :) I met most of them in Killarney for Celtic Chaos and had a great time. This was the first time I had ever seen Jack, and needless to say we were both shy at the start but ended up getting on brilliantly. I used to read this form everyday while skyping my mother having laughs about all the ketchup and eggs debate and where they should be put but today when we chatted everything was different. I hadn't read this in a while and some of the comments people have posted about my family, mainly my parents are shocking and suprising from a few people, in particular some people who I thought were good friends with mom and whom I thought understood everything but I guess not. Everybody in blonde may have looked through the glass in her last topic, which had to be changed for certain reasons, but ye were always on the outside and never properly understood what was really happening. One of ye had the nerve to slam my father in this topic, but I will not name them cause I don't like to single anybody out like ye are doing to my mother. But that post in itself was heartless and downright rude.

No matter what I read here and what people say about my parents I know they have always done the best they could in raising myself and my brother and sister. Ye may think my mother is a "bad person" for leaving this house, but after everything she has been through she deserves the break she has now and her new life with Jack. The comment that started this whole new debate off was referring to how my mother wasn't coming over for my rescheduled appointment, which doesn't bother me at all, which ye think it does, but it doesn't. I have a alot of people here helping out with everything and my father can do the job at the hospital perfectly by himself. I will be seeing my mother and Jack in October which is a trip I cannot wait for but for now the break from now till then is needed.

I have said my bit for now. Hope ALL will read to see what I have to say after presuming what I think about everything which is complete false and pure rubbish. And maybe then cut my mom a bit of slack.

Ya did great not swearing Honey.  And don't sweat it...we're a tough lot.  Love ya.  xx

PS  Now ya get to play the RSQ so check it out in the Lounge. 

Sarah

One thing

Stop saying "ye". Your Mum (not Mom) does it and it drives me round the bend

Not two of you, please

the correct word is "you".


p.s Nathan says "hi".  :)

Ok well its pretty clear Sarah didnt spend her secondary school years sitting in the back of her English classes texting but well said Sarah! :) and Dawn is this wording correct. Iv spent over 5 mins checking over it to be up to your standards! lol x0x

Lol, i'll try. Tell him me and Laura said hello back :)

 

Was actually just about to give out about it.  She's as bad ffs.  The lot of ye need to get back to school lively!!!


Good god!!!  It's "Laura and I..."  Sigh.

Mere Novice would have heart failure   ;scarymoment;

It's God, not "god", Mum not "Mom"

God. Capital G.

Lol, I know Mom just said i'd drive Rich mad with another grammar mistake! :) No need to thank me lol.

You can have Mum and I'll have Mom.  Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure I've Kin on my side when it comes to god stuff.

so how come he went to do a maths course if he doesnt like maths?! how much is education in ireland, one year missed going to be a problem or not?

back to the drawing board seems pretty late decision, he will have to sort it very soon, new school year coming up and if he spends a year working in small jobs it really could be a hugely wasteful 2 years when almost exactly 1 year ago you were so enthusiastic about his future.

wish him the bol.

He thought he could manage it.  Personally, I don't think he gave it much thought...just picked something based on the points he had.  One year missed actually gives Tim a break on fees.  It was over 5k last year for school and flat.  Taking the year to re-test means a year off from those fees and it won't be a problem going back after, provided he gets those extra points he's hoping for. 

I was surprised to be honest.  It was such a sweat getting him over the finish line.  But ya know what?  If he's decided to go back a step, it has to be a good thing.  At least he's not trying to fool himself or anyone else by motoring on in something he's not comfortable with.

Will pass on your good wishes though and thank you.   :)

Oi!!!  Jr!  Latest RSQ is here  http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=54647.0  but ya have to submit answers by 4pm today.  That's in like 25 minutes.  Will let you know when the next one is on though. 

byt the time he finishes hius exams, he'd be in his final year of uni and basically got a degree, I think just seeing it our and getting the degree (keep ur 5k equity!) and then decide afterwars would be a fantastic idea, so mnay people just pikcing random courses and dropping out when the tough gets going. not saying this si the case with your bairn, but just in general, people really see uni as a playground and it tilts me alot.

DIH ITT!

No Irish 12 year old could write like that. I demand an inquiry!!!

Also her post touched me abit, potm :)

Sorry, but how are you figuring that?  He's doing a one year refresher course and exams in May 2012.  He's only missing out on one year of uni. and my understanding is he'll still have the credits he's already achieved in his first year to carry on when he returns.

Good thing she's 14 since April.   Saves on the enquiry.  rotflmfao

Yer not the only one.  The eejit had me in tears a bit.

Sigh - Sarah the 'Shark' on the forum, there goes the neighbourhood.

Oh, by the way, don't mention poker dice - I still get flashbacks.

Poker dice?  Dunno what yer on about...

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/IMAG0111.jpg)

Quite possibly the neatest I've seen Ger look in quite some time lololol

For Sarah.

When I first saw that you'd joined blonde and posted in this thread my initial thought was 'a 14 year old posting on blonde and joining in on the thread - gg, no one's going to get involved in a debate with a kid'. It made me feel pretty uncomfortable tbh.  That was my initial reaction.  You see, that's what we humans do - we react to things, then we take time to let the reality sink in and either resolve our initial reactions or we give them consideration and maybe reach a different conclusion.  Where matters regarding parenting are concerned, everyone's got a view, and we're usually our own worst critics tbh.  Once I'd gone past the initial reaction, I realised, of course, that if your Mum thinks you're mature enough to join the forum and join in debate with everyone here then it would just be patronising of me not to respond to your post solely based on your age, when I'd have replied if anyone else had written it.

So, before I reply, welcome to blonde (and Laura too) :)

No one has said (or I believe, implied) that your Mum is a 'bad person' for doing what she's chosen to do.  What you'll find here is a range of views, from people with their own characteristics who'll all do things differently.  What I said in my earlier post stands - I can't get my head around how someone can up sticks and move far away from their children to be with a bloke they've been seeing for five minutes.  The reason I can't get my head around it is simply because I couldn't do it.  Does that mean I think someone who does it is 'bad'?  No, of course not, it means I don't understand it, and therefore struggle to empathise.

The reason I posted the other day was because, like Michelle (and apprently others) I'd been shocked at some of the things your Mum had said in her recent posts about her visit back over to Ireland.  To me, as an outsider looking in, it looked like what was being documented were signs that you guys weren't as happy and 'on board' with the situation as we'd been led to believe. You're clearly an intelligent and insightful young woman, so I'm sure you can understand why some of us reached that conclusion from what your Mum posted.  As I said, I chose not to comment for the reasons I set out.  Michelle did choose to comment.  Again, does that make either of us 'good' or 'bad'?  No, just different. 

Raising kids is one of the toughest jobs in the world.  From the moment our kids our born we'll have well meaning people giving us a variety of different opinions.  Even the NHS and the government change the advice on the 'right' way to do various things depending on the weather ffs!   What most of us do is soak it all up, and then do what we believe best based on everything we've taken in and our own gut instincts.  However you choose to handle something will be different to what the next person, and the person after that would choose to do. 

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I joined a pregnancy and parenting forum.  As a result, I now have a number of friends with children exactly the same age and we often ask eachother for advice on various issues, sometimes along the lines of 'this was what I did, what do you guys think?'.  Now, rightly or wrongly, I read your Mum's reply to Michelle's comments thanking her and saying she found it helpful, and decided to put my point of view forward too.  Perhaps that was misjudged, it seems it might have been.  I stand by what I said up to the last line though, which I'll happily take back because it was unnecessary and speculative.  That's what happens on these diaries, people post stuff for public view and it's open to scrutiny.  Now you're a member of blonde I'm sure you'll find yourself disagreeing with people and having people disagreeing with you too.  Just don't get in an argument with kinboshi because he's pretty tenacious and won't ever back down ;)

Finally, I'm sure no-one begrudges your Mum's happiness - I know she's had a tough ride over the last few years and it's also good to see Jack happy too, but - for me - it made for uncomfortable reading sometimes when it appeared that might be at the expense of the happiness of you kids, based on your mum's own words.   You've cleared that up for us now - as long as you guys are happy and on board then what a bunch of people on the internet might think isn't really worth a jot.

Whatever about all that - she keeps her ketchup in the cupboard ffs.

Somehow missed this with all the other stuff going on this afternoon. 

PHA - I've always felt it was an excellent resource for anyone wanting to take their poker serious.  I just haven't spent as much time there as I should.  Was reading through some threads today during the [ ] quiet time.  I find even if the recommended style of playing a hand doesn't suit you, it might give you an idea of where your opponent's coming from in the hand.

WCOAP - I'd prefer the Omaha over the Main to be honest.  I'm sure you've seen it by me before - I get bored at a NLHE table after a bit and spend more time just randomly wandering around the room chatting to people.  The Omaha keeps me interested.  That said, I still won't play it unless I read some more on the PHA board to get me head back in the game.

Jack - I keep giving out to him to post in his own diary now and then because he's left it go quiet on there.  But now you mention it, he's not really posted much anywhere apart from FB lately.  Think it may have something to do with his workplace recently blocking sites like blonde, but deffo has nothing to do with the rumours I've locked him in a dungeon.  Honest. 

 :hello:

He escaped!

FFS - I need new cuffs obv.

I know it must of been difficult or hard to understand why I joined the form but it was purely because I felt like I needed a say in this. I know it is an adult form or whatever but I have been always sitting at Mom's side while she was living here reading all of the posts in her diary and smiling at the latest pictures and even joining in on the RSQ nights laughing at all of the objections with her. I feel like Blonde is a special bond I have with my mother because my brother and sister were never really interested in it, but I was. I always wanted to join in on the banter on her diary talking about celtic chaos and Ger's visits - which needless to say I always looked forward to. Today I found out that I could join blonde cause there has never been an age limit as such, but I had to keep out of trouble and my posts couldn't include bad language, I'm trying my best but for some parts it was hard after reading some of the posts in this diary.

I put in bold the sentence up there because you may have felt uncomfortable when I joined, but how do you think I felt when I was reading those comments referring to my Mom's Mum's (yw Rich lol) parenting. From reading her post I can understand how you and Michelle felt the way you did but I don't really think it was necessary how everybody joined in at once, leaving my Mum thinking she had made a bad parenting move, which, in my opinion she hasn't, afterall it comes down to my choice and nobody elses because it is infact my operation.

Now, referring to the move - I have no problem what-so-ever with Jack. He is a sound and funny lad and gives my Mum the love and respect she needed and deserved. She managed to stay in this house 2 years. That's more than anybody can ask for after what she has been through here. As regards to why she was relieved to be back in England is 100 percent understandable to me. Don't get me wrong, I love her to bits but nobody deserves to be treated the way she was by my Sister at the start of her visit. My sister will come around eventually, its hard to grasp and understand life sometimes but I know she is getting there, and hopefully someday she will be making the trips to England with me. I already have a trip set for this year that I will be making by my own but I know its going to be a blast! :)

And thank you for the welcome! :) I'll only probably be here though because im obv too young to be playing poker! :)

Hello Jack! :)
Lol took me a minute to figure out who you were but it finally clicked :blonde: < hehe i found the smileys!  rotflmfao

Don't worry Chicka...you already play poker better than a good few here around here.  Not naming names obv.   rotflmfao

FYP.

Make sure Sarah gets to meet Joobs when she comes over, yeah?

Hiya Sarah, thanks for the kind words. I'd like to join your fan club too. Your posts are very mature. You take after your Dad, yes?

;D

I'm not sure if those two in the same room is a good idea.  The pair of them wired for sound?  Yeah... [ ]might need a re-think on that one.  DEFINITELY!  Most excellent idea imo.

Fer feck sake....encourage him to come out and post again, and this is the carry on.  Where's me whip?!

Its all the truth and I didn't know I had one lol. And thank you. Yes, and of course my mother too :) I learnt how to write like that from reading her posts all the time lol.

This made me smile!!!

Welcome to blonde, you'll be fine

Welcome to Blonde Miss Jnr!! :-)

Enjoy your trip to England xx

 ;hattip;

And welcome to blonde young lady.

Geo

Thanks for Sarah's warm welcomes everyone!!!  God help ye during the RSQ though.  Now that she'll be getting stuck in too, it could get messy. 

I've a visitor on the way, but will get back to regular diary updates either later this evening or tomorrow.  Lots going on, more on the way and all of it good.  Go figure.

Especially as she cheats.

 rotflmfao  Bitter much?  At least the prize still went to your house...WELL DONE MRS. B!!!   ;applause; ;hattip;

tikay chompy celtic and claw. obv not sicilian

Yer a brave soul.  lol

only the truth - ive seen one of them play 4 5 oop - and bink. not saying which one obv.

welcome sarah too

Oi! You forgot Ger! :)

and thanks for the welcomes everybody! :)

Poor Ger.  Gets beat a few times by a girl and he never lives it down.

Its a tad bit more than a few times at this stage im afraid :) lol

Oh dear, a miniature Dawn.

;hide;

LaxioeJr to start a blog.

Sigh - just sigh

New Edition RSQ Sars...get on it!!!    http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=54732.msg1417337#msg1417337

PS  This is a FORUM not a form ffs.  (Wasn't half tilting me x)

What can I say? I'm talented :)


I'll play if you do it! lol

I will of course, but not til tomorrow.  Was out tonight.  Weekly visit to Et in hospital followed by dinner in some new place we'd not been yet.  Booking your flights tomorrow too btw.  There's a flights sale on...wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii  Soooooooooo, get yer backside on skype some time during the day please and thanks and we can discuss the dates.  xx

I can't find my microphone so I'll ring you off the housephone! Also, I don't think Ciara has asked to come with me yet so I'll get her to ask in the morning or now lol :)

Need to speak to Dad too before I book them so will send him a text in the morning.  I could be wrong, but have a feeling he'd not be keen on driving ya as far as Knock.  Just a guess, mind.   rotflmfao  No worries though.  Plan B in action.   :)up 

Cassie was washed (well done) but did ye ever sort Lily?

Lol maybe plan b is a good idea then! :P .. and yeah I washed her yesterday with Laura then took the two of them for a walk down the road to the horse cause it was a nice day. And no not yet must get the number and arrange a date

Didn't mean sort her that way goose!  Meant cleaned and tidied in some way.  Will speak to Dad about the other thing...that's not yer gig.  x

Oh lol and no I couldn't find the brush and I am afraid to wash her because  its nice days and cold nights so I dont know if her coat will dry in time

No worries.  I'm about to hit it and you need to get yer backside to bed too.  It's late ffs!  Will update the diary in the morning and speak to ya when ya surface.  Night night  xx

PS  Ditto obv.  ;)

Get the hairdryer out.

Sigh, you have to tell kids everything these days.

Shush you! :) and I don't think she would like the hairdryer either though

Save yerself the hassle...she HATES the hair dryer!!!

Spoke to Dad this morning so ring me when ya get a chance and we can sort the trip before the day is out.  The countdown fans will be thrilled!   rotflmfao

I guessed she wouldn't like it very much and no bother once I get the reply from Ciara I'll ring you. And lol ya I don't think there is any fans :)

Ciara really needs to let you know by no later than 5 or 6 pm, k? 

Today will mostly be spent keeping an eye on where the sun hits the different parts of the yard.  We bought an obscene amount of flower bulbs last Sunday and I need to be sure they're planted in the right places.  Also, the 'lawn' in back yard has grown again too.  Sigh.  Means more skimming for the next couple of days.  Want to get it skimmed and levelled properly - now, if at all possible.  That way it'll be ready for throwing turf on it in September...which is really only around the corner.  Can't believe all the yard work Sarah luckboxes missing out on.  How good does she run?  Sigh.

Ya I'll have the answer at around 3 :)

and ya have fun with that lol. x

Good woman.  And no need to rub it in.  I know yer grinning ear to ear missing out on the child labour.

Must also sort out my schedule for the Coast to Coast weeks.  Not in any sort of shape to do the walk with them, so I've a plan B.  I'll basically be visiting people during that time to keep me busy.  First stop, Ger's house obv.  I'm taking the train with Jack as far as Ger's and will stay there for a bit while Jack carries on to meet Geo.  Looking forward to catching up with the crew in that neck of the woods.  

You know me too well :) lol ... and oh okay sounds like you'll have good ol' fun anyway.

Lend her yours?

That's just cruel :(

I LOL'd - lots!

 Oh lord rotflmfao rotflmfao

You guys are all meanies!

Shhhhhhhhhh - can't mention God, Lord or any of that religious lingo around here.  Sends Kin into a tail spin.  He's only got marginally more hair than Boldie as it is.

It's OK as she didn't use a capital L.

You should've got a picture of a sphynx cat in that! :) js

Great minds!!!

God help me....

 rotflmfao ... Nice pic though... it just added to the whole joke! :)

I liked this forum better when we didn't allow kids on it.

 rotflmfao  Pity we didn't run a book on how long it'd take for you to get to this point.  Would've made for a good sweat!

FYP! :)

lol, make no mistake kiddo. 14 or not 14, you're still just a toddler really.

Young with hair or old and bald?  Pretty sure she's winning there. 

Did a bit of rooting and tearing in the back yard.  Then Jack landed home with the idea of hiring a rototiller.  Yay!!!  Means less tearing on our backs so I'm well happy with that idea.  Just have to hunt one down now...no pressure.  He gave my a new present too because he's very good that way.  This week's surprise was a spray thingy to paint the fences with.  Miles faster than using a brush apparently.  Such a lucky girl. 

Meanwhile, we've booked Sarah's flights.  She's spending a week with us - including Halloween!!!   ;yippee; ;applause; ;yippee;  She can help me hand out sweets to the kids calling on the night.  Jack's never done Halloween before and [ ] he's really looking forward to it.  Wait til we get going decorating the house for it.  Just hope it doesn't put him over the edge. 

Make sure you have the ingredients for popcorn balls lol :)

ldo

They were a bit of a disaster last year.  Need to re-think their make up so they'll actually be edible.  lol

Alton Towers tickets booked now too.  We're going for the fireworks show so that'll kinda make up for missing 'em in America this summer.

Went about painting the fences this morning with me new spray gun thingy, only I couldn't open the jug of paint!  Grrrrrrr  Anyway, did a bit more digging around the garden for the morning and now doing a whole lot of not much.  Have to wait until Jack gets home from his training walk to open the paint for me.  Just hope the lazy bug doesn't hit before he gets here.  Was proper psyched up for the job at 9am, but can't promise it'll be the same by 2pm.

I think you're gonna get a shock when it comes to Halloween. I remember you saying that you were surprised at how the Irish celebrated...well in England people give less of a shit. If anything, they try not to celebrate it because gangs of youths have ruined it over the last few years to the point that shops don't sell eggs/flour etc on the day itself.

Honey that's just up north ;) they're posh down south youths don't do that sort of thing....................... oh wait.

Yeah I heard down South all the kids have already written to Father Xmas telling him they now have everything they wanted.

Halloween get celebrated round here (oop north) not to the extent it does in America, but my daughter and I have always gone out trick or treating (insert obvious joke here) and never had any adverse callers!

From what I'm told, there's not been any trouble at Halloween in this area either.  Granted, 'no trouble' by Jack's standards = they didn't knock at his door.   rotflmfao  There's every chance the kids won't bother to call here as that's how they've been trained, but we'll give it an old go.  Not so sure about the popcorn balls though.  They were shocking bad last year imo.

Well, that's the fences around the place painted.  And some brick, a bit of the ground, a bit of a metal fence and anything else that didn't get out of me way.  Oh yeah...and the neighbour's shiny blue sports car.  And that's another lot around the place introduced.  Ooops   ;ashamed;

Jack brought home sprayable fence paint and a gadget for the spraying, so off I went.  I was flying as long as it didn't get clogged up.  Luckily that only happened about every 10 or 15 minutes, otherwise it may have been annoying.  Not to worry.  Taking it apart, rinsing and putting the lot back together has turned into something I'm able for in my sleep now. 

If you thought I was a messy painter before, have no doubt - I topped it this week-end.  To be fair though, it wasn't entirely down to lack of skill on my part.  Spray guns put that stuff everywhere!  Add a bit of wind and all hell breaks loose.  Says on the box it makes painting a lot easier, but I'm not so sure I believe that.  Will let ya know once I've finished trying to scrub the excess off the bricks and cement. 

Luckily the owner of the blue car had managed the same party piece themselves at some stage, so they knew how easy it was to make that mistake.  Only they managed to paint both of their cars.  I'd kept it limited to just the one so not half as bad.  And it washed off easy enough too, so we're good.  Not exactly the way I'd planned to proper get to know them, but there ya go. 

Six weeks off the smokes and I'm definitely gaining weight.  Sigh.  Jack has to go to an outdoor shop this evening for Coast 2 Coast gear and we're getting me a decent pair of walking shoes while we're there.  Glad I've stayed off the cigs, but weight gain was always my excuse in the past for refusing to quit so I need to nip this lively.  Don't want half me brain telling the other half 'told ya so'. 

I'd done a walk with Jack a couple of times early days and ended up with a jumbo blister from wrong shoes and that was that.  No more excuses though.  This has to be done.  Luckily he's on a mission of his own, so we'll work together.  A bit like we've done with everything else around here. 

Do you think the weight gain is mainly due to the ciggies or could it be some other lifestyle change since you moved to Leicester?

I was thinking that now you don't have 2 dogs to take out every day that you're probably not walking as much as previously.

There's nothing like a dog for forcing you to walk a few miles a day no matter what excuses you can find.

Only 4 more sleeps til DTD!!!   ;yippee; ;cupcake; ;yippee; ;cupcake; ;yippee;  

Might possibly be looking forward to it a bit.  Just a bit, mind.  We're there til some time on Monday and it's going to be great catching up with so many people.  

The Omaha on the Monday is still a coin flip in my head.  Think I'll play a couple of small tourneys over the next few days and see how it goes.  Don't need to 'win' as such.  Just want to make sure I feel good enough about the way I'm playing it.  <<<  Is it just me or does that last bit sound really odd?  lol

Blimey.  You've a fair point there.  Never even thought of that.  Cheers Matt! 

We don't have a dog, although Jack has mentioned the idea a few times.  That said, I do have a Jack and he really likes walking.  He's planning a bunch of short walks (4 miles) over the next couple of weeks in the run up to his Coast to Coast.  Will join him and see if that helps any bit.

Just back from some outdoor shop and now own a pair of proper walking shoes.  Also got walking socks, although I don't understand the difference between them and any other pair of socks.  What I do know is they match the shoes, so I'm a proper posh walker innit.

Oi Jr - I can see you lurking around the place.  It's late.  Get yer backside to bed!!! 

Night night  xx

PS  I Looooooove youuuuuuuuuuu