A Chocolatey Distraction (Well, Almost)

Today, I popped into London to attend *Chocolate Unwrapped*, an indulgent showcase of cocoa fuelled delights as part of Chocolate Week. And yes, don’t worry 😉, I’ll fill you in on all the chocolatey wonder in another post (priorities, people!). 

But in answer to this ‘daily prompt’ let me tell you what  I have been up to. This afternoon I was drinking a Dirty Chai  (coffee and chai combo with a wicked name 😹)and reading *The BMJ* (British Medical Journal, for those living blissfully outside the world of medical literature). Yes, you read that right—me, willingly reading *The BMJ* in a public setting *gasps dramatically*. I’m not entirely sure why I brought it out with me. Normally these journals are stacked, unread in my home office, only to be guilty placed in the recycling bin *hides face in shame*. But before I knew it, I’d read it cover to cover and *made notes*. Yes, actual notes. 

Sunshine, Southbank, and My Inner Geek

I wasn’t done there, oh no. My freakish behaviour continued as I relocated to the balcony of the Southbank Centre, basking in the glorious autumnal (well, autumn-ish) sunshine. I carried on scribbling away in Moleskine notebook (yes, I’m that person). It was the perfect backdrop for channelling the introverted medical student that still lives within me, but this time south of the river (traitor…)

So, why this sudden dedication to reading, about what other doctors up to when I’ve shown no interest for the past two decades? Well, I’ve recently started curating material about my life as a community paediatrician—my literal bread and butter. For the past year, I’ve been keeping a separate digital journal documenting the highs and lows of my work. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly lows, but we keep calm and carry on. It feels like the natural next step to explore writing about life in the NHS and being a doctor, in a way that, for once, doesn’t involve food. I know—shock horror – what no baked goods?.

A Voice Waiting to Be Heard (But Not Just Yet)

Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to reading what my peers are writing about their own experiences in the medical world. And, to my surprise, I realised that I too have something to say. I’ve been a doctor for over 20 years now and I have thoughts, opinions—believe it or not—that might actually be worth sharing. But, I’m not quite ready to share them just yet. Well, not in any obvious way, at least…

I’m already out there experimenting under my grandmother’s name (because, why not?). For now, in this part of the tinternet, I’m quite content to continue to outwardly play the role of the bumbling and awkward *chica panadera*  or *la chica de la burbuja* who gets overly enthusiastic about French toast. But behind the scenes, I’m embracing my inner geek, plotting how to make a meaningful contribution.

 Ideas, Ideas, and… More Ideas

My ideas for this new writing venture are bouncing all over the place, from daily diary formats to weekly roundups to full-blown educational articles. One topic that keeps cropping up is autism, a particular area of interest for me. It’s something I’m genuinely passionate about, so don’t be surprised if that becomes my focus. My *special interest* you might surmise.

I’m really excited about this. I’m not bored of writing about cake (let’s be honest, who could ever tire of cake?), but I do feel the need to broaden my horizons. I want to challenge myself, and writing has always helped me stay sane. I’m already writing these thoughts down anyway. One day (my 2025 goal), I might just be brave enough to share them with the world.

A Waiting Game

I’d say “watch this space”—but of course, it won’t be here! 🙊

For now, I’ll leave it up to the universe to decide how and when I’ll make my entrance into this new world of writing. Until then, I’ll be here, plotting my next literary move and of course, eating French toast. 😉