It’s hard to believe that it’s almost the end of January, but 2017 is whizzing by already.
And so far it’s looking like a good year (if I close my eyes and ignore anything related to politics), as I’ve got some fun things planned, including lots of tickets to gigs and a few weekends away.
Here are the best bits of the last month:
1. A weekend in London
Last weekend we spent a couple of days in London, a trip I booked as husband’s Christmas present. I’ve been looking forward to it for ages and made loads of plans, so it turned out to be a really lovely couple of days.
I’ll write a bit more about what we got up to later in the week.
2. T2: Trainspotting
One of the things we did do in London was have a night at the cinema watching the new Trainspotting film, which I’ve been dying to see ever since the trailer came out last year.
I was hoping that it wouldn’t be one of those sequels that has you wondering why they even bothered, and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was funny and poignant, full of pathos and nostalgia for lost youth and the first film, now over 20 years old. The cast pitched it really well too; Spud was just as tragic and endearing as ever, while Begbie is still terrifying.
While the soundtrack wasn’t quite as powerful as the first time round, there were still some excellent songs included. Go and see it if you get the chance.
3. Elaine Palmer’s single launch
The night before London, I headed out into the bitter cold to the seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea for the launch of local singer songwriter Elaine Palmer’s new single. Held at a tiny gin bar by the train station, it was an evening of beautiful music and cocktails – the perfect way to start the long weekend!
4. Tees Women Poets
Earlier in the month I went along to a performance poetry event in the back room of a local vegetarian restaurant and was blown away by the main act, poet Louise Fazackerley.
I definitely want to go to more literary events this year.
5. A new phone
I’m a bit lazy when it comes to technology, preferring to upgrade my tech only when it’s about to die. My last phone has been clinging to life since August and I finally gave up and got a new one last week.
And I love it. It’s so speedy and pretty!
Why did I not do this sooner?
6. Booking a trip to Amsterdam
I’ve been talking about going away with a couple of my girlfriends recently, and last week I booked a little break in Amsterdam with one of them.
It will be a change from travelling with my husband and I’m looking forward to doing plenty of shopping and brunching.
What were the high points of your January?