Since getting married at the end of 2022, life hasn’t exactly been marital bliss. It’s not that we’re unhappy with each other, but it feels like a heck of a lot has been thrown at us.

We spent the first five months of last year clearing Martin’s flat, and having a lot of work done here; decorating, new carpets, new built-in wardrobes, furniture out, furniture in. It was a huge upheaval. We took a load of stuff to our storage unit, but only a few months on we cleared that out again and downsized to a garage. Saved us a good amount of money, but it was hard. Martin particularly finds it difficult to part with stuff. I can never be bothered to try and sell stuff, it’s soul destroying, so ended up giving a lot of it away on free sites or to charity.

There was my horrible experience with HRT that left me suicidal and seriously questioning my sanity. Which also coincided our getting the kittens, who we were totally ill equipped to provide a home for (with hindsight). The heartbreak of getting them rehomed and within a very short space of time losing our beloved Roxy cat too. It was devastating.

One highlight, after getting our head round grieving for our feline friends, was adopting our current cat. Think Mog the Forgetful Cat. Big, cuddly, tabby and white, snuggly girl. Loves to be close to her people and really loves food! I was unsurprised at her recent check up with the vet we were advised to reduce her intake. That’s all three of us on a diet then!

Although things this year have been more settled than last, we seem to have been faced with a number of challenges. We are still not able to use our beloved Roger the motorhome. My teeth and Martin’s diabetes have been problematic. Then my car was bumped and I had to have it repaired via my insurance company. It all seemed a lot. I was fighting my mentals much of the time, trying not to lose hope.

Martin and I continue to lose weight steadily. He looks noticeably smaller. Me less so. But we’re obviously doing something right. Having two of my teeth out in hospital helped with the weight loss. Two weeks on and I’m pretty much eating normal food again. We have celebrated with some treats this week (mostly within my daily calorie allowance) because it is three years since Martin and I met for the first time and shared our first cake date at Dobbies.

And we’ve had further cause to celebrate too! Martin has a job! Since his therapy has come to an end, he has been increasingly aware that he needs more mental stimulation than his rug making or mushroom growing can offer him. He’s been applying for various jobs for a few weeks now, and then finally, yesterday, he was offered not one, but two jobs. To say this was the boost we both needed would be an understatement.

This week I started back at the gym following my oral surgery. I know it’s necessary for my physical and especially my mental health, but it feels like hard work currently. We’re also on a quest to get Martin walking in readiness for starting work. Conveniently there is a Costa on the outside of the railway station so we can have a coffee there before heading home again. I’m all for a little incentive. It really won’t hurt me to get my steps up either.

I’m apprehensive to say that things are on the up, because as we all know, life ongoing deals us a mix of both good and bad. But Martin is definitely feeling more confident and positive and that can only be a good thing. And happier husband makes for happier me.