Being a single parent is very rewarding as I get to enjoy Spud grow and develop each and every single day, I get to hear and see his reports at school, and I get to hear the new words he learns on a daily basis. Spud's dad chooses to play a small part in Spud's life, and Spud is happy with that, they don't have the closest of relationships and so it works out well for all three of us.
Spud doesn't stay over at his dad's, so the only time I really get a night off is when Spud stays with my dad - Spud's grandad, or my sister and nephews - Spud's auntie and cousins, otherwise the only me time is when Spud is safely tucked up in bed. Now I'm in a relationship things have changed a slight little bit, but not majorly. I still spend at least five nights a week at home alone, with Gareth staying over twice a week, and popping in for a few hours on the odd evening.
Once Spud is asleep in bed, and all the house work is done, I make sure I am caught up the best I can with work and then try to relax in ways I find enjoyable. I thought I would make a list, as I know there are many single parents out there, or even singletons with no children, it's okay to be bored if you enjoy it, however there are many things you can do home alone!
One: Competitions.
I'm not the serial comper I'd love to be, they say you have to be in it to win it and sadly I just don't have enough free time to enter as many as I'd love too! I do however go through phases when I have the time and I've won some excellent things over the years including £100 Tesco vouchers, toys for Spud and tickets for myself! I find competitions on Loquax, Money Saving Expert and Prize Finder.
Two: Blog Reading.
I done a post yesterday which can be found here mentioning five of my favourite blogs this month. Truth is, I have my favourite blogs that I read via a daily digest when blog post are emailed to me, but there are just some I don't have the time for on a daily basis, even 26 hours in a day would be better then 24! Catching up with the blogosphere and the online community I am apart of often leads to smiles and is indeed something I love to do!
Three: Game Playing.
Every so often, I have a little bit of spare money left over from a good working month, as I don't get many sitters, cinema trips, bingo visits and nights out are something I can't look forward too, however online bingo is something I can participate in. I also love going onto free jigsaw puzzle websites as doing a jigsaw at home is near impossible!
Four: Pampering.
What woman deeps down doesn't like to be pampered in one way or another? Buying a bar of Galaxy, a peel off face mask and some cucumber is just one of the many ways I like to enjoy some me time on the sofa! Along with giving my hair a deep condition, painting my nails and dossing about in my dressing gown of course!
Five: Reading.
I shamelessly have about seven new books I've picked up over the past six months that I have not even read a page of yet. I'm still on a book I purchased for my birthday last April, I'm trying to read a chapter a week, but again there's not enough hours in the day to do everything I'd like too!
I also get extremely tired being a full time single mum with no help who also works part time, so sometimes, as soon as the housework is done once Spud's asleep, there is only one place for me and thats the double bed upstairs!
What do you enjoy doing when you have some me time?
Until next time,
Jada x