LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

The last few days I was running around like a woman on go faster pills to get to the finish line....which is where I am sitting right now.  On the couch, coffee (contemplating another mince pie)and watching out of the corner of my eye (so glad I can touch type), the second round of house programs in rainy England...with my parents AND IT'S WONDERFUL!!!

So having dropped the kids off at school yesterday, I found myself singing ' I am flying' whilst driving to the airport.  Then with a pen in one hand and a very expensive cup of coffee in the other started writing my first blog post in months!  Feeling rather sick too.....nerves perhaps...or the cheap wine the night before!

Bad weather was reported to be heading our way...as I climbed the steps of the plane with thunder rolling in the distance, I found myself praying...another thing I haven't done in a long time!

I felt alone, strange....but with a real sense of freedom too.

Today would be the beginning of  a week of rest, relaxation and spending some time with my parents.  The first time I had been without attached little people to my hips and hands for years!
Just it's sad due to the circumstances of my visit home.

With a bag full of magazines and books, I was looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the ride!

The journey went well, amazing how quick you can get through all those mazes to the passport controls and down all the long corridors when you having got wee feet with you....and mummy questions to answer.

From planes to coaches...from Kos to Athens, Athens to English soil...the rain never stopped.

I just couldn't wait to the morning...when I would surprise my mum.  Everyone in the family (and most of my friends) were in on the secret...one that I had been planning for more than a month.

So in true NOT so Greek Goddess style I must write a fashion  piece...so I will write about my latest boots which the guy who owns the shoe shop choose for me....I feel a bit like fat cat in boots or a pirate but apparently they are 'in' and they are really warm and cosy.  So much for being able to show off my newly pedicured feet that was a gift voucher - thanks Brooke!
So with boots made for walking I certainly got around the airports fast. Long boots are great if you are on a budget cos if you can only afford new shoes this season...and no new jeans you can wear them on top of your last season's crop jeans....and no one will ever know!

In the news it's the same doomy headlines as Greece sinks further into the underworld which has been caused by corruption and mismanagement for so many years.  Time management teams are what Greece really need...and systems that work as well of course people that haven't given up hope and politicians that can hold their heads up high and walk beside them.AND NO MORE AUSTERITY MEASURES!!!

Laughter is the only medicine at the moment....and not very often heard these days.....it is probably one of the only 'medicines' that people can afford if they are living in Greece although, it's in short supply. too!!!

I chuckled to myself on the plane when they came around with the charity bucket....asking for donations to help give inoculations to children in third world countries.....If I remember rightly we have been waiting for quite a few important injections for children living in Greece....
of course I still put my hand in my pocket....

So over and out as the rain continues to pour....and the Indian take-away will be here soon!

It's Great to be here.

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

A holiday...really???

Everyone is twittering about "Oh no, back to school, clock watching and homework".

AND all i am thinking is 'peace at last!'

Have you ever tried working from home with four children in the house?  Music blaring, TV full blast and everyone fighting over who's turn it is for the computer?....Not forgetting the constant whining of "Muuuummmmyyy" every five minutes and "I'm hungry!"

My concentration on a good day is pretty poor, but holidays....well, the only time to work is after story time.  So whilst most people look refreshed after the Easter break, I am generally in need of sleep and a real holiday (not to mention prosac)!!!

On the world and national 'news' front considering I volunteer to help with a local news blog I know very little of the world outside facebook/twitter and island gossip at the moment.  I'm however becoming an expert on 'accidents' that have taken place around the island, as that seems to be the only thing in the news lately...(and the crisis of course, mustn't forget that...as if we could!!!)

So yes, it's tourist season again!!! Watch out for motorcyclists, push bikes and cars in Kos (especially those with hire car stickers on).  In fact, probably best  not to drive at all.

My car is surprisingly still going and finally has a new radiator so i even managed a trip to Kefalos last week!  The window system is a bit dodgy and will need changing, but hoping to win the lottery (haha), so i can just get a whole new car instead.

I quickly managed to read (or flick really), through a magazine over the weekend so as far as FASHION  (and what I have seen in the shops lately) goes, although don't forget I am no expert (still wearing the same pair of jeans for the last 3 years, although since Easter slightly tighter)....

You can pick and mix your styles up this season with pastels shades and lacy vintage, or go loud and bold with bright block colours or imaginative prints.  For evening go shimmery whites, bronze or silvery greys. 

A tan helps of course, which is all you will probably get if you are living under the Greek sun this summer!!!

OMG has to be that for some reason (it could be an age thing) , I cannot seem to look at a man in the face lately for very long.  I seem to have developed a  habit of looking at their crotches.  Of course I then realise I've done it,   go bright red, stutter (if in conversation), and then do it again...ahhhhh!!!!

(Please tell me it's not just me that does this!!!)

So sunglasses it is....morning, afternoon and evening from now on!!!

Short post, but best go have a cold shower now just thinking about 'things'!!!

Easter Hols...

Well it is, well was only day 3 of the holidays from school and wondering what to do today as play mates are away in England thanks to Ryanair and Easy jet and their fantastic offers at this time of year.

The weather cloudy and unpredictable we decided on Friends, with a friend we haven't seen for a while!

Friends (in Kos Town) is great for small children with an inside safe play area and cafe bar that serves good coffee.  Much needed at 10.00am in the morning having already been up for hours!

There's a bouncy castle too and ball park area with slides and lots of fun for the kiddies. 

So after a few hours and games of air hockey ,catching up and trying to sip coffee, talk and play with balloons later, we were not only exhausted but hungry!

Friends do  lots of delicious snacks but today was special as it was the first day that the restaurant my husband and his partner have owned for 20 years opened for the summer season.

Good news...no cooking or washing up today!

 Although I only ate Greek salad, it tasted so much better than at home.  The children ate calamari (fried squid) served with rice and sauteed potatoes.

Everything was perfect.

Until we got in 'the car', the car that recently we have spent so much money on getting fixed all the time because it is still (only) just cheaper than buying a new one....

Today as the gentle rain started we had an ultra air conditioned car.  The window on the passenger side would not go up .....and was stuck.

A quick trip to the garage and a nice electronic engineer later and it was fixed for the time being...at least it was closed so we weren't getting splashed from the rain drops!

I guess even if I left it in the centre of town with all the windows open no-one would want to steal it anyway!

We had as usual a welcome reception when we arrived home, the puppies from next door barking madly and a recent addition that has  just been put outside my fence...a calf

moo-ing!!!

A little excursion to get petrol (which I had forgotton to put in the car) drew our attention to a new shop that seemed to have popped up from nowhere over night!

The Candy House, mmmmm, pick n mix sweets galore.  So of course we had to try some.  Rude not to!

Efi who owns the shop which has been open only 2 days was really friendly and helpful.

We spent the rest of the afternoon with our mouths full of yummy delights and making mermaid sea scenes thanks to the book and cardboard we had brought for an Easter present from Thalassinos Book Shop.

Now if only I had some wine.......!!!

Strikes Back....!!!

Well, I guess  it is that time of year again....yep, birthday time.  The time when you start to look back and wonder ....where, oh where did  the year go, (and what did I accomplish this time?).  Not forgetting the  'OMG, look at the wrinkles', every time you dare look closely in the mirror (with glasses on) !!!

I'll have you know, that I have been kind of 'working my socks of' any way I can with helping to promote the little Greek island that my family and I, live on, and hold dear! (Thats the excuse for the bags under my eyes!!!)

It hasn't been easy either!!! OHHHHH NOOOOOO!!!!

In a world , that I love, and I chose to be part of, that is Greek, it's a learning step every step of the way.....as in  terms of communication, internet and websites ....at times, believe me we have managed to move mountains!!!  (and reached levels of patience, unimaginable!!!)

I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but I think that you should know that www.kosexplorer.com and www.kos-explorer.com have gone above and beyond to help, from promoting the island for tourism, to volunteering in the field (and via the  internet), listening, (often being a shoulder to cry on), helping to motivate others, and generally assisting in any way they can, for the good of the island, whether it is to do with tourism, human or animal welfare, highlighting certain issues, translating every day news, green issues and environmental awareness.  I am proud to be part of such a wonderful team!!!

Not only have we achieved all of this, but we have managed to reach out to those who have wished to voice their opinions, and were never heard before ....Thanks to the Newswire, (and The Brits Abroad on facebook),  the comments, the letters to the editor, and posts that people have sent , it can be said that people (in high places) are really starting to sit up and listen to what we and our members, have to say!!! 

It couldn't of course been achieved without the dedication from all the team members, that have given up their time voluntary to do it, they deserve medals!!!

So, apart from that......(and general housekeeping duties, that I've managed to keep to a minimum),  I have written a children's adventure story (which hopefully will turn into a series), that has also kept me busy. 

I have  really enjoyed doing this, and it came 'out of the blue' as I had always thought I would write more of an 'adult' book, when I ever got round to it that is.  To be honest it was a great  excuse to disappear to the flat  and have some peace and quiet for a few hours (plus a few glasses of wine)...and write. 

I am certainly not expecting it to ever get  published, (although that would be nice, and might help us out of the financial crisis...haha!!!).  It  will be wonderful to just have it printed and then  hand it down to my children so they can read it to theirs.

Umm let me see, I daren't say much about politics at the moment because 'they'  are either all on one side, covering each others arses,  or on opposite ones tearing each other apart.  It would be good if, for once everyone could just come together for the greater good....and for the saviour of a nation. 

Hard times are upon those living in Greece as basically every ones incomes (unless you are an aging politician....or even I guess a young one), is far less than your basic living 'outgoings' for the necessary things such as a roof over your head (rent/or mortgage), food, keeping warm/having hot water to bathe your kids, petrol to drive a vehicle, pay the bills, and and.....

Most citizens openly cry, and no,  it is not because they are lazy and they haven't all paid their taxes, no they are just human.....like anyone else!!!  The sums just don't add up anymore!!!

So,  many rumours going around the internet at the moment, all I can think of is that with all the new bail out rules, austerity measures to be inflicted on the nation and promised organisation, Greece might as well be 'occupied' again.  Yes, some organisation (as well as corruption must be stamped down on), needs to be implemented, for the country to move forward, but really, isn't it just moving backwards again, and aren't they just being held by their balls?

And people wonder why there is a revolution...and strikes........!!! ?????  Helllooooo...........???!!!

So enough said and on to fashion....Ummmm, is all I can say.  From a girl about town who knew what was in all the shops to a girl who just shoves on what isn't in the ever increasing wash pile...that could be a difficult subject right now.  The thing is, it's carnival time, so whatever.....goes!!!

As far as hotties, well,  being involved in a slimming group lately, a bar of chocolate or a  tube of pringles would send me to unimaginable heights right now (who needs 6 packs, only if they are kitkat ones and on offer)!!!

So, all in all, I guess I have had to grow up this year (although, I still can't spell or punctuate!!!) and for those of us in Greece, have had to keep smiling (through clenched teeth)!!!

Love to all of you, and I hope the Goddess in me or the 'NOT so', will have a come back SOON!!!

Love Tracey

XXX

HOME ALONE.....sort of....!!!

Home Alone (well not quite)....2012


Never thought I would see the New Year in with a cup of coffee, (unless ill, or being forced to sober up) to welcome 2012. Of course it had nothing to do with any new year's resolutions, (which don't usually start anyway till the fridge is bare), and everything to do with taxi duty.



So, I've ironed, (even thought about doing the veggies for tomorrow), and watched every firework display possible, even posted some on Facebook, but the wrong year, duh....then sat and watched in memory of all the sports people who have died this year...a very Happy and Cheery start to the New Year.....



So now as I munch my way through the first Basilopitta of the day (which I forgot to put the coin in), and actually is pretty tasteless, I am wondering what to do next. Cannot go on Facebook, as I might just look like one of those people that are sat home alone, with no one for company.....well 3 people and the cat, but they are all snoring their heads off!!!



So might just go back to savory in the next hour, and open the crisps, then sweet....if I can manage to tackle the ice on the freezer, that is acting as a barricade...where's that hammer?



In fact I feel a little sick thinking about everything I've eaten during the run up to Christmas, and over...and spreading (like my body) into the New Year! So glad to be starting Kos Killer Kilo's on Monday....might be able to detect those cheekbones without all that bronzing powder again!!!



OMG would have to be that surprise, surprise Greece is in a recession.....hellloooo didn't we write about that last year, and the year before, well of course the sh1t really did hit the fan and could no longer be ignored...in 2011, difficult times for so many. As Greece politicians dominated the stage in Oscar nominating performances, as the nation plunged further into despair. A so called hand smacking group is going to be put into force (a stability union), to help stop overspending....hmmm just wondering which country will be enforcing the rules, as we head for a quote I just read from somewhere..."A more...German...Europe"!



So enough said and lets talk about Fashion, or in my case the complete lack of it...All you need for Christmas is....certainly not Mariah Carey, but the kind of pajamas you can answer the door in, that you can dress up (i.e. wear with a underwear and some makeup), or dress down, which parts will obviously be doing if you aren't wearing a bra or nickers....slippers that look like UGGS are good too...as are blankets around shoulders too when at home (as long as they co-ordinate with the sofa colours), as people in Greece cannot afford heating!!!



So another year over and a new one just begun.....a year of turning the big 40, reaching my ideal weight (for one week), and managing to do without AA membership....!!!



and looking forward to 2012, bring it on!!!
 
Happy New Year
 
Lots of Love

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!!!