Random ramblings of a nomad

The writing challenge

I have decided to set myself a challenge to write every day. I will aim for 500 words, just to get myself into the writing habit.

Blog ideas

Great ideas for a blog pop into my head about ten times a day, and yet there are no words written down. I have a notebook, I could jot the random ramblings down there, or on my phone, and yet it doesn’t happen. I justify this by telling myself that it is rubbish and no one would be interested. That I don’t have time. I am too tired. And yet why would I care if no one is interested in what I write. I do have time. Yes, I am always tired. I wake up tired. I go to bed tired. And yet I do not sleep well.

The thing is, I enjoy writing. I miss writing. It makes me feel better, and if the words got on the page and out of my head maybe I will sleep better.

Tidying up

In 2022 I drafted a book. Wrote a few pages, went travelling, and abandoned the book. Why didn’t I finish it? Imposter syndrome mostly. Why would anyone want to read my book on how to tidy up. Because you know, Kon Mari has already done that. And yet,I do know that I am very good at tidying up. My house sitting clients tell me that. My friend who I helped organise their wardrobe told me that. I am good at tidying up because I am a naturally untidy person who likes order. I am a Phoebe with Monica rising. I want to be hippy dippy, also I need to be able to find stuff.

I genuinely get annoyed when people tell me that they are always losing their car keys or spectacles. If that is you, well sorry not sorry. Just have a designated place for them. How do you choose that designated space? Where is the first place you look for your keys or your spectacles when you can’t find them? That is the designated space. This is my tidying tip of the day.

Packing

I am very good at packing. I go to Greece in April for a few weeks. I have already packed for that. Carry on only, about 15kg in total. I packed ahead as I will only be in Birmingham for one day before I get the bus to Gatwick to stay in the hotel for the 8 am flight the next day. I had time to wash, iron and pack all the Greece clothes when I was house sitting in Sussex. The secret is packing cubes and having bags (Cabin Max) that fit the most stringent airline carry on rules, looking at you Ryan Air.

When I get to Birmingham, I grab the bag and go. The hotels at Gatwick and Chania are booked. Coach to Gatwick, booked. Passports in my purse, boarding pass on my phone. Five weeks and four days to go.