Hurrah!

5 Things About Which I Am Pleased
1. Just before lunch I was offered another week's work at the agency I am freelancing for at the moment (yes, that's right, no longer unemployed). Wasn't looking forward to being off work for the fortnight before Christmas! Everyone is very nice here, and even though the office is a portacabin, they have decorated it with a giant Christmas tree and frequent rounds of mince pies.

2. I have just offset my estimated carbon emissions on my flight to South America (which I'm definitely going to buy before Christmas) by investing in a renewable energy fund and tree-planting scheme. Find out how here: http://www.carbonresponsible.com/

3. Last night I finished painting my living room, returned all the furniture to its original positions and realised how lovely it is looking. It will be so nice to have a relaxing evening when I don't have to pick up my paintbrush.

4. I have arranged to have lunch with Yak, Phil and their rapidly expanding bump next weekend.

5. This morning I realised that I have almost finished my Christmas shopping. HOW organised is that? I am in shock. But v. v. pleased.

Santa Baby

I seem to have started a trend, so here are five thing-types I wouldn't mind for Xmas. I don't want all this, it's just for inspiration.

Food
Chocolates
Things with almonds in them
Cheese-flavoured things
Panettone, maybe with chocolate and almonds, but definitely not cheese.

Clothes & jewellery
Comfy, pretty pants. Size 14.
Dangly earrings, but not too huge
Secure, pretty hair clips and fabric headbands

Books
Books about South America
Spanish language-books (note use of hyphen)
Novels (no chick-lit), particularly set in South America, Heian Japan or China

For the travels
A digital music player with a huge memory
A new mobile phone that I can also use in Argentina
Memory cards for my camera

Music
Fratellis – Costello Music
Akira the Don – When We Were Young
Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
Razorlight – Razorlight
Ripple – I Don’t Know What It Is But It Sure Is Funky
Muse – Origin of Symmetry
Scissor Sisters – Ta-dah
The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers
Red Hot Chili Peppers back catalogue
Dirty Pretty Things – Waterloo To Anywhere