Diary of the Ration Challenge: Day 6
I got up early with the boys this morning, made their breakfasts, got their bags packed, got them washed and hair brushed, got them dressed…then completely lost it because I didn’t have any energy left for the childminder and school run. I actually cried. It was undoubtedly my biggest meltdown of the week. Luckily, Chris was on hand yet again to help me out - I couldn’t have managed this week without him.
Today I had a pre-booked pottery throwing day with a friend (with Imogen at Moon Studio Ceramics - highly recommended). I knew it would help to pass the time to be busy, but I also knew I’d struggle to concentrate. I had a bowl of rice for breakfast and a cup of tea to give myself the best chance of feeling human. We brought our own lunches to the workshop, and I had to pretend I was enjoying my cold, flavourless lentil and kidney bean burgers while I was secretly eyeing up Hula Hoops, rice cakes with Marmite, spinach tart, baby tomatoes and salad. (I forgot to photograph my burgers, but honestly, you’re not missing anything)!
There was at least one point in the day when I felt like I was going to cry again. There was so much information to take in and so much focus required to learn a new skill, and my brain just isn’t working properly at the moment. That’s my excuse for my wonky pot and inelegant vase, and I’m sticking to it!
Tea was an exciting affair. By hitting a certain fundraising target, I earned myself some protein (120g) and I chose chicken as my first meat of the week. I had to halve it as I’ll need something for tomorrow, and it looked disappointingly meagre. But once I’d chopped it and fried it with my rice and the last dregs of my tins of tomatoes, it was more than enough. With a little bit of imagination, I pretended I was having paella and could almost taste the lemon and prawns and taste the crisp rosé!
I’ve now finished all my flour, lentils, chick peas, sardines, kidney beans, tomato and milk. So tomorrow, the last day of the challenge, will be pretty slim pickings but at least it’s only one more day to endure. This video that Concern Worldwide sent me on Day 5 put it all into perspective, and reminded me that I am one of the lucky ones.
How much I’ve raised: £1,574
If you’d like to donate: Thank you, and here is my fundraising page
