There's something really nice about cold mornings in bed, with the radio on and Dexter cuddled into my side or watching the world go by at his favorite spot by the window. I'm so pleased to tell you that he has won the Pets Win Praises competition I mentioned in my last post! Completely thrilled that the judges were impressed with his fetch playing. So thank you for keeping your fingers crossed for him and lovely compliments - Dexter is very grateful :)
Despite finishing work last friday, every day since then has been absolutely jam packed with errands I've had to run and other bits and bobs to get organised. I really don't go easy on myself and my personal lists have just been ridiculous. I like to be optimistic and organised but 99% of the time I think I just expect too much from myself. This is the only morning I've allowed myself to sleep in for longer than usual, and I'll still guilt myself for it. Anyone else like that? I am bad for rushing out the house without even having a bowl of cereal, but the Jordans Fruity Granola is so yummy and feels like the first 'grown up' breakfast I have ever had apart from oatmeal porridge. I know that it will keep me going for longer than Coco pops (yes, I am a big child) plus the berries make it lovely and sweet! Feeling a bit peckish this afternoon however so I think I'm going to have one of the nut bars before dinner with a cuppa. Going to Leah's tonight for a wee christmas evening and I think she'd kill me if I ruined my appetite before then.
It has been a pleasant end to the year finishing up with work on a childrens programme for Cbeebies. The studio we were in was so cold, despite how warm the colours and lighting on the set make it look. A lot of you have asked how I got into film and TV from working in theatre. One of the main ways I started to gain experience was by working on short films with local students or production companies. They are always a fun thing to get involved in and were a real learning curve for me. So if you are looking to work your way into the industry I'd suggest starting off with offering your help on short films being made by local film students etc. If you get your feelers out, you'll find that they really are everywhere! Here's one I came across this afternoon which is a part of the Four Stories short film series, with Roman Coppola and the Directors Bureau.
After viewing a little preview I settled on watching Eugene first - and now I'm desperate to see the rest! Lovely production values and a heartwarming story about a traveller, Eugene, who gets a mysterious gift in the form of an Ultrabook, containing a genie who grants all his wishes. Some parts are so bloody cute I could have cried - but you do need to be careful what you wish for...
I actually almost did cry seeing Aaron and Tyler perform in their christmas show at school yesterday. Extremely proud big sister moment. I know I say it all the time but they are growing up so fast, it scares me! It was also quite odd being back in my old primary school and talking to the handful of teachers who taught me that are still there. He said my Christmas present is over 100 years old... so I'm intrigued and kinda nervous to see what that might be!
On another happy note, I am still enjoying making up for 23 years of lost time with my Uncle Greig :) My family portrait has always been a strange one, with surprises along the way but I wouldn't change it for the world. Took this picture of him in House Of Frasers in Glasgow, where all the Christmas lights are so twinkly and pretty. Having wrapped all my pressies, and sent all my cards I am finally beginning to feel festive.
I'll leave you with a special christmas present which came early this year. One of my best friends Gemma gave birth to her little boy Harris last week. Me and John went to the hospital to see them on saturday, and well, he is just lovely ♥ Blair is going to be a brilliant big brother to Harris, and I'm so proud of Gemma and Chris for creating this second little (perfect) bundle of joy.
Ayden x