On Monday I went out with the husband, we went to a comedy night but we also went for a meal beforehand. The meal was at a Mexican restaurant, one of our favourites in Canterbury. Every time we go to this restaurant we look at the menu and then end up with Nachos and Fajitas – why – because we enjoy sharing the meal.
I’m the first to admit that there are times when I like to be on my own, or even when I NEED to be on my own. However, I also recognise the importance of shared experiences, whether that’s a meal, a comedy night, memes, random texts, they all have a place.
With 15 days left of the challenge left I’m on 124.6 miles – which I’m quite pleased with!
Today is Purple Day which is epilepsy awareness day. I went to a party last night and pretty much as soon as we walked in, they confirmed our fancy dress costumes and then checked that the lights they had were OK for me. One thing my friends and colleagues have often said is that they become more aware of flashing lighting after they’ve got to know me.
Awareness isn’t just about knowing what can cause seizures, or how to deal with seizures – although this is obviously important. For me I think awareness is possibly more importantly about how epilepsy can affect people on a day to day basis. How epilepsy is SO different for so many different people. How epilepsy affects those who care.
The reason I have done this 100 challenge is so that I can raise money for the epilepsy society who support research into epilepsy as well as supporting those who have epilepsy, their careers, and raising awareness of epilepsy. I try to play my part of raising awareness with those who are in my life, but if I can be a part of raising awareness further afield how amazing would that be.
Thank you to all who have supported me so far, as always the link is below if you feel you are able and please share with others
I know that I like to know what’s happening, I’ve told you that numerous times. However, it wasn’t until this week that I realised how much control I can have over that.
I’m not the kind of person who stands up and takes control in situations, I allow things to take their course, and then I get frustrated. Do I act on the frustration? No! I continue to get frustrated and wait.
This week, there were two situations where I took the bull by the horns took control, made decisions and felt good for it. Now, I know what is happening.
I don’t respond well to times of frustration and yet I allow myself to stay in those situations, when, so often I can make the decisions, follow the actions needed to get out and move on.
So what’s the next bull that’s holding me back? How can I move forward?
I am aware that I am a short; but I have bizarrely large feet for a short person – size 8 and very wide feet as well! I wonder whether this is why once my feet get cold I am screwed, the rest of the body is not far behind and I feel awful.
Yesterday I went to see a friend, I was unaware until I left the house how much it was raining, I went back to change the coat but didn’t have time to change the shoes. By the time I got to the bus station my feet were SOAKING well, my shoes and socks were, and then my feet were freezing for the rest of the day.
But then… I got into bed and there was a hot water bottle awaiting me! I don’t like wearing socks, but the husband knows how much I need my warm feet so he’d got the hot water bottle ready.
It may seem like a small act, but it made me feel warm (and not only physically).
Well earlier today I completed my 100th mile. Considering how the year started I really wasn’t sure I’d manage anywhere near but I have! As I keep going on about I haven’t quite completed in the way I originally intended but I have completed it; and there’s still time before the challenge days are completed!
Today is International Women’s Day, so seems a good thing to share my wonderings about. I should be honest and share that it was an amazing woman in my life who placed the idea in my mind in the first place.
She was one of a group of four amazing women who put together a party for me at the weekend to celebrate my time of new beginnings. I was completely overwhelmed by the time and effort my friends had put in; and also by the friends I was surrounded by (many, but not all, of whom were female.
I am utterly blessed, I have always been encouraged to attempt anything I want to, and to think I could achieve anything I attempted. I have grown up with many examples of strong women, and that has been something for me to live up to. Going to an all girls secondary school also placed that sense of achievement for all.
As much as I have been aware of limitations on women, I wouldn’t say I have ever felt it placed upon myself. I think I’m also part of a generation who have seen huge changes for women, and have been a part of that. Including, the first female Prime Minister; the first ordained women in the Church of England; and don’t forget The Spice Girls and girl power!
I know there is still progress to be made, but I want to take this opportunity to ‘big up’ the women in my life; you make it so much easier to be proud of who I am and to believe I can make a difference. This is not true of me but of all out there. You are amazing.
So I’ve done 90miles in 2023 (well I’ve remembered to log 90miles) so I’m only 10 miles away from my goal of 100 miles! Considering the amount of back pain in January I figure it’s not too bad. It may not be HOW I wanted to reach the goal but the goal has been met! As always it is still possible to sponsor me by clicking the link below.
On Monday morning I was filling out a sensory form, answering some questions. One of those questions was ‘what does joy taste of?’ My first response was popping candy.
We were meant to write down the first thing we thought of, which I did, but I’ve been thinking about it further since. Why did I choose popping candy? I don’t eat popping candy a lot, but when I do I love the surprising element of it, the feel in my mouth. My favourites are definitely when there is popping candy hidden within a chocolate bar, that unexpected burst of poppiness!
We are all bound to experience joy in different ways and from different things. I also appreciate the joy further when it comes unexpectedly and I can feel that joy for longer as well.
If we experience joy, we can often bring joy to others. I’m not sure we definitely need to search for the joy, but when the popping candy comes along enjoy the experience.
Well, here we are at week 8. I’m now on 77.4 miles so not bad, and am in the top 200 of 963 (specifically 193rd). Not sure what else to say really. I’m quite shattered so that might be why I don’t know what to say! All I know is that I’m pleased with my progress and hope to continue!
As always it’s still possible to sponsor me with this challenge, as we approach March I hope to have more than walks adding to the miles! Click on the link below
I’m currently on the second train on my way to Canterbury after a good stretch of time in Brum with mum. I was up for a bit longer than usual so we did a few extra visits. Some days with multiple things happening.
I messaged E earlier in the week joking ‘I’ll need a break when I get back’ to which she responded in her typical BPF fashion ‘a change is as good as rest’. I’m not sure where this phrase came from but actually I would agree. It’s been nice to get away, to see people I haven’t seen for a while, some even for a year. It’s been nice to be in different surroundings.
I may feel physically tired (travelling somehow does that) but I am mentally rested and ready for whatever madness lies ahead.
I guess it’s good to just get away from our ‘norm’ and things we may get caught up in, and that cause us hassle. Whatever it is a rest is always good!
Life: Enjoying not Enduring 