A Ropey Old Bird in Ohio.........

Dusting off the cobwebs........... :-)

2010-03-13T16:44:00.004-05:00

I simply cannot believe that almost a year has gone by with me not updating this blog. When I was a regular updater, I remember how much I looked forwward to checking for comments, how any time something happened or someone said something funny I would think to myself "I HAVE to blog that!". Then Twitter came along and now, in an instant I can send a message directly from my Blackberry and my story is told - in 140 characters or less ;-) (I'm Brittgirl)

I feel like I am short selling myself. There is SOOOOO much more happening in my life, so much that I should be writing down so I can remember all this later on. Maybe get it printed off at some point in the future...... I've heard there are places or apps that let you do this quite easily!

There are so many changes happening in my life right now too, maybe writing here will help calm the madness down! What do you think?

One of the first major changes is yet another house move! As you may or may not know, George has been based in South Carolina for over a year now. He has an apartment and travels up here on a regular basis, I also travel down there a lot too - the horrible Ohio weather ya know!? Well, we knew sooner or later the move would happen but had to wait for Georgia to graduate High School. That time is close - June! So, after a few house hunting trips, we found the most perfect adorably GORGEOUS house and put an offer in immediately!

The offer was accepted and we are moving (hopefully) June 7th! I am beyond excited!

This also means we are closer to North Carolina. Why does that matter you ask? Well, Dan - my middle 'child' - joined the Marine Corps!

He is currently based in Camp Lejeune, NC until he gets deployed. It will be nice having only a 3 hour drive to see him rather than a 12 hour one!

Moving to South Carolina also means that I am moving further away from Nick, my eldest (just turned 21*). He is in the process of buying a house with his girlfriend.

Georgia (just turned 18) will be making the move with us.

Moving also means that I will be starting my photography business up from scratch again! I have been successful in that almost 90% of the business I have had thus far has been word of mouth and referrals! Now I'm going to a brand new place where there already may be an established photographer there! I have all my plans ready though and know that I'll be just as good if not better! I still have a few weddings booked up here in Ohio that I will be returning to shoot so business will still be good!

Since I last blogged, I have also become an Aunt for the 2nd time. Baby Marshall was born on February 11th - coincidentally the same date as Georgia's birthday!

Today, March 13th is my Wedding Anniversary. 11 years! Here is a poem that George wrote for me. He does that. Writes poems for me :-) There are some real belters in there let me tell you! LOL

Those are the major changes and happenings in my life. I am going to aim to update this blog more often - I know, I know, I've said it before.......... but even writing this short piece has been cathartic!

So check back in would you? For me? I'd appreciate it!

Storms-a-Comin'......

2009-05-28T20:43:00.007-05:00

As it is the middle of May, you would expect the weather to be quite ~~sunny and lovely~~ crappy here in Ohio - and you'd be correct in that assumption.

As the following photo shows, storms are currently hitting North East Ohio and aside from their strength, the views these storms are bringing are amazing!

Both these photos were taken at the same time - give or take 5 minutes and the camera settings were identical. I went out last night to take photos and as I was uploading them tonight, I looked out of the window and the entire street was a pinky-orange color! So I unplugged the camera again and went back out.

The rain came down hard so I couldn't stay out long, just long enough! :-)

If there is one thing Cleveland Ohio is good for it is ~~basketball, football, baseball, clean lake water, high employment~~ storms!

I want to see this movie SSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!

2009-05-19T09:58:00.000-05:00

Mr RDJ couldn't GET any hotter!

My Life.................

2009-05-09T10:04:00.003-05:00

As I was looking in the garage for something (something I never found), I came across boxes and boxes of paperwork and memento's from my life back in England. I'm a pack rat and I'll never change!

Anyway, I came across a package of paperwork from July 1998. In this pack, was a "Personal Profile Analysis" one of my employers had done. I read it and had to laugh out loud - literally.

The first paragraph reads;

"Miss Mason (fnar fnar) has a high level of ambition and drive for accomplishment, with and through people. She is impatient/restless and can become discontented, particularly when things are not happening fast enough. She tends to get bored very quickly once the challenge is gone or once the excitement of a job has been lost. She is competitive, very much a self starter and very ambitious."

Seriously, that is one of the best descriptions of me I have ever read. Who knew that I would be that same person 11 years later! The one line later in the report slays me though and I don't even want to show it to George who will just give me that look - the look that says "Uh-huh!" It reads;

"Popularity in the form of social recognition and monetary rewards to cover expensive living are also highly important to her."

Seriously.

If you had asked me - before I read this report whether I thought I had changed as a person, whether I had evolved from the 'Leeds-Lass', I would have given a resounding "Ya-ha!" Apparently, as far as my 'career' goes, I am still the same. Who knew?

However, when I think of my life, the way I have lived it and the way I currently am enjoying it - because I AM enjoying it, I like to think that I am making the most of it. This world and all of it's awesome-ness* is just too big to live in it and not make the most of it. Hence why I travel and ENJOY traveling. Hence why I am always wanting to try new things.

I don't want to be old and infirm and thinking "I wish I'd done this" or "I wish I'd been there". I want to try everything and anything. Life is exciting. I know sometimes I sit and feel bored but I never EVER regret anything I have done. It's all a part of me, who I am, who I am yet to be.

I like that. "Who I am yet to be......"

The only way my life could be given a better description is as follows................ enjoy!

* yeah - I said it

Wolverine of a different sort...........

2009-05-07T11:18:00.002-05:00

Wolverine of a different sort...........
Originally uploaded by Photographs by Andrea.

I received this rather fetching image of a 'Wolverine Wannabe' on my cell phone this morning!

NO clue as to who this is! Do you?

Rather embarrassing to send THIS to the wrong number! LOL

There and Back Again........

2009-05-04T14:43:00.004-05:00

I recently returned from a trip to Amsterdam. Michael was celebrating his 40th birthday and invited George and I, along with some of his other friends, to join him on a 10 day trip where we would be staying on a houseboat docked right in the heart of Amsterdam.

I have never been to Amsterdam and had no expectations - good or bad - as to what it would be like. I knew only that it would be fun.

The houseboat was GREAT! It berthed 30 people but there were only 8 of us at the start so we all had our own room. It was quiet and comfortable, had a huge kitchen and dining/living area and centrally located. What more could you ask for?

Amsterdam itself is a gorgeous city. Apparently there are only 750,000 inhabitants, yet there are easily 3 trillion bicycles. EASILY. I'm not even exaggerating* You have to watch out for the cyclists as they tend to knock you down then ring the bell to warn you afterwards! That is if you are in the bike path - which I frequently found myself in when not paying attention.

The buildings are old, beautiful and interesting.

We visited the red-light district which was jaw-dropping. To see sex -for-sale so blatantly advertised takes some getting used to. However, during the day this area is a completely different story. They must use the grandmothers of the 'night' ladies. Seriously, at one point we would have sworn that one of the ladies was 70 if she was a day and wearing a fishnet top that wasn't the least bit flattering (though I doubt she could have worn anything to make her look flattering)

We visited the Anne Frank House which while interesting was very sad - especially knowing that the events really happened.

George, Michael and I caught a train and then rented bicycles to ride out to some tulip fields. The fragrance that we rode into was enough that I wanted to bottle it and bring it home...... The tulips were colorful, beautiful and photogenic! :-) I won't explain to you how I caused a bicycle crash of epic proportions and how I have been banned from EVER riding a bicycle in The Netherlands again. Trust me. It wasn't pretty.

The library - biblioteek - was FANTASTIC and we recommended it to everyone we met. Not only is it ultra-modern with art, architecture and at least 40 Macs/PC's on each floor there is a restaurant on the top floor that serves 5-star food at cafe prices! We ate there on two occasions, enjoying salmon fillets, lamb chops, steak, salads, desserts, WITH wine/beer and it was sooooo cheap! Michael and the other guys ate there more than we did, having breakfast and dinner there!

For a break, George and I took the train to Brussels, Belgium. It took approximately 2.5 hours each way and it was a nice break. While we didn't get to see ALL the sights, we did enjoy the parts we saw, however, having been completely blown away by Amsterdam, Brussels had a lot to live up to and it didn't quite get there.

We visited the sex museum which was quite interesting I have to say. We were given a full history of sex in all it's wonder and some of the exhibits - chastity belts etc., made you wonder why people ever had sex at all!

Helen joined us with her son Kevin from France for a couple of days and we had a great dinner on the boat for our last night and basically laughed non-stop from beginning to end of the trip.

Overall, the trip was everything I knew it would be but MUCH MUCH more.

The only problem was deciding where the next trip would take us all!

*might be

History of my Blog!

2009-04-08T10:13:00.003-05:00

Many many changes have been made in my life lately and this blog has suffered immensely which drives me mad - Other people can maintain blogs so why can't I? *wonders to herself*

I am currently in South Carolina for a week and upon my return I will shortly thereafter be traveling to Amsterdam for 10 days!

However, This blog will - WILL - be updated and on a regular basis upon my return.

Trust me. Have faith in me. Check back with me.

OK? :-)

.............and off she goes again!

2008-12-28T19:13:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow I leave for yet ANOTHER trip! I'm heading off Down Under to the glorious land of New Zea :-)

Even though I have had plenty of time to prepare for this trip do you think I'm anywhere near ready? I'm packed but have lots to do around the house to make it livable for the people I'm leaving behind even though it will be a complete tip when I get back.

Yesterday while out at dinner I broke a tooth. It hurts.

I tried to call my dentist and when I got voice-mail that told me to "hit 5 if this is an emergency" I HIT 5 and was THEN told that I had pressed an incorrect number. You can clearly see how my pain level increased!

I searched the internet for emergency dentists but it turns out that you will only be seen on an emergency basis if you are already a client. Thus I have been in complete pain, agony, misery, torment and tenderness the whole weekend.

I am leaving for the airport tomorrow morning at 10:30 am and will be at the dentist as soon as they open to get this mess fixed.

I am excited for this trip. I will be amongst the first in the world to celebrate New Years Eve, I will get to meet my niece for the first time, I will be traveling around and sightseeing and taking pictures and I will get to see my brothers again.

Oh, and did I mention that it is Summer over there? Oh yes!

I may post before I return but until then.......

Ta-raaaaaaaaaaaa !

From my last trip to see them, July 2006

Yet Another Reason I'm Glad I Don't Live in the UK

2008-12-15T12:41:00.004-05:00

All these faces? All 70+ of them?

Teenagers that were stabbed in the UK last year.

70+

Stabbed

LAST YEAR

*shakes head* I am just so glad that I don't live there anymore and have to worry about my kids being attacked on top of all the other things there are to worry about!

They Will Always Be Our Babies......

2008-12-12T16:18:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow my middle child Daniel turns 18. I say ‘child’ but shake my head at what that means in this day and age.

Once he turns 18 he no longer – legally – has to listen to me any more, or pay attention to my rules and can move out if he wants. He is able to enlist in the armed forces and has! He has just under 6 months of school left and for him they are the longest 6 months of his life. I find myself being strict with him about his curfew, his attitude and just general day to day things and he always shakes his head and smiles at me in a condescending manner…….

I worry about him on a day to day basis as I do ALL the kids – even Nick who is almost 20 and I know that this won’t change even if they were years older. I guess that’s a mother’s lot in life!

Then I think about what I was doing at his age – and then my hair really starts to turn grey! In fact it shouldn’t even be allowed, this comparing lark.
At 17 I was working overseas, and had been drinking for a couple of years (on a social basis only you understand) and didn’t have a curfew. I had left school at 16 and had been working in a boring office for a boring company and needed a change hence the ‘overseas’ work.

What a difference. American teens and UK teens. Life here is so different and I will NEVER regret moving to the States and bringing the kids with me. I read the UK news on BBC and Daily Mail websites and every other story is about teenagers causing trouble, stabbings, fighting, attacks, drugs, ASBOS (whatever they are) and it frightens the living crap out of me! I know not every child in the UK is like this but as a single parent, mine probably had more chance of heading down that path……*
The towns that I have lived in here in America may have had the same problems but they weren’t in the news and we never heard anything of them….. I think two big differences that may help teens make better choices and live better lives are the fact that they stay in school until they are 18/19. High school! Also, they are allowed to drive at an earlier age. (Georgia got her temps at 15 and a half and is now a fully fledged driver.) This gives them some advantage to being more responsible. Again, not every kid is a good kid and many make mistakes but for those that DO make mistakes there are certainly lots of programs out there to help get them back on the right path.

Anyway, getting back to the point, I am finding it VERY hard to let Dan be himself and go off and be an 18 year old without freaking out and thinking of him as my baby. *sighs* I have Georgia to go through with this next. But then again, she will always be the baby of the family! :-)

*Not that single parents make BAD parents – I certainly didn’t and I know many that are great parents….

I Was Welcomed Home.........

2008-11-21T12:27:00.004-05:00

This morning I became an American citizen!

So today was my Naturalization Ceremony! It was AWESOME. It took us an HOUR to get downtown from Mentor on the Lake what with the snow and we were running like idiots to get to the court house on time for 8:00 am......

Luckily lots of other people were running late so that was good.

There were roughly 250+ people in the room and the people who were there for me took over a full row! The people who were being sworn in were asked to go to the front and sign paperwork and we received a nice letter from the President, the Governor and the Senators. Then the judge came in at about 9:15 and gave a nice speech about how America isn't a 'melting pot' but more of a 'stew'........ You had to have been there! LOL

A friend of mine had told me that at a ceremony he had been to the judge gave people the opportunity to come to the front and give some kind of speech about what the whole ceremony meant to them. I didn't have anything prepared really, but everyone who was there for me urged me to say something. I went to the front of the room, thanked everyone for being there for me (cried a bit) and gave a short speech. Then I sat down. I was the only person who got up to say anything.

Then we were sworn in "Raise your right hand ........" etc., and Bob's your Uncle it was over and done with! We were handed our certificates and it was over. It was a really REALLY nice ceremony and I'm so happy that I had people there for me - and I wish the ones that couldn't get there for weather/work reasons could have been there but I understand completely. Michelle took LOADS of photographs and one person made a video of the whole thing so I'm sure Michelle will make that available as and when.....

What a great great day! Someone came up to me afterward and thanked me for saying what I said and that it mean A LOT to them.......

When I was handed my certificate I was told "Welcome Home....."

As if the day so far wasn't good enough, I came home to find a video that was sent by my best friend Michael and a few other friends!

It made me cry! Thank you EVERYONE! Really, THANK YOU!

Hhhhmmmm I'm THAT old?

2008-11-19T19:06:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon as I was tidying the house for my party this weekend, I came across a bunch of old VHS videos. Not THOSE kind of videos - I don't have any of those ~~lying around for just anyone to see~~ at all. One of those videos was labeled "Brenda's 40th birthday" - Brenda being my mum. This video was made 17 years ago!

I gathered the kids around, shoved the cassette into the recorder and we settled in.

Hhhhhmmmmmm.

About that.

Here are a few notes I made to myself while watching it;

OH GOD - What was I thinking at 22 years old?
Eeeewww - my parents are about to make out!
Someone is deliberately asking for Womack and Womack?.
LMAO of at my younger brother Richard trying to dance and chat up the laydeees...
I miss going to the pub and having a good old party and dance and drinking and laughing and chilling with my mates and my parents.
I'm glad my kids are seeing this (both my parents have passed away and they got to see my dad who died 17 years ago who they never got to know).

But the two most interesting things I came away with after watching this video?

Well, first of all, I remember the party and I mostly remember thinking my mum was old. There. I said it. I thought she was old. Then a bolt of lightening bit me in the arse as I realised that "Hang on a minute, I'm going to be THAT old next year! HOLY CRAP!!!!!" I am the kind of person that jokes about getting older but I could care less how old I am really. I mean, worrying isn't going to make me any younger is it? No, so why stress? I don't. But I immediately started comparing myself to my mum and wondered if she felt the same as I do at my age? Did she think that age is just a number? Did she think that deep down inside she was a spring chicken? Luckily my kids told me that I don't act THAT old..........*

The second interesting thing that hit me didn't really spring to mind until this afternoon. Yesterday would have been her 57th birthday. How strange that I found the video the DAY of her birthday. Once I told the kids that they both laughed and thought she must have had something to do with it......

*Yeah - they actually said that!

In No Particular Order......

2008-11-08T16:31:00.003-05:00

Got Older

Passed Immigration interview/test

Bought a fish

Named aforementioned fish "Frank 'Hercules' Spencer"

Got annoyed

Got happy again

Watched two deer chasing a woman down the street

Watched America embrace change

Got Drunk

Sobered up

Worked a shift

Laughed hard

Slept with 3 dogs

Escaped costumed characters

Got fat-ter

Enjoyed flowers

Cried

Cut hair

Donated

Relaxed

Slept

But really, not much happened to blog about! :-)

Worthy of a book I'm sure......

2008-11-03T00:07:00.003-05:00

Do you ever sometimes look at the folk you work with and think "God, I could write a book about these people and what goes on here?"

I'm so sodding tempted!

The Grudge........

2008-09-18T07:49:00.003-05:00

and no, not the Japanese movie!

I've been thinking a lot recently about my life and the people in it. The people I like, the people I love and the people that I have a STRONG dislikation* for. This got me thinking about grudges that I hold and it wasn't until I started thinking about these people that I realized just how many grudges there are! There are loads it turns out.

I ~~used my amazing superhuman skills~~ Googled 'grudge' and ooh, holding grudges is pretty bad for you apparently. In fact, I think the definition "Grudge : Holding a grudge for someone shows emotional imbalance" pretty much nails it.

A grudge is defined as "resentment strong enough to justify retaliation". Everyone has, at some time or other, been hurt deeply by someone close. Bitterness about the person or situation leads to a grudge. Personal injustice ignites resentment in heart, which turns into a grudge. Since grudge is a form of resentment, a person who bears grudge may become revengeful. Instead of focusing on what he needs to solve a problem, for instance, he may spend most of his time thinking of ways to get back at whom he resents. This can be dangerous for there is a possibility of injuries.

Why is that I some people choose to spend time on holding a grudge rather than just getting on with their own lives? What happened in my life that made me such a mean person? A person that will just "never let it lie"? I KNOW that this is one thing that people notice about me. George often laughs at how I refuse to give in, how I just always have to win, how I'm never going to forget. How did I become this person? How did I go from being the Andrea that didn't give a shit and was just a care-free person to the 'vengeful-grudge-holding bitch' I am today?

I thought about it, while ~~researching~~ again, Googling, and I came across the 12 step program that people suffering from addiction use as their 'mantra' I suppose. I guess my grudge-holding is a form of addiction depending on how you look at it.

I'm not a religious person so all the God related steps went right out of the window (Ooooh, do I hold a grudge against God? Don't think so......) and then I got to steps 8 and 9.

Step 8.

Make a list of all persons we have harmed, and become willing to make amends to them all.

OK. I can do the list thingy, that's a piece of piss, but just how far back do I go? All the way back to when Philippa Edwards stole the main part in the nativity play at primary school (Yes, I am that much of a grudge holder) or just back to when my boyfriend cheated on me? Then, once that loooooong list is made, I have to think about whether I am willing to make amends. But how do you do that? Is an apology for holding a grudge enough? Half of the people probably don't even know I HOLD a grudge never mind think badly of them.....

Step 9

Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

See, I think this is my 'get out of jail free' card in this one. 'except when to do so would injure them or others'. There are some people that I hold such HUGE grudges for that the mere sight of them makes me want to throttle the living crap out of them.

Really. I know. That's bad.

So, once I've made this loooooong list, I should go through it and strike out the names of those who belong on another list. A list to be hidden in case the police come a-lookin' (just kidding.....).

So, thus far, I have a list and beside each name, is the reason I hold a grudge. Then I have to find a way of contacting these people to right the wrong.

This is where my internal struggles start. You see, I am holding a grudge for a reason. If an ex cheated on me several times, why should I call him to 'let go....' ? I guess because it makes me a better person? It makes me a bigger person ? Forgiving? I read somewhere that "Releasing this grudge through forgiveness will result in a brand new surge of emotional and physical energy. It is difficult, if not impossible, to forgive an offense. Therefore, when we cannot forget an offense, we can choose not to dwell on it. We cannot fully erase the memory banks of our mind but we do have the power to refuse to think on past injustices, once forgiven."

I guess then, that over the next few days, in preparation of this grudge-purge, I should free my mind, not dwell and just LET IT GO.

LET.

IT.

GO.

I'm told that the best way to forget is to improve our behavior and circumstances until we feel safe enough to let go of bitter memories. If someone has upset us in the past, we should try to work out some kind of agreement with the person so you can feel reasonably sure it will not happen again. Easier said than done.

I have thought long and hard about this over the past few days and I am willing to take baby steps with this. There are still people who I wouldn't ~~spit on if they were on fire~~ say hello to, but other people I have deep vengeful feelings for**, well, I should try to fix that. I'll let you know how it goes.

*yep. Made up word.
**Yes, I am aware that people probably feel the same about me too.

My Friends, this is what I will be doing tonight....

2008-09-04T12:49:00.007-05:00

Tonight, George and I will be enjoying a short* drinking game.

Basically, the rules are simple and as follows:

Tonight, during the Republican National Convention, every time John McCain utters that patronizing** phrase "My friends..............." take a shot of whatever liquor you like.

That's it. You think you won't get drunk within the first 20 minutes?

Hic!

p.s. I shall be raising my shot-glass to Obama with each and every "My friends....." that comes along! :-)

*short because he says it so often.
** can you tell I don't like him?

60lbs

2008-08-27T17:23:00.002-05:00

After being told that having my hair cut short "won't make the 60lbs I had gained during my marriage disappear" I still went for it.

I like it.

Fingerprints, schmingerprints.......

2008-08-25T06:38:00.003-05:00

On Friday afternoon I received a letter in the mail from the INS (who are now known as USCIS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and I thought to myself "Is this IT?" My letter of acceptance? My interview and test date? The thing I've been waiting for now for a couple of years?

My heart was a-flutter and my palms began to sweat.......

Nervously, I trembled as I tore open the letter, my eyes catching the now well-known look of the green heavily-watermarked Immigration letter.....

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and started to read.

"Your fingerprint card (FD-258) on file with the USCIS has expired. In order for the USCIS to continue processing your application, it will be necessary to have your fingerprints re-taken"

Fuck it. I'm just going to cut off all my fingers and mail them so that the next time the card expires, they can save the postage and hassle and just go into my file and do it right there and then. You know, so as not to WASTE ANYMORE GOD-DAMNED TIME!!!!!!! You know what Mr Fingerprint expert at the USCIS? Try SPEEDING UP MY APPLICATION PROCESS and maybe my fingerprints won't expire!!!!!!

I ask you, have you ever heard anything more fucking ridiculous? Fingerprints expiring! *shakes head and rolls eyes all dramatic-like*

This will now be the third time in two years I have had to go downtown and be fingerprinted. SIX times since I moved to the US.

George was so incensed he wrote a letter to two Senators and a Governor! (on the advice of my Immigration lawyer). THAT was awesome.

But hey ho............ it's not like I have a life to live, a job to work wherein I can pay taxes to a Government that doesn't seem to want me as it's citizen but is more than happy to accept my money, or other stuff that can't be put on hold so I can take all sodding day to go downtown, wait hours in line and be RE-fingerprinted!

So, anything made you mad lately? Like, Immigration-style mad? Take a seat and tell me all about it.............................

Oh, and apologies for the swearing, but really, I'm THAT mad! Here is a picture you may be familiar with in which I complain again..........

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy................?

2008-08-14T06:22:00.002-05:00

It's been a bit crazy here in the Knapp household what with injuries and work and photography etc., so I decided to take the night off and have some fun. A friend and I got tickets to see Rod Stewart ~ I know, I know, Rod Stewart.

Turns out that Bryan Adams was warming up for him so that made it doubly delicious! The concert was at the Blossom Arena which for those of you that don't know, is an outdoor pavillion. Half the arena is under cover, the other half is open air and on a hill. Well, the weather has been nice lately so we bought the outdoor tickets ~ considerably cheaper too!

Anyway, just as Bryan Adams was finishing his awesome set (totally buying his new album btw), the skies opened and we were hit with a torrential downpour that didn't stop until we headed home! It was lots of fun though and we danced and we sang and we fell in love with Rod all over again.... I HAVE to say though that even though he is knocking on in years, Rod gives good concert! Here is a snippet of the fun we had (the laughter comes as we are ironically standing in the cold rain):

Other than that, bugger all is going on ~ either that or I'm too busy to notice. We are getting a new roof today if that is of any interest to anyone!

Back at ya later......

Oh, here is one of my favorite pictures that I took recently!

The Gift of Life? Why Yes, I'll Take One.............

2008-08-01T16:29:00.005-05:00

A month or so, a very close friend of mine who I have known for almost 20 years called me with some exciting news. For this post, I shall call her Jane. Jane lives in Ireland.

Now, Jane is about 41 years old and has known all her life that she was adopted at birth. Jane has had a fantastic life and her parents? Two of the sweetest, nicest people on the face of the planet - and trust me, I know A LOT of nice people and these two beat the lot of them. They also adopted another child - a boy. Jane's mum passed away about two years ago but her dad walks around having the health of a teenager ~ not bad for a 92 year old!

Jane has never shown any interest in wanting to know anything about her birth parents, but after recently having a baby of her own, I think the need to know SOMETHING about them became almost an obsession if only for the health history for her daughter.

So, after a lot of thought and deep soul searching (which involved the decision NOT to tell her dad due to his age etc.,) Jane completed all the forms necessary to have the Social Services put her information 'out there'. Basically she gave the information about herself that she knew and then had to sit back and wait for the details to be matched to whomever had given her up for adoption - if in fact they were searching for her.

A big IF.

Three weeks later, the social worker called and arranged a meeting between Jane and a counselor to make sure that Jane was prepared emotionally for whatever ~ if anything ~ was going to come her way.

Two weeks later Jane received a phone-call asking to meet the social worker. They had some information and wanted to discuss it with her.

The time came for the meeting and Jane sat down, anticipating receiving just a name and scant details of how she became adopted. The social worker then said to her;

"Jane, I have been a social worker for over 30 years and this is the first time I have ever had a case like this."

She then pulled out a very old HUGE folder, sealed and ready to be opened by the daughter that was given up for adoption those 41 years earlier. Jane's mother had left this information should Jane ever wish to find out more about her birth.

Jane delved into this folder which was so full of information it took her almost 2 and a half hours (and 2 packs of tissues) to get through it.

She found out she had been born and baptized Linda Geraldine.
She found out that her mother was called Bridgette.
She found out she had two older brothers (now 61 and 58) and an older sister (now 55).
She found out her mother was 42 when she gave birth to her (Jane had imagined her to be a 16 or 17 year old).
She found out that she had lived with her mother in a 'mother and child' home for three months before being given up for adoption.
She found out that her mother couldn't cope with her, at her age and having the three other kids.
She found out so much more in those two and a half hours than she had ever dreamed she would.

She read all this information, written in her mothers handwriting, and every time her mother mentioned her daughter, she would write "my daughter, Linda Geraldine....". Every sheet of paper was signed.

The last page states that "I have been faithfully promised that my daughter, Linda Geraldine will be given to a loving family, will want for nothing and will receive the love that she deserves. I have been promised this."

Her mother was married to a man and they had the three children and then her husband died. The two sons were sent to live with his parents and the daughter (who had learning disabilities) went to live with her grandparents on her mothers side. Then 15 years later, her mother became pregnant and thus begins the story of Jane's life.

Now, as I told you at the start of this post, Jane lives in Ireland. If you know anything of Irish history, you will know that unwed mothers back in those days - no matter what the age - used to be shipped off by the Catholic Church to work as laborers in institutions known as Magdalene Asylums. Click here for a brief history on that. Jane was very concerned that her mother may have endured that but was told that whilst she WAS in a similar kind of institution, it wasn't quite so horrid.

The social worker asked Jane if she wanted them to find out if her mother was still alive (she would be around 83 by now) and Jane said yes. If she WAS alive however but didn't want Jane to contact her, Jane was absolutely fine with that - I mean it was very obvious to everyone that Jane was a loved child regardless of the adoption. If her birth mother however was dead, the social worker said she would give Jane the details of where she was buried so she could go to her grave.

Jane was also asked if she wanted them to contact her siblings and Jane said that if they knew about her then yes, but if not, she felt that at their age it would be too much and she would rather just leave it.

Jane left that meeting so full of emotion and pride and love and admiration for her birth mother that even now, a few weeks after this all happened, it is still sinking in.

Which takes me back to her adoptive parents. These two people did EXACTLY what her mother had hoped and dreamed of for her daughter without even being told this. They gave Jane so much love and life, they gave her life and I know that I will always love them for this. They truly are remarkable people.

They had told Jane that they had adopted her when they went to the hospital and looked at a room full of newborn babies and she looked so sickly and so needing the love of someone, anyone, that they immediately chose her and fell in love with her.

Obviously Jane now knows this to be not the case but that doesn't diminish ANY of the love she has for them, it only magnifies it as she knows that they were making her feel loved and cherished and special.

Recently, things have been really miserable around here with sicknesses and whatnot, so I thought it was time I posted about something uplifting. Something that makes me feel good inside. Makes me feel happy.

This does. I hope it made you feel happy too.

I don't have any photographs this post BUT I AM posting this video that I found on YouTube. I imagine it is what Jane's mother was thinking when she spent her last minutes with her....... Just close your eyes while listening to it.

What Do These Things Have In Common?.........

2008-07-22T12:13:00.004-05:00

Half the crew of the Titanic
A bald tyre (Tire-US)
An old bicycle
Tons of sewage
A wellington boot

Give up?

Well, it appears that all those things were fished out of my ears this morning when I went for them syringing! I SHIT YOU NOT!*

Not that I can hear any better for it and now the doctor wants me to go see a neurologist - YAY!

Bloody bloody head problems.

* I was disgusted but the doctor - bless him - said this was normal and he had seen far worse! So that's nice.

I Like Hospitals I Do...............

2008-07-21T08:30:00.010-05:00

Previously on A Ropey Old Bird............

As you know I had to go to the hospital for my 'head problem', well, it STILL isn't sorted out and I have a follow-up appointment at the doctors tomorrow. The doctor had better do SOMETHING because I simply can't keep feeling dizzy, nauseous and just flat out crappy all the time. Nope. No can do.

Anyway, early Monday morning, just as George was on his way to work, some guy rear-ended him (and not THAT kind of rear-ending!!!!!!) at 65 mph and he crashed his car. The car was totaled, every air-bag deployed, and George was promptly rushed to the ER by ambulance. Don't worry - as I know you were, he is fine. He has severe bruising, whiplash and is in a lot of pain but he lived and WILL live.

Unfortunately, the 'other guy' wasn't insured. Of course he wasn't! He was given a citation for reckless driving and will be appearing in court this Thursday where he will also be charged for driving without insurance. He called George on Friday to 'ask how he was' and to see if there was anything he could do and to also cry and ask George not to press charges. He told George that he had lost his car as he can't afford to have it repaired and that he was going to lose his job etc., etc.,

Yeah, well, it sucks to be you! George could have died, or been severely injured and you want us to worry about your job? I feel for the guy but really, if you can afford to work and own a car you should have to be able to have insurance. Bloody Hell, we don't have Safe Auto for nothing you know!

Other car-crash related phone calls have also been received from Laywers! I swear, the accident happened on Monday and by Tuesday we had gotten five phone calls and 6 letters in the mail. This was the next day! I wish other people worked half as fast at getting in touch with us..... They do send out some pretty fridge magnets though!

Aside from all this hospital/medical related stuff sod all else is happening. We can't drive, we can't go out anywhere and are pretty much stuck at home until we are both on the mend so there is nothing to report. We did however finally manage to get our hands on a Wii ~ courtesy of Michael in Chicago, so that has alleviated A LOT of the boredom.

Anyway, that's about it from this end. Hopefully once we are 'fixed', there will be exciting and interesting news from this corner of Ohio!

Have fun!

Oh, my favorite pictures! Almost forgot.......

Two years later, they got me!

2008-07-13T18:19:00.005-05:00

We got back from vacation late Friday evening and let me tell you, each person had a 'Top Ten' list of things they were most looking forward to after being away for two whole weeks. It was fun, and I'm sure I'll mention bits and bobs about it sooner or later but for now, I'm just glad to be home.

I came home with some kind of 'head' thing going on. It started on the Wednesday prior to our returning and got steadily worse but after the whole fiasco of my broken ankle, I was hardly going to see a Dr. over in the U.K. about head pain and have a Dr. (or janitor as the case could very well have been) tell me "Oh, it's just a headache" when in actuality, it could have been a tumor or worse.

It is probably nothing more than an inner ear problem but after puking several times and falling over many more, I had to go see my own Dr. first thing Saturday morning. The Dr. then told me that "out of all the people that come in with similar symptoms, you are by far the worst" I had to go to the ER for a CAT scan STAT! (He did! he said it with an apostrophe at the end!!!!!!) We are still waiting for the results however, I'm sure by the lack of communication it can't be anything too alarming. Either that or I'm gonna drop right where I'm at and if that IS the case, it was nice knowing you all.................

I am STILL very dizzy and constantly trying to walk in a straight line but ending up leaning against the wall hanging on for dear life. I'm not throwing up anymore though so that's nice. The Dr. gave me a prescription for both the dizziness (side effects may include nausea - HUH!) and for the nausea (side effects may include Dizziness - I SHIT YOU NOT!!!!) so we shall see how I feel over the next couple of days.

Anyway, I came back to lots of mail - majority of it junk mail but one envelope was rather intriguing.

It was from the Department of Public Safety - oo-er......... Suffice to say that one line in the letter states;

"Therefore, after much consideration, we are recalling the license plate character combination VAH JJ"

This line was preceded by lots of "Obscene" and "Offensive Combination" and such like wording. So there you have it. They finally got me after two years. Now I just have to think of something to replace this with for when I call them and they ask what I want the new plates to be. Right now though my head isn't on right so I'm not worrying about it. I'll probably call them next week.

While I was away we had limited internet access and before the trip I remember thinking "How will I ever survive?" No really, I was in withdrawal, suffering from the old D.T.'s, scratching at the bit, REALLY REALLY worrying whether the internet world would survive without me and vice-versa.

Hhhhmmmmmm yeah, about that. I received 189 e-mails four of which were actually important-ish and relevant. The others, not so much. My Cell phone received 105 messages while I was gone, and the majority of those weren't important really. On those rare occasions where I COULD check the internet, I basically checked e-mail, the odd Gossip Blog, of course blogs that friends have and Flickr but that was it. News-wise bugger all happened that was of any relevance.

So I made a decision. I am going to cut down my internet habit drastically. Checking e-mails only as and when. If it's important, people know how to reach me (as I say this I can hear my cell phone alerting me that I have a text - LOL). I took myself out of most of the groups I was in Flickr - many because I simply wasn't involved and others because the aggro was just too much and causing a strain in my life that I just don't need. I have to be more productive in other aspects of my life such as actually engaging in activities with my kids, doing more with my photography which is really kicking off and things like that. I will of course remain blogging seeing as I have got back into it again!

So there you have it, a change in my life both vehicular and internet wise (with a bit of health thrown in for good measure...... ) Not bad for missing two weeks don't you think?

Oh, my favorite pictures from the vacation? Here you go.

I shall be back shortly with fun and gruesome details about the vacation..........

If I'm feeling calm, there must be a shitstorm around the corner.......

2008-06-26T05:36:00.004-05:00

Don't you ever get the feeling that if all is going to well, then a calamity is about to happen? I do ~ must be the inner pessimist in me!

I'm sitting here at 6:37 am. The dogs and cats have just been fed, I have a lovely hot cup of tea at my side, the house is quiet and everyone is still asleep. I am sitting in silence.

In less than three hours there will be utter chaos around me as all 6 of the kids (and George) will be asking me "Where did I put my ........" "Why won't this fit?" "Have you seen the......" and "Don't forget the passports....." and all SORTS of other things......

I have spent the past few days packing, adding important details to the itinerary, making sure passports are safe, catching up on last minute laundry and shopping, getting in a shift at work, and lots of other stuff. I've been doing this slowly, methodically and in a way that not one person has even noticed what I'm doing. Everything is done. They need not worry but they will......

But deep down inside though, I feel that I'm missing something. I've thought about it, looked for this 'something' and ran over every scenario in my head as to what it could be but to no avail. You know when I'll find out what this 'something' is? At the airport, 2 minutes before we fly......... Yeah, you know what I'm talking about :-)

Well, we shall see.

So, George and I are taking 6 kids (5 teenagers and an 11 year old) on vacation. To the UK first to see my relatives and have a party, then we all fly to Paris for 4 days ~ quite looking forward to that. Then we fly back to the UK - Leeds for the weekend - then we drive up the East coast towards Scotland..... George is looking forward to that more than anything I think. We are even staying on a farm! A B&B type farm. So long as I'm not up at the crack of dawn milking anything I'm down with that!

4 of the kids have never been to Europe before so I am really interested on what their take will be. Especially Leeds! We are going to throw in a bit of Culture too - Ooooh look at me!!!! After living in Leeds for 29 years it will be interesting to see if I find anything out that I didn't know before........ We are of course going to do the typical French touristy stuff - Eiffel, L'Ouvre, (George wants to take a trip to Omaha Beach)and in Scotland they are on the search for a Kilt-wearing bagpiper...... Leeds? We shall probably find graffiti and boarded up houses! LOL

So anyway, That's where we shall be for the next 2 weeks. I shall be intermittently blogging and posting pictures to my Flickr account so feel free to keep checking in.....

Adios, au revoir, ta ra...........

P.S. If you can believe this shit, Nick is watching the house for us!!! I KNOW! ~ wait. That must be the something that is going to bite me in the arse.

*rushes to cancel the entire holiday*

So, Facebook, that character building initiative you have going? How's that working for ya?.....

2008-06-20T20:02:00.007-05:00

Do you have a facebook account? I do ~ 'gotta keep wiv da Kewl Kids n all dat'*

It's fun to play scrabulous, do fun quizzes and to catch up with all the gossip that is going on...... but every now and again, I just have to shake my head.

Facebook has this thing where you 'compare' your friends. Some of the things are quite ridiculous and you get to choose between two friends as to 'who is the most cuddly' 'most bestest friend to hang out with' and stuff like that.

THEN, after a while, you get an e-mail that informs you of your comparisons. Not what YOU have said about others, but what they have said about you!

Yes. Here is the screen grab of my e-mail!

It gives me such a warm feeling down deep to know that my 'weaknesses' are creativeness and likely to succeed. Really, get me some Horlicks STAT!

Luckily, I have thick skin (VERY thick in the soles of my feet region but that's another post another day.....) so I take this with a pinch of salt but you KNOW somewhere out there, shaking a fist to the heavens, someone is sobbing hysterically in a corner screaming "Why, Why don't they love me?"

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you, so the next time you use your Facebook and begin comparing, think of me that someone, crying, feeling sad and lonely.....

By the way, in the "The Whole New Me" department? I am doing awesomely. While I may still think bad things about people that PISS ME OFF, I keep the thoughts to myself and simply ignore the people (or at the most, banter with small talk and keep it to a minimum). It's actually working out quite well! Who knew?!!!

In other news, LOTS going on and we are busy busy busy..........

Photography wise, things are going great. I did a LONG photo shoot yesterday and it was so much fun - I could only HOPE that all shoots are like this in the future.......

Family-wise, we are all getting ready for our trip to Europe next week. The kids started packing three weeks ago and have since re-packed about 8 times. I will TOTALLY have to check the bags though coz I know they'll be packing swimsuits etc., forgetting it's bloody England and France we are going to! The only swimming they'll do in England is if it rains - which as you KNOW, it does!

In Entertainment news - I CANNOT get this song out of my head.

Did you ever have a song that, inexplicably just remains in your head from the minute you wake up to the minute yo go to bed? That one is the one right now. Last week it was Xanadu and the week before it was a George Formby Classic - "When I'm cleaning windows" so, don't give up on me yet. Comment with a song that is getting on your nerves now and maybe THAT could be new one!

and that my friends is about it for this post. Shit to do, and places to go and people to....... oh whatever. I'll be back before you know it!

Oh, before I forget, my favorite pics..... (you can click on them to take you to my Flickr account to see the rest)

* If there is one thing that bloody well drives me mad is when kids text like this. Actually, strike that, when they send an E-MAIL like that! WTF?** You have a keyboard in front of you and it takes hardly any time at all to actually spell THAT instead of DAT? There is only one bloody letter difference!!!!!!

** Notes the irony of using WTF and LOL ~ so don't bother starting to compose that e-mail berating me.

A post in which Andrea wishes she was 10 years old again.......

2008-06-17T08:45:00.008-05:00

Recently, in a bizarre "lets-get-healthy" phase, George and I bought ourselves a new bike each. Granted, mine isn't a ten speed racer, nor could I climb mountains with it strapped to my back ~ as one oddly but frequently sees in new car/credit card commercials. Nope, mine is just Old Skool and blue! I did want one of those little silver bells with a trigger to pull when you need to ring it but alas, it's THAT Old Skool it doesn't have one..... I just have to holler "Coming through" whenever I pass walkers.....

Anyway, surprisingly, I am getting a lot of use from it. At first I was feeling pretty daunted about getting back on a bike as it's been oh, a few years since I last rode one, but then I remembered that old saying, "It's just like riding a bike...." Or was that a saying about sex? Either way, I got on the bike and was a biking queen!

It's interesting the things you see when you are out on a bike and not just stuck in front of the TV! For instance, we have a park just by us and it has a lake etc., which is all nice and pretty but we have always driven there, looked at the ducks and swans, taken a couple of pictures then gone home. When I rode my bike there, I was driving through a completely different way, through trees, through peace and quiet, through packs of deer (though I'm sure there is a technical name for that, like herd, or clatch or throng or whatever......) I recently took a video of part of the park for you. Just listen to the birds.......

Beautiful!

So, getting back to my title.

Ever since I was young, there have been two things I've always wanted to be able to do with my bike. Ride hands free and do wheelies.

photo courtesy of Rob

Now, I know, I know, I'm thirty *cough* years old and far too old to be doing this and quite frankly, I'm way too scared to even give it a go! I did try once to go hands free but I ended up with the grill of a Ford Escort embedded in my right calf and enough asphalt in my backside to pave the M52. It was not good. To see how I may have looked, check out this footage and just picture me bouncing instead...... Seriously, I traveled that far! So, with that in mind, you can imagine my horror at even thinking about it again or doing a wheelie!

But, still, it is something I have always wanted to do, and sometimes, when I'm riding on my own, in a deserted place, I let go of the handlebars for just a smidge, close my eyes, feel the adrenaline rush and try to feel the wind blowing through my hair.

Then just as quickly open them and pedal home to change my knickers.

So what do you wish you could do that you could when you were younger?

Boom-di-ada, Boom-di-ada.....................

2008-06-10T15:43:00.003-05:00

I was going to do a post ranting and raving about the Immigration Service and their complete balls-up of anything remotely related to me but then I saw this commercial on T.V and thought "You know what? Life IS good and I'm happy right now" so here, to hopefully cheer you up too is the commercial.

I hope you smile and get goose-bumps as I did!

It's 3 am I must be lonely................

2008-06-05T02:18:00.007-05:00

Well, 3:19 am! I'm working 3rd shift and all is quiet. Usually around this time, the eyes start to close, the desk looks like it would be a comfy place to rest my head and all thoughts of answering the 911 leave my head. Not that I have ever done that ~~often~~!!!! LOL

As some of my sharp eyed readers ~ yes, I still have them ~ have noticed, I changed the layout of my blog. It WAS accidental honest! I was deleting some pictures in my Flickr account and accidentally deleted a bunch that the woman I used to design my blog in the first place with had used. Hence, when I went back to look at my blog, all sorts of weird stuff was happening, and not weird in a "are you high as a kite?" kind of way, more of a weird 'Are you fucking delusional?' kind of way! So, I went back to Blogger, dug out something like this and Hey Presto, Bob's your uncle! Welcome to my 'freshly puked baby food' look!

So, how have you been since we last spoke?

I am busy sorting out my trip to Chicago on Friday. We have all SORTS of things planned and funnily enough, there WILL be video evidence available shortly thereafter so hang in there won't you?

Over the past few days, I have been thinking a lot about my friends. Somedays I get lonely and miserable and all 'woe is me'....... but then someone will call, send me an e-mail or text message and remind me that I DO have friends and they think of me as often as I think of them. Strangely enough, most of these friends I have never met IRL! I KNOW! How lucky am I that people who have never met me are willing to befriend me? LOL

I have Carolanne over in Plymouth, UK who is a love! She e-mails, sends me sweets and tea-bags and cards that have exploding things that ....er..... explode? when I open them! She is a certain "gotta meet" whenever I can make it down those parts!

Then there is Fiona Finch who I talk to on Facebook a lot. In fact, I just kicked her arse in several Scrabulous games, one wherein I scored 131 points for one word! Boo yah!!!!! She's a Leeds lass and as you all know, that's where your favorite Ropey Old Bird is from!!!! (You had better NOT have checked that link!!!!!!)

Next on my list is Claire. She is currently in New Zealand after traveling ~ for what seems ever ~ around Australia. Again, Claire is a person I have never met but let me tell you. When she writes about getting strip-searched through customs and uses lines like "If I was gonna have to get naked in front of strangers whilst stone cold sober I could at least look vaguely hot instead of having a minge you could sand door frames with." well, what more can you say? She is right at the top of my list of "want to ~~shag~~ Meet her". I mean why can't I be as funny as she is?

Finally, there is Helen in France! I would link to her blog but it's marked private only so that would be kinda useless. What I will do however is link you to this blog that she shares with my buddy Stella (who I have met so she's not really supposed to be on this list!!!! ) Helen is a star! She has helped me out massively with the trip we are taking shortly seeing as she er....... lives in France? She's bloody fluent I tell you! Anyway, they share this blog wherein they 'talk' to each other. See, Stella lives in Switzerland which is more or less just down the road from France you know?...... This blog is very funny, in fact, one of the posts they did just recently may ~~or may not~~ have just made me wet my knickers when reading it which is slightly embarrassing when you are at work and can't leave for 4 hours to change. That post is here.

If you don't laugh at that then what can I say?

Anyway, I'll get to the point. The title of this post mentions something about it being 3am and me being lonely, and quite frankly, that is very far from the truth. Even though I may physically BE on my own here in the office, in my life I am far from it. My life is enriched with so many people that I should never take anyone or anything for granted. Ever.

I want each of you to know that I appreciate everything you do, the way that you do it and I hope that I give you back all that you give me and more.

Thus ends my latest post.

Adieu

P.S. I shall also - with the new template - be adding 'pictures I have recently taken and that I like a lot' at the end of each post.

It's Been a While.........

2008-05-10T05:28:00.009-05:00

I really HAVE been meaning to post but I've either been too angry about what I want to say or at a complete loss for words or just busy with my photography stuff!

As most people know, my family and I are soon to be heading off to the UK and France for 2 weeks vacation. We will be heading to my hometown of Leeds for a couple of days first, then to Paris, France for 4 days then back to Leeds then traveling through the countryside, visiting friends, hopefully going to Scotland and then back to Leeds and then home. Not only is this a LOT of traveling, there will be 8 of us! George's two kids are coming with us and my sons girlfriend and my daughters best friend are tagging along too. It will be a fairly interesting trip as 4 of the 8 have never been to the UK and I am the only one who has ever been to France so hopefully everyone will have fun!

My biggest concern about the trip is what appears to be a recent spate of violence and stabbing/shooting attacks which result in the deaths of teenagers. You don't believe me? Well, I read the BBC website every day and in just one day - JUST ONE DAY - this slew of reports was available to readers:

Kids with weapons
Boy kills woman
10 boys jailed, 2 kids stabbed
Brother stabs and kills brother
Teenager revenge killing
Boy stabbed in heart with sword
13 teenagers attack boy with claw hammer
Teenager stabbed in bakery
Woolies attack

Just one day! Basically, I read this as innocent people, just living their every day lives are being attacked by juveniles! Kids who are simply minding their own business are being attacked for just that, minding their own business! The sentences these people are being given are also a slap in the face! Just read the articles!

So yeah, I am slightly freaking out at the thought of going to the UK and the kids (all teenagers) wanting to wander off on their own and go shopping etc.,

In other light-hearted news (!!) my photography business is going great guns! I just sold a bunch more prints, took some engagement/bridal shots, and things are just going great....... so I am very happy with all that!

I'm heading to Chicago next weekend and imagine this, I'm doing a photo shoot! A good friend of mine has all sorts of businesses going and I am doing some 'professional' shots of him. Luckily, he is up for anything so the shots will be fun to do!

The LOST finale was on last night and it was awesome!

As you can see I'm clearly running out of stuff to say. I have a lot of things on my mind right now and don't feel ready talk about them. They involve people pissing me off (as per) and just odd feelings in general but I AM in the middle of sorting them out so will be all full of life and sparkle and wit the next time I post!

I promise it will be soon!

Oh God, It's 1986 Again..........

2008-05-06T08:10:00.008-05:00

Back in 1986, I went to see the movie Top Gun oh, only about 100 times.

Seriously, 100 times. I think it was mentioned in a local rag somewhere, for setting a record or something. Anyway, I had a MAJOR crush on Mr Cruise and Anthony Edwards..........

Well, as you know, Ole Tommy Boy has had a lot of negative press recently and my interest in him waned progressively to a point of abject distaste whenever I heard/saw anything about him.

Until now!

I KNOW!

Tom recently made a couple of appearances on Oprah! which I didn't see, yet I hear all about them. Then I found out he has recently started a website (I'm sure he didn't personally create it himself) and I thought I'd have a quick gander, check it out, see what it was all about......

*excuse me while I go change my knickers that are slightly damp now.......*

Just looking at the gallery, made me fall back into 1986 and fall waaaaaaay back in love with him.

I mean seriously;

and

Wouldn't you?

OK. I'm off for some alone time........ be back soon!

I'm flattered............and will gladly accept my award!

2008-04-16T13:34:00.003-05:00

The award for coming up with crazy ideas that is!

Remember back in Christmas of '04? Yes, THAT long ago.............

I started a competition ~ The Freaking Green Elf Shorts ~ and the object was, you created a caption for the photograph of someone wearing the shorts and if you won, you were the lucky recipient of those shorts for the next leg.

Anyway, three and a half years later, the shorts are still working their way around this wonderful planet of ours.

For the full definitive history of the shorts and their travels, check here.

Anyway, I was checking my Flickr account and checking pictures that other people had put up and you will never guess what? It appears that someone is capitalizing on my idea* and they have created a group called The Traveling Tutu. Hhhhmmmmmmmmmmm

Personally, I think the Elf Shorts are MUCH prettier and we as a group are waaaaay more inventive!

Long Live The Elf Shorts I say................

*I say they are copying, they may say they came up with it on their own....... You be the judge :-D

No really, they are!

2008-04-07T15:56:00.002-05:00

I just don't care enough to let them know or to make sure the other relevant people know.

Yet.

On a Foggy Miserable Day, I Smiled!

2008-04-04T19:18:00.003-05:00

The weather sucked ginormous arse today and I would normally have been really miserable.

But I remembered a fun time I had in Chicago, drunk, on a beach full of men, and wearing nothing but my bra and some shorts.

Wouldn't you smile?

I Like A Good 20" But Enough Is Enough!

2008-03-08T17:10:00.004-05:00

This first video was taken earlier this morning at about 10:00 am when we were complaining about having about 8 or 9 inches.

So, not being able to do much, we went to the movies (No Country For Old Men - OK I guess). We were the only ones there. Then we went to Damon's for lunch afterwards and had to be rushed out as they were closing......

We came home, driving through empty streets - eerie - and came to a driveway like this!

So far, we've had 20" or more and get this! More is coming!

O-Hi-O! Yay!

If The Tax Lady Has Had Our Returns For Over Two Weeks, And When We Call She Says We Are In Her 'Difficult To Do' Pile....................

2008-03-06T22:25:00.003-05:00

That's not good, right?

*stresses out*

In Other News...................

2008-02-26T07:56:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, I decided to do something daring and different. I know! Me!

Anyway, a couple of months ago, I signed up for the Polar Bear Plunge here in North East Ohio. Basically, you get sponsored and jump in a freezing lake. I know this sounds like lots fun (!!!!!) and to tell the truth it was! I also decided to integrate this with a "Trash The Dress" type thing and actually did the plunge in my wedding dress ~ which is now being dry cleaned!

Here are a couple of pictures from the aforementioned plunge.

and you can catch more by checking here and here.

I was drunk. I was cold. I was dunked in the freezing lake.

I'm TOTALLY doing it again next year!

Let me think, what else is going on?

*thinks*

Not much actually. Oh, I signed up for this "Call Me" service on this blog so in case you can't be arsed typing a long message, just call and you'll either get a voicemail in a fantastically sexy accent or you'll get to speak to me live!

I know! So get dialing!

Back at ya later!

Oh this made me laugh................

2008-02-16T10:53:00.002-05:00

Have a GREAT weekend!

I'm Almost There..............................

2008-02-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

Today my youngest child is 16.

Yes, my YOUNGEST. I'll give you a minute while the image of me being older than you thought is erased from your mind.

Anyway, Georgia Rae is 16. 16!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it. Let me tell you about Georgia.

As a parent of a teenager, let alone a teenage DAUGHTER, I was worried that these years would be the worst of my life. Tantrums, mood swings, arguments, things being thrown at my head were all visions I had, when thinking about having a teenage daughter. (I know that's what I was like when I was a teenager.) Nothing could be further from the truth.

Surprisingly, we have managed to raise one of the most polite, fun, pretty, kind, thoughtful, considerate and loving teenagers ever put on the planet. She likes nothing more than to sit with me, watching TV, or hanging out grocery shopping, or going to the movies or going out for dinner etc., etc.,

She has NEVER been in any kind of trouble either at school or out in the world. EVERY school report somewhere or other states "pleasure to have in class" and people comment that she is happy all the time.

I am so proud of Georgia for being who she is and the way she she is and I can only hope that she continues to grow in the world to make herself AND us as parents even more proud.

Happy Birthday Georgia Rae, Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

***I should also tell you that at this rate, it looks like she's going to be living with us till she's 42. or married.

What? Hello? Huh? Can't Hear You!

2008-01-24T12:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went deaf.

I'll give you a minute for that to sink in.

Yep. I woke up and had lost my hearing. It kinda came back during the day but not to the level it was at originally. I thought today would be different but no...... I have no clue what is going on but you know something? Not listening to the usual crap from people was a good thing. But in all seriousness (?) if it doesn't come back properly by tomorrow I'm off to the docs.

On a side note, as soon as I realised I was not hearing too well, I immediately thought of this clip. You kinda have to go to 1:20 - 1:50 to see what I'm talking about and quite frankly, if you aren't English you'll be lost straight away. Oh, and at 17 seconds in? Funniest line EVER! I use it all the time and NOT ONE American person ever gets it. EVER!

and just for kicks, if you ARE English and remember dunking, check this clip out!

Classic English Comedy

There'll Be No Living With Him After This.........

2008-01-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

So, I don't know if I mentioned it before but Dan (17) is wanting to join the Marines when he is 18. Until then, school is the first priority - for me anyway.

For Dan, his first love is rapping. Seriously. He has been into this for quite a while and about a month ago, he and his friends played Peabody's concert club, downtown. He was very excited about it and was calling and texting every 10 minutes about how cool it was getting VIP treatment etc.,

Well, things apparently went well, for last night they played Club Extreme * here in Mentor. Here are some pictures from the 'gig' last night.

Girls.

Screaming at my son.

Like, SCREAMING as though he's a rock star.....

There'll be no living with him after this!

Click on the picture for a bigger size

* Club Extreme is a hideous place and no teen girl should ever be allowed to go there. But, parents that don't care, well, what can you do? Georgia will NEVER go there.

Resolutions.....................

2008-01-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

Did you make any New Year Resolutions? In the past I have pretty much sucked at these, made half-hearted attempts and oooh, by the 2nd of January, they are all but forgotten. This year has been different thus far.

I KNOW!

I took a good look at myself during the latter part of the year and decided that there were some things that needed to be changed if I was to improve myself. If I wanted to be the person I honestly believe I could be, then changes HAD to be made.

I gave myself 5 things that needed to be worked on, and for your absolute enjoyment - I'm such a giving person - here they are listed.

Hhhhhmmmmmm, uh-uh, uh-huh.

Makes no sense? Exactly! For some time now (according to the kids and George) I have been rather lazy in the conversation part of my life. When we sit and talk, I apparently just answer hhhhhmmmmm instead of saying "I concur!", uh-huh instead of saying "Yup!", uh-uh instead of saying "Nope" and hu-hhhmmmmm instead of saying "I don't have a clue!" Not only is this confusing for them, it also irritates them. A LOT. So, my resolution here is to actually answer them properly. I DO still slip up and go back to what I used to do but as soon as I DO that, I immediately answer with what I should have done.

On a score of 1-10 with one being "Resolutions suck" and ten being "Way To Go Andiooooooo" I rate my success at 10.

F*$# and B*((@$^s and T#@t

My profane language. I didn't realise just how much I swear. I do it a lot, so the next resolution is to stop swearing. Since the 1st of January, I believe I have only slipped up twice and once was when I stubbed my toe against the chair leg. It hurt. A LOT.

On a score of 1-10? 9 - because I slipped up.

"What a cow!!!"

Talking about people and being mean especially behind their backs - isn't that the most fun? I used to do this all the time. Giving my opinion on anything and everyone (almost everyone). This isn't conducive to a healthy mind and heart so I have stopped doing this. Just flat-out stopped. I thought this would be harder than any of the resolutions but it was quite easy actually. In fact, at work there is one person who I would just love to bitch about, laugh at, pick on and in general, make fun of. To be honest, she deserves everything I ever did and said but luckily for me our 'relationship' has reached the stage where I don't have to do ANYTHING and it eats her up! So technically, that's me being good right? :-D

I know some people will say "Well, what if people talk behind your back?" and you know what? So long as it's true then there really isn't much I can do about it. A LOT of rumors are flying about me, and A LOT of them aren't true and most of them are being said by people who profess to be my friend!!! If I haven't spoken to you in a while, you could be one of those people! :-) So long as I know what is right or isn't, then that's all that matters. Oh and by the way, if I ever did talk about people, it was never a rumor I had heard, it was always the truth (I would check this out)

But, personally, I have decided that I don't need to be a person that is mean anymore. I feel TONS better for doing this.

On a scale of 1-10? 10 - easily.

"Oh woe is me..........."

For a while now I have had rather a negative personality. I always believe the worst is going to happen. If I'm watching a game on TV, I think the team I want to win will lose. We recently received an $800 gas bill. Instead of being calm and rational and just asking the Gas Co to come out and re-read the meter, I was all "Oh, we probably have a gas leak and will have to have all the pipes dug up in the driveway and it's going to cost us thousands...." I believe that Immigration - who are STILL taking their time with my application - are going to find some reason to not let me become a citizen. Watching any of my favorite TV shows (Amazing Race, Survivor etc.,) I always feel the person I want to win will get voted off/eliminated and so on and so on.... I really need to stop doing this.

On a scale of 1-10? 4 because THIS IS HARD.

The 'H' word.

I have long gone through life saying that I HATE this and I HATE that, and the things I HATE range from too much sugar in my tea to that woman I was talking about up there! HATE pretty much covered everything. I have thought for a while that this has to stop. I can still 'not like' things but saying that I HATE them is just not on. So, I don't say it anymore. I mean really. I have stopped cold turkey. If I don't like something I simply say that I don't like it, or that I have a strong dislike......

Again, I would have thought this would be a hard resolution but quite frankly, it was easy as pie. I mean really really easy!

On a scale of 1-10? 11+ because it is just that easy.

So, overall, I am doing pretty well. I can honestly say that I DO feel like I have improved myself and for the better. My kids and George are impressed as well. I am just happy that I decided to do something and actually followed through with it.

and there you have it.

On a side note?

Have you seen this show? Orangutan Island? I am so in love with these animals and I want one for my birthday. I've been good, I SHOULD get one:-D

What is so special about pointy boobs is what I want to know........?

2008-01-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

Back in March of forever ago, I did a post about my boobs (copied in its entirety below for reflection purposes....). IN that post, I had pictures of pointy boobs as an example of how my boobs were NOT. I've recently had a gander at the visitors on my blog and do you want to know how many have found me through searching for 'Pointy Boobs'?

25,204! Yes, TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is surprising is that they weren't searching for 'boobs' or 'pointy stuff', no, they were searching specifically for 'pointy boobs'. Who does that?

Anyway, it just boggled my mind and I wanted to share that with you.

You're welcome! and here now, is the post I'm talking about......

********************************************

My Boobs, Hooters, Cans, Melons, Breasts and/or Gazoongas.

There has been a lot of talk about the afore-mentioned items on not only my blog but on others such as Antipodees, Ms Macs, Whatevasista and NickleAnnies.

Let me tell you, I have never felt more proud!

My bosoms never really came in to play until about 10 years ago. Up until that time, my boobs were more 'in-growing', in fact, some people mistook my shoulder blades as backward boobs. Really!

Then for some reason, they grew. Amazing. I think that putting weight on also enhanced them (and is the only reason that I don't want to lose weight for fear of the shrinkage and we all know what shrinky boobs look like.)

Jonathan are you puking right about now?

Anyway, while my boobs are not humungous, (they just appear so in the profile pic) they are just OK.

As you know, they look like this:

Not like this:

Like this:

But not like this:

They kinda look like this:

But they definitely don't look like this!

So I guess all I'm saying is that while they are by no means extra special, they are mine and are treated well.

I am however, overwhelmed at the attention that they are receiving from you all, and long may it continue.

Thank you!

XXXXXXXX

You Know Me!!!!!! (in lieu of an actual post)

2008-01-03T20:25:00.001-05:00

Me
Originally uploaded by Andi Knapp.

Can you believe I've actually been busy lately and not just with work work either!!! ????

My photography business is kicking off and I have been busy with Christmas Photographs I took etc.,

I am also trying to get my portfolio into some sort of order and in doing so, I realised that the photographs I have of myself aren't too impressive. So, while I needed pictures of me for other projects I have going on, I decided to also add THEM to my portfolio (and website).

For your viewing pleasure, here are some of the pictures!

Back soon!

My New Year Message To All My Friends.....

2007-12-30T17:53:00.000-05:00

December Cometh Fast Yet Posts Appear With Less Frequency? Hhhhmmmmm

2007-12-13T18:37:00.000-05:00

I don't think I have ever gone over a month without posting have I? Well, all I can do is apologize profusely and of course, have a plethora of excuses at hand :-) I must tell you though that every day, EVERY day I think about posting. Something. Anything. I know people still read my blog because they tell me so and they usually say - and I quote - "I read your blog the other day, you haven't posted anything in a while, is everything OK?"

and usually everything IS OK.

Lately though, I have to say I've been feeling a tad miserable but I just don't know why. I have absolutely NOTHING to be miserable about. Really! Nothing at all. Let me show you exactly what I mean.

Things That Are Good Right Now In Andrea's World

My photography website I recently started got off to a good start. 3 prints sold in a week with interest in other prints very high. If you check out Photographs by Andrea you will see it in it's full glory and yes, feel free to order a print - OR TWO - from me! Great value ;-). Remember, Photographs by Andrea!!!!!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year *ding dong, ding dong* Snow, Holidays, Christmas Parties, Gifts,Gifts, Baby Jesus, Christmas Carols, Turkey, Gifts and all that other good stuff that happens around the latter part of December!

Kids! Yes I said it. Kids! Today was Dan's birthday. He is 17. He is also probably out drinking to celebrate *hopes not* and he has had a very good year. You'd think I was describing a fine wine wouldn't you? But really, he has been awesome so I'm VERY happy about that. Georgia is doing fantastically well at school. She recently got an A in math which is something I NEVER achieved and she is just loving high school.

Friends! I have been in touch more with my friends back in England, mostly via Facebook but still, we've been in touch. I love it. If you want, add me! I'm under Andrea Knapp. Family too, we've been in touch a lot. Claire just left after a nice three week vacation and George just got back from a long weekend in Ireland after seeing some friends there. All in all, just great.

I have discovered and played non-stop Scrabulous, a great new game that, really, I am addicted to.

Winter is here! Snow and all that.....

I could just keep listing things that are good and great in the world right now but frankly, there isn't enough time!

Things That Suck Arse Right Now In My World

*tumbleweed rolls by*

Silence

and there you have it!

People who know me well have suggested that I may be suffering from S.A.D. and that a light box may be in my future. Who knows? I am seriously considering it though. But that is all that I can think of that would be depressing me.

Let me think about other things to tell you. Oh, my neighbor annoys the living shit out of me. Really. but that is a story I will keep for days when I have nothing else to blog about.

So, tomorrow, same time same place then for that story? :-)

Anyway, I'm running a bath and tonight is the semi-final of Survivor so I want to be all ready for that.

Back at ya later!

Oh, and don't forget to check out Photographs by Andrea and buy buy buy!!!!!

Demons and Doctors and Darvocet Oh My.........

2007-11-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

Previously on 'A Ropey Old Bird In Ohio.....' - isn't that how all good shows start? :)

As you may recall, I had a trip back to England planned to coincide with my birthday and that of my best friend back there, Sarah. It was AWESOME!

Prior to my going, my Uncle called me and asked whether I'd like to go to Spain for a couple of days "while I was out that way anyway" so of course I accepted. Wouldn't you? I had a strict schedule to stick to, seeing friends and family etc., and I pretty much was able to stick to it. Things haven't changed much though which is good and bad!

Anyhoo...........

Spain was great. My Uncle and I were staying in a hostel and I have to say that while I was pretty much expecting a rat infested, nasty, one bathroom in the hallway for the building, kind of place I was pretty much surprised with a lovely room, en-suite bathroom and daily maid service! All for $30 a night for the both of us! Fantastic. It was also great because my Uncle and I were there on our own and were able to talk about anything and everything. We talked about family, our lives, whether we were happy or not, and about the past which included him regaling me with stories of his days when he played professional rugby for Hull back in the day. Stories of how he was nightclubbing every night and how......... oh wait. You don't need to hear all those stories!!! LOL Most of the nights ended with us completely drunk, staggering home.

aaaaahhhhhh the memories!

Then it was back to England and the first port of call was Filey. My old friend from waaaaaaay back lives there, so after a long drive from Liverpool airport, dropping my Uncle off then a quick drive to Filey, I found myself getting completely hammered in a bar there.

Hammered, shitfaced, minging, blind sticking drunk. Either way you look at it, we were both looking dog rough the next morning when she had me shopping in Scarborough and then up to Scarborough Castle with nothing but a cheese and onion pastie in ma belly!

After a long day there, it was time to drive back to Leeds to stay at my friend Sarahs. It was actually her birthday that day so we exchanged gifts, got drunk and enjoyed friends. It was an emotional night wherein I cried at one point and was blubbering on the phone to George about how I wanted to come home and I was sick of everything.......... long story that was quickly resolved!

The next day, again, completely hung-the-shit-over, we returned the rental car I had hired ($200 for a week not bad!) and went shopping. We had to rush home as we were going out at 3 to meet up with another friend - the one who had me crying the night before! I KNOW!

Now, this is where I start to show my age. When Sarah told me we were going out at 3, I was all "Who goes out at 3 in the afternoon?" We did! Actually, we went at 4 but not until we had already downed a bottle of wine each!

Here, I must point out is where the first part of the title comes into play. Demon. When I left England almost 9 years ago, I also left a relationship that had been tumultuous (like that?) at the very best...... I hadn't heard of or seen that guy for a long time and when I heard he was back in town, the very thought of meeting him again made me sick. Literally physically sick. I am not really sure why. I mean, I wasn't expecting anything to happen but I think because of the way we ended things, I was just nervous. I built myself up into such a state that getting completely drunk was the only way I could come close to being ready to face him. He had told everyone he wasn't going to be out and that he was going to a concert which apparently was a lie because the minute we walked into the nightclub, there he was. After a quick nod, a quick "You alright?" and pleasantries, we were back to being indifferent strangers. We spoke a couple of times throughout the night and that was it. Then I got angry with myself for letting things build up to the point they had and getting myself all upset over nothing. But it's all over and done with now so that's good.

Then at some point, I was dancing with my friend John and someone accidentally - I assume - knocked into me and I twisted my ankle. Of course the first thing people ask is "Were you drunk?" and of course, I was ball-bagged, but luckily, because you don't feel as much pain then!!!! I knew I had done something but thought nothing more of it. We got home at about 3:30 am and I fell quite literally into bed. I woke up at 9-ish the next morning and KNEW my ankle hurt but it wasn't until I tried to move it and almost passed out that I thought "FFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCKKKKK!!!" I had my friends husband take me to the Emergency Room wherein I cried almost all the way there, which is where the second part of the title comes into play.

Doctors. As I mentioned earlier, I have lived here in the States for almost 9 years and have grown quite accustomed to the medical system. I love it. Dr's introduce themselves, take care of you and all that. At the UK ER, the Dr - I assume he was a Dr as he didn't introduce himself, he looked more like a janitor!!! - simply touched the back of my ankle and asked if it hurt there. It didn't so he said "Well, it's just a sprain, I'm not X-raying it" and gave me some paracetomol which is the equivalent of Aceteminophen, and sent me on my way with a pair of ill-fitting crutches.

I cried some more and he then became an obnoxious twat and said in a very condescending tone "Well, if you would let me EDUCATE you...." and proceeded to Google - YES, BLOODY GOOGLE ankle pain!

I knew I had done something to my ankle so just took more pain killers at Sarah's, had her husband call Continental to sort out wheelchair access for me and just cried more.

Bloody English Dr's.

I finally got home the next day and went immediately to my own Orthopedic Dr who promptly, yes PROMPTLY X-rayed it, diagnosed me with a Lisfranc fracture and gave me shitloads of strong medication to help me get over it. Now that is what I call service! D-aaaaaah-rvocet! :)

So there you have it. Overall an excellent trip, even with the ex-boyfriend, hangovers and fractures. I do like to make the most of those visits!

So what did you do the last month?

Awesomely Neglected!

2007-10-01T14:19:00.000-05:00

Really, this blog has become somewhat of a red-headed step-child. Neglected. I started so well, yet here I am blogging what, once a month? Yet somehow, I think about it often, and I have to say that EVERY day something happens I think, Oh, I should blog about that, but then other stuff happens and by the end of the day, I'm just too tired and figure "You know what? I'll tell them tomorrow"

We all know how tomorrows go right?

But here I am.

What to tell you? Oh, I met a couple of famous people while I was in Vegas recently. I say met, I only physically touched one - I KNOW! but the others were in the same taxi line so as things go in the "I met someone famous" world, I met them OK?

In a nutshell, Jack Osbourne who looked as high as a kite and Malcolm in the Middle who was undressing me with his eyes and giving me the come hither look yet, he's about 2 feet tall and weighs a buck fifty if he's wet through. I was 'touched' by Andy Sipowicz - Dennis Franz of NYPD fame. The heel of my brand new boots snapped and he caught me as it happened. Cool huh?

One of the main reasons this blog is neglected is that my interest in photography has increased ten-fold and while having a Flickr account is awesome I have taken it a step further and now have my OWN website which you can find here at Photographs by Andrea dot com! I figured I'd give it a go. Feel free to leave me a comment in the contact page to say hey and to ask me to take your portraits!

Go on. Do it now! I'll wait. *waits*

Let me think what else has happened. Daniel got his school photographs this morning and they look pretty good, complete with the GREAT BIG HICKEY he has on his neck. Yeah, they zapped all the zits he had but couldn't get rid of the hickey? Are you kidding me?

I was reading an article in the paper the other day about some Frenchinasian woman starting her immigration process one day and by the next she was a citizen. Fuck me! Well, it actually took about 4 months but really, I'm already over a year. I put a call into the lawyer and she said she had a call into the Immigration service and they should get back in a couple of days as to what the hold up is. I won't hold my breath if you know what I mean!

It is officially October 1st today which you all know means one thing. It's my birthday month. As much as I HATE getting older, the lead up to my birthday is every bit as exciting as the actual day. George and I were driving somewhere the other day and I asked him "Am I 35 or 36 next?" He almost crashed. Apparently I am going to be a whopping 38! Where the frig did those last couple of years go? Can someone tell me? Anyway, back to the month of October..... Every day will be marked in a special way by me. Probably in a photographic way but marked either way.

Briefly, other things that need to be mentioned.

Why do the people who make toilet doors leave such a bloody huge gap between the door and the frame? I mean, if I wanted people to see me pee then I'd gladly leave the door open. I don't because I don't!
Commercials. Don't need to see them unless they have Peyton Manning in there somewhere.
Fall TV season is back and I'm thrilled shitless.
I have one more trip to England coming at the end of this month, just after my birthday so I am TOTALLY looking forward to that.
Chicago. That's all I want to say. Chicago *smiles*

That's about it. I WILL be back but until then, check me out at my other places of residence.

catch y'all later!

When I Grow Up I Want To Be A ...........

2007-08-31T15:46:00.000-05:00

WORLD TRAVELER!!

Every year, well, towards the end of each year anyway, I always talk about how I'm done with traveling, how I'm sick of flying and airports and stuff like that.

I know.

Spoiled.

Well, I have come to realize that I LOVE traveling, don't mind flying so much and airports? Well, will anyone EVER like them? Nah......

Anyway, like I said, I have changed my mind and have to declare to one and all;

"I LOVE TRAVELING........."

Over the past two years alone, I have been to:

Switzerland (loved it)
Chicago (bunches of times)
New Zealand (to see my brothers)
Dallas (J.R fan that I am)
Punta Cana D.R. (vacation)
England (sad and good times)
Ireland (friends live there)
New York (After Chicago, my most *hearted* place)
Canada (well, someone has to)
Las Vegas (Gamblers Anon)

and so on and so on.......

Just in the past two years!!! I've had fun at all these places so I can't imagine why I think that I don't like traveling.

Recently, I was invited to a party back in Chicago and after having not been there since March apparently - that and the fact that I love Michael, I decided to go. I got a cheap flight and it is booked. While doing so, I also remembered that I had said I would go back to the UK for my birthday and the birthday of a friend around the same time, so I have been checking into that too. I'm going around the end of October, and get this, while there, I will be nipping over to Ireland (cheap at $90 round trip).

Remember my recent trip to Vegas when I said that Celine "I'm a selfish cow" Dion went on vacation so I couldn't I see her show? Well, I was sorely disappointed at that so checked into getting tickets when she wouldn't be on vacay, and lo and behold, I managed to grab a decent seat for a show at the end of September. George also - for future anniversaries and Christmases and Birthdays through the end of 2023 - managed to book us a first class flight round trip to Vegas and a penthouse-y suite at Ceasar's. So that makes three trips before Christmas, well four if you count Ireland!

But we aren't done! George and I are going to be traveling to Todi, Italy in May of '08. Staying in a castle no less! We are going to be staying with a bunch of people we met through Flickr so that is going to be so much fun I can't even stand it! The countdown has already begun.

We are going to be taking our main vacation next Summer to Europe. Instead of doing a one week thing, we will be taking the kids for two weeks to England and traveling to Scotland, Ireland, London, France etc., so that should be fun too, especially as two of the kids have never been to that side of the world!

At Christmas next year we shall be visiting my brothers again in New Zealand. What with it being their Summertime during our Winter, how cool or rather 'hot' will THAT Christmas be? Awesome.

I'm sure in between all these major trips there will be a Chicago, New York or some such other trip taking place so, for once, I'm LOVING traveling.

The only thing that would make this any better would be to get paid for writing, reporting, taking pictures etc., while doing it!

Anyone know how I go about this :) ? Maybe I should create a travel blog or something.

Is There AnyBody Out There...................?

2007-08-21T15:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still here.

I KNOW!

I can't believe there are times when I think my life is mundane and sod all happens. Apparently, A LOT happens, hence my complete lack of posting. I'm such an arse.

Let me give you a quick re-cap - in case you actually still care - of what has been happening here at Chateau Knapp.

Well, as you know, July was vacation time for us.

Followed swiftly by a nice four day trip to Las Vegas.......

Wherein I didn't gamble, but I did do a lot of shopping, spent time by the pool and went to see a show. I wanted to see Celine Dion but the inconsiderate bitch was on vacation! I think I may have briefly mentioned this in my last post.... oh well. All the while, missing my internet life........

Then, we had relatives in from England for a couple of weeks. They don't have computers so don't appreciate the amazingness that is the internet and don't understand why I would want to spend any time at all on the computer. Suffice to say that I didn't really use it much. I KNOW!

The photo group I belong to on Flickr had it's Anniversary show downtown at the Kelly Randall Gallery, details about it are here. That was so much fun I can't even tell you! I had three pictures in a show at an art gallery! I'm so proud of myself!

We DID throw a party while they were here and I have to say, from what I remember about it, it was A LOT OF FUN! Drinking, whirlpooling, duck-diving, volley-ball, drinking, eating and drinking happened A LOT! All the while, missing my internet life...........

Also, I managed to get in a spa day with Denise, we went bowling and did all sorts of other fun stuff. All the while, missing my internet life.............

Georgia managed to pass her temps and is now driving George insane - literally!

Then my rellies went back to England.

I had a day or two to catch up on laundry, getting school schedules for Georgia who is going to High School next week, sorting other bits and pieces out and then I was all prepared to get back into my internet life, with e-mails, texts, posts, Flickr uploads etc., and then......................

George broke his ankle.

So, my day for getting back in touch with you all has been put back somewhat......

George is in severe pain, is already asking for sponge baths - no IDEA what he is talking about - and is high as a kite on crappy Vicodin. He is about to upgrade to Percocet once I go to the pharmacy to help him out!

So there you have it. I'm kinda back to normal and regular blogging should resume shortly.

Thanks, and have a wonderful day!

I REALLY should pay more attention!

2007-07-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

Most people out there know one thing about me for certain. I don't do shopping.

*she says after a day spent buying a brand new lap top, frogs and vase*

But really. I'm not a person that can spend a whole day just wandering aimlessly around a mall, going into stores and trying shit on that I don't even have the slightest intention of buying, then eating lunch AT the mall then doing more non-buying for the remainder of the day.

Personally, when I shop I know what I want, go in - half the time not even trying the stuff on, then I'm out. Over and done with.

But lately, therein lies the problem. When I'm walking into the store, I don't look at labels OR which which department I'm even in half the time!

This past week, I'm ashamed to say that for myself I have bought mens boxer shorts, four maternity tops and a nursing bra!

Yes, you heard me, a bloody nursing bra! I just looked at the size, and put it in my trolley. I got home, put it on and wondered what the little hole-y things were and why the straps came loose at the front but not in a "wear-it-strapless" kind of way but more in a "get-yer-tits-out-for-the-lads" kind of way!

Then I read the label.

Light bulb moment!

Luckily for me, G can wear the shorts, and the tops are kind of the style at the moment right now. But what about in the future? What if I go shopping for some socks and come home with a new microwave. What if go shopping for some knickers and come home with some napkins and a full dining set?

Answer me that!

In other news, I'm feeling much better and we have only four days till Vegas.

* I hate shopping for myself but if anyone comes to town, I'll shop all day!

If It Wasn't For Where They Put The Thermometer......

2007-07-27T00:37:00.000-05:00

Since returning from vacation that was Punta Cana, D.R., I haven't been feeling too well. For 'not feeling too well' read 'pretty much living on the loo.'

Not sure quite what is wrong with me but I DO know what isn't right!!!! Also, since returning from the kennels while we were away, Daisy Bagel hasn't been feeling too well either. For 'not feeling to well' read pretty much the same thing as me but the dog loo.

George just got back from the vets office where he had taken Daisy to get fixed but, as she was ill, they wouldn't operate, instead, they gave her a bunch of pills and told us to return same time next week. Actually, they were much nicer than I give them credit for which brings me to my post today.

George mentioned that prior to them leaving the house, Daisy threw up once, then threw up IN the car twice on the way there, then threw up AT the vets office twice. While there, the staff couldn't have been nicer. They cleaned up the mess with no complaining, gave George wipes etc., to clean his car, coddled the dog to death and made sure both were fine when they left.

Basically, a dog gets away with everything.

Dogs slobber all over the desk when they get to the vets and pretty much bark and howl from the minute they arrive till they leave and the vets smile cheerfully - I'd like to see my doctor treat me as well if I slobbered all over their front desk, never mind shouted and complained loudly.

Dogs can shit and wee basically anywhere they please and the vets will just smile, give a shrug of the shoulders with a hint of 'dogs, what can you do?' - I'd like to see my doctor just smile with a 'Andi, what can you do?'

Dogs can throw up and be nervous about traveling and operations etc., and the vets will just clean it up and ask if "everything is OK and can they do anything more to help?" - My doctor will take me off their list of patients and send me a bill. A big bill at that!

I'm thinking my dog is getting better treatment and that if I continue to feel the way I do, I'm going to lube up and make an appointment at the Animal Hospital.

In other news, George has started speaking with a Welsh accent.

Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man

2007-07-12T06:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, during a brief couple of hours downtime, George, Daniel and I sat down to watch a 'docudrama' that I had rented from Netflix. The film was 49 Up! which, if you haven't seen it yet, you should drop what you are doing right now - go on, I'll wait - and go rent it.

The premise of 49 Up! is this. In 1964, English filmmakers gathered a group of fourteen British children from various economic and social backgrounds, all age 7, and made a documentary about them called 7 Up. Every seven years afterward, they revisited the same children and made another documentary about them, chronicling their lives at the ages of 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and now 49.

I can't even begin to tell you how fascinating this series is and I have goosebumps now even as I am typing this. At first, you smile as you watch vintage black and white footage of this kids being interviewed and asked such questions as "What do you want to be when you grow up?". You laugh out loud when one kid answers "When I grow up, I want to be either an astronaut or a coach driver" Hhhhmmmm Diverse?

Then, as they each grow older, you see how their upbringing and social standing affects their lives and it is astounding how such simple things can make such a difference. One guy had been brought up in a care (not quite sure what the American Version of this is - it escapes me now) and when asked, ALL he ever wanted in life was to have a family, be happy, to love and be loved. Not rich, or famous or anything like that, just basic things that he didn't have when he was a child. You could see during his whole life - 'till 49, that he was always questioning whether he was doing enough, and doubting whether the people IN his life really did love him. All this, and had his parents made better - different - choices, you have to wonder how different this man would be. At many times I was all ready with my Kleenex as you see them with their families, or being homeless, or arguing with the filmaker about how intrusive this filming is etc.,

Many times during the film, I turned to George and said that I would have LOVED to have taken part in this. I would love to see vintage me at 7, to have captured in film my dreams, my goals etc., To be filmed now, at almost 38 and see just how different my life IS, to see how different my goals ARE from that young child at 7 would be amazing. I'm almost crying thinking about it.

I can't tell you enough just how amazing this film is, and I really wasn't joking when I said GO RENT IT NOW!!!!!! I can guarantee that watching this will make you think about your own life, the decisions you have made and how you make future decisions. It has certainly made me think about mine.

I have also added some pictures of a younger me, just so you can see what I WAS like, and if you personally know me, I wonder if, looking at these pictures, I am the person you thought I would have ended up as?

Michigan Fun........

2007-07-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend we attended a wedding of a very dear friend of ours in Dundee, Michigan. We dropped the dogs off at the kennels on Friday then set off for the wedding.

It was lovely, very proper and fun at the same time. When the Wedding March is interrupted by the Ohio State Fight Song* you know it's all going uphill from there!

However, I'm guessing that opening the huge church doors and catching my toes and ripping the skin off them then dropping a rather loud F-Bomb in a very echoey place won't make me any closer to God. Good job I'm not religious then.

It was a nice break from remodeling the bathroom for George and just nice to get to see Sarah and some other people I hadn't seen in a couple of years. It was nice to see the kids dressed up and having fun too!

We came back today, picked up the dogs from the kennels, and came home to chill for a while. I say chill in the most sarcastic way because right now, the weather is anything BUT chilly. This afternoon it was 95 degrees, that's about 35 for you Europeans (I know you probably already know that but whatever...........) which called for a fully clothed jump into the pool.

The kids seemed to enjoy their first proper wedding but were confused by many things. Daniel has sworn off getting married EVER and Georgia? Well, George won't let her get married till she's at least 35 so we are good there........ But one thing I DO love about weddings. All married couples sitting in the aisles look at each other, remember when it was their day, nod and shake their heads in agreement with the preacher when he is telling the Bride & Groom about "Loving" and "Understanding" and "Comforting" your other half and how it isn't always an easy path they are taking. Every now and again, if they are fortunate, someone will shout "Run for the Hills while you still can......" I joke, I joke... But as I said earlier, it was a fun wedding and I'm glad we went.

This coming week, while George is finishing the bedroom and replacing more doors upstairs, I shall be trying to get us all ready for our vacation to Punta Cana. I am looking forward to that if I do say so myself.

Now, I shall go and jump into the pool again, this time with my swimsuit on. Plus I need to recover from the shock of posting twice in less than a week.

Georgia and Dan

Happy Fourth of July and all that.........

2007-07-04T07:46:00.000-05:00

Yep. Today is July 4th, the day Americans celebrate their Independence from Great Britain. You know how I know this, aside from all the fireworks that were set off last night until the ungodly hour of 10:30 pm? and the unusual plethora of flags all over the place?

I know this because almost EVERY person makes some stupid arsed comment about me being English and how they hate the English and how the English ruined it all for them and how if it wasn't for England they'd be a much happier place and how and how and how.

I get this every year. Because, the first time I heard it all? It wasn't nearly as funny so I have to be told it again and and again until I actually laugh out loud and say "Stop it, you funny American you".....

Actually, I don't really mind. I mean, if my country had been taken over for a while I'd be pretty pissed. Oh wait, it never has been*! :)

Before any Americans start commenting nastily, please hold off............

I have lived here for almost 9 years - bloody Nora time flies! I'm still waiting to become an official citizen and not just an alien. (Yes, I'm an alien which leads to yet more crappy not funny jokes.) My Immigration $$$$$$ lawyer tells me that it has been almost a year since we put the forms in so I should be hearing pretty soon when my test and interview should be and that I should start revising. So I'm trying to revise. Trying. But I get easily distracted, like, I've always wanted to go to Mt Rushmore and when I see the cover of the Civil Test Packet, I start to day dream about that and not think about the 13 original colonies etc.,

and how many stars are on the flag? I start to think about all the stars I want to meet, like Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs etc., and how I want to do a dirty job with him. A really DIRTY JOB if you know what I mean!!!!!!

See? Distracting isn't it?

For some reason, I am quite looking forward to that day. I know that we are going to have a huge party - to which you are all invited of course - and it may be a themed one too, wherein you all have to dress up as a character from American History. (Obviously you won't have much of a choice as your history isn't that great - a joke a joke.......) I also may start talking with my crappy American Accent from that day forth too. Oh, you Americans have so much to look forward to:)

However, I am also looking at things from another angle. Should my interview NOT go well or should I totally flunk the test - Bill Pullman WAS one of the presidents wasn't he? it also gives us a chance to live elsewhere. I mean, if America doesn't want me *sobs* then where else can we live? is the way I look at it. I won't go back to England (not because she isn't great and almighty - more in it wouldn't be a step forward for me or the kids). George wants to live in Mexico but I want to go live somewhere far away like an island somewhere..........*distracted again*

Where was I?

Oh, America. So, even though I AM English and hated for it, I shall try to put this to one side and enjoy the festivities of today. The parades, the hot dogs and burgers, the joy, the pride, the euphoria, the overall gratification that is July 4th.

Enjoy it and make it a safe one.

I'll end this post with a picture of someone who sets off fireworks in all the right places for me..... Ladies, please salivate over Mr Mike Rowe. Be Dirty...................

*can't be arsed checking to see if we have ever been taken over by someone else but I doubt it so take that as my 100% confirmation.

I'll Post Tomorrow When It Isn't Quite So Hot!!!

2007-06-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

This afternoon, at 3:00 pm, it was this bloody hot and I don't care who you are, it is too hot to do ANYTHING.

(38 Celsius)

We have cooled down to a nice 90 now at 4:45 pm so it's looking up!

Shakespeare Would Be So Proud......

2007-06-13T14:37:00.000-05:00

One song - and I use that term lightly - that has been playing constantly on the radio here is "This is why I'm hot...." by an artiste - again, lightly - named Mims.

Looking at the first part of the song, we can clearly see that he attended only the first class in the Semester of "Song Writin' For the Rapper in You"....

This is why I'm hot
This is why I'm hot
This is why
This is why
Uh
This is why I'm hot
Uh
This is why I'm hot
This is why I'm hot
Whoo
This is why
This is why
This is why I'm hot

I'm hot cause I'm fly
You ain't cause you're not
This is why
This is why
This is why I'm hot
This is why I'm hot
I'm hot cause I'm fly
You ain't cause you're not
This is why
This is why
This is why I'm hot
This is why I'm hot

I gave you the lyrics first so you can sing along to this video.....

Enjoy.

I love the part where he says "You ain't cause you're not...." Huh?

It drives me mental and I don't see why I should be the only one suffering here......

I'm still looking for someone to redesign my blog... anyone out there?

Back soon!

In a nutshell........

2007-06-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

bugger all has been happening lately and rather than bore you to death with "today I woke up" and "today I watched TV" and "today I took a dump", I thought I'd wait a while to see if anything exciting happened.

It didn't.

So, today, I woke up............

Actually, seeing as the weather has been nice of late, we opened the pool:

sorted out the yard:

and basically have chilled out and spent time together as a family - even Nick came round - I KNOW!!!!!!

I really wish I had something more exciting to tell you but I don't. I fear this blog may just end up dying a slow death unless something happens and I would really hate for that to happen. So, over the next few days, I think I'm going to re-vamp the blog, give it a new look, get rid of those pictures at the top and replace them with better ones, and come up with some topics worthy of your time and attention - coz you do give it your all don't you once you come to see my page?

Yes, I thought so!

So, don't count me out quite yet. I'm hanging in there........

To Quote Dr. Phil........

2007-05-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"

Yesterday, George and I decided that we were going to make some substantial home improvements, namely having the living room, dining room, kitchen, hallway and stairs done out with wooden flooring and the upstairs bathroom tiled and completely re-done. Major MAJOR work. Yesterday we decided this!

The job of sorting all this out is down to me. I didn't think it would be quite so painful, demeaning, and an all round general pain in the arse. Many things have happened today, and I have a headache just re-hashing them so I'm going to tell you the one thing that infuriated the living shit out of me.

I called 'Empire Today', you know Empire, from that painful commercial? (I could only find the old version):

Anyway, I called them today to set up an appointment for a quote and the cheeky bitch on the other end of the line said THREE times during the call "The Decision Maker MUST be there when our sales guy calls". I told her that I WAS the decision maker - well, I am!!! - and she still repeated the same thing.

Sexism! In this day and age. Like "The old man must be there in case the little wifey makes a mistake......" BITCH. Once she finally got it into her thick skull, we set up the appointment and it was done. THEN I started checking out Empire on the internet and all I could see were complaints after complaints after complaints. I decided one headache was enough and tried to cancel the appointment. They wouldn't let me! They said they would send the sales guy round and "the Decision Maker could cancel".

Are you kidding me?

So, when he comes to my door this afternoon, at the pre-canceled appointment, you know who will be slamming the door in his face?

The Decision Maker. (I feel like there should be some dun-dun-duuuuuun music playing!)

Does anyone know a guy who can do flooring? I'll take suggestions!

In other news, The Elf Shorts have surfaced. Check out here for the COMPLETE history of the shorts from the birth of the idea to the current status and enter for your chance to win!!! You know you wanna!

A Fantastic Journey....

2007-05-22T16:49:00.000-05:00

I'm back.

I'm tired.

I'm hungover.

But I'm happy! I had the most AWESOME time over in England, and for the pictures? You can check them out here.

I am SOOOOO ready to go back for another visit and that may be sooner than anyone thinks!

OMG! I haven't stopped telling the stories, the jokes or repeating the gossip. It couldn't have been better!

It was bleak;

But it was fun;

and I miss everyone already!

23 WHAT? - A short post.....

2007-05-18T12:38:00.000-05:00

To help me sleep after my jet lag issues etc., I tried watching a show on BBC something or other called Super Slim Me. A reporter tries to lose weight and reach the apparently 'acceptable' waist measurement that Victoria Beckham is at. 23 ".

23 INCHES.

Her waist.

23 INCHES.

Just for a guide? My left leg?

I'm not embarassed *as I drink copious amounts of wine to dull my senses*

To quote Gloria Gaynor - "I am what I am" - but WTF? Victoria Beckham's wasit is 23 INCHES?

What say you?

BTW - I'm having TONS O' FUN.

You Want A Piece Of ME?

2007-05-15T14:44:00.000-05:00

A Copy Post .......... sort of.

2007-05-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

I was just over at Stella's blog, and saw that she had made a list of the 5 things she loves/hates about living in Switzerland, and I thought, I'm lacking in the 'interesting posts' of late so I thought I'd borrow her idea and do my own, adding the American Twist to things.

So here goes;

Five Things I Love About America

The weather. Living in the US means that 4 times during the year, I actually get a different season. Spring, Summer, Fall AND Winter no less! Granted, living in Northeast Ohio means that sometimes I can get all 4 seasons in one day but still, it's lovely. Coming from England where you may get sunshine for a couple of weeks, here, we are guaranteed at least 3 months of HOT HOT sunny weather. Then, in the Fall we get warm, sit on your deck in the evening, drinking and chilling with friends weather. Then, when Mother Nature feels like she has had enough of being nice, she lets loose with Winter and we get snow out the arse! It still makes me laugh when Winter comes and in the UK there are reports of 20,000 homes being without power after a whopping 2cm of 'light frosty' snow has fallen. Americans wouldn't even sneeze at that! We get 2 FEET of snow and maybe we'll get the road sweepers out! Maybe. Then, after 3 months of that, the old bitch teases us with Spring. Then Winter. Then Spring. I wouldn't change it for anything.
Size. Does matter! People around the world make fun of Americans by saying "everything is bigger". Well, let me tell you it is! And I love it! My TV is about 61" wide and I love it. My washer can fit 12 pairs of jeans and a couple of bath towel comfortably and I love it. Cars are bigger. Granted people are bigger but hey... give and take you know! The country as a whole is bigger than the UK where I originated. It takes approx 10+ hours to drive from the top to the bottom of the UK. I think it would take 10 hours alone to drive through Ohio (from top left to bottom right :)
People. I have made many MANY friends over here, from all over the US. Good, genuine, I couldn't live without, close friends. When I first moved here, I was shocked and somewhat bothered by how friendly people were. Everyone you met asked "How are you?" and took time to enquire about your day, your family, your well-being. To tell the truth, it sounded totally fake. Slowly but surely, I made friends and realised that they actually WERE interested in how you were! I notice this attitude more when I take trips back to the UK and people you meet seem grumpy, could give a toss how you were and what you were doing. This doesn't apply to all English people (so no hate mail please) just some. But friends, and friendly people sure make living here easy!
TV. Well of course I was going to say this! I love the variety of shows we have here. Being able to watch shows as and when they happen and not have to wait for the next season to watch the show (as in the UK and Friends etc.,) is awesome. I get the cream of the crop of English TV shows from BBC America or YouTube or the Internet so I don't miss out. But I LOVE LOVE the TV.
My American Husband. 'Nuff said.

Five Things I Hate About America

Lack of optional transport. I have lived in the US for 8 years and have seen probably 5 taxi cabs. I don't mean airport taxis, I mean taxis in and around the city. There just isn't a taxi company in the city or surrounding city. Bus services? There is a meagre offering of buses but nothing like the UK where you can stand on a corner and if you miss one bus, another will be by in 10 minutes, plus there are a variety of routes. I should also point out there is a high rate of Drunk Drivers here too. Hhhhhhmmmm. Wonder why!?
Accent Aggravations. If I have heard it once, I've heard it a million times from people when engaged in a conversation with me. "Speak English!" Yep. That's what they tell ME! I don't speak a completely different language but you'd think I did from the puzzled looks I get from people. In fact, I have gone over and above what I think I should as far as the way I speak and how I have 'simplified' my 'language'. I pronounce all my T's, and H's, I use American words such as 'Gas' and 'Garbage' etc., yet people STILL either make fun of how I talk or just look at me disgusted.
Commercials. Can you believe I'm complaining about TV? I KNOW! But thankfully, DVR was invented and now, watching 'live' TV is now only painful when watching sports. Once you watch a taped show, and you can fast forward through the commercials you realise just how many there are. A 30 minute show can be sometimes be watched in 12-15 minutes! Amazing. I have a few favorite commercials but really? I could live without them and would quite happily let George pay for the privilege of us never having to watch them again if such an offer was made!
Lack of Knowledge about The UK and it's geography. Whenever people talk about visiting the UK, they only mention one place. London. I agree London has it's offerings but really, what about the coastal towns? the seasides? the moors? the castles? the parks? the countryside? What about them? As I mentioned above England is a fairly small country and if you had a week, you could easily tour the place and see many other things than just your fellow countrymen seeing the same thing. Yeah, Buckingham Palace is nice but so is Castle Howard. Variety IS the spice of life they say.
Immigration processes. I am still waiting for the Immigration Dept to contact me with a date for my test and interview. I would also like to add my thoughts about how I have to take a test on American History and the Government etc., when more than half the Americans I test with the questions I will be asked have no clue as to the answers! I have had my fingerprints taken a total of 4 times - as you know they change on a frequent basis...... and you can't contact them about your case on an individual basis. THEY will contact YOU as and when THEY feel necessary! I would like to add that the only thing I've ever done wrong was get a couple of speeding tickets. I have paid beacoup de taxes, been an upright citizen, and even work for the Government now but do you think any of this will have any bearing on when, or if I become a citizen? Nope.

One Thing I Would Miss If I Ever Left?

My friends. I know we would keep in touch but not seeing them as often as I do? Heartbreaking.

Summer is a-coming...........

2007-05-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

And nothing makes me happier than to be out, taking pictures, by the lake.

I'm a nature girl I have decided. However, that does NOT mean I'll be wandering about with me clothes off.

Back later.........

Making The Sick Well Again.........

2007-05-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

You know how women always complain about men being big girls blouses when it comes to them being sick? How if they have just a smidge of a sneeze coming they think they have flu? and if they have hernia surgery they act like they've had their legs chopped off? Oh wait. Did I say that out loud?

Hhhhhmmmmmmmm. That's all I'm saying.

This week, I have been able to spend alot of time with George. Precious time. Precious precious getting to know you but now you are starting to get on my nerves time. The trouble, I think, is that he hates HATES being housebound and being in pain is not letting him be anywhere BUT the house. I managed to get him outside on the deck for half an hour but all that happened there was I ended up getting sunburned.

He wants to sleep and I want to get out of his way as even typing a post is TOO LOUD and whispering IS ANNOYING etc., Fortunately for me, I was scheduled to work on Saturday morning and it just so happened that my shift was the same day as the annual Uniform Inspection!

Today though I managed to get him outside, if only for about 20 minutes before the pain kicked in. We went to the local park, took some pictures;

and hobbled around, got some fresh air then returned home in time for him to take more painkillers and sleep.

Some more.

All joking aside though, and I AM only joking, we have had fun. We realised that we DO actually enjoy each others company. We are even spending time with the kids, which, I have to say is new to me :) We have been playing board games, watching TV (though he hasn't YET managed to catch on to Dallas or The Office try as I might) and just chilling.

Eventually though he will have to go back to work and I will miss him loads.

Loads and loads.

Today, I will mostly be wearing a nurses outfit but not in an arousing, porn, I want sex kind of way.....

2007-05-02T17:28:00.000-05:00

More in the way of nursing my husband back to health after his Hernia Operation.

It's been a long day, yet we are home, he's relaxing and screaming for his dinner.

I must dash and do my wifely duties.

I know! Me! Wifely Duties! P'ah! For slideshow, see here

In three words or less.........

2007-05-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

Tell me what I've become if I get super-excited at the thought of my new washer and dryer being installed as we speak......

Words you can't use:

Housewife
Boring
Dead
Spoiled/Spoilt

Got it? Now go ahead!

Flashy Buttons and stuff......

Washer and Dryer with additional shoe drying rack
(next size up? Commercial size, so these MoFo's are BIIIIG)

Spring Spring Spring Spring.......................

2007-04-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't it amazing how just a few simple things like Sun, Warmth, Friends, Beer and oh, did I mention Sun yet? can completely change how you think, how you feel on a daily basis, just making you feel cheery?

Well, this weekend I had a chance to indulge myself, sampling all the above and let me tell you. Right now? Nothing could make me feel miserable or down in the dumps.

Michael came for the weekend after enduring the Megabus for over 7+ hours and when I saw him, it felt like I had only just seen him the day before and not the eons that have actually passed since we last met. We managed to get a lot into this brief weekend, and it helps that we are on the same wavelength! We took pictures of EVERYTHING, sang (well I did), played a great game that Michael almost won but didn't *collective aaaaaaawwww* and ate and drank our way to regaining the 20lbs I just lost.

Fantastic.

It is times like these, that I remember how lucky I am. Lucky to have the friends that I do, the husband that I do and to be able to live where I do and how I do.

Lucky Lucky Lucky......

I am so happy about life and stuff right now that I can't even compose a post about anything else, so I shall just drink in the feeling, get drunk with the feeling and tomorrow or in a few days from now, wake up with a hangover from the feeling and be back to the miserable beyotch you have all come to know and love.....

We Wore Him Out!!!

2007-04-29T20:56:00.000-05:00

Shortly after he pulled Aunt Jemima out of his arse, Michael fell asleep.

A good weekend was had by all.

Regular blogging continues tomorrow........

On The Road Again..........

2007-04-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

At some point today, Michael will be mounting (oo-er missus) the Megabus and will be heading to the cool, hip-happening town that is Cleveland. However, seeing that Cleveland is neither cool OR hip-happening, he might just ride on through and head to somewhere East of here. Christ, if it were me I'd be heading East till I hit New York or some such place.....

Anyway, until he arrives - after a 10 hour bus journey his ETA will be 10:30 PM - I shall be racing around the house like a blue arsed fly. Thus far I have shampooed my carpets, washed bed sheets, dusted, cleaned the bathrooms and bought little trinkets that will remind him of the fab time he had here.

Did you catch that I have dusted? I thought it was about time I got rid of the "Ms Mac Woz 'Ere" scribblings Stella left in the dust the last time she visited!.

I KNOW!

I'll actually be working when he arrives so it will be up to George to collect him. I'm hoping they come and visit me at work before they go home, that way Michael can see me in action (again with the sexual references!) Once I have slept a couple of hours in the morning, our weekend of fun will begin!

For those of you who have never met Michael, let me tell you this. Michael is funny, smart, generous, friendly, giving, one of my best friends and just an all round pleasure to know. I am so excited that he is coming to visit! Listen to Michael being interviewed here. This is him to a T. There are soooo many comments I could make ABOUT this interview however, I'll leave you with a "Wait till you hear the hammer part...." and the story about his sister? Priceless!

Pictures will be posted on Monday and a review Ms Mac style will be given.....

Have fun without me!

Ssshhhhhhhhhhh! Don't Tell Anyone But.......

2007-04-21T20:23:00.000-05:00

Spring may have arrived......

But don't tell anyone, coz this is North East Ohio and if the past few weeks are anything to go by it could be snowing tomorrow.

Until then, enjoy Spring-ish pictures!

My Secret.........

2007-04-20T20:40:00.000-05:00

In my spare time, in private, I read romance 'novels'.

In disguise.

Is THIS the America I want my kids to grow up in?

2007-04-20T07:20:00.000-05:00

When you ask most Americans what they think represents England most to them they'll give you three answers.

Double Decker Buses
The Royal Family
Tea.

If you ask most people overseas what they think represents America most to them, they may come up with three answers.

American Flag
War
Guns.

Astounding. When my aunt came to visit us here in the U.S. once, she had an almost apoplectic fit when she saw a Police Officer in McDonalds, having lunch while wearing his gun. I know that before I came here, I thought naively, EVERYONE had guns and that on a daily basis, someone somewhere was getting shot. Not in an an apocolyptic way, just kind of how you see in TV shows as that was the only source of information we mostly got.

Having lived here now for over 8 years, I can safely say, that isn't the case! Really! Aside from the fact that I have never heard of anyone getting shot, I work at the Police Department and in the 2 and a half years I have worked there, we have never had anyone shoot at someone or have someone being shot.

Yet disturbingly, things have changed.

About two weeks ago, a student at my son's high school recently took his own life. He was apparently found in his fathers vehicle, and had used a gun. The Principal UNBELIEVABLY announced this suicide over the loudspeaker system installed in the school. He actually used the words "This morning, a student of ours was found dead after having shot himself in the head". HE USED THOSE EXACT WORDS! I shit you not... I believe the school brought counselors in and they were available to all students. I would assume after being told in this manner that everyone took advantage of those counselors.

Yesterday, ANOTHER student killed herself. Someone must have spoken with the Principal about how he managed his last announcement, as this time, teachers went into each individual class room and spoke with the students in a more personal way. The note we got home yesterday stated that an "Outside Crisis Intervention Team in addition to staff psychologists and social workers" has been brought in to help.

WTF is going on??????

Elsewhere in the U.S. (as I'm sure you are all aware) there has been the recent Virginia Tech shootings. Scary scary stuff. Scary, that we can't send our kids to school without wondering whether the News Break that suddenly appears at noon is something that may be happening to the school that my child attends. Scary that when I see Mentor Public Schools on my Caller ID this morning I IMMEDIATELY panic that 'IT' has happened and I sent my child to school. (It was just the school confirming an appointment - luckily). Already today, a local school has been closed with threats.

This morning before Daniel went to school, he told me that on the local teen MySpace pages (that almost every teen in the world uses) there have been threats of copycat shootings and other revenge ideas going around. Dan said that many students weren't even going to school today. Yet I still sent him. Once he had left, Georgia came in to the living room all upset, eyes red and informs me that there have been lots of threats made (again via MySpace) to her school and that the local Police Department is aware of this and the school is on High Alert and that she doesn't want to go to school. Yet I sent her.

What am I supposed to do? I feel bad but should I bow down to idiot kids who want to disrupt everyone's life?

Oh, and as a side note, today is the anniversary of the Columbine shootings.

Blimey, the only thing I had to worry about when I went to school was my sewing teacher "Baggy Bowler" and whether I had done my homework to scratch....

When I moved here to America, I never thought I would be in this situation. There are really so many fantastic things about living here in America, so many it would take all day to tell you, but it only takes one or two events to make you wonder......

Lost, And Not Sure Where I'm Going.......

2007-04-16T02:58:00.000-05:00

See this picture? I took it a couple of weeks ago at our local beach. When I came upon this scene, I just thought it was pretty spooky, but the more I look at it and think about it, I feel like I'm becoming that fence! I know that may make no sense to you but I'm trying......

Lately, lots of things have been going on in my life that have been difficult to understand. If it isn't one thing it's another. You all know I have been having trouble with my back. Well, I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow but I've already been told I have some form of arthritis in my lower back. At 37!!!!!! There could be further problems, hence the MRI but all you really need to know is that I am in a SHITLOAD OF PAIN and being in pain also makes it hard to sleep (hence my being up at 4:00 am writing this post!) and lack of sleep makes me irritable, cranky and lazy as I am mostly catching up on my sleep during the day when I should be cleaning etc., and a messy house and lack of laundry makes everyone else cranky and so on and so on....

There are also problems going on with 'les enfants' of which I COULD tell you about but I won't. Just know that all those problems, on top of the ones I just told you about? Are pretty much making my life a living nightmare.

George is about to have some surgery too, hernia-style, that he isn't looking forward to. He has the biggest bulge ever....... and not in a good way! :) He also starts his new job (same company) today so he has that all on his mind....

There are lots of other things going on around us, people being ill, dying, arguing, bitching and whining etc., Nothing I can do about those but still, it gets to you.......

I feel like my life is spiralling and I can't stop it. I have so much to do, so little time to do it, yet I have ALL the time in the world....... What is THAT all about?

I'm thinking I may have depressed you all to boredom by now. Have I? Sorry about that, but what is a blog if it isn't a place to tell all and sundry about your life, where you can expect a glimmer of sympathy, or a - You think YOUR life sucks, try mine.... - comment thrown in for good measure.

I know that my life doesn't suck, and that it could be a lot worse, a whole massive amount worse, but right now I'm feeling like that fence up there in that picture. Just standing there alone, heading off into the fog that is my future, not knowing what will be there and how it will all turn out.

Clues anyone?

* I was going to just do a re-post of an old post instead of telling you all this but hey, I thought you'd rather know....

Who Went To Dallas?

2007-04-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, Yeah! WE DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(music loops twice but is short so don't get your knickers in a twist!)

Mummy, You DID Not Do What I Think You Did, Did You?

2007-04-07T14:14:00.000-05:00

No Georgia. I did NOT just sit on J.R. Ewing's bed and leave a splooge* mark.

*quickly wipes the spot*

As you can see we are CLEARLY having fun here in Dallas, Texas and in particular, the Southfork Ranch......

Thus far, we have been upgraded to a FAR better room as the old room was in poor condition, and quite honestly, I don't even like finding Jorge's undies under my bed, never mind some complete strangers**....

We have enjoyed looking at trees WITH leaves and not snow......

We have enjoyed people laughing at us 'Northerners' wearing big huge Winter Jackets while they are complaining of being cold at a nice 47 degrees......

We enjoyed the tour of SouthFork Ranch especially the part where I asked for the husband of a woman there to be kicked out of the room when he proclaimed to have never seen an episode of Dallas. HELLO??????????????

I enjoyed JR's bedroom. ALOT.

and now, we are back at the hotel, checking in on our internet lives and pretty soon will have dinner and watch a movie, ready to return to cold cold Ohio tomorrow.....

Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

* You know what kind of splooge mark I'm talking about too :)
** Oh yes we did!

Breaking News.....!!!!

2007-04-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

Not sure if you know it or not but I've been trying to lose weight lately.

So far I have lost 20 lbs and I reached a milestone! Want to know what my milestone is?

I actually weigh what my Drivers License tells you I weigh! :) Only 20 more lbs to go and I'm done.

I'll be back later, I just have to go dance on a few rooftops and shout a bit!

Is All I'm Saying..............

2007-04-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was so pissed off at someone, so outrageously, my head is about to explode, I can't believe you did that, pissed off that I sank into a deep depression last night.

Then I got over it. Because I am above all that. But I will say one thing!

DON'T complain at me for doing something one way way when a certain other person has been doing it their way, the wrong way, for years and apparently this didn't prompt you to send THEM an e-mail!

Is all I'm saying.................

I'm off for a walk. Hopefully, I shall be back to my peaceful, calm, tranquil existence when I return....

That's Dallas, Southfork Dallas Baby.......

2007-04-02T13:40:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I am getting prepared for the trip Georgia and I have been anticipating for a few months now!

Friday, we fly out to Dallas Fort Worth Airport for a two night stay at the Southfork Hotel, and a couple of visits to the actual Southfork Ranch wherein we will dine at "Miss Ellie's Deli", and will see such delights as "TGTSJR", Lucy's wedding dress, but even more exciting than that, we will get to see this landmark picture, hung in the Ewing Living Room.

If they sell replicas of Jock Ewing's picture in the gift shop (and if they don't they SHOULD) I am getting one. Stella already ordered one for her living room! Oh, if you want me to send you an authentic postcard, FROM Dallas, feel free to e-mail me your address and I will TOTALLY send you one!

Aside from me just wetting my knickers at the thought of BEING in Dallas, nothing else is happening.

Really. Well, something is coming up at the end of April but I'm not ruining THAT surprise and my now-news of Dallas by telling you!

But don't you just wish you were coming with? Oh I KNOW you do!

An oldie but a goodie!~

2007-04-01T07:58:00.001-05:00

(Click on pic for larger image)

Being that is Sunday, the day of rest and all that bollocks.......

Something to make you smile.

Enjoy.

I'm Losing My Identity.....

2007-03-30T08:24:00.000-05:00

I don't even know who I am anymore!

I write Color instead of colour, recognize instead of recognise, neighbor instead of neighbour and so on and so on. Most of the time I don't even know which is the English way or the American way! I say 'almost' instead of 'nearly'. I say 'band-aid' instead of 'plaster', I say 'cast' instead of 'pot', 'ugly and smelly' instead of 'minging' and 'drunk' instead of 'pissed'!

People used to find my 'Yorkshire' sayings cute. Half the time they didn't even know what I was saying! I could quite easily call someone a doilem and they walked off feeling complimented! Lately, I have found myself talking to myself with an accent. I sound crap and from the South.

What is going on? It doesn't help that George, who I have been married to for 8 years now speaks more Yorkshire than I do! What is THAT all about? After I have said something, I can't even ask him if that is something most Americans say or whether it was Yorkshire. He just gives me a " 'Appen I don't rightly know!" It's like we are doing a Freaky Friday type of thing......

So, today, I shall mostly be trying to retain what little Yorkshire I have left in me and if you Americans don't like it, well Bollocks, Tough Titties and Naff Off!

Parents

2007-03-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

Today, 15 years ago my dad died. I was 21, my brothers were 20 and 16. My dad was young, 43, and his passing was a shock not only to his immediate family but to all his friends too. At that time, I remember thinking to myself, "How will I ever get over this?" "How will I ever manage to live the rest of my life without my dad?" and I honestly didn't think I would.

But as a young mother of three young kids (Georgia was only a month old) I had to. I won't lie and say it was easy. It wasn't. There were so many unanswered questions, and since he died, there have been many times when I still, to this day, think "Oh, I should tell my dad....." but he isn't there to tell. Had he still been alive today, I KNOW he would have loved my husband, my friends, my life here in the US, and I can't tell you how much he would have loved his grandkids. But he isn't here.

As many of you know, my mum also died last year. She was young too, 56 and had Cancer. Georgia and I are so very much like my mum it's ridiculous. I catch myself sometimes, saying things EXACTLY how she used to. I have the same mannerisms too. Georgia is the double of my mum, spitting image! I think however, that knowing her diagnosis, her passing didn't catch me off guard and I was far more prepared than I was with my dad.

Having lost both parents, albeit over a decade apart, is so painful it is difficult to describe. I think about both my mum and dad EVERY day. EVERY SINGLE DAY. I thought I knew everything yet still, to this day (and I find even more lately) I have questions about when I was young but there is no-one there to give me answers. There is no-one that can tell me what I was like as a child. Yes, Aunts and Uncles but they aren't your parents. When I have moments like this, when I think of my mum and dad, I have a pain in my heart, it just burns and is so deep it is sometimes terrifying. However, I hide it well. I can't let the kids see me upset ALL THE TIME. People don't need to see my crying and so far away in thought all the time.

I can't believe that they are both gone. Not here to enjoy life, not here to enjoy me, my brothers, or their grandkids. All I can do is make the most of what I have, to make it worth while. For them.

Frank Mason

Brenda Mason (Pickup)

Courting Days......

I Got Shot!

2007-03-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

Albeit in my butt with a muscle relaxer but OH MY GOD! It burns like a bitch!

I have done something to my back and quite frankly, look like a wizzened old lady of 102 bent over, hobbling about the living room. I just came back from my Dr who kindly shot me in my arse, gave me PLENTY of Darvocet and some other stuff, booked me for a bunch of X-rays and sent me on my way.

So, no long post today. Just a "I'm here but I'm in pain" post.

More later.

Oh, I'll leave you with some pretty pictures I took this weekend........

Just click on the pics to take you to all my pics, otherwise, check out the slideshows here, here and here.

When Is Enough Enough? I Need Your Advice! (also knows as a long arsed post)

2007-03-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Take note:

2001
Threats
Fighting
Assault
Curfew Violation
Falsification

2002
Harrassment
Fighting
Theft
Assault x 3
Curfew Violation
Truancy

2003
Vandalism
Harrassment
Fighting
Curfew Violation

2004
Arson
Possession of Stolen Property, Marijuana, Alcohol
2 Fights
3 Assaults
Vehicular damage
Public Lewdness
Curfew Violation

2005
8 counts of Threats
Aggravated Menacing
Felonious Assault
Intoxication
Arson
2 Fights
Trespassing
Curfew Violation

2006
3 Fights
Sex Crime
Registered Unruly
Missing from home for days
Assault
Drugs
Truancy
Vehicular Damage
General Nuisance
Intoxication
Curfew Violation

2007 (and it's only March)
Truancy
Curfew Violation
Disorderly Conduct
Persistant Delinquency
Intoxication
Fighting

OK. You have read all that. Now, how about you re-read it and then I tell you the following information. The person that committed all those offenses? Just turned 14. That means that back when he started, he was only 8. Let's call him Child A.

Back in May of 2006, I wrote this post about how my son had been victimised by Child A and that last March, both my son and I were assaulted. Assualted by a different kid, but on the orders of Child A. I know! Who takes orders from a 13 year old?

Anyway, the court case is STILL going on. So far, I have been to the Juvenile Court 16 times. I pressed charges against a bunch of people:

The kid who actually assaulted us (16 years old). At the time of his appearance, he also plead guilty to 5 other charges of assault, trespassing and truancy. His sentence? 90 days in Juvenile Detention (DH) Level II. You want to know what Level II is? It means that he only has to serve 3 days if he behaves. 3 days for 7 charges of assault, trespassing and Truancy.

The kid who drove the car (17 years old). This went to trial but he was found guilty. His sentence? Community Service. He KNEW that if he hadn't driven the car the assaults would never have taken place yet still decided to drive.

The father of Child A who unbelievably was in the car that brought all the trouble. However, he refused to give a statement and the court decided that he really didn't do anything wrong. I mean, contributing to Juvenile Delinquency etc., no, that means nothing!

Child A. I saved the best till last. I know all about his history. Anyone living in my town more or less knows about him. I have all the paperwork about this kid (paperwork I intend to take to court with me). Now, I hate to see kids in trouble. I do, it makes me physically sick to hear of or see any kind of violent act done by or to a child. Yet my sympathy took a turn when it came to this kid. He has been on probation more times than anyone I know and he's only JUST 14. His parents obviously don't care as evidenced by the fact that his father was in the car with him. Whenever he has been asked to go for interviews at the Police Department, he doesn't turn up. In fact he went missing for 'a few days' and it was only after his mother realised that he had yet another court appointment that he would miss, that she went to the police department. She had no clue as to where he was or had been. At this time he was only 12. Parenting obviously missed it's turn when it came to her.

Don't get me wrong. My son is NOT an angel. Once he started to get into trouble, staying out without premission, drinking, etc., I took him straight up to the Juvenile Court. Not because I couldn't cope. I took him because he obviously didn't want to live by my rules, felt like he could do what he wanted and who gives a rat's arse about consequences? This way, he would have to live by the courts rules. It would be taken out of my hands. I had him put on probation and it was the best thing I could have done. He has so far stayed out of trouble. I made a decision, and stood by it. Child A's mother has done the complete opposite. He can do what he wants, when he wants, where he wants and with who he wants. Again, as evidenced by his history. If you haven't done anything to help a child, who at 8 years old is Falsifying Records, Making threats and is Truant from school more than 30 days a Semester then I'm sorry. That child should be taken off you. You should lose ALL parental rights.

Last month when I went to Juvenile Court for his case, it was to attend the trial. However, when I arrived, I was told that the Prosecutor was also charging him on a felonious assault that happened two years ago and that they were going to hear both cases at the same time (who knows why?) and they actually weren't ready for that case so mine would be put on hold until they were. Never mind that they didn't ask if I minded. Never mind the amount of times I have been back and forth to the court. Never mind that I had managed to get MY paperwork ready, Noooooo, THEY weren't ready with the other case so I would have to wait.

Again.

I have had to listen to this piece of crap make excuse after excuse about what happened, I've had to listen to his piece of garbage mother, blame MY son, saying that it was he that was harassing her son (I got copies of my son's cell phone records to show otherwise). I'm really getting to the end of my tether. Recently, I had another court date. I turned up ready, armed with my paperwork only to be told that he was changing his plea from Not Guilty to Guilty. Great! Or so I thought. I stayed, thinking that we would go into the courtroom, the room that we had a court time for of 9:30 am. But no. The Court Assistant said she would send me yet ANOTHER date in the mail for the hearing. I asked, why we couldn't just use the time we already had booked and she said "The Court doesn't work that way".

Have you ANY idea how embarassing it is, to walk up to the desk at Juvenile Court and before you can even open your mouth to announce your arrival, the receptionist says "Oh, Mrs Knapp, how are you?"

So, here is my question. My court date is June 15th. What should I do/say when it comes to my turn to speak? I have the paperwork ready. I will be speaking about what happened, his history yet what should I do to ensure that he won't simply be given 90 days Juvenile Detention at a Level II? How can I make sure that he is simply locked up until he is 18? This case has been going on for over a year. WELL over a year. Since this incident with my son and I, he has been in trouble 23 times with the police. How do I make sure that the court won't simply say "We'll give you one more chance?" or "Please, try and behave?"

Any advice will be taken.

I shall now end this rather long post, get a cup of tea and wait for your help :)

When I grow up, I want to be this.

2007-03-17T18:14:00.001-05:00

When I grow up, I want to be this.
Originally uploaded by Andi Knapp.

You know I said I could take pictures for the rest of my life and be happy? I did. I said it in my last post. You DID read it didn't you?

Anyway. Strike that.

I want to be an orangutan.

I want to look glorious and be swinging wildly from ropes and branches, not a care in the world and be able to strike a pose like this or show you my arse and oddly, instead of you running away or berating me, you would want to take pictures!

Yep. When I grow up I want to be an orangutan.

Picture taken today at Cleveland Zoo, day trip

Today, I'll mostly be getting F@#$ed By Mother Nature.........

2007-03-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

I know there is all this Global Warming bollocks that is going on, but really. One minute I'm getting my Summer gear out, the next I'm walking down the street, knee deep in snow wearing nothing but shorts and a tank top. Not Pretty!

This picture on the left was taken Wednesday night, just prior to a major downpour of torrential rain, and also prior to a tornado that hit just a few miles from us. We had thunder, lightening, the way you love me is fri.....

Oh.

Why am I complaining about that? Well, the DAY before, it was 75 degrees. You read that right! (almost 24 for you guys in Europe). I had the windows open, the doors open, the furnace OFF. It was awesome and right now as we speak I'm looking at snow.

Fuck You Mother Nature.

In other news, I have decided that if all I ever do for the rest of my life is take pictures, I'll die happy. Really. I LOVE taking pictures. Mostly of stuff that I find interesting and other people would probably think "huh?", but I'm happy.

*waits until you all stop laughing*

I am signing up for some classes, and I'm going to see what happens. I know my photos so far aren't the best, but one can always learn more and eventually, I should be halfway decent.

Aside from that, bugger all else is going on. I'm currently suffering post-trip blues, however my Dallas trip with Georgia to Southfork ranch is all booked and paid for and that is just around the corner. Yet another photo opportunity rearing it's head :)

Now, where did I put the snow shovel?.............

*The Fast Show Fave

3000 miles. 4000 photographs. 24 roses and I don't care if you are as old as the Titanic, you're holding us up bitch!

2007-03-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

As you know, the past few days have been days of much travelling, much love and the usual crap that happens to me on a daily basis. We have travelled to Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia and ended up yesterday in New York of all places. We drove and we flew and we walked miles and miles and miles, all in the name of love.

You see, today is our 8th wedding anniversary and we decided a bit back that we should spend more 'quality' time together so, a couple of weeks ago we made plans to travel, see places and people and generally just chill out and remark to each other how "lucky we are" and stuff like that.

In Pennsylvania we saw old relatives. In Michigan, we saw a favorite place of ours. West Virginia? We gambled and won. In New York we walked and enjoyed the full experience of Times Square, Central Park and everything that IS NYC!

New York? I know it's corny, but I *heart* NY! Everything about it! I physically ached by the time we arrived home, which is another story in itself! We were due to leave Newark at 8:30 pm. At 8:15 pm, when we saw not one Continental desk person, we knew we were in trouble. Eventually, a Northwest staffer had to come and help! We were on the plane, and after sitting for 20 minutes we were advised that some people from an international flight were making their way through to our flight and that we would wait "10 minutes" for them. Half an hour later (after already sitting for 50 minutes!!!) some people came aboard, out of breath after running the length and breadth of Newark airport, apologising for the F*$# up Immigration caused! We thought that we would set off after that, but the airport Gods said "Noooooo". Another 15 minutes passed by which time people were getting PISSED, then all of a sudden we some some little Mother Theresa look-a-like woman, 802 years old, hobbling slowly onto the plane and being placed gingerly, into a seat (AT THE FRONT OF THE PLANE I MIGHT ADD!). Can you even imagine how annoyed the family of runners were now feeling? The pilot came across the Tanoy and said we would NOW be setting off and he thanked us for our patience. Huh. Like we had a choice. The plane pulled back, moved forward then we stopped. Lo and behold we were in a queue. After sitting there for ANOTHER 20 minutes, we were then told our plane was about 6th in line and we would be setting off soon. "Again, thanks for your patience"...... We made it home at about midnight last night, exhausted but not so much that we didn't download ALL our pictures!

As I mentioned earlier, today was our anniversary. 8 years. 8 years of love, mistakes, arguments, make-ups, laughter, smiles and all out enjoyment. I have to say that through it all, even the hard times, it has totally been worth it. George sent me flowers today. 24 roses.

8 for the friendshp
8 for the love
8 for the years of marriage

Today, after the past 5 days of travel and rushing around, was a day of rest and relaxation. We made a spa appointment at The Glenmoor Country Club and had a couples massage for almost an hour, then we had lunch there, followed by a luxurious hot-tub soak. During the massage I felt every step I took in NYC just drain out of me with every stroke. Brilliant.

Dinner tonight was at our favorite restaurant, Bistro 44, now we are home.

Relaxed.
Happy.
At peace.
Rejuvenated.

Exactly how we should feel after 8 years of marriage :)

So that's what I've been doing the past few days. Here, are some slideshows of the places we've been. Feel free to have a look.

West Virginia

New York City

Old Folk*, you gotta love 'em....

2007-03-08T20:59:00.000-05:00

This afternoon George and I visited a town in Pennsylvania. Washington I believe.

We went to visit his grandmother's nephew's sister's brother or a relative of such nature..... It was someone very old and in a nursing home put it that way. Anyway, George was having a conversation with her and before she went off into the land of dementia, she mentioned that she used to have a roommate but that the last she saw of her was "yesterday. One minute she was there, the next she was gone." We figured the roommate had died and the staff didn't want to upset this lady, however, upon further investigation we discovered the TRUE nature of the disappearance.

Turns out this roommate had an oxygen machine (a much needed - to survive - oxygen machine) that was very loud and irritating. Enough that it irritated the aforementioned relative and during the night, she had turned off said machine to try and get some sleep. Alarm bells went off and thus, the roommate, for her own safety and survival, was moved from the room.

~ Note: I wanted to put in the clip from Airplane when the singing nun with the guitar pulls the oxygen tube from that young girl but couldn't find it ANYWHERE. That would have been funny AND appropriate ~

I don't know who to feel sorry more for!

After that visit, we went to see the SON of the old lady/relative. He was called Chuck.

I fell in love with him.

He's 72!

I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really. This old guy was funny, good looking, a smooth operator and held me captivated with his stories and wit and his lovely droopy eyes and smile. (His eyes were droopy, not his smile.........) We visited for a couple of hours and then George dragged me away, literally. However, we HAVE made plans to meet up for dinner on Saturday in Wheeling, W Va. He'll be bringing his wife and I'll be bringing George but he'll know I only have eyes for him....

Tomorrow, we shall be visiting Ann Arbor, Michigan (apparently Stella's sister used to have a penpal that lived there) I *heart* Ann Arbor. I've only been once before and we didn't stay long but tomorrow I have a full day there. Any tips on certain places to visit?

Over the next few days I shall be doing ALOT of travelling with George so posts will be as and when. Eventually, there may even be a picture or two, imagine that!

*I'm soooo not making fun really of old senile people. I'm like that now and I'm only 37 so trust me when I say that. Okay?

Trust me.......

2007-03-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

Having an Indian after a good Friday/Saturday night out is sooooo worth it!

All you English people out there, don't you agree?

That was the year that was..........................1989

2007-03-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

I did it. I didn't think I COULD do it, but I did.

Want to know what IT is? I raised a child to the age of 18. Me! Hardly able to look after myself sometimes, I raised a child to become an 18 year old who is hardly able to look after himself! :)

But you know what? He's 18. In the eyes of the law, he's an adult! Tough luck buster! Oh I jest.

I remember being pregnant with Nick. I remember preparing for his birth, holding his baby clothes marvelling at how one day soon, I would have a child that would be wearing them. I didn't anticipate however, the 36 hour labor and the gajillion stitches I would have.

I CAN tell you though that those long, long, loooong hours of painful labor should have prepared me for the life that I would have with Nick.

Life with Nick has been strange, funny, hard, painful, outlandish and pretty much non-stop!

But now he is 18. The day he has been waiting for all his life. Believe me, I've heard "I can't wait till I'm 18 and I'm out of here" from him more times than he's heard "I can't wait till you're 18 and you are out of here!" from us.

He HAS moved out. All I can hope is that he knows he can call, visit and talk to us whenever he wants. We are always here. (Unless we know he's coming and then we'll be out!:)

To celebrate the day of his birth, or rather to celebrate that I got one child to 18 without completely killing him or wringing his neck, I am drinking a VERY Expensive bottle of Ice Wine. I tried to find a bottle of 1989 wine but was S.O.L.

So Happy Birthday Nick, here's to you and the life you shall be leading from here-on out. May you always be as happy as you made me, may your children love you like I do, and may you never get a phone call from 'you know where' asking you to come to 'you know where' to pick your children up! :)

Happy Birthday!

One down, 4 more to go! :)

Searching......................................

2007-03-03T16:36:00.000-05:00

Apparently someone searched for me *ggrrrrrrrrrr*

They didn't just open the internet like a book, close their eyes and stamp their finger on a random word that happened to read "Andrea Knapp".

They actively searched for "Andrea Knapp" and found me. For what reason you may ask?

They don't know me. They have met me in passing maybe once. Maybe they were bored, and as you all know, I try to bring joy and laughter to the world and maybe this was what the Dr called for. His prescription probably read:

"Take One Andrea Knapp, 4 times a day and thus Joy and Laughter shall re-enter your world. *side effects may include inner peace, low blood pressure and harmony".

I'm not sure whether they searched my blog or just Googled me (it didn't hurt - honest) but apparently they found a picture on my Flickr account, and 'reported' it to someone else. This picture - if it's the one I'm thinking of - wasn't even a bad picture, believe me, I've had many taken. It wasn't a derogatory picture and neither was it blasphemous in any way. However, to appease the world of 'family I wish I didn't have', I removed it.*

Sometimes, there is just no pleasing people. They are simply idiots. You know who you are!

In other news, someone else called Andrea Knapp - a young girl in Germany, Googled her own name to prove a point to her boyfriend that there was someone else in the world with the same name. She sent me an e-mail telling me how happy she was to prove him wrong!** I can only hope that I'm bringing nothing but good things to the family name.

What else can I tell you about? Last night George and I went to a reverse raffle (I don't understand it so please don't ask). We spent ALOT of money and won a Large Pizza (I'm on a diet) and a free mens haircut (George is a #2 all over - and I do it for him). Woo Hoo for raffles *NOT*

We went shopping for one of these this morning:

Now that Nick - the Official Cat litter person (when he felt like it of course) has left the building (more on that tomorrow), we needed someone to do it.

I'm not that person.

So we became the super lazy people we always hated and now, we are an automatic family.

and finally........................

George is up to his old tricks of the poetry. If you know him, you know his blog. Feel free to read and vomit. I know I did.

This ends the exciting week of me. What have you been doing?

* Do they even REALISE how many bad things I could write about but have refrained? and if you know me, you know how impossibly hard that is.......

** Isn't that the whole reason women live for? To prove men wrong?

A New Look For a New Me

2007-02-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have decided to change a few things about myself. Many personal things, but some not so much. My weight par example, is personal but you all get to see how big I am so maybe this isn't totally a personal thing.

I recently joined Weight Watchers and am now in the midst of my fourth week. I have lost 11 lbs which is pretty good I think, not that you can see this loss anywhere. Nope. It hasn't come off my big butt nor my chubby cheeks. I'm sure it will come off my boobs which quite frankly, I'd rather it stayed there, but beggars can't be choosers. As long as it keeps coming off is all that matters. Weight Watchers is pretty good I guess, although if you ever get on the message boards? OH MY GOD! Some people on there are complete and utter beyotches! Say the wrong thing and boy are you in trouble! If you say something like "Oh, I went to my weigh in and only lost one pound" they jump through your internet connection and all but wring your neck! *speaks in a chokey voice* Just because I can lose a pound in a week no need to be all Hatin'!!! Oh the joys of weight loss!

I also decided to get my hair cut. It has been a straggly mess for some time now and it was time to GET IT OFF! While not going quite so Britney, it is short! Here are the before and after pics:

I LOVE it. I colored it this morning a rather lovely deep chocolate brown (the orange, grey and burnt something or other just wasn't working!) and it is now my most favorite cut ever. I was going to go blonde but then I'd look like Posh:

and there can only be room in the world for one gorgeous piece of loveliness so I stayed dark and dusky.......

Plus the Blonde Posh chose? Sooooooooo in the NOT column of the Hot or Not list..... don't you agree? *

Aside from that, my trip to California is canceled. Issues and other stuff. We are however, going to New York on the 12th March for the day - in case anyone wanted to meet up for lunch or something........ That should be pretty good. You know I *heart* NY and we have plenty of things planned for while we are there.... Visiting the Bronx, walking through Central Park, visiting Manhattan and eating at a proper NY Deli etc,.

We were going to visit South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore:

I've always ALWAYS wanted to go there however it costs more to fly there from Cleveland than it does to fly to Hawaii!!! I KNOW! So we decided that the Presidents can wait....

We have other little day trips planned over the next couple of weeks (if you are in driving distance of Ohio - 4 hours give or take and want to meet up for lunch or a coffee let me know) so that's something to look forward to I guess.

And that my friends is it for today.

Oh. My daughter wants her nose piercing. At least it isn't a tattoo!

* Not that I won't change my color in a week or so which means that I will totally be in the HOT list.....

My Impression* of Monet? Hhhhhmmmm Not so great.

2007-02-25T08:43:00.000-05:00

Over the past few days, George and I have decided to change a few things about ourselves/lives. We thought that maybe we should spend more time together, doing things we wouldn't normally do - and don't be reading TOO much into that please!

The first thing we thought we would do is try and add a bit of culture to our somewhat 'cultureless' lives. Living by Cleveland, Ohio this may seem somewhat of an impossibility. However, George reminded me that we DO have an Art Museum and when he last checked, there was a Monet Exhibit. He likes that kind of art so I thought I'd go and see what all the fuss was about.

Yesterday morning, we made all the plans, and headed off downtown to be 'critiques of art'. Let me start by saying that within the first two minutes of being there I was pissed off. I asked if I could take my camera into the museum. I have seen plenty of pictures on Flickr of people in Art Museums so didn't think this would be a big fuss. Well, the woman at the counter who must have been all of 102 years old was all flustered and had to find help to answer my question. Eventually, she came back and said no, that the paintings were owned by other people and something about copyrights and something else about theft and something else about arthritis and pudding etc., and so on. I left her to her ramblings.

We walked around the museum and FIRST OFF, let me tell you that most of the exhibit is pictures OF the paintings (yeah, I can't take pictures of pictures of paintings? Are you KIDDING me?) Then, when we did get around to some ACTUAL paintings, they were crap. Half of them looked like he had done a slap dash job and were so pale you could hardly see what they were supposed to be. Now don't get me wrong. I KNOW that it is 'each to his own' and that while I like Beans on Toast others don't and vice-versa with PB&J, however, what I didn't expect to see were pictures where he looked like he was just using up the last bit of paint in the tube. Even George, the Monet lover wasn't impressed so I know it wasn't just me.

Monet HAS painted some nice pictures, take this for example:

yet, not all are this good. I tried to Google some of his crap pictures but even Google didn't have them. What does that tell you? It tells me that Cleveland Art Musuem just put the dregs up. I didn't even buy anything from the museum shop so I think that gives a fairly accurate description of what I thought of Monet that day.

So, with $30+ down the drain, we decided to try and redeem the day by visiting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History right next door. Cheaper to get in and somewhat more interesting. Again, George is into all that kind of thing, dinosaurs, evolution, and what have you. *yawns*

It was actually pretty good! We went to the planetarium, saw a great show on the stars, comets and oh, the meteor that is planning to almost hit Earth in 2029. But the best bit of this museum? The museum shop. We bought one of these:

The Viewmaster 5000**

and let me tell you, even if we hadn't been inside the Museum and had just bought this, the day would have been perfect! Anyone who knows me, KNOWS I *heart* anything 3D. Really and I spent a good hour just looking in AWE at the pictures this brilliant toy showed me. I just KNOW there is Viewmaster website and I shall be from here on out, ordering the discs of anything and everything - cheap and great 'just thinking of you gifts' for a friend (aherm......)

To cap off the perfect day? I came home and a book I ordered had arrived in the mail:

(with 'King County Library, WA' CLEARLY printed all over it!!!!!)

and we watched a DVD - The Departed, long but BRILLIANT and the last 10 minutes? Mind blowing.

So there you have it folks. What I did yesterday. Today, I shall be taking my daughter and her friend to the mall (and leaving them there for my husband to pick up later - I don't do Malls!) and then going shopping for some end tables. Exciting n'est pas?

*geddit? Impression? hahahahahaha
** Technically not a Viewmaster 5000, just a plain old Viewmaster but I think the 5000 added some kind effect don't you?

Tramp Stamps* and The Like.........

2007-02-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

This afternoon, I casually walked past Daniel - my 16 year old, who was laid on the sofa watching TV. Daniel - my 16 year old, wasn't watching anything interesting. Actually, what I'm going to talk about isn't anything to do with the TV my 16 year old was watching.

What I'm going to talk about is this.

As I was casually walking past my 16 year old, I noticed something on his arm. On my 16 year olds arm.

(are we getting the 16 year old theme yet? Coz it's important!)

I stopped, leaned in for a closer look and tat's when I saw it. (That wasn't a spelling mistake BY THE WAY, more a pun within a pun).

A TATTOO. ON MY 16 YEAR OLDS ARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF???

I told him to stand up while I looked even closer, and I asked him - in a calm manner - when he had it done. "Ages ago" he said. I ran my finger over the tattoo and could clearly feel ridges. Fresh ridges. I told him that I thought you had to be 18 or older to get a tattoo or at the very least if you are 16, you have to have a parent with you when getting it done. "Yeah....." he confirmed. I asked him whether he had used a fake ID to get it and he actually told me that there was a guy who works for a tattoo place that does them on the side.

Is anyone else feeling pretty speechless?

The tattoo is quite a nice one (if you can get past the idea that it is an illegal tattoo on MY 16 YEAR OLDS ARM) and luckily for Dan HAS been done by a professional. Thank God he didn't want a crappy boy-band stuck on there that would age like Donny Osmond, or that the artiste wasn't dyslexic..... The exact reasons why an adult should be there.

So what do I do?

Grounding Dan isn't going to make the tattoo disappear, nor will it make him think twice about getting another. The one he has right now is one that he has been saying for a long time, that he would get when he was older.......

He won't tell me the name of the artist so I'm stuck there........

So I'm basically stuck with a 16 YEAR OLD and a tattoo.

I have plenty - however I am waaaaaay old enough to have them and didn't get them in an illegal manner.

So there you have it folks. Amongst many things that are going on in my life right now, this has been just one of the highlights. Don't you wish you could live right here with me and experience this one on one yourself? Within 24 hours you'd be drunk and wishing to be anywhere but here.......

Mine is considered a tramp stamp also known as a 'butt slut', 'ass antlers' and 'slag tag' but I think it's tastefully done and pretty thank you very much......

R.I.P

2007-02-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

A great man passed away today. Could we have a moments silence please, for Mr Robert Adler.

Mr Adler, while not known to many, was a genius. An Emmy winning Genius. A man close to my heart.

Mr Adler invented among many things, only the greatest invention ever known to man. An invention that, without it's creation would have made me a less lazy person, and only half the woman I am today.

His invention you ask? *drumroll please*

The T.V. remote control.

Bob - as I liked to call him - was a friend to all who had arses glued to the sofa, and shall be greatly missed.

On a side note, wouldn't it be awesome if his coffin was actually IN the shape of a remote control?

Valentines......................

2007-02-13T18:54:00.000-05:00

May Yours be Happy................

But then again, if you're single? Go out, get shitfaced and be thankful you don't have to put up with smelly socks, toilet lids up, stubble in your sink and porn payments on your cable bill.......:)

* In other news, we have to stay IN?

Happy Birthday to my Georgia Peach!

2007-02-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

15 today!

Not that I'm calling my fellow Englishmen 'Pussies'* but............

2007-02-08T11:04:00.000-05:00

When the headlines of the NorthEast are:

"100-inch snow dump likely in upstate New York" in this story

and in the UK the headlines are:

"Snow hits schools and travellers" and they are walloped (yes! WALLOPED) with a whopping 4 inches in this story......

Pussy comes to mind!

UK Version of heavy snow......

US Version of heavy snow

hhhhmmmmmmmmmmm. NY has had 77 inches of snow since Sunday. Consider that!

* My mother used this P word once and I was stunned! Now I find myself using it with astounding frequency!

On The Road Again..........

2007-02-07T19:24:00.000-05:00

and oh, what a long road it's going to be!

My friend Deana, 'Dean-ner' to her closest friends, has decided (quite sensibly I might add) to leave the cold and desolate climate that is Cleveland, Ohio and take up a new job as a travelling nurse.

Her first port of call? Cali-for-Nigh-Ay!!!!!!

Here is Deana! Say hi!

Being the nice friend I am (also known as 'having nothing better to do with my time') I asked if she wanted a travelling companion and of course she said yes. The thing is, she is driving there.

Uh-huh. You read that right. DRIVING.

Just in case you don't have a rough idea of how far that is? It's 2371.5 miles. Oh yes, don't forget that .5 of a mile - makes all the difference!! Here is a Yahoo map of 'from here to there'.

We leave on March 1st and after DRIVING for a bajillion miles/hours, she reckons we will arrive somewhere on the West coast around the 4th March. Optimism is one of her many attributes. Can I tell you just how much I am looking forward to this road trip? It's going to be so awesome and of course I'm going to be blogging every step of the way AND taking pictures. The furthest West I've driven (and when I say 'I've' driven I mean my husband drove every step of the way - and back) is Nebraska. I'm thinking this is alot further than Nebraska!

Aside from the incredible awesome-ness that is blogging and taking pictures of this trip, there is also the added excitement that is travelling through states I've never been through before. I'm hoping that Colorado is one of them (if it isn't and it's my turn to drive, trust me, we WILL go through Colorado!!!!!!).

Once we arrive in Cali-For-Nigh-Ay, we have to get Deanners license all sorted out then we travel around a bit then, THEN, get this! We meet up with some workmates (who took the sensible way there and flew) and go see The Price Is Right! I know I'll hear "Ropey Old Bird, Come On Dooooooown!" Wouldn't that be just the icing on the cake?

As a reward to myself for being in a vehicle for so long (if you know me, you know I'm going to be calling that crazy astronaut for details on where to get those daipers) I am flying back FIRST CLASS! Yep. First class. It wasn't that much more than regular seating so I thought "Bollocks, I'll treat myself" and booked it.

So there you have it folks. A trip coming up. If you have any ideas on where to stop, or if you want to let me know where you'll be standing (on the edge of a highway) waving as we drive by, just give me a holler! I'll take a picture of you as we zoom by!

Is it cold out there?

2007-02-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

I'd say yes! Here, in Ohio, the kids have yet ANOTHER day off for a 'snow day'. I know my kids aren't babies and basically look after themselves, but please. My days are MY days.

My watching Dallas, wearing PJ's till 3pm, sleeping when I want days.

Kids just get in the way of all that. Plus, they then use my laziness to argue back with me when I tell themt o do stuff. So please Mother Nature, warm the fuck up!

Here is a brief snippet of local news:

"A bone-chilling Arctic cold wave with temperatures as low as 42 below zero shut down schools for thousands of youngsters Monday, sent homeless people into shelters and put car batteries on the disabled list from the northern Plains across the Great Lakes. It was so cold in Toledo, Ohio -- 5 above zero at noon, up from 4 below -- that the city closed its outdoor ice rink. "The irony is not lost on us," said city spokesman Brian Schwartz."

Anyway. I'm afraid that's all I have today. It's far too cold to blog.

Her Mothers Daughter.....

2007-02-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

Georgia and I are watching the Superbowl (mainly for the players) and she asks me:

"Is Peyton Manning married?"

I say "Yes".

Undeterred, she asks if he has kids. Coz, if he doesn't? She is still in with a chance.

Yep. She's all mine...................