1. Today the sun is shining and the sky is blue (so far)
2. Blossom garlands coiled around trees, Clematis draping over gate ways, gardens full of flowers… Beautiful Spring
3. Sweet smells in the early morning air
4. The weekend is here after a very hard week at work
5. Progress with the new job
6. Got the living room painted
7. Still alcohol free seven months on
8. Feeling so much better for the above, no 7
9. One week left until half term, looking forward to that
10. Some lovely work colleagues 3 days ago

1. Good weather
2. Flowery scents being carried on the wind
3. Painted the kitchen and it looks lovely and cheerful
4. Carpets of daisies
5. Spending a nice afternoon with my daughter on Saturday
6. Being invited for cake and tea this afternoon
7. An extra day off for the bank holiday, loving it
8. Watching the ‘Dark knight rises’ with my youngest last night, really enjoyed it
9. Lots of energy this weekend
10. Letting go 2 weeks ago

1. Gorgeous Magnolia trees, flowering everywhere
2. Bluebells, tulips, daisies and more, covering the ground with colour
3. Blue skies and a cool (if not chilly) breeze… But the sun is out and the sky is blue
4. Fresh strawberries, blueberries and soya yoghurt
5. Managing to sort the problem with my daughter’s phone. Thought it might have to go back to manufacturers… Love the internet, fixed the hub’s Kobo this way too
6. Met my sons new partner… She seems lovely and very relaxed 3 weeks ago

1. Blossoming trees
2. Stopping to smell the flowers, literally
3. Spring is most definitely here. Lovely, lovely
4. A reasonable week at work… Last week was awful
5. Feeling appreciated in the workplace
6. Things moving forward with the new job
7. Raisin and cinnamon porridge
8. Good drying weather
9. Music of Martha Tilston
10. A good book 3 weeks ago

1. A full six calender months, alcohol free
2. Meeting with a friend today
3. Taking the kiddies to clip and climb yesterday, They had fun with their friends and my son faced his fear of heights by getting to the top of seven climbs
4. A nice afternoon spent with my daughter
5. A visit to Dartmoor last weekend, lovely
6. Chip supper by the sea
7. Quiet time in the mornings when everyone is still in bed
8. Light mornings, love em
9. Finishing my book… An enjoyable read
10. The sound of a roaring river 1 month ago

1. Receiving another bunch of flowers, that’s 3 in a week
2. Gaining insight into what my new job will entail. I got to spend a morning in this very busy environment, getting a glimpse into what I will be doing. Daunting but exciting too and I feel up for the challenge. Just have to wait for the paperwork to go through
3. Enjoying lazy mornings at home and some late nights
4. Hot baths
5. Ginger biccies
6. A family dinner and a good laugh at my sis ~ in ~ law’s house
7. Friends keeping in touch
8. Watching the ‘Dr Who’ Easter special with the kids
9. Text messages that make me laugh
10. Knowing that it is crucial to make changes in my life 1 month ago

1. It is the Easter holidays which means over 2 weeks off work…
2. My interview going really well on Tuesday…There was apparently over 90 applicants for the job. I got a phone call from them later saying that they didn’t want to offer me that job but wanted instead to offer me another one which is on a higher pay band!!! I am going in on Tues for a couple of hours to see if I like it first, before a firm offer is made.
3. Enjoying an end of term night out last night… It was good to socialise ( I hardly go out) and whilst most people got blotto I remained completely sober. Feels good this morning
4. That I can go out and not drink and still have a great time
5. Getting fantastic feedback from work
6. Receiving flowers this week from two different colleagues… Lovely surprise
7. Self ~ confidence receiving a boost this week. Relish it whilst it lasts ;)
8. The sun making an occasional appearance
9. Turning off the alarm for a couple of weeks
10. Up early this morning getting washing and housework done… Not very exciting but needs doing 1 month ago

1. It is the weekend, oh yeh
2. Feeling valued at work. The head came to speak to me personally about my going for an interview for another job on Tues. She made it very clear that she wants to keep me as part of her team
3. The kids made more vegan chocolate brownies
4. Another week being alcohol free
5. Good chats
6. Just four more working days to the Easter hols
7. Jack Kornfield’s book; ‘A path with heart’
8. Music ~ Especially blasts from the past
9. Spring is trying to come through
10. Enjoying spending time with a friend’s toddler the other day. I really had her giggling which in turn had me giggling. Win ~ Win 1 month ago

1. Being offered an interview for a job I applied for… First application I have done in 3 years
2. Bach Flower Remedies… Not been feeling great for the last few weeks and it is not going away. Time to help myself
3. Contact with old friends
4. A trip to the sea the other night. So lovely, cold but worth it
5. Having a great time with the kids during our visit to the above
6. Digging in the dirt (emotionally)
7. Loving words, chocolate, flowers and a gorgeous elephant tea caddy filled with Earl Grey teabags for Mother’s Day. The youngest children also cooked dinner and made amazing vegan chocolate brownies for me. I am a lucky mum indeed
8. A lovely and moving afternoon in the class on Friday. A colleague was leaving and the children were saying goodbye
9. One of my older boys giving me £50 of vouchers that he got at work for meeting his monthly targets… So generous of him
10. Alcohol free 2 months ago

1. A ring of crocuses circling a blossoming tree… The purple and white crocuses complimented each other splendidly… A gorgeous sight
2. The sun came out this afternoon accompanied by a blue sky. It felt lovely to feel the warmth of the sun
3. Due to the above, my front room window is open, letting in some fresh air
4. It is Friday which means 2 days off work
5. Dressing up for world book day yesterday, was great fun for all
6. Getting together (in half an hour) a leaving card for a class pupil. It is amazing what you can do with sugar paper and glitter
7. Eating really well this week
8. Still not a drop of alcohol has passed my lips
9. No chocolate this week
10. Will ~ Power 2 months ago

1. It’s the weekend
2. Chai latte and chai tea….. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
3. Cinnamon and raisin porridge
4. Receiving some unexpected praise
5. Someone making a vegan treat at work… There always seems to be masses of cakes and choc in the staffroom due to b’days, stress etc… Unfortunately little of it is vegan so it was nice for someone to make the effort… Yum!!!
6. The mornings are getting lighter earlier making it easier to get out of bed
7. Cardamom milk… Delish
8. No alcohol
9. Loving hugs from my children
10. Sharing good laughs with kiddies… Hopefully creating happy memories in their lives. Fingers crossed 2 months ago

1. Really enjoying my visit to Nottingham this week. It is the first time in many years that I have felt nostalgic when there
2. Lovely to see my eldest son and his partner, highly enjoyable
3. My daughter having fun on her twelth birth ~ day yesterday, 20th Feb
4. Family coming for NOT dogs (vegan version of hot dogs) and chocolate cake
5. Fern’s friends behaving well on their sleepover… Thought that I might not be getting much sleep last night but not so… Happy mum
6. Cheri Huber’s books
7. Enjoying a vegan chai latte yesterday (first one I’ve had and can’t wait for the next one) with a piece of carrot cake, so delicious. Kids had hot choc and vegan chocolate cake, Fern’s b’day lunch time treat
8. Finding chocolate covered popping candy to put on top of the cake
9. The visit to see my mum when in Nottm turning out better that I anticipated
10. Seeing an old friend, such fun… 2 months ago

1. Vegan pancakes turning out really well, kids whooped them down with toppings of fresh orange and sugar and maple syrup…
2. Nearly half term
3. Good feedback concerning my job
4. My kiddies bringing home excellent school reports
5. Lovely smell of incense, mmmmmmmm
6. Eating lots of fruit this week
7. Spending an afternoon with a friend
8. Porridge in the mornings
9. Avocado and salad sarnies
10. Getting out of bed when the alarm goes off 3 months ago

1. The vibrant colours of the pair of Bullfinches brightening up a grey sky
2. One week left till half term
3. Looking forward to seeing my eldest son during the hols
4. Kids making me laugh by the things they say
5. Lime and mint tea
6. Enjoying watching Scrubs with my youngest son, such a laugh
7. The wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh
8. Getting more into herbal teas, though I still enjoy a good cup of tea
9. Making a seriously delicious chocolate raspberry cake with seriously dark chocolate ganche like icing. It was decorated with fresh raspberries. It went down very, very well and it was of course, vegan
10. Seeing friends
11. Being able to write this list 3 months ago

1. It is the weekend after another tough week at work
2. Getting the washing dry on the line a few days this week
3. Blustery days
4. The welcome appearance of Daffodils around and about… So bright and cheerful
5. The sun is shining this morning
6. Still alcohol free after 17 weeks
7. Very dark chocolate ~ 85% cocoa
8. A family member feeling better emotionally
9. Offering support
10. Good energy bursts this week 3 months ago

1. Met someone today who has walked to the South Pole… Inspiring
2. A few days of blue sky and warm sun if you stood in the right spot
3. My youngest son becoming a teenager last Sunday, 20th Jan… So happy with his gifts. Enjoyed his day immensely
4. It is the weekend… Hooray
5. Getting out of bed when the first alarm goes off
6. Chapati flour making good bread
7. Compliments on my homemade samosas and chutney
8. My vegan choccie b’day cake going down a storm
9. 4 months alcohol free. Feeling so much better for this
10. Friendly banter 3 months ago

1. Dripping tap fixed (The sound of this can send one up the wall)
2. The children’s excitement at work when there was a tiny flurry of snow… That was it though, it’s cold but snow is a no show :(
3. Chocolate ice cream (vegan) made with coconut milk… Very nice
4. A beautiful morning sky
5. Deciding not to call my mum back after recent dramatic phone calls from her. One of her last comments to me was ‘what good are you to me?’ I am not taking it personally, she has said much worse but these phone calls are draining so will leave it to her to call back. Won’t let her take her misery out on me though if she does 4 months ago

1. Talking to my lovely son in Nottingham, it cheered me up
2. Coming across the goal I created on here years ago, ‘Let my actions speak louder than my words’... Also came across ‘Remember that it’s all temporary’... Made that one a long time ago too
3. Keeping calm even though phone calls to my mum are becoming increasingly draining. I believe her aspiration in life is just to be a victim, she thrives on it
4. Offering support
5. Cold but beautiful morning… Crisp blue skies with the sun shining brightly
6. Getting up earlier today
7. Making a healthy treat, yes healthy and chocolate covered. Bananas sliced, vegan choc spread sandwiched in-between 2 pieces of banana, then frozen for a little while and then dipped in 85% choc… Delicious… Think I will try it with strawberries next time
8. Acknowledgement 4 months ago

1. It is the weekend, work has been tough this week
2. Mmmmmmm Raspberry ruffles… Delicious
3. Whole house hoovered and ironing done
4. Watching the birds from the kitchen window
5. 14 weeks alcohol free
6. No 5 being a positive thing in my life
7. Seeing the sun peeping through at points this week
8. Meaningful conversation with new people
9. Attempting mindfulness
10. Eating out for tea last night… Good food and we just got home in time before the very heavy rain came pouring down 4 months ago

1. Happy memories of my mother ~ in ~ law who passed on 1st of Jan 2009
2. Meditating by Christmas lights
3. Making changes
4. Amber essence… I just love that smell
5. Again the saying, ‘No mud, no lotus’... So true
6. Simple homemade noodle soup
7. Sleeping in and lazy mornings
8. Music that makes your toes tap and your head bounce 4 months ago

1. Going to see the Hobbit with the kids today
2. Finding out that ‘Midnight’s Children’ is on at the cinema from Friday
3. Mr and Mrs Bullfinch visiting on a daily basis
4. Staying up late
5. Glitter
6. Realising that I have been through a lot this year and have not submitted (mostly) to cynicism
7. Acceptance. No longer struggling with things not turning out as I would have liked
8. Thich Nhat Hanh’s saying ‘No mud, no lotus’...
9. Neal’s Yard Pure Essence Eau de Parfum NO.1 Frankincense
10. This track http://youtu.be/w_DKWlrA24k. This version always makes me smile 4 months ago

1. 12 weeks alcohol free
2. Lovely Christmas gifts
3. Not over indulging
4. Not having to be back at work for a while longer
5. The Bullfinch that has been hanging around the last few weeks… I stood watching it feed today for a good 5 mins… Lovely
6. Happy kiddie faces on Christmas morning
7. Phone calls from the older boys on the 25th
8. Closeness with my children
9. Enjoying Martha Tilston’s latest cd
10. Rooms lit by Fairy lights
11. Thinking of my dad today… His funeral took place on this day 12 years ago 4 months ago

1. The holidays have officially begun for me now
2. Having the house to myself today
3. Deciding just to stay at home today, had planned last minute Christmas shopping but….
4. It not hurting too much anymore when another shows complete lack of love and concern
5. Seeking love
6. No longer hoping for change in a certain person
7. Sense of freedom from the above
8. Decorations going up 5 months ago

1. It is the weekend
2. 3 more working days and then we break up for the Christmas hols. Not back until Jan 7th
3. Being mostly organised for this time of year
4. My eldest son and his partner are back safely in the UK after a great trip to Florida
5. The Robin who sits on my fence daily. I love how curious and brave these little birds are
6. My sister ~ in ~ law recovering from acute appendicitis. She was very lucky, apparently it was gangrenous and about to pop
6. Listening to the children at School singing Christmas carols. Lovely
7. Still no alcohol 5 months ago

1. It is the weekend
2. Organised with Christmas cards. Have posted all that I wanted to
3. 8 weeks alcohol free
4. Only a week and a half to the Christmas hols
5. Work was tough to begin with this week but got better by Thursday
6. My youngest son is home safe and sound from his short 2 day School trip to France
7. Christmas lights
8. Montezuma spiced mandarin hot chocolate. I am no fan of hot chocolate but this is divine and not too sweet like hot choc usually is
9. Fleecy blankets to snuggle under on the sofa on these cold nights
10. Less and less expectations for another. Feels good to let go in this way, the heart suffers less 5 months ago

1. Two and a half weeks to the Christmas hols
2. It is the weekend
3. Just me and the kiddies tonight
4. Raspberry ruffles… Mmmmmmmm and they are vegan
5. Not letting someone take their stress out on me at work the other day
6. Receiving an apology for the above
7. Being organised
8. Attempting to be open to all things good
9. It is the eve of my eldest son’s Birth ~ Day. Have just spoken to him on Skype as he is away at Disney land, Florida
10. The full moon the other night, so beautiful 5 months ago

1. No rain today
2. For not being affected by the terrible flooding and weather that’s hit the area
3. No alcohol intake for over 6 weeks
4. Being semi ~ organised (early)
5. Creative ideas
6. Dark chocolate with orange and almond (vegan)
7. Hot baths
8. Vegan roastie last night… Sos mix and stuffing pie, roast potatoes, steamed carrots and broccoli… And of course gravy and lots of it. Very nice and a welcome helping hand from my 11 year old daughter. She loves to cook 5 months ago

1. The beautiful crisp November day today
2. The Blackbird sat in the tree at the back of my house
3. Sparrows waiting for food
4. A sad farewell to a work colleague. I am happy to have worked with her
5. Long week at work but at last the weekend is here
6. Enjoying the music of Colin Hay
7. It’s not raining today
8. That I have found things to relish today. Have struggled to do this all week 5 months ago

1. Letting go and liking it
2. For some reason having a little spring in my step today
3. Enjoying a steaming hot cup of tea
4. Receiving an invitation to a murder mystery dinner party this weekend
5. For feeling okay at this moment in time
6. Laughs with my kiddies
7. Deciding to knock alcohol on the head, hopefully for good
8. Veggie roast dinner yesterday, with the welcome company of one of my grown up sons and my lovely sis ~ in ~ law 6 months ago

1. Beginning to let go of something that needs to be let go of and being okay with it
2. Leaves being blown all over the place by the wind
3. The freshness of the wind
4. Seeing an old friend last week
5. Being invited out with kids for food and fireworks tonight. I’m quite looking forward to it
6. My sweet craving has finally calmed down
7. Having energy today, both physical and mental 6 months ago