Flowery, that is my worry, that we'll never go abroad again, despite best intentions?agh! Don't get me wrong, we love our UK holidays but at least once a year I like to go somewhere else. We had a nice fortnight in France earlier this year and there is work trip to Paris in October over my birthday weekend (yippee!) so can't complain if our September trip doesn't materialise (bit unrealistic with the cost of kitchen + decorating etc!)
BUT last night we were chatting about how DH had really got into climbing up big mountains in the year before we met, and how he hasn't done one since! Just as we started TTC I promised him a mountain and recently on a trip to Glasgow we failed even to get up a Munro owing to weather. Last night we watched an old recording of Palin's Himalaya, which showed one of the stunning treks DH has done (to Annapurna base camp). He really wants us to go, but it's become three times as expensive since he went. He said people do take their kids (from 5 y.o.) so we resolved that we would try really hard to bring up hardy resilient little souls who would travel with us on the odd adventure. Unrealistic?! I'm sure it is, but it's nice to hope! I'd rather be a bit unrealistic and hopeful than someone I know who won't go more than an hour away from home in the car because their toddler doesn't like it. (Sorry if I offend anyone in that position!)
Tiddley, I just love 'cunting wanker'! It's brilliantly excessive and I am resolved to use it whilst I can still litter the place with foul language! We were watching Episodes the other night and one of the American characters shouted, in disbelief, 'Shut the fridge door!' instead of 'Shut the fuck up!' I think I'm going to need a few of these as I do swear a bit!
Ugh I'm having a good old (extremely polite) 'bitch-off' with the most awkward admin woman in the University. I'm simply asking that she do her job according to a schedule we agreed about six months ago and she's started copying in the Head of School and generally being a really awkward arse. Luckily I'm much better than she is at this game and I know from others that she has 'issues' with female academics, especially those younger than her. Fun and games ? when really I just need to be writing the damn book!
Like others I'm needing to eat constantly! Trying to keep most snacks healthy - yoghurts, apples, tomatoes with olive oil and salt+pepper, cereal - but last night we took a late-night walk to the Coop for a packet of Chipsticks and a Freddo! I wonder if I'm not eating enough carbs as I can't stomach bread this week, which is usually one of my staples?
Midwives was good last night. Left both me and DH a bit teary and feeling quite lucky with our situation in life.
Hope the funeral went as well as these things can go, Ethel.
Sunny will put thinking cap on!
FX crossed for your scan, Sheldonella! Hoping for a happy dancing bean 
Hello to everyone else! Once again big thanks for the recommendations re kitchen work. Huge relief!