http://speakup.blog.co.uk/en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://speakup.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/7a/3c2935ee5573d719d865af1e38b128_160x200.jpg <strong>Price Harry has been 'granted' his wish to go to Iraq.</strong></p> <p><strong>Funny that - how someone joins the Forces to be able to fight for their country to be told they might never get the chance.  <br>In my opinion - just because he is Royalty.  <br>But it's OK for any other husband, son, grandson, father to go....RIGHT?!!!!</p> <p>Our Prince has other ideas<br></strong>An article on the Telegraph <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/02/01/nharry01.xml">website</a> advises of how the prince is keen that his royal position will not disqualify him and that he had said: <em>"There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country," <br></em><br><img src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2006/04/24/PH2006042401819.jpg" alt="" width="171" height="190"></p> <p><strong><u>Now that's the spirit of a TRUE soldier.</u></strong><br>Harry will be the <em>pride of his country</em> - along with all the other soldiers serving around the world.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/22/a_true_soldier~1787337/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/22/a_true_soldier~1787337/Thu, 22 Feb 2007 20:03:06 +0100 <p>I think I'll be <u>treating myself this weekend</u> - Nice one <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>I may have been mad betting on my team Liverpool to win against Barcelona when we were already 1-0 down but it certainly paid off at 19-1!!!</p> <p>I also earnt bragging rights against my man for knowing how to gamble<strong> PROPERLY</strong> lol <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayyes.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Good old retail therapy is definately on the cards!!</p> <p>Even better that both Riise and Bellamy scored on the same night after the media attention this week with regards to the golf club!!</p> <p><strong>HAIL LIVERPOOL F.C</strong> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>M</p> <p><strong>X</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/22/19_1_retail_therapy~1787151/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/22/19_1_retail_therapy~1787151/Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:29:38 +0100 Good day all!!</p> <p>Me and my man are saving for our own home - and it's bloody hard work!! Seems like the 'pot' of gold never seems to grow <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/animesweat.gif" border="0" alt="" width="19" height="19"></p> <p>On top of getting the money together, I can't decide whether to stay <strong>STAY</strong> in Chester or <strong>GO</strong> back to where I spent most of my life in Bielefeld!! <br><strong>Decisions, decisions <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smileys77.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"><br></strong><br><strong><u>And it's not a SMALL decision - we're talking about a permanent life choice to live in one country or another and naturally this decision would have to be made before we start buying any houses!</u></strong><br>                                                   <br>                            <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1183443" title="chester"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/443/1183443_ce54bc8add_s.jpg" alt="chester" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="124" height="180"></a>     <strong>OR </strong>     <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1136725" title="bielefeld"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/725/1136725_d6f8d4161a_s.jpg" alt="bielefeld" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="143" height="98"></a>                              <br>                                                                 <br>House prices here are so huge - and in Germany most people rent (approx. 43%) yet property prices are a lot lower (a house which would be worth around £250,000 would be approx. £100,000 in Bielefeld).  Rent is also cheaper<br><strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong></strong><br>Quality of life in Germany is much better than here - I would prefer to have a family there and feel that we could enjoy life more together as a couple too.  Slower, more relaxed way of life.<br><strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong></strong><br>I have a god job here with huge career opportunities whereas in Germany this would be more difficult.  We would have less income with with potentially less outgoings<br><strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong></strong><br>Family is very important to me and very much still see Bielefeld as 'home'.  On the other hand, my man would be away from his family which he says he doesn't mind but would never want him to resent me for it...<br><strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>**</strong><br>My man has never lived there before, says he would move there tomorrow but what if 6 months down the line he wants to come back to Chester?  What would I do then? Would I want to start all over again here?<br><strong></strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong><strong>*</strong>**<br></strong><br><strong>AHHHHHHRRRRRRRRR I HATE DECISIONS!!!</strong></p> <p>Think I'll wait till we have our deposit together and re visit this one <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> My head's feeling muddled already!!</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong></p> <p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/19/stay_or_go~1769421/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/19/stay_or_go~1769421/Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:20:05 +0100 <strong>WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: Amazing Cloud Formations<br></strong><br>Check out more on the <a href="http://www.cloudappreciationsociety.org/">Cloud Appreciation Society </a>website which has a huge collection of beautiful pictures including 'Clouds that look like things' and sunsets/sunrises....<br><br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/admin/index.php?showimage=1266"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1180406" title="Heart Cloud"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/406/1180406_aaa0d4f31d_s.jpg" alt="Heart Cloud" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="399" height="312"></a><br>Photo taken by 'Angelo Storari'<br><br>M<br>X <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/love_in_a_cloud~1762581/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/love_in_a_cloud~1762581/Sun, 18 Feb 2007 18:55:46 +0100 <p>Today I join the thousands, millions of others who are on diets.</p> <p>Great. <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-yell.gif" border="0" alt="" width="18" height="18"></p> <p><strong>Which means all the things I love most are <em>off</em> the menu</strong>. </p> <p>Chocolate, chips, cheese, biscuits, crisps....are all off. <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigeek.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> Or at least <em>off</em> in terms of amounts I previously ate them...</p> <p>Why am I torturing myself like this?</p> <p>I have been watching tons of food obsessed programmes on TV this week and have decided that I need to start eating healthily.  Permanently.  Before I start thinking about a wedding, babies and such like....</p> <p>My fridge & cupboards are now full of fresh fruit, veggies, beans, seeds, fish, herbal tea etc.  If I lose weight in the process, all the better.  But this is not my main motivation.</p> <p>Good luck me. <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_cheeze.gif" border="0" alt="" width="18" height="18"><br>I'm feeling healthier already!!</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/off_the_menu~1762399/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/off_the_menu~1762399/Sun, 18 Feb 2007 18:18:37 +0100 <p><strong>Arsenal 0     Blackburn 0<br>Man Utd 0    Reading 0</strong></p> <p><u>Isn't is great when things don't go quite to plan for top flight football teams in cup competitions?!!</u> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Especially when your top flight team (in my case, Liverpool) are no longer in the running *coughs*</p> <p>Instead, they're saving their energy for the next league game - now that's got to be a positive when the teams above face ANOTHER match to be added to their already tight schedules.  Let's hope we use this to our advantage...</p> <p>Tomorrow I will be subjected to watching my man's team Man City face Preston...please let them face an even worse fate with which I can taunt him <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/090twisted.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> LOL</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/great_footie_results~1758142/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/great_footie_results~1758142/Sat, 17 Feb 2007 20:20:31 +0100 <p><u><strong>Yep - the Easter Time tradition of Cadbury's Cream Eggs is back again!!</strong></u></p> <p>They seem to be a favourite afternoon 'pick me up' by hundreds of people at my work....and my mother had to frop one off on the way back from the airport at 1am in the morning for one of her friends!! Add that to a list of popular addictions!!</p> <p>Thought I'd join the thousands of others and tuck into one while my good man is out....</p> <p><strong>SO HOW DO YOU EAT YOURS?!!!</strong><br><img src="http://www.treasureislandsweets.co.uk/acatalog/product_creamegg.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150"></p> <p>Me....I started to lisk out the inside and decided is was far too sweet, spooned out the rest and <strong>decided that the thick outer chocolate layer was the only bit I was interested in!!  </strong>To hell with the rest of it....</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong><br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/how_do_you_eat_yours~1758093/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/how_do_you_eat_yours~1758093/Sat, 17 Feb 2007 20:09:43 +0100 <p>Good evening all!!</p> <p>I posted a blog yesterday about BBC 2's 'The Verdict' that was shown last week...</p> <p>The debate continues on their <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/eta/#verdict">website</a> where you can read the views of a legal consultant, watch clips and read viewer's comments.</p> <p><em>Interestingly, the online vote carried out at the end of day four of the trial showed that 57% of viewers thought that Damian was guilty, and a staggering 73% thought James had raped Anna.  </p> <p>The verdict by the celebrity jurors was 'not guilty' on all counts.<br></em><br>I'm hoping that there will be similar trial recreations in the future....</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/the_debate_continues~1758001/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/the_debate_continues~1758001/Sat, 17 Feb 2007 19:53:38 +0100 <p><u><strong>This week BBC 2 have been showing a twist on the recent phenomenon of reality TV in the form of 'The Verdict'.<br></strong></u><br>The programme aimed to recreate a fictional and high profile rape trial starring 12 celebrities as the Jury.  Among the celebrities were Jeffrey Archer, Stan Collymore, Patsy Palmer and Jennifer Ellison.<br>  <br><img src="http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/the_verdict.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="181"></p> <p>For those who watched it - <u>I would appreciate your opinions on the representation of the trial as a critique of our Justice system as well as the result itself</u>.</p> <p><strong>MY COMMENTS:</strong></p> <p><strong><u>From watching the programme I believe it is not surprising that less than 5% of rape trials end in a 'guilty' verdict</u>.  </p> <p></strong><u>Firstly</u>: The narrator of the show advised that Jurors shoould no longer base their decision on 'beyond reasonable doubt' but should 'be sure'.  As a result of this although a large percentage of the Jurors felt that the alleged victim had been raped, they could not be sure and therefore had no choice but to give a 'not guilty' verdict.  <em><strong>This I feel meant that the final verdict of 'not guilty' was not a true representation of their evaluations of the case.<br></strong></em><br><u>Secondly:</u> <em><strong>Is it at all possible or realistic to gain a 'guilty' verdict in a case such as this based on the fact that Jurors must feel that they are 'sure' of the verdict?</strong></em> After all, there is seldom encough evidence presented in a rape case to be sure that a crime was committed.</p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION:<br></strong><br><strong>Don't get me wrong - I'm not suggesting that we start locking men away for a horrific crime that they may not have committed and we do need to protect those that are wrongly accused.  Likewise, shouldn't we ensure that we are providing justice for those who do suffer the consequences of such crimes?</p> <p></strong>All in all, I feel that this was a hugely intriguing insight into the way in which Jurors reacted to their duty - ranging from cool and collected to impulsive and emotional.  The analytical processes involved and psychological impact was enthralling to watch.</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/16/the_verdict~1753178/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/16/the_verdict~1753178/Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:05:43 +0100 <p><strong>Ooops - have just discovered many not-so-flattering 'user tags' added to my profile!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/092eek.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p><u>SHOULD I BE OFFENDED?!!</u> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayconfused.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="22"> LOL<br></strong><br>I'm sorry to say that I have now restricted these....perhaps I should have left them to portray a more honest reflection of reader's thoughts?!</p> <p>Makes you wonder though...if I read a blog that I did not find particularly interesting, I would NEVER add negative tags.  I would just move straight onto the next...boredom do you think? Genuine hatred of my blog? Is my profile top too pink?!!<br><u>WHATEVER</u> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Oh well....<br><strong>Blah blah blah</strong> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"><br>Plough on....</p> <p>M<br>X<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/15/not_so_nice_user_tags~1747793/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/15/not_so_nice_user_tags~1747793/Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:08:04 +0100 <p>So how was your Valentines evening?!!</p> <p>Mine was rather nice I must say <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> But then I do have the benefit of a very good man!!</p> <p>Booking a table at a restaurant and keepng it a surprise may seem like a simple task (especially for romantic ladies like myself), but for my man, this was A LOT of effort <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15">  </p> <p><strong>Very worth while though and I'm sure he'd agree!!  <br><u>Always scores a few brownie points for when the time comes to get home and go to bed <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/090twisted.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"><br></u>Not that I'm questioning his motivations of course!!! <br></strong><br><strong>Anyhow - it worked!!!  </strong></p> <p>Very nice evening I must say....funny how the absence of the TV seems to mean you actually spend QUALITY TIME togther eh??!</p> <p>ROLL ON THE SALZBURG TRIP AWAY IS WHAT I SAY!!<br><br>Now I'm going to snuggle up in bed and watch TV.....the simple pleasures in life....</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/15/brownie_points~1747556/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/15/brownie_points~1747556/Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:34:00 +0100 <p>If spending a whole weekend with a 10 year old isn't good enough of a contraception...<strong>what about these t</strong><strong><u>op 10 downsides of being pregnant:<br></u><br></strong>(1)  <strong>THE BIRTH</strong> - pain <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigeek.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> is definately NOT my thing!</p> <p>(2)  <strong>NOT BEING ABLE TO SLEEP ON MY BELLY</strong>: The perfect sleeping position in my opinion <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayyes.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>(3)  <strong>FEELING FAT</strong> - Even if you have an excuse to! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graylaugh.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>(4)  <strong>CONTANTLY WORRYING</strong> about the health of your child - and believe me, I worry enough about   anything and everything as it is!!</p> <p>(5)  <strong>INTERFERING PARENTS/PARENTS-IN-LAW </strong>- "In my day..." "Do you really think you should..." <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayuhoh.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>(6)  <strong>SLEEPLESS NIGHTS</strong> - I'm obsessed with getting my 8 hours...completely undisturbed!</p> <p>(7)  <strong>EVERYONE WANTING TO TOUCH YOUR BELLY</strong> - Thta pleasure should only ever be given to nearest and dearest - definately NOT randoms</p> <p>(8)  <strong>EATING HEALTHILY</strong> - What about my daily chocs, biscuits, crisps, chips....??</p> <p>(9)  <strong>STOPPING SMOKING</strong> - I am EVIL without my nicotine...<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayupset.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="22"></p> <p>(10)  <strong>PICKING A NAME</strong> - After all, your poor child will be stuck with it forever</p> <p><strong><u>RESPECT TO ALL PREGNANT WOMEN AND MOTHERS</u>!!!!</strong> </p> <p><strong>And <u>to HELL with the above</u> - who wouldn't sacrifice all those (possible) negatives for all the positives??!!!</p> <p><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p></strong>M<br><strong>X</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/12/top_10_downsides_of_pregnancy~1729183/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/12/top_10_downsides_of_pregnancy~1729183/Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:55:25 +0100 <p>Hello folks <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayrazz.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Not been on for a few days and with GOOD reason.</p> <p><strong>Forget pills, condoms and other such baby-avoiding aids...I REALLY have found <u>THE</u> best contraceptive EVER!!</p> <p>Borrow a 10 year old girl (age/sex not compulsory - any will do) for a WHOLE weekend <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigeek.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> - and JOB DONE! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-innocent.gif" border="0" alt="" width="18" height="18"><br><br>All previous fantasies of having a child will miraculously disappear!<br></strong><br>Although it may be worth remembering that when having your OWN child, <u>you have plenty of time to build up to what we experienced!</p> <p></u><strong>Phew - we are alone again</strong> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> </p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/12/best_contraceptive_ever~1728925/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/12/best_contraceptive_ever~1728925/Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:19:20 +0100<p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/12/best_c~1728849/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/12/best_c~1728849/Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:08:16 +0100 <p>Hello again,</p> <p>Just heard the new Mika single and believe that there have been many comparing his voice to <strong><u>the</u></strong> GOD Freddie Mercury!!</p> <p><strong>Well, my opinion (for what it's worth!) is that this is not the case.</strong></p> <p>I would like to share with you all that I am a HUGE fan of Queen and Freddie Mercury's solo efforts and therefore have LOTS of experience in terms of voice recognition.</p> <p><strong>Nothing against Mika - but I feel that he does NOT (<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayno.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15">) sound like Freddie but actually sounds more like Justin Hawkins!</strong></p> <p>What do we think??!!!</p> <p>Not really important either way in the greater scheme of things. <br>But - definately a Justin sound-a-like.  </p> <p>No question about it.<br><strong>End of debate.<br></strong><u>Now can we forget about it?!!!</u></p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/08/sounds_like~1705713/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/08/sounds_like~1705713/Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:09:03 +0100 <p>Firstly, let's get this clear - <strong>I LOVE SNOW</strong>!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p><strong>I must be one of the very few people who would prefer for it to snow than be 30 degrees celcius with a blue sky.<br><br></strong>Weird maybe but true!!</p> <p><strong><em>It's beautiful.<br>It's relaxing.<br>It makes you feel like a child again.<br></em></strong><br>But why is it that here in the UK, there is complete panic when we get it??!!!  <br><u>How bizarre</u>.<br>At my work we had emails 'warning' us of the severe weather ahead (and we only had 1cm of snow!), everyone talked about how much they were dreading it, that they would'nt be able to get into work....Then it's all over the news.  OK, I'm not denying the fact that some people will have been more severely affected.  But where's the preparation?  Are the gritters out? <br><u>It's snow!!!</u> <br><strong><em>Is there nothing more major going on in the world?? Are people no longer dying from starvation or war?!!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_crazy.gif" border="0" alt="" width="23" height="15"></em></strong></p> <p><u>Plus - why don't we look after eachother when it snows?</u><br>I thought my time had come and that I was to suffer a humiliating death this morning (maybe a slight exageration) when I tried to get to my car in heels this morning (own nothing else I'm afraid!!).  I've got to say, I was worried.  But worried with a smile on my face whilst also admiring its beauty!!</p> <p>I think of the poor old people who feel that they can't go out of the house for fear of having a fall.  In other countries, it is law for people to clear the snow from the path in front of their own house.  Hence when everyone does it, people are able to safely walk the streets.</p> <p>Mmmmm........<br><strong>ENJOY IT GUYS</strong> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/08/panic~1705350/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/08/panic~1705350/Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:15:26 +0100 <p>Anyone would think I was leaving today/tomorrow/anytime in the next few days!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1152720" title="salzburg"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/720/1152720_e67ef9b6ab_s.jpg" alt="salzburg" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="178" height="134"></a>  Salzburg - the city of luuuurrrrrveeeeeeeee</p> <p><strong>Doesn't it look PPPPEEEEEEERRRRRFECT??!!</strong><br>I'm staying just to the left of the bridge :-) Providing of course that all is as described.......(and I want that blue sky!!)</p> <p><strong>"Enough now!!!" I hear.</p> <p>Done deal.  <br>Until just before I go.  And just after.<br></strong><br><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_wave.gif" border="0" alt="" width="26" height="22"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/06/the_hills_are_alive~1694491/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/06/the_hills_are_alive~1694491/Tue, 06 Feb 2007 22:33:57 +0100 <p><strong><u>Yep, believe i or not it IS possible!!!</u></strong></p> <p>Me and my man are currently saving (very slowly) for a house but I didn't want to miss out on some luxury time together - away from work, stress, family....the T.V!!</p> <p>So, I decided to have a look on the web and see what I could get!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smileys60.gif" border="0" alt="" width="34" height="17"></p> <p>It'snow booked and thought I'd share my findings with you all.</p> <p><strong><u>THE DEAL:<br></u></strong>We are going to SALZBURG next month.  <br>Granted - this is probably not the most popular of locations but it looks enchanting <br>We are staying in a 4* hotel no less - a hotel which looks contemporary, is in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful views....simply looks perfect. <br>The hotel: <a href="http://www.hotelstein.at/index.php?lang=en">HotelStein.</a><br><strong>Thursday - Monday (4 nights) FOR JUST £210!!!<br></strong><br>AMAZING - I'm soooooooo proud of myself for this find</p> <p><strong><em>And it's all courtesy of YEEGO.COM<br>NICE ONE <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"> <br>Me thinks we will have a wonderful time!!<br></em></strong><br>Great what a bit of research can do - don't you think?!</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong><br></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/06/luxury_on_a_budget~1693877/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/06/luxury_on_a_budget~1693877/Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:02:13 +0100 <p>I had a dilemma this evening after getting back from work:</p> <p><strong>COFFEE & HOMEMADE CAKE</p> <p>OR.........</p> <p>COFFEE & BISCUITS<br></strong><br>I decided not to deprive myself and have both <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Would be rude not to eh?!!!</p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/06/have_both~1693766/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/06/have_both~1693766/Tue, 06 Feb 2007 20:48:01 +0100 <p><strong><u>OH YES!!</u></strong></p> <p>Back to those cocktails mentionned in the previous post (now that I can actually stomach thinking about the excessive consumption of them on Saturday night - shameful!!!)</p> <p><strong>I am Cosmopolitan girl as you can see below!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/grayrazz.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"><br></strong>Mmmmm mmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.  Yum Yum!!</p> <p>The Perfect Cosmopolitan:<br>(Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry & Lime Juice)</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1150380" title="DSC00211"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/380/1150380_7c8db8bce7_s.jpg" alt="DSC00211" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><br>(Me & Mummy <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15">)</p> <p>With that glass you have to become a professional in the art of either:</p> <p>(a)   Dancing with your drink whilst ensuring you don't spill even the smallest of precious drops<br>(b)   Drink up beforre your favourite tune comes on<br>(c)   Just stay at the bar and enjoy endless supplies </p> <p>Oooohhh a tough one!!</p> <p><strong>The Cosmopolitan</strong><br><strong>Is <u>ALWAYS</u> but <u>ALWAYS</u> followed by the perfect Baby Guinness!!</strong> (Kahlua/Tia Maria with Baileys)</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1150320" title="baby guiness"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/320/1150320_2561b21056_s.jpg" alt="baby guiness" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="100" height="75"></a><br>Preferably in as large a group as possible!!!</p> <p><strong>Are you getting a good enough image of what my Saturday night was all about??!!!!</strong><br><strong>Now - I wonder what these favourite tipples say about me eh??!!!   <br>Except of course that I like to enjoy the good things in life....<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/05/baby_guiness_meets_cosmo~1687286/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/05/baby_guiness_meets_cosmo~1687286/Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:33:04 +0100 <p>Well,</p> <p>Back from my Fri to Mon trip home to Bielefeld, Germany</p> <p><em>My head hurts, my body's aching, struggling to keep my eyes open, feel like it should be later than it is and am in a diiferent country than just a few hours ago....and I have vivid recollections of more cocktails than I could count, lots of drunken photos and lots of laughs out on the town with my mum, brother & co.</p> <p></em><strong>...all in all I can say I have had a FABULOUS weekend</strong> <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Plus to make things that ickle bit more fabulous...my good man is at work along with zillions of others today whilst I'm sat in front of the T.V, in my dressing gown with the laptop perched on top of me!!! (As well a nice supply of junk food left over by my man while I was away)</p> <p>The height of laziness <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_cheeze.gif" border="0" alt="" width="18" height="18"><br><u>BRING IT ON!!</u></p> <p>M<br><strong>X</strong></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/05/we_love_a_lazy_monday~1684391/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/05/we_love_a_lazy_monday~1684391/Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:34:31 +0100 Just had a visit from  <a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40186000/jpg/_40186628_sains203.jpg&imgrefurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3750748.stm&h=152&w=203&sz=9&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=Ls06Ut-4XcqVzM:&tbnh=79&tbnw=105&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsainsburys%2Bvan%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG"><img src="http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:Ls06Ut-4XcqVzM:http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40186000/jpg/_40186628_sains203.jpg" alt="" width="105" height="79"></a>  with a truck load of junk food for my man!! This internet shopping lark is such a blessing!!  And the nice young man even helped bring it up 2 flights of stairs with me...perfect shopping experience!</p> <p> I'm away for the weekend in another country and wanted to make sure he could attempt to fend for himself while I'm away <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p><br> <a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cornichon.org/archives/Junk%2520food%2520monster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cornichon.org/archives/2006_02.html&h=391&w=528&sz=80&hl=en&start=7&tbnid=gpqjLAhkCdkjCM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djunk%2Bfood%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den"><img src="http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:gpqjLAhkCdkjCM:http://www.cornichon.org/archives/Junk%2520food%2520monster.jpg" alt="" width="132" height="98"></a> I'm sure he will cope!!! <br><strong>No food cooked by his favourite lady, no huggles, no one to wake up to in the morning, no clean washing, no brews on demand, no loving smiles.....<br><u>...But a weekend of poker with the boys and plenty of alcoholic refreshments is planned!!</u></p> <p></strong>Mmmmmm...me thinks he will do without me for 3 days <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-tongue-out.gif" border="0" alt="" width="18" height="18"></p> <p><strong>M<br></strong>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/01/junk_food_aamp_poker~1665090/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/01/junk_food_aamp_poker~1665090/Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:48:49 +0100 <p>12 HOURS later,</p> <p>I'm home.</p> <p>Phew - as if work isn't bad enough....<strong>People ANNOY ME!!</strong></p> <p>Not everybody of course <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>No matter where I am whether it be at work, shopping at supermarket/in town, out socialising...I think it is only polite to smile at people, say thankyou if someone holds a door open for you, treat the elderly with respect..that kind of thing.</p> <p><u>Simply manners isn't it?</u> Or...politeness even?!!<br>Apparently not!!  Or at not in the world around me!!</p> <p>HOW RUDE!!</p> <p>Just remember these simple rules:<br><br><strong>"Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles."</strong>  ~George Eliot<br><strong>"Whoever one is, and wherever one is, one is always in the wrong if one is rude</strong>."  ~Maurice Baring</p> <p>EASY PEASY <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-tongue-out.gif" border="0" alt="" width="18" height="18"></p> <p><strong>M<br></strong>X<br></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/01/get_some_manners~1664795/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/02/01/get_some_manners~1664795/Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:09:10 +0100 <p><strong>Tee Hee Hee<br></strong><br>Being in an apartment in the city centre, we can't have SKY. Which means I can't watch footie and that means I miss out on VITAL action in the premiership. <u>IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!!!<br></u><br>One vital piece of action came in the form of a LIVE comical fall by my team's Kop boss Rafa Benitez.</p> <p>It certainly put a smile on my face when I saw a clip of it moments ago!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Ball goes out of play and Rafa tries to assist by kicking it back into play. Unfortunately for him, he slips over in the process AND in FULL VIEW of the cameras and media!!</p> <p><u>Poor blokey</u> - you could clearly see the embarassment on his face as gets back up with a nervous smile and shrugs at the players as if to say "oops - must've been a flaw in the pitch" <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/11redface.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p><u>If you too can get a look - DO!!</u><br>Great stuff </p> <p><strong>M</strong><br>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/31/tee_hee_hee_rafa_fall~1658620/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/31/tee_hee_hee_rafa_fall~1658620/Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:36:11 +0100 <p><strong><u>What the hell is happening to the World?!!!</u></strong></p> <p>I came home (as I am sure many of you did) to see yet another alleged terrorist plot...</p> <p>"New era on terror?" they ask.<br>9 people arrested for the 'alleged' plot to kidkap one singular Bristish Muslim soldier with the possible intention of subjecting him to be "filmed, possibly tortured and ultimately executed" (see <a href="http://www.btinternet.com/">here</a> for full story).</p> <p>We don't yet know the full facts and perhaps never will.  </p> <p>I understand that these people are driven by motivations that few of us will ever truly understand but to WANT to intentionally hurt others in their protest seems such a waste.</p> <p><strong>I am naive, and perhaps an idealist....</p> <p>I will never understand.  <br>The world seems to be going crazy!!!<br>And it just seems so sad for all parties concerned.  It makes me sad.</p> <p></strong>Are we helpless as individuals or part of the problem?</p> <p><strong>M<br></strong>X<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/31/world_speak_up~1658417/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/31/world_speak_up~1658417/Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:56:53 +0100 <p><br>Whether you're 5 years old or 95 years old.....</p> <p>"Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, <br>Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." </p> <p><strong><em>John Howard Payne<br>US actor & dramatist (1791 - 1852)</em> <br></strong><br>Enough about this subject <em>for now</em>!!  I can't help being a homebird but am starting to cross the 'being a bore' line I think <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Enjoy your evening guys - going to make some food and a nice cuppa for my man to come home to - being the dutiful girlfriend that I am!!  </p> <p>Reward those that you love - it's a pleasure <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/04idea.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p><strong>M</strong><br>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/being_a_bore_homebird~1653050/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/being_a_bore_homebird~1653050/Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:11:33 +0100 <p><strong>Have I mentioned that there are only 'Three more Sleeps?' to go?!! (See prev post)</p> <p></strong>Just to enlighten you all further:</p> <p>(1)   <u>Armenia Bielefeld</u> are currently 9th in the Bundesliga </p> <p>(2)   <u>Population</u>: 324,670<br>(3)   <u>Location:</u> North Rhine&mdash;Westphalia, N central Germany<br>(4)   Hosts a <u><a href="http://www.irish-pub-bielefeld.de/">fantasticly authentic Irish Bar </a></u>(Irish barmen, great atmosphere & plenty of alcoholic delights mean many have      had a wonderfully drunken time here - including myself of course!!)  <br>(5)   Our very own <u>British Forces are serving there</u> (Whole reason my family are based there)<br>(6)   <u><a href="http://www.peppers-bielefeld.de/">Peppers</a></u> do the most gorgeous cocktails - try one after another, after another, after another...<img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15">It's also a very cozy Mexican restaurant with FOOD to die for!!<br>(7)   True german beer - <u>PROPER beer</u>!!  <br>(8)   Has a <u>beautiful castle</u> overlooking the city - the 'Sparrenburg'<br>(9)   Hosts all kinds of <u>festivals</u>...wine festival, beer festival, Christmas Markets, Medieval festival...</p> <p>(10) It's my <strong><u>second home</u></strong> (How greedy am I!! The first being with my gorgeous man 'N'.</p> <p>And erm...that's about it!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"><br>Really - it's a lot more exciting than it sounds....HONEST!!</p> <p><strong>Well - aren't we all proud of our roots?</strong><strong> <br></strong><br><strong>M</strong><br>x<br></p> <p>   </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/bielefeld_proud_of_my_roots~1652855/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/bielefeld_proud_of_my_roots~1652855/Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:43:03 +0100 <p><strong>Whahoo!!</strong></p> <p>Not long to go...</p> <p>Was at work today, trudding along as you do and received a message from my mother: <em>'3 more sleeps'</em> it read. </p> <p>No more, no less. It needed nothing more - three 'ickle' more sleeps and being the jet setter that I am, will be flying high in a...</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1136724" title="air berlin"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/724/1136724_56d238d266_s.jpg" alt="air berlin" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="150" height="113"></a> <br>and on my way to Bielefeld, Germany!!  <br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1136725" title="bielefeld"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/725/1136725_d6f8d4161a_s.jpg" alt="bielefeld" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="143" height="98"></a> (Doesn't it look just <strong>BEAUTIFUL</strong>??!!!)</p> <p>Now I realise that Bielefeld isn't a well known city but Armenia Bielefeld are in the Bundesliga, you can get <strong>THE BEST</strong> mexican food, homemade onion rings, cocktails, 'bratwursts' and the beer is unrivalled!! Just a few of the bonuses!!</p> <p>You <strong>GOTTA</strong> try it one day <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/05biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>All of a sudden I feel like an excited 5 year old!!!!  </p> <p><strong>M</strong><br>xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/three_more_sleeps~1652387/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/three_more_sleeps~1652387/Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:42:29 +0100 <p>I'm confused (which isn't difficult),</p> <p>I'm obviuosly showing my lack of blogging knowledge - didn't realise that the time on the top of the post woulld be the time i <strong>STARTED</strong> it??!!!!</p> <p>2 hours for one post - a disgrace me thinks!! <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/11redface.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>Oooppssssss......</p> <p><strong>M<br></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/why_blog~1646677/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/why_blog~1646677/Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:52:08 +0100 <p>Mmmmmm.....<br>An interesting question for both veterans of the phenomenon and newcomers (like myself!) alike.</p> <p><strong>Why have I decided to take the plunge </strong><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/03question.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"><br><u>The answer:</u> by complete accident!</p> <p>I'll be completely honest, I had <em>never even heard the term 'blog'</em> or anything connected with it before Friday night. <em>Now, here I am</em>. Joining what seems like the many others in the last couple of days. </p> <p>Picture Friday night infront of the laptop, randomly searching 'Google' (always good entertainment when not looking for anything specific!) One press of the 'return' key and the word <em>'blog' sticks out</em> like a sore thumb. I was intrigued and found myself browsing blog after blog in search of a better understanding of what they were all about.</p> <p>My search took me to many different blogs and in my search I had the pleasure of reading delights created by the likes of <a href="http://www.jakeandsarah.blog.co.uk/">jakeandsarah</a> (for the entries of a couple very much in love), <a href="http://www.stroke.blog.co.uk/">stroke</a> (for the entertainment factor), <a href="http://www.juzzzy.blog.co.uk/">juzzzy</a> (post entited 'A Bad Time To Talk' is legendary!) and <a href="http://www.beforeuaskimnotblond.blog.co.uk/">beforeuaskimnotblond</a> (for honesty and strength).  But then I'm sure that none of those listed will come of any surprise to you!!</p> <p>It would seem that <em>motivations for 'blogging' differ from one person to another</em>: To document your life, become part of a unique community, to give opinions, to practice writing skills, for amusement, to express feelings not able to in another forum...the list goes on and on!!!  I'm still not sure what my motivations are (but boy have I thought about it in detail!) but I can say that I felt an <em>URGE to have a go and see what becomes of it !!</em> Aren't I brave eh?!! </p> <p>I am obsessed already - I spent FOREVER getting the thing to look the way I wanted to - much to the annoyance of my good man!!  First impressions still count for something don't they?!!  Well, my hope is that MY motivations become clear as my blog develops.  In the meantime, I will enjoy having a project to nurture <img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/08wink.gif" border="0" alt="" width="15" height="15"></p> <p>I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter - <strong>WHY BLOG?!!<br></strong><br>With love,<br><strong>M</strong><br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/why_blog~1645340/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://speakup.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/why_blog~1645340/Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:50:13 +0100