My life, but not as you know it

New Addition

2009-12-15T18:27:00.002Z

I haven't posted on this for a good couple of years. However, maybe there are still some people who pop by to look at it! Alexa Charlotte Haslock was born on 19th September 2009. We are now a full family consisting of Me, Nick, Isobel and Alexa! x

Isobel Katherine Haslock

2007-04-21T10:40:00.000+01:00

Our beautiful daughter arrived on Friday 13th April at 10.14 weighing 6lb 4oz and 51 cm in length... .she has already become our whole world...

Pictures from the Dinner and Dance

2006-12-18T09:34:00.000Z

For Vanessa - Bump 24 weeks

2006-12-16T11:59:00.000Z

Work Xmas Party

2006-12-16T10:30:00.000Z

Went out to our work xmas do last night. It was at Waterloo, in a place called Room by the River. It was fantastic. The whole place was decked out really well. I finally found a dress that didn't make me look like a person that was atleast 9 months pregnant already, and one that didnt cling so tightly, I looked like I had eaten all the pies!
Stephanie and I left together around 12.20, caught the last train home, and then at 1.20 her mum came to pick us up - fantastic!! So all in all I had a totally free night.

I now have a week off work - Jean is coming down on Wednesday to spend a week with us, and in between now and then we will finish off the baby's room, go shopping for a bathroom, and generally relax!

Baby Yoga

2006-11-30T19:03:00.000Z

Well my sister has made a complaint that I am not updating enough. Nick is out doing his Thai Boxing tonight, and I am just off out the door to do antenatal yoga. Our little dude has been very active today, and gave me a real hard kick just before I left work... It must be getting bigger now!

I went to the docs, and have hardly put any weight on, so fingers crossed that is going to be the case for the last half of the preganancy now. I am 22 weeks, so let's just wait and see as still a few more to go yet!

Going to pick up our mamas & papas travel system this weekend - woo hoo!

Baby Moving

2006-11-26T16:59:00.000Z

Nick just felt our baby move!!!!

20 Weeks and 4 days

2006-11-24T18:50:00.000Z

This is for Vanessa : (here is little minko!)

The scan was not as clear as before, as the baby was sleeping in a certain position, which made it difficult for the sonographer to see everything. Initially all the major organs are ok, and then I can to go out for 15 minutes to try and wake the baby up, so it would move to see it's limbs. Well finally, it moved, and they are all there.

So, the head is to the right of the picture. In the second picture the baby's mouth is open, it was swallowing fluid!!! Nick and I are very smiley, and very excited now after a worrying week that all is ok.

No we don't know the sex. Before you ask.

I felt the baby move last night as well. It gave me 2 little kicks whilst at yoga. So unfortunately Nick has not felt it yet.

Today

2006-11-18T16:33:00.000Z

Well after a chinese and watching Children In Need, we woke up this morning (a little earlier than planned, due to my little sis phoning - she didn't realise it was a 7 hour time difference) and started to strip the wallpaper off the walls of the nursery. I chatted with Vanessa on Skype for a while, which was really nice, and then carried on with the walls. Nick took over whilst I did a massage. The walls are now nearly all clear, so next weekend we should be able to start wallpapering (all being well)

Thursday evening I went to my first antenatal yoga class, and I really loved it. Some of the women are due a few weeks after me and are really showing quite a lot, whereas I still only have a slight swelling on my lower tummy, making it look like I ate too much chinese!

Work has been quite interesting this week - we managed to lost a member of our team. Well, it was about time. This is a guy who had so many issues in his personal life, that I don't think he could remember what was real and what was a lie. Anyway, it is all for the best.

My official finsih day at work is 23rd Feb, and then we are off to Antiuga for a 2 week holiday. Our little dude is due 4 weeks after we return. So not long to go until I leave! Yippeeeee.... It is not that I don't like work, or a work shy, but I am just excited to be able to get everything ready for our new arrival, and do the things that normally take up one day of the weekend, during the week!

Anyway, this evening we are off to our friends house, Sara and Daniel, for dinner, then tomorrow we are going to see Casino Royale at Bluewater, followed by some lunch and shopping.

Things are coming together....

2006-11-01T19:18:00.000Z

Slowly, but surely, things are coming together. Last week, Nick finished off one bit of wallpapering in our bedroom, that we have been putting off for a while. With Baby H on the way, we now realise that we want everything done before the little dude makes an appearance.

So, our room is done. The spare room is done. The lounge is done. My massage room is done. The hall is done. The babys room is emptied.

To do list:
Get a kitchen floor - to be done before Xmas.
Get a new bathroom - to be ordered in January.
Strip, paint and put items in the babys room - to be done by Xmas.

Then our house is complete. Woo hoo!

My dad has been a massive help - he comes over all the time and puts wires ins, cuts the grass, moves heavy items with Nick. Anyway, I love our home, and it is nearly done.

I signed up to an antenantal yoga class today. I have been searching for one for a while, because although little dude is now 20 cm, he/she i sitting quite far back in me, thus putting weight on my back (so it hurts!) The only one in our area was on a Saturday, and you had to pay for a course of 8 up front. I can't commit to every Saturday, so that one was no good. Normal yoga is no good, because of the stuff they do, so I asked my friend (who works at a health club) if she knew of anyone. And lo and behold, she did. So I am going every Thursday evening, for an initial 5 week course starting on 16th November. I am really excited. It also means I can meet other expecting mums in the area....

Tomorrow night I am going to see Laura. My Goddaughter will be in bed. I am not sure where her husband will be. Out I think, which is why I am going there. Friday night I am going on a date. I love going on dates, especially dates with my husband. We are off out for a nice evening at the Tree House, and possibly a movie.... Saturday Nick is doing his flying. Last Xmas I bought him a flight in a Tiger Moth plane. It is in Ashford. Depending on the time of it, I was going to check with Ellen and Mark to see if they were around for a cuppa. In the evening we are going to a Beatles night at Airport House. Sunday we are down in Hove visiting friends. In fact Phil tells me today, that after lunch and a few drinks at the marina, we are going to watch the England v NZ game!!!

Muder Mystery

2006-10-22T13:34:00.000+01:00

Last night we did a murder mystery.
Nicola was the murderer! The evening was really good. We decorated the house with different colour lighting and cobwebs and skulls. Before everyone arrived, Nicola, Tim, Nick and me just sat there getting quite excited, whilst listening to haunted music!

Scotland

2006-10-11T19:51:00.000+01:00

Well tomorrow Nick and I are off to Scotland with Cherrie and Andy. I am really looking forward to it, as it will be a nice break for us. Nick has been working silly hours recently, so to just be able to relax will be lovely.

Did anyone watch that programme on channel 3 or 4 last night about Britains youngest Mums and Dads. I couldn't believe it, that one girl was 13 when she fell pregnant. Her parents didn't even know until the day she went into labour. Whe the baby was born, she just didn't care. I think initially she was a bit excited about it, like a new toy, and after that the baby was just a hassle. It may me feel quite sad and angry. Sad for the baby, and angry that the parents havent given their babies, any lessons on sex education at all. I mean how can you not know that your 13 year old daughter is pregnant. They said "she started wearing bigger coats". For goodness sake.

Anyway, today I had to buy some fat clothes. By that I obviously mean maternity clothes. I have some new jeans and work trousers. It has only been in the last 3/4 days that I have started to put weight on. And now my trousers are digging into my tummy..... expensive business already this baby thing!

Ear Infection

2006-10-04T17:47:00.000+01:00

I have had an ear infection for a week now. It started last Wednesday evening in my left ear. Thursday I was up in London - in hindsight, I should have just gone to the doctors, and then gone to London late morning, but I didn't. Work always seems to take priority. Anyway, Thursday evening I went out. I wish I didn't have to go out, but it was to this "Tob Table" thing we have at work, where every month there is a competition throughout the whole company. I won the competition a couple of months ago, and therefore had to go with my boss, our Exectutive Director and a couple of other people who came 2nd, 3rd etc... out for dinner. I ended up getting home at 1pm - which isn't too bad, normally. Except. 1. I am pregnant and don't stay up much past 9.30pm, and 2. I had a throbbing left ear.

Friday morning I went to the docs. She prescribed me with antibiotics. The problem with me and antibiotics is that I am allergic to 3 of the main ones, and any other one can't be given to pregnant women! Typical.

Sunday. My ear is not better at all, and not only that, I have been throwing up several times since first starting taking them. I don't think the baby agrees with them! (bearing in mind my morning sickness has eased off completely, touch wood) So I call the NHS line who tell me to go down to the doctors at our local hospital. After waiting 1 hour and 15 minutes, the doctor looks in both ears, tells me I should have been on drops from the beginning, and it was silly to give me tablets. Great!

So now the infection has spread to both ears. Fantastic. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off work. Not so fantastic when you are feeling ill.

Went back to the docs last night, and nothing they can do at this stage, as no other drops to give me as will be too high a risk for the baby. Ugh.

However, this evening I am starting to feel human again. I can't hear out my right ear, but at least the pain has lessened. I might get a nights sleep with any luck.

It has been so bad, the not sleeping, that 2 nights ago I slept in the spare room, just so Nick could have an undisturbed nights sleep.

Well that is the ear infection story.

Mum and Dad have flown out to Mombassa now, after a delayed start for Mum due to terrible teeth problems. Anyway, she joined Dad and Vanessa this morning, and having just spoken to her, things seem to be well. Vanessa is apparently very brown, and full of stories from her 6 weeks so far....

Well not much news on the baby front. I will post a picture up of my bump when I actually get one. Fingers crossed that I will not show too much, therefore will not be too uncomfortable later on down the line. At the moment, I don't look like I am in my 14th week at all!

That's all my news for a few days anyway....

Introducing Little Dude

2006-09-26T19:46:00.000+01:00

The scan was the most amazing experience. I was getting a bit nervous when we got there, as I am not really showing at all, and there were other women who were 12 weeks who had proper bumps! As soon as we saw 'little dude' on the screen with his/her heartbeat, i couldn't stop smiling. He/She then kept jumping up and down - so is very active!

So what do you think - boy or girl? Nicks head, my nose (poor bugger!)

ps can you see it's little toes on the left hand side of the picture!! How cute.

Our news!

2006-09-24T12:15:00.000+01:00

Well this is the picture that faced me around 7 weeks ago.

When we first decided that we would like to try for a junior Haslock, I had it in my head that it would take around 6 months... so you can imagine our surprise when after one month, the blue line showed up.

We are both so happy, and now I am 12 weeks, it is time to let everyone else know.

Our scan is on Tuesday, so soon you will be able to see the little dude (as he/she is affectionatly known!)

The sickness is starting to wear off, but I still have my bad days. Mainly I am just exhausted. I feel quite pathetic, in fact. Luckily Nick knows that it is not me being a wuss!

So, around April 10th (subject to the scan confirming that date) 2007, Nick and I will become parents.

Scary!!!!

It's the weekend!

2006-09-01T18:23:00.000+01:00

Well, last weekend was very good - we didn't manage to go outside of Jersey as the wind was strong, but it was very sunny, so all in all a good weekend.
I bought the Christina Aguileria album and it is brilliant. I am totally addicted to Aint No Other Man and Candyman, just makes me want to get up and boogie!

Well this weekend I am off to Middle Piccadilly. It is a health farm type of place. Vanessa booked it last year for a few of us to go for my hen weekend - and it was so good we are going back. Although me and Mum are the only originals from last year!

So, Nick will spend the weekend watching Kung Foo movies, eating steak and drinking beer! I know where I would rather be!!!!

This evening we are going out with Michelle and Toby for a meal, I hope that it will be very yummy as I am feeling quite hungry at the moment!

On another note, my God daughter, Freya, is teething. She is only 5 months the little monkey, and she is still gorgeous!

Well until the next time, ta ta x

Lack of Blogging

2006-08-24T19:39:00.000+01:00

Well, firstly, I have to apologise for my lack of blogging. Things have just been manic at work, and by the time I come home I am so tired, I just flake out in front of the tv before going to bed early!

Well my little sister headed off on her travels a week ago. She is now in Namibia and having a wonderful time from what I can gather. Check out www.snigglypiggly.com/travel

This weekend we are off to Jersey for the bank holiday - Cherrie and Andy are coming too, so I am hoping for a nice relaxing weekend.

Last Saturday, Nick took me to see Thai Boxing at the Fairfield Halls - we first got into it whilst on holiday in Thailand, and although initially I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, it is actually quite exciting and entertaining. A while ago Nick signed up with a thai boxing club in waterloo, but they kepy postponing his start date, and after taking the money from him, have now vanished off the face of the earth.

He has found a new club in Carshalton, which is not too far from here, and I beleive he is going to chat with Andy about it this weekend to see if he would like to go with him.

Other than that, he is also thinking of learning French. As you are aware he works for Eurostar. He is on a contract there for about another year, and if there are opportunities at the end of it, one of the requirements for perm staff is that they speak basic French, so he is looking into an evening course to ensure he is ahead of the game!

That's all for this evening. Over and out.

x

Nick Haslock MCIPS

2006-08-07T21:28:00.000+01:00

Did I mention that my husband completed his CIPS course (first time round for all exams!)

Freya's Christening

2006-08-06T22:08:00.000+01:00

Today was Freya's Christening, and I am now officially her Godmother....

Beer Festival

2006-08-04T20:49:00.000+01:00

We went to the beer festival in Earls Court last night. Towards the end I was very tried and got a bit grotty. So apologies for those who witnessed it!

Tonight Nick and I stayed in. I am very tired at the moment for some reason.
Tomorrow we have friends coming for dinner, and then on Sunday Freya's Christening!

Brussels

2006-07-31T21:03:00.000+01:00

This weekend Nick took me to Brussels. It was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had lots of chocolate, beer and yummy food. The hotel we stayed in was amazing. And the breakfast on Sunday was delicious.

We saw the pissing boy, the Atomium, and took a ride on a tram.

A lot of the guide books were negative abuot Brussels, saying not to bother going. I would totally disagree. I guess if you are not the type of person to enjoy walking on cobbled streets, eating Waffles and drinking fine Beer, then maybe it is not for you. We would definitely go again.

On the Saturday evening in the Grand Place, they had a light and classical music display on the side of the Town Hall building. It was amazing. We sat in on eof the open air bars round the edge of the town centre square and watched it. What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening.

On another note. I am Freya's Godmother (well as on next Sunday I will be). i am very excited as I have never been a Godmother before.

Couple of pics

2006-07-25T22:14:00.000+01:00

So called friends

2006-07-21T23:19:00.000+01:00

It is 11.15pm, and I just about to go to bed. However, I will put a thought down that no doubt I will continue with at another time.

So called friends - don't waste my life or my families life. Go and waste your own, you sad miserable little git.

On a lighter note - Vanessa is home now - yipeeee.

Weekend

2006-07-18T22:08:00.000+01:00

Sorry I have been a bit quiet on posting recently, work is mad, which means in the evening I just want to go so sleep as soon as possible. Below are pictures from the weekend with Nicola and Tim on the boat in Jersey. What a lovely weekend. Saturday lunchtime we went to the Frere restaurant, which is beautiful. You sit on a verandah and overlook the sea, and can see across to the coast of France. The food was lovely, and the company fab!

This weekend

2006-07-09T21:53:00.000+01:00

Friday night we drove up to Hereford to stay with Nick's mum. We had such a lovely weekend, and with the weather being lovely we went out for lunch on Saturday to the Tarrington Arms. Grandma came as well. That afternoon, Nick got his air rifle out and did some target practice, whilst I read. Today... more shooting!

On a different note, what the hell was Zidane thinking of?????

New Carpet

2006-07-04T21:23:00.000+01:00

This is mainly for the benefit of Vanessa as she will not see the new carpet for a while...

Last Weekend

2006-07-03T20:54:00.000+01:00

Friday night we went to Michelle and Stuarts to see their new house. It is lovely. Bigger than I thought it was going to be. Nick fell in love with the garden as they have a patch where they are growing herbs. Oh dear, I can sense we will have something like that in our garden soon....

Saturday morning we went to drop my car off in Acton. As I said my farewells with 2.5K in my pocket, we sped up to Rugby to visit Matt, Kurda and Aran. What a nice Saturday. We took a trip to Stratford and saw where Shakspeare was born... then we ate ice cream!

Sunday we had a yummy brekkie of croissants, chocolate and plain, yoghuts, cereal, waffles, muffins etc etc etc, then headed off down the motorway stopping off to see Tim. Nicola was working. After a nice glass of cooling drink, we decided to stay until Nicola came home, and then went for a curry with them... Sunday night, going the opposite way around the M25 because lanes were shut with a lorry fire. We got home at 11.30pm.

Back to work today!

Last Thursday

2006-07-03T20:50:00.000+01:00

I went out with my guys from work. We went to a Mexican restaurant.....

O2 Wireless Festival

2006-06-26T19:51:00.000+01:00

We went to the O2 Wireless Festival yesterday. By we, I mean, me, Nick, Rich, Ellen and Mark. Mum looked after Xander for the day.

Below are the pics of the event, including the crowd watching the England game on a big screen especially brought it.

Tonight

2006-06-24T23:17:00.000+01:00

We ended up seeing Cherrie and Andy again! Yummy curry, then back to Andys for the Extra time of the Argentians and Mexican match, and a few drinks!

Money isn't everything

2006-06-23T18:44:00.000+01:00

But it certainly helps. I got a nice big fat pay rise today - :-) happy happy Carla. Nick is out buying some bubbly to celebrate.
Cherrie and Andy are over for dinner tonight.
Enjoy your weekend.

One more day...

2006-06-22T22:01:00.000+01:00

Until the weekend.

This weekend we are seeing Cherrie and Andy, i am having a massage, then we are going to see Depeche Mode in Hyde Park. However good it may be, I am still hoping that the rumour of a big screen showing the England game will be there as well.

Work was better today. Not good, just better.

I have massaged two people this evening, had dinner and now off to bed. Up at 5.15 for the gym again. However, it makes me feel good for the whole day.

Come On England!!

2006-06-20T22:21:00.000+01:00

Well we're top of the group. But if we continue playing as we did tonight, we may not be in the knockout rounds for very long!

Work. Well there is a talking point. At the moment it is making me feel very de-motivated. Various reasons that I won't bore you with. What is the best thing to do when you go in and try and be positive and happy and people around you aren't. To me that sets to mood for the whole day. It is the little things that are building up and up and really starting to niggle away at me. Oh well, not long to go.

Back to work....

2006-06-19T19:05:00.000+01:00

So with Monday over, there are only 4 days of work left, or in my terms 40 hours to go!
Yesterday our friends Sara and Daniel came over for dinner, and we actually had enough sun to sit out and eat in the garden, it was really nice. Well that was until Daniel's hayfever kicked off and we went inside.

We are now trying to sell our car - a Renault Clio Y reg - anyone know anyone who wants one?

So tonight Nick is cooking... prawns in black bean sauce - mmm... yummy.

Nothing much else to report, so until next time...

Get Up It's The Weekend!

2006-06-17T12:12:00.000+01:00

Well we're off to order a carpet today. How exciting. The living room has a red carpet at the moment, and we are going to get a nice oatmeal coloured one to brighten the room.

Tonight we are going to an 18th birthday party. Yep, the sister of the one who's 21st we went to, when the police were called! Should be an interesting night.

It's the weekend

2006-06-16T18:26:00.000+01:00

And thank goodness for that. Yesterday we had 4 tv's at work for the football. Nick came and joined me in the office, and we watched for 80 minutes, wondering if it could get much more boring. Then a fantastic cross from Beckham and a header from Crouch secured a goal. A few minutes later, and Gerrard finished it all off.

Woo hoo. Come on England!

We were meant to come straight home. At 11.30pm we decided that no curry houses were still open and we would eat a dodgy burger instead. So in a drunken stupor we made it into bed about half past midnight. Oh dear. I blame my guys at work.

Today therefore, has been interesting. I don't suffer with hangovers in the usual sense, however I am very tired!

We are off out this evening to Laura and Paul's for dinner. Let's hope my eyes stay open past the dips and crisps!!!

So here, I am on a Friday evening waiting for my husband to come home, typing away on my blog.

I also haven't heard from my sister for a while, she has either gambled away all their money in Vegas so can't contact us, or else she has not managed to find an internet connection recently! Let's hope it's the latter.

To everyone reading this, enjoy your weekend, and make the most of the people you are with. If you don't want to be with them, then leave.

My Day

2006-06-14T21:58:00.000+01:00

Woke up. Got on a crowded train to Blackfriars - took forever! Had a good and productive day at work. Met Nick from work. Got the train home. Did a massage. Ate dinner. Typed up Laura's Beauty price list the same format as mine. Blogged a couple of sentences. Now I'm going to bed. Roll on tomorrow and the England game. I beleive we are having a tv at work - woo hoo!

Dinner with the folks

2006-06-13T22:18:00.000+01:00

Tonight my mum and dad came over for dinner. It was yummy. It is nice to be able to invite them over to our home...

I went to meet a woman from Manpower today who have just won the tender to be the Managed Service Provider (MSP) for West Sussex County Council and they have invited Badenoch & Clark to be a 2nd tier supplier. Well what a waste of my time. By the end of the meeting, and after several questions, I found out that the 'briefing' i was being given was in fact 'brief'. They would try and fill all vacancies before sending them to us (not so unusual) we weren't allowed to contact line managers directly or visit them, even if we had temps in their team. She would sack all of our temps within 4 weeks of them taking over the account, for no apparant reason, and to top it all off, she wouldn't confirm the rates she wanted us to work towards! At the end she wanted to know if we wanted to sign up!!!!!!

Oh dear.

Anyway, off to sleep now. Up in Blackfriars tomorrow for a day of marketing!

New Car

2006-06-12T21:57:00.000+01:00

Below is a picture of our new car!

I took it this evening, so is a bit dark, and in real life is not that dark! We love it. We went up to Hereford this weekend to see Jean, nick's mum, and had a brilliant time. We caught the national express bus up there from Victoria, and 4 hours 45 minutes later we arrived. The journey was not that bad... although it took a while because of traffic, all in all it was ok.
Saturday morning we picked up our car, and then drove to see Nick's aunt and uncle and their kids. We watched the footie - and then drove back. We saw Flight Plan on DVD in the evening, and then on Sunday Nicks grandma came over.

Well, we're back and already one day in to the working week. Work is so busy at the moment. It is good, but in some ways, I can't wait to just work from home doing my massage. I massaged another client tonight, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Nothing better than looking at their face after you have finished and seeing all the stress and tension ease away!

Nick is downstairs doing ironing, and then early to bed, me thinks.

p.s my sister is in Las Vegas at the moment, they are staying in the Excalibur hotel, and it looks brilliant. Check out www.figroll.com/travel for their website

Sunday Evening

2006-06-04T22:06:00.000+01:00

Well we have just been to Kim and Russ's house (pic of the kids on our wedding day) Had a lovely dinner, had my hair cut, and am now back at home. Nick is ironing, and I am just about to go to bed as I'm very sleepy, and have work tomorrow morning! Going for dinner with my friend Lou tomorrow..... Night Night.

What a lovely day!

2006-06-04T10:45:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was brilliant. I only guessed the surprise when I saw the sign for Thorpe Park! and was a perfect day for the weather. We went on the Collossus rollercoaster which is the only rollercoaster with 10 upside down turns in it! Aggghhhhh! When the ride stopped we all looked at each other and just said "Wow!". Nick and Andy went on this ride (below) that just went round and round in circles. Cherrie and I chose not to go on it, because i am sure we would have been sick. The pictures below are them as they came off the ride!

We also went on a log ride. And got soaked.....

Thorpe Park

2006-06-03T21:18:00.000+01:00

And my surprise was..... Thorpe park.

Surprises

2006-06-03T09:42:00.000+01:00

Last night our friends Clare and Phil came over for dinner. Feeling slightly hung-over from my night out in London on Thursday, I stuck to orange juice! They stayed over and are just leaving now for a day at the races!

Today Nick and I are going on a surprise trip with Cherrie and Andy ... will tell you more later when I come back!

Bank Holiday Screws Up The Week

2006-05-31T22:06:00.000+01:00

Today feels like Thursday. Which means that tomorrow is Friday - hoooray! However, it isn't. In fact it is only half way through the week. Even though we had Monday off, so theoretically it should feel like a Tuesday. Hmmm...

Went out for dinner with Rich and Kris tonight at the old fire brigade place in Waterloo. A bit smokey, but the food was good, and the atmosphere was pretty cool.

Vanessa and David are off tomorrow. I am really excited for them, but also quite sad that she will be going. She now wont have time to blog silly comments to her sister whilst at work. Oh well, I will enjoy reading their blog. Click her for blog And feeling immensely envious!

Off on a team night out tomorrow evening. Should be fun! No really it should be.....

Bank Holiday Monday

2006-05-29T11:16:00.000+01:00

Well, we didn't end up in Jersey. Initially the line from BA was that the weather was too bad to fly. However, when we had a phone call from my parents saying that they had just landed and the weather was fine, we made our way to the Customer Services department. Customer services my arse. The only service in the way they were treating their customers was BAD. After the guy we were speaking with said he would be back 'in a mintue' and 20 minutes later we were still waiting there, we decided to get someone to look for him. Eventually he came back..... apparently they didn't have enough crew to fly us. Of course he wouldn't put this in writing, instead we were left with a letter that claimed the operational disruption was due to poor weather - Ha!

Last night we went to see Mark, Ellen and Xander. He has grown up so much in the last few months. He is now walking, and whilst not talking yet, can understand what you are saying to him, by replying with a nod or shake of his head!

Today we are off to buy a new carpet for our living room, and then to watch Da Vinci Code AND X-Men 3 at the cinema! The latter with Cherrie and Andy, possibly with food afterwards.

Enjoy bank holiday!

Jersey

2006-05-25T22:29:00.000+01:00

This weekend we are off to Jersey with Mum and Dad, Vanessa and David and Cherrie and Andy. It should be a brilliant weekend, and I am looking forward to relaxing properly after what seems like a very long time!

On another note, Nick has his final CIPS exams tomorrow. Good luck!

Someone borrowed his books a while ago for their exams, and now Nick wants them back (although this evening is too late!) He has phoned the guy and emailed him on several occasions, and he hasn't bothered to return his messages. So it is ok for him to have them, and to have now passed the exam, but now he wants to mess up Nick's chances. UGH I hate people like that. Self centred, and always will be.

Friends (again!)

2006-05-19T21:53:00.000+01:00

I know I am always blogging about friendship and deep thoughts about things like that, but where do people get off thinking that they can walk in and out of your life without blinking an eye about how it has or is affecting you.

I know that people aren't perfect, and I know that people deserve a second chance, but when you get to chance 23 (let's say for sake of an argument) do you beleive them when they say they have changed, and want to make it work this time?

I am a huge hypocrite on this subject, but it doesn't stop me getting angry about it.

On a different note, after borrowing someone else's idea, I have created a new website for pictures and things....feel free to check it out!

www.carlaandnick.piczo.com

Thoughts of the last week.

2006-05-16T10:37:00.000+01:00

We have all done it. We have all had pointless arguments with someone we care about -what is going to happen - are you going to divorce that person, disown them, not be their friend any more? Probably not, so why bother having arguments in the first place.

This past week and a half I have been thinking about this a lot. Life is too short to argue. Life is too short to go to bed on an argument or let them walk out the door on an argument.

My advice is to make every moment count, every second you are with that person is special, as you never know when it will be taken away and all you will be left with is memories.

Don't waste your time on people that are not right. There are people out there who are, and you will be missing vital moments with them, whilst wasting it on someone who isn't.

At the end of the day you want to look back on your life and think that you made the most of it. Not necessarily how you had always imagined it to turn out. But as long as you have each other, everything else falls in to place. The other things don't matter as much.

2006-05-09T22:18:00.000+01:00

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into
you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you,
and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like falling leaves.

With love xx

Race for Life

2006-05-04T19:59:00.000+01:00

I did it! I completed the 5K race for life for cancer research last night. My left thigh is aching slightly, but that'll teach me for trying to run that far without training. I did it in 35 minutes, my friends running with me did it in 26 minutes, and they had been training, so I was very very chuffed with myself. And I raised a lot of money.

Whilst running around, people had names of people they were running for attached to their back. It made me think, I am so lucky that I have not had anyone close in my life lost to Cancer. That is why I ran it. For all those people who have lost children, siblings, mothers, fathers, grandparents and friends.

So thank you for everyone who donated. Everyone that wants to make a difference like I do.

Bank Holiday

2006-05-01T19:02:00.000+01:00

Well this weekend has been nice. Nick has been doing a lot of revision for his final CIPS exam, and other than seeing our friends last night, we have had a relaxing weekend.

Well that is if you include food shopping, ironing, cleaning and doing the laundry relaxing!

Back to work tomorrow then. We have moved offices. Only another 5 minutes further from East Croydon station than before, but the offices are bigger, airier and all in all nicer.

My netball team is falling apart - everyone seems to be leaving because they are pregnant or injured.

This week is a busy week - Wednesday night I am running the race for lifefor Cancer Research, so if you haven't sponsored me yet, please do. Even if it is only a little - I am only £20 off my target.

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/carlahaslock

Wedding Part 2

2006-04-29T18:40:00.000+01:00

Last night we went to Nicola and Tim's wedding party. It was brilliant. The evening went far too quickly, but the music, food and dancing was excellent. I did however manage to cut my foot, quite deeply by standing on a piece of glass.

Dont ask why I had my shoes off, for those who know me well, you wont need to ask.

I have cleaned the house, and am just about to start on dinner.

Tomorrow we are seeing Laura, Paul and Freya, also in the afternoon going to a bbq.

Nick is starting his revision for his final CIPS exam. Which, whilst I am on the subject, I don't mind people borrowing things, but when they are asked to be returned, then bloody well return them!

Compromise part 2

2006-04-26T22:26:00.000+01:00

I have discovered the secret of compromise.
Talking.

What a happy bunny I am.

Compromise

2006-04-25T21:51:00.000+01:00

What happens when there is no compromise.
Or the compromise leaves one person feeling like they have lost out.
Or if that person gets their own way, what happens to the other person?

If there's no blue light, it isn't a good night

2006-04-23T14:55:00.000+01:00

We went to Jennas 21st last night. It was held at her parents house and it was a really enjoyable evening. Lots of food, drink and unfortunately drunken behaviour (not by us).

Jenna had invited her family, her family friends, her school friends and her uni friends. A few of them thought it would be funny to turn up already drunk.

The evening ended when they were kicked out, and then decided to kick the car in of someone at the party, cracking the front bumper. The police were called, and I left sweeping up broken glass and watching the blue flashing lights in my mirrors.

Off to food shop now.

Babies

2006-04-22T17:35:00.000+01:00

Today we walked over to my Nana and Auntie Gerties. My friend Laura came over to do their monthly manicure. Laura had Freya 3 weeks ago.

Freya is so good and absolutely beautiful. Nick held her, and was nervous incase he dropped her or she started wriggling, however she was perfect.

Tonight we are going to a friends birthday party... in fact I better start to get ready as we have to be in Essex at 7!

Oz

2006-04-21T23:10:00.000+01:00

To go or not to go, that is the question.....

Keep you posted by the end of the weekend.

Don't Jump!

2006-04-20T21:52:00.000+01:00

These are the words that were running through my mind when I took a massive jump off a cliff 35 foot in the air. Luckily there was water below, and I wasn't the only person doing it.

17th April 2006, Ricks Cafe (the 10th best bar in the world. apparently), Jamaica.
Ali went to jump first, but after looking over, he realised that it was actually quite scary. Tim was always going last. Ali looked over again and was going to go, but couldn't bring himself to go over the edge. "Move over" I say, "I'll go first". I couldn't look down otherwise I wouldn't have gone.

I screamed all the way down.

My memories - a massive rush, and a bruised bum when I hit the water.

Wedding Pics Part 2

2006-04-20T21:45:00.000+01:00

Pictures from the beautiful wedding in Jamaica.

Talking It Through

2006-04-20T21:43:00.000+01:00

All is takes is to talk it through.

"Love the heart that hurts you, but never hurt the heart that loves you."

The Wedding

2006-04-16T22:25:00.000+01:00

Well the wedding was fantastic. I have attached a couple of pictures above of the new Mr and Mrs Ward, and also us! She looked absolutely stunning, as you can see, and the weather and day couldn't have been better. After a beautiful ceremony set in a gazebo in the grounds of the hotel, I signed the register as their witness, they had a few photos, we went inside where they had a table set up to cut the cake. The speeches were made, and we all drank champagne happily for a couple of hours. I helped Nicola set up the table to the style she wanted, and then we all went for a lovely dinner. The evening ended by all of us dancing to Reggae music to a live band.

I will post more about it when I get home, right now I am off for a massage after just going diving and seeing a 10 foot shark! It was absolutely amazing!

Jamaica

2006-04-13T22:52:00.000+01:00

Well here I am in Jamaica, typing this post. It is beautiful here. Today we have been diving, and basically hung around on the beach. Bliss.

We are here because our friends are getting married on Saturday. The place they are getting married, within the grounds of the hotel is lovely. Really peaceful and romantic. There are going to be 8 guests in total. Her mum and dad and brother. His dad. My mum and dad, me and Nick. She has asked me to be her witness. What an honour - I am really excited. I didn't think she would ask, I thought it would be her brother, but when she asked me I was really chuffed.

Tomorrow we will go into the town of Negril to see what the sites and sounds of Jamaica have to offer. One of the guys we are here with has already been offered drugs twice and a woman!

Anyway, it is off to get ready for dinner in a minute.

I will post some pictures when we get back next week.

Until then - Stay cool and chill out Man! (as they say here!)

Sunday evening

2006-04-09T18:02:00.000+01:00

Well we have returned from Rugby, and have had a fantastic weekend. Above is a couple of pics of Aran. He is lovely. Cries a lot, but more for attention than because he needs anything! Well mum and dad are in Jamaica now. They have called to say that the weather is lovely, and the sea is clear and warm. I don't want to hear anything about it, until I am on the plane Tuesday evening!

Sales

2006-04-08T08:25:00.000+01:00

I work in sales. Recruitment, but it still sales. Do I come across as a Sales person? You know how you meet people and you are sure that after shaking their hand they are about to sell you a second hand car, when really they have only come for dinner with their girlfriend?

I don't really have a problem with 'sales people' as such. Nick does. He can't stand them. Not sure why he married me then!!! The problem I do have is overuse of a person's name.

"So Bill, do you like golf?", "Bill, have you seen the new article about...", "The thing you have to remember, Bill" etc etc etc.

I know why it is done. It just annoys me. That is something from Room 101.

The other thing that annoys me is that you feel your being sold to when you might be talking about the weather or something else quite trivial. "Well I do know, Bill, that there is a product that can......" No, I don't want to hear about what YOU know, I want to have a civilised chat with you and get to know YOU, not this front you are showing to me.

Off to Rugby today to see Matt, Kurda and baby Aran. Will post when we get back.

Life getting in the way

2006-04-07T12:59:00.000+01:00

Well this week has been manic. I have not had a lot of time to myself, let alone to post. Last night we went to see Laura and Paul and baby Freya. She is gorgeous and so good. Laura took a pic of us together, so I will post that up when I receive it.

Nick and I got talking about babies on the way over to Rich and Kris's. Maybe one day we would like to try for one? Maybe there will never be a 'right time' to have one. Whatever way it turns out at the moment I can bask in the joy of my friends kids!

This weekend we are up in Rugby seeing our friends, who yes you guessed it, have a baby! Baby Aran was 2 months premature, so should really only be a couple of weeks old - however he is strong and healthy, and quite a cutie from what I can tell from the pictures.

So my sister is going travelling. Did I mention that? Anyway, she has a list as long as her arm of all the countries they want to go to. I expect a present and postcard from them all!

Dictionary definition of patronising: "(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension.

Bug, Sickness, Illness etc..

2006-04-03T21:19:00.000+01:00

So my weekend was not as good as I had hoped. I spent the whole time feeling lousy. I have been the colour of Eeyore most weekend. Nick went up to Tim's stag do, and I stayed with my friend Nicola. I was ill for most of the time. I don't know whether it was a bug or food posioning or just the 'winter bug', but whatever it was it was not nice!

Today, back at work I was still not feeling 100%. Tea is my favourite non alcoholic warm beverage, and I couldn't bring myself to drink that. Oh dear.

I am planning on having an early night tonight, need to shake it off. Either that or I need a holiday. Luckily in one week we are leaving for Jamaica (and I can't wait!)

So my sister has decided to go travelling with David. I am not a little bit envious. I am a lot envious! It is something that I wanted to do, but it was not meant to be.

I finished Uni and went to temp at the Royal Mail to save some money to travel. Then I met Nick. I had a choice, stay or go. I have never regretted my choice, just sometimes wondered if the love of my life couldn't have come along a year later!

Anyway, as Vanessa is heading off, I expect presents from different countries, and a web log of everything they are doing. So whilst I am sitting at work - she will be in an exotic part of the world that I cannot pronounce!

I am going to see Laura, Paul and Freya on thursday. Well we are actually going for dinner at Rich and Kris' new place in Surbiton, but I think we will have a quick stop en route to see Freya.

Until tomorrow then....

Laura and Pauls pride and joy

2006-03-31T15:05:00.000+01:00

Freya Marie Cross

2006-03-30T21:23:00.000+01:00

Today Laura and Pauls baby, Freya Marie Cross, was born. She arrived 6 days late at 11.29 weighing 7lbs 13oz. I cannot wait to meet her. The picture is of Laura and Paul at our wedding last year. She was 2 months pregnant then.

Incidentally our friends Ellen and Mark had their little one this time last year! Crazy huh! What a popular day! Happy Birthday Xander (pressie is in my house waiting to give to you)

Tomorrow is dress down day at work. We have this at the end of our month (month of targets that is). Woo hoo (no sarcasm intended)

Nick is off on Tim's stag do this weekend, and he is quite excited about it, so much so he has bought a new shirt to wear!

Not a lot happened today - work was ridicuosly busy, but that's not really much of a change from normal.

Can't blog until Sunday now, so until then....

Things not to say

2006-03-29T19:11:00.000+01:00

Today I was told that I shouldn't write aboutcertain things on my blog for fear of offending or upsetting people.

I will clear this up now. Firstly I disagree. I am not usually directly pointing my notes towards a particular person, however more a broad generalisation about how I see things around me.

I apologise if people feel my comments are rude, or touch a little too close for comfort, but what a boring blog I would have if I didn't mention these things.

Friends

2006-03-28T22:13:00.000+01:00

Isn't it funny how you go through life and lose friends along the way. You would have thought it would have been the other way, that you would have gained friends. After all you have an opportunity at school, then college, then uni, then your first place of work, your parents friends kids and so it goes on. I thought that when Nick and I got married last September, I had finally worked out who my friends were. I was wrong.

I am never entirely sure what it is that I, or indeed other people who are in the same situation, do wrong. Maybe that is just how it is going to be. I have always been able to count my close friends on one hand.

I was rather hoping it would be more than a couple of fingers though.

Lunch at Mums

2006-03-27T21:01:00.000+01:00

I feel that I need to expand a bit of lunch at Mum's. It was one of the most delicious meals that I have tasted in a long time - it was so yummy, that I wish I could have fitted in seconds!

Hen Weekend

2006-03-27T20:33:00.000+01:00

Well, I am back from Nicola's hen weekend, and it was brilliant! We arrived on the saturday in Brighton and the weather was terrible, however we had a look around the Lanes and then got ready in the hotel. We (9 girls) met in the hotel bar, had a couple of drinks, dressed up as rabbits!! and headed out to the Adonis Cabaret at the Babylon Lounge. Well, what a laugh. It is unfortunate when some people just don't join in. In my opinion, why go if you don't want to be there. Not only that, but don't make it so clear to the Hen that you arent enjoying yourself. That is another story though.
The show was brilliant, and stayed on dancing after that too. The next morning, it was a full english brekkie then a brisk walk along the sea front, then home.

My gorgeous hubby was there to pick me up and took me to Mum's for mothers day. She made lunch, we ate it, watched Mrs Henderson Presents and went home.

Work is busy. I like my job, but more recently I have been feeling as though there is more to life than what I am doing. I would like to do so many other things, but at the moment it is just not possible for me to do it, as it would not be fair on Nick if I just decided to up and leave, and therefore lose my salary.

Nick is working on an 18 month contract. Who knows what will happen after that, but in the meantime, I will continue to work in recruitment, and find people jobs that they want (and sometimes don't want!)

Why do people stay with other people when they are not that happy? It is a question that I often ask myself. I think I am lucky. I am with Nick and we are happy. Not just happy but ecstatic. Being with him is when I am at my happiest. Other people stay with people and argue, or dont talk, or just generally have an unbalanced relationship. I guess it is just easier. Rather stay than go.

Why waste your life?

Is the weather turning???

2006-03-25T10:15:00.000Z

Well this morning i woke up to tweeting birds and sunshine flooding through the window. is this finally spring trying to make a late break through? I hope so.
Well, I have a little time before I have to head off to Brighton for my friends' hen weekend. I am really looking forward to it, especially as walking around Brighton in the sunshine will be excellent!

Have a great weekend one and all.

One of those days

2006-03-22T21:44:00.000Z

Today has definitely been one of those days. I got out of work at 7.20 this evening - I arrived at work at 8am. That is nearly a 12 hour day and I am exhausted. I had a very tricky client on the phone today. Well let's not beat around the bush. A rude and obnoxious client. He took up a lot of my day, when I had so much other stuff to do.

Nick and I went for a quick Miso noodles after dinner, have come home to watch a little bit of television, and I am just off to bed. As I said, I am exhausted.

Tomorrow is Thursday. Thursday is my favourite day of the week. This is because by the time it gets to Friday it is almost the weekend anyway, so Thursday is one of those days were you can start to feel really happy that soon you will get to have those couple of lie in's and actually see the day light, without it being through a window whilst sitting at your desk.

Yes, I love Thursdays.

Another day in the life of me

2006-03-21T22:06:00.000Z

I have just returned from netball. We lost. 22 goals to 23. oh well, there is always next week. It does get me thinking though, I am either passionate about netball or plain crazy. Tonight my fingers were so cold that it felt like I had a double sized hand. Still I play on week after week. I will let you know when I decide which of the above I am.

Work was busy today. Always busy. Nick is loving his new job at Eurostar, and is very excited about buying a £750,000 floor! I would be content with a new carpet for the living room.

Nicks parents left yesterday morning, via Rich and Kris' new flat in Surbiton. It was nice having them here this weekend, although with tomorrow being Wednesday we are half way towards the weekend again.

This weekend should be good, I am going to a hen night in Brighton. We are going to watch male strippers.

Strippers: now there is a subject. Personally I don't have a problem with strippers. With male strippers it is always seen as a bit of a laugh for a group of girls to go an watch a baby oiled male wiggle his body in front of you. With female strippers, people find it degrading. For who? Well obviously not for the women, after all they are the ones who say no touching, no photos and no abusive language, and that will be £50 please. No, it is definitely not degrading for women.

Until tomorrow....

Too much Tax

2006-03-20T19:08:00.000Z

I received a letter from the inland revenue today. For the past 13 months they have been charging me too much tax. They want to give me some money back. Oh good I think. So I have to fill in one of their long tedious forms and send it back to them (in an envelope which I have to provide and stamp) Then they will take 'x' amount of time to work out how much money they care to give me back.

This is ok though. It means that I might finally be able to put some blinds in our living room.

On another note - I have recently learnt that living in a London Borough, I now have to pay a small amount of money towards the Olympic Stadium being built. This small amount of money let's say 60 pence for arguments sake, is weekly. They are going to deduct £172.80 in total from me over a period of 6 years. £172.08. What will I get back from that I wonder.hmmm.. nothing.

My friends baby is due on Friday. Being the impatient person that I am, whenever i see her I poke at her tummy and hope that it will come out soon. Tick tock tick tock.

I think I am still a bad friend today as well.

2006-03-19T21:47:00.000Z

adopt your own virtual pet!

First day of blogging

2006-03-19T19:41:00.000Z

Well, everyone else seems to be blogging, so why not me!
I think it is one way to actually put your thoughts down without anyone being able to answer back.
You know they say that you should write something down and then burn it and will all be better. Hopefully this will act in that way. Except the burning part!

Generally i would say I am a relatively busy person. I work a 50 ish hour week, go to the gym in the morning before work, and then come home, eat dinner and inveribly am so tired I go to sleep. I play netball on a tuesday, see my mum on a wednesday, and wash my aged relatives on a thursday, weekends are pretty choccabloc.
I don't think that I am a bad person. A bad friend. Why is it then that today I have been accused of that?

Nicks parents are down this weekend, and at the moment they are watching Spy Game. I better go and join them.....