DREAMS.....

OMG, I had one of those dreams the other night where you're behind the bar and the orders are coming in thick and fast, 3 Margarita's (now did he mean pizza's or cocktails)???   Milkshakes every flavor possible, fresh juices, and club sandwiches, English Breakfast, Continental......and you've run out of glasses, you just managed to stretch the bacon on the last order and you're thinking, shit what was the first order again???  Trying not to panic cos the waiter already repeated it twice!!!.....

AHHHHHHH!!!  But then you realise of course it's just a dream.....we are in 2010....everyone eats breakfast in the hotels, oh and lunch, tea and all the other snacks and drinks in between too....!!!  They might park their backsides on your chairs and take out their packed up rolls, and even  order a small bottle of water between the four of them if you are lucky, but long are the days when you really are stressed behind the counter, unless of course you do work at an all inclusive.....and then you don't stop....ever!!!

The crisis in Greece continues....not only is it unremitting but we are being crushed and trampled into the ground.  Why...???  Well, even  if you did manage to make any money, you're taxed every way possible on it, dead or alive, and even if your business closed years ago....they still find ways of making you pay!!!

So the strikes go on, as the politicians sit in there luxury villa's wondering  where it all  went wrong, while the general public are facing  battles and  frontiers with adversity and little hope of a new and brighter future...
BUT, on a happier note it's Christmas soon. (HO!HO!HO!).....!!!.....I just hope Santa is exempt, Mary & Joseph weren't!!!

DO DREAMS REALLY COME TRUE???

I bloody hope not, cos i would be dead having literally pulled a  piece of glass the size of a window  out of my own chest last night!!!  Then i spent the whole day worrying that maybe it meant someone near and dear to me might have a heart attack......and every time the phone rang, I jumped up expecting bad news, even when it was the Headmaster (again), I was quite relieved!!!
I think you can read into dreams what you feel or want to at the time.... (I'm still amazed that i actually have been having them, and remembering them too....!!!) 

If you're currently looking at the glass half full, the glass in my dream could symbol an illness that will go into remission.....half empty, well you're already looking on youtube for the all time top funeral songs...!!!

Yes, dreams can be interpreted any way you choose....or from a book (I have one upstairs, a little bit dusty since usually after several glasses of wine i don't seem to dream anymore.....it's only the last few days when  i've had a virus and pain medication , i've had to dig it out again!!!)

BUT, by the time you've looked everything up  (in Greek) that appeared in your dream, (half and hour later)you end up with something like....someone is jealous of you, maybe because the other bit in the dream says you're gonna win money, or maybe that you are about to turn direction....now does that mean have a new hairstyle or geographically ???  Mmmmmmmmm, all very confusing really.....

Or it might be as that i've had to fast (due to fear of throwing up again)....that the dreams are guiding me....or hold some divine inspiration???.....Drink wine, drink wine....drink wine......!!!

A dream is a succession of images, sounds or emotions that the mind experiences during sleep. 
Isn't it a shame though that the most recurrent ones are usually those which you are being torn to shreds by wolves.....(I blame it on Little Red Riding Hood), instead of  gently caressed by some tall, dark or fair, handsome stranger....(Mills & Boon).....ones.   The dream which you have never got passed first base, however long you lay there and will yourself back onto  the hot sand....bath.....alley....whatever!!!

Anyway, enough of dreams for today and on to:-

FASHION

(FOR US GIRLS ON SMALL ISLANDS - LARGE BAGS/HOLDALL/WHEELIES)

Christmas is coming, time to get glitzy, let your hair down & have fun!!!.....Whilst most people are looking forward to their office parties & mistletoe, those of us in Greece who are unemployed out of season (and some of us in season)....will be lucky enough to go out anywhere!!!....AND if we do....we will be carrying with us, a large bag/holdall or a wheelie- (think SEXY Air Hostess)....and WHY.... do you ask.....???  We will be bar crawling with a difference.....Drinking the contents (whatever is on offer at the time) of these beautiful items, in between the bars, as we can no longer afford the prices inside them.   Hmmmm, come to think of it suitcases could be fashionable too!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in America.

Happy list writing to all of us women everywhere.....it's only just begun!!!!....Hope your lead up to Xmas will be stress free!!!  (Haha)

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

P.S. Prince William is oh soooooo hot!!!  Lucky Kate.

Miley Cyrus_Liam Hemsworth Abbraccio

Miley Cyrus_Liam Hemsworth Abbraccio
Originally uploaded by The Last Song Italia

Yes, Liam, voted one of the Future Faces, born in 1990, OMG i still think we are in the 90's.....that's when you know you've lost it, and realise, sadly he's half my age.......!!!

Anyway, another pretty face, and a great six pack. Check him out in The film 'The Last Son'g with Miley Cyrus - looking at him you even forget her annoying voice.....

Beautiful film, box of tissues required, and i was pretty impressed by Miley's performance, without a wig. Great song too!!!

IN THE SADDLE AGAIN???

OK, I'm sorry, my got up and go, got up and went......(to Scotland, I think....),writers block possibly, and the fact my memory has deteriorated, not only do i forget where the car is parked as before, but i literally have  to count the bath towels, to see if i had a shower or not !!!  So although i now carry with me (when i don't forget, a pen & notepad), by the time i actually manage to find it, i've usually managed to lose my train of thought, idea/information or comment that i had thought of moments  before!!!
BRAIN FOG, i'm told due to auto-immune disease.....thank god for that, i was beginning to think it could be caused by wine overdoses & Doritos's!!!.

So, for the BIG comeback, i thought about the layout, the pics i could add, the whole 'new look' blog, the hotties.....and do you know what??? Yep,  i haven't changed a thing!!!  Call me lazy, 'whatever', but you're still reading it aren't you???  (Thank you XXX).

FRIENDS ARE what makes the world go round, or upside down, you stick side by side, BUT when they disappear your life can turn itself inside out......God, this sounds like some dodgy lyrics to a song!!!Which reminds me, there are far to many lovely songs out there about friends.  Will now have to spend the next few hours looking on YouTube......& it's my husbands first night home in months......!!!  Ahhha, you're thinking, is this why the NOT so Greek Goddess is back????

YES, of course.......IT IS.....!!!   It's Football season (again)....and i no longer have any control over the remote or the volume!!!

But really, husbands come & husbands go, but friends are forever!!! (Even when they are far away....). What I really  want to say is, it's totally crap when  friends decide to move away....and you lose your bubble/real partner. I mean you can hardy moan about your husband to your husband can you???  That's just called nagging!!!  It certainly isn't as  much fun 'walking the dog', without coffee & cakes or several bottles of wine!!! (Smirnoff Ices/North....or whatever dregs of alcohol you can find....!!!).
My dog got walked frequently last winter, and often needed a rest outside friends houses!!!

YEP, there are many people  leaving 'The Island'.....not for sunnier shores, but possibly brighter ones.  The future is not looking so great in Greece at the moment......and rougher seas are yet to follow.....it's getting harder and harder to keep your head above the water.

BORED is....
The most frequently used word in our house at the moment, (due to teenage daughters), and possibly the longest one, in English that is, because it is pronounced 'boooooooooored'!!!  It's all 'yes', and 'no' answers and 'don't know....don't care'!!!

There is a book that has had some great reviews called 'Help, my teenager is an Alien'  it is  already in the basket on my Amazon list, which is getting longer & longer by the day.....!!! (Now, i just need a credit card).
 Perhaps i should also buy 'them' a Thesaurus for Christmas, and there must be a book for children to 'Help, my mum is turning into a dragon & an alcoholic', that i could add also!!!

Don't  you just  love being a mum sometimes, all that gushing that "ohhhhhhh yes, it's soooo rewarding".  Well i'm still waiting, and quite honestly most of the time, i think i deserve as most mums do, a bloody medal!!!
Due to stress, not only do i have to buy Clearasil for them, i now have to use it too!!!  The spot on my nose is soo big, it keeps interfering with my wine glass, ouch!!! My face (apart from the laughter lines of course, resembles a teenager, if only my body would follow suit!!!)

All my 'things' mysteriously disappear......turning up a few weeks later.....empty!!!  My husband has got it all sussed, he actually puts his razors in the safe....not sure if this is because teenage girls have a tendency to leave them hairy....or because he thinks his wife has 'lost it' completely, and it's all part of his suicide watch !!!
OMG would have to be ....it's Local Election time in Kos, and throughout Greece.......and funny, there hasn't been any real news for weeks ......  just lots of smiling faces in the newspapers, ...quite honestly the best thing is to put them up on the wall, throw a dart.... and that's who you vote for!!!  (If you fixed your papers that is!!!)  Politics, all very confussing, especially on a small island, where people are not just voting for the best party/Mayor, it's wether they are related to them & friendships too!!!

By the way:- thanks to http://www.kos-explorer.com/ we now have a better understanding in true English, what it's all about!
 FASHION

Finally, ripped tights/leggings are in.....(i've been wearing them for years!!!).....Just a shame that 'slightly' overweight  almost 40 year old's shouldn't really still be wearing them.   Yes, you REALLY know you are getting old, when you actually consider your 'age' before buying something!!!
 Scary!!! I didn't really want those lace leggings anyway :-( ....!!!

It's soooo NOT fair when your daughters friends come in wearing a similar outfit,......they look fantastic, whilst you are trying to  control all the appropriate parts, including your chins......& walk in heels that you are  not used to wearing anymore, (cos you spend more time at the swing park/supermarkets than anywhere else these days!!!)

God, help you if anyone wants to take a photograph, not only have you forgotten which side is supposed to be your good one......you actually realise it doesn't even exist anymore!!!   Even worse if it turns up on facebook, someone has tagged you, and OBVIOUSLY added even more wrinkles.....and for sure they have enlarged you.....yeah....they must have one of those aging/fat cameras......!!!

Nice to be back, Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

BACK TO THE HERE AND NOW.....!!!

I know, i know, it's been a while.....and it's soooo hot, no air-con in the kitchen ....by the time i actually contemplate a 'Not so Greek Goddess post', I have usually  been so busy (on face book)......that i am exhausted!!!.....Or been in the fridge too many times....for cold beer or wine!!!  That's the problem with the computer being here, why don't they make adult locks for the fridge???

I've been on a little trip, back to England and to the place where i spent my years...'growing up'.....it had been 5 years since my last visit, so it was lovely showing my children the 'City' and reliving some of those memories.....!!!  And visiting the places of my youth....(not just the pubs!!!)

They simply adored the double decker bus, and a train, one that actually runs on a track....!!!  I couldn't believe how many people use public transport....and don't wash!!!).  We annoyed the hell out of everybody, oohing and arrrhhhing....at everything, so we switched to 'Greek', not a good move, not only was i now a 'single mother, with 4 children....(major death stares),  benefits coming out of my ears (obviously)......but was an immigrant too'........!!!(resulting in tut-tutting as well as the stares.)

People were as helpful as ever, and friendly, I would say "Good Morning" to most, and they looked at me as if i was some kind of weirdo, that, or desperately trying to remember where they might possibly know me from!!!  I hit a guy in the face trying to get my stroller off the bus, accident of course, but honestly he could see me struggling.  I didn't realise you had to press the 'button'....i thought that was for an emergency stop or something....so we almost ended up walking home from another village too!!!

I also managed to fall down the steps of Debenhams, and graze all my shins, and not because i had been in the Murderers (The Gardeners Arms), at lunch-time, but again trying to manoeuvre the pram  god, where are the ramps.....they are always moaning here about access....!!! Of course everyone rushed to help....(.no.!!!)...

Isn't it a shame though that now with all the Safe & Healthy issues, some of the 'fun' has been taken out of life, for example you are no longer supposed to 'bump, on the Bumper Cars, you can't feed the animals at the farms (due to e-coli), and you can't even take pics of the kids just in case you get someone elses kid in the background......and are a paedophile. 

Everything you say, has to be 'PC'....which i thought was something to do with a computer until friends enlightened me.....Life is changing.  as  are we,.....gone are those days on the Broads in  a dingy.... not a care in the world ......without mobile phones......away all day....

Reunions....High School

OMG, would have to be....having read all the 'Do's and Do NO T's lists of what to wear, talk about, etc, etc....behaviour, forgot the most important one......do not get intoxicated.......!!!  Oh well, at least I wasn't the only one.  How weird, to find yourself back as a16/17 year old......in a body of a almost 40 year old, thinking OMG....OMG....OMG, but still so lovely to see people of 'yesterday', and although everyone has got older, more responsibilities....etc...etc....none of us have really changed.........???
I am not going to mention any beer bellies, lack of hair, cellulite, or anything else.....just thank god for Primark's big nickers and gel fillers, we girls are sooo lucky......!!!
I could have done with some Polly filler as well though!!!

  I spent most of the evening  accidentally brushing  against everyone , cos my chest had grown two sizes over night, and worrying that i might  not have recognised someone.....perhaps name badges would be good next time....and glasses even!!!

Which brings me to the next 'do not do'....and that is flash everything....yep, hadn't even actually 'got in' to the 'Reunion' and went to the loo....window was open, didn't realise, i was desperately trying to haul these super size hold everything in.....very tight long/ big nicks  up....and realised (mortified), i was in fact in full view of everyone in the bar opposite....ended up crawling down on the floor....still trying to get the bloody things up, when someone says....Ohhhhh....Tracey Harding......how are you???  AHHHHH!!!  By the way, it was the hottest day of the 'so called summer', so imagine....trying to pull anything up.  Why didn't i just wear the white dress???...(Or Burka)!!!

In General

Something else I realised is how many people still smoke.  Whilst travelling during early hours of the morning, i could not believe how many people were smoking in their cars on their way to work (probably the only place you can smoke these days in England)...........apart from 'out-side' the pubs, which seem to give men even more of a reason to stand around admiring the views???.........

Life is not always black or white, or greener on the other side....and memories are what we all carry with us.  (although the men, seem to lose a few on the way ,their brains are scientifically different.!!!...)  some fade away or are conveniently forgotten, but they make us what we are....god, I now I have found all my  old diaries too....., which are slightly disturbing!!!  Who went out with who when, what was happening in Neighbours....and who didn't I go out with???.....thank god, I met my husband when i did!!!


So if i ever go away again, lessons i have learnt are:-

Go alone.....(haha!!!)

Not a good idea to give the kids  milkshakes with crushed smarties in, when you are about to be confined in a small space for more than 3 hrs........!!!

Make sure your teenagers pack all their makeup in their luggage, not in the hand luggage, it took us about half an hour to then pack it all in those little plastic bags at Gatwick!!!

and having had my bra searched,( must have been the Terry's chocolate oranges down there)......not to wear any padding AND when then asked to remove your belt, shoes earrings.....don't suggest to the good looking Security Guard about  removing your dress as well!!! (Not good when they are in serious National Threat mode.....and no humour!!!.....meanwhile my children had disowned me....!!!)

Plus, never listen to anyone who tells you to "just to bring summer clothes'......i lived in the same jeans and cardigans for two weeks!!!  XXX

The excess kilo's on  the way home were generally to do with treacle pudding and custard, eccles cakes, pick n mix...etc...etc.....so next time i will make sure i take expanding clothes with me....!!!

Hope you are enjoying your summer,  will be off 'on tour' around the island  next week, (my car is finally fixed
and people can't hear me....before seeing me....!!!)

and blogging 'A little Greek Island'....

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

Thank you to all my lovely family and friends for making our holiday so special....and for all your encouraging remarks and comments, i'm glad i make you laugh.  XXX  We managed to go to the Zoo, Gt Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Shopping Mall(s!!!), Bowling, Cinemas......Parks.......Zaks....and so many other places too.

FOOTBALL

YES, everyone is talking about it.....(yawn, yawn....), Facebook, twitter, every news channel.....and most people with dangly bits between their legs.  It is upon us all, The World Cup.  Forgive me if i'm not excited this year, in fact i haven't even looked at the player's, usually that's how i decide who to support!!!

Oh there was a time when i classed myself as a bit of a 'Laddette', with my Newcastle Brown Ale (actually quite a few of them), and my footy scarfs, generally depending on what team the guy i liked, or which country he was from.  Usually, Man U......and England....

I remember also having a mad crush on Kevin Keegan (who didn't), and my bedroom door being covered with him, that is the only football player i remember really going crazy for.  I was never one for poncy haircuts, headbands, and men that spend longer in the bathroom than me!  Although, .....
I read a quote recently from a professional football player who said...."yeah, he treats us like real men, and lets us wear earrings".........about his Manager.....!!!

Our house was always divided in football teams anyway, Norwich, Southampton and Man U, my Nana being the biggest fan out of the lot of us!

Whenever there  was an important game, we even had a TV strategically placed so you could watch whilst going to the toilet....just in case anyone scored!!! 

Once , i met a man who was supposedly in the Icelantic World Cup Team, it's amazing what you believe when you've had a few Vodka and Blue Bols in a foreign country.  How could i have fallen for that one?  I remember watching every Icelandic match for months!!! Duh!!!

So sales for Pringles and beer are up, and the take-away businesses should be doing well.  Whereas any places without a TV during this period will not!  Although there are still a few of us out there, who would much prefer a good ole girls night out, and plenty of wine.....than sitting in a room (or outside), with a bunch of people who once they've got their football shirts on think they are now experts in commentary, rules, (especially off-side) and penalties..........!!! 

I used to even play football, and even took part in a charity tournament, are team were called the 'Victorious Virgins', we lost miserably, possibly because most of us had been victoriously slamming back tequila before hand, and couldn't work out which goal we were supposed to be shooting at! And, although most of us were actually in the hockey team, we had no idea what off side was!

I have friends on facebook, saying farewell for a few weeks due to 'football comitments', OFCS,  it's not as if it's 24 hours a day is it?  Other's that have booked time off work, just to sit in their armchairs to watch it............helloooooo???  O.k, o.k, i get it, it's a hobby......but really when you think about it, watching guys kick a ball around a huge pitch.....in long shorts (they aren't even sexy tight ones anymore, (athletics's is soo much more appealing!!!)......what's the big deal???

"Come on England"......everyone suddenly becomes patriotic, although they've been slagging the whole dam country off for months! 

FASHION......sorry, but football shirts only look good on 6ft, very FIT football players.....think about all those pairs of shoes you could buy in Primark for the same price!!!

Gladiator shoes are in fashion, but i now know first hand why they call them that, after about an hour of dancing in them, you wish you've been swallowed whole by a lion, or clubbed to death by an opponent....those fold up shoes you can squeeze into your tiny clutch bag are a good idea, although bare foot is sexier!!!

AND lastly, OMG would really have to be i have NO TIME FOR BLOGGING.....my teenage daughters are hogging the computer (whilst revising???), and it's too hot to be sat in the kitchen....if only my lap-top was a lap-top and i could sit out on the roof balcony at night......it would be perfect.

HAPPY WORLD CUP TO YOU ALL.....enjoy!!!  XXX

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

P.S. I will confess if Ariadne had been a boy, I was considering to name her after the football player who scored the last goal in the World Cup Final.......when Greece actually won......ANGELOS......and perhaps, i would feel differently if i had a houseful of boys.....but it's all about Gossip Girl and 90210/Barbie in our household!!!

A CRUSH, BLUSH & NAUGHTY NURSE?

OMG  would have to be that isn't it, without a doubt however young or 'old' you are, and no matter whom you seem to have a crush on, whether it is the rough looking homeless guy, the man from next door, or the local newsreader.....you ALWAYS bump into them when you are:-

Smelling of tsatsiki (Greek dip made with lots of garlic and yogurt, and more garlic!!!)

Buying tampons.

Just popping to the shop and you haven't looked in a mirror since dawn, and it's 9.45 pm and you are desperate for wine, before the shop closes........

Tucking into a spinach pie, and you daren't open your mouth, let alone smile, in fear of the green dangly bits that are now lining your teeth enamel.

OR all of the above......


Well, there is no harm in 'looking', I was always brought up to believe in that!!!  The problem is the blushing and then the stupid things that just tumble out of your mouth......

Like mmmmm, yes, it's been a bad day (you have the huge bottle of Ampelia wine infront of you), but it's been really good...........uhhhh???  Helloooo........and that's even before you've had a drink!!!

Or you stand there answering "you're fine", when your nose is streaming, eyes are red raw, and you are struggling to breathe ....

YOU then proceed to knock everything over (the kids or the dog aren't even around to blame), with your over sized handbag.

By then your kids are ringing you, wondering why mummy is taking so long.....your phone is blurting out some kind of tune you don't even recognise, (they've changed it again), and of course you don't even realise it is yours and have no chance of even knowing who sings it....!!!
"Aren't you gonna answer that then"?.....

"Ummmm, oh, ummmmm, hold on.....wait a minute, where is it"?.....By this time, ALL the contents of your bag have been emptied and spread out onto the counter, for everyone to see.....and it's stopped ringing!!!

Contents of by bag usually:-
sweet wrappers, chewing gum wrapped up in paper (not mine), lipsticks without the tops on that are usually coated in something.....pens that don't work, loose change, cards from every supermarket on the planet, camera, magazine, receipts, a banana that has seen better days, and, and, and..........
Not only are you blushing, flushing, crushing.....gushing....whatever, you are for sure WISHING that the ground will just swallow you up, or at least that there could be a power cut !!!

So, it's a really good job you have that bottle of wine to look forward to when you finally make it home. 

That's if you remember to actually pick it up in the plastic bag, which already has split because it's soo bloody heavy!!!

 AND then if you didn't walk out the shop forgetting to pay, and  having to be called back, knowing your purse is somewhere in that Mary Poppins bag of yours........after all you had it out before, when you were trying to find your phone, and then the keys a few moments a go.........!!!

They are quite happy to say "pay me tomorrow" by this time, as you go to tip out your handbag again!!!

Meanwhile all you're thinking is thank god it's a screw top.....who cares  if it's not chilled!!!

......................................................................................................................................................................

I HEART The Anna Summers status updates on Facebook, and the outrageous questions they ask (the answers of course are even funnier!!!).....

Where do you hide your sex toys???   -
One lady wrote....
I don't, they make lovely bedside table decorations......(.haha....yes i can just see Jessica Rabbit now.....and the cleaning lady giving them a good dust!!!)


So next week I'm going to be busy with this Fist Aid Course, the only reason my husband is allowing me to do it, is because I said I would practise on him 'after', so better go and buy some band-aids......although, I'm thinking he was thinking  more along the lines of a Naughty Nurse outfit......and bandages.  BUT, then I might really have to resuscitate him!!!  (Not by any means i would look good in it, it's just a man thing isn't it???)
If only a could find a McDreamy mask.....you can buy wigs though!!!


So that's it from me, have a great weekend......

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

P.S.  We can get a discount if we order the wigs in bulk.......???!!!

Alvin & The Chipmunks - You Had A Bad Day - Daniel Powter (FULL VERSION)

So you've had a bad day....bad week,  wine helps!!! XXX There's a storm brewing and no doubt i'm just about to lose my connection.........

Handsome Men's Club

I posted this on Facebook a few weeks ago....and still thinking about it.....!!!  Enjoy, lots of lush men.....all in one room, who would you choose??? XXX

EAT LESS EXERCISE MORE

Yep, by the time we get to 'almost 40', most of us actually do know  what we should be doing, and what we shouldn't be eating!!!  It's simple really......but just difficult to follow.

I mean sayings like 'You are what you eat'.....don't really help, do they?  I would be cheese.....which is of course the perfect accompaniment to wine!!!
Are you what you drink then too......medium, white and fruity??? 


Not a day goes by on Facebook that someone doesn't mention how many lbs/stone...kilo's they've lost....or put on even, or which diet they are trying this week.  Think of the millions we've all spent over the years on cabbage, eggs, Cambridge shakes, diet meals, and fitness video's and DVD's....(I've got a cupboard full of them!!!).   All the dusty exercise equipment, (never actually could afford any myself, just a hula hoop), and gym membership cards. 

Oh yes, we've all been there,  (well some of us),  and probably are still the same size, or bigger, just a few of us  might have got to lolly pop status.  Certainly not me, I mean how can you always be on a diet, (since about 15years old) but still be overweight???

I've followed the CABBAGE soup diet, absolutely disgusting, even when you fool yourself it isn't.  You do lose weight fast, but also friends with it, gets a bit embarrassing when you can't hold one in......wind that is!!!

Eggs, done that, again same problem as the Cabbage one, and probably best avoiding now, all that cholesterol and red meat, have to start thinking about your heart these days too.

Then you've got the Cambridge diet (does it still exist???). Not wise to do this for a week, and then binge drink (bottle of Cinzano), and end up with someone practically having to call the Paramedics, which happened to someone I knew once.......!!!  I have never drank that again, nor Southern Comfort, Babycham, Pimms, Pernod......etc....etc............!!!

To be honest, I really have attempted them all, Atkins, Low Fat....Special K, ummm, the Post Natal one, which how on earth are you  meant to be cutting up/juicing everything, when you don't even have time to wash your face, in the morning???......I can't understand.............Sooooooo many diets, so little time really!!!

The diets that I really know, are the ones that start on Monday and last till about Wednesday (on a good week).  The ones that you save up all your points and then binge on anything and everything at the weekend.  The ones when you've had a bad day, and think sod it, you only live once, and then proceed to eat everything in the fridge and freezer!!! 

It doesn't help also living in Greece when every day seems to be someones birthday, name day, or another kind of eating occasion, it's so rude to refuse!

I think the only time I've actually lost weight was due to illness, and you're finally feeling thin, and then everyone tells you how awful you look!!!  Or when I had the twins, basically for 2 years I don't think I actually sat down, let alone ate, how do people manage with triplets and more???

Nope, diets aren't 'my thing', I'm the type of girl that walks into the mini-market and can't decide, wine, crisps or chocolate, so buys them (drinks & eats) them all, especially if it's been a bad day!!!

I wonder if I would hate Monday's still so much,  if I didn't associate it with a diet or doing the housework after a manic weekend........of food, drink and toys!!!

OMG would have to be....I must be the only one not talking politics at the moment!!!

AND I so want a Yoga Instructor like the one in 'Couples Retreat'..............BOOM...BOOM.... (You won't understand if you haven't seen the film, not that it's particularly brilliant, but makes you laugh in places......and you can iron without burning anything......!!!)

FASHION....polka dot's..........'She wore an incy wincy....'..........well, not quite in my case, unless I wear pegs at the sides, (which almost makes me look as if I've got a flat stomach), and tattoo my stretch marks, now there's a thought!!!  Or maybe just a very large spotty sarong!!!

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

P.S.  Well done to all those girls/boys out there on Facebook who have done so well.....it's not easy...!!!

CARPET CRAWLERS - ANKLE BITERS- KIDS- CHILDREN - TEENAGERS???!!!

Ok so the mop, bucket, swiffer and broom are in position by the door...(just in case someone comes....and it doesn't look as if i've spent the whole morning on Facebook)......

I know you're not meant to blog about THE KIDS....however, after the a.m. I've already had, it might work as a distress, let of steam kind of thing.

There is a status on Facebook saying....s'thing about 'You teach your children to walk, talk and...., and then as soon as they can you spend most of the time telling them to sit down and shut up'!!!

VERY TRUE!!!
(and all those manners you installed into them....time and time again....."You must remember to say....."
what happened??? I thought kids had fantastic memories, I mean they ALWAYS remember when you promised something, don't they???  Mine do, and all those embarrassing moments, like when you walked out of the loo with your nickers tucked into your dress....or when talking in Greek you congratulated the people on the death of a family member....(opps).

I guess i have the advantage of kids through the ages or DISADVANTAGE.....2 teenage daughters at once, is enough for anyone to cope with! 

OMG would have to be they already finish school (only a few exam days) now till September, so if i haven't lost it by now...then i surely will have by then.  Thank god we are going to England to break things up a bit.  I wonder if i should tell my mum that i've actually booked 2 weeks on my own in Spain....and just the kids will be staying with her!!!


Seriously, it doesn't matter how perfect you think someone is, as a mother, wife, house keeper etc, etc.  If you really get talking everyone has issues, everybody gets stressed and screams and shouts from time to time, or locks themselves in the bathroom now and again!!! (and drinks wine!!!)


This is why I love OMG-I so need a glass of wine or I'm gonna sell the kids  Group on Facebook......!!!  There are plenty of mums out there who feel like that...(105, 932 members) and it makes you feel so much better.  You can even order wine glasses with the Group's Name on.....hey, wonder if one day I'll be able to do that with The NOT so Greek Goddess......and coffee cups???!!!



I remember using the excuses of mmmm, yes, they are teething, but this stage lasted from 0 months....till now.  Yep, the teenage girls are getting their wisdom teeth, the middle one her second ones straining under her old ones, and the little one is still getting her baby ones at almost 3!!!  Just wondering though what excuse i can make for behavior problems after this....hormones....and??? 




Yep, we've all had days when you are so tempted to give them that anti-histamine medicine, the one that makes them sleepy, (so you can get some sleep also), or packets of smarties/lollies just to keep them quiet......(until, the e numbers set in....i don't care what is says on the packaging now....they still make my kids bounce!!!).  Failing that, you've got your DVD player.......and you buggered if that breaks!!!



My youngest daughter goes to Play School and is completely infatuated by a boy who's mother is The Child Pyschologist on the island.  A wonderful young lady that always has time to chat.  I feel quite sorry for her because we always start of with 'normal' conversation......and then slowly, somehow I don't even know how, I end up asking her for advice!!!.....She will start charging me soon.....or avoiding me even!!!


WITH CHILDREN, basic parenting....remember....


NEVER tell a child they are NAUGHTY....!!!  ( but it's quite alright to tell them they are 'The Devil's Child' then???).........

NEVER reprimand a child in front of other's.....take them aside and far away.  This is a hard one, when you've got another mother breathing fire down your neck, as your child has just bitten them!!!

IF they have done something that you are not 'satisfied' with , explain it to them, and let them have TIME OUT.....either on a stair, chair....etc....TIME OUT CORNER.....



God, my children would be constantly there, (and my husband) and they wouldn't all fit!!! Plus, i would have lost my voice (and patience) explaining, by the time they had even gone to school in the morning!!!



Yes, we all forget those simple rules on parenting, it doesn't matter how many books, articles we read, and people we listen to, we all need reminding sometimes. 



When it was my daughters party I was a little bit concerned as to whether to invite this lovely lady and her son.  I could just imagine, my beautiful friends and I (whom are all great Mother's) sitting there, sipping our coffees, whilst the children played happily....and then a major fall out/scrap/strop with the kids....and us just being all tongue tied, frozen, rooted to the spot.....thinking ok what am i meant to be doing/saying now???......

It turned out that she was working anyway...(I think???)!!!



At the end of the day, we all love our kids...(sometimes we might not actually like them....) BUT, I am proud of mine, and if they do happen to be reading this THEY ARE GOOD KIDS, but I just wish they would come with a remote control sometimes!!! (and would tidy up their bedrooms....etc...etc...)



I loved a video link which I will now try and add or put on The NOT so Greek Goddess Blog Fanclub on Facebook!!!   A Mother's Song.....it is Oh so true and funny, and another Link about a Cocktail drinking mum who keeps putting a DVD on for her kids......(still working on finding that again!!!)

Hope you find them funny......
Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

Don't forget to join the 'OMG I so need a glass of wine or I'm gonna sell the kids' page on Facebook, it's brilliant!!!

P.S.  My husband just quickly nipped home, and told me a 4 month old baby was killed yesterday (car accident) here on the island.....which really makes you think doesn't it.???.....Guess we should just appreciate our children, even if they are not always perfect!!!

The Mum Song

Where The Streets Have No Name

Where The Streets Have No Name
Originally uploaded by naomi.photography

This is a guy I have had a major crush on for half my life-time!!! He is still incredibly sexy and his voice.....well!!! Yep, thumbs up for Bono!!! They just played U2's top 10, on a music programme....and as my Wii Board wasn't working (possibly needs batteries???), I almost knocked myself out with my weights, jumping up and down to 'Sunday Bloody Sunday!!!' XXX

NOTICE BOARDS AND A HOLIDAY, PERHAPS?

I finally took a picture of my computer, which was once a lap-top and is now on an (old) table top connected to an even older monitor, soooo old fashioned that our teenage daughters don't even want it in their bedroom!!!

I guess, you can see their point!  It's taken over the whole kitchen.  I almost gave myself a hernia trying to lift it!

Anyway, my notice board caught my attention.....AND.........

let me see, yep, lots of lovely artwork,  shopping receipts, recipes cut out of magazines (that I'll never get round to ever making)...One for scones even. Never make plain or cheese ones, the sultanas help with Plan B- Rock cakes, which mine always turn out like anyway!!!

There are photo's of myself slimmer, (and wrinkle free) - aged 10 !!!...which are meant to encourage the weight lost/beauty programme, although I'm actually sitting here with  ice-cream dripping on the keyboard!!!  Probably 3 kilos worth, why do friends do that??? 
"I bought ice-cream for the kids"........knowing that you are on a diet, of course you refuse when offered and then just scoff the whole lot after they've gone anyway!!!


BACK TO THE POINT..... somewhere UNDER that lot you will actually find the emergency No's! 

I can really see me sifting through that and finding them, even on a normal 'panic less' day!  Let alone, touch wood, if something was to occur.  BEST move those to the front and highlight them.  Or even better, next to the phone!!!

What was it the other day i was looking at on the Health Section???  Oh yes, it was a whole page on 'Whether you should go to The Emergency Room'.....for example it stated.....read this if your child is choking....then a list of questions. 

1) Is your child having difficulty breathing?
2) Is your child unable to swallow?
3) Is your child coughing continually?
4) Is your child turning blue?

OFGS are you really going to sit down at your computer and look this all up, if he/she is??? I mean....honestly!!!  It  then stated, if your child is showing any signs of these symptoms you should proceed straight to the hospital.....!!!  What a waste of time, your child  has NOW turned purple by the time you've remembered your passwords, let alone managed to type the right address and read it!!!

I am so glad that I will hopefully be attending an Emergency First Aid Course this month, although a little bit disappointed we have to practice on dummies instead of male models!!!

By the way, most of the girls that live here have rescued more than one infant/child from a pool ( I know I have), not sure what makes people think that they can JUST sit back on their sunbeds and read their books/sleep even, whilst their wee ones are wondering around pools without armbands etc!!! 

OMG would have to be The Elections in England, there were more comments about The Championship League on Facebook in fact!!! (on my home page anyway!).  Mmmm "Hung Parliament', sounds doomed to me!!!

FASHION

Khaki is in, (thank god, because I'm still wearing Khaki from the last time - the same summer dress which comes out year after year!!!)  I also found a shop that had slightly under the knee line dresses, instead of high thigh ones!!!  Just need to find a rich man now though. 60 Euro each, and I liked about 10 of them!!!  Prices have already started to escalate, as if they could go any higher???

A friend and I discussed today, that it would be cheaper to book ourselves  (and kids),  into  An All Inclusive Hotel for the summer, and eat/drink as much as we want, (no cleaning up afterwards),  than try and feed a family with the supermarket prices.  (Are husbands would obviously be working.....!!!)
We also laughed that we wouldn't need any clothing just swimwear, flip-flops and perhaps a wrap for the night!!! 

There is also fantastic entertainment for the kids, and kiddies clubs  too. Probably tons of  of inter-net places, so no-one will have to fight over the computer, it's certainly worth considering.  Plus you get a cleaner every day, not much washing, no ironing.......sounds perfect!!! NO WATER/ELECTRICITY BILLS AND NO NEED FOR  PETROL (we'd rent bikes)....my garage charged 1.61 a litre tonight! AHHHHHHH!!!
The thing is....we just might have to stay permanently.....along with everyone else who lives here.....!!!
On that happy note (again), I shall say goodnight, just off to pack my suitcase!!!

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

P.S.  Please do not think i am trying to promote ALL-Inclusive Holidays, totally the opposite.  They are destroying Greece.  The companies are selling these style holidays so cheap, most of the money stays in the hotel, very few guests actually take a walk outside the premises, let alone spend anything.  The result over the last few years is that many small businesses are unable to 'stay alive'.....and with the economic situation and all the taxes that the Greek population have to pay,(especially now) it won't just be the small ones that are struggling to survive.

ECONOMIC CRISIS? AND SJOGRENS .....

OMG -(AND NEWS)

 Has to be the terrible state that Greece is now in......I mean wow, it is now classed as 'Junk', or the National Debt is.  In the last month, most of the men & women have lost their pride in the Nation that has seen philosophers, mathematicians, poets, play writers,  founders of medicine, law courts, DEMOCRACY.  How could a government have possibly got into this state?

Men (and women) are going grey,  losing their hair, having heart attacks, the divorce figures are probably soaring as no doubt the suicide figures.   People who have worked all their lives, are losing out on their pensions.  Anything that can be taxed, is being taxed now....and the citizens are of course paying for the mistakes of those in power!!!  I just hope I'm going to get my family allowance....because I owe my mum most of it!  Thank god, she just lived in Germany and has no German blood in her....I wouldn't be able to afford the interest rates!

What's it like in Australia?  Shall we all move there?


YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN A  CREDIT CRUNCH WHEN

You have winter clothes and summer clothes.....but no longer can afford spring and autumn.

You buy shoes that multi-task....act as a trainer, sandal, and beach wear!!!

Your clothes are too small, and you cannot afford any new ones....so you ooze out of them in every direction!!!

Your cupboards are full of lentils, beans, spaghetti and rice....but not much else!!!

You finally have to learn to sew and darn!!!

You've had to cut off...your cut offs....!!!

Oh...I'm sure there are a whole lot more we can all think of, but gotta get ready to go out soon. The last time I went out with these particular friends (and my husband), I ended up waking up on the bathroom floor at 6.00am, not looking my best!!!  AND the whole taxi drive home I felt like a teenager again, in the fact that I was praying that I wouldn't be sick....!!!  So tonight we are actually going to eat first.....!!!  I'm soo looking forward to something other than Special K!


Having overdosed on Special K for the last 3 weeks I can say I've lost 3 kilo's........not bad considering the size of the bowls.  My daughter has of course made me feel on top of the world this week with comments like....'My mummy is spotty"....when having to describe me at school..........I hope she was talking about my freckles.  During a trip to the (Chinese), yes, I have to shop there to now...I was remarking on the fact you would have to be ultra thin to get into most of the dresses, and  her answer was, yes, mummy....you couldn't because you are really fat!!!  Well, thanks hon!  Plus, I'm still waiting for my husband to realise I've had about 3 inches or more cut off my hair......

April is Sjogren's Awareness Month

Which is a perfect time to mention that it is one of the auto-immune diseases that I suffer from!  Luckily, I have more good days than bad, and compared to some, mine is very mild.  When i was finally diagnosed, I was so relieved that (having had a lip biopsy), I didn't have cancer....and that I wasn't actually going to die.  That I never took it very seriously.  BUT, it is a chronic illness, painful, frustrating, confusing to most.....and can cause so many little and more serious complications.  At times I've had problems with my heart, lungs and kidneys.

Your immune system actually overreacts, and starts to attack places it shouldn't.  With Sjogrens it tends to affect the salivary glands, and moisture areas...common features are a dry mouth, constant sore throat, difficulty in swallowing and painful, dry eyes.  But for most of us it causes sooooooooooooo many other problems to!  Look it up if you have time.....
http://www.sjogrens.org/

I always joke about my bones creaking, hands hurting, sounding and looking sometimes as if i've smoked 100 fags a day.  I always carry huge bags....with all different lotions and potions inside that help....and that I know most of the doctors on the island.  It is a 'bummer' though, but could be worse!!!  Its' great to be part of the Support Groups on Facebook too, being able to discuss aspects with other sufferers and they know exactly how you are feeling.

On a bad day, it's as if you've been run over by a bus, stabbed in the back and chest, have needles stuck in your eyes, and have had petrol poured down your throat....(I think!!!, not that I have experienced any of those things...or want to!!!)....AND you could quite easily fall asleep anywhere!

UMMM, god this is meant to be FUNNY, and so far it is ALL DOOM AND GLOOM.......OHHHHHHHHH!!


We need some' Hot Men' to look at, so we don't actually have to think about anything else all day!!!

Sorry gotta go....Keep smiling...

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

Chance Crawford butt

Chance Crawford butt
Originally uploaded by alekzmx

A bit young but who cares...X0X0 !!!

+[ Johnny Depp: drop dead gorgeous ]+

+[ Johnny Depp: drop dead gorgeous ]+
Originally uploaded by [ البندري // ♥ QTR

Pamela and I are in the kitchen with Johhny!!! She's helping me copy and paste, amongst other things!!

SHORT AND SWEET, POSSIBLY ...PITHY??? (which i now know means concise)

 OMG would have to be that my youngest daughter got scissor happy (not with her hair this time), but with my RADLEY (designer) handbag.  She cut off the little doggy, which as everyone in the know, knows....is the main part of the bag, and in my case, almost bigger than the actual bag!  I've tried to tie it on again.....

I've also found the spell-checker , and can finally upload pics (that aren't gorgeous male specimens) to this blog..........!!!  :)

FASHION

Fuller legs are in...HOORAY!!!  Just a shame mini skirts are too!!!
Apparently, having a fat 'arse', and larger than life thighs stimulate the same part in the man's brain (yes, they have one), as drinking alcohol. WOW!!!

Hey, this means we can still eat as many Pringles and Doritos as we want, and they won't have to go see a man about a dog, or just 'pop' out for some milk (all code names for the pub/cafe neon, as if we didn't know).  They can just sit and watch us, and get intoxicated!!!  AND as we get bigger, and bigger....I wonder, will they  become alcoholics???

AND THEN WHAT , "yeah man, I had to go to rehab because of my wives love handles and saddlebags" 
Well, that makes a change from all the 'sex addictions' everyone else seems to have at the moment.


NEWS

I've been considering a move back to the UK, and having at least another 6 children......I really need a new car or two, and an indoor swimming pool, (I'm going to really miss the sea).   Do they offer those on benefits as well???  Especially if Greece goes back to the Drachma, I've only just got used to the Euro!!!

The latest article I was reading on BLOGS....suggested, you write short 'pithy' posts,  and don't write about your cat, partner or kids, Oh dear then, that just leaves the swiffer.....better go!!!

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

Ohhh, almost forgot, I must 'insert' a man.....think...think...it's late and i can't spend hours 'googling hot men', not when my husband keeps walking into the kitchen.  I've just told him i'm promoting the restaurant (again!!!)

At least he's not wearing his glasses!!!

Josh Duhamel

Josh Duhamel
Originally uploaded by Ohh God!

There was a full nude shot, but don't want to give my mum a heart-attack, as my dad prints them all off for her!!!

NOT SURE YET??? POSSIBLY BREASTS AND THINGS!!!

I'm sitting here with a 'fluffy teddy' hot water bottle, (that isn't actually big enough). It's obviously only child size, it just about covers my navel!!!....I need 3 to stretch across, and a few for my back too. Why did god have to put us through all this suffering every month???. Why can't we just sign a paper when we officially don't want to be a baby making machine anymore???


Our breasts are for feeding our off-spring. (Yes, i know, men kind of forget that). A constant worry from the age of 10 til ??? Are they going to grow??? When can i stop stuffing my pale blue butterfly AA with socks....and then, when they rapidly do start to fill out, it's how can i stop them so that i can

a) sleep comfortably,

b) can find some pretty bra's that don't have monstrous straps,

c) walk down the road without comments of "hey love are those your weapons of mass destruction???"..........!!!


AND THEN....not only have they grown, and you've gone through the whole pregnancy/breast feeding senario all you can think of is
a) buying bras with push up's, padding,& extra chicken fillets!!!

b)making mental notes to oneself(or post- its) to lift and dry underneath them, so you don't have drip marks on your t-shirts or on the floor, and

c)visiting Dr 90210!!! Except you're not sure he's gonna have enough ink!!!


THE SAME GOES FOR THE MONTHLY CYCLE that women (and those close to us) have to endure.....


"Have you 'started' yet"? and you sooo desperately want to have joined that 'women's club'....and then when it finally happens to you, you can't understand what all the fuss is about, and why the hell you couldn't wait to

a) spend a fortune on pads & tampons.

b) have extreme outbreaks of spots and oil, you are shiny...but not happy!!!

c) feel like an alien has taken over your personality, and not a nice one either. Road rage is nothing!!!

d) so tired you could nose dive into your shopping trolley.

e) all of the above AND have to tolerate the pain,sickness, headaches....and...and...and that comes with it.


SO WHEN YOU FINALLY HAVE A BABY AND THAT EGG IS IMPLANTED AND YOUR LINING IS STAYING PUT....
you're soo happy (you're pregnant) and because you finally don't have to suffer them, HOORAY!!!( or most women don't). However, then comes the morning sickness, heartburn, backaches, varicose veins & other numerous side effects instead and swollen anatomy!!!


BACK TO BREASTS AGAIN.....
SO.....

You breast feed for as long as you can (another break from the monthlies, if you're lucky, i wasn't!!!). BUT then you have to suffer colossal, painful breasts and sore cracked nipples,(until hormones settle) and possibly mastitis. which is almost as painful as child birth!!! Hot, swollen mountains, that you can't 'express'....!!! OUCH....

The only good thing is you finally have breasts most women (and men) can only dream about!!! (plus the baby is getting the best, and research shows your chances of developing breast cancer is lowered).
However, you are worried about 'weaning', not only because of the baby, but what are they gonna look like when you stop???


Yep, that's right, instead of them being uncomfortable when you lay down, NOW you can no longer find them, because

a) they've disappeared in size completly or

b) fallen somewhere into the armpit region!


Your next hope of never having a period again is the menopause! But from the sound of things, that's not exactly something to be looking forward to either. Manic depression, hot sweats and brittle bones, NO THANKS!!!,

I'll just keep with my hot water bottles and Ponstan, for now, and keep blogging !!!

Lots of Love
Tracey XXX

P.S. DEAR GOD, PLEASE SEND ME BACK AS A MAN NEXT TIME!!!

and P.P.S. Please don't let this article put you off babies & breast feeding....it's all worth it in the end!!!

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas
Originally uploaded by ilovejonas.

All the young girls seem to like Nick.....I think Joe's more cool....and you??? Also has the 'eyebrow' thing going on......!!! XXX

FREEDOM

OMG - I'm Free to do what i want, any old time....yeah, right!!! The children are back at school, so it gives me a few hours in the morning, to run around the house, and up and down the stairs like a crazed women (that is desperate to get on Facebook), cleaning. Time to walk the dog and enjoy the sunshine without anyone complaining their legs are hurting, and of course to drink endless cups of coffee (decaff of course), in PEACE & QUIET!!!
Actually, I could have several OMG's today,

OMG.....OMG......OMG!!!

1. My Car - It's now 13 years old and falling apart. It creaks more than me, and the
windows open and close automatically, without any switches (or not) whenever they feel for it. Perhaps i have a ghost in the car now too??? When the windows won't close, i park it in the town hoping someone might steal it.....and all the second hand clothes that are in it....still waiting to go to charity!!!


2. I've been a whole week without wine or chocolate. I've been having Blue Vodka
and crisps instead!!! (Not really)

3. I've spent hours reading about 'how to write a blog'....and 'how to generate cash from a blog'.....and i'm still none the wiser!!! It might actually help if i learn to copy & paste first!!! Every article i did read, which is a bit
late considering i've now been at it for 2 months stressed the
importance of good grammar' and uniqueness. Well ,i've kind of blended those last two together....my punctuation and spelling is unique!!!

4. I also decluttered the bedrooms, changed the bed around (why i never thought to put it that way, i will not know...now the kids have room to actually play!!!) AND cleaned my spice cupboard, fed up with things falling on my head, or smashing on the floor.

Of course i found hundreds (slight exaggeration) of pickled tomatoes/aubergines and other 'rather' lovely (not) 'Healthy Greek Foods', laden with ingredients such as sugar, glucose, citric acid, sirop....etc...etc and the actual fruit, which could be the healthy part...depending how long it's been sitting around in all that gunk!!!


MIDLIFE CRISIS FOR WOMEN


I recently saw this article....asking do you drink too much, have feelings of worthless-ness and are addicted to shopping???
Isn't that most women these days middle aged or not??? It's all a viscous circle...we drink because we feel worthless, and then feel even worse so we become depressed. We then shop to make ourselves feel better, and when the credit card bills start coming in and we look in the mirror at our ever growing muffin top(wine bellie)..... we start drinking again!!!

Or for some...they lay in bed for 4 days in a row snorting cocaine with their husband!!! (KK) I mean who really wants to admit that???, Especially, when there are children concerned and custody issues.


EXERCISE


I've been quite good. Walking the dog, except he stops every 2 mins to do his business, or sniff... (the vet said he should have stopped this habit once he was castrated!!! If only vets could do husbands too.) Maybe, if i actually stopped calling in for coffee & biscuits at friends houses along the route...i might actually burn off some calories!!!

NEWS

I'm relieved that i no longer have to have 'Hannah Montana' on in the mornings....but miss 'The Jonas Brothers'....Now i get to hear all the latest on the news channels as i swiff. I always find the Greek news so entertaining, with their little boxes of people shouting across the screen to one another and nobody can actually get a word in, they just get louder and louder and LOUDER....!!!


THINGS I MISS ABOUT THE UK

People always ask you this question....after the one "how long have you been here"???'
to which i always reply "toooooo long!!!"

I MISS....of course family and friends (seeing all the children growing up, you miss out on all that)....one minute they are a cute bundle of blankets and pink, pink, pink ....the next it's all about the more flesh they can show (on their profile pics on facebook)....and black, black, black!!!

The pubs.....the wine bars....the clubs and working in the city. Earning a decent wage, although it usually was already spent on all of the above!!!

Scotch eggs, chips from the chippie, Captain Americas and Creme eggs....mmmmmmmmm!!! God, now i'm starving (again), and all i have in the fridge worth eating is Branston Pickle, which i managed to find today....!!!

You can actually find many products here these days....but i miss all those Pure Asia Spices, Meals in Minutes and sauces. I'm sure if i lived in England now, i would be twice the size, probably only able to shop in Evans!!!...Oh, and then of course, there is the shopping,......clothes are astronomically priced here, so a visit to Primark, and Next would be wonderful!!!

MOST OF US MISS THE ORGANISATION....how easy it is to go to the Post Office/bank/get an appointment at the Docs, Dentist, Opticians, Unemployment/Insurance Agency in the UK....but here, when dealing with any of these institutions or government organisations or medical concerns, nothing actually surprises you anymore!!! AND quite honestly they all need some bedside/office manner!!! Organisation, haha, most of them aren't even computerised yet. Records, what are they??? You could visit a doctor 10 times with the same complaint which you have to explain (again), and it's up to you to remember what he gave you the last time....difficult if you have Alzheimer's though!!!


FASHION TIP.....

Nude colours are in....BUT from a distance that is exactly how you look. I had to make an emergency stop yesterday when the guy in front of me must of thought the lady walking down the street was completely starkers!!!...

AND REALLY OMG I HAVE TO GO TO BED, i've just rescued another hedgehog from the dog,(it's about the 10th in the last few days, unless it is the same one???) and i'm finding it hard enough getting out of bed in the mornings as it is, and dealing with a 3 year old hypochondriac with amazing acting abilities....that doesn't want to go to school!!!

Lots of Love

Tracey XXX

P.S. OMG i can't seem to use 'tabs' anymore, apart from at the local shop. Although, they must be missing me now, as there has been no late night visits for wine lately!!! AND the last one is PLEASE join me on Facebook, The NOT so Greek Goddess (Fan) Group!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

DAVID BOREANZ

FEAR TEH GIANT BOREANIZ
Originally uploaded by irrg

THINK...'.ANGE'L as in Vampire in 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer', and then 'Ange'l....and as very sexy/adorable FBI Agent (Booth) in 'Bones'.....

How come there weren't many pictures in Flicker???....He is SOOO nice!!!
None of him on his own, only this one, with far toooo many clothes on!!! XXX

TASTES LIKE CHOCOLATE!!!

How much can you eat???

Chocolate for breakfast, lunch, tea, supper, mid-night snack...and??? My fridge is still full and it is D-Day tomorrow. I know i keep saying it, but really even the maternity clothes are tight-fitting now!!!

Not forgetting thaT there is a 'School Reunion' coming up, and i soo do not want to look like a fat and frumpy housewife. A housewife, full stop is bad enough!!! I wonder if i can suddenly re-invent myself and add a few white lies......ummmmmmm let me think.

Yes, my job is really demanding (trying to decide what to cook for lunch).

I have to act as a mediator (well that's true, everyone is usually fighting in our house).

Lots of very important decisions to make (shall i put the washing out, is it going to rain?)

Deadlines to meet (can i finish the housework and still make it for coffee and manage to pick up the children on time!)

Time management skills, (if i spend 1 hour doing the housework then i'm entitled to one hour on Facebook.)

Organisational skills/multi-tasking (trying to fit in your wii activity, whilst writing your blog, talking on the telephone, and ironing)
Working under pressure (tantrums, strops & teenagers....and dealing with it all on only a few hrs sleep).

I would really love to be able to say i am SOMETHING, other than a housewife, I had such ambitions for myself when i was younger, although they did change on a day-to-day basis!!! I have friends that are now changing careers, becomming Doctors, Teachers and well known Musicians......

I wanted to be a Journalist, (although only the kind that could work in the Studios/Newsrooms and interview hot celebrities, definitely no war zones without access to a hairdryer/make-up!!!) I couldn't believe it when i reached the interview stage for Anglia Television, and i was in Mexico at the time & missed it!!!
I thought about joining the Air force, I even did a Survival Course and applied to become an 'Officer' (I had met several very good looking RAF guys at the time, and thought it was the way forward & a great social life...!!!)
Even an Actress at one point, i was VERY good at playing the sick card at work, after a very heavy night out in the City.!!!

I could also tell people that i am very creative, creative (give me some coloured card and a pair of scissors!!!)
I model (Play-doh), although i once modelled in 'real-life', it was the only time in my life (thanks to camera-magic) my legs looked actually longer than my torso!!!

I'm sure there is a whole lot more i can think of too....i'm just getting started!!!

I guess you could say i was one of those lost souls....floating...drifting...and crawling my way around, often from pub to club! AND then i decided to become a REP....as my feet didn't want to stay on the ground (and they didn't very often, after the Bar Crawls, Greek Nights & Cabarets!!!) I thought it would be the answer to all of my problems and i would get the opportunity to travel!!! Except, i ended up here,on this beautiful (small) island and even getting to the other side of the it sometimes feels like a long journey, let alone getting to another country (other than England - sometimes!!!) A Greek Hubby and four beautiful children later....and I'm almost classed/cast as unemployable!!!

ANYWAY.....OMG would have to be I'm now eating Chocolate Crispy cakes!!! AND I PROBABLY REALLY WILL BE SICK!!!

A QUICK SECTION ON BBQ'S

Why is it, that when a man has those 'tongs' in his hand, and the brush to bast, that, "that" entitles them to endless cans of beer (it's obviously very thirsty work), turning over the sausages and talking about the football scores!!! So thirsty, that when all the guests have gone, you look as if you've had your own Beer Fest in your back garden!!!.
You, are the one that has shopped, carried, organised , prepared, cleaned the house from top to bottom, in fact done EVERYTHING,(opps, apart from the turning over and placing the actual meat on the grill......So why is it he's the one in the bedroom snoring his head off???)

NEWS, here in Greece, it's all been about the price of lamb, goat, and then watching the lamb, goat on the spit (cooking) in different parts of the country!!! AND how many people accidentally blew off their arms/legs/fingers whilst attempting to throw dynamite sticks during the Easter celebrations!!!

Internationally though, well, have not been watching really due to staying in the kitchen so much the last few days, baking, cooking, and EATING....!!!

FASHION TIP...It's ok to wear your old maternity clothes during the Xmas and Easter period!!! Very comfortable....!!!

Lots of Love
Tracey XXX

PS I'M TAKING A BREAK FOR A WEEK (Well, not a 'break' but just no, 'NOT the Greek Goddess', until the children have gone back to school).....when i really get a 'break'!!!

Robbie Williams.

Robbie Williams.
Originally uploaded by Style.

He doesn't actually do it for me...(but i know many girls who go weak at the knees for him!!!).......but i do love the song 'Angels', it's one of my favourites.

XXX

ALMOST THERE

My other blog 'The little Greek Island' covers religion in a more serious light, i however was brought up as belonging to 'The Church of England', I went to church on Sundays and attended Sunday School (probably because i fancied a boy who also went there). BUT, i was also Mary in the church nativity play one year, and even sang a solo!!! What i'm trying to say is that i am a believer, but not a fanatic???


Sooo OMG i am really enjoying finding the meaning of Easter again. Finally being able to explain things to the children, not just that we have chocolate eggs because the Easter Bunny brings them!!! I stopped watching all those films they put on at Easter years ago, too depressing. So, although my older children tell me i basically write a load of crap, i am actually learning and researching at the same time. Who cares if nobody reads it!!! Although, i've had quite a few people reading my profile lately, or could it be me registering myself, as i keep changing what i've written....???



The thing is i wanted to be more SERIOUS on the 'little Island' one, but it seems i still have to have the same profile as the 'Not Greek Goddess'. I would have liked a more prim & proper picture aswell...not one with a drink in my hand!!! Anyway.....who cares, it's all a bit of fun and passes the time. I really should be jogging though instead of typing, the web camera's are not exactly profile friendly, i have about ten chins!!! Not to mention the little pimple that turned into an extra one too (chin)!!!


So, we are on Big Wednesday, what happens today???...I'm not actually sure. Church, i guess in the evening. We are making our Easter Biscuits (again) this afternoon, and some decorations for a branch that we found in the forest.


Tomorrow it's red egg day, Friday it's lentil and vinegar soup day...and a day of mourning, and processions through the streets with the coffin (like a mini four poster bed) of the Icon of Christ, covered with beautiful flowers.


And then it's Easter Saturday, most people are feeling a bit shaky by this time, no alcohol, no sex and practically no food in the last week. So when the priest finally announces Christ has arisen at midnight, and the 'bombs/fire-crackers' go off and all the dogs are howling, and the children are scared, is it no wonder everyone rushes home with their candle of eternal light......... to eat.


Just a shame that traditionally it is 'Hairy Soup' as we nick name it. Lemony soup which has had the 'bit's of goats/lambs simmering away in it. (quite often the head) Sorry, but i really don't like it, and it smells revolting and makes me feel sick!!! It's bad enough going to the butchers this week and being faced with all the hanging goats/lambs pigs, and all the heads sitting there....and eyeballs (which i'm told are really good for you, yuck!!!), and then of course there is the meat you put on a spit which has the innards tied around it.....


It is however, lovely being in Greece at Easter, because there are soo many traditions that combine food with religion, and the celebrations on Easter Saturday that go on till the Monday are something else. It's a time for feasting and being with the ones you love, friends and family.
Spring is in the air, the weather is usually good, and the grass certainly looks green. If you try and forget about how the economic situation is!!!



So apart from obviously Easter coming, there are a number of things going on in the news such as.......

A recent magazine i bought had an article on 'Lazy tips for a good marriage'...the ones that i found amusing were.

Share a bath together.....god, we would never fit anymore, and would fight over who was sitting at the plug end!!!



Kiss with your eyes open....not possible, how would i be able to imagine he was a doctor on Grey's Anatomy???



Repeat his last few words of the sentence back to him, so he knows you're being attentive. Well, that's easy enough, it's the same conversation (you know it off by heart) moaning about the Greek Economy etc!!! Followed by a few religious words...Christos and Panagia mou!!! (similar to our of for gods sake....and Mary's....!!!)



And 'see' each others favourite tv programmes 'together'....well, i thought if i could hear his (from upstairs) isn't that enough, do i really have to watch it too??? And by the time i've explained who everyone is in mine, it will be over, especially if it's 'Lost'!!!



Fashion Tip, most people will have new clothes in Greece and shoes, for Easter, if you are like me and still waiting to start the 'after xmas diet', wait a bit longer to buy any new ones.....then you can gorge yourself silly on chocolate, wear kaftans (with polo necks if it's cold)....and then start again after Easter, you really don't want to have to shop at Evans or the Greek equivalent. We are aiming at looking like celebs by July!!!....I'm not sure how yet though!!!

Still men 'celebs' are having all the fun, just not with their wives!!! ....and then going to re-hab, to avoid the ones they've been cheating on, easy way out!!!

For Twilight fans there is a new book coming out on June 5th, don't get excited though, it's about a vampire i can't even recall...Bree Tanner??? Anyway, better than nothing i guess. Apparently though if you go on Meyers website she is also drafting 'Midnight Sun' which explores Edwards mind....that sounds better, she has no plans to finish it or publish it though which seems odd??? We all would much rather read about him!!!


Well that's it from me, i'm shattered it's all this cleaning and baking...!!! Quite upset this morning when my swiffer broke, snapped, I did attempt to fix it, but it didn't survive very long. Will have to get a new one, and we had become soooo attached!!! It really won't be the same. I know you're gonna say there are plenty of swiffers in the supermarket.....but really, i just can't imagine one quite like mine!!!

Goodnight all, i wonder if anyone will realise i've eaten all the biscuits, i'll have to get some shop ones and rough them up a bit tomorrow to replace them, hopefully they won't realise!!! I've managed to stay away from the chocolate eggs though, just have to replace the cooking chocolate (twice) instead.


Lots of Love
Tracey XXX

Jude Law Wallpaper

Jude Law Wallpaper
Originally uploaded by GoosieGoose

PART 2 (???)

OMG would have to be OMG i forgot the OMG in Part 1, and possible OMG i just flashed at the neighbours, and if that isn't bad enough they are having some kind of party over there...(mental note to remind teenage daughters to wind down the shutters properly!!! and i'm gonna kill them when they get home for not doing so!!!)

PART 2 OF A USUAL SCHOOL DAY....????!!!

If you ever set your foot in my door at this time in the morning (after school run), you would be(like me) in 'shock and awe' and wondering if the place had been burgled. That's how bad it is. I really could do with a small tractor with a scoop on the back, just to go around picking things up, ranging from cornflakes that have been tread into the rugs, Polly Pocket (every Mothers horror) and discarded clothes....a mountain of them.....on floors and chairs, and i thought girls were supposed to be tidy???

It's no wonder i feel the need to get out for coffee (and air)...so fast most days!!! The sooner the better....so as not to look at it!!!

Coffee mornings, well with beautiful and funny friends like mine (you have to have a certain personality to live on this island, and a good sense of humour!!!), it's a bit like 'Friends' meets 'Sex in the City'...meets 'Desperate Housewives' although 'Desperate' only in the sense that there are not enough hours in the day.....and most us are pretty desperate to get off 'The Island'....for a few hrs at least. You get to the point where 25KM of beautiful landscape, sea and mountains just doesn't do it for you anymore....you want Marks & Spencers, Tesco's and a few wines/pints or pints of wine even, at your (old) Local Pub!!!

BY THE WAY, most of us are seriously depressed by now and eating stones.....!!!(but, we always find money for a cup of coffee....somehow....!!!)
MARCH is usually a difficult time for 'us' Islanders ( who's businesses are only open from May-October, even though we still have to pay rent, taxes,and now more taxes, and probably more taxes on top of those taxes...!!!) and insurance...which is astronomical....so are pockets are pretty empty and we're hanging on just with our Visa cards...counting the days till the planes start coming!!!!

Usually (after coffee) i am then seen sprinting over someones grass....main square...car park... in the hope that i will not get reprimanded (again) for being slightly late to pick up one of the children from school.

LUNCHTIME in our house you need a microphone to speak, but ear plugs i usually find more useful!!!....You're lucky you actually get chance to eat, because it's pass this, pass that...up and down to the kitchen.....to get what I've forgotten to put on the table, left in the microwave or fridge!!! Or sometimes it's still at the shop...butchers.....mini-market etc etc!!!

Afternoons, depending on the weather and how much energy is left after exhausting housework and endless drinking of coffee, can be spent at the park. If only they would supply headgear and knee pads, as my children seem to be always falling over and again rescue remedy comes in handy as does plasters and antiseptic cream. The beach and the sea is another option,and usually safer, which we are lucky to have so close by, and are surrounded by it!!!

Home to eat (again)....play Monopoly/Snakes and Ladders etc etc...watching the clock on countdown to bedtime. BUT you've still got bath time to survive yet!!! God help you if it's a hair wash night....you beginning to think that once a month is quite acceptable, natural oils and all.

Is it no wonder by the time you read your little ones a story, you're lucky you don't fall asleep before Mr McGregor gets to the Greenhouse....but you can't as you've still got to pick up/take your other children somewhere, and all you want is a relaxing bath and a (few) chilled glass(es) of wine.

But no, you force yourself into doing your Wii Fit.....you feel mildly chuffed when the instructor tells you, you have fantastic abbs, and you get so good at the step, you are able to write your shopping list for the next day at the same time!!!

NEXT comes the ironing, which if you have something decent to watch it's not so bad....(but it's a bit like sex at our age....it's not so bad once you're doing it, but the thought of it sometimes can be daunting!!!)

Although you love your husband/partner, by the time everyone is finally in bed, and you have some 'me' time...to perhaps obsess over the latest Vampire book, or read magazine articles on 'How to Survive the Menopause'....and you've had a few glasses of wine to unwind, all you really want to do is SLEEP!!!

SO ON THAT NOTE...GOODNIGHT ....but (P.S) i have a New Blog called 'A little GREEK ISLAND' - photographs and diary. The reason for this is i'm hoping to be offered free coffee from all the places i mention....(i told you, times are tough!!!)
.....
FASHION TIPS/BEAUTY
Summer is on it's way, AND you can always change your religion and wear a Burka/Full body dress if you've left it too late for that ideal bikini body...!!! Also you would save vast amounts on sunscreen protection.

NEWS - HONESTLY- HAVE NOT HAD MUCH TIME TO WATCH/LISTEN.....too busy with other things??? But will have a read up now, whilst waiting for my daughters to come back from a nightclub/school party.

Lots of Love
Tracey XXX