I probably sound like a broken record at this point as I yet again mention how quickly this year has gone by but I have to bring it up again because September seems to be the quickest month yet! In fact as I sit down to write this I’m struggling with remembering what I actually did through the month. Did it go by quickly for you as well? Once I get my thoughts in order I’ll share my highs, lows, and standout moments for September…happy reading!
HIGH
Sleeping – I had to put this one first because I’m so happy about it! If you’ve been keeping up to date with these posts then you will know that I’ve been struggling with my sleep for months now. I’ve been waking up multiple times in the night and then struggling to get back off again, and it was really starting to affect me and my ability to function throughout the day. Well, things were a lot better in September, I seem to be down to waking only once on average per night which is such a massive improvement! I did say last month that I would look at some diet and lifestyle changes to help things and whilst I did do a couple of things, I didn’t really change much. I made an effort to reduce caffeine and sugar particularly in the afternoon/evening but that was it really, and I wasn’t overly committed to that if I’m honest. So, I can’t be certain what caused the improvement but needless to say I’ve felt so much better this month.
HIGH AND LOW
Work. The hospitality industry is still very up and down, particularly here in Swansea because we are currently in a local lockdown. If you aren’t already aware I work in a hotel so it’s been a fresh hit having to deal with the consequences of leisure guests being unable to travel to us. We have had some people staying for business purposes which is great because it has prevented the hotel from closing altogether, but it’s a precarious time to say the least. I’m now furloughed for more hours than I am working which is far from ideal, but hopefully things will begin picking up again soon. Whilst this is disappointing and worrying, much like last month it hasn’t been all bad. I feel far more comfortable and ‘in the swing of it’ now at work. I’m feeling less like a new person who doesn’t know what they are doing and more like my old self. The little one has adjusted as well now, she understands more that we will be coming and going and not around her all the time, and so she seems happier also which definitely helps. I just hope work gets busier soon so I can be confident that my job is safe.
HIGH AND LOW
Reading. I’ve managed to overcome the horrific reading slump that hit in August but I’m not fully back on track yet which is annoying. I have multiple books that I have almost finished reading so once I get through them and write up my reviews I will feel a lot better. I had hoped to already be at that point when I wrote this post but I didn’t quite make it unfortunately. I’m so excited to get started on some new books though, I’ve never been this slow with my reading before! At least I am reading again though, and making progress which is a massive improvement.
HIGH
I’m really pleased that I’ve managed to get back on track with my blog this month. I decided to reduce my posting to once a week rather than twice just to take some pressure off as I readjust to everything. I definitely plan on returning to two posts a week but I’m not 100% sure on when that will be. For now, I’m pleased that I’m writing and posting again, but mainly that the blog has become a source of enjoyment again rather than making me feel under pressure and stressed out.
LOW
Allergies. I have really struggled with allergic reactions this month and annoyingly I can’t work out what is causing it. I suspected it was the washing tablets that I was using so I switched to a brand that I know I am fine with, but I’ve had a couple of flare ups since then so now I’m not so sure. The main symptom I’ve had is flushed and itchy skin, and when I say itchy I mean unbearably so! I’m taking allergy tablets again which work brilliantly so that’s something at least. I have gone back and forth wondering whether it’s worth seeing a doctor or not. I hate going to the doctors, I avoid it at all costs, and with how things are at the moment I’m just not sure if seeing one is justifiable or not.
LOW
As I mentioned above, towards the end of the month Swansea was placed under local lockdown. As I write this the lockdown is still in place, hopefully it won’t be for too much longer. Whilst it isn’t as stringent as when the UK was in full lockdown it does mean that I’m unable to see my family, and it does have a negative impact on work. Whilst I’m glad that we are still allowed to meet others outside, the wind and rain that we’ve been plagued with recently has certainly made that easier said than done! With any luck the levels will fall once again and the lockdown can be lifted soon!
STANDOUT MOMENT
My daughter had her 15 month check with her health visitor in September and received a glowing report which was great news! She is advanced in everything for her age besides differentiating between different people and different objects but that’s something that we can easily work on so overall she’s doing brilliantly. I knew that she was thriving, at times she’s too smart for her own good but it’s still nice to have it confirmed. She also went on a trampoline for the first time this month and absolutely loved it, watching her beaming as she bounced around was a definite highlight!
How was your September? Any highs, lows, or standout moments that you would like to share?
Thanks for reading, I hope that you enjoyed!
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Until the next time…Jess x
My January in a nutshell (2020)
Beyond The Front Cover 
Great news about your daughter, I’m so glad she is doing so well! 😊 Also I’m glad you are back on track with reading and blogging, it’s horrible when you fall into a slump. Hopefully the work situation improves, the uncertainty can’t be at all helpful.
Take care Jess, and I hope you are having a good October so far 😊
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Thank you 😊 yes, a much more positive month than the previous one and so far October is going well here, I hope you’re having a great month also 😁
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Glad your daughter is adjusting well – feels safe, knows you will always come back..
I’m working on a post about childhood with my grandparents- from birth – all the
positive aspects …
In September, we stayed in hotels, in two locked down cities, so we could meet family and friends in parks. Being asked at Reception if we were married was a bit startling – yet another covid life change. Track and Trace rules, I suppose, but the staff were doing a great job. .
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It’s a relief that she’s getting used to it yes, we both have a week off work now (him on holiday and myself furloughed) so I hope that doesn’t set her back again. It’s confusing for them when they are so young. That sounds great, I’ll check it out 😊 yes there is so much red tape now and so many additional rules to enforce and questions to ask, it’s uncomfortable isn’t it 😒
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Yew! I had a terrible September, the scams etc so I’m glad it’s over. Nice to hear about little one Jess, as always and I’m glad she’s thriving 🙂
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I’m glad it’s over as well Caz, onwards and upwards for you for October I hope! Thank you, she is doing really well, although I’m quickly learning that looking after a toddler is much busier than looking after a baby 😂
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Lol, oh yes! Loveable little monsters 😉
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I’m so glad your sleep problem has sorted itself out now, maybe the fact you were more relaxed and felt there was something you could do about it made all the difference. I hope you are able to get some answers about your alergic reactions, I’m sure a doctor would be able to help. I hope October is another good month for you.
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Thank you, me too! Feeling rested makes such a difference! Yes I wondered the same and whether that was why it improved. I hope so, I think I might get in touch just for a phone appointment to see if they have any suggestions, if not I will just have to stick with the tablets…at least they are working 😊 Thank you, I hope October is great for you too 😊
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I had terribly itchy skin and finally discovered it was due to my thyroid. I now take one tiny tablet a day and that sorts it all out. But itchy skin can also simply be a sign of dryness – might be worth changing to a moisturising bodywash like Dove. I’d say it’s worth seeing your doc just to check. though. 🙂
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Hmmm that’s interesting, hadn’t considered it could be something like that, sounds like it’s definitely worth checking with the doctor just in case then 😊 I will definitely give Dove a try in the meantime as well 😊
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Great round up. Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor. I was ill a few months ago and the doctor was doing phone appointments. It was really good. He was very attentive and certainly seemed to have the time. I think a lot of people are wary and not seeing their doctors at the moment.
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Thank you 😊 that’s good to know, I’m one of those people that always thinks I’m taking up an appointment that somebody else needs more. Yes I agree, I think people will be more wary for sure. Hope you have a fab October 😊
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Thanks for sharing! My September was rubbish because we all had colds and I didn’t really enjoy being at work. However I hope this month will be better, my birthday is towards the end of it 🙂 I take an allergy tablet every day due to dust allergy / hayfever, if I miss one then I get withdrawal itching 😦 I haven’t found doctors to be any help with that.
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Ooh happy early birthday! I hope it’s a great one for you, needless to say that after how this year has been we all deserve some good to end it with! Hope you are all fighting fit again! That’s the trouble with colds, one person in the house gets it and it’s not long before it’s doing the rounds 🙁 that’s interesting, I hadn’t thought of it being a withdrawal itch, thanks for sharing 😊 the doctors at my surgery are a little hit and miss so hopefully if I do get in touch I’ll get one of the better ones! Hope this month treats you better than September did 😊
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Thank you! 🙂 ♥ In a non-pandemic situation I’d be seeing a show or an exhibition etc but that’s not going to happen (in comparison, last year I saw the Harry Potter play in London and went to Tate Modern) hopefully I can have some kind of fun though.
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Ah yes, I remember reading your thoughts on the Harry Potter play…can’t believe that’s a year ago 😮
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Great to hear that your blogging schedule is back on track. Always feels great whenever that happens. Great to hear about your daughter too. I myself have had a pretty average September, and I just got injured to start off my October, but here’s to a great month ahead!
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It’s a relief for sure 😊 oh no! O hope you aren’t hurt too badly?! What a rubbish start to the month, but hey onwards and upwards from this point 😊 have a great October!
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