Fly back to Australia

Last day wednesday 7th November and time to fly back to Australia time has gone so quickly but so nice to see everyone again. Just a shame I couldn't have had just abit longer but at least I did everything what I wanted and saw most people I wanted. For some reason thought dad was at work today as that what mum had said so was surprised to see him coming downstairs in morning. Sharon and Ellie came round in morning to say bye which was nice and got lots of cuddles with Ellie. At least this time when we said bye we were ok no tears.. We left for Manchester airport about 12.30ish as my 1st flight at 17.10 and supposed to be there 3hrs before when international. We got to Manchester in good time and luckily my case only weighed 22kg so was in baggage allowance. After checked baggage in had a drink with mum and dad in coffee shop before there had to head back home as didn't want to hit traffic so think left 3ish. Was ok when said bye to them probably as their we're happy to see that I am doing ok. Once through customs had a look in duty free but couldn't really see what I wanted so will wait til get to Heathrow as got about 3hrs. Rachel phoned to wish me well then was time to get on my flight which was only a short one sat next to a elderly couple who were very pleasant. Asked were I was from and said and then the girl behind us said she was also from there how bizarre.
Once at Heathrow arranged to meet the girl sherry for a drink but not before doing my duty free shopping. As so much I wanted to buy got flowerbomb perfume, Clairns ski care, YSL mascara and touch éclat and Lancôme make-up set since I spent over £150 got free teddy. I then met sherry for a drink and had a glass of sparkling wine she is off to Thailand first and then coming to Sydney. So said we will have to meet up when she gets to Sydney swapped email addresses to stay in contract. It was then time to catch my flight to Hong Kong didn't really sleep much on plane and food not the best luckily had bought sandwiches at boots. I watched a few films first was 'Ted' which was funny in places, then ' Step Up 4 - Miami Heat' which I kept nodding off through but the dancing was very good. It was then the 'The Watch' which wasn't the best was a mixture between ghostbusters and men in black and then I watched 'People Like Us' a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down was very good. I was then only had about hour or so to landing so not time to watch a film so watched 'British bake off' where there made cupcakes which looked very nice.
Once at Hong Kong only had about a hour til next flight so played on Internet for abit since its free but nobody on Skype this time. At least this one the shorter flight only 8hrs so only watched 3films 'Magic Mike' which was very cheesy the best part was Channing Tatum and the ending was rubbish. I then watched 'Total Recall' as wanted to see what the remake was like but the remake nothing like the original, some scenes in the 1990 film took place on Mars and had some humour not this one. I then had something to eat penne pasta with 3cheeses which was actually able to eat this time. It was then time to watch 'The Lucky Ones' a romance about a marine who finds a photo (lucky charm) then sets out to find her was. The Lucky One delivers a predictable romance never straying from the boy-meets-girl basics, was good but not as good as notebook. The plane was then getting near to landing and actually landed a few minutes early.

Lazy day with family

Last proper day with family Tuesday 6th November. Mum had course til 11am in Boroughbridge so got chance to have lie in. Not that I had one was still awake early and haven't slept right since been back. I think the only night I actually slept through was wedding night. All the rest I appear to off woken up about 4ish then got up at 7-8ish. Mum's course finished early but once home I wanted to go to boroughbridge to see if had skinny jeans. Unfortunately had skinny jeans but were abit expensive at £90 so left it will look when back in Australia. It was then time to head to Sharon's.
By time got to Sharon's was about 1ish was going to walk into knaresborough but not best weather. So we went to fodder instead near sainsburys in Harrogate. As don't think really ever eaten there so I had fodder farmers lunch. Which was pork pie, roast ham and beef, trio of cheese, chutney, bread and salad. Was very nice but didn't eat the pork pie so Mum and Sharon shared it. Then we all shared fruit scone and millionaires shortbread. By end Ellie getting grizzly so fell asleep on Mum after she rocked her. When came out was raining just for a change for English weather but saying has been quite nice whilst I have been home, it was then back to Sharon's. Not before stopping at Knaresborough briefly to pick up a few last minute things, but lost Sharon as went for drive round with Ellie as crying so had to wait few minutes for her to come back.
At night mum did my last meal toad in the hole as all I wanted was Yorkshire pudding, since not had them in Australia. Then time to do my packing which I never enjoy doing mum helped me just hope it weighs ok we did weigh and was about 20kg which is fine as allowed 23kg. Just had a lazy night as still got annoying cough and nice to spend time with mum and dad as not seen much off dad really. I did write my letter to request for an extension off my career break so will see what the outcome is to that.

Meadowhall and Chinese with workmates

Monday 5th November and meeting uni friends today at meadowhall. Had invited Mum, Sharon and Ellie to come along aswell. But Sharon wasnt sure if Ellie would get bored so mum kindly offered to babysit. So me and Sharon went to meadowhall left about 9.30 as meeting them at 11. First stop was Next as had seen a blazer I wanted but couldn't will look later. I then went to meet uni friends Inga, Ellie and Rebecca unfortunately Crystal couldn't make as Freya ill. Met then at Starbucks Sharon went to do some shopping on her own as didn't know them. It was nice to catch up and find out what everyone been up to. I then went to TKMaxx to take some things back as only keeping one dress obvisously the most expensive one. But there forgot to take the discount off when refunded me, what a shame just meant my one cheaper..
It was then time to find Sharon met her in boots and also met Ruth (uni friend). We all went for lunch to zizzi as at least Sharon knew Ruth. Ruth had a pizza and found some broken plate on 2nd to last slice. Their we're very good gave her pizza free and a free dessert which we all shared. It was nice to see Ruth and find out what been up to. It was then time to go not before stopping at next on way out where got Ellie another present star cardigan. I think there might be a them here just hope Ellie likes stars. Asked about the blazer I had seen in catalogue and luckily had so bought it (see picture). When got back to Sharon's was quick turn around as off out tonight with work.
So when home quick change then off out again decided to wear star dress. Also decided to drive even though mum offered to take. As thought best to drive since still got that annoying cough, just does not want to go. Off to royal baths Chinese for food was good as was a good turn out over 10 for us. Was nice to see everyone again and catch up was like not been away. Quite a few not happy with when the wards changed so have moved on. Also everyone thought I looked so well and my cheekbones more defined. The food was good aswell had chicken yellow bean sauce. Afterwards went for drink at weatherspoons obvisously soft for me. It wasn't a late one think left just after 11ish.

Shopping and Christmas dinner

Sunday 4th November and off to watch Ellie go swimming as not seen her have lessons before. As saw her go to the swimming pool but not the same. It was only a small group 4 babies and get to do swim actions to nursery rhymes. Looked like Ellie enjoyed as seemed to have smile on face most of time, definitely good to see. We then popped into Harrogate to do some more shopping as I do like shopping.. First stop TKMaxx where got a few dresses but not a 100% sure will have to retry at home. Then to mothercare where got Ellie another present a denim star dress. Went to boots to get last few toiletries needed for taking back to Australia. Then went to Jack Wills where got a star dress and a skirt now a size 8. It was then to joules and got Ellie another present a T-shirt with a horse on. It was then time to head back to Sharon's as Ellie ready to go home. Not before stopping at Hayley's dad first in Harrogate to drop off my godson's presents. When leaving his the phone rang and was Hayley so got to speak to her. Also spoke to Samuel who asked when I was next coming over, said 'didn't know' so he said 'oh'.
Was only at Sharon's a short time then time to head to Mum and Dad's for Christmas dinner. As Mum decided since won't be having a proper Christmas dinner in Australia would do one whilst home. It was also the first time I got to see Nanna was good to see her. For Christmas dinner had turkey, obviously and pigs in blankets the best bit. Didn't want Christmas pudding so Mum did apple crumble and custard on my request. It was a nice night even had crackers on the table aswell but it was our christmas. Ellie wore her Santa outfit and looked gorgeous was definitely a good choice. Nanna liked her present bought back for her an Australian mug. By 7pm I was falling asleep and fell asleep on floor (see picture). I didn't even hear Sharon, Ben and Ellie proves how tried I was must of caught up with me.

Designer and meal with running

Woke up at 7am on November 3rd. As John had to leave as got bike race late and has to go home first. We were the first gown for breakfast and proves how early as hot food not even out. But at least would do you fresh so knew it was hot. Whilst at breakfast Rachel texted to say not coming today as not well. Shame as was looking forward to a catch just means more time with family. John left about 8ish and was nice to see him just like it always is. Not sure if persuade him to come to Australia yet. When went back mum and dad were down for breakfast so stayed. When all finished helped to take covers off chairs as bought on. Then time to check out not before me and mum went to look at spa. But we both folkish had forgotten our swimsuits do couldn't use.
Then time to head home and wait for Sharon and Ellie as off to designer. As thought might aswell spend more time with family. One good thing about having Ellie is get good packing spots. I felt like a big kid as wanted to go in all the shops first stop Next. Where I got Ellie a Santa outfit which can wear tomorrow for Christmas dinner. I then wanted to find a new dress for New Years Eve found nice one at Reiss. The shop assistant wearing said online will have to look later and ted baker but too big. Then to crew to buy our presents again from Nanna as she lost the first one, luckily had more. At joules bought a tunic (see picture) was lots more liked but not my size. I didn't buy anything else after that not for want off looking then time to go home. When got home looked on Reiss couldn't get dress.
It was then time to head to Sharon's as off out with running club into Knaresborough tonight. Lou (Sharon's friend) also coming and picked us leaving car in town will collect tomorrow. First to carriages for a drink was 4 from running Julie, Sue, Steve and Adam. Lisa my friend from sixth firm also came to join us for a drink nice to see her for catch up, think Clare last to arrive. Then to Becket's for meal newish place that just opened supposed be good food but pricey. I had mussels and chips which were good, a few others had steak and the 6 girls had wine. I would definitely recommend the place as nice to have something else in Knaresborough apart from Indians. Had a good catch up and their all thought I looked well and lost weight. Think we finished about 11ish and Lou's dad kindly picked us up and even dropped Julie off home.

Sarah's wedding

Friday 2nd November and Sarah's wedding at woodhall, Linton. Didn't sleep well last night think woke up 4ish and rolled over and hit face on bedside table. I got up at 7 and luckily no mark on face yet, was expecting a bruise. Aim was to be at hotel about 9ish and thought has gone wrong way at first. It was also nice to drive my mini again as first time since been back. I had only been to hotel once before but got there fine just after 9. When pulled up in front of hotel told to move car as would be taking pictures later, so parked in main car park. Unfortunately my room wasn't ready for me so went straight up to Sarah's room.
When got to Sarah's room her make-up and hairdresser were there. There wasn't much for me to do at first so just had a sparking wine. Tried on shoes and fit perfectly which was good but not tried dress yet. Was nice to see everyone again got hugs from few people, think Sarah happy to see me. Then was time to have hair done wanted curly and up put told would be too much like bride. The big flower girl having in bun so said about having mine in bun. Said ok as along as not straight back, so I had to side and looked nice. Then make-up I did my foundation and she did eyeshadow and blusher then I did mascara. It was then time to start getting ready linda (Sarah's mum) helped her put dress on. I had seen dress once before but not on Sarah and looked lovely. It wasn't the sort of dress I thought Sarah would go for but it suited her. I then helped some of the flower girls to get ready. It was then my turn to put my dress on which was too big was just going to get mum to help. Then realised we had straps so decided would have to put them on otherwise would see my bra.
It was then time for the wedding and to decide what order everyone would go in. As was 4 flower girls, 2 page boys and me as bridesmaid. I walked with Abbie the big flower girl who was nervous as never done before, but was fine and we went last. When got to top we say at seat on from and little ones sat on flower. Was a nice ceremony and Sarah got tongue tried and had to repeat something. It was then time for pictures we all had one taken at front of hotel which was nice. I then went to sit with parents and Joan +Steve (used to live in same close). The best man then came to get me for pictures and was stood their 10-15mins no pictures so went back to sit down. So don't thing their will be many pictures of me.
Next was to sit down for meal I was sat on same table as mum+ dad, Joan+ Steve and 3others. On top table was just the bride and groom and both parents. For meal had duck salad, sorbet, roast beef, cheese and biscuits. In toasts got a mention for coming over and got a gift when Jamie did speech. As Jamie mainly thanked everyone and gave gifts I got star necklace and earrings, very nice. After meal went to sit in bar and had to pay for drinks but luckily we had wine left from table. At 6ish John arrived and had, had a nightmare journey took 3hrs instead of 1 and half plus snow. So first thing he did was go into the sauna as night do not start til 7, so had time.
At about 7ish John came down and was so nice to see him again. Was just like it normally is with him even though not seen him since may. It was also the first time he got to meet mum and dad wondered if would be awkward but was fine. First thing John needed something to eat as had been a long journey and evening buffet not starting til 9ish. We mainly sat in the bat drinking wine which was nice. Clare arrived later with Simon for evening do good to see her again. When Clare saw John said was the sort of person she thought I would go for. Went into main area later but was not many people dancing, so we didn't. Spoke to Sarah's uni friends who gave me and John third degree what we were. Can't really remember the exact answer we gave just good friends I think. We went upstairs about 10.30 as John needed early night as biking tomorrow.

Home and beauty

Arrived back into Manchester at 8am on 1st November. When I walked through customs was so nice to see mum and dad waiting for me. Was tired but didn't go to sleep in car as had so much to tell them. Nanna phoned us and said wouldn't be coming out with us this afternoon as had funeral. Was abit disappointed that she would prefer to go to funeral than see her granddaughter from Australia. When got home had shower then Sharon arrived with Ellie. Gave them all their presents and think there liked them, hard to tell with Ellie. Had lunch before we headed to ripon to have our hair done. Had a proper Cornish pastry which was so good. Also nice to see Barney our cat who was still a big softy.
When got to Ripon was very busy as market day so I got out why Sharon & mum tried to park. At hairdressers Jo so happy to see me and couldn't believe not had hair done since left. So it needed a good trim but was still a good length. Sharon not having hair done only mum so only their a hour. Afterwards went to bliss to have my eyebrows waxed, as need to look best for wedding. Wanted to go to boots after but Ripon had power cut so couldn't am sure will have plenty of time to go.
It was then time to go to Sharon's as sue doing mine and mums nails my toe nails. Sue couldn't believe how well i looked and how much weight lost. I choose a dark purple which would match my bridesmaid dress. Whilst having them done felt tired and was like a nodding dog. Dad then collected us from Sharon's. I then texted Sarah to let her know wouldn't be staying at hotel with her liked planned. As I felt knackered, had cold which didn't want to give her. When got home had hot toddy then think was in bed for 8ish.