So there I am pottering along nicely when the wheels begin to come off.

You may have noticed that my blog entries over the last week have turned up missing. At this point I would like to be saying 'sorry folks but I've been on holiday' or something along those lines but not a chance.

Our T.V.  decided that it had had enough of screening Big Brother or anything else for that matter and flatly refused to switch on. Now I know I am supposed to be able to fix most things but tellys have never been my strong point. I removed the back (as you do) and peered into the dusty depths of the set. The conclusion was that it was a power board fault and no way an easy fix. So after an hour or two of cursing this 'bloody Chinese rubbish'  I deemed it beyond economical repair.  Now at around the same time as this the washing machine (also of Chinese origins)  decided that it was going to show solidarity with the T.V.  and pack up as well.  After dismantling half the kitchen to remove the offending appliance with the intention of fixing it (I usually have more luck with washers) I discovered that the part required would be upwards of £120 and nearly a week for delivery.

Normally things like this would be a slight inconvenience but add to this kids on holiday from school and it being 'that' week for the better half.. and you have a potential warzone especially as its Big Brother season and there is no escape possible for her to the allotment due to the chronic bank holiday weather.

Many hours have therefore been spent searching for the best prices on new tellys and washers and whichever way you look at it a large hole has been shot into my already sorry looking fiscals.

I could fill a few paragraphs now with the details of shops not having the desired things in stock and the ones that have not even been open when I've visited but instead I am going to include a few tips sent to me in a recent email;

The Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a
>>>man
>>>has to do is open his mouth and he takes his very life into his own
>>>hands!
>>>
>>>This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in
>>>the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, or significant other!!
>>>
>>>
>>>DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
>>>SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
>>>SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner
>>>ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.
>>>
>>>DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that
>>>SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.
>>>SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
>>>ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.
>>>
>>>DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
>>>SAFER: What did I do wrong?
>>>SAFEST: Here's fifty dollars.
>>>ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.
>>>
>>>DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
>>>SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
>>>SAFEST: Can I get you anything else?
>>>ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.
>>>
>>>DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
>>>SAFER: I hope you didn't overdo it today.
>>>SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
>>>ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate.
>>>
>>>13 Things PMS Stands For:
>>>1. Pass My Shotgun
>>>2. Psychotic Mood Shift
>>>3. Perpetual Munching Spree
>>>4. Puffy Mid-Section
>>>5. People Make me Sick
>>>6. Provide Me with Sweets
>>>7. Pardon My Sobbing
>>>8. Pimples May Surface
>>>9. Pass My Sweatpants
>>>10.  Pissy  Mood Syndrome
>>>11. Plainly; Men Suck
>>>12. Pack My Stuff........
>>>And my favorite one...
>>>13. Potential Murder Suspect
>>>
>>>Pass this onto all of your hormonal friends and those who might need a
>>>good laugh! Or men who need a warning!
>>>And remember: Money talks...but chocolate sings.
>>>
>>>Another thing to giggle about... My significant other, not happy with
>>>my mood swings, bought me a mood ring the other day so ! he would be
>>>able to monitor my moods. When I'm in a good mood, it turns green.
>>>When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a big red mark on his forehead..Maybe
>>>next time he'll buy me diamonds.
>>>Here have some chocolate.

And finally don't feel bad if you clicked the link on the previous blog, and if you didn't well it's only a funny so you can go ahead and have a look.