Blood Makes You Related, Love Makes You A Family

Hello,

Waking up on Saturday morning was probably the most relaxed I think I have had any morning waking up in my new home thus far. The last week or two had been strained to say the least and contributed to me losing my bag a few times with Mr Warehouse. Still in a bit of pain I was dropping him to work and picking him up every day which was starting to grate on me without having any of my own free time. Nevertheless a weekend away from it all and a quick calculation of our first mortgage payment and few bills that are coming in make it look and feel as though things will not be as tight as initially thought in the first few months of home ownership. Whilst I may well be math's dyslexic I am however quite good with working out financially whether something is a viable option or not, especially so when looking at our savings for the house and now going forward for the wedding. 

Hearing my fiance watching TV downstairs probably with the dog by his side made me grin with happiness as I rolled over to welcome in the brightness from outside. Now that is not to say that Saturday was at all a gloriously sunny or beautiful day for weather. If anything it was Far flung from that and was overcast, grey, drizzly and quite windy. Perfect weather for a Gazebo! Knowing that Mr Warehouse had probably silenced my alarms a few hours ago it was certainly time to get out of bed. Trundling down the stairs, still in my pyjamas and rubbing my eyes and waking myself up along every step, I wondered about coffee, only to hear the Bae call in from the lounge down the hallway that he put the kettle on a few moments ago anticipating my arrival. Such a sweetie! I think that the only way this morning could have possibly been any better is if he had brought it to me in bed. But today was not a day for lounging around in your duvet with a coffee in hand. Oh No! Today was the day that it finally felt all so real. I was engaged. I was a home-owner. And I was about to celebrate it all with the ones I loved most. 

Rushing around like a headless chicken, Mr. Warehouse and I didn't even stop for a cuppa or breakfast, soldiering through to put up the gazebo, lay out food, make the house presentable and decorate for a party! As the afternoon broke, we had our first guests, Momma and Pappa Tweedle-Dee. Unfortunately Miss Tweedle-Dee already had prior commitments with her cousins and so was unable to make it but I was so glad when her parents turned up to warm us into our new home as our first proper guests. Showing them round they kept saying how proud they were of me and also of my fiance and how lovely it all was. 

Soon after the next set of guests arrived, my Auntie and eldest cousin. Again the house tour began and after about the third or fourth I was glad for Mr Warehouse to take over a little with the hostessing as I mingled with our house now full of guests. "OK so maybe a few too many invites went out" I thought as I pondered what would have happened if more of the people who were meant to come had not of dropped out. Where would they go?! Probably that gazebo! Door goes again and I think about how I swear there was a TV comedy sketch show about doors constantly going and people piling on in. Regardless I welcomed them all in, Nana's, Uncles, Aunties, Cousins and friends. 

As the afternoon worn on so did the guests, and with every glass of Prosecco Mr. Warehouse topped me up with the more fuzzy I felt. Most of my side of the family stayed, a good majority of the afternoon and into the evening, mingling and chatting with each other and catching up after the more somber occasion of my grandfathers funeral earlier in the year. Taking a look around I was overwhelmed, as I always am with how many people really do love and support me. No matter what I do, or say or don't do even, they all love me unconditionally. Regardless of their opinions on what I wear or how I conduct my life they accept me for who I am and love and support me no matter what. That is truely what family is. Coming together to celebrate the good and comfort in the bad. It was at that moment I knew that I was content, at least for the time being and that I in a way had officially "made it". Out of everything that I have and are going through, I can honestly say that the hard work has paid off. Time to relax into our new home in time for Christmas ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Family Is Not An Important Thing - It Is Everything!

Evening All, 

So after the trauma of last week's trip to and in Basingstoke my bruises have started to heel but even the site of a cold coffee or green and white mermaid makes me sad. Rest in peace Creamy Coffee Caramel Frappucino - Gone but never forgotten and always in my heart (but more often in my belly). I am more than happy to be back home and safe for territory, and after a busy and rather hectic week at work I was more than ready to relax and put my feet up. Alas though that wouldn't happen until Sunday as I had put myself forward in order to host the annual family fun day at work. 

With the whole day being several months in the planning I was certainly looking forward to seeing everybody happy and letting my work colleagues into the secrets that I had been keeping from them for so long. I seriously think but some of my work colleagues must wonder what I actually do on a daily basis, and over the last few months I am surprised that I have been able to manage my normal day-to-day job as well as heading up the organisation for the family fun day, not to mention my duties before being the head of the office courtesies committee and what would have appeared to be chief thermometer watcher and recorder for the air-con wars that still battle long after my duties ceased. 

For weeks upon months now I, along with the board, had been planning what we were going to do on the day including entertainment, food, fun activities for adults and children alike as well as the all important drink. I like organising and in all fairness I was more than happy to plan the whole thing by myself. After a few suggestions we settled on a magician that would cater for both the adults with some close up magic including ice, cards and rings as well as a magic show for kids as the afternoon wound down to an end. There would also be a children's entertainer ready to face paint and balloon model until their little hearts content. A caterer would be brought in and it was decided that a hog roast would be something different but something everyone can enjoy ... Well if you like pork anyway! For anyone not wishing to tuck into Peppa Pig there was a vegetarian option of a filo pastry pie with vegetables which sounded and looked as yummy as the main. Bouncy castles and inflatables were hired in order to keep the kids occupied and a photographer was also hired for the event as well as setting up a photo-booth for people to capture the day in all manner of fancy dress. 

Planning coming to an end I was looking forward to everyone seeing the results of what I and others around me had helped achieve. As ever the week in the my department never seem to get any easier with it getting busier and busier towards the end of the week I was anxious that I would not have enough time to get everything ready in time. Staying late and rallying around the troops for extra help we got done in the end. So as the clock struck twelve (in the afternoon) and everyone started arriving I was over the moon to know that it was all over and done with ... at least for another year! 

Soon the offices and garden surrounding it were filled and as I looked around I noticed that whilst I would never be able to get back what I had at my old company with the friends and tight-knit family feels that I made there, these people that I call my work colleagues are actually just a new family of mine. You have the weird aunties that always give the best advice and pervy uncles that you laugh along with. Good looking cousins with fashion sense to rival Chanel and hot sisters who make Victoria's Secrets blush. Brothers with banter for days and then there is the older and wiser generations that bring a touch of class to everything whilst still managing to be outrageous on the odd occasion. Yes, looking around at my new work family I was certain that I could make this work! I even got a little bit emotional thinking about the fact that I along with my team had managed to pull off a family Fun day that I would hope with rival others before it. 

Even my very own flesh and blood came - Well my auntie, uncle and cousins anyway! With it's been a free event as well as less than half an hour drive from there home, it was a no-brainer to come and support me on such a special day. My first ever event organising. And whilst I wasn't alone in my efforts, I was just glad that my own family could be there to see how well I have done and all the effort that I had put in. I think for one of the first and only times in my entire life I had heard my uncle and my auntie both say that they were proud of me and all the work I had achieved. Unfortunately my sisters from other misters were not available to attend  and instead we're either busy I bet sunning it up in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria as Miss Tweedle-Dee was doing with Momma Tweedle-Dee or getting ready and preparing for a life on another continent as Miss Tweedle-Dumb was with her boyfriend. At least they knew that they couldn't make it, that's all that matters. 

As fast as anything the day flew by with little more than a few hiccups and before I knew it it was time to go home. I think I will miss it you know organising everything and planning for something spectacular. Maybe next year we will get to do it all over again and maybe we can get even more people turning out to celebrate and spend some QT together ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

My Adopted Family

Hello All, 

So praise Jesus and hallelujah! Finally the heat wave in Britain has come to an end. Now don't get me wrong I enjoy the warmer weather however, when Bedford was becoming more like the Bahamas it was certainly time to call it a day and welcome in the storms to clear away the heat and humidity that had surrounded me for what felt like ages. With the weather inside my office comparing to my grandma's fridge freezer what's the weather outside continue to blister on I was more than happy when the two polar opposites (excuse the pun) we're even out slightly by the fact that the outside temperature has dropped a few degrees. Us Brits 'eh we are always talking about the weather, and I suppose it could not have come at a better time as this weekend not just Glastonbury (no I did not have a ticket and yes it is a sore subject) but also the weekend that Mr. warehouses family all rally round and celebrate the matriarch of the family who passed away a few years ago in the year that Mr Warehouse and I met. 

Granddad Next always seem to be the life and soul of every family event and whilst they are not all as great and wonderful as births, christenings and parties he was a corner pin for the family in time's of need during grief or pain. The Kingpin had married young as many of his generation did and was seemingly in a happy marriage until his wife passed away. The father of five children who went on to have many, many grandchildren never remarried and instead focus on things that you enjoyed in life such as pool, darts and family life. Growing up, Mr Warehouse would tell me the stories of how his granddad taught him how to win on the pool table, strike a bulls-eye and even a few naughty tricks on how to play Dirty! Living out the rest of his days in the local pub and Social Club in the village he would challenge his opponents guy yelling "NEXT" at the top of his little lungs, smiling as he welcomed another soul to try and beat him. With his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren scattered all over the country from as far down as Cornwall and right up into the Scottish highlands there was always plenty of people to pop in and say hello. But once he had enough of you you should tell me about it as the radio would come on a Classic FM would blare out, Opera signifying that you have now outstayed your welcome. 

Sadly though the inevitable happened and a few years ago Granddad Next passed away, surrounded by those he loved and cared for. The following year, on the anniversary of his death, The family came together once more to celebrate his life in a special way he would have been ever so proud of. And so it brings us to present day where Mr. Warehouse and I attend with all the other family members including the Cornwall-lot and Cambridge-lot to play a 'friendly' game of Pool and Darts. I always preferred the phrase Billiards to Pool, but I was swiftly told on my first introduction to such a memorial tournament that Billiards was far too posh. 

Every year now there is a running theme; new babies to introduce, little children growing-up faster, new jobs, new travels, new faces and the forever questions on when Mr. Warehouse is going to make an honest women of me. Probably didn't help that I was wearing a full-length white Maxi-dress from Boohoo.com.  I look forward to the days where mine and Mr. Warehouse's children can mingle with their cousins and second cousins from faraway land such as Newquay and Huntingdon, playing in the sunshine as we have done in the year before. In fact it is not all that hard to see myself in this family for a long, long time. So many faces that are happy to see me as am I to see them, some of them even old work mates from where Mr. Warehouse and I first met. 

Mind you, I did make my welcoming into the family much easier me thinks with my own tradition, I hope anyway, and that is to make the cake. The first year I think it was something plain, or maybe I was so anxious I made nothing at all, however that does not sound much like me turning up to a event with nothing in my arms. Last year it was a Pool Table complete with balls, cue and plaque reading "NEXT" accompanied by dartboard cupcakes. This year I wanted to blow them away yet again with a creation of soft cupcake, creamy frosting and to top, a picture of our wonderful Granddad Next. But the question is what will be next? 2018's cake is already being manufactured and created in my head, I'm thinking bigger, better and more amazing than anyone can think of. I have some ideas but shall keep them secret and nurture them into next years hacking phase where I shall birth a sugary, cakey goodness. Due Date: Late June 2018!

Who could have predicted the legacy that this little old man would radiate, casting a spell over his generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A true gentleman and someone I think Mr. Warehouse looks up to even to this day. He always talks about his grandfather so fondly and I hope that one day if I can be even half the pillar of the family as much as he was then I know I have done a good job. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

You cant pick 'em, But I wouldn't want to!

Evening, 

Sun shining, cousins playing in the garden and all my family around me, the only thing that could have made this better was a glass of wine and someone to drive me home. Alas, Mr. Warehouse has yet to learn to drive and as such I was driving so no White Zinfandel from me! But as the temperature rose to a pleasant English Summer's day I soon realised that, no offence of course, but my family is old! Sounds strange but Mr. Warehouse and myself were the youngest adults on the patio, and not that this is an odd occasion, as it was the same when we visit Mr. Warehouse's brothers and their respective families. 

It sounds strange but you never really think about your family getting older. You always imagine them being there for you, throughout everything both good, bad and ugly. As a family from my Fathers side we have been through a lot including my father in the military and going to war with the later addition of my parents divorce and the eventuality of me being kicked out of the family home also, not to mention one uncle living in Southern Ireland and working away in Africa, another with a busy life involving a young family and my grandparents facing care issues with my Grandpa. But every family is different and I am sure that similar problems arise. 

My Aunt and Uncle had come over from Southern Ireland and we all in my Grandma's Garden and I cast my thoughts to the day where I would one day be the Grandma and I would be hosting a BBQ with my family and my grandchildren. Lemon Cake on the side and with pretty flowers adorning the garden area (not sure how though since I fucking hate gardening) my family would surround me for hopefully some of the happiest days of my life to come. Bringing myself back into the moment though, with most of my Aunts and Uncles drinking we all revelled in each others lives and what was going on and what was up with work, home and family life. However, there was a point in the Sunday rays as the smell of the BBQ sizzled in the background, I wondered how much longer I have with them. 

Sounds morbid I know, but looking around at everyone, laughing and joking with one another, trying to take a dig at someone else I was grateful for the family I had. As the younger one of the family, you don't really think of the people in your life getting old or growing tired of life. But there were more wrinkles and grey hair than I remembered from last time we were all together. I wondered about the next time we would all be together, would it be another family BBQ or something bigger and more of a special occasion. Each and every person round this table I had a special connection to, whether it being my Uncle and Auntie with their two active boys who were kind enough to open their home to me when I had none of my own or my other Aunt and Uncle who would always be there should I need to them, be it an escape to the quiet Irish countryside after a messy break-up or just someone to talk something through over the phone. 

Not that it was a bad thing, but I realised that one day this would end. I would be one of the only family members left and the generation before me would just be a talking point and in photo's. This made me sad, but determined not to let a single moment or opportunity be missed with family in the future. Without them you are nothing, but with them you are everything. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

"We'll Have Time" They Said ...

Hello, 

When I was younger and my grandparents had just retired I asked them about what wonderful things they were going to do now they were officially old. Fart in public and not give a toss? Snoozing whilst watching Countdown? Drinking copious amounts of wine until you get so hammered you start to talk like Danny 'fucking' Dyer. It in all fairness was a mixture of all of the above but when I grew up and asked them what the worst thing about getting old was my Nanny Pumpkin replied this ... 

"When your young you don't think fashion it too much; A pair of comfy jeans here, cosy jumper there, maybe even a stunning ballgown once or twice in a lifetime. But the older you get the more and more you seem to have no choice but to reach into the wardrobe and bring out that same black dress you wore last time you went to say goodbye to someone you knew who is no longer there,"

In all fairness at the tender age of about fourteen I didn't full understand what she meant by that but as I have got a little older, and maybe a little wiser too, I have learnt that it is truest thing and as sure as anything it is what I will be doing tomorrow for a character no one will forget. 

Phone ringing again for the third time I wondered why, after all this time of being in a new job, Mr. Warehouse still insists to call me about three-in-the-afternoon once he has finished work. Ignoring it previously thinking it was simply about dinner or where I have hidden something of his, this time I dashed to the toilet in order to take the call. 

"Whats up you know I cant answer at work?" I asked, concerned yet anxious I had a lot of work to get back to. 

"Its my Mom's Cousin. He's been in a car accident, Its really bad. He's Dead!" I heard sheepishly down the phone. Thinking it was a joke I called my boyfriend sick and told him to stop messing around tempting fate and all. But he said it again and this time it was deeper and more choked than the last. 

For legal reasons we cant state too much but what we do know is that it was a collision involving a lorry and several cars, one of which we are under the impression that the driver was over the drink drive limit (as if there should even fucking be one that is). I will never understand sometimes why people still to this day continue to put other peoples lives at risk, and I say other peoples for a reason and that is in most cases the drink driver is so floppy and intoxicated that their bodies do not tense and seize up as a normal person would when bracing for a car crash. 

But unlike most families (Or maybe not as my family is quite small) Mr. Warehouse and his family on both his mothers and fathers sides like to breed and with this comes children who will be brothers, sisters, cousins, second cousins, aunts and uncles, all very close in both age and as a group. Cousins and second cousins are more like extensions of brothers and sisters or aunts and uncles for Mr. Warehouse and his family and what with them being so close they experience everything from celebrating the good times to mourning the bad ones too, everybody as one riding out the roller-coaster together. 

Standing there in the bathroom at work, my thoughts immediately turned to his wife and children, grown up now but forever his babies. It had only been eighteen-months or so ago that the deceased and his wife had got married. It was one of the first family events I ever went too as Mr. Warehouse's girlfriend and it was the very first wedding I had been invited to. Nervous after reading the invite I shook it off and said it was silly we had only been dating a few months, I couldn't be invited to such a thing and be in all the photos, What if Mr. Warehouse and I were to break up? That would be awful then, you have some random in all your snaps. No thanks?! But nevertheless I came round to the idea and even was asked up to be in the photographs, albeit I was approached as Mr. Warehouse's Wife, something we all still laugh about today. I will never forget both the Bride and the recently departed Groom's hospitality, making me fell welcome and loved even though I was surrounded by many I never knew. 

Mr. Warehouse's Second -Cousin was more like an Uncle to him, taking him fishing or to play pool and darts but every time I met him and his wife, they would be forever asking when mine and Mr. Warehouse's big day was and always complimenting me on how beautiful and lovely I was. I remember them saying how sad it is that they both had to go through failed marriages to meet each other and if only they had fallen in love sooner they could have had more time, but it was always ended by a notion that they have the rest of their lives with each other. And that is the truly saddest part, is that they didn't. A devastating irony. 

Sitting back at my desk trying to take it all in I was really emotional and upset by it and they weren't even my family. I had met them a handful of times but their energy and enthusiasm for everything including each other was just electric. And now that was gone. I could not think of anything more that they were the same ans Mr. Warehouse and I. Ready for Christmas (at the time less than a five-days away) with presents wrapped, stockings packed and plans all made. Plans that would never be fulfilled and with stockings and presents that were never to be emptied and unwrapped. All gone. And so tomorrow I will attend Gorfield Village Church to pay my respects for a man who could never believe I was a Luton girl through and through. Goodnight and sleep tight!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas, 

So this week after the debauchery and revelry of last weekend's pub visit I am now writing to you from a suspiciously quite flat containing myself and my two cousins whom are in bed and seem to be drifting off nicely. And after a shattering day of running round after children and catering to their needs as well as catching up on chores I am ready for bed too. Alas however I have yet to tell tales of wonder and merriment as Christmas arrived. 

Sitting round the table, adorned with scraps of wrapping paper, glitter and glasses of water nobody really wanted I began to feel a little more in the Christmas spirit of things. After getting fed up of wrapping the night before and feeling like I may have a flu on the way I had been struggling to make sure everything went swimmingly. But this was not my Christmas Day dinner. Oh No, this was the pre-Christmas catch up that Miss Tweedle-Dumb, Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Stuu and I do every year and this year we were joined by Miss Tweedle-Dee's little brother who in retrospect is not so little now after turning just twenty-one, I think?! The pub was not selected as a venue this year, and thankfully no ex's crashed the party either. Instead we descended on a little American-esk diner just outside of Dunstable and ate until we were ready to puke. A short meet-up, with no drinking or shots (a disappointment to most I feel) however I knew that I would see them all soon, my Tweedles especially. After bidding a farewell to them all I left for the station, presents such as my beloved selfie stick, inflatable crown and yes, a Starbucks Giftcard in toe; And, whilst that evening I, exhausted, fell asleep knowing that in only a few hours I would have to do it all again! 

Christmas Eve was a manic one at work. It was the first Christmas Eve I had ever worked and to my surprise was pleasant and jovial. The phone barely rang and every sentence was followed almost by a chocolate. So. Much. Chocolate. Nevertheless we all sat on tender-hooks, waiting for the call to say we could leave for the day. And after the last Samosa had been polished off (my manager brought them in for us, deliciously hot and potato-ey) we got the call we had all been waiting for. Tightly bundling into the small run-about myself and five work colleagues headed into town for some celebratory drinks before heading home to our families, with no need to see each other until the New Year. However whilst a couple of drinks were the intention, I had consumed more than a couple of bottles before I left the pub. A good five hours of drinking Rose wine had not stead me in a good way, especially since I was now running somewhat late for my dinner with Dad and that now it was also dark outside. Pissed as a fart I stumbled up to my Papa's car, carrying yet more wine and some Beef Jerky for snacking on. Ordering Chinese and settling down in front of the fire after was a luxury and as I slowly sobered up I decided that I should get an early night for Santa would be coming down the chimney shortly and delivering me not only a few nice presents but also a nervous boyfriend, Mr. Warehouse, to my Father's door to spend Christmas day with us. Haha, indeed - Let the festivities begin. 

After spending nearly six more Christmas' fixing my eyelashes into place and feeling like I could create a twister with a blink I crept downstairs carefully, wary that, even though I am twenty-three, Mr. Claus may be hiding somewhere and just ambush me, jumping out at any given moment, making me both cry and loath the yule-tidings. A ignominious Eggs Benedict awaited and after that a nice Irish coffee to stimulate the senses. Soon it was present time and after unwrapping all of mine, a pile which seems to get smaller the older I get, whilst others get larger I could help but wonder as to my last present. A crudely cut out snowflake on some orange card revealing inside that I was getting a new freezer from Santa (and in part my father). Grateful though I was I later learnt that I could have possibly had one second hand, thus sparing some pennies for more presents, but I was beyond caring at this point; I can now have ice cream! Welcome to my humble home Ben, and Jerry. 

As the hours twinkled by in a mass of cooking, idle chit-chat and yet more wine pouring I greeted my grandparents as they arrived, baring gifts also as well as my Grandmother and Grandfather's married-life humour. Watching my elders waddle in and take seats, grumbling politely to one another I knew that one day I would have that. And if after fifty-years together with someone you can't have a laugh together then you might as well give up! I admire my Nana and Granddad, they are the epitome of what I expect and indeed want from a marriage, and at Christmas it is never far from my mind exactly how I would want my own Festive Holidays being spent. 

Just as I finished unwrapping my reems and reems of underwear and socks from the oldies (which in all fairness I needed) there was a buzz. It was Mr. Warehouse. And after going to the wrong door he was now en route to my side, thus saving me from poor jokes and a afternoon of lassitude. Rushing upstairs to perfect my Mrs. Claus outfit and smoothing over my curls I took another swig of pink juice before answering the door to a very, very tense Mr. Warehouse. Waving off his brother who had kindly given him a lift we skipped indoors to the warmth. Barely through the door Mr. Warehouse was knocked for six with hugs and kisses as well as a sturdy handshake from my Dad and Granddad. I could tell the nerves were beginning to subside and slowly within a few moments he was himself again. Whispering in my ear as we were seated for dinner, Mr. Warehouse mentioned the fact that the outfit was not only a turn on but also a massive tease and that I was to wait until I was back home at his that night so he could unwrap me himself. Exciting as that was, I was starting to get drunk again and as my Papi and Mr. Warehouse told me to curb my drinking I could not stop. I loved it, the floppy feel of everything and the looseness of my joints. I couldn't help but laugh and giggle my way through the rest of the day, even through an slightly awkward appearance from my uncle and cousin from my mothers side popping in to say 'Hello' and give me a little something towards my Vegas/New Years Eve fund! 

As we arrived back to home to Mr. Warehouse's home he shared with his mother I was barely through the door myself when I was greeted by a huge encapsulating cuddle that took me quite by surprise. After not having very much, if any at all, contact from my mother I was not used to such embraces from other females. I was glad of it regardless and enjoyed the short burst of affection. I was promptly thrust a gift I had somewhat forgotten about from Momma Warehouse. Opening it she explained how she had noticed I left some pyjamas here some weeks ago and that she saw some fluffy ones I may like. Bright pink and with white rabbits on I soon come to the conclusion Mr. Warehouse's Mom had bought me a onesie for Christmas. Thrilled I promised to wear it to bed tonight and put it to one side as Mr. Warehouse brought out a bag. As I ushered for my Mr. Warehouse to open his he declined and forwardly asked to watch me open mine. After weeks of speculation, guessing, probing and even a little bit of sneaking we were finally about to discover the secrets that we both held. 

My presents included a mammoth Vanilla Cupcake Yankee Candle and a gargantuan, sea-blue dressing gown which now makes me look like the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. But then the big guns came out and after packing everything away and looking for the next bottle of wine to open I was handed a familiar white bag, sealed with a pink ribbon. Opening my Pandora bag I fondled not one but two velvety silk bags, rich and deep purple in colour. Opening them both I allowed the contents to spill into my palms. Two silver charms tumbled out into my hands and as I gasped I was made aware that there should have been a third and that when Mr. Warehouse got paid again he would buy me the third part of my present, completing the set. Adorable and filled with hot emotion I hugged it out and purred about how wonderful the gifts were. Snuggled on the couch and with the night closing in, our eyes beginning to fall shut, Mr. Warehouse and I succumbed to the bedsheets, but not before making sure another sack was emptied. 

Boxing Day was busy, with most of the day spent in the kitchen, tending to oven finger food and preparing canapés, not to mention baking cupcakes and Brownies. Mr. Warehouse's brothers and their families took over as did their children as well as Momma Warehouse's new Beau, nicknamed by the children as the 'Jolly Green Giant' after stretching over six-foot tall and with a gut looking as though he was eight-and-a-half months pregnant you could tell how apt it was. Soon though it was time for bed and no sooner had my head hit the pillow, myself and Mr. Warehouse were snoozing away - Until Mr. Warehouse that is snores and I have to jab him with something sharp. You see unlike when Miss Tweedle-Dumb, or even on the odd occasion Miss Tweedle-Dee snores, whereby I mutter something and they silence; With Mr. Warehouse I could place his slumbering sole onto the Syrian front-line and he still wouldn't halt his snores. So much so I am kind of looking forward to a night without the interruptions. But then again, I do have to think about not waking up next to him. And then there is the early morning with my cousins?! Oh No! Here's hoping they will stay in bed a little longer tomorrow and let Cuzz lye-in?! Wishful thinking eh ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Too Selfish for Childbearing Right Now!

Hello there everybody, 

Hope you are all well and are getting into the Holiday Spirit of things as here in Blighty it seems Christmas is well and truly on its way and with only a few more weeks to go I am struggling to contain my excitement, more-so for the giving of presents rather than the receiving, although if anyone is looking for a present to buy me, there is a little friend in Ann Summers that would make this girl very, very happy to receive! 

So after a long week at work and one I hoped would end sooner than it did, but nevertheless another week closer to some time off, good food and plenty of booze with loved ones over Christmas. Catching the train back home though is always both emotional and exciting and as I was escorted to the station by Mr. Warehouse and his puppy-dog-eyes, sad that I was not spending the usual Friday night with him, I noticed the beauty of that little green mermaid. Finally the dear lord Jesus (Whom of which does not exist but in ancient fairy-tales) answered my many Tweets and Hashtags and has blessed Bedford with a Starbucks! Not finished yet I was treated to a Hot Banana Milkshake from AMT Coffee. Now I know what you are all thinking; "Oh my goodness that sounds gross!" but actually think about how much you love milkshake and how much better it would be if you could drink it in winter and not be freezing cold afterwards. Well AMT Coffee have hit it on the head with their Milk Steamer. I had Banana (obviously) and Mr. Warehouse indulged in a Yuletide Cinnamon Creme. 

After bidding farewell to my little lost boy and heading to the platform for my train I anticipated an evening of baking, chilling out and many a laugh with my best friend Miss Tweedle-Dee. Miss Tweedle-Dumb would not be joining us in our Bake-Off plans as one she is not fanciful to a magic cookie, and two, both her and her boyfriend are going on a wonderfully Christmas-inspired Mini Break to Berlin for all the German Markets, Sausages and Beer! Jealous much? I think so. I cant complain though as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I watched some hilarious stand-up comedy and Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part II, all accompanied by some undercooked but chocolaty cookies with a little sprinkle of something special! And so the evening ensued with talks about sausages for fingers and arms that were replaced by tentacles. 

Waking in the morning I got ready and as a sleepy Miss Tweedle-Dee stole herself from her warm and incredibly comfy bed to see me out the door I joined my Grandma and cousins in what was a gloriously warm car. Saturday we were heading to Gulliver's Land in Milton Keynes for a day out with the family and what seemed to be two already very irritable boys for half-past-nine in the morning. Aged eight and four my adorable cousins made me both laugh and yell that afternoon and as I walked around a half open theme-park I realised how cold it was and that I was very silly for not bringing a coat. 

You see I enjoy spending time with my cousins because whilst they are little I find them uncontrollably funny at times, whilst at other times inconceivably stressful. I suppose in a way that is what having children is all about and in a way I am glad that I can had them over to someone else to look after when it all gets a bit too much. I love children and despite what Miss Tweedle-Dee and Miss Tweedle-Dumb say, I feel very maternal, just maybe not towards all children. There are a very small minority that I would want to be around because they are either cute, affectionate or just simply quiet and good. Saturday evening, driving home from the theme park, I was informed that because I am my cousins boyfriend (Yes that's right you heard it correctly, I, as a female, was a four-year-old-boy's boyfriend) I could not have another one and indeed there was tears when I explained I was going to see Mr. Warehouse on Saturday night. And whilst that is all very endearing and cute, there is something very sinister about children. Something that questions whether they will put you in a home when your ninety-three or just simply put down with a sneaky trip to Dignitas in Switzerland!

I remember one of my other cousins saying to their mother as he blew out his candles on his birthday cake that they loved her face so much their wished for it to be taken off so he could carry it around in his bag all day and look at it whenever he liked. Now agreed in retrospect this is a beautifully innocent and childlike phrase for something so heart-warming it melts even the Titanic Iceberg of hearts. But if you think carefully, what the child may actually be saying is that he would much rather have his mother skinned than that of something from Lego or Action Man. I find my cousins mainly entertaining for the fact that the youngest told me that for my birthday I was going to get a castle house built in the clouds for me because I was like a princess and that he would buy a rocket ship so he could come and visit me in the sky every single day. Sweet and adorable as that is though, please don't start buying breast pumps and multi-packs of Pampers just yet, I like my own space and am far too selfish right now to be dealing with a child of ones own. Not for a good few years yet, and certainly not until I find a man who is willing to love me through anything!

As Sunday's sun streamed through the window, bleaching my face I awoke to Mr. Warehouse snoring as usual. Now to some people this may be the worst way to be roused from slumber, but for me I was just glad he was breathing for when I sleep with Miss Tweedle-Dumb a snore is usually followed by silence and then a desperate gasp of air as she forgets to breathe when she sleeps, bless her heart. Rolling over and checking the time I felt a familiar prod and so we entangled ourselves in a romantic and lusty embrace that was left unconsummated.
"Finally I got that lay in I wanted" I thought to myself as a half dressed Mr. Warehouse lovingly prepared me a cup of coffee in my favourite mug. Somehow he always seems to be able to make a good cup of 'Joe' despite never drinking the stuff. "Least he isn't a pompous tea enthusiast" I thought, sipping on warm coffee reminiscent about my weekends spent in London last Winter. 

A lazy afternoon followed with a few films sandwiched in-between wrapping presents, putting up the tree and a few stolen kisses whilst the neighbours weren't looking. There was even time to argue pettily about putting up the window lights, ending when Mr. Warehouse went off in a huff and a sulk only for a few soft pecks placed on rosy cheeks to make him smile again. It didn't take much and it made me happy in the knowledge that I could make my boyfriend smile. Sometimes though I noticed a smile and a gaze I had seen only in one other person before and that was Mr. Workaholic. Never again have I seen that look until I glance at Mr. Warehouse, usually when I will be doing something really mundane like cuddling the dog or washing up or snuggled up on the sofa. I think about that look and I know in my heart what it means, but maybe if I tell myself otherwise then it might not be true. How did that song go by WHAM! ... Once bitten, Twice Shy?

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx