Of lemons and lemonade
Oh hello, how are things? If I can be honest, I am teetering on the brink of a breakdown… A child that is on full self-destruct mode, a to-do list at work that I cannot get to the bottom off, with students demanding the impossible, lack of sleep, a spinning head… I know I am not well because I am picking fights with all and sundry. I am, for the first time in my life, considering sick leave.
In the meantime, I drove to Peebles for an invited presentation at a conference. A lovely place, talk went well, lots of good chats and one night of uninterrupted sleep. Unfortunately a part on the under carriage of the car came loose on one of the many speed bumps around the hotel. I felt unsure about driving home. I also accidentally blocked my SIM card so couldn’t call Richard or the breakdown company for advice. I meant to block Iris’ SIM because they lost their phone... Again. A kind woman at the petrol station let me hotspot so I could call Richard on WhatsApp. I drove home in the end, using small roads only. We really need to get that car fixed.
I also celebrated my birthday, because at the end of the day, it is important to make lemonade when live throws you lemons. Richard baked a carrot cake, an all time favourite. It was delicious. I received some perfect gifts, inlcuding vouchers for my favourite fabric shop, Guthrie & Ghani and a blouse sewing pattern that I’ve had my eye on for some time and a lovely scented candle. I bought myself tickets for a ballet in June and cashmere gloves to keep my fingers warm. I cut fabric for the new blouse and I stringed together tiny pieces of fabric to sew a make-up bag. I ironed the little squares onto iron-on interfacing and stitch in rows rather than sewing one tiny piece to the next. I’ve been savouring dark chocolate with a freeze dried raspberry cover. I walked the pups and enjoyed their company. I am wearing bold and colourful new glasses with a new prescription and everything is in focus once again. I call them my Prue Leith frame (not from her collection) and I like them very much. I have a pair of plain glasses, too for those moments when a bold frame is a bit too much.
I’ll leave you with that image in your head, me with a bold colourful pair of glasses. Thanks for visiting 😊
You are keeping busy, even through your troubles.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Christina, this time will pass.
ReplyDeleteI know that new glasses feeling and sometimes that's enough to get one through something so hard to understand. For me, it's a new flat-cap. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and love as you try and navigate all those things that are putting pressure on you. As I am being told, 'one day at a time , one foot in front of the other moving forward'.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got some bold and colourful glasses that you really like.
Belated very Happy 🎂Birthday wishes, Christina, and good to read that you treated yourself and were treated well by family. You have a lot going on for sure and balancing it all while trying to keep sane sounds very challenging. I really dislike speed bumps and we have them in the parking here. Glad you made it home safely, but please do get your car fixed soon. As for the family issues, hope they will be sorted out and that you won’t lose your mind. Hope that was just frustration speaking.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many important things to contend with Christina in your full on life, I am impressed with how well you sail through. But sometimes even you can hit a reef. Hope you can continue navigating in your inimitable way. Your glasses sound well fab, what fun! Marguerite
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like sick leave would be appropriate self care if it didn't just deepen the in box. Parenting can be hell on wheels.
ReplyDeleteCeci
Oh Christina, I am so sorry life is so tough for you right now. Do take care of yourself. You certainly deserved your birthday treats. XxDoris
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