Tag Archives: family

Balance? Not in my world.

04 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by in Family, Work

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“Balance”. It’s a word I’ve seen so many times in the last four days. It seems to be at the top of many New Year resolutions lists and a topic much coveted by magazines and newspaper glossies at this time of year. Understandable really, what with January 1st being an obvious time to reflect on the year ahead and make promises to ourselves.

The thing is, I’m not going to make a promise to myself about balance. I’m not going to kid myself that 2013 is going to be the year I find that elusive work / life balance, or find a regular slot of time for myself. I know it won’t happen – and I know I’m not alone. To be frank, balance is a luxury I can’t afford. Continue reading »

Why change is a good thing

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by in Family, Home, Motherhood

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I spent a bit of time with my old wise parents over the New Year period. My Dad opened my eyes to something really important.

Change is not a bad thing. In fact, accepting that life is full of change – much that you can’t control – will make you an ultimately happy and contented person. Or, a person who can’t accept that life is full of change will never be happy. It’s like standing in front of the rising tide on a beach and trying to push it back. You’ll never win.

This is a good concept to keep in my mind this year. Continue reading »

So, that was Christmas

02 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by in Family, Seasonal

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Nearly two weeks ago I made a decision to relish every second of the holidays and not spend any time at all in front of my computer. For that reason, I missed the blogging boat with posts about Christmas Day and New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I’m capturing it all here, because it was too special not to save.

Last year was a tough one. Long working hours, not enough family time and barely any holiday, family loss, high stress levels and a distinct lack of sleep, all made it less than perfect. But I smell new beginnings, big change and some exciting plans in 2013. All made concrete by an amazing ten days together as a family, with time to talk and realise that we actually rather like each other.

On the first morning of the holidays – Christmas Eve – we took our toddler to a routine hospital appointment for her hypermobile joints and she was given her first “Christmas present”; a pair of special insoles for her new “grown-up shoes”. She was thrilled. I considered telling Father Christmas to eBay the rest of her gifts, but thought he might not approve. Continue reading »

A year to be thankful for

17 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in Family

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It hasn’t been the easiest year. As years go, there’ve been more tricky times than I care to remember.

I’ve lost two members of my family, worked hours I didn’t think possible and seen my daughter battle hypermobile joints leading to a delay in walking.

But.

But. I have also seen my toddler take those hypermobile joints and give them the middle finger. I have seen her run across sandy beaches and welcome the waves with joy. I have spent evenings lying, exhausted on the sofa and been treated to homemade meals and known there is a reason I married the man I call the (self-proclaimed) Northern Love Machine. We have battled this year together.

I have made new friends and visited new places. I have reached new goals in my work and strived to take them to even bigger things. I have written and written and written and talked a bit and written some more.

Yes, it’s been a thoroughly tough year. But those moments of joy make it all worthwhile. Continue reading »

Gone

10 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in Family

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A dark, icy road. A sharp corner. A tree. Blackness.

A week of waiting. Hope.

Flashing lights. The beeping of machines. Hospital corridors.

Silence.

This is not what we will remember. We will remember a wedding, laughter, a matching suit and jokes. The wine that everyone loved, chosen by you. An afternoon tasting and asking for your judgment. Continue reading »

When the hope is gone, kissing it better

09 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in Family

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It’s not my story to tell.

My story is one of waiting and hope and a strange week of limbo. It’s one of trying to stay positive and wanting to wrap up the people I love, taking the hurt away.

As I put my daughter to bed tonight, I was reminded of the endless ways children can surprise us. A bleak phone call had just confirmed the week of waiting was apparently at an end. There is no hope left. Continue reading »

How to entertain a toddler for free while decorating your house

02 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in Family, Home

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We went to the woods today.

Bouyed by my recent pledge to make the most of every second of life, I didn’t want it to be a wasted Sunday doing housework and the mountains of washing that only ever get dealt with at the weekend.

So we booted up and went in search of some pinecones. I recently read about a lovely day in the woods over at Mummy’s Little Monkey and was inspired by the idea of collecting pinecones and turning them into something festive and pretty. Continue reading »