I survived

Well my toes didn't fall off and I didn't die - I survived the Christmas Day Swim!!
It was cold, freezing in fact, and raining, and the tide was out which didn't make it any easier but despite that it was good fun, and I may even consider doing it again.

Also the most exciting thing is that I have a new laptop and I am loving it! I'm having fun exploring the delights it has to offer. AND it has wireless internet. Finally I have caught up with the rest of the world.

Christmas tomorrow! and while you're all in the warm and opening presents please remember me. IN THE SEA. For the Christmas Day Swim! I am so scared and a little worried that me toes might fall off with the cold. I'm not sure if that can happen but just in case...

Merry Christmas

Christmas Blues

I had a shcok today when I realised that I didn't like Malt Loaf anymore. Well its not that I 'disliked' it, but more that I wasn't thrilled to be eating it. It was more like I would eat it if there wasn't anything left in my fridge. Which creates a dilemma. If I don't like Malt Loaf anymore then does that mean I will stop liking my other favourite foods? Would the world end if I stopped loving marmite?

My arms ache from putting together my new dining table this weekend and then putting up the christmas tree. I am feeling very tired and grumpy and not as some may put it 'in the Christmas mood.' I have tried the christmas songs, the wrapping presents and sending cards, but to no avail. Ahhh, poor me.

It was the christmas party this weekend for work, kind of the final farewell as we are all redundant soon. Anyway, despite the service and food being terrible at the hotel, the night was a good night. I may have accidently propositioned the boss, I really didn't mean it to come out the way it sounded, I was just tyring to make polite conversation after consuming a few bottles of wine... and he disappeared soon after so maybe he was a little scared!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.

CHRISTMAS SWIM!

I'm doing it this year - so sponsorship is needed!!

Blatant advertising...

Hunstanton Carnival 2007

Halloween was a good night, Hilary came over, we ate chocolate, watched the Omen, and had lots of trick or treaters. I think I'm only just coming down from the sugar high.

Bonfire night was fantastic as usual. I went home for the Hunstanton one and the fireworks were amazing. I took some photos to share but I seem to have lost the lead for the camera. So I'll keep you on tenterhooks for a little longer.


Today I went for a walk in Hunstanton with Mum and my aunt. About a mile into the walk I looked down and realised I was wearing odd shoes, one black, one brown. That kind of shows the mind set I have been in this weekend...

Happy Halloween - nearly!

Yum Yum Yum

I've just roasted some pumpkin seeds and they taste lovely! I can't stop eating them!

And I have just carved a fantastic pumpkin - I will add pictures soon. I'm so excited and hyped up on sugar from the chocolate I bought for the trick or treaters tomorrow and ate already...

Anyway, tomorrow is going to be fun. Hilary and I will be watching scary films, eating pizza and drinking wine, while dressed up in Halloween masks. Hilary doesn't know about the masks yet...

Does anyone know a good recipe for the goopy bits inside the pumpkin?

Sorry to those who noticed I haven't been blogging - (Molly).
Here's a brief update of my life at the moment...

Good News:
The smelly freak of a lodger has gone.
I'm getting a redundancy payout next year.
It's neally Halloween, which means it's nearly BONFIRE NIGHT!!!!
My back is (fingers crossed) fixed!

Bad News:
I have no money now I have no lodger.
I'm being made redundant, as is everyone else where I work. Fun times looking for a new job!
I'm shocked that Dumbledore was apparently gay.
I have a cold.

I went to a Madonna tribute act the other night with Hilary, which was one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. Some old woman dressed up in leotard jumping around a stage. Almost like seeing the real thing....
But a fantastic night!

New look

I had a spur of the moment decision at the hairdressers today to get my hair cut off. Not all of it, not a Britney breakdown cut, but kind of a bob, but longer at the front. I quite like it. The scariest thing was when Krystal, my hairdresser, put her hand around my hair, so it was kind of in a pony tail, and chopped it all off. But I'm really pleased with it. Although most of my family haven't even noticed yet...

I'm ALIVE

I've finally got the computer up and running, although it's the old, slow, huge computer so it's a little bit tempremental.

The lodger is still here, making my life misery. Although he has finally started to wash, so the smell isn't quite as bad as before. And as long as I hide all my mail, it means he can't read it. The things you put up with when it comes to paying your mortgage!

I have a slipped disc again and have a huge amount of medication to help with the pain, which has the effect of making me feel really, really high all day. It was the strangest thing being at work and feeling soo high. I dread to think what I was saying to my customers! I've come down a little from it now and the room isn't spinning quite so much, so I can string together a sentence now.

I'm investing in a new computer over the next few weeks so I will be able to use the internet again more! Yay! My SIMS addiction has been replaced with a Facebook addiction so I'm, not sure if that's good or bad.... On that subject, I can't believe someone used the phrase 'You went into finance too! Awesome!' on my facebook wall. Who gets that excited about finance?

Alton Towers

Well we finally made it to Alton Towers. We had aimed to go in May, but because certain people couldn't get their acts together - not me - it got postponed until September. But we finally went. It was amazing and definately worth the wait.

Highlights of the day:
Mark threatening two ten year olds on the rapids, who then laid in wait for us after we finished the ride.
Mark using the phrase 'you pump it, you pay for it' to an icecream man.
Paul sulking after LOSING at Duel.
Mark getting scared and insisting on holding on to us both in Hex, the lamest, least scary ride on the planet.
Mark and Paul playing tiffanys 'I think we're alone now', the whole journey home. Trying to get the harmonising right.

It was one of the funnest days of the year and I am definately buying the season ticket next year.

The reason I've been so lame in writing here recently is because I'm using this old computer of Mum's. And when I say old, I mean old. In computer years, its pushing eighty. And it doesnt like most sites, like facebook, or blogger, or any sites I use. My poor laptop has died. The guy who 'fixed it' actually managed to break it more and charged me £100 for the priviledge. So I need someone to give me a new laptop, because at this rate I will be using this antique for the next two years before I can afford another one.

Lodger is hiding in his room tonight, possibly because I have been abrupt and silent (rude) around him for the last week. I'm trying to make him realise HE wants to move out, rather than I want him out. But I'm starting to get a guilt trip over it.

Lodger from HELL

This week I have learnt NEVER to trust my own judgement again. Welcome to the soap opera that has become my life.

On Saturday I interview what appeared to be a normal guy to be my new lodger. He moved in on Monday. By Tuesday I wanted him out. He is possibly the most annoying person I have ever met. And I've caught him reading my mail. So, I have a few plans in place to get him out. At the moment my favourite is getting Malcolm round to pretend to be my ex-con, jealous, boyfriend. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Human Tetris

Credit goes to Kate for finding this. It's amazing.

Marmite rules

Seeing as I'm averaging about 1 post a month, I thought I'd get my act together.
I've had a busy few weeks. Family/friends/stuff. Computer still hasn't been fixed so I'm on the old,slow, bulky, second hand thing that Mum donated to me when they upgraded at the hotel. But it gives me the internet. I don't know how I've lived without checking my emails twenty times a day. But I will write more often now. And maybe even post pics on My Space and facebook. So can everyone STOP nagging me about it...

My tip for the week, eat Marmite to stop getting bitten by mosquitos. They don't like the taste. I eat marmite every day and never get bitten, and the one day I missed I got three bites!

I AM alive!

I figured it was time to post, as it was a month today since I last posted. I suck.

First things first, brother number two passed his driving test today, which I'm happy about, but kind of worried that he might crash as well. I think the overprotective older sister thing is kicking in.

I mean to put the holiday pictures up, but the computer is still broken, despite having tkaen it to be fixed....he somehow managed to break something else at the same time so I'm kind of mad about it.

Delphine moves out tomorrow which I'm sad about, so now I have the task of finding a new roomate. Urgh.

Its Harry Potter this weekend which I am soooo excited about. I've had this weekend planned since February when I pre-ordered the book. So just a warning - do not disturb me this weekend. At all.

It's the Race for Life on Tuesday!!!

Not long now, so please dig deep for a good cause!

I'm back

Oh My God, Where is this year going. I can;t believe it's only a few weeks until my holiday, and even less until my Race for Life! The training has been pathetic recently. I really need to get my act together.
I went to see Frank Skinner last night in London. It was for a pilot for a new show, and was pretty funny. We got front row seats so that was good. It turned into a family event, and there were NO arguments. Yay!

I spent the weekend doing the garden, and I'm so impressed with what I have done. I still ache from the four hours of solid digging but it looks good. I am going to post pictures as soon as my computer gets fixed. I have a new camera now so I need an excuse to use it!

I tried to do the decent thing today and give blood, but after two blood tests they wouldn't take any! How ungrateful! Apparently my iron levels are too low. I was quite looking forward to feeling all smug and proud for doing a good thing, but it wasn't to be.

sleepy

It's been a busy few weeks. And my computer still doesn't work. I really need to get my act together.

Good news, its only 3 weeks until my holiday in New York and Boston! I can't wait to see Stacy, Kate, Andy, Crystal and Mike etc. And if anyone else wants to meet up, get booked in soon, cos I'm a popular girl!

I'm so tired. I have to fininsh painting the kitchen. I started the job a week and a half ago, thinking I would have it done in a day or two. Not really the best planning. I'm hoping to do a wall each night, but I might just leave it until Saturday.

OK, sleep time.

Happy Birthday Stacy

Happy Birthday - although belated - to Stacy! I wish my computer hadn't died so I post some embarrassing pictures. Oh well.

Its a day off and I have spent the last 4 hours writing up a work thing about customer service. It is gradually driving me mad.

ARGH!

Rubbing shoulders with the celebs..

I got to enjoy a day out of the office today! It was a 'work thing' but I got to go to London and have a day out at the BBC. I saw Connie from Blue Peter, and Paul O Grady, from a distance! Maybe I'm a little over-excited by this! But it was a good day and we did some shopping at the end.

I've just gone for a run in the rain, which was strangly refreshing but now I feel about ready to collapse!

Eurovision fever

I forgot to mention the excitement of Saturday night. It was EUROVISION! In our house that involved chocolate, marshmallows, a candle, an argument over who was best, france or england, and 24 talentless acts. But the 'funnest' part of the night was trying to toast the marshmallows over the candle. Hint - don't use a scented candle, it doesn't taste great.

Nearly party time!!

I'm getting more and more excited about the party on Saturday. I think that there is definately something that has been forgotten, but I'm not sure what. Music, check, although it was left to mum to book, which to be honest probably means I'll ge tthere and there wont be any...food, yes, me, yes. That's all the important things! So, as it's going to be THE place to be on Saturday night, you all better show up. Well apart from the Americans. They have an excuse.

Friday night was the leaving do for Jas, which was fun, although i did end up being covered in a glass of wine. Not my fault. The waitress knocked it over me. Then tried to charge me for another! But the night was good fun, although the hangover on Saturday wasn't great. But we did find this room in some random club which was playing take that and chesney hawkes, amazing.

I went to Norwich today with Delphine. It rained.

I'm back!

As I haven't written much recently you've probably guessed that I've either got a life or my computer is still broken. I'll give you a hint, it's not the first one.

I've had a week in the Isle of Man which was pretty fun. The weather was good, the work was ok, the island was great. It's not somewhere I would think of going normally but it is lovely and the scenery is amazing. Although it wasn't so much of a break, as it was work, it really gave me the chance to reassess things and come back to work feeling more positive and it has given me the energy to get out of this rut. That's my new new years resolution. Stay positive.

Anyway, the party is on the 19th at the Coach House, so be there or be square!

Busy busy

It's been a hectic few weeks, but in good ways. I'm going to the Isle of Man next week with work. Yes, some people get to go to New York, Europe, hawaii, I get the Isle of Man.. In preparation I am trying to find out what there is to do there, seeing as it's such a small place. Apparently there's a museum which gives a demonstration of curing Kippers on Oak Chips. This is going to be a FUN week.

I went to London yesterday to do some shopping and be in the audience of Clive Anderson's Chat Room, which was fun. Only blip of the day was the continual calls from work. Apparently 'day off' doesn't apply if you work for Barclays. This meant that I had to spend an hour of my time wondering London to try and find a fax machine so they could fax my my work permit to sign for next week. Apparently they didn't think of it on Tuesday, when I was in the office all day. Muppets. So the shopping trip consisted of three shops as we ran out of time. There is a learning point for this though, I am never going to answer my phone when work calls EVER again.

I did get to go into Primark in Oxford Street. One word, amazing. It was ridiculously busy, but I'll put up with that for those prices. I bought a pair of shoes, two handbags, sunglasses, a kimono dressing gown, and trousers for £20. I'm so cheap..

Things I have broken this week...

1. My new designer sunglasses, I trod on them, and then cried.
2. My car, a little bit. A great bit of driving as per usual, meant that when I pulled over to the side of the road to get out of the way of a police car, I hit the kurb wrong and the hubcap rolled off down the road, to be promply run over and smashed by someone else.
3. My computer, again, which means I haven't posted much.
4. My nail
5. My lawnmower - although that was a bit more than a week ago. But I bought a new one which is AMAZING!

So not the most successful week in Charlotte world.

Long weekend

The weather is amazing, I'm about to go down to the beach for a run and it's lovely. Unfortunately that means Hunny is full of tourists, which I hate. And they're English tourists, which are possbily the worst, following Americans. Oh well.
It's already been a busy weekend so I'm pleased to be home chilling out for a few days. A long weekend, nice weather, and free food and laundry, what more can you ask for! And no work! Yay! Although we had a 'team meal' last night, but it wasn't to workish which was good. And it was free food on the company card, which makes it worthwhile. I'm kind of using this blog to delay running, so it doesn't even really have a point..

I'm a little disturbed by the new Britney story, probably because thanks to Kate, I have a mild obsession with Howie, dating back to Union days. Ah good times. I think there's even a picture of us with him somewhere.

1 Year

My computer has broken. The bit where the charger goes in needs fixing, so in the meantime I have no access to my ITunes, internet (unless I steal my housemates computer) and everything else that I need for my day to day life. I can't believe how much I miss my computer. I really should take this as a warning to back up everything.

Anyway, life is crazy, as per usual. But it's the Easter/chocolate holiday this weekend, which is fun.

By the way, congrats to Molly! I want an invite...

Contenders ready?

Oh My God, Gladiators is back on tv! I just foun dit on some random digital channel. I'm so excited. However it isn't quite as good as I remembered it, but still, it's good.



I'm pretty sure I met a few of them at the Truckfest one year, although I can't remember which ones, obviously didn't have such an impact.

Feeling Yucky

Apparently Mr Tumble from the CBeebies has been swearing at children in sign language, which is pretty funny. Probably the only funny thing I heard today given the fact that work has been horrendous. But that combined with chocolate chip cookies has made me feel a little bit better.

People are still living down the Friday night work do. Luckily my drunken ramblings didn't seem to offend anyone, well not that they've said anything yet! So I'm thinking we need to arrange another one soon, before more people quit and there's nobody left.

I have the starting of something, I'm not sure if its a cold or something worse, but I know my throat is really scratchy and I'm feeling queasy, which doesn't bode well as it's the busiest time of year at work. So I think tonight will be an early night with a hot water bottle. However I do have the BEST hotwater bottle. Its Babe the pig and it's huge!

The car was fixed today, so I can tell what speed I'm doing again and the engine light has stopped going on! Yay!

OK. Eastender then bed. I have such a wild life.

Weekend Fun

This weekend has been really busy. Friday night we had a work night out, I managed to avoid the people I don't like, and it turned out to be really good fun. I did learn a few things though.
1. Don't wear new shoes that you can't walk in.
2. Don't get into serious conversations with people when you're both drunk, you know you'll never quite remember what you said the next day.
3. Don't just accept drink after drink, especially from strangers, and remember to buy a round once in a while. I was really suprised that I woke up the next day and had only spent £15 pounds, and the taxi cost £12 there and back, which means I bought one drink...
4. Don't forget to take your camera. I missed some classic shots of Mark's dancing. We were literally crying we were laughing so much.

And Saturday was St Patricks Day! And even better I got to go out with Rhiannon - which was a really good surprise!
The downside of the weekend - Rhiannon broke my car. Well, it broke right after I picked her up - so it's her fault. I'm approaching a speed camera, I look down to check the speedo and turns out I'm doing 0 miles per hour. So that's not working, and then a few minutes later the engine maintenance light comes on. It leaves me with the dilema of how do I get back to Peterborough today?

In 'Training'

Things I have done this week:

1. I've been running TWICE this week
2. I signed up for the Race for Life
3. I regreted signing up for the Race for Life
4. I used the word delightful today
5. I told someone at work that I didnt like them
6. I've done sit ups every night
7. I've not tidied the house, which is making me stressed
8. I got new glasses
9. I'm running out of ideas...
10. I arranged my party, although belated.

Pretty productive week and it's only Wednesday!

Apparently shingles is going around at work. Now,I'm not sure how easy this is to catch, but I'm not a fan of being covered in a rash which then apparently leads to crusty scabs. (I've seen the fact sheet, it's not pretty.) So I think for my protection I need to take the next week off work. Anyone feel like backing up this arguement to my boss?

Also thanks to Ben W for sponsoring me for the Race for Life. Everyone else who wants to sponsor me the link is below.

Urgh weddings

The strange new girl on our team at work got engaged this weekend, which meant that she spent all this morning flashing her ring finger. I heard her mentioning it first thing and therefore decided to pretend that I didn't notice. It might be petty but it amused me. She kept waving her hand in my direction, practically in front of my face a few times and talked about it as loudly as possible with anyone in the near vicinity, before looking over to me to see if I noticed. I managed up until 3pm, when she just sat down next to me and insisted on telling me everything. I should feel happy for her but I just can't pretend to get excited about things like that. Especially for a girl who asked me last week 'if you're married does that make you miss or mrs?' Honestly, she didn't know. This is the girl who I have to train...

I went to get new glasses today. Turns out to be a very expensive thing. Still in shock over it.

Feel free to Sponsor Me

I had a moment of madness and signed up for a sponsored run....not quite sure why, but anyway, its for a good cause, so any sponsorship would be welcome!!

Today was the 25th birthday of one of my favourite Americans - Losure.

He spills everything, and was resposible for covering my kitchen, ceiling to floor, with White Lightening, he makes awkward phone calls and he has a terrible English accent, but we love him!

Cool as Ice...

Urgh, tomorrow morning I have to be up at 5am. Yes, 5am, for work, how wrong is that. All for a job I hate. I love my life.

Anyway, I havent blogged for a bit, mainly becuase nothing is going on in my life, I work, sleep and eat. That's pretty much it. My main achievement for the week has been realising that I still remember all the words to Vanilla Ice, Ice Ice Baby. But then that kind of makes me sad because I realise how lame I am.

My Favourite Version of this Song

I have scary neighbours

Apparently Stacy and Kate aren't the only ones to have freaky neighbours. I got a call from my nice neighbours today to tell me that the rubbish collection this morning had been 'sabotaged' - their words. Apparently the neighbours the other side had put polystyrene in my recycling bin so it was sticking out of the top, so the rubbish men wouldn't take it. The wife doesn't like me and my housemate because we are young women. She thinks we might try to steal her husband... Seriously, what kind of psycho does that? She actually waited for me to go to work before she did it this morning! I'm kind of freaked out that she put so much thought into it, and also that she has reverted to going through my rubbish bins. I'm a little scared she might kill us in our sleep....

Even colder

I am so cold, My toes hurt and my nose is numb. I don't like cold. I just want to hibernate!

The Forecast
Thursday:
Cloudy with outbreaks of sleet or snow spreading north giving significant snowfall in places, especially on hills, the snow petering out towards evening. Cold with frost and risk icy surfaces. Maximum temperature 2 °C.

On the up side...
Who's up for a snowball fight tomorrow?

Brrrrrr!

The highlight of the year is getting closer, the 21st July is the new Harry Potter book release date. I've already pre-ordered it. I am sooo cool. I even have the day planned out. I'm not working so I'll be at home, in bed, reading all day. Do NOT disturb me that day.

It's getting close to that time of year again, that day all single people HATE. So far I've managed to ignore all the Valentines cards in the shops but I think by the 14th I'm going to be seriously pissed off. Up to two years ago I had never not had a Valentines day card/present/(or in Andy's case - a petrol station brand teddy and an email card..such a romantic). Now the highlight of the holiday is whenI rent a movie and eat chocolate on Valentines day night. Alone. Urgh.

I just have to thank Kate and Stacy for the amazing birthday prsents they sent, especially the chocolate, I ate all of it last night. And felt sick after, but God it was worth it.

It was the hotel staff party on Sunday night. The was dancing, there was drink, there was some random naked guy...

25 sucks

Twenty five isn't as good as I was hoping. The birthday was distinctly lacking in presents from family, brother No 1 was the only one to get me a present. So well done Alistair. (I'm hoping the naming and shaming will get the others to get their act together).
Being twenty five is kind of depressing. Its a whole quarter of a century. And also closer to thirty than twenty, because youround up from 5. Urgh.

Edinburgh was fun though. We climbed the Scott monument all the way to the top, 287 stairs. And I got a certificate.



The view of Mum from the top of the tower!

Monster Love

This is a show I would love to watch. Who else but the Dutch would come up with a dating show for the visibly disfigured. Genius. Unfortunately they've changed the original name from 'Monster Love' to 'Love at Second Sight.' The first was definitely better.

1 week today... the event of the year - my birthday!

I've just booked my flights for Scotland and I'm starting to get excited. Mostly because it means that I have a three day week at work next week, but also because it's my birthday a week today and I'll be in Edinburgh. This trip came around because the parents had a conference there that weekend, and I think Mum felt guilty that it was on my birthday, so she booked a holiday for me there too. I like guilt presents. You get a lot of them in my family.

Anyway, it's now turned into a whole family holiday/business trip, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. I can see it has the potential for disaster. Mainly because nobody likes my parents business partners, one is an accountant, need I say more, although I have plans to be spending a lot of time in the bars demanding birthday drinks from them. Other than that, apart from the one or two compulsary dinners I have to attend I can escape from them. The hotel is right next to the castle so I'm excited about that. This is the hotel.

Hint:
Those of you who need to post my birthday presents might want to do that early next week so I get them before I go away. And for ideas look at my wish list on Amazon or just get me something amazing/expensive.

Fat Cat

I've been addicted to a video of a walrus working out today. Its hilarious. I can't get a video link of it to put on here, but it's on the bbc news webpage for anyone who's interested. Apparently people are worried that these animals are too fat, which is strange because I thought that was how they survived and kept warm in the sea. I guess all these ones in captivity don't need it so they put them on a diet. Sucks for them, but funny for me.

Other funny fat animals are:





















This was kind of off the subject I was going to write about today, but I got distracted.
My housemate is currently finishing things with her boyfriend, awkward!

I have to build a wardrobe now.

RIP Washing Machine

The washing machine man came around today and officially pronounced my washing machine dead. All I can say is NEVER buy a Servis washing machine. It's only 13 months old. Anyway, it's lucky I took out the extended warranty because they are going to replace it, eventually, hopefully not with another Servis washing machine. So tomorrow I get to spend the day at the laundrette.

PS: It's my birthday on the 20th January! I have a wishlist on Amazon if people need ideas. Just search my name.

Feeling sorry for myself

This is going to be one of my 'I'm feeling sorry for myself' posts, because, well, I am. I've somehow managed to get a slipped disc in my back. and yes, that's something that usually happens to middle aged people...lucky me. Anyway, it's really sore. On the upside, the painkillers are so strong that I feel out of it most of the time. And I've had a few days off work, only because I can't sit, and with my job that's all I do. Sit in front of a computer all day. So I'm at home, lying down playing on my laptop all day. So not that much better, although I did re-vamp my MySpace page. I think I need to play SIMS now.

New Years Eve

What a fantastic night! I spent New Years at the Mariners, the theme of the night being Childrens TV/Film, so I got to dress like a princess!