Monday 14 November 2016

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.

21 comments:

  1. I've been trying to kick myself out of a doom and gloom mindset rather unsuccessfully, so thanks for writing this, it was cheering to read!Jealous of your wood fire!

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    1. I can't even begin to imagine how extra-horrible it must be for ex-pats who this year have had Brexit AND the US election which, although having huge implications worldwide, must feel worse for you.

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  2. Aw, cats make everything more bearable. Except litter trays.

    And I hope whoever was responsible for novelty coloured fondant fancies (I particularly like the bright orange ones at Halloween) got a HUGE bonus - I've impulse bought SO MANY CAKES because of their moment of marketing genius.

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    1. The very best thing we ever did was train Missy to go to the toilet outside, because litter trays really suck (especially as her aim was... not good).

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    2. The very best thing we ever did was train Missy to go to the toilet outside, because litter trays really suck (especially as her aim was... not good).

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  3. How lovely!

    Ahh, having a proper fire must be so nice in winter!

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    1. It's really so lovely - apart from anything else, real fires look and smell so good!

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  4. Awww, I'm glad to have inspired you! Lovely things here. I'm glad about Missy and your cosy home. BUT I have to take umbrage to your fondant fancy comment as I LOVE THE BROWN ONES!!!! I will gladly eat them!!.mwa ha.
    And your loss of heart collar clips is DEVASTATING!!!!

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  5. A great way of thinking during what has been a grumpy week over here. I envy you getting to see Rent!

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    1. My heart is just broken for everyone in the US who's not rich, white, middle aged, straight, cis gender and male.

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  6. I always love this idea when I see it on Kezzie's blog too.
    Totally get the cat owner thing, some days I think I'd go mad without Socks and Tick around.
    Yay for internet friends! Send any chocolate fondant fancies my way, dairy allergy be damned! I was gutted that I couldn't buy any halloween inspired fancies this year. next year though, next year... all the fancies!!
    The eucalyptus sounds lovely, I might have to plant some in my garden to do the same :)
    Lots of lovely things to be grateful for here.

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    1. Haha, I'll send the chocolate ones down to you next time I get a pack!

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  7. Oh gosh, I love Betty's. I always shoehorn in a trip whilst I'm in York. It's where we went for breakfast on my hen do so now has extra lovely memories! Serious envy at not being a teacher this term too. One day I'll get out and not have to dread the start of September.

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    1. Now I've been once, I want to go again and again and again. I'm still dreaming of their hazelnut torte...

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  8. What a great list. It sounds like you're enjoying all the best parts of fall. Eucalyptus in the house is a great idea; I might need to find some. And Rent sounds really exciting!

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    1. I am SO excited to take Thomas to Rent, although I've had to warn him that I always always cry!

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  9. Real fires are wonderful (although I'm still slightly scared of mine after an incident last year that resulted in me calling the Fire Brigade :-0 ). And Missy is so cute! I do miss having a cat but I live on such a busy road, so I'll make do with my rats for now.

    I really do think 2016 has been an awful year on nearly every level, so it's nice to read lists like this and remember that there are wonderful moments in life, regardless of all the other crap going on.

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    1. Oh my gosh, what on earth happened?! The nearest I've got to disaster with the log burner was when my stacked logs were touching the side of the - extremely hot - burner and started smoking. Oops.

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  10. I so miss having a wood burner. That is the one thing I would change in our living room. And yes this term is hell on earth, counting how many lessons I have with my year 10s until christmas!

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    1. Oh god, I remember doing that as the end of every term approached; I'd have a list in the back of my planner of how many lessons were left with each class so I could tick them off in the manner of a prisoner!

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