The Alt-Mumifesto

Simple tasks are very rare these days.

Shopping pre-child life was almost an enjoyable experience. Choosing what I preferred to eat, drink and wear in my own time. Classing it is almost a leisurely task! Clothes was a day out.. Newcastle or the Metro centre. Spending a full day trying on clothes.. looking for something specific. Food and drink was usually the CO-OP.

Fast forward to the now. Shopping looks very different. If I can't get everything from under 1 roof then count me out. 

Then there's the 1001 considerations before you even get to your shopping list. 

Plan of action forming in your head. 

Where is best to park? Will the disability trolley be free? Did I charge his tablet? Did I pack spare pull ups? Is his blue badge in his bag or the glove box? Okay, focus.. in and out. Stick to the list. In.. and out. 

 Oh no, he needs changing.. okay new plan..

Oh no, they moved the isles around again..  

Oh no, the trolley is in use, navigating a disability pushchair and a basket today. Yay. 

Best will in the world, this plan of action is subject to change, frequently. 

So when you do get a cheeky trip to do the shop alone, you grab that chance with both hands! Husband tags in after finishing work, and stays home with the kids.. you grab your car keys and head off to the local supermarket.  9It can easily be mistaken for self care.. well.. almost!

Main shop acquired, heading off to treat myself.. desperate for a new bra! Yes underwear shopping the same place I get my bread but still, it's something I've been putting off. 

Who has the time or mental strength to actually try on anything while trying to keep an autistic child settled in a shop on your own? Not this gal, no chance. 

So got myself thoughts of taking some time to find a style that actually fits the 37 year old, chunky, mum of 3, that god forbid I actually feel comfortable in.

I peruse the selection and pick out a variety to try and proud to say one or two branched out of my normal comfort zone of the same old over-shoulder-boulder-holder tshirt style..

A couple could be described as ..lingerie.. oooo  *wink 

Issue is.. when I got to the changing  room.. it had a great big clothes rack pushed in front of the door. 

Closed. 

Spotted a staff member and asked if I was able to just pop in quickly to try a couple items. As it was 7.05pm I was abruptly told “No, it's closed” and she returned to stocking. 

That was enough to send the fizzy feeling through my nose and my eyes start to tear up. Needless to say, I felt like a right idiot.

I put my joyful selection back and stuck with the same old over-shoulder-boulder-holder style t-shirt bra, but in a different size and hoped it’ll fit better this time. 

Made sure to keep a hold of the receipt because I'm 100% positive I will be back later in the week, but with my son and ever changing plan of action.. just to return the stupid bra… because of course

..it didn't fit. 

Simple tasks are very bloody rare these days.