Reflection and 'Moving' forward...

It's been awhile, and now we've entered into a New Year, I need to get back into the blogging rhythm despite whatever madness is going on around
I don't need to think at the start of this year, like I usually do, about how to move forward, what changes I want to make, or what I want to achieve, because it's happening now, we are in the midst of it now!

We've talked for awhile about wanting to live by the sea, but talking and making it a reality are usually two different things. Before we knew it an opportunity arose at work and it was actually happening.
So this last month has been non-stop craziness, with the silly season, the busiest time at work and any spare moment at home was spent cleaning, tidying and decorating, a mammoth task at not the easiest time of year!

So we know we will be in a new area, with new places to explore, in a new house (which we must keep clean and tidy, a fresh start!) and hoping to get out and about more to be more active. It's very scary but all exciting too.
The main problem for us to sort is finding somewhere new to live. At the slowest time of year for properties and at a time when there's so many Bank Holidays its made it very difficult, but on Monday we will be taking the trip south to do a full day of viewings and fingers crossed there will be something suitable for us. It'll be a fast and furious and stressful month ahead, but I know for sure in the months going forward it'll be well worth it!

Christmas was a quiet affair for us, just cozied up indoors in front of the tv. We didn't even bother to unpack the decorations but Mum gave us a little decoration for us to light up

We had a lovely roast dinner

We had lots of lovely presents, though it was weird not having a tree to put them under!

We opened them slowly but surely throughout the day

Mum always gives us a fun lucky dip bag to open, and this year it was full of food goodies!

I hadn't picked up a hook in about a month, and it was hard, as that is my relaxant and creative outlet. At Christmas, having some rest days, I grabbed my hook and a ball of multi toned yarn, with no plan or idea or pattern and went ahead and made a flower. I wasn't sure about the way it was looking with the sporadic colour changes, but I went with it and made more flowers, joining them together as I went.

It worked up quickly, and it felt so good to be making again, and the more flowers I added, the more I liked the way it looked

I went out last week with the girlies from work for my leaving meal. We went to Carluccio's as it was one of the new restaurants in town that I hadn't been to. We had a great evening with delicious food.

New Year was yet another quiet affair, just the two of us snuggled up, with a little drinkie to see in the midnight chimes...

So we will see how the next few weeks unfold on our venture towards the coast, and I will do my best to keep you posted along the way.....

Gallavanting...

Sadly, I have no crafting to show this week...
Other than a packed work schedule, we have actually ventured out!
As you know I was celebrating my birthday this time last week, and we finished off the day in style, eating out at our local Italian restaurant. We shared some garlic bread to start, as it was quite large.

I tried something new, as I have a tendency to steer towards the same things

I had a mushroom risotto,

whilst hubby had Parma ham and rocket pizza

Of course it was washed down nicely with some white wine...

On my day off during the week we took a trip up to London.

The reason for going was, last year as a present I had given hubby tickets to go and see Lee Evans.

We made the most of the day by stopping off at Camden. This is one of  my favourite old haunts that I have been going to for many years.

It has changed an awful lot, in some ways good, with permanent, lock-up stalls and an overall make-over, but for me I find it sad that the original vibe has gone. It used to be the place where 'alternative' people could go, who weren't into mainstream music and fashion, where new designers could showcase their designs and become discovered, but it's lost it's edginess and become a little too commercial, which kind of defeats the object as the tourists used to come to see the sights, I just hope it doesn't lose its way too much as the same happened to Carnaby street.

On arrival we had much needed drink and food.

Had a look around the clothes stalls.

And round the various craft stalls, and even managed to pick up a couple of Christmas gifts.

Then it was back on the train to Wembley arena.

Hubby was amazed at the size of the venue!

As there weren't many seats left when I booked, I was worried it would interfere with our enjoyment, but despite being high up and to the side, we had a great view of the whole arena, could see the stage, had view of the screens and the sound was clear. I've been to many gigs and theatre productions before but not comedy, and I have been amused with clips of Lee Evans, but he completely surpassed my expectations. I thought he was funny in the first half but by the second I literally had tears streaming down my face. He was hilarious with his observations, was as energetic as ever, and quite humble.

I can thoroughly recommend to see him if you get the chance in the future...