I honestly don’t know where the time goes! I can’t believe we are already into the final third of September. As always, life lately has been busy, but right now, I feel like I’m on the cusp of a lot of exciting changes.
University Open-Days
I spent the last two Saturdays at the Bristol University and then the Birmingham University open-day with Poppy. We’re going up to St. Andrews on Wednesday and that will be my seventh, and final, open-day. Poppy’s going to one more after that with my mum. I can’t go because I will be away, something I’ll come to in a moment.
Poppy moving away is becoming very real. In just under a year, she’ll leave our cosy, little tight-knit nest. I’ll miss her terribly. But I know that when I kiss her goodbye, I will do so, safe in the knowledge that I’ve raised an independent young woman, secure enough to dream big and ready to start the road to independence and higher-education. She’s working incredibly hard on perfecting her personal statement and is studying every hour for her A-levels. She’s also learning to drive and has a weekend job. You can probably guess that I’m very, very proud of her.
Football
Football season kicked off at the end of August which means I have resumed my “soccer-mom,” (I prefer “football-mum”), duties transporting and watching my goalkeeper son. I spend several hours on a Sunday standing on the sidelines, come rain, hail, wind and shine. It’s one of the highlights of my week. The club has a lovely, friendly ethos and I enjoy every moment with the other parents. It has a very strong sense of community and it’s great to see the boys, all of whom will sit their GCSEs in the spring, working together as a team. And I love listening their banter, (less so the occasional profanities that seem to escape the lips of 15-year-old boys…)
Optometry
I’m almost ready to return to work in optometric practice. I have re-registered with the GOC, (the “governing body” of optometry), and I’m just waiting to enrol on the NHS provider list. This is a lengthy process which could take another eight weeks yet. In the meantime I’m studying as much as I can to refresh my memory, while reading around newer topics and protocols. I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying it. I’m using the clinical part of my brain again and I feel like I did as a newly-qualified optometrist- full of excitement and raring to go. And, earlier this week, I went for an informal interview and have been offered THE perfect job. It feels like it was always meant to be and I am overjoyed. More about this in due course too.
The other thing I’ve been doing, is thinking about work outfits! I haven’t kept anything from my previous working wardrobe, so I’ll be curating a capsule closet over the coming weeks and months.
A Trip To Stuttgart
In a related topic, I’m going to Stuttgart in early October. This is why I can’t go to the last uni open-day with Poppy.. (I mentioned this in my Hobbs jumpsuit post because I might take it to wear). It’s a two-night, three-day visit hosted by Stepper, the spectacle frame company. I’ve been writing for their blog throughout this year and they are based in Stuttgart. There is a small conference and then an evening at the beer festival. I can’t wait for this and my friend and colleague Liz and I have bought a dirndl to wear to it. The beer festival, not the conference. However, I am thinking about what to wear for the conference and for sight-seeing. We only have carry-on luggage so I shall need to think and plan very carefully indeed. Just last night though, I bit the bullet and ordered some trainers, (sneakers, kicks- I never know what to call them). They’re not from one of the ubiquitous Insta-famous brands, but they are an investment. I hope they’ll prove to be a worthwhile, stylish and comfortable one.
And Finally…
It’s been just two years since Ian and I met and it still feels like I might wake up from this dream. This time of year will forever remind me of the anticipation and excitement of our tentative first date and of wondering if this wonderful man would become a part of my life. Of our lives. Well he has and I can’t imagine it any other way. It’s been a life-changing two years, and, if this autumn is anything to go by so far, I can’t help but feel the best is yet to come.
Have a lovely weekend.
13 comments
What a lovely, positive post. It gives me hope that life can be good again after heartache x
Thank you Pamela. Life can be wonderful after heartache. I absolutely promise. At times, it can be hard to believe but I’d say just keep on being honest and true, work hard, love hard and everything will fall into place. I feel like every aspect of my life was meant to be and it’s a lovely feeling. Lots of love to you xxxxx
Nooo way it’s been two years Liz! I can’t take it how fast life flies by, seriously freaks me out. That said I couldn’t be happier that Ian turned out to be such an awesome bloke. You two took a brave step to meet and it definitely paid off.
As for Poppy leaving home, no I can’t even…Just no. You’re my Mothering idol, it’s all I can do to watch and learn my friend. Watch and learn 😉
Yes! Two years!!! And yes, he’s such an awesome guy and I feel very, very lucky. And yes to Poppy leaving home too. It’s hard to think about it sometimes, but she is very much looking forward to the next step in life. And thank you so much for the lovely compliment. That means the world xxxxxx
Looking forward to the photos of you in a Dirndle Liz. They are all over the shops here of course! Love, Lieske
Hi Liz, I simply can’t believe it’s been two years!! Totally agree with Michelle, it’s scary how quickly times passing! It’s been great to read this … life is good! I’m so happy for you! Reading about Poppy leaving home and reflecting on the same moment in life with my daughter, you’ve both got so many things to look forward to 😊 Although she won’t be at home full time there’ll be holidays, visits to wherever she goes to Uni for days and to stay! 🤞 … meeting her new Uni friends etc … The bond you two have can only become stronger! 💕 oops I’m feeling all emotional now! 😂
Happy Sunday! …
Rosemary 😘xxxx
Oh Rosemary, yes. There are so many things to look forward to in every aspect of my life. I feel like I’m entering a new phase. I am so excited for Poppy and I know she will have the time of her life at uni, just like I did. I can’t wait to see how her journey pans out xxxxx
I love this post! I love keeping up with your gorgeous children (and am SO EXCITED to watch Poppy embark on her next phase). I’m also over the moon about your new job and your not-so-new-but-still-fantastic relationship. It is a joy to see everything turning out so well and I can’t imagine anyone who deserves it more than you, my love. xxx
Oh Lisa, thank you. I can’t believe it either. Everything is falling into place so beautifully and I am very, very happy! xxxxxx
Congratulations on finding your new path. You sound very excited! I wish you all the best in the coming weeks.
Oh thank you so much! Yes, I am r=so excited and I can’t wait! xxxx
Hi Lizzy, Gosh two years with Ian, that has flown! How wonderful, you sound so happy. Congratulations on the job offer too. Exciting times ahead for your daughter and big changes for you too, it’s hard to let them go but wonderful to see them making their own lives. A big year for your son also with his GCSE’s ….sending good luck. Looking forward to hearing about your trip. I love your ‘working from home’ sweatshirt….I work from home sometimes and feel I need one just to let everyone know! Kareema xx
Hi Kareema, I know! The last two years have flown by!!! I’m so happy and so looking forward to the future. It’s going to be a very big year for all of us and I can’t wait!!! xxxx