I am going to miss The Apprentice

I thoroughly enjoyed The Apprentice this year. I found all the candidates pouting and their niggling at one another  hilarious. I really couldn't decide who Lord Sugar would or should choose out of the finalists, it really could have gone either way.
There were moments that completely cracked me up including when poor Solomon got kicked out of an interview and couldn't find the exit.
That is the kind of thing that happens to me.
If I go into an unfamiliar pub, for example, the time will come when I need to visit The Ladies and this is a moment I dread as I am not good at following directions. In the unlikely event I find The Ladies the first time I am told the chances of returning to my seat afterwards without getting horribly lost is very slim.
I have been known to come out of The Ladies and try and enter cupboards or sometimes I follow a corridor convinced I recognise it only to find I emerge in a completely different bar.
I do feel a tinge of regret that the series has ended as I only watch a few TV programmes and the ones I choose entertain me greatly but once they are over I struggle to find a new programme to entertain me as much.
Apparently The Voice is back in January. I do enjoy watching that so I guess I will cope!

See the balloon in the foreground of the photo? That is a Happy Mothers day balloon given to me at Mother's Day by my daughter. It is still going strong!

happy birthday Mum

It would have been my Mum's birthday today. because of this and because it is the Winter Solstice today is always a special day to me.
This morning I got up and walked Ollie in the fields. We bumped into a friend of mine who was walking three dogs, Benji, Blue and Grace. They had a lovely time doing all the despicable things dogs love to do best.
As we walked back through the estate where I live I realised this is probably my last Christmas here.
I like walking Ollie around in the dark looking at all the crazy Christmas lights people have up outside their houses around here at this time of year.
I am definitely ready to move on but I am so glad that I have lived happily here all these years.
I arrived here on  18th December 11 years ago. This is the longest I have lived anywhere.
before moving here I went through a phase of living in private rented accommodation where I had to move almost every year. It has been good to put down roots and stay in one place while my children grew up.
I am excited about the future and am more than ready to move onto the next chapter of my life but that said I find this time of year an excellent opportunity to think about all the great things that have happened in my life so far.

Happy birthday Mum. I know your life had its ups and downs, joys and sorrows but I want  you to know how glad I am that you are my Mum. xxx

a long wait

After work yesterday I did my supermarket shopping, collected Ollie and set off for the caravan. I was nearly there when the traffic ground to a halt. I don't know what they delay was but we stood still for ages. Drivers were getting out of their cars to see what the delay was. We all turned off our engines and waited.
I listened to the radio for some of the time and that helped to pass the time. I love listening to the radio in the car.
Once the traffic slowly started to move I was able to edge slowly to the turn off and arrived at the caravan park a few minutes later.
I was so happy to arrive. Ollie was delighted. He loves being in the car when we are moving but becomes bored and restless when we are parked.
The wait was worth it.
It is so lovely waking up in the caravan. It is so incredibly peaceful there.
I had a lovely time and am eagerly looking forward to going back there again very soon.

never too old to watch the Snowman

Just to prove we are never too old to watch The Snowman I let 4 classes watch the Snowman while working in English today. They were spellbound and some of them were over 16 years old! It was a gamble as they might have thought it 'babyish' but I am happy to say that they didn't they really seemed to enjoy it and many hadn't actually seen it before.
there are certain songs and films that make me feel Christmassy. The Snowman is definitely one of them.
Another film I love is The Greatest Store in the World with Brian Blessed, Dervla Kirwan and Peter Capaldi. I really enjoyed watching that film with my own kids in the 1990's. It is funny and heart warming and reminds me always that 'adventures are best!'

This tree has nothing to do with the post but it is irresistible!

Violence is never the answer.

I have just heard about the children being shot in Pakistan. I feel so sad for the families and for the children themselves.
People have strong views. I believe it is healthy for people to have differing opinions and I value freedom of expression.
Violence is never the answer though.
If someone feels strongly that their view is right they will naturally want other people to agree with them and share their view. This can only be achieved by discussion and an attempt to understand the hopes and fears of others.
Trying to scare people into following you never works and only serves to drive other people away from you.
I really hope that people affected by these recent violent acts are being looked after now.

Dream Chasers

Here's to the dream-chasers of this world, the people who have a dream and never give up until their dream comes true.
The X factor winner and runner up this year had both been trying to make it in the music business for over ten years.
I imagine there were times when they felt like giving up but they kept going and look what they have achieved.
Music doesn't have to be your passion but if you have something you wish to achieve in your life, go for it and don't let anyone put you off or tell you it can't be done!
Some dreams take years to build and achieve but you are on Earth for a certain, unknown number of years, why not spend them aiming for the stars?

The Top Ten Things Dead People Want To Tell You

Mike Dooley has written this book. I have just finished reading it and I have to tell you it is one of the most beautiful and thought provoking books that I have ever read in my life.
Many of the things he wrote about are the very things I have spent years pondering and many of the explanations he gives I feel instinctively to be true.

Earlier today I took Ollie out for a walk across the fields. It was a frosty, crisp morning which always makes Ollie playful and silly. He runs about, chasing his tail. he is a reminder not to take life too seriously!

Now I have my fairy lights up in my room, they are twinkling invitingly and I am all cosy, writing my Christmas cards.
There are  many things about winter that are beautiful.
I have iced my Christmas cake and cooked lunch.
Roast potatoes are just what is needed at this time of year and I have just eaten a plate load.
Yes it suddenly feels that Winter has definitely arrived and we all get to celebrate the good bits!

lovely surprises

I was woken up this morning by my phone. I answered it sleepily and it was my lovely daughter phoning to say she is making me a birthday cake for when I visit her later this month. She told me this just before starting her early nursing shift.
Yesterday I got home from work to find that someone has posted me an amazon gift card. It didn't say who this was from so now I have a lovely mystery on my hands.
Lovely surprises like this make such a difference in life.
It was wonderful enough to wake up in my caravan, knowing Ollie and I have a fun day ahead.
What a great start to the weekend.

mulled wine

Yes, I know it's early but I saw it in Morrisons and it pleaded with me to buy it. I bought it, brought it home then it pleaded with me to have a glass and so I did.
Very nice too.
It's beginning to feel like Christmas.
I have had the work Christmas dinner. I have made my Christmas cake and Christmas pudding. I have eaten sprouts. Tomorrow at work everyone is wearing their Christmas jumpers.
What can I say?

weather bombs and Christmas dinner!

It was very cold when I got up this morning and it took a while to defrost the car before setting off for work. Other than this the weather was unremarkable in this part of the country. In other parts of the country apparently the UK experienced a 'weather bomb.'
I know now that this involves severe storms but the puzzling thing for me is I have never heard this term used to describe weather before.
Have I just not been listening to all the other forecasts warning us of such an event or have the weather people just invented the term?
Another significant occurrence today was the school Christmas dinner which was delicious.
I love roast potatoes, especially when they are cooked by anyone other than me!
I arrived home after work today and took Ollie out for a walk. Many houses on my estate are bedecked with flashing Christmas lights. When I arrived back at my house there was a Christmas float doing the rounds, broadcasting Christmas songs. Santa was waving  and people were rattling charity buckets.
Christmas feels well and truly around the very next corner!

I absolutely love calendars!

I ordered a photo calendar for 2015, it arrived today.
It has some of my favourite photos from the last year or so featured in the 12 months.
I can't wait to put it up along with the Wanderers Haven Animal  Sanctuary calendar Graham has bought me.
I am very good about waiting for the correct month before looking at the photo!
I love the calendars I have been using in 2014. I get excited on the first day of each month to see what the photo is going to be.
I have always been like this. At work a few years ago my friend Debbie and I would walk down to the staffroom together to see which cute baby animal was featured on that particular month.
Over the years people have bought me such wonderful calendars. They are honestly one of my favourite things!

Dashing through December with North Star Callers!

I can honestly remember in the summer thinking how far away Christmas was. It was a lovely, sunny day and I distinctly remember thinking that winter felt a long way off.
It took quite a while to get cold this year so until recently it hadn't really felt like Winter had arrived at all.
Now, all of a sudden we are almost a third of the way through December, and there is talk of snow on the mountains.
The children at the various schools in the land are all getting excited now and on radio one they have the North Star Caller. This is such a sweet feature. Father Christmas phones a young listener and basically talks to them about Christmas and what they would like for Christmas. They have such lovely conversations. it is so cute and also funny. One of the young listeners told Father Christmas he would like a chainsaw for Christmas. I think he was about 4 years old! let's hope he doesn't receive that particular gift!

lovely weekend

I have just had a lovely weekend. I went to my caravan on Friday evening and enjoyed a glass of wine with the twinkling of the fairy lights in the background. On Saturday, Ollie and I went to Graham's and Graham and I made a Christmas cake and pudding each. This inspired Graham to put up his Christmas lights and then we had friends round.
We also had a very enjoyable Indian takeaway.
The weather was beautiful this morning, sunny and relatively warm. The dogs enjoyed a lovely walk in the hills. Us too!
It had become duller and cooler by the time I drove home.
The Dartford Crossing is weird without the toll booths.
I guess we will all adjust to the many changes in life.

I really like the sky in this photograph.

George Ezra,red wine, a New York fairytale, a wing mirror, a house offer and Halfords!

What a roller-coaster of a day!
Right...
I got up early and drove to school but got there late due to traffic jams. (Thanks heavens for the calming voice of George Ezra singing his heart out on Radio One this morning.)
I got to work eventually and things went well.
The plan was I drive home promptly after work as another person was due to view the house. I decided to set off home early as yesterday it took me 2 hours to drive home. ( It usually takes less than an hour.)
Anyway, I realised the bulb had gone on my headlight  so before setting off I phoned my local Halfords and checked when time they shut and that they had a bulb in stock. While doing this
I noticed a missed call. It turns out a gentleman has made an acceptable offer on my house so I have joyfully accepted!
I drove home happy. I spotted another missed call when i arrived home. The viewer had cancelled, which was fine. I walked Ollie then set off for Halfords. It was my priority but someone coming the other way on the narrow road leading out of my estate was determined to drive through first, and fast.
They hit my wing mirror and the glass fell out. I put my hazards on to alert other drivers something was wrong and tried to get out of the car to see if I could recover the mirror.
The other driver did not stop and nor did several drivers. I really thought someone would drive over and smash the mirror.
Luckily for me they didn't.
I recovered the mirror and drove to Halfords. They fit a new bulb and managed to fix the mirror back on which is just as well as apparently a replacement unit would have been costly.
The man who fitted the mirror and bulb was lovely and compensated for the less helpful motorists that I experienced today.
I decided to buy the ingredients for my Christmas cake and pudding on the way home along with a lovely glass of celebratory red wine for tonight.
I heard Fairytale of New York today on the radio~ so yes, it is definitely Christmas,
I love that song,
Cheers everyone.

Such a moving tribute

I listened to the radio today. It reported that Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke broke down in tears when he paid tribute to Phillip Hughes at his funeral.
It was a very moving tribute as he spoke from the heart. 
This started me thinking about all the people who are passionate about what they do and what a difference they make to others.
You don't have to be famous to make a difference. 
For me the key is whatever you do needs to mean something to you. If you do what you are passionate about you make a real difference to the world.

More viewings

Another person came to view my house this evening. Ollie was delighted as he got to see the Estate Agent again. He greeted him like an old friend.
If you think about it the Agent has been let into my house on a regular basis over the past few weeks.
To Ollie that makes him family!
Luckily the Agent took it all in his stride. He has two dogs of his own so it didn't phase him.
I have another potential viewing later this week too so things are back off to a good start.


I love this picture. It has nothing to do with the post but I like to do that sometimes!

Christmas has appeared!

Christmas is popping up everywhere. Radio One 'switched on' Christmas this morning!
On my estate the flashing Christmas lights are appearing.
In my house and caravan a few decorations have popped up and my daughter has put up a lovely display in her house judging by the photos.
I love Christmas. I try not to get too caught up in the commercial aspects. I really enjoy cooking and eating the food and  I try to achieve a lovely balance between being peaceful and reflective and spending time having fun with my loved ones.
I had my first Christmas card from a pupil at school today, I was very touched.
The radio has started playing Christmas songs so there is no going back, Christmas is well and truly on its way!
 Christmas is cool for cats!

interesting day

I have just come back from meeting up with my friend Paul and a group of his friends. It is great meeting positive new people.
I got home and took Ollie on his walkies. It is a mild day which is quite incredible for November.
It was lovely spending time over at my caravan yesterday too. It is just so incredibly peaceful there. I put up some Christmas decorations there and also tidied the house and put up some decorations here too.
Next week I am going buy the ingredients for my Christmas cake and pudding and then I will really feel I have prepared myself for the holiday.
It is December tomorrow. I like December. It is a time for reflection and celebration. I used to dread November. It has been quite a sad month for my family at times. My Granddad on my Mum's side and my Mum both died in the month of November in different years and that may be why I have associated November with feelings of sadness but I don't feel that way any more. I have found this month has had its fair share of happiness and good memories.
What a busy year it has been!

My daughters first Christmas in her first flat a few years ago.

back on the market!

...no not me, my house!
The potential buyers have pulled out as they were offered a higher interest rate than expected for their mortgage so as of today my house is back on the market.
I am confident the right buyer is on their way and am hopeful I will complete my sale before long.
I have decided to put up the Christmas decorations in the house as well as my caravan as it looks like I will be spending time in both places.
I am grateful to the shop assistant who kept an eye on my handbag when I abandoned my trolley in Morrisons as I got caught up in admiring the lovely Christmas plants. I decided on a poinsettia and a little potted fir with decorations around it completely forgetting some people take other people's things. After I had chosen my plants she approached and gently advised me to keep my bag near to me.
To me this is further proof that there are far far more good people than bad in the World but she is right I do need to be more sensible!

Patience, Black Friday and Homity Pie!

Despite emailing my agent and housing association I am none the wiser regarding my house sale. My solicitor phoned at lunch to ask if I had heard anything and as yet I haven't. This is rather mysterious!
I will phone the agent tomorrow to see if they have any news but I have decided to decorate my house and caravan this weekend in readiness for Christmas as I may have viewers looking round my house again soon.
I am waiting patiently to see what lies ahead.
I have just come back from a meal in the pub with work colleagues. I had Homity Pie with swede mash and cabbage. It was delicious.
I am very happy it is the weekend...
I don't understand this Black Friday frenzy and my neighbours have just told me many shops have extended the madness throughout the weekend!
I really should have got my act together and done my shopping on Thursday to avoid the mayhem!

I like flowers a lot more than sales.

Everything happens for a reason.

I stumbled upon an email from my solicitor today suggesting my buyers may have decided not to proceed with buying my house.
This has not been confirmed but seeing the email was quite a surprise.
I firmly believe that things happen for a reason and that when we want something to happen and it doesn't turn out exactly as planned that something better usually comes along.
I will wait and see how things pan out and remain convinced everything is happening exactly as it should in this amazing journey called Life!

Ollie is happy wherever we live!

90 day challenge

I have almost completed the 90 day challenge inspired by Jim Bunch. I have been working on three areas of my life, a little each day.
One has been meditation~ I have been meditating for a few minutes each day and I am starting to see the benefits.
I have carried out one act per day towards clearing/selling my house and I am doing more writing and drawing.
Some days have been more effective than others but overall I have been impressed with the way I have stuck things out and I now realise that you don't need to feel overwhelmed, a little and often really is the key!
I will give myself some days off and then start a new challenge soon. It is a bit like having a New Year's resolution but its for 90 rather than 365 days so feels more achievable somehow.
I really do recommend challenging yourself in this way. It is very motivating.

I am getting my caravan ready for Christmas soon!

I know, I know, it's early but I have decided that sometime this weekend I am getting my caravan ready for Christmas! I will have a little tree etc. and I will really enjoy decorating it. I am a real dreamer and sometimes I have to alter and rethink my plans but essentially the caravan represents going for it, doing the things I want to do with my life.
I am so lucky to have had the experiences I have had, met the people I have met and brought up the two most wonderful children I could have ever wished for. I have had a range of rewarding jobs and really appreciate my home. I am ready now for the changes that lie just around the corner. I am excited to be downsizing and training to be a life coach so I can try something new.

Micky Flanagan, watercress and heated windscreens!

I got up this morning to a very frosty morning. For once this was not a disaster as my lovely car Lucy has heated windscreens! It was a pleasure to get into the car, press a few buttons and then Lucy took care of everything so then I just had to drive off. Lucy is a green shiny darling!
I was most entertained by Micky Flanagan in his Radio 1 interview today. He was talking about a Sky show he has done ~cycling in France. When asked why he started cycling he answered the question with a question of his own. He asked Dev (who was covering for Greg James) how old he is and Dev answered that he is 29. Mickey suggested that in about 10 years time Dev will probably decide to do some form of exercise if he isn't already. Micky was not very into exercise for some time, he explained and then said that one day you look down at yourself, ask yourself what happened,  cry then decide to get on a bike or words to that effect.
Micky was very engaging and funny and I think he is right. When  we are younger we can mostly get away with rubbish diets and no exercise and then one day we get up and realise that we need to  make some changes!
I got home and had a large handful of watercress amongst other things for my dinner. I love the stuff almost as much as mushy peas....

Dartford Crossing is changing.

I drove through the Dartford  crossing booths today and paid my £2 for the last time. Next time I drive through I will have had to register and pay on-line.
On the one hand it may speed things up an queues may not be so frequent but on the other hand this dehumanises the whole process and presumably puts a lot more people out of work.
I hope the man I paid my £2 to today finds a new job. He seemed a friendly soul.
I have had a lovely weekend despite the rain and Ollie is looking pretty pleased with himself too. he had such a lovely time running about in Greenwich park on Saturday, happy days!

Another happy day for Ollie involved rolling in not very nice stuff!

edging towards the holiday!

The pupils at school have started talking about Christmas.
I never really think much about Christmas until December but there is no denying it that many people seem to be thinking about presents and food and that kind of thing. Their discussions have led me to start thinking about the holiday too.
I love the Christmas holidays. The things I enjoy include having time to spend in the open air or with family and friends, eating delicious food and having time to appreciate the simple things in life.
I think it is sad that some people spend more than they can afford and feel under pressure to buy people expensive gifts. I also find it sad that there will be homeless people during Christmas and some of these people are children.
On the positive side there are so many people that give up their time to help other people and it is these people that convince me that the World is primarily a good place.

brave people.

I really admire Will Pooley who has returned to treat victims in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He contracted Ebola in August while trying to help other victims.

He was treated in London and given the drug Zmapp. He survived.He has gone back to Africa to help yet more victims.

I also really admire Bob Geldof. He has recently experienced real grief at the loss of his daughter and yet he was able to bring bands together to take part in the band Aid 30 to raise funds to help the Ebola victims. 

I have listened to both on the radio recently and admire their bravery.

professional dog cuddler

I think there ought to be the option  to study to become a professional Dog Cuddler. As I speak Ollie is fast asleep on my lap seriously hampering my ability to use the laptop but I wouldn't change a thing. When a bonkers, naughty dog has had his fun, gone for walkies, got up to a few bad things such as shredding precious objects and then finally decides to settle down you could't put a price on how lovely it is when they come up to you, leap onto your lap, crash out and start snoring.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sweet dreams Ollie you lovable rogue!

mini hibernation

I have decided to undertake a mini hibernation. I don't know if it is the nights drawing in early or what but tonight I am tired. I am officially having the evening off and am giving myself nothing to do.
I will also have an early night. Ollie is in favour of this plan and has fallen asleep already!
Sweet dreams everyone!

enjoyable visit

I had a lovely time visiting my friend Jenni and her beautiful animals today.
I enjoyed catching up with her and she made some delicious biscotti.
The journey to and from Brighton was good. The traffic was fine and there was some really good music on the radio today too.
Two highlights were Twin Atlantic and Lorde but there were lots of good tunes.
Lucy is a brilliant  car to travel long distances in . She is very comfortable to drive.
It has been a good day!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1S9HUNoI4k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlpZ8z1bNfk

I love the brightness of these flowers.

Why I love my caravan!

Last night after work I drove to the supermarket and bought my groceries. After walking Ollie and checking a few emails I packed up a few things to take to my caravan and then Ollie and I went there.
It was pouring with rain and it was very windy.
Ollie and I were equally excited. he loves going anywhere in the car. As I drove along I was grinning from ear to ear.
Thee was nowhere to park at the site so I parked further down the road. I grabbed my bags and Ollie and I walked to the site.
Despite the rain, the howling wind and the fact it was dark I was so happy to be there.
Once in the caravan I watched a little bit of last weeks Gogglebox. I love that programme. The participants are mainly bright, funny and real characters. After this I poured myself a nice glass of wine and went to bed with my book.
Bliss!
It is so lovely waking up in the caravan with no alarm clock.
Ollie and I went for a walk, had breakfast and we were back home by 10am.
My aim today is to move forward on house clearing.
My house sale is proceeding and life is exciting!

In my caravan:

Sprouts, superb cars and the sounds of a comet!

We do live in an amazing world!
I was listening to Radio 1 on my way home from work and they played the sounds of the Rosetta comet. Incredible!
I am inspired by the people who dare to be different. Those who spend their lives finding out about new and wonderful things.
I felt strangely touched by the sound of the comet as I whizzed along in Lucy my lovely car.
To make a good day complete I had the urge to boil up a mass of sprouts which I ate with pepper and a little margarine. (I also had a baked potato and various other bits and bobs but the sprouts were definitely the stars of this show.)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-30023776

Sharing music

I am so glad my kids like music. Looking back over the years some songs really stand out and this is because of my kids.
Blondie: Hanging on the Telephone - My daughter Clarrie had it as her alarm call in the morning!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWhkbDMISl8
Cure -In Between Days~ Jack discovered the Cure a while ago. It was so good being able to hear them again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tzW9VVFVYI

Patrick Watson~ Fred is my friend~ I was so touched when my son introduced me to this song...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Nk6FcWoYs
Singing in The rain~ My daughter loves Musicals! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME
I could go on forever.
But instead I will just say....Thank-you for the Music!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dcbw4IEY5w

sunny November

I had another lovely time outside at lunchtime without a coat. There is something really special about being outside in autumn/winter when the weather is mild. The sun looks different I guess mainly due to its position in the sky. I really like the light.
I imagine children all over the country are happier, benefiting from more time spent in the fresh air and this has a positive knock-on effect on parents and teachers alike!
Here's to more sunny November days!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvzsyPHPU1U

Listen to this song, I love it!

Sunny skies

I know we have had a fair amount of rain just lately and in fact when Graham and I were walking the dogs at the weekend the woods were considerably muddier than they had been and began to think that winter is on the way.
Today I got up and it was raining and I listened to Radio 1 where they were talking about sunny weather and to my delight by lunchtime today it was sunny and warm in Kent.
A sunny day is a real treat this time of year.
Many of us get up and go to work in the dark  and by the time we set off home it is also dark so being outside at lunchtime in the sun and with no need for a coat was great!

Inspired

I started driving to Essex to see Graham and the dogs on Saturday and I started thinking about cars.
Fred has been a God-send. He only cost £280 and has saved me money commuting to work on the train. He was due an MOT at the end of the month that he was unlikely to pass. His seat belt needed repair amongst quite a few other faults. Graham has just bought a new car and so was keen to sell his previous car. There is little room for vehicles where he lives. His car, a Ford Focus, is larger than I originally wanted but as I drove along I was inspired to look into the cost of insuring a larger car and decided if the cost wasn't too great I would suggest to Graham that I bought his car.
This is exactly what happened. It was a bit sad driving Fred to his final resting place but I told him as he drove me along that he was a brilliant car and he should be proud of the achievements of his life! ( I am pretty sure he could tell a few tales if he could talk as he had 12 owners!)Once I said Goodbye to Fred
Graham drove me back in his new car and then we took the dogs out in my new car to a quiet place where I could gain confidence driving her around!
It didn't take too long to get used to driving her and I have just driven her back from Essex along the Dartford bridge.
I am calling my new car Lucy!
She is lovely to drive, has a long MOT and the best of it is I didn't have to go on a crazy adventure to pick her up!
My insurance company seemed rather stunned at the number of cars I have driven this year. I am hopeful that Lucy will last me a long time.

The Apprentice is so entertaining!

I have just watched the replay of this weeks Apprentice.
I love that programme for a whole host of reasons.
The challenge this week was to arrange a coach tour and sell as many tickets as possible.
It was hilarious.
Watching the customers falling asleep on the bus while being 'entertained' and the expression on the candidates faces while stabbing each other in the back in the Board Room were particular highlights for me.
If I had to travel to Kent on a bus tour from London with the tour guide singing 'One Man Went to Mow' into his microphone I think I would have had to resort to extreme measures and ask the coach to pull up at the nearest Services so I could make good my escape!
Watching this programme is a fascinating and amusing study into how people act towards one another when they are under pressure, pitched against each other and the 'winner takes it all'!

I went on a boat tour to see the Statue of Liberty~ It couldn't have been more different. It was interesting and informative and nobody sang 'The Wheels on the Bus!'

It's happening!

I accepted a good offer on my house today!
The couple who are buying it are very happy and excited and it absolutely feels that they are the right people to be the next owners of this house.
I realise we have a number of trials associated with house selling to negotiate but I am so ready for this!
I am clearing my house and getting everything ready for the exciting day sometime soon when I move on to the next chapter of my life.

Wonderful!

I am very happy to say I have received a fair offer for my house. Other interested parties have a short time to beat  this offer if not I will happily accept the offer that is currently on the table.
I am very impressed with my Estate Agents as I am finding them to be friendly, helpful and efficient.
You can't really ask for more.
Once things look likely to proceed I will look at a residential caravan that I am interested in.
When  I have the funds I will buy a residential caravan and enrol on a life coaching course as I am keen to help people to achieve their dreams too.
I believe we deserve to be happy in our lives and owe it to ourselves to take chances and explore the possibility of living the life we choose.
I am very grateful to all the people who are helping and encouraging me to go my own way and I would like to do all I can to encourage others to do the things that make them happy!

Greg James and wrecking balls, bad dogs, Fibonacci and saving the bees.

Wow it has been a busy but interesting day.
These are the thoughts that stand out:
On Greg James Radio 1 this evening he was the Star Caller and was talking to a demolition man. He mentioned that once a demolition company finishes with a wrecking ball they can't really get rid of them. This makes sense if you think about it.  they are huge, who would want them? How would you recycle them once you had finished with them? This is exactly the sort of thing I ponder as I drive home from work!
While I am on the subject of Wrecking balls I can't resist posting this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcUERyHeNSY

London Grammar's version of the song Wrecking ball....lovely!
I arrived home in time for a dog walk before a lovely family came round to view the house. I put Ollie's lead on and left the house. I wasn't holding the lead properly so Ollie broke free and took himself for walkies with the lead trailing behind him. I was so busy I decided rather than making a fool of myself trying to coax him indoors I would put the lights on and make the house ready for the viewing. Ollie was most put out that I didn't go chasing after him so he walked back into the house! the viewers liked the house. I am getting quite a few offers and they are edging close to  my desired figure...

Finally I have been thinking about Nature. The two things that really made me think today were these:

1. Thank goodness people are starting to realise that if bees die out we are in real trouble.

http://www.helpsavebees.co.uk/index.html

2. Isn't it amazing that the Fibonacci sequence appears in Nature so much?
To find out more look here;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_number

We live in a truly amazing world!

exciting developments!

I have received another offer on my house. It matches an offer I received a few days ago and the agent has indicated that they may be prepared to increase the offer. I am optimistic I will be able to agree a fair price for my house soon and that means I can start looking for a residential caravan/chalet. I am very happy about this as I have plans that involve me downsizing and freeing up time and finances so that I can do the things that make me happy. I really am appreciative of the people that have supported the progress made so far. I am very impressed with my estate agents for example. I have been amazed at their positive and friendly approach.
I realise I have a way to go before things are complete but I feel very hopeful that everything is happening exactly as it should.

The butterfly symbolises hope, joy and new beginnings!

so peaceful

I have always liked mornings. I particularly like Sunday mornings as many people give themselves a break from the bustle of the rest of the week and all is quiet.
As I sit here writing this the noisiest thing is my gas boiler buzzing away and even that is relatively quiet. Ollie is lying next to me on the sofa and is very relaxed too.
I hope you are all having a lovely peaceful day wherever you are.

Halloween!

I really loved spending Halloween at my  caravan with Ollie. It was so peaceful. I couldn't resist making a pumpkin lantern and enjoyed a nice glass of wine. Waking up this morning was lovely, no alarm clock and even Ollie took his time yawning, stretching and waking up so I didn't have to get up too early to take him out for walkies.
When I did get up I was stunned at how beautiful it was out on the cliffs. The sun was shining and the sea looked beautiful.
I am back home now which is fine as I have another house viewing in an hour or so.
This has been such a lovely relaxing break!

Exciting!

I received an offer on my house yesterday. It was too low to accept but I am still very encouraged that the offer was made as it shows people are interested in my house. I am very excited as I feel so close to achieving my dream of moving into a caravan for a simpler life.
The things that make me happy don't cost much and what money I do earn I would like to use travelling to visit loved ones rather than buying material goods, paying for a mortgage etc.
Ollie is lying beside me as I write this. I am determined to spend less time out working and more time with him walking in the countryside or working from home so I can be with him more.
I have found a life coaching course that I would like to take once my house has sold and am in the process of writing books that I hope will be ready to publish in 2015.
I am well over half way through my 90 day challenge. The challenge is to do 3 things a day that move me closer to achieving my dreams. Some days are much easier to complete than others but as a whole I feel that I am making progress and am procrastinating less and acting more which is a good thing.
2014 has been an exciting year so far and I am looking forward to seeing what  else can be achieved in the remaining months!

Ollie is off to the vets!

Ollie has his annual vaccinations today. We will walk to the vets. He loves all the sniffing about and scrounging for scraps that he does when entering the town.
His favourite aspect of the trip will be trying to wee up the wall at the vets which enrages the receptionist every time. I am always apologetic and always offer to clean up but Ollie and I get a glare every time. I have never successfully prevented Ollie from doing this try as I might!
I feel sorry for Ollie when he actually has the vaccination as he gets really shaky and scared. The good thing is that as soon as it is over he forgives the vet and walks out of the surgery proudly wagging his tail!

Scott Mills and The Dartford bridge!

I was crawling through traffic on the way home today. I was listening to Scott Mills on Radio 1. He had the genius idea of sending his poor mate into the toilets to 're-score' the experience of people visiting the loo!
The first victim coped quite well with a cheery hello and enjoyed listening to some music as he 'spent a penny' it was the second victim that proved hilarious. He undid his belt and it was clear that his visit was going to be longer and more involved....
He was asked how he was before being treated to Disney's 'Let it go!' a totally appropriate ditty for the occasion I feel.
Put simply the whole experience was bonkers and I was laughing like a drain as I drove very very slowly towards the toll  booths.
If I had crashed the car I would have held Scott Mills responsible as it was hard to maintain control of my own faculties throughout this radio 'experiment'. Fortunately for me, Scott Mills and the driver in front of me I was able to (just about) hold it together. I don't suppose this is making a lot of sense as it is losing something in translation but take it from me it was very very funny indeed!

Some totally unrelated birds for your enjoyment!

alarm clocks!

The wonderful thing about alarm clocks is those days when you get to turn them off the the night before so they don't go off the next morning.
You can't beat the feeling when you wake up naturally, open your eyes and grin smugly at the alarm clock sitting silently nearby!
Mind you, the alarm clock gets its noisy revenge the next time you need it and seems to beep extra loudly on those days.
Enjoy your Saturday. It is quiet and peaceful here this morning. the neighbours kids must be having a lie-in too!

This photo was taken a while back. I include it here as it is a peaceful scene...

Strange days!

It has been an odd day but everything turned out well. It is the last day of term. I drove into work and got started. Luckily one of my work colleagues noticed that I had a flat tyre. the recovery man was very helpful and now my tyre is fixed.
I got home and my rascal of an Ollie-dog legged it out the door  and off down the road into the darkness as I brought in my shopping but luckily another work colleague had given me a chicken sandwich to give him a treat so I was able to lure the little beast back in with that and then I discovered my gas boiler has packed up but thankfully I have a service contract so someone is coming over to look at it.
All these little challenges were dealt with and I realised the 'What If?' game I mentioned yesterday has a simple variation, 'So what if?'
Very few challenges have no solution. It is up to us to find a way!
Happy holidays to everyone on holiday this week.
 I am enjoying a flavoured  cider and have made sure the alarm clock is switched off. It will be a bit of a lie in tomorrow for me but not for too long as I have another house viewing tomorrow!

Play 'What if?'

Ok Ok I know, I am bonkers. So what? Humour me for a minute please.
Do you ever get those circular 'what if' thoughts?
(What if my car breaks down, what if I can't afford to replace it, what if?what if?what if?)
I get them now and again and they drag me down.
At the weekend I made a conscious decision to play a new game: 'What if my dreams come true?'
Playing this form of ' What if? is a lot more fun.
What if I get a quick sale on my house, What if soon I am able to  move into my caravan etc etc?
I wrote it all down and today things took a positive turn.
I had two viewings on my house this evening and the agent says a woman who viewed at the weekend is considering making an offer....
Get the picture?
I realise that things are at least as likely to work out as not and so this is the way I am going to play this particular game from now on.
I will let you know how it goes but early signs indicate this is going to be fun!

blogging

I enjoy blogging. It's fun. It's the exact opposite of a diary really as with diaries they are generally secret but the aim of a blog is to post your thoughts for anyone to read. I don't know who reads my blogs but I like the idea that my crazy musings are enjoyed by people! I like reading blogs too. One of my favourite is written as if by a pigeon called Brian. He is a real character!

I like this photo. the clouds look like mice scurrying across the sky...