That is my wish for everyone, a happy healthy year ahead.  Money and all that too, but the main things are heath and happiness. This is my wish for myself as well.

I have no resolutions, I gave them up at some point but I don't remember when.  I never keep them so why bother?   A new year can start anytime I want to make a change, just like I can start a day over at any point if I choose to.  I have been known to just STOP.  Take a deep breath and think "I'm going to start over."  No matter what or where, I just start again with a different attitude and see what happens.  It generally works, not always, but generally. 

I'm pretty happy with my life in most ways.  The areas I'm not happy are the ones that only I can change.  When I'm ready.  Some of the changes can even creep up on me unawares - my mind and body working together in perfect synergy. 

Whenever I look in a mirror I smile at myself.  I like the person I see.  Not the surface necessarily but the person, the eyes.  I smile at her.  That has been happening for a while and is nice.  I really like it.  Then I decide to add makeup or whatever so the face looks nicer.  Then I feel happier as well as being more productive.  Go figure.   If anything I say works for anyone else, great, but that isn't my purpose in writing this.  This blog helps me sort things out in my mind.  I just choose to share these ramblings.

I'm enjoying being a student, as I've said before.  It's challenging but I'm so glad for the opportunity.  I've made so many 'friends' of other student via social networking.  My life is richer for all of their input.

All my friends matter to me.  I enjoy hearing from and about them all whether they are in person or online.  I am making more of an effort to see them in person and will continue to do so this year.  I feel better when I get out and about more, and that is reward in itself.  Am I saying I'll get out more this year?  No.  I'm saying I feel better when I do it, and that is all.  It's a day by day, or minute by minute choice.  Shall I go for a walk.  No, I don't feel like it.  That's the decision for this minute.  Maybe later I'll feel different, maybe not.

Yesterday, the last day of 2012, I had a letter that made me so happy - an appointment for the eye surgery.  It's in Feb and I'm delighted.  and excited.  and can't wait.  Wow.  To think I'll be able to see better again.  Wow.  I don't know quite what outcome to expect but am looking forward to finding out.  I know I can cope whatever happens.  I don't know whether I'll still need my same glasses, new ones or none for the left eye.  As the right isn't being done now I have no clue whether I'll need glasses for that eye or what.  I'll write on here when I find out.  I also accept that it can go wrong and I won't be able to see.  I'd hate that but know inside me that I will cope somehow if that happens.  Life will go on, just a bit differently.

Now I'm off to go feed myself something nice.  I'm actually hungry.

Happy New Year one and all.

Well, that is Christmas over for another year.  Okay today is Boxing Day but in this house it's just another day really.   Everyone is just chilling and happy.

We got up and shoved the turkey in the oven at about 8.30, then waited for it to be cooked.  We had a super dinner with all our favourite things - we each have things that are special to us but not the others - so it was good.  As ususally happens these days, my eyes were bigger than my belly and I left quite a lot.   It was about 9.30 last night before I felt like eating again, and I only had two chocolate liqueur cherries all day.  No other nibblies at all. 

One of my gifts was an alarm clock with big (read huge) numbers.  It's great.  I wake up in the night and have no idea what time it is.  There are two digital alarms in the room, one by side of the bed, but I can't read it without my glasses.  This new clock has a backlight so I can just pick it up in front of my face, press the light button, and see the time.  Yay.  It does what it says on the tin and makes life nicer for me.  I know my eyes will get fixed, but for now just knowing the time when I wake is great.  No more squinting my eyes to see if one or the other will focus on a clock!    Another gift was from Marks and Spencer, a light for the Kindle.  With that I can see the whole page without putting the lamp on.  Bingo.  The other one I had was only good for about half a page and was more bother than help.  All in all I'm one  lucky lady.   We chose not to exchange big expensive gifts this year for two reasons.  One was shortage of money to spend. The other was that no one wanted anything in particular.  We get what we want when we want/need it all year, so there isn't much to get each other anymore.  I had asked for an alarm clock rather than buy myself one so they'd have something to get me that I'd want. 

Andy drove us to Hitchin on Sunday so we could deliver some gifts to a wonderful friend.  She always has to wait until New Year when we visit her to open her pressies.  This year we not only got her some nice gifts that we knew she'd like, but were able to deliver them ahead of the big day.  That was great for all of us and it was good to see her and our other friend who lives next door to her.   It's wonderful for Andy and Chel to have the normal days off now after so many years of working when others are off.  I'm enjoying it and taking full advantage of it.

I still need to write an essay, and hope to do it in the next few days, if not later today but it isn't a problem.  Yet.

I hope to get on here and write again before the year is over, but if I don't then please accept my sincere wishes for a happy, healthy, contented

 

This week has just flown by so quickly.  I still haven't started wrapping gifts, cleaned house or done my studying.  But I did read an interesting book.  I did go shopping and did some errands too.  So that's good.  I've talked to friends and family on here, been taken for a lovely dinner where I ate till I was stuffed.  It's a good life at the minute.

Since I wrote that this morning I've wrapped all the gifts we've bought so far, done most of the housework that can be done, and can just sit back and relax now.  It's such a great feeling to be ahead of the game instead of rushing to do the wrapping at the last minute. 

All that's left really is to write my essay.  I won't start it right now as it's not due for a while.  I just want to chill now.

Just in case I don't get back to you before Christmas, have a good one.  If you don't celebrate that, then enjoy whatever you d

was amazing.  Chel and I fully enjoyed every minute of it.  We couldn't sit still  and both still had smiles on our faces the next morning.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have seen it.  We had a lovely in London, doing nothing in a hurry, just chilling and having fun.  Alan met us to go around Winter Wonderland.  It was dark and very beautiful. The weather was perfect, we wandered around comfortably with our coats open.  The only time it rained was when we were indoors.  Can't get much better than that in December.  One highlight of that outing was the big bag of chestnuts.  Yummy. I * have* to have them if we are in London near Christmas.  Chel took brilliant care of me all weekend.  Angie gave me my birthday gift of cash before we went so I could shop if I wanted to. 

Where has the ruddy time gone so fast?  I can't believe it's mid December already.  It was just July last week.   The 12.12 on 12.12.12 has passed here and nothing has happened except the boiler repairman chose that time to tell me how much I had to pay him. (£100).  Got up to a leaky boiler this morning but it's fixed now.  Oh well.

I'm quite well, up to date with my study and finally finished a library book that seemed to take forever to read. It was by Liza Marklund who was one of the authors I read as part of the Transworld Challenge last year.  It was good but very involved, not a quick read.  I hate to give up on a book though so will generally persevere.  It has to really bore the pants off me or be completely not my thing before I quit.  And I'm glad I finished it because I'd guessed right at the outcome. I only renewed it twice.....

The Christmas tree looks good, not great but okay.  It's not the best I've ever done but hey, it's at least up.  The cards are written and the ones to be posted have gone.  A lot of the shopping is done.  Now I can start to relax again.

It's cold out, the trees are covered in frost and very lovely to look at.  I can't really go for a walk as the hairdresser is coming soon.  That's my excuse and I'm keeping it.  Really, I find it hard to breathe outside when it's cold.  But I do love to be out there, as do my doggies.  

I'm okay in myself.  I've realised that I'm not lazy.  Unmotivated frequently, distracted easily, tired a lot, but happy generally.  I do the things I really need to do and ignore the rest for the most part and it seems to be working okay.  By that I mean that no one has complained out loud to me yet!  And I also realise that the more time I spend outdoors the better I feel.  Paradox anyone?  Can't breathe when I'm out be feel better for being out.....oh well.  I can cover my lower face with a scarf and carry on.

Can't think of anything else interesting to say so I'll shut up and go do some vacuuming.  The place will be better when it's done and there will be less dust for me to breathe in. 

Thanks for reading this.  All the fun stuff that I pass on is through my Facebook page for my friends and family.  I do love a good giggle and get a real joy out of brightening someone else's day.

but I can't really say back to normal yet.  I have not settled back into my routine. And I'm always falling asleep these days.  Don't ask me why, I don't know or I'd do something about it!

My wonderful hubby took me to Lanzarote last week for our 30th anniversary.  On the day we did a full day trip around the island, seeing the volcano craters, the lunar landscape, a wine tasting, lunch and a visit to a cave with albino crabs.  I even got the opportunity to ride a camel!  It was a fantastic experience.  They had seats suspended on each side of the poor animal, so I was able to have a go.  I was so disappointed that I couldn't manage it in Egypt and never expected to get another chance to do it.  We walked a lot, using my walker of course, and took taxi's to get back up the hill to the hotel.  I was so glad I took the walker though. I don't do very well without it.   I'd like to give a shout out to the Special Assistance team at Luton and Arricife airports for the wonderful help and service.  It made so much difference. 

We loved the American Indian restaurant - great food, great staff and great ambiance.  We went on the rainy lunchtime when the band was having a practice session.  We went back another lunchtime, then returned in the evening to hear them play.  The Question band played "Freebird" at my request, a song that has really special meaning for my family.  I liked everything they played.  Andy got a buzz watching me enjoy another old favourite "Proud Mary".  How on earth can I sit still and keep my cakehole shut when that song plays?  I mean, really.

I got my last essay in before we went away.  I did the very best I could and am hoping for a good grade, but at the end of the day I did what I could.  And I learned a lot so I'm a winner anyway.  Now I'm working on the next week's work.  It's going slowly because I've taken time out to study my Good Study Guide about essay writing.  I can do it but need to build my confidence. 

Everything esle seems to be ticking over okay and I'm contented as usual.

I'm procrastinating.  I'm writing here instead of working on an essay. This is easier for me, I just write and don't have to include references or facts.  Well, I do reference where I need to but as most of what I write is mine.....

This seems to have been a very busy week but I don't know why.  I don't think that much has been happening buy who knows?   Oh yeah, went to a fireworks display to music on Saturday that was really great.  The weather wasn't too cold and it was all seated at the Saint's ground. I can recommend that to anyone for next year.

I did see the eye consultant yesterday and go put on the waiting list for my op.  I'm delighted to know that things are progressing now.

An old friend called round for a cuppa this morning.  I really enjoyed seeing her again.  I think I need to mix and meet people more.  I don't make enough effort really.  Then again, I'm pretty contented at the way things are.   Well, I was until I stepped on the scales and see another pound and a half in the last few weeks has jumped onto my body somehow.  No idea how/why.  And if you believe that you will believe anything anyone tells you!!!

Now I'm off to do some more pottering abou

A quick note here to express my sadness for all those caught up in that awful storm in the US.

I'm amazed that it's November already. I'm quite sure it was July a couple weeks ago but now it is darker, there are more leaves on the ground than on the trees.  It was nice out when I walked the mutts this afternoon, although it wanted to rain I only felt a few spots. 

I don't have much to tell, I feel like I've had my head in the books a lot.  But really I've been  reading, watching films and doing all my normal things as well.  I sent in my first essay and am waiting for the results which can be another ten days or so.  I'm antsy waiting as I prefer to see my critique on that one before I write the next one.  Ah well, no one said I could have it all my own way, did they.  The world does not revolve on 'she

Big thank you to Sunshine. (He knows who he is.) Here is a bit of explanation  I've struggled all my life to understand binary numbers.  I even missed out on a good paying job years ago because I simply couldn't get my head around it at all. Today I found that there is some binary in the next course I want to do.  To my way of thinking there is no point signing up for a course if I'm going to fail before I even start so I emailed Sunshine.  He is my daughter's friend who has been my mentor in all things computer since he was in upper school.  Bingo, he explained it and sent a simple grid that made it crystal clear to me.  Then I went back to a web page that I'd looked at earlier and didn't understand at all and now it makes sense!  How wonderful is that?  I first came across this in the mid 1960's and finally in 2012 get it.  I'm not slow......lol.  Of course I've saved it all into a new folder so I don't lose it and have also got it on a memory stick.

Sent in my first essay yesterday and now have to wait for the feedback.  No hurry there, I did my best and it is what it is.  I can learn from it.  I'm well through the next week and am finding this better as it is using the textbook.  Okay so it is like wading through treacle than reading Fifty, but I can do it, just slower and with more focus.  And that IS what I signed up for so I'm happy.   If I could ignore the Facebook groups I'd get on faster.....as would we all but at the same time they are so supportive and helpful.  I guess it's like going to the canteen with the rest of the class since we are a virtual class.

I have a sore throat today that isn't going away.  No, I can't take anything because I already take painkillers and aspirin daily.  There is only so much you can have in one day.  I will try brandy next as I have no honey to mix with lemon.  Brandy....honey and lemon.....nope, gotta choose the brandy.

The postman brought the photo and CD of the school reunion.  It's a super photo but I havent' looked at the CD yet.  Jean kindly sent a who's who with it that is vital as I don't recognise anyone.  Well, it has been 50 years and they have all changed a bit......wonder why? My mirror says I've changed since then as well so I guess it's fair.

Off now to hit the get something to drink and hit the books.  Unless I fall asleep first....any bets on which will happen?

but I'm going to start writing anyway and see how much I get done before I crash and go to bed.

I've been working so hard my head my burst!  I'm loving studying but boy, it can eat up my time.  If I stayed of Facebook I'd probably progress faster.  The flip side of that is that there a a couple groups set up for my course and I'm gaining a lot by reading their posts and problems.  I feel far less alone because of them.  I've done okay so far; have done the first essay twice and am happy with it for now.  I'll wait to see what is said at the next tutorial before I send it in though.  I just doubt myself which is very silly as I know I can do this.  I've just started on the second small book and the first big textbook.  That feels like progress already.  I've also got the Good Study Guide by Andrew Northedge which I'm working my way through.  I'm having to read more thoroughly than I do for novels.  I can do it but it just takes longer.  I'm still finding time to read for pleasure though and to play on the DS.  I need the downtime.   I am doing okay-ish with the housework.  I can always do what I need to do quite quickly anyway.  I'm enjoying that more too, since it is a smaller part of my life.   I will find a balance as I go on.  I'm sure (at the moment) that I've made the right decision in choosing to study.  The Social Sciences are so far proving to be more interesting than I'd expected.  Bonus.

I'm still coughing a bit but feel tons better.  I finally got a good night's rest last night, didn't work on my essay all night in my sleep!   The Horlicks and and the chocolate one do their stuff almost as well as a brandy in my coffee.  I have one or the other most nights now it's colder. 

The leaves are blowing all over the place. Today I went out to pick some up but didn't as it was so windy they were all over the place and I had trouble breathing......to dopey to put a scarf on, wasn't I?  I'm not ready for this weather yet, although. I am wearing warmer clothes around the house.   Gotta love the socks.  I'm glad I have so many pretty ones that are comfy and fun to wear....I'm still a big kid at heart.

The dopey dogs are still keeping us laughing with their antics.  Jess sleeps on the ottoman again.  How this big dog can fit onto that small thing amazes me.  But she's happy.  She does have a perfectly good soft dog bed that she uses sometimes.  Stevie shares it during the day when I'm on the pc. 

And now I will head for my bed and hope to sleep soundl