Well, we are nearly at December again. How did that happen? There’s quite a bit to update you on so without further adieu…

SITE UPDATE

SYBD: New Look & Feel

There have been a lot changes going on behind the scenes here at SYBD. The Site has actually had a slight upgrade – even though it may not look that different – it actually is. There is also a small forum being re-instated soon. I know I keep saying that but we’re truly getting closer. With a bit of luck it will happen this side of Christmas. Speaking of which…

BREAK UP SEASON 2011

I think it’s official, the holidays, at least for many of us, are just around the corner. Historically, this week marks the beginning of the busiest period of soyouvebeendumped.com. It’s the start of the break up season.

Literally from (America’s) Thanksgiving Day – right through to St Valentine’s Day – we see a steady increase in traffic. This is likely due to the fact that holidays are stressful for people, but also because they tend to be a time for people to evaluate (reevaluate) their relationships and subsequently make changes.

Yesterday, as you may know, was America’s annual day of gratitude. Thanksgiving is a tradition I have kept, even though it has been nearly two decades since I left my homeland. To celebrate, I went to visit a new, nice (rather over-priced) American grocery store which has just opened in Scotland. I walked happily around the store, taking in all the goodies on the shelves, and buying my favorite foods.

Though I may be technically single, I am not alone. The cooking I did was for some Scottish friends…They, who have become my family. They who have lasted longer than any of my relationships ever did. (Some of them have been in my life longer than all the relationships put together!) I am so grateful that I had friends to cook for, and share the good food and stories with.

I think what we all need to do, (American or not, single or not) is to always remember to look at what we DO have in our lives and not continue to focus on what’s lacking in it.

I enjoy the work that I do (well, most if the time), I have a car that gets me there. I have a few friends I can call to share my joys, or my sorrows, as they arise. I have enough money to live on now, and if I am short, I have people who are there to help tide me over.

Though my kin are all far away, they are with me in my heart and only ever a phone call or email away.

WINTER’S UPON US

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we have the double challenge of long, cold, dark winters and the stress of the holidays too.

If you’re anything like me, it can take all of the energy within to keep your spirits up at this time of year. When you add in a break-up to the equation of all of this, it simply has to be the most challenging time of the year to be healing. (I know how that is first hand).

So if you’re solo and find yourself dreading the holidays, then have a read of the Guide to Survive the Holidays (solo).

A NEW ANIMATED STORY

We’re hopefully only a week or so away from unveiling our latest, real, animated, documentary story. This time, it comes from Jen and it’s one of our best stories among them. It’s a bit longer than the previous stories but it will be worth every minute of your time, I promise.

Jen’s story is coming soon…

NANO UPDATE

Finally, in my last post, I mentioned I was doing some writing for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), but like the last time I did – ran out of desire to write. I did get halfway through but it’s unlikely I’ll finish the 50,000. Oh well, some of what I’ve written this month – combined with my last seemingly “failed” attempt – could actually prove to be a book in the making so all is not lost.