Progress Report

So far I'm doing well. New Years Resolution-wise. The worrying is (I think) being kept to a minimum and I certainly couldn't be accused of over thinking anything. I am aware we're only 6 days in but with the age old phrase 'start as you mean to go on' ringing in my ears I'd have to say I'm pretty happy with myself thus far.

Or I was until a song came on. I'm pretty sure everyone associates music with memories. I know I certainly do. And while I'm totally fine 99.999% of the time some things take a little longer than others to get out from under your skin, oui?

That said it IS a beautiful song and the band need all the recognition they can get. Ladies and Gents - I give you Hope & Social (the track - Eurospin):

The video is great for a few reasons - taken in one shot and with members of the public as the audience members; but possibly the best factor is that when I asked someone where that particular bar is as I'd love to go they informed me it was in fact a temporary set put together in an old wine cellar that was closed up again after that one evening of dinner and music. HOW cool is that?

(Bottom right shot from my holiday in Morrocco in 2010 - a shot taken whilst en route to The Atlas mountains.)

On days like this I like to remember the little things that perk me up...holidays, the books I have in my To Read pile and a good cuppa (amongst many others things). Why the eye makeup image you might ask...Well the answer is simple. I'm a big believe in 'even if I'm feeling a little bad on the inside there is no reason for you to be able to tell from the outside.' So no matter how blue a day it is in my head it's always business as usual as far as my clothes and makeup go - because, let's face it, nobody is worth compromising fashion for now, are they?!

A final pearl (perhaps my next framed purchase for my apartment):

Better Late Than Never

Yes, yes, I know it's January 4th already but I have just decided upon my New Years resolution(s).

2011 is definitely a year I'll remember but not for entirely good reasons. About 12months ago now I had just made a decision that impacted hugely on me. I made it for the right reasons but it didn't make it any easier; the fall out was difficult and took time to work through. That said I have also got some fantastic memories of 2011. Mainly my trip to Las Vegas - booked on a whim and with great friends. It was a fantastic week and exactly what I needed but it was the only time I was actually off work for more than one 24 hour period all year. You can only imagine how exhausted I was by close of business in December.

Once we'd returned and I'd settled a bit I met someone but really, the less said about him the better. So a pretty bruised year but some great fun along the way.

One thing that didn't change though was my ability to worry my way through things - usually to my poor housemate who had to put up with me.

It's really Lauren (aforementioned housemate) who has helped me the most as her attitude is so completely opposite to mine in situations. I tend to make decisions and yes, I stick to them, but I'm a worrier. Lauren is very much the opposite - a sort of what-will-be-will-be kinda gal. I've long admired her for this quality so this year this is something I am hoping to emulate. (With a lot of help from her, of course!)

She constantly laughs at me when I analyse messages or debate over what sort of response to send but what it really always comes down to with her is not to worry so much. And she's right.

So buckle up 2012, I've got you by the cahoonas and I'm not about to let go. Time to let things happen the way they will anyway whether I think them over or not.

Paloma Faith posted this lovely picture (above)

to her Twitter on New Years Day and I love the sentiment of it - I hope by posting it here you will enjoy it too and I will revisit it until it becomes second nature.

And finally...