One day

Bellagio, Italy

Today I gave blood for the first time.

I had initially tried to give blood at the age of 17, but as my BMI did not meet the minimum requirements for my age group I was not able to fulfill my wish.

My motivation is that my mother was a regular blood donor, however some years ago she received a blood transfusion meaning she can no longer donate. I would like to pick up where she left off, and continue giving to those in need.

The initial health check went well, my iron levels were checked and I was given the all clear to donate. Sadly though, as I have low blood pressure I was unable to donate the full amount due to feeling faint when the bag was 3/4 filled. I can't describe the mixture of disappointment and frustration I felt in the moments that followed, I've been told my donation will be used for blood samples in labs, which  guess is the only saving grace. The nurse on hand said because of my consistently low blood pressure I cannot give blood again as there is too much risk to my own health, so I'll now think of another way I can help those in need of medical help.

I'm already registered to donate my organs should the unfortunate happen so will need to explore other avenues.

Please, if you can give blood do. Everything had gone smoothly for me until the room began to spin, and I only wish I'd managed to continue with my donation but I can't fault the nurses for looking out for me.

Sirius

This little heart breaker is Sirius. We rescued Sirius on 21/05/2014 after we found out his owner could no longer look after him. The 21/05/2014 also happened to be his first birthday and while we were initially apprehensive about taking him upon first sight, we knew if we didn't we would probably end up talking ourselves out of getting a dog altogether. 

He is a short-legged Jack Russell and is extremely intelligent, but no less daft. He has a fascination with our socks, begging us to question why we have ever spent money on toys specifially designed for dogs. 

A few facts;

1. He was called Brewster before he came to live with us

2. He celebrates the same birthday as Mike

3. He used to live with his older brother

4. My mum was initially unsupportive in my decision to get a dog, insisting that I return him

5. Sirius means "Dog Star" and is the brightest star system in the Earth's night sky. Sirius is found in constellation Canis Major (Greater Dog)

6. He is also named after Harry Potter's Godfather, Sirius Black

7. He knows how to sit, paw, lie down, high five, roll over and give kisses

Bubba

What better way to re-introduce my blog than by introducing my pets.

This little chap is Bubba, he's a Syrian hamster Mike and I adopted 10 days after the unfortunate passing of Forrest. He was born on 31/03/2013 and when Forrest sadly passed on 23/05/2013 we hoped we might find another hamster who would be as sweet and loveable as he was. 

Boy did we get lucky with this furry guy! He could take most people's perception of hamsters and alter it within 5 minutes. Hamsters are commonly considered aggressive, anti-social and smelly but Bubba couldn't be more different. He's incredibly sweet and gentle, and will delicately place his paw on your hand to reach higher places when he's socialising with us. I've lost count of the number of times he's burrowed under our duvet and pressed his soft fur against our side so he feels a sense of security, before slowly drivfting off to sleep.

A few facts;

1. He loves Monkey Nuts

2. He will get out of bed in the morning to say hello

3. He is our first pet together

4. He was named after Forrest

5. His title is "Master"

6. His first home was at my mum's with me before moving into my first home a few short months later

7. Mike and I celebrated New Year with him 2013/2014 and when the bells rang he was stashing hamster friendly chocolate buttons

8. Mike signed the adoption papers

Where I've been around the world...

Palma, Majorca

C'an Picafort, Majorca

Javea, Spain

Benidorm, Spain

Marmaris, Turkey (x6)

Icmeler, Turkey

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Various, England

Portmeirion, Wales

Various, Scotland

Dublin, Ireland

Cork, Ireland (x3)

Bruges, Belgium

Vilamoura, Portugal

Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

Florence, Italy

Piza, Italy

Kowloon, Hong Kong

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (x2)

Gerroa, New Souh Wales, Australia

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

The Grampians, Victoria, Australia

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Auckland, New Zealand

Warkworth, New Zealand

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Lake Como, Italy

Milan, Italy

St Moritz, Switzerland

***

Hello 2015

Well, now is the time to dust the cobwebs off my blog and bring it back into my life.

I can't believe my last post was in August 2013, but I guess that goes to show how life can just take over.

As expected, a lot has changed since then, but I'm going to ease myself back into blogging so that I feel encouraged to pick up a routine again.

Speaking of routine, I started my Personal Training Programme at the gym this week which will be forming a large part of my weekly routine - wish me luck!