New Year - A New Hope

Well, last year didn't really happen did it...at least it did, but it didn't.

Looking back at my number of posts by year I notice that I managed a paltry two all year and so here I am with a new hope (and yes that is a star wars reference) that I can manage at least three this year.

Last year was tough for us all. I probably had it easy in comparison. I was able to work from home and life carried on a some sort of paraphrased normality all year. Except, that we did welcome child number three into the family in February and so an already confined flat felt even more confined, and with both older children home for most of the year too, and having to actually work from home (something I had never done before) and with a baby, caused a lot of stress.

Not in terms of being under pressure, but just the number of emotions flying around at warp speed (or should I say hyperspeed if I want to continue the star wars theme?)

Things improved as schools opened again in September, however school is two miles away and required walking (or in their case scooting) there and back twice a day. Working from home got easier, and we found ourselves in a routine and it was great to get that sort of exercise and fresh air.

Now the schools are closed again and we'll be back to homeschooling for a while from next week. But it's better to be safe. The current situation is getting quite scary and seems to be far worse than it was last year. It's shocking to think that there has been no preparation for any of this, given the amount of time available - but then test and trace has been a mess from the start so...

Throughout all this I have really struggled to get the words out. I am an introvert, but I am also the sort of person who struggles with words in stressful situations. Mostly speaking them, but also writing them. My brain goes into shutdown. I have tried on a few occasions, but rarely has anything come out which I would be happy enough to even post on here.

But this is a new year, a chance to reset and try again. Anyone who has read this blog in the past may also spot a reset in the colour scheme. There's always a chance to try again (as there is every morning as a parent especially when you've been constantly saying "no" and "stop", you can always try again the next day - kids I've discovered are surprisingly forgiving).

So, hopefully I can get a few more words out this year, and can share a little more of our little niche in the world...

Take care & stay safe