Well yes. I suppose I should be looking on the bright side. And most of the time I can. But it is amazing how isolating being stuck home alone with an injury is. When you have the flu/migraine/stomach bug (delete as applicable) your brain all but shuts down. You’re capable of sleep and watching TV and not much else. Your needs are pretty much water, soup and paracetamol. You still get fed up, but it seems much easier to accept that you can’t do a thing, and your brain doesn’t fully function or really care what is going on as long as you are as comfortable as possible.

But this is possibly the first time in my life I’ve realised how much I take everyday things for granted. My brain is still in full working order, so when my sister kindly offers to go shopping instead of a simple list, she gets instructions like “child size fromage frais, whatever is on offer, but not Nestle!” I decided that annotating it with the questions I would ask myself is perhaps going a step too far (and could result in my sister abandoning me).Going through my shopping list I realise just how many thoughts my brain goes through on the average trip to Sainsburys.  I don’t just pick stuff up, it seems everything from the sell by dates of houmous to the price vs quality of tomatoes makes my supermarket shops more complex than the average persons. Decisions take into account price, brand, quality, shelf life, ethical issues and in a different order or ranking of importance for different products. It’s probably why, despite not having a car and struggling on the bus, I have never fully embraced online supermarket shopping.

I have realised my control freakery runs deep. There are plenty of things in life I can let go of. Day to day I can seem positively normal, I don’t tend to get too precious about things at work, I don’t have any silly rules in my home and the way other people live their lives is up to them. On the surface I have relinquished the need for control of everything because trying to be in control when other people are involved is no fun. It’s much better to be relaxed there and save the control freak for things I don’t have to involve other people in like buying food, getting from A to B, and posting letters. Except suddenly I find myself trapped at home unable to control the details of my life that hold my secrets of weird, demanding and high maintenance behaviour. I love being independent, because in that independence I can be me, with all my crazy ways of doing things, without having to impact or rely on anyone else. It’s like having my secret superhero power taken away from me. And that makes me cry. And moan.

Saying that I am getting lots of writing time in. And now that life is back on track, I am working on pieces to pitch in the coming months. I am appreciating that for a brief few days if I suddenly get an idea I can just stop everything and start writing. I don’t have to scribble something on a post it and hope that evening I’ll have time to get back to it.

As as I’m getting back to thinking about getting my writing published I did think it was a good time to have a look back at my goals from January 1st 2010. The first five months of the year I’ve not really accomplished huge amounts on the list (though the dating bit seems on track!) but I have done so much more besides, that should mean I can get on with so much more in the next seven months.

Hopefully I’ll be back on my feet in no time at all so I can get on with having lots of energy, doing lots of stuff and stop having to explain the way my mind works when it comes to the weekly shop!

But back to the nice stuff. I’ve had such a fantastic time with some of my best friends (though missing El who’s out in Australia, but before we know it she’ll be back!) In previous years I’ve always organised big nights out, an unofficial annual school reunion of sorts. Inviting everyone I still had email addresses and mobile numbers for, the past couple of years it’s been a Facebook event too. But I think it finally lost it’s appeal last year. Spending more quality time with my favourite girlies was so much more fun that trying to make conversation with people I don’t really know any more. And it was quality time with lots of chatting, silliness and even some dancing (even with the worst DJ in the world playing the music!)

Liz and I braved the sales in Liverpool, getting there early and then heading home just after lunchtime when the full on madness and crowds descended. I actually managed to make sensible purchases, although the sparkly purple & lime flats could be seen as a frivolous purchase!

As we all head off to our various corners of the country, more than ever I’m going to be sad to not see all my lovely friends for a while.

Family has been lovely too! It’s great having everyone together and this year we’ve avoided big arguments (*touch wood* there’s still a few hours to go!!!) We’ve had some fantastic food courtesy of the parents and many many giggles. After umm-ing & ahh-ing I finally bought Trivial Pursuit on Christmas Eve and it has been worth every penny. The only problem is that my brother-in-law seems to know EVERYTHING, so it isn’t much fun asking him questions!

I do love Christmas. There’s something so magical about this time of year and I’m a bit sucker for all of it. New Year on the other hand I’m not so sure about… but that can be my next blog!

The doctor has prescribed me another week off work and some antibiotics. The new symptoms may or may not be a secondary infection so I’m taking medication three times a day just in case. The last thing I want is a repeat of the chest infection I had back in March. I need lots of rest, but I also need to not lie down 24 hours a day so I’m trying to punctuate my resting with short bursts of activity, which just serve to remind me how tired my body is. I’m not a big fan of laundry I must admit, but it is rare that I’m so overcome I need to sit down and rest after hanging it out. At least the sun is now shining and I may even bundle myself up later and attempt a walk around the block.

My sister has been a god send. She’s ferried me to and from the doctors and turned up with bits of shopping as and when I need them. But I desperately want a Christmas Tree to decorate and bring some festive cheer to my flat. I think after all Lizzie has done for me, sending her on errands to pick me up frivolous things is taking it a bit too far. Luckily my brain decided to engage again I had a lightbulb moment. These days you can tell people you want things via the internet and they bring them right to your front door. No need to leave your house. The internet is a saviour for ill people with no energy to shop.

So after I had ordered the Christmas tree from Argos I got on with the present shopping at Amazon, eBay, Oxfam Unwrapped, Photobox and Vistaprint (is it just me or is it no longer acceptable to celebrate Christmas without giving at least one customised photo item?)

They say lightening doesn’t strike twice, but lo and behold I had a second bright internet-based idea (two in one day, surely a sign I’m on the mend.) I didn’t need to send my sister to the shops anymore, I could get Tesco to come to me. Something I had completely forgotten they do. I’m still amazed that for a delivery charge of only £3.50 someone else will battle the supermarket crowds for me and bring the shopping to my door within a two hour time slot I specify.

After quite an accomplished 24 hours I’ve realised there is a flaw in my plan. I have just ordered lots of food and I don’t have much of an appetite. I’m hoping that the excitement of fresh fruit and veg will set my hunger off again.

So this is why I wanted to blog and be up front about having just become an Amazon Associate. And why I have done it.

Interestingly the day after I first drafted this blog I came across Blog with Integrity which I have now signed up to. I like it when something pops up with perfect timing.

I’ve found over the past few months of blogging that I am recommending and mentioning books and movies, and more often than not linking to Amazon so people see what I’m referring to. I’ve struggled with whether it is “right” for me to become an Amazon Associate so if you guys happen to follow a link and buy the stuff I might make a bit of money (a very tiny bit of money) out of it.

In the end I decided that if I’m sending you guys to Amazon anyway, then I might as well. I’m not going to sell out, I’m pretty sure you’d stop reading my blog sharpish if it turned into a stream of blogs about buying books and DVDs. But in the event that I write a blog that mentions a book or movie then I will use my Amazon Associate account to link to it.

I’m not about to start bugging you with loads of adverts on my site. Even though a bit of extra bit of money could come in handy I prefer sites that don’t bombard me with adverts, and I’m guessing a majority of readers do too. If I do decide to promote or advertise something other than general day-to-day recommendations or mentions then I will let you know up front.

I hope this is ok with you guys? If I do ever recommend anything it’s because I actually think it is worth recommending. My sister did point out that our family has a habit of being “pathologically honest”.

For god sake I’m writing a blog asking you if it’s ok if I link to stuff on Amazon. I really am never going to be a millionaire am I?! Definitely not ruthless enough!!!

Below is the text from Blog with Integrity. You can sign the pledge too if you want.

———————————————-

BLOG with INTEGRITY

By displaying the Blog with Integrity badge or signing the pledge, I assert that the trust of my readers and the blogging community is important to me.

I treat others respectfully, attacking ideas and not people. I also welcome respectful disagreement with my own ideas.

I believe in intellectual property rights, providing links, citing sources, and crediting inspiration where appropriate.

I disclose my material relationships, policies and business practices. My readers will know the difference between editorial, advertorial, and advertising, should I choose to have it. If I do sponsored or paid posts, they are clearly marked.

When collaborating with marketers and PR professionals, I handle myself professionally and abide by basic journalistic standards.

I always present my honest opinions to the best of my ability.

I own my words. Even if I occasionally have to eat them.

I would also like to thank my wonderful friends Liz (@LadyBowers) and Catherine for exploring the city with me on my trips. Also Hannah for being a complete star and showing us the hidden gems of her city.

New York

Welcome to my whistle stop tour of New York. Before we start I will warn you that a week away in New York will leave your feet aching from walking, and your face aching from smiling so much!

Getting around…

It’s worth investing in a 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card for $27. Bear in mind that the subway isn’t like the tube and so if you need to change lines you may find yourself going back on yourself to be able to change. It’s worth doing a bit of extra walking and seeing the city too. As the week goes on you’ll hopefully find your bearings, walk more and use the subway less.

Sightseeing…

Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty (Battery Park): Ellis Island museum is great. I’ve never got off on Liberty Island because the views are spectacular from the ferry. Now that the statue has reopened the climb to the crown if you can get tickets it might be worth it.

Broadway Show (TKTs Times Square): It wouldn’t be a trip to New York without taking in a show. Get reduced tickets from the TKTs booth in Times Square, if there’s a show you want to see it’s worth the wait.

Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre): In my opinion, having done both, Top of the Rock is better than the Empire State Building. The view over Central Park is fantastic. And midweek mornings are virtually queue free.

MoMA (11 W 53 St): A chance to see some of the great works of modern art in real life. Definitely a good choice for a rainy day.

Guggenheim (5^th at 89^th St): For art I prefer the MoMA, but it is worth having a wander past, and even sticking your head inside to take in the impressive architecture. Don’t forget it’s closed on a Thursday (a fact I remember thanks to Sex and the City, Carrie and co do have their uses!)

Central Park: I fell in love with New York the day I first visited Central Park. Hire bikes if you want to see as much of the park as you can, an hour will get you round the south of the park, but you’ll need a couple of hours or more to see the north of it too. Alternatively it’s just as nice having an afternoon wander around the various sights.

Grand Central Station (87 E 42nd St): The first time I walked in it took my breath away. The second time it did it again. This is a truly magnificent building so don’t miss it.

New York Public Library (5^th Ave at 42nd St): For those of you who are librarians, this is an amazing library. For those of you who are SATC fans, this is where Carrie nearly married Big. For those of you who are neither, it is another stunning building in the city.

LOVE sculpture (6th Ave): At W 55 St. 6th Avenue you’ll find the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, which is a photo taking moment. (I’ve included the address as some of us spent a week hunting for the damn thing!)

Sex and the City Tour: For the fans of the show this is an absolute must. You see a lot of the city whilst enjoying SATC trivia and get a free Magnolia Bakery Cupcake too!!!

Shopping…

Times Square: My favourites are Toys R Us (I still haven’t been on the ferris wheel though!), M&Ms World (because there is something fab about M&Ms in more colours than you can imagine), Hershey’s (the outside of it is fantastic). I also loved the HUGE Virgin Megastore, but sadly it shut earlier this year. I have fond memories of being asked out for coffee by a cute guy whilst browsing CDs… only in New York!

Department Stores: Top end you have Saks and Bloomingdales. Macy’s is great once you get your bearings, but it takes time. Century 21 is fantastic if you have a clue what you are looking for, but it can be completely chaotic and overwhelming.

Apple: There are Apple stores across Manhattan which are great for checking email and using the internet (but remember to log out of Facebook!). However if you only visit one make it the flagship store on Fifth Avenue. It is a sight to behold.

For the Girls: Tiffany & Co. is a must. Meander round the floors, drooling at the gorgeous jewelry. Whether you like classic and simple, or more diamonds than you can imagine, there will be something to make your jaw drop. Victoria Secret is the other stop. Though I enjoy perusing the lingerie my favourite things are the PINK sweat bottoms, I live in mine when I’m at home, they are so comfy!

For the Labels: Head over to Greenwich Village for the various designer stores (there is also 5^th Ave, but I prefer this end of town). Here I find my favourites of Mulberry, DVF and Louboutin. I also discovered Fresh, and the best lipbalm I have ever owned.

Afternoon Tea…

Magnolia Bakery: These are the best cupcakes in the world. The original shop is in Greenwich Village, but there a couple more now including on in the Empire State Building.

Alice’s Tea Cup: Missing a good old cup of English Tea? Well this is the place to come. There is a bigger selection of tea than you could imagine, as well as the most amazing scones. They do other wonderful food too. You may have to wait an hour or so for a table, but it is worth it. Trust me.

Max Brenner: Apparently this place does more than just chocolate, but it does chocolate best. Again you may have to wait for a table, but the trip to chocolate heaven is more than compensation for the queuing.

Saks Cafe SFA (8th Floor): Get a table next to the window in their café and overlook the roof stunning gardens of the Rockefeller Plaza buildings whilst enjoying traditional afternoon tea.

Food & Drink…

Any Diner: Another New York tradition that can’t be missed. At least one breakfast trip for pancakes, and dinner visit for burgers and a shake. There are a fair few to pick from, so no excuses for missing out.

American Favourites: Dunkin’ Donuts, Tasty D-Lite etc these are the places you’ll immediately recognise but haven’t made it over the pond

Starbucks: Because mid-afternoon you will need a sit down, drink and a toilet break (not necessarily in that order) and they are perfect for all three. The only time you won’t be able to find one is when you are absolutely desperate!!!

Europa Café: You’ll find these dotted around the city and they are great for a reasonably priced delicious lunch. The sandwiches are lovely, and fresh salad is made whilst you wait.

I just about survived my leaving parties, though my liver is thanking me for minimal alcohol drinking ever since. The hangovers weren’t pretty, but they were worth it. It was so lovely that people made the effort, and so I better make the effort to keep in touch with them now I’ve gone!

Then it was ‘The Move: Part One’ from London to Southport. Packing my stuff up took so much longer than expected and packing the van was an experience in itself, we packed every last inch of space and used every last minute of the rental!!!

Less than 24 hours later I was off to NYC and surprised myself by being able to keep my eyes open until 10pm on the first day (3am GMT) despite being up at 5.30am – over 21 hours!!!

Friday Liz and I shopped until we dropped, literally. After 10 hours and more dollars than I care to add up, we sat down in the nearest restaurant we could find. We weren’t just there to shop (though you might find that hard to believe!) we also did some sightseeing, and found sometime to catch up with the gorgeous and wonderful Hannah! By far the most giddy moment of the week was when I sat there as The Little Mermaid musical started!

Since I returned to the UK on Friday I have been recovering by sleeping lots. I’ve also started to put together a to-do list. I’m sure that time will fly by, and before I know it I will be in Durham to start my new job! I’m off to the North East next week to house hunt – wish me luck!!!

It’s astounding how excited and interested we are in the UK. Understandable of course, this is not only a president of the USA, but the most powerful man in the world. It’s also history in the making, proving yet again that anything is possible. However I agree with Obama, he is not a black President, he is a President who is black. I am just pleased that he is a man that seems to have vision, yet is realistic in his goals. He believes in equality, yet appreciates people’s individuality. I hope that his leadership is as strong as I believe it can be, and I am excited about the possibilities over the next four years.

Even without the current crises it is of interest to us because of the effect American politics has on our little island. However the other reason is the capacity the Americans have to motivate and celebrate. It is infectious. I have followed this election more closely than any UK election. Yes some people stay up all night to watch our general election results rolling in, but you don’t see the scenes of people sat cheering in bars in central London, as was last night. Isn’t it time that we had a general election that inspired people to vote and to celebrate. That engage people in the process, rather than alienating those who feel they don’t ‘get it’. I hope our next general election can be as exciting for those of us in the UK as the American election has been!

As the Americans queued for hours to vote, I braved the land of the Swedes, Ikea. I needed to buy some of those cheap paper lampshades to replace the ones I removed the moment I moved in. Though I am a sucker for the Ikea concept, and prices, I find the experience very stressful. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and check out potential furniture options for my future home so that when I have to visit again it can be as quick and painless as possible. Despite having researched mattresses and narrowed it down to three, I still had what can only be described as a goldilocks moment when I tried them out! Thankfully the one that was ‘just right’ is the cheapest!!!

And what of the Scousers? Well they avoided a loss against Atletico taking them a step closer to the next stages of the Champions League. While the Americans dream of the next four years, I’m hoping that Liverpool have got their act together enough this season to get the Premiership title, and enjoy the European one too!