Goodbye to 2013

Even though the date at the top of the page reads 2014-I'm on UK time and it is still December- So as the last hours of 2013 draw near, I thought I'd have a quick whistle stop tour of my last 12 months. It's been a strange few 12 months- lots of ups and downs, bittersweet visits back home to the UK, meeting new friends, catching up with old ones, visits to new places and revisiting favourite places.

January

February

March

 

 

April

 

May

June

July

August

 

September

 

October

 

 November

 

 

 

 

 December

 

So here's hoping that 2014 brings a wealth of opportunities, luck and health for everyone.

52 Weeks of Happy

Well, we're onto Week 51 and 52 of Happies. Since I arrived home, 2 weeks ago, the time has just flown by. I have taken very few photographs and the weather certainly hasn't been conducive to getting out and about- It's raining yet again!

In amidst all the trials and tribulations of Christmas I have managed to find a few small things that made me smile. There may not be photographic evidence for them all, but here goes-Joining in with Jen - my final 52 Weeks of Happy.

Wk 51

December 17th- 22nd

Lots of garden birds to look at.

 

 
Gorgeous winter sunshine

Nights out and in, with old friends.

A little Christmas Cheer with Gingerbread Lattes!

 

 

Wk 52

December 23rd-30th

 

This is the cutest singing penguin, that made me smile and brought tears to my eyes with laughing. SOOOOO CUTE!

A winter visitor to our garden, sneaking turkey off cuts.

Family time

 

Christmas day

Hope you had a great couple of Weeks:)
Amanda x

 

 

Twixmas!

Twixmas- The time of year between Christmas and New Year. I hope everyone had a Wonderful Christmas wherever you are.

Christmas for me was bittersweet- It was lovely being home, spending time with friends and family, but it's also been very quiet, hard work and a little unsettling. Caring for my dad, although only for the few days I have been here, has been hard- How my mum copes I have no idea- It has been nice to spend time with the pair of them though.

 

So now I'm taking stock, looking back over the last year and looking forward to the next one. Christmas maybe over, but I have 6 days left before I head back to Borneo- more people to see, places to go, sales to shop, food to eat and photos to take.

 

I'll be back tomorrow with my last couple of 52 Weeks of Happy.

Until then, Amanda x

Advent Calendar- Day 24

1 more sleep until Christmas! Hope everyone is ready and looking forward to Christmas.

For my final advent picture I thought I'd go full circle- and finish off with a sunny picture- Christmas Borneo style.

I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas with family, friends and loved ones.

A very merry Christmas.

Amanda x

Advent Calendar- Day 23

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! I really like the 23rd December, The Eve of Christmas Eve, when things are not quite as manic or seeped in the traditions that everyone gets involved in. I have today, as usual, been running around shopping for food and presents- An evening of visiting friends and then we will be one day nearer to Christmas and the end of the Advent Calendar.

Until tomorrow x

Advent Calendar- Day 22

It's getting nearer!

I can't believe how fast these days are flying by- Slowly getting organised- but still have lots to do, people to visit, presents to buy and wrap- You get the picture- No doubt everyone is in the same boat too!

Hope you're all not too frantic:)

Until tomorrow x

Advent Calendar- Day 21

Winter solstice- The shortest day- A day of wind, rain, thunder and lightening A perfect day for wrapping presents and watching the first of many Christmas movies!

See you tomorrow :)

Advent Calendar- DAY 20

5 DAYS TO GO!
A few hours late on posting this one- well actually a day late- But I was out last night and it was way too late to post when I got back! A nice evening out with some of my old UK work friends- A nice meal, a glass of wine and catching up- Definitely one of the good things about being home is seeing everyone.

So back to Day 20- Another snowy picture- which is one of my favourites. Taken on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) Near Boone, NC.

See you later, for Day 21!

Advent Calendar Day 19 & Post 200 Giveaway!

Advent - Day 19

A little bit of sparkle for day 19

200 Posting Giveaway

Well, I've reached my 200th posting! 200 posting of waffle, drivel and a lot about nothing- but still I'm enjoying it- And as I haven't had any complaints, other's seem to enjoy it too! So I have a bit of a giveaway to commemorate. My last giveaway was all things Borneo- This one is a little different.

 A secret Santa present-Something that will appeal to many- But just like Christmas presents- you'll have to wait until you unwrap it!

If you'd like a chance to have an extra present this Christmas- Just drop me a comment and I'll draw out a name on Christmas Eve:)

Amanda x

 

Advent Calendar- Day 18 and a Wordless Wednesday

Day 18 and I'm slowly coming round to spending Christmas in the UK. As you can probably guess the photo above isn't the UK! This was Christmas North Carolina Style, up in the Appalachian Mountains near Banner Elk. 

 

Just about got over the time difference- I'm shattered early evening and then wake up in the middle of the night- wide awake! But I'll get used to it:)

It's been nice this week being able to catch up with friends and family- A couple of nights out will certainly make it Christmassy.

 

The last couple of mornings I've enjoyed looking out of the window and watching the birds in the garden. This morning we've had Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Sparrows, Dunnocks, a Robin and a rather impressive Pheasant!

Until Tomorrow :)

Amanda x

Advent Calendar- Day 17

Something bright and cheery to continue with the countdown- hope every one is doing ok:)

Amanda x

Advent Calendar - Day 16 and 52 Weeks of Happy

Day 16

Central Park, NYC- with just a little added frosting around the edge-Although it cold be through the wardrobe and into Narnia :) 

 

52 Weeks of Happy

Wk 50

December

Wow, Week 50 has been and gone already- Joining in with Jen for 52 Weeks of Happy, here are some things that made me smile this week.

 

Makes and Bakes

I've been making and baking all week- mostly for gifts, like cookies, cakes and sugar scrubs. I also made some reindeer food etc to give to B, so she can sprinkle outside on Christmas eve:)

Christmas Gifts

 

 

Some very thoughtful gifts- handmade cookies, pictures and Xmas cake from students at school:)

All things Christmassy!

 

 
From parties, to parades, to nights out, nights in, Christmas films and lots of Christmas music, definitely feeling Christmassy and has given me lots to smile about this week:)

Home!

Home for the holidays! It may be 7 degrees and damp, with a forecast for freezing overnight- but at least I'm home:)
Hope you have had a good week too!
Until tomorrow,
Amanda x

Advent Calendar- Day 15

Sunday 15/12/13

@home, Cumbria, England

 

Our Vintage frosty- We've had frosty since the mid 70's- he  sits at our Christmas lunch table and hides little presents in his tummy! He's a little battered and bruised- stuck together with tape- but he'll be there this Christmas too! :)

Until tomorrow x

Advent Calendar- Day 14 and a Simple Woman's Day Book.

 



A few cows in the field next door- with just a little bit of added frosting!

 

A simple Woman's Day book

Welcome to my December rendition of thesimplewomansdaybook . More midmonth musings, thoughts and insights into my little world.

 

For today- December 14th 2013

Outside my window... It's a strange mixture of sunshine and showers. It's been like this all day. One minute I was catching the last of the KK sunshine and the next it was raining! A quick exit from the pool ensued and yet by the time I got back upstairs to my apartment- the sun was out again! It will rain again later- if the past few weeks have proven-evening rain, usually with thunder and lightening has become the norm- although tonight I won't be here to see it:) 

I am thinking...Have I got everything?...My case is bound to be over the weight limit!... Should I try and fit in another outfit / pair of shoes / book?... Oh I must remember to get some money changed...oh have I got enough cash for the taxi...etc etc. Too much, but it will settle as soon as I get to the airport- if I haven't got it now- it's too late!
 
I am thankful...For the Christmas holidays- It's been a long 15 weeks and although I love my job- it's nice to be on holiday, Particularly as I'm heading back to the UK:)

 In the kitchen...I have just tidied up and left it clean ready for going away. It was a bit different from yesterday when I had a kitchen full of dirty baking equipment. I've baked quite a bit this week- making cookies to give as Christmas gifts for our office staff and the like-I now know the recipe off by heart and have been playing around with various flavourings. My grandma wonders where I have this baking habit from- She's hoping it will continue when I'm home for the holidays:)
 
I am wearing...My travelling gear: Easy sweatpants in grey, a grey vest top and a thin coral coloured long sleeve top for layering!. It's 32 degrees outside, but I know the plane will be much colder, so I'm already sweating in my jog pants! I'm getting used to long hauls and now have my travelling gear off to a T, I think-! A thick pair of fluffy socks for putting on mid-flight, a scarf/ pashmina to wrap up in- and I'm just about ready to go. Oh and this time I'm carrying my new thick winter coat- which will look a bit daft in KL and Dubai airports, but I'll be grateful when I touch down in the frozen North!
 
I am creating...Nothing today, but I was busy all week. I made lots of sugar scrubs to be given as gifts to my friends and colleagues. The smell was lovely and it was fun having to use up the leftovers- my skin has never felt so soft! In November's post I said I was creating a mess- well, things never change- that one will always come out tops!

I am going..to try and make the most of my time on the flight to relax and try to sleep. (2.5 hrs + 7.5 hours+ 7 hours flying time) plus about over 7 hours transit time means that my body won't have a clue what time it is when I touch down tomorrow afternoon!
On a more long term level I am going to continue my goal to sort out my computer files- still not even attempted it yet!

 I am wondering..Whether I have time for another cup of tea before the taxi picks me up for the airport-Or shall I wait and have one there- it will kill time waiting for my flight!

I am reading...a Kathy Reich's novel- I'm 2 thirds of the way through but don't want to take it away with me- so I shall leave it until I come back to KK. In my bag I have a chic lit, a thriller, my Kindle and some magazines- oh and if all else fails I can always read the inflight magazine!

I am hoping...That my flight leaves on time - with no disruptions- the rain is now really heavy- Thick cloud and torrential- it doesn't bode well!
 I am also hoping that my sister remembers to pick me up at the airport- and bring some warm footwear for me- Flipflops just won't hack it!

I am looking forward to... spending Christmas at home with family and friends. It's going to be a very quiet and different Christmas, with dad being ill and everything- but in between spending time with him and my family, I'm going to try and get some me time to go out and about with friends as well.

I am learning...That no matter how much I travel- I always seem to have too much to pack- I'm definitely do not travel light! I would love to be one of those people who have one roller suitcase and a very small handbag- Someone who dresses immaculately and looks like they have stepped off the catwalk rather than an long haul flight. I'm the one looking creased and dishevelled, with static hair, bags under my eyes, carrying a coat, a laptop bag, a duty free carrier and pulling along case that is the size and weight of a small horse!

Around the house...It's surprisingly tidy. I have tried to make things easy for myself for when I come back, the washing is in, the dishes are done and most of my clutter is back to where it belongs- or hidden anyway! The only passing token to Christmas is a pile of red sparkly tinsel in a bowl on the middle of the table, topped by a pair of green and red fun reindeer antlers- remnants of the Christmas party:)

I am pondering...What it's going to be like on my return after Christmas- It will be seven months before I get back to the UK. It's going to be very different and a lot of changes are gong to be happening on both continents- Hopefully 2014 will be a better for everyone.

A favourite quote for today...

 

The Grinch: It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.
Narrator: The the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
The Grinch: Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...
Narrator: He thought
The Grinch: ...means a little bit more.

One of my favourite things...this last week was the constant excuse to play cheesy xmas music- Christmas parade, Christmas parties, in the morning at school, dancing around the living room- Just love it- all together now..."so here it is merry Christmas, everybody's having fun..."

A few plans for the rest of the week / Month-
Still need to organise my February trip!
Still need to get my eyes tested.
Still want to go to the cinema.
Catch up with everyone and enjoy time at home
Then I still need to Christmas shop, wrap, write cards etc etc
 
A peek into my day... 

 

That about says it all:)

Hope you're all having a good day.

Ok- So I'm already for the off- See you tomorrow- UK time :)

Amanda x 

Advent Calendar - Day 13 & This Week's 10 Things.

Day 13 

The last day of school for me- Christmas can now officially start:)

Bright and shiny baubles to brighten up your day :)
 

10 Things ...

Not a Tuesday not even a Thursday- but I've still got things that I want to show.

Here is my own version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. If you sing along with it- you might find it goes a little better.

 

On the first day of Christmas, I packed into my case-

 

a bright blue, warm, winter coat.

On the second Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

 

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

 

On the Third Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

3 ear-rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

 

4 patterned scarves

3 ear - rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

5 Mag-a-zines

4 patterned scarves

3 ear-rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

On the sixth Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

6 works of fiction

5 Mag-a-zines

4 patterned scarves

3 ear - rings 

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

 

On the seventh Day of Christmas, I packed into my case
7 pairs of knickers

6 works of fiction

5 Mag-a-zines

4 patterned scarves

3 ear-rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

 

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

8 snacks for snacking

7 pairs of knickers

6 works of fiction

5 Mag-a-zines

4 patterned scarves

3 ear - rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

 

9 shiny bracelets
8 snacks for snacking
7 pairs of knickers

6 works of fiction

5 Mag-a-zines

4 patterned scarves

3 ear-rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.
 

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, I packed into my case

10 soaps a smelling

9 shiny bracelets
8 snacks for snacking
7 pairs of knickers

6 works of fiction

5 Mag-a-zines

4 patterned scarves

3 ear-rings

2 pairs of shoes

and 

a bright blue warm winter coat.

There you go- a few things for me- a few presents and my suitcase is full!
See you tomorrow,
Amanda x