Welcome Home......Life Is Sweet As Baby! x

Kia Ora to you Blogville Massive! Guess what?!? Fab tidings y'all for I (and the rest of my funky fly A Team) are officially members of the Mighty GodZone club! I am writing this with big, fat, soppy arse tears running down my face having just played the Dave Dobbyn track! This song represents exactly and succinctly much of what I adore about this fabulous country....sniff.....snuffle.....
I am proud to be British, don't get me wrong. Brits are ace. We are quirky, eccentric, comedy fodder. We are passionate (about football, beer and telly...probably in that order) It is difficult for others to make us a quality cup of tea. We like to queue and we dunk our biscuits without a care in the world. We are the world's worst nation for sunburn avoidance and we have chips with everything! I'm even more proud of my roots....Northern Soul is what I am (not in the musical sense) but when you're a heady mix of Scouse Northern Irish and Cumbrian, well it's pretty much a given that you'll have summat to spout about! Debatable whether or not anyone will listen, but you spout on anyway.....Where I come from, people speak their mind and are generally loyal and friendly. They do right by those who do right by them. I look at where I came from (geographically) with fondness, but as my old mucker Rakim says: "It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at."
Britain, for me is tired and old. A bit bewildered and it's had enough. It's got no new ideas and is apathetic...it can't really be bovvered. NZ, however is vibrant, exciting.....like an eager new puppy, it wants to please. It shows off what it's got because it's (so) fresh and (so) clean and energised. There's pride and passion and a work ethic here and people still tend to give a shit. These are all qualities I admire because that's how it ought to be and I have found a place along with my beautiful family, where I can put down strong and sturdy roots.
We took a risk, The Chief and I. We came out here with fire in our bellies and hope in our hearts that this was the right thing to do. We have never looked back and the gamble paid off. I still miss my family and friends back in Britain, but the world is much smaller now in communication terms. I also miss chips wi' vinegar, cold Christmases (hot ones are fab, but will always be a teeny bit wrong) Fanzone on Sky, big supermarkets. I miss the comedy, but there's also something kind of nice about hearing all the madass, crazy stuff that goes on around my family through letters, phonecalls and e-mails. (They should all be writers I reckon) We'd love, love, love to take our Bodlets to Anfield, but one day they might take themselves.
If you're thinking it Blogsters....do it! If you want it...go the fuck on and get it! Opportunities always come knocking (if you're receptive to them) Just now, I'm big time excited about a couple of things that have cropped up for me to try out for in my quest for a sparkly new work-related adventure.
Oooohh, the bag is shaking.....believe......a change is gonna come (Aaaah, beautiful, velvety, fabulous Otis. Top song, but it's not on the Soundtrack)
The Soundtrack comprises of The Don Dobbin...sniff...sob...oh no! Here we go again, lol. To finish, another joint from my fave NZ band Katchafire, which again sums up how I feel about this place.
Go on now Blogdedoodles.....do something fabulous, something shiny and new, challenge yourself or go harder to make what you already do more effective. Reach out to people.....make connections and network......it's not what you know, it's who you know. That's it Funksters...the biggest Bodlet is breathing down my neck because I'm needed for some Cartwheel Observation.......Mwahzicles....
PS: Yes I know I've completely missed Christmas....will correct that oversight tonight. Jingle on until then. xxxxxx

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture...Whilst Simultaneously Napping (For a Really Long Time) in a Cave of Tranquility x

 
Greetings Blogchums! How are we this fine evening (or day, or night...depending on where you currently reside) Hopefully you are sparkling hard, cos this is how we do in this wee part of the world!
I am currently at a bit of a crossroads (no, no, no Bone, Thugs and Harmony are not there warbling on, neither is that beanie wearing weirdo Benny (target reference for the British audience) It is time my little pumpkins, to "Shake the Bag Up a Bit." I have spoken to you  beautiful people before about how the Sparklydoodles have altered my outlook on life. Amongst other things, I find that although I've always been a 'Plan Ahead' kinda chick and have learned to (kinda) slow down and live in the moment more, I'm finding increasingly that I am lacking in patience, whilst this doesn't spill over into lack of tolerance (yet and hopefully never) I can feel myself developing this sense of "Well, you're either with me on this ride or you're not." I admit that this has always been a character trait of mine, but I don't know....lately I am becoming very protective of my time and really don't want to be wasting it. Slight fucker in the ointment appears to be that age old battle between body and mind. I have so many ideas of where I want to be, things I want to achieve. There are all the points I need to prove (mostly to myself) but then of course, there's 'THE GREAT JENGA TOWER REBUILD AND REFURBISHMENT' which although it is currently ambling along in a kinda ok fashion....it's progressing nowhere near as fecking quickly as this impatient chick pea would like. Cue collective sigh.....but.....wait....no, no, NO!!!! We have to shake this feeling of bog dwelling lethargy and put on our Proactive Pants of Power and Performance because: Nobody is going to get this new job/career/calling of mine that I want really rather badly for me (people just don't roll like that) This frankly bolshy wankbasket of a wibblystiff arsebandit 'condition' that won't leave me alone is taking up far too much of my time and is becoming too loud a voice of interference in my daily Spangle Dangle Dance Party. (When even the immense powers of Lord Stevie of Wonderland cannot overcome it's annoying hum, then we know the fight is back on again. I have been running from Wibblerina (The Bolshy Mare) for ages and reckon I am now a bit puffed out.
So: I'm channelling my inner Sporty Spice and her high kicking, ass whooping, nut cracking ways will soon be mine (although ever the physical fuckwit, I naturally appear more like Po the feckin Panda, haha!) That and a new frock should do it!
Soundtrack: Double whammy for schizoid state of mind. Mumford and Sons The Cave (for my quest for a Nap of Immense Rejuvenation) This crazy ass foot stomping band of 1950's Bin Men were brought to my attention by none other that the seven year old 'Big Bodlet', nice work chick pea! And...as I emerge from the Bat(fink) Cave it will be to the resounding, triumphant sounds of Hey Ya!!! So go on now Shake It, Shake, Shake It, Shake It! xxxx

Just Call Me Eileen...Get It???...I Lean Hahaha!...Lean On Me My Beautiful Dollybirds. xx

Bing! Bong! Hi-de-Hi Blogbods....Wassssuuuuupppppp?!?! Here's hoping this veritable funfest of a post finds y'all in tippety tip top tastic form. As for me (myself and I) it's a veritable smorgasbord of fun stuff and a smattering of shite. Thankfully this is by no means in equal measure, the fun is still outweighing the shite, but I'm a borderline control freak with serious optimist tendencies and this is slightly bothersome. Ah well, will keep on 'Sparkling Hard', because that's how I roll.
There has been a drought in 'Mojoville' for over three weeks now. It is a mixture of things I reckon: still feckin tired, bar of choice is rapidly going down the dumper (wah, wah, waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh) and other stuff meaning that my epic, world renowned, dancerific groovylicious moves that yer man Jagger can only hope to achieve have gone...poof......just like that. :-( Will they return? Why yes of course, and when they do it will be off the feckin chain my friends. When will it return? Hmmm I can't answer...I can't answer that (Bros reference?...anyone?....yeah you remember, I know you do!)
The thing that makes me completely not worry or stress about my current state of Stiffydoodles is that I have and I quote: THE BEST, MOST FANTABULOUS PAIR OF DISCO DANCERIFIC DOLLIES OF EPIC EXCELLENCE MONEY CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO BUY. In Blogville, I like to call them The Princess and The Ballerina. They are simply the kind of friends you want your kids to find. You know, those absolutely stellarific million dollar people who you know have got your back no matter what. The ones you can call at two in the morning to get you out of some shit situation and who you would expect to call you if the role were reversed. We laugh, we cry, we dance, we laugh again. How lucky am I?
So, this Saturday we were at 'The Bar of Choice' and were collectively up for a good old fashioned danceroo. I had been completely pantserific on my last outing with The Princess and needed a right royal pep talk in the car! Even Lord Stevie of Wonderland couldn't get my stiff little arms and legs to move. Bugger! So, with glasses half full, we tried again but again it was a bit on the old piss poor side. Stiffywoo and the Neon Sign of Impairment were kicking my ass. My Dollies of Deliciousness never ever wavered in their encouragement and despite the (feckless and charisma free) band playing in a fully bleurgh capacity and, get this.....they bastardised Blister in the Sun!!!! Ballerina-chops almost popped her collar! But, Hello Mary?!? What's this then?....an epiphany.....a moment.....a snippet of time where you just exist and relish what is occurring. Cue the Soundtrack.....Lean on Me (Club Nouveau version) Listen to the lyrics y'all, they represent what friendship is all about. Thanks for being my friend you guys and with glassy eyes and sniffs aplenty...just know that we now have a 'Soundtrack' of our own and I will always be a fully paid up member of 'Club Eileen' xxxxxxxxxxx

Life is a Rollercoaster Ronan, but it is Also a Highway. Either Way I'm Riding Baby. Toot! Toot! x

Hello Blogerooneys one and all......I'm still here! Have you missed me? I have been thinking about posting for some time but have either (a) not had much of any merit to share, (b) been too busy that by the time I get round to thoughts of blogging, they rapidly turn into thoughts of procrastination (an evil curse) which inevitably then leads me on to (c) "Ahh, feck it...we'll go on to bed will we?"
Here are some conclusions I have come to during my absence:
I Need a Change of Direction. My current career path is no longer 'lifting my skirts' and motions are being gone through, even though there are colleagues of spectacular funkdom who make it a bit more fun. Onwards to new and exciting frolicks of epic fabulocity it is then (and hefty wage packets, hahaha!) Watch this space Funkeroos....plotting, scheming, planning, it's all kicking off!
I Am Feckin Tired Out. Yes, I know..I know...the power of ten tigers and all that but sadly Blogbods my Batfink/She-Ra/PPness has upped and buggered off. I am before you now in possession of a tank with a piss poor puddle of mojo. This my friends, is not good. Not good in the slightest and I'm not chuffed. Turns out (as pointed out by the beautiful, wise and wonderful Lady Miss P of the Palace) I have been doing shitloads and travelling at mentalhead, breakneck speed. Buying houses (well, one) working hard (this has got to be said in a Scouse accent...) the epic 'Wander Round the Mountain', thinking that sleep is for the weak, and generally I guess not treating my body like a temple................sigh.......So, it's early(ish) nights and laying off the fast forward button and living life like my ass is on fire....'cos it's not!
Imma Gonna Make Like Arnie (In an "I'll Be Back" Kinda Way)  Yeeeaahhh Boiiiiii! Gotta regroup peeps, there's stuff to be doing and fun to be had. Is that the Jenga Bus? Pull over baby, I'm on this ride!
The Chief is Fabness on a Spangledangle Stick and I Love Him Completely! This is not a new conclusion, but thought I'd add it just because, quite frankly, I'd be right royally fecked without him.
My life as it is now, will be full of ups and downs...that's that. But I'll be celebrating the highs with streamers of perkyliciousness and pissing on the parade of the miserable bastards of Lowtown. Thank God I've got my Crack Team of Funksters along for the ride.
Soundtrack: Ronan and some randoms...Enjoy! x

Three Little Birds...And An Extra Pink Pill...x

Whoop-de-ding-dang-doo Mother Funksters! Mama Sparklepops is fully in her 'Happy Place' and my Bubble of Fabulocity is well and truly rising up (in an Eye of the Tiger kinda way) and I am lovin' it!
Yesterday I went to see Neuroboy for a touching base kinda deal. I hadn't seen him in over a year and, although I know I've been doing well, but it's always useful to have the resident expert smiling from ear to ear about the progress I'm making. Everyone wants to know that 'Everything's Gonna Be Alright.' Sure it's going to get rocky on my journey from time to time, but me and my Kick Ass Support Crew are totally up for the job...we've got it in the bag. For now the extra little pink pill he's prescribed is hopefully, all I'm going to need to keep on keepin' on in the way that I want. Blogbods, that Jenga Tower of mine is getting bigger and taller every day and the foundations on which it's built are stronger than they were before. The cherry on the top of my chatteroo with Neuroboy was the fact that he said "You can hardly tell." Holy Moley Blogsters...those were golden words to me! See? When you 'Fake It to Make It', you believe what you're telling yourself and confidence in yourself grows and grows.
So: it's Batfink/She-Ra/Penelope Pitstop all the feckin' way my friends.....my inner kid is going to have more fun than ever before. I will continue to live and love as hard and passionately as ever before so: 'C'mon you Sparkly Auld Bugger....back in yer box cos I'm gonna bust yo ass if you come round here again!"
Bob is going to tell it and it's sooooo sweet listening to this song when the shit has hit your fan, but your fan has survived. All Hail the Mighty Fan, and All Hail the Mighty Bob of Marleyville. Soundtrack: Three Little Birds. Hope they come and visit you sometime. xxxxxx

Back in the Day...We Had Fun in a Bun, Let's Have It Eh? x

Hey Blogeroos, Here I Am...Signed, Sealed, Delivered....I'm Yours! Hurrah! Now how are you all? Tippety-Tip-Top-Toptastically-Terrific, is what I'm hoping you'll say.......me too!
I have been out at the coalface today (for when I am not being Batfink/She-Ra/Penelope Pitstop) I am to be found hanging not with Mr Cooper (target audience TV reference) but with some of the most randomly eclectic, funny and quite frankly amazing kids ever in my WonderWoman-like alter ego of 'Teacher of Small People.'
I know I have made mention of this before so sorry for repetition, but whilst hanging with these funkiest of monkeys, it dawned on me: "When exactly do we grow up?" I don't mean the whole marriage, children, responsibility, job, mortgage, parents getting older etc etc. I mean like when do we lose the thrill of challenging ourselves, why don't we do stuff 'just cos it's fun' anymore?
Today I bore witness to the following gems that really made me think: A child finding a worm, and seriously acting like she'd found a feckin big as nugget of gold, another kid risking life and limb on top of high monkey bars trying to touch the clouds, two kids in high heels (one running, v competently I might add...much respect) dressed up to the nines because they were off to a wedding and, of course investigating the countless ways in which a big, fat cardboard box can be fun.
I was really grateful for today, because my enthusiasm for working in education has been waning. I seem to be around the small people all the time and too much of the same thing begins to lose it's sparkle after a while (and that would never do, would it?) Whilst the quest is still firmly on for a new gig of 'skirt lifting proportions', I do think today has made me reflect on the opportunities I afford my own Bodlets and how I am going to work harder to reconnect with my inner kid more. Why worry and overcomplicate life? I know there's always responsibility and duty, but feck it, can we not have a laugh whilst we're at it and sprinkle a bit of challenge and wonderment too?
So, I'm going to ask you to channel your inner five year old and share some ideas of how to have a kid experience......I'm thinking of nicking the Bodlet's scooter and ripping off down the street emitting a rip roaring, resounding 'WOOHOOOOOOOOO Mother Fuckers!' whilst wearing a cape and tiara. Oooh, and I could also locate a massive hill to roll down. What are you going to do?....
Soundtrack: A cracker from (strangely enough...back in the day) It's the Lesser Spotted Ahmad. Not often seen or heard of, but still a treat! xx

Let's Go Round Again.....In a Remix Stylee....With a U-Turn! x

So Blogbods.....it's been a while since I last posted. What have you megatastic boys and girls been up to? I fully hope that you have all been spreading the Sparkles with reckless and joyful abandon! Hahaha...well, as long as it's on your 'to-do list!'
Right then, what's been going on? Tonnes of stuff......crazy ass shit that I'm sure you've come to expect if this cyber litter finds it's way into your day on a semi-regular basis. Ha, well there have been a few questions to ponder, such as: "How can I get this, frankly 'totally bangin beyond belief' new dress that I bought online to look right, what with it's awkward waisty bit and funny belt?"  "Why am I so completely 'special' when it comes to reversing down my new driveway?" and "Shorts or jeans?.....shorts or jeans?" (Shorts inevitably won and were surprisingly comfortable to dance in, which is nice)
The Big Question though, has been this one: "Is It Ever a Good Thing to Return to a Situation You Have Left?" I am actually pondering this pearler after the event to be honest. Returning is a done deal...it's happening because it has to. $$$$$$$ "Kerching" and $$$$$$ is the order of the day. In a head/heart scenario I am almost always a follow my heart kinda chick. I trust my intuition about people and situations and rarely am I wrong. Often, I can't put my finger on what's good or bad, I just get a feeling. Not in a witchypoo/gin addled dodgy auld gyppo way, just a notion that pops into my consciousness that I have come to trust and believe in and there we have it. I'm returning to a situation where my initial unravelling began. A place which I associate with pressure and stress, somewhere that's not 'sparkly shiny'.....and where my stiffness and shakeydoodles try their hardest to come out to play. I have always been a 'Push On' person never looking backwards only ever forwards onto the next thing, but now it's all about the U Turn (ooooh...love that song.....and vid...and dance moves) To quote a friend of mine I'm gonna have to 'Suck it up Princess' and hey, if it doesn't kill me it'll make me stronger, right? The prospect of going there again rendered me officially freaked out earlier this week and I ended up having a teeny weeny tiny meltdown....sigh....All Hail my Regal Princess of The Palace, who came to the Towers at the speed of light and picked me up so I could regain my 'Powers of Immense Sparkledom'. I love you for everything, you are a stellar chick!
I reckon I'm going to have to make like my old friend Batfink. My bubble will not be burst! "Their bullets cannot harm me, my wings are like a shield of steel!" or in other words: Sparkle! Sparkle! Sparkle! Fashion and Bling are going to be my weapons of choice. I'll keep you posted....
In Other News: Made a new friend...someone who's travelled some of the same paths as me. She will offer a different perspective and hopefully together we can lighten her load. Those shoulders have held too much, too long! Had a complete and utter 'feck-a-ding-dang-doo-tastic' danceroo where it was well and truly taken to the street! Was made (not entirely against my will) to dance in front of Bodlet 1's entire Drama Class, and have just been keepin' on keepin' on. What else is there?
Off to see Neuroboy towards the end of this month. Will lay all cards on the table...(even the ones I don't really want to share cos they might mean icky news) but rest assured Blogsters I will be slammin' it whatever the outcome. Thanks for checking in.......love, love, love that you do! Am v intrigued in interest from the Ukraine by the way....don't know much about your country. Maybe you might like to tell me what's good in your Ukraine hood!!!! Latvia has joined the party too..."Look at this will ye Mary...it's like the feckin Eurovision Song Contest here in Blogville...Woohoo! All Aboard! The more the merrier, come one, come all!
Soundtrack?....Average White Band on yo asses, but...check out the stellar dancerific remix y'all Aah, go on now....Let's Go Round Again (sure it'll pay the mortgage, lol) Also, my main man Usher U-Turning for all he's worth! Ciao Blogsters....we out! x