Feeling Autumnal

Hello cherub,  

Hope you've been enjoying the wonderful British Summer. Living out in the Fen's it's been far too windy to enjoy the sunshine.

Despite all the negatives in my life at the moment, it's been a busy and quite refreshing couple of weeks since our last update. I was delighted to hear that a member of my family who I don't get to see very often, has been reading all my blog updates and loves them! It's so nice to know that there's someone out there who appreciates my little thoughts and musings, so thank you CH, it means a lot. 

It was my little sisters, big birthday the other day and so, being the big sister, I decided to spoil her with lots of loveliness (just wish she'd shared the Hotel Chocolat!). She's so beautiful and talented, she totally deserves every bit of happiness. Then she came over to see me and we had some chilled sister time which was just perfect. I know I'm a bit biased but she really is the best. 

I've been feeling very grateful lately for the people I have in my life. Having such a tough year, mentally and physically, has really made me realize how many wonderful family members and friends I have, not to mention my amazing husband. I don't know how I'm ever going to repay all the generosity and show my gratitude, it's really quite overwhelming and humbling. I've had my husband, mother-in-law, step-mum and best friend on hand to take me to hospital appointments, never letting me down, always on time and always positively cheering me up. My mum has kept me company everyday, sometimes for hours on the phone so that I don't get lonely and bored. I've had so many well wishers, flowers, cards, messages etc and have heard from people I've not spoken to for years. My poor husband and closest friends having to lug my heavy wheelchair in and out of cars so that I can get out of the house occasionally. Honestly, they all deserve a medal and so much more. However do I tell them all what they mean to me?

I cannot believe that X-factor started up again on Saturday, it must be almost Autumn. I wasn't going to watch, but it's kind of inevitable really. I don't usually get into it until the live finals, after they've weeded out the rubbish. I've not really seen the seasons so much this year and have lost many days to just sitting in my chair, so it's kind of crept up on me. I've finally got an operation date through, so two weeks until I can hopefully start on the road to recovery. Slightly anxious about it all really and many, many things going through my mind, that for once I won't share with you in case you send me off with those men in white coats. 

I've been catching up on documentaries lately, as daytime TV bores me and drives me to distraction. Saw a really interesting programme on North Korea, thanks to my sister. What on Earth is going on over there? The whole country has been brainwashed since birth, just completely indoctrinated and strange. It can't be a nice place to live and I certainly won't be planning any holidays there. It makes you realize just how lucky we are really. Those people have no independence or freewill. Although, they also have no idea what they're missing out on, so don't feel resentment. It's all just a bit weird really. In a strange way, I kind of want to research and know more about it as it intrigues me. I'm going to have a rant about our country in a bit, but it could be much worse. 

Also, been watching that 1940's Benefits Britain and that's an eye opener. There are people who genuinely believe that the world owes them a favour and that they are entitled to get any benefits they can lay their hands on. I do wonder where this mindset came from? Is it that people are getting lazier? Is it our government through the years making it too easy to be unemployed? Is it the EU regulations and all the "human rights" laws that have turned society into lazy layabouts? Don't get me wrong, I understand that there are people who cannot work, cannot take care of themselves and cannot have any quality of life without benefits. I'm not going to sit here and make judgements on individual cases, but I do think there needs to be an aggressive overhaul of the benefits system. 

I think that it's a mixture of society, the government and EU regulations that have led to this and it should be up to all three to put things right. How is it right that hardworking citizens should be taxed heavily on their earnings to pay for the benefits of those who don't work? Where has the pride of our society gone? It's no longer seen as shameful for most to be out of work and queueing up to sign on. 

Human rights? Surely it should be a human right to keep hold of the money we earn? Or, the proportion of our Taxes that goes towards benefits should go into an individual savings pot ready for when we need it ourselves? Not some faceless statistic to buy their flatscreen TV. 

Haven't I been having a rant? Well, what I've said may not be "Right" "PC" or "Proper", but it's my opinion and I'm throwing it out there. You may disagree or be offended, that's your choice. When you're sitting on your own for hours each day, you get to thinking about random things.

I hope you've enjoyed this, I'll step down from my soap box now and grab a coffee. Until next time...TTFN x