Day 1684 another freezing cold day šŸ„¶šŸ“ó §ó ¢ó ³ó £ó “ó æšŸ’™

I had the best sleep last night… such a relief after a few nights of disturbed sleep.

We still have the window open on our bedroom but it’s freezing outside. It makes the room super cold but the bed seem extra cosy….. I cannot tell you how badly I wanted to stay in bed, this morning.

No rest for the wicked as the old (and very negative!) saying goes…. I must find a better one than that!

It’s another cold one this morning. Craig’s car was much less frozen than mine yesterday. He had to run me to work as my car is in the garage. 🄲 it is very nice to be run to work though.

The sunrise was lovely again on such a clear morning.

The day went really quickly. No anxieties whatsoever.

The car’s not ready as they sent the wrong parts so we have the same again tomorrow. Chauffeur driven too and from work… it’s a costly process!

It was a lovely sunset on the way home too…. Minus the FedEx truck which is far too big to be driven on our back roads.

It spoiled my photos šŸ˜†

I took the wheelie bin back round when I got home and thought the sky looked lovely. It’s so peaceful and calm. Those puddles are all frozen.

I’m not massively hungry after having mushroom curry and garlic bread for lunch….. I also appear to stinking of garlic now.

So I decided not to have a main course for dinner and him or straight to lemon posset for dinner…. My last one 🫣😄

So so so so so so good!!

I’ve put the dishwasher and washing machine on and sat down already.

I hardly do anything in the evenings these days. I’m in my usual spot with my new fav jammies on… I will be wearing these forever šŸ˜†šŸ«¶šŸ¼

Kisses and cuddles with Freya.

These pages are all great follows on insta and FB.

I’ve been invited to ā€œa slippy slidey freezing coldy Wed morning….. 5.45 run šŸ˜†šŸ« ā€

Wish me luck.

I’m pre-terrified!

Stay safe everyone šŸ„¶šŸ“ó §ó ¢ó ³ó £ó “ó æšŸ’™

Day 1683 -5°C this morning!

Wow well it’s been a cold one today!

-5°C when I went out to the car this morning…. And Bertie Beetle’s doors were firmly shut and not opening any time soon!

The Beetle doesn’t have a frame around the windows, so when you unlock the car, the doors drop down to allow you to open the door.

Not so this morning.

Stuck solid shut.

Is that even English?!?

At 7.15am I had to crawl into the boot of my car…. Then fight to get into the back seat and fight to get into the front seat.

Finally in place, and quite proud of myself, I start the engine.

The engine stutters once then twice then a third time before finally faintly sparking into life.

Now I’ve had a warning light on the dash for a while which is a result of the glow plugs being on their last legs. I knew that it was only a matter of time before the car became hard to start and this morning was that time.

So then I’ve got to try and search for the scraper…. Which is almost so much easier when you are standing outside the car looking in…. Not so easy when you’re inside.

I find it in the passenger foot well…. Then humph myself back into the back seat and over into the boot and back out the car to start the thankless task of scraping the windscreens.

It is a Beetle… it’s not a huge big car easy to get in and out of from the boot.

I was actually laughing and so glad no one could see me.

It took me 15 minutes to clear the windows. -5 is a real hard frost.

I eventually had to go and get the kettle with lukewarm water to unfreeze the doors so I could get back in.

It’s a beautiful drive to work. The sky was very red and the fields were all pure white with frost. It looked like a fine layer of snow.

The yard at work was not as pretty!

That’s how thick the frost was on the wheelie bin lids!

Needles to say we’ve dropped the car off at the garage tonight. Craig has to run me to work tomorrow.

I’m tired tonight after a very busy weekend but I have my new favourite comfy jammies/loungewear on ready for chilling.

I am feeling the love after my birthday. I got so many lovely messages from people. I can’t thank you all enough.

I’ve had day 2 veggie lasagne for dinner, which was amazing!

Did I tell you my neighbour, who owns the pub, has cooked me a lovely meal to be eaten all of this week and, either the help do the freezer, probably into next!

I have Veggie jambalaya, mushroom curry and lemon posset. What a lovely gift to give.

So another year older and wiser.

I think this last year has allowed me to focus more on the present moment and appreciate the day to day. I’ve had times where it’s been very tough….. I’ve been very hard on myself but I think I’ve found my mojo again.

I’m way more positive about life than I have ever been and I reckon that’s something to be very grateful for.

And lemon posset….. I am very grateful for lemon posset.

Thanks again for all the lovely birthday wishes.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1682 it’s my birthday!

It’s a late one tonight but it was my birthday today and mum and dad came over.

I’ve not been as excited about my birthday this year.

I think I’m learning to live in the present moment a bit more and I appreciate every day without living for the better day to come… if that makes sense? I know it’s cheesy.

So I’ve had a lovely day. I just wanted to stay home today. .

I got some lovely pressies…. Craig, who usually goes overboard, did really well and stuck within his remit šŸ˜†šŸ˜˜ ie he didn’t spend thousands of pounds for a change!!

We took the dogs for a walk this morning… even Khaleesi. She did so well. It’s the first time she’s done a whole dog walk since her op. She’s tired tonight but she’s good.

We came back and had a shower and I dried my hair with my new hairdryer and it’s much straighter than it usually is.

Here I can cutting into my birthday lasagne… typed no one ever!!

Craig made a veggie lasagne for me and a mince lasagne for everyone else. It was so good!!

We did a wee photo shoot. (new T-shirt from Vinted and new trainers!)

Mum and dad left just before 5 and headed into the pub next door. (new scarf from mum!)

I came home to the loveliest jammies from Claire!!!

I’m straight into them and sat on the couch.

A lovely day.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1681 it’s 2pm can I got to bed now? šŸ˜†

Officially wiped out.

I didn’t sleep well last night either. I ended up down on the couch from half past midnight. I did sleep after that but woke with a thumping headache.

I usually sleep so well that I take it ill out when I don’t.

I tried Cognitive Shuffling….. I don’t remember if I spoke about this yesterday? I’m too tired to remember. šŸ˜†

Thinking of a word. I tried BED and REST last night…. Thinking of all the words beginning with B before moving on to E… etc.

Then…. Not gonna lie… I started at A and tried to work my way through the alphabet. It did send me to sleep but I feel it should have been way easier than that šŸ«£šŸ˜†

So back to the little gift shop this morning and we had another great morning but weren’t firing on all cylinders.

I’ve come home and got my jammies on and I’m sitting on the couch with my feet up. We’ve got mum and dad coming over tomorrow and still have to eradicate dog hair but it’s just going to have to wait.

I have some serious relaxing to do this afternoon!!

Haha I love it!

And this….. this is my life now and I love it.

It’s only 2.10pm so it’s very early for the blog but I can assure you there’s not much else gonna happen today! šŸ˜†šŸ˜†

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1680 a very busy day!!

This is gonna be a quickie…. I am EXHAUSTED!!

I hardly slept last night. I saw some really sad news on FB last night. This is not my story to tell and not my loss so it’s not to anyone say sorry for my loss.

We are all touched by the death of someone we used to know. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I burst into tears. I called and left a message to pass on my condolences. I just couldn’t shake the shock of it. I went up to bed at 8pm as I couldn’t settle and every time I turned over in bed, I remembered…. All night.

I’m writing this as I’m sure we have all felt the same at some point. More upset than you would ever expect. So very sad for the family left behind. Such sad news.

Needless to say I felt worn out before I even got up.

Rachel and I were running at 7am this morning so I got a wee 5k under my belt before the little gift shop today.

It’s been a crazy day.

The shop was really quiet during the day.

We got about 6 deliveries in and managed to unpack and price them and get them out on the shelves, just in time for tonight’s late night shopping event.

We’ve had an amazing night. it was just perfect. We had no time to top up Prosecco, Nozeco or lemonade and had to leave people to fend for themselves!!

It’s been so good but I am exhausted.

I haven’t felt this tired in a long time.

Some pics.

Think someone missed me.

Sitting down finally.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøšŸ«¶šŸ¼ā™„ļø

Day 1679 it’s has been a beautiful day! ā˜€ļøšŸ«¶šŸ¼ā˜€ļø

I slept like a log last night, thank goodness. It’s so nice after a few nights of crazy dreams.

The sky was lovely as soon as it started to get light. I have no photos as I was busy doing housework this morning… as you do before work…. keeping one eye out the window.

I arrived at work with only 5 minutes to spare but the bathroom is clean, I put some of the dog blankets in the wash and recovered the couches with fresh dog blankets.

I was on a roll.

We have a huge issue in our street just now with mud from the local whisky bond. They are building 14 new bond warehouses. The roads are shocking and yesterday was by far the worst.

Our street was like a river of mud when I got home last night.

So I did catch the sunrise this morning but with way more focus on the muddy road than anything else!!

This is right outside my front door.

We chose to live on a main road but you have no idea how many lorries will drive past when this kind of construction is going on. It’s just constant.

Last week I counted 10 tucks drive by in less than 10 minutes.

Our house is very old… it does not need that kind of structural vibration.

Anyway… this was about the lovely sky and not me moaning about muddy roads!!

The sky was beautiful all the way to work. I couldn’t stop for photos as, even with minutes to spare, I think I am late!

It’s been a beautiful day all day. Ellison and I ever got some time to sit outside at lunchtime…. In the middle of November?!?

It was so lovely to feel the sun on my skin.

So not much to report today. Another day in the office and my last for the Tartan working week.

There is sooooo much housework needing done yet I feel soooo lazy…. I’m so much more productive first thing in the morning.

Current view….

Someone is comfy….. šŸ˜†

I love when they are all tired and sleepy of an evening.

Calaidh is hiding because Bhruic was coughing a minute ago… she hates that. If she could get under the wardrobe she would šŸ˜†

So all still good. Have a busy weekend ahead. I’m just going to relax with my crochet for a while and have an early night!

It’s good to rest and the housework can wait!

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1678 a foggy day and a morning 5k

I didn’t sleep well last night. I only got up to the loo once but I was dreaming really heavily for the rest of the night.

When the alarm went off at 5.30am, it was actually a relief to get out of bed.

It was just Lynsey and I for the run this morning. It was much milder than we expected. It was so cold last night when I let the dogs out the back. The fog seemed to warm up over night. Who knew that was a thing?!

The run was really good this morning but my watch only recorded 3.66kms of the run that’s usually 5.4kms. That’s like the first world problem but I’ve tried everything to extend it šŸ˜†

The run did me the power of good. It’s alway good to get a great chat while you run!

It’s a lovely way to start the day but in all honesty, it still feels like someone else is running it rather than me. šŸ˜†

I’m so grateful for this current spell of calm. I’ve not felt any anxiety for a few weeks and it’s so lovely.

I’ve no idea how this happens… sometimes I’m worried about everything and other times the calm brings an overwhelming sense of peace.

A really deep peace.

And it’s lovely.

I am definitely trying to live in the higher self. I see lessons in everything and I try not to complain about things. I do find that hard sometimes but I do try.

I’m currently sitting watching Hampstead on Netflix with our Calaidh pupper.

Bless her.

I have crochet in 15 minutes so I’d best get moving. I’ve got all the ends to tie in to my lovely big blanket. It’s a thought but no-one else is going to do it for me šŸ˜†šŸ˜˜

Hope you have a lovely Wednesday evening!

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøšŸ«¶šŸ¼ā™„ļø

Day 1677 a crazy morning!

I have no idea what was going on this morning but there were a catalogue of things thrown at me before 7am!

I slept well, decided to load the washing machine just before I jumped in the shower.

Shook the bottle of washing liquid and literally covered myself in it. the life was not on….

Had to clean the kitchen worktops and floor before getting in the shower and washing my hair on a non washing hair day!!

Back safely in the bathroom, I dropped my phone into the bath… could have been worse, could have been the toilet.

THEN dropped my whole tub of toiletries all over the bathroom floor making an almighty clatter, which actually no one seems to have heard apart from me.

I was laughing as it was just all so ridiculous.

How easy would it be to get angry at all that?

The ego can chip in with how unfair it all is?

Why me?

It’s not unfair, it’s just three of those things that happen. šŸ˜†šŸ˜†šŸ˜† in a row. randomly, send to test you!

Driving to work was stunning again. Very misty and grey but the red sky was above the mist this time, creating a lovely striped effect. I didn’t stop for photos as it was a bit too foggy at ground level.

I tested my fog lights.

Then, just as I reached the brow of a misty hill, two sets of headlights came towards me and the guy cut in right in front of me… thankfully.

I went to get all angry at that as he was overtaking in a no overtaking zone.

What’s the point? That would only have set my day in the wrong tone.

I love when I can see my different reactions to things.

Rather than flying off the handle I’ve been able to laugh or shrug it off.

I said I wasn’t ready for the end of ā€œsummerā€ as we had none, but as we ease into this November, I’m loving the cosy evenings with candles and twinkly lights. I’m ready for bed the minute I get home at 4.30pm!)

How are we meant to stay awake in the dark evenings?!?

It’s been really cold but a lovely day today.

This next one makes it look grey but it wasn’t!

By 3pm ish the mist came right back gone and it got really cold. The gauge in the car said 8.5°C which isn’t as cold as it felt.

I’m pre-dreading tomorrow mornings’ run as it’s going to be my coldest yet I think!

So comfies on, alcohol free San Miguel in hand. Another quiet night in!

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1676 a surprise 5k before work on a Monday, I’ll be thinking it’s Wednesday all day!

Lynsey messaged our Running group chat last night to see if anyone fancied a quick run this morning. I said yes straight away.

I don’t particularly enjoy it but I feel so great once it is done.

It’s hard to get out of bed and I’m sure I was awake for hours this morning, waiting for the alarm.

We meet right outside my front door. I can’t not go… it is literally handed to me on a plate.

We finish at my front door…. I mean sometimes we run further to Claire’s front door, but that’s hardly a reason not to go is it?

The universe has handed me this lovely group of girls that run from MY house!! What are the chances of that?!?

When I was off sick with my depression and the doc changed my meds… I could hardly put one foot in front of the other to walk the dogs. Every step was an effort.

My weight loss has been very gradual. Over years.

The first is me in 2021, the second is June 2023 and the last one was Sunday (Nov 2024)

The weight piled on in my depression. The only thing that made me happy was Cadbury’s chocolate buttons. šŸ˜† I ate a lot of them.

I haven’t noticed the weight come off since last year but I can really see it there. Wow.

When things were bad I had no idea they could get better again. I was determined to work at it though and I don’t think it’s always an easy life to live. The harder I work at the things that make me feel better, the more peace I have.

I also have to live by all my rules… particularly the one about all the bad things being done early morning before I have time to think about them. I barely remember our run this morning, it was like someone else did it!

AND I got a 5k PB AGAIN, along with a 2 mile PB so I was really chuffed.

I found it hard today. It was colder, then roasting hot, then my legs felt like elastic bands with too much tension, then my breathing was all over the place.

But… I am so proud of myself for getting out of bed and doing it.

I needed to be ready mentally. I was ready to take the next step.

Never compare yourself to others. We have all lived completely different lives and are at different points in our lives.

I’d have looked at the running me and thought it wasn’t possible. I actually did. I was so envious of the girls who ran and seemed to be able to eat what they wanted and not put on weight. I truly believe you have to be there mentally to be able to do it. For it to be the next step.

My way, I’m rambling…

It was a lovely drive into work this morning on Remembrance Day 2024. The sky was so red… I had to stop to take photos.

Lest we forget.

It was also a lovely sunset tonight though I didn’t catch as much of it as wanted.

I went to the charity shop to drop off 4 big black bags and they couldn’t accept them as they are too full.

By the time I got home, it was still pretty.

As the sun sets on our day. may we remember all who have fought for us to give us the freedom that we have now. I can’t imagine what that was like. So many senseless deaths and it still happens in war today.

We will remember them.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1675 a poor sleep but a lovely day

What a rotten sleep I had last night but it was totally self inflicted!

The moral of this story is don’t take your phone when you get up to the loo at midnight…. Ok I used it for the torch but don’t look the phone and start clearing emails. šŸ«£šŸ˜†

I may have mentioned my blogger friend, The Windsor Waffle a few times. She’s been taking a break from blogging and there was one sitting in my email at midnight, so of course, I had to read it. She’s back….

It was called Bye, Bye Blog

🫣

😱

I had to keep reading.

She has decided that the time has come for the end of The Windsor Waffle.

😢

For all of the right reasons (not that there would be any ā€œwrong reasonsā€ for making a decision to stop doing something that you don’t want to do anymore!)…. But…. I felt a sadness like I would never have expected.

I’ve missed her blog these last few months and this one ended with ā€œThe End Xxā€

I was almost in tears as it kind of took my breath away.

Yes I know I’m prone to overreaction at times but I’m still sharing it as it is.

I literally lay all night thinking about it. Tossing and turning.

Wondering if a time will come when I no longer want to write The Rambling Sloth… what would that feel like?! How could that happen?!? My mind went haywire….

So I want the lovely Windsor Waffle to know that I will really miss her blog, as I have these last few months. I really value her support.

The other lesson here is to show that you may not always know the effect you have on other people. You can become a part of someone’s life through and you might never know it.

I love the kind of people that blogging seems to attract.

Needless to say I slept till 8.30am so did get some sleep!!

I headed straight back to Braehead Shopping Centre this morning as I had some clothes to take back.

I was also determined to get a top to go with my long purple skirt and gazelle trainers…. This is for Melanie’s Thanksgiving dinner in Rome as the end of the month.

This was a mission and a half!

Now that I’m home I think I’m going to go with a top I have already…. šŸ«£šŸ˜†

I know the look I wanted… the casual top with the dressy bottom but I hate the big baggy T-shirt look as I think it makes my top half look bigger than it already is.

I bought the sparkly top which I may take back and the second last T-shirt… I already own the jacket. I also bought the long sleeved top but it’s fleece, so may be too warm.

Whew, that was tiring writing about, reliving all that changing! šŸ«£šŸ˜†

Craig and I sat down and had lunch together at the dining table. 3 meals together this weekend…. CHECK… US. 🄰. We’ve not eaten together in so long.

I’ve tidied away washing, got 4 big bags for the charity shop, and started packing cases for Rome and Iceland.

I sat down and had a decaf coffee and a couple of biscuits to write this. I started in the sunshine and am now writing by the light of the stove.

Finality sharing Nanea’s Sweatpants & Coffee’s wish for the week ahead.

Like so many other positive Fb pages, she had to negotiate the election fear vs elation this week and had to deal with the fallout on one of her posts. I saw so many positive pages get the same thing…. I love her ā€œMay you refrain from lashing out onlineā€ā€¦.

None of us need that.

If you disagree with anything… just move on. Don’t feel you have to add your tuppence worth to something you disagree with. Just scroll until you find something you do agree with.

I’m so glad the feed is back to positivity though.

Have a great week.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1675 another lovely day!

I slept really well.

I woke at 6.50am.

I knew I was on my own for a run this morning and I talked to myself for a while…. I could soooo easily have stayed in bed and not moved. Equally I knew I’d be annoyed with myself if I didn’t go out.

So, up I get and out I go.

I wrestled with the route in my head for ages…. I just wanted to turn around and go home. I tried to run a bit faster than I usually do…. Until I met a dog in Spiers Old School grounds… and it walloped me a big kiss!

Despite stopping for a quick chat, I ran my fastest 5k.

I am so proud of myself.

I can’t believe I managed my fastest run on my own. The girls usually drag me around. I’m so chuffed.

It’s colder this morning than it’s been in the past few weeks but I still ran in just a T-shirt (not ā€œjust T-shirtā€ for those of you who went there!!)

Straight back out with the dogs for a quick run up the hill.

Jeez I took no photos at all this morning! It’s fine though, you’ve seen it all before.

Then back off to the little gift shop and had the best morning. so many lovely people and it was really busy.

If you had told me a few years back that I’d be alcohol free, fasting every day. pretty much veggie and running 2 x 5k plus runs a week, I’d have never have believed you!

My life has changed so much these last few years.

I’m so much more in control of everything I do now.

If I read that paragraph above, about anyone else, I’d think that sounded way too much like hard work. Not drinking, fasting blah blah… Yet for me it’s become such a way of life. It just is what it is now.

I love nothing more than a Saturday or Sunday morning with a hangover. I have so much more time on my hands.

I love fasting. It helps me control my food intake. I’ve found it so easy from the start.

I know what works for some, doesn’t work for everyone but I think I’ve finally found what works for me.

Love this from Tiny Buddha!

I’m having a lazy afternoon with the puppers…. Check Khaleesi’s nose against my leg and her wee legs… bless her.

She moved and got even more cute!

Craig will be home later and we’re doing date night MKII…. As we have so much food left.

It was nice to eat together, we don’t do that often enough.

Hope you all have a great rest of weekend.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1674 I saw my first Christmas tree šŸŽ„ and other stories!

I have just seen my first Christmas tree!! In someone’s bay window!! Wow. It’s 8th November. That must be a record.

The old me would have scoffed and said how crazy that was… the new me secretly loves that they have thrown caution to the wind and just done exactly what they wanted to do.

I have had the loveliest day today.

I have felt excited and full of gratitude and joy today. It’s a lovely feeling.

I was up and out with el doggos at 7am. it was just getting light so the pic is a bit blurry.

We had a lovely walk and I felt like I completely decompressed after a few days of sensory overload.

There’s not a breath in the air…. It was so calm. I usually walk a loop but I came back on the country roads as the main road seems busier today as there is some diversion on.

I’ve been in the little gift shop all day.

I have had such a lovely time and spoken to so many lovely people.

I cannot tell you what a special place that is. It’s such a positive experience. Everyone is so lovely and all have nice things to say. There’s no stress, no moaning., no complaining. I love it.

I took some photos before it opened.

It’s full of lovely things.

It was a very busy day which is great too as I feel I’ve been a help.

I’d said to Craig earlier in the week about having a sit down dinner together tonight as we haven’t seen each other in ages. We seem to do everything separately these days.

So date night it is…. The Nozeco is open, I’ve red roses and a lovely spread on the table. My Craigie doesn’t do anything by halves.

Off to enjoy ourevening.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1673 a busy work day then meeting Lea after work

I’m shattered this morning. I was only an hour later in bed but jeez…. I feel hungover and that’s really unfair!!

I had a lovely evening with Gayle. We haven’t caught up in a while. We drove out to Largs.

As ridiculous as this will sound, rhetoric road to Largs was terrifyingly dark. My night vision is rubbish these days. I never thought I’d be that person. I was a bit anxious but breathed a sigh of relief once we were there.

Too dark for many photos.

I did say at the time, jeez how many photos do I actually have of this Largs to Cumbrae ferry šŸ˜†

We went to Wetherspoons in Largs for £1.56 hot chocolate refills!!

We ended up having some chips and garlic bread too and it’s so cheap. It did the job…

We had a great catch up and both commented on how much we enjoyed it despite never wanting to go anywhere at night šŸ˜†

I’m out again tonight to meet Lea. I’ll need to caffeine up šŸ˜†

I’ve been fine all day to be fair, really busy at work which has kept me going.

So I’m meeting Lea in Silverburn Shopping Centre tonight, as we do!

It’s dark already and it’s not even 4.45!!

Having a lovely catch up!!

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1672 another 5.4k before work this morning

I’m back, it’s really me…. šŸ˜†

I had a fantastic sleep last night but I still found it hard to get up for a run!

It was smirry rain all the way this morning and I had to take my glasses off so that I could see.

As is always the case, on a faster run, I wish I’d been able to keep going all the way but I had to walk to get my breath a couple of times. It was a really good time despite that.

I’m pleased to say I was way more focussed at work today than yesterday. I forgot I didn’t write yesterday, I had such a foggy head. I felt quite dizzy and couldn’t think straight.

I’m not sure if I was really dizzy or not, I’ve live with it for that long. I definitely felt a little spacey while I did a stock check at work.

I’m sure the run this morning helped a lot.

There’s always great chat and motivation.

I’m not meeting the Crochet Hookers tonight as I’m off out to meet Gayke. We’ve not caught up in ages….. that’s why this is a quickie.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1671: Breaking the Silence – A Man’s Perspective on Mental Health

Hi all, Craig here, Julie’s hubby. I never post on her blog (maybe just once before), but following on from yesterday’s offering, I wanted to chime in, I hope you all don’t mind.

Men’s Mental Health Month makes me think about how a lot of men, like me, grew up thinking we had to ā€œbe strongā€ and ā€œkeep goingā€ no matter what.

And today, even though society’s view on mental health has evolved, old habits die hard.

The idea of opening up, especially about feelings, can feel so alien to us. Often like it’s something men just aren’t supposed to do.

In truth, it’s challenging. We can be our own worst critics, we convince ourselves that struggling with emotions is a sign of weakness.

Admitting that life feels heavy sometimes doesn’t come naturally to me, and often, I think it’s easier to bottle things up.

There’s a fear of being judged, thought of differently, of seeming vulnerable in a world where we’re encouraged to put on a brave face.

Watching Julie battle through her mental health for years and being so proud and in awe of her strength, openness and honesty has been inspiring.

Through her, I’ve learned so much about how we think as humans and how we deal with this often very serious issue.

She encourages everyone, men included to share their feelings, to recognise that talking isn’t a sign of weakness but like it was for her, a start in the healing process.

Her experience’s have helped me see that breaking the silence shouldn’t make me ā€œless of a manā€; it just makes me human.

Men’s mental health isn’t something I hear spoken about often, it’s usually swept under the rug or ignored but each time this happens we add to the weight.

I’ve learned from Julie that sharing my experiences and struggles doesn’t take anything away from me, it actually helps to talk, no matter how trivial it may seem.

It’s helped me to understand myself, to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, and it gives others, especially the people closest to me, a chance to help.

So for any other men reading this who might relate to these feelings, know that you’re not alone. None of us are.

If you’re anything like me, it’s not always easy to express what’s on your mind, but there are people you know, like Julie, who are ready to listen without judgment.

And maybe, if we open up just a little, we can start to truly understand what ā€œstrengthā€ really means.

I’m here to listen, too.

It’s back to me now….. Julie that is… didn’t he do well, especially when he says he has learned from me. šŸ˜† That’s always really nice to hear and it means a lot.

I’ll be at a loss this evening with nothing to write now šŸ˜†

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1670 Men’s Mental Health Month

November is Men’s Mental Health month.

I think about this a lot. I know I have a few male readers (check me sounding like some accomplished author but you know what I mean!)

I often wonder what men think when they read all of my ramblings. Are there days where I just tell far too much and they think ā€œjeezo, shut up womanā€ or do they actually learn something about a woman’s mind? Then head for the hills šŸ˜†

Look at these stats published… they are huge.

In the last year I have watched a good few period dramas and realised how much our lives have changed in such a short number of years.

Our grandparents parents grew up in a time where women sat around sewing and playing the piano. Men were in charge of everything and could show no sign of weakness. I can’t believe I had no idea just how different their lives were. It had never been on my radar before.

Fast forward and women now do everything that men do and still get upset that the are not recognised in the same way as men.

I used to earn Ā£15k less than my counterpart at work (he let that slip one day assuming I was on the same)…. And I worked WAY harder than he did… trying to prove myself in a man’s world.

Society still expects men to be the strong ones. I am generalising here but in my experience they are not encouraged to show any signs of weakness and that really needs to change.

It’s ok for everyone not to be ok. Not just women.

It’s socially acceptable for women to talk about their mental health. It’s socially acceptable for women not to be ok and society needs to change to allow men to be more open.

I know I can’t change the world but I’ve always said if one person gets something out of this blog then it will be worth it.

Men need to talk. I know that when you feel really low, you feel so much better when you finally tell someone about it.

It’s good to talk….

I’m not sure this hit what I really wanted to say tonight…. I feel really strongly about this but I’m struggling to put in into words.

Don’t bottle things up….. spill them out.

I, for one, will always listen.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1669 a wee shopping trip and long dog walk

I woke at 4.30am but must have gone back to sleep as didn’t wake until 8.30am! That doesn’t happen often. I had a great sleep though.

I decided to head up to Braehead Shopping Centre first thing.

I’m looking for wide leg jeans for a change. I feel I have nothing different to wear and keep picking the same grey tartan joggies every time I go out… I needed a change.

I started off in Marks & Spencer.

This is ā€œmodel’s own clothesā€ šŸ˜† to start off with. I love these M&S combats I bought a few months back… I’d like them in other colours but they slate grey is sold out and there’s only a beige which isn’t really me. I got the little khaki jacket at the market in Verona. I’m really pleased with it.

I loved these jeans…. So different for me. I’ve worn skinny jeans most of my adult life. That’s a whole lotta years.

They just felt really comfy so I did buy them.

I liked these but there was a lot of material around the stomach. They are comfy joggy material.

These were too narrow and too short. they are denim look joggers.

The jumper was nice but too pricey…. This was a size 10… they are obviously very big make. I did t realise that M&S are now selling White Stuff so this was Ā£65.

This was pretty and matched my phone but not really my thing anymore.

So then on to Primark….

I really randomly bought this skirt. I am not a skirt person anymore. This was sitting at the entrance to the store, on its own. It’s a size 16 so a size bigger than I would go for, but I thought I’d chance it as the colour is identical to the stripe in my trainers. I couldn’t find it anywhere else in the shop.

It is soooooo not me, but I loved it. I think I’ll wear this to Thanksgiving dinner in Rome with a black top.

Then I tried the comfiest trousers in the world….

These are like a soft fleece material. I love them!! I got them too.

I do not suit the new barrel shaped jeans.

So I didn’t get either of these.

I had a lovely wee trip. Also got a cropped dark grey cardy in the New Look sale… half price.

A very successful wee morning out.

I came home and walked the dogs… it’s been smirry rain all weekend. I have to take my glasses off as we walk or I wouldn’t see a thing.

The dogs are filthy after just a long lead walk… the roads are really dirty with all the rain. They look in every field on the way past, as if to say, can we go in there for a run?!? Not likely in that mud!!

It got me out for some exercise and it had the desired effect on the dogs.

So I’ve had a really lovely weekend. I’ve done nothing but I’ve allowed myself to rest and managed a wee shopping trip.

This from Sweatpants and Coffee… a great wee follow.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1668 and active morning and lovely lazy afternoon

I woke at 5.30am but fell back to sleep and woke with the alarm at 6.45am.

I’d decided to run with the girls because I didn’t feel dizzy at all. I didn’t really want to get out of bed but I knew I’d feel good if I did.

I really enjoyed the run this morning. When there’s a group of us, we chat and I’m not as focused on my breathing… unlike yesterday.

We came to a point where Rachel decided she wanted to run further and I thought I’d go with her. I did it but I got tired though!!

We got back into the village and 4 of them decided to continue but I knew I had to call it a day. šŸ˜† I did 7.7k !!

I’m pretty pleased with that especially after the 6k yesterday.

Lynsey, far left (I do mean far right as I reread this…… I’m so bad with my left and right!) I hope you’re all having a great weekend. had already run 7.18 MILES BEFORE she met us. We met at 7am… can you believe that?!? She’s a running machine. šŸ˜†

So then this slightly slower running machine when out for a run with the dogs. Now it was slow…. If you’re squeamish skip this sentence but there were 5 poos this morning on our walk and that takes time…. šŸ˜†

All in all I did over 10k!

I also logged my 100th activity in Strava… the running app.

I love Caladb’s eyes on this next pic… I see you mumma, she says. You can also tell that Freya is moulting like crazy… it’s all over her lead. šŸ˜†

So all of this was done before 9am.

The rest of the day is mine. I have no plans today at all.

Craig and I sat and had coffee and looked for some stuff on Vinted for a while. I really enjoyed our wee ā€œshoppingā€ trip. I also had a real coffee… check me….

I dropped Craig at the train station as he’s off to meet friends in Glasgow

I have had a lovely afternoon with the puppers. I’ve finished Nobody Wants This and I’m now watching The Burning Girls…. (Mum likes my tv recommendations but you might want to watch this in the daylight mum!!) I’ve two episodes to go and it’s getting dark šŸ«£šŸ˜†

I hope you’re all having a lovely weekend!

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1667 how can it be November already?! šŸ«£

The 1st November eh?! How on earth did we get here?!? I’m still waiting for summer. šŸ˜†

We woke really early this morning. I had my Vertigo ā€œmanoeuvreā€ at 10.15am. I don’t know why I put that in inverted commas… šŸ˜†

I figured I wouldn’t feel up to running with the girls tomorrow so, at the last minute, I decided to head out for a run by myself, this morning.

By myself…. For the first time…. And I ran about 6K!!

Of course I forgot to start my watch until I was at the end of the road…. I did it!!’nn

I also completed a Strava challenge I joined yesterday, to run 5K in November. I love that I’ve done it within a few hours of the first day of the month. šŸ˜†

I took lots of action shots but most of them are rubbish šŸ˜†

Straight into the shower when I got home so I was ready for the docs really early.

Just as well… Elaine my hairdresser text at 9.15 to say she was expecting me at 9am šŸ«£šŸ˜† I thought that was tomorrow!

I literally flew across the road and almost hurdled her gate… yes my hairdresser lives right across the road, thankfully! village life eh?!

She had 45 minutes to wash, cut and blow dry my hair! No pressure. Such a shame we had to rush it…. I only get my hair cut once a year and it was over before I even had time to think about it.

Straight in the car and straight to the docs. Craig had to drive as I can’t drive home after it… or for 48 hours afterwards.

So….. I was nervous and I told the doc I was nervous. It’s not been bad since the last time I saw him and he wheeched my head about to prove I had Vertigo.

He said it was totally my choice whether to have it or not. I remembered how bad it had been in Dubrovnik and decided to go for it.

I felt nothing through the whole procedure. Not a flutter. Nothing. No dizziness at all.

He thinks there’s a chance that he fixed it all in the test he did the other week. I was really dizzy after that.

So all good. Except I shouldn’t drive all weekend. Just in case.

I can do that.

So I’m home by 11am and have the rest of the day ahead of me.

I’ve tidied, put away washing and hoovered the house. I have some rooms still needing done but I just sat down about 2pm.

I watched the last episode of the wonderful Nobody Wants This. There’s a second season coming… what a lovely show. I highly recommend it.

I watched a movie while Craig took Khaleesi back to the vet for another Librella injection for her sore leg. She’s been limping a bit today so it’s good that she was getting the jag. It seems to really help her.

Oh I did ask the doctor a lot this morning about my anxiety. He seems really approachable so I asked if he had any medical recommendations for when the anxiety is really bad.

He did say I could up the HRT or try a different med called Propanol.

The more I spoke to him, the more I realised that the things I do are fairly worthy of a bit of anxiety. Maybe that’s ok… maybe that’s just how it has to be just now.

Most of the things that we really want are on the other side of fear.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø

Day 1666 Halloween šŸŽƒ and a lovely funeral service

I know loads of people who love Halloween but it has never been my thing.

I am not a fancy-dresser upper. I am way too self conscious to enjoy fancy dress. I wonder what that says about me?!

I guess I could do with letting go a bit more. šŸŽƒšŸ‘»

I was only in work for 2.5 hours this morning, as we had a funeral today.

I find writing about a funeral difficult. It is not my story to tell and not up to me to report on someone’ else’s parent’s funeral. (I have no idea where the apostrophes should land in that sentence!)

I do want to say that it was a lovely service. I loved to hear the eulogy of her life. The empath in me is desperate to soak up everyone’s emotion and ball my eyes out.

I keep trying to take deep breaths when the tears threatened.

The minister did a lovely job of allowing tears and laughter. She was a remarkable woman and I am so inspired by her love of travel. It sounded like she had travelled everywhere and I would have liked to have talked to her about that.

I don’t write this for anyone to say they are sorry for my loss as that is unfair to so many who were closer to her. A lovely lady lived a lovely life surrounded by a very loving family. That shone through today.

It was so nice to catch up with so many people that we don’t see often, even in those sad circumstances.

I’m not sure if I’ve written that properly but I know what I’m trying to say.

This is the message that I got from today and FB throws it right into my feed.

Stay safe everyone ā™„ļøā™„ļøā™„ļø