That Time I Got Pick-Pocketed in London

A couple of Sundays ago, I took my first trip out of the house all year to see Ronan Keating and a symphony orchestra live in London... only to get pick-pocketed minutes after we got off the bus in Victoria.

I swear, I either have the worst luck, or I did something terrible in a former life. Something always goes wrong when I travel to concerts.

It's been going around and around in my head since it happened- mostly what I should've done differently- so I'm hoping writing about it and getting my thoughts out will help me make sense of it, and let it go. Writing has always helped me clear my head, but feel free to roll your eyes if you think I'm overreacting.

So... just after arriving in London on Mother's Day, we went into Victoria station to grab some food before heading to the Royal Albert Hall for the concert we'd travelled to see. Seconds after we went inside, we were walking slowly up half a dozen stairs (slowed down by Arthritis), when someone pressed up close behind me. I thought they were trying to hurry us up, so I tried to ignore them instead of letting them intimidate me (or elbowing them in the face), but something about it felt off, so I thought to check my bag as soon as I was off the stairs- only to find my backpack was unzipped, and my purse had gone. They'd seen us moving slowly, and they'd marked us as easy targets. 

It was all over in a matter of seconds, and happened so fast, I didn't even get a look at them as they hurried away. My sister got a glimpse, but I was too busy checking my bag.                                             

Luckily, they only took my purse and I didn't even have any cash on me. My phone was in my hand, and they didn't take my camera or concert tickets which had my personal details on them, so it could've been worse. They could've taken my whole bag, and I could've had my NI card on me, but didn't. Thanks to my sister, I was able to cancel my bank card in minutes before they even got a chance to use it, so my only real loss was my lovely Vendula London flower shop purse. (I'm gutted- it isn't made any more).

I'm mostly just annoyed at myself for being stupid enough to take a backpack to London, because I never, ever do for this very reason. I've always taken a cross-body I can keep a hand on, but this time, I was careless as I wanted to ease the strain on my neck and shoulder, which were hurting like hell. I even contemplated the risk before I left home, so I feel like such an idiot. 

With all the stabbings in London lately, I'm just grateful I wasn't hurt- they didn't so much as touch me- and I wasn't alone so I didn't end up stranded without any money or a bus ticket home. All I could do was Paypal my sister money for things, so it left me feeling pretty vulnerable. I think it's time to set up some kind of payment on my phone (which the policeman also recommended), and go back to putting £20 in my shoe when I travel, so I'm not so helpless if I lose my wallet again. It was a wake up call.

I wasn't the only one it happened to, either; when we were talking to the police, there were two other girls who had just been targeted in another station, probably by the same men. I felt worse for them, because they were tourists, and it's a shitty thing to happen miles from home. The police and the security guard were all really kind and sympathetic, though, which made a big difference. They took it seriously, and didn't lay any blame on our actions, or make us feel like we were wasting their time. They just shared some insights about pick-pocketers and suggested some tips- like wearing a cross-body bag beneath a jacket or cardi so it's harder for thieves to cut a bag right from your body, and to set up Apple Pay on your phone to have money to fall back on.

I didn't really care about finding my purse- that was already long gone, but we got the police involved to hopefully stop it from happening to other people. I hope they were able to find them, but if not, I hope karma comes back to bite them where it hurts. I'd wish them a life time of chronic pain, but that seems a little bit mean. Maybe they were professional pick-pocketers, or maybe they were just desperate. Who knows?

I didn't let two assholes ruin my night, though, and tried not to let it phase me. I didn't panic, and only realised it affected me at all when the nerves in my legs started twitching when I sat down afterwards. (It's only now it's over that it's bothering me a little bit, and creeping in to my head at random times). We still had a great night, and miraculously, we had the same bus driver on the way home to Oxford, who remembered us, and didn't make me pay for another ticket home, so... silver linings. 

If you take anything from this story, I hope it makes you think about your safety when you travel and you learn from my mistakes. Don't take a backpack to London or any other big city; keep your bag where you can see it; don't keep all your money in one place when you travel; and if someone invades your space, don't just ignore it to be the bigger person. It might not be safe to confront them, but at least turn to acknowledge you know they're there to discourage them, and try to move away from them if you can.

It might make a difference.

Have you ever been pick-pocketed on your travels?

What I Got For Christmas 2022

I know Christmas has been and gone (how was it over a month ago already?!), but today, I'm going to show you some of the presents my family and friends gave me for Christmas. I always enjoy these kind of posts on other blogs, and thought you guys might do, too.

I was gifted some amazing presents for Christmas, and while I didn't get masses of gifts now I'm old and turning in to an isolated crazy cat lady (without the cats) my social circle is small from being housebound, I felt like I was really spoiled this Christmas.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on Christmas Day was that I received not one, but two Loungefly backpacks! I was so shocked. My parents gave me the Disney Princess Books backpack- a white and baby blue mini backpack with a stack of fairytale books on the front, and a print of various characters reading books all over it. There's Sebastian, Flit, Jacques, Lumiere, Pascal, Abu and all manner of cute sidekicks being bookworms, and it's awesome.

The other backpack I was given was the Robin Hood Forest mini backpack, this time from my sister and brother-in-law. It's amazing and I love it so much. It's khaki-green with Robin Hood and the little bunnies and turtle embroidered on the front, and Robin's wanted-poster embossed on the back. I particularly love the embroidered detailing, and the fact it features Skippy and his sisters, and Toby, the turtle. Why are they not on more things? If anyone would like me to do proper reviews of these backpacks, just let me know.

If you thought I was done with showing you cool Loungefly things, you were wrong. I was also gifted the Robin Hood Classic Books zip around wallet, from my younger sister. It's a green and yellow wallet with a storybook aesthetic, and it's gorgeous. It has Robin on the front standing in front of a garland of greenery, and on the back- without a doubt the best part of the design- is Maid Marian playing badminton with Lady Klucky. I'm obsessed. I now own six pieces of Loungefly- three bags, three wallets, all gifts- and the hilarious thing is, five of them are Robin Hood themed! And I'm not even sorry. It's been one of my favourite Disney films since I was little, and it's so rare to find merchandise for it, so Loungefly's designs are a dream.

I was so pleased to be given a few books for Christmas- paperbacks of Forging Silver in to Stars by Brigid Kemmerer and Artemis by Andy Weir off my wish list from my parents, and a beautiful leatherbound Barnes and Noble edition of Stephen King's Three Novels. It includes Carrie, The Shining, and Salem's Lot, and has metallic silver edges. I then treated myself to the collector's edition of A Court of Thorns and Roses with my Christmas money, and it's without a doubt one of the most beautiful books I've ever owned. I finished reading it a few days ago and I absolutely adored it. I might still be a little obsessed with Lucien and Tamlin...

Another book I was gifted was this awesome storybook of The Muppet Christmas Carol. It's an illustrated kids book telling a shortened version of the movie, and it's so cute. It's been one of mine and my sisters' favourite Christmas films since I was seven, so my younger sister bought copies for both myself and our older sister. I love it.

One of my other childhood favourite films was Pocahontas- it's still one of my favourite Disney movies to this day- and apparently my sister was paying attention, as another present she gave me was the Pocahontas Funko Pop. I love that she even comes with Meeko and Flit- two of the best sidekicks in the history of sidekicks.

I also unwrapped the cutest Primark Exclusive Care Bears 40th anniversary Funko of Friend Bear from one of my lovely friends. It's light orange with flowers on her stomach, and so bright and cheerful. It makes me smile. 

She also gave me a fun holographic Animal Crossing New Horizons notebook- satisfying two of my addictions at once- although, sadly, I haven't been able to capture it well. Holographic things are apparently a nightmare to photograph.

My little sister got me this cool tankard-like mug with reindeer legs from Shop Disney. If you can't tell by the quote, it's based on the mug of cocoa from The Santa Clause movie. Another of our childhood favourites.

This Vendula London Seaside Souvenirs Clipper purse wasn't technically a Christmas present, but my older sister Marie gave me it about a week before Christmas, so I'm adding it in here just the same. She picked it up on sale for me pretty cheaply when she was shopping for purses herself, for no reason other than it matches my Vendula Seaside Souvenirs backpack. It was so thoughtful of her. It has spaces for cards and a compartment for coins, and the seaside design is gorgeous.

My parents gave me a little pair of gold hoops, with tiny stars on them. I'll admit, they're not the kind of jewellery I tend to wear, and I don't know enough about classic jewellery to tell you anything else about them, but they are really cute.

One of my Aunties gifted me this pretty jasper gemstone bracelet with a lotus flower charm from Lilymoonstone on Etsy. I love the teal of the beads, and how they look like the ocean or little worlds. They come in other colours and gemstones, too. I know one of my sisters got a purple amethyst one. 

Another of my lovely friends sent me some chocolate, along with this amazing winter-themed acrylic brooch featuring an ice skate, a snowflake, and a mitten. It's so cute, and perfect for accessorising my winter outfits.

And I also got a selection box and a few boxes of chocolates from various family members. They didn't all survive long enough to sit for photos, but they are remembered fondly. May they rest in peace.

What was the best present you got for Christmas / another holiday you recently celebrated?

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Goals For 2023

I'm a little late to the party as I've been a little under the weather lately, but I'm back with my annual list of goals for the year ahead.

I don't set myself big New Year's resolutions that I'm unlikely to ever achieve- who wants to feel like a failure?- but I do like to challenge myself with lots of smaller goals to aim towards and keep myself on my toes. They're nothing too exciting or interesting, but I thought I'd share my list anyway, in an attempt to motivate myself and make myself accountable.

So, here are my goals for 2023:

Read at least 40 books

I've set myself a new Goodreads reading challenge for 2023, and hope to read at least 40 books this year. I've played it safe with the number to make it achievable, but I'm hoping to read even more, and would at least like to beat last year's tally of 46, if I can. I'm already on my third book of the year, so I'm off to a strong start.

Collect lots of pretty books

Beautiful books are a real weakness of mine, and after recently discovering book subscription companies like Owlcrate, Fairyloot, and Illumicrate, who sell the most stunning books, I'm eager to continue indulging my passion, and collect the prettiest editions for as many new book purchases as possible. I just treated myself to the Illumicrate editions of Ninth House and Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo and I'm so excited.

Do lots more cross stitching

I barely did any cross stitching last year, but I want to find my mojo, and sew a lot more regularly this year. I just need to find some patterns I like. I've been so uninspired lately.

Make an embroidery

I'd also like to finish an embroidery. I bought a kit from Cotton Clara in 2020 that I still haven't made, so I think it's been neglected long enough. Time to get stitching.

Learn to crochet and make the Hello Kitty / Pusheen plushie

I've been saying for years that's I want to learn to crochet, and still haven't, but I'm hoping 2023 will be the year. I bought a cute kit last year- a Hello Kitty doll dressed up like Pusheen- which I'd hoped would encourage me to get started, but as a novice, learning how to start using video tutorials was harder than I expected, and I've realised I need someone to show me the ropes first. I'm hoping I can get my Mum to teach me the basics, and then attempt to crochet the doll as my first crochet project.

Get out of the house more

Aside from a week's holiday to Cornwall in September, I can count on two hands how many times I left the house for any reason last year (including my medical appointments, which have fizzled out since Covid), and let's be honest, that's not much of a life. I've been finding the isolation and lack of excitement in my life hard lately, so I'm eager to try to push myself more, and do my best to leave the house more often this year

Go to at least one concert

I haven't got any concerts booked as yet, but I'm itching for some live music, and hope I get to go to at least one this year. Going a year without a gig is just wrong.

Take a cinema trip

It's been about a decade since I last went to the cinema because it became too painful with my spinal pain, and it's one of those little things I really miss doing in life. I always used to go at least once a month. I'd love to try to go see a new film at least once this year, and see how I cope with it now, even if it leaves me in agony. 

Sight-see around Dorset

When I was looking up tour buses for my last holiday to Cornwall, I discovered there's one in Dorset called the Jurassic Coaster that travels along the south coast from Poole to Weymouth, taking you through places like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Dorchester in between. I haven't seen a lot of Dorset since I was little, so I'd love to spend a day doing a bit of sight-seeing there in the summer. It's only a two hour drive to Poole from where I live, and the Jurassic Coaster seems like an easy, inexpensive way to explore without  being too physically demanding. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a bit of summer sight-seeing.

Take a holiday

I'm not sure if a holiday is on the cards for me this year or not, but I'd very much like to take one, and get away from it all for a week.

Go to Longleat Safari Park

I'd still love to visit Longleat safari park this spring/ summer, particularly because they have koalas and wombats now, and I've never seen either animal in real life before.

Visit confetti, lavender, and sunflower fields

I was hoping to visit some local flower fields last year, but it never happened due to car issues in the summer, so I'm going to aim to visit some this year, too. I'd love to go visit local sunflower, lavender, and confetti fields, if only to see a sea of colour, and take some pretty photos. The confetti fields are fields of flowers grown for wedding confetti, near Pershore in Worcestershire, and they sound lovely.

Visit the bluebell woods

In the spring, I would also like to go to a local bluebell woods when they flower and carpet the woods in a seemingly endless sea of violet. It always looks so pretty. I did technically go to see them last year, but we arrived too late to see them flowering.

Buy a new camera

I desperately need to save up for a new camera, after breaking my bridge camera in September. (The lens has jammed, and I'm told it's unfixable). I've had to fall back on using an ancient point and shoot camera with a scratched lens or my seriously out-of-date phone for my blog and Instagram photos, and the quality of my photos makes me want to cry. I won't be able to afford anything fancy, but I want to at least find one with similar specs to my old one. Best get saving.

Decorate my bedroom

My bedroom hasn't been painted in about a decade and desperately needs a refresh, so here's hoping 2023 is the year. I'm sick to death of looking at blue walls, and fancy going with white or cream to brighten things up a bit and make all my colourful possessions stand out better.

Continue operation clear-out

Having recently tackled my bookshelves and under my bed, I want to continue my long-over-due mission to spring clean everything. Next on my list are my wardrobe and the hallway cupboard, which I've been using as an extra wardrobe, and currently looks like a junk closet from a cartoon. If I can clear out both this year, I'll be happy.

Build my wardrobe back up

I also really want to start building my wardrobe back up this year. A lot of my clothes no longer fit me, as I've gone up a dress size over the last few years from living housebound, and as someone who loves clothes, it's depressing. I feel horrible in everything, so I haven't bothered to shop for new clothes much, but it's about time I did. I'm beginning to look like a street urchin.

And those are some of my little goals for the year ahead.

Have you set yourself any goals or resolutions for 2023?

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Looking Back on 2022

Looking Back on 2022

I can't believe we're already saying 'goodbye' to 2022. I'm sure I say this every year, but it only feels like a minute since we were ringing in the last new year, and I was writing my last annual reminder of all the things I didn't do. Is it just me, or have the last twelve months flown by?

For me, they shouldn't have, as 2022 was one of the most boring and uneventful years of my life. Looking back on the year, I've realised just how little living I did. I spent most of 2022 at home, just riding out my chronic pain, tachycardia, and fatigue a day at a time. If we don't include my holiday in September, I can probably count how many times I left the house all year on two hands- including for medical appointments! I'm pretty disappointed in myself for just how little living I managed, and how little I pushed myself to try.

All I really have to show for 2022 is an overnight trip to Bournemouth to see Ronan Keating, a visit to Whipsnade Zoo, a few trips in to town with my sister, and a week's holiday to Cornwall. Cornwall was definitely a highlight of the year, with time by the sea, lots of good food, day trips to beautiful Padstow and St. Ives, and fun visits to Newquay Zoo and The Screech Owl Sanctuary. It was a blissful week away from it all, and exactly the kind of escapism I needed. 

The rest of 2022 was just spent surviving, and enjoying the little things in life. I read a lot and finished 46 books; played Animal Crossing and FarmVille 3 (for far more hours than I probably should admit); cross stitched and painted; attempted to blog; became addicted to the Shadow and Bone books, The Folk of the Air series, and The Ballad of Never After and made them my whole personality; watched some good movies and TV shows; wasted time online; and spent time with my family and my dog. That's about it.

Wow, my year sounds pathetic.

Catching Covid-19 in June, the first time I went without a mask in a crowd, was also an experience, and one I'm not likely to forget in a hurry. I was sick for a month, and while it wasn't as bad as it could've been, it was horrendous. Though, the guilt I felt for making my whole family sick was worse. (Read about it here).

As for Polka Spots and Freckle Dots... well, the less said about that, the better. I celebrated my blog's 10th birthday in March, but I also blogged less in 2022 than in any year since I began blogging. It wasn't for lack of trying- I attempted to write almost every day, but either the words wouldn't come, or I didn't have the spoons to take the photos I needed to post. I managed to post every month, and caught up a little in December, but my tally of posts for the year is pretty darn sad. Here's hoping I can do better in 2023. It's definitely something I hope to improve on over the next twelve months.

So, basically, embarrassingly, I didn't experience much in 2022. I didn't reach any of life's milestones, I didn't meet anyone new, I didn't see the world, I just didn't live. But- I made it through another difficult year of chronic pain and illness, and that's an achievement of it's own. I can be proud of making it through another 365 days of  constant pain, fatigue, tachycardia, and all my other symptoms, even if I have little else to be proud of.

And that's okay.

It's okay if the only thing you did this year was survive. We don't always have to live our lives to the full, achieve our dreams, or do impressive things. Being alive, and making the best of the lives we've been given is okay, too. We can always try again next year.

And I hope that I will.

What's the best thing that happened to you in 2022?

Merry Christmas

Hey guys!

I just stopping by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas- or a very Merry Sunday, if you don't celebrate it. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your family and friends (or simply enjoying your own company), getting spoiled with presents, eating lots of delicious festive treats, and doing all those things that make Christmas special to you. 

I'll be spending today enjoying the festivities with my family at home in The Cotswolds. I'm looking forward to giving gifts, sitting down to Christmas dinner in the afternoon, falling in to a food coma in front of some festive TV, breaking out a board game or two, indulging in a few treats, and finally making some time to relax after a busy month.

It's going to be great. I can't wait!

I'll be back to tell you all about it in a few days, but for now, I'm going to log off, and soak up as much festive cheer as I can before it's all over for another year. In the meantime, you can probably find me sharing snippets of my day on Instagram.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone. I hope it's the best one yet.