A Snippet of Life

  Happiness is time spent with your friends and with your family. It is time spent laughing and time spent dancing. It is time spent asleep and time spent awake. It is time spent reminiscing...  Have I yet mentioned money? No.    You don't need money for happiness, except for perhaps a few bottles of bubbles, the delicious meal, the chocolate and sweets, and the extra few bottles of bubbles to celebrate the first bottle of bubbles. For all this though, you don't need to be rich!  A rich man is asked "What, Sir, is your aspiration in life?" he replies, "To be more successful and more rich." After years of working hard, when he is more successful and more rich, what is he in himself? Happy. A poor man is asked "What, Sir, is your aspiration in life?" he states, in the words of Beyoncé, "My aspiration in life would be to be happy". What does he feel as soon as he wakes the next day to see the beautiful sun shining from the clear blue s

  He claims his life is mundane, doing the same thing day in day out, living for his grandchildren...well, that may be, but he certainly has some stories does Granddad Mills.  ...Of holidays in the past, the highway to Spain, a video of an actual journey (and by that I mean every second of his actual journey) along the highway to Spain, with running commentary to add effect along the way, it makes me smile. Many wartime stories- inspirational. Radio recordings of his first wife (my Grandma) wishing him a happy birthday every year in the 80s, when, having been given the knowledge that Granddad was in charge of the erecting shop building aircraft, Ray Moore sarcastically puts 'poor old Chas, slaving away on his tod, in order to get this aircraft built!'  Many many stories, stories I have heard before, we can all repeat them in our heads word for word while he is telling them, and then a new one crops up and excitement fills the room! Stories well told, and each time they get b

  Have you ever had that moment, whereby you sit...and just stop for a minute or two. Life gets so busy that even when you don't appear to be doing something, your brain is going round and round: thoughts about dinner, your next meal, how good your breakfast was, how much is on your 'to-do' list for the day and how little you are yet to have achieved. I sometimes find that it helps, just to stop, step back and take a look at the moment you are in.   Through the window of the café, out onto the street. The man who just tripped and then turned direction thinking everyone saw, where in actual fact nobody even noticed, and now he has a longer route to the bank, making him late for his meeting. The lady with what seems to be five thousand kids, all running in different directions, out of control and you just pray, for her sake, that they are not ALL hers. An old couple, walking hand in hand, laughing, joking, smiling because of the life they have, and you think to yourself- th

  Metamorphoses, the idea of transforming; from species to object, to flower, to animal, changing of Sex- so many different forms. A transformation which lasts longer than a lifetime, is that of things through time. 'Things' in terms of technology, fashions, the way in which we think, speak, interpret. Back then, they watched the Coronation on screens the size of a DVD case, at their friend's house who is lucky enough to have one, all crowded around as not many people did, and "what on earth is a DVD?", would be their reaction to the use of such a term. No colour. Today, we watch the Diamond Jubilee and over five hundred different channels on a box as big as a house, occasionally with glasses o, making the characters come to life, colour everywhere.   Back then, it took longer to dial and you were to remain in one spot while speaking- round to the '0' and back, round to the '2'. Whereas, today, our phones contain our life, fit snugly in our pock

  Interesting concept, strange.   Having recently embarked on my newest adventure at university, the topic of “time” has been fairly prominent. How much time you need to dedicate to your studies, how little time you are actually in lectures, how much time you spend drinking, how little some of us remember. But what really struck me, is the constant mention of how quick time passes. I mean, my gap year went so fast it almost seems as if it never happened! My childhood, at a similar pace. And these next three years of my studies, I am sure of it, will speed by as well. Adults (I think I'm also supposed to fit into that category, but I mean like proper adults; job, family, sensible...well?) constantly tell me to “make the most of it all”. Youth passes so quickly, you are twenty and then fifty thinking how did I get here. I have already experienced looking back and wondering where the past decade has gone. It is that same scenario of driving your car to a familiar place, somewhere yo

  You semi-forget the event is in your diary, until a week before having received a number of texts saying “what can I bring?”...”really looking forward...”, you leap off your feet and get your arse into gear. Cleaning,gardening, preparing the shopping list, then realising there are more guests than originally thought, and so preparing a second shopping list...and a third...worrying who you haven't invited, numbers, the WEATHER (particularly for my English readers), its all on the mind.   The day before you frantically work, clean, polish, sweep, in order to enable a slight lay-in for the big day, so that you are fully ready for the party...midnight strikes and you have just about finished. You think it is all done, you think you can be chilled the next morning before the guests arrive, leisurely get prepared with little left to do, but NO. RUSH RUSH RUSH. The weather has failed you. What can you do now that wont get mouldy before the guests arrive? What do you need to do full s

At this age life really has just begun, “the World is your oyster”, they say, “go out and explore”. It is a time to spread the young wings and flee the nest. Whether it be university, the start of a new job, a first home (for some) , a baby (for the nutters about!)  At 15, EVERYTHING is a catastrophic disaster! Your boyfriend/ girlfriend dumps you, the end of the World…Mum served fish for dinner and she’s known for 15 years that you HATE fish, also the end of the World. Going back to five, where you are the complete opposite, EVERYTHING is utterly fabulous! From crayons, to paper, to bugs, to mud, to puddles, just everything ‘floats your boat’! Everyone is your best friend, especially those who come armed with sweets, and the only issue you have is deciphering who stole your play dough! The above is based upon previous experience, but being just nineteen, I have a long way to go in order to be able to fill in the gaps. So, from observations through working in a village shop, wit

  It must be getting on for two years now since I started working at Moulton shop, during some of the most important years of my life so far. Originally starting as a Saturday girl, whilst I completed my A-levels, to now where it is beginning to feel almost like my second home! But, what a lovely second home it is and a great team to work with. Not long after I began we had Gwen’s leaving party, and this year sadly, we have had to say goodbye to Jill and Tanja, which is a great shame. Also Chloe, who we congratulate on her new job. Now, in only a matter of months, it will be my turn to flee the nest, heading to university. It will be sad to say goodbye, but my time in the shop really has been great. Despite making the most silly mistakes and being incredibly embarrassed, (mixing up my veg) turning into a joke of the village, but it all being worth it as I have both gained in confidence and simplistic, (VERY simplistic in fact I did not realise how dippy I could be sometimes) general k

  I love reading- of course I do, I am just about to begin an English degree! A few weeks ago I was recommended an Author (Kate Atkinson) and leant her first book 'Behind the Scenes at the Museum'. Having just finished (and loved) it, I thought I would share with you one of the many weird and wonderful ideas of Ruby Lennox, the main character and narrator of the whole novel.   Ruby has a tough upbringing, but it's not all sad- her life gets better! Also, the way she tells it all is matter of fact and sometimes can make you chuckle( I won't go too much into details as you may want to read it).      One page, out of the 490 that I read, particularly stood out to me. A moment where she is discussing the end of the world and comes up with the 'Lost Property Cupboard'. A cupboard where 'every hair grip, every button...earring and key', all the little things that we lose on a daily basis in our lives, are kept, there waiting for us at the end. But the

Finished work mid afternoon, had Anchorman 2 laying on the bed, only option here is obviously to watch it. Whilst doing so I managed to eat not ONE Galaxy caramel egg but an ENTIRE BAG of them, along with two tubes of soft mints! I literally felt my stomach expand! The more people I told of this complete feast, the more sick I felt, so, against the usual norm, I decided to drag my sister out on a run? We hadn't even got out of the village when she started to winge (much to my happiness as I. was. flagging!) ...but we didn't give up, oh no, inside waiting for us was a DVD, a fitness one with THE most patronising woman on it..."almost there" WITH 18 MINUTES TO GO WE WERE NOT ALMOST THERE! "Breathe steadily" I CANNOT BREATHE WHEN MY LEGS AND ARMS ARE TELLING ME TO SIT DOWN AND EAT MORE CHOCOLATE EGGS! However, 30 minutes later, and having skipped /sped up a few of the exercises, we completed it, and I dragged myself to the cooker (always thinking of my next me

A few of my favourite things...  Wine. Oh my gosh. That first sip after a long day, after a problem arising, after a relationship breakup, just because you can, to celebrate, anything...THAT SIGH OF RELIEF as it trickles down your throat, the taste of goodness and fun to come! "I'm going down for one glass"...*thinks to self I'll probably just by the bottle...ends the night sitting at a table covered with empty bottles!*  ...Pimms on a summers day, with cut up cucumber and strawberries inside. Maybe a bit -...no, ALWAYS a dash of mint. The ease of drinking it like juice and so it flows down smoothly, and after what seemed like a few sips, you've finished the whole bloody bottle! The reminder of Wimbledon  and the sunshine. Strawberries and cream. Warm summer days. Perfection.  Strawberry cider. The drink that looks like fruit juice and tastes like fruit juice. The drink that I personally feel has no time restrictions...at a pub at lunchtime, even, on specia

Working in a village shop, my days are filled with conversations from all parts of the spectrum! Some people even try politics and that's when my mind switches off and I focus on the sandwich I'm making! But the other day a lady and I were discussing how nice it is to go into a shop and feel welcomed, actual life and actual meaningful conversation...in comparison to tesco where this simply does not happen (or any supermarket as it stands).   You walk in, no "hello there!" Or acknowledgement that you have even entered. They most definitely wouldn't know you by name or even know what you are going to buy. You walk around like zombies, everyone in their own worlds thinking one thing..."what shall I do for tea tonight", focussing on the contents of their cupboards and not taking in their surroundings, (well I suppose their surroundings ARE the contents of their cupboards!) Walking aimlessly past people down the aisles, a few conversations here and there

Where would anyone on this planet be without their friends. Doesn't matter if you are male or female, big or small, friends are always a massive, important and special part of your life, and just what would you do without them.   Excellent for making us smile, laugh, feel good, a cup of tea or very stiff drink! If we need to cry, scream, shout, friends are also helpful. When you're younger, they are someone to play with when your siblings get bored of you! As you grow up, they can be used as an excuse to drink copious amounts of alcohol on a school night and it be seen as OK, even without a reason to do so! An opportunity to be a complete weirdo, say and do stupid things in front of, yet know that you will not be judged. They will tell you when you have been a fool, tell you when you are being great, and a they can also be used as advice gurus. Sometimes i think to myself, "gee, I swear most issues in life can be solved with a bottle (or two) of wine and a jolly good fr

  As spring is basically upon us, and summer just around the corner, I felt this title is very appropriate for this time of year. I know what you are all thinking, I can talk, I have been sunning myself on a beach for the past two months, but this, ladies and gentleman, is the very reason why this topic is so appropriate. I honestly cannot remember the last week I had that was full of exercise and I am in no way proud of this. I have no issues particularly with my figure, but just do not feel right, and having walked five miles yesterday morning, and completed a full...wait for it....fifteen minutes of hardcore exercise this evening, I already feel upbeat. Whether it is walking you enjoy, running in the countryside, swimming, hopping, skipping, jumping, it does not matter, there is no doubt about it, it will make you feel a million times better, even if you were on top of the world before you began. Especially in the sunshine, make the most of it! I must admit, while writing this I am

  So, for the first two months of this year, I was travelling up and down the east coast of Australia and it was one of the best things I have ever done. Before I left, so many people I spoke to told me this would be the case and they were right. My send off was lovely, most involving drinks, and a lovely goodbye party, held by Mike and Kathy from Moulton shop, with a delicious curry cooked by Tanja. The last day was emotional, VERY EMOTIONAL, because I am the worst at goodbyes, and have such a great group of friends and family, that I knew I would miss (as the Aussies would say) 'heaps'. Anyway, after I had been bulked up on Shepherds Pie cooked by my amazing friend, I went, to the airport in a Jaguar, courtesy of my Dad, and set off on the longest flight ever! We arrived, and from that moment on, I had the time of my life. There was not a single second that I regret, not a single moment that I wish did not happen. That is not to say that none of my trip was tough, but it was

So, as I grow older, and maybe a tiny bit wise, I think by the time I finally find myself in a relationship, I shall know the ins and outs of men! I mean, when you look at it from the outside, it really is a piece of cake ( I have a funny feeling a lot of people may hate me by the end of this post, I am being a tiny bit tongue and cheek!). May I point out before I start, that when I say women, I am also referring to myself, I think the same, love the same things, and can see why men find us difficult to understand, equally men are an odd breed as well! We shall start off with men on men rules...URINALS. I clearly, am not a bloke, and did think it was only us women, however, I've been told men too have unwritten laws, and completely ridiculous ones at that! No 'urinal neighbours' or talking when using one, understandable, I often think, if I was male, I would prefer to use the cubicle for peeing as well, don't like the thought of lack of privacy when excreting! Men are W

My village is an amazing place. I know I have written a post similar to this before but no harm in adding more! I mean I've just recently returned from a 2 month trip to Australia (as anyone following my blog will know!) and from the minute I stepped off the plane I was welcomed with smiles (and a beautiful emotional - we both were- friends who I love dearly). I arrived back in the village and they had made a window display for me at the shop! Love them! The children had just finished school and ran up to me with smiles, so genuinely interested about my experience. I even got a whole page in the Moulton newsletter! That's just me, I'm nothing special, I just make sandwiches, serve the wrong coffees, get mixed up with my vegetables and occasionally get too drunk at the local pub and embarrass myself! The point I am trying to make is everybody makes so much effort for everybody else. Everyone is special, and that is why I love it.   Last year a group of incredible ladies

So, after another FLIGHT between cities in the same country, I arrived in Adelaide, greeted by my lovely friend who I was to be staying with for the final few days of my two month adventure. In a real, lush, clean, house which lacked bed bugs and 20 dorm rooms, perfect! Six lovely people, two wicked dogs, and the most adorable baby. Witnessing how actual Australian everyday life is...paradise! First stop, the beach. Yet another beautiful one, crystal clear blue sea, golden sand and the heat to go with it! Nothing better than a nice cold cider on a day like this! Followed by a barbie in true AUSSIE spirit!   The following day began with a dog walk in search of Kangaroos and possibly koalas! None to be seen...THIS TIME... But beautiful views. We then headed to the garden if unearthly delight, and into the city. Perfect weather for another cider, mooching around and a wannabe Harry Houdini street performer who didn't half love to blab on! On the way home the views were fantastic, a

Having stepped off the plane, we literally thought we had somehow taken a detour back to England. Shivering rapidly, we waited for our luggage OUTSIDE (they could have at least added some warmth to the situation!). When we got to the city the streets were rammed, we were wondering if this was an average Saturday night in Melbourne, but no, white night by name! An annual light display, with art shows with added quirkiness, spreader throughout the city, originally started to get money into the city but the turn out was huge so they carried it on. Anyway, going off tangent...there we were strolling through melbourne at midnight, with our backpacks, in search if our hostel, amongst the drunks. We finally found it and ran straight to our warm beds, at least I thought mine was mine! Until about an hour later when I was patted on the head by a Canadian guy who thought I was his friend (they both had very long hair), turns out apparently I was sleeping in his bed! Goldilocks type moment! I re

After another hideous, overnight train journey, this time with no blankets provided and with the added disruption of some complete imbecile mouthing of at the front of the carriage, which meant I got literally NO sleep, we arrived! Walking through the station, with rain outside, down to the underground, it reminded us very much of London, although the tubes were double decker- pretty cool!   We found our way to our backpackers, having given a dollar to a tramps daily fund and been told I was going to heaven, really, I was...(I only gave him money so that he wouldn't hurt me!). Shortly after arrival, we realised we had picked THE dodgiest part of Sydney, Kings Cross! The hostel owner took us to a nearby cafe for a free coffee (you suddenly become trusting of everyone you meet while travelling, especially if they offer free food or drink, pretty dangerous!). After a while of being creeped out by the hostel owner, finding out that the hostel didn't have hot water, and that the

So...we attempted a surf! Not very successful because the guy sent us to the 'learner waves' which we were soon to find out he actually meant no waves at all, just ripples! There were a few bigguns where I almost stood up...that or completely got swept under my surf board and struggled to get back on like a complete tourist! I didn't mind though, it was just so relaxing and peaceful ( which is how I'd describe byron bay in general) just laying on the board, surrounded by glistening sea and beaming sun shining down on us! There was a magical moment when I saw a fin. Me being the ever optimist (not) immediately thought "SHIT, SHARK!!!" Until 3 beautiful Dolphins jumped out of the water, about 10meters away from where we were laying! Just amazing! Another animal to tick off my list! The day was made complete after our walk, up a mammoth hill, to the most easterly point of mainland Australia, where we watched the sunset, and what a clear and beautiful day we pick

After a walk up and down the street, searching for our backpackers that claimed it was the closest to the beach, we dumped our bags and headed straight for the sand. So strange to look along the coast and just see skyscraper after skyscraper practically ON the beach. (Kind of what I expected though)   When we got back to our room after a pasta dinner mixed with Tomato pure instead of pasta sauce, simply because it was 10 cents cheaper and "every little helps" (IT WAS GROSS), we found a party in our room! A mix of Welsh and Irish crammed in, with their accents booming! We managed to squeeze in and get ready for the big night ahead...LADIES NIGHT! We thought there would be a catch, but we were wrong, it literally was FREE DRINKS ALL NIGHT! Champagne, vodka, anything you wanted. Bliss! We proper milked it and by 20 minutes in we were on drink number 5! That's the way you do it! BACKPACKER LIFE! It was a good night, and I honestly, hand in heart, did not spend a penny! W

  After a lovely road trip, we arrived at the backpackers! IT WAS HOOGE! Felt like we were back at school or at UNI! Was like a maze. So modern is brissy, reminds me a bit like Lego. Very few cars on the road, well Aussies would claim otherwise but they haven't been to London have they?! I mean the nearest to a rush hour we have experienced is walking back at 5pm, this rush hour was a pedestrian one, hoards of people crossing roads everywhere like ants, but still not close to the English style rush hour!  ..very random, too...a beach in the middle if the city, we lay in the sand catching rays then for a dip, so odd. A parkland too, 16ha of it, and through the trees a view of the gigantic skyscrapers, Brissy had it all.    A funny story, well kind of sad too, sitting eating THE nicest invention ever - Nutella filled hot cross bun- YUM, and on the table next to us is a family, two little kids and dad, enjoying their pasta, surrounded by Ibis', the vultures. The little boy i