Joannezipan's Good Things

Light lunches and haircuts

2010-02-24T16:33:00.000Z

It was light when I had my shower this morning; I think it is the first time I haven't needed the bathroom light on.
Left over risotto for lunch today, it is always really satisfying to eat up the leftovers at lunch time because it feels healthy and not like a junk meal like so many lunches do.

I'm looking forward to having my hair cut after work tonight. I love getting my hair cut, it's so relaxing to sit in the chair and let someone pamper you for an hour and as an added bonus it means I have to leave on time.

A quiet February day

2010-02-24T08:42:00.001Z

Lunch with Dean is always makes for a better day. A proper break away from my desk and a natter with a good friend, what could be better than that?

When I got home the lights were turned on, usually it is dark when I get in but Tom had beaten me home and was waiting with a kiss.

We made a nice dinner and settled onto the sofa to watch House M.D. I always feel like hibernating at this time of year and this is as close as it gets.

Time off

2010-02-22T18:22:00.000Z

I've had a whole week off from my computer, I've enjoyed the break from it, but I'm ready to get back on with things now.

Waking up on Friday morning without an alarm was fantastic.

We went for a bracing walk along a sun drenched, but chilly beach; I blew off some steam running up the gravel hills and jumping off the top. The sea air always makes me feel so alive.

The B&B had a wonderful roll top bath, a very comfortable bed, wonderful breakfasts and chocolate buttons on our pillows. The house was quirky and very cute everywhere there were collections of interesting things from Bakelite phones and radios to sea shells.

Wednesday and Thursday's good things

2010-02-11T21:18:00.000Z

Yesterday - Wednesday

I got on the train just as it started to snow, 10 minutes later when the train pulled out of the station the platform was white and tiny snow balls were rolling about in the wind.

Tom sent me an excited email during the day about collecting his new bike.

I met some old friends for drinks after work and we laughed about things that happened a very long time ago. In another 5 years will be be laughing about things that are happening now?

When I got home from London there was an invitation to a wedding part waiting for me from some new friends.

Today - Thursday

The two boys who are coming to my company came in for their interviews at lunch time, they looked so young and scared. I hope they learn something from us when they come back for their placements in May.

I had a quiet rebellion and went to work and 9 and left at half past 5. Tom arrived at 10 to 6 and we spent an entire evening together.

When I spoke to my Mum this evening she said "Oh, I'll see you tomorrow before she hung up." I'm really looking forward to seeing them when they arrive.

Just right, 10 more minutes and tasty

2010-02-09T22:09:00.000Z

It was exactly 9am as I got to my desk. Not a moment to early or too late, just right.

At the end of the day I forced myself to concentrate for 10 more minutes and get the job finished just in time to leave.

The Thai red curry was really good, a new addition to the menu but I think it will be out again soon.

Wheelies, snow, quick cuppa and good judgement

2010-02-09T08:31:00.000Z

We spent the morning in the lab playing with wheelchairs on different surfaces to see what is difficult to negotiate. One of the test subjects is a mobility scooter, steering that was really fun as was watching all the boy see if they could "get air" jumping it off a 7cm lip.

On the way back from lunch a huge snow flake landed in my mouth, it didn't taste of anything except cold, which was surprising for the middle of London.

On the way back to the station I popped in to see Claire for a cup of tea. Peppermint, lemon or decaf? Her dance school is so different to my engineering firm.

Julia came for dinner and America's Next Top Model. She guessed the bottom three correctly, which is very hard to do. Again the right girl went home, how long will Tyra's good judgement last?

Weekend mash up post

2010-02-07T17:05:00.000Z

I have an almost finished chilli on the hob and a Thai vegetable curry in the slow cooker, this week is going to be a week of good evening meals.

We went out for a bike lesson yesterday afternoon, we had been out an hour before we knew it. On the way home I slightly aching legs and a sore bum, but I feel safer on my bike.

Tom is having a Sunday afternoon nap I love the way he always tried to fight it, but gives into his guilty weekend pleasure. I'm sure in a previous life he may have been Spanish.

We zipped round the supermarket in super fast time this week. I like to look at what other people are buying. The lady in the queue in front of us has rustlers burgers and be good to yourself cereal bars. I decide she must be treating someone else to some junk food indulgence.

I love putting the shopping away, especially putting the vegetables in the fridge, it is very satisfying to see all the different colours and textures and know they will all become tasty meals in the week.

Bike buddy, dance memory and meet Daisy

2010-02-04T22:31:00.000Z

Verity and I take our new bikes to the gym and back. I turned corners and everything without falling off! I felt so proud of myself I told everyone in the class all about it.

I was surprised by how many of the Bollywood steps I remembered.

When we came out of the gym my bike had a name, she is called Daisy Dawes. She sounds a bit like she might have been in the dukes of hazzard.

sleep laughing, poridge on the run and busy bee

2010-02-03T20:00:00.000Z

When I woke up I remembered waking myself in the night laughing, but I can't remember what about or even if I just dreamed that it happened.

No time for breakfast this morning, but Pret provide me with poridge on the run. Tasty and helthy to boot!

A busy day, but i'm with friends so it doesn't feel as opressive as a normal busy day.

Surprising salad, new bike new bike and Tom's nemesis dinner

2010-02-02T22:30:00.000Z

At lunch time the sandwich shop man is surprised by my salad request "nobody has ever asked me for that before" he says, "I'll have to try that myself!"

I picked up my new bike; it is very pretty, I hope it stops raining so I can ride it soon!

The Hairy Bikers made the most enormous prawn cocktail I have ever seen. I quite fancy one of those, but it is Tom's nemesis sea food smothered in mayonnaise. The contrast in attitude made me giggle.

Secret, Mushrooms and Justice

2010-02-01T22:19:00.000Z

I found out that Ian is a secret ANTM fan! After that we smized all the way found Canary Wharf.

When I got home from Uni I made a new recipe from my slow cooker book. Mushroom Stroganov and very tasty too.

Julia and I feel that justice was done and the right girl went home.

Quick slow dinner, steamy and giggles

2010-01-31T22:39:00.000Z

So it's Sunday again and I realise I have been away for a while. It wasn't intentional dear blog, I have just been too busy to write on you. Anyway here are three things for today.

Andy and Julia came to pick us up just before 2, I just had time to get the pilaf in the slow cooker before they arrived.

The butcher finds us some lamb to out in our curry, when we get back we fill the kitchen with clouds of spicy steam.

The film wasn't going to win any Oscars, but it had a lot of disasters in it and we laughed at it all the way through. That's what you want for a Sunday evening film.

Warm as toast, proud and Speeding home.

2010-01-27T21:19:00.000Z

While the others are all cold my layers keep me toasty warm, which lets me think up lots of good ideas while they shiver.

The girl on the stairs looks so proud of her brand new high vis jacket and hard hat. I remember that feeling.

The train home sped through the night and I was back before I knew it.

Cheerful nurses, jacket potato and openness.

2010-01-26T21:47:00.000Z

The nurses at the allergy clinic are so cheerful first thing in the morning it is contagious and I leave feeling more cheerful than when I arrived.

I manage to get a rare jacket potato for lunch and it keeps me going all afternoon. The baked beans are a wonderful deep orange colour when I open the box, I can't help smiling.

I finally got to have a chat with my boss and I feel better now the issues are out in the open.

Brilliant timing, secret vices, loud and laughing fit to bust

2010-01-25T22:11:00.000Z

As I walk along the street Katie is just getting to the crossing on the other side. Brilliant timing! We go for a coffee and a chat before class.

In my head the librarian is very loud when she isn't at work. I bet she shouts all the time

Claire came over for our secret vice...America's Next Top Model! Pasta, bitching and bad TV what could be better than that?

On the way to class a couple spill out of the phone box crying with laughter, I wonder who they had been talking to?

lie in, bike tests and slow cooking - just the way Sundays should be!

2010-01-24T22:20:00.000Z

We had a really long lie in this morning, just what I needed to relax me before another long week.

After weeks of putting it off we went to the bike shop, it proved to be a very successful trip with Tom finding a bike for his commute to and from work and me finding a bike I can actually ride without feeling like I'm going to fall off all the time. Plus it has a basket!

Slow cooked lamb looks after it's self in the oven for hours, and comes out tasting amazing for dinner.

Pub, pub and pie

2010-01-23T11:29:00.000Z

We decided a pub break was required at lunch time to relive some stress. An hour of laughing and silly jokes latter it worked.

When we troop down the stairs at the end of the day it feels like school is out. Dean is waiting and it's off to the pub again.

I decide to ignore the diet and have pie for dinner. It is full of succulent chicken, ham and a cheese and leek sauce. It was worth breaking the rules for!

A trip to the London Office

2010-01-21T21:12:00.000Z

I met Claire at the station, it makes it easier to get up when I have a train buddy.

The London office is all swanky and new, but still full of familiar faces.

Sinead appeared at lunch time, just like old times we went out for Thai food with Richard and gossiped for an hour.

I cooked dinner (with some persuasion from Tom) and felt better for resisting the call of the take-away.

Reducing waste the old fashioned way, easy curry, vegetables and a tiny luxury

2010-01-19T22:20:00.000Z

As I leave the nurses room she gives me the mouth piece from my peak flow test and says "hold onto this so you can use it again later; waste not want not." What a good idea to halve the number they use.

Being good all day leaves me with enough points for a ready meal curry after the supermarket.

I love putting the vegetables away, suddenly the fridge looks full of potential again.

Laura arrives with bags and bags and bags of stuff to go to Haiti in an Aquabox. In amongst the work gloves and cotton wool I found a tiny baby toy.

Term started today!

2010-01-18T23:26:00.000Z

The first lecture of a new module is always exciting, but this time we get to play with a life size toy train car in the lab. Transport doesn't get much cooler that the people!

Lunch with my uni girls was lovely, noodles and gossip are a potent combination.

I managed and A- on my returned coursework, I hope the one I just handed in was as good.

Julia came over to watch ANTM and we spend a fun couple of hours being mean about the pretty girls. Our least favourite failed to turn up - phew the rest of the series is safe to watch.

Finished, dragon and tidy

2010-01-17T22:36:00.001Z

The essay is finished!

Avatar at the IMAX is brilliant, I want a flying dragon thing to get to work. I'm pretty sure I could land him on the roof of the building.

When we got home I organised my sewing boxes, not as exciting as the movie, but now it is done I feel a lot better.

Lazy, coherent and golden

2010-01-16T23:43:00.000Z

A lazy start to the weekend is a guilty pleasure, we didn't get up until 2!

When I read what I had written back it wasn't so rambling as I though it was, so I don't have to do it again.

The jacket potatoes came out of the oven with crispy golden skins and smeling wonderful.

Excited, gossip and night driving

2010-01-15T23:52:00.000Z

This morning I packed all my stuff into the car to go to my friends in Hertford. I haven't seen her since the wedding and I was excited about it.

Marny made me yummy chilli and we gossiped about wedding plans and worked out how to make bomboniere. I'm looking forward to doing more of them on other evenings.

I like driving at night, it is stangly restful.

Pink, getting down to it and shock

2010-01-14T22:09:00.000Z

The beef in my sandwich is surprising pink, this makes it even more lovely.

I went to Jess' to do my uni work even though I wanted to stay on my sofa. I feel better for having started it and it wasn't actually that bad once we got down to it.

When I got back my hands were cold from the steering wheel. I was mean and put them on Tom's face to make him jump. When he felt their icy coldness his eyes went massively big with shock!

woof, streamers & a joke

2010-01-13T21:40:00.000Z

The people who work at the training company are allowed to bring their dogs to work. One of them comes to say hello while I get some water, she doesn't have much to say but is happy to get a tummy rub.

The snow streams through the headlights as I drive home in the dark. I can briefly see each flake swirl before it rushes off into the night.

The locksmith arrives with a joke and lets us back into the warm.

Productivity, Hooray and Gossip

2010-01-11T22:33:00.000Z

I had a very productive half an hour between getting home from work and going out again, I tidied, hoovered and put up pictures. I feel better about the house than I have done for ages.

A good weight watchers week - 2 1/2 lb gone! Hooray.

Verity and Claire came over for dinner and gossip. We ate pasta, drank tea and talked about weddings and dancing reality TV shows.

A very foodish list for sunday!

2010-01-11T14:22:00.000Z

I made crumpets for the first time and they came out better than the ones from the shops. The smell was amazing while they were cooking and they tasted amazing hot off the griddle. I hope the left over ones are just as good.

The stew is all ready to go in the slow cooker for Tuesday night. I feel ready for the week and ahead of the game. I'm hoping the home made ready meal approach helps me stay on track this week.

Dean's film night is a raging success. His very first stew is wonderful, I hope he perserveres with the stew cooking as I want to eat that melt in the mouth beef again!

Running, farmhouse kitchen and gossip

2010-01-09T20:50:00.000Z

Anglesey Abbey is still covered in snow, it is beautiful and fun to run about in.

I finally brought a mixing bowl - it is a massive beige farmhouse one like we had at school. I can't wait to do some baking now.

Heidi gives me a new haircut and an hour of gossip. I love going to the hairdressers.

Productive, leftovers & Quiet

2010-01-08T22:14:00.000Z

A day that involved some productive work - rare but welcome!

The casserole leftovers made very good soup, plus it feels good to use it all up.

A quiet evening in our cozy house is just what I needed to end the week.

footprints, pub and icosahedron

2010-01-07T21:59:00.000Z

The botanic garden looks crisp and white, although slightly trampled in places there is still some new snow to leave foot prints in.

There is an impromptu trip to the pub after work, although the Hills Road Cru is much smaller than it used to be we can still have fun.

While I have been writing this and looking at photos Tom as made a icosahedron from his magnetic ball toy.

Another blizzardish day

2010-01-06T22:06:00.000Z

Dean appeared out of blizzard, we decided a walk might not be the best idea and went to the coffee shop for jacket potatoes instead.

I while away a happy hour in the fabric department while I wait for Tom to finish work.

The Wild Things were very cute, I didn't like Douglas getting his arm ripped off though!

A very good evening by all accounts

2010-01-06T08:35:00.000Z

Oops forgot to d this last night so today is a double day!

When I got home Mort was on BBC7 so I listened while I did the washing up and made nights dinner for the slow cooker. More productive that watching America's Next Top Model and in an odd way more fun too!

BUT then I remembered that ANTM would be on the +1 channel so I got to watch it while I had my dinner, bliss!

We went off to be early for a change and discovered that we can play Zelda in the warm of bed using the magic of DS.

Better

2010-01-04T21:26:00.000Z

Dean and I go for a walk round the botanic at lunch time, fresh air and exercise. We leave footprints in the frost on the lawn, its crunchy underfoot.

I only gained 1 lb over Christmas - this does count as amazing.

When I got home Tom had cottage pie in the oven and new CSI episodes to watch. The perfect antidote to a horrible day.

Sunny sunday

2010-01-03T19:33:00.001Z

Another day of sunshine greets us as we wander down the street to find breakfast. Coop surprisingly have some black pudding - yum!

We get lots of sorting out done and I begin to feel better about the house.

I spent a happy hour in the kitchen making curry and listening to stories on the wireless.

It is good to Catch up after the holidays over a couple of pints. The pub cats and pig are in fine fettle causing happy little distractions. George the cat decided that my new scarf was the best place to sleep in the place, a cat with fine taste indeed!

Home sweet home

2010-01-02T23:01:00.001Z

The sun is shining as we leave to drive home.

The house is cold when we arrive, but the heating soon kicks in.

I made cottage pie for dinner, the mushrooms and thyme come through really well. It is wonderful.

We spend a quiet evening on the sofa together, I'm glad to be home again.

Double Wammy New Year's Post!

2010-01-01T19:57:00.001Z

We arrive first and get some quiet time at Chris and Helen's to prepare for the coming madness. As the others arrive the party builds up and the laughing gets louder and more joyful.

It transpires that all 4 courses of dinner will contain cheese...never let it be said we don't know each other's tastes!

All the rounds are very different but really good fun. The highlight of the evening is an exceptional mime of Otto Von Bismark.

Despite all being very old we make it to 3am without anyone falling asleep, I think the yummy fizzy wine helped though!

Mega breakfast with friend is the best way to start not only the day but a New Year.

We wander into town and rather inevitably end up at the pub. A couple of pints later we are warm enough to head for home again.

As the dark draws in we are thankful to have the option of staying another night rather than racing for home.

Yolks, Fixed and Quiet

2009-12-30T22:03:00.000Z

A perfect fluffy white poached egg with a bright yellow, glossy, runny yolk for breakfast.

The AA man has flashing amber lights on top of his van. He goes out to the van to get a computer connection to test his theory. And he is right! The car is all better again.

We spend a quiet evening watching stupid TV shows before the action packed fun of tomorrow.

Cafe, High Tea, Chickens and Fromage Orange

2009-12-29T23:25:00.000Z

G takes us to a new cafe bar down the road from his flat for breakfast. Even though I can't eat any of it I enjoy the food looking so good. They obviously enjoy it.

At my Grandparent's house a high tea magically appears on the table as soon as someone says shall we have a cup of tea and a spot to eat. I don't know how A does it!

I have a conversation with Pa about chickens, we agree they are lovely little things.

In the evening we have the Annual Beale Family Christmas Trivial Pursuit game. I get a personal best of 5 cheeses to take the game before everyone gets too tired to carry on. I even got Fromage Orange!

Presents, Permits and Favourites

2009-12-29T23:18:00.000Z

Lucy liked her Christmas presents, now she can make non-citrus cocktails to share with Pete while he cooks tasty pudding.

My brother comes out of his flat with no shoes on to meet us. He has a parking permit for our car with scratch off bits and stick down flaps. It's all a bit OTT he says, but at least we have some.

My family have planned all my favorite things for the evening because I couldn't be there earlier.

Flame, Bracing and Ready

2009-12-27T18:50:00.002Z

I wake before everyone else and while the house is silent I put the fire on and make crumpets and tea. It is quiet except for the birds in the trees outside the window and the roar of the flames in the grate.

We wander along the seafront in a very forceful wind. Jane says "well you said you didn't mind how bracing it was!" and despite the watering eyes and sniffling nose I don't. It makes me feel alive.

Our round for the New Year's Quiz is finished and the starter is picked. It feels good to be prepared.

Burrble burrble, splash, twighlight

2009-12-26T16:45:00.000Z

Whoa, Black Betty and Bamalam (the chickens) burbble happily to themselves as they scrach about under the tree; when John throws them an apple they sound ever so excited about it.

Driving to the pub I drive through a massive puddle, it is just as exciting as it used to be when I was a little and my dad used to do it.

The living room is warm and cozy as the night draws in. I spot a candle balloon out the window in the twighlight it's the flame is bright against the darkening sky.

Unexpected Christmas Day

2009-12-26T11:31:00.001Z

At about 2 in the afternoon I have a long hot bath while all the others eat Christmas lunch. I'm sad to be missing it, but the hot water makes my tummy feel better.

By 7 I feel well enough for toast, Tom brings it up for me and shows me his new game while I eat.

At about 9 I go up to bed and Tom promises to make me turkey and cranberry sandwhiches for breakfast,

Tomorrow can't come too soon

2009-12-24T15:08:00.000Z

This morning the alarm went off very early, as usual it made me grumpy, but then I remembered it was so we could go and have Christmas.

There was no traffic...none at all. We flew across the country and arrived in time for a mid morning cup of tea.

The farm shop is full of people getting last moment bits and bobs, but unlike the supermarket everyone is smiling and chatting and laughing.

I finished wrapping up presents and even though I'm not very good at it they look pretty in a pile. I hope they all like what we chose for them.

relax, flat coke and home

2009-12-23T13:37:00.000Z

Tom has a poorly tummy in the night. As I rub his back I feel him relax just a little bit and I'm glad I can make him feel slightly better.

When I wake up I remembered my Mum giving me flat coke when I had been ill, a good source of rehydrating electrolytes apparently. When I get some for Tom he just looks happy he doesn't have to drink yucky re-hydration solution.

The ice is finally going, we should be able to get home for Christmas after all.

Today is the day to begin

2009-12-22T13:28:00.000Z

I have been thinking about doing this for a while, but for some reason this lunch time is the right time... so onward!

As I bite into my egg the yolk spilts, it is glossy and orange inside and oh so tasty and runny.

Julia and Andy spot me in the street as we are on the way for lunch, they are weighed down with shopping bags but boyed up with Christmas cheer. The day seems brighter after seeing them.

I keep remembering funny little things that happened at last night's party and smiling to myself.