Everything that starts with R ...

If you were expecting a "mistletoe and wine" type seasonal tale wrapped around Great Uncle Bill and Auntie Gwen then I am sorry to disappoint you. That particular tale actually hit the stands some time back in the summer - I have recently brought it up the list, due to it already very appropriately bearing the word "Xmas" in its title. The fact that I loath the word Xmas, yet was forced to use it, due to the "X is for" connection, will hopefully render this non Christmassy, "Christmas Special" rather more palatable for me to see listed during the coming months. Uncle Bill was an unknown ... more

This is my take on Rachel (thingywhatsit)'s Christmas Challenge. In her words: "A CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE. I have done several Christmas Challenges with a prize since being a member of Ciao, and thought that as the season of good will comes upon us, why not try another, bring members together in this season sharing their thoughts about Christmas, either in the form of a story, a poem, or an A-Z review, but mostly participating for the fun of sharing. The idea of the challenge is that you write a piece about Christmas. It must be a completely new review. Each Christmas is different, and as we grow ... more

Hello fellow Ciao reviewers in the community. I have chosen to write a slightly different review today. It is to commemorate the life of a man who inspired and touched me as well as other members of my family. My tribute is to Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve was born on 25 September 1952 in New York City. His mother (Barbara Johnson) and father (Franklin Reeve) divorced when Christopher and his brother Ben were four years old, and his mother took them away from New York to New Jersey. Christopher's love of acting shone through from an early age, when joining as many school clubs and after ... more

*******UPDATE******* ********I have decided to put my thoughts at the top of the old review, just to make it easier for me. Today, I was having a bit of a spring clean in the nursery. I am almost at the stage now where my baby could come at any time, so thought it would be a good idea to make sure I had cleaned the chest of drawers where the baby clothes will go. Upon opening the bottom drawer however, I found something I didnt know was still there. One of my Son's socks had gotten caught in the corner of the drawer. I dont know how long I sat there on the floor, just looking at the little ... more

R for Recruitment agencies Earlier in 2009 I was made redundant from my job & started the process of looking for another. This was the first time in my working life I was without work. Things have changed considerably in the job market since the last time I looked for work & the stark realities of recruitment agencies have now been brought to my attention. Since leaving school I have worked in the Motor industry, starting off as a humble apprentice mechanic (they call them technicians now) & over the years working my way up to an Aftersales manager at a number of busy dealerships. I looked for ... more