I’m very pleased to report that I have reached my target and finished draft one of my second book, a fiction novel clocking in at almost 80,000 words. Getting to this stage is a wonderful feeling, and I’m trying to enjoy it rather than thinking too much about the next bit. Everyone knows that the hard part (and some might say real work) is in the editing, editing, and more editing that needs to be done to get a book reader-worthy. No doubt I’ll also…
Last October, when my family was at breaking point, I wrote a post about autism. I addressed it to the other mums out there who were going through what I was going through, but it was by no means limited to the ladies. There are plenty of dads feeling the same way too (apologies for any offence caused, it wasn’t intended). I have never hesitated as much before pressing publish as I did with that letter, and the response was completely overwhelming. Within two days it had been read…
I’m usually annoyingly organised when it comes to buying gifts in advance, and storing them away, but my super powers in that department are fading fast. Today is my father in law’s birthday. We saw him at the weekend, but it was only after he left that I realised he’d gone empty handed. There had been chat all week about ‘making Granddad a card’, and I was certain that I had something stashed away for him in my present cupboard, but I didn’t. I was freaking out…
I’m in danger of turning into one of ‘those mums’. Actually, who am I kidding? I already am one. I make comments that other people don’t even think, let alone say out loud. I openly talk about my failings as a parent, and fears for the future. I’m not afraid to make bold decisions if it will enhance my family’s lives. Ultimately all I want is for my children to grow up happy. I think it’s largely because of the way I grew up. Dysfunctionally without a…
London, Sept 2014 Alex’s birthday party It hadn’t escaped Kate’s attention that Alex had chosen one of their old haunts for his birthday bash, although it was almost unrecognisable from the days they had frequented it. Back then it was nothing more than a dingy smoke filled hole, much like everywhere else in the City. Tonight it was full of über cool pretty men with facial hair, and stick thin women with full sleeve tattoos covering their arms. East London had changed a lot in the last decade,…
I’ve read a ton of testimonials all over the internet claiming that giving up coffee was a game changer. I personally know several people who have gone through the process and say the same. I myself had two failed attempts at giving up in 2014, but always came back to the same conclusion. I like it too much and need it too much given my sleep situation. I have hardly any vices these days, and it seems ludicrous to deny myself something that makes me…
I like the word thrifty, and all that it implies. As a mum of three who doesn’t have a fixed income, it’s vital that I’m as thrifty as I can possibly be. I don’t visit the high street very often these days, but there is one shop that I will go back to time and again. The Works is a treasure cave of goodies at bargain prices, and I never walk out of there feeling ripped off (unlike too many other shops I won’t mention).…
It’s a bold statement to make isn’t it, saying that a small, seemingly innocuous decision changed my entire life, but deciding to take a bus in 2004 very much did. After six months of travelling, I headed back to Thailand to spend a week with one of my best friends who had come out to celebrate her thirtieth birthday. She brought her new man with her, and along with a pair of honeymooners that I had met on the boat back from Malaysia we all indulged…
We’ve just returned home from a blissful Greek holiday, where the only decision we had to make was what to eat, and whether to sit by the pool or go to the beach. I knew the come down would be tough going, but it’s hit us harder than anticipated. After spending a few chilled days getting back to reality, I knew that we’d be in desperate need of an activity for Sunday. As luck would have it I’d already pre-arranged for us to go to the premier…
Dear all, We have just returned from your amazing Blue Lagoon Village in Kos, and wanted to pen a little thank you before life gets in the way and our break starts to fade to a distant memory (which happens far too quickly). From the moment we arrived we were impressed. We had a smooth check in at 9:40pm, and managed to grab some food before the main restaurant closed at 10pm – we had barely sat down before a waiter brought us drinks. This pretty much set…