2016!

It has been a wonderful year full of surprises with lots of sport to enjoy, but tinged with great sadness too with the loss of a very dear friend and a work colleague.

I have written about the majority of the highs throughout the year and there have been moments of reflection too.


The last few weeks have found me climbing out from a very dark place, and with the love and support of family and friends I feel strong enough to clamber over the edge and look forward to 2017 and all that the new year may bring.

I have been cross with myself for letting my mental health suffer and allowing things to get so bad. On reflection I have realised that there has to be balance in life  you can’t be all things to all people.

Having lost loved ones has made me more aware of my mortality, how some people unduly suffer, and face up to it with serenity. I have wondered whether this is a late mid life crisis: irrational I know, as I have a wonderful family, a wide circle of good friends, a home, a job and the benefits that culminate from all of the above. But that has not stopped the feelings of anxiety, the fatigue and the utter hopelessness.

But I am lucky and I have improved over the last few weeks and the feelings, whilst not completely gone, have sufficiently retreated so that I enjoyed an awesome family Christmas.As we see in the New Year later this evening I don’t want to make any unrealistic resolutions, that if unfulfilled, will only disappoint and dishearten me.

So I will face each day as it comes, enjoy the moments that take my breath away and be more aware of my mental wellbeing and that of those around me.

I have a trip to Australia to arrange/organise for the latter part of the year and lots of delightful treats to look forward to. My inspiring parents will celebrate their 💎 wedding anniversary in September, and that is no mean feat!


May the hopes and dreams of all those I love and cherish come to fruition and 2017 provide more fun, laughter and love!

Cheers! 

Anxiety…..

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life – for example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview.


Sometimes it can overwhelm you and cause panic attacks. 


There can be a variety of causes and symptoms and all are well documented. 


There is help out there and time is needed to find triggers, to investigate all available options to rebalance and find what works for you.


Life is for living and we all need, on occasion, support and assistance in whatever form works for you. It may never leave you, but it can subside the feelings that can overwhelm. 


💕💕💕

Friendship …..

Over the last few weeks I have spent some time thinking about my life beyond work. I have quite often been mistaken for a driven career woman-something I have never seen myself as. I have enjoyed the jobs that I have done (five) and try to do what I can to the best of my ability. 

I have met some great people along the way through work, Kevin and where I’ve lived. Some have been transitory and others still enduring. All have played a part to shape me as a friend, an employee, and a manager.


Life can often throw us curved balls and it is how we deal with these times that is important. In certain situations you find out who your true friends are: we certainly did in 1999 and the following years and to all of those I thank you! 

In turn I do hope that we have offered a shoulder, a hug, an ear when needed. 

We are often put off from asking difficult or painful questions for fear of upsetting someone, and they in turn are very possibly wishing someone would ask as the unburdening can be cathartic. 

Just recently a friend and I met and they messaged me to say that I always put a smile on their face and warmth in their heart-I was so touched by this as this is an accolade far greater than any achievement at work! 

We know not what the future will hold, who is yet to come into our lives, nor those that will leave. I will strive to continue to raise a smile, hear their laughter and warm their hearts as in turn they will do for me. 😘💕💕🤗🌟

What a wonderful world….

What a weekend it’s been. We’ve certainly had fireworks in more ways than one! 

A few months ago I saw on Facebook an ad for a gin festival in Brighton and booked 4 tickets. It was for the 5th November and little did I know then that Isabella McIntosh would arrive on that day, all 9lb and 5oz! 

A real cutie who will want for nothing in life, and will be loved and doted upon. A first grandchild for Viv and Don, long awaited and I revel in their joy! Lizzie and Daniel will be wonderful parents and they will enjoy every precious moment👶🏼

There was also news of another expected arrival sometime in May 2017, after great sadness, for my cousin’s eldest daughter. Only recently have I been aware of her loss when she so eloquently and courageously wrote about it on Facebook. An honest account that no doubt shared will give others hope and the desire to carry on. She has also documented that she has had her skin inked with a beautiful tattoo as a testament to the little ones she’ll never know. 

Kevin and I arrived in Brighton and made our way with Elaine and Jane to the gin festival. We all tried a few varieties and after three hours we walked home.

It was a pleasant way to spend a cold Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed from the comfort of their home a few firework displays. 


We finished the evening by visiting a local SriLankan restaurant, returning home to catch up with strictly!

Today, after a cooked breakfast, us three girls, went for a walk. The sun was shining and we certainly blew a few cobwebs away! 


As we returned to the car I duly checked my phone and was just so thrilled to see that the couple who were best man and a bridesmaid at Andrew and Lis’s wedding got engaged!🍾💍

Steph played a huge part in introducing Andrew and Lis, and may both her and Russ enjoy this exciting next step! 

So a birth, a pregnancy revealed and an engagement-so much happiness and joy for all touched by the news of each. This is the positive side of social media! 🤗🤗🤗💕

Eight weeks until Christmas……..

Where has this year gone? We are 5/6th into this year with eight weeks to go until Christmas. With this in mind I have used my time off this week starting preparations and have even bought a few presents! There is still lots to do, and with nine for dinner on Boxing Day I will ensure all is in place. 

Halloween 👻 is tomorrow and Nina and jay’s pumpkins 🎃 will be lit tomorrow evening.


But this week has also given me time to just be. I had a memory from last year pop up via Facebook when I last lunched with my dear friend Sian. I have made cards, met another friend’s grandson, cooked and today, enjoyed a lovely walk through Norsey Woods with Georgina.

Autumn colours are a sight to behold: the reds, russets, golds, greens and browns. Nature is a marvellous thing and each season brings its own splendour. 

I love the droplets from mists on leaves and dew laden spider webs. 


What I don’t look forward to, is the mole like existence that will prevail over the next few weeks, both leaving for and from work in the dark! This is all part of the season that is autumn closely followed by winter.

Perhaps these cuties have lost their way to the North Pole? 

November is a busy month so I will have to be organised! 🍁🍂🎄

Rollercoaster ride


The last eight weeks have felt like a rollercoaster ride, although I’m not a fan of them in reality. Little did I know that I would have the surprise of my life within that time, and share it with so many family. 

Kevin and I enjoyed a wonderful week in Portugal with Viv and Don, and the timing of that was just perfect.


Nina has settled well into her new job and routine of commuting, and her and Jay are enjoying quality time together and it is wonderful to see them so happy. 


Joseph has come on in leaps and bounds with his tattooing and is now tattooing on skin and we are so proud of how he is applying himself to this, striving to improve and to forge a career in something he so passionately loves! 💕

I have caught up with friends, and have delighted in the news that Debbie has become a Nanny, and I can’t wait to have a cuddle with Ronnie next week! 🤗🤗

Work, as always seems the way, has been my greatest challenge. It has been very hard even with a week’s break! I’m not going to dwell on that as I can only do my best and what will be, will be. 

In the next few weeks I have some amazing things lined up, I am looking forward to them immensely,  and will start Christmas preparations in earnest. We are also awaiting the arrival of a new family member with the imminent arrival of Daniel and Lizzie’s baby girl. Watch this space……..

Holiday….celebrate! 💕💕

After the surprise visit from Australia, we were fortunate to have booked the end of September/beginning of October to holiday with Viv and Don in Portugal. 

Perfect timing and with our Wedding Anniversary on the Sunday also a chance to celebrate.

We arrived on the Friday and were met at Faro airport. A whistle stop at the supermarket and we were out for lunch. 

Viv had put together an itinerary to optimise our time, to share their favourites old and new and even a trip to Seville. Here are a few photos of the week

There was laughter aplenty, moments of quiet reflection, good food, fantastic weather and of course, good company!

Holidays should refresh you and help you to face new and old challenges. I certainly  feel ready to square up to the challenges I know I will face up to Christmas and beyond, but feel calmer and raring to go! 

Blessings……

After a tumultuous fortnight I wanted to write about the second week of Andrew and Lis’s visit. I have viewed this as a blessing and looked up the definition of the word


The last one encapsulates it all. I have been brought so much happiness: seeing family together, enjoying the surprise and also the blossoming of their relationship with Jay. 

They have travelled to visit as many people as possible, slept in a variety of beds with no complaint. 


It has been special to spoil them and we had a great day in London on Tuesday: for me the one downside was that Joe and Kevin weren’t with us😞

We have had time to talk and share hopes and dreams for the future. I was tearful last night, but have managed not to cry so far today. It will hit me next week no doubt and the house is so so quiet!

Andrew face timed me from Doha and they have both been so tender with us, so considerate and the fortnight with everyone involved, has made me count my blessings💕

In a few weeks I will begin to plan our Oz 2017 trip. How lucky are we? X

I smelt a rat, and now the cat is out the bag……

I am quite a prolific sharer on social media, so this last week not to be able to share has been hard for me!

Five months in the planning, Kevin, Elaine and Jay and a few others had been in cahoots to pull off a wonderful surprise.

Over those last few months, Kevin has been making arrangements for some Cubans to come over. We were to wine and dine them, take them to see West Ham and I have just accepted the vague outline of everything.

Then last Friday a phone call whilst at the farm shop got me thinking that all was not what it seemed, but that was temporary as I didn’t want to feel disappointed and make the Cubans feel uncomfortable.


So I got home and Kevin opened the door and said that the Cubans were in the lounge with Jay. I looked to my left and there was Andrew and Lis on the sofa. That was when I uttered the, what will now be infamous, words, ‘I smelt a rat…..’ Tears of joy overwhelmed me and hugs then ensued. I was dumb founded, but not speechless and Jay has it all videoed.

I was told who was in on it and what the coming days plans were, and still I couldn’t believe they were here. More tears more hugs.

We then surprised Nina and Joe, more emotion, a few expletives and pure joy. Nina and I are now faced with never believing a word Kevin and Jay say again!

We readied ourselves for a meal out at Masons and it was fantastic to hear the banter, the laughter and I found myself just basking in pride and joy that we were altogether, making a new memory.


I woke up in the early hours with a big grin on my face and still overawed by the previous afternoon’s events.

Saturday and Kevin and I were to go to London and Lis and Andrew were going to watch West Ham play. We travelled on the train together, but still wanting to surprise other relatives I couldn’t post any pictures with them in.

Sunday was a trip to Brighton to surprise my parents. Another web of deceit and a journey to the Royal Oak at Poynings. 


An arduous journey home, with Andrew and Lis remaining in Brighton, didn’t dampen my good humour. More memories shared and made and fudge purchased.

The rest of the week has been littered with catching up with friends, visiting Greenwich, taking in a show, oh and work! 

Mum and Dad returned to Scotland yesterday and today we visited Kevin’s family in Surrey, surprising his sister, her family, and his mum. Unfortunately Joe was unable to join us, but I did manage a photo of all the cousins present and significant others to mark the occasion.

We have a few more days left with a couple of days out planned which I will blog about.

It has been a magical time and I can’t thank those involved enough for their efforts, their silence and the joy they have given me.

I put a brave face on sometimes, but to hear their voices, knowing they are in the lounge, having physical contact is just fantastic and I will treasure this time, safe in the knowledge that we will see them again in 2017.

😱😱😱🤗🤗😀😀😀😭😭😍😘😘

A new academic year

I’m not going to lie, it’s always a struggle to prepare for the start of a new academic year. 

I do work in school closure, but it is a far more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Tuesday saw my first full day and it was tough! 

Evening relaxing with the family in the garden helped! 

Thursday and Friday have been manic, with visitors to my office, meeting new colleagues and even a thank you! 

There seems to be a different vibe to this year, maybe so many new staff, or maybe its because we don’t have the ofsted visit hanging over us like the sword of Damocles!

Here’s hoping for a successful year for all, with fresh challenges and opportunities🤗🤗💕😉😉

Holiday …celebrate

My husband , Kevin, and I have enjoyed a wonderful week away. We stayed in the UK staying in Birmingham, Alnwick,Arbroath and Durham. 

We were lucky with the weather and thoroughly enjoyed our time away. We have had good food, a drink or two and it does amaze me that after knowing each other for 35 years we still have so much to talk about. Family, politics, what we do next, and still talk about our hopes and dreams. 

Now we are home, even though there was a lot of driving, we feel that we were away a lot longer. We are refreshed and it was lovely to be welcomed home! 🤗💕💕

Frame


I love to take photos through windows, especially ones that can frame the vista. 

The first picture is from within the Scottish Parliament building and I don’t feel the slats detract from the view. 

The second one is too from the SP and I love the chairs in the foreground as it shows that it is a place where ‘business’ is done!

The last picture shows both Durham castle with the cathedral in the background on a beautiful day. 

I have been on holiday this week and travelled to Scotland and back via Birmingham, Alnwick and Durham. When the sun shines the UK is a wonderful destination with so much to see and do! 

Fun

Fun!

I love to have fun, and quite often have an irreverent sense of humour. Making people laugh or smile makes me feel good as well as lightening the mood of the other person! image

Snapchat have a great variety of filters and I have recently been using them and sending the photos to family. Responses have been mixed, but undoubtedly have raised a smile.

Quite often life throws curved balls at us and it’s our ability to laugh and smile that can help to offer comfort and lift gloom temporarily.🌥

“Triumph” — Turn Up the Contrast

At a friend’s wedding the place cards were slate hearts with the guests name on them-a lovely touch! 

I love a wedding –  love, the dreams and the future ahead for the couple, and their families. 

So with this in mind, I view my marriage and motherhood as my greatest personal triumphs. Everything else pales in comparison: work, home, material things.

We celebrate thirty four years and three children in October, no mean feat and I am very fortunate in this 💕💕💕💕🌟🌟