The Friday Focus – 01/07/16

I feel like I have been riding a bit of an emotional rollercoaster over the past week. The result of last week’s referendum came as a shock and produced a whole range of emotions in response. I’ve been wound-up and angry at times, despairing at others and there’s been a lot of fear over what the future might hold. Right now, I’m frustrated with the lack of any apparent direction with regards to moving on from the whole mess and holding on to hope that it will all work out in the end. What saddens me most about the whole thing is the hatred I have seen online – in the responses to the result from both sides – and the lack of empathy and compassion. I’m trying not to fuel the fire, to focus instead on trying to see where I can make a positive difference on a personal level. Whatever happens, there will be challenging times ahead.

Rollercoaster - this week's word of the week

 

Things I have loved this week:

  • A day out at Legoland to help ease the post-referendum blues.

My two girls enjoying a day out at Legoland with my mum

  • Having my mum come to stay for the weekend.
  • A fabulous day at #BML16 catching up with blogging friends and meeting others for the first time.
Wearing my pretty dress at #BML16
Thank you to Sunita at Lucky Things for taking the photo
  • Getting a letter saying that the cardiac team have discussed Jessica’s catheter results and are not planning surgery for the next year or two – it feels like a huge weight just lifted off my shoulders.
  • An afternoon spent giggling with two of my sisters.
  • Getting Jessica’s preschool graduation photo.
Jessica in her blue graduation gown in her preschool graduation photo
Original photo from Capturing Moments photography
  • Seeing how much Jessica enjoyed visiting her new school and realising that whilst I might not be ready for this next step, she is looking forward to it.
  • Watching Sophie dancing along to music and seeing how she changes her style of dance depending on the style of music and how fluid her arm movements are – so beautiful to watch.
  • Managing to enjoy the preschool day out at Beale Park in spite of it being cold and rainy.

Jessica and Sophie with "The Grand Old Duke of York" at Beale Park

  • My blog being described by Odd Socks and Lollipops as being “such a happy, hopeful place” – what a lovely compliment to receive!

The Reading Residence

16 thoughts on “The Friday Focus – 01/07/16

  1. Lovely photo of Jessicas preschool graduation. Very pleased to hear won’t be needed surgery for a year or two, that must be such a relief. #WoTW

    1. Thanks Karen – it is such a relief to be able to relax and not worry about surgery for a while now.

  2. Your reaction and views on the referendum completely mirror mine, so I can relate. It’s been a tough week with that going on, and then to add in to it all you’ve had going on, what a week for you. Such great news about Jessica’s results, such a relief for you all. She looks utterly adorable and I’m glad she’s so excited about school. Boo was the same, it was just me feeling sad! She’ll be OK, and you’ll honestly be surprised by how quickly you get used to her going each day. Oh, and I am loving your dress there! x Thanks for sharing with #WotW

    1. Thanks Jocelyn. I’m sure she will love school but I will definitely miss her although as you say, I will get used to it quite quickly I’m sure! Thanks for hosting #WotW 🙂

  3. Re the referendum results – I feel exactly the same.

    The preschool photo is gorgeous. Reminded me of when my 2 were little!

    Trip to Legoland – again took ours when they were little.

    As for the blogging -love yours & ones you have introduced me to. Maybe one day I will give a go myself – although not certain anyone would be interested!

    1. Thank you Donna – if you do ever feel tempted to start a blog, let me know – I would love to read it! 🙂

  4. It has been a strange week the referendum….
    It sounds like a great week for you! It must be such a relief about Jessica….She is such a cutie but looks so grown up in the graduation pic. I’m sure Jessica will love school. I sometimes think it’s harder on us as parents when little one’s start school.
    I love your dress that you wore for Britmums….I have seen a few vlogs and keep seeing you in the background. hehehe I hope you had a fab time x

    1. It has been a very strange week – lots of uncertainty and waiting to see when things move forward. The news about Jessica’s surgery is such a relief and yes I think she will love school – but it will take some getting used to for me! 🙂

  5. It’s been a challenging week with a result that no one was really expecting, you have found loads of positives though and it’s great news about Jessica. #WotW

    1. Thank you Angela – definitely agree that it’s been a challenging week; focusing on the positives has helped though.

  6. Such lovely happy moments you’ve had over the week. Love the dress you wore to BML16 and what great news regards Jessica. #WotW

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.