Author: hja79

Mum to two girls, primary school teacher, food, drink and fitness enthusiast.

Days 10 – 10 Croatia

The drive to Croatia was fairly straightforward, one we have done before. The only drama was when a spider crawled across the back of my seat in the car whilst we were bombing down the motorway. The screams from the girls were blood-curdling and the look of terror on E’s face was highly entertaining. I feel ashamed that they are that way around spiders because that’s how I am.

The past few days have been spent on the beach, doing little more than swimming, sun-bathing, eating and drinking. Here are some of the conversations with my darling girls:

  • Eldest child (E) looks at me and says, “Is that the dress I told you you look fat in?” “Yes,” I reply, waiting for her to tell me I actually don’t. “Yep, you definitely do look fat in it,” she says.
  • Conversation with E in the sea… “Do sea urchins swim up and attack people?” she asks. “No” I tell her. “Do you find them in rivers?” she wants to know. Youngest child chips in (one of them has a few brain cells) “They are called SEA urchins.” E then asks about piranhas, “Do they have them here?” I tell her they are found in rivers like the Amazon. “Well this is like the Amazon” she says matter-of-factly.
  • Youngest child finds a pinecone floating in the sea and names it piney. She leaves it in the sea and sends me in to retrieve. Piney looks very much like a turd floating in the sea and I was quite hesitant to pick him up!
  • Quote from youngest child about what mummy and daddy like: “Mummy likes going on holiday and teaching her children. Daddy likes the weekend and watching football.” She’s not too far off.

Anyway, I need to get back to my red wine now and the family have just returned with take-away pizza. I’m going to be the size of a small whale by the time I get home but hey-ho.

 

Day 8 and 9 – Slovenia

I have fallen in love with the Czech Republic in a way that I didn’t expect to. From the beautiful towns and cities, to the rolling countryside and lakes, we have had such a great time. As you approach the border with Austria, the landscape becomes more Alpine and the views are stunning. We’ve seen lots of wonderful wildlife on this trip, but I was particularly excited when I saw what I’m pretty certain was an eagle!
We realised that the reason E has pretty poor geography skills is because her parents do too. As we approached the Austrian border, we had a brief debate about which country we were actually about to drive into. Once in Austria, I was reminded why I Ioved it so much last year. The scenery is breath taking and spectacular. There is just something magical and beautiful in the towering mountains, pine forests and green fields. The driving was fun too! Twisting and turning up and down mountain roads and accelerating through the fields.
Eventually we entered Slovenia and found our cabin in the woods. We are staying in a two-story wooden cabin situated in a campsite. We are set back right in the woods on the edge of the site. Last night there was an almighty thunderstorm and I sat quivering in bed, convinced that lightening would strike one of the towering trees above us. When I eventually lay back down again I heard a scuttling, scratching noise very close to my head. There was some sort of creature either on the roof or even worse, in the cabin. I hissed at S, who had also heard it but was becoming increasingly irritated with my fussing about storms and creatures. I have no idea when I fell back to sleep but that was not the most restful night ever.
Today we woke to cold and rainy weather but it didn’t matter as we were visiting the Postonja caves, a 24,340m long cave system. The caves were amazing, eerie, cold, wonderful, alien like and awe-inspiring. We travelled into the caves by train and then walked through the caves on foot, before travelling back through the cave tunnels by train again. Formed almost 2 million years ago, the mind boggles as you gaze at the stalagmites and stalactites.

Day 5, 6, 7 – The Wedding

The weather broke overnight and as we drove to the wedding venue, a few hours from Prague, the rain came down and it was pretty chilly. Despite the weather, the place was perfect! An absolutely wonderful location for a wedding and guests. It’s a house with a pool in a village in the countryside, surrounded by fields. We explored the main house and our cottage before going shopping for food for the guests that were due to arrive that night.
A lot of alcohol was consumed the night before the wedding! We all had a blast and it was so lovely to catch up with family and friends. I stumbled into bed at around 2am and woke with a sore head on the day of the wedding.
The rain had vanished and to our relief, the sun was shining. Those of us who were slightly fragile (and the children), took a quick dip in the pool before the wedding prep began. The day was perfect. We had so much fun and there was a lovely relaxed vibe. My brother and his wife looked amazing and I felt emotional seeing them both so happy.
I love the bubble that surrounds you when you’re at a wedding, where all that matters is having fun, eating and drinking. It was a magical weekend and one that I’ll never forget.
The next day was spent in and out of the pool and packing up to leave. We left for our next destination of Hurka in the late afternoon sun. The drive was spectacular, across winding country roads and through great pine forests. But I was the driver and was tired after two very late nights partying, so when we had to turn back twice because the road was closed, I was starting to get fed up. By the time we arrived (much later than planned), we didn’t manage to visit the lake as I’d hoped. All we wanted was food and sleep. We stayed in a quirky little guesthouse that had a cat hotel attached to the side of it! The woman who ran it was super friendly and we were quickly settled with food and beer. As I tucked into my second portion of deep fried cheese and chips, I briefly pondered how long it might take to work it all off when I return home! That worry I’ll save for another day.mde

Day 3 and 4 – Prague and Karlstejn Castle

These two days were sweltering. I love hot weather but this was the sort of weather where sweat sits on your upper lip and permanently trickles down your back. This is NOT sightseeing weather.
We drove into Prague the day after we arrived in Karlstejn. We thought M might need her eyes tested after she insisted she’d seen a camel on the way! Prague is way bigger than we’d realised and quite spectacular. We’d need a lot more time to explore it properly but to be honest the children are still a little young for days of sightseeing. We walked 8 miles through Prague, visiting some of the main tourist spots – Wenceslas Square, The Charles Bridge and Prague Castle above it.
The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava River and is named after King Charles IV. It was absolutely heaving with tourists, weaving in and out of musicians busking and stalls selling all sorts of things. We met my brother and his soon to be wife at the end of the bridge and enjoyed a lovely lunch with them before climbing the many steps up to the castle. Prague Castle is a castle complex dating back to the 9th century. The castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia. The castle is spectacular itself but also provides beautiful, sprawling views across the city.

The next day we walked up the road to Karlstejn Castle. We had a superb tour guide with a dry sense of humour, who taught us about the history of the castle and surrounding area. He led us up many flights of stairs to the top of the tower, so high it made my legs shake. Karlstejn Castle is phenomenal. It is a large Gothic castle founded by Charles IV in 1348. It sits at the top of a hill in amongst the trees, so that from the road it isn’t visible. When you walk up the road it suddenly appears and takes your breath away as you round the corner. It’s the stuff of fairy tales and legends and we had a brilliant morning there.
Walking back we yet again questioned the girls’ eyesight, as E was convinced she’d seen a kangaroo and M was certain she saw a lion. Maybe this place really is magical?!
As we crossed the river I asked S if we could go out on his uncle’s boat when we are in Croatia. I thought maybe we could visit one of the islands (yes I did watch Mama Mia recently). Eva piped up that’d she’d love to do that as she’d always wanted to visit Ireland! She then asked if perhaps we could sail to the Maldives. I must get this girl to look at an atlas at some point.
In the evening we met my mum and grandma at their campsite on the outskirts of Prague. We had a wonderful time swimming in the lake and then all had dinner together, discussing my brother’s impending wedding.

architecture bridge building structures castle
Photo by JÉSHOOTS on Pexels.com

Prague is a magnificent city and I definitely hope to visit again in the future.

Day 2: Journey to Karlstejn

After a very hot and sticky night, we woke to the youngest child having reverted back to her usual self. “Who is your favourite person?” she asked us all this morning. Before any of us could respond, she informed us all that SHE was her favourite person. No great surprise there then.

We packed the car and set off to find breakfast. I was sure I could eat something healthy, perhaps some fruit or something protein laden. We stopped at a service station and found croissants, pain au chocolat and breadsticks dipped in Nutella. Healthy breakfast fail. After also failing to get coffee from a machine due to some complicated ticket system that I didn’t understand, we finally got our caffeine fix at the next services and set off for the Czech Republic.

Again the journey was fairly uneventful, other than a van engulfed in flames on the other side of the motorway in Germany! We played our usual games…holding our breath through tunnels (to the point that I always worry the driver might pass out) and M’s choice, ‘the link game’. The link game is basically word association but is quite stressful with our smallest girl, especially as she always seems to follow my hubby, who makes fairly obscure links. I spend most of my time with 4 and 5 year olds, so know how to play with children in mind. We tried to change the direction of play to help M, but an argument ensued as to who was starting the game. Eventually M lost the plot and then screamed at her sister, “Mummy says not to talk to me when I’m angry.” I did indeed say this but it’s kind of backfired on me, as most of my strategies with this child do.

The other challenge with service stations on this journey, is my eldest child’s absolute fear of a) getting locked in a toilet b) a self-flushing toilet flushing on her. To be fair, both of these things have happened to her in the past so the trauma is real. It just makes every toilet stop complicated and drawn out.

Anyway, after driving most of the day through Germany, we eventually entered the Czech Republic. The road to Karlstejn was small and windy and I could see the dubious looks from my hubby out of the corner of my eye. We drove through beautiful forest and I was uncharacteristically optimistic. I was right to be so, as this place is gorgeous. It’s a small town on the river, surrounded by tree covered hills. A railway runs through it but  Karlstejn is remarkably quiet. We went and paddled in the river before watching a hot air balloon take off from the field next us.

This evening we ate dinner outside at our hotel and tried to tell the children how lucky they are to be able to travel. We sat in the dark and talked about how important these trips are to us. I feel relaxed. This is rare. Karlstejn.pngDay 2 – another success.

Day 1: Journey to Cologne

We are just settling down to bed in our stunningly hot and sweaty room in the youth hostel in Cologne, Germany. My eldest daughter has just asked if we might die in this room tonight! I mean it stinks of sweaty feet, but I’m really hoping to make it through the night.

We set off first thing this morning and the journey was worryingly uneventful, other than the usual amusing comments from the girls. Initially E thought that she’d spotted the Disneyland palace on the way to Dover but it turned out just to be a church. My hubby had the bright idea that double decker motorways should be invented (he’ll no doubt now be googling if this is an actual thing) and then E became very confused about how long it would take to get to Dover. She felt very strongly that an hour and a half was exactly the same time as half an hour (note to self – do some work on time with my almost 9 year old child).

A Taylor Swift/Katy Perry mix on Radio One saved us just as the girls started to get restless and then there was great delight at some chewing gum we’d bought. “This is the first time using chewing gum the right way!” our youngest child declared. I dread to think what she’s done with it in the past!

After catching the ferry to Calais, we drove across to Belgium. Searching for a cashpoint, we drove down some of the back streets a while before reaching Brussels. The houses were amazing, each one different from the next and all really delightful in their own way.

There was drama in the back of the car when E removed her shoes. M has a very acute sense of smell and her sister’s cheesy feet was too much to handle! We had to have a period of the girls choosing the car music to keep them happy. E chose a succession of Little Mix songs and then M opted for her usual choice of Bon Jovi, blasted at full volume.

Eventually we arrived in Cologne and went out in the sweltering heat to find dinner. Cologne is beautiful and the atmosphere is lovely. After dinner we sat by the river with beers and ice cream and watched the boats go by.

Which brings us back to the sweaty room. Both girls are now asleep but I have to say the air is suffocating. It’s been hot in the UK recently but this is stifling. My hubby is sitting in bed drinking beer after washing his feet because I moaned so much about the smell. Thing is, I’ve got a horrible feeling it might be mine I can smell!

Day One has been a success. No major meltdowns from anyone, a smooth journey (so far) and a gorgeous evening in Cologne.

 

architectural photo of bridge during nighttime
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Walking on eggshells!

‘Walking on eggshells’ describes my home life quite accurately. The main reason I wanted to start a blog (other than the fact that I love to waffle on) was the difficulties we have with our youngest daughter. Some of it I wanted to share because it’s quite amusing, some of it because it shows other people with similar struggles that even someone whose job is children, can’t always manage her own child and partly to see if anyone had advice!

My youngest daughter is six years old. She has always been a fairly strong-willed, fiery child but this past year she’s taken it to the next level and it’s been the hardest we’ve faced with her. I’m going to describe a typical day with M:

  • Usually wakes up in a foul mood, immediately angry and shouting. Demands food instantly. Usually shouts, screams and rejects food that is offered to her. She recently shouted, “I want something unhealthy and you make me eat healthy stuff.” Yesterday morning she asked if she could have squirty cream for breakfast and then flipped out when I refused.
  • Refuses to get dressed, have hair brushed, clean teeth etc. Every request is met with anger, shouting and hurling herself about.
  • She tells her sister where to sit on the sofa, taking up most of the room herself and then screaming at E if she encroaches on what she considers to be her space.
  • Putting socks on can be very traumatic because of the ‘bumps.’ This can provoke a lot of upset and anger.
  • Putting shoes on is even worse at the moment. She flips out if you don’t do them tight enough and I never, ever can.
  • She will lash out violently at times and become fairly hysterical at the drop of a hat. She can flip in a second.
  • Carrying her own school stuff is also something that she refuses to do and will cry and shout when she’s made to.
  • She goes bonkers at her sister if she touches her car seat, something that E needs to do in order to climb across to her own seat. M will kick and punch her if she gets angry with her.
  • At school she is generally angelic. Every now and then she has started to show this other side and certainly this year she has had a few more friendship issues, but on the whole she is the model child at school.
  • Home time – she demands a snack. Sometimes she gets very cross if the snack isn’t good enough or if there is only one thing.
  • At home the angry, violent behaviour continues and getting her to walk the dog, read or anything else is very tricky.
  • Bedtime didn’t used to be a problem but these days it increasingly is.

As I read this back to myself I realise this just sounds like I have a very obnoxious little girl, who is allowed to get away with murder. However, it just isn’t that straight forward. Honestly, I don’t entirely know what the deal is. I teach, I know children and I know she has certain traits. But she doesn’t totally fit any description or diagnosis. I do know that she’s genuinely upset when her shoes don’t feel right. I can see that she’s not very happy quite a lot of the time. I also know that she worries about all sorts of things but doesn’t always know how to deal with it. The other night when she clung on to me at bedtime, she wasn’t just messing around, she desperately wanted me to be as close as possible.

I’ve listed many negative things about M because she pushes me to my limit on a daily basis at the moment, but she is incredibly loving and fiercely loyal. She knows her own mind and at times shows great strength and determination. She can be very funny and is such a bright spark.

I am writing all of this now, at what feels like the start of the next chapter for us. In the hope that I can find some ways to make her life and our lives easier. I don’t want to change her but I want to be in a better position to understand her struggles, manage her behaviour and teach her how to treat people with kindness.

So please, if you’re in a similar position, comment away!

Diets and Daughters

I lied the other day in the staff room. I said I don’t do dieting. I said it because it’s what I like to believe, because I know better and because I like to show everyone that I can feel good by simply exercising and eating sensibly. The truth is that over the past few months (actually the past few years – since I’m being honest), I have tried different diets. Recently I’ve restricted and tracked calories and macros, I’ve cut carbs and carb cycled, all in a bid to shift fat and look how I want in a bikini.

Now I know I’m not overweight or badly out of shape but as I approach 40, it is becoming much harder to maintain the figure that I’ve always been pretty happy with. For the first time in a good few years, I am about to go on holiday very uncomfortable at the prospect of wearing a bikini. However, I’ve had a wake up call. A few weeks ago my 8 year old daughter watched me looking in the mirror, frowning at my reflection. “Stop fussing about what you look like, you look fine,” she said. And there it was…I was doing what I’d always sworn I wouldn’t. I was allowing my daughter to see how much I cared about my size and about how I look. I’ve spent years being very careful never to talk about weight and diets and all of that other nonsense but I realised I’d let myself slip. They’ve heard me complain about my thighs and stomach, they’ve heard me moan that I’m bulging out of my bikini and they’ve watched as I scan food on MyFitnessPal to see how many calories it contains. None of this is ok and for the record, none of it has worked either.

My children know how important exercise is to me. They also hear me harp on about eating healthily and I think both of those things are fine. In a world where there is an obesity crisis, it is important that children are taught these things. However, what I’ve also started to teach them is that mummy eats different food and doesn’t really like herself and this message is not the one I wanted to send. In the past we sat at our table and compared muscles over dinner, we’ve talked about food that helps us have energy and grow strong and this is what we need to get back to. I spend a lot of time moaning to people that it’s so hard to eat healthily when you have a family and often I eat different food to the children, but I realise now that I’m over complicating it. I’m also probably doing my husband’s head in!

So I need to get a grip. I don’t have the rock hard abs that I’d hoped for and I still have cellulite, but I’m fit and healthy and in a position to run around with my kids on holiday. How lucky am I? Am I honestly going to let my girls see me trying to cover myself up, ashamed of what I look like?! Hell no! Because what sort of message does that send them?

As a family we need to exercise and eat well, but not because we hate our bodies…because we love them and want to look after them! But will I be joining them all in eating ice-cream on the beach? Abso-bloody-lutely, because life is too damn short!

How-to-get

My first blog!

So I am a total blogging novice and quite frankly am not entirely sure what I’m doing! This pretty much sums up how I feel about lots of things in my life, which is kind of my reason for starting this blog. That and my kids say and do some pretty funny things that I wanted to share.

I’m hoping that exposing some of my struggles as a parent, a teacher and my desire to be super fit and ripped, might provide comfort to others. Failing that, it might act as some kind of therapy for me!

So here goes….