Finding a bit of "me time"

It has become increasingly difficult recently. I've moved in with Edd, and so it's chaotic 24/7. Emilia is getting used to the stability of having a mum, so she can be clingy at times, and only wants to do things with me. I still haven't unpacked all of my things, as there isn't room yet. We're still trying to find Edd a job. Batman has settled in well, although it's hard work stopping the cats eating each others food. And during all this, I am trying to finish knitting the blanket for my niece and learning Swedish (I've been saying this for a while, but I mean it this time!)

Nobody said being an adult would be this stressful! Why didn't anyone warn me?!

Complications

Why is life so complicated at times? Honestly, when one thing in my life is going well, something else has to go wrong. Why can't it all run smoothly? I mean really? So, all that's going well is lovely boyfriend, stress free job, more me time. What's going wrong? Banks, money, flat of doom... doom and gloom. Apparently banks are evil, did you know this? It's far too much stress. Money is just evil as well. We try not to let our lives be run by it, after all, there's that saying that money can't buy happiness, yeah? Well, it's true I think. However, money can give you peace of mind, which leads to happiness. Thankfully, in this day and age with so many people being in debt, there are plenty of advice lines and such. So, I think I'm on the right solution and I'm sorting it. Further proof that I am growing up, usually I just ignore these things, which is why I've got in to debt in the past and why I'm probably in debt now.

The flat is just beyond a joke. Seriously, it's just damp and mouldy, and we've been told that it's going to need months of work and that we probably won't be able to live here during that time. Which is not good. We need somewhere to live. I just want it sorted!

In the meantime, I am searching for distractions. One great distraction is Mike. He is very good at making me forget all that is rubbish in my life. How does he do this? Well, with kisses, cuddles and boxes of red wine! Oh yes, we love a good box of red wine. 4 bottles of wine in a box! Bargain. And the drunk conversations that follow. Honestly, I don't need to go out to bars and clubs and spend stupid amounts of money. Just give me lovely people and a box of wine. Obviously, just cuddles and kisses from Mike. And possibly Carys.

Another distraction is knitting. I actually really enjoy knitting, is that sad? It's really relaxing. I've finished the phone sock for Rachel. Complete with fiddly sequins. I'm starting on making her gloves now. And I want to make a blanket. This is also a remedy for the flat of doom's coldness. See, there is method to my madness. And it gives me something to do with my hands when sitting in front of the TV instead of playing games on Facebook. Honestly, I'm so addicted!

I'm rather proud of this :)

Icy

It's very very icy at the moment in Swansea. It took me half an hour to walk to work yesterday, that's twice as long as usual, as I was slipping and sliding everywhere! And we were locked out of the call centre for half an hour as nobody had a key to get in. It was very cold, let me tell you. The ice is also bad today, Mike had trouble getting out of my road, his car was sliding all over the place. Eventually, some neighbours came to help and he managed to escape. It was all rather dramatic as he nearly slid in to a skip and another car. Stupid ice.

I've finished at the call centre! No more talking to people with swine flu. Hurrah! I start my new job tomorrow and I'm excited about it now. Best part? I don't have to start until 11am! That's a like a 4 hour extra lie-in for me! No more waking up at 5am!

Mike has now named Sundays Fajita Sundays, apparently we have to have fajitas every Sunday. I'm not complaining that much, as I do love fajitas. I had guacamole with mine today as well. Only problem is, Mike refuses to chop onions. Flat out refuses. So I am chief onion chopper. And chief weeper due to stupid onions.

I am getting on well with the knitting. I have made a phone sock for one of the old guys at the call centre. I am rather proud of myself. Slowly turning myself in to a domestic goddess! I know it's only a small thing, but it's still an achievement. Next job... fingerless gloves! (Fingers look a bit too complicated!)

Resolutions update: Going well!

The turkey has all been eaten, sad times

Well, I'm back in Wales now, after my flying visit home. I had a great time though, and possibly ate my weight in food, plus a bit more. What is it about the festive season that makes us eat so much? And so much nice food? It never occurs to me to have pate at any other time of year, but I munch away at the stuff at Christmas time. It is baffling, but perhaps that's what makes us all so jolly?

And Santa was good to me this year. I got my GHDs! And a sewing machine, complete with a book from my lovely parents with loads of ideas for bags. I just need some fabric now! I got a stocking ful of cow print joy. I think my obsession is getting a bit out of hand. But hey, it makes me smile!

I also got a swish new haircut. I only popped in to Pisanis to say Merry Christmas (I used to work there in my school/college days). I no longer have long purple hair, but rather a shorter look. I feel that it makes me look sophisticated, and it's not so short that I get mistaken for a boy!

But I am happy to be back in Swansea, as much as I love being at home and catching up with people. I've spent a lovely few days with Mike and now it's back to work. Although it is my last week there, so it's not all bad. I'm feeling happy with life right now, looking forward to the new year and new opportunities. Fingers crossed it'll last!

AND I've finished my scarf!

So, here are some festive photos of snow, new hair and family and friend times back in Surrey...