Wednesday, August 29, 2007
"Mum - I want some crocs!"
It seems the request for branded clothes / shoes is starting early. Whilst walking past a shoe shop on Monday displaying some crocs in the window, Tully spotted them and instantly shouted out her demands... Luckily she spotted some pigeons to chase soon after and completely forgot about them!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Well, that told me!
During our visit to Drusillas on Saturday...
Me: "Ooo Tully, look at those pretty birds."
Tully (with a look of complete disdain on her face): "No Mummy - don't be so silly. They aren't birds. They are flamingos..."
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Harry Potter
It has been a bit of a Harry Potter week for us. Firstly the book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) arrived last Saturday and Mark had finished it by Monday, before handing it on to me, and I had finished it by Thursday. And very very good it was too
Then this Saturday we went to watch the film - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I really enjoyed it, much more than I remember enjoying the book.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Caught red handed!
I've been suspecting that a squirrel has been at the bird feeder for a little while, and today I caught him red handed!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Bit of a catch up...
Since I last posted we had another night out courtesy of our friendly baby sitter across the road. We went round to Jon and Mand's for a very pleasant evening. Jonny cooked non-meat meat balls for tea, and they even broke out the 'special' gin so we were very honoured!
Since then we have had a few nights away in Philadelphia. Both Mark and I had to go to the same meeting (not something that happens often luckily) so as Mum and Dad were being shipped over to baby sit we thought we'd get them over early and we could have a lovely weekend away.
It only partly worked - Philadelphia was having a bit of a heat wave and since neither Mark or I do hot places it was unbearably unpleasant. The meeting was being held in the Sheraton Society Hill at the other end of Philly from where we normally stay for work which was nice. We managed to have a wander from about 8 to 10 in the morning on Sunday before facing defeat and heading back to the hotel and air con! Still, in that time we had time to wander past the Liberty Bell (again) and tour Independence Hall.
We had done this before during our East Coast US tour in 99, but it was interesting to do it again. The tour had changed slightly, and as I have the most useless memory in the world when it comes to historical stuff it was still interesting. What was most interesting though as to see how much the area to the front of Indepedence Hall had changed. The Liberty Bell is housed in a new building and display, and there is a big shiny new visitors centre too. They are still showing the same old video though from the old visitor centre (which, incidentally was right next door to our hotel and now seems to be living history museum).
Monday we managed slightly better - I persuaded Mark to let me go on one of the duck tours. I'd fancied them in Boston but couldn't bring myself to be that much of a tourist! And it was really good. It took us to some parts of the old town we'd not seen before and was very informative. Plus we got 'quackers' so Tully was sorted out with a present! Afterwards we had a look around the new National Constitution Centre - which other than the good air con was a big mistake. I'm sure if one is American it's really good, otherwise it's verging on offensive. We both felt robbed. After that we jumped in a taxi to take us to South Street to sample one of Jim's famous Philly Cheese Steaks before finally admitting defeat to the weather at about 11:30 and heading back to our cool hotel room. Monday afternoon all our work chums arrived and work started :(
Since then we have had a few nights away in Philadelphia. Both Mark and I had to go to the same meeting (not something that happens often luckily) so as Mum and Dad were being shipped over to baby sit we thought we'd get them over early and we could have a lovely weekend away.
It only partly worked - Philadelphia was having a bit of a heat wave and since neither Mark or I do hot places it was unbearably unpleasant. The meeting was being held in the Sheraton Society Hill at the other end of Philly from where we normally stay for work which was nice. We managed to have a wander from about 8 to 10 in the morning on Sunday before facing defeat and heading back to the hotel and air con! Still, in that time we had time to wander past the Liberty Bell (again) and tour Independence Hall.
We had done this before during our East Coast US tour in 99, but it was interesting to do it again. The tour had changed slightly, and as I have the most useless memory in the world when it comes to historical stuff it was still interesting. What was most interesting though as to see how much the area to the front of Indepedence Hall had changed. The Liberty Bell is housed in a new building and display, and there is a big shiny new visitors centre too. They are still showing the same old video though from the old visitor centre (which, incidentally was right next door to our hotel and now seems to be living history museum).
Monday we managed slightly better - I persuaded Mark to let me go on one of the duck tours. I'd fancied them in Boston but couldn't bring myself to be that much of a tourist! And it was really good. It took us to some parts of the old town we'd not seen before and was very informative. Plus we got 'quackers' so Tully was sorted out with a present! Afterwards we had a look around the new National Constitution Centre - which other than the good air con was a big mistake. I'm sure if one is American it's really good, otherwise it's verging on offensive. We both felt robbed. After that we jumped in a taxi to take us to South Street to sample one of Jim's famous Philly Cheese Steaks before finally admitting defeat to the weather at about 11:30 and heading back to our cool hotel room. Monday afternoon all our work chums arrived and work started :(
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Better late than never...
I've finally got round to putting up a post about our trip to Waddington. It was a strange day - rather emotional, but good to see the helicopter and to see that Andy's story was so important in the days proceedings.
Here's a photo of Gazelle XX411.
Margaret Thatcher was there for the memorial ceremony.
Andy's cross is the second from the left.
Display about the events of the 21st May.
Mark with Eddy.
Here's a photo of Gazelle XX411.
Margaret Thatcher was there for the memorial ceremony.
Andy's cross is the second from the left.
Display about the events of the 21st May.
Mark with Eddy.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
We have a life again!
So, this whole having a baysitter thing is working out well so far! Last week we went to see Ocean's Thirteen, which I really enjoyed. It was in a similar vein to Ocean's Eleven back in Vegas, and was a significant improvement on Ocean's Twelve...
Then, last night we went out for a a few drinks and a meal. As Tully has been sleeping quite badly this week due to a cough we thought we'd stay close by just in case. We were in the mood for Thai so headed to Jitrada. Now I've always really enjoyed the food here, and I like the atmosphere more than in the Chilli Club in Altrincham which many of our friends seem to prefer. It's been a few years since we've been so I was hoping it was as I remembered and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The service was friendly, efficient yet relaxed, and the food was very very tasty. In my opinion, this place is still to be highly recommended.
Monday, June 11, 2007
General catch up...
Once again I've been somewhat remiss at posting much on my blog... Since my last post I've been back to Madrid, had a weekend at Mum and Dads and had a day trip to Cork.
Other news - we have acquired a regular babysitter. The girl across the road offered her services; we thought it was a rather good idea and snapped her up on it before she changed her mind! She gets pocket money, we get a regular night out and should something out of the ordinary happen her Mum is 10 seconds away which gives me complete peace of mind - everyone's a winner! So the idea is that alternate weeks we get a night out - the only problem being we seem to have forgotten what normal people do for a night out so suggestions / reminders gratefully accepted!
Looking forward to a rare week at home this week. Lovely!
Other news - we have acquired a regular babysitter. The girl across the road offered her services; we thought it was a rather good idea and snapped her up on it before she changed her mind! She gets pocket money, we get a regular night out and should something out of the ordinary happen her Mum is 10 seconds away which gives me complete peace of mind - everyone's a winner! So the idea is that alternate weeks we get a night out - the only problem being we seem to have forgotten what normal people do for a night out so suggestions / reminders gratefully accepted!
Looking forward to a rare week at home this week. Lovely!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Eurovision...
As Jonny and Mandy had to be away when Eurovision was on, we came up with the plan that we'd record it and have our Eurovision party a week late. Now the only problem with this plan was that it was rather tricky to ensure that none of us found out the results in the mean time.Luckily only 1 of us heard the result - and then when they heard that song concluded that as it was so rubbish they must have been lied to!
We had a really funny night - aided by the fact we played this drinking game. Although it'll come as no surprise to anyone that both Mark and Jonny spent much time chuckling to themselves but saying things like "He's bound to wink in a minute - he looks like a bit if a winker if ever I saw one...", and I've never known a group of people get so excited about a ky change in a Eurovision song before... Anyway, it was highly entertaining and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Instead of the traditional party food I made 2 huge lasagnes - here's what Jonny looks like after consuming his own weight of baked pasta! :)
The organised fun for this year was bug rocks - here are our works of art...
I think we could take on the decorated rocks at the Otley Show any day...
We had a really funny night - aided by the fact we played this drinking game. Although it'll come as no surprise to anyone that both Mark and Jonny spent much time chuckling to themselves but saying things like "He's bound to wink in a minute - he looks like a bit if a winker if ever I saw one...", and I've never known a group of people get so excited about a ky change in a Eurovision song before... Anyway, it was highly entertaining and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Instead of the traditional party food I made 2 huge lasagnes - here's what Jonny looks like after consuming his own weight of baked pasta! :)
The organised fun for this year was bug rocks - here are our works of art...
I think we could take on the decorated rocks at the Otley Show any day...
Sunday, May 13, 2007
How posh am I?
This afternoon I had an appointment with Sarah, the personal shopper / fashion adviser at John Lewis. My wardrode desperately needed a make over, and I generally hate shopping so thought I'd give it a try.
Well, I can honestly say it's fantastic. It's a free service (Debenhams and Selfridges also offer a similar service), and you can go just for help with one outfit, or as in my case, when you need lots of things.
After a 10 min consultation to discuss type of clothes I was looking for, the colours and styles I like / dislike etc, she set off round the store with a rail to select things for me to try whilst I was left to relax with a coffee and some maazines. If you prefer you can go round the store at the same time to pick out things you'd like to try, but I thought that if I was there I'd be less open to trying styles I'd not normally go for so it'd best just to get her to pick stuff out.
She came back with the rail filled up, and then based on seeing how the things she'd chosen fitted and styles that suited me, she then went back with a second rail. Sarah was so friendly and helpful, and based on what I was trying would pop back into the store to get something in a different size or colour, or to get some beads to accessorize, or some shoes etc.
I have come away with so much stuff (although it's not obligatory to buy anything), and you even pay in her suite area so no queueing or having to mix with the 'common' shopper at all! Fab! And hopefully I won't need to go shopping again for months. Hurrah!
Well, I can honestly say it's fantastic. It's a free service (Debenhams and Selfridges also offer a similar service), and you can go just for help with one outfit, or as in my case, when you need lots of things.
After a 10 min consultation to discuss type of clothes I was looking for, the colours and styles I like / dislike etc, she set off round the store with a rail to select things for me to try whilst I was left to relax with a coffee and some maazines. If you prefer you can go round the store at the same time to pick out things you'd like to try, but I thought that if I was there I'd be less open to trying styles I'd not normally go for so it'd best just to get her to pick stuff out.
She came back with the rail filled up, and then based on seeing how the things she'd chosen fitted and styles that suited me, she then went back with a second rail. Sarah was so friendly and helpful, and based on what I was trying would pop back into the store to get something in a different size or colour, or to get some beads to accessorize, or some shoes etc.
I have come away with so much stuff (although it's not obligatory to buy anything), and you even pay in her suite area so no queueing or having to mix with the 'common' shopper at all! Fab! And hopefully I won't need to go shopping again for months. Hurrah!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Stupid travel agent of doom...
I got to Madrid airport all ready to check in to come home. I queue up. I get to the check in desk. The man scratches his head in a perturbed fashion. When did I book the flight he asks? What is my booking reference? These are questions one doesn't normally get asked at an Easyjet desk.
I fish out my reference, and only then notice that the date of my return flight was Wednesday. Today is Thursday. I curse the travel agent that booked my flights using a vast array of swear words. I then think I did ought to just check my emails that I asked them to book the right day before I get toooooo cross with them. I boot up my computer, and go back to cursing the travel agent.
As my laptop takes 3 years to boot I'd in the meantime gone to the sales desk to buy a ticket for today. "Oh dear" says the man, "today's flight is full..."
They won't know if there's a no show until the check in desk closes in 40 minutes, and being Easyjet there's no standby list to get your name on. I also phone to the (retarded) travel agent and see how else I can get from Madrid to Manchester at 5pm on a Thursday evening.
The check in for the Liverpool flight closes and (apparently) everyone turned up. But there is a flight to Gatwick leaving in 40 minutes and I can buy a seat on that. I check that I can get on the BA Gatwick - Manchester shuttle, and buy my new ticket, which being a last minute Easyjet purchase is about the same cost as a flight to the moon.
I go to check in, and there is a group 4 of irate people wanting to know why there wasn't an announcement that the Liverpool flight check in was closing as they were in the line. Grrr I think - thieving Esayjet and their lying ways of doom - why couldn't I have had one of their seats?
So, I get through security etc, the flight is due to leave in 15 mins. The incoming flight is yet to arrive so we've no plane. I start to panic as I have a relatively short connection in Gatwick, especially as my bag isn't checked right through and I have to change terminal... We eventually depart for Gatwick an hour late. Marvellous I think, I'll be in an airport hotel for the night.
As it happens we made up a lot of time on the flight, and my bag is one of the first off, so I get checked in for the next flight with enough time to grab some dinner, and keep one eye on the screen for my gate number. That's weird I think - we are due to take off in 30 mins and still no gate... Hmmm. Eventually a notice comes up - delayed by 90 mins. Nice.
Again we make up some time on the flight. The pilot announces this as we get to the gate at Manchester in a very chuffed fashion. Then 2 mins later announces that any time we gained we will now lose as they can't find steps to fit the plane...
It's only taken 10 hours to get home. I'm really looking forward to my trip to Barcelona next week. (Although I have already double checked I'm booked on the right flights!)
I fish out my reference, and only then notice that the date of my return flight was Wednesday. Today is Thursday. I curse the travel agent that booked my flights using a vast array of swear words. I then think I did ought to just check my emails that I asked them to book the right day before I get toooooo cross with them. I boot up my computer, and go back to cursing the travel agent.
As my laptop takes 3 years to boot I'd in the meantime gone to the sales desk to buy a ticket for today. "Oh dear" says the man, "today's flight is full..."
They won't know if there's a no show until the check in desk closes in 40 minutes, and being Easyjet there's no standby list to get your name on. I also phone to the (retarded) travel agent and see how else I can get from Madrid to Manchester at 5pm on a Thursday evening.
The check in for the Liverpool flight closes and (apparently) everyone turned up. But there is a flight to Gatwick leaving in 40 minutes and I can buy a seat on that. I check that I can get on the BA Gatwick - Manchester shuttle, and buy my new ticket, which being a last minute Easyjet purchase is about the same cost as a flight to the moon.
I go to check in, and there is a group 4 of irate people wanting to know why there wasn't an announcement that the Liverpool flight check in was closing as they were in the line. Grrr I think - thieving Esayjet and their lying ways of doom - why couldn't I have had one of their seats?
So, I get through security etc, the flight is due to leave in 15 mins. The incoming flight is yet to arrive so we've no plane. I start to panic as I have a relatively short connection in Gatwick, especially as my bag isn't checked right through and I have to change terminal... We eventually depart for Gatwick an hour late. Marvellous I think, I'll be in an airport hotel for the night.
As it happens we made up a lot of time on the flight, and my bag is one of the first off, so I get checked in for the next flight with enough time to grab some dinner, and keep one eye on the screen for my gate number. That's weird I think - we are due to take off in 30 mins and still no gate... Hmmm. Eventually a notice comes up - delayed by 90 mins. Nice.
Again we make up some time on the flight. The pilot announces this as we get to the gate at Manchester in a very chuffed fashion. Then 2 mins later announces that any time we gained we will now lose as they can't find steps to fit the plane...
It's only taken 10 hours to get home. I'm really looking forward to my trip to Barcelona next week. (Although I have already double checked I'm booked on the right flights!)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Miserable in Madrid :(
So, I flew over here on Easyjet today - which wasn't too bad other than I was amongst the last group to be called to board so ended up in a really rubbish seat. Speedy boarding is going to be purchased before my next trip in a couple of weeks.
Then I get to my hotel, which is nice enough, but right in the middle of a business park so nowhere nearby to go to. So I'll have to eat in the hotel restaurant - which is ok except it doesn't open until 20:30! Grrrr... And I'm starving - that teeny tiny sandwich I had in Liverpool airport is soooo long ago now.
I thought I could pass the time until the restaurant opens by playing a bit of WOW to distract me from my hunger. But then remembered I only have my rubbishy work laptop here which isn't up to the job, and not Mark's lovely shiny spare laptop which is a gzillion times better and is now my official WOW machine. :(
I'm trying to ignore the temptation to eat the pringles in the mini bar...
Then I get to my hotel, which is nice enough, but right in the middle of a business park so nowhere nearby to go to. So I'll have to eat in the hotel restaurant - which is ok except it doesn't open until 20:30! Grrrr... And I'm starving - that teeny tiny sandwich I had in Liverpool airport is soooo long ago now.
I thought I could pass the time until the restaurant opens by playing a bit of WOW to distract me from my hunger. But then remembered I only have my rubbishy work laptop here which isn't up to the job, and not Mark's lovely shiny spare laptop which is a gzillion times better and is now my official WOW machine. :(
I'm trying to ignore the temptation to eat the pringles in the mini bar...
Monday, May 07, 2007
Busy Bank Holiday
For once we actually had plans! Blimey!
First off Chris and Liz came to babysit for us on Friday evening so we could go out for curry with Jonny and Mandy, plus a few of friends and family around for her party BBQ on Saturday.
Then on Saturday we were at the Hills for the afore mentioned BBQ. All 3 of us went round early doors, and then Mark and Tully came home around her bedtime and I stayed on and partied.
On Sunday we drove to Yeadon to stay with Chris and Chrissy. It was really lovely to see them, particularly after Tully went to bed. We used to see them for overnighters regularly before Tully, but only seen them in the day accompanied by small child since so it was really nice to be able to just catch up in a 'grown up' way later.
On Monday Chrissy's family and friends arrived for a BBQ to celebrate her birthday and a bit of a bash.
Lots of fun but I'm exhausted now. I need another bank holiday weekend to recover. Sadly I'm off to Madrid tomorrow for the first part of my 3 week Spanish tour. No rest for the wicked. :(
First off Chris and Liz came to babysit for us on Friday evening so we could go out for curry with Jonny and Mandy, plus a few of friends and family around for her party BBQ on Saturday.
Then on Saturday we were at the Hills for the afore mentioned BBQ. All 3 of us went round early doors, and then Mark and Tully came home around her bedtime and I stayed on and partied.
On Sunday we drove to Yeadon to stay with Chris and Chrissy. It was really lovely to see them, particularly after Tully went to bed. We used to see them for overnighters regularly before Tully, but only seen them in the day accompanied by small child since so it was really nice to be able to just catch up in a 'grown up' way later.
On Monday Chrissy's family and friends arrived for a BBQ to celebrate her birthday and a bit of a bash.
Lots of fun but I'm exhausted now. I need another bank holiday weekend to recover. Sadly I'm off to Madrid tomorrow for the first part of my 3 week Spanish tour. No rest for the wicked. :(
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It's been a while...
Well, it's been some time since I posted. Although that's partly due to being hugely busy but with very very dull stuff.
Since the last post Mark has been away to the States a couple of times (Seattle and Philly), I've been away a couple of times (Philly and Frankfurt). Last week was the first time we were both at home all week for 8 weeks, and by some miracle we are both at home next week too. Although it all goes a bit pearshaped after that again as I have 3 consecutive weeks with trips to Spain. Nice!
The only real highlight in amongst all the dullness was last Sunday when Vics and Fraser popped by on Sunday on their way home from visiting some friends in Ramsbottom. As it was a bit rainy we went to the Lowry, had lunch in Pizza Express and a quick wander around in the Imperial War Museum of the North. It was a little odd to see them for such a short time, but I'm really looking forward to our trip to Brighton stay with them in June.
Since the last post Mark has been away to the States a couple of times (Seattle and Philly), I've been away a couple of times (Philly and Frankfurt). Last week was the first time we were both at home all week for 8 weeks, and by some miracle we are both at home next week too. Although it all goes a bit pearshaped after that again as I have 3 consecutive weeks with trips to Spain. Nice!
The only real highlight in amongst all the dullness was last Sunday when Vics and Fraser popped by on Sunday on their way home from visiting some friends in Ramsbottom. As it was a bit rainy we went to the Lowry, had lunch in Pizza Express and a quick wander around in the Imperial War Museum of the North. It was a little odd to see them for such a short time, but I'm really looking forward to our trip to Brighton stay with them in June.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Places I've been...
I liked the 'Places I've been' map on Jonny's blog so thought I'd try it myself. I have been to 24 coutries, 10% of the world.
create your own visited countries map
Mark beats both Jonny and I though with 12%... Show off! I'd love to see what % someone that has really travelled like Andy Turton would come up with though!
There's a similar thing for US states. I've only visited 15 - a measly 29%.
create your own visited states map
No big surprise, Mark beats me there too with 52%...
create your own visited countries map
Mark beats both Jonny and I though with 12%... Show off! I'd love to see what % someone that has really travelled like Andy Turton would come up with though!
There's a similar thing for US states. I've only visited 15 - a measly 29%.
create your own visited states map
No big surprise, Mark beats me there too with 52%...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Eurovision is coming!
I know it's sad but I love Eurovision! Whilst even I am not tragic enough to watch tonight's 'choose a song for the UK' show it has made me get excited about the real thing. It's on the 12th May if anyone is wondering...
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Holiday!
We decided that this year we are going to finally brave venturing abroad with Tulster! Are we mad? Quite possibly!
I'd heard about this group called Kinderhotels a while back but thought nothing more about them. But after we'd decided we wanted to go to the Alps this summer I thought they were worth investigating. All of them sound good to go to with kids (obviously) but being the kind of person I am the 5 smileye ones sounds the best and probably where I'd want to go!
Also I'd rather fancied going to Zell am See for several reasons. It's on Lake Zell which is of drinking water quality and good for swimming in, but is also right in the mountains to give the best of both worlds. There's also a glacier nearby so Tully can go and see 'proper' snow (and we might sneak in a day summer skiing?!). And in addition to all that it's a town rather than a teeny tiny village which I thought would be better for finding things to do with Tulster.
Anyway, imagine how pleased I was to discover there is a 5 Smiley Kinderhotel in Zell am See - Hotel Hagleitner! Now that must be fate - so who am I to argue... So it's all booked - yey! And even better - flying with ThomsonFly we each get our outbound flights for £1.36 and the return for £11.52! A bargain! :) Job done.
I mostly thinks it looks wonderful, but there is a very small part of me that thinks it looks just like hell on earth and rather like a glorified Butlins! Yikes! (And as an aside, how much of a snob am I? : Actually, maybe it's best if nobody answers that...)
I'd heard about this group called Kinderhotels a while back but thought nothing more about them. But after we'd decided we wanted to go to the Alps this summer I thought they were worth investigating. All of them sound good to go to with kids (obviously) but being the kind of person I am the 5 smileye ones sounds the best and probably where I'd want to go!
Also I'd rather fancied going to Zell am See for several reasons. It's on Lake Zell which is of drinking water quality and good for swimming in, but is also right in the mountains to give the best of both worlds. There's also a glacier nearby so Tully can go and see 'proper' snow (and we might sneak in a day summer skiing?!). And in addition to all that it's a town rather than a teeny tiny village which I thought would be better for finding things to do with Tulster.
Anyway, imagine how pleased I was to discover there is a 5 Smiley Kinderhotel in Zell am See - Hotel Hagleitner! Now that must be fate - so who am I to argue... So it's all booked - yey! And even better - flying with ThomsonFly we each get our outbound flights for £1.36 and the return for £11.52! A bargain! :) Job done.
I mostly thinks it looks wonderful, but there is a very small part of me that thinks it looks just like hell on earth and rather like a glorified Butlins! Yikes! (And as an aside, how much of a snob am I? : Actually, maybe it's best if nobody answers that...)
In the US
Well, it's the first week of a rather hectic month or so for Mark and I. Over the space of the next 5 weeks Mark and I will partake of 4 trips to the US between us.
I'm here this week doing a bit of a whistle stop tour - in Chicago last night for 1 night, then travel to Philadelphia today for 2 nights before going home again. I got a bit lucky though!
I had to decide if I wanted to do a 2 leg journey on the outbound or inbound leg - I opted for outbound as let's face it - when you are coming home you just want to get home as quickly as possible. So yesterday I was booked onto a flight to Philadelphia, and then an internal one on to Chicago. Imagine my dismay when I overheard (as I was waiting in the longest ever check in queue known to man) that the Manchester - Philly flight was delayed. By 6 hours!!!! In fact the plane had only just departed Philly on the inbound trip! Clearly this meant I'd certainly miss my planned connection, and quite possibly the later ones too! I left my (much coveted and half an hour in) place in the check in queue to pop to customer services to see if they could reroute me.
Initially the lady told me as I would still just make the final connection of the day I'd have to stick it out (would mean I'd arrive in Chicago around midnight instead of the planned 17:10). I must have looked rather stricken as she then worked it out again and said that the connection time was about 45 mins and maybe a little tight, and that she'd try getting me on the direct BMI flight. They weren't answering, but the girl next to her said she's spoken to them just before, they had 9 seats, and she was just issuing some tickets now so she decided to do the same for me! Good job too, because just after they'd been issued someone did manage to talk to BMI who were clearly kicking off that they been sending so many people over as they now didn't have enough dinners. Eventually they were persuaded to take the people with tickets already issued (me!) but wouldn't take any more! Yey! So I ended up arriving at about 12:30 instead! Woohoo!!!! And I still get my direct flight home on Thursday too.
The only slight problem was that when i went to check in today it transpired that instead of just cancelling my outbound trip somehow they'd cancelled the whole itinerary! After much much faffing, the nice man in Chicago managed to get me rebooked onto both today's and Thursday's flights, so I get to go home still after all. Yey!
I'm here this week doing a bit of a whistle stop tour - in Chicago last night for 1 night, then travel to Philadelphia today for 2 nights before going home again. I got a bit lucky though!
I had to decide if I wanted to do a 2 leg journey on the outbound or inbound leg - I opted for outbound as let's face it - when you are coming home you just want to get home as quickly as possible. So yesterday I was booked onto a flight to Philadelphia, and then an internal one on to Chicago. Imagine my dismay when I overheard (as I was waiting in the longest ever check in queue known to man) that the Manchester - Philly flight was delayed. By 6 hours!!!! In fact the plane had only just departed Philly on the inbound trip! Clearly this meant I'd certainly miss my planned connection, and quite possibly the later ones too! I left my (much coveted and half an hour in) place in the check in queue to pop to customer services to see if they could reroute me.
Initially the lady told me as I would still just make the final connection of the day I'd have to stick it out (would mean I'd arrive in Chicago around midnight instead of the planned 17:10). I must have looked rather stricken as she then worked it out again and said that the connection time was about 45 mins and maybe a little tight, and that she'd try getting me on the direct BMI flight. They weren't answering, but the girl next to her said she's spoken to them just before, they had 9 seats, and she was just issuing some tickets now so she decided to do the same for me! Good job too, because just after they'd been issued someone did manage to talk to BMI who were clearly kicking off that they been sending so many people over as they now didn't have enough dinners. Eventually they were persuaded to take the people with tickets already issued (me!) but wouldn't take any more! Yey! So I ended up arriving at about 12:30 instead! Woohoo!!!! And I still get my direct flight home on Thursday too.
The only slight problem was that when i went to check in today it transpired that instead of just cancelling my outbound trip somehow they'd cancelled the whole itinerary! After much much faffing, the nice man in Chicago managed to get me rebooked onto both today's and Thursday's flights, so I get to go home still after all. Yey!
Amy's 30th Masquerade Party
A slightly belated post this.. On Saturday Jonny, Mandy and I went to Amy's birthday party. It has to be said I was slightly apprehensive beforehand as a) I hate anything even vaguely verging on fancy dress and b) we weren't going to know anyone else there!!! Well, other than Stu and May themselves that is...
However in the end it was really good fun. We drank lots, ate lots, danced lots, and I realised I knew more people than I thought as I also knew Dawn and James as we'd camped with them at the V festival a couple of years back.
I didn't take my camera, but Jonny has posted some rather fuzzy photos he took on his phone here...
However in the end it was really good fun. We drank lots, ate lots, danced lots, and I realised I knew more people than I thought as I also knew Dawn and James as we'd camped with them at the V festival a couple of years back.
I didn't take my camera, but Jonny has posted some rather fuzzy photos he took on his phone here...
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