It seems likely that we’re heading for an election in the next months or so, and you might think me sad when I admit this, but I actually enjoy general elections.
I’m fascinated by all the discussions, debates, and ideas that come out during the campaign, and even during the lead-up to it over the next few months, it’s going to be interesting to see how it all pans out. I’ll be trying to share my interest in the process with my son, but who knows if he’ll feel quite the same way. He’ll be able to vote in six years, so I want to make sure he’s informed enough about the process to be confident in making a choice that he feels is right.
But, that’s a few years away; I like to plan ahead, that’s for sure. This week has been rather manic; I couldn’t go to university on Friday because I wasn’t feeling quite right, so I stayed at home feeling suitably sorry for myself. I’ll be back next week, though, and I’ve realised how much I’ve missed it already, even after just a couple of weeks. I had some constructive criticism from one of my lecturers – supportive, thoughtful, and giving me a couple of different points of view, which I really appreciated. I can think about that and use it to make my writing better – which is the point of my course, in my view. To become a better writer – not a perfect one, because that wouldn’t be possible, but simply better than I was twenty / ten / five years ago (or even last week).
A little perk of being a student at a university in Canterbury is that I get free entry into Canterbury Cathedral. I’m not religious, but I love the building for its history and its architecture, and I took Bryan there when restrictions eased after the first lockdown. As you might imagine, I have some fond memories of the building. This weekend (today, if you’re reading this on Sunday when it’s published), I’m taking Bryan over to the cathedral to explore its history and beauty. I get to spend some time with my son, and we get to learn some history – bliss!
There’s actually something I wanted to get opinions on from those who read my weekly musings. During half-terms, Bryan often goes to a holiday club for a couple of days while I work, but sadly it’s not opening during the October half-term. I’d like to give Bryan a couple of different options for when I need to work for a couple of days in the last full week of October (23rd to 29th October). I thought it might be nice to share any local activities that were happening during half-term anyway, so if you know of anything going on for pre-teens (or any age, to be fair, as it might be nice to share information for all parents), then please do share – and I might beg, borrow, and steal one or two of the ideas to present to Bryan!
Being a single parent is something of a juggling act, and I know I have dropped the ball now and then. I’ve got cross or grumpy when I shouldn’t have done, I’ve been in a rush when I should have slowed down and thought things through just a little bit more … but I like to think I’m like most other parents in that we all make mistakes and all try to make up for those mistakes when they happen.
I really enjoy Bryan’s company; he’s great to spend time with. I know he’s my son, and so of course I’ll say that, but it’s true. He is a forgiving soul, and when I’ve dropped below my best, I am thankful he forgives and moves on. He’s a brilliant young man, my twelve-year-old son, and I’ll always do the best by him.
Enjoy your weekends, everyone – I’ll be spending my Sunday immersed in history and sunshine over in Canterbury, which can’t be a bad way to spend a beautiful day.
