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What Not To Worry About #34

Happy Tuesday! A little late with the post this week as my mind is consumed with the prospect of feeling the sun on my skin and the sand in between my toes. I have never felt more ready for a holiday especially since it felt like I woke up in a misty cloud this morning, the air thick with moisture even though it wasn’t even raining. And last night was the first time we had the heating on in months. Yes, I think Autumn might have arrived a little early. Despite the sad, sad weather we were determined to make the most of the weekend and finally get that afternoon of hiking that I’ve been talking about all summer. We arranged an afternoon climb up Cavehill with friends along with their 10 month old baby who they carried in a very impressive and very professional looking backpack thingy that I was supremely jealous of because he looked so darn cosy in it. Although I have been jabbering on about going hiking for ages and even included it in my summer bucket list, I actually don’t own a pair of hiking boots (the pair I had from my uni days have scarpered during one of my million moves). I thought I would be grand in my gym trainers but I was oh so WRONG. After a few rain showers the grass was thoroughly muddy and so on our descent I was a victim of a perfect comedy slip (legs waaay up in the air) that left me covered in muck and a little bit of shame. I’ll be buying hiking boots for next summer for sure. Luckily, the rest of the weekend was a little less testing with a mountain of good things to celebrate. The first being my best friend Caoimhe getting engaged to her ‘boyfriend of a million years’ Simon which was just about the best news to hear. Caoimhe and I have been best buds since we were young cubs when we were borrowing each other’s Tammy Girl clothes and Collection 2000 make-up for the teenage disco. She has been there to listen to my worries and fears around the world, namely:

  • When I cried over my first love in the Gaeltacht (where we were supposed to be improving our Gaelic in Donegal but mostly ran after boys)
  • When we worried if we’ll actually pass our AS Levels while on our first girls holiday in Santa Ponsa
  • Holding my hand while I panicked on our first long-haul flight to San Francisco
  • When I was sick in SE Asia and made me eat food
  • When she reminded me of home while we lived in Australia
  • When she would let me talk for hours on walks around the Lagan river in Belfast

What memories we’ve made over the years and to see your friend beaming with happiness is all you can ask for, right? The second bit of celebrating happened on Sunday when I stood as godmother for Dara, the son of my friends Catherine and Phily. This is their third child and I find it amazing that I am even friends with people who have three children let alone being thought of as responsible enough to be a guardian in any shape or form. But it turns out I can actually pull this whole godmother thing off and I felt very grown up as I held him, proud as punch. It is on afternoons like that when I feel so glad to live close to home and be a part of such a happy event. Seeing families rallying together to welcome in their new little person, taking far too many photos and passing him around for cuddles while eating plenty of cake. It really was a good weekend. Carrying on with this positivity, I have a few worries that I am letting go of this week… People getting judge-y about how people should enjoy their engagement I have never been engaged before but I’ve watched a few friends go through the experience and wondered how the hell they deal with all the pressure. All the questions and opinions even within the first few days must be a little overwhelming and it was no surprise to read this article which talks about the bucket-loads of anxiety some people might feel at first. People should just chill out and understand that everyone is different whether the couple stay engaged forever or book their wedding an hour after they get engaged. Just do what makes you happy! My make-up bag Ugh you do not want to go in there. I have brushes in there that haven’t been washed since I bought them (Lord knows when) and mascara so old it’s like cement. I recently read this post which taught me when I should be throwing things away instead of hoarding all of this crap that I know I will probably never use. Worrying that I am a millennial or too old Does a millennial have to born after 2000? Or do I belong to the most hated subset of the population? Either way I major LOL’d at this bit of internet gold. An invisible hair on my face Probably the most annoying thing to have on one’s face when one is trying to remain in a serious conversation with a coworker. No I don’t have a tick I just have a hair on my face which is driving me INSANE!! Living ethically I often worry about my impact on the environment and if I am truly doing everything I can do live as mindfully as possible which is why Mel Wiggins is my go-to gal for ideas on how to live a more ethical life. She has just started an e-course for families who are looking to improve the way they live socially and environmentally which you can find here. I think it's amazing what she's doing and if you're looking for a way to begin a change but are unsure how then I couldn't recommend this course more.

Have a lovely week and here’s to turning the heating on and closing the curtains the moment we get home!!

About Author

I'm Alex, the writer, photographer and creator of The Full Shilling. I started writing as a way to share all my favourite places in Ireland and the list just keeps growing! My aim is that you'll find somewhere new to explore and you'll make some great memories along the way. Happy reading!

19 Comments

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Yes to autumn walks! It's been sort of lovely to get the winter boots on again :)

  • Sarah
    6 years ago

    Looks like you've had a great week. I too can't believe I have had to turn my heating on! Summer suddenly left didn't it. I am though enjoying autumn walks x

  • Joanna
    6 years ago

    It looks like you've had a full week filled with people dear to you. Your friend Caoimhe sounds like a wonderful person, being there for you for so long. Oh and when you hike you definitely need good shoes. Trainers don't have any grip.

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Haha thanks Danielle, just a bruised ego!

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Oh you have to Lu, she's so full of insight and you will learn so much from her x

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Thank you so much Ana! x

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    You have to try some hiking! Such a good way to get some fresh air and see a bit of the countryside x

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Thanks Vicky! I'm slowly coming round to Autumn now, buying lots of candles and blankets to bring cosiness to the house!

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Cath I am so jealous! Portugal is so beautiful and how lucky you guys are to escape the miserable autumns here in Ireland!

  • Alex Donnelly
    6 years ago

    Bring on the cosy nights by the fire! We are definitely in Autumn now x

  • Danielle
    6 years ago

    looks like you had such a lovely time hiking, walking boots are definitely a must, I hope you're not feeling too bruised after your fall x

  • Lu Lovely
    6 years ago

    I've never heard of Mel Wiggins. I'll look her up. We try to be as eco friendly and ethical as we can as a family too ?

  • Jayne Laughs
    6 years ago

    We only bought hiking boots last year and would never ever go hiking in trainers again. We have had to put our heating on over the last couple of weeks too. Its not been a very good summer here at all.
    (hubby helping out)

  • Sarah Too
    6 years ago

    That invisible hair has to be one of the most annoying things, it tickles you just to let you know it's still there but cannot locate it

  • Ana Jesus
    6 years ago

    I worry about my impact on the environment and I am trying to be more ethical too. By the way your photos are stunning x

  • Fashion Police
    6 years ago

    I have never gone hiking before. Sounds like good fun. We are still enjoying what is left of summer here in Cheshire.

  • Vicky
    6 years ago

    Aw I love Autumn. Seasons of mist and mellow fruitfulness and all that. Glad to hear I am not the only one who hates that twitchy feeling of an invisible hair! Enjoyed reading this x

  • Cath BattleMum
    6 years ago

    I have heard the weather has been shocking lately. We recently moved from the UK to Portugal (although we're originally from Ireland) and I don't miss putting the heating on in August. Well done for doing the hike despite the shoe situation and congrats on your new role as a godmother x

  • Anosa
    6 years ago

    I too couldn't believe I had to switch on my heating this week it was super cold. Autumn truly is here and luv definitely get some hiking boots.

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