Night out at the theatre darlings!

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall continue where I left off last night...

Now, where did I get to again? Ahh yes, the Uber driver nearly ran a pedestrian over on our way back to the hotel, as he was too busy following his map app and driving in the wrong lanes! At least we got back to the hotel and the Uber was free as we had been savvy with our sharing of the Uber app and made the most of the free ride for referring a friend- genius.

Although I was missing everyone at home, it was lovely to be getting dressed up for a 'grown up' night out. We asked at the hotel reception for the interconnecting door to be unlocked, to enable further drinkage while we got ready. Lurch appeared at the door (knew it wasn't Cakey or Alex as they would have done the 'secret knock'), he basically stood there like a dick twiddling three clearly random keys in the door lock, muttering about how they didn't fit the lock... So we had to call random things out to each other through the closed door instead.

I'm so glad we paid for decent seats. As soon as the show started I was so overwhelmed by it all I started blubbing, I can only describe the feeling as being a lot like watching your child performing in their first Christmas play (because that usually makes me cry too lol). It is so difficult to describe just how fantastic the music, props, costumes and the talent of the many performers creates such an atmosphere. The cast came down the aisles singing and it was breathtaking, like nothing I have ever seen before.
Just watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s_8EJV26E
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/331577591289990129/

The only trouble was... There was a couple sitting behind us, clearly on a date, talking and over laughing grrrr. So, as you do, I turned around several times with that look of SHUT THE F*#k UP. They clearly didn't get the hint and it was really grating on my nerves, so did the polite thing and spoke to a member of staff during the interval, while we ordered ice-creams. He assured us that he would have a word with them... Within minutes of the second half they started again grrr.
Before I even had chance to turn around, Jojo did her badass scary Mommy face and told them through gritted teeth, 'Will you be quiet, you're really annoying me'. Which I thought was very polite considering... We didn't hear another peep thankfully for the rest of the show.

I have to say, I am in absolute awe of everyone involved in the Lion King show. I can't express to you enough, how much I would recommend you to take your families to watch a West End Show. It is an experience and memory that will be tricky to beat.

Words just aren't enough

It's late, I've had a glass of wine or two and the wifi keeps dropping out! Make a cuppa and get comfy 😍

Today has been just absolutely epic from start to finish. It is one of those days that even the fly on the wall has enjoyed a most tremendous journey. This is one of those days that will stay with me for ever, that I would highly recommend for your upcoming 40th birthday!

Fust things fust... Who in their right mind books a train for 8:30am on a Saturday morning Hmmm? Oh that'll be me being a tight arse with the train ticket prices, sorry Cake and Jojo and Alex xxx it was pretty much worth it for first class super fast travel from Lichfield to Euston... Apart from, where was my damned bacon butty hmmm? Richard Branson, you need to change it, stuff the week day first class travellers, we need bacon butties when travelling for a child free day out! Shall be writing him a firm letter.
We began our train journey with some minature Pimms, Malibu and Archers (obviously 1 can each, what do you take us for?) Glad I had my porridge before leaving the house, else I would have felt proper drunk instead of just giddy. We basically spend the entire journey like a bunch of crazy teenagers, eating our free Pantone (with an extra for later) followed by yummy Thorntons birthday cake!

Arrived at Euston and had that tricky decision about what to do with our cases? Decided to get our first London cab to the hotel, after fannying about with the Uber app... Tight arse paid off though, would have been £6 per bag to store at Euston for 3 hrs in left luggage, £12 taxi and our room was ready = winner. We were on a mission though, managed to sort the Uber app and a dodgy Uber driver  who had clearly never driven in London before,  to get on the London Eye by 11:00 and the queues were pretty decent really.
The London eye two for one were no good unfortunately, so paid full price... Then left the £1 guide behind... Even forgot to pick it up when we got off. I was actually still a bit giddy from the Pimms, so no 'aargh London' nerves really. Was a great start to the day.
Stopped off for a breakfast, due to the lack of bacon on the train. A small glass of brunch 'Mimosa' Prosseco to gently numb the brain a little more... AllBar-One was very typical I suppose, waiter was a bit of a jobs worth. The food arrived and Cake's was wrong, so she took it back... 20 mins later, as we finished our breakfasts, her poached eggs arrived... But they were cold! Cakey took it back and refused a replacement (who wants a replacement with 'special sauce', never accept a third replacement) so I asked for the bill ready to go. The dozy jobsworth hadn't deducted Cakey's breakfast, so I got my cheesed off Momma head on and went to ask for the manager. Showed them my many 40th birthday badges,  protested at the stupid ass bill and my poor starving Cakey who we needed to feed... Needless to say, he wrote off our bill!
We walked 1600 steps, or 6 miles... Taking lots of half pissed selfies, literally laughing so much my pelvic floor nearly gave in. Found a loo and raided Cakey's and Jojo's pockets for 20p each to go pee! We tested Jojo's vast royalist knowledge (she isn't a royalist tho, honest) was like a school trip lol!  We saw most of the major landmarks and walked past 10 Downing Street.. Showed 'Dave the policeman' my many birthday badges and pleaded for him to let me sneak through the gates to take a cheeky selfie outside no 10, but alas it was a noooo! So went off past the horse guards, got distracted and ended up starving Cakey for several hours. Still never made it to Trafalgar Square.

Are you bored yet?  It's 2am, I need to write this before I forget it in my old age!

We went for a mooch in Harrods after wading through the sea of protesters, would have loved a nice bag but I'm too poor (even the micro elephant purse was £250). By the time we got to Costa, we all had that caffeine starved look about us. I normally have a steady tea flow at home, but tea at Costa is just not nice in my opinion. Booked another Uber back to the hotel ready for tonight, another driver lacking in the London 'knowledge' drove like a twat and nearly ran someone over on a crossing. I'm so glad I wore my stigger everyday walk to school boots though, because my feet haven't ached at all.

Go get a brew, I must tell you all about our evening...

did I tell you I'm 40 today?

Well as it's my birthday, that means just one thing... I've shaved my legs in the middle of winter.

This morning was so lovely, greeted by cuddles and smiling faces wishing me a happy birthday. Claude made my heart melt as she sang a line from a lovely song for me, which bought back fond memories of watching all the Barbie movies when she was little. Ever seen the 12 dancing princesses? She was absolutely obsessed with the film and sang the song to me on my birthday when she was about 6. I hope she still sings it for me when I am very old, and forgetful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaslwZK-uNg

Once everyone was at school, I had a lovely cuppa and catch up with Sammy Boo & bump, then it turned into a day like any other (apart from facebook birthday messages from people which was lovely, reminding me that it's my birthday). I tootled off to Tesco with my little Doodlebean to get my neutral tights which I forgot yesterday and while I was there I managed to spend £40 on crap (including my choccy cake!). Didn't end up getting a Costa though, resisted the urge as I can use it to pay for a Costa in LONDON TOMORROW yay!!

I have checked out 2 places today for my skydive, so if anyone has done one before it would be helpful to know about where you went etc. Thinking of the best time of year to do it too.

I have contemplated checking my suitcase ready for tomorrow, but know that if I check it again too early I will over pack all sorts of shit I won't need... I mean we are actually only there for 1 night, but it is already going to require 2 posh dresses and 2 pairs of posh shoes. It will look like I'm going away for a week if i'm not careful... So exciting.



My little doodle bean is fast asleep, so I may get myself an early night ready for a 6:30 am get up. I NEVER get up this early on a Saturday EVER. The boys are still watching a film, so hopefully they will lie in tomorrow so I can at least get ready in a peaceful sleepwalking trance.

Bring on the jovialities girlies.

Putting things into perspective

Yesterday was basically shit, so didn't bother updating my blog... I figured I ought to explain a few things as I got so caught up in the idea of writing my own blog, that I forgot to put it all into perspective. Please don't judge, bear with me while I explain.

Yesterday started off ok, then I had a major stress about what to pack for my weekend away beyond frumpy nursing bras and everyday jeans.  Rushed about last minute to get a dress and picked up a cheeky Costa on the way home as a treat for us all, made tea and was just about to relax and watch a film with my boys... then Dave came home manstruating! cue early bed time for everyone, spent the last part of the evening sitting on my bed to crochet by lamp light while little one went to sleep. Didn't get any of my 'to do' bits done. Isn't it amazing how 1 person can affect the balance, or how 1 person can take so much to heart so easily.

This morning I started going about my usual routine bits, caught up on ironing that I was intending to do last night and I have gradually not drawn breath for so long that I have reached the point tonight where I have actually lost any feeling of excitement about this weekend. Is this a normal pre-40th birthday feeling?  I have spent the afternoon contemplating why I am here and even doing this, and why other people might even be remotely interested in reading my seemingly 'average saddo 40 year old mom blog' with saddo simple challenges. If you know me, then you will understand my list and my motivation.

I am usually one of those happy kind of people, I always see the best in others and like to have a joke about and basically act like a complete goon with my family and those that I know well. My birthday jovialities and challenges were actually planned as I wanted a positive year with a number of things to look forward to and I really want to make a difference for others.

In retrospect, I suffered until early last year with postnatal depression following a traumatic birth with my little boy which I should have sought help for earlier. There is that stigma attached to getting help for depression though isn't there? Before we moved house,  I got to the point where I was ready to give up my career that I have worked so hard for and I would day dream while driving to work, about smashing my car into a wall. The only things that kept me from doing something so terrible was thought of leaving my children behind and some hypnotherapy.

I'm one of those unassuming little people with a big heart, that struggled through school and don't usually share my inner thoughts with others. I have spent the last year making more time with friends and family, spending time with my children and enjoying my maternity leave. In some ways I'm dreading going back to work, so I am hoping that my very real challenges will help me to remain positive and avoid the trap of other's negativity.

I promise tomorrow will be a better day, it has to be because it's my birthday and that means CAKE!

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/405464772682679876/

Much more productive day

I got up slightly earlier today, making the most of the last day of Christmas holidays before the school run. Received an email back about my dress, hoping it will arrive by Friday as it is being dispatched today or tomorrow. I really don’t fancy a last minute dash on Friday and I don’t fit any other dresses in my possession due to having an 8 month old baby post natal body Doh!

Today was all about motivating myself to do the jobs I have been putting off for the last week or so. I have been food shopping and finally took all of the Christmas wrapping to the tip (I’ve been driving round with it in my boot for over a week after getting fed up of tripping over it in the lounge!) I forgot the damned wood off my driveway though, so I will have that haunting me until my next tip run… which is also on my list.

My food shopping was slightly distracting, those ‘running and yoga bargains’ were very off-putting… and of course I now need to make sure I use everything, so I have booked a pilates taster session at Burntwood Rugby club. Even that was a nightmare as I had to book a date when I know Dave is off work, oh the joys of shifts!

https://www.facebook.com/1781741985443465/photos/a.1781744322109898.1073741828.1781741985443465/1850820121868984/?type=3

I also have to wait until after the weekend, while Dave is off work until I can start running… I know I should go during the day while it’s light and safe to run, but I’m going to look like such a dufus running. It’s a good job the jog and walk intervals are quite short on that app. What on earth are you supposed to do about drinking while you run? Put it in some sort of awkward bag that whacks you while you walk/ run or hold it in your hand and get hand ache? Saying that, the pelvic floor is still recovering, maybe I’d best not drink!

I have also set up my just giving page today, having decided that I shall raise money for the Children with Cancer UK charity as it is close to my heart. I have debated long and hard about which charity to raise money for, as there are so many to choose from that have a form place in my heart, but that also receive far more funding as they are more well known. See the link on the side for my just giving page, please be generous and leave some motivational messages.

Tickets are all booked on the Virgin train to London Euston for Saturday… OMG, the thought of busy train stations makes me have a panic flap attack… I’m sh*tting myself at the thought of it, totally unreasonable I know. 

Forward planning... footwear!

The first of my challenges is planned ready for this weekend, the day after my birthday. This is a challenge as I usually NEVER go anywhere without the famalam (apart from work obviously). Dave is being an absolute saint and having quality time with all 4 of them while I am gone. I have booked to go and see the Lion King at the Lyceum theatre on Saturday night with the girls.  Every time I watch the youtube video it makes me giddy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s_8EJV26E

I spent several days (well, nights lying in bed with the ipad) being a tight arse, trawling the internet for bargain tickets and booked them before Christmas. I decided ,that as I was unlikely to ever get round to watching another West End show we ought to get decent seat tickets. I can of course justify the tickets as I shall only be 40 once! 

I'm so lucky to have really awesome friends going with me too... Alex has hopefully booked the train tickets so that's another bargain purchase sorted... She also messaged to say that I have a surprise on Sunday (Giddy kid moment). What also made my day was that Carol Cake text to say that she has booked some tickets for us to go on the London Eye!! Busy weekend ahead.

With this in mind I was extremely lazy today and didn't get up until late, need to re-set the old body clock. Decided I ought to go into town to fetch my new shoes ready for Saturday and get some new trainers ready for running. Honestly, how many types of trainers are there for running? Dave was like, 'have you looked on the inernet to see which ones are best?' of course I did... I googled 'trainers for running' and that was it.

   neck breakers lol!
    mmmmm comfy!!

Chasewater running club replied to say they hopefully have a beginners course in the spring, but in the meantime I have downloaded the couch to 5K app to my phone and it looks pretty harmless for little old me ...and I was honestly going to go running tonight, but it was icy. I'm already going to feel like a bit of a goon going running, but if I slip on ice and land on my face... decided to leave it until the weather is slightly better.

I have started looking for placed to do my skydive too, please let me know if you can recommend anywhere.

I have so far crocheted 3 premi baby hats, so may do a couple more tonight… probably while I sit upstairs as Isabelle fights the urge to go to sleep again..

Happy New Year!!!

Well New Years eve was a good laugh! 

My house always seems mad when we have guests, it makes my boys that little bit crazier than usual. I'm glad we were at home as I would probably have been stressing so much about the level of excitement (like mega hyper) and the noise. It's always nice when you are surrounded by people who know your family best, none of that pretence crap. Crazy Carol Cake and I have compared our challenges and I was pleasantly surprised by the similarities.

My challenges are a mixture of longer and short term goals, doing a bit for myself and for others. I may need some help and recommendations on the way, so feel free to drop me a message... I am going to try to keep a journal too, so that I have pictures and reminders of my 365 days along with any other memorable moments. 

Here's to 2017, may it bring plenty of good health and happiness!!

See a west end theatre show

Plan a fundraiser with a target of at least 2K

Tandem parachute jump

Start running - run a half marathon

Learn to play a musical instrument (piano?)

Learn a language

Finish my MEd/ apply for PGCE qualification cert.

Learn how to dance

Study photography 

Start painting & drawing again

Make something with sewing machine.

Crochet a finished pattern item.

Learn mindfulness, maybe teach it.

Be organised with housework.

Keep track of everything with family, important dates etc.

Make time for family & friends, go out once a month with either.

Attend exercise class regularly (yoga/ Pilates)

Sort out study & garage, visit tip!

Go on a family holiday

Wash & clean my car at least once a month.

Leave work before 5pm at least 3 days a week.

Go to the dentist at least once this year

Go camping with my children.

Save some money in an account for a year without touching a penny of it.

Send relatives birthday cards in time for their birthday.

Arrange Isabelle's christening.

Start a small business selling homemade craft stuff.

Write a book ready for publishing.

Have 1 pamper night each month for myself (do nails, shave legs etc)

Bake and decorate a cake for someone special.

Experience first class travel.

Swim a mile

Feed a zoo animal

Meet someone famous 

Have a tattoo 

Monthly date night with Dave, 12 different places.

Retake my motorbike test

Knit 40 hats for premi baby unit.

40 random acts of kindness.

Watch a movie from every year since 1977

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