Boo's Party

Went well. The food was good. Lots of ice cream and sweets were consumed.

And there was a Dalek cake too.

Everyone enjoyed the karting - Chas is hoping to grow 2cm by December so she take 2 friends on the adult track and Boo has already decided she'd like the same party next year.

Zen Habits

What a timely article - could easily be applied to home as well as work.
http://zenhabits.net/2008/10/effortless-work/

Another busy day

Today felt like one long to do list and am not concentrating on the task in hand but rather on what needs to be done next. Started the day by preparing lunch and then took the dog out for an hour long walk. He got really grubby so it was bath time when we got back. Then I went into town with Emily to get Boo's presents and some casual clothes for Em. After trying on quite a few pairs of jeans she settled on cargo pants. Went home and built a mini supermarket while helping cook lunch at the same time. Then it was time to write a letter to the undertaker about getting my aunt's ashes buried in my father's grave. As I have left this so long decided to hand deliver it to Churcham rather than rely on the post. This involved going through the A40 traffic and I couldn't believe how busy it was on a Sunday. Then drove on to Mum's in Longhope to deliver her 70th birthday card in time for tomorrow. Mum then nagged me about getting in touch with the church warden about the burial so I drove up to the church to get the details ready to call tomorrow. While I was doing this got a text from a friend who is doing some training for me on Friday, reminding me I had promised to drop round the new Poloroid PoGo printer over the weekend. Then it was back through the traffic to Gloucester to visit Angel Chef and confirm party food for tomorrow. Next back home to pick up the PoGo and deliver it. I finally got home at 5.15 just as George was leaving for Doncaster. The only time I saw him today was over lunch.

When I get stressed I can't relax unless everything in the house is tidy - I wish this wasn't so. Normally muddles don't bother me but when I'm stressed I put extra pressure on by having to tidy and put everything away so I spent the next hour and half tidying up the playroom, sitting room and kitchen. Sat down and with Chaz's help put together the party bags for Boo's party while she was in the bath. Am now sitting writing this blog and watching last night's Casualty. Need to try and calm down a little before tomorrow or Boo's party will seem like a chore rather than something to be enjoyed.

A busy time ahead

There's so much coming up over the next two weeks I'm beginning to feel a bit stressed. Today I'm showing people round our flat which we're trying to rent out again. I need to get birthday cards for Boo and my mum, both with birthdays on Monday. Also need to buy presents for Boo (Anna is luckily sorting our joint present for Mum), get a cake for her party and have just remembered that the dreaded party bags will probably be required. Her party is on Monday and George is in Doncaster on a course - how does he plan these things.Luckily my colleague Jane has agreed to help me out - not sure she knows what she's letting herself in for!

On Thursday I received an email reminding me I am at a conference in London on Tuesday - George will still away so that means child care to sort as well as finding time to get a train ticket. On Friday is the training event I am arranging at the Rugby Club and we seem to be a bit behind schedule following the Ofsted inspection. On Saturday it's my Mum's 70th birthday party and on Sunday I have invited everyone round to lunch. Oops should have remembered we're off on holiday on the Monday, need to pack and speak to the mums of the two friends we are taking with us. Busy, busy, busy and I think I should make a start by going to Tescos to get the shopping out of the way - not sittting here blogging. Still there will be plenty to blog about !

Home again

and "Em's space" in the sitting room looks just like it always did.

Boo in the kitchen

Last weekend Boo got down to some serious work in the kitchen. She worked quite independently and made a beautifully decorated cake (which unfortunately got eaten before there was time to take a photo for the blog). Weighing the flour
greasing the tin,
and finally making the butter icing.

We also made truffles which was a very messy business:

but getting your hands clean again is fun.

If you ate one on Thursday don't panic - Mum has her Food Hygiene certificate and hands were thoroughly washed before the next stage. Here's the finished product about to go into the fridge to set.They were very tasty!

Disco Diva

Last night was the High School for Girls and Tommy Rich's joint disco. Chas looked amazing - with a little help. Clothes courtesy of Mum, hair and make up by Emily, stick thin figure aided by not liking 90% of the food offered to her. Joking aside she really did look lovely and very grown up. She came home buzzing - which was lovely to see. Something to do with boys apparently.