30 Days of me - Day 28

A photo of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?


Last year - little one has a whoppee cushion over his face. Here I am cackling with Ruth and Jeff. (me sat down). One big difference between last year and this.. I was pregnant here.








This year at the 5 party at Chipmuks. Older and not pregnant! Hurrah for age and little miss is here. What a lucky lady I am, I was going to moan about wrinkles, weight and old age. But no, I won't.

30 Days of me - Day 27

Why are you doing this challenge?

Well it sound like a challenge, for me a non-blogger. And I also thought it would be fun reading about everyone from the same point of view. I've slacked a bit (especially last week) did have a major excuse 5yo starting school and endless kids parties. I think maybe the time needed to do this challenge I underestimated, and I need to be more realistic with my workload and other commitments.

So nothing earth shattering from me. I haven't seen the light or had some major life changing event happen as a consequence. Nor I have discovered the inner writer in me. Still find it hard to be articulate in writing, I can speak proper but my writing and grammer are fairly appalling.

Hope it's not been too dull for you the reader. A million apologises if it hasn't met your expectations. Will do better next time, promise.

30 Days of me - Day 26

What do you think about your friends

Well I think they are an eclectic bunch, who some I have know for more than 30 years and some I've only just met! It's such a daft question this one, really isn't it! If I had anything negative or objective to say I wouldn't whine and moan about them on the internet would I?

I miss many of them, because I don't see them as often as I would like. Not just because some of them are overseas but we all seem to be so busy that spending time together is like planning world war 3!

I think, on the whole they are a lovely bunch of people who I choose to have in my life and I hope I can a good friends to them too. ;-)

30 Days of me - Day 25

What I would find in your bag?

Well I'm not taking a photo for two reasons,

a) my bag is a mess and b) it's an okay bag but don't want to be judged as it isn't a prada bag

Make up bag, hair brush, work pass, car keys, 4 green tea bags, a couple of pens, a nappy, a sick cloth (for baby not me!!) wet wipes, hand sanitizer, D & G sunglasses and huge daft case, an old mint and a USB!

30 Days of me - Day 24

Dear Mum,

Did you get that letter I posted to you?

Love, xx

30 Days of me - Day 23

Something you crave for a lot.

Okay time is short for me today, so it's a list in no particular order but every so often need them all :)

Chocolate, big cuddles from husband, kisses and smiles from my kids, the sun , watching TV, a nice bath, a soothing massage, wine, a good laugh, Walkers prawn cocktail crisps, ridiculous humour,some brisk exercise and travel.

Me and my little one sharing a kiss and a ice lolly!!

30 Days of me - Day 22

What makes you different from everyone else?

I really don't know!! I think you would have to ask my family, friends and husband. I am not exactly shy, but I can't really say I am different, special, unique etc. etc. Because after all, we are all human and our only difference is our personality and that is something I am no real expert on.

A clever lady on twitter had a guest blogger who wrote about her and I thought that was a great idea, but I've not asked anyone to do it because I would then have to reveal to them that I am doing this!!!! HAHAHA..

So I've just copied some lovely things a friend said on LinkedIn, I didn't ask her to and god knows why she did.

"Claire is one of the warmest, most enthusiastic individuals I have ever worked with. She combines character, commitment to make working with her enjoyable from start to finish. Claire has a need to do things well, lots of experience and a great instinct when it comes to people. Your work day is made better by any dealings with Claire."

Thank you Kimbo for your kind words. I cried when I read this, honest! I didn't ask her, I wasn't looking for a new job and haven't worked with her since 1996! But we are very good friends and I love her dearly. Now I know you might think, ahh that's a work thing it's not about you, but it is. End of.

30 Days of me - Day 21

A picture of something that makes you happy!

Well this is soooo easy, yet so hard! It's not one picture, but any picture of someone smiling (properly smiling not staged!) or laughing, always get me. Emotions are a funny old thing aren't they and even the most bizarre photo or clip on TV of someone smiling, laughing or big belly laughing always bring a smile to my face. As they say laughter is infectious and a great mood lifter. I did think about loading some of my favourite comedy clips, but I'd be here all day!

This photo makes me laugh, cos of the face of the chef, laughing at Nunnza's reaction, even though he must have done this a million times!!

30 Days of me - Day 20

Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.

Well, easy peesy blog for me today. It's my husband (he's probably thinking I am going to say Brandon Flowers!).

We have been married for nearly 8 years and together for nearly 13 years. Till death do us part, as we said in our vows (I didn't do the obey bit cos that would just be boring!). And I did mean it, I didn't get married because I wanted a new dress, nice party or an excuse to spend lots of money! It just felt so right and still does! It's not easy, and like life, it has it's ups and downs. I think marriage is like anything, you get out what you put in, I love him more now than I ever did when we first met. He is a great husband, father and friend. xxxxxxxxx

30 Days of me - Day 19

Nicknames you have, why do you have them.

There were some names back at school when I was a whipper snapper but my memory has faded and therefore I've forgotten most of them! They were probably quite insulting and offensive, so I think that is where they belong, in the past!

Housty - well as my maiden name is Houston it stems from there. I still get this from some old friends and don't mind it all. Said in a high pitched voice, I always know it is meant for me!

Huxterious - the same person that called me Housty, also invented Huxterious (meant for my husband) but I also get it as well. Again, it doesn't bother me, it has a point of reference and it makes me laugh.

Flinglett - this is where my husbands' far fetched, ridiculous name invention skills began (see Day 2). I think this stems from him calling me darling, then d'ling, then fling, then flinglett. He still calls me this (in public as well!!) and even though I used to find it annoying I quite like it now!

Flingarooney - this stems from Flinglett. see above. I hope you can see a theme here. Yes he calls everyone and everything by a different name!!

Grarrnett/Grarrnee - Husband again!! Honest I could do pages here but I will keep it to a bare minimum! He will read this later and tell me off about the spelling of these names I am sure!! They are made up but he will have very specific spelling of them. I used to really dislike this one, as it was always said in a whiny voice and usually involves me doing something! This one became quite popular for a few years and even others adopted it. It has somewhat fell from grace now. But again it grew on me!!

Twiskett - This comes from one of these names, to be honest I can't remember it is all one big blur now I write it down!! But this one has stuck and I do answer to it. But only by my husband, ok!

Claire Bear - I still get this one from friends alot. Cos it rhymes and normally I call people rhyming names so it comes back to bite me in the bum!

Huxtable - A new one (yesterday I think) from some lovely ladies I tweet with. They know who they are!!

Honestly I answer to anything. As my accent is still quite Yorkshire people in NZ don't always understand me when I say my name is Claire (they say - Clear !!) I don't.. So I have been called Clive before, which has made me laugh very loudly.

But I don't answer to rude names, that just isn't cricket is it?

30 Days of me - Day 18

Plans/Dreams/Goals you have

Well I think we all have many of these, but some you just don't want to commit to paper and the world! See here are a few I'm happy to share.

1) To make sure my kids (if they want to) go to University (without getting into serious debt!)
2) Pay off our current mortgage by the time I am 50!
3) To travel the world with the kids (when they are older)
4) To own a business
5) Run a half marathon
6) Learn a new language
7) Learn to play the piano

Here we are travelling to Italy, my brother with Liam when he was just 2 and a half. A tricky age to travel half way across the world. But he did love it (and so did we!)

30 Days of me - Day 17

Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why?

A few days late with this one, I've been mulling this one over and really have several million answers but I know that just won't do!

I would really like to be an animal or a dead person or a mythical being, is that allowed? Well it's my blog so I guess I can make up the rules.

Animal - I would like to be a Lion in the planes of Africa eating gazzels and roaming around doing what Lions do, sleep and look cool. I would snarl at the tourists in their landrover and maybe even chase one or two just to give them a good old fashioned fright!

Dead Person - It would have to be JFK, I would like to be him on the 22 November 1963. And I would say, hey you know I don't fancy going to Texas today think I'll stay at home and read the papers! I have always been interested in the whole conspiracy theory around this, but having said that being him for the day wouldn't reveal the truth behind his death anyway, so scrap that idea!

Mythical Being - Well of course it would have to be Robin Hood. Was he just a nice bloke that just helped himself to some rich blokes food stores and give it to a few mates? I would love to step back in time and see how they really lived. I am pretty sure that there are elements of Robin Hood that are maybe true, but it would be interesting to see how the story evolved and how 'he' came about. Did he wear tights? Did he hang out with such a weird collectin of people? All these questions I could answer and make a film out of it!

But seriously, if I had to pick just one person, I would have to be someone that really made a mark on the world, someone who had vision, talent and that really inspired people. And, because I love music and the impact it has on peoples lives, I would have to pick a musician. So tonight Matthew I am going to be.... John Lennon. Talented, gifted, stubborn, creative and misunderstood. I would be him on any day, I think around the time this home movie was made he was at his happiest, so late 1970's before his sad death in 1980. He wrote this song to explain what he had been doing for the past 6 six (from 1974-1980). This song and video says it all really! Enjoy. RIP John

30 Days of me - Day 16

Another picture of yourself.


Really!! I don't think anyone would want to see another dull of photo of moi!
Here are some from my youth! High waists were obviously the trend back then.

30 Days of me - Day 15

Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play. This blogger presumes we all have iPod's! Which is probably true?

1.Let It Roll - Train
2. Help - The Beatles
3. Miracle Drug - U2
4. Crossfire- Brandon Flowers
5. A Wild and Distant Shore - Michael Nyman
6. Sheila Take A Bow - The Smiths
7. Spirit - The Waterboys
8. Once I Was - Tim Buckley
9. Debussy - Clair De Lune
10. AirBag - Radiohead

yes weird and odd.

30 Days of me - Day 14

A picture of you and your family.

Xmas 2006

I love this photo of hubby and my 4yo.

Us at Raffles Hotel having Singapore Slings. Love this one. xx Before missy arrived.

Here is Miss. Love this photo, and thanks to the wonderful Keri Little for taking such a lovely photo. She is a marvel. We, on the otherhand are terrible subjects!!

30 Days of me - Day 13

A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Dear xxxxxxx,

Thanks for nothing. I helped you in your time of need, showed you more hospitality than you can shake a stick at it and what did you do? Abuse me, steal from me and my family but more importantly, your vile behaviour and words really hurt me and my family.

I gave with no expectations (good job really seeing as you made it clear that you have moved on!) Honestly, I have never met such a selfish, greedy, self-centred person, who clearly doesn't think about other people and has no concept of helping others.

Anyway, I could write more but you have already occupied far too much of my head space and I think bitterness is not good for anyone's Karma. Your negativity, nastiness, vicousness are all issues that YOU have to deal with not me. So good luck to you.

Byeeeee

30 Days of me - Day 12

How you found out about Blogger and why you made one?

I saw all this "30 days of me" on twitter and thought, no way hose I am not a writer! I am not that interesting or worthy of a blog! I tweeted with some pretty nice people and they encouraged me to give it a go, (thanks @pebblesy @tarasutherland @josiecampbell and all the other lovely folks out there!!). Honestly, they did tweet me several times and said come on, you don't know until you've tried it and several people were saying we've not done one so give it a go! It was the 'Dunkirk spirit' of blogging basically! I felt compelled to join in and have a go!

Anyway, I know with my job I should be doing more but don't have much confidence in my written work (spelling and grammar are not my good points!!). So here it is.

So thanks twitter, it's all your fault!!

I decided to use Blogger as I have used Posterous for work and wanted to try something new. I looked at Wordpress and got really scared! So opted for something in between and so far, so good...mustn't grumble. I have found it easy to use and understand some of the geekiness too. Did struggle with my user name and password.. but it's all in the learning.

30 Days of me - Day 11

Another photo of you and your friends.

Me and my good mate, Michy. Don't ask what we were doing, singing at James's leaving do I think!!

Me with some good mates (note I didn't do bridesmaids!! I think that is torture to inflict on your friends.. I know I have been one several times)

From l to r, Kesha, Michy, Vanessa, (me in the white!) Fleiss, Mary (came from UK just for wedding) and Sandy.

Here I am again with the lads, who are also my friends. Nunnza, Pedley, Splarse, Kev and Bozwell.

30 Days of me - Day 10

Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

Well this is a real hard one for me, as I love music and can't just pick one track. And i-tunes is driving me mad!! Anyway, here are some fav's.

Happy
1. 18 - Moby
2. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine
3. You've Got The Love - Candi Staton
4. Beautiful Day - U2
5. National Express - The Divine Comedy
6. Walls Come Tumbling Down - The Style Council
7. Bling (Confessions of a King) - The Killers
8. This Is The Day - The The
9. The Sunshine Underground - Chemical Brothers
10. Never Forget - Take That

Sad
1. Scientist - Coldplay
2. La vie en rose - Grace Jones
3. The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman (from The Piano)
4. Hurt - Jonny Cash
5. If Your Thinking Of Me - Dodgy
6. The Universal - Blur
7. Masterplan - Oasis
8. Can't Stand Losing You - The Police
9. Tell Her This - Del Amitri
10. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye - Soft Cell

Bored
1. Wippin' Piccadily - Gomez
2. Mardy Bum - Artic Monkeys
3. The Importance of Being idle- Oasis
4. Bird of Pray - Fat Boy Slim
5. Temptation - New Order
6. All These Things That I Have Done - The Killers
7. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
8. That's Entertainment - The Jam
9. The Day We Caught The Train - Ocean Colour Scene
10. Lazy Days - Robbie Williams

Hyped
1. Playing With Knives - Bizarre Inc
2. Insomnia - Faithless
3. Born Slippy (Nuxx) - Underworld
4. Song 2 - Blur
5. Hey Ya - OutKast
6. Go West - The Pet Shops Boys
7. Unfinished Sympathy - Massive Attack
8. Together In Electric Dreams - Phil Oakey & Giorgio Moroder
9. Cafe Del Mar 98 - Energy 52
10. Smack My Bitch Up - Prodigy

Mad
1. When We Were Young - The Killers
2. Foundations - Kate Nash
3. Everybody's Talkin' - The Beautiful South
4. Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode
5. So What - Pink
6. Sex On Fire - Kings of Leon
7. New Sensation - INXS
8. Place Your Hands - Reef
9. Original Of The Species - U2
10. Open Your Eyes - Snow Patrol

30 Days of me - Day 9

Something you are proud of the last few days.

Well something sure does spring to mind, but I can't give details and even though it's really interesting and exciting I can't talk about it so there!

So another thing I am proud of is my 4yo. He is about to embark on the great journey of education that is school! He has had 4 school visits so far and is so excited that he puts his uniform on every day when we get home from kindy. He even called his friend this morning to talk about school shoes! I wasn't really a big fan of school to be honest and I hoped to hell that he would enjoy it and look forward to it.

Naturally, I will sob and cry the first day when he goes. I probably will have to go shopping in order to take my mind of it! But I am so proud of him for all the things that we, his parents (we had no prior experience and skills in this area!) have presented him with, he always has such a positive attitude and just goes with the flow.

So Son, I am hugely proud of you, I know you will make your own decisions about what you like and don't like. You'll get to try out lots of new and exciting stuff! And it's so much fun.

30 Days of me - Day 8

Short term goals for the month and why?

1. To complete this challenge and actually do it. As a novice blogger (is that the correct term?) I thought 30 blogs would be am achievement.

2. To tidy my walk in wardrobe, which to be fair is out of control!! I have a huge pile of maternity clothes that I refuse to throw away, but I am sure as eggs are eggs, not wearing them again! I am saving them for a mate who is trying but I should just put them in a bag and out of the way.

3. To get one of those emergency kits sorted. I have most of the required items but it is scattered all over the house and not very useful given I would spend hours going where is that torch!

30 Days of me - Day 7

Day 7 - A picture of someone that has the biggest impact on you.


Well this is a photo (from left to right of my mum, my cousin Paul, my husband and me) in the beautiful village of Maratea, Italy for Paul's wedding in 2008.

And no offence Paul but this is about my Mum and my Husband.

They both, inspire me, encourage me, love me and challenge me. They say the things that no-one else will, they understand me and never, ever judge me. I thank them for being so giving and contrary, I'm sure that's why the get on so well and like a good row!

You are both very special, intelligent, funny, passionate and loving people. I am eternally gratefully for having you both in my life and long may it continue!

30 Days of me - Day 6

Day 6 - A favourite SuperHero and Why?





Well, I'm not a big Superhero fan, I do like Wonderwoman. What woman wouldn't want to look that good in tights with their pants on the outside, and sporting an out-there headband. Anyway, I decided no, she is too mainstream and everyone would say her, cos let's face it. She is uber-cool.



I, on the other hand, am not. I like foolish things and why would I choose her! So I've gone for a slightly more unusual one...

Special Agent Oso.

We have alot in common me and Oso. Well I watch him alot, and for all his annoying side kick makes me want to throw the TV out of the window, I can appreciate his good nature, helpfulness and his ability to be a friend to lots of people all over the world.

Yes, he can be a bit thick sometimes.. again a trait I can empathise with, but all in all, he has good intentions and means well. Don't we all! He has no secret dark side, no nasty cryptonite to harm him (Superman would have been my #2) and he can always blame the kid if it all goes a little bit Pete Tong!

So watch Oso (if you have kids you know who I am on about if not... don't you'll be hooked!!) and learn something from the wise one. He learns a new trick himself, helps others without mocking them, speaks to children all over the world (in some weird dubbed language!) and above all, he's yellow cool and has soooo much merchandise would render you bankrupt in weeks!

30 Days of me - Day 5

Day 5 picture of somewhere I have been to.

Well I have been here!! Ayers Rock, sorry Uluru. It was the highlight our Aussie trip when we moved over here. I didn't walk on it though (that wouldn't be nice would it!.. and it's very high!!) We just did the dawn walk around it.

It was pre digital camera's, so all mine are in an album. We also fly over it in a helicopter, I nearly poo'd my pants as my door wasn't shut properly (which is OK apparently!!) and thought I was going to fall out and be eaten by a dingo!

But honestly, it was the most amazing thing to see and you did feel like you had stepped back in time, thousands of years ago. The colours and light have to been to be believed. I could really talk about this for ages, it was very magical being there. Especially as my lovely husband proposed to me when we went to the Sounds of Silence Dinner (in the queue to the toilet!!!!). He did want to propose at the dinner table, as we were sat with eight strangers and he wanted to do it privately!! I didn't have a clue, I thought he had been quiet all day, but was maybe just dumbfounded by being there. No, he was just nervous. So of course I said, all our table friends where staying at our hotel and bought up champagne and get us up drinking until 3.30am and we had to be up at 5am to the dawn Uluru walk. Wonder how many people have done that walk with a ranging hangover!!

Ahhh.. memories.. that was March 6th 2002. We got married a year later exactly. All dates were a coincidence I add, I'm not some mad mystic numbers person.

So if you get the chance to go,, GO. It is amazing, it's a pricey trip up there (as it really is in the middle of nowhere) but worth every penny.

30 Days of me - Day 4

Ok the habit day, well I thought this was going to be easy.... and it is..

So a habit that you wish you didn't have.

Simple for me, biting/tearing my nails!! I know, yach it's horrible I hate it, they look awful!! I used to have false nails which did help me not feel so self conscious but not practical just now with a little one. Not to mention the hours of your life having back fills and all that jazz. I have done this since I was really small, when I was pregnant they did grow really strong and I didn't bite or tear them, anyway they were superhuman nails and would have needed several sledge hammers to break them!

So that is it, will buy some stop n grow, that certainly puts you off. I know it's vain thing and your probably rolling your eyes at this but hey, it's a habit that I don't like!!

I have loads of other habits, like saying 'anyway' lots, doing funny walks when I am on my own, talking to myself, being clumsy, spending too much time on the interweb, but I like all of those!!

30 Days of me - Day 3

Me and Tracey on my 'significant birthday' out on a boat by Wahieke. We always end up laughing about nothing!

Me, Kimbo, Robin and Liam. I used to live and work with Kim, a great and true friend and I miss her heaps, but will see her soon when we go back.

A photo of me and my friends, can't decide which one to use, so here are a couple. Me in the middle with Debs and Lynley. Who both live too far away! Deb is UK and Lynely now in Perth. Note Micky, another good mate (Lynley's partner) taking the shot, his shadow is on us and that made me laugh!

30 Days of me - Day 2

Day 2 in the big brother household. Sorry, couldn't help myself!

Well todays challenge is : The meaning behind your blog name

TWISKETT

So where to begin, my husband has a thing for calling things by other names! So blame him, this is one of the many things he calls me. It's a made up word (clearly!) and it has no meaning. I do know how he got to it and I could go on but then I wouldn't have anything to say on Day 19!

Anyway, that's all for me, been a busy old day for me, kids, housework, tweet ups. See you all tomorrow with a photo (so that's an easy day). I am seeing alot of friends tomorrow and lucky old me has a friend who is a photographer (the lovely and talented @Keri_little) so maybe if I ply her with enough wine she can take a few funny one's!

TGIF

30 Days of me: Day 1

A recent photo - here is one my 4yo took of me in my office. The microphone in the background is his, it's not an essential work tool.

15 interesting facts about me (well it's my interpretation of the word interesting) so here goes. If all else fails, I could use this as a bedtime story to send people to sleep!


1.My dentist in the UK wrote a song for Black Lace in the 80's. It wasn't Agadoo.


2. When I was pregnant I had a condition that sounded a little bit like a car!


3. I'm addicted to green tea, I will happily have 6/7 cups of it a day. I don't even know if that is too much, but surely it's not as bad as too much coffee?

4.Marco Pierre White and I went to the same middle school.

5. In my first job, I was one of the few that was taught how to use the telex, I loved doing it and had many a free trip overseas as a result on my telex chat with offices overseas.

6. I have invented several board games, dances and nursery rhymes.

7. When I go to a concert I have to buy a t-shirt regardless of the price. I have a cupboard full of them and never wear them. Well, apart from T-shirt from The Killers tour last year with 'I Got Soul' on the front and "But I'm not a soldier" on the back.

8.Brushing my teeth is never a chore, I LOVE brushing my teeth and do it several times a day.

9. I am a descendant of Rob Roy MacGregor the Famous Scottish rebel.

10.In the first 10 seconds I can normally name that tune for any UK based pop music of the 80's and 90's.

11. I have lived in many countries, most of them when I was under 6.

12. When I was a child I dreamed of being a flamenco dancer, so much so, that I was caught stealing some red flamenco shoes from a shoe shop and putting them in my pushchair. I think that is where my love of shoes came from!

13.I'd like to learn how to play the piano, I have the piano and a teacher (my Nana) but kids keep getting in the way!

14.I love pork scratchings, I know some people think they are hideous but I don't!

15.I collect cookery books, I have cupboards full of them, but always use the same four books.