Life

Marie McConville: Wishing and hoping our much-needed holiday can go ahead

My fingers are in pain from all the constant crossing for luck.

I know I'm not the only one in the `are we going on holiday or are we not' boat but it is just so frustrating.

As the fight against Covid-19 continues and with news that the Delta variant may be on the rise, I feel like we are in limbo where a break away somewhere is concerned.

Two years ago, we had our first proper summer holiday in Jersey, where we have family.

We got absolutely scorching weather and as the island is so family-friendly, we just had the best time visiting the many beaches, the zoo, activity parks, great restaurants and fab ice cream shops.

We had been due to go back last year however with the pandemic, our flights were cancelled and rolled over to next month, as was our hotel.

Now, with just under four weeks to go, I still have no idea whether we will get at all.

One day it seems like cases are falling, the next they are on the rise and regulations can change so quickly.

Every day, it seems there is talk about a new variant or new problem and I have to say, I'm exhausted by it all.

I've never been one for sun holidays.

I'm a real home bird but I have never felt in more need of a break.

For the last few weeks, I have been getting bits and pieces in the for the kids - t-shirts, shorts, swim suits etc - and have them all in a bag upstairs but the thing is, it could all be a waste of money.

We're both fully vaccinated and every time I look at the guidelines for travelling to Jersey, it seems we will be ok to go but then cases in our local council area rise, even though they are nowhere near us.

The classification system in Jersey means that when we get there, we will have to get a test and isolate for a few hours until the result comes back.

I think the thing I am worrying about the most is getting the kids' hopes up only for them to be dashed at the last minute.

My ever-positive sister-in-law, who lives in Jersey with her family, has been staying optimistic and she is constantly checking regulations for us.

I just want to be back on the beautiful beach watching the kids splash in the water with their cousins, having fun, forgetting about the past 15 months.

I want to enjoy a day time cocktail, forget about schedules, making lunches, washing uniforms and work.

I just want a proper break.

I guess all I can do in the meantime is continue to keep my fingers crossed.

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British actress Keira Knightley has revealed she wore Chanel and red lipstick every day during lockdown.

Speaking in a recent interview, the 36-year-old Love Actually star, said: "I put on red lipstick every day, and every bit of Chanel that I have in my cupboard, and my daughter Edie had Chanel ribbons plaited into her hair and fairy wings.

"We have a trampoline in our garden, and we decided we were only allowed to wear dresses on it.

"I thought, `What is the point of these lovely things sitting in the wardrobe......"

I like your style Keira.

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Competition

Summer is just around the corner and after the year we've had, fun times are on the horizon, so how do you fancy winning a pair of tickets for a trip to the cinema?

Movie House Cinemas have now reopened all of their venues at Cityside, Glengormley, Coleraine and Maghera and there is a whole summer of fabulous new releases to enjoy.

In terms of health measures, Movie House Cinemas and its staff are taking every precaution to ensure your visit is safe.

There's a host of movies to catch including The Father, starring Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins, and Minions: The Rise of Gru - something for every taste.

Further information is available at www.moviehouse.co.uk

I have two pairs of tickets for Movie House Cinemas to give away

If you fancy winning a pair, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with

the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is 12 noon on on Tuesday, June 22, 2021

(Q) Name the actor who plays the main lead in The Father

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

COMPETITION WINNERS

The winner of the Woolow competition is Martine Mateer, from Belfast