Despite having driven around only 2,000 miles since my MOT (road worthiness test) a year ago, my d*mn car failed and I had to have new brakes; an expense I didn’t need.

It’s been 4 weeks now since my neurology appointment and I’ve heard nothing whatsoever from them. I’d made an appointment to see my GP which I’ve waited 2 weeks for. I arrived 5 minutes early, booked in, and was told they were running on time. 30 minutes later I asked how much longer they would be and was told I was next. In the end, the GP was 40 minutes late seeing me. He had a trainee with him, and whilst I don’t object to this, I can’t help wondering if that’s why they were running so late. I wasn’t feeling in the best of moods and had to go through my symptoms with the trainee doctor. I asked if they could check to see if they’ve had anything back from the specialist. They hadn’t, and I advised them I’d been seen 4 weeks ago. They’ll chase this up for me but meanwhile they can’t prescribe anything to help me sleep. I was not a happy bunny. I’m a big fan of our NHS, especially as I’m on a low income and certainly couldn’t afford medical care, but no results after 4 weeks is p*ss poor, even for the NHS.

Later, dinner plans were not going well, and I decided to make a beef stroganoff. My son went out for the beef, and instead of beef pieces, he bought back minced beef. Not what I wanted. I popped out in the car to save time, and felt the car was pulling to one side; a sure sign of a flat tyre. I checked the tyre, noted it was a bit flat, so on the way home popped to the petrol station to get some air. Whilst doing that I saw there was a nail in the tyre so detoured to our local garage and waited half hour whilst they repaired the tyre. More expense I don’t need!

By the time I got home, I was feeling quite frayed. Once the beef was cooking I got out the ironing board and calmed myself by tackling the ironing pile. I know some don’t like ironing however I find it relaxing. I set up in front of the TV and I soon power through it all. In the end, dinner was good, we have clean, crease-free clothes, and I’m feeling calmer.

To end on a high note of sorts: I’d written to the hospital regarding my eye appointment and the misunderstanding re the hospital location and I guess a cancellation has come up as my appointment has been brought forward 5 weeks. This is excellent news!

Have a good week. I’m hoping mine will be calmer. My son has his final class this week before Easter break, and I’m hoping to chill and relax and not drive much for a fortnight. Breathe…