Life Lately: The Past 3 Months

Oh hello, whose this?

The one who ended up taking an unexpected break from here that’s who. My last post was in February. So it has been a while, three months to be exact. This may not seem like a lot but in the blogging world, to me, feels like a long time.

Nevertheless, where have I been?

No where! Every month, when I’d sit down to write a post I wouldn’t get past the first line. The only time I’d get a chance to write something would be late at night which was fine until recently. Now, I just found it difficult to keep my eyes open. 

We’ve had a lot of fun and adventures which I’ll share with you but also ups and downs. I’ve not been too great health wise, numerous blood tests and a referral to rheumatology. We suspected rheumatoid arthritis, however, blood tests have shown that it’s not that so have been referred to find out why I get the symptoms I do. The worst of them all have been chest pains and tightenings to the point where I’ve at times been confused whether this is a heart attack or not. Luckily these have calmed down and I have had a chest x ray, just waiting for the results now. 

However, apparently these could all be signs of long covid, fun! 

I’m now in the middle of my divorce process, it’s sad but I guess this was inevitable after 3 years of separation. As things are, it should be finalised by August. I’m more heartbroken for Miss A than anything else but throughout this she’s been my rock. It does feel like I’ve failed her. However, I guess you can’t control every aspect your life and stop yourself or your loved ones from getting hurt…

As she’s getting older, I’m now facing more and more in depth questions from her so it’s just about how to tackle all of this now.

Ok now that’s all the depressing stuff out of the way; let’s talk positives!

February

We’ve been taking advantage of the teacher strikes and having lots of little adventures, we went to see Atelier Sisu’s Evanescenct installation which was just mesmerising in February.

Finally during half term holidays no one was sick. We were invited to a kids workshop at Naan Staap a cute little Pakistani cafe where Miss A and other children got to make their own Naan breads!

That week we also visited the stunning roof garden at 120.

More importantly, now not so Little Miss A turned 6 in February! As requested we had a Thomas the Tank Engine theme and she was over the moon and spoilt by everyone. She exclaimed it was the best birthday ever.

March

March was unexpectedly busy, we worked with lovely companies. Got to work with Puffin Books on a new book release Not Now, Noor! Which Miss A enjoyed a lot. We were also invited to Cineworld’s Be More Childish event.

Let’s not forget I was also locked out of my Instagram account which was a nightmare. It was my fault for not saving my back up codes but I cannot explain the relief I felt when I got back into it!

The month also saw the beginning of Ramadan, we partnered with Desi Doll Company which I’ll be sharing lots about on the blog soon. Miss A became more and more interested in learning about Ramadan and really enjoyed the basket I created for her this year.

In March, Miss A also had her first ever school trip to the Science Museum. I also volunteered and it was quite eye opening for me. Having five children in my responsibility and keeping them all safe on public transport was quite an interesting experience! Honestly, hats off to the teachers who do this everyday with a classroom of children.

We also celebrated World Book Day and Miss A chose to be Cinderella from the Grimms Fairytales and loved dressing up.

April

In April, Ramadan and Easter holidays were in full swing. Of course Miss A graced herself with a cold because it wouldn’t be a holiday without someone with a runny nose, right! 

We visited Tate Britain and took part in a Storytelling Workshop with the author of Not Now Noor. This was such a surreal moment for Miss A being able to meet her favourite author and get her book signed for the first time! 

There was a beautiful installation of a colourful abstract mosque in courtyard of the V&A. Moreover, we witnessed something incredibly special, the Ramadan Lights in Central London. Something that my generation of people would never have thought to witness. But I’m glad that this is ‘normal’ for Miss A.

Eid soon came round and we had a wonderful celebration to mark the end of Ramadan.

So that’s pretty much my three month round up. I will try not to leave it too late from now on. So if you’ve reached this far, give yourself a part on the back!

April also saw Miss A’s football lessons restarting which is such a relief as she was missing them. I’m so glad we have found something that she enjoys and has an interest in.

So that’s my round up of what we’ve been up to, I promise I won’t disappear again!