Shiny Happy Crepeys

[Blackduck]

Over here all........

I will have a look at the link when I am on my phone, MI - for some reason I can't look at any links when I am on the laptop. And I don't understand why it is shallow to get pleasure out of buying new clothes or even a new haircut, although I do think that I buy too much (and DH is having a fit at all the new things for the cruise, although he is not saying, he is just looking .....)

We are just looking at our next holiday (I know, I know; apologies to anyone who isn't having even one). We intend to do our usual trip to the US in September; what gets me is that it now costs us twice as much to fly as when we started going over regularly about ten years ago, ie we could get two flights then for the price of one now. The irritating thing is that so much of it is the air passenger duty. A couple of years ago we used up the last of DH's airmiles and still ended up paying over 500 just to upgrade to premium economy. The big discussion is over whether we fly via Heathrow, or go to Amsterdam - first world problem, as they say. We are trying to continue to do long haul flights while we are still physically capable of doing them.

New clothes cheer everyone don't they? Nothing to feel shallow about

For the vicarious holidayers, sunny but breezy day. Family trip up funicular to castle, compulsory argument as DH led us on a goose chase, huuuge organic sandwiches and milkshakes for lunch then spent the afternoon bonding with DS on the ferry and in the coffee shop over pastries

NU I am dying to holiday in the US - New York and California are top of my list, plus New England in the Autumn-time. DH doesn't share my enthusiasm

I don't think it's shallow to like new clothes - everybody feels good when they look good don't they?

BTM do all DH's do this then? Try to take charge, overrule the rest of the family and then take off in the wrong direction.

We've just blagged a house-sit over the Easter weekend down in Devon so at least we'll get out of the smoke . I just want to get away from this house and have a reason to get out in the country!

Result MI!

Hatty, the DC and I were really pretty patient as we got on trams and then walked back and forth trying to find a working ferry stop as DH was anally refusing to do a tourist boat trip. And then he started shouting at us because he was frustrated

I am writing about erectile dysfunction. Kill me now.

That's on a par with testicles. Talking of which, I was unable to interest the DC in rooster testicle stew street-food at lunchtime

BTM it's obviously a man thing .

MI well done - hope it stays nice in Devon for you.

Been reading the thread on wasted potential - can so relate although I don't regret the DC's one bit. It's just when they start leaving for uni that I wish I could slot back in somewhere. Doubly difficult when in France.

Devon sounds good, MI, I am sure that you will have a great time.

BTM, I thought all DHs and DPs were like that. It does seem that you're having a nice time, though. We all still have a giggle about some of our holidays - lovely family memories. We all loved our first trip to US when the DC were in their teens. US is very family friendly.

I continue to be a bit about people feeling that they have not achieved their potential. It seems to be that only academic potential is being valued/considered. Life (as we know it!) is not only about academic achievements, but I guess it will continue to seem like that if Gove continues with his reign of terror

NU, DS fantasises about living the Man-v-food dream

I am not sure if I am relieved or saddened to find that other DH's do the sme on holiday!

I read it more as academic potential achieved but career potential not due to lack of direction (me), dropping out to raise kids or moving country (me again). I always wish that I could sit down and write a best seller. Mary Wesley apparently didn't start writing until her seventies. MI - you write well - how about it ?

I must write another short story of the linked ones I'm supposed to be working on....

Normally I'm not keen on short stories - we are reading Mavis Gallant - Paris Stories for book club some of which are a bit strange. Before that we read Alice Munro - beautifully written stories on the human condition - highly recommended. Both Canadian authors - we have two Canadians in the book club.

Crack on with that short story, MI, I want to read it. Have just changed the ending to one of mine, but still not very happy with it. Further tinkering, I think. Have started writing one on leaving Paris, but not feeling very positive about the experience - also possibly a bit too soon.

My Aunt always used to make chicken soup with the feet, BTM, and would often forget to take them out before serving - cue much shrieking from the children if we ended up with a foot in our soup.

Hatty - how did you end up in France? Obviously a Frenchman is involved somehow....

MI - lucky you! Which part of Devon?

The cleaner came again today; no shower-gel-bottle-in-hoover incidents, but she somehow managed to jam shut the plug in our en suite handbasin. Luckily DH whipped out his monkey wrench and fixed it, but I'm just wondering what new destruction next week will bring. First world problems, eh?

Two days off - hurrah! Off to Costco tomorrow to stock up on loo-roll and the like. The girls are coming along, lured by the promise of all the product tasters. I have fifteen for lunch on Sunday and am in need of inspiration.

CV, nightmare. Is this the new cleaner?

I'm half way through my unusual four day week in town. Feeling really stir crazy now! The office is positively bubbling with unspoken (and some spoken) ishoos....it's all quite stressy and tiring. After next week I have some time off, but seem to have missed most if the dc's holidays promise to do better at half term and summer!

CV at cleaner! We had one years ago who was very entertaining but used shed loads of cleaning products (had to wash the bath out before you could have a bath!) We were very nervous about giving her the elbow, due to her many "connections" but managed to find a way in the end!
And 15(XV) for lunch?!

Beachy, office politics sounds stressful.

We are off to one of the public spas today, when the DC can be roused!

Near Exeter, CV. Catsitting for MN friend . I'm connected, me.

I like short stories. MrsS, I am starting to mull it over - it's a different one again, the one about a French camp-follower who becomes a women's physician in Pondicherry - but must also I fear return to the Sodding Book and tote it round agents and/or rewrite it again.

I am so tired. Must push self through last week before Easter....

MI result!

BTM - dp isn't like that - he is very chilled (more so than me) and will pretty much do whatever ds and I want on holiday!

Wasted potential - let's not go there shall we?!

Aaahh BD, DH is pretty chilled but faffs massively and then wants to take control without making a proper plan. I, on the other hand, am organised with good attrntion to detail. But I want to relax on holiday FFS!

I am now absolutely convinced that my modest purchase of a couple of books yesterday has left hackers charging through my entire work bank account....

CV - French husband that I met in the UK. Fifteen for lunch! You need a buffet cold roast beef, salads etc or alternatively a BBQ with the lovely weather we're having.

BTM I'm like you planning wise we need a halo emoticon.

MI - noooooooo really??? Or are you very broke

It's just paranoia, BD! Having read about the Heartbleed virus. In truth, I'm sure I'm fine.