Miserable Mondays

I hate Mondays. Today was rainy too which didn't help (except bizarrely at lunch time when it was sunny enough to eat outside). Only four more days until the next weekend.... though I am much happier having a job than not having one, so I'm not complaining (too much).

As I haven't posted a picture for a while, here are some flowers VH bought me this evening. As we don't have any pets, we need flowers sometimes to brighten the place up. Especially if it is a Monday.

Confessions of a couch potato

I have been such a couch potato this weekend. I don't think I've watched as much TV as I did yesterday.... in fact in general I don't watch much TV anymore, but perhaps I watch more than I think. I must get out more...

So, yesterday started off with watching the Neighbours omnibus.... which I got kind of bored with, I can't watch it for that long. So, I was switching between that and Shipwrecked. Then, I watched the Lost Finale. I did leave the TV for a few hours in the afternoon when I went out for a coffee with Veggie Hubby to another independent coffee shop, and again regretted not going to a big chain. Above this little shop was a 'clinic' offering alternative therapies e.g. past life regression, future life progression, HypnoBirthing, and many other pseudo-therapies with weird names. The 'therapies' don't come cheaply either, at a whopping £60 per hour. Next time when I want to buy an over-priced coffee, Starbucks it will be.

In the evening, there were the two reality TV finales, making a four hour marathon. In I'd Do Anything, I didn't really have a favourite, it varied week on week depending on who was there. My favourites (Francesca and Sarah) got voted out early on. Last week I thought Rachel was great for the first time and she became my new favourite, but then she got voted off. Out of the final three, Jodie would have been my second choice, with Jessie first. I really think Jessie outperformed Jodie last night, in every song. However, I am not disappointed that Jodie won, especially as she obviously wasn't a favourite with shallow Cameron. So, it is quite satisfying that the 'People's Nancy,' won. In 'Britain's Got Talent,' (which I haven't been watching that much) I thought that a lot of them could have been worthy winners, and I was pleased for George that he won, as he was one of my favourites.

Painted Babies Horror

In 1995, I watched with horror a documentary called 'Painted Babies,' following two five year old girls, Asia and Brooke, whilst they prepared for and participated in a child beauty pageant. These little girls were dressed up like barbie dolls, with bleached blond hair and their faces thick with make-up. They danced provocatively, and sang racy songs. Their parents and grandmothers pushed them hard, and their whole lives were consumed with preparing for and competing in these pageants. It was totally shocking that parents would encourage their little girls to dress up and act like this, for their own greed (winning prizes) vanity, and self-interest.

I was delighted to hear that they had made a follow-up, 'Painted Babies: Growing Up' 12 years after the original, as the original documentary had really stayed with me. The main problem with the follow-up documentary was that it was mainly descriptive, rather than confronting the girls about the whole, sickening phenomenon. Nevertheless, it was still interesting to see how both girls had turned out quite differently. Brooke stopped competing in pageants aged seven, and her whole family's perspective on life seemed to have changed due to Brooke having a younger brother born with disabilities. Perhaps this is why she has turned out so normal, currently attending boarding college. Her family also seem to have seen the light, laughing at how absurd their behaviour used to be. It was refreshing to see that Brooke no longer seems anything like the little brat she once was, though still has the same winning determination.

Asia, on the other hand, is more tragic. She is still competing in pageants, with the forceful nature of her mother and grandmother still behind her. Asia now looks like Anna Nicole Smith, quite slutty, but thankfully she is no size zero which I would have expected. I warmed to her though; her father left a couple of years ago and she has had no contact with him since. If competing in pageants is what she wants to do, I don't begrudge her for it. It is just completely disgusting that young children and even babies are allowed to compete in these strange American contests. The worst part was that creepy Tim, whose job it is to sing love songs to the little girls at the pageants, whilst they smile and flutter their eyelids at him, is still there. Also, whilst all the girls were dolled up looking very 'glamorous,' the mothers and women running the contest were all very obese and unglamourous to the extreme.

The original 'Painted Babies' documentary can be viewed on YouTube here. There is a also an even more shocking documentary on the same subject matter, 'Living Dolls,' which can also be found on YouTube. I felt really sorry for poor little Swan in this documentary who had the most over-bearing, rude and pushy mother I have ever seen. It was filmed in 2001, and after it was filmed, both of her parents died.

After watching these shocking, sad yet poignant documentaries, I have come to the conclusion that child beauty pageants in the USA should be banned.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

I just got back from the cinema having seen this movie and came out wondering, what on earth was that about? Did I miss something there? I was intending to write, 'Don't read this if you don't want spoilers,' but I came out of the movie non the wiser about what was actually going on. In three words, I shall sum it up thus: aliens, skulls and evil Russians (edit: just noticed, that's more than three!). Or, as I like animals, I could summarise it as ... monkeys, termites and groundhogs.

It was perhaps a bit like Doctor Who, not meant to be taken too seriously (I hope not!) but it was complete nonsense, in my opinion. I went to see this for Veggie Hubby, who agreed that it was completely pointless. In return for making me sit through this, VH shall have to come and see a film he really doesn't want to see with me, like the new Sex and the City movie .... haha, revenge will be sweet!

My rating: 4/10 (as it was enjoyable in it's silliness at times).

Bank holiday weekend

Saturday - Veggie Hubby and I watched Eurovision, and had particular fun as a) We had some really nice tapas with it including Quorn picnic eggs (which are new and very yummy) stuffed vine leaves and nachos and b) We very sadly scored each entry using the BBC score card, for song, performance and dance routine. This resulted in some terrible entries scoring quite well because of having a dance routine, and funny costumes. My favourite entries this year were Armenia, Greece, Denmark and the Latvian pirates. I wasn't that impressed with the winner, Russia.

I wasn't expecting the UK to do well and surprise, surprise they came joint last. I think they did badly obviousbly because of the politics, but also because Andy performed early on (the recency effect: it is always an advantage to be later on, Russia were the penultimate act so were remembered more) and his song just wasn't that exciting. I do think politics ruins Eurovision, but it is still cheesy fun.

Sunday - Went to visit my sister. We played with her little gerbils, who move around very quickly, and scare Veggie Hubby, which is funny. He didn't even like watching me holding them. We also went out for a meal in a pub which was disappointing because they seemed to run out of everything. I chose my meal for the garlic bread, but when I got it, there was no sign of any garlic bread. Veggie Hubby complained for me, and they said they didn't have any, but could give me a slice of bread instead, so I got a slightly stale slice of white bread. Veggie Hubby had ordered a roast dinner, but the turkey he got was the smallest slice of turkey I had ever seen! It was practically vegetarian.

Bank Holiday Monday - It is such a miserable, rainy bank holiday weekend. We went to the supermarket, and got oily filling up my car tyres with air as they were very flat.

Tuesday - I get an extra 'discretionary' day off tomorrow. I shall spend it going to a new shopping centre, and buying some new clothes hopefully. Also, there is a new cinema too, so we'll go and see the new Indiana Jones movie. The thought of it bores me, but VH is very keen to go as Cate Blanchett is in it....

Another little quiz

1. Last movie you saw in a theater? Juno.
2. What book are you reading? The First Wives Club (a gift from Veggie Hubby).
3. Favorite board game? Monopoly, possibly.
4. Favorite magazine? I tend to get my gossip from the Internet nowadays, but something like Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Star or OK!
5. Favorite smells? Vanilla, coconut, chocolate, coffee, fresh strawberries....
6. Favorite sounds? Music.
7. Worst feeling in the world? Fear of something you can't control.
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up? Something along the lines of, "I want to stay in bed, " "I hate my alarm clock" or "That time already?"
9. Favorite fast food place? Burger King maybe, but haven't been to a fast food place in years, except Wimpy twice, through no choice of my own.
10. Future child’s name? Veggie Baby
11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d... travel the world, buy a house and share it with family"
12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? No, except the one that VH bought me for when he isn't around.
13. Storms - cool or scary? Cool, but only when inside.
14. Favorite drink? Mocha/cappuccino, or a fruit juice/smoothie
15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….travel."
16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli? Nope, but I know a dog who does ;-)
17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice? Put in some blond highlights
18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in? Too many to name.
19. Favorite sports to watch? Gymnastics.
20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you? I like her opinions.
21. What’s under your bed? A hoover, suitcase and boxes.
22. Would you like to be born as yourself again? Weird question, but ok!
23. Morning person, or night owl? Night owl.
24. Over easy, or sunny side up? Neither, yuk!
25. Favorite place to relax?...On the beach.
26. Favorite pie? Cherry pie, but I don't like pies particularly.
27. Favorite ice cream flavor? Something chocolaty.
28. Of all the people you tagged this to, who’s most likely to respond first? VH in Vraie Fiction :-)

Exam day!!!

Its exam day for Almost Dentist Hubby today, after 3 long months of continuous revision today is the big day! So please send lots of good luck his way! This is a HUGE exam, like the equivalent of a degree in toughness. I have to say its not very easy revising for exams and studying after you are married and sort of past that 'education phase', especially if you have a baby in the house. It requires a lot of solitary confinement (haha!) and strict dedication, I am not sure if i would be able to do it anymore. Infact just reading veggie carries post this morning reminded me how much i now enjoy doing normal things like waking up at my own pace in the morning, especially if its next to cutybaby, as she wakes with a huge stretch and laughs and gives morning cuddles!

Sleepy Carrie

It is currently 11pm and bedtime. I have to get up at 7am (how I hate that!) or stretch it out until 8 and then rush getting ready to leave at 8.15/8.20am. I know, I'm terrible. If I set off earlier, I could miss a lot more traffic, but I just can't. I hate mornings so much. Once I am up and at work, with my cappuccino, I'm generally ok, but it is my alarm clock and getting out of bed that I hate. I am a night owl really. How I miss the days of either being a student, or having a job where I could arrive at 10.30/11am. At least this weekend I have no busy plans involving early mornings. As an extra bonus, I have a further two days because of the bank holiday and also my work are nice like that and give us extra days off sometimes :-) I have no plans for the weekend other than.... sleeeping. Oh yes, and visiting my little sister.

Nordic Walking

Today I tried a weird type of sport, Nordic walking. There is a group from my office that like to go Nordic walking, so I decided to join them during my lunch break. I hadn't heard of this activity before, but basically it involves walking with poles, rather like skis, that you attach to your hands. You look very silly walking with the poles, it is potentially quite embarrassing I think! You put the right pole forwards with the left leg, and vice versa, and hold them behind you, but the key is to not really think about it. It really is just an extension of normal walking, but it involves your arms too. It is meant to be one of the best exercises there is, as it involves 95% of the body's muscles. Before long, using the poles felt natural to me, and I found myself walking quite quickly, without really noticing it, which is strange for me as usually I am a slow walker. It was only after our very long walk when I got back to the office that I felt totally exhausted. However, I would recommend it as it is such good exercise and although you look silly, it isn't much more difficult than walking without poles.

Caffe Torelli

I love coffee shops, but I detest rude customer service. I experienced some bad service yesterday when I visited a little tea room with some friends in beautiful Cambridge. One friend ordered a cake, and asked to replace the ice cream with custard. She got the cake with (cheap, instant) custard rather than ice cream as requested, but then got charged additionally for the custard! So, our other friend and I egged her on to complain out of principle. The staff became very confused, thinking she was complaining about the added service charge rather than the custard charge, but with the help of four (!) waitresses, it eventually got sorted out.

Then, this afternoon I went our for a coffee with Veggie Hubby in a new cafe (Caffe Torelli) and experienced rude customer service. In October/November I was working in a job that sometimes involved dealing with angry members of the public complaining about very petty things, so perhaps I am guilty of doing the same here, but there is something quite satisfying about writing a complaints letter. Here it is (as I don't want to write out the whole situation again):

I have never been into a Caffe Torelli before, so was keen to try it as an alternative to Costa/Starbucks, especially as it is a new cafe.

I was very disappointed by the way the staff dealt with their customers. One employee was rude to the lady in front of me when she asked for a cake 'from the middle' of the display. It was obvious to me what she was asking for, she meant the cake in the middle, but the employee couldn't understand her, he was pointing to different cakes around the edges, and laughed at her, saying 'perspectives can vary as to what is the middle.'

I got served by a different lady whose attitude was also very bad. I noticed that she had charged me £2.50 for my eat-in regular mocha rather than £2.25. I told her she had charged me incorrectly, and she was very rude towards me. She said in a very patronising way that there were different prices for eating in and eating out. I understood that, but she was treating me like I was totally stupid, using big hand gestures, and seemed quite aggressive. Actually an eat-out regular mocha is £2.00, and an eat-in mocha is £2.25. I eventually got her to realise her mistake, but she was unapologetic. Although the mocha was fine, I did not enjoy it due to the way I had been treated. I also noticed that when I was drinking it, she was in a bad mood all the time, shaking her head, not smiling, and shouting at the other staff members. I shall not be going back.

I have never felt compelled to make a complaint about customer service before, but I do think your staff need more training about how to treat customers and act more professionally in public.

Fridgeful of mangos, Plane food, Nutella Cupcake Surprise

Ok, I feel like I haven't blogged for ages, so I am going to catch up now with some random updates....

1. So last week when I was at home, Almost Dentist Hubby actually went abroad for dental revision training stuff, anyway when he came back he had an entire suitcase filled with..... MANGOS!!!! yep, about 20kg of the stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was sort of horrified at first thinking how the heck would it fit into my tiny fridge. But we gave half away to friends and family. Actually although they looked a bit bruised, on the inside they were pale yellow and SO SWEET, so sugary, like they had been infused with honey. We have been eating about 2 a day on a weird mango diet, but now the supplies are getting limited and hubby is rationing them!!!!!!! I think i am going to make a fast dessert tonight with chopped mangos, custard and crushed meringues.

2. Hubby also brought me back a sneaky plate of plane food!! OK this is sooo weird, i totally have a plane food obsession! Basically whilst most people (like my sister) are heaving at the smell and general grossness of pre packaged, vacuum packed, food. Trying not to vomit whilst their drinks are all spilling over from turbulence. There I am enjoying every mouthful!!! I think its because.... on a plane its the one place where you sort of get pampered, like you get to sit in a chair for about 10 hours, watch movies, while people keep coming round and offering you drinks, and food, EVEN icecream, and 'high tea' !!!!!! Its so much fun, i love flying. I love the teeny plates with different varieties, the teeny choc bar, the tasty desserts hmmmmmm

3. Also while i was at home it was my little brothers 18th, so I baked him this trayful of chocolate sponge with a whole segment of chocolate in the centre, and nutella buttercream cupcake. I dont actually like eating cakes myself, i find them too sugary. SO just for me yesterday i made a vanilla choc chip loaf cake, and ate it while still warm-no frosting! Now thats my kind of cake!

4. On the subject of babies, mine has been giving me moments of pure terror, every parents knows those moments when your heart stops for a nanosecond and you start to sweat and you think 'noooooooooo'. Well today Cutybaby proceeded to eat the plastic head of a toy chicken- cue mini heart attack. No sooner had i extracted that, it was swiftly followed by a large rubber. Now she is quietly sitting having poured the contents of her water bottle into dried snacks and making a big mushy goo, i am typing very fast so i can get off the laptop before she spills it (i am not grabbing it now as lets just say she knows how to throw a tantrum now!)

x

Revenge of the salmon

At last, the weekend. How I love weekends! To start it off, I decided to create a new blog look, what do you think? Veggie Hubby started his weekend off by creating havoc in the kitchen. He made my dinner like usual, and set off the smoke alarm frying his salmon. It is so deafeningly loud. Our alarm always goes off whenever he fries fish, sausages or lamb - it has never gone off when we have eaten vegetarian food. Veggie Hubby also cooked a delicious ratatouille though, which didn't cause any problems with the fire alarm. We have always loved ratatouille, and having seen the film last November, love it even more.

Here is a special paragraph just for Mysterious World: As you know, I love babies and young children, and so does Veggie Hubby. We like nothing more at weekends than to spend it with lovely little monsters, and blogging about kids is our favourite topic. Obviously, this must mean that we are very broody(?!) We both go so soppy around small children, we love their company. However, this is only the case when they are nice and well-behaved, VH can't stand little brats. Two things we especially love about kids, and know you do too 1) their lovely baby smell 2) the way we can do baby-talk with them. Time for tubby bye-byes, time for tubby bye-byes!