As usual, I've arrived late to the party.

Despite learning of the event a good few months ago, I declared no interest in taking part as I thought it was ridiculous but now, I'm regretting that decision.

Like me, you're probably sick of hearing about Brexit, bored of hearing about votes for this, for that and for everything and exhausted by talk of backstops, threatened resignations and crashing out of Europe without a deal.

For most, the whole issue started off interesting with discussions about the pros and cons of leaving Europe but now it has become so much more than that.

No-one knows what is going to happen in just a few weeks time however, in the meantime we are faced with scary predictions of possible food shortages, potential violence on the streets and all-out mayhem.

I laughed a few months ago when I read about a group of mothers who had taken to stockpiling food ahead of the March 29 deadline.

I admit I sniggered a little when I read about how they had taken to gathering food, water and medicines amid concerns of shortages and huge price hikes.

I thought it was all a bit extreme but now I'm starting to think this should have been a sign to prompt me into action also.

As a Type 1 diabetic, I have grave concerns about obtaining my insulin in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

As no insulin is produced in the UK, the lives of Type 1 diabetics solely depends on the importing of this life-saving drug.

We're told 16 weeks worth of the drug have been stockpiled so far but this does nothing to calm my concerns.

With all this on my mind, recently I found myself spending longer than usual in the tinned food aisle as I picked out my weekly shop and added some extra tins.

The following week, I did the same and this time also added in some extra bottles of water.

This week, I intend to buy a few extra nappies, wipes and some Calpol.

I don't know how it happened but suddenly, I have become a `prepper' and just in time it seems, as this week the major supermarkets revealed that a no-deal Brexit will cause significant disruption to food supplies and prices will rise as a result of tariffs.

You're all laughing at me now but Thomas The Tank Engine and Peppa Pig pasta are firm favourites in our house. I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like without it - now that's a scary prospect.

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I really could give myself a good slap you know.

I know I'm not perfect but rarely do I make a mistake as big as this.

Why oh why did I not buy tickets for the Westlife comeback when they went on sale late last year?

I've been listening to the band's new single `Hello My Love' on the radio these past few days and I'm loving it.

Even in the car, when I'm bopping away, I can see myself dancing to that track at the SSE Arena.

Why did I not book tickets?

I guess I've missed my chance to be their`Uptown Girl'.

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Competition

It's February, the month of love, so do you fancy winning tickets to take that special someone in your life to the cinema for a Valentine treat?

Whether you fancy a romantic-comedy, a mystery, or a drama, Movie House Cinemas has something for everyone this February 14 - all you have to do is add the popcorn.

And, if you fancy romance this Valentine's Day, why not check out Isn't It Romantic?

Starring Rebel Wilson, the movie tells the story of Natalie, an Australian architect living in New York City, who has always believed that what she has seen in rom-coms is all fantasy.

But after thwarting a mugger at a subway station only to be knocked out, Natalie wakes up and discovers that she is self-aware of her existence in a `PG-13 Universe' and must escape every cliché in order to finally fall in love and return to reality.

I have three pairs of passes for Movie House Cinema 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 Tuesday, February 5, 2019

(Q) What date is Valentine's Day?

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

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The winners of the Elave competition are Ursula Hughes, from Coalisland, Claire O’Boyle, from Magherafelt, and Margo Trimble, from Newry.