Less than 3 weeks to Christmas!

Hi everyone.
Well, I thought life was already fairly manic but as the saying goes I have a feeling 'I 'ain't seen nothing yet' !

I was desperately trying to get this post on before the end of last month in between practising for a gig last Sunday afternoon, making lots of Christmas craft items for a fair I'm doing next weekend, making Christmas presents for people and planning Christmas now I've invited family and friends to share the day with me  -oh, and making sure I'm doing my daily exercises for my knee.  Phew! - I feel like a sit down and a coffee just writing it all down.
As you can see I didn't succeed.

But it is so nice to be back to my old self again ( not sure everyone would agree with that..... :-).  Since my knee op I am sleeping so much better, the pain in my other knee is so much improved because I'm walking properly for the first time for a few years and I just feel my general health is so much better. 

Which is just as well, because plans are moving on now for 'more time 4 life' ministries.
I've added a page to this blog just giving an idea of what the organisation is about and progress on getting the website up and running (see tab at the top for more info and track progress with the website)

It's more than a month since my last post and as I've said I've made great progress with my recovery. 
I've added a bit of video footage below - as you can see I'm a huge Strictly fan and can't wait to get back on the dance floor. My surgeon says I can even wear heels!! (but I have promised my daughter to be sensible - well, most of the time......)

I haven't needed sticks for a few weeks and can now walk up and down the stairs to my flat with no problems. Also I'm back driving (whoohoooo!!), which is wonderful.  I was very fortunate to have so many friends and family who (literally) went out of their way to pick me up and drop me home so I was able to go to church most Sunday's and other meetings etc.  I also had lots of visitors and invitations out to lunch, dinner, coffee  - the whole experience was made so much easier by some wonderful people.  So for anyone reading this a huge, big thank you from me both for all the practical help ad your prayers. xx



As I said this Sunday (09 December 2012) I'm at a craft fair with my daughter - you can find out more at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BromhamShow 

Here are some photos of some of my efforts so far!

There'll also be decorated wooden hearts, handmade leather bound notebooks, Christmas aprons and lovely little chocolate filled stockings to hang on the tree.

There'll be 32 other stalls all selling lots of handmade goodies for Christmas so come along and get stocked up if you're in the Bedford area on Sunday.

 

I need to crack on with my sewing and crochet so am posting this now.

Hope you're not experiencing too much snow - not yet anyway otherwise it's going to be along winter!

God bless
Jules xx






 

Normal service will be resumed shortly...

Hi everyone.

If you're wondering what has happened to me in the last few weeks I've had a slight interruption to my normal routine (I know, what routine??....).  I was a guest of the good 'ole NHS for 3 days while they replaced the painful arthritic bone in my right knee with an 'Oxford' right medial unicompartmental knee replacement joint.  Just call me the bionic woman!

As you know I've mentioned my dodgy knees a few times on this blog but it was getting to the point where they were really beginning to slow me down.  Not something I'm too used. After 2 different specialists gave me the brush off, saying I was too young for any surgical intervention (how lovely to be too young for something!), I finally saw a Mr Simon West who specialises in knee and hip joints.  A very tall and charming man who I have to say was excellent.  As I said to him 'God has a lot of work for me over the next 25-30 years and these knees have to carry me around'.  To which he replied 'Well, we'd do something about them then hadn't we'.  (I do like a man of action........)

Op Weds, Up Thurs!
 Bit blurred - my daughter couldn't stop laughing...

Less than 12 weeks later I found myself lying in the operating theatre, having had a spinal block anaesthetic (yes, I was awake throughout the op - or should I say DIY considering the drilling and hammering!).  It's a really funny sensation when you suddenly see your leg in the air and have no idea how it got there!  The whole experience was incredible and every single member of the hospital staff, from the porters to my surgeon were superb.  Nothing was too much trouble and I was relaxed and calm throughout which I put down to a combination of prayer and professionalism.



If you're wondering what my 'jammies say it's 'Feisty but Fabulous' - didn't really expect sensible did you...? 



Me -2 sticks, 1 knee replacement, 4 days after op. 
My friend -1 crutch, 1 hip replacment, 4 weeks after his op



Anyway, it will be 3 weeks tomorrow since the op, I'm back living in my flat (and successfully negotiating the 46 stairs!) and experiencing less pain already.  The benefits are more than just the alleviation of the pain in my right knee.  Because I've been a good girl (I can do as I'm told sometimes....OK, occasionally......Oh OK - on very rare occasions) and listened to my physio, I'm really conscious of my posture so am walking correctly which has meant the pain in my left knee is so much better already. 

A very kind friend offered to have me at her house for the first couple of weeks as the stairs would have been a bit much straight away.  The photo on the right was taken on the first Sunday after my op on the Weds.  I'm amazed how much mobility I have so quickly and am so grateful to all my friends who have been praying for me.  As you can see I'm not the only one who has had replacment parts recently and I'm pleased to say Roy is making excellent progress as well. We'll soon be able to give the youngsters a real run for their money!

Anyway, I'll sign off for now but will be back soon. 

God bless as always

Jules xx

Cracking the technology!

Well, September seems to have come and gone before I could get to grips with the technology for uploading some videos.  But a very kind and patient friend of mine has persevered and hopefully you'll be able to view some of the things I've been up to recently.  I'll try and get at least 3 posts on in October to make up for it.

I mentioned in my last post I went dancing with my Mum and Dad so here's a little clip of them taking their customary Friday afternoon exercise.  I love dancing but have to confess ballroom isn't always the easiest to master but Dad did manage to steer me round the floor without us ending up in a heap.  My parents have always been an inspiration throughout my life and as you can see, they have no intention of stopping any time soon!

I was reminded this weekend of my day out in London for the Olympics as a group of us went to Wembley Stadium on Saturday
and walked up the Olympic Way.  Unfortunately due to being, what's the expression? - vertically challenged, I didn't really see much at all of the men's triathlon except the tops of cycling helmets as they whizzed past in one direction, then back again in the other.  But the atmosphere was amazing and I'm so glad I went....apart from it resulting on me taking part in The Audience! (and no, if you've been watching you haven't missed the episode I am in.  I think it should be screened sometime later this month)

Anyway, I shot some footage of the triathlon so here's a little reminder of the amazing atmosphere we've enjoyed in this country over the summer....

I'm down in Southampton for a few days with friends and I have to say the weather is certainly starting to feel rather wintry.  The sun was lovely earlier today but it's rather cold and wet now so I'm looking forward to curling up under the duvet this evening with a good book.

As you know I normally write this in the morning but I was keen to see if I had indeed managed to upload the video footage and so far so good.  I'm going to close now and get this posted - then we'll see if it really works!

I hope tomorrow you're able to enjoy at least a little sunshine along with the rain and like me tonight you will have somewhere warm and cosy to sleep. 

God bless
Jules xx

Quick post in before end of the month....

I've been enjoying a week of R & R with my Mum and Dad in Norfolk so this is a quick hello before we're into month 9 of 2012 (where has the first 3/4 of the year gone?).  I'm hoping we've still got a few more weeks of sunshine before it's time to start donning the wellies and jumpers. 

In my last post I referred to a project I recently got involved in.  If you check out the link below you'll get a little more of an idea.  Still can't say any more but stick with it and it should become self explanatory.........

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-audience

    It's been great spending some time with Mum and Dad this week, especially as they have such an active social life.  It started with going out to dinner Saturday night, church Sunday morning, shopping and lunch in the city Tuesday. I played some duets with my Dad at the Good companions club on Thursday, and then ballroom dancing this afternoon!  I need to go home for a rest - not sure how long I can keep up with them.

I've got some nice piccies and if I can crack the technology I'll be able to show you their prowess on the dance floor in my next post.  

As I said this is a quick hello. I hope everyone has been getting their fair share of the sunshine and not experienced too much of the wet and windy weather.

God bless and be back soon
Luv Jules x

The amazing adventure continues!!......

Hi everyone

I am having such an amazing time at the moment and once again have struggled to find time to write this blog.  Some time in the future I might get a bit more time to write but at the moment I'm too busy just living life to the full!

Taking a break recently...

I'm supposed to be doing some financial 'churchy' stuff at the moment but as I need to be in the right mood (can be a bit boring) and I've been discussing what needs to be done with one of my team all morning I thought I'd give myself a break. Unfortunately I'm not in the park today or I might get my chair out again.

This is a quick whirlwind tour of what's been happening since I left the NHS.  So, sorry if it's in bullet point form but there's so much I'll be here all week if I go into too much detail.


Firstly 3 questions:

1 - Did I make the right decision in giving up a full time paid job and the chance of securing (relatively easily) a position in the new structure? 

Answer - absolutely 

2 - Have I done the right thing in putting my trust in Jesus to walk side by side with me and be my running partner as the pace picks up (see my Olympic link there??? - not original I have to confess but I'm sure Tim won't mind)

Again - absolutely

3 - Is He showing me in so many ways He knows I have to put bread on the table and pay my bills and is making provision in so many amazing ways?

Oh yes - so many stories even in just 2 months I could share (if anyone wants to know more specifics feel free to email me - happy to share).  Stories on the next bit.....

Messing about on the river........

Evening everyone – unusually I’m writing this blog post in the evening.  I'm determined to get 2 posts on for July so not under the duvet (I'll fall asleep) but propped up on the sofa.

I spent yesterday and this morning in my office at home so decided earlier today to take my laptop and head off into the countryside near me to write whilst soaking up some sun (yes, I know we’ve had grey skies and rain again but the sun did make some brief appearances today and it’s been quite warm which as I’m sure you’ll agree constitutes a ‘good British summer’).

I enjoy exploring the B roads locally and finding little villages I’ve only seen on the map and discovering beautiful countryside. My other great love is water - any water. Rivers, the sea, waterfalls, lakes – I just love the sound and soothing effect water has on me. So I was delighted to spot, as I drove between villages I’d not visited before, some fishermen (or more precisely those large fishing umbrella’s under which they sit patiently waiting for the fish to bite). So I pulled into the car park and wandered along the bank of a lovely lake chatting to a couple of the devotees of the rod ‘n’ reel.

As I said my intention was to sit with my laptop and write. I got chatting to Tim, who was in his usual Tuesday afternoon fishing spot and was invited to sit and keep him company. I collected my folding chair from the boot, along with my laptop and a snack and settled down on the bank. Then I discovered my laptop wasn’t charged and I hadn’t remembered to put the lead in the case so couldn’t even go to a local coffee shop, plug in and write there! So – lesson learnt. If I intend writing in the open air, make sure I’ve charged my laptop!

Tim and I got into conversation and it transpired he’s a very experienced IT consultant, with a generous spirit as he offered any help I might need in building my website (more on that in a later post). I have a feeling I might be making a few more trips to the fishing lake...............and so the story continues....

On location.......

Morning everyone from not so sunny Southampton. 

Since my last day at the NHS my feet as the saying goes haven't touched the ground.  So for any of you who have been enviously thinking of me laying in bed in the mornings, agonising over who to meet for coffee or lunch and then deciding which film to watch in the afternoons let me assure you I'm working as hard ( if not harder) than ever.  And I'm loving it................

My first day, and I mean literally my first day being the Saturday saw me up at 06:00 as we had the Watoto Children's choir from Africa come to Bedford and perform in Harpur square at lunchtime then give the most amazing concert in the evening at Bromham Baptist Church.  My job (very ably assisted by a friend of mine called Oscar) was to prepare a meal for them and the helpers which was an absolute delight.  Especially when my friend and I presented 'Jelly on a plate' for dessert accompanied by an enthusiastic (if not necessarily tuneful) rendition of the old nursery rhyme 'Jelly on a plate, jelly on a plate, wibble, wobble, wibble, wobble, jelly on a plate!'   Despite the laughter the children (and adults) seemed to enjoy such a simple dessert dished up with lots of ice cream and fruit.

We were then repaid a thousand fold when the children gathered to say thanks and sing a blessing to all of us who had prepared their supper. I think I speak for all when I say there wasn't a dry eye in the place, and that included the guys.  This was followed by a massive round of hugs, smiles and thank you's making it one of the most memorable catering gigs I've ever done.

The choir is coming to the end of their 6 month tour for this year but have a look at their website to see what amazing work is being done with these beautiful children who's lives have been turned upside down by war, disease, abuse and many other traumas we pray our children never have to experience. www.watoto.com

So, then a lovely Sunday with the family before getting stuck in to trying (pretty much in vain) to get my office at home organised and wade through all the outstanding paperwork, get the car MOT'd (failed but only a tyre needed so really grateful for that) then down to Southampton on Thursday morning.

You'll see in the right hand column the link to the Anne House website and for those of you who have been reading my blog for a while know from my Easter 2011 posts what an amazing exhibition of Prophetic Christian art this is.

When I emailed Anne to say the answer to my prayers about work was 'resign' and told her the date I finished I got 'Great - exhibition going out to Fareham, Hampshire 29 June -can you come?'  So, here I am at the start of what we believe is an exciting time for both of us with Anne painting again and me being able to devote significant time to following up on enquiries for the exhibition, other projects involving the art and generally supporting Anne in this powerful ministry. 




A few of the paintings from New Generation  - creation section



 

Crown of Thorns and other depictions
of the new life we can all have

 (more piccies in the next bit)

Last day at the office.......

Hi everyone

Having made a momentous decision to resign I can't believe the month is already up!  So many things have been happening and I've had lots of confirmation I am doing the right thing. I'm really excited now about the future and where God is going to lead me.

I wanted to just get a quick post on today of all days as I'm trusting it is heralding the most amazing new phase in my life.

I'm also very mindful of my colleagues, many of whom face a very uncertain future in the NHS.  Most of the people I work closely with are 'at risk' which means they are having to go through the awful process of applying either for their own jobs or in many cases new posts as theirs has been deemed unnecessary in the new structures which have been introduced.

I've never used this blog as a political platform and don't intend to start now but for anyone who is facing such an uncertain future I wanted to send my thoughts, best wishes and prayers to you all. 

My hope is now I will be in a position to write more often, actually make a proper start on my novel as well as get involved in many other projects.

Have a great weekend.

God bless
Jules xx

Feeling like Indiana Jones and that 'leap of faith'!

Morning everyone on this beautiful warm sunny day - that's five in a row!

I'd better be careful what I say - this could be it - the summer of 2012 and next week we could all be back to jumpers, brollies and wellies!  Hopefully that won't be the case and my plans to dig out flip flops, summer dresses and giving myself a pedicure over the weekend will be worth it.
(I love the sun but it does mean having to face reality and realising there are certain bits of our bodies which the general public should never be exposed to until they've been properly scrutinised and had a sympathetic makeover.....know what I mean??)

Talking of exposure I was in a Bistro having lunch with a couple of girlfriends the other day and a young couple came in and sat at the table just across from us.  He was sat with his back to me, dressed in jeans and a tea-shirt which was fine.  Unfortunately he was wearing a popular style of straight leg jeans which although sat nicely on his hips when he was standing slipped considerably lower than that when he was sat down.  Which wouldn't have been so bad except the tea shirt probably sat nicely on his waist when he was standing but again rode up when sitting. 
You're probably already way ahead of me  - 'builders bum' I can just about cope with on a building site.  But in a restaurant, when I'm eating my lunch......oh dear. 
Poor man, he obviously didn't realise but fortunately his companion made a trip to the ladies and on her return had a discreet word in his ear and he valiantly attempted to get jeans and tea shirt to meet whilst still being able to sit down.  He didn't fully succeed but let's just say it was a big improvement and I no longer found my eyes drawn to this vision of the 'grand canyon' whilst tryng to enjoy my lunch.  

As I say, I love the sunshine and want to make the most of it as I'm sure we all do but when I remembered the 'grand canyon' incident I knew this was just the start.  The sun coming out does have this bizarre effect of causing people to expose varous parts of their anatomy in rather inappropriate settings.  I'm sure I'm just as bad  - and my grandsons and son-in-law no doubt will let me know when I make a fashion fo pa - bless them.

Now I was supposed to have uploaded my first 'verbal blog' by now but have hit some technical probems.  Mainly, I have no idea what I'm doing and need someone with far better technical knowledge tham me to help me!  I was getting so frustrated wth not having the time to write very often and I know I've got a few regular readers now so I hit upon this idea to record some short soundbites.  I've started recording short notes on my mobile phone to remind me about certain things, subjects I wano t write about, maybe an idea I feel God is giving me to give a talk on - that sort of thing.  The only problem is I've only discovered how to record on my camcorder! (Yes, I can hear the laughter now - I'm sure there's a better way of doing it I just haven't found it yet!)

So I made a recording (on the camcorder) about 3 weeks ago.  I've even managed to finally get it uploaded on to my PC.  So - I should be able to 'attach' it to this blog - yes?  No! - at least I can't which is as I say probably the main obstacle to getting it sorted out.  The fact it's me trying to do it.
I think it's time I finally conceded defeat and sought help.  Anyone between the ages of 12 and 16 should be a good bet .........................................

Yes -I'm still here!

Hi everybody

Firstly let me say a huge thank you to all of you who are reading my blog and must have wondered if I was still alive and kicking!

Well, as  you can see I am (well maybe not so much the kicking with these knees)

If I tell you it's taken me over half an hour just to get on here this morning as my laptop seems to have gone on strike, I'm now running late for work, there's a pile of paperwork I should have dealt with before I even go to work and I'm straight off to a meeting after work tonight then maybe that gives you an idea of why I'm so frustrated in my attempts to find time to write.

I know I'm normally pretty busy but over the last few months it seems to have got worse - and not in a good way.  I'm so time poor for doing the things I'm passionate about, the things I feel are my real purpose for being here that the frustration has been building.

So, as I've learnt over the years the answer is as the old hymn says, 'take it to God in prayer'.
So, that's what I've been doing. 

The only thing with prayer is we expect God to answer in a way and at a time that suits us.  You'd have thought by now I'd know better............!

Although I've been asking for more time I have to work 5 days a week to pay the bills (well in my tiny mind that's how it seems)
So - how was God going to solve my problem?  Promotion so I could cut down to 3 days a week maybe? A rich relative dying and leaving me lots of money? A mystery benefactor?  

No - recent restructuring at work means my job is disappearing - and soon.  Simple really - the thing which least fulfills me, motivates me and gives me a sense of purpose is no longer a problem.

Er - 'Dear Lord, thank you for answering my prayer and giving me lots more time - great. One slight tiny concern I have -   if you don't mind me pointing it out - it does mean I won't have any money coming in to pay the rent, buy food, put petrol in the car etc etc. Any ideas?'

Now at this point you might expect one of those wonderful stories about how the phone rings and someone offers you your dream job. Well, maybe that will happen but it hasn't yet.  Neither has any rich relative suddenly materialised to my knowledge. 

But you know what - I can honestly say I am not worried.  I feel very peaceful and even excited and expectant about the future.  Of course I have been looking for other jobs but for most of my life I've thought in terms of working, building a career and then fitting in around that the things I enjoy, the things which give me a buzz, my passions and interests.  There have been many times in the past I've had to rely heavily on my faith as you'll know from my previous blog posts but for the first time in my life I think I really understand what it is to take a real step of faith.To choose to rely totally on God and his will for me.

I have come to realise over the past year I've needed to change my way of thinking to say 'OK, Lord I want to serve you 24/7.  I want to put my time, energy, talents and passion in your hands and to be the best I can be  - for You.  That truly is a purposeful life lived.'  As long as I concentrate on that I know He will take care of the rest.  So I'm not getting into the frantic panic at work about what to do secure one of the places which will be open to me.

I'll continue to pray, my friends will contiune to pray and at the right time, in the right way God will reveal His plans for me.  And to be honest, putting my trust in Him makes a lot more sense to me than any other career advice I've ever had.

We always have a verse of the year at our church and I'm going to leave you with that as I really have got to get going as I still have a job for a few weeks .  Little did I know how significant this was going to be..............

'Trust in him at all times. O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge'
Psalm 62:8

Lord - I'm pouring, oh boy am I pouring..................:-)

God bless - be back soon 
Jules x

Spring is springing!!!!

Morning everyone

The more keen eyed amongst you will have noticed I've been playing around with the background on my blog.  I thought it was about time I gave it a bit of a make over so look out for a few more changes to come. 
As usual I'm against the clock and have gots lots to let you know about but as I look out on the foggiest day I've known for a long time (and not looking forward to the cross country drive to the office) I wanted to share a few pictures with you from my brother. 

He's been out and about with his camera and has shared some beautiful shots of nature at it's best.  Guaranteed to cheer us all up on even the gloomiest (or foggiest) of days.

Hope everyone is enjoying the slightly longer evenings and the first stirrings of spring - here are his piccies.

Ow - how cute is this?
(almost makes me want to become a vegetarian!) 

God bless and be in touch again soon
luv Jules xx

Just in time!!!

Hi everybody.

Well, I’ve just managed to get this post on by the end of the month -admittedly by the skin of my teeth.  

Can you believe this time next month a quarter of the year will be gone?  I was talking recently to some friends and saying that my main problem is I’m ‘time poor’ (to say nothing of just about making ends meet like most people at the moment).  But I have to say given a choice I’d definitely prefer increasing the deposits of ‘time’ in my particular ‘bank account of life’ than money. OK yes, it’s nice to have that bit extra to spend on some treats but if you’re working all hours to earn more, when do you ever get the time (to say nothing of energy) to enjoy it?

I met up with a few girlfriends Saturday afternoon for coffee.  The sun was shining, we were in a cafe in a lovely country park and we spent a couple of hours chatting, laughing and catching up on each others lives.  It was lovely.  It wasn’t a holiday, or a new pair of expensive shoes or a fancy meal out with a gorgeous man but I wouldn’t have swopped the time being with my friends for any of that (well, maybe the meal & gorgeous man would have been a close call...........OK, forget the meal.............) 

We’ve just started the period of Lent which for many is very significant.  You may know much about Lent - its origins, religious significance and the traditions that surround it or you might be thinking ‘Lent’ what’s that then?  Something to do with all those pancakes I stuffed myself with last Tuesday?

One of the traditions of Lent (which lasts 40 days by the way) is to give something up – particularly something we enjoy.  Most people pick some sort of food –chocolate or cakes.  Alcohol is another one - a detox period for some depending on how much you normally drink.

I don’t really drink much and I know there’s no way I’d stick to no chocolate so I’ve decided I’m going to try and give up moaning. Yep, you heard right – moaning.  Specifically I’m going to stop moaning about my job.  I know the chances are I’m going to fail (probably all already have) but at least having put it in writing hopefully it will make me think twice over the next month or so every time I’m tempted to have a good old moan. 

And boy, do we love a good moan.  Come on, admit it, there’s nothing we love more than bending someone’s ear when we’re feeling overworked, underpaid and unappreciated.  Someone  nodding and saying things like ‘I know exactly what you mean’ or ‘my boss is just the same – has no idea the amount of work I do’.  Or the classic ‘Lunchbreak – what lunch break?’ (Ooooohhh –I can feel a halo of martyrdom forming above my head as I write...........)

I know I’ve said this before but I don’t think it hurts to remind ourselves just how fortunate (most) of us are.  When we acknowledge life could be a lot worse its much easier to take time out to think about those who truly are in a much worse position than ourselves, either in this country or elsewhere in the world.  It never huts to stop and count our blessing.

Anyway, as it’s gone 11pm and I’m determined to get this posted before the month ends I’d better close now.

If you’re giving up something for Lent then I wish you perseverance and success in your effort.

God bless

Jules xx

Morning!

Morning everyone!
I've started a 'proper' blog post this morning but the day has caught up with me and unless I get out of bed (yes, I still write most of these posts 'under the duvet') and get ready for work in the next 10 mins I could be joining the growing ranks of the unemployed. 

Much as I'd love the time  - especially to actually do some writing, I don't fancy going the whole hog and end up in a drafty attic somewhere, wearing fingerless gloves, with a flickering candle my only source of light and warmth. (OK, I know that analogy doesn't work  -where would I plug in my mobile phone and laptop I hear you cry - call it poetic licence)

So, I wanted to quickly get this on the web, say a big hello to everyone and promise I will get my full post finished and posted before the end of Feb (which basically means tomorrow!)

Hope you're having a good 2012- so lovely to see the sunshine over the past few days. It amazes me how much it lifts the spirit and makes all the grotty bits of life just a little less well...grotty!

Check out my second page  - I'll be updating that soon as hopefully I'll be going to an 'Open Day' in London Saturday with a view to starting a distance learning course.  More to follow..........

God bless - have a great day
Jules xx

First post in 2012

I've been trying to get back to my blog for weeks!  I finally managed this evening and was horrified to find it's been 2 months since I've written anything on here.  The number of people, I was pleasantly surprised to see from my stats, seems to have increased hugely over the last month which is massively encouraging.  So big apology to anyone who is checking out my blog on a regular basis and I promise to do better............

Writing regularly is one of the things I'm going to make a much bigger effort to do this year.  Talking of this year - can anyone believe we're already at the end of January!
I don't know whether it's my age (my mother says I'm at the age where time will be going faster - according to her once I retire it'll start to slow down again so I'll be clinging to this rapidly speeding train for at least another 12 years before I can look forward to having the time to catch my breath!)

Well - in my last post I was just starting to think about Christmas.  True to form, I ended up wrapping most of my presents late Christmas eve, even leaving a few until after Christmas.  You know, the ones for family and friends you're seeing after the actual 'big day' for another 'big day'. 
But once again I had a great Christmas and wonderful time with my family.  My daughter and son-in-law were great hosts, we spent a fabulous couple of days all together, laughing, eating great homemade food, playing games and just enjoying each others company.

But that was a month ago, everyone is back home and back to work and the new year is well under way.

I'm not a great one for making new year resolutions  - like most people I end up breaking them before the end of January. But I promised myself some time ago that I would work on making more time in my life for just being with people.  It's so easy to say 'I haven't got the time' and get caught up with work, church, housework (OK - I can hear my daughter laughing her head off at that one as housework is my number one pet hate). I do what I have to do and most people who visit me don't run screaming from the flat in terror so I guess it's fairly clean and tidy........most of the time........well, some of the time.............ok, ok, occasionally.......when I know someone is coming and I fly round like a demented Mary Poppins (without the magic tricks.)  
Anyway, I digress  - my point is the dust, clothes not hung up and a bit of general untidiness will always be there.  Precious friends and family won't so, I would rather have a bit of a messy flat, or leave a few things undone at work than miss an evening with a few friends enjoying their company, or offering a shoulder to cry on, or planning a family get together. Those times are what real treasure is all about.

So I'm pleased to say I've made a pretty good start.  I've met up with girlfriends the last couple of weekends for coffee or lunch (or both!), arranged to visit my brother for a weekend in February and even made some new friends after going to a 'singles' lunch last week. I did feel sorry for the one lone 30 year old man who turned up.  He got a bit of a baptism of fire with half a dozen very strong 40/50 year old women -the phrase 'rabbit caught in the headlights' sprang to mind as I caught sight of him at the end of the table.  But I think he survived and might even enjoy having a few older opinionated women giving him the benefit of their experience.....

Well, it's Sunday evening and as most of my 'regular' readers know I normally write in the mornings so this is a short, yes I'm still here post before I hit the sack ready for another week at the office.

Hope you've all had a great start to 2012
God bless and I'll be back soon
Jules x