A Few Days Off

It’s been wonderful to have had the last two weeks not tied to any appointments or fixed schedule. To know that I could dedicate complete days to my own whims and tasks, was something I was looking forward to before that time off had even started. Now that I am at the other end andContinue reading “A Few Days Off”

Charity in Action

Today, I’ve made final preparations for my first-ever trip to Bosnia. I am both nervous and excited as this isn’t a holiday that I’m going on but part of a charity mission. I hope these kind of trips will be more frequent in time to come – as long as my health, time and moneyContinue reading “Charity in Action”

Hubris Miasma

To all absentee parents out there.. How do you do it? How do you manage to swan off and live your selfish dreams without compunction? How do you live in material and emotional comfort knowing you have abandoned a past life? How does your conscience rest easy knowing you took care of yourself without lookingContinue reading “Hubris Miasma”

Consistency or Adventure?

Some would argue that a predictable life is something to covet as it offers security in that plans can be made well ahead of time. Every stage of life is clearly and neatly mapped out. Part of that predictability is the foresight to include contigency plans for times when things may not go exactly theContinue reading “Consistency or Adventure?”

Celebrating Life

Yesterday was my birthday. Unlike many people, especially the young generation, who would like to mark the day with parties and presents, I chose to keep it much more subdued. Instead, my sons and I had a day out in central London walking through different parks and then enjoyed a lovely Lebanese meal in oneContinue reading “Celebrating Life”

It’s All About Me Now

A completely self-indulgent title and well deserved. I make no apology for finally putting myself first having sacrificed my personal ambitions and hopes for so many years. Whilst I have no resentment in doing that, as motherhood was – and still is – a role I cherish, the balance has now shifted in favour ofContinue reading “It’s All About Me Now”

Fight or Fight

No, this time it’s not a typo…although my writings are filled with them. Today, I am reflecting on several things at once but the one thing that dominates my mind is a message for women who, like me, are facing life alone at the head of a household. We don’t have the option to flyContinue reading “Fight or Fight”

Up, Up and Away

It might seem like a totally reckless thing to do but I am planning to escape for a short break to Iceland very soon. I am so tired of routine and the relentless pressure of managing money. I am determined to take control of it before it takes control of me. Therefore, although it mightContinue reading “Up, Up and Away”

How Happy is Mum?

The answer to that question lies with her kids. It’s true that a mother is only as happy as her saddest child. I guess that statement will always be a reliable gauge to my own happiness. And so, I have good days and bad days depending on how my own children are feeling. When theyContinue reading “How Happy is Mum?”

When the Shoes Don’t Fit

Try as much as we like, sometimes it’s just not possible to convince our children to see eye to eye with us, their parents. I use the word ‘children’ in its loose sense. My sons are more young adults. They don’t see the world as I do and whilst I know it’s foolish to imposeContinue reading “When the Shoes Don’t Fit”