Count the memories, not the pennies

As a habitual worrier over financial matters, to spend £17 on one single cocktail is something I would usually have cold sweats over. But last night, to my amazement, I brazenly handed over my trusty debit card and signed off £34.00 worth of drinks as if it was my last night on earth. See, my lovely fiance had decided to treat me to a meal at the delicious Wolseley restaurant in Picadilly, London and despite my usual protests at such extravagance, last night felt different and I think I know why.

I have been listening to a record recently called "Enjoy Yourself, It's Later Than You Think" by Guy Lombardo and somehow, the words have really struck a chord deep inside me. Pretty much as depressing as the title may suggest, the song is about living life to the full and being aware it's no good regretting it when you're six feet under. I certainly don't want to be stood at the pearly gates and be thinking if I could go back and give myself one piece of advice in life it would be the exact title of the song. So, we cracked open the bottle of bubbly that had been sitting in the cupboard for months, waiting for something "champagne-worthy" to happen and toasted to...er, nothing. We got suited and booted, went for cocktails at The Ritz and pretended to the world this was completely normal. Sliding in to our seats amongst the rich and famous (Steven Spielberg was eating at the next table!), we ordered wine, delicious food and giggled with the posh ladies surrounding us. I didn't just enjoy it because it was expensive (if anything, that would usually make me detest it), I enjoyed it because I actually just did. I didn't worry about the consequences, after all, what does being a few pounds overdrawn really matter? I know I'm not irresponsible or careless with money and am still happy getting clothes from Tesco so why shouldn't I create some memories that will last far longer than my wages? We came home happy and full... and for me, I really am going to try and remember that life is for living and when I look back, I want to know I gave it a damn good shot.

Listen for yourself...

http://www.metrolyrics.com/enjoy-yourself-its-later-than-you-think-lyrics-guy-lombardo.html

Cool for Cats? Then again, maybe not...

Ok. Having just had the misfortune to watch the most terrifying and disturbing programme EVER (think a unmarried 50 year old with 84 cats, YES, 84.), I felt the need to express some concern over my two new recent acquisitions and what exactly it says about me. Pets in our family home were always restricted to the "house friendly outdoor only" kind (rabbits) or "able to live indoors but mess can be contained" kind (hamster/good old goldfish). Quite frankly, they were never enough to kill the curiosity of two young sisters.

So, almost 15 years since we said goodbye to our last lop eared friend, in bounce my beautiful kittens, Larry and Evie. Gorgeous! Adorable! Fluffy! Absolutely. In fact, so much so that I literally can't control myself with the camera when they're around. Look! He's sleeping. Again. Quick! Take a picture. Again. Honestly, I'm even annoying myself with my incessant baby talking and checking they're still breathing every ten minutes. Watching them attempt to pick up a pencil has caused me to almost hyperventilate with excitement, and when they had to have their vaccinations last week I was wracked with guilt and convinced they hated me like the evil cat torturing witch they thought I was. I'm even subjecting my friends to sitting through albums on Facebook, constant tagging and comments of how much I love my furry children. I'm hoping this is just one of those irritating phase's, you know, a bit like when you get a new car and you go EVERYWHERE in it. Even to the post box.

Hopefully, within a few weeks I will no longer get overwhelmed when they discover a new miaow, nor will I feel the need to let me fiance know when they eat all their tea. I've given myself another month to be rid of this crazy cat lady behaviour before Channel 4 come knocking with the camera's rolling...

A "Family Portrait". In my fiance's defense, it was my idea... : )