We Wii

On Saturday morning I sent Robin out to get a few bits for lunch and a couple of things I had reserved at Argos. He came back with them - plus a Wii!!!!!!! (a chance ask in a game store revealed one console lurking in the back which he was unable to resist)

I'd just like to point out that normally I would NOT condone a random expensive purchase like this - but I have known that he's been pretty desperate for one since mid last year, so it wasn't really that big a surprise.

We left it in it's box until the kids were in bed, then Robin (lovingly) assembled it, and set it all up.

My verdict?

It's compulsive, and excellent exercise - you really work up a sweat lunging for balls, whacking home runs or boxing. I have been really surprised that I really enjoy playing it - I've already become a bowling master (well almost!) and really enjoy running about (hardly improving) at tennis. Boxing is hilarious - you initially feel like a real numpty until you become so absorbed you make all kinds of funny faces, and being a spectator is a real giggle.

I have all kinds of slightly sore muscles, and already am looking forwards to a few games of tennis tonight, maybe a bit of bowling too... who knows! I may even try my hand at golf! I am thinking that it's got to be a good thing if it's getting this 'evening sofa dweller' more active.

(Sorry Robin for posting about this first!)

List madness.

After doing the six wierd things list about myself I've been mulling on list-making. I love the fact that lists are so personal and specific to the people that make them - how you can learn unusual and bizarre things about the people you know (or may not know)

I noticed that Heidi (great minds and all that!) has been thinking along the same lines, on her blog is a new list of things she likes, and dislikes which I think will be very interesting to read for anyone who knows her. Robin has been thinking of putting up his own lists but as yet has not had a spare few minutes to pop one up.

So, I feel the need to put up a list of my own... but seeing as I've been thinking about it so much of late.. it's difficult to decide what to make a list about....... a small one then to start with.

5 Really useful shopping websites

1. Play.com Invaluable for anyone wanting to not pay over the odds for their must have viewing, gizmos and current oddities. I have bought SO much from here, and always had prompt delivery and no problems.

2. Tesco.com Not just for the option to have your groceries delivered to your home, but also all kinds of products from their ever-expanding other 'stores'.

3. Ikea - oh, what a big surprise I hear you all cry! Well, in the past this has been a source of great delight but also annoyance, as you can browse through their wares but not buy online. However, they are phasing in home delivery on some of their range this year, to be rolled out area by area. I'm keeping my eye on it!

4. Dwell - I have yet to buy from them, but have been watching their gradual rise to the chic lists in house magazines for the past couple of years. They seem to offer very contemporary furnishings at pretty reasonable prices, although my browser mucks up the code on their emails which is a little annoying. As we slowly pull this house of ours into the present I keep an eye to see what's new here.

5. Tchibo - has moved off my hate list and back into my good books. A couple of years ago, when they were a new thing in the UK there online store was efficient enough but I had all kinds of trouble actually having the stuff actually arrive. But I gave it a whirl again a couple of weeks ago, and not only recieved an email when the item left the wharehouse but when it arrived it was beatifully packaged. They are a kooky place, with an unusual selling approach offering new ranges every week. Often there is nothing of interest, but sometimes they have that exact article you're after, at an attractive low price. I will just mention that they have fantastic customer service in their high street stores and an excellent returns policy.