Weekends Away {The Ordinary Moments}
Once or twice a year I go away for a couple of night for blog conferences or for a weekend with friends. It’s my time out from normal day to day life, time to catch up with people and time to do something for me.
Regular readers will know how busy our life is – with shift work, this blog, school runs and everything that comes with the house too – food shops, odd jobs and cleaning. It does feel, often, that we are always on the go and so, for me, it’s nice to have some time where I don’t have to think about any of that.
Last weekend I went to Blog On in Manchester. I flew up early on Saturday and I came back late on Monday, having the best part of three days away but it was three days filled with bloggers, good friends and a really great conference.
For me, having a weekend away for a blog conference gives me the best of so many worlds. It gives me time out and time for me but it also gives me the opportunity to learn something new, to help the blog along a little bit more and to hear people speak who I have always respected and admired. Blog conferences are about learning but there’s more to it. They’re about the blogging community coming together, celebrating what we do best and having a great time too.
I didn’t sleep very well over the weekend – I love my own bed too much – but it was nice to be able to spend a few hours in a hotel room, watch trashy TV, have a bath and just switch off. For me, weekends away are a regular part of my life and it gives the children a solid chunk of time with their Daddy too, to do whatever he wants to do with them and I know they spent the weekend baking, having sleepovers and going to the cinema. I don’t think they missed me much at all!
I came back from the weekend pretty exhausted, in need of cuddles with the kids and looking forward to the simple things again – the school run, dinner together and all four of us watching TV in bed together.
I’m already looking forward to my next blogging conference – Britmums in June – and a couple of nights in a hotel although with one of my closest friends to keep me company this time!
This is something I need to get better at! A couple of weeks ago I left my girls for the first time in nearly four years! Yes, I had odd days or a few hours, but never overnight. But, I think it would be good for me and them. Plus they would love daddy time too. I will try harder! I am loving reading how much people loved blog on, it’s made me excited about BritMums x
I agree, I absolutely love the blog conferences and getting away from it for a while, there is nothing better than enjoying time with people who get it and also having time away. It always makes you come back and feel even more grateful for what you have at home. I was supposed to be coming to BlogOn to talk with Channel Mum but I felt rough after my c-section, it sounds like I missed a great day. xx
I’ve never been to a blog conference, this does sound like so much fun. I’m going to have to come soon, I feel like I’m missing out on a good thing.
Nat.x
Ah I know exactly what you mean – a little bit of time just for you is a lovely change 🙂 weirdly, I sleep better in hotel beds! x x
I think it is really important to have weekends or nights away with friends or just by yourself. It definitely recharges the batteries, and if you can combine it with a blogging conference even better. I might even sneak a night away next year for blog on despite only living 30 minutes away x
Sounds like a brilliant time and so nice to appreciate the little things once you are back. I never get away and I definitely think it would do me good. Being a new blogger I haven’t been to a conference yet either but I just booked my Britmums ticket, I have never even met another blogger yet so it’s very nerve racking but exciting too! X