Clearing out for the new year

The week between Christmas and New Year is a funny week. A strange week, not comedy funny. I decided that today I'd stay in and try to have a much needed clear out of 'stuff' that you accumulate over the year and arrange the new 'stuff' i got for Christmas. Books, perfume, DVDs and the like. 

I'm a hoarder and will keep a box if it looks nice just in case i can use it again. You know, for presents and the like. It never happens. All that does happen is that the aforementioned box lays there and collects dust. You get the picture...

I do keep shoe boxes though. For my 'good'/dress shoes. I like to keep them wrapped in the paper since I don't use dressy shoes that much. They're piled on top of the wardrobe at the moment. 

So, earlier today I tried to clear out my bookshelf/craft area/DVD storage. I got a black bag full of old papers and receipts. Receipts I'd kept in a box that were from last Christmas - JEEZOOO Angela!

I ripped them all up (therapeutic) and cleared some space. Whilst rearranging my book shelves I found 3 unused new Moleskine notebooks in various colours and a tesco freezer bag filled with Nepalese money and cards and photos from my trek. I suppose I kept it there so it was handy to reach if I wanted to show anyone. It's still there, of course i couldn't throw that out.

the book/dvd/craft shelves

the Tesco freezer bag filled with memories

I'm glad I came across the clean notebooks. I've got a pile of used cinema ticket stubs that I'm going to use in a project along with one of the notebooks...

brushes, hair potions, face potions, miracle workers and more... this'll be rearranged soon

How do you arrange your 'stuff'? I have to fit everything into my bedroom. Clothes, DVDs, crafty bits n bobs, skincare, make up, shoes, pj's, bed, suitcase, handbags, gym bag and work bag. Phew. A lot of things into one fairly square room. I tried to arrange all of my makeup and skincare bits into several Ikea Malmo drawers and other plastic storage boxes but it still isn't as neat as I'd like. After Christmas i'm going to go back and get the Alex 9 set of drawers that'll fit nicely alongside my current furniture and will house *all* of the stuff above.  

There are other areas of my life that are going to be cleared out...or perhaps just revamped. Do you do that too?

Angela x

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Nothing to say here

Lately i've had nothing to say here. Peaks and troughs is what its been like. Barren.

You'll maybe have noticed. I have. I want to say things but I'm not sure it's what people want to read. It's my blog, I should post what I want, shouldn't I?

One thing I decided was this. I'll not be doing a post whereby I recap the year gone and set lists for the year to come. I say this now, wait for a few weeks and a list will likely appear. The last list I wrote was my 35 things in my 35th year. That was back in March. we're still in my 35th year though but the list has long been forgotten. Maybe i set my list items to high. Am I aiming too high? Am I not aiming high enough? All I know is that most things on that list haven't yet been achieved. And that's not something you want hanging over you is it. See, aiming too high?

Saying that, there are still 3 months left of my 35th year and i'm sure if i really put my mind to it I could start crossing off some things on that list. Couldn't I? Let's see shall we...

THE LIST
AGAIN.
hashtag #35InMy35th

1. a road trip north, south, east and west
2. wear pink lips - done! light pink MAC Angel and Dior Lucky!
3. a sunshine holiday
4. show off my iPhonography - it's pretty cool - done. Instagram. that works for me.
5. go out dancing, in heels! - YES, the Christmas night out at work. Once in a year. Lame ;)
6. ride my bike to work 2 days per week (disclaimer: in summer!) - oy, big fat fail.
7. bake more cakes - does sticky toffee pudding count. Yes!
8. have a dinner party
9. be 8 stone, consistently - how about 8 stone something? Yes!!
10. see a movie at the IMAX - hello Batman! - DONE, TDKR. It was good. Not sure IMAX is worth it though.
11. meet new people that like me just the way I am
12. wear a skirt to work regularly - Once or twice is enough isn't it?
13. eat less sweets and chocolate - FAIL FAIL FAIL...
14. Alton Towers day trip! - 2013 for sure!
15. try not to bother what anyone else thinks about me. I'm awesome. - i can't help this...
16. get full series of a tv programme and watch them all (LoveFilm) what do you suggest? - still looking for suggestions?!!
17. get some cools photos of me done
18. say "yes" to a social outing when I want to say "no"
19. make some of the things from my Crafty board on Pinterest - snowflakes for Christmas!
20. collaborate with someone on a project
21. keep my skin healthy - my skin is dry, i have to face that. It'll never be flawless. But i'm keeping it as best i can.
22. finish reading the book on my bedside table - Fail, but i have read more books this year!
23. get an international check in on Foursquare - OH MY. Failed. 
24. tweet a picture from somewhere AMAZING - again...fail...
25. have more faith in my gut instincts. They're usually right. - I did trust my gut this year. I am right. I WIN AT THIS.
26. get this blog sorted. If anyone wants to help me please shout! - still looking for some help?
27. see a real life Banksy (this has been on most of my lists) - 2013, for sure, it can't be that hard to find.
28. don't keep new clothes in the cupboard 'for a special occasion', wear them now! - or throw them out. Done a few charity bag drops this year.
29. blog more, and for others - not sure about this one now.
30. catch a sunrise and sunset in the summer - in dream land...
31. meet some of my favourite Twitter people whom I've not yet met - 2013 FOR SURE. I'm looking at you Jonny Rose @98Rosjon
32. step outside my comfort zone at least once a fortnight (I know, it's me we're talking about though!)
33. stop buying stuff and things. Stuff does not define me. - oh dear! Must try harder...
34. write a letter and send it every month - FAILED. I did write some letters though. And cards.
35. laugh, smile and be thankful - I have certainly done this.

Oh and just as i said i wouldn't be doing lists again, look at one of my fab Christmas presents. My Listography book. It's brilliant. Thanks Ms Nicola!!

Angela x

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Olympomania

So unless you've been dead for two weeks you won't have failed to notice the Olympics were taking place. Today is the last day. In the background I've just watched the men's MTB race and now is the USA V Spain final of the men's basketball. Later on tonight is the closing ceremony which promises to be emotional I'm sure. No, not because the Spice Girls will play but because it's all over. Waaaaa...

If you follow me on Twitter then you may have noticed I've been cheering Team GB on from the comfort of my couch. Everything else to me has gone out the window. I haven't been to spin class for nearly two weeks I've been so wrapped up in trying to see lots of sports on TV. I don't think some people share my enthusiasm since I've lost a few followers in this two week period. Boo hoo haha! If you haven't been touched a little by what has gone on then i don't actually know what would move you.

Highlights have been plenty. And it seems wrong to pin point a few but here are some of mine:

Bradley Wiggins and the rest of the team trying to guide Mark Cavendish to glory in the road race. It wasn't to be, sadly, but a few days later Bradley took Gold in the time trial. He owned it, right off the back of his magnificent and historic Tour de France win. Amazing.

Andy Murray wins Gold in the tennis. So so pleased for him. Finally something went his way but he totally out played the out-playable Federer. Ha! Wonderful.

Jason Kenny wins Gold in the men's sprint in a booming velodrome. Well happy that he won that. He's such a quiet and unassuming lad and it totally belies the obvious power and strength that he has. Brilliant.

David Rudisha wins Gold in the 800m race with a World Record. Such a wonderful win and a smile to light up that whole stadium.

Michael Phelps wins more Golds and retires from swimming. An amazing Olympian and i loved when he won silver against South Africa's Chad Le Clos. He was guiding him around what to do. Chad later saying he won against his idol. Must've been a great feeling!

Sir Chris Hoy wins his 6th Gold medal. My heart was pounding as he took the last lap a few metres behind. But, then he came through and took the line. Oh how we roared! A gent and an amazing ambassador for Team GB.

Greg Rutherford wins Gold in the long jump. Was this unexpected? To the experts, probably not but he wasn't really highlighted on our radar was he. Well done lad!

Usain Bolt toys with everyone and comes out in front in the 100m sprint. How could anyone doubt him? He knew what he was doing and only his team mate and training partner, Blake came close. He has the magical demeanour that everyone loves. He knows how to play the crowd, the crowds love him and he can still perform.

Down at Eton Dorney was the rowing. It's always an emotional one this one. Katherine Grainger finally won her Gold. I think everyone who watch had a teary eye, then the Sir Steve hugs. He's such a legend too. Helping Alan Campbell up those steps and to the podium to collect his medal. Hugging everyone. But my abiding memory of the rowing is him with Mark Hunter and Zac Purchase. He got Mark on his feet. Brought them up to chat after such a tense race in which they won Silver. Still amazing but they wanted Gold. We were left with tears and a petted lip from Steve, then John Inverdale crumbled in front of our eyes too. That set me off again. What makes the rowing for me is Gary Herbert, the commentator. He who was cox in Barcelona games with the Searle brothers. If you get a chance try to catch his commentary.

Laura Trott wins Gold in the Ommnium, after her team pursuit Gold. Such a slight girl and still so young. A bright talent shining on that track. More of her please!

Jessica Ennis win Gold in the heptathlon. Finally! Such a great role model and abs like steel!

Ben Ainslie wins another Gold at Weymouth. Wow that was a tense set of races, the last one being so close. But he survived. I'm delighted for him.

Mo Farah double Gold in the 5k and 10k races.

The Brownlee brothers win Gold and Bronze in the men's triathlon. If not for a 15 second penalty it would've been Gold and Silver. Still, they're young enough to go to Rio. Woo..

Wow, can't list them all but Team GB have been fantastic, for the most part. What I'm most amazed at is how it has galvanised the country. Again, for the most part, for those who are actually enthused about the Olympics. We need more of this feeling. We need to harness the talent, encourage to kids to get out there, do it, like their heroes, like my heroes. We can do it. We should do it. Why the heck not! Sure there will be tough times, economically, around the corner, but you can't deny the lift the Olympics have brought to the country. The whole country.

I have to say apart from a few teething problems with the road race, the BBC coverage has been excellent too. I haven't watched another channel for 2 weeks. It's been on constantly. A few highlights for me have been Claire Balding, Mark Foster and Ian Thorpe in the aquatic centre - brilliant natural presenting and a good duo. As well as Moorhouse and Jamieson in commentary. Then we had Jake Humphrey and Mark Cavendish in the velodrome. I loved their little tag team and Cav facts. More of Cav on my telly please! Jill Douglas down on the floor of the velodrome is always great. She has a connection with them and you can see she tries to be professional but I'm sure there were a few tears for her. Michael Johnson on the athletics is just brilliant. He brings an alternative view and lots of insight. And lastly I've really enjoyed Gabby's catch up show at 10.30 each night. Good guests, good banter and a really nice lady.

I wish I could've got tickets for some venues.
What are your favourite Olympic moments?

Thank you London, thank you BBC, thank you Olympics, but most of all THANK YOU TEAM GB for the memories and the great feeling of joy.

Angela x
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April photo a day challenge

It's that time again for another photo a day challenge from Chantelle over at Fat Mum Slim blog. I actually love this series and cannot wait to see the whole collection at the end of the year. I'm trying to keep them all on my flickr account but i mostly upload them via Instagram (@Ange77H is my username there).

Anyway, enough talk, here's the list. Join in. #PhotoadayApril is the tag.

Angela x

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Mission 2012, update

Remember this post from December 2011... Angela's Mission 2012? have a read...

Well today I ticked off number 2. Do something for Sport Relief. Granted, I would have liked to have done something sporty or adventurous but it was a cake sale at work put together in a few weeks and raised nigh on £90 (at the time of writing this post). Not bad at all i think. It's always something that will go to a wonderful cause.

It's nice to know that people will gather to bake and buy and eat cakes all in the name of a good cause.

Lovely.

End of post. This was a wee short post today. I'm still a bit ill and although the sneezes have stopped i'm left with a red sore nose from sub-standard tissues.

Onwards.

Angela x

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Five things on a Friday #11

...On a Monday!

1. Hair. if you know me you'll know how much I have a sense of dread every time I have to go to a hairdresser. It's because I've had so many disasters with either cut or colour. You see I feel that most hairdressers don't know how to cut curly hair properly. And when I ask for mid blonde highlights I really don't want to end up with bright orange streaks. I did get my hair cut and coloured at Jones and Payne when I visited London last year. I highly recommend them if you are near to them. That was April. So I plucked up the courage and did a bit of research on hairdressers in September and chose a salon that came with a high end price list to go long with it's high praise reviews. Granted the cut was fine but she totally didn't do the colour I wanted. I asked for my own natural colour on top with sort of ombre/dip dyed lighter ends. I got the lighter ends but what I ended up on top was a mahogany shade akin to Cheryl Cole in her reddish X Factor heyday. Totally too dark for me and actually it put me on a downer until it had grown out a bit. Anyway...I've ummed and aahed for ages and decided I'd stay closer to home and tried one salon in town that I've always avoided. However, when I went to book the appointment I was seen by the hairdresser who'd be doing my hair. She was a lovely girl who seemed to understand exactly what I wanted. Last Saturday was D-day and it has turned out fine. I wouldn't say I'm blown over by it. The cut is great, I only want a tiny bit snipped off the ends. And the colour is cool but I could do with a few more lighter ends. But at least I'm no longer really dark. It's actually nice and beachy for the summer coming in. Woo. Oh and all credit to her for blow drying it big and curly with only a round barrelled brush. It was really lovely then.

2. Got a lovely little spray tan. It's amazing that a tan (albeit a fake one) can make your outlook a bit more sunnier. Even if only for a few days. It's not every week I indulge in this form of beauty therapy but every once in a while, you know, it's nice to feel good. I'm probably a psychologists dream client talking that nonsense.

3. I had the house to myself for a few hours on a week night. It was lush. I made dinner watched tv on the big telly. My little 17" tv is great and all but sometimes it's good to watch things on the big screen. Simple things eh.

4. I discovered this article, via Ste Doyle on Facebook, about introverts. It's called Why the world needs Introverts and it's from The Guardian. As an introvert myself I was delighted with the idea that we aren't  weirdo's with nothing much to say and that we in fact complement extroverts. So stop putting us down, okay. Have a read though. It's pretty good.

5. ill Manors by Plan B. Brilliant! A look at last summers London Riots and what has gone wrong in a society where young people feel detached and alone. Not condoning them by any means but trying to give a view as to the whys and what can be done to ...help (for want of a better word). Really interesting too is his interview where he explains a bit about the song. Here....Enjoy.

Angela x

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5 Things on a Friday #10

Ok ok I'm again a little bit late with this post. It is Sunday after all. But here goes.

1) my cake baking skills came into their own last week. I baked two batches of cupcakes and decorated them. Then I quickly rustled up some of my famous mars bar ay bake cakes. Tasty, tasty, very very tasty, they're very tasty!

2) Linda came back to work after he maternity leave. Just for two days a week but the place is so much brighter with her around. We can go back to our laughs and sayings for the book we'll eventually write. It'll be called. Shit Administrators Say... ;)

3) had another two cheeky days off. They're not really cheeky. I do actually deserve (and need) them. I w meant to only have Friday off but I took Thursday off too. It was my birthday on Tuesday and well, it didn't go to plan so I took time out.

4) I got to spend time with Connor on his own without Ryan. He's funny and charming and has a killer wit for a two year old.

5) I saw This Mean War this week. I like a rom com, I'm a girl after all. It actually was pretty funny at parts and was a surprise. Tom Hardy is so lovely, even with his wonky teeth (all part of his charm). I wonder if this will be a film he will regret making. Maybe not but with his roles being more of a serious nature I was pleasantly surprised at his comedy value. Did I also mention how hot he is? He is. It was a good rom com with a bit of action, not real action but some. Reece Witherspoon is her usual smily, blonde, beautiful self. Does she ever look bad? I don't think do. Worth a watch.

Angela x

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listed: 35 things in my 35th year

Photo: HeyYoyo on Etsy

Yes. That's right. It's approximately three days until I begin my 35th year. I know! I don't look it, right?  I feel that as a 34 year old I haven't done as much as I'd like (or that society probably expects me to have done) at this age. So we all know that if you write things down then you're bound to stick to them, right? Right. Here below is a list of things I want to accomplish, achieve, do, take part in, live in my 35th year. Feel free to join the ride, kids. #35in35th hashtag it up!

1. a road trip north, south, east and west
2. wear pink lips
3. a sunshine holiday
4. show off my iPhonography - it's pretty cool
5. go out dancing, in heels!
6. ride my bike to work 2 days per week (disclaimer: in summer!)
7. bake more cakes
8. have a dinner party
9. be 8 stone, consistently
10. see a movie at the IMAX - hello Batman!
11. meet new people that like me just the way I am
12. wear a skirt to work regularly
13. eat less sweets and chocolate
14. Alton Towers day trip!
15. try not to bother what anyone else thinks about me. I'm awesome.
16. get full series of a tv programme and watch them all (LoveFilm) what do you suggest?
17. get some cools photos of me done
18. say "yes" to a social outing when I want to say "no"
19. make some of the things from my Crafty board on Pinterest
20. collaborate with someone on a project
21. keep my skin healthy
22. finish reading the book on my bedside table
23. get an international check in on Foursquare
24. tweet a picture from somewhere AMAZING
25. have more faith in my gut instincts. They're usually right.
26. get this blog sorted. If anyone wants to help me please shout!
27. see a real life Banksy (this has been on most of my lists)
28. don't keep new clothes in the cupboard 'for a special occasion', wear them now!
29. blog more, and for others
30. catch a sunrise and sunset in the summer
31. meet some of my favourite Twitter people whom I've not yet met
32. step outside my comfort zone at least once a fortnight (I know, it's me we're talking about though!)
33. stop buying stuff and things. Stuff does not define me
34. write a letter and send it every month
35. laugh, smile and be thankful

Angela x

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5 Things on a Friday #9

1. It actually felt like Spring this week for the first time. I'm soaking it in. Snow is predicted next few weeks. Boo.

2. Ryan learned to type on the iPad. For a five year old this is pretty cool, considering the iPad keyboard is all in capitals it can be hard for him to recognise the letters as he's learned the shape of them now. Actually, I just looked down (I'm typing this on the laptop) and the characters on this keyboard are also in capitals. I hadn't really thought about that until now. Here's an example. If you ask him about the letter A, he'll draw a circle with a line down, a lower case, but on the keyboard it's obviously a different shape. Like I say i'd never really given this a thought but imagine as a kid seeing different letters from the ones you are learning? He'll be quick to learn all the letters both lower and upper case soon enough at school but he's pretty savvy as a five year old so i'm sure he'll pick it up on the iPad soon enough too. As long a she knows how to type Fireman Sam into YouTube he's happy.

3. I had a little trip to Edinburgh last weekend and got my fix of yummy beef quesidilla from Illegal Jacks. Yum.

4. I treated myself to lots of new bits n bobs including some gorgeous Laure Mercier coral nail polish. Jelly like and so great for spring/summer.

5. I found more great blogs to read. Love it when that happens by chance.

I know, a bit of a lame list but to be honest things are quiet around these parts lately.

Angela x

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Photo A Day Challenge: March 2012

I cannot thank Chantelle from Fatmumslim enough for highlighting the Photoaday challenge. What started off as just January has now made it's way into March and she says will last all year. I am so loving this project. In mid February over 250,000 photos had been uploaded using the tag. Fantastic.

Last year i did try to do my own photo a day challenge but i didn't have a list to begin with so i kind of lost my way. I love that it's there on a list that i can check every day and compose, take and post my photo. I love different people's interpretations of the daily topics. It's great to see things through different eyes.

I'm trying to keep my Flickr page updated with my daily photo and mostly posting the photos via Instagram too, which helps. Why not join in too! Here is the list for March. My birthday month and the month the clocks go...forward? backwards? i always forget.

Happy snapping.

Angela x

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5 Things on a Friday #8

Which again are typed on a Saturday! Oh what the heck, here goes...

1. BRAVE. Disney Pixar's new summer 2012 movie. The trailer is ace. The stills looks amazing. This is one animated movie i cannot wait to see! See my previous post.
2. My new Origins cleansing oil for my face. I got it a few weeks ago and love the feel of cleansing your face with oil. i have weird skin. Very dry but gets oily during the day. I've tried all sorts of cleansers and have yet to come up against one that does exactly what it says on the tin. You know the description.... leaves your skin feeling soft fresh brightened! Err. Nope. This one is a bit better but still not my holy grail of facial cleansing. But i love using it. It's the feeling of your fingers sliding over a normally dry face with such grace and elegance. Ok ok that but was shite but it's just a nice feeling giving yourself a facial massage every morning and evening. My face is still a bit dry afterwards (which was really disappointing) but i'll persevere. It may be the current weather and central heating causing it.
3. Wearing heels to work. Well, heeled boots to be exact. I said to myself that this year i would try not to wear the Converse every single day of the year so for now I'm trying to be ladylike and proper 'work' attire...at least 3 days a week ;)
4. Watched the cycling world cup at the Olympic Velodrome last weekend. Sir Chris Hoy won another few golds and the whole thing got me all excited and so looking forward to the Olympics! Cannae wait.
5. Checked my online bank balance during the week and was slightly surprised that i had more money left his month than usual. Result! Pay day again on Tuesday too. Woo!

Angela x

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5 things on a Friday #7

I'm just gonna rattle on through these finve things because i don't have much time. Lunch time at work you see. There were so many good things about the week that has passed. Here are five though...

1. THE MUPPETS movie. YES, in CAPITALS!! I saw it last Saturday afternoon sat in a cinema that was about 87% full of kids and there parents/grandparents. Once they'd calmed down and were quiet the movie started. Right from the get go it is an uplifting, joyful and happy hour and a bit spent in the cinema. Wowsers. I used to watch The Muppets way way back inthe day and this film was good. I smiled all the way through it. There too were some excellent cameo roles, one in particular I LOVED! I won't spoil it by telling you who but i think you'll like it too. Oh and I loved that Scooter has been working at Google. Nice touch. Oh and Jason Segel is brilliant. Amy Adams plays the same part she played os well in Enchanted. Another good family movie. Good see THE MUPPETS.
2. All New People. Zach Braff's new play came to Glasgow via Manchester before he takes it to the West End. I spent Thursday night at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow watching it. It was funny and clever and the cast were excellent, particularly 'Emma'. If you can get tickets i'd recommend this one too!
3. Week one of semester has begun again. It's normally a hectic time with over 700 students queueing up over 3-4 days to sign up to tutorial groups. I normally do this manually andmet every one of them but this year we've tried it online. I set it all up for them, set the modules to go 'live' at different times and prayed the technical glitches of last semester didnt happen again. Result! It worked, all fine. I saved myself a lot of stress and time and the students appear to like it too. Winning all around, high five!
4. Friends: This week seems to have been filled wirth friends reappearing and it's nice. A few emails and texts from locations various. I really thought I was on my own for a while there.
5. I found another cool blog to read, via someone i follow on Instagram. It's I Love You To The Moon Haven't had a chance to read much yet but i look forward to it over the weekend.

Here's a bonus number six...
I found the kids from PS22 school in New York on YouTube. They're a choral group and are so great and adorable. Millions of views on YouTube so not sure why i haven't seen them before. Anyway, now you can too!

Have a great weekend
Angela x

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5 Things on a Friday #6

I know, I know. It's not Friday. It's Monday, but to be honest last week was pretty rubbish and I was tired and excuse, excuse, excuse... So here they are 5 things (not) on a Friday #6.

1. Superbowl 46 and my day off. I decided ages ago that I'd stay up and watch the Superbowl live on BBC1 and so ever the planner, i booked a day off on Monday. It was great having a weekend safe in the knowledge that you didn't have to get up for work on Monday. The Superbowl was Giants v Patriots. Giants won. I began to understand how the game works and in my opinion Tom Brady was single-handedly ruling certain parts of that game. Madonna was the half time show. Miming. Not keen on her new song though. Are you? My Superbowl experience was pretty cool. The day off next day was better. Spin class, late breakfast and a trip to Ikea to buy nothing that was on my list. I did however purchase a toilet seat for £7.99. Bargain.
2. I put three bags of clothes i don't wear any more to the charity shop. They'd been laying around the place for so long and finally i deposited them at a place more needier than me. My drawers are a little less bulgy and I can find trousers in my wardrobe much easier. Good all round.
3. I found some of the most inspiring videos on YoutTube and the web this week. From beauty tutorials and hauls to proper bona fide entrepreneurs. Proper ones. Not some of those bullshitters you find around. Totally inspiring and telling it like it is from real success stories. But back to the beauty hauls... I am obsessed with this stuff in the past 6 months. One I found via a blog i read called Buy now Blog Later and Laura. A Brit living in Dubai. She has style and a good sense of the latest items. Anyway she tweeted last Sunday evening about Make Up Never Sleeps channel. I hopped over to YouTube and spent the next 3 hours watching her videos. They are funny and a bit tongue in cheek but there ain't no bullshit. We likey.
4. I excelled myself again with 4 spin classes, 2 back to back on Wednesday. Rawr. Except on Friday someone stole 'my' bike. Grrr. On the plus side i found a new one right at the front of class and it'll give me a great view.... if you know what I mean.
5. I realised that I need to be a bit less naive when it come to people. It's a hard lesson to learn let me tell you. I mean how many times can you be disappointed because people won't go that extra mile for you when you'd run to the end of the earth for them. Serious. Anyway, it's now time to look after number one (me, obvs) and get a handle on being better at life in general. Are you with me?

Angela x

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Photo a day challenge: February 2012

I've thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the photo a day challenge that I found over at FatMumSlim's blog. It seems that lots of other people have too because there's now a February one! Yay. And she's going to be doing it every month. Can't wait to see my year in photos, all 366 of them.

Here is the February edition. Join us!

Also, if you want to see the results of my January photoset head over to my Flickr page to see them. Pretty neat.

Angela x

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Friday Five #3

Friday Five time again.

1 - midweek day off. I decided I would have a wee cheeky day off during the week. Had a long lie. Well, til about 8.45am. Noice.

2 - Lunch with Karlie. A good little catch up and plenty of chat.

3 - Today I was alerted to this TED Talks video. It's from French street artist JR, talking about his work and the projects he's been involved in. It's really inspiring and wonderful and I really want to take part in InsideOut Project. Go watch it the video now! and let's join this project.



4 - Another video. This time from work friend Andrew, a keen cyclist who's lost 7 stone in the post year. You think Danny MacAskill has skills, this fella has too. Such a laugh.



5 - My new nail polish. OPI Pink Friday from the Nicki Minaj collection. It's a proper bubblegum pink cream and is so awesome. I just love it!

Share your Friday Five then people?

Angela x

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"I'm ok" "are you sure?"

It's funny, Christmas is a joyful happy time of the year. A time when you take a break and get together with your family and close friends. It's also a time of new beginnings what with new year and all that. People make resolutions that are never kept. People write lists that are stuffed in notebooks and probably never read again.

News flash. I do like Christmas. I love it in fact. I like what its meant to be, I like the joy it can bring but more often than not what it actually brings to me is strange feelings of complete and utter loneliness. And don't even talk to me about New Year. Oft. I could actually crawl off the face of the earth at new year.

I get really down when I think of people sharing this special season with friends and loved ones and stuff. And yet still some of them seem to moan. They don't realise how lucky they are. Don't get me wrong, I do spend it with family. And that's good and all but I crave the company of peers, people my own age doing fun stuff. 

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Wandering down a wind blown street yesterday I was thinking how I don't really have someone who I can confide in, I mean *really* confide in. I've probably not had a best friend since I left high school. There's no one I can share my news with - good or bad. Or to tell my inner most thoughts, fears and dreams to. Or someone to know that i need a hug from them at the end of a day. I have a few trusted people but they seem to stay way too far away to want to sit and have a chat with about this stuff. And so you dear readers are getting it, warts n all.
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A few days pass and then you go back to work and you get the dreaded question "did you have a good Christmas?". And what kind of freaking monster would I look like if I turned around and said "actually no, it was ok but I felt so low that I just wanted to curl up on the bed and weep".

OR did you do anything for new year? Yes, I slept through the bells and on new years day I went to the cinema to escape the party that was going on in my house. 

Yeah. That would make me really popular.

So the next time you ask someone if they had a good time. And they reply "it was ok" and that's their only words. It probably means that it wasn't ok and you should probably ask "are you sure?".

By the time the third of January arrives I feel a heaving sense of relief and a wonderful calm comes over me. Plus we had macaroni cheese for dinner.

Comfort.

Breathe.

I wouldn't have had the courage to publish this post if I hadn't read these honest accounts of Christmas from Ryan, Luca and Miss NoSweetNothings. Good blogs.

Now?

Now I'm loving the ever lighter nights and looking forward to my birthday. It's soon. Then it's summer...

Angela x

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Five Things I Liked This Week #1 - 6 January 2012

As a follow up to my Five Things post last week, here's the start of a weekly Five Things series. 


1 - Christmas presents...

...from friends you've met on Twitter. A lovely little surprise waiting on me when I got in from work on my first day back. Was it timed that way? Not sure but it was a welcome little addition to a not too bad day at all. The contents were even better and the kind of presents I wish my family thought about buying me. Just my thing indeed. 

2 - Extra day off work

Not an extra day to me but it seemed to be one day longer than most people had off. That was good. I spent it with mum and the nephews. One was grumpy so me and Ryan spent about hour or so watching Fireman Sam on the iPad and then he tried his hand at tweeting. Not technically old enough for a Twitter account (being 5), but he soon got the hang of it. He even remembered the little search magnifying glass icon from YouTube. "that's what we press then type in Fireman Sam isn't it Angie?". Proud. He didn't tweet much wisdom, instead he chose to type words of things lying around. Irn bru. Phone. Calculator. Wee cutie.

3 - Songs that transport you
Zane Lowe has been on the Radio 1 breakfast show this week and he does a feature called Zane versus... On the morning I was up early to go to a spin class (Wednesday), it was Zane versus Matt Smith aka Dr Who. The first song the Doctor chose was ERASURE - A Little Respect.


Oh my god it just transported me back to happy places. If i hadn't been driving the car i'd have been jiving around my room. However, i find that car-seat-dancing is the new dancing around your room. Try it. Carefully though.

4 - A Two Day working week
ah those extra little holidays mean that this week i've worked just Thursday and Friday. Bliss. It's been quiet so got things done. But also, i'd rather have these two little days back than try to haul myself out of bed on Monday morning after two weeks off. That would be hard. Praise be to small little victories like this.

5 - Sherlock Holmes: a game of shadows and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

I can't tell you how much i was looking forward to seeing Sherlock Holmes. I saw the first film two years ago on New Years Day sat in a late showing at my local cinema. Me, alone, and about 7 other couples. Cringe. But i liked it a lot. The chemistry between Holmes and Watson was fab and it didn't disappoint in this new one either. Honestly, from the first scene i was grinning like a loon at the screen. It's witty, clever and RDJr is just ace. Jude Law does help too. Also there were a few surprise appearances from actors I didn't know were in it. That was a nice addition to my viewing.

I was looking forward to The Girl WTDT ever since i saw a sneak peak of the trailer a few months back. I'm not a huge fan of Daniel Craig (I've never seen the Bond films he's in), although I did like him in Layercake. But I was willing to give it a go. I watched the original version of the film on a pixelated laptop screen via the LoveFilm website at the beginning of last year. It was good. Very dark and gritty and gruesome at certain parts. I wondered if 'hollywood' could capture that. My verdict is a big fat YES. It's just as dark and gruesome but with a Hollywood sheen over it. Rooney Mara is good and I almost forgot about the original girl. Daniel Craig is blooming marvellous as Mikael. There's even a cameo from Jim Robinson off of Neighbours (he pops up everywhere). It's long at over 2 hours but honestly I didn't really notice the time. It would be too obvious to say it has a bit of the look of Seven to it since Fincher directs here too but I thoroughly enjoyed it and warmed to Daniel Craig more than I thought I would. I would even say i like him now.

I hope they're doing the full series, it would be wrong not to. Can anyone confirm?

One week. Five things. Lots of smiles.
What are yours?

Angela x
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Happy New Year: 2012

Happy New Year. 2012. So much is going to be happening in the world this year. The Olympics for one. I can remember when it was announced that the Olympics were to be held in London, back then 2012 seemed so far away. And now it's not. It's here.

Time has flown. I'm still pretty much in the same place as I was back the when that announcement was made (2007?) if I'm honest. But i didn't have the hunger and vitality that I have now, she says as she sits on the bed in the fading light still in her jammies at nearly three o'clock in the afternoon.

I don't know why I think this year will be different. I'm no fortune teller or future see-er(?). But it's that feeling. You know the one I'm sure. Perhaps it's the company you keep or the people you surround yourself with. Sometimes you just gotta clear everything or everyone out that is not on the same mindset as you or who, frankly, never contact you EVER, and you gotta let the good times roll. 

Fuck. Is this me being optimistic about the forthcoming year? I nearly fell off the bed there. Talking of which. I read a post the other night by Whatleydude (i think it was actually from a few months ago). I was about not being able to sleep because of distractions in the bedroom. No. Not like that! TV, sitting on the bed to watch tv, to read a book, to just hang out, when actually your bedroom should be your sanctuary. A place where you can find sanctuary and sleep. I suppose i should get off this bed and sit on the chair to type out a blog post, shouldn't I? 

My bedroom is my sanctuary. It's where I have all my stuff. Still living at home with mum and dad means this is the place where I do come to find solace and seek peace when the house is bustling (like it has been for the past two days). Only now have people left again after new years visits. So you see, when I sit here on my bed, typing away at this blog post, I am relaxed. I could go to sleep [although I have a rule that I never sleep during the day. I just can't anyway. Think of all the things you're missing out on when you're sleeping during the day. Shudder].

But back to my point. The room does need a tidy. There's still Christmas bags lying around with presents I'm going to regift as they'll be useless to me. Plus, it's time to get myself in order for 2012. Starting with a clear out. Clothes I don't wear or are too big fr me now, stuff I don't need but yet somehow it manages to edge it's way into my sanctuary. Is time. It's 2012. It's all systems go.

Angela x

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Angela: Mission 2012

Here they are, ten things that form part of Mission 2012 for me, Angela. 

 1) to have a dinner party at my house. Not a fancy smarmy all singing all dancing fake Michelin starred affair, but rather a nice bunch of people, eating good wholesome food and plenty of decent chat. That's it. 

2) to do something for Sport Relief in March 2012. Not sure yet what form that will take but I have to do something to help those vulnerable kids in Africa and here in the UK. 

 3) just keep on being me. But with a little added confidence. With all my flaws and insecurities and naïveté's I think I'm still a much better person than a few people I know. 

4) sort out my CV and perhaps land my dream job. After all I did have a vision that I'd be spending next christmas in New York and a humble administrators wage isn't going to fund that now, is it. I will get this one. I will. 

5) which leads me on to number five. Get more international check ins on Foursquare. Simple. 

6) Sort out my blog. Find a purpose for it. Categories. Subjects. Turn it into something big. Huge. Massive. I can and will do this. 

7) find someone to share my experienced with. A person who will like me just the way I am and won't want to change or mold me into something that I am not. Someone who can make me laugh, make me feel special, whom I can spoil, who I can make feel special, who i can make laugh - although not promising on that one, not a comedian! 

8) wear a dress once a month. This may not sound like a huge deal, but it's been about 3 years since I actually wore a dress in public. I have three lovely dresses to begin with. Two are classic black styles that fit like gloves. One is a gold sequin stripe affair that can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. I've ordered it from Harvey Nichols online. It's my first designer dress. Michael Kors no less! Oooooh. (edit: I've seen this dress in person today and I might send it back. It's quite long. It's not meant to be. Dilemma!) 

9) kinda like number eight this is to wear heels more often. Apart from anything else they give your legs a nice shape and once you master that art you can walk with an air of confidence. At least that's what it looks like. 

10) have a holiday. Preferably somewhere guaranteed with a bit of sunshine for 50% of the time. I've not had a natural tan since the summer of 2000 when I went to Florida. Aaaah a wee trip to FL would be ace right about now. 

11) gather a group of friends and celebrate my birthday. I never really celebrate it with anyone that's not related to me. Usually it's a gathering of the closest family with a cake that I never eat and it's fat and all but I'd like to bring together friends and family and food that I like to eat. Another simple one. 

12) go on a date. Still haven't fulfilled this one from my December to do list. It's a pity. I have so much to give. Oh shit no, not in that way, not on a first date! But this is a big thing. It hasn't happened in a while. Not see why. I'm quite a fucking catch, for the right person, dontchyaknow! 

13) ah number thirteen. Unlucky for some. Not for me. I don't tend to believe in all that mumbo jumbo shite. I figure you make your own luck, or not. It's all about chances isn't it? And taking those chances. And losing the fear about grabbing those chances with both hands and shaking the life out of them until you can't anymore, that's what it's about. Not saluting some black and white bird and saying good morning mr magpie. They tend to come in pairs anyway, don't they? I mean, have you really known anyone whose had a boy after seeing four magpies? Really? God sake there's a fifty fifty chance anyway is there not. See, there's that word chance again. It's all about talking them.... 

14) Should I stop here at number fourteen? Ok then I will. For now. Check back soon, there may be numbers fourteen to twenty appearing soon. Wink eye face. 

 Angela X .

Birthdays and friends...March 2012

This is a bit late to be blogging but I forgot to do it, and I was wrapping Christmas presents earlier so that's my excuse. December 6. Three months til my birthday. I want to celebrate that birthday in style. Not a full on mega party or that but a gathering of some of my favourite people. I've still to work out the exact details and the exact date yet, hey I may even have two dates for you, but I'll let you know. Not all of you obviously but my favourites of course. I haven't really celebrated big birthdays before. I think I've blogged about this somewhere else. I've never had a 18th, 21st nor a 30th so next year I want a gathering, a small do if you like.

I'm feeling like this because now I feel that there are people in my life I want to share these special occasions with. Every year we normally just celebrate as a family, gathering at the house. There's chat and cake (not for me, I'm not a birthday cake fan. Jam, yuck). But now I want you all to share my day with me. Perhaps two days.

So it'll either be March 2-3 or March 9-10. My actual birthday is somewhere in between those days but those are the weekends I'm deciding upon. Keep them in your diaries, or at least the back of your minds. I'll let you know the details and the secret codes (!) once I figure them out. I'm thinking nice food, good chat and some dancing. You gotta dance!!

Angela xx

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