I Would Rather be Decking in the Rain

30 November 1999

December already and the Christmas countdown is well and truly under way. In fact, this week has been a week of shopping and spending and a little more shopping. Claire likes to do quite a bit on her own (all women love to shop - or so I am told) but I am often dragged along for the muscle power; someone has to carry the bags and push the buggy!

So we decided to search for gifts for the in-laws this weekend. Claire had a good idea what to get them. I won't say what it is as they might just be reading this – but we saw a good example of it in one store about ten minutes into our shopping trip. I was thrilled – “brilliant” I thought “we can buy this and I will still be home in time for an afternoon of Holmes on Homes on Shed TV.” But no....

Claire reached into her never ending supply of shopping know how and remembered that somewhere across town would sell this item and they were having a sale. So we traipsed across town, stopping on the way to check out another possibility which also had the product but in the wrong colour apparently. Only to discover that said item was out of stock, but we could wait until they have a delivery next week, but it wouldn't be on sale then.

Cue us getting into the car and driving back to the original shop via McDonalds drive through (much to Claire's disgust – she hates McDonalds – didn't stop her having a big mac though) as Chloe was moaning about being hungry and tired and bored – me too... Anyway we bought the item and got it home and all collapsed on the sofa. Five and a half hours of shopping and just one gift to show for it.

We were feeling just a little annoyed at our lack of progress and decided that once the kids were settled in bed we would do a spot of online shopping. We did OK and ordered around 5 bits and pieces for the kids. Which were supposed to be delivered yesterday and haven't arrived yet. Claire spent the day waiting and phoning only to be told that they don't have any way of contacting the driver. Haven't they heard of mobiles? I do believe there is such a thing as hands-free these days! So after much ranting and raving, the delivery day has been moved to today and we are ever hopeful of a big old van easing into our driveway sometime soon – not holding our breath of course.

So with all that going on and a weekend wasted, in my opinion, I was heartened by the fact that all the running around and the McDonalds helped me to lose another pound. Just three weeks to go and then I can stop this diet. For a couple of weeks at least. I am coping – but only just!

I am doing the decking job this week. And of course the weather decides to do its very best to either drown me or freeze my nether regions. Got up yesterday morning to the first frost of the season, which I guess is better than the torrential rain of last week. But not so good when you are trying to handle a saw and a screwdriver. Still the money is coming in handy.

So the plan for next week is to freshen up the house ready for Xmas. This is a yearly ritual as Claire insists that the house looks cosy and Christmassy – this means me having to paint trims where sticky fingers have spread jam on the skirting, get the carpets cleaned and tack tinsel and lights to every available surface both indoors and out. Plus any other DIY jobs deemed important in the run up to Xmas. Last year Claire couldn't help as she was “with child” but she is not getting out of it quite so easily this year!