Saturday 26 February – It's a beautiful day...

Current location: Kitzbühel, Austria
11.11am, Reading old text messages. I've just resurrected my old phone as my Austrian one is broken, and it had over 2,000 messages still on it. Before I deleted them all, I read a few of the oldest, and they were from the time when I'd just met Andy, over two years ago. It's so funny to read them because Andy was here in Kitzbühel at the time, and I was in Liverpool, living a life that didn't feature Austria at all. One of the messages, from 30 Dec 2008, reads: “It's so incredibly beautiful on the mountain today, all snow and sunshine – you'd love it.” And now, two years later, here I am, indeed loving it!

It's a wonderful sunny day today so I might go for a walk soon. It's pretty chilly (it was -10˚C on Thursday!) but so pretty and just looking at the view from our balcony (above) is enough to make me fall in love with Austria. That and all the lie-ins I get. Andy was right, I do love it here.

Friday 25 February – Rabbit-Proof Fence

Current location: Kitzbühel, Austria
11.11pm, Watching one of my all-time favourite films, Rabbit-Proof Fence. Andy and I had been talking about Aboriginal culture, among other things, earlier on in the day, so I thought it would be a good one to watch when we were choosing a DVD in the evening. It's about the 'Stolen Generations' of Aborigines from the 1930-1970s, when the Australian government was legitimately allowed to take Aboriginal children away if they had a white parent. The film is an amazing true story of three young girls who get taken away, but attempt to walk the 1,200-mile journey back home. Make sure you also watch the special features on the DVD as there's an amazing documentary about making the film and how they found the child actresses; if anything, I'd say it's even better than the film itself.

(Picture taken from the Cinematic Intelligence Agency)

Thursday 24 February – Team Dishpig!

Current location: Salzburg, Austria
11.11am and 11.11pm, Washing up in Salzburg. Today I worked a 16-hour shift for an events company that Andy sometimes works for. I was in the catering dept, which included about twelve hours of washing up but, luckily, I had two lovely ladies from Sweden and Iceland to work alongside, who kept me entertained and made me laugh all day...who knew washing up could be so much fun?! The event we were catering for was an Andre Rieu concert, a violinist who is apparently the biggest-selling artist of all time. Surprising (we'd never heard of him) but true. All I know about him is he has a penchant for lots of meat at midnight.

(Pictures taken from Niteguide.com.au and MSN Blogs)

Wednesday 23 February – Back on the road/tracks/air

Current location: Gatwick Airport
11.11am, In Gatwick Airport, awaiting my flight to Innsbruck for the Austrian part of my life. By the time I arrive in my beautiful home in Gundhabing, Kitzbühel tonight, I will have used these methods of transport (in order): walk, train, tube, train, plane, bus, train, bus, walk... That's actually kind of hard to say fast, try it. Flying into Innsbruck is the most amazing experience; the airport is completely surrounded by mountains and apparently it's one of the most difficult and most dangerous airports to land at, but it's also the most beautiful. At one point, not too far from Innsbruck, all there is around you is snowy mountain peaks, as far as the eye can see. Incredible!
(Picture taken by Adriana Lukas)

Tuesday 22 February – (Birth)day of dreams

Current location: Angel, London
11.11pm, In a pub quiz at The Winchester, a pub near our house. Today is Nicky's birthday so we've had a non-stop day of adventuring, good food and fresh air. It began with Ruth and I making a big birthday breakfast of smoked salmon, bacon, scrambled eggs, bagels, Buck's Fizz, tomatoes, juice and coffee. When we were stuffed, we headed north to Hampstead Heath for a rousing walk in the 'countryside', (which was surprisingly convincing, considering we were in the middle of London). We found a weird type of zoo near the Heath, which resulted in us trying to make a noise like a kookaburra and trying to make the giant rabbit move; it didn't.

Then it was back to Angel where we snuffled down some nachos and hot chocolate at The Breakfast Club, a potential new favourite hangout. Feeling a little over-indulged, we headed home for a bit of quiet time and Grey's Anatomy, before moving on to dinner (a smorgasbord of meats and cheeses) and wine, and leaving for the pub quiz. We came a semi-respectable fourth out of seven (well, joint fourth) but were rewarded with shots of tequila and Jägermeister. Happy birthday Nicola my love!

Monday 21 February – Here come the girls

Current location – Central London
11.11pm, At home watching Grey's Anatomy (what else?!) after an amazing evening with some amazing ladies. I went for dinner with five of my friends from the Master's I did in London in 2007/2008 and, though I have stayed in touch well with some of them, others I hadn't seen since we left in May 2008. It was so amazing to catch up on everyone's news and views, and we were having so much fun that we were complained about for being too noisy...Oops. It's nights like tonight that make my double London/Austria life so worth it. Annoyingly I forgot to take any pictures, but here's one of my favourites of Robyn, me and Sophie from our magazine wrap party back in 2008.

Sunday 20 February – Lazy Sunday

Current location: London
11.11pm, Curled up watching a film after a tiring, hungover and lovely day. After last night's party, Meg and I managed to start functioning at about 3pm, and we went to an afternoon gathering at a friend of hers. The party was full of delicious food and treats (think big hams, fancy cheeses and lots of crisps, perfect hangover food) and Meg and I basically sat in a corner eating and chatting. She's a superhero of a girl and I have loved having her in the UK, especially as she is headed back to America in a few months. A good excuse to visit New York though I think!
(Picture taken from Megan's blog)

Saturday 19 February - Gypsy Birthday!!

Current location: London
11.11pm, At Nicky's Big Fat Gypsy party. SO much fun was had, what with the fancy dress, a pretty display of fish fingers and countless booze runs...and dancing, shots, DJ Sam, superfluous cherryade, many veils, an awards evening, a balloon arch, bunting and angry neighbours.

Friday 18 February - Roll on the weekend!

Current location: Soho, London
11.11am, In work feeling tired and happy. I am enjoying work so much, especially as I've been learning so much new stuff recently, but I have to say that I was glad it was nearly the weekend. Especially because this weekend is going to be so action-packed with good people and good times. My friend Meg has come to visit me from Berlin, and it's so good to see her again. Over my time in Berlin, she was one of those people who made my time there brilliant; She moved there from the US to be with her boyfriend, and it meant she totally understood and joys, fears, anxieties or revelations I felt while living in Berlin. We also shared so many chats, funny nights out and endless coffee dates and I'm really happy to see her again.

As well as Meg visiting, my sister Claire is coming this weekend, for one of her friend's birthdays, s I get to see her on Saturday too. I haven't seen her since Christmas, and she's already had a pretty full-on 2011 so it will be ace to have a Higgo chat.

And to top it off, my housemate Nicky is having a birthday party at our flat tonight, with the theme of Big Fat Gypsy Party. Think flamboyant headwear, lots of diamantes and perma-tanned skin. I can't wait!

(Picture of a Big fat Gypsy Wedding taken from The Latest)

Thursday 17 February - Pleased to meet you

Current location: Soho, London
11.11am, In a planning meeting at work. It was with the art department, who are pretty hilarious, so it was definitely one of the more fun meetings I've been to. The guys are all pretty genius though, so I definitely didn't add much to the meeting, but it was fun all the same!

(Ace picture taken from ObsessionMIA – looks just like our meeting did!)

Wednesday 16 January - Sleeping soundly

Current location: Balham, London
11.11pm, Asleep at my sister's house in Balham. It's only Wednesday and I'm already so tired out. I went to Valentine's fun on Monday and then to Sarah and Cat's house last night, where they fed me fajitas and let me watch reruns of Take Me Out, good friends that they are. I've been trying to cycle a bit more too, as its so much faster and more fun than any other mode of London transport, and I rode to their house after work, which was more tiring than I anticipated! So tonight, after playing with my beautiful niece, making a yummy dinner with my sister and talking stag nights with my brother-in-law (not his), I was tired. Mind you, I always feel a bit guilty being tired around my sister, who is a busy, amazing person with a job and a beautiful baby.

Tuesday 15 February - Birthdays on both sides of the globe

Current location: London
11.11am, Wishing Andy, who's in Austria, a happy birthday through the medium of text message, Facebook and Skype! It's the first birthday he's had since we've been together that I haven't been there to celebrate with him, which sucked, so I tried to make up for it by bombarding him with birthday joy from every angle.

I truly believe that he's the world's most super man, and I really hope that this year is a super one for him. There's lots of exciting times in store for him and both of us, so here's hoping for a year full of new adventures and joy. Happy birthday my love! x

And of course a very happy birthday to Nick too, Andy's twin brother who's back in Australia. Thirty-three years ago, Andy gave Nick a flat foot in the womb, which I'm not sure Nick has ever forgiven him for... but, flat foot aside, the boys are very close and it was awesome to spend so much time with Nick in Berlin this summer. Big love to both halves of the Lawrence contingent. x

Monday 14 February - Happy Valentine's Day!

Current location: Dalston, London
11.11pm, Cycling back from Charlotte Dubery's house (the woman I said yesterday may be world's cutest). We went for Valentine's crepes made by her French boyfriend, and, considering I couldn't be with my love, it was pretty awesome!! So man crepes, so many French accents and so much love. Happy Valentine's Day everyone xxxxxxx

Sunday 13 February - Oniony goodness

Current location: London
11.11pm, Watching a really horrible program, but with some lovely people (Nicky, Ruth and Charlie Duberry, who is perhaps the world's cutest person). We'd had dream dinner again, which seems to be happy Sunday occurrence. This time it was marinaded pork, creamed spinach, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic, and roast potatoes. The best bit though was a new onion side dish we've created, with the help of Jamie Oliver. I can't describe its goodness, other than to say it's my favourite thing to eat at the moment. And it has a lot of balsamic vinegar in it.

Saturday 12 February - Girl Power

Current location: Hackney, London
11.11pm, At Shells and Els' house in Hackney. Nicky, Ruth and I had had a dream day that saw us doing an impromptu Boogtique photoshoot (long story), then going on a cycling adventure, pottering around Brick Lane and drinking gin from a can. We stopped off at Shells and Els' house to say hi, and ended up staying for a drink...which turned into dinner...which turned into Ring of Fire...which turned into many, many more drinks. So much fun just hanging out with girls and being silly.

Friday 11 February - Fun Friday

Current location: Balham, London
11.11pm, At my sister's house in Balham. I'd had dinner with her and her husband, Jim, and Jim's brother, Arner, and Arner's fiancee, Kay. It was such a fun, silly, chatty, lovely night with fine wine and incredible home-cooked Thai food (Kate and Jim are amazing cooks/chefs). Lots and lots of fun, which started off with playing with beautiful niece, Ella.
(Pic of Ella by Andy Lawrence)

Thursday 10 February - Jellied brain

Current location: Hackney, London
11.11pm, Waiting for a bus in Hackney. Luckily Ruth realised we were waiting on the wrong side of the road, otherwise it would have been a loooong journey home. We'd been at Ally and Rosi's house for delicious dinner and wines, and I was celebrating because I have passed my probation period at work. I had my three-month appraisal, which was good, and am now a fully fledged employee of Incisive Media. I've been learning a new program at work today too, so my brain feels very full and happy.

Talking of full brains, how good is this brain jelly mould from ThinkGeek.com?

Wednesday 9 February - Web of crime

Current location: Soho, London
11.11am, At work, uploading some content to the Computeractive website. Even after a few weeks off, most things manage to stay in my head, luckily, so it isn't too hard coming back to work after a big gap. In fact, I like it, as I feel like my brain starts to go a bit mushy if I don't use it for a while. And, as much as I love being in Austria/Berlin etc, I tend to do more relaxing/walking/being lazy than anything more productive. So it's nice to get back into the office and use my brain again, as well as see everyone, have a cup of tea, get in a lift and all the other nice things that go with working in an office.

On a side note, have you seen the new crime maps website from the Home Office? It tells you how much crime there has been in your postcode and it's kind of interesting. I like the map above more though, taken from this Computeractive opinion piece.

Tuesday 8 February - Music to my ears

Current location: Brixton, London
11.11pm, At Ritzy's in Brixton for an open mic night. Regular readers of this blog may remember that I went there last month and loved it, but this time was even more amazing. It wasn't because of the variety of random acts (from a downright terrifying comedienne to a beautiful singer that has become my new girl crush) but because my very own friend was performing. It was the debut gig of Emily Boxer in a band she has formed with two friends/workmates, and I was completely and entirely blown away by how good they were. Maybe it's not surprising as all of them are music teachers, but the instruments they played (a mixture of violin, keyboard and drums) together with Rachael's voice, was fantastic. I hope it's their first gig of many, as I can't wait to see them again!

Monday 7 February - Worker bee

Current location: Soho, London
11.11am, Back at my desk doing some online stuff. I am loving being back after such a long break; I feel nice and relaxed and I don't think the novelty will wear off for a while. Even better is that I've just secured some freelance subbing work at a fab magazine (not for a while, but I'm still excited).
On the subbing note, how good is this headline error; wonder if the sub-editor got in trouble?!

Sunday 6 February - City life

Current location: London
11.11pm, Erm...Watching Grey's Anatomy, again. I'm back at work tomorrow after three weeks off, so I was meant to be having an early night, but it seems that I just can't tear myself away from Grey's.

I'd had a fun London day; the kind of day that makes me really glad to be here. After a nice, gentle morning of coffee and toast, I cycled into central London to meet Cat, Emma and Michelle. We went to see the Chinese New Year celebrations, and it was absolute madness. So busy and colourful and loud and a bit frightening because there were so many people crushed into tiny spaces. Fun though.

Then I met Bethan and we had a drink in a pub that was a lot like the one in Coyote Ugly. Lots of shouting and shots and liveliness. Go London!

(Picture taken from Karmaent.co.uk)

Saturday 5 February - Square eyes

Current location: London
11.11pm, Watch Grey's Anatomy with Ruth. After a biiig night last, we were up for a pretty lazy day, and TV seemed to be the activity of choice. Without really realising it, we pressed 'Next Episode' a total of six times, resulting in waaaaay too many hours of Grey's Anatomy, my favourite programme. Oh, how I have missed you, dear TV.

(Picture taken from byterology.com)

Friday 4 February - Ryan on tour

Current location: London
11.11pm, In Shoreditch for a friend's birthday, dancing, laughing and catching up on the last six years...because today I had a visitor from Australia! My best friend in Australia, Lauren, has been my friend since I was 11 and her family is very important to me. Her brother, Ryan, is a super singer/songwriter – so super, in fact, that he won a competition to come to London and he's been doing lots of gigging and exciting collaborations since he's been in Europe. He's very easy company, has a heart of gold and has been non-stop fun since he got here. Welcome to London Webby!

(Picture nabbed from his Facebook)

Thursday 3 February - Flying high

Current location: Kitzbühel, Austria
11.11am, About to leave for the airport. It's been an amazing three weeks and there is a lot I am going to miss about being here. The beauty of the place, getting to know new people here, spending so much time with Andy, and the amazing view when I wake up in the morning. Bis bald, Kitzbühel!

Wednesday 2 February - Farewell dinner

Current location: Kitzbühel, Austria
11.11pm, Having happy hour in Highways. I'm leaving to go back to London tomorrow, so about 12 of us went out for dinner tonight to Ecco, where Mellis works. And a I shared a delish pizza and a huge mozzarella and rocket salad, yummo. It's been an awesome few weeks here in Kitz and it's fab to have a fun night out with all the people I love here to round it off. Though they all thinks it's pretty funny that I'm having a farewell dinner despite the fact I'll be back in a few weeks. Ah well, any excuse!

Tuesday 1 February – Achy breaky muscles

Current location: Kitzbühel, Austria
11.11am, Eating breakfast and trying not to move too much. My muscles are aching soooo much. I guess I've been using muscles that lie dormant for 11 months of the year and they're not happy about finally being made to work. As we don't have a bath, I've decided the best thing to do is lie still. So a day of chatting, reading and TV watching is on the cards. Oh, how I love my lazy life.

Monday 31 January – Snowboarding take two

Current location: Kitzbühel, Austria
11.11am, Planning to go and try out my new-found snowboarding skills. Today Andy and I went up to the Hahnenkamm rope tow, which is an area at the bottom of the Hahnenkamm mountain that is slightly less busy and slightly less steep. Apparently. When we got there I found that it was still pretty hardcore for a beginner like me, but we went up...and then down pretty quickly. It was much colder than yesterday, as it's not in the sun like the Horn mountain is, and the snow felt more like ice when I fell over. After trying to learn how to do some transition stuff (way too hard for me to master in two days), I decided to forget all about progressing and concentrate instead on having fun and getting down the slopes any way I could! Another ace day, but with more bruises.
(Images by Andy)