Pneumonia Follow Up, ASMR Massage and Auntie Life!

I returned to the UK and had a busy first fee weeks with work, doctors appointments and family. I also celebrated Halloween and Bonfire Night, and in my downtime I treated myself to a massage! 

Click here to watch the vlog or see below. 

It was so odd being back in England after so long away, but more than anything I missed my youngest nephew. It had been so long since I'd seen him because I'd also been quite poorly before I left so my cousin hadn't wanted him to come visit me until I was recovered, as he had also been full of cold. It took a couple days for me to recover from jet lag, but I think being forced out of the house quite early actually probably helped to be honest. I went to my cousins house and we headed to Twycross Zoo for a day out with myself, my cousin, my nephew and then his grandma and one of his distant uncles. My nephew absolutely loved the newly updated Gruffalo exhibit, but not so much the animals this time so we didn't quite get round to seeing them all. 

I went back to work for the first time in 2 months and it felt so strange. I was really feeling quite anxious and a little worried about forgetting things, which I think is normal. Ultimately, it was like I never went away but I had thought management would touch base, be a little understanding and make some workplace adjustments or settling in periods as it had been so long. I don't know if it would have been different if I was off sick the whole time, but I was on "annual leave" for the last three weeks instead. I had a few really nice shifts, and a few really difficult shifts, but the main issue was constantly being moved areas both last minute and on the roster. 

I specifically booked Halloween and Bonfire Night off because I love celebrating all occasions but unfortunately, I didn't manage to really do anything for either. As I got back from America about a week before Halloween, I decided I couldn't be bothered to get all the decorations out for just a short period. I also didn't get any invite to anywhere else so ended up just staying at home alone waiting for Trick or Treaters. Sadly, none came so I still have lots of chocolates and treats left over. 

Bonfire Night fell mid-week but I still thought there would be some events on. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a single other event across the whole of Nottingham or Wakefield, thinking I could also potentially travel back to Yorkshire for the right event. Instead, I bought some sparklers and fireworks to do myself at home, but I did end up going to my friends house for a bit of a games night, food and we did end up doing the sparklers. They didn't want to risk doing fireworks. 

In between celebrations, I had some busy plans on my days off. I had more doctors appointments and follow up for my pneumonia including blood tests and chest x-rays. I headed back to the Theatre Royal to watch Hairspray the Musical! I also booked myself an ASMR massage which I saw advertised on TikTok and when I found one nearby I was so excited. Full review for both the musical and massage coming in the new year. 

To end the first few weeks back in the UK, I headed to visit my oldest sister and her family for a couple of days. I don't really know what's happened this year but it's just been really difficult to arrange to meet up and catch up. I've seen them only once this year and it really was very brief with just a half day of birthday celebrations, for her surprise 40th. I've been busy with university, weddings, being poorly and travelling, whilst she works Monday - Friday and then every other weekend she is also at university, so it's just been difficult to arrange. I'm hoping next year we will be able to arrange some longer, more frequent trips and catching up. It's also hard though because both the kids are also into football and so they have commitments at least 4 days a week with that. 

Despite getting a UTI (story time coming later) and arriving much later than anticipated, I had a lovely few days though and spending time with them was a lovely reset. On the Friday night, I stayed and played with my nephew whilst my niece went to football training and we were able to really bond, play card games and play FIFA 24 too. On the Saturday, we went to my nephew's football match early in the morning, calling at McDonald's and Greggs on the way back for lunch. I then got back and popped on my makeup whilst my niece went to training. My nephew came to watch and when I asked if I looked prettier, he said no because I was already beautiful, which just truly melted my heart! We then all headed to my niece's match and had a couple hours there, before heading back to the house for food, games and a movie night. It was just what I needed. 

I was originally staying all day on the Sunday as well, but my cousin somewhat last-minute decided to have my nephews 2nd birthday party that day as well, so I drove back in the morning and headed straight to the soft play party venue. It was a Bluey themed party but the soft play was probably a little too big for him if anything, so I think he was quite overwhelmed, but the older kids loved it. He did however love his cake and it was so sweet. 

Afterwards, family and close friends headed back to my cousins house and they ordered in Dominos which was delicious. Then we played games, talked and chatted and finally ended the night with presents so it ended up being a lovely night.