Nottingham
January 15, 2012
May 08, 2011
The one about the blow up doll
We have discovered this weekend that a trip to the city can quickly change from a family-oriented day out to the sort of trip you hadn’t quite planned on. In Nottingham the time this changes can be pin-pointed to 7.38pm precisely.
That was the time we wandered out of Pizza Express yesterday to find ourselves caught up in a lively hen party, which included the bride-to-be carrying a large blow-up doll under her arm, as you do.
This was quickly followed by a group of men who had chosen for the evening to wear the highest heels possible, an array of multi-coloured wigs, co-ordinated (for want of a better word) with head-to-toe sequin dresses.
It was all a world away from the quiet shopping trip followed by a relaxing family meal we had planned, but the spectacle certainly raised a smile on IJ’s face.
Sensing a fancy dress party was about to take place, she asked if we could join them. I advised that whatever type of party it was it was definitely not for children, to which she told me she was not a child.
Thankfully a passed a man carrying a whip walked past us at that point, which put her off the idea.
As we headed home the subject of the blow-up doll returned and IJ remarked: ‘It is good you can get dolls for adults isn’t it?’
I nodded vaguely in her direction, before she added: ‘But I think that doll needed to wear some clothes.’
I agreed that it did just as we walked past a group of girls wearing little more than a boob tube and I made the decision that IJ will not be going out partying until she is at least 37.
I am yet to break this news to her but I have made a mental note, although something tells me she is already planning her outfit.
June 28, 2009
Tweenies Live! and hugely disappointing
Today we went with friends, Jo and Miss E, to see the Tweenies Live! show at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall. IJ had been looking forward to it for weeks and we had high expectations as we went into the show.
The fact that the auditorium was barely half full should have warned us of what to come. The show was, quite frankly, awful. The worst 'professional' production I have ever seen, in fact.
The set was very basic; clearly the credit crunch has badly affected the BBC who produced the show. According to the BBC Press Office: "... Milo, Jake, Bella and Fizz aren't the only stars of the show; they ant you to get involved in the fun by singing, dancing and joining in with all the actions." Well there was no audience participation whatsoever, and Doodles wasn't even there, much to IJ's disappointment.
There were just four people dressed in Tweenies costumes dancing around a small stage to a pre-recorded track who were possibly as bored to be there as we were. They weren't wearing microphones so there is no evidence to suggest they were live at all. There was no atmosphere and the children did not seem engaged at all; they were restless and fidgety for most of the performance. The Tweenies branded toy we bought at the theatre broke on the way home.
It was a cheap but not cheerful low-budget performance, a waste of money and a huge disappointment. The only good thing was that they were only on for an hour in total! We expected better, much better.
June 12, 2009
Coffee and cake
Now let me explain a few thing about mothers because some times we get a bad press.
Some people think we sit around drinking coffee all day and chatting with other mums.
This is so untrue. For example, this is not me out today enjoying a relaxing drink.
I'm really not out with friends having a fabulous time at The Walk in Nottingham.
I do not know these people; I have never met them before.
And these are really not all my cakes.
I did not eat them all, they were stolen by a crazy sweet-loving alien from outer space who just happened to be very hungry.
Honest.
Happy birthday, Lucy!
May 19, 2009
Me, Myself and I
IJ has been off school for the last two days with an ear infection, so I've been stuck in watching back-to-back episodes of Charlie and Lola.
Thankfully, my sanity is saved by Not Supermum, who has tagged me in a meme.
So here goes,
What are your current obsessions?
I'm obsessed with writing; I love it. I'm working on a fiction book for teenagers, 20,000 words completed so far, and write that at every opportunity. I also read teenage literature to keep up to date with the market, and I'm a particular fan of Chris Higgins (despite the fact I recently turned 36!). When I'm not writing I'm trying to do my proper job as a freelance editor and proofreader which I really enjoy. Some weeks I have lots of work, but others there is nothing. Then I do the housework. It's not a bad life.
What's for dinner tonight?
That reminds me, I must go to Sainsbury's. It'll probably be spinach and ricotta cannelloni.
What's the last thing you bought?
My brother got me some vouchers for HMV for my birthday recently. Amongst other things, I bought Dave Gorman in America Unchained DVD where he attempts to live in America without giving any money to the big brand names. I'm going to see him in concert at the Nottingham Arena next year so need to be up to date on his material!!
What are your favourite holiday spots?
Hawaii, the Bahamas and Necker Island.
No, not really, wishful thinking! I love the South of France, UK city breaks and I'd love to go back to America. We've 'done' Disney World, I've love to go back to the Florida Keys and one day I plan to go to New York.
What are you reading now?
Marion Keyes' latest book - The Charming Man.
Use four words to describe yourself.
Ambitious, determined, moody and analytical.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I can only have one? In that case it's probably Heat Magazine, nothing wrong with a bit of escapism once on a while.
What is your favourite film?
Has to be Slumdog.
Recently watched Little Miss Sunshine which was great. If I had to watch a Disney film it would be Enchanted - quite brilliant!
If you could change anything about your life so far, what would it be?
I'd spend less time dwelling on the past and more time focusing on the future.
I won't tag anyone for this meme, you've probably all done it, but if you want to have a go, feel free!
