I like a lot of things that begin with M, for example:
1. The wonderful M (who is also magnificent, great, and all other marvellous adjectives).
2. Martinis
3. My new mac
4. The word mollycoddle
5. Mince pies
6. Me (officially that probably begins with R but never mind).
7. Mint - the plant and the general flavour
8. Money (sort of essential really, I don’t have a lot so I value what I do have)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Put 'em up
Well it is a bit late to talk about Boxing day but I said I would. Did some research to confirm the story I had always thought was behind its origins and although I found some support for that I also found about ten other theories. It appears the correct one is in dispute. I refer you to the Wikipedia entry on Boxing Day if anyone wants to read all the different options.
What to say
Well Christmas day has come and gone and it was a lovely day. I toodled over to where my parents are staying and spent the day there. The big surprise for me was that my parents bought me a new laptop. Had no idea whatsoever - so grateful as the other one is old and decrepid, I love it nonetheless but was increasingly nervous it would crash on me at anytime. Love my new toy, if I did not already have a wonderful M then my new mac would become it, alas as much as I love my new purchase it cannot replace the original wonderful M (and of course nothing can).
Boxing day came and went (I will do a nice blog on that perhaps tomorrow for my American friends). We all went to see the Knoxville Ice Bears play. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to ice hockey but I enjoyed it. They won, which always helps.
Today we went to the zoo - expect pictures later as the gorillas were most obliging. Also saw the History Boys - I really enjoyed it. Hurrah for the cinema. Now I am going to bed… well in a bit. Fancy a cuppa first.
Boxing day came and went (I will do a nice blog on that perhaps tomorrow for my American friends). We all went to see the Knoxville Ice Bears play. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to ice hockey but I enjoyed it. They won, which always helps.
Today we went to the zoo - expect pictures later as the gorillas were most obliging. Also saw the History Boys - I really enjoyed it. Hurrah for the cinema. Now I am going to bed… well in a bit. Fancy a cuppa first.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Polly want a cracker
The comment from J has inspired me to educate my American friends as to some British Christmas necessities, starting with the cracker.
Crackers were invented by Tom Smith, in 1847 (old huh?), he made sweeties (candy for you Americans) wrapped in a twist of paper. But apparently the confectionary business was not all it could be and he was trying to think of gimmicks to market them. He heard a log crack on the fire and BINGO he decided to add the cracking stick (for want of something better to call it). To accommodate it the wrapping got bigger and eventually the sweet was replaced with a gift… and of course the paper hat that is too big for everyone’s head and the joke…. and the awful joke. Honestly I have never heard a good joke from a cracker, but it is half their charm.
For those deprived individuals that have never seen a cracker - here is a handy link for you.
Crackers were invented by Tom Smith, in 1847 (old huh?), he made sweeties (candy for you Americans) wrapped in a twist of paper. But apparently the confectionary business was not all it could be and he was trying to think of gimmicks to market them. He heard a log crack on the fire and BINGO he decided to add the cracking stick (for want of something better to call it). To accommodate it the wrapping got bigger and eventually the sweet was replaced with a gift… and of course the paper hat that is too big for everyone’s head and the joke…. and the awful joke. Honestly I have never heard a good joke from a cracker, but it is half their charm.
For those deprived individuals that have never seen a cracker - here is a handy link for you.
I'm crackers!
Christmas eve - well I hope no creatures are stirring in my flat, especially any mice! The days have gone by so quickly this week, I have meant to blog several times but never actually got around to it, so here goes.
You will be relieved to know that my parents bought me a new vacuum cleaner and that the one that had recently been reborn as a smoke machine has been released from service (and I believe from this life as well). My new one is a rather obnoxious blue colour but it works without any extra effects. We also bought some decorations to bring Christmas to my flat so it looks all garish and Christmassy now, which is fabulouso. Alas I do not know what Americans put on the top of their tree but it is not an angel or a fairy because we cannot find one anywhere. We have sort of stuck a santa there but he looks rather uncomfortable, sort of like we are crucifing him really - but in times of crisis (no-angels) one must do the best one can. I did manage to drive to the other side of town (which in Knoxville is a ways away) to a shop I was convinced would sell crackers, another item lacking in an american Christmas, and there I was triumphant. Hurrah!
We toodled down to North Carolina Wednsday with the idea of getting up early Thursday and snowboarding (as a family awwwww). Alas the rain predicted was rain and then some, the whole area was under a flood warning and so no snow was seen as it would have been rather miserable. Mother Nature and I are not good friends anymore. We drove to Cherokee instead and went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians, it was very interesting. The people I saw dancing a few months back are from there but alas there were no demonstrations.
Last night K came into town (she left Uni last year to go be with the magnificent B) and we discussed everything - including wedding plans. I am sure it will be wonderful. Got to get my bridesmaids dress in though, measured myself for it and was horrified (but I’ll get over it by means of necessity).
Phew well I think that is all I wanted to say. Happy Christmas everyone in case I do not post tomorrow.
You will be relieved to know that my parents bought me a new vacuum cleaner and that the one that had recently been reborn as a smoke machine has been released from service (and I believe from this life as well). My new one is a rather obnoxious blue colour but it works without any extra effects. We also bought some decorations to bring Christmas to my flat so it looks all garish and Christmassy now, which is fabulouso. Alas I do not know what Americans put on the top of their tree but it is not an angel or a fairy because we cannot find one anywhere. We have sort of stuck a santa there but he looks rather uncomfortable, sort of like we are crucifing him really - but in times of crisis (no-angels) one must do the best one can. I did manage to drive to the other side of town (which in Knoxville is a ways away) to a shop I was convinced would sell crackers, another item lacking in an american Christmas, and there I was triumphant. Hurrah!
We toodled down to North Carolina Wednsday with the idea of getting up early Thursday and snowboarding (as a family awwwww). Alas the rain predicted was rain and then some, the whole area was under a flood warning and so no snow was seen as it would have been rather miserable. Mother Nature and I are not good friends anymore. We drove to Cherokee instead and went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians, it was very interesting. The people I saw dancing a few months back are from there but alas there were no demonstrations.
Last night K came into town (she left Uni last year to go be with the magnificent B) and we discussed everything - including wedding plans. I am sure it will be wonderful. Got to get my bridesmaids dress in though, measured myself for it and was horrified (but I’ll get over it by means of necessity).
Phew well I think that is all I wanted to say. Happy Christmas everyone in case I do not post tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Holy smokes!
So I decided to vacuum today… finally. I may not vacuum as much as I should but even I know that smoke coming out of the vacuum is not a good sign. Well it is good in one way - I was able to discontinue the chore guilt free.
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