Keeping Busy

By Laura Yates on Nov 24, 08 10:08 PM

They say it is important to keep to a routine after you've had a shock, which was the reasoning behind me hauling The Kid to playgroup on Thursday morning.

It was nice, albeit it strange to be in a place where life carries on regardless.

I spied another mother across the room, looking like she'd had a couple of rough nights. I really felt for her; I know all too well what it's like to survive on minimal sleep and have to go through the day looking like a zombie.

I went over to her to chat, to offer support, a sympathetic ear, advice and understanding as one mother to another.

Before I could speak she laid a gentle hand on my shoulder and said: "You look just like I feel."

Oh dear. I thought I'd done a marvellous job of looking like I was keeping it together. I then spent the next ten minutes listening to someone who looked like she'd not slept for a month telling me I needed to take more care of myself. Served me right for deigning to believe I was in a position to dole out advice.

It was actually a very nice conversation and she was a very nice person. All was going so well until we sat down for snack time. Then something very embarrassing happened, which I shall talk about tomorrow. Rest assured I was suitably mortified.

At least the time at playgroup succeeded in keeping my mind occupied - I shall look forward to going back next week, if I can dare to show my face there again!