Ten Things For Which I'm Thankful

As 2016 continues its quest to be The Worst, I decided (inspired by Kezzie) to take some time to reflect on the things for which I'm thankful this week: from small moments that have made me smile to the people (and cats) to whom I'm grateful.

1. Missy. At the risk of sounding like a new parent, I just can't remember life without her. Five months of cat ownership have gone in a flash and it has been an endless joy to watch Missy grow in confidence as she settles into our home, going from a frightened and skittish little thing to a cat whose favourite place is curled up on my lap. I'm not sure how I'd have got through the past few months - and especially this past week - without her furry face.

2. The simple pleasure of lighting a fire and some candles and snuggling under a blanket. I do like it when it gets properly cold outside; it's the perfect excuse to get into pyjamas and make the living room super-cosy.

3. That I'm not a teacher anymore during this, the most endless and hellish of school terms. Self-explanatory, really!

4. That Rent is touring the UK again (finally), and coming to Leicester! I'm going to be online first thing tomorrow to make sure I get good tickets because I freaking love Rent probably more than I love anything that's not my family, friends, cat, or house.

5. My friend Rebs, who you will definitely know because she knows everyone on the internet. Literally everyone. But she is one of the most welcoming people I know and she's really good at forcing me out of my misanthropic loner hole by suggesting fun things to me. She's also introduced me - sometimes virtually and sometimes IRL - to some extremely cool people who I'm really happy to know.

6. A lovely day in York the Saturday before last, with lovely internet friends Alex, Becks, Gwen and Lucy. We talked about cats, bought books, drank Prosecco and ate cake in Bettys (I'd never been, can you believe it? I could have my Yorkshire card revoked for that), and generally had a brilliant time. Plus, the photo Becks took of us fails to suck which, with my hatred for every photograph of me, is a bonus thing to be thankful for.

7. A lovely Sunday walk in the woods with Thomas yesterday, followed by a cheeky cider and some chips in a cute country pub. Before we headed home to do boring life-admin like job applications, vacuuming, and cleaning the bathroom. Hmmph, adulting sucks.

8. Mr Kipling Frosty Fancies. I genuinely squealed with glee in the supermarket aisle when I saw them. All the fun of fondant fancies but with added festive-ness and without the chocolate ones which, let's face it, no one actually likes.

9. Finding some gorgeous dresses for my mini-bridesmaids. Honestly, part of me would have preferred to not have bridesmaids at all. But I remember all too well the feeling of being 9 years old and desperate to be a bridesmaid, so I couldn't in good conscience not ask my nieces to take part in the wedding. And actually, the dresses I've found - mint green polka dot numbers from Yumi Girls - are so cute that I'm very pleased I did!

10. The sprays of eucalyptus that I cut from my mums' back garden which are now bedecking every jar, jug and vase in the house. There's something about bringing seasonal greenery into the house - regardless of the time of year - that just feels special.