The return of the List of Loveliness

In a bid to swerve away from the inevitable Sunday night depression (I don’t care how much you love your job, we all get it) there is only one blog I can really write. Another list of loveliness. Because when you have a day where your dog decides to take part in a 24-hour barking binge, or your working day is so frustrating you’re tempted to smash your head through your computer screen and run around your open-plan office wearing it as a necklace, it’s important to remember the lovely things in life. I may make this post a weekly thing. Love lists, love lovely things.

1) The first glass of wine. The one you have when you’re cooking a meal, usually on a Saturday or Sunday night. It’s always extra cold and extra nice. Obviously, I’m a fan of the other glasses of wine that follow, but this one has a special place in my heart.

2) Mo Farah. Did you see him win the 10,000m last night? It was emotional. I was convinced he wouldn’t do it, as he was in the middle of the group for ages, but, as Dan reminded me, I can’t run to the end of our road without stopping for breath, so I may not be the best judge of his tactics.

3) Dachshund related clothes. I spotted this beauty in Primark yesterday for the bargain price of £10. I didn’t get it because I worry that another item of Dachshund clothing may push me over the edge from ‘pleasantly quirky’ to ‘remove her shoelaces-she’s clearly a danger to herself’. I might still get it though. I figure I could get away with it, as long as I don’t walk Mort while I’m wearing it. People already cross the street when they see us coming. I don’t think the dress would help.

4) Marks and Spencer. I love every food item in this glorious British institution. My top tips? I should know – I’ve put the work in: the freshly baked white chocolate chip cookies, Percy Pigs and their Korma sauce.

I’ve also heard rumours of a sandwich containing Yorkshire pudding, but I’m yet to see this with my own eyes, so it may be an urban myth. I shouted in there earlier: “Ooh! I wonder if they do herbal tea!” which I’m assured by Dan is the most middle-class thing I have ever said. I can’t help it – Marks and Spencer makes me want to be a better (and probably fatter) person.

But, in case you’re wondering, yes, they do. And it’s glorious.

5) Repeatedly looking at pictures of our sunny holiday destination. And reviews. And weather forecasts. If our hotel are wondering why their website is being visited 200 times a day more than usual, that reason is me.

6) This advert: http://bit.ly/Nymsbn. As much as I’m enjoying the Olympics, I’m also really looking forward to the Paralympics. This advert is amazing. I’m going to a day of equestrian events at the Paralympics at the end of the month. The athletes really are incredible and I can’t wait.

7) We have lots of things to look forward to in the next few weeks. Next week, I’m taking Dan to see his first Shakespeare production at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon. I sold it to him by informing him that the performance will include an acrobatic dog. I neglected to inform him that it will be in Russian with subtitles.

In a bid to progress with my riding, I’ve booked a private lesson, rather than the group lessons I had been going to previously. I can’t wait – it will be intense, and my thighs probably won’t thank me for it, but hopefully things will start to click into place.

And we have also booked a weekend away with my parents for the end of the month. Mort is very excited about going on holiday. He’s started packing his suitcase already. It could be his dream weekend – we can take him to the beach and we are near somewhere called Cheddar. Let the good times roll.

8) New blogs. A lovely lady called Jenna emailed to let me know she has also started a sausage dog blog – you should definitely all check it out. Her Dachshund Freddie is adorable and Jenna is very good at sniffing out Dachshund items to tempt our credit cards. The amazing Primark dress is on there (according to Jenna it’s really cute, which means I have to buy it. Peer pressure) and there is also a really nice top. I really want Freddie – but I suspect I may have to settle for the top. http://sausagetails.wordpress.com/

I also had a lovely comment from Melissa, who has started writing a blog to try and save her beautiful Rottweiler Zeus. He is only six years old, but he has a rare genetic disorder, and Melissa is trying to raise money and publicise his illness to try and save his life. He is a beautiful dog and their story is heart-wrenching. Read more here: http://savingzeus.wordpress.com/

9) Today we went to see the film Ted. I thought it was utterly hilarious but, I must warn you – I have the sense of humour of a teenage boy. If you do too, then definitely watch it (it’s a talking bear, for pete’s sake, I was giggling at the concept before I even bought my popcorn). However, if you’re easily offended, steer clear.

10) This pair. They always get a spot on my list of loveliness.

About these ads