Things That Have Broken Me This Month

It’s been a good month. I have no complaints.  Wait.  Except three.  I have three complaints.  These are the things that almost broke me this month. 

Stikeez.  For the uninitiated out there Stikeez, according to Google are, “a range of 24 figurines that can be collected, played and swopped with friends.”  According to me, Stikeez are, “a range of 24 head wrecking fuckers with names like Winker, Chukapi and Nohorse, that can be collected, eaten by the dog and cause the mofo of all rows between siblings.”  Rolled out by Lidl a couple of months ago, you could buy them for 50c each or get one free with every €15 spent in store.  They live in a cardboard submarine that costs €2.49.   We have four collections in the house.  Four!  At the time of writing we had three complete collections and were actively seeking an Oscar, a Sweety and a Mr. Squid for Smallest Boy.  This week I had meetings, actual meetings with other people who were in the same boat as me; driven demented by their kids looking to source the last couple of Stikeez for their submarines.  The good news?   Apparently Lidl are rolling out a new range in November.  Rumour has it it’s a spaceship.  I just might board it.  Hide, hide now! 

Argos three for two.  I am aware it is only September.  I am also aware that I might come across as smug if I say I have started my Christmas shopping.  But it’s only a little dent.  Tiny.  You’d hardly notice it.  When your kids are off enjoying themselves at a birthday party you take advantage of those few precious hours and make hay whilst the three for two offer is still available.  Except the items your kids want are never available.  Never.  It’s a pain in the hoop!  That is why it’s only a little dent in my Christmas shopping.  A Nerf Guns sized dent. I have the same problem every year.  It must be said though the kids have decided to take pity on Santa this year and their requests are very reasonable indeed. 

The ploughing championships.  This one did try very hard to break me.  Literally. I did something to my back pushing the buggy in my haste to beat it the hell out of there.  Gah!!!   Two of the boys had audiology appointments early Thursday morning and we decided to stop in at the Ploughing Championships in Co. Laois on the way home.  Under duress, I might add.  There is a reason why I have never been.  Anyhow, €40 for a walk and €18 for 25 chips later, we were on our way out.  Maybe after two hours.  I didn’t feel it happen but I sure felt a glitch in my lower back when I got out of the car.   Today is day 3 and it has definitely improved but it meant I haven’t been able to go for a precious run in three days.  Maybe it’s time I also got my foot balance inserts looked at again.

It’s not nice being broken.