Yes it definitely has been a while. I feel like I’ve not really done much to write about but kind of feeling the urge to do it anyways so below is a little update on what’s been going on since my last post.
I’ve been to the season opening up meeting for the National Trust since my last volunteer day – it’s such an eye opener to find out what different parts of the Trust is up to now and their plans for the next 1/5/10 years time. So much going on whether it’s working on the River Derwent, campaigning for Heritage Coast status between Whitehaven and St.Bees or figuring out how to expand a tiny shop without making it any bigger! The work everyone does seems exceptional and I can’t wait to get stuck in more. So much so that I put my name down for another project with the Trust – something completely different to the ranger work I’ve been doing so far. This one is an archiving project at their office in Grasmere and just today I have been down to meet some of the team. Essentially it is going through boxes and boxes of paperwork and sorting them for disposal or archiving. This really will give me organisational needs a good work out and I’ll be starting in May – can’t wait.
One thing I have been struggling with over the past few weeks is meditating. I’ve found it increasingly difficult to calm my mind and focus during meditating and it’s also made it difficult to fall asleep at night. I am hoping that doing something like the archiving project will give my brain something to focus on that’s a bit more of a work out than puzzles and reading. I definitely miss out on using my brain to work out more complex problems and issues and it feels like it’s got a load of excess energy it needs to expel. Unfortunately that usually manifests as I put my head on my pillow. Sleep? No, I think you’d much rather think about and analyse a random conversation you had with someone two days ago! I will keep trying and I am meditating more often. Also the sleep sounds on the app I use (Headspace for anyone who’s interested) do help – even the hubby has requested them to be put on for a soothing send off to sleep.
My daughter has been on half term and turned 7 yesterday – lovely day with some of the family over and a couple of friends. One thing I don’t have the patience for is kids parties so it worked out well with only a couple over and entertaining the adults (who all loved joining in with pass the parcel!). She really enjoyed herself which is all that matters and went to bed with a big smile on her face.
Connor the pup is doing well. Finally had his injections and loves going out and about on walks. He seems to be fine off the lead and responds when he’s called back. We went to Whinlatter last week in the snow – could not believe how much they had and the dog went crazy. Needless to say he liked it! Not done his first fell yet but I think it may be on the cards if the weather continues to be bright and sunny like today. Looking forward to going out with him exploring some fells I haven’t done before – he’ll make a fine companion.
Super fun times at Beamish
We visited Beamish last week – somewhere I haven’t been since I was little and I remember going with my mum, sister and nana. What a place – some of it I remembered quite vividly but others I had no recollection. The place has certainly got a lot bigger and they’re building more when we visited. Daughter loved every second of it and she didn’t get bored at all. When I asked her what her favourite part was, she said all of it. Definitely going back soon since our tickets are valid for a whole year. Highly recommended.
Ahh, that feels better now I’ve done some writing – not my finest and only a quickie but glad to be back up and running. Hopefully I will write about something in more depth next time, but until then this will have to do. x
Mindfell Walker 