I was going to write up something from my long list of ideas

But then...

But then…

Isn’t it always the way?

I’ve started a list of ideas on the Notes app on my phone of things I think would make good Substack posts. Ideas about writing and creating and living and dreaming and people and places and finding new ways to make life feel magical right where you already are. I have a lot of ideas it would seem. Ideas are not the problem! Finding the time to write, however… well that is a whole different story. So anyway, I was all set to pick something off my list and devote a couple of happy hours to crafting a pleasing post this morning but then…

You already know, right? Life got in the way.

I was all set to sit down at my desk and start typing but then I went to make a cup of tea and realised we were all out of tea bags. The obvious next step was a swift trip to the shop at the end of my road but then I realised I might as well pick up a few other things at the same time seeing as I was going anyway.

I rummaged through a few cupboards making a list: bleach, kitchen roll, blueberries, eggs… but then none of that answers the question ‘what’s for tea tonight mum?’ so I found myself wracking my brains for something two teens might fancy come 7pm this evening. My brain decided to shut down the part that cares about recipe ideas and meal plans about six years ago so the effort required to do this is nothing short of monumental but then I am #grateful to have children to feed every bloody day so who am I to complain about that?

So I set off down the street, feeling smug about my list and environment saving tote bag, but then my step count flashed up on my phone so I decided to go the long way round because we all know 10K is a non-negotiable bare minimum in 2025.

I found my way back home and finally made the tea and put the shopping away and turned my computer on but then I heard the washing machine beep so I went to the basement to empty it because last time I forgot and the smell of that neglected stagnant load may never leave me.

I went to put the washing in the dryer but then I realised it was full of towels that needed to be taken upstairs to the bathroom. I took the towels to the bathroom but then I saw a pile of discarded kids’ clothes on the floor. I picked up the clothes and took them to a bedroom where I found every single cup in the entire bloody house huddled together for warmth under an unmade bed.

I took the cups downstairs to put in the dishwasher but then I realised it needed emptying and so I did that because, well, someone has to do it. And by the time I’d done that my tea was cold so I put the kettle on again but then the doorbell went. I answered the door and took the post but then I realised half of it was junk that needed to go in the recycling.

I took the post to the recycling but then I realised it was bin day so I slid on some shoes to make sure the right one was out on the street. I got outside and the right bin was not out on the street so I sorted that out but then I checked the neighbours’ bins and realised I was too late and had already missed it. And honestly, is there anything worse than realising you missed bin day?

Maybe reading this extremely tedious list of domestic but thens?

So I did all of that and I’ve laboured this point and maybe if I wasn’t freelance and working from home all of this would be different? Maybe if I was better organised or more disciplined or guarded my time more carefully all this would be different? Maybe if I was an entirely different person all this would be different? Maybe if I just checked my privilege or got a grip or followed someone called The Organised Mum on instagram all this would be different?

If you’ve got the answer to everything please do let me know!

Because all I know is that I was totally planning to write something magical and inspiring and thought provoking here today but then instead I wrote this.