LIFE EDIT: DECEMBER
Well, well, well... here we are. New Years Eve. The last day of 2015. Goodness me does it feel good to have made it through yet another year on this earth having learnt a few things. Don't get me wrong, many mistakes were made and many opportunities were missed but I am grateful to be given the chance to try harder. December was a weird one for me. For the first time in a long while, it did not feel the least bit Christmas-y, despite buying a rather cosy Christmas knit and munching on many a Ferrero Rocher, but I was thankful for the time off work to hang out with the family and my friends.
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December began with a trip down to Kent to visit one of my favourite ladies on this planet -around these parts we know her as Luigi. Getting off the train at Ramsgate and breathing in the sea air took me back down memory lane to the time when I lived there for a year. The memories that came flooding back as I made my way to the sea front before heading off to Westwood Cross, put a great big smile on my face. I did a lot of growing up in that town. It was the first time I had lived in a house with people I did not know (and who later became fast friends); the first time I paid my own rent and bills; the first time I thought I had what it took to love someone; the first time I drank so much wine I threw up; and quite a few more first times that I won't bore you with.
Once I had cleared my head and realised it was almost time for me to meet Luigi, I hopped on the infamous The Loop (whose ticket prices were another breath of fresh air) and hopped off at Westwood Cross. Reunited at last, Luigi and I dragged our suitcases to our temporary home, laid claim to our beds, put the kettle on and began our 2 day long chinwag. Food was had, tea was drunk, films were watched (saw Elf for the first time...) and shops were visited. All in all, I had a great time down south and look forward to next year's trip as this is a tradition I could get used to.
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Once I made my way back to Manchester it was as though work wanted to give me one last pat on the back. I found myself managing multiple projects and learning pretty quickly just how fun but stressful project management can be. Seeing how people operated, wording emails in ways where your point is made in a polite but direct way and standing up for one's self were things that I had to deal with but I think I handled it ok. We'll see what my line manager says at my appraisal haha. All this last minute work is the reason, I think, why I did not feel all too Christmas-y this year; that and the stresses of life in general. Though that did not stop me from attending my office's Christmas party, cooking up a storm at home (so much so that I fear what my electricity bill looks like), rolling in Ferrero Rocher wrappers, hanging out with my siblings and catching up with my old friend and former flatmate, F. No way. However, next year I am going to try and handle things differently and plan my months properly. I hate this feeling I have been having at the back of my mind for years now. The feeling that I am just going through the motions and not purposefully actively pursing things of great interest to me. But I guess, as with everything, only time will tell if I do or don't. Until then, I hope you are all having a fabulous New Year's Eve and that the new year brings you joy, love, success and numerous reasons to smile.
Love, Mo x