Monday 17 December 2018

Me on Monday

The one where I am ready to pick up the pace for the next week


We had an unexpected day to ourselves yesterday, just Paul, me and Coco.  It couldn't have come at a better time.

We had been out the night before with four other couples for our annual Christmas get together; it was nice to wear my new glittery dress and slap on some make up.


What you can't see in this photo is how horrible my left eye looked in real life.  I woke up Friday morning and the area of my eye between the bridge of my nose and the pupil was completely bloodshot.  How did that happen?  I have no idea.  How typical though, the day before we were going out for a big Christmas meal.  An early morning visit to the pharmacist for a bottle of Brolene eye drops was hastily added to my agenda and fortunately it had started to recover by Saturday evening.

When Paul's mum called to say she wasn't feeling up to a trip out to see us for Sunday lunch we kitted ourselves ourselves out in walking boots and coats and took Coco for a lovely long walk.  There had been a frost overnight and the sun was rising in the sky, melting the frost and making a slight haze just above ground level.  Beautiful.



Came home, put a lovely shoulder of pork in the oven to roast and went upstairs armed with tape and scissors to continue wrapping presents.  All too often I find myself doing this the day before Christmas Eve and it stresses me out because with all good intentions, it's a job that takes longer than you think it will.  But I am happy to say that every present that I have bought is now wrapped and now all I have to do is 'pretty them up' with a bit of ribbon and bows.

I've also now updated my 'to do' lists, my 'to cook' lists and my 'to buy' lists, all carefully fitted in around helping out with Leo this week.  I may (no, I cannot lie, I did) have a little post lunch nap and feel so much better for a day of just doing what I want to do rather than running around after everyone else and while that feels a little selfish to say, I think a little bit of self care will see me better able to help everyone else in the long run.

So where does Me on Monday find me today?  All geared up ready for a trip to a nearby garden centre to take Leo and his mum and sister to visit Santa.  I think we are all a little bit excited!  

One week to go ladies - how are your preparations going?

5 comments:

Patio Postcards said...

Deb I agree self care is vital, especially so you can help with the family - there's that saying that if the well is empty no one can drink. We don't buy gifts outside of ourselves & there's not too much shopping there and as for wrapping I use mostly fabric gift bags. I must admit I miss the paper, ribbon & bows. So other than a few items on the food list, there's not much left to do for us. I hope you enjoy your visit to Santa & don't forget to tell him your deepest secret Christmas wish.

Ruth said...

Ooh, I hope you enjoyed Santa ... no visit for us this year (first time ever - gulp!).
I tend to wrap as I go, it seems to help lessen the stress! Plus I chuck in a few gifts for me ... always a winner!

Jodie's Touch of Style said...

A nap is always a good idea we say!!
I'm glad your eye is getting better!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com

Cheri said...

Those unexpected days to yourself are always such a joy! Good luck with the wrapping. I had hoped to be done by now, but really just got started and you are so correct - it takes WAY longer than I anticipated!!!

Barbara Eads said...

I'm happy to see that you are enjoying the holidays! It sounds like you have it perfectly in hand---wrapped gifts, cooking and still time for friends and walks! That's retirement for you! Merry Christmas to you and your family!