Here's me (far left) and my friends at a charity ball last night. I'm sorry that it's a little blurry - I had to take a photo of a photo and that never works particularly well. We went to a very nice hotel in Stratford on Avon and had a great meal, followed by dancing until the early hours. I have to say that I've felt a little 'jaded' (maybe hung-over.....) today!
I'm making mixed progress on my 2013 resolutions. I AM making the effort to be more sociable during the week - rather than focusing entirely on work. I've made the effort to catch up with people where contact had 'slipped' a little. Yesterday I had coffee with some-one who I haven't seen for 6 months. I've gone to car club meetings with Mark and enjoyed the occasional meal out with friends or family. Tomorrow night most of the ladies in this photo are meeting up for supper at a local gastro-pub. My Mum, one of her friends and my sister will also be there. I'm really looking forward to it.
I have made substantial progress on the imaginary conversations with toxic colleagues front. Rather like a bad habit, I am training myself out of the mindset. It's still difficult at times - but I have found that I my brain actually responds to words like "Woah - stop this. It's not going to help....!"
I'm not into a groove with my walking yet this year. The cold and snow, and the flu have all conspired against this resolution. I've found that I'm still very 'chesty' when I try to power walk so I've been forced to amble for the moment.
As for my plans to learn German..... Oh dear! I've got a basic textbook from school, and I've looked out an old phrasebook and dictionary, but I just haven't had the right kind of mindset during January. I think I'm going to have to pin my hopes on the half-term holiday (which will be coming along fairly soon). The problem is that I'm actually quite fluent in French due to my weekly conversation lessons. I also have Italian to AS standard - so my cranky old brain isn't keen on the idea of going right back to basics again! I'm determined to do this though - Mark and I have booked an epic holiday of touring through Germany in the summer. He's no linguist, so I will have to be the one who talks to the garages if anything goes wrong with the car (we're taking the one that he built!).
Isn't it nice to see the back of January....
Hope that you all have a great week. Welcome to my new followers. Jx
What a lovely photo, you look so glam. It sounds like your resolutions are going well, in the main. I don't think we've had the weather for walks really, and then put your illness on top of that and I can see why it's still an amble at the moment. I haven't done any great walks yet this year. Good luck with the German, I hated languages at school, and both Daniel and Eleanor dropped them as soon as they were able. Have a lovely time tomorrow, it sounds like it's going to be a fab night.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, at least you made some resolutions.I failed to make any because I know I never keep them-bit defeatist I know!
ReplyDeleteI think you look fab in your photo too, as Jo says very glam!
I agree, I'm also glad to see the back of January!
ReplyDeleteGood news that you're feeling able to take control of the 'toxic conversation' thingummajig. Take care, Sally x
Jan, Oh I know you had a wonderful evening. There is nothing like dressing up and going out celebrate for a good cause. I echo the above comments, you look very nice. As far as the resolutions.....we do what we can, when we can. Have a wonderful week. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, it looks a great evening and a lovely photo, it is so nice to get all dressed up once in a while isn't it! It certainly is good to see the back of January, I think you're probably doing better than you think on the New Year Resolution front..so far i've yet to do anything i've planned, although this year i've set myself smaller more achievable things such as to make sure I read all of the books (especially the very old ones) that I have this year instead of buying any more, little things like that - you're doing great xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your doing well on the resolutions so far, you have plenty of time for walking and learning German. Sounds like the social side of things is going well. That's a really lovely photo, you look great in it! :)
ReplyDeleteHow fun to dance the night away. You look lovely btw. I have begun stopping my imaginary conversations with the toxic also. I love that your resolutions have a tangible goal; touring Germany sounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteIt hasn't been the greatest weather for walking so far this year, in fact last year wasn't great either with all the rain. It looks from your photo as if a super time was had by all - it is nice to get out and about and meet with and catch up with people you haven't seen for a while:)
ReplyDeleteI always find getting out and about and meeting people energizes me and your charity ball looks as if a good time was had by all! I'm sure your
ReplyDeleteevening out to-night will also be enjoyable. Sounds like there's a lot to look forward to later in the year. Meanwhile, hope the rest of your week goes well!
I love your gown - it really suits you. Good luck with German!
ReplyDeleteGosh....what a busy couple of weeks you've had. I'm glad that the dinner was good. everyone in the photo looks happy too! Hope that your foray into learning German goes well. I can see the need if you are going to enjoy your holiday fully! Joan
ReplyDeleteWOW--impressive group! I never see people "really" dressed up anymore--maybe at a wedding. You are supremely gorgeous!!!
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