Life is funny, isn’t it? You have some years where you feel like nothing much happens. And then you have some months where virtually everything changes and you feel like you’ve got whiplash from all the change and you find yourself screaming, CAN WE JUST SLOW IT DOWN A LITTLE BIT PLEASE GUYS.
The last two months have definitely fallen under that latter category. Some changes have been positive, some…not so great. Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement. Some changes have been the worst of the very worst.
But, let’s begin with the positives.
I’ve gone freelance!
Yes, I’ve quit my job. Gosh, handing in your notice really is quite scary, isn’t it? But, anyway, I digress…
It all happened rather quickly. One day I was told the office would be moving to the other side of London, and 5 minutes later I’d written my resignation letter. Luckily, things have worked out OK, and I’ve accepted a three-month freelance contract working on an amazing food and travel-related website that I absolutely adore. And I’m also actively looking for more freelance work, so hit me up if you need something written about travel! Or cats. Or just about anything really. (Yes, I realise this is possibly the worst self-promotion ever. Remind me to update this blog with my freelance website when it finally goes live…)
The last few days have been a whirlwind of forms, phone calls and googling just what the hell a ‘Unique Tax Reference’ is. But, more importantly, it’s also all been about setting up the home office with colourful Hungarian doilies and lavender…
I run 5ks now
Yes, I’m allowed to say ‘5ks’ plural because I’ve run 5k, like, twice now. Which pretty much makes me a pro athlete, NBD.
You might have seen me writing about my fitness and weight goals back in May, and I’m pleased to report that I’ve lost more weight, taking me closer to that all important 10 stone goal.
Since writing that post, I’ve gone from 11 stone 6 pounds to 10 stone 11 pounds. It still confuses my brain when I see ’10 stone’ lighting up on the scales. Like, I think that I’ve got one foot on the scales and one foot off or something. Or I just need to put new batteries in them (the scales, not my feet).
I still eat cake though. Don’t worry.
Also, this happened.
And this.
Um, if you could stop that before my heart spontaneously combusts, that would be great, thanks.
…But it hasn’t all been so positive.
One of the reasons why I haven’t been so active online over the last few months is because my wonderful, selfless mum has been hit with some devastating news. I don’t want to elaborate on that here – for her privacy, if anything – but what I will say, is that if any blogger reading this has been affected by cancer in any shape or form, please please PLEASE feel free to join the ‘Bloggers Touched By Cancer’ Facebook group, set up by the lovely Claire from Weekend Candy. I sincerely hope none of you will ever have to join this group, but please know that there are people who care, and there are people who want to help.
As you can imagine, the above has shocked my family to the core. It means that my travels have gone on the back-burner, and I’m spending a lot of time at home (just one of the reasons why I felt the move to freelance would be a good one for me right now).
But when it comes to this blog, nothing will change. I sat down today and wrote out a huge long list of all the blog posts I’ve been wanting to write up for the past 6 months. Some are about my big USA trip, some are about my mini rail break to Budapest and Prague. And then there’s some just plain old general travel posts that I’ve been meaning to get down on paper (or WordPress CMS).
I’m trying to keep upbeat and I’m trying to keep focused. But when it comes to life and blogging, I sincerely believe that you should listen to what your body tells you. Fancy writing a 600-word blog post? Great. Fancy just spending the evening in bed eating peanut butter out of the jar while watching new Orange is The New Black episodes? Also great. So I’m not going to beat myself up for not posting twice a week on the blog or for not looking at my Instagram page for 72 hours. Yes, life can be rubbish. But it also shows you just what is important to you – and that, my friends, can be so freeing.
Good luck on your great big freelance adventure! I think it’s amazing how it will give you more freedom to be with your mom during this time!x
Oh Emily, I’m so sorry to read your sad news, my thoughts are with you and you’re wonderful for focussing on some fantastic positives. x
Lovely Emily, thank you for sharing the group. Have got your blogging back, babe xxx
Wow, you’ve had a lot going on, haven’t you hun?! Firstly sorry to hear your family’s having a rough time of it, I hope things go positively for you all.
But also, congrats on all the good things happening in your life! I’ve been following your lifestyle changes and wow, you’ve done amazing! And welcome to the freelance fold my dear! it can be a bit scary at times but it’s a fun rollercoaster to ride! I may actually be able to send a little work your way if you’re interested – just drop me an email if you want to have a chat about it… K x
Really sorry to hear about the bad news, Emily. Thinking of you and your family.