Thank crunchie it's Friday!

It's Friday, the sun is shining and we're off camping tomorrow!

The (my) world feels like a good place today. Made it out for another this morning, despite Miniegg's best efforts to see how early he can wake up 3 days running. We'd kind of resigned ourselves to 5.30am starts. They're not that bad really. But 4.30am?? No thank you. That's just not normal.

Anyway, I digress. My run. Yes, well, still lumbering along at a pitiful speed but you know what? At least I got myself out there. I do feel a certain smugness to be out running at 6am when lots of people I know are still in bed. Hubby was out at 5am mind you, but we're trying not to be competitive. I may not be the world's most natural runner but I do enjoy it and it helps me get fit and toned.

So I just need to do an hour or so of work then I can start getting organised for our camping trip!!

I need to:

- pack spare clothes for Miniegg
- make some flapjacks to take
- pack some clothes for us
- make sure we have enough spare blankets
- dig out some cosy bed socks and fleece-type apparel to keep us warn
- go and get my eyebrows waxed

Ok, so that last one isn't really camping related, but would make me feel a bit more groomed. Oh, that reminds me, must paint my toenails too. Just in case it's warm enough for the silver birkies.

Woo hoo!!

Whoop whoop! Yipidee doo da! I think this is it...we're going camping!!!!!!!!!!

I spent far too much time yesterday looking at campsites on the internet, phoning campsites, making disappointed noises that everywhere is booked up already (and have been since FEBRUARY!), making puppy dog eyes down the phone in the hope that a campsite owner would take pity on some novice campers and find a gloriously secluded, yet well-serviced pitch just for us. But alas, I was beginning to despair.

Until finally, we found somewhere with space! Hurrah! But then Husband promptly got cold feet and wouldn't let me book it. Mean Husband. Bad Husband. Boo.

So I sulked.

And I sulked.

And I sulked a bit more.

Until finally, lovely Husband returned and agreed I could book the 1,325th campsite on our list of nice campsites that would suit novice campers. What, the one that is a bit too close to a major airport? Yes.

Ah. So no secluded, feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, doing proper camping (not glamping, nuh uh) experience then? Nope. Ah. Ok then. If you're sure? Yup. Positive.

But I'm just so desperate to lose our camping virginity! I'm sure we can cope with a few planes. We live under the flight path anyway, so I'm sure we'll hardly notice the difference. Be just like home. Honest.

I hope.

Oh, I'm scared. If it's horrid and the planes are practically landing on top of us, it'll be all my fault and Husband will want to do the told you so dance but will be much too nice to. And then I'll probably cry.

Oh feck.

No. Positive attitude. It will all be fine! We've read the reviews, we've looked at the photos, we've checked the map and it looks lovely. Just a tiny bit of aeroplane noise instead of the aeroplane, train and traffic noise we're used to. Will probably be too quiet!

Better go and book it before I change my mind. Anyone out there got any advice for our first foray into the world of camping? All hints and tips gratefully received!

Run Forest Run!

For weeks I tried to ignore Husband bouncing out of bed at 5.30am, pulling on his trainers and heading out the door for an early morning run. He always came back looking so darn healthy though, that I knew I wouldn't be able to resist the pull of my own running shoes for long.

But here's the thing. Husband is built like a whippet. He's tall and slim and a natural runner. Me? I'm more victoria sponge shaped. All squashy in the middle. And I hate lycra (it hates my victoria sponge shape). But I do love to run. The sound of my feet pounding the pavement. The feeling in my legs after a good run. The exhilaration of running all the way up that vicious hill and the joy of running all the way down the other side. And the space to think and be me (albeit a red, sweaty faced me).

So on Sunday I ventured out for the first time in weeks. My running kit felt a bit funny (smelled a bit funny too actually - bleurgh). My beloved Nike+ sports band had completely run out of charge. But as soon as I pulled on my trainers, I knew I'd feel so much better after a run.

And I did. Sort of. If I lay completely still, didn't breathe too deeply and blocked all the pain signals from my leg and stomach muscles. But in a weird way, it felt good to ache in muscles I hadn't felt for so long.

So off out I went again this morning. Reluctantly I must admit. If Husband hadn't practically pushed me out of bed, I know I wouldn't have gone. But before I could say Chariots of Fire, Husband announced to MiniEgg that mummy was going for a run, and well, I just couldn't back down then (especially since MiniEgg only asked the other day why my tummy was so squishy. Hmm).

But yet again, as with all runs that have ever gone before, I loved it. At one point, my legs were swearing someone had put lead in my trainers and I was cursing Husband and my lack of fitness, but then I came out of the trees into a lovely clearing and the light was just so beautiful. And I was the only person there. It was all mine. And I fell in love with running all over again.

My legs were still bloody sore at the end though.

Our maiden voyage?

Oh I'm so excited! Just looked up the weather forecast for this weekend and it's going to be sunny and warm! Hurrah!

So that can only mean one thing...CAMPING! The tent,the stove, the sleeping bags, the self-inflating mats, the dinky roll-up (yes, roll-up!!) table, the sporks (is it a spoon? is it a fork? no, it's a spork), the mess tins and disposable barbies have all been sitting patiently in the shed/porch waiting for sun. And now, the time might just be right for our first foray into the world of canvas (well, polyester to be accurate)!

IF I can find a campsite with toilets and showers that still have space for a tent 3 days before bank holiday weekend. I do believe that is the sounds of a gauntlet being thrown down...

Watch this space...

Will we or won't we? Will it be a delight or a disaster? Will it all end in tears or will it be the start of a passionate love affair? Tune in for the next installment soon!

Reasons to be cheerful

Ok, I've kicked some work ass and cracked the pesky writing job that was looming over me like a dark cloud. Time for wee list to brighten the day:

1. From where I sit, I can see lovely pics of my gorgeous boys - they alone are plentiful reason to be cheerful

2. My strawberry plants are stonking along in the growth stakes - may even have enough strawberries for a proper bowlful this year

3. The sun is shining

4. The sweetpeas are starting to flower - so pretty

5. The snails have yet to discover my rocket and spinach crops - more for me yum!

6. Miniegg didn't have his tongue severed yesterday while playing operating theatre with a really sharp pair of scissors (how the other child managed to find a really sharp pair of scissors is another matter)

7. i'm pretty sure there's some green & Blacks hiding in the back of the cupboard - I just like to know it's there

8. I've nearly finished sewing a very snuggly soft pair of pajama trousers for hubby (shh, it's a secret!)

9. I've nearly finished sewing a lovely lovely summer skirt from fabric some lovely friends brought back from India

10. I'm about to go and make myself some lovely fresh juice!

What is stoking your cheerful glow today? Share the joy!

Funny moods

Oh I'm in one of those weird moods today..actually, I have been for a couple of days. I'm all tetchy, scratchy, easily irritated one minute and then full of the joys of spring the next. It's all to do with THE JOB. and THE TONSILS (well, eviction of). and THE LACK OF HEALTHY EATING.

I need to get a grip really and let karma do it's thing. THE JOB will sort itself out. If I'm meant to go back to permanent employment, and this is the company for me, fate will wave her magic wand and make it all happen. As for THE TONSILS, well, they're coming out in 2 weeks and that's the end of it. No point fretting over them now. it's a done deal.

As for THE LACK OF HEALTHY EATING, that's easy. I just stop eating crap. How hard can it be? OK, maybe over-simplifying things a bit there, chocolate is very dear to my heart. Especially Green & Blacks, but in moments of crisis/boredom/deadline looming any old bar of Dairy Milk will do. But I have a luscious smoothie sitting next to my laptop, so we're off to a good start today.

You know, I think someone somewhere once said something like 'happiness is a state of mind'. So today, I'm going to be happy. I'm going to fill my head with joyous thoughts until my heart catches on and joins in the party.

It's time to start being funny ha ha and stop being funny boo hoo.

Time for a gratitude list later I think.

Bitten by the creative bug!

I've been so inspired reading Soulemama's blog that I been itching to sit down at my friend's borrowed sewing machine. And today, I finally did! Here is the fruit of my labour: Miniegg chose the fabric himself (I favoured the lovely pale blue sailing boots or a cute blue gingham, but not to be).

Ta da!:A very funky pair of pajama trousers I'm sure you'll agree! The pattern was from a lovely book called Weekend Sewing (I can't bare to be parted from my copy just now, I love it and it travels everywhere with me so I can browse and caress the pages whenever I feel like it).

I can't wait to make some for myself...think I'll go with a nice gingham though rather than a matching pair. Thank you for inspiring me Soulemama, I have a feeling lots of people will be receiving new pajama trousers for various celebrations over the coming months.

What have you created today?

It's amazing what happens when you talk to strangers...

When we moved to London 10 years ago from Scotland, we were really puzzled by the fact that nobody spoke on public transport. Or queues. Or on railway platforms. We just found this odd as we were quite used to having a wee chat with whoever was beside us in the bus queue. But not in London. No no no. It's just not the done thing.

So over the years we've adopted this silent commuter rule and rarely make eye contact, never mind strike up a conversation, with fellow commuters. Sadly, the silent rule soon infects the rest of your life as well as the daily commute.

It was with a mixture of delight and suspicion that we realised that the silent rule is quite often suspended in the presence of small children. At last! Proof that everyone else was human and capable of the art of conversation! Just as long as Miniegg was with me, people would happily chat away, usually about their own baby or grandchild. And as Miniegg has grown and learned to talk himself, people will ask his name and answer his questions. Which I think is just lovely.

Of course, sometimes you don't want to talk to the funny lonely lady with the faint whiff of urine in the doctor surgery who keeps stroking you newborn's delicate cheek (aargh! give me the disinfectant now!). But there are so many interesting people out there and all it takes is a simple hello to make new friends sometimes.

Today was a perfect example. We were sitting having a picnic (back at Emmets Garden to explore Toys Hill next door) when 2 vintage cars pulled up and parked next to us. Of course Miniegg and his dad were agog. The cars were real beauties and had obviously been loved and cared for (cars are not my thing but even I could see the appeal in these lovely old cars). The driver of one of the cars, a vintage black Ford Model T, jumped out and started looking under the bonnet of the car. Miniegg, being the curious vehicle-obsessed 3 year old that he his, wanted to know what the man was doing. Now, at the moment, I'm trying not to fall into the parental trap of claiming "I don't know" as an easy option. So I suggested Miniegg ask the man what he was doing. Which he did. Well, before we knew what was happening, Miniegg had charmed these people enough to let him sit behind the wheel of their precious vintage Ford Model T! Not only that, but in an amazing conincidence, the car had the same name as our Miniegg!

It really got me thinking. Children are naturally inquisitive and think nothing of asking the nearest person a question to satisfy their hunger for knowledge. Why do adults have to turn into stiff, polite, easily embarrassed beings? Why do we quash our own desire for knowledge just to spare our blushes?

I wish I had the confidence Miniegg has when talking to 'strangers'. I'm so proud of the fact that he thinks nothing of playing with whatever child he comes across. It's so sad that all strangers must be viewed with suspicion until they have proved themselves in some way or another. Would our lives not be much richer if we ventured to say a few words to these strangers we see everyday. The strangers who live just a few doors away. The strangers who take the same train as us every day. The strangers with the funky boots we'd love to have.

Children really can teach us so much. Miniegg made 5 new friends today (he'll probably never meet them again, but he had a super game of hide and seek, chase, football and got to sit behind the wheel of a vintage car). I made no new friends today.

So from now on, I'm going to tell funky-boots stranger that I love her boots, I'm going to smile and say good morning to my neighbours and I'm going to find new friends everywhere I go.

Well...I'll at least make eye contact.

As long as they look at me first.

Maybe.

When was the last time you made a new friend? Do you abide by the silent commuter rule or do you like to chat away? Let me know and maybe we can both make a new friend today!

My belly button is talking to me...

Miniegg has starting doing this adorable thing. I guess it's an extension of his imaginary friends, but he's started using his belly button as an excuse to ask for things. I nearly wet myself crying the first time the belly button excuse was used!

It started off with his belly button telling him to tell us it was hungry. This then progressed to the belly button asking for cake and other sweet things. But now the belly button tells us it wants to be carried, it wants a snooze, it even wants to paint!

It is so cute. But goodness know what new demands the belly button will make today!

The weekend that isn't yet over...

gosh, it seems like an age since I last posted.

So what's been happening? well, still no movement on the job front. Interview tomorrow afternoon so we'll see how that goes. Hubby getting all twitchy and I must admit I'm sort of resigned to the fact that the glory days of freelance are over. Clients are waiting until the last minute to book me, which annoys nursery and leaves the whole family feeling a bit off-kilter. I like to think I'm miss spontaneous, but in all honesty, I do like a bit of predictability. Anyway, we need another reliable income before we can plan for baby no.2, which I am absolutely desperate for. Is it only women who have this craving, this energy-sapping desire, this fundamental need to be pregnant and have babies? Hmm, I think that's a whole other blog post...

Anyway, back to the task in hand. Our weekend...

Friday was a lovely day for just me and miniegg. We pottered around the house, did some chores together and then jumped in the car for a token Ikea visit! I didn't get to stroke the bathrooms or fondle the fabrics but we did managed to buy a few bits and bobs. The best buy by far, was a shiny new first aid kit for the car. A bizarre purchase maybe, but in true Ikea style, it is just so functional! I love it!. Lots of pockets for antiseptic wipes and plasters and it all zips up nice and neatly.

Saturday was caching up with chores day. But we made it a bit more fun by cycling into town. It was a gloriously warm day, so friends came over in the afternoon to play water games and eat cake.

Sunday, our traditional egg dip dip day, was a bit chillier than Saturday but we made the most of the dry weather and packed a picnic. We headed off to Emmets Garden and the bluebells were spectacular. Miniegg found a little friend to play chase with and we enjoyed our egg dip dip sarnies under a tree, followed by a couple of slices of vicky sponge. Yum.