Back in the driving seat

Its quite miraculous what a bit of time away from the kids, a mojito (spelling?!) and a bit of dancing can do for the soul and for marriage too.

The disappearance of anger gained from minor disagreements faded away which gave me a sense of, well, hope I suppose. It is important for me to know that the person I think I have become is actually only an outcome of a long line of processes rather than me just choosing to become a bit of a ratty, haggard nearly 40 year old.  As if ANYONE would choose that!

I have finished the HappinessProject book and I have decided to make a giant leap forward in organising all my photos on this computer whilst holidying in Normandy this year. Oh god, just saw a typo I am not changing.  Holidying. Freudian slip there.  I won't be dying, I'll be daying!!! Normally, I only ever really achieve irritation, constipation and a bit of drunkenness for icing. This year I will have smaller goals. These will be:

1. When I have time to myself, stare into space or read a book.

2. Use evenings to clear photos on my computer and organise them well.

3. Enjoy watching my children play, eat sand, celebrate a birthday and create chaos.

4. Try not to puke on the ferry.

5. Be nice and be grateful.

I also wrote my gran a letter. Here it is....

9^th August 2011

Dear Gran,

            I have had an idea. Some time ago, it could have been earlier this year or even last year, we were talking about something or other and you started telling a story about working in the WREN’s, you mentioned a bomb siren going off on the island and you told me about the bells ringing on your wedding day. Since then I have been wanting to ask you whether you might like to help me to make a record of your life, all the stories you can remember, how it has been to grow up in twentieth century, everything really.

I think it will be fascinating to look back on your life and learn about people and places and events that have shaped who you are. I will learn so much more about you and it will be a wonderful thing to share with Aimee and Alice as they get older and want to understand more about their family. Maybe it could also be something you would want to share with the rest of the family too?

 I have thought about how we might organise it, starting with your childhood, going through your teenage years, relationships with family and friends, education and interests.

Then we could talk about adulthood, your family, what life was like for you in your twenties and thirties, the work that you did, your hobbies, your marriage and your children.

There is so much we could cover, your hopes and aspirations, periods of life that were challenging and enjoyable, turning points in your life and advice that you would give.

I would really like to do it Gran! Would you?

I thought we could make a start when I get back from France. I could come over each week and record us chatting so that I can then type it up. I could come in the evening once Ian is back from work or we could arrange to do it in the afternoon once Aimee has started school.  Each week I could give you a typed version of what we spoke about the week before, for you to read and maybe add bits to, and also I could give you the following weeks ‘topics’ as homework! It would give you a chance to think about them and if you wanted to, route about for photos or keepsakes from that time.

The list of topics that we could talk about is endless really.  I expect that some areas may be difficult or perhaps upsetting, but mostly I just want it to be a fun way for you to remember the different times in your life.

I also think we should keep it secret. It could make a great Xmas present to all your grandchildren or children, but more importantly making it secret makes it more fun!!  I will give you a ring at the end of the week to see what you think!

Please say yes!

Lots of Love

So, assuming you may be willing(?!) .........we could start with your childhood.

v  When and where were you born?

v  What were your first childhood memories?

v  Who looked after you and what were they like. Did everyone get on well?

v  Who else was in your family?

v  Where did you all live as you were growing up?

v  Can you describe your house, your bedroom, your garden?

v  What clothes did you wear, did you have a favourite toy or book, what games did you play?

v  What do you remember about when you were young? What was life like?

I await a response!!

x