Tuesday, 4 October 2016

Wrapped in a blanket of gloom

I am feeling really low and I don't know why, although I can hazard a guess or two.  I took my daughter to Portsmouth flat hunting, 4 weeks ago now I think, and it set off an M.E flare which is lingering.   Have given in to it for a few days and done nothing apart from walking Milo and cooking tea, but its proving to be persistent, and I have to carry on.  It sucks.

October is the month my first grandchild should have been born and this weighs heavily on my mind despite trying not to dwell on it too much.  I worry about my son and daughter in law and feel just as helpless now as I did when I had the devaststing news that our bump had died.  He was their one and only chance with an egg donor, life is unfair.

My daughter has gone to uni, I may be suffering from empty nest syndrome, despite the fact we still have our son at home and daughter seemed to be so rarely here we classed our house as a hotel.

I also think I am lonely.  I miss my Dads company despite the fact he died 4 years ago.  I need to find me an old person to look after to give my life a bit of focus.

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Where's me cuppa?!

When I was a dental nurse I used to look on in envy at the receptionists sipping tea or maybe looking through a clothes catalogue in a leisurely manner.  What a life I used to grumble to the dentist as I was dashing around stocking up the surgery, getting xrays developed, getting patients into the surgery, clearing up and sterilizing and bagging up instruments.

Well, my health hasn't been too good this year so I decided, after much thought to give up nursing and try my hand at being a happy, smiley receptionist instead.

I don't know what has gone wrong, I really don't.  Well, I can pin it down actually, its the patients, they keep appearing.  I have worked two mornings and one afternoon  this week, and I am having a really hard time believing its only wednesday!  If I drank alcohol I think I would have a real problem by now with the amount I would have to consume to calm the stress.

Monday started out routinely enough, except the usual receptionist was ill, so my daughter had been drafted in, despite finishing the previous Friday in preparation for a new life at uni.  I had a bit of ordering to do, so when people asked my name, I said "Annabel" just in case I had made mistakes, and therefore couldn't be located.  A previous receptionist covered the afternoon with the normal, quite new girl who does reception and nursing.

Tuesday, oh, theres a bit of paperwork left over, and a pile of cards with messages on.  First 15 minutes was fine, and I realise why now - first appointment is 9am, so the patients appear at reception around 9.10.  We have 3 surgeries, so if the first patient is a check up thats 3 sets of forms to get signed, 3 lots of money to take and record, and 3 new appointments to make.  We are not computerised, so we have to write on the back of the record card the amount and method of payment, write the patients name and dentist number on all receipts, write the date of their next appointment on the front of the record card and on the patients appointment card and then fill out the forms.  When the pile is of reasonable size, a foot maybe, we have to put the cards and forms into alphabetical order, enter names into a folder and then pass everything to the relevant dentist to be signed.  Everything then comes back to the desk, record cards to be filed and forms to be sent off.  As I am typing this I realise how flippin archaeic it all is.  Most practices are computerized which cuts the work down to taking money, making appointments and printing everything else.

The pile of paperwork by the end of Tuesday morning was mounting.  No panic, we will cope.  The afternoon receptionist sent me a text to say that the afternoon had produced more paperwork than they could cope with and she was sorry.   Its like the never emptying porridge pot, it won't be long before we are drowning in paper and cards.  So far this week I haven't had time to think about a cup of tea, let alone get as far as the kettle.

Wednesday, thats today, although I feel as though I have worked for 3 weeks straight already!  Had the morning off as my daughter left for uni.  That in itself has generated a humungous pile of old clothes, books, shoes plus rubbish to be sorted through.  I will skip the leaving bit.  Although I joke about 3 down, 1 to go, I am sad.  The offspring left at home is male and when he makes an appearance to reassure us he hasn't died in front of his pc it is brief.  I will miss my daughters girly mind!  Having to watch things like Teen Mom, Keeping up with the Kardashians and various netflix box sets is now a think of the past.  Not such a bad thing actually.

Into work, more cards, more patients.  Of course, you get the families in during the afternoons.  I just can't bear to say anymore, I really can't.  We now have the leaning tower of Pisa on the desk.  I think we would have more chance of clearing it if it was the leaning tower of pizza!  At least we could give some of it away!

I just don't know how the previous receptionists did it.  Maybe I am talking to the patients too much.  Must stop being hapoy and smiley, although stressed and panicky is rapidly taking over.  My mantra by thd end of the day was "go away and don't talk to me" ......

Tuesday, 6 September 2016

Bollox day

Feeling crap.  Took daughter to Portsmouth on Saturday flat hunting.  I knew it would make me ill but tbh it was a case of doing it to save all of our sanity!  Less said about it all the better, suffice to say daughter is off to uni and decided with 5 weeks to go that she didn't want to live in halls, her and boyfriend were moving in together.  One bed flats are like gold dust and disappear the minute the details reach the letting agent.  When you live over 140 miles away and can only view on Saturdays you don't stand much chance.  Anyway, the deed is done, assuming all the checks are clear, and we can all relax, for a few months anyway!

Anyway, bastard dog needs to go out, no matter how I feel, and because he will only go out with me there is no other choice.  Getting a bit fed up of going to the common so decided to go around the houses and on to the park.

Dog whinged and whined whilst I had breakfast and a cuppa and shredded yet more of the stick he brought home yesterday.  The floor is covered in bits of wood and dead slipper, to be cleared up later!

He was pretty well behaved on the lead for once, no pulling and trying to race ahead like a steam train.  Got to the wildlife area of the park, no more than 2 minutes in and bastard had found a whopping pile of fox poo to lather himself in.  I despair, I really do.  Warned a man walking his dog not to try stroking him, not that Milo lets people near anyway.  Oh its easy enough to wash them said the man who's dog obviously never rolls.  When you feel like crap and have to do it on a regular basis its not flippin easy.

Right, carry on, muttering to myself, along the river, or in the river if you are Milo.  Run around like a lunatic in the long grass, which always puts a smile on my face.  I have to admit, its not me running in the grass, after 4 children my bladder is like a seive!  Milo did have a good run with a couple of dogs and I decided to take him further to try and really use up what energy he had left.  He was puffing and panting and again good on the lead.  Came to a bit I could let him off the lead again as it was away from the road so he had freedom again.  So much for the calm dog, all I am going to say is cat.  Might add bastard again for good measure!

Its husbands birthday tomorrow so I have made a cake.  Not quite as big a cake as planned, but a cake nonetheless.  As I was putting the cake tin in the oven I accidentally touched the red hot rack.  The instant reaction is to withdraw your hand quickly, which I did, dropping the cake tin as I did.  Before I could yell "bluddy hell thats hot" bastard had his tongue around the falling mixture, lapping up as much as he could before the 3 second rule could take effect.  I think I might already have said I despair, but I really do....

My lounge floor, which I have cleared and hoovered, is now littered with bits of (madly) torn up paper, formerly flat details and an electoral roll letter left on the side table, and a plastic lidl carrier bag, stolen from the kitchen.  Anyone want a manic, shit rolling, seemingly untrainable dog?

Thursday, 1 September 2016

Day care relief

Thursday is doggie day care day.  It is a day for me to be able to shop, and leave the front door open whilst I bring said shopping into the house.  It also means I can leave the bags on the floor without them being raided by the dog who is convinced he is starving, all the time.  He hurls himself into a bag, grabbing whatever his teeth clamp onto first, and high tails it off into the lounge as if he was an SAS operative home from a highly successful mission.

Before day care we had a system, dog was shut in the kitchen via the stairgate, husband brought the shopping in, handed it to me over the gate and I, in turn hefted it over another stairgate which shuts off the utility room.  Oh, two stairgates I hear you say, how inconvenient.  Actually its three, we have one at the foot of the stairs too, initially put there to allow the cat space for herself without the risk of being eaten alive.  A Milo free zone is a precious commodity in this house!

Thursdays is now the only day my guinea pigs can go out into their run without being terrorised.  Basterd dog runs round and round the run frantically gnawing at the bars whilst my poor piggies cower in terror under their plant pots.  My last dog ignored them completely, so they lived a life of luxury, with free reign of the garden and coming and going as they pleased.  Poor things are now locked up most of the time.

Man, he's a terror, still!  He vandalises the house and furniture, digs up the grass, jumps up at the kitchen sides, still tries to eat shoes, bags, coats, if its left out its fair game.  He has decided he has learned enough commands for his liking, and any negative ones certainly dont apply to him.  He is 2yrs old next month and shows no signs of calming down, or behaving!

Would we do it again? Nope.  Do we wish we hadn't had him?  Often!  Do we love him?  Unconditionally, daft sods that we are!

Tuesday, 2 August 2016

Its a dogs life

Dog:   Where is she?  I've been up ages and I know she jasn't snuck out of the house, no-one gets past me and my super powers.  Oh come on, it's been ages and ages and ages since I got up.  Wait!  I hear a noise! Thats her, on the stairs, yayyyy, must rush to greet her.  Ooh, ooh, pick up something to take with me, bone, that'll do.  Must act cool, make her know I am displeased with the wait.  *jumps up then runs in circles* you're here, wahooo.  Come cuddle me on the settee.  Hang on, that's my bone, give it back, blummin cheek.

            Oh no, does she really have to eat, oh, nougat pillow, don't mind if I do.  Come on then, lets go.  *paces, jumps onto settee and starts to chew pillow*  Works every time!  Go on upstairs, do your teeth.   *whine, whine, little howl"  omg where has she gone, she's been hours.  Why does she always disappear for so long.  She's gone, left me all alone, what will I do without her *howl, howl, whine*  SHE IS BACK,  I knew she'd never leave me, omg, I am so happeee, she's here and she has shoes on.  I can't wait, so excited, so happy, I must leap about to show her I am pleased to see her.  Leads on, doors opening.  It's raining, oh I love the rain, lets go, lets go.

                I love running in the rain, in fact I just love running.  I love running in mud, in ponds, in long grass, short grass, on paths, in woods.  Its been a good walk and I am wet, but I love that too, I give off such a glorious smell.  Happy to be in the car, I get dried and she doesn't realise I go throough her pockets whilst she's making me all snug.

                Home, yayy.  Where's my carrot?  Must spread out on the settee and relax.  Where is she?  She knows I can't eat my carrot until she's with me ............ *farts*


Me:   Really want a lie in.  ME is playing up big time and I am struggling to control it.  Freya is kneading my neck and miaowing, asking for her breakfast.  No peace for the wicked. * Gets up, feeds cat and forgets about lie in.*  Milo is having a mild excitement attack as if he hasn't seen me for months.  Sit on the settee with him and try to take his bone which I thought he was offering me, but obviously he wasn't.  Pour out my cereal, all the time knowing I am being watched eagerly.  Give in and give Milo a nougat pillow.  Sit down for breakfast and a cuppa.  Flippin dog is getting impatient s usual.  Really don't want to do the dog walk today cos its raining and feel yuk.  Milo starts to chew the cushion on the settee, he can be such a b*sturd!

         Go upstairs to do my teeth, and think I may as well clean the en suite whilst I am here.  Milo is creating downstairs, whining and howling.  For heavens sake, I've only been gone 5 minutes or so, no chance of cleaning main bathroom as well then.  Go downstairs to be greeted by one very excited dog, get raincoat on and out into the typically english summer rain!

           Drive to the common and check I have poo bags and treats in my pockets, then find the hole Milo created in the right hand pocket, rendering it useless.  Milo doesn't care its raining, he just loves life.  I don't know how he coped being shut up in a small run with 4 other dogs in the Greek shelter.  Once he is off the lead he just runs and runs, its a joy to watch, and almost makes up for the fact he can be such a pain in the arse.  I am soaked.  My raincoat isn't really!  I can feel the water running along my arm, and where the coat finishes, all the water collects and runs onto my jeggings.  My trainers are soaked, along with my socks and my hood is directing the rainwater down the side of my face.  Forty minutes later Milo is still happily running, and I am drenched!  Get back to the car and dry him off with the aquatowel.  Its brilliant, bit like a chamois for dogs and gets him lovely and dry.  Step away from the boot of the car and notice the contents of my coat pocket spread about the road!

              Home.  Milo runs in and jumps onto the settee.  I go into utility room, hang up wet coat and battle to take off my sopping trainers.  Peel off my jeggings and socks and as I pass through the kitchen take a carrot out of the fridge for Milo.  Give him carrot and head upstairs for dry clothes.  Come back down and he's waiting for me cos he won't eat it without me for some reason.  Sit on the settee in the small gap he's left.  Dog eats his carrot, stretches out a bit more so he's lying on me, and farts!

Monday, 1 August 2016

One hung low

The dog has had my new bra off the washing line and massacred it.  My husband brought it in with the immortal words "you shouldn't leave things hanging down on the line!"  Now I know I can be a bit dim sometimes, but I am sure that is the point of a washing line.  The dog obviously sees it as a play thing, especially put there for him, he tears up the grass underneath it and plays tug of war with the things hanging from it.  Why?  Why didn't we have a normal dog instead of this into everything whether your back is turned or not bad, bad beast?  Its not that we don't discipline him, the b*st*rd just doesn't listen and doesn't care!  He is currently demolishing a football on the lounge carpet, but is occupied for a minute or two!


Wednesday, 27 July 2016

Hairy moments

How do women who wear glasses manage to pluck their eyebrows?  Don't want to be discriminatory here, so how do men who wear glasses pluck their eyebrows too?  A long time ago, in a galaxy far away and a time before elder daughter left for uni never to return, she used to do it for me.  I lived in fear of looking in the mirror afterwards and finding they had disappeared, or turned into zigzag patterns.  Maybe a crop circle or two magically appeared in place of eyebrows.  To be fair, she did stick to my instructions of only plucking the stray ones under the brows, and I took a Bic (razor, not pen) down the gap between each eyebrow to complete the job.

That was pre the year 2000 and slowly, bit by bit I am looking more cavewoman than couture.  My younger daughter never took the mantle over, but likes to point out that my eyebrows need "doing".  No, she likes to gasp in horror as she spots the occasional grey hair, demanding that she pull it out.  After pulling a handful of brown hairs she declares she can't get it, leaving a nice bald patch with one solitary grey hair stuck up in the middle of it.

After yet another mention of the brows I thought I would take matters into my own hands and try the job myself.  I got up close to the mirror, and almost gasped in horror myself!  To my half bespectacled eye it looks like my right eyebrow has decided to be a side burn instead and try and join my hairline.  For heavens sake!  Is this what happens to women when they reach a certain age?  I know of beards and moustaches, and await mine with a certain amount of glee, but sideburns too?  Maybe that is just the start of it and in actual fact sightings of bigfoot are actually post menopausal women hiding out in the wood because they have developed all over fuzz.

I daren't look at the left one.  When I feel braver, and have bought a new bag of nice sharp bics I will shave  my face to within an inch of its life.  Till then I will leave my head hair to hang forward and everything can blend in together.


Monday, 25 July 2016

Boo

I was sitting in the lounge, minding my own business but looking out of the window, when I noticed 2 boys, around 12years old sneaking around.  Loitering they were.  The window was open and I heard one say "that one, there's a car on the drive"  He was pointing at my house but hanging back by a car.  I then watched as his friend (cheeky young whippersnapper) walked over the lawn and disappear from sight.  Then there came a knock on the front door, so I duly got up to answer it.  No-one there.  I went onto the porch but couldn't see anyone.  Little so and so!

I was just about to shut the door when I heard the 1st boy say "she's gone back in, do it again".   Shame they didn't know me.  I just pushed the door to and waited, ninja like.  Sure enough, through the glass I watched a hand reach for the bell.  With a magnificent flourish I flung open the door and emitted a rather loud and wonderful "raaaaaarrrrrrrr".   The little chap nearly wet himself, emitted a loud "fu**" and ran.  I collapsed in the hall in a fit of hysterical giggles.  Best day for a long time :0)

Day 1 as happy, smiley, stressed receptionist!

Well, it was my first day as receptionist today, ending lots and lots of years as a dental nurse.  I did start to work it out but got scared and quickly stopped!

It was fine up until about 9.15, we start at 8.45, and I was already getting complacent about it being a doddle compared to the surgery.  I luxuriated in fiddling with my pen and pencil and thought about an early cuppa.......  Then the phone rang, patient in need, on went the helpful receptionists hat, out comes the day book and first crisis averted.  Down goes the telephone only to ring straight away.  Out comes a patient from  surgery 1, closely followed by patient from surgery 2. Ok, there are two of us and the other receptionist has been there years.  I answer the phone whilst she dispatches the patients.  Lady's son came in last week and made an appt for January but can't remember when, but can she book in at the same time?  Well, the thing is, we are not computerised so have to trawl through the appointment books to try and find these appointments.  Couldn't find one in January under her sons name - oh, maybe it was December.  Not prepared to do it all again I just made new appointments.  Put the phone down, patients are arriving for appointments, phone is ringing, again, and more patients appear from the surgeries.

Stàrt panicking, no free spaces for emergencies, people are going to have to wait a few days.  Have to think of Shania Twain and rearrange a few lyrics - so you have a loose crown?  That don't impress me much, do do dodo (hum along now).

By the time 1pm arrives I have filled in about 6 forms, entered 20 in the book, answered umpteen phone calls and only managed 2 cups of tea.  The other receptionist on the other hand, has dealt with numerous patients, got the cards out for the afternoon sessions, filled in umpteen forms, done the banking, got cards out for next week, phoned the water board as we have a fountain in the carpark that shouldn't be there and put a delivery of stock away.  Slacker!

Saturday, 23 July 2016

Ello ello

I phoned my daughter today and left a 4 minute voice call.  Nothing unusual in that statement you might think, except I didn't.   I was on the common walking my dog and the only thing I can think of is when I bent down to pick up some hay for my guinea pigs the phone  fairies called her.  They have done it before.  Its not unusual for me to hear someone calling hello from my phone without me having touched it.  At least the fairies stick to the people in my address book!  The only other explanation I can come up with is that my backside did it, and thats just weirder than phone fairies!

Friday, 22 July 2016

Iron me flat!

My husband asked what my plans were for this afternoon.  I mentioned that I needed to do some ironing, and his reply was "Is it me, or do the number of times you say you are going to do the ironing not match up to the times you actually do the ironing?"

He has a point.  Some things need building up to, and ironing is one of them.  I think if I keep saying it I reach a point where I realise that I will have to get on with it.  Its a bit like dieting, you can't tell everyone you are going to go on a diet and not, its just not done.  Best to keep quiet about some things!

I did feel ashamed though when husband needed his shirt to wear to a funeral.  He has only worn it once, and that was to my eldest sons wedding - 2 years ago!  It has been sitting at the bottom of the pile for all that time, repeatedly overlooked because its a "posh" shirt and not needed.  Bit like my thoughts of dieting, although sadly that is needed.

Man, I wish people would leave us more generously fleshed people alone.  I don't enjoy eating salads and endless amounts of chicken all the time.  Too much veg gives me wind and sitting in public with a hurricane whirling around your insides is embarrassing, especially if a rogue breeze escapes.  If I am hungry I want to eat, not have a pint of water. Hungry not thirsty peeps.

Something overcomes me when I diet.  Think its called rebellion!  I suddenly get the urge to eat things I never would have batted an eyelid at before.  Things like cakes and biscuits, and crisps become very appealing and I absolutely MUST have them.  Normally my downfall, if you want to call it that, is chocolate.  Cannot be beaten, unless abroad when it becomes very avoidable due to the difference in taste.  I turn into a derranged cookie monster on speed, and could eat the size of Scotland in shortbread.

Husband has just popped his head round the corner and said "ironings going well then".   Darn, I think the time has finally come.........

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Rescue dog, rescue me.

A year ago in May we had to make the devastating decision to have our precious dog put to sleep.  He had liver cancer and the decision was an obvious one, but difficult nonetheless.  He was my soul dog and constant companion and I loved him to bits.

I missed him so much, still do, and hated coming in to an empty house.  So, we got a kitten, a beautiful little tabby kitten we called Freya.  I am a dog person!  I love Freya, but still felt the enormous hole left by Specks, so the hunt for another dog began!

I was getting desperate, all the dogs I liked, no-one else did, and vice-versa.  I love the Spanish hunting dogs, Podencos, but was on my own there.  Something made me look at shelters abroad and there we finally managed to agree on a dog.  The decision was made, home check was passed and the plans were in place.

On 21st July, 2015, Milo arrived in the UK from Greece, and we duly picked him up and brought him home.  Little did we know what we had let ourselves in for.  If we had known we definately would have not made the decision to take him on.

Milo was left at the shelter when he was around 5 weeks old and when we picked him up he was about 9 months old.  We had thought about him never having lived in a house and therefore wouldnt be used to the various noises of every day life, but that was as far as it went.   What we hadn't considered was the fact that for the past 9 months he had lived in a small enclosure, with nothing to do and weeing and pooing whenever he needed.  Yup, you guessed it, old habits die hard!  This little 12kg scrap of skin and bone really didnt want to have to go outside to do his business, why should he?  To add insult to injury, when he was stressed he would cock his leg on anything and everything.

He also tried to eat Freya at every opportunity, and the only solution we had was to shut her upstairs and keep the devil dog downstairs.  Happily she got bigger and learned to stand up for herself and they are fine together now.

Milo took about 4 months to learn toilet training and around the same time stopped his endless pacing.  This dog didnt know how to play or how to relax.  He went through an endless amount of cardboard boxes to keep him occupied, cos they seemed to keep him happy.  The floor was a continual explosion of cardboard.  Another thing that he did was take everything, and I mean everything, nothing was safe!  Paper, pens, cds, dvds, ornaments, shoes, clothing, cushions, wires.  You name it, the bloody dog had it!  Its like having a toddler all over again, except toddlers don't usually leap at the kitchen worktops and try and slurp off everything their anteater tongue can reach.  He still does it a year on and nothing we have done has rid him of this annoying habit.  He even has the washing off the line!

He is useless on a lead, but will give you his paw, wait for his treats and is very loving.  The thing that makes it all worth the agro, the tears, the frustration is the fact that this dog is exuberant, he loves life.  As soon as we reach the common and I let him off his lead he is off, running and running, playing with other dogs, leaping around in the water.

Before I started writing this, I wanted to go into more detail of our journey, but once I started it was just all too much.  So many different problems with him.  There were countless occasions when we wanted to give up on him, and it did take a long time to fall in love with him.   I used to liken him to an autistic child who didn't understand English.

Bit by bit he has wormed himself into our hearts and now, despite the fact we still have issues, he is here to stay.  We have spent a fortune on dog whisperers to try and help us but ultimately realised it was down to us.  We have muddled through and all of us have come a long way.  We have a beautiful lurcher collie cross who has doubled his weight but still looks skinny, who loves us and protects us.  He will be 2 in October and has calmed down and is 100 times better behaved than he was.  If you think of taking on a rescue dog from abroad think hard.  Having chatted to other people who rescued dogs from greece (via The Strays of Greece) I do think that Milo has been particularly difficult.   Chat to as many people as you can about it bevore making the decision.  On the other hand, there are also hundreds and hundreds of success stories.

Friday, 11 July 2014

madness

Okay, thought I would fess up about my latest nutty escapades.  *takes a deep breath*
First one was about 2 months ago, yes, I have been holding it in all that time.  Becky knows but she is the only one!
I  had a shopping trolley full after a weekly shop, (how come the "weekly" shop never lasts a week?), and approaching the sliding doors to be released from Tesco's foyer I saw a lady on the other side coming in.  I stopped to let her come through and she stopped at the same time.  I smiled and started forward, and so did she.  Yup, the dance of the trolleys.  I stopped again and waved for her to come through, and this is when it slowly dawned on me.  The lady waved.  Looking closer I realised that actually there was no one there, no one that is apart from my shadow!  Trouble is, I am a giggler, and once I start its not always easy to stop.  So not only am I trying to wave myself through glass doors, I am giggling helplessly as I finally burst through them into the car park.

The next incident happened only yesterday.  I blame this one on my friend Rachel, and the happy chappy in the health food shop.
Had a lovely coffee morning with one of my best friends, we have a dog walk followed by a good old cup of tea though.  The conversation turned to aches and pains and Rach mentioned that her mum has taken cod liver oil throught her life and has no creaks and groans.  I am getting very stiff in the hip and knee area and decided that maybe I should start taking some too.  I was in Yate and being tired desperate to avoid the monstrosity that is Tesco (foyer, escalator and then a shop the size of a small country, with the bread and milk being at the furthest corner!) , so popped into the health food shop.  The chap saw me dithering and asked if I need help, and pointed me in the direction of the cod liver oil.  Whilst he was serving another customer I looked at the array of products.  He then came over and asked what I was looking for.  "Cod liver oil at Tesco prices" was my reply.  Ha ha.  Nope, won't get that here.  We chatted about whether I should have plain old cod liver oil, or have added calcium, glucosamine etc.  400mg, 550 or 1000.  Such a choice.  He picked up the 1000 dose, and showed me the bottle.  This is where the madness took over.  Man, those tablets were big!  I looked at them and neighed.  Yup, neighed.  Loudly.  He was shaking the bottle making the tablets rattle and i picked up a smaller bottle and shook them, saying "I'll just trot in for some tablets which are also a meal".  We were killing ourselves laughing and then he said "I remember you from the last time you came in!"  Notoreity at last.  I said "oh yes, the menopause stuff.  Its so good I haven't  had to use it, I just look at it on the window sill and it does the job!"  I have had to promise him that if I ever darken their doorway again I will try and behave.  Not much chance of that lol.  Sometimes I just can't help myself ..........

By the way.  I never did get those cod liver oil tablets.

Sunday, 23 February 2014

giving in

Okay, heres the whingey blog.  Feeling like I want to give in and go back to bed today, which of course I won't.  Ironic that I knew I was going downhill a few weeks ago and took last week off with it being half term, and I have taken time off too early!  Looks like there may be another bout of time off due to sickness coming up.  I seem to manage around 2 - 3 months of reasonable health and then I crash.  I have promised my son and his friend I will take them to the cinema today to see The Lego movie.  I thought it would be an ideal time to slope off and look at wedding clothes.  Eldest son is getting married in May, and knowing how fast time flies I really should find something to wear.  Sadly his fiancees stepfather died a few days ago, so I feel that might put a touch of sadness to the day for Emma and her family.

Actually, I should go to bed for an hour or so instead of typing this.  Do something sensible for once instead of plodding on with things.  So, I bid you goodnight.

Thursday, 20 February 2014

No time for a cuppa

Well, he did it!  Much kudos to my youngest son for having his head shaved, I am very proud of him.  It took 3/4 hour in all, his friends cut some of it off, but were too scared to have a go with the clippers.  I have to admit to feeling a bit wobbly when the number 1 blade went around his head.  Also, sweeping up all his hair and holding the brimming dustpan was another moment.  Eeek.  Bless him, he has raised £592, an incredible amount.  We are so touched by his friends who have sponsored him, plus friends and my work colleagues.  We went out yesterday and got him a hat, he said he didn't realise how cold his head would be!

Wednesday I was a bit wobbly healthwise, knew I would be, bloody stupid condition!  Anyway no more about that.

Younger daughter has been on camp all week with college, apparently rock climbing was the worst experience of her life, she nearly cried when she did abseiling, but unlike some of her friends, did go down, and she has a cold.  Apart from that all is hunky dory, I hope!  Picking her up soon so I will get all the news then.  Plus all the dirty washing lol.  She has pre warned me!

Rich is at his friends, went yesterday for a sleepover, its a bit quiet and lonely.  Was really weird last night with it just being hubby and myself.  A taste of things to come I guess.  Can't believe Bex will be going to uni next September/October.  Where has the time gone?!  Scary stuff!

Right, just a short one today, must get ready to pick up daughter.  No time for a cuppa!

Friday, 14 February 2014

Hibernation please

I don't want to moan, or do I?   I am so fed up of the weather at the moment.  Taking my dog out for his walk is now a chore instead of something pleasureable.  Luckily he felt the same way today and was happy to head off  home.  Normally I have to wait for him to sniff every blade of grass but today he was ahead of me, unheard of!  Walls are tumbling at the rate of knots, the well established tree in our neighbours garden is down, our gate and the neighbour on the other sides gate have succumbed.  And most of all, I am cold.  Think I mentioned this before, but its affecting my body, making me stiff and achey.  I think I should have hibernated this year.

I can't imagine how the homeless are faring, and I feel sorry for our postlady who arrives dripping and windswept every day without fail.  Worried about my daughter going on an activity week for college next week.  They have to do some volunteer work too, maybe they can rig up wind and rain protectors!  

Talking about worrying, I seem to be doing a lot of it lately.  I feel my shoulders are very heavy.  Everywhere you go people need help, animals need help, and I am beginning to feel overwhelmed.  Daft because I know I can't help every living thing, and hundreds of people do stirling work with aid.  I keep telling myself I can't and don't need to do it all.  Facebook is part of the culprit.  There seems to be more animal charity posts and petitions to sign, and as I prefer animals to people, it gets to me.  Maybe I should readjust my settings.  In fact, instead of ending with a cuppa I will go to FB and do that.   

I worry about my children, my son is getting married in a few months, can he afford it, are they coping, buy him some food to take back after his visit.  My daughter wants to learn to drive, she can't afford it, only just managing to pay her rent and bills atm.  Other daughter, activity week next week, the weather is awful, will she be warm enough, will she be safe.  Son, having his head shaved, my baby, I know it will grow back, but what we he look like, will he be teased, will he be warm!  Not even gonna start on the husband and his health!    Think I need time out, hibernation really does sound good!

Thursday, 13 February 2014

Joining the ducks

By eck its cold today.  I have reached the point where the cold has seeped into my bones and I can't get warm.  Was cold at work yesterday and it just seems to have gone from there.  I blame the wind, its ferocious and goes straight through you.  The heater in our surgery seems to have two settings, hot or off, which is a pain, despite its many offerings of settings.  Never mind, could be worse, could just decide not to work, in which case I think we would join it!  Wouldn't be surprised if the bosses control it remotely behind our backs.  Week off next week, so happy.  Struggling to get up in the mornings.  I think 8am seems to be a nice time to get up, or maybe half past.  Hate dragging myself out of bed when the alarm goes off.

Got such a rubbish memory can't remember if I have mentioned the fund raising for Torresh?  Hes a 3yr old in Nepal who is in need of treatment for leukemai.  One of our patients set up a clinic a few years ago to treat children with bone marrow cancer and fund raises tirelessly to keep it going.  She has now been persuaded to try and raise fund for Torresh.  My son is having his hair shaved off next week, and I am proud and touched to say he has around £300 of sponsorship.  Alot of his friends can't wait to see his fringe go in particular, its a Justin Beiber original (much as I hate to swear and blaspheme!), and some of them are happy to have a go at cutting some of it off!  I am worried, I hope he knows what hes let himself in for.  I know, it will grow back, but I am a mum and worry about most things child related!  We are going to have a sort of Close Shave party for everyone.  Watch this space!

I am seriously getting worried about the weather.  I have fears of Britain disappearing under water with inland lakes a new feature!  The pond at the park is about to burst its banks which has never happened before.  I very nearly joined the ducks in the week, slipping down the muddy bank, flinging the bag of bread like a shotputter of repute, and rolling to within inches of the water!  The ducks all flew off quacking up (sorry, bad pun).  I did have a moment of worry as to whether I would climb back up the bank, or just stay slip sliding all day and have to be rescued.  My son, as normal, was very sympathetic when I told him and broke into peals of laughter.  They are used to me falling down, rolling down hills, falling in rivers.  Sadly there seems to be something about me!  No balance probably due to the ME.  Thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it.  I also still think I am a teenager and capable of great things.  Shame my body has other ideas.

Ooh, I had a go with some diving rods on Tuesday at the circle I attend.  I haven't used them before, and it was amazing.  Doesn't take much to make me grin with awe.  They really do move on their own.  Must get some :o)

Right, as seems to be happening lately, I am ending this with the intention of making a cuppa.

Sunday, 9 February 2014

What a difference a day makes

Well, I am pleased to report that I feel better today, more upbeat.  Went to see my friend yesterday afternoon for a cuppa and we did what girlies do when they are together, gossip and moan lol.  Got things off my chest, got girlie advice, tea and biscuits - bliss.  It also made me realise how much I miss her.  Normally she works 3 days, but someone in her office is off having treatment for cancer and my mate has been filling in, which means there aren't many opportunities to catch up.  Hopefully her friend will be back at work in September and things will return to normal.  Having said that, she works in a school, so the end of July is when we can resume our natters :o)

Braved the weather today, not quite managing to make it between the raindrops, but luckily missing the heavy downpour.  So fed up of it and feel really sorry for the people who are flooded.  Can't really imagine what it must feel like to have to leave your home in 4 or 5 ft of water.  Surreal.

Other news, my lovely youngest son has decided to have his long locks shaved to raise money for a 3yr old in Nepal who needs treatment for leukemia.  Its a long, convoluted story, but a lady who attends our dental surgery set up a clinic in Nepal to allow children in the area suffering from Thalassaemia to have free treatment.  She has now met Torresh who needs treatment and has been persuaded by her friends that money can be raised to help achieve this.  I am very proud of my son, and his friends who have promised sponsorship of around £220 in 2 days.  The school have put a few obstacles in his way, but we are sorting them, and the grand shave will take place during half term.  Eeek!

I am knitting hats for the thalassaemic children and of course will be sponsoring Rich as well.  Its easy to tug at my heart strings, I am such an emotional person. 

Right, am off to my nice warm lounge to do a bit more knitting and reading, with a trusty cup of tea by myside.

Saturday, 8 February 2014

bleeeerrrrrgggghhhhh

Do you ever have that, what are we doing here, moment?  I guess its the meaning of life debate that goes on.  I think I'm having it.  I look at my life, which I know could be so much worse, and just feel what am I doing and whats the point?  I really am at sea at the moment, totally lost. What a bummer!  Maybe its a midlife crisis, don't feel I have achieved anything apart from my fantastic children, can't work much due to my illness and therefore don't have the amount of money to make life easier.  I know it doesn't all come down to money, but sometimes you know, it does. 

I know I still miss my Dad loads, we had so much in common and his death sent me adrift. 

Do you know?  Think I will have a cup of tea, stiff upper lip and all that.  Just feel fed up of blogging depressive feelings, but it is a release.  Oh bollocks, am heading for the kettle!

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

Empty Nest

I am beginning to suffer from empty nest syndrome.  My children are at the stage they only need me to feed them and give them money and lifts.  My daughter spends most of the time she is at home in her room and my son the same, although he has a room downstairs with his xbox and pc in, so I do at least hear him!  I sit in the lounge knitting or reading, its quiet, and I feel empty and a bit lost.  Of course, most of my friends my age have already been through this phase and are able to work to fill the void and earn much needed money.  They envied me my late arrival of child number three, and then four.  This means that so far I have had 27 years of having children around me.  I know its going to be a good few years, probably around ten, before the youngest flies the nest, but that not needed feeling is strange and not nice.  Its hard being a mother!  I still enjoy having them around, most of the time!  Bless em, love them all to bits.

There are a few ducklings on the pond, which is still looking yucky, despite the few days of rain we have had.  At least the water level has risen, which is good.  Most females, in fact I don't think I saw a single drake today.  Its very weird.  Blummin male swan is chasing the ducks for all he is worth.  It really annoys me and spoils my enjoyment.  I really do not like swans at all, no siree.  There were a lot of dog walkers in the park today too.  I am not really a very sociable person and I try to avoid the group as much as I can.  I just don't like chatting.  I think I take after my Dad in that respect, although as he got older, and I guess after Mum died, he craved company.  I just like the peace and quiet.  Mind you, I do talk to myself a lot so maybe that fills any need I have.  Yup, I am the nutty woman wandering around chatting away quite happily with no thought to how I appear to others.  Haven't been locked up yet! 

Lets see, on the moan front, tinnitis is driving me potty, tired, sore throat and still suffering from vertigo.  I will say no more.

My youngest daughter and I are off wedding dress shopping tomorrow with my prospective daughter in law.  I never went wedding dress shopping for my weddings.  The first time around I had my dress made, and the second time obviously I didn't wear a wedding dress.  I say obviously, I guess some people do?   Anyway, I am looking forward to it, and was touched that Emma asked us both.


Okay, thats enough for today.  In other words, can't think of anything else to write about.  Off to do yet more knitting.  Hopefully one day I might make some money out of it ...........