What are some of my absolute favourite things in life?
Well, obviously travel. Although that might be an impulse issue, rather than a desire to expand my horizons. I honestly would go (almost) anywhere anyone suggested. I don’t need to think about it much. I have a few travel no go areas, but other than that I’m pretty keen to see the world, as much as humanly possible.
But closer to home, I love spending time with family and friends, and friends that have become family.
I love eating out, I love eating in (if someone else is cooking. Erin’s “volunteered” to cook at Easter. Well, I requested her to, and she agreed. She’s a fabulous cook).
The things I thought, prior to my cancer removal surgery, that I’d never get to enjoy in life again were;
Travel
Food
Socialising
So as you can imagine, I’m delighted with how the lived experience of having a stoma has worked out.
People often say to me that I’m a very cheerful person, and in all honesty, apart from any health issues, and loved ones health issues, I am as happy as Larry.
I am beyond happy, actually, I’m whatever lies beyond happiness.
I’m ecstatic about how life has turned out. I think it shows too. It’s something people notice about me.
Maybe happiness and gratitude shine out of me like a beacon? Maybe.
Happy content people have an unquantifiable energy. I wish it for everyone. Because it really does make life so much more fun. You’re here, today’s a new day! Live and love it well.
I’m just so happy and thankful I survived what tried to kill me, I don’t give a shit about the small stuff.
There are things that happen, probably on a daily basis that could, if we gave it the power to, make us miserable. But find positives to outweigh the bad stuff and it will change how you cope with it.
I am so grateful to be here. I write gratitude lists, to remind myself that even the shit days are great days, because I’m still here.
There’s a fine balance to be had with being grateful, and toxic positivity.
For example when I was very ill with cancer, I was grateful to wake up each day (still am), yay!! I made it to another day. But at the same time what I was going through was absolutely ******* awful.
I was grateful, but I was also realistic that life definitely could be better.
How I dealt with treatment; Acknowledged that it’s less than ideal, painted a face on, got dolled up, and faced the world with a smile.
No ***** given about all the things that don’t really matter. And there is so much that bogs us down, that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
I’d bounce into my oncology appointments. I refused to be miserable, because going through chemo and radiotherapy is miserable.
I saved my tears for alone time. Or snuggle time.
My oncologist asked me once if I was definitely taking the medication. I said of course I am. Why would I not? And he said “oh, no reason, just checking”.
I wasn’t a cancer “victim”. It’s such a ridiculous term to use. It’s often used when people discuss cancer - A cancer victim. What’s that about?!
Well, you’re never a broken leg victim, or a dialysis victim, so why cancer?
I wasn’t a warrior either, I wasn’t a fighter or anything, I was just me. Living the best way I could, enjoying whatever joy I could squeeze into every single day.
If I could afford to I’d be off having far flung adventures every weekend.
Sadly that’s not possible, but equally good is catching up with friends over fabulous food!
Shirt from Gap, Jeans from M&S, Shoes from Chanel, Bag from Goyard.
So off to London we went on a very rainy Saturday.
I’ve changed how and what I eat of late, which means my clothes fit better and much more comfortably.
Which also means eating out whilst wearing jeans hasn’t been such a scary prospect.
Obviously, it still gives me some trepidation, it’s far more risky of leaks than a skirt or dress would be. But I feel so much more confident about it now.
I’ve not been anti jeans or trousers because of the aesthetic, only because of the leak risk factor.
I loved this outfit, I felt great. I think it looked okay, and I didn’t have any bag problems at all. No filter failure, no pancaking, nothing, nada. It was heaven.
We went up for lunch with James and Tanya, which is already a guarantee of a fab time anyway. And they chose Bob Bob Ricard to eat at.
Chris and I hadn’t even been. But it’s now on my list of places to revisit.
I had The best chicken Kyiv I’ve ever had in my entire life. Honestly it’s making my mouth water thinking about it.
I’m telling you, this is heaven on a plate. The only caveat is you really need to like both butter and garlic. This is not the dish for you if you don’t. ;)
Friends are the family you choose for yourself.
Good friends, good food…
…and special doorbells…
That’s all you need in life really. :)
None of us four actually drink alcohol, but you simply press the bell for service, well, that’s what I used it for. You do you babes. Hahahah
We had such a wonderful day. We then headed back to the car, and over to Knightsbridge, because I wanted to finish off my seasonal shopping.
I got everything I need for Spring/ Summer 2024 while we were in America. To be fair I think I got Spring/ Summer sorted for the next few years. But I wanted to get some new plain white trainers (running shoes, that aren’t for running in).
We had a cuppa in the cafe in the basement, because I get a free tea with my Harrods clubcard, and 2 hours free parking a day.
I love a bargain me. ;)
Good company makes you feel rejuvenated.
I’m very very lucky that none of my friends are mood hoovers.
I feel refreshed and alive after being with them. That’s one of the many things I’m grateful and thankful for.
Sunday was also lovely, spent with Sam, Milly and Zak to celebrate Zak’s fifth birthday!
How is our grandson 5 already?!?
This moment seems like yesterday. But he’s all grown up now. He’s hilariously funny, with a wonderful sense of humour, and a kind heart.
He’s perfect. (I am his grandma, so I know he is perfection, grans know this stuff. We are old and wise, we just know).
This wise old granny wanted to wear her new shoes, but knew well enough to not actually wear them.
New clothes from the New York haul;
Top from Ralph Lauren, Trousers from Michael Kors (both in petite) Shoes from Chanel
I swapped them for the new trainers I bought the day before. Which worked just as well with the outfit. But more suited to a Sunday roast in a really nice pub.
I bought loads of trousers in NYC. Nine pairs, Mainly, well, only, because Macy’s has a huge Petite range in a lot of the brands I buy (but here I have to buy the big girl version, and I’m such a short arse I have to either wear them long or have them taken up. Macy’s petite range is heaven).
These trousers feel so good on. They are like wearing cotton wool. They are so buttery soft, so stretchy (yay for poo room) and they look classy and smart, but are actually as soft as jogging bottoms.
I need to factor in poo room to the clothes I buy, but when I was wearing these I didn’t give it a second thought. It must be what having an intact bumhole is like. :)
Look at this gran, feeling light as air, and more comfortable than I could possibly ever convey.
Zak was feeling in a photogenic mood…
That ear growing out the side of my neck, is in fact him. Look how beautiful he is. :)
We had such a lovely day. Funny how long drives to somewhere you want to go seems like mere minutes, seconds even.
Hearts happy, birthday celebrated and tummies full, we headed home to start a brand new fresh week.
It’s had its challenges, I was taking my car to be fixed, and it didn’t even make it out the village we live in before she broke down completely.
The garage she was going to didn’t have a recovery truck so I had to find a way to get it there, which I did, without any help…look at me, I am a strong confident mermaid when I need to be.
And the thing I was most grateful for that day was, the truck driver picked her up, and took her without me having to tag along. I know it doesn’t sound like an issue, but I just didn’t know how I’d get back home again. So I was grateful it was all sorted without me needing to be there.
Find the positives where you can. She’ll be in hospital for a while, but at least I’m not still wandering around Colchester with no clue of how to get home. Hahaha
I had a shift at the foodbank today. It was so good to be back there after a month off.
Could I ask a big ask. I know things are tight at the moment and everything has gone up in price in the not so super supermarkets, but if at all possible would you please donate a few tins to your local foodbank please.
Or for home growers of veg, our food bank accepts donations on excess fruit and vegetables, you know what home growing is like, you can get a big glut of them sometimes.
It’s definitely worth asking at your local food bank if they accept fresh produce too.
Donations to the foodbanks are down, which is totally understandable. But if you wanted to help, volunteers are always welcome and much appreciated and in all honestly, needed.
Food for thought if you have some free time.
Much love, keep well. Xx