The morning rush...

This post is a bit of a departure from the norm.

First of all, it's in poetry form.

Secondly, it's written from the perspective of a child.

If you are wondering whether I've finally lost it, don't give up quite yet.   Poetry is something that I've dipped in and out of for years, usually in the form of writing some personalised verses for people who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. You get the idea.

The first draft of this particular poem was written some time ago but, for various reasons, it never saw the light of day. Having had one of those mornings today with my two, I recalled its lonely existence on my back-up drive. 

Those of you who are parents will, I hope, identify with one or two of the scenarios described below...

Mornings in my house are always a rush

From the moment I waken, my mum starts to fuss

She opens the curtains and lets in the light

Up until now I thought it was night

“Time to get up” I hear her say

And so begins a brand new day

If I’m honest I must confess

I’d much rather have a longer rest

First a wash and then I get dressed

And sort out my hair as it’s in a big mess

By breakfast time we’re running late

I’ve scarcely time to clean my plate

Cutlery and bowls are quickly scooped up

Before I’ve drained the last from my cup

I clean my teeth before I go

Quickly and thoroughly – not too slow

Then I hear those words - “Look at the time!

We need to leave by ten to nine!”

Mum says we have to get to school

I know that already – I’m not a fool

I go to the cupboard and grab my boots

Try to get each one on the right foot

Lunch money – where on earth did I pack it?

Then it’s time to deal with my jacket

My bag is ready, my gym kit’s there

Along with a pocket comb for my hair

Mum hunts frantically for her key

We’re not always late because of me

The front door opens and we all troop out

What on earth was all the fuss about?

Enjoyed this article? Why not like Average and Proud on facebook or follow me on Twitter?

Make do and munch

A recent change in circumstances has prompted me to look afresh at our weekly budgets - and particularly the amount of money we spend on food.

I've always considered myself to be pretty shopping savvy; I follow all the usual tips of making a list, not going to the supermarket when I'm ravenous and shopping around for the best offers.  That said, I've still felt recently that our weekly outgoings are gradually creeping up and - despite having a menu plan for the week - I am ashamed to admit that we are guilty of wasting food by failing to use it while fresh.

How could I reverse these discouraging trends? I decided to combine some advice from one of my favourite financial websites MoneySavingExpert, along with the ethos of a blog I've recently discovered by Elaine Colliar, Mortgage Free in Three.

Over the weekend, I now discipline myself to withdraw a stated amount of hard cash that I feel should cover our family's food supplies for the week.  By the time I get to Thursday (when, let's face it, we're all tired and feel we deserve a treat), I am resisting the temptation to trundle off to M&S for a 'Dine in for Two' special. Instead, I am trying to make do with what's already in my fridge and store cupboard.

Sounds a bit bleak and boring? The more I do it the easier it gets. Honest! And I have to confess to a certain degree of self-satisfaction when I resist the lure of the M&S special or takeaway option and stick to my own resources.  They say necessity is the mother of invention and the upside to my new regime is that I'm becoming a little more creative in the kitchen.   Last weekend when all the 'usual' breakfast options had been depleted - and it wasn't quite time for my weekly cash withdrawal - I discovered after a quick internet trawl and a rummage through the cupboards that I had the ingredients to make Nigella's American style pancakes instead.

Come to think of it, I could get used to these new family 'traditions'.  Every cloud and all that...

Emergency breakfast pancakes: A more than palatable standby

Enjoyed this article? Why not like Average and Proud on facebook or follow me on Twitter?