Author: Alexandra

I’m nondescript. Of average female height, do not stand out in a crowd as such, and am probably considered average to look at with short semi blond mousy hair, petaled blue eyes¹ and an unmemorable face unless, you are paying attention. Then, you might see the small scar to one side of my nose, and then remark on the odd shaped nose sat above somewhat thin lips.

Definitely not pretty and nothing to write home about. Sometimes this to my advantage if I want to disappear into a crowd and not be noticed. But mostly it means I get served last at the deli counter when I go in for sliced meat or potato salad.

Does that matter in the long run? Probably not. When you look at the big picture being average is okay, most of the time. I can’t say I enjoy it when I want prompt service, but hey, it’s something I’ve adapted to however much I wish otherwise. This is it, this is my life and, at my age, it’s a little late to complain or, worse, try to change.

I am who I am. I look how I do thanks to my parents and a random set of genes shaken not stirred to perfection. Thankfully, I’m use to the face that stares back at me from out of the mirror (hi, Alex).

And you?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

1. Though it is true, one eye has a large brown spot in it which, according to my mother is inherited from her side of the family. She had it but not her sister. I have it but not my sister. My mum’s mum had it but not her sister. You see what I mean. Also, my gran was told by a traveller it was the mark of a witch, an Irish thing apparently.

It’s December first and for us, the official start of Christmas. We spent most of yesterday tidying up the apartment prior to putting the Christmas tree up, and hanging our favourite decorations, only to make more of a mess. Thankfully, the OH did another quick turn about with the hoover. Ain’t I the lucky one?

We’re not big on doing Advent Calendars, it was never a tradition for me as a kid growing up. With six kids to cope with at Christmas, my parents had to prioritise every last penny towards the necessary things. Though, we’d get a well filled stocking that got slowly filled over the course of December with little gifts and treats.

The OH suggested we do something similar by putting a lot of silly little things in our stockings. Not that we’re hard up for money or anything. It’s just what do you buy someone who wants for nothing?

Pre Covid we had already started weaning ourselves off buying presents and chose instead to gift to a number of our favourite charities. We can’t make a lot of difference in the world, but gifting can help especially at this time of year.

As for the rest of the family? We’re a small group this side of the pond, so we do one main present each, though my sister-in-law always goes crazy. No matter what pact we’ve agreed on, she will always do her own thing. And, well, to be honest, I love her for her generosity. She always makes Christmas sparkle for me. Especially as this isn’t my favourite time of year.

And you, do you buy advent calendars, or make them yourself? And what other traditions, if any, do you have leading up to the big day?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

My sister in law called last night talking Christmas and, of course, presents. Not ten minutes later, I got a text from my nephew’s girlfriend (the sensible organised one in that pairing) also talking presents, asking what did I want this year?

So, of course, 8 year old Alex is now sat at the computer, a million windows open, surfing the entire world wide web looking for stuff to add to an ever growing list of things I would love (price no object) that I’m going to share with them all.

Here, you asked, and I responded.

What? I can’t have a dirt bike at my age? Driver’s licenses? I’ll break my neck?

Can I at least have the squishy bunny night light for my bedside table?

Pretty please?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧