Work, Virus, Christmas.

I have managed to work every shift that was offered to me this month. That means I've been at work or preparing to go to work every day this month except Fridays. And today.

Because today, I woke up with the virus that has been making the rounds at work forcing the whole home to institute a period of isolation from outside visitors or trips out. I am the first staff member to get it. And I come into contact with nearly every resident. Way to go, immune system.

Thank goodness the shopping for Friday has been long completed. Wrapping completed today while lying around.

I am glad that I have played the Christmas music to death the last few weeks. C has insinuated on several occasions that his ears may begin to spontaneously bleed if I play Frosty the Snowman one more time.

England has received more than it's requisite snow for the year. Beyond this stupid just in time for Christmas! illness, I feel great. I have accomplished a lot on my sick day, some cleaning and baking interspersed with resting. Tomorrow will be full of the same, since I will not be 24 hours clear to go back to work.

Is this illness a Christmas blessing in disguise? I have completely worn myself out at work the last couple of weeks. And I just said yesterday that I was bone tired. Christmas blessing or coincidence? Whichever it is, I am thankful for this illness. (I never thought I would write that sentence!)

I am looking forward to my days of rest. And I will be glad to return to work on Sunday, healthy and relaxed.

Friday Five.

01. SNOW! enough said.
02. day off for C (and me) so we have the snow day to spend together.
03. sewing.
04. Christmas in one week. Christmas baking to commence.
05. Hot water bottles to warm the bed. Mmmm cosy.

A little honesty. And negativity.

I am always trying to see the good in everything. In each day. In the lady with the pram who ran me and a little, old lady over.

But today, I would like to admit that, despite having an amazing life. This is really hard. It's hard that I have a job I love that doesn't actually cover all my expenses or give me the full-time hours that I need.

It's hard for me to love someone so fiercely and immensely that I have pretty much given up my whole life for him. I think it's a little bit hard for him to see me do that, too.

It sucks that, like I tweeted earlier, everytime I contact my parents or my best friend, I am reminded of all that I am missing. And it really does feel like a little part of me is dying.

I am trying, everyday, to change that feeling. And you know what? That sucks, too.

I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, loathe entirely, being such a 'Debbie Downer'. (Bonus points if you know where the beginning of that last sentence is from!) But sometimes, I like to wallow in my despair. I think it helps me appreciate the good days and the great times. Knowing the sources of my upset help me to fight them better and it makes me stronger.

But, honestly, it sucks.

So, if you've been wondering where I have been since my return to England at the beginning of December, well, I've been wallowing. And working. Working through my wallowing. Getting to a better place now.

NaBloPoMo, the fail. & Friday Five

Sorry for the hiatus.

I will just summarise and say that Maryland and all its funtimes and lovely lovely people are distracting from the internet. That is GREAT for my mental health and I am so glad I failed NaBloPoMo because I got to see everyone, support the US economy, hug my grandma and it was all amazing.

Now for my Friday Five.

1. Christmas Music. Especially John Denver & The Muppets. 'Nough Said.
2. I am introducing C to the film A Christmas Story tonight. I hope he loves it. I do.
3. I have been making delicious salads. I think I have perfected salad (for me). Yum.
4. Changes to our flat are upcoming, which will make my quality of life SO MUCH BETTER. Very exciting.
5. Plans for better, cheaper socializing to hit our flat in the New Year. Also going to improve my quality of life.