Here we are safely into 2026. As it is the first Wednesday of the year it is time for my weekly round up post Ramblings Of A StressedMum – 07/01/2026. I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and are staying safe with the weather we are having across the country.
Table of Contents
My Week
It is more than just a week and I have so much to catch up with.
Grief
I will start with grief. The past couple of weeks have been very emotional for us. Christmas we really noticed the absence of my husband. We did have a good Christmas but it was difficult. I found New Year a lot harder. I struggled with leaving my husband behind in 2025 as we moved forward into 2026. I had a massive headache and C wanted to see the new year in. So we sat chatting in her bedroom until midnight struck.
We then had the 11 months on 2nd January so right after Christmas and New Year. We now have next week looming as it would be his birthday. Once again together we will get through it.
Health
C finally started her new migraine medication. She had video training last Tuesday which went well and the injection was easy enough. She has to do this one a month so very convenient. It can take up to the second dose to notice any changes which she hasn’t noticed yet. But so far no side effects which is good.
Budgies
As you know we had to take Kiwi to the vets as he was unwell. He was put on antibiotics which we had to continue until last Wednesday. Obviously for his size it is a drop and then trying to get a budgie to play ball and keep their head still and open their beak is a lot harder than you would think.
We are a week of him not having the antibiotics now, and he is starting to go back to being lethargic so looks like another course.
On Christmas Eve, we were up and out early taking Snowy to the vets as we noticed a growth thing on her wing. She thinks it is a wart type thing and just to keep an eye on it and watch if it grows. As it is not bothering her and not stopping her flying.
Car
You all know the ongoing dramas I have had with my car. I decided to sell it which I did after Christmas. I had enough and lost all confidence in it getting me to where I wanted to go. So this past couple of weeks I have been looking for a new car.
Yesterday, I test drove one a lot smaller and totally different to what I am used too. I liked it and my mum who was with me, gave her opinion that it was a smooth ride. I put down a deposit, while I sorted the insurance and wait for the car to show as insured. Although I have the policy documents I always wait to drive a car until it shows as taxed and insured. Hopefully not much longer and I will be free again to go out without having to check my parents do not need their car.
Galentines Day
This year for obvious reasons, Valentines Day will be totally different. Speaking to my daughter she said why not do Galentines Day instead. Which got me thinking and I also decided, as I know I am not on my own. It is a good way to give ourselves some self love, instead of with a partner. So I am looking at creating my first Galentines Gift Guide.
Giveaways
As we are in a new year, it is time for some new giveaways to go live. Below I am saying thank you and giving you the chance to win a £10 Amazon Voucher for you to treat yourself.
I do also have another great giveaway which will be going live later today – so keep a look out.
To enter see below. Make sure you complete the one mandatory section, answering in 8 words or more for your entry to be valid.
Win A £10 Amazon Gift CardGood luck x
so lovely
congratulations to the winner
hope you enjoyed
I am hoping to improve my health and fitness in 2026
To be a healthier version of myself
Less stress, more creativity and to finish more stories
A new job and winning big on the lottery
My highlight was being offered a full time job. I had been working ad hoc for years and now I will have a stable income again. yay
I’m looking for a new job this year, so hopefully that will go well.
I’ve set myself a goal to complete my first half marathon in the Summer, so I’m hoping that goes well!
I’m hoping health and happiness for my family and my daughter and her husbands baby wish might happen this year
I am hoping to get a cheap holiday somewhere nice in the Summer.
I’m hoping to have more money than 2025! I’m also hoping to be able to lose weight
I am hoping that I can start to move on a little from my grieving for my Dad who I recently lost
Peace, understanding, rationality, and tolerance, health and comfort
To make it out on the other side of our house renovation
I’m hoping for some more small adventures. It would be nice to go to some new places, even if they are very local.
better health
to continue on my wieghtloss journey and get to my goal weight
I’m hoping for us to finish sorting out house out and getting it ready for sale so we can move away
I’m hoping to maintain my health and wellbeing
as a regular gym goer im.hoping to start to put more effort in with some weight training and gain more muscle and generally tone up.
I’m hoping for better health in 2026 and working towards some fitness goals.
Health and happiness for myself, my family and friends, and a bit of good fortune thrown in would be nice!
In 2026, I’m hoping for contentment and security for my family. Plus peace in the world.
Good health for me and my loved ones
A really encouraging read that really reflects the effort and passion behind it.
I think I’d just like a quiet year with no particular worries. Hope Kiwi and Snowy are ok!
for my grandson to pass his drving test
im hoping for a year of good friends and no dramas
Less rain, warmer temperatures, more trips and health and happiness for my family and friends.
I’m hoping to be happier this year and get lots done, but also enjoy myself
To see more of my family
I am hoping that in 2026 all my family members remain happy and healthy.
To be able to afford a family holiday this Summer
I could do with increasing my income – the bills keep going up.
Hoping for health, wealth and happiness in 2026 for the family
I’m hoping for more of a work life balance and to spend lots of time with friends and family
spending lots of fun times with my family
Getting to the end of 2026 and starting 2027, I am 80 years old.
I’m looking forward to some adventures and being in nature more!
I’m hoping for better health in 2026 although it won’t be too hard to improve on last year!
To complete my house of decorating and furnishing
Joy and happiness to all my friends and family
I’m hoping for a healthy year for my family – health is wealth, and something we definitely struggled with last year.
I would love to move house! We have been searching for so long!! Hopefully 2026 is the year!
Healthier year with me getting fitter, slimmer and leaner
I would love to be able to get rid of my current job and try to make money out of my hobbies
a fun & adventurous but peaceful year with minimal hospital visits
My son will be doing his A Levels this year and I’m really hoping that they go well for him.
I am hoping to loose some weight and hopefully have a good body for my holiday in July
to spend more quality time with my kids with less screen time and more connection. to get back into running and feel fitter and healthy again. and to spend time with my parents 💕 doing things together we enjoy.
A new interesting and we’ll paid job or setting up a business 🙂
I am able to retire this year but might stay on for a few hours a week
I’m hoping for a new job.
I’m hoping to get away to somewhere hot and sunny.
I am hoping for better health and to be less lonely.
I’m hoping for more kindness in the community. I’m saddened by some of the things I read and hear and by the messages sent by people putting flags on lampposts. I wish we could be more accepting to each other.
im hoping to get a new job im really struggling with my job and eally dont like it hoping so much to get a new onne
Christmas is hard enough emotionally without the added difficulty of adding grief into the mix. Sending you love 🫶🏻
Thank you, sadly our grief has just stepped up a level
A bikini body, a lottery win and for my son to be toilet trained.
I want to travel and save more money so a bit of a dichotomy
I am hoping that I can stick to my promise to myself….to let myself say no sometimes and not feel guilty about it. I am a perpetual people pleaser, but have promised that I will try and put myself first sometimes.
For 2026 I’m hoping to get a bit healthier and more financially secure.
I’m hoping to declutter my home, decorate and make it into our relaxing sanctuary.
I’m honestly hoping for some stability and happiness in 2026
I’m looking forward to a fresh year and a fresh new outlook
The world is such a worrying place at the moment. I would love for it to settle down but don’t hold out much hope
I’m moving house and I just want it all to go smoothly. Can’t think beyond that now.
to find a different job !
to pay off all my debt
The chance to visit my daughter.
Better heath for me and my family , all struggling at moment
I’m hoping this is the year where we finally become financially stable.
I’m hoping for a nice quiet year. Nothing dramatic, and a long, warm summer
That a certain person in power doesn’t continue on the path they appear to be on.
minimal drama!
Health for my family and spending more time with my teenagers before they start to look at uni’s
hoping to run a half marathon
I’m hoping to continue to improve after having a ruptured aneurysm earlier in the year, and very tankfull that I survived
I am hoping for a happier, healthier and wealthier year for my family and friends.
A year without too much expense on things like cars, so we can save a bit of money.
Spent most of 2025 recovering from surgery so am hoping to be more active in 2026.
The transition between years is always difficult, but I can imagine it playing even more on your mind. The new car sounds really positive though!
Moving into 2026 has been difficult, we managed it and looking into making 2026 a better year. The new car is great so much smaller though I keep looking at it thinking is it too small. But it is lovely to drive and the confidence knowing it will start and go is great
Lots of opportunities to make memories with my family
Spend more time with my little family making lots of memories 🙂
Yay for the freedom of being able to go out without seeing in the car is needed soon. It’s such a breath of fresh air being able to go out when you want isn’t it
I am so happy to have my new car and have freedom again
I am hoping my husband finally gets his hip replacement surgery and he can get back out in the garden playing with his birds and the grandsons
For a peaceful year with no nasty surprises. For the people that I love to stay safe and well.
Feeling like myself more!
I am hoping to make some lovely memories with family and maybe enjoy a holiday too
Im looking forward to making my grandmother a nice lunch as she has been ill recently
I am hoping for lots of good weather and good things to do!
Hope my present peace continues.
I am hoping for peace and good health.
Good health and happiness for all of my family
I’m saving for a new laptop but had to use my saving so far to buy a new phone!
I am hoping for a good year where everyone stays happy and healthy.
As a newly divorced Dad I just want to be as present in my kids lives as much as possible.
I’m hoping for time to make memories with my family!
Im hoping for a stress free 2026 and lots of happiness for my family.
I can imagine both Christmas and New Year would have been very hard for the family. Glad to hear that C hasn’t had any side effects yet from the new medication, hopefully that will continue and she will get some benefit from it asap x
Christmas and New Year was very different and emotional, we now have his birthday looming so more emotions. So far no side effects but she is not well at the moment and just been put on more medication but will check to see if this could be a side effect of it
2025 was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Hoping for some closure on loose ends and a calmer life with good health
Sorry 2025 was an emotional rollercoaster hopefully 2026 will be calmer for us both
I got a new guitar last year and have set a target to practice every day
I’m hoping to be warmer because it’s currently freezing
Good health and happiness for all my family and friends
i’m hoping to make myself a priority (finally!) for 2026 and to have some quality time with friends and family
AWESOME
I’m hoping to be more active and lose some weight in 2026, although the current weather is making that difficult
I am hoping to take better care of my health.
I have had some bad news there and hope I can fight it.
At 78 I am hoping to wake up each day in 2026 feeling fit and healthy enough to make the most of what each day brings.
More time to spend with my niece and nephew
I really really really really REALLY need to go on holiday!!!!
I hope for a happy year for me and all my family and friends with lots of new memories made
Hoping to save lots of money and be fit and healthy! We have a baby coming so everything is going towards that 🙂
I’m hoping to get healthier this year 🙂
I am hoping to get better on the health side, wishing a good and blessful year for my family.
I’m hoping for 2026 to be way less stressful than last year. 2025 was a very stressful year for me.
I’m hoping my dad will make a full recovery after his surgery for colon cancer and all my friends, family and their pets will be happy and healthy!
Good luck to your dad for a speedy recovery
I hope for health and stability and some good spirit for my family, especially for my elderly parents
I am hoping to have a good year health wise & try to get a bit fitter and healthier all round.
Happiness. Everything went wrong in 2025 and I just want some joy!
Health, wealth and happiness for me and my family and the world !
That my family are happy and healthy. I’m hoping to work on pushing my anxiety more this year.
Basically for me and mine to stay healthy and perhaps lose my Christmas weight
I am hoping for good health, love and success in 2026.
Fun!
I’m glad to hear you’ve found a car that suits you and won’t be such a pain in the butt. Good luck!
I picked it up this morning, drives so lovely just need it to show on the insurance database
I was actually thinking of you and your daughter during the holidays. I figured it would be difficult. I’m glad you have each other to lean on.
Thank you, we got through it lots of tears and laughs at memories gone by. We then had the 11 months straight after and now have his birthday coming up. Having people around you to lean on really does help
I’m hoping for good health, a speedy house sale and a successful move to a new house. Hopefully that’s not too greedy!
To lose weight
I’m hoping to save some money this year and go on holiday
To improve finances as well as taking up heathy habits!
A healthier year with lots of good food and healthy walks x
Hoping to get more flexible and stronger this year plus sort by craft bits and bobs out (they got in a bit of a mess over Christmas).
for all the family to be healthy and happy
I can’t wait to focus a lot more on my health this year. I haven’t been eating healthy and I should start doing that asap.
I am hoping for lots of family time and hopefully some nice holidays
To get fitter and healthier and just enjoy everyday
Love Peace and Happyness and an end to poverty for all of the world 🙂
I’m hoping to eat a lot more healthily this year and cut out the sugar in my diet. I also want to get outside more and go for more outdoor walks!
I’m hoping for a happy and healthy year for all my family and friends
Healthier!
Hoping for new adventures,moving house and trying new things
More weight loss and more reading!
I had car issues last year, and I understand the loss of confidence! I was so afraid of it breaking again. I ended up getting a new one, too!
Corinne x
You need a reliable car to know it will do its job, this was one thing after another and it got too much in the end.I picked my new one up today
I’m hoping to be a healthier and more confident version of myself
I’m hoping to change my body composition this quarter. I set quarterly goals and review as the year goes on
A healthy and happy year for the family
I’m hoping to expand my horizons by learning new things and getting involved in more voluntary work.
I’m hoping to lose weight this year
I think galentines is such a lovely idea! I’d love to hear what you both get up to. Fingers crossed for C’s medication too! Hopefully she’ll see some sort of respite soon.
Claire.X
I did not think of galentines until C mentioned it and said it is a huge thing. She has a check up next Tuesday which we had a reminder about and I had forgotten about
I’m hoping for a healthy 2026 for me and my family.
I want to start travelling the world to experience the culture of other countries. I have never been abroad.
I am hoping for better health this year so that I can be more use as a wife and dog mum.
Health and happiness but I’d really like it if Trump was to dissappear because he’s just a disruption the world doesn’t need.
I am looking forward to Spring, warmth and family days out.
Hoping to make more time to cook from scratch this year
better health – the past few months have been a real challenge – i do know i will imp and enjoy life again
You will start to enjoy life again – lets hope 2026 is a good year and better than last year
I’m hoping for a much happier year in 2026. Last year was horrible, with multiple bereavements as well as several major health problems. I don’t want any more years like that!
I am totally with you on this one
I am hoping for the opportunity to try some new things and meet some new people
I had a tough year health wise last year, so I’m hoping that this year proves to be easier.
I love the idea of a Galentines Day gift guide!
Lets hope 2026 is kinder to us all. I never thought of a Galentines guide before
For 2026 I am hoping to read more books, start Zumba again and spend less time on my phone scrolling!
I’m hoping to get back into healthy eating and to keep up my exercise routine.
A healthier year for all my family, with less operations and less pain!