Express yourself and very brief book review lol

So I litrally just finished reading Payback By Andy McNab and Robert Rigby.  It's the second book in the boy soldier series and I have to say it read brilliant.

These writers work really well together and produce awesome characters that are easy to love and a plot that is gripping. So definitely worth a read, even if like me you think, that's not really your sort of book.

anyway, keeping that brief as promised. Mainly cause I am useless at book reviews. (I'm always too afraid of giving to much away lol.) let's get on with an Express yourself post.

It's been a while since I have done one of these, but I am really trying to get back into good habits at the moment.
Express yourself is an awesome meme ran by Jackie and Dani, designed to help bloggers get to know each other a little better. Which is always great fun right. If you want to know more or see some of the other great posts check out Dani's page.

So this week we need to name 5 fictional characters we would love to have in our lives.

Straight off the bat for me has to be phwoar, opps I mean four.


I  am a huge fan of Divergent series of books by Veronica Roth and also of the films and Phwoar aka four, yes I do really call him phwoar all the time, is my book boyfriend of choice which means he must definitely come join me real life.

Tris, sadly, cannot come due to her love of Phwoar. Sorry Tris but you're banished, even though I quite like you. let's not make things awkward now.




Next up following the whole love theme, is the awesome Jacob from twilight. My book boyfriend before Phwoar, not that I don't still adore him. What can I say my heart is fickle.

I don't think I need to say why, just look at that face and he has the sweetest personality too. Bella is an idiot, I can't believe she choose Edward, what the hell is wrong with her. Still more Jacob for me right. Well bare the pesky kid, but whatever, gotta love Jacob. 

next up, just to prove I am not completely superficial. :P 

Katniss from the hunger games.

I love Katniss, she is just an overall good person. Loves her family, looks out for them, is courageous and just brilliant. Plus she isn't your bog standard perfect beauty that you see so much, she's more real, 

Now for a bit of fun with my forth choice. hehe

The cat in the hat. 

Ok so it would be pure chaos but laughter is the best medicine and he would definitely have you in stitches. 

Then last but definitely not least John coffey from the green mile. 

wouldn't it be magical to have in your life and such a sweet loveable character. Adore him. 

Well that's me. How about you, what five fictional characters would you love in your life and Why? 

Leave a comment below. 

Love and hugs
Joss xx

A little bit of consideration goes a long way and a book review.

I have just returned from another early morning trip to the school bus stop. This once pleasant part of my day has become one of the most depressing. So much so that I now dread the ping of my alarm, signalling bus stop time.

So why has this become such a loathsome task for me when once it was a pleasant one? Well quite frankly it's because I have suddenly become the person to ignore. 

Did I do something? I'm not all together sure but I don't think so. There is nothing that stands out in my mind. 

Unless of course the one mum is mad at me because I offered her the use of my netbook, while she was computer-less, only to discover that my hubby had already lent it out to someone else. 

Then there is the newest mum who hasn't said a single word to me since my kid punched her son on the bus, not that she'd said much before anyway.

I did punish my son for it, I wasn't one of those mums that just ignored it and the loss of his electrical devices for a week didn't go down well, nor did the massive lecture I gave him, because yes, I was furious at him. He know's my feelings about bullies and being mean to people. 

Perhaps it is my canopy on my scooter that is the problem. It is big and cumbersome and does get in the way but it protect my scooter and me from the harsher weather and given that my back pain is worse the colder I get this is not a bad thing as it certainly stay's quite warm in there, but should my disability equipment really be the course of people avoiding me? Probably not, but it happens all the time, in fact it's one of the more communally discussed issues on the disabled forum I am a part of.  

It makes me want to scream, "JUST BECAUSE I AM DISABLED DOESN'T MEAN I'M NOT HUMAN!!"

Because I am human and I do need human interaction just like the rest of the mums, in fact probably more so in many ways. Given that when my husband is not around I am confined to the village and for the most part to the house. 

Which is why I really felt like crying today on my return from the bus stop.  It sounds stupid, I know but when you spend all day everyday alone, with little companionship. Having people to talk to, even for a little while at the bus stop can make a big difference. So when they stand in a little huddle, backs to you,  some distance away, where you (on your massive scooter, with massive canopy) can't hope to get close, you do feel rather ostracised.

I miss how it was, when Chele was around. She always made sure to include me and when someone does that for you it means a lot. It's times like this when I really struggle with my disability. Where I sit there saying to myself. If I wasn't disabled I could walk right over and get right into that group and chat away too. If I weren't disable I wouldn't be forced to sit on this scooter, inside this massive tent. If I weren't disabled I would be less different from everyone else. 

You know I have even contemplated trying to get up to the bus stop on my crutches and standing there waiting for the bus just to be more involved, even though I know that I would be taking a huge risk with my back and would definitely be in a lot of pain for several day's after. Although I am not sure I could even make it up there in the first place, let alone stand around up there for ages. 

Today is the first time in ages that I have even thought about cigarettes and I am ashamed to say this but every fibre of my being wants is screaming to hell with this quitting malarkey, show me the nicotine. 

It's just a good thing Dan raided my wallet the other day or I'd be off down the shop like a shot right now. 

So the point of this long ramble? 

Well it's quite simple really. I can't do anything about the people at my bus stop, but maybe, just maybe I can stop one of you lovely readers doing the same thing as they are to someone else. 

So please, be more considerate of those around you. Don't leave people out, no matter what. A disabled person is still a disabled person, a quiet person, might just be a shy person and this doesn't mean they don't want to interact, more that they don't like forcing themselves on people.If there is someone sat off to one side while you and everyone else talks, stop and bring them in, include them, because it isn't nice to be sat on the outside looking in. 

People should matter, no matter who they are, how they dress or what they do for a living. So please, be considerate and make time for everyone. 

Thank you

Now on to happier things. 

With a book review. :)

The last few day's I've been reading Boy Soldier by Andy McNab and Robert Rigby. It was a book I had heard good thing about, but which I'd kind of put off reading because the whole soldier, fighting, action thing all seemed a bit to bloke-esk for me.

That said, I spotted a really good deal on a load of hard back Andy Mcnab, Robert Rigby and Chris Ryan books all of which fit that criteria and all of which I'd heard were good writers. So I figured what the heck, give it a go.

So what did I think?

Well despite my earlier concerns I actually found the book really interesting. Instead of being bored by the SAS stuff in the book, I actually found it fascinating. The plot was also good and kept me interested throughout.

Essentially the book is about Danny and his longing to become a soldier. His drive towards this end allows for him to be manipulated into tracking down his long lost grandfather, who was once a soldier himself, but one turned traitor.

What follows is an exciting read full of plenty of twists, turns and incredibly interesting and clever little tips and tricks that whether genuinely apart of SAS training or not, felt believable to me.

There was a little to much swearing for me to consider this a good book for my son just yet. Although to be fair I think it is aimed at the more young adult end of the market, but still a really good read for myself.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

It's also reminded me that sometimes, it's good to try something new. It definitely paid off this time.

Have you ever been surprised by a book,, that you thought you wouldn't enjoy? If so what? leave a comment and let me know the answers to those questions and perhaps what you are reading now too.

Well that's it from me, I'm off to do some plot building for my current work in progress. Have a great day all.

Love and hugs
Joss xx

National young readers day!

I found out that today is National young readers day and there is a Bedtime Stories blog hop to help celebrate the day. Never one to say no, when it comes to celebrating reading I just had to join in. 

The hop is being hosted by Casper,who have developed these amazing new mattress's that bizarrely fit into these rather small boxes. I've yet to try out their  mattress for myself so I can't tell you how they factor for comfort, still I loved Casper's idea for a blog hop based around what books we enjoyed when we were younger and was keen to take part.

So let’s begin.

Peter rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Tom kitten, Hunca Munca and lots of other equally adorable little critters were the start to a good nights sleep for me when I was little.

Beatrice Potters beautifully illustrated books and sweet little characters had me hooked. 

Resulting in me spending a large proportion of my childhood talking to my rather extensive collection of animals, as if at any minute they might talk back.

As well as envisaging all the little antics my pets might be getting up to, when no one was looking.

My love for Beatrix Potter didn’t disappear with age either, to this day her drawings still make me smile, as do her stories.

Beatrix Potter helped my imagination to grow to the point that I too, now feel the need to spill words onto pages and call myself, somewhat tentatively,  a writer.

Beatrix is a true inspiration, not only to the imagination but to chasing our dreams. She fought hard to get her books published and in a time when women writers were practically unheard of.

Without her determination, children all over the world would have missed out on the joy that her lovable creations bring.

Book are important, they provide an escape from the everyday, they help us to feel as if someone, somewhere, understands our pain, our heartache and in some way can relate to whatever it is we are going through.  

They open our minds to the impossible, make us believe in the fantastical and bring us a wealth of pleasure.

With the power to illicit every emotion under the sun and to transport us to worlds we might never have known. Books not only deserve to be celebrated but also to be shared.

So this National young readers day, share a book with a child, because they are the next generation of readers. The next generation to be inspired by the magic of the written word.

And a love of books is an amazing gift to give.

Don’t you think?

love and hugs 

Joss xx

Perfectly unattainable bodies.

 A recent advertising campaign by Victoria Secret, flashed up models with perfectly unattainable bodies, perfectly unattainable because the models themselves couldn't even achieve it.

Yep that's right, even more photo-shopped images. In this case, pictures photo-shopped to the point that the models were left balancing on legs that experts say were a third longer than human legs could be without the person tumbling over

And it gets worse. These images were emblazoned with the slogan "The perfect body,"

Check it out

Every year more and more young girls are diagnosed with eating disorders and many of these girls are regularly devouring unrealistic images like this. The result an eating disorder can have on a life is devastating and can even result in death. So why are we, as a society, allowing this to happen? 

In my opinion there is no such thing as a perfect body. Everyone is different. Hight, bone structure and I am sure other aspects all play a part in determining what each of us as individuals should be shape and weight wise. 

These images are not only damaging to the younger generation but to women as a whole. 

What do you think? Should photo-shopped images be banned? Perhaps you feel there should be tighter controls about how images are edited? Whatever your thoughts. I'd love to hear form you.

love and hugs 

Joss xx

Homework

This morning, as we all gathered around waiting for the school bus, with the screaming kids charging around, Us mum's got into a discussion about homework.

Now when I was a child homework was something simple, at least while in primary school, like some easy sums, reading or some spellings that we had to learn by the end of the week. My sons school; however, has decided that it wants parents to make boardgames with their children, construct skeletons and do a whole range of projects for which, we are expected to supply all of the arts an craft items required out of our own pocket. Not to mention the time and effort. Which when you are faced with an 8 year old who would much rather be out with his friends or playing his Nintendo ds, is no easy task.

Our home has now become a battle ground each evening as I fight to keep my son focused on the massive task ahead, in order that it is ready and complete when it is handed in on Friday.

I do this because it is expected, but should it be. Shouldn't school be for school work and home be a place where kids can relax and unwind a little?

I know I loathed even the simple  homework that was assigned to me as a kid. So I can relate to my son reluctance to partake of his far more complex homework.

That said, we have also had some fun with some of the project and it has helped Kye and I to spend a little more time together than we perhaps would, now that he is older and hanging out with mum is not cool.

So there are I think good and bad sides to this new kind of homework, but I was wondering what your take was on homework?

Do you think it's a good or a bad thing and why?

Maybe your children do something different for their homework and if so what?

I'd love to hear from you.

Love and hugs Joss xx

BugBears

What is a BugBear?

Well originally it was a mythical creature or a type of hobgoblin apparently. It was used a bit like the bogeyman as a way of scaring little kids into behaving.

You know the whole, "The bogeyman will get you if you don't behave" speech, parents so loved.

It later became a term for things that irritates or annoys and that's the format I want to focus on today. 

What are your bugbears? 

I faced one of my bugbears this weekend in the form of customer service calls or more specifically, the people who answers them. 

Let me explain: 

Friday night, as with every week I was awaiting my shopping, because of my disability I find it easier to order online and have Asda bring it right to the door. 

This works well for me and my family and has done for several years now. There are the occasional annoyances, like when they send you lots of items that have to be eaten within two to three days because they have a short shelf life and Asda didn't bother to pick the ones with the longest use by dates, the way we might if we shopped for ourselves, but for the most part we are pretty happy with their service. 

This Friday; however, our shopping never arrived. It was an hour late when Asda called to say that their van had broke down could they possibly offer us a new delivery slot for the next day. 

We agreed, these things happen and we were home so it wasn't really going to be a big deal. We were also quite pleased as they had given us a 10 pound discount for the inconvenience. Great!

Only the next day, Asda didn't come and this time they didn't call either. So I checked my email. thinking perhaps I had got the time wrong, but there it was clear as day in black and white, the confirmation of time and day as well as they discount they had given us. 

So I ring Asda and thus ensues a conversation with someone I am really struggling to understand and who is clearly struggling to understand me. 

Eventually, the woman manages to get across that she needs to contact the store as she can see no record of the delivery. Though she cannot understand that I received a confirmation email about the delivery. Instead she tells me over and over, "No I cannot confirm it, it is not shown."

She then says she will contact the store and get back to me. 

Another hour passes and we hear nothing. 

Hubby instructs me to call them back so I do and this time I get someone who is very difficult to understand. I ask if it is possible to speak to someone who is Bristish as I am having trouble communicating with him and he tells me "No, this is Africa, no British here." 

Africa!!!!

Why am I being sent to Africa, to talk about my groceries in the UK? 

This is my bugbear. 

It is not that I have anything against people in Africa, I don't. They are after all people just like us trying to make the best of life. 

What I have a problem with is the fact that we pay out for a company to provide us with services and they put that money into the pockets of people in other countries instead of supporting those here in the UK and why, because they can charge these poor people a pittance.  

On top of that, it seems that these people struggled to understand us, almost as much as we struggle to understand them and if they can't understand us, how can they fully understand the issues we are calling about.

BT is the same. It's in the title British telecommunications, yet even they don't have British call centres. I tried for months to get hold of a Brit when I was having issues with my broadband and as hard as I tried, I could not get those who were answering the phone to understand what I was trying to tell them.

They just kept trying to repeat the same steps with me over and over, steps that had been tried and failed and that's not their fault. They are given a script to follow a set of procedures and very few of them know how to actually go beyond that. So when those things don't work, they don't know how to fix it. So they repeat.

We did get our shopping in the end, but not the discount and not until late Saturday night.

So is this something other people find frustrating or is it just me?

What bugbears do you have?

love and hugs
Joss xxx

Bitter world

Is it me or is the world growing more bitter?

No, I'm not talking rows of John Smiths growing out the ground either.

Although that might be quite nice, if you're a fan of John Smiths.

The type of bitter I am referring to is the kind that makes people, snap, snipe and generally be mean to each other. Although depending on how you handle your alcohol, I  guess that could hold true for the John Smiths too,

What happened to manners? To just being polite? It seems to me that people are more ready these days to make snap judgements and snide comments, than they are to be polite or helpful in some way.

Do you know what is worse for me than the realisation that others do this? It's the realisation that I do it too and not only do I do it, but I am more prone to thinking the worst of others actions instantly, than I am of stopping to really take stock of what they are saying or doing in order to assess it for what it really is. Which most of the time, is not what I am misinterpreting it to be.

That's hardly concise, right! So let me try to explain.

If my husband say's to me "Why is the dog running around like crazy, did you not take him for a walk today?" I am more prone to think that he is about to attack me on the issue, than I am to think, he is just asking a general question. A question I would probably ask too, if I didn't already know the answer.

As a result, instead of responding "Yes, I took him out today, but it wasn't as far as normal because my pain levels were bad. Would you mind taking him outside for a game of fetch." I respond with an attack. Something like "Yes I took him out, what do you think I'm gonna do just leave him stuck in doors all day and do nothing with him. He's a Border Collie for frig sake, you'd bloody know about it if he hadn't been walked..."

Then hubby naturally comes back with his own attack, until we end up in a situation that for maturity level, can feel a bit like an old Laurel and Hardy moment.

So why do I do that? I honestly don't know, but I do know that I don't like doing it.

I think we are so ready for attack these days, that we see it coming from every direction, even when it isn't, the result being that we end up attacking on a more regular basis ourselves.

So how do we stop? Again I sadly lack the answers but what I do know is that I want to try. So that's my mission right now.

• To stop and think before I speak
•  to try not to misjudge situations and/or peoples motives. 
• to be more polite 
• and to try and do more good than evil (as they say) 

Wish me luck and if you have any tips or tricks that may help me fulfil my goal. Please feel free to share. Cause I sure need them :) 

love and hugs all

Joss xxx