Freelance.
The work experience I did last week resulted in me being offered some paid freelance work. This means I will actually be paid in sterling for writing words down in a suitable fashion. For asking someone questions and transcribing and turning it into something people can read. This will be an absolute first. An absolutely delighting first. I don’t want to get too excited though, in case it’s just a one-off. I mean, what do you reckon, is it too early to get my business cards printed?

My new shift dress of dreams.
As I was browsing my local vintage shops yesterday I came across a plain black shift dress, clearly from the 60s. I thought, Ooh, I haven’t got a plain black shift dress, clearly from the 60s – I better try this on. At this point, the earth didn’t move. It was more a case of pragmatism than desire and anyway, I had a few other things to try on at the same time, so the shift dress wasn’t really moving mountains. But as I put it on, it was as if heavenly angels sang in unison. Seriously, it fitted me better than any other dress I have in my wardrobe. Like it had been made to measure. The collar, shoulders, darts, length, hips. All in the right place. All sitting perfectly. I couldn’t believe my luck. I snapped it up for a mere £18 and can now officially say I have a little black dress in my wardrobe. A perfect little black dress which was made to measure and couldn’t be more me if it tried.

Working nine to five, what a way to make a living.
I’ve already banged on about this, I know. The cows have officially gone home. But for the purposes of these fads, it needs mentioning again. I haven’t had a 9-5 routine for about 6 years, since my school days (and even then, it wasn’t strictly speaking 9-5). So the work experience I did last week gave me that little glimpse back into a routined and normal life. I say normal only because it’s the life all my other friends and family lead. I have to say, it’s hard being at work in the evenings or at the weekends when you know everyone else is have a jolly good knees-up. I mean, sometimes, it’s fine. But when it’s every week, it starts to grate. I am longing for free evenings and weekends, by default. Just got to keep plugging away and hopefully it’ll become a reality soon. (Obviously, if it ever does, I will moan endlessly about the fact that I never have a day off in the week and have to do my shopping at the same time as the rest of humanity. Can’t win.)

The Manchester Christmas Markets.
Those of you who follow me on twitter will know that I was on market watch all week. The sheds were popping up all over the place. And I could hear lots of German voices as I made my way around town. There’s generally loads more people about – the markets always create a little buzz in the air. Apart from the fact that it’s nowhere near cold enough for market time, I’m excited to take my first little stroll around them. Obviously it will not be at the weekend (I’d rather not, thank you) and I will not be partaking in any mulled-wine drinking (urgh, I’d rather not, thank you) but I will eat cheese and drink boozy coffees and German beers and eat fancy stews and the best sausages ever and look for unique Christmas presents. I’ll be seeing you shortly, markets! (This photo is from last year and all I can remember is being so cold I could’ve cried.)

My latest book.
Yet again, I’m head over heels with the book I’m reading. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. As you can see, I’m going for something of a war theme at the moment. I’m only about a third of the way through, but Uhhhhh, what’s going to happen?

Vintage Christmas Decorations.
In particular, baubles. Especially the frosted or woven silk variety. I spent an inordinate amount of time discovering these beauties on eBay this week. There is also an inordinate number of them on my watch list. I fear my bidding frenzy shall be fierce when the time comes – I shall not be held accountable for my actions. (I’ve also got a tiny soft spot for wooden tree decorations too. Just sayin’.)

The OC.
I’ve just accidentally stumbled across back to back episodes on a previously undiscovered channel. So while it’s not strictly speaking a fad of the past week, it’s a fad of right now so I reckon it counts. Seth Cohen, I’m sorry I’ve neglected you for so long.

Internships.
So, I’ve finally landed myself some work experience. Probably nothing to do with the fact that I begged and said I’d work for free. Needless to say I’m nervous. Obviously, what to wear is the least of my worries. Got that one down. More concerned how to move my mouth and make words string into sentences that simultaneously mean something. Gonna have to work on that bit. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll here more about that when the time comes.

Bonfire Night.
I lie. Since I became to old to play the guess-the-colour-of-the-next-firework game, bonfire night hasn’t really had sway for me. However, I did love how the temperature conveniently dropped a few degrees and the air was suitably smoky. Might even be able to whack out the winter-wear soon. Eventually. But rather than spending the evening outside, I spent the it camped out on the sofa with half-price fizz. Ideal. (Just so you know, THIS is what I mean by winter-wear.)

November.
Firstly, how on earth it is November, I do not know. I’ve always thought of November being one of the least significant months of the year for me (except for the fact that it’s the one before December). Nothing happens in it for me. But this year, with my internship, hopefully it’ll bring something good.