Life can be a funny old game.
One minute, everything is great, we're on a high, enjoying the good times - the next, we're worrying and stressing, hoping whatever the problem is, it can be resolved quickly.
In this day and age, it's easy to see how we can get carried away worrying about the silly things in life when all we should be doing is taking care of what we treasure the most.
However, sometimes the universe likes to give us a kick up the backside to remind us of what those important things are - and that can be a most unnerving lesson.
In fact, I'm still recovering from being `schooled' by the universe this week, when I got the chance to spend the day shopping with Abbie.
Usually, on a day off, when I have Abbie and James, I avoid shopping as it can be a stressful experience.
However, the other day, Darren had James at home as our little man was feeling under the weather so Abbie and I went out to get some bits and pieces.
Having spent the morning visiting various shops and picking up new hair clips and bobbles, we had to venture to Mothercare at Sprucefield to order a new car seat for James.
As we entered Mothercare, holding hands tightly as we always do, Abbie and I headed straight for the car seat section and started having a look around at the range.
Abbie was a great help as she set about trying out every seat I lifted down off the shelf and giving her tried-and-tested opinion.
Finally, we made our selection and we were then approached by a member of staff who informed us that the seat we had selected was out of stock and would have to be ordered in.
So, we set about ordering the item and going through all the details.
However, I was halfway through the conversation when I noticed Abbie was no longer standing beside me.
PANIC STATIONS. PANIC STATIONS.
All at once, I felt sick, panicked and light-headed like I would faint.
What started as a very low "Abbie", soon turned into a scream, as I yelled her name repeatedly.
In that moment, I felt nausea rise from my stomach and my heart was racing so fast I thought my legs would give way.
Then a woman pushing her grandchild in a pram saw my panic and immediately set out to help me as I darted between the rails frantically shouting for Abbie.
All of a sudden, the woman shouted to me that she had seen a little girl running around in the kids clothes section and she moved in that direction.
All I could think about were the sliding doors at the front of the store and what if Abbie had run out to the car park?
All sorts of horrible consequences were quickly flashing before my eyes and I swear I was on the verge of just lying down and crying when the woman shouted to me that she had seen her.
I quickly darted in her direction and towards a circular rail of kids clothes. I bent down and right in the middle of the rail, I could see two little feet in familiar pink shoes and then I heard the most wonderful sound - Abbie's little giggles.
In that moment, while my head told me to give her a good telling off, my heart told me to hold her in my arms and give thanks that she was safe.
With tears in my eyes I thanked the wonderful Guardian Angel who had helped me in what I felt was the scariest moment of my life. The woman told me that while it was the first time Abbie had done that, I should prepare myself because it probably wouldn't be the last.
Afterwards, I just held Abbie like nothing else mattered and instead of scolding her, we walked up to the Early Learning Centre and I bought her and James two presents. (Cue the criticism).
Later that night I sat her down and explained to her that she should never run away from mummy or daddy.
That said, I too learned a lesson. I should think less about the little things and more about the important things - my family.
I've now invested in a wrist link and intend to make good use of that from now on and yes, I'm aware it might make Abbie's walk up the aisle a bit awkward but hey, ho, needs must and all that.
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Competition 1
If the bad weather has left you feeling fed up and stressed out, how about winning a relaxing lunch in the clouds above Belfast?
The Ivory, located on the upper level of House of Fraser in Victoria Square, is a hidden gem above the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
As well as offering spectacular views across the city, The Ivory’s menu features a blend of Irish and French contemporary cooking with a wide choice of beautifully presented and consistently impressive meat and fish options as well as excellent vegetarian options.
Sample signature items include chicken liver parfait and Caesar salad alongside butternut squash on toast or why not try the free range chicken breast with roasting juices, wild mushrooms and garlic sauté potatoes.
For a shopping pit-stop, an express business lunch or an evening meal, The Ivory is the perfect location, day and night.
The Ivory also hosts regular wine evenings and is an ideal location for treating your Mum on Mother’s Day.
The Ivory is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a three-course lunch for two with a glass of prosecco on arrival.
If you fancy winning, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, March 7, 2015.
(Q) The Ivory Restaurant is located on the upper floor of which Belfast retail store?
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What's Hot?
Tune - I'm loving the new collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Chris Martin. The tune, called Something Just Like This, a is feel good track and perfect for these cold winter mornings on the drive to work.
Thrill - Hugh Jackman returns to our cinema screens this weekend in Logan. Set in the near future, an ageing Wolverine and Professor X must protect a young female clone of Wolverine from an evil organization. Fans of The X-Men will love this. Out today.
Not So Perfect - Considered one of the world's most beautiful women, supermodel, Cindy Crawford has revealed she has cellulite (just like the rest of us) however I just loved her response to it - "I have cellulite. I admit it. But sometimes I just say, ``Screw it, I am going to wear a bikini". Brilliant.
So Not!
Weather - What's with all the storms? First we had Doris and now we are being told to prepare for more. I'm pretty sure spring is meant to be nicer than this. Can someone please have a word with whoever is in charge of the weather and sort this please?
Loss - Hollywood actor Bill Paxton has died at the age of 61. The Thunderbirds and Twister star passed away due to complications from surgery. Sad news.
The Jump - It was the one reality show I was actually enjoying but now Caprice has become the latest celeb to leave the programme. The 45-year-old model has reportedly been struck down with a mystery illness. They should just cancel this show now, there will be no-one left soon.
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Competition
The winners of the All The Missing Girls competition are Winnie O'Hagan, from Newry, Margaret McCarthy, from Newtownards, and Paula Keenan, from Belfast
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Competition 2
Calling all cake lovers.
Victoria Square is joining forces with Women’s Institute to find the best ‘Victoria Square Sandwich’ in Northern Ireland.
Six skilled bakers from the WI were chosen at the semi-finals in January, judged by Victoria Square Centre Manager Michelle Greeves and our very own Mary Berry, Jenny Bristow.
The finalists will tomorrow race against the clock in front of a live audience from 12pm to bake and decorate their best creation.
To celebrate the event, the Irish News is offering three readers the chance to win a Women’s Institute Cookbook and a £20 Victoria Square gift.
If you fancy winning, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, March 7, 2017
(Q) What date is the final of the Victoria Square Bake-Off?
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