New Beginnings

So, as predicted, the feeling of being ahead didn’t last. The kids returned to school on Wednesday and by Thursday we were late getting there. There is a saying about best laid plans or some such thing which seems rather apt.

However, we made it to the weekend. It was a rather hectic one but despite this and any frustrations I may have felt we achieved all of the main goals that I had set myself.

This evening my example seems to have had some impact on the boy as he has attended his first Cubs meeting with a view to joining the local troop. I think he was feeling a little nervous but the main emotion seemed to be one of excitement. I mean, he was changed and sat in his coat waiting to go an hour earlier than he needed to be.

It is possible that he was ready so early to get it over with as opposed to due to excitement but, as a parent, the latter is preferable and, as we know, I’m a selfish person and therefore I choose to believe it was excitement that was the driving factor.

I am nervous for him though and I hope that he enjoys it and makes some new friends this evening. Anything that expands his interests is fine by me.

Today I went to the allotment for the first time this year and managed to make some progress there. Another strip of black weed stuff has been laid. There are more weeds to be cleared but I’m over half way now and soon, with a bit of luck, I will be able to start planting produce and making it look pretty.

I mentioned to some of my team mates that I have an allotment to which they responded asking how old I was. I haven’t really thought about it as being an “oldies” activity or interest before although traditionally I suppose that is true.

Some people might have been offended. Not me though, I was reassured to know that I was taking part in another hobby which is unexpected by people.

That’s what I want to be. I want to surprise people. Sometimes a surprise can cause someone to reevaluate their position on something.

Take my mum as an example. When I told her that I was going to be playing rugby she was horrified. She will openly admit she doesn’t understand the rules but from what she had seen it looked like a brutal sport. I think the thought that I would get hurt scared her initially because, after all, no matter how old I get I will always be her child.

However, when she watched the debut match she was not afraid for me anymore. Even though I got injured her attitude surrounding my taking part completely changed. I’m not sure why but I like to think it was because she saw how well the team played and now she is more interested in my recovery and when I’m likely to be playing again.

My mum is my example and always has been. I’m very proud of her and thankful that even now, she pushes herself outside of her comfort zone to support me. I think all parents hope that in years to come their children will feel the same way about them. I know I do but I have my doubts that mine will.

I am struggling at the moment to let go of the reins a little now that the children are getting older. I recognise now that this may be the driving force behind all of my hobbies. Effectively I am looking for something to occupy me now that I am not as needed by them.

They are at school, they have their extra curricular activities and I was spending a lot of time prior to lockdown clock watching and not really achieving anything.

My focus has had to change and whilst they are still my number one priority I can’t help but feel irritated or annoyed if I’m unable to attend training or get to the allotment. In fact, I have to admit, I get downright grumpy!

I did see the physio last week who has given me some exercises to do, to help my knee heal and to strengthen it a little. That was very helpful but I have been a little lazy when it comes to actually doing the exercises.

Day to day my knee is fine, I can walk, I can drive, I can even run, however, it is by no means up to bear crawl standard as I discovered on Sunday. The team had a fitness session, which was great.

That’s a lie, fitness sessions are never great but to justify the torture you always say it was great. Another reason why we always say this is due to human nature. It’s always enjoyable to see a friend put through their paces because you recommended something to them. That makes me a horrible person, I know, but it is funny.

I went to a body pump session once following the recommendation of a friend. I thought I was going to die during the session and could not move for a good two or three days afterwards. I will never forget the glee in their eyes when I returned to work and told them about my experience so I know I’m not alone in deriving some pleasure from that.

I was in need of motivation for 2022. So far, it hasn’t disappointed. I have been thrown a few easy challenges.

The first challenge is getting match fit by the 30 January. No sweat! Watch this space, I’ll be on the pitch, granted it’s unlikely I will start but all I want is to be back on the pitch with the rest of the team.

The second challenge has been set by my son. It’s his birthday at the end of the week. I like to make the children’s birthday cakes and this year he has requested a “Titanic” cake. I pulled off a 3D Thomas the Tank Engine when he was three, I reckon I can pull it off again, watch this space or keep an eye out on Instagram where I will attempt to document my “success”.

The third challenge of 2022 is to get the allotment completely cleared, paths laid, compost bins set up and ready for planting. Again, I feel this is achievable and I will be successful, particularly if I can rope in a “big manly man” to do the heavy lifting. Failing that my husband will have to do. I’m obviously joking because I am more than capable of doing it on my own but, if the offer is there I’m not going to turn it down.

That’s plenty to be cracking on with for this month, don’t you think? I wonder what else I will be able to get my teeth in to this year. Let’s get the rugby season over with first, preferably in one piece, before I start making plans for later in the year though hey.

I will be publishing more than I have recently. As you know I have many thoughts which I like to share so keep your eyes peeled. Who knows, there may even be something in there to make you laugh.