Sitting on my bum... Because I have to.

Here's an interesting article in the news today...

"There has been "an alarming increase" in the number of working-age people suffering strokes, with unhealthy lifestyles being seen as the main cause." They mention television and computer games (as they always do).

These news reports annoy me.  They're very quick at criticising those who sit on their bums all day, watching TV or playing computer games.

The problem isn't watching TV or playing computer games.  I love playing computer games...  I always have and always will, and that will never change.  I'm a computer nerd, however I spend 8 hours of the day sat in front of a computer not playing computer games because it's my job.  YES, THAT'S RIGHT, the majority of my day is spent in front of a computer because I have too - I make a living from it.  Is that any different to sitting at home playing games?  Why not mention that when writing these articles since so many of us have to sit at work?

So if the chances of me suffering a stroke are increased because of that, maybe I should get danger pay?  After all, what they are saying is that my job is dangerous to my health.

Also, if they're going to whinge at those watching TV as well, why not have a go at those who sit on their bums and read books....  play board games....  draw/paint...  etc.?

Sitting on our bums doing things is a part of life!  How easy it is to single out TV and computers for the health problems of today.

Moving Right Along...

It was inevitable...  It had to happen eventually...  We're moving house! (again)

For the 5th (and hopefully final time) in 13 years, we've decided that our current house is just too small for such a large family, and are now moving from a tiny 3 bedroom terraced house which barely has enough room to swing a cat, to a detached 4 bedroom family house.

So as I write this, I am surrounded with lots of cardboard boxes and not stressing too much (at the moment).  We get the keys to the new house next week, and don't have to be out of our current one until the end of the month.  Fortunately this means we'll have a good couple of weeks to gradually get stuff moved to the new house.

So, what are the benefits of the new home....  Well, other than the extra space, I can think of a few immediately....

TWO TOILETS!  Oh yes.  No more will there be queues to take a pee in the morning.  No longer will I have to endure Kieran, Kayleigh or Sophie asking to go to the toilet whilst I quickly cover myself in bubbles to avoid embarrassment in the bath tub.  See, something you'd think would be standard for most families these days is still lacking in many houses.

The living room in the new house is over twice the size of our current one.  We struggle with the limited space we have at the moment - not for much longer!

Strangely, even after gaining an extra bedroom, you'd think the girls would like a room each...  Nope.  Sophie and Kayleigh want to carry on sharing, meaning we'll have a spare room for visitors and storage.

A driveway for several cars.  No more will I have to worry about people blocking my driveway when we go away.

Of course, the best thing of all is that I get my own Man Cave.  A place where I can display my Star Trek memorabilia with pride (and without embarrassing Michelle), and a place where I can set up my retro computers and game consoles.

Here's some piccies of the new house (minus a few of the bedrooms).

The main hallway, dining room, and open plan stairs leading up to the 4 bedrooms and upstairs bathroom.

 

The living room

The master bedroom (not too keen on the mirrors!)

Kayleigh and Sophie's bedroom, plus the landing leading to the bathroom.

Bathroom

Downstairs study.  Michelle is using this room for when doing nails and girly stuff

Kitchen

Kitchen

 

The Man Room (ahem) Utility Room.

The Man Room (ahem) Utility Room.

The back garden.  It needs a bit of de-weeding, but the estate agents said they would do it for us before we move in.  How nice.

I admit, we will be a little sad to say goodbye to the old house.  We've been here for nearly 10 years, and have watched Kieran grow.  He was only 10 months old when we moved in, and now he's 10 years old!

Oh well.... Back to more packing.