Well the last few months have been interesting......
I decided to treat myself to two things a trip to Rome for my birthday and redoing my dining room for Christmas. Both are done now :-)
Rome was a lovely city and quite overwhelming as no matter where you looked you saw something historic. I loved the Colosseum best and was disappointed at the Vatican City. But after many years of wanting to go have finally been. I wanted to go for a special birthday but my ex didn't think he would fit the seats on the plane so we didn't go :-( Despite it being a lovely city it was quite eventful... we got there during the worst rainstorm they have ever had - the sky was biblically black in the day and the water literally poured down along with hailstones. Because their drainage system is not up to it the water was coming up through the manholes in the airport ! The next evening whilst walking to dinner one of the group (I went with a solos holiday group) had their handbag snatched by someone on a moped. Poor lady - she was in her 70s and lost load of things but thankfully not her passport. Then the following day one of the group had their wallet stolen on the metro but two boys probably no more than 10 and 14 years old. If that wasn't enough that same evening on route to another dinner we got caught in the middle of a fight between a waiter and a customer. Luckily no one was badly hurt but a few of us were fallen on or pushed. Finally on the last day I managed to damage the pins on my camera so it couldn't read my storage card. Luckily I had my small camera with me too.
The dining room project has been a feat of timing and hard work - pretty much all on my own. I decided that as the room hadn't been touched for over 20 years it was time to re do it, so I completely emptied it - gave the furniture away (that was a challenge !), had it redecorated, the radiator fixed so it heated up, replaced the carpet, got new furniture which I spent ages putting together and new blinds Then I had to put everything back into the cupboards. Getting everything timed in order and arranging all the bits was a managed project. But as I sit here now it is all done and looks lovely :-) Proud of myself for getting this done. I also had the ensuite re done about two months ago as the shower was leaking and needed replacing. That is nice as it again looks different.
Some of the things I decided to get rid of - some being memories of the past (some I am still holding onto - maybe I should get rid if them?) and went with my friends to a car boot sale. I sold some bits but have quite a bit left for a future boot sale.
Work has been better over the last few months but there is a bit org change now happening and most of my projects have been put on hold. I've got just enough work to keep me ticking along, but I'm no where as busy as I am used to. I'll need something else next year otherwise I will be twiddling my thumbs. I must say I am pretty chilled about this reorg as I don't mind if I am made redundant. Or maybe an exciting new opportunity will come up.
The one thing that has happened recently that has given my self esteem and confidence a huge boost is being offered to present a radio programme. After having been on a programme to publicise a recent show that I was in, I had a real buzz from it and I kept trying to understand why. In the end I contacted the producer and asked if there was anything I could do to help - expecting it to be backroom stuff. After going in to chat about this with the producer, he asked whether I would like to present a show ! He said that I would be great - well I was so surprised but thought it would be fab to give it a go. Anyhow to cut a long story short - I am going to present with one of my young friends and we start in January with a 70s show. I'm so excited :-D
Yesterday I picked my youngest daughter up from uni and today we put the Christmas decorations up - feels a little more like Christmas now. I am however shattered as I have been up since 8am and have been on the go non stop without any food for 11 hours ! I had some head shots done by a photographer friend. I didn't recognise myself in the photos they are amazing.
Oh I forgot to mention I also had solar panels fitted - its so cool to know I am producing my own electricity during the day :-) And I am going to a Clubbercise and tap class at the moment - makes me feel so energised. The Clubbercise is done in the dark with disco lights and glow sticks - how cool is that !
I'm also trying to plan my holiday to Peru and the Galapagos Islands for next year. Only problem is it is proving to be much more expensive than I expected.
Christmas will be a quiet one this year with just the girls and me - though I know their dad will want to drop in to give them gifts. I'm not really looking forward to that.
Anyhow I feel so much more positive at the moment and am starting to make the house mine rather than what it was when my ex and I were here. My weight is still in target and I feel pretty fit.
