A puppy, a party and lots of packing!

First of all, let me introduce you to Pippa, a new member of the family and a mix between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle... The result? A cavapoo!



We didn't really need to weigh her, but how cute does she look in the kitchen scales!!

On Saturday night we had our family and friends over for another little party (in the garden... In July?! Unheard of!) It was a really nice evening, completed with an English-Chinese dinner of prawn toasts and satay chicken... Yum yum! I was really overwhelmed by all the lovely presents I received, which I really wasn't expecting!



We also had fortune cookies. This wasn't actually my fortune, it was Charlotte's but I decided I liked it better than mine which was going on about the disappointments of today blah blah blah! So I have made my own fortune by stealing someone else's ;)

I have FINALLY finished packing. Though actually that involved packing up the London flat, unpacking all of that at home and then repacking what I want to ship. The result.... LOOOOOOOOONG!!!! 9 boxes (how have I filled 9 boxes?!) and 2 suitcases later I am finally done.



Pippa helping out with my packing!




Ok well that it is it for now, only 8 days until I fly... Nerves are really kicking in! But also excited to get there and see my flat and neighbourhood, and to meet my new colleagues and class!

Zai jian!! Xx

Agate dates!

Two years of Agate Road have come to a close. Today was our last day at number 47 - I will miss living in Hammersmith and with Libby tons! I have had so much fun since we moved in, brand new to London and all the laughs, drama, tears, more laughs and singing still ahead of us!

Goodbye musty hallway and Mickey Mouse!

Out of about 10 jumps, this is the best we could do!

Goodbye to the famous residents of Agate Road, don't forget us!

 

Haha - if only!

And one for you Libby:





How lucky am I...

To have something that makes saying goodbye so hard... (Winnie the Pooh)

I read this a while ago and it really rang true for me... This past month has shown me how lucky I am to have such fantastic friends, not just in London but all across the country :) I have received some lovely cards and personal presents that I will cherish forever, and they will make my new apartment in a strange new country feel slightly more like home. I love them all!

So the past 4 weeks... our school end of year party which was as ever an epic night. Jo went to lots of effort making a board for the 'drop outs' with photos and books for everyone to sign - again something that will be kept forever so thank you Jo :)

Some of the WLA crew - I won't bore you with all of my photos!

I loved the idea of dedicating a song to someone on the night, Groomy was dedicated 'Heart of Glass' (courtesy of Magic fm car journeys!) and I enjoyed a slow dance to 'China in Your Hands'... nicely done!

The following weekend I spent in Cardiff. On Saturday Kat and I ran the 10k for Race for Life! Not as bad as I was expecting, but I think that was mainly due to Kat's encouragment (and orders to stop dragging my feet!) I felt great once I had finished and definitely want to sign up for another one once I move - good motivation to carry on running.

Could I be any redder?! (Friends quote Friends quote Becca!)

In the evening we had a fantastic time in our own Karaoke booth in Tiger Tiger (love love love Tiger Tiger!) complete with brightly coloured wigs and cocktails... is there any better combination?! I don't think so!

Don't stop believing, hold onto this feeeeeeeeeeeling!

The kids finished school on Friday, lots of chocolates, flowers and mugs were gratefully received, though the red spotty dress was a major highlight of the presents! Monday and Tuesday was spent moving boxes around the school, or being pulled around on trolleys, either way it was very productive! Our final night in the Orchard (go black panthers) was lovely was ever - to MARIIIIIIIIIINA!!

And now I am into my final two weeks in the UK - I can't wait to carry on the fun! Lunch with Tom tomorrow, followed by jiving in the evening, brunch with Libby at Raouls on Saturday (after 2 years we are finally going!), moving out on Monday, family party next Saturday, Charlotte's family on Sunday, my final school night out on the 1st, Libby and Andrews wedding on the 4th, Emma and Emily on the 6th and then gooooooodbye off I fly on the 8th! EXCITING TIMES!!!!

So for now goodnight and zai jian!

xxx

Goodbye England, ni hao China!

Last night was my leaving party! I had such a fantastic night with fantastic friends and family from all different parts of my life - home, work, university, school (primary school - 22 years almost Charlotte!!). We danced (and drank) the night away and had such a good time.

Thank you to everyone who came, it meant so much to me that I could celebrate with you all! And I am glad that I made the decision to have it about a month before I leave - it meant that I knew I would be seeing the majority of people again. Therefore it was a happy night and there were no tears :D

Here is a selection of my favourite photos from the night :)

Me and Charlotte :)

The soon to be Mr and Mrs Gorin, Tom and Pete

Eliot, James, Kat, Jenni and Laura

RHOMBUS!

Me and Tom, followed by a pinky promise to come and visit next year!

The Cradicks and Scott

The jivers - Adam and Paul!

HEY I just met you, and this is crazy! But heres my number, so call me maybe!

Claire, Jo and Nav

Groomy and Jags

Best housemate in the world :)

There are loads more (I took 85 in total...!) but I think that is plenty for now! Bring on the next 5 weeks - lots more partying and fun times to be had!!