What would a blog be without an actual blog? This is the first instalment of a weekly slice of my life! I set up this website a couple of years ago. I was fed up of seeing lots of advice online telling Mothers how to be better, for their family, for their partner but hardly ever for themselves. Also there seemed to be a lot of advice for Mothers with newborns and toddlers, after that everyone assumes you know what you’re doing 🤣. I decided to set up Mum Vibes to try and offer support for Mothers, from those who know best. Other Mothers. I asked others to share their experiences as I certainly don’t pretend to know everything about parenting, I need as much help as anyone else! So please do feel free to share too.
No motivation
Over time I have found I have given less time to the blog. It can be time consuming to find content I think will be relevant, research it and write it up. Yet, it is something I really like doing, I feel it has slipped down my priority list. So whilst, trying to doze off in bed one night, I decided to start an old fashioned blog. I thought a weekly check in on here, where I can write without all the work I need to do for an article may reignite my spark for writing on here. I’m not sure anyone will particularly want to read about my life, but i’m going to share it anyway! So if you’ve got this far then thanks.
Happy New year
So as I write this it is the 4th January. I have finally resurfaced into normality, I even waxed my chin and upper lip again this week! That’s got to be a sure sign I am ready to integrate into normal society again. I am however, snuggled up on my sofa in my new ‘Oodie’. It was a gorgeous gift from a secret santa at work, and I LOVE IT! I had a quiet Christmas, I was unwell, AGAIN! So I spent most of the festive period in bed or curled up on the sofa. The boys were with their Dad from Boxing day for a few days which meant I could fully rest. I definitely made the most of it.
Since I have been unwell most recently (I had Covid followed by a chest infection back in November) I can almost constantly smell cigarette smoke. Initially I thought one of my neighbours was popping out for a sneaky smoke, but then I smelt it at work, in the car, everywhere basically! So I turned to Dr Google and apparently olfactory (smell) hallucinations can happen after a respiratory infection, and usually people complain of smelling smoke or burning. Have you ever heard of this? It is so bizarre, I hope it goes soon.
Back to reality
After spending my time from work recovering, I was ready to go back this week. I’m glad it was only for 2 days, it was a tough couple of days and I’m on-call this weekend. I work in the NHS as a therapeutic radiographer. As with most professions in the NHS most of the staff are on their knees. There is a nationwide plan to reduce admin staff, which is awful for anyone in those roles. It also pushes the admin work onto clinical staff who are already doing the work of more than one person the majority of the time. Add that to the fact that we are dealing with patients going through a scary, awful time in their life having treatment for cancer. It is all a big melting pot of emotions, stress and exhaustion. As a leader I feel that the pressure is on us to try and keep everyone happy, and raise morale, but it’s hard to do when you are also on your knees.
I feel like I shouldn’t complain though, I only work 3 days a week. I say ONLY work 3 days a week but as well as that I am completing an MSc module at university, as well as trying to raise my boys solo, maintain a relationship, look after the dog and keep the household running. No easy feat! But we will get there. I completed some coaching sessions last year and when I begin to feel overwhelmed I think back to what I discovered there.
Book of the week
I have been spending far too much time gaming at the moment. At this point, I think I am actually addicted! I need to get back into my reading, it’s something I really enjoy doing and I need to make the time for myself. I am still on the October book from my book club! This month they are reading Quicksilver by Callie Hart, which I have listened to before. In actual fact, I began listening to Brimstone last year. My headphones broke and so I couldn’t listen to it for a while. If you have read either, you will know they are not suitable for little ears, so listening without those has been impossible. There’s some spicy scenes! My new headphones arrived after Christmas and I have tried to get back into it, but i’ll be honest, i’m finding it a bit of a slog. Maybe i’ll do a book review once finished.
The book I am reading on my Kindle is The cinnamon bun book store, part of the Dream Harbor series by Laura Gilmore. You can see why it was the October pick for my book club! The series are light hearted romances, and easy reads. So far I am enjoying it and it is a nice change from the dark world in Brimstone.
Book buddies
Speaking of books, my lovely pen pal sent me the most gorgeous gift! It was packaged so beautifully and contained a gift wrapped book, as well as other goodies! It was from a gorgeous store on Etsy. I had to share the link! It was the most unexpected surprise and really made my day. I love receiving her letters through the post. It is definitely something to look forward to, and I will make sure I write back to her this week.
What’s on the box?
Being unwell gave me a chance to catch up on some TV! Obviously I have binged Stranger Things – no spoliers don’t worry. I have loved reading all the fan theories about what people think happened and what things mean. I also got through all of the new series of Emily in Paris, which is always light hearted and good fun. Now I carry on my journey with The Witcher. I’m still on series 3, so still in Henry Cavill territory. I am enjoying it, my love for fantasy has definitely grown within the last year. What series recommendations do you have?
That’s enough of my ramblings for this week. See you next Sunday!
