Little bit tongue in cheek here( what does that even mean? Where does it come from?)but today is Friday 13th and as yet not a sign of Jason but hey the night is still young and I'm not a teenager Or at Camp Crystal so I should be safe!
The thing is I am ever so slightly superstitious I do walk round thinking "ooh it's Friday 13th better not break any mirrors while I walk under a ladder to avoid crossing a black cats path" but other than that I think I kind of take it with a pinch of salt which I then throw over my left shoulder of course!
Then there's the seeing one magpie? I admit I do say the little rhyme and salute him or is it turn around 3 times but I don't do it if I'm with someone who doesn't already know I'm insane.
I don't put up umbrellas indoors but then again why would I need to? I'd be quite concerned if I got a sudden downpour in my living room!
Now I could do loads of research as to where all theses superstitions come from but I'd rather hear from you, what superstitions do you know? And which ones do you believe in?
Touch wood I'll hear from you soon!
Friday, 13 May 2011
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
You've got to be in it to win it!
That's what they say isn't it? As a way of making you feel like you could be The one and god forbid if you don't buy a ticket! What am I talking about .......The National Lottery! And more specifically the new euromillions draw which tonight is ............wait for it .............. A staggering £85 million!
What would you do with that amount of money? I mean they say money doesn't buy you happiness and money doesn't buy you love but with that amount of money being miserable and lonely would sure be a hell of a lot more bearable!
But seriously what would you do?
I've planned out what I'd do with my millions so many times, a new house, car, holidays, money to family and friends to make all their lives easier, money to my favourite charities and then the part that I think would give me the most joy doing something for the causes that are important to me setting up an organisation that really understands what it's like to be a child growing up in inner city London and does something to support families, children and parents without being condescending or throwing money at the problem, the money would mean that the right resources, support and the right people could really do something to help communities.
I'd also start a charity to help with education and course fees from personal experience I know how hard it is to try and find funding to do courses and get back into the education system.
And after all that I would splurge on all the things that I'd always wanted, come on be honest wouldn't you? And to all those people who say "oh the money won't change me or my life" well it better bloody change me! Otherwise what's the point of winning it!
So you've got to be in it to win it! So will you be buying a ticket? And what will you do if you win?
Oh and please remember me if you do, I'll be your best friend honest!
What would you do with that amount of money? I mean they say money doesn't buy you happiness and money doesn't buy you love but with that amount of money being miserable and lonely would sure be a hell of a lot more bearable!
But seriously what would you do?
I've planned out what I'd do with my millions so many times, a new house, car, holidays, money to family and friends to make all their lives easier, money to my favourite charities and then the part that I think would give me the most joy doing something for the causes that are important to me setting up an organisation that really understands what it's like to be a child growing up in inner city London and does something to support families, children and parents without being condescending or throwing money at the problem, the money would mean that the right resources, support and the right people could really do something to help communities.
I'd also start a charity to help with education and course fees from personal experience I know how hard it is to try and find funding to do courses and get back into the education system.
And after all that I would splurge on all the things that I'd always wanted, come on be honest wouldn't you? And to all those people who say "oh the money won't change me or my life" well it better bloody change me! Otherwise what's the point of winning it!
So you've got to be in it to win it! So will you be buying a ticket? And what will you do if you win?
Oh and please remember me if you do, I'll be your best friend honest!
Monday, 9 May 2011
up and down like a Yo-Yo!
Its end of week 7 on my 3 F's challenge and after last weeks tremendous result I had High hopes for this week , pah (thats a sound of disgust by the way just in case you didn't know) well this week in true monumental style as only I can do, I have put it all back on! I mean who does that, me thats who, I really am good at this aren't I , hope you note the sarcasm!
It's all really making me question myself and my motivation, I had it in my head that I wanted to be this fit,(in both sense of the word) and fabulous creature by time I reached my 40th birthday in August and by the look of it thats not going to happen well at least when it comes to the weight issue.
So I guess I have to ask myself is the weight loss about my health or is some kind of weird midlife crisis to do with turning 40, I must admit it does course a mild outbreak of panic and palpitations at the the prospect of turning 40 , oh god I'm going to be 40, how did that happen? where did the time go? where's the paper bag so I can breathe slowly into it!
I think that hence forth I should concentrate on dealing with my issues (how american of me) and being happy and healthy and maybe just maybe when I'm not quite so obsessed with my weight it might just naturally drop at least a bit!
It's all really making me question myself and my motivation, I had it in my head that I wanted to be this fit,(in both sense of the word) and fabulous creature by time I reached my 40th birthday in August and by the look of it thats not going to happen well at least when it comes to the weight issue.
So I guess I have to ask myself is the weight loss about my health or is some kind of weird midlife crisis to do with turning 40, I must admit it does course a mild outbreak of panic and palpitations at the the prospect of turning 40 , oh god I'm going to be 40, how did that happen? where did the time go? where's the paper bag so I can breathe slowly into it!
I think that hence forth I should concentrate on dealing with my issues (how american of me) and being happy and healthy and maybe just maybe when I'm not quite so obsessed with my weight it might just naturally drop at least a bit!
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Fabulous, Fab ice lolly with a Fab new flavour
The lovely people at Fab Ice lolly's kindly sent me a goody bag and some vouchers to try out their brand new limited edition Blackcurrant and Apple Fabs as I true fan of the original fab ice lolly, it's been a favourite since childhood, I was a little dubious of this new flavour, How wrong could I be! They are delicious! Actually more refreshing than the original strawberry.
I know it's down to personal taste but I tried them on my children and the neighbours children who all said they prefered this flavour, so Fab you're on to a real winner for a hot summers day! And at only 82 calories per lolly a nice treat for the weight conscious of us out there and it's the gift that keeps on giving because my lovely people once you've eaten the lolly, on the stick there is a web address www.myfabland.com where you can find out more about fab, enter competitions,download an activity calendar and find some summer survival tips!
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| My Daughter enjoying her Fab Ice Lolly! |
And courtesy of Fab, I have a £2 voucher and a cute penguin badge for you to win so you can try them out for yourself! Just leave me a comment telling me your favourite summer survival tip and my favourite will be chosen at noon on Tuesday! you can leave your tips on twitter too!
Can someone stop the room swaying please
So last night was wedding number 2! Just the reception this time.
And so started my adventure in to Essex! Typed the post code into the sat nav it told me 1 hour 17 mins ok so we're supposed to be there for 7.15 , what time do we get there 8 bloody 30! We left in plenty of time or so we thought but thanks to London traffic, The Woolwich Ferry ( why is there only ever 1 boat! More importantly why am I stupid enough to think that might be quicker than one of the tunnels!)and the sat nav telling us in it's lovely robotic voice "you have reached your destination" when we actually in the middle of a field! It took us 2 and half hours! Oh the joy!
So here I was in Essex now I've never seen The only was is Essex, it's never appealed to me so I only know what I've read and what my eldest daughter has told me about it but let me tell you there were tango'ed people a'plenty! Now I'm all for a subtle natural looking fake tan but why would you plaster it on until you look like a magahony sideboard! Each to their own though.
The venue was actually really nice and there was a free bar! I know dangerous right, I mean it would be rude not to drink when they provided so kindly for their guests and I didn't have to drive home so I had 5 or 6 G&T's, just to be polite of course!
I have a slight hangover this morning and can't find the mute button for the kids but all in all it's been a lovely weekend!
And so started my adventure in to Essex! Typed the post code into the sat nav it told me 1 hour 17 mins ok so we're supposed to be there for 7.15 , what time do we get there 8 bloody 30! We left in plenty of time or so we thought but thanks to London traffic, The Woolwich Ferry ( why is there only ever 1 boat! More importantly why am I stupid enough to think that might be quicker than one of the tunnels!)and the sat nav telling us in it's lovely robotic voice "you have reached your destination" when we actually in the middle of a field! It took us 2 and half hours! Oh the joy!
So here I was in Essex now I've never seen The only was is Essex, it's never appealed to me so I only know what I've read and what my eldest daughter has told me about it but let me tell you there were tango'ed people a'plenty! Now I'm all for a subtle natural looking fake tan but why would you plaster it on until you look like a magahony sideboard! Each to their own though.
The venue was actually really nice and there was a free bar! I know dangerous right, I mean it would be rude not to drink when they provided so kindly for their guests and I didn't have to drive home so I had 5 or 6 G&T's, just to be polite of course!
I have a slight hangover this morning and can't find the mute button for the kids but all in all it's been a lovely weekend!
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Nice day for a bright wedding
Ok so one wedding down (yesterday) and one to go, tonight, I wrote on thursday about my dislike of theme weddings and weddings with dress codes but to my surprise yesterday's wedding was really nice not at all tacky! I did't strictly adhere to the dress code but I did dress quite brightly so as to 'fit in'! What I had forgotten was the brides parents are deaf as are a lot of their friends, so the service, the hymns, the speeches were all beautifully signed by friends of the family it was quite magical! The reception was at a castle and during the wedding photographs it had been arranged for a chinook helicopter to fly past and Then hover in the back for a few photographs, now that was original!
All in all it was a lovely day, great weather, great food and great music. My children tried to make me promise not to dance, silly children of course I would dance! At one point I was the only person on the dance floor! Ohh the embarrassment but they weren't there so I don't know what their problem is, although I did tell them that there was a video which had been posted on you tube and I'd linked it to their facebook pages! Hah you should have seen their faces they were mortified! I had to give in and tell them I was joking.
And tonight I have a wedding reception to go to , in Essex, apparently it's the only way but I won't be getting vajazzled and there won't be a drop of fake tan on my bod but I'm sure it will lovely!
I'll let you know how it goes!
All in all it was a lovely day, great weather, great food and great music. My children tried to make me promise not to dance, silly children of course I would dance! At one point I was the only person on the dance floor! Ohh the embarrassment but they weren't there so I don't know what their problem is, although I did tell them that there was a video which had been posted on you tube and I'd linked it to their facebook pages! Hah you should have seen their faces they were mortified! I had to give in and tell them I was joking.
And tonight I have a wedding reception to go to , in Essex, apparently it's the only way but I won't be getting vajazzled and there won't be a drop of fake tan on my bod but I'm sure it will lovely!
I'll let you know how it goes!
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Regrets I've had a few
It's funny I always tell people that it's better to regret the things you've done than to regret never having done them, well guess what I don't take my own advice, big surprise huh? Don't get me wrong I've done plenty of things to regret oh and I mean some really big stuff too but there are so many things so many things that I haven't done for me that I regret I guess it's down to fear of rejection, fear of failing, complacency or just plain old laziness the thing is I haven't done them.
So how do I change that at this stage in my life? Is it too late or is it never too late? How does one get over those fears that hold them back? So many questions so so so many questions my head just might explode! Well not literally but you know what I mean.
What is it they say "just take the bull by the horns!" well I was never very good with animals and that sounds bloody dangerous to me so I think I need to make a list and just try and go for it, one of my never done regrets is writing I have always wanted to write a book and I've had so many ideas and started so many times but I've just lost the confidence along the way and thought who want to read this anyway but maybe I just need to do it even if no one ever reads it at least I can say it's a regret that I had the courage to do!
So how do I change that at this stage in my life? Is it too late or is it never too late? How does one get over those fears that hold them back? So many questions so so so many questions my head just might explode! Well not literally but you know what I mean.
What is it they say "just take the bull by the horns!" well I was never very good with animals and that sounds bloody dangerous to me so I think I need to make a list and just try and go for it, one of my never done regrets is writing I have always wanted to write a book and I've had so many ideas and started so many times but I've just lost the confidence along the way and thought who want to read this anyway but maybe I just need to do it even if no one ever reads it at least I can say it's a regret that I had the courage to do!
Theme Weddings, seriously why?
Ok before I begin I don't want to offend anyone but seriously a theme wedding or colour scheme that guests have to adhere to is well in my opinion a little bit naff, I'm so so sorry if I upset anyone and I'm sure your pirates and princesses wedding was lovely but themes for me are for childrens parties.
I have had many of these themed dress coded wedding over the years and only one was beautiful, a dear friend of mine who was getting married for the 2nd time had a small wedding where the dress code was purple and fairy costumes for the small children(my girls were small at the time and loved this) the hotel was decorated in many shades of purple and there were fairy lights and candles everywhere, it was beautiful, they said their own vows, friends that were singers sang songs that were special for the bride and groom and it was a lovely day about sharing their love with the people they love. Oh I've gone all mushy just thinking about it.
I have 2 weddings to go to this weekend one tomorrow and one Saturday and it turns out that the one tomorrow has a "Theme" I however didn't know about their "Theme" until this morning when I checked the wedding website (and what is that about!) for directions to the church. There wasn't a word about a dress code on the invite and now it's the day before and the neither of the dresses that I have fit the damn dress code oh and to top off the dress code they would like the ladies to wear a hat or a fascinator, really!?
I'm all for making the brides big day a happy and memorable one but seriously how is me dressing up like a flamingo(sorry flamenco)going to do that! Shouldn't the day be about making a statement to the world that this is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with or am I just being over romantic?
Well I'm off now to find a flamingo costume wish me luck!
I have had many of these themed dress coded wedding over the years and only one was beautiful, a dear friend of mine who was getting married for the 2nd time had a small wedding where the dress code was purple and fairy costumes for the small children(my girls were small at the time and loved this) the hotel was decorated in many shades of purple and there were fairy lights and candles everywhere, it was beautiful, they said their own vows, friends that were singers sang songs that were special for the bride and groom and it was a lovely day about sharing their love with the people they love. Oh I've gone all mushy just thinking about it.
I have 2 weddings to go to this weekend one tomorrow and one Saturday and it turns out that the one tomorrow has a "Theme" I however didn't know about their "Theme" until this morning when I checked the wedding website (and what is that about!) for directions to the church. There wasn't a word about a dress code on the invite and now it's the day before and the neither of the dresses that I have fit the damn dress code oh and to top off the dress code they would like the ladies to wear a hat or a fascinator, really!?
I'm all for making the brides big day a happy and memorable one but seriously how is me dressing up like a flamingo(sorry flamenco)going to do that! Shouldn't the day be about making a statement to the world that this is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with or am I just being over romantic?
Well I'm off now to find a flamingo costume wish me luck!
running away from it all
Does anyone else out there ever imagine running away from all the stress that your life has to offer and starting a new life somewhere else?
I do, all the time, I picture where and what I'd do and everything I'd leave behind me and the the amazing new life I'd have.
Perhaps its just a little escapism method that I've devised for myself to keep myself sane but there are days where I really think about planning it out!
What do you do to make those bad days a little more bearable?
I do, all the time, I picture where and what I'd do and everything I'd leave behind me and the the amazing new life I'd have.
Perhaps its just a little escapism method that I've devised for myself to keep myself sane but there are days where I really think about planning it out!
What do you do to make those bad days a little more bearable?
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
S*#T, F*~K, BO
And now at the end of the week I have a barbecue to go to tomorrow and I'm looking forward to time with my loved ones, charred hunks of meat and hopefully copious amounts of alchohol to help make that all bearable!
What's your week been like?
It's been a week with not one but two bank holiday's, a Royal wedding, my eldest son moving back home after a year and a half and on Monday another bank holiday so it's been a lovely long weekend here in the UK!
The very short week has been lovely for my teens after 2 weeks off school they only returned for 3 days (they did try to convince me it wasn't worth them going in for those 3 days, yeah right! )and now another short week to come, then they have another week off at the end of May ( apparently there's no point in them going to school at all they're off so much, another nice try girls).
Then my eldest son has moved back home, a little adjustment in sleeping arrangements needed here, meaning that 2 of my girls are sharing a room again, oh the drama! Firstly it's not fair, then there's not enough room for all our stuff, " time for a sort out" I say, " no we need all our stuff" they say, I wonder exactly how many bags of discarded paper and general junk do 2 girls need, apparently a lot ! Then of course there was that lovely cry of "I'm going to kill her by the end of the week!"followed by "the feelings mutual" oh the love!
All that being said it is nice to have him home but I also want him to sort himself out and find his own feet, I should point out he hasn't actually lost them that would odd, its just an expression!
And then on to the Royal Wedding , what an atmosphere we had here in London, Street Party's, Lots of flag flying and red white and blue everywhere. I didn't get quite that enthusiastic and I wasn't that interested, Obviously I wanted to see 'The Dress' but I didn't think I was interested in all the pomp and circumstance, that was until I sat down to watch and there was an interaction between Harry and Wills as Kate was walking down the Aisle, Harry turned round to look then turned back with a very cheeky smile and said something to William and this private joke changed my opinion , I thought to myself they might be royal but they are two brothers sharing a milestone, I also thought, I wish I could lip read and I wondered if he said its not too late to make a run for it! I then started to enjoy it, all this pomp and circumstance and ceremony and I watched it with pride and delight and a little bit of a crush on Prince Harry!
And now at the end of the week I have a barbecue to go to tomorrow and I'm looking forward to time with my loved ones, charred hunks of meat and hopefully copious amounts of alchohol to help make that all bearable!
What's your week been like?
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Blog until I can't Blog anymore
Dear World,
Ok, small minority who read my blog I have decided that hence forth I shall do my very best to blog something every day, even if it is just one word it will be here!
This is my Pledge to you! xx
Ok, small minority who read my blog I have decided that hence forth I shall do my very best to blog something every day, even if it is just one word it will be here!
This is my Pledge to you! xx
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
ELF make-up
Well my daughters swear by ELF - eyes,lips and face, I thought mainly because they're teenagers and it's cheap but given the present economic climate I thought why not give them a go!
The site offers their basic, eyes, lips, face line all priced at just £1.50! Studio range, which in mostly priced at £3.50 and their mineral range priced between £3.00-£5.00 all well below usual cosmetic prices.
I placed my order on a Friday evening and by Monday I'd received a text(great service) telling me that my order had been dispatched and by Tuesday it had arrived! Very impressive delivery time!
I ordered a tinted moisturiser with SPF20, a mascara, 2 nail varnishes, a facial whip and using an offer code the entire order with a free lip gloss and free delivery came to, wait for it, just £11.50 absolutely amazing, I usually pay that for the mascara alone but would the cheap prices yield results?
The packing was nice not at all cheap looking, though not entirely sure about the blister packaging on the £1.50 items but in fairness what could I hope to expect for £1.50.
The tinted moisturiser I ordered was from the studio line and I was pleasantly surprised it went on easily and gave a lovely light finish, offered SPF 20 protection which is a great bonus for those of us who forget sunblock on a daily basis and only remember when it's hot and it made my skin look fresh and healthy so very impressed with this, I would give this a 9/10.
On to the mascara, again from the studio range this was supposed to give you length and volume unfortunately this was no where near as impressive as the tinted moisturiser it didn't lengthen or add volume even after 2 coats all I ended up with was sticky clogged eyelashes, I'm actually wondering if the mascara was at it's best as it was rather thick and clumpy, overall I'm afraid to say I wasn't very impressed and would give this just a 2/10
And now the nail varnishes theses were absolutely lovely! I chose a nude and a smoky brown priced at just £1.50 each, they both look fabulous on the only down side they chip quite easily but for one days wear well worth it and these I would also give a 9/10 mainly for the colour and ease of application.
Then there was the facial whip, this is a creme designed to use on as eyeshadow, blush and lip colour and priced at just £1.50,I chose the shade citrus, this gives a shimmery almost frosty finish great as an eyeshadow, quite nice as a lip gloss, but as a blush I found it a little too shimmery for my liking but I imagine on younger skin it would be lovely at 39 I prefer something a little more subtle. I would give give this a 7/10.
And last but by no means least my free Gift! now everyone loves a free gift and this was no exception, now usually I'm not a fan of lip gloss, I don't like that sticky feeling that you sometimes get but this one wasn't too bad and the shade 'mauve luxe' wasn't one that I would have picked but I actually really like it! it smelt lovely and had a nice taste, no I didn't eat it, you all know what I mean and it wasn't too sticky all in all a pleasant surprise and I would give this a 8/10
My overall experience with ELF was a positive one, would I order again? for certain items, yes. I would like to try the Mineral range so if someone from ELF happens to read this and would like to send me some to try, I'd be more than happy to review it!
The site offers their basic, eyes, lips, face line all priced at just £1.50! Studio range, which in mostly priced at £3.50 and their mineral range priced between £3.00-£5.00 all well below usual cosmetic prices.
I placed my order on a Friday evening and by Monday I'd received a text(great service) telling me that my order had been dispatched and by Tuesday it had arrived! Very impressive delivery time!
I ordered a tinted moisturiser with SPF20, a mascara, 2 nail varnishes, a facial whip and using an offer code the entire order with a free lip gloss and free delivery came to, wait for it, just £11.50 absolutely amazing, I usually pay that for the mascara alone but would the cheap prices yield results?
The packing was nice not at all cheap looking, though not entirely sure about the blister packaging on the £1.50 items but in fairness what could I hope to expect for £1.50.
Then there was the facial whip, this is a creme designed to use on as eyeshadow, blush and lip colour and priced at just £1.50,I chose the shade citrus, this gives a shimmery almost frosty finish great as an eyeshadow, quite nice as a lip gloss, but as a blush I found it a little too shimmery for my liking but I imagine on younger skin it would be lovely at 39 I prefer something a little more subtle. I would give give this a 7/10.
And last but by no means least my free Gift! now everyone loves a free gift and this was no exception, now usually I'm not a fan of lip gloss, I don't like that sticky feeling that you sometimes get but this one wasn't too bad and the shade 'mauve luxe' wasn't one that I would have picked but I actually really like it! it smelt lovely and had a nice taste, no I didn't eat it, you all know what I mean and it wasn't too sticky all in all a pleasant surprise and I would give this a 8/10
My overall experience with ELF was a positive one, would I order again? for certain items, yes. I would like to try the Mineral range so if someone from ELF happens to read this and would like to send me some to try, I'd be more than happy to review it!
Monday, 25 April 2011
Week 5 result erm I'm looking for the word that sounds like I'm blowing a raspberry!
Ok it's official I suck! Well I suck at this whole challenge I've set myself, at least in terms of weight loss and so I have come to the decision that I either I have a medical condition that is hindering me losing weight or I eat too much and I need to change tactics!
Me thinks it may be the latter!
I have thought a lot about this whole weight issue and I've been observing the eating habits of those around me, not in a weird anthropologist kind of way with notebook and binoculars, don't worry I haven't quite made it to that level of insanity........yet! Just my nearest and dearest and in particular one of my daughters who can eat anything she likes and never gains a pound and it's not just down to youth, it really is all about portion size all week I've studied what she eats, how she eats and how much she eats, ok I am sounding like a bit of a weirdo but my discovery is worth it! You see she does eat whatever she likes just not that much of it, she rarely cleans the plate ( I'm from the "there are starving children that would be grateful of that meal, you better finish every last bit!" generation)and she eats very slowly, so this week I will be doing exactly that, eating like a teenage girl! If only I could look like one again!
So for this week my 3 F challenge is still on with some quite different tactics, I'll let you know how I get on, oh and in case you're wondering I gained 2lb so I'm now heavier than when I started! See what I mean I suck!
Me thinks it may be the latter!
I have thought a lot about this whole weight issue and I've been observing the eating habits of those around me, not in a weird anthropologist kind of way with notebook and binoculars, don't worry I haven't quite made it to that level of insanity........yet! Just my nearest and dearest and in particular one of my daughters who can eat anything she likes and never gains a pound and it's not just down to youth, it really is all about portion size all week I've studied what she eats, how she eats and how much she eats, ok I am sounding like a bit of a weirdo but my discovery is worth it! You see she does eat whatever she likes just not that much of it, she rarely cleans the plate ( I'm from the "there are starving children that would be grateful of that meal, you better finish every last bit!" generation)and she eats very slowly, so this week I will be doing exactly that, eating like a teenage girl! If only I could look like one again!
So for this week my 3 F challenge is still on with some quite different tactics, I'll let you know how I get on, oh and in case you're wondering I gained 2lb so I'm now heavier than when I started! See what I mean I suck!
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
And now for something more serious
There was a conversation on the radio this morning about the effect of being raised by a single parent and they gave a statistic that something like 70% of children raised by a single parents are more likely to struggle in life, not achieve as well academically and every other negative connotation and stereotype that you can think of as a result of being raised by a single parent. Well I was the product of a single parent for a large part of my life my dad raised me and I have been both a parent in a relationship and a single parent and in my opinion it has more to do with the kind of parent you are and actually the area that you live and the people that your children mixes with that effects them not the fact that they had one or two parents, after all how good can it be for children to see their parents arguing every day? How can they possibly learn what a positive relationship is if all they see and hear is a negative. Far more damaging as far as I'm concerned.
The problem is when someone comes up with there statistics they're often not looking at the whole picture merely the thing that they wish to focus on so all too often it's not a true representation of what's going on and I can tell you from personal experience of living in nice area of the country and living in an estate it really is not just about the parents it is as much to do with environment, we learn as much from our peers as our parents and in an area where crime and drugs and antisocial behaviour are prominent it's all too easy for young people to be dragged in, come on be honest did you really listen to your parents all the time as a teen or did you sometimes aspire to be the rebel that you admired from afar (hopefully).
The other problem we face Is as a society we almost villainise our youth focusing on the negative you hear a lot about the minority of young people that are involved in crime but you hardly ever hear about the young people who are making productive use of their time, those
that belong to organisations such as cadet forces or take part in duke of Edinburg awards or those like my daughter who took part in something like a project called The Challenge, no we don't hear about them.
For me, I think that instead of focusing on who is raising our children, we should focus on how our children are being raised, putting the right things in place for parents to access, we all need a little help once in while and the stigma should be taken away from asking for it.
In schools the way our children are taught shouldn't just be about the academics we should from day one teach respect, empathy, understanding consequences not as a separate lesson just as a way of being and this in turn would affect behaviour in the classroom and children would be better equipped to learn.
Obviously the ideal scenario would be to be raised by 2 loving parents and I'm purposely not being gender specific here but sometimes life just doesn't work that way so instead of constantly telling single parents what they're doing wrong or what can go wrong let's focus on the most important thing how we help the children.
Rant over, let me know your thoughts.
The problem is when someone comes up with there statistics they're often not looking at the whole picture merely the thing that they wish to focus on so all too often it's not a true representation of what's going on and I can tell you from personal experience of living in nice area of the country and living in an estate it really is not just about the parents it is as much to do with environment, we learn as much from our peers as our parents and in an area where crime and drugs and antisocial behaviour are prominent it's all too easy for young people to be dragged in, come on be honest did you really listen to your parents all the time as a teen or did you sometimes aspire to be the rebel that you admired from afar (hopefully).
The other problem we face Is as a society we almost villainise our youth focusing on the negative you hear a lot about the minority of young people that are involved in crime but you hardly ever hear about the young people who are making productive use of their time, those
that belong to organisations such as cadet forces or take part in duke of Edinburg awards or those like my daughter who took part in something like a project called The Challenge, no we don't hear about them.
For me, I think that instead of focusing on who is raising our children, we should focus on how our children are being raised, putting the right things in place for parents to access, we all need a little help once in while and the stigma should be taken away from asking for it.
In schools the way our children are taught shouldn't just be about the academics we should from day one teach respect, empathy, understanding consequences not as a separate lesson just as a way of being and this in turn would affect behaviour in the classroom and children would be better equipped to learn.
Obviously the ideal scenario would be to be raised by 2 loving parents and I'm purposely not being gender specific here but sometimes life just doesn't work that way so instead of constantly telling single parents what they're doing wrong or what can go wrong let's focus on the most important thing how we help the children.
Rant over, let me know your thoughts.
Monday, 18 April 2011
End of week 4 update
I am not a happy me in fact I'm a really angry me, angry with myself! In a big big way!!! I have not got into the spirit of the challenge that I set myself at all, I have let life get in the way I have made excuse after excuse for myself and the end result is disappointment, disappointment that I haven't even made a dent in what I hoped to achieve and disappointment in myself for letting myself down. *pulls very sad face* actually a little near to tears as I write this, I am also hormonal which doesn't help but I need to figure out why I'm doing this, when I set out on my 3 F challenge I was filled with positivity I thought by this point I would have lost a stone and feel wonderful about myself well the reality is I let myself down and feel awful about myself!
So the results for this the end of week four are..........no drum roll this week, maybe the death march or something equally macabre would be more fitting .......
Weight loss.........................absolutely zero , I haven't gained any though so that is something but in four weeks I have upped and downed and stayed exactly the same! Did you read my self-sabotage post? I think I might be on to something.
I actually can't be bothered to put the rest down in it's usual style and order it just doesn't deserve that kind of attention!
What I have done this week is bought myself some new clothes, I actually bought myself a gorgeous maxi dress that doesn't make people ask if I'm pregnant again! Don't you hate that? My usual response is no I'm just fat! Usually shuts them up! In fact the dress is actually really flattering so yay me on that one and I bought myself a gorgeous vintage sheer jacket in duck egg blue which actually looks fab with my slightly flared jeans so these are good things, I wish they were in a size smaller but they're not so my choice now is to actually stop making excuses, figure out why I'm self sabotaging and try to take getting slimmer and healthier seriously or Should I just accept who I am and just try to exercise more?
Come on people you tell me
So the results for this the end of week four are..........no drum roll this week, maybe the death march or something equally macabre would be more fitting .......
Weight loss.........................absolutely zero , I haven't gained any though so that is something but in four weeks I have upped and downed and stayed exactly the same! Did you read my self-sabotage post? I think I might be on to something.
I actually can't be bothered to put the rest down in it's usual style and order it just doesn't deserve that kind of attention!
What I have done this week is bought myself some new clothes, I actually bought myself a gorgeous maxi dress that doesn't make people ask if I'm pregnant again! Don't you hate that? My usual response is no I'm just fat! Usually shuts them up! In fact the dress is actually really flattering so yay me on that one and I bought myself a gorgeous vintage sheer jacket in duck egg blue which actually looks fab with my slightly flared jeans so these are good things, I wish they were in a size smaller but they're not so my choice now is to actually stop making excuses, figure out why I'm self sabotaging and try to take getting slimmer and healthier seriously or Should I just accept who I am and just try to exercise more?
Come on people you tell me
Sunday, 17 April 2011
I used to look younger than my age then I had teenagers , I mean stress
I was looking at some old photo's from around 10 years ago and I was shocked I looked so young I mean amazingly young a lot younger than my 30 years that I was then and rather sexy if I do say so myself! And then I saw some pics of me taken a few weeks ago and I look old! Time has not been kind on me, I scrub up quite well don't get me wrong I can disguise some of the hideous but I have deep furrows on my forehead, jowls and the chin has started to slip into my neck , I'm painting a really pretty picture aren't I? So I was trying to think what could have caused this drastic ageing, was it lack of skin care regime? I don't think it can be that, I don't sunbathe and almost always where sunscreen, I don't smoke, I do drink but my liver still works so I'm sure it's not that then it dawned on me teenagers! Over the last 10 years I have had to deal with 5 teenagers the eldest is 24 now and the youngest teenager is 14 and anyone who has teenagers knows what that brings , it brings hormones, tantrums, testing boundaries, exams, love, sex, drinking, smoking, hating school, loving school, choosing colleges, looking for jobs and of course thinking that your mum is a bank with a never ending supply of money! Honestly where do they think we get it from?
This is what has aged me dealing with and worrying about my children, those out there with little ones, you think it's hard now wait till you tell your teenager to be in by 10 and you're phoning them and pacing the floors at midnight worrying if they're alive or dead and saying in your head they'll wish they were if they turn out to be ok, then that overwhelming mixture of relieve and anger when they sheepishly open the door at midnight! Oh the joys!
Thankfully my youngest 2 teenagers have been brilliant,I think I might have this parenting lark down! But the damage has been done! And I still have the little to go, I can't wait!
So to all my children I love you but I think you owe mum some botox and perhaps a face lift so be good, work hard and look forward to when you have children, I know I do!
This is what has aged me dealing with and worrying about my children, those out there with little ones, you think it's hard now wait till you tell your teenager to be in by 10 and you're phoning them and pacing the floors at midnight worrying if they're alive or dead and saying in your head they'll wish they were if they turn out to be ok, then that overwhelming mixture of relieve and anger when they sheepishly open the door at midnight! Oh the joys!
Thankfully my youngest 2 teenagers have been brilliant,I think I might have this parenting lark down! But the damage has been done! And I still have the little to go, I can't wait!
So to all my children I love you but I think you owe mum some botox and perhaps a face lift so be good, work hard and look forward to when you have children, I know I do!
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