Surpriiiise!

A week later but never mind...

21/07/08 19:10 at Restaurant Artisan in Crosspool;

A bit early so we took a walk around the block. It was a lovely and warm evening on account it'd been a nice, hot day. As we got get to the restaurant the waitress told us that the table was ready. We'd been there before so I knew that the tables for 2 were further in, towards the back so I didn't quite get it when she stopped, turned around and smiled when we were at one of the bigger tables. And all of a sudden I realised that the people at the table were no other than my mom, dad and aunt!!! My mom and aunt started singing "happy birthday" but I just flung myself around their necks and then I had to "climb" my way over the seats to get to hug my dad who was taking photos of all the sobbing and "My God, You're Crazy!!", which was the only thing I managed to say for the first couple of minutes. All while the rest of the place was smiling or looking confused over the Swedish flags that they had decorated our table with.

So, my parents and Boyfriend (the little weasel) has been planning this for months without me suspecting anything, which is odd as I usually manage to get everyone around me to tell the truth. I will now have to be extra vigilant as I never, ever could imagine Boyfriend being able to pull off something like that!! And my aunt came too which was really nice!!

We had a lovely, lovely meal and little things the past month leading up to my birthday started to make sense. Not to mention the fact that I did comment about my sister being a bit vague about where our parents were when she called in the morning but I put it down to her being a bit 'loco' due to being pregnant.... not so much.

My parents and aunt stayed til Thursday lunch and we had so much fun during those days. My dad and my aunt had never been to Sheffield before so we had some nice walks and also drove around in the countryside to show them. Mom wanted my dad to experience a really traditional pub lunch so we took them all to a pub in the Peaks and as expected they were in awe over the scenery. We also had a chance to visit the Fat Cat, which is our local pub, and sat in their beergarden and they sampled some locally brewed beer. Niiiice.

I can't believe that they came over for my birthday! I don't really do [my own] birthdays and I'm going home in September so.... But it was an awesome surprise and I can honestly say that it is the best birthday that I've ever had! Crazy parents, eh?

Anyway, it was all good fun, apart from a visit to Mother[fucking]care - which I will write about later, so I must say that turning 30 has not made me fell upset or affected me in a bad way although I'm pretty sure my breast are starting to head south. Typical.

30 and Lovin' It

Yes, today marks my 30th birthday and it's been a lovely day and not just on account of the fantastic present from Boyfriend, a Canon EOS 450D (love it!) but the weather's been perfect and we had a nice drive out to a little farm where they make/sell ice cream called Thaymar Ice Cream and it was so nice to just sit and do nothing but relax with Boyfriend.

This has been the kind of day that's been extra good because so many of my [our] friends have sent me little messages and cards and it's humbling to know that so many obviously care for and think of me. It is something that I myself find a little hard at times but it's a very nice feeling and I thank everyone for their thoughts on a day that I thought would be, to be honest, a bit crap but it hasn't and things don't have to change and I obviously don't have to mature, just yet, for the sake of a number. One day, perhaps, but not right now. Because today I am just going to L O V E it.

Thank you dear friends for thinking of me today!

xxx

Here we go again...

I went for a walk with Boyfriend earlier and I had the foresight to bring some bread "in case we meet The Goose". We did. Not only did I get to get fairly close to him without him hissing but he also had his posse* with him and they chased all the other ducks away. As I was throwing out bread crumbs Boyfriend took some photos and just as we were quite happy like that....

swoooooosh!

about 25 disgusting, filthy, horrible pigeons swooped in hoping to get some bread as well. Little did they know that it was me and due to my fear/hatred of pigeons I gripped my little breadbag as tight as possible while "shooing" at them.

Filthy things.

I know they have a right to live and I won't kill any (where the heck are all the hawks and other birds/animals that eat them??) but I find them so creepy when they get close. They eat everything and breed as if there was no tomorrow. And there's always one that feels particularly brave and tries to get within touching distance. I know that one of them will shit on my head one day and I'm looking out for the ones that fly above me. If I could have a "no fly zone" over my head - I would arrange it. Very few people are as aware of flying pigeons as I am and I know they're just waiting for the day when I let my guard down. And when/if that day comes and they poop on my head I'll make sure every single pigeon will learn from when they're inside the egg - not to mess with Ems.

I really don't like pigeons and even if I was very happy to see The Goose again it was not as nice a walk as it would have been -it kinda hurts my neck looking around/up all the time... Perhaps I should go see someone about my hatred/fear of pigeons - it can't be healthy.

Anyway, we 're off for some drinks at T&A's house just because it's Sunday and we can. That's a good an valid reason for a drink.



*the 4 white ducks

A Good Start

I bought the prettiest little box yesterday that goes perfectly in the bathroom and I have now neatly arranged my make-up in it. I'm sure the neatness will only last for a few weeks as always but as our flat is now amazingly spotless I'm sure we'll try our best to keep it that way and therefore I shall also try to keep my make-up where it belongs. It's amazing how much junk I keep and when sorting it all out I must have thrown away 50% of it. Ruthlessness can be good.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this coming week are going to be absolutely fantastic as I'm taking them as part of my holiday. It'll be extra nice if the weather could be good at the same time too although I'm not holding my breath as I'd most likely pass out waiting for the sun to appear. Saying that, it's actually really lovely at this moment but no doubt it'll have changed by the time Boyfriend has woken up and we're ready for a stroll.

C'est la vie, no?

Mamma Mia

Boyfriend and I went to Cineworld last night and watched Mamma Mia - the movie. It's a nice, happy film and if you like Abba's music, then this is something for you. I haven't seen the musical and I don't think I need to now. And yes, there are some cringe-worthy moments and sometimes the transition from talking ot singing can be a bit coarse but it works as a whole and there are some definite perks about seeing it;

Colin Firth is so sexy that I'm almost unable to sit still whenever he's on the screen. Meryl Streep is looking radiant and the whole cast is funny and if you leave without smiling then you're a miserable f**k.

The only bad thing about Mamma Mia is Pierce Brosnan. Not only is he as slimier than ever but. Oh. My. God! Did they not check their singing abilities?! Cos Brosnan sure as hell can't sing. I'd be inclined to say that the man is bordering on being extremely tone-deaf.

And I'm willing to say that Firth isn't a great singer but it had substance and unlike Brosnan it wasn't totally flat. Whenever Brosnan opened his mouth I experienced a toe-curling moment. Not to mention that his American accent was appalling (boyfriend didn't even realise that Brosnan was supposed to be American) and surely they should have been able to find a middleaged American actor with a decent singing voice??

Anyway, I left the place laughing and feeling total bliss as I had heard some good music (not just the worn out Abba songs) and Colin Firth.

Did I say that I think he's fantastic?

A Day in the Spirit of Mrs Beeton

I got up super early this morning to prepare and pack Boyfriend's lunch and if I may say so myself, I think that those 2 sandwiches will be absolutely fabulously tasty. Later on I will pop into town and buy some ingredients as I have also promised to make some cookies for him to bring in tomorrow. At the same time I'll be popping into my favourite charity shop, Bluebell Wood, and hand over some books that I won't be reading again. Once the baking is over then I'll get going on cleaning the flat making sure everything is tip top. Can't have a messy flat once the 20's are over and proper adulthood is about to commence.

Don't you think Mrs Beeton would have been proud of such a day?

New Classics

I stumbled across this - The "new classics" from the last 25 years. According to Entertainment Weekly and if E.W says so.... there are some I've never heard of.

Movies I've seen in bold. Commentary when applicable.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)
3. Titanic (1997)
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
5. Toy Story (1995)
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - who can forget the line "It puts the lotion in the basket!" ?
9. Die Hard (1988)
10. Moulin Rouge (2001) - Only 1/2 in bold as I lasted all about 15 minutes. Nothing but crap
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) - I should...
12. The Matrix (1999) - It goes hand in hand with existentialism. (Blonde Philosophy, you know)
13. GoodFellas (1990)
14. Crumb (1995)
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Tigge, an old younger colleague says it's the best make out movie e v e r. I honestly can't imagine why.
16. Boogie Nights (1997) - oh dear. it was...eh...big.
17. Jerry Maguire (1996) - worst date I've ever been on. He was a cry baby
18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
19. Casino Royale (2006) - Yum
20. The Lion King (1994) - I'm crazy about Meerkats after Timon (and Jeremy Irons has got the perfect voice for Scar).
21. Schindler's List (1993)
22. Rushmore (1998)
23. Memento (2001)
24. A Room With a View (1986)
25. Shrek (2001)
26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
27. Aliens (1986) - the best of the 4
28. Wings of Desire (1988)
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004) - meh
30. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005) - never got around to it.
32. Fight Club (1999) - sounds stupid.
33. The Breakfast Club (1985)
34. Fargo (1996) - Of course!
35. The Incredibles (2004)
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004) - would have been fine not watching it.
37. Pretty Woman (1990)
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Boyfriend keeps nagging me about watching it with him but he's already seen it and I can't be bothered.
39. The Sixth Sense (1999) - should've seen that coming.
40. Speed (1994) I LOVE Sandra Bullock, so sweet!
41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
42. Clueless (1995)
43. Gladiator (2000) -hellooo, can we overact a little bit more?! Shit movie.
44. The Player (1992)
45. Rain Man (1988)
46. Children of Men (2006) - it's probably better as a book.
47. Men in Black (1997)
48. Scarface (1983)
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) - so pretty!
50. The Piano (1993) - Harvey Keitel creeps me out.
51. There Will Be Blood (2007)
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
53. The Truman Show (1998)
54. Fatal Attraction (1987) - Wasn't very old but I realised that the Lady had some serious issues.
55. Risky Business (1983)
56. The Lives of Others (2006)
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998) - I almost wet my pants...
58. Ghostbusters (1984)
59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
60. Scream (1996)
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
63. Big (1988)
64. No Country For Old Men (2007) - Such a good movie!
65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
68. Witness (1985)
69. All About My Mother (1999)
70. Broadcast News (1987)
71. Unforgiven (1992)
72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
73. Office Space (1999)
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
75. Out of Africa (1985)
76. The Departed (2006)
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) oh yeah. btw, did you know that the bad terminator is in the Sopranos, season 2 as Davey - the compulsive gambler? I spotted it!
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
80. Michael Clayton (2007) - yuck - Clooney. Tv-actor.
81. Moonstruck (1987)
82. Lost in Translation (2003)
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987) - did you see they eye popping out? Awesome!
84. Sideways (2004) - I don't get why it's supposed to be good/funny. Useless.
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) -
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
87. Swingers (1996) - apparently I didn't like it so only watched 10 minutes.
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
91. Back to the Future (1985)
92. Menace II Society (1993)
93. Ed Wood (1994)
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
96. Far From Heaven (2002)
97. Glory (1989)
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)

Sickening

I almost had a heart attack when I walked into town for my lunch. I crossed the tram tracks and just ahead of me was a mom pushing a pram. To get to the sidewalk you have to pass a bus- and taxi lane, which is quite busy during the day and it happens that a taxi has stopped by the curb. . This mom did not seem to know that a bus is considerably larger than a taxi and therefore quite easy to spot. She rushed ahead in front of the "parked" taxi to see if the coast was clear and .... the stupid bitch .... promptly pushed the pram out into the bus lane!! If it hadn't been for a very, very perceptive bus driver who managed to swerve just in time to not knock the pram over.

The bus wasn't driving very fast but it could have been horrific. The mom didn't even react to the fact that several people went "NOOOOO!" (incl. me) and as soon as the bus had passed she continued on her daily walk where she tries to off her kid by pushing them in front of a bus.

I felt sick and had to go to the bookshop where the smell of new books to calm myself down. Stupid, stupid woman and poor, poor baby!

Cute

What do YOU have in your bra?

I'm an addict

Boyfriend and I were hooked on The Wire earlier this year and it almost caused us to break up. We were so engrossed in this particular show and made it our no.1 priority. When we had a minute available we watched it and we made sure we had a lot of minutes available and we subsequently forgot the fact that sometimes you have to make time for one another. Spending 60 minutes together watching The Wire doesn't mean that you've used those 60 minutes to be together and appreciate each other.

Some people get hooked on drugs or alcohol and everyone knows what they can do to a relationship. Boyfriend and I got hooked on The Wire. We finally realised how much it had ruled our lives [in a bad way] and we had to ration the amount of episodes from daily to weekly. We now have a much better relationship and we still have season 5 (the final) to watch and I'm not looking forward to it as much as I should, I'm not worried about breaking up with Boyfriend, but I don't want to say good bye to some of the character I know will die and those who don't die will be gone anyway as it's the final season.

I know I've got to bite the bullet at some point but the longer I stay away from it the longer I will keep x and x ... alive. As if I could change things anyway...