Change of plans...

Well it happens doesn't it, plans change all the time.  We change them; we don't stick to them (WW for me this week), we sabotage them, people sabotage them for us and then sadly at times, life cruelly dashes them.

This last week or so has served to remind us all that once again, life is too short to be too serious about these plans.  

Yes it's important to have them, yes they help us on our way, yes they keep us in check, but we also need to recognise that sometimes our plans are transformed back into a blank canvas, either by choice or not.

I was told by a very brave, inspiring and courageous friend this week; that her newly heartbreakingly blank canvas that she is suddenly faced with, will be just fine.  Just fine because she knows whatever happens, her blank canvas will be full of love and laughter no matter which direction life took next.  Maybe it's something we should all remember.  

Life is what we make of it, no matter what is thrown at us, no matter how many curveballs we're thrown or create.  

Keep going.  

For some people sadly don't get this chance.

Rest in peace to those we've lost these last few weeks, you will be sadly missed. To those we miss daily but have been gone a while, we've not forgotten.  

"Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

Much love, Sammy xx

January blues....

Everyone is poor :0( 

I'm leaving for work in the dark and getting home in the dark :0(

It's cold :0(

It won't stop ******* raining!!! :0(

But I have signed up for some happiness.  

Have a little read here http://100happydays.com about being happy for 100 days in a row. I'm on to day 6 and it's going well!  I do try and appreciate everything I have, and this is focussing my mind in a long cold January!

TTFN, Sammy xx

Day 1: my friend sending me cute pictures on what's app #100happydays

Day 2: The ironing is complete and ready to go back to my dad! #100happydays

Day 3: So glad for some tunes on the 90 minute journey to work #100happydays#alanismorissette 'Life has a funny way, of helping you out when you think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up in your face'

Day 4: I love that my girls knew exactly what I meant #elephants #disney #wannabelikeyou#100happydays #junglebook

Day 5: My best friend for life #jarvis #cocker#100happydays

 Day 6 onwards I will post on my Facebook page, do feel free to follow and like my page! xx

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-World-According-to-Mrs-B/592822427397125?ref=hl 

14 Things I'd like to achieve in 2014...

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had fun celebrating how you wanted to last night. I saw the new year in with my Mr. B, my Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother in law and neice and nephew whilst drinking prosseco! We listened to the charms of Big Ben, we raced outside with our pots and pans - we created loads of noise in our street and watched the fireworks displays around us. We all had a kiss, lit some sparklers and wished everyone Happy New Year. We pootled back indoors, shared a hug and a few tears, watched the spectacular fireworks over London and toasted the new year.

As I've said, I'm not into the whole 'last year was rubbish, this year will be better' motto. No year is rubbish for everyone, what might have been trying for one could've been fabulous for someone else.  The year we lost Nanny and Lyn was the year my neice and my cousins little boy was born, even if the years been bad, something positive somewhere has happened, I promise.

So, 2014... What will it bring? I know this year I'm not going to wait for the year to bring me change/achievements/happiness, I'm going to try my best to go out and get it! I'm not leaving anything to chance, I'm going to make the plans to achieve the things I want to. 

If you're not bored by now, do read on!

With it being 2014, I've thought long and hard about what 14 things I would like to achieve.  Do sit comfortably, it's going to be another long one - sorry! Normal service will resume shortly!

*Number 1* Send birthday cards... And on time!

A year or so maybe two ago, my New Years resolution was to send birthday cards to all my family and friends, just to let them I'm thinking of them and I love them very much. I did ok ish, but I need to get the on time bit right ha!

*Number 2* Walk the dog more

With us both at work full time, my mum kindly walks Jarvis during the day for us. This is fab, but also means I become quite complacent. Because I know he's been for a good run, I do tend to get in and not take him out. Well he's a cocker spaniel and can take as much exercise as one can throw at him.  So I would like to achieve walking the dog at least 5 times a week, even if it's just round the block!

*Number 3* Finish more projects

I like to start things..... And not finish them! They need to be finished before I start something else surely! Either that or get rid of all these crafty boxy type things hanging about with half started things in!!

*Number 4* Shop better and cook more

I'm rubbish at both. I can cook, I don't like to cook, therefore I don't! I leave it to Mr B or have egg on toast or blow up ding meals. This needs to stop! I want to shop better, use things more frugally and cook healthy meals.

*Number 5* Exercise

As I said before, I've found an exercise class I love but for one reason or another neglected to go most of Nov and Dec. So I would like to achieve attending Zumba twice a week without fail. Any day - there's loads to choose from, but just get off my arse and go!

*Number 6* Weight Watchers certificate

I want one! Any one! I'd love a 50lb cert, but baby steps all the way! 

*Number 7* Moonlight Memories Walk

A few years ago, I completed the Moonlight Memories walk for The Rowans Hospice, raising essential funds for this service. I have done the 12 mile walk twice now.  One of my lovely friends lost her young husband (41) to a devastating diagnosis of brain cancer at the beginning of December, after just 15 days of him being diagnosed. In her words, The Rowans were amazing, there was nothing they wouldn't do to help or support you, they made Jason's last few days as comfortable for him and his family as possible,  This year I want to raise as much money as I can for them to support the stirling and downright amazing work they do.  Do check them out here... http://www.rowanshospice.co.uk and check out their Facebook page as well.

*Number 8* Read more books

I'm not sure what it is, but since we lost Nan I cannot get engrossed in a book. I have read a couple I had already read, easy readers, but two new ones I've started I just can't finish. So I'm going to stop buying trashy mags and get down to some reading. My beautiful sister bought me a new book for Xmas, so I'm going to start with that one!

*Number 9* Race for Life

I have taken part in this a few times, I want to take part again. I may even want to run it (hides face while everyone laughs at my ability to run and lack of ability to not fall over when sober and walking!) is 2014 the year to run? Watch this space...

*Number 10* Grow some veg

I had a bit of a year off last year, so time to get my mojo back and grow some fresh produce!  My beautiful Mum us my inspiration after seeing her lovely crops last year.

*Number 11* Manage my time better

God help me!

*Number 12* Cut down on booze

See comment under number 11! I am having a month off the wet stuff in Jan, that should kick start my cutting back after a boozy Xmas, new year, weekends, any day ending in Y.

*Number 13* Manage our money better

Not sure where to start, but shopping wisely and being more frugal should help for sure!

*Number 14* Make more of an effort with everything

More tea with friends, more effort in the housework, more effort making and sticking to plans, more effort with everything!

Well that's it, hope your bum isn't too numb! This is Mrs. B's approach to a New Years resolution. Wish me luck!

I'll keep you posted, TTFN, Sammy xxx

Practise what you preach! 13 things in 2013

I seem to have got a bit preachy in my old age, I do apologise!  But all the same, I do believe you should practise what you preach... So approaching 2014, I thought I would look back on 2013 and pick out 13 things I achieved/learnt from/am thankful for.  I apologise now, take a seat.... This may be a long one ha!

*Number 1* A Mad Hatters Tea Party.

Who'dve thunk it!  What a way to turn 30, what a party to pull off, what an achievement!  I won't go on too much, I'm sure you're all bored with it by now! But if you want to read, here is the link...

http://mrssammyb13.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-mad-hatters-tea-party.html 

*Number 2* Mum's Surprise 50th Birthday Party.

On the party theme, we managed to pull off a surprise party for my lovely mum, and she knew nothing about it!  We managed to stop Dad keeling over with the stress of it all, we managed to behave semi normally around my Mum and not slip up and give the game away and we pulled it off without a hitch! I definitely think that is an achievement for 2013!

*Number 3* Holiday to West Africa.

I am very grateful to say I had a lovely 11 night holiday to The Gambia in West Africa in March this year.  We had a fab time and it was the first time we've been on holiday with my step daughter and it was lovely. Thank you J for having us to stay xx

*Number 4*  New Permament Job.

I am very grateful to say in a yucky 6 months of uncertainty, restructure and redundancy; that even though the sodding police didn't want me, I have secured a full time permanent contract within my organisation. Yes I am going to have to travel 60 miles a day to work, but it is a slight salary increase, a job I love and hope to be happy in.

*Number 5* Zumba

I have actually found an exercise class I love! I can't wait to get back and shake what my mumma gave me... Even if I am doing it all wrong and going the wrong way - at least I'm moving more and sitting less!!  Read a little more about it here... http://mrssammyb13.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/exercise-is-answer.html

*Number 6* Charitable Donations

Before, during and after my birthday I gave quite a lot to charity, intentionally of course! The props for my party, crockery etc were all bought from various charity shops and after the party, I sold all (well most of the props) and all the cash went straight to charity. 

My mum and I also took part in the Rucksack Project, we made 4 rucksacks filled with useful items for homeless people in Portsmouth. There are a couple of blog posts on here about this project, so do have a read if you fancy it!

The total from the props sold and cash given to charities was approx…..

The Rowans Hospice –£60

British Heart Foundation – £70

Cancer Research – £115

Womb Cancer Research - £50

*Number 7* Weight Watchers

Year upon year I've put on weight and just got fatter. This year I have stuck with weight watchers and although I haven't got to goal or even made a massive dent in the weight loss for one reason or another, I have stayed at it, I've lost some weight and put a little on, but I am NOT any heavier than this time last year, (Very tempted to write here, 2014 will be my year, but ahem* won't!).  All the time I am still trying, I have NOT failed.

*Number 8* Race For Life

We took part in the Race for Life again this year. It was hot, sticky, hard work, but we did it and we raised money for Cancer Research. Together we raised £205!

*Number 9* Became a Helper

At WW. I am a helper for our Saturday morning meetings in Hilsea.  Do come and join us - it's a lovely group and Donna is just such a lovely leader.  Her inspiration is unwavering and her support just the best. Thank you Donna for all your help and support x

*Number 10* Given Blood

When my sister was born, she needed 21 blood transfusions.  It would take me 6-7 years to be able to donate the amount of blood it took to keep her alive. It really is an hour out of your day, you even get a cuppa and a biscuit or packet of crisps out of it! I try and give blood as much as possible, but with 2 new tattoos this year and a trip to Africa I had to wait 4 months to go again, so have only given blood twice this year.  I know lots of people are unable to, but if you can, do go along - it's the least we can do!

*Number 11* Joined Organ Donor Register

I did this many years ago, but have got married moved etc, so thought I would ensure I was registered. This is really easy, a couple of clicks online and ta da! I have informed all my family of my wishes. When I'm gone, I won't need my organs any more, so I'd like to think someone else would benefit from them and make their life a little easier. Have a little look here.... http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk 

You never know if and when you or your loved one may need this service, so go on... join today :0)

*Number 12* Blogging

I'm still here and I still love it! Thank you to you all for reading and encouraging me. You are all amazing! Much love xx

*Number 13* I Survived

2013 has been and is about to go.  I've lived it, the good bits, the proud bits, the bad bits, the tragic bits. My friends and family have helped and supported me and I hope I have done the same for them. I have learnt loads, achieved loads, cried loads and made loads of memories. Thank you all xx

So that's it, give your eyes a rest! Thank you for sticking with me till point 13 and to the end of 2013. If you haven't lost the will to live, have a go and list 13 or at least some things that went well for you for 2013.  Just so you can look back, be grateful, be proud and to remember the good bits as well as the bad.

TTFN, Sammy xxx

Out with the old...

New year, new start.... How often have you heard that in the last week!  Even though NY resolutions may seem a bit pointless, you could turn this tradition into something positive, learn from past experiences and move on with a happier attitude.

This year has been interesting. It has been fabulous in places, rotten in others and mediocre at times. It's been emotional, it's been trying and it's been amazing.  I listen to all the 'This is going to be the best year yet', 'This is going to be my year', 'I can't wait for this year to be over's and try hard not to be scathing.

Every year is your year, every year you should be thankful for, you've lived it, you've coped and conquered and you've survived everything that has been thrown at you.  Even at the worst times, you've survived and are ready to face more. For example; last year for us was pretty rubbish, but I was not prepared to write the whole year off, after all, for one, my neice was born - no year could be bad when it contained a birth of a new life. The year did have its ups after all!

Always remember the lessons learnt, the memories made. Time waits for no one, treasure every moment you have.

Tomorrow I am going to reflect on the experiences I've had in 2013, both good and bad. Be thankful that I've been taught valuable lessons no matter how painful and pledge to move forward positively. 

I am thankful for my friends and family and plan to spend lots of quality time with them to create even more priceless memories.

Much love, Sammy xxx

Having a merry little Christmas!

Evening all, hope you've had a marvellous few days of Christmas celebrating with your friends and family, we certainly have!

The Rucksack project in Portsmouth went down a storm on 23rd December, here is a quote from the organiser of this event...

WOW! What an amazing day! Huge thanks to everyone that donated today, I can't believe how generous you all are. I don't think the Service Users could believe it either, most of them left this morning because it was so busy. After seeing all the packs that had been donated one service user said to me tearfully 'I'd almost given up hope, on everyone and everything, but to see that people really do care makes me feel better'. All service users that came today were given a pack, which they were thrilled with. Most of them also got new shoes, which was great as none of them had substantial shoes. Boycie the dog was kitted out with a new lead, blanket, and lots of food.

As well as packs lots of clothes, towels, and food were donated. Someone turned up with 240 mince pies, someone else with 8 chickens, a giant bag of potatoes and veg. 

Big thank you to Central Point for hosting the event, we basically disrupted their hole day - the staff can't even see their desks for all the rucksacks! 

So what is happening with all the packs? I have no idea what the total is, but there were hundreds delivered today. We're going to let Central Point sort them all out and distribute to the service users. As they hosted the event, we think it's only fair that they take what they need to give out to people over the next few months. We have made contact with services in Havant, Gosport and Fareham and Southampton, and they are thrilled to receive packs. 

Happy Christmas everyone x (Julie Eden)

What brilliant news! Couldn't have felt better and more proud that we were part of it.

In other news, I got some brilliant pressies, spent time eating, drinking and being merry with my nearest and dearest. All the decs are now down, the house cleaned and I've watched some rubbishy films to boot!  I also went back to weight watchers, not expecting anything magnificent, I haven't tracked, tried, exercised.... anything ha! But I jumped on the scales, faced the music and I've put on 1lb over Xmas. Not bad, not bad at all! I am expecting another gain this week as I'm still not back on it, but a new year is dawning!

Ttfn, Sammy xx

I'm ready... Updated!

Well I'm chuffed still with my bag for £22.00, my mum however has managed to do 3 for £17.50!!

My lovely Mum decided she'd have a go at collecting a few bits and if she couldn't complete a whole sack, would contribute her extras to mine.  Well mum popped in to a charity shop, who donated to  her a small rucksack and a bag of spoons (good start!) and she carried on her search of goods.

Today there is a market on in our home town of Waterlooville, so Mum thought she'd have a peruse for items and came across a stall called 'All-Cam' Military surplus goods. Mum stopped to have a natter and see what they had, but when the guy who worked on the stall told her the prices of the items, mum politely declined with them being out of her price range.  The guy was then interested in to why mum wanted such items and so she explained 'The Rucksack Project' to him.  Immediately he offered mum a bag and sleeping unit for just £10, which she snapped up!

Mum, still chatting with the guy, who explained he was a Buddhist and very interested in the movement as his religion puts him clearly in the 'do good to get good' frame of mind at all times; the stall holder came over to join them.  Between the guy and mum, they explained to Keith Allen, the owner of 'All-Cam' about the project and what mum was trying to achieve.  Keith asked my mum if she had any other shopping to do, and could she come back to him before she left Waterlooville.

Upon mums return to the stall, she was shocked and delighted to find that Keith had filled the one rucksack mum had bought with warm clothes and indeed gave her two further rucksacks filled with thermal leggings, clothes and coats!  So that was it, mums mission complete, after not being sure she'd manage to complete one bag, she now had three!

Keith explained to my mum that he, his wife and children had been homeless and lived on the streets for a time and he knew how much these rucksacks would mean to a homeless person, just for some extra warmth at this time of year.  Mum left Keith and his colleague and bought three thermal flasks from Wilko for £7.50 for the three and ta-da! 3 rucksacks for £17.50! Mum also raided hers and my sisters cupboards for some extra food bits to pop in the bags.

Mum and I took the three rucksacks she had and the one I'd made and shared all the items out between the bags. For example I had a packet of 4 toothbrushes - so we split them and put one in each. We added some extra food items, added tshirts, shared out the thermal leggings, put a coat in each and were done!!!

TTFN, Sammy xx