I can hardly believe that my daughter’s 17th birthday is just a few weeks away. As the day approaches, I find myself pondering what to get her. What do you even buy a teenager at this stage? Other than some new trainers, she hasn’t really asked for much. I did purchase a new iPad for her last month for college, which I’ve decided can also count towards her birthday gift. It feels good to contribute to her education while also giving her something practical that she’ll use regularly.

One thing on my mind is getting her provisional driving licence sorted out soon. Even if she’s not ready for driving lessons just yet, having that provisional will be handy for ID purposes. It feels like a significant milestone, as obtaining that licence marks a step toward independence. I remember the thrill of getting my own provisional licence; it’s a rite of passage for many young people.

As she prepares for this new chapter, I’m reminded of how quickly time passes. It seems like only yesterday she was a little girl, and now she’s on the brink of adulthood. I can see the changes in her—she’s becoming more self-assured and responsible, traits that will serve her well as she moves into this next stage of her life. It’s a joy to witness her growing confidence, especially as she adjusts to the rigours of college life. The fact that she’s managing the long days and the travel without complaint speaks volumes about her resilience.

On a different note, I recently watched the second episode of the new Penguin series, and I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Initially, I was indifferent about starting the series, but it has proven to be quite captivating. The storytelling and character development are impressive, and I find myself eagerly anticipating each new episode. Episode 3 is set to air in just a couple of days, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. It’s been a long time since I’ve been hooked on a show like this, and I appreciate having something entertaining to look forward to during the week.

In addition to the Penguin series, we are also approaching the return of Yellowstone, with the much-anticipated part 2 of the fifth series set to premiere in November. After the first five series came out consecutively, the wait for this new chapter feels prolonged. I really hope it lives up to the expectations that have been built up over the years, as the characters and their stories have always drawn me in. Watching these shows has become a comforting ritual, a little escape from the daily routine.

Today is Thursday, which means it was my usual food shopping day with my mom. It’s interesting to see how much my shopping list has changed since my daughter has been living with me. The inclusion of fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets, and other snacks has noticeably increased the overall cost of our weekly shop. I find it amusing how the addition of a teenager can transform the shopping experience. It's no longer just about basic necessities; there are now extra treats that I never used to buy. I remember when my shopping was focused on what I needed, but now it’s all about balancing the essentials with a few indulgences.

With Halloween just around the corner, I’ve already started picking up a few decorations to add some festive spirit to the house. While I usually don’t go all out for Halloween, this year feels a bit different. I might as well add some seasonal touches to the home as the days get shorter and the nights grow longer. There’s something about October that brings a certain charm. The leaves are beginning to change, casting a tapestry of colours against the backdrop of grey skies. The crispness in the air is invigorating, and it’s a reminder of the shift in seasons.

As we settle deeper into October, I can feel the seasonal change in the air. Overall, this month looks to be an interesting one. With the birthday approaching and Halloween on the horizon, there’s plenty to keep me occupied. Each day brings its own challenges, and I’m just taking it all in stride.

With everything happening this month, it’s clear that change brings a mix of excitement and adjustment. The days are filled with their own unique challenges and surprises, and I’m just rolling with it. As we navigate this busy time, I can’t help but appreciate the little things that bring joy, whether it’s finding a new show to binge or enjoying the anticipation of a birthday celebration. Each day is different, and that’s what makes this time of year so interesting.

It’s been a few months since I took the plunge and quit smoking. I’ve had some time to reflect on how I feel since making that change. I also cut down on drinking alcohol a month ago, which has been another significant shift in my lifestyle. Quitting smoking was a decision I’d been putting off for ages. I’ve tried to give it up before, but this time felt different. I was fed up with the smell, the coughing, and the whole routine of needing a cigarette to unwind. One day, I just decided enough was enough. I didn’t have any grand plans; it was more of an impulsive decision. I woke up and thought, “Why not?”

The first week was a bit of a rollercoaster. I had cravings that were hard to ignore, but I kept myself busy. I found that going for walks or getting into a good book really helped take my mind off the urges. Surprisingly, I didn’t find myself feeling overly grumpy, which is often the stereotype of quitting smoking. I actually felt pretty empowered. As the weeks went on, I noticed some changes that I wasn’t expecting. My sense of smell has improved dramatically. I can actually smell food cooking now, and it’s amazing how much I enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s the little things that have made a big difference.

Alongside quitting smoking, I’ve also scaled back my alcohol intake. I’m not completely off it—I still enjoy a pint on occasion—but I’ve cut down significantly. I don’t drink at home at all anymore, and the only time I do drink is once a week or less when I have one or two pints with my dad at our local pub. I realised that I was using alcohol to relax, but it was often leading to late nights and feeling rough the next day. By not drinking as much, I’ve noticed I wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the day. I want to aim for completely quitting alcohol altogether, as I’ve come to understand that it doesn’t really help me. In fact, it often makes my mental health a lot worse. This realisation has been crucial for me.

The benefits of both quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol have been noticeable. I have more energy than I did a few months ago. I’m sleeping better, and I’ve even started exercising more regularly. I wouldn’t say I’m training for a marathon or anything, but I’ve been maintaining my routine of home workouts every day. It’s amazing what a bit of fresh air and physical activity can do for your mood. On top of that, my skin seems to be clearer, and I’m feeling less bloated. It’s as if my body is finally catching up after years of neglecting it with cigarettes and excessive drinking. I didn’t expect to see such quick results, but I’m really pleased with how I’m feeling.

Looking ahead, I want to maintain this momentum. I know it’s easy to slip back into old habits, but I’m committed to sticking with these changes. I feel healthier and more in control of my life, and I want to keep it that way. I’m also excited about what the future holds—less dependence on smoking and drinking means more freedom to explore new activities and interests. 

Quitting smoking and drinking is not just about the physical changes; it’s also about the mental clarity that comes with it. I’ve started to feel more present in my daily life. I’m more aware of my surroundings and able to appreciate things I often took for granted. I’ve even started to enjoy my own company more. There’s something empowering about realising that I don’t need a crutch like cigarettes or alcohol to enjoy life or to cope with stress.

Of course, there are challenges ahead. There will be times when I might feel tempted to have a drink or a smoke, especially during stressful times. However, I feel more equipped to handle these cravings now. I’ve learned some techniques to cope with the urges. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and simply stepping outside for a moment to clear my head have all been useful strategies. 

Overall, my journey of quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol has been transformative. I feel like I’m becoming a better version of myself—one who is more in tune with my body and mind. I’m looking forward to continuing down this path and discovering what else I can achieve. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready to face whatever comes next.