Lou and Ross's Wedding

What a fabulous day! Everything went along so smoothly! Lou looked amazing and Ross very handome. It was another hot day, but sadly it did rain in the afternoon :o(

The Church service was lovely, Chris and I wiping away tears, and Jack and Chelsea were so well behaved...a real credit to Chris and Lee. The meal was delicious and the speeches great.

Carol did so well doing the Mother of the Bride speech, and Ross's speech made me cry (that's crying 3 days in a row! Thanks Ross!) and Dave's speech was very funny. There was a sweepstake on the timing of the speeches and Chris and I thought we'd won (as we had by Nigel's watch) but Marshall said one minute later so we didn't win :o( Oh well!! In the evening there was a disco which was great, and Chris and I spent a lot of time organising the guest books, which was nice as we got to chat to everyone! I was in my element with the polaroid camera!! Carl and I stayed the night and got to wave off the happy couple the next day. Some people, apparently, got into Lou and Ross's room and did stuff...I have no idea! ;o) And some other people decorated their car very nicely too - especially the photo stuck on the bonnet!! All in all a brilliant day, so all that is left to say is...

CONGRATULATIONS MR AND MRS PO!!

Last week at school

Well, school's out for summer...and I am sad about it actually! It has been a week of mixed emotions so far (and with the Po's wedding tomorrow...more emotion to follow!)

Wednesday was the last games club I'll be doing (alas commuting from Newbury to Sandy is a bit to far...) So, in tradition, it was games club children vs staff (and anyone else...like past pupils!) for football rounders! It was VERY hot weather again, so we kept the children in the shade as much as possible. The children were kecking first and did pretty well (Pam did an excellent catch I must say and Sandra B took great delight at shouting 'out' when she stumped the kids out! Marvellous!) We then were kicking and Bev's son decided to kick the ball in the tree! Superb! Darren had to climb up to get it out! I managed to kick it over the fence (pure accident...honest! I am not that good at aiming!) So, all in all the staff won! Yay!!

After dashing home for a quick shower is was back to school for the leavers disco...I don't usually go, but seeing as though I am a leaver, I thought I should! The children had a great time, but the temperature was way too hot and another shower was needed when I got home!!

Thursday was my last proper day at RPLS. I was doing just fine until I knew Darren would be asking us leavers to come up, and as soon as he asked me, being the wuss that I am, I started blubbering! Darren kept it quite jokey, and for that I am thankful (else the hall may have been flooded!) I got some lovely flowers and M&S vouchers. I got the school a pressie, and after I'd wheeled it out mybody decided that forming words was far to difficult, so after a few noises I got Sapphire to unveil the bird bath and then promptly disappeared!!
Lunch was lovely. A shared lunch in the garden area. Yummy. I got my class to watch a DVD in the afternoon as it was hot and I needed to get jobs done. By playtime I wasn't feeling to good, and I chundered...just getting to the loos in time! Great! So, I wasn't quite as jolly as I wanted to be when saying bye to my class...I just wanted them gone as I felt so rough! I was then told to go straight home, which I did and had a cold shower and laid on the bed with the fan blasting cold air at me and had a snooze. I did feel better later, which was great, so I managed to go to the leaving to in MK.
We went to the Spice Lounge and had a yummy curry (well a selection of yummy curries actually!) and a boogie. The guy that was singing supposedly won Barrymore's my kind of people. However, I still found him annoying and wanted to batter him with a blunt object to make him stop singing reggae!

Friday was Carl's last day at work and I had to move out of my classroom at school! It took me all day to boxed up my stuff - I had no idea I had so much stuff! I definatley need to sort it out! We had lunch at the Kings Arms, which was nice, and I was fine until I was saying bye to people. I was a bit bleary eyed saying by to Sandra and Cal, but Darren got me once again (sorry!) So I'll apologise again for being such a wuss!! I think it is just sad saying bye to people you have enjoyed working with for years. So bye! I'll be in touch...

Birthdays and stuff...

Busy, busy, busy!

It was Carl's big 30th birthday this week...but he has decided to delay being 30 until we move and can have a big 30th/housewarming party! So, no pressies for Carl...well nearly none! He got some money from rele's and the Angel DVD boxset from me. We are looking forward to plowing our way through that!

After spending the day on Saturday running around and trying to be organised, Sonia and Colin came up for a couple of days before spending a few days in London celebrating Colin's birthday.

The weather is too hot! Sleep is difficult and I must be losing weight from the amount I seem to be sweating (nice image huh!) Oh for a cool breeze!

Ross's Stag Do/Girlie weekend

While the boys were celebrating Ross's Stag Do, I stayed at Lou's to have a bit of girlie time. We drove the guys to the airport EARLY Saturday morning as they were off to Estonia for the weekend! Saturday was spent going round the numerous estate agents in Newbury giving my details ready to look at houses. By the end of it I still didn't know my mobile number off by heart! Chris and the kids came up on Saturday evening which was cool. The guys called us regularly to fill us in on the happenings. Carl called me, very excited as he'd just done a bungee jump! Yikes! Dave videoed it so I'm looking forward to seeing that! Rather him than me...I am too much of a wuss!
On Sunday I had a BBQ at a colleague of my school-to-be's house (if that makes sense!!) which was very nice. It was good to chat without the formal interview situation. I then met Lou, Chris, the kids and Nicky at the Swan in Thatcham, where Jack and Chelsea were enjoying (most of the time) playing with some other children. We did have a funny incident where the table almost tipped over on us! Lou and Sophie got rather wet, but it was funny!!
On Monday I had my shuffle-up-day at my new school, so I have now met my new class. It was quite an intense day, a lot to take in, so my head was pounding by the time I left...and then I was viewing a house! The house was 'ok' so not going to go for it!
The guys came home quite late on Monday, and then Carl and I had to drive home...a bit tired then!

RHCP!

Saw the Chilis in Reading last night! They were great! Every song a classic! Supurb!!

The downside was trying to get home!! We left the car park as Lou and Ross were getting home! D'Oh!

Relocation, relocation, relocation!

So, Carl and I now both have jobs in Newbury! Hurrah!! Carl accepted his on Tuesday and starts in a month! Yikes!!

The Estate Agent came round to value the property and give the speel. Looked good, so we've gone for it! Arrgh scary!! Started the GINORMOUS task of decluttering my room and the lesser task of decluttering Carl’s room. I have so much stuff it is just not funny anymore! I really need time to go through things properly – but that ain’t gonna happen! Managed 1 side of the room so far…

We are now starting to panic....(in a exciting but scary kind of way!!)

Bingo, Wireless and Dad's birthday

I got roped into helping at the RPLS Bingo night on Friday night. It was quite fun actually...my job wasn't too hard...just taking numbers off the number square and checking them. On Saturday Carl, Roisin and I went to the Wireless festival in London's Hyde Park. We managed to get free tickets, which was a bonus! We had lunch at a nice pub off Covent Garden first before heading to the festival. When we got there we saw the Pimms bus and tent and headed straight there for a drink! Now, I've been to festivals before, but I have to say this was obviously one for more sophisticated types (which we obviously are!) We drank Champagne and Pimms sitting at a proper table with a tablecloth and sitting on proper chairs!! We had a great day listening to music, wandering around, eating big ice-creams and drinking! James Blunt was great too, managing to be not too depressing! Eels were a bit of a let down, but Zero 7 (I think that's there name) were very chilled musicwise. A great day out - especially as it was free!
We went swimming on Monday night (30 lengths!) and as it was Dad's birthday (59!!) we went for a drink afterwards to celebrate. Happy Birthday Dad!!

Lou's Hen Do!!

What a fabulous weekend!! We all had a blast and feel we know each other very well!!
Bournemouth was our destination for the weekend of fun. Friday night (once Dori and I actually arrived!) was spent having a few drinks, walking to the beach and collapsing in bed, ready for the BIG day!
Saturday – up early for breaky. Out came the rather stunning pink caps – the start of the pink ladies theme! She also got her dare card! We then got ourselves sorted and headed off to our first mystery activity – well, mystery for Lou anyway! So, Poole Quay it is, for a spot of WAKEBOARDING! Lou’s face was a picture when she found out! Big grins all round!! The guys took us in two groups, so Lou got to go twice! Lou, Bes, Jules and I went first. Lou did really well especially as she was first! It was so cool! Bes and Jules were stars at it. I managed to get vertical, which was an achievement in my book!! We came back to shore and had a few drinks while Lou, Dori, Nicky and Steph went out. I have been told that Nicky and Steph were stars at it too! All in all fantastic (or sweet as the guys kept saying!)
When we were all back, some other ‘chicks’ arrived and we decided to have some lunch. We all had very yummy food, with Lou and Cass getting a little something special! The owner of the restaurant noticed we were a hen party (how, I have no idea…hmmm…maybe the hats were a give away!) and looked at Lou’s dare card and said he’d see what he could do. He then came out with a small bowl of Columbian ants (a delicacy apparently!) saying that if Lou ate one he’d sort out lots of things on her list! It was definitely “I’m a Hen, get me outta here!” She looked a bit vommy – bless! But with some cajoling and with Cass saying she’s do it with her, SHE ATE ONE! Woo-Hoo! So, for this deed she got a free bottle of bubbly, a bow tie, a shot glass and he even stuck on a fake moustache so she could kiss a man with a tash! Superb!
It was then back to the hotel for a quick change ready for mystery activity number 2! Her face when we arrived outside a table dancing club was a picture…I have never seen a jaw drop so far…ever!! We told her the Ross’s stag do party were inside waiting for her to arrive to do a show for them! Ha ha ha!
We went in ready for our pole dancing lesson. The girls were great and the embarrassment factor wasn’t too high…after all everyone was strutting their stuff in front of each other! So we did a few moves on the pole and a ‘sexy walk’ along the wall of mirrors (where I felt like I was a ballerina!) and then we went into the private room for drinks and a chat. Then the girls demonstrated a private dance….and then we were told to pair up and do it with each other!! Well, let’s just say we now know each other very well! Dori and I were partners and were in fits, declaring that we’d be lesbian lovers from now on!! After this we were shown an upside down flippy-hanging-upside-down-thingy from the poles…and told we’d be doing it! Luckily we had help and all managed to hang upside down without injury (not including Jules’ mega bruises!!)
Back to the hotel again ready for the evening of fun! We got Lou dressed up in pink and had some photos of us all together in the hotel bar, while a group of guys sat watching casualty as one of them was an extra in it. He really thought he was god’s gift, watching himself on TV wearing shades…sad!
Surprise number 3 then arrived in the form of a firetruck to take us into town!! Superb! It was then a night on the town, starting in Bar:Me where they had POLES!! Oh yes! It was had to get Dori and Jules off them!! Ha ha! We stayed there quite a while, meeting

various other hens and stags and generally having fun, before we headed off to Elements – with VIP entry (thanks to Cassie!) for more boogying and fun! Lou, Dori, Nicky and I were the last to leave at about 3am (I think!) and we headed off back to the hotel, via the chippy!

On Sunday we went to the beach to chill for a bit before heading home. All in all a FAB weekend! Hope you enjoyed it Lou! We all did!!

Ross's Birthday

Carl and I went to Newbury for the weekend to celebrate Rosspo's birthday. It was a suprise for Ross. Lou was being sneaky by arranging to meet us at the Snooty Fox (what a great pub name!) This plan fell on it's a*se when Ross spotted Carl and myself walking past the pub to the cash machine and immediatley ringing me up to ask what I was doing walking past a pub in Newbury!! Ha ha! Sadly I wasn't quick enough to reply that I was actually in Sandy shopping in Budgens and was he going a bit mad. Uh well! We had a few drinks and chips/kebabs (or salad if you're Ross...back he treked to get what he actually ordered!) en route home.
Saturday I went off to town with Lou to do a few jobs and I managed to buy myself a lovely new skirt and top (Lou made me do it! Honest!) before heading back and watching the England game. Ross's folks, Dave, Jo, Nicky and Putin all joined the party...which was getting warmer by the minute! Lou cooked Rossy a footy birthday cake (I helped a bit!) All in all a good day! Hope you had a good one Ross!

Our holiday in Czech and Germany

The ‘I won’t be going into every scrap of detail here – otherwise you’ll be asleep!’ version

Saturday 26th May, Prague, Czech Republic
When I booked the flight tickets I failed to realise the time we’d have to get up in order to get to the airport. So, yes..it was another early morning – getting up at 2.30am…any point in going to bed you ask?! Of course…there is always a need for sleep!!
So, we get to the airport and check-in is a breeze (not a repeat of Barcelona thank goodness!) and we get on the plane and have front row seats – I’m talking about the front…I can see in the cockpit and everything!! What I expected to see where the pilots beavering away, ensuring everything was OK…but NO! I see them huddled over a bin bag of sweets and crisps, making the terrible decision of what to eat on the flight!! I was waiting for the bag of goodies to be passed down the plane, but alas, we went hungry!!
We landed in Prague airport at 11.30am (after the flight was delayed for over an hour – obviously they got crumbs somewhere important!) and took a bus into town to meet Jeannie, Mark, Caro and Andy. We then dropped our stuff off at the hostel…now, this place made the Quality Inn in NY seem luxurious! (No curtains and pillows stuffed with tapioca pudding!) But, it was a bed and it was cheap! We spent Saturday seeing Charles Bridge (and rubbing the brass doggy for luck) and walking up to Prague Castle, which wasn’t very castle like really! We also saw St Vitus’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace. I did manage to get a photo of the guards, although I am sure if I hadn’t moved they’d have walked over where I was standing, squashing me flat! J though this was very amusing!!

We had dinner in a nice-but-dark restaurant (yummy food) where J was served up half a rather large duck!! We then went to ‘Pub 1’ for drinks, trying out 12 different Czech shots between us – most of which were foul!! After that we went to the Irish pub and played ‘G’day Kylie’ and the ashtray game. My fave was G’day Kylie, with M taking it to the extreme with his drooling Helen impression!

Sunday 27th May, Prague, Czech Republic
After a rough nights sleep (thanks to the French students in the rooms near us - do they have to make so much noise!?!?) we headed back into Prague centre and took a walk around the Jewish Quarter and River area towards Petrin Hill. We took the funicular to the top and then M, Carl and I went up the observation tower (Eiffelovka), which looked like a mini Eiffel Tower, but wobbled more than the Paris version! All of us then went into the Mirror Maze which was very cool and the hall of mirrors, most of which made me look like a dumpy midget (see photo!) We also found the Church of St Micheal (a wooden church which was moved from the Ukraine valley when it flooded) and M decided he wanted to flood the steps with a waterfall Braniac style! (by cutting an empty bottle in half!) We had dinner in a cheap place and had a set menu (150 Kc) and they were the tiniest portions EVER! I could have eaten 2 of the set meals and still had room for more! It was then back to Pub 1 for a couple of drinks, then to a takeaway for more food and then to an English Pub (I know, in Czech and going to an English pub - terrible!) for a few more drinks before heading back to the dive, sorry, hostel on the tram. Luckily the French students had left so a much better night was had by all!

Monday 29th May - Tabor and Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Today Caro and Andy flew home and J, M, C and I began our trip round Czech. We headed south and stopped at a town called Tabor. Having found a handy car park we thought all was well until we tried to park. The ground was so bad it looks as if a meteor had hit! Thanks to M's driving skills (and J, C and I holding our breath!) we managed to park and wander towards the main square, which was very pretty. We then headed out and found a rather full-flowing waterfall! Lots of rain then?! We then went back to the main square for a much needed cuppa - pronounced cherny chi - black tea, with mleco - milk (or Malcolm as M would say!) It was then of to Cesky Krumlov (CK), which was a long drive. Cesky Krumlov was very picturesque even in the rain - and was actually my fave town in Czech. We had lunch and then J, C and I went for a wander. We walked towards the castle, past the ‘bear pit’ (yes, bear pit, a pit with bears in – I kid you not!) and had some lovely views of the town. We then decided to stay at CK the night as it was quite a trek to our next destination. CK is pension city (fyi - pensions are like guest houses in Czech, not money when you retire!) We stayed at a lovely pension up the hill from town (M used his bargaining skills to get us a good deal) and had a lovely meal in the evening. We did try to see the circus but arrived too late – there were no times on the posters so we had to guess when it started…and we were wrong! M did manage to drive the wrong way round a roundabout tho! (In his defence it didn’t look like a roundabout and it wasn’t busy…and he very politely waved the person round who was going the right way!)

Tuesday 30th May – Telc, Kutna Hora and Litomerice, Czech Republic
We set off to our new destination today. After loading the car we set off… the wrong way down a one way street!! There were no signs until we’d done it! So, after turning round we drove around trying to find a way back to the main street. When we did M tooted his horn in delight (ooh err!) and scared a local man half to death! It was so funny – he jumped like a puppet on a string! The image kept us laughing for hours! We arrived in Telc at lunchtime and ate our lunch (which was sneakily made at breakfast!) According to M’s book Telc is “Perhaps the most photogenic town in Czech.” This could have been the case if they hadn’t been digging up half the roads in the town, including the main square! We walked towards the river and saw the water chateau. On the bridge M did a risky photo of us all by balancing the camera on the bridge…we all look a bit tense in that shot!
Our next destination was Kutna Hora. Our trip there was mainly to see the Kostnice (ossuary) in Sedlec where a church is decorated with the bones of 40 000 people (like chandeliers, bells etc)…sounds nice huh! Unfortunately the town itself was pretty scummy and we couldn’t find the church in the town, and we had very little time! Then we realised where it was and it was too late! Rather than stay in scummyville to see it the next day, we decided to crack on and head to our next destination. We arrived in Litomerice as the sun was setting, making for some good photos! The main hotel we spotted was WAY expensive and it took us a fair while to find a pension. M used his bargaining skills again to good effect! After settling in, we headed into town and ate in an underground restaurant…yes…in the ground…like a cave! It was so cool! And probably the best meal in Czech! The waiters were friendly…and helped us with our Czech pronunciation!

Wednesday 31st May –Litomerice, Terezin, Trepice and Dubi, Czech Republic. Meissen, Germany
Our breakfast was served in our room today…more meat, cheese and rolls, but with some interesting pate! The man on the lid is putting a rather large sausage in his mouth…enough said! We had a wander round Litomerice during daylight before heading to the neighbouring town of Terezin. A bit of a depressing town really, but it was used as a WWII jail and Nazi-run concentration camp. We visited the Lesser Fortress and the camps prison barracks. It was quite interesting, but the best bit was spotting a family of otters outside. We watched then through the window for a while before some stupid kid came along and crept up on them, scaring them off. So we decided to get our own back by making spooky ghosty noises. He did look a bit worried, but I think he saw me…I didn’t look very ghost like in my green jacket!
From Terezin we headed to the Czech/German border, having one last meal to use up our Czech money! We drove to Trepice and drove about and then left, deciding it was too much like Luton and not Czech enough! Dubi was the last town before the border and we spotted a restaurace on the main road and went for it! It was definitely a locals place – no English menu here – just Czech and German! We managed reasonably well with my Prague guidebook having a few foods in and we knew a couple of things in German! So after filling our stomachs, and emptying our wallets we set off to the border.
A funny thing happened then. Driving on a road in the middle of nowhere we had the lovely surprise of seeing a few of prostitutes posing in what I can only describe as sheds!! They were prancing around in lacy panties and one of them beckoned to M. Perhaps they wanted some action with J too as she was sitting in the front!! Well, that gave us something to laugh and marvel over!
It was then across the border. Bye bye Czech, Hello Germany!

We headed to Dresden, but as time was against us, it was a drive by only! Our next destination was Meissen, a very pretty town. We wandered about seeing the sights and the views. We were recommended a pension called Pension Orange which was on the way out of town. By the time we went out for food, most places weren’t serving! Luckily we found an Italian place…not exactly German Cuisine!

Thursday 1st June –Naumburg and Quedlinburg, Germany
I am not good at foreign languages. I had a funny incident happen this morning. I was about to go and have a shower and was just going to go into the ladies when the lady from 2 doors down came out and started gabbling away in German. Now, my German is practically non existent, and after about 5 seconds I realised she spoke no English either. She was trying to tell me something, pointing to the ladies. So I said “shower” and did a shower like hand gesture and she nodded. Then she gabbled away about something and I had no clue. Looking blankly at her she then disappeared into her room only to reappear with a shoe. So, she started pointing at the shoe and at the shower. My brain put shoe and shower together and came up with ‘you have to wear shoes in the shower.’ I know. In my defence, it was early! She nodded, thinking I understood and went off. I stood there like a muppet before deciding that can’t be what she meant and headed to the showers. As I was about to open the door a guy, who must have been her husband came out and gave me a sheepish smile before vanishing. So, she was pointing to a shoe…her husbands shoe…so he was in the shower! Makes sense now…kinda!

Our first destination was Naumburg, a pretty medieval town. We stopped in a pub/café for food and as the menu was only in German, the barman tried to translate for us! We all had soup, which was very yummy. We then wandered around the town, looking at the pretty squares and streets and seeing the Dom’s of St Peter and St Paul. There was actually a bit of sun too! Lovely!
Then it was off to Quedlinburg, which was quite a drive. Quedlinburg is a ‘true gem’ apparently, and was very pretty. Lots of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. We saw the Rathaus (Rat-house!), Schlossberg (castle) and the Dom of St Servatili. We had a much needed cup of tea in a rather dodgy looking café. After a bit more wandering time was getting on so we decided to get some supplies ready for camping. All was well until we realised we’d purchases sparking water instead of still. Oops! And Yuck! We then went back into town and found a Greek restaurant. We were served an Ouzo each to start (which we made Carl drink…yes all 4!) The food was great and the waitresses friendly. We were just about to leave when 4 more Ouzo’s arrived! J and I had to have them this time as 2 of them were different and ‘for the ladies.’ Luckily it was better than the normal!
Then it was towards the Hars for camping. This journey took longer than expected as there seemed to be no campsites anywhere!! We eventually found one but it seemed closed for the night. The barrier wouldn’t let us in, but he semi-attempted to squidge through the gap between the barrier and the box. I had visions of us getting stuck and having to explain why we were stuck there in the morning! Luckily M gave up and parked up. We had a walk around the campsite to find somewhere to pitch the tent. En route M took us down a grass slope where I almost fell on my bum and puddles, which I managed to stand in and get wet! In the end we pitched over the fence from the car…and it was FREEZING!

Friday 2nd June –Goslar, Germany
We decided a lazy day was called for today. Today was SUNNY and WARM! Shock horror! So we lazed in the sun, played boules, had breakie, lunch and lots of cups of tea!
Mid afternoon we decided to visit a nearby town called Goslar. It was another pretty town and in the main square a band were playing. How cool! We had a chilled out wander seeing various churches, narrow streets, streams and a watermill, waterfall and monastery. We had dinner in a restaurant near the watermill. The food was yummy and the portions huge! We were all in a jokey mood, being crude and silly. Ma said he had a big bone and liked a good portion. I did a good impression of BA Baracus ‘I pity the fool who has a starter’ which was funny at the time! Anyway, it wasn’t until we were about to leave when we realised the bloke on the next take understood English! Ooops!!

Saturday 3rd June –Hemer, Germany: Conny and David’s Wedding
After getting up very early (6.30am – on holiday!) we packed up the tent and left 2 minutes ahead of schedule! A first!! Our destination was Hemer for Conny and David’s wedding! Having given ourselves ample time, or so we thought, we arrived at the hotel when really we should have been leaving it to get to the church! So, it was super quick getting ready and off! Andreas came with us to help with directions. Luckily the church was closer than we thought, so we were not late! Phew!!
It was a lovely wedding, with the ceremony being partly German, partly in English but with a translation. We even attempted to sing the German verses to the hymns, to our own amusement! Conny looked gorgeous too. We then took a bus to the reception, which was a fair trek. On arrival we had drinks outside followed by tea and cakes (yummy!) We spent sometime outside chatting, listening to live music etc before going in for the meal. The speeches were not traditional English ones: there was a song, a quiz and a speech. In the evening there was music and we did some county dancing, which was quite funny! The cake came out at around midnight and had sparklers! Very snazzy! Sadly we didn’t last much longer. We called a taxi to go home, but were then annoyed as some good music came on!! A very enjoyable day and experience!!

Sunday 4th June –Dortmund Airport, Germany and home
J and M took us to the airport this morning. We were quite happy to be left there, assuming that we could occupy ourselves for the 5 hours waiting time. But alas, when we entered we were in for a shock. 1 shop (small. Everything in German). 1 café. A squillion travel agents! Bum. I have to say, I was very happy to get back to the UK after more than 5 hours in that airport!!