November Tales: Progress, Fairs and Fabulous Music

I’m only just finding the time to write about November, yet Christmas is knocking on the door like an overexcited caroler. Where did the time go? Well, I’ve been busy, but this is about November. If you’re itching for December, you’ll just have to come back later. Suspense builds character, you know!

Looking back at the calendar (because memory isn’t always my strong suit), November seems to have been pretty normal. Weekly trips to the day center? Check. A handful of Skype calls with Dad and Emily? Double check. Unscheduled voice calls with UK friends? Probably—I’m becoming quite the social butterfly these days, albeit one that flutters along at caterpillar speed.

But wait! Not everything was mundane. Here are three highlights that might actually keep you awake while reading.

1. The Diabetes Nurse and Her Shocked-yet-Pleased Face:

I had an appointment with my Diabetes Nurse, and let me just say, the look on her face was priceless. I’d describe it as “stupidly shocked,” but she might prefer “pleasantly surprised.” (Tomato, tomahto.) You see, I’ve been working on my health and shedding some pounds. If you follow me on social media or Discord, you probably already know this—selfies don’t lie.

The nurse, however, hadn’t seen me since the start of my health journey early this year, so she wanted all the juicy details. “Why?” “How?” “What’s your end goal?’’ She was thrilled with my progress and even hinted that I might get to reduce or ditch some medications next year. Fingers crossed, but I’ll keep you updated!

2. Castles, Cheese, and Cozy Winter Vibes:

Who says medical updates can’t be followed by fun? Toward the end of the month, I visited a winter fair, and it was just the cozy kind of event to get me in the festive mood. Set near a castle with stunning views, it ticked all my “happy place” boxes. (If you’ve read my blog about Greece, you know castles are my jam.)

The fair wasn’t too crowded, so I could wander leisurely, soaking in the sounds, and smells. I treated myself to a few treasures, including an adorable Disney plush in a winter outfit. Food-wise, my taste buds went on an adventure: a toasted sandwich, raclette cheese on a sandwhich, a crispy oliebol, and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Perfection!

3. Jamai’s Voice (and Some Elton John Magic):

To cap off the month, I attended a concert where Jamai performed Elton John songs. From my almost-front-row seat, I could even catch some movement on stage—a rarity for me! Not that it mattered, because his voice was the real star. Jamai’s vocal range is so impressive, I half-expected him to shatter glass or summon dolphins.

Beyond the music, he connected with the audience through heartfelt stories and playful banter, making it an unforgettable experience. I left the show with a big smile and a renewed appreciation for live performances.

Now, here’s the upside to publishing this blog three weeks late: I can already tell you I’m very excited to share December with you. But, of course, I’m going to make you wait. I’m a bit of a tease like that. After all, Christmas has to happen before I can dish out the details!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all the best for 2025. See you in the next blog (I promise it won’t be so late)!

Love always,

Me

Blog written by CJ. Edited with ChatGPT.