On To 2008

Does anyone else think Christmas flashed by in about 17 seconds?

Suddenly, I'm looking at an empty stockroom at work that was once filled with Christmas decorations, A minor mountain of new gifts, and a face in the mirror that looks absolutely shattered.

But Believe me, It's worth it.

I spent my birthday at work which was OK as i managed in my lunch break to grab the last Nintendo DS in HMV for Steffi's Christmas present. Then it was onto Frankie And Benny's with the parents and Mr McBride, (from who i was presented with 2 presents, Harvey and DVD and a framed song that he wrote. I Love Him)

I also got a new DVD and TV from the parents. so yeah, i basically got spoilt.

I finally saw my good friends again on the 20th where we all dressed up like silly beggars and produced small pantomimes. which made me laugh. A.LOT!!!!!

Then came the big day. On Christmas eve, Gary and I wandered around town for presents from him to Steffi. We munched on a hamburger and laughed until i almost fell into a market stall keeper. it was great to be like this again, I'll be the first to admit that this time last year, i wasn't myself. This time last year i was hugging people and thinking i probably won't see them again. (HDM)

Then on Christmas day, everything was practically perfect. we gathered round the Christmas tree and had fun. I got a present from Mr McBride's parents. (a little photo frame with a 6 year old Very red headed McBride boy.) and once again got spoilt by everyone including McBride himself. (a CD, a necklace i saw and loved, the HDM books and a bracelet.)

Lunch was lovely. I think Steffi and I are the only two people who can manage to get drunk on Non Alcoholic wine! giggling away with a paper crown that kept falling over my eyebrows. (i got a tiny photo frame in my cracker if you're interested.)

After an afternoon on the wii! (yeah i know) the two of us went to the McBride Residence for some alcoholic merriment. where we opened more presents from the other McBride and Emmy. then we watched the Simpson's movie and drank white Russian's until we felt sleepy.

Worked on Boxing day, we don't need to talk about that.

But on Thursday i took my niece to see a play called Drumlins and Dragons. a good friend of mine was involved and i can honestly say that i was blown away. For a touring production it was extremely professional. my Niece loved it and now wants me to take her again.

And now I'm here, sat stuffed with food in front of the computer talking to you, good reader. I have a house party to go to for New Years Eve. which will be a millions times better than last years 31st!

I hope you have a wonderful 2008 and that it's a year to cherish and remember.

Realisation and Disappointment

Next Wednesday i will turn 20.

I'm not expecting to feel any different, any more mature or any older. But It's actually quite a big jump.

I know that big birthday is your 21st but i keep thinking to myself "god, i won't be a teenager anymore"

I can remember my 13th Birthday party, i had a purple sparkly dress on that I brought in Tammy the day before, I Danced to songs from Westlife and The Backstreet boys. I had body glitter on for God's sake. All that is a whole other world away now.

This year for my birthday I'm going to a restaurant with my folks and Mr McBride. Another night I'm having dinner cooked for me and sharing it with my Best friends.

I've always loved the fact that my Birthday falls in the same week as Christmas. It's my favourite week of the year.

But unlike my 13th Birthday (when it was all about presents and me being happy) I'm more focused on just having a great time and the people around me being happy. And that's why it's seems like a big jump. It's because I've come a long way since i became a teenager all those years ago.

I watched The Golden Compass last night with a group of friends. I -Like most of us- pointed every time a new character came on and said "that's so and so." Now i know i will ALWAYS be biased towards our Production of the Fantasy series but i believe that even though the film looked amazing, the Acting was cold. There's was hardly any heart from any of the cast members.

I think the fact that we did it on stage makes a great deal of difference, It's LIVE theatre, it's happening right in front of you and you have to respond otherwise it's not real. The film looked like the cast didn't really care about others. With the exception of a couple of cast members, everyone just trotted along the script and looked around the room hoping that the CGI guys will make the Daemon follow their eyes.

Sorry, I don't want to sound like a critic, like i said, I will always be biased. I just hope they don't rush the other films. I hope Dakota Blue Richards grows into a greater Actress, she has a lot of potential. but once again, I was Lyra, I'll be biased.

If i don't get on here before

Have a VERY merry Christmas

xxx

Christmas Is Coming!

And so onto the merriment of Christmas.

And hasn't it arrived quickly.

This time last year i was stressed at college, starting a new job and losing faith in a relationship. now I'm happy at work, madly in love and having the time of my life in all areas. I'm amazed at how much a year has changed me.

~*~

I made 5 resolutions at the new year.

*Stop picking off my nail varnish the day i put it on. (passed)

*Get up early enough to have breakfast before work (failed miserably)

*Take more pictures (passed with flying colours)

*Make myself happy (yey)

*Be more organised (the fact Mr McBride isn't means i have to be)

~*~

I'm so organised that i already have all my Presents for people ready to wrap. this is the first Christmas where I'm on a proper wage and i wanted to make the most of it. Especially to Steffi, she's been through a hell of a lot these past couple of years. now the woman's speaking two languages and I'm so proud of her.

~*~

This Christmas will be great, I'll finally be 100 % happy of who I'm spending it with and where i am. Plus, i won't be on tablets like i was last Christmas so i can drink a wee bit.

~*~

I just can't believe this time last year i was Lyra. a year goes so quickly don't it?!?!

I Cried!!

Tonight was the performance of 'The Chrismas Cake' The production put on by act one juniors. I teach these kiddies every tuesday afternoon and for the past few weeks, we have talked nothing but Christmas. I've had conversations about what colour a raisin is, what kind of hat should a snowman wear and what colour ribbon should the ribbon be.

Yep, basically my Children are all decorations (or raisins) on a Christmas cake, and today they finally performed infront of 80 audience members. and i have to say i was so proud i cried. I sat on the stairs watching as the audience stared in awe at the fact their child had the confidence to stand on stage let alone act.

Ok, so a few bum, lines and a few missed cues but the show was an aoutstanding success. i had to leave the auditorium at one point to pull my self together. i was proud beyond belief.

Good god, what am i going to be like when my own child does this kind of thing?

In other news, Mr McBride now has no bears and short hair. just the way i like it.

And that's all for now. I do need to say though, I got a big birthday card from the Kiddies as well, that also made me cry, they all signed it and everything. golly it was emotional!!!

love