distraction techniques – What really happens in somones head?

440. Mammy them are too hungry.

So this post was going to be a description off a downturn in my mood.

But let’s just admire Guinea pigs instead.

Loopy x

439. Thelma and Louise

Today we welcomed two cute little guinea piggies into our home.

I’ve been wanting a pet for a while, partly for me and partly for little man. Pets are good for kids in my view. They teach responsibility and care and at some point loss.

Pets are something myself and my sister always had, and it’s one of the good things our folks did for us. Pets are therapeutic in my view.

They’re a little shy, but will hopefully settle in soon

Loopy x

437. E.C.T

Today I indulged in some shock therapy. D.I.Y style!! I swear the longer I work from home, the more brain cells I am losing.

My drill broke, and suspecting that there may be some dust in the cable end, I took it upon myself the suck the dust free.

Next time loopy, UNPLUG IT FROM THE MAINS!!!

On the bright side, I’ve spent most of the evening, chuckling to myself, at my stupidity. Who know’s, maybe E.C.T would work on me. 😉

Loopy x

436. Football!!!

And not that oul soccer shite. Proper football!! Gaelic football!!! ;0 (Ok I do like soccer too)

I made an effort. I found a club and made enquiries. Tonight despite all my anxiety and fear, I forced myself to go!!! The original “Beautiful Game”

I’m glad I did. Ok I was probably the most geriatric there! (@34) I lacked kicking accuracy and down right sprinting pace but fuck it, I gave it guts and had some fun.

The next training session is Friday, and I’ll be there!

Good job Loopy!!

Loopy x

435 A 2nd attempt.

If at first, you don’t succeed, try try again!!

I’ve mentioned in previous posts, that I’ve taken a shine to building stuff. My first attempt at a dog house was not toooooo bad, but I had roof pitch problems and gappy joints.

I took it apart, and made little mans mud kitchen.

My 2nd attempt however, well now, it would seem I have a head for this. This ones not complete yet, but it’s sturdy, safe, and dare I say it; “sellable”

Some corner trim, finish off the cladding, add the plywood roof and felt and boom!

Not too shabby!

Loopy x

433. Muddy madness.

I’m building again. I’d been looking at mud kitchens for little man before.

Today, I’ve gone ahead and built one.. It’s not quite finished, but he seems to like it.

Now loopy, focus on your actual job for a few days. No more excuses!!

Loopy x

It’s taking shape. I’ve never in my life built anything from wood, so despite the somewhat wonky roof, I’m rather proud of this. I’ve been at it all day today. It’s kept me focused on something, and is proving to be a great distraction.

I need all the distractions I can get. I had my psychology assessment this week. They rang me back quickly after, saying that I needed 1 to 1 therapy. Here’s the kicker though… the waiting list is apparently 9 months from now.

I’ve been home a year. All my notes and treatment reccomdations came with me. Yet I wasn’t actually referred until about 4 weeks ago. I’m seriously considering launching an official complaint. No wonder suicide is so devastatingly common here……………………

Just keep building loopy!

Loopy x

430. A busy week

This week my niece (9) and nephew (5) are up staying with us. What have I let myself in for!! In truth, they are very good kids, well mannered and great with little man. But the noise, oh my god the noise!!! They are most definitely the loudest kids in Ireland!!!

Noise is something myself, OH and little man struggle with. Especially little man, who often holds his hands over his ears. I’m still concerned about him, to be honest. He’s very very sensitive to noise and I swear he has OCD. Can a child off 3, have OCD?

In other news, I’ve been building… Base frame and 1 wall frame done, with other timbers cut ready for assembly. I’m actually really enjoying this carpentry malarkey. Who knows, I may quit academia and live the quiet life, building crap out off wood, and selling it at a loss (proper stuff is quite expensive)

Finally, I have my psychology assessment tomorrow. I’ve no idea where to start or what my priorities are. I’m hoping it’s quite a structured chat. I’m nervous. What if they say; ‘you’re not suitable?”

I’m terrified off lockdown easing, I’m scared little man is damaged, I’m self harming, using diazepam in excess at night, abusing Orlistat and generally, I’m just messed up.

Where should we start………

Loopy x

429. A project

I need a hobby. Pretty much every mental health professional has asked me; “what do you enjoy doing?” I pause, searching my brain for an answer, and then I blurt out; ‘”cycling”

It’s not a lie, I do enjoy cycling, but it sometimes gets aggressive, compulsive and a little destructive really, as it occasionally morphs into an essential fat burning mission. If you’ve been following I’ve now completed 140km of my 580km cycle challenge..

Cycling is good, but often, even whilst riding, my mind wanders to darker places. I’m not good a focusing on the here and now. Focusing on my surroundings, or I guess just being mindful. So…………

I need a hobby. One that requires concentration on the task at hand. I’m a Tom boy, and always have been. Growing up, myself and my cousin had toolkits, hammers and saw’s and we would venture off to build dens, cut big branches and occasionally slice our fingers!! We were about 6 or 7 at the time…

Something I’ve wanted for a while now, is a decent outdoor playhouse for little man. I reckon I can build it. Whooaaaa Loopy, baby steps!!!

We’ve amassed tools over the years and as my father is a carpenter by trade, I’ve made sure to buy ‘proper tools’

I took a delivery of timber today, and I’ve gathered up some bits and bobs. I’m going to start with a dog kennel

Wish me luck………

Loopy x

Ps the ruler is actually pretty cool. If you’re into crafts and cutting stuff with Stanley knives, this has a finger guard to stop you accidentally chopping your fingers off!!!Got it off amazon; “safety cutting ruler” 😉