New week, new attitude!

Where is the time going?

Cannot believe January is almost at an end and will soon be February.

Well we had snow, it is now on its way only for more to be on its way overnight!

I have got photos but cannot seem to add photos at the moment, dont know why.

This week has also been spent carpet shopping as Mum wants to change the hall, landing, stairs and lounge so at the moment we have samples everywhere, think we have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 but will have to see if we change our minds later when we see it under lights!

Have also lost 2 more pounds on my healthier eating plan and have been doing 20 minute workouts at home as I have not been able to get out due to the snow.

Made a card yesterday, hope to post a picture later or you can see it on my facebook page.

That week went quick!

In some ways it has been a long week (first week of a healthier eating plan) and other ways has been a short week.

Have made a couple of cards for upcoming birthdays and trying to get out for a walk at least every other day if not more.  This week managed walks on 5 days out of 7 so far so good.

Busy Couple of Days

Thursday was the first sign on at the Job Centre for the year, lot of people waiting outside to sign on before 9am.  Luckily I got seen second and then met up with Mum and did a bit of shopping, we both bought new trousers, well they were in the sale so both got a bargain.  Got a few craft magazines to inspire me for the year ahead.

Friday was a busy day, spent helping Mum doing the weekly food shop, sitting waiting for her to have her feet done and then a lovely lunch out.  Also included a bit of a walk so a good day.

Today, Saturday was spent taking the decorations down, lunch with my brother, trying to finish off the puzzle and having a sort out of some craft stuff ready to do some crafting tomorrow hopefully.

Meeting up with a friend tomorrow to discuss a suitable eating plan to start my weight loss journey.

First card made of 2013

First card made of the New Year - birthday card for a friend's husband, will post a picture up after his birthday on Sunday, just in case he sees this!

Two posts in one day - wow I am getting good!

HELLO TO 2013

Here is wishing that 2013 is a good and healthy year for everyone as 2012 was not the best!

Not usually one to make New Years Resolutions so these are more plans of action!

Life in General

In no particular order:-

1.      Get a job.

2.      Go out more.

3.      Lose some weight and get healthier

4.      Give blood more regularly and stop making excuses!

5.      See more of my friends, feel I have been neglecting some lately.

6.      Keep this blog up to date!

Craftwise

1.      Use up some old stuff before buying new stuff.

2.      Try new techniques and styles - don't get stuck in a rut.

3.       Set a few challenges on this blog

4.       Enter challenges from other blogs

Let us see how I get on with keeping or achieving some of them!

FAREWELL TO 2012

GOODBYE TO 2012

2012 was a mixed year, some of it good and some of it bad.

It was a difficult year as I lost my lovely Daddy in August 2011 so 2012 was a difficult year as we still had a few of the firsts to get through, his first birthday without him being here, first Easter, first Wedding Anniversary, Mum's first birthday without him and the anniversary of his death.  We got through it together.  Having said that Christmas 2012 although not our first without him was more difficult for some reason.

Another year unemployed for me.  I seem to be stuck in that rut now that people wont give me a job because I have not worked for a while and don't have "current" work experience but if no one will give me a job I wont get any!   Joined the Work Programme, a programme that is supposed to help you find a job - obviously not a great programme as I am still unemployed!

2012 was a sad year as we lost a couple of friends.  Bob was an ex neighbour throughout my childhood but as I was brought up in the 1970's he was called Uncle Bob and was a quiet gentleman but who apparently (although I have no recollection as it makes me sound like a stalker) was greeted home every night by a little girl over the road (me) shouting through the letterbox "Hello Uncle Bob!".  He would wave and go in and make my day! At least he is in heaven with Dad now and they can have a gin and tonic and put the world to right.  We also lost a friend of Dad's Russell who although I did not meet him very often was always lovely when I did.

2012 was also a year when I had friends coping with cancer.   My BFF Laurie was diagnosed with breast cancer and is on her journey of treatment and has had a bad time of it but has got through surgery and her first lot of chemo and will start 2013 starting another type of chemo and hopefully having a better time of it for this round of treatment.   Paul, a lovely man has also had his cancer battle, a battle he appears to be winning so far as he has just had a 3 monthly all clear.  I wish him continued good health.

But 2012 did have its high points - there was the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics and the Paralympics.

I was lucky enough to win tickets to the Paralympics and saw some great athletics in the Olympic Stadium, in great seats and with great company.

Here is hoping that 2013 is a great year all round!

My First Christmas Card!

Have made my first Christmas Card this morning - well started it a couple of days ago but got distracted with all the Olympics!

It is a House Mouse Decoupage Design which I have had for a couple of years but never had a card blank big enough to put it on.

Got the card as part of a special deal at a craft show in February at Maldon/Colchester, bargain cards but great quality 8 x 8.

Now have got to get on with some birthday cards I have got to make but wanted to say I had made a start on my Xmas cards!

MOTHER'S DAY CARD

Mum always jokes that I leave family cards right up to the last minute - ie the day before - and sometimes she is right - so she will be really pleased that I made her Mother's Day card about 10 days early!

Image is a housemouse one, from decoupage range from Joanna Sheen, the patchwork paper was from Poofie range from Docrafts. Decided on this image as Mum is thinking of starting to do patchwork or applique and thought it might inspire her!

LATEST CARD

Made these two cards for a friend of mine recently.

Iris is a work colleague who became a good friend and although I stopped working with her in 1995 we still keep in touch and we try to go out at least once a year if we can, if we can manage it.

Made this card as a get well card for her recent hip op - I know she didnt have a bandaged foot but she has crutches and the closest I could get!

This card was done for her 80th Birthday this week. She was delighted with it, even if she did open it a day early, the naughty woman!

I MEAN IT THIS TIME!

I am going to do my blog regularly and by regularly I mean at least 2 or 3 times a week.

Will keep you updated on what is happening with me both on a craft basis and on a job seeking and grieving basis!

SORRY FOR THE ABSENCE

Sorry I have not updated my blog late, but my father was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier in the year and was undergoing treatment, unfortunately the treatment was not having any effect and in fact the cancer had spread and so we made the difficult decision to stop treatment.


Sadly on 12th August after contracting an infection in his brain which he could not fight off and he passed away.


Obviously have not felt like blogging but am now feeling a little more with it and will update my blog more regularly.

CHOCOLATE ANYONE?

Card made for a lovely lady and I am sure she would like chocolate served to her like this!

SOMETHING A LITTLE FRUITY!

Card made for a good friend who doesnt know what card she is getting only that it may have something to do with raspberries!

IRIS EASEL CARD

Card made for my friend Iris's birthday recently

A HAPPY ACCIDENT!

Made this card for a friend who had recently passed some exams - was really happy with it

until I went to write it and realised that I had stuck it on wrong so that the fold was at the bottom so using a tip I had seen on tv - made a different style of easel!

Still really pleased with it as was the recipient!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAULA!

Card made for a friend and follower of my blog!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

Card made for my Dad's birthday last week.

KANBAN GIRLS AND PROMARKERS!

Been having a play with my Kanban Urban Belles stamps and colouring in with my promarkers and using up some backing paper that I have had for ages but never used.

Finished off with holographic stickers.

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Kanban rubber stamp image coloured in using promarkers, background paper from Forever Friends paperpack and coloured in greeting same colour as darkest colour of dress. Girl attached with foam squares to lift her off the background. Something different for me but I like it!