Sunday Thoughts

It’s been one of those weeks that felt bust from start to finish, the kind where you sit down on Sunday and wonder where the days actually went.

Having the bank holiday on Tuesday for St. Patrick’s Day completely threw me off. It took me a long time to realise that Wednesday wasn’t actually Monday. My whole sense of routine was a bit upside down, but not in a bad way, just one of those little jolts that makes the week feel different.

I did make it into the St. Patrick’s Day parade, although crowds and I aren’t exactly best friends. I stayed just long enough to soak up the atmosphere, watching people getting ready and catching the beginning of the parade before making my escape. It was lovely in small doses, which suits me perfectly. I’ve written more about that here.

I’ve written before about my ancestry, I’m delighted that a cousin from America has been in touch, and I’m hoping to meet her this year when she visits Ireland. Andy got his DNA results back this week – talk about a mix! There’s a bit of everything in there. You can read about that here: https://andyrobus.wordpress.com/2026/03/15/my-family-tree/ Mine is slightly calmer – 98% Irish, and 2% Norwegian.

This week has also very much been about self-care, which is something I’ve learned not to feel guilty about prioritising. I got my nails done for the first time in what feels like forever. I’d actually forgotten how strange it feels having “naked” nails until they’re done again. They’re now a gorgeous shiny purple, with a little cloud and sunshine on one finger of each hand, and I love them. My nail lady is just amazing; the chats are just as good as the nails.

I also finally used my birthday voucher and got my hair done – happy days! I feel like a new woman, and definitely less like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards. Throw in getting my eyebrows done as well, and honestly, I feel like I’ve lost about a stone. It’s mad what a difference these little things make.

What stands out to me more and more is how important it is to feel comfortable with the people you trust for these things. Having your hair, nails, or brows done is quite an intimate experience in its own way, and feeling completely at ease with someone makes all the difference. It’s something I don’t take for granted.

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day, which, if I’m honest, isn’t something I celebrate. It’s always felt a bit like a Hallmark holiday to me, and given that my relationship with my own mother wasn’t the easiest, it’s not a day I tend to dwell on. Instead, I kept things simple, did the weekly shop and paid a visit to Sorella’s drive-thru, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular posts on the blog!

We’ve also been lucky with a few genuinely lovely days of weather this week. It makes such a difference to my mood, not that I’m complaining, as I’m generally in a good place these days, but sunshine definitely adds a little extra sparkle. There was an added bonus of getting the sheets dried outside – there’s nothing like the feeling of clean sheets after a long day. I’ve walked the legs off myself, though my knees might argue that I overdid it…especially with a bit of running alongside the parade thrown in.

One of the highlights of the week was meeting my lovely friend Sian for a coffee. There’s something really special about having people in your life that you can just be with – no effort, no overthinking – and Sian is absolutely one of those people for me. Our go-to location of Cawley’s in Tubbercurry, is special too. I feel so at home here, there’s such a warm welcome from Teresa and Pierre, it’s a wonderful place. The absolute cherry on top was being handed an almond croissant cookie straight from the oven. Honestly, unreal. Jenny Penny Bakes does not miss. I immediately regretted not bringing a couple home with me – but at least now I know for next time.

I had a lovely Saturday, I went into town, visited the library and the Hamilton Gallery, mooched around a few shops, and bought myself the cutest potato that I’ve ever seen from the Sligo Indoor Market. He’s just adorable.

All in all, a full week, a good week, and one that reminded me how important the little things are; a chat, a walk in the sunshine, feeling like yourself again.

Here’s to whatever the next week brings. And it’s going to be a very exciting week! I can’t wait! I’ll tell you all about it next Sunday!