http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/Hanging around the Grimsby-Cleethorpes conurbation with no particular aim in mind.*HUGS* TOTAL!give kate1978 more *HUGS* Get hugs of your ownen-EUMokoFeed10http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/44/d5a4def0305865ecee9885e37872ea_160x200.jpghttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/22/time_off_for_good_behaviour~3175434/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-10-22:/2007/10/22/time_off_for_good_behaviour~3175434/Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:19:29 +0200 <p>I have taken Half term week off and I refuse to feel weird about it. I can't really take time off in term time because I work with students, so this was the only week between now and Christmas. And besides, my contract ends at the end of December and so far no-one has mentioned a renewal, so I'm going to use this week to job hunt.</p> <p>Why do I *still* feel guilty about this, then? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/22/time_off_for_good_behaviour~3175434/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>workhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/22/time_off_for_good_behaviour~3175434/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/10/finally_over_for_now~3115336/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-10-10:/2007/10/10/finally_over_for_now~3115336/Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:47:40 +0200 <p>Yesterday it was the exams for my Spanish course. The morning was the written exam and after two and a half hours I felt braindead. I think I did ok, as long as I pass the course I will be happy <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0">. Funnily enough, the part I was dreading, the speaking exam, just flew past. It really wasn't that big a deal at all. I had to play the role of an old retired person complaining about the youngsters riding their skateboards on the pavement. Found myself getting a bit too much into it.</p> <p>The results come out in December. Think I'll go mad and sign up for level 3, I might as well now I've come this far. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/10/finally_over_for_now~3115336/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>spanishhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/10/finally_over_for_now~3115336/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/05/another_week_down~3090442/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-10-05:/2007/10/05/another_week_down~3090442/Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:47:34 +0200 <p>Can't believe how fast time is going. We're already five weeks into term, the transfer window is closing pretty fast.</p> <p>Spent a lot of time chasing my tail this week, but survived! I've taken next Monday off to prepare for my exam on Tuesday. I have been doing my best to keep up with my Spanish, but now the course is nearly finished I can't wait for it all to be over. Then I can start planning Christmas <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Ray's birthday tomorrow, I've planned a surprise for him (shhh!!) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/05/another_week_down~3090442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>birthdayboyfriendhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/10/05/another_week_down~3090442/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/14/yay_ift_s_friday~2981012/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-09-14:/2007/09/14/yay_ift_s_friday~2981012/Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:07:16 +0200 <p>Another week over. This week has been a strange shape as I was away from work on Tuesday at my nana's funeral. Although I cried quite a lot, I think it went quite well as much as these things can. My sister came up from Cardiff and I was really glad to see her.</p> <p>Things are getting busy at work, the students are starting to misbehave and we've had a few disciplinaries (it now being week 2 of term). A couple of them have been given the choice of being sacked or working with ME!!!!!!</p> <p>Tomorrow off into town to get some holiday brochures to look at honeymoons for next year. Since we haven't booked our wedding yet this could be optimistic, but why not enjoy some pretty pictures? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/14/yay_ift_s_friday~2981012/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>disciplinarieshoneymoonhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/14/yay_ift_s_friday~2981012/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/09/got_loads_done_this_weekend~2951303/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-09-09:/2007/09/09/got_loads_done_this_weekend~2951303/Sun, 09 Sep 2007 17:16:14 +0200 <p>And it didn't hurt a bit.</p> <p>In fact I got so carried away with my Spanish speaking assignment that I actually now need to cut it down as I'm twaddling on for 45 seconds too long!</p> <p>I did some ironing this morning. And I hate ironing. </p> <p>I weeded the flower bed in the front garden.</p> <p>Ray and I spent some *quality* time together.</p> <p>Wrote to my Spanish learning partner.</p> <p>And here I am writing a post for my blog. I know, I'm scared too! <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Even Ray has got into this hive of activity, I can hear the hum of a lawn mower as I type. Very weird. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/09/got_loads_done_this_weekend~2951303/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>spanishhomehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/09/got_loads_done_this_weekend~2951303/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/06/displacement_activity~2936296/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-09-06:/2007/09/06/displacement_activity~2936296/Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:29:05 +0200 <p>So here I am again. Most of the day spent running round after "learners" who have already decided they have much better things to do than attending class (it is now day 4 of term). One boy legged it on the first break of the first day and hasn't been seen since. According to his brother he finds spending time with his girlfriend preferable to computing class. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Oh the joys of being seventeen. I'm just curious as to what will happen when the government start to criminalise these kids for not staying on. I may have left the happy world of Further Education by then, so do I really care?</p> <p>Heigh-ho, better go and get on with that Spanish assignment I'm putting off. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/06/displacement_activity~2936296/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>further-educationcollegehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/06/displacement_activity~2936296/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/02/maybe_not~2911026/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-09-02:/2007/09/02/maybe_not~2911026/Sun, 02 Sep 2007 14:27:55 +0200 <p>The answer to the previous post is obviously a resounding NO!</p> <p>I guess that when nothing interesting is happening, there's nothing to say, and when things are happening, I just don't want to write because it's bad enough that I have to experience it and I don't want anyone else to either <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Nothing personal to anyone. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/02/maybe_not~2911026/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/09/02/maybe_not~2911026/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/07/18/facebook~2659427/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-07-18:/2007/07/18/facebook~2659427/Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:28:33 +0200 <p>Ooh goody a new toy. Maybe I'll be a bit more regular with my blogging now??</p> <p>I like to go through "Phases". Sometimes I go underground because I have nothing very interesting to say. <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/07/18/facebook~2659427/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>facebookhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/07/18/facebook~2659427/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/06/17/have_the_black_clouds_passed~2466904/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-06-17:/2007/06/17/have_the_black_clouds_passed~2466904/Sun, 17 Jun 2007 09:05:22 +0200 <p>Things seem a lot better this week, although the weather has been so weird lately and we've had floods in town.<br> Work is ok, a bit sad because A has now left to work in a different department. We will all miss her loads.<br> My sister came home this weekend, which was an event as I haven't seen her for nine years. I was so worried about how it would be, but everything was fine. Ray has now met my mystery sister and is satisfied that she does exist. She even said that she was sorry about the way she had behaved (ie refusing to visit, swearing at my Dad and slamming the phone down etc.). At least she's made the first move. I think it's time for us all to move on and look to the future. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/06/17/have_the_black_clouds_passed~2466904/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sisterfloodshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/06/17/have_the_black_clouds_passed~2466904/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/06/04/goes_so_fast~2391096/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-06-04:/2007/06/04/goes_so_fast~2391096/Mon, 04 Jun 2007 09:27:54 +0200 <p>It's nearly two years since my first date with Ray. Well, actually we call it the "non-date", where we went out once, got on ok and then never actually did anything about it until six months later. Can't believe time goes so fast.</p> <p>Got loads of gardening done at the weekend. The overgrown bramble patch now has flowers in it. It took me forver to get rid of the brambles, can you believe I started cutting them back last October? Dug the final one out yesterday, what a mission! Needless to say Ray is not a gardener. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/06/04/goes_so_fast~2391096/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gardeningnon-datehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/06/04/goes_so_fast~2391096/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/05/13/good_week~2263003/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-05-13:/2007/05/13/good_week~2263003/Sun, 13 May 2007 17:39:07 +0200 <p>It's gone fine this week. B is happy with me, although I do wonder what I'm doing sometimes. Well, boss is happy, they keep paying me, hunky-dory!</p> <p>Have spent much of today holed up finishing my OU Spanish assignment. It's about done now, just need to check for typos and it's finito. Been ideal studying weather today (ie p*ssing down with rain). <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/05/13/good_week~2263003/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>spanishhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/05/13/good_week~2263003/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/24/surreal_times~2154444/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-04-24:/2007/04/24/surreal_times~2154444/Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:17:25 +0200 <p>I sat reading the Da Vinci Code on the bus this morning and it occurred to me that I feel like a spectator in my own life. I feel so fragile, like a balloon that could fly away at any moment. I thought that once I had "settled down" that this feeling would go away, but now I don't think it ever will. Even with the wedding to plan, I still don't feel as if my life has any direction. Instead of drifting aimlessly alone, I'll drift along with Ray. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>As far as I can tell new job is going ok. I am the sort of person who needs boundaries, someone to tell me if I'm messing up or give me a grade to say I'm doing ok. The fact that I'm trusted to get on with this project bothers me on some level. Maybe it is lack of confidence. My boss seems happy that I have the skills and experience for the job, she took me for coffee yesterday and I said that I was feeling a little insecure. But everything she asked about I was on top of, so I guess that's fine.</p> <p>I asked Ray if he ever felt like he was just "playing" at being a grown-up. He said yes, lots. I'm glad that he understands me. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/24/surreal_times~2154444/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>new-jobhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/24/surreal_times~2154444/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/22/another_week~2137154/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-04-22:/2007/04/22/another_week~2137154/Sun, 22 Apr 2007 11:20:55 +0200 <p>Another week flies by. I'm only just getting a handle on new job and what I'm actually supposed to do. Everyone expects me to have this fantastic game plan and I do not. </p> <p>Yesterday we went to the tip and took a load of old hi-fi equipment which had been cluttering up the hall for several months. This gladdened my heart tremendously. </p> <p>Raymond is studying very hard for his skills test at the moment and I am "cruising" with my OU course which is very bad and I need to get a hold on myself. I will finish it as I really want to do it, but had known everything that would happen (redundancy, changing job, wedding, gutting house etc.) I don't think I would have taken it on. At least there is summer school to look forward to, so I need to study hard so I don't totally humiliate myself with a woeful lack of vocabulary when I attend. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/22/another_week~2137154/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>studysummer-schoolhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/22/another_week~2137154/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/12/made_me_laugh~2081278/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-04-12:/2007/04/12/made_me_laugh~2081278/Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:54:32 +0200 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/798/1323798_98f7e784d6_m.jpg" alt="mushroom" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/12/made_me_laugh~2081278/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>mushroomhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/12/made_me_laugh~2081278/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/shattered~2074377/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-04-11:/2007/04/11/shattered~2074377/Wed, 11 Apr 2007 20:57:56 +0200 <p>Second day at New Job, am exhausted.</p> <p>Spent most of the day retrieving student records and collating them into spreadsheets. Not very exciting! Tomorrow I have a few meetings as part of my induction, so that should be a bit more interesting.</p> <p>I have ordered stationery for my desk. Exciting things like pen pots and paper trays. I've never done that before, what a thrill. They should be delivered on Tuesday.</p> <p>Clearly I need to get out more. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/shattered~2074377/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>stationeryhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/shattered~2074377/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/09/how_much~2059355/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-04-09:/2007/04/09/how_much~2059355/Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:24:57 +0200 <p>Hit the ground with a bump. Ray and I have just done some sums thanks to one of those websites that helps you budget for your wedding. We have reached a figure just short of £13,000, including everything from engagement ring to honeymoon. <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>We have some friends who are also getting married next year and estimate the cost at £11k (excluding honeymoon). When did getting married get so expensive? I'm sure it was nothing like this for our parents' weddings (both traditional Church weddings in the 70s).<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I used to think that when people said they couldn't afford to get married they were exaggerating, but I'm getting the picture now... Still just as keen to go ahead though, see it as a test to my financial creativity on how much we can shave off that figure. <img src="/img/smilies/grayrazz.gif" alt=":b" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/09/how_much~2059355/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>weddingshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/09/how_much~2059355/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/naming_the_day~2048879/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-04-07:/2007/04/07/naming_the_day~2048879/Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:18:06 +0200 <p>It's amazing how it's taken no time at all to have various family share their opinions on how things "should" be done.</p> <p>We have set a date for our wedding, next year on the 8th of August. It means it will be on 08/08/08 which is cool too. The fact that it is on a Friday will no doubt cause a few sighs of disapproval, but if people can't take one day off work when they have over a year's notice, then they obviously don't want to come that much. A gift in lieu of attendance would be appreciated <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Seriously, my dad has the idea that we should get married in the Parish Church in Caistor, traditional I know, but it reminds me too much of school <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0"> I'd rather get married in Cleethorpes which is where we'll be living. I think we just need to get the church booked and then that's that. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/naming_the_day~2048879/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>weddinghttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/04/07/naming_the_day~2048879/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/moving_on_and_moving_in~2004860/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/moving_on_and_moving_in~2004860/Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:56:44 +0200 <p>Well here I am returning to blogland once more. The last few months have been total pants, will we be made redundant, will we find other jobs etc, etc.<img src="/img/smilies/grayuhoh.gif" alt="U-(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>And suddenly, it all worked out.<img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"> After two months of no luck I had two interviews in the same week. Was offered a job working in student support at the local FE college which pays more than I'm on now and is much closer to home. I also get a loyalty bonus from the company I've just finished with and a month's pay in lieu of notice as a redundancy payment (was employed for less than 2 years).</p> <p>Now I'm moving in with Ray and we are planning our wedding for July 2008. I can't believe that things are working out at long last! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/moving_on_and_moving_in~2004860/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>new-jobweddinghttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/moving_on_and_moving_in~2004860/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/time_to_move_on~1621043/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2007-01-25:/2007/01/25/time_to_move_on~1621043/Thu, 25 Jan 2007 18:39:33 +0100 <p>I am reminded of a certain irony in the title of my blog. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0">It looks like I could well be moving, as the job market round here is total pants. I have applied for three jobs since Christmas, absolutely nothing. Not a sausage, not even a Dear John (or a Dear Kate) letter for that matter. And they weren't even anything special, just admin type stuff. Ray thinks it's because I'm overqualified. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Pah! So after consulting with his Rayness I have decided to cast the net wider. This means that our moving in plans are on hold for the time being. I have said that I'll only relocate for the right job, though. And it seems a shame not to use my language skills and there are no French speaker jobs round here. I have spent all afternoon posting my CV on various web sites. At least I feel that I'm doing something positive. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> I've applied for five jobs this afternoon in various locations across the Midlands, Yorkshire and North West.<img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>There is one good thing though, my job is safe. It will continue to exist, but with the company we lost the contract to. And they are based in Northampton. So a move looks very likely, because if nothing else turns up, I may well consider this "TUPE" transfer... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/time_to_move_on~1621043/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tupejob-hunthttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/time_to_move_on~1621043/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/09/27/don_t_read_this_if_you_re_feeling_down~1164740/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-09-27:/2006/09/27/don_t_read_this_if_you_re_feeling_down~1164740/Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:01:20 +0200 <p>Things have been a bit manic at work this week. But at least I still have a job, unlike a friend of mine who has been made redundant on returning from holiday. They will pay her to the end of October, but had all her stuff in a box and desk cleared. Lovely the way some companies treat people, eh? <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Another depressing thing is someone I know has just been given 6 months/3 years to live. She has a brain tumour and the doctors say it is inoperable. To make matters worse she is halfway through divorcing her husband and he is being v. difficult, eg. refusing to have the kids while she was in hospital because it wasn't "his" weekend. It is just so very sad. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So this rather puts my work stresses into perspective. On a more positive note, I've signed up to do the second year of Spanish with the OU, and I feel great about this. Even though it doesn't start till February of next year, I'm going through the revision chapters from Level One, so I should be more with it when it starts. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/09/27/don_t_read_this_if_you_re_feeling_down~1164740/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>spanishsad-stuffouhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/09/27/don_t_read_this_if_you_re_feeling_down~1164740/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/09/22/our_big_fat_greek_holiday~1149984/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-09-22:/2006/09/22/our_big_fat_greek_holiday~1149984/Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:54:59 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=837113"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/113/837113_364c6c5528_s.jpg" alt="P9150016" title="P9150016" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=837104"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/104/837104_89d21f0822_s.jpg" alt="DSC_7706" title="DSC_7706" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=837105"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/105/837105_2cd0e5b253_s.jpg" alt="70" title="70" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=837106"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/106/837106_df95febb34_s.jpg" alt="DSC_5958" title="DSC_5958" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a>Can't believe it's been a month since I updated my blog. This year is going at breakneck speed and shows no sign of slowing down. I've just come back off my hols and it seems like Christmas is already round the corner. I love the festive season, I know some people think it's naff, but I think it's great! And now I'm earning (a lot) less, I'll need to be a bit more careful with my budget. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>But it's still only September! </p> <p>I've come back from a week in Crete with boyfriend Ray. We had a couple of "discussions" as you would when you spend a week together 24/7, but we are still on speaking terms and getting on well. We have survived the curse of the holiday together! </p> <p>Crete was brill. We stayed in a smallish resort called Gouves. The only downside is that you hear the planes coming in quite a bit, but we weren't really that bothered by it. Everywhere you go, there are rebel street cats hanging around. The weather was lovely, quite hot in the middle of the day which left me running for the shade of a nearby taverna. </p> <p>The food was FAB, we gave up ordering starters by the second day as there was just so much to eat. I weighed myself on Wednesday after our return and now tip the scales just short of 11st. It serves me right as I've been piling it on all year. I blame Ray, personally. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"> He keeps taking me out and says he loves me whatever size I am. I believe him, but I still think enough is enough and it's time to tackle this before it gets out of hand (ie some of my clothes don't fit and I REFUSE to go up a dress size!!) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/09/22/our_big_fat_greek_holiday~1149984/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>cretehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/09/22/our_big_fat_greek_holiday~1149984/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/21/the_great_british_seaside~1056339/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-21:/2006/08/21/the_great_british_seaside~1056339/Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:38:36 +0200 <p>I'm back at work tomorrow, so am enjoying my last day. The car was spirited away this morning for its MOT, so with luck it should come back not needing any repairs... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Had a fab weekend apart from the weather. Ray took me to Scarborough, and we stayed in the Grand Hotel. The ensuite bathroom had a jacuzzi big enough for two, so we availed ourselves of this facility to keep out of the pouring rain. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Yesterday we tried to chase the sun and stopped in Bridlington on the way back, got out of the car and the heavens opened. Ended up sitting in a cafe eating fish and chips, shivering in our wet clothes...ah, summer holidays. Took me back to when I was a kid.</p> <p>After having a couple of days to calm down, I have made up with my dad. Ray and I also discussed the moving in thing. He says although he would love to live with me, he doesn't feel comfortable about us being "moved in" on a semi-permanent basis. He would rather us be married or at least engaged and planning the wedding first. As for time wise he said he wanted to propose in his own good time when it felt right, and he wanted it to be special. <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> I don't think he was just saying that to fob me off or shut me up, because he said it would be within a year. That's fine with me, I don't need a ring now this instant and I certainly don't want him to feel pressured. I guess I just needed the emotional security of knowing where things were going, even though I had a fairly good idea anyway. <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"> One of the strengths of our relationship is that we are very honest with each other and we discuss things that are bothering us.</p> <p>Gosh that was all very grown up and serious!! <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/21/the_great_british_seaside~1056339/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>relationshipsseasidehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/21/the_great_british_seaside~1056339/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/18/rainy_days_and_headaches~1049051/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-18:/2006/08/18/rainy_days_and_headaches~1049051/Fri, 18 Aug 2006 11:06:21 +0200 <p>Hi everyone, still in teenage angst mode, not bad since I am 28. Where have my twenties gone? <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Got the house to myself this morning. Had a little look at properties to rent in Brigg and Scunthorpe, a couple of possibles there. Seem to be getting on better with Dad at the moment (he is not at home right now so we are getting on fabulously). </p> <p>Tonight I'm going round to Ray's and I have offered to cook. Don't know what to make yet. Feel like comfort food, though. Then on Saturday he is whisking me away for the weekend. He won't say where or give me any clues, not even if it is over the Humber Bridge or not. Ray has banned the topic of moving in/out for the weekend, says we need to discuss it but not while I'm in such a heightened emotional state (my terminology!!). </p> <p>I have a splitting headache, so I am about to switch the computer off and go back to bed for a bit. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_yawn.gif" alt=":yawn:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/18/rainy_days_and_headaches~1049051/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>movingangsthttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/18/rainy_days_and_headaches~1049051/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/moving_in_moving_out~1047274/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-17:/2006/08/17/moving_in_moving_out~1047274/Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:42:52 +0200 <p>It was my birthday yesterday. I had a mega row with my dad about Ray. I'm just tired of him making stupid comments about him. Most of the time I ignore it, but it really got to me. Most of all I was upset because I had lost it and I felt I'd let myself down. <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"> I apologised to keep the peace, but it is starting to get to me having to watch my Ps and Qs all the time.</p> <p>I was at Ray's later. He sent flowers to my house and took me out for a meal last night. It was Chinese and yummy. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0"> I of course offloaded some of my angst and then felt bad about that. I don't think Ray minded really, but when all's said and done things aren't going to change any time soon with my dad. He said that it is his house and if I don't like it he would only be too glad to help me pack the car and move out. </p> <p>So Ray and I got talking. And I brought up the subject of moving in. With him. And it did seem tempting. Finacially it makes a lot of sense. And we'd see each other even when I'm working weekends. But I've always had this thing about waiting till we're married. And moving in just to escape from home is about as far from the right reason as you can get really. But I really do want to be with him. And I don't want to pressure him about marriage, although he says he would like us to be married one day. I saw this website and the advice it gives is sound.</p> <p><a href="http://www.advicenow.org.uk/go/livingtogether/index.html">http://www.advicenow.org.uk/go/livingtogether/index.html</a></p> <p>I'm not naive and relationships do break down with all the best of intentions. I'd make sure I got legal advice before moving in. But getting solicitors involved and drawing up contracts before you move in seems draconian, the complete opposite of love and romance. I know marriage is a legal contract, but in my opinion it's much more than that. I've always assumed I'll get married in Church (some may consider that hypocritical as I'm not a regular Church-goer), for one thing. I guess that for me personally, marriage is part of love and family and anything else is second best. Maybe it is silly to feel that way but I do.</p> <p>Basically I have two options - keep my mouth closed and maintain the status quo, or find myself a flat to rent. I don't think moving in with Ray is the answer, because, although I love him and want to be with him, it just doesn't seem "right" to me. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/moving_in_moving_out~1047274/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>living-inmarriagelovehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/moving_in_moving_out~1047274/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/cornwall~1047205/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-17:/2006/08/17/cornwall~1047205/Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:14:50 +0200 <p>Been down to Cornwall to see some of my family down there. The good weather followed us there and back, although having said that it's peeing it down outside in Famous Lincolnshire as I type. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Here are a few pics of my cousin Hannah Lee, she is now seventeen months old. Her favourite words are "Tractor" (can you tell she is being raised on a farm?) and "All gone". She is at the stage in her linguistic development where she understands more than she can reproduce, so I'm not fooled. I love kids but I couldn't eat a whole one. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=758225"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/225/758225_a2f997a8cb_s.jpg" alt="P8130072" title="P8130072" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?___##2##___ At Mount Edgecumbebr / item_ID=758226"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/226/758226_dd94be6375_s.jpg" alt="P8120066" title="P8120066" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?___##2##___ With Grandma Xbr / item_ID=758227"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/227/758227_e05ddca39c_s.jpg" alt="P8130068" title="P8130068" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Mooooooo!!!!!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/cornwall~1047205/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>cornwallfamilyhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/17/cornwall~1047205/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/05/saturday_at_home~1015207/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-05:/2006/08/05/saturday_at_home~1015207/Sat, 05 Aug 2006 09:16:51 +0200 <p>First Saturday off in a while, and it just so happens Ray had a night shift to cover last night. Sometimes it feels like we're the little man and woman in the weather house, never out at the same time. I'm back at work tomorrow, so we're going to meet up for "tea" later on, how quaint.</p> <p>I'm really proud of Ray, he's finally got rid of the cooker which had been languishing down the side path since March. Without me nagging him. Actually, nagging Ray is rather counterproductive. It's amazing how an easy-going bloke can dig his heels in so. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> He's also just had his contract at work made permanent, which is another positive thing. Hooray for Ray! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/05/saturday_at_home~1015207/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/05/saturday_at_home~1015207/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/04/doberman_eats_teddies~1012688/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-04:/2006/08/04/doberman_eats_teddies~1012688/Fri, 04 Aug 2006 10:07:25 +0200 <p>Truth is stranger than fiction...</p> <p><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2006/08/02/dog_destroys_elvis_teddy_bear_at_museum/">http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2006/08/02/dog_destroys_elvis_teddy_bear_at_museum/</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/04/doberman_eats_teddies~1012688/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>teddy-bearshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/04/doberman_eats_teddies~1012688/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/04/chilli_tortilla_chips~1012620/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-04:/2006/08/04/chilli_tortilla_chips~1012620/Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:48:43 +0200 <p>Ah, it's a gloomy day. I'm in good spirits though (not alcohol induced, I hasten to add). Last night went out to the local theatre to see a funny play about nuns. It was a giggle, with lots of silly songs etc.</p> <p>Dropped round to Ray's on Wednesday night to surprise him when he came in from work. We were supposed to be going for an evening stroll, but the grotty weather meant a change of plan. It was nice to have some quality time together, if you know what I mean. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>We ate one of my classic dishes: Chilli Tortilla chips. It's really easy to make.</p> <p>Place contents of large pack Tortilla chips in a lasagne dish.</p> <p>Make chilli as follows: fry minced beef, onion, pepper in frying pan. Add tin chopped tomatoes, small tin kidney beans. Add chilli powder to taste.</p> <p>Spoon over tortilla chips.</p> <p>Grate some cheese, sprinkle over the lot. Blast in microwave for a couple of minutes to melt cheese.</p> <p>Serve with a salad and nice glass of red wine (optional)!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/04/chilli_tortilla_chips~1012620/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>chilli-tortilla-chipshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/04/chilli_tortilla_chips~1012620/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/02/yesterday_afternoon~1007696/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-08-02:/2006/08/02/yesterday_afternoon~1007696/Wed, 02 Aug 2006 12:08:54 +0200 <p>14.37 it's absolutely hammering it down outside. Today has been fairly uneventful, apart from a package going Awol in France somewhere. The warehouse guy swears he's sent it out, courier service say they've never had it. Meanwhile customer is screaming that it's "très urgent", even though the part was supposed to be shipped out on the 20th for delivery on the 21st July. If it's so urgent, how come no one has tried to track it down before now?? </p> <p>14. 40 rain has calmed down somewhat. Off to create some receipts, woo-hoo! </p> <p>15.32 clearly I'm engrossed in my work. Just arranged a couple of ad-hoc collections. It's stopped raining now. A has got a new kitten, it's a tiny little black thing. She's called it Leo, and it's shut in the bathroom out of the way of Old Cat aka Oscar while she's at work. </p> <p>15.43 more rain </p> <p>15.50 It's a bit chilly now. I hope it stays like that tonight. I'd rather it be a bit cold then I can snuggle up in my duvet. I've not slept properly recently with the heat. I don't like to moan as it's great to see some sun, but it's just been too much lately. I think that's why everyone seems moody. </p> <p>16.08 Major overreaction to flying insects. D has just sprayed them with fly spray and is enjoying their slow gruesome death. Man that stuff stinks. Maybe I'm really a fly, cos it's giving me a headache. </p> <p>16.31 If W says "At the end of the day" one more time, I'll scream. </p> <p>16.53 AAAARGHH!!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/02/yesterday_afternoon~1007696/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>workhttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/08/02/yesterday_afternoon~1007696/#commentshttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/07/28/stolen_from_devillsh_jellybeans_via_s_mi~995263/tag:timetomoveon.blog.co.uk,2006-07-28:/2006/07/28/stolen_from_devillsh_jellybeans_via_s_mi~995263/Fri, 28 Jul 2006 11:25:35 +0200 <p>WHATS YOUR CURRENT...<br> Mood: Chilled<br> Outfit: Flowery top (as per blog pic) and blue denim shorts<br> Shoes: Flip flops<br> Hair style: Damp from the shower</p> <p>LAST THING YOU...<br> Ate: Toast with Marmite (yum yum!)<br> Drank: Black coffee<br> Sang: Sang along to Coldplay in the car yesterday.<br> Heard: Cars going past my window and the clock ticking.</p> <p>RANDOM QUESTIONS...<br> Do you collect anything? Not consciously<br> Is your room forever messy? Not too bad, but always a couple of objects which remain homeless despite my best attempts to re-home them!<br> What's one of your talents? Baking cakes, but it's too hot today.<br> Are you violent? No<br> How many pushups can you do? Why do I want to do pushups??<br> Do you read for fun? Yep.<br> Do you act your age? Sometimes. But being a grown-up is over-rated<br> Can you dance? Yes, in an "ironic" style. I'd love to learn to dance properly, but I'm not naturally co-ordinated. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/07/28/stolen_from_devillsh_jellybeans_via_s_mi~995263/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>memehttp://timetomoveon.blog.co.uk/2006/07/28/stolen_from_devillsh_jellybeans_via_s_mi~995263/#comments