Unpacking: October

The month that gave me culture, chaos, and a herniated disc.

Yet again, a month that’s flown by. I feel like I blinked, and it was over. Between my parents visiting, a quick trip to India, and trying to stay on top of work, it been a blur. It’s the kind of month that reminds me how fast the year’s gone, and that weird mix of excitement and panic starts to creep in because, somehow, it’s almost Christmas.

I knew October would be a bit busy because my parents were visiting, but I was genuinely looking forward to it. I love having them here…it makes me feel warmer, and the fact we were also going on a short vacation together was even better….it meant I could really switch off from work and spend quality time with them. For me, October always feels like an odd month. Like it’s neither here or there, and maybe that’s why it went by so quickly for me. I was so excited about how my fitness would progress this month. All I’m going to say…is read on.

Mum and Dad came, and hubby and I did a short trip to India with them. We were all mainly excited for the food, obviously. The best part is that it’s only a few hours from Dubai, so no jet lag, just great food and chaos in the best way possible. The week leading up to it was hectic with work, but once we landed, I remembered why I love India so much. The colors, the noise, the culture, the life…it’s one of those places that just feels alive. At the same time, after a week I was ready to get back home.

Unfortunately, right at the end of October, I managed to herniate my disc in my lower back…more on that in the fitness section, because it’s not the first time it’s happened.

Trips like India always come with one main worry for me…the food. You can’t always guarantee it will be kind to your gut, but the problem is, I love street food. It’s been five years since I last went, and there was no way I wasn’t indulging just a little. I’d like to say I made smart choices but also…pani puri exists for a reason.

We also did some sightseeing, which was actually really nice. We went to Humayun’s Tomb and the museum, and I think I’m finally a museum kind of girl. There’s something about history that feels grounding, especially when you’re always moving at a hundred miles an hour in day to day life.

Back in Dubai, I attended a business coaching and mentoring masterclass with Aidan O’Brien, and it was genuinely enlightening. My husband and I went together, which I loved…I think when you work together, it’s so important to align on what motivates you both. These sessions kind of put things in perspective and give us new ways to grow as a team.

Okay, here’s the part that really frustrated me. I herniated my disc again. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll remember I did this a little over two years ago…it’s actually what started my whole fitness and weight loss journey in the first place (along with my cholesterol/diabetes scare).

I have no idea how it happened this time, but thankfully it’s nowhere near as bad as before, probably because I’m not carrying around as much extra weight now. Still, it means I have to let it heal, because there are obvious tell tale signs…if I look in the mirror, you can see my torso is lopsided (a little less than the first time I herniated the disc…but still bent), it’s obviously painful to do certain things, I’m walking with my bum sticking out slightly (can’t fully straighten my back), bending over takes forever and I have to be even more careful…so as you can imagine, it feels like I’m falling apart. I’ve booked my chiropractor sessions for next week, and I’m already figuring out what workouts I can do that won’t aggravate it…mostly seated, no impact. Cleary squats are out of question. Looks like it’s going to be upper body only for a while.

I refuse to stop training completely. I’ve worked too hard this year to get where I am and I’m not willing to let this ruin it all for me. It’s frustrating, but I’m trying to focus on recovery rather than sulking about it. I’ve come too far to let this keep me down.

I’ve been waiting for this rant.

So, as most of you know, I get contacted by PR firms and people all the time…invites, product send outs, brand deals, events, even restaurant reviews. I usually say no to most restaurant stuff unless it’s somewhere I already love, because honestly, I like my evenings in.

Anyway, a PR reaches out, inviting me to Milos at the Atlantis. I’ve been before plenty of times (and love it), and since I’ve reviewed it once before, I thought, why not, I love it anyway. We set a date and time, and the morning of the booking she sends over the confirmation. The name on the booking is a completely different person.

So I message her, saying, “This isn’t my name.” And she goes, “Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I thought you were her!”

Are you kidding? Do your research. You’re literally inviting someone to dinner under the wrong name. I told her to cancel the booking because I didn’t feel comfortable, and she never even replied. Not even a sorry. Nothing. Can you believe the audacity?! Well after I did a little digging on who she is, turns out she’s not even from the PR that usually invites me. It’s a random PR person who works solo. Kind of kicking myself for not asking before.

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• A few pieces from Lime, and I’m loving them. It’s still shorts weather in Dubai (for about a month more, if I’m lucky).

• The most stunning Dita sunglasses, aviator style with intricate detailing on the sides. They’re perfection.

• Some great pieces from Meshki, especially a denim set that I’ve been living in.

I’m eyeing some pieces from Victoria Beckham right now, particularly the Alina High Rise Jeans. I’m also a bit obsessed with the Saint Laurent Jeanne embellished slingbacks. They’re not new, but I don’t care. I’m not someone who buys things just because they’re the latest. I buy things when I actually love them.

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This one made me laugh at myself. I bought First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (which ended up being my Book of the Month), but I accidentally ordered the large print version. At first I thought, perfect, I won’t need my glasses…but after one page, I realized I have to hold it at arm’s length to read it properly, otherwise the words go fuzzy. So yes, I’ve spent the entire month reading this book literally at arms length.

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• Patrick Ta Major Glow Highlighters…the cream and powder combo is divine. So wearable that I’m wearing it daily!

• Rouge Dior Soft Filter Liquid Blush…gives the most natural, healthy flush.

• I was invited to try the new Dolce & Gabbana makeup, and honestly, I didn’t expect much…but I was so wrong. The skin tint is beautiful, lightweight, glowy, and natural. And the fragrance ‘Masculine’ was my favorite. Clean, fresh, and subtle.

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• The Girlfriend - I loved this show. I feel like everyone has had a moment (or more) in their life where this storyline hits a little too close to home.

• House of Dynamite - why. It was such a great movie right up until it ended abruptly. I hate that modern films feel the need to be edgy with no real ending. Can we have the old movies back with a proper start, middle, and end please?

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October gave me a lot…family time, travel, some career motivation, and a back injury to keep me humble. But I still feel grateful. It reminded me that life doesn’t always go to plan, but you just adapt, keep moving, and find the joy in between the chaos.

Here’s to hoping November is a little gentler….and my back miraculously recovers.

Until next month…

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