"Jacqui at home"

I got a great new cook book for Christmas from James - its Jamie Olivers "Jamie at home" I have spent the whole day in bed feeling like hell. Mum bought back a cold/flu from Africa which I have managed to catch.. :( i'm feeling quite sorry for myself! so i thought i would update my blog - what a great thing this is! Last night i went and saw my sister and her boyfriend they cooked a wonderful meal, and to return the favour and as a going away treat I am making a big feast for everyone tomorrow night (if i can get out of bed! ) Jen and James are going to Canada for a month to perfect their snowboarding skills and learn how to teach others, im not a huge snow fan but everyone else is!! I know they will have a great time and we will miss them!
So i have been looking through my new cook book and i found a great dessert - Creamy rice pudding with the quickest strawberry Jam, sounds delicious! For mains im making "Beautiful courgette carbonara"

I hate being in bed, i feel so lame and want to be up doing stuff but cant bring myself to just yet.....I have been reading and watching loads of films, right now im watching Titanic, it always always makes me cry, Beck and i saw it 3 times at the cinema and i balled each time.:)

The next few days im hoping to be really proactive, i have got all of my books i want to sell and am trying to have a new year clean out, I think now is a good time to do these kind of things. I also need to follow up with some of Joeys hen do arrangements. I found them a really beautiful guest book yesterday which they love! So im not doing too badly in my duties so far....

Thats all for now, xxx

Things are changing

Today was a great christmas day, but really made me realise how much all of our lives have changed and moved on. Life is always changing and it makes me sad to think those times are now going to be only a memory.
Im not the 7 year old little girl who loves Christmas anymore, no longer is Christmas what it was. I feel in limbo at this stage in my life. Im no longer a child but in some ways i still get treated like one. I dont have my own space, or life really. Im hoping 2008 will be my year to really branch out and challenge myself. I need and love my family so much but things will never be how they were before and I have to deal with that and move on...There is so much to look foward to and strive for, today was a very happy day and it was great all laughing and enjoying having each other around. Tomorrow we are off to see the cousins, it should be another fun day...
I feel grateful for the wonderful family I have and all the love we share

Italia!

Today has been a good day, not only is work slowing down for Christmas, Ry and I decided to book ourselves our second trip for next year! - a little early Christmas present to ourselves... We are going to Italy! :)

Im so excited, I have always wanted to go to Italy I have been once before but we went to a ski resort so it wasnt the real Italy.
We decided to go to Venice over May day and then to get a train to Rome to see all the sites. Venice has been in my mind alot lately as ive been reading this great book called The Love Academy, its set in Venice and although it sounds really cheesy.. it is but I love it! Belinda Jones is my favourite authour I just love her books. So anyway Ry can thank Belinda for my sudden need to go to Venice...

Memories of Ry and I in Paris...

This little video shows Ry and I being silly in Paris arguing over whether to go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower...

It was a great day and we are always having fun!! We had a cold day today in London visiting the London Aquarium which was by the London Eye. I thought I would add this video so I could remember what it was like to feel warm!! Bring on our trip to Thailand...

Christmas Party !!

Last night was the Goldman Sachs operations Christmas party. The theme was Bond and the venue was right by the Tower of London. Ry and I had a lot of fun dancing - him more so than me! He loves to shake it on the dance floor! Anyway it was a great night spent, eating, drinking and talking with all of the people we met in New York. It bought back memories of how we met and how our story has unfolded. It was great to have an occasion to really dress up and I thought we did quite well compared to our usual attire. After the party last night there were a few tired faces this morning at work!

Tonight we went and saw a few live bands play down in Leicester Square which was fun. The weekend is only just beginning, it hasn't sunk in that its Christmas in a week or so!! Better hit the shops this weekend.

Joeys Hen do

So I have finally started organising my sister Joey's Hen do. I never thought it could be this tough! As I was elected Chief Bridesmaid after I insisted I was the best one for the job im now feeling a bit lacking.. maybe Jen could of sorted this stuff out way better than me! Anyway so now I have to arrange the restuarant including belly dancers, Tarot reading, shisha, the nightclub after.. the transport.. the hotel! The list goes on and on! At least I have until May to get it all finalised.

Im really excited though and i'm glad im doing my bit. I cannot wait to be her bridesmaid, Jo is a beautiful, wonderful sister and I cant wait to see her walking down the ailse next year.

A reflection of my emotions

Looking at my blog page always puts a smile on my face. I love to write and look at all the wonderful pictures and memories of places I have visited. I remember meeting Ry's family and not wanting my picture taken! I think it just takes me a while to get out of my skin a bit. I think occasionally these feelings overcome me and I dont always know how to reflect on my good emotions rather than the ones that bring me down.

Im feeling quite low right now, although on the surface I seem to have it all, things arent always what they appear to be. I think everyone has insecurities and problems they have to overcome... I hate the feeling of being out of control of my emotions but feeling like that just makes it worse. I need to be real with myself and not keep dragging my thoughts down.

Tonight I had some honest and caring words from the one that I love. I promise to take your advice and use the strength you have given me.

I love you.

To travel or not to travel..

So far this year I have been to Utah, including Las Vegas, then to New York City followed again by Utah then onto Egypt then Amsterdam, Paris ( my favourite) and a tour of Spain (Granada, Barcelona, Valencia).. I think we have done pretty well!!!!

2008 should bring another load of magical experiences.. it gets me thinking everyday at my boring desk while im staring at my two screens why dont we go travelling? All around us people seem to be moving in, getting married and having babies.. not that I am ready for any of that yet.. I know I need to experience the world and all the amazing sites there are to see... but there is always a but - how can we afford a 5star tour of the world?? Goldman dont pay that well!

So maybe I will read this and realise i'm grateful for my life, my friends, Ryan and all the crazy things we have achieved so far.