YAWNING MORNING, MORNING YAWNING.
We wake up sometimes and things are different. Sometimes I wake up and I can鈥檛 feel my toes, sometimes I wake up and my head tingles, this morning I woke up and the skin under my eye was bubbling. What the heck is going on ?
When you woke up this morning, what was your body saying to you.?
And when did this all start ?
When I was a kid鈥
鈥 just woke up and that was it, dog tired admittedly, more tired than I鈥檝e ever been as an adult but that was all.
Our waking thoughts and feelings are the most natural of the day. It鈥檚 completely who we are. I love waking up, no matter how I feel, it means I鈥檓 still here, still part of the game.
All the blogs, well most of them anyway, are how I feel when I wake up, I鈥檇 always wanted a reason to encapsulate how I feel at this time and the blog is the perfect excuse.
I think the time just after you awake is as magical as we get. Even if we lead a hectic life, when we鈥檙e asleep our body鈥檚 getting just what it needs, more of an 鈥渦s鈥 time therefore when we awake I think we are probably more us than at any other time of the day.
Then we get up and the world has it鈥檚 way with us for the rest of the day and we begin to slip away from ourselves, like right now for example or just before you started reading this. Stare into a fire and you鈥檒l find yourself coming back, go for a walk, all that kind of stuff. Secretly I think this is why we like a good old visit to the loo, it鈥檚 a little more us time, we actually look forward to going to the loo!
Why do any of us do what we do ? It鈥檚 crazy, we鈥檙e flung on to the planet, absolutely no choice in the matter whatsoever and then we have to get on with it. Ha ha !
It鈥檚 a scream if you think about it. Gas bills, electricity bills, where to go on holiday, who the mother needs all that? The concept of going on holiday for a start is really quite strange. What about the cavemen? They had it rough didn鈥檛 they?
鈥淚 wanna go back inside mummy鈥檚 tummy, this sucks, my spear鈥檚 blunt and the bloke in the next door cave has nicked my bear skin!鈥
There鈥檚 Madonna not having a clue what to do, there鈥檚 me and there鈥檚 you, we鈥檙e all totally lost. It鈥檚 hilarious.
Madonna goes on telly to explain why she鈥檚 done what she鈥檚 done with her new baby, who cares? Oprah, who cares? Let鈥檚 get all this in perspective. I have to go to the shops in a minute to buy some bacon and the papers and do some work for the show and I have no idea why I鈥檓 doing any of it! Seriously I鈥檓 laughing out loud.
So let鈥檚 carry on being human beings.
Right come on everyone, it鈥檚 time for a list, no nonsense don鈥檛 try to be clever, here we go. A brilliant present for someone for Christmas for under twenty quid.. I, once again, I鈥檓 sorry but I think it鈥檚 a belter, proffer a paper shredder, or and I know it鈥檚 been done before but I think it鈥檚 a bit more relevant at the moment, a juicer! Yey !
x.
Love you all immensely.
Comments
Good morning Chris,
Dont think about Christmas yet! Its much too early!
Lets enjoy kicking a few leaves about first!
have a great day one and all
Gillyx
Dear Chris,
woke up this morning felt great!!!!!!!Poor but happy.
Simon
Nice one Chris. Normal service resumed.
Under 拢 20 how about Alcohol Breath Tester 19.99 for the morning after !
Hi All,
Prezzie for someone for under 拢20? I have the perfect thing! Wind up racing grannies!!!
Saw them on a website, two wind up grannies complete with zimmers for 拢7. I laughed out loud!
Now, how did I feel when I woke up this morning? (apart from warm and cozy) Sniffly is the word I think. Why does that happen? Every morning I have a sniffly nose when I wake up. I thought it was because I smoked, but I last had a ciggie in January (Hurrah for SW's willpower!) and still happens.
Just one of lifes little mysteries I guess.
Have a lovely day all! Watching the rain out the window at the moment. The patterns it makes in the pond are really pretty.
Hugs to all
SWx
Goodmorning Chris and all Bloggers
I love waking up too. But then again I get to wake up next to my man! He really puts a smile in my belly!
As for Christmas gifts I think that home made ones are the best. Something truly personal. I hate the whole 'running round at the last minute trying to outdo the present that you bought last year' thing. And who really remembers what they got for Christmas last year?
This year try and take the time to make something. Bake a cake - knit a sweater - anything that says I love you and I am giving up my time to prove it.
Better still promise your time. Write a note that promises a certain amount of time that that person can have you for without any other thing or person getting in the way. No mobile phones -pure friendship time. These days we are always rushing and it sucks - lets stop, just for a short time and enjoy being alive!!!
As Ferris Bueller said "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while you might miss it."
So true.
Amanda
Hello Chris,
I wonder why I'm doing stuff all the time - paintings and so on, but I just have to do it.
How about seeds for the Christmas present under 拢20.00. Both useful and with a satisfying outcome.
Have a thoughtful day.
a tree, like a rhus or a small silver birch. Then your gift recipient can plant it in their garden, watch it grow and delight in every new leaf or flower. The change in colour as the seasons change, the way they dance in the wind or bathe in the sun.
The best present i was ever given was a silver birch that cost 拢17.99 3 years ago. He's called Victor and i love him.
x
Present for under 20quid. I always like a party in a bag (a personal party that is, no invites here!)
A good friend started it for me a few years ago and it was one of my best pressies ever!! It means you need to know someone well but I can't imagine thats a problem for you!!
As an example mine contained (and it sums me up quite well) a bottle of bacardi, a bottle of coke, a good book, a pair of bed socks, a box of chocs, a packet of fags, a new lighter and an ashtray! Sat for two days in my pj's smoking, drinking, munching and reading. Fantabulous, plenty of me time. (Oh yer and my feet were warm!)
And for the interested among you the book was a Terry Pratchett which some of you will know goes really well with all those added extras!
Happy Shopping!!
.....or a blow up sumo costume from M&S (other sumo costumes are available!) i bought one for 拢15 for my brother last year and we laughed so hard there were tears rolling down our faces.
In fact i can feel the giggle coming on right now!!!
Hey Up,
I woke up tis morning after having a dream that I fell in love with someone and they felt exactly the same. What an absolutley top start to the day. I dont think it could get better :)
But yes, life has taken over. An argument in the office, the phones arent working, but who cares!!!
I'm feeling thirsty... it must be, yes! It is, it's Thursday!
I woke up this morning, feeling even more tired than I did when I went to bed - as per usual. I think if my body was telling me anything, it was moaning at me for staying up too late yesterday. But then the boyfriend sleepily puts his arm around me and I feel happy and ready for the day.
I try not to think too hard about why I do what I do. Going to work to pay the bills when what I want to do is stay in bed cos I'm so tired from working the day before. I think one day I will become a shepherd and just spend all day standing on a hill watching sheep hopping about. That appeals to me. But I can't afford to buy a hill.
And as for paper shredders - I am sooo with you on that one. I bought my boss and her husband one for Christmas the year before last and it went down a treat. Only about a tenner from Woolies. I would like some more plants in my house but never get around to buying them. So there's mine - buy someone a houseplant. Or a toy tigger. Can't go wrong with a tigger!
Love the show Chris, love the blog, love you.
Hi Chris and bloggies,
I'm with you Chris with the comment 'carry on being humans'...its something I can definitely achieve today! Just that realisation adds a spring to my step. Thanks mate.
As for the pressies...the racing grannies had me laughing out loud. Nice one Soozy Woo! You must get a pair and race them - drinking games galore. (Soozy - great name by the way- stick with the non smoking- Ive done the same and find a bit of sitting meditation at the start of the day clears my nose and sinus like nothing else- ok its a bit hippyish but hey).
I had a brill pressie idea myself but when i searched the web its not being well done by anyone else, so I might just pack in the day job and sell the mystery product.
Have a great day one and all!
sumo
Good morning,
I agree with GillyM - kick the leaves about! It's so much fun!!
I'm currently on a visit home to Ireland and if it stops raining and dries up enough today it's exactly what I'm going to do :-)
It's the simple things in life that make a person happy after all.
Lily :-)
Hi Chris and Bloggers All
The perfect present for 拢20, for me would be spent on ingrdients for a Sunday roast with my family and closest friends sat around the table.
Keep the faith and the the bog.
Hem
If I am more myself when I wake up then I am a grumpy evil cow! I swear and mutter and moan every morning when the alarm goes off!
The days that I wake up naturally is a different story though - I am snuggly and happy and smiley.
Throw out the alarm clocks!
Christmas under 拢20? I am making lots of presents this year...sloe gin....tasty chocolates and sweets...preserves...flavoured oils....patchwork bags and cushion covers. It is the thought that counts I feel.
K x
The time that you are on about (going to the loo just to have some time for yourself etc) is known as "me" time in my household. A counsellor once told me the reason I was depressed was because I had stopped giving myself enough "me" time. So I try and have some every day. When I worked it was in the car - listened to TW and yourself - now it's last thing at night after hubby has gone to bed, curled up on the couch with dog, reading a good book. Terry Pratchett a fav of mine too, Bodacia Marchbanks #8!
Best Xmas pressie under 拢20 is a massage cushion. Get them on ebay. My favourite is a back massager on one side and a foot massager on the other! So far my Dad, Mum, Hubby and Sister in Law have all got one and I'm trying to decide whether my best friend or my brother gets the one I have spare for Xmas!
Love Alison xxxx
Hi chris and blog people
When me & my husband were broker than we are now (is that a real word?) I wrote him a recipe book with pens that smelt of food - for someone who can't even burn toast properly!
must've cost me less than a fiver altogether... and it's still the pressie he remembers more than anything else - even if he still can't cook...
But it's definitely going to be racing grannies this year!
cat
xxx
I am inclined to agree with Amanda - home made presents are the best ever....especially when made by a kid....it still makes me want to weep when I recall the Christmas my 6 year old sister decided to make all the family's presents..the most memorable being a "desk tidy" for our brother that was fashioned from some old polystyrene packaging of a hair dryer and filled with old broken bits of crayons, torn up paper, sharpeners etc she'd found lying around. My god we laughed til we could hardly breathe. Mind you she was mortified and vowed never to make another present in her life.Still makes for hilarious family memoirs.....she's a barrister now so I like to think we helped to make her tough.
Perfect pressie for you Chris, truffle set 拢15 from discerningfood.co.uk, I know i'd be happy to receive that. Also i quite fancy the Russian Space Pen 拢1.50 from npw.co.uk. As you can see i do a lot of my Christmas shopping online, it makes life so much easier when you can shop while wearing your fluffy slippers and having a cuppa and a ginger nut!
This morning I woke up feeling a bit anxious but at first i didn't know why. Then I remembered where we are going at 5pm - the dentist. I don't care if I need fillings, I just hope the kids don't.
After watching Everybody Loves Raymond in bed with my lovely 10 year old (it's half-term), i spoke to my mum on the phone and we ended up having a row - oh dear - let's hope the day improves.
Em xx
Im in love with sleep......esp a nap in the afternoon.
1 Because it feels naughty as people think you are lazy..... which im not.
2 it means that im not falling asleep at 10pm and enjoy the evenings more.
.
Prezzie under a score....mmmm what about a nice fillet of halibut!
Dickie D x
Chris, morning!
Funny you should be talking about waking up in your blog today, happened to me a lot last night!
I first woke up at about 3 this morning, couldn't get back to sleep so got up and pottered around for a bit, the pottering turned into finishing re-arranging my living room (I love to re arrange the furniture, it makes everything feel new again!) Good job my neighbours are away on holiday! Finished that about 5 and went back to bed. When my alarm went off at 7 all my body was telling me was go back to sleep, which I duly did, I am so obedient!
Woke up again at 8.30 and the world got to me pretty quickly today, within seconds I am running round the house simultaneously brushing teeth, putting on jeans, and swearing! I just wanted to stay in bed, maybe I should have listened. Ten minutes wasn't going to make any difference to my day really, the world could have waited couldn't it?
I agree that it is way too early to be thinking about Christmas, we shouldn't be allowed to even talk about it until December the first!
Hope everyone has a lovely day, am feeling quite zen and at one with the world today. Love to all!!
Sam
XX
Morning Chris and Bloggers,
I woke up at 10am today and realised i was late for work! Then i realised I work from home and it made me laugh to myself! The commute to the office wasnt too bad, about 4 metres to be precise. Then after reading your blog it made me think just how crazy life is. On and on and on it goes, until we get hit by a big meteorite and go to live in bunkers. Probably returning to the aforementioned cave man status. Nice.
Christmas presents for under 20 pound sterling? One of the best presents I got was a big wok just before I went to uni. I was the stir fry king of the halls!
Or how about making someone a food and drink hamper? You can put home made stuff in there too. I'm making some sloe gin from some foraged sloe berries for the folks this xmas!
Good luck Chris and kudos on the recent listener figures! 4.9 million friends! Flip! you'll need more than 拢20!
Cheers!
Matt
A very good morning bloggers and schloggers,
I just feel lucky to wake up every morning without having to diagnosing how I feel when I have managed it :-)
Prezzies for under 20 pounds? I am a man and as such I am not good at thinking about buying presents. I normally ask a woman for inspiration :-(
Happy thirsty Thursday everyone :-)
Keith
x
P.S I see in the news today that men wake up happier than women, here are a few reasons why :-)
Men are just happier people.
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another service station toilet because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress 拢5000. Tux rental-拢100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day holiday requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is 拢4.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one colour for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier. :-)
Can't belive I am doing this - my first blog ever !
But the Xmas pressie for under 拢20 discussion means I have to blog. I received an Oxfam Xmas catalogue through the post recently. It contains a range of "famously funusual" gifts. Evey gift has been identified as essential by the communities Oxfam works with around the world.
Gifts range from 拢5 to 拢1,700 (go on Chris you can afford it !). They include things such as trees, goats, donkeys, tolilets, mosquito nets ... upto creating a wholeclassroom.
I am telling all my friends - so go to the website oxfamunwrapped.com and spread the word.
So go on Chris mention it on the show - or even better make one of your interviews with a representative from Oxfam.
A great way to offset the excesses of Christmas while helping those that need it.
Wonder if this will be my first and last blog !
A gift for under twenty quid? Easy: a piglet for a family in Tanzania. Only 拢15, comes with a free sense of having done something positive for another human being. And the recipient doesn't have to find space in their house or wonder how they're going to get rid of something they loathe without offending the giver. Easy.
Have a lovely day.
Cx
PS Have a look at www.grassroots.org.uk if you fancy buying a piglet....
Morning Chris,
I went to see The Brian Jonestown Massacre at their gig in Nottingham last night. So when I got up I felt a little tired, definitely not ready for a busy day at work! Had a great time though so by about lunch time, I should be in a more cheerful mood.
On account of my tiredness, I can't think of a great present under 拢20. However, my brother often buys people a cd of someone they haven't heard of before but will suit their taste. Which is a great way to discover new music.
Have a great one, all.
Sam
Buenos dias guapos!
Love that bit in the morning when u know that you've got about 15mins snoozing time before you have to get up. Time to chill and do a bit of daydreaming thinking cosy thoughts and having fantastically creative ideas.
Off to Dorset soon and looking forward to a brilliant weekend and a birthday treat out in the wilds. Yeah!!
Pressie for under 拢20 - good olive oil. jar of cheese in truffles from Carluccio's, hand-made chocolate truffles and freshly ground coffee...actually anything foody and extravagant...a bit over 拢20, diptyque candles.
grosses bises,
Kazza xx
First thing my body told me this morning was 'go back to sleep you fool!'. I like it when your half awake and half asleep and noises from the outside are incorporated into your dreams, its weird but strangely reassuring.
have a nice day everyone.
Present for under 20 quid - a couple of Chopra's books - everyone should read this stuff. He captures everything you're talking about in this blog and so much more. Attach a note to the books saying don't just read this stuff - live it.
I agree on the magic of waking and it being a particularly great part of our day, but for me, the most magical time of day are those moments between being awake and asleep, when the two blur and we get a glimpse of what life might be like if we handed things over to the subconscious on a more permanent basis.
Morning Chris,
Christmas present for under 拢20.00, no problem.
I love gving Terramundi Money pots, there about 拢16.00 and lots of different designs to choice from. They are traditionally from Italy and are over 2000yrs old.
Once the first coin is dropped the money pot must be fed until full upon which time it must be smashed whilist making a wish. Your suppose to spend the money on "good things", they bring good Fortune".
They have a website and you can personalise them if you wish to.
Only 8 weeks to Xmas fab!!!
Cheers
V.
Hi Chris
Every morning I wake up with our 2 year old son climbing in our bed saying 'Mummy, Mummy' and i love it cos the first thing i do every morning is give him a big kiss and cuddle.
love your show
Sarah B
Hi Chris and all bloggees,
What did I feel when I awoke today? - a very cold, very wet nose on my face. I had slept in and my doggies decided it was time I got up and fed them. Cheery sight of 2 furiously wagging tails when my eyes actually decided to open aaah!
The best pressie I made was for my hubby. It was a bookmark made up of photos I had taken over the years that were personal and special to him e.g. Family, dogs, car, keyboards etc. I printed them out in thumbnail size, made them into a double sided bookmark size collage, laminated it and then threaded a ribon through a hole I punched in the bottom.
He reads every night and loves it
Take Care all
Cx
Hi Chris and everyboddle!
Not surprised my first post didn't get listed - had a bit of a rant (for that please read - 'went totally OT') so sorry blog owner/author/censor...please accept my most 'umble?
When I woke up eventually this morning I had a fuzzy head and not in a good way. I also have the sniffles every morning (since about 1989) Soozy, and I do smoke (since before 1989!), so I don't know!
I don't really have 'me' time in the morning as it doesn't feel 'me' ish. I trundle about in a hazel daze while feeding me, feeding the cats, showering and generally getting ready for work. The boy is working nights at the moment however, so I can have plenty of 'me' time in the evening...The fact he crawls into bed around 4am, then proceeds to kick, grunt, snore, punch and elbow his way through the couple of hours until I get up, is why I arise with a fuzzy head and not in a good way...(see previous paragraph)...
Anyway...I don't know why I do things especially, but I do do things because if no-one bothered, we wouldn't need to be here at all...would we?
Pressie for under 拢20...hhhmmm...a Darth Vader Voice Synthesizing Mask...I think they are about 拢16...guaranteed to break the ice at parties!
Love you all and love my boy
love
hazel
x
a good yawning morning to you christop, foxy and all.
yep there was madonna (oh my god) are we Bovered or what.
just take the child back thats the best thing madonna can do and just help with money rather than put that poor little bleeder though all this.
anyways i've booked my next years hols oh yes so i'm feeling glad bit skint.
have a good thristy thursday
hasta luego
Blimey Christophe bit early to be thinking about Christmas....or is it!!
Not very exciting but whenever I am thinking about Christmas presents or even a Wedding present, a slow cooker always comes near the top of my list, I have had one for a few years now and totally swear by it, (although Kate thinks me a little strange me stood in the kitchen shouting expletives)!!
Ain't nothing better than coming in from work on a cold dark evening, opening the front door and your nostrils filled with the smell of stew.
Kate if you read this, ignore it, and the 拢20 budget, the best Christmas present would be a Nintendo WII.
I find one of those 拢20 notes is a good bet! or for the personal touch you could write a cheque.
Seriously though - Stuff you can do together is always a winner 拢20 should buy :
Film and an ice cream in london (or film, dinner, drinks, and taxi home if you are out in the sticks! )
Lunch and a trip round the tate modern? (other galleries are available!)
Golf lesson? session on the driving range?
for 拢35 you can do Moule frites in biarritz for dinner (ryanair flights 拢30 return(inc taxes) + 拢5 or so for beer mussels and chips) splash out and add a night in perfectly reasonable hotel 拢30 for a room. Did this with my mum for mothers day - was 拢100 all in for 2 of us. She LOVED it.
Sorry - I dont do presents - i have had enough of random "stuff" cluttering up my house / life!
J
Carolyn, a piglet! I want one. I would be delighted if someone did that for me. But I'm laughing out loud at the thought of some aunts and uncles faces when they opened that envelope hahahahahaha : )
Just listening to last nights show an listen again
(missed it last night)
So glad you liked Pooh's quote
Thank you
Cx
I`m right there with Karen and Carolyn ! www.oxfamunwrapped.com is an excellent site. Its full of awesome things that can change peoples lives forever and its so much more beneficial than some of the nonsense we all tend to buy each other at Christmas.
Whilst kind of on the subject - if you happen to have a few christmas cards left over this year why not send them to the kids at www.postpals.co.uk ... This is a great idea and a great website. Basically its for kids that have to stay in hospital, you can write to them, send them cards, send them presents. A friend told me about it, apparently she is going to be doing a feature on it on this years Children In Need so look out for it !
Everyone is already asking me what I want for Christmas.... Where has the year gone ???!!!
Have a good day one and all x x
Congratulations on the audience figures today. We all knew you'd do so well. Some people have such fixed views of people and things, even though people and things change all the time.
Well done!
Si
I am trying to do all my xmas shopping via the charity catalogues, hence giving that little bit more to those that really need it. One of the best presents I've found for under 拢20 was the Stargazers Almanac, which is great for beginners and can really give you a better understanding of the night sky. I tend to treat myself while doing the present buying thing. For each 5 presents I buy for others I treat myself to 1. Never extravagant, and normally on those 3 for 2 offers, but this year the almanac is mine!
MW, a!
Hello Chris and all you lovely people
Woke up in a worried state today. Saved a life yesterday. My little neighbour (in age not size) asked me to feed his new fish in his pond while he was on holiday. Been going in religiously but last evening went in to turn the pump off as instructed and one of them was on its side struggling - (if he/she had legs would have been on their last ones) - it seems the pond is losing water and it was stranded on the moulded shelf in a inch of water. I came to its rescue and refilled the pond but worried that the same thing would happen again overnight. The only time I have wished for more rain! Been in this morning all okay, phew but now on fish watch until Saturday. (This fish has such unusual markings, if the worst happens I won't even be able to buy another one from the pet shop because he will know.)
x
Hello Chris,
When I woke up this morning I got to relive my fabulous dream about Captain Jack (possibly induced by watching Torchwood after one too many white wines).
So I am going to do what my dream told me... I'm going to find my Captain Jack. I wanna go all glowy and golden when someone snogs me!
:o)
ooh... and a good prezzy? I wont say exactly how much in case mum wanders over here someday, but I once got my mum a ticket to go and fly owls (owls! how cool is that?!) with a bird charity. It was well under 拢20.
Love 'n' hugs
Ali
P.S. Thanks for the blog and your show, you always cheer me up!
Hi...
I'm a teacher on half term and I'm so tired and sleeping in every day that I just don't know how I get up for school in a morning at 6.30!!!
I need to know how to fit my life in...when I'm so busy and always tired from work the previous day.
Need a new plan...
Will definately be baking my pressies this year...and i like the seeds ides...but I think that everyone would think that I'd gone mad if i gave them packets of seeds!
Love ya Chris x
hi everyone
i love lying in bed first thing in the morning, and thinking about the good things that might happen - never mind that 10 minutes later it has probably all gone to pot!
how about a big framed montage of photos for you and whoever you are buying for, of all your good times together and things that you have done. not a formal neat collection, but lots of little photos all cut up in to little piccies. i have given these as pressies and they always go down well, and it shows you make the effort.
or - going back to what someone posted yesterday, a load of calvin and hobbes books, the funniest simplest things ever written!
enjoy your day everyone and if its all going down hill, remember those 10 minutes in bed tomorrow morning!
Good morning Mr Yawning!
A quality gift list eh? Thought I'd send you some ideas whilst making a note of them for myself. I'm determined to get all my Christmas shopping done before December this year. Battling with frantic hoards of crazed Christmas shoppers does my swede in and drains me of my festive spirit. Of which, I tend to have oodles of. Love Christmas.
So, the list:
1. Juicer - definately should be on there.
2. Can you get a breadmaker for 拢20? Probably not, but a good gift all the same!
3. A Jamie Oliver Flava Shaker
4. A small picture frame
5. A daytime neck scarf/tie (for girls)
6. A Dickens novel. One of my Christmas rituals is to watch a particular version of Scrooge (the Anthony Newly one) a few days before the big day. Or the It's a Wonderful Life DVD.
7. A decoration for a Christmas tree. They'll think of you every time they decorate their tree, and get all warm inside.
8. Some smashing wellies for the walk after Christmas dinner.
9. One of those big scented candles in a jar with a lid - a cinnamon type flavour.
10. Marshmallows and a toasting fork (they must have a real fire though Chris?)
Right, that's your lot. My juices are definately flowing now, and I could easily devote my entire day to this? I'm both a Christmas and a list freak!!
Now go forth and purchase, my organised little friend.
x
Morning All
I shall start with a quote from old blue eyes...
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. "
I woke up this morning feeling absolutely shattered, my body feels old! Didn鈥檛 have a great sleep last night, One of my cats is diabetic and needs be fed little but often. During the week when I'm at work this (obviously) isn't easy to do, so he tends to wake me up at regular intervals throughout the night, poor man. Last night a couple of my other cats joined in. Mr Big (The ORIGINAL MR BIG, born a long time before Carrie met hers in Sex and the City!), Becky (his mum) and Mitzi (his sister) were all sitting on my chest when I awoke the first time at 01:30 this morning so I am very achy today. It actually feels like they were all beating me up whilst I was asleep鈥. You don鈥檛 think they were do you ;-) I cooked some fish for them all this morning before I left, so I hope they will be happy today.
After all that, I then have to go to work to do a job I HATE. I know Chris has said in the past 鈥渇ind something that you love and do it鈥 the trouble is I have been doing this crappy job for so long I have forgotten what it is I love鈥. Gosh, you can tell I didn鈥檛 get much sleep last night, just call me Ms Grumpy from now on.
I鈥檝e been catching up on the old blog this morning and want to send hugs and kisses to all of you out there, especially Tracey Ann, Em25, Cat, Catherine and The BigUn 鈥 LOVE your list today by the way.
Last Christmas, due to budget restrictions, I did all my Christmas shopping in charity shops, probably only spent about 拢20 combined. It鈥檚 amazing what treasures you can find鈥 all my family really appreciated the gifts. You don鈥檛 have to spend a lot of money, it鈥檚 the thought you put into choosing the 鈥渞ight鈥 present that counts.
Now I shall end with a quote from Sex and the City鈥..
鈥淭he most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." - Carrie
Good morning lovelies,
I woke up this morning feeling a bit lonely as my feline companion had decided to have a sleepover with my housemates instead of me; obviously the fact that it's my hard-earned cash that keeps her in the rotund shape she favours bears noooo influence on who she snuggles with...!
Staggered to my window, drew back the curtains on a grey morning, rubbed my bleary eyes and tried to focus on the field in which the housemates' 10 equine companions live...only to see NOT ONE OF THEM THERE! That little voice of "oooh that's not good" started to repeat intself in my brain, and the adrenaline started to kick in as I searched for some trousers. Just as I was thinking "b*gger it I'm going to have to go out in my PJ's..." the little blighters appeared, one by one, from a corner of the field.
I've no idea how all 10 of them managed to conceal themselves in it. All I can think is there must have been whispers of "pppssst - I know how we can get her. You stand on my shoulders, Misty - you lie under Amber, and Flyer - you pretend to be a tree...tee hee..." all night.
So the first 7 minutes of my day were a bit of a rude awakening. Then went out, got all the cobwebs blown out of me by the wind (it went through all the crevices...) whilst persuading the ponies that they really DID want to come in, and that doing their own version of the Grand National wasn't really necessary.
Ah - the peace and tranquility of the countryside! It was like the arrival of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse at ours...!
As for pressie for 拢20, I'm with Karen on the whole charity present thing. I did that for all my friends last Christmas. If they're not all shacked up in domestic bliss with all the material stuff they need, they've certainly got the money to buy it for themselves, and I've just had enough of this materialistic pressure all the time.
Have a look at www.tree2mydoor.com for trees, or www.brooke-hospital.org.uk for a great charity that would do marvellous things with your cash.
Megs x x x
P.S. Know what, Mr E? I think we all love you immensely too...but not in weird stalker ways...although I can't speak for everyone on that!
wow, just been on the post pals website, very very tough to read but what a wonderful organisation. will definatley get myself and the kids involved.
great recommendation
Sorry - me again.
Forgot to say
a.) Calvin and Hobbs - yeah yeah yeah! They ALMOST make it worth buying The Express (I did say almost...) but get your paws on one of their books and you'll never look at a cuddly tiger in the same way....
b.) BigUn - loved your list today! Made me laugh lots. Thank you.
Megs x
not at work at the moment so woke up naturally, what heaven!
Lovely husband is so terrible at waking up, even when I'm not at work I can't have a proper lie-in and do the half-awake-half-asleep snuggly thing cos I need to get him to get his bottom off the mattress! Easier said than done.
then Archie Dog needs feeding and the day begins....
Just love BigUN's list. Now I know where Iv'e gone wrong - should have been born a man.
I never really like waking up, but this has put a new perspective on it. From now on when I wake up I will have a more positive attitude and hope that it carries on through the whole day.
By the way, this morning I overslept and was up had a wee and woken the kids up before My body had even registered that I was actually awake!
Alone time on the loo! No such luxury, since having my kids I have never been able to sit on the loo on my own, everytime i sit down they seem to appear from nowhere and pester me until I get off. This also counts for the Bath and shower.
Oooh I feel better now I have got that off my chest, back to positive thinking now.
xx
Hi Chris
I have found the perfect solution for a christmas pressie everyone will love! It's a Hot Chocolate Maker from Lakeland Plastics. It comes complete with a stoneware pitcher and a super-duper whisk for the bargain price of 拢14.99 which means you would have enough money for a great big bag of marshmallows to go with it! Yummy!!
Alternatively, why not get a shoe box (empty of course!), completely cover the box and lid and fill it with lots of little gadgets, sweets and pocket money pressies, but make sure you wrap each thing individually, geat fun for the person opening it!
Look forward to the show later.
Anne
x
Hi Chris
I wake up every morning to the lovely aroma of fresh coffee that my hubby brings to me. Next I feel the baby kick bringing a big smile to my face knowing I am the luckiest person in the world.
Love Kirst
xx
Hi Chris et al.
I'm agreeing with the 10 minute cuddle with my lovely husband and daughter first thing in the morning- a gentle child is a great waker upper, she strokes my face and her smile is the first thing I see most days.
This morning I woke up v v excited because I was a competitor on Womans Minute last night and won..getting to sleep was a problem as I was buzzing and thinking about other pointy things!
The present I like most for under 拢20 is a Magazine subscription because the person who receives it thinks of the sender every month for a year. My husband and I have been following the Christmas present for 拢5 for ages,it's so much fun getting silly 50P presents ( or free gifts etc) throughout the year to give each other at Christmas
yours excitedly...
Caroline
Good morning one and all
Now for twenty quid you could buy twenty pressies from the pound shop.
Or how about buying a smoker friend some stop smoking patches or chewing gum
Now that could save their life, which is worth far more than money can buy. Beleive you me. .
'Lammy Pie'....
Woke up this morning, body/head said lets get this done & done well... you need it & crave it!
So 6am Spinning class was top of the list, what a superb way to get you pumping in the morning!
1. A very cool Kite (to fly in the park or at the top of your hiil)
2. a blank note pad & fancy pen
Just 2 of the top of my head!
Right, I'm off to see if I can find a Kite for under 拢20 my dad will love it!
Have a great day all!
Hey Chris
I'm making a lot of pressies this year - knitting scarves, etc. Was supposed to be making jams and chutneys but have been somewhat distracted, so I'm going to make Christmas muffins for everyone instead - made with orange peel, cinnamon, raisins and glace cherries, etc.
Best presents under twenty quid? A pair of wellies definitely! So useful - gardening, walking, paddling, kicking up leaves, etc, but don't wellies always make everyone chuckle - they're fab!
Happy thirsty Thursday everyone
xxx
far too early for christmas chris. lets have an ace autumn first jumping in the leaves. i gotta do some work for a lecture now. i dont know why im doing it either.
jimmy
BigUn 23#
Where have I seen that list before? I think I was sent it, or one like it, on an email once...superb!
Helen 46#. There are some blindingly funny lists out there, and I'm sure there is a huge Christmas 'List' out there, waiting to be discovered, or even written!
A few years ago I used to do a (拢2) pressie lucky dip for my staff - eight in all - but it was easier to go out with 拢16 and buy eight presents than get eight that cost 拢2...I'd usually come home with a little bit of change too. Fab fun trying to find all different but equivalent quality bits and pieces!
I love getting surprises. My ex M.i.L always used to do a list, so, consequently, did her family. That took all the fun out of buying something that would be appreciated or loved or laughed at on the day...oooh look how lovely the madness of King George on video what a surprise etc etc....hey ho...don't need to worry now eh!
Feeling LOADS better as the day goes on...really liking all the charity ideas but will need to wait until home to check those out.
Anyway, it's my birthday a short while before Christmas, so I'm being totally selfish and thinking about me until that's gone! This is my 'me' time...and 'THUD!' by Terry Pratchett if anyone asks...
love you even more
love
hazel
x
I got my dad some wheelie Bin Stickers they are 拢15 each and it had tommy cooper on it. Just to make your wheelie bin a little individual. You can buy them on wheelie bin art .co.uk or something like that you can do a search on Yahoo.
or alternatively
you can buy plug in night lights for adults, the one I purchased was a bright flourescent pink bottom aptly named (I'll let you guess), I got this in a little shop in brighton though.
I hope this helps!!!
By the way I ached this morning as I went to a street dancing class last night, I have not wiggled my hips so much ever!!
What was in your coffee this morning Chris?? Or didnt you get any? Being deprived of your daily am cup of coffee (or tea!) can result in strange happenings!!
Bless you tho, you're such a happy chappy! I am prone to fits of temper and frustration - the last one i had involved me being rude to a PC World employee and then smacking a bollard outside the store with my handbag!! I am indeed a scary-mary!
Presents then....you could buy someone 20 presents from Pound Stretchers....how about a Chocolate Fountain, although i dont know how much they are!! Cake is always an excellent present, especially when you've made it yourself and ESPECIALLY when its an American style Baked Cheesecake....mmmmmmm...... i am dribbling at the mere thought of it, dammit i may have to make one this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Thirsty Thursday peeps!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Chris and all blog-people
Best present for less than 拢20? Send an envelope with origami paper in it to all of the recipient's nearest and dearest family and friends and ask them to write something lovely on the back of the bits of paper (poem, favourite book, something lovely about the person you want to give the present to) asking them to send the paper back to you.
Then you have to fold all the bits of paper into those lovely flapping origami birds. Put them all in a box, tied up with string and give with a smile.
Or could could buy "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran which is easily the best, most profound and soul-enriching book in the galaxy and give it to them.
Off now to have some "me" time and eat fishfingers and peas for lunch. Haven't had them since I was 7.
Liz x
Grape vines
Don鈥檛 buy a grape vine when for 拢20 you can buy 2.
Buy it for your loved one, nurse it, tender it, watch it grow, and it will quench your thirst for life.
That 拢20 will be remembered on birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, & Christmas鈥檚 for ever and ever.
What better?
It's funny you should talk about waking up! I do it every now and again and normally it's a fairly languid experience. With two young kids in the house though, gone are the days when I could ease my way out of sleep - I used to keep a dream diary but you need the luxury of a relaxed awakening to remember everything you've dreamt - it's great fun though, a dream diary, especially when you read it back years later - quite enlightening.
Anyway, back to this morning. It had been a late night - nothing exciting, just a late night - and sleep was a fabulous state to be in. I was dreaming about something, not sure what, and I rolled from by back onto my side andticipating the next chapter. As I layed my haed back onto the pillow I glanced up and saw this huge figure standing beside my bed, staring down at me. I thought my eyes were shut, but they weren't and my stomach turned over and my heart was gripped with fear. It took me about thirty seconds to register it was my son Harvey, but in those thirty seconds I was absolutely gutted with terror. Normally he speaks or shouts when he wakes in the night so he must have been half asleep himself. Anyway, Thunderbird 3 had broken and he wanted some help to fix it. We told him it would have to wait til morning, which we didn't realise at that point was a dismal ten minutes away, and he went to back to bed.
That's my morning story - I'm going to go back and read the rest of your blog now.
Tatty bye
xx
Hello all
On a training course away from home so have time to join in for a change.
Pressie for under 拢20? Easy, buy a card, write a simple message in it and deliver it by hand so that you can spend some time with someone who needs it. This could be a partner or child who doesn't get quality time with you because of work. It could be your mum who doesn't see much of you because you've grown up & moved out. It could be an elderly neighbour who doesn't have anyone else dropping by for a chat today. It could be a friend who's having a hard time.
ttfn
Afternoon Christophe and fellow bloggers
Isn't it a gorgeous day? It's sunny in Nottingham, it's Thursday and I've got Friday off this week, I chatted to the lovely boy next door whilst putting our bins out - am wearing short-ish skirt & heels so reckon I looked reasonable! :-) And to top it off, it's someone's birthday at work so cakes are due soon.
For a present under 拢20 what I'd really like it a magnetic poetry set - I like the idea of making poems up whilst my dinner is cooking away. I used to have a marmite set but my ex got custody of it when we split up.
My favourite presents to buy are those for my nephews - but it does upset me that they never really say thank you, my sister hasn't ever acknowledged anything I've given to any of them since they were born and it makes me sad that they don't appreciate the time and effort I go to. It's smallest nephews 3rd birthday on Monday and I've got him a remote controlled Buzz Lightyear car - got to get the batteries otherwise it's just another piece of plastic.
The other year I gave my mum an IOU of time, I ended up building kitchen cupboards on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Loved the Winnie the Pooh stuff yesterday, although I too can recommend Calvin and Hobbes - I do love their "lazy Sunday book". Looking forward to read with Chris and Sally tonight.
Opticians appointment tomorrow where I get told whether I can keep the contacts and having a nice new front door tomorrow afternoon. How exciting -
Happy Thursday everyone
Kathryn x
Think the moderators have gobbled my posting, which I made at 10.30 this morning!
So, to recap, excellent under 拢20 presents are either of the Postsecret books - great for any coffee table/book shelf, always a talking point amongst visitors and thouht-provoking to boot.
If you've nver been you should check the website - I think it will appeal to the Evans Blog Community... postsecret.blogspot.com
x
Dear Christophe
Best pressie for Xmas under 拢20.00. That is not a challenge!
In our family, we set a limit of a maximum of 拢5 to be spent on each adult, so that we can give the children (nephews and nieces) more out of our Xmas pressie budget.
The best present I have ever had worth exactly 拢5 consisted of furry dice to hang up in my car (naff I know but something I always wanted) and a piggy bank with the remaining loose change from the fiver in it.
Peter akd Pedro
Colouring pencils. no idea why, but they are just fun. or crayons. Really handy when the food is taking forever, like it did at a cafe I went to yesterday. Crosswrods are fun, but they can also be colourful.....
Nice one BigUn. Really made me laugh.
Not sure about the juicer. I'm on day 3 of my juice diet. Just back from holidays and need to lose a bit and this really is the healthiest way to do it. But I'm thinking chocolate chocolate chocolate.
How about a chestnut roaster for 拢19.99. I'm definately going to get this for my dad, and my mum will be chuffed to bits as he'll have no excuse for exploding chestnuts in her oven.
Take care all and have a grrrrreat Thursday.
Hi there CLP and CLOGGERs
I was very slow to wake this morning, but finally came to when I knocked the alarm clock off the bedside table when hitting snooze for the third time!
The best Christmas present I could have this year would be my adoption referral from China, but it's not very likely! The nicest present (that's realistic) is someone bringing me a cup of coffee in bed - when it arrives shortly after the 4 dogs (I live alone so normally have to get up to get the coffee and the dogs!)
A pressie for 拢20 - I like books (that's the school teacher in me!) How about a CD and book of Pooh? I grabbed a bargain at the book people yesterday - 10 CDs of Roald Dahl for under 拢19!
Two fond memories of Christmas are my grandmother trying to pick a fight with anyone after lunch - when everyone failed to rise to the bait, she sat and argued with herself! Also the year that my Mum said "Oh, you'll like that one, it's a ***," before I had a chance to open it! Wish they were still here to make more happy memories.
Big Un - loved the list, can think of several more points to add to the list, but none that moderators would approve of!!
This is a fantastic blog. So much better than Eddie Mair's on 麻豆约拍 Radio Four 5pm. He's broken his today. Ha Ha Ha HaAaaaaaaaaaaaaa Ha ha!
Afternoon All
This morning I was woken up by the telephone, a message from my doctor that he has the results of tests I have had, so could I go see him..........Yikes........ then a lorry set the car alarm off.....so my first thoughts weren't good ones but hey ho........ its Thirsty Thursday!!!!!!
Been catching up with the blogs as have been poorly lately and have missed out on a lot I see!!!!!
Chris and our family of bloggers, if we all stick together then there is nothing we can't beat
Luv to u all
Mayhem
xx
P.S. Christmas shopping......oh my god please not yet!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christmas pressies for under 拢20
-some old fashioned sweets - memories of childhood (try Aquarterof. com)
- a copy of DVD "bride and prejudice" - very funny family film or any other funny films to bring fun into someone鈥檚 life
- smelly candles - for that romantic evening
- share a favourite book - buy your friend a copy and discuss it over coffee
- school dinners, plant trees or one of the many useful gifts that make a difference in third world at (oxfamunwrapped.com) we have so much that its fun to do something different. Last year our family bought school dinners for children in Africa rather than give Christmas cards to each other. We also gave each other goats, toilets and beehives as gifts - the pictures were great and hopefully someone elsewhere in the world benefited. A feel good factor for all
Happy Thursday
Cate-d
Afternoon Chris and blogglettes
I love waking up in the morning. Even more, I love the half awake half asleep drowsy dreamy state just before you wake up properly. Then I like to just lie there and enjoy the deliciousness of being horizontal. What happens next depends on what I'm doing that day. If it is an office day, then I'm sort of into the routine of getting ready treadmill; if it is a working at home day, then I potter down the stairs, switch on computer pootle about, write some emails and stuff. If I really get into what I'm doing, I'll still be in my dressing gown at 12 o clock. I always, know it's been a productive day when I'm not dressed at lunchtime.
Presents for less than 拢20 - I adore padded coathangers - you know the old lady ones with little sachets of lavender in them - or plants. My ex and I are still arguing over the custody of a curly hazel!
Good day today, though scary weather - Autumn has arrived as has my snotty nose.
Ciao
xx
First thing in the morning, - best time, I cant agree more. Some mornings all I can hear is the birdsong and the stream gently meandering down the lane next to our house.
Today, wind howling, trees swagging, a torential downpour and the steam thundering over the rocks.
Either way, a fabulous way to be woken.
Oh Happy Day.
Good afternoon all
A present for under 拢20????
Why, dear schloggers, that is an easy one to answer.
Indeed, for less than 拢20, you will soon be able to buy not one, but TWO paperback copies of 'The Fantastic World of Joseph McCrumble', by me, Joseph McCrumble.
How come, I hear you cry?
Because the book of the blog is currently at the printers. Expect it to hit the virtual book shelves in the next two-three weeks. And if the delicious thought of indulging in McCrumble isn't enough on its own to make you salivate with anticipation, think on this: a very large slab of the profits from the sale of the book will go to a charity providing safe water sources for African school children.
Hope this helps you make up your mind....
yours
J McC
(This comment was brought to you by 'McCrumble @ Christmas Ltd', a bespoke gift service for the time-restricted blogger)
Hi Blogsters,
What is it to be human? How can something that is mostly water be that complex? Our emotions ebb and flow like the tide. Times we're being flooded by the rain of life just keeping our heads above it and times when it would be nice to have a deluge. I could sit and stare at the waves for hours just as much as I could watch the rivers of people flowing down busy streets, but theres nothing better than drowning in the pool of family life. To be human is to be like water, come on take a drink of life.
A magazine subscription now theres a crissy pressie that lasts a year, each month just like christmas.
peace all
Hello Mr Evans and all the bloggers.
This is my first ever experience of blogging...I am sitting here trying to decide whether or not I feel different now that I have lost blogging virginity...
I think I do...
Of course, I may jsut be reacting to the several cans of ed Bull that I have consumed today (other energy drinks are available).
Christmas pressie under twenty squid - an inflatable crocodile. No doubt about it, it's a great pressie. Suitable for anybody and everybody. Ideal when used as an ornament in a spacious and slightly eccentric room, perfect for those days on bournemouth beach, and great when used as crash mats for pigme stuntment.
You can't go wrong with an inflatable crocodile.
Anyway, better be off. Toodle pip, mein monkeys.
For 拢20 you could get:
A decent single malt whisky
or
24 gingerbread pigs.
Hi Chris and all Blogbabes,
Chris I loved the whole Pooh thing yesterday, especially the bit about living 100 years minus one day!
Only two more pay days to Christmas, I should get my a**e in gear now, but I know that will still end up running around like a lunatic on Chrsitmas Eve buying last minute pressies!
My twenty quid present suggestion, get a cheap basket and fill it with goodies that you know the recipient will love, could be food treats from M & S; could be smellies/make-up/books/magazines/tea/garden seeds etc, basically, whatever the recipient likes, you then decorate the basket with bows and cellophane, christmas paper and you have a personalised gift that demonstrates that some thought has been put in!
Have a great Thirsty Thursday Guys x
Chris having just read your Blog if i was you i would set the alarm 15 mins later and forget all of this rubbish thats in your head. I woke up having been married for 26 years and 1 day today hope for atleast another 26 years, the days are getting shorter so make as much of them as you ca, I am of to Egypt for a week tommorow i will think of you every day !
Hi, first time blogger here.
woke up this morning feeling a little bit better, had operation on tummy 2 weeks ago and at last felt well enough to go to shop round the corner. Got to Shop, did a bit of shopping, came to till and the lady at till asked if i was ok as she hadnt seen me for a while. Made me smile that in this busy world people do care.
Present under 20 quid, last year I got my dad a bird table and feed, as he is nearly blind, but loves to sit in the garden and listen to the birds.
To me not much spent but the look on his face when he sits in the garden is priceless.
love to all
Good morning all
Oops just noticed it's now well into afternoon, so good one of those to all.
My body always says the same to me on waking 'are you sure you want to do this' the answer is nearly always the same (well, weekdays) 'NO BUT I GUESS I GOT TO'
I was reading the same article I think that Big Un was, how dare they! Women are always grumpy in the morning - I don't think so!
Once I've answered the 'do you want to do this' question I'm up and happy, I think it makes a massive difference who you wake up next to, and I personally am very lucky in that department.
There's no rushing and last minute stuff in my house, we sit drink coffee, chat and smoke (Iknow the last bit's almost criminal these days and just don't care) Then boyfriend goes off to work leaving me at least an hour before I have to do likewise.
It means we get up earlier than is nec. but it's more good quality time to be together before the world butts in.
Christmas pressies Oh please don't! not yet.
I too am looking forward to leaf kicking, and I know it sounds really pathetic but am really looking forward to our extra hour this weekend.
We don't usually change the clocks until Sunday tea-time, it's great, you start thinking Oh I better get on with this or that, but no 'cos it's an hour early?
All the clocks in my house have the wrong time, I like it that way, then you have to make the effort of finding the correct hour, boyfriend thinks it's slightly insane to have bedroom clock 3 and a bit hours fast, but it works for me and maybe thats why he loves me!
Sorry, back to Christmas pressies, I've got to get the racing grannies, my mum would love them, especially as she's being feeling a bit old and not very well lately, she has also just aquired a zimmer frame of her own, I do feel they should not just give them to pensioners without some sort of training, my mum's absolute murder with hers! as all the furniture in her flat will testify.
But she still has an amazing sense of humour, and can still reduce the rest of the family to tears of laughter.
Well done Mum.
Happy thirsty Thurs everyone, I shall be joining in with a glass or 3 of the red stuff later.
hey chris and bloggers,
well this morning i woke up pretty disgusted with myself! I had had a dream that i had kissed simon cowell! I mean simon cowell, i dont even like the guy let alone fancy him!
I have had dreams about famous people before, I mean the other night I was kissing you chris (very good by the way!) but I like you so thats understandable!
Our subconscience is a weird thing!
As for the present I like the idea of something personal, like if it were my friend I would buy him some malborough lights, a piza from the local italian some red bull and some dairylea! Oh and rent a movie! That would be heaven to him!
Love em25x
Good Christmas pressie for under 拢20 - get the game Perudo. It's a dice game and can be played between 2 - 6 people. If you saw Pirates of the caribbean (the 2nd one), they play it in that.
The rules sound a lot more complicated than they are in practice.
It's a game of bluff (that sounds pants - but it can be addictive - we've got all our neighbours and friends hooked onto it)
Hi Everyone and Chris
I woke up this morning - pitch black - 07:15. Outside an Argos lorry, hazards flashing, was delivering to a neighbour??!!
You were in my dream last night Chris. You were pretending to be Igor from the horror films and also a shark - I think you were just attention seeking......
I did the Charity gifts for my folks last Christmas - goats, cooking sets, beehives. Not sure how well they went down. Everyone also had a handmade gift from me to open too.
This year, it will be more handmade and some bought things.
For 拢20, I'd make up a hamper gift in the area of interest of the recipient. Gardening, wine lover, chocolate obsessive, gourmand etc etc. Easy to do with a large cardboard box covered nicely and filled with shredding. If you start early you can pick little bits up as you see them.
At work we are doing the Romanian Shoe Bos Appeal. That's a nice thing to get involved in too - make someone else smiole at Christmas. :o)
Jan x
I felt I needed to know more, I'm at 30 and a lot changes you start to understand so need to know more while everything still works. I like waking up at 30.
Hiya one and all,
Never blogged b4, but I guess there is a first time for everything!
I hate sleeping, seems such a waste of time, too much to do and see. Can't sleep more than about 4 hours anyway! It's got worse since I gave up the fags about 4 year ago!!
I especially love getting up about 4am on a summer Sunday, getting the motorbike out and going for a 100 odd mile ride, roads all to yourself, it's magic. Find a cafe for brekkie and still home by 9am and the rest of the day to do stuff....brilliant!
My Mrs is great at doing all the prezzie stuff, I generally leave it to her....she just comes to me when she wants more money...
20 quid would be well spent on a couple of bottles of wine and some logs for the open fire....makes for a great evening in...
Cheers all....Al
Hi Again,
Sorry, this is my second blog today, but I just had to after reading No 42 Rosalinda.
No, no, no don't go turning the pump off on the pond at night!!
I used to do exactly the same, until I was talking to a chap who was a bit of fish clever clogs, and he made me feel a bit daft on the pump/night/off front. He said why on earth turn it off, do you not breathe during the night, well so do fishes.
This was a few years ago, haven't turned it off since, result three of the happiest fishes you could ever wish to meet!
Collectively known as The Water Boys.
Thats all folks, I must do some work as I'm in the office.
'til tonight
x
Hi All,
Waking up usually happens a couple of times a night for me, I seem to be quite attached to the toilet and feel the need to visit regularly, once or twice a night is a good night.
Anyhow this morning I awoke at 7 thinking it must be around 4 as per the usual second trip along the landing but no! I had made it all the way to morning with no nocturnal expeditions at all!
Thinking of going to the pub next Wednesday as well it seems to agree with me.
Must likely it was the fact that my partner came to bed at the same time as I did last night for a change, and I feel asleep curled up, warming my bum on his leg as he read his book and I felt all safe and cosy.
Going to sleep beats waking up every time.
Cheers then!
Jenner
Chris
I agree totally with the Oxfam Unwrapped idea. I have decided to buy these gifts for my (rather large) family. Only the adults though, think children should still get "stuff".
You can buy fertiliser for 拢6 or a whole classroom!!!
Your family / friends also get a cute little fridge magnet to show them what you have bought!!!
For me, I think I'd buy someone the new album, The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance; a surprise buy by me, on Monday.
it contains the darkest but paradoxically most beautiful song I've ever heard.
I'm definitely going to buy it for someone this Chrsitmas.
"I wanna go back inside mummy鈥檚 tummy"
Chris,
I love the blog - been reading for weeks now, but my first post. Your comment above reminded me of a fab song by a singer/songwriter friend of mine called Scotty.
It's called "Tiny" and is all about being grown up but feeling like a child. My fave line goes:
"I want to climb back into mama's womb
But I'm 5 foot 8 and she ain't got room..."
It's funny and poignant at the same time.....
Hi all blogs
Woke up before the alarm clock, thinking about everything that has to be done...and not for xmas..but for the next celebration HALLOWEEN and BONFIRE NIGHT...one at a time is my motto!!! The best Fancy Dress idea I have seen is a girl asking for 20 green balloons...wot are you going as I asked.....scroll down to the bottom to find out !!! just shows that it does'nt have to be expensive...
#25 love the piglet idea, can think of a few people that will fully appreciate the thought
For himself how about..
Wine making kit...about 拢12.99..
Beer Making Kit..i think about 拢19.99
Sloe Gin
seems to be a theme here!!
xxxxxxxx
MAYHEM 75# Missed you lately - I do hope all is well for you xzs and hugs
I'm going through a small battery of tests at the moment whilst our great and good NHS try to find out what is wrong with me. They've already tested for the really heavy stuff, now they're looking for anything...I think I'm a bit of a challenge!
Keep taking the tablets and good to have you back hon.
love
hazel
x
ps KATE 66# Exactly how old/tall IS your son?!!
Hi all blogs
Woke up before the alarm clock, thinking about everything that has to be done...and not for xmas..but for the next celebration HALLOWEEN and BONFIRE NIGHT...one at a time is my motto!!! The best Fancy Dress idea I have seen is a girl asking for 20 green balloons...wot are you going as I asked.....scroll down to the bottom to find out !!! just shows that it does'nt have to be expensive...
#25 love the piglet idea, can think of a few people that will fully appreciate the thought
For himself how about..
Wine making kit...about 拢12.99..
Beer Making Kit..i think about 拢19.99
Sloe Gin
seems to be a theme here!!
xxxxxxxx
Kathryn
Nottingham is fabulous today isnt it. I love this city!!
anna.
PS how strange that even in this world of blog, celebrity culture prevails. there are definately a few 'celebrities' on our blog that i always look out for.
I'm back again.....
Continuing on the Christmas theme...I just realised that for the Mrs and I this will be our last Christmas as a couple.......baby's due in January...that caught us out a bit....been together 20 odd years!!!
You've met the Mrs Chris, remember when the Worthing Ladies Rugby team came on TFI Friday?
Mornin' all,
I just spent half an hour writing my best blog ever and it cant be posted so I will try again.
First of all Catherine, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. My mum died suddenly 8 years ago and I was unable to get to the UK in time, it is hard to lose a parent. That is why I am coming over this weekend to see my Dad for his 90th cos you just never know. You take care Catherine, my thoughts are with you.
I woke up this morning with butterflies in my stomach....cos it is only 2 more sleeps till I come over....WOW - so looking forward to it.
Yes, Christmas is around the corner, it is lurking behind the Halloween stuff...but come November 1st - tada it is Christmas, like it or not :-)
So, pressies for under 20 quid....I found this website... thinkgeek.com - really funny and neat gifts...they will charge duty etc if you have it shipped to UK but there is tons of stuff.
I think personal time is the best gift for sure...show your nearest and dearest how much you lurve them :-)
Each year I buy my boys (21 and 19) an ornament for the tree. Something they are interested in, for example I bought a Harley for one (he loves them) and a laptop for the other. They dont cost a fortune and then when they move into their own place, they have some ornaments to put on their tree.
A bottle of really nice wine and a CD is always good. Like dinner music, Ray Charles etc.
Write out (not print out, more personal :-) a recipe on a card, buy the ingredients, put it in a basket or whatever and wrap.
One book every child should have (and adults too) is I'll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I won't give away the plot but it will make you cry. Every time I read it to my boys, I would have tears in my eyes. Here is part of the book....
I'll Love You Forever
I'll Like you For Always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be....(tears welling again)
I will definitely be buying a goat - to be able to help a little ...makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
A lot of people I know just want to get away for Christmas...somewhere warm, on a beach, drink with an umbrella in it.....heaven. Ooops, back to reality - pushing and shoving in the shops, exhausted by Christmas Day. LOL
Last but not least.....Invite somebody who is on their own for Christmas dinner. Believe me, it will make all the difference to them.
Have a great day bloggers.
Joannie xxxx
Chris...I love you more :-)
Hi Chris and fellow blogsters
This is the first year EVER I have been Xmas shopping this early - I am usually the last minute person seen running madly around on Xmas Eve.I do not profess to have all the gifts I need but at least I have made a flying start...and it's not even the end of October yet!!
Pressie for under 拢20 -Smiths are retailing an ancestry 'kit' for 拢19.99 which I would find a great pressie if anyone got me it. It's going to be for my brother (I think - cos he's really difficult to buy for).
Happy Thirsty Thursday one and all - it's nearly Friday!!!
:-)
P.S> all your deep thoughts and everyone's comments really get to me.Sat at my desk I have to mask (regularly) tears in my eyes and pretend my contact lenses are playing up!
Morning All,
Chris how strange that you should mention Christmas..........on my way out last night to a restaurant in downtown Calgary we passed a building and they had ALL their Christmas lights sparkling away. My first thought was I must blog this tomorrow morning !!!
Can't think of a stunning pressie for under $40....will give it more thought during the day.
Karen
Actionaid have a range of "gifts in action" for Christmas. 拢18 will equip a family with tools to grow their own crops, and 拢25 will equip a whole classroom. Most amazing of all 拢411 will train a midwife! I know, not for everyone, but worth considering.
Phil Brown
hi chris and all bloggers.
i look forward to your blog every day.
we all wake up a little older and hopefully a little wiser.
as time goes on the body does strange things i wake up wondering whats instore today.
as the weather turns cold and wet so the aches and pains start, its just a reminder your still alive.
hope everyone has a great day
and chris its great to hear you every day on the radio it helps me through work.
laters mate.....
Hi Chris
i can just feel myself now---sitting in front of the fire, going for a walk. i can feel myself being drawn back to myself - just thinking about these things and how good they make you feel.
i like so many others, let myself get sucked into spending too much time thinking about what has to be, rather just accepting what is.
Love having you back on the air xx
Hi All
I have the best pressi for under twenty quid - it's what I am giving my Sister & Brother-in-law.
I have decorated a box and put in it the contents for a romantic evening in, it includes the following:
a box of rose petals
a candle
a fajita pack
a voucher for tescos (for chicken etc)
a bottle of wine
a box of chocolate
and a home made CD with all their favourite romantic songs on it
They're either gonna love it or hate me, what do you think
Another virgin blogger here, so a bit nervous!
Have been reading the blogs for ages and so wanted to comment, but something in todays has actually made me do it.
I woke up feeling very Lonely this morning, had massive row with other half on Tuesday night, he is now not speaking to me and spent last night in the spare room, so could say I am also not in a good mood and not looking forward to going home tonight, but listening to the show will cheer me up!
I also get woken up by my lovely 3 year old boy clutching his teddy and telling me its time to wake up and to watch some Thomas! he also tells me that the sun hasn't woken up yet (he gets up at 6.30!) such an innocent age! He is spending the afternoon with my Auntie whilst I am at work and they are going Pumpkin scoopin! wish i was there too.
Pressie for 拢20, I do like home made variety, I am making my in laws their christmas cake & Pudding I have also started a sugar craft class so also learning how to decorate said cakes, V. theraputic.
Feel loads better getting that off my chest.
Not so nervous now!
Listening later ( until Fifi & the flowertots, we have to have our obligatory snuggle on the sofa my boy & me before bed time)
Suggestions for under 拢20 Chrimble pressies:
A PC vacuum cleaner (really!)
- this will get out all the eyelashes and crumbs which collec inside and make it last longer!
A compost caddy - this is for inside the kitchen to put in teabags and veggie pealings before you carry it down the garden to the ompost heap
A personalised calendar with all your favourite photos from last year - just order on line
a tin weenie folding umbrella which will fit in your pocket
A combination lock for your suitcase - no need to worry about losing a key
An electric pepper grinder - get one and everyone will want to have a go!
What small gifts I've already bought are:
Slippers (yes I kow but the old ones are worn)
Designer underpants from a discount retailer
Small backpacks
A spoon rest
A set of greetings cards in a folder for every occasion
A diary with pussy cats on every page
A tyre pump which plugs into your cigar lighter
Quite organised eh?
Sal
x
Hello again,
Women waking up grumpy eh? Just let him lie in!!
I've got to say if was left up to me I'd be chrissie shopping on Chrissie eve, my wife is super efficient as its all done except the food of course. Little bits bought through out the year.
I got a load of doughnuts in a secret Santa at work one year, do you realise how many of them you can get for under a fiver, its a good job I like them, even better that I train hard.
Jules #87 - love the idea - so much so I think I'll copy it for my brother and sister-in law.....and possibly my sister in law and her husband too!!
Thanks for the fab idea!!
BigUn #23 - have to disagree with one part of your list. My hubby has more than 3 pairs of shoes - in fact he has more pairs of shoes than I have!
Love Alison xxx
I also heard the news that women are more grumpy than men in the morning. However nothing is quite so cheerful in the mornings as birds. They come here with their little offspring, insisting that everyone else should be up at the same time, chirping away a bit too happy for their own good. I'm pleased they all fly away for winter - go and wake someone else up with your freakishly cheerful mornings i say.
Just proves the point really, women really are more grumpy in the mornings. Or perhaps that's just me.
Pressies for under 拢20 - easy. There is nothing quite like tinternet tat to liven up a christmas morning. I have recently bought the racing grannies along with an electric drum kit as big as your hand which you can play with your fingers. But the piece de resistence this year finding it's way into several of my friends stockings is a subbuteo kit of streakers and accompanying policemen to liven up those table top footie games (a steal at 拢12).
Does it still count as thisty Thursday if I open a bottle now - or does that mean something completely different?
xx
Hi Chris,
Bad wake up this morning - 5am after a nightmare and I didn't get back to sleep. Off to a beer festival tonight and my man and I have the day off tomorrow - so tomorrow's wake up should be better....
Love the blog - so inspirational!
Sxx
Hi Chris,
Well done with the rajars, But that doesn't matter as your show is entertaining.
I bet you can't wait for christmas as you mention it quite a lot. I bet you have the present shopping list all ready?
Best regards
Mark
There is a swan wandering around outside my window. As such, I am not getting much work done. Oh well.
Just thought I'd share.
More useful presents that do a great deal of good...
Again, enjoy x
I woke up at 6 this morning and my body said "get up you need a wee" - not a Winnie the ....
For christmas - a book "1001 Books: You Must Read Before You Die". Should keep someone out of mischief.
Since my other half is something of a shopaholic and there is very little room in our house to move, I have taken to getting him intangible presents.
For instance, last year I sponsored a polar bear in his name. This year for his big 3-5, I got him a morning driving a steam train! Ok, slightly more than 拢20 but you get the idea!
I think the idea of homemade presents is excellent, truly heartfelt. Perhaps I'll try that this year.
love to everyone, and to our beloved blogmaster
Susan x
Thirsty Thursday at last.
In a dark mood today, I am putting it down to pre S.A.D.
Just met a friend who has a relative who is under going treatment for mani depression, so maybe life ain't too bad for me.
Anyway 80% of the bloggers are women. Where the guys at ?
Hello Chris,
First time ever on your blog but I have been sitting out here reading since you started.You seem such a nice bunch I thought it was about time I joined the party.
When I woke up this morning I could see clearly for the first time in my life and it was amazing!
Had a cataract removed yesterday and lens implant.The world is so bright and clear.After having to wear contact lenses and glasses and a few operations it seems like a miracle.Eye surgeons are soooooooo clever.
Enough about me( I am a bit overexcited) I thought you could buy a chicken or goat from Oxfam ,I think, for another country on their behalf as everybody gets loads of stuff that they dont really need.Although its really nice getting pressies and I would probably sulk if I didn't get any.Shouldn't moan,I have just had the best present ever.
Are there still stars in the sky? I am going to have a look tonight.
Thank you Chris and all you bloggers for all your inspirational thoughts and comments that have made the dark mornings a bit lighter.
Love and Kisses,
Dottybird
Afternoon Chaps,
I woke up with cramp in my right leg again this morning & still feeling very tired. Infact i still have the aching cramping pain my leg, the joys!
For a prezzie, can't think mind numb, inspiration won't come so will have think on that.
Gotta go life & work in the way again. Ahhhhh!
Hi Chris,
A totally refreshed and detoxed Debs here. this is the cleanest my body and mind have been since last April and the cleanest I will be until next Spring. I woke up bursting with life after a very good sleep. I'm lucky enough to live in a silent neighbourhood so I get to wake up naturally most days although I am begnning to wish wasn't waking up alone lately. xx
I'm feeling very pure today on day 4 of detox plan and after a masive emotional purge yesterday. That was the hump. I often break my detox on day 3 or 4 because of the emotional stuff that I find very hard to deal with. Not that there's anything too 'heavy' there I'm just afraid of crying in case somebody can see or hear me. Now i've got that bit out of the way I feel like I'm on top of a mountain I always feel taller and greater after a detox. I recommend it to anybody. xx
Christmas pressies under 拢20 - I never spend more than a tenner on mates so I was delighted to find piggy corkscrews online for 拢4.50 following the disocvery (from this very blogland) of piggies winkies being like a corkscrew. That still makes me giggle! I've got 4 friends receiving those this year along with a bottle of the home made elderberry wine. Very potent stuff and always very well received. xx
I'm loving the sound of wind up racing grannies so tehre'll be a few of those in my shopping bag too. Thanks Soozy Woo @4.
happy Thursday all,
xxxx Debs xxxx
adam #115 - what is the swan actually doing? do you live near water or is it lost?
Hi Christostopher and bloggers
Waking up is the favouritest part of my day - first baby is due in 11 days - so when I stretch - he stretches and it is the loveliest sensation - and then my husband nuzzles us both - bliss!
A Christmas pressie under 拢20 - how about re framing an old photograph that opens the doors to so many good memories. My husband had a photo reprinted and reframed of his parents at a dance when they were both 17 in 1967 for their 40th anniversary (ok it wasn't an xmas pressie but you get the idea) but the expression on their faces was priceless and it was a fabulous talking point.
Looking out the window at a poetic autumn sun and feeling "tres bon" to be alive!
xxx
Chris,
first blog, damn good stuff
Agree with you about being human beings
stop worrying about tomorrow or you will never enjoy today!
Top present for under 拢20
A kite (no big kid can resist one on a windy day)
Hi Chris and the blogettes,
Hmmmmmmm
ok
This perfect pressie is under a tenner and ( male or female- old or young) they'll love you for it......
1. A leather Baseball Glove (Wilson)
Such a versitile pressie..... and a talking point for years to come........
Keep smiling :)
Rachel
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you bloggers who have come up with such a great range of ideas for Christmas presents! I'm usually stumped for ideas but you lot have just made this year so much easier.
Cheers!
Hello all,
I woke up this morning feeling tired. Doesn't help that it is still dark untill 8am. What happens to the clocks this weekend? Can never remember if we get longer in bed or not so long.
Present for under 拢20? I like peoples plants ideas. Good idea people!
Bye xx
Back again
Nicki - #92 thanks for that! I was only following my 10 year old neighbour's instructions. The pump will stay on now!!
Christophe - Present for under 拢20
Went to see Gavin Pretor-Pinney last week at a book festival. He is the author of the The Cloudspotters Guide and has started the Cloud Appreciation Society. He was such a lovely man, gentle, knowledgeable and funny - it was fascinating so a good present would be his book at 拢12.99, a membership to the C.A.S. at 拢3.44 and you would have enough left to buy a roll of film to go out and photograph the sky.
He said every society should have a manifesto and here it is:
"We believe that clouds are unjustly maligned
and that life would be immeasurably poorer without them.
We think that they are Nature鈥檚 poetry,
and the most egalitarian of her displays, since
everyone can have a fantastic view of them.
We pledge to fight 鈥榖lue-sky thinking鈥 wherever we find it.
Life would be dull if we had to look up at
cloudless monotony day after day.
We seek to remind people that clouds are expressions of the
atmosphere鈥檚 moods, and can be read like those of
a person鈥檚 countenance.
Clouds are so commonplace that their beauty is often overlooked.
They are for dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul.
Indeed, all who consider the shapes they see in them will save
on psychoanalysis bills.
And so we say to all who'll listen:
Look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty, and live life with your head in the clouds!"
x
Chris,
a christmas prez for under 拢20 ? well from:
you can buy 10 buckets for 拢23
or
10 Change Maker kits for 拢20
or
the ALPACA package also for 拢20 !
"Pick up an alpaca package today! It helps farmers buy and look after these fluffy fellas, and make a living from their wool, with shears, shelter, food and fences."
something different I know, but it all helps!
Chris, your writing is such a great read! perhaps you should write a book of thoughts and sell that for 拢20 each!
Life sure does move fast.
Sam D
-------------
www.dsoundz.co.uk
Good pm all
Does anyone know where I can get a letter folder and envelope stuffer for under twenty pee?
I asked my boss and he said there is one sitting at my desk.
ha ha ha ahem.
I now have (after several trillion letters) the afflictions commonly known as 'tri-folders wrist' and 'stick-down thumb'.
Happy Thurdledurdlesday
vin plonk
love
hazel
x
Sorry if it's already been said but, for the Christmas present, how about for a child on the street, or a for an African farmer? Through Living Generously, or Oxfam Unwrapped, you can give all kinds of gifts - that's just two of them. There's loads of different options for giving people these "alternative" kind of gifts these days. I've made a of places you can get them if you or any of your readers are interested.
While I'm here - Chris - your blog is magnificent, and is just so different from what you might expect from a "celebrity". Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'd like to give you a hug if you don't mind ... (((Chris)))
Oh Chris I love the start of the day especially in the Sring and Summer but getting into a warm bed at the end of a hard day is fantastic
I have say with feeling you would never visit our loos at work for me time - they are revolting and very unwelcoming
Well this is dull I guess for many but I love the gifts from Oxfam or world vision for 20 quid. I feel so lucky for my life but I am very very conscious of those who have nothing. I have stated my christmas shopping - only as a budgeting exercise so I can buy new clothes in the sales
Dull email - sorry
C
Waa-hey! Great Christmas present ideas, thank you one and all. Glad that one was started, albeit far too early I agree....but these will come in handy when I get going with the dreaded shopping. Will make a real effort to make more things myself. The best present I've had was sewn in needlepoint by a friend, the decripstion of 'The Perfect Woman...' ending that she enriches the world and is at peace with herself.Something to strive for.
Obviously a topic of great interest as more than 100 posts already and it's not yet 4.30.
Anyways, I had the pleasure of two wake-ups last night. Got up at 4am to take daughter and friend to Gatwick Airport, home by 5.30am so back to bed for second part of sleep. Rare treat.
xxx LXH XO
@ cat #125
The swan was begging for food, methinks. I'm working at Lincoln Uni at the moment (other Universities are available...) which is located next to a river, so there are always swans about. Never usually come so close though. I think this one was practically domesticated, it looked so much like a dog begging for scraps and I was fascinated watching it (I'm a dog trainer by profession). Even more fascinating was peoples reactions, mainly of fear. I imagine they had been told "a swan can break yer arm ya know..." as children.
Dear Chris -
Um, I don't have a better idea for a Christmas prezzie under twenty quid, but I really wanted to thank you, with all my heart, for the show and your blog. They enhance my life. I lost my husband almost exactly a year ago. I'm only 34, and it's been horrendous and so hard to feel enthused by life; but if it doesn't sound too trite, your blogs remind me to try to take joy in every little thing I can. I saw you on the bridge leading to Regent's Pk Road about three weeks ago and I wanted to thank you then but I didn't like to bother you. Big love, xx
Adam @ #137 Why do Lincoln Uni need a dog trainer? Is it a new degree?
Hi Bloggers All,
Far too early to think about Christmas, bah humbug.
I like the way that Chris seems to wake up in such an optimistic frame of mind in the mornings. I am so boring, the first thought in my head (on work days) is, 'What am I going to wear'. I hate myself for doing it as I am not usually shallow and vain, it's just that I worry what other people will think of me.
Freedom for me would be to be able to (psychologically) give up all the constraints of a working life and just live.
Don't tell me to Just Do It as I have too many responsibilities - just put up with the fact that I am having a whinge in public.
Thanks,
Liz
Hello dear... well done on the listening figures... good man... stay cool. X.
yikes.... a present for 拢20 huh? okay.. it's thirsty thursday isn't it. well what about 9and i can highly reccommend0 a nights accomodation in Cascina Argentera by Torino. its owned by the sister of my mate Rocco and its part of Italys Agritourismo scheme which subsidies country hostilries so as to preserve all the culture, food ways of life etc and its gets people visitingthe country side and keeps a lot of people in a job.
Anyway, 拢20 or around 30 Euro's or whatever today's rate is, gets you a full nights accomodation with lashing of fine fine food, the warmest welcome ever and if you ask nicely a lift into Turin itsself - only 10 minutes away. Cascina Argentera is and old Convent from 1656 and is an ideal place for a quick foody/rustic/simple/quality, carefree break and Turin it's self is great too.
And sure whoever you book it for will have to get flights but theres a plethora of cheap flights to be had sodon't let that put you off. check out and it's the 5th one down shold this idea take your fancy. Va bene.
So thats one option. The other one is to stick 拢20 in a bottle, with a Happy Christmas messege and send it sailing. Who knows where it'll end up, or when it'll turn up - but rest assured when it does, it'll make the finders day and what could be better than that that. A little adventurer bottle that willbring a smile to somebodys's face. that rocks. Yes... a Benevolent Bottle if you will.
til next time, a very pleasannt thursday evening to you all and enjoy The Sopranos... it's building up to something big alright.
woke up knackered, still knackered, going home knackered. Adam @134 do you have a site cos would love to pick your brains ?
Christmas present for 拢20! GIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Message for Sally Boazman
You've just said you are feeling really grumpy - my advice:
Get out there girl and get learning to ride a motorbike. I'm doing just that at 56! I am so pleased I have and wish I'd done it years ago. I find it so therapeutic as the level of concentration required means that you forget everything else that's going on in your life. I promise you won't feel grumpy anymore.
Good luck and keep up the good work!
Moia Wilson of Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
Hi Chris
Every morning this week I've woken delighted it's half term and in excited anticipation of two adorable children clambering into bed with me. Hubby Kevin & I both work in schools, so while he gets coffee, Eleanor (10) and Jono (8) can snuggle into bed with me while I read the next chapter of our latest read, Eragon (middle earth type dragon adventures).
Thanks for helping to keep the good feeling going all day!
Gill x
For Cake #108.
Had a look at the website, I'm going to try some of that. I'll let you know how I get on, maybe try different styles of music as a starter.
Peace Love and Understanding.
Hi Chris,
Buy someone a Fez for under 拢20, then they can ware it every fezday,
(after Wednesday and before Friday.)
Then all the nation can come together on Thirsty Fezday and smile.
When I woke up I looked out of my window and saw the most beautiful view in the world. I live in a Cotswold village and the view I see from my bedroom window constantly changes and inspires me to get up and enjoy the day. I feel very very lucky.
As for Christmas presents I agree with the tree idea, I bought my father a selection of saplings from the internet for 拢20. They were stunning. Amnesty International have some excellent gifts which support charity and Fair Trade values.
Love to all,
Toddy.
Hi Chris,
Buy someone a Fez for under 拢20, then they can ware it every fezday,
(after Wednesday and before Friday.)
Then all the nation can come together on Thirsty Fezday and smile.
Cheers,
Chris
How many questions are there that you can ask about life and how many of them have answers? WHATS IT ALL ABOUT??!! Could talk about it for hours and hours!!
Love the show, great to have you back better than ever! New to this blogging thing but its oddly addictive!
Greg
wish you had a webcam Chris instead of Steve Wrights monstrosity.
Wonder what you are hiding - mangetout mangetout
well done on the additional listeners - youhave shown all the moaners when you were appointed
Your show is brilliant
Christmas pressie for the Fox for under 拢20.00.
You should get one of you celeb mates (or a few of them) to record the Fox the Fox song.
It would be totally sublime to hear Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, Liam Gallacher (clearly I have no idea who your mates are) singing her theme.
She'd love it and we'd think it was ace.
So get busy baby.
Love Hels
Hi all,
Who better to share these wisdoms with than you lot...? (plagerised shamelessly from one of those emails that go arounf obviously)
1.Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2.If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word
would be "meetings."
3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5. You should not confuse your career with your life.
6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
7. Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 21.
12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age,gender,religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down
inside,we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person.
14. Your friends love you anyway.
15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
ENjoy x
Birthday pressies - I always try to include a lottery ticket - it represents hope - what else can give anyone that for under 拢20? (I don't do self-help books).
Sid
Present under 拢20
re my link on previous blog to the winnie the pooh book, a steal at 拢9.99.
To be bob holness ( to be honest ) im a bit of a misery when it comes to xmas, not realy liked xmas for years, i would think long and hard for weeks or even longer or even a few days before hand what to get someone for xmas.in the end i think why am i doing this i can buy this person or persons a gift anytime of the year to show how much i love them or appreciate them, what some people may just need is a break from the cooking, or even right back to basics a nice long hug and to be told how much you love and appreciate them. costs nothing and worth a million in whatever currency you prefer.
for xmas i wouldnt mind if i didnt get anything its all too comercial, all i want is and prob sounds selfish but i would like just a hug and to be told how much im appreciated and needed in this world, and be with the people that matter to me.
sorry thats my partial woan and minge out the way. its all i seem to do these days. anyone want to come cheer me up, all offers considderd.
excuse the spelling, typing and grammer.
cheers
trippy
Emma @152 I am holding my sides, those are brilliant. Laughed out loud, see that's why it was worth getting out of bed this morning.
and as for this thing about women being grumpier than men, wot codswollop, i'll bash anybody that repeats that! grumpy, me never!!
Hey Chris & fellow bloggers,
Mornings - great! All snuggly warm under the duvet contemplating the day ahead.
Christmas - bah humbug! It's far too commercialised and there are too many people getting rich , except those who need it most. If you want a great pressy for under 20 squids do like I did last Christmas. Visit Oxfam Unwrapped and spend the money on dinners for some kids in Africa, plant some trees, or buy a goat. Money well spent.
Ciao4now
M x
There's nothing better than waking up on a Saturday morning and thinking it's still a week day....bliss, just turn over again or even better switich on Saturday Kitchen!
Under 拢20 - how about 4 bottles of wine!
Hi Chris
Another great show. Lizzie(19 yr old daughter) and I were stuck in traffic and she text you about the weird way she eats her food- separately! Later you read it out- what a girlie moment! We squealed, screamed and jumped up and down in car!!! so funny- we cried with laughter all the way home!
Keep on spreading the fun.
Debbie and weird Lizzie ! xx
this morning my body was sayin please win the lottery so you no longer have to get out of bed in the dark and go to work.
then it said, get up and make the tea, which i thought was odd, but then i realised my body wasnt saying that, my boyfriends body was.
so i think for chrismas i will buy my boyfriend a teas-made, so he wont have to get up to make my tea.
or cheaper still, go to my parents and retrieve the teas-made my grandad gave me, and bring it home, and spend the money saved on wine!
love kate
Hi All,
Why are we here? Who knows? We are and thats that, after that evrything else is easy cos it doesn't HAVE to make sense...If you expect it to make sense you will spend a long time looking.
OKI, pressies for under 拢20....drawing a blamk 'cos all my standbys have been suggested!
I wonder if you can buy vouchers for train rides? I like the idea of giving somebody a ticket to go where they will, maybe somewhere they wouldn't normally go...but then maybe 拢20 won't get you far.
'K thats about it for now because what my body said when i woke up was "you need more sleep" Take care
Much love
Feste xx
So, 1st blog and haven't a clue what to say which is unlike me. Guess i should have kept a diary and then i would be used to writting things like this, but if i did that then i would be in theatre, decorating my apartment in pastels and crying for Leo in Titanic - no thanks! Footbal, beer and the occasional porn when the kids are asleep and the wifes in the mood - proper caveman!
I was woken up at 5.45 am by my old faithful moggie Snooky (she will be 22 next week!) She licks one side of my face and claws the other until I get up to feed her - would I want to wake up any other way??!!
Beryl
re caroline 151
if you click on chris's name which takes you to his page then click on webcam you cansee him in all his loveyness.
i noticed that when you just clicked on webcam you got steve wrights as well, strange
Hi chris me again, only me again if u read my 1st email lol, Well here i am really chilled out on my disney cruise yeah u've guessed in my fav. place the childless zone, its just wicked hot latt'e a good cigar which i have to smoke outside so i leave that treat till after dark. Anyway when i'm chilled i have good ideas (2 a year) why dont u get your listners to email the best tips from their hols good, bad really bad where 2 go where not 2 go, when u get enough replies say about how good the disney cruise is give it some air time say a 2-3 min slot once a week, all the good places + all the bad places il'e come in and do it ha ha ha ha.Not. We fly with virgin airways twice a year when we come 2 florida, from manchester (hope its ok talking about virgin) they call 1st class club orlando, now that they have put them so called sleep stations in its crap u can't sit next 2 your partner or kids any more, ther'e uncomfy and if your over 15st and 5'11" they aint made for u. so save up and pay a little more for premium economy(which is 10 times better than cattle class, and only twice the price and if u use your flying points even less) plenty of leg room and ask for upstairs, get 2 orlando stop in the Hyatt at the airport over night, then do what u gotta do early next morning nice and fresh ie get your car hire when theirs no cues and its only $85 for the room fantastic, or get your cab 2 your hotel and have a full day in the parks and if u stop at the hard rock your key for your room is your fast past aint that worth knowing get in front off all the Yanks he he he.
Well what u think we could do away with the crap even from the good hols 2 make them even better, (i dont think this cruise could get any better unless u know the weather god) I know u have the weather godess in with u but she just reports on it . thanks chris if u read this hope it makes sense i will ping u from the hard rock next week now thats a hotel, ha ha all in my next holiday reports for the 'Chris evans show Radio 2'
Why do I do what I do? That is something I ask myself every day and the basic answer is . . . . pay the mortgage to keep a roof over my head, pay bills, etc. Trouble is I HATE the job I have to do every day just to acheive those basic things. And I HATE the fact that most of my day - and therefore life - is at the mercy of the bosses and their whims.
It might be easier to go back to the caveman way of doing things!
Anyway I was listening to you Chris a little while ago when you said those magic words . . . find something you love and do it.
So that is what I'm working towards! I love writing, so at the moment I'm concentrating on writing short stories aimed for the women's magazine market. Then once I'm good enough at those that I manage to get some published I'll start working on longer works . . .
If I can even end up selling enough that I just having to work part-time, that will make me much happier than I am now!
So fingers crossed please guys!
Julia xxx
PS: My ideal Chrissie pressie for under 拢20 will be when I can give my Mum my first published novel . . .
Under 20 quid? Ok - how about a ukulele? I own two now and recently bought one for a friend's birthday. I might just buy each of my musical friends one when the mood takes me. They're only 拢11 but masses of fun. And very portable too.
Hi there everyone,
emma and Big'Un- you both had me smiling away- two fantastic lists!!
Gifts under 拢20? Bought my sister a book last year- "How to change the world for a fiver"- full of brill ideas that would really appeal to anyone who cares about this little blue planet. Can't remember who wrote it though- sorry.
Also The prophet by Kahlil Gibran- beautiful truths in a book.
Love to you all,
Gilly x
Morning Chris
I woke up this morning far too early to drive to work in the dark - a most unpleasant experience as you never really wake up all day.
There's a lot to be said for mornings. that great feeling of waking up, the news, breakfast - that first cup of coffee. The smell of the air first thing... if only you could bottle it!
As for the present - twenty quid - books are the way forward - something intelligent and fashionable. Ramsay's biog would be the flavour at the moment.
i love mornings! when i used to take my daughter to school, i used to really annoy my non-morning friend. She said all i was missing was the blue-tits tweeting around my head!!!
Present for under 拢20, plant a tree for someone in the Joe Strummer memorial forest. I would love that as a gift and you are helping the planet!! I'm going to New York in March and plan to offset my CO2 flight emmissions by paying to plant some trees in this wood. Oh the eco-conscience!!!!
Great blog as per. I find it a great mood balancer this blog!! keep up the fab work with the blog and show. All those extra listeners, go christophe! x
Hello Again,
Don't know what came over me today, but woke up feeling Christamassy, and decidedly different for some reason. Maybe it's because hubby is away and I sleep well from corner to corner! I wrapped the kids up and we took a flask of coffee down to the sand bank on the edge of the Thames near us, and paddled (with wellies) and fed the very hungry ducks. We picked up some gingerbread men and a slice of Tiffin from Waitrose bakery first, and had a mini picnic in the autumn sunshine, and kicked lots of leaves too.
I stopped at one of our local charity shops and dropped off some books, and looked at books. They had some really good brand new ones from somewhere, and I got the perfect books for 11 people on my Chrimbo list (24 neices and nephews alone. Age range 21 - 18 months). It was so exciting and perfect. From garden books for grown ups to kids atlases. It came to a grand total of 拢9.25. They are such good books for those people, and reduce reuse recycle. The money goes to charity too. I have great fun scouring charity shops for things that suit people. You find some real gems if you know where to look.
Dipped out of blog for a bit, got busy. Getting busy in next couple of weeks, but will try to visit. I always enjoy the postings.
Love and Peas x x x
p.s. Dont know if you got my text about chocolate fingers, but do try this at home. I have to have a cup of tea, then you can bite each end off, then suck your tea through the biscuit like a straw. As soon as the biscuit disintegrates, you have to get it in your mouth quick as its now jut liquid chocolate inside and you could end up in a bit of a mess. Trust me on that one! x
That's reminded me of a competition I had on tour once to see who could get the most malteasers under their top and bottom lip. 17 was the record I think. Aren't memories a great thing to have?
Byeeeeee.
hi yea all
alot of sad stuff over the last couple of days
my sympathy to you all. troubles we all can relate to and subject's we all have strong views about. this thing [i hate the word blog who's up for changing it to something nicer like chatter i don,t have the answer] has a life of it,s own and if your not careful may take over your life. anyone out their got some nice things happening to them. come on chris you go 1st any nice things happened to you recently... girls sleeping alone in your bed does,t count. lol
cheerbye bud
Hi Chris and all,
First time active blogging
Would just like to say this has become (Show and blog) such a fun part of my life i feel i know you all so well, like old freinds that i have just not met yet.
Chris you must have the best job in the world chating to all your new freinds every day and getting paid for it.
Shine on all
love
Simon
Hello fellow bloggers
Just wanted to say a quick hi after catching up with the last couple of days postings, what interesting reading they make.
I'm not a great sleeper and usually only sleep for 2 or 3 hours at a time so usually my first thought is how long do I have before I have to get up :-) and it's a great feeling when I know I can snuggle back under the duvet again :-)
I love of the christmas pressie idea's - at the moment I can't come up with one of my own - I think the charity ideas are good and also the homemade ideas, it's nice knowing someone has put thought and effort into a gift. Jules #109 your idea is fab and I'm sure they will love it.
Cat - Will be thinking of you xx
EM25 - my heart goes out to you on the loss of your neice.
Karen George - hope everything goes ok with the tests you are having done next week.
Catherine - my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad
Kyleigh - Congratulations on your wedding, hope the letter to your Dad brings you good news
Karen D - Happy Birthday for the 26th xx
Chrissie S - good luck with the house move
Steve aka Trippy - thanks for your "moments in life"
Iain - can't remember the date of your posting but I hope you had a lovely day in London with your Daughter.
Keith - Hope mrs BigUn had a nice birthday.
Thanks for the city girls and your list, and for making me laugh out loud.
Hazel Love - sorry to hear you have been feeling poorly, I hope things get sorted out for you soon. It can be a very frustrating time, going for tests and then the waiting time for the results.
Take care all
Love Mary xx
ps. it's nice to be back with my friends xx
if i am truly myself when i first wake up then i am one woman no man ever wants to wake up next to!...or can i blame that on alarm clocks and Sarah Kennedy?
best presents under 拢20.00- from kids to mums can be any old rubbish from a pound shop- they'll love it forever. my mum won't part with ornaments of tumbling teddies bought way back when, despite having good taste herself.
xx
Thank you for letting me on the show Chris!
Chris,
As you say we get flung onto the planet and to make it worse we get jobs where we're under pressure to perform. Congrats on the improved ratings. You had a tuff act to follow but I think your show is great.
Things for christmas under 拢20? My wife and I are having a baby at "around" Christmas. I cost nothing to get but will skint me for the rest of my life. But it will all be worth it. And there you are back at the beggining.
Rob.
Mornin all!!!
Said on eturning to work on the 2nd of January this year, "soon be Christmas", it was met with various grunt and groans and a few obscenities!!.
truth is i wasn't wrong, the older you get the quicker Christmas comes around!!
As for a Christmas present for under 20 quid, go for golf, a pack that includes 2 free games at a list of clubs all over the country, all for 19.99.
Can't go wrong with that now can you!!
Daz
Well hallooooo and what a BEAUTIFUL day to be saying hallooooooooo on!
JILL 136# I had two wake ups this morning (Fri)...once when my alarm clock went off, and the second was when the boy came to bed after his night's work...(kind of Mills and Boony three dots...)
MWK 174# - Thank you for you kind words. Glad you're ok too. I'm getting used the tests/results thing now, and I think the receptionist at the hospital has put me on her Christmas card list.
TRIPPY 155# - you live in Portsmouth, one of Englands finest cities (I was born on Portsea Island so am a bit biased), take a walk along the wall by the sea today in the sun, and let the wind blow all your woans and minges away so that you can relax and have fun over the weekend!
Looking forward to later
Happy Friedlediday...have great days all
love
hazel
x
Well done Jack Dunn! Just listening to last nights show on t'internet, you sounded very professional! Perhaps you could take over Chrises show when he retires?
Adam
@ sarah 143
would love to help you out but moderator doesn't seem to want me to post my email address! :-(
Adam
I had a great wake up this morning. Winter's coming and it's dull but it's so cosy in bed first thing. It's my mother's birthday today and I'm staying with the folks at the moment so I gave her a massive hug and she made me farm fresh boiled eggs for breakfast - she's a mother like no other to me.
Lakeland Plastics do a great little flask for 拢7 - meant for milk I think but so good for keeping freshly made juices and smoothies fresh and tasty. Or a snuggly winter scarf.
R
Hi Chris
Dont know if you seen on TV last night "Never mind the Buzzcocks"? Presented by numb nuts from channel 4 you know the one? Curly hair, no talent, anyway he took a swipe at you re walking into a bar with Jamie Oliver. Just thought i would let you know. Its amazing how someone gets so far with absolutely no personality, maybe his mum is in charge of T4 or something, enjoy the fact that you now have another 100k listeners catch you for a beer around town.
Dave
Morning Christophle and all.
Two suggestions for Xmas prezzies under 20 quid:
1) a chocolate bar (different one) for every year of your life. My best friend did it for me when I hit 30. As a confirmed chocoholic, it showed how well she knew me. They lasted a while too, at least a day or so.
2) Same friend, same birthday, did bespoke paper to wrap said chocolate goodies in - she scanned every picture she had of me (mortifying - apart from the ones where I was a size 10 - everyone was allowed to look at those).
It made me realise a) how utterly mad I was to stand anywhere near a camera with her, as she keep everything, and b) how much this wonderful woman cared, to take the time and effort to produce something unique.
I am ashamed to admit I haven't yet managed to do anythign anywhere near as personal, but I'm working on it.
Sorry about the lack of blogs - have been busy trying not to pull my own head off at work - which is still surrounded by anti-wizards.
Love to all, and have a lurvely Fryeday.
Hi Chris
I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday - bummer!
Re: Christmas prezzies under 20 quid: I bought a goat on behalf of my friend for a village in Malawi. It cost 14 quid and she was absolutely thrilled! It means that the village will be able to get milk and, hopefully, some kid goats in the future. My nickname is Goat and her's is Boot and we usually get themed pressies but this was the best yet!
If anyone's interested in doing the same, or similar, the website to go to is World Vision Alternative Gifts and they are at gift.catalogue@worldvision.org.uk
Ahh Chris, those special "Me" times, I remember them well.
When I was younger and before the responsibilities and realities of life took over I would take off somewhere alone, when I was a child it was the wood behind our house with 1 or more of the dogs.
As I got older and got my first car I'd drive and park up somewhere remote, the wilder the countryside the better. One of my favourite places was Fylingdale Moor in Yorkshire, I'd stand on the edge of the moors and just let the wind blow through me, I always felt like it cleansed my soul, an amazing feeling.
After getting thoroughly blown around by the unforgiving winds there I'd drive over to Whitby or Scarborough for fish and chips, then drive home to Staffordshire again.
I'm very lucky that I love my job, I get paid reasonably well, get to flirt over the phone a lot and I get to help people, what more can a person ask? If you've got to work for a living it might as well be something you enjoy.
My creative outlet is the erotic short stories I write and my first has just been published in a magazine and they've paid me for it!
I don't believe there's a specific plan for any of us, I think mostly we just stumble through life as best we can, it works most of the time. Madonna like most celebs seems to have less of a grip on the realities and normality of how most people perceive life, I can understand why she felt the need to help a child, but she should also appreciate that some will take advantage and attempt to manipulate her for maximum effect and publicity, so look once, twice, three times at everything you're offered, then get it checked by a professional before making a decision.
As for a Christmas present under 拢20 how about signed, framed photograph of yourself. It might not be what they want, but they can sell it on ebay for a few hundred and use the money to go shopping.
adam @ #181 - I'd love your help too, got a lovely schnauzer who is basically a good dog but obsessed with other dogs and people! distraction simply doesn't work - he'd rather go see them than eat something tasty - set up a website and let's get chatting!
cat & archie dog
xx
ps thanks everyone who sent me good wishes, scan this afternoon...scary stuff xxx
This is only the 2nd time I've done this but I'd like to say a massive thanks for everyone at radio 2 this week for their fantastic tribute to and memories of Dr Wally - I will miss him and his wit.
Cat # 187 - good luck with the scan, and good luck to anyone who's waiting for results and / or news.
Thinking of you all with everything crossed - which could make for an interesting weekend!
Jilly Goat xx
hi all - another thing, can everyone see a new blog subject today? I can't!
cat
xx
Whey hey, prezzies under 拢20 I'm good at this!
A box of tricks! Cover a box in paper and add all the persons fav things,
I've recently done one with a rubber duck, small bottle of champs, bubblebath chocolate etc for a friend who works away from home and is getting a bit fed up with it.
Another one was for a friend who had an opp for cancer (she's ok at the minute!) /i put in loads of sweets that we hadn't bought since we where kids and crisps and puzzle books,
Christmas ones usually have chocs and mini xmas cakes and mini bottles of port and little stilton wheels and party poppers and hats and blowers......
ok gonna leave it there I was getting abit excited at the thought of doing my next one! The trick is to put in stuff which will be used and not just looked at and then left to gather dust, silly pens are good because they can be used but novelty earrings get used once and left in a junk draw, you don't want to throw them out because they where a prezzie but you now darn well they are never gonna see the light of day again, keep it useful!
When I woke up this morning my body was telling me to "go back to sleep for goodness sake you evil evil woman".
I am so pleased it's Friday - I'll be tuning in to the show later.
I'm new to this blog - and have to say; I'll be back. How nice to be able to get to know you better.
Keep up the good work - it's great to have you back.
Hx
Boa dia xx
I'm back after a power cut...and still no new blog...
Good Evans man, it's nearly lunch time. Where is all my yummy reading material for today?
...are you having a 'lie-in'???????
hmmmmmmmm???
Do hope so!
love 'n' love
love
hazel
x
#189 Cat - Nope I can't see a new blog either!
He's probably off playing golf again...
look at us, waiting round for the belevolent warmth of Chris's wisdom to shine on us again!!
Hi Chris and the team....
I woke up this morning.....
That makes me a winner, therefore everything else is a bonus!!!
Catch ya later this evening,
Love and hugs
Richard and Margaret XXXX
Hi Chris
On wednesday's show you interviewed someone and then sang the first line from my fave song off all time, Getting away with it
The song is by Electronic and features the three gods of music, Bernard Sumner, Jonny Marr and Neil Tennant
i love that song
Be great if you could and would make my day
Also really pleased you have proved the doubters wrong who said you would not eb up to it on Drivetime, the show is excellent
But be nice to hear that song at some point
It is superb
cheers Chris
As for Xmas what a farce that is, just a excuse to get in to debt
Hello All!
I see the Friday blog is late again??! Tut tut Mr.Evans, dont you realise that some of us have VERY boring jobs and we need the blog to amuse ourselves with??!?!!
Hmmm, can anyone tell me about this wizards thing?? I vaguely remember Chris mentioning wizards and that its something to do with spirituality but i cant find the original blog it came from! I've just skimmed through them all but i must have missed it, can anyone help at all???!!
Have a lovely Friday peeps! My lickle (ok, he a 6 month old orange and white monster!) puss Squeaky is in the vet as i type having his fluffy-nuts removed....... I FEEL SO GUILTY!!!!!!!! So will spoil him all weekend and keep the other mitten from jumping on him whilst he is so, er, tender!! ;-D
Have a good 'un one and all!
AD
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You have to buy a pair of novelty nut crackers - very useful dont you think
XX
Chris, if you can get a juicer for under 拢20 you're doing well. What did your juicer cost? I bet it's one of those fancy 拢250 jobbies. You and your working class roots! You're such a tease.
Chris
woke up this morning feeling great!! I alays do cause my wife is next to me, the dog (Fudge) is asleep at the end of the bed, the kids are downstairs asleep and happy. Oh and I enjoy my job too much!!!
Premium bonds, they can cash in the dosh when they want and could make more money!
Try lastminute.com/site/gifts/products
Exotic rabbit for 拢15.00, mange tout
Claret and pate hamper 拢18.50
My wife bought me a remote control flying saucer last year and this year I want the DVD set of Supercar
She's great!
Looking forard to the show
Martin
Hullo Chris and Bloggers,
First time I have done such a thing, so here goes....
I'm a big fan of buying plants for people, for birthdays and things outdoor plants are good but remember at Christmas the poor wee things might struggle to cope with the cold, so houseplants are better.
Make something yourself, I'm on my second cross stitch of maps of lovely places close to my loved ones hearts. I also make my own jewellery for people, but silverwork classes do cost more than 拢20.
Buy a bluetooth headset and keep your pals safe but in contact on the road.
I've bought myself and half my family gorgeous handknitted fingerless gloves to keep our little hands cosy in the cold.
As you quote it so much, how about Winnie the Pooh Complete Collection of Stories and Poems, it is possible to get hold of it for 拢14.99. Although all my old individual Pooh books make me smile.
As for this morning, all I thought was 'Don't do it'. Mornings are wrong, but at least I was rewarded by the most stunning sunrise ever as we drove to work. Swings and roundabouts!
Keep smiling sleepy heads,
Katie
Hi Abigails Diva
Re your 196 posting, the wizards are on Oct 1th blog
Hope this helps
GillyM
Well all I can say is Chris must've had a few pints last night, after all it was Thirsty Thursday and he was celebrating increasing his ratings by 100,000 listeners in a year, probably won't surface before show time lol.
As Chris isn't here maybe we should do our own Blog on here today and let him read ours later.
Abigail,
Sorry, My typing foinger missed!
I meant the 12th Oct for wizard blog
Cheers
GillM
I wake up in the morning and normally have a dead arm from lying on it.
Yesterday I woke up, flipped over to turn my alarm off and battered myself around the face with the aforementioned dead arm.
This morning I snoozed the alarm 5 times and felt no guilt. It was nice.
I'm sure someone here has mentioned it, but Iwoot.com is AMAZE for cheap gifts AND their delivery service is brilliant (most things I've ordered have appeared as if by magic, the very next day).
As for the feeling lost, I totally get that. I'm currently studying at University, and often wonder what its all for. But I guess I'm only 18, so I'm still trying to find my place in the world. But who wants to be just a cog in a machine?
Love to all.
x
Afternoon, yes afternoon everybody!
So no new blog and I have been checking all morning :-(
I expect Chris is out getting spanked again just like last Friday :-)
I have taken today off work and still found myself having to log onto the blog, (how sad) I must get a life!
Still lots of good present ideas so Mrs BigUn may get a Christmas present this year and she will think I thought of it all by myself so no telling now :-)
I am looking forward to the show tonight even though I am already at home I will have to listen in :-)
Have a good weekend everyone, I may be back later if I can slip form the gaze of err indoors. :-)
Keith
x
Hi there,
This morning my body just wanted to stretch - not just a normal little regular morning stretch, but a hugh-mung-gaz (sp?) stretch on the bed - every muscle & sinew. It was quite exhausting really so had to have another 10 mins under the duvet to recover!
Best sub-20-quid pressie?
TWISTER!
Love the show,
Penny
You're right Chris. Let's just get on with life and do the best we can to muddle through what is expected of us - if anyone knows that that is? Let's not judge other people on what they choose to do. Life is too short. I am a great believer in fate. When it's your time to go, that's your lot! And there's nothing you can do about it. The fun bit is not knowing. A cunning plan to make us all live life to the full maybe. But has it worked? On a more sobering note, there was a car crash in Aylesbury on the evening of 24th October. The car had 5 teenagers in it. No other vehicle was involved. The car collided with a tree at speed. Three of the teenagers (2 boys and a girl) were killed. An absolute tragedy. My son went to school with them and knew them. My partner used to take Jack to work with him every day. Jack was a labourer for a building company and was jsut getting his life together and then some greater being decided that his time was up.
So my message to everyone out there is really try to live life to the full and never go to work on an argument or an atmosphere. Try and tell your loved ones that you love them as many times as you can - without annoying the pants off them!!!! You are only given one chance at life so don't be frivolous and waste it. Alex, Aylesbury, Bucks.
Is this the biggest blog there's ever been????
I love all the suggestions for pressies - I've bought people wine glasses made out of recycled wine bottles this year - greenglass.co.uk - 拢12 for 2 in a really nice box - they're grrrrrrrrrreat!
Happy Friday everyone
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Hi Chris and others, thanks for reading!
For under 拢20, a chocolate fountain or fondue set and lots of forks for your mates, fruit and marshmallows. Something to do while you divide youselves into Girls and Boys to play Woman's minute the board game.. What do you mean it isn't out yet? C'mon Chris, get on with it!! I can see the fights starting already...
I woke up this morning feeling just as tired and yuky as i do after a few (hah!) drinks and i have not had a drop to drink for 2 days. I will make up for it this weekend.
My body was saying to me why did you work untill midnight boarding the loft out, silly boy.
Love the show, can you play some Chicane.
Hi Blogsters,
Following on from yesterday, I have had one of the worst night sleep ever!!! But hey I'm not grumpy cause I'm a bloke. Full up with a chest infection I can't seem to shake and now it feels like a colds coming on. Still this weekend I'm out on the hills of North Wales. A bad day on the hills beats a good day in the office!!
Like some of you I sit and check to see the new blog to see where we're heading topically. To make things worse I can't even pick up radio 2 in my office! How bad is that? Still at least I'm in my car when Chris is on keeping me company on my travels.
Well must go
Peace ,love and understanding
Hi Chris,
I woke up excited. My boobies hurt, I needed a wee for the 3rd time in the night and it's all great because it reminds me I've got a little baby in my tummy and it's all I ever wanted.
The day's a bit boring and tiresome but I know my tiny little baked bean size baby is with me and it makes it all seem great.
Have a great weekend everyone out there xxx
Get them a yak!
Seriously - there are some great charities who do "donation gifts". The two I like are "Send a Cow" and Save the Children. Others are available!!
I first came into contact with Send a Cow through one of our college lecturers. I was a vet student and he was our cow lecturer. Brilliant guy, very funny (sometimes scary as he asked lots of questions!) but unfortunately he had MS. Over the course of my 7 years at college he became wheelchair bound. It was very sad to watch as it also meant he couldn't do the hands-on practical stuff, although he tried for as long as possible. He retired shortly after I left. He didn't want a retirement present - all he asked for was that any students who ever felt that he'd made a difference to their learning was that they make a donation to "Send a Cow" which buys cattle, chickens, bees etc for families in Africa. The response was overwhelming - lets just say there's now a herd in Africa called"Andrew's Herd". It touched all of us, and people less fortunate than ourselves benefited.
I'm really cynical about Christmas - don't know why as I've got a loving family and have never had a bad one. I just hate the commercialism and the thought of us stuffing our faces whilst people starve. Probably hypocritical too as I will be tucking into Christmas dinner, but this year my gifts will hopefully also make a difference to someone else's life.
Great blog by the way. And great show. I confess to not have been a fan of some of your other stuff, or indeed of you! But I'm happy to say I was wrong. I love the show and now think you're a top bloke!
Keep up the good work!
Who is keeping your seat warm whilst you are away, could they not keep your blog warm also?
This is my first post but I have been reading for a while now and am touched by how friendly and wise everyone is. It is going to be bad enough without you for two weeks...we could do with each other to help us through!
Have a great break - you will be missed.
x
When I wake up in the morning I try my very hardest in those first few seconds to tell myself it is going to be a fabulous day and evrything will be great!
It does work.....sometimes!
Especially if my gorgeous hubby brings me coffee.
x
Hi Chris
You gave me the best laugh of the week when talking abot Wills - you said "Most people don't make a Will because it gives them the willies"...now I know why they call it a Will ! Ha ha ha !!
Have a great holiday!
Hey Chris! Great show!
It is too early to think about christmas....
Though as it is bonfire night (nearly!), most people may be thinking about putting the sprouts on to cook...
but autumn is great! The leaves down my road are a riot of colour- brilliant!
xxxxxx
Hey Chris
How very human you are! I've not read your blog before but after a tough day, it was a gift. Like you'd popped inside my soul, walked beside me today up to the windmill thats covered with white sheeting high up on the hill. I got up there, views stunnning about 30miles away I could see the South Downs in the misty horizon. I LOVE nature and I cried becasue I've just moved to an amazingly friendly village called Mayfield. My house is SO gorgeous I admit to telling the walls I love them. I have a veiw of beautiful autumn trees from my bedroom window and its mine, I've settled at last and I am - MISERABLE! God, its crazy - longed for and got. HUman beings are strange creatures. It is all mad, what we do every day just for those little precious momments that rock our hearts. You've just rocked mine. I am sitting in my kitchen and listening to you on the radio and you've just sung happy birthday along iwth a girl and it made me smile. Thanks Chris. You're a good guy and whatever you are doing you may wonder why but there are people out here listening to you and feeling better becasue of it. Its because you are you. You can only be you and its fab! Keep on laddy. Sending you love and smiles
Lisa x
The best prezzie I got for under 20quid was a kiss from my wife and our 4 kids. four times better than anything else I got for christmass
Monopoly.........This is a dying game..I cannot find anyone to play it with me..
So if everyone bought someone a game of Mononpoly, the odds on are that someone has to play with me..xxx
When I awoke at 5:30am this morning for my commute from east of Hull to Bradford my body was screaming NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO you old fat fool don't do it go back to bed
Hi everyone.
Got Broadband at last so just wasted(?) 2 hours reading the blog for the first time... it's definitely addictive.
Jules #109 - your Romantic Evening Kit reminds me of the wedding present my best friend and bridesmaid gave me and my husband. A Banana Split Kit, including glass dishes, wafers, lots of different sauces and sprinkles. Suffice to say it was the only pressie we took on honeymoon with us!!!
I wake up grumpy in the mornings because I have to get up to make sure everyone else gets up:(
Waking up and things are different? It's called 'getting on a bit', love.
Any woman will tell you, that after a 'certain' age we wake up and see a different face in the mirror every morning. Last week I looked like a slightly crazy paving version of Carol Smiley, this morning I stood brushing my teeth and Bagpus was staring back at me. I would consider either botox or some form of surgery, it's getting so bad - but unlike you, I haven't got much money and what I do have, has to go on the bleedin council tax and utility bills.
I've also noticed I'm turning into a bit of a boat - everything is creaking for some reason: knees, neck, elbows even my jaw cracks if I go at a Fruit & Nut a bit too sharpish! The latter can also be rather erm off putting, shall we say - when you know - erm well you know - entertaining in a southerly direction.
Don't fret
Evelyn
Present for under twenty quid?Depends on the person-obviously!-but a scrapbook would make me smile, pics of happy holiday times, maybe a drawing or a poem, leaves gathered on autumn walks, a pebble collected from a windy Cornish beach,a bar of my favourite chocolate tucked in a pocket...just a memory book that has been made with love and affection, or maybe I'm just a soppy old goat?!
Alternatively, my money's on the racing grannies...
Andrea
when i was little the best presents i ever got at christmas were a black doll with ginger hair, I saw her in a shop and loved her, and black tights. I wore these christmas morning with a bri nylon dressing gown. Takes your breathe away doesn't it! But the one I remember most was the pennnies - 240 pennies, my god I thought I was rich. So the best present for under 20 pounds would be for me 2000 pence well 1999! Doesn't seem as special, maybe my brother was just an unimaginative cheapskate but Hey I remember it.
I think a shredder is a brilliant Christmas present for my sister who has so many credit card bills she really needs one. My problem is that when I am on line trying to find one in the shape of a cat, I get your site.
So - where do I find a shredder in the shape of a cat?
Hated your shows in the past but this one on Radio 2, on the way home in the evenings, is fantastic.
This is serious - where do I get a cat shaped shredder?
oi evans!!!
I just tried to sharpen my knives on the windows of our car and put a big slash in the lining of the familly car. Shes not happy.
Great to meet you, we had a blast! Good luck with the show.
ps. my pork dish was better than yours. Sambuca!!!!
ian mac
Hey Chris,
This is not related to your Blog as such but I couldn't find an e-mail.
I'm currently away in France studying atm and am v much missing being at home. The one thing that helps me get through is being able to listen to Radio 2 and particularly your show which means it all seems a little less far away.
I also regret that I won't be able to watch good ole Terry on Children in Need this evening but want to congratulate on a sterling job once again!
Many thanks for making life that little bit brighter.
Claire
Chris
You having been playing the man that has made a Whistling CD, If you go back many years it was Roniie Ronaldo who used to be on the telly and Radio doing similar whistling of songs at that time, you will probably find it in you Archives of either radio or TV
Regards
Keith Miles
This year I'm going to be giving all my female friends a copy of MY favourite book which I love - ergo so should they as we have so much in common blah blah - which is why we're friends right?
I've looked on Amazon and the book will cost me approx 拢9 plus p&p.
BARGAIN!!