I have so much to update you on! Where to start!

Gosh! It has been awhile since I have been here. How is everyone?

Day 10: @swanny.bsky.social Nominated by @simonjprior.bsky.social. Leila is an incredible Quality Advocate whose work this year and beyond deserves recognition. Congratulations on the 2025 QA Leader of the Year nomination - well deserved! #AdvenTesters

Christmas wreath making 2 days in a row ❤️🎄

Hey everyone - this is Rebecca ❤️ aka @binarybeeillustration.com I'm sorry to say Mark has sustained anserious brain injury. I know how fiercely Mark is loved by his friends, community and loved ones. We've made a fundraiser for anyone who wants to support his recovery. gofund.me/a9a16868a

More Cleo pics ❤️

Had a lot of fun making an Autumn wreath 🍂🍁❤️

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I found the stream... 🤣

BLOG: This weekend has been filled full of rest and love. Recharging your batteries is important after a full week of work and spending time with those who lift you up is everything. 🥰 open.substack.com/pub/swannyby...

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Tired but a lovely day!

New nails 💅

Forgot to share my latest blog post here: open.substack.com/pub/swannyby...

My body changed. My confidence did too. Perimenopause, weight gain, wardrobe meltdowns and the weird grief of not recognising yourself anymore. This one’s raw, real, and a little sweaty. 👇 Read the post: open.substack.com/pub/swannyby...

How do you communicate with your teams? Do you consider how your feedback is taken by your reports? I’ve written a blog today about giving constructive feedback. swannybytes.substack.com/p/giving-fee...

This blog is the “work one”. The one that bares all about the past few years. Shares what I want to achieve and what’s holding me back! open.substack.com/pub/swannyby...

From a work perspective, tomorrow’s blog is “the one!”.

Two blogs in one weekend, I hear you say? Yes! It has been so therapeutic for me to share. I’m hoping I can keep the consistency. Warning: today’s blog is quite vulnerable for me, but I do hope you enjoy reading. open.substack.com/pub/swannyby...

Cleo update… 🐶

Happy Sunday ❤️

A friend threw me a belated birthday last weekend and despite being 43, it was my first proper “girls” nights out. I had a blast and I was completely carefree and happy in this pic! ❤️

Remember you’re a Womble! #wembleydons

Ran a bath 🛁 Got side tracked by work stuff. 💻 Too late for a bath. ⏰ No bath for me! 🥶 Not a very happy bunny 🤬

I celebrated my birthday on Monday 🎉. The weekend was spent with friends and family and whilst it was very low key, I feel so grateful to see another year ❤️

Not being recognised for your hard work in a public forum is gutting! Especially when the recognition goes to someone else.

I didn’t sleep. It’s 3 nights in a row now. Last night was different. I had migraine headaches and was woken by multiple panic attacks. Today I feel awful. Absolutely awful 😢

I don’t do this very often, however, I am really proud of me. I have overcome some huge challenges of late, and I’ve realised I don’t pass myself on the back enough! I am quick to put myself down, but not quick enough to say when I have done well. So, well done me! 👏🏼

Full on first day back at work.

ADHD burnout as a working mum is basically speedrunning life on hard mode with no save points. Breakfast? Forgot. Meeting? Late. Kid’s project? It’s due TODAY?! Cool cool cool.

I have had a lovely week off. It’s definitely had its moments, however I realised that I am doing too much right now. My body is telling me to stop in so many ways. It’s important to look after yourself.

The morning so far ❤️ #cleothegold

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums! Everything I do is for my son. I want to show him what it means to be hardworking, ambitious, and kind. Being a woman in tech while balancing motherhood isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. To all the mums juggling it all, you’re doing amazing! #MothersDay

I have a bad feeling about today!

When you buy a puppy who lives with 3 cats 🤣 #cleothegold

Fun in the sun today with #cleothegold

Stunner #cleothegold

Not even midday and there’s tears! 😭

She loves her snuffle ball ❤️ #cleothegold

I felt a little bit pretty today! So happy my hair seems to be finally growing!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY ❤️

Cleo update 🐾🐶 #cleothegold

It’s so funny that I’m seeing more men’s posts getting responses than women’s about International Women’s Day 🤣

I did not eat pancakes. I’m sad!

Retreated to my studio to watch some podcasts and have a glass of wine. The day ended better than it started. ❤️

It’s funny how going for a walk and clearing your head? Can make you feel so much better! I love where I live, especially in the sunshine. ☀️

I thought I had got it right. I felt confident. I was motivated and bold. Now I just feel like a shadow of myself. I’m honest, loyal and I work fucking hard at everything I do, both professionally and personally!!! I’m an asset…I know I am! But today I feel like nothing and no one. I’m tired. 😔