Looking from the outside in....

It's been a strange festive period for me with the start being a horrible work day like no other on Christmas Eve when I was supposed to be having my first day of the holidays. It took me quite a few days to get over the shock of events and settle into resting, festive fun, relaxing and calming down. In between days such as the anniversary of Auntie's passing and having to go into work have made it even harder, not allowing me to switch off. I folded this week and found Auntie's absence this year so difficult. I did manage to spend some time with Amy and the girls, a lovely Christmas lunch, plenty of swag, some time with Libby and company, a wedding anniversary meal out which was lovely and tonking the girls at Monopoly. It wasn't the Christmas I had hoped for and I struggled but it was lovely to have some family time and this is the only thing that's important. Poor Amy now poorly in bed with a sickness bug, so it's just me and the girls this New Years Eve and ready for Anna's meatballs and pasta! 😋  I pray and hope that 2022 brings a different kind of year for my girls, one of freedom, joy, new experiences, new friendships, happiness, love and opportunity. They really do deserve it and it's my only wish for them both. My kind, feisty, belligerent, argumentative and lovely young ladies xx 

Starting to feel a tad festive!

The big push towards a family Christmas break is on as the Hammond's could only be described as a bit 2021 battle weary. Me, I've got a huge amount to get through to get to that point, wrap up work so that I can breath and spend time with Amy and the girls. I'm acutely worried with new Covid variant and winter pressures looming darkly on the horizon that I will not get this time with them over Christmas or time to relax either, which is greatly needed. The pandemic has taken complete control away from me in an attempt to find a work life balance. Some days the only thing that keeps me going is my coffee! The attached picture is definitely my virtual Christmas card this year! A lovely afternoon spent yesterday getting the house festive with Anna, under the watchful and authoritative eye of Mrs Hammond. Her constructive guidance and mentorship meant we got through it calmly and without incident😆 It does look sparkly and some of her ideas do look good. She creates and we implement! Big push ladies. Two more weeks of school and three more weeks of work for me. We can do this and find a bit of festive sparkle at the end of it!