HELLOO..

...I'm back from the land where it rains 325 days a year ( I kid you not!). Happy new year to you all and I hope you had a fantastic Christmas. Mine was a washout, well, just a tad. Here's why:

Weather . Travelled through fog (the same fog that threw Heathrow to a stand still) for the first 2 hours, a glimmer of sunshine around Birmingham, from then on, drizzle, drizzle, drizzle. By the time we reached Cumbria, 'twas already dark. So much for the relaxing bucolic view I was expecting! The weather in Belfast was even worse. Gales, gales and more gales! I was hoping for a white Christmas; I got a wet one instead.Talk about a total washout. Unfortunately it doesn't end there. On our way back, 2 days ago, the Super Dooper Fast Ferry that we're supposed to get for crossing was cancelled because of youknowwhat. So we have to do with the slow one, only double the time and a bit, and "safer" and "more stable". Stable , myarse. I've never seen a lot of people get sick at one time (my 5 yr old included). I even thought the ferry would roll over! Nevermind. We are safe or I wouldn't be here.

These are the worst of times. We had a fine Christmas to start with; turkey with all the trimmings, blah, blah,blah; pulled Christmas crackers with the mother-in-law ( what a privilege, huh); laughed at corny jokes , open presents while being videoed and smiling but deep inside, one feels like screaming, "your present is ghastly" (why, oh why, dear husband, who gives presents from Argos catalogue?). Anyway, at least my kids got what they want ( I think) and they're happy. I have to say I'm pretty chuffed with my ones (could be better). We survived Christmas day without any arguments (hooray!). So, lovely Christmas, la, la, la.
The next day , went out with the husband, did a bit of shopping (sales are on by the 26th, mind) went back home ,then everything started going downhill from the on. He caught a tummy bug. And he wasn't the only one; in- laws had it, my eldest, too. I was lucky I didn't get it ( and the brother-in-law). Thing is we don't know where it came from ( I reckon it's the turkey). It went on and off for over a week and by the time they're all better, we were ready to go home. It's rotten that illness strucked us during this period of what is supposed to be the happiest days of the year. It's a total spoiler. One good thing about it is that instead of gaining weight , I lost a bit ( well, just 2 lbs. really), because every one's wary of eating, including me.

There was a one time ( when everyone seemed to be symptom free), when we were able to go out for a meal and have some fun; that was nice. We even have some photos, yippeee (see above) .

So, its another new year, another new years resolution ( one is to have a much better Christmas for next year). I started with this new template, it's ok, isn't it (if you don't like it, well tough!)? Tried my best to get this posted, in spite of us having guests (my brother-in-law and his doctor of a wife, so we have to scrub the house as soon as we got in from top to bottom, in and out). Sorry for the delay of this post (hi Verns, you cheeky girl!). This year, I'll try to post as much as I can, and that's a promise, eventhough I'm a busy mummy of two young boys (take that).

So 'til next post...

Christmas Starts here





It's just a few days before Christmas and tomorrow, first thing in the morning, we will be on our way to my in-laws up north. We'll be driving which is great;I find it calming and enjoyable (especially since I'm not driving).Hopefully this time we'll have a better driving condition . Two years ago, we were stranded in the snow around Cumbria; lovely scenery but it was absolutely freezing! Yikes!
We set off at 08:30, off to the motorway, by 10:30 we'll be in Birmingham, then to Manchester, Liverpool,then Newcastle, Cumbria, then to Stranraer in Scotland, where we will be taking the ferry to take us to Northern Ireland . We will be taking breaks every 2 hours, to stretch out , eat, and do what is inevitable. The journey would take about 7 hours, the ferry ride 1 1/2 hours, and by 10 pm we'll be in Belfast . Long journey , but it's worth it!
So, this may be my last post this year; my in laws don't have broadband, and even if they do, I think it will be unsociable of me to blog outside the comfort of my home. I'll try to but I doubt it.
Anyway, I want to wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year!
Looking forward to reading what you've been up to this Christmas , already...
So to my good read blogs group... Au revoir!

photo courtesy of freefoto.com

Buhay sa Shire II

When I came to Britain, I have to get used to a lot of things - the regional accents, the food, the British love of football and cricket ( which for the life of me, I can never understand), their obssession with the weather (why?). I have to mind my manners all the time ( please seems to be their favourite word ). It didn't take me long to adjust to the way of life. In fact, I got used to having tea ( PG tips, 1 sugar with semi skimmed milk) at 11, after lunch, at 3pm, then after dinner. We have our Sunday roast (chicken, lamb or beef, with 3 kinds of vegetables usually peas, carrots and roast potatoes) and fish and chips wrapped in paper. We go to car boot sales (jumble sale) occasionally, and shop in Tesco's every Saturday to get our groceries and ready made meals (it's very handy, especially when were short of time). Sometimes we go to the butchers, greengrocers and fishmongers if we want proper food; Britain does'nt have a "wet" market like what we have in the Philippines. Organic shops are all over the place, too, but double the price (what's the point? ). It's DIY in the spring and strawberries and cream in the summer. I get weighed in stone , pay the mortgage( and tv license, council tax, traffic congestion charge {in London, that is}), drive on the left and have the car MOTied every year.

Now let's talk about sense of humour. What would make the British laugh or should I say can a foreigner learn to enjoy their sense of humour? Believe you me, it is not easy. It may take some time but eventually, it can be learned. In fact if you ask me now, I can honestly say it's brilliant, it's in a league of it's own. Take some TV shows like Monty Phyton and Faulty Towers.. hilarious! And my personal favourite.. Little Britain. Guys, if there's a comedy show I would recommend it's this one.

If there's one thing that cause so much annoyance to me here (aside from the weather and the high cost of living), it's the terms of endearment (see pic above, from the how to be British collection). When in Britain, be prepared to be called, "dear", "love", "darling", "sweetheart", "precious", "poppet". First time I was called love by a stranger, I felt like yelling, "don't call me love coz I'm not your love!" Sometimes it can be really patronizing. Of course, polite and well behaved as I am, I didn't; the best response to such familiarity is a pleasant smile :). Oh well, nevermind.

Ok, I think I'm gonna stop there for now. My two fingers are getting tired. And my old man, the hubby, the Irishman, is telling me off again for using this PC overtime, grrr. Ok, tara, love. :).

BACK FOR GOOD

I know, should have written days ago but, PC was out of action. Not my fault but the old man's; keep downloading/uploading files for his thingamajig,not that I blame him mind you ( i think I already did?). Well hopefully, my timeslot won't get interrupted again.
Anyway- I just saw TAKE THAT perform live on tv! I never thought they can still do their dance steps (actually made me cringe, some of it) after all these years. The boys are still on top form (except maybe some bits round the middle and the chin area...), their songs better. And Howard Donald is absolutely gorgeous (goodness, i sound like teenbloody-ager)! The highlight for me was when they sang "back for good"; brought back some memories (don't worry I'll spare you the details). Actually, I'm not a big fan but I was mesmerized (how sad is that)!
Oops, my time is up again, according to the old man (I know I should have bought my own pc). It's so goddamn hard to write something when someone's lookin' over your shoulder. Maybe next time, I'll write a better post than this.