What happens in the movie theatre...

For years our family trips to the cinema have been Disney films, Rugrats, Harry Potter and of course Pirates. Now that my 2 are now in their teens there is a lot more choices with more adult humor on offer.

We did plan to go Wednesday to see Made of Honor but couldn't work it around DS' paper round and the England Vs US game on TV in the evening. Instead we had more time to plan to go tonight.
Part of the trip out was also to sample the brand new Showcase Delux in the Westfield centre.
Unfortunately Made of honor was no longer playing so we chose to see What happens in Vegas.




The movie stars Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz as a couple who get married in Vegas within 4 hours of meeting. They come home to New York and realise they made a big mistake and go about trying to get a quickie divorce. Unfortunately the judge tries to make an example of them and won't grant the divorce until they have made an attempt to make the marriage work.

We set off from home really early for saying that town is only 15 minutes away but I wanted to get there in good time and have a look round as it was all new.

The place is huuuuge. From the top floor of the Westfield you go up 2 more escalators to get to the main floor of the cinema itself where there is the box office and main food stands. There is also a bar restaurant which is a great way for them to get more money out people I guess. It was pretty busy so it works.
I went to buy my tickets and they asked where I want to sit...BLOODY HELL I have to make choices at the pictures now??!!! I said somewhere in the middle but I didn't know that it was a case of having to sit where they tell you.


To get to the cinema that we were in we had to go up 2 more escalators. We walked through the big doors and past 2 staff members busy chatting towards the door. As we were going in one of the chatting staff shouted to us "Do you have tickets?" he took our tickets and said "You are somewhere near the back"

We walked into the cinema and although it was 20 minutes to start time it was very dark. We scrambled along to find Our seats but as we couldn't see in the dark I don't think we were sat in the right place.

As we sat waiting for the presentation to start more customers were coming in but they were being shown to their seats by ushers. by the time the main presentation started the room was pretty full.


The movie itself was brilliant. Very funny and not as obvious an ending as I would have thought. Of course we had the gorgeous Ashton to drool at all the way through and his chemistry with Ms Diaz was very believable.



I thoroughly enjoyed the whole film and the kids did too. It was a bit weird seeing a grown up RomCom with them at the cinema but there'll be a lot more choices in future.

Eurovision or Sing it yourself

Saturday night we were invited to a party at my sister Debz place. She has just taken in a new lodger and it was a kind of welcoming to her. Mind you I didn't hardly see her all night as she was in the front room playing Darts with the men. The rest of us women sat in the front room chatting.

On the TV was the Paramount comedy channel. At one point there was only me and DD sat there so I grabbed the remote and put BBC1 on for the Eurovision. Even though everyone said I was sad for putting it on, they all sat there commenting on the songs and critiquing the performances. We missed the UK entry but it was fun to see what load of tripe all the other countries was serving up.


We came to the conclusion that no one needs to try very hard these days as they know that whatever crap they do they will get all the votes from their neighbouring countries anyway. I really don't know why we (the UK) even take part anymore as we know no one (except Ireland) is going to give us any votes.

There were 2 that I enjoyed -those being Greece and Latvia. I thought Latvia had a good chance as they were dressed as Pirates and the song was very upbeat and fun.


Well we did get 14 points those were given from Ireland and San Marino. I think for next year we should get Madonna to sing for us. It is the only way we will get any points - Well the winning song from Russia was produced by Timberland.



After the Eurovision finished it was time to get the Singstar out. Zoe and Tori left the party so it was just the family and Rachael.
We did Teams with me DS and Ange versus Debz, Carl and Rachael.
In the team game you do 1 v 1 then a duet then pass the mic which is hard because you never know who is next and they have to start from the line with sometimes there not being a break.
The micro medley is even harder because you get a line from each song but you may not know the song at all and you don't get any chance to get the melody in your head. Harsh.

We played 2 team games and the score was 1 all.

It was about 3am when we left Debz. We walked Ange home as she had my niece in the pushchair. It was very cold and windy going home very spooky too as we walked through the dark empty streets.

Police Drama

On Wednesday about 7pm I got up to go to the kitchen and noticed a police car at the front of the building on the main road (Parked right in front of my window) I went through to the kitchen to see another Police car arriving in the car park. A policeman got out and hurriedly walked through the gitty whilst putting an ear piece in.

Over the next hour I spent the time going from window to window to see what was happening. The Police helicopter arrived and hovered overhead. Several more police arrived as well as the forensics team.

Later I saw 2 policemen escort a youth to the car and drive off. Eventually the helicopter and the police cars disappeared but an officer remained stood at the front until it got dark.

Drama over we could only speculate what had gone on. It obviously wasn't the local reprobates as they were all stood around and nonplussed as to what was happening.

Later that night As I sat watching TV I heard a loud bang outside and went to look out the window as I heard someone shout. I went outside to look as I was concerned about Pica being outside. I couldn't see anything except for the local fox so thought maybe that had knocked a bin over.

I am really confused now because the DET reports this

There is no mention of the events of earlier in the evening and unfortunately I don't know anyone round here to even ask.
So the noise I heard was the shotgun going off but I didn't hear or see any Police at that time and Pica seems to have lived through it (Probably hidden under a car) It is becoming very worrying that something like that has happened right on my doorstep. When I lived in Normanton these sort of things were expected but I never had anything like this.

To be honest the part of the estate where this took place is a no go area for us. Even my DD says she avoids walking through that area and would much rather add 10 minutes onto the walk than go that way. You are likely to have abuse thrown at you as well as missiles.

I do like a bit of drama but when it is so close to home and involves guns it does shake you a little. I am only glad that my 2 are sleeping over at friends' tonight.

Doctor Who meme

1. When did you start watching?
Of Doctor who overall? when I was a kid.

1a. Why?
It's Doctor Who!!! Science fiction that is obtainable ground level for today's TV that can be all things to all people.

2. What was your first episode?
Of the new regime Rose the first episode.


3. Which episodes have you seen?
I can't remember the old episodes. I have seen the Peter Cushing movies and all of the New Whos

3a. Favourite?
Empty child/Doctor dances, Doomsday, Blink

4. Have you been to any Doctor Who conventions?
Nope not yet

5. Have you ever dressed up as a Doctor Who character?
No, I haven' t.

6. Do you own any Doctor Who merchandise?
Yeah, Season 2 boxset and the Doctor figure from "The Wire"

7. Are you a fan of Russell T Davies?
Yes. He brought us back The Doctor and along with that he brought us 2 fantastic regenerations in Chris Eccleston and David Tennant. I love his episodes too and can never see why geeky whovians want him off the show.

7a. Steven Moffat?
Yes Moffat's episodes are wonderful - He brought us Blink after all ;)

7b. Paul Cornell?
Not really

8. What say you to Season 6b?
Dunno

9. The UNIT dating controversy?
No idea

10. The Blinovitch Limitation effect?
???

11. Multi-Doctor episodes?
I really loved "Time Crash" and "The Five Doctors" - so I would love to see more. This is maggi's answer but I will agree.

12. What's your favourite Doctor Who technobabble?
Also the Timey-Wimey Detector.- it's so hilarious. Again I agree with Maggi

13. Have you watched other TV shows exclusively because of the presence of Doctor Who actors?
Oh Yes all the time - I have no shame ;-)

14. Have you met any of the actors?
No sob sob

14a. Travelled to any filming locations?
not yet...

15. What do you think of The Curse of Fatal Death?
Absolutely Pissed myself ROFL

16. Do you have any fannish opinions that you think are fairly unpopular?
I can't stand Catherine Tate and still after 8 episodes of her I still have not warmed to Donna - Roll on her demise!

17. What's your favourite pairing?
10/Rose...Always

18. What pairing(s) won't you touch with a really long pole?
Doctor/Donna. Doctor/Jack

Internet trials and tribulations

I have had enough.
Last week we were without the internet for 24 hours and when the engineer came out he wasn't very pleasant.

Ever since then, the internet has been convinced that I am in Dublin. I can't access certain sites and I can't watch any of the BBC media content because it thinks I am not in the UK.

I give up!

Hostel part 2

I sat down Friday afternoon to watch Hostel 2.
I saw the first movie on Sky last year and have been looking forward to the 2nd part ever since.

I was a bit disappointed for most of it but it really caught up with it's daddy movie about half way through and the end was just the best end to a film I have ever seen.


The first movie follwed a group of male American back-packers on their travel so this sequel took on 3 girls. just like the first movie, they were enticed to The Hostel by a beautiful person with great promises.


There is a bit of a twist with an extra element this time because we see the other side with 2 of the paying clients at the factory.

These 2 anti-heroes, if you will, should have us screaming chants of hate but they almost seem human and quite humorous. You have to see it to understand...without me telling you the story I can't really describe

Watch out for the first killing, Its a sick one and I even had to cover my eyes. It involves 2 naked women, a Scythe and lots of blood.


I spent a couple of great hours watching the extras after the movie and I have come to the conclusion that I really like Eli Roth. He is a great director and a great guy too. I am definitely going to get hold of Cabin fever.

Talk about hot

Saturday night I was off out to watch my sis and her hubby play netball in a charity tournament.
It was so hot, when I was trying to put my make-up on it was just slipping off. I was actually even wearing a summery sleaveless top and beige summer trousers but it didn't stop me getting hot and bothered.

I had thought that Ange said it started at 5.45 so I set off about 5.15 only to get there and find no one that I knew. I checked the text message from her only to find I was an hour early. I thought about siting in the bar for an hour with a nice cold drink but instead walked back to the Marketplace and sat there in the sun.

A random group of students came along and sat nearby. One of them had a guitar and started just playing. It was lovely. I was sat in the sun by the water feature with this lovely summery background music. I was glad I had come here to pass the time.

I set back off to the sports centre at 6.15 and then went and had a drink in the bar. I saw my sister arrive so went to join everyone.

It was really packed with people and there wasn't much space to sit down. We had to taske it in turns to sit at the table. It was up to Debz and I to keep watch on the children while their mummy and daddy played.

There were 6 teams in each little league. The teams are 6 aside and they have to have at least 2 guys in the team.
Each game was 8 minutes 1 way. The only thing with this is that there is a long time in between each game and it makes for a long night.

Unfortunately for us "Press Gang" didn't have any luck all night. In the first game the referee seemed to be confused about the actual rules of the tournament and the opposing team were taking too many liberties. It also didn't help that the scoreboard was broken and the refs didn't seem to have the hang of keeping their own score.

The semi final was to be played at 9.38pm - needless to say we were leaving by 9.40pm.
The last 2 games were very exciting with end to end action. I didn't realise that a game of Netball could have you on the edge of the seat like that.

Ange and Rob were knackered and dripping with sweat. What a way to lose a stone in a couple of hours.

Feeling so old today

Today is a landmark in the life in our family because it is the day that DD leaves school.
She does have to go back for revision sessions and of course to do her actual exams but as for regular schooling and lessons she is done.

It is going to be very weird around here now.

She is going to college in September and that is going to be weird too but life moves on...

DVD bargains at HMV

I wanted to really treat myself for ages.
HMV have some great offerings in their 3 for £20 that I was determined to grab a bargain before the sale is over.

I managed to get 2 boxsets in my 3 for £20 which I am very happy about.

First of all Hostel parts 1 & 2.
I have seen the first movie but not the 2nd so was very glad about getting hold of this



The other boxset I found was 28 days and 28 weeks later. I have seen the first movie 28 days later several times but haven't had the chance to see the second yet as with Hostel.



The other movie I got was Run Fatboy Run starring Simon Pegg. I loved Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz so this movie has to be as good...

Too Hot!

The weather in this country goes from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Last week we were freezing our bits off with the wind and rain and hail stones as big as mini vans.

This week we are all melting as the temperature is in the 20s.

I had all the windows open but that means the threat of crawlies and insects. I was sat here talking on the phone and this huge Wasp flew in through the window. I only had it open on the narrow setting so then I had to try get the Wasp out without aggravating it. I have been stung several times in the past by angry Wasps and it isn't pleasant.



Later on another Wasp came in through the kitchen window but luckily it went back out of its own accord.

Night time is the worst. It is too hot to have the duvet on and I just can't get comfortable.
I am not complaining about the better weather but would prefer it not to be extreme.

Gavin and Stacey night

My trip to Notts this weekend was a well needed break.
It wasn't all about Gavin & Stacey as we had other stuff organised but I was looking forward to our Gavin & Stacey night.

I set off straight after the final whistle of the Rams game against Blackburn. (We lost again)
The bus journey went by really quickly and by the time Doctor Who was starting I was sat on Brian's lounge floor eating a gorgeous Chicken and Prawn Curry.
After Doctor Who we watched Confidential and Bri served up a bowl of gorgeous luxury (Fairtrade) Chocolate Ice Cream.

We settled down for the main event - The full first series of Gavin & Stacey starring James Corden and Matt Horne.
I am a massive fan of the boys but I didn't get into Gavin and Stacey when It first started. I don't know why, I think it was because I never knew when it was on and I was always watching something else.



I really enjoyed it. It is hilarious and there is lots of humour in it at different levels.

We had a half time break for coffee and snacks and I couldn't wait for the rest of it. I think it is better to watch things like this all in one go so I can't wait for Brian to get series 2 now...

I think we ended up going to bed about midnight but we didn't get to sleep until about 3am. I am not sure what had got into us but we had a right old reminisce about stuff from back in the 80s and when we lived in Sheffield. At one point we both got the giggles and try as we might just couldn't stop laughing for ages.

We did eventually fall asleep but I was awake again at about 9.30. I got up and put JK and Joel on Bri's freeview and sat playing my NDS.

We were invited over for lunch at the house of Bri's friend Joolz.
She lives in Mansfield which is a 45 minute journey from Notts on the bus. When we finally got off the really uncomfortable bus Bri said it was only 10 minutes away - half an hour later we were still walking and he had to give up and ring her for directions. We got there just in time before the rain came pouring down.

At least we did get to see a bit of Mansfield. I have never been before and it is a lovely quaint little town with a good shopping centre.

Joolz' house was very nice. Very posh inside and I wished I could have a home like it. She has 3 children so I am hoping that when mine are away at College/Uni then I can get my home nice and posh.

Lunch was equally lovely and Posh. We all sat at the table in the front room. I wasn't really expecting her children to be there so although It was nice to meet her 2 sons it was a bit awkward also. She brought this huge joint of Beef out onto the table along with huge bowls of veg and potato.
I always feel self-conscious when I have to serve myself as people might think I was greedy and it is difficult to make sure you don't knock something over someone or drop something on their plate.

I piled as much on as I thought looked polite and ate away. Everyone else was tucking in and getting seconds and thirds but I was stuffed so had to sit and watch as everyone kept eating.

Dessert was gorgeous. Joolz had handmade a Lemon mousse. which was really scrummy and came with a little biscuit on the side.


Afterwards we had coffee and sat chatting about all sorts of stuff until it was time for us to go back for the bus home. Joolz kindly gave us a lift to the bus station so that we didn't get lost and miss it.
On the bus Brian showed me where he works (Portland College) and also the home -or the front gates of the home-of Brian May (Yes of Queen)

We got home about 8ish and Brian made cheese and Ham Bagels. I had wanted to watch Flood but I thought it started at 9pm where it actually started at 8pm so we missed the first hour but it turned out it was a 2-parter anyway.

I think we got to bed a bit earlier this time but we still stayed awake talking.

I was up about 8am as I wanted to make sure I was up and ready for my bus home which was 11.20am

It was sad to leave as we had such a great weekend but I had to get back to my children.
It will be Brian's turn to come here next.

What have I been upto?

Well I have been busy.

I have made a squidoo lens all about myself Here and another lens which is (surprise surprise) all about Al Griffin Here.


I have also joined yet another Social networking site called Yuwie - Here. This one is a bit different in that you can make money through clicks on your profile and through clicking on other profiles and through the referral system. If you want to join and make some money click this link.

Curry Night

It's come around quickly but today was my monthly meet up with Lisa for drinks and eats.

We met at a local Wetherspoons pub and had a couple of pints. Lisa tried the special scrumpy cider they had on offer but I just stuck to my usual pint of Fosters.

We planned to go to the Buddha Lounge and Bar which is a buffet style place serving Chines, Thai and Indian. It is located in the Cathedral quarter of Derby. However we got there to find that as it was after 5pm, the price had shot up to £15.95 per person. We thought £12.95 at Wokmania was steep but this was too much.

We headed back down towards another Wetherspoons pub to use the loo and decide what to do next. We were swayed by their Curry night special which consists of a choice of 12 Currys with a free drink just for £5.49.



I am not a big Curry expert so I chose the Lamb Kashmiri. Lisa likes her currys hotter so she went for the Hot Chicken Masala.

It was really nice and came with a Naan bread, 2 Poppodoms, Mango chutney and Basmati rice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and ate every little bit of it as well as wiping up the leftovers with my bread.

It was getting on for 6.40 when we finished so we said our goodbyes and i walked home. I had to make sure I went and voted too.
A great evening and I can't wait till our next one.