Jessica Smith

Well Im 40 tomorrow and so tonight I see out the last 39 years. I have much to be proud of two handsome boys both doing me proud in lots of ways...obviously didnt do too bad there!!
Today been to see my Grandma she is an amazing 96 and ickle man played the clarinet for her. We had lunch in a pub and I was just soo pleased to be in her company..Peace to all and have a great 2008!! This is my Christmas Mooooooooose love to Molly at Radio City who gave me this love ya!! and i have an excess of champagne....drink anyone?? xxx

Stayed at the Coventry City FC Ricoh Stadium..very cool! You can even have a pitch view! Each mini suite includes a washer/dryer, combination microwave, integrated fridge, in-room bath..which is very novel and shower room.

Christmas day was nice with ickle man and my friends had lunch at The Limes in Sandbach. The food was lovely!
Yesterday stayed in Stony Stratford near Milton KeynesStony Stratford has an exceptionally long and distinguished history. The town has always had strategic importance as the crossing point over the River Ouse, for a prehistoric trackway, the Roman Watling Street, the major London to Holyhead coaching road and latterly the A5.
Stony Stratford - 'The Town on The Road' - was where the Saxon king Edward the Elder fought the Danes. Here King John - and several successive monarchs - frequently held court. Here the funeral cortege of Eleanor, wife of Edward I, rested on its trip from Nottingham to Westminster.
From Stony Stratford Edward IV courted his wife, and it was from a house still standing in the High Street that Richard III secured the young uncrowned Edward V to seal his fate in The Tower of London. Beneath the tree in the Market Square the Methodist John Wesley preached.
The High Street still contains a wealth of coaching inns that thrived in this period, including The Cock Hotel which is where stayed...if you get a nice room the acommodation is nice and the food and service is excellent! Need to also mention the great cafe in the town..sat there for ages drinking tea and eating full english breakfast!!

Last weekend had a nice walk round Brereton Pool with Mum, Dad and ickle man...it was rather chilly!!

Midweek I went to a very nice Caudwell Charity Ball at Crewe Hall the food was yummy!! Met Huggy Bear for all you Starsky and Hutch Fans!!

Other than that I have been to the Trafford Centre shopping took my two sons to get their presents we had a meal in Est Est Est...didnt leave until 10.45 at night!! Now that is serious shopping!! lol Also been for a meal with Mum & Dad and ickle man to Franky and Bennys seemed to get a huge plate of chips with my fish cakes!
Had to slot in the picture of the Maxus van cos when we were promoting the vans at Buildbase last week the demonstrator ended up looking like a proper builders van lol.

Mmmm lovely I tried these last night with some ham and salad...really lovely..you should try them...am I making you hungry???

Looked in the fridge..hmm cheese. bacon, gnocchi, creme fraiche,haddock, scallops, tomatoes,avocado, black olives, pasta, large flat mushrooms
Sometimes i look in my fridge and think what am i gunna do with that lot haha
SOOO...stuffed mushrooms with breadcrumbs, tomato, garlic and cheese me thinks...followed by scallops, avocado, cheese, haddock baked in creme fraiche and cheese
Just need to scoop out the middle of the mushrooms, grate the fresh bread and fry with a little oil, garlic and tomatoes put on the mushroom sprinkle with cheese and push in the oven...mmmmm perfecto!!

I think I'm addicted to Google News... every day I have to check on the Mccann case and the Meredith case...I always scan the most popular and do random other searches it's sooo interesting..sooo informative!!!
Other than that my son PJ's been round we've cooked pasta and garlic bread...just in the middle of watching the LFC v Porto match so just a quick update. Monday night went to Cannock to a charity shopping night for BDF Newlife...bought some Christmas presents and a pair of shoes!!! lol

Well How many of you knew there are caves in Nottingham Shopping Centre??? Infact there are 400 caves in Nottingham....many people in Nottingham dont even know they are there how random is that???? Had a lovely weekend, lovely buildings in Nottingham. Stayed in a very nice hotel although the evening meal I had before I went out cost me £74 for ONE!!!!! Now that's expensive..but you know what it was absolutely the loveliest meal I've had in a long time

Bless you! That's what a lot of us will say when someone sneezes. But there's a good reason to get into the habit of "blessing" things and people as you go about your day. It draws the negative charge from an annoyance or frustrating incident or person and instead puts a positive spin on things. Saying "bless it" or "bless him/her" when something upsetting happens or someone bothers you helps you put things into perspective and return to a state of balance and calm.
I like to remember the words from the early 20th century metaphysician, Emmet Fox. People still read his books today. He said, "Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you. If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it."
Goodness knows, it's easy enough to start to obsess over the many little things that can go wrong in a day. Like a dripping tap, being caught in traffic, breaking a strap on your shoe, or being subject to someone else's bad mood. And that's not to mention those larger problems or issues that we may have in our lives. Instead of trying to deny the problem or worrying over it, try "blessing" it. It will give you the space to react less emotionally and start to deal with it more constructively.
And don't forget, many of those things we at first view as problems turn out to be blessings in disguise! Tally Hooooo have a great week

Well last week cant pass without 8-0 Liverpool goal rush getting a mention!!
My friend Never A Bad Night Out Andy got engaged!! Looking forward to meeting her! Congrats to him
Friday went to Rach's housewarming rrr her house is so lovely!
Tuesday went to Britannia Stadium to a business event infact I won a bottle of wine...so I gave it to Rach as a lil additional housewarming pressie.
My bro and his family came for the weekend and oh I soooo love my family! We had a lovely time at Tatton Park, Knutsford.
Today I've had a meeting with Dee106 the Chester radio station. Mtgs tomorrow with contractors and tonight got architects drawings...never a dull mo

Had a lovely box of chocolates from the lads when th came back from their little jolly. PJ my eldest son gets back from Gran Canaria with Nikki tonight so looking forward to seeing him...bless Yesterday did some flyers zzz. Taking ickle man to see his fav High School Musical which is touring at the mo..booked for February in Stoke On Trent. Caudwell Charity are holding a Winter Wonderland Charity Christmas Ball on the 19th of December at Crewe Hall so got tickets for that. Also busy planning the Potters Club Customer Dinner on the 13th December. My friend Never A Bad Night Out Andy has got engaged! So congrats to him I've seen him a few times but not met his new lady yet don't even know her name. Designing Christmas cards is on the Agenda ooo and diaries, hampers and wine for customers..Possibly Groove Armada concert Friday in Manchester...oh and nearly forgot taking a load of customers to Leyland on the 21st November to see the trucks in production

People rather admire the cheek of Guy Fawkes, trying to blow up Parliament, and that's why we in the UK we celebrate Bonfire night, rather than celebrating the fact that his plot failed and he was caught!
It's hard to imagine that other countries around the world don't have Bonfire Night...but this is one of the few things that makes the UK great fun!!!
Fireworks that are sent up on Bonfire night have really evocative names like, Roman Candles, Mount Vesuvius and Golden Shower.erm cough There are also Catherine Wheels that spin and Sparklers that children and meeeeee write their names in the air with. weee
Children make life-sized effigies of Guy Fawkes which are called Guys, to put onto the bonfires. The English have been burning effigies to mark Guy Fawkes' treason for almost 400 years. The tradition started in 1606, the year after the Gunpowder plot failed. In these first bonfires, called 'bone fires' at the time, it wasn't an effigy of Guy Fawkes that was burned, but one of the Pope. It was not until 1806, two centuries later, that the people started burning effigies of Guy Fawkes instead....FF4 today!
Children make a Guy by stuffing some old clothes with newspapers, make a head out of material...tights and a wig, and either draw a face on it or buy a special cardboard Guy Fawkes mask. For a few days beforehand children are pushing guys around in prams, push chairs and go-carts, saying 'A penny for the guy'. Adults then give them money or tell them to scoot lol - how much depends on how good the guy is. The money is then spent on sparklers, or at least it would be, if children were still allowed to buy fireworks in the UK, so it is probably spent on sweets instead...hehe
We went to the Bonfire at Crewe Park was very good they had a fair too and we went on some very fast ride, we also came home with lots of toys for ickle man. oo and troughed on doughnuts and cheese burger mmm yummy Sunday lunch was at the Hand and Trumpet...the food was very nice...far too much I feel fat as butter...tally ho

I was having a good cleaning out of my clothes the other day. That's one of those chores you really have to be in the mood for, I think. But once you're done, it's such a satisfying feeling to be rid of old, unwanted, or forgotten "stuff" and to have more space. It's very liberating.

And that got me thinking. It's not only physical possessions that can "clutter" our lives, but also the emotional baggage we may carry around with us and just can't seem to let go of or get rid of. Maybe it's old regrets about a former relationship, or a loss or disappointment of some kind, feelings of insecurity, or fear of failure. This type of emotional "clutter" can weigh us down and prevent us from growing.
So, I put together a little exercise for "decluttering" those old emotions and feelings we all experience and maybe are just holding onto for too long. First, just sit down and put into words the emotional clutter you want to be free of. Write it down on a piece of paper. Then, choose a symbol or image that represents your old feeling and draw it on the paper, or paste a picture from a magazine or catalog that illustrates it. Then, take the piece of paper and make a ceremony of disposing of it. You could bury it in the ground, put it in a shredder, or burn it in a safe place.
After the paper is gone, simply say, "Good-bye.
And it's a good idea to help things along by having something to replace the old feelings – your new goals or hopes. Write them down on a piece of paper and add a picture or symbol of them. Put this piece of paper where you will see it every day. So, in time, you'll have that liberating feeling of emotional freedom.

Well I've had a fab weekend! Went to see the Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas at the Birmingham Hippodrome, we had a box so the view was excellent. The music was superb with all the favourites like Fly Me to the Moon. The show is really entertaining with Sammy giving the humour to the show and all the excitement. It certainly had everything laughs, glamour and silky voices! At the interval we met a lovely family and we laughed a lot they were soo nice.When we left bagpipes were playing which was nice. Nxt we went to a fabulous Jamaican Restaurant called XE I had steak with cranberry sauce and rice with red beans was really tasty.

Chief Trougher. We then went to Living Room Bar
followed by Mechu where we danced the night away...found a new drink Alize you must try it!!!
Red Passion was a very very nice drink! Stayed at the Jury's Inn. In the morning had a huge breakkie at All Bar One which was really lovely, walked through Brindley place, took in Birmingham Art Gallery and Anthony Gormleys Statue. Shopped hitting Selfridges and a trip to the fish market. Had tea in Strada a lovely Italian Restaurant the Garlic bread came with pesto and tomato and it look awesome and tasted even better. I had Salad with avocado, bacon, spinach leaves and parmesan...soo nice..All in all never ever a dull moment!

The County Air ambulace launched its 1m appeal yesterday. I still can't believe the community funds these surely its something vital and should be funded by the NHS? The aircraft will fly for 10 hrs a day. The M6 Toll were there with a big cheque for £30,000 which was cool.

Well Staffordshire are getting their very own County Air Ambulance to serve the county. Next week they are having an unveiling of the new Staffordshire aircraft at Somerford Hall. The County Air Ambulance receives no government or lottery funding and relies soley on public donations and corporate sponsorship to financially support the life saving helicopter service. The charity are therefore launching a 'Staffordshire Air Ambulance Appeal' to raise £1 million over the next twelve months to ensure communities across Staffordshire receive the very best helicopter medical emergency service.I'm also going to see the Rat Pack next week so with Halloween looks like should be an exciting week ahead. This weekend went out for a nice buffet Chineese meal then went to Fluid in Newcastle. I was driving then last night went to see SAW IV ugh shudders who writes this stuff????

We had a wonderful day out yesterday at Hawkstone Park Follies. The Follies are a fantasyland of cliffs, crags, caves, deep woods and a series of extraordinary monuments built more than 200 years ago. You must visit! Anyway I went with Yvonne, Nikki, Katie and ickle man oh and Lucy the mad dog!! Had to mention Lucy as the dog is completely nuts....all added to the entertainment for the day ;o)We had a fabulous picnic including a bottle of champagne!!Hawkstone Park is a magical place. There are stories of King Arthur and his Knights at Hawkstone and a legend of two giants, Tarquin and Tarquinas, inhabiting the old castle. Hawkstone has its very own version of the Da Vinci Code. Mystery surrounds the discovery of an ancient cup claimed by author Graham Phillips to be the mystical Holy Grail (in his book The Search for the Holy Grail).

Took ickle man and his friend to the Trafford Centre for tea in Est Est Est, they made their own pizza's and I had Farfalle Salmon mmmmm...did a bit of shopping. They stayed up really late watching DVD's and eating sweets. On the Sunday we went with Mum & Dad to Manchester for another Italian meal this time I had Canelloni with Spinach...equally yummy then we went to The Bridgewater Hall to see the Halle orchestra...That was ace!! This is one architecturally-stunning building! It sits on the foundation on earthquake-proof isolation bearings (consisting of steel springs) which insulate it from noise and vibration from the adjacent road and Metrolink line

Well I promised I'd give anyone good a bit of promo! One of the UK's most successful acts. International Singer/Entertainer Stephen Bayliss. Available for bookings in UK and worldwide events. Transform your event with a polished and professional performance with some of the original Motown hits or some of Stephen's original material. Stephen will travel to the four corners of the globe!! Stephen is currently starring in his own stage musical UNFORGETTABLE The Nat King Cole Story Performed by Stephen Bayliss with the Cliff Longhurst Band

So if you need some corporate entertainment for a black tie dinner, party, ball, fashion show,Major Event, Wedding, Birthday Celebrations or awards Stephen Bayliss is your man!!
For availability and booking enquiries contact email: worldwideevents@btinternet.com

My parents are taking me to The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Sunday to see the Halle orchestra so excited about that. Today I've been in Deeside working, followed by Stoke... tomorrow in Wrexham never a dull mo!!

Any way on night a few weeks ago we took Kavanaagh for a ride in a DAF XF 105 to the fire station in Sandbach where all the cadets and firebrigade greeted him. The Sandbach Transport Committee gave Kavannagh a day to remember last year and the Donna Louise Trust who organise days out for terminally ill children put in touch to fix up the day. During the evening we presented Kavanagh's Mum with an album of his day spent with us..such a cutie

What's your emotional IQ? Bet I made you think a bit there. Most of us are used to thinking of intelligence as relating to being "smart" or intellectual, good at solving problems or having a good memory. But now psychologists and sociologists are seeing intelligence as being much broader than that.

Emotional intelligence is being aware of and recognizing your feelings, which in turn helps you to manage your emotions. And when you can manage your emotions, you can motivate yourself and focus on a goal, instead of wanting instant gratification. Someone with high emotional intelligence is also able to understand the feelings of others. So this means they can work better with others and develop more fulfilling personal relationships. In fact, emotional intelligence can be the best indicator of human success, personally and professionally.
And the good news is that you can develop your emotional intelligence. If you'd like to boost your emotional IQ, here are a few tips:

If you're upset, take a moment to step back and consider what it is that is really bothering you about a situation.
Remember, not everything is "about you." Don't be too quick to take things personally.
Listen – really pay attention to others when they talk to you.
Before you judge someone, imagine how you would feel in the other person's situation.
Try to be open-minded about other people's moods, opinions, or beliefs.
The Golden Rule always works: treat others the way you would want to be treated.
So getting a handle on your emotions and developing your powers of empathy could set you up for a more fulfilling life.

First thing was upside down christmas trees yes I know a little odd but all the rage oh and the second thing was Terry Wogan and his moleskin trousers and a very obvious lunchbox...LOLOLOLOL
Just to recap cos I've probably missed loads out this week but Ties, flyers, housewarming with loads of ladies, Bridgewater Hall Sunday looking forward to that, French Students they were great fun, quote folders, planning permission,architects, casino evening, DAF CHECK,ride & drive derby,truckfest northwest,Foden Building with MAN/ERF moved in how bizarre!!radio stations, rugby world cup, charity events, LDV meeting, Staffordshire Life,Sandbach Transport Extravaganza, Liverpool Capital Of Culture 2008..
Some of the pics

Well where have I been??? Basically I've moved home so had no broadband to blog on so I am now trying to catch up probably about 4 weeks worth of stories and waffle and life. Saw this number plate as I was passing it made me laugh as it reminded me of SHxTE
I'll have to start with this week. Yesterday was at Wrexham at a meeting with Marcher Sound the Wrexham and Chester local radio station http://www.marchersound.co.uk
Followed later with a meeting with Wrexham FC
Tomorrow I am off to Coventry for a meeting and I have to leave early it's also my Brother's Birthday so Happy Birthday Andy!!!
Friday night after a long week rushed about to Sandbach town hall where we had to set up a small exhibition stand at Sandbach Today woo finished about 7.30 and Tracey was due to come around at 8ish. Friday night had a very very quiet night out in Sandbach was actually boring....burger was good on the way home though!! I can now walk from Sandbach town centre home!
Saturday worked at Sandbach today promoting Sandbach Transport Extravaganza next year..
..funny moment Graham had to carry a naked dummy through town and then we only had a Marshall's jacket for it to wear so we had to hide his bare legs behind the stand....My Dad was there with Sandbach Clean team and Mum came to say hello too I bumped into Bert Raby, Margaret & Ken Ness and loads of new faces. It was well attended...helped my Dad pack up, picked up my son from a party then went with Nikki and Heather to Leanne's girls only Jacuzzi party with all the kids!!

Sunday went to see my friend Avril and then Sophie later on watched a period drama movie and fell asleep with my son downstairs!! lol

SANDBACH MARKET SQUARE ENHANCEMENTS

I think it is important that as many residents as possible respond to the consultation. The Market Square is in urgent need of some work to improve both the state of the square itself and to provide an environment that is attractive to residents and visitors alike. Basically its sinking so when you walk you neary fall over lol
We must not lose this opportunity to get some work done in this area. I understand there are something like £300,000 of funds potentially available, but this money, if not spent on the Market Square will NOT be available to Sandbach for any other projects.
Three proposed designs from Sandbach Partnership are now out for consultation. The designs are available to view on a website: www.sandbachmarketsquare.co.uk where a response can be made, or responses can be made on info@sandbachmarketsquare.co.uk
Alternatively comments can be made to David McGifford, Project Manager
The Sandbach Partnership, Sandbach Enterprise Centre, Wesley Avenue, Sandbach, CW11 1DG.

Make your opinions and ideas heard!

Studies have found that, when people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings in a journal, it can result in fewer doctor visits, fewer depressive symptoms, and enhanced immune system functioning. And this is besides the mental and emotional benefits of writing about your feelings and any problems, crises, or the joys that occur in your life.
When you keep a journal, you have the chance to sort out your thoughts and feelings about conditions, issues, and people in your life. Writing helps to clarify your ideas and get your problem-solving juices flowing. And when you look back on your journals, you can more easily see any patterns that you may have fallen into, or keep track of your progress in your goals. And most of all, you get to know the "real" you.
A journal is a great tool for self-expression and communication, and you can take it one step further, by sharing a journal with the important people in your life. Relationships of all kinds can be enhanced by a kind of mutual journal that you share with someone else. You could set up a "family journal," where everyone took time to put down their thoughts or feelings, or record memories, and then passed it on to the next person. Or you could have a "relationship journal" with a spouse or significant other, or a "friendship journal," which you share with your circle of friends.
So, why not put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and get started on a wonderful journey of self-exploration and strengthening your relationships?

Well we had an ace time!! The hols started with another call out to the AA this time for my sis in laws car!! lol 3 times in as many weeks they must have marked my card there at the AA!! So I am now lying low! The rest of the holidays was great fun involving lots of walking and outdoor stuff which was ace! My Sister in Law Deb was an absolute star and we always laugh a lot!!!

Went out in Manchester with Cousin Ashley, Tanya and Tracey. Met up with Bunty and some American friends in 161 Hale had a really good evening dancing. Today I am starting to move home...all calm and chilled as have a week to do it ;o)

I promised my friend after seeing him at a Gig that I would tell everyone how good he is!!! He certainly guarantees to bring any party to a heart pounding climax! So if you need some corporate entertainment for a black tie dinner, party, ball or awards Stephen Bayliss is your man!! One of the UK's top performers starring recently at Gary Nevilles Wedding.
http://www.stephenbayliss.co.uk/

My life is soo varied. Yesterday I was over at our new Depot in Chester had a hire car for the day that was one of the soft top Renault Megane's was quite nice.
Sorted a few things like vertical blinds, new pictures etc..Dropped off some DAF polo shirts for our customer Iceland's Golf day. Followed by a trip to the tip. Last night I started to pack up ickle man's bedroom as we are moving at the weekend. I can't believe how much stuff we have! Later watched Silence of the Lambs whilst sewing up my ickle man's new school trousers lol Today I am trying to arrange delivery of 3 sets of outside patio furniture complete with parasols so that they arrive before Thursday when the Hospitality unit is being collected to goto Frome via Bristol for the open day of our new Frome Depot. I am still chasing salesmen for names for the many flights to Amsterdam that we need to go to the Rai show in October. I am also chasing our Service Department to empty the trailer of all of its contents from the last show we went to....but apparently there is a broken down bus in the way so we can't open it out properly to get in! LOL
This is the bus!!! How cool!!


When we eventually get in it I need to package up all the Hino coats and send them back to Peterborough,also put the baseball caps somewhere safe, write an inventory list before it goes anywhere. Meanwhile the sign writer has been and changed the telephone numbers on the back of the trailer. I've just ordered 200 company ties for the group, sum logo paperclips and some pens gee..
I've also ordered Renault Trucks Calendars, DAF Trucks Calendars. Next it will be desk and pocket diaries and Christmas cards lol!!
At the weekend I am starting to move home followed by next week we are attending the Waste Management Show for three days at the NEC Birmingham so been chasing people for names for that!! Hopefully Monday the trailer will be back and then Friday we need to set it up for our Ride & Drive Event at a quarry in Derbyshire oooooooooooo I so love quarries can't wait for that!!! Followed by Friday night we are taking a load of clients to a charity Event screening the Rugby World Cup match on a 14ft by 10ft screen between England and South Africa, at Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire. Probably be a large bar bill!! Then on Sunday it's over to Truckfest Northwest at Haydock park. The rest of my day today has been sorting our Casino Evening on the 21st September in Chester and arranging a visit from 10 French Apprentices to our Stoke facility in early October. Tomorrow night I have a Festival of Transport meeting so not organised for that....and tonight more packing for my pending move so really it is all very hectic lol

Friday went out with Sophie after watching the BB final go Brian!! I was driving so we didnt go out until later. Met so many friends when we were out it was fab.Sat played golf with a few old buddies. Bumped into my son PJ at The Limes whilst watching the Man Utd match against Sunderland...soo many laughs when they all turned up dressed up! Only other thing to mention is ickle man and Gullivers world oh and tidied out my garage finally!!!! As usual never a dull mo!!

You wouldnt believe how much work went into making these flags fit the poles at the Stoke depot!
The Hospitality trailer is all finished we took it to the Peak truck show where the sun shone most of the time and it looked really smart!
The Parts department at Stoke have won the regional sales award so well done to them I've had a few fires as the weather has been so lovely! It's helped me get rid of some of the boxes whilst I'm tidying up to move...one night I was scared and ran around the garden a few times when a big toad jumped out of a box at me....wooooah
I've been on a tour of pubs eating lots of nice food...The Dysart Arms at Bunbury...very lovely food...ickle man fell off the swing though in the garden..bless
Crewe Hall Brasserie and revolving bar was very nice


The Hand and Trumpet was cool food and the weather was cheerful.
Never a dull mo at Mere Golf and country club!

I've had 3 days training at Telford Exhibition centre learning some new CRM softwareNew Banners have arrived looking good
Plus the new mailshots have arrived for Stoke and Wrexham
Other things I've been upto are an Ad in the programme at Crewe FC.Sorted a flyer out for the Ride and drive event at Derby on the 15th September.
Heavily into the organising of our Casino Evening for clients and their partners at The Queens Hotel in Chester on the 21st September so looking forward to that one.

On September 14th, 2007 got 3 tables for the screening of the Rugby World Cup match on a 14ft by 10ft screen between England and South Africa, at Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire. Kick off is at 8:00pm, however, the event will be open from 6:00pm for guests to enjoy food and drinks and a comedian to start off the evening's entertainment. There will also be a raffle with local companies donating a number of prizes including a signed photograph of Lawrence Dallaglio. So looking forward to that one too!

Spent a lot of my time this week trying to get a large party of customers to the Rai Truck Show in Amsterdam on the 30th October and back on the 31st October but upto now it's really difficult to get the right flights. Really looking forward to that one!! We're staying in the Renaissance Hotel and the DAF hospitality in in the 17th century domed Koepelkerk oooo


On the 11th,12th and 13th of September we are taking a party of customers to the RWM07 exhibition at the NEC....Recyling Waste Management hmm should be a giggle

Oh and have I mentioned bikes?

Also went to see Harry Potter film which was really cool!
I am now off to take a well earned rest slippers are the order of the day and I'm off on holiday to Bournemouth.cant wait to see my Brother and his family staying in a nice hotel not too far from them !!!! When I get back I'm going to the Superbikes neeeeooooooowwww Blog soon

http://www.sandbachtransportfestival.co.uk/
Wednesday night I went to a meeting of the Sandbach Festival Of Transport at the Wheatsheaf pub in Sandbach.... I am now fully fledged PR Officer so I guess I'm going to be busy!! My first job is to get 300 commemmorative plaques and organise the programme and sponsorship!
Next Year it's going to be held over 2 days 19th & 20th April and 1 of the days is going to be a carnival so we are looking for entertainment too.

This is one of our drivers Matt bless and the Press Release
LOCAL VAN SPECIALIST SUPPORTS LDV PROFITS SUCCESS

Imperial Commercials joined in the celebrations recently, as LDV marked its return to profitability, less than one year after being purchased by Russian firm GAZ.

The Stoke-on-Trent-based LDV dealership celebrated the Birmingham van maker's success as it accompanied a procession of 20 branded MAXUS vans into Birmingham city centre for a commemorative ceremony.

LDV's Chief Executive, Steve Young, led the ceremony, which started at the firm's Washwood Heath factory where Imperial Commercials joined other LDV dealers from across the country as they each drove a brand new, award winning, MAXUS to the city centre venue.

"Our celebrations round off an immensely successful 12 months," said Guy Jones, LDV's retail sales director. "GAZ has proved a fantastic new owner for the business, backing us financially with a £48 million refinancing package last year, and the resources to invest in new products and enter new markets."

"As an industrial owner, not just a financial one, they bring great credibility to our growth plans when we speak with customers, dealers and suppliers."

The investment has seen a new £6 million production line installed and has led to new product launches for LDV including a MAXUS chassis cab range, a 12 & 17-seat MAXUS minibus, a bi-purpose range and two new engines. Still to come this year from the Special Vehicle Operations team will be a new MAXUS ambulance, a refrigerated model and a fire support vehicle.

"The upcoming vehicles will provide a greater range of flexibility for dealerships in order to meet customers' needs." added Guy

Matthew Durose, Imperial Commercials sales driver was very pleased to be part of the event and found the morning to be most enjoyable. "In the past 12 months we have seen a significant upturn in the LDV business and with the new models recently introduced, it reinforces our confidence in the van maker going forward."

Imperial Commercials is located on Leek New Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Tel: 01782 276600. www.imperialcommercials.co.uk

Today's excitement is that we have two new signs up at the Britania Stadium!! Intime for the Aston Villa match tonight!!
Other than that been doing some banners for Derby.

Last night on the way back from Amy MacDonald and Scott Ashley concert my tyre blew out on the fast lane of the M6. I managed to control the swerve and get over to the hard shoulder. I got straight onto the AA. The guy from the AA call centre was very slow and not very helpful.Just what you need lol he even told me that my car registration didnt match the make of my car! I think he had a swollen typing finger. lol He said someone would be out to me before 12.30!! I phoned at 11.20. In the meantime traffic officers stopped and asked if I was ok. Told me I should get out of the car via the passenger seat and stand on the other side of the barrier. This was quite a struggle as I have bucket seats and to try and get out of them my side is difficult never mind the passenger side. They told me as they drove off that I needed to keep watching the traffic and if a car was coming towards me run? lol good advice!! They took my mobile number and said they would phone me at 12.30 if I hadn't been collected. It was pitch black other than the light of the moon and really freezing cold!! I was greatly in need of a wee so I am afraid I had to go..in the undergrowth...down a ditch...in the dark....unfortunately for me i sat on a bed of nettles and I now have about 10 stings on my bottom! lol By the time the AA arrived it was nearly 12.30 and they had sent a lady so all she could do was recover the vehicle and take me to Sandbach Services. At Sandbach Services after a while of sitting in the vehicle with her, she was called to another job. As she left she told me another AA man would be out before he went home but he might not take the job....He obviously didnt!! lol At 1.25 The Mansfield Group turned up...my boot was full of wrapping paper and clothes lol..even walking boots...lol...but we managed to get the spare out and change the wheel. The downside is my wheel wouldnt go back in the boot of my lil TT so the very nice man from the Mansfield Group took it with him!! I have no idea how I am going to collect it...or if I will even see it again!!

Other news a model agency approached me and asked if i wanted to be in a MILF mag!!LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL I have the body of a monster!!

Did you know that you can write about anything on here and by tomorrow it will be indexed on Google!! That is very poweful lol!! Last week and this week has been really peaceful at home as my son is away. Had rather a hectic weekend went to Sandbach with Sophie and Never a Bad night out Andy we found a really nice place to have a drink late on in Sandbach after all the bars are shut...its outside with heaters its called Cafe Symphony.
Saturday night we went out to Hanley there was Kate, Sophie,Never a bad night out Andy, Dave, Rach and Kayleigh.Sunday had a meal at the Hand and Trumpet in Betley with Que. This week went to MFI yesterday to try and sort a kitchen out for the hospitality trailer,tonight I'm going to a GIG in Stoke, tomorrow night I have a meeting about the festival of transport in Sandbach, Thursday I am on a course in Telford and Friday I think I'll just chill in a chair LOL nah doesnt sound like me does it? Other than that been busy with Ads and banners and flyers for the Maxus campaign

Well at the mo seem to have a lot on the go
This is the hospitality trailer that I have been refurbishing before it went for painting

This is it when it came back today...just needs logos and livery and a new kitchen

This is the kitchen I like for it, so had contractors here to discuss fitting it this afternoon.

This morning I was over at Chester at the refurb sorting the new furniture and blinds. Can now confirm the old chair is in the skip!! lol

Meanwhile the Crewe sign is ready to go up at Crewe Alex this week.
The Worcester raceday for tomorrow has obviously been cancelled now under rather a lot of water...so glad our little weekend in Evesham missed all the flooding two weeks ago.
Other than this just sorting new badges out for Doncaster/Grimsby/Hull/Scunthorpe/York One of the new promotional Demo Vans has turned up Drive Away A New Maxus for £5
Last night went out for Tapas at Curshaws in Sandbach and on the way back we heard music in the town hall. Well we went to gatecrash the party and found out it was ballroom dancing lol so we are now going for lessons next week

Not blogged for a week dearie me!! Last weekend went out in Sunny Sandbach with Never a bad night out Andy, Royal Andy, Rach, Tracey, Kate & Cookie. We had a great night out with lots of laughs ended up having Kebab on the way home. Saturday morning had my golf lesson. Saturday afternoon took the train with my eldest son and his two friends to Crewe for the LFC v Crewe friendly. We had hospitality which was cool and we saw all the LFC players get off the coach. Sunday met some friends at Knutsford Services for a coffee, then went for lunch with ickle man to The Limes. This week I am house hunting, also in the office I have been busy organising new blinds, carpet tiles and office furniture. Ickle man is going away for two weeks with his Dad and my parents are away in Scotland so I am gunna be at a loose end.

Well last night I was supposed to go on a balloon trip with my Dad but it was cancelled due to bad weather! sniff was really excited...anyway I guess I needed to chill after my lovely relaxing weekend with my family in the Cotswolds. Arrived just after lunch on Friday, ickle man was excited to get to the room little did we know it was a themed room in the style of a ship...just slightly mad!! haha it had high beds and a teddy at the helm, oh and one of those phones you have to shout down
It wasn't long before we were all by the pool playing table tennis and having fun



On Saturday we went into Broughton On The Water

Travelled home from London on Monday and Tuesday I left home at 7am in torrential rain to get to a meeting in Carlisle with LDV for 9.30. Saw quite a few people I knew there some from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Wrexham. Stopped off in Lancashire on the way home for a bite to eat which was very nice.

Yesterday I saw three people about quoting for blinds, one for carpets. Organised a race day at Worcester Racecourse...ooo looking forward to that one. Last night went to watch ickle man in concert at school and he did a clarinet solo rrrr bless

Tomorrow morning I am off on my hols to the Evesham Hotel for the weekend. I am meeting up with my Son and his girlfriend, my Brother,my Sister In Law, My Niece and Nephew and my parents. We have been meeting up at this Hotel as a family for 15 years!!
It is the idiosyncracies of The Evesham Hotel that keep us going back. Where else do you receive a Teddy Bear key fob and a rubber duck and waterproof quiz book for the bath? Or a wine list which has not featured French or German wines since 1977 and features 100 different grapes? Where the wine list is a series of photograph albums with pictures of the wines in various poses? haha Or the widest range of drinks available anywhere in the U.K.? Hic Or a bar with jars of pickled bums and pickled snakes? Or an indoor pool with a seaside theme that is 100 miles from the sea? Or a telephone box with a Superman Outfit in? Or tea and coffee served with fruit dipped in chocolate? Or the funniest Ladies & Gents Loos in the land with a mirror that tells you it loves the size of your bum? haha Or a Sinclair car that you can ride round the grounds in? lol Set in 2½ acres in a small country town that prides itself on making all feel comfortable and relaxed - families, businessmen, couples, all ages, all feel 'at home'. The menus offer a wide variety including 6 vegetarian dishes and plain 'un-mucked about' food. Originally a Tudor farmhouse, the hotel was extended and converted into a Georgian mansion house in 1809. The peace of the 21 2 acre garden belies the hotel’s proximity to the town – a 5-minute walk away. In the gardens are six 300-year-old mulberry trees and a magnificent cedar of Lebanon, planted in 1809. Plus lots of large trampolines!! haha The hotel is a good base from which to explore the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Severn Valley.
Awards:
Daily Telegraph - one of the 10 best hotels in the British Isles
Independent, Guardian & Observer - one of Top 50 Hotels in Britain
The Times - one of '6 of the best' Family Friendly hotels
Independent - one of the Top 50 Family Friendly hotels in the world
Which? Hotel Guide - 'Family Friendy' Award
Good Hotel Guide award for "utterly acceptable mild eccentricity"

SO I am excited!!

Saturday morning travelled down to London. Stayed in the Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Club in Croydon which was all very nice until a large black beetle fell out of the towel!! So I whacked it with my shoe and then when I changed rooms left it behind by mistake ;o(
In the bar that evening met a lovely lady called Tre and I said I would post the pics so here they are!! Sunday I managed to do the London 10k and Sunday evening celebrated with a Kebab and chips!!

Well I cooked this the other night...10mins to prepare 20mins to cook my sort of meal!!

Baked Salmon with Watercress and Cucumber Sauce
2-4 salmon steaks
1 lemon, thinly sliced
10g pack fresh dill
20g pack fresh flat-leaf parsley
75cl bottle dry white wine
300ml fish stock
10 black peppercorns
2 bay leaves, torn

Open a bottle of pickled beetroot rinse under cold water and bake next to the fish.

For the sauce
500g set natural yogurt
85g pack watercress, chopped
½ cucumber, peeled, seeds removed and finely chopped
½ x 20g pack fresh mint, finely chopped

Instructions
Fill the fish with the lemon slices, dill and parsley. Place the salmon in a dish and pour the wine and stock over, adding a little more wine or water if necessary, to cover the fish. Add the peppercorns and bay leaves.

Place the fish in the oven gas mark 6 and cook for 20mins

Meanwhile, make the sauce by combining the yogurt, watercress, cucumber and mint. Season to taste. Cover and chill until needed.

Remove the cooled salmon from the oven. Garnish with watercress, lemon and lime wedges, and thin strips of cucumber, cut vertically with a potato peeler. Serve with the watercress and cucumber sauce and the roasted beetroot
Fabulous Darling!!

Had a very busy weekend. Friday night took ickle man and two of his friends to the Trafford Centre...had a meal in Pesto which was very nice....wouldn't recommend the pizzas though as they really are only 5" small!!
Then took them to the movies followed by the arcade. Dropped them home about 11pm.
Saturday night went out for a meal in Manchester in Panacea with my friend Andy Noblet and his girlfriend Alejandra and cousin Ashley! The food in Panacea as ever was fabulous!!
Sunday I hosted a table at Weston Park for BDF Newlife charity. What a beautiful house!!

I was just looking at the diary and its getting rather full up...tomorrow I am taking ickle man and two of his friends from school to watch a film at the cinema, followed by a meal and followed by the arcade. Saturday is free Sunday I am hosting a table at this so need to find a nice dress to wear!!
Tuesday I am going to an Open Evening at Stoke City, Saturday Chester races, Sunday running the London 10k. Then the following week I am in Carlisle with LDV, ickle man has a school concert then at the weekend I am going with my parents and meeting up with my brother and his family in the Cotswolds in a nice hotel! Then on the Monday I am going on a hot air balloon with my Dad! Never ever a dull mo

My car lost all power in the fast lane of the M6 fortunately I was able to control the car to the hardshoulder...had to join the AA in the process though...very nice sitting by the M6 with all the undergrowth and wildlife...there was even a stream...Very nice AA man rescued me

Like I said this week seems to be all footie orientated lol

Obviously a football club week. This was today's highlight at Wrexham FC! Tomorrow going to Crewe Alex. New tables and chairs have been delivered at Stoke

Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-800

So this time i am participating in a new study for Nokia and they are sending me a Bluetooth Headset looks quite a nice one lol
Today I woke up with a Craig David tune ringing in my ears..Yesterday was busy had a guy in to quote for new floors in Stoke and new carpet for the refurb of the hospitality unit. Sorted some flooring for Chester refurb, picked up some black glass tv stands for Stoke and Chester. Collected some flags...lol...today we are putting a sign up at Wrexham FC and I need to look at kitchens

Tuesday was back at the Britannia Stadium..Wednesday was in Wrexham for a meeting then a meeting in Howarden. Wednesday afternoon went to The Queen Hotel Chester not been there since Chester Cup day when my friends horse won it!! On the way back picked up two 32inch tv's from Curry's for a job. Today I am embroiled in carpet quotes for Stoke and Furniture orders for Chester along with casino tables for a casino evening, kitchens for the refurb of the hospitality unit,invites for Worcester race day.

A big 9 today!! Happy Birthday darling xxx

How great was that win!! Another British great in the making!!

Next time you find yourself feeling anxious or tense or unable to concentrate, why not try this? It will help you feel calmer and more grounded.

Here's what you do. Sit comfortably and start to pay attention to your breathing. Notice how shallow or deep it is, but don't try to change the rhythm of it.

Now, curl your fingers over your thumbs to make a fist with each hand. Then, squeeze your thumbs firmly and hold it for a minute or so.

When you do this, you'll notice that your breathing will very quickly become deeper and stronger. As you continue the squeeze, along with the deeper breathing, you will also start to feel stronger and more centered, both mentally and physically.

Then release your thumbs, and your breathing will return to "normal."

Last night we all went out for my friend Andy's Birthday. His new Spanish girlfriend was over from Spain and we ended up at a 50th Birthday party at The Fox in Haslington then we went to Sandbach where I met up with Sophie

Well my friend Louise came round for tea last week and I cooked her Gnocchi delicious!! You should all try it cos it was easy peesy!! 5mins preparation and 25mins cooking
Baked Gnocchi with Gammon and Courgettes
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 Waitrose Smoked English Gammon Steak, about 200g, cut into 1cm-thick strips
1 courgette, sliced
350g pack Del'Ugo Gnocchi
350g tub Cheese Sauce
25g Mature Cheddar Cheese, grated

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan until very hot then add the gammon strips. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden, then stir in the courgette slices and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to pack instructions. Drain then add to the pan with the gammon and courgette. Gently stir in the cheese sauce.

Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle the cheese over the top. Bake on the hottest shelf of the oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately with Waitrose Continental Salad and a fresh dressed tomato and basil salad.

Fabulous darling!!

This was 10mins car drive away from me

Friday night I was driving waited for Kayleigh to turn up at mine then we met up with the girls at the Hilton Appartments Manchester...wow the views were incredible...Rach & Tracey had provided a gorgeous buffet and we watched the footie with a celebratory glass of champagne!! Later we went to Cloud 23 which is the Hilton Skybar on the 23rd floor....that was really cool the views were fantastic....have to say it was very dark...so you could hardly read the cocktail menu!!!

This lady has kept me laughing when noone else doss!! Oh and Joanne!!Hope you have a top day darling...the funniest lady in the world!! Happy Birthday go girl!! xxxx

Tomorrow we are off to celebrate Rach's 29th Birthday in Manchester....some of the ladies are staying in the Hilton Skyscraper....so off for cocktails in the sky bar....oooo

Yesterday I was driving round the country...went to look at a refurbishment at Chester...decorators and flooring contractors have all started making things look good. Then went over to Wrexham where we had a meeting to discuss a party cruise trip on the river at Chester with some clients! Other than that did something really dizzy and blonde involving leaving the handbrake off..would have made a good comedy sketch....Highlight of today...so far....was..Britannia Stadium....never a dull mo really

I Look At You
You Look At Me
(You Can't tell me you aint Feeling Butterflies)
Its obvious,
There's some Chemistry
(I think I know it cuz it feels so right)
Girl I wanted so long to know
Now Your telling me you gotta let it go
(Dont Tell Me I have to start all over again)
I Never thought that this day would come
(This is somthing that i wanted in my life)
I realise that you're the one
(and you're telling me its time to say goodbye)
whats inside of my heart It ain't gonna change
So it shouldn't be so easy to walk away
(You feel it I feel it lets not pretend)

(Chorus)
Baby, I Don't Know What Love Is
Maybe I'm A Fool
I Just Know What I'm Feeling
And It's All Because Of You
Don't Tell Me
I Don't Know
I Want The Truth
Cuz They Call It
We Call It
You Call It
I Call It Love

It's so clear for you to see
(dont let anybody tell you what to do)
Why they can't they just let us be happy
(i dont want to find somebody new)
If you know whats real in your heart
Then dont let them tear us apart
(Cuz you feel it I feel it don't say were through)

(Chorus)
Baby, I Don't Know What Love Is
Maybe I'm A Fool
I Just Know What I'm Feeling
And It's All Because Of You
Don't Tell Me
I Don't Know
I Want The Truth
Cuz They Call It
We Call It
You Call It
I Call It Love

(Break)
We Have a bond thats unbreakable
And its not time to let it go
(Were in love)
And now that we know its real
We are going to let it show
To the whole world
That I'm yours forever
and you're my girl

(Chorus)
Baby, I Don't Know What Love Is
Maybe I'm A Fool
I Just Know What I'm Feeling
And It's All Because Of You
Don't Tell Me
I Don't Know
I Want The Truth
Cuz They Call It
We Call It
You Call It
I Call It Love
(Repeat 2)

Love
They Call It Love
I Call it
Love

Lionel Richie such a star! I am loving this tune

Hmmm, lets see apparently I have to write seven facts about myself.

1)I believe in God
2)I have lived on my own with my ickle lad for many years now
3)I laugh a lot and i love to dance
4)I spend a lot of time on the internet either working,chatting, being creative,listening to music, reading, learning or blogging
5)I have two boys one who is 22 and plays footie 7 times a week the other is 8 and is very musical,loves singing, loves dancing, loves playing instruments,arty and into acting...How I could have two such different kids to the same Dad I will never know!
6) I love LFC and footie in general!
7)I have lots of fingers in pies interior designer, retailer,marketing trucks, fashion,furniture,vans,pubs, service, parts,dealerships...

Right I tag um

Batman Neil

Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag one other and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog

Last weekend we went to London shopping then cocktails in harvey nicks, then pret a porter at the berkley with champagne..and check out the cakes with the legs and the handbags and shoes...and the paul smith china very nice...which was sooooo girly..then the london eye at night...then covent garden couple of pubs then lancaster gate for a meal at the island...more champagne..Saturday went on an open top bus tour...followed by the hayward gallery to see anthony gormley exhibition.....we went in a cloud..then shopping...then pub...then park...then meal in covent garden...then went to a surprise birthday party...I think I need another holiday!!


Other than London been busy with charity PR this is the lovely Charlotte Francis....and Hospitality Trailers and and Portakabins...and new LDV campaign and Chester refurbishment...and point of sale items and new scripts and new commercial Ad's and Busy busy!! Never Ever a dull moment

I've been over on the dark side on my space...things are a lot more hectic over there not steady and sedate and time to think like here!
So anyway I have done sooo much in four weeks it's been very hectic I will have to update you in stages haha...Well it started with the CV Show at the NEC Birmingham...very mad must have seen about 500 people at least in 2days that I knew... I was with the long suffering Joanne and I think she was fairly bored by the end cos I just kept bumping into people I knew...at one point she said is there anyone you don't know in this industry...small industry noone seems to leave it!!! Probably because they are all on fat salaries!! We had 50 clients with us one day from Staffordshire and 30 clients from Wrexham on the 2nd day and I think a good time was had by all...had to take pictures of Jason Plato too haha next to his SEAT
Since then been out for meals in the Living Room for Ashley's Birthday. Panacea in Manchester, The Brittannia Stadium...

Peterborough Truckfest for the Bank Holiday...stayed in a very nice Hotel called the Haycock in Wansford and I had a lovely view! The lovely Jennifer Ellison was there and Bob The Builder!!
Went out for a lovely Indian meal in Peterborough made some new friends! The weekend before Truckfest we were at the Sandbach Festival Of Transport. The little boy in the picture is terminally ill and we made his day great..what a star

Want to know a secret for living a healthier, stress-free life? Well, it's something you're doing right now – reading! Reading for enjoyment is a quick "escape" from worries or the day-to-day round. How else can you travel the world without leaving your armchair, meet fascinating people, visit the past, and make whole other worlds come alive?

But reading doesn't only stretch your imagination. Once you settle into a good book, you actually become more physically relaxed. You're drawn into another world, and your breathing regulates and slows. And engaging in reading takes your attention away from any problems or thoughts that may be scurrying around over and over in your mind. It can act like a mental "circuit breaker," literally giving your mind a rest. I know that, for myself, I like to curl up with a good book as a way of unwinding at the end of a busy day. Even the phrase "curling up with a good book" suggests a cozy, relaxing feeling!

As a matter of fact, the National Health System in the UK believed so much in the therapeutic power of reading that it instituted a program with local libraries to help promote reading as a source of relaxation, and a way of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

And just the act of reading helps stimulate the right side of the brain and becomes a creative experience, because it's like a dialogue between the reader and the author. You share in all the emotions evoked – laughing out loud at something funny, or on the edge of your seat with suspense, or even having a "good cry."

So, read any good books lately?

All been very busy at work with the CV Show next week. We also have the Sandbach Festival of Transport tomorrow so we hope the weather holds for it. One day last week Mark came to see me from Frank the Agency and he gave me a Mr Potato Head! Not had so much fun in ages! never a dull mo! He also has just won the contract for the London Eye marketing so he got me and the ladies tickets!! Result...bless!
http://www.itsfrank.com/

It's been extremely busy in the office we are organising two coaches of clients to go to the Commercial Vehicle show next week at the NEC one from Stoke and one from Wrexham...Plus on Sunday we have the Sandbach Transport Festival and I am working on the DAF stand so come on down!! We've printed off badges for all the guests at the CV Show and we did have a chuckle cos one of our guests is Chris Hicken and his badge has printed off MR CHICKEN...one year we had a
Steve Wellings MR SWELLINGS like I say never a dull mo!!
http://www.coldmoss.co.uk/html/transport_festival.html

http://www.cvshow.com

Yay forms have arrived I'm a fully fledged Mystery Shopper can't wait for my first assignment...obviously I won't be able to talk about it but if it's fun I'll let you know!
Friday night Kaylie, Rach, Tracey and me went to the Merlin in Wilmslow for a bite to eat. We didn't eat much but the place is very nice....full of couples though on a Friday night having romantic meals prolly not the best choice more of a Saturday or Sunday lunch venue! Staff were very friendly there and we like the decor!! lol So we then went to the Bubble Room in Alderley Edge where the atmosphere is lively and everyone is really friendly. Followed by one six one in Hale..where we bumped into some friends old and new. I made a new friend Lisa we had a few giggles and we are going to go out! http://www.onesixone.net/hale_environment.htm Later we all ended up at Andy's with a takeaway curry. Saturday day caught the sun with the roof down all day driving around and doing a bit of shopping. Saturday night we all went to Lisa's wedding followed by an evening at Liquid in Hanley! What a great night out Liquid nightclub is!!!

Smile! Did you ever have a stranger come up to you and say that? Well, I did. I was waiting in line at the bank the other day, and someone said that to me. She also added, "Things can't be that bad, can they?" Now, I wasn't feeling bad about anything – just thinking something through. But I guess I must have had a serious expression on my face. Now, I don't think anyone can go around smiling all the time, but I've discovered that smiling can do quite a lot for you. First, it makes you more attractive. People are more drawn to others who smile, and smiling can be contagious. It also uses quite a few muscles in the face and makes you look younger. I'm all for that! Who needs a face lift when they can smile instead?
When you're stressed, you can look tired or worn down. And there again, smiling not only makes you look better, but the simple act of smiling can actually help relieve stress and lower your blood pressure. It can also boost your immune system to work better, probably because you are more relaxed. This in turn helps your body release good things like endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin, all of which make you feel better and raise your spirits. Smiling can even help you be more successful. When you smile, you appear confident, and it's only natural that people react to that. When a quick smile can help boost your energy, your looks, and your confidence, there are so many reasons to smile. Why not do a smile "check" throughout the day? It will help keep your mood and energy up, where they belong.
The Sun has been lovely today, everyone must be beginning to feel a little more mellow.
So, Peeps say "cheese"!

Today we've been to Alton Towers with Nikki and her daughter Katie and Georgia! Rides galore!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Great fun!! When can we go again!! Ickle man loved the Pin Ball ride so much!!

Last night we went to an African Theme night at Panacea in Manchester. I think we will still be talking about it in years to come it was so good! The food was fantastic, they really do have a wonderful chef! I had the boudienne which was a fish stew with mullet and swordfish, cabbage, sweet potato and chilli peppers followed by gambian beef with aubergine & peanuts. The meal came with bananas which tasted like potato amazing and yam yams! Can't express to you how wonderful the food was it really was fantastic!
http://www.panaceamanchester.co.uk/index.php
We were entertained all night by african dancers in traditional costume dancing to drums. I totally enjoyed both the performance seeing the incredible smiles and athlecticism displayed by the amazing Nzinga dancers! It really was an incredible experience. If I had a party to book I would book them they were the best entertainment I've seen in years!
http://www.nzingadance.org.uk/index.htm

'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees
Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,

Been to Beeston Castle today with my Dad, Brother, Ickle man, Rich & Lucy. The medieval ruins of Beeston Castle stand on a rocky summit 500ft above the Cheshire plain, offering stunning views from the Pennines in the east to the mountains of Wales in the west. The castle dates from 1225 when it was built by Ranulf, the sixth Earl of Chester, and contains one of the deepest castle wells in the country.The castle was seized by King Henry III in 1237 and used by him and later his son, King Edward I, as a base for their campaigns against the Welsh. The castle was finally destroyed at the end of the Civil War.
Later we went to the Bikerton Poacher for lunch..which was very nice!!!

Feel like a snack? Well, how about an "exercise snack"? Now, I know that "exercise" can be like a dirty word to a lot of us. So I was intrigued by an article I read recently in one of the major magazines about a new way of looking at exercise.
What comes to mind when you think of "exercise," ? If you're like me, maybe you come up with activities like running or lifting weights. But a lot of other physical activity has similar effects and also qualifies as exercise.
Actually, anything that gets you walking and moving can be called exercise. As I'm sure you know, walking is good for everybody. But so also are gardening, dancing, house cleaning, or cycling. And the good news is that even done in short bursts of time like ten minutes – a "snack," so to speak – four times a day can make you feel cool! Once you realise this, it becomes fun to figure out ways of getting those "snacks" in your day. Maybe you can park your car further away to walk to the shops. Try pacing around as you talk on the phone, or using the stairs instead of a lift. Or get up during a television commercial break and walk around or up and down some stairs. And if you need any further encouragement, it seems that, exercise can also help renew brain cells in the area that controls learning and memory. yeeha I could do with some more of those lol

Today we've been to Chester. We started at the Deva Roman Experience. This was great for kids!! Involving me and ickle man rowing a Roman ship on our own!! Very funny! Then we had a walk along the wall to see the Ampitheatre, followed by a very nice lunch in Mama Mia where I had red lumpfish caviar...yummy!! We then went on a boat ride down the river Dee. When we got home the kids did an Easter Egg hunt



All in all a very GOOD FRIDAY!

Happy Birthday Dad!! Yesterday after work went out for a meal to the Bears Head at Brereton for my Dad's Birthday.My Brother and his family are staying at my parents house over Easter so it was all fun together!! Food was lovely chief trougher!!

Today I've been to the Hilton East Midlands Airport Hotel on a conference and guess how much two bacon sandwiches were £14.00 I nearly fell off my chair! HOW MUCH £14 for 2 bacon sandwiches...I had to take a picture to show you how they are sooooooooo not worth £14.00!!!

We must have some of the most expensive petrol in the area in Sandbach!
Station : Somerfield Saxon Cross, Congleton Road, Sandbach
Brand : Texaco
Price : 92.9p
Updated : 01-04-2007
---------------------------
Station : M6 Sandbach Motorway Service Area Northbound, M6 J16-17, Sandbach
Brand : Esso
Price : 93.9p
Updated : 01-04-2007

20 mins down the road at Shell in Stoke it is only 85.9p! 7p a litre difference! That's £2.80 for every 40 litres of fuel! Don't be ripped off peeps watch what you pay at the pumps
http://www.petrolprices.com

Hold on to your hats – April has started with some very dynamic energy. Must be the Full Moon! Been loving the good weather driving about with the top down...testing out the Sat Nav on my phone lol! Friday night went to Curshaws in Sandbach with Joanne, Rach, Tracey, Sophie, Andy and Andrew.
Saturday went to watch the footie with my son PJ and his friends at the Limes.
Saturday night we went to Lisa's Hen Party in Newcastle Under Lyme. We started at Buffet Island...basically it's this really really REALLY busy restaurant where you wait in the bar until a little chinese man shouts through a microphone at you like a bingo caller that the table is ready. Couldn't get over the place, I think the whole world must go there on a Saturday night! lol Anyway all the Chinese food you can eat for £15..soups, crispy duck, every chinese dish you've ever tasted,sushi, meats and fish you can chose to BBQ, fresh fruits, mousse,cheese cake even a chocolate fountain with flumps....All left me feeling extremely full! You can keep going back and back...I guess it's for the hungry men...quite an experience! You must try it at least once!!

Stayed at Joannes then on Sunday drove back through Leek and Rudyard Lake...lovely round there!
After went to the Trafford Centre with ickle man then called to see Yvonne & Nicky and we sipped champagne to toast Yvonnes Birthday fortnight! lol never a dull mo
Had a dream about King of Clubs how bizarre!! Can't wait to meet him lol

Well the first thing I really like about my new phone is the fact that it has two camera's like the N73 and the main camera is a 5 magapixel's! You can edit your photos by cropping, applying red eye reduction, sepia effect, black and white even cartoonise! The video facility is up to 60mins long and you can also edit your clips! I'm really liking the global positioning! It zooms in on a map and tells you your exact location don't think I'll be getting lost for a while!! I've had the sat nav working today very cool graphics! It has a really nicely designed screen too that slides two ways!!That's just for starters..

It's true! A new Nokia N95 from Nokia FREE! They tried to deliver it today! Jammy or what? I've also been asked to review a range of Mccain... They have a new line called Gourmet, which is a range of potato based side dishes. There’s ‘Mature Cheddar Cheese & Wholegrain Mustard’, ‘Diced Potatoes with Leek, Onions & Parmesan’ and ‘Baby Potatoes with Oven Roasted Tomato & Garlic’. It’s not quite cooking from scratch you might think but it might as well be quite handy to have them in the freezer when a busy night occurs?! They've sent me a voucher to buy one and then tell you what it was like so watch this space! Still happy about my FREE phone!!! Had a mega mega busy day today..hospitality trailers, livery of vehicles, visitors, event management, banners, t-shirts, truck demo's, prize draws,CV show invites, charity, London 10k shirt, Golf Day,Paper Recycling,stationery discussion, demonstator bookings, Point of sale discussion, website pointers, training, Sandbach Festival of Transport, furniture, measurements...Roll on tomorrow... I am in Chester so looking forward to that! Oops correction later on today!! Friday already! nite all

Saturday went to the Trafford Centre.Saturday night went out with Rach to Newcastle Under Lyme. We had a very nice meal in Red. I had crab and avocado, followed by cod with mussels in champagne sauce followed by rasberry cheesecake...so lovely...chief trougher..what a fab place! Excellent service and food! Then we went out dancing to Fluid! Had a few laughs, dropped Rach home and tootled home. Today I've been out to Macclesfield with Joanne. Turns out she'd made us an appointment at my old friends business but she didn't tell me until we were on our way that it was Broadstock! I've known Carl Muncsh since I was about 13 so it was a bit mad to see him again. I haven't seen him for about 10 years since I was a buyer at Paccar. Anyway here's to Munchie!! Seems to be doing ok now!! http://www.broadstock.co.uk/ My Mum used to teach him so one of the first things he said was how's is your Mother! lol I think he was a bit of a Munchkin at school! I said see you in another 10 years then Munchie!! lol On the way back to the orifice we stopped at Morrisons in Leek. Been for my 2.5mile run tonight I can feel my stamina building from all these 2 & 3 mile runs!

Jessica, your Expression of 2 ...
Your Potential Natural Talents and Abilities

You are a loving individual whose kind actions and words often touch the hearts of those you meet. Your selfless attitude towards other and genuine desire to connect kindred spirits with each other is greatly appreciated by others. In fact it is often your own ability to network that results in jobs or relationships for others.

You are also a great mediator, liaison and peacemaker. Professionally you work best in a team. You never feel rewarded really unless it is a reward that is somehow shared with others. For this reason money or ambition rarely motivates you. However, the approval of others means everything to you as how others react is the mirror by which you judge the effectiveness of everything you do. Unfortunately this willingness to please others sometimes means that you don't always get the credit for all of your hard work.

Still you are happiest working behind the scenes, as you secretly dislike being in the limelight. You don't accept compliments easily because you find displays of pride to be tacky. Your supportive and cooperative ways however often earn you great financial rewards and friends for life as others recognize how invaluable you are to their own success.

You treat everyone equally and consciously make an effort to fight bias and prejudice in society. Number 2s are also known for their natural charm and the twinkle they have in their eye. You have the ability to soothe the pain and hurt feelings of animals and other humans with just a few well place words. This is due to your enormous empathy and sensitivity to others.

You know the importance of eye contact and a smile and easily connect to others. Your ability to quickly gain the confidence and trust of others often makes you the keeper of many secrets. This is why it is very important for you to watch a tendency to gossip as it as been the downfall of many number twos.

You can be quite insecure and your confidence is easily shaken by criticism. Sometimes your need for approval expresses itself as insecurity. You may talk too much or not talk at all if you feel nervous in a social situation. However once others do get you talking there is no shutting you up. You are an excellent story teller with a great sense of humor. You love to talk about sex, family and children, as you are also a great lover and observer of human nature.

Physically you are very fit and graceful and probably excel at dancing (especially with a partner.) You are probably youthful in experience and move quite lightly on your feet. You are likely to express yourself with cooking and crafts as the fruits of these labours can be shared with others. Many twos are also great writers and painters because they have such empathy for human condition.

Your style is casual yet fashionable. As you are a very sensuous individual and love the way certain fabrics feel against your skin you are more likely to choose cotton or silks over polyesters. As you love to attract other people, you often dress in bright colors, just like a flower that is trying to attract a butterfly.

Jessica, your Soul Urge of 9 ...

What You Desire To Be, To Have, and To Do In Your Life

The highest expression of your soul's urge is to connect in a mystical way with others. Although your aspirations are lofty, you are also a humanitarian who is often gifted with a sharp intuition and keen analytical skills. Often you give up opportunities that should be yours, simply to help another. This is because your faith in yourself, god and the future is so strong that you live by your conviction that the universe is always unfolding as it should.

Others simply do not possess your spiritual sophistication and may be amused or repelled by what they see as your irrational talk or beliefs. You may be accused of being stupid or foolish simply because you won't take the bait (of a job or money) at the expense of your ethics. Compared to the other numbers, you excel at letting go of lovers or opportunities simply because you know you can't take emotions and material goods with you when you die.

As you are driven more by compassion than common sense, you are the first to fall on your sword for a worthy cause. You may often be broke because you see money only as a tool of change. You would much rather spend money on art, charity or a trip. In fact, ostentatious displays of wealth anger and disgust you because your ideal is a world where all humans are equal.

You might appear very eccentric to others who don't quite understand your fascination with the spiritual world or your insistence on being a seeker of truth.

You have a soul that must be continually assured and fed with new sources of spiritual information. To stay healthy, your psyche may require that you make special trips to holy or mystical places. You may have to seek out special teaching to help you understand and cultivate your talents so that you are in control, as opposed to terrorized by them. Being able to foresee the future or see through other people is often painful, so some therapy might be required in your life to help you detach from your own sensitivity.

One of the sins you are most vulnerable to is spiritual pride. This can bring you situations that cause your faith to be seriously tested or where your pride can take a big fall. However the highest calling of your soul urge is to share your intuitive talents for free.

BTW my photo's aren't serious! I'm messing about! I'm full on into the training now for the London 10k run. I've been detoxing, running every day with one rest day a week and doing aerobics on the middle days. Roll on July...should be mega fit by then if I don't keel over before hand!! lol Ouch! My m8 bunty has torn his achilles tendon. Get well soon bud! x

I mean free clothes is quite something but a free £650 phone is pretty cool too!!
Nokia are sending me a free yes free Nokia N95 cos they want me to use it for three months and tell them how good it is......YAY!!! The best bit is it has Sat Nav built in so that should help me get around the country a bit more efficiently! Been to Derby this week which was cool! I actually really love my Nokia N73 so I might not want to part with it when the N95 arrives? Who knows

Are you getting your daily requirements? Just like those recommended vitamin quotas for physical health, you could say that there are also "requirements" for our emotional health every day. With recent studies showing that negative emotions can actually affect our health and even our life span, it just seems to me to emphasize how important it is to become aware of our interactions with others on a daily basis, and keep them as positive as possible. As a matter of fact, experts in the field of positive psychology have found that the frequency of small, positive acts is critical to our overall happiness. Maybe you might think that you don't really deal with that many people each day. But if you start to think about it, you could be surprised.
Whenever you travel anywhere, you're dealing with others. Whenever you buy something or a service, when you need information, when you need to make a complaint, when you need technical assistance, when you have financial transactions – there are so many times a day that we actually have contact with others, whether in person or on the phone. And this is not counting interacting with loved ones or co-workers.
Turning these encounters into positive ones can be very simple. Sometimes just a smile is all that is needed, or simply acknowledging someone's presence, according them the respect you yourself would expect. A "thank you" can work wonders. And, perhaps not surprisingly, when you approach others from a positive point of view, you become more open and more positive as well. Any negative emotions won't have a chance!

Wow regional food...How yummy! My friends have introduced me to Pikelets they are like a crumpet but much thinner. Anyway we had them for breakfast on Saturday morning , how fab!

How's your mood? Believe it or not, it may be due to something you ate. I've been noticing a lot of articles and books out now about how what you eat can boost your mood -- or make you "crash
." Maybe you've read some of these as well. I know that personally I find it very interesting. And I've observed the same connection (usually when I've been tempted by something sweet!). What it seems to come down to is that eating healthily is not only good for the body, but also the emotions.
Those foods that generally are "bad" for us, weight- and health-wise – full of sugar or fat – are also the culprits that can affect our blood sugar levels and send our moods plummeting. So, to keep our energy and mood levels up, it's best to concentrate on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, beans, whole grains and nuts, low-fat dairy products. And, of course, moderate caffeine and alcohol intake. So, the next time you feel the need for your favourite "comfort" food, why not make it in a healthy version – like some fruit, or low-fat cheese and wholegrain cracker, or some low-fat cocoa. I guess Mother Nature knows best, after all!

I live a comedy......I can tell it far better than I can write it however
I am sure someone could make millions out of my life and comedy sketches I mean it's just soooooo funny! I can't even blog about some of it cos it's soooooooo funny and sooooooooo embarassing....I could tell someone and they could make a million out of it I am SURE! They could just follow me around with a camera and they would have comedy for life ;o)

Friday night we went to Yvonne's 60th Birthday at the Limes in Sandbach. There was a Kareoke which was fun, a buffet and lots of friends. Joanne and Rach were staying at my house so it was all friends together. Sophie and Chrissy met us there. Later on we went dancing at the George in Sandbach..Something quite bizarre happened I lost my phone well that's not bizarre...anyway someone had handed it in...Chrissy said to me have you got your coat I said no so she said well ask about that too, so I did. Do you mean this one the DJ said and held up my coat...Yes that's the one...Didn't think anything of it until the next day...when I found out I had two identical coats! So ok I had picked up a coat exactly the same as mine which I didn't go out in...and some poor lady had to freeze on the way home without a coat cos I was wearing it...and probably thought someone had stolen it..The bizarre thing was though what are the chances of a DJ holding up exactly the same coat as mine that wasn't mine..I mean this was an unusual coat....haha or so I thought!!! Anyway first job Saturday was to return it to the George so that whoever could get it back...So funny you couldn't write the script could you?!? Saturday Joanne went home after giving Rach a fashion show in my shoes! Rach and me went to see Mum& Dad followed by lunch at http://www.themerlin.co.uk very nice too! Lovely food. Then we went to find the Bridestones in Congleton. It said on the internet that you have to beware of the dog! Whoever it was who gave that piece of info wasn't wrong a big barking Rotweiller next door greets you when you arrive! The Bridestones are a Neolithic chambered long burial chamber made of stone. Obviously the mound of earth that covered it has gone..but what's left is interesting. Dating from 3500 to 2400BC associated with high status burials...can't believe they have been there that long! Lying at the foot of the Pennines and with views across the Cheshire Plain, the Bridestones are said to be unique in England although there are similar examples in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Last night we went for a meal in Panacea in Manchester which was nice, Rach had a bottle of champagne to herself as I was driving...I had a few non alcoholic cocktails that were quite impressive..bumped into a few friends which was cool!

Today I've called to see my Mum, Happy Mother's Day Mum xx

A very Happy Birthday to my wonderful friend Yvonne 60 years young today and I think she's ACE! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY Darling xxx

Luck was on my side today! Beautiful morning sun shining. Dropped ickle man off and Mum & Dad had bought him some M&S uniform! Bless how nice was that, I have a great MUM & DAD. Later I had 3 new tyres fitted on my car for free! Yes for FREE! Had a really productive day at work even got a large credit off LDV that I wasn't expecting into my budget!! Adobe Illustrator is on it's way too! When I arrived at the orifice there was a hot c blank blank f blank e waiting. I work with an angel!! lol could things possibly get any better? Had a very funny moment in my friends car today. I always play the same track over and over in my car and Rach is always ribbing me for it. Today we went to Morrison's at lunchtime in Rach's car which is very unusual...she flicks on her CD and YAY the same track was on in her car too! Classic! You couldn't write the script! We laughed a lot! She said I have 6 CD's in this car and of all the tracks that one had to come on! lol Tonight went to Tesco in Congleton and ickle man picked up a couple of things he wanted including something for me for Mother's Day and then made me look the other way whilst he counted out his pound coins..bless he didn't have quite enough so I paid..how cute though! Had Shredded Chicken and Cashew Nuts with Yellow Bean Sauce tonight yummy!! 500g Chicken Breast Fillet and a bunch of salad onions into long thin strips...scissors is good! Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok, add 100g Unsalted Cashews and fry until lightly coloured. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked. Add the salad onions and stir-fry briefly. Return the cashews to the pan with a 250ml jar Wing Yip Yellow Bean Sauce. Bring to the boil for 1 minute until well cooked. Serve with basmati rice. 10 minutes YAY LUCKY ME!!!!

When my son came home from school Friday....he started to tell me all about how on Thursday night I had him in a grip fast asleep and I asked him if he had his dress yet for the doo? Haha apparently he said Mum what ARE you on about firstly I am a boy not a girl so I wouldn't have a dress and secondly I'm not old enough to go to the doo! Apparently we both laughed a lot...me in my sleep....and then it went silent...Of course I remember nothing but how FUNNY! He keeps reminding me of all my funny stories and we have cried a lot with laughter so here's to our funny life!Look at the manicured lawn I used to have lol!! I used to drag him round the garden in his sledge cos there was no snow!!

“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other - above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labours of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”

~ Albert Einstein

Came across this photo of ickle man! Oh how we've laughed tonight! Poor child he went to nursery school from 3months old and one day they had a fancy dress..which he won! Amazing what you can do with a babygro, a wooden spoon, some tin foil, a tea towel and a tennis headband!! haha Looking back I am not surprised he won at ALL!! Sooo cute

I was reading about the results of a study. It showed that when people were asked to visualize an event from their past and judge their progress since then, those who were told to visualize things from a third-person point of view – that is, to visualize it as if you were watching a movie, as an observer – judged themselves less harshly and saw the progress that was made.
But those who were told to visualize "through their own eyes" -- in the first-person -- were more critical of themselves and couldn't separate their emotions from the event. That really says a lot about how our emotions can sometimes keep us from accurately judging any progress we make. It's like that old saying about seeing ourselves as others see us. When you can imagine watching yourself as the star of your own movie, you'll have a better chance of judging your "performance" fairly. And you're more likely to appreciate your own efforts, which will make it easier to continue on your path. When you look back helping a friend in need gives you a feeling of purpose and satisfaction. Don't be surprised if some good luck comes your way as a result of your continued acts of kindness. After all we are all the stars in our own life story so appreciate what you've done!

DA DA This one WON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!!!XXXXX
Had a lovely time at the dinner dance. Met quite a few people we knew there which was fun. Stayed at Joannes. Sunday morning later on PJ went with his friend for a spin in my car!! He borrowed some money to goto the pub! Son's make you smile! Then I picked ickle man up and went for a run in the car to Buxton which was very nice. Had a little shop and a little beverage then Ickle man wheelied all on the hills. Tootled home with the roof down.... Tingly cheeks all round lol

Well I think dress three wins and shoes one! Wish me luck carriages at 1pm lol my guest is Rach

Well I had jaw ache last night from laughing...went out for Tracey's 40th Birthday to Obsidian in Mancheter. The girls were great company!The food was very good I had scollops on black pudding followed by steak all very delicious. During the meal I had a text from my friend Dave who owns the gym in Upton. He moved to Cheltenham about a year ago and he has tickets to the Gold Cup on Friday did I want any. So looks like we might be going there on Friday! I was a bit late as I had to find the restaurant from the car park but by chance a very nice taxi driver who was picking up someone from a hotel directed me. By the time I was in China Town I had a whistle from the same taxi driver who had now dropped off his client and he shouted the directions to me. Bless very bizarre. I found it thanks to him anyway.
http://www.obsidianmanchester.co.uk/gallery.html
Later we went to Tiger Tiger but we soon left there the music was terrible it was grungy stuff..So we then went across the road to the Bird Cage. The Bird Cage is a 2000 capacity nightclub where every 30mins or so they stop the dancing and you watch a show...a combination of drag queens, showgirls and cheesy music.. The perfect dancing girls night out. Very popular with hen and stag parties, not really my cup of tea but great to dance with the girls.
Tonight we have to do it all again as we are out at the IRTE Dinner at the North Staffs hotel entertaining customers...will blog tomorrow...just need to decide on the outfit! That's another story but I have four dresses oh and two pairs of shoes to chose from all from one of our Customers....who had a look in his warehouse and pulled out some things my size. They were all FREE yes FREE I now have to decide which one I wear! I think I have gone to heaven! haha never a dull mo
I will post the pics and you can advise

Got home early tonight ickle man was having tea with his friend from school at my Mum& Dads. They then played a duet on the piano and clarinet how cool!! I've had a lucky day I've had two pairs of shoes and a top for FREE. My Dad was excited when I arrived home he's had the BBC on to put him and the Sandbach clean team on National tv. I've been to see Darren at European Textile Recycling today. If anyone has any clothes to recycle to make money for your nominated charity they give £25 up front then £185 per tonne of clothing collected, then a further £15 if you do it again and £10 goes to your nominated charity for every tonne.
I went to visit a friend in the hospital the other day, and I happened to go into the flower shop they had there. I don't know what it is about such places, but as soon as I entered, I felt very calm and soothed. Just being in the presence of so many flowers and green plants was refreshing. So I bought a plant for my friend, and she was delighted to have something natural to look at in her sterile room. Since then, I've run across research that indicates that the presence of houseplants and flowers can have a beneficial effect on our physical and emotional well-being. But did you know, that studies have shown that plants also help lower blood pressure, aid concentration, and improve memory? And it has been found that having flowers in the home boosts your mood and energy level, and people report being happier and more enthusiastic at home and at work. So there's certainly an incentive to share your living space with green plants and flowers. Even if you don't have a green thumb, there are many simple houseplants that are easy to care for. And you don't need an expensive floral arrangement, you can easily pick up a small bunch of flowers at your local market – whatever strikes your fancy at the time.
So I guess that old slogan about "flower power" is truer than we thought!



Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Imagine that a golden shower of light is descending on you, starting from the top of your head. Visualize it moving downwards through all the parts of your body, cleaning any dark spots that may be there. See it pushing this "sludge" of dark negative energy out of your body down through the soles of your feet into the ground. Keep visualizing this golden light doing its clearing action until there is only the light left in your body. Open your eyes and sit for a few minutes, enjoying the sense of calm and peace. This was mentioned in an article I was reading about a "light café" in Stockholm. Of course, that far north, they can often only get daylight from around 10:00 to 2:00 PM during the winter. This special café provides more than food or coffee. The interior is all white, and provides a high intensity light, while its hexagon shape enables the light to reflect off the walls in all directions.

I love the snow! I love skiing! I love sledging!
What's your happiness thermostat set at? I was reading an article about the happiness phenomenon – how the idea of happiness is being seriously studied in psychological circles and the possibilities that you can actively increase your overall happiness. Evidently, it used to be thought that you were "stuck" with a certain level of happiness, like a basic setting on a thermostat.
But now, more research has shown that you can indeed actually work on improving your happiness level. Apart from major life events, good or bad, that have short-term effects, achieving a daily level of satisfaction is really the goal. And there's a very simple exercise to help you do this. All you do, is think back over your day and pick three good things that happened, and analyze why they occurred. Now, I'm not talking about something major, like winning the lottery or getting a promotion. They can be quite small, like finding a 5p on the road, to getting a compliment, or finding a parking space....yee haaa that feels good! The effect of this little exercise is to make you focus more on the good things that happen, rather than any disappointments of the day.
So, why not try it? It makes me think of that famous quote by Abraham Lincoln, "people are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Go ahead and set your happiness thermostat on "high."

I was reading an interesting article about a book two female marketing executives wrote about their unique attitude. Their philosophy was that it pays to be nice. In other words, they didn't go in for the dog-eat-dog mentality. They said, "Actually, it takes courage to be nice. It takes bravery to help your enemy or give kudos to your competitor. It takes great inner strength to show compassion for someone who isn't treating you particularly well." And they cite research that has shown that taking the nice path can strengthen not only your career, but also marriage and even health. Well, I'm actually not surprised at that.
What it really boils down to is that old saying about "what goes around comes around." And that is just a description of what you might call the Law of the Universe. What we "put out there" comes back to us. So, if we're expressing ourselves negatively in our thoughts or words or acting in a destructive way, the Universe is going to reflect that back to us. On the other hand, if we have a positive mindset and act for and look for the best in any situation, the Universe will echo back that to us in abundance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w84qzHdEms
Do you have a complaint? Well, join the choir! A complaints choir, that is. I had a good laugh the other day, when I saw this video on the Web of the Complaints Choir of Birmingham. Here was a group of people, not trained singers, who got together to sing a string of complaints that had been woven into a song by a local musician. The complaints ranged from trains that were never on time, to bananas that don't ripen, expensive beer, dead-end jobs, bad hair days, and other people never sharing their biscuits. Evidently, the complaints choir was the brainchild of a Finnish couple, Tellervo and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen. They had been discussing the huge energy that people seem to put into complaining that could be directed into something else. In Finnish, there is an expression called "Valituskuoro" – which means a "Complaints Choir" – a situation where many people are complaining at the same time. They thought it would be interesting to take this "Complaints Choir" idea literally, and organize a real one. This idea started to catch on, and so far there have been Complaints Choirs organized in Helsinki, St. Petersburg (Russia), and Hamburg, with more to come all around the world. Now, I think this is a great idea. There's good psychology behind it. It's well-known that the act of singing helps release emotions, and singing about your complaints helps defuse them. Not to mention that it begins to seem silly, and helps you see the light side of things.
So peeps the next time you're feeling frustrated, why not try putting your complaints to a little tune or chant and singing them away? You don't need to join an official choir or even be able to carry a tune. You can even get creative and see how many complaints you can put together. Have fun with it – and sing your cares away!
Today I've been shopping for gifts for our ladies at the Dinner on Saturday they are getting yummy Pink boxes of Thorntons chocolates and I've had them all gift wrapped too. Phoned a girl today called Jess Smith in Manchester I could hardly leave the message for laughing...is Jess Smith there...it's Jess Smith..Anyway when I spoke to her she said she went to school with four Jess Smith's so it's normal to her HOW BIZARRE!! More bizarreness Rach's sister is best friends with Karen whom I went with to the Price is Right...come on down....years ago...I said surely not Karen who ran round Trentham Gardens in Flintstones outfit for charity??? Yup same one..small world!

Do you have a "guilty pleasure"? I have to confess that I like to watch reality shows where an unsuspecting person has been nominated by friends and family for a wardrobe makeover. All of the subject's clothes are discussed and shown why they aren't flattering for the person, and then they are thrown out. Then the person is given some new guidelines for clothing that will flatter their body type and has two days to shop for new clothes. And of course a new haircut and makeup are thrown in, too.
But what really makes the show interesting to me is that, without fail, each person describes how it has been a transforming experience, really going beyond just acquiring new clothes. They have come to look at themselves in a new light, and to recognize their good points and how to take advantage of them. And they acquire a better sense of self-worth and self-respect. All too often they have been with people who focus on the negative and forget to tell them the positive, leaving them to feel worthless.
I think we could all do with a "makeover" every once in while, as a reminder of our good points and qualities that others see in us but that we might not be aware of or value properly. Why not exchange doing makeovers with a friend or loved one? Instead of clothing tips, make a list of all of the other person's good qualities -- physical, emotional, and mental – and have them do the same for you. You could be surprised – and pleased – when you receive your new "makeover."

Last week, I found myself caught up in a web of all of the wonderful communication technology at our disposal. There I was, glued to the computer for what seemed like days, catching up on email, drafting articles, etc., with hardly a break. Finally, needing to run an errand, I ventured outside my office. And wouldn't you know it, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen or spoken to for a while, and she persuaded me to have lunch with her. At first I was reluctant, thinking of the work still ahead of me, but I'm so glad I gave in. Because we didn't just share lunch -- we caught up with each other's news, shared our problems and concerns, and renewed our friendship. We reestablished that human connection between us, and it lifted my spirits and I felt ready to tackle my work again. So, that small incident provided me with a necessary reminder. Too often we can get caught up in our work, busily "communicating" but without establishing the face-to-face human contact that's so necessary to our well-being. We have a built-in need to share our lives with others and feel connected to them. Just like in my case, I think we all need a reminder every once in a while to not neglect that part of ourselves. It makes for a more balanced and joyful life. As Albert Schweitzer said, "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."

Tonight Lou has been round for tea and I cooked her this Salmon & Prawns with mash....You'll have to try it was really quick and yummy
1/2 a leek thinly sliced fried in olive oil for 2mins
portion of prawns, salmon steak cut into chunks with scissors 5-6 mins fry
200g of creme fraiche. few fresh chives. Bring to the boil bubble for one minute and serve with mashed potato...black pepper, squeeze of lemon.....delicious took 10-15mins in total...that's the sort of cooking I like! Other than that had a really quiet Sunday chilling...been in meetings all day today
xxxx

A few weeks ago I went to Hawarden near Chester when I arrived my friend was busy telling me how she'd had Jason Donovan hiding in her house for 3days and she didn't know it! It's all part of a new tv series called Hider in the House and I think it's scheduled to go out in August. Anyway she'd also met up with Shane Lynch as the lady who does her nails is his Sister.
I've just seen an episode of Hider in the House so I now know why she was soo excited. How cool! LOL

Last night I went out with my friend Jacquie to Holmes Chapel... Jacquie works in a gym and she asked me to go out with her and the members....well I used to go to school in Holmes Chapel and I knew that by going back there I would bump into a school friend.... little did I know that Deborah would be out with us!! When I arrived at the pub there she was sitting waiting with Jacquie. You know I haven't seen Deborah in 23years and she hasn't changed a bit! Really lovely girl so we had the first hour catching up. Hey must just say the pubs in Holmes Chapel are very nicely decorated. It was very nice I would go again! Horror of horrors later I had another encounter with boilersuit man aaaaaaaaggggggggggraaaaaaaagh. I was coming out of the ladies loos when there was this man he said hiya he sort of looked familiar, big tall bloke bit farmer looking. Anyway he said hi have you still got your Volvo, I immediately thought this guy must know me. So I said yes. He said he'd forgotten my name so I told him it was Jessica. When he said I used to wave at you every lunchtime I immediately clicked it was boilersuit man.......oh no and I had just told him my name....oh nononnononononoonoooononNONONONNO! ...He turned to his friend who said I know you too...HELP! You came to our company one day and I asked you out when you drove on our yard... but you said no! (Yes right as if I'm going to go out with a man who asks me out the moment I ask directions)... Flippin heck something must be in the air.....run away...run away...I made my excuses and joined my friends met some very nice funny gym guys one a BT telephone engineer and the other a very drunk lawyer who copied body language (this gave us much amusement) Anyway we then went to the Wine Bar and bumped into our BA air hostess friend Carol, bless,who introduced us to the big boss of the Holmes Chapel Fire Station. What a lovely guy! He gave out good advice on Boilersuit man. Boilersuit man was in the winebar....oh no...he went to the toilet oh no he gave me his business card on passing oh no and said call me if you want to go out oooooooooo NO! Sort of scared me a lot and Jacquie and everyone made sure I was in my car safe...Someone buy me a shovel please!
Check out the moon from 9.30 tonight it's gonna start disappearing then at 10.45 it'll turn into a blood red disk don't miss it xx

What's the hurry? Actually, a friend of mine found out the hard way the other day. She was rushing to catch a bus and fell on a slippery patch on the road. Her feet flew out from under her and she landed on her right wrist. It was broken, and as she is right-handed, it makes it difficult to do the most ordinary things that most of us take for granted.
But she said the minor accident seemed to be a kind of "wake-up" call for her. Now that she has to pay more attention to her movements, she also is getting into a slower, more natural rhythm in her life. She also said that she hadn't realized until then how stressed she had been feeling.
Well, hey, I think that applies to a lot of us -- and the fact that we can be contributing to our own stress levels by pushing ourselves to rush even when it's not actually necessary. Too often that leads to a continual state of "hurry up," no matter what we are doing.
I'd like to propose making a little experiment. For one day, try noticing your movements – how fast are you are moving as you turn, stoop, walk, pick something up, eat or dress. See if you can become more aware of each action as you perform it. And notice your breathing as well. Are you breathing quickly or shallowly, or more slowly or deeply? It's a good way to catch yourself in the act, so to speak, and keep stress from building up by slowing down just a bit.
So hey here's to going with the flow!

Tuesday night went to Pasta di Piazza in Stone with Rach, Joanne, Derek and ickle man. First time I'd been....Very nice Italian restaurant where the menu was so extensive it took at least 15mins to read!! Food was amazing too! Derek who is the Health and Safety guy from Glasgow thought we were all mad. However he said that his jaw ached in the morning from laughing soo much. Rach insisted on me telling the story about when I introduced myself as Jon Berry when the real Jon Berry was stood right next to me with a name badge on. I said " Hi I'm Jon Berry pleased to meet you" She said Jessica you've had your whole life to practise your introduction of you, so why would you say you were Jon Berry. I know I know. I was trying to introduce him and it came out wrong... The guy I was being introduced to looked just like George Doors and I was imagining him in a babygro costume when he said oh so if you're Jon Berry why has he got Jon Berry on his badge...he said now I'm confused..Neway that was years ago...So Tuesday night I'd had a mad start cos I'd left without my purse and hardly any petrol but I didn't realise until I got to the petrol station and had to scrape £6 in change from the bottom of my bag! DOH Then I got lost, Joanne had to flag me down as I'd whizzed past her once and just the usual mad stuff. Anyway we had a nice evening. Wednesday was up early Andrea came to see me from our printers. Then in the afternoon went to Winsford to look at the Renault Trucks hospitality trailer to purchase. Today has been lucky it must have been the white rabbits and the pinch and the punch off Rach this morning haha. Ickle man has had world book day at school Mum phoned me to say she'd seen a Superman outfit for ickle man in Woolworth's and he loved it so I didn't need to worry cos she'd bought it! What would I do without my Mum! Love you! x She also said they would pick up ickle man from school Friday and give him tea
...Later today went to see Bob at the BDF Newlife HQ in Cannock. He showed me around their BDF Newlife Superstore with a shop floor of some 10,500 square feet, they have thousands and thousands of items on sale at any one time and the variety is endless. They’ve got something for every member of the family – clothing, footwear, jewellery, accessories, homewares, linens, beds, stationery, toys, giftware, electrical goods, and much more. New stock is released for sale on average every 10 minutes, every day. It’s a great shopping experience! BDF Newlife’s unique secure recycling service works with hundreds of businesses and organisations across the UK. They know that there is a better alternative to simply dumping in a landfill or destroying unwanted stock. Their service benefits them, and in turn they know that they are helping to improve the lives of babies, children and families.Their secure delabelling process means that goods, once donated, cannot be presented for fraudulent refund.They handle goods that have become surplus for all sorts of reasons … customer returns, unseasonal stock, rejected orders, ends of line An endless variety too! Clothing, footwear, accessories, housewares, stationery, … you name it, they’ve probably recycled it. Goods that are suitable for resale are sold to the Charity’s supporters through their Superstore. If resale is not possible, they look to recycle to get the best possible use from every single item.SO once let loose I got two coats, a bag and some black shorts all for a bargain £17! So go to Cannock and help some babies and children in the process! 1 coat £3.50 1 coat £7 A girl likes a bargain!!

When I arrived back in the office Vicky was returning from the bank with one of those over sized cheques and I was pulling out of the car a cuddly toy, a DVD player, a coffee grinder, a MP3 player remote control truck to name but a few raffle items that BDF Newlife had given me all with bows...along with the two coats, shorts and bag that I'd purchased and I walked in and Rach says you can't even script this infact you can't even script your life...Never ever a dull mo! The laughter was broken by one of our customers phoning saying he was going to arrange for his staff to look in his warehouse for some evening wear in my size to try on for the dinner dance next Saturday...I mean could life get any better than FREE clothes in a girls eyes!! bless! See today was LUCKY!! I have to at this point say that I have the greatest pleasure in working with the funniest girl on the planet Rach. I mean how many girls do you know who throw grape bombs, get out banana guns, do pinch and a punch on the 1st of the month, put out their left hand to make an L-shape with their thumb when someone shouts Leftjust to check and oh sooo many laffs! Love you!! She's even got me learning numbers too I now know our VAT number off by heart, she finishes my sentences cos she can read me like a book, she can find anything that I've lost, her glasses prescription is far better than my own cos I regularly have to borrow them to see whose up the hill out of the window..Between us we are a walking sitcom, someone should follow us around with a camera.xx

The last time we went to London we flew BA got the tube to Knightsbridge and my friend spent £2k in the designer shops. She is the only person I have ever met that spent 2k on one day! We had lunch in Claridges, met Gordon Ramsey he gave us a bottle of pink champagne and we looked round his kitchen. Had a lovely feed. We had to run for the plane which they held up for us...took us ages to get through the security with all my friends bags! The security man said gee you girls can shop haha. We had to balance out the plane cos it was fairly empty two of us one side two of us the other! How mad is that!!!Don picked us all up from Manchester airport. Anyway Rach has just sent me an email about our trip to London and it reminded me of what excitement lies ahead. We are staying in the Chorus hotel in Knightsbridge (Hyde Park I think?) We are going to do afternoon tea in the Berkeley Hotel, with champagne on the Fri afternoon. We are going to celebrate Liv's 30th birthday - which isn't until the 28th, but it was cheaper to go that week, and also Rach's birthday - which is on the 31st May. We plan to shop, maybe do the London eye, open-top bus tourist thing maybe...ooo and I can check out my London 10k route!!

Marketing is the best job in the whole wide world! No pressure just pleasure! Today the wind chime is gone. Apparently it wards off evil spirits but to think that is to acknowledge that they exist and so it's gone! Away with the bin man with ya! haha Had a lovely day today in the office meetings and more meetings John Gilligan from DAF came to see me which was a pleasure, then went looking for TV's. Marketing deffo is the best job in the whole wide world as it involves shopping!!
Well tomorrow night off for a nice meal with Joanne, Rach and ickle man to some surprise eaterie...can't wait...It's the surprise that's exciting! Wednesday I've got Andrea coming to see me and Thursday I'm off to Cannock to see Bob of BDF Newlife..I'll have to take a daffodil as it's St David's day haha. BTW the pic is from my friend who has a cleaning business 1 day about 2years ago I said I'd help her out for free yes I cleaned the Police toilets for free..infact I did more than once for free..it really was just for the hoot! I had no idea men's urinals have yellow pineapple chunks in them...that are meant to smell nice....you see if you don't say yes you never experience such things?!?!?!? The CCTV bit was interesting but you couldn't dwell in there of course! Quick dust and you're out! Bumped into Spencer Harrop tonight if your reading this Carol he said hi!

The thing I like about batman Neil is he is so consistently good. He follows trends so things aren't standing still I like that "CHANGE" my favourite word it progresses things forward!!!

Rrrrrrrrrrr my friend sent me these what a talent!!

Friday ickle man went to his Dad's I stayed in for what seemed like ages then decided at about 10pm to nip to The Limes to see if Nikki was about. Had an entertaining time talking to Nikki, Stuart and co. Had a nice time at RAF Cosford Saturday I will blog further when I get the pics! Alan gave me a bottle of wine, bonus! How kind!! ;o)Saturday night turned into another great night of laughs picked up Sophie at 7pm and then went to Andy Noblett's in Bradwall. He had planned for me to drive everyone in his estate car to the Hand & Trumpet in Betley near Nantwich then onto a few bars and clubs in Nantwich. He lives in the sticks in a converted barn in Bradwall and is infact a very talented Architect for a large development company in Macclesfield. Anyway, I met Andy a while ago when he stumbled across my blog whilst looking for pictures of the Bears Head at Brereton and after spending the afternoon reading my blog, weirdly, I bumped into him in Sandbach that very same evening, when a mate introduced me. When I was introduced the first thing he said was I've sat and read your blog today how bizarre! I just said it's not bizarre it's just my life! haha Anyway we've been friends ever since, he's even dated a few of my friends! Infact since I've known him he's dated many ladies haha and he is incredibly funny so anyway the point was we all go out now as mates and we have the best time. I think the ladies like the fact he looks like Graeme Le Saux. Bumped into Annie our BA air hostess friend and later Sharon from the Co-op Bank! Both lovely girls x


haha Soooo anway Sophie and me arrived... they were all at various stages of getting ready and at the finish there were six of us out on the RAZZ. Ashley, Mark, Andy, Andrew, me and Sophie. Men are deffo worse than women when it comes to preening! I know... I have a 22year old!!! It takes me 15mins max to get showered, hair dried and out the door.
The Hand & Trumpet was very relaxed however we didn't stay very long as it wasn't lively enough so we hit Nantwich. Curshaws was our first stop then Nakatcha http://www.nakatcha.com/dance.php then Gregory's. I have not laughed so much since we all went out last about two weeks ago...they are deffo the funniest guys I've ever met! Got in at 4am after dropping them all off then picking up my car and dropping Sophie home yes it was 4am Zzzzz we even had chips and cheese en route!
This morning had to go back to Andy's to see if I had left my phone in his car..nope must have been stolen out of my bag......oh well it's insured! We then all went for Breakfast at Curshaws. Then i departed and picked up ickle man and hit the Trafford Centre!! Had a lovely meal in Est Est Est just the two of us. Ickle man says he loves our ickle days out. Ordered ickle man the Play Station III, checked out the cinema listings but they were all late so we came home
Now at home chilling...

Had a fun morning on a photoshoot at RAF Cosford with the County Air Ambulance..they are such heroes..men in red boilersuits!! The paramedics were really nice and the Pilot was nice too! After we'd finished they got called out on a misssion which makes you appreciate they SAVE LIVES! Fascinating facts they get about 6 call outs a day, they can only airlift one person at a time and they can only carry 1 pilot, 2 paramedics and a further 150kilos each trip. It costs a whopping £24 per minute every time they are in the air (3Million a year)and they are funded entirely through charitable support. Can't wait for the photographers photos to come through ;o)

A picture of the Sandbach Stage Coach, at one time the only route to Sandbach!!! ANYWAY GET THIS!.....Why do some people get all the luck while others never get the breaks they deserve? Professor Wiseman says he has discovered the answer.
Ten years ago, he set out to examine luck.
He wanted to know why some people are always in the right place at the right time, while others consistently experience ill fortune.
He placed advertisements in national newspapers asking for people who felt consistently lucky or unlucky to contact him.
Hundreds of extraordinary men and women volunteered for his research and, over the years, he has interviewed them, monitored their lives and had them take part in experiments.
Professor Wiseman's top tips
The results reveal that although these people have almost no insight into the causes of their luck, their thoughts and behaviour are responsible for much of their good and bad fortune.
Those who have succeeded at anything and don't mention luck are kidding themselves
Larry King
Take the case of seemingly chance opportunities. Lucky people consistently encounter such opportunities, whereas unlucky people do not.
He carried out a simple experiment to discover whether this was due to differences in their ability to spot such opportunities.
He gave both lucky and unlucky people a newspaper, and asked them to look through it and tell him how many photographs were inside.
Professor Wiseman's formula came too late for some...
he had secretly placed a large message halfway through the newspaper saying: "Tell the experimenter you have seen this and win £250."
This message took up half of the page and was written in type that was more than two inches high.
Anxiety
It was staring everyone straight in the face, but the unlucky people tended to miss it and the lucky people tended to spot it.
Everything in life is luck
Donald Trump
Unlucky people are generally more tense than lucky people, and this anxiety disrupts their ability to notice the unexpected.
As a result, they miss opportunities because they are too focused on looking for something else.
They go to parties intent on finding their perfect partner and so miss opportunities to make good friends.
They look through newspapers determined to find certain types of job advertisements and miss other types of jobs.
Self-fulfilling prophecies
Lucky people are more relaxed and open, and therefore see what is there rather than just what they are looking for.
Luck is believing you're lucky
Tennessee Williams
His research eventually revealed that lucky people generate good fortune via three principles.
They are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make lucky decisions by listening to their intuition, create self-fulfilling prophesies via positive expectations, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good.
Towards the end of the work, he wondered whether these principles could be used to create good luck.
He asked a group of volunteers to spend a month carrying out exercises designed to help them think and behave like a lucky person.
Dramatic results
These exercises helped them spot chance opportunities, listen to their intuition, expect to be lucky, and be more resilient to bad luck.
I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it
Thomas Jefferson
One month later, the volunteers returned and described what had happened. The results were dramatic: 80% of people were now happier, more satisfied with their lives and, perhaps most important of all, luckier.
The lucky people had become even luckier and the unlucky had become lucky.
Finally, he has found the elusive "luck factor" .
Here are Professor Wiseman's three top tips for becoming lucky:
Be open to new experiences and breaking your normal routine
Spend a few moments each day remembering things that went well
Visualise yourself being lucky before an important meeting or telephone call. Luck is very often a self-fulfilling prophecy

Are you "lucky"? Well, that may just depend on your state of mind – at least according to a British psychologist, Professor Richard Wiseman. I was reading a study he had done of 400 people from all walks of life, half of whom considered themselves "lucky" and the other half classified themselves as "unlucky." It seems that those people who considered themselves lucky had certain differences in how they thought and acted from the "unlucky" group.
The lucky people were relaxed, open to new things and new people, and were quick to spot opportunities. Unlucky people tended to be more tense, stuck in routines and afraid of anything new, and unwilling to take a risk.
Lucky people trusted their gut instincts and had a positive attitude – they expected good fortune or a good outcome. And, as you can guess, the unlucky ones always expected the worst.
When something unfortunate happened to the lucky ones, they were able to deal with it in a positive way. They did this by imagining that things could have been worse, and didn't dwell on their misfortune, but took control of the situation. The unlucky ones of course brooded on their misfortune, and it only confirmed to them how "unlucky" they were.
So that old saying about "you make your own luck" could turn out to be true. Here are a few tips you might want to try, to increase your own "luck."
Write down six new things to try out (anything from a new food, or a visit to a new place, or a new hobby) that you can accomplish in a month.
Be more open to talking to people you don't know. Start your own "network." The more people you know, the more ideas and opportunities you have access to.
When you get up in the morning, assume that the day will be a good one and everything you do will turn out for the best.
Keep a "luck" journal. At the end of each day, take a few moments to write down only the positive and lucky things that happened. After a month, you can't help but recognize all the good things that are happening.

TODAYS RANDOM LUCK JOURNAL

Today I was lucky Jimmy came in the office and gave me £20 worth of food vouchers for Motto Service Stations...cool so on the way back from Birmingham I had a very nice lunch all thanks to Jimmy! Picked up a Sandwich for my colleague Rich too cos I didn't think he'd have time for one with all his driving about on the M6 (He was really starving when I got back at 3.45, so I did good!! ;o) Called off at Stoke City which was lucky some of the players are quite handsome! ;o) Liverpool won a top match v Barca last night!!!! Yay! Called off to see the furniture man near MFI for 10mins. Discussed a few possibilities for Chester and asked for prices. Told him I'd seen him on the film promotional stuff at Signal Radio we had a chuckle. Ickle man was lucky as he had the afternoon off school and went to see The Snow Queen at the Lowry with my Mum & Dad. He was also lucky cos they'd made him a packed lunch and let him buy gifts at the shop. Rich sold some vans YAY! The M6 was gridlocked at 5pm when I left the office, so I took a different route home, saw the most fantastic sunset and arrived earlier than normal ;o) I was also lucky as ickle man had had his tea when I arrived home! Plus Mum said I can call round at the weekend and pick some snowdrops, daffodills and flowers from their garden..bit of Spring in the air! Called at the garage and bought a scratch card which was a winner £2 lol but hey YOU CAN'T HELP BUT RECOGNISE ALL THE GOOD THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING
More lucky news Mum has just phoned they are going to pay for ickle man to go to Drama club...how cool! The more you write down the more things you realise. I started the day with the windows cleaned for FREE and they are the best they've ever been!!! Just found a £1 Woolworth's voucher. It seems to be self perpetuating this list. Rach has booked our train tickets to London for our girls weekend away ;o)Found my bangle watch which Joanne & Rach admired, ickle man was lucky at school this morning his friend bought him a pen from holiday. My son PJ thanked me for his Birthday card told me he loved me and said it was funny(had a bin liner inside),bless, Gillian sent a text saying she'd got the Ultra Glow I sent her in the post and that she loved me too (was only £3.50 at Boots and I immediately thought of her and purchased three)Before I left for work this morning I popped into ickle mans bag a postcard for Mum & Dad offering a free bottle of wine when we next go to The Evesham Hotel...well Mum and Dad have booked it so this year for the first time I have remembered to give it them so we can gain some benefit!!! YAY Just found 2p on the floor ;o) Maybe as I keep blogging the luck just keeps on rolling in. It is a fact when you focus on the positives the positives focus on you!

Well Happy Birthday son! My son is 22..how old do I feel today!! Love you!!! Also it's my friend Sophie's Birthday and we have had many laughs in the last year Love you too! SO THEY ARE BIRTHDAY BUDDIES!! Rrrrrr how cute. Anyway yesterday took my son PJ shopping with my youngest, ickle man, to the Trafford Centre. It was a real pleasure to treat them both! PJ spent loads of my money on G-Star combats and belt, trainers, white shirt, brown pointy shoes oh and a zip up top. Ickle man had some Heeleys and a coat..between them they are a pleasure though. We had lunch in Pizza Express and cos PJ was driving I had a nice chilled glass of vino..all very sophisticated! Called to see Mum & Dad on the way home and that was Sunday! Friday went to see Lou with ickle man, had a curry and chit chat. Saturday went to the Trafford Centre yes again this time I was shopping for me ;o) In the afternoon I went looking for the Bridestones up the Cloud near Congleton but I didn't find them. I've had a look on the internet and now I know where to look so I'll try again next weekend!!Saturday night went for a meal to the Limes in Sandbach for Sophies Birthday.Was 15 of us.. Had a fab meal I had liver and bacon with mashed potato yummy...Later we went to Manchester, many laffs, danced the night away then I drove home in the fog!

Looking for some people to raise money for charity who are fabulous football players to play against Aston Villa!! Yes the Aston Villa!

Monday went to LDV in Birmingham there were carparks full of vans as far as the eye could see!! Tuesday went with Joanne to Wrexham and Chester, we had the top down and there was snow still in Wrexham. It was fab a real spring day! Wednesday had a visitor from the BDF http://www.bdfnewlife.co.uk so I said we'd get involved with them too. Ickle man went to Cadbury's world with Mum & Dad and his friend. Arrived home with lots of chocs!! Wednesday evening went to the hospital to see my son's Grandad who was on the cardiac ward. Went along with ickle man and I took him a red rose, a valentine card and some choccies. The guys all around him were wired for sound, stayed about an hour then went home to watch the Brits! Oasis and Take That were amazing. Yesterday had a visitor from the County Air Ambulance, we talked about the photo shoot next week and various fund raising activities. Went for tea with ickle man to the Bears Head at Brereton where we found out all about Oliver Cromwell and his battle in Sandbach with the Scots

The Police!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a big fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MEGA...Spent so many years bopping in my bedroom..Message in a bottle yeah

I was reading an article the other day about the American poet William Carlos Williams. Evidently, he made a habit of carrying a small notepad around with him at all times. He used to write down things under the heading: "Things I noticed today that I've missed until today." That got me wondering about how many things we all miss as we go about our days. If you're like me, you know it's easy to get caught up in a routine you've developed. And once you're in your routine, it's almost like being on automatic pilot for the rest of the day. How often does it happen that you look back on your day and it just seems to be a blur? Doing the usual things in the usual way. Or maybe you were caught up in a flurry of activity and time passed before you knew it. It's a bit like that old saying about not seeing what's right in front of you. I know that happens a lot to me. The idea of stopping to notice what is in front of you and around you helps bring you back into the present moment and gives you a sense of truly being alive.

Rach keeps saying to me Jess you have so many fingers in pies fingers in pies. I guess it's more about taking an interest in things Monday had a meeting with a very nice American guy from the Caudwell Charity. We are taking part in the Staffordshire 1 Million business challenge, which is why I'm on a mission to help sick children. The rest of the week was meetings meetings meetings. I've seen fence men, portacabin men, hooped barrier men and telephone engineer men. Wednesday went to see a customer who recycles clothing to see if we can get him involved in the charity events and he introduced us to the Air Ambulance.
http://www.european-recycling.com

We now have a photography shoot set up at RAF Cosford for two weeks time with the Air Ambulance helicopter...should be fun. I looked on the internet as I knew it was near Albrighton where I used to live as a child. I didn't realise how near it is, it's on the same road! Also booked a table this week at the Air Ambulance Race Day at Worcester so that is something to look forward to too. Thursday went to Laura's funeral in the morning was bitterly cold. Hundreds of her friends were there her interest in life was deffo people! She was a fantastic person and we will miss her.God Bless Laura Jenkins xx. Amazingly also found out that the IRTE dinner we have a table at in March is also raising money for the Air Ambulance. Obviously a signpost i should take note of. Friday went to the Britannia Stadium with Signal Radio took Jo with me..we both ended up with £25 Boots vouchers so that was cool!
Friday tea time the snow was really thick. I had difficulty driving on the M6. We were due to meet up with Emma for the Vodafone Race night but due to the poor conditions it was cancelled. So anyway Friday night went out in to Manchester where there was no snow..with Andy, Andrew, Mark & Rach. I drove them all there. Bumped into some other friends and had the funniest night ever..their dancing was hilarious! Ended up in Rusholme having a curry, I think one of the funniest moments was when Andy put his yellow hard hat on, took Andrews hand and skipped into the curry house. Driving home on the way back from there Andrew had Rachael and me crying with laughter Mark & Andy were asleep in the back and he was giving running commentary..he is officially one of the funniest guys ever! Rach kipped at mine and we got up for lunch! Saturday went to see Jacquie she had some phones, stamps and some clothing to recycle so we had a coffee and I stayed over an hour. Saturday night called to see Yvonne & Nicky, Yvonne insisted I paint my toenails before I went out so that was a giggle. Later met up with Steph, Sophie, Gaz,Annie, Andy, Andrew & Mark in Sandbach and we danced the night away in the Lion.

Mum & Dad have booked a weeks holiday in a hotel in Bournemouth for us all and a weekend away in Evesham..the diary is filling up fast! Rach has booked us a weekend in London and we've yet to sort out our holiday to Mallorca!! This week I've got a meeting with a representative from the Welsh National Assembly in Wrexham which will be cool...maybe I'll take a political turn in my life haha

Next time you are replacing your Lexmark or Hewlett Packard inkjet cartridges please do not dispose of the old ones. I can put them to good use! For every inkjet cartridge sent to our recycler the Caudwell Charity receives £1. With a PC in approximately 40 per cent of homes in the UK, in addition to those in businesses, schools, colleges and hospitals, you can help us raise thousands of pounds to help children in crisis.
Currently only about 5 per cent of all inkjet cartridges are actually recycled - the rest end up in landfill sites. You can help the environment and the Caudwell Charity by donating your used Lexmark and Hewlett Packard inkjet cartridges. I can send you a freepost bag that you just pop it into and mail it off.

I'm collecting old mobile phones that people have sitting around in their draws at home for the Caudwell children's charity. Sick children all around the UK will benefit so please get involved, ask your friends etc. If anyone has one or more that they would like to donate please contact me for a freepost bag! It then goes straight to the recycle centre and the charity gets at least £3.50!!

Well I haven't blogged for ages but it's because as ever never had a dull mo!! On Monday the 15th Jan met up with Baz, Rach and Joanne for tea at the limes. Took ickle man. Baz is an old mate of mine he owns the biggest quarry in Devon and was bringing a load of coloured concrete tennis tables up to Preston in a big truck so the girls picked him up at the motorway services, so he could leave his truck there. Coloured concrete all weather tennis tables sounds like ace fun!! We all had a lovely meal, which Baz kindly paid for bless, then they dropped him back at the motorway services to sleep in his cab!! Never have quite worked out why a millionaire would want to drive a truck for a living and sleep in his cab overnight but hey each to their own, suppose it keeps him grounded!! On the Wednesday we were out again this time Crewe Hall met up with a footie agent mate of mine,an ex Milan player and another mate, but we won't name names...we went to πr2 (pi r squared) the brasserie for a meal. Me and Rach were suitably impressed with the revolving bar in there... sitting there revolving and a different view with every sip haha. A very enjoyable evening. Again all paid for... wow we are chief troughers!!!Crewe Hall, that exists now, started life as a modestly sized Jacobean house in 1636, and records show that there were occupants on the Crewe Hall site as far back as Norman times. Crewe Hall was owned for the longest period by the Crewe family starting with Ranulph Crewe, who built the Jacobean house between 1615 and 1636, until the Marques of Crewe sold the property (much changed by this time) in 1936 to the Duchy of Lancaster. It became an hotel at the turn of the century and now offers a splendid mix of the traditional and contemporary. The Hall itself is a Grade I Listed building housing 25 bedrooms and there are currently 40 more bedrooms in the 2 contemporary wings. Much of the Hall we see today has its roots in the mid Victorian era and provides a wonderful atmosphere for guests to enjoy today. Richly designed ceilings, exquisite marble fireplaces, ornate carved wood and stained glass features give Crewe Hall its magnificence. The Hall has provided hospitality on a grand scale for many leading politicians and leaders over the years, with the highpoint perhaps being King George V and Queen Mary's stay in 1913.
On the Friday went for yet another meal to Flavour in Sandbach, took ickle man and met up with some of the ladies who I used to work with. Loved seeing Carol, Debbie, Edna, Annie, Ann, Joy and Rob.Meal again was fab, infact I would deffo recommend, wonderful!!

Ickle man had some very exotic sweet with the spun sugar looked great!! On the Saturday night went out in Manchester with Rach again for a meal this time to Panacea!

Had a fab meal, bumped into Don, Fez and Baz. On the Sunday took ickle man to see Employee of the month, I didn't think it was very good, however ickle man loved it! The following week the highlight was going to Aston Villa with Renault trucks for their new van launch. Couldn't believe how many peeps I knew saw Richard Berry, Tom Cunningham, Chris Hammond, Gordon Baillie, Phil Stratton to name but a few!Furthermore they all said hi Commander if you're reading this!!
On the Friday went to Hale with Jo and Rach bumped into my mate Bunty with some of his buddies. Saturday Don called round and we chewed the fat! Then Sunday had another meal at the Limes!! Chief trougher!!!
Paul Brunning came to see me on the Tuesday he was on his way to Chester, as ever he was funny, we swapped data and he made the office laugh. On the Wednesday 31st it was the Anniversary of my friends Mum's death and I was thinking of him. I had one of those very lucky days I managed to get my car bumper repaired after I'd had a bit of a scrape..guess what for free!! Yes for free hehe furthermore they washed it too!! haha I also had a new phone an N73 also for free!! one of those free days obviously!!! Thursday had some terrible news my friend Laura 18 has been killed in a car crash. I am completely upset. I heard it on the radio on my way to Morrisons to buy a sandwich.She died late on in the evening of the 30th January. Laura was a sweetheart she used to always borrow my car to practise driving round the carpark to try and pass her test. I loved her and I will miss her terribly. You always remember the last time you saw your friend when they die and I last saw Laura full of fun in the pub and she gave me a big hug and smile and we danced. She was tragically taken at a very young age. She was collecting some friends from Nantwich after a night out. The three guys all survived. Such a tragic waste of a young life. God bless Laura Jenkins!
Friday went to the Brownlow Inn in Congleton for tea with Rach saw my lovely friend who owns it Jeanette.... Not seen her since Christmas so it was good to catch up! Gavin the chef who used to work at the Limes was there so I tapped on the kitchen door and he cooked our food in super fast time...bless, bless, bless!! Gavin and his girlfriend Kaylie babysit sometimes for me so I wasn't too cheeky! We then went onto 161 in Hale bumped into Don, Bunty, Dexter, John O'Gara and Vinny O'Gara. Was mega foggy on the way home!

Saturday was up at the crack of dawn with my Dad cutting hedges...funny story I had a letter from the council saying I had to cut it otherwise they would come and do it and bill me for the kindness!! Apparently some couple like to walk down the path hand in hand side by side and my hedge prevented them from doing so! haha Anyway eight bags of hedge cuttings later...!!! Later on washed my car again another very foggy day, called to see my friend in Emporium Sandbach cos she had a rug off me, bobbed into Waitrose then did some reading! Later Don bobbed round and we chit chatted! Yesterday went to the Limes then called round to see Nicky and Yvonne. Nicky was selling her caravan on Ebay so we spent time doing that and watching some Polecat thing quite fascinating. Today have been busy in meetings then later had a visit from a very nice American, Dan from the Caudwell charity. My misson this year is to raise money for sick children and I am now very excited about the prospect of arranging a bungee jump, a skydive, a charity golf day and a rally through the Alps! Everyone who fancies a go please contact me!! The more the merrier! I am also recycling paper, stamps, mobile phones,toner cartridges and anything else anyone wants to donate anything of value out of their garage or out of their house! Old videos, cd's, computer equipment.
This week is going to be mega busy rounded off on friday by going to the Britannia football Stadium Stoke with Signal Radio. In the evening we've got a race night with Vodafone...never ever a dull mo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!