Still here
Winter has come up here on the hill. Winter and Christmas preparations, a business trip to England, school Christmas events, lots of doctors’ appointments, the death of my lovely old cat Bumblebee….all of which have squeezed my time even more than it’s normally squeezed. There has been a little sock knitting, a lot of frantic multi-tasking, a couple of freezing runs in the snow, but unfortunately no sewing at all. Blogging has been a million miles away.
Somehow I seem to have lost balance. I imagine this is the lot of the working mum in Advent. Unavoidable only for those who are incredibly well-organized or to those who have scaled Christmas down to the bare bones (believe me, I’m heading there!).
Next year I’m going to do it better. I’m going to avoid the last minute panic and I’m going to keep things going so I can still keep a happy balance of the things that keep me sane and happy – quilting, yoga, long baths, good books, runs in the woods and seeing my friends.
This afternoon I should have been in the city making all those final touches and then going to a carol service, but a cracking headache has kept me at home.
I guess my body is calling the tune and it’s probably time to listen…..
Happy advent!
Helen
December 14th, 2013 at 6:22 pm
We’re not very Christmassy this year, even more low key than usual. There’s no point running oneself ragged for the sake of one day. So long as there are some pressies, a nice Christmas dinner, a cake and a big box of choccies, then everyone’s happy here! We’ve got some decorations up but the house isn’t going to get properly tidied before the big day and I won’t get all the crafty things done that I planned, but well, does it really matter? A happy, stress-free few days will do us all a lot more good I think!
Happy Advent to you too x
December 14th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
Hello Helen, so nice to see your post. Christmas is low key here – family is too far away and travel at this time of the year is a bit iffy to say the least.
Keep listening to your body and let the rest of the family pitch in to help create a hassle free holiday.
Sorry to hear about bumblebee, I am sure you miss her presence.
December 14th, 2013 at 8:04 pm
I’m so sorry about your cat, we lost our last very old cat this fall and despite knowing that these old cats have had more than their time, it is sad to lose an old friend. I hope you will find that balance, and take time to take care of yourself with all the others. I am going to work very hard on doing that too.
December 14th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Oh I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Bumblebee. It is so hard letting go of such dear old friends. My wee Princes Daisy has just turned 14 & is showing more & more signs of dementia however she is in perfect physical shape albeit a little arthritic.
I hear you on the Christmas front. Moving to the other side of the planet & being stoney broke are making me scale down. Have sent only one gift & 6 cards to Oz. We are planning on having some friends over on Christmas Eve & a very quiet Christmas day.
Hoping it will snow 🙂
December 15th, 2013 at 1:04 am
Aww, sorry to hear about your cat. Hope you’re feeling better soon and can find your balance, I’ve also rather lost mine of late.
December 15th, 2013 at 5:18 am
Sounds like you are “snowed under” on more than one front! I hope that you’ll be able to relax a bit over the coming Christmas holidays. Sorry to hear about your cat; we’ve been there too and it’s really sad, isn’t it?
December 15th, 2013 at 10:19 am
We’re both sorry not hear about bumblebee. It’s sad to lose an old friend. You sound like you’re on mealt down. I’d have a nice hot bath and an early night!
December 15th, 2013 at 5:25 pm
Sorry to hear about Bumblebee (what a great name!). I hope you find your balance. Even though I’m not a working Mum – or any kind of Mum – I’ve completely lost my balance this year. It only takes a few things to get out of whack for everything to go down domino like. Happy Advent to you too.
December 16th, 2013 at 10:29 am
I’m so sorry to hear about Bumblebee, Helen! It’s so sad to lose a pet, after all they do become family members, don’t they?
As for Christmas, I have long ago decided that it isn’t about how many cards you write and how many presents you’ve wrapped, it’s about family and love. It’s about getting together and having a good laugh. I’ve stopped apologising for everything I haven’t done. Selfish? Maybe, but at least I can enjoy Christmas without being tired and stressed.
I hope we can meet up one day after Christmas. Let me know when suits for you. All the best to you and your family for Christmas! x
December 16th, 2013 at 11:20 pm
Thinking of you so fondly, dear Helen. Wish we could get together for a long cup of tea… xoxo
December 20th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
Hope you are feeling better Helen – it sounds like things are pretty busy with you. I too am struggling to find a balance and I have half what you have to contend with. I have found some time to sew though and it feels really good. Look after yourself.
December 23rd, 2013 at 11:17 am
Suffering from a loss of balance here too. I hope Christmas sees you back on an even keel and that you have a peaceful and relaxing time to recharge.