Family,Family life

Life lately

Roses in my garden

Hydrangeas

Dear readers, I feel I owe you an apology. My blogging game is poor and I feel I am neglecting you!

Actually, I think it’s more like I am neglecting me, as life is just so busy at the moment there just hasn’t been the time to sit and take the odd hour to myself to write my blog, or do much else for that matter.

Life is feeling intense at the moment and there are lots and lots of plates spinning. As you will probably know, I’m in the middle of trying to move house and so I’ve commenced the grand de-clutter. I’ve swapped the time I found to go running to spend it sorting through our things room by room (or cupboard by cupboard), getting rid of the things we no longer need and organising the things we do. It is a mammoth task, and I’m realising just how much stuff I’ve hung on to.

I think the past few years have been some sort of black hole where I haven’t had the strength or perspective to be super organised. That sounds ridiculous written down, but I’m sure you can imagine my priorities have just not been on making sure everyone’s things are organised and our wardrobes are tidy. I haven’t read the book everyone’s talking about, the Kon Mari method of only keeping things which spark joy, but I’m using that as a principle when having a sort out.

Roses in my garden

Papercut Famille Summerbelle

Things which so far have not sparked joy for me are a faded and broken sand and water table from the bottom of the garden; three sets of Mega Bloks from the loft; my husband’s collection of 100 golf balls and four duvets that I kept ‘just in case’. What was I thinking, we’d have a sudden influx of eight visitors all wanting to stay the night?!

There are always things to sort out when you’re buying and selling a house, so I’ve been swamped in admin this past week. Joking to a friend at work I was going to use my days off to sort out ‘life admin’, we came up with the rather depressing term of being a ‘life clerk’ for all the boring stuff I had to deal with. So there you have it. My new role – I am a life clerk. Or rather, I need a life clerk!

I’ve been back and forth to the hospital for appointments with Sam too, who has been having real problems with his concentration and attention, leading to some issues at home and at school. Having to tell a seven-year-old how to get dressed and put his shoes on every day does not make for a calm and happy home when you have to leave the house at 7.30am. We have had some support with that this week though, so I’m hoping things will start to get easier and our relationship will be a stronger and less bombastic one as well. I love him to bits and we’re really close, but when he’s on one he can really rub me up the wrong way – like lots of kids and their parents I’m sure.

Oh and I’m also trying to lose weight – just the extra half stone I seem to have put on since Christmas, sob! I am a healthy eater and sway towards more vegetarian food, but it’s the bits in between I struggle with. When the kids are in bed, I’ve got into the habit of pouring myself a glass of wine and having a bit of chocolate or something sweet, and it’s caught up on me. But no matter how many salads I eat and wine I deprive myself of, it’s just not going anywhere.

Add to this dullness the current mood of the country, the general malaise and fear that’s being felt amongst my friends after last week’s referendum and the Brexit fallout, and life isn’t feeling that optimistic.

I just keep thinking about the move and trying to visualise being in our new house and getting ready for the next thing, which will be going off to Portugal for a week on holiday. Oh yes, a holiday is definitely what’s needed around here. We also have a third birthday to plan before we go, and maybe a leaving do or two for me if I can sort it out, which is something fun to look forward to.

Until then, I’ll just have to keep my head down, keep mainlining those espressos and try to breathe.

x Julia

Lavender

Flowers in my garden

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15 Comments

  • Reply
    Mini travellers
    June 28, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Hey my lovely: on a brighter note the Viking has an upstairs room, might be perfect for a leaving do. Let me know if we can do anything to help at all. Xx
    Mini travellers recently posted…Grab the kids and go kite flying this weekend! New research shows families are missing out on amazing outdoor hobbies and skillsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Californian Mum in London
    June 28, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    It is so tough when we feel like has gotten on top of us. Maybe you should make some time for those runs. Nothing like exercise to clear your mind. xx
    Californian Mum in London recently posted…Updating My Make-Up BagMy Profile

  • Reply
    Mary Smith
    June 28, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    Julia I honestly believe you are super woman! It sounds madness at your end but as always maintaining a level of positivity! I hope you get organised and can enjoy that well earned break! xx
    Mary Smith recently posted…The Ordinary Moments 2016 #25 – When you have no Wifi …My Profile

  • Reply
    Natalie
    June 29, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Ah lovely it all sound very stressful at the moment but it all will be worth it. A holiday will be just what you all need – a change of scenery and just pause for a bit. You are doing amazing! Sending love x
    Natalie recently posted…So we have news…My Profile

  • Reply
    Donna
    June 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    You don’t need to apologise. Just keep going through the motions until all the ducks are in a row. The blog will be here when you’re moved and rested xx
    Donna recently posted…10 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately {June 2016}My Profile

  • Reply
    Mackenzie Glanville
    June 29, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    You don’t have to apologise to us, we support you and know that right now you have to focus on just getting through each day the best you can, we are still here and will continue to be.

  • Reply
    sarah christie
    June 29, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    You are doing amazingly well Julia, the sorting out must be tough. But why do we keep all those Duvets ? The move and Portugal and all so exciting and soon you will be sat on a subbed with the sun on your face, keep going Julia you are getting there x
    sarah christie recently posted…Creating A Garden Chill Space With TK MAXXMy Profile

  • Reply
    RachelSwirl
    June 29, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    Keep your chin up, you are doing the best you can and it’ll all work out xxx
    RachelSwirl recently posted…Workplace & Adult Bullying – My ExperienceMy Profile

  • Reply
    Ceri
    July 1, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Julia, I have just found your blog through googling the joules liza tunic, and I can’t believe your zest for life and enthusiasm through some of the hardest times anyone would have to face. I’ve started swimming, something I never thought I’d do, now I’m perimenopausal and it seems to be firming up my glass of wine stomach! Keep blogging, it’s great reading your stuff, Ceri x

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      July 5, 2016 at 6:47 am

      Hi Ceri and thank you so much for your comment. I used to really love swimming but can’t find the time at the moment as our local pool is never open when I am free! Know what you mean about the wine stomach! 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Beth @ Twinderelmo
    July 2, 2016 at 10:19 am

    I’ve heard so much about this book. My house is a clutter pit, it’s so depressing.
    You have so much on. We will still be here. Focus on you guys
    Much love as always xxx
    Beth @ Twinderelmo recently posted…My 10 Favourite Photos (June)My Profile

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      July 5, 2016 at 6:44 am

      Thanks Beth xx

  • Reply
    Tracey Williams
    July 3, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    Your readers will always be here supporting you Julia, and it sounds as if you are going through a tough time. i am sorry to hear about Sam and I hope that you get the help and support you need. On the brighter side at least you have a wonderful holiday in the sun to look forward to. Just please bring the sun back with you. Hugs xx
    Tracey Williams recently posted…Little Loves – Clarinets, Pinterest and a Suits SurpriseMy Profile

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      July 5, 2016 at 6:41 am

      Thanks Tracey, those are wise words indeed! Very kind of you xx

  • Reply
    Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely
    July 7, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    Hey you, cut yourself some slack!! Even people who haven’t been through what you have recently would still feel surrounded by chaos with such a big move ahead of them. Small steps and you’ll get there. And maybe try not to worry about that half stone until your settled at the other end. A couple of treats now and again keeps you sane!!
    Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely recently posted…JulyMy Profile

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