tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077213290510475002024-03-13T09:09:01.711+00:00The Stepmum CafeHave a coffee, put your feet up and talk about the issues and wonders of being a Stepmother.BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-23964208195164638292009-08-27T14:30:00.004+01:002009-08-27T15:11:50.387+01:00Lest we forget...<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaw9t98cCnm-EGg3AjlnV3DNF_bp9DPZOzzd3zy5m0QVujPveMrNAgSpmjdKjADpWzfzUd6kX8TZibdZgwsDWYzf7WHU55OB2HmeT_Qn2KoVUcDx2f7wzaApeoGBwMkUBOvLgwX68KAPJ/s1600-h/poppy-lest-we-forget-thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaw9t98cCnm-EGg3AjlnV3DNF_bp9DPZOzzd3zy5m0QVujPveMrNAgSpmjdKjADpWzfzUd6kX8TZibdZgwsDWYzf7WHU55OB2HmeT_Qn2KoVUcDx2f7wzaApeoGBwMkUBOvLgwX68KAPJ/s320/poppy-lest-we-forget-thumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374640333567938802" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Csharpb%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.3pt 841.9pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Hubby called from just outside </span><st1:place><span style="">Swindon</span></st1:place><span style="">, before his interview. He was stationary on the carriageway in traffic.
<br />
<br />Then he told me of the lay-bys along the carriage way filled with veterans in their berets. It was a guard of honour. The slow and silent cortège of coffin filled hearse, lead by Police escorts, passed in front of him. He was witnessing the repatriation of our young men who had fallen in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="">Afghanistan</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="">.
<br />
<br />We dare to get on with the day to day without a thought. <span style=""> </span>I’m as guilty as the rest of us!
<br />
<br />Now I can’t stop thinking of the men who are finally going home for the last time.</span></p>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >BAS</span>
<br />BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-40140221647812485852009-08-27T09:02:00.006+01:002009-08-27T15:12:39.482+01:00Good Luck!<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Today is a big day for hubby!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Its his 2nd interview for the Swindon job. I have everything crossed!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Good Luck Honeyxxxxxxxxxxxx</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >If you could spare a thought, wish him Luck cause I REALLY want to move to Swindon.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-16028502137597367742009-08-24T15:56:00.007+01:002009-08-24T16:18:20.724+01:00Money=Weapon?<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Csharpb%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.3pt 841.9pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 44.95pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.3pt 841.9pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 44.95pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcZ738dD4HCcxmhaHjWnXWzrTCunzfKwb59PAnhJZ567V58uWYU91YKJML2PTTERY-jub-CC_Y8G0G6bDyRYJoFueLRqZaGCvkIzOu8KjWxiNAaBbKhy3b07k8xO5Rras8dOxo7vYjKYd/s1600-h/ak47-money-clip1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcZ738dD4HCcxmhaHjWnXWzrTCunzfKwb59PAnhJZ567V58uWYU91YKJML2PTTERY-jub-CC_Y8G0G6bDyRYJoFueLRqZaGCvkIzOu8KjWxiNAaBbKhy3b07k8xO5Rras8dOxo7vYjKYd/s320/ak47-money-clip1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373547153934136866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >The vast majority of my dreams I never remember, but last week one did float around my mental recesses popping in and out of my thoughts at the most inappropriate moments.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dearest Hubby say one of those moments and asked what I was thinking about, I told him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I dreamt years in the future of SD coming to visit, she was now an adult and brought with her her beau, a rather dashing young man who kindly left his <span style=""> </span>white steed outside (thank god, wouldn’t have a litter tray big enough, but then again it is a dream!)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hubs was asked by Prince Charming for SDs hand – all keeping to tradition.<span style=""> </span>I handed hubby a note saying ‘next will be the request to pay for said marriage (said like Jack Sparrow!).<span style=""> </span>They will not be leaving here with a cheque.<span style=""> </span>We have not seen SD for years and we should not have to pay for the privilege!’</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I know, I’m cringing at that, the claws were out and there was a hint of cat like hissing and spitting is in the air!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As dreams do, it then jumped to a week before the wedding and Hubs and I were involved in the preparations at SDs house.<span style=""> </span>Her Grandma was telling us in no uncertain terms to get out and don’t bother coming to the wedding.<span style=""> </span>I then turned to SD and said your Grandma is paying for the wedding have a nice life and walked out.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you can work out what my overactive imagination is getting up to when Im sleeping, let me know cause I don’t!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Back to reality!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">First thing out of hubs mouth –<span style="font-weight: bold;">‘Don’t use money as a weapon’</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Not what I was expecting!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then I thought about what I have used as a weapon, yes I have used money as a weapon.<span style=""> </span>When SDs behaviour was at it’s worst she lost pocket money.<span style=""> </span>Then I started thinking about the big picture.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Suzie Orman says: </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-size:24;"></span></b></span></p><blockquote style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:24;">“</span>Never use money as a weapon or a shield. Money itself has no power; our actions, attitudes, and decisions give it influence.<span style="font-size:24;">”</span></span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:24;"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">That observation could be made against practically any object or situation – </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">????? itself has no power; our actions, attitudes, and decisions give it influence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Putting that in the context of a stepfamily.<span style=""> </span>What weapons do you carry in your arsenal?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Is your arsenal full of positive actions, attitudes and decisions?
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember:<span style=""> </span>Do not let your weapons backfire on you!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">BAS</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.3pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >If any of my fellow blogger would like to pick this topic up I would be most greatful. Still trying to get my head around the dream let alone the consequences of using money as a weapon within the stepfamily dynamic.</span>
<br /></p> BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-28847924783732080242009-08-24T10:24:00.005+01:002009-08-27T15:33:24.913+01:00A Stepmum Cafe first !!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjtfKnufU9-lLRDGwIhm_2EcsN9b89Rj8eAKBmfr_nosz0dEFkIwqcWza7adFnYc8VN32snATVSeMUJgzewAe0Ojln5LRIfDfPjkhAcmZ0_szMJx0dsrN_zWOhMRolOY5IuzwYonSLBkt/s1600-h/FabulousAward.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjtfKnufU9-lLRDGwIhm_2EcsN9b89Rj8eAKBmfr_nosz0dEFkIwqcWza7adFnYc8VN32snATVSeMUJgzewAe0Ojln5LRIfDfPjkhAcmZ0_szMJx0dsrN_zWOhMRolOY5IuzwYonSLBkt/s320/FabulousAward.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373460265417717906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >What can I say !!! Thank you Mesina for bestowing this award. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Ist brought a smile to the beginning of a new week.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >The </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Rules:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >1. List five current obsessions</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >2. Pass the award onto five other blogs</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >hmmmm, my obsessions? Well here goes:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >1. Hubby- Can you call your husband an obsession? I suppose seeing as I love him to bits and is No. 1 in my life I can get away with it.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >2. Stepdaughter - I do obsess over SD, I obsess that one day she will see that all we have ever wanted was what was best for her.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >3. Photography - I have completed my Level 1 City & Guilds, but can't afford Level 2 at the mo. Doesn't stop me from clicking away though!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >4. Moving - want Hubs to get Swindon job, but also want him to be happy in what ever role he gets.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >5. Write a book - one day I will actually get off my butt and grow my synopsis into a completed book!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Now for five lovely blogs I feel deserving of this award:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >1. <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://labellemereuk.blogspot.com/">La Belle Mere</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> </span>- A down to earth lady</span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > with a fantastic blog. Her writing style and wit make for an enjoyable read and you do not even have to be a stepparent to appreciate it.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >2. <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/">The Stepmom's Tool Box </a>- Peggy is a wonderfully caring lady and has set up the stepmom's toolbox to provide resources and help for those stepmums struggling in a blended family.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >3. <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://witheyeswideopen2.blogspot.com/">With Eyes Wide Open</a> - I love this blog. It is a warm and honest insight into a stepmothers life. We worth the read!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >4. <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://kimmythingy.blogspot.com/">Kimmythingy</a> - You know all those things that are necessity but dont hit you in the face until you need them, well kimmythingy tells it like it is, with a sprinkling of wit.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >5. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://step-motherhood.blogspot.com/">The Wonderful World of Step-motherhood</a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> </span>- This blog is thought provoking and a great read in all areas of life, not just step-motherhood.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Congratulations ladies.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-84689865687416559422009-08-12T18:34:00.006+01:002009-08-12T18:56:58.590+01:00And it's only Wednesday!!!!<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Monday - Hubby's told his contract terminates end of next week! Great bombshell to start the week with.<br /><br />Tuesday - Recruiter calls hubby has a 45 minutes 'chat' over the phone on a prospective role. Recruiter puts hubs forward. Employers has quick chat with hubs over the phone and sets up an interview!<br /><br />Wednesday - Interview! 30mins after hubs leaves he gets a call from recruiter they want him back for 2nd stage interview on 27th (isometric testing, verbalisation and presentation testing - rather him than me!!!).<br /><br />Boy do that company work fast!!!<br /><br />It would be a move to Swindon if he gets it.<br /><br />Isle of Man job still in play too.<br /><br />Stepdaughter, God Bless her. We have to remind her she is only 12 and freaks when you say she is a child, but she said on the way home last weekend, 'I will miss you if you have to move far, but I love you and understand.'<br /><br />She maybe a child, but she can be mature when she needs to be.</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-6992243742983947052009-08-07T17:35:00.004+01:002009-08-07T17:53:14.119+01:00My Album!A dear blogger friend, <a href="http://step-motherhood.blogspot.com/">Life of a Stepmama</a>, tagged me!!! lol<br /><br />What great fun and the cover, I think, looks brill!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFt0Cizrnxmvyp5Tv-ioSL_w_PDo3_qCvdb2EASZFfgmsXtIjPwtDHdMhzzL8qAiTeYdYD2WzJoiy3Z0he_sfbgBNA34gwoyp3QROtEbDYoMLcnprDJGCoRbResRG3cELc34twXCvmHhZ/s1600-h/utmost+levity.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFt0Cizrnxmvyp5Tv-ioSL_w_PDo3_qCvdb2EASZFfgmsXtIjPwtDHdMhzzL8qAiTeYdYD2WzJoiy3Z0he_sfbgBNA34gwoyp3QROtEbDYoMLcnprDJGCoRbResRG3cELc34twXCvmHhZ/s320/utmost+levity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367263641514200018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Here are the rules:</div><div> </div><div>1 - Click <a style="color: rgb(128, 0, 64); text-decoration: none;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random</a> The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.</div><div>2 - Go to <a style="color: rgb(128, 0, 64); text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3">http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3</a> The last phrase of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.</div><div>3 - Click<a href="http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days"> </a><a style="color: rgb(255, 111, 207); text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days">http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days</a> The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover art.</div><div>4 - Use photoshop or picnik. </div><div>5- Tag some friends to join in<br /><br />LETS SEE WHAT YOU CAN COME UP WITH!!<br /><br />Tagged:<br />1. <a href="http://artisticallynuts.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Mesina</span></a><br />2. <a href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Toolbox Girl</span></a><br />3. As soon as I can think of anyone that has not already been tagged you will be next!!! whahahaha (wicked laugh!!!!)<br /></div>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-59749872602180448532009-08-07T08:21:00.003+01:002009-08-07T08:51:36.399+01:00The New Dilemma!<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >What a week!<br /><br />My hubby had two job interviews, one on Monday the other on Tuesday.<br />I have had earache most of the week.<br />My boss has expected miracles from me when he drops things on me to complete yesterday (but I think the majority has one of those!)<br /><br />The 'piesta resistance' - the job hubby really really would like, has a phone interview on Tuesday. Whats the deal with that then? Well he is in the running for this job, the agency have told him he ticks all the boxes. The company have had this position open for six months now and all the people the prospective employers have looked at are not suitable.<br /><br />Im so excited!<br /><br />We will have to relocate to the Isle of Man - Island between Ireland and Wales!<br /><br />I get the feeling he is looking for reasons not to take it.<br />Having to pack up the house - told him I have sold 5 houses and moved so thats not an issue.<br />Its not fair on you - hell I want to move he just has to get the job!<br />Stepdaughter visits - he has said she is at the age were she will want to spend more time with her friends etc. This has already started asking to go to a party instead of our weekend.<br />The expense of visitations - he will be earning loads more and we could see about once a month instead of every other weekend.<br /><br />For me the dilemma is I WANT THIS. No disrespect to any english, part of my family is english, but I have not settled here and find the community spirit Im used to in Ireland does not exist, and I struggle. <br /><br />The Isle of Man is 31miles long by 13 miles wide, the associate in my office is from the Isle of Man and he told me if its community I want then I would be going to the right place.<br /><br />If hubby gets the job then what. Im worried that any issues raised in relation to my stepdaughter would make me resentful and I dont want that. I dont want to feel trapped either.<br /><br />So there you go the next dilemma in my stepmum life.<br /><br /></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-61679841217811106172009-08-04T09:55:00.004+01:002009-08-04T16:09:54.960+01:00Honestly!<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >I can safely say as a new stepmum I walked into my new family situation, three years ago, totally naïve. I can still hear the words in my head ‘stepdaughter comes first’, ‘don’t worry I’m sure we will get along just fine’; after the concern voiced by my hubby.<br /><br />Then at the first ripple when my toe hit the stepfamily waters it was like a ten ton truck, driven by my husbands ex, trying to run me over. Must stress though three years on and we are all on a more even keel now. Phew!<br /><br />If I had only been honest with my husband and more so myself the stress, tension and heartache would probably not have existed and a few years of life not lost. I do know that ‘what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger’ and Im very much alive. I have come through it and although there may be the odd hiccup Im honest with my husband and myself.<br /><br />A fellow blogger Mesina author of And Then There Was Me…. Defines honesty in a fabulous post, <a href="http://artisticallynuts.blogspot.com/2009/08/many-faces-of-honesty.html">‘The Many Faces of Honesty’</a><br /></span><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Imagine for one second, your life without honesty. Honesty enters your life in many forms, has been there from the time you arrived until the day your last breath is taken. Think about it, you don't have to look that hard to see……..</span></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >I will continue with further extracts in a moment, but I would like to keep to the main point of honesty within the stepfamily.<br /><br />My Husband …. I started as a stepmum and kept all my annoyances and irritations that my stepdaughter unwittingly hit me with. Taking the remote and flicking channels while you were watching your favourite unmissable programme. Taking the phone and making calls without asking permission. Raiding the fridge etc. etc. I had to ask permission as a child, why not her!<br />The tension and pressure built up and up until one Sunday it exploded!!!<br />Boy did it explode!!<br />Crying, arguing and at one point talk of separation. I can look back now and see if only I had been honest with him!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><blockquote>Eating away at a woman's heart is a secret she keeps in silence. To unleash it would change the life she knows. She tries hard to confront the door she keeps tightly closed, she opens her mouth so many times to give it away but only silence ensues. That is the fear of honesty.</blockquote></span>I was scared.<br /><br />My Stepdaughter…. I thought I was going to be her best pal. I thought we would go girlie shopping and do all the girlie things together. But she was not interested. It was rejection and dejection all with a smile. It left me confused. If I had been honest with her instead of trying to win her over then things would probably be different.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><blockquote>Somewhere today a Mother is laying her eyes for the first time upon her newborn baby. After many months she is finally able to see the shining face she's longed for. Nothing exists in that room except that child and she cries. That is the beauty of honesty.</blockquote></span>I needed to remember she already had a mother.<br /><br />Myself … above all else I needed to be honest to myself. I was not and it caused such tension and raised emotions. You can not know how being a stepmother can affect you and your married life unless you have walked a mile in our shoes.<br /><br />So I put it to all new stepmums be honest with those around you, but most of all be honest to yourself.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><blockquote>It doesn't always feel good and sometimes we sacrafice so much in order to live our lives honestly. But compare that to a life lived dishonestly and I assure you it is better to face the pain than live a life of lies.</blockquote></span><br />Thank you to Mesina for granting me permission to use extracts from her blog post <a href="http://artisticallynuts.blogspot.com/2009/08/many-faces-of-honesty.html">‘The Many Faces of Honesty’</a> you can view the full post by clicking <a href="http://artisticallynuts.blogspot.com/2009/08/many-faces-of-honesty.html">here</a>.</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-57561637585705857982009-08-03T10:56:00.004+01:002009-08-03T12:09:25.208+01:00The Stepmothers Prayer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSENGd8qwfNm_wuFNgeifD52KNcfWktjvAOpAlzD5c8I6ZWUeCypU1g5s8nBoQH0k1kp4aaFDt_-hxVhdof-0ovNBQYR8P6zjixF-VBqwjJPPfZl91D-AtnFj41hpYHr0tfpp-m0dyDsoY/s1600-h/j0434135.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSENGd8qwfNm_wuFNgeifD52KNcfWktjvAOpAlzD5c8I6ZWUeCypU1g5s8nBoQH0k1kp4aaFDt_-hxVhdof-0ovNBQYR8P6zjixF-VBqwjJPPfZl91D-AtnFj41hpYHr0tfpp-m0dyDsoY/s320/j0434135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365678522227742514" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Csharpb%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.3pt 841.9pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dear Lord,</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Help me to have the patience of a saint when I see my stepchildren get away with the things I did not.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Give me the intelligence of MENSA combined to know everything I need to and already should on raising another’s child.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Help me keep a level head when my husband is mistaken for the ATM machine and keep my feet on the ground when a few kicks up the behind are in order.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let me have understanding in all things even when half of the requests, such as you need to take the kids on holiday baffle me when they were taken out of the country for a two week holiday three months before!</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Help me be the loving mother to children that wont let me.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I pray you can work these miracles of miracles.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Amen</span></p><p face="georgia" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">~ Written by BAS</span>
<br /></span></p> BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-66848434448416326922009-08-02T14:41:00.010+01:002009-08-02T16:06:43.624+01:00Calling all Stepmums<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">A fellow stepmother and blogger - Toolbox Girl author of The Step Mom's Toolbox is on the search for Step mums to assist in completing her book. I will let her explain in her own words:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElz4KVX27RBisFdFyD9SpHyt4s1JPlavrg6m0esmHh907mGqGO0gop52EpslqsDqUVMZ6gJV6rNzomRQ54nuzwnCEPdn8bD9R_aDxYX4KVJ03B2L2tOKNLGTYPJXCdJ7XTM7xskLc1mVN/s1600-h/quote.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElz4KVX27RBisFdFyD9SpHyt4s1JPlavrg6m0esmHh907mGqGO0gop52EpslqsDqUVMZ6gJV6rNzomRQ54nuzwnCEPdn8bD9R_aDxYX4KVJ03B2L2tOKNLGTYPJXCdJ7XTM7xskLc1mVN/s320/quote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365374066409471858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Go on, have a go!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-23693730154417237632009-08-02T13:52:00.002+01:002009-08-02T13:54:37.969+01:00The New Format<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">OK help settle the argument!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Hubby thinks the new format is overpowering. What do you think? Be honest, you wont hurt my feelings.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Thanks</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-83461548552470105532009-07-31T17:56:00.002+01:002009-07-31T18:03:55.016+01:00MY weekend!<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Yepee!!!!! Ive finished work and my weekend has started!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Domino's Pizza tonight, eaten well all week so tonight is a treat. Then maybe a film from the DVD cabinet. aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh chillin!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Lie in tomorrow, a LITTLE housework, finish #2 cardigan for Birth Mums new baby and maybe get some writing done.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Hubby going clothes shopping!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Lets pray for an uneventful weekend!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-69950768987687414632009-07-31T15:12:00.008+01:002009-07-31T22:20:05.276+01:00Where is a Stepmum in the proverbial landscape?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fHL-1GUBsADd94MVhhcrQKZkoefTqok7T0YtbyiUJPiO229yAqlggAt6RrWoZw1fGdUxizuysCZuvuBrwOm-i9aORxYd_J7UjN1fW_JXo1xBqRDYvO6F9rTX-mhJExEWoWaBV0ZvagiI/s1600-h/j0437299.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fHL-1GUBsADd94MVhhcrQKZkoefTqok7T0YtbyiUJPiO229yAqlggAt6RrWoZw1fGdUxizuysCZuvuBrwOm-i9aORxYd_J7UjN1fW_JXo1xBqRDYvO6F9rTX-mhJExEWoWaBV0ZvagiI/s320/j0437299.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364636863291413298" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A father's goodness is higher than the mountain, a mother's goodness deeper than the sea.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> -- Japanese Proverb</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Put this proverb into the stepfamily dynamic and where does that leave a stepmum?<br /><br /><br />Are we the sun? - not even on the same planet<br /><br />or<br /><br />Are we the horizon? - ever distant<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />We can choose where we want to be. I know some may think 'no we cant', dependant on where you are in your stepmum journey; but always remember you do have choices.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >I could have said I am the rock my husband stands on, but when I thought about it that really is restrictive when I know I have more involvement with my stepdaughter.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />So I choose to be the Ozone layer, holes and all! Don't get me wrong, I do not see myself as the last form of defence before outer space, but that crucial layer that encompasses my family. My stepdaughter is the core, quite literally.<br /><br />I hear you! Why do I include the birth mother in my world, because she is. I have accepted that and moved on, which has made things alot easier and stressfree.<br /><br />Mum, Dad, Kid and Stepmum all have a place in the stepfamily world, it's just where you choose to put yourself!<br /><br />~BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-27439037892944582772009-07-31T14:45:00.001+01:002009-07-31T14:48:26.515+01:00What would happen if the stepkids moved in?<!-- BlogPolls --><br /><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://www.blogpolls.com/poll/57648.js"></script><br /><noscript><a href="http://www.blogpolls.com/poll/57648.html">Blog Polls</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Leave your views and maybe you will find others have a different way ot looking at it!<br /></noscript><!-- /BlogPolls -->BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-30810878458104953362009-07-31T13:51:00.005+01:002009-08-02T12:11:22.494+01:00La Belle Mere - Being a Step-mum makes you mental<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWYYRY7sLEMhsYzpW1VNcFXe1JHCX9kF8cstImjf81F6oHGWfYh-uCuqfHh3O0PBQRPaXzpdzlstQsgGBsucaYrLhgv713YA-6NSTOoDYOzci1HFdbjQH_MBKEVnSa7uFthyphenhyphenmGk31NwP3/s1600-h/TSMC+Must+Read+Award+LaBelle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWYYRY7sLEMhsYzpW1VNcFXe1JHCX9kF8cstImjf81F6oHGWfYh-uCuqfHh3O0PBQRPaXzpdzlstQsgGBsucaYrLhgv713YA-6NSTOoDYOzci1HFdbjQH_MBKEVnSa7uFthyphenhyphenmGk31NwP3/s320/TSMC+Must+Read+Award+LaBelle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364606369551968450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">La Belle Mere, author of the La Belle Mere blog, has written wonderful articles which I have linked to below:</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://labellemereuk.blogspot.com/2009/07/being-step-mum-makes-you-mental-part.html">Being a Step-mum makes you mental - Part 1</a><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://labellemereuk.blogspot.com/2009/07/being-step-mum-makes-you-mental-part_31.html">Being a Step-mum makes you mental - Part 2</a><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://labellemereuk.blogspot.com/2009/08/being-step-mum-makes-you-mental-part.html"><br /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://labellemereuk.blogspot.com/2009/08/being-step-mum-makes-you-mental-part.html">Being a Step-mum makes you mental - Part 3</a><br /><br />Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~BAS</span></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-7524991829859399082009-07-31T13:33:00.003+01:002009-08-02T12:12:08.000+01:00'Must Read Article' Award Winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF140nvA0izJ6d7QQBDtZ7tn0jKIX7T8px-cJc1yIWfWdgLokLerlGUIEsOZfODjlV2lyNbQh3LjwbAlr9-FShbVdeRbDxNH36zsIB-74ZnCFDA_8-n0rf-rs3TWQ_xt1Hs6_Ci_y9zner/s1600-h/TSMC+Must+Read+Award+LaBelle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF140nvA0izJ6d7QQBDtZ7tn0jKIX7T8px-cJc1yIWfWdgLokLerlGUIEsOZfODjlV2lyNbQh3LjwbAlr9-FShbVdeRbDxNH36zsIB-74ZnCFDA_8-n0rf-rs3TWQ_xt1Hs6_Ci_y9zner/s320/TSMC+Must+Read+Award+LaBelle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364603221322379426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Im nominating the<br /><br />'Being a Step-mum makes you mental' - series by La Belle Mere<br /><br />Who is also a follower of this Blog, so may find out here before I have formally told her! lol<br /><br />Brilliant articles with wit and charm that are sooo true.<br /><br />Congratulations.<br /><br />Remember if you have found a poignant article on the web, share it here!<br /><br />~BAS<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-20128890123959800452009-07-31T13:16:00.005+01:002009-08-02T12:12:41.330+01:00Apologies for my Lack of Posting<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Things lately have been rather hectic.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My father was diagnosied as terminally ill with cancer.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My stepdaughter is moving in with us (supposedly, one minute she is, isnt, is, isnt you get the idea)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My pay has been cut in work due to the current economic climate. (it is now less than what i earned 5 years ago!)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My own health is all over the place and my head is god knows were!</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I have not enough hours in the day.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My Passion Test is none existant.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I could go on, but I think you know were I am coming from.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >~ BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-46939020586619824442009-07-02T10:59:00.002+01:002009-07-02T11:16:21.380+01:00SMOMS.org survives!<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br />Phew!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I am happy to say the Stepmothers Support Group, SMOMS.org has survived a hackers attack this week.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">All the admin team do a stirling job!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Keep up to good work.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~ BAS</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-25116475335749989772009-07-01T09:49:00.009+01:002009-07-01T10:54:53.419+01:00Wednesdays Words of Wisdom<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;font-size:85%;" ><br />To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself on</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;font-size:85%;" >ce in a while. <span style="font-size:78%;">~Josh Billings<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">~ BAS</span><br /><br /></span></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-11405799566889478762009-06-30T10:16:00.006+01:002009-07-01T10:50:24.228+01:00SMOMS.org hacked?<span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I have just tried to go on my beloved sister forum at SMOMS.org and got 404 Not Found error messages. When I tried to go to SMOMS.org home page this is what I found:</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCcn2jZgb0q1MVSq7bBs9CS2_kN5EikTZGPEmVQOY5-dtuVPbDdrtCRv6o_axHH3QRLTsqyKpbaFWBmGINZTDuF_RkeVihf10_Fvr6vSW2cKZs5D8Mhve3T3VmmepyTwzWG_KqXC2Clfe/s1600-h/smoms+page.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCcn2jZgb0q1MVSq7bBs9CS2_kN5EikTZGPEmVQOY5-dtuVPbDdrtCRv6o_axHH3QRLTsqyKpbaFWBmGINZTDuF_RkeVihf10_Fvr6vSW2cKZs5D8Mhve3T3VmmepyTwzWG_KqXC2Clfe/s320/smoms+page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353047405215256354" border="0" /></a>It Reads:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;color:red;" ><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><b>'Hey Stupid Fly Catcher Obama! Stop talking about Iran and telling to your dogs (UK, France, Germany) to talk about Iran and Iran Election. Keep working on your f**ked country and try to solve economic crisis in your hungry country! Iran's election doesn't have problem and Moosavi with his tiny brain will be in jail in near future, so don't pay your time and money for him and for his fans. 70-80% of Iranian people hate Moosavi nowadays... We never cheated in elections and even Moosavi knows that. So stop this stupid things! OK????</b></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I pray that SMOMS.org is backedup somehow and this valuable resource for stepmothers worldwide is not lost!<br /><br />~ BAS<br /><br /></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-38917173419796121402009-06-30T08:51:00.008+01:002009-07-01T10:57:53.125+01:00'Must Read Award' Nominations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjwr0eH8EcSkXwncjMHK3IPxD9MwKrJQLAf94AO1EQO_YN1N1Z7GMA5N0Ja9cYxkqWTckTFmHf8iFcUH6_WNXZRjdf-jOfBYdTX4yEdkoNJAwCIPbq4A-OYpbjjZ1k6dX-YUVvXMf8EVa/s1600-h/TSMC+Must+Read+Award+Nomin..jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjwr0eH8EcSkXwncjMHK3IPxD9MwKrJQLAf94AO1EQO_YN1N1Z7GMA5N0Ja9cYxkqWTckTFmHf8iFcUH6_WNXZRjdf-jOfBYdTX4yEdkoNJAwCIPbq4A-OYpbjjZ1k6dX-YUVvXMf8EVa/s320/TSMC+Must+Read+Award+Nomin..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353028584093512274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Though I read alot on the Blogosphere, I am pretty sure I have not read everything.<br /><br />If you have found an article that you think is a must read for Stepmums please leave your nomination, with a link to the article, as a comment.<br /><br />~ BAS<br /><br /><br /></span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-65408367049437186452009-06-29T11:18:00.010+01:002009-07-01T10:57:13.356+01:00The Stepchildren in your wedding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyEafD-td4N4TD9PRRlpZfC9kRv6zvP7SkgadNqk3-7LygrIjCa8_onCtk7GewbcL-Cz3FP6UAO3jbM_U03lkukT9WHsVeT5Lj6BQ1cOpCvFVgJumW0_FC4rylj77ndJQ_PJL-cSEH0vz/s1600-h/bridesmaid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyEafD-td4N4TD9PRRlpZfC9kRv6zvP7SkgadNqk3-7LygrIjCa8_onCtk7GewbcL-Cz3FP6UAO3jbM_U03lkukT9WHsVeT5Lj6BQ1cOpCvFVgJumW0_FC4rylj77ndJQ_PJL-cSEH0vz/s320/bridesmaid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352701920196012178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Its very easy to get swept up in wedding plans, but you do need to consider the stepchildren.<br /><br />They will most likely have settled into a routine between both parents houses, then all of a sudden the dynamic is changing again. This is when you may find most resistance.<br /><br />A slow introduction to the stepchildren will help things seem less confusing for them.<br /><br />Set out to build a relationship with them. This will be hard as you will most likely have to go at the childs pace and all children are different.<br /><br />If you wish to include them in the wedding party you could make them bridesmaid or page boy, sprinkling rose petals or handing out orders of service. Whichever you chose it will go towards reassuring them they have a place in the new family and are important to you to be included in the wedding.<br /><br />There are books that the children can fill in and keep , also you can ask them to help you make small decisions eg. will we sprinkle 'Hearts' or 'Just Married' confetti on the reception table. The little things will mean so much.<br /><br />It would also help if the stepchildren were introduced to the others in the wedding party before the big day so they feel more comfortable if others are looking after them for any period of time throughout the wedding.<br /><br />It is more to consider, but it will be worth it to have a happy bridesmaid, rather than a child out of their depth, crying or throwing a tantrum for attention!<br /><br />~ BAS</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-15903087446856799982009-06-29T09:37:00.009+01:002009-07-01T10:53:09.260+01:00Tool Box Girls Must Read articles on Self Deception<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHfWOnmV1gZVOekdaNQywVxRJxcMo064K180wp5I18hG_k-Ld7A3QmTIKjfkyWUHbOaZP0nGTxcOrIKiCs-pTVCuyQl4rV_eu1IjT27H7lbemzfsKNeM4bh4tFT0V28ir_p9yXK6oqHT1/s1600-h/TSMC+Award+Must+Read.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHfWOnmV1gZVOekdaNQywVxRJxcMo064K180wp5I18hG_k-Ld7A3QmTIKjfkyWUHbOaZP0nGTxcOrIKiCs-pTVCuyQl4rV_eu1IjT27H7lbemzfsKNeM4bh4tFT0V28ir_p9yXK6oqHT1/s320/TSMC+Award+Must+Read.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352681118268788050" border="0" /></a>ToolBox Girl, author of the Step Mom's Toolbox blog, has written eye opening articles on Self Deception. Below are easy links to these articles.<br /><br /><a href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/2009/06/23/the-stepmoms-self-deception/">Part 1 The Stepmom's Self Deception</a><br />What is Self Deception<br /><br /><a href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/2009/06/24/part-ii-the-stepmoms-self-deception/">Part 2 The Stepmom's Self Deception</a><br />Tool Box Girls Journey of Self Deception in her remarried and stepmom life.<br /><br /><a href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/2009/06/25/part-iii-the-stepmoms-self-deception/">Part 3 The Stepmom's Sept Deception</a><br />Examples of self-betrayal and how self-betrayal plays into the self-deception that keeps us stuck in the muck.<br /><br /><a href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/2009/06/26/part-iv-the-stepmoms-self-deception/">Part 4 The Stepmom's Self Deception</a><br />Continuing the discussion on how Self-Betrayal and Self-Deception impact your remarried life and your role as a stepmom.<br /><br /><a href="http://thestepmomstoolbox.com/2009/06/29/part-v-the-grand-illusion/">Part 5 The Stepmom's Self Deception</a><br />The Grand Illusion<br />Introducing Arbinger’s concept of Collusion and how this plays out in our Self-Deception.<br /><br />~ BASBAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-12402885668600999962009-06-26T09:45:00.004+01:002009-06-26T10:56:05.465+01:00TGI Friday<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Well the end of another week!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">What now for the weekend?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">My stepdaughter will be with us this weekend and she will probably be doing a lot of soul searching. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Apart from that we will not be actually doing very much as I have just had a pay cut and the belt needs severely tightened.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">What are you doing?</span>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107721329051047500.post-49681837529574372592009-06-26T09:27:00.005+01:002009-06-29T21:41:58.503+01:00Michael Jackson<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB5YEWZRp_EatAFMag562Kcm6x0mO2BAJFRVYqQkKk-P5H5UiJ9q2uPO8LxBAE7aAFqBUYkI3x9ZR6JrscynO2NwmNulvOfHtBEffkAiSt_lK4RCrhkFZtPRNQPuFwwzoc_2z1vmM74xZ/s1600-h/mj.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB5YEWZRp_EatAFMag562Kcm6x0mO2BAJFRVYqQkKk-P5H5UiJ9q2uPO8LxBAE7aAFqBUYkI3x9ZR6JrscynO2NwmNulvOfHtBEffkAiSt_lK4RCrhkFZtPRNQPuFwwzoc_2z1vmM74xZ/s320/mj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352852448326318258" border="0" /></a><em style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Michael Joseph Jackson<br />29.08.58 - 25.06.09<br /></span></span></em><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">'Gone but not forgotten'</span></div>BAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08085888384196805728noreply@blogger.com0