tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79330555631187346522024-03-13T04:01:47.717+00:00Oreos & GinA Blog about Self Discovery. Why Oreos & Gin? Those are my favourite comfort eats after a tough day.... Plus it has a nice ring to it don't you think? Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-22384253006996700422024-02-22T16:51:00.003+00:002024-02-22T16:51:40.069+00:00Living with Invisible Disabilities <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 31px; font-weight: bold;">It’s been a year since my hysterectomy.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 31px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I had wanted to share how much my life has improved since which in some respects it has. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">But unfortunately for me, I still have other lifelong conditions that disable me daily. So although, it’s a relief not to have to deal with the debilitating gynaecological pain that I suffered with for over 20 years, Life continues to be a struggle. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I was trying to create a TikTok video and was looking for pictures to help illustrate how hard things were but there was no evidence of my struggle. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The trauma, the pain, the scarring. The panic, the anxiety & loss are all invisible. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I have nothing tangible to show the hell that I’ve lived through. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In the <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise" target="_blank">words</a> of my heroes, Maya Angelou,</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">“Just like moons and like suns,</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">With the certainty of tides,</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Just like hopes springing high,</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Still I'll rise.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Up from a past that’s rooted in pain</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I rise”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I will keep rising for as long as I can. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I owe it to myself. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dY9tNTwkfXAa5XKWFzXUPWCJuwY9ym8cyJAFG7lyis-xyYGpj1x7o5ELHJBHDQaAnG5Vv96NfKONMUctwRNUTcvjO0PnT_gScptGHCPZEXpITic-Fng0NJDYHptxGSBpDMlZCtJGlX4Dz7hEVt-ScPbUqksRwRjvSaODtKz5f2KE6hdqUiUoPNgNyg/s1200/566A3107-20A2-40DC-A0AF-413DF0E55534.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dY9tNTwkfXAa5XKWFzXUPWCJuwY9ym8cyJAFG7lyis-xyYGpj1x7o5ELHJBHDQaAnG5Vv96NfKONMUctwRNUTcvjO0PnT_gScptGHCPZEXpITic-Fng0NJDYHptxGSBpDMlZCtJGlX4Dz7hEVt-ScPbUqksRwRjvSaODtKz5f2KE6hdqUiUoPNgNyg/s16000/566A3107-20A2-40DC-A0AF-413DF0E55534.png" /></a></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-90072974202605685242023-12-28T10:50:00.000+00:002023-12-28T10:51:55.683+00:00Why Don’t Healthcare Providers understand Medical Trauma? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukUGX9rxs-4hanDT2hwirP0vXj4bvuNejbNd0zPIvGBwCgFMUvmWFcDX4OPdO5RYVpyQKadRLkFbiBETaHyKMLhUjJJVzCS1ct50-frYn8VT8yzsVXz9cBfeK8EpQspnYCrelUFUc4uvKZxP9-47LA8MrmrL-DCfOOygeXRvzUwF9vwLy8ixyOMttGg/s1200/Why.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukUGX9rxs-4hanDT2hwirP0vXj4bvuNejbNd0zPIvGBwCgFMUvmWFcDX4OPdO5RYVpyQKadRLkFbiBETaHyKMLhUjJJVzCS1ct50-frYn8VT8yzsVXz9cBfeK8EpQspnYCrelUFUc4uvKZxP9-47LA8MrmrL-DCfOOygeXRvzUwF9vwLy8ixyOMttGg/s320/Why.png" width="213" /></a></div><br /> Our surgery has recently gotten 2 new partners which saved it from closing. I’ve ALWAYS been anaemic since I started periods or even before because 1) I’ve got weird shaped red blood cells & 2) I’ve basically been haemorrhaging every month until my op earlier this year. 3) my DMARDs (drugs that prevent damage in my joints) have an impact. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Since my op, and the absence of periods, my iron levels have been slowly climbing and my Rheumatologist told me the last time I had a new PB 😅 </p><p><br /></p><p>I’m doing all the things to encourage it. </p><p><br /></p><p>Just before Christmas, I had my HBA1C done (basically my diabetes report card) which includes a full blood count. </p><p><br /></p><p>The results came in today (I’m basically walking around with a normal HBA1C 🙌🏿🙌🏿) but I just got a phone call from the surgery saying the dr would like to test me for anaemia . </p><p><br /></p><p>At this point I’m so bored & fed up with unnecessary prods. Like you’ve got data in front of you. Make of it what you will. </p><p><br /></p><p>I understand wanting to do due diligence but I don’t think they understand medical trauma/ anxiety. </p><p><br /></p><p>This life chose me, I didn’t choose it. Every time I have to go to these things it absolutely fucks with my head. But I do it to take care of myself. </p><p><br /></p><p>I’m just fuming I guess. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-35000053769127988512023-09-07T22:03:00.003+01:002023-09-07T22:03:21.789+01:00Chapter 34<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">So it’s my last day being 34. This year, for me, has been one of getting to know myself even more than I thought I did. It was also a year where I got to show up for myself.</span></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> This year showed me that I could face my fears, conquer them and excel. It showed me that I am worth all the compassion and love I give to all those who know me. It showed me that I’m worth spending hard-earned money to get a better quality of life.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> It showed me that I can show up for myself when people decide not to show up for me. It showed me that the friends I have made during my metamorphosis, who also were on the journey of self-discovery, are amazing people who let me be my whole self.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuscLDeQV8MY-3jUZWjkOHrDRGlAYsuFhfQGcx6X7BWFURMjG0mhvVr1E1ZnhaGFbV2uwxvmhb2je9huo5-D-tQz1E-LXq7lfbEDrhTdN8ksHEMYvNkh5AH6CdqmLvq8DvDXkD2enA45xLvx45QszX_x1J6MlGABgst5pZwIquYhKfYkiRtqgoDPLM-A/s3088/IMG_2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuscLDeQV8MY-3jUZWjkOHrDRGlAYsuFhfQGcx6X7BWFURMjG0mhvVr1E1ZnhaGFbV2uwxvmhb2je9huo5-D-tQz1E-LXq7lfbEDrhTdN8ksHEMYvNkh5AH6CdqmLvq8DvDXkD2enA45xLvx45QszX_x1J6MlGABgst5pZwIquYhKfYkiRtqgoDPLM-A/s320/IMG_2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> It made me realise that I can and will change things if they no longer serve me. This year, I’ve been able to begin the journey of unmasking and stop trying to fit the Neurotypical view of self. This year, I have met kindred spirits. I have realised there is nothing greater than being known completely and honestly. I am unlearning a lifetime of habits, but the one that I absolutely must obliterate is the notion that my productivity dictates my worth. It is a fallacy, and I’m looking forward to finally letting myself be. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I’m grateful for my family’s love and support through this journey, and if 34 was anything to go by, I’m looking forward to 35. Let’s get it!</p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-19364995477749984332022-10-01T11:18:00.001+01:002022-10-01T11:18:54.571+01:00Free Desktop Wallpaper to Celebrate Autumn!<p> Hi everyone,</p><p><br /></p><p>My favourite season is here! To celebrate, I've made a desktop wallpaper with a list of my favourite things of this season. If you would like to download it (for personal use only, please), Here's the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1we5IRgHY99dB-_QdDDVRNGbGkocg_buT/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">link</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml9QXOExFZLxF6Uj7JyZndnXIk4oCrH0FHQN1V8cJ9kRoJYnZea6XnGDBIti8oSR0nynC7rC29ZpB0dAAxIhg3rI7plnNsDLEHwLm0Or6MmlaGbjfhnWQdR-n-YseOMWVCoHjF5Lktss50kpQv8xFw3pCDJJaLSsmbdF3AfIUf6Y0PKFQQ-wHHlg/s1920/Autumn%20best%20bits%20wallpaper.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml9QXOExFZLxF6Uj7JyZndnXIk4oCrH0FHQN1V8cJ9kRoJYnZea6XnGDBIti8oSR0nynC7rC29ZpB0dAAxIhg3rI7plnNsDLEHwLm0Or6MmlaGbjfhnWQdR-n-YseOMWVCoHjF5Lktss50kpQv8xFw3pCDJJaLSsmbdF3AfIUf6Y0PKFQQ-wHHlg/w400-h225/Autumn%20best%20bits%20wallpaper.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I try to honour each season and live my life guided by them. I feel more in tune and appreciate the best bits nature gives us this way. Also, I need the seasons to help with my plants as a <a href="http://www.sagecottageiow.blogspot.com" target="_blank">gardener</a>! </p><p>Do you love Autumn? What are your best bits?</p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-66978465376361763662022-09-18T11:25:00.001+01:002022-09-18T11:25:00.141+01:00Films I'm very Excited to Watch in the Next Few Months (and why you should be too)<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> If you didn't know this about me, I LOVE the cinema! I go pretty often, and film premiers feature heavily in my planners! So after lockdowns, the cinema industry is struggling to get back on its feet. Cineworld is even teetering on bankruptcy. As an unlimited card holder, this is such sad news, and I hope they can pull through. However, it is not all bad news as the film industry has some corkers coming up! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After the <a href="https://d23.com/first-looks-at-elemental-strange-worlds-and-more-at-d23-expos-disney-studios-showcase-day-1/" target="_blank">D23 Expo</a>, there are a lot of good films coming out of the Disney/Pixar studio. I will not be listing them here, but I've popped a link you can visit to see. I'm incredibly excited about The Little Mermaid coming out in the Spring (2023). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="588" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s320/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" width="227" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Talking about Disney magic, This next film has been 30 years in the making. I'm excited to kick off Halloween 2022 with Hocus Pocus 2! It's being premiered on Disney+ on September 30, 2022. I'm away for work but I will be catching up with my hubby when I get back. I'm scared of the Sanderson sisters 🤣. There is no way I will be watching this on my own. Isn't that the funniest thing? </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsBmj88ORJ94SvRrtv_237jKMQGOqULJUP3nF4QUjZoezy1oaAmsUD9KlRWhyx9JpOhbwL-JFZzC9oXO6tI1Ke_BAgE8zAme-Ak2xQ15-qGVhAw2CM2U8UclcCWtnFfr9eHAlfkdHuwwd2sHF3vBrOHL_IF0mbVpgYMjhOa3t778G-VncmP_ix-w/s810/p_disneyplusoriginals_hocuspocus2_v1_369_12d3dcbc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsBmj88ORJ94SvRrtv_237jKMQGOqULJUP3nF4QUjZoezy1oaAmsUD9KlRWhyx9JpOhbwL-JFZzC9oXO6tI1Ke_BAgE8zAme-Ak2xQ15-qGVhAw2CM2U8UclcCWtnFfr9eHAlfkdHuwwd2sHF3vBrOHL_IF0mbVpgYMjhOa3t778G-VncmP_ix-w/s320/p_disneyplusoriginals_hocuspocus2_v1_369_12d3dcbc.jpeg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This next film is already out everywhere but the Isle of Wight for some reason. The way my heart soared when I saw the trailer a few months back! A black Byronic Hero! Where are my smelling salts?! Mr Malcom's List has a Jane Austen vibe. I'm so excited to see this. As a huge fan of period dramas, historically, I have not seen myself reflected in the characters. Sure, Lizzy is witty, bookish and outspoken like I am, but does she struggle with her 4C hair every day? Anyway, I'm glad to see more diversity in this genre. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXzfDhv1GNuBua7mmckAR0_9iJoSOhRmCgkduwNweovvIVxPOmdTLnpcUu_MjSb2e4E1G0cezUDXuyGUwmBDnsjETpmFYeCzMVYJbzOna8MBHY7gkt09VxFMLftULgiCpRp4C206TutW9S2uMGmabsxhB-X7-RQZ73k1PYiHw7OpsA8knEVmcD48/s4096/MV5BODYyNWIxZjAtMGE2MC00MDhhLWI4ZDctOTY0NGNmODQyZjhlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTM1MTE1NDMx._V1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXzfDhv1GNuBua7mmckAR0_9iJoSOhRmCgkduwNweovvIVxPOmdTLnpcUu_MjSb2e4E1G0cezUDXuyGUwmBDnsjETpmFYeCzMVYJbzOna8MBHY7gkt09VxFMLftULgiCpRp4C206TutW9S2uMGmabsxhB-X7-RQZ73k1PYiHw7OpsA8knEVmcD48/s320/MV5BODYyNWIxZjAtMGE2MC00MDhhLWI4ZDctOTY0NGNmODQyZjhlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTM1MTE1NDMx._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ticket to Paradise is next on my list. Starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, this hilarious romantic comedy is exactly what we need to end the Summer. It's realised on the 20th of September, 2022. A divorced couple has to form an alliance in order to stop their daughter's ill thought through marriage. Through a few high jinks events, they realise that family is more important than being right. a classic feel-good movie. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmUv2euPgOzxHS8xJ6KXzCwyrPdBHm4Y02AIlGSuPkUWjxNZ-Z5HDirih2-2eJSrASaEs8z1Xmaq1LJ6oYrAvayVKppBGMjrzlvBQ6A3tK-m7EUaXs_YAX6fXD8FrZkDjuM6-Brwsw8gBmZCSxJO1BpxVJ-8W0hHbpRizP6izYLIcUof5OeKVTHE/s281/ticket%20to%20paradise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="190" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmUv2euPgOzxHS8xJ6KXzCwyrPdBHm4Y02AIlGSuPkUWjxNZ-Z5HDirih2-2eJSrASaEs8z1Xmaq1LJ6oYrAvayVKppBGMjrzlvBQ6A3tK-m7EUaXs_YAX6fXD8FrZkDjuM6-Brwsw8gBmZCSxJO1BpxVJ-8W0hHbpRizP6izYLIcUof5OeKVTHE/s1600/ticket%20to%20paradise.jpeg" width="190" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>The Last two Films I'm excited about have a sense of Royalty about them. The first is The Woman King starring Viola Davis ( Who I happen to be watching currently as Michelle Obama in THe First Lady, Streaming on Paramount+), playing the general of the Agojie and all-woman unit from the Kingdom of Dahomey back in the 1800s. This is based on a true story - I love history, so this, plus the female empowerment storyline, makes this a must-watch for me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="220" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr_Hzr3HozCsieeKfUpmo-nKv9yyUlY1f8yoAJI8RhS07tQdnd3pwZrqsM2sY4KBDsrKAgyKUN7gcRHSXeVNT1Vfg6z2CXc68dPpFXkXJK3qxMk5TcPDEihwx4kGinYGYoB1ZaNeRjVclyABiUGfq1WW5knGvJNI3Iw10jFIcX_oN-lsUSfpnvdA/s1600/The_Woman_King_(film).jpg" width="220" /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PTTT8QL2jEpC7GcRZta_-k5rrC7BeX99Mr7xgQ-MUZqy3QFuwNVoqgJM2zYN0NYS5Sf-GdJPf13wgEOoYACREWun-srI0Ih_FDZL6yeIZAz4ft03LlDb9PW4mBV33OybMF26V5EtZ2DjOqPJksdpVo9qd6WQQnH84Gd7r-ZcOU7tCBsIEJhEsXA/s2880/MV5BOTNiMWE2NWEtYjViMC00ZWI1LWJiMzgtNGU2ZmVkMGNkYTU2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTk5MTY4Nzg@._V1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PTTT8QL2jEpC7GcRZta_-k5rrC7BeX99Mr7xgQ-MUZqy3QFuwNVoqgJM2zYN0NYS5Sf-GdJPf13wgEOoYACREWun-srI0Ih_FDZL6yeIZAz4ft03LlDb9PW4mBV33OybMF26V5EtZ2DjOqPJksdpVo9qd6WQQnH84Gd7r-ZcOU7tCBsIEJhEsXA/s320/MV5BOTNiMWE2NWEtYjViMC00ZWI1LWJiMzgtNGU2ZmVkMGNkYTU2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTk5MTY4Nzg@._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> My last film follows the same lines, except it's a classic British film. British filmmakers know how to tell stories about regular everyday people in a very comforting way. The Lost King is the true story of how Phillipa Langley, an amateur historian, found the remains of Richard the 3rd that was previously lost for half a millennia. She heard lots of "Nos" and "You Can'ts", but she persisted. It's out on the first week of October, a perfect way to get stuck into the joys of Autumn. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So that's it! I hope you found a film you can look forward to! If not, there's always British Bake -Off & Strictly - Both guaranteed to warm your cockles through the next few months! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay Cozy! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr_Hzr3HozCsieeKfUpmo-nKv9yyUlY1f8yoAJI8RhS07tQdnd3pwZrqsM2sY4KBDsrKAgyKUN7gcRHSXeVNT1Vfg6z2CXc68dPpFXkXJK3qxMk5TcPDEihwx4kGinYGYoB1ZaNeRjVclyABiUGfq1WW5knGvJNI3Iw10jFIcX_oN-lsUSfpnvdA/s275/The_Woman_King_(film).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyow21DJNfxqofkPk5ZPOjXS3VMlIb42kWaodiVAacWoybtEuH3rolxpIOz7e61b5Vhcy_fkQwSKnj6AYXpXor9nucBru6HeShoegv960-AJ0-brI1edL1bOrgbuB_zJAULNjEDQwf5fcGeXDOpJ3LXdwpOHL0PPv3p7mWjfiOUVLMWXzg_oGw3A/s828/the-little-mermaid-2023-fan-casting-poster-236897-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-26187988494967286512022-09-15T10:30:00.001+01:002022-09-15T10:30:00.151+01:00RA Awareness Week 2022<p> As most of you know, I live with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA for short). Every year, The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOLA-Sz0fwzxlxWNnRbvG6rIYUvSOxQqLTXU4Zib4SwwKBcfKOc0hArfR8EZLhpeXSUQ-lA47CJ8mBW8IkpyVwQJwaYk6fUd3c3kK4wu43twSn-yLtoPKVeES3ujLyfXOfLz46BvmbFhaCiuIECDlU51KdYTIv07f-3FEPpS716MAcXbbJyCO7lQ/s800/Headshot-Content-BlockRAAW-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOLA-Sz0fwzxlxWNnRbvG6rIYUvSOxQqLTXU4Zib4SwwKBcfKOc0hArfR8EZLhpeXSUQ-lA47CJ8mBW8IkpyVwQJwaYk6fUd3c3kK4wu43twSn-yLtoPKVeES3ujLyfXOfLz46BvmbFhaCiuIECDlU51KdYTIv07f-3FEPpS716MAcXbbJyCO7lQ/w320-h160/Headshot-Content-BlockRAAW-2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> ( NRAS) does an awareness week where they, along with members of the community, try and raise awareness of this condition. I<br />t is so misunderstood. I try to do my bit, especially as a thirty-something woman living with this. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR8KV1ri80LemeHLiIwYveU3MrwN7Y89XGcw7jDpemuvcIYXq6jHHqeCKm5ees-wAD2z8dvd0nN82SZoKrZ6gxkAycH0_UTSio3s0imzwQO6x8GDbaUjgjnBm8RhpUn_Uxf0KBQZmxaArlTHtooyaTNgebuRySE2n1mFz6cJwYDxYf-9PMihWZu4/s781/Fact-or-Fiction-header2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="781" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR8KV1ri80LemeHLiIwYveU3MrwN7Y89XGcw7jDpemuvcIYXq6jHHqeCKm5ees-wAD2z8dvd0nN82SZoKrZ6gxkAycH0_UTSio3s0imzwQO6x8GDbaUjgjnBm8RhpUn_Uxf0KBQZmxaArlTHtooyaTNgebuRySE2n1mFz6cJwYDxYf-9PMihWZu4/w320-h307/Fact-or-Fiction-header2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This year's theme is "Fact or Fiction". They have created a <a href="https://survey.sogolytics.com/survey1.aspx?k=SsRQQUYWsRTsPsPsP&lang=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mini quiz</a> to test your knowledge of RA and give you a chance to win some prizes! </p><p>So What are you waiting for? Give it a go and tell me how you did! I'm an open book, so if you have any questions, whether about the condition itself or about my lived experience of it, Please do not hesitate to ask me! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18F1kh8DvQ95ulAm4302Zaki_AnT0eV081Hy0-AE9mcJAg1GMwqgCFvGDO11ErLEromOZUIgV-e2B8gZXDVvL3-a9hDK4k7BHFe-LuypxPlVjTakWhxjOWVRYX4Rg4BR82hvMZWGmaj1L5t6f8jgKdP-yQ-I0zrMy0fSkx3_304Ugd_Rb9PL8K-g/s1024/What-is-RA_Article-Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1024" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18F1kh8DvQ95ulAm4302Zaki_AnT0eV081Hy0-AE9mcJAg1GMwqgCFvGDO11ErLEromOZUIgV-e2B8gZXDVvL3-a9hDK4k7BHFe-LuypxPlVjTakWhxjOWVRYX4Rg4BR82hvMZWGmaj1L5t6f8jgKdP-yQ-I0zrMy0fSkx3_304Ugd_Rb9PL8K-g/w320-h147/What-is-RA_Article-Image.png" width="320" /></a></div>If you are <a href="https://nras.org.uk/resource/what-is-ra/" target="_blank">newly diagnosed</a> (or think this might be what you are dealing with). First, you should know that things can only get better from here on out. I remember how bleak things seemed back then for me. Also, do not get fobbed off. Evidence shows that early intervention is critical to your outcome. Do not wait and let the damage take hold. RA is classed as a medical emergency. <p></p><p>Take care, </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-72977762091195175862022-09-14T10:57:00.001+01:002022-09-14T10:57:34.167+01:00Erm Hello AgainOkay, so since the last time I wrote here, I have realised something about myself.
It's bloody obvious when I look back, to be honest. I'm Neurodivergent. I thrive off Dopamine. I get overwhelmed very quickly, and once something doesn't hold my focus, we can kiss goodbye to me engaging.
This is the same reason I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lZ3OgzVXQitbyrVfZt8xR8ZcAJnsfiam9Ut51JQ49ZWwNwzLCbFSDrqO3u0cqzrXxVsUM2CJsiL-JCzpp9zZJikaZxmC5I9U2JJ2wIE9FA4AJjlxsdlfEa97zSXKfuf94Bvbta_3tAVRHIlKXfIYRuuBDcBrlihtHyz2XXEtjzjqjg8beURdfcI/s4608/sincerely-media-ylveRpZ8L1s-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="woman sitting cross legged with laptop on her lap and a cup of coffee in her right hand" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lZ3OgzVXQitbyrVfZt8xR8ZcAJnsfiam9Ut51JQ49ZWwNwzLCbFSDrqO3u0cqzrXxVsUM2CJsiL-JCzpp9zZJikaZxmC5I9U2JJ2wIE9FA4AJjlxsdlfEa97zSXKfuf94Bvbta_3tAVRHIlKXfIYRuuBDcBrlihtHyz2XXEtjzjqjg8beURdfcI/w320-h240/sincerely-media-ylveRpZ8L1s-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>can't ever stick to a skincare routine - Good props to me still doing the daytime one, though; nighttime is another matter altogether.
Since I realised this and other people affirming my thoughts around this, I know the reason why I am successful in life is because of the systems I have in place. I'm now at a point where I am intentionally working with the wiring of my brain rather than beating myself up.
So what does this mean for this space? I'm going to write as much as I can. I have missed having a space to write for myself.
What can you expect?
I know over the last few years, this blog has focused on my chronic illnesses - because it was consuming my life at the time.
They still exist. I'm just in a better place (for now). I will be mainly writing lifestyle content (back to my roots!) This means you can expect, Health, Gardening, Books, Film & family stuff. <div><br /></div><div> Hope you'll stick around!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-53817280376119910102021-05-19T12:59:00.000+01:002021-05-19T12:59:21.397+01:00I'm Writing Again (Again) <p> Hello! </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBNx5A1KzMTd9MlV15ZUUvCkEAliGE2LBdg5VwyR1q0AFKzaptcsTtAPHZhTt9kj2IZbGVZ-tuvCzlti_8JpSoJv7-Elatd7ycGCziJXAdrSqn6DVSAZTLHgkLVc-GITdaa1-NQjHz54/s3024/A76B923B-C6BA-4E33-90B7-9272EEC9246D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBNx5A1KzMTd9MlV15ZUUvCkEAliGE2LBdg5VwyR1q0AFKzaptcsTtAPHZhTt9kj2IZbGVZ-tuvCzlti_8JpSoJv7-Elatd7ycGCziJXAdrSqn6DVSAZTLHgkLVc-GITdaa1-NQjHz54/w320-h320/A76B923B-C6BA-4E33-90B7-9272EEC9246D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seashell made from Sand</td></tr></tbody></table>It has been a long time since I've written here. My creativity seems to die each time I struggle with my day-to-day life. This past year has been a corker, to say the least. I don't know if I've outgrown writing in this space or just needing a fresh start somewhere else. THIS was meant to be my fresh start, so I know running away and beginning anew won't do. </p><p>I want to write more. The irony is I write as my day job. But I mean a different kind of writing. I want to write about the changes in me as I head directly towards my mid-30s. Nothing makes me feel old, like my eldest turning 10 nearly a month ago. </p><p>Life feels overwhelming, and I'm just starting to breathe again, so I have time to explore what it means to live in my body, mind, and soul in the 21st century. </p><p>I have lots to explore. </p><p><br /></p><p>So stick around!</p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-81112888464957483852021-01-02T01:14:00.004+00:002021-01-02T01:14:26.723+00:00Happy New Year! <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Happy New Year! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUx8iHWvFUxpfXHBmJ3ChZEHjSQiBNx-gBM-2fDVsljrdhGekUDH27Peiftu0ulTpFnH85ELLo0YVcPOLUdts__IE-CEEQYnjm9BXwKk3J1m2-VM5rU0B80SIjG01eRYbZoN7NEhRDZ0/s1080/08D34BCA-DE83-4933-B3BE-23E4C3E6D01A.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUx8iHWvFUxpfXHBmJ3ChZEHjSQiBNx-gBM-2fDVsljrdhGekUDH27Peiftu0ulTpFnH85ELLo0YVcPOLUdts__IE-CEEQYnjm9BXwKk3J1m2-VM5rU0B80SIjG01eRYbZoN7NEhRDZ0/w320-h320/08D34BCA-DE83-4933-B3BE-23E4C3E6D01A.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What a year 2020 was. I’m hoping that the last year's relentlessness would reduce and I’ll have more mental space to nurture my writing this year. </p><p><br /></p><p>I was amazed I managed to do two freelance articles when I was deep in the postpartum phase. That was quite hard on me, but I am self-aware enough to notice why I put myself through that. </p><p><br /></p><p>It’s as though I wanted to remind myself that I could still do it. Knowing that for the next year at least, I will be grappling with my identity once more. </p><p><br /></p><p>So with all the hope of a new year, I am setting the intention to write more and by correlation, make this blog more active!</p><p>I am also going to journal as regularly as I used to. Since the birth of my daughter, my self care has gone down the pan. I’ll going to be trying to reclaim that. </p><p>Thank you for coming along!</p>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-83704364314326672552020-11-01T05:23:00.000+00:002020-11-01T05:23:05.887+00:00A Very Strange Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTmoHaWz4FfRzJoXjBBYfUxVEGhl2F25pdzVP3dHq2uVKYbeXkj7NrkW3-eqZpyNGP_1LgxnEAc5e13gXBt8El96yc44xnk92brxhNqMl0hLectqdXiiaEHVfvzp9a0o5U8rniY-QVlk/s2048/846CC318-B86E-4200-8FA7-0EC14FF24435.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTmoHaWz4FfRzJoXjBBYfUxVEGhl2F25pdzVP3dHq2uVKYbeXkj7NrkW3-eqZpyNGP_1LgxnEAc5e13gXBt8El96yc44xnk92brxhNqMl0hLectqdXiiaEHVfvzp9a0o5U8rniY-QVlk/s320/846CC318-B86E-4200-8FA7-0EC14FF24435.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> My memories for last year on Facebook are thin. But today was a MASSIVE day in our lives. One we will never forget. <p></p><p>After feeling absolutely rotten for 3 weeks, and having missed my 2nd cycle, I decided to test because well that’s the only thing I hadn’t done to provoke its arrival - that pregnancy test didn’t even waste time and a very bewildered me, walked into our bedroom to show Mark. We spent the day poorly and shocked to our cores. We looked at each other and said “F*CK!!! “ a lot 🤣🤣</p><p>Our amazing daughter was on her way! </p><p><br /></p><p>The next few days were a blur. Drs visits & an early scan were I was told I had options if I didn’t want to go through with it (I’m glad we live in a country where that’s the case btw) but in my heart I knew, I loved that little fetus already. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbShMP8ud1U-aEIYdHgzQ3NiGR4Jk2QN9dzftxk7LzD3OcIvvtGEkSGWHM1ha8sHKpXd8kuaTbO9I7buz4nwKOim1CiRDDrz9X0DGA0kE1mpN9eP3yn_iOgfsoo8HwRwWGDICB9EUZOs/s2048/0C14EFC1-B9D7-48EA-A1BC-E95CE79B424E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbShMP8ud1U-aEIYdHgzQ3NiGR4Jk2QN9dzftxk7LzD3OcIvvtGEkSGWHM1ha8sHKpXd8kuaTbO9I7buz4nwKOim1CiRDDrz9X0DGA0kE1mpN9eP3yn_iOgfsoo8HwRwWGDICB9EUZOs/s320/0C14EFC1-B9D7-48EA-A1BC-E95CE79B424E.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Then there was worries and conversations with specialist pharmacists over the water due to my meds - thankfully I had switched from a more toxic one a mere 6 months earlier. </p><p>Oh and the fact that I’d been drinking thankfully I’m not a heavy drinker. </p><p>With all the chronic illnesses, I knew it was not going to be easy on my body but I also knew my child was worth it! </p><p><br /></p><p>And what a joy she is! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOulF18UtQitXR73WzslMeD1AUYsA6N_hnf5WlQfioMmzQcG-nxQT6vq_9S-dDGAImLZm-SvcZp-Ny4TlCBh4PNnv0lXQRqNm8W7kNmjpTOimyhfEvc2HiOC8z2FjvZUcs2BCbj6Z2ArU/s2048/C9012ADE-1889-4781-830E-F8EF4C9BE398.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOulF18UtQitXR73WzslMeD1AUYsA6N_hnf5WlQfioMmzQcG-nxQT6vq_9S-dDGAImLZm-SvcZp-Ny4TlCBh4PNnv0lXQRqNm8W7kNmjpTOimyhfEvc2HiOC8z2FjvZUcs2BCbj6Z2ArU/s320/C9012ADE-1889-4781-830E-F8EF4C9BE398.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-23910627601676090132020-05-31T10:44:00.002+01:002020-05-31T10:44:41.002+01:00Ada Grace’s Birth Story <div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Sunday the 3rd of May, 2020, I woke up early after continuous vivid pregnancy dreams. It was about 4.30 am that I decided I had enough. I had dreamt that Ada came early and that we were not ready at all . If only I knew the half of it. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark made us breakfast and we watched Guardians of the Galaxy. I was feeling odd but not sure why so I took a nap once the film was over. Whilst sleeping, I felt a bulging but dismissed it as me needing a wee. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A few moments later, my waters went. I momentarily freaked out. I was only 35+3 weeks pregnant , nowhere near term. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tried to get Mark’s attention via the Alexas in the house. He finally came up with cups of tea not realising the urgency I had wanted him up for. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I told him my waters had gone and I started to sob. He managed to calm me down enough to ring the maternity ward and they said we should come in . Before we got there, we had to organise childcare and our lovely babysitter Charley was available as planned. We drove the children to Charley‘s house and then straightaway her dad drove them back to our house and then Mark and I went off to hospital. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because of the coronavirus Mark was not allowed up so I had to go into the maternity ward on my own. Once there I was put on the CCG monitor whilst a midwife tried to ascertain whether I had actually lost my waters or not. I am known for my spectacular loss of waters so I was very sure that that’s </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXlGe71sH1prlCknfuHA_djeTYPg03si1nMRxQlfdwyNkYXGfbpNldGNw_rIlLek2Xb17aZ1vm6mA2ZLo5qPjmwN14inn6bHFvoGqnEU_Tmb9FmTZdyTNhxNtlfaNStSXGB9UqBSRd58/s1600/89CE6A1D-7132-458F-A1AD-AD5F6FDE23A8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXlGe71sH1prlCknfuHA_djeTYPg03si1nMRxQlfdwyNkYXGfbpNldGNw_rIlLek2Xb17aZ1vm6mA2ZLo5qPjmwN14inn6bHFvoGqnEU_Tmb9FmTZdyTNhxNtlfaNStSXGB9UqBSRd58/s320/89CE6A1D-7132-458F-A1AD-AD5F6FDE23A8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">what happened still they had to do a swab test as the pad that I had on wasn’t that full but that was because Most of it was on my bed. Swab test came back positive for waters but there was no tightenings. The consultant came to see me and he was talking about how this is that wasn’t going to happen tonight but I knew he was wrong I don’t know how but I knew he was wrong. </span><br />
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At about 5pm I had my first contraction and at first I was just breathing through them and everything was fine but around 7pm things ramped up and I could no longer breathe through them. A midwife got me some gas and air and that stuff my friends is lovely. At 8:30 we were about to go to theatre so they transferred me to the labour ward and asked me to get Mark in. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the back of my mind I was worried that he was going to miss it because things seemed to get more intense. I was using all my hypnotherapy techniques as well as my gas and air but things seem to be coming to head for me and I was really worried, I remember thinking I just needed a spinal in so I could have some rest . Once Mark came I was so much more relaxed and I was actually quite ready to meet my baby. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was prepped for the Caesarean section and this was gonna be my final section as I was also sterilised. It felt kind of momentous but not in a hyperbolic way, because bear in mind I’ve had five years to get used to the idea of not having babies anymore so this was just a formality even so I had to laugh when the surgeon had to confirm whether I did want this done and I was thinking “heck yeah I want it done! my body can’t go through pregnancy again”. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once everybody was done getting ready, I played the playlist on Spotify that I created for this birth and it was just the best way to welcome our little girl into the world. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ada Grace was born to the sound of Tim McGraw singing Little Girl. If ever there was a song that summed up what I want for her this was it. I reminded Mark that he needs to take some photos I think he was a bit bewildered because with Levi there was loads of photos but with Ada there was only 6.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And she was out. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She did a half-hearted cry and she was gone - that’s the difference between the boys’ birth and hers. I didn’t get to see her, I didn’t get to smell her, I didn’t get to touch her, she was just gone. It was the weirdest thing and I felt like I was observing someone else’s life. Once I was done in theatre I was taken to the recovery room where Mark and I spent the next two hours. A </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqmEhtiO1Vq1LFUoh15DxJW8iY5aj5PuETfhbQjGXlgULjS9vZQeESa5ubUOqIbxzX7P3_UhyphenhyphenIps7TCEMfeMc06i5P2wg7UKtQ00o8-wtAUkYQyAVkcGLGQXvoIIUjLdOSKOKvDKj0ws/s1600/6B01547A-9690-4B77-BF13-31F9024BE690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqmEhtiO1Vq1LFUoh15DxJW8iY5aj5PuETfhbQjGXlgULjS9vZQeESa5ubUOqIbxzX7P3_UhyphenhyphenIps7TCEMfeMc06i5P2wg7UKtQ00o8-wtAUkYQyAVkcGLGQXvoIIUjLdOSKOKvDKj0ws/s320/6B01547A-9690-4B77-BF13-31F9024BE690.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SCBU nurse brought in a Polaroid of Ada for us which I thought was the sweetest thing.</span><br />
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That was the first time I saw my daughter’s face. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At about midnight Mark was effectively asked to leave because it was time for me to go to the maternity ward but before that I was wheeled in to see her. She was in an incubator with loads of tubes coming in and out and around her but still I got to see her which was the amazing thing.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was so odd going to sleep alone that night. No husband, No Baby. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overnight, I spiked a temperature which triggered a “suspected sepsis” diagnosis. I felt clammy but fine. With Levi, I also got sepsis but it was the worst pain ever. So it was very strange that I apparently had it but aside from my section wound, and my joints... nothing was out of the ordinary. I had hourly observations and IV antibiotics throughout the night and day. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgImta01n98RiF5K5ZAOypnggTOxuwAFe6HYu-puvsdKjzU5MuNgBUXnwQkG4wgifUWfswpRMrez7JMua2iMuzcQIfGYG6CjdfiiSkx6Lo7krrh8lIqpqIhVXHe43u1uURrD1Ar58m60/s1600/088CDBEA-D1E1-41AC-83DC-48B5F3CA5CA4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgImta01n98RiF5K5ZAOypnggTOxuwAFe6HYu-puvsdKjzU5MuNgBUXnwQkG4wgifUWfswpRMrez7JMua2iMuzcQIfGYG6CjdfiiSkx6Lo7krrh8lIqpqIhVXHe43u1uURrD1Ar58m60/s320/088CDBEA-D1E1-41AC-83DC-48B5F3CA5CA4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We ended up spending a week in hospital mostly due to Ada’s bilirubin levels, there’s other things that happened but I just can’t bring myself to relive them just yet. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The most important thing is that on Sunday the 10th of May, one week after she was born, Miss Ada passed all her tests and was allowed to come home. That day, her daddy got to cuddle her for the first time and she got to meet her brothers too. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 24.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been reflecting on my birth stories and each one has taught me something different and I’m grateful for them all. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOF-Op8K735YWZzggr6LF8Nky_-K8G3a_A42J4B1ikbCRzoCIMfqprtilEwjSNbW6Z3KKGQAPDLdMSdK7fRPy9UA4YV1sKA0-bd7BFmA1aurTJbz4snyb5hcNtad9hvG8ygUP_OSdZHs/s1600/92894A8E-2BBF-4E69-AA75-72C96958A9D9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOF-Op8K735YWZzggr6LF8Nky_-K8G3a_A42J4B1ikbCRzoCIMfqprtilEwjSNbW6Z3KKGQAPDLdMSdK7fRPy9UA4YV1sKA0-bd7BFmA1aurTJbz4snyb5hcNtad9hvG8ygUP_OSdZHs/s640/92894A8E-2BBF-4E69-AA75-72C96958A9D9.png" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 20.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20.74px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-32339258348739750932020-05-12T23:09:00.000+01:002020-05-12T23:09:44.037+01:00Post partum Anxiety - After Effects of Life after SCBU<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4ySJKCJ3LanZA96ZLTfto8oYT72ei4PLJaYN0HrT0nNfLpWQwrDd4o5I79OViDxF96kvbxpWv-EKO-lbqC9XOap_UFWfeocra-ffpjdf9fAxZ-VwkI1UiNJoUvB-TJaxGrAUxCizWRA/s1600/0C924D06-08EC-454B-A2E2-61B4016E62C7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4ySJKCJ3LanZA96ZLTfto8oYT72ei4PLJaYN0HrT0nNfLpWQwrDd4o5I79OViDxF96kvbxpWv-EKO-lbqC9XOap_UFWfeocra-ffpjdf9fAxZ-VwkI1UiNJoUvB-TJaxGrAUxCizWRA/s320/0C924D06-08EC-454B-A2E2-61B4016E62C7.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That’s a title and a half isn’t it? I haven’t even finished writing Ada’s birth story. I’ve gotten to the bit where she’s taken away. The fact that I seem to be avoiding writing what comes next is very telling. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anxiety is not a new thing in my life. I’ve had anxiety for most of my life (which is understandable given the trauma I went through at various points in my life) but this is a different animal with a new symptom. I basically feel like an elephant is sat on my chest/neck for most of the day. Heart palpitations that bring on tears when particularly bad. Even without the palpitations, my eyes leak if my thoughts take me anywhere. For example I was cuddling with Ethan on our first day back and I said “I missed you when I was away” normally that would’ve been it, instead I just started crying. I could be sat watching tv, I think about the fact that the first time I saw my daughter was via a Polaroid photo - I start crying. I also just don’t want her away from me like ever. Saying goodnight is enough to send me over. It’s exhausting and I would like it to stop. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But we’re still living in weird circumstances and life is so wonky right now. Trying to navigate postpartum bullshit with Covid is a Herculean task. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I might actually contact my therapist just so I’m being active about sorting myself out. I know I’m going to be processing birth for a while and processing the consequences of having Ada early for a while but I also know that I will be ok once more. It just takes time. </span></span></div>
</div>
Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-25029988839127080722020-04-27T12:59:00.000+01:002020-04-27T12:59:26.497+01:00Lockdown Musings : Being Pregnant in a Pandemic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1GBFdNUzyx6A5dyOt7H9RMkCu6r-o5gnyreCXEUkW9YLzfc-yY55amF9uN-aAuyiArlfAFQ_8qt03xCt9g3EOG1EPmRdHdvPj66Hbx6GsfgfTWZo6WyH0ApGHaFQeuoauVVJBXw138U/s1600/IMG_6323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1GBFdNUzyx6A5dyOt7H9RMkCu6r-o5gnyreCXEUkW9YLzfc-yY55amF9uN-aAuyiArlfAFQ_8qt03xCt9g3EOG1EPmRdHdvPj66Hbx6GsfgfTWZo6WyH0ApGHaFQeuoauVVJBXw138U/s320/IMG_6323.jpg" width="320" /></a>Thank you Thia from <a href="https://thehonestmums-club.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Honest Mums Club</a> for tagging me so I can share my experience of being pregnant in a pandemic.<br />
<br />
I'm currently in my 34th week of pregnancy with just under 1 month to go before Little Miss arrives earthside and I can tell you that Covid19 has done a doozy on my experience. This is going to be my last pregnancy and so I really wanted it to be special - I think we've achieved that in a twisted way.<br />
<br />
When I thought of my 3rd trimester, I had images of me nesting in the day, having naps and chilling by the beach until it was time to pick the boys up from schoool. Sounds blissful right? What I ended up with is a lockdown with no end in sight. Having to do home learning with the boys who are fed up of being stuck indoors with me.<br />
<br />
I wish I wasn't immunosuppressed coz then I could take them out but I cant so they are stuck with the garden. Which to be honest, they are very lucky to have. It could be much worse not having any outdoor space.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LXJzZG_tjpYu6MojUcRB50hXM-a54PODrdWewWSBHCDqlgszxpgxV97ju18DKiwi_mloCJFPMmnPiO6pHPoAn70kl8b3uLPeSMCtMcGDiGKtqUE_NeajWT9gI6zwP-mIrsoSQeMl9Y8/s1600/Pregnant+in+a+Pandemic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LXJzZG_tjpYu6MojUcRB50hXM-a54PODrdWewWSBHCDqlgszxpgxV97ju18DKiwi_mloCJFPMmnPiO6pHPoAn70kl8b3uLPeSMCtMcGDiGKtqUE_NeajWT9gI6zwP-mIrsoSQeMl9Y8/s640/Pregnant+in+a+Pandemic.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
As for Antenatal Care, I've been so lucky that nothing has changed for me as I am used to going to appointments and scans on my own. Some of my care has been changed to phone conversations and others (not antenatal ) have been cancelled for the foreseeable. My hospital trust has really handled this very well. They put regular updates up on their facebook page to reassure and have even set up a helpline specifically to discuss fears around pregnancy, birth and the pandemic.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, I was freaking out about having to birth alone as partners are not allowed to stay and also We live far from our family so no childcare for the boys but I have moved past the anxiety, to a place of acceptance because I know that my hubby will be at the birth and I will have lots of support afterwards. <br />
<br />
It is very likely that we will still be in Lockdown months after she's born - I hope not. But we will always be part of the odd club of families bringing new life into the world during this pandemic.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you would like to be tagged please let me know!Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-28935468897998117182020-04-12T00:07:00.002+01:002020-04-12T00:07:55.094+01:00Lockdown Musings: Are We Nearly There Yet?!I am fully behind the whole idea of self isolating especially as I have so many risk factors , however I’ve just done my 4th week, 3 of which my lovely boys have been home from school. This was not how I imagined my last few weeks of pregnancy to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tlaRD4k4MaU5ivQT16BIUygf_qolIH1_WtkWEu86m1ELtxfQaCU6bDRyV_WGFU-Cd9P0iRfYl0OoyEz_90CSQ23xw8_f_QRRWWM6k2cFqDL_IWdpNWTaP4IugKLQRn_igZYgrKXA3fk/s1600/92730364-4FA7-408F-93E4-299A02EDD843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tlaRD4k4MaU5ivQT16BIUygf_qolIH1_WtkWEu86m1ELtxfQaCU6bDRyV_WGFU-Cd9P0iRfYl0OoyEz_90CSQ23xw8_f_QRRWWM6k2cFqDL_IWdpNWTaP4IugKLQRn_igZYgrKXA3fk/s320/92730364-4FA7-408F-93E4-299A02EDD843.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is stressful not knowing when it’ll end. The boys have for the most part been coping ok, I on the other hand miss nature so much. I want to breathe in some sea air, get lost amongst the tall fir trees in the woods. I want to take in the sunset over appley beach. Yet I am acutely aware that we are the fortunate ones. We have a garden. We aren’t stuck indoors like most of the people who live in urban areas. So I can’t moan too much.<br />
<br />
I think I would cope better with this if I wasn’t so pregnant and flaring. I’m throwing up again and I hurt everywhere but can’t see my chiropractor to help so I manage the best way I know how.<br />
Only 6ish weeks left and I genuinely cannot wait to meet her.<br />
<br />
Of course let’s not kid ourselves, recovery from a Caesarean section is no joke whilst tending to a newborn but this is my 3rd go at this so I’m hoping that helps and things go smoother.<br />
<br />
Hopefully by the time little miss is born, we’d be out of lockdown.Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-81894603672742218932020-03-29T10:58:00.000+01:002020-03-29T10:58:06.158+01:00Lockdown Musings : Where’s all the unbiased bottle feeding info? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_0pILn0ExmqzuOCpHAtVcrDkf9VNB8TR5bAMneakIt13vu_7zFQRUNd2DRvP26kv9KJ8Ajg8gt9CRgiwtzL3IuIF7nbd-2rYEK4i0jeX3W_kfAcY9tTTAXtKh13VGZKQgRvTXr0vy_s/s1600/B3C5C6FC-99F3-4371-AFE6-F5B416B981C3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_0pILn0ExmqzuOCpHAtVcrDkf9VNB8TR5bAMneakIt13vu_7zFQRUNd2DRvP26kv9KJ8Ajg8gt9CRgiwtzL3IuIF7nbd-2rYEK4i0jeX3W_kfAcY9tTTAXtKh13VGZKQgRvTXr0vy_s/s400/B3C5C6FC-99F3-4371-AFE6-F5B416B981C3.jpeg" width="266" /></a>I’ve decided to start a new “series” on my blog during this Lock-down.<br />
How are you all doing with the Lock-down? 🔐 I’ve been doing some Home Learning with my boys (we have Fridays off thank goodness) and I’m prepping for our new arrival. One of the ways I’m doing this is by reading. I dusted off my “The Baby Book” by Dr Sears , re read “Gentle Parenting “ by Sarah Ockwell Smith (I wanted to remind myself about the 4th trimester) & I was looking for a book about bottle feeding (with special requirements). This proved harder to find. <br />
<br />
As you know, I had a double mastectomy 9 months ago and prior to that, I breastfed my boys for 3 years each (through allergies, tongue ties & aversions) added to that I’m a trained Breastfeeding Peer Supporter. So I’m firmly on the breastfeeding train.<br />
<br />
I wasn’t planning on having more babies (this isn’t a secret - check out the #lastbaby on LJ’s multiple photos on my Instagram profile) so the biggest blow to me wasn’t our surprise baby but the fact that she won’t be getting breastfed.<br />
<br />
There’s no point dwelling on things you can’t change, however I have discovered something that irks me as a feminist.<br />
<br />
There isn’t enough unbiased information about bottle feeding.<br />
<br />
These are your choices:<br />
<br />
1) The formula company website - only focuses on how to make the feed.<br />
2) NHS Choices - same as above, light on info about responsive bottle feeding.<br />
3) Breastfeeding Websites - same as above with a side of guilt. (Funny how I never noticed this before)<br />
<br />
I needed a resource that would tell me what I needed to know without being derisive towards Breastfeeding. A source that would give me practicalities about the emotional side of this.<br />
<br />
This weekend I found it in the book “Guilt free Bottlefeeding” by Madeline Morris.<br />
<br />
She isn’t bashing breastfeeding but she’s also helping those of us who can’t be confident in the choice (or in my case predicament ) we have.<br />
<br />
There needs to be more of this. I have come across so many triggering sources, that I feel sad that there’s just 1 safe resource I have come across.<br />
<br />
We need more choices. I believe in the human right to choose.<br />
<br />
As a responsive parent, I want more information about how to bottle feed in an attached way. The best i found was info about paced bottle-feeding - which is specific to breastfed infants.<br />
<br />
I suppose like most things, I will figure things out with my baby. Although, there are somethings I want to try from the beginning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>skin to skin feeding</li>
<li>feeding limited to just me for a while then to just us parents until baby is 12-ish months</li>
<li>feeding on demand (i know we'll waste milk but it's important to me that she eats when shes hungry and stops when she's full)</li>
<li>Trying my best to be mindful whilst feeding her. I am totally guilty of scrolling Facebook or watching stuff whilst feeding the boys. </li>
</ul>
<div>
These are what I've decided and we'll see how we go. </div>
<br />
<br />
Anyway, that’s what has been on my mind!Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-51806639478542611072020-03-09T09:52:00.000+00:002020-03-09T09:52:09.306+00:00I'm Pretty Sh*t at This<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqg9yAJQ0gSX560twSKzmd1_6yMz9BHSqu_7X1S88r9lHr7se6_lYvA-jgbqy-3Ie34KK3HnqInTMpcBCLoBPPif7S-C1rO6TBomI0r1pqA6PPXxWcb4Sc5mqrHD72KzMsYb7HvtAzOo/s1600/771DBE15-95EF-413C-9C1C-3CFA3B71DC56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqg9yAJQ0gSX560twSKzmd1_6yMz9BHSqu_7X1S88r9lHr7se6_lYvA-jgbqy-3Ie34KK3HnqInTMpcBCLoBPPif7S-C1rO6TBomI0r1pqA6PPXxWcb4Sc5mqrHD72KzMsYb7HvtAzOo/s320/771DBE15-95EF-413C-9C1C-3CFA3B71DC56.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Let's just come out and say it. The good intentions are there. I mean, I can't count the number of times I have opened my Chromebook to do a blog post and nothing materialising. It sucks how closed off creatively I am when I'm pregnant. I really want to document my new baby's first year like I did with the other two. Although that blog isn't public anymore, It exists - 6 years of my life is on that blog guys. I have loved reading all the posts from when I was deep in the baby stage again. I will make it a book one day for the boys. That is such a precious gift and I want to give her the same. I was meant to write a series of articles for Arthur's Place but because I've just had it tough this pregnancy, nothing's come of it. It makes me a bit disappointed in myself but I just have to remember that i'm dealing with a lot right now.Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-15926108935826337382020-02-07T08:40:00.001+00:002020-02-07T08:40:19.240+00:00Where is my Writing Mojo?!<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I can’t count the number of times I’ve sat down with my laptop to do some writing and come up short. For most people, they find being pregnant a very creative time. But so far in all 3 pregnancies, it’s a drought. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I’m just going to be honest about it & why I feel it’s that way. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span><span class="s1" style="font-size: 19px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zmwZABFU2xyuOQLx__-xFf6btnZtUUKAN4MJiYyHJXPhmzKwD7sxAsb1Hsvz9o8GuJJTic5ahJXqu3PocMrPxL-y5I8ZY9h83EX5z0J1IPvX_inVZcfNwJJT3UaWMaHGAa6Mkg6eHwU/s1600/771DBE15-95EF-413C-9C1C-3CFA3B71DC56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zmwZABFU2xyuOQLx__-xFf6btnZtUUKAN4MJiYyHJXPhmzKwD7sxAsb1Hsvz9o8GuJJTic5ahJXqu3PocMrPxL-y5I8ZY9h83EX5z0J1IPvX_inVZcfNwJJT3UaWMaHGAa6Mkg6eHwU/s320/771DBE15-95EF-413C-9C1C-3CFA3B71DC56.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Usually, I’m depressed right through my pregnancy. My anxiety is raging and I have an almighty urge to run away. This time, I haven’t suffered with depression (even my Winter variety ... touch wood) </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I find pregnancy hardwork not just on my body (my conditions go a bit crazy except RA, it’s chilled right down yay!) but on my mind. I worry about everything even more than I usually do. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">People say, pregnancy suits me which on the surface it does, but I do not feel as good as I look. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I deal with it all by prepping and planning & researching things. I set goals to help me see that I am progressing and doing so well. My health professionals are so supportive and they also help me see I’m doing well. My family especially my hubby help when I cry because I’m frustrated. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I try and bond with my baby and she is a huge motivator. My job is to do all I can to bring her safely earth-side. </span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">With all this going on, no wonder I can’t write! Although, ironically this is the longest spiel I’ve done in a while! I will copy it over to my very neglected blog! </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-68875494021011460122019-09-25T12:03:00.001+01:002019-09-25T12:03:45.335+01:00Feeling a bit Overwhelmed ? Me too!So we have survived the Summer, Gave our children some fab memories and sent them off for a new term at school (or not). You have tried to get back into your normal routine whilst getting ready for the season ahead.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaeUpdeHzQfWMBlCCQtAEnA_G1KoGInfFxJDMF-pGupHcHZ_oDkHnvmpk45ZzZ4PVfWvwzQMZhCrf7Fx501IWTQXi418b37suHxpp5RfRE97T5ptaQUaS5LhwLTdblbcQP2yEeoKa8yo/s1600/7883D562-3849-4124-B291-3903F5E3481B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaeUpdeHzQfWMBlCCQtAEnA_G1KoGInfFxJDMF-pGupHcHZ_oDkHnvmpk45ZzZ4PVfWvwzQMZhCrf7Fx501IWTQXi418b37suHxpp5RfRE97T5ptaQUaS5LhwLTdblbcQP2yEeoKa8yo/s400/7883D562-3849-4124-B291-3903F5E3481B.jpg" width="400" /></a>There is that sense of dread right in your gut. You wonder why you feel that way but no answers at the moment. You have that cup of motivational Coffee and try to push through but that urge to run away or at the very least build yourself a duvet fort is Strong and unrelenting.<br />
<br />
What is WRONG with me?!!!!<br />
<br />
You start to doubt your abilities and you can see your thoughts start to spiral (because surprise, you've been here before!)<br />
<br />
STOP. BREATHE.<br />
<br />
Ring someone you trust, Remind yourself about all the times you've been here and HOW you bounced back. Write a blog post after that eureka moment. Anything to stop the Thoughts >Feelings >Mood cycle.<br />
<br />
This is the one thing I learnt at CBT that has actually stayed with me.<br />
<br />
Cut yourself some slack, it's probably not as bad as you think it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
STOP.BREATHE.<br />
<br />
You've got this!<br />
<br />Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-21982927332915091742019-08-06T08:30:00.000+01:002019-08-06T08:30:02.428+01:00Double Mastectomy Recovery - No Reconstruction (The First Few Weeks)<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlCx1ys0SRsQ_F2LPhJGD1FiVolnJW5g5O4tt8rHnlBBa-WLOCecJMiGgEQsVRTU-cT_MQBdLbMvOkuuL60JeQkcW8w98XMcVmZyKb9_AX77JpgbRYiZNQHqOGauhWCMo6PNU6jxl2OE/s1600/Copy+of+hospital+Bag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlCx1ys0SRsQ_F2LPhJGD1FiVolnJW5g5O4tt8rHnlBBa-WLOCecJMiGgEQsVRTU-cT_MQBdLbMvOkuuL60JeQkcW8w98XMcVmZyKb9_AX77JpgbRYiZNQHqOGauhWCMo6PNU6jxl2OE/s400/Copy+of+hospital+Bag.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I meant to write this blog around the week 2 mark but i'm kinda glad I waited. This will give an overview of what my experience was like. I think it is important to note that, we are all different so my experience may not look the same as yours.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdb2n10wPNNsRuAbYh-rqF3LQTbmynwHI0Kfea47jGYdIFIUu_4fLm5sGhoP4DMsVkljpUEzR7q6FwwuuXe4Wh8T6WCwIuctwEQ4_S6yYgbkbyqQnrJcVFVj-r5-kXW7QShYfetOfKvs/s1600/IMG_0838.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdb2n10wPNNsRuAbYh-rqF3LQTbmynwHI0Kfea47jGYdIFIUu_4fLm5sGhoP4DMsVkljpUEzR7q6FwwuuXe4Wh8T6WCwIuctwEQ4_S6yYgbkbyqQnrJcVFVj-r5-kXW7QShYfetOfKvs/s320/IMG_0838.heic" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A few hours after Surgery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I came round to a heavy-ish feeling in my chest and feeling very hazy from the anaesthetic. I hadn't eaten all day so I had some toast at about 6ish. I slept the evening away. I had 3 drains in. I did my first wobbly steps around the ward to use the bathroom. Pain wise , It wasn't as bad as I expected. I only needed paracetamol.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NtZJRIJur8pGc7sXiC1kJRMLJBXiAwEcgDxplgWw0NG-LLIJKgeKtI6A43alRgMM9_SsnE2EQJGiqvwtHrIUAfl8gBsTjRhYwO1Gb8vjrUEVrq2eyRlfrqj9DO8couTJnatyDCS1EwA/s1600/IMG_0846.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NtZJRIJur8pGc7sXiC1kJRMLJBXiAwEcgDxplgWw0NG-LLIJKgeKtI6A43alRgMM9_SsnE2EQJGiqvwtHrIUAfl8gBsTjRhYwO1Gb8vjrUEVrq2eyRlfrqj9DO8couTJnatyDCS1EwA/s320/IMG_0846.heic" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt more human, still tired but in good spirits. my arms felt restricted, I also had a wide dressing all around which i think contributed to that feeling. I got to go home that afternoon. I used my Jen's Pillow for a smoother ride home. That night, I had major anxiety about sleeping in my own bed with my drains. I had images of drains tugging at night and blood soaked sheets. My husband helped me tuck them in a way that I wouldn't tug at them. They were in my drain bag and then hung on the knob of my bedside table. I slept on 2 pillows with my "V" pillow on top of that and my Jen's Friends heart pillows on either side to rest my arms on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 3</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I started my exercises. Just doing shoulder circling & shrugs. This was my first day home alone and boy was I nervous. By lunchtime, I had ordered myself a reacher as my arm movement and range was still minimal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUxzN3JVu0TJGEz9r1GyBBe-68P2FSC2q6N8XYL3jcn6nnaJvzth1e_7pvksOA82_zp42PgV4DuyymX67G1jNjNQi0oF5DychlR705kaajFQOyN0ur30kHgrdG5yKYUiAf2-TW19Bq5Q/s1600/IMG_0840.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUxzN3JVu0TJGEz9r1GyBBe-68P2FSC2q6N8XYL3jcn6nnaJvzth1e_7pvksOA82_zp42PgV4DuyymX67G1jNjNQi0oF5DychlR705kaajFQOyN0ur30kHgrdG5yKYUiAf2-TW19Bq5Q/s320/IMG_0840.heic" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Drains Galore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">District Nurses finally came by. I had one drain removed so was left with 2 . I felt better just by the drains being emptied and getting a new dressing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 5</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another drain came out today. The one remaining had an output of about 45mls so the district nurse thinks it should be ready by tomorrow. I told her I was willing to be patient. I didn't want a Seroma forming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 6</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The final drain came out today. I felt so light and free. I still only needed Paracetamol through the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 7</b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38L3d3bXf5euoR5jwdZIuRUdXGtNmMGMd-jR1PKFBMrbb0hovXLMTp8yitTvZjhQNf7fCv_mD4AqX2by0PoSNtXDjAANW1Scthw5SqO6dVW_PlrWbBTwTEG5Ja2n7lhg2P8JAEEaeHBs/s1600/IMG_0883.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38L3d3bXf5euoR5jwdZIuRUdXGtNmMGMd-jR1PKFBMrbb0hovXLMTp8yitTvZjhQNf7fCv_mD4AqX2by0PoSNtXDjAANW1Scthw5SqO6dVW_PlrWbBTwTEG5Ja2n7lhg2P8JAEEaeHBs/s320/IMG_0883.heic" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Feeling Flat & Fabulous</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Huge lesson learnt today. I decided it would be a good idea to go to the county show but literally walking from the car park field to the entrance tired me out. I totally forgot that these shows are all about standing about. I was gutted about missing out but glad to have made it out. I also got to wear my white Broderie Anglaise top that I previously couldn't wear as my boobs were too huge for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I learnt that my body was not ready for all that agro. I needed to slow my roll!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Second Week</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I still wasn't ready to drive. There was an awful tugging, pinching sensation when I attempted it. I got myself a bus pass. I used this week to slowly build up stamina again. I started walking a bit more, I went to a craft morning with my WI Group and I started doing the school run with the bus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 10 - My Post Op Appt</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't see my Surgeon but the Surgeon who did my initial Wide Excision. He took my dressing off with no time for me to prepare. I didn't want the first time I saw my chest to be that way. That night I was so low. I wrote this on my instagram " Earlier today, I saw my new chest in a way I really didn't want to be introduced to it. At my Post Op Appt, they removed my dressings, my psychological band aid without much pomp and circumstance. It wasn't a big deal to them but it was momentous to me. I looked down and one word popped into my brain .... FRANKENSTEIN".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't like how raised and sewn it looked. It was ugly and I felt incredibly mutilated. I decided the only way to accept it was to see it as often as possible. So I spent the evening with my chest out and looking at it in the mirror helped as it didn't seem so awful from that view.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Week 3</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I drove to Tesco after testing by driving around the corner and all was fine! This felt momentous as it gave me my independence back. The seat belt rubbed at my scar which made it sore. I also did my first Pilates Class this week. It was great as I felt a bit more like me. I was expecting to sit out most of the moves but I made it through with no pain or discomfort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I found that on days where I did that bit too much, my scar stung. I soon learnt just how much my body could tolerate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Week 4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I started back at work by accident. I popped into my office to fulfil an order and then realised how much I missed my space. I had initially thought I'd have to reopen in the Autumn but I decided to start now. I had a few orders to do and the end of the school year to contend with. I also celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary . I appreciated my journey and the love I had around me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa-m_Ic8384JjSfegPe26EH5osSSaJF3lQxzahGt7B8M6C-jph4qdmIbAHtXgnNorlgReg1j2lCP2ZDV9OgIvc1tinKQgbjGXNl66PceKWtW3NitKczJi46Sa0l5oVSWxLWF5XFt-4qI/s1600/IMG_1206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1032" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa-m_Ic8384JjSfegPe26EH5osSSaJF3lQxzahGt7B8M6C-jph4qdmIbAHtXgnNorlgReg1j2lCP2ZDV9OgIvc1tinKQgbjGXNl66PceKWtW3NitKczJi46Sa0l5oVSWxLWF5XFt-4qI/s320/IMG_1206.jpg" width="206" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Our 10th Wedding Anniversary Party.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope this insight into my journey, helps if you are facing a Double Mastectomy with no reconstruction. You can be Flat & Fabulous. Any Questions, please contact me. I'll try my best to help!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-a62cddbc-7fff-49db-228a-5103f886e680" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Useful Links</b></span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.flatfriends.org.uk/" style="text-decoration: none;">Flat Friends UK</a></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mastectomynetwork/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mastectomy Advice Network</span></span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flat-Reclaiming-Body-Breast-Cancer/dp/1510732918" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flat - Reclaiming My Body from Breast Cancer by Catherine Guthrie</span></span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/exercises-after-breast-cancer-surgery-bcc6" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Exercises after Breast Surgery via Breast Cancer Care</span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-26246151143508882932019-06-23T21:53:00.001+01:002019-07-06T10:58:43.839+01:00What to put in your Hospital Bag for a Mastectomy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9jc7-dJzMPAQsPL3A2nk5AHoKvpJp0_YHYm0yb0XjxP736lCwzu5zPThIZxsvhUMalquDJC0_QNT4zg3Dlh9Cu7W-x0TX05Nx9ZynU5v-0qobJMewQ5aCozI30W5WtjsRnffHKLAHlw/s1600/hospital+Bag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9jc7-dJzMPAQsPL3A2nk5AHoKvpJp0_YHYm0yb0XjxP736lCwzu5zPThIZxsvhUMalquDJC0_QNT4zg3Dlh9Cu7W-x0TX05Nx9ZynU5v-0qobJMewQ5aCozI30W5WtjsRnffHKLAHlw/s640/hospital+Bag.png" width="425" /></a>I have scrawled across the internet , read lots of blogs and watched lots of videos. Most of which were of an American slant. I have come to the conclusion that the American hospital system is very different to our good old NHS. I asked lots of people who have been through this too. I also used information from the booklet entitled "Planned Admissions" which I was given when I went in for my Wide Excision back in March. Putting all the above to use, here is what I have packed in my hospital bag .<br />
<br />
Most British hospitals do not have vast amount of space so you are advised to bring a soft bag not a suitcase. I chose my favourite Cath Kidston X Disney Peter Pan Tote. It's not a big bag either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/nightwear-slippers/post-surgery-grey-star-print-button-through-pyjamas/GEM662821,default,pd.html?cgid=D1M1G20C18" target="_blank">George Post Surgery PJs</a> (with internal drain management pockets.</li>
<li><a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/nightwear-slippers/post-surgery-grey-star-print-dressing-gown/GEM662922,default,pd.html?cgid=D1M1G20C18&placement_id=GRGTOP&strategy=PWBAB&config_id=GRGTOP&product_id=GEM662922&parent_item_id=GEM662821" target="_blank">George Post Surgery Dressing Gown</a> (also with Drain Management)</li>
<li>My trusty bedroom boots</li>
<li>Fleece Blanket</li>
<li>Spare underwear</li>
<li>Toiletry bag containing Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Face cream</li>
<li>Naty Baby Eco Wipes </li>
<li>Spare change</li>
<li>Prescription Pre-Payment Card (just in case)</li>
<li>Something Fun - I chose my iPad with tons of episodes of The Big Bang Theory)</li>
<li>Airpods</li>
<li>Power Bank</li>
<li>Phone Charger</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jensfriendsmastectomypillow/" target="_blank">Jen's Friends Mastectomy Pillows</a></li>
<li>Drain Bags</li>
<li>Snack Bars</li>
<li>Meds (in original packaging)</li>
<li>Blood Testing Kit</li>
<li>Sanitary Supplies (if you are due, I've read lots about the operation causing it to come. I'm nowhere near so I didn't bother)</li>
<li>My Journal & a Pen</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's it! I'm impressed I was able to get that all in. I intend to wear the clothes I wore in, out when I'm discharged so choose wisely. That's also where my drain bag comes in so they don't dangle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope this helps and makes things easier for you.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Helpful Links </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.brightpink.org/download.php?file=wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MastectomyGuide.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bright Pink Mastectomy Guide</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.facingourrisk.org/understanding-brca-and-hboc/documents/mastectomy-surgery-checklist-2016.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FORCE (Facing Our Risk for Cancer Empowered) Mastectomy Checklist </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.flatfriends.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flat Friends UK</a></li>
<li><a href="https://m.facebook.com/mastectomynetwork/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mastectomy Advice Network</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Care UK</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-82553012386551920932019-06-22T23:48:00.000+01:002019-06-23T12:39:25.307+01:00My Breasts & I - Part 3<br />
I still have my boobs for all of 34 hours 23 minutes and counting.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq05Wh8HHKQXE9Xa59VXnCBOEN_aScsleHHXd2XiutWvmJREEhSwuPvuSf-azaKNZB0JA3Y5E2W3_oNPV47bj2chyphenhyphenbcVnYhWuq94rmuHz5jRSNalTlVYD7xzDwD2pfOXNGb0YxoQosZU/s1600/my+breasts+and+i+part+3.+.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq05Wh8HHKQXE9Xa59VXnCBOEN_aScsleHHXd2XiutWvmJREEhSwuPvuSf-azaKNZB0JA3Y5E2W3_oNPV47bj2chyphenhyphenbcVnYhWuq94rmuHz5jRSNalTlVYD7xzDwD2pfOXNGb0YxoQosZU/s400/my+breasts+and+i+part+3.+.png" width="266" /></a>It is a strange place to be let me tell you. I have joined a number of Mastectomy groups to help me cope with everything and I have learnt a lot. I have also realised a few things. I fall into a weird group where I don't have Cancer (as far as i know), the Mastectomy isn't purely Prophylactic as in the case of those with the BRCA gene (therefore high risk for cancer) . I'm as usual, an oddity.<br />
<br />
A medical marvel that experienced doctors can't fathom. Yet, I have found myself rejoicing, empathising & mourning with these women in my phone. At the end of the day, suffering is suffering. Pain is Pain and we all end up living our lives sans boobies.<br />
<br />
Another thing that I've realised is my attitude to Cancer. I honestly don't know if it's a good thing or not. However, living with several lifelong conditions mean that I do ruminate quite frequently about my own mortality. I spent the next few months after my initial diagnosis of RA wondering if I would be lucky enough to see my children into adulthood. That is still my most terrifying fear. I don't want to miss out of that future.<br />
<br />
Cancer to me now is just one more thing that could kill me. I have a pretty long list thanks to my immune system making my risks/ comorbidities higher. I do hope I never get that diagnosis. Lord knows I don't need anymore.<br />
<br />
Being around women who feel let down by their bodies feels familiar to me even though it's in a different context.<br />
I have worked super hard to let the anger go and focus on the truth which is that my body & I are on the same team even if most of the time it doesn't feel like it.<br />
<br />
One final thing to say to my breasts. Thank you for letting me nurture & comfort my children for 6 years. Thank you for those sleepy milky moments. Thank you for the pleasure & thank you for the pain. I needed them all to become who I am.<br />
<br />
Thank you for being with me on my voyage from girlhood to womanhood.<br />
Even if my relationship with you has been complex, you were mine.<br />
<br />
Thank you.<br />
<br />
Life after you are cut away will be good. There will be times filled with insecurity and sadness. There will be times of joy.<br />
<br />
I only have this life to live so yes, I intend to breath it all in.Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-86291854076293056752019-06-22T22:19:00.001+01:002019-06-22T22:19:28.560+01:00My Exercise Vibe with RA ( Rheumatoid Arthritis)<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #313131; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgr6j-6W5JA7lBe4fDvigu95IeQR2fvVin3wbFFHyYaxZt2TziqbPdUa6Wz4p-AEWCNWgOdq9gCN6RxYfH1iw9bXj9lwnasTYJj3w6yNBgrpk7Ka2F1pbkLCbNeRHXiVJZBTzdZsg5Vw/s1600/IMG_6843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="1442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgr6j-6W5JA7lBe4fDvigu95IeQR2fvVin3wbFFHyYaxZt2TziqbPdUa6Wz4p-AEWCNWgOdq9gCN6RxYfH1iw9bXj9lwnasTYJj3w6yNBgrpk7Ka2F1pbkLCbNeRHXiVJZBTzdZsg5Vw/s320/IMG_6843.JPG" width="319" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever since I was diagnosed last year with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I have been searching for a way to get back to enjoying movement. Prior to diagnosis, I loved to run. Being out in the woods with just the trees and the animals was my favourite thing to do. I wasn’t fond of pounding the pavements, for many reasons, but in the woods, I felt free and was able to push myself, or just wander.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #313131; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was actually training for a half-marathon with only two weeks to go when symptoms appeared. At first, I didn’t think it was anything as my training was pretty gruelling.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #313131; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One day, after a long run, I took a nap and woke up with the worst pain ever, as well as feeling feverish. That was that, no more long runs for me since that day.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went through all the steps in the cycle of grief. I have finally gotten to a place of acceptance and along with that, I have found that although it hurts initially, exercise does help keep me mobile..</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wrote this post originally for <a href="https://arthursplace.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arthur's Place!</a> To read the rest, <a href="https://arthursplace.co.uk/blog-post/exercise-vibe-full-varied-paced-suit-im-feeling-mostly/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here </a></span><br />
<br />Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-45004513507910636242019-06-14T09:40:00.000+01:002019-06-14T09:40:02.985+01:00Travel : Lancaster, UK<br />
This past half term holiday, We ( My Hubby, Sons & Myself) travelled to Lancaster. We have spent most of our Holidays down south. So Devon, Cornwall & Dorset. We've done Somerset & parts of Wales too. Anyway, We decided to start exploring the North. We did the Yorkshire Moors a few years ago and I did love how the landscape & architecture defers from down here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6ab95G9H1l9wXEjYmqNUT8PmT3L3wPJM__4vM1l74vnJJbPqL5QRaPaKOhkqQUGF74yPYb58pcSIAIgJYWQptbb-VXGjP8BoGwZnX7c3W9dFYmtY_wjauL_zYN2AQOjTBTzCK_jF7Fo/s1600/IMG_0403.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6ab95G9H1l9wXEjYmqNUT8PmT3L3wPJM__4vM1l74vnJJbPqL5QRaPaKOhkqQUGF74yPYb58pcSIAIgJYWQptbb-VXGjP8BoGwZnX7c3W9dFYmtY_wjauL_zYN2AQOjTBTzCK_jF7Fo/s320/IMG_0403.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been reading a lot of Milly Johnson books too. They are typically set in Yorkshire so I've been eager to get up there.<br />
<br />
Our caravan was in the seaside town of Morecambe. The caravan park did shock us a little with how populated it was. There were A LOT of caravans. We aren't used to resorts like that, there was less greenery that we liked in the park. However, thankfully we don't tend to spend ages on the resort itself. We like to go out and explore the area. We walked into the town centre and saw how rundown bits of it was (like most high streets in the UK currently) , We then stopped at Regent's Park which was so lovely. It still had a Victorian building which was used as a cafe / Bowls Clubhouse. My boys absolutely loved it.<br />
<br />
We then continued to the beach. The tide was out for miles!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kNW4ZFSpqlSl5FdcnDo0sYgW1_Wkxn3G6LzkwhL5aQQixn-hmLbqqBtbaapZbAdBulqoafwT3MsbeiyjHuYetYf92Je-SdHyB3SN-X92AXwrYIOIOzduOkd7fm_0kVl-hkMYXGqafkE/s1600/IMG_0409.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kNW4ZFSpqlSl5FdcnDo0sYgW1_Wkxn3G6LzkwhL5aQQixn-hmLbqqBtbaapZbAdBulqoafwT3MsbeiyjHuYetYf92Je-SdHyB3SN-X92AXwrYIOIOzduOkd7fm_0kVl-hkMYXGqafkE/s400/IMG_0409.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morecambe Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We went to a funfair, Arcade & had a Fish & Chips Lunch. We also stopped at the Eric Morecambe Bronze statue. You know, of <i>Morecambe & Wise </i>fame. " <i>Bring me Sunshine</i>" . Yes that one!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsWpqYDeNv-t6ztzKuP96f6csNC2V79p7qlCYFWAqyQmlqooJE9UaNCLmsZu_0NQJUJ3gi4Oa719x2ecY0y_yXNm81iwca8Ko1nO0-lIJ90gFbzeWeZiKWiqalA8HXNU8BZ9RthMsM_I/s1600/IMG_1382.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsWpqYDeNv-t6ztzKuP96f6csNC2V79p7qlCYFWAqyQmlqooJE9UaNCLmsZu_0NQJUJ3gi4Oa719x2ecY0y_yXNm81iwca8Ko1nO0-lIJ90gFbzeWeZiKWiqalA8HXNU8BZ9RthMsM_I/s400/IMG_1382.heic" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
The next day was our last full day in Lancashire, So we went to the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. We did not realise it was that Steep or Long for that matter. After paying our £20, and receiving a leaflet about it. That was when we realised what we had committed to. I won't lie, I was absolutely terrified. I had visions of me being stuck in the middle of the trail not able to walk further or return to the car park. However, if you know me in real life, you know I possess heaps of bloodymindedness. That's what I relied on as well as lots of stops. It was so beautiful.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijksXZFFmfLBkEk4wSUZCFL7eVfaN6K5LxQ5LmiETrr1pIO-CBeTQS3rEDQ8kZU6dlb7Ahz5MfQQjgjZ74XCqpkCDgEV_FDhz5PPmTsxIG6MhQoitBEXPXCu9hPh5dkIMn7ztgXojb9V4/s1600/IMG_0432.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijksXZFFmfLBkEk4wSUZCFL7eVfaN6K5LxQ5LmiETrr1pIO-CBeTQS3rEDQ8kZU6dlb7Ahz5MfQQjgjZ74XCqpkCDgEV_FDhz5PPmTsxIG6MhQoitBEXPXCu9hPh5dkIMn7ztgXojb9V4/s320/IMG_0432.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Money Tree, Ingleton Waterfall Trail, UK </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We did it! If you want to see more photos I took, Check out my <a href="http://lucybenton.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I was so proud of everyone. My littlest LJ, who is only 4.5 and has little legs, E my biggest who finds things like this quite tough , My hubby who had a very hurty knee and of course myself who finds walking and standing quite trying. My little family encouraged each other, We had chats, laughs and stopped when we needed to. 7.2k later we were back at the car. I can't tell you how triumphant I felt. I knew I'd pay for it later but that wouldn't squelch my joy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c_T1IEdhKD6kfaZEegHQLGX8vyvyXyJVJw-xh8B2DpNt2n_sMLlfM3NM2rfgPkVvWIxmJKtVp2EGn8-PSAZy2_fuKZ6yGP5awryx73hYFEV_HAPBHzqb5-piEZ2pM9cERHyckQ_NVQ4/s1600/IMG_1427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c_T1IEdhKD6kfaZEegHQLGX8vyvyXyJVJw-xh8B2DpNt2n_sMLlfM3NM2rfgPkVvWIxmJKtVp2EGn8-PSAZy2_fuKZ6yGP5awryx73hYFEV_HAPBHzqb5-piEZ2pM9cERHyckQ_NVQ4/s320/IMG_1427.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-69464803830499514692019-06-12T00:07:00.000+01:002019-06-23T19:49:29.991+01:00Tick.TockTick.Tock<br />
<br />
Tick.Tock<br />
<br />
Tick.Tock<br />
<br />
I live with a certain sound. One only I can hear. It’s with me every breath I take. I deal with it the best way I know how, researching every darn thing. Still, it makes its presence known. Tick.Tock. I live with a lump.<br />
<br />
Counting down the days to surgery, knowing it isn’t Malignant (as far as they know) doesn’t help. I know that a new lump can trigger the same processes I know so well. Ultrasound, Core Biopsy, waiting, results. I’m on my 6th cycle. I can never truly relax because I’m living with a bomb in my chest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaeUpdeHzQfWMBlCCQtAEnA_G1KoGInfFxJDMF-pGupHcHZ_oDkHnvmpk45ZzZ4PVfWvwzQMZhCrf7Fx501IWTQXi418b37suHxpp5RfRE97T5ptaQUaS5LhwLTdblbcQP2yEeoKa8yo/s1600/7883D562-3849-4124-B291-3903F5E3481B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaeUpdeHzQfWMBlCCQtAEnA_G1KoGInfFxJDMF-pGupHcHZ_oDkHnvmpk45ZzZ4PVfWvwzQMZhCrf7Fx501IWTQXi418b37suHxpp5RfRE97T5ptaQUaS5LhwLTdblbcQP2yEeoKa8yo/s320/7883D562-3849-4124-B291-3903F5E3481B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7933055563118734652.post-84531231363094940922019-06-10T16:50:00.001+01:002019-06-10T16:50:38.309+01:00Travel : Brussels (Plannercon Europe 2019)It's been a while since I did a Travel post on here! It's been a Month since I went to Brussels, hard to believe it really. A lot has happened since then!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWMHapBee-_SiGl6PnXlVg5NaaIHkzKEqIJM-5tCLq8Qalqz8R9e2-UPd7RXKpgsz7RdHg_7U0B4DENv-ptRsHfa_TyTCZE8B9xqPoZ5TXZ2RuVo3-as5CZKksyzu-G7uMfCxzZzFN6g/s1600/Copy+of+my+breasts+and+i+part+2.++%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWMHapBee-_SiGl6PnXlVg5NaaIHkzKEqIJM-5tCLq8Qalqz8R9e2-UPd7RXKpgsz7RdHg_7U0B4DENv-ptRsHfa_TyTCZE8B9xqPoZ5TXZ2RuVo3-as5CZKksyzu-G7uMfCxzZzFN6g/s400/Copy+of+my+breasts+and+i+part+2.++%25281%2529.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought my earlybird ticket last year, I knew i wanted this adventure to look forward to. I really enjoy travelling as you guys know but I'm finding that I enjoy Solo travel too. Having <a href="https://www.nras.org.uk/about-ra" target="_blank">RA</a> has meant that I have become cautious and my adventurous spirit has been restless. I have learnt not to count myself out too eagerly. My mobility and stamina might be compromised somewhat but I should still be able to taste life. Although<a href="https://www.plannercon.eu/" target="_blank"> Plannercon </a>itself was exciting, I loved exploring the home of my favourite detective Hercule Poirot. My favourite bit of the weekend was making new friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAfYtMx0j9iv33MegBtrTUDAs2KLVfeueEZGnaLqqq_iibWtXpqj9b-UFyNKNRFbZTFAN2nwjBavOxadji_Hxp3J07OrR3FC-TnEEVtqSLKc6qugbugGhSBVKjNQyPKLy6K8vMlb-DnI/s1600/IMG_0134.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAfYtMx0j9iv33MegBtrTUDAs2KLVfeueEZGnaLqqq_iibWtXpqj9b-UFyNKNRFbZTFAN2nwjBavOxadji_Hxp3J07OrR3FC-TnEEVtqSLKc6qugbugGhSBVKjNQyPKLy6K8vMlb-DnI/s320/IMG_0134.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took the Eurostar and chose the Standard ticket ( no accessibility perks) the first thing I noticed was how far back the chair was. I used my Jacket to create some lumbar support and it was fine. 2 hours later, I was in Brussels. I used the Citymapper App to navigate my way from Bruxelles Midi (where the Eurostar Train comes in) to Bruxelles Central via the ici train. The ticket was about 2.40 Euros. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was staying at <a href="https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/brussels/" target="_blank">Motel One</a> which was a 10 mins walk from the station. I used Apple Maps to navigate, it was pretty straight forward. I had easy check in, had a rest before sight seeing. I went to the Grand Place which is the main square in Brussels. I was on Priority list for PCE (Plannercon Europe) so I went to Square to Register a day early. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGDc5l0cjcsjnlIhQFkT4TcLHx3MXYYoFrNHJqlH0jVMNvi3JVICAVJw8oa_iUsAeqL3a5Q8ryet6eObE5am0YlCeBuP71qu2SD5K5pHNSoZueyfnvcWEPEVD8V35azVMUNvTqJdCRnQ/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGDc5l0cjcsjnlIhQFkT4TcLHx3MXYYoFrNHJqlH0jVMNvi3JVICAVJw8oa_iUsAeqL3a5Q8ryet6eObE5am0YlCeBuP71qu2SD5K5pHNSoZueyfnvcWEPEVD8V35azVMUNvTqJdCRnQ/s320/IMG_0136.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-luGT-bSO_e6C89zVkCbRAkHz7XEc0HS27hqJmq-oWfe2jdswFqHJ-CvfJyc0RBc7UC2UjoINQxTF3S7L8K0qZVdMIZ79nZ-XgTHe5h3q0oMnmtWRdxl-_XZg4sqJZRKe4-Asxy-51Y/s1600/IMG_0138.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-luGT-bSO_e6C89zVkCbRAkHz7XEc0HS27hqJmq-oWfe2jdswFqHJ-CvfJyc0RBc7UC2UjoINQxTF3S7L8K0qZVdMIZ79nZ-XgTHe5h3q0oMnmtWRdxl-_XZg4sqJZRKe4-Asxy-51Y/s320/IMG_0138.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8S6smN5EAd2da6OhJizZvDW90N3jkBszJk0hDryICE84gU9J1DdPpDsBcczsjuHp0hrBFhnLxVRrrgeKRTNLDlx8Zev1KMNgu9RL0hAkLw8JIaCMLbd8uRBgZJeJV1Vps7Qh6m1EB1Y/s1600/IMG_0140.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8S6smN5EAd2da6OhJizZvDW90N3jkBszJk0hDryICE84gU9J1DdPpDsBcczsjuHp0hrBFhnLxVRrrgeKRTNLDlx8Zev1KMNgu9RL0hAkLw8JIaCMLbd8uRBgZJeJV1Vps7Qh6m1EB1Y/s320/IMG_0140.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcu_7YwioyY_fK5Kc3usXTAxqi4iPi4HHPZFSHRveg558k6jPbJ9gUZI83tWvjYq4UVtZf3LRMX9Y5kKqD4-XFs6AYwnylJJnWbWov54p9-f4-dBecvxoAZdb-y4OhNhzrmFf7JXJ1AI/s1600/IMG_0143.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcu_7YwioyY_fK5Kc3usXTAxqi4iPi4HHPZFSHRveg558k6jPbJ9gUZI83tWvjYq4UVtZf3LRMX9Y5kKqD4-XFs6AYwnylJJnWbWov54p9-f4-dBecvxoAZdb-y4OhNhzrmFf7JXJ1AI/s320/IMG_0143.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEpmxHQfE1kLQPlCnqylAWSu59lsYT9UhsY5KqOpXuSsWXkZY6g1F2HbUgSVnOq861d7X9TqwVQUXwSZG9b1H14MgRuOk7M6Vi7B9HUeQ8TGAqQUZfi6jHxfDLBZlt81sE4sdjri-2IU/s1600/IMG_0145.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEpmxHQfE1kLQPlCnqylAWSu59lsYT9UhsY5KqOpXuSsWXkZY6g1F2HbUgSVnOq861d7X9TqwVQUXwSZG9b1H14MgRuOk7M6Vi7B9HUeQ8TGAqQUZfi6jHxfDLBZlt81sE4sdjri-2IU/s320/IMG_0145.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfmBYIQuDPsG0sAFh-Fv-jaKehhcbGsi-9v0fHP8emyiHcFDArkFNASmbx6BqRQTjCPOByAPJ7Q4QwAOqDGfkNPZ1AoX_B_QtRcrkfnmQnCcgA3QpSLqclDK09lnNX6hcdypR0mhcjX0/s1600/IMG_0154.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfmBYIQuDPsG0sAFh-Fv-jaKehhcbGsi-9v0fHP8emyiHcFDArkFNASmbx6BqRQTjCPOByAPJ7Q4QwAOqDGfkNPZ1AoX_B_QtRcrkfnmQnCcgA3QpSLqclDK09lnNX6hcdypR0mhcjX0/s320/IMG_0154.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I met other people from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ukplanneraddicts/" target="_blank">UKPA </a>who were<a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=spoonie" target="_blank"> Spoonies</a> too so we took our time and didn't feel guilty which made my trip really. Taking things at our pace and having people to experience things with. We ended our day with a cocktail!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE0IKxXKldgIkXVX7WTX0uxiXPVBYGLFa6WtuqAc9h3Y9TwUz9aSvD1rCwouyV4nI9Hk2dlB2EghnptL9YNvvIep4lJflHaFkFHXZIv2o5XZzOB5M6QajrITgo9iZSPhYr2n_EC0ajlk/s1600/IMG_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE0IKxXKldgIkXVX7WTX0uxiXPVBYGLFa6WtuqAc9h3Y9TwUz9aSvD1rCwouyV4nI9Hk2dlB2EghnptL9YNvvIep4lJflHaFkFHXZIv2o5XZzOB5M6QajrITgo9iZSPhYr2n_EC0ajlk/s320/IMG_0156.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday was the first day at PCE, It was a very well organised event with lots of great talks, workshops & vendor. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HNghtEKaIvzZcxMRqFg9VbdFXvZG21hJm2t2C2BOntMwynxYXExFHA0etb2NGBrVfahw3W7HevIKFZD4w-mwft92I31xKOo-R8vQeot2sZg7dvIIwo6iHAMGp6At1iapuqTyI36N150/s1600/IMG_0161.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HNghtEKaIvzZcxMRqFg9VbdFXvZG21hJm2t2C2BOntMwynxYXExFHA0etb2NGBrVfahw3W7HevIKFZD4w-mwft92I31xKOo-R8vQeot2sZg7dvIIwo6iHAMGp6At1iapuqTyI36N150/s320/IMG_0161.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaf2R5IxTD4QiKX5Hj1eoFyhZ0rbkzQN5gpixO_3nZrNYSbkyOiN2MXg2mZvvMFgpbxDYit4ucwl1zPNkkvEhW5Lwb3ErJvE2iwVSFvb5NcuPRg65GTH5vGqjaYZuHzef0z86xDvhgzg/s1600/IMG_0166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaf2R5IxTD4QiKX5Hj1eoFyhZ0rbkzQN5gpixO_3nZrNYSbkyOiN2MXg2mZvvMFgpbxDYit4ucwl1zPNkkvEhW5Lwb3ErJvE2iwVSFvb5NcuPRg65GTH5vGqjaYZuHzef0z86xDvhgzg/s320/IMG_0166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2t6JYXTiu50KXUaAVpHfcyShsnkcSOtBC1qfkzvK9-qNsj_Qb4xgpUeRLDuKH2vndovVJFtyxAbWdXWZS87fR3jsriFFHeohZwSgiOGXlBCUN6_WiTJ_ajyubvOnDZmmt6nylQ-D4JI/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2t6JYXTiu50KXUaAVpHfcyShsnkcSOtBC1qfkzvK9-qNsj_Qb4xgpUeRLDuKH2vndovVJFtyxAbWdXWZS87fR3jsriFFHeohZwSgiOGXlBCUN6_WiTJ_ajyubvOnDZmmt6nylQ-D4JI/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9oaeAScxf8loWGGSfSfwP_pVujy7L7OIO8YLS_te-dlFkW4FwEf-OT9a2HY4fwhmiHO39JE26Qy4hDwkNagcXzm69aEx2W5IkkY9dEbjkK0o2f0KJTjiifNqrehIZnVfWU0re7U97ks/s1600/IMG_0187.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9oaeAScxf8loWGGSfSfwP_pVujy7L7OIO8YLS_te-dlFkW4FwEf-OT9a2HY4fwhmiHO39JE26Qy4hDwkNagcXzm69aEx2W5IkkY9dEbjkK0o2f0KJTjiifNqrehIZnVfWU0re7U97ks/s320/IMG_0187.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was able to catch up with friends and make new ones. I was also able to Fangirl over Steve from Philofaxy , Amber from Carpe Diem, Julia from Filofax & Erin from Erin Condren! I did buy a new Oli Clip too! We had dinner at Purple Rose that evening. I had 500g of Moules Frites. It was yummy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55hY_uirl625aTmjJo6x0dA0fGYFwj0XMMA8V5ff1h3y3NO0muU7VRlKFDzFgfFTpna4aidogoRdFE113dnRLgFJmYJ4rPPGatlQc6A_X-CskL_rhIPWPhMlSkiYCGk-srB92_-DTFtI/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55hY_uirl625aTmjJo6x0dA0fGYFwj0XMMA8V5ff1h3y3NO0muU7VRlKFDzFgfFTpna4aidogoRdFE113dnRLgFJmYJ4rPPGatlQc6A_X-CskL_rhIPWPhMlSkiYCGk-srB92_-DTFtI/s320/IMG_0179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afterwards, We had a Harry Potter PJ Party downstairs at the Hotel Bar, that was where I met my Friend, K who was a fellow Hufflepuff! I was having such a good time I didn't take any pictures except of the decor - I appreciate good design 😜</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv3PbD7WThBzKEeWA4qdEmDVQSYUuTQuwVBU1Wa4Pok3yC-eIZzGWEFrEZPZX1WuBDdwTxxO21jczYK1JNNXl2EYJelsVqaUWD2FKQdyQL98DG7wV_bDHf11pzXJYueqs8QlSpqtT9VA/s1600/IMG_0185.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv3PbD7WThBzKEeWA4qdEmDVQSYUuTQuwVBU1Wa4Pok3yC-eIZzGWEFrEZPZX1WuBDdwTxxO21jczYK1JNNXl2EYJelsVqaUWD2FKQdyQL98DG7wV_bDHf11pzXJYueqs8QlSpqtT9VA/s320/IMG_0185.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Sunday, We all attended the final day of PCE 2019. More fab sessions and of course Shopping.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZmQXryu5jyPfzipRaJzdQN53kki3g1MrBhSMMbXWLrVOutm3wAtV62Ssy2ZPdyhP81IgzxkG1wZOnFu3EFVL74qCBWfyOykiK43AJ1lwnAdUuIYayyVy0ez7DFvgAAYgC6xdLfwKW44/s1600/IMG_0190.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZmQXryu5jyPfzipRaJzdQN53kki3g1MrBhSMMbXWLrVOutm3wAtV62Ssy2ZPdyhP81IgzxkG1wZOnFu3EFVL74qCBWfyOykiK43AJ1lwnAdUuIYayyVy0ez7DFvgAAYgC6xdLfwKW44/s320/IMG_0190.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdaSvJczUYnxOTeiFnI13OQqIfoRJ5Z-o651qSc0gZ0SWRsa7Uuj-BK2BDzd1soJP30Eh5vXtoCi_O1RQgXWEmm8whcC0N1T7LKND52DSpm-7_hGaUwOlPCihf-9Qyu6ojG2Osl5qzoo/s1600/IMG_0198.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdaSvJczUYnxOTeiFnI13OQqIfoRJ5Z-o651qSc0gZ0SWRsa7Uuj-BK2BDzd1soJP30Eh5vXtoCi_O1RQgXWEmm8whcC0N1T7LKND52DSpm-7_hGaUwOlPCihf-9Qyu6ojG2Osl5qzoo/s320/IMG_0198.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BPfwSOC7cs0ePmpLXveGOUlQwiGGohXH7PyYzF5UGIW_-MBdQ-T-D8R-pSS1NISC5iIEThyqs_FwHMw_j-aY2wpcm5_AK6p2eFHbh1SMCK2jleoR6xKAn1HEIN1xt865BIYeFq2N7do/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1287" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BPfwSOC7cs0ePmpLXveGOUlQwiGGohXH7PyYzF5UGIW_-MBdQ-T-D8R-pSS1NISC5iIEThyqs_FwHMw_j-aY2wpcm5_AK6p2eFHbh1SMCK2jleoR6xKAn1HEIN1xt865BIYeFq2N7do/s320/IMG_0251.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afterwards, K who knew Brussels better than we did took us to Chez Leon for Dinner, my friends all ordered more Moules Frite but I went for the Chez Leon Pasta Special. I also ordered some Krieke Beer after tasting G's the other night. Now that's a beer I can drink! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lUzoxROxo_WxVcGkEW4Jw7BvzYhjFkXMFDQfl8RANkiXMBHri3KEM-RAYzIj2IqKPmDOVAjSSwkBqkiOAJ5gNnEMf2tl3kWf_C090XQ40cgD_mkTp2XUhVqQJxGdflNKZC2pd11z5Dk/s1600/IMG_0255.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lUzoxROxo_WxVcGkEW4Jw7BvzYhjFkXMFDQfl8RANkiXMBHri3KEM-RAYzIj2IqKPmDOVAjSSwkBqkiOAJ5gNnEMf2tl3kWf_C090XQ40cgD_mkTp2XUhVqQJxGdflNKZC2pd11z5Dk/s320/IMG_0255.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOdxTMwhTmAATD1Gbbwv7Ihl68L46P57ml72sJ3AmOjB5_79fbjVR_BUrd7OfMAFDt9Ur3fBPzFVQo5IqGjiG1TVRYYxpDs9jXiC54xoZ-xtug3KRfeyvygfrB1g2J7NYKcXTvZb6Lcw/s1600/IMG_0254.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOdxTMwhTmAATD1Gbbwv7Ihl68L46P57ml72sJ3AmOjB5_79fbjVR_BUrd7OfMAFDt9Ur3fBPzFVQo5IqGjiG1TVRYYxpDs9jXiC54xoZ-xtug3KRfeyvygfrB1g2J7NYKcXTvZb6Lcw/s320/IMG_0254.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe19MJxlbEy8qnvnEPH0W6ejnIrvtVO2O1E7xZ0oetscL0Vv9TMOrVlv4v4ebc3I0uxlEeo_Izxss8GwIK_wdZNJUjTPVsKLQp3Qy877ducknBrrK-fNOHx7s1Jp7Jw8Tr1twunKGmuJQ/s1600/IMG_0256.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe19MJxlbEy8qnvnEPH0W6ejnIrvtVO2O1E7xZ0oetscL0Vv9TMOrVlv4v4ebc3I0uxlEeo_Izxss8GwIK_wdZNJUjTPVsKLQp3Qy877ducknBrrK-fNOHx7s1Jp7Jw8Tr1twunKGmuJQ/s320/IMG_0256.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WbNQCUFQQWzm6hyphenhypheniZyFW3QeyYW_cRNV9C6dhR2oIn4Xq9dAkH_ZI6OBCiZexYyWR3RW7gXRd-_UiULub1RTXLjNV8X-vRZ8sGDWyLHFxRDwzJAX3B5ALsiyhMV8VyYo8egDL_lLCwZc/s1600/IMG_0259.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WbNQCUFQQWzm6hyphenhypheniZyFW3QeyYW_cRNV9C6dhR2oIn4Xq9dAkH_ZI6OBCiZexYyWR3RW7gXRd-_UiULub1RTXLjNV8X-vRZ8sGDWyLHFxRDwzJAX3B5ALsiyhMV8VyYo8egDL_lLCwZc/s320/IMG_0259.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a perfect way to end my experience of Brussels. I felt so continental. By now, my body had had enough but I still had a few things that I Wanted to do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, when I woke up on Monday, I knew I had to put all thoughts of visiting the Atomium & Parc Cinquantaire aside. Instead, I met K, G & our new friend V for a look around the Cathedral of St Michael & St Gudula (which was epic by the way - if you are into historical stuff ) & then we had some Waffles from The Waffle Factory. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjt4PtJ683sICq06vPTThW4HxKHlqLmXfLwbesRm1UIMr0D-Eb_Flr1nSc_rGvXKCs8vF5bHumMJFAscD71rz0i_VkfhLPCN7ogKPexWmgD9wWI2losOFdMte75lNe1KRz6D6pr-tl1M/s1600/IMG_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjt4PtJ683sICq06vPTThW4HxKHlqLmXfLwbesRm1UIMr0D-Eb_Flr1nSc_rGvXKCs8vF5bHumMJFAscD71rz0i_VkfhLPCN7ogKPexWmgD9wWI2losOFdMte75lNe1KRz6D6pr-tl1M/s320/IMG_0275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye to my friends and make the long journey back home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofUVlQPJ9kmJp7Z9tohWxeQ2quYyr5W_IlHn4HrIL_51Fv5XlyNSpCstySJ6xO-NAt76YrSGATQ16NI-spSAeFkHXTEPQ5ntAMdxABkuNRl6qQOftGFCV1sYKP0tkOuM1DkhaVRTFwxo/s1600/IMG_0271.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofUVlQPJ9kmJp7Z9tohWxeQ2quYyr5W_IlHn4HrIL_51Fv5XlyNSpCstySJ6xO-NAt76YrSGATQ16NI-spSAeFkHXTEPQ5ntAMdxABkuNRl6qQOftGFCV1sYKP0tkOuM1DkhaVRTFwxo/s320/IMG_0271.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0Q4dQqkgXGsP2gSX7PnPrHot6Sm61XiBavUfSNy-AKECmsaV2zwYfDMMLYd-aM_DH5CmqihBUjK4dM8BnEmhq3UiOPaekf_tc6hJdtEAIEUOYkeRN6lgmgYmSj68HgH_E-NgVOnK700/s1600/IMG_0276.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0Q4dQqkgXGsP2gSX7PnPrHot6Sm61XiBavUfSNy-AKECmsaV2zwYfDMMLYd-aM_DH5CmqihBUjK4dM8BnEmhq3UiOPaekf_tc6hJdtEAIEUOYkeRN6lgmgYmSj68HgH_E-NgVOnK700/s320/IMG_0276.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By the way, If you like my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/681934496/planner-nerd-tote-bag-planner-bag?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=planner+nerd+tote&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&referring_page_type=market&frs=1&col=1" target="_blank">Planner Nerd Tote</a> ( lots of people commented about it) Here's the link for it on my <a href="http://www.daisymeadowdesigns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Oreos & Ginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02640182861203742238noreply@blogger.com1