Happy Belated Birthday To Me

Hello, so it’s been a while since I last posted an update (Sorry Susan), but I’ve been quite busy. It was my Birthday on Sunday. I’m now 24, which depresses me slightly, but it shouldn’t really. I’m still a young duckling.

So yeah, I usually sulk on my Birthday because I hate getting older. You could say I’m like the                  female version of good old Peter Pan.

I was spoilt this Birthday. Maybe it’s because I’ll be away for my 25^th, but I got Coco Chanel perfume, which I utterly adore and a food processor. That’s a bit grown up, I know, but I was so excited to get one, but unfortunately can’t pack it to Florida. I also got a few clothes from H&M, which I picked myself, when I went into town. It was just a nice day, spent with family.

My Birthday was on a Sunday, so I went out on the Saturday with a few of my friends. It was good fun, but unfortunately, I can’t remember much of it. I was severely hung-over on my actual Birthday, but fought through it, as I wasn’t going to let the copious amount of alcohol I consumed ruined my only day where I can be excused for being a big attention seeker.

The following day, my Birthday Boxing Day (Monday), I went out for some Chinese food with a few other friends. The food was good, but the service was awful. Our sever was just terrible. She was rude, rushed us. And I mean properly rushed us. She wasn’t able to write down what we ordered, without making a bit of a fuss. I really hope I won’t be like that in Florida. I know I won’t be rude, I love talking to customers, but I hope I won’t be a complete tool in not knowing the menu etc, which I highly doubt, since I heard Disney’s training is superb and very thorough.

One thing I’m a bit gutted about (and not to sound ungrateful) is that nobody made me a cake  L.. Yeah I appreciate my mum was busy, and she did buy me one, but still.

In Disney/Florida related news, it’s a little less than three months until I fly out to Orlando. I’m excited but I don’t feel it’s quite real. I really don’t think it’s sunk in. In May I’ll be heading to London to go for my Visa interview  so I guess I’ll be feeling all sorts of emotions then.

Well, that’s it for today. I’ve got a few ‘To do lists’ to post up soon, if anyone wants to see.

Without a Paddle

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Yesterday, a few friends and I decided on a last minute trip out to the Lake. Before that, we went to a small beach shop in Dinas Dinlle to buy a couple dinghies. Yeah, we’re too cool. So anyway , after  some minor financial issues (none of us had cash and the store didn’t accept card), the dinghy’s were purchased.

Llanberis Lake

We headed off to the lake, in Llanberis, which by the way is absolutely stunning. I feel my pictures don’t do it any justice.

Gaz bought the 3 man dinghy and a 1 man. Daf, Iwan and I were in the 3 man, and Gaz had the single to himself. We blew them up (with a bump, of course) and off we went for a paddle around the lake.

I have to say, I was the best rower. Now, I know that’s easy for me to say here, because Iwan and Daf can’t defend themselves, since a) they don’t have a blog and; b) they know I have a blog, but don’t know the address, yet.  It’s true though. I was the best, but when they do read this, I’d like to apologise for my name calling. It was all in good fun, but I can be a bit of a Monica (Friends reference) at times, what with the whole competitive/team spirit kind of attitude. Yeah, I may or may not have yelled ‘Team Sheen’ and ‘Winning’ a few times.

So after a casual drift around the lake, we stopped off at a little spot on the other side, just to chill out for a while. We probably stayed there for about 20 minutes, but really could have stayed longer. Next time, we’ll pack a picnic or something.

It was beginning to look like the sun was leisurely making its way down to set, for the night, so we made our way back to the Dinghy’s. Now this is where the LOL’s began. Oh my goodness. So I decided I should hop into the dingy first because I could pull it out, into the lake and jump in, since I had a pair of wellington boots on. I did that, but I fell. Yeah, fell into the dinghy. Now how lucky but hilariously laughable is that? So, I fell in but quite awkwardly. I tried to compose myself, but could not stop laughing as I drifted away, WITHOUT A PADDLE.

Dinghies taking a rest

Gaz hopped onto his dinghy and threw me a paddle, but I couldn't row, to save my life (literally).  Now, I know that’s contrary to my previous statement of being the best rower, but when you’re in fits of laughter, it really is difficult to row. Eventually, my dinghy navigated itself back to shore, but not without almost capsizing poor Gaz. All the while, Daf stood there, laughing away taking pictures of the incident. I’ve yet to see these pictures. I might be a ‘you had to be there’ moment, but oh well.

After quite the struggle back (we were absolutely freezing), we eventually made it to Gaz’s car, all in one piece and decided we should do this more often, however, I strongly advise warm clothing and an extra pair to change. I’m glad I was smart enough to bring a pair of wellies.

I’d really love to take up kayaking or something, and I’m hoping there’s something like that to do in Florida, however, I can’t imagine it being too safe paddling in a lake swarmed with alligators.

Pancake Day

...More formally known as Shrove Tuesday.

Mickey Pancakes

So, I made these Mickey pancakes earlier for myself, brother and his beautiful little children; Elisha and Nathan.  In case you’re thinking I’m a pancake shaping genius. I am not. It’s just a silicone shape that I got during my last visit to WDW. I think it was probably purchased in Mickey’s Pantry, at Downtown Disney.  I’ll have to keep away from that place, since I’m  obsessed with the Disney kitchen things.

I’m kind of disappointed I didn’t do the traditional pancakes, but that would have been ridiculously greedy since I also stuffed my face with pizza, which I now, deeply regret.

Since I indulged in pancake heaven today, I decided I’d give up something for lent;

• White Bread
• Crisps/All other potato snacks 
• Fizzy drinks

So, I don’t eat a whole lot of potato snacks, but I figured I’d go all out, if I’m going to cut out white bread (I sometimes like the occasional crisp sandwich), which is going to be difficult since I’m a bit of a sandwich fiend – Joey from friends, style.

Anyway, I hope everyone’s day was filled with pancake joy.

PS: This should have been sent on the 8th, but it's just gone midnight, and I was interrupted by a phonecall.

Run Fatboy, Run.

"A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise."
-- Winnie the Pooh

Good afternoon. My, what lovely day it’s been.  So I’ve started jogging with Catrin. Not brilliantly, but it’s a start. I’m aiming to be able to run 5k easily, without feeling like I’m on death’s door. There’s a couple reasons why; Firstly, I just want to be fit, and lose weight (I know, two there but it kind of goes hand in hand), and secondly, I want to be able to do the Expedition Everest Challenge, next year. I’m hoping it is annual event, as it’s been held May 7^th this year. It looks like so much fun. It’s basically a 5k run, with obstacles along the way.

The Expedition Everest Ride: Animal Kingdom (Picture taken in 2008) - One of my favourite rides, though you can't tell it's one, here.

If I’m feeling brave, I may even attempt The Disney Princess Half Marathon, which was held last month, and hopefully will be held again, next year. I’ve noticed there are loads of different marathon’s to do, but these are the ones I’d like to do. The Half Marathon, only if I’m confident enough. Right now, I’m not feeling, but POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE and all that.

Right now, we start by walking, then a jog, we walk again, and jog again, so it’s just taking easy. I don’t want to jump straight into the deep end, otherwise, I’ll only end up injuring myself, and probably give up pretty quickly, but I’d say I’ve been doing this for  about three weeks now.  If anyone has some helpful tips on training for this, then please do share.

In other news, Lea and a few others will be flying off to Florida tomorrow, to start on the 8^th of March, so best of luck to you all and hope you have a safe journey, across the pond.  I’m going to miss my chats with Lea, but I’ll be out pretty soon, so YAAAAY. Also, big thanks to Lea for my pretty little key ring that she made for me, and gave during the meet up in Birmingham! J BON VOYAGE.

This is going to sound like a bit of a ridiculous analogy, and I’m pretty sure I’ve shared this already, but it kind of feels like I’m waiting in line for graduation, especially when you look at the ‘arrival dates’ notes in the Facebook group, and it says ‘Arriving next’. That probably made no sense, but oh well.

Adios.

A picnic with Pooh Bear

Last weekend, I had to make a Winnie the Pooh and friends cake.





I really like this, but as per usual, I’m critical of my work. Eeyore has got to be the best one I’ve made, but Piglet looks too big. He just kept squashing down, because his head was too heavy. It didn’t take as long as I thought. The cake is an 8inch vanilla sponge, with vanilla butter-cream and raspberry jam.  I do love this cake though. It’s definitely one that I would have loved, as a child.

So, on the topic of picnics, I thought I’d discuss my little picnic/road trip adventure I had, on Sunday, with a couple friends, Gaz and Daf (not to name drop or anything).  Anyways, I made some sandwiches and packed a picnic basket, but we also went down to Waitrose to pick some cheese and wine. Yeah, beyond  sophisticated.

We hadn’t really decided on anywhere to go, so we ended up exploring the Island (by island I mean Anglesey). We drove (Well Daf actually drove) to Benllech beach to have our picnic. It was windy, but the sun was shining.  After our first course of lunch, we took a stroll across the beach, with an ice cream.

After that, we went over to Din Lligwy. I used to love going to this place as a child. I am a bit of a geek when it comes to ancient things like this. It just fascinates me. If you want to read more about it, just click on the link. We had to walk through some muddy fields to get there, so I was a bit gutted I didn’t bring my wellies along. It is a beautifully peaceful place.

Next stop was Bull Bay, where he had our Cheese and Wine at a lay by (well, me and Gaz) and checked out the local pub, for a drink.  After that, we went over to Amlwch, up to the old Copper Mines/Parys Mountain. Apparently, the mines have been worked on since the Bronze age. I like this place too, but mainly because it creeps me out. I know that sounds odd, but it kind of reminds me of the Hills have Eyes (Not that I ever want to be in that situation). If you go far enough in, you can’t hear a sound. We just took a leisurely stroll around but they played about, hiding etc. I can imagine a film being set there. Perfect location for a horror like the one I mentioned.

I’m local to the Anglesey area, however, Gaz and Daf aren’t, so we when it came to leaving the copper mine car park, Daf wasn’t sure where to turn. If you’ve read my Logistical Nightmare post, you’ll know, I’m not the best person to ask for directions. We did get lost for a brief moment, but thankfully, the trusty old iphone came out and saved us.

It was just nice to explore the local area before heading off to Florida.  I don’t think many people take the time to check out what’s on their front door, so to speak. I would really encourage it. Appreciate your surroundings.  



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"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day."-- Winnie The Pooh

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus

Hello! Just a quick message to say Happy St. David’s day. For those of you who don’t know; Saint David was the patron Saint of Wales and March 1^st is a day to celebrate his life.

I made these cupcakes last week for my friend’s Birthday. A group of us went out to dinner, and these were brought out after desert, lit up with a sparkler. They’re just vanilla sponge with vanilla butter-cream and the dragons were made out of rolled fondant. I thought it was appropriate to put them in this post, since the Welsh Dragon is represented on our flag

I know I’m cutting it fine writing this, but I’ve been out this evening, so what can you do. I discovered the wonder that is Disaronno. Oh my gosh, I cannot believe that I’ve only been introduced to this delight, this evening.  Anyways, that's all for today. Goodnight.