Twenty Twelve...

...The year. Gone. Just like that. It was pretty quick, although at times it was particularly trying.

It's fair to say that 2012 didn't quite go as I'd planned. And it's probably mostly my own doing. That's what you're thinking. Don't worry. It's what i think too.

I've not done a few things i'd planned. I've not stuck up for myself in the way that I should have in situations that have made me feel absolutely terrible. By people (or a person) who are selfish and think only of themselves when they're dishing out the bad vibes. I wish I could let you know the details but I can't. Let's just say I'm too nice for my own good.

But hey, it wasn't all that bad. 2012 brought the Olympics and oh my god i embraced that with the widest arms that i could find and got right into Team GB. Still do. It was absolutely AH-MAZ-ING times a million!!

I've dreamt big this year. BIG.

In 2013 I intend to make some, or at least most, of those dreams come true. If you're with me then lets get started. If not, then goodbye.

Dreamers and do-ers let's go!

Angela x
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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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