The first full week with all three children at school full time since March. It’s been very strange not having them at home, however, the time has flown by. With the children at school, I feel bad for What The Dad Said as he heads off for his late shifts at work. Only managing a short amount of time with the kiddies before they head to school. He’s then at work when they return and doesn’t see them again until the following morning.
With the children returning to school this week and the majority of our lives returning to ‘normal’. I had thought that this might be the end of my life in lockdown updates. The news of restrictions coming back into place as well as the increase in infection rates has made me feel as though we are stepping backwards.
Up until lunchtime today I thought that I had another two days to finish off the back to school preparations. However, a discussion with a friend (and TA at the children’s school) revealed that Tigger is due to start back tomorrow! Thankfully I ‘d already planned to pop out this afternoon for school shoes, otherwise he would be wearing trainers tomorrow.
This month I seem to have found a reading pattern that works well for me. Opting to start a new book as Piglet heads to bed, especially when What The Dad Said is working a late shift. This usually gives me a good three or four hours block of reading. The time I would usually be finishing off work, watching TV or mindlessly scrolling through social media.
As the month of August approaches it can feel like a long daunting month. Especially when you factor in the children having finished school, juggling work commitments and the increase in things to be paid for (food, travel, days out etc.). However, once the calendar turns over to reveal August it feels as though the days pass by in a blur and before I know it, it is the end of the month and back to school is looming.
Whenever I sit down to write my monthly goals post I do wonder to myself whether setting these goals is a pointless exercise. As the months’ tick by I’m more and more aware that I’m not really achieving anything. Well, obviously, I am achieving some things juts not necessarily the goals I set out in advance. I suppose in some ways I should look at this as a positive, opting to see how the month goes and take each day, mood and opportunity as it comes.
Life in lockdown continues, although I think I can start to see the end of the tunnel. With a little under two weeks until the children potentially return to school. Something that they need as much as I do. I have to confess to really needing the few hours of time alone I get each week whilst completing the chores of popping to the post office, checking on the house etc. I feel selfish and guilty for enjoying that time but it is most welcomed at the same time.
Despite already having had the children home during the lockdown since March. This month has been about switching off and reconnecting. With emails and notifications pushed to one side in favour of family adventures, reading and spending time together. In some ways, I’m fortunate in that the lockdown has put most of my work on hold – although it’s not great news in terms of finances.
I feel this week has been surrounded by a constant source of noise. I’m sure that the children have found their volume knobs and turned them up to full volume – especially Piglet. A stream of questions, moans and groans alongside banging and clattering. But that’s family life for you and I don’t think I’d have it any other way – although I have to confess to enjoying my few hours on my own in the car as I completed my weekly chores.
Can someone please send a thunderstorm or two over to Norwich? I’m sweltering in the heat, as a northerner, I really don’t fair well when it is hot. As lovely as it is to see the sunshine, I could really do with a dose of rain right about now.
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