Monday 6 October 2008

.................still here!


Yes, good or bad news depending on your point of view, I am still here. I can't make any excuses, I'm just crap at this blogging lark! I can't use the "I'm too busy" excuse because I know of others who are far, far busier than me but they still find the time to blog. I have no time management skills whatsoever, I reach the end of the 6 child free hours each day without achieving half of the things I should have done. I'm the queen of procrastination, even down to posting letters, cards etc., it's always a "tomorrow" job. Can somebody give me the secret of how a fab blogger like Amanda Soule of great Soulemama fame can home school three children, write a book, blog almost daily, and manage to cook, clean and remain sane - How?? It's not that I doubt she does it, I just want to know how, I can barely organise our little family and house!
We've settled into our new routine with remarkable ease, although Kit is almost on her knees with exhaustion by the end of the week. I'm getting used to the empty house (actually I did get used to it pretty quickly, but don't tell!). I do have the odd pang when I see a mum and toddler together, from a nostalgic point of view and also because I know the baby phase has gone forever and I miss lots about it, but I love the peace that descends on the house when it's empty and I'm so pleased to see them at the end of the day, even if they're not too thrilled at seeing me.
Our mornings have begun to follow the same pattern, books in bed whilst I shower and then pancakes every day, which is a joy if it goes well but if they dare to stick I have been known to fling the spatula across the kitchen whilst screaming hysterically, causing Jack to roll his eyes to the heavens whilst entertaining us with rather energetic drumming on his practice drum kit (ie. shoe boxes) until I can take no more. At this point I normally realise that we have five minutes to get to school and teeth haven't been cleaned or shoes put on and panic ensues. I can regularly be seen giving both children a lift on my bike to school - good for the legs, I count it as my morning exercise and it means I've earned a Kit Kat for breakfast when I get back.

I've had the best week at the Literature festival this week. Mum came to stay for the whole time and we've been to lots of different talks, from the Radio 4 news quiz to Alan Carr, from Gloria Hunniford to Jean Paul Sartre. Mum is obsessed with history so we went along to a few that I wouldn't have booked for myself but they were fantastic. I feel like my little brain has had a bit of a wake up call and I've loved every minute. The children had two weekends packed with events and we're all knackered but have had a whale of a time. I will try to catch up this week with you all, but I also have to find time to fit in my new obsession - granny squares - yes I can crochet - Yeah!!!! I'm off for a boiled egg lunch now, see you soon...........

18 comments:

Things Hand Made said...

Pancakes for breakfast! sounds a bit organised to me. We managed a quick trip over for the literature fstival and saw Dave Gorman. Really enjoyed it.

Knitty, Vintage and Rosy said...

Julia:

Never, ever apologize for not blogging. Blogging is meant to give you pleasure not anxiety. Do it when you have something to say when you have the time to enjoy it!

That being said, everything cannot be perfect all the time. Well that's what I tell myself anyhow.

Do what you can, when you can.

Have a great week.

Lisa xo
Knitty, Vintage and Rosy

Claire said...

Wow mornings in your house sound like an utter dream!

nlhowlett said...

Hi julia - I'm another one who's guilty of not blogging as often as I would like, but making pancakes every day for breakfast? - I'd say you have to be pretty organized to manage that!
Congratulations on learning to crochet, although the granny squares can be quite addictive! - Natalie x

claire Maraldo said...

glad to see you again but I have no tips for you as regarding regular blogging as I am crap at time management.

you may be challenged at time management but your breakfasts sure sound good. i won't let Alexei see this or he'll be packing his suitcase!!!

And i wish I could crochet!

crochet and pancakes - i am majorly challenged

Jacoline said...

I know what it is. my days are to short . I wish I had 10 more hours in a day. I love to read your blog. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Ahh a fellow random thrower of utensils...:)...my personal favourite would have to be the plastic spoon (but then I don't own a spatula currently.)
The thought of even attempting pancakes in the morning is enough to make me sidle towards the utensil drawer in a highly strung manner...if you get as far as flipping a pancake then you must be doing something right 'time-management' wise (even if they don't actually get time to eat it...aren't kids often as happy with the 'making as the eating'?!!) :) Kate in Tassiexx

Lesley (Notesfrommydays) said...

oh its lovely to have you back :-) thanks for your comments by the way i also have a few unwashed jumpers due to being scared of ruining them!! pancakes for breakfast is very impressive mine are lucky to get a weetabix each :-) i feel a bit the same having so many hours of "freedom" yet dont get as much done as i should ! i think its down to the fact that I do have all this extra time so its easier to put it off thinking there is time to do it when I feel like it rather than when i need to do it ! i am very guilty of that but trying to get on with stuff in a more organised way but then i was late sending two birthday cards and really, how hard is it to get to a post box ? :-D

jessica daisy said...

My blogging has taken a a bit of a nose dive recently, I feel the same way as you - how do some people manage to fit it all in?! Mind you, pancakes for breakfast sounds pretty domestic goddessy, even if it does involve a spot of utensil throwing.

Congrats on the crocheting, I've bought a book, a hook and some yarn, but as usual I haven't got round to actually giving it a go yet.

Anonymous said...

ooooooo good you're back! I did miss you! I checked in on your blog every day and was beginning to worry. Glad all is well.

Pleeeeeeease can we have a show n tell with the grannies??? Pretty please? Can't wait to see what colours you are using, oh I am lovin granny squaring again at the moment.

And if if makes you feel better, I am blogging most days but the house has completely gone to pot, there is only so much one can do. And I am constantly amazed how quickly 6 hours can whizz by too.
From one fellow procrastinator to another, lots of love and sympathetic nods!
xxxxxxx

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

The exact same thing is going on at the "Mosses" family daily!
Although is porridge for breakfast... though!
Don`t worry... they will soon be off scholl!
Kisses
From a stressful mummy to another!
Debbie Moss

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

s I read I am eating my lunch...yep its an egg...

Freckled Hen said...

My daughter started school this year as well, she also is worn out by the weeks end. But I think I am even more worn out! I was just having the same thoughts about time management, I want to be better, just yesterday I shed tears over this! I want more energy and happy moods ( I haven't thrown a spatula but this morning I yelled rather loud at my youngest to stop licking the cat). Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you made me feel better. But not well enough to sweep out the screen porch...

Garden Girl said...

god, pancakes for breakfast? How decadent are you?! if you can manage that each morning you must have a teeny bit of organisational skills in you! I can barely manage to get myself dressed, let alone two kids...
Good to see you Sunday, we managed to stuff Bratwursts down ourselves after leaving you, which were rather tasty, I must say. And also saved me having to whip up a batch of soup when we got home.
Have signed up another pupil today, hurrah!See you soon x

sharie said...

I have no idea how people can manage to blog on a regular basis. I think they must be good jugglers in RL which I'm not.
Have to agree with the other poster in that blogging should be pleasurable and not a chore.
Anyhow, love your blog so keep posting.

Louise said...

I'm quite happy with a post from you now and then. I also find it really hard to keep up with the blogging. I am in awe of all these girls who manage to create heaps of stuff and then do amazing posts about it! I look forward to the occasional update on your crochet.

Anonymous said...

The thing I try to remember (and sometimes need reminding of) is everyone's blog is just a small part of their life. Some can make their home/life/work seem like Utopia but I prefer the blogs that I can relate to!

And have to say, very impressed with the morning pancake making! The literature festival sounded fun, I'm quite envious....

Emma Herian said...

I know exactly how you feel, how do they do it. I too seem to have lost the power of getting things done since my youngest went to school in Sept, what has gone wrong, I should have more time.
Oh well, glad you have been enjoying it, cant wait to see the granny squares!
Emx