Z is for zapped

I'm trying to use all the letters of the alphabet! My (perfectionist/anal/thorough/wonderful) husband queried a while ago why my blog didn't go in alphabetical order! I did have to point out that wasn't the idea and also I'm not able to summon up my feelings alphabetically... I'm good, but not that good!

Ed should know me well enough by now.. my haphazard approach applies to many aspects of my life, (not usually work I have to say, although my lessons plans do not have the military precision Ed's do!) in particular DIY or practical jobs around the house. This is partly the result of being with Ed for 17 years... I very quickly realised that my standard of delivery is not up to scratch, so if I start something, he can't help himself from loitering behind me, looking uncomfortable, trying to think of a diplomatic way saying that what I'm doing is shit (he doesn't always achieve this!) and then just taking over! At first it really pissed me off, but over the years I have come to see the advantage of this arrangement. Jobs that need doing but Ed procrastinates over, I start off and he can't help but take over! Job done!

I digress, the Z for zapped of course refers to my 3rd chemo session. It's 48 hours in and I'm still feeling ok.. so far so good. I have been out for a walk today, did 2.5 km around the local park. I realise it's not a marathon, but only 2 days after a double dose of chemo, and especially considering my previous experiences I am very proud of 2.5km! It's been a beautiful winter's day here too so was nice to get out in the sunshine and fresh air. I don't know if I'll be getting out much over the next week or so.

I've got a few indoor activities set up for the next few days.. scanning and sending old photos is one of them. Chrissy, your fault, you set the ball rolling with the nostalgic emails and photos so I was up in the attic yesterday scouring the boxes for photos and then lost about an hour of time, ending up squinting and uncomfortable as the light faded and my legs complained at being in the same (clearly unsuitable) position for too long. Anyway, I have taken the first step of moving the photo albums from the attic to the spare room, next to the scanner ready to go! I also found some of my old diaries and also got very distracted reading some entries; they are from 1998 - 2000 and some of our South America travels. Wow, it's amazing how much you forget... one thing I had clearly forgotten was how much I used to go out (even on school nights!) when I was living in Nottingham after uni! Of course I have such fond memories of that time, living with Helen in our flat in West Bridgford - great times, but I had forgotten the details! I also found loads of letters and cards which I am now really glad that I kept. Letters from caela when I was in Australia, letters from Ed when we were first together and before I moved here. Cards from friends, leaving cards, Christmas cards, letters from my nanny...emotional and lovely to read.

This reason for the trip down memory lane is not just for the sake of it, but I am calling it research/inspiration for my book. Yes, I am setting myself the challenge this year - I am going to try and write a book. I have no idea what form it will take as yet, but I just want to try. It's quite scary putting it out there in public because it means I really have to do something about it... but that is also the point: I need some pressure!

So I've thrown it out there...... now I have to start planning how I am going to do it... simple, right?!