Mum friends

When I slump down on the sofa exhausted from the day 

As I hold my head in my hands, wiping tears away 

There you are to reach out to, in your calm and caring way 

When I’m feeling shame at how my child acts

And questioning myself at my approach to their answering back

There you are with your advice and thoughts, all handled with such tact 

When I feel so cruel for how much I now feel I shout 

As I stand in situations at times feeling the odd one out 

There you are with your comments, helping to reduce my doubts 

When I’m at my wits end, just tired of it all

As I don’t know where to turn and my world now feels so small 

There you are to build me up again, making me proud and tall

When I need to share some things that I worry may be judged by some

As I check my lists and fret over all I haven’t done 

There you are to tell me stories and remind me of things that are fun 

When my child does something of which I am so proud 

As I watch in delight at kind behaviour, lovely words said aloud

There you are to share it with and give praise too so loud 

When something gross happens that would make others feel sick

As I finish some soggy leftovers or help save those melting treats with a lick

There you are with your own tales and funny grotty tricks

When I feel bad at how I now feel and look 

As I note my new shape and the old me that motherhood took

There you are to compliment, remind me to relax, enjoy a treat or book 

When after bedtime I fancy a tasty glass of wine 

As I tuck into some fattening treat so divine 

There you are to support me and share too your naughty but nice lifeline

When I over analyse and question it all 

As I feel over that edge I’m about to fall

There you are at the end of a message, text or call 

Never judging a snack choice, outfit or parenting hack

Always there to support and have my back

Suggesting playdates to help suit me and my brood

Having a good laugh together, helping to brighten my mood

Never a competition about who’s done best 

Always making me feel with you there’s no chance you’ll ever judge, not like the rest 

You are the mum friend I trust 

I rely on and I need

When days are bad or I feel doubt

My worries and sad thoughts are soon freed

It just takes that one mum friend who truly gets you and how things are

Someone who’ll turn up at your door or offer support from afar 

In the form of playdates, lunches, sweets, messaging or wine 

We all need at least that one mum friend and I truly treasure mine 

Get your priorities right

Have you ever noticed how people’s ideas of priorities and what’s really important can differ so much?

For many the most important thing in life is family – they should always come first.

Then there are things such as health and making the most of life.

How do you decide what should take priority and is truly important?

Is there really a right or wrong?

I, for example, feel family always comes first and it should do. Life is too short and you should always be there for each other.

Others it seems do not feel the same way.

What do you do though in these situations and what should you do? Should we maintain a life of biting our tongue so as to keep the peace and harmony amongst family and friends.

Or should we be open and honest and say it as it is?

Are people often what we see as selfish as they don’t know any better or have just got their priorities muddled?

For example what would you do in the following scenarios:

Do everything for other people, but not be there to support your family members?
Enjoy an active social life as you’re on your own, but never make time to see family?
Spend money on material things, or think about others around you who you could help?
Check in with other people or just go to them when you need something?
Take the time to think about gifts/conversations or go for the quick and easy option?

Notice a pattern here? Hm, me too.

As we approach Christmas and are now in the festive season, this should be the time for giving. Sharing, caring and being kind to all, right?

So why do some people find this time of year it’s actually more appropriate to think of number one? But when it suits pull the sympathy card out?

Does this ring any bells for anyone? On talking to some people this seems more common than not.

The thing I get stuck on however is whether to pull people up on these lapses in judgement and behaviour, or to let them work their way through said weird spell and ignore it until they’re back to a more normal self?

Any advice would be much appreciated? That’s if you’ve got time to spare for me of course…

Our marathon weekend

An unexpected first as I manage to pack just a teeny tiny case
Sure something's been forgotten, panic on my face

A 'traumatic' train journey as we get stuck with hectic hens and their giggling plans
It only gets worse when we're joined by our drunken companion, with his self-filled vodka and red bull cans

We arrive at the station and start the walk to our home for the weekend
Over 45 minutes later we arrive at a lovely modern apartment hot, sweaty but ready to meet new friends

All settled in, everyone takes a wander along the seafront and marina
Then back home to get ready for an evening out and some dinner

A Vietnamese feast awaits, drinks and lots of laughter
Then a seafront walk, more drinks and funny chats after

Home to bed with sore feet and full tummies
Quick to fall asleep, before awaking to another day which is cold but sunny

Saturday involves more walking, sussing out the marathon route and attending an expo
Then time for lunch, shopping and treats, The Lanes of course, we all know where to go!

Quirky shops, individual boutiques, decadent cupcakes and soft creamy fudge
Breathing in the sea air and strolling by the pier, eating all the sweets we love

At night it's dinner and time to load up on all those carbs for our marathon two
Pasta, jacket potatoes and lots of ingredients all good for you

Early to bed for the runners in our crowd
Outfits, race numbers and running supplies packed and laid out. We'll all be so proud

Sunday we wake ready to cheer them on
Runners already left for the start line, they are long gone

Banners are finished, balloons are blown and tied
Loudspeakers are tested and our outfits are checked, all matching, side by side

We set up our position, making other supporters giggle and likely waking the locals
As the runners start to appear we soon become very vocal

A great atmosphere is created despite the wind and cold
Calling out runners' names for encouragement, especially those whose costumes are bold

A long, tiring day but so worthwhile as you see those you support
Some run for charity, fun or just because they love doing this as their sport

The emotions run high as you await their arrival
Happiness all round as they cross the finish and pick up their medal

Some finish super fast, others slower but still do well
Whilst some struggle on, though they're feeling unwell

Medals, freebies, food and drinks
Bags full and heavy, legs ache, backs hurt and heads start to sink

Time to head home and rest or eat
A nice hot bath, lie down or to soak those blistered feet

After a celebratory glass of sparkle it's time for our weekend to end
We're tired out, faces pink from the sun and are sad to say bye to new friends

Brighton was full of fun, great food, laughs and fab company
Sad to be over, but was worthwhile for the fun, marathon achievement and money raised for charity

Balancing Act

Here we are, week five into my plan to get fit and trim...Funnily enough a friend told me of a study they'd seen a week or two ago which stated females trying to lose weight and who write about it are more successful in their weight loss. I was so pleased as I was doing both.

Yet over this week that has changed. I've not written this blog and my route on the path to fitness has gone a little skew-whiff.

This week, so far we are in day number five. Out of those five days I have exercised one day. I have kept to my healthy eating on three days. For this week in total I will only be keeping to my healthy eating for three days out of seven and am expecting exercise to be two days out of seven. Not quite the same reports I've been listing previously.

I was also proud of the fact I had only consumed one glass of wine since I began my plan. That figure now stands at, well I can't really count an exact amount, but let's say definitely in double figures after this week.

I'll admit today I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself as I'm hungover - something I wasn't expecting until Sunday morning after my planned girl's night out. However I am a mix of emotions about this 'falling off' the fitness wagon. Part of me is disappointed in myself and annoyed I will have prolonged my weight loss journey. I can't even bear to think of the fact the scales will likely show a gain on Monday morning...

On the other hand I feel good, yes this week I've eaten the likes of chicken katsu curry, a chocolate cupcake and McDonalds (and consumed goodness knows how much alcohol in the form of wine and champagne). BUT I have also this week caught up with an old friend, enjoyed myself, laughed so much, had great fun with friends and colleagues at work and helped people celebrate special occasions.

This week I've said goodbye to a work colleague, celebrated a friend's birthday, laughed in hysterics with a friend, got closer with work friends, met a new life in the world, seen a family member (well my boyfriend's family) who hasn't been in the UK for over 30 years and is from Canada, discovered a new version of one of my favourite dishes and made some new plans to look forward to. In short I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I AM absolutely shattered from going to bed gone 1am for three days in a row this week and I know I'm going to consume far too many calories this weekend - but I'm going to enjoy dancing and laughing them off with two very close friends.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've realised I need to be mindful of keeping a balance. Yes I want to lose weight and be happy in my body, I want to improve my fitness and future health. Moreover I also want to live my life, enjoy myself, discover new things and act my age (or arguably a lot younger!!)

It really is all about balance - in what types of food you eat, in how you approach fitness, in the way you manage your weight and in combining work and play.

Now when I weigh myself on Monday it could be a whole new more negative opinion from me and making sure I don't tilt the balance in the favour of fun will be hard. Overall though I feel I HAVE achieved this week as I've learnt a valuable lesson and the idea of balance finally seems to be sinking in...

Happy New Year

Wake up feeling moody and down
Thinking of all the things this year that made you frown

For weeks pressure builds up to make your plans the best
Will you be having the most fun on a night better than the rest?

You feel sad over those loved and lost family
And disappointment at the friends who've let you down sadly

All day, shops are bustling as people buy their drink and food
Around you there's that buzz, such an excited mood

You spend hours picking that outfit and getting yourself ready
Look forward to the midnight chimes and a kiss with your partner or perhaps someone new if you don't have somebody

You end up waiting in a long queue in the freezing cold
Paying a fortune on entrance fees, drinks and cab fares, thinking for this I'm too old

Or you stay in and keep warm with those close around you
People you know who care and want a happy new year for you too

As the countdown begins you look forward to the new year in sight
Plans for the future, new friends, new goals, please make them all go right

The party poppers and champagne corks all go off with an almighty bang
Auld Lang Syne in big hugging groups is loudly sang

Ahead are weddings, babies, engagements, hen parties, big birthdays and of course the Olympics
New achievements and being able to see your resolutions list full of ticks

Whatever you do, however you may celebrate
Here's wishing you a night that in your way is great

Happy New Year to you all
Here's hoping 2012 is set to be a ball!