Embracing Change

Einstein once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In 2015, UK Labour performed poorly (understated for diplomatic reasons) in the UK General Election. Yet, ex-leaders and some MPs will not accept the party needs a seismic shift in order to be remotely electable again. Speaking with ex-Labour voters, their main gripe was "they're all the same now. They're only interested in the money they can make for themselves and claiming expenses." Not once did I hear, "they're too left wing."

Most people, I believe, are not interested in right or left wing. It is terminology used by the media and Westminster elite to bully and scare us. In reality, people want policies that make their lives easier and give them a stable, secure job and viable, accessible services for their family. Love him or loathe him, Jeremy Corbyn offers all this and so much more. Not only has he proven he is honest, principled and incorruptible but he has some great progressive policies to take us into a new technological and economic age. I love his policies – believe me I have studied them – particularly on education, health and the economy. He speaks my language and so does John McDonnell. His critics want you to believe we are going backwards when, in fact, the policies take us forward and strive for equality and prosperity. This is a very popular agenda and that is why opponents don’t like it.
I get really cross and frustrated when some MPs and political analysts complain Jeremy can't speak to the electorate, only members. Who do these people think new members are? In less than twelve months, Jeremy and his team have motivated half a million people – let that sink in for a while. Half a million, disenfranchised people. Imagine what we could achieve with unbiased media coverage and a fully united party. We can and we must win the next General Election. Jeremy WILL be our next Prime Minister and change the agenda from war and corruption to peace and prosperity for everyone in society, not just the privileged few. Very exciting and interesting times indeed. I raise a glass this evening to all my fellow Labour members, to Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and all the young MPs who stepped up and work so hard when others refused to. They challenged themselves for us, pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. Well done and thank you.
One last quote from Einstein, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
Masters Study
So I did it. I took the plunge and I have honestly been like a kid at Christmas, especially in the library. BOOKS! BOOKS! And more BOOKS!
However, in true Charles household style, the first day did not go according to plan. Lucas had a stomach bug and was off school – thankfully I had a plan B – us Mums do! On top of that I was bitten by an insect on the Friday before and had a really bad reaction. I couldn't get in to see the doctor so I had to treat it myself based on past experience. On the day of registration, we turned up to Uni and I dropped Wes off and tried to get a parking space. I had to park a quarter of a mile away and walk back with a badly swollen foot. Honestly, I just laugh at these hiccups now. I've been through so many – nothing actually is straight forward but at least I can say, it is never boring!
It has been like a military operation this week – syncing Uni timetables, childcare and sporting activities for Lucas including time for writing. It's tough but it is worth it and we can do it. Bless my children. Wes is going to get the bus through to Lucas' school on Thursday afternoons so I can attend a Project Management lecture. We make an amazing team and I am so grateful. Lucas is super excited to have his big brother pick him up and go on a bus! I wonder how long the novelty will last, especially through winter!  I am so grateful for the people I have around me who support my own personal development. Whatever you want to do, it IS possible. Don't underestimate yourself and don't, ever listen to the doubters.
On my 'epic' walk into Uni, I went through the same old shit, "I can't do this," but I did and it was great. I have met some great friends, old and new and I'm incredibly excited with the new challenge. I know I can smash it!
Homemade - bad boy!I always do more when I have more to do. I'm more organised and motivated.  The house is clean, the boys are still getting homemade food, help with homework goes on, my study plan is drafted, files organized and my writing continues on a part time bases. I am one very happy lady and Mummy. Long may it continue. I hope I feel this relaxed when my assignments are due or when I'm sitting the exams. I suspect not!!
My Portuguese class starts on the 3rdOctobers and I'm so grateful to Grandma Dot for looking after Lucas so I can do this and my studies, although, I suspect, she is as excited as Lucas is.  Wes is away next week on a residential as part of his course. I am jealous, he is going to one of my favourite haunts. I'm so proud of how he has settled into his new student life even if he is a little tired!
Life is not perfect but it's pretty damn close. Do me a favour… go out there this week and do what makes you happy. Your happiness and success is in your hands.
Much love