Paris & Amsterdam Trip 2012 Day 2: Exploring the "Most Romantic City in the World"

Part 1 can be found here.

We woke up to another dreary day but we didn't let it dampen our spirits as we headed out to explore the city.

Our hotel was in the Opera District, and after my husband had consulted a map we made our way through a warren of streets towards the Seine, admiring the different shops and cafes dotted around. There was even a man sitting outside one of the cafes, wearing a beret and drinking a glass of red wine. At 9am in the morning. No, I am not joking.

We found a boulangerie near the Louvre where we purchased croissants and coffee for breakfast and went down to the banks of the river to eat them, admiring the view and trying to pretend that it wasn't raining. We then made our way across the Pont des Arts, a footbridge adorned with padlocks, down the road on the other side of the river, and across the Ile de la Cite until we reached Notre Dame. (Aargh, how do you add accents to letters on Blogger? Can't find a feature for it anywhere!)

The cathedral looked just as impressive as it had done when I was 13. With school we had only sailed past it on a boat trip down the Seine so this time I was determined to go inside and look around it properly. However the place was absolutely teeming with tourists. I guess like any major city in the world every season is peak season in Paris, so we shouldn't have been surprised! We joined the queue and eventually we were under the shelter of the grand stone walls. It was crammed with people inside, with more and more continuing to pour in, so that it was impossible to get close enough to anything, so we just strolled around gazing upwards. I often find in historical church buildings that my eyes are automatically drawn upwards anyway, and the ceilings and stained glass windows that you can see are usually the most impressive aspect, masterpieces of architecture and art that they are. Notre Dame is no exception to this rule. It is incredibly beautiful, and the windows, so full of vibrant colour, are of the most wonderful that I have ever seen. It was with some reluctance that we found ourselves back outside but neither of us are terribly at ease with large crowds. I would love to know a quieter time to go and visit it again in the future.

Outside there were even more tourists clamouring around the entrance, so we swiftly headed away towards the comparative tranquillity of the nearby Shakespeare & Company bookshop, a must-see recommended by a friend. It is in a fabulous old building, packed floor to ceiling with books. Downstairs was mostly full of brand new volumes sitting smartly on shelves and tables, from bestselling novels to various academic fodder with intriguing titles. Upstairs felt more olde worlde with ancient books mixed in with more recent publications. Crumbling chairs and softs sofas are scattered about, some tucked in alcoves, all surrounded by books, where you are free to sit and read for minutes or hours as long as you put your chosen book back where you found it. Had I ever studied in Paris this would have easily become a favourite haunt of mine. I would have loved to have stayed all day, but with the equivalent of one full day only left in Paris I had to tear my eyes away from the enticing dusty tomes and continue exploring the city.

The rain had stopped so we kept walking through a mix of quiet, narrow streets and busy main roads teeming with terrifyingly fast cars. They say Britain has the safest roads in the world, which I never believe until I am abroad and crossing the road becomes a game of luck more than a something you should expect to be able to do safely. We soon found ourselves in what appeared to be a university district, judging by a massive bookshop and the little places selling cool geeky merchandise from Studio Ghibli accessories to busts of Star Wars characters. I was tempted to start my Christmas shopping but then remembered that our bags were already bursting to capacity, and that travelling to Amsterdam the next day with extra would be something of a nuisance. So instead we found a little cafe for a croque monsieur. Glorified cheese and ham toastie it may be but I've always wanted to try one, and very tasty it was too.

Then it was more walking. We walked and walked. Along main roads, down passageways, by the river, through parkland. The Eiffel Tower was slowly becoming more and more visible as the morning's fog continued to lift, and it made from some very nice photo opportunities.

By this point we had reached a land of subterranean intrigue that my husband was eager to explore - the Musee des Egouts de Paris - the Parisian Sewers. I know, we're in the alleged most romantic city in the world, and he takes me on a tour of the sewers. Well, we are nothing if not adventurous! And I have to admit that, smelly as they were, I learnt quite a lot down there. Not about poo - ewww! - but about the history of Paris because there is a very good exhibition of how the city was formed and expanded over the centuries, and consequently how the water and sanitation systems have developed with technological advances from Roman rule through to modern times. I even learnt about the Great Flood of Paris in 1910, something I hadn't known about before. I should probably add that although this museum is above the modern sewer system, you are not actually having to wade through anything, or touch anything nasty. It's all clean and safe but it is a bit stinky in places!

After this we decided to continue our underground adventures by braving the Metro! The map was pretty easy to understand as each line had a number. Each line also has a colour, but a few of the colours are annoyingly similar, and without the numbers I would have got confused. The trains themselves were fine but I didn't like that we had to open the doors ourselves by bashing the handle. I prefer the automatic ones on the tube in London. It's like anything I suppose, you know what you're used to, and when you're faced with something different it always seems more intimidating than it actually is!

Anyway, we successfully made our way to Montparnasse where we intended to see the Catacombs. Unfortunately they were closed due to a ventilation problem, so we decided to go for a little walk. This was somewhat hindered by a very loud Confederation Generale du Travail (General Confederation of Labour) protest march taking place. There was music, shouting, and people bearing bright yellow and red banners for miles down the road. We eventually found some sanctuary in the cemetery. Had it been snowing, and had the nearby protest not been taking place, it would have been highly reminiscent of the cemetery scene in Phantom of the Opera. There were a vast number of mauseolea and elegant looking tombs packed closely together, bunches of flowers laid at various spots in memory of loved ones, a little spot of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city outside.

We took the Metro back across the city as the daylight was beginning to fade, and walked more, stopping to admire churches and grand buildings, window shopping, and people watching. Before too long it was time for dinner. We made our way back to Shakespeare & Company, as round the corner was a little restaurant called Le Ribouldingue, serving traditional French cuisine. My husband had chosen it thanks to an avid search on his mobile for Parisian restaurants serving offal.

The restaurant was small and cosy with a lovely intimate feel, although the very "Frenchness" of the place made us both a little scared. The waitress was incredibly helpful, explaining the menu to us in good English, although I think she was nervous that we may not have entirely understood what the 'specials' were referring to and that we could be in for a shock.

In the end I settled for the butternut squash soup, followed by the duck confit, followed by a chocolate and coffee pudding. My husband is the one who went for the offal, starting with lamb's testicles, followed by veal brain, but finishing with cheese. We also ordered a carafe of wine. Once we had chosen and sat back in our seats both we and the waitress began to relax. We might have been British tourists with a minimal knowledge of French, but we had gone to the restaurant with intention. And once my husband and I were both comfortable with our food choices and had taken a few sips of wine, we didn't feel so odd in the surroundings anymore.

The meal itself was absolutely delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it, and the duck confit knocked the one from the previous evening out of the water. This was French cooking at it's finest (in my limited experience, although the restaurant does have very good reviews online). My husband also enjoyed his and assured me that it was exquisite. I tried the cheese but I was not brave enough to try the offal. He, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed foodie, and therefore this was apparently an important step in his tasting adventures that he must take, and thankfully he liked it!

After so fine a dinner, feeling merry with wine, we happily walked back to our hotel in the now torrential rain. I was on map reading duty and I am very pleased to say that despite my tipsyness I did not get us lost, hurrah!

We collapsed into bed, feeling as though we had now conquered the city. We were much less scared of everything, felt like we knew which direction was what, and were content that we had seen and tasted some very interesting things!

Photos my own.

Keeping It Up

The weather was gorgeous on Sunday as I sat on Bexhill seafront cheering for my husband as he competed in his first ever race - the Poppy Half Marathon in support of the Royal British Legion. The sky was a clear blue, the sun was shining, and the sea was calm but there was just enough of a nip in the air to remind you that it was definitely autumn.

My husband is now the proud owner of his first medal, a strong sense of achievement, and the motivation to enter more races in the future. I think he's a little bit crazy, but mostly I admire and support him for finding something he enjoys and wants to work at.

I wish I could run well. I wish I could run far. But the only "running" I ever do is "sprinting" through town because I am late for the train/bus/church/doctor's appointment. And I don't exactly relish those unladylike and mildly horrific moments in my life, which render me barely able to breathe or stand. Running is not for me.

Yesterday as I sat my desk at work, I watched the beautiful downland view become distorted by grey clouds and heavy rain. As it grew darker, and the office seemed to grow colder, I thought just how much I did not want to go the gym that evening. If only the weather had been more like it was in sunny Bexhill, I thought to myself. Maybe then I would be up for some exercise. Even though the gym is an artificially lit, uninspiring room full of mechanical machines and bodybuilders and svelte nymphs. What possible bearing can the weather have on that?

It was then that I knew that I had to go. That I had to brave walking in the freezing, lashing rain to get to the leisure centre. That I had to change out of my warm clothes into my gym gear and brace that initial blast of cold from the air con. That I had to work out between strangers who were fitter and more sprightly than me, whatever their age. If I didn't, just because of the weather, then I would risk falling into the trap of not going to the gym all winter. It would be a waste of money, and it would also mean that I'd given up too easily. And I am sick of my SAD enticing me to give up on everything all through the winter. Even though I generally keep going with all the things I've committed to, some things do suffer, and I knew that my gym sessions could easily become the first victim of 2012's Winter Blues onslaught.

No SAD, you have not won...yet. And I am determined that you won't. I will keep going to the gym. I may not run any marathons like my amazing husband, but I will keep up the cross trainer, the bike, the rower, and the weights, while I turn up the volume on my favourite music.

The gym isn't just a workout for my body, but for my brain. I get lots of thinking time in the gym so that when I leave my not only do I feel physically invigorated, but my head is clearer and I tend to sleep better, helping me to be a little more prepared for what the Winter Blues throw at me next.

My husband and his fellow competitors were blessed with a beautiful day for the Poppy Half. But had the weather been like it was the following day, they would have still run out, whether for personal achievement or just because they love running. If they can do that, I can keep going to the gym, come rain or shine, for personal achievement and just because I love the space it gives me in my head.

The above video is by Keane for 'Sovereign Light Cafe', filmed on Bexhill seafront. We got our pre-race teas from the cafe itself :) It's also a nice feel good tune, so thought I would share it.

Paris & Amsterdam Trip Day 1: Newhaven to Paris

Last month, courtesy of a generous tax refund, my husband and I took a short holiday to Paris and Amsterdam. We've both needed a holiday for a little while, and as we don't currently have a car we set our sights on Europe for this year's adventure seeing as public transport over there seems to be altogether cheaper and better connected.

So because it was a fab little adventure, I wanted to share it on my blog over a selection of posts starting, of course, at the beginning:

We woke bright and early to get the train down to Newhaven where we hopped on the ferry to Dieppe. The sky was grey and gloomy and it was drizzling miserably. Just the send off one needs for a trip abroad, although we left under the knowledge that this kind of weather front would most likely be dominating northern France and Holland as well. That's what you get for holidaying in October.

Feeling bleurgh

Anyway despite the fact it was somewhat breezy the sea was only slightly choppy. I enjoy travelling by ferry, and I've sailed in very stormy conditions before and never once been ill so I knew I would be fine. Except this time I wasn't. I felt incredibly nauseous for the entire four hour journey. I tried everything from standing out on deck in the chilly wind and rain to sucking on sweets to wearing those stupid travel bands - nothing worked.

Although I wasn't actually sick at any point it was a great relief to finally arrive in Dieppe where the rain was coming down in buckets. Thankfully my sea sickness faded as we battled through the hostile weather under the shelter of my new umbrella that the wind kept trying to steal, to the town centre in search of a cafe to hide in, as we still had a couple of hours before the next leg of our journey.

Despite the foul weather we were still able to admire Dieppe's picturesque historical buildings. The town was lovely and quiet and we were able to let the remaining elements of tension disappear because we were finally on holiday, and come rain or shine we were going to enjoy it!

We were innocently wandering across the road at a pedestrian crossing when a musical yet alarming sound screeched into our ears. Both unsure of French crossings we thought that the traffic lights were emitting some strange alert but then we turned to see a fire engine bombing up the road towards us. We quickly got to the other side and watched, bemused, as this vaguely farcical yet serious sight tunefully zoomed past us. Because I work for the emergency services these bizarre sirens became a fascination of mine for the remainder of our trip, as we heard them frequently in Paris. My favourite comedian, Bill Bailey, describes it so well. We were in fits re-watching this when we returned home:

Anyway, after locating the station we found a nearby cafe and dived in for a coffee.* I nervously tried out my GCSE level French and realised that I remembered more than I thought, and that I could speak it correctly enough to be understood, huzzah!

Shortly after this we went back to the station to catch our train to Rouen, a rumbling monster complete with 80s style curtains at the window, and a slightly odd conductor who, whilst very jolly, would make loud train noises at random intervals throughout the journey. We sat back to admire the beautiful Normandy countryside. Stretches of fields, and numerous large farmhouses with shuttered windows flashed before us, making me nostalgic for my school French Exchange trips. I thought of Marie, who I had exchanged with, and the mildly terrifying but fascinating introduction to French life her family had given me. It was actually on one of these exchanges, when I was 13, that I first went on a trip to Paris, and I remember that I was distinctly unimpressed with this alleged "most romantic city in the world." I had found it grey and dull. And it was this that had made me want to return as an adult, convinced that I would appreciate it so much more through mature eyes and without being forced to visit the places my school teachers deemed the most interesting (translate: boring). This desire for me, combined with my husband's new interest in French cookery, helped us select Paris as one of our destinations for this holiday.

By the time we boarded our train from Rouen to Paris it was getting dark so there was far less to see but it wasn't too long before the bright lights of the capital city were before us and we alighted at St Lazare.

By this point we were both tired and hungry, and although we were glad to have finally arrived in Paris, we were a little overwhelmed by how busy the pavements and roads were. In essence it was just like London, but cars were driving on the other side of the road and we didn't know exactly where we were in relation to our hotel.

Clinging to each other, we got our bearings, and made our way through the busy streets. Even though all the shops were now closed there were still people milling about everywhere. It was with great relief that we found our hotel, a small place tucked away down a side street. My husband, who had been building up to this moment having never spoken French before, burst through the doors and bellowed, "J'ai une reservation!" causing the man seated behind the desk to leap up in surprise.

I nudged him for forgetting to say, "Bonsoir" first, but the man didn't seem to mind, and handed us our key card with a polite smile.

Our room was small but clean, comfy, and just right for what we needed. We quickly offloaded our luggage, freshened up, and then made our way back onto the busy streets in search of a restaurant.

We walked along a street of eateries, determined to find somewhere French, not somewhere British or American or Italian - there were a considerable number of recognisable chains, although as we were in a capital city I guess we shouldn't really have been surprised.

We eventually found a reasonable looking place that was busy enough to show it wasn't terrible yet quiet enough to hear ourselves think. We were able to practise more of our broken French, and let our brains stop whirring so we could plan our next day's excursions. After our delicious meals - duck confit for me, and steak tartare for him - we went for a wander along the streets, feeling much calmer once again and ready to face the rest of our trip.

We slept well that night ready for a big day of exploring ahead of us.

*I know I frequently blabber on about not being able to drink coffee. As a general rule this is true, but to be perfectly frank, the rest of Europe just has no idea how to make good tea, so when in Rome...

When a Diamond is a Girl's Best Friend

A couple of days before we set off on holiday we celebrated my mum's 60th birthday. My dad and I had planned a surprise dinner party at a posh restaurant, involving close family and friends. The evening was a success - my mum had been suspicious that something would be happening, but she did not expect to have a group of people gathered to celebrate with her - my brother and his girlfriend had managed to come down from university, my dad's sister and his partner had come down from Birmingham, and one of my mum's sisters had secretly come to stay with my husband and I, so my mum had no idea that any of them were down in Sussex for the occasion until she walked through the door of the restaurant to all our "Happy Birthday!" cheers.

I had opted for a diamond theme, as like the Queen celebrated 60 years of her reign this year in Diamond Jubilee, so this was my mum's diamond year. She had never made much fuss about her previous big birthdays, doing nothing special for her 40th or 50th like many people do, so it was only right that we made sure that this birthday would be marked appropriately.

But I didn't only choose diamonds because it was her 60th, but because she is a diamond herself. A diamond that we wanted the opportunity to surprise, to show how much we love her by being there, by surprising her, and by treating her. My mum loves gifts - she's always been a great gift-giver herself, always finding special little things for the people she cares about - but she also loves being surrounded by those dearest to her, and we knew that this dinner party would be the best way to do this.

My present to my mum, with valuable contributions from others, was a memory book - tracing her life from birth through to this special birthday - filled with photos, loving notes, and happy and silly memories. It was a pleasure to do. I've always loved hearing my parents talk about their life before I was born - their childhoods, their wilder days, their best friends, their work, their meeting each other and their getting married, so I loved going through that material for my mum. And when I got to the pretty pink page for the year 1984, the page for my entry into their world, their first baby, I was able to admire once again the cute pictures, think back to the fond tales my mum has told me of my birth, my learning to crawl and then walk, my first word, my first snow, and my two-year-old's joy at the arrival of my brother in 1986.

Mum giving me a doll on my first birthday

And then of course, come my own memories. My mum was the first person I ever set eyes on - apparently I didn't even look at the midwife, it was my mum who I looked at first. She has been an unswerving pillar of strength for me throughout my life. She is a great mum, and I thank God for her. We do not always get on, and she frequently annoys me in a way that only a mother can, but I would not be the same without her. She has always cared for me, always looks out for me, and still remains the one person I want around whenever I am sick. She still likes to mother me, even though I am more than two years married and have lived away from her since university. She's very good at coming round and tidying bits and pieces up, maybe taking away a bag of laundry, and fussing over things. I always feel guilty, but at the same time I like that she helps me out, because I'm pretty useless at this housewife thing, and I think that she still likes to be my mum like that.

I love to meet her for tea and cake, to go and see a girly film together, to go clothes shopping with her, but mostly to talk to her about anything and everything. Despite many ups and downs, I've always been able to share things with her.

She's always been a sparkling diamond in my life. A best friend unlike any other of my best friends.

She's the kind of person who has low self-esteem, who doesn't think very much of herself. But from the input of friends and family to both her memory book and the dinner party it is clear that she has been a diamond as a sister and friend too. My dad, brothers, and I will testify that as a wife and mother she has made a positive impact on all of our lives. Whilst we're family and we will always gripe and disagree with one another, we are who we are together and because of our pasts with each other, and this special birthday was the perfect way to celebrate my mum's irreplaceable role in our lives.

A Change is as Good as a Rest

Yesterday evening my husband and I arrived home from a short holiday in Paris and Amsterdam. We've been feeling the need for a holiday for some time, what with my husband completing his MSc, my change in job, and the other hectic happenings of twenty-somethings who struggle to say "no" to stuff!

Last Monday morning we set off with full rucksacks to the station where we took a train to Newhaven. There we hopped on the ferry to Dieppe where we took a train to Paris, changing briefly at Rouen. We arrived in the evening, and after a slightly overwhelming walk through busy streets in the pouring rain from St Lazare Station we eventually found the side street that housed our hotel.

We stayed in Paris for two nights, and on Wednesday morning we set off with our rucksacks again to hang out at Montmartre until it was time to get our train from the Gare du Nord to Amsterdam. The fast train took us speeding through French and Belgian countryside and on into Holland in just under three hours, and worked out cheaper for us both than peak tickets from our hometown to London (which takes just over an hour)! We then stayed in Amsterdam for three nights, before flying home yesterday evening.

So, we did lots of exploring, lots of walking, lots of eating, and lots of attempting to dodge the autumnal rain. We are both feeling the need to rest again, but in truth a change from the norm has definitely been what we needed. We haven't had to wake up early each day. We haven't had to travel to work and put up with the daily stresses. We haven't had to cook dinner for six days. We have had the opportunity to sit back and watch the world go by. We've been able to enjoy being somewhere different, to wander around with little pressure for time, and no demand for our attention or domestic responsibilities to concern us.

It's been great to have a rest of sorts, and now we both feel refreshed (if full of cold, sadly), and ready to go again. And I hope to write a little more about our adventures in the next couple of weeks.

If You Want to Know A Little More About Me...

Back in July the lovely Kayleigh of A Million Little Somethings gave me a Liebster Award on her blog. Unfortunately it's taken me longer than I would like to, to respond. But here I am feeling bleurgh with a cold, and it seemed like a good time to finally respond! So thank you Kayleigh for awarding it to me. It is an honour :)

I've posted the award rules at the end.

11 Facts About Me

• September is my birthday month - a few days ago I turned 28, eep!
• I didn't go shopping for my wedding dress. I have no idea why, but the thought of trawling through bridal wear shops filled me with dread. I had very specific ideas about what I wanted, and I found the perfect dress online, had it made to my measurements, and then refitted by a local seamstress once I had it in my possession. To this day I still don't regret not going shopping and trying on gazillions of meringue-esque dresses in advance of finding "the one". You can read my testimonial of my dress (and see a picture) on the Conscious Elegance website. My review is about half way down the page - I wore the Tabitha design.
• I'm quite good at doing impressions of other people, but usually only when I don't realise I'm doing it - such as when reliving a situation on behalf of others. I can't do such impressions under pressure, like when people say "I want to hear your whatshisname impression!" Argh! I especially have to watch this 'characteristic' of mine when at work.
• I love polar bears. 
• I hate leaving the house without a bottle of water. Even if I'm not thirsty while I'm out, I will instantly become so if I realise I've forgotten to bring any water with me.
• Because I think a lot, and like to remember happy times a lot, I am prone to random fits of laughter in inappropriate places, like walking along the street or sitting on the train, when other people will slowly move away from me as though I am a crazy person.
• Speaking of laughing, the gym keeps making me laugh. Whether it's the ludicrous scene of rows of people exhausting themselves on machines, or the muscly men admiring their bulges in the giant mirrors, I often get the giggles when I should be concentrating on my own workout.
• My town is within the South Downs National Park, and I really love the South Downs, from admiring the view on my train journey to work, to going on long walks on them with my husband, they will always be special to me wherever else I may end up going in the world.
• I would genuinely struggle to get through each day without tea.
• I am surprisingly good at baking. Since housewifely duties generally don't come to me naturally, I'm pretty chuffed about my successful cakes!
• In my first year at university I slummed it true student style in a hideous breeze-block hall of residence that resembled a prison/cheap holiday apartments/hospital. This was more than made up for by a massive room between two turrets in this gorgeous building for my third year:

The beautiful Founders Building at Royal Holloway

Kayleigh's Questions

1. Do you use pinterest? If so, what is one pin that you wish you could just *poof* make real?

I mainly use Pinterest to find projects for the house or garden that I can actually attempt to do, as I know I would be stuck on there for too many hours than is healthy if I look at all the beautiful things that I would love to have. But, I do have a couple of boards for things that I like, but may never have or be able to make. The one thing from these that I would love to just appear from that would be this amazing Totoro cake. It's just incredible! I would love to make one for someone like my brother's girlfriend, but my sugar craft and general (lack of) artistic ability are just not up to scratch.

Look how epic it is!

2. When you choose to follow a blog, what kind of things are you looking for?

I read quite a variety of blogs, so it could be anything really. I like to follow other Christian blogs because I like to have my faith challenged, and I also value the support I've received from meeting other Christians online. Other than that I mostly enjoy humour and geeky blogs because they appeal to my sense of fun, and they're just so well written that I love reading them.

I also follow some blogs of friends, which vary from being based at their home-run craft business to their cooking adventures. Because so many of my friends live all over the place, their blogs can be a more informative way of keeping up with their news than Facebook.

3. What is your all-time favorite coffee drink?

I don't really drink coffee, mainly because it gives me a tummy ache. Also, although I love the smell I'm not big on the taste unless I add lots of sugar, so it's not very good for my teeth. Having said that, the best coffee by far that I have ever drunk was when I was in Brazil six years ago. We had fresh coffee every morning, and with a small squirt of this sweetening syrup that they had, it was really delicious. And it did not give me a tummy ache, so I was able to drink it the whole time I was there, which was a nice treat. But usually, no, I can't drink it.

I drink lots of tea though...

4. What is your dream job?

To be a full-time writer. This has always been my dream job, and I don't think it will ever change. I'm half way there, but I think I'll hit the 'dream' target when I've got something published, with a view to publishing more in the future.

5. Besides working, what do you spend the most time doing in a typical week?

Quite a lot of things, really. There's all the usual things like cooking dinner, chores, wasting time on the computer, and lots of church related stuff. It's difficult to say which of these takes up the most time because I guess it varies from week to week, and season to season. I guess if I made a spreadsheet and tried to figure it out then the winner would probably be spending time on the computer - Facestalking, catching up on blogs, playing computer games, and watching TV. I hate to admit to spending so much time in front of a screen. Thank goodness I no longer play World of Warcraft or it would be even worse!

6. What are you MOST thankful for right now?

My husband. He is my best friend, and my rock, and he is also looking after me whilst I am ill :)

7. Why did you choose to start a blog and what keeps you going?

I started a blog of sorts about seven years ago on Bebo, because I liked sharing amusing tales of happenings in my life. I decided to start a blog after I'd read a few that people had started at university, and realised that I was basically blogging already only I was using Bebo and Facebook to do it.

I love to write, which keeps me going. It's not always easy, and often my blog doesn't feel like 'real writing', but even then I find it is a good place to get the creative juices flowing if I'm struggling with my fiction. Usually sharing the story of an exciting adventure gets my brain whirring enough to kick start my other writing. Also, I've realised over the past few months how much feedback means to me, so receiving comments is great, That, and I really enjoy reading other people's blogs and meeting people that way. I guess all of that keeps me motivated to blog.

8. If you could choose, what view would be outside of the window you look through most often?

To be honest, my view out of the study window where I sit to write is really very good, and quite inspirational when I remember to look at it!

Despite that, I do still dream of living in a country house where my view is of unspoilt countryside – open fields flanked by forests and hills.

9. Besides your blog, what is your favorite social networking site to spend time on?

I guess it would have to be Facebook, which I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. I've wasted so much time on that wretched website, and yet it still remains one of the best ways to keep in touch with friends. I love using it to share photos, and it is also very popular for people to send out invitations to events via that and no other means.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory?

It's just not possible for me to answer this question, as there are far too many wonderful memories that could be classed as my favourite. Most of my special childhood memories involve my family, but I also loved primary school when I was little, so there's probably some there too. I can't even decide which one to give as an example, there are too many good ones! I'll have to get back to you on that.

11. If you could be a character in any book or movie, who would you be?

I think I would like to be Eowyn from Lord of the Rings. When I was a teenager and in my early twenties I wanted to be an actress, and Eowyn was all the things I wanted in a female character – interesting and emotional story, long flowing hair, stunning dresses, kick-ass with a sword!

I nominate the lovely ladies of these blogs, that I really enjoy reading:
Lozzz123 at Science, Spouses and Silliness
Jeanine at Wayfaring Girl on a Mission
Emily at Love Woke Me Up This Morning
Kirsti at A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings
Sara at For When Thinking Isn't Enough

Nominees, you don't have to respond to this if you don't want as I know they go round and round a lot, but if you fancy responding to any of the questions on your blogs or in the comments I would be honoured :)

My Questions

1. If you could befriend any Disney villain and help them mend their ways, who would you choose and why?

2. You've been invited to a fairy tale themed fancy dress party. Who or what do you dress as? (I need inspiration for attending such a party myself!)

3. If you could choose any activity to be made an official Olympics sport, what would you pick?

4. Where in the world would you most like to go that you haven't already been to?

5. What is your ultimate karaoke song? If you don't ever do karaoke, what would it be if you were forced to sing?

6. If you could have any famous historical figure over for dinner, who would you invite?

7. If you went to Hogwarts, which house do you think the Sorting Hat would place you in?

8. What was the best science experiment you did, or saw your teacher do, at school?

9. What's your favourite way to spend a hot summer's day?

10. What's your favourite way to spend a freezing cold winter's day?
11. If you could dye your hair any colour you wanted just for fun, which colour would you choose?

These are the rules linked to the award:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award Presenter on your blog.

2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.

3. Copy and Paste the award to your blog.

4. Nominate at least 5 blogs (up to 11) to receive the award.

5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.

6. Include 11 random facts about yourself in your post.

7. Answer the 11 questions the person that has nominated asked you and create 11 new questions for the people you have nominated.

Totoro Cake from imgfave and also on my Pinterest page - please message me if you would like to 'follow' my Pinterest boards
Founders Building from the Royal Holloway, University of London website

Bye Bye Summer

It's always funny when the youth at church ask me how my summer was. They've just had a couple of months of glorious freedom and they think that everybody else has had the same. Bless their cottons. At least they've all got a few more years of education until reality bites in the future. Oh how I miss those long summer holidays.

Summer has been just like any other time of year for us, only slightly, and I mean slightly, better weather. Life has actually been so busy the past couple of months that I haven't had much time to sit and write down stuff or even time to think vaguely about potential blog posts, so I thought it was time for an update on my 'hectic' life:

Jobs 
Work has been dominating my life somewhat recently. It is a very long story, so here is the short version: I am going back into full-time work next week. I will still be working for the same organisation in the same department, but I will be in a different team and based in a different office.

It was my last day in my other role on Wednesday and it was lovely. I provided lots of yummy cakes of course, and the team presented me with a gorgeous bunch of flowers and some great presents, including framed song lyrics - a variation on Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - based on my time there. It was awesome, and I was incredibly touched.

I am glad to still be part of the same department as I will still get to work with these guys, but it won't be quite the same. I will definitely miss them, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of such a great team after the misery of my previous job.

Writing
Going back to full-time work does not mean I will be neglecting my writing, but I will miss having those two days a week at home. However I have learnt a lot about myself, about my technique, my working style, and my discipline, by having the opportunity to work at home. I still believe wholeheartedly that I am meant to be a writer, but I understand much better now that for me, writing a novel is a long process, and that isn't a bad thing. I am also more determined than ever to complete it, and to continue with future projects, because I know that I have what it takes.

In non-fiction news I have been commissioned to write two articles for a new magazine that our church is producing for older members of the congregation, especially those who are not always able to attend services and may feel out of the loop. Having already seen the work our associate minister has put into the design etc, I am really excited to be contributing to it.

Health
My husband and I have just joined the gym. My husband has been going running several times a week, and has really benefitted from it. He wanted me to join him but I hate running. However, I knew I had to do something. I have a tendency to put on weight around my tummy, and therefore well-meaning people have been making assumptions that I am pregnant when I am most definitely not. It makes me feel really rubbish to be honest.

We eat a pretty healthy diet (low carbs, lots of fruit & veg, very little processed food etc), but it's not enough. So we've joined the gym and have both had successful inductions with our assigned personal trainers. I am hoping to improve my overall fitness and tone up a bit, and will also be visiting the pool as I I really enjoy swimming. Currently my upper arms are sore thanks to the chest press, but no pain no gain right?

Social Life
Who doesn't like having a social life? I love having lots of events to go to, and spending quality time with friends and family, but on top of that there are the preparations for upcoming social events such as my mum's 60th birthday in October. My dad and I are throwing a surprise dinner party for her with a diamond theme. I'm really enjoying planning it, and have been busy making reservations and invitations.

Throughout the summer we made the most of any weekends when the sun was shining to go on adventures. We've had several long walks in the countryside, been paddling in the sea, and have even managed to catch some rays in yet another disappointing British summer weather wise.

Clockwise from top left: Delicious strawberries from our garden served with posh vanilla ice-cream; Mum & family friends in the Cancer Research Race for Life in Brighton; pretty roadside flowers on a long countryside walk; Pevensey Castle; monster footprints in the sand at Rye Beach; hubby braving the icy waters of the English Channel; Cuckmere Haven

So life has been, and continues to be, busy, busy, busy, but it's all good. The work situation is a lot less stressful now something's been sorted, I'm already feeling physically better from the gym (though it'll take a while for that belly to decrease), and autumn looks set to be a good season, hooray!