Hello!

Oh my, how time flies! I don't intend to leave it so long between posts...honest!

I've been so wrapped up in work, play and home life that I'm usually worn out by the time it comes to catching up on here.

I am working on a brand new website for the organisation where I work which, as project manager, means I have had lots to do including maintaining communication with the web designers who are based in Germany, making 'wire-frames', and treading the fine line between making executive decisions and allowing the team to all have their say. Been just a bit stressful but we're into the content phase now which, once it's done with, our part should be over for a time. It's been fun too and I'm learning a lot.

I started Zumba classes twice a week in the evening. I did a little in the UK and loved it but hadn't done it in a class environment before (it was easier from the safety of my living room!). It's been great! I've been looking for a good exercise for getting my heart-rate up and the class environment pushes you to actually do it – I find it waaaaay too easy to let things slip if left to my own devices!

We've also been going through a bit of a tough time with K. He seems to be going through a rough patch, lots of frustration, screaming and crying. We've been trying to be patient but to have a fuss each and every morning about having a shower, getting dressed, having breakfast, getting to school etc starts to wear you down. I have to admit, I'm not well equipped to deal with high intensity negative emotion as my own childhood was full of it so it gives me the realisation that I need to work on myself in order to help him. Not easy but I think we'll get there. There is always ups and downs.

I've been baking lots too. C's café are still selling my cakes and in a bid to cater to the influx of guests and tourists, I've been adapting some recipes to be vegan. I didn't realise how much I enjoyed it and it's a wonderful feeling when you hear that your vegan apple crumble sold out in one evening! I have plans for the new year for a number of new treats and have been inspired by a work colleague who is not only vegan but has a gluten free diet so I have a whole stack of GF flours to 'play' with.

On Friday we're heading to Goa for 3 weeks! I am incredibly excited...or at least I will be once we're on the train and I can forget about all the 'things' I have to do. We were going to see C's dad who lives there but he will be away for the first 2 weeks renewing his visa so he's let us stay at his house and use his motorbike so it's saving us a tonne of cash (it's peak season in Goa). We'll find somewhere nice for the last week and enjoy seeing C's dad for the first time since our wedding 2.5 years ago.

I also treated myself to a new smart-phone with the last of my birthday money, as a staunch Nokia basic phone user for many years, it's been a steep learning curve. I now have an instagram account if you want to 'follow' me >>> http://instagram.com/dandelioness1/

I'm struggling to feel festive, it wasn't too bad last year but this year, maybe because we're going to be away I just can't get into the spirit. There are parts I don't miss, like rushing around for presents but I kind of miss the cold, the excitement in the air, the food and general snuggly feeling. it's too hot for that here!

Anyway, I have to sign off as it's already 9.30pm and I've not stopped all day!

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year. 

L xx