It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!

I love Spring.
I really do.
It is my favourite time of the year!

Here goes....

I'm going to rant and you are going to have to deal with it.
I am annoyed.
Can you tell?
Really, really annoyed.
I have been since Saturday.
I tried to cover it up on Saturday evening during my lovely meal with Tommy and Julie. I tried to cover it up at church yesterday. I think I did a good job.

But, I've been waiting until this moment. The moment that I could come on here and vent. Well, actually, I didn't wait until this moment. I vented on the phone to my Dad whilst walking to the restaurant that I was to have dinner with Tommy and Julie at. Dad, if I forget one of the many points that I ranted about then please, please remind me. I wouldn't want to miss anything.

I think maybe I will do this in bullet points.

Scotland v Holland:

• The doorman at Nevada Smith's telling me that I couldn't stand in a particular place to make a phone call. You give me cell phone reception in that dingy basement and then I will move! I especially need to call people when you aren't letting anyone else into the building and my friends aren't here yet! Horrible, grumpy man. Boo you!
• The TV screen that I was able to see (The place was packed and there wasn't much room so I stood where I could.) decided that it would like to be fuzzy for the better part of the first half and all of the second. Just what I wanted. Thank goodness that I didn't have to pay a cover to get in.
• Missing the anthems because they hadn't put the game up on the screens yet. Erm, the anthems are the best bit!

And I haven't gotten to the football yet:

• The stinking tackles that the Dutch were putting in. Animals.
• Alexander and Teale constantly being left for dust. CONSTANTLY!
• Everyone standing still for the first goal. Hello, defend please! That is what your day job is so it shouldn't be beyond you!
• The infringement on our goalkeeper for their second goal.
• The non-infringement on their goalkeeper for our goal that was disallowed. If Holland's wasn't an infringement, then our was a walk in the park on a sunny day.
• The fact that Holland were awarded (fairly, I will give them that!) a penalty right after our goal was disallowed. How different the game could have been!
• I didn't even know that Barry Ferguson was playing until the 80th or so minute. What had he been doing for the entire match?? Did he even touch the ball? Seriously?
• Arjen Robben. Just because he is a diving idiot who thinks he is awesome and our players didn't do anything to prove that wrong. It killed me the number of times that he breezed passed multiple players. He is not that good so don't let him be!
• George Burley. AWFUL! Really, really awful!! I must say that I am usually supportive of the managers that are involved with the teams that I support but this is just ridiculous. I never had high hopes for him and he proved me right. Oh, how I miss Walter Smith or Alex McLeish!
• I remembered during the match that Tommy Burns had died and that made me sad.
• The fact that Kris Boyd, who has scored 21 goals this season already, will not play because George Burley is manager. I know that he has fallen out with Walter Smith too at Rangers but seriously! If the guy is scoring that many goals why in the world did you not play him when you first became manager, George. We do need someone who can score goals. A little birdie told me that you have to score more than the other team to win a match. Think about it! Maybe to get Boyd to play again Burley has to step down. To be honest, I'm ok with that!

Ok, I think that is my rant over. I think. Maybe I'll have more after the Iceland game (must win, by the way, boys. Do you think you can handle it??) but I hope, hope that I won't. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.......

Leaf, Steve and Sally

We have a habit of finding our pets here. What can I say? We found and caught the bunny in the backyard. Today we found a new pet. Meet Leaf. Leaf is his official name but he has also been called Steve and Sally. I named him Steve and Michella kept calling him Sally even though she had already named him Leaf. I don't think it really matters. Snails are hermaphrodites (which I only found out today).

We found Leaf on the way home from the library. On the way to the library Michella had a major meltdown. But on the way home from the library we were able to stop to look at flowers and find snails. We just had to bring Leaf home. For Michella, it was love at first sight. I'm not sure what Leaf thought. I'm not fluent in Snail.

When we got home we got a small plastic container and the girls collected moss, grass and various bits and pieces to put in Leaf's new home. It looked pretty cosy to me.

But I guess Leaf didn't like it as he tried to escape.

Here's lookin' at you, Leaf.

Sadly, Michella's new pet didn't seem to take well to his new surroundings and after checking on him we discovered that Leaf had kicked the bucket. Michella was pretty sad.Here she is trying furiously to revive him.She was comforted by the fact that he was loved by someone:

Me: "At least someone loved him."

Michella: "Him and her." She is too smart!

Michella went on the computer and googled Google. I'm not joking. I appreciate the irony though. She wanted to google 'Why my snail died' but didn't know how to find Google so she googled it. Gotta love it. We decided that Leaf died of old age but Michella is feeling a lot of guilt. Poor thing.

We wish that you had lived with us for a longer period of time, Leaf. Thank you for being our snail.

Leaf/Steve/Sally (?-March 27,2009)

You have left a permanent mucus trail on our hearts.We miss you, Leaf!

Updated

I have two posts to update:
The first is Babies Of The Future.

After hearing Michella's interesting list of names that she would like to call her future children, I decided to ask her friend, Olivia, what her choices would be when she was over for a play date.

Here they are:
Boys:
1) Vincent
2) Christopher
3) John
4) James

Girls:
1) Ella
2) Jessica
3) Katy
4) Victoria

Fairly tame in comparison to Michella's list, I think you'll agree!

The second update is for Conversations With A Three Year Old which I posted yesterday.
The younger girls and I went to the library this morning. They had the day off school. At the library we met another au pair (I didn't know her and she is in a different cluster to me) and the two kids that she looks after - Francesca (5) and Nicky (3). They were so insanely cute. So, Mandy (the other au pair) introduced herself and Nicky had to get in on the act:
"And I'm Nicky."
"Nice to meet you, Nicky. I'm Jo."
"And these are my knees."
"Cool. I have knees too."

He also ran around the library pretending to be Lightening McQueen from Cars. Ever so funny!

Strictly Strictly

Please forgive the quality of the photos. I was rushed so didn't have time to get good ones.

Something very exciting happened at the school this afternoon. They had their first ever ballroom dancing competition.

Kids from the 3rd through 6th grades had been practicing hard for the last two months and today was the day that they would show off their new found skills.

It will ALWAYS be Strictly Come Dancing. ALWAYS!

First two groups of 3rd and 4th graders danced with a winner announced in each group. Then there were two groups of 5th and 6th graders.

Julianna was in the first of these. She didn't know her partner. He was from School 29 because there weren't enough boys at School 15 to partner the girls. She had never met, let alone danced with him before. They got off to a bit of a rocky start with the Tango but they performed the Waltz and Merengue beautifully. I was especially impressed with the Merengue! They really moved very well. Here is Julianna and her partner doing their thing:

Funky chicken!

They were couple #10Unfortunately #10 wasn't called in the top 3 in their group. But Julianna looked stunning and danced her heart out. I was VERY proud of her. I know that she was disappointed but I think she enjoyed herself all the same.

One of her friends, Brianna, danced in the second group of 5th and 6th graders. She came in third in her group and got this trophy:I don't know why they had 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the older group and not in the younger group.

I know I enjoyed my afternoon of entertainment and I hope the kids enjoyed being on the stage performing. I certainly know a couple of 1st graders who can't wait to give ballroom dancing a go!

Well Done Julianna. You were fantastic!

Conversations With a Three Year Old

Me: You are Angelina's big brother, right?
Frankie: No. You are Angelina's big brother!

(As Frankie was laying on the floor wearing his PJs because it had been pajama day at his nursery)
Me: Are you going to sleep in your pajamas?
Frankie: No. You are going to sleep in your pajamas.

Well, Frankie, it was nice talking to you!

Stellan

Please pray for little Stellan. He is really, really sick. Pop on over to Mckmama's blog (she is Stellan's mum) to find out more about him.

Click on the button to go straight to My Charming Kids.

Pray.

Bird of Prey

This is why I like to take my camera everywhere with me. There have been a TON of times that I have wished that my camera had been in my bag or my pocket but it hasn't been. It has been on my bedroom floor, or my dresser, or under a pile of clothes or papers. (I'm not the tidiest person in the world.)

Today, I struck gold. I was walking home from the bank and spotted this bird of prey across the road. It is because of birds like these that we keep the bunny inside.

So, I had my camera with me on this occasion. Yay! I would have kicked myself if I hadn't had it. Sometimes I wish that my camera was physically attached to my body. Then I wouldn't have to remember to take it with me. (I'm also a little forgetful.) Maybe I'll just use some Gorilla Glue.

I wish that I could have gotten a better pic but it flew away when a car drove passed. I was tempted to follow where it flew but I thought maybe that would have been a teeny, tiny bit obsessive.

I wish my camera had better zoom. This was a very well thought out and constructed post. I know, I know! I'm brilliant!

A Miracle

Some how......

One package of this,.....

...two of these,....

...half a cup of this,....

....a touch of this.........and a slathering of that........ made these:Yummy!

So incredibly easy that even I managed it and I find 'place and bake' cookies difficult!!

A Little About The Songs on my Play List

The current ones anyway. No telling about ones in the future but I can tell you a little about why the songs are on the play list and what they mean to me etc etc....

Flower of Scotland - The Corries: This is the 'unofficial' Scottish National Anthem. It is unofficial because the national anthem is really 'God Save The Queen'. For example, it is God Save The Queen that is sung at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (much to my disappointment!). For pretty much every other event, and by that I guess that I mean sporting, it is Flower of Scotland that is sung. Football. Hampden Park. Thousands of Scots all singing (vaguely) in tune. One voice. All together. Flags waving. Fantastic.

500 Miles - The Proclaimers: Another football classic. The rugby tries is but it doesn't quite work with the refined rugby crowd. Gotta just belt it out. Especially funny when everyone else starts doing the 'Na na na na's (that is so funny to type) in the wrong place, but you can be smug, knowing that you got it right. This is also my phone ring tone. I really wanted to see The Proclaimers when they came to NY but we were at Disney so there was a bit of a logistical problem.

Loch Lomond - Runrig: You can probably guess but it is another football classic. Sensing a theme? This one is sung at half time. Again, flags waving, all singing in one voice etc etc. Except, of course, during the Gaelic bit that no one really knows apart from those who can actually speak Gaelic. I can't. Although I can say, "Hello! How are you?" but I can't type it. I'm interested by the interpretations of the song. Some say that was attributed to a soldier sentenced to death by the English after the 1745 rebellion. One soldier was to be executed and the other would be allowed to live. The one taking the 'High Road' would be the one who wasn't executed. There was a belief that spirits would return to their homeland which is why he is taking the 'Low Road'. Anyway, that is one of a few interpretations. It is such a sad song but makes me extremely happy. Although it does make me cry when my Dad calls me when they are singing it at Hampden and I am stuck in a New York bar watching the game 3,000 miles away!

Highland Cathedral: This is BY FAR my most favourite piece of bagpipe music. EVER. Without doubt. I love it. I love the emotions that it evokes. I love that it makes me cry without fail every time I hear it. Just so wonderful!

Defying Gravity - Wicked: Gotta have a Wicked song on here to go along with my Wicked obsession. I sing this VERY loudly when there is no one else home. If people are home, I lip sync. Either way, I listen to it a lot. This is my favourite song from the show.

Gotta Be Somebody - Nickelback: This is my favourite recent song. This is how I used to feel. Now, not really at all but it still strikes a chord with me and I think that a lot of people feel that way.

Awakening - Switchfoot: Switchfoot are one of my most loved bands. This is the best song on their Oh! Gravity album. It was also one of the best songs that they performed when I saw them in NYC ages ago!

Switchfoot in concert

High of 75 - Relient K: Also one of my most loved bands. Saw them live too when they were in NYC (at the same concert that I saw Switchfoot). I just like the song!

Relient K in concert

Yesterday, Today, Forever - Vicky Beeching: The title says it all really. God is unchanging and is the same throughout time. This song reminds me of Keswick. Jonathan teaching us harmonies. Me singing bum notes really loudly and then laughing hysterically. I can still sing that harmony. So can Tina. We tried it last time I was in Carlisle. We're awesome.

Only Hope - Switchfoot: Another Switchfoot. This is from the film A Walk To Remember. I like the Switchfoot version rather than the one in the film. It is so beautiful.

Performing Only Hope. I cried

Far Away - Nickelback: This song reminds me of North & South. Not because it was in the series (that would be weird in a period drama) but because there was a North & South video on YouTube and it used this song. I would post a link to the video but it has been removed which is such a shame because it was such a great one.

My Savior, My God - Aaron Shust: Forgive the American spelling. I can't help it. That is the name of the song. I first sang this song at Summit Session 3 in 2006. It took me about half a year after Summit to find out who sung it and get the words and a recording of the song.

Dare You To Move - Switchfoot: Probably one of the best known Switchfoot songs. Also featured in A Walk To Remember. Again, I just like it!

Harry Potter theme: Just had to have this on my blog after I star stalked Daniel Radcliffe!

So there you go! Those are all the current songs on my play list. Some may not last much longer (I'm taking the Harry Potter theme off here soon!) and more will be added (I'll probably add some more Wicked tunes) but now you know why the songs are on my blog and what they mean to me. Maybe you weren't interested. That's OK. I told you anyway!

Don't Kiss Me, I'm Not Irish!

I'm rebelling.

I'm not wearing green.

I'm wearing this:

If you can't read/see it, it says Scotland.

I'm also wearing sunglasses, although I don't really need them in the basement, but I will outside!

Death By Chocolate and Other Delicious Deep Fried Delicacies

I had another fantastic Saturday.

Really.

It was awesome.

Well, except for the part where I wanted to go geocaching and couldn't because I was unable to load any caches onto my gps. I was not impressed. I think I have it figured out now thanks to my parents and Rob.

So, other than that Saturday was just great!

It all started on Friday. I don't watch a lot of TV anymore. I NEVER watch the Food Network. This Friday, I did. I didn't even watch the whole of the show. I think that I only watched the first 5 minutes because I needed to shower before picking the girls up from school. I watched enough though. In that 5 minutes I established that in the city there was a British Chippy and I immediately decided that the next day I would visit this place and take Chen Li along with me.

Chen Li had taken me to Chinatown one Saturday after we had been geocaching for some 'authentic' Chinese food. I just couldn't resist returning the favour. It sounds generous but I made her walk 2 miles for her food (I just calculated it on Google Earth!). She had had lunch. I hadn't. She needed to be hungry to eat fish and chips. I made her walk. Haha!

Words cannot describe the joy that I felt when we reached A Salt And Battery. (Just happens to be the best name EVER for a Chippy!!)The place was mobbed. Not surprising because it was teeny, tiny but it has a reputation too - a reputation for awesome fish and chips that is. We managed to squeeze into the place and ordered. The man taking the orders (who was from Durham incidentally) was a little shocked when he asked Chen Li if she would like a small or large portion and she answered, 'Medium.' Despite the misunderstanding, we got our orders of Fish and Chips (small) for Chen Li and a small portion of chips and Irn Bru for me.

I must say that it may be in New York but those chips beat the Blue Lagoon in Glasgow hands down. The Blue Lagoon isn't special. It is just down the road from my flat so is the one I go to. In fact, I was pretty disappointed with them last time I went. I was offered a job there once just cos I seemed nice. First impressions count! The only thing that is in Blue Lagoon's favour is the deep fried pizza. Definitely not something to eat all the time but really tasty! The chips were goooooooooooood!!I'm really sorry for including this one. Seeing people eat with their mouth open is one of my pet hates. I tell Michella off ALL THE TIME for doing it. Thank goodness she doesn't read my blog! I had meant to close my mouth before Lili took the pic but wasn't quick enough. I included it because of the man sitting next to me. I would LOVE to know what he is doing!!

I think Lili enjoyed her taste of Britain. The chips were good.....

But the fish was fantastic. She loved it. Check out that grease! Can't beat that!

After we had finished I did something daring. Something I have never done, and probably would never do, back home. I'm in New York so I'm allowed to be daring! I ordered a Deep Fried Mars Bar. I've renamed it Death By Chocolate. I would rather like to die this way and if I ate many more of these my arteries probably would seize up under the strain. Chen Li and I halved it (I could have eaten it all myself!) and, WOWZA, was it amazing!! It sounds so disgusting - a Mars Bar coated in batter and deep fried - but words really cannot describe it. I think I'm in love. They also did Deep Fried Toffee Crisps, Lion Bars and even Creme Eggs.

(I know, I look enormous. Probably all that deep fried food. Remind me to buy a fitted fleece!)Thumbs up from Lili!I know what you are thinking! H.O.T!

Right next to A Salt and Battery there is a restaurant and shop called Tea & Sympathy. The shop sells lots of British food. I indulged in Jelly Tots and Tunnock's Tea Cakes. Yummy!

They even had a London taxi outside:

This stuff isn't half as interesting when you are in Britain but in New York it is so exciting. I think Chen Li was a little scared at how giddy I got. I think she enjoyed it too though.