Playing catch up with a few photos...

I have found a few miscellaneous photos which have brought back some memories.  Therefore it is only fair to blog about them!

Beginning with a dinner party that we had a few weekends ago.  Here in our cozy flat in England, we have no dining room, or dining table for that matter! This makes for a gathering between two settees and a living room table!  

The boys sitting at our Dining room table, inhaling Anne's cooking!  Actually here it looks like Dan is chocking!

Here in this picture is our wonderful meal made by, Anne.  Did you think I was going to refer to myself there?  Hahaha think again!  

Yum!!! Even looking at it right now I can taste it!

Our wonderful Anne prepared for us, chicken Tarragon with some beautiful potato dumplings from Germany!  It was spectacular!  We spent the rest of the evening watching a British film.  I can’t remember the name of it, but it was a dark psychological drama per say.  I love these types of evenings, just hanging about and making fun of each other’s accents (between the German, British, and Canadian).  Having Anne’s homemade meals make it that much better!

Next in line is the Quayside market!  (Pronounced Keyside).

Dan always sees it fit as to take us on field trips around Newcastle when we start to get crabby.  This weekend Dan decided to take us to the Quayside on a Sunday where there is a market every weekend.  I have always wanted to go to this market, so we accepted the offer of our travel consultant and headed out.  Sunday we decided to include breakfast, so we left around 10ish in hunt of a ‘Full English Fry-up’.  We found a quaint little cafe with a £5 breakfast that was right in-front of the market.  Delicious!  Along with a skinny vanilla Latte!

You would think from the amount of pictures I have of these two together, that they are my children...

Our view of the market during breakfast... Notice the gloomy England weather... and this was a nice day!

At the beginning of the market.

Finally a place to buy my undies! Soooo kidding!

After the market, Dan took us to an art gallery that is located a few steps from the Market.  The art gallery is called, the Baltic and it used to be a Flour Mill.

Our walk across the Millennium Bridge to the Baltic

On the millennium bridge.  This bridge tilts at certain times of the day!

Another picture of my 2 children entering the Baltic.

The remaining evidence of this Gallery once being home to a flour mill.

View from the top of the Baltic

The Sage!  Where there are live shows presented.

While there we were able to meet Anne, well not exactly!  We were able to meet the cartoon character that Dan swears Anne looks like.  This Character is indeed cute, but I don’t think it’s our Anne!  Meet Moomin....

Supposedly Anne's look alike...

Ahhhh... to make this blog extra special I have to share an Anne moment with you all.  You see Anne sometimes gets lost with conversation, but for the most part her English is stellar! The Moomin thing reminded me about a time when Anne was travelling and she sat with some Mormons.  I can’t remember the entire story, all I remember is Anne was thinking the entire time that the Mormon’s where referring to Moomin’s instead of their Mormon faith.  I remember hearing this and just dying!  Ahhhh.....  I love the lost in translation feature between the four of us it is ridiculous sometimes.

Dan decided that our day trip was still not finished, so he took us to the ‘Angel of the North’.  Before venturing across the Tyne to Gateshead, the boys inhaled a bratwurst from the market, and I guiltily ate an entire bag of cotton candy! Opppssss...

The ‘Angel of the North’ was constructed by artist, Antony Gormley.  He chose to re-create this massive male angel, because he wanted to strengthen the faith that they are still out there.  Even though no one has witnessed an angel, we need to keep our imaginations alive and well.

Ryan and I

Bum Shot!

Later, after a few hours rest at home, we ventured out to the ‘Bullman’ (local pub) for Sunday Dinner.  All in all it was a fantastic weekend! Thanks again to our Travel guide/photographer/most importantly best of kind mate! For the excitement!

Obsessions...

I’m a sick person.  I feel like I need to set new boundaries.  I am going to tell you just how odd I am and you will agree that new boundaries are in-fact a good idea.

This happened sometime during my ‘half term break’ (like March break for Canadians).  I went to the ever daunting Sansbury’s to do some shopping.  You see, it’s daunting because, we usually do our shopping at the Market or Tesco, the cheap places.  This night I felt like a treat!  I felt that I deserved to buy expensive cheese and real bread that had taste, as oppose to the 50 pence bread we have become accustomed to.  Let’s be honest, I went to Sansbury’s because it is sorta like a Real Canadian Super Store, a lot smaller mind you, but it has a bit extra.

Anyway.... It was super-duper cold out!  So I bundled up, I even put layers on!  Then I made the walk to Sansbury’s and as soon as I got there I be-lined it for the school supply isle.  I have my entire life secretly loved school supplies!  I used to love going to ‘Bi-way’ and gearing up for a new school year, new pencils, erasers shaped as Hello Kitty and Barbie! It was always soooo thrilling!  I still have this small infatuation, which explains my behaviour on this cold night in Sansbury’s.  

I knelt down and opened a fresh box of crayons, and took a whiff... I was in heaven!  I cannot decline a crayon box whiff!  Fresh new crayons are heaven and as I was enjoying this moment, dressed in layers looking seriously like a bum off the streets I hear, “I know it’s her, mum it’s her, its Ms. Cleanstream”.  Yes indeed, I was caught by a student, and her concerned mother, while on all fours dressed like a bum sniffing crayons!!!!!!!  I decided to wait it out, maybe they will leave.  NOPE!  Tia just had to say hi to Ms. Synonym.  At this point there was nothing I could have done to make this situation look ‘okay’ so I just stood up with the dignity that I had left and smiled and waved at Tia and her very concerned looking mother, who must have been thinking how my daughter’s school can allow bums that sniff crayons teach her children.

Yep!  So my Sansbury Treat was kinda ruined, to say the least.  But it only gets better!

You could say I have been going through a cat with-drawl, well lets be real I AM GOING THROUGH A CAT WITH-DRAWL.  On my way to work, on most days, I see many cats.  This gets me excited!  I have learned that a cat call (My mother would understand the tongue thing we do to call our cats) well anyway this ‘call’ it’s national, because cats here come to my ‘cat call’.  

Whenever I spot a cat, which I usually do because I am sick and I am actually looking for them, they come prancing over to me when I do the tongue cat thing!  I have learned to ‘look around’ before I do this in case I am seen by someone who thinks I am loonie!  I was lucky today, very lucky because I saw 2 cats!  The first one was orange and very fun a playful!  Loved him, it was on my way to work this morning, made my day really!  The second one not so fun, I spotted a calico cat and did my thing and got its attention.  I was so excited and really got into the petting until I looked up and not too far away was a women standing at her stoop waiting for her cat to return, but instead she watched me, a complete stranger, make out with her cat.

See I told you sick and need to  set new boundaries! GEeezzzz!!

Welcome to ever lasting love Lily!

Look who decided to join us!!!  Greetings Lily Dawn we are so happy you came out to meet us!  Mumma was getting a bit anxious to meet you! xxxooo

Lists!!!

I just finished watching a very cute film, called, ‘I don’t know how she does it’.   I would suggest that all women watch it!  It is really sweet and kinda explains what goes through our womanly minds!  My favourite part of the film is the ‘Lists’ parts.  Only because like many of you, I am sure, can relate to the staying awake ‘lists’ dilemma.

You know the things ringing around your head while you lay in bed trying to catch those much needed Zzz’s?  Well mine lists are like so,

Ummm....  

Book flights

Satin polyester? Will it matter?

Linens

Does Ryan have clean boxers for tomorrow? (shouldn’t that be on his list?  No no... he doesn’t have lists)

What can I make for lunch tomorrow?

Do we have Toilet paper?

When are my library books due back?

Canadian visa

Rent

Have my students seen me wear that already this week?

Bridesmaid gifts

Exfoliating...do I do it often enough?

I’m I damaging my hair too much by ironing it?

£400.00 electricity bill REMEMBER TO TURN OFF HEAT..

Is the heat off now?

Where is my mobile phone?

Is my phone charged?

Are my pants ironed?

Text Nicci

Message Nicci

See Nicci this Saturday

What can I cook for dinner tomorrow?

e-mail Diane, e-mail Jon, e-mail Georgie, ask Georgie about her wedding.

Message Tiffany, Kristen and Amy

Rebecca’s a mum!!

PAPER TOWELS

Wedding budget, stuff that I want that is not in the wedding budget....

Pinterest........

I need to run more

Arm work outs!!!!!!!!

Wedding shoes

Retirement fund

RSP’s

Charities

Ryan

What about after PM recess?

What if they finish their numeracy early

I need to take vitamins

Fruit EAT IT!

Salt in-take

Getting out of the Lease

Place to live in Canada $$$$$

Hair cut

Doctor’s appointment

Ryan’s dentist appoint

Ryan to send transcripts

Labels, envelopes

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...............

The list continues....

 

My goodness it is sick!   

I have in the middle of the night jumped up, flicked the laptop on and have lesson planned, checked the housing market in Canada, or e-mailed a wedding vender, only so I could stop the lists!!! I sometimes look next to me and see Ryan in this joyful slumber not bothered by any lists, only bothered that I have the cord of the laptop in the bed.

Now I know all y’all have lists!! So I want to hear your lists!!! Message them or post a few things that ring around your heads when it’s time to shut the eyes!

xo for now :)

99 Reasons I should be doing something else...

1: Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

One thing that drives me mad is having our ‘wardrobe’ (as the British call ‘em) opened!!! I don’t know why, it just drives me!  Especially when Ryan hangs his wet towels on the doors and keeps them open! GEEZ!


2: Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?

I still have plenty left from London and our cruise to Amsterdam in my make-up bag.  Also I have a sewing kit and coasters stashed from recent hotels.

3: Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

With our duvet, we only have fitted sheets.  I have been missing the extra sheets though.  I cannot wait to curl up in my bed at Diddos, because Nancy always makes the best beds!  Although I heard there is only one bed left at Didds so let’s hope that rascal known as Alex isn’t around!

4: Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

No, but the ‘No fly-tipping’ sign may be gone when we leave this country!  Only because I need a prize for my Uncle Ken.

5: Do you like to use post-it notes?

Every day I teach I use them for my opening introduction act!  I am currently running low and need to buy new ones, thanks for the reminder procrastinating activity!

6: Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

Nope, but I have a Tesco card and I am adamant about using it, yet I never redeem the cash or use the rewards, and I believe this drives Ryan a bit squirrely. 

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?

Ummmm.. a bear only because Ms. Amy Aschaber has trained me on how to defend myself using a flashlight and a small axe if a bear was to enter our tent.

8: Do you have freckles?

Moles, but no freckles.

9: Do you always smile for pictures?

As of recently I do not, because Mr. Alecks has explained to Ryan and I that smiling is tacky!

10: What is your biggest pet peeve?

I cannot stand smoking, or people who smell like cigarettes.

11: Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Once in a while, then I realize my OCD is kicking in and I stop immediately..... 212 steps to South Gosforth Metro many more when wearing heels....oppssss

12: Have you ever peed in the woods?

Well of course, and in Green park right next to Buckingham Palace with my co-pilot Kristina tagging along.

13: What about pooped in the woods?

Believe it or not, no.  I get really bad tummy aches while in Algonquin because I will not doo-doo in the woods.

14: Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing?

Yes, for my students and they think I’m a maniac.

15: Do you chew your pens and pencils?

Nope can’t say I do.

16: How many people have you slept with this week?

Ummm...

17: What size is your bed?

An awkward British double.

18: What is your favourite song of the week?

Lana Del Ray- Videogames

19: Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Absolutely yes. Purple, too.

20: Do you still watch cartoons?

I watch brain-pop cartoons with my students.

21: What’s your least favourite movie?

That troll movie Daniel made us all watch... it was horrific!


22: Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

In the Jesmond Dene.

23: What do you drink with dinner?

Water, or milk because, ‘it does a body good!’

24: What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Honey or sweet and sour sauce

25: What is your favourite food?

Fish and chips from the Priory.

26: What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

Bridesmaids, Sex and the City (only the first one), Now and Again.

 
27: Last person you kissed/kissed you?

Ryan Aschaber

28: Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

I was a brownie.

29: Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

Depends on what magazine and for how much.

30: When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

I wrote a letter this morning to npower, but that was typed and printed, so it may not count.  I wrote with pen some post cards for Mad, Grandma W, Nanny, and Grandma A last week.

31: Can you change the oil on a car?

Ummm sorry diddo I can change a tire though!

32: Ever gotten a speeding ticket?

Nope, who can believe that my mother hasn’t either!  I know me either!

33: Ever ran out of gas?

Yes, thank goodness for Monica! Xx

34: Favourite kind of sandwich?

Chicken Pesto...from the Tall and Small in Antigonowhere...

35: Favourite thing to eat for breakfast?

Yogurt, berries, and oats.  With a vanilla spice latte made with skim milk.

36: What is your usual bedtime?

Usually between 11 and midnight.

37: Are you lazy?

On Sundays, yes! 

38: When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

Why of course!  I was a Pepsi can one year and a dye another. 

39: What is your Chinese astrological sign?

I think I am a rat.

40: How many languages can you speak?

Hahaha well I can speak English.  But my resume says German and my Agencies think that I know more French then I really know.  They assume this on their own because I am Canadian.  Teaching 7 year olds animals in French is fine when I made up a few!

41: Do you have any magazine subscriptions?

No I do not.

42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?

WTF?

43: Are you stubborn?

Absolutely yes.

44: Who is better - Leno or Letterman?

I prefer that red-headed late-night guy!?

45: Ever watch soap operas?

Beverley Hills 90210, the old one not the new rubbish one.

46: Are you afraid of heights?

No, I don’t think I am.

47: Do you sing in the car?

Yes, I am Beyonce when those windows are up!

48: Do you sing in the shower?

Nope.

49: Do you dance in the car?

The ‘shoulder dance’

50: Ever used a gun?

Nope, not even a glue gun!

51: Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

Ahhhh!!!! Mr. Alecks on Friday!

52: Do you think musicals are cheesy?

Ummm only when Pierce Brosnan is belting out SOS.

53: Is Christmas stressful?

No they are fantastic!

54: Ever eat a pierogi?

I used to when I lived with Mum and Jerry.

55: Favourite type of fruit pie?

Cherry!!!!!!!!!!! Ryan and I had this discussion a few weeks ago.  He believes it is apple.

56: Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

I was obsessed with becoming a dental Hygienist! I loved her! I wanted to be her.

57: Do you believe in ghosts?

Sometimes...

58: Ever have a deja vu feeling?

Yes!!! I love them!

59: Take a vitamin daily?

Nope.

60: Wear slippers?

Socks everywhere, the big fluffy kind with grippers on the bottom from Amy.  It is soooo cold in our flat, and the carpets are gross.

61: Wear a bath robe?

I wish I would have taken mine here! It is sooo damp and cold.

62: What do you wear to bed?

Pajama shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.

63: First concert?

Aerosmith....

64: Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?

Wal-mart make me want to puke, Kmart faint memories of that store, Target is probably the best bet in this one.

65: Nike or Adidas?

As of right now.... ADIDAS only because I like the way the British say, ADEEDAS... hahahaheehee

66: Cheetos Or Fritos?

YUM Barbeque Fritos!

67: Peanuts or sunflower seeds?

Sunflower seends, but they have to be dill-pickle flavoured.

68: Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?

Very good.

69: Ever take dance lessons?

Far too many!

70: Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

A professional Footballer (British football).

71: Can you curl your tongue?

I think so.

72: Ever won a spelling bee?

Yes!!! I even have the plaque to prove it!  I also won a speech competition sooo talented I am!

73: Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

Yes I remember crying when I watched the beautiful slide show Aunt Rita put together for my shower, and crying the first time I saw Nash. 

74: Own any record albums?

Nopers.

75: Own a record player?

Does the eight-track count that dido set up in my room on Momouth?  What a funny man he is! haha

76: Regularly burn incense?

No, but if I did I would do it regularly...

77: Ever been in love?

Been as in past tense?  Ummmmm...

78: Who would you like to see in concert?

NKOTBSB, and Adel

79: What was the last concert you saw?

GBS

80: Hot tea or cold tea?

“Go on then, and get yourself a hot drink!”

81: Tea or coffee?

It’s not my cup of tea...

82: Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles?

Yum... Ms. Ilceski’s sugar cookies

83: Can you swim well?

After our stint in Cuba! I DON’T THINK SO!

84: Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

...........HAMMER TIME!

85: Are you patient?

With some things.

86: DJ or band at a wedding?

DJ say whhhhhhhaaaaaaattt???

87: Ever won a contest?

Ummmm.... something from the bridal shows but never picked it up...

88: Ever have plastic surgery?

I hope not... we will have to see what Ryan thinks..

89: Which are better black or green olives?

Oh my mouth just watered! GREEEEEEENNNN!!!!

90: Can you knit or crochet?

Nope but Ryan can!

91: Best room for a fireplace?

Master suite. 

92: Do you want to get married?

Yes, but I am over planning this wedding..

93: If married, how long have you been married?

Already feels like eons!

94: Who was your high school crush?

NOoooooo way.....

95: Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?

I don’t think I throw fits, but I hold grudges.

96: Do you have kids?

Yes, a love child with Tiger Woods

97: Do you want kids?

If Tiger is okay with it. 

98: What’s your favourite colour?

Green....

99: Do you miss anyone right now?

Nash, KP, Rebecca, Dido, Naner, Mum, Jer, Nanny, Canada