Wednesday, 26 June 2013

WOYWW 212 - the birthday edition!

Happy WOYWW to you all - week 212. Today happens to be my birthday and I am off work - the redundancy finally got sorted out (not that I've received the settlement money yet) and I finished last week - well, technically on 30th June but I had some holiday owed to me.   Luckily, I start a new job next Monday and I can't wait.

As several of you know, the last year has been somewhat stressful for a variety of work-related issues but I feel sure that the path ahead will be a happy one! To those of you that have offered support in a variety of ways, (emotional mainly) I thank you.

Anyway, you've come to see my desk.. Well, I had to treat myself to a few little presents... yes??

some stencils, stamps paper paint and stickers. (for journalling)

I have been spending this week mainly watching the tennis from Wimbledon - it's only a few miles from where I live, but apart from the fact that tickets are so hard to come by, this way I can see loads of matches at once!!   But I have also had a bit of a tidy up!!!!!!  Made some more space at the computer (still not got a satisfactory seat, but you can't have it all) by moving some magazines to the other room and pushing back the boxes that used to crowd me in.  It looks very different to me anyway!

I really need a proper height table for my computer, then I could have a normal chair to sit on it at, instead of this silly stool with cushions!

I've been working on home-made tapes for a Paperartsy challenge (see yesterday's post)

and this was the arial view on Monday night (Craft Barn Alpha challenge in progress)

I could get used to this being at home lark, I have had a really relaxing time so far this week.

I'll do my best, in between cake and celebrating, to get round as many of you as I can!!
at

57 comments:

  1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth26 June 2013 at 02:31

    Oh Helen, I'm simply thrilled that the nightmare is over and you have WON. And won in a big way. The birthday way. Happy, happy!! Hope you enjoy the rest of your week off, too.

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  2. Nikki26 June 2013 at 02:40

    Happy Birthday to You !!!!
    Your desk is looks like your having alot of fun at and may you enjoy the rest of your week hugs Nikki #9 I have some candy too

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  3. voodoo vixen26 June 2013 at 02:52

    Happy Birthday Helen! So glad that you are all sorted and now have such a positive view of the future, and of course, you totally deserve your special treats!! Annette #6

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  4. Unknown26 June 2013 at 03:21

    Love all the journaling goodies on your desk. Happy birthday! Sandy Leigh #14

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  5. Unknown26 June 2013 at 04:40

    Love all your new goodies. Happy Crafting #5

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  6. Sandy26 June 2013 at 05:22

    Oh that stencil is on my wish list the mini ledger stencil, it looks so effective. Will be looking out for what you use it on.
    Happy Birthday!!!
    Sandy :) #22

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  7. ike26 June 2013 at 06:30

    Fabulous goodies to view and the stoll just made me giggle... don't know exactly why, but it did :-) Glad you have a new job lined up but wouldn't you just love to craft all day ? :-D
    Hope it's not raining over there for Wimbledon !!
    Happy WOYWW

    IKE in Greece x
    #35

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  8. The Taming of the Glue26 June 2013 at 06:39

    Congratulations on the new job..make the most of this week and enjoy the tennis. At least we still have 2 players still in the competition! Love all your new goodies, you deserve a treat! Hugs. Pam#28

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  9. BJ26 June 2013 at 06:53

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN - nice timing to get a week off between jobs and for your birthday. So glad to here you have a new job to go to, what where? Perhaps I could come visit you especially as you have tidied up as well. Fantastic news and great goodies and super crafting as always. BJ#46

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  10. Belinda Basson26 June 2013 at 07:38

    Good luck for the new job on Monday...yip, staying at home does sound appealing. Love all the busy photos of you actually making stuff. And a tidy up is always good for the soul. Makes you feel like youre in a whole new room! #55

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  11. Julie Lee26 June 2013 at 08:10

    Happy Birthday! Looks like you're having a great day already! Enjoy your lovely stash! Congrats on the new job on the horizon. Continue to enjoy your relaxation and have a happy WOYWW - special day! Eat lots of cake!!! Julie Ann x #64

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  12. Julia Dunnit26 June 2013 at 08:32

    Happy Birthday to you dear gal! Oh great great news that you're on final leave and starting afresh next week, am hugely relieved for you...it must feel fine. And look, today is all sunny and lovely for you..have a FAB day. Loving the cleared look of the space...I feel a desk and chair coming on - soon ish!!

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  13. Annie26 June 2013 at 08:37

    Happy birthday to you,
    Happy birthday to you,
    Happy birthday to Helen,
    Happy birthday to you,
    Trust me when I say you are lucky you couldn't hear the singing :-)
    Enjoy your break before you start the new job. I'm really trilled life is sorting out for the better for you.
    Hugs,
    A x # 62

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  14. My name is Cindy26 June 2013 at 08:40

    Oh Helen I had to laugh at your little stool and cushions - however does your back stand it? LOL you really should get that sorted. Happy Birthday my dear, I do have something for you but it's yet to make the post box - follow through has never been my strong point! Glad to hear the work situation is sorted, starting to think I need to look for something new myself. Happy WOYWW Cindyx

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  15. Jackie26 June 2013 at 08:42

    Happy birthday Helen
    Pleased you are enjoying this time if all you start the new job I hope the new job goes well I get the feeling you may cave in and get a new desk and chair!
    Jackie 29

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  16. Candace26 June 2013 at 09:20

    Happy Birthday

    Thanks for sharing and have a great week

    Candace #43

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  17. CraftygasheadZo26 June 2013 at 10:07

    I won't sing cause that'll hurt your ears but happy birthday once again lovely!! I'm so glad things are being sorted, just make sure you get that settlement money and here's to a super new job being so much better and less stressful. Fab goodies too. Take care Zo xx 75

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  18. The House of Bears26 June 2013 at 10:47

    A very merry birthday, to you, says Pooh, and Horace, and Podgy too ! Your seat looks erm, interesting. We think we'd fall off!

    Love from the bears who really need to check what no. Before posting!

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  19. Anonymous26 June 2013 at 11:28

    Happy birthday! Great news to celebrate too :) My the rest of the year just get better and better. And do sort out the chair. Make it a birthday gift to yourself....
    :)

    Happy WOYWW!
    Mary Anne (26)

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  20. roffeycreations26 June 2013 at 12:26

    Hi Helen, good to hear the job situation has been sorted out - you can "breathe" now - we are going through a "realignment" right now - so many variations on the redundancy word hey!! Anyhoo - if I am made redundant hopefully it will get rid of the mortgage and I can then focus on what I want to do... sorry rambling - love your goodies - have a great break before the new job... Happy WOYWW - Mxx #99

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  21. RosA26 June 2013 at 12:35

    Happy Birthday! Nice little present you have there! Is that a "Sunrise Sunset" paper pad? Can't quite make out the writing but it looks familiar ... I bought one the other day.
    Enjoy your new supplies, and hope your new job is good too,
    RosA # 11

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  22. dottielottie26 June 2013 at 12:54

    Happy Birthday to you Helen, hope you have a lovely day. Yes! of course you must treat yourself and the best thing is you will never be disappointed with a gift to self.lol love your journal page. Thanks for visiting me today
    Happy art making
    Hugs Lottie #10

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  23. Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards26 June 2013 at 13:02

    Many happy returns of the day dear Helen and I am so glad you have had such a happy week, with new stash and a new job in the wings all are a great blessing indeed...
    happy WOYWW Shaz in Oz.x #16

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  24. Neet26 June 2013 at 13:12

    Happy Birthday!!!
    What's the best thing to do with redundancy money? Treat yourself! Good for you. Glad you got another job - my son was made redundant in March and still cannot get any work.
    Just a thought, but if you can't find a desk (too expensive also) what about sawing a bit off the legs of an old chair. it could be a great 'altered art project'.
    Take care, have a good creative week - Hugs, Neet 13 xx - and thanks for visiting me earlier

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  25. MiniOwner26 June 2013 at 13:19

    Aww brillant ... your birthday and good news on the horizon. Congratulations! Happy Wednesday. :o)
    Sue x (MiniOwner@107)

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  26. Maisie Moonshine26 June 2013 at 13:25

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN!!!!! Love your prezzies to self - I've got that ledger stencil and can't wait to use it - I'm going with texture paste through it I think. So glad things are getting back on track for you, good luck in your new job and enjoy the rest of your time of. MMx #56

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  27. Marit26 June 2013 at 13:50

    Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to youououooooo... {did you my voice coming over the Norht Sea to you??? Hope not! ;) ) Anyway, you get the picture... I wish you a wonderful day!!!! Enjoy enjoy!! Oh, and of course happy woyww and a hug from Holland. Marit #91

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  28. ElizabethR26 June 2013 at 13:51

    Happy Birthday Honey and I'm so glad everything on the workfront has been sorted out and I love your Birthday stash, yummy stuff!!!!! Big hugs Elizabeth xxx

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  29. Krisha26 June 2013 at 14:12

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN!! Thrilled to hear your nightmare is at an end and you get to start a new job. Desk looks very inviting this week, lots of creating going on.
    Thanks for the earlier visit.
    Krisha #12

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  30. ria gall26 June 2013 at 14:27

    Hi Helen
    Happy Birthday I hope you have a great day. Loving your work that you are sharing and then all your lovely free stuff.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comment
    Ria

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  31. shazsilverwolf26 June 2013 at 17:11

    Hi Helen, a very Happy Birthday to you! Enjoy some well deserved cake while watching Wimbledon,lol. Glad you work thing is sorted- that is such a stressful time, glad that parts over. Have a great week,Hugs, Shaz #48 xx

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  32. Anonymous26 June 2013 at 17:47

    Nice selection of new goodies! I'm glad you're having a nice week & enjoying your birthday.

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  33. pearshapedcrafting26 June 2013 at 18:16

    This looks like a perfect creating environment! Love your new goodies! Chris 117

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  34. Caro26 June 2013 at 18:30

    I am so glad that you have won your redundancy. So right that you celebrate with some crafting goodies and they are a fab selection! Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW. Caro x (#132)

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  35. Darnell26 June 2013 at 19:45

    Happy Birthday, H!! I've enjoyed seeing your other posts today, too. Your work is always stunning! Enjoy your special day and have a wonderful week with your new birthday toys!! Darnell #32

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  36. lisa26 June 2013 at 20:00

    A very Happy Birthday, Helen. I'm glad you treated yourself to some goodies.
    It's great to hear that you are looking forward to your new adventure too. All the very best for Monday. I'm sure it'll be great.
    Hugs Lisax #76

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  37. KatzElbows26 June 2013 at 20:09

    Helen, huge congrats on the redundancy, the holiday and the new job. It's all fabulous. I'm really thrilled for you. I also think you were very restrained in your present buying. I hope you have masses of fun with them all.

    Thank you so much for visiting and happy WOYWW,
    Cheers, Rachel #53

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  38. Anonymous26 June 2013 at 21:01

    Brilliant news on the job front, things are looking up, a few days at home, a new job to go to, and a payout coming your way at some point. You could use a bit of that to get a little desk for yourself, there's a thought! I could seriously get used to the being at home lark too, one day, one day! I can see that you've tidied up and I also believe in little presents after stress too!!

    Hugs
    Brenda 2

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  39. sara j26 June 2013 at 21:08

    Happy birthday and it sounds like you got just the present you wanted/needed. LOVE it when that happens, even if it does seem to take way too long! The goodies look like a bunch o' fun. Enjoy. Thanks for visiting the Fun Room.
    Sara j #67

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  40. Lunch Lady Jan26 June 2013 at 22:11

    Happy Birthday dear Helen! Wow, things have worked out well for you this past week! Good, I'm glad it was sorted out. And you're starting a new job on Monday! Excellent, I hope it goes really well!
    Enjoy the rest of your day :-)
    Hugs. LLJ 31 xx

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  41. fairy thoughts26 June 2013 at 22:58

    happy birthday Helen, all good news then. I am sooo glad you have work sorted out and you have a new job, how exciting are you still going to be up at the crack of dawn to post, the early start today didn't fool you did it?
    your 'desk still looks like fun to me
    janet#39

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  42. Jacqueline26 June 2013 at 22:59

    A very Happy Birthday, and, glad to hear things are looking up a little on the job front! :)

    Thanks for popping by and leaving a comment. I really do appreciate them.

    My work actually 'migrated' to the dining table last week, because it was simply too big for my craft desk. Had to move back though because I have a visitor this week and need the table for it's proper use !

    Take care and many apologies for the late visit.

    Jackie #25

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  43. Barb King26 June 2013 at 23:06

    Happy Birthday, and congrats on the new job, hope all goes well. Glad you are treating yourself to some creative time. Barb #116

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  44. Robin27 June 2013 at 02:42

    Happy Birthday! Happy WOYWW! and Happy special presents too! You certainly deserve some new beginnings and congratulations on your new job too!!! I have to say I LOVE the cusion stool/computer chair. Your work area looks so fun! Enjoy YOUR day! Rasz #127

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  45. trisha too27 June 2013 at 03:51

    Well absolutely yes, you definitely deserved a little treating!!

    A Happy Birthday to you, Helen!

    :)trisha
    #144 this week with
    a mess and a love apple

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  46. Jean27 June 2013 at 05:03

    Happy birthday, and congratulations on the great changes in your life. :) Treats are certainly in order.
    Jean 7

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  47. Lucy27 June 2013 at 06:44

    I hope that you make the most of all this lovely time you have to yourself, maybe go out and do something you just never have the time to do! Always great to see what you've been up to. good luck with the start of the new job, hope it goes well. Have a great week - Lucy #37 x

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  48. Virginia27 June 2013 at 07:38

    Oh I'm glad you've sorted the redundancy and WTG you on the new job - I hope it will be great!

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  49. Unknown27 June 2013 at 08:21

    Happy Birthday and good luck in the new job. Recently started a new job myself, it is hard to be the newbie and certainly harder to learn now my brain is older!
    Love Karen #77

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  50. ANNETTE HUSBAND27 June 2013 at 08:27

    G'day Helen
    thanks for dropping by my blog for WOYWW. I'm always running late in getting around sorry. Wow some big changes for you there but by the sounds of it itwas a needed change. Good luck with the new job. Love the Daisy art above!! Happy late birthday too :o)
    hugs
    Annette In Oz #23

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  51. Fiona@Staring at the Sea27 June 2013 at 09:17

    Wishing you a belated happy birthday!
    I don't have time to revisit a post for an answer either, so I rarely ask a question in the comments.
    I do find it useful to be able to answer others if I can and I suspect most people are the same and don't go back. Thanks for stopping by yesterday. I'm having a catch up today. Good luck in the new job x

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  52. Words and Pictures27 June 2013 at 11:51

    Hope you had a wonderful birthday yesterday - sorry I missed commenting on the actual day - no chance to get to a computer... Lovely new toys - look forward to seeing what you create.

    And I hope all goes brilliantly with the new job - congrats on such a seamless handover time-wise...
    Alison x

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  53. mamapez527 June 2013 at 14:46

    Happy Birthday Helen! It sounds as though there is light at the end of the tunnel. You are lucky to have a new job to go to. Enjoy your time at home first though. Kate x #52

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  54. Nan G28 June 2013 at 02:29

    Belated happy birthday! Love the prezzies. Have fun with them. Thanks for the earlier visit. Happy WOYWW! Nan G #108

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  55. peggy aplSEEDS28 June 2013 at 05:51

    i was dropping by to say hi and thank you for visiting me and now i get to greet you a belated happy birthday as well! hope your day was lovely and i wish all the best blessings for you for your birthday!
    happy WOYWW!
    hugs,
    peggy aplSEEDS

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  56. Carmen 29 June 2013 at 23:03

    I can't believe I missed your birthday! (Am in bed at mo but tomorrow it's going on the calendar!) So glad it was relaxing and fun. And to read of the new job news too! Excellent!

    You need to get a desk, you look so comfy and at home sat at Julia's ;)

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  57. Morti2 July 2013 at 13:45

    Happy Birthday for last week - sorry I'm so late getting round to everyone!

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice comments...

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