January 2010

I’ve puzzled over this one. 2009 was not the best of years. I lost my job, I was in trouble with the UK Border Agency because of losing my job, my ex stopped paying child support – all before the first month of the year was over! Not the best starts. It did end well though as we watched the heart stopping fireworks over London Eye and heard Big Ben chime in the new decade.
Despite standing in the -3 temps with 200,000 of the great unwashed for three hours waiting, and despite the fact that I spent most of that time fearing the Arabic looking guy next to me was just about to detonate his plastic explosives in his underpants, it was a fitting end to the decade.

Here’s my top five from last year:  Read more... (469 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

The Englishman remained duvet-hugging for at least another half an hour, whilst I smugly drank my coffee and considered how I was going to rule the world this year.

I shall be a very competent world ruler this year. Not like other years. Oh no. This year I will be a calm, confident über working Mum! I shall bring home the bacon and serve it up flambé! I will wear my Supermum cape and a winning smile. I will be wonderful, witty and wise.

Well, maybe not the pretty bit.

But the rest, absolutely! I’ve been in training all holidays. Not physical training you understand. NOooooooh! There’s been snow and frost and hail that looks like snow, or bits that fell off the freezer. I couldn’t possibly actually exercise in that kind of weather, my lungs would collapse. Despite which, a severe overindulgence of Christmas treats has meant I shall need to try a new exercise routine. I hear swimming is good for those who waddle! The lake has frozen so it will have to take place at the local pool. The one that has the lovely spa, and sauna where they serve steaming hot chocolate and flattery.

No, my training has been completely cerebral. I have mentally prepared myself for the wonderful websites I will write, the writing I will craft, the business awards I will gather. I have business plans for business plans.  And today’s the day when I shall begin.

Except, it’s no longer Monday morning, it’s now Monday afternoon. Beginning is taking some time. No matter. I have been very effective this morning. I managed to drink two cups of coffee whilst my Englishman slept and check all the news that Twitter, Facebook and Google Reader had to print. (Oh and a few other PR sites – Timesonline, Stuff, BBC!)

I am up to date with everything. I managed to locate the desk under the paper. (I shall be buried in a paper coffin filled with paper I suspect). I located my passport that I didn’t realise was missing. I have de-iced the car and driven the husband to work, though I did not manage to pop in to return the library books. Both dog and cat have been fed. I’ve managed to make the beds and do the dishes (throw the duvet over and stuff dishwasher) and I’ve even fed myself a hearty home-made burrito for lunch. (Diet aspirations have been maintained for today).

I have returned tweets. I have commented on other people’s blogs (family affairs, notenoughmud, auntiegwen,sleepisfortheweak – your skill puts me to shame!)

Oh yes, I have been extremely effective today.

I have prepared all the documents I need to post including my Dad’s birthday present (will it get to Australia within 3 days???), and populated my calendar with all the kids’ school dates. I have carefully considered when to take our family holidays Down Under and how we could celebrate our wedding anniversary. Which incidentally took me away on a wonderful daydream about our lovely wedding in 2009.

It is now that time of the day when I shall pause from my hard labour to consider my to-do list for the day. Everyone benefits from a little break. Here’s my list:  Read more... (778 words, 1 image, estimated 3:07 mins reading time)