Rule No.71: Don't get a blow dry on a rainy day

I have been at my parents house in Coventry for nearly two hours now and I've already had two cups of tea and a whole shepherds pie made for me. This is the life. FYI, I didn't eat the whole pie as it was big enough for three people (although I wanted to).

My Dad has already given me the job of wrapping the presents he bought for my mum. It's my yearly task as apparently he can't wrap presents himself... However, I'm pretty sure this is a lie. Just like the time my brother told me 'I was the best at making cups of tea' so that I would feel special and actually want to make them. 

Anyway, a few things have happened in the past 24 hours...

I got my nails done last night and looked like Edward scissor hands. 

But now they look nice. 

I decided to get rid of the festive nails and go for a more grown up look...I am not five years old after all.

This morning Charlotte and I had a blow dry so we would look nice for the Christmas period. This obviously included the usual question from the hairdresser, "so where are your family from originally then? You're obviously not English".

I wonder if people will ever think I look English? I feel like my face just tells a massive lie. I am a walking (usually sitting) LIE. 

We then had a team breakfast, which included poached eggs on toast with maple bacon and avocado. It was heaven. I think I just dribbled again.

It was then time to do some work (bah humbug). However, I was actually quite productive considering it was Christmas Eve. I of course ensured we were listening to some 80s classics to keep us going. Don't hate me, but I'm bored of Christmas songs already...even Michael Buble ones.

After work I had a last minute trip to Fortnum and Mason to do some rather late Christmas present shopping. This basically included me pushing tourists out of the way whilst getting two items that I had pre planned to buy. I knew exactly where they were so I felt like I was doing some kind of game show challenge to get to them without physically pushing anyone over (or punching them). Luckily I survived. Oh, and the tourists survived too.

As I left the office to go to Euston station it started to bloody rain. Therefore, my blow dry was ruined. What a waste! At least my hair is now extra clean...

More annoyingly, I had so much stuff to take home I looked and felt like a sweaty donkey. 

I was supposed to be pulling a miserable face in this picture, but I actually look like I'm doing a Paris Hilton pout.

The photo doesn't really do the 'donkey look' much justice. However, I also had a bag on my back and my suitcase weighed more than me... The price I pay to give my family presents at Christmas (and most importantly bring enough clothes back so I have numerous outfits to choose from each day). 

I'm shortly going to the City Arms in Coventry. It's a yearly tradition to meet at the pub and I can't wait to see everyone (and drink). Although, I'm only going to stay out until midnight. The nights of going to the Colosseum (a Coventry club) after the City Arms and getting a kebab at 3am are over. You can never appreciate your Christmas dinner when you have a hangover and you're still full from a morning kebab...

I hope Santa visits you tonight chums. I know he's not visiting me until Boxing day, but you know, I'm not selfish so I hope you get lots of presents. Then you can hopefully share them with me. Thanks. 

X 

Rule No.68: Don't give kids boring tasks, unless you want them to think you're just as boring

This week I started my Christmas shopping, which is always a dreaded task. I find it especially difficult to buy for my nephews and my niece. The thing is I don't want to be seen as the boring auntie that just buys clothes, but at the same time they have so many toys they definitely don't need any more. 

I have been really paranoid that I am boring with kids ever since a mortifying incident that happened when I was 19. I worked on a tourist farm during the summer of my first year at university, and I was once asked to look after the farm owners son who was about 8. They wanted him to have 'work experience' so he was helping out on the farm for a week. Most of the people that were looking after him just let him pet the animals and generally have fun. I on the other hand got him to help me clean the guinea pigs out, and I kept giving him different tasks (surely that's what work experience is about?). He then turned round to me after about an hour and said "you're the most boring person I have ever met, I don't like you". 

Massive slap in the face.
 

I don't want my nephews and my niece to grow up thinking the same. I want them to think I am the COOL auntie. Therefore, I've bought jokey tshirts, board games and animal themed things this year. I think I've done pretty well. I'll definitely show you a pic of one of the presents after Christmas. YOU WILL LOVE IT.

I had a massive low point this week. I accidentally ordered the One Direction album twice. It's embarrassing enough that I ordered it in the first place, but I had to email iTunes for a refund. I obviously wrote in the email 'I know this is shameful'. The iTunes woman was very friendly though, she refunded me and wished me and my family a very Merry Christmas. Americans are so enthusiastic!

There have been quite a few highlights this week (although it's only Friday), which have basically been everything Christmas related.

I had my nails painted with Christmas designs.
 

I went to the Schuh Christmas event on Wednesday night. We all ate macaroni cheese, hot dogs, cup cakes, duffins (doughnut muffins) and drank champagne and mulled wine. Then we all watched Elf in a really cool venue under a railway bridge (indoors) in London Bridge. I also got to take home three cupcakes and a bottle of red wine - that's my Saturday night sorted.

I've decorated my phone.

I've worn Christmas head gear all week.

 

 

I guarantee I'll be bored of anything Christmas related by Christmas Eve.

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