Juggling Work, Life & Guinea Pigs
Juggling magazine journalism with small furries
When Megan Llorente invited me to write for her new publication, Modern Women, on “what it’s like to be a woman navigating this modern world,” I wasn’t sure I was a great candidate. I’ve spent years hiding from the modern world! And I don’t feel like a modern woman.
But the idea of writing about juggling demands appealed, because it’s an excuse to talk about my two furry workmates: Merlin and Pumpkin.
I work at home as a freelance writer, with two guinea pigs and my husband who, since the pandemic, has been working on his own upstairs. My typical day involves juggling guinea pig shenanigans with editorial emails, washing, and making lunch. I like this lifestyle. It’s less stressful than working in someone else’s office.
The guinea pigs are always top priority, squeaking with excitement for their breakfast in the morning. I feed them, top up water, clean them, and chat to them. I have to empty Pumpkin’s bottom sometimes (Yes, it’s a thing! He has an impacted rectum). I pop them out in the garden when it’s nice and on warm nights, they camp under the stars!
In between bottom cleaning, hutch cleaning, and general guinea pig slavery, I write articles. Today I’ve been writing about chickens for a US chicken magazine. I do a lot of stories about chickens. I’m tempted to adopt some rescue hens, but it’s not practical while we have a lot of holidays.
In the summer, I write about caravanning, so we’re away exploring the UK in our tiny Freedom caravan. Here’s Bristol Balloon Festival, which I covered one year. I also do stock photography, so I spend some of my time sorting out photos — either for articles, photo libraries, or calendars.
As part of my working day, I take an afternoon walk. It helps me reset and sometimes reminds me of things I’ve forgotten. Other times, it provides much needed inspiration for a writing project.
I don’t have a complicated life like some women. No kids. Just a very cooperative husband, and two small furry boys who are easy to please as long as they get fed.
Am I a good example of the demands on a modern woman? Probably not, but that’s me. I like to keep things simple.
More from me…
- How A Guinea Pig Conquered My Loneliness
- Could I Be On The Spectrum?
- Wildlife Heroes Provide a Sanctuary for Disabled Animals
- Strange & Surreal: My First Druid Ceremony at Winter Solstice
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