Tuesday, December 31, 2013

So that was 2013....

Facebook is full of posts with people looking back over the year, it's highlights and lowlights....so I was trying to do the same but my brain has gone blank.

It's gone incredibly quickly. I know a lot of my friends have had utterly shit years and that's what keeps popping into my mind when I try and look back at ours! I can't say it was utterly shit. Bits of it were horrific.

Toby cutting his leg open at the airport, the horrible stitching of the wound and missing part of our holiday (though the silver lining from that one was a huge insurance payout and another holiday booked for May next year at Center Parcs that I can't wait for).....

Toby getting diagnosed formally with ADHD (though the silver lining on THAT one is that he's now medicated and doing brilliantly at school. And is taking his medication like an angel - something I thought we'd struggle with).....

Losing both my venues for teaching (though my life is chaotic enough at the moment caring for 2 ADHD boys, an ADHD hubby and being Chair of Governors at school so it freed up my time...and it's been nice to be missed by lots of mummies who have said lovely things about me!)

Good things - I changed agent and am feeling very optimistic about the future (even though I didn't get any work from them this year, I had a couple of really great auditions and came within a whisker of a sitcom). I had an amazing time in Detroit with my sister. And when she came over in the summer. But it makes me miss her more!

Everything has two sides to it here doesn't it! A seesaw kind of a year. A half full and half empty glass.

I can't believe that in a couple of weeks I'll have a 7 year old and a 9 year old. And that Oz will be 10 in the summer. Talk about time flying. 

I've felt a lot of love from friends and family. Still a big hole on the friend front that I don't think about all the time anymore but I still miss. Always wonder if she reads this.....

But anyway. May your 2014 be amazing. If you're reading this then thank you and I'll try and post more next year! I got a fab little camera lens attachment for my iphone from my lovely hubby for Christmas - am going to attempt to do PAD again which always makes me blog.

I don't know if I'll make it to midnight tonight - we don't really do much on NYE - it's so expensive to go out, hard to find a babysitter and it's always a bit anticlimactic......but whatever you do, I hope it's good.

See you next year.....

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Yes....I'm still here....

Life as usual chez moi, is quite chaotic. Both boys now have ADHD diagnosis (don't know if I've mentioned that before) and are medicated. So now I'm the ONLY member of my little family who isn't ADHD (Husband was diagnosed at the same time as No 1 Son).

It's hard. I won't glitter coat it. But it's all I know. But it means that things like blogging disappear. I admit Facebook has also killed the blog - it's quicker to keep up with everything there. But I remembered my little corner of the blogosphere here and thought I'd just ramble on - I never assume anyone is reading this anyway.....

I've taken on a big responsibility. I'm now Chair of Governors at Son No 2's school. Which seems an awfully grown up and responsible thing for someone like me to do. But I'm actually realising I CAN do it. I've always been a cheerleader for the school - I just also wish I got a badge when I took on the Chair! I know more than I think I do. And it's cool.

No acting work for ages. I changed agent and got very excited but apart from 2 auditions in the summer - one of which I NEARLY got (as usual)....not a sausage.

Someone tell Julian Fellowes they need another fat cook in the Downton Kitchen.

What else....I don't know. I'm VERY tired - was woken at 4.45am by my kid. I don't do well on less than 8 hours sleep and I'd gone to bed at midnight. Stupid me. So I'll stop now. But will make an effort to blog a bit more. Just to clear my mind if nothing else....

Saturday, March 23, 2013

79/365/2013

79/365/2013 by sally_re
79/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My little sunbeam! Toby performed in his Spring production today and was utterly gorgeous.

78/365/2013

78/365/2013 by sally_re
78/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Adventures in crochetland continue. This is a "flower". I think.

78/365/2013

78/365/2013 by sally_re
78/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My first crochet creation. (I'm learning). I didn't mean to make a hat - I was trying to make a spiral. But if fits on an egg so I'm going to pretend it's an easter egg bonnet.

77/365/2013

77/365/2013 by sally_re
77/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
At the ROG to teach today - horrendous day - but I'm utterly proud of my other half who has created and curated this entire exhibition. It's really cool - go to the Royal Observatory (it's free!) and check it out....

76/365/2013

76/365/2013 by sally_re
76/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Beigel run. I think I've finally worked out WHO this is - is it Usain Bolt? It's just round the corner from Brick Lane....

75/365/2013

75/365/2013 by sally_re
75/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
And by the miracle of t'interweb...I picked them up today....

74/365/2013

74/365/2013 by sally_re
74/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The boys came with me to Mum's house after Oscar's drum lesson - one was playing on my iPad, the other on my Mum's....when she offered to buy them one each. A mini-iPad. My jaw dropped....and the boys faces lit up. I think she's going a bit gaga....(which is what they call her anyway) or just worried about inheritance tax. I got online to John Lewis....

73/365/2013

73/365/2013 by sally_re
73/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Ta daaaa....we actually ended up taking 490 photos - these are some of my faves. The large one is my utter favourite.

72/365/2013

72/365/2013 by sally_re
72/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
So today I was getting my headshots done for my new agent. My hair looked flat and boring as usual so I decided to have a blow dry - felt very decadent. I idiotically didn't ask the price before hand - £40!!! But it was worth it.....

71/365/2013

71/365/2013 by sally_re
71/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Toby woke the entire house up at 5.30am and refused to go back to sleep. I was so furious I couldn't get back to sleep either. This was the only thing that got me through today. And, as clogsilk pointed out, it was national no smoking day. #fail

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

70/365/2013

70/365/2013 by sally_re
70/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It may be zero degrees outside...but my two still want to bounce.....

69/365/2013

69/365/2013 by sally_re
69/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Another Monday...another appointment at the Kaleidoscpe. This one was interesting though - we're starting the Listening Programme with Oscar - he listens to his CD twice a day for 20 minutes at a time, and it's supposed to programme his brain and help him concentrate. He actually really enjoys it - I thought it would be a battle....so let's see how it works....

68/365/2013

68/365/2013 by sally_re
68/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My first mother's day where BOTH boys could write me a card. To translate, Toby on the left said he wouldn't trade me for custard and I give him <3 and hugs....you can read Oscars (his handwriting is so improved!)

67/365/2013

67/365/2013 by sally_re
67/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This week just got better and better. My lovely Mum treated me to £95 stalls seats to see Chorus Line with her. I've always wanted to see it on stage (I loved the film even though it's slated) and I loved loved loved it. Also...the actress who plays Val has the same agent as me!

66/365/2013

66/365/2013 by sally_re
66/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Ha! I found out this morning! They like me! They really like me (to quote another Sally). I've signed with RKA and am very optimistic and excited about kickstarting my acting career!

65/365/2013

65/365/2013 by sally_re
65/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
BIG day today. I had an interview with a new acting agent. I've been with the same agent for over 10 years and haven't had an audition for over 12 months. So I very nervously went to meet Robert Kelly Associates today who are amazing and who I REALLY want to sign with - if they'll have me. I should find out by Monday....

64/365/2013

64/365/2013 by sally_re
64/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This is my lovely chum Julie who runs JD Boutique - it's a pop up shop/stylist service and she's hiring me (!) to help her with social media....

63/365/2013

63/365/2013 by sally_re
63/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It's a filler. About the most exciting thing I did today is have a hot bath - this is a bowl made by my friend Anja Llubach - I've used it for PAD before because it's amazing. I put candles inside it....

Monday, March 04, 2013

62/365/2013

62/365/2013 by sally_re
62/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Another appointment at the Kaleidoscope. I seem to live there at the moment - it's the downside of having 2 boys with ADHD......today was a hearing test. Oz passed so his sensitivity to noise isn't anything physical. I kind of knew that....but we have to jump through each hoop and tick each box before we move forward....

61/365/2013

61/365/2013 by sally_re
61/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My lovely Mum got me a ticket to see "No Pressure To Be Funny" at the Soho Theatre - it's hosted by James O'Brien, one of my favourite LBC presenters. However it really wasn't funny, was too political for me and so I left in the interval.

60/365/2013

60/365/2013 by sally_re
60/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Do I need to describe this? All the male members of my family have unfeasibly long tongues. Oscar is often sticking his up his nose. It's grim.

59/365/2013

59/365/2013 by sally_re
59/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Rob was out tonight so I put Toby to bed. He read the entire "Little Engine That Could" story to me - and it's quite long. Partly memorised but mainly read. I was utterly proud of my little reader...he's growing up!

58/365/2013

58/365/2013 by sally_re
58/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Catford Tavern. Utter bliss after a truly stressful day....

56/365/2013

56/365/2013 by sally_re
56/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I've finally binned the last plastic Ikea knife and fork from the house. The boys are big enough for proper cutlery now and the plastic stuff annoys the crap out of me.

Monday, February 25, 2013

55/365/2013

55/365/2013 by sally_re
55/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I love this gorilla statue in Crystal Palace Park. I have so many pictures of it - pictures of me and my sister as kids...pictures of the boys at various ages sitting between his arms. This, however, is the first one I have taken of it's arse. Rob and Toby found it most hilarious...

54/365/2013

54/365/2013 by sally_re
54/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I have never noticed how funny Moorhen's feet are. Almost feathery....

53/365/2013

53/365/2013 by sally_re
53/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My little drummer boy - love his concentrated face!

52/365/2013

52/365/2013 by sally_re
52/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Broccoli goes well with sp'getti and meatballs

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

51/365/2013

51/365/2013 by sally_re
51/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Toby and I went up to Brick Lane for a beigel run - and he loved this graffiti - he wanted to be one of the "lost boys"

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

50/365/2013

50/365/2013 by sally_re
50/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Fossil hunting at Ladywell Fields

49/365/2013

49/365/2013 by sally_re
49/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Wheeeeee

48/365/2013

48/365/2013 by sally_re
48/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I've spent today in bed with tissues and cold remedy. Cold number 2 this month. Just finished the last one and got hit with this. I'm NEVER ill but feel like utter crap today.

46/365/2013

46/365/2013 by sally_re
46/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Took Toby to see Wreck It Ralph. He loved this cardboard cutout

46/365/2013

46/365/2013 by sally_re
46/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I'm very proud of this photo. I did take it yesterday so I'm cheating bit I love it. Love the composition. I took a lot of pics of this fabulous bubble blower but the child with the hat just wandered into this shot. Very magical.

45/365/2013

45/365/2013 by sally_re
45/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Bert cooked. An epic culinary undertaking (courtesy of M&S ). He never cooks. And he chose my fave - rack of lamb - which he hated. But did it for me. Our 22nd valentines day as a couple. Very lovely.

44/365/2013

44/365/2013 by sally_re
44/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
School cake sale. Raspberry and white choc cupcakes and choc chip cookies. Yay me (with some help from the boys)

43/365/2013

43/365/2013 by sally_re
43/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Pancake!

42/365/2013

42/365/2013 by sally_re
42/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Toby was chosen to paint a self portrait which is hung with others in the school reception. I'm very proud. He said he had 'proper ginger hair and loads of freckles all over the place' It's on canvas and I hope I get to take it home eventually!

41/365/2013

41/365/2013 by sally_re
41/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
And here is just a sample if the haul I got! The blue dress seems most popular on Fbook. I love it all.

40/365/2013

40/365/2013 by sally_re
40/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I was lucky enough to be invited to a Fatshion clothes swap with some of my favourite fat bloggers. It's utterly brilliant. You bring stuff and you swap it. Everyone gets new clothes for free! And I get to hang with some amazing fatties whose style I admire. Then get to take home their clothes! Bliss.

39/365/2013

39/365/2013 by sally_re
39/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
For once I had multiple options for today's pic - Toby got pushed into a wall at school and currently looks like a Klingon - huge swelling between his eyebrows. He also got a certificate at school which I'm proud of. And I cooked a mean mac'n'cheese which I have a pic of. But I'm sticking with my original idea. I sang songs about food today in class. And couldn't get 5 currant buns in a bakery's shop out of my head. Had to visit one with my 'penny' on the way home. And get one for clogsilk.

38/365/2013

38/365/2013 by sally_re
38/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A Costa! In Catford! And next to my favourite restaurant! Cool! Ok so we are fucked when it comes to emergency services but we can eat and drink well.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

37/365/2013

37/365/2013 by sally_re
37/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
One thing the Tobester WILL eat is meatballs. Even if he dunks them in his hot chocolate....which he did this evening. Yuk. Oscar insisted I take a close-up.....

36/365/2013

36/365/2013 by sally_re
36/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Do you see what I did there? Tee hee. Jamie Oliver's Squash Pancetta Bake. Hoping to tempt Toby to try something new. It didn't work. But everyone else liked it.

35/365/2013

35/365/2013 by sally_re
35/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Just got out of the bath.

Sunday, February 03, 2013

34/365/2013

34/365/2013 by sally_re
34/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A bit of a cheat since this was taken last night but we didn't get home till after midnight so I'm allowing it for today. A lovely meal with my husband - a rarity - we hardly ever go out together. And a curry is even rarer - I hate spicy food but there's one restaurant we can go to - Royal Gurkha in Bromley Road. They serve the best Chicken Mewa Masala and it isn't spicy at all. It was a great meal after a great choir gig at the Tigers Head. And nice to see my old man so jolly (the 4 pints of beer helped)

33/365/2013

33/365/2013 by sally_re
33/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It was James' 6th Birthday party on Saturday at the chaos that was Gambado at the weekend. Utterly bonkers. However I loved it for two reasons - cos Clare had supplied cake for the grownups....and cos Anne let me have a good ranty chat about stuff which I really needed (even in mad surroundings). This weekend I have been very grateful for my friends.

32/365/2013

32/365/2013 by sally_re
32/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A lovely evening with a gang of friends I originally met 8 years ago at a post-natal GP group. We've stuck together more than any other pre or post natal gang of mums I had (and I had a few). These women are precious and priceless and although we don't see eachother enough (and there were a couple missing tonight), will always be there for each other. I know it.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

31/365//2013

31/365//2013 by sally_re
31/365//2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A sad sad day for Lewisham. Not unexpected. But deeply horrible.

30/365/2013

30/365/2013 by sally_re
30/365/2013, a photo by sally_re on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A bit uninspired today....and my conch shell took my eye. And then I fiddled with it on ribbet to give it a bokeh-ish look. I love this shell. We went on holiday to Antigua before kids and went out on a boat trip. The boatmaster was catching conch and taking out the flesh for lunch, then giving all the pretty skinny gals in their bikinis the shells, to try and flirt. Needless to say I wasn't offered one. So I asked for one and he grudgingly gave it to me!