Stu vs. Christmas

Well folks as 2011 comes to an end I have actually found time to reflect on a few things. The first of which is Christmas. Now this is the first proper 'Copping Christmas' I've been involved in for 8 years. The last few times I've spent Christmas with my side of the family we've been in Florida. Although I had not forgotten how hectic it can get and how we are always swimming in presents, this was my wife's first taste of it all. It didn't disappoint.

This was our son's first Christmas and days before my brother and wife brought us the gift of a niece, Lyla. We were very excited to get to see her too. My wife is very organised so there was no last minute present dashes for people. Although on Christmas Eve-eve-eve (yes that is its official title) I was putting the last finishing touches to a present and in doing so destroyed my laminator beyond repair. This little mishap meant Ruth had to shoot into work on her day off to complete my awesome present for Dad.

Our journey to the parentals was slow but uneventful and we managed to fit presents et al in the car along with a moses basket for our little niece. My brother's car was a little more chocka (I will try and find a hilarious photo of this which had my sister-in-law wedged in the back).

So Christmas Eve arrived and the presents mounted. I thought we were quite reserved. My other family members had other ideas. For example my aunt dropped off 11 (yes 11) bags of presents just from her. Hence the tight fit in my brothers car. Strangly enough no-one seemed to get too hammered that evening. I think we were just too knackered.

I was up early on Christmas Day in anticipation for my son's early rise... It never came. He slept right through leaving a tired Daddy come breakfast time. TYPICAL. Now for as long as can remember we've haven't done traditional stockings at Christmas. Instead everyone get's everyone else a present or two that cost £1. This usually means an obscene amount of crappy presents that get lost on the way home. I was however suprised with my hall this year. Out of the 10 I received I think I've kept over half. My favourite being a map of Discworld. Bargain.

This went on until midday. We started at 10. When most people have ripped of paper and packaging and getting to play with shiny new toys our fun is just beginning. Now this went on until 4ish when we stopped for 'lunch' and then carried on once more until 10pm. I got a huge number of children's books which I intend to plough through this year, along with some PS3 games and a few Blu-rays which should also keep me entertained until my birthday in May.

I was more shocked with Nathan, who took in his first Christmas with awe. He wasn't too interested in presents, that I'm sure will happen next year, but he behaved excellently and monopolised his Grandad throughout the day. He got some excellent bath toys that we've already tried out.

Boxing Day was spent setting up my Mum's new IMac. I want one now, they're awesome. There were also more presents to open and lots of food to eat and I was all to happy to oblige. We then headed home on the 27th with more stuff than we came with.

That was out Christmas in a nutshell. It was great to spend it with family and see old friends (Bex your son is great). I've already read about other people's Christmas' and it looks like everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves this year.

Here's to a cracking 2012!! Happy New Year readers

Stu vs. 25 Books in 2011: An Update

Well as we near the end of 2011 and think about what's in store for us in 2012 (I'll deliberate that later) I thought I would revisit my reading challenge. Looking back this challenge was flawed and doomed to fail from the start. The reason: I didn't actually own all the books on the list. Yes, I intended to but them all eventually but never got around to getting all of them.
Now I'll admit I'm a slow reader but I honestly thought 25 books in a year was doable. I managed to finish... 6! Yes just six. I blame A Dance with Dragons tbh. That book alone took me over three months to get through. Since then I finished a fair few others. My latest conquest being the first book in the Warcraft: Ancients trilogy.

So the list to the left will be altered to 30, yes 30, books in 2012. I'm going to remove those I've finished and add a few more. To quote Yoda, 'Do or do not, there is no try.'

This will probably be my final post pre-christmas, so I will take this opportunity to wish my readers a Happy Christmas. Eat. Drink. Be Merry.

Stu vs The Christmas List

Well folks, it's that time of year again and at the grand age of 29 am finding it harder and harder each year to come up with things for people to get me.

However my father is having no such problem. His list last year was comedy gold, this year its almost as good, so good I thought I'd post iton my blog. ENJOY!!

THE CHRISTMAS LIST

By John
 

2 weeks at the Almond Beach and Spa in Barbados. Please do not scrimp Ocean view room on the 1st floor and upgrade to business Class on the flight. (I will pay for the stay at Holiday Inn the night before). Budget for around £7,000

2 Weeks in a villa at Sunset Lakes Orlando. (Please check with me first and I will send link to book villa direct). Again, upgrade on the flights please. Do not scrimp on the car hire....Cadillac Seville. If you shop around allow for £5,000 (how cheap is that?)
 
10 days in a villa at Competa. Unfortunately no flight upgrade available so be generous with the car hire. Well worth £3,000 which should give me some spending money if comparing with above.
 
ALL DATES SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH LAINE
May have to steer clear of Christmas next year as we seem to be gathering a collection of Grandchildren
 
The biggest Apple Computer costs a lot and does things I will never understand but bugger me does it look good. Since he bought his laptop, sorry Mac book, Jamie can advise on additional software.
 
Conn Iggulden...Conqueror. Amazon £8.55
 
George R R Martin...Dance with Dragons. Amazon £12.50
 
Nils Lofgren...Favourites 1990 – 2005. Amazon £7.49
 
Apparently you can buy credits for WII games to buy ‘on line’. Now that we have rescued this from Alex and Lisa best check with Stubag to see how this is done. You can borrow my ‘idiots guide to all things gaming’ that Stu wrote for me last year if you needed, should you wish to try yourself.
 
As mentioned last year I get great satisfaction killing things, they should invent a game with Politicians as the main protagonists, how much fun would that be? Oh, I digress; speak with Stubag to get an idea of what I can cope with.
 
I have asked Stubag and Barmy to come up with ideas for me, as and when they do I will add to list therefore please check regularly for updates.

All I'm hoping for is a few books (shock horror) and a couple of other bits and bobs. Here wishing all readers a Happy Christmas.