NaBloPoMo 5 : I'm a firework

No Phoebe wake ups tonight hurrah!

Phoebe needed a lot of prompting to get dressed but then did actually do it. However spent morning having a screaming match with Lydia to get her to actually get dressed. Sigh.

She'd apparently forgiven me by the time we were walking to school. Drop off successful all round, then rush back home for a day of email and meetings. Calls today about tomorrow's interviews, team meetings, occulture and the audience opportunity it represents and 1:1s with my reports. Also did some video editing. 

Finished up and had some soup for tea as Tom and the kids got back from swimming, then rushed upstairs to get ready to go to dance. Quick stop to drop off and collect parcels en route.

UV Glow party themed night tonight, and on taxi duty to help the beginners. Larger crowd than usual due to the theme night and a really good buzz. Nice load of beginners too including some youngsters. Hope they come back.

Spent rest of evening happily dancing away enjoying everyone's glowing outfits and the swishy costume I'd bought for a fiver off Vinted. I'd paired it with Phoebe's light up scrunchies. So so so much fun. Though hard to see people's hands and feet lol!

NaBloPoMo 4: ladies what lunch

Hello again.

7am wake up today with no Phoebe woo! Got myself dressed and Phoebe appeared to demand grumpily that I dress her. Held out till I was finished and then went down to help, and looked in on Lydia who was dressing. Tom gave kids a scotch pancake each to help with hungry.

Down for breakfast and packing bags and out the door again with minimal shouting, another win! Met one of Lydia's friend en route whilst walking to school, and the kids sped off chasing them on their scooter. Got to juniors just as Lydia's class was going in, and then rushed up hill to drop Phoebe, having a chat about sycamore key helicopters and who celebrates Diwali.

Drop off done, sped down the hill to make in back in time for today's meeting on organisational structural change. Knitted a sleeve on a baby cardi whilst listening in. Also had call from nurse about a medical condition of Phoebe's.

Once my half day was done, skipped out on the gym again to meet my friend Nicole from Dance for lunch in Lyndhurst. We went to the Forge cafe and had some really nice food. Could have talked for hours, she's so interesting! 

On the way back for the school run, dropped off a Vinted parcel and just about made it back in time for picking up Phoebe. Lydia goes to a friend's for tea on Wednesday to save me dragging her to Phoebe's ballet which I super appreciate.

Took Phoebe for tea at the Sainsbury's cafe in Portswood before ballet, her preferred spot at the moment. Mini all day breakfast for her and fish finger sandwich for me. Then sped over to ballet in the Portswood Residents Gardens Pavilion. Lucky residents who subscribe to have such fancy gardens and tennis courts. 

25 mins of knitting in the car later, back home to drop Phoebe with Tom for some quality Daddy Phoebe Lego time in a bid to get over this only Mummy will do phase. I went to pick up Lydia before getting into the bedtime whirl as Tom was going out. 

Much shouting from me to actually get Phoebe to stay sat on the toilet later, fortunately Lydia pretty self sufficient this evening. Needed to use her picture card chart, but that's actually pretty helpful. 

Now in bed with Phoebe again waiting for her to drop off. a bomb site of a kitchen awaits me as the cleaner is off sick this week. Might squeeze in some yoga again tonight like last night if I'm lucky.

NaBloPoMo 3: errands completed it mate

Another 730 wake-up with a Phoebe in bed again. Going to have to put out her little camp bed next to ours again tonight as my sleep quality is in the toilet with the bed sharing. Had incredible bedhead this morning.

Went and woke Lydia as her alarm hadn't gone off and got her started dressing, got Phoebe's clothes and got her dressed in my room then sent them both downstairs to get their breakfasts. Got myself dressed and shoved my breakfast in my mouth. All out to school in time with minimal grumping again which felt like a win, though Lydia spent a chunk of the walk shouting at me about something that I've since forgotten. 

Dropped Phoebe off and had a brief catch up on the walk down the hill with the mum of one of her friends. Back home for a morning of meetings. Today my weekly catch up iwith my other team lead who looks after the other half of my Comms team, my wider team meeting and a meeting to discuss annual planning prioritisation principles.

Once my half day was done, legged it into town on a mission. When I have multiple errands to run, I like working out the most efficient circular route to get me to all.my stops. Today it was cash machine, Irish passport photocopying so I can renew Phoebe's UK passport, Vinted parcel drop off, alterations collection, body tape purchasing, coffee, the back to school for pick up. 

Very pleased with the alterations, always fantastic to have things that actually fit. Get very annoyed by not being able to buy pretty much anything off the shelf that fits where I'm short. At £40 a go it's not cheap and I do as much as I can myself, but these dresses were beyond me. 

Big girls took ages to come out of class today. This term one of Lydia's friends is coming to tea at ours pre Cubs on Tuesdays so I was listening to them moan about how hard their PE lesson was today - apparently the worst day of their lives and they couldn't do sit ups.

Just managed to get to the infant school in time to get Phoebe, she was second to last to be picked up. Down the hill to the car, usual disagreements about who is sitting where and having which snack. Got them home and playing on the monkey bars to burn off some school stress whilst I started dinner and then they went off to do some crafts.

Tom got in and was hovering about the food so swapped so he cooked and I put washing away and hung up wet washing as is his preference. Dinner was meatballs and mash. Kids on one at the table, especially Phoebe. 

Took her off for poo time and hair wash and we had a grumpy time all round shouting at each other. Honestly I feel like a crappy parent because I cannot keep my cool at all when the kids start losing theirs.

Eventually got Phoebe to chill out a bit, bribed her with many sweets to try on the potty and Cbeebies to sit still so I could do her hair. Her curls are a mission, needing various special potions and potions. I try and do a wash day once a week and keep her hair in a protective style till the weekend.

She's fallen asleep on me now, going to try and extricate myself ready for the onslaught when Lydia gets home. Ignoring operational chores tonight as need to alter some clothes for the girls and do the ironing.

NaBloPoMo 2: Werky Werky Werk

Phoebe up in the night again about 230am. Asked me to go sit with her in her bed, but took her ages to settle. Every time I tried to escape, she woke up. Eventually left her cuddling her Belle toy and listening to lullabies on her Yoto at 4:30am.

Tried to get back to sleep, rousing briefly when Tom left for work at 630am. Then up in a panic with my very last get up now alarm at 730am and Tom ringing to check I'd actually woken.

Lydia fortunately was dressed and Phoebe awake, in part thanks to me turning on the Yoto radio in their rooms remotely whilst I dressed. Got Lydia downstairs and eating then went back and helped Phoebe get dressed in the interest of time. Did manage to make it out the house in time with minimal grumping all round. 

Dropped Lydia off at the junior school then up the hill up to the infant school, Phoebe chattering all the way. She managed to come a cropper playing with her friends and bumped her hands. A kind mum had scooped her up and I cuddled her till the bell went.

Wandered home, then into a day of wrestling Excel to try and get an annual planning layout I liked, answering emails, catching up with a colleague who'd been on leave and other colleagues working on nature and regional comms. Interspersed with tea breaks and eating my lunch in the sunshine on the sofa in the conservatory amid the drying washing.

Also had the windscreen repair man here as far had developed a mystery crack in the windscreen. Tom rang about 330 to say he'd not make it home in time for after school club pickup, so wrapped up my last call early and agreed the windscreen guy could put the car key through the door. 

Marched up to infant school to get Phoebe first, enjoying the blustery air twirling leaves to the ground as the light faded. Then down the hill again to get Lydia. She'd sweetly got an extra biscuit for Phoebe from club, which was helpful as I'd forgotten to pick up snacks in my rush. Spent the walk home being shouted at for various things and had an emergency loo stop at our friends the Diaz's on the way past for Phoebe.

Once home, plonked kids in front of TV and rustled up a chicken korma using leftover roast chicken and half an open jar of curry paste from the fridge. Got Phoebe to help me to keep some space between the girls. Tom walked in just as I was serving up which was good timing.

Post dinner I did some online Boots shopping and got ready for dance, listening to Phoebe and Tom have a barney and Lydia and Phoebe both appearing to brush their teeth as I got changed. On a good day I let them choose my make up when I get ready for dance but everyone was too grumpy for all that. Took Phoebe down to her room, gave Lydia a kiss and then snuck out to avoid more drama. Had my cosies on over my dance dress to stay warm and confused everyone at dance by stripping off after the first track.

Dance was good tonight, nice and busy. Had some epic dances with my dancing friends and learnt some pretty new moves. I feel so alive and relaxed when I'm dancing. One of the few times in my life at the moment where I feel completely free and consumed by one thing only. There were even cakes to celebrate Rita's birthday tonight which was lovely 

Have just got back at 23:30. Dance clothes in the wash, car plugged in, just about to make myself rattle taking my drugs and supplements. Night all. 

NaBloPoMo 2026 no 1: back again.

Hello all, here I am again for 2026.

Woke up with Phoebe getting in my bed at 6am. She's been unsettled since the end of term in the summer and appears in the night every few days and most mornings. Gave her a hug and dozed until about 730 when she started to wake up properly and thrash about. Got up to get her breakfast, eat my own and give her her medicine then left her watching cartoons and went back to bed.

At some point, Tom got up to go play squash and Lydia must have gotten up as well, but a perk of the kids getting older is that they get their own breakfast and are happy to watch TV, so I had a gorgeous lie in till about 1030am.

Got dressed, then went downstairs to check on kids, and set them up making new baby cards for our neighbour. I hung up washing and made lunch of last night's leftover jacket potatoes from our Halloween party and scrambled eggs on toast for those who prefer it in time for Tom to return. 

Kids have been very bickery and winding each other up all half-term, so spent lots of the day playing referee and futilely shouting at them to leave each other alone.

After lunch couldn't stand them in the house anymore so made them come on walk so I could drop a Vinted parcel at the InPost locker which turned into Tom taking them to the park instead. They went on the miniature steam trains which they all love. Had to rush back as Phoebe needed a wee, with Lydia and I going to the Tesco Express en route to pick up new baby goodies for the neighbours. 

Once home, Lydia and I tidied away the Halloween decorations outside, then Tom suggested playing games for a bit in a bid to do nice things with the kids, so we played Twister, which was my stretches for the day. I read Phoebe stories and Lydia played on her chin up bar for a bit too. 

When I could feel myself really losing my cool I went off to the gym whilst Tom was cooking dinner. Lifting heavy things makes me feel slightly better about life. Day B today: 

Barbell RDL 5 x5 28kg

Dumbbell OHP 3 x5 2x6

Lat pulldown 3x 8 27

Hip Thrust → 3 sets x 10 40kg 

Seated Cable Row → 3 sets x 10 14kg reps 

Shoulder Press Machine 3 sets x 10 reps 9kg

 Leg Extension 3 sets x 10 reps 25kg 

Tricep Pushdown →3 sets x 10 reps  25kg

Trying very hard to make myself build some muscle at this stage of operation turn forty and get really hot. 

   

 I'm also in the middle of a tooth scale and polish treatment, and considering if there's anything I can do about the loose skin post weight loss.

Once home, helped Tom to get dinner on the table and calm grumpy children. Tried dinner by candle light and calming music which helped a bit, but them not using their knives and forks was winding me up. 

Post dinner, I started tidying the kitchen until summoned to give the girls their bedtime hugs. Phoebe's just dropped off and is snoring away next to me. Back to school tomorrow. Evening of ironing and knitting awaits me. And the rest of the kitchen.

Playlist of the day:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RRezMkCJMT5cMvHiJ1pCv?si=LMSqTSLuRXSm1Xx6tJ9GfA&utm_source=copy-link&pi=n67R8sxJRgy6z

NaBloPoMo 29 and 30 home again

Saturday 29 November

Gentler morning this morning. Sat in the older part of the dining room today, admiring the old ceiling. 

Started the day with a boat tour of Bruges. Our captain was very funny and informative. Thought it best to do this before it rained. 

When we got out the boat it was 11am and the carillon of bells on the Belfort had begun it's concert for the day playing 'I just can't wait to be king' from the Lion King which was surreal!

Then we caught a glimpse of a marching band parading and decided to follow it. It finished in the courtyard of our next intended destination, the Gruuthuse museum which was a funny coincidence. A Scout band looking at the flag I think.

 

The Gruuthuse was the palace of a medieval nobleman, then renovated in the 19th Century for the burgeoning tourism industry and told the story of key periods of the city's history. Lots of very beautiful things, and some lovely views and the tiniest window in Brugges for spying on the gatekeepers to make sure they weren't corrupt. Also enjoyed the oratory where the lords could attend mass in the Church of Our Ladywithout having to leave the house and sit next to the locals.

Next stop was the church of Our Lady to look at their art. I do enjoy visual art in churches and they had some beautiful modern pieces too, but I find some of baroque style stuff very over whelming and cold 

Waffles in an adorable tea house called Het Kleine Huis for lunch, only a handful of tables but delicious food and a friendly welcome.  Back to the hotel via some shopping for a drink and some more sauna time. 

Then we went out again to find some drinks and nibbles for dinner. Everywhere very busy, much busier than our other days here, I guess with Belgian as well as international tourists here for the markets. Ended up in Leutz Social Club for cocktails then on to Poule etc Poulette for croquettes and fries. 

Home for bed after that, I was woken up by the people on the room next door coming back late slightly inebriated...

Sunday 30 November. 

Just on the Eurostar on our way home about to reach Lille. Another gentle wake up and breakfast, followed by some packing. It's amazing how quickly I can pack up when it's just me and not the kids! Was fun trying to fit all my souvenirs in. I've managed it in one rucksack and one carrier bag which I'm pretty pleased with. Jess has managed to squeeze in 12 bottles of beer for Andy!

We walked from the hotel to the very impressive modern concert hall, thinking their cafe would probably be more spacious for our rucksacks. It was indeed and we had a couple of drinks here whilst people watching. They had some kids activities happening and families were arriving to have breakfast and chat whilst the kids played. Loads of cargo bikes!

Then a walk through the park to the station, an hour back on the train to Brussels. We stocked up on lunch in the Carrefour Express. Hummus and crackers for Jess and prepare van de chef and salt and pepper rolls for me. 

Eurostar is 15 mins delayed but seems to be making up time. I've really enjoyed this trip and the train travel. Works definitely do something like this again!

NaBloPoMo 28 25000 steps in Brugges

Woke up gently and went to breakfast. Hotel had a lovely spread, so stocked up for the day. 

Then off on the Visit Brugge self guided app of the world heritage sites that took us all around the city. I can't get over how pretty it is here. It all looks like a fairy story came to life.

I think we might have visited every one of the many many chocolate shops buying souvenirs to take home. It's lovely to be able to browse without small children asking to buy everything!

One of the favourite things we visited today was the Benguinage, today home to nuns and single women, based on a community of historic Benguines, a community of religious lay women who lived on the site. I found them fascinating, the way of life giving them a way to live independently of male control, supporting themselves independently. They didn't take permanent vows, could come and go as they pleased, and often worked in healthcare, education and textiles. The community ask that those visiting do so in silence and it was quite something to see the groups of guided tours passing through silently. 

We came back to the hotel about 3pm for a cuppa and a snack before checking out the sauna and steam room in the basement vaults. This refreshed us mightily for heading off to the light trail around town. The first site we visited wasn't open which was when we discovered it didn't kick off till 5.30pm. so we used this as an excuse to drink some gluwein in one of the Christmas markets, before returning our shopping to the hotel and heading out again. 

The light trail was fabulous and took us all around a different selection of city sites. Really recommend it.

Dinner of croquettes from the Christmas market before more exploring and heading back to our hotel for another drink in the hotel bar. 

Just had a shower and am all cosy in bed. Looking forward to museums and boat tours tomorrow. 

NaBloPoMo 26, 27

Wed 26 Nov

Managed to get kids up and dressed early enough that there was time for piano practice and TV before school. Managed to magic away a pair of Lydia's gloves somewhere in the house in between getting them out get bag to give them to her and actually giving them to her. 

After the school run, back at my desk for a morning's work, including recruitment paperwork, social media content and lots more. Did some extra time to account for what I missed this week with various kids things and you make sure I'd stayed everything up pre holiday. Then a blood test and the school run. Only picking up Phoebe as Lydia doing gym and going to Rosa's for tea. 

Phoebe to ballet, lovely chat with her in the car about her day and what she could see out the windows. Very excited with her chocolate biscuit for snack. Home for dinner time and getting Phoebe ready for bed.

Lydia arrived home just as I was leaving to go to dinner with Jo and Claire in Stockbridge. Gave the girls extra hugs as might not see them in morning before setting off for my trip. 

Lovely dinner at the Three Cups in Stockbridge, such a cosy pub, even if parking is a bit of a nightmare there. And lovely to catch up with Jo and Claire. 

Home about 1030 for an early night. 

Thurs 27 November 

Up at the crack of dawn to get dressed for my trip. Took breakfast up to the kids and woke them at 645am so I could say goodbye. Lydia in particular very grumpy about me going but placated by the promise of a chocolate heart. 

After a quick breakfast, off to Bitterne station for my first train of the day. Made it to Southampton Central without issues, 30 mins delay due to signal issues at Sway on my train to London Waterloo. They adjusted the timetable so it only stopped at Basingstoke and Waterloo which worked on my favour as half the passenger who wanted the other stations normally served by this train like Winchester had to get off. So I actually got a seat. 

A colleague of mine joined the train at Basingstoke on his way to a meeting at our London office so had a good chat catching up on our way there. 

No issues on the tube to St Pancras either. Enjoyed the people watching. Apparently to be on trend like a Londoner I need a long wooden overcoat, some chunky metal earrings and an oversized shoulder bag.

Located Jess at StPs and we went to pick up some lunch from M&S to eat on the Eurostar and had a cuppa whilst we waited for our check in time. Lovely music box Christmas trees installation to fundraise for Great Ormond Street hospital.

Our check in opened at 11:30 for our 1pm train. Queues for check-in, but they kept moving pretty steadily, and no issues with the passport and security checks. Thought the new entry requirements for the EU might have been enforced by now, but didn't seem to be yet so no finger prints or questions about my intentions, just a passport scan and a photo at the electronic gates. 

Bit of a wait once through security but Jess and I having a whale of a time chatting. Got on to the train easily enough when boarding started as we only had rucksacks and settled in. So busy chatting that barely noticed when we got to the Eurotunnel! Arrived on time in Brussels for about 4pm local time. 

Off the train in to the rush hour crowds, Brussels station seemingly very shiny and clean compared to UK ones. The ticket app didn't like our UK cards so went to locate a ticket machine. Then up to platform 9 for our train to Bruges. Very busy train, people sitting on the stairs up to the upper deck and in the foot wells of the doors. But cleared out after the first stop so we managed to get a seat then.  Oddly only seemed to announce the next station immediately after the previous stop, not as we arrived at stations so had to keep an eye out.

Arrived at Bruges about 5pm into the cold and dark. Happily had accidentally booked our trip to coincide with the Christmas markets. Big installation of trees outside the station and light trail on as well. Very impressed with the quality of the Christmas lights throughout so far, all very tasteful and high end.

Walked for about 20 mins from station through centre of Bruges, stopping to admire the chocolate shops and the Christmas decoration shops en route to the hotel. 

Staying at the Dukes Arches hotel, an excellent find of Jess' . Beautiful building and interiors and a comfy room. Had a cuppa in our room before heading out for dinner and an explore. Booked a table for 8pm at the Diligence bar as they were busy when we passed and headed in to look at the main market and the shops that were still open. It's all like something out a fairy tale. 

Back to the bar for dinner, both had Vlaamse stew and fries and I tried a beer I'd not heard of. Really cosy setting, could have stayed all night. Probably a tourist trap but it was lovely. Came back to the hotel to enjoy their beautiful bar, Jess had a hot chocolate and I had a cherry lambic beer as a night cap. Just in bed now typing this. 

Planning on doing the self guided walking tour of the sites tomorrow and hitting the light trail in the early evening. 

NaBloPoMo 23, 24, 25

 I've reached an age where I can't remember what I did unless I look at my calendar....

Sun 23 Nov

Woke up in a leisurely fashion and went to pick my Papa up from Holbury to drive him over to Brockenhurst to see my Granny in her care home. This year I've committed to taking my Papa over once a month to give my parents and my auntie and uncle a break, as he likes to go every day if he can. Given they've been married for over 60 years, I think that's reasonable, and it gives us a chance to check on him!

Lots of random road closures in the New Forest, so we ended up going via Lyndhurst. My Papa's sense of direction is pretty remarkable given he has macular denegeration and doesn't have great sight these days, he made sure we got there!

Granny was dressed and in the process of being wheeled downstairs for the day, so we asked the carer to bring her to the guest lounge where it's a bit quieter and she can see the passersby out of the window. She was fairly chatty for her, and didn't seem in obvious pain and discomfort, a better visit that some we've had. I'm not sure she remembered who I was until halfway through but that's the way of things now.

Papa and I went for lunch at Adam's Cafe in Hythe after we left, extremely friendly people and tasty good value food. Would definitely go there again. Need to try and get the kids over soon if I can, would be a good place to take them for lunch after.

Once I'd dropped Papa back, home to do laundry and to pack for going away at the weekend. Tom and the kids home about 730pm from his mum's, both girls had fallen asleep in the car. Helped Tom unpack and reheated some leftovers for dinner, which we ate whilst watching Riot Women.

Monday 24 Nov

Up incredibly early today to go to Scotney Castle to run some interviews for a vacancy in my team. Helped Tom get kids ready for breakfast club, got away about 730am. Haven't been to Scotney Castle for a long time, possibly not since 2020. Had to stop for a coffee as was very sleepy. Arrived with 30 mins to spare, printed out the interview questions and settled in. Finished by 1pm, had a chance to whizz round the house looking at the incredible book themed decor. Very much recommend if you're in the area. Treated me and Nina to a mulled apple juice too. 

Left about 2.30pm in case I was needed to pick kids up as Tom on call. Stopped at Clackett Lane services for an important new ways of working call and a wee, then off again. Home about 530pm, Tom not called out which was good. Lydia out to tea at a friends house before beavers, so just Tom me and Phoebe. Salmon curry for tea, Phoebe not a fan and very grumpy. Think she's very tired and ready for the end of term as she's been very defiant recently. Did her bedtime and she went to sleep pretty quickly. Went and got ready for dance just as Lydia was arriving home. No time to wash my hair so did it up in space buns, lots of people commented on how nice it looked, wish I'd got a picture.

Dance pretty quiet and I was knackered, so only stayed till 1030pm. Had some lovely dances though! Home just as Tom was being called out which was good timing.

Tues 25 Nov

Everyone woke up late after their late nights, kids not very happy about getting dressed. Tom kindly got up and helped before going back to bed for the rest of his post call out lie-in. Managed to make it to school just about on time which was good. Home for a morning of meetings about all kinds of things, bit of tech support. Didn't get a chance to go to gym as was finishing up a piece of work before my leave on Thurs, but did squeeze in shopping before the school run.

Phoebe's friend Mina round for a playdate and for tea. I thought I was feeding her mum as well but turns out not in the end. Girls played nicely, and sent Lydia to watch some TV in the green room when I caught her starting to get fractious which was good. Mina's mum went to pick up her little brother from nursery at 5pmish, just at the point where Phoebe started getting grumpy again and I had to act as a bit of a referee whilst cooking dinner. Think I handled it ok - Mina was a little star.

Then the whirl of kids bedtime which went ok too I think - I did Phoebe's bathroom bits and Tom did her story before going on his run, and I helped Lydia with her video editing for her homework video and listened to her read. Tuesdays are homework day as we have no other day in the week to do it around other clubs, and she's managed to do her 5 mins on timestables and piano and reading today which is good.

Spent rest of evening packing for my trip. More on that to come!

NaBloPoMo 22 all by myself

Woken by Phoebe creeping in for her usual morning hug, then up to get her breakfast and to get Lydia up for ballet. Everyone relatively cheerful as it was the weekend. Had a quick shower and packed the girls bag for the weekend, as Tom taking them to his mum's.  Lydia off to ballet with Penelope this morning. 

I then went out to have coffee and a catch up with an old NCT friend, Rachael in Locks Heath. Cute little coffeeshop and lovely catch up. Forgot they had a good wine shop there, so had a look in case there was something for Tom's Christmas present.

Went to Whitley after to do some returns and have a bit of a look around. I needed jeans and gym shorts and had my eye on doing a bit of Christmas shopping whilst I had the chance. Nothing inspiring clothes wise, all the colours so dull. Picked up a few little bits for the kids. 

Was supposed to be going to the pub with another friend this evening but they cancelled so home for an evening of clearing the kitchen, putting washing away and starting to pack for my trip to Bruges next week. The house is very warm and cosy, but missing Tom and the girls without the distraction of being out. 

NaBloPoMo 20 21 London baby

Thurs 20

Woke up really early to get kids ready, Tom taking them to breakfast club. Made my 808am train to London for big team autumn campaign evaluation meeting, then a leaving do for a long-standing colleague. Absolutely love seeing all the lights. My phone camera couldn't do these ones justice but they were so simple and pretty. Had do in Seven Dial Market, heaving at lunch time, but a great place to sit in the afternoon. Home about 6pm, to get car from station to drive to dance via a detour to Tesco to get a meal deal. Dance in the old gym as main hall in use by the school. Freezing cold, but ended up having some great dances. 

Today. 

Up really early for morning walk and tumeric chai with Alex in the frosty dawn. Home up get kids up, made it out without too much trouble. Home to work at home all day on the freezing cold, wearing all the layers and my blanket poncho. Curled up in the sunny conservatory with my lunch to thaw out. Working on social media monitoring, autumn evaluation, recruitment, web training and mentoring today. Then stopped to do Phoebe's hair post bath, dinner of duck breasts and dauphinoise, by candlelight at that seems to chill the kids out a little. Helped Lydia film her extremely elaborate Egyptian project homework then got Phoebe to bed and Lydia showered whilst Tom out tracking down Phoebe's lost water bottle at Trago Lounge. Phoebe asleep now, listening to Tom read Matilda to Lydia in the next room. 

NaBloPoMo 17, 18, 19 feeling a bit low

Feeling a bit pre-periody and low. Have been very gentle with myself, no gym, lots of rest. 

Micheldever office on Monday to work with my colleague Jo. Had fun reviewing the footage from the weekend. Home to help with dinner and then got Phoebe to sleep before dancing. Dancing great as ever, lots of my favourite dancers in. 

Tuesday, working from home. Horrible morning trying to get the kids out the house, busy morning working, sat around reading, went to pick up Tom's autumn socks order from Waitrose. School pickup went badly, kids really grumpy. Got Lydia started on her home work which helped whilst cooked dinner. Difficult bedtime, but got there. Sat and watched TV until Tom got home from home group.

Today. Autumn socks day. Kids got sparkly tights and stripy socks. Here's what I picked for Tom and what Tom got for me. 

Hard work getting kids out the house again, pouring with icy rain. Managed to slip in a puddle and land on my arse. Home to work on loads of random stuff till 1pm. Went to Next to pick up Christmas shopping, tried on loads of pairs of jeans that didn't work for me at all. Greatly need a new pair. Picked up some groceries, then over to Lydia's school for parents evening. She's doing well overall which I'm glad about. Home to an empty house as Tom was out doing Phoebe's ballet and Lydia was at a friend's house for tea. Did some housework until Emily came to pick me up for Ladies night. Sushi and wine at Hannah's with Laura and Emily. Very chill!

NaBloPoMo 16 - fairies

 

Took the girls to Mottisfont today so they could be fairies for a Christmas photoshoot for their Christmas Cinderella offer this year.

Then left them to go dance all afternoon which was a lovely treat. Despite managing to drive into a bollard in the car park. Tom very forgiving as it was his car. 

Home to mussels and chips for tea and bedtime for kids and sorting out lunches and bags and things for the morning. Overall a good day.

NaBloPoMo 15 - family time again

 My turn to get up with the kids today, as Tom really needed a lie - in.

Kids woke up about 8am, got everyone dressed and breakfasted and went off to pick up Lydia's friend to take her to ballet. Took Phoebe with me to give Tom more of lie in. Bit of mistake, 3 girls meant more playing and less listening.

Took them for hot chocolate and cake at Kate's in Portswood, not been in before, very nice, would def go in and try one of their breakfasts one day. Walked big girls over to ballet, Lydia managed to fall off a ramp she was balancing on trying to push Phoebe away just as she needed to go in - big histronics over mud on her hoodie and tights. Managed to get her in telling her to ask to take her tights off.

Phoebe sat in car colouring a Christmas card competition entry whilst I tried wiping the mud and green off Lydia's hoodie with a wet wipe to avoid it setting. Picked up big girls and took Penelope back. Her parents weren't there, so waited for 5 mins before her dad appeared apologetically having lost track of time.

Home for a jacket potato lunch - Phoebe refused to eat hers which was odd. I was feeling very stressed after kid wrangling all morning so pulled the Bluey 'I just need 20 mins' card and went for a lie down whilst Tom got the girls into their party clothes.

Then off to Ellie, Andy and Aoife's  in Totton for Aoife's 4th birthday family tea party. Vee was there, and my parent's and Andy's parents appeared over the course of the afternoon. The littles played together so nicely like they always do, lots of conspiring and running off to dress up. Aoife loved her dolly baby carrier and wore it for most the afternoon. Girls did some crafts, Lydia enjoyed playing with Aoife's Barbies.

Party food tea, kids enjoyed being able to go back for multiple seconds of crisps and sweets. Such a lovely way to spend our time together. Home about 7pm to get kids to bed. Have spent rest of evening once they were settled parcelling up Autumn Socks to send to the godchildren. Bed soon.

NaBloPoMo 14 - whirlwind

 Up early for another walk with Alex again today - I do enjoy putting the word to rights as everyone else is sleeping, cold air battering our raincoats. I very nearly slept through my alarm but made it in time.

Back to get children dressed and to school, then home for a full on day of work, making social media posts, reviewing ad images for digital and out of home ads, working on some more emails, Facebook page admin set ups and team structure docs.

Finished up to help with kids and dinner at 4.30pm. Family Friday, so Ellie and Aoife were round for dinner, along with my younger sister Vee. Kids beyond excited to be together, had nice time singing round piano with my sisters, and giggling over the little ones sneaking off together to try on my high heels.

Difficult bedtime all round, with shouting from everyone. Big chat with Tom later about meal planning and parenting and trying to reduce stress in our parenting life. Important stuff but led to a late night.

NaBloPoMo 13 Dancing

 Most of today was a blur of the usual, get the kids out the house,  work through meetings, and email design, and all kinds of things. I did have a mental health treatment assessment appointment as part of investigating my PMDD type symptoms that have been worsening over the last few months. Basically for increasing amounts of time before my period, I want to kill people for breathing near me... Not good. Hence being referred for CBT. Not convinced that will help, but have to show willing. Water softener install happened around all this - think it's working, not checked, need to check Tom is happy.

Finished up at 3pm to do school pick up as Tom needed to work late to cover my appointment. Picked up Lydia's little friend and took all 3 to swimming to help out friend's mum. Lydia very grumpy because she forgot her fleece, leading her to be shouty and rude all through getting ready for swimming. I hate taking the kids to their swimming lessons, the changing rooms are so hot and it's so busy and crowed. Little friend was going in at 4pm, Phoebe at 4:15pm, Lydia at 4:30pm, with friend getting out at 4:30pm. Fortunately friend's mum was able to get there for pick up with took some pressure off me.

Managed to get everyone changed and home, cold bits for tea in front of the TV to give me a chance to get ready for dance as I was on duty volunteering as a taxi dancer tonight. Tom home at 6.00pm ish.

Left for dance in Horndean about 6.30pm. Weather and traffic atrocious but still managed to get here for 7.30pm to help with set up. As a taxi dancer, it's my job to welcome new members, help with the beginners recap sessions, dance with new dancers in the freestyle sessions, and keep the dance floor busy by looking for people who have sitting out for a bit. It was really nice to be asked to be a taxi dancer, and I love helping with the beginner sessions and watching people progress. The name taxi dancer comes from dancers who were employed in ballrooms back in the day paid on a dance by dance basis to dance with people who didn't come with a partner or wanted to improve their skills. I think you still get them on the Tango scene in Argentina. As a thank you for volunteering I get free entry on the nights I'm not on duty which is nice.

Had some great dances tonight in the freestyle once I was off duty. I get such a sense of flying when I'm dancing, I feel so alive. Where Ceroc is an improvised style of dance, you're always searching for that perfect connection with a partner where you feel almost telepathic, on the same wave length, able to adapt and adjust to each other on the fly, where dancing feels like a conversation of action and reaction. When I'm dancing with new people, or less experienced people, I love the challenge of adapting my own style to work with theirs, are they more bouncy, are they more musical, are they looking to do the exact moves from class or to experiment. It brings me such joy and satisfaction, worth not getting home till after midnight.

NaBloPoMo 11 - chasing my tail

Phoebe woke us up very early, kept her bed with me until 7am then Tom got her up and breakfasted. Really I need to get up when be she does, but I really couldn't bring myself to after a late night dancing. 

Got up at 7:30 and woke Lydia who was also still fast asleep after her late night at Beavers. Decided to help her get dressed as could see she wouldn't be fit to get herself dressed today with the late start and rushing around. 

Got everyone out the house eventually including Tom as we had a meeting at Lydia's school after dropping Phoebe off. Got to Lydia's school just as her class was walking in which was good as it removed some of the faffing at the door.

Once at Phoebe's school, said hello to the friend of Phoebe's in the playground  who's coming for a playdate next week, and introduced myself to her Mum as we'd not met before. Need to come up with an activity for them. Then back to Lydia's school.

Meeting went well, admired the cast concrete mid century staircase and the very good Year 6 art whilst waiting to be seen. Home to my laptop and calls about Christmas out of home advertising, social media planning, more recruitment and a barrage of emails.

Very nearly didn't make it to my school governor meeting in the afternoon, so drove back up to Phoebe's school. Safeguarding meeting with head in my role as safeguarding governor. Interesting chat about the challenges around attendance and its link to parental mental health and socio economic background. 

Once that was done, sat in car for 20mins doing online Xmas shopping before it was time to pick up kids. Always love picking up Phoebe as she's so excited to tell me what she's learnt. 

Find Tuesday pick up quite hard generally as I'm normally tired and very hungry and so are the kids. Bit of shouting and grumping from everyone today but better than it has been. I think driving home helped a bit. Set kids up with activities and snacks, Phoebe making birthday cards, Lydia working on her cardboard pyramid for her Egyptians project. Helped out as required between bits of washing up and starting dinner. A few dance breaks, Lydia quite good at being a jive follow, working on her spaghetti arms, and good for me to practice lead in a low stakes way.

Dinner full of kids who couldn't sit still, so more dancing after dinner for everyone including Tom, and a good silly shake to Shake it Off which genuinely helped.

Just about managed bedtime, girls had fun throwing rather at each other in shower for 5 mins whilst I did mad tidy if Lydia's room ahead of cleaner coming tomorrow. 

Phoebe asleep about 8pm, Lydia about 9pm, she'd enjoyed reading her new Egyptians lift the flap book and playing with play dough quietly whilst I got Phoebe to sleep. Tom out to home group 

Did a bit of tidying and flopped on sofa about 9.30. Needed to trim and file my nails as had badly cracked my thumbnail at some point today. Tom back about 10pm, watched episode of Riot Women before bedtime.

NaBloPoMo 12

Nothing sort of day today, did school run, worked from home till lunchtime. More email and planning work.

Went to Bitterne on the bike  to look for some autumn socks for god children and went to the gym. Arm and chest day today, def making progress.

Then picked up Phoebe from school and took her to ballet. Just about made it, can't wait till Jan when she moves up a class and the lesson is a little bit later, will give me some breathing room!

Bit more autumn socks shopping in Sainsbury's post ballet. Lydia out to tea at a friend's so Phoebe and I had tea at Trago Lounge. She was making the other patrons laugh with her 'dance breaks'.

Home in the dark to pick up Lydia and then a relatively smooth bedtime which was nice as Tom was out on a call out.

Tom went out for a run when he was back from work and we spent the evening emptying the cupboard under the sink ready for the planned water softener install tomorrow.

MY dream home

My Dream Home
Somewhere where I can be myself. Somewhere where it doesn’t matter what I look like or what I say. Far, far away from the babbling, laughing noises of the classroom or the incessant chatter of my family. No prying eyes, no venomous words. Just room for my own ideas.
Sodium glare. Streetlight haze. Here I am anonymous and nobody knows my name. Flicker. I pull the blind up slightly and peer at the crowds surging through the city centre on their night out. I can see them laughing, joking, flirting. Queuing at the taxi ranks. I am the eyes of the city, from here I see all. There are the couple strolling towards the pub hand in hand. There are the lads on a stag night resplendent in false bosoms and loud, sweat soaked shirts. I laugh.
The blind falls again with the satisfying cluck as wooden weight hits windowsill. I turn, and shudder at catching sight of myself in the one solitary mirror. Only one mirror that is hidden on the back of a door. Kick the door open, my reflection moves away, disappears. No prying eyes.
I am the ruler of all I survey.
Sodium glare. Streetlight haze. The room glows, golden orange. Reaching out I stroke the cat that has wheedled its way upon my ankles. She bats playfully at my shoelaces, eyes glowing in the half-lit gloom. I smile. I am the ruler of all I survey, but she is the queen. She knows that if she yells, I run to let her in, if she sits on my feet, I stroke her.
I shift my weight on the window seat and she’s off. Prowling the room, exploring the man made caves and mountains of books made from books waiting to be read. Quickly I take the chance and leap to my feet as she is occupied. I scamper across the wooden floor. Carefully, carefully. I am gone, I have slipped into the passage. I close the door gently knowing that the sight of herself in the mirror will startle her as it did me.
Fumble. Where’s the light? There. The small passage is suddenly illuminated with bright light from a gossamer lamp spun from transparent nylon thread. I tidy up the letters on the table, put the keys back in the small cupboard designed specifically for holding them. I will only lose them if I leave them where I chucked them. I was in a rush to get in from the biting wind, and lonely people.
The phone rings.
I leave it to the machine and stroll into the kitchen.
No wait.
It’s him.
I rush back and answer. He’s coming home now.
I am the ruler of all I survey
Back in the kitchen, I fill a bowl with Greek salad, stealing extra olives, then replenish my glass with the ends of the bottle of Merlot. She mews. I fill her bowl with water, and top up her dish with biscuits. Click. The lights go off.
I creep back. I do not want to disturb my world. Let the dust settle again. Peering out my window, I do up my cardigan. The candles! I walk sliding to the mantle piece, light the candles in the sconces either side of the picture. Then gently sink into the window seat once more. I watch, wait, knowing he will return.
The bowl is empty, place carefully on the floor, cutlery neatly laid side by side, balancing on top. The glass is half empty, the candles burned half way down as I enjoy the entertainments of it city. I sit at the window laughing at it’s antics and following it’s plots from my vantage point.
Then I see in the distance his small red car. I smile again. He is coming home. He will make a cup of tea and come into the lounge and grin his grin at tonight’s tales of the city. Laughing, he will walk to the window, stand behind me and wrap his arms about my waist as the sun rises over the rooftops.
I smile
I am the ruler of all I survey.

NaBloPoMo 10 - round in circles

Can't remember how the morning went, took kids to school in car as was going to office. 

Upon arrival, found my key didn't fit lock, so drove home again. 

Spent whole day looking at budgets and doing recruitment prep. My eyes hut.

Finished up at 5pm, wrangled kids while Tom cooked dinner. Tom took Lydia to Beavers at 6pm. Had nice snuggle on sofa with Phoebe watching Strictly before her bedtime.

She got ready for bed on my room as I got ready for dance. She likes to watch me do my hair and makeup and 'have sparkles on'. Once we were all ready, sat in bed with her and read stories before she dropped off listening to London Rhymes on her Yoto.

Off to dance, arrived just at the end of beginners in time for the first freestyle. Lots of my dance friends in, had some great dances. Some people there had spent the weekend at a dance Weekender, they were very tired! Did masterclass, enjoyable class of half nelson based moves. Sadly penultimate masterclass as they're going to run competition workshops next year instead. Not sure if I'll be able to make them due to timings clashing with kid bedtime. Boo.

Home to bed via a cup of tea and my many vitamins.

NaBloPoMo 9 - quiet day

Got up this morning to the lovely Jess having fed my kids breakfast. Had nice chat with her over tea until Tom came down. After I got dressed, spent morning doing puzzles with Phoebe and doing crafts with all the kids whilst Tom, Andy, and John made lunch. 

Big roast dinner and chocolate brownies and ice cream later, some lovely chats around the table whilst the kids cause chaos around us. Always so happy at how well our kids and the Treharne kids play together given we only see them a few times a year. 

Said our goodbyes to everyone mid afternoon. Spent rest of the day looking through some old papers and photos of Tom's dad's whilst the kids watched TV. Fascinating to see what people keep over the years. Some mystery photos of people we don't recognise. 

Had a gorgeous time dancing round the kitchen doing the washing up with Tom whilst the kids ate tea, laughing at us from the kitchen table. 

Bath time for everyone, Lydia very grumpy about life but we all made it. Disco bath for Phoebe which was a laugh. Did both girls hair whilst wet in a bid to save time in the morning. Tom made a plate of nibbles for dinner and we're catching up with the Newsreader TV program. 

NaBloPoMo 8 - fireworks

Our friends arrived about 9pm last night and we stayed up chatting until midnight catching up. Lovely. Phoebe appeared about 2.30am. Not lovely.

Woke up about 7.30am to Phoebe asking for breakfast. Got up to get Lydia ready for ballet. Very unhappy about having to leave Ethan and Lara. Managed to get her out the house with the promise of sweets. 

Picked up her little friend and took them for a hot chocolate before ballet with a little bit of charity shop shopping. Nice having big girl time with them. Did a spot of shopping whilst they were in class. 

Took the friend home, then went to meet the others at Mottisfont for lunch. Kids enjoyed playing with the tiny wheelbarrows and collecting the leaves. 

Left about 3pm when kids started acting up. Home to part cook sausages in the oven and get the firepit started. Sausages in buns and marshmallows all round around the firepit for all, with a side of glow sticks. Evening marred by Lydia having a meltdown over not being allowed more marshmallows, leading to me having to remove her from the firepit area, her biting me on the shoulder hard enough to leave a mark through my coat whilst kicking me in the shins. Leading me unceremoniously dumping her on the ground in shock.Tears and shouting all round. Not good. 

When we'd all recovered and apologised, sparklers for the kids and then bedtime. Kids to bed fairly well, watched the town fireworks from the loft windows. Huge display this year.

Have spent rest of evening drinking sloe gin and eating cheese. Feeling sleepy now!