Silver Linings Search: April

So this is my fourth month doing this. The idea is to record nice things that happened in the month because it's important to remember that good things do happen, even if they're little things. Those little things can add up to big happiness.
Here are some little things that made me happy in the month of April:

• From the 3rd of April until the 5th, I had a glorious 3 days off. A three day rest was just what I needed.
• I started to look at graduate jobs. I've enjoyed my current job, I've gained a lot from it, but it was always going to be a temporary thing. As I write this I'm currently eyeing up a position as a university librarian. I've been a librarian before. I'd love to be a librarian again. It's quiet work, surrounded by books... 
• I finally got to see a doctor about my knee and he actually took it seriously unlike the last prick of a doctor I had to deal with. 
• I did a lot of gardening. There was one day, a day I had off work, where I just sat in the garden in the sunshine with a beer in my hand. I've planted lots of lovely flowers: lobelia, aster etc. I've planted four different kinds of pepper, tomatoes, cucumbers. We're going to be growing an entire salad bar at this rate. I've found that gardening is truly calming. 
• I won a big sales competition at work, ahead of the best seller and it looks like I'm about the win another. Work hooked me up with a wonderful meal for two. My partner and I each had a full three course meal and left the restaurant without having spent a penny which was a wonderful feeling - such a gorgeous meal too. 
• My Dad does little adorable things sometimes. He's not the most outspoken person when it comes to his emotions, he won't come up to you and tell you that he loves you, but he shows it in his own ways. Like, yesterday he bought me peanut M&Ms because he knows they're my favourite. If I'm unwell he'll make me a hot water bottle and wrap me in a blanket. It makes me smile.
• My boss gave me an Easter Egg as I was leaving one day. We all got one as a thank you from the company. 
• I applied to some new jobs with more confidence than ever before.
• I won an Easter Egg at work at our last meeting for my superior film knowledge
• It may seem like a little thing but on the 6th, I had a wonderful bath with a gorgeous bath bomb from Lush Cosmetics and I curled up, the room lit with candles, and listened to The Vampire Armand on audiobook. It was so relaxing, it left my skin smooth and my hair in curls. Little moments of relaxation like that make life a little easier. 
• On the 7th of April I stayed up until 2am to watch the season 4 premiere of Game of Thrones. I was so happy for the return of my favourite show. 
• I got to see the wonderful Within Temptation. The last time I saw this band live was probably around 2011. They were awesome as always and it gave me a chance to meet up with friends old and new. 
• My Dad and I had a day in London: we went to a Harlan Coben book signing, wandered around Camden and ate foods from all around the world: Japan, Iran, Italy - it was wonderful!
• My sister and my partner spent some quality time together which was all kinds of heart-warming. There's something really nice about the people you love loving each other and being good friends.
• Some baby chicks hatched out on the home farm: on the first day three chicks hatched out with a fourth still pipping through her shell. Within two days we had seven beautiful baby chicks. They're all different breeds so it shall create a wonderful variety of chickens. Here's hoping they're all hens!

April was a decent month. I didn't do VEDA or Camp NaNoWriMo as expected but I'm sure the month of May will be just as positive and productive. 

Gig Review: Within Temptation @ Wembley Arena.

This weekend I had the delight of seeing the wonderful Within Temptation this weekend. I've loved this band for about ten years. It wasn't my first time seeing them live, but it was a brilliant gig. I almost felt 16 again, like I was young and newly in love with a band all over again.

I bought tickets for this gig about a year and three months ago. I bought them when I was a student, finishing my university dissertation. I bought these gig tickets with my student loans. That's how long ago it was that I bought tickets for this gig. Of course they scheduled the gig way ahead in the future but then the gig was rescheduled due to recording conflicts. I can confirm that it was well worth the wait.

Wembley Arena was filled and surrounded by corset clad women and band shirt bearing boys. There was a general buzz of excitement even though it was such a large venue. Within Temptation were supported by Delain, a band I'd heard much of from several friends but had never actually listened to. Delain gave a good, energetic performance. I'll definitely give them a further listen. They may even be some upcoming song of the day choices.

Sharon and the gang took to the stage with a brilliant set up, featuring two giant hydra heads, and impressive pyrotechnics.

The band played many songs from their latest album, utilising a large screen and recordings from those they've done duets with, and threw in some old favourites like Mother Earth, Ice Queen, Angels and See Who I Am. 

Sharon managed to pull off swift costume changes from leather corsets to sparkly party dresses all done in record time. Her vocals were crystal clear and from where I was standing the band looked like they were all having fun and really just enjoying what they were doing. Everything was smooth, well rehearsed and reminded us that these guys are true pros at what they do. This gig was a brilliant return to the UK and proved that the Temptation gang are strong as ever, each like a different head of the same Hydra.