Welcome back and a recap

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It has been months (well actually over 2 years!!) since I last blogged here and my world now looks quite different. I decided to come back to blogging to give myself somewhere to write, a corner of the internet that is just mine. I have a few ideas of things to write about, and I think I’m going to try and do a few blogging challenges to get back into the swing of things.

This blog is really for me, I’m hoping I might pick up some friends and readers along the way, but for now I’m going to write about the things I like, the things I do, the things I buy and probably the things I worry about. Welcome to the world Becca blog!

I should probably expand on the point about my world looking a bit different. I still live in Norwich with lovely Dave but am no longer unemployed (yay!) I’m actually on job 2 since I last posted. I shan’t talk directly about my work here (rules are rules). I work in digital marketing here in Norwich.

The biggest change in my life since I last wrote was the sudden loss of my beautiful mum last summer. I have a whole blog post to write on that – probably many of them – but grief is a personal thing and I don’t yet know how much I want to share online. I think, if you are going to be on this journey with me you probably should at least know that though. My life is naturally altered by this huge loss, and it’s likely to reflect in the things I have to say and the different experiences I’m having now. You know how when you have your eyes tested they try out different combinations of lenses to get the best fit for you? Well I feel like a new lens has been put on my world now, and I’m just getting used to the way it feels, having to refocus my eyes as it were.

Another change is my student status. I’m currently studying for a diploma in digital marketing through a distance learning course. That is likely to be a topic that comes up every now and then too!

Some other things that haven’t changed:

  • I’m still a caffeine fiend! I’m hoping to include a few posts about my coffee habit, and the awesome places I find to drink it!
  • I’m still very much a stationery obsessive. A girl can never have too many notebooks or pens and I still calm myself down by looking at pretty stationery. I’ll share some of my acquisitions with you.
  • I still read huge numbers of books. I’m keeping a running tally this year (I’m on book 21 I think). There might be some posts on the awesome books I read.

I think I’ll leave it here for now. I hope I’ve not sent you to sleep too much.

I’ll be back soon 🙂

Day 06 – Whatever tickles your fancy – An ode to the fine city of Norwich

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So today’s topic is “ladies choice” and having just heard the news that Norwich has been overlooked for City of Culture 2013 in favour of Derry, I thought I would take the time to tell you about some of my favourite parts of the city, and what makes it tick for me… So ladles and jellyspoons here goes!

(PS this will NOT be in rhyme!)

So, these are a few of my favourite places in Norwich (and the surrounding areas!)

The Forum

I visited the British Library once, on an A Level trip, and was totally in awe of the place, I adore books, and libraries are very special to me.  I’ve never been inside one which is quite as special as the Forum, not only is there a wonderful selection of books, and music and wonder, but there is so much information about Norwich and beyond.  The big open space at the front plays host to salsa classes, comedy nights, craft fairs, and much more.  BBC Look East comes from there, you can get pizza, coffee and music.  It is a pretty special place and I don’t think I realise how special it is at times.

Whitlingham

I first discovered the broad when I was a 3rd year at the UEA, a local friend took us there one sunny sunday afternoon.  Whitlingham is (I believe) an old quarry, which is now full of water and home to some amazing wildlife.  The walk around the great broad is about 3 miles and takes you alongside the river yare.  There is also the mini broad, which is a bit like a lake with a beach, and is very serene to sit by.  My old boss, Tracy (you should DEFINATELY read her blog!) and I had a team day there to gather our thoughts and find some direction.  It was a wonderful experience and one I would definately repeat.  Get out into nature, not in a touchy feely way, but let the office melt away, its amazing what you’ll achieve.

The Fat Cat

Most of the boys in my life adore the fat cat, and I have come to love it, though am not a real ale drinker (fruit wines though are a totally different kettle of fish! and those are very much available here!) and I’ve spent many a pleasant evening whiling away the hours with various groups of friends at the fat cat.  It is also a little bit revered by many people in Norwich, and a bit of an old man’s pub.  But I love it none the less.

Wroxham Barns

Though technically not in Norwich, I wanted to include Wroxham barns because it makes me happy.  Wroxham barns has 2 big appeals – animals and crafts! The animals part is a junior farm where you can go and get a bit hands on with the animals.  Its for kids especially, but I’m a big kid really! We can’t wait to take J, our nephew for the day soon.  There are also a whole bunch of craft shops and studios which I love to just go and immerse myself in, as well as shops selling local produce (including AMAZING fudge!) and products.  There is also a funfair and crazy golf I think, but I’ve not been in that part.

And so, the list is by no means exhaustive, it’s just an off the top of my head list, I love the city I live in and it is nice to remind myself why.  I think I’ll revisit this list again another time and add to it.  In the meantime.. tell me, what places in your hometown do you love? Or have you been to Norwich? What do you love here?