5 things I’m looking forward to this Summer

5 things I’m looking forward to this Summer

24th June 2018 56 By Rachael Stray

At long last Summer has arrived which means it’s time for days out, barbeques and flip flops!

Summer officially began on Thursday 21 June which saw the longest day and the Summer Solstice and what a beaut of a day it was.

Steve and I went for our first run in a couple of weeks due to a car accident and it was great.

It was such a warm sunny evening and our run along the Derwent Walk was stunning.

I even managed to clock up more than 12,000 steps!

I don’t know about you but I just feel so much happier in the Summer like I have more energy and want to just get outside and explore, have fun and catch up with friends and family.

Avid readers will remember waaaay back in March I shared the 5 things I’m looking forward to this Spring .

So I decided to share the things I am looking forward to this Summer with you!

5 things I’m looking forward to this Summer

80 days of amazingness thanks to the Great Exhibition of the North

If you read my proud Geordie moment as Newcastle named number 1 place to visit in 2018 post you will know how excited I am for the Great Exhibition of the North which officially kicked off on Friday 22 June.

It is a free, summer-long celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit with a programme packed full of amazing exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation, new artworks and unforgettable experiences into 80 days.
I can’t wait to take in as much as I can over the Summer and hopefully see lots of people enjoying my native North East for themselves too.

Starting a new chapter with (another) new job

If you read my new year new beginnings post that I started my second new job since moving to the North East in January but I say goodbye to my lovely colleagues at the beginning of July.

Then after a week on holiday with hubby dearest I will start a totally new chapter and new challenge. I’m going to be working in a different North East city still in the public sector but with a service which is new to me.
I’m really excited and can’t wait to get stuck in. I even get to wear a uniform for the first time since school so I best get practicing ironing shirts!

Introducing Steve to NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week

If you read my first taste of NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week post you will know that my fabulous home town hosts two restaurant weeks a year with the second coming up in August.

NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week is one of the North East’s most popular leading food events, celebrating some of the very best restaurants and was inspired by New York and its original Restaurant Week concept.
Newcastle Restaurant Week was the first of its kind in the UK and many other cities have since followed suit with similar events.
I’m looking forward to introducing Steve to NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week and trying out some yummy food and exploring my city for a cheap date night!

Keeping the romance alive

For those of you who read my romancing the socks off Valentine’s Day post you will remember that I made a list of 12 romantic dates that I want Steve and I to do before V-Day next year.

Well so far we’ve only ticked a couple of these off and I’m hoping to make some headway over the Summer with the remaining items. So expect to see some blog post updates of our day dates across the amazing North East.

Upping my training for the Great North Run

With the light nights and (hopefully) better weather I want to make sure Steve and I up our Great North Run training.

If you read my doing my bit for Diabetes Awareness Week post you’ll know that I am running 13.1 miles for my dad and to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

The half marathon is on Sunday 9 September so we’ve not got long to pound the pavement in preparation.

I’ve also dusted off my mini trampoline on the days I’m not running so I am still getting in some exercise and upping my step count while making my way through the Desperate Housewives box set on Sky!

I’ll be thinking of my dad and others while I’m running (walking, crawling, crying) my way from Newcastle to the lovely coast of South Shields.

I really hope that knowing I’m doing my bit to help support people with diabetes and fund research and innovation will help me along the 13.1 mile stretch and hopefully I will be raising some money too.

If you do have any spare pennies please feel free to make a donation via my Justgiving Page here. I’ll be super grateful, thank you.

What things are you looking forward to this Summer? Let me know in the comments below.

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Other related posts

See what fun we had on our day date at sunny Tynemouth

The fabulous Tyne Bridge is celebrating a special birthday here’s my happy birthday Tyne Bridge post.

The iconic Angel of the North turned 20 this year here’s my happy birthday Angel of the North post.

If you’re planning a city break then check out why you should visit Newcastle in my proud Geordie moment as Newcastle named number 1 place to visit in 2018

Newcastle has a fantastic restaurant week (twice a year) here’s my thoughts on my first taste of NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week

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CategoryFamily Food and drink friends North East Personal development Seasonal
Tagsdate days out Food Great Exhibition of the North Great North Run new chapter new job new start Newcastle North of England restaurant week romance running summer training Valentine's Day

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