Becky says things about … reasons to be cheerful

Oh, brave Listener. We’ve all had a bit of a rough time recently.

There are several reasons why we are all feeling a bit peeved, irked, and somewhat vexed:

1) It is February. February is an obnoxiously depressing month, it knows it, and it doesn’t care. February is insufferable.

2) We are still paying off our Christmas credit card bills. This is intolerable.

3) Our New Year’s resolution diet and exercise regimes have failed miserably and we are eating more doughnuts, peanut butter, and full fat milk than ever before to cope with the depression of February and Christmas credit card bills.

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4) The couples amongst us have had a relationship-busting argument on Valentine’s Day, and the singletons amongst us have just been reminded that they are SINGLE and ALONE and destined to remain that way for the rest of their sorry lives.

5) There is nothing to look forward to. Sorry, Easter, no one looks forward to you. You are not exciting. You are a legitimate reason to consume biologically harmful amounts of chocolate, and therefore you are a beastly contribution to our self-loathing about our failed diet and exercise regime, and also the reason we are alone.

6). THE WEATHER. Oh, the weather, Listener. We in Englandland have had the shit beaten out of us by the weather. For the last 3 months, this has happened on a daily basis:

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Some of us are underwater. Some of us have no roofs. Some of us have lost everything. The print journalists amongst us are fed up with trying to find synonyms for ‘wet’ and ‘flooded’ and ‘catastrophic’, and never want to see or write the word ‘deluged’ again. Several of our politicians have spent a considerable amount of time in Wellington boots pointing at floods. 

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And over in the US of A, you have had a POLAR VORTEX.

A POLAR VORTEX.

A POLAR VORTEX, Listener??? What is this, The Day After Tomorrow??? Polar vortexes happen in disaster films, in comics, and in the dark nubs of my brain when someone asks me to do Maths, but SURELY NOT IN ACTUAL REAL LIFE???

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Unfortunately, the only explanation for this deluge of catastrophic shitness is that we are finally entering the Apocalypse and will very soon all be dead, and because of this irrefutable fact, I would like to try and cheer you all up. I can’t make it stop raining, or thaw out Lake Michigan, but I can give you some reasons to be cheerful.

Becky’s Reasons to be Cheerful

1) You weren’t presented with this cake for your birthday:

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My mum was. She was presented with this cake for her birthday this weekend. My cake-baking skills are normally phenomenal. This time they weren’t. I failed. My mum had a failed cake, presented to her by a failed daughter.

Fortunately, once we stuck a candle in it, it looked MUCH better.

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2) Life is full of small joys that make you realise how ridiculous it all is; the brief and unexpected moments of such tom-foolery and slapstickery that happen to everyone: that little trip up the kerb that you have to turn into a jog, or the poorly-judged lunge of your foot into your knickers that gets your toe caught in the elastic and sends you hopping across the room and eventually colliding with the wall, or the premature opening of the dishwasher while it’s still on.

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Yes these moments initially make us want to kill ourselves, but next time they happen just imagine you’re the person next to you watching the whole ridiculous scene unfold, and remember that your idiocy is extremely amusing.

3) This joke exists in the world:

What’s grey and can’t climb trees?

A car park.

Thanks to my cousin’s 4 year-old son Oscar for the greatest contribution to the world of comedy EVER.

4) You did not arrive at work this morning and realise that your securely-fastened Tupperware box had spilt a lot of homemade soup into the bottom of your recently-purchased bag, and consequently your worldly goods, including your make-up, phone, and wallet, were smothered in pureed beans, spinach, and peas.

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5)  If you just had a relationship-busting argument on Valentine’s Day, or are a lonely singleton, or are generally friendless, isolated and alone, and have no one to talk to but the voices in your head that tell you to make questionable advances towards badgers, HAVE NO FEAR!! Talk to yourself! Talking to yourself, out loud, is one of the many joys of life. I have spent most of this evening talking to myself in a Northern Irish accent. No reason. I just fancied it. I made a beef stew whilst enjoying the lyrical twang of my verbal commentary. I once had an entire conversation with myself in a supermarket that went thus:

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See? How fun is that? Talk away! Ignore the strange looks and harsh judgement of society, and cheer yourself up with the wittiest, most intelligent banter around!*

*Actual attempts at talking to oneself may not be as successful, profound, or as imaginative as mine. I accept no liability for attempts at talking to oneself that result in boredom, anger, sexual arousal, or mental illness. 

6) There is dancing in the world. And there is plenty of space to do it in. Do you think a crowded station platform prevents me from performing an incredibly small jig that is invisible to the naked eye, yet gives me insurmountable glee? NO!

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There is no reason to be peeved, irked, or vexed when there is dancing in the world.

And finally…

7) There is love.

Yes, there is love. There are people in the world who will give you a huge, enormous, squashy hug when you feel a bit low, when you are depressed about your credit card bills and your lack of exercise and your heinous doughnut consumption and the fact that your house is underwater or your local supermarket it totally out of beans because people are panic-buying due to the impending Apocalypse, but throughout all that, there is LOVE. And yes, I may be saying this predominantly for my American listeners, because you LOVE a bit of mushy talk about love and emotion and whatnot, and my English listeners will be sitting in front of their computers thinking ‘Blimey, Becky’s gone a bit overboard with the slushy love stuff. I feel a trifle nauseous’ – but, Listeners of all nations and values, there is a whole heap of love in this world, and no one loves you more than my friend Stickman.

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So cheer up, my courageous listeners. The weather cannot continue to be this crap, your credit card bill will eventually be paid off, you will make up with your other half after your horrendous Valentine’s Day bust-up (unless it was over food, in which case that will take a lot of healing), and you can tell the excellent car park joke to all your friends and family and spread the general glee and merriment.

Hurrah!

572 thoughts on “Becky says things about … reasons to be cheerful

  1. Becky, you know how to cheer a lady up. I was laughing so hard I though I was going to pee. I might have.

    Another reason to be cheerful? You weren’t presented with this on your birthday, like my husband was.

    And THAT was supposed to be a moustache.

  2. This post makes the impending apocalyspe bearable. I will be saddened when we lose all power and I won’t be able to read it while zombies feast on my face.

  3. You (and stickman) made me laugh out loud several times – as usual. Cheer yourself up with the thought that we’re nearer the end of February than the beginning of it, thank goodness.

  4. February is ashamed of itself, thus it only has 28 and sometimes 29 days (it’s also wishy-washy)…it just couldn’t go on – OR maybe its pissed b/c it got shafted a few days compared to December and those OTHER months with at least 30 days.

    Love & mush and all that American-y emotional stuff –

    1. It’s a good point. February SHOULD be ashamed, and the fact that is deficient in days is like the calendar equivalent of hiding its face under a large coat hood. That’s what I think anyway.
      Lots of love and must and American slush to you too! 🙂

  5. Hey! Did you know that ‘Reasons to Be Cheerful’ is an Ian Dury album?! Do you know who that is? Thanks for the earworm.

    I’ve been reading about how you guys are under water. It’s in the New York Times a lot. Sad. But we’re getting a proper ass-whooping as well. Snow! And lots of it! Don’t cry for me, London.

    That’s a cake? It looks like it fell out of the car on the way home from the baker.

    Here’s a perfect 4-year old joke for Oscar:

    Knock-knock.
    Who’s there?
    Little old lady.
    Little old lady who?
    I didn’t know you could yodel!

    Please hold your applause.

    Not for nothing, but it kind of serves you right for eating pureed beans, spinach, and peas. What’s wrong with you?

    There is love. Like, I friggin’ love this blog. That speech sounded like Hugh Grant’s opening monologue from Love, Actually.

    1. Ohhhh I have SO heard that joke before,but it doens’t stop it from making me laugh!!
      Everything you say is true, especially the part about getting my comeuppance for consuming pureed beans, spinach and peas. I deserve everything I get for that heinous concoction of doom.
      Thanks for reading 🙂

  6. As an American, I sincerely appreciate the mushy love stuff. Let us unite like Olympians!

    Unless we’re talking about hockey, in which case, y’all are on your own.

    P.S. It is raining in Baltimore today, so it’s kind of like England.
    Kind of.

    1. Hockey??? Seriously, you can have hockey. It’s the most ridiculous game ever.
      I heard it always rains in Baltimore. In which case, you understand our pain. Therefore, we can unite not just like Olympians, but like sisters.

  7. You totally made me smile, Becky! Which cracks me up (see, smiling?) because you’re the cynical grumpy one and I’m the one who smiles through it all. Or used to until the winter knocked us down with the PV. I am increasingly grumpy with each new day and I am no longer overly fond of my husband or my kids. (still like my cat, though–which I know you won’t get) Most everything makes me either sad or mad. And then you went and made me smile 0-: Many thanks for that. And I do love your cake–really. It’s the thought that counts and I bet it tasted fantastico. And next time, just chop it all up, layer it with whipped cream and a lovely liqueur and call it a trifle.

    1. Ohhh Liz, I’m so glad I made you smile! And do you know what, the cake WAS delicious!! But your tricks about smothering it with cream and liquer and passing it off as a trifle is SUCH a good idea and one I shall remember for next time I completely cock up a cake.
      Thanks Liz 🙂

  8. OMG awesomesauce! Much laughing out loud.
    And just so ya know, that polar vortex thing was brutal! Since I got the Canadian version of it, I stayed indoors for days…

  9. I looked at that cake you made your mum and, before I read what you said about it, I immediately thought “Mmm that looks tasty – wish I’d had that for my birthday”. I admit it has the look of a tasty pud – nice with custard maybe?

    I completely agree about February – especially this one. On my birthday (on Friday so very near your mum’s), I came down with full blown influenza! So thank you for the love, Stickman.

    I particularly enjoyed the station platform jig – fabulous. Keeeep Dancing!

    1. Thanks, Mum’s friend’s sister! The cake was strangely delicious and definitely tasted like a pudding – if only i’d had the foresight to whip up some custard!
      Sorry to hear about the flu – maybe a nice stodgy lemon pudding would help 😉

    1. And your blog helps husbands make their wives’ feet smell like cheese. Everyone is a winner 🙂
      Seriously, I am so chuffed your blog got Freshly Pressed – men NEED to know how to make their wife’s feet smell like cheese!
      I’ll pass your comments on to Oscar – I imagine his reply will be ‘I don’t remember making up that joke – come on, Auntie Beck, I’m only four years old, I don’t remember saying stuff.’

        1. It is even meaner than that, it is not 32 ° C – which would be unbearable for a February day – it is “just” 25 ° … NOW I’m envious – that is the ideal temperature ever!

            1. Not stupid, never said nor meant it, just not used to our ways. Have been in NYC in July – and temperatures in the 30ies for us mean temperatures in the 90ies for you. If I did not have this experience from 2004, I doubt I would have recognized the discrepancy. It is proven, traveling is educating 😉

              1. I didn’t mean to imply that you implied that I was a stupid American. I’m calling myself a stupid American because I don’t understand Celsius or the metric system. 😉

                Thanks for the catch. High 70s are always preferable to 90s, or mid 25s are better than the 30s.

                1. Then I am a stupid European – as I refuse to get into that Fahrenheit-thing and I defy to think of myself as 260 pounds – when I can “just” be 120 kilos … 😉 And I think 1,65 says so much more about my height then 5’7 ” will ever …

                2. I actually agree. I think it’s really quite silly that Americans have different measuring than most of the rest of the world. Metric makes more sense even though I still don’t get it.

  10. This post made me laugh so much, I love your illustrations. I have the same conversations with myself in the supermarket, though in my head, but then I crack myself up and laugh out loud. Good times haha

    1. Thank you! Glad I made you smile 🙂 Good to hear other people have conversations with themselves and then crack themselves up – because, after all, who’s funnier than ourselves? 😉

  11. Becky, my love: I laughed so hard at this that I peed a little. Yes, me and my lovely “fanny” had a sloshy moment.

    For the rest of you shaking your heads at my inscrutable comment, it’s an inside joke between me and Becky, because Becky LOVES ME MORE THAN ANYONE!! Got it?!

    Hahahahahahahahaha!!

    Speaking of LOVE: I love you, my adorbs and completely, insanely funny, and frikken’ awesome friend. Vous etes la lumiere de mon ame. 🙂

    1. Ahahahahaha you and your fanny had a sloshy moment. Disturbing in either translation 🙂
      Incidentally, our little lost-in-translation moment has TOTALLY inspired my next post! I shall be writing my next one on the excellent communication problems between you American dudes and us English fellows have with a few words – and there are some brilliant ones, I promise you 🙂
      Much love Lizzy! xx

      1. Yeah, you got that right, sis. It is pretty gross and TMI no matter what translation one uses! HA! I’m so looking forward to your new post! I shall shout the words: Arse! Bollocks! Petrol! and Bloody Hell! while reading it as a sign of solidarity. Much love to you, too, Becky-my-darling-Brit. 🙂

        1. Hahahaha petrol! Yes, shout PETROL and I shall shout GAS! You Americans don;t sound right saying bollocks, just like we English don’t sound right saying butt, buddy, or motherf***er 🙂
          Keep an eye out for the post! 🙂

          1. Hahahahaha! Right?! “Gas”…such a ridiculously funny word. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed, dear, sweet friend. It literally made my whole month to see you, your amazing writing, humor, and stick people honored in this big way. Many hugs to you, sweetie!

  12. On V-Day, I went to the local sci-fi/fantasy/gaming convention, because my daughter asked to go. Actually, the whole family (wife, daughter, son, myself) all went. It was more awesome than I thought. But I got a head cold from it.

    Now, about things to look forward to: I must have missed the memo about the English not observing St. Patrick’s Day in March. Here in the States, it usually means the Irish-American interpretation of the New England boiled dinner: corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. And then my family + my extended family has boatloads of birthdays all in March. Easter is a respite, y’know?

    1. Hmm, St Patrick’s day. Yeah it’s kind of big over here, but nothing to shout about. However – any day that means you can eat corned beef, cabbage and potatoes in large quantities is fine by me!
      Thanks for reading!

      1. A pleasure as always, Becky. I was going to add green beer, but I am a teetotaler/one of those crazy Mormons like Brother “BroJo” Jon.

        Something tells me, however, that the wise majority prefer honest Guinness to whatever cheap piss they tint green over here.

  13. Do you know that I’m so very cheerful now because I read this post! Ha ha. So funny. I do not know of this Polar Vortex of which you say things…I live in drought-ridden California, the dust bowl. I will now do a jig and talk to myself at the same time. How about that?! A big mushy hug to you and to Sticky!!

    1. Amy / Bumbles!! I’m so glad you’re marvellously cheerful now! And I’m loving your new look blog! 🙂
      So the dust bowl managed to escape the Polar Vortex, eh? I bet the rest of the country LOVES you!
      Lots of love x

  14. You can also be happy knowing that there are people way crazier than you are who have collections of inflatables and do not have human friends, not even bunnies. And thus you are so much ahead of the curve there. Yay!

    I also feel you are CHANGING THE WORLD one stickman at a time.

  15. Your blog should really come with a “Don’t drink hot coffee while reading” warning label. “Doing so will cause you to snort said lava hot beverage out of your nasal passages at terminal velocity. Don’t let Coffee-Snot Computer Screen and Mordor Scorched Nasal Passages happen to you. Put the mug DOWN!”

    That being said, my coffee-snot screen and Mordor scorched nasal passage were totally worth it. Brillant job, as usual!

    1. Then do it. Dance like no one is watching, and then dance like everyone is watching and see if your dancing moves change. An interesting social experiment there 😉
      Thanks for reading!

  16. What a wonderful and funny post, I really enjoyed reading it. You know, here in Sicily we have had a very weird February. It was almost summerlike and now we are back to cold weather again. Great illustrations by the way.

    1. I can’t remember what ‘summerlike’ feels like, so make the most of it! I’ve a feeling it’ll be a loooong time before we get anything near summer!
      Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂

  17. I laughed so much that my dog has been giving me weird looks from his bed. I’m not sure if he’s just annoyed that I’m making noise that’s keeping him away, or he thinks I’m mental. The tweaking stickman is genius!

    1. Haha, sorry you disturbed your dog – he must think you’re mental 😉
      I must admit, I chuckled all the way through drawing my dancing stickman. I could’ve drawn LOADS more, but I didn’t want to over-egg the pudding 😉
      Thank you for reading!

  18. You made an old woman laff out loud. A lot! Don’t do that much in February especially with all the mud and grey. I always open the dishwasher too soon just to see if it will curl my lashes! Jigging stickman will make me titter for quite a few weeks! I like you a lot!

    1. Haha I’m glad I made you laugh! Curling your eyelashes in the dishwasher steam is a genius idea and I’m going to do it right now.

      **Opening dishwasher whilst it’s still on in an attempt to curl eyelashes**

      I think I need an ambulance.

      Thank you for your lovely comment 😉

  19. U know what? I was having a shit day, cried on the way to work til I sat here in my car eating what lunch I have awaiting time for my last cleaning job and then I got to your dancing stick man. I laughed & felt a little bit of my humanity return. Thank you 🙂

  20. Reblogged this on A Modern Hippy and commented:
    If by now you haven’t already worked out that I have a really odd sense of humour and that I love a good laugh, you will now. Sharing this with you because a) it’s Monday and we all need a laugh on Mondays and 3) because I sat here giggling at my desk the whole way through it 🙂 Happy Monday folks!

  21. This is so true. I’m just happy that I’m not the only one that talks to myself. People actually think its weird but I call it an interesting conversation with myself.

  22. I liked this post! I related to quite a bit of it, starting with how you combine original drawings photos and writings. I do all of that too!

    Also, I was recently put in the hospital after being punched by a “sky fist,” and I love smoked salmon. Probably go through about twenty dollars worth of the stuff a week! (That would equate to what, 10 POUNDS of your heavier money?) Oh, and I prefer Atlantic salmon to Pacific, don’t you? It’s a bit of an “East Coast / West Coast” rivalry, and East Coast fish just seems more familiar, yo. *Flashes Gang Sign*

    1. Hahaha I WISH I could flash the gang sign right back at you, but unfortunately I’m far too English to do that 😉
      Just checked out your blog and your drawings are amazing!
      Keep eating that salmon! Thanks for reading 🙂

      1. Thanks Becky! 😀 That means a lot. I will be updating my blog with new “creations” every day.

        I realize that’s a lofty goal, but…it’s one I’ve set for myself. Let’s see what happens!

        Mmmmm. I could go for salmon. Thanks for bringing it up!

        (Oh, and I’ve never flashed a gang sign in my life. Well, maybe ironically. Heh heh)

  23. I’m glad to meet another person who talks to herself in supermarkets. I do it all the time. I also dance to the music on the tannoy system whilst I choose the tomato sauce.
    Thanks to freshly pressed for showing me thou blog – consider yourself followed, in a non-creepy, bloggy way.

    1. Hahahahahaa dancing to the tannoy system??? That’s brilliant, and makes shopping for toilet roll SO much more fun 🙂
      I have also just followed you in a non-creepy, blogging way – so neither of us are creepy! Hurrah!

      1. Ooh yes. My kids run away, hide behind the tins and pretend they don’t know me, then they escort me to the till with rolling eyes. Role reversal is so fn. Can’t wait to be able to use age as an excuse for having fun!

  24. Funny. Really funny. I love Stickman with all my heart and I think the dancing on the platform was funniest. I can see how in the right setting at rush hour, no one would even notice my breakdancing and dancing on my head.

  25. What a great post, I’m a Brit too, but have had the great good fortune to escape February this year and leap into a really hot July. Time travel? No, a holiday in the Southern Hemisphere (Brasilia – what a place)

  26. You totally don’t know how to write. You should not be funny in every sentence. You should give your readers time to compose themselves. Do you not know how hard it is keeping the laughs in my belly so I won’t look like an idiot in public? But, shit, that dance. F*ck looking like an idiot, I’m totally doing that! Haha. Funny piece. Thanks for making me laugh. And fine, your writing’s awesome, just way too funny to be read outside the confines of one’s house.

  27. This made me very happy. Now I won’t feel that bad about breaking my diet resolutions. And your stickman friend is very cute. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my peanut butter sandwich ^-^

      1. Well…. Mine is gone now too. *sighs* Why does every awesome thing in the world disappear so fast?! Let’s hope we’ll find better stuff today 😀

  28. Oh Becky! I needed a good pick-me up this morning and you made me laugh and laugh. I love Stickman’s dance!! It cracked me up. Then I showed it to my other half and we had a good laugh together! 🙂

  29. Had to overcome my hesitance on the account that this bloke did appreciate your sense of humor. WTH, if Sochi 2014 had its way…why not appreciate someone who placed a smile and grin on my perplexed face this morning? I particularly liked your Englandland comparison with your distant cousins from the U.S. of A. It’s nice to know that someone like you can be similarly if not more crazy-er than me. Ironic humor! Spice of life Becky! Keep kickin’ butts!!! Pardon my French!

  30. I’m too much of a realist, thus, these things neither cheer me up, nor upset. Christmas used to be a fantastic, thoughtful and meaningful. Consumerism and commercialization killed this totally. Too bad, that February is a part of our only life, 28 dark, cold, bad weather days. Well, we can fill them up with spring expectations. I suppose, people who don’t engage in way overdone Christmas shopping and eating too much don’t suffer from putting on weight and financial issues. Not everyone thinks Valentine’s day is something very special, therefore, there’s no reason to argue. Easter used to be a nice time, as well, just because it symbolizes the return of light, spring and new life (the shape of sun, the egg as a symbol for start-up of a new life), and Easter colors are genuinely pleasure to look at. I love this time because we can paint cards, flower paintings and prepare for the garden season. I’m pretty sure, the world got derailed at some point, and lots of natural attractions throughout the year got lost, they were replaced simply by consumerism. Buy more, eat more, get more, that way. We are experiencing climate changes because we have disregarded the rules of nature. We want to be the main thing in the universe, yet, we are a part of it, and should think more before we interfere with the laws of nature.
    I am also sure that the source of our good spirits is within ourselves, we just have to learn taking advantage of this source. My take is that engaging in creation of beautiful things always fills up one’s life and doesn’t allow to become depressed or totally down whether in February or any other month.
    Anyway, your post made me think and realize that this world is not perfect. Have a good day!

    1. Well you’ve certainly made me look at things from another perspective!
      I’ve just checked out your paintings and I can certainly see how you take pleasure in the creation of beautiful things, because they are indeed beautiful.
      Thank you for reading, even if you didn’t need cheering up 🙂

  31. So funny and every once in a while i will go to my children’s room and just start talking with an irish accent for no reason other than to make them smile and scare my husband who actually is irish. He thinks I’m a little crazy and i like it that way. If you have time would love for you to check out my blog mommyx4boys.wordpress.com

  32. I love the smoked salmon soliloquy! My colleague just heard the cupcake calling out to her from the fridge last night.

    Adore the animation too. Certainly brought life to an otherwise load of text.

  33. I woke up this morning to dog poop all over the kitchen floor. You’ve fixed my mood and for that I THANK YOU!!!

  34. (Looking up from her computer screen she noticed it was still a dreary dark grey rainy February morning. Oh well, the cheeriness while reading Becky’s post was fun while it lasted. That, and the little lingering relief that no one died at Downton Abbey last night would just have to do). 😉

  35. I absolutely loved this! You get an award for this because when I say “lol” that means that I literally laughed out loud and didn’t internally think “Hmm… this is slightly humorous.”

    1. Hahaha, so you actually did LOL??? People DO actually LOL, and they don’t just contemplate something that they have found vaguely comical? A revelation! 😉
      Thank you, your comment made me genuinely LOL as well! HURRAH!

  36. Thank you! This has helped a small bit. I will look forward to your ‘How March Sucks’ post in a week!! Congrats on gettin’ pressed!!

  37. The car park joke had me crying with laughter – I have no idea why, but it certainly cheered me up! The rest of the blog was pretty great too, thanks.

    1. I cried with laughter for three days when Oscar first told me the car park joke. It’s literally the most genius thing I’ve ever heard.
      Thank you for reading and I’m glad you cheered up!

  38. Having just experienced the Polar Vortex firsthand, it’s nice to know that I can still read a post that makes me forget the impending doom of the Apocalypse and feel better about the bag of chocolate I have hidden in my desk drawer. Also, if animation studios aren’t busting your door down by now, they should be. Amazing.

    1. Ah, bless you, thank you!
      I also had a bag of chocolate hidden in my desk drawer today – notice I say HAD… sadly it is no longer there… ahem…
      Thank you for reading, and glad you survived the polar vortex!

      1. I do love stick man too though, ok? Please keep being there for my therapy. Laughs are sorely needed everywhere. Especially in Birmingham, Alabama. ~amy

  39. Haha! Brilliant stick men drawings – this really made me laugh! I am adding some of your reasons to my list. Especially talking to myself – it’s probably the only way to get a sensible conversation around here!

  40. My fingers can’t type fast enough and I loved this post even more then Benedict Cumberbatch. Good job.. I also want cake now.

  41. This cheered me up after a long day! People should take themselves less seriously! Do you really do all of the above? Has anyone ever reacted to you dancing on platforms or talking to yourself in public. Or am I taking this post too seriously!!

  42. That honestly made me feel better about today it was funny and just brilliant love your stickman by the way! Love one of your mushy american (now) readers.

  43. Becky..so ironic. I was on WP looking at sample blogs and your photo of the stick people dancing made me click on your site…..I had no idea you were a Becky too! I’m a Becky from California…..think your blog is great and you just made a new subscriber 🙂

  44. Those pictures made me want cake. So, mission accomplished, Becky!

    That smoked salmon discussion is frighteningly similar to my interior monologues at the grocery store. I suppose I should make it an exterior one just to try out this bold new adventure.

  45. Reblogged this on Accent and commented:
    As I was reading other people’s blogs, I came across this one which made me laugh soooooo hard. My advise: If ever you feel down…Read This!

  46. You are too funny. That dance needs to go global. This is what we should all do… next time any of us are in a line (anywhere in the world) start busting out Becky’s moves and get the whole line going. Completely “inappropriate behaviour” perfect!

  47. You had me giggling the entire time I was reading, but I absolutely love the conversation at the grocery store. I’ve been known to talk to myself, too. Sometimes, when I’m by myself at the store, I’ll thrust my fist in the air and declare things like, “Come on, guys! Let’s all go get ice cream!”

    1. HAHAHAHAHA!! I shall from now on accompany my self-conversations with a fist-thrust. That sounds amazing. Mildly schizophrenic, but amazing nonetheless 😉
      Thank you for reading 🙂

      1. It was so nice to hear about someone else who has entire conversations with themselves for no other reason that..they can..also that other people make judgements based on whether it’ll make them feel like historical characters

  48. First time reader from America and you had me rolling with the “Polar Vortex” bit. If I hear any more meteorologists name a winter storm, I may send them the pureed bean mixture. It’s like the entire Nation has gone mad and forgotten that it is indeed winter.

    1. Hah, the pureed bean mix would give them something to think about! I know it’s winter, but there’s no need for a polar vortex. You Americans always have to go bigger and better, don’t you 😉 🙂
      Thanks for reading!

  49. Bet the cake tasted good, and that’s what really matters IMHO. And particularly love the wellies bit! Thanks for making me 😀

  50. Just adding my tuppence…well, after all of the above, my ha’penny: This is the first post of yours I’ve read, and I really enjoyed it. The words would have stood (danced) on their own, but Stickman and his hot, hot bod–whoo-whoo!

    Still laughing at the dishwasher steam…Thanks so much for the stress rest!

    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’m not going to tell Stickman you said he had a hot bod because he’ll become insufferably smug and arrogant.
      Thanks for reading 🙂

  51. Thank you. I hope I know you personally. You made me feel better . . . I was feeling so down, well I still do because I am having some problem getting my school requirements done and I also have trouble with finances. But, all this will end, I know. As you have said, at least I have friends who can give me a big hug.

  52. Oh, Becky, I love the things you say 🙂
    -;-./\]\
    And my 9 month old does, too. Those random symbols were him getting to the keyboard 🙂
    I think it’s so necessary to keep a little perspective in life! It’s why I love being a life coach and helping people find the silver lining. I’m at http://www.awakeninglifehealing.com if anyone’s interested.
    And I’ve also been known to dance in public. With my baby. Booyah.

    1. Haha I’m glad I entertained the 9 month old! I didn’t realise my readership was quite so varied in age… 😉
      Dancing in public is totally acceptable, and I hope the baby grows up to feel the same!
      Will definitely check out your blog, I quite often feel I’m in need of a life coach! Thanks for reading 🙂

  53. Best. Joke. Ever.
    4 year olds seriously have a strange and wonderful sense of humor.

  54. Jesus H., over 500 comments! Congratulations on the FP, Becky!!

    As an American, however, I can tell you that not all of us want some sort of lovey dovey emotional crap. Some of us hate that shit.

    I envy your ability to talk to yourself aloud in a Northern Irish accent. I can’t do any Irish accents at all. In fact, I can’t do any accents from Ireland or the UK convincingly. It saddens me. But the fact that you can, makes me cheerful.

  55. Oh my goodness, I’m dying here! I thought the smoked salmon debate only happened in the land of me and my bf! It’s even better when it’s 20% off or something and you can pretend you’re getting bargain.
    It’s the little things.

  56. I would like to like this more than once but twice made it null. Meh!

    Becky, you say the most funniest of things! Absolutely love it!

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