At the moment we are in the middle of our city’s ‘Mad March’ that consists of a motorsport carnival, an Arts and a fringe festival, concerts, other sporting events.

 

Many of these things I used to go to, before I met Ian, and after. 

 

Last year I didn’t really want to go to anything.  I think I went to one event, compared to the ‘record’ a friend and I have of averaging 3 shows a day for a fortnight (parenthood for both of us has put the kybosh on trying that again for a while, though).

 

 

This year,  I’m aware of the buzz around the city.  I’m conscious I’m not getting to as much as I would like to.

 

I know with a child, I wouldn’t be able to attend shows and events to the degree I had.  Ian was happy to stay with John, but I couldn’t get to as much as I would in my single life.

 

But as a single parent with limited care options, I’ll get to one show.  And that’s because it’s the show of a long-standing friend and my parents understand that I try and get to one performance per season to support them. 

 

There is one significant change this year however.  I’m not getting to as much AS I WOULD LIKE TO.

 

I want to get out and engage with what’s happening.  I’m now conscious of the disconnect I’ve had.  I may not choose to go to my usual list of shows and branch out and see new acts, but I want to be out there.

 

This is a good thing.  It’s frustrated by circumstance, but a good thing none the less.