The Deadly Virus

Heyy, 

Coming back down to earth and to the daily grind was hard last week, but heaven knows how hard Mr Warehouse and I were about to fall. Last week I said that I supposed our next beachy holiday will be our Honeymoon, however, with recent developments, this is looking unlikely. It is so hard for me to write this, even now as I type I am brushing tears from my eyes for I know the inevitable, and yet at the same time I know nothing at all. 

Since banning all weddings and marriage celebrations from 23 March 2020, the UK government has been sketchy at best on Weddings or civil partnerships, however, since 4 July in England weddings can now take place with up to 30 guests. At this point, hours away from our holiday to Cornwall, Mr Warehouse and I considered it. Obviously, it is an option and for many, this could work fine, and for many, many more they would have to make it work, if at all. Others simple refuse and make the heartbreaking decision to postpone their date. 

As quoted from the Gov.uk website, "legally-valid ceremonies or formations are strongly advised to go ahead only where they can be done in a COVID-19 secure environment (Whatever that means and thanks BoJo for the clarity). It is also advised that the ceremonies are kept as short as reasonably possible and limited as far as reasonably possible to the parts of the ceremonies that are required in order for the marriage or civil partnership to be legally binding. No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 secure venue." In short, this means no singing, no choir (namely in our circumstances due to age and health issues which would consider them in a COVID-vulnerable category, not to mention being unable to learn 2 new songs by the time our day rolled around). It also means for us that it would not even be 30 people as we need to include in that group our photographer, videographer, Reverand and at least 2 witnesses. 

In conjunction with this, "Large wedding receptions or parties should not currently be taking place and any celebration after the ceremony should follow the broader social distancing guidance of involving no more than two households in any location or if outdoors, up to six people from different households" and again would need to include photographer, videographer, bar staff & waiting staff, taking our total down to even less. We calculated just 19 people could come to our special day.  

Following the UK Government Coronavirus announcement late last week and drafted on the basis of the scientific evidence available, from 1 August, "small wedding receptions will be able to take place". What does this mean? What is small? What is a reception inclusive or exclusive of? The guidance means that a sit-down-meal for no more than 30 people is to take place, again subject to COVID-19 Secure guidance.

For us as a couple, the thirty guests allowance simply would not work, and for many reasons. As the Gov.uk website states "Marriages and civil partnerships are a vital part of our society, uniting couples to start their new life together and affording certain legal rights. However, by their very nature, in bringing families and friends together, they are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19." How can I have a wedding with only a handful of our nearest and dearest? It is simple we cant. As frustrating as it is, I cannot simply cut my guest list and tell someone they were invited but now "really sorry you have not made the final cut". That is just not fair. Almost as much so that Mr Warehouse and I even need to consider this as a damned option on what should be the happiest few months of our lives. 

For us, as a couple trying to marry in 2020 it is a huge uphill struggle; Every. Single. Day. The constant questions are creeping in and I fathom their anxiety and awkwardness in asking as much as being asked. Or what is worse is the hesitation from friends and family we are slowly starting to meet up with again is agonising to watch them wrestle with themselves about whether they do or dont ask about wedding planning and how it is all going for fear of upsetting us. As I sit here thinking, sighing loudly so Number 10 can hear, I think about what it may be like, A Corona-Wedding?! I am not sure how I feel about it. Masks everywhere, no hugging and limited celebrating if you can even call it that. 

Since Lockdown began, over 73,600 weddings and same-sex civil partnership ceremonies have been postponed. I am just hoping that I am not one of them ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

The Worlds Best Date!

Evening, 

Setting up the pups for a day by themselves and with the neighbours being left a key, my Mr Warehouse and I hit the road ready for the big smoke. Now, normally we would hire ourselves a cottage or a cabin for the weekend at about this time of year and head out to the countryside for a bit of rest and recuperation with a chance to reflect on another year being together. However what with the wedding and Christmas, we decided to have ourselves a day trip to London to celebrate instead. 

Starting our day with a cheeky trip to Camden Town, we hit up a chic and niche culture and even sampled some tasty delights of hipster North London. Unable to bring forward our Chocoholic Afternoon Tea in a top Paddington hotel, we stole a few moments in a greasy spoon cafe for a cuppa and to get out the chilly November air. As we sat and talked about our day, the conversation soon turned to the last few anniversaries and some of the memories we have had over the last half-decade. From trips and holidays to days mooching around our little starter flat - Most of it enjoyable and full of laughter. 

Soon it was time to head off, across the city on the London Underground in search of our Chocoholic Afternoon Tea. After walking past the scenic Hyde Park and Serpentine, we arrived early but only after Mr Warehouse had to pull me away from a posh pet store before I nearly bought the puppies presents and overpriced treats. Stepping inside the four-star hotel, we marvelled at the marble floor and high ceilings. Nestled in the idyllic corner of Queens Garden at Paddington, the Park Grand London Paddington offered the perfect calm to outside on the busy city streets and all whilst still being in the heart of all the buzz in the capital with bustling Oxford Street and the dazzling West-end only a short distance away. As Mr Warehouse and I sat after relieving ourselves from a bathroom stop, we wondered on the clientele and the rooms, although looking at the prices of £170 per person per night it would appear it was slightly out of our normal price bracket. 

Nevertheless, it was soon time to be indulged. The glorious waiter, a little Indian chap came along and offered us a choice of tea to pick from a snazzy looking box. Sitting back in the chair after he left I sighed and looked over to my Fiance. We were certainly relishing an unforgettable afternoon in London and as our decadent chocolate afternoon tea for two arrived we were perplexed when we were asked by our waiter if we would like our bubbly now or later. Confused we asked for it to be given later. 
"I thought this didn't come with Champagne?" Mr Warehouse asked to which I agreed and frantically began reading through the voucher details. Nothing. Maybe they were trying to swizz us and make us pay for an overpriced bottle of plonk? despite this, however, I accepted the seemingly free glass of Prosecco. 

Diving in and ignoring my Slimming World plan, our delightful afternoon was filled with delicious sweet and savoury treats. To start we had an array of freshly made finger sandwiches including a yellow, carrot infused bread and pink, beetroot infused bread, along with your standard brown and white. Inside was crammed with egg mayonnaise, chicken with bell peppers, tuna a la cucumber and cheese with houmous. More delights come on the second layer and whilst the website described the indulgent chocolate swiss roll, it was nowhere to be seen. Instead, we had two massive warmed chocolate scones, a smooth milk chocolate moose topped with berries and a slightly dry, chocolate and banana loaf bite. But, to top it all off was a cute little selection of petit fours consisting of chocolate brownies, macaroons and a mini key lime pie. 

Sat in our window box seat in luxury surroundings I just simply couldn't fault the utterly wonderful service. The afternoon tea had been a scrumptious treat and all the better when the waiter came to top up our prosecco and leave the bottle on the table. Returning with I asked rather baffled if the whole bottle of Prosecco was included and to mine and Mr Warehouse's surprise he said yes! Winning! I didn't think that the voucher Miss Tweedle-Dee had got us included any booze, let alone a whole stinking bottle. Over the moon, we chin-chined our way through and by the end were a bit of a mess, stumbling out onto the streets of Paddington, half-cut and still daylight.
Honestly, everything combined was the best Afternoon tea I think I have ever had and Mr Warehouse agreed. Just impeccable. 

Giggling all the way back to the tube we headed for part three, a trip to the London Dungeons. After blagging a freebie from someone in the village (all because I was too lazy to have found a two-for-the-price-of-one on the back of a cereal box somewhere) I was excited to have finally gone somewhere I have always wanted to go. Exploring the capital's most perilous past, Mr Warehouse and I were able to be fully immersed in the unique experience and able to see, hear, feel and even smell the chilling atmosphere as the characters of Ye Olde England came to life.

Starting in the year 1536 in medieval Britain, we were greeted by a gruesome Jester and taken to the basements of Parliament in the year 1605 and watched on as the actors told of Guy Fawkes and his plot to blow up the Houses where laws are passed and lives controlled (something I think many British people have thought about in recent times with Brexit looming). Onto the Torture chamber, we went to be met by a grizzly soul that informed us of certain methods used in order to obtain information. 

Wandering through the darkness into 1665, Mr Warehouse and I were met by the Plague Doctor with his long pointed beak and menacing look. Taken to the "Plague House" we were sneezed on and told of the misery that would await should we come down with such an ailment. Fast forward a year and its the 2nd of September 1666. Sparks from Thomas Farriner’s bakery in Pudding Lane have set the packed timber houses of London alight and the city has become a raging inferno with the plague rats scurrying and the helpless left to burn we experienced the sites and smells of what it may be like to be stuck inside a burning building - seventeenth-century style. 

"Now this was my era right here," I thought as my Date and I found ourselves in quaint surroundings, although this wasn't no dream but a nightmare as we noticed our surroundings were of Mrs Lovett's infamous pie shop. With Sweeney [Todd] upstairs in his barbershop, I was sure of our next fate on Fleet Street. Heading into the seats I could hear children screaming and crying as the dramatic settings and surroundings had become too much for their little heads, I however was loving every moment of it. Finishing up our hair chop cut, myself and our group headed to 1888 and Mitre Square in particular where Jack The Ripper stalked. Whitechapel was not a safe space and soon more victims would be added to the list of the dead. 

The final stop was 1783 (don't know quite where the chronology has gone but nevermind) and we were met with The Long Drop. One of the only rides that was working when we were at the Dungeons I considered not doing it, simply because  had done ride like this in the past and hated them, however not wanting to look like a pussy, I sucked it up and accompanied a pompous Mr Warehouse to the coaster where an exhilarating vertical free fall drop ride awaited us. 

Heading out of the establishment I was disappointed in the extortionate prices for photos, and, even though it was priceless now I look back on it, I couldn't have justified twenty-quid for a photo of Mr Warehouse looking like he was screaming his lungs out on the ride (which he was by the way). Hunger had yet to take ahold so we cancelled our further plans for dinner out and headed home to the fur-babies. Five years has seemed to slip by so easily and yet it already feels like a lifetime. I am so glad to have Mr Warehouse as my Fiance and cannot wait to be this time next year a Wifey!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Is This It?

Hello again you!

So after last week's post this one is going to seem very much mundane indeed. Sorry to all those Nypho's out there but I have been far, far too busy this week to set myself up as a phone sex operator just yet. I have much bigger fish to fry you know. With Mr. Warehouse moved in and mostly settled, with his doggy joining us this weekend, we begin our lives together in harmonious bliss - That is until all hell breaks loose because he ate all my Mini Cheddars!

Who ever knew that things would end up this way huh?!  When I look back on the time I have had with Mr. Warehouse and all we have done in it, everything just seems so fast. This suddenly hit me whilst walking past a jewellers on Friday afternoon following a rather hectic but relaxed few days in the office (and considering it is coming up to the end of financial year, it says a lot about our office productivity). There I was, all twenty-four years of me, standing in the afternoon shadows of a second-hand and vintage jeweller, looking at the sparkly sapphire numbers twinkling back at me that I dream of wearing on my left hand one day. But then it suddenly dawned on me. I am twenty-four! 

Walking away I suddenly I could hear my maternal clock located somewhere in my womb ticking loudly. Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock! Louder and louder as I thought about what I wanted to do and what I had planned for myself and the timescale to do it in. I mean we all have a five-year-plan right? Right? You see, I want a child before I turn thirty at least. And before all of that I want to get married and tell stories of fairytale princesses and dancing the night away with their Daddy on the happiest day of my life, next to the day that they came into my world of course. I had to get a decent paying job (or just ask for a cheeky pay rise). I would have to travel the world to several more places including Africa and the East in order to extend the stories I already hold to include riding elephants through the jungle and cuddling lions in the Savannah! I will need to buy a house to accommodate this womb-bending brood I plan, something as you all know including four-bedrooms, an en-suite to the Master and a picket fence outside on a quiet suburban street with optional neighbourhood watch. But I suppose that is a lot to do for a little person like me who is only just learning to drive and still sees a shot of Cherry Sourz a good friend on a night out!

I just want to be fully prepared for parenthood and know that I have done things the right way and inside wed-lock. I know it is not for some people; The whole getting married and then having children, and in all honesty I do try not to judge people who are in that situation, but I just know that in my heart of hearts I would be severely disappointed if my life was planned out any other way. Not of course that I would ever regret my children if that is how the winds swayed, but I would feel disappointed in myself that they were not born into something that was already legally and lustfully bound by love. 

Now I know that a huge majority of that gumph above is pressure put on by myself and that to achieve everything I want before having children and ideally speaking within the next six years, that is one heck of a shit-load to cram on in! I mean whilst I love Mr. Warehouse to the ends of the earth and back, am I really ready to become someone's wife? I just don't know?! As harsh as that sounds the whole prospect scares me slightly, but at the same time excites me with the possibilities! Is this it? Is this now my life? Is Mr. Warehouse the one I shall grow old with? Is Mr. Warehouse suddenly dawning on me as Mr. Right?

I suppose in several of my past relationships, I have queried if I could ever be with that one person for the rest of my days, eating with them, sleeping with them, living with them and raising a family with them. Will I ever get bored of them, or them of me and is there anyone else left out there better suited? But then I think about my Mr. Warehouse and to back when I was single. Reality is that even then and now it would be the same answer. No there is not someone better suited to myself. Or maybe there is but who has time to flick through countless dick-pic's on Tinder and faux profile's on PlentyOfFish.com when I have someone who is wonderful in so many ways - His ability to eat all six packets of Mini Cheddars not leaving me a single crumb being one of them, haha! 

My dearest boyfriend is ever so kind and considerate. He is very affectionate but also stands his ground when we have a barney or believes he is right (does he not know all women species are right in every way all ways?) He buys me gifts now and then, sometimes flowers, sometimes chocolate and when I have a crappy day he brightens my mood by breaking me into laughter. He is silly and stupid - Just like me. He is immature and loves giggles, pillow fights and chasing each other round the house with tickles just as much as I do (apart from I don't like being tickled). Mr. Warehouse is thoughtful, getting me things I need and helping with household chores when I ask. He looks after me when I am ill and comforts me when I am sad. He has never made me cry. Ever in fact. And he does his very best every day to make me feel like I am his absolute world. His be all and end all, and everything in between.

I suppose the next logical step for us would be for to get a dog, get a house and get engaged. But that is my plan and a relationship is about compromise, but with Mr. Warehouse holding my hand tight, I doubt I will be compromising much that I didn't already have the chance to look for! 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx