Day 109 Tuesday 30th March 2010

I know, I know I am way behind with the blog but with good reason(s).

Not that I want to get into the habit of making excuses but I have had an extremely stressful week, that said it has been good spending time with the kids whilst Martin was away in Runcorn (which is code for New York).

So where to start, I was in Scotland for a few days at Steph's birthday party, followed by the road trip from hell, note to self do not sit at the back of the coach next to the bathroom RISK smelly bathroom every time door opens....REWARD more leg room, it's a tough one!

So Steph came back down to London with me to help take care of the kids, which was nice we done some shopping, some sight seeing, British Music Experience at the O2, found a Roller Disco (best thing ever and we haven't gone to it yet) and hopped on and off the tube too many times to remember.

So with the "good" stuff out of the way we also had murder, measles and mayhem!

Then Martin came home and we are back to normal, that is, until the madness begins again as he is off to Abu Dhabi next week!

On the way home from work last night I was off in a world of my own and got to think of the nice Ikea message on our Oyster card wallets. Home is the most important place in the world, and home is where my boys are!

love Claire

thursday 25th march

The only thi worse than thinking your kid has measles is realising you've not been immunised yourself and your hubby is 3000 miles away.


still got a rash, still clingy will keep you posted!

Claire

Day 102 Wednesday 24th March 2010

So Martin finally arrived at my cousins, kids are missing him but keeping them very busy!

Have finally sold the cross trainer - downsizing is tough - what to keep, what to sell, what to throw away.

We have a lot of things belonging to Martins late grandmother which naturally we wouldn't get rid of bur I also have nowhere to put it. and I hate to have them just in storage I'm sure she'd want them out being used.

I think I'll learn german, she has handwritten recipe books, from her mother and grandmother and these are the kind of things that martin would want to pass down.

anyway its covent garden today - love this place it's like a little village in London

Claire

Day 101 Tuesday 23rd March

Didn't mean to miss day 100, just exhausted yesterday!

took in notting hill with steph and the boys.

so just steph, me and the kids for the next few days!

what fun!

Day 99 Sunday 21st March 2010

What a day!!

Road trip...not exactly! coach trip back to London, 2 suitcases, 2 tripod bags full of light stands, 1 kiddie backpack, 1 three year old, 1 29 and 13months old (Steph not quite adjusting to the big 30).

It can mean only one thing....does anyone have any painkillers, of the 9 hour journey Corran slept for about 20 minutes or so and talked for the rest of the time, wondering if Steph is reconsidering her decision to come visit us now.

So after a 9 hour coach trip we were faced with the lovely engineering works that always guaranteed to affect the line that you need, and always when you've had a long day and need a break.

Will post again tomorrow when my energy is restored.

Claire

Saturday 20th March

watching "day after tomorrow" scary film.

what have we done to our planet, and is it too late

Claire

Day 98 Saturday 20th March

Hangover breakfast McDonalds pancakes and tea!

Nino's it aint!

Day 97 cont

So technically I had one glass of wine, that Stephs dad kept topping up!

Award for best gift goldfish from Harry.

Award for best gossip, "that's stephs friend who became a stripper!"

So Steph is my best friend, everyone should have a Steph.

left party and went home via legends,quick drink with my dad, bumped into an old friend Robert all in all a good night! just wish martin was here.

love Claire

day 97 19th March 2010

STEPH'S BIRTHDAY BASH!

mission - monitor and control alcohol intake - well you can't win em all, piccies to follow

Day 95 Wednesday 17th March

top o the morning to you! Happy St Patricks Day and Happy Birthday Steph, finally 30!

So it was a pleasant afternoon, even found myself walking to the tube with my jacket off, although to be honest that was more to do with the fact that I had egg yolk down the front of my green jacket! I am clumsy Claire today, I ended up wearing my egg muffin this morning.

Have you noticed how we end up dancing on the train in the morning rush hour. I rarely get a seat when I get ont he DLR and as such I try to secure my spot in a corner and this morning my spot was the railing next to the doors so that I had something to grab on to which wasn't another human being, not that you really fall on a packed train, you usually just bump around the other passengers if you happen to lose your balance a bit like pin ball! So having secured my spot I happily allowed other passengers on the train without giving up my spot, until some rude man pushed his back into me, in the way that my dog does to get a spot on the couch - before I knew it I was in the crowd with nothing to grab hold of.

That said I believe in Karma and in this instance the rude man banged his head on the window just as we approached Shadwell (it gets really bumpy there) isn't it great when you don't have to wait for Karma to take effect.

Anyways I have to sign off for now!

Claire

Day 94 Tuesday 16th March 2010

On a crowded DLR to bank this morning I got lost in my book "How to be Married" by Polly Williams, it has been a page turner (which I finished just an our ago) I found myself smiling a lot as I identified with certain characters and at one point I'm sure I laughed out loud.

As our train came to a halt at Bank, I reluctantly closed my book knowing it was merely a few minutes before I could get back into the story and I was stopped by a gentleman (German I think) who said "I'm sure you'll be smiling by the end" and "You have a great smile" I'm not sure if he was meaning the end of the book or the end of my journey. Well I did get to the end of my book today and I was smiling, and I did get to the end of my journey this morning and whilst it didn't have quite the same effect as the end of the book it wasn't that bad, the sun was shining and people in general are friendlier when the weather improves.

And to prove my point my neighbour just knocked on my door and gave me cakes for the boys! Its been a funny day, it hasn't been all smiles and cakes at one point there was a dark cloud today and the ever calm Claire lost it a bit but I'm back on track for the time being.

And I am signing off now to enjoy a cuppa and a cake (courtesy of neighbour) and some time with my hubby!

Claire

Day 93 Monday 15th March 2010

I have finally accepted my geekism!! I loved maths and computing, I watch sci-fi (only the good ones) I have an un-natural understanding for Databases and I know what the blue screen of death is - so my name is Claire and I am a Geek!

With that out of the way I am keeping it short tonight as both my bears are sick, vomiting and temperatures and have only just gone to bed so I'm having a cuppa as I suspect a long night ahead.

Claire

Day 92 Sunday 14th March 2010

Happy Mothers Day!

Just in after taking my two boys to the St Patricks Day Celebrations in London today, we headed to Trafalgar Square although from what I understand it was spread out covering quite a bit of London.

Having been to New York for St Patricks Day I have to say the London one did have more of a kick to it, don't get me wrong loved the New York Parade and glad I went but after about 20 marching bands they were all the same. That is until the Celtic Supporters club went past looking like they'd just been ejected from a pub, amongst the group my dad and Uncle Peter.

Hope you enjoy the piccies and Happy St Patricks day for Wednesday!

Claire

Day 91 Saturday 13th March 2010

Got incredibly clucky today holding a gorgeous baby girl - she was only 4 months old and she fell asleep on my chest whilst her mum was getting ready. There is something very satisfying about the gentle breathing of a baby drifting off to sleep, their soft skin and gentle sighs - all this coming from the woman who hadn't wanted children.

Of course two energetic sons later I am as maternal as they get, even this new mother today remarked that I was a natural and that she can never get her daughter off to sleep that quickly. She was telling me about how she thinks she's doing it wrong, which I assured her, that we all had those thoughts as new mums but that she was doing a great job and not to stress too much about it.

Its funny how we automatically doubt ourselves, but then society and media has sold us this idea that we have to be it all that we can be mum, wife and career woman, but can we have it all really - you can not give 100% to each of these roles at the same time, something has to give! And then of course many of us fail to schedule time in our lives for ourselves, I, like many woman went through a period where we lost our identities, we became wife and mother and it can be overwhelming.

I am going to embark on a little experiment, I read an excerpt from a book, which was actually about search engine optimisation but I am going to apply the rules to my marriage! It sounds crazy and possibly is but I am going to dedicate the minimum of an hour a day where its not about bills, work, children, dishes, television its just about my husband and I - and I will also do the same for me an hour a day that is just for me now naturally the kids require more of me than an hour and lets face it that's not something I grudge giving.

The idea being that instead of thinking too much about finding the time and energy to be it all, we dedicate a small amount of time each day to the areas of our lifes that we need to nurture.

Have a good weekend
Claire

Day 90 Friday 12th March 2010

So it would seem there are a variety of different kinds of Tarot cards and that asking for help in the shop is useless.

I of course didn't know this and asked for guidance to be told that "you'll be guided to the right cards you know your friend" - I must've had that look of "don't give me this just help me" on my face as she then re-iterated that she couldn't pick for me. Damn it where is a commission hungry sales person when you need one - clearly not in a new-age shop that's for sure.

Anyway after reading just about every set they had and looking at the imagery I settled on a Mythical Tarot deck based on Greek Mythology and hopefully my choice is correct as I wouldn't want to be resoponsible for unleashing some bad spirits on her.

I might try that sales technique at work - instead of helping clients I will advise them that they will be "guided towards the knickers of their choice by some mystical fairy sales assistant that only they can hear"

Also on our outing today was the most expensive smallest chicken lunch I have ever had, seriously I asked for the small garlic chicken and it was served on a saucer in an Italian cafe on Portobello Road. That's the other thing the French have now been replaced by the Italians so I'm guessing the French half term is over, to be fair there has been some great eye candy on the tube with the Italians.

I love Notting Hill there are so many characters and wonderful stalls full of little delights, it would be very easy to spend a lot of money going down just one road. Also popped into the bead store there again another place I could seriously harm the credit cards.

There are of course some photos from today and I'll post them a bit later, but for now I am going to sit back and enjoy whats left of my day off - an no we didn't make the cookies.....

Claire

Day 89 cont

So I muddled through with my tooth ache today - it has to be one of the worst pains really!

I can't claim to have endured hours of labour as both my boys were delivered by emergency section, that said I did have almost two weeks of semi-regular contractions with Corran, which a nurse tried to convince me that it wasn't painful! I also survived my first Brazilian wax which was a major achievement for me and my low pain threshold - but tooth ache has beaten me I was a moody madam today as a result!

I am wondering if a strong drink would be better than drugs at this point!

So on my commute to work I got to thinking about these people that write books, you know the kind, "How I made $1M online" and "My secrets to earning $$$ online" etc etc etc and I can't help but wonder who buys their books, and if the books contain one page with the advice being, "advertise a book online that claims to tell you the secret of making a fortune and sell it to other fools trying to get rich quick" all yours for $14.99

Well I don't have any get rich quick advice for you tonight - but I'll start writing my book which you can get for the discounted price of $14.99 now let me think what should I call it....."How not to lose money" page 1 "Don't buy the get rich quick books"

So hands up, "who had a teenage crush on Corey Haim" Well I am guilty as charged I had such a crush on him in Licence to Drive although Lost Boys was my favourite. RIP Corey Haim - might have an 80's movie night.....

Goodnight

Claire

Day 89

Having had "twinges" for the last week I have finally plucked up the courage to see a dentist -those of you that know me know that I am very afraid of the dentist so this is a big step.

I feel oddly calm which might be the painkillers - that and the fact that I don't think (hope!) they'll do anything with it today!

so wish me luck

Claire ouch!

Day 89 Thursday 11th March 2010

Just about to leave for work, had a bit of a lie in this morning well as much as you can when you have kids jumping on you and driving their cars up your arm!

But hey I have the day off with them tomorrow and have been informed that we are making cookies - I foresee a messy kitchen and messy kids.

Claire

Day 88 Wednesday 10th March 2010

I watched The Omen last night, the original, for the first time - I tend to avoid horror films as I get nightmares.

I did have a nightmare last night but it was nothing to do with the movie, it was really weird. An ex boyfriend of mine was on his deathbed and asked to see me as he wanted to be forgiven before he died (I know crazy) reluctantly I visited him and ended up trapped in this hospital - every door I opened just led to another endless corridor and it was quite frightening. So without over analysing the dream I can't help but think there is a message in their somewhere!

Who knows

Anyways dinner is nearly ready and kids are still up.

love
Claire

Day 87 Tuesday 9th March 2010

oops missed Monday as I was shattered - sorry guys

Anyways yesterday was an interesting if not a little hectic day which started around 7am and ended around 1.30am this morning with tears and tantrums, little black dresses, a years supply of fake tan and wine!

Of course it can mean only one thing industry awards, as you know I don't disclose specific information about my work but last night was an eye opener for me!!

On the way home from work this morning I was unlucky enough to sit next to a girl who was speaking on her mobile and said"dja know what a mean?" 43 times during her conversation which was beginning to irritate me.

anyways time to relax have some chilli watch some Caprica and chill.

claire

Day 85 Sunday 7th March 2010

Bif family day out today and it was damn cold!

will post the piccies later!

off to the cinema taking full advantage of the babysitters aka "the folks"

back soon

claire

Day 84 Saturday 6th March 2010

What has happened to Spring? Wasn't it meant to arrive last week?

My folks are visiting from Scotland, from a small town in Scotland that has its own weather system and that is almost always chilly and its warmer there than it is in London - what gives?

So day off tomorrow and we're thinking Greenwich to visit the markets, it will be a cold cold day but that is why we will wrap up warm.

Watching Oceans Eleven (remake) its quite good but I have never seen the original and this is something I should do, pick up a copy of it.

Whats your opinion original or remake?

Claire

Day 83 Friday 5th March 2010

knackered!

can't wait to get home get a nice cuppa!

missing my gloves terribly will have to replace them as it seems spring hasn't sprung yet!

on DLR so not far to go, my parents are visiting which is great the kids have missed them and martin and I get to have a date night, but first I have work tomorrow before I can relax!

Also may have a party booking will keep you posted

goodnight
claire

Day 82 Thursday 4th March 2010

Its French half term - its hell on the London underground!

Its not that I have anything against the French there is just so many of them, so now that I am aware of the situation that caused a delay this morning I can plan ahead for the next two weeks.

I lost my gloves on the district line today, and by lost I mean they were on my lap and I jumped up forgetting they were there ran off the train and left them abandoned on the floor.

Ended up ass checking today quite by accident, guy in front of me on way to the Piccadilly line kept turning round and I couldn't work out why then spotted the trend as each young girl passed by he was checking her out I couldn't help but laugh and also see if they were worth the look.

I wonder if we started an overall trend of folks turning round to see what we were looking at, in the same way that if you're pointing up at the sky in the street everyone starts staring up also. I feel a Tube experiment brewing!! A bit like an extension of the smiling experiment.

Will keep you posted

Claire

Day 81 Wednesday 3rd March 2010

As promised the photos from our visit to the science musem, kids had a great time although I had a blast too.

Got doodling again on the train home so I feel a jewellery design coming on so short and sweet tonight but on the upside you'dd possible get to see a new necklace tomorrow.

take care Claire

Day 80 cont.

This image should encourage all parents to take their kids to the Science Museum, and guess what its free entry!!

Day 80 Tuesday 2nd March 2010

What a day!

We went to the Science museum there is nothing more rewarding that seeing a child's face light up when they realise how something works. We played with magnets, we watched a rocket launch (kind of) and seen Apollo 10 re-entry capsule the real deal the vehicle they went round the moon in on a trial run before the moon landing.

Will post tomorrow with the pictures.

have a good night
Claire

Day 79 Monday 1st March 2010

My dogs are barking, a tough long day today but kept busy which is always good.

Got the day off tomorrow, so thinking of heading to Covent Garden to enrol in a dance class, its been a while since I've taken dance classes and I'm sure my ankles aren't up to Irish dancing again but I'm sure I'll manage a tap class.

Anyways, feet up, cup o tea and relax.....