tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38725572011-04-22T01:17:47.810ZSmat's worldSmathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-64461823777522458152007-10-15T12:53:00.000Z2007-10-15T12:54:46.430Z

I've had to delete the address for Bubbles and wipe the history on both computers as no-one was doing anything other than playing it, or watching someone else playing it. So it doesn't exist any more.Now to delete the TV......

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-11447155786294901282007-10-12T14:27:00.000Z2007-10-15T12:53:09.325Z

I discoved **** game a few years back, but lost the link. The yesterday I was googling, and it reappeared. Consequently today the Baby Smats have been engaged in lots of "independent learning" and "co-operative play" as I've been sucked back in back in to "just one more go".Oh dear.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-55632711414129508632007-10-01T14:17:00.000Z2007-10-01T14:25:33.010Z

I wanted to buy some tights today for Eldest Baby Smat. They're for school, so have to be black. She's not especially careful, so they need to be at least 40 denier to minimise laddering. They need to be either ladies small, or childrens age 13-14.So, off we go to Bluewater to the flagship M&S store. Big shop, rubbish weather, plenty of tights, yes? Well, actually no. Children's department have

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-46910061091688764932007-09-30T09:57:00.000Z2007-09-30T10:20:40.663Z

I've just taken on two new clients (well, both old clients really) for book-keeping and general financial stuff, as my wishlist of things I want has got longer and more expensive. But, one client needs six months of work done in one month (that would be November) and if Gordon listens to David then I'll have a night of weighing the Tory vote as well. So a 4am finish on the day of a general

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-3237846169183333902007-08-29T15:36:00.000Z2007-08-29T15:41:12.715Z

In order to support EBS through her Media Studies GCSE In One Year course (for which she had to read Pride and Prejudice during the holidays), I have forced myself to endure six hours of Colin Firth* in breeches and boots, and this evening I have another two hours doing a "compare and contrast" excercise with the Matthew MacFadyen film version.Life is hard. * "Who's Colin Firth? Is he one of

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-44763460482677259922007-08-20T09:24:00.000Z2007-08-20T09:29:03.522Z

EBS made a rather yummy cake yesterday, and I couldn't have any of it because I'm back on the Cambridge Diet again in an attempt to fit into the few items of clothing I have left due to my over-enthusiastic purging of non-essentials. There are three slices left, and three of us in the house.What a dilemma.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-12235767166268334002007-08-16T22:29:00.000Z2007-08-20T09:23:55.298Z

oh my word, why is it so hard to get a new job? Mr Smat is apparently over qualified and over experienced for the particular jobs he's been in discussions about. So it would seem I'm not about to to be moving to Australia. Which is probably just as well, as I don't do sun. Or heat. Or suncream. (have been busy painting though, in case we need to put the house up for sale)In other news, Very

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-32593352733438051222007-07-04T11:31:00.000Z2007-07-04T11:33:42.486Z

..but Other Very Important Man wants a chat next week at 7am - now who would be working at 7 in the morning, hmm? Do you know what it is yet folks?

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-14826691959279884512007-06-25T13:16:00.000Z2007-06-25T17:48:53.224Z

I don't *do* waiting. I do do making lists, endless web-based research, and discovering of new discussion boards.Grr. Stop messing about, Mr Very Important Man, and let us know.update: should know more by the end of the week, so yipee, several more days for in-depth internet trawling.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-6777999129098933312007-06-21T14:12:00.000Z2007-06-21T14:14:28.200Z

it's all very hush hush at the moment as Mr Smat is currently in talks with a Very Important Person re his career, and it's looking likely that there will be big life-altering changes.More soon.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1172784508412297072007-03-01T20:46:00.000Z2007-03-01T21:28:28.426Z

Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? Patroclus had me as "resting" for a while, and now I don't exist on her blogroll any more . But Stef the Engineer has added me to his as I'm a "prolific commentator" apparently so cheers Stef! And if I work out this technology business, I might add you to my own (currently non-existent) blogroll.Anyway, Things Which Have Been Annoying Me recently:1. the

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1151268236224033432006-06-25T20:26:00.000Z2006-06-25T20:43:56.236Z

Politicians, right, they just go off and do whatever (and whoever) they like, while lying to the voting public. We know this, we're (presumably) happy with it as no-one gets up off their bum and starts their own political party*, we just trot along confidently assuming that the blanking blanks are blanking lying to us on a permanent basis. And they're pretty good at it really, otherwise Private

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1150797461344793692006-06-20T09:38:00.000Z2006-06-20T09:57:41.370Z

Now I'm £98.11 up (providing the cheque clears). Amazing what the threat of legal action does to a company, isn't it?Decking now nearly finished (I know, it's been going on a long time, but nearly there now), and i just need to decide what I want to do round the edges so that the Baby Smats don't fall off and break their necks while scooting down the drive, around the corner, up the slope onto

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1149158387490088332006-06-01T10:25:00.000Z2006-06-06T08:17:35.926Z

Now that everyone seems to have recovered from their crises (Patroclus excepted), it's probably time for Smat the Unfashionable to join in.I'm tired. I know it doesn't sound much, but I'm permanantly drained. I take on too many responsibilities (with the best of motives) then pick up lots of the dross that other people don't want to do, but needs to be done if whatever it is, is going to function

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1146671876586246452006-05-03T15:42:00.000Z2006-05-03T15:57:56.596Z

The ones who stand on the touchline screaming at their kids to blitz the opposition? We still (morally*) beat them though. So Ha! to the opposition.Rugby Tour was great, with much drinking by Mr Smat who got a pass out two nights in succession without me realising it until we were back at home. Hmm, not sure what went wrong there. Middle Baby Smat played some great rugby, and is looking forward

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1145137904682480452006-04-15T21:45:00.000Z2006-04-15T21:51:44.693Z

which means the whole decking project is SERIOUSLY behind schedule. But so far we've managed to:1. build nearly a whole quarter of the oustide edge of the framework.2. do all the ironing.3. build some "workshop-type stuff" in the garage.4. sell the old car for £20 (they were robbed - the most valuable thing in that car was the tax disc, which I've sent off for a refund. And the quarter a tank of

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1144940971995191862006-04-13T14:59:00.000Z2006-05-03T16:15:37.303Z

1. Accept and take payment for a large quantity of timber.2. Turn up to deliver it on the first of the two days you suggest.All going well so far, isn't it?But then:3. Send a total moron to deliver the timber.4. Make him park his very heavy truck on a manhole cover on the customers drive.5. After unloading the timber, make him reverse off the drive.6. When the manhole cover cracks into pieces and

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1143929232364082662006-04-01T21:57:00.000Z2006-04-02T11:17:56.853Z

My brain hurts. The decisions I've got to make over the next few weeks are as follows:1. Do we take Middle Baby Smat out of school for the next three years, or not.2. Which car do I buy - the one with leather seats and sat-nav, or the other one which has a smiling face at the front?3. How do I decide which cushions go with the new sofa and armchairs?4. Can I be bothered to get back on the diet

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1143445325366549032006-03-27T07:25:00.000Z2006-03-29T07:34:03.876Z

Half way through the jury service now, and although the process is pretty interesting, the reality is that there's hours upon hours of hanging around, even if you do get a case to hear. One group of people sat around for nearly the whole two weeks before they had anything to do, and you don't see that on the telly.So, my case then. Indecent assault/touching of a sexual nature (depending on which

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1142594056013481462006-03-17T11:00:00.000Z2006-03-17T11:14:16.023Z

As I am apparently a Responsible Citizen, I've been called for jury service, starting on Monday, for two weeks. I'm looking forward to it actually and have been doing my research (several episodes of Judge John Deed, some John Grisham, that kind of thing) so I'm all prepared. I need to be on the lookout for being bribed, seduced, and having my background checked out in minute detail. There will

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1140527561595743042006-02-21T12:59:00.000Z2006-02-21T13:12:41.606Z

(admittedly that's "cool" as defined by the Telegraph, but hey, what's a right wing style supplement between friends).Anyway, there are people out there who have only just realised that working at a Job is a load of hassle, and being at home with the kids is much better. More fun and more relaxed apparently. All we do as Stay at Home mums is feed ducks at the park you see, and cook nutritious

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1140304653325936972006-02-18T23:11:00.000Z2006-02-18T23:17:33.336Z

... just been busy pondering Hugely Difficult Decisions re the Education of the Baby Smats, with particular reference to home education which is likely to prove a touch controversial as Mr Smat is a school governor and therefore should be supportive of the school.Hmmm...

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1139268923289368782006-02-06T23:28:00.000Z2006-02-07T07:58:12.513Z

following on from Surly Girl's musing, Littlest Baby Smat would like, when she is a grown up, to be a Tooth Fairy. Ahhhhhh.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1138997881717411092006-02-03T20:13:00.000Z2006-02-03T20:18:01.726Z

Thanks Stef and Urban Chick for finding this.You too can get a word cloud.Go on, you know you want to.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1138283858182116992006-01-26T13:47:00.000Z2006-01-26T13:57:38.183Z

It was fine, the after-school stuff. It all fitted in nicely, and no-one was left waiting in a deserted playground in the rain (very often, anyway). Then orchestra changed from a Tuesday to a Thursday. And the music group is also on a Thursday. Which meant dropping Brownies (and hearing Brown Owl say a rude word when I told her I couldn't help any more). And now only SBS is able to have tea at

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1137582795460499092006-01-18T11:11:00.000Z2006-01-18T11:13:15.470Z

No, I'm not going to let the digestives beat me because I am the adult in the relationship, and they are going to stay in the biscuit box where they can taunt me as much as they like. I don't care because I am going to be a size 12 whether they like it or not. Hah!

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1137444192343339212006-01-16T20:28:00.000Z2006-01-16T20:44:56.920Z

Following last week's spurt of cleaning enthusiasm, I've reverted to normal, and am researching Home Organisation websites. And what a fascinating place it is too.There's Flylady who advocates "Loving Yourself"*, making your sink all shiney, and ALWAYS wearing shoes. She sends you out a mixture of bossy emails and "inspiring" testimonials**.There's Organized Home and it's sister site Organized

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1136759690055575622006-01-08T22:18:00.000Z2006-01-09T11:23:53.453Z

1. Sorted out my food kitchen cupboards and thrown out everything which was "Use by 2004".2. Sorted out the vegetable trolley thing, and thrown out everything which was moving.3. Matched up the plastic storage boxes with their lids.4. Made three lots of soup (one for lunch, two for the freezer). I didn't have any.5. Cooked a Proper Roast Chicken (with all the trimmings). I didn't have any.6. Done

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1136285216193904812006-01-03T10:22:00.000Z2006-01-03T10:46:56.206Z

Back now from the Far North (no snow whatsoever so rather disappointing, very nice Christmas dinner*, and Mr Smat Senior who had pneumonia pre-Christmas and then blood clots in both lungs post-Christmas is recovering nicely) ready to face the challenges of Getting Everyone Back To School. Bit of a slow run-in though as one went back today, one goes tomorrow and the third goes back next week

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1134673987004363302005-12-15T18:58:00.000Z2005-12-15T19:13:07.016Z

ooh, I'm so excited! The New Computer arrived yesterday (and even though 3.30 pm is most definately not a morning delivery, I don't care). I have a cordless mouse and keyboard, a flat screen monitor (thereby freeing up acres of space on the desktop) and the latest version of **Office** which I know I shouldn't get excited about because I should be using something better via Open Source, but hey,

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1133537500573275182005-12-02T15:21:00.000Z2006-01-03T17:27:11.886Z

Two of the three Baby Smats are doing various dance exams (group Tarantella* and tap for BBS; Grade 1 ballet, tap, modern, and rock and roll for MBS) tomorrow, so I will be spending lots of time sitting in the upstairs changing room trying to work out which shoes are needed next. Yes, each exam needs a different pair of shoes, and they grow out of them at the same speed as they grow out of school

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1133352660969227292005-11-30T12:00:00.000Z2005-11-30T12:11:00.980Z

This year I swore I was going to be Organised and have the little parcels which go into the Baby Smats' Advent calenders ready before 11pm on the 30th November, as it gets too stressful trying to wrap fiddly things in Santa'a Special Wrapping Paper (which obviously is totally different to Mummy's wrapping paper) after a couple of glasses of wine. And I am. (organised that it, not on the outside

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1133211791883254962005-11-28T21:30:00.000Z2005-11-28T21:03:11.883Z

This week I am mostly:1. Batch cooking for the whole of December and part of January.2. Knitting approximately 3.5 miles of scarves as Christmas presents.3. Decorating my new Christmas tree, which replaces the (now rather tatty) 14 year-old one. Which is rather sad as the old Christmas tree is almost as old as my relationship with Mr Smat. Fortunately that's not quite as tatty, due to my

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1133211498590652072005-11-27T12:34:00.000Z2005-11-28T20:58:18.600Z

Am recovering from Friday night's hangover caused by drinking 6 times my current alcohol allowance. By mistake. Oops.Curry was nice though.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1132847570344141822005-11-24T15:41:00.000Z2005-11-24T15:52:50.353Z

Middle Baby Smat is off school today (vomiting at 6am - not the best way to wake up), but as I'm an Evil Mother I dragged her off to Tunbridge Wells this morning (to buy milkshake powder and new phones). Unfortunately as I was trying to negotiate my way to Sainsburys (loo break before being weighed) MBS decided that she needed to be sick NOW! So she jumped out of the car and threw up beside some

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1132233344176298032005-11-17T13:12:00.000Z2005-11-17T13:15:44.186Z

First 'proper' weigh-in today with Anastacia, and guess what - I've lost weight! Not surprising on the 415 calories a day I'm consuming (it's not even the 500 I originally thought), but10 lbs in 10 is pretty impressive really.So, 10 lbs gone this week, what's next week's target?

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1132063874771288842005-11-15T14:06:00.000Z2005-11-15T14:11:14.783Z

Mr Smat didn't get the job after all, so I can stop hunting for a flat in Portsmouth area and mentally furnishing it. And spending the payrise. Now I've got to work out how to pay the school fees, preferably without getting a job myself. Or at the very worst, find one which is 10-12 term times only, which doesn't involve Other People's Children. I can see me ending up as a classroom assistant or

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1131898700082894022005-11-13T16:13:00.000Z2005-11-13T16:18:20.096Z

I dragged Mr Smat out on the town last night as my early birthday treat, and it was fantastic! There was drinking and smoking, straight sex, gay sex, group sex, incest, murder, pimping and prostitution, stripping, black leather - yes, we were at the ballet. And not a pair of tights in sight (to Mr Smat's relief).

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1131448287699836722005-11-08T11:04:00.000Z2005-11-08T11:11:27.710Z

I've just got off the phone to my new best friend Anastasia who is going to make me thin. I'm starting the Cambridge Diet on Thursday (or maybe Friday, depending what happens with Mr Smat's job interview) which involves eating no food whatsoever for at least six weeks. Instead you have 500 calories worth of milkshake-type drinks each day, and oddly enough, the weight just drops off. So by

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1131405377481005102005-11-07T23:05:00.000Z2005-11-07T23:16:17.490Z

A book has appeared in my bookshelves. Not an odd occurence - Amazon frequently delivers Avoiding the Children By Hiding in the Bathroom parcels - but this one has me flummoxed, which is not something which happens often.The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is very interesting, but I have no idea how I come to have it in my possession. I haven't bought it, nor has Mr Smat (it being a

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1131109270762734692005-11-04T12:53:00.000Z2005-11-04T13:15:10.083Z

Finally at the fourth attempt, Littlest Baby Smat managed to stay awake for last night's Fireworks Display at school. She wasn't overly impressed though - too loud, not enough "Tinkerbell sparkles" (whatever they may be), and she broke her neon necklace on the way home. I was relieved not to have to lug a sleeping child back to the car (approximately 17 miles up a muddy hilly road as the parking

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1130710707691112322005-10-30T22:10:00.000Z2005-10-30T22:18:27.700Z

Mr and Mrs Smat Senior return home on Tuesday, leaving me with a new bathroom (mostly finished), a new power shower (which if you press the "Eco" button switches ON the pump??), some new thoughts on the future educational needs of the Baby Smats (need Mr Smat to get the job he's on a second interview next Thursday for, in order to pay school fees), a mountain of paperwork (sitting on the

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1129720763240285222005-10-19T12:12:00.000Z2005-10-19T11:19:45.083Z

DD1 would like to be an archaeologist when she's older, so we sat down last night to watch a documentary about the tomb of King Midas. It was on at 8 o'clock, so I thought that even for Channel 5 it would be 'suitable'. But no."Mummy, what's prostitution?""What's a brothel?""What's infanticide?"The programme wasn't about King Midas as billed; it was actually about the murdered bodies of over a

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1129411691413952442005-10-15T22:32:00.000Z2005-10-16T18:27:19.113Z

Well, it's almost ready - most of the walls have had their second coat of paint (don't have woodchip wallpaper ever - it's a b*gger to deal with); some patches of floorboards still need varnishing; I haven't had time to track down any curtain fabiric which looks like an old T-shirt belonging to DD1 which is my inspiration for the entire redecoration project; but the bed now has a new mattress)

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1129208416562057112005-10-13T14:01:00.000Z2005-10-13T13:00:16.566Z

Thanks surly girl - does this mean I have proper blogging friends then? Woohoo.OK, here goes:1. I can't spell tommorrow, and have never been able to.2. I worry that people don't like me.3. I invented a professor in my History A level exam.4. I have two and a half A levels (see no 3).5. A long time ago I abandoned Patroclus to drown in a ditch. She survived (fortunately).6. I've always wanted

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1128974459648412742005-10-10T20:49:00.000Z2005-10-10T20:00:59.653Z

We like bars of soap in the House of Smat. The Baby Smats like leaving them in containers of water in the bathroom so that they dissolve slowly - I like to think it's because they're all budding scientists and it's some kind of high-level experiment, but sadly I fear it's can't-be-bothered-to-put-the-soap-back-in-its-proper-place-like-Mummy-nags-us-to-ness). Mr Smat is ambivalent, but I prefer a

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1128850205665696222005-10-09T10:13:00.000Z2005-10-09T09:30:05.996Z

albeit briefly. Yesterday was Verity's National Conference and AGM, and in my role as Treasurer, I had to stand up and present the accounts to the members. Fortunately Mr Smat had prepared my powerpoint slides, so all I had to do was read them out. Even more fortunately the woman who noticed that the figures in the Annual Report were £20 different to the actual accounts didn't mention this during

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1128365980694616772005-10-03T19:49:00.000Z2005-10-09T09:31:09.520Z

I love Mondays because it means everyone has gone back to work and school, and I get a nice quiet peaceful house all to myself for a couple of hours. That's been very important today as the weekend was very busy indeed. Not content with the triple ballet run on Saturday and rugby on Sunday morning, we decided to redecorate our bedroom. So I'm now reduced to sleeping on the study floor until I can

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1127905217301179492005-09-28T10:56:00.000Z2005-09-28T11:00:17.306Z

1 (one one)11 (two ones)21 (one two, one one)1211 (one one, one two, two ones)111221 (three ones, two twos, one one)312211 (one three, one one, two twos, two ones)13112221 and so on.Sorry - it amused me for a little while!

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1127749747898563992005-09-26T16:45:00.000Z2005-09-26T15:49:07.903Z

Now that I know the answer, I think this is really clever. See what you think. (apologies for stealing it from elsewhere).What's next in the sequence?1, 11, 21, 1211, 111221, 312211, 13112221, 1113213211, .......

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1127472127567075522005-09-23T11:29:00.000Z2005-09-26T10:03:55.106Z

This week I've bought a digital piano with which to amuse myself - it's been 20 years since I had paino lessons, but surprisingly I'm not as bad as I was expecting. Co-incidentally it's been 20 years or so since I last sang anything more challenging than Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and carols at Christmas, so it's been really nice to have joined a choral singing group.Which is something that

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1127307761957861482005-09-21T14:02:00.000Z2005-09-21T13:02:41.963Z

oh dear. Last night I was told off for not informing DD2's teacher via her reading book that she had read all the books in the reading level she had been assigned to, and was bored. In my defence, it would have been very difficult to have done that since they haven't heard DD2 read this term yet, and therefore have no idea how she may have improved (or not) over the holidays.That was bad enough,

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1126899030368452202005-09-16T20:27:00.000Z2005-09-16T19:30:30.376Z

turns out that the Birthday BBQ was more of a success than I originally thought - one of DD1's friends is having her own Birthday BBQ next weekend as our one was "so much fun".You heard it here first - the best parties involve jelly, doughnuts, and Smat explaining the rules of "Passing the Balloon Over and Under" several million times until they FINALLY sink in. Good practice for Brownies next

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1126788545019109202005-09-15T13:42:00.000Z2005-09-15T12:49:05.023Z

We went to the supermarket this morning to do some shopping. Noticed the ambulance outside, blue lights flashing and so on. Inside some aisles blocked off while the paramedics tried to revive collapsed person. Fair enough. But why couldn't the assisstant "guarding" the end of the milk aisle pass me 2 litres of skimmed milk? I had no intention of joining in the heart massage etc (only being

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1126716066496421322005-09-14T17:41:00.000Z2005-09-14T16:41:06.503Z

Created a bit of a fuss today at swimming. I asked the instructor why, if DD3 wasn't allowed to move up a class until she was 4, the instructor of the new class had invited two children who weren't even 3 to move up. Not that I was actually fussed especially since DD3 will swim better where she is, but it's the principle. So then I get a phone call from the new instructor saying they'd like to

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1126526744714235962005-09-12T13:05:00.000Z2005-09-12T12:05:44.720Z

Full recovery mode today after yesterday's party (imagine 11 over-excited 12 year olds, some party games involving jelly and doughnuts, and a trampoline) - still looking at the mess outside of spilled jelly and sparkly sequins but have no enthusiasm for clearing up. Fortunately they were all collected on time (think the parents felt sorry for me after a three-hour long party), so I was able to

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1126109759376096512005-09-07T17:16:00.000Z2005-09-07T19:58:47.546Z

Ha, that got your attention! Sadly the two are not linked in any way (sorry A, I know how keen you are on clingfilm-related items).The problem of Next Door's Rabbit has now been solved - we took it back and shut it in its hutch, whereupon the other Next Door's Rabbit threw a hissy fit and chased it round and round for several hours till they both gave it up as a bad job, and decided to live

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1125954143930778762005-09-05T22:02:00.000Z2005-09-07T19:59:24.856Z

DD1 and I did the Womens Challenge 5K "fun run" yesterday in the blazing sunshine. As we walked, we're very proud of our 57 minute time (you try walking 5 kilometers in much less, accompanied by 21,998 other people getting in your way). Great amusement caused by the Walk the Walk women in their bras:"Everywhere we go (everywhere we go)People always ask us (people always ask us)Who we are (who we

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1125222801258656372005-08-28T09:44:00.000Z2005-09-07T20:00:18.450Z

Back from our mini caravanning trip to deepest Hertfordshire. Very nice time thank you as it only rained twice (both times torrential however, and one with hailstones while shouting excitedly at wild animals in Whipsnade) so no need for loo trips with wellies on. Eight loads of washing and ironing await.One not so good outcome from my break from the internet is that I had plenty of time for some

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1123358905739064572005-08-06T21:05:00.000Z2005-09-07T20:01:20.450Z

Currently mother to two more 'babies' (three if you count Next-Door's rabbit, of which more later). Emma was really sweet, if a touch frog-like, but cleaned her teeth every night. Now she's gone but has left behind Jack, who should really be in bed by now. Ollie has lots of baths (good sign for a boy), but we don't know yet the sex of his offspring.Yes, the Baby Smats have acquired Tamagotchis,

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1121691776643859262005-07-18T12:56:00.000Z2005-09-07T20:02:05.226Z

B and I were going to jog slowly at the back holding hands ("It's the taking part that counts") but she sprinted off, leaving me to trail in last. But PC gave me her I'm a Sports Star sticker so that's OK.Survived Brownie Sleepover (tip: feed them constantly), survived scary meeting, and finished Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince before anyone else, so all in all, a successful weekend.Still

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1121371230152117232005-07-14T19:47:00.000Z2005-07-14T20:00:30.156Z

I've had my knuckles rapped because there hasn't been any gossip on here, but that's becasue there hasn't been much gossip to report. I haven't heard of anyone doing anything scandalous (or even remotely interesting) for ages now, so I might just have to start making it all up.But before that, I have two stressful things to do:1. High level meeting with top medical consultants where I have to

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1121347026611989982005-07-14T13:12:00.000Z2005-07-14T13:17:06.616Z

not just a fantastic Cure track, but how I'm feeling at the moment. For the second day running it's 35 degrees in the garden, and I'm suffering. As is DD3 who complained earlier about her face being "soggy" and would I sort it out please? Minor complaint though compared to the bumped bottom she got when she fell off the trampoline - yes I did read the instructions which said "Not suitable for

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1120481909546896762005-07-04T12:52:00.000Z2005-07-04T19:23:33.456Z

I've finished the Management assignment, and haven't booked up any more courses, so it looks like I am no longer a student. What can I do with myself now? (apart from the cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, redecorating and dealing with the piles of paperwork I've managed to avoid up till now). But I'm a nearly third of the way through my degree (95 points out of the 360 I need), so there's

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1120338153400023942005-07-02T20:55:00.000Z2005-07-02T21:02:33.406Z

Can't stand them, especially when the directions signs are as useless as the ones in Milton Keyes. (incidentally - Milton Keynes - what's the point? Every time I've been there, it's been a disaster. Went to buy a dress in 1988, shops didn't have it in stock, had to get a bus to London - huge adventure for Little Smat From The Sticks; went to see The Doors at the cinema circa 1991, spent second

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1119868321024678962005-06-27T10:26:00.000Z2005-06-27T10:32:01.030Z

Spending too much time at the school - as well as lollipopping on Friday (good day to do it as not many children or cars), we spent most of the day cleaning classrooms on Saturday in preparation for a visit from (scary voice of doom) The OFSTED Inspectors this week. Fortunately they're not getting to see my invaluable help with recorder lessons ("left hand goes at the top, remember, and make sure

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1119558123860726752005-06-23T20:13:00.000Z2005-06-23T20:29:33.750Z

back to blogging again thanks to http://www.quinquireme.com - ooh, blogger's gone weird, surely I can put a different name to the link? Perhaps I'll have to dust down my html skills and see if I can brave the techy stuff..... back in a mo............OK, lets start again.back to blogging again thanks to patroclus now that we've finally caught up. Life has been pretty hectic in the House of Smat as

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1097757748394434412004-10-14T13:34:00.000Z2004-10-14T12:42:28.393Z

Just had an 'interesting' conversation with the Inland Revenue (and no, I'm not doing a link to them because they are inefficient and irritating). IR chap: "We can't accept this form because it's a photocopy" Smat: "Oh" IR chap: "Have you sent us the original?" Smat: "Yes, you had that some time ago. This is a copy of the original." IR chap: "That's OK then, I can accept it. Thanks for your time

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-1096905789232326442004-10-04T17:03:00.000Z2004-10-04T16:03:09.233Z

Finally I have managed to finish my Maths course - I wouldn't have minded doing the Maths itself, it was just the 'discuss what you've learnt' stuff which has been driving me up the wall. However, no more OU stuff until May when I start a Certificate in Management. So that gives me seven months to discover what the children look like now. Girly night out on Friday evening - not much scandalous

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-945458102003-05-18T19:32:00.000Z2003-05-18T19:56:52.000Z

Things have been busy busy busy in the house of Smat. Another assignment (79% this time, thanks for asking), lots of intrigue and political scheming in the playground (is a day trip to the National Gallery suitable for 5 year olds with the current terrorist threat - discuss) and recovery from a monumental hangover (yes it was six weeks ago, but it was a very good hangover). I'm currently debating

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-918605942003-04-02T19:17:00.000Z2003-04-02T19:18:27.000Z

smat.biz is delighted to report that the computer which has been very ill indeed for the past two and a half years has now been returned to (almost) full health thanks to Grant the Computer God and DH working out which hole to plug stuff in (and no, I'm going to resist the urge to make a smutty joke here because I am a grown-up, and we don't do that sort of thing). The Tatsfield Temperance

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-916600322003-03-30T19:07:00.000Z2003-03-30T19:07:57.780Z

Back from international duty now - yesterday's daytrip to Cardiff was quite exhausting all round - not only did I have to get a train at twenty past seven in the morning, I had to maintain my image as efficient treasurer type person for an entire day because I was travelling there and back with the Deputy Chair (who fortunately is not in the least bit scary). So, after a quick stop for coffee in

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-915370782003-03-28T09:45:00.000Z2003-03-28T09:45:34.373Z

Smat has been a very clever girl recently, not only have I been losing weight quite successfully (14lbs so far), I also got 84% in my first proper Open University assignment - I now know lots about Microsoft and Bill Gates and techy stuff like that. One assignment down, three more to go.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-892629162003-02-17T21:53:00.000Z2003-02-21T10:20:16.000Z

Well, DH claimed that since I asked for flowers online, all I deserved were virtual flowers, which arrived (somewhat belatedly) today, but they did come with some virtual chocolates, which was nice. Bless him, he does try. Still, REAL FLOWERS WOULD BE NICE! I painted my kitchen yesterday - a lovely bright and cheerful yellow. Thie children love it, but DH says it reminds him of the Only Fools and

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-889295582003-02-11T20:26:00.000Z2003-02-17T21:56:23.000Z

I'm getting very tardy at this blogging lark aren't I? In my defence I have been INCREDIBLY busy what with Verity, my Open University computer course which has just started, sick children and the cricket world cup. But, we have managed to develop the Thin Scary Blonde concept (you remember the thing about the Thin Scary Blondes who are all very well put together, and hang around in groups

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-880901162003-01-27T10:40:00.000Z2003-01-27T10:56:01.000Z

DH is slowly recovering from Saturday's 'excesses' at the rugby - he claimed to have only had 3 and a half pints (this was half way through his sixth by our more sober counting - accountants eh?), because by some weird logic, if they taste awful, it doesn't count as alcohol units? B. and I tried to adapt that to our new WeightWatchers diet, so that the fact we had to rush our cheeseburgers and

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-877211242003-01-20T10:06:00.000Z2003-01-21T10:19:59.000Z

OMG it's days and days since I last posted! What has been happening then? Spent all day Saturday doing a first aid course, failing to blow up the resuscitation dolly's chest, but my bandaging was spectacular. The best bit was seeing how they do the cuts and wounds for Casualty et al - playdoh coloured with food dye, flattened out and glued on with pva glue, then make the 'cut' with a cocktail

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-868911642003-01-03T20:52:00.000Z2003-01-03T20:52:51.643Z

Sorry for the delay folks, I know you've been waiting with baited mice for the next installment. My computer has been having its intimmers inspected, and while it doesn't work particularly well here, it performed beautifully for its technician. Bit like the children really- angels in public, youdontwanttoknow at home. At least some of the time. So I have been offline for a few days, and I have to

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-864081692002-12-22T21:58:00.000Z2002-12-22T21:59:55.000Z

Haha fooled you! Of course I'm going to tell the world about your Dad's Day Out, it's just so much fun seeing the wobbling lower lip and the "don't kick me again" puppy eyes when you think I'm being horrid!! The Dads set out yesterday to meet at Clapham Junction, where they received an envelope containing the Application Forms for a Day Out which they had failed to submit to the Management

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-864073412002-12-22T21:29:00.000Z2002-12-22T21:32:32.000Z

Right, here are the ground rules. 1. This is my blog. I write in it what I want. If you want to tell the internet world about your Dad's Day Out, then get your own blog. 2. People who say things like "I hope this doesn't get written up in smat.biz" will find themselves disappointed because I will know whether a) you really don't want to appear, in which case I'll put you in, or b) you really

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-863321342002-12-20T20:13:00.000Z2002-12-21T10:41:35.000Z

IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!!!!!! I don't need to get up at 7.04am for a whole two weeks, and I don't need to get dressed at all if I don't want to. I did the final rounds of my Christmas shopping last night, and somehow the "Essential Guide to Blogging" jumped into my hand as I stood in the queue for the till in Hammicks. So, give me a few days and there should be some changes round here, oh yes.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-862639502002-12-19T10:20:00.000Z2002-12-19T14:11:10.000Z

A big hello to everyone who has just joined us here in Smat's World. The bad news is that I've deleted the scandalous gossip from yesterday's post in order to mask the identity of the guilty and ensure I still hear lots of juicy goings-on. But in the tradition of JK Rowling here are a few words from the original post : pre-school staff.........pole-dancing..........photos allegedy exist.........

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-862128732002-12-18T10:38:00.000Z2002-12-19T10:09:17.000Z

Well into the series of 'work' Christmas parties now. As part of a "dying breed of non-working mothers who prop up the voluntary sector" according to Radio 4's You and Yours, I've been to the Brownies party (lots of children, no booze), Verity's post-management committee meeting bash (no children - Interviewer :"Why do you do volunteering?" Smat: "It's a day out away from the kids" - mulled wine,

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-857993972002-12-10T20:44:00.000Z2002-12-10T22:22:03.000Z

Went on a school trip type expedition with S and her family to Pizza Express after swimming this evening - 3 adults, 5 children and a baby. No need for the First Aid box this time as no-one shut the loo door on their finger. The baby threw doughballs on the floor, grabbed at the pizza, and discovered a liking for Chocolate Fudge Cake. We are going to be in trouble tomorrow however, as late

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-856889262002-12-08T19:42:00.000Z2002-12-08T19:42:21.180Z

It's definately Christmas - DD1, her best friend and I spent what seemed like the entire weekend in Safeways singing carols with the Brownies. Thank you very much to Safeways who provided juice and cakes afterwards, which almost made up for the embarrasment of failing to reach the top notes in 'Silent Night' and miscalculating the quantity of 'Glorias' in 'Ding Dong Merrily on High'. But at least

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-854869142002-12-04T16:11:00.000Z2002-12-04T22:43:39.000Z

Today was Christmas Play Day for Dear Daughter 2. She was an angel - my first ever angel! The ten miles of tinsel I had patiently sewn on hadn't fallen off, the annoying song which has been practised endlessly was sung, and my little angel's halo slipped off her head. Like mother, like daughter, hey? But on the plus side none of the 4-7 years olds wet themselves on stage, so there's always a

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872557.post-854232222002-12-03T10:06:00.000Z2002-12-03T20:32:00.000Z

well, here I am, dipping a toe very gingerly into 'blogging'. Thanks to my very good friend at quinquireme.com for encouraging me - mostly because I have just bought a cool domain name. Welcome to the strange world of smat.biz.

Smathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01001981110308457546noreply@blogger.com0