Chapter 1: A Little Catch-Up

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Today’s entry feels a bit more like a blog post because I’ve got quite a few things weighing on my mind. Let’s start on a positive note!

My partner Alun and I are happily married, and I genuinely cherish every moment we spend together. He’s my favorite person, and our shared laughter fills me with immense joy and comfort. Picture this: I’m cozy in bed, listening to Alun’s adorable snores (trust me, they're much sweeter than mine), and I see him chuckling at a funny meme. Those little moments, like his “Orr,” which means he wants to share something, make my heart soar. I couldn’t be happier in our marriage.

Now, let’s talk about my friends—my true support system. I recently read about “Glimmers” online, which are the opposite of “Triggers.” While triggers can evoke fear and anxiety, glimmers bring feelings of wholeness, love, happiness, and safety. My friends embody those glimmers. I’m surrounded by about 40 incredible individuals, so I always feel loved and connected. My phone is never silent, and I’m constantly screenshotting messages filled with love, support, humor, and kindness from my friends. I feel so fortunate.

I may not have a driver’s license, but my friends are always willing to drive me around. Despite my struggles with money, they often insist on covering the bill. When I’m facing mental health challenges, my friends reach out with messages like “What can I do for you?” or “Can I come over just to keep you company?” They’ve even replaced donuts I accidentally dropped, sent me money when I was in a bind, and brought me flowers when I thought I couldn’t keep going. They rally around me during tough times, cheer for my successes, and offer comfort when life throws its punches. I can’t express how much I love them.

And then there’s Sebastian—my 6-year-old nephew, who’s been a delightful surprise in my life. I’m so glad to be his Aunty! Our last playdate was filled with laughter on his trampoline, and I cherish those simple moments of joy. During one of our afternoons together, we ended up lying on the trampoline just talking, which has become one of my favorite memories. It may seem mundane, but it meant the world to both of us.

In terms of work, I’m still a writer for a government organization here in Perth, focusing on public transport. I write articles about everything from new staff promotions to events and workshops. It’s a busy role, but I genuinely love it. Each day, I get to craft stories and capture moments with my Nikon camera, racing off to document various events. I truly enjoy being a writer and feel blessed to be doing what I’ve always wanted.

However, I attend many meetings where I still feel somewhat lost, especially regarding marketing. My colleagues are well-versed in creating infographics and managing online content, while I’m still trying to grasp how it all works. I’ve learned that stories about people, particularly their pets, resonate the most with our audience. It’s curious how much interest pet stories generate!

Now, let’s discuss the more challenging part of my life.

Lately, I’ve been battling debilitating migraines for over a week. Despite my efforts—drinking water, taking vitamins, going to bed early, and even exercising—I can’t seem to find relief. The pain has left me unable to do much, and I’m feeling the stress of being away from work. I’ve been praying for answers and relief.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: my mother. I love her, but our relationship is strained. Her behaviors have become overwhelming, to the point where I sometimes joke about “doing time” for wanting her to leave.

She has this habit of leaving the bathroom door open, which is utterly mortifying for both Alun and me. I can’t count how many times I’ve had to yell at her to close it. And her constant criticisms about my food choices or mental health are exhausting.

“Why don’t you try living on your own?” is a thought that crosses my mind far too often. My mother’s remarks about my eating habits, especially given her own health struggles, feel hypocritical and frustrating. The interrogation starts every time I come home, and it’s draining.

Her condescending advice about my mental health doesn’t help either. “If you just believed yourself well, you would be,” she says, as if it’s that simple.

I endure her sarcasm for as long as I can until Alun comes home, and we both try to navigate these tensions in our space. Our home, once a sanctuary, has become a source of stress, impacting our marriage and overall well-being. Thankfully, we’re counting down the weeks until she moves out.

We just need to hang in there.

The first video titled "I'll Put on the Kettle" captures the essence of comforting moments and the importance of connection. It illustrates how simple gatherings can strengthen bonds among loved ones.

The second video, "Frank Nelson I'll Put On The Kettle," highlights the warmth and humor found in shared experiences. It serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, laughter and togetherness can be a source of solace.