tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55236082012-01-13T12:25:30.344ZThe Pushchair Yearsmichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.comBlogger5641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1155637754146119022006-08-15T10:22:00.000Z2006-08-15T10:29:14.166Z

After 2 weeks of wrangling with DHL (including them leaving it with a neighbour, while I was in my house waiting for them to ring the bell, but them not being able to tell me which neighbour they had left it with, ahem), I have finally received the latest addition to my cookery book shelf: Leith's Vegetarian Bible. And ruddy marvellous it looks too. Aside from the lack of pictures (only 16 pics

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1153658111172829192006-07-23T12:14:00.000Z2006-08-12T07:21:50.173Z

I'm sorry, I've been neglecting you. I did do one post but evil Blogger has eaten it up so I'm re-doing it. Holiday was nice, weather good, staying with in-laws abroad (you-know-where...don't want to say as i've discovered certain people read this blog...).Read Cloud Atlas on holiday. Enjoyed it, but found parts of it quite hard-going (the futuristic section in particular). I think I liked the

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1151748293280932682006-07-01T10:01:00.000Z2006-07-01T10:04:53.300Z

Feeling much better thank god. Off on holiday tomorrow for 2 weeks... news to follow after the 17th July.... currently 36 degrees where we're going so I'm preparing to melt!

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1151330178127274862006-06-26T13:51:00.000Z2006-06-26T13:56:18.143Z

Help! The whole family has been struck down with a horrible bout of gastro. Not pleasant, especially since we all need to be fighting fit for our holiday this coming Sunday. Having not eaten for a couple of days, I'm now on a diet of Lucozade, plain bread, couscous and Pot Noodle, and it seems to be working. I do feel a bit better. Here's hoping I can sort hubby + Baby E out in time...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1150964568196679112006-06-22T08:11:00.000Z2006-06-22T08:22:48.206Z

I'm still alive, just been really busy. Baby E is into everything, drawers, cupboards, so keeping busy running around after her shouting 'no!'. Also been busy looking for flats to buy, went to see our first one last night, was lovely inside (if a little bit too small) but the outside was not quite what we wanted, so will keep on looking. All feels a bit scary and grown-up! Liked the area a lot

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1149770312004785492006-06-08T12:21:00.000Z2006-06-08T12:38:32.080Z

Where did that week just go? Finally the summer has descended upon Essex, so am enjoying the benefits of having a large balcony / terrace in which to sit.Made a rather yummy leek gratin the other night out of the splendid Silver Spoon book, hubby even said it was the best thing I've ever cooked (is that a compliment though?!)... better than my Thai green curry? surely not. On the menu tonight (if

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1148981036498491572006-05-30T09:21:00.000Z2006-05-30T09:23:56.510Z

Not sure if it's having the baby and adjusting to the role of being a mum or because I'm approaching the big three-oh, but I just feel an overwhelming need to sort my head out. To become more confident, get rid of all those hang-ups that've been around for 15yrs or more, to sort out all the shit in my head I suppose. I'm the last person to read self-help books, but started reading 'Feel The Fear.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1148901633512457102006-05-29T11:06:00.000Z2006-05-29T11:20:34.573Z

Just finished this book on the recommendation of my mum + also the foreword to Zadie Smith's 'On beauty'. The first chapter was quite slow and descriptive, and I was worried I wouldn't like the book, but once it got going it was fantastic. I really liked the characters, although some of them seemed to die very suddenly and unexpectedly (but I have since found out that this is a feature of

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1148548053206255732006-05-25T08:58:00.000Z2006-05-25T13:44:06.940Z

Is this ridiculous or is this ridiculous? For over a month now I've been trying to ring my manager at work to tell her I want to return to work after being on maternity leave for 1 year at the end of July, but she's been on holiday for over 2 weeks, and then off sick for over 2 weeks (lame, very lame dear)... she's still not back, and no one else seems to be dealing with this sort of thing. Not

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1148383919358178142006-05-23T11:27:00.000Z2006-05-23T11:31:59.370Z

Is anyone else watching this year's Big Brother? I promised myself I wouldn't watch it, but they're all so, well, weird quite frankly, that I am compelled to do so. I have to say that the strangest person I have ever seen, Shabaz, is just fantastic. And they're all so hot-headed: it's only day 5 and 2 people have kissed, others sit stroking each others' arms and there've been furious rows already

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1148296530112908432006-05-22T11:14:00.000Z2006-05-22T11:15:30.166Z

Is it bad to have just re-read the first chapter of the old novel and to have decided that it's a piece of poo, and that I should start a new one? I can't imagine any agents / publishers / readers being very interested in the clunky dialogue and weak plot. Aah me...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1148295817729440672006-05-22T10:54:00.000Z2006-05-22T11:03:39.636Z

It's blowing a gale, raining and as dark as night. Oh it must be the Great British Summertime. What fun!Have decided I really should try to edit that novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo. Parts of it are ok, parts of it are crap, but the job of rewriting has had me procrastinating until now.If you can get hold of a copy of this month's Yoga & Health magazine, I've got a piece in it. It's about Royal Jelly

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1147984807039553242006-05-18T20:31:00.000Z2006-05-18T20:40:07.040Z

Can you tell the difference between a sex toy and a baby toy? try the quiz. Rather disappointingly, I only got 5.Fabulous story about some Nigerian illegal immigrants who were working at the home office department responsible for deporting them.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1147717845411396022006-05-15T18:21:00.000Z2006-05-15T18:30:46.890Z

God, why is it that whenever I come up to Newcastle it's always freezing here and positively tropical in London? Typical. Flying with the Little One was not as bad as expected. In fact she was really rather good, let's hope she remains so for the holiday in July. She took her first crawling steps today, aww!After finishing the brilliant Zadie Smith book, on her recommendation of E.M.Forster in

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1147007161344109892006-05-07T12:20:00.000Z2006-05-07T13:06:01.430Z

Am being brave and am taking a flight with Baby E tomorrow to Newcastle for 10 days. Should be able to blog from there... see you on the other side...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1146561789671935462006-05-02T09:14:00.000Z2006-05-02T09:23:09.680Z

Having problems sleeping lately, not sure why, only had 5 hours last night... things are just playing on my mind. Perhaps it's missing London, perhaps it's because of chavs-r-us next door, or the skinhead the other way who has a shotgun and a big sword (he cleans them on his balcony), who wears army clothes (but I doubt he has a military career) and who has a 'vote BNP' sign in his window. Nice.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1146299934028608642006-04-29T08:23:00.000Z2006-04-29T08:38:56.393Z

Sorry for the lack of posts lately... have been having major problems with T*scali... now using Bulldog, all seems back to normal again. Baby E is teething like mad - has a little shard of tooth poking through at the bottom, but not coming through any more than that yet. She's waking up twice overnight now (has always slept through since about 3 months), which is pretty painful for mum I can tell

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1145374219635603142006-04-18T15:22:00.000Z2006-04-18T15:38:19.933Z

* The flu is finally starting to go. * The bloody cookery book still isn't here, despite the fact it was 'dispatched' on the 7th, but, I'm promised, will be here tomorrow. Right.* Baby E is trying to crawl, but she can't get her legs into the right position just yet. Don't think it'll be long though.* Am almost finished Shalimar The Clown by Salman Rushdie. And very good it is too. What to read

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1144926844500196212006-04-13T11:03:00.000Z2006-04-13T11:14:04.510Z

This flu thing is not going away at all... starting to feel well sorry for myself. Took baby E to the Doctor's the other day, but it's nothing sinister. just a chesty cough.Still waiting for my cookery book (The Silver Spoon) to arrive from Amazon... has been a week now, is it coming on horseback?Chavs-R-Us next door are always arguing. Not just arguing, mind you, I mean really going for it. The

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1144581045417278592006-04-09T10:36:00.000Z2006-04-09T11:10:45.433Z

I have the flu from hell at the minute, and unfortunately so does baby E. She was up practically all night the other night coughing, there's nothing quite like singing twinkle, twinkle at 4am with a very sore throat. Aah the joys of motherhood...I made Pete's bread suggestion of walnut & parmesan, very tasty too. Any other recommendations send 'em this way.After only 6 days on the Kellog's Diet,

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1144156033354129872006-04-04T12:59:00.000Z2006-04-04T13:07:13.366Z

Well, the interview went well, only I got foxed by a couple of questions about working with teenagers (erm as I've not ever done it before)... so I didn;t get the job, but they gave me very good feedback plus some handy hints about future jobs that are coming out soon. Oh well.... In other news: I've really been getting in to bread-making in the past few weeks. Not with a machine, I might add, by

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1143541975117606892006-03-28T09:49:00.000Z2006-03-28T10:32:55.130Z

The world of full-time motherhood may be about to come to an end: I have a job interview tomorrow. I don't want to go back to work really, but needs must. And it'd only be 2 days a week. Feels a bit weird to be thinking about work-things, after not working since June last year. Anyway... I'll keep you posted...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1143038575692271852006-03-22T14:37:00.000Z2006-03-22T14:42:55.726Z

Well hello there, fancy seeing you around here again. Yes, I'm back, after almost a month and a half with no internet (imagine the hell I went through).We are now in the new flat in Essex (only just Essex, mind, it's still on the tube), and very nice it is too. The neighbours on one side are a little less than desirable (read as the chav-family from hell) but you can't have it all now. In fact,

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138790721202274872006-02-01T10:26:00.000Z2006-02-01T10:45:21.246Z

Yes, the whole family has the snot. Even poor baby E. Not a great incentive to carry on with the packing, I must say. Feel like I'm swallowing glass the whole time. I'd rather be in bed with a good book, but hey ho such is life. This will be the last post for a little while, and when I'm back up and blogging, it'll be from the wonderful world of Essex.Here's a meme, courtesy of Sashinka:Four jobs

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138710911578131052006-01-31T12:33:00.000Z2006-01-31T12:35:11.590Z

Holy crap. After a few hours of trawling through endless reams of paper, boxes under the bed and files on top of the bookcase, I finally found the passport... under the computer (ie. nowhere near where I was looking for it). On the plus side, I've thrown away a whole box of papers I don't need anymore. Why is it that when yuo're a student people feel the need to give you endless bits of paper for

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138703633703913442006-01-31T10:06:00.000Z2006-01-31T10:33:53.763Z

Now that we are moving on Thursday, I've only gone and lost my ruddy passport, which I need a) to get the deposit out of the bank, and b) as ID. Bugger. Now I'll have to spend the whole day turning the house upside down to look for it, when I should be packing.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138371387163864162006-01-27T13:38:00.000Z2006-01-27T14:16:27.230Z

That's a good word to describe the state of our flat at the minute. We have started packing up some stuff, mainly clothes and my vast collection of books. I will definitely need to buy a second bookcase once in the new flat. I seem to have little piles of books all over the place. Finally finished reading Alan Bennett's "Writing Home" after about 3 months. Mind you, I've mainly been reading in

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138207373098658082006-01-25T16:42:00.000Z2006-01-25T16:42:53.110Z

Well she loved the carrots! It was worth the effort.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138179377067634292006-01-25T08:54:00.000Z2006-01-25T08:56:17.836Z

Ahem. Bonus mummy points to be removed forthwith... I burnt the carrots and the pan. Whilst I am clearly not a domestic goddess by anyone's standards, I am, at least, now aware that our smoke alarms do not work.More carrots are boiling (in much more water). I hope she appreciates this when she's older.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138178503673859592006-01-25T08:23:00.000Z2006-01-25T08:41:44.030Z

This last week, we started giving baby E some 'solids', although that isn't strictly the correct term for something that looks like watered down wallpaper paste. At first, she didn't seem to know what to do when a scoop full of baby rice was deposited in her mouth, but yesterday, for the first time, she wolfed it down. So today, I am playing the part of domestic goddess (ahem) and am cooking some

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1138007675612216562006-01-23T08:42:00.000Z2006-01-23T09:19:00.710Z

Weighed in yesterday and have lost another 2lbs since starting the GI diet, so that's a total of 9lbs since New Year and 2st 9lbs since having the baby (shock!). Finding the GI diet easy, but a bit boring so have ordered 2 AWT cookbooks off Amazon to assist! (plus Bleak House and the Count of Monte Cristo! oops however did they get into the basket?). Still can't fit into any old clothes (was I

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1137486825274255892006-01-17T08:25:00.000Z2006-01-17T08:33:45.276Z

Well, after my successful 2 weeks on the Kellog's diet, I lost half a stone. As you're onyl supposed to do it for a fortnight, I've moved over to the GI Diet. Not a punishing military regime, but a healthy way of eating based on the length of time it takes your body to digest certain foods. Having started yesterday, I must admit I feel pretty good, and not hungry all the time a la Special K fest.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1137159821117314582006-01-13T13:36:00.000Z2006-01-13T13:43:41.130Z

After the frenzy that was NaNoWriMo, I've now started the hideous task of editing the stuff I wrote. It's pretty painful, but thanks to some kind comments on my work, I have a better idea of where I'm going with it. And I'm only on the first chapter. Gah! I have to say it's much more difficult to make something sound good rather than to just get it down on the page. I always thought the hardest

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1136899634350038162006-01-10T13:23:00.000Z2006-01-10T13:27:14.363Z

After one week on the Kellog's diet, I weighed in on Sunday having lost 5 pounds! Go me! Still quite a way to go, but at least now I'm only just over 1st above what I was when I got pregnant. Would like to lose another 1st 9lbs tho, to get back to what I used to be a while ago (ie. thin!). Have immersed myself in any moments of free time in the wonderful weird world of Winsor Pilates. It's a

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1136460004061761972006-01-05T11:14:00.000Z2006-01-05T11:20:04.063Z

The Top 10 New Year's Resolutions are, apparently:1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends2) Get Fit3) Lose weight4) Quit Smoking5) Enjoy Life More6) Quit Drinking7) Get Out of Debt8) Learn Something New9) Help Others10) Get OrganizedAs a non-smoker who doesn't drink very much and has no desire to help people, some of them don't apply to me. But I am endeavouring to get fit and lose weight - yawn

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1136017471930076662005-12-31T08:21:00.000Z2005-12-31T08:24:32.446Z

God is it that time again already? Sorry, I've been neglecting you. Things (ie. The Baby) have been getting in the way. I promise to try harder in the New Year!What's new? well Baby E is now sleeping thought the night every night, which is great, although I'd love to be able to sleep in past 7am but you can;t have it all can you. I am about to embark upon a Great Weight Loss Challenge tomorrow -

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1135077458032432662005-12-20T10:49:00.000Z2005-12-20T11:17:38.083Z

Baby E slept ALL night last night! No waking up for feeds, just some shuffling which was placated by the dummy. AND she's now going 4 hours in between feeds. Houston, we have finally turned the corner.I do find that whenever I pass other parents in the street or in cafes, they are all talking about times, 'When did she last eat?', 'How long has he been asleep now?'. I think the secret of

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1134743016052220152005-12-16T14:01:00.000Z2005-12-16T16:18:37.516Z

2005 in booksHere is a list, in reverse order, of all the books I read in 2005. Some I finished, some I didn't (mainly due to the brain-drain that is pregnancy):currently reading: ALan Bennett - Writing HomeKazuo Ishiguro - Never Let Me GoPD James - Death in Holy Orders (didn't finish, was OK, but it got to the point where I didn't care 'whodunnit', so gave up)Kathy Reichs - Monday MourningTracy

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1134555021543210472005-12-14T10:02:00.000Z2005-12-14T10:10:21.556Z

Well, the meditation thing lasted, ooh, all of four days I think. It's just too hard with such a small baby.Considering doing this freelance + features writing course (diatsnce learning, naturally)... whaddya think?Nick Robinson's (from the BBC) Newslog.It seems if you're a novelist, the best thing you can hope for is to get your book included in the Richard and Judy book club list. They always

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1133948010676267282005-12-07T09:27:00.000Z2005-12-07T09:33:30.690Z

Oops, I haven't been doing much meditating... oh dear. It's a bit tricky with a small baby, as peace and quiet and the word baby don't usually go together.10 of the best bookshops around the world.It's that time of the year again.. Christmas book round-ups from the year just gone.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1133450207397449272005-12-01T11:22:00.000Z2005-12-01T15:16:47.463Z

Well, sort of. After the chaos of November's novel-writing challenge, I feel the need for something a little more calming. Hence, this is why December is officially Black Dove's 'Find Yourself' month. This month, I will, as inspired by that nice chap at Bluesblog, try to meditate each day, and get back into my ashtanga yoga practice (which I did for the first time in almost a year last night...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1133254994121526432005-11-29T09:01:00.000Z2005-11-29T09:28:40.340Z

Well folks, I've done it, I've finished NaNoWriMo this year. And what a bloody slog it was too! 50,000 words of a first draft, completed in just under a month. A lot of it will probably (definitely!) need a lot of work doing to it, but the bare bones of the story are out, and it feels pretty good actually. I think there's definitely something to be said for doing the first draft as quickly as

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1132934988721144032005-11-25T15:25:00.000Z2005-11-25T16:09:48.723Z

Well, she wanted it, so she got it..."Here's how you do it: Do a Google image search of the following and post the first (or favourite if you want to cheat, but label it so) result for each:The name of the town where you were bornThe name of the town where you live nowYour nameYour grandmother’s name (just pick one)Your favourite foodYour favourite drinkYour favourite songYour favourite

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1132660560253353862005-11-22T11:48:00.000Z2005-11-22T11:56:00.266Z

Well, somehow I've made it to Week Four of NaNoWriMo, and I'm still going! Have just passed the 37k mark, and the end is in sight! Am actually enjoying it this year, so the key for me is NO PLANNING in advance! I will, of course, go back and do the 'planning' (ie. organising of plot, characters etc) AFTER I finish, but doing it this way round for a change has had a profound impact on the way I

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1132239413579826252005-11-17T14:55:00.000Z2005-11-17T14:56:53.590Z

It's going well this year, better than ever, in fact. I'm now up to 29,656 words, and still have plenty more to write AND some sort of idea of the plot which might follow. Yay! It's probably rubbish, like, but I'm trying, and you always get points for that.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1132150136002088032005-11-16T13:59:00.000Z2005-11-16T14:08:56.013Z

Ooh Santa, I've been a very good girl this year, and I know what I want for Christmas... it's this, the complete Penguin Classics Library. All 1082 books of it as well! Amazon.com is selling it for a cool £4,600. A Mrs Gursky, in the United States, received the set as a birthday gift from her husband. In the words of Dawn + Jen, lucky bitch.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1132057780476952372005-11-15T12:22:00.000Z2005-11-15T12:29:40.493Z

Sorry for the lack of posts, i've been Nano-ing... have already beaten my personal best (which was about 19k) and am now on 25k woo hoo. Must keep going, must keep going...Here's a couple of book-related links to keep you going while I'm busy writing...I'm currently reading Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro, and rather good it is too.Stuff Nick Hornby's been reading.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1131706905912028202005-11-11T11:01:00.000Z2005-11-11T11:01:45.926Z

Thanks to Keris for providing this Meme... Three screen names that you've had: baglady, LadyLazarus, angel132_ukThree things you like about yourself: Good listener, liberal views, bit quirky (!)Three things you don't like about yourself: Worry what other people think of me, flabby post-baby hips + tum, and over-sensitiveThree parts of your heritage: Tynemouth (great northern seaside town!) -

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1131392032787696992005-11-07T19:30:00.000Z2005-11-07T19:33:52.800Z

I was brave enough to go to one of those 'mum and baby' groups for the first time today, only to discover that it was an 'Eid Party'. I suggested I should come back another day, but the woman said no,no you are welcome. So I ventured in, only to discover a room full of women wearing headscarves and talking Arabic, with toddlers screaming the place down. So I left. Not the best start to my new

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1131117891873208462005-11-04T15:20:00.000Z2005-11-04T15:24:51.873Z

It's that time of year again - NaNoWriMo. And yes, I am attempting it for the third year running, yes with a 7 week old baby (yes, I am certified insane). Going ok so far, am ahead of schedule. Feels a bit weird to be doing it totally off the cuff, as I didn't decide to do it until 1st Nov. Have started 3 novels in the past (2 NaNos) and have never got further than 20,000 words on any of them. So

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1130841037698421622005-11-01T10:30:00.000Z2005-11-01T10:30:37.710Z

Last night was the first year in this flat we've never been 'trick or treated'. Not that I answer the door anyway, you understand, but they usually ring the bell (maybe they've just got the message this year). We would never have done this when I was a kid. Hallowe'ens were spent dressing up as witches in my cousin's garage, telling scary stories to try to scare each other. The air was always

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1130779097339339132005-10-31T17:51:00.000Z2005-10-31T17:55:55.196Z

After a long hiatus, I'm back, Back, BACK. The god of motherhood has granted me the time to update here often enough to be considered a blogger once again. Baby E is now 7 weeks old, time is flying. The days of the endless cycle of nappies, feeding and sleeping all blur into one. I'll be 40 before I know it (joke).The Pushchair Walks: Part 1As E is now going a bit longer in between feeds (3 hours

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1128616287612793682005-10-06T17:26:00.000Z2005-10-06T16:31:27.620Z

Just a quick blog entry to say that everything is going fine. Elise is just over 3 weeks old now and it feels like we've never been apart. Seems like an age ago that I was pregnant. Have had my mum to stay for a couple of weeks, but now hubby is back to work and mum has gone, it's just the two of us. Managed to get to a physiotherapy postnatal exercise class on Tuesday, and attempted to go to

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1127666393877715162005-09-25T17:32:00.000Z2005-09-25T16:39:56.546Z

Well here it is, the story of the labour...on the Monday night (12th) I got no sleep, the pains were coming stronger and more regular (altho I was surprised that 'regular' meant they were 8 mins apart, then 11 mins, then 9 mins etc etc...). I tried to take a friend's advice of having paracetamol and going back to bed, but it didn't touch the sides! Put TENS machine on (which REALLY helped in the

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1127049451679984792005-09-18T13:10:00.000Z2005-09-18T13:17:31.686Z

v.quick msg to say that baby elise was born on tuesday at 17.19 and weighs 8lbs.... more news soon.....

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1126516402533984532005-09-12T10:13:00.000Z2005-09-12T09:13:22.540Z

Well, it's the 12th September! Have been having slight pains every 20-25mins since about 5.30am, but pretty slight (hence the blogging!). Trying not to get my hopes up too much, as I've been having twinges for over 3 weeks now (but if it IS the Real Thing, god, I need to wash and blow-dry my hair, I look like shit)...I'll keep you posted...After my naughty little indulgence of book-buying the

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1126343537851155102005-09-10T10:12:00.000Z2005-09-10T09:12:17.860Z

After the excitement of yesterday's twinges, all is very quiet and has been overnight. :o( Come out baby!! Despite my resolution to use the library more (which I have been sticking to... haven't bought any books for ages), I am seriously tempted to stock up on Bol.com's very very discount paperbacks of brand new hardbacks... they have the new Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith, Kate Mosse, and Kazuo

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1126271072052903222005-09-09T14:04:00.000Z2005-09-09T13:04:32.090Z

Well, things might just be a-happening...hardly slept due to crampy pains coming on at 3.30am. On and off, nothing regular tho. Then it turned into one massive crampy pain that lasted hours. Now it's back to intermittent but not regular. Aargh just bloody get on with it!! Hubby is on standby at work just in case! Must remember to wash my hair before I go to the hospital (if we ever get to that

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1125914986955311642005-09-05T10:05:00.000Z2005-09-05T10:09:46.960Z

Still here. Feeling much better about last week's 'events'. Nothing to report on the baby front, aside from some crampy pains on and off (but definitely more off than on!). Starting to feel a bit fed up now, just want the baby here. Am taking raspberry leaf tablets in the hope of preparing my 'insides' for the big day, but so far nothing much happening. Watch this space...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1125648786068367652005-09-02T09:10:00.000Z2005-09-02T08:13:06.076Z

Well it's finally happened for my nanna... was very upset yesterday, but feeling a bit better today. At least she's not in pain or suffering any more. Just a bit hard to deal with when you can't go there or to the funeral. No one would expect me to, of course, but I have felt a bit out of it stuck down here. Just have to concentrate on baby now... Thanks for all the kind words. Weird how when you

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1125425239821536262005-08-30T19:01:00.000Z2005-08-30T18:07:19.826Z

Just finished Monday Mourning, by Kathy Reichs. Having never read anything by this author, I was intrigued to discover more about forensic anthropology (the other job of the author, and the job of the main character). This book was a fascinating insight into the investigative process, and really shifted up the gears towards the end. I will definitely look towards reading more books by Ms Reichs

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1125221615065393592005-08-28T10:26:00.000Z2005-08-28T09:33:35.100Z

No, sadly no news is not good news, or any news come to that. Nothing to report! Still bouncing on my birth-ball, willing baby to come! Still having the same twinges and stuff, but no signs of anything more than that. Keep telling myself that I'm only 38 weeks (and that's from tomorrow!) so it could be a little while yet. Please cross your fingers that it's not another 4 weeks tho aargh!The even

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1124902393937718392005-08-24T17:46:00.000Z2005-08-24T16:53:13.943Z

No news to report as of yet! Still having 'funny' pains (that's funny peculiar Billy, not funny haha) but nothing particularly regular, so I guess it could be a way off yet. The waiting game has definitely begun. Every morning I wake up and think am I in labour yet? Obviously, if you have to have that thought then you're probably not, but it's a thought nonetheless. Am feeling extremely tired

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1124700634930927362005-08-22T08:49:00.000Z2005-08-22T08:50:34.936Z

Sorry for lack of updates. My mum is staying this week, and I'm absolutely exhausted! Also having some 'funny pains'... watch this space!!

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1124203966067151982005-08-16T15:24:00.000Z2005-08-16T14:52:46.116Z

This is the 500th post on this blog. Have I really taken up your time with 500 episodes of random burblings and nonsense? I do apologise.Yet another book review (well, I am on maternity leave, what else d'you expect me to do?!): this time, "The Secrets of The Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg. Obviously I won't know the true value of having read this book for another few weeks / months, but suffice

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1124099853531295242005-08-15T10:16:00.000Z2005-08-15T09:57:33.566Z

Have just finished "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. This book takes the unusual area (in literature, anyway) of Jamaican migrants to London just after WWII as its' backdrop, and as such was a fascinating insight into the minds of the characters. Having also read Trevor Phillips' Windrush book some years ago, the way in which the novel includes the tales of Jamaican servicemen in the RAF and the

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1123767515121612482005-08-11T14:38:00.000Z2005-08-11T13:38:35.196Z

God, where has the week gone? Sorry about the lack of posts, not been doing anything tremendously taxing or exciting, just taking it easy. Managed to get to my first antenatal class today (after the debacle of going last week and ending up on the verge of tears because no one else was there... they told me the wrong time!). It was nice to meet other people, and learn some useful stuff about

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1123056619218448482005-08-03T08:54:00.000Z2005-08-03T08:10:19.230Z

Your Blogging Type Is the Private PerformerYour blog is your stage - with your visitors your adoring fans.At least, that's how you write with your witty one liners.And while you like attention, you value your privacy.You're likely to have an anonymous blog - or turn off comments.What's Your Blogging Personality? [via]

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1122886033867107782005-08-02T10:11:00.000Z2005-08-02T09:12:14.986Z

Feeling increasingly drained of energy these days. Still, managed to get out and about at the weekend, Saturday to Brent Cross shopping centre (I forgot the horrors of Saturday shopping!) and Sunday to Hampstead Heath for a waddle up Parliament Hill. Really loved the new 'sculpture' of the giant table and chair there, going back next week with the camera for a closer look.Donate some money.Stuff

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1122885285841862362005-08-01T09:24:00.000Z2005-08-01T08:34:45.906Z

Last week I finished reading "Three Stories" by Alan Bennett. This was my first foray into the wry wit of Bennett, and hopefully will not be the last. The three tales in one volume are actually novellas. The first one, "The Laying on of Hands" is about the memorial service of a man who was a masseur to all and sundry (famous people, ordinary folk, even including the priest) and what happens when

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1122623590517087062005-07-29T07:15:00.000Z2005-07-29T07:53:10.566Z

Top 10 books about people 'on the move'.They're new, they play good music, oh! they're Maximo Park, and they're from Newcastle.David Baddiel on the Da Vinci Code.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1122320096677636412005-07-25T20:14:00.000Z2005-07-25T19:34:56.686Z

After a 10-hr sleep last night, I feel a bit more like my usual self today. Managed to get a chuck of the novel done, plus a shed load of cleaning, and also an hour-long walk (why is it that every time I get anywhere near Willesden, I get lost? Is there some sort of black hole that sucks you in and spits you out somewhere unfamiliar every time you get anywhere near it?!).Have recently finished

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1122214682143914032005-07-24T15:17:00.000Z2005-07-24T14:18:02.150Z

sorry for the lack of posts lately, am feeling totally KNACKERED these days... normal service to be resumed shortly (I hope!)

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1122048944437056742005-07-22T17:06:00.000Z2005-07-22T16:15:44.446Z

Having a bit of a surreal moment... there's an armed siege going on in my street, but I live a bit further up and can't see anything. Sure feels weird to see your street on the news, all sealed up behind a police cordon. Looks like a bomb was thought to be in a flat at the bottom end of the street. All very worrying to think that people who can do such harm can live so near you and you have no

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1121959551575783382005-07-21T18:13:00.000Z2005-07-21T15:25:51.583Z

It's happening again here in The Capital, only fortunately not on such a catastrophic scale. Very worrying indeed.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1121601696811629402005-07-17T00:40:00.000Z2005-07-17T12:01:38.683Z

Last night before I went to bed I thought I could smell burning. I put it down to the fact that probably someone was having a barbeque in the nice weather. However, I was awakened at 4am by a really strong smell of burning wafting in through the bedroom window. After checking all the rooms in the flat (just in case), it was definitely coming from outside, but I couldn't see any smoke. I turned on

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1121517022560693002005-07-16T22:12:00.000Z2005-07-16T21:09:38.220Z

Alternative endings for the Harry Potter series, in the style of various authors. Some of them are really rather good.Are you younger than you think? take the test. I'm 2.6yrs younger apparently.This book looks good - Best British Mysteries, a collection of short stories.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1121418122154100602005-07-15T09:21:00.000Z2005-07-15T09:02:02.233Z

Another meme: [via]. Warning! personal "stuff" alert!What I was doing 10 years ago....In 1995 I was 18 and just starting university to do a psychology degree. On the down side, I got married in September 1995 to the bane of my life, so that wasn't such a happy time really. In 1995 I got my A-level results, and remember realising that I wasn't as infallible as I had previously thought (due to not

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1121328491055810572005-07-14T09:06:00.000Z2005-07-14T08:08:11.063Z

Turkish Stalker is back! He rang twice before 8am this morning, the f*cker! Then he sent a text asking me why I not answer Susan? Weirdo.Speaking of weirdos, had a very strange experience overnight. Was woken up at around 3.15am by hubby running up + down the stairs and then overheard him on the phone to the police saying 'there's a drunken man in my car', so had to get up and investigate. I

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1121156983126409522005-07-12T09:03:00.000Z2005-07-12T08:29:43.176Z

Went to look at the Maternity Unit at the local hospital yesterday, so feel better now I know what it all looks like and what facilities they have. The visit was followed by a good curry (the staple of pregnant women everywhere).Story of a street.Summer reads.Win a book every hour today!

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120989033710872122005-07-10T10:40:00.000Z2005-07-10T09:50:33.770Z

Just finished reading this book by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Now this is not the sort of book that I'd normally pick up. It's a travel book for one, and I have never read a travel book before. However, inspired by seeing the two guys in a tv interview about their journey some time ago, I had made a mental note to read more about their adventure. Whilst there is a fair bit of motorbike

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120852036540569672005-07-08T20:47:00.000Z2005-07-08T19:47:16.540Z

If anyone's interested, I've started up a new blog for my writing stuff...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120851947502444542005-07-08T20:45:00.000Z2005-07-08T19:45:47.543Z

After the shock and horror that was yesterday, it's good to see London getting back to some semblance of normality.Ian McEwan's take on yesterday's events.I've arrived: today for one and a half hours only, I had my own stalker. From Istanbul, no less. It started with a phone call to the mobile, which I answered, not looking at the number. I politely told the man that I thought he had the wrong

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120728101328846822005-07-07T10:16:00.000Z2005-07-07T09:21:41.336Z

The website where you can make a man in a chicken suit do strange things!Bizarre optical illusion.And what in the name of god is going on with the tubes today? I was going to go to King's COllege to pick an essay up, don't think I'll bother now...

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120726566902343332005-07-07T08:55:00.000Z2005-07-07T08:56:06.910Z

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120460879861462452005-07-04T07:26:00.000Z2005-07-04T07:07:59.873Z

I'm up at the crack of dawn yet again (another 6.30 start!), so here I am blogging...The Jamiroquai concert last night was fab, good party atmosphere, snazzy lights and quality music. He always does a good live show, I saw him live abut 8 years ago in Finsbury Park and was suitably impressed then. Bump seemed to enjoy it too! Further impressed ourselves by managing to navigate the route to

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120295653376982682005-07-02T10:02:00.000Z2005-07-02T09:14:13.486Z

Due to hubby's fab new job, we have managed to get on the guest list for tomorrow's Jamiroquai (and others) outdoor festival type thing at Clapham Common. If I manage to stay awake long enough to be able to go, this will be my first proper night out in months!For some unknown reason, at 4am this morning I was wide awake. I put the radio on, got a couple of biscuits and went back to bed. Hubby was

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120232830762868842005-07-01T16:46:00.000Z2005-07-01T15:53:05.193Z

The unofficial running order for tomorrow's Live 8 gig. I was interested to see Pink Floyd are down to play afew songs (yay), and even more interested to see that Pete Doherty is doing a song with Elton John. Sweet Baby Moses! Shame about Mariah Carey, but hey nothing's perfect. What with Live 8 and Gay Pride taking place in central London tomorrow, the whole city will be pretty much at a

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120135207158947172005-06-30T13:28:00.000Z2005-06-30T12:40:07.166Z

Ooh! I was greeted by the Parcelforce chappie wielding this! And I only ordered it yesterday! And ruddy marvellous it is too!

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1120118172661888112005-06-30T08:43:00.000Z2005-06-30T07:57:18.420Z

Am I now a proper mum? I got my Toys'R'Us gold card yesterday! Well, only because we went to buy a pushchair + baby monitor... feeling very organised! I'm sure it won't last tho!If anyone fancies reading The Time Traveller's Wife, let me know.. I have finished it, and as it's a Bookcrossing book, feel obliged to pass it on!How to write a children's book.Writing competition (50 word fiction).Ten

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1119899374755261842005-06-27T20:10:00.000Z2005-06-27T19:09:34.806Z

Back in the Big Smoke. And can I just say that I got a cab from my parents' house to Newcastle Station, and again from Kings Cross to home, and the first taxi driver was extremely chirpy and practically told us his life story, and the latter one said not one word (not even when I told him where I wanted to go!). Whilst up north, I visited Keel Row Books (yet again). For those that don't know,

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1119710126295345242005-06-25T15:17:00.000Z2005-06-25T14:35:27.000Z

Soon to be returning to sunny London (on Monday), have just been taking it easy here the past couple of days. Spent most of yesterday on the sofa as I was just too tired to do anything much else. Am enjoying the Time Traveller's Wife, which is a very unusual concept for a general novel, but I think it works. Am about 160 pages in, and it's good so far.And can I just say that there is no better

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1119465237437164962005-06-22T19:30:00.000Z2005-06-22T18:33:57.486Z

I'm blogging from Newcastle, well, Tynemouth to be precise. Tis a smidge cooler up here, which baby is grateful for! I seem to have had a growth spurt in the last couple of days, the bump is beginning to turn into a right 'shelf' in front of me!50 tools to help with your writing.According to Richard and Judy (I know!) at around 10-11pm tonight we will be able to experience the Moon Illusion.

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1119248883725822642005-06-20T07:26:00.000Z2005-06-20T06:28:03.733Z

Been up since 6am, probably because of the heat... has been a rather muggy night here in the capital. Pregnancy and a heat wave are not a good combination, had an ice lolly, sat in front of the fan all day, had 2 cold showers and a cold bath yesterday, and none of it seemed to help...Off to Newcastle today, where hopefully the weather will be a bit cooler. Holiday reading this week will be in the

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1119191416680085662005-06-19T15:24:00.000Z2005-06-19T14:30:16.686Z

Just finished this book, a definite must-read. Set in 1819 in London, it is essentially a crime novel with tons of historical detail thrown in for good measure. The edition I got out of the library had an interview with the author at the end of the book, and the details about Edgar Allen Poe (the 'American boy' of the title) were fascinating, and demonstrated the length and detail of research

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1119006417280583292005-06-17T11:55:00.000Z2005-06-17T11:06:57.286Z

I'm back Back BACK! Had a nice time in Kosovo, weather was a bit weird, very very hot in the beginning, then like winter for a week (got the flu + a temperature) and then very very hot at the end. Global warming, anyone?Yes, thanks Billy, I am bigger and fatter than pre-holiday, must be all those Kosovan cheesy pies! All is well with mum + baby, and baby seems to be doing her own version of the

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1117522722019488562005-05-31T07:47:00.000Z2005-05-31T06:58:42.040Z

This time tomorrow we'll be on the way to Gatwick, as we're off to Kosova for 2 weeks R+R. Had a nice relaxing day yesterday, did a bit of cooking - made a courgette, leek and lemon risotto, with asparagus on top, served with a salad of rocket, avocado, black olives and sundried tomatoes, with a side dish of roasted butternut squash (can you tell I'm using up the stock of the fridge before I go

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1117431875564006262005-05-30T06:17:00.000Z2005-05-30T05:44:35.606Z

Why oh why have I been up since 5am on a ruddy bank holiday?As wednesday's holiday looms, the potentials for the holiday read list are perplexing me. A definite is The Time Traveller's Wife, but I am undecided as to which other book to take. Hitchhiker's Guide? Brick Lane? Short History of Nearly Everything? That Kate Adie book I've been meaning to read for ages? or something else? aargh. What to

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1117270810003200792005-05-28T09:08:00.000Z2005-05-28T09:00:10.316Z

Last day at work later today yay! Feels a bit weird to think I will not be in the realm of the employed for the next year at least (and hopefully longer), but I'm sure I'll learn to live with it ;op Long lazy summer days spent reading in the park with an ice lolly here we come!!!What happened when Charles Dickens met Hans Christian Andersen?Interview with Chris Martin

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523608.post-1116916108976143972005-05-24T06:56:00.000Z2005-05-24T06:36:34.146Z

I started reading Stephen King's "The Gunslinger" (from the Dark Tower series), but have now abandoned ship, 74 pages in. Being from the 'fantasty' section, I thought I might not like it, but I'd heard such good things about it that I thought I'd give it a go. In the 74 pages I read, there wasn't a great deal happening, I didn't care much for the characters, so time to go. So, I've now started

michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08368239925161308663noreply@blogger.com1