2012 is finally over. Bring on 13 please, Bob!

It's pretty awful, I know, I haven't been around for a very long time! Which is terrible really, being that there is an awful lot going on at the moment. Mainly procrastinating from my Maths degree, which is pretty much what I'm up to now. Or knitting (although, I would consider these to be one and the same).

I've had a very good day of procrastination, really. Beginning with dipping into my bag of lush sale goodies I picked up from the shop yesterday. I'd never managed to make it to one of their 'January' sales before, so I trotted along with some Christmas money to buy myself something pretty. It's no secret that I've been struggling with pretty severe depression over 2012, and femininity is one thing which just gets thrown out of the window. Which is why my experiences with the following just had to be blogged about. They've made me really happy.

The Lush thing was a mystery ballistic(bath bomb) from one of their reduced gift sets. This big bad blue baby is known as 'Magic'. 

This was my bath today. It's discontinued, actually, so I'm not quite sure why I'm bothering to write to you about it, it was just lovely. I'm hardcore allergic to citrus, so this pepperminty, herby ballistic was ultimately refreshing. The deep teal-royal blue water put me in an untouchable mood. Unfortunately my landlady decided to pop that bobble for me, but that's another story!

In need of some galvanising of the bouncy mood? Buy A Streetcat Named Bob, a heart-wrenching tale of a recovering drug addict and an abandoned, destitute cat. They pull each other out of really awful situations to become the personification of best friends. Such an incredible story. And James Bowen has a sequel pencilled-in for next year. I can't wait.

"Such an incredible story"

I'd stopped reading fiction for the best part of 9 years, after a mind-bursting reading list for my Philosophy A-level. I'm certain it was a contributing factor in me leaving college early. I returned to reading earlier this year and have read 4 novels so far including Stephen King, Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy and now Bob. Bob touched me personally. Just such a wonderful story. I can't wait to meet them, I hope I'll be able to one day. Although I've worked in central London for years, I've never had the pleasure of running into James Bowen and Bob.

Another crafty return has been my return to knitting (woo!!!).
        March-April was when I'd hit rock-bottom, and although it sounds silly, anyone who knows me will realise that if I don't feel like knitting, something is well-and-truly wrong. It marked the beginning of 5 months where I didn't knit a stitch. Working for a knitting company, this was very worrying for both them, and me. I took a silly facebook quiz a long time ago; I forget what the questions were, but it 'typed' me as the 'bass guitarist' in a knitting band. Odd, yes; but also kinda true for two reasons. Firstly; I am (or was) a half-decent bass-guitarist. Secondly, bass guitarists support others (so the quiz was basically saying that you knit for others), so my fiancée Ben, and my Dad, have both had luxury jumpers on the go. I've enjoyed making them.

My Dyakcraft needle set; Hazelnut

What I haven't enjoyed is my experience with Linda and her team at Dyakcraft, the most poorly-run and anti-customer run company I've ever had the displeasure of having to come into contact with. I blame my Mum, it was her idea. Apparently they were the most luxurious knitting needles on the planet. Mum dressed these up as an 'engagement gift' (I know, lucky Ben, right?!) with the view that I could knit stuff for me, and the fella. So we both went on the waiting list for our hand-crafted pairs between December 2011 and January 2012.

After much nagging of the proprietor, we eventually recieved our needles over the last two weeks. But we had to fight for them, despite having paid for these nearly a year in advance. They're very expensive too. This is my most diplomatic way to encourage you to NOT buy these. I'm disappointed my Mum's money has gone to a company like theirs. I could be really nasty and go into detail, but I won't. Just trust me on that one.

My best friend left this year to work on a cruise ship. She's also a hairdresser, so finding a new one has been nothing short of fun! I've just gone for a local cheapie salon until she gets back. I miss her loads, hope you're having fun, Hinal!

So I guess that's my year! I mean, other stuff happenned too but not all great! Observe:

• Unnamed publishers re-printed half my book and decided to remove masses of my material, my signature, and acknowledgements without telling me
• Christmas, including shopping in Oxford Circus, blargh!
• Job move from one side of London to the other (still getting used to this one!)
• Two of my friends married, one christening and another new one on the way. That's pretty darn exciting actually!
• Rowan Mill Christmas Knitting weekend up in Holmfirth with me as the tutor, and my boss as my assistant. It was oodles of fun. Didn't feel like work at all!
• The new James Bond Film; Skyfall, with appropriate OPI nail-cessories to DEFINATELY own!
• My new kitty, Ziggy Stardust, with bollocks as big as footballs. Plays fetch. He's an absolute joy.
• Eurovision with Jedward.
• Oh and some other rubbish.. the Jubilee and Olympics. Meh.

So there's nothing left but for you guys to see some pictures of my Christmas gifts. Roll on Birthday presents. Getting old, people!