If you have a dishwasher I dare you to take a closer look at the hinge area inside the bottom of the door.
Lovely, isn't it?!
I wipe it at least every month but this morning I ran a blunt blade under the rubber seal. Double urgh.
I may not do as much domestic work as I could but I do specialise in cleaning filters and drains. Maybe it is a female thing on par with squeezing zits or digging out odd bits from the body, usually hubby's body!
Original Comments:
Thursday, 31 August 2006
Sunday, 27 August 2006
Glass half-empty
For the past forty minutes I've lain on the chaise lounge in front of the telly thinking about my glass half-empty attitude. What prompted this line of thought was the fact that I realised that I had spent the last five hours laid on the chaise doing nothing and how lazy I was. It seems I spend a great chunk of every day in this same position either watching TV or asleep and what a way to waste my life. I do nothing.
Then I reflected on what I had been doing earlier. We had been out for about six hours. Quality time with my Mr Doris and son. Yesterday I had been out all day renewing acquaintance with one of my English cousins; the day before out for the day at museums chaperoning my mother who had wanted to take two of her grandsons (including my son) out for the day; the day before that I know I did quite a bit of "work" work.... and I can't remember too much of any specifics before then but I know that there are times I work hard: day and night; and other times I flaff around. Though I've done a lot of flaffing around for a very long time now.
So why do I think I do nothing. Why do I think I am wasting away my life and not achieving what I could achieve. This evening was that eureka moment. I realised that instead of bigging up all that I do I have a glass half empty attitude. If I instead thought good thoughts about all that I do then that would attract a better attitude. For the last few years I have dwelt on the "negatives" that need not be negatives at all. Surely I am allowed to relax. Allowed to do nothing, just watch TV or whatever.
It would be important to say that if my dear Mr Doris reads this he would say "Doh!". He always supports me and reminds me how much I do. But that is like having someone who loves you always telling you want they think you want to hear. The problem is within me. It is how I process.
So I shall now return to the chaise with a feigned air of encouragement and will try not to be kicking myself in a few days time for still doing nothing and try and remember the glass half-full attitude to which I usually give lip service.
Original Comments:
Then I reflected on what I had been doing earlier. We had been out for about six hours. Quality time with my Mr Doris and son. Yesterday I had been out all day renewing acquaintance with one of my English cousins; the day before out for the day at museums chaperoning my mother who had wanted to take two of her grandsons (including my son) out for the day; the day before that I know I did quite a bit of "work" work.... and I can't remember too much of any specifics before then but I know that there are times I work hard: day and night; and other times I flaff around. Though I've done a lot of flaffing around for a very long time now.
So why do I think I do nothing. Why do I think I am wasting away my life and not achieving what I could achieve. This evening was that eureka moment. I realised that instead of bigging up all that I do I have a glass half empty attitude. If I instead thought good thoughts about all that I do then that would attract a better attitude. For the last few years I have dwelt on the "negatives" that need not be negatives at all. Surely I am allowed to relax. Allowed to do nothing, just watch TV or whatever.
It would be important to say that if my dear Mr Doris reads this he would say "Doh!". He always supports me and reminds me how much I do. But that is like having someone who loves you always telling you want they think you want to hear. The problem is within me. It is how I process.
So I shall now return to the chaise with a feigned air of encouragement and will try not to be kicking myself in a few days time for still doing nothing and try and remember the glass half-full attitude to which I usually give lip service.
Original Comments:
- Britmum said...
-
I feel like that too sometimes and I don't think that I allow myself to do it to often. I think I should. I am always beating myself up over things I think that I should be doing. I think for me it's my inner demon whispering "You'll end up like your Mother"!
You enjoy your chaise lounge, you deserve it.
I loved hearing the word faffing. I miss hearing the little English sayings. Listening to these darn Yanks get a bit tiring. LOL
Take care xx - Comment deleted
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This post has been removed by the blog administrator.
- Curly K said...
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enjoy your chaise-longue and stop feeling guilty, everyone deserves down-time and me-time even busy mums (or grans :-))
- Karn said...
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Nice post. Check out daily-inspirations.org to help you stay on the couch and like it!
- ChelseaFCChick said...
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Generally I try to keep the glass half full attitude but I often find myself feeling guilty if I've spent the day doing nothing. It's silly really!
Anyway, like Britmum and Curly K said, go ahead and enjoy your chaise lounge!
:) - Astryngia said...
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I always admire your ability to chill out without any guilt whatsoever. I aspire to the same so please don't change! You're a great role model!! ;-) It's a great skill to be able to go with the flow and even fall asleep amongst friends! :-)
- Atyllah said...
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Sounds like a bad case of Ye Olde Protestant Worke Ethic. Perhaps it's time to follow the Way of the Taoists who espouse "do nothing doing". It's a far more accepting attitude to life.
And stay on that chaise longue - you sound like you've more than earned it! - Anji said...
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I'm a glass half full person myself. Sounds to me that you deserve your time an the chaise lounge (with a full glass of wine, I hope!) I feel guilty about watching TV because I'm unemployed, but I rarely have time to watch TV. Isn't it strange the funny rules we set ourselves?
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
Vine tomatoes
Curious thing vine tomatoes. It costs more than twice the price to buy the tomatoes still connected to bits of the vine. You can't eat this greenery (I don't think) and yet it is added to the weight of what you are buying.
One would have thought there were more costs involved in stripping the tomatoes completely of its shrubbery.
Vine tomatoes certainly smell and taste nicer. Now why is that? I don't think they are especially a different breed.
PS.
Following Cheryl's comment I did a Google and found:
- it is a fruit "because it is a ripened mature ovary containing seed" but then explains why it is a vegetable! Tomato Debate
- the names of the different types as well as a clear explanation of vine tomatoes Cooks Thesaurus
- an economic discussion of why vine tomatoes cost more via reference to the phallic nature of the vine Vine is Money and then moving on to the cost of dry cleaning!
Original Comments:
- Cheryl said...
-
Maybe because they were ripened on the vine and not pulled off weeks ago when they were solid and green and transported half way round the world or put into bulk storage in the mean time?
At a guess.
I bet Ally would know why...
:-) - doris said...
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Oh dear, that seems quite plausible and obvious. My ignorance is showing! Maybe I should google...
:-D - Ghone said...
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I do so love the smell of vine tomatoes. That and geraniums.
Takes me right back to being 8 years old and standing in my late grandfather's greenhouse.
Ah...
Still, nostalgia's not what it used to be!
PS. Welcome back! - Ghone said...
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Oh, and can we expect more traveller's tales. So loved the below!
- Britmum said...
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I am not fond of toms but that could be because I have been knowto buy the ones that have travelled half way round the world. LOL Maybe I will pay the extra and try the vine ones.
Take care xx - ChelseaFCChick said...
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My entire family are mad about growing their own tomatoes and all different kinds as well.
I'm the black sheep of the family though, I can't stand them (whether their home grown, on the vine, off the vine or flown half way around the world)! :) - Gerald Ford said...
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Ach! I knew there was a conspiracy involved. :p
- The Elusive Loo said...
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I think they add crack cocaine to them...
...well, perhaps not. I've got some tomatoes growing in the garden at the minute. Homegrown tommies taste the greatest! - decrepitoldfool said...
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The most comments I ever got was a post about tomatoes. People must really care a lot about them. If I write about Rwandan genocide, maybe 1 comment. Tomatoes? 22 comments.
- doris said...
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Tomato posts, like tomatoes, are rather yielding. Easy to get along with and make comment about unlike the mega issues like Rwanda.
It is a sad reflection isn't it.
On the other hand, concerning your post regarding ugly tomatoes, maybe tomato growing and purchase can be seen as a metaphor on life? Or maybe we can be light hearted or serious about them and it is easier than the cruel issues in this world.
Sunday, 20 August 2006
UK BB7
Thank goodness the latest series has finally ended. Thirteen weeks is far too long that I don't know how other countries even attempt year long series. Too long and too many characters is my main criticism.
This series has been a mixed bag at times terrifying with the viciousness between the housemates. Stirred up by the manipulations of Big Brother. I'm surprised it hasn't yet been formally moved from the world of light entertainment to serious psychological experimentation.
My favourite task would have to be the prison task where they actually chose if they were going to be a prisoner or an officer and then after the first horrible task of peeling onions by the prisoners they were given a mock escape to a luxurious spa dodging the visits of the prison officers so they wouldn't be found out. Pure comedy.
Nikki may specialise in her tantrums and be a spoilt brat but there was an honesty about her that I liked. On Big brother forums I regularly read about people doubting that Pete had Tourettes or how much he put it on. Purlease! The ignorance was just incredible. However I never was a great fan of his and even less so when in his last week he started talking about his visions and that winning Big Brother was part of it. On the other hand, when Nikki came back into the house he was glowing with such happiness that he looked beautiful. Those were some beautiful moments that stirred me.
Aisleyne was a character I never much liked but it was something to see her soften in the last week or so. Good on her and least she has one of the good last night eviction interviews. Richard too turned out OK and rather sweet. Jennie did well coming sixth but she needs to relax just a little! What a scary hothead she is sometimes.
I can't forget Shabaz. He may have been extremely annoying but no-one ever deserves the bullying he received en-masse from the rest of his housemates. His mental health along with Nikki's are cause for concern but I hope they both survive and do well. Come to think of it, the mental health also of Aisleyne, Jennie, Lea and Sam are also worrying! And maybe mine for watching it all.
Original Comments:
This series has been a mixed bag at times terrifying with the viciousness between the housemates. Stirred up by the manipulations of Big Brother. I'm surprised it hasn't yet been formally moved from the world of light entertainment to serious psychological experimentation.
My favourite task would have to be the prison task where they actually chose if they were going to be a prisoner or an officer and then after the first horrible task of peeling onions by the prisoners they were given a mock escape to a luxurious spa dodging the visits of the prison officers so they wouldn't be found out. Pure comedy.
Nikki may specialise in her tantrums and be a spoilt brat but there was an honesty about her that I liked. On Big brother forums I regularly read about people doubting that Pete had Tourettes or how much he put it on. Purlease! The ignorance was just incredible. However I never was a great fan of his and even less so when in his last week he started talking about his visions and that winning Big Brother was part of it. On the other hand, when Nikki came back into the house he was glowing with such happiness that he looked beautiful. Those were some beautiful moments that stirred me.
Aisleyne was a character I never much liked but it was something to see her soften in the last week or so. Good on her and least she has one of the good last night eviction interviews. Richard too turned out OK and rather sweet. Jennie did well coming sixth but she needs to relax just a little! What a scary hothead she is sometimes.
I can't forget Shabaz. He may have been extremely annoying but no-one ever deserves the bullying he received en-masse from the rest of his housemates. His mental health along with Nikki's are cause for concern but I hope they both survive and do well. Come to think of it, the mental health also of Aisleyne, Jennie, Lea and Sam are also worrying! And maybe mine for watching it all.
Original Comments:
- Cheryl said...
-
Nikki was certifiable poor girl, and way too peculiar. Gorss.
At least she couldnt help it, unlike slippy smarmy Susie and Jane the walking anus - puke!!!
Richard in my eyes remained a double dealing wanker who simply got more skilled at sowing seeds of panic and discord with a gentle smile on his face.
I had no winner in mind this year and I fear they were recruited as 'good TV', ie circus freaks, so even the contestants were let down by BB this year.
We keep saying 'never again', but still......
:-) - The Elusive Loo said...
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I am proud to say I haven't watched a single episode this year as 13 weeks is too long out of anyone's life to become obsessed with a TV show which I did every other year!
Hello by the way :-) - ChelseaFCChick said...
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I missed a lot of BB this year (mainly due to the World Cup) but I was rooting for Pete or Glyn to win.
Nikki was entertaining at first but when she went back in it was excruciating to watch her.
I thought Richard was going to be great, but for some reason I grew to dislike him.
And I agree with Cheryl that the contestants seemed to have been recruited as circus freaks to make 'good tv'. (Although that didn't stop me getting sucked in to the hype lol!) - Britmum said...
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O.k. BB over here sucks big donkey whats its so I haven't watched it but I am glad that you are back Doris. I have missed you lovey.
Take care xx - Curly K said...
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I'm with in that I'm glad it's over. Didn't watch it too much near the end as found it just too much, too much drama, screaming etc. But you do end up getting sucked in to a certain extent. Whilst I did like Nikki's honesty her behaviour was worse than a toddler going through the terrible twos and I have to say I found Pete boring and a bit tedious in the fact that he had no clue as to how to read people. I actually began to really quite like Richard!
- MattyD said...
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Oh dear Doris, I didn't think you were the kind of person who would get sucked into yet another series of Big Brother.
I watched some of it due to being commissioned to create a fan-site by some of Pete's friends. www.perfectpete.com
I didn't watch much of the programme, maybe once or twice a week. Pete seemed interesting at the start, but he doesn't have much of a personality hiding behind the tourettes. Glyn was pretty hilarious throughout and I think he'll have a great time at University in September.
The rest of the assembled 'characters' weren't that great and I think they were a bit disappointing overall.
They need to cancel this programme before they turn all the children in our country into idiots. - doris said...
-
Hello All!
Like in an AA counselling session I hold my head up and admit that "My name is Doris and I watch Big brother!" :-D
Great site Matt - I love the rollover tab buttons in the top navigation. I find the whole idea of calling anyone "perfect" just a tad scary but that's what some call him.
Special hello to the elusive loo who I don't think I've met before :-) - Chandira said...
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Haven't seen that one, but I find when I do watch things like Survivor, I get hooked.. lol
I think the TV companies do a lot to exaggerate and maniplate and edit these shows for more drama, but you're right, human nature is under question huh? Talk about ego. Serious psychological experiments..
I happen to like the Paris Hilton & Nicole Ritchie series for some sick messed up reason.. I just can't help myself. ;-) - Annie said...
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I think BB peaked at BB3 and has been downhill from then on. Too many people chosen for their 'weird' potential, and too many stupid twists. I didn't even watch the final eviction.
Saturday, 19 August 2006
h2g2: Dinner for one
On my recent adventures in Germany my blood almost ran pure champagne as at each friends house a bottle would be cracked open in my honour and a glass thrust in my hand. And even a Union flag was raised in the garden. It was great! At my middle set of friends we started off with the champagne, then the wine and then after our barbeque I moved on to tasting the whiskies! I'm rather partial to whisky and although my better instincts told me I may be consuming too much alcohol my friend's husband had that look in his eye that he doesn't always come across people prepared to imbibe. So naturally I obliged.
I don't smoke but when offered a cigar, well, I just couldn't refuse. I was offered a choice and unsurprisingly it was the larger one that smelt fab in a melting chocolate kind of way. Resistance was futile and I was having a ball.
My friends were telling me about the German (and a few other countries) New Year tradition of showing a terribly English short film and it even holds the world record for the "most frequently repeated TV programme ever". Dinner for One: The 90th Birthday is just 18 minutes but an 11 minute version can be watched online at Google. It is English slapstick comedy about an elderly woman, Miss Sophie, whose butler, James, has to play the parts of her long dead friends during dinner and who becomes more drunk as the evening passes. Before each round of drinks in honour of Miss Sophie the catch phrase is:
I had never seen nor heard about this film before and my friends produced a little book with the dialogue. Being English I naturally tackled the dialogue with great gusto and a mock aristocratic accent and we fell about laughing.
The evening progressed and I was just so happy and mellow and didn't feel too bad or even drunk. The cigar was nearly finished as was one of the bottles of single malt. At this point it hit me and I knew I needed to go to the bathroom and that maybe I was going to throw up. Like a lady, I rose gracefully from the table on the patio and began to walk towards the door. I didn't get far before the world began to swallow me up as blackness drowned me in a faint. Amazingly I landed in a sitting up position and came too rubbing my temples desperately trying to work out where I was and what had happened. I couldn't open my eyes and I couldn't respond to my friends who were becoming extremely worried.
I sat there for a few moments rubbing my temples and then knew I was likely to throw up. Within milliseconds I contemplated taking off the cardigan I was wearing and being sick in that but as it was my friend's then that was not a great idea. The patio I sat on had fine grooves and I could imagine the mess so I finally requested a bucket. Within seconds one appeared and in the dark candlelight I swiftly emptied my guts. All still ladylike. The British flag flew above my head and I couldn't help think what a typical British tourist I was. At this point I actually felt alright and wasn't in the least bit dizzy and even managed to crack a joke "Same procedure next year, James?" in a mock posh English accent. Thankfully my friends saw the funny side and are still talking to me.
The Dinner for One is something one either loves or hates and it seems it appeals to the Germanic sense of humour. Interestingly, they demand only the original English version and re-makes in German are despised. What a curious bunch our German neighbours are. No wonder they speak second languages with such ease that they have such traditions that involve a different language.
Original Comments:
I don't smoke but when offered a cigar, well, I just couldn't refuse. I was offered a choice and unsurprisingly it was the larger one that smelt fab in a melting chocolate kind of way. Resistance was futile and I was having a ball.
My friends were telling me about the German (and a few other countries) New Year tradition of showing a terribly English short film and it even holds the world record for the "most frequently repeated TV programme ever". Dinner for One: The 90th Birthday is just 18 minutes but an 11 minute version can be watched online at Google. It is English slapstick comedy about an elderly woman, Miss Sophie, whose butler, James, has to play the parts of her long dead friends during dinner and who becomes more drunk as the evening passes. Before each round of drinks in honour of Miss Sophie the catch phrase is:
James: The same procedure as last year, Miss Sophie?
Miss Sophie: The same procedure as every year, James!
I had never seen nor heard about this film before and my friends produced a little book with the dialogue. Being English I naturally tackled the dialogue with great gusto and a mock aristocratic accent and we fell about laughing.
The evening progressed and I was just so happy and mellow and didn't feel too bad or even drunk. The cigar was nearly finished as was one of the bottles of single malt. At this point it hit me and I knew I needed to go to the bathroom and that maybe I was going to throw up. Like a lady, I rose gracefully from the table on the patio and began to walk towards the door. I didn't get far before the world began to swallow me up as blackness drowned me in a faint. Amazingly I landed in a sitting up position and came too rubbing my temples desperately trying to work out where I was and what had happened. I couldn't open my eyes and I couldn't respond to my friends who were becoming extremely worried.
I sat there for a few moments rubbing my temples and then knew I was likely to throw up. Within milliseconds I contemplated taking off the cardigan I was wearing and being sick in that but as it was my friend's then that was not a great idea. The patio I sat on had fine grooves and I could imagine the mess so I finally requested a bucket. Within seconds one appeared and in the dark candlelight I swiftly emptied my guts. All still ladylike. The British flag flew above my head and I couldn't help think what a typical British tourist I was. At this point I actually felt alright and wasn't in the least bit dizzy and even managed to crack a joke "Same procedure next year, James?" in a mock posh English accent. Thankfully my friends saw the funny side and are still talking to me.
The Dinner for One is something one either loves or hates and it seems it appeals to the Germanic sense of humour. Interestingly, they demand only the original English version and re-makes in German are despised. What a curious bunch our German neighbours are. No wonder they speak second languages with such ease that they have such traditions that involve a different language.
Original Comments:
- Ally said...
- Doris! I now have a completely different image of you than previously! :).
I am off to watch the film ...
- Curly K said...
- Doris, know for a fact that us typically Irish tourists could've kept up with your drunken escapades! No surprise that it's three am and I'm writing this reply far from sober but love the fact you've lived it large outside home ;-)
- Chandira said...
- ROFLMAO...
Awesome Doris, I too, have an utterly different image of you now, and love you all the more.
How many times have I felt that rising feeling of 'oh my god, where's the toilet??'. Haven't done it in quite a while, but it's been, uh, 'known to happen'.
Must've been the cigar. Not the drink, of course. ;-)
Friends that you've thrown up in front of are friends for life. At least, that's true of all my old school/drinking friends that I'm still in touch with.
- MrsDoF said...
- It must be the cigar. There are a couple brands I get queasy when around, and I don't even smoke!
Oh, yeah, good friends who produce a bucket upon request are good friends forevermore.
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I hear you girlfriend... double yuck. I wipe mine down but probably not as often as I should. Dare I try the knife? Hmmm.
Take care xx
Friday, September 01, 2006 12:09:00 AM
Eeewww, eewwww and double eeeewwww! to the grime and the bodily bits. Humans! Really!
Friday, September 01, 2006 8:12:00 AM
You've just made me feel glad I haven't got a dishwasher!
Friday, September 01, 2006 9:26:00 AM
Oh yes, grime around seal of dishwasher, particularly as you say, the hinges. Disgusterous!
Friday, September 01, 2006 9:38:00 AM
I don't take your dare Doris! Too scary.
What's your position on our dog bounding up to the dishwasher to lick the dirty plates as soon as we stack them!!
(I'm doing OK btw...things still tough on the domestic front, but hey...Just thought I'd look in...thanks for the tribute on the blog list!)
Friday, September 01, 2006 4:26:00 PM
Ewww - yuck! Have a nice weekend, and I've moved the blog again - not my fault this time!
http://almostwrite.blogspot.com
Friday, September 01, 2006 8:37:00 PM
Maybe it is a female thing on par with squeezing zits or digging out odd bits from the body, usually hubby's body!
Ah, the sancitity of marriage. ;p
(but yes, I can relate...ha ha ha)
Saturday, September 02, 2006 9:49:00 AM
Ugh.
Also, I first read 'squeezing zits' as 'squeezing tits', which led to some confusion :).
Saturday, September 02, 2006 1:32:00 PM
Yuk!
Still wish I had a dishwasher though! :)
Saturday, September 02, 2006 5:25:00 PM
I'm so glad that there was no photo!
Saturday, September 02, 2006 11:58:00 PM
Ugh...yes, I use a dishwasher but NO I don't want to check the grime! LOL
Won't you PLEASE come do it for me? Now I'm gonna have to hunt this stuff down & kill it.
I'm sure glad to see you're posting on a regular basis again. :)
Sunday, September 03, 2006 3:37:00 AM