Day 31/31 - Why do you blog

I started out blogging not long ago as a way to record my thoughts as I make the journey through parenthood.  It was, in part, to remind me in future times, of events that have helped shaped my adventure.


Having taken part in this challenge I have seen that I have connected with others that I may never have come across otherwise.  Blogging gives me an outlet, something that is very much mine to share with those who take the time to stop awhile and read a little.  It has opened up my world and has given me glimpses into the very different lives we all lead yet in the same breath how similar we all are too.


Why do I blog?  To connect with you, the reader, for even a moment with the thoughts that run amok in my mind.  Thank you!

Day 30/ 31 - What's in your makeup bag

 

I don't wear makeup everyday - I am just not that person.  I only wear makeup for special occasions or if I'm going on a night out and even then it is minimal.  One, because I don't like to feel all that stuff on my skin and two, I don't actually understand what to do with most makeup!!  I tend to go for the natural look so a bit of concealer, foundation, blusher, eyeshadow and lip gloss. 

Day 29/31 - Where have you travelled

 

I have been lucky enough to have travelled well in years gone by but the world is such a big place and there are so many more places I would like to visit that I wonder if I'll see them all in my lifetime.

North America - Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Orlando, Charleston.

Charleston, South Carolina

 Europe - Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Florence, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt.

The Vatican

Asia - Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Bangkok.

Hong Kong

I've also been to Barbados, Dominican Republic, Moscow and all over the British Isles.  I love to travel and hope to pass this onto Munch as we drag him all over the world!

Day 28/31 - What are you looking forward to

 

There are many, many things I am looking forward.  We have the numerous firsts that are yet to come with Munch from his first word to his first night being nappy free.  We have all the fun things that we will do as a family once he is mobile; I cannot wait to don wellies and a mac so we can go jump in puddles and dance in the rain.  Okay, maybe that is more for myself, but all the little things that bring so much fun and laughter when you are rediscovering the world with your child. 

I am looking forward to getting married next year with Munch in his little suit walking me down the aisle!  Just thinking about that moment makes me smile.  To marry the man that loves me and truly understands me cannot come fast enough.

There are many pregnancies at the moment, so the arrival of new babies towards the end of this year.  You just got to love that newborn smell!

The future holds so much for us and I cannot wait.

Day 27/31 - Post your favourite recipe

I forgot to add peanut butter to my favourite foods!  I love this as an easy way to use up overripe bananas.  For a special treat add vanilla or chocolate icecream.  Sprout and I could drink this every day if we could!

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie/ Milkshake from The Slow Roasted Italian.

Day 26/ 31 - An old photo of you

This really is me - just not my face ; )  The "mask" is actually made of dough and was part of a celebration cake for my Dad.  One of my sisters and I saw the photographic potential of said mask so took it home.  Much fun and laughter ensued but there you go - an actual photo of me!

Day 25/31 - Your 5 favourite blogs

How do I choose just five out of the many that are out there?  Hmm, these are the ones I read religiously:

1. She be fierce 
2. BabberBlog
3. motherventing
4. Ministry Of Mum
5. One Man and His Hob

 Take a look and see what you think!

Day 24/ 31 - Your favourite childhood book

Out of the many books I don't remember reading as a young child, this is the only book I can say is my favourite childhood book.  My favourite because it is the one book I searched high and low for when I was pregnant and building Munch's library.  Yes, I spent much of the latter stages of pregnancy picking up mine and Sprout's childhood favourites so that we could share them with our little boy. 

When I look at his library today, I come to realise just how much I loved Roald Dahl books!  I never knew.

Day 23/ 31 - Your dream job

If you had asked me this eight months ago I would have said my dream jobs were either to teach or to work at an Orangutan rescue centre.  Now?  I am doing my dream job - that of being a mum.  Yes, there are those snippets of time that usually feel like an eternity when you are in them when things are bad but invariably I forget about them.  To witness his growing and development in this his first year has been amazing.  It is a miracle as to just how far he has come already since we arrived home that first time.

It is the hardest I have ever worked, but the rewards and perks that come with it more than compensate!

Day 22/ 31 - Best thing to happen this year

Are we talking about this year as in 2012?  Other than all the firsts that we are witnessing with Munch, the best thing so far for me is getting engaged.

We had gone on our first family holiday and he had chosen and sized the ring himself.  He was nervous - as if I'd have said no!!  I had no idea he had planned it so was surprised when it came about.  We have booked the venue and have set a date for 2013 which seems an absolute age away but I'm sure it will creep up on us in no time.

Other than that, I had a lovely first ever Mother's day.  I am excited to celebrate Munch's first birthday later this year and am currently planning Father's day.  All things that we will cherish this year and every year I am sure.

Day 21/31 - Your 10 favourite foods

 

Ten?  You do not realise just how difficult this is as I love food.  Really I do.  In no particular order then...

1. Broccoli - my favourite veg for sure.
2. Roast dinners - if I could have these every day I would.
3. Haribo Tangfastics - because they are sweet, sour and just bad for you.
4. Strawberries, cream and a bit of sugar - can't have too many as I break out in hives : (
5. Lamb - doesn't matter how it's cooked.  Love it!
6. Rib eye steak - hits the spot every time.
7. Lobster - only on very special occasions.
8. Suckling pig - only on very, very, very special occasions.
9. Krispy Kreme doughnuts - they are like eating air so I don't feel guilty : )
10. Sausages - yum, yum, yum.

Day 20/31 - A difficult time in your life

 

In what feels like a previous life I was married.  I had been with my husband for my entire twenties and was fast moving away from being thirty.  I'm not sure why, but I hit thirty and stopped in my tracks and wondered what I was doing with my life and where I was headed.  I was uneasy with the path my life was taking but when you have been with someone for such a long time it is a daunting decision to make to call it a day and start over.

I realised that we were moving in different directions with our lives rather than the same, but me being me, I stuck with it in the hope we were merely going through a rough patch.  All in all it took me two years to come to the conclusion that things were not working and to admit it to myself.  To admit I had failed in what I had previously thought was to be forever hurt.  With hindsight, I see that the relationship was doomed from the start but I was young, headstrong and stubborn.  I should have listened to all the little warning bells that had gone off in my head over the years but I had chosen to tell myself that I would be alright and my life wasn't that bad.

We did everything we could to try and save the marriage so that if the worst came to the worst we could hand on heart say that we had given it our best.  A holiday - I hated our final holiday together, it was truly awful and from that I never want to go there ever again.  A trial separation - I realised I was much happier alone and it was not nearly as tortuous as that feeling of loneliness when you are in someone's company.  In actual fact it was liberating to be on my own.  Counselling - the more we talked the more blindingly obvious it became that we were not working.  We cried many a tear but both agreed that we definitely did not want to get to a stage where we hated one another.  We had had good times together and did not want to ruin those memories with bitterness and hate.  Neither of us were that way inclined and I am grateful we both were adult about divorce.

Of course I had my fears.  What would people think?  Would I cope on my own?  What if I stayed single forever?  Was I a difficult person to love?  Etc, etc, etc.  Many, many scary things of a future I may like less than being in a marriage that was not working.  We started divorce proceedings and by this time had gotten to the stage in our relationship where we were encouraging each other to meet new people.  Weird it may seem but that was who we were; there was enough love left to wish the other luck in finding happiness again.  

It was one of the most difficult times in my life and I was never truly convinced I had the strength to follow it through but I did.  I came out of it a stronger person and ultimately it led me to where I am now.  

Day 19/ 31 - What do you collect

 

Hmmm, I actually don't collect anything purposely.  Sprout would most probably disagree and say that I collect Tupperware!  I have somehow accumulated an overflowing cupboard full of it.  He would be very glad to know, or not,  that I have been contemplating sorting said Tupperware for the last two days now but opted to clean the bathroom instead ; )  

I have lots of things which could be described as a collection I guess.  I have all manner of mixing bowls and really I don't need them all other than at Christmas when I tend to make far too many treats and as many come with lids they are ideal for storage - oops, I've just realised I have Tupperware for that very purpose.  How did this happen?  What was I thinking?  I think a clearout is in order for sure!

I have lots and lots of mugs.  Considering I only use big mugs I've no idea why I have the rest of them!

This very post has made me realise just how much junk I'm holding onto for no good reason.  Anyone want to take my junk off my hands?  No?  How about if I bat my eyelashes and smile sweetly?

Day 18/ 31 - The meaning of your blog name

Have you been wondering why Mushypea, Sprout et al?  Did you think I was some mad woman with a strange blog name?  This is where I explain.


Mushypea is yours truly which I am sure you will have gathered already.  Mushypea comes from when I first met my OH, aka Sprout.  You know those moments in movies where two people meet and you just know - I had one of those when I met Sprout.  I have always been extremely wary and cynical when it comes to the opposite sex so when people used to tell me that you just know when you meet the one, in my head I never quite believed it.  Anyway, my sister below me (I have three sisters) lives in the States and we keep in touch a lot by e-mail.  I was full of excitement about these new found feelings and she said I was being mushy - a mushypea no less!  I would like to point out that mushy I may be but in real life I am not green in colour nor round in shape ; )


I refer to my OH as Sprout as he hates them - it's that simple.


Et al is the Latin "and others".  Currently this is Munch on his own but hopefully, fingers crossed and all that, we will add another at some point in the future.


Mushypea, Sprout et al makes the world of sense of to me; hope it now makes more sense to you too.

Day 17/ 31 - What is your most proud moment

Will those of us taking part in this challenge all be writing about the same moment I wonder?

My proudest moment is when I became a mother. That moment started from the amazement that I felt on looking at the positive pregnancy test.  From that little stick, through to Munch being born and right up to the present day I am proud to be a mum.  The absolute devotion I have to this role and where every decision has been made with his best interests at heart has surprised me.  Not that I didn't think I would be this way - just that I wasn't sure I could deliver.  To put your child/ren first for every minute of every day is no mean feat as a parent,  especially at those times when all we want is a break and to switch off for the shortest of moments.  To all parents who read this, I salute you and proud of yourselves you should be!

Day 16/ 31 - What's top of your bucket list

 

I have so many things I want to do and see before my time is up.  I seem to be forever adding to my list!  The three I've wanted to do for a long while are:

1. See the orangutans in Borneo - They are my favourite animal and I would love to see them in the wild or better still, volunteer at one of the rescue centres over there.
2. Hire a RV and visit the National Parks in America.  Big road trip but what fun would that be?
3. A family holiday to Disney when the little man is older.  I cannot imagine a family that doesn't have this on their list :)

Day 15/ 31 - Timeline of your day

 

I thrive on structure and routine so on first going on maternity leave I was lost to say the least.  These days we have a flexible routine which has taken some getting used to; I have shed tears of frustration at times as it is so much at odds with who I am but with time I have become a little more at ease with it.  My days usually go like this:

5am  First milk feed of the day - normally Munch and I go in the spare room so I can feed lying in bed and leave Daddy to carry on sleeping in peace.  Fingers crossed Munch will sleep some more as 5am starts are not a favourite of mine!

7 - 7.30am  Munch wakes naturally at this time on most days.  We have our morning chat (I chat, he babbles). Nappy change.

8am  Pop Munch on the floor in the lounge with some toys.  I make Daddy's lunch and our breakfast.  If the dishwasher needs emptying I do it at this time too.

8.20am-ish Munch and I sit at the table for our breakfast.  Munch is baby-led weaned so breakfast can take up to an hour.  Once we are done Munch goes back to play in the lounge and I'll tidy away all the breakfast things.

10am Munch may need a nap although he is starting to drop his morning nap of late.  He naps/ plays and I'll shower and get changed.  If there are chores to do they are done, or started, before lunchtime.

12noon Lunchtime followed by more play.

2pm  Munch's afternoon nap.  Normally naps for two hours.  I fit chores or blogging in whilst he naps.  Some days I will nap too depending on how tired I am.

4pm  Munch wakes and we will play and read some books.

5pm  Start getting food ready for our evening meal.  I'll also give Munch a milk feed around now.

6 - 6.30pm We have our evening meal.  Munch and Daddy will then go and play while I finish sorting/clearing.

7.30pm  Bedtime routine of bath, final milk feed and bed.

Anytime between 8.30 and 9.30pm, Daddy and I can relax for a couple of hours.

Bedtime for us is anytime between 10.30pm and 11.30pm although I can easily fall asleep on the sofa before this!

3am  Night milk feed although sometimes there is an additional feed around 11pm.  

That is how my day runs in the main.  Everything revolves around feeding and napping these days.

Day 14/ 31 - If you won the lottery

If I won the lottery, what would I do?  First and foremost I would make sure we put enough aside for Munch.  University, house and all that type of stuff.  Enough to make things easier but not to the point where he didn't have to work any if that makes sense.

I would give a portion to my family so that they were all comfortable.  We would have enough to pay off our mortgage or move house if we so wished.  I would keep enough so that we could live comfortably but otherwise I would give the remainder to charity.

Personally, I am quite happy to be comfortable when it comes to money.  I don't like having to struggle but don't like having too much either as both bring with them their own set of problems.  As long as I have a roof over my head, able to provide food on the table and cover bills then in my mind everything else comes as a bonus.  In the end, no amount of money can ever buy the things that make me happy so I am perfectly content being in a comfortable financial state.

Day 13/ 31 - What is your earliest memory

 

You know when people talk about events that have happened in your childhood so much that they 'become' a memory but in actual fact they are not?  Well, I have lots of those but my earliest childhood memory that I have is when I was five.

In later years I knew it was the same year my brother was born but I don't remember that myself.  My mum had just given birth to my brother and they had to stay in hospital - I don't remember that either.

The thing I do remember is that I walked to school.  I remember this because it was the worst winter that we had had in years; everything was covered in snow and trees had fallen and were strewn across the paths. I remember seeing them and being amazed that weather could cause trees to fall.  That is my earliest memory - short but vivid in my mind.

Day 12/ 31 - What's inside your fridge

Oops, running late with today's blog challenge blog.  Apologies everyone!

What's in my fridge right now:

• Milk
• Coke zero
• Jamaican ginger beer
• Heinz salad cream
• HP brown sauce
• Sunflower spread
• Full fat cream cheese
• Lemon curd
• Dijon mustard
• Pork pies
• Left over roast chicken
• Courgettes
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Peppers
• Green grapes
• Full fat Greek yoghurt
• Cheddar and red Leicester cheese
• Tomatoes
• Mango 
• Blueberries

Day 11/ 31 - List 15 of your favourite things

Fifteen of my favourite things:

1. The first message Sprout sent me before we met.  Who knew we would be where we are now?
2. My engagement ring because it conjures up feelings of warmth and fuzziness.
3. Munch's name band he wore once he was born and his first baby grow.
4. Letters to Santa, aka me, that my younger sisters wrote when they were young.  I have kept them for coming up to 30 years now.
5. An oil burner that my brother and sisters got me for my 19th birthday.  It was the year that I left home to go to university.
6. My Coccinelle handbag.  I purchased it with my first 'grown up' pay packet and worked hard for the money.
7. My camera to capture all the pictures of Munch growing up.
8. My diary.  Even though I could use my phone I still prefer pen and paper.
9. Our home because it is just that - a home.  We have built a life here; one I could never have imagined I would be blessed with.
10. My big Le Creuset casserole pot.  I have always wanted one of these but could never justify spending the money myself.  It was a present which I use and love.
11. My treat cupboard in the kitchen as there is always something in it for those moments when you need a treat.
12. My memories.  They give me comfort and show me just how far my life has come.
13. My car.  It does not give me any problems and allows me to do the things I cannot if I were to rely on public transport.
14. The excitement that I feel for our future.  It is unknown but I know we will make it a happy one as a family.
15. My life thus far.  I have had my fair share of ups and downs but I am where I am today because of them.  I may not be a millionaire in monetary terms but I am in the things that I consider important in life.

Day 10/ 31 - What's your best physical feature

Apart from not having 20/20 vision it would to be my eyes.  The eyes are the windows to my soul for sure - I am able to convey all my emotions through them if you are paying proper attention.

Day 9/ 31 - What are your worst habits

These habits may be bad ones but can also be deemed good too I think. Well, that is how I see it ; )

I have very high expectations of myself.  I constantly stop, take stock of my life and look at what I need to change.  I am not always successful but I am very aware of what my personal weaknesses are which is not always a good thing as I am never truly happy with myself.  I always think I can improve and be a better person in my eyes.

Impatient. I hate waiting for things to happen and invariably end up doing them myself as the longer I have to wait the more agitated I become and eventually this simmers right up to being outright angry.  Home deliveries are the worst - to give me a time slot then arrive five minutes before the end - meh.

I tend to over think, stress and worry about the small things in life.  The big things I like to think I take in my stride as my brain switches to logic and calm mode.  Weird I know.

I am a tad OCD when it comes to things being in their place.  I may live in organised chaos but I know where everything is.  When people leave things out of place I always move it back quickly, sometimes before they've finished it!

I have never been one to burden others with my problems.  Everyone has their own worries and I do not like adding to them with mine which will, in time, pass.  This obviously proves problematic when I do need to talk things through although I am very lucky in that I am able to offload to my sister without fear of repurcussion or judgement.  She listens and most times that is all I need.

I switch between productive and cannot be bothered mode constantly.  I have bursts of energy and motivation to get things done and then sometimes spend far too long procrastinating which does not sit well with my other bad habit of being impatient.

I am high maintenance in the being kept entertained department.  I get bored with things very quickly if something is not grabbing my attention fully.  There is a limited amount of time I can sit and do nothing before I start getting annoyed. 

I think those are my worst habits.  I possess many quirks I'm sure, but these are the main ones that spring to the fore right now.

Day 8/ 31 - What's in your handbag

These days I always have these things in my handbag:

• House keys
• Car keys
• Purse
• Mobile phone
• Muslin square
• Rice cakes
• Straws
• Paper tissues
• A pen 
• Paper to write on
• A hairgrip
• Chapstick
• Mints
• A hat for Munch  

If I'm taking the changing bag there are the following:

• Nappies and wipes
• Changing mat
• Nappy cream
• Two spare sets of clothes
• Nursing cover
• Straws
• Muslin
• Bib
• Antibacterial wipes
• Water

Day 7/ 31 - Your pet hates

Pet hates?   I apologise now if I offend anyone reading this!  I have kept this list short as I'm sure I could go on and on.

1. Not saying "please" and "thank you" - manners cost nothing.  I have been known to say it to/at people when they forget in the manner I would do to my son!
2. Chewing food with mouth open.  I'm glad you're eating but I don't want to see it thanks.
3. Coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth.  Germ-fest - ewwww.
4. Not washing your hands after going to the toilet.  
5. Drivers that tailgate.  I am not going to drive faster if I'm doing the speed limit end of.
6. Drivers that seem to have lost use of their hands - signalling helps everyone you know.
7. Drivers that use their mobile phones - speaking or texting. 
8. The use of expletives.  I get that there are times when we are driven to use them but every other word?  Really?  Is your vocab really that poor? And no it doesn't make you look big either!
9. Not bothering to iron clothes when really they need ironing.  You just look scruffy.
10. Poor spelling.
11. Poor time keeping.
12. Expecting respect.  Respect is not something that is given freely, it is earned.
13. Those that lie.  The truth always comes out, it's only a matter of time.

I am stopping there for fear I alienate you all too much.

Day 6/ 31 - Your five sense right now

Sight - I see blue sky, sunshine and a scattering of clouds with walkers and their maps.
Hear - I hear the whirring of the fan in the media box.
Smell - Sausages that Sprout had for breakfast.
Touch - Holding Munch on my lap whilst typing with one hand.
Taste - Crumpet that I had for breakfast.

Day 5/31 - 10 songs you love right now

Here are the ten songs that I'm loving right now.  If you would like to hear any of these just click and enjoy! Some of these have great videos - if you want to watch them, click the link. 
Happy listening : )

1. We Are Young - Fun featuring Janelle Monae
2. Somebody That I used To Know - Gotye
3. I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
4. White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
5. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People
6. Simple Song - The Shins
7. What The Water Gave Me - Florence and The Machine
8.  Hold On - Alabama Shakes
9.  Gold On The Ceiling - The Black Keys
10.  The Wolves - Ben Howard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4/31 - What are you afraid of

 

The things that make me the most anxious and fearful are those that affect my son and the people I love.

My biggest fear since becoming a mother is that of screwing up as a mum and making the wrong decisions.  I know that none of us are perfect but it scares me that maybe something I do, or even don't do, may have a lasting detrimental effect on the innocent little being that we brought into this world.  I fear that my own failings and insecurities will pass to our son and I do not for one second want that.  I want him to grow up happy, secure, confident and know that he is loved more than we can possibly ever express with words alone.  I am anxious that we get it right as parents although what right is we cannot know for sure.

I fear the loss of the man I share my life with.  To have been lucky enough to have found that one person that makes my world, the thought that one day it will end doesn't bear thinking about.  I am afraid I may not be strong enough to carry on without him walking by my side without a heavy heart.  I am living in hope that when that day comes we will both be old and grey and will have lived a full life together.

These two are my greatest fears.  My lesser fears include wasps, maggots and running out of toilet paper!

Day 3/ 31 - Your favourite quote

One favourite quote?  I have so many favourite quotes though! 

Here are the quotes that say much about how I try and live my life - draw from them your own conclusions about me.


"This above all: to thine own self be true" - William Shakespeare, Hamlet.


"A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed." - Henrik Ibsen


"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." - Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh

 

 

Day 2/31 - 20 Facts about you

 

20 Facts about me

1. I am 4 foot 11 1/2 inches - don't forget that all important 1/2!
2. I spent all my teenage years attending single sex schools.
3. I am the oldest of five children. 
4. I drive an automatic car and have done since I passed my test years ago.
5. I am right handed.
6. I am a Mac and not a PC.
7. I have worn glasses since I was 15.
8. I have one molar tooth missing.
9. My little fingers bend outwards at the knuckles.
10. My favourite colour is red.
11. I detest shopping of any form unless I specifically need to buy something.
12. I have a severe dislike of feet - baby feet are cute.  Others should be covered up.
13. My favourite flowers are pompom dahlias.
14. I eat things in odd numbers if I'm not demolishing an entire packet. Don't know why!
15. I prefer toilet paper to roll over the holder if you know what I mean.
16. I prefer sleeping on the right in a bed.
17. I love stationery - pens, paper all of it.
18. I have a coat problem - I have far too many and have to remind myself I don't need more.
19. I have always wanted to learn Japanese and German but haven't got round to it yet.
20. I have never smoked or ever tried it.

Day 1 /31 - Introduction and recent photo

Hi! I am Mushypea, currently 35 and a stay at home mum to our seven month old boy Munch and partner of two and a half years to Sprout.  We live in Derbyshire, England - to one side we have the open country and to the other we are a stones throw from the buzz of city life so best of both worlds really.  I started blogging to keep track of the random thoughts that run through my mind whilst navigating my way through first time motherhood.  I try hard not to use my blog to vent my frustrations and have many a time started posts only to delete them later!  I am a newbie to blogging so am constantly in awe of those out there who have such profound things to say in such a polished manner.


I love the simple things in life - give me your time and I am the most grateful.  We all lead such busy, hectic lives that I understand how hard it is to give that but to me it has always been the one thing that I most cherish.  I love the outdoors be it open country to visiting Tudor houses etc, I love my life and the people that have enriched it.  I love most things - oh, apart from boiled eggs, raw tomato and heights!


A recent photo....

That's me outside the pea pod!