Happy Thanksgiving!

We don't have Thanksgiving in England (or Singapore for that matter), but since I'm married to an American, I'm more than happy to adopt and celebrate this season in a small way! If you know me, you'll realise I love making a big deal of any occasion - don't let me near your birthday.

Anyway, this evening I made a list of all the things that I am thankful for... I'm surprised how silly and almost shallow some of the items are. But hey, the ocean has a shore! Amongst other things, I am thankful for:

• Eric (who is away in Nepal at the moment and is missed greatly!)
• A wonderful family & dear friends!
• Flowers
• Safety
• Cake
• M&S
• Colours
• Tea
• Opportunity & creativity 
• Cornwall
• Wealth (I am blessed with more than enough)
• Chocolate
• A home
• Salvation. 

I also apologise for the silence on our little site. Since you last heard from us/me, I have started 'interning' at a flower shop on Mondays, I've made my first ever pinch pot and finally bought a scented candle from M&S that smells like apples and the crispness of winter. Other than that, life has been busy and overwhelming in the last month - lots of emotions, big decisions and prayer going on over here.

I am grateful that we have a God who knows exactly what we need and when, even if it doesn't line up with what we think is best.

We spent all of last week celebrating Eric's birthday - he didn't ask for a birthday WEEK, but I thought we might as well make the most of it as it only comes round once a year!

We had some friends come over on Saturday night for pizza, apple crumble, games and hilarity. We love our friends dearly and enjoy having our home warmed by their laughter.

I've been a complaining, stiff-necked (literally and figuratively) mess the last six months. I finally caved and saw a chiropractor - it turns out my neck is 'jammed to the right', far too straight and the damage started at least 10 years ago! Who would have thought?! "Well, what did you expect?" was Eric's sympathetic response when I told him (he did put up with all my grousing, so I let it pass).

Bi-weekly visits to my chiropractor involve being twisted into the shape of a pretzel, then being sat on. Okay, slight exaggeration there. But my bones do crunch like I'm being squished.

Then my kind chiropractor friend makes me lie on ice to stop my muscles from swelling painfully in reaction to the change my spine is experiencing.
 
No one really likes change and it's I seem to have reacted the same way to other recent adjustments in life. I've become inflamed, uncomfortable and in need of an icepack.

Of all the changes though, I will say that marriage has been the kindest and sweetest. Eric has been very good to me. :)

On another note, I'm thoroughly enjoying the new Mumford & Sons album! It reminds me keenly of the familiar (and recently ignored) feeling of homesickness - in this instance, the feeling is not unwelcome. Amongst other functions, Mumford music is the soundtrack to gritty London streets and their meanderings.

I've shut my eyes tight and imagined myself on Eton Avenue more than once today.

Oh my, what a way to start the week! Our lovely (and highly talented) wedding photographer sent us news of this:
 

How very exciting. I'm not sure how I feel about it (a mixture of honour and bashfulness, perhaps?) - it's all very strange and until I actually have a copy of the magazine in my hands, I am inclined to think that it's not real! E, however, fell asleep with a smile on his face last night (not that I watch him when he sleeps, that would be weird).

I made these scrummy apple muffins . I haven't made muffins since I was in university but these turned out pretty decent. Pictorial evidence of said muffins:

Baking is such bliss. Such sweaty, melty bliss. Thank you, Singapore.

Oh and my dear friend Emily Tipping has finally arrived in Korea! I'm so glad you're on my side of the world, Ems.

Being Organised

A few days ago I made this dead easy recipe from Mr JO himself - turned out great and also earned the nod of approval from the husband (yay).

E made dinner again this evening and we had a good (and very helpful) conversation about 'being organised'. Very fortunate to have an organised husband. It is good for me.

Which reminds my ever-forgetting mind, I really should also pick up this book again.

Date Night!

It's date night tonight and E is busy as a bee in the kitchen. I am so blessed to have a husband who lets me take my time to unwind while he roasts salmon in our precious little oven (which I have fallen in love with).

Today I am grateful for a sane day, cake, fresh flowers and E.

-Rachel