Pahfartes class was successful

I decided when I got up this morning and looked out at the foolish builders working on my neighbours extension, that it looked way too cold to go for a run. I pictured myself slipping on ice and dangly ice bogeys hanging from my nose, as my nose always seems to run along with me.

This decision was also fuelled by the fear that my next run involves running for a whole 3 minutes and I know that it will definitely almost kill me. I actually hit my personal best time on Tuesday so felt very pleased with myself.
Did I tell you that I ran a different route, along the canal last time, listening to Foo Fighters?  Well I think that is what nearly killed me. I was looking on t'interweb for motivating running music last night... and apparently I need jogging music that is about 153 beats per minute for a good jogging pace. It appears 'Something from Nothing' is 187 beats per minute - No wonder it was hard. My perfect running Foo tunes look like 'Everlong, Breakout, Free me, Generator, DOA and Congregation'. May have to try this out tomorrow.

   

I figured I ought to go and do the dreaded shopping today, as we had run out of milk and I don't think I could produce anything else out of the ingredients in my kitchen cupboards that would be nutritionally acceptable as a meal. I know I shouldn't go shopping when I'm hungry, so this made shopping more of a challenge as I was absolutely clammed. I seem to be constantly starving just lately. I mostly bought what I intended and I haven't totally starved everyone of chocolate this week. Got to the till and just as I paid, I got a text from Dave telling me we need chuffin tea bags. The lady on the till must have seen my frustration or felt my pain and went to fetch me some, so that I didn't have to leave Doodlebean in the trolley by the till. What a lovely lady... she made my day she did.
I can of course forgive Dave as he had cooked our bacon and egg butties for breakfast, even though he told me afterwards that he had given me the wrinkly bollock egg.

He then cooked tea while me and Willis met up with a friend from work for a quick cheeky Costa after dropping Claude off. I had just enough time to cram my tea down my neck hole and get changed before heading off for the free taster session of pilates.

I actually did better than I thought I would, I didn't die and I didn't struggle too much - unlike when I tried my youtube pilates session a few weeks ago. I have however decided it should be call 'pahfartes'  rather than pilates though, as so many of the moves just made my tea gurgle with an over whelming need to blow from my exercise blow hole like a steam train.

I now have to somehow try and fit in a date with Dave before January is out- Do you think it counts if I take him to Mozza's for a full English breakfast?

changing privacy settings before work

First keep in touch day at work went ok, useful & interesting training so my brain has worked hard to stay focused all day. 

It was one of those days that I could have easily been caught out quickly if I had glazed over. Lunch was buffet style, but I was that clammed from my new runner uber fast metabolism that I could quite frankly have eaten a scabby donkey, complete with its hooves. There were no other food alternatives and I am on a mission to eat 3 meals a day. I therefore had to make myself eat the buffet food, by being mindful of the pieces at the bottom that had so far remained untouched by other people's fingers (cue OCD inner panic of issues with other people' hygiene- AKA shit samples in the ice machine and pee samples in the bar peanuts aaarggghh). 

https://cestlaviebabydotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/stress-mother-running-late-kids-city-school-work-rushing-her-children-funny-concept-busy-33822931.jpg

My organisation was a bit shit tonight, I totally missed the opportunity to go for my planned run. My choice for tea was met with a lemon lips response, even though I stopped off for extra bits on my way home. I have food going damp in the garage as I tried to store them in the cool arctic conditions over Christmas. I have a feckin massive pile of shit still waiting to go up the loft, which waves at me each night as I tuck the boys into bed. I have felt proper stressed tonight, wondering how the hell I am going to fit everything in when I am back to work full time. I had managed to get home for 4pm, but we still ended up rushing to get tea done in time to get the boys to karate for 6:30pm. I did enjoy watching my boys sparring though tonight, they're both getting very good and Dudestar is looking forward to entering his first competition in March. 

This is my half an hour peace at the end of the day. I haven't read with my boys or played with Doodlebean for longer than 5 minutes, but that's what happens when your children have week day hobbies I suppose. It is a lot better than them playing on technological gadgets all night too.

I will also need to change my blog to invitation only I think, due to returning to work. I know I'm a bit of a dufus, but if you have enjoyed sharing my journey and reading my blogs or you find yourself in the same boat, then please 'like' my page before I change the settings. My intention was to show that many of us have the same daily battles and that social media is supportive and motivating as well as being a platform for 'perfect people with their perfect lives'.

Making funny noises while running

Yesterday's run was hard, didn't realise I could make noises like that when I'm running.
Dave is very supportive of me going running and while he is off work he has been having Doodlebean so that I can just get on with it when I fancy, which has been very helpful of course. Decided the other day that I was going to head out for a run with Claude first thing, with the intention of running again later on today to get some miles in... However the mood in our house was verging on the edge of hormonal meltdown. Manstruation mixed with PMT is a bit like the Bruce Willis film Die Hard 3 . You know the one where they plant the bomb in the school and if the two substances mix, then it has fatal consequences.

I figured as it was a nice kind of day, that we would head off with the intention of a longer run instead. I couldn't hear the app through my new earphones properly, so had to keep faffing about with my phone which was a pain. I have to say, that extra 30 seconds of running is a killer. This time I was heavily breathing, relying on that extra blow hole to keep me going... speaking of blow holes, it's funny how running seems to produce more air lol.

We got to the bottom part of Chasewater, by the railway station where you have to go through that cattle gate and as we approached the app told us to start running. I could see a middle aged couple with a little lad on his bike. They were just putting his bike through the gate (whilst we were jogging on the spot) and before the lady could begin dragging her bike through, I smiled and said excuse me and we squeezed though the gate. But then she made my heart beat even faster, making it harder to breathe as she made some remark about being patient. So I casually remarked back to say I was being patient... I feel proud that I managed to bite my tongue instead of opening my mouth in front of the little lad and a whole lot of,  'Oh go and $*&% off, you saw us coming and wanted to be awkward, you ignorant pooface' pouring out of my mouth. Surely, it's a bit like when you're shopping at Aldi and you have a full family shop to load onto the conveyor belt, you let the person with 3 items go in front- well I do anyways.
We thought as we were half way around Chasewater, we'd carry on running and see if we could run at the same pace round to the entrance. My god was it hard. I was breathing so heavily I was making some strange breathing, dying sounds. As we reached the visitor centre, I could see the even steeper mofo hill in front and made myself run up it - I literally had nothing left by the time I reached the top, I could feel my lungs and face burning and had to really sum up some extra determination to run the last bit, 1 run and 1 walk left until the cool down. The walk home was nice and relaxed though, with a sense of satisfaction.
I have my first keep in touch day at work tomorrow, which is a little prep for starting back next month. It make me feel kind of nervous and kind of sad at the same time, it's like the count down timer has started booohoo.

torch was as useful as a chocolate tea pot

Was epic trying to get Claude to the dentist this morning. I was organised enough to set off with enough time, but the traffic on the Chester Rd was ridiculous. Thought I'd do the good thing and ring them to let them know (so that I'd avoid ranting in their reception and save myself the last part of the journey if needs be). Thankfully the receptionist gave us 10 minutes extra grace. Claude was so looking forward to this appointment to have her teeth filed-Not. She looked so emotional when she came out, as the dentist has said that next time they will be taking her braces off. Could have cried for her too, I'm so glad the braces have worked and she didn't need to have her jaw reset. Her teeth are going to look amazing in time for her end of year prom.

When we got home, I thought I'd try making a smoothie with the kale etc I bought the other day. It seems a bit odd putting leaves in a drink, but it's supposed to be really healthy. I put everything in the blender, it smelled & looked a bit like thick vomit... I'm pleased to say the smoothie tasted ok, no after taste but an odd drink texture.

Has been a lovely day since we got home. The best part of being on maternity leave is watching Doodlebean learn new things. Today we were playing with her toys on the floor and I built her a tower to knock down that was just out of her reach. She was trying so hard to reach it, she perched like a little frog, balancing just like she was ready to crawl off any second. I'm hoping she starts crawling & walking before I go back to work else I will miss it, that makes my heart sad. I have a keep in touch day at work on Monday, then back from 27th Feb.

After school I sat down at the table with Willis to do a couple of pages of his little workbooks as we like learning together and he is awesome at his maths. Dudestar on the other hand was as determined as ever to avoid his homework at all costs. This almost caused a serious knock on effect with Willis prompting me to lose my shit. Of course I then had to apologise for getting cross & explain in a more reasonable tone why he needed to stop being a miserable turd. Willis doesn't have homework anymore apparently, but he enjoys learning new things and I don't want him to lose his thirst for knowledge too soon and believe that all homework is shit & boring - secondary school does that to our kids grrrr

Cakey came over before tea, ready to go running. Thought I'd take one of our head torches as it was  flippin dark over Chasewater last time & I really didn't fancy slipping in a turd or stepping into a puddle (Vicar of Dibley style). The torch not only made me look like a total dumb ass, but it was literally as useful as a chocolate tea pot. It was used briefly to avoid the speed humps at Chasewater, then promptly tucked away in my pocket. We ran into the entrance of Chasewater, but it was really scary and dark, thankfully after a minute the app said we were halfway so we started the run back home. It's funny how motivated running makes you feel. I need to get Dave into running, only then will he understand why we feel the need to do a 5k fun run in Manchester lol.

Perfect end to the day, shower in peace pamper moment followed by a cheeky bud or two. Might get my car washed tomorrow?
Which language shall I learn?

The same traits as Mr Bean?

Yesterday was a bit shit really, I felt fed up so wasn't in the best mood for writing my blog for all to read. I had written and sent my letter to confirm going back to work after my maternity leave, so think it was probably the sudden realisation that I have less than 6 weeks of maternity leave left.

After finally mustering some motivation, I went shopping with my uber money saver tight arse head on and managed to spend £30 less than usual. Now we don't have the temptation of eating any junk food as I didn't buy any. I still have some hidden Christmas choccies left ssshhh, whilst everyone else has demolished theirs while they verged on the edge of choccy chunder at Christmas, so I may be about to cause a choccy zombie apocalypse in the next few days.

On my tight arse mission, I also rang the energy company I was with to get my money back.  After switching providers in November they still hadn't sent a closing bill etc. The best way I could sum up the conversation is that lady I spoke to was a lot like a sloth. Why they can't send out a cheque as part of the switching process is beyond me. I felt like tapping down the phone to check she was still alive. Eventually found that they owe us over £200 which they caused through hiking up our direct debit in preparation for me to warm my house to that of tropical climates through the winter. I now apparently have to wait up to 21 days for a cheque, because they obviously aren't up to date with bank transfers- I mean, who actually uses cheques and goes into their bank eh? It took me 18 months to change my bank account into my married name.

I started looking on t'interweb the other night for events around the world on the day I was born... Haven't found anything remotely interesting yet, so might have to just find out about the day/ year, rather than the actual date I was born. The only thing I already know is that I share the same birthday as Rowan Atkinson AKA Mr Bean- kind of figures really, perhaps it's a Capricorn trait? I spend a lot of time hiding my Bean-ness, Claude has definitely drawn the short straw with the genetics as she is a bit Beanlike too. Ooohhh, perhaps Doodlebean was subconsciously nicknamed as I know deep down that she will also be Beanlike?

   selfie face
      perplexed face

I have contacted the skydive centre to find out booking information. Usually a charity will fund a skydive if you raise a certain amount on their behalf, but that can't happen apparently. I am now trying to figure out the best way to get it booked as a skydive for the heck of it is quite expensive. I'm pretty sure if he could, Dave would pay as long as he got to push me out of the plane. It's funny, well it's not but you know what I mean... Every time I go to write anything or talk about doing my skydive, it makes me have palpitations. I have wanted to do it for a long time, but have not plucked up the courage until now. I'm not really a particularly brave person, so I'm hoping I have an awesome skydiver to help me find the courage to jump. Think it must be a man thing, but Dave isn't usually one to show excitement or proudness, so I'm so pleased that he is my first sponsor on my just giving page.

Had one of those moments of realisation this morning too, while I was planning our run tonight... My nephew Cameron used to love it over Chasewater, I hope he is not only having a good laugh at my expense, but also looking down on me with proudness as I train round Chasewater to help raise money for Children with Cancer UK. Cam's Sunshine Trust was set up by his mum as he wanted his Doctor to raise money to find a cure for other poorly boys and girls.

I am also aware that it is now near the end of January, so I still need to fit in going on a date with Dave, cleaning my car, time to pamper myself and shave my legs, and make a start on watching movies since 1977... Dave needs to go fishing 😂

Trainers smell like arse now

It's lovely having Dave at home, but he doesn't half watch some shit on the telly. I am here earlier than normal, eating my hidden crunchie bar while he's watching some pile of crap, Promethius I think, which I gather is like some crapper version of I'm Sparcrapus! He needs to be actively encouraged to go fishing in the rain with the ducks I think.

It was flipping raining again fust thing - Dave did the school run, so I was a bit of a lazy plodder. Me and Doodlebean chilled out and chatted until we got too hungry, my bed was just so snuggly and warm. I then stared out of the kitchen window while I made a brew, to decide whether or not I fancied looking like a soggy Yorkie bear in the rain? I figured, I still like my smart looking new trainers and I don't want them to smell like arse. I also didn't fancy the feeling of peeling smelly, soggy socks off so I thought I'd try the '7 minute workout'.

I bet you wish you were a fly on the wall in my kitchen, you would have probably laughed your bol**cks off at me. I thought- do I seriously need to get into gym gear for this- nah! I'll just do it in my PJs. Considered carefully which room would be best and settled for the kitchen. There is a solid floor, moved the mat so that there was enough space without causing too much mischief to myself. Got the kitchen step, for the step ups, and used the oven handle for the tricep squat things. I had a quick look to check I knew how to do the exercises properly and got cracking.
I tried my hardest to put some effort into the workout and surprised myself with press ups etc. I was also pretty glad that Lizzie the Yorkie Bear didn't trot in for a drink too- she would have only pegged me over wandering around blindly or she would have licked my face during a press up or something.
     

When Claude got back from school, it had actually stopped raining so we decided to go for our first run together. We decided to run past St Anne's church and over the bridge towards Chasewater, then back round over the other bridge- pretty well organised to plan our route eh? Unfortunately a certain intrigued 12 year old I know had messed with my phone on the way out of the house and I didn't check it, so we had set us off on a 20 minute run non stop. Thankfully I realised, so we had to do another 5 minute brisk walk while we put the right run on. As we started running, we reached the boggiest part of the path and I almost slid on my arse. Talking of arse, my new trainers are now minging and will probably literally smell like arse after all now- I wish I could send you a scratch and sniff of them.
I really enjoyed my run with Claude, I felt Ok and didn't get too out of breath, so must be getting a steady pace which was good.  I also read a comment on my feed earlier from a lady saying she had done her first 1/2 marathon after only 4 months of running, which made me feel much better as my goal is much more in reach now.

Conquered the mofo hill

The last couple of days has been a little bit up and down, not had time to have a crap in peace let alone write on here.
Friday was a bit of a mixed bag really. I had arranged to have a brew with Sammy Boo, which turned into a perfect shopping trip moment. As a keen runner I figured she could suggest which clothes are likely to chafe and which are likely to be more comfortable for an older 'slogger' like me. Felt like I had purchased some right old bargains, so now I have a wash and a wear kit. Sometimes it takes several days to get through our epic family washing pile and I can't be doing with being able to smell myself while I run. In fact, we walked through someone's sweat cloud on the way into town and it wasn't nice. Why are some people so smelly, can they not smell themselves?

Do I look like a proper runner? lol

Dave had been called into work for a meeting at work, so when I got home I discovered that he and his work colleagues have been laid off from work- redundancy looms. My initial reaction wasn't quite what I expected in hind sight. It wasn't panic, instead I thought - yes, happier Dave and wicked, I can go running without the pram. Dave works incredibly long hours and some weeks he literally hasn't seen us either before or after bed for 4/5 days. I am glad this didn't happen before Christmas, otherwise it would have made things a lot more difficult to keep things ticking over. Since Friday I have been contemplating money saving measures, but as our conversation earlier went... I'm already a tight arse and pretty savvy with the things we do buy, even Martin Lewis would be quite impressed.

Social media is a wonderful thing at times. I was really pleased to be given a little advice from Ant, Sammy,  Tomtom & Jane after my last post. Little things like this just make my heart happy and made me feel like I am actually able to do this. When other people leave comments, it is almost I suppose like other people believe that I can do it too.  I have now searched t'interweb for how to breathe when running, instead of trying to breathe through my blow hole. I have read up about nutrition for running and... I have set my goal and booked my place in the Birmingham Great Run in October. I updated my justgiving page, so hopefully others can see what I am trying to do to raise money.

I am thinking of trying to book my skydive for July, damn it's making me have palpitations at the thought of it. The last time we raised money for charity like this was in 2011. We held our fun on the field day at our local school, then Cakey and I walked a marathon with 2 other friends in a day. We raised money for my nephew Cameron, who was terminally ill with Rhabdomyosarcoma, to get him to Disney. Sadly, he passed away a short time later at the age of 8. This is the reason behind why I want to raise money for Children with Cancer UK. The statistics are awful. No child and family should suffer, more research is needed into this awful type of cancer which affects younger children. #Cam'sSunshineTrust is also continuing to raise money to fund research in his memory.
https://www.facebook.com/cameron.woodhouse.31?fref=ts


Saturday morning I went for my second run, without the pram yay! My god did it make a difference only running with my own body weight. I ran through Chasewater, walked up that bad ass mofo of a hill... Then timed it perfectly to run down it. I didn't feel close to passing out, I felt quite a sense of achievement. I can do it, I can run a half marathon can't I.

I  only have 6 weeks left of my maternity leave, so I  want to enjoy them with Doodlebean and try not  to stress too much.

Such a Slogging knob

I did it... I was running ( in the voice of Forest Gump). I was dressed ready as I knew I had to go straight out to avoid the 10.00am rain.
I dropped Willis off at school wearing my new running trainers, to check they wouldn't chafe my feet and cause blisters. Quickly discovered I had put on the most ridiculous pair of socks, one was fine and the other was like rolling its way down my foot with each step. Needless to say, a quick change of socks was done before setting off. I figured I needed to be out of sight of the public as far as possible before beginning my run, so headed off for Chasewater. Made sure I was well past the high school too just in case.
Turned on the app to get started on my brisk walk warm up. I'm busy thinking about the route I need to take with the pram, meanwhile Doodlebean is blissfully asleep in the fresh air. Sounds idyllic eh?
Then my phone beeps to tell me I need to run for 1 minute. After a few seconds, my heart is beating out of my chest and I can barely breathe. I actually felt like I was a sack of shit slob jogging WTF, I was almost leaning on the pram. It's funny how long 1 minute can actually be. The next 90 seconds of walking was literally just enough to get my breath back before the app voice told me to start running again.

This time I'm trying desperately hard not to slob jog, thinking perhaps there's like a secret way to breathe through your arse hole as your running? Nose was dripping like a 3 year olds and then thankfully the app told me to walk again. I foolishly ran along the speed hump route, which was a bit daft and then I looked up to see that big ass hill - thought no way will I make that, so cut through past the wake boarding instead.
I noticed quite a few 'runners' in their fluorescent running gear as I'm slogging (half slob, half jog now) and I have the brilliant idea of missing the bumpy route and running round where they have just filled in the old duck pond- genius. I go onto my next 60 seconds of running, my heart is beating to the point where I actually felt like I was just about to pass out. Then time to walk again.

I have to ask you runners out there, is it normal for your whole head to feel tingly when you run?












160 BPM shows my heart attack and brain tingle




As I go onto the next 60 seconds of running, the app tells me I'm halfway - the lights, I can see the lights. Then I decide it's probably a good idea to start the route back towards home, this must look a bit barmy to any passers by. I run past an elderly couple and it suddenly dawns on me - I don't even look like any kind of 'runner'. I'm running like a knob, lacking proper running gear as I'm in a regular hoodie and leggings and I have a pram- I bet they think I'm like late for my bus or something.

My walk home was pleasantly satisfying as I had completed 'running day 1', I had missed the rain and I was lovely and warm. I had actually barely broken a sweat, just nearly had a heart attack instead. Doodlebean thoroughly enjoyed watching me through her eye lids too.

I have felt really proud of myself and tonight I have been and bought a fluorescent top ready to go running again tomorrow. I am hoping to look a lot less of a 'Slogging knob', hopefully the only way is onward and upward (just not hills).

Fitbit has told me I've done well today.

The little things mean a lot

I was so ready for today when I got up. I had my mission in my head of what needed to be achieved as Dave was back at work (love him loads I do, but I am far more productive when he is at work).
I got up as soon as my alarm went off at 7:30am, Willis was pretty easyish to get up and we got everyone breakfast, dressed and ready to leave the house as usual by 8:30am- Winner. Opened the front door and the wind nearly took us away with it. So, pulled on our hoods and walked to school at a pretty quick pace to keep warm and all is fine as we get there in time... now this is where I kind of lost my way a little.

I had to knock on the door to speak to Wilfred's teacher... my first failure in my bid to get more organised - I had to totally admit that I may have misplaced Willis's book bag (must have put it away somewhere 'safe' for over the Christmas holidays) his teacher was 'fine' and said that they would sort him out a new book in the meantime. Bear in mind, I really hate when this happens at work as it means that some poor soul has to go without that book and skip to the next one, and it generally causes havoc. So I felt extremely guilty for having screwed up their home readers plan doh. Sorry.

I walk back up the huuuge hill on the way home, but it's cold and windy and I'm pushing the pram uphill. Needless to say by the time I get to the top I'm knackered and so out of breath it's unreal, feeling like I've had a full workout at the gym. Reality check - how the hell am I going to cope with going running? I'm trying to then plan how I can actually even begin going running and stressing myself out more at my lack of opportunity.

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Operation Momstar begins- I started cleaning and tidying as usual once I got home and even got a few bits out of the garage ready for the tip- woohoo (got shit loads of cardboard blocking my porch now though). I'm so glad Cakey came round today as my house is back to some sort of normality for the first time after the festive house destroying.

I took the easier option for the afternoon school run, putting Doodlebean in the sling and walking quickly. I hate taking the pram as you have to keep stopping and waiting a bit like you're in a trafic jam... and then you end up bottle necked outside the school gates where the smokers and vapers gather - Really wish they wouldn't as not only are they in the feckin way, I can't be doing with having to walk through their clouds... Role modelling at its best.
We had planned to go out visiting, so no unexpected changes to routine (which believe me usually causes the most havoc). But I obviously don't give us enough credit for our usual military precision, AKA how soon we usually get cracking on the end of day routine, to get everything done and get everyone in bed at some reasonable time.
Stopped off quickly at the supermarket on the way home, had quick tea, then it felt like I blinked and it was time to read.. I listened to Willis read as I was putting out the washing and thought I've had enough of this.
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I had a moment of WTF, before deciding we needed to actually chill for a few minutes. So I lay on my bed with Willis and Doodlebean to read 'Esiotrot' before bed. Was just so lovely, giggling and chatting about the story and having a cuddle. Life gets so busy sometimes that the little things that make a difference can be easily overlooked. Following a good talk to myself I decided, I am going to take Doodlebean and go running tomorrow. The weather forecast says that it should be clear from rain until about 10am... come on you old fart, you can do this- Huh. If there is one flake of snow on the ground in the morning, I'm going to have a melt down!

Such a ball ache to leave a message on this blog

I had set my alarm for 7:30am to take Willis to school, but my bed was way too comfortable and Dave was already up.

I woke up to my alarm going off at 7:30am and little Doodlebean hadn't woken at all during the night, so I of course had that panic moment where I gave her a gentle prod to check she was ok. As she had already been given a bottle before I got back from London last night, she had slept like a hybernating bear. Needless to say I was extremely uncomfortable and glad when she finally woke up, if you mommas know what I mean.

Dave did the school run which meant I could get ready with Doodlebean at my leisure, as I had planned to go over to my Mom's for her birthday. (I managed to post her card in time, so a good start to my challenge)  When I rang at 11:30, she said she was still in the hairdresser and would ring in a bit when she was done. She did ring back, didn't fancy a trip to Dunelm and she was heading home instead as her husband was off work today... Doh. This is the point at which I think, well there's not enough time to do anything else now before the school run. That meant plan B, time to take down the Christmas decorations which I forgot to do on Friday and Dave didn't get round to at the weekend.

I always think it's quite nice to take down the decorations as it means packing away some of the shit that's been making your house look a mess. I hate Christmas cards, unless they have a meaningful message in them, but had left them out to make Willis happy as they were from his school friends. It was satisfying to chuck them away in the recycling. We were actually quite organised as well- Dave put the first couple of boxes straight up in the loft, instead of leaving them in Willis's bedroom for a year like we did before. #365daychallengetobeorganised.

Dave cooked tea early and I planned to get the boys' hair cut after school... That idea turned into a shower of shit as well though for some unknown reason and we ate our tea in silence pondering where it had all gone wrong. I aim to get their hair cut tomorrow instead, please keep your fingers crossed for me. At least we had a little time to rest before getting the boys ready for karate. It's funny how you can ask your 6 year old to get changed, even bring their kit downstairs for them to make it quicker, but it turns into an epic pants parade instead. But, he's 6 and Doodlebean found him hilarious of course so no harm done, glad it wasn't the usual rush.


I have emailed Children with Cancer Uk tonight to enquire about my skydive, then I can begin to plan dates and sponsorships etc. The big question is... Do I book it in the summer and sweat like a pig, or do I book it sooner and have less time to mentally prepare my shitting my pantsness?

My friend told me the other day that it is a ball ache to leave a message on my blog, so I have set up a Facebook page where you can message instead. You can find me by searching 'Melfreeda Mom of Four', I would be really grateful if you could message me if you have ever done a skydive, so that I know which places are better.
Please support me by sponsoring me through my just giving page, the link is on the left. Xx

Life is too short, make the best of it

My friend Sam, told me something rather earth shattering the other day. This is another reminder that life is too short and we should be making the most of each prescious day with our families.

Her sister Becky's childhood sweetheart, Richard, who she has been with for 20 years has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is only 37.

Richard and Becky were already making wedding plans, but they need to change them extremely quickly as the wedding needs to take place within the next few weeks. Please, can you offer any help or donate towards the cost of Richard's last wish.



https://www.gofundme.com/a-wedding-for-becky-richard

Night out at the theatre darlings!

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall continue where I left off last night...

Now, where did I get to again? Ahh yes, the Uber driver nearly ran a pedestrian over on our way back to the hotel, as he was too busy following his map app and driving in the wrong lanes! At least we got back to the hotel and the Uber was free as we had been savvy with our sharing of the Uber app and made the most of the free ride for referring a friend- genius.

Although I was missing everyone at home, it was lovely to be getting dressed up for a 'grown up' night out. We asked at the hotel reception for the interconnecting door to be unlocked, to enable further drinkage while we got ready. Lurch appeared at the door (knew it wasn't Cakey or Alex as they would have done the 'secret knock'), he basically stood there like a dick twiddling three clearly random keys in the door lock, muttering about how they didn't fit the lock... So we had to call random things out to each other through the closed door instead.

I'm so glad we paid for decent seats. As soon as the show started I was so overwhelmed by it all I started blubbing, I can only describe the feeling as being a lot like watching your child performing in their first Christmas play (because that usually makes me cry too lol). It is so difficult to describe just how fantastic the music, props, costumes and the talent of the many performers creates such an atmosphere. The cast came down the aisles singing and it was breathtaking, like nothing I have ever seen before.
Just watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s_8EJV26E
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/331577591289990129/

The only trouble was... There was a couple sitting behind us, clearly on a date, talking and over laughing grrrr. So, as you do, I turned around several times with that look of SHUT THE F*#k UP. They clearly didn't get the hint and it was really grating on my nerves, so did the polite thing and spoke to a member of staff during the interval, while we ordered ice-creams. He assured us that he would have a word with them... Within minutes of the second half they started again grrr.
Before I even had chance to turn around, Jojo did her badass scary Mommy face and told them through gritted teeth, 'Will you be quiet, you're really annoying me'. Which I thought was very polite considering... We didn't hear another peep thankfully for the rest of the show.

I have to say, I am in absolute awe of everyone involved in the Lion King show. I can't express to you enough, how much I would recommend you to take your families to watch a West End Show. It is an experience and memory that will be tricky to beat.

Words just aren't enough

It's late, I've had a glass of wine or two and the wifi keeps dropping out! Make a cuppa and get comfy 😍

Today has been just absolutely epic from start to finish. It is one of those days that even the fly on the wall has enjoyed a most tremendous journey. This is one of those days that will stay with me for ever, that I would highly recommend for your upcoming 40th birthday!

Fust things fust... Who in their right mind books a train for 8:30am on a Saturday morning Hmmm? Oh that'll be me being a tight arse with the train ticket prices, sorry Cake and Jojo and Alex xxx it was pretty much worth it for first class super fast travel from Lichfield to Euston... Apart from, where was my damned bacon butty hmmm? Richard Branson, you need to change it, stuff the week day first class travellers, we need bacon butties when travelling for a child free day out! Shall be writing him a firm letter.
We began our train journey with some minature Pimms, Malibu and Archers (obviously 1 can each, what do you take us for?) Glad I had my porridge before leaving the house, else I would have felt proper drunk instead of just giddy. We basically spend the entire journey like a bunch of crazy teenagers, eating our free Pantone (with an extra for later) followed by yummy Thorntons birthday cake!

Arrived at Euston and had that tricky decision about what to do with our cases? Decided to get our first London cab to the hotel, after fannying about with the Uber app... Tight arse paid off though, would have been £6 per bag to store at Euston for 3 hrs in left luggage, £12 taxi and our room was ready = winner. We were on a mission though, managed to sort the Uber app and a dodgy Uber driver  who had clearly never driven in London before,  to get on the London Eye by 11:00 and the queues were pretty decent really.
The London eye two for one were no good unfortunately, so paid full price... Then left the £1 guide behind... Even forgot to pick it up when we got off. I was actually still a bit giddy from the Pimms, so no 'aargh London' nerves really. Was a great start to the day.
Stopped off for a breakfast, due to the lack of bacon on the train. A small glass of brunch 'Mimosa' Prosseco to gently numb the brain a little more... AllBar-One was very typical I suppose, waiter was a bit of a jobs worth. The food arrived and Cake's was wrong, so she took it back... 20 mins later, as we finished our breakfasts, her poached eggs arrived... But they were cold! Cakey took it back and refused a replacement (who wants a replacement with 'special sauce', never accept a third replacement) so I asked for the bill ready to go. The dozy jobsworth hadn't deducted Cakey's breakfast, so I got my cheesed off Momma head on and went to ask for the manager. Showed them my many 40th birthday badges,  protested at the stupid ass bill and my poor starving Cakey who we needed to feed... Needless to say, he wrote off our bill!
We walked 1600 steps, or 6 miles... Taking lots of half pissed selfies, literally laughing so much my pelvic floor nearly gave in. Found a loo and raided Cakey's and Jojo's pockets for 20p each to go pee! We tested Jojo's vast royalist knowledge (she isn't a royalist tho, honest) was like a school trip lol!  We saw most of the major landmarks and walked past 10 Downing Street.. Showed 'Dave the policeman' my many birthday badges and pleaded for him to let me sneak through the gates to take a cheeky selfie outside no 10, but alas it was a noooo! So went off past the horse guards, got distracted and ended up starving Cakey for several hours. Still never made it to Trafalgar Square.

Are you bored yet?  It's 2am, I need to write this before I forget it in my old age!

We went for a mooch in Harrods after wading through the sea of protesters, would have loved a nice bag but I'm too poor (even the micro elephant purse was £250). By the time we got to Costa, we all had that caffeine starved look about us. I normally have a steady tea flow at home, but tea at Costa is just not nice in my opinion. Booked another Uber back to the hotel ready for tonight, another driver lacking in the London 'knowledge' drove like a twat and nearly ran someone over on a crossing. I'm so glad I wore my stigger everyday walk to school boots though, because my feet haven't ached at all.

Go get a brew, I must tell you all about our evening...

did I tell you I'm 40 today?

Well as it's my birthday, that means just one thing... I've shaved my legs in the middle of winter.

This morning was so lovely, greeted by cuddles and smiling faces wishing me a happy birthday. Claude made my heart melt as she sang a line from a lovely song for me, which bought back fond memories of watching all the Barbie movies when she was little. Ever seen the 12 dancing princesses? She was absolutely obsessed with the film and sang the song to me on my birthday when she was about 6. I hope she still sings it for me when I am very old, and forgetful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaslwZK-uNg

Once everyone was at school, I had a lovely cuppa and catch up with Sammy Boo & bump, then it turned into a day like any other (apart from facebook birthday messages from people which was lovely, reminding me that it's my birthday). I tootled off to Tesco with my little Doodlebean to get my neutral tights which I forgot yesterday and while I was there I managed to spend £40 on crap (including my choccy cake!). Didn't end up getting a Costa though, resisted the urge as I can use it to pay for a Costa in LONDON TOMORROW yay!!

I have checked out 2 places today for my skydive, so if anyone has done one before it would be helpful to know about where you went etc. Thinking of the best time of year to do it too.

I have contemplated checking my suitcase ready for tomorrow, but know that if I check it again too early I will over pack all sorts of shit I won't need... I mean we are actually only there for 1 night, but it is already going to require 2 posh dresses and 2 pairs of posh shoes. It will look like I'm going away for a week if i'm not careful... So exciting.



My little doodle bean is fast asleep, so I may get myself an early night ready for a 6:30 am get up. I NEVER get up this early on a Saturday EVER. The boys are still watching a film, so hopefully they will lie in tomorrow so I can at least get ready in a peaceful sleepwalking trance.

Bring on the jovialities girlies.

Putting things into perspective

Yesterday was basically shit, so didn't bother updating my blog... I figured I ought to explain a few things as I got so caught up in the idea of writing my own blog, that I forgot to put it all into perspective. Please don't judge, bear with me while I explain.

Yesterday started off ok, then I had a major stress about what to pack for my weekend away beyond frumpy nursing bras and everyday jeans.  Rushed about last minute to get a dress and picked up a cheeky Costa on the way home as a treat for us all, made tea and was just about to relax and watch a film with my boys... then Dave came home manstruating! cue early bed time for everyone, spent the last part of the evening sitting on my bed to crochet by lamp light while little one went to sleep. Didn't get any of my 'to do' bits done. Isn't it amazing how 1 person can affect the balance, or how 1 person can take so much to heart so easily.

This morning I started going about my usual routine bits, caught up on ironing that I was intending to do last night and I have gradually not drawn breath for so long that I have reached the point tonight where I have actually lost any feeling of excitement about this weekend. Is this a normal pre-40th birthday feeling?  I have spent the afternoon contemplating why I am here and even doing this, and why other people might even be remotely interested in reading my seemingly 'average saddo 40 year old mom blog' with saddo simple challenges. If you know me, then you will understand my list and my motivation.

I am usually one of those happy kind of people, I always see the best in others and like to have a joke about and basically act like a complete goon with my family and those that I know well. My birthday jovialities and challenges were actually planned as I wanted a positive year with a number of things to look forward to and I really want to make a difference for others.

In retrospect, I suffered until early last year with postnatal depression following a traumatic birth with my little boy which I should have sought help for earlier. There is that stigma attached to getting help for depression though isn't there? Before we moved house,  I got to the point where I was ready to give up my career that I have worked so hard for and I would day dream while driving to work, about smashing my car into a wall. The only things that kept me from doing something so terrible was thought of leaving my children behind and some hypnotherapy.

I'm one of those unassuming little people with a big heart, that struggled through school and don't usually share my inner thoughts with others. I have spent the last year making more time with friends and family, spending time with my children and enjoying my maternity leave. In some ways I'm dreading going back to work, so I am hoping that my very real challenges will help me to remain positive and avoid the trap of other's negativity.

I promise tomorrow will be a better day, it has to be because it's my birthday and that means CAKE!

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/405464772682679876/

Much more productive day

I got up slightly earlier today, making the most of the last day of Christmas holidays before the school run. Received an email back about my dress, hoping it will arrive by Friday as it is being dispatched today or tomorrow. I really don’t fancy a last minute dash on Friday and I don’t fit any other dresses in my possession due to having an 8 month old baby post natal body Doh!

Today was all about motivating myself to do the jobs I have been putting off for the last week or so. I have been food shopping and finally took all of the Christmas wrapping to the tip (I’ve been driving round with it in my boot for over a week after getting fed up of tripping over it in the lounge!) I forgot the damned wood off my driveway though, so I will have that haunting me until my next tip run… which is also on my list.

My food shopping was slightly distracting, those ‘running and yoga bargains’ were very off-putting… and of course I now need to make sure I use everything, so I have booked a pilates taster session at Burntwood Rugby club. Even that was a nightmare as I had to book a date when I know Dave is off work, oh the joys of shifts!

https://www.facebook.com/1781741985443465/photos/a.1781744322109898.1073741828.1781741985443465/1850820121868984/?type=3

I also have to wait until after the weekend, while Dave is off work until I can start running… I know I should go during the day while it’s light and safe to run, but I’m going to look like such a dufus running. It’s a good job the jog and walk intervals are quite short on that app. What on earth are you supposed to do about drinking while you run? Put it in some sort of awkward bag that whacks you while you walk/ run or hold it in your hand and get hand ache? Saying that, the pelvic floor is still recovering, maybe I’d best not drink!

I have also set up my just giving page today, having decided that I shall raise money for the Children with Cancer UK charity as it is close to my heart. I have debated long and hard about which charity to raise money for, as there are so many to choose from that have a form place in my heart, but that also receive far more funding as they are more well known. See the link on the side for my just giving page, please be generous and leave some motivational messages.

Tickets are all booked on the Virgin train to London Euston for Saturday… OMG, the thought of busy train stations makes me have a panic flap attack… I’m sh*tting myself at the thought of it, totally unreasonable I know. 

Forward planning... footwear!

The first of my challenges is planned ready for this weekend, the day after my birthday. This is a challenge as I usually NEVER go anywhere without the famalam (apart from work obviously). Dave is being an absolute saint and having quality time with all 4 of them while I am gone. I have booked to go and see the Lion King at the Lyceum theatre on Saturday night with the girls.  Every time I watch the youtube video it makes me giddy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s_8EJV26E

I spent several days (well, nights lying in bed with the ipad) being a tight arse, trawling the internet for bargain tickets and booked them before Christmas. I decided ,that as I was unlikely to ever get round to watching another West End show we ought to get decent seat tickets. I can of course justify the tickets as I shall only be 40 once! 

I'm so lucky to have really awesome friends going with me too... Alex has hopefully booked the train tickets so that's another bargain purchase sorted... She also messaged to say that I have a surprise on Sunday (Giddy kid moment). What also made my day was that Carol Cake text to say that she has booked some tickets for us to go on the London Eye!! Busy weekend ahead.

With this in mind I was extremely lazy today and didn't get up until late, need to re-set the old body clock. Decided I ought to go into town to fetch my new shoes ready for Saturday and get some new trainers ready for running. Honestly, how many types of trainers are there for running? Dave was like, 'have you looked on the inernet to see which ones are best?' of course I did... I googled 'trainers for running' and that was it.

   neck breakers lol!
    mmmmm comfy!!

Chasewater running club replied to say they hopefully have a beginners course in the spring, but in the meantime I have downloaded the couch to 5K app to my phone and it looks pretty harmless for little old me ...and I was honestly going to go running tonight, but it was icy. I'm already going to feel like a bit of a goon going running, but if I slip on ice and land on my face... decided to leave it until the weather is slightly better.

I have started looking for placed to do my skydive too, please let me know if you can recommend anywhere.

I have so far crocheted 3 premi baby hats, so may do a couple more tonight… probably while I sit upstairs as Isabelle fights the urge to go to sleep again..