2014 in Review

Where has the year gone? To be honest, I'm not particularly sorry to see 2014 go (so much bad luck!) but there were plenty of good times!

January

Fireworks, Got my stone and a half award at Slimming World, Attended the Pinned it, Made it Lush party, Hung out with my cousin in London

February

Visited Chinatown for Chinese new year, Went on lots of London walks, Won couple of the year in our Slimming World group, Visited Peterborough, Acted like a tourist

 March

Visited Manchester, Got into Breaking Bad, Went to two jewellery making classes, Visited Camden Passage, Work leaving party

April

Visited Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum & Petra, Attended my cousin's wedding, Played tour guide for my friends visiting London

May

Moved to Peterborough and walked in Hampstead Heath

June

Did the London to Brighton Trek, Visited the Cat cafe in London, Walked more in Peterborough, Celebrated my 26th birthday, Commuted, Went to Birmingham for Blognix

July

Lots of commuting and started a podcast with Topher

August

Visited Cornwall and Devon with friends. 

September

Slept, ate, went to the Classic Car boot sale and made the worst cheesecake ever. 

October

Commuting, Visited Manchester to house hunt, Had a bit of an accident with my car, ate Halloween treats

November

Moved to Manchester, Made new friends, Said goodbye to old ones, Made mulled wine, Attended the Christmas markets in Manchester

December

Went to Florida, indulged in Christmas activities such as baking, making a gingerbread house, decorating the house and having fun with friends 

Here's to 2014 and now bring on 2015, I'm ready!

How was your year?

A tale of three cities

Once again, I find myself surrounded by boxes asking myself "How did I get here". True to my name (blog name that is) I have moved again. For the 24th time? I'm not entirely sure - I seem to have misplaced the handy list I had.

So this year has been a bit mad to say the least. I would say that this is the first time I have lived in three different cities in a single year, but I would be lying. But I can finally say I have found my happy place. Manchester. The beautiful north west, rain and all. Yes I've come full circle.

London though lovely, was completely not for me. I don't know whether it was the overcrowded streets (not to mention overcrowded everything else), the people or the fact that it was so expensive that we couldn't enjoy the fun entertainment but we learned a lesson. London was just too big for us.

Now, to get all Goldilocks on you. The trouble with Peterborough is that it was just too damn small. Though I did like being able to walk into countryside in ten minutes, I didn't enjoy being able to walk across the city in no time at all. You can't really consider it as a city - the cathedral makes it one but there just wasn't enough things to do for us. Not that I was awake long enough to do them. I was being quickly drained from commuting; both physically and financially. Enough was enough.

Topher and I had a list of pros and cons to where we should live and there were plenty of points on each list, but in the end we had to go with our hearts. Manchester is where we belong. He's born and bred there and I spent 7 years there which is pretty impressive for me!
Manchester is home. It's a large, but not too large city with plenty to do. Location is ideal for work and it's close to family and friends. I love it. So that's us settled I think, at least for now. Next job in 2015 is finding the perfect home to buy! I can never stay still for long, can I?

Nomad seeks another home

So...two and a half weeks. *Awkwardly shuffles from one foot to the other* Yeah, about that...

This has been an interesting month. A continuation of my zombie-like state which I was rudely awakened from this morning when I had a minor accident with my car. Both me and the car are fine, I can't say as much for one of my tyres though. Ribbons.

Anyway, the last couple of weeks have been pretty busy and I am truly exhausted. As of this month I had started driving down to London everyday for work. Yes, from Peterborough. I don't recommend that. Getting up at 5am everyday, having a 4-6 hour round trip as well as the usual 8 hour working day is enough to drive anyone loony. Not to mention that we're so short staffed at work that I'm doing about 3 people's jobs. I haven't felt like myself at all. I'm not blogging, not taking photos, not doing anything. All I want to do when I get home from work is eat and go to sleep. That's not really much of a life is it?

So on the 10th this month, I handed in my notice at my job. Then a few days later I handed in my notice on my flat. I'm getting out of here. The last week or so has been spent accepting a job offer and applying to rent a very lovely house. Where are we going? Topher and I decided that the south is not for us so we are heading to pastures north. 

It's time to go home. To Manchester, the city where Topher is from, where I went to university and where we met. The only place that I have ever clung on to and now I see that it was for good reason. We both decided that in order for us to be truly happy, we needed to be somewhere that we could make a life for ourselves. 

Even though I'm completely shattered and totally broke, I can't stop smiling because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. This time next month, I'll be home. 

Normal blogging will resume this week I'm hoping. 

So how are you?

Life right now

I'm tired. Like seriously tired. I now have permanent bags under my eyes. I think I'm close to breaking point. One of these days I won't get out of bed to go to work. I'll just stay in and try to forget that I don't get paid sick days.

But today is not that day. I'll keep trudging on. I'll keep travelling four hours a day for a company that don't give a damn about their employees. For a company that gives the minimum pay, holidays and expect the world for nothing in return. The worst thing is, the final nail in the coffin; paying over half your wages just to get to said job.

I'm tired of walking around like a zombie during the week and wasting my weekends away sleeping. It feels like this past year of my life has passed by so quickly and I haven't done much with it. I just want to go home. I finally know where home is and it's not here.

365 June Edition

I think it would be better for everyone if I just made my 365 project into a monthly edition. So much less hassle - which leaves more time for fun! This was my June:

Getting some blog stuff done on the train, Topher being silly, Happiness is getting a seat on the tube, Someone brought a friend, Silly conversations, Wind turbines, Peterborough Cathedral, The tree that looked like a sloth, Managed to loose 4lbs in a week!, Pretty skirt, New project, Just my watch, Another pretty skirt, Blognix!, Birmingham Library, Strawberries, Giant bug, Pretty flower, Family catch ups, Delicious food, London to Brighton trek start, London to Brighton trek end (not at the finish line), Brighton breakfast, Sunflowers, Kings Cross, My birthday flowers, PCs are annoying, Lady Dinah's cat cafe - post coming soon!, Juice named after a friend, Pretty skies.

How was June for you?

The final practise walk

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but when it comes to thinking about doing the London to Brighton Trek in less than two weeks time, I'm officially bricking it! 

The show must go on however, we're almost at our target and have been training as much as we can - the last big practise walk being last weekend. (Blognix this weekend woo!)

It was a beautiful day, though slightly too beautiful to be honest. In terms of how hot it was. Let's just say we sweated buckets! I want it to be overcast on the day of the trek - not too hot or too cold. I'll just keep praying shall I?

This sloth/tree made our day!

I love this walk so much - it's such a pretty route. We get to see a lake, a river, green fields, a bit of woodland and a golf course. Not to mention all the little rabbits we see. So cute!

Almost stood on this little guy. He was creeping along the footpath trying to remain unseen - thank goodness he's such a contrast to the mud otherwise it would not have been pretty!

They seem to like their trains in Peterborough from what I've seen so far. This one just appears to go back and forth somewhere. Will have to give Railworld a visit!

How did you enjoy the weekend weather?

365 Project: May edition

I still managed to get through my 365 project during May but of course couldn't post it due to my BEDM challenge. So here we are, a months worth of photos. Boom.

Being lazy, texting about toothpaste #wesocool, chocolates!, Primark binge, Cinco de mayo nails, another leaving party, all the stapling in the world to do, veggie couscous, being lazy, trying to defrost a chicken using sunlight, hampstead heath, sandwich, vintage postcard, peanut butter dessert, outfit post, Jay-z memes a go go, goodbye London flat, plumbing is not my forte - tape is, Primark goodies,  Hogwarts?, working hard, Topher's new love, more work, attempting to cook, Peterborough walking, pretty sky, apparently you can make your screen turn upside down on a PC, even more work, commuting times, never let Topher borrow my phone, fritatta. 

How was your May?

#BEDM DAY 26: Bank holiday fun!

Don't you just wish that the work week was always only 4 days? Having a three day weekend would let me get so much more done!

For Topher and I, we spent Saturday unpacking the flat; something I've been itching to do all week. Still got some way to go but we're definitely getting there. Then Sunday was the day we picked for our training walk. It was our first day walking round the outskirts of Peterborough and I loved it.

I wish every day was this beautiful. Even though by the end of it my feet were about to fall off (wearing in walking boots is not fun!) I was still looking up at the sky, admiring the colour. Damn hippy. 

Today was just errands & chillaxing along with going to the local Slimming World group for the first time. Back to work and back to reality tomorrow. On the bright side, it's only a 4 day work week and there's things to look forward to. This Saturday I'm attending Nuffnang's 1st birthday in London even though I know no one! Any one else going?

How did you spend the bank holiday?

#BEDM DAY 23: Date Night

Last week, Topher and I decided to try out some of the local Peterborough cuisine and stumbled upon Wildwood. I definitely recommend it. So delicious! I had never heard of it before but it's a chain that you'll find mainly in the south of England.

The decor is amazing - I was even swooning over the bathrooms (sounds so weird to say). It was interior design porn. I will definitely be taking more photos next time I visit. 

I had a raspberry lemonade, Topher had a diet coke and for starters we split a baked brie with caramelised onion, roasted hazelnuts and bread for dipping. I was apparently too busy digging in to take a photo, so take my word for it, it looked amazing.

For mains I had sea bass with courgettes and these amazingly cheesy potatoes. It was amazingly light that I felt just full enough when finishing. None of that wanting to curl up in the foetal position for a while kind of portions.

Topher opted for the wild boar and chorizo burger with fries. He says it was juicy. I can't add much more to that.

It was about 4pm and we hadn't had any lunch so we went for all three courses like the fattys we are. And I would do it all again.  

Topher had the sundae which included mini oreos, malteasers and baileys. 

I had the "Beanut Putter" brownie cheesecake which was on the specials menu. Oh my word this was delicious, but rather rich so unfortunately I couldn't finish it (Topher took care of that). I would order it again though!

We will definitely be visiting there again - there's so many more dishes I want to try!

What do you do on date night?

#BEDM DAYS 17-20: Catch up!

So I was hoping this wouldn't happen but with moving house, missing a few days of BEDM was inevitable. I don't want to miss out so here's my super quick catch up.

DAY 17 - Favourite decade
Though it's very hard to make a decision on my favourite decade, I think I'll have to sway towards the 1950s. I love the fashion, the films, the music, the advertisements, the interiors - just all sorts. Especially over the pond in the USA. What a cool time to look back at. I wouldn't want to live in that time, mainly for all the sexism and lack of technology but I can appreciate some aspects of 50s life.

DAY 18 - Museum Day
It's hard to narrow it down but I think my favourite museum is the London Science Museum. I love this place - it's so fun and interactive!

DAY 19 - Best thing about being an adult

• Just being able to do what I want, when I want.
• Looking forward to buying a house.
• Being able to do things myself - I grew up in an area with no buses so had to rely on my parents to taxi me round.
• Having your own money to spend on whatever.
• Watching things I used to watch as a kid and finally getting some of the jokes that went over my head at the moment

DAY 20 - Being adventurous
Well, once again the bf and I have moved to a random place where we don't know anyone. In fact, a month ago, the bf couldn't point out Peterborough on a map. Is that adventurous enough? Also our upcoming London to Brighton trek is pretty damn adventurous I think.

So just a quick update on what's going on in the Nomad household. Everything is in the new flat - but it's everywhere! I have so much stuff! Managed to convince the bf to give me more space in the wardrobe though (winning).

As of yesterday I am officially a commuter. A drone - though not wearing a suit. I'm finding it good so far, I'm planning on using it to my advantage - especially with this blog. Stuff is gonna get done! 

I really want to continue with BEDM so am going to try my hardest to post everyday. Wish me luck!

#BEDM DAY 14: Home Sweet Home

Today's BEDM prompt is quite fitting as today was the day I picked up the keys for the bf and I's new flat. I'm so excited. Hello home number 23! This place is just a stop gap for a year tops (hopefully) while we get to know Peterborough and then search for somewhere to buy but I'm looking to make it as homely as possible. All furniture will be our own and that's definitely a first for me. 

(We are such nerds! - Love it)

I think what I'm most excited about in terms of the furniture is our sofa. It's my parents old one and is so damn comfy! I don't know what it is about sofas in rental homes - they've all been terrible where I've lived. 

Before getting to my favourite part of moving - unpacking and finding a place for everything, we firstly need to pack everything up. This is a massive job that we only have two days left to finish. Fingers crossed it all goes well.

We moved in a few boxes today but thats barely made a dent in the bf's book & dvd collection. We're going to need a library one day. I can't complain really, my clothing collection is still at large after taking two big bags of it today. So a walk in wardrobe as well will be needed.

I'm looking forward to having everything in it's place and just settling in. No more river dancers upstairs, noisy surroundings and leaky shower (this is just scratching the surface of my hatred for this current flat). Goodbye Wembley!

What's your idea of Home Sweet Home?

#BEDM DAY 12: Walk to work

Currently I don't walk to work. I could, but I don't. I just prefer that extra sleep time which is incredibly lazy of me. Not that it matters much anyway, as this time next week I will be full on commuting to work. Yes that's right, I'm moving out of swinging London for a life less crowded and southern and more chilled and midlands-y after just under a year of living here. Surprising, but I've got a long list of reasons why, which should probably be left for another post.

This is not my commute to work :( It's near my grandma's house in Sheffield. 

Back to the walking, for my new commute I'll be walking on both ends of my journey with a train and tube plonked in between and I have to say I'm looking forward to it. The bf and I have been walking so much more recently - mainly for our London to Brighton Trek (please sponsor us! ) next month. I enjoy it so much more so then running. It gives you a chance to stop and smell the roses. 

This post was actually going to contain my photos I took yesterday on the bf and I's walk through Hampstead Heath for our training but in my eagerness to leave work I left my phone at my desk. What a doofus. Those will have to be saved for another post I guess. It was our first time in Hampstead Heath and I can't recommend it enough. We only did around 10 miles (2 laps of the place - and yes 10 miles is a lot but we're training for 60!) but this was mainly to introduce us to hill walking. And we definitely need to do some more of that! 
It's such a beautiful place and you almost completely forget that you're in a city, well until you hear sirens when you're near the edge! 

I'm looking forward to my part walk to work and finding more nice places to go for walks in and around my new city of Peterborough. Anyone know any?

Do you walk to work?

#BEDM Day 8: Local History

Currently living in London, there is a wealth of local history at my fingertips. I love history and enjoy learning new things so this got me thinking to museums. The bf and I are avid museum lovers - it's an ideal day out. Therefore I've compiled a list of a few museums that spring to mind when thinking of local history: 

Local - London

Natural History Museum

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I've never actually had the time to fully appreciate London's Natural History Museum which is a shame. I do promise to visit one day!

British Museum

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I can't decide what's more beautiful, the outside or the inside of the British Museum. I've luckily had the pleasure of visiting here before and I definitely recommend it. 

V&A

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The V&A museum has been on my must dos for as long as I can remember but I still haven't been. I'm optimistic though, I only visited Portobello Road for the first time last year and that's been on my list just as long. If you're into art, design and fashion then it's a must do. 

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

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The bf is obsessed with Sherlock Holmes - not the program, just the books, and one day I will take him to the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker Street. The house is kept in the Victorian era that the books were set in so that would be really interesting to see.

Used to be local - Manchester

Imperial War Museum - Manchester

Another one I always wanted to visit but never did in my 7 years living in Manchester. The bf said it just made him sad going round which makes sense but I still want to visit one day. I was always interested in WW1&2 in history at school. Plus how impressive is that building?

Manchester Museum

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About a year and a half ago I finally visited the Manchester Museum and wasn't disappointed. The exhibits were beautiful and fascinating and i would definitely recommend a visit if you're ever in Manchester.

Soon to be local - Peterborough (where we are moving in just over a week!)

Railworld

As soon as the bf and I drove into Peterborough, we saw the sign for the Railworld museum and insisted to each other that we would visit. I love trains and I bet it would be really interesting. My english grandad loved trains - he even turned my mums old bedroom into a model railway! I wish I had taken photos of it, my grandma took it down after he passed. Anyway though this museum doesn't look particularly spectacular but will definitely be visited!

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery

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I don't know much about this museum yet but I will have plenty of time to find out. It appears to just be a history of Peterborough so that should be interesting to find out about our new home town.

What are your favourite museums?