There’s been a nervous energy following me around this week that’s been both good and bad. It’s good because I’m not bored, but it’s bad because it might be an indicator that there’s a bit too much going on.
Honestly, I wasn’t going to write today because of the busy-ness and brain fog that has appeared as a result, but then I remembered that part of what I do here is show up.
Even if I show up only briefly, it’s important to do just that.
Showing up and writing consistently is what has got me this far and I don’t want to stop now.
It’s a bit of a random rambling today, but here are a few things that have been on my mind/I’ve been up to this week.
Fleecylounge wear - the thing you never knew you needed
After putting on my almost threadbare M&S pyjamas the other day, I decided it was time to invest in a new pair and to treat myself to something super comfy. I posted a note in Farrah @Substack’s chat asking for recommendations and I got so many! After lots of research, I settled on a pair of cotton PJs and a fleecy loungewear set both from Muji.
They arrived on Wednesday and I haven’t looked back. I actually look forward to the point in the day when I can have a bath and then slip into the fleecy loungewear. Seriously, you won’t regret it.
Nerves
Friday was full of nervous energy for two reasons. Firstly I was presenting initial designs for a interior design project I’m working on and I always find this stage very nerve-racking. I’d been looking at these images for weeks, but it’s so hard to predict how they would be received by the client. Initial responses were good, so I think it’s ok!
The second reason for the nerves on Friday was because I was recording a podcast. Not my Creative Career Change podcast, but this time I was appearing as a guest on someone else’s show. This was the first time I’d done this and it made me strangely nervous, but once I’d got into the flow I enjoyed it so much . It’s coming out next week so I will share a link to the episode when it’s available in case anyone would like to listen.
And talking of podcasts, I have a new episode of Creative Career Change coming next Wednesday featuring the super-inspiring Gabrielle Treanor. Watch this space!
Wine Tasting
On Tuesday evening (yes, a school night!) we went to a wine tasting. 45 wines from the Rhone region with many of the producers present to chat to. It was fun and I even got to practise a little French. I did make use of the spittoons or “crachoirs” but still needed a very cheesy pizza afterwards to soak up the alcohol.
Car Parts
A few weeks ago, my car started to do that annoying thing where it tells you it’s due a service soon and an irritating little orange spanner appears on the dashboard each time you turn on the engine.
February is the month the car needs its annual MOT and we usually combine that with a service. We’re driving to France in a few weeks’ and so needed to get it sorted a little earlier this year.
So, on Wednesday I delivered it to the garage and we nervously awaited the inevitable call to tell us that it was about to spontaneously combust if we didn’t spend many hundreds of pounds immediately. You know the kind.
The call came and the damage wasn’t too bad - could have been better, could have been worse. The part it needed wasn’t in stock so it would have to remain at the garage overnight and I would need to pick it up after my day of teaching on Thursday.
I walked there and had to wait a little while before being served due to it being so busy. Hats off to the two guys who were on the service desk. They were dealing with so many different situations all at the same time and making it look effortless. I didn’t envy them. Eventually it was my turn and I paid the bill and was handed my keys back. The car had been fully cleaned and I was happy in the knowledge that it was safe to drive and ready for our next trip over the channel.
It’s easy to be annoyed at these kinds of expenses but the truth is that the car serves us very well and really does facilitate all of the trips to France as well as the general daily getting us from A to B. Kind of essential really and not that expensive when you consider how much UK train travel is!
Getting Outside
Today has been the kind of crisp February day I love and we decided to drive out of the city and into the beautiful Surrey countryside for a good long walk. It was just what we both needed after a very busy work week. I don’t think you can underestimate the power of walking. It was muddy and cold but everywhere was looking so verdant and there were a few little signs of spring appearing (the snowdrops at the top, for example). I ogled lots of stunning country houses along the way and the cheese and tomato sandwich eaten on a bench by a quaint cricket pavilion tasted so good.
When I got home I was really cold so I ran a bath and then guess what I put on? Yes, my new fleecy loungewear. Bliss.
It’s the simple things right?
How has your week been? Have you managed to find a moment of calm amongst the busy-ness? I hope so! Let me know in the comments and I will reply 🧡
P.s. The next Create Ensemble online session will take place on Monday 24th February from 7-8pm (UK time). I hope you will join me then.
I love a crisp morning! You look so happy in the photo. And it sounds like you are incredibly busy, but it’s exciting stuff!
What a variety of stuff going on in your week! Yes to comfy clothes to get cosy in and to being brave and guesting on someone else's podcast, you've experienced both sides of the mic now :) Excited for our episode to go out this week x