When things are tough I tend to retreat into my protective Cancerian shell, and there I stay until I can be sure that all is safe.  There are some days that I feel I can’t cope with anymore bad news. I just want to curl up and surrender to all the pent up tears that never flow properly or scream my head off releasing the anger building inside me. Trying to hide these feelings from the children is exhausting, I try and put on a brave face most of the time but my snappiness is unfair and then I feel guilty…then I feel even worse. Sick and tired is the way I feel at the moment, I want out of this debacle…

A while ago I wrote about the simple things in life and asked what makes a difference to your every day life. Lots of people shared their ‘simple things’ and I thought now was the perfect time to pass them on.

• Lorraine loves a PJ day! I can’t remember when the last time we had one of those, I must make an effort to do one in the Easter holidays.
• Heather and her family like getting their huge paddling pool out and splashing around in it in the summer.
• Jo likes coming to our house and seeing the cousins play altogether.
• The Mad House family love curling up to watch a movie eating popcorn. (Note to self, must plan one of those soon, it’s been a while)
• Cathy’s family would add play dough to their list of simple pleasures.
• Ipshita believes that there is no fun better than fun with the family.

I have a lovely couple of days to look forward and I know I am lucky really…I just need to remind myself sometimes that this will pass and life won’t always be so hard but in the meantime if you see me retreating into that shell will you jog my memory please. Thank you.