Tag: grateful

Shrunk

My spare bed has shrunk. Intentionally of course. I had a king-sized bed in there but it really was too big. So when I was offered a smaller version I jumped at the chance.

It was the Great Bed Swap Around today. My old big bed is now living across the close. My new little bed was put together. I’m still no nearer sorting out a replacement mattress for me though. But that seems to be a bit of a trend right now. It’ll get sorted I’m sure.

Grateful for the smaller bed. The room looks huge now! Forgive the amount of cushions, they’re still on restriction from Bert. He’s rather partial to running around with one in his mouth. Hence the fact they’re out of bounds. Not that there is anything wrong with a cushion or two. I have several to go in my new lorry.

Smaller bed means new bedding. I love new bedding. I need some for the new lorry too. So if you insist…

Pensioner

As I crash towards 55, I’m starting to get some interesting post. This arrived today from one of my pension providers.

I’m very grateful that my boss at the time helped me start my pension at the tender age of 21. At the time, I was more interested in next week rather than 40 odd years in the future. It felt like I was saving for a future I couldn’t imagine. Back then, my pension age was 60. Now it’s 67 before I’d get a State Pension (if it’ll even exist by the time I get there…).

Now I’m nearly at the stage where I can access my personal pension, it feels very grown up and rather surreal. Interestingly, it said in this leaflet says that from 2028, people’ll have to wait till their 57 before they can access their pension. I must have missed that change! Not sure why?

I’ve worked very hard in the last 34 years. I’ve put as much money as I can into my pension pot. I know I’m in a very fortunate position. But life is fleeting. So I’m going to enjoy my retirement. Whenever it actually starts….

Fridge magnets

My Mum like to collect things. She had lots of teaspoons at one point. She used to collect hotel soaps and had lots from all over the world. My parents extensively travelled so she had plenty of opportunity to pick them up. There’s still a jar I the cloakroom.

She also was very partial to a fridge magnet. Again, she picked them up all over the world. Their old freezer was covered in the them. When my Dad got replaced it, I bagged up the magnets for safe keeping but they didn’t get put back up.

Today my Dad and I were going through her stuff from the Nursing Home and found this. So I put it on the fridge for her.

It’s very apt too. I have had so many messages from friends checking in on me. It means so much. I’m doing OK. After yesterday’s tears, today I felt calmer. We had a really good meeting with the funeral directors. I’m better when I have a plan or milestones to work towards. I’m navigating this as best I can right now.

Blooming border

My front border has exploded into bloom. Seemingly overnight. Or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention.

Once more, there’s been a bit going on in my world. I wonder if I need to just accept that my life is chaotic and stop expecting it to be otherwise. But then I’d probably be bored if it was all plain sailing (says the woman who gets seasick on a millpond).

So this afternoon, I took time to actually look around me. And I mean REALLY look. There is so much beauty. So much to be grateful for. So much to appreciate.

These flowers don’t care about the state of things. They just bloom. A lesson to us all.

Blooming border

My front border has exploded into bloom. Seemingly overnight. Or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention.

Once more, there’s been a bit going on in my world. I wonder if I need to just accept that my life is chaotic and stop expecting it to be otherwise. But then I’d probably be bored if it was all plain sailing (says the woman who gets seasick on a millpond).

So this afternoon, I took time to actually look around me. And I mean REALLY look. There is so much beauty. So much to be grateful for. So much to appreciate.

These flowers don’t care about the state of things. They just bloom. A lesson to us all.

Mums

Today isn’t one of my favourites. Mother’s Day is a bit of a weird one for me. For many reasons. But we all have our stuff, right?! Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful that my Mum is still here. I know so many people who’ve lost theirs. It’s just tough.

Mum is now in a nursing home. It’s sad, but totally the right thing for her. It’s a massive change for my parents. They’ve been together since 1966. That’s a long old time.

I haven’t had a chance to go and see her yet. I will. Hopefully she’ll be in good spirits.

It’s been a weird week. I feel like I’ve fallen into an episode of EastEnders (or should that be PipEnders) with the twists and turns. Nothing I can’t handle of course.

As we were out for a hack, I saw my first lamb of 2024. It was all legs! Another Mum to be celebrated.

So tonight I raise a glass to all the amazing Mum’s – past, present or future. You’re amazing.

Grateful

Today’s been a bit of an odd day. I’ve been really productive, but haven’t necessarily achieved anything.

I took time to sit in the conservatory listening to the birds sing and drinking my coffee. There’s so much to be grateful for in my life. It’s really easy to focus on all the things that aren’t where they could be or need to be sorted. There are a million and one of those!

There are also a million and one things to be enjoyed, appreciated and loved. They say it’s the simple things in life. Well today that was very true. Strong coffee, a bit of sunshine and a choir of songbirds.

Family time

This picture makes me happy. My Dad is home and resting. My Mum is really happy to have him back. Fingers crossed his recovery continues.

Getting older sucks. The last 3 years have been incredibly tough for me and my family. Both of my parents have had life-threatening episodes. I swear they’re tag-teaming! It’s been one thing after another with them. It was only 3 months ago we were in the same situation with my Dad.

But I’m grateful I still have two parents. Hopefully there won’t be any more emergency hospital trips for a while.

It’s made me think about my future. Everyone has an expiration date, we just don’t know what it is. One thing is for sure, I’m planning on enjoying every minute I have left.