The last mince pie...

Mince pies, like marzipan and marmite, seem to be one of those things that divide people into two food camps - either one loves them or one hates them. I love them all. Especially mince pies. I still recall how, when we were children, the fact that Christmas was not far off was announced with the arrival of a lovely tin of homemade mince pies from my grandmother. They were eked out as treats over the holiday (we always put one out with the milk and carrots for Santa and his reindeer, but just the one mind) and I remember so vividly even now the delicious rich and festive smell of the spicy fruit and buttery pastry as I lifted the lid on the tin and breathed in deeply. They are still the best I've ever tasted (although my sister does a great version too) but now, in the absence of the homemade variety, I look forward to them appearing in the shops and take every opportunity to enjoy them over the Christmas period. So, so good with a cup of tea. Over the past few weeks a little diminishing stash has been keeping me company and I managed to save this last one to savour on the final day of my holiday. Deee-lish!

Despite best intentions and all sorts of little pep talks to myself, I have a horrible deep sinking feeling about going back to work tomorrow. I'm well rested and feeling much better for it but still not relishing what lies ahead on the work front. In my first five days back, for example, I will be in four different cities... in Scotland, England and Wales.  And so it begins... and my heart sinks.

When I uploaded this picture of the mince pie though, after I'd enjoyed eating it, I noticed how the sugar grains caught the light so prettily, and those little sparkles reminded me to focus on the good stuff. And to keep focussing on the good stuff. Look for the sparkle, Kenda, look for the sparkle - however tiny. So here are some of the reasons to look forward to returning to work:

~ I really do like some of the people I work with or will be encountering on my travels, and it will be good to catch up with them, their holiday stories, and their goals and plans for the year ahead.

~ I can resume my daily exercise routine, which mostly involves a lot of brisk walking, as that's become very neglected over the past few weeks in favour of lounging around munching on mince pies.

~ I can move forward on my mentoring project, which was just starting to take off nicely before the break, and which I really do relish although it's only a tiny part of what I'm doing.

~ I'll have lots and lots of opportunities to enjoy my kindle as I travel around the country on the railways, which are now working again because the snow's mostly gone.

~ I'm sure Easter eggs and hot cross buns will replace the mince pies in the shops soon, and I love those too...