What am I thankful for?

Ok, so I am not American and I do not live in the US of A, so this is not my holiday. However I do have a lot to be thankful for, and what better day to share my reasons with the interweb?

1. I have 3 beautiful, healthy, happy children. My chosen career path reminds me of this every day. 

2. I have a fab husband who loves me despite my faults and ever fluctuating waistline. He keeps us fed and in clean clothing. Grateful!

3. I have a lovely home. It is comfortable and we are really happy here. 

4. I am incredibly lucky that my parents are in a position to help us out financially while I complete my degree. I never take this for granted. They are amazing and I only hope that when the time comes, we can help our children the way they help us.

5. I have the most awesome friends. Some I seem to have known forever, some not so long. They are my chosen family. 

6. My mental health is stable. I don't think I will ever have the luxury of saying I don't have a mental health problem, but stable and happy is good enough for me. I can accept that some days are "bad days" and this is not a signpost down a slippery slope back to hell. And anyway, in my opinion all the best people are a little bit crazy :-)

7. My car has survived the underside falling off and the power steering packing up. It still runs. Bertha is too cool!

I am also thankful for central heating, slipper socks, wifi, Sky TV, hot chocolate and fleecy pjs... Not everything in life has to be serious and meaningful! 

Me and my tattoos

Today I was tagged into a blog post on Facebook.  It was a piece of writing by a journalist, on his own personal blog. Basically it states that all women who get tattoos and piercings are slutty and stupid with no ability to plan for the future.

Obviously what you post on your own blog is entirely up to you, and it is a place you can share your opinions with the whole world (Internet permitting!).

I was not offended by his narrow - mindedness, I was merely amused by his very stupid views.  It did make think about my own body modifications and my own personal reasons for permanently altering my appearance.  The many piercings I had in days gone by have been removed one by one over time. I do like the shiny newness and instant gratification of a piercing, but my chosen career path does not allow for visible jewellery and so for me, that ship has sailed.

Tattoos however are whole different ball game. I love my tattoos. Some early bits have been covered up by bigger ( and in my opinion, better) pieces. I have a couple that I regret, both of which were done on a whim, but they are constant reminders that great things come to those who WAIT!

For a girl (lady, woman?) I have a fairly large amount of coverage I suppose. I get 'looks' from judgey people, comments from even judgier people, but this was a choice I made, so generally I just take it on the chin. I am aware that by having tattoos in such "public" body space I am inviting the opinions of others, wanted or not!

What will I look like when I'm 80? This is something that I get asked all the bloody time!!! I'll look like many other people of my generation I presume. Also,  if that is the least of my worries when I'm 80 think surely I'm cooking on gas?!
Will it stop you getting a job? Now this one does bother me a little. So far I have never had any problems with employers. I have never been made to cover my tattoos, but in all honesty I have never actively displayed them at work either. At the minute I am a student nurse. University have no uniform policy that covers tattoos so while I am a student I don't have to cover them.  I like to think that when it comes to getting a job it won't be a problem, but that will depend on the hospital uniform policy.

But what about my reasons I hear you say... well for me my tattoos capture a moment in my life. Some are significant- I have my children's and my husband's name. I have a Disney work in progress incorporating my daughter's favourite films. I have a portrait of my favourite album cover.

Others have no meaning at all, they just represent where I was at that time in my life. I have great memories attached to these pieces of art that I carry around with me.

Life and other stories

At the beginning of this year I wanted to blog more. I set myself the challenge of regular blog posts. But similar to joining a gym, starting a diet or anything requiring regular effort, when I feel like I have to do something, I absolutely don't want to!

This year has been busy. I started university in March. I am now 2 semesters on my way to becoming a registered children's nurse. It's a degree course, and I have regular placements. So far I'm enjoying it. My old anxiety issues have popped back up a few times, but my mental health is something that I like to think of as a "work in progress". I have  been lucky to make a small group of friends who I have become close to. We support each other, it's splendid!

My baby girl started school this year. She loves it. I am becoming slightly more redundant every day.

I taught myself to crochet. Well, when I say taught myself, that is probably a bit inaccurate. I followed the same you tube video lots of times until I could make a fairly good granny square. Rock oooonnn!
I have had a new tattoo or 2. Hopefully there will be more before the end of the year.

It's October. I WILL post again this year...maybe!

2013 memories and looking forwards

It is a brand spanking new year! I will undoubtedly spend the next 3 months continuing to put 13 at the end of the date.  I have seen far too many "New Year, New Me" posts.  Fair enough if that is what floats your boat.  I have found that setting myself impossible targets every year does me more harm than good, so I am giving myself achievable goals.

• I am putting myself on a sort of spending ban.  I will not buy unnecessary cosmetics!  Obviously if something runs out I will replace it, but I will not buy the latest 'must have' product because I have more than enough make up.

• I will fit into my size 12 jeans in time for my birthday (May).  Twice weekly Zumba, and a semi healthy diet is how I plan to do this.  

• I will challenge myself more with my knitting projects.  I would like to learn how to knit in the round using DPN's, so I can make socks! I would also like to learn how to crochet.

I think they are easily achievable.  We will see!

Planning a new year post got me thinking about the last 12 months, and how my life has changed.  I saw 2013 arrive at home with Hubbs.  I was still suffering with anxiety attacks and depression.  I gradually got better as the months went by, with help from my friends and family.  

I lost my Grandad in March. He had been poorly for a long time, but it didn't make it any easier when he passed.  

In March I went away for a weekend with my mum and the kids.  I think this was a turning point.  Although I was with my mum, I was responsible for the kids without Hubbs.  I returned home feeling more capable than I had in a long time.

April arrived and I started to socialise again.  A lady who I met briefly on a day out to a vintage fair in April has turned out to be one of the most important people in my life today!

April was also the month I found Zumba! This has been better for me than any drug.  I socialise twice a week, I increase my fitness levels, and I have fun. Awesomeness!

In May I quit my job. It was a major factor in my low mood, and although we are significantly poorer now, I have never felt better.

I also turned 30 in May!!! I had a big party and an amazing night.  It was so nice to celebrate my milestone birthday with friends and family.

We went on a couple of family weekends away, to Filey and to Carnforth. Lovely memories were made!

I have had some very funny days and nights out with my lovely friends.  The ones that stick in my memory are a random Wed night trip to Ikea where we hid in the wardrobes and climbed in the baths.  A hysterical night in Nandos.

  An amusing Fri night drive to Domino's in my cow pjs. Blacklist and Churkey wrap nights.  My Kermit Onesie! Christmas day fun and food.  New years eve night in.

I am so happy to say last year was filled with far more tears of laughter than sadness, and that is 100% down to the amazing people I have in my life.  If 2014 is half as good then bring it on!

Christmas-it's the most wonderful time of the year!

I love Christmas. I love the decorations, the music, the food, the cards and gifts, and the way it makes people nicer!  I am always a bit sad when it is all over and done with. Hence a belated Christmas post!

My home made Christmas tree hair clip! I was very proud of it. Also how cute are my candy cane earrings?! Claire's Accesories FYI!

The big day!

Kids woke up around 8am. We went downstairs to find an obscene amount of swag from good old Father Christmas! An hour of frantic paper ripping later, and they were happily consumed with their newest possessions.

Around 10.30am mother came round with yet more presents! We were all very spoilt.

Headed over to our friends for Xmas lunch at around 12.30pm. Food was lovely, company was amazing, awesome afternoon was had.

Returned home at about 8pm. Pjs, brew and telly. Bliss!

Over and done with for another year. Is it too early to start counting down?!