Live the Pooh way

A day in the life of ....

I loved Bridget Jones in the 90s. I loved reading Helen Fielding's wonderful work, laughing hysterically one minute, then crying the next. I'd have a glass of wine in one hand and my book in the other, following Bridget Jones and her many mishaps through her twenty something life.

I felt I got her, like I knew her. At the end of the day, we could all relate to her in some way or another. She was endearing and tried her best; she was like a really good friend and you just wanted to give her a hug, have a girly night in with your pjs on or go out boozing with her. (90s jargon!)
I loved the second book too, 'The Edge of Reason' and loved following her further adventures.

The first, as with many things was my fave. I was really pleased when I heard a film was being released.

I was very happy with the choice of Colin Firth, Mr Darcy. Hugh Grant surprised me with the dashing, cad role after his normal bumbling role in films like Four Weddings. The biggest surprise was Renee Zellweger. It was as if the part had been written for her. I am so glad I read the book before the film but I really did enjoy it. The casting was perfect and I loved when Bridget turned up in her bunny outfit at the garden party. So funny! That became the theme of my hen do a few years later!

I am a romantic and I'm sure everyone was rooting for them both at the end, as I was, in the snow, when she ran after him and they missed. So romantic! Now, I'd be like, ooh. She must be feeling the cold in them slippers in that snow! I loved what Mr Darcy, sorry, Mark Darcy said to when he finally professed his feelings to her. He wanted her for her. Pass me the tissues!

This next quote shows that Bridget chose wisely with Mr Darcy, sorry, Mark Darcy as he saw behind the outside attractiveness, unlike the dastardly Daniel!

I loved the diary like entries, reminding me of the hilarious Adrian Mole diaries that I devoured as a kid and loved. I even watched the TV series. Sue Townsend also wrote about an older Adrian Mole more recently and I need to read those.

I always laughed at Bridget's diary entries bless her. I think this is where she connected with people the most. Failing the day before, then trying again with the best of intentions the next day. In the film, when she was singing along to 'All by myself' in her pjs, we all felt for her; we've all listened to sad music, watched a weepy film and eaten three boxes of chocolates at one point, at least in our lives. Seriously, music strikes a chord with feelings. I remember the song, 'Without You' by Ricky Nelson, being the catalyst for me leaving my university and coming back home. It came on my tape cassette player and that's when I realised I needed to leave. Except, it was Mariah Carey's version and I didn't have any chocolate to hand!

I enjoyed the next film too but again, the first was the best. I got so much from the books and the films. I loved this New Year's Resolutions from the woman herself. I love the last one especially!

I have not read the latest book and from writing this blog, I now need to read it!

I must admit, I have not had chance to see the most recent film, with Patrick Dempsey who I remember from the fab 90s film, Can't Buy Me Love.

Something that made me laugh when I was reading the books, unmarried, was how Bridget referred to anyone married as 'smug marrieds'. Through her single eyes, everyone with a ring on it flaunted their 'happily ever after'.

However, when I watched the films as a married woman, I kept thinking, well I'm not smug! When I looked on Pinterest for these pictures, I came across other books written by women, influenced by Bridget. I love the look of this one and must read it!

I mean, this book is probably nearer my age range now! The recomendation on the front cover says, 'A Bridget Jones for the internet dating age'.

There is also a post on Pinterest showing other books to read that are similar. I have been recommended the 'From Notting Hill with Love ... Actually' and I loved both those films too with Hugh Grant in! So that's even more books to add to my To be read pile!

I know this is a light hearted blog, but, on a deeper level, I found this book also which looks an inspiring read.

I have recently started following a really funny, honest Facebook page, Bernice Bloom. She has also written these books, following the adventures of an adorable fat girl. I must read them!

Bernice Bloom has also written the diaries of further adventures of her main character. These all look like great, Summer reading!

I wondered what the day/month in the life of diary entries might look like for an ex teacher on the cusp of, possibly even dipping her toes into a mini midlife crisis? No jesting here; the feelings are all real. I thought I'd give it a go.

Day 1 in the Big Mother House (did I leave out the last chance saloon dieting too?)

Strong coffee: 3
Stronger coffee: 4
Swear words under breath: 2
Stronger swear words under breath: 5
Leaves of lettuce eaten: 0
5 a day portions: 2
Pints of water: 2
Trips to the loo: 10
Moments of biting my tongue: Too many
Hot flushes: 3
Amount of gin consumed: 2 small glasses
Actual amount of gin consumed: 4 tumblers

I have recently watched the new Bridget Jones About a Boy and it was brilliant! I have actually watched it twice! Such a lovely ending that included everyone from before. So emotional!