Firstly something for Keith. The difference between ‘work makeup’ and getting ‘dolled up’. I did actually take a pic completely makeup less and then felt too embarrassed for it to go up. Admittedly I’m exhausted atm so I look more shitty than normal but still, don’t want to scare any of the readers away so...

Anyway onto the blog, I said I was exhausted. It’s been a long week. To be honest Monday took it out of me; I was ready for the weekend then.

Monday was my interview for the role of Business Manager – a full day 12:30 -7pm of psychometric tests, presentations, formal interviews, informal interviews, group exercise and NO food. (This is a massive deal because those of you that know me well will know I graze constantly over the day and normally have a Mary Poppins bag of food – not eating for 6 and a half hours is agonising) -   I was exhausted. At the end of it all they offered me the job. I was thrilled, until they added the extra little detail that despite telling me the job was in Liverpool and that it was fine I wasn’t willing to relocate; that taking the job would mean at least 6 months in London, more likely at least 9. When I asked about relocation they said; 9 months isn’t permanent though so it’s not relocating. Now maybe I’m being a drama queen here but 9 months is a long time. It’s the time it takes for a full person to grow from a single cell. Never mind the fact London does not appeal to me in the slightest. Over-priced, over-populated, over-rated. So – the hunt for something more permanent then my current job continues. On the bright side, I know what I’m capable of now. Managerial roles are within my reach so I can start applying to more.

I also think this week is going slow because next week brings the big move. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this for an age, I'm so excited. I was always excited to move into the flat in town; but that was different. That was the excitement of moving in for the first time officially, and a swanky town flat. This place isn’t as fancy; it doesn’t have spiral staircases, modern renovation. It’s more ‘homey’ than high tech. Don’t get me wrong I loved the flat to pieces and I still miss it but this feels different. Being around everyone. Being walking distance from friends. Being walking distance from the Ferndale! I don’t care how sad that sounds, it makes me happy. Or maybe I’m just easily pleased.  I mean, show me a picture of a bunny and it makes me happy.

(Incidently anyone... but namely Lyon's and Le Noble.... bunnies must be cute, furry, convential type rabbits for happiness so occur.)

Regardless, I’m happy. That’s whats important right?

The only niggling thing now is I'm hoping moving to Waterloo won't bring increased drama. There's a lot of people there I don't get on with. Well actually, not 'a lot'; two or three. But they seem to constantly crop up and every time I talk to friends I get an update on what's been said about me, the latest rumours. You know what; I don't care. I don't like loosing friends and I'm pretty reasonable about giving people second (third, forth fifth) chances; so if I have fallen out with you - the chances are you've done something major. This means I don't want to know you. Don't want to know what's going on in your life. Don't want to know what you're saying about me; whether it's true or bullshit. Don't even want to listen to your 'friends' slagging you off to me. Just full on not interested in your existence. Harsh maybe, but fuck it, I've got more important things to worry about.

And on that bombshell I'mma love you and leave you - I've got this to contend with!

.... and this is only a tiny fraction of the stuff :'( 

I’ve come to the conclusion life is harder on girls than boys. Not because we get stuck with periods, and childbirth, because we have to suffer bad driver jokes or because for decades, and in some cultures now, we treated lesser to males – though; all valid points to my argument. No I’m on about the physical toll of life. This is how I reached this conclusion.

I got up late for work yesterday and as such didn’t have time to do my makeup. I mean, no makeup. I washed my face and ran out the door. I figured it wouldn’t matter that much. But all day I got; “wow Sally are you feeling okay, you don’t look....well” or the classic “You look tired” which we all know is the polite way of saying you look like crap.

A glance in the mirrors in the bathroom confirmed; I did look like crap. Don’t get me wrong I don’t doll up for work. I usually just slap some foundation, lipgloss and mascara on. But still; it makes a huge difference -apparently. So why is it that girls look like shit without makeup and boys well, they’re just themselves? They don’t look like crap unless they’re ill or something. The only conclusion I could reach is life is harder on us. Mother nature’s not looking out for her girls. That bitch.

On that note I’d like to wish my readers a Happy New Year! Yes, first blog of 2012. We’re only 12 days in but it’s been a bit of a mixed year. It started quite badly.  Work dropped the bombshell that they were making a lot of people redundant. This came the day after I put an offer on a new place (which I’ll get to). It was like being kicked in the stomach – finding out you might lose your job is always bad news but finding out when you’re planning to move out that same month is a killer.

As it happens; yesterday I got the news as a ‘solution’ to redundancy I’ll be doing a job share – meaning they won’t be letting me go but my hours are halved to 20 a week. Not ideal but I suppose better than unemployment. I also had a phone interview for a graduate job yesterday. I’m not going to say too much about it in case nothing comes of it but if I can get the job I’ll be a very happy lady in a much better situation, financially as well as just generally.  

The best news of the year is me and Jake finding our home. The move in date is set, and in 15 days – we’ll be residents of Waterloo. We’ve been waiting so long for this; Waterloo is well and truly our home. It’s where I grew up, it’s where our friends are – the places we go. It’s got everything we need.  We’re off today to an Open House today to nab some furniture. I definitely wouldn’t mind a new couch, a dining table and chairs and if the beds a comfy one then yeah. I might even pick up something I haven’t accounted for! I'm really looking forward to making the home - home. I haven't showed anyone pictures of the flat yet because the empty rooms don't look up too much. It needs finishing personal touches.

Today is also the car’s MOT day. I’m quite nervous. I hear about some people’s MOT’s costing... £25. That’s fine. I hear about some people’s costing hundreds. I can’t really go higher than £100 without really feeling the blow. They phoned me before; “Are you are you’ve been driving round with faulty brakes?”  - Obviously not, I’ve been managing to stop the car okay so not really sure how they were faulty. Fingers crossed fixing brakes isn’t expensive? I wouldn’t know.

That’s the problem with cars is they’re so expensive. Even if you buy one for cheap; it’s all the extras. Insurance is £125 a month. Petrol probably £50 a month (at least). This month has the misfortune of MOT, road tax which is, well £130 for the tax and then whatever this MOT ends up costing. It’s so bloody expensive. Suddenly my life seems to be revolving around money-  or lack thereof. When did that happen?

The final thing on today’s agenda is setting up a joint account with Jake. It’s something we’ve talked about for a while but it really seems to make sense now. It’s more clear than ever we’re in the right place for it all – everything feels so grown up for us – grown up, but not scary. Not in the slightest. It’s one of the few things in my mind that is completely without any doubts whatsoever.

With that in mind I’m ploughing on with 2012 hopeful. I hope it will be a good year for us both.  Job wise I want to settle in something permanent, and I want Jake to find something that will give him career satisfaction. Living in Waterloo will be better for our social life so we’ve nailed that one. Who knows what else it will bring for us? But like I said; I’m hopeful.