Making Memories

Barcelona here I come!

2012-01-27T20:32:00.000Z

Today I am off to Barcelona in Spain. I love city breaks and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the lifestyle there. Oli and I have a few things planned so I will share all when I come back next week. Plus, I really need to work on my Spanish....

Adios!

When you need it most.

2012-01-23T18:34:00.000Z

Last night was my first day back work in 2 weeks. It may not seem a lot but honestly the most sick days I've taken off being ill is 2 days max. I am better now after feeling like I had been knocked down by a bus for a fortnight.

This may sound silly but I was really nervous returning back to work. I just felt really out of the loop. Thank heavens I was working with Ali who made me feel at ease. During my night shift last night I had to sort out some paperwork at 4am and in my 'pigeon hole' I came across a card. I thought it was a Christmas card I hadn't seen and tossed it to the side. I'll keep it for this year I thought to myself.

But because the envelope was blue I didn't think it was very festive! Okay maybe I was being a little over-analytical about envelope colours- but it was 4am and I was ridiculously tired. So I opened it and when I read it I cried.

I was feeling on edge all night and this just made me feel so much better. It's funny how when your feeling really down the simplest of things can make you feel a little more human again. I came across it when I really needed it the most.

This lovely lady who I cared for does not even realise how much this act of kindness means to me.

Happy. Very Happy.

2012-01-17T16:25:00.002Z

Without reflecting too much on 2011, it was quite a hard year as much as I enjoyed it. There were some things that happened that I didn't blog about. This is only because there are some parts of life that shouldn't be blogged about or at least not plastered on the internet.

They say always expect the unexpected and believe you me that certainly happened last year. But sometimes the unexpected is something that makes you very happy. Last month I met someone...who makes me really really happy.

His name is Simon. He's 26 and works in the golf industry. He studied in America and not that I am bias or anything but he is very attractive too! We met through friends of friends so not the most exciting story...but to me he is exciting! Our first date was to see New Years Eve last month (which I loved) and I have seen him pretty much everyday since. One of my favourite things we have done is we went and saw the windmill used in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film (one of my favourite childhood films!). It was an awesome 'day date' thing to do!

I have had boyfriends in the past to the point that since I split from my ex I didn't want to be in another. I was happy for my friends in nurtured relationships but the independent thing was working very well for me! Then the unexpected happened and I met Simon. We click and we instantly had that 'spark' every movie raves about. We bounce off each really well and when I'm around him I have this incredible energy. He's really ambitious, creative and thinks outside the box which is what I love most about him. He's romantic and there isn't a day that goes by where we don't compliment each other on something. He was amazing last week when I was very poorly, always popping round and calling me to see how I was. He even bought me this bracelet the other day when he went away to see friends up north.

I could seriously do multiple posts on him but I will save him the embarrassment as I know he reads this blog. I just wanted to let the world know how happy I am right now. He may be a bit of a regular feature on my blog and in posts from now on.

I'll get pictures of us soon too!

Under the weather.

2012-01-14T14:06:00.003Z

To say I've been a little under the weather this week would be an under statement. I can honestly not remember the last time I ever felt this ill.

I am still managing to read your blogs but I just don't have the energy to leave comments right now. In fact it's taken me 3 days to write this post because I write a paragraph and I am so tired I go back to bed to sleep.

It started off Monday with a sickness bug. I was sent home from work and then the next day my tonsils had blown up, could barely speak and I was in agony on my left side. I decided to 'ride it out' until Wednesday when I had enough and went to my doctor, of which I fell asleep in the waiting room!

Tonsillitis my doctor told me (which I knew) because if it were medically safe to so I would rip my tonsils out right now. But yesterday he called to confirm I had glandular fever and that my spleen was enlarged (hence the left sided pain). I have been signed off work for a week. It may just be a pride thing for me but I have never been signed off work in my life. In fact, I had to ask him what it even meant!

I feel pretty miserable and next to my bed I am like a mini pharmacy with my pain killers, throat soothers, decongestants, antibiotics etc. I just keep popping pills and literally countdown to the next dose!

So at the moment all I do is sleep, struggle to eat, throw up my antibiotics because my stomach is so sensitive and just generally feel so lousy! I just keep telling myself that there are people even more ill in the world (and I want to nurse them, not me!)...but this just sucks. I just find the 4 walls of my bedroom boring and I just want to be well again.

But I do intend to do one thing whilst I navigate this "sick week". To try and get through as many episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S as possible. My boyfriend has 'dared' me if you like to try and get through as many episodes. Your on Simon! (I will introduce Simon to the blog soon, promise!)

So far during the 6 days I've been ill I've made it to Series 1 - episode 6. Still another 254 episodes to go. Better get cracking as long as I don't fall asleep! Hope your all okay friends.

Dear 16 year old me.

2012-01-09T16:12:00.003Z

One of my friends is going through a bad break up. You know the one where the girl breaks up after three years together the day before they're due to fly out to South Africa for Christmas kinda of break up? He's crushed, understandably.

I've done my best to be a good friend and he is on the mend, slowly. However, he got me thinking the other day when he said:

"I wish I could turn back to being, like I dunno 16, and telling myself that this would happen. That way I wouldn't be so hurt or at least more prepared"

Don't we all wish we knew what was ahead ourselves sometimes? But what he said was true! There are so many things I would tell my 16 year old self, so I have listed them below!

Don't get that half blonde hair, half brunette hair ever again. It will be a nightmare to grow out.
Please don't date Brad, he will never make you happy.
You'll reach a point in your 2nd year of nursing where you will want to give up, please don't because you definitely reach the finish line in 2010!
You actually have to learn to practice in order to play an instrument.
When your 18 doctors tell you, you will struggle to get pregnant due to PCOS. This does not ruin your life so please don't fret!
When you go to Becky's neon party in 3 years time don't go as bright yellow. You'll have a hellish night of everyone calling you a 'highlighter pen.'
Wear a foundation that actually matches your skin colour! It will not be a good look at college.
Give your parents a break sometimes. They struggle just as much as you at times and you don't even realise it.
When you get that niggle to blog at 17. DO IT! You'll meet the best people along the way.
Perfection doesn't exist girl! So quit trying to be!
Double vodka redbulls for your 21st taste worst on the way up than it does on the way down. Just warning you.
When your 19 and at Reading festival don't let your "boyfriend's" mates smoke weed and snort heroin in your tent. It's okay to say NO! Never be afraid to say no Rebecca.
The world can be a dark place at times but know your never alone.
Take more risks!!! like riding that roller-coaster when you go to Disney in 2010 should have been done earlier!
Your going to learn there is no such word as Can't! You can only 'do'!
And FYI: You'll be pleased you don't get that belly piercing when your 20.
Please have tissues ready when you watch The Notebook, PS I Love You and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Otherwise you will have mascara stains all over you bed sheets.
Lastly: Don't try to fit in, just be yourself. Cause when your 22 you'll realise how being 'you' is the best person you can be. Smile even when it's raining, nothing is too big and know your loved, more than you'll ever know.

What would you tell your 16 year old self?

Kick Starting 2012

2012-01-06T09:49:00.002Z

Happy 2012 everyone!

I hope everyone had a great start to the year. I've been a bit delayed in posting as I have been working quite a lot. So whilst I conjure up ideas for posts I will leave you with a guest post I did for one of my favourite bloggers, Holly, a few days ago.

It is quite well known that I don't believe in a religion. I 'class' myself as agnostic but I enjoy learning about other religions. Holly is like minded as I am and she is doing a blog series about people to deem themselves as secular.

It's really interesting and I have enjoyed people's post. It is not designed to be derogotory towards people who have faith in other religions. It's just to give a view of how people who are non-religious choose to live their lives. Fair right? What I don't think is fair is that people have stopped following Holly's blog because of this, which is a shame because her blog is so quirky!

This is my post and check out the rest of the series too!

Reflecting on 2011

2011-12-31T12:32:00.000Z

I think I am in the same boat as many who think this but WHERE has 2011 gone? It has flown by and now on the eve of 2012 I am about to reflect on this speedy year. Even though this year has passed by scarily quick it does seem only fitting to make my last post of 2011 about the year itself. I have based my reflective questions on the ones posed by Simple Mom in her blog!

1) What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Personally for me it was going to New York. I had wanted to go there since I was little so it really was a dream come true. It made my 2011 complete!

2) What was the single most challenging thing that has happened?
I'd have to say work. 2011 was my first full year being a nurse and as much as I love it I have never been so frustrated and upset at times too! The NHS is a HUGE sector and I have had to care for some not so nice people and work alongside some right "idiots" too! Having the challenge of accepting that's what it will be like at times can be hard, especially as I am such a perfectionist!

3) What was an unexpected joy this year?
Most definitely my sister and her fiancée annoucning they're expecting my future niece/nephew next April! The whole family are still beyond thrilled and excited.

4) Pick 3 words to describe 2011.
Unexpected, adventurous and impulsive!

5) What were the most entertaining things you have seen/done this year?
Where do I start? Meeting Alf from Home and Away twice. Visiting Edinburgh and finally being able to climb Arthur's Seat (and meet Laura Anne!). Seeing the delights of Rome, Italy. I loved seeing Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz & Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Having fish nibble at my feet in a day spa. Being on the radio for the first time! Hosting my first blog series. Pretending to hate Zumba but secretly loving it. Shall I stop now?

6) With whom were your most valuable relationships?
Probably with these guys. Tambra, Andy, Danny, James, Neale and Jay! There are times I could have killed them this year but we really are like glue and will always stick together. My relationship with my Mum also got stronger. I have never relied on her so much to look out for me this past year. She is one very special person!

7) What was the biggest single time waster of your life this year?
I don't think I have ever cried so much in 2011! So many tears wasted on people that don't matter now, on some mean patients that didn't care that I cared for them so much, on arguments that didn't need to happen. I could go on and on but I won't...the tears just weren't worth it!

8) What are you most proud of doing this past year?
I'd have to say graduation was such a highlight. All that hard work for 3 years and being recognised for it by getting my degree. I loved it and was very proud!

9) What was the most enjoyable aspect of this year for you?
When I think of 2011 NYC is high up there but I have to say the first thing I think of was the summer holiday I took with Tam and the lads to Spain! I really enjoyed every moment (even the Neale nearly getting arrested part). We still laugh about what went down during the 10 days in June and I really enjoy that!

10) How did you spend Christmas 2011?
I spent Christmas Eve with the family at home. Nicola, Robbie and bump came over for a take away and we watched Christmas films. I hadn't seen Nicola since NYC and she is certainly more pregnant! On Christmas day I worked an early shift and was able to finish at 2pm. I know a lot of people hate working Christmastime but I don't mind it at all. After all my patients didn't get to go home and I did. It certainly was something I was grateful for! Then I headed home for a Christmas meal with Mum, Dad, Rach, Phil, Gran, Aunty Lucy and Uncle Paul. We played board games and generally had a lot of fun!

11) What did you do in 2011 that you hadn't done before?
I was a lot more impulsive. I booked holidays I could have only ever dreamt of going on which has made 2012 a year to very much look forward to! Oh and I turned 22 years old =]

12) Finally your plans for 2012, what are you most looking forward to?
So so so much! I am most looking forward to being an Aunty in April!!! I am excited for Barcelona next month, California in March and going to Australia in November eekk!!!! I'm excited for London to host the 2012 summer Olympics too. Plus, after Australia I plan to start saving for my own place (but that can wait to 2013, see I am getting ahead of myself already!) As much as I enjoyed 2011, I cannot wait for 2012 to start.

I have never been a fan of new years resolutions but there is something quite therapeutic about a new year dawning and having a fresh new calendar page to set upon. In whatever way 2011 has turned out for you I really hope it has been a good one. Also, if you like feel free to use these questions to reflect on 2011 before the turn of the clock tonight

See you in 2012 everyone!

It's Christmas time.

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000Z

I will keep this short and sweet.

Happy Christmas Everybody!

Failing.

2011-12-19T19:07:00.004Z

This is a pride thing for me but I hate to fail. I'd find it weird if someone actually did like failing. But this week I felt like a failure.

I had to do a maths exam this week in order to progress with the responsibility of being in charge. Those baby steps I talked about with my manager are still happening...and this test was one of them. I am meds trained and as a nurse I can give drugs to people. However, my hospital have brought out this extra maths test for nurses in charge. Maths and I fall out BIG time! It was the subject I despised at school and I really struggle with it....to the point of hyperventilating tears over the darn maths language (because that's what it is to me, it might as well be Chinese writing!)

I took the test and I failed. I found out today I failed by one mark. One flipping measly point!

I was beside myself on Thursday after the exam. I just knew I had done badly even though I revised and practised and practised. But I still failed. I just could not shake it off. I know I can re-sit it. I know that I can pass and I know where I went wrong but I felt like a failure. I have never failed an exam in my life and I guess it is a pride thing. I know I should get over myself!

I failed at something to do with my career and I felt awful. A nurse that can't add up or convert without the help of others. A nurse who sees mls and mg as another language. I felt like I didn't deserve my role any more. As exaggerated as that sounds I really did!

To say the weekend was quite depressing was an understatement. I felt miserable and anything someone would say to cheer me up I would not allow it to make me feel better. One of my good cyber friends sent me a link to a video which said "to never fail = you haven't lived" and it's so true! I have failed in other things (i.e. took me 3 times to pass my driving test haha) but because this was directly linked with a job I am insanely proud to be doing. It really hurt!

It wasn't until yesterday when I went into town and I saw a man looking really puffed out and more blue than he should look for winter! I told him to sit down and he told me he was having a bad angina attack. He had his medication with him but everyone was panicking that he was having a coronary! Trust me, he wasn't but he was carrying his necessary meds and I helped him take it, then he felt better and carried on Christmas shopping! He didn't know I was nurse and the last thing he said was "we need more caring people like you in the world" and it was then I realised.

I don't need to be an Einstein at Maths to be a good nurse. It would help but it doesn't and shouldn't affect the care one receives.

Whatever you aren't so good at, please remember this. Failure doesn't define what you do or who you are. Maths can go do one in my book! But I'm going to get through it, just not right now. So whether your not good at art, driving, seeing friends as well as you should do or just rubbish at remembering the time of day. To fail = means your living and your human! It just took a million tears to realise it :)

Oh and who likes my family Christmas tree? Decorating it certainly cheered me up!

#24Christmas guest post.

2011-12-14T18:47:00.000Z

One of my favourite parts of blogging is guest posting! It's such a great way to "meet" other bloggers and learn things too. My good pal Laura Anne is doing a blog series about Christmas and what it means to us. The posts so far have been really interesting and I encourage you during this festive season to hop on over and have a peek/read. Today my post is making an appearance...and I'll start with a little snippet.

"When I was 11 years old I helped out with my school nativity play. I was about to start secondary school the following year and they don't "do" the nativity tradition. I loved helping out with the nativity props, script and seeing all the adorable children wanting to wear tea towels for hats so they could take part. It made Christmas more festive and I miss it terribly...."

To read to rest of this post on nativity head on over here and read the rest. I hope you like it! It's trending as #24christmas on twitter!

Doing something different

2011-12-12T18:56:00.003Z

This weekend just gone was one of the best I have had in a while, and this makes me very happy! :)

The guys and I were celebrating Danny turning 23 and he decided he wanted to go Go-Karting. I, initially, was so up for going. I have only ever been once and that was in Spain, in glorious sunshine and with 3 other people on the track. This time I was going to be the only girl with 5 VERY competitive guys and another team of lads from a bachelor party. Was I nervous? Very!

I had no reason to be though as it was really good fun. I didn't race it like Mario but I did enjoy it so much! I came in last place but I didn't crash, get helmet hair or get bumped too much! Go-Karting isn't something you get to do everyday so it was nice to do something different!!!

James, Jay, Chris, Andy, Danny and myself.

Happy Birthday Danny!!!

Best Marriage Proposal Ever!

2011-12-08T21:00:00.000Z

On my night shift the other day it got to 2am and a rare thing happened. Marian and I were SO bored. All the patients were asleep, stable and we actually were sat twiddling our thumbs. We had a cleaning list to do but we found You Tube instead. We were watching/ listening to videos quietly and we came across some funky marriage proposals that were just amazing! These girls that are proposed to are seriously the luckiest girls ever.

The first one was Marian's favourite. I just LOVE the dancing! I'd seriously keep pinching myself to wake up if it happened to me. Have a peek (you need to spare 14 mins though!)

This was my favourite one. I am a true romantic at heart and this was head over heels to the moon and back romantic!!!

Crazy huh? Whoever proposes to me have a lot of work cut out now I know that these videos exist haha! Which one do you like? Or share ones you have seen!

A mix of everything.

2011-12-05T16:52:00.001Z

I have been fairly quiet on the blogging front for a couple of weeks. I pre-planned the last couple of posts which I hardly do unless I am away on holiday.

The main reason is because I was feeling (to put it bluntly) like crap. I went through a period for about a week where as soon as I went to bed I would cry, proper crocodile tears. I had no idea why but I just felt really sad and alone.

The weird crying soon stopped and all of a sudden I was just angry...all the time. I was angry at my friends, family and even my patients. I didn't want to nurse them one bit, in fact I didn't want to be at work full stop!!!

Things really heated up last weekend when I had a massive argument with my brother and sister. It was over something trivial but it was the last straw. So I moved out for a couple of days to get away from it all. I luckily had a couple of days off from work and a great friend who talked things through with me. I needed to work out why I was so darn miserable!

Once I started talking the understanding soon arrived and I came to realise some things that I hope at least some of you can relate to.

Three of my friends are moving, to other countries. My work pal Marian is off to New Zealand to nurse out there, my close friend Andy is off to Australia for a year and my old school mate Tom is going to Canada for good. They all leave in January within 4 days between them going. It is only now that I realise how little time I have left with them and just how MUCH I am going to miss their company. It sucks....it just really really sucks! The part that hurts the most is they really don't realise how much they mean to me and with 7 weeks til they leave I have only just realised myself :(

Work has been TOUGH! The longer I am qualified the more responsibility I get in terms of managing the ward and staff etc, which I don't like. I find it very gratifying that I am trusted to be in such a position but I am also just a year qualified and only 22! It's scary and there are days where I dread going to work because I don't want to be put in charge of 26 patients and 7 members of staff. I don't do delegation (my friends would tell you differently haha!)

There has been a lot of angst in my closest group of friends. I won't go into the details because it's unfair on them but it just feels like we're drifting apart. I feel like I have to make so much more effort for the group to remain together to the point I give up. It should not have to be this hard!

Finally, one of my dreams has been to work in a third world country and take part in a nursing programme for a couple of weeks. Unicef approached my hospital and wanted to know if anyone was interested. Was I interested? YES!!! Can I afford 2k+spending to go? No! It sucks how money has such an influence on things :(

It feels better just typing it out on my blog and to just vent it out. When I get upset I regress. I don't like opening up to people. I'm a good listener for others but I never want to burden people with my issues. However, things have gotten better!

I went back home Friday and we all apologised so things are better on the home front. I talked to my manager about my insecurities and we agreed to build me up slowly. I have no choice I have to learn to take charge of my ward but I will in baby steps. My friends are still going away :( - but I feel more happy for them than sad for me. The guys and I are going Go-Karting this weekend, it will be awesome to see them!!! And the Unicef programme can wait and even if it doesn't happen that's okay.

I think I've realised that I can't cram everything I want to do in life right this second, which before the meltdown seemed possible! Is anyone else like that? I always take on TOO much and I'm too young to be doing it. "Just bloody well enjoy yourself girl!" is what I keep saying to myself right now. I need to learn how lucky I am to have friends to miss, to have a job I do really enjoy and that I have a family to argue with sometimes. And friends who send me these surprises to cheer me up...(thanks Neil!)

So yeah that's what's been happening in a but shell. I am MUCH happier right now and I have so much to look for ward to in the lead up to Christmas in 20 DAYS!!! Please tell me you've had your moments too and make me feel a little sane right now?

#Right to Strike.

2011-11-30T20:30:00.000Z

In the UK over 2/3 of the country (who work) work in the public sector and yesterday those people were striking. The majority of nurses, fire fighters, teachers, social workers etc were on the streets enforcing their right to strike.

The reason? Is not to do with pay, like many strikes are. It is to do with our pensions. The government were newly formed in May 2010. We were told that that had to make a saving of £12 billion to sustain our future. I cannot speak for other public sector organisations. But I know for a fact that the government pledged to the NHS (our national health service) that they would leave our pensions alone.

Fast forward to November 2011 and this was all one big fat lie and to say I am angry is an UNDERSTATEMENT!

The government announced plans earlier this year and more clearly last night that public sector workers will have to work longer in order to keep our pensions. We will have to put more money into our pensions ourselves and that the government would TAX US MORE the more we put in. How that makes sense? let alone fair? still puzzles me! In fact I sat down with my Mum this afternoon and with the rate economy is going and the amount (I can just about afford) to put into my pension. I would have to work until I am 81!!!!!

81 ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH!!!!

I know I am naive to say this but when 2/3 of your country work within this sector you would have thought your government would use their ears a bit more instead of piss them all off.

I'm a nurse and I am extremely proud to be one. I signed up for this career for the rest of my life. I don't expect perks. I don't expect an amazing pension. I don't expect a fantastic wage. But I do expect support from our government. Especially when they want us to look after the sick, teach our children, stop illegal immigrants from entering the country and supporting families in social crisis! I know many people are saying public sector workers are just making things worse for ourselves and maybe we are, and sometimes, just maybe, we have to take risks!!

So do I totally relate to why people are striking? Yes. 100%!

Am I taking part? No.

I can't sacrifice my job to do it. Not in the sense that I'd be fired (that's a bit extreme) but when I took the oath to be a nurse. I meant it. And I simply can't leave patients ill in a bed needing nursing care desperately, instead to stand with a placard in the street.

I support them. I have signed numerous petitions about my disgust at this plan to "sustain our future" when if they do this the public sector won't have a future! I have written to my local member of parliament and area councillor. I am proud of everyone who protested today and giving us a voice. Thank you!

I refuse to be told I am not taking part, when I am. I just love my job and my patients too much to leave them to take to the streets.

What has annoyed me the most today is that our government didn't even take the time to address the millions of people who peacefully protested (August rioters take note of that...). All our PM had the audacity to do was say this "the protests have had little effect on our democratic decision today." It just makes my blood boil. Well when the ambulance crews are 50% down, the kids raiding Burger King begging for another day off school, A&E piling up with trauma cases but no nurses to pump chests and illegal immigrants entering the country and stealing off the government budgets. Don't have the nerve to say the protests had no effect....I'm not pleased it came to this but it really has to be a two way street. The government can't sustain a future without us and the public need the government to provide and listen!

But to everyone who went out there and are still there. Good luck and be proud!!!

So what do you think? #right to strike or #wrong to strike?

What I'm Loving Lately.

2011-11-29T17:44:00.000Z

I have never been a lover of diets and crazy fads to stay fit and lose weight etc. In fact, fad diets, pills and weight loss adverts are in my top ten " let's moan about it" subjects haha.

I have never been obsessed about my weight. I don't calorie count. I watch what I eat but I try to be good when eating. I don't weigh myself either, not because I hate them, but because I know that if my clothes feel to tight I need to lose a little. Anyone else measure by their waistline and not the weighing scales?

In saying that I seem to get myself into a rut every summer. You know when the bikinis come out and your going on holiday? Of course you want to look good. I want to look good! A lot of my friends say they tend to 'let themselves go' after Christmas and in winter. You know when it's warm and all you want to do is snuggle under a duvet and eat chocolate? (that does in fact sound amazing right now!)

I 'let myself go' every summer which to me is the worst time. I wish I knew what it is but I gorge, go out for more meals, eat more than I should on BBQ's and always find when it comes to getting my winter wardrobe out. It feels a tad too tight! It happens every.single.summer and I wish I could blame the sunshine but the UK doesn't get thaaaat many summer heat waves. But I am happier in the summer and when it is lighter outside. The longer the daylight hours the more hours I get to eat, seems only fair right? I wish!

So this winter I decided I need to lose those extra pounds. I go to the gym and do three 30 minute work outs a week which works perfectly for me. It's doesn't always go that way with my eating habits though. I eat more chocolate and biscuits than I care to admit sometimes.

My friend Angie at work told me about this website and phone app called 'My Fitness Pal' and at first I rolled my eyes. Another one of those "we can make you thinner in so many weeks' kinda thing. I wasn't interested. Then I started seeing Angie looking better and better as the weeks went by!

Maybe this thing does work? So I decided to try it out and this is what I am absolutely loving lately!!!!

It's simple. You input what you eat, drink and exercise daily. It works out the calories, fats, sugars, what you should be eating more and less of all for you. At first I kept forgetting to put my food in but if you make a habit of doing it at a set point in the day (I do mine before bed) you get into a routine. I want to not like this but it really does help!!!

It isn't so much the calorie counting and that for me. It has made me realise what pointless things I eat/drink that I don't need to!!! For example last week I ate 4 biscuits at work (not a lot right?) but when I put it into my fitness pal it worked out I could have eaten a whole box of grapes, 2 oranges and a cereal bar for the same amount of calories. It sounds obvious when you think about it but not when your reaching your hand for the biscuit tin. Plus, I don't feel like I am dieting or excluding food one bit. I quite enjoy it in a weird way!

I eat a lot better now. Of course I still eat chocolate (I'd be a freak not to!) but I am more aware of my eating habits. It's funny I had never heard of this app before but as soon as I started using it everyone was raving about it!!!

*pictures credited to my fitness pal.

Priscilla Bus.

2011-11-24T17:31:00.000Z

Last week after retuning from NYC I also had the pleasure of spending some time in my version English New York too. I got to spend a day in London!

Even though I live a 25 minute train ride from my capital I don't go there as much as I like too and this has got to change. I love London. It has so much to see, do and offer so when Oli came to visit last week I made it a mission to take him there.

At first we visited London Aquarium along the Southbank. I have never been before and I do love the sea! (I'll try and add pictures of the fishes, sharks and penguins when I get them off my camera!). Plus, it made me appreciate the Ocean a little bit more. It really is a whole world down there and us as humans totally take it for granted.

Afterwards Oli and I did a little Christmas shopping in central London. It was SO neat to see all the Christmas lights lit up. I won't lie I felt very festive that evening and it was only mid November! It's never too early in my book.

Then I led Oli home saying we had to get back to do my local pub quiz. Was I lying?

Of course I was.

I have a habit of doing surprises for people and I will give myself credit for this. I am pretty awesome at making them surprises. As we were heading to the station Oli said "We had better get back for the pub quiz? and I said "I think we should hurry and to get to your birthday present!" - his face was priceless!

I had organised weeks before to take him to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I love the theatre and whenever Oli is over here in the UK I always make an effort to take him to a show... because London really does do the BEST shows! But he was also going to be meeting some other people too.

Some of my awesome blog friends! Ruth, Mike, Laura Anne, Oli and I.

Last year Ruth, Laura Anne and I tried to go and see this show. We share a love affair for the Aussie soap Home and Away and in particular are fans of Ray Meagher who plays Alf in it. But we couldn't go :(. I went and saw the show in March, met Alf and I just knew I had to see this show again.

It IS camp, hilarious, quite rude in places but such good entertainment. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but it was a brilliant evening out and I think Oli enjoyed his birthday present! I had met Laura Anne back in June and have known Mike for about a year. But it was the first time I had met Ruth. It was so good to finally meet her and also just as good to see Laura again too!

Yay for amazing blog friendships!!! I'm very lucky.

Plus, just to make the night even better....we all got to meet our Aussie LEGEND! Ray Meagher a.k.a. ALF!!

Thank you to Laura Anne for the pictures, they're priceless. I am so glad we got to do it and thanks to all of you for making Oli feel so welcome.

It was a brilliant day and night that I only wish we could repeat again.

New York Day 3

2011-11-21T11:07:00.000Z

This was our last day and first we had to pack. I did not like this...we were leaving our lovely hotel room. If you go to NYC stay at the Millennium Hilton. The beds are amazingly comfy, the freebie bath stuff I kindly took home (hehe) and it was really spacious. Below is a picture of myself in the hotel room with the space ground zero bores behind me. I still find it weird that over 10 years ago this window would have been blocked by the twin towers.

We spent the morning shopping and we spent the majority of this down 5th Avenue where all the expensive shops are. No lie outside the Cartier shop you had to go round with a personal security guard (what a way to make a tourist feel happy to shop there!). However the best shop? Here's a clue...

You can do easily get lost in there!!! But we all LOVED Macy's - LOVEEEED IT! Everyone says how awesome NYC is for shopping and I totally agree. I could have bought so much more. There were some great deals and some not so great deals (like the make up? OUCH!) but on clothes and shoes = amazing! We fell in love with this place.We spent two hours in there shopping. I bought some black boots (reduced from $150 to $79!) and some Christmas goodies for my friends. Nicola did all her Christmas shopping too! I really could have stayed in there all day. We also went to Century 21 but it gave me a headache - it was a mess, good deals, but I couldn't work my way round from tripping up on clothes haha.

The one thing we didn't get to do was go up the Empire State building. We were tempted to go up on this day but because we had gone up Rockerfella we thought was a waste of money. We still went a stood outside which was ace!

We then went back to Times Square as Nicola and Robbie wanted to get some baby stuff. We bought the baby a gift too...too cute right?

She's 16 weeks now and her bump is finally starting to make an appearance!

Nic and Robbie in Times Square.

After lunch we headed down into China Town and Little Italy. I did not have my camera out for this point but it was an interesting contrast to central NYC. Last but not least we headed to Brooklyn bridge - it was blustery!

I was surprised how long a stretch it was to walk across. It took us a good 45 minutes! Then we headed back to the hotel to grab our cases to head to JFK. Picture moment this was too....I was so excited to go in a yellow Taxi (just Robbie got in the way!)

As we were driving to the airport I won't lie...I had a little cry to myself. I really did not want to go home, despite the cruddy feeling in the beginning. I had the best time! On our way we went through Times Square and I took this picture on my sister's camera. This sums up New York perfectly...

Full to the brim with life. Busy. Vibrant. Exciting. Almost like a different planet and it's because of this as to why people return. I will return again someday. I just know I will. Now I can safely and happily say New York is crossed off my 'to visit list'

New York Day 2

2011-11-17T16:36:00.001Z

Waking up on day 2 felt so much better. We were all in a much better mood and the jet lag wasn't so bad. This was my favourite day out of the entire stay.

First thing we did was breakfast - nom nom! I had heard about this diner in Manhattan that was Glee style. It was called the Stardust Diner situated on Broadway. All the waiters were aspiring singers, dancers and choreographers and they all sung whilst you were eating your food. I LOVED it! I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea but it was neat to be somewhere so different. I'll repeat again but we don't get places like that here in the UK.

Stardust Diner - Micah singing!

Then after breakfast we headed off to this beautiful place. Central Park was in my top 3 places to go to. It looked so pretty in Autumn and it is HUGE!!! You can so easily get lost in there.

We decided the best way to see all of Central Park was do a Horse and Cart ride around it. It was fairly priced and something different. This is us 4 in the Horse/Cart below before setting off. It's $110 for 45 minutes which between the four of us wasn't bad. I recommend it!

The guy who was carting us also gave us a good tour guide of places like the boathouse, the Dakota building where John Lennon was killed, the rocks where the Home Alone kid met the old bird woman and this place...(sorry for the blurry picture).

F.R.I.E.N.D.S fountain. This is the fountain they filmed in for the opening credits. Rach and I were so excited when the tour guide said this because it was watching re-runs of Friends back from 1998 that made us want to visit NYC!

We then got lunch and then did something I have ALWAYS wanted to do in NYC. That's see a show on Broadway! Nicola and I really wanted to see Wicked but it was sold out so we settled on Chicago. It was brilliant. I have never seen Chicago before so in that aspect I loved it. I won't lie though I prefer the theatre back at home. It's much more spectacular and London Broadway really goes to town with things. In saying that I would still see a show in New York again!

We saw a matinee showing so when we got out it was dark. We then decided we would do Empire State or Rockerfella centre. Then we heard that Empire state was closed due to the wind - it was really windy in NYC that day. My hair sure told me about it that night trying to get the knots out! So we headed to Rockerfella and I was SO impressed.

I absolutely LOVE this photo I took of the Rockerfella building!

I was so excited to get the the top. The atmosphere was really festive down below on the ground. They were building the Christmas Tree whilst we were there. Plus, I also saw the infamous Today Show set across the street. Up at the top was another venture. I cannot put into words how taken aback by the scene I was!

Remarkable isn't it?

Plus I still got to see The Empire State all lit up!

After spending about an hour up there we headed to Ruby Tuesdays near Times Square for dinner. It was our first proper meal out there so we devoured our food. I just remember coming back to the hotel that night saying to my sister how an Earth did we manage to fit in so much?! And the sad fact was we had more day left in this magical city :(.

Day 3 will be posted soon! Enjoy!

New York: Day 1

2011-11-15T20:29:00.012Z

I think the best way for me to chronicle my trip is to document each day I was there. So be prepared for an overhaul of pictures - ready?

I do want to say first and foremost a massive shout out to Virgin Atlantic airways. They have been the best airline I have ever flown with. Their in flight entertainment system was brilliant (I watched Friends with Benefits, The Help and Harry Potter on the way out). Plus, the food was actually edible and I slept as well. Rach had a few tears at first but as soon as she had the sweets and pop corn for the movie watching she was much better. Thanks Virgin!

We arrived really late at night on the 10.11.11. New York is 5 hours behind so it was actually early morning UK time when we got to bed. As I said in my previous post I didn't think I would suffer with a 5 hour difference. I was wrong.

I woke up the next morning with the worst headache and I felt so dizzy, it was rotten. But when I opened my hotel curtains this is what I saw.

Ground Zero.

In the above photo you can see two squares and that's where the twin towers stood. They have made a stunning water feature for each one with all the names of the people who died engraved in the marble. The rest of it will be trees and a museum. Sadly, we couldn't go inside because this weekend was open to veterans only. As awesome as it was to see the construction and rebuild it was also heartbreaking. The area is much bigger than it appears and there is a constant sense that something is 'missing' there. New York towers above you, you have to crook your head to see the top of buildings and to have this gap just didn't feel right at all. Also, at first I didn't notice but on my last day, there were a couple of loud planes that went over head by the hotel and New Yorkers would instantly look up with 'that look' - it was just another reminder that still 10 years on the fear is still tangible.

After having pancakes for breakfast we went on the Staten Island cruise and visited Staten, Liberty and Ellis Island. To say I was excited was an understatement. I was about to see the iconic NYC skyline and it didn't disappoint.

I've seen this so many times in pictures. To see it in front of me was amazing!

We boarded into Liberty Island first. It was my favourite of the islands due to the fact it was picturesque!

My best Miss Liberty impression. She looks absolutely massive up close but in comparison to the skyline she is quite a small tinker!

We then sailed to Ellis Island. This is the island immigrants went to register before being allowed entry to the USA. I am not a museum girl but the museum here is a must see. It has a step by step guide from room to room of how the 'accepting' process went. I found it really interesting and they still have the registry book with all the signatures. Incredible!

The registry room. Three centuries ago this room was filled with immigrants wanting to start a new life in USA.

Sailing back to Manhattan.

It was at this point in the afternoon that jet lag really began to affect me. I felt so unwell and disorientated. I was popping paracetamol and codeine intermittently every 2 hours to get rid of the pain but nothing was shifting it. I was really annoyed because I was in this magnificent city but all I wanted was my bed!

Afterwards we got the subway (most confusing thing ever!!! Everything is labelled with a colour and a letter. Why can't it just be every subway sticks to one coloured line like London without throwing in letters?! rant over). We got the subway to grand central station where we got Starbucks - nom nom!

Anyone recognise the Friends with Benefits dancing scene from here?

Then we watched the Veterans Day Parade - I loved it. It made me feel so much better seeing the floats and marching bands. We don't really have that in the UK.

We then headed to one of my favourite places whilst in NYC.

TIMES SQUARE!!!

I dubbed this 'Crazy Town' because it really is. It's just full of lights, televisions, advertisements and people! Lots and lots of people that you almost feel like your in a different universe. I walked round like a rabbit in headlights and almost felt like I was a little kid saying "I want to go in there" and "Oh I want this! I have to get this!" Haha!!! It really is surreal. My sister's fiance said you just can';t take it all in. There is so much there that you simply can't. For me it was the best place to go shopping.

By 6pm we had burnt out. I needed sleep. Nicola had a sudden onset on pregnancy sickness and we were all just zonked. So Rach and I watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a burger king in our hotel beds til we fell asleep.

Best sleep ever! Stick around for Day 2 soon...

New York Minute

2011-11-14T17:41:00.000Z

Well I arrived home - very tired - this morning from what I can only describe as an insanely awesome trip to New York. It sounds silly but I am still taking it in and I still feel giddy at the fact I even went! One thing that surprised me was the 5 hour time difference but boy did it. I don't actually think 5 hours is all that much but I have never had such bad headaches and dizziness in my life. Just hope the more I long distance travel the more I'll get used to it!

I will do more in depth blog posts during the week. I have Oli coming to stay this week and we have some things lined up before I head back to work Thursday. I plan to get them up with the colossus amount of pictures this week! (I'll probably break it up into 3 posts or something as I want to document EVERYTHING!!!)

All in all I really did have the best time. I won't lie when I was in the taxi on the way to JKF I even shed a little tear (too silly?). I'm just so glad I finally went after 13 years of wanting to go so badly! For now I will leave you with a sneak peek picture of me in what was my favourite place. Take an (obvious) guess?

13/11/11 - Times Square Centre Steps.

Remember Them

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001Z

"And in Flanders field where the poppies blow, where the war dead sleep and the poppies will continue to grow..." - based on John McCrae

When my sisters and I were discussing our New York trip last week there was one thing we knew we had to do. Take part in Remembrance day. Every year we wear our poppies and every year we watch the remembrance service on the Sunday.

This year we are not at home but in New York City. So we felt it was only fitting to visit Ground Zero on 11.11.11 and we will hold a 2 minute silence together at the 11th minute past the 11th hour (USA time). So that's where we will be today.

There is no denying that war takes up a lot of our news stories, our newspapers and a lot of our history. Even though it isn't nice to think about a lot of the time the world is continually at war with each other in some way.

But there's no mistaking one thing. There are thousands of heroes out there willing to sacrifice it all to allow us to live in freedom, to protect us and who do it so willingly.

So to those who are on the front-line now, to those who have served and earned their medals and to the ones who have sadly lost their lives.

Thank you.

Nearly there NYC!

2011-11-09T19:15:00.001Z

Tomorrow is a very VERY very exciting day for me. It sounds really corny to say this but a dream is coming true tomorrow for me.

"Now your're in NEW YORRRRKKK, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you" - Alicia Keys

I'm going to NEW YORK CITY! And, again, this sounds really silly but I really have to pinch myself that I am actually going. I have wanted to visit this city for so long!!! It was the first place I added to my 'to visit list' back in 2007.

At the moment I am shattered. I can't be bothered to pack but instead reading my NYC pocket guide. I haven't got my passport out yet but instead looking up the entry fee to Empire State Building. I still need to book my travel insurance but instead looking up the weather to see if it is UGGS season (FYI it certainly is!)

You catch my drift haha.

This trip means the world to me and so much more. I cannot wait to share the trip with you guys on here. It really will be a keepsake.

There are some things I'd like you to keep your thoughts and fingers crossed for. Nicola is very nervous about flying pregnant. It's all safe and everything for her to fly but for a first time Mum to be she keeps thinking the worse. My main worry is my little sister, Rach. She HATES flying, in fact she made herself sick with nerves last night to the point she was actually sick poor girl! She has managed a 2 hour flight before but even then she pretty much cried the whole time so I am scared for her to experience a 6 hour flight!

Rach and I have wanted to visit NYC ever since we started watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S back in 1998! So it is just as an amazing trip for her as it is for me.

I'm excited for Times Square, Broadway, The GLEE cafe!!, sailing past the Statue of Liberty, eating a hot dog in central park, having a Manhattan cocktail in Manhattan and ultimately buying the I <3 NY top of course!

Don't get me started!!! See you next week guys.

Ta Da!

2011-11-06T18:13:00.004Z

Notice any changes?

I am absolutely head over heels in love with my new blog lay out. I cannot thank Faith enough for the magic wand she has cast over my little piece of the internet. For the past couple of months I have wanted to change the look. It was starting to feel quite old and out of date. I have been blogging since 2007 and had this look since 2008. It needed a change and a new wardrobe! I have kept some things from my old design to keep as a momento, like my blog button will stay the same and my Paris picture!

Faith was awesome to work with. I got to choose the design kit, the colours and she was so good at doing all my little tweeks and changes last minute. I cannot recommend her enough! So if you want a new blog design, at a great price, then please check her out here.

I think my favourite part are the yellow polka dots. My friend said it's very 'me' which is exactly what I wanted to reflect.

What do you think?

Meet our new critters!

2011-11-03T21:11:00.002Z

We have also welcomed two new arrivals to our family but of the furry kind. As I grew up we always had Guinea Pigs and Rabbits but then we stopped getting them when we were teens.

Two weeks ago my little sister Rachael decided she wanted a pet Guinea Pig! So she went to the pet shop that afternoon and two hours later came home with a hutch, run, food, bedding and TWO Guinea Pigs!!!

The worst part was? She didn't ask my parents if she could have them in the first place! I told her it was a bad idea but when Rach gets an idea into her head she goes furlong with it. Nothing can stop that girl! So let alone wanting one Guinea Pig and bringing home two was going to add to the fireworks even more.

My Dad didn't care haha! He just said as long as he didn't have to feed and clean them he wasn't fussed. My Mum on the other hand? mmm let's say there was an argument between the pair of them but as soon and she saw them she melted!

I have to admit so did I.

Let me introduce you to Bert and Arnie! (I know what your thinking Bert and Ernie makes more sense right? But we had a Rabbit called Ernie when we were younger.)

The black and white one is Arnie. He's my brothers and he has this mohawk thing going on on top of his head. Kinda funky! He's a wimp, he runs away and not a massive fan of being held. Hopefully this will change the more we handle him.

The dark and light brown with white is Bert! He's my sisters and he is SO chatty. He loves to be held and quite a chirpy little thing.

They're both brothers (which is why Rach bought two) but it is quite nice to have Guinea Pigs again. It takes me back to my childhood where I used to pick dandelions for them in the summer and walk into the garden with them squealing at you. I look forward to it! Anyone had Guinea Pigs?

P.S I am having a blog make over over the next couple of weeks. Cannot wait to unveil it!

Halloween

2011-10-31T10:50:00.002Z

Not a bad attempt huh?

I have to thank my brother who actually drew the outline of it. I just carved the thing but I am still going to add it to my minimal creative collection. I'm not a huge lover of Halloween, mainly because I simply don't get it?! But I still enjoyed doing this. If you celebrate this holiday then enjoy!

Side note: I went and saw Paranormal Activity 3 this weekend just gone. Scared the jeebies out of me!

Joyous News!

2011-10-26T17:57:00.003+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I announced that I am going to be an Aunty next April! We were so thrilled but sadly the day after announcing the news my sister got a call from the Midwife.

"We think your baby has Downs Syndrome. In fact you have a 1/6 chance of a downs baby" she said. Nicola and Robbie were obviously taken aback but they didn't care. If the baby had Downs, he/she had Downs and they wouldn't love the baby any less. But there was something else.

"Due to your partner carrying the cystic fibrosis gene there's a 1/4 chance your baby will have CF and the heart looks a little enlarged."

Nicola's original response was "why didn't you tell me this yesterday?! I was told yesterday I had a healthy baby. I announced the news to everyone and now there's a chance my baby is very sick!" They were both very disappointed. Sadly what they didn't realise was that a trainee Sonographer had done their scan and Nic's scan was only reviewed until the following morning by a senior.

They were offered to carry on with the pregnancy or have some tests. However, Nic and Robbie felt they couldn't carrying on the rest of the 7 months without knowing. Instead of enjoying the pregnancy it would be filled with worry. So they opted for the CVS test which carries a 1% chance of miscarriage. She is too early in her pregnancy for the amniocentesis (which carries a 5% risk of miscarriage). The CVS tests can detect Downs Syndrome, CF and many blood disorders. The amniocentesis is far more advanced where it can detect how severe a disease/illness has taken fold. The following day she had some cells taken from the developing placenta but unfortunately had to wait 10 days for results. It has been really hard to not think the worse. We really want this baby to join our family and the thought of Nicola no longer being pregnant was too hard to bear at times. I have the ultrasound image is my desktop background and everyone time I looked at him/her I just wished and wished.

Until today it has been a waiting game.

Then at work Nicola phoned me in tears....of happiness!!! The baby does not have downs, CF, trisomy 18 or any blood disorders. There is still a chance the baby may have a heart problem, it appears on the scan there could be a hole in the heart and a murmur but it is not developed enough for them to know. So they are going to London next week for a more in depth ultrasound where closer images can be taken.

One of the girls at work asked me "what if the baby did have downs, CF and all the rest of it?" but to be honest I never asked Nic and Robbie and I never want to know. As far as the whole family are concerned we are welcoming this little terror (its new nickname!) next year and we really cannot wait.

Thank you to everyone who sent messages via twitter and facebook. It's been so appreciated :)

My "To Visit List"

2011-10-17T22:00:00.002+01:00

Just before I started my nurse training I had a bit of a change of a heart. I still wanted to be a nurse but I wanted to travel more. A few of my friends had done gap years and I had a real urge and need to fulfil it. As far as I was concerned nursing could wait! But my parents would not support me on the issue. My Dad said if I wanted to do it he'd support me but not necessarily agree with it, and my Mum thought I would put nursing on hold forever if I didn't do it then! If your thinking I should have done it anyway I couldn't. I value their opinion too much.

So I made a pact with them. No lie I made them promise me that once my nursing was done they would let me do what I wanted to do travelling wise. I would be 21 and I needed the chance to make my own way in life without their hesitation on things. So I made a "To Visit List" of all the places I want to visit one day! I keep adding new countries and some I have crossed off.

I still have the list I made 4 years ago along with my bucket list as well. There below!

Beware it's long!!!

Australia

booked for November 2012

Hawaii

~~Edinburgh~~ - June 2011

California

booked March 2012 (touring LA, San Francisco and Yosemite!)

~~Rome~~ - September 2011

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Dublin (Northern Ireland)

Bora Bora (French Polynesia in Pacific Ocean)

If I ever get married this is where I would love my honeymoon to be!

~~French Alps~~

I crossed this off, skiing just doesn't appeal to me any more.

Kenya on Safari

~~Paris~~ - June 2008

Lake District (England)

St Tropez & Cannes (France)

Barcelona

booked for January 2012

Portugal - September 2010

New York- ~~November 2011~~

~~Greece~~

crossed this off, it lost the appeal

A Caribbean island

not fussed which but would love to see Lou Lou in Barbados!

~~Dubai~~

I crossed this off. I know countries have their rules etc. But over the last 4 years the regulations I have read about just piss me off. Can't kiss in public? Have to cover up? Stupid to me! I know you visit places to embrace their culture but I would not feel at all comfortable!

County Wicklow (Ireland)

Ever since I saw PS I Love You Irish scenes I have to go here!!!

Las Vegas

booked March 2012

~~Turkey~~ - September 2009

Figi & New Zealand

When booking Australia I tried to make it possible to go here as well but I just don't have the money or leave off work to go...yet.

Niagara Falls

Ecuador (to see my sponsored child)

Disneyworld Florida & Florida Keys

Bali Indonesia

Newly added last month since seeing friends honeymoon pictures!

Yeah it's long...but having it written down makes it 'real' in a way. I will throughout the how many years I have left to live to try to see all these places. I always say 'I can't add new places, I have too many already' but I can't help it! I hate to say it but I'm glad my parents persuaded me to stick with the nursing. It makes travelling away so much more rewarding. It's good to dream of places you want to visit. My bloggy pal Carolyn said to me on Twitter last week 'there's a whiles world out there and not enough life to fit it in already'

So true! So I am going to make this a meme and tag all of you (so yes you the likes KT, Tamara, Holly, Laura Anna, Mere, Sheena, Amanda, Steph and everyone else!) If you guys could do a blog post and list the places you want to see then I'd love to see your 'to visit' lists. Whether they're in your memory or written down, have a go! :)

Barcelonaaaa!

2011-10-14T08:00:00.002+01:00

I thought my travel urge had ended....I lied.

I have booked another trip but I wasn't totally to blame. I blame Oli to be honest. Oli is coming back to the UK for a couple of weeks in November but due to me going to NYC slap bang in the middle of it I wont be seeing him for long. I still have 2 weeks leave to take from work so I thought I would take them over my birthday in February and thought I would see Oli in Spain for a week of it (before I turn 23).

But Oli suggested we could go away for a couple of days to a city I have always wanted to see.

BARCELONA!

It's the biggest tourist city in Spain and has a lot of history. I cannot wait! It will be freezing but so worth it. It's a city that has been on my "to visit list" for a while but not really high up so I haven't done my research about the place yet. So January 29th-31st 2012 I will be in beautiful Barcelona!

Anyone know or heard of some great places to go, see and do?

Baby!

2011-10-11T14:06:00.001+01:00

Oh my days my family and I are SO unbelievably excited to announce this. We're going to have a new addition to our family in April 2012!!!

My older sister Nicola and her fiancé Robbie are having a baby so that means I am going to be an aunty! Aunty Becca! Me an aunty!!! I have cried happy crocodile tears because I am so sooo thrilled.

She gave us each a copy of the scan and I still stare at in disbelief! I can see its arm, its tiny alien like legs, its little heart in the centre there. This is my little niece or nephew right there. I see so many scan pictures where I work and friends scans but this to me is "real" - it's happening in our family and this baby will grow from a baby, a toddler, a child, a teenager and an adult in our family. I can't wait to see this little baby grow up already!!!

Nicola and Robbie at his sister's wedding in April this year.

These guys are going to make awesome parents. I put on twitter a couple of weeks ago that I had my suspicions Nicola was pregnant. She kept asking me pregnancy related questions but circulating them around her work mate "Julie" and at the time I answered them. It wasn't until later on it got me thinking 'Hang on a minute!' but left it be because if she was pregnant (which she is yay!!!) I didn't want to ruin it for anyone.

This is such welcomed news for the family. Robbie's mum is battling breast cancer at the moment so it's good news like this which is spurring her on. You have know idea how much it meant to me to see my Mum's face! It's a snapshot I will keep in my memory box forever. She's going to be a 'Nanny' (as she wants to be called) and she will be an AMAZING one at that.

One thing I do know is this baby is loved so much already and they're only 13 weeks old. Boy or Girl - he/she is going to have 3 aunties and an uncle who will dote on them. Two sets of amazing grandparents and a great grandma who is currently calling up all her dog walking friends to let them know the happy news as I blog this.

They have decided names but aren't telling and they aren't going to find out the sex either which I really like the idea of. So baby girl or baby boy I cannot wait for your due date of 23rd April 2012 (St.Georges day, how patriotic you are already!).

Aunty Becca (to be!) x

Overslept.

2011-10-07T12:22:00.001+01:00

This may seem really silly but I was totally mortified this happened yesterday. I overslept. Wow I know what your thinking "I've done that loads!" or "it happens to the best of us" and yes I have overslept for meet up with my friends and days out and stuff.

But never for work.

In fact I tend to wake up before my alarm goes off because I don't want to be late. I was due on the early shift at 0700 yesterday and I woke up at 08.15. I had voicemails, missed calls and messages from my manager. "Where are you?" "We're really short staffed I cannot do a whole ward of medications on my own" "I hope your okay but please call us to let us know"

ARGHHHH!

I have a thing about being late, people who know me really well know that. It must be an OCD thing but I think it's rude if your late for something. If there is a genuine excuse to be late then I get that but I really hate it when people are late due to lack of time keeping.

I slept through my alarm. My alarm is so loud on my mobile and I somehow slept through it?!?! I have just come off night shifts and the only thing I can think of is that I was SO tired from lack of sleep I slept through it. I do struggle to flip from days to nights and vice versa. So I am giving myself a little credit.

It was typical that as soon as I jumped into my car at 0830 I was stuck in mammoth traffic so did not get to work til gone 9. 2 hours late!

Luckily my manager was so pleased to see me rather than have a go. But she did warn me for it not to happen again as 9 patient's did not have a nurse for 2 hours yesterday which is dangerous.

Motto to the story? Next time I come on nights and go onto days I am getting an extra alarm!

MJ Trial

2011-09-29T14:17:00.001+01:00

I have never been a fan of Michael Jackson or his music but that's not to say his death and life didn't shock me. Last night when I got in from an evening out I turned on the news and the trial Dr Conrad Murray was on air.

I decided to watch it and one hour in I was still hooked. There have been some things that have already nearly reduced me to tears. The fact that his children saw the whole thing, that there was clearly a delay in getting the emergency services and that horrendous photo on MJ lying dead on a hospital bed. For all intent and purposes keep it in the trial room and not for public viewing.

Any trial on this scale can only generate a lot of speculation and opinion. Outside the courtroom there were MJ fans holding placards saying "Murderer" and "Dr's don't kill". He is being trialled for manslaughter which in my MY opinion is what he should be trialled for. I don't think he murdered him because to murder someone means you have intent to end their life. I don't think Dr Murray intended to kill MJ at all.

He was just very foolish and I believe he deserves to lose his medical licence.

I think the thing that has shocked me most about the whole case was the drug Dr Murray used. As soon as I heard it I screamed "PROPOFOL! Who the heck uses that to help someone sleep?!" I have seen propofol used a lot.

In an anaesthetic room, in a hospital. It is only licensed (here in the UK anyway) for use in medical facilities only. Even if a small dose is used a patient should be intubated. It's an anaesthetic, it will stop you breathing and it is certainly not a sleeping pill. I find it hard to get my head around how a doctor does not know that?!

I am not a lawyer, have no law background and I most certainly don't know all the facts. But it sounds like MJ was very impressionable and Dr Murray was very unprofessional. I do believe your're innocent until proven guilty but I do think MJ's death was totally preventable. I believe his kids could still have their father today and I really hope justice happens.

I'm interested, what do you guys think of all this?

Weekend Away

2011-09-26T21:51:00.000+01:00

I have just returned from an awesome weekend away up north to see Sacha, Kevin and baby Kaleb. It is incredible how Kaleb has gone from teeny tiny at 12 days.

To this at 11 weeks.

He is an absolute joy! He loves to smile and sit in his bouncer. He is interested in everything and anything. He can be transfixed on one thing for so long. Motherhood suits Sacha so well and has taken to it like a duck to water. I still find it weird that one of my closest friends is a mummy! When we arrived on Saturday we had lots of cuddles and then took Sacha out for her first time away from Kaleb. We had a really nice meal and then went out for some drinks. We were out for about 6 hours but that's the longest she's been away from him. When we returned she said she missed him but felt so much better for going out!

In fact when we got back to our hotel room she text me saying "Had such a nice evening out with you guys. Thanks so much for coming to visit us. It was much needed!" It meant the world to me that we made her weekend.

Then on Sunday we could not resist going for more cuddles and watching the Irish rugby world cup match. Here Kaleb is in his St. Paddy's gear.

Doesn't he have the most beautiful blue eyes?

Sacha and Kevin are both South African but Sacha grew up in Ireland. So Kaleb has to support both countries haha. I miss them already!

Bloggy Update.

2011-09-19T17:59:00.000+01:00

I have been having a blog slump lately. I just haven't felt in the mood to blog at all and I don't have any interesting topics either. It's mainly because work has been insanely busy. All of a sudden everyone in Surrey seems to have appendicitis or a bowel obstruction! My ward has been non stop non stop...and I am just keeping afloat with home life and social life as well. So I thought I would just do a bloggy update of what's been happening in my little life lately.

This weekend just gone I went and saw British comedian Lee Evans. He. Cracks. Me. Up. I have not belly laughed and cried with tears that much for so long! His humour has me in stitches. (beware he does swear a lot but still hilarious!)

Also 2 weeks ago I went and saw The Wizard of Oz up in the London west end. Amazingly well produced show! It still amazes me how talented people are to bring stories from a book to life. Incredible!

Last Friday I had the worst nursing shift I've had in my short career. It's the first time I have genuinely wanted to quit and not come back. I was crying in front of patients, in the car on the way home and back at home to my Mum! It was all because of a doctors stupid mistake but I copped the blame for it from the relatives of the patient. I have never felt so insulted and vindicated by someone I was honestly trying to help. They're are some people that genuinely enjoy making peoples lives miserable aren't there?! Since then work is better and I feel better equipped for next time (just fingers crossed the doc THINKS in future!)

I am so EXCITED for this weekend. It's my first weekend off in a while and I am going up north to see Sacha. You might remember Sach being the person who I threw the surprise hen/baby shower for in April. Well she moved in June a month before Kaleb was born. I can't wait to see her and have lots of baby time with this cutie!

I have started boxing at the gym. Oh my it's the best stress reliever ever! Over the summer the gym got ignored a lot. I just wanted to spend time in the sunshine and outside with friends rather than sweat away in a gym. However, due to work being more stressful lately the gym has been my best pal! I feel so much better mentally and it sure is cool to learn about jabs, hooks and upper cuts!

I'm feeling really down for my little brother at the moment. He and his girlfriend of 18 months broke up (for an 18 yr old lad that's a long time). Plus, he has been unemployed for 6 months now and he is applying everywhere. Just no such luck yet. He has a job interview this Thursday. Please please hope with me that he is successful!

Finally my good friend Laura Anne is hosting a community blog party about the importance of community. Hop on over and get inspired!

And that's life in a nutshell at the moment. September is whizzing around so fast! The guy on the radio today said it's less than a 100 days to go until Christmas. It's mad how time flies!!!

Our Heroes.

2011-09-12T11:56:00.000+01:00

I think yesterday for 9/11 was a trying day for many people. I know I am one of millions of people who cannot believe it was 10 years ago. It's extraordinary how time flies and it's so sad to think that that's years of memories that were never made for the thousands of people who died that day.

I know the terrorist attacks largely affected America but from those thousands of people who died, Great Britain lost 67 Britons. That's 67 people too many and yesterday I had the privilege from my sofa to watch a memorial service dedicated to them.

I cried, it was so beautiful.

In Grosvenor Square in London the families of those affected opened up a garden. A garden of remembrance to the 67 people the UK have lost forever. Who were so cruelly and pointlessly taken away from us.

It's incredibly beautiful that people have their own special corner to remember them. Simply because most of the names on that plaque below don't have a grave. This is the only place where their family and friends will seek solace and peace from now on.

If there is one thing I have learnt over these last 10 years since the atrocities happened. Is that revenge will never have it's desired outcome. It will never create the peace of mind the terrorists wanted. They wanted to divide us, they wanted to kill people to prove something when all they did was out of the ashes bring people closer together. We cannot change the past but we can heal the future.

The victims were the heroes we miss terribly, and the thousands of people who tried to save them were the un-sung heroes whom we will thank forever. We will never forget them.

Rome: Part 2.

2011-09-08T22:43:00.021+01:00

This is the second instalment to my trip to Rome. If you haven't read about my first day there then click here.

On Sunday we headed straight to The Vatican City and St. Peters Basilica. We had to prepare ahead because The Vatican has strict rules. You cannot have bare legs or have shoulders showing inside the Basilica. It is seen as disrespectful. When your're outside it is okay. I wore a dress and my leggings, oh my I was BOILING in my leggings. It was 33 degrees outside and I was sweltering.

I don't mean this harshly but I wasn't overly impressed by the Vatican. I was expecting this massive wow factor but to be honest I didn't feel like I was in the smallest city in the world. I just sort of felt like I was in the middle of a grey square with lots of pillars.

People should not be discouraged because I say this. I don't regret going at all I just thought I would be more impressed. Since we went on a Sunday 'Holy Day' it was really busy which we expected. As we were queuing to go into the Basilica we noticed there were MASSIVE crowds forming with flags and crosses. I turned round to Lotte and joked 'Maybe the Pope is coming?' but no lie as we were about to enter the Basilica there was an uproar of cheers and screaming!!! Then the TV screens switched on and there you had it.

The Pope Benedict. He was talking from a window above us that was shielded by pillars so we couldn't actually see him but we could have done if we were on the other side of The Vatican. Even though I am not religious and to be perfectly honest barely agree with any of the Roman Catholics views. I was touched. There were people on the ground as people heard the pope give a sermon to the crowd. We didn't realise that he did a 5 minute sermon (in Latin so I didn't have a clue what he was on about!) every first Sunday of the month. There were people crying as this was obviously a huge deal to them and I was there. Now I find that pretty special and very unexpected.

Before entering St. Peters Basilica. The view of The Vatican behind me. I found this view pretty darn spectacular!

Inside the basilica. We had to be quiet as Mass was taking place at the back with the Pope's bishops. It was really cool to see some of the tombs like the late pope John Paul II who recently had his beatification in May. (Sorry it's so blurry!)

You do not need a passport to visit the Vatican but you do have to go through a sort of customs so if you ever do go take note of that. Since the Vatican is it's own city it has it owns rules, laws and legislation set out by the Pope himself. It has it's own army, police, postal service and post office which we saw. I do like the fact that I have set foot in the smallest country on Earth too!

After lunch we headed to the Pantheon in central Rome. This is one of the 354 churches Rome has (so you could technically visit one church a day for a year!).

The Pantheon was built in 126 AD and was initially built as a dedication to the Roman Gods. It is now famous for housing the tombs of the original Roman royal family before Italy turned a republic in 1946. It also houses the body of the famous Italian painter Raphael.

Afterwards we went on a Roman bus tour which is largely where I learnt all the historic facts haha! I am not one of these tourists that reads books as I go a long but I found it VERY interesting.

On the bus.

There was one thing I had to before we left Rome for the last time. I had to see the Trevi Fountain at night and it was the most perfect way to end our time in the city.

It was so beautiful...

that I couldn't not have one last ice cream outside by it :)

On our last day when we were picked up to go to the airport. I was sat next to these two animated American ladies from Ohio. Boy they made me laugh when I was sad to be leaving!!! One of them asked me "How does Rome make you feel?" and I initially said "um I don't know how to answer that question" - I mean who asks that?!

So I asked her instead and she what she said summed up exactly how I felt. American lady: "It's so charming. I feel so charmed and enchanted by it all don't you?"

She was so right and at the moment on the bus we were sat at the top of a high street. You could see The Vatican to your right, the Colosseum in front of us and all these beautiful churches and architecture surrounding it. It honestly felt like it had been photo-shopped! But it was real and so authentic.

If you go to Rome I promise you will be so enchanted by it all. It is a charming city and it has so far been my favourite city I have seen in my life.

Rome: Part 1.

2011-09-06T11:27:00.004+01:00

I came home last night and when I woke up I looked out of my window and honestly thought I would see the tip of the Colosseum outside. Instead it was cloudy, grey and wet. I'm back in England after a magical trip to Rome, Italy. I have never been to Italy before so it was a new country to see as well as a new city. I have to do two posts about my trip to Rome because I saw so much in my 2 full days there it would be a hellish post to read. So I'll start with my first day - warning picture overload to come (and a lot of history talk!)!

We got up really early (5am) Friday morning to catch two flights. One to Milan (fashion capital of Italy) and then a connecting flight to Rome. One of the first things I noticed when we landed was the heat shining down on me. I knew right then I was going to love this city so much more. Also we saw this sign e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e!

I can't really blame them. Have you smelt Emporio Armani Diamonds perfume? - heavenly! We eventually got to Rome about 7pm and we were shattered .Bed time it was!

On Saturday we hopped straight on the metro and went to the Colosseo (Colosseum). This was our first proper view of Rome on foot and with this view to start with - pretty magnificent.

The Colosseo was the first Amphitheatre built in Rome in 70 AD. It was renovated in the early 21st century due to Earthquakes so it remains partially damaged. Inside is the basic structure built on 4 levels but you can only travel up 2 levels.

It was mainly used as an entertainment theatre where Gladiators (prisoners of war) were put in the arena to fight dangerous animals and other prisoners. If you killed the animal or your opponent you were classed as a hero and were popular with women. If the gladiator won 10 fights they were freed and no longer a prisoner. It really is a remarkable monument to the city!

Next stop after lunch was the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain). This is what I was most excited about seeing. I have always seen pictures of it in brochures and films and thought I want to toss a coin in there! And I did!

It was packed, you had to wait to get your seat by the fountain to toss your coin in. The Trevi Fountain is famous because it was the first main supply of water to the city of Rome from 19BC. The Tiber river was used as a sewage depot. Since then it is just a beautiful and iconic feature to the Roman city. I love how it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

This is me after I threw my coin in. The legend has it that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder you are granted an eternal pass to the city. This is where the city gets it's nickname The Eternal City. I could have sat there in the sunshine all day. Even though it was SO busy there was something very calming about it there.

Lotte and I's last stop of the day was Piazza di Spagna (The Spanish Steps). It is made up of 138 steps which links two divisions of the city. It was built in 1723 by two Spanish men hence the name.

At the bottom of the steps is when you notice your in the expensive part of the city. It is surrounded by Prada, Gucci, Armani and Louis Vuitton etc. However I noticed an even more important place here.

Rome is famous for it's ice cream (geleterias) and it did not disappoint. There were over 50 flavours to choose from and it just ended the day so nicely.

In the evening we went out to dinner to a Pizzeria. I felt really in the mood for Pasta so had traditonal Spag bol!!! It was yummy and very filling.

Plus when you have a view this good when eating out who can complain right? The Colosseo lit up at night was amazing. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Rome!

Part 2 of Rome will be up in a few days. Anyone who wants to visit Italy or go to Rome should not hesitate for a second. It's worth every penny.

Roma, sto arrivando!

2011-09-02T10:28:00.004+01:00

I'm off to Rome, Italy today. I cannot wait to spend four days being a tourist, enjoying the sunshine and eating copious amount of pasta and ice cream.

I will share my adventures when I am back next week. Have a good weekend :)

In the meantime I am taking part in Laura Anne's blog community party. Check out my post over here!

Ciao!

Good night out.

2011-08-30T16:50:00.000+01:00

I remember when I turned 18 and I was probably having nights out nearly every other week. It was either a Saturday night or a Thursday night (dubbed student night). Then when nursing school got more hectic the nights out faded. I wasn't a rowdy teenager but I did enjoy going out for drinks, dressing up and having a dance. I think I can probably count on one hand how many nights out like that I've had in the last two years.

And I miss it. A lot.

This past Saturday I went out with my work friends. I have not yet mentioned them much on this blog but oh my these girls rock. I work with a fantastic team of nurses and it was SO FUN to go out and not be nurses for a change.

Marian, Olivia, Ali and I.

Olivia's friend Natalie came as well and she was a hoot. This is us starting our night of shots!

This is my favourite picture from the nights. I am going to miss Marian (centre) so much as in December she moves to Australia. She's my lucky Irish charm!

Group shot.

We went to a town called Richmond which has a bar called Vodka Revolutions. The music was awesome, the summer breeze pitchers were addictive and yes I did nurse a sore head in the morning. I got to wear heels! I never wear heels unless I go on a night out and they k-i-l-l-e-d when I got in. Whole point of them really? It was just sooooo nice to let my hair down.

All worth it though. Thanks girls!

Colours in your hair.

2011-08-25T22:03:00.000+01:00

For as long as I can remember I have always been blonde. It isn't my natural colour but it has always been 'the' colour. I was a natural blonde when I was little.

Proof. The easy days.

...and then puberty hit. It turned my hair this dirty brown colour - was not a fan. I once coloured my hair a dark brunette but it just didn't suit me. I found I had to wear more make up to stop me looking so pale!

It's true what they say though, Once you colour your hair you never stop and that's the same with me. I have probably spent thousands of pounds on hair colour and treatments. But to me that's okay, I think hair is one of your best accessories. It deserves to be loved and coloured :)

At the moment I am at my blondest. See picture below.

I do like this shade! But it does make my dark eyebrows stand out a lot and I get a hair line within 4 weeks so I get the icky roots.

But I have been darker blondes as well.

This was last year when I had brunette highlights weaved in but still kept the light blonde going through.

This is the closest to brown I have allowed myself. I did like it but don't know if I should try it again?!

I am having my hair coloured again this week. I always get the professionals to do it. I don't trust myself with those do-it-yourself bottles. What do you think guys? Stick with the bright blonde or go a little more darker?

I value your opinion.

7 Links

2011-08-22T16:57:00.013+01:00

I have not done one of the tag posts in a while. I have taken this idea from Mere's blog. It's a nifty way of looking back at your blog archives so thanks Mere you star! It's basically 7 links to answer 7 questions which you have blogged about, cool huh? Then you tag 7 people to go through their blogging history too.

1) Your most beautiful moment - I'm a Nurse!

I never thought I would ever get to write this post, that's how tough nursing school was. It signified one of the BEST days of my life. I did it! I qualified and now I am doing what I have always wanted to do. It was one of the most beautiful and happiest days ever and this blog post reflects it in every sense of the word and more!

2) My most popular blog post - First blog give-away!

I never expected such a good response to my first give-away- thanks guys. I have always wanted to do more just never found the right time or idea. I will someday soon!

3) My most controversial blog post - Abortion

It wasn't that this post got a lot of comments it was the fact it got people talking. I had never done such a debatable topic on my blog before. I had people emailing me their views and what I should put! Crazy huh? My views on abortion still change frequently but this did cause some controversy.

4) My most helpful post- I shall go to the ball.

Oh my how did you guys keep up with me? I was trying to find a dress for my graduation ball last summer and I could not find a dress!!! I was going crazy. I was posting pictures of what I liked and you certainly helped me choose in terms of length and colours. Thank you.

5) A post whose success surprised me- Haste Ye Back Scotland!

I have done many holiday re-caps on my blog before but loads of people were so interested in my trip to Scotland this past June. It really did surprise me! Since doing this blog post I have done two interviews with Scottish newspapers about my trip there. Plus, a radio interview about my thoughts on an upcoming film being set in Edinburgh. All because of this blog post...love it!

6) A post that didn't get the attention I thought it deserved - Blog Secret 2011

When I saw this on Mere's blog I totally agreed. It isn't because all blog posts "deserve" attention just that some of the anonymous secrets shared were (as I am sure as they were to write) hard. It must have been difficult to write about some of the memories and I just thought it was a shame they didn't get the support they should have received.

7) The post I am most proud of - Blog Series

I had wanted to do a series on my blog for ages but never thought what. Then I came up with the idea, Steph designed the logo and I had the best bloggers guest post for me. I was really proud with how it turned out and a massive THANK YOU to Steph, Alex, Laura Anne, Tamara, April, Mere, Amanda, Holly and Patrice for guest blogging. You rocked!

So I tag Tamara at Crazy Thoughts, Steph at Plan B, Laura Anne at Learning From Sophie, Ashley at Lovely Little Adventure, Kt-Jane at So, Funny Story..., Callie from Through Clouded Glass and Holly over at The Adventures of Holly.

Jeans are not my friend.

2011-08-17T16:35:00.001+01:00

...and they never will be. Is there a piece or type of clothing you have a love/hate relationship with?

Mine are jeans through and through. I hate shopping for them. I am not a fan of wearing them and I have never found a pair that look or feel right. I went shopping with my friend today who is a massive jeans lover. She said her shopping hatred is swimwear which I can relate to. But you don't wear swim wear everyday but most people do with jeans.

I own one pair of jeans which I have had for 2 years. I had to pay quite a lot for them and their bootleg cut so I wear them with my boots. But once I am home they are off and I am straight into my pyjamas or jogging bottoms. I find the actual denim material quite uncomfortable. It's just annoying because jeans tend to go with EVERYTHING. Plus you can dress up and down with them and fun to accessorise with.

I decided today would be the day I would find a new pair. I tried boot-cut, straight cut, skinny jeans, flares, bell cut etc. You name it! But I just got frustrated. They all fitted fine but just did not "feel" right. So I am through trying to befriend them.

Now leggings and jeggings on the other hand rock! They are more my cup of tea.

Anyone else feel the same? or have a piece of clothing you want to love but your body loathes?

C is for Civil Union.

2011-08-12T11:19:00.000+01:00

When I was little I LOVED Sesame Street. I used to want to leave nursery asap so I could go home and sing a long with Elmo and Big Bird. So in the paper today I was shocked to see this and also on Facebook have an invite to its petition.

There's a petition going round to encourage the Sesame Street producers to marry Bert and Ernie. Even though since this has come out the makers have denied this I just find it bizarre! Parents have said that it will make children and toddlers more tolerant of gay people. It will allow them to be more "socially accepting" of people with non heterosexual lives.

In just my opinion this is totally the wrong audience to steer this towards. I am in agreement that gay people should marry if they choose to but to televise it to 3-6 years olds? No. Plus, I actually feel sorry for people who are of different sexual orientation. My friend Dan is gay and been with his partner for 3 years and they are both laughing at this. They want the public to see them as people, they have accepted themselves for what they are they don't need a kids programme or a petition to make them feel more moulded into society.

To be honest I don't even think kids would understand what is happening. They see Bert and Ernie as a couple of friends, not a couple of lovers. Yes they live together but they sleep in single beds. Nearly 15,000 people have signed this petition.

Anyone else's thoughts?

Inspiring

2011-08-08T21:15:00.001+01:00

One of my amazing blog pals Starlight has been hosting a monthly 'Inspiration' series on her blog this past year. I have loved them and now it's my turn.

Hop on over to her blog and see what inspires me the most. Enjoy!

Sorry I have been distant from my blog, reading your posts and blog commenting. I have been quite unwell this week and dealing with a lot of stress issues at work. Hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.

Travel Bug: Australia

2011-08-04T19:22:00.004+01:00

This is the last of my trips I have planned and I don't think I will book any more for quite a while. All my savings have gone! But I have saved the best til last and you will see why.

I think it's fair to say that we all have a country we want to visit. One that stands out beyond the rest of them. This country I have had a permanent fixation with for years. I think largely because it is seen as a place of adventure and a place where all my friends seemed to have their gap years (or a part of) at. It is total world away from the United Kingdom and one that doesn't seemed to be splashed across the news a lot. Some people I know say it's "always the cliché country people want to visit" and their's a very good reason. It sounds stunning, like to good to be true and I have NEVER heard a bad word said about trips there.

Australia it will literally be a dream come true when I step onto your soil in November 2012 for 2 1/2 weeks! There are so many things I have wanted to see and do in Australia. But with it being the other side of the world and all I could never afford the funds for a plane ticket! Let alone a holiday to see EVERYTHING! Then last year my sister (whose employer have an affiliation with Virgin Airways) mentioned that Virgin had just set up cruises around Australia. How perfect?!

I have never been on a cruise before but always wanted to. So it ticked that box and it was Australia! I could see the majority of things I have only dreamt of seeing but with a ship. So last October when I started working I made Australia my goal to save for. I worked extra hours, had to say no to fun events etc because I had to save money for Australia. It was always on my mind.

If I didn't do it now. I never would as life always gets in the way at the best of times. So my friend Lotte and I planned to go next April but the dates fell through with work. We are both nurses and trying to get 3 weeks off at the same time was hard!!! However, the tour we specifically want to do only runs in November and March. So we have to wait until next November which at first bugged us a little but we soon got over it when we saw our itinerary in the brochure.

Next November (the 12th November 2012 to be exact :) we fly out to Sydney and will spend 4 days there. Apart from getting over jet-lag we already have so much we want to do there.

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge. What an awesome way to see the whole city?! Plus it will be the beginning of Aussie summer time so fingers crossed for a sunny day. We also plan to see a show at the Opera house and generally enjoy the city when we are there. I have already got a list of 'go to' places from shops to botanical gardens.

On one of the 4 days we are in Sydney we are taking a 2 hour bus journey to Palm beach. If your're a Home and Away fan you will know what this means. It is my favourite soap and the only thing I watch religiously on TV. Home and Away film on this beach and it's the views from this show that make me want to visit Australia so much more! I don't plan to character stalk the actors (unless it's Romeo or Miles!) haha but I do plan on seeing all the different locations and swimming in the sea. When I get back and watch it I want to say "I'VE BEEN THERE!!!"

We are also thinking of going to Australia zoo which is what Steve Irwin used to run before his untimely death. We have a lot to pack into 4 days. Then on the 4th day we board our cruise ship and set sail out of Sydney Harbour. I can't imagine what that scene will look like - spectacular I hope!

After a day of cruising on board the ship our first destination will be Cairns. It's famous for one of the 7 wonders of the world.

The Great Barrier Reef. And I plan to go scuba diving in it (another thing I have never done!). We are spending two days here.

After leaving the reef we have another day to relax of cruising before we go to Willis Island. This forms part of the Whitsundays and they are very famous in Australia. They are a set of man made islands which you can live on. They were founded on a Sunday - hence their name. We are spending a day here having BBQ's, snorkelling and more swimming in the sea.

The next day we are visiting Australia's longest beach on the Gold Coast - Airlie Beach. It has white sands (ironic it's on the gold coast), quite deserted and natural waterfalls. Just like Bondi beach (Aussie's most famous surfing beach) it gets pretty good waves so we are thinking of taking a surfing lesson.

And then lastly it's onto Brisbane- The Angel City! We are staying 2 days here and I am sure it will certainly be different from all the reef's and beaches we will be seeing! In Brisbane they have a massive Koala sanctuary where you can hold them. It's also very multi-cultural and is a very 'happening' city. I can't wait to get stuck in being touristy.

Then we return to Sydney for one last goodbye before heading back home. I know once I have done the east coast of Australia I will want to do the west coast like Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania and Ayers Rock. I already know I want to return back and I haven't even been yet!

So I think that will settle my travel bug itch for a while. Like I said in my Rome post. I have reached a point in my life where I don't want to just wake up and go to work everyday (as much as I love it). I want see things, do things and enjoy this planet we live on! The only other place I'd really like to visit is Safari in Africa but I think I will save for that once all these trips have been savoured.

When the travel advisor said it was booked I went home and cried happy crocodile tears! This holiday means so much to me and all the saving has been totally worth it. It's well over a year to go until I fly out but I feel so content knowing its booked and that I AM FINALLY GOING TO AUSTRALIA!!!!

Travel Bug: West Coast USA.

2011-08-01T22:17:00.008+01:00

All the trips I have ever been on my life have been planned. They have been places I have always wanted to go. So this trip was completely out of the blue, totally spontaneous, unplanned and has always been a place I have thought of but not really been anywhere near the top of my "to visit" list.

I am going on an 11 day tour of West Coast USA next March 2012! My friend and I had planned another big trip for March next year but the dates fell through. Since we had booked the leave off work and had longer to save for our next (big AND exciting) trip we decided we would go somewhere else. This was totally new to me!!! We now had a choice to visit anywhere we wanted (financially limited though) we had no clue and it was tough. It took a good couple of days to decide. I initially wanted to go to the Caribbean - particularly Barbados as my friend Lou Lou lives there with her hubby. My pal Lotte (who I am holidaying with) liked the idea of Mexico which I found really appealing too! In fact, Hawaii, Barbados, Mexico and Disneyworld Florida were all places we looked at first. Then Lotte mentioned she really wants to visit Los Angeles and my face dropped.

Lotte: LA sounds awesome doesn't it?

Me: mmm not really a holiday place is it? Sounds like the place you go to get plastic surgery. (I don't mean to be rude but I dont see LA as a go to place at all. It's just celebrity land!)

Lotte: Yeah but it's LOS ANGELES in CALIFORNIA!

Me: Now California DOES sound amazing!

Then we started reeling off places like San Francisco, the beaches, San Diego etc and it was then we realised California was going to be our destination. Just we could not afford travel and places to stay all over California! Then we saw an advert for American tours and we found the perfect one we want. It just sounds awesome!!!!!!!!

Day 1: We fly to LA and spend a night in down town LA. We land quite late at night.

Day 2: We have the option to visit San Diego or spend a day at the beach - Pismo beach. It depends on the weather. I am not sure if it's beach weather for March in LA. Anyone know?

Day 3: We spend another day in Hollywood where we get to see the Hollywood walk of fame and take in all the sites. I definitely want a picture of the Hollywood sign behind me.

Pismo Beach.

Day 4: We go to San Francisco!!! I am really looking forward to seeing this city and travelling over the Golden Gate Bridge. It's iconic.

Day 5: We spend a day in San Francisco. We really want to take the cable car down to Fisherman's beach and I'd quite like to visit the island of Alcatraz. The old state prison. There is an optional excursion tour for this day but we'd quite like to explore for ourselves.

Day 6: We leave San Francisco early morning and travel to Yosemite National Park. Just looking at the views of this place has me in a ball of excitement. It just looks tranquil! The valley, the waterfalls and the lakes - wow!

This really is my version of paradise and we get to camp the night here. At the moment this is what I am really looking forward to. It will be totally different from the buzz of the city to spending time here.

Day 7: This is an all travelling day and not particularly thrilled about it either. I just hope all the Yosemite air will tire me out! We do get to take a boat ride on the Colorado river for lunch though.

Day 8: Grand Canyon - Nevada.

We are spending the day here and it will be my first time visiting any of the 7 natural wonders of the world. We have booked a helicopter ride to fly over the canyon and we'd quite like to do the sky walk as well. Then in the evening we travel to kids toy town.

Day 9: VEGAS!

We get a free day here to explore for ourselves. I may dabble in a little gambling, go on the roller-coaster at the New Yorker hotel and see the fountain display at the Bellagio!

Day 10/11: We spend another half day in Vegas before we journey back to LA to get our plane and land back in the UK. I probably imagine we will be shattered!

At first I had my doubts before booking it. I hate the idea of a tour guide touring us around and having to take coaches to places. However, we read the reviews and they were all so fantastic. We have decided we don't want to do many of the excursions and see some of the sites for ourselves. The hotels are gorgeous and we are seeing loads of things in 10 days. It's going to be packed full to brim of fun and I now think we're really lucky to get the deal we have gotten.

Bring it on!

Travel Bug: New York

2011-07-28T19:40:00.020+01:00

You could say to any member of my family and ask "where is the one city Rebecca would transport herself to right now?!" and the answer would be New York City hands down. The Big Apple. The City of Dreams or The Financial Hub. Whatever anyone calls this city I would love to be there right now. In fact on November 10th -14th this year I will be doing just that. (I just squealed as I wrote that for the 1000th time).

I have never worked out my fascination with New York. Whether it stems from watching constant re-runs of Friends and Sex and the City I don't know. Or seeing pictures of the distinctive skyline flash across my TV screen for years. It could be something to do with it's reputation of finding love, the place to chase your dreams or it could be that I just want to eat Chinese food out of a white box (we don't have them in the UK).

What I do know is I want to see a show on Broadway. We are planning to see either Wicked or The Addams Family. I vote Wicked hehe. I want to stand in the centre of Times Square and see the entertainment right in front of me. I want to take a boat trip to Staten Island and sail past The Statue of Liberty! I want to be able to hail down a yellow cab and see if it really is as easy as it appears in the all the movies. I want to drink a Manhattan cocktail IN Manhattan. I really want to see ground zero and pay my respects to a place where on 9/11 the world changed forever. In fact we are staying in a hotel that is right next the to where the twin towers stood overlooking the Hudson river.

I would love to go to the top of the Empire State Building and see Central Park neatly knitted in the centre of the city. I need to walk through that park. I want to picnic in it but I think in November it might be a little chilly so I have settled with my sister on eating a hot dog in the park! I need to sleep in a city that is known to never shut its lights off. Plus the shopping? Don't ever get me started!!!

To New Yorkers I may just be 'another tourist' but it has been one of my dreams to visit this city since I was little. It was the first thing I wrote on my bucket list 6 years ago and it has been on there for too long. I will cross it off. I know I shouldn't wish my days away but November really cannot come quick enough!

Travel Bug: Rome

2011-07-26T17:06:00.000+01:00

I am going through a massive travelling bug at the moment. I have been saving my monies hard since last summer and now I can book trips/holidays. I have 4 trips booked at the moment. I am also now very broke but I feel I am in a time of my life where I want to see the world. I have done my education, I have a job I love and I am not in the position financially to move out. So why not go and do/see things that I have only ever dreamt about?! I went to Edinburgh in June which was on my to visit list and it has since gone on from there.

Over the next week or so I am going to blog about the trips I have planned starting today with Rome, Italy.

Italy has never been a country I have wanted to visit. Sure Verona and seeing Juliet's balcony is appealing, the Lakes of Garda and Como sound beautiful and sailing on a Gondola in Venice is romantic. However, Rome has been a city I have been fascinated about. It is the one city we learnt most about in history when I was at school. So I have always felt the 'need' to experience it for myself. The trouble with Italy is that it is one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe. The hotels and attractions are pricey to get into so to do it 'cheaply' is hard.

Well after saving on September 2nd - 5th this year I will be going to Rome. Finally. Every once in a while I get long weekends off from work so I don't even have to book time off work to go. Awesomeness!

I cannot wait to visit these places.

Take a tour of the Colosseum where some of the most significant battles took places in Julius Caesar's reign.

Trevi Fountain - I know this will be very touristy but I do plan to throw a coin over my left shoulder to hopefully ensure a return to Rome in the future!

The Vatican and St Paul's Basilica - it's a small country within a country and it stands to be one of the most religious/spiritual places in the world. Apparently it takes a day in itself to visit everywhere in here.

Have ice-cream on the Spanish steps. This is said to be one of the most popular places for marriage proposals to take place due to it's beauty.

I cannot wait to eat authentic Italian food, gelato and walk among the buildings. It sounds and looks so architectural. To me it oozes history and as a result of learning so much about it quickly became one of my favourite subjects at school! If you have been to Rome is there anywhere else your recommend?

Baby Announcements.

2011-07-23T11:19:00.002+01:00

In the last month two of my friends have given birth. I remember when we were 18 talking about when we had kids, how many we wanted, names etc. It is so hard to believe that it was only 4 years ago. Time really does fly. In January I blogged about two of my friends announcing they were pregnant, well now I can announce they are Mummies!

On June 30th at 11.30pm my uni friend Kaylee gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl - Alba Marie. She was convinced she was going to have a boy so they had the name Alfie lined up.

I have yet to meet this little beauty but I cannot wait. Alba is named after Kaylee's favourite book The Time Traveller's Wife. The couple in the book have a daughter named Alba and Kaylee said she just fell in love with it. They chose the name Marie after both their grandmothers. Kaylee also recently got engaged to Jimmy! He proposed during their maternity shoot in May so it's a double whammy of a celebration. Congratulations you two!

You might remember Sacha who I hosted the surprise hen party/baby shower for in April. Well she gave birth on her due date to Kaleb Luke on July 10th at 10.55am after a 12 hour labour. Oh my days! I am in love with him - I met him yesterday and I could not stop cuddling him.

They liked the name Kaleb for a while and they chose the name Luke as it is their favourite name from the Bible. He is such a good baby. She recently moved up north and I was gutted but we are staying in regular contact. I am going up to stay with them in September. Motherhood really suits Sacha, she is glowing!

For the time being there are no more expected babies in my family or group of friends. I am just so happy for these guys!

Graduation

2011-07-20T00:18:00.001+01:00

On the 13 July I had my graduation and I loved every second of it. I have been waiting all year since I qualified last August and it finally happened.

This was just before the ceremony. I took my Mum, Dad and my Gran along for the occasion. You have no idea how much it meant to have my Dad there. He worked so much when I was younger that he hardly came for sports days, ballet classes etc. So for him to come to my graduation meant the world to me.

Dad, Mum, Me and Gran

This was me collecting my degree. My Mum didn't use zoom so you can barely see me but I am there

The obligatory hat toss with my friends. We had to do this so many times to get it perfect!

My Mum and I. I think she was more excited than me.

Afterwards we were invited for afternoon lunch. I, however, was pretty much glued to the chocolate fountains all afternoon. I felt so sick afterwards!

Rebecca Louise Lobb BSc Honours Degree Nursing Studies.

It's official now and it's the best feeling ever.