Jem's field notes

As I said yesterday, because of the big time difference between me starting my “30 things before I’m thirty” list and actually publishing it, I’ve already completed two of the things on my list… albeit with some confusion and/or not quite in the way I’d originally anticipated! First to be completed: Go on a proper… read full entry »

I started writing this “30 things before I’m thirty” list in a draft in January, but what with one thing and another never got round to finishing it. Here’s my original list… Learn to swim Actually complete a parkrun (that should probably be “actually take part in a parkrun”) Volunteer … somewhere, anywhere, just volunteer!… read full entry »

I will not settle for just-about-surviving in bad relationships for the sake of others. I will not model ‘making do’ to my children. I will climb a mountain and more if it means achieving my goals. I will not let other’s opinions stop me from being happy. I will allow myself to be vulnerable around… read full entry »

Continuing my ‘year of me’, June is all about accountability. I am offering myself out there for you guys to hold me accountable. I am finally getting off my arse, stepping up to the plate and saying “this is who I am and I want to change”. What the fuck am I talking about? My… read full entry »

Because I’m happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I’m happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I’m happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you Because I’m happy Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do —… read full entry »

After having a good moan about my financial / housing situation post-split from Karl, which ended on a jokey note about a project £15k, I thought well… actually, why don’t I start a new project? And why aim for £15,000 — that would mean I’d still need £5k from the bank — why not aim… read full entry »

My housing status is basically an unstable mess. I have no idea where I will be living in 6 months time, and part of that is because Karl and I own an equal share of this house and one of us will have to buy the other out at some point (or sell up and… read full entry »

I don’t like gender stereotypes and have done virtually everything in my power to ensure that both of my children have access to toys and clothes based on their preferences rather than what society defines as “normal” toys for a boy & girl. I encourage both of my children to be empathetic as well as… read full entry »

I have felt pretty good for the past week or so. I ended my 12 year relationship – it was the right thing to do. I started to take control of my finances and things – an annoying necessity. I started to plan how I would move forward – so everything is set in concrete… read full entry »

It’s only been 3 days and apparently the role of a single person — single parent — is to have one’s feelings dictated: I’m not allowed to feel what I want to feel. Oh you must be so sad I know you’re just hanging on for the kids Don’t worry, you’ll get back together when… read full entry »