Week 3 of the hostage situation…

Everyone has a moment during the school summer holidays when it finally feels like the summer.

Well this week I had that magical moment. No, it wasn’t when our typical Northern Irish weather made it’s inevitable appearance, or when I finally got round to emptying the boss’ school bag only to find a list of things needed for next year (including a painting shirt and 2 gel pens ??‍♀️). It was the day that summer scheme started. (I know many of you will have had this glorious moment too) and I swear both of us let out a collective sigh of relief.

The itinerary has been taped to the fridge for nearly a month and it’s been teasing me every time I go to get milk for my tea (this is many many MANY times per day!). So Monday evening was spent getting everything sorted; the alarm was set, clean clothes were left out (even the socks matched!!) and the countdown was on. I’m not sure who was looking forward to it more. (Me. Most definitely me!!!)

Then…then it was Tuesday morning. The first day… and neither of us wanted to get up. ?‍♀️

After 2 weeks of getting up with no problems, THE day finally arrived and I seriously considered going back to bed for another couple of hours!

Now I’d like to add in here that we didn’t go back to bed. I mean, I wanted to, I would have been more than happy to. Even the cat decided to put in her 2 cents worth and make herself comfy on my chest as I was deliberating the pros and cons of not getting up. But I’m pleased to say common sense prevailed and we got up! (Adulting:1-Amanda’s inner big kid:0)

Besides, in my experience, when a child is already awake to go somewhere or do something and then decides not to go 1 of 2 things happens.

1. They don’t go back to sleep. No matter how early it is. No matter how tired they claimed to be when you woke them or how many “5 more minutes” preceded the decision to go back to bed, they just don’t. (I hear they grow out of this by the time they hit their teens so fingers crossed!)

Then everyone’s up and awake and expecting to be entertained and fed; and to top it all off the cat has done her stretches and is ready to run as fast as she can to a randomly selected other room.

2. Number 1 happens and the boss decides after 30 mins that actually, yeah, she really does want to go. So it’s a mad dash to get washed, dressed and out the door. Breakfast is ‘to go’ and you’re trying to quickly brush and put hair up in some way that’ll hide the “bed head” effect while not causing a mini-meltdown.(All this is further complicated when the car keys go missing-although that’s a post for another time.)

So anyways, she’s spent the week making top hats (the marshmallow and chocolate treat), decorating fairy wings and masks, going to the cinema and “We Are Vertigo” and generally having a blast… and I’m celebrating the fact I’ve got up on time every morning and resisted the urge to go straight back to bed when I get home from dropping her off. I mean, that’s bound to get me some bonus adulting points!!

Roll on the next 3 weeks!!

Oh…..and I’ll let you into a little secret. I’m seriously thinking about starting a summer scheme for adults. Who wouldn’t want weekly midday trips to the movies, day trips to spas, coffee shops , wine bars or pubs (or “We Are Vertigo” for the more adventurous among us)?

I mean… I’d even be happy with an “adult” ice-cream van coming round twice a day playing a wee jingle to let you know to come get your brew, beer and buns!

Seriously it’s 2018, how is this not a thing!?!

Right, I’m off for a cuppa but If anyone has any time saving tips or hacks to help with “one of those mornings” (or life in general for that matter) or any ideas for an adult summer scheme (we can but dream!) then feel free to leave a comment below.