This is me.

I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself and my reasons for beginning to blog.

I had my first child eleven years ago, when I was in my last year of high school. After so many years of parenthood I now feel ready to face what I have been through and hopefully help others along the way.

So in a completely selfish way; this blog will allow me to vent. But I also hope to discuss issues which stir my interest. I am a scientist by trade, teaching high school students by day and changing nappies by night. I am a survivor and currently live with a condition called Chiari Malformation; another issue I am hoping to bring forward to the spot light.

I hope people laugh with me, maybe at me. I hope to share ideas on parenting; teaching and basically how to run the world from the comfort of your front room, via venting on here.

Eventually I hope to maybe make a small income to support my family, and enjoy having an outlet.

Introductions aside, lets talk brains.

I have Chiari. Basically the back of my brain has slipped, desperately trying to escape my skull. This means the lovely fluid surrounding my heavy brain can't get round. This causes pain, numbness, sickness, dizzyness, eyesight problems and the list goes on and on and on.

So here I am, sat in my bed with a dog at my feet and Loose Woman echoing in the back ground. I gave up my full time job when pregnant with my second child, since then I have taught in temporary positions in several schools.

Don't push it.

Anyone with a chronic illness understands the daily struggle. I have been married six years, and my poor poor husband has had to help me in ways I didn't think he would have to do for another fifty years! Still he smiles, and holds my hand. My bearded dream.

Going to the shops in a wheelchair, with a toddler sat on my knee and a grumpy teenager by my side is an adventure. People; please. If you walk past me and I'm in my wheelchair, don't look at me with a surprised look that despite being disabled I managed to pop out some small people. Don't speak to me in a sugary sweet voice, I have a degree in bio-medicine. And for the love of god don't carry your basket over my head, I will drop kick. One last thing, after a recent trip out with the family I discovered some people will physically move your wheelchair out of the way. This is un-nerving!

Hopefully someone will read this, in the same boat as me and giggle. Rest easy knowing you are not alone!

Next Time....

I honestly don't know what I will write about tomorrow. The rest of my day will be spent tackling the bio-hazard that is my eldest's bedroom. Then cooking tea for one sugar free vegetarian, two dairy free children and a vegetable hating husband. Wish me luck.

I would love to spend the next few blogs looking at the challenges facing young parents, the risks of domestic violence in these relationships and how to encourage young people to carry on education whilst raising children. But I must find my brain first.

Another important aspect of my life is crafting. I knit, crochet, paint, draw, needle felt anything I can find the time to do. I would love to spend a few blogs discussing hobby ideas and experiences, and mess ups.

Thanks for reading x