When I became a parent, I knew in advance that my children would need me. Need me to feed and water them, clothe them, provide them with comfort and a warm place to sleep. I did not realise, however, the full extent of how much they would need me and the complexities of their needs. Never … [Read more…]
Today is Top Monkey’s sixth birthday. At 10.50pm this evening, six years ago, he was finally removed, via sunroof delivery after a two day fight. Now that I know his personality better, it is probably not surprising that, after the midwife insisted we be induced 36 hours after my waters broke, that he dug in … [Read more…]
On Saturday I ran race 8 of my 2016 5k challenges. This one was a special one. It was a Parkrun, and it took place at Albert Park in Middlesbrough. I had chosen to run this Parkrun to come and meet the members of a running group called The Fairfield Harriers. This is a free club, … [Read more…]
Today’s #selfcare challenge for @theblurtfoundation is #breathe The older monkeys have been away for a couple of days, so stress levels have been significantly reduced in their absence. The house remained tidy after a post breakfast clean. I got washing on and out. I took a walk with Little Miss. We napped in the afternoon … [Read more…]
Have you ever felt like our lives are being defined by statistics, a balance of probabilities and numerous and restrictive graphs? I first became aware of the crushing effects of a graph as an adolescent. They defined my persuit of the perfect weight, and perfect me, through my twenties. Then, in my thirties, they contributed … [Read more…]
Today is the 1st day of August. We are very much in the thick of the monkey’s summer holidays, and next month I go back to work, after nearly fourteen months at home. With everything going on, I have never been more reminded of the need for self-care. As a mother, at times, when everyone … [Read more…]
It’s day 5 of the summer holidays and it is HOT. Although I am grateful for warm weather, it beats rainy days and soft play hands down, it causes additional monkey stresses. Because they just can’t handle the heat. My house looked as though it was recently burgled Today the monkeys have played with play doh … [Read more…]
This morning BM and I took part in the Tees Barrage Parkrun. I have run here before but this time was different. Local Slimming World groups in association with Cancer Research UK came out in force to take part. A fundraising event for the additional runners or walkers, arranged alongside the local Parkrun volunteers. A … [Read more…]
Today is Middle Monkey’s last day in nursery and our last afternoon together. In September he starts big school. Obviously we will still get time together but not like this. We don’t do much worth shouting about. Always beans on toast for lunch, a trip out or cuddled up on the sofa watching TV, or … [Read more…]
Have you noticed that the world is in a bit of a muddle at the minute? From the craziness in the Monkey House to the madness at the top of politics, we are all looking for answers, guidance and a way forward. Instead of looking to the media, politicians or experts, the answer could be … [Read more…]