Danielle Perry is a radio presenter at Absolute Radio, a band manager, DJ, podcaster and writer for Q Magazine. She’s also a new mum to baby Etta. Although life has changed somewhat, there is a common ground between everything and that’s what she’s going to be writing about in this new column, 'Me +1'. She’s not going to be banging on about sensory classes or Peppa Pig – but the way our interests, styles and passions shift throughout our lives and how it is possible to not lose any of your identity or fun with the impending feeling of being a proper grown up.
I sit here at nearly midnight after spending the night packing bags to go away FOR TWO NIGHTS. All other parents will know all too well that even a brief foray to another dwelling calls for a complete dismantle of your house and a car full of stuff that you absolutely/might/should/just in case need.
I do really try and travel light but from my horizontal position on the sofa I can see a glam black and tan leather cabin bag (once mine… weep!) full of little lady’s clothes; a baby gym; a high chair; a bag of toys and books; a travel bag full of food, formula, eye drops, teething stuff.. arghhh the list goes on and on.
You’d be surprised though how necessary all this is. ‘What will you do when we go away to Mallorca later in year?’ asked my mum. In sheer stupidity I have only paid for one cabin bag for a week away for my little gang. It’s never going to work. ‘Stairgate’ she said. ‘Oh yeah. Blimey’ I retorted. Luckily though, experienced mums know best and she’s already flagged up a hire company on the sunny isle, and it’s all quite reasonable, so PHEW.
Of course life changes beyond belief with a plus one, but as well as the physical luggage add-ons where you go is paramount too.
It is my pledge this year to take more breaks. I keep reading those fascinating articles from our elders saying what they wished they had done more of in their prime years, and the reoccurring subject of taking more time out for yourself and your family rings true to me.
I once flew to Thailand on New Years Eve with my man. It was the most liberating thing when asked what we were doing for the big yearly countdown; ‘We’re flying to Bangkok’ I’d reply. Waking up and starting a new year in a new country felt very good to me, and the sunshine certainly helped with the January blues.
I’ve been thinking of what to do this year. Nashville has always been on the to do list, as has India, Vietnam and Canada. None of those would be easy right now - not for a few years in any case but we will get there one day. You can’t go to Nashville and not go out at night and soak up that music; you can’t go to India and not travel deep into the beautiful country.
So take heed my compadres. If there’s anything on that list that you simply must do, then pack your one bag and book your travels with gay abandon. Facebook memories keep reminding me of those city breaks I used to take with my girlfriends and I hold cherished and hilarious memories of them all. I’m looking forward to the new experience though... walking around with my two favourite people will be everything I need, I just need to put my hand in my pocket and pay for that extra bag.
Listen to Absolute Radio at absoluteradio.co.uk and catch Danielle Perry 4-6pm Weekdays on Absolute Radio, and on The Sunday Night Music Club - 8pm - 12am.
READ MORE OF DANIELLE'S COLUMNS:
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