Where in the world is Nanny Debbie ?

fathers day 2011

2011-06-19T22:59:00.003+01:00

I have had the worst Fathers day of my life :-(

I have spent the day surrounded by family but to say goodbye to my Grandad.

He had a massive brain bleed this morning and is unconscious and un-aware of everything. He is still breathing on his own and his heart is beating. The doctors have told us he wont recover and its just a matter of time before he stops breathing and his heart fails.

Seeing the man, my Grandad who taught me to ride my first bike lying in that hospital bed like that was heart breaking but I was glad to be there to tell him that I love him, hold his hand and say goodbye.

I love you Grandad, thank you for being my grandaddy, I will miss you until we see each other again.

walking 2

2009-11-04T13:33:00.007Z

Last night I had a great night watching the Christmas lights in Oxford Street being switched on. They always have entertainment and celebrities which was fun. The tube stations nearby were shut because of the amount of people so we descided to walk home. Here are some pics from the walk home. To see the pictures and videos from the night check them out on my facebook page (click on the link on the right-hand side of this page).

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

London Eye

Walking

2009-10-28T17:49:00.006Z

I'm not very good at keeping this updated am I? Sorry !
Life is very stressful right now for me and I desperately want to escape my life just for a few days and come back all refreshed. I'm going to try and go home (to my parents) for a weekend in a couple of weeks so hopefully that should help. In the mean time one of the ways I like to de-stress is to go for a long walk around London. So to try and keep posts coming more often than they have been (I think once a month would be an improvement LOL) I am going to try and post a picture or two from one of my walks.
Here is the first few:

HMS Belfast

The Tower of London

Tower Bridge

Stay tuned for further pictures from my walks !

quick post

2009-07-09T23:09:00.001+01:00

Just a quick post to let you know that I passed all my exams YAY !!!!

The pass rate is 40%
I got:

Applied Biology: 55%
Biology: 62%
Maths: 56%
Vulnerable people: 60%

Not to bad but nothing to be shouting about really but I PASSED !!! That is the main thing as I REALLY REALLY thought I was going to fail maths (and i'm not just saying that, I left out 6 questions!)

Assignments and revison

2009-05-27T20:13:00.003+01:00

My work for university has completly taken over my life and I barely have time to read all your blogs let alone write my own.

This is me most nights at the books!

Only a couple more weeks and they should be over that is if I remember everything and pass !

I have a couple of posts in the works but have yet to finish them but I WILL get to them - promise !

Jason Mraz

2009-04-30T20:30:00.000+01:00

A couple of weekends ago I went to see Jason Mraz in concert at Hammersmith Apollo in London. I went with my friend Dave who actually introduced me to Jason mraz's music a year or so ago.

Jason is an amazing singer and musician and he seems to be a very humble man and not at all big headed like a few famous people around. He was accompanied by an amazing band and we had alot of fun.

Check out some of the pictures from the night:

check out post below

2009-04-29T00:07:00.001+01:00

Please don't miss my post below about when my mum came to visit me in london, it is coming up as being a week old but its not ITS NEW!

praying for Stellan

2009-04-22T12:23:00.003+01:00

You can read Stellan's story here http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Day trip with Mum

2009-04-20T20:34:00.005+01:00

A couple of saturdays ago my Mum came up to visit me and we had a lovely day together. We went on the London eye and then strolled down the south bank of the river, visited the Tate modern art gallery and then continued down the south bank. Check out the pics....

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Major overdue update

2009-04-20T20:06:00.004+01:00

My name is Debbie and I am a bad blogger...

Seriously I am sorry for not keeping up with my blog in the last few months, you know what its like when you put something off and put it off and put it off and then it because this big thing that you know is gonna take up such a huge chunk of time and well I kept putting it off.

Well whats going on in the world of Debbie:

I am finally at university and studying at London South bank Uni. training to be a children's nurse and I am LOVING it !!!!

I wish I had done this sooner and not waited until I'm in my mid twenties but oh well I cant turn back time and everything I have done has helped me get to this point in my life and honestly I look back over everything i have done with very happy memories. My point is I KNOW I'm meant to be a nurse, I've known deep down since I was a child but now I'm doing it I really know it (am I making any sense?).

I am living in student halls and they are set up in flats. I live with 7 other girls, 3 of them are doing exactly the same course as me which is really great as we go to lectures together and help each other out, we are becoming very good friends and feel very blessed to know them.

Living in London is great and I can see the London eye from my bedroom which is really cool and I can walk pretty much everywhere in central London. Check out the view from my room.

So there is a quick update on whats going on with me and I'm going to be keeping more on top of my posts from now on, promise. (I already have the next two in the bag and will be coming soon so keep your eyes peeled).

norway trip

2009-02-23T20:16:00.006Z

Sorry I didn't keep you informed but I spent the last week in Norway visiting my uncle, aunt and cousins Magnus (13) and Simon (10).
I had a blast and felt really at home there especially with the waist deep snow and -20 degrees temperature (centigrade). We spent the week at their cabin in the mountains, 3hrs drive from Oslo where we spent our time cross country skiing, playing in the snow, sledging and playing games by the log fire - its was complete bliss.

Me Just down the road from the cabin.
The cabin

More pics coming soon !

Let it SNOW ! now updated with VIDEO

2009-02-03T13:18:00.007Z

We have snow for two days running !!!!
It is the first time in 10 years that the snow has settled because I live so close to the sea.
I love the snow so much and thought that my trip to Norway in 2 weeks was the only snow I was going to see.

Video finally uploaded YAY !

I've been tagged

2009-01-28T22:15:00.005Z

I've been tagged by American Girl in the UK from her blog "Tomato, To-mah-to" I have been asked to come up with some random facts about me, so here goes:

I wear glasses for reading and being on the computer but I hate them and only put them on when my vision starts to go all fuzzy and really can't manage without them.
This is a bit disgusting to most but I have encountered every bodily fluid in my job working with disabled children and teenagers LOL !
I have a secret crush on Ben Fogle from the BBC!
I would love to have 6 kids
I was a very naughty child and drove my parents crazy, also I did the complete opposite to what I was asked which also drove my teachers crazy! Now i am the kind of person that always follows the rules and gives kids very firm boundaries !!!!
my bedroom is organised chaos and if I had to empty my room and then put it all back in I don't think it would fit ! Yet in every other room especially at work it slowly drives me crazy if anything is out of place.
My favourite computer game is The Sims2 and play it whenever I get the chance but I have to be careful as time goes very fast while i'm playing.
I would love to be able to sing really well.
I play the flute and regularly play in my church music group.
I never iron clothes if I can possibly help it (it's so much easier to hang things up wet and then the clothes just fall out)
Nearly all my favourite foods are either yellow or white
I drink Robinson's peach fruit and barley drink all day, every day when at home.
I am very happy camping in the countryside but also love big cities and am about to move to central London for 3 years
My favourite chapter of the bible is 1 corinthians chapter 13 and could read it everyday as it really speaks to me.
The BBC version of pride and prejudice with colin firth is my favourite film.
Green is my favourite colour.
I have 2 sisters, one older and one younger but I have always wanted a brother.
My sisters both ride horses and one of them still owns her own horse and is a horse riding instructor but I am now terrified of them unless they are in a stable or behind a fence, even though I rode for over 5 years.
I have hundreds of bags.
I hate the taste of toothpaste.
I almost drowned at 2 yrs old and this is my first memory.
I love to eat crisps aka. potato chips especially meaty flavours and once I ate 24 packets in an hour just because I was board one afternoon when I was 13.
I hate to be to hot and I hate central heating when its on to high and I especially hate car heaters blasting in your face.
lying in the sun trying to get a tan would be like torture to me.
Vincent Van Gogh's A starry night is my favourite painting.

Woah I can't believe I got up to 25 !!!!!!

I can never think of people to tag so if your reading this, have a blog and have not already been tagged then I tag YOU !!!!!!!

London day trip

2009-01-19T19:03:00.006Z

Hi everyone, sorry for the lack of posts but since being accepted into uni for the march intake, my life has gone full speed ahead and I always seem to be filling in paper work or on the phone ect.
On Wednesday I had to go up to London to fill in some paperwork and arrange some stuff, they made it seem like it was going to take all day but only ended up taking 45 mins ! I'm not complaining too much as it ment I got to walk around my fav. part of London - the southbank.
I walked up from the uni to London bridge and then walked all the way along the southbank of the thames river, I did stop off in the tate modern for an hour or two along the way.
I was meeting Chris for dinner at waterloo station so I just spent my time walking along until he finished work in westminster.
Check out some of the pics from my walk.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T13:29:00.001Z

I wish you all a very Happy 2009 !
2009 is going to be quite different for me this year but I am incredibly excited about what lays ahead for me.

I'm in

2008-12-22T21:19:00.004Z

I can't believe it but they have given me a place at uni!!!!! I am so over the moon and can't wait to start this new chapter of my life. I didn't think I would hear until after christmas but i checked on the website and i'm in !!!! I can't tell you how much this means to me. Thank you all so much for all your prayers and good wishes.

I start on the 16th march 2009, not long to go !!!!!

my interview

2008-12-18T20:34:00.002Z

Thought I should update you, thanks so much for your prayers and good wishes, I really felt like I had loads of people rooting for me.

It went well and I think I did okay, I don't think I blew them away of anything and I was disappointed they did want to talk more about things I put into my personal statement but overall I don't think it was a bad interview. I loved the hospital, it was so wonderful al these kids everywhere, just a really great atmosphere. They told me I wouldn't hear until after christmas which is a little disappointing but I guess it is only a week to go!! Well i can truly do no more an just have to hope for the best and trust that it is in God's hands and if I don't get in then there is a reason why not (of course will still be very upset).

Thanks again for all your good wishes and prayers.

I got an interview

2008-12-09T17:50:00.003Z

I came home from college today and saw a letter from London South Bank Uni and I have an interview!!!!!!!!! Its really soon as well, its next wednesday !!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for your prayers, i'm so happy and excited but also very nervous. I'm going to be praying HARD that day I can tell you !

Thanks again

uni. follow up

2008-12-08T16:39:00.002Z

I have received a letter from London south bank uni. stating they received my application and a member of the academic staff is reviewing my application and I should hear within the next 2 weeks !!!!

There is nothing more I can do but wait, pray and hope - I'm nervous, I want this so much !

university

2008-11-23T20:19:00.003Z

Well I have been planning to blog about this for a couple of weeks now but I have been so super busy doing assignments for college and trying to keep up at work that this post never sorta happened until now !

A couple of weeks ago me and my mum went to an open day for the university that I want to go to: London South bank University. I was fabulous and everything I hoped it would be. Well the shocker is that I'm already qualified enough to apply (especially with all my experience). They also told me that they have a smaller intake in march of only 60 people and she thought that I would be very well suited to it. If I get in for the march intake then I would do all of my placements for all 3 years at Great Ormond Street Hospita l which is an amazing hospital for sick children. Children get sent there not only from all over the country but also from around the world. It is a dream of mine to work there so I had to jump at the chance.

I have applied and I just hope I get accepted, first I will find out if I get an interview and then if the interview goes well I have to sit a couple of tests and if I'm successful then i'll be going to uni. in just a few months !!!!!!!

I am still going to college even though I don't necessarily need it just in case I don't get in for march and then it will help me to apply for the september intake.

I am just so excited and I really really want this so much I just have this feeling that this is the right thing for me to do with my life.

I had to write a personal statement for my application and after quite a bit of guidance from people at work I wrote a corker even if I do say so myself ! I showed it to my mum after I had finished it and it made her cry. She gave me a big hug and told me how proud she is of me. I was so unbelievably touched by that. If you want to read it say so and i'll email it to you as I don't want to post it on her as it is quite personal and plus I think it's really good so I don't want anyone nicking my work !!!!

I would really appreciate your prayers that they will like my application and give me an interview.

I've been in the kitchen making...

2008-10-31T20:01:00.004Z

...Peppermint bark !

I loved the peppermint bark that Debi made while I was over in America living with them.

So when I saw some peppermint candy canes while at the supermarket for just a £1, I just HAD to get them and make peppermint bark ! They came out well and are really yummy !!! Thanks for the recipe Debi !

me and my dew

2008-10-21T22:51:00.002+01:00

Its not a very good pic as I used my webcam but I am buzzing as i had a can of mountain dew tonight !!!!! A friend ordered me one from a website :-D For those of you that don't know you can't buy mountain dew here in England :-( Though I do think that I probably wouldn't love it as much as I do if I could drink it every day - absence really does make the heart grow fonder (most of the time) !

I've had a really good two days at college, I really love it even all the assignments I have to write !!! It does take up a lot of my time but i'd take a day at college over a day at work any day.

I'm rambling here but work is not so great right now and am thinking its maybe time to move on again, my itchy feet are coming into play again.

a few of my favorite things

2008-10-03T21:44:00.003+01:00

A couple of the blogs I read have posted their favorite things and I thought I would do to.

sleeping in my own bed and knowing the alarm isn't going to go off and I can sleep for as long as I like
curing up on the sofa with friends to watch a movie
hanging out at the beach hut with everyone in the evening, playing silly games
a child learning something you have taught them
a small child falling asleep in your arms
cheering a child up when they are upset
playing sims 2 on my computer
surfing the internet
chatting to friends on the phone who live all over the world
walking through the Bouffard's front door to be greeted by the family when I haven't seen them in a long time
strolling through big cities like London or New york
being in the English countryside walking my dogs or camping
the smell of the grass after it has rained
eating a big bowl of crisps (potato chips)
Chinese take away
mountain dew
thick vanilla milkshake
looking back at photos of the good times in my childhood
hugs from the people I love
dancing and singing at a concert and just not caring what people think

I encourage you all to post some of your favorite things on your own blogs or leave them in the comments.

I'm a bad blogger

2008-09-27T15:51:00.003+01:00

Hi guys,

I'm a bad blogger - i Haven't blogged in like a month !!!

Ok so my news:

I've started at college and I LOVE it.

For those of you that don't know I'm doing a Access to healthcare course so that in september I can start my training to become a pediatric nurse.

I have made some good friends already at college which is so nice. We have a laugh together but are all really serious about the course and we all want to become nurses. We are all in our early to mid twenties which sets us apart from the rest of the group who are either older or younger. Oh an we are the only ones without kids of our own !!!

I'm only at college on Monday's and Tuesday's and the rest of the week I'm still working with disabled children at the same school. I've got a promotion though and am now a Lead Learning support worker. I love my new job role but am having to put my new authority into action already. I don't feel good about it one hand as I don't want to rock the boat but when it comes down to safety for the children I have to put my foot down and put a stop to things. Wish I could elaborate more but unfortunately because of confidentiality I can't.

way back when-sday

2008-08-27T20:14:00.002+01:00

Can you tell which is me ?

This is me and my sisters trying to get my Dad moving after a picnic !

I just love looking at old pictures again.

Bus pics (just for Henry)

2008-08-23T19:08:00.005+01:00

Henry has asked me to post some pictures of the buses where I live, especially the double decker buses !

Well I didn't take these pics myself as although I have been carrying my camera with me, its really difficult to try and get it out in time and get a good picture !!!

This is one of the buses that I catch on a regular basis to Poole or Bournemouth or anywhere onthe route in-between. They are quite nice buses, they have a low floor so push-chairs and wheelchairs can be pushed on easily and people using wheelchairs don't need to get out as they have an area for them to sit in while on the bus. They are also have air con. which is great !

This is one of the normal double decker buses that go all over the place. Many routes throughout the area. This is the number 110 which I used to get to and from school all the time!

This is one of the new open top double deckers that go along some of the longer routes during the summer, especially routes that go to the many beaches.

This is one of the older open top double decker buses that you still see quite a lot.

Well there you go Henry, hope you enjoyed this post !!!!

way back when-sday (a day late)

2008-08-21T18:16:00.004+01:00

Oops I forgot to post this pic yesterday !!!

This pic was taken when I was 5 at Durdle Door, in Dorset near to where I live. Durdle Door was also in the movie Nanny McPhee as the place where the children have a picnic.

Oh the other kids in the pic are my sisters Ellie and Becki. Ellie is on the left, I'm in the middle and Becki is on the right.

I've been tagged !

2008-08-17T23:50:00.005+01:00

Those lovely Bouffard children have tagged me again !!!

The rules of this tag are:
List seven songs that you are into right now.
No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your Summer of 2008.
Post these instructions in your blog, along with your 7 songs.
Then tag 7 other people to see what their favorites are this year!

Ok so the most played songs on my ipod are :

1. Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson

2. Soulmate by Natasha Bedingfield

3. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

4. Footprints in the sand by Leona Lewis

5. Rockstar by Nickelback

6. All summer long by Kid Rock

7. She's so lovely by Scouting for girls

Hope you like my selection and let me know what you think in the comments !

I never know who to choose for these things so anyone reading this that wants to

play along let me know in the comments and i'll come check out your list.

mmmm yummy English breakfast

2008-08-16T23:49:00.003+01:00

You see before you my ideal breakfast - Ok so I LOVE the most unhealthy breakfast probebly in the world !!! I have been craving one the whole time I was in America and now i'm home and over my jet-lag (well almost) I was able to head to the supermarket to buy what I needed and make it for myself. I had sausages, bacon, fried eggs, hash browns and baked beans. IT WAS SO GOOD !!!!! It's not like I have this a lot even when I'm at home but I guess I just want it when I can't have it LOL how typically me !

Now if only I could give you all a taste...

Home bitter sweet home

2008-08-15T23:27:00.002+01:00

Well I'm home (actually i've been home since yesterday) but I wish I wasn't to be honest even though I love my home comforts, my own bed, the foods I like ect.

Being with the Bouffard family feels like my 2nd home. I feel like part of the family and as much as its great to be back with my friends and family and to be back home I ache to be back again with the Bouffards.

I had a safe trip, we left an hour later than we should have as a member of a group lost a document somehow so they were waiting for them but in the end they decided to go without them. So then we had to wait for them to off-load all the groups 60 BAGS !!!!

The flight was uneventful and I didn't get sick ! I even slept for 3 hours, managed to watch 2 movies 'prince caspian' and 'what happens in vegas' both were really good films.

We made up the time for the late start and arrived pretty much on time.

I got through immigration quickly and my bags were already going round so I picked them up and went straight through customs and made my way to the central bus station by train. It was only one stop but with two large suitcases and my carry-on it was no easy task when I had to give up my trolley ! I managed and got to the bus and bought my ticket and had breakfast at costa coffee while I waited an hour for my bus.

My friend Katy met me when I got to bournemouth bus station and took me home.

I was able to wish my friend Sarah happy birthday as she was working at the school where I live, and then I crashed. It was so good to be in my own bed again I must say - I never sleep well on the plane!!!

NYC day two

2008-08-08T17:12:00.007+01:00

I had a long lie in and a very chilled out morning. Beth and Phil have a jacuzzi bath which I took fully advantage of and also just chilled out and read and watched tv. I went for a walk in the afternoon before Beth got home from work. I just walked to the bottom of her street and walked along the road at the bottom. Check out the AMAZING view !!!

When Beth was home from work we headed out to the city with her friend Jess to go to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). On the way there we found out that it shuts at 5.30 and it was already 4pm !! We descided to check it out anyway and unbelievably it stays open till 8.30 on thursdays !!! We had a great time checking out all the diffrent pictures and exebitions. There was even a Dali one organised by the Tate Modern in London !

After the MOMA we went to Applebys in times square for dinner.

Pics are of me in Times square.

We headed back home as we were all tired. Check out the view from the bus stop.

NYC day one

2008-08-08T15:46:00.007+01:00

Ok so i'm here in New York City and it is totally awsome !!!! I LOVE it here so much, almost as much as I love London but not quite.

I had a safe trip here on the greyhound bus. A very nice friend dropped me off in Atlantic city at the bus station. I bought my ticket and didn't have to wait to long for my bus to arrive though the ticket lady said that if the bus didn't have room I would have to wait for the next one so as soon as it arrived (10 mins late) I went to put my luggage on straight away and gave him my ticket, luckly I got on but loads of people didn't. I sat next to this nice old black lady who was poilte and asked me about my trip to new york a little but didn't ask me my life story and let me sleep which was very nice of her !!!! I slept for the first 1 1/2 which was great as I hadn't slept much the night before.

I met Heather at port authority and we went to Cheveys for a late lunch while we waitted for Beth who was at work. I had chicken quesdillas and they were yummy.

Pics taken strolling through New York

We met up with Beth and we went for a little walk and descided to go up to the top of the Rockefella centre. We had been up to the top of the Empire state building last time I was in NYC.

The Rockefella centre is not as busy as it isn't the highest building but it was still really cool.

The elevator ride was really cool and you could see the shaft above you as it was glass, I wasn't quick enough to get my camara out on the was up but coming down I took a video.

Poor Beth wasn't feeling great, Heather had a bus to catch and I was getting sick of pulling my suitcase along so we descided to head back to Beth's apartment and Heather went home.

Beth lives in west new york which is just the other side of the river !!!! I'll show you some pics in my next post.

I'm off again

2008-08-06T01:34:00.002+01:00

I'm off again on my travels again, this time to New York City to stay with my friend Beth (Debi's sister). I always have such a blast with her and her friends, I'm so looking forward to it.
I'm off tomorrow morning and I really will try to take lots of pictures and post regularly on here !

Home alone

2008-08-05T15:27:00.002+01:00

Well last night the Bouffards left to go to PA for a few days and left me behind as I'm to NYC tomorrow for a few days. The house was way to quiet for my liking last night so I didn't get a lot of sleep and plus the dogs woke me up at half 8 when i was hoping for a nice long lie in !!!
If all goes to plan I should be heading to new york tomorrow (Wednesday) YAY I'm so excited I have loved NYC every time I've been there so far so this time should be a blast aswell.
I'm also a bit sad that I couldn't go up to PA with the Bouffards as its so nice up there and I love being with everyone. I felt quite guilty telling the kids I wasn't going. Keith of course thought I was going back to England so I had to explain again that i'm here for another week. It makes me so sad to keep confusing him and to be in and out of his life all the time. Its hard for him to realise that I have another 'life' back in England. I tell him that my mum misses me and needs me back and he seems to understand that. It breaks my heart everytime I have to say good bye... Anyways I must stop dwelling on that and just enjoy the time I have left here.

Check out my guest post on Debi's blog on friday !

New Jersey

2008-08-02T15:56:00.002+01:00

After a 11hr drive we made it home !!!! My back was killing me after this long drive but we made it.
Not sure exactly whats going to be going on for the rest of my trip but will keep you all updated on my travels. Might be heading off to NYC for a bit.....

shopping and dinner

2008-07-31T04:58:00.001+01:00

Check out Debi's blog who says 8 is enough to find out all the details about today and see the pics !

zoo

2008-07-30T00:53:00.002+01:00

We went to the zoo today !
It was so very hot and humid today while we were walking round this zoo which was quite small. They did have a couple of lions and tigers and some bears but they were all in quite small areas. It was quite sad and i'm praying that they do have other bigger areas that they move them into when it is closed as they just did not have the right amount of space. We did have a nice day though even if the thought of those animals did stick in my mind, poor things.
The kids have been crazy for the rest of the day though, so I took a little 'me time' and went for a walk which was nice even in the humidity.
Debi took lots of pics today so check out her blog later as i'm sure she will put them up tonight on her blog who says 8 is enough.

debi's blog and beach today

2008-07-28T21:41:00.003+01:00

Debi is doing a much better job at posting pics and stuff on her blog about our trip so I encourage you all to check out her blog
who says 8 is enough

We went to the beach today which was great but thankfully we wern't there too long as I melt in the heat LOL !!!
Debi has great pics of us all on her blog so check it out !!!
We are all going for dinner today which should be fun. I have no idea what tommorow will bring but be sure to check back as i'm sure we'll get up to something fun !

looooong trip

2008-07-27T02:39:00.003+01:00

WE ARE HERE !

It was a long long trip but we finally made it to north carolina. We left New Jersey at 10am and arrived at around 11pm so yeah 13 hours on the road with 9 kids it was not fun but yeah i had my ipod and it was on constantly which was great !

I had such a good nights sleep though last night sleeping in a double bed with a celing fan. It is so hot here which for most people would be fantastic but i'm afraid i'm not a hot weather person but its actually not as bad. Its a very diffrent kind of heat than i'm used to but thank goodness for air conditioning otherwise I would melt !!!

I love being back with the Bouffards, I love being a nanny and who wouldn't love having 9 kids around - its a blast !

Please, please, please leave me comments so I know your reading this !!!!

I'm here

2008-07-25T02:21:00.002+01:00

I had a good flight with a bit of turbulence near the end which almost sent the air hostess flying down the aisle and me doing my breathing exercises to not be sick ! We made it down and I actually went through immigration with no problems AT ALL !!! I was asked one question "how long are you staying?" and then sent on my way.
Its so lovely to be here and I feel like I've never been away. Things are just so comfortable which is great.
We've spent the day chilling out and I took the kids in the pool which was nice as its really hot here ! We have also been packing for our trip to north Carolina tomorrow.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to get online while i'm away but i'll do my best to keep updating.

airport

2008-07-23T08:12:00.001+01:00

I'm just leaving home now to go to the airport !!!!

My stomach is a complete mess - full of butterflies !

finished at last

2008-07-23T02:02:00.002+01:00

Its just gone 2 am and I am finally packed (except for the things I can't pack till i've used them in the morning).

I'm tired and its starting to sink in now that i'm leaving in the morning. I just can't wait to see everyone tomorrow, actually I guess its today as its past midnight - oh my gosh !!!

Bouffards - I can not wait to see you all again !!!!

Packing !

2008-07-22T20:24:00.003+01:00

Oh my goodness I HATE, HATE, HATE packing !!!

I so love to travel and can't wait to get to America and see the Bouffard family but my gosh i hate the packing. I have sooooo much to do and as you can see i've just kind of chucked everything into my suitcase that I want to take but have yet to sort through everything and take out what I don't actually need LOL !!

You would have thought that, this being my 5th time to America I'd be used to it all by now but no I still HATE HATE HATE it !! Anyone fancy coming over to do it for me LOL ?!

Its a Knockout!

2008-07-01T19:28:00.005+01:00

I work at a school for disabled children, which is owned by the charity Livability. They put on a fundraising event called its a knockout. There were lots of different teams taking part but we were the only team from livability.

The event is basically lots of inflatable type games that also involve lots of water !

It was a really fun day and we all enjoyed ourselves while raising money for livability. We didn't win but that didn't really matter.

Check out some of the pics !

The Livablity team

(L-R) back row- Dave, Chris, Simon & Andre

front row - Claire, Me, Trudy, Kellie, Shonade & Jana

Us waiting to take part in this game

Me soaking wet !

Some of the kids from the school watching

The team at the end, wet but happy !

new layout

2008-06-29T23:19:00.001+01:00

Do you like my new layout ?

MeMe

2008-06-27T23:47:00.008+01:00

1. What does your name mean?

Well I have a key-ring about my name and it says

"From the Hebrew meaning 'Bee'. She is chatty, vibrant and fun; she always has several projects on the go. She'll keep you on your toes."

I'm not sure if this is like me or not ?

2. Where was your profile picture taken?

My profile pic is cropped from a group pic with my best friends, Paula and Katy taken last summer. It was taken before we had a girly night out just the 3 of us.

3. What is your current relationship status?

Well thats a complicated one. I guess I would have to say single but I am seeing someone, but he lives a few hours away and we both live very busy lives and don't make time to see each other enough to say we are together.

4. Honestly, does your crush like you back?

Yes, I know he likes me and I like him but a relationship needs to be more than that. We both have other priorities in our lives right now.

5.What's your current mood?

Its friday evening - I'm tired !!!!! Its been a crazy week as usual and we are all shattered.

6. What do you like the most?

I love hanging out with my friends. Creating crafty things and giving them away as presents to the people I love. Being at the beach in the late afternoon/evening. Being surrounded by children. Hugs. Lazy days in bed. Playing on my computer. Walking. Eating crisps (potato chips for the american readers!). Cuddling up with my dogs.

7. What makes you happy?

See number 6!

8. If you could go back and change something, would you?

I used to think yes but I've come to realise everything happens for a reason even if its just so we can be a support to somebody in the future because we can say we've been there and give advice. Also everything that i've been through has shaped me to be the person I am today. I do still wish I'd have made more of an effort at school though !!!

9. If you MUST be an animal for one day, what would you be?

Oh goodness, I have no clue ? Maybe a dog or cat as they get cuddles.

10. Something you do a lot?

Look after disabled kids !!! Its my job and I love it but it does involve a lot of medical care, changing nappies and feeding children. Oh and I call the kids "pickle" a lot in a very affectionate way !!!

Umm also I play at my computer A LOT !!!!

11. What's the name of the song stuck in your head right now?

"I am the music man, I come from down your way and I can play, what can you play ? ...."

It was the last song we did at work and it has stuck !!!!!

12. Have you ever sung in front of a large audience?

Not on my own but I did with choirs at school and church when I was a kid.

13. Name someone with the same birthday as you.

Vernon K (famous presenter on UK TV) also Stuart who works at the same school as me.

14. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

Eyes, and smile.

15. What do you usually order from Starbucks?

Hot choc. with whipped cream on top

16. What is your favorite smell?

Fresh cut grass and also babies, I love that baby smell !!!

So there you go, a little insight into me !

WHEN-sday

2008-06-25T17:08:00.003+01:00

Me and My friends at school when we were in year 9 (13-14 yrs old)

(L-R Katie, Linda, Me, Fiona and Maria)

I love this picture as it really reminds me of my personality while at school. The others all had their shirts tucked in and of course I didn't, I also have my arms crossed - typical Debbie pose !

For those of you that don't know me, I was a complete nightmare at school and if you could have described me in one word it would have to be 'rebel' !!!

Also in this picture you can see our school uniform that I had to wear, luckily at this school the girls didn't have to wear ties like I did at middle school but we did have to wear blazers ! Oh and look at how short our skirts are - definitely not regulation length LOL !!!!!

quiz time

2008-06-23T20:38:00.001+01:00

Ok I'm a sucker for all these silly quiz things !!!

I'm a Talent!

You're a risk-taker, and you follow your passions. You're determined to take on the world and succeed on your own terms. Whether in the arts, science, engineering, business, or politics, you fearlessly express your own vision of the world. You're not afraid of a fight, and you're not afraid to bet your future on your own abilities. If you find a job boring or stifling, you're already preparing your resume. You believe in doing what you love, and you're not willing to settle for an ordinary life.

Talent: 82%
Lifer: 28%
Mandarin: 28%

Take the Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.

The Bouffard kids gave me an award

2008-06-21T21:46:00.007+01:00

(Debi- let me know if i've done this right)

The Bouffard kids who are very very close to my heart, (I'm their nanny even though I don't work for them anymore) gave me this award. It means alot to me as I strive to be a creative person and if I understand correctly this is something that the award can be given for and also that they like my blog as the reason I created it was for them to keep in touch with me and see what I'm getting up to.

The "Arte y Pico" award, which started with this website (I know, it's in Portuguese). From what I can tell, the original intention of this award is"dedicated to many who nourish and enrich the spirit and creativity. They see dedication, creativity, camaraderie, joy and above all, ART - much art. I wish that this prize is entertaining to all bloggers who share this space and enrich it a little more each day." ~Arte Y Pico

The rules accompanying this award are simple;
1.You need to choose 5 blogs you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, or contribution to the blogging community regardless of language
2.Each award should have the name of the author and a link to her blog to be visited by everyone
3.Each winner should show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her with the award.
4.The award winner and the one who has given the award should show the Arte Y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award
5.Show these rules

Ok so now I have to choose some blogs to get this award (EEK!) Can I choose people that have already been awarded this award before ? HELP !!!!

What have I done today ?

2008-06-21T21:08:00.007+01:00

Well, good question ! The answer would be NOTHING, well nothing productive anyway.

I work my butt off during the week and when it comes to the weekend I have to chill out and have some alone time. Seriously anyone reading this that knows me personally knows I'm far from being lazy and during the week I love being busy and rushing around getting things done and being a real people person.

I try and get all my laundry done, tidy my room and do any other chores that need doing over the weekend done on friday night so I can relax on saturday without worrying.

My normal saturday normally goes something like this :

9 am wake up in a panic that I'm late for work, realise its saturday and then go back to sleep

10 am wake up, watch tv in bed

12 noon remember I haven't taken my pills so take them and then go get some breakfast/lunch

1 pm turn on computer, check emails, facebook and blog

2 pm realise its 2 pm and I'm still in pjs. Procrastinate for a while then go take a shower and get dressed.

3 pm Go back to computer, surf the net, play sims2, waste time on the computer

6 pm Watch Dr. Who on tv with my parents.

7 pm Eat dinner

8 pm watch tv while playing on the computer

1 am get into bed, read for a while

2 am bedtime

Where I spend most of my time on a saturday !

Now I know this post is probably going to make everyone with kids that have to get up everyday and look after them hate me, and I do feel guilty but I know this won't be able to happen for much longer. I start a college course in september 2 days a week so I can go on to do my nurses training next year, so i know during the next few years I'm not going to have much freetime. I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts.

crafty stuff

2008-06-20T21:26:00.004+01:00

Thought I'd show some of the different frames i've made as presents for people. I have made loads but I don't always remember to take pics of them before I give them away LOL !

Beach bbq

2008-06-20T19:48:00.003+01:00

We have been had a patch of hot weather not so long ago (not that you could tell now - rain rain go away!) and me and my friends always rent out the school's (where most of us work) beach hut and have a bbq and hang out for the evening.

Here are some pics from a beach bbq we had a few weeks ago.

We all bring contributions of food and this time I made homemade beef burgers with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in them, they tasted soooooo good ! I also made some kebabs with cherry tomatoes and bits of leftover mozzarella.

After we ate we spent the rest of the evening playing games on the beach and as you can see from the pics, we played some interesting ones this time ! Everyone at work the next day were complaining about their legs hurting as its so hard running on sand for hours ! We didn't notice at the time we were having to much fun ! We really do have a blast and I'm sure by the end of the summer we won't get sore legs anymore !

Our beach formation ! I'm on the bottom 2nd from the left !

Piggy back races! Yes thats me carrying Amy on the right

Me and Vicky eating the yummy food !

The boys

The girls

I'm going pubic !

2008-06-20T19:22:00.002+01:00

Ok so its official my blog is now public !!!!

I'm really quite scared about people from anywhere being able to read it but I'm going to give it a go.

I promise to keep it updated as I know I haven't been very good about doing that.

Please comment so I know people are reading what I'm writing.

Verity's birthday

2008-06-20T18:25:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone

Sorry for my lack of posts but i'm back now and thinking of making this blog open but i'm still not sure.

Anyways here is a smilebox I made of my friends birthday. We went to an event held here in Bournemouth called Jazz Juice and they play only 60s and 70s disco music and we all always have a really great time. We made it special this time by dressing up and we all had a blast !

Check out the smilebox !

Make a Smilebox photobook

24 today !

2008-04-28T16:07:00.000+01:00

Well another year has gone by and i'm 24 today!
I've had a lovely relaxing day and the guys I work with havn't let me work as hard as I normaly do (seriously I run around like a crazy person everyday!).
My parents have been away over the weekend so I had the idea of having all my friends over for a bit of a party but was so upset when not one person could make it !!! They had all been very clever though and had been arranging a surprise party for weeks !!!
I went over to my friend veritys house thinking we were gonna watch a movie and I opened the door and loads of my friends were there. I was soooo surprised that they had arranged my very first suprise party.
They had created my ideal party (they know me so well). It was a PJ party and we had chinese take away and a chocolate fountain and watched a movie and just had a really great girly evening - bliss.
I was so touched that they arranged all of this for me. I have wonderful friends :D

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

personality test

2008-04-20T12:19:00.001+01:00

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have medium extroversion.

You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.

Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.

But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."

Conscientiousness:

You have high conscientiousness.

Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.

Most things in your life are organized and planned well.

But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.

Agreeableness:

You have high agreeableness.

You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.

Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.

You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.

Neuroticism:

You have low neuroticism.

You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.

Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.

Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is medium.

You are generally broad minded when it come to new things.

But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it.

You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

What type of shoes are you ?

2008-04-20T12:13:00.000+01:00

You Are Clogs

You are a solid and down to earth person.

You seek â€“ and almost always achieve â€“ a really sound balance in your life.

You are stylish yet comfortable. Mellow but driven. Excited yet calm.

You are the perfect mesh of contradictions.

No matter what happens, you have the ability to stay well grounded in your life.

People know that they can truly depend on you.

You should live: In Europe

You should work: At a company dedicated to helping the world

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Aqua Dogs

2008-04-02T11:30:00.000+01:00

Hi guys sorry I havn't posted for a while but I havn't really been doing anything other than trying to get over my cold and tidying/re-arranging my room !
Well today I did do something exciting, I took our dogs, Poppy and Rebel to aqua dogs. Aqua dogs is an indoor heated swimming pool just for dogs. Its mainly for dogs with injurys or who are so old they can't go for walks and need gentle exersice. We took poppy and Rebel because they do agility and they need to have strong back legs and strong backs.
Well Poppy and Rebel had a great time in the pool. Poppy was the smallest dog they have ever had there! And although a bit scared at first she did enjoy it near the end. Rebel took to it like a duck to water and had a great time but because he is still so young and his bones are still forming he could only go in for a short time.

Dogs get a bath

2008-03-25T02:31:00.001Z

The dogs got a bath tonight and they even did some swimming (cos they are just so small !)

Rebel, on the left is the puppy (even though he's the biggest) and he is 6 mths old.

Poppy is black and white on the right and she is 3 yrs old)

Me getting Poppy all dry

Mum trying very hard to get Rebel dry !

Nanny Deb has a blog !

2008-03-25T01:35:00.000Z

Hello !

Well I read all about your life on your blog so I thought I'd start my own so you can see what I am getting up to, cool idea ???

It might be a bit confusing but I'm going to add in some of the stuff i've been up to this weekend so sorry if the dates seem like they have gone back on time !

Kelly Clarkson Concert

2008-03-24T01:39:00.000Z

Last night (easter sunday) I went to see Kelly Clarkson in concert ! She was so good and gave a really good performance. Her voice was so strong the whole time and we had a blast dancing and singing along.

Me with friends at the concert.

Me being silly

Kelly on stage

Kelly singing away

Kelly with bunny ears on as she remembered it was easter !

Rich's birthday

2008-03-22T02:11:00.000Z

One of my good friends Sarah has been organising her husband's (rich) surprise 30th birthday party for ages and finally the day of the party came !

The party had a beach theme as Rich loves to go surfing and well the weather is pretty grotty right now so we needed a little bit of summer back in our lives !

Sarah had taken him out for the day and we had the job of decorating their flat and cooking the food and I made the cake ! It all turned out really well as you can see in the pictures. I'm so proud of the cake !!!!

Rich with himself !

The cake !

more of the cake!

Sarah and Rich

More pics when I get them from other people !